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Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, Volume: 30, Número: 10, Publicado: 1997
  • Isoenzyme analysis of Arthrobotrys, a nematode-trapping fungus Biochemistry And Molecular Biology

    Araújo, J.V.; Junghans, T.G.; Alfenas, A.C.; Gomes, A.P.S.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Extraction and isoenzyme analysis of four isolates of Arthrobotrys including A. musiformis, A. robusta and A. conoides were conducted. Among the 14 enzymes studied by starch gel electrophoresis, using morpholine-citrate as gel/electrode buffer, the following nine enzymes showed interpretable banding patterns: <!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>-esterase, fumarase, hexokinase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, leucine aminopeptidase, malate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase, phosphoglucomutase and phosphoglucoisomerase. All isolates studied displayed typical isoenzyme phenotypes for each species. Two isolates of A. conoides differed in their <!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>-isoesterase banding patterns, but no differences were observed for the other enzymes. The assay was satisfactory for enzyme extraction and resolution of Arthrobotrys and could be used in future taxonomic and genetic studies of this organism
  • A new brain metalloendopeptidase which degrades the Alzheimer ß-amyloid 1-40 peptide producing soluble fragments without neurotoxic effects Biochemistry And Molecular Biology

    Carvalho, K.M.; França, M.S.F.; Camarão, G.C.; Ruchon, A.F.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    A new metalloendopeptidase was purified to apparent homogeneity from a homogenate of normal human brain using successive steps of chromatography on DEAE-Trisacryl, hydroxylapatite and Sephacryl S-200. The purified enzyme cleaved the Gly33-Leu34 bond of the 25-35 neurotoxic sequence of the Alzheimer ß-amyloid 1-40 peptide producing soluble fragments without neurotoxic effects. This enzyme activity was only inhibited by divalent cation chelators such as EDTA, EGTA and o-phenanthroline (1 mM) and was insensitive to phosphoramidon and captopril (1 µM concentration), specific inhibitors of neutral endopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.11) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (EC 3.4.15.1), respectively. The high affinity of this human brain endopeptidase for ß-amyloid 1-40 peptide (Km = 5 µM) suggests that it may play a physiological role in the degradation of this substance produced by normal cellular metabolism. It may also be hypothesized that the abnormal accumulation of the amyloid ß-protein in Alzheimer's disease may be initiated by a defect or an inactivation of this enzyme.
  • Specific fluorogenic substrates for neprilysin (neutral endopeptidase, EC 3.4.24.11) which are highly resistant to serine- and metalloproteases Biochemistry And Molecular Biology

    Medeiros, M.A.S.; França, M.S.F.; Boileau, G.; Juliano, L.; Carvalho, K.M.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Two intramolecularly quenched fluorogenic peptides containing o-aminobenzoyl (Abz) and ethylenediamine 2,4-dinitrophenyl (EDDnp) groups at amino- and carboxyl-terminal amino acid residues, Abz-<!-- $MVD$:face("Times") -->DArg-Arg-Leu-EDDnp (Abz-<!-- $MVD$:face("Times") -->DRRL-EDDnp) and Abz-<!-- $MVD$:face("Times") -->DArg-Arg-Phe-EDDnp (Abz-<!-- $MVD$:face("Times") -->DRRF-EDDnp), were selectively hydrolyzed by neutral endopeptidase (NEP, enkephalinase, neprilysin, EC 3.4.24.11) at the Arg-Leu and Arg-Phe bonds, respectively. The kinetic parameters for the NEP-catalyzed hydrolysis of Abz-<!-- $MVD$:face("Times") -->DRRL-EDDnp and Abz-<!-- $MVD$:face("Times") -->DRRF-EDDnp were Km = 2.8 µM, kcat = 5.3 min-1, kcat/Km = 2 min-1 µM-1 and Km = 5.0 µM, kcat = 7.0 min-1, kcat/Km = 1.4 min-1 µM-1, respectively. The high specificity of these substrates was demonstrated by their resistance to hydrolysis by metalloproteases [thermolysin (EC 3.4.24.2), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE; EC 3.4.24.15)], serineproteases [trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4), <!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>-chymotrypsin (EC 3.4.21.1)] and proteases present in tissue homogenates from kidney, lung, brain and testis. The blocked amino- and carboxyl-terminal amino acids protected these substrates against the action of aminopeptidases, carboxypeptidases and ACE. Furthermore, <!-- $MVD$:face("Times") -->DR amino acids ensured total protection of Abz-<!-- $MVD$:face("Times") -->DRRL-EDDnp and Abz-<!-- $MVD$:face("Times") -->DRRF-EDDnp against the action of thermolysin and trypsin. Leu-EDDnp and Phe-EDDnp were resistant to hydrolysis by <!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>-chymotrypsin. The high specifity of these substrates suggests their use for specific NEP assays in crude enzyme preparations
  • Tissue-specific regulation of IRS-1 in unilaterally nephrectomized rats Clinical Investigation

    Sasse, A.D.; Chen, E.; Carvalho, C.R.O.; Gontijo, J.A.R.; Brenelli, S.L.; Saad, M.J.A.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Insulin stimulates the tyrosine kinase activity of its receptor, resulting in the phosphorylation of its cytosolic substrate, insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1). IRS-1 is also a substrate for different peptides and growth factors, and a transgenic mouse "knockout" for this protein does not have normal growth. However, the role of IRS-1 in kidney hypertrophy and/or hyperplasia was not investigated. In the present study we investigated IRS-1 protein and tyrosine phosphorylation levels in the remnant kidney after unilateral nephrectomy (UNX) in 6-week-old male Wistar rats. After insulin stimulation the levels of insulin receptor and IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation were reduced to 79 ± 5% (P<0.005) and 58 ± 6% (P<0.0001), respectively, of the control (C) levels, in the remnant kidney. It is possible that a circulating factor and/or a local (paracrine) factor playing a role in kidney growth can influence the early steps of insulin action in parallel. To investigate the hypothesis of a circulating factor, we studied the early steps of insulin action in liver and muscle of unilateral nephrectomized rats. There was no change in pp185 tyrosine phosphorylation levels in liver (C 100 ± 12% vs UNX 89 ± 9%, NS) and muscle (C 100 ± 22% vs UNX 91 ± 17%, NS), and also there was no change in IRS-1 phosphorylation levels in both tissues. These data demonstrate that after unilateral nephrectomy there is a decrease in insulin-induced insulin receptor and IRS-1 tyrosine phosphorylation levels in kidney but not in liver and muscle. It will be of interest to investigate which factors, probably paracrine ones, regulate these early steps of insulin action in the contralateral kidney of unilaterally nephrectomized rats.
  • The C-peptide response to a standard mixed meal in a group of Brazilian type 1 diabetic patients Clinical Investigation

    Pozzan, R.; Dimetz, T.; Gazzola, H.M.; Gomes, M.B.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    In order to analyze the different parameters used in the interpretation of C-peptide response in a functional test, we compared a group of 26 type 1 diabetics aged 21.1 ± 8.2 years, with a diabetes duration of 7.9 ± 6.7 months, with a group of 24 non-diabetic subjects aged 25.0 ± 4.4 years. A standard mixed meal of 317 kcal was used as a stimulus. Blood sampling for C-peptide determinations was performed at regular intervals. Although all the studied C-peptide variables were significantly lower in the diabetic group (P<0.0001), some overlapping of parameters was observed between the two groups. The highest degree of overlapping was found for basal value (BV) (30.8%) and percent increase (42.31%), and the lowest for incremental area, absolute increase, peak value (PV) (3.8%), and total area (7.7%) (<!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">c</font>2 = 31.6, P<0.0001). We did not observe a definite pattern in the time of maximum response among the 21 diabetics who showed an increase in C-peptide levels after the stimulus. In this group, however, there was a highly significant number of late responses (120 min) (<!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">c</font>2 = 5.7, P<0.002). Although BV showed a significant correlation with PV (rS = 0.95, P<0.0001), the basal levels of C-peptide did not differentiate the groups with and without response to the stimulus. We conclude that the diabetic group studied showed delayed and reduced C-peptide responses, and that the functional test can be an important tool for the evaluation of residual ß cell function.
  • Lung tissue mechanics in the early stages of induced paracoccidioidomycosis in rats Experimental Biology

    Shikanai-Yasuda, M.A.; Pereira, P.M.; Yamashiro-Kanashiro, E.; Duarte, M.I.S.; Assis, C.M.; Geraldes, E.A.; Saldiva, P.H.N.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Pulmonary dysfunction represents the most important cause of death in patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PBM). In order to investigate the functional changes of the lungs in the early stages of PBM, a model of benign disease was developed by intratracheal challenge of 12-week old isogenic Wistar rats with 1 x 106 yeast forms of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Animals were studied 30 and 60 days after infection, when fully developed granulomas were demonstrable in the lungs. Measurements of airway resistance, lung elastance and tissue hysteresis were made during sinusoidal deformations (100 breaths/min, tidal volume = 2 ml) with direct measurement of alveolar pressure using the alveolar capsule technique. Infection caused a significant increase in hysteresis (infected: 1.69, N = 13; control: 1.13, N = 12, P = 0.024, ANOVA), with no alterations in airway resistance or lung elastance. Histopathological analysis revealed the presence of fully developed granulomas located in the axial compartment of the lung interstitial space. These results suggest that alterations of tissue mechanics represent an early event in experimental PBM
  • Repair of the anophthalmic cavity of rats with synthetic hydroxyapatite Experimental Biology

    Ranzani, J.J.; Rahal, S.C.; Schellini, S.A.; Marques, M.E.A.; Taga, E.M.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    We placed spheres of synthetic hydroxyapatite (calcium chloride combined with sodium phosphate) in the eviscerated or enucleated orbital cavity of rats in order to evaluate the biocompatibility of this material with the orbital cavity. The study was conducted on 50 albino rats, 25 of which were submitted to enucleation and 25 to evisceration of one eye. The animals were sacrificed 7, 15, 21, 30 and 60 days after surgery and the orbital content was submitted to histopathological examination. A reaction of the young granulation tissue type was observed first. The hydroxyapatite was gradually surrounded by a granulomatous macrophage inflammatory response and covered with dense connective tissue that formed a sort of" mesh" septating and supporting progressively smaller blocks of the substance. The same type of reaction was observed in the enucleated and eviscerated cavities. We conclude that synthetic hydroxyapatite is an inert nonallergenic material which is appropriate for volume replacement in the anophthalmic cavity
  • Rotavirus and reovirus interaction with mouse peritoneal resident phagocytic cells Experimental Biology

    Guimarães, M.A.A.M.; Nozawa, C.M.; Guimarães, A.C.C.; Ramos, S.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Rotaviruses and reoviruses are involved in human and animal diseases. It is known that both viruses penetrate the gastrointestinal tract but their interaction with phagocytic cells is unknown. To study this interaction, peritoneal resident phagocytic cells were used and rotavirus and reovirus replication in peritoneal phagocytic cells was observed. However, rotavirus replication in these cells led to the production of defective particles since MA-104 cells inoculated with rotavirus phagocytic cell lysate did not show any evidence of virus replication. On the basis of these results, we suggest that, although reovirus dissemination may be helped by these phagocytic cells, these cells may control rotavirus infection and probably contribute to the prevention of its dissemination.
  • Clearance-inducing antibodies are responsible for protection against the acute phase of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in mice Immunology

    Umekita, L.F.; Ramos, D.P.; Mota, I.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    A study was conducted on mice infected with strains Y and CL of Trypanosoma cruzi. The ability of anti-Y and anti-CL sera to induce complement-mediated lysis, immune clearance and protection against the acute phase of the infection was studied using homologous anti-Y or anti-CL serum tested with the Y or CL strain, or heterologous anti-Y serum tested with the CL strain or anti-CL serum tested with the Y strain. Complement-mediated lysis was induced by both homologous and heterologous antisera but protection was afforded only by homologous antisera. Immune clearance was induced by homologous but not by heterologous antisera. Antisera with high clearance ability were able to confer protection whereas antisera with high lytic ability were not. These results show a high correlation between the antibody ability to induce clearance and to confer protection and suggest that clearance rather than lysis is responsible for protection against the acute phase of the infection. The mechanism of antibody protection against the acute phase of the infection is discussed.
  • Thalidomide protects mice against LPS-induced shock Immunology

    Moreira, A.L.; Wang, J.; Sarno, E.N.; Kaplan, G.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Thalidomide has been shown to selectively inhibit TNF-<!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font> production in vitro by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated monocytes. TNF-<!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font> has been shown to play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of endotoxic shock. Using a mouse model of LPS-induced shock, we investigated the effects of thalidomide on the production of TNF-<!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font> and other cytokines and on animal survival. After injection of 100-350 µg LPS into mice, cytokines including TNF-<!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1ß, GM-CSF and IFN-<!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">g</font> were measured in the serum. Administration of 200 mg/kg thalidomide to mice before LPS challenge modified the profile of LPS-induced cytokine secretion. Serum TNF-<!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font> levels were reduced by 93%, in a dose-dependent manner, and TNF-<!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font> mRNA expression in the spleens of mice was reduced by 70%. Serum IL-6 levels were also inhibited by 50%. Thalidomide induced a two-fold increase in serum IL-10 levels. Thalidomide treatment did not interfere with the production of GM-CSF, IL-1ß or IFN-<!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">g</font>. The LD50 of LPS in this model was increased by thalidomide pre-treatment from 150 µg to 300 µg in 72 h. Thus, at otherwise lethal doses of LPS, thalidomide treatment was found to protect animals from death
  • Distribution of the <FONT FACE=Symbol>a</font>2, <FONT FACE=Symbol>a</font>3, and <FONT FACE=Symbol>a</font>5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunits in the chick brain Neurosciences And Behavior

    Torrão, A.S.; Lindstrom, J.M.; Britto, L.R.G.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ionotropic receptors comprised of <FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font> and ß subunits. These receptors are widely distributed in the central nervous system, and previous studies have revealed specific patterns of localization for some nAChR subunits in the vertebrate brain. In the present study we used immunohistochemical methods and monoclonal antibodies to localize the <FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>2, <FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>3, and <FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>5 nAChR subunits in the chick mesencephalon and diencephalon. We observed a differential distribution of these three subunits in the chick brain, and showed that the somata and neuropil of many central structures contain the <FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>5 nAChR subunit. The <FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>2 and <FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>3 subunits, on the other hand, exhibited a more restricted distribution than <FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>5 and other subunits previously studied, namely <FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>7, <FONT FACE="Symbol">a</font>8 and ß2. The patterns of distribution of the different nAChR subunits suggest that neurons in many brain structures may contain several subtypes of nAChRs and that in a few regions one particular subtype may determine the cholinergic nicotinic responses
  • Acetylcholinesterase activity in the pons and medulla oblongata of rats after chronic electroconvulsive shock Neurosciences And Behavior

    Camarini, R.; Benedito, M.A.C.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    An imbalance between cholinergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission has been proposed for the etiology of affective disorders. According to this hypothesis, depression would be the result of enhanced cholinergic and reduced noradrenergic neurotransmission. Repeated electroconvulsive shock (ECS) is an effective treatment for depression; moreover, in laboratory animals it induces changes in brain noradrenergic neurotransmission similar to those obtained by chronic treatment with antidepressant drugs (down-regulation of beta-adrenergic receptors). The aim of the present study was to determine whether repeated ECS in rats changes acetylcholinesterase (Achase) activity. Achase controls the level of acetylcholine (Ach) in the synaptic cleft and its levels seem to be regulated by the interaction between Ach and its receptor. Thus, a decrease in Achase activity would suggest decreased cholinergic activity. Adult male Wistar rats received one ECS (80 mA, 0.2 s, 60 Hz) daily for 7 days. Control rats were handled in the same way without receiving the shock. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after the last ECS and membrane-bound and soluble Achase activity was assayed in homogenates obtained from the pons and medulla oblongata. A statistically significant decrease in membrane-bound Achase activity (nmol thiocholine formed min-1 mg protein-1) (control 182.6 ± 14.8, ECS 162.2 ± 14.2, P<0.05) and an increase in soluble Achase activity in the medulla oblongata (control 133.6 ± 4.2, ECS 145.8 ± 12.3, P<0.05) were observed. No statistical differences were observed in Achase activity in the pons. Although repeated ECS induced a decrease in membrane-bound Achase activity, the lack of changes in the pons (control Achase activity: total 231.0 ± 34.5, membrane-bound 298.9 ± 18.5, soluble 203.9 ± 30.9), the region where the locus coeruleus, the main noradrenergic nucleus, is located, does not seem to favor the existence of an interaction between cholinergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission after ECS treatment
  • Participation of kinins in the inhibitory action of captopril on acute hypertension induced by L-NAME in anesthetized rats Pharmacology

    Soares de Moura, R.; Cardoso, M.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of bradykinin in the inhibitory action of captopril in hypertension induced by L-NAME in anesthetized rats. Male Wistar rats (260-320 g) were anesthetized with chloralose and arterial blood pressure was recorded with a polygraph pressure transducer. The hypertensive effect of L-NAME was studied in rats pretreated with saline, captopril or HOE 140 plus captopril. The effect of captopril was also studied during the sustained pressor effect of L-NAME. The acute pressor effect of L-NAME (10 mg/kg, iv) was significantly reduced by iv pretreatment with 2 mg/kg captopril (<!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">D</font> increase of 49 ± 4.9 mmHg reduced to 20 ± 5.4 mmHg, P = 0.01). The pressor effect of L-NAME (<!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">D</font> increase of 38 ± 4.8 mmHg) observed in rats pretreated with captopril and HOE 140 (0.1 mg/kg, iv) was not significantly different from that induced by L-NAME in rats pretreated with saline (P = 0.09). During the sustained pressor effect induced by L-NAME (<!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">D</font> increase of 49 ± 4.9 mmHg) captopril induced a significant (P<0.05) reduction in arterial blood pressure (<!-- $MVD$:face("Symbol") --><FONT FACE="Symbol">D</font> decrease of 22 ± 3.0 mmHg). The present results demonstrate that the acute pressor effect of L-NAME is reduced by captopril and this inhibitory effect may be partly dependent on the potentiation of the vasodilator actions of bradykinin
  • Antinociceptive effect of intrathecal neostigmine evaluated in rats by two different pain models Pharmacology

    Prado, W.A.; Gonçalves, A.S.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    The analgesic efficacy of cholinergic agonists and anticholinesterase agents has been widely recognized. The analgesic effect obtained by activating cholinergic mechanisms, however, seems to depend on the experimental pain model utilized for its evaluation. The antinociceptive effect of intraspinal neostigmine was examined in rats submitted concurrently to the tail flick and formalin tests. Neostigmine (8.25 and 16.5 nmol) produced a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect in the tail flick test (a model of phasic pain) and reduced the first phase (phasic pain) of the animal response to formalin also in a dose-dependent manner. The second phase (tonic pain) of the response to formalin, however, was slightly reduced after a longer period of time only by the higher dose of the anticholinesterase. The effect of neostigmine was not significantly different when the drug was injected into rats submitted exclusively to the tail flick test. The second phase of the animal response to formalin was slightly reduced by neostigmine (8.25 nmol) and strongly inhibited by the higher dose of the anticholinesterase when injection was made after the first phase. We conclude that phasic and tonic pain can both be controlled by high doses of neostigmine. In addition, we show that inhibition by a lower dose of neostigmine of the formalin-induced phasic pain did not prevent the subsequent occurrence of tonic pain produced by the irritant
  • Computerized analysis of isometric tension studies provides important additional information about vasomotor activity Physiology And Biophysics

    Vincent, M.B.; White, L.R.; Bakken, I.J.; Sjaavaag, I.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Concentration-response curves of isometric tension studies on isolated blood vessels are obtained traditionally. Although parameters such as Imax, EC50 and pA2 may be readily calculated, this method does not provide information on the temporal profile of the responses or the actual nature of the reaction curves. Computerized data acquisition systems can be used to obtain average data that represent a new source of otherwise inaccessible information, since early and late responses may be observed separately in detail
  • Is the Thoroughbred race-horse under chronic stress? Physiology And Biophysics

    Nogueira, G.P.; Barnabe, R.C.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    Thoroughbred fillies were divided into three groups according to age: group 1, 7 fillies aged 1 to 2 years (G1) starting the training program; group 2, 9 fillies aged 2 to 3 years (G2) in a full training program; group 3, 8 older fillies 3 to 4 years of age (G3) training and racing. Blood samples were collected weekly from July to December. Cortisol was quantified using a solid phase DPC kit. The intra- and interassay coefficients of variation were 12.5% and 15.65% and sensitivity was 1.9 ± 0.2 nmol/l. The semester average of cortisol levels varied between groups: G1 = 148.8 ± 6.7, G2 = 125.7 ± 5.8, G3 = 101.1 ± 5.4 nmol/l, with G3 differing statistically from the other groups. The lower cortisol levels observed in the older fillies lead us to propose that the stress stimulus, when maintained over a long period of time, may become chronic and result in a reduction of hypophyseal corticotropin-releasing hormone receptors. The secretion of endogenous opioids may also lead to low serum cortisol levels.
  • Pulmonary emphysema induced by passive smoking: an experimental study in rats Physiology And Biophysics

    Cendon, S.P.; Battlehner, C.; Lorenzi-Filho, G.; Dohlnikoff, M.; Pereira, P.M.; Conceição, G.M.S.; Beppu, O.S.; Saldiva, P.H.N.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    We describe a short time model for inducing experimental emphysema in rats by chronic tobacco smoke inhalation. Three groups of male Wistar rats (6 months old) were studied: controls (N = 8), rats intoxicated for 45 days (s-45, N = 7) or for 90 days (s-90, N = 8). The exposed animals were intoxicated 3 times a day (10 cigarettes per exposure period), 5 days a week. Pulmonary damage was assessed by means of functional tests and quantitative pathological examination of the airways and lung parenchyma. The s-45 and s-90 animals were similar in terms of functional residual capacity (FRC) corrected for body weight (FRC/kg) but both groups of smoking rats exhibited significantly higher FRC/kg values than the controls (s-45 = 6.33; s-90 = 6.46; controls = 3.78; P<0.05). When the two groups of smoking rats were pooled together and compared to controls, they showed decreased lung elastance (1.6 vs 2.19; P = 0.046) and increased mean linear intercept (Lm) (85.14 vs 66.44; P = 0.025). The s-90 animals presented higher inflammation and muscular hypertrophy at the level of the axial bronchus than the controls (P<0.05). When smoking groups were pooled and compared to controls, they presented significantly higher inflammation at the lateral level (P = 0.028), as well as airway secretory hyperplasia (P = 0.024) and smooth muscle hypertrophy (P = 0.005) at the axial level. Due to its simplicity, low cost and short duration, this technique may be a useful model to obtain new information about airspace remodeling due to chronic tobacco consumption
  • Hemodynamic responses to acute aortic coarctation in conscious sinoaortic denervated rats Physiology And Biophysics

    Fazan Jr., R.; Machado, B.H.; Salgado, H.C.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    The hemodynamic responses to acute (45 min) partial aortic constriction were studied in conscious intact (N = 7) or sinoaortic denervated (SAD) adult male Wistar rats (280-350 g, N = 7) implanted with carotid and femoral arterial catheters, a pneumatic cuff around the abdominal aorta and a pulsed Doppler flow probe to measure changes in aortic resistance. In addition, the hypertensive response and the reflex bradycardia elicited by total (N = 8) vs partial (N = 7) aortic constriction (monitored by maintenance of the pressure distal to the cuff at 50 mmHg) were compared in two other groups of intact rats. Intact rats presented a smaller hypertensive response (26 to 40% above basal level) to partial aortic constriction than SAD rats (38 to 58%). The calculated change in aortic resistance imposed by constriction of the aorta increased progressively only in intact rats, but was significantly smaller (193 to 306%) than that observed (501 to 591%) in SAD rats. Intact rats showed a significant bradycardia (23 to 26% change in basal heart rate) throughout coarctation, whereas the SAD rats did not (1 to 3%). Partial or total occlusion of the aorta induced similar hypertensive responses (37-38% vs 24-30% for total constriction) as well as reflex bradycardia (-15 to -17% vs -22 to -33%) despite a greater gradient in pressure (97-98 vs 129-140 mmHg) caused by total constriction. The present data indicate that the integrity of the baroreflex in intact rats can cause the hypertensive response to level off at a lower value than in SAD rats despite a progressive increase in aortic resistance. In addition, they also indicate that the degree of partial aortic constriction by maintenance of the pressure distal to the cuff at 50 mmHg already elicits a maximal stimulation of the arterial baroreflex
  • Gastroduodenal resistance and neural mechanisms involved in saline flow decrease elicited by acute blood volume expansion in anesthetized rats Physiology And Biophysics

    Graça, J.R.V.; Gondim, F. de-A.A.; Cavalcante, D.I.M.; Xavier-Neto, J.; Messias, E.L.M.; Rego, M.C.V.; Marques, J.A.P.; Santos, A.A.; Rola, F.H.

    Resumo em Inglês:

    We have previously demonstrated that blood volume (BV) expansion decreases saline flow through the gastroduodenal (GD) segment in anesthetized rats (Xavier-Neto J, dos Santos AA & Rola FH (1990) Gut, 31: 1006-1010). The present study attempts to identify the site(s) of resistance and neural mechanisms involved in this phenomenon. Male Wistar rats (N = 97, 200-300 g) were surgically manipulated to create four gut circuits: GD, gastric, pyloric and duodenal. These circuits were perfused under barostatically controlled pressure (4 cmH2O). Steady-state changes in flow were taken to reflect modifications in circuit resistances during three periods of time: normovolemic control (20 min), expansion (10-15 min), and expanded (30 min). Perfusion flow rates did not change in normovolemic control animals over a period of 60 min. BV expansion (Ringer bicarbonate, 1 ml/min up to 5% body weight) significantly (P<0.05) reduced perfusion flow in the GD (10.3 ± 0.5 to 7.6 ± 0.6 ml/min), pyloric (9.0 ± 0.6 to 5.6 ± 1.2 ml/min) and duodenal (10.8 ± 0.4 to 9.0 ± 0.6 ml/min) circuits, but not in the gastric circuit (11.9 ± 0.4 to 10.4 ± 0.6 ml/min). Prazosin (1 mg/kg) and yohimbine (3 mg/kg) prevented the expansion effect on the duodenal but not on the pyloric circuit. Bilateral cervical vagotomy prevented the expansion effect on the pylorus during the expansion but not during the expanded period and had no effect on the duodenum. Atropine (0.5 mg/kg), hexamethonium (10 mg/kg) and propranolol (2 mg/kg) were ineffective on both circuits. These results indicate that 1) BV expansion increases the GD resistance to liquid flow, 2) pylorus and duodenum are important sites of resistance, and 3) yohimbine and prazosin prevented the increase in duodenal resistance and vagotomy prevented it partially in the pylorus
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