Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Inbred rat'

Despite the overwhelming evidence for atrophy of the NGF-dependant Basal Forebrain Cholinergic neurons during aging, there is no persuasive evidence towards a decrease in NGF and/or NGF mRNA content in the brain of aged animals. Previous experiments from our laboratory have shown that NGF is released as a precursor protein and cleaved into the mature form in the extracellular space under the influence of a complex protease cascade. These recent findings have lead us to propose that any alterations in levels and/or activity of this maturation/degradation cascade might affect NGF's biological activity and perhaps lead to cognitive impairments in a subset of aged rats. To investigate this possibility, we measured protein and mRNA levels of the protease cascade players (NGF, pro-NGF, tPA, plasminogen, plasmin, MMP-9, neuroserpin). We found significantly decreased levels of both pro-NGF protein and NGF mRNA, but no difference in the remaining elements of the protease cascade, when comparing aged impaired (Al) to the aged unimpaired (AU) animals. Our second objective was to investigate whether animals trained in the Morris Water Maze would preserve their cognitive status in two additional behavioral paradigms, the Novel Object Location (NOL, spatial memory) and Novel Object Recognition (NOR, nonspatial memory) tasks. We found that both AU and AI animals in the MWM were impaired in the NOL when compared to the young controls, with the AI animals performing significantly worse than the AU in this particular task. In the NOR tasks, AI animals performed significantly worse compared to both young and AU animals. In conclusion, further experiments are required to better understand the implication of the complex protease cascade involved in NGF's maturation and degradation as well as its effect on memory of aged animals. In addition, because the segregation of animals (aged impaired/unimpaired) is a crucial step in aging research, we now have additional behavioral paradigms (NOL/NOR) that confirm the cognitive status of these animals.

The intestine is the largest lymphoid organ in the body, challenged constantly by an enonnous quantity and diversity of antigens. Distinct from peripheral lymphocytes, intestinal lymphocytes have evolved unique mechanisms of tolerance and appear to govern mucosal processes such as "chronic physiologic inflammation" and oral tolerance. Failure of mucosal tolerance has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and even autoimmune diabetes. One population of intestinal lymphocytes, intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs), exists within the intestinal epithelium itself and remains poorly characterized. IELs respond to unique activation signals and appear to be in part responsible for the maintenance of epithelial integrity and mucosal tolerance. Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic childhood illnesses and causes significant morbidity and mortality. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease that results from immune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells and is characterized by an absolute insulin deficiency. Several animal models are used to study the immunopathogenesis of type 1 diabetes, including the BB rat and NOD mouse. BBDP rats spontaneously develop autoimmune diabetes mellitus and are severely deficient in peripheral T cells. BBDR rats do not spontaneously develop autoimmune diabetes, have nonnal numbers of peripheral T cells, and can be induced to become diabetic by injections of a cytotoxic anti-ART2a mAb and low doses of poly I:C. The cause of autoimmune diabetes in BB rats and humans is still unknown, but both genetic and environmental factors appear to participate. I hypothesize that one important class of environmental factors--diet and enteromicrobial agents--participates in this pathogenic process through the mediation of the gut immune system. In this dissertation, I report a new method for the isolation of rat IELs that is based on the selective removal of intestinal epithelial cells under conditions that leave the basement membrane undisturbed. The yield of rat IELs using this method is 5-10 fold greater than that reported for other methods. Morphological and phenotypic analyses demonstrate that the purified cell population is comprised of IELs and is not contaminated with lamina propria or Peyer's patch lymphocytes. Phenotypic analysis reveals 5 major subsets of IELs, including populations of γδ T and natural killer (NK) cells present at levels not previously detected. I also report that rat intraepithelial NK (IENK) and peripheral NK cells are similar in morphology, in their ability to lyse NK-sensitive targets, and in their ability to suppress a one-way mixed lymphocyte culture. In contrast, IENK cells differ from splenic NK cells phenotypically, and a substantial fraction of IENK cells appear to spontaneously secrete IL-4 and/or IFN-γ. I conclude that rat IELs harbor a large population of NKR-P1A+ CD3-cells that function as NK cells but display an activated phenotype and unusual cytokine profile that clearly distinguish them from splenic NK cells. Their phenotypic and functional characteristics suggest that these distinctive intraepithelial NK cells may participate in the regulation of mucosal immunity. I next demonstrate that, prior to diabetes, both BBDP and ART2a-depleted BBDR rats have a reduced total number of IELs and exhibit a selective deficiency of IENK cell number and function as compared to control BBDR rats. The deficiency of BBDP rat IELs can be corrected by engraftment of bone marrow from histocompatible WF donors. These results suggest 1) that the peripheral lymphopenia in BBDP rats extends to the IEL compartment, particularly to IENK cells, 2) that in BBDR rats the diabetes-inducing treatment depletes IELs, particularly IENK cells, and 3) that the defect in BBDP rat IELs is intrinsic to hematopoietic cells, not intestinal stromal cells. I also establish that, unlike BBDR and WF rats, BBDP rats are also deficient in γδTCR+IELs, a population of T cells that may play a role in normal mucosal tolerance. In addition, I report preliminary data supporting the hypothesis that systemic autoreactivity may be initiated in the intestine; peripheral autoreactive lymphocyte populations appear to emanate first from mesenteric lymph nodes that drain the intestine, and such cells may initiate a type 2 autoimmune phenomenon driven by IL-4. Collectively, my findings support the hypothesis that a failure of mucosal tolerance in BBDP rats, perhaps secondary to deficiencies in one or more IEL subpopulations, participates in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes in these animals by activating peripheral autoreactive T cells. The nature of the autoimmune response in BB rats (driven by IL-4) appears to be distinct from that of NOD mice. Despite the differences between these two well-accepted animal models of autoimmune diabetes, until more is known about the pathogenesis of type 1 DM in humans, lessons learned from both the BB rat and NOD mouse continue to be of tremendous benefit to our understanding of human disease.

Retinopathy of prematurity, a disease characterised by aberrant retinal vascular development in premature neonates, is a leading cause of blindness and visual impairment in childhood. This work sought to examine differences in the susceptibility of inbred rat strains to oxygen-induced retinopathy, a model of human retinopathy of prematurity. The overriding aim was to identify genetic factors in rats that might be generalisable to humans. Newborn rats of six different strains were exposed to alternating cycles of hyperoxia and relative hypoxia for fourteen days. Rats were removed to room air and killed for analysis immediately, to assess oxygen-induced retinal vascular attenuation, or four days later to evaluate the extent of hypoxia-induced vasoproliferation. Whole flat-mounted retinae were stained with fluorophore conjugated isolectin GS-IB4, and measurement of vascular area was conducted using fluorescence microscopy and video-image analysis. A hierarchy of susceptibility to the inhibitory effects of cyclic hyperoxia and relative hypoxia on postnatal retinal vascularization was identified for the rat strains studied. Susceptibility to vascular attenuation was predictive of the subsequent risk of vascular morphological abnormalities. Cross-breeding experiments between susceptible and resistant strains demonstrated that the susceptible phenotype was dominantly inherited in an autosomal fashion. These studies confirmed an association between ocular pigmentation and retinopathy risk, however the finding of differential susceptibility amongst albino rat strains implicated factors in addition to those associated with ocular pigmentation. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to compare the retinal expression of angiogenic factor genes in susceptible and resistant strains with the aim of identifying a genetic basis for the strain difference. Eight angiogenic factor genes were selected for study: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); VEGF receptor 2; angiopoietin 2; Tie2; pigment epithelium-derived factor; erythropoietin; cyclooxygenase-2 and insulin-like growth factor-1. The most notable difference between strains was the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during the cyclic hyperoxia exposure period - higher VEGF expression was associated with relative resistance to retinopathy. Other differences in retinal angiogenic factor gene expression between strains, such as higher expression of VEGF receptor 2 and angiopoietin 2 in resistant strains, appeared to be secondary to those in VEGF. Following cyclic hyperoxia, the expression pattern of angiogenic factor genes changed - messenger RNA levels of hypoxia-induced genes, including VEGF, VEGF receptor 2, angiopoietin 2 and erythropoietin, were significantly higher in those strains with larger avascular areas, than in those strains that were relatively resistant to retinopathy. These findings provide firm evidence for hereditary risk factors for oxygen-induced retinopathy in the rat. Differences in the regulatory effects of oxygen on VEGF expression appear to be central to the risk of retinopathy. The potential relevance of these hereditary factors is discussed in the context of the human disease.

A presença da hipertensão arterial pode comprometer a qualidade da reparação óssea, pois a doença é caracterizada por alterações fisiopatológicas vasculares e do metabolismo mineral. Com o objetivo de avaliar a neoformação e o remodelamento ósseo, este trabalho investigou o processo da reparação óssea em ratos geneticamente hipertensos (SHR) e de seus controles Wistar-Kyoto (WKY). Defeitos bicorticais de 2mm de diâmetro no lado direito e de 5mm no lado esquerdo, foram realizados com trefinas na região do ângulo de mandíbula. Os animais, divididos em grupos de cinco indivíduos cada, foram sacrificados após 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 e 90 dias pós-operatórios; as mandíbulas foram removidas, fixadas em formol a 10%, descalcificadas em ácido fórmico a 20%, incluídas em parafina e as secções histológicas, de 7m de espessura, coradas com hematoxilina e eosina. As imagens foram capturadas com aumento de 40x e a área do defeito mensurada pelo programa de histometria digital Image J versão 1.4. A análise estatística revelou que não houve diferença significante na comparação entre as linhagens WKY e SHR (p = 0,884), independente dos períodos ou lados avaliados; entre períodos, nas linhagens WKY (p = 0,101) e SHR (p = 0,479), independente dos lados avaliados; entre períodos por linhagens no lado direito; e entre linhagens por lados, esquerdo com p = 0,466 e direito com p = 0,689, independente do fator período. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre o lado esquerdo e o direito (p < 0,001), independente das linhagens e períodos avaliados; entre os lados por linhagens, WKY e SHR, ambas com p < 0,001; entre períodos por linhagens no lado esquerdo, no qual o grupo WKY de 15 dias apresentou área menor que o grupo WKY de 60 dias e o grupo SHR de 10 dias, e o grupo WKY de 60 dias apresentou área maior que o grupo SHR de 30 dias e SHR de 60 dias. Apesar das alterações encontradas no lado esquerdo, que podem ser atribuídas à remodelação funcional do osso da mandíbula, não houve diferenças significantes na reparação do defeito de 5mm e de 2mm entre ratos espontaneamente hipertensos e de seus controles Wistar-Kyoto.<br>Arterial hypertension may affect the quality of bone repair because this disease is characterized by physiopathological vascular and bone metabolism changes. With the objective of evaluating the bone neoformation and remodeling, this study investigated the process of bone repair in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and their match controls Wistar-Kyoto (WKY). Through-in-through defects were done with trephine burs in the mandibular angle area, of 2mm diameter on the right side and 5mm diameter on the left side. The animals were divided into groups of five individuals each one and killed after 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 30, 60 and 90 postoperative days; the mandibles were removed, fixed in 10% formalin solution, decalcified with 20% formic acid, and embedded in paraffin; the histological sections of 7m thickness were stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The images were captured with 40x magnification and the defect area was measured by the image processing program Image J version 1.4. The statistical analysis showed that there is no significant difference in the comparison of WKY and SHR strains (p = 0,884), independent of periods or sides; among periods, in the WKY strain (p = 0,101) and SHR one (p = 0,479), independent of sides; among periods by strains on the right side; and among strains by sides, left side with p = 0,466 and right side with p = 0,689, independent of periods. There is a significant difference between left and right side (p < 0,001), independent of strains and periods; between sides by strains, WKY and SHR, both with p < 0,001; among periods by strains on the left side, which WKY 15 days group showed an area smaller than WKY 60 days and SHR 10 days groups, and WKY 60 days group showed an area bigger than SHR 30 days and SHR 60 days groups. Despite the changes founded on the left side that could be attributed to the functional remodeling of the mandibular bone, there were no differences in the bone repair of 5mm and 2mm diameter defects between spontaneously hypertensive rats and their match controls Wistar-Kyoto.

BACKGROUND Adult bone marrow derived MSCs had been explored to treat myocardial infarction (MI) and heart failure, for which various beneficial paracrine effects had been suggested. Since MSCs in vitro express anti-inflammatory cytokines, we tested the hypothesis that changes in the pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine ratio in the infarct microenvironment may provide such a paracrine mechanism to improve early cardiac function following acute coronary occlusion.<br>Methods Rats (n=88) underwent acute left coronary artery ligations and were randomized into groups M and C and then injected with culture media or MSCs, respectively. These rats underwent blinded echocardiography to evaluate left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEF). Real Time PCR was used to compare cytokine gene expression for IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-8 (pro-inflammatory) and IL-10 (anti-inflammatory) at various times. Extra-cellular matrix (ECM) deposition and inflammatory cell infiltration were also analyzed.<br>Results As early as 12 hours, the ratio of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine gene expression in group C was significantly lower than group M. Similar results were found at 24 hours, 1 and 2 weeks, respectively. LVEF improved significantly in group C (M=62% vs C=68% at 12 hours* , M=66% vs C=75% at 24 hours*, M=57% vs C=75% at 1 week *, and M=52% vs C=70% at 2 weeks*, *p&lt;0.01). The ratio of MMP-2/TIMP1 levels was lower in the Group C at all time frames, reaching significance at 12 and 24 hours and 2 weeks. In group C, histopathological analysis revealed significantly less ECM deposition (M=1.95% vs C=0.75% at 24 hours*, M=19.30% vs C=9.36% at 1 week*, M=24.46% vs C=7.57% at 2 weeks*, *p&lt;0.01). This was associated with significantly decreased inflammatory cell infiltration after 24 hours.<br>Conclusions The current data suggests that MSCs therapy decreases the pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokine ratio in the infarct microenvironment. This is associated with improved cardiac function, reduced ECM deposition, and decreased inflammatory cell infiltration. This paracrine mechanism of MSCs therapy may explain the early functional improvement after MI before cell transdifferentiation or other mechanisms takes place.

L’esquizofrènia és una malaltia mental incapacitant que involucra diversos símptomes cognitius, com un filtratge sensoriomotor deteriorat. El filtratge sensoriomotor es pot mesurar mitjançant la inhibició prepols (IPP) de la resposta d’ensurt. Les investigacions en rosegadors sobre l’impacte d’alteracions cerebrals específiques sobre la IPP han estat molt útils per augmentar el coneixement d’aquesta deficiència bàsica de l’esquizofrènia. Aquests estudis mostren que els dèficits en IPP apareixen conjuntament amb altres símptomes, com l’agitació psicomotora, així com alteracions en el circuit cortico-estriato-pallido-talàmic (CEPT). Específicament, tractaments que alteren l’activitat del còrtex prefrontal medial (CPFm), l’hipocamp (HPC) o el nucli accumbens (NAc) redueixen la IPP. És important destacar que la desregulació cortical del balanç excitació-inhibició (E-I) s’ha proposat com el principal substrat subjacent als símptomes cognitius de l’esquizofrènia. A més, aquests estudis mostren que diversos fàrmacs milloren la IPP, com el neuropèptid oxitocina, el qual s’ha proposat com un antipsicòtic natural alternatiu. D’altra banda, els estudis en humans avaluen l’associació entre diferències naturals en la conducta i canvis neurals. En aquesta Tesi Doctoral, amb la idea d’establir un pont entre els estudis en humans i rosegadors, vam explorar si els dèficits naturals en IPP en rates consanguínies i no consanguínies intactes (i) s’associaven amb diferències en altres conductes relacionades amb l’esquizofrènia; (ii) es relacionaven amb diferències funcionals i estructurals en el circuit CEPT; (iii) s’atenuaven per l’administració d’oxitocina. Els nostres subjectes d’estudi van ser les rates consanguínies Romanes d’alta i baixa evitació (RHA i RLA), i les rates no consanguínies HS. Les RHA mostren menor IPP que les RLA, mentre que les HS es van estratificar en subgrups segons els seus nivells d’IPP. Els experiments plantejats també pretenien augmentar la validesa aparent, de constructe i predictiva dels nostres models animals de característiques rellevants per a l’esquizofrènia (RHA i HS-baixa-PPI). Els nostres resultats mostren que l’exploració incrementada en resposta a la novetat s’associa amb dèficits en IPP en rates HS i Romanes. Per estudiar les associacions cerebrals estructurals i funcionals amb la IPP, vam combinar l’ús de ressonància magnètica estructural i expressió de c-Fos després de la IPP. Vam trobar que la baixa IPP s’associa amb baixa activitat del CPFm en rates Romanes i HS i amb un augment d’activitat en el NAc en rates HS. La baixa IPP s’associa també amb una disminució del volum cerebral del CPFm i l’HPC en rates Romanes i HS. A més, emprant immunofluorescència després de la IPP, vam observar un menor percentatge d’activitat d’interneurones inhibitòries GABAèrgiques (parvalbúmina) al CPFm en rates RHA que en RLA. En relació amb l’administració d’oxitocina, vam trobar que l’oxitocina augmentava la IPP en rates HS i RHA, mentre que no afectava la IPP en les RLA. Els valors constitutius d’expressió del gen CD38 (regulador de l’alliberament d’oxitocina) al CPFm eren més baixos en les RHA que en les RLA, mentre que l’administració d’oxitocina va incrementar l’expressió del gen del receptor de oxitocina (OXTR) en ambdues soques. Aquesta Tesi Doctoral mostra un patró consistent d’alteracions conductuals i neurobiològiques en rates HS-baixa-IPP i RHA que incrementa la seva validesa aparent, de constructe i predictiva com a models animals de característiques relacionades amb l’esquizofrènia. És important destacar que els nostres resultats donen suport a la idea que el filtratge sensoriomotor està modulat per estructures cerebrals superiors (CPFm) i el balanç cortical E-I.<br>La esquizofrenia es una enfermedad mental incapacitante que involucra varios síntomas cognitivos, como un filtraje sensoriomotor deteriorado. El filtraje sensoriomotor se puede medir mediante la inhibición prepulso (IPP) de la respuesta de sobresalto. Los estudios en roedores que analizan el impacto de alteraciones cerebrales específicas sobre la IPP han sido muy útiles para aumentar el conocimiento sobre esta deficiencia básica de la esquizofrenia. Estos estudios muestran que los déficits en IPP aparecen junto a otros síntomas, como agitación psicomotora, y alteraciones en el circuito cortico-estriato-pallido-talámico (CEPT). Específicamente, tratamientos que aumentan o disminuyen la actividad del córtex prefrontal medial (CPFm), el hipocampo (HPC) o el núcleo accumbens (NAc) reducen la IPP. Es importante destacar que la desregulación cortical en el balance excitación-inhibición (E-I) se ha propuesto como el principal sustrato subyacente a los síntomas cognitivos de la esquizofrenia. Además, estos estudios muestran que la IPP mejora con varios fármacos antipsicóticos, como el neuropéptido oxitocina, el cual se ha propuesto como antipsicótico natural alternativo. A diferencia de los estudios en roedores, los estudios en humanos evalúan la asociación entre diferencias comportamentales naturales (diagnóstico, síntomas) y cambios neurales. En esta Tesis Doctoral, nos propusimos contribuir a establecer un puente entre los estudios en humanos y roedores y, para ello, exploramos si los déficits naturales en IPP en ratas consanguíneas y no-consanguíneas intactas (i) se asociaban con diferencias en otras conductas relacionadas con la esquizofrenia; (ii) se relacionaban con diferencias funcionales y estructurales en el circuito CEPT; (iii) se atenuaban por la administración de oxitocina. Usamos las ratas consanguíneas Romanas de alta y baja evitación (RHA y RLA), y las ratas no consanguíneas del stock heterogéneo HS. Las RHA muestran menor IPP que las RLA, mientras que las HS se estratificaron en subgrupos según su IPP. Los experimentos planteados también pretendían aumentar la validez aparente, de constructo y predictiva de nuestros animales modelo de características relevantes para la esquizofrenia (RHA y HS-baja-IPP). En relación con las asociaciones conductuales, nuestros resultados muestran que la exploración incrementada en respuesta a la novedad se asocia con déficits en IPP en ratas HS y Romanas. Para estudiar las asociaciones cerebrales estructurales y funcionales con la IPP, combinamos el uso de resonancia magnética estructural y expresión de c-Fos después de la IPP. Encontramos que la baja IPP se asocia con baja actividad del CPFm en ratas Romanas y HS y con un aumento de actividad en el NAc en ratas HS. La baja IPP se asocia también con una disminución del volumen cerebral del CPFm e HPC en ratas Romanas y HS. Además, mediante el uso de inmunofluorescencia después de la IPP, encontramos un menor porcentaje de actividad de interneuronas inhibitorias GABAérgicas de tipo parvalbúmina en el CPFm en ratas RHA que en RLA. Respecto a la administración de oxitocina, ésta aumentó la IPP en ratas HS y RHA, mientras que no afectó la IPP en las RLA. De acuerdo con el efecto diferencial de la oxitocina sobre la IPP (RHA>RLA), los valores constitutivos de expresión del gen CD38 (regulador de la liberación de oxitocina) en el CPFm fueron más bajos en ratas RHA que en las RLA, mientras que la administración de oxitocina incrementó la expresión del gen del receptor de oxitocina (OXTR) en ambas cepas. Esta Tesis Doctoral muestra un patrón consistente de alteraciones conductuales y neurobiológicas en ratas HS-baja-IPP y RHA que incrementa su validez aparente, de constructo y predictiva como animales modelo de características relacionadas con la esquizofrenia. Nuestros resultados apoyan la idea de que el filtraje sensoriomotor está modulado por estructuras cerebrales superiores (CPFm) y el balance cortical E-I.<br>Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder that involves several cognitive symptoms, including sensorimotor gating impairments. Sensorimotor gating can be measured via prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle response, in which the magnitude of a startle stimulus is attenuated by the presence of a pre-stimulus of lower intensity. Rodent studies evaluating the impact of brain-site specific manipulations on PPI have been very useful to provide insights into this basic schizophrenia-like deficiency. These studies show that PPI deficits are frequently accompanied by other symptoms, including psychomotor agitation, as well as alterations in the cortico-striatal-pallido-thalamic (CSPT) circuit. In particular, treatments that increase or decrease the activity of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), hippocampus (HPC), or nucleus accumbens (NAc) reduce PPI. In this context, a dysfunctional cortical excitatory-inhibitory balance has been proposed as the main neural substrate for cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. Moreover, these studies show that PPI deficits can be improved by several antipsychotic drugs, including the neuropeptide oxytocin, which has been suggested as an alternative natural antipsychotic. In contrast to these rodent studies, human studies evaluate the association between natural behavioral differences (diagnosis, symptoms) and neural changes. Thus, in this Doctoral Dissertation, we aimed to contribute to bridge the gap between human and rodent studies by exploring whether spontaneous deficits in PPI in intact inbred and outbred rats are (i) associated with divergences in other schizophrenia-related behaviors, (ii) related to functional and structural differences in the CSPT circuit, and (iii) attenuated by oxytocin. Our subjects of study were the inbred Roman high-avoidance (RHA) and Low-avoidance (RLA) rats, and the outbred heterogeneous stock (HS) rats. RHA rats show lower PPI than RLAs, while HS rats were stratified in sub-groups according to their PPI levels. The present experiments also aimed to provide further face, construct, and predictive validity to our animal models of schizophrenia-relevant symptoms (RHA and HS Low-PPI rats). Regarding behavioral associations, our results show that increased exploration in response to novelty is associated with deficient PPI in HS and Roman rats. Moreover, a high anxious profile was found in rats with increased PPI, while no associations were seen with compulsive-like behavior. In relation to brain structural and functional associations with PPI, we combined structural magnetic resonance imaging and c-Fos expression after PPI in both HS and Roman rats. Our results indicate that lower PPI is associated with decreased mPFC activity in both Roman and HS rats and with increased NAc shell activity in HS rats. Reduced PPI is also associated with decreased mPFC and HPC volumes in Roman and HS rats. Additionally, using immunofluorescence after PPI, we observed a lower percentage of active inhibitory GABAergic parvalbumin interneurons in RHA than RLA rats. Regarding oxytocin administration, we found that oxytocin increased PPI in HS rats, attenuated PPI deficits in RHA rats, and did not affect PPI in RLAs. Consistent with the differential oxytocin effects on PPI (RHA>RLA), constitutive CD38 gen expression (regulator of oxytocin release) was reduced in the mPFC of RHA rats compared to the RLAs, while oxytocin administration increased oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gen expression in both strains. This Doctoral Dissertation shows a consistent pattern of behavioral and neurobiological abnormalities in the HS-Low-PPI rats and RHA rats that increases the face, construct, and predictive validity of these rats as models of schizophrenia-related features. Importantly, our results support the idea that sensorimotor gating is modulated by forebrain structures and highlight the relevance of the mPFC and the cortical excitatory-inhibitory balance in its regulation.<br>Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Programa de Doctorat en Neurociències

Orientador: Cristina Antoniali Silva<br>Banca: Sandra Helena Penha de Oliveira<br>Banca: Roberta Okamoto<br>Banca: Gisele Zoccal Mingoti<br>Resumo: A hipertensão arterial é frequentemente associada à prejudicada sensibilidade do barorreflexo (SBR). Em ratas espontaneamente hipertensas (SHR), a gravidez reduz a pressão sanguínea, e este efeito tem sido associado ao aumento da biodisponibilidade de óxido nítrico (NO). O aumento da biodisponibilidade do NO tem sido associado a uma SBR restaurada em animais hipertensos. Por isso, testamos a hipótese de que a gravidez melhora a SBR em SHR. Foram realizados experimentos em ratas Wistar e SHR não prenhas (NP) e prenhas (P), sendo dez virgens e dez prenhas em cada grupo, para avaliar a modulação autonômica cardíaca e vasomotora, a SBR em condições basais (espontânea) e após a administração de doses de fenilefrina (FE) e nitroprussiato de sódio (NPS). Séries temporais com valores de intervalo de pulso (IP) e de pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) foram geradas e tiveram espectros calculados pela Transformada Rápida de Fourrier. Em seguida, os espectros foram integrados em bandas de baixa (LF) e alta freqüência (HF), e os poderes das bandas foram tomadas como índices de modulação autonômica cardiovascular. Observamos reduzida pressão arterial média em ratas Wistar prenhas (W-P) e SHR prenhas (SHR-P) quando comparado com ratas NP, no entanto, a frequência cardíaca basal não foi alterada. Em SHR-NP, a análise espectral revelou modulação autonômica cardiovascular alterada quando comparado com os outros grupos (banda de alta LF do espectro PAS e banda de alta HF dos espectros IP) ... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)<br>Abstract: Hypertension is frequently associated to impaired baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). In spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR), pregnancy reduces blood pressure, and this effect has been associated to increased nitric oxide (NO) availability. Increased NO bioavailability has been linked to improved BRS in hypertensive animals. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that pregnancy improves the BRS in SHR. Experiments were performed to evaluate the vasomotor and cardiac autonomic modulation, and the BRS at baseline conditions (spontaneous) and after phenylephrine (PE) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) administrations in female non-pregnant (NP) and pregnant (P) Wistar rats and SHR. Time series with pulse interval (PI) and systolic arterial pressure (SAP) values were generated and had spectra calculated by Fast Fourier Transform. Next, spectra were integrated into low (LF) and high frequency (HF) bands, and the powers of the bands were taken as indexes of cardiovascular autonomic modulation. Reduced mean arterial pressure was observed in Wistar pregnant (W-P) and SHR pregnant (SHR-P) when compared to NP matched rats, however the heart rate was not altered. In SHR-NP, spectral analysis revealed altered cardiovascular autonomic modulation when compared to the other groups (high LF band of the SAP spectra and high HF band of the PI spectra). However, in SHR-P the autonomic parameters were found similar to those observed in Wistar-NP, suggesting that pregnancy prevented changes in autonomic ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)<br>Mestre

Estudos com células tronco mesenquimais (CTm) têm despertado grande interesse devido a seu promissor potencial terapêutico e representam uma alternativa para o tratamento de diversas patologias em diferentes órgãos, inclusive em transplante renal. A rejeição crônica é um dos maiores desafios no transplante tardio e se caracteriza por perda progressiva da função renal causado pela intensa fibrogênese no aloenxerto. Os tratamentos convencionais com imunossupressores, apesar de reduzirem significativamente as crises de rejeição aguda, não interferem na sobrevida do enxerto a longo prazo. A compreensão dos processos fisiopatológicos da doença depende de seu estudo em modelos experimentais, que são de grande importância pois também propiciam uma melhor compreensão dos possíveis tratamentos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar a terapia com células-tronco mesenquimais derivadas de tecido adiposo (CTmTA) no modelo experimental de transplante renal em ratos, para estudar seu efeito na rejeição crônica e avaliar seu potencial efeito imunomodulador. O modelo foi estabelecido com ratos das linhagens isogênicas Fisher (doador) e Lewis (receptor) e os animais transplantados foram divididos em três grupos: ISO (transplante isogênico de Lewis para Lewis, n=6), ALO (transplante alogênico de Fisher para Lewis, n=6) e ALO+CTmTA (transplante alogênico, tratado com CTmTA, n=6). As CTmTA foram caracterizadas por aderência ao plástico, diferenciação nas linhagens adipogênica, condrogênicas e osteogênicas e por citometria de fluxo. Foram inoculadas 1 x 106 células na região subcapsular renal no dia da realização da nefrectomia unilateral direita (10 dias pós-transplante). Após 6 meses foram realizadas análises dos parâmetros clínicos e laboratoriais, além de análise histológica, imunohistoquímica e PCR em tempo real. As CTmTA foram eficientes em prevenir significativamente a elevação da ureia e da creatinina séricas, manter clearence de creatinina em níveis normais, e prevenir a elevação da fração de excreção de Na+ e K+. Além disso, impediram o desenvolvimento de proteinúria e da hipertensão arterial. A análise histológica mostrou uma redução significativa do infiltrado inflamatório de macrófagos e linfócitos T, além de uma diminuição da fibrose intersticial no grupo ALO+CTmTA. O tratamento com CTmTA reduziu significativamente a expressão relativa dos fatores e citocinas pró-inflamatórios tais como INF-y, TNF-alfa, IL1beta e IL-6, além de aumento importante na expressão de IL-4 e IL-10, conhecidas por seu potencial antiinflamatório. Em conclusão, o tratamento com ADMSC em um modelo experimental de transplante renal pode trazer uma nova abordagem terapêutica para controle da rejeição crônica do enxerto. A aparente modulação da resposta imune observada neste trabalho, pode estar associada a uma possível polarização de macrófagos e células T. Outros estudos pré-clínicos e clínicos são necessários para confirmar nossos resultados<br>Studies involving mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have aroused great interest due to their promising therapeutic potential representing an alternative for the treatment of several pathologies in different organs, including renal transplantation. Chronic rejection is one of the major challenges in late transplantation and is characterized by progressive loss of renal function caused by intense fibrogenesis in the allograft. Conventional immunosuppressive treatments, while significantly reducing acute rejection crises, do not interfere with long-term graft survival. Animal model of kidney transplantation can provide a better understanding of the pathophysiological processes and bring a new path to treat chronic rejection. The aim of this project was to analyze the therapy with mesenchymal stem cells derived from adipose tissue (ADMSCs) in the experimental model of kidney transplantation in rats, focus on chronic rejection and evaluate its potential immunomodulatory effect. The model was established with rats of isogenic strains Fisher (donor) and Lewis (recipient), and the transplanted animals were divided into three groups: ISO (isogenic transplantation from Lewis to Lewis, n = 6), ALO (allogenic transplant from Fisher to Lewis, n = 6) and ALO + ADMSCs (allogenic transplantation, treated with ADMSCs, n = 6). ADMSCs were characterized by adhesion to plastic, differentiation in adipogenic, condrogenic and osteogenic lines and by flow cytometry. One million of cells were inoculated under the renal capsule on the day of the right unilateral nephrectomy (10 days after transplantation). After 6 months, clinical and laboratory parameters were analyzed, as well as histological analysis, immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR. ADMSCs were effective in preventing elevation of serum urea and creatinine, elevation of the Na + and K + excretion fraction as well as maintained creatinine clearence at normal levels. Furthermore, the treatment also prevented the development of proteinuria and preserved blood pressure. Histological analysis showed a significant reduction of macrophages and T cells infiltrate, associated to a decreased of interstitial fibrosis in the ALO + ADMSCs group. In the presence of ADMSCs, there was a significant decrease in the relative expression of INF-y, TNF-alpha, IL1beta and IL-6 factors and pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as a significant increase in the relative expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines as IL-4 and IL-10. In conclusion, treatment with ADMSC in a transplantation model could open a new approach to control chronic rejection. This apparent modulation of the immune response may be associated with a possible polarization of macrophages and T cells. Further pre-clinical and clinical studies are needed to confirm our findings

Hypertension is the number one cause of death worldwide. Low-grade inflammation has been identified as one of the mechanisms contributing to blood pressure elevation and remodeling of the vasculature in hypertension. Mechanisms involved in vascular inflammation and hypertension remain elusive. Vasoactive peptides such as endothelin-1 (ET-1) and angiotensin II (Ang II), oxidative stress and infiltration of immune cells are increased in cardiovascular tissues of hypertensive individuals. Since the vasculature is a major regulator of blood pressure levels, the hypothesis has been proposed that vascular inflammatory responses contribute to development of hypertension.<br>Objectives of this thesis were 1) to investigate the role of T cells in development of vascular inflammation observed in genetically hypertensive rats, 2) to identify vascular sources of reactive oxygen species production in mineralocorticoid-induced hypertension and 3) to study the effect of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma activators on vascular pro-inflammatory signaling pathways in Ang II-induced hypertension.<br>The first study that is part of this thesis shows that the transfer of chromosome 2 from normotensive to hypertensive rats reduces plasma levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, expression of adhesion molecules and infiltration of T cells in aorta as well as resulting in lower blood pressure levels. These effects are accompanied by increased regulatory T cell mediators. We discovered that regulatory T cells are regulated by chromosome 2 and may be responsible for reducing inflammatory responses in hypertensive rats.<br>The second study of this thesis demonstrates in DOCA-salt hypertensive rats that superoxide (&middot;O2-) production originates in part from xanthine oxidase activity induced by the ET-1 system and from mitochondrial sources, particularly complex II of the respiratory chain. We thus have uncovered two sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can stimulate inflammatory responses in hypertension, since vascular &middot;O 2- production in this model was shown to induce vascular inflammation.<br>The third study of the thesis shows that activators of PPAR-gamma reduce blood pressure levels and signaling pathways including Akt/PKB, SHIP2, ERK1/2, 4E-BP1 in aorta and resistance arteries in Ang II-induced hypertension. PPARy acts as an anti-inflammatory transcription factor, and the present study suggests that Ang II down-regulates PPAR-gamma activity to exert its pro-inflammatory effects.<br>In conclusion, by targeting inflammatory mediators, it may be possible to reduce blood pressure levels in hypertensive animals. This suggests that inflammatory responses may play a crucial role in development of high blood pressure.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:33:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2006-12-15Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:03:54Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 elias_gp_dr_araca.pdf: 1560641 bytes, checksum: 3dad8c2298005cfeb8d0a078880f5e66 (MD5)<br>Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)<br>O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a atividade das glândulas salivares, a mineralização dental e a participação da metaloproteinase de matriz (MMP-9) nesta mineralização em filhotes de ratas espontaneamente hipertensas (SHR) tratadas ou não com atenolol. Ratas SHR e normotensas Wistar foram tratadas com atenolol (100mg/Kg/dia, via oral) durante os períodos de prenhez e lactação. Os grupos controle receberam o mesmo volume de água sem atenolol. O fluxo salivar, induzido por nitrato de pilocarpina, a concentração de proteínas (método de Lowry), a atividade da amilase (método cinético a 405 nm), o peso das glândulas salivares (parótidas, submandibulares e sublinguais), a microdureza do esmalte e da dentina de incisivos e molares e a expressão da MMP-9 (imonuperoxidase) no tecido dental foram comparados entre filhotes de ratas SHR e Wistar tratadas ou não com atenolol. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste estatístico mais adequado, paramétrico (ANOVA ou test t de Student’s) ou não paramétrico (Kruskal-Wallis), sendo consideradas significativas as diferenças quando p<0,05. Filhotes SHR apresentaram menor fluxo salivar e concentração de proteínas do que filhotes Wistar, mas a atividade da amilase não foi diferente entre os grupos. O peso das glândulas salivares foi semelhante entre filhotes SHR e Wistar...<br>The objective of the present study was analyzed the salivary activity, the dental mineralization and the role of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) on this mineralization, in pups (30 days) of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) treated, or not treated, with atenolol. Female SHR and normotensive Wistar rats were treated during pregnancy and lactation periods with Atenolol 100mg/Kg/day by oral administration. For the control group, the animals received the same water volume without the drug. The salivary flow rate (stimulated by pilocarpine injection), the protein concentration (Lowry method), salivary amylase activity (kinetic method at 405 nm), the weight of salivary glands (parotid, submandibular and sublingual), the enamel and dentin microhardness of incisors and molars teeth and the matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9, gelatinase B) localization (imunoperoxidase) in dental tissue were compared between SHR and Wistar pups of female rats treated or not with atenolol. The results were analyzed by parametric (ANOVA or Student s tests) or non-parametric (Kruskal-Wallis) tests (p<0,05). The salivary flow rate and salivary protein concentration were reduced in SHR pups. There was no alteration in amylase activity between groups. The salivary glands weight was not different between SHR and Wistar pups either. Decreased enamel and dentin microhardness were observed in incisors and molar teeth of SHR pups. No alterations in MMP-9 positive staining were observed in predentin and odontoblasts of both groups, however the density of stained ameloblasts cells and external enamel surface were higher in incisors teeth of SHR pups. Atenolol-treated SHR and Wistar rats pups showed decrease in submandibular gland weight, in saliva s flow rate and protein concentration, but no alteration in amylase activity. Atenolol increased enamel and dentin microhardness of incisors teeth of SHR and...(Complete abstract, click electronic address below)

Orientador: José Antônio Rocha Gontijo<br>Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas<br>Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-21T14:33:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Silva_ViniciusRodrigues_M.pdf: 1936844 bytes, checksum: f004702604f1152c92bafb324a7d141d (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012<br>Resumo: O treinamento físico progressivo deve ser considerado uma escolha terapêutica valiosa em portadores de doenças cardiovasculares, incluindo hipertensão arterial. Assim sendo o objetivo deste trabalho foi averiguar os efeitos da atividade física programada, com diferentes intensidades e duração do treinamento, sobre a pressão arterial sistêmica, o manuseio tubular renal de sódio e filtração glomerular, a manipulação renal de sódio e a expressão de proteínas da via inflamatório: TNF-R1, p-I?B, NF?B e a proteína do choque térmico HSP-70 em tecido renal e ventricular esquerdo de ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) e Wistar Kyoto (WKY) Métodos: Os ratos de ambas as linhagens realizaram atividade física em meio aquoso termoneutro, sendo as duas primeiras semanas compostas por treinamento adaptivo à água e as 4 semanas seguinte compostas por treinamento incremental utilizando chumbo como peso extracorpóreo. Foram semanalmente mensurados o peso corporal e lactato sanguíneo (reação de colorimetria) em ambas as linhagens e em todos os grupos experimentais, após 4 e 6 semanas de treinamento foram analisadas a função renal (mensuração de creatinina, sódio, lítio e potássio), ensaio da atividade da citrato síntese (reação de colorimetrial), determinação da hipertrofia cardíaca (determinação do índice de hipertrofia cardíaca), análise dos valores de pressão arterial sistêmica (pletismografia) western blot de tecido renal e ventricular esquerdo e imunohistoquímica de tecido renal. Os dados foram analisados utilizando teste ANOVA para análise dos valores de massa corporal e teste t student para as demais variáveis. Resultados: Os dados de lactato sanguíneo não ultrapassaram 5,5 mmol/L em nenhuma semana de treinamento em ambas as linhagens caracterizando treinamento de predominância aeróbia, os valores de lactato sanguíneo comprovaram a eficiência do exercício físico propostos sendo maiores nos grupos treinados de ambas as linhas pós 6 semanas de treinamento, o estudo mostraram também que a pressão arterial foi reduzida significativamente em ratos SHRT vs. SHRS após 4 e 6 semanas de treinamento 180, 6 '+ ou -' 4,3 mmHg em SHRS para 126,2 '+ ou -' 2,2 mmHg em SHRT (P <0,05). Além disso, os dados da filtração glomerular bem como o manuseio tubular renal de sódio nos apontam um aumento da excreção de sódio urinário em ratos fracionada SHRT de 0,2 '+ ou -' 0,07-, 8 '+ ou -' 0,03% (P <0, 001) em comparação com SHRS, apesar de uma depuração da creatinina inalterada. Este FENa aumentou consistentemente em SHRT foi acompanhado por um aumento significativo da excreção de sódio proximal e pós-proximal (de 4,0 '+ ou -' 0,9-2,3 '+ ou -' 0,9%, respectivamente (P <0,01). Esta excreção de sódio melhorada fracionada no longo prazo SHR foi treinada seguida por um aumento significativo na FEK de 0,2 '+ ou -' 0,03-0,5 '+ ou -' 0,02%, quando comparado com animais de SHRs (P <0,009), com relação aos dados referentes à via inflamatória, observamos menor expressão de NF?B em ratos SHRT vs. SHRS após 4 semanas de treinamento e uma tendência à manutenção dessa menor expressão após 6 semanas, além de verificarmos uma expressão significativa maior em SHRT vs. SHRS de HSP 70 após a sexta semana de treinamento. Conclusão: O presente estudo pode indicar que, no rim, em longo prazo de exercício exerce um efeito modulador sobre tubular excreção de sódio. Na verdade, o estudo indica uma associação de natriurese aumentar com a queda nos níveis de pressão arterial, observadas em SHRT, em comparação com ratos de mesma faixa etária SHRS, além de promover aumento da expressão de HSP 70 e uma tendência a diminuição do processo inflamatório<br>Abstract: Aims: Progressive exercise training should be considered a valuable therapeutic choice in cardiovascular disease including arterial hypertension. Since the long-term changes in renal sodium tubule handling are associated with SHR hypertensive development, we hypothesize that aerobic exercise (plasma lactate levels smaller than 5.5 mmol/L/100 g body mass) and increased citrate synthase activity) training may cause an enhancement in urinary sodium excretion associated with blood pressure fall in conscious, trained Okamoto-Aoki rats (SHRT) compared with appropriate age-matched sedentary SHR (SHRS). To test this hypothesis, we study the tubular sodium handling, evaluated by lithium clearance, in conscious SHRT, compared with their appropriate controls (SHRS). Methods: To evaluate the influence of exercise training compared with sedentary rats on estimate renal function we used creatinine and lithium clearance methods. The exercise training was carried out according to a protocol consisting of graded swim-training exercises, with progressive increments of overload using weights attached to the animals' tails. Data obtained over time were analyzed using appropriate ANOVA and Student t test. Results: Regarding the effects of long-term aerobic, the current study demonstrated that increased blood pressure in SHR was blunted and significantly reduced by long-term swim training between the ages of 6-wks and 12-wks old from systolic blood pressure averaged 150,6'+ or -' 4,3 mmHg in SHRS to 126,2'+ or -'2,2 mmHg in SHRT (P<0,05). Additionally, the investigation observed an increased fractional urinary sodium excretion in SHRT rats from 0.2 '+ or -' 0.07 to 0.8 '+ or -' 0.03% (P<0.001) compared to SHRS, despite a unchanged creatinine clearance. This consistently increased FENa in SHRT was accompanied by a significant enhancement in proximal and post-proximal sodium excretion (from 4.0 '+ or -' 0.9 to 2.3 '+ or -' 0.9 %, respectively (P<0.01).This enhanced fractional sodium excretion in long-term trained SHR was followed by a significant increase in FEK from 0.2 '+ or -' 0.03 to 0.5 '+ or -' 0.02% when compared with SHRS animals (P<0.009). Conclusion: The present study may indicate that, in the kidney, long-term exercise exerts a modulating effect on tubular sodium excretion with unchanged glomerular filtration rate. In fact, the present study indicates an association of increasing natriuresis with the fall in blood pressure levels observed in SHRT, compared with age-matched SHRS rats<br>Mestrado<br>Fisiopatologia Médica<br>Mestre em Ciências

Thesis (Ph.D. in Pharmacology) -- University of Colorado Denver, 2008.<br>Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 121-149). Free to UCD Anschutz Medical Campus. Online version available via ProQuest Digital Dissertations;

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:46Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-02-25Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T20:17:09Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 picco_dcr_me_araca.pdf: 1215439 bytes, checksum: 0d577253d2a1dd44da70137ce267a807 (MD5)<br>Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)<br>Em pesquisa anterior, verificamos que ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) apresentam menor fluxo salivar estimulado que ratos normotensos Wistar, o que poderia levar ao maior índice de doença cárie nestes animais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do tratamento crônico com fluoreto de sódio (NaF) nos parâmetros bioquímicos da saliva e plasma, nos ossos e na mineralização de dentes incisivos de SHR. Foram utilizados ratos Wistar e SHR aos 3 meses de vida. O tratamento foi feito com solução de NaF (20 ppm) por 30 dias, na água de beber. A medida da pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) foi realizada pelo método indireto de pletismografia de cauda. Para a coleta da saliva, o fluxo salivar foi estimulado com nitrato de pilocarpina e os animais foram colocados em prancha inclinada e a saliva coletada por 15 minutos. As concentrações salivares e plasmáticas de fluoreto foram determinadas com eletrodos específicos e as de cálcio utilizando um kit comercial específico. A determinação da concentração de proteínas totais foi realizada pelo método de Lowry e a atividade da amilase salivar utilizando kit comercial. A análise de flúor na superfície do fêmur foi feita pelo método direto e a análise no fêmur pelo método de Taves. A microdureza dos dentes incisivos foi determinada utilizando microdurômetro com penetrador tipo Knoop. Os resultados foram avaliados e a diferença estatística foi considerada quando p<0,05. A PAS e o peso dos animais não foram alterados pelo tratamento. O reduzido fluxo salivar de SHR apresentou-se aumentado em SHR tratados. A concentração de flúor na saliva e plasma aumentou com o tratamento em ratos Wistar, no entanto em SHR este aumento foi observado apenas no plasma. Apesar do aumento no fluxo...<br>In previous research we found that spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) have lower stimulated salivary flow than normotensive Wistar, which could lead to a higher rate of caries in these animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chronic treatment with sodium fluoride (NaF) in the biochemical parameters of saliva and plasma, bone and mineralization in incisor teeth of SHR. Were used SHR and Wistar rats at 3 months of life. The treatment was made with NaF solution (20 ppm) for 30 days in drinking water. The measurement of systolic blood pressure (SBP) was performed by the indirect method of tail plethysmography. To collect saliva, salivary flow was stimulated with pilocarpine nitrate and the animals were placed on an inclined board and saliva collected for 15 minutes. Salivary and plasma concentrations of fluoride were determined with specific electrodes and calcium using a specific commercial kit. The determination of total protein concentration was performed by the method of Lowry and salivary amylase activity using a commercial kit. The analysis of fluoride on the surface of the femur was made by the direct method and analysis in the femur by the method of Taves. The microhardness of incisors was determined using Knoop microhardness with indenter type. The results were evaluated and differences were considered when p <0.05. The SBP and the weight of the animals were not affected by treatment. The reduced salivary flow in SHR were enlarged in treated SHR. The fluoride concentration in saliva and plasma increased with treatment in Wistar rats, however, in SHR the increase was only observed in plasma. Despite the increase in salivary flow that occurs after treatment with NaF, the concentration of fluoride in saliva is not altered in SHR. The calcium concentration decreased in saliva and plasma in SHR group after treatment, what ... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Submitted by KÁTIA REGINA COIMBRA TOBIAS (DINTER) null (katiacoimbra@hotmail.com) on 2017-03-16T17:06:34Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE - KATIA -.pdf: 798557 bytes, checksum: e8c55dc222fe3453681b66fe701004f6 (MD5)<br>Approved for entry into archive by Juliano Benedito Ferreira (julianoferreira@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2017-03-21T18:22:11Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 tobias_krc_dr_araca.pdf: 798557 bytes, checksum: e8c55dc222fe3453681b66fe701004f6 (MD5)<br>Made available in DSpace on 2017-03-21T18:22:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tobias_krc_dr_araca.pdf: 798557 bytes, checksum: e8c55dc222fe3453681b66fe701004f6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-01-31<br>Introdução: A hipertensão arterial tem sido um dos maiores problemas de saúde no mundo, com grandes alterações para as doenças cardiovasculares e renais. O tecido ósseo tem função importante no suporte, proteção e locomoção e está sob o controle de fatores sistêmicos como hormônios e fatores locais, entre eles os fatores de crescimento e citocinas. A Fosfatase Ácida Tartarato Resistente (TRAP) é uma enzima que faz parte da família das fosfatases ácidas e apresenta localização intracelular; mais especificamente dentro do compartimento lisossomal de osteoclasto, macrófagos e células dendríticas, tem sido utilizada como um marcador histoquímico da atividade osteoclástica. Objetivos: Avaliar a expressão da proteína TRAP em alvéolos dentários de ratos hipertensos (SHR) e normotensos tratados ou não com atenolol. Métodos: Neste estudo foram utilizados 4 grupos de ratos sendo: 1) W (wistar sem tratamento), 2) WT (wistar tratado com atenolol), 3) S (SHR sem tratamento) e 4) ST (SHR tratado com atenolol), submetidos a exodontia do incisivo superior direito, com eutanásia no 7º, 14º, 21 e 28º dia pós-operatório. A análise dos mecanismos biológicos envolvidos no processo de reparo alveolar foi obtida pela análise da expressão de proteínas TRAP por meio da técnica de imunoistoquímica. Os resultados foram analisados pela média e erro padrão da média e aplicado o teste paramétrico ANOVA, com pos-test de Tukey para avaliar os períodos dentro de cada grupo e entre os grupos, sendo consideradas as diferenças significativas quando p<0,05. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que a marcação TRAP aumenta em alvéolo dentais de ratos Wistar durante todos os períodos pós – operatórios. A marcação TRAP aumenta apenas ao 14o nos dias de reparação alveolar em alvéolo dental de SHR não tratados. O atenolol não altera o processo de reparo alveolar em ratos Wistar, porém o atenolol promoveu a redução da marcação de TRAP em SHR ao 14º dia. Conclusão: A hipertensão aumenta a expressão da proteína TRAP no 14o dia pós-cirúrgico de reparação alveolar e o atenolol promove redução da marcação aumentada de TRAP ao 14º dia pós-cirúrgico em alvéolos de SHR.<br>Introduction: Arterial hypertension has been one of the world’s biggest health problems, with considerable alterations for cardiovascular and renal diseases. The bone tissue has an important role in support, protection and locomotion and is controlled by systemic factors like hormones and local factors, such as growth factors and cytokines. The Tartrate-resistant Acid Phosphatase (TRAP) is an enzyme that belongs to the Acid Phosphatases family and has an intracellular location, more specifically inside the lysosomal compartment of osteoclasts, macrophages and dendritic cells. It has been used as a histochemical marker of the osteoclast activity. Objectives: Evaluate TRAP protein’s expression in the dental alveoli of normotensive and hypertensive rats (SHR) treated or not treated with Atenolol. Methods: In this study, four groups of rats were used: 1) W (with no treatment), 2) WT (wistar treated with Atenolol), 3) S (SHR without treatment) and 4) ST (SHR treated with Atenolol), all of which underwent exodontia of the upper right incisor with euthanasia on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day after the operation. The analysis of the biological mechanisms involved in the process of alveolar repair was obtained by the expression of TRAP proteins in the alveolar process through an immunohistochemistry technique. The results were analyzed through the average and its standard error. The parametric test ANOVA was applied with Tukey’s post-test were applied to evaluate the periods within each group and between the groups, considering the significant differences when p< 0,05. Results: The results demonstrated that TRAP staining increases in the dental alveoli of Wistar rats during all the post-surgical periods. TRAP staining increases only on the 14th day of alveolar recovery in the dental alveoli of non-treated SHR. Atenolol does not change the process of alveolar repair in Wistar rats, but Atenolol promoted the reduction of TRAP staining among SHR on the 14th day. Conclusion: Hypertension increases the expression of TRAP proteins on the 14th alveolar recovery postsurgical day and Atenolol promotes the reduction of the increased TRAP staining on the 14th postsurgical day in SHR’s alveoli.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:27:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2010-08-20Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:15:14Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 cursino_nm_me_araca.pdf: 2792202 bytes, checksum: 7bc02b29243b06952aa21b86edc0566a (MD5)<br>Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)<br>Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)<br>A hipertensao arterial representa um fator de risco sistemico e condicao desfavoravel para tratamentos dentarios, especialmente aqueles que necessitam de reparacao ossea. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o reparo alveolar em ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) e o efeito do atenolol sobre este processo. Wistar e SHR tratados ou nao com 100mg/kg/dia (atenolol), foram submetidos a extracao do dente incisivo superior direito e sacrificados aos 7, 14, 21, 28 e 42 dias apos a cirurgia. As hemi-maxilas foram removidas e as imagens radiograficas foram realizadas. A analise radiografica foi obtida por meio do sistema digital Digora. Analises histologicas, histomorfometricas e reacoes imunoistoquimicas foram feitas em cortes histologicos de 5ƒÊm de espessura, os quais foram corados com hematoxilina-eosina ou submetidos a imunomarcacao para RANK, RANKL, OPG e proteinas MMP-9. A analise histologica foi realizada por microscopia optica e a analise histomorfometrica pelo software RGB / Leica Qwin Color. Os resultados densitometricos e histomorfometricos foram analisados pela Anova two-way. Na analise imunoistoquimica, utilizando um microscopio optico, foram atribuidos scores as imagens. Os resultados foram analisados pelos testes estatisticos Kruskal-Wallis e Mann Whitney. As diferencas entre os resultados foram consideradas significativas quando p<0,05. Reducao da densidade mineral ossea (DMO), menor porcentagem de osso e menor espessura do trabeculado osseo foram observadas nos periodos finais do reparo alveolar em SHR. Aumento da imunomarcacao para RANKL, RANK e MMP-9 foi observado em 28 dias apos a cirurgia no alveolo em SHR. Consistente efeito do atenolol foi observado no reparo alveolar de ratos hipertensos. O atenolol aumentou a DMO observada na maioria dos periodos analisados e aumentou a espessura do trabeculado...<br>Hypertension represents a systemic risk factor and unfavorable condition for dental treatments, especially treatments that require bone healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the alveolar wound healing in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and the atenolol effect on this process. Normotensive Wistar rats and SHR, untreated or treated with atenolol (100mg/kg/day), were submitted to the extraction of the upper right incisive tooth and sacrificed at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 days after surgery. The hemi-jaws were extracted and the radiographic images were obtained. Radiographic analysis was performed by using the digital system Digora. Histological, histomorphometric and immunohistochemical reactions were done in histological sections, 5 μm thick, stained with hematoxylin and eosin or subjected to immunolabeling to RANK, RANKL, OPG and MMP-9 proteins. Histological analysis was performed by light microscopy and histomorphometric analysis by Leica Qwin Color/RGB software. The densitometric and histomorphometric results were also analyzed by two-way ANOVA. In immunohistochemical analysis, using an optical microscopy, scores were assigned to the images. Results were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Mann Whitney statistical tests. Differences between results were considered significant when p <0.05. Reduced bone mineral density (BMD), lower bone percentage and less thickness of trabecular bone was observed in the final periods of alveolar bone healing in SHR. Increased RANKL, RANK and MMP-9 immunolabeling were observed at 28 days after surgery in SHR alveolus. Consistent atenolol effect was observed on alveolar bone healing of hypertensive rats. Atenolol increased the BMD observed in most of the periods analyzed and increased trabecular bone thickness at 28 and 42 days in SHR alveolus. Increased OPG immunolabeling... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Made available in DSpace on 2015-07-22T20:49:41Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2011-06-29. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-08-11T03:26:12Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 Publico-12851a.pdf: 1993449 bytes, checksum: 6fad4a58fc1b395d08412bb6e3b076ea (MD5). Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-08-11T03:26:12Z : No. of bitstreams: 2 Publico-12851a.pdf: 1993449 bytes, checksum: 6fad4a58fc1b395d08412bb6e3b076ea (MD5) Publico-12851b.pdf: 1501009 bytes, checksum: ab8946f01511cdc67f2383a0a9fabaac (MD5). Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-08-11T03:26:12Z : No. of bitstreams: 3 Publico-12851a.pdf: 1993449 bytes, checksum: 6fad4a58fc1b395d08412bb6e3b076ea (MD5) Publico-12851b.pdf: 1501009 bytes, checksum: ab8946f01511cdc67f2383a0a9fabaac (MD5) Publico-12851c.pdf: 1843176 bytes, checksum: 32033d7bc48d53d7cb1127e1ae58221f (MD5). Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-08-11T03:26:13Z : No. of bitstreams: 4 Publico-12851a.pdf: 1993449 bytes, checksum: 6fad4a58fc1b395d08412bb6e3b076ea (MD5) Publico-12851b.pdf: 1501009 bytes, checksum: ab8946f01511cdc67f2383a0a9fabaac (MD5) Publico-12851c.pdf: 1843176 bytes, checksum: 32033d7bc48d53d7cb1127e1ae58221f (MD5) Publico-12851d.pdf: 1909278 bytes, checksum: 7f3b132a4365c4aeab410fd8f4041429 (MD5)<br>Objetivos: avaliar os efeitos da fumaça lateral de cigarro (FLC) sobre o controle neural do sistema cardiovascular em ratos normotensos e ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR). Método: ratos Wistar, Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) e SHR foram expostos à FLC durante três semanas, cinco dias por semana, 180 minutos por dia numa concentração de monóxido de carbono entre 100 e 300 ppm. Barorreflexo foi estimulado por uma dose vasodepressora de nitroprussiato de sódio (NPNa, 50Og/kg, i.v.) e uma dose pressora de fenilefrina (PE, 8Og/kg , i.v.). Para avaliar os efeitos da inibição da catalase no quarto ventrículo cerebral (4ºV) sobre as respostas cardiovasculares, foi injetado o inibidor de catalase 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATZ, 0,01Og/100OL). Resultados: nos ratos Wistar expostos à FLC, foi observado que a inibição da catalase causou respostas mais intensas quanto a FC basal e ao pico bradicárdico. A inibição da catalase afetou de maneira mais intensa a FC basal e o pico bradicárdico, nos ratos WKY expostos à FLC. Por outro lado, nos animais SHR a exposição à FLC afetou o pico taquicárdico após inibição central de catalase de maneira mais intensa. Conclusão: a exposição à FLC altera os componentes simpáticos do barorreflexo em ratos WKY e SHR, além de causar respostas cardiovasculares mais intensas perante a inibição de catalase no 4ºV em ratos Wistar e WKY.<br>Objectives: To evaluate the effects of sidestream cigarette smoke (SSCS) on neural control of cardiovascular system in normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Method: Wistar, Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) and SHR were exposed to SSCS for three weeks, five days per week, 180 minutes per day at a concentration of carbon monoxide between 100 and 300 ppm. Baroreflex was stimulated with a vasodepressor dose of sodium nitroprusside (NPNa, 50ìg/kg, iv) and with a pressor dose of phenylephrine (PE, 8ìg/kg, iv). In order to evaluate the effects of catalase inhibition into the fourth cerebral ventricle (4th V) on cardiovascular responses, we injected the catalase inhibitor 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATZ, ìg/100ìL 0.01). Results: It was observed in Wistar rats exposed to SSCS that catalase inhibition caused more intense responses on basal HR and bradycardic peak. Central catalase inhibition affected in a higher intensity baseline HR and bradycardic peak WKY rats exposed to SSCS. On the other hand, in SHR SSCS exposure affected the tachycardic peak after central inhibition of catalase in a higher intensuty. Conclusion: Exposure to SSCS alters the sympathetic component of the baroreflex in WKY and SHR and caused more severe cardiovascular responses to catalase inhibition into the 4th V in Wistar and WKY rats.<br>TEDE<br>BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertações

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T18:55:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 marcos pdf.pdf: 307816 bytes, checksum: fe440a0178e6253cedbe1fc15d052a7f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-09-25<br>The goal of this project was to verify the effect of the administration of GH associated or not associated to physical activity in the serum biochemistry, body weight and in the weight of Wistar rats organs. In the present research, 40 rats were used, 9 years old, divided in four groups (n=10): CT (control group without physical activity and without administration of GH), GH (group without physical activity and with administration of GH), Ex (group with physical activity and without administration of GH), ExGH (group with physical activity and administration of GH). After 30 days, the serum biochemistry, the animals weight, organs weight, length and abdominal circumference were measured. The variables were submitted to the analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Tukey test. There was no statistical difference in the gain of weight and in the growth of the animals among the different groups. There was a greater gain of abdominal circumference in the ExGH group compared to the GH group, but there was no difference in the retro abdominal fat weight. Renal weight was only different in the GH group, it was greater than Ex and ExGH (p<0.05). Regarding serum biochemistry, the ExGH group presented lower urea rates than the other groups (p<0.05), and the Ex group presented a higher dosage of alkaline phosphatase, statistically differing from the other groups. In conclusion, the use of GH in the 0.2 UI/Kg dosage per month associated or not to the practice of physical activity doesn t alter the body weight or the overall length of the female animals. The use of GH not associated to physical activity leads to an increase of the renal weight. The use of GH combined with physical activity decreases the serum urea, without altering creatinine. Physical activity without the administration of GH increases the alkaline phosphatase.<br>O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar o efeito da administração do GH associado ou não à atividade física na bioquímica sérica, peso corporal e no peso dos órgãos de ratas Wistar. Na presente pesquisa foram utilizadas 40 ratas, com 9 semanas de idade, divididas em quatro grupos (n=10): CT (grupo controle sem atividade física e sem administrar GH), GH (grupo sem atividade física e com administração de GH), Ex (grupo com atividade física e sem administração de GH) e ExGH (grupo com atividade física e com administração de GH). Após 30 dias, a bioquímica sérica, o peso dos animais, peso dos órgãos e comprimento e circunferência abdominal foram mensurados. As variáveis foram submetidas ao teste análise de variância (ANOVA), seguida do teste de Tukey. Não houve diferença estatística no ganho de peso e no crescimento dos animais entre os diferentes grupos. Houve um maior ganho de circunferência abdominal no grupo ExGH comparado ao grupo GH, porém não houve diferença no peso da gordura retroabdominal. Somente houve diferença no peso renal do grupo GH que foi maior que Ex e ExGH (p<0.05). Com relação à bioquímica sérica, o grupo ExGH apresentou menor valor de ureia (p<0.05) que os demais grupos e o grupo Ex apresentou maior dosagem de fosfatase alcalina diferindo estatisticamente dos demais grupos. Conclui-se que a utilização de GH na dosagem de 0,2UI/Kg por um mês associado ou não à prática de atividade física não altera o peso corporal, nem o comprimento total dos animais. O uso do GH sem a associação à atividade física leva a um aumento do peso renal. O uso do GH combinado à atividade física diminuiu a ureia sérica, sem alterar a creatinina. A atividade física sem a administração de GH aumenta a fosfatase alcalina.

Introdução: Arginina e antioxidantes estão associados à melhora funcional de cicatrização. Formulação enteral suplementada com arginina e antioxidantes tem sido proposta para corrigir déficit nutricional e garantir substratos ideais para uma boa cicatrização. Ainda não existem informações disponíveis sobre os possíveis mecanismos envolvidos. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da nutrição enteral suplementada com arginina e antioxidantes sobre o processo de cicatrização de feridas cutâneas em ratos nutridos e previamente desnutridos, em termos de avaliação morfo-estrutural, bioquímica e biologia molecular. Método: Ratos isogênicos, machos, adultos com peso entre 250 a 350 g, foram divididos aleatoriamente em seis grupos. Três grupos foram mantidos nutridos com alimentação com dieta padrão AIN-93M e três grupos foram submetidos ao regime de desnutrição por 14 dias, com perda de peso corpóreo entre 12 e 15% em relação ao peso corpóreo inicial. Após esse período, os grupos de ratos nutridos e os previamente desnutridos, foram submetidos à lesão cutânea dorsal padronizada e gastrostomia. A seguir, os ratos receberam aleatoriamente dieta por via oral, dieta enteral padrão ou dieta enteral suplementada com arginina e antioxidantes por via gastrostomia, durante 14 dias pós-trauma (PT). A área da lesão cutânea no dia do trauma, no 7º e 14º dias PT foram medidas por fotografia digital. No 7º e 14º dias PT, em tecido de granulação cicatricial, por meio de análise histológica, foram avaliadas as variáveis reepitelização, infiltrado inflamatório, recomposição da derme, quantificação do colágeno total e miofibroblastos (imunoistoquímica). Amostras do tecido de granulação, retiradas no 7º dia PT, foram submetidas à análise de expressão gênica de fatores de crescimento (TGF-beta, KGF, PDGF, VEGF) e colágenos (tipo I e III). Resultados: Ratos nutridos apresentaram maior fechamento da lesão cutânea quando comparados aos previamente desnutridos, no 7º e 14º dias PT, independente dos diferentes tipos de dieta administrados por via gastrostomia. No 14º dia PT, ratos nutridos apresentaram maior reepitelização, intensidade de infiltrado inflamatório e recomposição da derme, quando comparados aos ratos previamente desnutridos, independente da oferta de dieta por via oral, dieta enteral padrão e suplementada. Ratos nutridos e previamente desnutridos, no 7º e 14º dias PT, não apresentaram diferença na quantidade de colágeno total e miofibroblastos, independente do tipo de dieta enteral administrada por via gastrostomia. No 7º dia PT, ratos nutridos apresentaram aumento na expressão gênica dos fatores de crescimento TGF-beta e KGF e colágenos I e III, quando comparados aos ratos previamente desnutridos, independente da dieta enteral administrada por via gastrostomia. Conclusões: 1 - Com estado nutricional mantido, a cicatrização ocorre de maneira adequada, independente da dieta oral, enteral padrão ou suplementada. 2- A desnutrição retarda a cicatrização em termos de epitelização, recomposição da derme e contração da ferida cutânea, independente da realimentação com dieta oral, enteral padrão ou suplementada. 3- Após uma semana de trauma cutâneo, a expressão gênica de fatores de crescimento ligados à cicatrização apresentaram-se alterados em virtude da desnutrição prévia, e não foram revertidos independentemente da realimentação com dieta oral, enteral padrão ou suplementada. 4- Após uma semana de trauma cutâneo, a expressão gênica dos colágenos tipo I e III ligados à cicatrização apresentaram-se alterados em virtude da desnutrição prévia, e não foram revertidos independentemente da realimentação com dieta oral, enteral padrão ou suplementada<br>Introduction: Arginine and antioxidants are associated with functional enhancement of healing. Arginine and antioxidants supplemented enteral formulas have been used to revert nutritional deficits and to guarantee substrates to ideal healing. The possible mechanisms involved have not been totally elucidated. Objective: To examine the effect of enteral nutrition supplemented with arginine and antioxidants on cutaneous wound healing process in nourished and previously malnourished rats in morphological structural, biochemical and molecular analyses. Methods: Isogenic rats, male, adults, weighting 250 to 350 g, were divided in six groups. Three groups were maintained nourished with oral diet AIN-93 and three groups were submitted to malnutrition process for 14 days, with 12 to 15% of body weight loss. Nourished and previously malnourished groups were submitted to dorsal cutaneous wound and gastrostomy. The rats received oral diet, standard enteral diet or enteral diet supplemented with arginine and antioxidants through gastrostomy during 14 days post trauma (PT). The cutaneous wound area on day of trauma, 7th and 14th days post-trauma were calculated. At 7th and 14th day, histological variables (re-epithelization, inflammatory infiltrate, dermal recomposition and total collagen quantification) and myofibroblasts were analyzed at granulation tissue. Growth factors (TGF-beta, KGF, PDGF and VEGF) and collagens (type I and III) gene expression analyses were performed at samples from the granulation tissue. Results: Nourished rats showed higher contraction of cutaneous wound when compared with previously malnourished rats, on 7th and 14th days post trauma (PT) independent of different enteral diet administered through gastrostomy. On 14th day PT, nourished rats showed higher re-epithelization, inflammatory infiltrate intensity and dermal recomposition when compared to previously malnourished rats, independent of physiologic solution, standard enteral diet and supplemented enteral diet with arginine and antioxidants. Total collagen quantification and myofibroblasts semi-quantification, did not show any significant difference, independent of the enteral diet type, administered through gastrostomy in nourished and previously malnourished rats, at 7th and 14th days PT. Nourished rats showed higher levels of TGF-beta, KGF, collagen type I and III gene expression when compared to previously malnourished rats, independent of the enteral diet type administered through gastrostomy at the 7th day PT. Conclusions: 1- Adequate healing process occurs with the maintenance of nutritional status, independent of the feeding of a oral diet, standard enteral diet or supplemented enteral diet with arginine and antioxidants, 2- Previous malnutrition state slower re-epithelization, dermal recomposition and contraction, independent of refeeding with oral diet, standard enteral diet or supplemented enteral diet with arginine and antioxidants refeeding. 3- Previous malnutrition reduce the levels of growth factors gene expression involved on wound healing, independent of refeeding with oral diet, standard enteral diet or supplemented enteral diet with arginine and antioxidants after seven days post-trauma. 4- Previous malnutrition reduce the levels of collagens type I and III gene expression involved on wound healing, independent of refeeding with oral diet, standard enteral diet or supplemented enteral diet with arginine and antioxidants after seven days post-trauma

INTRODUÇÂO: Durante o desenvolvimento da hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) ocorre a hiperatividade simpática, que está relacionada ao comprometimento dos sistemas baro e quimiorreflexo arteriais e disfunção ventricular esquerda (VE). Entretanto, a função ventricular direita (VD) tem sido pouco avaliada no contexto da HAS associada à desnervação sino-aórtica (DSA). OBJETIVO: Avaliar a função biventricular de forma não-invasiva e invasiva, a capacidade funcional, a sensibilidade barorreflexa e o controle autonômico cardiovascular em ratos Wistar (W) e ratos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) submetidos ou não à DSA. MÉTODOS: Após 10 semanas de DSA, a função cardíaca foi avaliada pelo teste de esforço (TE), ecocardiograma transtorácico e transesofágico, e a pressão diastólica final biventricular; as funções hemodinâmica e autonômica foram avaliadas pelo registro da pressão arterial (PA) e da freqüência cardíaca (FC), variabilidade da PA e da FC e sensibilidade barorreflexa. Os ratos (n = 32) foram divididos em 4 grupos: 16 W com (n = 8) e sem DSA (n = 8), 16 SHR com (n = 8) ou sem DSA (n = 8). RESULTADOS: A PA e a FC não apresentaram alterações entre os grupos DSA e não-DSA, entretanto, os SHR apresentaram níveis mais elevados da PA comparado com W. O TE mostrou que os SHR apresentaram melhor capacidade funcional em relação ao DSA e SHRDSA (W: 1,16±0,3m/s, DSA: 0,9±0,15m/s, *SHR: 1,46±0,29m/s, SHR-DSA: 1,02±0,31, *p< 0,05 vs. DSA e SHRDSA). Os SHRs apresentaram aumento da variabilidade da PA comparados aos W. Após a DSA houve aumento da variabilidade PA em todos os grupos comparados ao W (W: 15±29 mmHg2, *DSA: 49±27 mmHg2, *SHR: 60±29 mmHg2, *SHR-DSA: 137±76 mmHg2, *p<0,05 vs. W). Foi observado hipertrofia concêntrica do VE; disfunção sistólica segmentar e diastólica global do VE; disfunção sistólica global e segmentar, e diastólica global do VD; sinais indiretos de hipertensão arterial pulmonar pela ecocardiografia, mas evidentes no grupo SHRDSA. A pressão diastólica final do VD mostrou aumento em todos os grupos comparados com W (W: 3±0.39mmHg, *DSA:4,7±0,52mmHg, *SHR: 6;6±1.1mmHg, *SHRDSA: 7,8±0.87mmHg, *p< 0,05 vs. W), enquanto a pressão diastólica final do VE mostrou aumento dos grupos SHR e SHRDSA em relação ao W, e dos SHRDSA em relação aos DSA (W: 5,83±0,19 mmHg, DSA: 8,98±1,2 mmHg, *SHR: 12,51±4,73 mmHg, *#SHRDSA: 14,57±2.52 mmHg, *p< 0,05 vs. W, #p< 0,05 vs. DSA). Houve relação entre medidas não- invasivas e invasivas do VD, mostrando uma boa acurácia das medidas ecocardiográficas. CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados sugerem que a disfunção baroreflexa compromete a função biventricular. Além disso, os achados observados nos índices ecocardiográficos do VD indicam que a DAS pode induzir a elevação da pressão arterial pulmonar, reforçando o papel da disfunção barorreflexa na patogênese da doença cardíaca hipertensiva<br>INTRODUCTION: During the development of hypertension, sympathetic hyperactivity commonly seems to be related to the left ventricular (LV) dysfunction and baro and chemoreflexes impairment. However, right ventricle (RV) function has not been evaluated specially regarding the association of hypertension and baroreflex dysfunction. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate noninvasively and invasively the biventricular myocardial function, the functional capacity, the baroreflex sensitivity and the cardiovascular autonomic control in Wistar (W) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) submitted or not to sinoaortic denervation (SAD). METHODS: Ten weeks after DSA, cardiac function was evaluated by the maximal exercise test (MET), by transthoracic (TT) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and the biventricular end diastolic pressures (EDP). Additionally, hemodynamic and autonomic functions were evaluated by the blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) records, BP and HR variability and baroreflex sensitivity. The rats (n=32) were divided in 4 groups: 16 Wistar (W) with (n=8) or without SAD (n=8) and 16 SHR, with (n=8) or without SAD (n=8). RESULTS: Blood pressure and HR did not show any change between the groups SAD and without SAD, although, SHR showed higher BP levels in comparison to W. MET results showed that SHR had better functional capacity compared to SAD and SHRSAD (W: 1,16±0,3m/s, DSA: 0,9±0,15m/s, *SHR: 1,46±0,29m/s, SHR-DSA: 1,02±0,31, *p< 0.05 vs. SAD and SHRSAD). BP variability was increased in SHR groups compared to W. After SAD, BP variability increased in all groups compared to W (W: 15±29 mmHg2, *DSA: 49±27 mmHg2, *SHR: 60±29 mmHg2, *SHR-DSA: 137±76 mmHg2, *p<0.05 vs. W). Left ventricular concentric hypertrophy; segmental systolic dysfunction and global diastolic LV dysfunction; segmental and global systolic dysfunction, and global diastolic RV dysfunction; indirect signals of pulmonary arterial hypertension were shown by echocardiography, mostly evident in SHRSAD. The RV-EDP increased in all groups compared to W (W: 3±0.39mmHg, *SAD:4.7±0.52mmHg, *SHR: 6.6±1.1mmHg, *SHRSAD: 7.8±0.87mmHg, *p<0.05 vs. W), and the LV-EDP increased in SHR and SHRSAD groups compared to W, and in SHRSAD compared to SAD (W: 5,83±0,19 mmHg, SAD: 8.98±1.2 mmHg, *SHR: 12.51±4.73 mmHg, *#SHRSAD: 14.57±2.52 mmHg, *p<0.05 vs. W, #p<0.05 vs. DSA). There was a relation between invasive or noninvasive measurements of the RV showing good accuracy of echocardiographic measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that baroreflex dysfunction impaired biventricular function. Moreover, the findings of RV echocardiographic indices indicate that SAD may lead to increased pulmonary artery pressure, supporting a role for baroreflex dysfunction in the pathogenesis of the hypertensive cardiac disease

O emprego de \"Total Genome Scan\" em modelos genéticos de doenças complexas tem sido fundamental para seleção de regiões cromossômicas envolvidas com traços complexos. Em nosso laboratório, identificamos cinco regiões cromossômicas associadas ao traço quantitativo pressão arterial (BP-QTL) que explicam 43% da variação da pressão arterial numa progênie obtida a partir de animais espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) e \"Brown Norway\" (BN). Os BP-QTLs foram, então, validados por desenvolvimento de linhagens congênicas, incluindo uma para o cromossomo 4 (SHR.BN4) cuja substituição das sequências SHR pelo do animal BN levou a redução da pressão arterial sistólica basal (~14 mm Hg). O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar as variantes genéticas candidatas neste intervalo cromossômico com base em diferenças no padrão de expressão gênica e na presença de alterações genéticas não sinônimas \"missense\" ou em regiões regulatórias conservadas que possam estar envolvidas na gênese da hipertensão. Identificamos 533 genes com expressão renal, dentre os 682 do intervalo, sendo que 28 apresentaram padrão de expressão diferente entre amostras de animais adultos (congênico vs. SHR) e seis apresentaram alterações não sinônimas \"missense\". É importante salientar que dos genes diferentemente expressos, encontramos alterações estruturais em regiões conservadas com potencial de participar na regulação em 11. Em conjunto, utilizamos uma plataforma integrada para selecionar 34 genes candidatos no cromossomo 4, dos quais 17 genes serão priorizados, para ser investigados quanto sua contribuição na hipertensão arterial do SHR e na hipertensão primária humana<br>Total genome scan in genetic models of complex diseases have been instrumental to select candidate genes underlying complex traits. We previously mapped 5 blood pressure related quantitative trait loci (BP-QTLs) that explain about 43% of the BP variance in a progeny derived from Spontaneous Hypertensive Rat (SHR) and Brown Norway (BN) rats. The BP-QTLs were then validated by derivation of congenic strains, including one for chromosome 4 (SHR.BN4) in which a segment from BN replaced the SHR sequences reducing basal systolic BP (~14 mm Hg). The aim of this project is to identify the candidate genetic variants within the chromosome interval based on differences in renal gene expression patterns and structural changes in both non-synonymous missense or within adjacent regulatory sequences that may contribute to hypertension. We identified 533 genes with renal expression, out of 682 in the interval, in which 28 presented differences in expression pattern in adult samples (congenic vs. SHR) and six presented non-synonymous missense alterations. In addition, 11 out of 28 differentially expressed genes showed structural alterations in adjacent conserved regions that potentially contribute to gene regulation. Taken together, using the proposed combination of strategies, we selected 34 hypertensive candidate genes in chromosome 4, in which 17 will be prioritized, to be further explored to assess their contribution to hypertension in the SHR and to essential hypertension in humans

The glycophosphatidylinositol(GPI)-linked membrane protein ART2 is an antigenic determinant for T lymphocytes that regulate the expression of diabetes in the BB/W rat model. Though little is understood of the physiologic role of ART2 on T lymphocytes, ART2 is a member of the mono-ADP-ribosyl transferase subgroup ofthe ADP-ribosyl transferase (ART) protein family. The ART protein family, which traditionally has been divided into mono-ADP-ribosyl transferases (mono-ARTs), poly(ADP)-ribose polymerases (PARPs), and ADP-ribosyl cyclases, influences various aspects of cellular physiology including: apoptosis, DNA damage repair, chromatin remodeling, telomere replication, cellular transport, immune regulation, neuronal function, and bacterial virulence. A structural alignment of ART2.2 with chicken PARP indicated the potential for ART2.2 to catalyze ADP-ribose polymers in an activity thought to be specific to the PARP subgroup and important for their regulation of nuclear processes. Kinetic studies determined that the auto-ADP-ribosyl transferase activity of ART2.2 is multitmeric and heterogeneous in nature. Hydroxylamine-cleaved ADP-ribose moieties from the ART2.2 multimers ran as polymers on a modified sequencing gel, and digestion of the polymers with snake-venom phosphodiesterase produced AMP and the poly(ADP)ribose-specific product, PR-AMP, which was resolved by analytical HPLC and structurally confirmed by ESI-MS. The ratio of AMP to PR-AMP was higher than that of PARP raising the possibility that the ART2.2 polymers had a different branching structure than those of PARP. This alternative branching was confirmed by the presence of ribose phosphate polymers in the snake venom phophodiesterase treated samples. The site of the auto-poly(ADP)-ribose modification was determined to be R185, a residue previously proposed to influence the level of auto-ADP ribosylation of ART2.2 by mutational analysis. These data provide the first demonstration of a hybrid between mono-ARTs and PARPs and are the earliest indication that PARP-like enzymes can exist outside the nucleus and on the cell surface.

Introdução: A doença renal crônica continua sendo um desafio no campo da pesquisa médica. Atualmente um interesse crescente tem surgido no intuito de avaliar o potencial de células tronco em retardar o avanço de doenças crônicas progressivas. Material e Métodos: Para determinar o efeito dessas células em um modelo de progressão de doença renal crônica foram usadas células linhagem negativa (Lin ) separadas magneticamente e injetadas em ratos submetidos à injúria renal. Ratos singênicos Fischer 344 foram submetidos à nefrectomia 5/6 (Nx) e divididos em 3 grupos: Nx (não tratados); NxSC1 (submetidos à infusão de 2 106 células Lin no 15º dia de pós-operatório); e NxSC3 (submetidos à infusão de 2 106 células Lin no 15º, 30º e 45º dias de pós-operatório). No 60º dia de pós-operatório clearance de inulina, imunohistoquímica e immunoblotting foram realizados. Resultados: Os animais submetidos à nefrectomia apresentaram redução do clearance de inulina (0,33 ± 0,02 ml/min/100g peso corpóreo), proteinúria (12 ± 0,5 mg/24hs) , anemia e hipertensão (145 ± 7,7 mmHg) compatíveis com doença renal crônica. A infusão de células Lin- resultou em atenuação da proteinúria (p<0,05) com relação aos animais não tratados a despeito de não ter havido diferença nos níveis de pressão arterial e aldosterona plasmática. Esses achados foram similares entre os grupos tratados com uma ou com três infusões de células. Adicionalmente a infusão de células resultou em redução do índice de glomeruloesclerose e da área intersticial relativa (p<0,05), menor infiltração do tecido renal por macrófagos e linfócitos e menor proliferação celular. A expressão tecidual do p21 e de VEGF já foi associada à aceleração da progressão da lesão renal crônica. No nosso modelo ambas as proteínas tiveram sua expressão reduzida. A redução da expressão tecidual de eNOS tem sido implicada na progressão da doença renal. Em nosso modelo houve aumento dessa expressão após infusão das células Conclusões: A infusão de células Linatenuou todos os marcadores de injúria renal em um modelo de doença precoce possivelmente através de um mecanismo imunomodulador.<br>Progressive renal failure continues to be a challenge. The use of bone marrowderived stem cells (SCs) represents a means of meeting that challenge. We used lineage-negative (Lin-) SCs to test the hypothesis that Lin- cell infusion decreases renal injury. Syngeneic Fischer 344 rats were submitted to 5/6 nephrectomy and divided into 3 groups: Nx (untreated); NxSC1 (receiving 2 × 106 Lin- cells on postnephrectomy day 15); and NxSC3 (receiving 2 × 106 Lin- cells on postnephrectomy days 15, 30 and 45). Controls were unoperated/untreated. On postnephrectomy day 60, clearance studies, immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting were performed. Lin- cell infusion effectively reduced postnephrectomy proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis, anemia, renal infiltration of immune cells and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 protein expression, as well as decreasing the interstitial area. Immunostaining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen showed that, in comparison with controls, Nx rats presented greater cell proliferation, whereas NxSC1 rats and NxSC3 rats presented less cell proliferation than did Nx rats. Protein expression of p21 and VEGF increased after nephrectomy and decreased after Lin- cell infusion. Protein expression of eNOS reduced after nephrectomy and increased after cell infusion. These data suggest that SC treatment ameliorates progressive end-stage renal disease.

O desenvolvimento das doenças neurodegenerativas, como a doença de Alzheimer, está associado à presença de agregados proteicos contendo Tau hiperfosforilada (p-Tau). Esta disfunção da Tau leva a prejuízos na homeostase celular. Um mecanismo chave para diminuir e/ou prevenir os danos promovidos pelos agregados contendo Tau seria o estímulo de sua degradação. Neste sentido, a proposta do presente estudo foi analisar a degradação da proteína Tau após aumento da expressão exógena da cochaperona Bag-2, a qual influencia o sistema proteassomal de degradação; bem como avaliar a ativação dos sistemas de degradação, a fim de correlacionar estes sistemas em cultura de células primárias e organotípica do hipocampo de ratos. Os resultados mostraram que a rotenona foi capaz de aumentar os níveis de p-Tau e que a superexpressão de Bag-2, foi eficiente em prevenir e degradar a p-Tau. O mecanismo envolvido neste processo envolve a coordenação dos sistemas proteassomal e lisossomal, já que a Rab7 e a Rab24 (envolvidas na via lisossomal) mostraram-se diminuídas na fase que antecede a agregação proteica, enquanto houve aumento da Rab24 na presença dos agregados proteicos. Com relação ao peptídeo beta amiloide, foi demonstrado tendência de aumento de p-Tau acompanhado de diminuição da atividade proteassomal e lisossomal. O tratamento com PADK (ativador lisossomal) foi capaz de reverter este efeito nestas diferentes condições. A análise da interrelação entre os sistemas mostrou que uma inibição do proteassoma favorece a via lisossomal e que o inverso não se repete. Os resultados sugerem que a modulação das vias de degradação pode ser interessante para o estudo, prevenção e tratamento das doenças neurodegenerativas associadas à agregação de proteínas<br>Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer\'s, are associated to protein inclusions containing hyperphosphorylated Tau (p-Tau). It is well established that Tau dysfunction impairs cell homeostasis. A key mechanism to prevent and/or reduce the damage promoted by aggregates of Tau might be its degradation. In view of this, the aims of the present study are to evaluate p- Tau clearance following exogenous expression of Bag-2, which stimulates proteasome; as well as to analyze the activation of both lysosome and proteasome pathways in order to understand the crosstalk between these two systems in primary and organotypic cultures of rat hippocampus. Results showed that rotenone was able of increasing p-Tau that was prevented and degraded by Bag-2 overexpression. Mechanisms involved in this process involve the coordination of cell degradation systems, depending upon aggregation status, since Rab7 and Rab24 (involved in lysosomal pathway) were decreased before protein aggregation, while Rab24 increased in the presence of protein inclusions. Amyloid-beta peptide also increased p-Tau accompanied by decreased proteasome and lysosome activity. PADK (lysosomal activator) treatment reverted the inhibition promoted by amyloidbeta peptide. Inhibition of proteasome leads to activation of lysosome, but lysosome inhibition does not affect proteasome. Overall, results suggest that targeting degradation pathways might be useful to understand, prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases associated with protein deposits

A hipertensão arterial essencial é caracterizada pela elevação crônica da pressão arterial e representa o principal fator de risco para doenças cardiovasculares e renais. O rim participa do controle da pressão arterial e alterações intrínsecas no manuseio renal de sódio desempenham papel importante na patogênese da hipertensão essencial. Os túbulos proximais renais são responsáveis pela reabsorção da maior parte do sódio filtrado nos glomérulos e a maior parte da reabsorção de sódio neste segmento faz-se através da troca de Na+ por H+ em membrana apical, mediada pela isoforma 3 do trocador Na+/H+ (NHE3). Entretanto, os dados existentes referentes à modulação renal do NHE3 em modelos de hipertensão são ainda conflitantes. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as possíveis alterações funcionais do trocador Na+/H+ NHE3 em túbulo proximal renal na linhagem SHR no estágio de préhipertensão (5 semanas) e de hipertensão (14 semanas) e investigar se estas alterações são acompanhadas de alterações na atividade e na expressão da proteína cinase A (PKA) e de proteínas fosfatase-1 (PP1). Por meio de microperfusão estacionária in vivo mediu-se a atividade do NHE3 em túbulo proximal e verificou-se que a reabsorção de bicarbonato foi reduzida em 62 ± 6 % (P < 0,001) na transição do J-SHR para o A-SHR enquanto foi aumentada em 113 ± 10 % (P < 0,001) na transição entre o J-WKY e o A-WKY. A atividade estimulada do NHE3 em J-SHR é decorrente da redistribuição do NHE3 do domínio intermicrovilar (IMV) para o domínio das microvilosidades (MMV) e do baixo nível de fosforilação da serina 552, sítio consenso para a PKA. Por outro lado, durante a fase de hipertensão, a atividade diminuída do NHE3 deve-se à sua redistribuição para o IMV e ao aumento da fosforilação na serina 552. Para testar a hipótese de que os níveis de fosforilação do NHE3 estariam aumentados em túbulo proximal de SHR adulto devido ao aumento da atividade da PKA e/ou à diminuição na atividade da PP1, foram avaliados tanto os níveis de fosforilação quanto a atividade do NHE3 em SHR jovens e adultos em resposta ao 6MB-cAMP (análogo ao cAMP que ativa especificamente a PKA). O JSHR apresentou um aumento tanto nos níveis de fosforilação da serina 552 (179 ± 14 %, P < 0,001) quanto nos de inibição da atividade (65 ± 10 %, P < 0,001) do NHE3 em relação ao J-SHR em resposta ao 6MB-cAMP. Já no A-SHR, a fosforilação da serina 552 aumentou moderadamente (36 ± 4 %, P < 0,01), assim como inibiu moderadamente (23 ± 9 %, P < 0,05) a atividade do NHE3 em resposta ao 6MBcAMP. Adicionalmente, verificou-se que não houve alteração da atividade da PKA entre os animais nem ao longo da idade e nem entre as linhagens. Por sua vez, o JSHR apresentou maior atividade da PP1 que o A-SHR (1640 ± 107 vs. 940 ± 119 pM/?g, P < 0,01). Além disso, houve uma diminuição na expressão da PP1? no ASHR (32 ± 8 %, P < 0,01) quando comparado ao J-SHR. Os dados sugerem que o NHE3 é diferencialmente regulado antes e após o desenvolvimento da hipertensão em SHR por mecanismos que envolvem modificações pós-transcricionais e distribuição subcelular. Além do mais, a regulação diferencial dos níveis de fosforilação do NHE3 tubular proximal antes e após o desenvolvimento da hipertensão em SHR é devida, provavelmente, a alterações na atividade e na expressão da PP1<br>Essential hypertension is characterized by chronic elevation of blood pressure and represents the major risk factor for cardiovascular and renal diseases. The kidney participates in the blood pressure control and intrinsic changes in renal sodium handling play an important role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. The renal proximal tubule is responsible for reabsorption of the great majority of sodium that is filtered by the glomerulus and the principal apical membrane mechanism for sodium reabsorption in this nephron is Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3)- mediated Na+/H+ exchange. However, conflicting data have been reported with regard to NHE3 modulation in experimental models of hypertension. This study aimed to evaluate the possible functional changes of the Na+/H+ exchanger NHE3 in the renal proximal tubule of SHR both at the pre-hypertensive (5 weeks) and at hypertensive (14 weeks) stages and to investigate whether these changes were accompanied by changes in the activity and/or expression of protein kinase A (PKA) and protein phosphatase 1 (PP1). Proximal tubule NHE3 activity was measured by means of stationary microperfusion. Bicarbonate reabsorption was found to be decreased by 62 ± 6 % (P < 0.001) in the transition from youth to adulthood in SHR (Y-SHR to A-SHR), whereas in the transition from Y-WKY to A-WKY it increased by 113 ± 10 % (P < 0.001). Stimulated NHE3 activity in Y-SHR was due to redistribution of NHE3 from intermicrovilar domain (IMV) to microvilar domain (MMV) and to a lower level of serine 552 phosphorylation, a consensus site for PKA. Conversely, during the hypertensive stage, decreased NHE3 activity was due to increased redistribution of NHE3 to the IMV domain and increased phosphorylation at serine 552. To test the hypothesis that the increased levels of NHE3 phosphorylation in the proximal tubule of adult SHR were due to increased PKA activity and/or decreased PP1 activity, it was evaluated both phosphorylation levels and activity of NHE3 in young and adult SHR in response to 6MB-cAMP (an cAMP analog that specifically activates PKA). Y-SHR showed an increase both in the phosphorylation levels at serine 552 (179 ± 14 %, P < 0.001) and in the inhibition of NHE3 transport activity (65 ± 10 %, P < 0.001) compared to Y-SHR in response to 6MB-cAMP. With respect to A-SHR, the phosphorylation of serine 552 was slightly increased (36 ± 4 %, P < 0.01) and NHE3 activity was mildly inhibited (23 ± 9 %, P < 0.05) in response to 6MB-cAMP. Additionally, PKA activity remained unchanged with both age and strain. Nevertheless, Y-SHR exhibited higher PP1 activity than A-SHR (1640 ± 107 vs. 940 ± 119 pM/?g, P < 0.01). Furthermore, PP1? expression was decreased in the renal cortex of A-SHR (32 ± 8 %, P < 0.01) compared to Y-SHR. Taken together, these data suggest that NHE3 is differentially regulated before and after development of hypertension in SHR by mechanisms involving post-translational modifications and subcellular distribution. Moreover, the differential regulation of proximal tubule NHE3 phosphorylation levels before and after development of hypertension in SHR is most likely due to changes on the activity and expression of PP1

Para avaliar as repercussões da insuflação prolongada da cavidade peritoneal com gás carbônico sobre a hipertensão arterial essencial, utilizou-se ratos machos espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) e como normotensos ratos machos Wistar-Kioto (WKY). No total foram utilizados 34 animais, sendo 22 SHRs e 12 WKYs, onde os ratos SHR foram distribuídos aleatoriamente aos grupos G1 e G3. O primeiro grupo (G1) com 12 animais SHRs e o segundo (G2) com 12 animais WKYs foram expostos a pneumoperitônio com dióxido de carbono por 120 minutos, enquanto que o terceiro grupo (G3) com 10 animais SHRs, passou por insuflação da cavidade peritoneal, seguida de punção com trocarte e esvaziamento do pneumoperitônio. Os animais deste grupo permaneceram anestesiados e com o abdome puncionado por 2 horas. Previamente a confecção do pneumoperitônio, a artéria e veia femorais direita foram dissecadas e canuladas. A artéria foi conectada ao transdutor de pressão para o registro contínuo da pressão arterial (PA), após a coleta inicial de 0,2 ml para dosagem da gasometria basal e 0,8 ml para as dosagens de uréia (U) e creatinina (Cr) basais. A veia femoral foi uttilizada para a expansão volêmica lenta com 10 ml de solução fisiológica após a coleta inicial de 1,0 ml de sangue arterial. Feito isto, procedeu-se a insuflação e punção abdominal mantendo ou não o pnemoperitônio, conforme o grupo. Foram feitas medidas da pressão arterial a cada 15 minutos e 5 minutos após o esvaziamento do abdome. Após a última aferição, foi colhido aproximandamente 3 ml de sangue arterial e 1 ml para a gasometria mais dosagem da U e Cr. A análise multivariada para medidas repetidas ao longo do tempo permitiu concluir que: nos cinco minutos após a desinsuflação, houve diferença estatística significante (p<0,0001) nas pressões arteriais sistólica, diastólica e média no G1 com uma curva ascendente em relação ao G2 e G3; O pH diminuiu (p<0,0001) de maneira similar nos três grupos de intervenção, enquanto a pCO2 aumentou (p<0,0001) de maneira similar nos três grupos de intervenção; não houve mudanças significativas na creatinina (p=0,3232); a uréia apresentou um efeito de momento com significância estatística (p<0,0001) e a atividade da renina plasmática foi significativamente maior no G2 em relação aos outros dois grupos<br>To assess the effects of prolonged peritoneal cavity insufflation with carbon dioxide on the essential hypertension, a experimental study was designed using male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and male normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY). Thirty-four animals were used, 22 SHRs and 12 WKYs, where SHR rats were randomly assigned to groups G1 and G3. The first group (G1) with 12 animals SHRs and second group (G2) with 12 animals WKYs were exposed to pneumoperitoneum with carbon dioxide for 120 minutes, while the third group (G3) with 10 animals SHRs, had the peritoneal cavity insufflated, followed by puncture with trocarte and released the pneumoperitoneum. The animals of this group remained anesthetized and the abdomen punctured by 2 hours. Before making the pneumoperitoneum, right femoral artery and vein were dissected and cannulated. The artery was connected to the transducer pressure for the continuous recording of blood pressure (BP), after the initials blood samples: 0.2 ml for blood gases measurement and 0.8 ml for urea (U) and creatinine (Cr ). The femoral vein was used to volume expansion with 10 ml of saline solution after the initial sample of 1.0 ml arterial blood. Afterwards, a pnemoperitoneum insufflation and maintaining is done or not, depending on group. Blood pressure was recorded every 15 minutes and 5 minutes after pnemoperitoneum released. After last blood pressure record, a 3.0 ml blood sample was collected to measure plasma renin activity (PRA), and 1.0 ml for blood gases measurement, urea (U) and creatinine (Cr). The multivariate analysis for repeated measurements over time has concluded that: five minutes after pnemoperitoneum released, systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure has significant statistic differences (p <0.0001) in G1 with an upward curve in relation to G2 and G3; The pH decreased (p <0.0001) in a similar way in the three groups of intervention, while pCO2 increased (p <0.0001) in a similar way in the three groups of intervention, with no significant changes in creatinine (p = 0.3232), but the urea had a moment effect with statistical significance (p <0.0001) and the plasma renin activity (PRA) was significantly higher in G2 compared with the other two groups

A hipertensão arterial (HA) é uma doença multifatorial na qual há a interação de vários mecanismos, e está relacionada com alterações funcionais e/ou estruturais dos órgãos-alvo. Alterações funcionais dos mecanismos regulatórios da pressão arterial (PA) a curto prazo, como os barorreceptores e os quimiorreceptores, vem sendo bastante exploradas com o objetivo de entender os possíveis mecanismos que podem estar relacionadas à gênese da HA. Diante disso, utilizamos o modelo experimental de desnervação sinoaórtica (DSA) e desnervação seletiva desses aferentes (aórtica DA) e/ou carotídea (DC) e a ligadura da artéria do corpúsculo carotídeo (LA) para avaliarmos a importância relativa dos barorreceptores e quimioreceptores no controle neurogênico da circulação mediando respostas cardíacas e músculo-esqueléticas na HA. Para tanto, utilizamos ratos Wistar (CTR) e espontaneamente hipertensos (SHR) submetidos às diferentes desnervações (SHRDSA/ SHRDA / SHRDC), bem como, a ligadura da artéria do corpúsculo carotídeo (SHRLA). Os animais foram acompanhados durante 10 semanas após as desnervações seletivas, e em seguida foram realizadas as avaliações ecocardiográficas, gasometria arterial, hemodinâmicas, autonômicas e de fluxo sanguíneo regional. Posteriormente, os animais foram eutanasiados para a coleta dos tecidos para as avaliações gênicas e histológicas. Resultados: Os animais SHR apresentaram disfunções hemodinâmicas, autonômicas e gasométricas (alcalose respiratória) quando comparado ao grupo CTR, assim como nas análises de hipertrofia, fluxo e histologia do músculo esquelético, como transição no fenótipo para um perfil mais glicolítico no sóleo e aumento da área de secção transversa das fibras do tipo I e redução das fibras do tipo IIB no músculo diafragma. Nos grupos experimentais hipertensos, os animais com prejuízo do quimiorreflexo (SHRDC, SHRLA e SHRDSA), apresentaram valores maiores de pCO2 em relação ao grupo SHR e SHRDA. Todos os grupos com as diferentes desnervações apresentaram alterações autonômicas, de fluxo sanguíneo e de capilarização. Entretanto, nossos maiores achados foram em relação ao grupo SHRDA, que apresentou valores significativamente maiores que o grupo SHR nos parâmetros PAS (212±2 vs 200±3), PAD (156±4 vs 144±3) PAM (185±9 vs 172±3) e FC (377±4 vs 350±7). Além disso, apresentou aumento da variabilidade da PA (VPAS), bem como o simpático periférico (BFPAS), contrariamente ao observado nos grupos SHRDC e SHRLA em relação ao grupo SHR. No controle autonômico da FC, o grupo SHRDA apresentou menor efeito parassimpático e maior efeito simpático em relação ao grupo SHR. Já os grupos SHRDC e SHRLA apresentaram um menor efeito parassimpático, sem alterações no efeito simpático, embora a resistência vascular periférica estivesse aumentada no grupo SHRLA. As adaptações morfofuncionais cardíacas (ecocardiografia e marcadores de hipertrofia cardíaca) foram mais evidentes no grupo que apresentava disfunção total de ambos receptores (SHRDSA). Conclusão: A ausência do controle reflexo exercido predominantemente pelos barorreceptores arteriais demonstrou uma maior influência do componente aórtico do que o carotídeo sobre a PA. Em adição, a função sistólica parece maior nos grupos SHRDA e SHRDSA, sugerindo que a desnervação aórtica esteja associada com ativação simpática. Não se observou alteração cardíaca na desnervação carotídea. Em relação ao músculo esquelético, todas as desnervações mostraram aumento de capilarização, enquanto somente o grupo SHRDSA mostrou redução de fibras intermediárias. O aumento de capilarização pode estar associado com a liberação do simpático periférico nas desnervações que incluem a retirada dos barorreceptores aórticos, levando ao aumento de VPA e à ausência dos quimiorreceptores nos grupos com desaferentação dos receptores carotídeos<br>Arterial hypertension (AH) is a multifactorial disease on which there is the interaction of several mechanisms , therefore is related to functional and / or structural changes of the target organ . Functional changes of the regulatory mechanisms of blood pressure (BP) in the short term , as pressoreceptor and chemoreceptors, has been extensively explored in order to understand the possible mechanisms that may be related to the genesis of hypertension. Thus, we used the experimental model of sinoaortic denervation (DSA) and selective denervation of those afferent aortic (DA) and / or carotid (DC) and the ligature of the carotid body artery (LA) to evaluate the relative importance of baroreceptors and chemoreceptors on control of neurogenic circulation mediating cardiac and musculoskeletal responses in HA. There by, we used Wistar rats (CTR) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) subjected to different denervation (SHRDSA / SHRDA / SHRDC) and the ligature of the carotid body artery (SHRLA). The animals were followed for 10 weeks after the selective denervation it was performed echocardiographic evaluations, blood gas, hemodynamic, autonomic and regional blood flow. Subsequently, the animals were euthanized for tissue collection for genetic and histological evaluations. Results: SHR animals showed hemodynamic, autonomic dysfunction and gas exchange (respiratory alkalosis) compared to CTR group as well as the analysis of hypertrophy, flow and histology of skeletal muscle, such as the transition to a more glycolytic phenotype profile in soleus and increased cross-sectional area of type I fibers and reduction of type IIB fibers in the diaphragm . In hypertensive experimental groups, animals with prejudice chemoreflex (SHRDC, SHRLA and SHRDSA) , showed higher pCO2 compared to SHR and SHRDA group. All groups with different denervation showed autonomic changes in blood flow and capillarization. However, our major findings were compared to SHRDA group, which was significantly higher than the SHR in SBP (212 ± 2 vs 200 ± 3), DBP (156 ± 4 vs 144 ± 3), MAP (185 ± 9 vs 172 ± 3) and HR (377 ± 4 vs 350 ± 7) parameters. Furthermore, we showed an increase in BP variability (BPV) and in the peripheral sympathetic (BFPAS), otherwise showed in the groups SHRDC and SHRLA compared to SHR . Autonomic control of HR, the SHRDA group showed lower sympathetic and higher parasympathetic effect effect in relation to SHR. Already SHRDC and SHRLA groups had a lower parasympathetic effect without changes in sympathetic, although peripheral vascular resistance was increased in SHRLA group. The cardiac morphofunctional adaptations (echocardiography and cardiac hypertrophy markers) were more evident in the group that had total dysfunction of both receptors (SHRDSA). Conclusion: The absence of reflex control exerted by arterial baroreceptors predominantly showed a greater influence of the aortic component of the carotid on BP. In addition, systolic function appears higher in groups SHRDA and SHRDSA, suggesting that aortic denervation is associated with sympathetic activation. No cardiac abnormality was observed in the carotid denervation. Regarding skeletal muscle, all denervations showed an increased of capillarization, while only SHRDSA group showed reduction of intermediate fibers. Increased capillarization may be associated with the release of the peripheral sympathetic denervation, including removal of the aortic baroreceptors, leading to increased VPA and the absence of chemoreceptors in groups with deafferentation of the carotid receptors

A alteração do tráfego mitocondrial em neurônios leva ao aumento do estresse oxidativo, privação de energia, deficiência da comunicação intercelular e neurodegeneração. Há evidências de que essas alterações de tráfego antecedem a morte neuronal associada à agregação proteica. Portanto, conhecer a relação entre a mobilidade mitocondrial e a formação de agregados proteicos pode ser um passo importante para o melhor entendimento dos mecanismos da neurodegeneração. Com isso, o objetivo do presente estudo é analisar a mobilidade das mitocôndrias em culturas de células do hipocampo, substância negra e locus coeruleus expostas a rotenona e MPTP, como agentes neurodegenerativos, e à rapamicina como ativador da autofagia. Um outro objetivo do estudo é avaliar o papel do cálcio (através do emprego de EGTA e ionomicina) no modelo experimental. Os resultados mostraram aumento da mobilidade mitocondrial no hipocampo e diminuição na substância negra, já no locus coeruleus houve aumento seguido de diminuição da mobilidade mitocondrial dependendo da concentração de rotenona. O emprego do EGTA e ionomicina mostra que a ação da rotenona sobre o tráfego mitocondrial envolve o cálcio, mas não se relaciona com uma possível alteração da integridade mitocondrial, já que não foi observada alteração no potencial de membrana mitocondrial. Foram também realizados experimentos a fim de avaliar a mobilidade mitocondrial em modelo utilizando rapamicina para ativar a autofagia e MPTP como indutor da neurodegeneração em culturas de células, onde foi observado aumento da mobilidade no hipocampo e no locus coeruleus quando exposto a rapamicina e aumento da mobilidade mitocondrial em cultura de células do hipocampo exposto a MPTP já no locus coeruleus houve uma diminuição significativa da mobilidade mitocondrial. Os resultados permitem concluir que o tráfego mitocondrial está alterado antes da agregação proteica podendo contribuir com a neurodegeneração<br>Altered mitochondrial traffic in neurons can lead to increased oxidative stress, energy deprivation, impaired intercellular communication and neurodegeneration. There are evidences mitochondria disturbing precedes neuronal death associated with protein aggregation. Therefore, the study of mitochondrial traffic and protein aggregation can be an important step towards a better understanding of the mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze mitochondria mobility in cultured cells of the hippocampus, substantia nigra and locus coeruleus exposed to rotenone and MPTP, as neurodegeneration-promoting agents, and rapamycin to activate autophagy. The other objective of the study was to analyze the role of calcium (through EGTA and ionomycin) in the experimental model. The results showed increased and decreased mobility mitochondrial in cells from hippocampus and substantia nigra, respectively, while the locus coeruleus cell culture has increased followed by decreased mitochondrial mobility depending upon rotenone concentration. The use of EGTA and ionomycin showed that alteration of mitochondrial traffic is associated with calcium, however it is not related with changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. Additional experiments were also conducted to assess mitochondrial mobility in a model using rapamycin to activate autophagy and MPTP to induce neurodegeneration in cell cultures. The results of these experiments showed increased mitochondrial mobility in the hippocampus and locus coeruleus when exposed to rapamycin; while MPTP also increased mitochondria mobility in hippocampal cell cultures, but decreased it in locus coeruleus. Results suggest that mitochondrial traffic is altered before protein aggregation, which may contribute to neurodegeneration

Wong Hei Lui.<br>Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001.<br>Includes bibliographical references (leaves 192-226).<br>Abstracts in English and Chinese.<br>Publications Based On The Work In This Thesis --- p.i<br>Abstract --- p.ii<br>Acknowledgements --- p.vii<br>Abbreviations --- p.viii<br>Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1<br>Chapter 1.1 --- Normal joint --- p.1<br>Chapter 1.11 --- Biology of joint --- p.1<br>Chapter 1.12 --- Structure of synovial joint --- p.1<br>Chapter 1.13 --- Components of the mature synovial joint --- p.3<br>Chapter 1.131 --- Articular cartilage --- p.3<br>Chapter 1.1311 --- Water --- p.4<br>Chapter 1.1312 --- Cartilage matrix --- p.4<br>Chapter 1.1313 --- Chondrocyte --- p.5<br>Chapter 1.132 --- Synovium --- p.5<br>Chapter 1.1321 --- Synovium vasculature --- p.6<br>Chapter 1.1322 --- Synovial blood flow --- p.7<br>Chapter 1.133 --- Synovial fluid --- p.8<br>Chapter 1.134 --- Bone --- p.9<br>Chapter 1.2 --- Pathological processes of arthritis --- p.11<br>Chapter 1.21 --- Activation of immune cells in arthritis --- p.11<br>Chapter 1.22 --- Synovial proliferation --- p.13<br>Chapter 1.221 --- Synovial lining cell activation --- p.13<br>Chapter 1.222 --- Pannus invasion --- p.14<br>Chapter 1.23 --- Cartilage and bone degradation --- p.14<br>Chapter 1.231 --- Depletion of proteoglycan (GAG) --- p.15<br>Chapter 1.232 --- Collagen denature --- p.15<br>Chapter 1.3 --- Tachykinins (TKs) --- p.17<br>Chapter 1.31 --- History --- p.17<br>Chapter 1.32 --- "Synthesis, storage and release of TKs" --- p.17<br>Chapter 1.33 --- Tachykinin receptors --- p.18<br>Chapter 1.331 --- Characterization of NK1 receptor --- p.19<br>Chapter 1.332 --- Characterization of NK2 receptor --- p.19<br>Chapter 1.333 --- Characterization of NK3 receptor --- p.20<br>Chapter 1.34 --- Effector systems of TKs --- p.21<br>Chapter 1.35 --- Termination of TK signals --- p.21<br>Chapter 1.351 --- Enzymatic breakdown --- p.21<br>Chapter 1.352 --- Receptor desensitization --- p.22<br>Chapter 1.353 --- Receptor endocytosis --- p.22<br>Chapter 1.36 --- TK receptor antagonists --- p.23<br>Chapter 1.361 --- Selective NK1 receptor antagonists --- p.23<br>Chapter 1.362 --- Selective NK2 receptor antagonists --- p.24<br>Chapter 1.363 --- Selective NK3 receptor antagonists --- p.25<br>Chapter 1.4 --- Roles of tachykinins in arthritis --- p.28<br>Chapter 1.41 --- Correlation between tachykinins and joint inflammation --- p.28<br>Chapter 1.42 --- Roles of tachykinins in immune cell activation --- p.30<br>Chapter 1.43 --- Roles of tachykinins in synovial proliferation --- p.31<br>Chapter 1.44 --- Roles of tachykinins in cartilage degradation --- p.32<br>Chapter 1.5 --- Animal model of arthritis --- p.33<br>Chapter 1.51 --- Instability model --- p.33<br>Chapter 1.52 --- Immobilization model --- p.34<br>Chapter 1.53 --- Noxious agent-induced model --- p.34<br>Chapter 1.531 --- Collagen-induced erosive arthritis --- p.34<br>Chapter 1.532 --- Cartilage oligometric matrix protein-induced arthritis --- p.35<br>Chapter 1.533 --- Oil-induced arthritis --- p.35<br>Chapter 1.534 --- Streptococcal cell wall-induced arthritis --- p.35<br>Chapter 1.535 --- Adjuvant-induced arthritis --- p.36<br>Chapter 1.536 --- Pristane-induced arthritis --- p.36<br>Chapter 1.6 --- Current anti-arthritic therapies --- p.39<br>Chapter 1.61 --- Non steroid anti-inflammatory drugs --- p.39<br>Chapter 1.62 --- Glucocorticoid --- p.44<br>Chapter 1.63 --- Second-line treatment --- p.46<br>Chapter 1.631 --- Sulfasalazine --- p.46<br>Chapter 1.632 --- Gold salts --- p.47<br>Chapter 1 633 --- D-penicillamine --- p.48<br>Chapter 1.634 --- Antimalarial --- p.49<br>Chapter 1 .635 --- Methotrexate --- p.51<br>Chapter 1.64 --- New trends for treatment of arthritis --- p.53<br>Chapter 1.641 --- Anti-cytokine therapy --- p.53<br>Chapter 1.642 --- Anti-angiogenesis therapy --- p.54<br>Chapter 1.7 --- Aims of study --- p.57<br>Chapter Chapter 2 --- Material and drugs --- p.62<br>Chapter Chapter 3 --- Methodology --- p.62<br>Chapter 3.1 --- Animals used and anaesthetization --- p.62<br>Chapter 3.2 --- Measurement of plasma protein extravasation --- p.63<br>Chapter 3.3 --- Measurement of knee joint sizes --- p.64<br>Chapter 3.4 --- Measurement of knee joint blood flow --- p.65<br>Chapter 3.5 --- Measurement of histological changes --- p.65<br>Chapter 3.51 --- Dissection and fixation --- p.65<br>Chapter 3.52 --- Decalcification --- p.66<br>Chapter 3.53 --- Processing --- p.66<br>Chapter 3.54 --- Embedding --- p.67<br>Chapter 3.55 --- Sectioning --- p.67<br>Chapter 3.56 --- Staining --- p.69<br>Chapter 3.6 --- Data analysis --- p.69<br>Chapter 3.61 --- Scoring systems --- p.72<br>Chapter Chapter 4 --- A model of monoarthritis in rats --- p.72<br>Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.72<br>Chapter 4.2 --- Method --- p.73<br>Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.73<br>Chapter 4.31 --- Lewis rats --- p.73<br>Chapter 4.32 --- Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats --- p.74<br>Chapter 4.33 --- Comparison of FCA-induced changes in Lewis and SD rats --- p.74<br>Chapter 4.34 --- Histological studies on arthritic SD rats --- p.75<br>Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.93<br>Chapter 4.5 --- Conclusions --- p.95<br>Chapter Chapter 5 --- Effect of Substance P on adjuvant-induced arthritis --- p.96<br>Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.96<br>Chapter 5.2 --- Method --- p.98<br>Chapter 5.3 --- Results --- p.99<br>Chapter 5.31 --- Evans blue extravasation --- p.99<br>Chapter 5.32 --- Joint size --- p.100<br>Chapter 5.33 --- Knee joint blood flow --- p.101<br>Chapter 5.34 --- Histology results --- p.102<br>Chapter 5.341 --- Infiltration of immune cells in synovial tissue --- p.102<br>Chapter 5.342 --- Synovial tissue proliferation --- p.102<br>Chapter 5.343 --- Cartilage degradation --- p.103<br>Chapter 5.344 --- Bone degradation --- p.103<br>Chapter 5.4 --- Discussion --- p.120<br>Chapter 5.5 --- Conclusions --- p.125<br>Chapter Chapter 6 --- Effects of tachykinin receptor antagonists on FCA-induced arthritis<br>Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.126<br>Chapter 6.2 --- Method --- p.128<br>Chapter 6. 21 --- Intravenous NK1 receptor antagonists on FCA-induced arthritis --- p.128<br>Chapter 6. 22 --- Intraperitoneal TK receptor antagonists on FCA-induced arthritis --- p.128<br>Chapter 6.3 --- Results --- p.129<br>Chapter 6.31 --- Intravenous NK1 227}0اreceptor antagonists on FCA-induced arthritis Evans blue extravasation and joint swelling --- p.129<br>Chapter 6.32 --- Intraperitoneal tachykinin receptor antagonists on FCA- induced arthritis Evans blue extravasation and joint swelling --- p.129<br>Chapter 6.33 --- Intraperitoneal tachykinin receptor antagonists on FCA- induced immune cell accumulation --- p.130<br>Chapter 6.34 --- Intraperitoneal tachykinin receptor antagonists on FCA- induced synovial tissue proliferation --- p.131<br>Chapter 6.35 --- Intraperitoneal tachykinin receptor antagonists on FCA- induced cartilage degration and bone erosion --- p.131<br>Chapter 6.4 --- Discussion --- p.159<br>Chapter 6.5 --- Conclusions --- p.162<br>Chapter Chapter 7 --- Individual and combined effects of dexamethasone and TK receptor antagonists on FCA-induced arthritis --- p.163<br>Chapter 7.1 --- Introduction --- p.163<br>Chapter 7.2 --- Method --- p.166<br>Chapter 7.3 --- Results --- p.167<br>Chapter 7.31 --- Evans blue extravasation --- p.167<br>Chapter 7.32 --- Knee joint size --- p.167<br>Chapter 7.33 --- Body weight --- p.168<br>Chapter 7.34 --- Cellular infiltration --- p.168<br>Chapter 7.35 --- Synovial tissue proliferation --- p.168<br>Chapter 7.36 --- Cartilage degradation --- p.169<br>Chapter 7.4 --- Discussion --- p.184<br>Chapter 7.5 --- Conclusions --- p.187<br>Chapter Chapter 8 --- General discussions and conclusions --- p.188<br>References --- p.192

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)<br>Alcoholism inheritance rates have been estimated as high as 60% in a human population. Many significant features of alcohol dependence have been replicated in rodent animal models of alcoholism, however not in totality. These animal models include inbred preferring (iP) and nonpreferring (iNP) rat types. Congenic rats have been engineered from the iP and iNP strains whereby a P congenic rat has in its genome a well-chosen chromosomal portion taken from an NP rat (P.NP) and, reciprocally, an NP congenic rat has acquired the analogous DNA from a P rat (NP.P). In this case, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) from chromosome 4 is the donor genetic material for the congenic rats. It is of great interest to further study this chromosome 4 QTL because it has been found to control a significant portion of ethanol consumption behavior in iP and iNP rats. This study aimed to behaviorally profile the iP, iNP and reciprocal congenic rats. As a result of the behavioral profiling of these genetically related groups, some conclusions could be made regarding which behaviors appear to be controlled by the chromosome 4 donor DNA.This study primarily utilized the Multivariate Concentric Square Field apparatus (MCSF) to characterize behavioral profiles for the inbred and congenic rats. The Open field (OF) and Elevated plus maze (EPM) supported this effort. The MCSF is valuable in that it allows for the animals to interact within an environment that has ethological value. The 12 different zones that make up the field are characterized by some functional quality in terms of type and duration of behavior performed, etc. The behavioral data is aggregated and finally represented in terms of five functional categories, the elements of the behavioral profile: general activity, exploratory activity, risk assessment, risk taking, and shelter seeking. The study hypotheses were shaped by prior research suggesting that iPs should display lower general activity and risk taking strategy than iNPs in the MCSF. Inbred Ps should be more active in the OF and spend more time in the center of the EPM. Generally, it is expected that the iP QTL confer behavioral phenotypes to the iNP strain that deviate toward a "P" behavioral phenotype and reciprocally, the iNP QTL confer behavioral phenotypes to the iP strain that deviate toward an "NP" behavioral phenotype. The results showed that iP rats performed more risk assessment and risk taking behavior and less shelter seeking and anxiety-like behavior than iNP rats. It followed that P.NP congenic rats significantly downgraded their risk assessment and risk taking behavior when compared to iP rats. This decrease can be attributed to the chromosome 4 QTL donated from the iNP breed. All together this study concludes that risk assessment and risk taking behavior in the iP rats is controlled by the same DNA region that, in part, determines voluntary intake of ethanol consumption. Further fine mapping of the QTL region should help in discovering if the same DNA sequences that influence ethanol intake also significantly influence risk behavior.

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder with onset at preschool age Approximately 5-10% of school-aged children worldwide have ADHD. Psychostimulants are the most common treatments for ADHD, although the precise etiology and pathological mechanisms underlying ADHD are poorly understood. Animal models could help to elucidate and further the understanding of this disorder. Among the major rodent models of ADHD of the genetic and neurotoxin-exposed animal models, the spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) are more extensively studied. Nevertheless, the mechanism of ADHD is complex and the evidence of SHR model for ADHD has been conflicting. Objective. In this work, we combined behavioral, neurochemical, neuroimaging, pharmacological and molecular studies to examine SHR as an animal model of ADHD. At the same time, the results of our studies could help us to explore the potential mechanism of ADHD. Material and methods. We compared the locomotor activity, attention, inhibition, learning and memory of juvenile male SHR with those of age- and gender-matched genetic control Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY) by using the open field test, Morris water maze and prepulse inhibition test. We employed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure potential morphological differences between different brain areas of SHR and WKY, and the functional MRI (fMRI) for functional differences in these brain areas. We also measured dopamine concentration and dopamine related genes expression in the different dopamine pathways by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure the dopamine concentration and by using real time PCR to assay genes expression. We examined SHR responses to D-amphetamine (D-AMP), which is psychostimulant. These included locomotor activity and inhibition ability during D-AMP treatment, expression of dopamine related genes after D-AMP treatment measured by real time PCR and c-fos protein after repeated treatment of D-AMP by the Western Blotting. Results . Hyperactivity, impulsivity and attention deficit were observed in SHR. Decreased brain volume in caudate-putamen and vermis cerebelli in SHR were demarcated using MRI. Functional MRI (fMRI) and altered c-fos expression indicated plasticity changes of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in SHR. Dopamine content was found to decrease in mesocortical and mesolimbic dopamine pathways, but increased in the striatum. Dopamine D4 receptors gene and protein expression were decreased in the PFC in SHR. We also found that the expression of the synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25) gene was initially lower in the PFC but higher in the striatum in SHR. However, this disparity of SNAP-25 in the PFC vanished after repeated treatment of D-AMP between SHR and WKY. Conclusions. In the present study, we demonstrated that SHR could be established as an ADHD model by completing complex assessments of face validity, construct validity and prediction validity. We suggested that the "synaptogenesis hypotheses" might contribute to the abnormal release of dopamine and dysfunction of PFC and the striatum in SEER. In conclusion, our results have provided further new information relevant to the understanding of ADHD in human via the analysis of the SHR model.<br>Li, Qi.<br>Adviser: David Yen.<br>Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 69-02, Section: B, page: 1375.<br>Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007.<br>Includes bibliographical references (leaves 108-125).<br>Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web.<br>Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web.<br>Abstract also in Chinese.<br>School code: 1307.

Brain stroke is considered as one of the three diseases that threaten human health all over the world. Hypertension and cerebral arteriosclerosis are thought to be the most dangerous risk factors of brain stroke, and they frequently occur together, leading to ischemia of brain tissue. Unfortunately, it is not clear whether the pathological changes resulting from hypertension are related to those resulting from cerebral arteriosclerosis. There have been no ideal animal models mimicking the pathological changes in such a combined condition. In this thesis, an animal model of hypertension combined with cerebral arteriosclerosis in rats was established by occlusion of both the left and right common carotid arteries in spontaneous hypertension rats. Pien Tze Huang (PTH), a reputed traditional Chinese medicinal complex, contains Radix notoginseng, snake bile, calculus bovis, and musk and some other components that are known to protect vessels and cells from injuries. Since different tissue injuries share many common cellular mechanisms, the protection by PTH to in nerves and the circulation systems may also be benefical to cerebrovascular conditions as well. In present experiments, PTH was used to treat hypertension rats that also developed chronic brain ischemia as a result of the bilateral carotid occlusion, and its protective role for neurons and blood vessels was investiaged.<br>From the data above, more severe damage could be caused by hypertension combined with chronic ischemia. The model of SHR with bilaterally occluded common carotid artery can be used to study pathological changes resulted from hypertension combined with chronic ischemia. PTH was able to protect neurons in stroke.<br>In the initial part of the work, patients from clinics in two cities in South and North China were compared and analysed; they had been suffering from brain ischemic stroke. About two thirds of the stroke patients were found to have hypertension before the onset of stroke. Their prognosis was significantly worse than those stroke patients without hypertension. In the hypertensive rats with occluded arteries, mean of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) examination showed that brain blood flow was very weak or even transiently became undetectable at the beginning of the acute stage of brain ischemia, but was restored one hour after the occlusion surgery. In addition, pathological changes in brains of hypertensive rats with induced brain ischemia (carotid occlusion) were examined by Nissl staining, TUNEL staining, cell death ELISA and anti-oxidation enzymes. At day 15 after ischemia, a large number of pyramid cells in the hippocampus of SHR were lost and a great deal of apoptotic cells were found in the CA1 of the hippocampus, while activities of some enzyme including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were increased. At day 30 and 60, some degenerative changes appeared to have subsided and the cells appeared morphologically normal. The activities of the above enzymes were also decreased at day 60. In WKY control rats with normal blood pressure, neurons in the CA1 were found less damaged after the bilateral carotid occlusion. It was found that apoptotic and dead cells were significantly reduced in rats with hypertension combined with chronic brain ischemia if they had been pre-treated with PTH. Moreover, brain stroke damage was less severe in this pretreated rats.<br>Zhang, Lihong.<br>"March 2010."<br>Adviser: WH Kwong.<br>Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 72-01, Section: B, page: .<br>Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010.<br>Includes bibliographical references (leaves 116-134).<br>Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web.<br>Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web.<br>Abstract also in Chinese.