Showing papers by "Sao Paulo State University published in 1996"

Role of 5-HT in stress, anxiety, and depression

Abstract: There are conflicting results on the function of 5-HT in anxiety and depression. To reconcile this evidence, Deakin and Graeff have suggested that the ascending 5-HT pathway that originates in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and innervates the amygdala and frontal cortex facilitates conditioned fear, while the DRN-periventricular pathway innervating the periventricular and periaqueductal gray matter inhibits inborn fight/flight reactions to impending danger, pain, or asphyxia. To study the role of the DRN 5-HT system in anxiety, we microinjected 8-OH-DPAT into the DRN to inhibit 5-HT release. This treatment impaired inhibitory avoidance (conditioned fear) without affecting one-way escape (unconditioned fear) in the elevated T-maze, a new animal model of anxiety. We also applied three drug treatments that increase 5-HT release from DRN terminals: 1) intra-DRN microinjection of the benzodiazepine inverse agonist FG 4172, 2) intra-DRN microinjection of the excitatory amino acid kainic acid, and 3) intraperitoneal injection of the 5-HT releaser and uptake blocker D-fenfluramine. All treatments enhanced inhibitory avoidance in T-maze. D-Fenfluramine and intra-DRN kainate also decreased one-way escape. In healthy volunteers, D-fenfluramine and the 5-HT agonist mCPP (mainly 5-HT2C) increased, while the antagonists ritanserin (5-HT2A/2C) and SR 46349B (5-HT2A) decreased skin conductance responses to an aversively conditioned stimulus (tone). In addition, D-fenfluramine decreased, whereas ritanserin increased subjective anxiety induced by simulated public speaking, thought to represent unconditioned anxiety. Overall, these results are compatible with the above hypothesis. Deakin and Graeff have suggested that the pathway connecting the median raphe nucleus (MRN) to the dorsal hippocampus promotes resistance to chronic, unavoidable stress. In the present study, we found that 24 h after electrolytic lesion of the rat MRN glandular gastric ulcers occurred, and the immune response to the mitogen concanavalin A was depressed. Seven days after the same lesion, the ulcerogenic effect of restraint was enhanced. Microinjection of 8-OH-DPAT, the nonselective agonist 5-MeO-DMT, or the 5-HT uptake inhibitor zimelidine into the dorsal hippocampus immediately after 2 h of restraint reversed the deficits of open arm exploration in the elevated plus-maze, measured 24 h after restraint. The effect of the two last drugs was antagonized by WAY-100135, a selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist. These results are compatible with the hypothesis that the MRN-dorsal hippocampus 5-HT system attenuates stress by facilitation of hippocampal 5-HT1A-mediated neurotransmission. Clinical implications of these results are discussed, especially with regard to panic disorder and depression.

RFLP and Cytogenetic Evidence on the Origin and Evolution of Allotetraploid Domesticated Peanut, Arachis hypogaea (Leguminosae)

Abstract: Nuclear restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was used to determine the wild diploid Arachis species that hybridized to form tetraploid domesticated peanut. Results using 20 previously mapped cDNA clones strongly indicated A. duranensis as the progenitor of the A genome of domesticated peanut and A ipaensis as the B genome parent A large amount of RFLP variability was found among the various accessions of A duranensis, and accessions most similar to the A genome of cultivated peanut were identified. Chloroplast DNA RFLP analysis determined that A duranensis was the female parent of the original hybridization event Domesticated peanut is known to have one genome with a distinctly smaller pair of chromosomes ("A"), and one genome that lacks this pair. Cytogenetic analysis demonstrated that A duranensis has a pair of "A" chromosomes, and A. ipaensis does not The cytogenetic evidence is thus consistent with the RFLP evidence concerning the identity of the progenitors RFLP and cytogenetic evidence indicate a single origin for domesticated peanut in Northern Argentina or Southern Bolivia, followed by diversification under the influence of cultivation

Factors determining rock phosphate solubilization by microorganisms isolated from soil.

Abstract: Forty two soil isolates (31 bacteria and 11 fungi) were studied for their ability to solubilize rock phosphate and calcium phosphate in culture medium. Eight bacteria and 8 fungi possessed solubilizing ability. Pseudomonas cepacia and Penicillium purpurogenum showed the highest activity. There was a correlation between final pH value and titratable acidity (r=-0.29 to -0.87) and between titratable acidity and soluble phosphate (r=0.22 to 0.99). Correlation values were functions of insoluble phosphate and of the group of microorganisms considered. A high correlation was observed between final pH and soluble phosphate only for the rock phosphates inoculated with the highest concentration of solubilizing bacteria (r=-0.73 to -0.98).

Differential response of the luteal phase and fertility in cattle following ovulation of the first-wave follicle with human chorionic gonadotropin or an agonist of gonadotropin-releasing hormone

Abstract: A series of experiments with Holstein heifers was conducted to develop the capability of inducing accessory corpus luteum (CL) with a GnRH agonist (Buserelin, 8 micrograms; GnRHa) or hCG (3,000 IU) to increase plasma progesterone concentrations (Exp. 1, 2, and 3) and to test whether induction of accessory CL with hCG will increase conception rates in heifers (Exp. 4) and lactating cows (Exp. 5). In Exp. 1, heifers were treated on d 5 after estrus with GnRHa (n = 8) or saline (n = 7); heifers in Exp. 2 received hCG (n = 5) or saline (n = 4) on d 5. Experiment 3 allowed a contemporary evaluation of heifers treated on d 5 with GnRHa (n = 6), hCG (n = 6), saline (n = 6), or GnRHa at d 5 and hCG at the time of the induced ovulation (n = 5). The GnRHa and hCG were equally effective in inducing an accessory CL (93% induction rate), but the subsequent increase in progesterone concentrations was greater in hCG-treated heifers. A greater half life of hCG may provide longer LH-like stimulation of the first-wave follicle and subsequent developing accessory CL or a greater luteotropic effect on the original CL. Induction of an accessory CL with hCG on d 5 or 6 after insemination did not increase pregnancy rates in fertile heifers (Exp. 4: hCG = 64.8% vs control = 62.9%; n = 243) or lactating dairy cows during summer heat stress (Exp. 5: hCG = 24.2% vs control = 23.5%; n = 201).

Effect of organic synthetic food colours on mitochondrial respiration

Abstract: Eleven organic synthetic dyes, currently or formerly used as food colours in Brazil, were tested to determine their effect on mitochondrial respiration in mitochondria isolated from rat liver and kidney. The compounds tested were: Erythrosine, Ponceau 4R, Allura Red, Sunset yellow, Tartrazine, Amaranth, Brilliant Blue, Blue, Fast Red E, Orange GGN and Scarlet GN. All food colours tested inhibited mitochondrial respiration (State III respiration, uncoupled) supported either by alpha-ketoglutarate or succinate. This inhibition varied largely, e.g. from 100% to 16% for Erythrosine and Tartrazine respectively, at a concentration of 0.1 mg food colour per mitochondrial protein. Both rat liver and kidney mitochondria showed similar patterns of inhibition among the food colours tested. This effect was dose related and the concentration to give 50% inhibition was determined for some of the dyes. The xanthene dye Erythrosine, which showed the strongest effect, was selected for further investigation on mitochondria in vivo.

Fisheries in large tropical reservoirs in South America

Abstract: The present status of large reservoir fisheries and their management in large reservoirs in South America are reviewed. There is a brief discussion about reservoir typology, and how most of it is inappropriate to fish. Fish in reservoirs and their introduction from other habitats are described, together with comparative yields. The main impacts due to damming are described, including social aspects. Four case studies are presented for the largest reservoirs in South America: Sobradinho, Tucurui and Itaipu in Brazil, and El Guri in Venezuela.

Linamarin: the toxic compound of cassava

Abstract: Cassava is a widely grown root crop which accumulates two cyanogenic glucosides, linamarin and lotaustralin. Linamarin accounts for more than 80% of the cassava cyanogenic glucosides. It is a s-glucoside of acetone cyanohydrin and ethyl-methyl-ketone-cyanohydrin. Linamarin s-linkage can only be broken under high pressure, high temperature and use of mineral acids, while its enzymatic break occurs easily. Linamarase, an endogenous cassava enzyme, can break this s-linkage. The enzymatic reaction occurs under optimum conditions at 25oC, at pH 5.5 to 6.0. Linamarin is present in all parts of the cassava plant, being more concentrated on the root and leaves. If the enzyme and substrate are joined, a good detoxification can occur. All the cassava plant species are known to contain cyanide. Toxicity caused by free cyanide (CN¯) has already been reported, while toxicity caused by glucoside has not. The lethal dose of CN¯ is 1 mg/kg of live weight; hence, cassava root classification into toxic and non-toxic depending on the amount of cyanide in the root. Should the cyanide content be high enough to exceed such a dose, the root is regarded as toxic. Values from 15 to 400 ppm (mg CN¯/kg of fresh weight) of hydrocyanic acid in cassava roots have been mentioned in the literature. However, more frequent values in the interval 30 to 150 ppm have been observed. Processed cassava food consumed in Brazil is safe in regard to cyanide toxicity.

A heuristic method for reactive power planning

Abstract: An approach for solving power system reactive power planning problems is presented, which is based on binary search techniques and the use of a special heuristic to obtain a discrete solution. Two versions were developed, one to run on conventional (sequential) computers and the other to run on a distributed memory (hypercube) machine. This latter parallel processing version employs an asynchronous programming model. Once the set of candidate buses has been defined, the program gives the location and size of the reactive sources needed (if any) in keeping with operating and security constraints.

The evolution of scorpionism in brazil in recent years

Abstract: In this paper further information concerning the ecological and biogeographical aspects of scorpionism is presented. Some of the information already outlined in three previous publications(10,14,16) is assessed, and new data given concerning the pattern of distribution presented by Tityus serrulatus in Brazil. Some new ideas are also proposed regarding the possible evolutionary advantages and disadvantages of parthenogenesis versus sexuality in both the short-term and the long-term.

Fluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy imaging of elastic fibers in hematoxylin-eosin stained sections

Abstract: We have studied the possibility of associating fluorescence microscopy and hematoxylin-eosin staining for the identification of elastic fibers in elastin-rich tissues. Elastic fibers and elastic laminae were consistently identified by the proposed procedure, which revealed it-self to be easy and useful for the determination of such structures and their distribution. The fluorescence properties of stained elastic fibers are due to eosin staining as revealed by fluorescence analysis of the dye in solution, with no or only minor contribution by the elastin autofluorescence. The main advantage of this technique resides in the possibility of studying the distribution of elastic fibers in file material without further sectioning and staining. The use of the confocal laser scanning microscope greatly improved the resolution and selectivity of imaging elastic fibers in different tissues. The determination of the three-dimensional distribution and structure of elastic fiber and laminae using the confocal laser scanning microscope was evaluated and also produced excellent results.

Microstructural development of ZnO varistor during reactive liquid phase sintering

Abstract: The microstructural evolution, grain growth and densification for the varistor systems ZnO-Bi2O3 (ZB), ZnO-Bi2O3-Sb2O3 (ZBS), ZnO-Bi2O3-Sb2O3-MnO-Cr2O3-CoO (ZBSCCM) were studied using constant heating rate sintering, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) andin situ phase formation measurement by high temperature X-ray diffraction (HT-XRD). The results showed that the densifying process is controlled by the formation and decomposition of the Zn2Bi3Sb3O14 pyrochlore (PY) phase for the ZBS and ZBSCCM systems. The addition of transition metals (ZBSCCM system) alters the formation and decomposition reaction temperatures of the pyrochlore phase and the morphology of the Zn7Sb2O12 spinel phase. Thus, the spinel grains act as inclusions and decrease the ZnO grain growth rate. Spinel grain growth kinetics in the ZBSCCM system showed ann value of 2.6, and SEM and HT-XRD results indicate two grain growth mechanisms based on coalescence and Ostwald ripening.

Investigation of Anti-Inflammatory and Antinociceptive Activities of trans-Dehydrocrotonin, a 19-Nor-Clerodane Diterpene from Croton cajucara. Part 1

Abstract: The anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of trans-dehydrocrotonin, isolated from the bark of Croton cajucara (Euphorbiaceae), were investigated using several animal models. The trans-dehydrocrotonin produced a significant inhibition of carrageenin-induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma in rats. It also inhibited the writhings in mice induced by acetic acid, but did not show a significant effect in the hot-plate test in mice. The LD50 of t-DCTN was 555.0 mg/kg (p.o.) for mice.

Studies on hyaluronidase, chondroitin sulphatase, proteinase and phospholipase secreted by Candida species

Abstract: UNIV ESTADUAL PAULISTA JULIO MESQUITA FILHO,UNESP,SCH DENT,DEPT PATHOL,S JOSE CAMPOS,SP,BRAZIL

Study of the embryotoxic effects of an extract of rosemary (rosmarinus officinalis l.)

Abstract: Extracts of rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis L., have been used in folk medicine as a diuretic, an emenagogue, an antispasmodic and its aqueous extract does not present toxicity to man, presenting, however, abortive effects. In order to evaluate if this plant induces abortion and/or interferes with the normal development of the concepts, doses of 26 mg of a 30% (w/v) R. officinalis aqueous extract (13 mg solids/ml) made with leaves, flowers and stem were administered daily by gavage during two different periods of Wistar rat pregnancy. One group of animals (N = 12) received the extract from days 1 to 6 of pregnancy (preimplantation period) and another group (N = 14) received the same extract from days 6 to 15 of pregnancy (organogenic period). Control groups (N = 12) received saline in the same volume and during the same periods as their respective experimental groups. The animals were sacrificed at term. The treatment of the dams during either the preimplantation or the organogenic period did not cause significant changes in the postimplantation loss or in the number of anomalies or malformations of the term fetuses, which also showed a similar degree of development when compared with the respective controls. The percent of preimplantation loss in the group treated before embryo implantation increased, although the difference was not significant compared to the control. This result suggests that rosemary extract may present an anti-implantation effect without interfering with the normal development of the concept after implantation.

Effect of acute heat stress on heat shock protein 70 messenger RNA and on heat shock protein expression in the liver of broilers

Abstract: 1. The synthesis of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) mRNA and the expression of Hsp70 in the liver of broiler chickens submitted to acute heat stress (35°C for 5 h) was investigated. 2. Hsp70 expression was detected by SDS‐PAGE and Western blot analysis using a polyclonal antiserum against Hsp70 of Blastocladiella emersonii. The specific signal of Hsp70 mRNA was analysed by Northern blot using as probe a Hsp70 cDNA of B. emersonii. 3. An increase in the amount of Hsp70 was detected from the first up to the fifth hour of acute heat exposure. This increase in the amount of Hsp70 was accompanied by an increase in Hsp70 mRNA which peaked at 3 h. 4. This study shows that the heat induced increase in Hsp70 mRNA and protein in broiler liver, in vivo, are time dependent, similar to that in mammals.

Paracoccidioides brasiliensis -gp43 used as paracoccidioidin

Abstract: A purified glycoprotein of 43,000 daltons from Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (gp43) was tested as paracoccidioidin in delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) tests in both experimental animals (guinea pig and mice) and patients with paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM). The gp43 paracoccidioidin was compared with the traditional Fava Netto antigen (AgFN). In guinea pigs, the intradermal injection of 2 micrograms of gp43 showed a similar response to those obtained with AgFN, showing in histological sections a population of lymphoid cells that participate in DTH. In mice, gp43 at a dose of 3.75 micrograms showed positive DTH response. The use of gp43 as paracoccidioidin in humans showed that this molecule can be used to evaluate the DTH response in patients with PCM. Of 25 PCM patients studied, 48% were positive to gp43 while only 28% were positive to AgFN; 12 PCM patients were completely anergic to both antigens. Considering only those 13 PCM patients who were responsive to gp43 and/or to AgFN, 92.3% reacted against gp43 and 53.8% reacted against AgFN (P < 0.05). Gp43 skin test responses (13.67 +/- 9.56 mm) were significantly larger than those obtained with AgFN (8.43 +/- 3.69 mm). Immunohistochemical study of the human skin showed a perivascular inflammatory response constituted predominantly by T lymphocytes, macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

Factors which affect the catalytic activity of iron(III) meso tetrakis(2,6-dichlorophenyl) porphyrin chloride in homogeneous system

Abstract: An optimization study of the reaction conditions of Fe(TDCPP)Cl when it is used as catalyst in the hydroxylation of cyclohexane by iodosylbenzene (PhIO) has been carried out. It was found that Fe(TDCPP)Cl follows the classical PhIO mechanism described for Fe(TPP)Cl, which involves the monomeric active species FeIV(O)P+ (I). In the optimized condition ([Fe(TDCPP) = 3.0 × 10−4 mol l−1 in 1,2-dichloroethane (DCE); ultrasound stirring at 0°C; PhIO FeP molar ratio = 100), this FeP led to a yield of cyclohexanol (C-ol) of 96% and a turnover number of 96. Therefore, Fe(TDCPP)Cl may be considered a good biomimetic model and a very stable, resistant and selective catalyst, which yields C-ol as the sole product. DCE showed to be a better solvent than dichloromethane (DCM), 1 DCE:1 MeOH mixture or acetonitrile (ACN). Since the FeIV(O)P+ is capable of abstracting hydrogen atom from DCM, MeOH or ACN, the solvent competes with the substrate. Presence of O2 lowers the yield of C-ol, as it can further oxidize this alcohol to carboxylic acid in the presence of radicals. Presence of H2O also causes a decrease in the yield, since it converts the active species I into FeIV(OH)P, which cannot oxidize cyclohexane. Addition of excess imidazole or OH− to the system results in a decrease in the yield of C-ol, due to the formation of the hexaccordinated complexes Fe(TDCPP)Im+2 (low-spin, β2 = 2.5 × 108 mol−2 l2) and Fe(TDCPP)(OH)−2 (high-spin, β2 = 6.3 × 107 mol−2 l2). The formation of both Fe(TDCPP)Im+2 and Fe(TDCPP)(OH)−2 complexes were confirmed by EPR studies. The catalytic activities of Fe(TDCPP)Cl and Fe(TFPP)Cl were compared. The unusually high yields of C-ol with Fe(TFPP)Cl obtained when ultrasound, DCM and O2 atmosphere were used, suggest that a parallel mechanism involving the μ-oxo dimer form, O2 and radicals may also be occurring with this FeP, besides the PhIO mechanism.

Efectos del parasitismo sobre el tejido branquial en peces cultivados: estudio parasitologico e histopatologico

Abstract: One hundred four out of 225 diagnosticated cases were myxosporidian, monogenean, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis Fouquet, 1876 and bacterial diseases in Piaractus mesopotamicus Holmberg, 1887 (pacu), Colossoma macropomum Cuvier, 1818 (tambaqui) and tambacu, at Aquaculture Center, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Jaboticabal, Sao Paulo, Brazil, between 1992 and 1995. The gills were fixed in 10% buffered formalin solution to posterior histologic routine. It was observed Henneguya sp. cysts into the capillaries of the secondary lamellae, encapsulated by the respiratory epithelium cells. It provoked adherence of the adjacent lamellae, hyperplasia, congestion, oedema and epithelium displacement. Monogeneans infestations by Anacanthorus penilabiatus Boeger, Husak & Martins, 1995 and Ancyrocephalinae sub-family caused light inflammatory reaction and hyperplasia. In severe infestations was observed hyperplasia of primary lamellae, necrosis, oedema, respiratory epithelium displacement, ruptured pillar cells and telangiectasis. Response to I. multifiliis was limited to surrounding epithelial cells in young fishes and hyperplasia, necrosis, inflammatory infiltrate and oedema in old fishes. Such lesions iniciate hyperplasic and oedematous process that with inflammation of the parasitic sites, provoked alterations over gases and ions interchange surface and consequently fish metabolism.

Effect of Cr2O3 in the varistor behaviour of TiO2

Abstract: Laboratorio Interdisciplinar de Eletroquimica e Cerâmica Departamento de Quimica UFSCar, C.P. 676, 13565-905 Sao Carlos, SP