Reproductive biology of the whitespotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari (Myliobatiformes) captured in the coast of Paraíba and Pernambuco, Brazil.

The present study analysed aspects of reproductive biology based on macroscopic and microscopic structures of whitespotted eagle ray Aetobatus narinari captured by artisanal fishing off the coast of Paraíba and Pernambuco (7° 30' S, 34° 49' W; 7° 47' S, 34° 51' W), northeast Brazil. Of the 71 individuals in the sample, 55% were female (disc width - WD : 532-1698 mm) and 45% were male (WD : 442-1410 mm). The body size at which 50% of the individuals are mature (WD50 ) for males was 1155.8 mm; the clasper length varied between 24 and 184 mm. The WD50 for females was 1293.9 mm; the diameter of the largest vitellogenic follicle varied between 11 and 31 mm; and only the left ovary and uterus were functional. The microanatomy of the reproductive tract of males and females agrees with that of other elasmobranch species. In males, the highest hepato-somatic index (IH ) average and gonado-somatic index (IG ) average occurred in the third bimester of the year, whereas in females the highest values (average IH and IG , respectively) were in the second bimester of the year. Based on the information on reproduction of A. narinari from this study, it will be possible to contribute to the correct management and protection of this species.

Peptidases from latex of Carica candamarcensis upregulate COX-2 and IL-1 mRNA transcripts against Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium-mediated inflammation.

The immunomodulatory properties of a mixture of cysteine peptidases (P1G10) obtained from the fruit lattice of Carica candamarcensis were investigated. P1G10 was obtained from fresh latex samples by chromatography in a Sephadex column and initially administered to Swiss mice (n = 5; 1 or 10 mg/kg) via i.p. After 30 min, the mice were injected with carrageenan (0.5 mg/mouse) or heat-killed S. Typhimurium (10(7) CFU/mL; 100°C/30 min) into the peritoneal cavity. Afterwards, two animal groups were i.p. administered with P1G10 (n = 6; 1, 5, or 10 mg/Kg) or PBS 24 hours prior to challenge with live S. Typhimurium (10(7) CFU/mL). P1G10 stimulated the proliferation of circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes, 6 h after injection of carrageenan or heat-killed bacteria, respectively. Furthermore, survival after infection was dose-dependent and reached 60% of the animal group. On the other hand, control mice died 1-3 days after infection. The examination of mRNA transcripts in liver cells 24 h after infection confirmed fold variation increases of 5.8 and 4.8 times on average for IL-1 and COX-2, respectively, in P1G10 pretreated mice but not for TNF-α, IL-10, γ-IFN and iNOS, for which the results were comparable to untreated animals. These data are discussed in light of previous reports.

Effects of the healing activity of rosemary-of-Chapada (Lippia gracilis Schauer) on cutaneous lesions in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of rosemary leaf essential oil-based ointments on the healing of rat skin lesions. METHODS: Sixty adult male rats, with dorsal excisional skin wounds made surgically under anesthesia, were divided into three groups (n = 20): Sham group (untreated wounds); control group (CG, wounds treated with vehicle); and essential oil (EO) treated group (wounds treated with essential oil-based ointments), administered topically once daily. Skin wounds were evaluated at 4, 7, 14, and 21 days after EO or vehicle treatments. Lesions were analyzed macroscopically for the contraction degree. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded sections of skin wounds were used for histopathological evaluation. RESULTS: Macroscopic evaluation showed wounds edges with thin crust without firmness and yellowish color, along with an improvement in wound contraction in EO group when compared to the other groups. A reduced inflammatory reaction, along with newly formed small diameter capillaries and more organized and elongated collagen fibers, were more frequently observed in EO group than in the other groups. Moreover, blood vessel number and collagen fibers density were significantly higher in EO group. CONCLUSIONS: Skin lesion treatment with rosemary leaf essential oil-based ointments accelerates the initial stages of healing, reduces inflammation, and increases angiogenesis, collagen fibers density, and wound contraction in rats.

Anti-infective activity of Cratylia argentea lectin (CFL) against experimental infection with virulent Listeria monocytogenes in Swiss mice.

BACKGROUND: The lectin from Cratylia argentea (CFL) is able to modulate the immune system response and is thus a potential phytotherapeutic substance. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated the role of CFL on control of bacterial infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes, the causative agent of human listeriosis. STUDY DESIGN: Swiss mice were infected with L. monocytogenes and then treated with CFL. METHODS: Adult Swiss mice weighing with 30-40 g were infected intraperitoneally with a bacterial suspension (0.2 ml; 1 × 107 CFU/ml). After 30 min, the mice were treated with CFL intravenously at concentrations of 0.1 or 10 mg/kg. Control mice received phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The animals were euthanized 24 h after infection. RESULTS: We observed that i.v. administration of CFL to Swiss mice did not cause acute toxicity, and reduced the leukocyte counts in the bloodstream 24 h after infection with virulent L. monocytogenes. There was a reduction in the bacterial burden within peritoneal macrophages after infection in CFL-treated mice. Accordingly, the bacterial counts in the bloodstream, spleen and liver also decreased in comparison with the PBS group. Histological damage in the spleen and liver was lower in mice that received CFL treatment. In vitro antimicrobial assays demonstrated that CFL does not inhibit the growth of L. monocytogenes. The mRNA expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 was enhanced with CFL treatment after infection. CONCLUSION: The lectin from C. argentea (CFL) has immunomodulatory and anti-infective properties of pharmacological interest for control of infectious diseases.

Protective effect of melatonin against herbicides-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Exposure to the herbicides Paraquat and Roundup® may cause cell lesions due to an increase in oxidative stress levels in different biological systems, even in the liver. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of melatonin on liver of rats exposed to herbicides. A total of 35 rats were randomly divided into seven equal-sized groups: control, Paraquat, Roundup®, Paraquat + Roundup®, Paraquat + melatonin, Roundup® + melatonin, and Paraquat + Roundup® + melatonin. Samples of blood and hepatic tissue were collected at the end of the seventh day of exposure and treatment with melatonin. Body weight, hematological parameters, and histopathological, biochemical analyses and determination of oxidative stress levels in liver were evaluated. Body weight was compromised (P < 0.01). Alterations of hematologic parameters were significant when compared to control (P < 0.001). Biochemically, serum levels of albumin decreased (P < 0.001), but serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase increased (P < 0.001). Histopathology revealed necrotic hepatocytes, portal and central-lobular inflammatory infiltrate, congestion of capillaries. Serum levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances were found to be significantly elevated (P < 0.05; P < 0.001), and serum level of reduced glutathione was significantly lower (P < 0.05; P < 0.001). The groups treated concomitantly with melatonin revealed results similar to those of the control. However, melatonin acted as a protective agent for the liver against experimentally induced hepatic toxicity, promoting prevention of body weight, oxidative stress, and normalization of hematological and biochemical parameters.

Morphological Evaluation of Wound Healing Events in the Excisional Wound Healing Model in Rats.

Skin wound healing is a complex process involving different events such as blood coagulation, inflammation, new blood vessels formation, and extracellular matrix deposition. These events can be observed by using histology techniques. However, the lack of the standardization of such parameters impacts on the reproducibility of results. Here, we describe a protocol to perform macroscopic and microscopic analyses of the events that occur during skin wound healing using the experimental model of excisional wounds in rats.

Ointment of Ximenes americana promotes acceleration of wound healing in rats1.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the healing potential of the Ximenia americana hydroalcoholic extract in 10% cream in excisional wound models in rats. METHODS: Sixty male adults Wistar rats were submitted to skin and subcutaneous tissue surgery in the right and left thoracic regions, divided into three experimental groups: Standard submitted to treatment with only the base vehicle, Treated wounds treated with hydroalcoholic extract of X. americana applied on 10%, Lanette base and Control, untreated wounds. The treatment was performed daily and the wounds evaluated microscopically by the quantification of fibroblasts, collagen fibers and blood vessels. RESULTS: The histomorphometric analysis showed a significant increase in the number of fibroblasts, collagen fibers and blood vessels in the treated group. CONCLUSION: The topical action of the cream based on Ximenia americana shows angiogenic effects and improves the replacement of collagen, suggesting its use for the development of herbal remedy in the treatment of cutaneous wound healing.

Biomechanical evaluation of microbial cellulose (Zoogloea sp.) and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene membranes as implants in repair of produced abdominal wall defects in rats.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the Load of Rupture of implants of membranes of microbial cellulose (Zoogloea sp.) and extended polytetrafuoroethylene in sharp defects of abdominal wall of rats. METHODS: Sixty Wistar male rats, with a mean weight of 437,7 g +/- 40,9, anesthetized by a mixture of ketamine (5mg/100g) and xylazine (2mg/100g), were submitted to a rectangular (2 x 3 cm) excision of the abdominal wall, including fascia, muscle and peritoneum, and treated with membranes of microbial cellulose (MC) (MC Group- 30 animals) or extended polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) (ePTFE Group- 30 animals). Each group was subdivided in 14th POD, 28th POD and 60th POD Subgroups. Under anesthesia, animals were submitted to euthanasia at 14th POD, 28th POD and 60th POD for evaluation of Load of Rupture. RESULTS: Load of Rupture levels were significantly elevated (p<0, 05) among 14th, 28th and 60th postoperative days from each Group. When compared between groups, values of Load of Rupture were significantly larger (p<0, 05) in ePTFE Group than in MC Group. CONCLUSION: Resistance to strength at implant/host interface was more pronounced in PTFEe Group than in MC Group.

Incorporation by host tissue of two biomaterials used as repair of defects produced in abdominal wall of rats.

PURPOSE: Biomaterials may be used as treatment of great abdominal wall defects to avoid tension during repair. In the present research we intended to investigate incorporation type by host tissue of membranes of microbial cellulose (MC), produced by the bacteria Zoogloea sp., and of polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) in abdominal wall defects of rats. METHODS: Sixty male rats Wistar, anesthetized by ketamine (5mg/100g) and xylazine (2mg/100g), were submitted to a rectangular excision (2 x 3cm) of the abdominal wall, including fascia, muscles and peritoneum and further treated with implants of microbial cellulose (MC Group - 30 animals) or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene ( ePTFE Group- 30 animals). Each group was subdivided in 14th DPO, 28th DPO and 60th DPO Subgroups. RESULTS: Incorporation of biomaterials was observed by wrapping and infiltration by host tissue. It has been found that wrapping associated to infiltration of host connective tissue in implants of ePTFE were present in 100% of the observed samples, and this may be responsible for increase resistance to traction. Inversely, wrapping without host tissue infiltration was seen in 100% of examined specimens of MC implants. CONCLUSION: Wrapping and host tissue infiltration is seen only in ePTFE implants.

Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi ( Aroeira) leaves oil attenuates inflammatory responses in cutaneous wound healing in mice 1.

PURPOSE: To investigated the inflammatory, angiogenic and fibrogenic activities of the Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi leaves oil (STRO) on wound healing. METHODS: The excisional wound healing model was used to evaluate the effects of STRO. The mice were divided into two groups: Control, subjected to vehicle solution (ointment lanolin/vaseline base), or STRO- treated group, administered topically once a day for 3, 7 and 14 days post-excision. We evaluated the macroscopic wound closure rate; the inflammation was evaluated by leukocytes accumulation and cytokine levels in the wounds. The accumulation of neutrophil and macrophages in the wounds were determined by assaying myeloperoxidase and N-acetyl-ß-D-glucosaminidase activities. The levels of TNF-α, CXCL-1 and CCL-2 in wound were evaluated by ELISA assay. Angiogenesis and collagen fibers deposition were evaluated histologically. RESULTS: We observed that macroscopic wound closure rate was improved in wounds from STRO-group than Control-group. The wounds treated with STRO promoted a reduction in leucocyte accumulation and in pro-inflammatory cytokine. Moreover, STRO treatment increased significantly the number of blood vessels and collagen fibers deposition, as compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Topical application of STRO display anti-inflammatory and angiogenic effects, as well as improvement in collagen replacement, suggesting a putative use of this herb for the development of phytomedicines to treat inflammatory diseases, including wound healing.

Mast cell concentration and skin wound contraction in rats treated with Ximenia americana L.

PURPOSE: To evaluate wound contraction and the concentration of mast cells in skin wounds treated with wild plum (Ximenia americana) essential oil-based ointment in rats. METHODS: Sixty rats were submitted to two cutaneous wounds in the thoracic region, on the right and left antimeres. Thereon, they were divided into three groups: GX (wounds treated once a day with hydro alcoholic branch extract of Ximenia americana), GP (wounds that received vehicle), and GC (wounds without product application). Wounds were measured immediately after the injury as well as 4, 7, 14 and 21 days post-topical application of the extract. At these days, five rats from each group were euthanatized. Thereafter, samples were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and processed for paraffin embedding. Sections were stained with H.E, Masson's Trichrome and toluidine blue for morphological, morphometrical and histopathological analysis, under light microscopy. The degree of epithelial contraction was measured and mast cell concentrations were also evaluated with an image analyzer (Image Pro-plus®software) . RESULTS: The extract treated group showed lower mast cell concentrations in the 4th day of lesion, as compared to GP (GX GP = GC; p<0.05) . CONCLUSION: Ointment containing 10% X. americana induces a decrease in mast cell concentration, at the beginning of the healing process, and promotes early skin wound contraction in rats.

Anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant activity of fluoxetine.

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin uptake inhibitor that has been widely used to determine the neurotransmission of serotonin in the central nervous system. This substance has emerged as the drug of choice for the treatment of depression due to is safer profile, fewer side effects, and greater tolerability. Studies have found the following important functions of fluoxetine related to the central nervous system: neuroprotection; anti-inflammatory properties similar to standard drugs for the treatment of inflammatory conditions; antioxidant properties, contributing to its therapeutic action and an important intracellular mechanism underlying the protective pharmacological effects seen in clinical practice in the treatment of different stress-related adverse health conditions; and antiapoptotic properties, with greater neuron survival and a reduction in apoptosis mediators as well as oxidative substances, such as superoxide dismutase and hydrogen peroxide. The aim of this study was to perform a review of the literature on the important role of fluoxetine in anti-inflammatory, cell survival, and neuron trophicity mechanisms (antiapoptotic properties) as well as its role regarding enzymes of the antioxidant defense system.

Comparison of the Morphology and Histomorphometry of Spermatogenic Cyst of Three Sharks Species With Diametric Testes.

Characterization of the reproductive anatomy of elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, rays, and sawfish) offers unique insights into the evolution of reproductive traits in animals due to their phylogenetic position at the base of the vertebrate tree of life. Yet, despite advances in our understanding of male elasmobranch reproductive physiology and testes histology, very little is known about how testes histomorphometrics varies with male maturation. In this study, we characterize and contrast testes morphology and histomorphology of males at different maturation stages in three shark species with diametric testes development: Prionaceglauca, Rhizoprionodon lalandii, and Mustelus canis. All stages of spermatogenesis were observed in P. glauca and R. lalandii, while for M. canis, only males at early stages of maturation were examined and therefore all the spermatogenesis cells lineage were not present. The number of Sertoli cells increased with cell development by six times in R. lalandii and roughly four times in P. glauca, and were statistically different among stages of spermatogenesis cysts in both species. Statistical differences in cyst diameter and Sertoli cell numbers were observed between P. glauca and R. lalandii. The increase of spermatocyte II cell diameter described for R. Lalandii in this study was not usual to elasmobranch species as compared, for example, to P. glauca. This information proves the importance of studying the testicular development and the process of spermatogenesis is necessary for understanding the reproductive biology of the species, including life cycles and history, variation of reproductive morphology. Anat Rec, 299:759-768, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Congenital malformations caused by Stryphnodendron fissuratum (Leg. Mimosoideae) in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of Stryphnodendron fissuratum pods in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and test the hypothesis that this plant has teratogenic effects. Thus, sixteen guinea pigs were randomly divided into four groups of four animals each. Groups 10, 20 and 40 consisted of guinea pigs that received commercial food that contained crushed pods of S. fissuratum at concentrations of 10, 20 and 40 g/kg, respectively, during the period of organogenesis. Control group consisted of guinea pigs under the same management conditions that did not receive crushed pods of S. fissuratum in their food. In all experimental groups, the main clinical signs of poisoning consisted of anorexia, prostration, absence of vocalizations, alopecia, diarrhea, and abortions within the adult guinea pigs. Those that did not abort gave birth to weak, malnourished pups, some of which had fetal malformations. The main teratogenic changes consisted of eventration, arthrogryposis, amelia of the forelimbs, anophthalmia, microphthalmia, anotia and agnathia. The reductions in the number of offspring and the malformations observed in the experimental groups suggest that S. fissuratum affects fetal development and is teratogenic.

Mast cell concentration and skin wound contraction in rats treated with Brazilian pepper essential oil (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi).

PURPOSE: To evaluate wound contraction and the concentration of mast cells in skin wounds treated with 5% BPT essential oil-based ointment in rats. METHODS: Twenty rats, male, of adult age, were submitted to skin surgery on the right (RA) and left antimeres (LA) of the thoracic region. They were divided into two groups: control (RA - wounds receiving daily topical application of vaseline and lanolin) and treated (LA - wounds treated daily with the topical ointment). The skin region with wounds were collected at days 4, 7, 14 and 21 after surgery. Those were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and later processed for paraffin embedding. Sections were obtained and stained by H.E for histopathology analysis. The degree of epithelial contraction was measured and mast cell concentration were also evaluated. RESULTS: The treated group showed higher mast cell concentrations (p<0.05) associated with increased contraction at day 7 and 14 respectively. CONCLUSION: Ointment containing 5% Brazilian pepper tree oil increases mast cell concentration and promotes skin wound contraction in rats.

Fibrogenesis and epithelial coating of skin wounds in rats treated with angico extract (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of angico bark extract (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) in the healing process of the skin of rats. METHODS: Twenty adult male rats were divided into four groups of five animals each, according to the respective postoperative days, as follow: G4, G7, G14 and G21. Each group received two incisions on skin and subcutaneous tissue in the right and left antimere of the thoracic region, separated by a distance of 2 cm. The right lesion was treated daily with saline and the left with the angico alcoholic extract (5%). At the end of each experimental period, the animals were euthanized and fragments of the wound area with the edges were removed, fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution and processed for paraffin embedding. Histological sections (5 µm of thickness) were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE), Gomori trichromic and picrosisirus red for morphological and morphometric analyses. Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Morphological analysis showed larger fibroblasts and a higher concentration of collagen fibers in skyn wounds treated with the angico extract. Morphometric analysis demonstrated a significant increase in the number of fibroblasts at 7th and collagen in 7th and 14th days (p<0.01) in wounds treated with the angico extract. CONCLUSION: The angico alcoholic extract (Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil) induces the acceleration of wound healing in skin wounds of rats.

Effects of treatment with fluoxetine on mandibular development: A morphological study in rats.

AIM: To verify whether the use of fluoxetine during gestation and lactation interferes in mandibular bone formation in rats. METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar rat pups were used and distributed into four groups: CG - control of gestation; CL - control of gestation and lactation; FG - treated with fluoxetine during gestation and FL - treated with fluoxetine during gestation and lactation. At 25 days of life, after anesthesia, perfusion and decapitation, the mandibles were removed. Radiographic, histologic, histometric and polarizing microscopy analyses were performed. Statistical analysis was used considering a level of 5% significance. RESULT: The FL group compared with its control (CL) was shown to differ statistically from the other groups as regards histometry and radiopacity, revealing a reduction in the inferior cortical thickness, reduction in number of osteocytes, with consequent reduction in radiographic bone density. There was also reduction in the number of osteoblasts in FG. CONCLUSION: The long-term use of fluoxetine via oral route by pregnant and lactating rats modifies the mandibular bone mass.

Ointment of Ximenes americana promotes acceleration of wound healing in rats

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the healing potential of the Ximenia americana hydroalcoholic extract in 10% cream in excisional wound models in rats. Methods: Sixty male adults Wistar rats were submitted to skin and subcutaneous tissue surgery in the right and left thoracic regions, divided into three experimental groups: Standard submitted to treatment with only the base vehicle, Treated wounds treated with hydroalcoholic extract of X. americana applied on 10%, Lanette base and Control, untreated wounds. The treatment was performed daily and the wounds evaluated microscopically by the quantification of fibroblasts, collagen fibers and blood vessels. Results: The histomorphometric analysis showed a significant increase in the number of fibroblasts, collagen fibers and blood vessels in the treated group. Conclusion: The topical action of the cream based on Ximenia americana shows angiogenic effects and improves the replacement of collagen, suggesting its use for the development of herbal remedy in the treatment of cutaneous wound healing.

Phytochemical screening and antimicrobial activity testing of crude hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of Sphagneticola trilobata (Asteraceae) / Triagem fitoquímica e atividade antimicrobiana do extrato hidroalcoólico bruto das folhas de Sphagneticola trilobata (Asteraceae)

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to perform phytochemical analysis and to test the antimicrobial activity of the crude hydroalcoholic extract obtained from the leaves of Sphagneticola trilobata. Classes of secondary metabolites present in the extract were identified through phytochemical screening using analytical thin-layer chromatography. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by testing cultures of Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from human skin and those of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from dog skin using the broth microdilution method. In the phytochemical screening, classes of anthracenic derivatives and mono-, sesqui-, and diterpenes were identified. Colorimetric analysis showed total phenol and total flavonoid contents of 21.7 ± 0.009 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram of sample and 0.23 ± 0.005 mg of catechin equivalents per gram of sample, respectively. Microbiological analysis revealed that the hydroalcoholic extract of S. trilobata exhibited antimicrobial activity against cultures of Staphylococcus spp., E. coli, S. marcescens, and E. faecalis isolated from human skin and those of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from dog skin. Thus, crude hydroalcoholic extract of leaves of S. trilobata contained flavonoids and terpenoids as secondary metabolites, which contributed to its antimicrobial activity against skin bacteria isolated from different sources.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar a triagem fitoquímica preliminar e testar a atividade antimicrobiana do extrato hidroalcoólico bruto das folhas de Sphagneticola trilobata. A identificação das classes de metabólitos secundários presentes no extrato foi realizada através da cromatografia em camada delgada analítica (CCDA). Para determinar a quantidade de fenóis e flavonoides totais foram utilizados os métodos espectrofotométricos de Folin-Ciocalteu e complexação com AlCl3, respectivamente. Para avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana foram testadas culturas de Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhimurium, Klebsiella pneumoniae isoladas de pele humana e culturas de Staphylococcus spp. isoladas de pele de cães pelo método de microdiluição em caldo. Na triagem fitoquímica foi verificada reação positiva para a presença de derivados antracênicos, mono, sesqui e diterpenos. As análises colorimétricas mostraram conteúdos de fenóis totais e flavonoides totais de 21,7 ± 0,009 miligramas de equivalentes de ácido gálico por grama de amostra e 0,23 ± 0,005 miligramas de equivalentes de catequina por grama de amostra, respectivamente. Na análise microbiológica, o extrato hidroalcoólico das folhas de Sphagneticola trilobata apresentou atividade antimicrobiana frente às culturas de Staphylococcus spp., Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens e Enterococcus faecalis. Todas as culturas de Staphylococcus spp. isoladas de pele de cães foram sensíveis ao extrato. Conclui-se que o extrato hidroalcoólico bruto das folhas de Sphagneticola trilobata possui entre seus metabólitos secundários os flavonoides e terpenoides que contribuíram com a atividade antimicrobiana frente às bactérias isoladas de pele de diferentes origens.

Atividade antitumoral da melatonina sobre o tumor de ehrlich implantado em camundongos swiss / Melatonin antitumor activity on Ehrlich tumor implanted in Swiss mice

Introdução: Um mecanismo proposto para a ação oncostática da melatonina no tumor de mama é a inibição do hormônio liberador das gonadotrofinas (GnRH), dificultando assim a liberação dos hormônios luteinizante (LH) e folículo estimulante (FSH) e, consequentemente, reduzindo a produção ovariana de estradiol. Objetivo: Avaliar a atividade antitumoral da melatonina sobre o tumor de Ehrlich em camundongos fêmeas Swiss, através de sua interação com o aparelho reprodutor. Método: Foram utilizados 56 camundongos fêmeas Swiss (Mus musculus), de 60 dias de idade, divididas em sete grupos experimentais (n = 8 animais/ grupo): A- Pinealectomizados tratados com melatonina; B- Shampinealectomizados tratados com melatonina; C- Pinealectomizados sem tratamento; D- Sham-pinealectomizados sem tratamento; EPinealectomizados tratados com veículo da melatonina; F- Shampinealectomizados tratados com veículo da melatonina; G- Controle. Resultados e Discussão: Alterações ovarianas foram significativas entre os grupos, observando-se um aumento no peso dos ovários e no número de folículos ovarianos dos animais pinealectomizados, enquanto os animais sham-pinealectomizados apresentaram um maior número de corpos lúteos. Os animais pinealectomizados apresentaram maior taxa de crescimento tumoral quando comparados aos animais tratados com melatonina, tendo estes últimos apresentado também uma percentagem de inibição tumoral. Conclusão: A análise destes resultados nos permite concluir que a melatonina, através de sua atuação no ovário, interfere nos mecanismos regulatórios dos processos de crescimento do tumor de Ehrlich. Pode-se conjecturar que eventuais alterações nos padrões de ritmicidade endógena para a melatonina pode predispor os organismos a uma maior incidência de tumor.

Introduction: A proposed mechanism for the oncostatic action of melatonin in breast tumors is the inhibition of gonadotropinreleasing hormone (GnRH), thus hindering the release of luteinizing hormones (LH) and stimulating follicle (FSH) and, consequently, reducing ovarian estradiol production. Objective: This study aim was to evaluate the melatonin antitumor activity on the Ehrlich tumor in female Swiss mice, through its interaction with the reproductive system. Method: we used 56 female Swiss mice (Mus musculus), 60 days of age, were divided into seven experimental groups (n = 8 animals/group): A- Pinealectomized melatonin treated; B- Shampinealectomized melatonin treated; C- Pinealectomized no treated; D- Sham-Pinealectomized no treated; E- Pinealectomized melatonin vehicle treated; F- Sham-pinealectomized melatonin vehicle treated; G- Control. Results and discussion: Ovarian changes were significant between the groups, observing an increase in ovarian weight and follicles number in pinealectomized animals, whereas the sham-pinealectomized animals exhibited greater numbers of corpus luteum. The pinealectomized animals had higher rate of tumor growth than melatonin treated animals, the last having also presented a percent inhibition of the tumor. Conclusion: Analysis of these results allows us to conclude that melatonin, through its actions in the ovary interfere with regulatory mechanisms of the processes of Ehrlich tumor growth. May conjecture that any changes in the patterns of endogenous rhythmicity for melatonin, can predispose organisms to a higher incidence of tumor.