Rogério Brandão Wichi

Bio: Rogério Brandão Wichi is an academic researcher from Universidade Federal de Sergipe. The author has contributed to research in topics: Blood pressure & Autonomic nervous system. The author has an hindex of 15, co-authored 48 publications receiving 716 citations. Previous affiliations of Rogério Brandão Wichi include University of São Paulo & Wright State University.

Exercise training changes autonomic cardiovascular balance in mice

Abstract: Experiments were performed to investigate the influence of exercise training on cardiovascular function in mice. Heart rate, arterial pressure, baroreflex sensitivity, and autonomic control of hear...

Noninvasive and invasive evaluation of cardiac dysfunction in experimental diabetes in rodents

Abstract: Background Because cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death in diabetic patients, the determination of myocardial function in diabetes mellitus is essential. In the present study, we provide an integrated approach, using noninvasive echocardiography and invasive hemodynamics to assess early changes in myocardial function of diabetic rats.

Cardiovascular control in experimental diabetes

Abstract: Several studies have reported impairment in cardiovascular function and control in diabetes. The studies cited in this review were carried out from a few days up to 3 months after streptozotocin administration and were concerned with the control of the circulation. We observed that early changes (5 days) in blood pressure control by different peripheral receptors were maintained for several months. Moreover, the impairment of reflex responses observed after baroreceptor and chemoreceptor stimulation was probably related to changes in the efferent limb of the reflex arc (sympathetic and parasympathetic), but changes also in the central nervous system could not be excluded. Changes in renal sympathetic nerve activity during volume expansion were blunted in streptozotocin-treated rats, indicating an adaptive natriuretic and diuretic response in the diabetic state. The improvement of diabetic cardiovascular dysfunction induced by exercise training seems to be related to changes in the autonomic nervous system. Complementary studies about the complex interaction between circulation control systems are clearly needed to adequately address the management of pathophysiological changes associated with diabetes.

Increased blood pressure in the offspring of diabetic mothers.

Abstract: Studies were conducted in rats to determine the effect of maternal diabetes and the consequent hyperglycemia on cardiovascular function in the offspring. Diabetes was induced in pregnant Wistar rat...

Mechanisms of Diabetic Complications

Abstract: It is increasingly apparent that not only is a cure for the current worldwide diabetes epidemic required, but also for its major complications, affecting both small and large blood vessels. These complications occur in the majority of individuals with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Among the most prevalent microvascular complications are kidney disease, blindness, and amputations, with current therapies only slowing disease progression. Impaired kidney function, exhibited as a reduced glomerular filtration rate, is also a major risk factor for macrovascular complications, such as heart attacks and strokes. There have been a large number of new therapies tested in clinical trials for diabetic complications, with, in general, rather disappointing results. Indeed, it remains to be fully defined as to which pathways in diabetic complications are essentially protective rather than pathological, in terms of their effects on the underlying disease process. Furthermore, seemingly independent pathways are also showing significant interactions with each other to exacerbate pathology. Interestingly, some of these pathways may not only play key roles in complications but also in the development of diabetes per se. This review aims to comprehensively discuss the well validated, as well as putative mechanisms involved in the development of diabetic complications. In addition, new fields of research, which warrant further investigation as potential therapeutic targets of the future, will be highlighted.

Determination of cell types and numbers during cardiac development in the neonatal and adult rat and mouse.

Abstract: Cardiac fibroblasts, myocytes, endothelial cells, and vascular smooth muscle cells are the major cellular constituents of the heart. The aim of this study was to observe alterations in myocardial c...

Exercise training and sympathetic nervous system activity: evidence for physical activity dependent neural plasticity.

Abstract: 1. It has been generally accepted that regular physical activity is associated with beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system. In fact, the idea that exercise maintains cardiovascular health is evident by the direct links between a sedentary lifestyle and the risk of cardiovascular and other disease states. 2. Cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension and heart failure, are often associated with sympathetic nervous system (SNS) overactivity. Conversely, exercise has been shown to reduce hypertension and decrease elevated SNS activity. In addition, there is evidence that exercise may reduce resting blood pressure and sympathetic outflow in normal individuals. 3. Although somewhat controversial in humans, evidence from animal studies also indicates that exercise training reduces baroreflex-mediated and other forms of sympathoexcitation in normal individuals. Collectively, these data are consistent with the hypothesis that physical activity may decrease, and physical inactivity may increase, the incidence of cardiovascular disease via alterations in SNS activity. Despite the important clinical implications of this possibility, the mechanisms by which exercise alters control of SNS activity remain to be fully elucidated. 4. Recent evidence suggests that central nervous system (CNS) plasticity occurs under a variety of conditions, including varying levels of physical activity. The purpose of the present brief review is to provide evidence that changes within the CNS contribute importantly to altered regulation of the SNS observed following exercise training. The primary hypothesis is that physical activity versus inactivity produces plasticity within neural networks that regulate SNS activity. This hypothesis is supported by published and preliminary data that suggest that exercise training may reduce sympathoexcitation by reducing activation of neurons within cardiovascular regions of the brain. These mechanisms are likely to be important in disease states of sympathetic overactivity and in normal healthy individuals whose risk of cardiovascular disease is reduced by leading an active versus sedentary lifestyle.