Effect of Portal Vein Ligation Plus Venous Congestion on Liver Regeneration in Rats.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: We developed a rat model of portal vein ligation (PVL) with venous congestion (PVL+C) to investigate beneficial effect PVL plus congestion for regeneration of intact liver segments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the PVL group, portal vein branches were ligated except the caudate lobe (CL). In the PVL + C group, the left lateral hepatic vein was ligated in addition to PVL. Chronological changes in the following variables were compared among the groups: CL weight to body weight ratio (CL/BW), embolized liver weight to body weight ratio (EL/BW), histological findings of the embolized/non-embolized liver, and expression of several mediators that affect liver regeneration in the non-embolized liver. RESULTS: Weight regeneration of CL continued up to postoperative day (POD)7 in PVL + C, but terminated at POD2 in PVL. CL/BW at POD7 was significantly higher in PVL + C than in PVL (2.41 ± 0.33% vs. 1.22 ± 0.18%, P < 0.01). In contrast, EL/BW continued to decrease up to POD7 in PVL + C but reached nadir at POD2 in PVL. Furthermore, EL/BW at POD7 was significantly smaller in PVL + C than in PVL (0.35 ± 0.03% vs. 0.67 ± 0.08%, P < 0.01). Histologically-proven injury in the embolized liver was more severe in PVL + C than in PVL. Expression of Ki-67, IL-6, TNF -a, and HGF were greater and/or more prolonged in PVL + C than in PVL. CONCLUSIONS: Our rat model of PVL + C was considered useful for investigating the beneficial effect of congestion in addition to PVC. PVL + C caused increased devastation of the embolized liver, and higher and more prolonged expression of factors promoting liver regeneration in the non-embolized liver than in PVL.

Citrobacter freundii impairs the phosphoryl transfer network in the gills of Rhamdia quelen: Impairment of bioenergetics homeostasis.

The precise coupling of spatially separated intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-producing and ATP-consuming, catalyzed by creatine kinase (CK), adenylate kinase (AK), and pyruvate kinase (PK), is a critical process in the bioenergetics of tissues with high energy demand, such as the branchial tissue. The effects of Citrobacter freundii infection on gills remain poorly understood, limited only to histopathological studies. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether experimental infection by C. freundii impairs the enzymes of the phosphoryl transfer network in gills of silver catfish (Rhamdia quelen). The CK (cytosolic and mitochondrial) and AK activities decreased in infected compared to uninfected animals, while the PK activity did not differ between groups. The gill histopathology of infected animals revealed extensive degeneration with fusion and necrosis of secondary lamellae, detachment of superficial epithelium, aneurysm, vessel congestion and inflammatory process. Based on these evidences, the inhibition and absence of an efficient communication between CK compartments caused the impairment of the branchial bioenergetics homeostasis, which was not compensated by the augmentation on branchial AK activity in an attempt to restore energy homeostasis. In summary, these alterations contribute to disease pathogenesis linked to branchial tissue in animals infected with C. freundii.

Histopathologic and Histomorphometric Analysis of Irradiation Injury in Bone and the Surrounding Soft Tissues of the Jaws.

PURPOSE: Surgery of irradiated tissue has an increased complication rate because of the development of hypovascular, hypocellular, and hypoxic tissue. This study was undertaken to perform histopathologic and histomorphometric analyses of irradiation tissue injury in bone and the surrounding soft tissues. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The histopathologic findings of 40 human mandibular bones and the surrounding soft tissue specimens obtained from different patients who underwent surgical procedures for treatment of osteoradionecrosis of the jaws were reviewed. RESULTS: Histopathologic examination showed 7 processes in the following order of appearance: hyperemia, endarteritis, thrombosis, cell loss, hypovascularity, increase of fat in the bone marrow cavity, and fibrosis. Histomorphometric analysis showed significant hypocellularity (P = .007), hypovascularity (P < .001), and fibrosis (P < .001) in irradiated specimens compared with control specimens. CONCLUSION: These results showed that radiation injuries affect the bone and surrounding soft tissues. However, the irradiation-induced injuries, such as cellular loss (hypocellularity) and fibrosis, were more expressive in bone tissue than in the surrounding soft tissues.

Arterial stiffness and endothelial function in obese children and adolescents and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is related to an increase in the rates of cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE: To establish the impact of obesity on vascular function (endothelial function and arterial stiffness) in children and adolescents and its relationship to cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: In obese (OB) children and adolescents, endothelial function and arterial stiffness were evaluated by a pulse plethysmography method (reactive hyperemia and index of digital volume waveforms, respectively). Data were compared with the non-obese (non-OB) group (body mass index >10th to <97th percentile). Anthropometric parameters, body fat percentage, fasting glucose, lipid profile, insulinemia, HOMA-IR and hemodynamic parameters were determined in both groups. RESULTS: Body mass index, weight, waist circumference, body fat, insulinemia and HOMA-IR were significantly higher in the OB group. The OB group showed impaired endothelial function (15.8 ± 0.2%, n = 37) compared to the non-OB group (41.4 ± 5%, n = 20; p < 0.001) and increased arterial stiffness. Endothelial function was only negatively correlated with waist circumference and HOMA-IR in the OB group, whereas a positive correlation was found between insulinemia and HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that impaired vascular function is already present in OB children and adolescents. The fact that obesity is associated with some markers of cardiovascular risk suggests the importance of early lifestyle interventions in this population to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Cerebral hyperemia measured with near infrared spectroscopy during treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis in children.

OBJECTIVE: To use near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to evaluate the timing of onset and duration of cerebral hyperemia during diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) treatment in children, and to investigate the relationship of cerebral hyperemia to intravenous fluid treatment. STUDY DESIGN: We randomized children aged 8-18 years with DKA to either more rapid or slower intravenous fluid treatment (19 total DKA episodes). NIRS was used to measure rSo2 during DKA treatment. NIRS monitoring began as soon as informed consent was obtained and continued until the patient was transferred out of the critical care unit. RESULTS: rSo2 values above the normal range (>80%) were detected in 17 of 19 DKA episodes (mean rSo2 during initial 8 hours of DKA treatment: 86% ± 7%, range 65%-95%). Elevated rSo2 values were detected as early as the second hour of DKA treatment and persisted for as long as 27 hours. Hourly mean rSo2 levels during treatment did not differ significantly by fluid treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: During DKA treatment, children have elevated rSo2 values consistent with cerebral hyperemia. Hyperemia occurs as early as the second hour of DKA treatment and may persist for ≥ 27 hours. Cerebral rSo2 levels during treatment did not differ significantly in patients treated with slower versus more rapid intravenous rehydration.

Reproducibility of peripheral arterial tonometry for the assessment of endothelial function in adults.

OBJECTIVES: Endothelial dysfunction is associated to cardiovascular risk factors and predicts cardiovascular events. Peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) is a novel noninvasive method to assess endothelial function. However, there is a paucity of data about its reproducibility. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and reproducibility of PAT in adults. METHODS: PAT exams were performed twice in the same day in 123 participants of a cohort about the determinants of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases (Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health--ELSA-Brasil). The interval between the exams was 2-6 h (mean=4 h). Endothelial function in PAT method is measured by reactive hyperemia index (RHI), which evaluates arterial pulsatile volume changes in response to hyperemia. Agreement of RHI values was compared by Bland-Altman method, coefficient of variation and coefficient of repeatability. Reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: Mean values of RHI did not differ significantly between the exams of each participant (1.92±0.56 vs. 1.96±0.58, P=0.48). There were no systematic errors between the exams (mean of differences=-0.03±0.5). Measurement error was 0.35, coefficient of variation was 18.0% and ICC was 0.61. Sex, age or the presence of obesity did not have a considerable influence on the reproducibility of PAT. CONCLUSION: PAT exam is feasible and has acceptable reproducibility in adults when compared with other noninvasive methods for endothelial function assessment. This performance makes PAT a promising method for future clinical and epidemiological studies.

Bacterial intensity and localization in primary molars with caries disease.

AIM: The aim was to assess the characteristics and outcomes of infections affecting the structures of carious primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty primary molars were used and classified according to the following clinical situation: With profound caries lesion, with bone loss at the furcation region, with perforation of the pulp chamber floor, and residual roots. The teeth were demineralized, cut, and stained with both haematoxylin-eosin and Brown and Brenn staining techniques. Assessment was performed using optical microscopy. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the data by means of the Chi-square test suggests that there was a significant relationship (P<0.001) between the intensity and localization of infection and the level of destruction of dental structures. A significant difference was also observed in the intensity and localization of infection between the groups regarding crown, furca, and root (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: More intense and profound the infection, more severe is the dental destruction. The groups of residual roots showed the most severe bacterial infection compared to other groups.

[A new experimental model for inducing interstitial cystitis by oxidative stress using bladder instillation of a nitric oxide donor gel]. / Un nuevo modelo experimental de inducción de cistitis intersticial mediante estrés oxidativo empleando instilación vesical de un gel donante de óxido nítrico.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to develop a new experimental model of inducing interstitial cystitis (IC) through vesical instillation of a polymeric solution containing the NO donor S-nitrousglutathione (GSNO) and to compare it to the experimental interstitial cystitis induced by vesical instillation of protamine and potassium chloride. MATERIAL AND METHOD: For that purpose 40 female Wistar rats were used, divided in four groups: 1. saline solution + GSNO; 2. saline solution + polymeric solution (without GNSO); 3. protamine sulphate + KCl; 4. protamine sulphate + GSNO. The rats received one application (5 animals) or 3 applications (5 animals) of the corresponding substance through intravesical instillation, and after 6 days (5 animals) or 9 days (5 animals) they were euthanized and their bladders were removed for macroscopic evaluation and histological study. RESULTS: In the macroscopic evaluation we observed edema and hyperemia of the mucosa in 2 (22%) of the animals in group 1, in 0 (0%) of the animals in group 2, in 10 (100%) of the animals in group 3, and in 5 (50%) of the animals in group 4. In the protamine + KCl group and in saline + GSNO similar effects were observed on the bladder wall. The animals in group 2 (saline + polymeric) showed vascular congestion, significantly smaller than the rest after 9 days instillations (p=0.0035). Significant increased fibrosis was observed after instillations in groups 3 and 4, after 6 days (p=0.3781) and 9 days (p=0.0459) respectively, when compared to control (group 2). All groups presented neutrophilic infiltrate of variable intensity 6 days after instillations (p=0.7277). After 9 days, there was a regression of the infiltrate, with no evidence of accentuated neutrophilic reaction in all the groups (p=0.2301). CONCLUSION: The inflammatory response to bladder instillation of an aqueous solution of S-nitrousglutathione was very similar to that induced by bladder instillation of protamine and KCl. Instillation of an aqueous solution of GSNO can be considered a new model for experimental induction of interstitial cystitis.

Skin capillary density and microvascular reactivity in obese subjects with and without metabolic syndrome.

Obesity is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that microvascular function may be impaired in obese subjects with metabolic syndrome (OB-MetSnd) compared to obese subjects without MetSnd (OB) and healthy subjects (HS). In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated skin capillary density (SCD) in OB-MetSnd (n=20, 12 women, BMI=36.5±1.1kg/m(2)), OB (n=25, 16 women, BMI=34.5±0.7kg/m(2)), and HS (n=30, 22 women, BMI=22.8±0.3kg/m(2)) groups. SCD was evaluated by intravital video-microscopy at rest and after post-occlusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) and venous congestion (VC). OB-MetSnd subjects exhibited significant differences in the values of MetSnd components and in leptin and HOMA-IR levels compared to OB and HS individuals. There were no differences in SCD among groups in resting conditions. The OB-MetSnd group failed to show a significant increase in the number of recruited capillaries during PORH and VC compared to the SCD evaluated at rest. A negative correlation of SCD with waist circumference, BMI, blood pressure, and HOMA-IR was observed after PORH and VC. When obese subjects were analyzed according to their HOMA-IR quartiles, a significant decrease in SCD was observed during POHR (P=0.02). Our findings showed that obese subjects have structural and functional alterations in skin microcirculation that are proportional to the increase in the degree of global and central obesity. In addition, in OB-MetSnd subjects, the cutaneous capillaries at rest are already maximally recruited, indicating an absence of functional capillary reserve. This may be related to the insulin resistance observed in OB-MetSnd individuals.

Carotid-radial pulse wave velocity as a discriminator of intrinsic wall alterations during evaluation of endothelial function by flow-mediated dilatation.

UNLABELLED: Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) is the most accepted technique for the evaluation of endothelial function. However, it has been show a great inter-subject variability limiting its clinical use. Carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (PWVcr) was proposed as an alternative tool for the evaluation of endothelial function. At the present, there is no doubt that PWVcr reduces its values in response to reactive hyperemia test (RHT) in healthy subjects. AIMS: a) to determine simultaneously the temporal profile of FMD, PWVcr and shear rate in response to RHT and b) to describe and analyze how subjects "FMD responders" or "non-responders" behave regards to PWVcr changes. METHODS: 34 Healthy young subjects were included. The PWVcr (strain gauge mechanotransducers), brachial diameter (B-Mode ultrasound and blood flow velocity (Doppler ultrasound) were measured before (baseline) the cuff was inflated and after its deflation (5 minutes). 10(th) percentiles FMD and PWVcr changes in the population were used for the definition of the subjects ("responders and non-responders"). RESULTS: Changes in PWVcr, brachial arterial diameter and shear rate were evidenced after the cuff release (p<0.05). There were differences in the PWV and FMD temporal profiles. Within "FMD responders" there were "PWV responders and non-responders". CONCLUSION: Assessing RHT-related changes in PWVcr in the context of a FMD evaluation, could be useful as a discriminator of intrinsic wall alterations giving additional information of vascular dynamics.

Human pulp responses to in-office tooth bleaching.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the responses of human incisor and premolar pulps after bleaching. STUDY DESIGN: A bleaching agent with 38% hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) was applied on the buccal surface of 10 sound lower teeth (G1: 6 premolars; G2: 4 incisors) for 45 minutes. Three premolars and 3 incisors that received only rubber/pumice prophylaxis were used as control groups G3 and G4, respectively. Two days after the bleaching procedure, the teeth were extracted and processed for histologic evaluation. RESULTS: Only in G2 (4 incisors) were any changes in the pulp detected. In the coronal pulp there was a large zone of coagulation necrosis. The radicular pulp showed mild inflammatory changes manifested as an accumulation of mononuclear cells around congested and dilated blood vessels. No pulpal damage was seen in either of the control groups (G3 and G4) or in group G1. CONCLUSION: Bleaching with 38% H(2)O(2) for 45 minutes causes irreversible pulp damage in lower incisors but not in premolars.

Effects of low-level laser therapy and orthodontic tooth movement on dental pulps in rats.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the microscopic pulpal reactions resulting from orthodontically induced tooth movement associated with low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five young male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups. In group I (n = 20), the maxillary right first molars were submitted to orthodontic movement with placement of a coil spring. In group II (n = 20), the teeth were submitted to orthodontic movement plus LLLT at 4 seconds per point (buccal, palatal, and mesial) with a GaAlAs diode laser source (830 nm, 100 mW, 18 J/cm(2)). Group III (n = 5) served as a control (no orthodontic movement or LLLT). Groups I and II were divided into four subgroups according to the time elapsed between the start of tooth movement and sacrifice (12 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days). RESULTS: Up until the 3-day period, the specimens in group I presented a thicker odontoblastic layer, no cell-free zone of Weil, pulp core with differentiated mesenchymal and defense cells, and a high concentration of blood vessels. In group II, at the 12- and 24-hour time points, the odontoblastic layer was disorganized and the cell-free zone of Weil was absent, presenting undifferentiated cells, intensive vascularization with congested capillaries, and scarce defense cells in the cell-rich zone. In groups I and II, pulpal responses to the stimuli were more intense in the area underneath the region of application of the force or force/laser. CONCLUSIONS: The orthodontic-induced tooth movement and LLLT association showed reversible hyperemia as a tissue response to the stimulus. LLLT leads to a faster repair of the pulpal tissue due to orthodontic movement.

Regional blood flow distribution and oxygen metabolism during mesenteric ischemia and congestion.

BACKGROUND: Acute mesenteric ischemia is a potentially fatal vascular emergency with mortality rates ranging between 60% and 80%. Several studies have extensively examined the hemodynamic and metabolic effects of superior mesenteric artery occlusion. On the other hand, the cardiocirculatory derangement and the tissue damage induced by intestinal outflow obstruction have not been investigated systematically. For these reasons we decided to assess the initial impact of venous mesenteric occlusion on intestinal blood flow distribution, and correlate these findings with other systemic and regional perfusion markers. METHODS: Fourteen mongrel dogs were subjected to 45 min of superior mesenteric artery (SMAO) or vein occlusion (SMVO), and observed for 120 min after reperfusion. Systemic hemodynamics were evaluated using Swan-Ganz and arterial catheters. Regional blood flow (ultrasonic flow probes), intestinal O(2)-derived variables, and mesenteric-arterial and tonometric-arterial pCO(2) gradients (D(mv-a)pCO(2) and D(t-a)pCO(2)) were also calculated. RESULTS: SMVO was associated with hypotension and low cardiac output. A significant increase in the regional pCO(2) gradients was also observed in both groups during the ischemic period. After reperfusion, a progressive reduction in D(mv-a)pCO(2) occurred in the SMVO group; however, no improvement in D(t-a)pCO(2) was observed. The histopathologic injury scores were 2.7 +/- 0.5 and 4.8 +/- 0.2 for SMAO and SMVO, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SMV occlusion promoted early and significant hemodynamic and metabolic derangement at systemic and regional levels. Additionally, systemic pCO(2) gradient is not a reliable parameter to evaluate the local intestinal oxygenation. Finally, the D(t-a)pCO(2) correlates with histologic changes during intestinal congestion or ischemia. However, minor histologic changes cannot be detected using this methodology.

Porcine pericardium as glaucoma implant tube coverage--an experimental study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the inflammatory response associated with the use of processed porcine pericardium and glycerin-preserved homologous sclera as silicone glaucoma drainage device coverage in a rabbit experimental model. METHODS: Eight New Zealand white rabbits' eyes received an equal-sized glycerin-preserved homologous scleral patch or a double-layered processed porcine pericardium that was sutured to the bare sclera covering a silicone tube. Conjunctival hyperemia was graded using the double-blind method during the immediate postoperative period and during the first, third, and seventh postoperative weeks. After the seventh week, the enucleated eyes were histopathologically examined. They were also evaluated for signs of patch graft melting, tube erosion and chemosis. RESULTS: There was no occurrence of graft melting or tube exposure, although porcine pericardium was associated with greater inflammation through clinical observation. Light microscopy revealed marked inflammation surrounding the porcine pericardium with foreign body granuloma formation. On the other hand, the sclera group presented milder inflammation with foreign body granulomas only around the sutures. CONCLUSIONS: Porcine pericardium is associated with significant inflammation when used as tube coverage in a rabbit model, at both histopathologic and clinical levels, when compared to glycerin-preserved homologous sclera during the seven-week follow-up period.

Porcine pericardium as glaucoma implant tube coverage: an experimental study / Uso de pericárdio suíno no recobrimento de implantes de drenagem de glaucoma: um estudo experimental

PURPOSE: To evaluate the inflammatory response associated with the use of processed porcine pericardium and glycerin-preserved homologous sclera as silicone glaucoma drainage device coverage in a rabbit experimental model. METHODS: Eight New Zealand white rabbits' eyes received an equal-sized glycerin-preserved homologous scleral patch or a double-layered processed porcine pericardium that was sutured to the bare sclera covering a silicone tube. Conjunctival hyperemia was graded using the double-blind method during the immediate postoperative period and during the first, third, and seventh postoperative weeks. After the seventh week, the enucleated eyes were histopathologically examined. They were also evaluated for signs of patch graft melting, tube erosion and chemosis. RESULTS: There was no occurrence of graft melting or tube exposure, although porcine pericardium was associated with greater inflammation through clinical observation. Light microscopy revealed marked inflammation surrounding the porcine pericardium with foreign body granuloma formation. On the other hand, the sclera group presented milder inflammation with foreign body granulomas only around the sutures. CONCLUSIONS: Porcine pericardium is associated with significant inflammation when used as tube coverage in a rabbit model, at both histopathologic and clinical levels, when compared to glycerin-preserved homologous sclera during the seven-week follow-up period.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a resposta inflamatória associada com o uso de pericárdio suíno processado e esclera homóloga preservada em glicerina no recobrimento de tubo de drenagem de silicone utilizado em cirurgia de glaucoma em modelo experimental. MÉTODOS: Oito olhos de 8 coelhos albinos da raça Nova Zelândia receberam enxertos do mesmo tamanho de esclera homóloga, preservada em glicerina ou pericárdio suíno processado, suturados à esclera recobrindo um tubo de silicone. Os olhos foram avaliados quanto à hiperemia conjuntival de modo mascarado na primeira, terceira e sétima semanas de pós-operatório. Após a sétima semana os olhos foram enucleados e submetidos a estudo histopatológico. Os olhos também foram avaliados quanto à presença de afinamento do enxerto, exposição do tubo e quemose. RESULTADOS: Não ocorreram casos de afinamento do enxerto ou exposição do tubo, porém o pericárdio suíno esteve associado clinicamente a uma maior inflamação. Achados à microscopia óptica incluíram intensa reação inflamatória em torno do enxerto de pericárdio com formação de granuloma do tipo corpo estranho. Por outro lado, no grupo que recebeu esclera, ocorreu formação de granulomas apenas em torno dos fios de sutura. CONCLUSÃO: O pericárdio suíno esteve associado a maior inflamação tanto à histopatologia quanto clinicamente, quando usado no recobrimento de tubo de silicone, em comparação à esclera homóloga preservada em glicerina, durante o período de acompanhamento de sete semanas.

Interictal hyperemia correlates with epileptogenicity in polymicrogyric cortex.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate pathophysiological factors underlying the presence of interictal hyperperfusion within the limits of the polymicrogyric (PMG) cortex in epileptic patients. METHODS: Retrospective observational study on interictal perfusion by Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) in 16 patients with PMG and its correlations with a number of clinical and neurophysiological variables. Patients underwent video-EEG monitoring, neurological and psychiatric assessments, invasive EEG, and the interictal SPECT coregistered to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). RESULTS: Patients with interictal hyperperfusion within the PMG cortex had a significantly higher spike rate on interictal EEG than patients with normal perfusion. Interictal hyperperfusion was not correlated to sex, age at epilepsy onset, age at evaluation, number of seizures per month, presence of initial precipitating insult (IPI), abnormal neurological examination, EEG findings, ictal semiology, and seizure outcome. The high interictal spike rate did not correlate to a high frequency of seizures per month. CONCLUSIONS: Our work provides further evidences for an intrinsic epileptogenesis of the PMG cortex during the interictal state, which accounts for the major role of PMG tissue in seizure generation. These results might help to increase our understanding about epileptogenesis related to the PMG cortex, providing new tools for more tailored epilepsy surgery in PMG patients.

Spinal cord regeneration: the action of neurotrophin-3 in spinal cord injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: For many years, it was believed that medullary regeneration could not occur, although currently there are many trials using neurotrophic factors, stem cells, fetal medulla grafts, peripheral nerve grafts, and antibodies against myelin-associated proteins that demonstrate the existence of the possibility of spinal cord regeneration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the action of neurotrophin-3, a novel neurotrophic factor. METHODS: The New York University impactor, a standardized device for delivery of spinal cord injuries was used on 33 rats, which were divided into 2 groups: a control group receiving distilled water intraperitoneally and a treatment group receiving neurotrophin-3 intraperitoneally. RESULTS: Using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale, the locomotor recovery curve for the neurotrophin-3 treated group was superior to that of the control group (P < 0.05); the administration of neurotrophin-3 was associated with the absence of deaths, while the control group showed a 28.5% (P = 0.026) mortality rate. Other parameters (hematuria rate and histological analysis) showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, it appears that a strong relationship exists between the use of neurotrophin-3 in rats with spinal cord injury and better functional recovery.

Spinal cord regeneration: the action of neurotrophin-3 in spinal cord injury in rats

OBJECTIVE: For many years, it was believed that medullary regeneration could not occur, although currently there are many trials using neurotrophic factors, stem cells, fetal medulla grafts, peripheral nerve grafts, and antibodies against myelin-associated proteins that demonstrate the existence of the possibility of spinal cord regeneration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the action of neurotrophin-3, a novel neurotrophic factor. METHODS: The New York University impactor, a standardized device for delivery of spinal cord injuries was used on 33 rats, which were divided into 2 groups: a control group receiving distilled water intraperitoneally and a treatment group receiving neurotrophin-3 intraperitoneally. RESULTS: Using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scale, the locomotor recovery curve for the neurotrophin-3 treated group was superior to that of the control group (P < 0.05); the administration of neurotrophin-3 was associated with the absence of deaths, while the control group showed a 28.5 percent (P = 0.026) mortality rate. Other parameters (hematuria rate and histological analysis) showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, it appears that a strong relationship exists between the use of neurotrophin-3 in rats with spinal cord injury and better functional recovery.

OBJETIVO: Por muitos anos acreditou-se que a regeneração medular não fosse factível. Atualmente porém, existem várias experiências utilizando fatores neurotróficos, células troncos, enxerto de medula fetal, enxerto de nervo periférico e anticorpos contra proteínas associadas a mielina que sugerem o contrário. Esta pesquisa estudou a ação de um dos mais novos neurotróficos, o Neurotrophin-3. MÉTODOS: As lesões medulares foram realizadas através do New York University impator, método experimental de produção de lesão medular padronizada. Foram utilizados 33 ratos divididos em 2 grupos. Um grupo controle com administração intraperitoneal de água destilada e um grupo tratamento, tratado com Neurotrophin-3 por via intraperitoneal. RESULTADOS: Observamos que a curva de recuperação locomotora, segundo a escala de Basso, Beattie e Bresnahan, do grupo Neurotrophin-3 foi superior à do grupo controle (p < 0,05); a administração de Neurotrophin-3 determinou ausência de mortes no grupo tratamento, enquanto o grupo controle apresentou taxa de mortalidade de 28,5 por cento (p = 0,026). Os outros parâmetros (taxa de hematúria e análise histológica) não apresentaram diferenças estatisticamente significantes. CONCLUSÕES: Existe forte relação entre a aplicação de Neurotrophin-3 em ratos com lesão medular e melhor recuperação funcional.

Effects of the tumour necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors pentoxifylline and thalidomide in short-term experimental oral mucositis in hamsters.

Oral mucositis is a frequent side-effect of cancer therapy. A definitive method of prophylaxis or treatment is not yet available. As pentoxifylline (PTX) and thalidomide (TLD) have been shown to inhibit cytokine synthesis, we studied the effects of these cytokine inhibitors in an experimental oral mucositis model. Oral mucositis was induced in Golden hamsters by the administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) followed by mechanical trauma of the cheek pouch. On days 4, 5, 10, 12, 14 and 16, lesions induced by 5-FU were examined macroscopically and microscopically, and the presence and intensity of hyperemia, erythema, edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, hemorrhagic areas, ulcers and abscesses were recorded. Saline (control), PTX (5, 15, 45 mg kg(-1)) or TLD (10, 30, 90 mg kg(-1)) were administered daily and animals were killed on day 10 for macroscopic and histological analysis and assay of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Animals were weighed daily, and total and differential leukocyte counts were performed on peripheral blood. PTX and TLD were found to reduce the macroscopic and histological parameters of oral mucositis and MPO activity. PTX and TLD also reversed peripheral neutrophilia, but only PTX prevented weight loss. The results indicate a protective effect of PTX and TLD, suggesting an important role for tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in the pathophysiology of 5-FU induced-oral mucositis in hamsters.

Conjunctival hyperemia associated with bimatoprost use: a histopathologic study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate histopathologic signs of conjunctival inflammation in patients with conjunctival hyperemia induced by bimatoprost treatment. DESIGN: Prospective interventional study. METHODS: The study included 15 eyes of 15 patients scheduled for cataract surgery. Patients in the treatment group (n = 9) exhibited trace to moderate conjunctival hyperemia when treated with bimatoprost 0.03% every day for 15 to 30 days before surgery. The control group (n = 6) included untreated patients with no ocular disease other than cataract. Conjunctival biopsies were obtained for histologic evaluation with light microscopy. RESULTS: Vascular congestion was observed in biopsies from 7 patients (78%) in the bimatoprost group and 5 patients (83%) in the control group. Signs of inflammation were found in biopsies from 2 patients (22%) in the bimatoprost group and 2 patients (33%) in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Histopathologic signs of inflammation were no more frequent in conjunctival specimens from bimatoprost-treated patients with trace to moderate hyperemia than in those from untreated control subjects.