Hemodynamic responses to aortic depressor nerve stimulation in conscious L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats

Durand MT, Castania JA, Fazan R Jr, Salgado MC, Salgado HC. Hemodynamic responses to aortic depressor nerve stimulation in conscious L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 300: R418-R427, 2011. First published November 24, 2010; doi: 10.1152/ajpregu.00463.2010.-The present study investigated whether baroreflex control of autonomic function is impaired when there is a deficiency in NO production and the role of adrenergic and cholinergic mechanisms in mediating reflex responses. Electrical stimulation of the aortic depressor nerve in conscious normotensive and nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced hypertensive rats was applied before and after administration of methylatropine, atenolol, and prazosin alone or in combination. The hypotensive response to progressive electrical stimulation (5 to 90 Hz) was greater in hypertensive (-27 +/- 2 to -64 +/- 3 mmHg) than in normotensive rats (-17 +/- 1 to -46 +/- 2 mmHg), whereas the bradycardic response was similar in both groups (-34 +/- 5 to -92 +/- 9 and -21 +/- 2 to -79 +/- 7 beats/min, respectively). Methylatropine and atenolol showed no effect in the hypotensive response in either group. Methylatropine blunted the bradycardic response in both groups, whereas atenolol attenuated only in hypertensive rats. Prazosin blunted the hypotensive response in both normotensive (43%) and hypertensive rats (53%) but did not affect the bradycardic response in either group. Prazosin plus angiotensin II, used to restore basal arterial pressure, provided hemodynamic responses similar to those of prazosin alone. The triple pharmacological blockade abolished the bradycardic response in both groups but displayed similar residual hypotensive response in hypertensive (-13 +/- 2 to -27 +/- 2 mmHg) and normotensive rats (-10 +/- 1 to -25 +/- 3 mmHg). In conclusion, electrical stimulation produced a well-preserved baroreflex-mediated decrease in arterial pressure and heart rate in conscious L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. Moreover, withdrawal of the sympathetic drive played a role in the reflex bradycardia only in hypertensive rats. The residual fall in pressure after the triple pharmacological blockade suggests the involvement of a vasodilatory mechanism unrelated to NO or deactivation of alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor.

Postnatal intracerebroventricular administrations of NGF alter spatial memory in adulthood

The present work assessed the effects of intracerebroventricular injections (2x5 mg/2.5 ml) of recombined human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) at postnatal days 2 and 3 upon the development of spatial learning capacities in rats. The treated rats were trained at the age of 22 days to escape onto an invisible platform at a fixed position in space in a Morris navigation task. For half of the subjects, the training position was also cued, a procedure aimed at facilitating escape and reducing attention to the distant spatial cues. At the age of 2 months all the rats were retrained in the same task. Treatment effects were found in both immature and adult rats. The injection of NGF induced a slight alteration of the immature rats' performance. In contrast, a marked impairment of spatial abilities was shown in the 2-month-old rats. The most consistent effects were a significant increase in the escape latency and a decrease bias towards the training platform area during probe trials. The reduction of spatial memory was particularly marked if the subjects had been trained in a cued condition. Taken together, these experiments reveal that an acute pharmacological treatment that leads to transient modifications during early development might induce a behavioural change long after treatment. Thus, the development and the maintenance of an accurate spatial representation are tightly related to the development of brain structures that could be altered by precocious NGF administrations.

The autonomic control and functional significance of the changes in heart rate associated with air breathing in the jeju, Hoplerythrinus unitaeniatus

The jeju is a teleost fish with bimodal respiration that utilizes a modified swim bladder as an air-breathing organ (ABO). Like all air-breathing fish studied to date, jeju exhibit pronounced changes in heart rate (f(H)) during air-breathing events, and it is believed that these may facilitate oxygen uptake (M-O2) from the ABO. The current study employed power spectral analysis (PSA) of f(H) patterns, coupled with instantaneous respirometry, to investigate the autonomic control of these phenomena and their functional significance for the efficacy of air breathing. The jeju obtained less than 5% of total M-O2 (M-tO2) from air breathing in normoxia at 26 degrees C, and PSA of beat-to-beat variability in fH revealed a pattern similar to that of unimodal water-breathing fish. In deep aquatic hypoxia (water P-O2=1 kPa) the jeju increased the frequency of air breathing (f(AB)) tenfold and maintained M-tO2 unchanged from normoxia. This was associated with a significant increase in heart rate variability (HRV), each air breath (AB) being preceded by a brief bradycardia and then followed by a brief tachycardia. These f(H) changes are qualitatively similar to those associated with breathing in unimodal air-breathing vertebrates. Within 20 heartbeats after the AB, however, a beat-to-beat variability in f(H) typical of water-breathing fish was re-established. Pharmacological blockade revealed that both adrenergic and cholinergic tone increased simultaneously prior to each AB, and then decreased after it. However, modulation of inhibitory cholinergic tone was responsible for the major proportion of HRV, including the precise beat-to-beat modulation of f(H) around each AB. Pharmacological blockade of all variations in f(H) associated with air breathing in deep hypoxia did not, however, have a significant effect upon f(AB) or the regulation of M-tO2. Thus, the functional significance of the profound HRV during air breathing remains a mystery.

Inhibition of pilocarpine-induced salivation in rats by central noradrenaline

Peripheral treatment with cholinergic or adrenergic agonists results in salivation and the possibility of synergy between cholinergic and adrenergic efferent mechanisms in the control of salivation has been proposed. Central injections of the cholinergic agonist pilocarpine also induce salivation, while the effects of central injections of noradrenaline (norepinephrine) are not known. Here (a) the effects of intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of noradrenaline on the salivation induced by icv or intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of pilocarpine and (b) the receptors involved in the effects of central noradrenaline on pilocarpine-induced salivation were investigated. Male Holtzman rats with a stainless-steel guide cannula implanted into the lateral ventricle were used. Rats were anaesthetized with tribromoethanol (200 mg/kg body weight) and saliva was collected on small, preweighed cotton balls inserted into the animal's mouth. Noradrenaline (40, 80 and 160 nmol/l mul) injected icv reduced the salivary secretion induced by pilocarpine (0.5 mumol/l mul) injected icv. Noradrenaline (80 and 160 nmol/l mul) injected icv also reduced the salivation induced by pilocarpine (4 mumol/kg) injected i.p. Previous treatment with the alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor antagonists RX 821002 (40, 80 and 160 nmol/l mul) or yohimbine (160 and 320 nmol/l mul) abolished the inhibitory effect produced by icv injection of noradrenaline on pilocarpine-induced salivation in rats. Prazosin (alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor antagonist) injected icv did not change the effect of noradrenaline on pilocarpine-induced salivation. Prior icv injection of only RX 821002 (80 or 160 nmol/l mul) or yohimbine (320 nmol/l mul) increased pilocarpine-induced salivation. The results show that (1) contrary to its peripheral effects, noradrenaline acting centrally inhibits cholinergic-induced salivation in rats; (2) central mechanisms involving alpha(2)-adrenergic receptors inhibit pilocarpine-induced salivation. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Supersensitivity of the isolated guinea-pig vas deferens induced by a toxic fraction of scorpion venom (Tityus serrulatus)

1. Tityustoxin (TsTx), a toxic fraction of Tityus serrulatus venom, was studied on the isolated guinea-pig vas deferens. It increased significantly the maximal response of the preparation to both norepinephrine and acetylcholine and decreased the effective median dose of norepinephrine. 2. The effect of TsTx on norepinephrine median dose was unchanged when atropinized or pharmacologically 'denervated' preparations were used but was abolished when both procedures were associated. 3. Atropinization of pharmacologically denervated muscles almost never modify the TsTx-induced increase in the maximal response to norepinephrine. 4. On denervated or phentolamine-treated muscles TsTx-induced increase in the maximal response to acetylcholine was abolished. 5. It was concluded that toxin predominantly induces adrenergic postsynaptic supersensitivity. 6. Of minor significance, it also induces presynaptic cholinergic and adrenergic supersensitivity. 7. Comparison of these results with those of crude venom indicates that TsTx effects may result from the sum of the effects of subcomponents not demonstrated by the chemical procedures here utilized.

Two amyloid precursor protein transgenic mouse models with Alzheimer disease-like pathology

Mutations in the amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene cause early-onset familial Alzheimer disease (AD) by affecting the formation of the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide, the major constituent of AD plaques. We expressed human APP751 containing these mutations in the brains of transgenic mice. Two transgenic mouse lines develop pathological features reminiscent of AD. The degree of pathology depends on expression levels and specific mutations. A 2-fold overexpression of human APP with the Swedish double mutation at positions 670/671 combined with the V717I mutation causes Aβ deposition in neocortex and hippocampus of 18-month-old transgenic mice. The deposits are mostly of the diffuse type; however, some congophilic plaques can be detected. In mice with 7-fold overexpression of human APP harboring the Swedish mutation alone, typical plaques appear at 6 months, which increase with age and are Congo Red-positive at first detection. These congophilic plaques are accompanied by neuritic changes and dystrophic cholinergic fibers. Furthermore, inflammatory processes indicated by a massive glial reaction are apparent. Most notably, plaques are immunoreactive for hyperphosphorylated tau, reminiscent of early tau pathology. The immunoreactivity is exclusively found in congophilic senile plaques of both lines. In the higher expressing line, elevated tau phosphorylation can be demonstrated biochemically in 6-month-old animals and increases with age. These mice resemble major features of AD pathology and suggest a central role of Aβ in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Utilization of non-wood pulp in different fibers products

The correct utilization of non-wood raw material allows reducing tree cutting and reduces emissions of carbon dioxide from burning of non-wood plants on farmers fields. Also it allows increasing economical situation in regions that non-wood plants are grown and where they are converted into pulp and paper. Also it gives positive effect on population pressure of work by addition of working place. In the literature survey included an overview of the historical meaning of non-wood pulp on developing paper production and structure of non-wood pulps. Moreover, anatomical and chemical composition of straw, reed and bamboo were studied more detailed. Also, an overview of the utilization of non-wood pulp in papermaking was made. Especially tissue, tree-free and release papers were reviewed. In the experimental part the goal was to investigate suitability of non-wood pulp like wheat straw pulp and bamboo pulp for different fiber products. Finally release and tree-free paper products were selected for experimental studies. It was discovered that wheat straw, especially screened wheat straw, showed good results for release paper. Also utilization of wheat straw and bamboo pulp in tree-free paper showed good results and suitability of these non-wood pulps for tree-free paper production. Also it was noticed that addition of wheat straw pulp gave positive effect on initial wet strength for release and tree-free paper.

Non-conventional cement-based composites reinforced with vegetable fibers: a review of strategies to improve durability

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

Effect of furosemide treatment on the central and peripheral pressor responses to cholinergic and adrenergic agonists, angiotensin II, hypertonic solution and vasopressin

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of treatment with furosemide on the pressor response induced by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections of cholinergic (carbachol) and adrenergic (norepinephrine) agonists, angiotensin II (ANGII) and hypertonic saline (HS, 2 M NaCl). The changes induced by furosemide treatment on the pressor response to intravenous (i.v.) norepinephrine, ANGII and arginine vasopressin (AVP) were also studied. Rats with a stainless-steel cannula implanted into the lateral ventricle (LV) were used. Two injections of furosemide (30 mg/kg b.wt. each) were performed 12 and 1 h before the experiments. Treatment with furosemide reduced the pressor response induced by carbachol, norepinephrine and ANGII i.c.v., but no change was observed in the pressor response to i.c.v. 2 M NaCl. The pressor response to i.v. ANGII and norepinephrine, but not AVP, was also reduced after treatment with furosemide. These results show that the treatment with furosemide impairs the pressor responses induced by central or peripheral administration of adrenergic agonist or ANGII, as well as those induced by central cholinergic activation. The results suggest that the treatment with furosemide impairs central and peripheral pressor responses mediated by sympathetic activation and ANGII, but not those produced by AVP. © 1992.

Role of the adrenergic pathways of the lateral hypothalamus on water intake and pressor response induced by the cholinergic activation of the medial septal area in rats

In the present experiments, we investigated a possible involvement of noradrenergic receptors of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) in the water intake and pressor response induced by cholinergic stimulation of the medial septal area (MSA) in rats. The cholinergic agonist carbachol (2 nmol) injected into the MSA induced water intake and pressor response. The injection of an α2-adrenergic agonist, clonidine (20 and 40 nmol), but not of an α1-adrenergic agonist, phenylephrine (80 and 160 nmol), into the LH inhibits the water intake induced by carbachol injected into the MSA. The injection of clonidine or phenylephrine into the LH produced no change in the MAP increase induced by carbachol injected into the MSA. The present results suggest that adrenergic pathways involving the LH are important for the water intake, but not for the pressor response, induced by cholinergic activation of the MSA. © 1994.

A non-cross-bridge, static tension is present in permeabilized skeletal muscle fibers after active force inhibition or actin extraction

Cornachione AS, Rassier DE. A non-cross-bridge, static tension is present in permeabilized skeletal muscle fibers after active force inhibition or actin extraction. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 302: C566-C574, 2012. First published November 16, 2011; doi: 10.1152/ajpcell.00355.2011.-When activated muscle fibers are stretched, there is a long-lasting increase in the force. This phenomenon, referred to as "residual force enhancement," has characteristics similar to those of the " static tension," a long-lasting increase in force observed when muscles are stretched in the presence of Ca2+ but in the absence of myosin-actin interaction. Independent studies have suggested that these two phenomena have a common mechanism and are caused either by 1) a Ca2+-induced stiffening of titin or by 2) promoting titin binding to actin. In this study, we performed two sets of experiments in which activated fibers (pCa(2+) 4.5) treated with the myosin inhibitor blebbistatin were stretched from 2.7 to 2.8 mu m at a speed of 40 L-o/s, first, after partial extraction of TnC, which inhibits myosin-actin interactions, or, second, after treatment with gelsolin, which leads to the depletion of thin (actin) filaments. We observed that the static tension, directly related with the residual force enhancement, was not changed after treatments that inhibit myosin-actin interactions or that deplete fibers from troponin C and actin filaments. The results suggest that the residual force enhancement is caused by a stiffening of titin upon muscle activation but not with titin binding to actin. This finding indicates the existence of a Ca2+-regulated, titin-based stiffness in skeletal muscles.