Opioid-free total intravenous anesthesia with propofol, dexmedetomidine and lidocaine infusions for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a prospective, randomized, double-blinded study / Anestesia venosa total livre de opioides, com infusões de propofol, dexmedetomidina e lidocaína para colecistectomia laparoscópica: estudo prospectivo, randomizado e duplo-cego / Anestesia venosa total libre de opiáceos, con infusiones de propofol, dexmedetomidina y lidocaína para la colecistectomía laparoscópica: estudio prospectivo, aleatorizado y doble ciego

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Intraoperative use of opioids may be associated with postoperative hyperalgesia and increased analgesic consumption. Side effects due to perioperative use of opioids, such as postoperative nausea and vomiting may delay discharge. We hypothesized that total intravenous anesthesia consisting of lidocaine and dexmedetomidine as an opioid substitute may be an alternative technique for laparoscopic cholecystectomy and would be associated with lower fentanyl requirements in the postoperative period and less incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. METHODS: 80 Anesthesiologists I-II adults were scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups to have either opioid-free anesthesia with dexmedetomidine, lidocaine, and propofol infusions (Group DL) or opioid-based anesthesia with remifentanil, and propofol infusions (Group RF). All patients received a standard multimodal analgesia regimen. A patient controlled analgesia device was set to deliver IV fentanyl for 6 h after surgery. The primary outcome variable was postoperative fentanyl consumption. RESULTS: Fentanyl consumption at postoperative 2nd hour was statistically significantly less in Group DL, compared with Group RF, which were 75 ± 59 µg and 120 ± 94 µg respectively, while it was comparable at postoperative 6th hour. During anesthesia, there were more hypotensive events in Group RF, while there were more hypertensive events in Group DL, which were both statistically significant. Despite higher recovery times, Group DL had significantly lower pain scores, rescue analgesic and ondansetron need. CONCLUSION: Opioid-free anesthesia with dexmedetomidine, lidocaine and propofol infusions may be an alternative technique for laparoscopic cholecystectomy especially in patients with high risk for postoperative nausea and vomiting. .

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O uso de opioides no período intraoperatório pode estar associado à hiperalgesia e ao aumento do consumo de analgésicos no período pós-operatório. Efeitos colaterais como náusea e vômito no período pós-operatório, por causa do uso perioperatório de opioides, podem prolongar a alta. Nossa hipótese foi que a anestesia venosa total com o uso de lidocaína e dexmedetomidina em substituição a opioides pode ser uma técnica opcional para a colecistectomia laparoscópica e estaria associada a uma menor solicitação de fentanil e incidência de náusea e vômito no período pós-operatório. MÉTODOS: Foram programados para colecistectomia laparoscópica eletiva 80 pacientes adultos, estado físico ASA I-II. Os pacientes foram randomicamente alocados em dois grupos para receber anestesia livre de opioides com infusões intravenosas (IV) de dexmedetomidina, lidocaína e propofol (Grupo DL) ou anestesia baseada em opioides com infusões de remifentanil e propofol (Grupo RF). Todos os pacientes receberam um regime padrão de analgesia multimodal. Um dispositivo de analgesia controlada pelo paciente foi ajustado para liberar fentanil IV por seis horas após a cirurgia. O desfecho primário foi o consumo de fentanil no pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: O consumo de fentanil na segunda hora de pós-operatório foi significativamente menor no grupo DL do que no Grupo RF, 75 ± 59 µg e 120 ± 94 µg, respectivamente, mas foi comparável na sexta hora de pós-operatório. Durante a anestesia, houve mais eventos hipotensivos no Grupo RF e mais eventos hipertensivos no grupo DL, ambos estatisticamente significativos. Apesar de apresentar um tempo de recuperação mais prolongado, o Grupo DL apresentou escores de dor e consumo de analgésicos de resgate e de ondansetrona significativamente mais baixos. CONCLUSÃO: A anestesia livre de opioides com infusões de dexmedetomidina, lidocaína e propofol pode ser uma técnica opcional para a colecistectomia laparoscópica, ...

JUSTIFICACIÓN Y OBJETIVOS: El uso de opiáceos en el período intraoperatorio puede estar asociado con la hiperalgesia y con el aumento del consumo de analgésicos en el período postoperatorio. Los efectos colaterales como náuseas y vómito en el período postoperatorio, debido al uso perioperatorio de opiáceos, pueden retrasar el alta. Nuestra hipótesis fue que la anestesia venosa total con el uso de lidocaína y dexmedetomidina como reemplazo de los opiáceos puede ser una técnica alternativa para la colecistectomía laparoscópica y estaría asociada con un requerimiento menor de fentanilo y con una menor incidencia de náuseas y vómito en el período postoperatorio. MÉTODOS: Ochenta pacientes adultos, estado físico ASA I-II, fueron programados para colecistectomía laparoscópica electiva. Los pacientes fueron divididos aleatoriamente en 2 grupos para recibir anestesia libre de opiáceos con infusiones de dexmedetomidina, lidocaína y propofol (grupo DL), o anestesia basada en opiáceos con infusiones de remifentanilo y propofol (grupo RF). Todos los pacientes recibieron un régimen estándar de analgesia multimodal. Un dispositivo de analgesia controlada por el paciente fue ajustado para liberar el fentanilo intravenoso durante 6 h después de la cirugía. El resultado primario fue el consumo de fentanilo en el postoperatorio. RESULTADOS: El consumo de fentanilo en la segunda hora del postoperatorio fue significativamente menor en el grupo DL que en el grupo RF, 75 ± 59 µg y 120 ± 94 µg, respectivamente, pero se pudo comparar en la sexta hora del postoperatorio. Durante la anestesia hubo más eventos hipotensivos en el grupo RF y más eventos hipertensivos en el grupo DL, ambos estadísticamente significativos. A pesar de presentar un tiempo de recuperación más prolongado, el grupo DL tuvo puntuaciones de dolor y consumo de analgésicos de rescate y de ondansetrón significativamente más bajos. CONCLUSIÓN: La anestesia libre de opiáceos con infusiones de ...

Cyberbullying and adolescent mental health: systematic review / Cyberbullying e saúde mental dos adolescentes: revisão sistemática / Acoso cibernético y la salud mental de los adolescentes: revisión sistemática

Cyberbullying is a new form of violence that is expressed through electronic media and has given rise to concern for parents, educators and researchers. In this paper, an association between cyberbullying and adolescent mental health will be assessed through a systematic review of two databases: PubMed and Virtual Health Library (BVS). The prevalence of cyberbullying ranged from 6.5% to 35.4%. Previous or current experiences of traditional bullying were associated with victims and perpetrators of cyberbullying. Daily use of three or more hours of Internet, web camera, text messages, posting personal information and harassing others online were associated with cyberbullying. Cybervictims and cyberbullies had more emotional and psychosomatic problems, social difficulties and did not feel safe and cared for in school. Cyberbullying was associated with moderate to severe depressive symptoms, substance use, ideation and suicide attempts. Health professionals should be aware of the violent nature of interactions occurring in the virtual environment and its harm to the mental health of adolescents.

Cyberbullying, uma nova forma de violência expressa por meio da mídia eletrônica, tem preocupado pais, educadores e pesquisadores. A associação entre cyberbullying e a saúde mental dos adolescentes será revisada. Revisão sistemática em duas bases de dados: PubMed e a Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). A prevalência do cyberbullying variou entre 6,5% a 35,4%. Bullying tradicional prévio ou atual estava associado às vítimas e agressores do cyberbullying. Uso diário de três ou mais horas de Internet, web câmera, mensagens de texto, postar informações pessoais e assediar outros online estavam associados ao cyberbullying. "Cybervítimas" e cyberbullies tinham mais problemas emocionais, psicossomáticos, dificuldades sociais, e não se sentiam seguros e cuidados na escola. O cyberbullying estava associado à sintomatologia depressiva moderada e grave, uso de substâncias, ideação e tentativas de suicídio. Profissionais de saúde devem conhecer as interações de natureza violenta que ocorrem no ambiente virtual e de seus agravos para a saúde mental dos adolescentes.

Se revisa la asociación entre el acoso cibernético y la salud mental de los adolescentes. Se realiza una revisión sistemática de dos bases de datos: PubMed y la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS). La prevalencia de ciberacoso varió de un 6,5% a un 35,4%. Los acosos cibernéticos tradicionales -pasados o actuales- se asociaron con las víctimas y los acosadores cibernéticos. El uso diario de tres o más horas de Internet, cámara web, mensajes de texto, la publicación de información personal y acosar a los demás se asociaron con el acoso cibernético. Cibervíctimas y acosadores cibernéticos tenían más problemas emocionales, psicosomáticos, dificultades sociales y no se sentían seguros y cuidados en la escuela. El ciberacoso se asoció con síntomas de moderados a graves de depresión, abuso de sustancias, ideación suicida e intentos de suicidio. Los profesionales de salud deben conocer la naturaleza violenta de las interacciones que se producen en el entorno virtual y sus peligros para la salud mental de los adolescentes.

Inquérito Brasileiro de Diálise Crônica 2013 - Análise das tendências entre 2011 e 2013 / Brazilian Chronic Dialysis Survey 2013 - Trend analysis between 2011 and 2013

Introdução: Dados nacionais sobre diálise crônica têm tido impacto no planejamento do tratamento. Objetivo: Apresentar dados do inquérito da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia sobre os pacientes com doença renal crônica em tratamento dialítico em julho de 2013 e comparar com dados de 2011- 12. Métodos: Levantamento de dados de unidades de diálise do país. A coleta de dados foi feita utilizando questionário preenchido on-line pelas unidades de diálise. Resultados: Trezentos e trinta e quatro (51%) unidades responderam ao inquérito. Em julho de 2013, o número total estimado de pacientes em diálise foi de 100.397. As estimativas nacionais das taxas de prevalência e de incidência de tratamento dialítico foram de 499 (variação: 284 na região Norte e 622 na Sul) e 170 pacientes por milhão da população, respectivamente. O número estimado de pacientes que iniciaram tratamento em 2013 foi 34.161. A taxa anual de mortalidade bruta foi de 17,9%. Dos pacientes prevalentes, 31,4% tinham idade ≥ 65 anos, 90,8% estavam em hemodiálise e 9,2% em diálise peritoneal, 31.351 (31,2%) estavam em fila de espera para transplante, 30% tinham diabetes, 17% tinham PTH > 600 pg/ml e 23% hemoglobina < 10 g/dl. Cateter venoso era usado como acesso em 15,4% dos pacientes em hemodiálise. Conclusão: O número absoluto de pacientes em diálise tem aumentado 3% ao ano nos últimos 3 anos. As taxas de prevalência e incidência de pacientes em diálise ficaram estáveis, e a taxa de mortalidade tendeu a diminuir em relação a 2012. Houve tendência a melhor controle da anemia e dos níveis de PTH. .

Introduction: National chronic dialysis data have had impact in the treatment planning. Objective: To report data of the annual survey of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology about chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis in July 2013 and compare with 2011-12. Methods: A survey based on data of dialysis units from the whole country. The data collection was performed by using a questionnaire filled out on-line by the dialysis units. Results: Three hundred thirty four (51%) of the dialysis units in the country answered the questionnaire. In July 2013, the total estimated number of patients on dialysis was 100,397. The estimated prevalence and incidence rates of chronic maintenance dialysis were 449 (range: 284 in the North region and 622 in the South) and 170 patients per million population, respectively. The estimated number of new patients starting dialysis in 2013 was 34,161. The annual gross mortality rate was 17.9%. For prevalent patients, 31.4% were aged 65 years or older, 90.8% were on hemodialysis and 9.2% on peritoneal dialysis, 31,351 (31.2%) were on a waiting list of renal transplant, 30% were diabetics, 17% had PTH levels > 600 pg/ml and 23% hemoglobin < 10 g/ dl. A venous catheter was the vascular access for 15.4% of the hemodialysis patients. Conclusion: The absolute number of patients on dialysis has increased 3% per year. The prevalence and incidence rates of patients on dialysis leveled off, while the mortality rate tended to decrease compared with 2012. There was a trend towards a better control of the anemia and PTH levels. .

Processamento intracelular da fibrilina-1 mutada na síndrome de Marfan: escape do controle de qualidade pela dissulfeto isomerase proteica / Mutated fibrillin-1 intracellular processing in Marfan syndrome: bypass of a protein disulfide isomerase-mediated quality control

A Síndrome de Marfan (SMF) é a enfermidade hereditária mais comum dentre as que afetam o sistema conjuntivo, causada por mutações da glicoproteína fibrilina-1, o principal componente estrutural das microfibrilas elásticas da matriz extracelular. As manifestações fenotípicas da SMF são sistêmicas e acometem tipicamente os sistemas ocular, esquelético e cardiovascular, este uma importante causa de morbi-mortalidade. Entretanto, não está claro como a mutação induz a doença. Estudos anteriores sugerem anomalias morfológicas do retículo endoplasmático (RE) ou retenção intracelular da fibrilina-1 nos estágios avançados da SMF. Entretanto, a contribuição do enovelamento da fibrilina-1 mutada e do estresse do RE na fisiopatologia celular da SMF não é conhecida. Proteínas mal-enoveladas podem levar à retenção intracelular e/ou aumento da degradação através da via de degradação associada ao RE (ERAD), além da indução da resposta a proteínas mal-enoveladas (UPR), ambas com potencial contribuição à fisiopatologia de doenças, incluindo a SMF. Assim, estudamos em fibroblastos embrionários isolados de camundongos (MEFs) com SMF se a fibrilina-1 mutada é reconhecida pelo controle de qualidade do RE pelo seu mal- enovelamento e induz estresse do RE por sua retenção intracelular. Demonstramos que a mutação na fibrilina-1 per se não promoveu chaperonas marcadoras de UPR ou geração de oxidantes. Além disso, não levou a uma maior sensibilização das células à indução exógena de estresse do RE, nem promoveu maior morte celular após inibição do proteassoma. Além disso, não foi observada retenção intracelular da fibrilina-1 nas células SMF, e mesmo após inibição da via secretora ou indução de estresse do RE, a inibição da secreção da fibrilina-1 foi similar nos MEFs SMF e wild-type (WT). A dissulfeto isomerase proteica (PDI), uma importante chaperona redox do RE, interage com fibrilina-1, e seu silenciamento levou a um aumento na secreção da fibrilina-1 pelos MEFs WT...

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is the most common connective tissue hereditary disease, caused by mutations in the glycoprotein fibrillin-1, the main structural component of extracellular matrix elastic microfibrils. MFS phenotypic manifestations are systemic and typically involve the ocular, skeletal and cardiovascular systems, the latter a major cause of morbidity/mortality. However, how gene mutation induxes disease is yet unclear. Previous studies suggest endoplasmic reticulum (ER) morphological abnormalities or fibrillin-1 intracellular retention in advanced MFS stages. However, the contribution of mutated fibrillin-1 folding and ER stress to MFS cellular pathophysiology is unknown. Un/misfolded proteins may associate with their intracellular retention and/or increased degradation through ER-associated degradation (ERAD), in addition to inducing the unfolded protein response (UPR), both sharing potential contributions to disease pathophysiology, including MFS. Thus, we studied in embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) isolated from WT and MFS mice, if mutated fibrillin-1 can be recognized by ER quality control as a misfolded protein, able to induce ER stress due to its intracellular retention. We showed that fibrillin-1 mutation by itself did not promote UPR chaperone markers or oxidant generation. Moreover, it did not sensitize cells to exogenous ER stress nor affected cell survival curves after proteasome inhibition. Furthermore, no intracellular retention of fibrillin-1 was observed in MFS cells, and even after secretory pathway inhibition or ER stress induction, fibrillin-1 secretion inhibition was similar in MFS and wild-type (WT) MEFs. Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), an important ER redox chaperone, interacts with fibrillin-1 and its silencing induced an increased fibrillin-1 secretion in WT...

Growth hormone response to growth hormone-releasing peptide-2 in growth hormone-deficient Little mice

OBJECTIVE: To investigate a possible direct, growth hormone-releasing, hormone-independent action of a growth hormone secretagogue, GHRP-2, in pituitary somatotroph cells in the presence of inactive growth hormonereleasing hormone receptors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The responses of serum growth hormone to acutely injected growth hormone-releasing P-2 in lit/litmice, which represent a model of GH deficiency arising frommutated growth hormone-releasing hormonereceptors, were compared to those observed in the heterozygous (lit/+) littermates and wild-type (+/+) C57BL/6J mice. RESULTS: After the administration of 10 mcg of growth hormone-releasing P-2 to lit/lit mice, a growth hormone release of 9.3±1.5 ng/ml was observed compared with 1.04±1.15 ng/ml in controls (p<0.001). In comparison, an intermediate growth hormone release of 34.5±9.7 ng/ml and a higher growth hormone release of 163±46 ng/ml were induced in the lit/+ mice and wild-type mice, respectively. Thus, GHRP-2 stimulated growth hormone in the lit/lit mice, and the release of growth hormone in vivo may be only partially dependent on growth hormone-releasing hormone. Additionally, the plasma leptin and ghrelin levels were evaluated in the lit/lit mice under basal and stimulated conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we have demonstrated that lit/lit mice, which harbor a germline mutation in the Growth hormone-releasing hormone gene, maintain a limited but statistically significant growth hormone elevation after exogenous stimulation with GHRP-2. The present data probably reflect a direct, growth hormone-independent effect on Growth hormone S (ghrelin) stimulation in the remaining pituitary somatotrophs of little mice that is mediated by growth hormone S-R 1a.

Absence of Fas-L aggravates renal injury in acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Trypanosoma cruzi infection induces diverse alterations in immunocompetent cells and organs, myocarditis and congestive heart failure. However, the physiological network of disturbances imposed by the infection has not been addressed thoroughly. Regarding myocarditis induced by the infection, we observed in our previous work that Fas-L-/- mice (gld/gld) have very mild inflammatory infiltration when compared to BALB/c mice. However, all mice from both lineages die in the early acute phase. Therefore, in this work we studied the physiological connection relating arterial pressure, renal function/damage and cardiac insufficiency as causes of death. Our results show that a broader set of dysfunctions that could be classified as a cardio/anaemic/renal syndrome is more likely responsible for cardiac failure and death in both lineages. However, gld/gld mice had very early glomerular deposition of IgM and a more intense renal inflammatory response with reduced renal filtration, which is probably responsible for the premature death in the absence of significant myocarditis in gld/gld.

Identificação da Leptospira interrogans sorovar pomona em camundongos geneticamente selecionados, para a alta e baixa produção de anticorpos, através da técnica de imunoperoxidase em tecido renal e isolamento bacteriano em meio de Fletcher / Identification of Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona in mice genetically selected for high and low antibody production, by means of the immunoperoxidase technique in renal tissue and bacterial isolation in Fletcher medium

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo identificar a presença da Leptospira interrogans sorovar pomona em camundongos geneticamente selecionados para a alta e baixa resposta a anticorpos. Todos os animais foram submetidos ao isolamento bacteriano, imunohistoquímica (imunoperoxidase) em cortes de tecido renal e coloração através da hematoxilina-eosina. A técnica de imunoperoxidase apresentou-se pouco mais sensível em relação ao cultivo, entretanto, ambas foram bons parâmetros de identificação do agente. Presença de lesões renais mais intensas ocorreram em períodos em que houve maior número de bactérias isoladas em meio de cultivo. Camundongos da linhagem HIV-A conseguiram eliminar as leptospiras com maior eficiência e rapidez em relação as linhagem LIV-A, entretanto o estudo demonstrou que ambas linhagens da seleção IV-A foram eficientes em controlar o processo infeccioso.

The present work had the objective of identifying the presence of Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona in mice that had been genetically selected for high and low response to antibodies. All the animals were subjected to bacterial isolation, immunohistochemical analysis (immunoperoxidase) in renal tissue sections and hematoxylin-eosin staining. The immunoperoxidase technique was little more sensitive than culturing, but both were good parameters for agent identification. More severe renal lesions were present at times when there were greater numbers of bacteria isolated in culture medium. Mice of the lineage HIV-A were able to eliminate the Leptospira more efficiently and faster than the lineage LIV-A could. However, the study demonstrated that both lineages of the IV-A selection were efficient in controlling the infectious process.

Insulin 3-like hormone and its role in epididymo-testicular descent

PURPOSE: The role of insulin 3-like (Insl3) hormone signaling in the testicular descent process has been demonstrated. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate epididymal development in Insl3-deficient mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Heterozygous and homozygous Insl3 mutants of a mixed CD1 X 129/Sv genetic background were generated by breeding Insl3-/- females with Insl3+/- males, and their genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction. On the first postnatal day, newborn males were sacrificed, embedded in paraffin, and cut in 4 µm sections. Sections were stained with hematoxylin/eosin and immunoreacted with anti-± actin antibody. RESULTS: An analysis of stained sections indicated an arrest in the development of the epididymis in all homozygous mice. The cauda and corpus of the epididymis were undersized. Compared to the heterozygous epididymis, the homozygous epididymis had fewer peritubular layers and dwarfish musculature. We confirmed this with immunostaining with monoclonal antibodies against ± -smooth muscle actin. CONCLUSION: Defective development of the smooth musculature in the epididymis of Insl3 homozygous mutant mice, combined with its high intraabdominal undescended position, supports previous observations regarding the importance of intact epididymis morphology and function for descent of the epididymo-testicular unit.

Skin morphology of the mutant hairless USP mouse

The morphology of the skin of the mutant hairless USP mouse was studied by histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical methods and compared to the skin of BALB/c mice. Representative sections of the dorsal skin from mice of both strains aged 18 days, and 1, 3, 6, and 8 months were studied. Sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin showed cystic formations called utricles and dermal cysts in the dermis that increased in size and number during growth. Skin thickness increased significantly at 8 months. Sections stained with picrosirius and examined with polarized light, displayed different colors, suggesting different thicknesses of dermal collagen fibers (probably types I and III). Weigert, Verhoeff and resorcin-fuchsin stains revealed fibers of the elastic system. The PAS and Alcian blue methods revealed neutral and acid glycosaminoglycans in the skin ground substance of both mouse strains. Immunohistochemical staining for fibronectin and laminin did not show differences between the mutant and BALB/c mice. Mast cells stained by the Gomori method and macrophages positive for HAM 56 antibodies were observed in both mouse strains. Except for the presence of enlarged cysts in the hairless strain, no qualitative differences were found during development of the skin of BALB/c and the mutant hairless mice.

Mecanismo de acción de las proteínas que se unen a los elementos regulatorios de esteroles (SREBPs) en la biosÝntesis del colesterol y ßcidos grasos / Mechanism of action of sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBPs) in cholesterol and fatty-acid biosynthesis

Cholesterol is an important lipid in higher organisms, and its concentration must be maintained in narrow limits depending of the cell needs. An excess of dietary cholesterol can lead to serious health problems, however, if consumption of this lipid is restricted in the diet, cells have the capacity to synthesize it. For the synthesis of cholesterol, the cell uses a family of proteins named sterol regulatory element binding proteins (SREBP's), that are transcriptional factors involved in the control of expression of genes of cholesterol and fatty acids synthesis. SREBP's regulate gene transcription by binding to cis-acting elements denominated sterol regulatory elements (SRE-1). SREBP's are localized in the endoplasmic reticulum, but in the event that the cell needs to synthesize cholesterol, the NH2-terminal portion of these proteins is cleaved by two specific proteases, and then travels into the nucleus to function as transcriptional factor. The present review shows the details of the mechanism that the cell uses to regulate cholesterol biosynthesis by the SREBP's, and its potential metabolic implications.

A dhfr-ts- Leishmania major Knockout Mutant Cross-protects against Leishmania amazonensis

E10-5A3 is a dhfr-ts- Leishmania major double knockout auxotrophic shown previously to induce substantial protection against virulent L. major infection in both genetically susceptible and resistant mice. We investigated the capacity of dhfr-ts- to protect against heterologous infection by L. amazonensis. The degree of protection was evaluated by immunization of BALB/c or C57BL/6 mice with E10-5A3, followed by L. amazonensis challenge. Whether immunized by subcutaneous (SC) or intravenous (IV) inoculation, susceptible and resistant mice displayed a partial degree of protection against challenge with virulent L. amazonensis. SC-immunized BALB/c mice developed lesions 40 to 65 percent smaller than non immunized mice, while IV immunization led to protection ranging from 40 to 75 percent in four out of six experiments compared to non immunized animals. The resistant C57BL/6 mice displayed comparable degrees of protection, 57 percent by SC and 49 percent by IV immunization. Results are encouraging as it has been previously difficult to obtain protection by SC vaccination against Leishmania, the preferred route for human immunization

Acción de la tetraciclina sobre la encefalitis venezolana experimental: comunicación preliminar / Effect of tetracycline on experimental venezuelan equine encephalitis: preliminary comunication

Mice were inoculated with 10 LD50 of venezuelan equine encephalitis virus and 1.5 mgs, daily of tetracycline. At the end of the experiment almost half of the group which had received virus and antibiotic were alive while those with virus only had all died

Alteraçöes da junçäo neuromuscular em miopatias experimentais no camundongo / Neuromuscular junction changes in experimental myopathies in mice

As alteraçöes morfológicas observadas em junçäo neuromuscular de dois modelos de miopatia em camundongos säo estudadas por métodos histoquímicos para demonstrar atividade da enzima acetilcolinesterase e por microscopia eletrônica. Em ambas as situaçöes os resultados obtidos säo similares, indicando que a junçäo neuromuscular permanece intacta mesmo quando a fibra que inerva está sofrendo necrose. Em fibras musculares regeneradas há acentuada simplificaçäo das pregas pós-sinápticas, com reduçäo de até 50% dos valores normais, comprovado por estudos morfométricos. A ausência de reprecussöes fisiológicas ou clinicas detectáveis nesses modelos, apesar da significancia hipotrfia da membrana pós-sináptica, sugere que a exuberante quantidade de pregas pós-sinápticas normalmente encontradas nas junçöes mioneurais pode representar mecanismo anatômico de segurança na transmissäo química neuromuscular

Inherited neuromuscular diseases in the mouse: a review of the literature

Existem inúmeras doenças neuromusculares que acometem seres humanos. A grande maioria delas é insuficientemente conhecida quanto a mecanismos fisiopatológicos e tratamentos adequados. A limitaçäo na manipulaçäo experimental em <> faz-nos procurar meios alternativos para o estudo dessas doenças, tais como animais experimentais com distúrbios neuromusculares geneticamente transmitidos. Estes mutantes constituem fonte inesgotável e valiosa de informaçöes quanto a mecanismos fisiopatogênicos e processos patológicos básicos em doenças neuromusculares. Entre as diversas espécies animais afetadas por distúrbios neuromusculares o camundongo é de particular interesse devido ao seu baixo custo de manutençäo, rápida reprodutividade e pequeno tamanho, o que permite amplos estudos morfológicos a custos acessíveis. Nesta revisäo analisamos 20 camundongos mutantes com distúrbios afetando nervo periférico, musculo esquelético ou junçäo neuromuscular. Aspectos géneticos, clínicos e patológicos säo discutidos na intençäo de oferecer informaçäo atualizada sobre essas mutaçöes animais, muitas das quais de grande interesse como modelos experimentais de doenças neuromusculares humanas