Cannabidiol administration into the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis alters cardiovascular responses induced by acute restraint stress through 5-HT1A receptor

Systemic administration of cannabidiol (CBD) is able to attenuate cardiovascular responses to acute restraint stress through activation of 5-HT1A receptors. Previous results from our group suggest that the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is involved in the antiaversive effects of the CBD. Moreover, it has been proposed that synapses within the BNST influence restraint-evoked cardiovascular changes, in particular by an inhibitory influence on the tachycardiac response associated to restraint stress. Thus, the present work investigated the effects of CBD injected into the BNST on cardiovascular changes induced by acute restraint stress and if these effects would involve the local activation of 5-HT1A receptors. The exposition to restraint stress increased both blood pressure and heart rate (HR). The microinjection of CBD (30 and 60nmol) into the BNST enhanced the restraint-evoked HR increase, in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting the pressor response. The selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 by itself did not change the cardiovascular responses to restraint stress, but blocked the effects of CBD. These results showed that CBD microinjected into the BNST enhanced the HR increase associated with acute restraint stress without affecting the blood pressure response. Although these results are not in agreement with those observed after systemic administration of CBD, they are similar to effects observed after reversible inactivation of the BNST. Moreover, similar to the effects observed after systemic administration, CBD effects in the BNST seem to depend on activation of 5-HT1A receptors. © 2012 Elsevier B.V. and ECNP.

As crônicas de Caio Fernando Abreu: entre o fato e a ficção

O presente trabalho tem por objetivo analisar as crônicas de Caio Fernando Abreu. Num primeiro momento serão verificadas como se dão as discussões a respeito da crônica enquanto gênero. Para tanto serão utilizados conceitos de Castello (2007), Candido (1993), Arrigucci (1986), Coutinho (1984), Melo (2002), Coelho (2002) e Chaparro (1998), que ajudarão a situar a crônica como gênero de fronteira entre expedientes literários e jornalísticos. Num segundo momento, serão analisadas especificamente as crônicas de Caio, buscando assim diagnosticar a maior presença de aspectos provindos da literatura em detrimentos dos jornalísticos. Além disso, também serão buscadas as diferenças que se apresentaram no gênero crônica, quando comparadas com parte da produção ficcional do autor. Para tanto serão abordados aspectos da linguagem e a ausência de personagens homossexuais nas crônicas. Esse grupo de crônicas será classificado como intimista. Ainda nesse capítulo será verificado como foram tratados dois temas que estiveram presentes em contos e crônicas de Caio: o final feliz nos relacionamentos amorosos e o sentimento de ausência da pessoa amada. Um último momento de análise buscará tratar da relação existente entre a vida pessoal do autor e o conteúdo de suas crônicas. Esse grupo de textos, classificado como dramático, utilizará o conceito de autoficção de Doubrovsky (2007)

The effects of acute and chronic administration of phosphatidylserine on cell proliferation and survival in the dentate gyms of adult and middle-aged rats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Encefalopatia hepática: relatório da 1º reunião monotemática da Sociedade Brasileira de Hepatologia

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a functional disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) associated with liver failure, either end-stage chronic liver disease or fulminant hepatic failure. Its pathogenesis remains complex and poorly understood. In view of recent advances in the management of HE, the Brazilian Society of Hepatology endorsed a monothematic meeting regarding HE in order to gather experts in the field to discuss related data and to draw evidence-based recommendations concerning: management of HE and intracranial hypertension in FHF, treatment of episodic HE in cirrhosis, controversies in the management of EH including difficult to treat cases and diagnostic and treatment challenges for minimal HE. The purpose of this review is to summarize the lectures and recommendations made by the panel of experts of the Brazilian Society of Hepatology.