Effect of various acupuncture treatment protocols upon sepsis in wistar rats

Sepsis is a syndrome characterized by infection and generalized inflammatory response that can lead to organ failure and death. In this study we standardize a model to investigate acupuncture's effects upon sepsis. The objectives were to study the use of acupuncture in the infectious process and to formulate acupuncture's treatment protocol for sepsis. The CLP (cecal ligation and puncture) model in rats was used to induce sepsis through bacterial entrance into the peritoneal cavity. An acupuncture treatment protocol that enhanced survival and reversed the neutrophil impairment migration toward the peritoneal cavity in rats with sepsis was achieved. It seems that acupuncture can be used for the treatment of experimental infectious processes. The effects of acupuncture and related mechanisms are discussed.

Plant derived alkaloid (-)-cassine induces anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperalgesics effects in both acute and chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain models

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Interaction between the lateral preoptic area and the subfornical organ in the control of water ingestion caused by cellular dehydration, hypotension, hypovolemia, and deprivation

Water intake was studied in albino rats with lesions in the lateral preoptic area, in the subfornical organ, and in both the lateral preoptic area and the subfornical organ. Drinking was induced by cellular dehydration, hypovolemia, hypotension (isoproterenol or caval ligation), and water deprivation. The animals with lesions in both areas showed a significant reduction in their water intake in response to cellular dehydration. Drinking due to extracellular dehydration was reduced in the animals that received only subfornical organ lesions, and was reduced even further in the animals with both areas ablated. The lesions in the subfornical organ were sufficient to reduce the thirst induced by caval ligation. The lesions in both areas inhibit water intake induced by caval ligation. Water intake induced by deprivation was reduced when both areas were destroyed. These findings demonstrate that both the lateral preoptic area and the subfornical organ are necessary for normal drinking in response to cellular dehydration, hypovolemia, and hypotension. There is further evidence that the lateral preoptic area and subfornical organ interact in the control of water intake induced by a variety of thirst challenges.

Role of androgenic deprivation on the contractile response to norepinephrine in vas deferens isolated from rats submitted to swimming-stress

The effects of androgenic deprivation induced by castration on the norepinephrine contractile response of vas deferens from rats, which have been submitted to acute swimming-stress were determined. Acute swimming-stress led to subsensitivity to norepinephrine in vas deferens excised from intact rats. Similarly, castration also induced subsensitivity to norepinephrine, but no further subsensitivity occurred in organs from castrated rats submitted to acute stress. The results indicate a different response to norepinephrine in terms of relative responsiveness ratio, when vas deferens was excised from castrated rats or castrated rats submitted to acute stress. It is suggested that androgenic steroids modulate the recovery of homeostasis in rat vas deferens during acute stress, and that this effect may involve mechanisms that affect both the sensitivity of adrenergic receptors and the system of neuronal uptake of catecholamines.

Efeito do lisinopril sobre parametros cardiacos e mortalidade no infarto experimental em ratos

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

Laparoscopic evaluation and treatment of the impalpable testis

Objectives: To evaluate the laparoscopic technique as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the management of patients with impalpable testis. Material and Methods: Fifty-nine patients with mean age of 6.3 years underwent laparoscopy to evaluate 85 impalpable testes that were classified as absent, canalicular and intra-abdominal. In the case of testicular absence, the procedure was terminated. In the case of canalicular testis, open inguinal exploration was performed. In intra-abdominal testis, either laparoscopic orchiopexy or orchiectomy was performed. According to the length of the vascular pedicle, orchipexy was performed either with or without vascular ligature. Post-operatively, the treated testes were evaluated according to size and location in the scrotum. Results: Seventeen (20%) of the 85 impalpable testes were diagnosed as absent, 21 (24.7%) as canalicular and 47 (55.3%) as intra-abdominal. Of the canalicular testes, 20 were explored by inguinotomy and one by laparoscopy. All the intra-abdominal testes were treated initially by laparoscopy, four being removed due to atrophy, 31 submitted to vascular ligature and 12 to primary orchipexy. Of those submitted to vascular ligature, 22 underwent a second stage orchipexy, of which 18 laparoscopically and 4 by inguinotomy. Of the 18 testes brought to the scrotum by staged laparoscopic orchipexy, 15 (83.3%) presented normal characteristics in the late follow-up, while of the 12 submitted to primary laparoscopic orchipexy, 8 (66.6%) were normal. There were no perioperative or late complications. Conclusions: Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure with low morbidity that enables precise diagnosis of the impalpable testes. When intra-abdominal testes are found, either immediate laparoscopic orchiectomy, or primary and staged orchipexy are possible, with results equivalent to open procedures, with the advantage of smaller surgical incisions and shorter postoperative recovery.

Lethal photosensitization in microbiological treatment of ligature-induced peri-implantitis: a preliminary study in dogs

This pilot study evaluated, by culture testing, the effectiveness of lethal photosensitization for the microbiological treatment of peri-implantitis in dogs. Experimental peri-implantitis was induced by ligature placement for 2 months. Following ligature removal, plaque control was instituted by scrubbing with 0.12% chlorhexidine daily for 12 months. Subsequently, mucoperiosteal flaps were elevated for scaling the implant surface. Microbial samples were obtained with paper points before and after treatment of implant surfaces by means of 100 microg/ml toluidine blue O (TBO,) and were exposed, for 80 s, to light with a wavelength of 685 nm from a 50 mW GaAlAs diode laser. The mean initial and final bacterial counts were 7.22 +/- 0.20 and 6.84 +/- 0.44 CFU/ml, respectively for TVC (P < 0.0001); 6.19 +/- 0.45 and 3.14 +/- 3.29 CFU/ml for P. intermedia/nigrescens (P = 0.001); 5.98 +/- 0.38 and 1.69 +/- 2.90 CFU/ml for Fusobacterium spp. (P = 0.001); and 6.07 +/- 0.22 to 1.69 +/- 2.94 CFU/ml for beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (P = 0.0039). It may be concluded that lethal photosensitization resulted in a reduction of the bacterial count. Complete elimination of bacteria was achieved in some samples.

Experimental peri-implant tissue breakdown around different dental implant surfaces: Clinical and radiographic evaluation in dogs

Purpose: Tissue reactions to 4 different implant surfaces were evaluated in regard to the development and progression of ligature-induced peri-implantitis. Materials and Methods: In 6 male mongrel dogs, a total of 36 dental implants with different surfaces (9 titanium plasma-sprayed, 9 hydroxyapatite-coated, 9 acid-etched, and 9 commercially pure titanium) were placed 3 months after mandibular premolar extraction. After 3 months with optimal plaque control, abutment connection was performed. Forty-five days later, cotton ligatures were placed around the implants to induce peri-implantitis. At baseline and 20, 40, and 60 days after placement, the presence of plaque, peri-implant mucosal redness, bleeding on probing, probing depth, clinical attachment loss, mobility, vertical bone loss, and horizontal bone loss were assessed. Results: The results did not show significant differences among the surfaces for any parameter during the study (P > .05). All surfaces were equally susceptible to ligature-induced peri-implantitis over time (P < .001). Correlation analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between width of keratinized tissue and vertical bone loss (r 2 = 0.81; P = .014) and between mobility and vertical bone loss (r 2 = 0.66; P = .04), both for the titanium plasma-sprayed surface. Discussion and Conclusions: The present data suggest that all surfaces were equally susceptible to experimental peri-implantitis after a 60-day period.

Effect of 0.4% stannous fluoride gel on Streptococci mutans in relation to elastomeric rings and steel ligatures in orthodontic patients

Background: Patients with fixed orthodontic appliances often experience an absolute increase in the number of Streptococci mutans colony-forming units (cfu). The aim of this investigation was to study the development of biofilm and S. mutans cfu in connection with stainless steel ligatures and elastomeric rings in orthodontic patients treated with and without 0.4% stannous fluoride gel (SFG). Material: Forty-seven patients were divided into 2 groups: those treated with 0.4% SFG for 4 minutes (experimental) and those without 0.4% SFG (control). In each patient, elastomeric rings were used for ligation on 1 side of the dental arch midline, and stainless steel ligatures were used on the opposite side. Saliva samples were collected before and after appliance placement. At 15 and 30 days after appliance placement, biofilm samples from the stainless steel ligatures and the elastomeric rings were collected and subjected to microbiologic procedures and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Results: The numbers of S. mutans cfu in the saliva and biofilm were not statistically different between the teeth fitted with elastomeric rings and stainless steel ligatures, or between the experimental and control groups. SEM analysis showed biofilm formation on both ligature ties. Conclusions: Topical application of 0.4% SFG in orthodontic patients with elastomeric rings or stainless steel ligatures does not cause a significant decrease in S. mutans cfu in the saliva and biofilm. Copyright © 2005 by the American Association of Orthodontists.

Estudo comparativo de vias de acesso cirúrgico na contracepção cirúrgica feminina: Microlaparoscopia versus minilaparotomia

Purpose: to compare in a retrospective way, 51 women who underwent tubal ligation, 30 through microlaparoascopy (Gmicrol) and 21 through minilaparotomy (Gminil). Methods: the analyzed parameters were: total time for accomplishment of the procedure and the surgical technique, time of hospital stay and return to the habitual activities after the surgery, postoperative pain, morbidity, satisfaction degree and esthetic effect, considering values of p<0,05 as significant, and also standard cost. Results: Gmicrol took less time to accomplish the surgery than the Gminil (43 against 57 minutes respectively, p<0,05), less time to accomplish the surgical technique (6.48 against 30.32 minutes respectively, p<0,05), and lower hospital stay (9,90 hours as against 41,7 hours respectively, p <0,05). There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding time to return to the habitual activities after surgery. To evaluate postoperative pain, a scale of 0-10 it was applied. Gmicrol present a lower pain score on the 1st and 2nd postoperative days (1.13 and 0.26 to Gmicrol and 4.52 and 1.14 to Gminil, respectively, p<0,05). There was no significant difference between immediate postoperative the most common complaint being pain at the site of pain and that on the 3rd postoperative day. Gminil presented a higher morbidity rate incision. To evaluate the satisfaction degree and esthetic effect, numeric values were attributed to as good, regular, poor and very bad as answered by the patiets. Gmicrol presented a higher satisfaction degree (p<0,05) and better esthetic effect as compared to Gminil (p <0,05). The microlaparoscopy standard cost was R$ 109.30 being lower than that of minilaparotomy. Conclusions: tubal ligation by microlaparoscopy, under local anesthesia and conscious sedation presented some advantages compared to minilaparotomy.

Proposal of a new technique for bile duct reconstruction after iatrogenic injury. Study in dogs and review of the literature

Purpose: Interposition of a jejunal tube between the common bile duct and duodenum. Methods: Five adult mongrel dogs of both sexes, weighing on average 22.3 kg (18 to 26.5 kg), were used. Obstructive jaundice was induced by ligation of the distal common bile duct. After one week, a 2.5-cm long jejunal tube was fabricated from a segment of the loop removed 15 cm from the Treitz angle and interposed between the common bile duct and duodenum. Results: The animals presented good clinical evolution and no complications were observed. After 6 weeks, complete integration was noted between the bile duct mucosa, tube and duodenum and a significant reduction in total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase was observed when compared to the values obtained one week after ligation of the common bile duct. Conclusion: The jejunal tube interposed between the dilated bile duct and duodenum showed good anatomic integration and reduced total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels in the animals studied.

Effect of induced diabetes mellitus on alveolar bone loss after 30 days of ligature-induced periodontal disease

Several studies have shown that diabetics are more susceptible to the development of severe periodontal disease. Currently, the use of animal models can be considered a feasible alternative in radiographic assessments of these two pathologies. The purpose of this radiographic study was to evaluate the effect of induced diabetes mellitus on alveolar bone loss after 30 days of ligature-induced periodontal disease. Sixty-four Wistar rats were randomly distributed into four experimental groups. Diabetes was induced in Groups II and IV, while periodontal disease was induced in Groups III and IV; Group I was used as control. In order to perform the radiographic assessment of the specimens, the rats were killed on the 3rd and 30th days of the study. Radiographic measurements were assessed with ANOVA and Tukey's test to determine statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). It was observed that Groups III and IV featured greater bone loss when compared to Groups I and II. Only the diabetic group with periodontal disease (Group IV) featured statistically significant greater bone loss when compared to the other groups. These results suggested that the alveolar bone loss resulting from the periodontal disease installation is greater when associated to the diabetes mellitus.

Low caloric value of ethanol itself increases alveolar bone loss in ligature-induced periodontitis in male rats

This study aimed at morphometrically evaluating the influence of variable caloric values of ethanol consumption on alveolar bone loss in periodontitis in male rats. Thirty-six male rats were randomized into four groups of nine rats each, as follows: Test group A (low) - rats were fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet (ethanol representing 22% of total caloric value); Control group A - rats were fed a pair-fed control diet (ethanol replaced by isocaloric amounts of carbohydrate); Test group B (high) - rats were fed an ethanol-containing liquid diet (ethanol representing 36% of total caloric value); Control group B - rats were fed a pair-fed control diet for Test B. Following anesthesia, cotton ligatures were placed around the cervix of the right upper second molar. At eight weeks, the maxillary bones were removed and alveolar bone loss was analyzed by measuring the distance between the cementoenamel junction and the alveolar bone crest at buccal and palatal sites of the upper second molar. The unligated groups showed no significant differences between the bone loss values observed for the low and high caloric values of ethanol (p > 0.05). In the ligated groups, the rats receiving low caloric values of ethanol showed significantly greater bone loss compared to the isocaloric rats (p < 0.05); however, the rats receiving high caloric values of ethanol showed no significant differences compared to the controls. Analysis of the results demonstrated that, in male rats, ethanol itself affected ligature-induced bone loss when representing a low value in the total caloric value.

Influence of alcohol consumption on alveolar bone level associated with ligature-induced periodontitis in rats

Alcohol consumption is a risk indicator for periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to morphometrically evaluate the influence of alcohol consumption on alveolar bone level associated with ligature-induced periodontitis in rats. Thirty-six female rats (Wistar, 120 days-old) were randomly divided into three groups that received a daily administration of a water diet (control, n = 12), a 10% alcohol diet (10% ethanol, n = 12) or a 20% alcohol diet (20% ethanol, n = 12). Four weeks after the onset of the experiment, cotton ligatures were placed around the cervix of the upper right second molar in six rats. The other 6 rats in each group remained unligated. The rats were sacrificed four weeks after ligature placement. The maxillary bones were removed and alveolar bone loss was analyzed by measuring the distance between the cementoenamel junction and the alveolar bone crest at 2 buccal and 2 palatal sites on the upper right second molar. Analyses between the ligated and unligated groups showed that the presence of ligature induced alveolar bone loss (p < 0.05). Unligated groups showed no significant differences between each other (p > 0.05). In the ligated groups, rats receiving 20% ethanol showed significantly greater bone loss compared to control rats or rats receiving 10% ethanol. These results demonstrate that alcohol consumption may increase alveolar bone loss in female rats in a dosedependent manner.

Validação de radioimunoensaio para quantificação de leptina plasmática bovina

Due necessity of better understanding leptin and reproduction relations, a specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) to bovine leptin was avalidated. First, an antibody production protocol was developed using recombinant equine leptin inoculated in a rabbit, that results in 28,05% of maximum binding (MB) 105 days after the protocol beginning. The tests of validations verified parallelism between standard curve and dilutions of high and low controls (P < 0,01). Antibody against equine leptin showed specificity to bovine leptin (P < 0,01). The recuperation tax of bovine leptin by antibody against recombinant equine leptin was from 98,4 to 101,6% (P < 0, 01). When the samples were stored in ambient temperature or refrigerated to 4°C, ligation stability was verified (P > 0,2), however, temperatures above 37°C impaired the bovine leptin recuperation. The use of assay buffer with or without bovine plasma did not show any difference (P > 0,3). These results showed that the antibody produced in rabbit against equine leptin were able to detect plasmatic bovine leptin, and that the RIA to bovine leptin quantification had adequate characteristics to the development of a valid assay.