Efeitos da estimulação ambiental sobre os aspectos motores, cognitivos e neuronais em um modelo farmacológico progressivo da doença de Parkinson

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior

Efeitos do tratamento com lítio na memória aversiva, comportamentos relacionados à ansiedade e depressão e na expressão de BDNF em ratos

Lithium (Li) is the first choice to treat bipolar disorder, a psychiatric illness characterized by mood oscillations between mania and depression. However, studies have demonstrated that this drug might influence mnemonic process due to its neuroprotector, antiapoptotic and neurogenic effects. The use of Li in the treatment of cognitive deficits caused by brain injury or neurodegenerative disorders have been widely studied, and this drug shows to be effective in preventing or even alleviating the memory impairment. The effects of Li on anxiety and depression are controversial and the relationship of the effects of lithium on memory, anxiety and depression remain unknown. In this context, this study aims to: evaluate the effects of acute and chronic administration of lithium carbonate in aversive memory and anxiety, simultaneously, using the plus maze discriminative avoidance task (PMDAT); test the antidepressant effect of the drug through the forced swimming test (FS) and analyze brainderived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in structures related to memory and emotion. To evaluation of the acute effects, male Wistar rats were submitted to i.p. administration of lithium carbonate (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg) one hour before the training session (PMDAT) or lithium carbonate (50 or 100 mg/kg) one hour before the test session (FS). To evaluation of the chronic effects, the doses administered were 50 or 100 mg/kg or vehicle once a day for 21 days before the beginning of behavioral tasks (PMDAT and FS). Afterwards, the animals were euthanized and their brains removed and submitted to immunohistochemistry procedure to quantify BDNF. The animals that received acute treatment with 100 and 200 mg/kg of Li did not discriminated between the enclosed arms (aversive and non-aversive) in the training session of PMDAT, showing that these animal did not learned the task. This lack of discrimination was also observed in the test session, showing that the animals did not recall the aversive task. We also observed an increased exploration of the open arms of these same groups, indicating an anxiolytic effect. The same groups showed a reduction of locomotor activity, however, this effect does not seem to be related with the anxiolytic effect of the drug. Chronic treatment with Li did not promote alterations on learning or memory processes. Nevertheless, we observed a reduction of open arms exploration by animals treated with 50 mg/kg when compared to the other groups, showing an anxiogenic effect caused by this dose. This effect it is not related to locomotor alterations since there were no alterations in these parameters. Both acute and chronic treatment were ineffective in the FS. Chronic treatment with lithium was not able to modify BDNF expression in hippocampus, amygdala and pre-frontal cortex. These results suggest that acute administration of lithium promote impairments on learning in an aversive task, blocking the occurrence of memory consolidation and retrieval. The reduction of anxiety following acute treatment may have prevented the learning of the aversive task, as it has been found that optimum levels of anxiety are necessary for the occurrence of learning with emotional context. With continued, treatment the animals recover the ability to learn and recall the task. Indeed, they do not show differences in relation to control group, and the lack of alterations on BDNF expression corroborates this result. Possibly, the regimen of treatment used was not able to promote cognitive improvement. Li showed acute anxiolytic effect, however chronic administration 4 promoted the opposite effect. More studies are necessary to clarify the potential beneficial effect of Li on aversive memory

Projeção retiniana, caracterização citoarquitetônica e neuroquímica da zona incerta do moco (Kerodon rupestris)

The Zona Incerta (ZI) is embryologically derived from the ventral thalamus, in continuity with the reticular nucleus of the thalamus. Studies usingneural tracers technics have allowed identify a complex connectional map including the ZI. Futhermore, cytochemical, molecular and functional data have shown abundant variability in the neurochemical contend in the ZI, as well as,the involvement of the ZI in the modulation of nociception, attention, alertness, control and maintenance of posture and control of visceral activity. This work aims to characterize the cytoarchitecture, neurochemical content of the ZI in the rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris), and a direct retinal-ZI pathway present in this species. The Nissl staining is effective for the delineation and characterization of ZI citoarchitecture. ZIc receives a contralateral retinal projection showing varicosities, suggesting a modulatory character of photic information. The ZI in the rock cavy, as in others rodents and primates, is characterized by a complex neurochemical signature. The ZI neurochemistry presents great diversity, especially in the medial portion of ZIr, where we have found immunoreactivity of all neuroactive substances investigated, and that NOS-IR, GFAP and CR helped the delimitation of middle ZI in ZId and ZIv. Nevertheless, just 5-HT-IR fibers are present in all subdivisions of the ZI. These data demonstrate the great wealth of the neurochemistry of rock cavy s ZI and a direct retinal modulation in the ZI, helping to explain it s broad functional repertory

5-HT1B receptor in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Lymphatic drainage on healthy and neoplasic mammary glands in female dogs: Can it really be altered?

The purpose of this research was to study the mammary lymphatic drainage under a macroscopic and mesoscopic view, comparing the vascular pattern of healthy and neoplasic mammary glands injected with drawing ink alcoholic and fluorescein solutions, in 46 mongrel female dogs. The results pointed out that the thoracic gland is drained by the axillary lymph centre, but in mammary neoplasia either superficial cervical or ventral thoracic lymph centres can be involved. Cranial and caudal abdominal glands may be drained by the axillary, inguinofemoral and popliteal lymph centres. However, the popliteal drainage is specific for the healthy caudal abdominal mammary gland. The inguinal gland can be drained by both inguinofemoral and popliteal lymph centres in both neoplasic and healthy conditions. Regarding the mammary lymphatic communications, this research demonstrated that neoplasic glands present more types of anastomosis (40.9%), than healthy glands (33.33%), and an increase in contralateral anastomosis (50%) compared with healthy ones (33%). Given the data, the mammary neoplasia can change the lymphatic drainage pattern in terms of lymph centres and vascular arborization, thus forming new drainage channels and recruiting a larger number of lymph nodes. Lastly, some comments were made about the severity of a specific neoplasic mammary gland and conditions to be considered before making a decision in terms of the most adequate operative procedure, and suggestions for further investigations.

Perfil eletroforético das proteínas séricas de serpentes Crotalus durissus terrificus (cascavel) criadas em cativeiro

As serpentes peçonhentas dos gêneros Bothrops e Crotalus têm sido mantidas em cativeiro visando à extração de venenos para a produção de imunobiológicos. O conhecimento da fisiologia desses animais e as alterações na concentração de proteínas e suas frações séricas são importantes para a identificação precoce de importantes enfermidades que cursam com estados de hipoproteinemia e hiperproteinemia. O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a concentração de proteína total e o perfil eletroforético das proteínas séricas de serpentes Crotalus durissus terrificus (cascavel) criadas em cativeiro. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue da veia coccígea ventral de 21 serpentes adultas e sadias, divididas em dois grupos: Grupo 1 de 12 machos com peso médio de 588,89±193,55g, e Grupo 2 de nove fêmeas com peso médio de 708,33±194,04g. A proteína total sérica foi determinada pelo método de refratometria e a eletroforese em gel de agarose. Obtiveram-se valores da proteína total sérica (g/dL) de 4,51±0,50 para machos e de 4,82±0,72 para fêmeas, e para machos e fêmeas de 4,64±0,61. Foram identificadas pela eletroforese quatro frações protéicas (g/dL): albumina, a, b, g-globulinas e calculada a relação albumina:globulina. As serpentes fêmeas apresentaram maiores valores para as variáveis, albumina e para a relação albumina/globulina (AG) diferindo significativamente (P<0,05) do grupo de machos, porém sem significado clínico.

Comparative study between two techniques of incisional hernia repair with polypropylene mesh in rabbits

OBJETIVO: Comparar duas técnicas de tratamento da hérnia incisional em coelhos utilizando a tela de polipropileno apoiando um reforço peritônio - aponeurótico ou suturada nas bordas do anel herniário 'em ponte . MÉTODOS: Foram operados 60 coelhos para a produção de hérnia incisional, em uma incisão mediana de 4 centímetros. Após 30 dias, metade dos animais foram operados com o fechamento primário da parede, com colocação de uma tela de polipropileno apoiando o reforço e a outra metade dos animais com a colocação da tela suturada nas bordas do anel herniárioem ponte . Os animais foram avaliados com 30 (M1), 60 (M2)e 90 (M3) dias de pós-operatório. Os parâmetros analisados foram a evolução clínica, análise da força de ruptura da cicatriz, estudo macroscópico, análise microscópica e morfométrica. RESULTADOS: Não foram observadas diferenças significantes com relação a força de ruptura e estudos histológicos nos dois grupos e vários momentos estudados. Não houve diferença estatística com relação às complicações, embora os animais que receberam a telaem ponte tiveram aderências mais firmes e intensas à parede abdominal. CONCLUSÕES: As duas técnicas utilizadas para correção da hérnia incisional em coelhos não mostraram diferenças significantes quanto a força de ruptura, análise histológica e morfométrica. O número de complicações foi semelhante, porém a aderência de órgãos da cavidade abdominal à área de cicatriz foi muito mais intensa no grupo em que a tela foi colocadaem ponte .

Timoma em cão. Relato de caso

Uma cadela, Dachshund, quatro anos, foi encaminhada ao H.V. da FMVZ-UNESP-Botucatu-SP com histórico de prostração, emagrecimento progressivo, anorexia, cansaço e tosse seca. Ao exame clínico observou-se apatia, secreção nasal serosa bilateral e dispnéia intensa. Radiografia torácica demonstrou efusão pleural, edema pulmonar acentuado, desvio dorsal da traquéia e possível massa mediastinal. A ultra-sonografia, após drenagem torácica, confirmou a presença de massa mediastinal, sendo classificada como neoplasia maligna de origem epitelial pela citologia aspirativa por agulha fina. O animal veio a óbito logo após o diagnóstico de neoplasia. À necropsia constatou-se massa mediastinal encapsulada, consistência macia e superfície de corte com coloração branco-acinzentada e áreas necrótico-hemorrágicas, localizada na região ântero-ventral do tórax. O exame histopatológico demonstrou células epiteliais neoplásicas, células linfóides (timócitos) com morfologia normal, vasos sangüíneos de pequeno e médio calibre, formações císticas com conteúdo eosinofílico e corpúsculos de Hassall. A imunohistoquímica apresentou positividade para citoqueratina AE1/AE3 e UCHL, confirmando o diagnóstico de timoma.

Urethral reconstruction after total penectomy for urethral cancer

A 59-year-old white man developed a ventral ulcer with irregular limits in the middle portion of the penis. The result of the pathologic analysis was compatible with invasive squamous cell urethral carcinoma. A total penectomy was performed. In these cases, the usually recommended urinary diversion is perineal urethrostomy. However, due to the specifications of the case, perineal urethrostomy could not be performed. The literature did not offer any other alternative for patients with this same condition. Therefore, a urethral reconstruction using a groin skin flap had to be performed. Copyright (C) 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Estudo retrospectivo de 11 casos de aerofagia em equinos operados pela técnica de miectomia de Forssell modificada

No presente trabalho foi feita unta revisão do resultado pós-operatório com a técnica de miectomia de Forssell modificada aplicada em 11 equinos portadores de aerofagia, atendidos no Hospital Veterinário da FMVZ-UNESP, Botucatu, no período entre julho de 1992 e abril de 1995. A técnica consiste basicamente na ressecção dos músculos omohioídeo, esternohioídeo e esternotirohioídeo associado à neurectomia do ramo ventral do nervo acessório, que inerva o músculo esternomandibular. As informações sobre a evolução pós-operatória. que variou entre 4 e 36 meses, foram obtidas por contacto telefônico ou carta questionário. As raças acometidas foram: Quarto de Milha (5 animais). Apaloosa (4 animais), Mangalarga (1 animal) e Brasileira de Hipismo (1 animal), sendo 7 fêmeas e 4 machos, e as idades variaram entre 1,5 e 11 anos. O resultado pós-operatório mostrou que 7 animais (63.3%) estavam totalmente recuperados; 2 animais (18.1%) recuperaram-se parcialmente pois o problema recidivou embora em menor intensidade entre 30 e 90 dias após a cirurgia e 2 animais (18,1%) não tiveram nenhuma melhora.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the conceptus from days 10 to 60 of pregnancy in jennies

Daily ultrasound examinations were conducted from Days 10 to 60 (ovulation = Day 0) of pregnancy to monitor the conceptus in jennies (n = 12). The embryonic vesicle was first detected on Day 11.5 +/- 0.9 (mean +/- SD; range 10 to 13d) and was mobile until movement ceased (fixation) on Day 15.5 +/- 1.4 (range, 13 to 18d). The vesicle was spherical from Days 10 to 18 (mean growth rate, 3.2 mm/d), non spherical (irregular) with a reduced growth rate (0.5 mm/d) from Days 19 to 29, and then grew at a moderate rate (1.6 mm/d) up to Day 46. on average, detection of the embryo proper (consistently located on the ventral aspect of the yolk sac) and embryonic heartbeat were Days 20.7 +/- 1.2 and 23.5 +/- 1.3, respectively. Formation of the allantoic sac was first detected on Day 24.4 +/- 1.7 and was complete on Day 36.8 +/- 1.6. Descent of the fetus (and formation of the umbilical cord) began on Day 37.9 +/- 1.7 and was complete on Day 44.1 +/- 2.1. Crown-ramp length averaged 3.7, 15.4, 22.7, 37.5 and 59.6 mm on Days 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60, respectively. In general, morphologic features and dates of occurrence were similar to those reported previously in the mare. (C) 1998 by Elsevier B.V.

Pectus excavatum in two littermate dogs

One male and 1 female, 8-week-old, schnauzer littermates were presented with moderate and mild pectus excavatum, respectively. External application of a coaptation splint to the ventral aspect of the thorax was used For correction of the sternal deformity in the male; conservative treatment was used in the female.

Implantes de resina de poliuretana vegetal (Ricinus communis) na tração linear, fixação e fusão vertebral no cão: estudo experimental

Placa e espaçador de polímero derivado do óleo de mamona (PDOM) (Ricinus communis) foram avaliados clínica, radiográfica e histologicamente na tração linear, fixação e fusão vertebral cervical em 20 cães adultos, sem raça definida, pesando entre 17 e 22kg. Foram sacrificados quatro animais aos 10, 30, 60, 90 e 120 dias de pós-operatório. Após exposição da coluna cervical, por acesso ventral, o disco intervertebral de C4-C5 foi fenestrado e a abordagem ao canal medular foi feita por meio de fenda óssea. Um espaçador de PDOM foi colocado preenchendo o defeito ósseo. Os corpos vertebrais C4-C5 foram fixados com placa do mesmo material, utilizando-se dois parafusos corticais em cada corpo vertebral. Apenas um animal apresentou déficit neurológico no pós-operatório imediato. Radiograficamente as vértebras mostravam-se normais e alinhadas, sem colapso do espaço intervertebral, porém não houve neoformação óssea entre as vértebras. Ao exame mielográfico, não houve compressão da medula espinhal. Os implantes foram efetivos em manter a tração linear e fixação das vértebras cervicais e não ocorreu a fusão vertebral.

Origin of sensory and autonomic innervation of the rat temporomandibular joint: A retrograde axonal tracing study with the fluorescent dye fast blue

Previous studies that have used retrograde axonal tracers (horseradish peroxidase alone or conjugated with wheat germ agglutinin) have shown that the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is supplied with nerve fibers originating mainly from the trigeminal ganglion, in addition to other sensory and sympathetic ganglia. The existence of nerve fibers in the TMJ originating from the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus is unclear, and the possible innervation by parasympathetic nerve fibers has not been determined. In the present work, the retrograde axonal tracer, fast blue, was used to elucidate these questions and re-evaluated the literature data. The tracer was deposited in the supradiscal articular space of the rat TMJ, and an extensive morphometric analysis was performed of the labeled perikaryal profiles located in sensory and autonomic ganglia. This methodology permitted us to observe labeled small perikaryal profiles in the trigeminal ganglion, clustered mainly in the posterior-lateral region of the dorsal, medial and ventral thirds of horizontal sections, with some located in the anterior-lateral region of the ventral third. Sensory perikarya were also labeled in the dorsal root ganglia from C2 to C5. No labeled perikaryal profiles were found in the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus. on the other hand, autonomic labeled perikaryal profiles were distributed in the sympathetic superior cervical and stellate ganglia, and parasympathetic otic ganglion. Our results confirmed those of previous studies and also demonstrated that: (i) there is a distribution pattern of labeled perikaryal profiles in the trigeminal ganglion; (ii) some perikaryal profiles located in the otic ganglion were labeled; and (iii) the trigeminal mesencephalic nucleus did not show any retrogradely labeled perikaryal profiles.

Immunocytochemical characterization of the pregeniculate nucleus and distribution of retinal and neuropeptide Y terminals in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the Cebus monkey

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