This study evaluated the effects of various nitrogen (N) sources augmenting spineless cactus-based diets on intake, digestibility, rumen kinetics and N balance in sheep. Eight rumen-fistulated sheep with an average initial bodyweight of 62 ± 6.83 kg were allotted to one of two 4 x 4 Latin squares. The diets consisted of spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera), Tifton hay, corn grain, vegetable oil and a mineral mixture augmented with either soybean meal (SBM), cottonseed meal (CSM), whole cottonseed (WCS) or urea (U) to provide additional nitrogen. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) intakes were similar (P >0.05) for sheep fed the diets with SBM, CSM, and WCS. The digestibility coefficients of DM and CP were similar (P >0.05) for SM, CM, and U diets. The rate of DM disappearance from the rumen did not differ (P >0.05) between treatments. However, the rumen ammonia, pH and N balance was higher (P <0.05) for sheep fed the WCS and U diets. The N absorbed and N retained did not differ (P >0.05) between the diets. Soybean meal and CSM are similar in their effects and can be used for sheep in diets based on spineless cactus. Whole cottonseed and U are interesting sources of N but should be used with caution owing to their effects on digestibility and nutrient intake in sheep.

This study investigated the influence of antihypertensive drugs, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), AT1 receptor blockers (ARBs), voltage-gated L-type calcium channel blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs), on the effects of angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] on aorta and coronary arteries from pressure-overloaded rats. Pressure overload was induced by abdominal aortic banding (AB). To evaluate the role of antihypertensive drugs on the effect of Ang-(1-7), AB male Wistar rats weighing 250–300 g were treated with vehicle or low doses (5 mg·kg-1·day-1, gavage) of losartan, captopril, amlodipine, or spironolactone. Isolated aortic rings and isolated perfused hearts under constant flow were used to evaluate the effect of Ang-(1-7) in thoracic aorta and coronary arteries, respectively. Ang-(1-7) induced a significant relaxation in the aorta of sham animals, but this effect was reduced in the aortas of AB rats. Chronic treatments with losartan, captopril or amlodipine, but not with spironolactone, restored the Ang-(1-7)-induced aorta relaxation in AB rats. The coronary vasodilatation evoked by Ang-(1-7) in sham rats was blunted in hypertrophic rats. Only the treatment with losartan restored the coronary vasodilatory effect of Ang-(1-7) in AB rat hearts. These data support a beneficial vascular effect of an association of Ang-(1-7) and some antihypertensive drugs. Thus, this association may have potential as a new therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases.

Exercise training (Ex) has been recommended for its beneficial effects in hypertensive states. The present study evaluated the time-course effects of Ex without workload on mean arterial pressure (MAP), reflex bradycardia, cardiac and renal histology, and oxidative stress in two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats. Male Fischer rats (10 weeks old; 150–180 g) underwent surgery (2K1C or SHAM) and were subsequently divided into a sedentary (SED) group and Ex group (swimming 1 h/day, 5 days/week for 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 weeks). Until week 4, Ex decreased MAP, increased reflex bradycardia, prevented concentric hypertrophy, reduced collagen deposition in the myocardium and kidneys, decreased the level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in the left ventricle, and increased the catalase (CAT) activity in the left ventricle and both kidneys. From week 6 to week 10, however, MAP and reflex bradycardia in 2K1C Ex rats became similar to those in 2K1C SED rats. Ex effectively reduced heart rate and prevented collagen deposition in the heart and both kidneys up to week 10, and restored the level of TBARS in the left ventricle and clipped kidney and the CAT activity in both kidneys until week 8. Ex without workload for 10 weeks in 2K1C rats provided distinct beneficial effects. The early effects of Ex on cardiovascular function included reversing MAP and reflex bradycardia. The later effects of Ex included preventing structural alterations in the heart and kidney by decreasing oxidative stress and reducing injuries in these organs during hypertension.

Little is known about age-related differences in short-term effects of estradiol on ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) insults. The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of short-term treatment with estradiol on reperfusion arrhythmias in isolated hearts of 6-7-week-old and 12-14-month-old female rats. Wistar rats were sham-operated, ovariectomized and treated with vehicle or ovariectomized and treated with 17β-estradiol (E2; 5 µg·100 g-1·day-1) for 4 days. Hearts were perfused by the Langendorff technique. Reperfusion arrhythmias, i.e., ventricular tachycardia and/or ventricular fibrillation, were induced by 15 min of left coronary artery ligation and 30 min of reperfusion. The duration and incidence of I/R arrhythmias were significantly higher in young rats compared to middle-aged rats (arrhythmia severity index: 9.4 ± 1.0 vs 3.0 ± 0.3 arbitrary units, respectively, P < 0.05). In addition, middle-aged rats showed lower heart rate, systolic tension and coronary flow. Four-day E2 treatment caused an increase in uterine weight. Although E2 administration had no significant effect on the duration of I/R arrhythmias in middle-aged rats, it induced a marked reduction in the rhythm disturbances of young rats accompanied by a decrease in heart rate of isolated hearts. Also, this reduction was associated with an increase in QT interval. No significant changes were observed in the QT interval of middle-aged E2-treated rats. These data demonstrate that short-term estradiol treatment protects against I/R arrhythmias in hearts of young female rats. The anti-arrhythmogenic effect of estradiol might be related to a lengthening of the QT interval.

We examined the effect of exercise training (Ex) without (Ex 0%) or with a 3% workload (Ex 3%) on different cardiac and renal parameters in renovascular hypertensive (2K1C) male Fisher rats weighing 150-200 g. Ex was performed for 5 weeks, 1 h/day, 5 days/week. Ex 0% or Ex 3% induced similar attenuation of baseline mean arterial pressure (MAP, 119 ± 5 mmHg in 2K1C Ex 0%, N = 6, and 118 ± 5 mmHg in 2K1C Ex 3%, N = 11, vs 99 ± 4 mmHg in sham sedentary (Sham Sed) controls, N = 10) and heart rate (HR, bpm) (383 ± 13 in 2K1C Ex 0%, N = 6, and 390 ± 14 in 2K1C Ex 3%, N = 11 vs 371 ± 11 in Sham Sed, N = 10,). Ex 0%, but not Ex 3%, improved baroreflex bradycardia (0.26 ± 0.06 ms/mmHg, N = 6, vs 0.09 ± 0.03 ms/mmHg in 2K1C Sed, N = 11). Morphometric evaluation suggested concentric left ventricle hypertrophy in sedentary 2K1C rats. Ex 0% prevented concentric cardiac hypertrophy, increased cardiomyocyte diameter and decreased cardiac vasculature thickness in 2K1C rats. In contrast, in 2K1C, Ex 3% reduced the concentric remodeling and prevented the increase in cardiac vasculature wall thickness, decreased the cardiomyocyte diameter and increased collagen deposition. Renal morphometric analysis showed that Ex 3% induced an increase in vasculature wall thickness and collagen deposition in the left kidney of 2K1C rats. These data suggest that Ex 0% has more beneficial effects than Ex 3% in renovascular hypertensive rats.

O destino de herbicidas aplicados em pré-emergência das plantas daninhas varia de acordo com o solo. Dessa forma, objetivou-se avaliar a lixiviação dos herbicidas sulfentrazone, isoxaflutole e oxyfluorfen no perfil de três solos. As doses de 0,5 e 0,75 kg ha-1 de sulfentrazone, 0,113 e 0,169 kg ha-1 de isoxaflutole e 0,72 e 1,08 kg ha-1 de oxyfluorfen foram aplicadas na superfície de colunas de PVC de 30 cm de altura preenchidas com três solos: um franco-arenoso e dois argilosos com teores alto (9,0 dag kg-1) e baixo (4,4 dag kg-1) de matéria orgânica. Após a aplicação, foram simuladas duas chuvas de 40 mm cada, com intervalo de 24 horas, respeitando o período de infiltração em cada solo. A lixiviação dos herbicidas ao longo do perfil dos solos foi verificada pelo método de bioensaio utilizando plantas de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor). A atividade herbicida do sulfentrazone e a movimentação no perfil dos solos foram elevadas na maior dose aplicada. A maior movimentação descendente do produto, na dose de 0,75 kg ha-1 de sulfentrazone, foi constatada no solo de textura franco-arenosa até 27,5 cm, seguido pelos solos de textura argilosa com baixo e alto teor de matéria orgânica até 25 e 17,5 cm, respectivamente. Verificou-se elevado potencial de lixiviação do isoxaflutole, ultrapassando a profundidade de 22,5 cm nos três solos estudados e nas duas doses aplicadas, diferentemente do oxyfluorfen, que permaneceu adsorvido nas camadas superficiais dos solos. Ao comparar os solos, maior atividade herbicida e movimentação ocorreram naquele de textura franco-arenosa. Em relação aos herbicidas, o isoxaflutole apresentou maior mobilidade do que o sulfentrazone, enquanto o oxyfluorfen mostrou baixo potencial de lixiviação.

The aim of this study was to evaluate herbicide leaching in three soil profiles.Doses of 0.50 and 0.75 kg ha-1 sulfentrazone, 0.113 and 0.169 kg ha-1 isoxaflutole, and 0.72 and 1.08 kg ha-1 oxyfluorfen were applied on the surface of 30 cm high PVC columns filled with the three soil following types: one with a sandy loam texture and two clayey ones with low and high organic matter contents. After applying these herbicides, the columns were submitted to two rounds of 40 mm - simulated rain with a 24h interval between them. Herbicide leaching was detected by bioassay method using sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) plants. Both the activity and movement of the herbicide sulfentrazone in the soil profile increased after application of the highest dose. After application of 0.75 kg ha-1 of sulfentrazone, the highest downward movement was observed in the sandy loam soil, down to 27.5 cm, followed by the clayey soils with low and high organic matter contents, down to 25.0 and 17.5 cm, respectively. A high leaching potential was observed of isoxaflutole, which exceeded 22.5 cm in depth for the three soils and both doses studied. However, oxyfluorfen remained adsorbed in surface layers of soil only. When comparing the types of soil, the highest herbicide activity and movement occurred in the sandy loam soil. Isoxaflutole presented greater mobility than sulfentrazone, while oxyfluorfen showed low leaching potential.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar alterações nos caracteres anatômicos e morfológicos da folha (bainha e lâmina) e do caule de Brachiaria brizantha tratada com o regulador de crescimento trinexapac-ethyl. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o completamente ao acaso, com duas doses do trinexapac-ethyl (0,00 e 0,75 kg ha-1) e cinco repetições. Cinquenta dias após a aplicação dos tratamentos, amostras do terço médio da bainha, da lâmina da segunda folha completamente expandida e do entrenó do caule abaixo da inserção da bainha foliar foram coletadas para a determinação de características morfológicas, como altura de planta, comprimento e diâmetro de entrenó, comprimento da bainha, comprimento e largura da folha. Para avaliação das características anatômicas, foram realizados cortes transversais da folha e do caule e cortes longitudinais do caule, em micrótomo de mesa, e corados com fuccina e azul de astra preparadas em lâminas semipermanentes. As imagens obtidas foram digitalizadas usando-se microscópio de luz acoplado a câmera digital e conectado a um computador. Para obtenção das medidas de área e medidas lineares foi utilizado o software Image Pro-Plus. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística, pelo teste F a 5% de probabilidade. O regulador de crescimento promoveu redução do comprimento do limbo foliar, do entrenó, da bainha e da altura de plantas. Por outro lado, no limbo foliar, o trinexapac-ethyl aumentou a espessura da lâmina foliar, da área das células da bainha e da área do mesofilo em B. brizantha.

The objective of this work was to evaluate changes in the anatomical and morphological characters of leaf (sheath and mesophyll), and stem of Brachiaria brizantha when treated with the plant growth regulator trinexapac-ethyl. The experimental design was completely randomized, with two doses of trinexapac-ethyl (0.00, 0.75 kg ha-1) and five repetitions. Fifty days after treatment application, samples from the middle third of the sheath, blade of the second fully expanded leaf and stem internode below the leaf sheath insertion were collected for the determination of morphological characteristics, such as plant height, internode length and diameter, sheath length and leaf length and width. For evaluation of the anatomical features, transverse cuts of leaves, stem and sheath and longitudinal cuts of the stem were made, in table microtome and stained with fuchsin and astra blue and prepared into semi-permanent slides. The images obtained were scanned using a light microscope coupled to a digital camera and connected to a computer. To obtain area and linear measures, the software Image Pro-Plus was used. The data were subjected to statistical analysis, using the F test at 10% probability. The growth regulator reduced the length of tho the leaf blade, internode and sheath and also plant height. On the other hand, trinexapac-ethyl increased leaf blade thickness sheath cell and mesophyll areas, providing anatomical and morphological changes in B. brizantha.

O conhecimento do comportamento de herbicidas no ambiente, sobretudo no solo, permite a predição de possíveis impactos do seu uso em sistemas agrícolas. Com o intuito de avaliar a sorção do herbicida imazapyr no solo, foi realizado um experimento, utilizando sorgo (Sorghum bicolor) como planta bioindicadora. A sorção do imazapyr foi avaliada em areia lavada e em três solos, com as seguintes texturas: muito argilosa, franco-argilo-arenosa e areia-franca, provenientes, respectivamente, das cidades de Sete Lagoas, João Pinheiro e Rio Casca, em Minas Gerais. Foram determinados: o valor de I50 (dose que inibiu 50% no acúmulo de massa seca da planta-teste) e a relação de sorção [RS = (I50 solo -I 50 areia)/I50 areia]. Os valores de I50 observados foram: 29,41; 10,20 e 7,33 mg kg-1, e a relação de sorção (RS): 9,77; 2,73 e 1,68, respectivamente para os solos muito argiloso, franco-argilo-arenoso e areia franca. O herbicida imazapyr apresentou a seguinte ordem de sorção nos substratos: muito argiloso > franco-argilo-arenoso > areia-franca > areia lavada. Em solos arenosos e com baixos teores de matéria orgânica, a baixa sorção do imazapyr predispõe o produto à lixiviação no perfil do solo, podendo contaminar mananciais de águas subterrâneas.

Knowledge about herbicide behavior in the environment, especially in soil, allows predicting possible impacts caused by its use in agricultural systems. An experiment using Sorghum bicolor as a bio-indicator was carried out to evaluate imazapyr sorption in soil. Sorption was evaluated in washed sand and in soils of 3 different textures: very clayed, sandy clayed loam and sandy loam, respectively from Sete Lagoas, João Pinheiro and Rio Casca - Minas Gerais. The value of I50, which inhibits 50% of dry biomass accumulation of the test-plant, and sorption relation (SR = I50 soil - I50 sand/I50 sand) were determined. I50 values observed were 29.41, 10.20 and 7.33 mg kg-1 and SR values were 9.77, 2.73 and 1.68, respectively for very clayed, sandy clayed loam and sandy loam soils. The order of substrate sorption presented by imazapyr was very clayed > sandy clay loam > sandy loam > washed sand. In sandy soil and soil with low organic matter content, low imazapyr sorption predisposes the product to leaching, and it may contaminate the underground water.

A sintomatologia é um dos principais critérios adotados para avaliar os danos causados por fatores bióticos e abióticos em plantas. Contudo, aspectos microscópicos são necessários na compreensão dos mecanismos de intoxicação e no diagnóstico precoce da injúria. Objetivou-se no presente estudo avaliar os efeitos da deriva simulada de quatro formulações comerciais de glyphosate (Scout®, Roundup NA®, Roundup transorb® e Zapp QI®) sobre a morfoanatomia foliar de seis clones de Eucalyptus grandis (UFV01, UFV02, UFV03, UFV04, UFV05 e UFV06). Após a aplicação do glyphosate na dose de 129,6 g ha-1, acompanhou-se diariamente o surgimento de sintomas, e aos 14 dias coletaram-se amostras de folhas aparentemente sadias para as análises microscópicas. Todos os clones apresentaram cloroses e necroses a partir do quarto dia de exposição, independentemente da formulação utilizada. O clone UFV04 não apresentou injúrias anatômicas. Nos demais clones, os herbicidas ocasionaram plasmólise, colapso celular, hipertrofia e formação de tecido de cicatrização, porém não foram diagnosticadas variações na espessura das folhas. Visualmente, o Roundup transorb® foi o herbicida que provocou maior intoxicação nas plantas. Anatomicamente, plantas expostas ao Roundup NA® apresentaram maior número de danos. O clone UFV06 foi o mais sensível à ação das formulações testadas, considerando-se tanto a análise visual quanto a anatômica. Os resultados confirmam o valor diagnóstico da análise visual e prognóstico da anatomia vegetal, sendo o estudo conjunto desses parâmetros fundamental para avaliar a sensibilidade entre os clones e o potencial fitotóxico de herbicidas.

Symptomatology is one of the most important criteria used to determine the damages caused by biotic and abiotic factors in plants. However, microscopic aspects are needed to elucidate intoxication mechanisms and early injury diagnosis. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of four commercial glyphosate formulations under simulated spray drift (Scout®, Roundup NA®, Roundup transorb® and Zapp QI®) on the morphoanatomy of six Eucalyptus grandis clones (UFV01, UFV02, UFV03, UFV04, UFV05 and UFV06). Following glyphosate application (129.6 g ha-1), symptoms were monitored daily and, at 14 days, leaf samples from the regions without visible symptoms were collected for microscopic analysis. All clones presented chlorosis and necrosis at the fourth day of glyphosate exposure, regardless of the formulation used. The UFV04 clone did not show any anatomical damage. The other clones suffered plasmolysis, cellular collapse, hypertrophy and formation of cicatrisation tissue. However, changes in leaf blade thickness were not observed. Plants exposed to Roundup transorb® presented the greatest visible intoxication percentage. Anatomically, plants exposed to Roundup NA® showed a higher number of damages. Analysis considering both anatomic and visible damages showed that UFV06 clone was the most susceptible to the formulations tested. The results confirmed the diagnostic and prognostic value of visual and anatomical analysis, respectively, and showed that these parameters are essential to evaluate clone susceptibility and the the phytotoxic potential of herbicides.

The relationship between preeclampsia and the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is poorly understood. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) is a key RAS component and plays an important role in blood pressure homeostasis by generating angiotensin II (Ang II) and inactivating the vasodilator angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)). ACE (I/D) polymorphism is characterized by the insertion (I) or deletion (D) of a 287-bp fragment, leading to changes in ACE activity. In the present study, ACE (I/D) polymorphism was correlated with plasma Ang-(1-7) levels and several RAS components in both preeclamptic (N = 20) and normotensive pregnant women (N = 20). The percentage of the ACE DD genotype (60%) in the preeclamptic group was higher than that for the control group (35%); however, this percentage was not statistically significant (Fisher exact test = 2.86, d.f. = 2, P = 0.260). The highest plasma ACE activity was observed in the ACE DD preeclamptic women (58.1 ± 5.06 vs 27.6 ± 3.25 nmol Hip-His Leu-1 min-1 mL-1 in DD control patients; P = 0.0005). Plasma renin activity was markedly reduced in preeclampsia (0.81 ± 0.2 vs 3.43 ± 0.8 ng Ang I mL plasma-1 h-1 in DD normotensive patients; P = 0.0012). A reduced plasma level of Ang-(1-7) was also observed in preeclamptic women (15.6 ± 1.3 vs 22.7 ± 2.5 pg/mL in the DD control group; P = 0.0146). In contrast, plasma Ang II levels were unchanged in preeclamptic patients. The selective changes in the RAS described in the present study suggest that the ACE DD genotype may be used as a marker for susceptibility to preeclampsia.

Além do glyphosate, amplamente usado, outros herbicidas, como o triclopyr e o carfentrazone-ethyl, apresentam potencial de uso na eucaliptocultura. Entretanto, a nãoseletividade destes herbicidas ao eucalipto pode levar à intoxicação da cultura, caso haja contato das folhas com a calda aplicada. Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da deriva de alguns herbicidas em plantas de Eucalyptus urophylla, simulada por meio de subdoses: 0, 43,2, 86,4 e 172,8 g ha-1 de glyphosate; 14,4, 28,8 e 57,6 g ha-1 de triclopyr; 0,84, 1,68 e 3,36 g ha-1 de carfentrazone-ethyl; e das misturas: 43,2 g ha-1 de glyphosate + 14,4 g ha-1 de triclopyr; 86,4 g ha¹ de glyphosate + 28,6 g ha-1 de triclopyr; 43,2 g ha-1 de glyphosate + 1,68 g ha-1 de carfentrazone-ethyl; 86,4 g ha-1 de glyphosate + 3,36 g ha-1 de carfentrazone-ethyl. As mudas de eucalipto com aproximadamente 50 cm de altura receberam a aplicação dos herbicidas de modo a não atingir o terço superior das plantas, 45 dias após o transplantio. Entre os tratamentos, a deriva de glyphosate mostrou-se mais danosa ao eucalipto, seguida de carfentrazone-ethyl e triclopyr. Plantas de eucalipto expostas à subdose de 172,8 g ha-1 de glyphosate e às misturas glyphosate + carfentrazone-ethyl tiveram maior porcentagem de intoxicação e menor crescimento aos 15, 30 e 45 dias após aplicação (DAA). Houve recuperação das plantas expostas à deriva do triclopyr, que apresentaram 56,25 e 15,10% de intoxicação aos 15 e 30 DAA, respectivamente, indicando menor risco da deriva do triclopyr em comparação aos demais herbicidas e misturas estudados.

Besides glyphosate, which is widely utilized, other herbicides such as triclopyr and carfentrazone-ethyl, have a potential use in eucalypt plantations. However, the non-selective nature of these herbicides may lead to plant intoxication due to leaf contact during application. This work aims to evaluate the effects of some herbicides drift on Eucalyptus urophylla, simulated by applying the following subdoses: 0, 43.2, 86.4 and 172.8 g ha-1 of glyphosate; 14.4, 28.8 and 57.6 g ha-1 of triclopyr; 0.84, 1.68 and 3.36 g ha-1 of carfentrazone-ethyl; and the following mixtures: 43.2 g ha-1 of glyphosate + 14.4 g ha-1 of triclopyr; 86.4 g ha-1 of glyphosate + 28.6 g ha¹ of triclopyr; 43.2 g ha-1 of glyphosate + 1.68 g ha-1 of carfentrazone-ethyl; and 86.4 g ha¹ of glyphosate + 3.36 g ha-1 of carfentrazone-ethyl. The seedlings, about 50 cm high, were applied the herbicides in such a way that their superior third was not reached 45 days after transference. Glyphosate drift caused the most damage to the plant, followed by carfentrazone-ethyl and triclopyr, respectively. Eucalypt plants exposed to a subdose of 172.8 g ha-1 of glyphosate and to glyphosate + carfentrazone-ethyl mixtures, had the highest percentage of intoxication and the lowest growth during the evaluation periods. The plants exposed to triclopyr drift presenting 56.25 and 15.10% of intoxication at 15 and 30 days after application, respectively, were recovered, indicating a lesser triclopyr drift risk, compared with the other herbicides and mixtures studied.

O glyphosate é o herbicida mais utilizado em áreas de reflorestamento de eucalipto. Nessas áreas tem sido freqüente a verificação de sintomas de intoxicação devido à deriva. Entretanto, trabalhos de pesquisa e observações de campo indicam comportamento diferencial entre as espécies e os clones de eucalipto quando em contato com o glyphosate. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da deriva simulada de glyphosate, por meio de doses reduzidas, no crescimento de cinco espécies de eucalipto. Utilizou-se o esquema fatorial 5x5, sendo cinco espécies (Eucalyptus urophylla, E. grandis, E. pellita, E. resinifera e E. saligna) e cinco doses (0; 43,2; 86,4; 172,8; e 345,6 g ha-1 de glyphosate), no delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. A aplicação do herbicida foi feita sobre as plantas, de modo que não atingisse o terço superior, 23 dias após o plantio destas. Os sintomas de intoxicação causados pelo glyphosate foram semelhantes nas diferentes espécies, sendo caracterizados por murcha, clorose e enrolamento foliar, e, no caso de maiores doses, por necroses e senescência foliar. Plantas submetidas a doses acima de 86,4 g ha-1 de glyphosate foram severamente intoxicadas, afetando o seu crescimento, resultando em menor altura, diâmetro do caule e massa seca aos 45 dias após aplicação do herbicida. Entre as espécies estudadas, E. resinifera foi mais tolerante à deriva de glyphosate, apresentando menores valores de intoxicação e maior incremento em altura e diâmetro, mesmo nas plantas submetidas às maiores doses, o que não foi observado nas demais espécies.

Glyphosate is the most used herbicide in eucalypt plantations. In these areas intoxication symptoms are often observed due to glyphosate drift. However, research works and field observations indicate different behaviors among eucalypt species and clones with glyphosate contact. This work aimed to evaluate the effects of simulated glyphosate drift, by means of herbicide subdoses, on the growth of five eucalypt species. The factorial model used five species (Eucalyptus urophylla, E. grandis, E. pellita, E. resinifera and E. saligna) and five subdoses (0, 43.2, 86.4, 172.8, and 345.6 g ha-1 glyphosate) arranged in a randomized block design, with four repetitions. Glyphosate applications were performed on the plants in such a way as to avoid reaching the upper third part of the plants 23 days after seed planting. The intoxication symptoms caused by glyphosate were similar for the different species, as characterized by wilt, chlorosis and leaf curling and in the case of larger doses, by necrosis and leaf senescence. Plants treated with subdoses above 86.4 g ha-1 glyphosate were severely intoxicated and were affected in their growth, with smaller height, diameter and less dry matter after 45 days of herbicide application. Among the species studied, E. resinifera showed to be the most tolerant to glyphosate drift, displaying the lowest intoxication values and greatest height and diameter increases, a fact not observed in the other species.

Angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) is now considered to be a biologically active member of the renin-angiotensin system. The functions of Ang-(1-7) are often opposite to those attributed to the main effector component of the renin-angiotensin system, Ang II. Chronic administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) increases 10- to 25-fold the plasma levels of this peptide, suggesting that part of the beneficial effects of ACEI could be mediated by Ang-(1-7). Ang-(1-7) can be formed from Ang II or directly from Ang I. Other enzymatic pathways for Ang-(1-7) generation have been recently described involving the novel ACE homologue ACE2. This enzyme can form Ang-(1-7) from Ang II or less efficiently by the hydrolysis of Ang I to Ang-(1-9) with subsequent Ang-(1-7) formation. The biological relevance of Ang-(1-7) has been recently reinforced by the identification of its receptor, the G-protein-coupled receptor Mas. Heart and blood vessels are important targets for the formation and actions of Ang-(1-7). In this review we will discuss recent findings concerning the biological role of Ang-(1-7) in the heart and blood vessels, taking into account aspects related to its formation and effects on these tissues. In addition, we will discuss the potential of Ang-(1-7) and its receptor as a target for the development of new cardiovascular drugs.

We evaluated the effects of angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)) on post-ischemic function in isolated hearts from adult male Wistar rats perfused according to the Langendorff technique. Local ischemia was induced by coronary ligation for 15 min. After ischemia, hearts were reperfused for 30 min. Addition of angiotensin II (Ang II) (0.20 nM, N = 10) or Ang-(1-7) (0.22 nM, N = 10) to the Krebs-Ringer perfusion solution (KRS) before the occlusion did not modify diastolic or systolic tension, heart rate or coronary flow (basal values for Ang-(1-7)-treated hearts: 0.72 ± 0.08 g, 10.50 ± 0.66 g, 216 ± 9 bpm, 5.78 ± 0.60 ml/min, respectively). During the period of occlusion, the coronary flow, heart rate and systolic tension decreased (values for Ang-(1-7)-treated hearts: 2.83 ± 0.24 ml/min, 186 ± 7 bpm, 6.95 ± 0.45 g, respectively). During reperfusion a further decrease in systolic tension was observed in control (4.95 ± 0.60 g) and Ang II-treated hearts (4.35 ± 0.62 g). However, in isolated hearts perfused with KRS containing Ang-(1-7) the further reduction of systolic tension during the reperfusion period was prevented (7.37 ± 0.68 g). The effect of Ang-(1-7) on the systolic tension was blocked by the selective Ang-(1-7) antagonist A-779 (2 nM, N = 9), by the bradykinin B2 antagonist HOE 140 (100 nM, N = 10), and by indomethacin pretreatment (5 mg/kg, ip, N = 8). Pretreatment with L-NAME (30 mg/kg, ip, N = 8) did not change the effect of Ang-(1-7) on systolic tension (6.85 ± 0.61 g). These results show that Ang-(1-7) at low concentration (0.22 nM) improves myocardial function (systolic tension) in ischemia/reperfusion through a receptor-mediated mechanism involving release of bradykinin and prostaglandins.