Cardiac hyporesponsiveness in severe sepsis is associated with nitric oxide-dependent activation of G protein receptor kinase.

G protein-coupled receptor kinase isoform 2 (GRK2) has a critical role in physiological and pharmacological responses to endogenous and exogenous substances. Sepsis causes an important cardiovascular dysfunction in which nitric oxide (NO) has a relevant role. The present study aimed to assess the putative effect of inducible NO synthase (NOS2)-derived NO on the activity of GRK2 in the context of septic cardiac dysfunction. C57BL/6 mice were submitted to severe septic injury by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Heart function was assessed by isolated and perfused heart, echocardiography, and ß-adrenergic receptor binding. GRK2 was determined by immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis in the heart and isolated cardiac myocytes. Sepsis increased NOS2 expression in the heart, increased plasma nitrite + nitrate levels, and reduced isoproterenol-induced isolated ventricle contraction, whole heart tension development, and ß-adrenergic receptor density. Treatment with 1400W or with GRK2 inhibitor prevented CLP-induced cardiac hyporesponsiveness 12 and 24 h after CLP. Increased labeling of total and phosphorylated GRK2 was detected in hearts after CLP. With treatment of 1400W or in hearts taken from septic NOS2 knockout mice, the activation of GRK2 was reduced. 1400W or GRK2 inhibitor reduced mortality, improved echocardiographic cardiac parameters, and prevented organ damage. Therefore, during sepsis, NOS2-derived NO increases GRK2, which leads to a reduction in ß-adrenergic receptor density, contributing to the heart dysfunction. Isolated cardiac myocyte data indicate that NO acts through the soluble guanylyl cyclase/cGMP/PKG pathway. GRK2 inhibition may be a potential therapeutic target in sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The main novelty presented here is to show that septic shock induces cardiac hyporesponsiveness to isoproterenol by a mechanism dependent on nitric oxide and mediated by G protein-coupled receptor kinase isoform 2. Therefore, G protein-coupled receptor kinase isoform 2 inhibition may be a potential therapeutic target in sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction.

Lipofuscin Granules in the Epileptic Human Temporal Neocortex with Age.

Lipofuscin granules (LGs), the "age pigments", are autofluorescent cell products from lysosomes that diverge in number and size among brain regions. Human temporal cortex from 20- to 55-year-old epileptic subjects were studied with the fat soluble dye Sudan Black, under confocal and electron microscopy. Ultrastructural analysis showed that with age LGs increase in area, but not in number. Proportionally to the LGs area, the electron lucid portion increases and the electron dense reduces over time. The robust increase in lipid components is possibly due to modifications in the neuronal metabolism with age in physiological and pathological conditions.

The acute phase of Trypanosoma cruzi infection is attenuated in 5-lipoxygenase-deficient mice.

In the present work we examine the contribution of 5-lipoxygenase- (5-LO-) derived lipid mediators to immune responses during the acute phase of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in 5-LO gene knockout (5-LO(-/-)) mice and wild-type (WT) mice. Compared with WT mice, the 5-LO(-/-) mice developed less parasitemia/tissue parasitism, less inflammatory cell infiltrates, and a lower mortality. This resistance of 5-LO(-/-) mice correlated with several differences in the immune response to infection, including reduced PGE2 synthesis; sustained capacity of splenocytes to produce high levels of interleukin (IL)-12 early in the infection; enhanced splenocyte production of IL-1ß, IL-6, and IFN-γ; rapid T-cell polarization to secrete high quantities of IFN-γ and low quantities of IL-10; and greater numbers of CD8(+)CD44(high)CD62L(low) memory effector T cells at the end of the acute phase of infection. The high mortality in WT mice was associated with increased production of LTB4/LTC4, T cell bias to produce IFN-γ, high levels of serum nitrite, and marked protein extravasation into the peritoneal cavity, although survival was improved by treatment with a cys-LT receptor 1 antagonist. These data also provide evidence that 5-LO-derived mediators negatively affect host survival during the acute phase of T. cruzi infection.

Increase in parasympathetic tone by pyridostigmine prevents ventricular dysfunction during the onset of heart failure.

Heart failure (HF) is characterized by elevated sympathetic activity and reduced parasympathetic control of the heart. Experimental evidence suggests that the increase in parasympathetic function can be a therapeutic alternative to slow HF evolution. The parasympathetic neurotransmission can be improved by acetylcholinesterase inhibition. We investigated the long-term (4 wk) effects of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor pyridostigmine on sympathovagal balance, cardiac remodeling, and cardiac function in the onset of HF following myocardial infarction. Myocardial infarction was elicited in adult male Wistar rats. After 4 wk of pyridostigmine administration, per os, methylatropine and propranolol were used to evaluate the cardiac sympathovagal balance. The tachycardic response caused by methylatropine was considered to be the vagal tone, whereas the bradycardic response caused by propranolol was considered to be the sympathetic tone. In conscious HF rats, pyridostigmine reduced the basal heart rate, increased vagal, and reduced sympathetic control of heart rate. Pyridostigmine reduced the myocyte diameter and collagen density of the surviving left ventricle. Pyridostigmine also increased vascular endothelial growth factor protein in the left ventricle, suggesting myocardial angiogenesis. Cardiac function was assessed by means of the pressure-volume conductance catheter system. HF rats treated with pyridostigmine exhibited a higher stroke volume, ejection fraction, cardiac output, and contractility of the left ventricle. It was demonstrated that the long-term administration of pyridostigmine started right after coronary artery ligation augmented cardiac vagal and reduced sympathetic tone, attenuating cardiac remodeling and left ventricular dysfunction during the progression of HF in rats.

Temporal changes in cardiac matrix metalloproteinase activity, oxidative stress, and TGF-ß in renovascular hypertension-induced cardiac hypertrophy.

Cardiovascular remodeling found in later phases of two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) hypertension may involve key mechanisms particularly including MMP-2, oxidative stress, transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), and inactivation of the endogenous MMP inhibitor, the tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-4. We examined whether temporal cardiac remodeling resulting from 2K1C hypertension occurs concomitantly with alterations in cardiac collagen, MMP activity, MMP-2, TIMP-4, TGF-ß, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels during the development of 2K1C hypertension. Sham-operated and 2K1C hypertensive rats were studied after 15, 30, and 75 days of hypertension. Systolic blood pressure was monitored weekly. Left ventricle (LV) morphometry and fibrosis were evaluated in hematoxylin/eosin and picrosirius red-stained sections, respectively. Cardiac MMP-2 levels/activity was determined by gelatin zymography, immunofluorescence, and in situ zymography. TIMP-4 levels were determined by western blotting. Cardiac TGF-ß levels were evaluated by immunofluorescence and ROS levels were evaluated with a dihydroethidium probe. 2K1C hypertension induced LV hypertrophy associated with augmented gelatinolytic activity at an early phase of hypertension and further increased after 75 days of hypertension. These alterations were associated with increased cardiac MMP-2, TGF-ß, and ROS in hypertensive rats. Higher TIMP-4 levels were found in hypertensive rats only after 75 days after surgery. Our findings show that increased MMP-2 activity is associated with concomitant development of LV hypertrophy and increased TGF-ß and ROS levels.

Sepsis: going to the heart of the matter.

Although myocardial depression is the predominant cause of death in severe sepsis/septic shock, it remains disputed whether the functional changes are a consequence of structural alterations. If we look at myocardial dysfunction from the perspective of a critically ill patient, there are a few questions to be asked: What causes myocardial dysfunction? What is the pathophysiology of cardiac dysfunction and death? Is there something that could be done to prevent the outcome? Each of these questions is interrelated and the answers will be more easily addressed if we continue to understand the basic mechanisms that are implicated. The principal mechanisms proposed for the pathogenesis of myocardial dysfunction support a prominent role for functional rather than anatomical abnormalities. However, attempts to reduce the high mortality in septic patients by manipulating the functional alterations have provided limited success. In recent years, the concept of septic cardiomyopathy has evolved, which implies alterations in the myocardial phenotype. This review includes an overview on the activation of the immune system and therapeutic approaches in sepsis, myocardial structural changes in the human septic heart, experimental models of sepsis, and cellular, molecular and functional myocardial changes seen in a variety of experimental sepsis models. The abnormal parameters discussed may emerge as therapeutic targets, for which modulation might provide beneficial effects on cardiovascular outcome and mortality in sepsis in the future.

Doxycycline prevents acute pulmonary embolism-induced mortality and right ventricular deformation in rats.

PURPOSE: Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a critical cardiopulmonary condition associated with right ventricular (RV) failure and death. While pharmacological inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) attenuated APE-induced hemodynamic alterations, no previous study has evaluated whether this approach decreases APE-induced mortality and RV deformation. We tested this hypothesis in rats. METHODS: Wistar rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg doxycycline (or saline) and after 30 min a sterile suspension of 300 µm microsphere (21 mg/kg or saline) was injected into the tail vein. After 24 h, surviving animals were killed and the RVs were collected and used for histological and morphometric analyses. RV samples were also homogenized and assayed by SDS-polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis gelatin zymography to evaluate MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity. In situ zymography was carried out in RV to assess MMP activity and neutrophil accumulation in myocardial tissue was determined by myeloperoxidase activity measurement. Dihydroethidium was used to assess RV reactive oxygen species concentrations. RESULTS: APE caused 72.5% mortality during the first hour of follow up. Pretreatment with doxycycline was associated with significant decrease in APE-induced mortality rate to 50% (P<0.05). Embolized animals showed significant RV dilation, and pretreatment with doxycycline blunted this alteration (P<0.05). APE increased the number of RV neutrophils and MMP-9 levels (P<0.05). Pretreatment with doxycycline blunted APE-induced increases in RV myocardial ROS concentrations and MMP gelatinolytic activity (both P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings show that MMP inhibition with doxycycline protects against APE-induced mortality and RV enlargement. These beneficial effects are probably due to attenuation of APE-induced oxidative stress and increases in ventricular proteolytic activity and suggest that doxycycline may have promising protective effects in patients with APE.

Combining two potential causes of metalloproteinase secretion causes abdominal aortic aneurysms in rats: a new experimental model.

Progress in understanding the pathophysiology of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is dependent in part on the development and application of effective animal models that recapitulate key aspects of the disease. The objective was to produce an experimental model of AAA in rats by combining two potential causes of metalloproteinase (MMP) secretion: inflammation and turbulent blood flow. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided in four groups: Injury, Stenosis, Aneurysm and Control (40/group). The Injury group received a traumatic injury to the external aortic wall. The Stenosis group received an extrinsic stenosis at a corresponding location. The Aneurysm group received both the injury and stenosis simultaneously, and the Control group received a sham operation. Animals were euthanized at days 1, 3, 7 and 15. Aorta and/or aneurysms were collected and the fragments were fixed for morphologic, immunohistochemistry and morphometric analyses or frozen for MMP assays. AAAs had developed by day 3 in 60-70% of the animals, reaching an aortic dilatation ratio of more than 300%, exhibiting intense wall remodelling initiated at the adventitia and characterized by an obvious inflammatory infiltrate, mesenchymal proliferation, neoangiogenesis, elastin degradation and collagen deposition. Immunohistochemistry and zymography studies displayed significantly increased expressions of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in aneurysm walls compared to other groups. The haemo-dynamic alterations caused by the stenosis may have provided additional contribution to the MMPs liberation. This new model illustrated that AAA can be multifactorial and confirmed the key roles of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in this dynamic remodelling process.

Hydrogen sulfide improves neutrophil migration and survival in sepsis via K+ATP channel activation.

RATIONALE: Recovering the neutrophil migration to the infectious focus improves survival in severe sepsis. Recently, we demonstrated that the cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE)/hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) pathway increased neutrophil recruitment to inflammatory focus during sterile inflammation. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate if H(2)S administration increases neutrophil migration to infectious focus and survival of mice. METHODS: Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The pretreatments of mice with H(2)S donors (NaHS or Lawesson's reagent) improved leukocyte rolling/adhesion in the mesenteric microcirculation as well as neutrophil migration. Consequently, bacteremia levels were reduced, hypotension and lung lesions were prevented, and the survival rate increased from approximately 13% to approximately 80%. Even when treatment was delayed (6 h after CLP), a highly significant reduction in mortality compared with untreated mice was observed. Moreover, H(2)S pretreatment prevented the down-regulation of CXCR2 and l-selectin and the up-regulation of CD11b and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 in neutrophils during sepsis. H(2)S also prevented the reduction of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression in the endothelium of the mesenteric microcirculation in severe sepsis. Confirming the critical role of H(2)S on sepsis outcome, pretreatment with dl-propargylglycine (a CSE inhibitor) inhibited neutrophil migration to the infectious focus, enhanced lung lesions, and induced high mortality in mice subjected to nonsevere sepsis (from 0 to approximately 80%). The beneficial effects of H(2)S were blocked by glibenclamide (a ATP-dependent K(+) channel blocker). CONCLUSIONS: These results showed that H(2)S restores neutrophil migration to the infectious focus and improves survival outcome in severe sepsis by an ATP-dependent K(+) channel-dependent mechanism.

Differential expression of immunomodulatory galectin-1 in peripheral leukocytes and adult tissues and its cytosolic organization in striated muscle.

Galectin-1 (Gal-1) is important in immune function and muscle regeneration, but its expression and localization in adult tissues and primary leukocytes remain unclear. To address this, we generated a specific monoclonal antibody against Gal-1, termed alphahGal-1, and defined a sequential peptide epitope that it recognizes, which is preserved in human and porcine Gal-1, but not in murine Gal-1. Using alphahGal-1, we found that Gal-1 is expressed in a wide range of porcine tissues, including striated muscle, liver, lung, brain, kidney, spleen, and intestine. In most types of cells, Gal-1 exhibits diffuse cytosolic expression, but in cells within the splenic red pulp, Gal-1 showed both cytosolic and nuclear localization. Gal-1 was also expressed in arterial walls and exhibited prominent cytosolic and nuclear staining in cultured human endothelial cells. However, human peripheral leukocytes and promyelocytic HL60 cells lack detectable Gal-1 and also showed very low levels of Gal-1 mRNA. In striking contrast, Gal-1 exhibited an organized cytosolic staining pattern within striated muscle tissue of cardiac and skeletal muscle and colocalized with sarcomeric actin on I bands. These results provide insights into previously defined roles for Gal-1 in inflammation, immune regulation and muscle biology.

Disruption of sarcolemmal dystrophin and beta-dystroglycan may be a potential mechanism for myocardial dysfunction in severe sepsis.

Evidence from our laboratory has shown alterations in myocardial structure in severe sepsis/septic shock. The morphological alterations are heralded by sarcolemmal damage, characterized by increased plasma membrane permeability caused by oxidative damage to lipids and proteins. The critical importance of the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex (DGC) in maintaining sarcolemmal stability led us to hypothesize that loss of dystrophin and associated glycoproteins could be involved in early increased sarcolemmal permeability in experimentally induced septic cardiomyopathy. Male C57Bl/6 mice were subjected to sham operation and moderate (MSI) or severe (SSI) septic injury induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Using western blot and immunofluorescence, a downregulation of dystrophin and beta-dystroglycan expression in both severe and moderate injury could be observed in septic hearts. The immunofluorescent and protein amount expressions of laminin-alpha2 were similar in SSI and sham-operated hearts. Consonantly, the evaluation of plasma membrane permeability by intracellular albumin staining provided evidence of severe injury of the sarcolemma in SSI hearts, whereas antioxidant treatment significantly attenuated the loss of sarcolemmal dystrophin expression and the increased membrane permeability. This study offers novel and mechanistic data to clarify subcellular events in the pathogenesis of cardiac dysfunction in severe sepsis. The main finding was that severe sepsis leads to a marked reduction in membrane localization of dystrophin and beta-dystroglycan in septic cardiomyocytes, a process that may constitute a structural basis of sepsis-induced cardiac depression. In addition, increased sarcolemmal permeability suggests functional impairment of the DGC complex in cardiac myofibers. In vivo observation that antioxidant treatment significantly abrogated the loss of dystrophin expression and plasma membrane increased permeability supports the hypothesis that oxidative damage may mediate the loss of dystrophin and beta-dystroglycan in septic mice. These abnormal parameters emerge as therapeutic targets and their modulation may provide beneficial effects on future cardiovascular outcomes and mortality in sepsis.

Matrix metalloproteinase inhibition improves cardiac dysfunction and remodeling in 2-kidney, 1-clip hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced cardiac matrix metalloproteinase activity (MMPs) has been associated with ventricular remodeling and cardiac dysfunction. It is unknown whether MMPs contribute to systolic/diastolic dysfunction and compensatory remodeling in 2-kidney, 1-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats. To test this hypothesis, we used 2K1C rats after 2 weeks of surgery treated or not with a nonspecific inhibitor of MMPs (doxycycline). METHODS AND RESULTS: We found that blood pressure and +/- dP/dt increased in 2K1C rats compared with sham groups, and these parameters were attenuated by doxycycline treatment (P < .05). Doxycycline also reversed cardiac hypertrophy observed in 2K1C rats (P < .05). Hypertensive rats showed increased MMP-2 levels in zymograms and in the tissue by immunofluorescence (P < .05) compared with sham groups. Increased total gelatinolytic activity was observed in untreated 2K1C rats when compared with sham groups (P < .05). Doxycycline decreased total gelatinolytic activity in 2K1C rats to control levels (P < .05). CONCLUSION: An imbalance in gelatinolytic activity, with increased MMP-2 levels and activity underlies the development of morphological and functional alterations found in the compensatory hypertrophy observed in 2K1C hearts. Because function and structure were restored by doxycycline, the inhibition of MMPs or their modulation may provide beneficial effects for therapeutic intervention in cardiac hypertrophy.

Hydrogen sulfide augments neutrophil migration through enhancement of adhesion molecule expression and prevention of CXCR2 internalization: role of ATP-sensitive potassium channels.

In this study, we have addressed the role of H(2)S in modulating neutrophil migration in either innate (LPS-challenged naive mice) or adaptive (methylated BSA (mBSA)-challenged immunized mice) immune responses. Treatment of mice with H(2)S synthesis inhibitors, dl-propargylglycine (PAG) or beta-cyanoalanine, reduced neutrophil migration induced by LPS or methylated BSA (mBSA) into the peritoneal cavity and by mBSA into the femur/tibial joint of immunized mice. This effect was associated with decreased leukocyte rolling, adhesion, and P-selectin and ICAM-1 expression on endothelium. Predictably, treatment of animals with the H(2)S donors, NaHS or Lawesson's reagent, enhanced these parameters. Moreover, the NaHS enhancement of neutrophil migration was not observed in ICAM-1-deficient mice. Neither PAG nor NaHS treatment changed LPS-induced CD18 expression on neutrophils, nor did the LPS- and mBSA-induced release of neutrophil chemoattractant mediators TNF-alpha, keratinocyte-derived chemokine, and LTB(4). Furthermore, in vitro MIP-2-induced neutrophil chemotaxis was inhibited by PAG and enhanced by NaHS treatments. Accordingly, MIP-2-induced CXCR2 internalization was enhanced by PAG and inhibited by NaHS treatments. Moreover, NaHS prevented MIP-2-induced CXCR2 desensitization. The PAG and NaHS effects correlated, respectively, with the enhancement and inhibition of MIP-2-induced G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 expression. The effects of NaHS on neutrophil migration both in vivo and in vitro, together with CXCR2 internalization and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 expression were prevented by the ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)(+)) channel blocker, glybenclamide. Conversely, diazoxide, a K(ATP)(+) channel opener, increased neutrophil migration in vivo. Together, our data suggest that during the inflammatory response, H(2)S augments neutrophil adhesion and locomotion, by a mechanism dependent on K(ATP)(+) channels.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase-deficient mice show exacerbated inflammatory process and high production of both Th1 and Th2 cytokines during paracoccidioidomycosis.

Paracoccidioidomycosis, the major systemic mycosis in Latin America, is caused by fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. To analyze the influence of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in this disease, iNOS-deficient (iNOS(-/-)) and wild-type (WT) mice were infected intravenously with P. brasiliensis 18 isolate. We found that, unlike WT mice, iNOS(-/-) mice did not control fungal proliferation, and began to succumb to infection by day 50 after inoculation of yeast cells. Typical inflammatory granulomas were found in WT mice, while, iNOS(-/-) mice presented incipient granulomas with intense inflammatory process and necrosis. Additionally, splenocytes from iNOS(-/-) mice did not produce nitric oxide, however, their proliferative response to Con-A was impaired, just like infected WT mice. Moreover, infected iNOS(-/-) mice presented a mixed pattern of immune response, releasing high levels of both Th1 (IL-12, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha) and Th2 (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines. These data suggest that the enzyme iNOS is a resistance factor during paracoccidioidomycosis by controlling fungal proliferation, by influencing cytokines production, and by appeasing the development of a high inflammatory response and consequently formation of necrosis. However, iNOS-derived nitric oxide seems not being the unique factor responsible for immunosuppression observed in infections caused by P. brasiliensis.

In situ zymography and immunolabeling in fixed and decalcified craniofacial tissues.

In situ zymography is a very important technique that shows the proteolytic activity in sections and allows researchers to observe the specific sites of proteolysis in tissues or cells. It is normally performed in non-fixed frozen sections and is not routinely performed in calcified tissues. In this study, we describe a technique that maintains proteolytic activity in fixed and decalcified sections obtained after routine paraffin sectioning in conventional microtome and cryostat sections. We used adult rat hemimandibles, which presented bone, enamel, and dentine matrices; the substrate used was dye-quenched-gelatin. Gelatinolytic activity was colocalized with MMP-2 using fluorescent antibodies. Specific proteolytic activity was observed in all sections, compatible with metalloproteinase activity, particularly in dentine and bone. Furthermore, matrix metalloproteinase-2 was colocalized to the sites of green fluorescence in dentine. In conclusion, the technique presented here will allow in situ zymography reactions in fixed, decalcified, and paraffin-embedded tissues, and we showed that paraformaldehyde-lysine-periodate-fixed cryostat sections are suitable for colocalization of gelatinolytic activity and protein labeling with antibodies.

Can eccentric arterial plaques alone cause flow stagnation points and favour thrombus incorporation?

We have used an experimental model of aorta stenosis, with a Plexiglas plug, simulating a stable atheromatous plaque that promotes local turbulence and thrombosis. With animal survival of more than 24 h, we followed the partial fibrinolysis of the thrombus as well as its posterior organization and incorporation to the arterial wall as a neointima for up to 30 days. The mushroom plug form permitted the development of recirculation and stasis areas around it, favouring this evolution. Despite noted limitations, this study demonstrates that thrombus incorporation can contribute to plaque extension, as it can promote recirculation and stasis areas.

Chlorhexidine-induced apoptosis or necrosis in L929 fibroblasts: A role for endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Chlorhexidine (CHX), widely used as antiseptic and therapeutic agent in medicine and dentistry, has a toxic effect both in vivo and in vitro. The intrinsic mechanism underlying CHX-induced cytotoxicity in eukaryotic cells is, however, still unknown. A recent study from our laboratory has suggested that CHX may induce death in cultured L929 fibroblasts via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This hypothesis was further tested by means of light and electron microscopy, quantification of apoptosis and necrosis by flow cytometry, fluorescence visualization of the cytoskeleton and endoplasmic reticulum, and evaluation of the expression of 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein 78 (Grp78), a marker of activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in cultured L929 fibroblasts. Our finding showing increased Grp 78 expression in CHX-treated cells and the results of flow cytometry, cytoskeleton and endoplasmic reticulum fluorescence visualization, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy allowed us to suggest that CHX elicits accumulation of proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum, which causes ER overload, resulting in ER stress and cell death either by necrosis or apoptosis. It must be pointed out, however, that this does not necessarily mean that ER stress is the only way that CHX kills L929 fibroblasts, but rather that ER stress is an important target or indicator of cell death induced by this drug.

SEM Study of apical morphological alterations in primary teeth with vital and necrotic pulps.

This study evaluated, by SEM, the morphology of human primary teeth roots. Twenty-four teeth were divided into 3 groups: pulp vitality (group I) and pulp necrosis without (group II) and with apical periodontitis (group III). Roots were analyzed by the presence of periodontal ligament (PDL) fibers and resorption areas. In groups I and II, presence of PDL fibers and absence of resorption were observed in all cases (100%), while all specimens (100%) of group III showed no PDL fibers and resorption areas. In conclusion, there are morphological differences in the apical region of primary teeth with different pulpal and periapical pathologies.

Nitric oxide synthase-2 modulates chemokine production by Trypanosoma cruzi-infected cardiac myocytes.

An intense inflammatory process is associated with Trypanosoma cruzi infection. We investigated the mediators that trigger leukocyte activation and migration to the heart of infected mice. It is known that nitric oxide (NO) modulates the inflammatory response. During T. cruzi infection, increased concentrations of NO are produced by cardiac myocytes (CMs) in response to IFN-gamma and TNF. Here, we investigated whether NO, IFN-gamma and TNF regulate chemokine production by T. cruzi-infected CMs. In addition, we examined the effects of the NOS2 deficiency on chemokine expression both in cultured CMs and in hearts obtained from infected mice. After infection of cultured WT CMs with T. cruzi, the addition of IFN-gamma and TNF increased both mRNA and protein levels of the chemokines CXCL1, CXCL2, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4 and CCL5. Interestingly, T. cruzi-infected NOS2-deficient CMs produced significantly higher levels of CCL2, CCL4, CCL5 and CXL2 in the presence of IFN-gamma and TNF. Infection of NOS2-null mice resulted in a significant increase in the expression of both chemokine mRNA and protein levels in the heart of, compared with hearts obtained from, infected WT mice. Our data indicate that NOS2 is a potent modulator of chemokine expression which is critical to triggering the generation of the inflammatory infiltrate in the heart during T. cruzi infection.

Oropouche virus entry into HeLa cells involves clathrin and requires endosomal acidification.

Oropouche virus (ORO), family Bunyaviridae, is the second most frequent cause of arboviral febrile illness in Brazil. Studies were conducted to understand ORO entry in HeLa cells. Chlorpromazine inhibited early steps of ORO replication cycle, consistent with entry/uncoating. The data indicate that ORO enters HeLa cells by clathrin-coated vesicles, by a mechanism susceptible to endosomal acidification inhibitors. Transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence indicated that ORO associates with clathrin-coated pits and can be found in association with late endosomes in a time shorter than 1h.