EFFECT OF CHOLINERGIC STIMULATION OF THE AMYGDALOID COMPLEX ON WATER AND SALT INTAKE

The effect of carbachol (80 nmol/mul) injection into the amygdaloid nuclear complex (AMG) on sodium appetite and water intake was studied in male Holtzman rats weighing 240-270 g. Twenty-five satiated rats and 38 water-deprived rats were used in the experiment on water intake. In the experiment on sodium intake, 19 rats were injected with atropine + carbachol and 9 rats with hexamethonium + carbachol. After carbachol injection into the AMG, water intake decreased in rats submitted to 30 h of water deprivation (10.28 +/- 1.04 ml/120 min vs 0.69 +/- 0.22 ml/120 min). The decrease in water intake was blocked by prior local injection of a tropine (20 nmol/1 mul)(11.66 +/- 1.46 ml/120 min vs 0.69 +/- 0.22 ml/120 min), but not of hexamethonium (30 nmol/1 mul), into the AMG. In water-deprived animals, carbachol injection into the AMG caused a decrease in sodium chloride intake (6.16 +/- 1.82 ml/h vs 0.88 +/- 0.54 ml/h) which was blocked by previous injection of hexamethonium but not of a tropine. These results suggest that the cholinergic system of the AMG plays a role in the control of water and salt intake.

Thermodynamic aspects of ion intercalation in KhFek[Fe(CN)(6)](l)center dot mH(2)O compounds: Application to the Everit's salt/Prussian Blue transition

The K+ reversible processes for ion exchange in KhFek[Fe(CN)(6)](l)center dot mH(2)O host compounds (Prussian Blue) were thermodynamically analyzed. A thermodynamic approach was established and developed based on the consideration of a lattice-gas model where the electronic contribution to the chemical potential is neglected and the ion-host interaction is not considered. The occupation fraction of the intercalation process was calculated from the kinetic parameters obtained through ac-electrogravimetry in a previous paper. In this way, the mass potential transfer function introduces a new way to evaluate the thermodynamic aspect of intercalation. Finally, based on the thermodynamic approach, the energy used to put each K+ ion into the host material was calculated. The values were shown to be in good agreement with the values obtained through transient techniques, for example, cyclic voltammetry. As a result, this agreement between theory and experimental data validates the thermodynamic approach considered here, and for the first time, the thermodynamic aspects of insertion were considered for mixed valence materials.

First-order-like transition in salt-induced macroion-polyelectrolyte desorption

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Bone repair using mineral trioxide aggregate combined to a material carrier, associated or not with calcium hydroxide in bone defects

Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) is a powder aggregate containing mineral oxides with a good biological action and may facilitate the regeneration of the periodontal ligament and formation of bone. Calcium hydroxide demonstrates antibacterial properties, enhances tissue dissolution, and induces bone formation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the MTA in the bone healing process and verify if the calcium hydroxide P.A. can improve and accelerate this process. It was used forty rnale Wistar rats, which were divided into two groups, considering or not the use of calcium hydroxide P.A. solution before treatment. Thus, each one of these groups was divided in four groups with five animals each, according to the treatment and the defect filled by: animal's coagulum, monoolein gel, MTA in aqueous solution, and MTA combined with monoolein gel. After 10 days, the animals were perfused and the right hemimandibles removed for histological analysis. Statistical analysis of the data showed significant difference between all analyzed groups when it was made comparisons using or not calcium hydroxide P.A. (p < 0.0001). There was found statistical difference between the groups that was inserted or not MTA, independently the calcium hydroxide application (p < 0.05). Results showed that the MTA used was able to induce bone regeneration and had its action optimized when combined to calcium hydroxide P.A. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Culture of Candida in vinasse and molasses: Effect of acid and salt addition on biomass and raw protein production

Species of the genera Candida grown in vinasse and molasses were studied under the following conditions: agitation of containers, pH 4.6, culture time of 24 hours at 30°C. The greatest biomass production of C. krusei grown in vinasse was obtained with the addition of 0.1% H3PO4, and of C. guilliermondii and C. utilis with the addition 0.02% urea plus 0.03% H3PO4. Protein levels near 50% were found in C. utilis in vinasse supplemented either with molasses, with 0.05% MgSO4, or with 0.02% urea plus 0.03% H3PO4. © 1982 Springer-Verlag.

Preoptic-periventricular tissue (AV3V): central cholinergic-induced hydromineral and cardiovascular responses, and salt intake.

The periventricular tissue of the anterior ventral portion of the third ventricle (AV3V) is an important area for the control of hydromineral balance and of cardiovascular function. The present work discusses the importance of the integrity of the AV3V for multiple responses to central cholinergic activation (water intake, hypertension, natriuresis, salivation) and for the control of salt intake.

Reaction of rat connective tissue to implanted dentin tubes filled with mineral trioxide aggregate or calcium hydroxide

This study was conducted to observe the rat subcutaneous connective tissue reaction to the implanted dentin tubes filled with calcium hydroxide or mineral trioxide aggregate. The animals were sacrificed after 7 and 30 days, and the specimens were prepared for morphological study. Some undecalcified specimens were prepared for histological analysis with polarized light and Von Kossa technique for calcium. The results were similar for both studied materials. At the tube openings, there were Von Kossa-positive granules that were birefringent to polarized light. Next to these granulations, there was an irregular tissue like a bridge that was Von Kossa-positive. The dentin walls of the tubes exhibited in the tubules a structure highly birefringent to polarized light, usually like a layer and at different depths. It is possible that the mechanism of action of both materials has some similarity. Copyright © 1999 by The American Association of Endodontists.

Reaction of dogs' teeth to root canal filling with mineral trioxide aggregate or a glass ionomer sealer

This study was conducted to observe the reaction of apical tissues of dogs' teeth after root canal filling with gutta-percha and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) or a glass ionomer (Ketac-Endo) as a sealer. The root canals were instrumented and filled by the lateral condensation technique with the sealers studied. Animals were killed 6 months later, and the specimens were removed and prepared for histological analysis. Results showed no inflammatory reaction of apical tissue and total closure of the apical foramen of all the teeth sealed with MTA. The teeth sealed with Ketac-Endo showed two cases of partial closure and different degrees of chronic inflammatory reaction. In conclusion, MTA exhibited better biological properties than Ketac-Endo. Copyright © 1999 by The American Association of Endodontists.

Reaction of rat connective tissue to implanted dentin tube filled with mineral trioxide aggregate, Portland cement or calcium hydroxide.

The subject of this study was to observe the rat subcutaneous connective tissue reaction to implanted dentin tubes filled with mineral trioxide aggregate, Portland cement or calcium hydroxide. The animals were sacrificed after 7 or 30 days and the undecalcified specimens were prepared for histological analysis with polarized light and Von Kossa technique for mineralized tissues. The results were similar for the studied materials. At the tube openings, there were Von Kossa-positive granules that were birefringent to polarized light. Next to these granulations, there was an irregular tissue like a bridge that was Von Kossa-positive. The dentin walls of the tubes exhibited in the tubules a structure highly birefringent to polarized light, usually like a layer and at different depths. The mechanism of action of the studied materials has some similarity.

Healing process of dog dental pulp after pulpotomy and pulp covering with mineral trioxide aggregate or Portland cement.

Considering several reports about the similarity between the chemical compositions of the mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Portland cement (PC), the subject of this investigation was to analyze the behavior of dog dental pulp after pulpotomy and direct pulp protection with these materials. After pulpotomy, the pulp stumps of 26 roots of dog teeth were protected with MTA or PC. Sixty days after treatment, the animal was sacrificed and the specimens removed and prepared for histomorphological analysis. There was a complete tubular hard tissue bridge in almost all specimens. In conclusion, MTA and PC show similar comparative results when used in direct pulp protection after pulpotomy.

Mineral trioxide aggregate repair of lateral root perforations

This study was conducted to observe the healing process of intentional lateral root perforation repaired with mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Forty-eight root canals of dogs' teeth were instrumented and filled. After partial removal of the filling, an intentional perforation was made with a bur in the lateral area of the root. The perforations were repaired with MTA or Sealapex (control group). Histological analysis occurred 30 and 180 days after treatment. Results showed no inflammation and deposition of cementum over MTA in the majority of the specimens. In the 180-day period, Sealapex exhibited chronic inflammation in all the specimens and slight deposition of cementum over the material in only three cases. In conclusion, MTA exhibited better results than the control group. Copyright © 2001 by The American Association of Endodontists.

Reaction of rat connective tissue to implanted dentin tubes filled with a white mineral trioxide aggregate.

The purpose of this paper was to study the reaction of rat subcutaneous connective tissue to the implantation of dentin tubes filled with white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), a material that will be marketed. The tubes were implanted into rat subcutaneous tissue and the animals were sacrificed after 7 and 30 days. The undecalcified pieces were prepared for histological analysis with polarized light and von Kossa technique for mineralized tissues. Granulations birefringent to polarized light and an irregular structure like a bridge were observed next to the material; both were von Kossa positive. Also, in the dentin wall tubules a layer of birefringent granulations was observed. The results were similar to those reported for gray MTA, indicating that the mechanisms of action of the white and gray MTA are similar.

Effect of different dye solutions on the evaluation of the sealing ability of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate.

Alkaline materials have shown incompatibility with methylene blue dye in leakage experiments. The goal of the present study was to analyze the effect of different dyes on the evaluation of the apical sealing ability of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate root-end fillings. Fifty-six extracted human canines were submitted to root canal instrumentation and obturation. After apical resection, retrograde cavities were prepared and teeth were randomly divided into four experimental (n = 13) and two control groups (n = 2). The following root-end filling materials were used: groups 1 and 2--Pro Root MTA (Dentsply), groups 3 and 4--zinc oxide-eugenol cement (ZOE). Teeth in groups 1 and 3 were immersed in 2% methylene blue solution, while teeth in groups 2 and 4 were immersed in 0.2% rhodamine B in a reduced pressure environment for 48 hours. Teeth were then longitudinally sectioned and leakage was evaluated. Results were submitted to statistical analysis (ANOVA and Tukey's test). Group 1 presented the least leakage (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the evaluation of the sealing ability of MTA is influenced by the dye used, since this material presented better sealing ability when evaluated with Methylene Blue, but was similar to ZOE when evaluated with rhodamine B.

Ex vivo biocompatibility tests of regular and white forms of mineral trioxide aggregate

Aim: To examine the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of regular and white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) ex vivo by the single-cell gel (comet) assay and trypan blue exclusion test, respectively. Methodology: Aliquots of 1 × 10 4 Chinese hamster ovary cells were incubated at 37°C for 3 h with grey and white forms of MTA at final concentrations ranging from 1 to 1000 μg mL -1. The negative control group was treated with vehicle control phosphate buffer solution for 3 h at 37°C and the positive control group was treated with methyl metasulfonate (at 1 μg mL -1) for 1 h at 37°C. After incubation, the cells were centrifuged at 180 g for 5 min and washed twice with fresh medium and resuspended with fresh medium. Each individual treatment was repeated three times consecutively to ensure reproducibility. Parameters from single-cell gel (comet) and cytotoxicity assays were assessed by the Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric test. Results: Neither compounds produced genotoxic effects with respect to the single-cell gel (comet) assay in all concentrations evaluated. In the same way, the dose-response relationships of all compounds tested at concentrations ranging from 1 to 1000 μg mL -1 on cell viability assessed by the trypan blue assay displayed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05) for either endodontic material. Conclusions: Regular (grey) and white MTA are not genotoxins and do not induce cellular death. © 2006 International Endodontic Journal.

Clinical and radiographic evaluation of pulpotomies employing calcium hydroxide and trioxide mineral aggregate

This study utilized clinical and radiographic examinations to compare the effectiveness of calcium hydroxide paste and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) for pulpotomies of primary molars in children. Ninety primary molars that showed clinical and radiographic indications for pulpotomy treatment were selected. The pulpotomies were performed in two sessions, using a corticosteroid/ antibiotic solution as therapeutic dressing. The sample was divided into two groups of 45 teeth, in which the pulpal remains were protected with either calcium hydroxide paste (Group 1) or MTA (Group 2). Radiographs were taken immediately and at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up appointments. Three teeth in Group 1 failed after three months, while two cases failed after six months and one more failed at one year. Two failures were found in Group 2 at the 12-month follow-up. These results indicate that both materials may be utilized for pulpotomies in primary teeth.