Isolated Richter's syndrome in central nervous system: Case report

Diffuse large cell non Hodgkin's lymphoma associated with chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL), or Richter's syndrome, is a rare and serious complication. Isolated Richter's syndrome in the central nervous system is very rare; only 12 cases have been reported. We describe a 74-year-old patient with diffuse large cell non Hodgkin's lymphoma in the right frontal region with the appearance of multiform glioblastoma.

Espécies reativas de oxigênio no controle neurovegetativo da pressão arterial

The control of the blood pressure depends on the activity of select groups of neurons present in the central nervous system. Evidence has demonstrated that the redox state (a balance between oxidizing and reducing species) is involved in the control of neuronal activity, which suggests that the redox state can influence the neuronal transmission within the central nervous system acting on the neuronal modulation of biological functions. For instance, the glutamatergic transmission may be widely affected by reactive oxygen species, oxidizing agents that have been extensively investigated due to their involvement in physiological and pathological processes. In the present article, we discuss the main experimental finds that support the hypothesis that reactive oxygen species have important role in physiological (and pathological) modulation of the cardiovascular function through alterations in the sympathetic and parasympathetic system. Therefore, reactive oxygen species can actively participate in the development of cardiovascular diseases like hypertension when the balance in the redox state is disrupted.

Endothelial and neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitors influences angiotensin II pressor effect in central nervous system

The present study investigated the central role of angiotensin II and nitric oxide on arterial blood pressure (MAP) in rats. Losartan and PD123349 AT 1 and AT 2 (selective no peptides antagonists angiotensin receptors), as well as FK 409 (a nitric oxide donor), N W-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) a constituve nitric oxide synthase inhibitor endothelial (eNOSI) and 7-nitroindazol (7NI) a specific neuronal nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (nNOSI) were used. Holtzman strain, (Rattus norvergicus) weighting 200-250 g were anesthetized with zoletil 50 mg kg -1 (tiletamine chloridrate 125 mg and zolazepan chloridrate 125 mg) into quadriceps muscle anda stainless steel cannula was stereotaxically implanted into their Lateral Ventricle (LV). Controls were injected with a 0.5 μl volume of 0.15 M NaCl. Angiotensin II injected into LV increased MAP (19±3 vs. control 3±1 mm Hg), which is potentiated by prior injection of L-NAME in the same site 26±2 mm Hg. 7NI injected prior to ANG II into LV also potentiated the pressor effect of ANG II but with a higher intensity than L-NAME 32±3 mm Hg. FK 409 inhibited the pressor effect of ANG II (6±1 mm Hg). Losartan injected into LV before ANG II influences the pressor effect of ANG II (8±1 mm Hg). The PD 123319 decreased the pressor effects of ANG II (16±1 mm Hg). Losartan injected simultaneously with FK 409 blocked the pressor effect of ANG II (3±1 mm Hg). L-NAME produced an increase in the pressor effect of ANG II, may be due to local vasoconstriction and all at once by neuronal NOS inhibition but the main effect is of the 7-NIT an specific nNOS inhibitor. The AT 1 antagonist receptors improve basal nitric oxide (NO) production and release. These data suggest the involvement of constitutive and neuronal NOS in the control of arterial blood pressure induced by ANG II centrally, evolving AT 1 receptor-mediated vasoconstriction and AT 2 receptor-mediated vasodilatation. These results were confirmed by the experiment using FK 409. © 2006 Asian Network for Scientific Information.

Nonthermal activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 channels in abdominal viscera tonically inhibits autonomic cold-defense effectors

An involvement of the transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV) 1 channel in the regulation of body temperature (T b) has not been established decisively. To provide decisive evidence for such an involvement and determine its mechanisms were the aims of the present study. We synthesized a new TRPV1 antagonist, AMG0347 [(E)-N-(7-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1- yl)-3-(2-(piperidin-1-yl)-6-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3-yl)acrylamide], and characterized it in vitro. We then found that this drug is the most potent TRPV1 antagonist known to increase T b of rats and mice and showed (by using knock-out mice) that the entire hyperthermic effect of AMG0347 is TRPV1 dependent. AMG0347-induced hyperthermia was brought about by one or both of the two major autonomic cold-defense effector mechanisms (tail-skin vasoconstriction and/or thermogenesis), but it did not involve warmth-seeking behavior. The magnitude of the hyperthermic response depended on neither T b nor tail-skin temperature at the time of AMG0347 administration, thus indicating that AMG0347-induced hyperthermia results from blockade of tonic TRPV1 activation by nonthermal factors. AMG0347 was no more effective in causing hyperthermia when administered into the brain (intracerebroventricularly) or spinal cord (intrathecally) than when given systemically (intravenously), which indicates a peripheral site of action. We then established that localized intra-abdominal desensitization of TRPV1 channels with intraperitoneal resiniferatoxin blocks the T b response to systemic AMG0347; the extent of desensitization was determined by using a comprehensive battery of functional tests. We conclude that tonic activation of TRPV1 channels in the abdominal viscera by yet unidentified nonthermal factors inhibits skin vasoconstriction and thermogenesis, thus having a suppressive effect on T b. Copyright © 2007 Society for Neuroscience.

Intravascular lymphomatosis in the central nervous system of dogs: Immunohistochemical investigation in two cases

We report here two postmortem cases of dogs with intravascular lymphomatosis affecting the central nervous system. Intravascular lymphomatosis is represented by an exclusively intravascular proliferation of neoplastic lymphoid cells. To characterize the origin of the neoplastic cells, we have proceeded with immunohistochemical analysis to identify B and T lymphocytes and endothelial cells. The results showed predominance of cells from the T cell lineage, and no evidence of B cell origin was found. Few cells from one dog also exhibited cytoplasmatic staining for vimentin and Von Willebrand factor. Although in one case some immunophenotype diversity was observed, the massive presence of CD3 positive cells confirmed these neoplasms as intravascular lymphomatosis of T cell origin.

Sidestream cigarette smoke and cardiac autonomic regulation

Background: The literature has already demonstrated that cigarette influences the cardiovascular system. In this study, we performed a literature review in order to investigate the relationship between sidestream cigarette smoke (SSCS) and cardiac autonomic regulation. Methods. Searches were performed on Medline, SciELO, Lilacs and Cochrane databases using the crossing between the key-words: cigarette smoking, autonomic nervous system, air pollution and heart rate variability. Results: The selected studies indicated that SSCS exposure affects the sympathetic and parasympathetic responses to changes in arterial blood pressure. Moreover, heart rate responses to environmental tobacco smoke are increased in smokers compared to non-smokers. The mechanism involved on this process suggest increased oxidative stress in brainstem areas that regulate the cardiovascular system. Conclusion: Further studies are necessary to add new elements in the literature to improve new therapies to treat cardiovascular disorders in subjects exposed to sidestream cigarette smoke. © 2013 Valenti et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

Relationship between cardiac autonomic regulation and auditory mechanisms: Importance for growth and development

The literature has already demonstrated that auditory stimulation with music influences the cardiovascular system. In this study, we performed a literature review in order to investigate the relationship between auditory mechanisms and cardiac autonomic regulation. The selected studies indicated that there is a strong correlation between noise intensity and vagal-sympathetic balance. Also, it was reported that music therapy improved heart rate variability in anthracycline-treated breast cancer patients. It was hypothesized that dopamine release in the striatal system induced by pleasure songs are involved in the cardiac autonomic regulation. Further studies are necessary to add new elements in the literature to improve new therapies to treat cardiovascular disorders.

Mechanisms in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis involved in control of autonomic and neuroendocrine functions: A review

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

The effects of different styles of musical auditory stimulation on cardiac autonomic regulation in healthy women

The literature investigated the effects of chronic baroque music auditory stimulation on the cardiovascular system. However, it lacks in the literature the acute effects of different styles of music on cardiac autonomic regulation. To evaluate the acute effects of baroque and heavy metal music on heart rate variability (HRV) in women. The study was performed in 21 healthy women between 18 and 30 years old. We excluded persons with previous experience with music instrument and those who had affinity with the song styles. All procedures were performed in the same sound-proof room. We analyzed HRV in the time (standard deviation of normal-to-normal respiratory rate (RR) intervals, root-mean square of differences between adjacent normal RR intervals in a time interval, and the percentage of adjacent RR intervals with a difference of duration greater than 50 ms) and frequency (low frequency [LF], high frequency [HF], and LF/HF ratio) domains. HRV was recorded at rest for 10 min. Subsequently they were exposed to baroque or heavy metal music for 5 min through an earphone. After the first music exposure they remained at rest for more 5 min and them they were exposed again to baroque or heavy metal music. The sequence of songs was randomized for each individual. The power analysis provided a minimal number of 18 subjects. Shapiro-Wilk to verify normality of data and analysis of variance for repeated measures followed by the Bonferroni test for parametric variables and Friedman's followed by the Dunn's post-test for non-parametric distributions. During the analysis of the time-domain indices were not changed. In the frequency-domain analysis, the LF in absolute units was reduced during the heavy metal music stimulation compared to control. Acute exposure to heavy metal music affected the sympathetic activity in healthy women.

Neurotoxic action of permethrin in Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari: Ixodidae) female ticks. Morphological and cytochemical evaluation of the central nervous system

Studies on the molecular bases of the neurotoxic action of acaricides are found in the literature; but there are no studies of this action on the nervous system of ticks at the cellular level. The present study describes the morphological and cytochemical changes in the synganglion of Rhipicephalus sanguineus semi-engorged females exposed to different concentrations of permethrin, a pyrethroid with recognized neurotoxic action. Permethrin induced the degeneration of the synganglion through a process of apoptosis involving autophagy, characterized by the condensation and margination of the chromatin, formation of blebs in the nuclear envelope and fragmentation of the nucleus, loss of shape of neural cells and integrity of cellular membrane, cytoplasmic shrinkage, and lower levels of acid phosphatase in the nervous tissue as the concentration of permethrin increased. This study provided further evidence of the neurotoxic action of permethrin, which impairs the metabolism of R. sanguineus nervous systems, and consequently the physiology of other systems, dependent on the neural control. These results provide cytochemical and histological confirmation of the neurotoxic action of permethrin, previously inferred from molecular and tick behavioral evidence. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.

Estudo da variabilidade da frequência cardíaca em cães

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

The influence of resistance exercise with emphasis on specific contractions (concentric vs. eccentric) on muscle strength and post-exercise autonomic modulation: a randomized clinical trial

Contextualização:Ações concêntricas apresentam maior estresse cardiovascular quando comparadas às excêntricas. Entretanto, não se sabe a influência desses tipos de ações no comportamento da modulação autonômica cardíaca durante o processo de recuperação pós-esforço.Objetivo:Comparar o efeito de um treinamento resistido para o grupo extensor do joelho realizado com ênfase concêntrica vs excêntrica sobre a força muscular e a recuperação pós-exercício considerando índices de variabilidade de frequência cardíaca (VFC) em jovens saudáveis.Método:Cento e cinco homens, com idades entre 18 e 30 anos, foram randomizados em quatro grupos: controle concêntrico (CCONC), controle excêntrico (CEXC), treinamento concêntrico (TCONC) e treinamento excêntrico (TEXC). Os grupos CCONC e CEXC realizaram uma sessão de exercício reduzido (ER) para o grupo extensor do joelho [três séries de uma repetição a 100% de uma repetição máxima (1RM)], e os grupos TCONC e TEXC realizaram dez sessões de treinamento. A VFC foi analisada no momento basal e na recuperação após as sessões (T1, T2, T3 e T4).Resultados:Observou-se aumento da força muscular para o grupo TEXC. Em relação à modulação autonômica cardíaca, observou-se, em comparação ao momento basal, aumento dos índices SDNN e SD2 no momento T1 nos grupos CCONC e CEXC e aumento dos índices RMSSD, SD1 e AF (ms2) nos momentos T1, T2 e T4 no grupo TEXC.Conclusões:Conclui-se que o treinamento resistido realizado com ênfase em contrações excêntricas promoveu ganho de força e aumento da modulação vagal cardíaca durante o processo de recuperação em relação à condição basal.

Effects of an isotonic beverage on autonomic regulation during and after exercise

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

The phylogeny and ontogeny of autonomic control of the heart and cardiorespiratory interactions in vertebrates

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Effect of Pursed-Lip Breathing in Patients With COPD: Linear and Nonlinear Analysis of Cardiac Autonomic Modulation

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of pursed-lip breathing (PLB) on cardiac autonomic modulation in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) while at rest. Methods: Thirty-two individuals were allocated to one of two groups: COPD (n = 17; 67.29 +/- 6.87 years of age) and control (n = 15; 63.2 +/- 7.96 years of age). The groups were submitted to a two-stage experimental protocol. The first stage consisted of the characterization of the sample and spirometry. The second stage comprised the analysis of cardiac autonomic modulation through the recording of R-R intervals. This analysis was performed using both nonlinear and linear heart rate variability (HRV). In the statistical analysis, the level of significance was set to 5% (p = 0.05). Results: PLB promoted significant increases in the SD1, SD2, RMSSD and LF (ms(2)) indices as well as an increase in alpha(1) and a reduction in alpha(2) in the COPD group. A greater dispersion of points on the Poincare plots was also observed. The magnitude of the changes produced by PLB differed between groups. Conclusion: PLB led to a loss of fractal correlation properties of heart rate in the direction of linearity in patients with COPD as well as an increase in vagal activity and impact on the spectral analysis. The difference in the magnitude of the changes produced by PLB between groups may be related to the presence of the disease and alterations in the respiration rate.