Modeling the distributions of tegu lizards in native and potential invasive ranges.

Invasive reptilian predators can have substantial impacts on native species and ecosystems. Tegu lizards are widely distributed in South America east of the Andes, and are popular in the international live animal trade. Two species are established in Florida (U.S.A.) - Salvator merianae (Argentine black and white tegu) and Tupinambis teguixin sensu lato (gold tegu) - and a third has been recorded there- S. rufescens (red tegu). We built species distribution models (SDMs) using 5 approaches (logistic regression, multivariate adaptive regression splines, boosted regression trees, random forest, and maximum entropy) based on data from the native ranges. We then projected these models to North America to develop hypotheses for potential tegu distributions. Our results suggest that much of the southern United States and northern México probably contains suitable habitat for one or more of these tegu species. Salvator rufescens had higher habitat suitability in semi-arid areas, whereas S. merianae and T. teguixin had higher habitat suitability in more mesic areas. We propose that Florida is not the only state where these taxa could become established, and that early detection and rapid response programs targeting tegu lizards in potentially suitable habitat elsewhere in North America could help prevent establishment and abate negative impacts on native ecosystems.

Ação do extrato etanólico da casca do pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) na cardiotoxicidade crônica induzida por doxorrubicina em ratos / Caryocar brasiliense shell ethanol extract in chronic cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin in rats

A doxorrubicina (DOX) é um quimioterápico utilizado no tratamento de neoplasias malignas, porém possui a cardiotoxicidade como efeito colateral. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar quanto à ação do extrato etanólico da casca do pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) (EECP) por meio de avaliação morfológica (macroscópica, microscópica e ultramicroscópica), bem como avaliar a expressão de metaloproteinases (MMP2 e MMP9) e seus inibidores teciduais (TIMP1 e TIMP2) no miocárdio de ratos submetidos à cardiotoxicidade crônica pela DOX, tratados ou não com o EECP. O experimento teve duração de três meses e foram utilizados 30 ratos da raça Wistar, distribuídos em seis grupos de cinco animais. G1 e G2 receberam como pré-tratamento 300mg/kg e 600mg/kg de EECP, respectivamente, por gavagem, durante sete dias e mantiveram o tratamento durante os 21 dias de aplicação da DOX. Em G1, G2, G3, G4 e GC, a cardiotoxicidade foi induzida com aplicações semanais de 2mg/kg de DOX, via intraperitoneal, totalizando quatro aplicações (8mg/kg) e, nos ratos do grupo Sham (GS), foi aplicado 1ml de solução fisiológica. Os animais do G3 receberam diariamente 300mg/kg e os do G4 600mg/kg de EECP, por gavagem, durante os 21 dias de aplicação da DOX. Os do GC e GS receberam 1 ml de água, diariamente, também por gavagem. Após o término das aplicações, os animais foram mantidos por dois meses, totalizando três meses de experimento. A avaliação macroscópica foi realizada após 90 dias, momento em que foram colhidas amostras para análise em microscopia eletrônica, histopatologia e imunoistoquímica. Ao exame necroscópico foi observada ascite nos animais que receberam DOX. Houve baixo índice de mortalidade (3,33%), representado pela morte de um rato que desenvolveu pneumonia por falsa via. Não foi observada alteração no peso e nas medidas do coração dos ratos. Nas doses de 300 e 600mg/kg, o EECP atenuou a degeneração vacuolar miocítica. Na dose de 600mg/kg, o EECP reduziu a quantidade de células de Anitschkow e a fragmentação das miofibrilas. Não houve resultado significativo quanto à imunomarcação das MMP e, quanto a seus inibidores (TIMP), houve maior imunomarcação de TIMP2 no GC, grupo que recebeu apenas DOX. Concluiu-se que o extrato etanólico da casca do pequi (EECP) é eficiente em minimizar os efeitos da cardiotoxicidade crônica induzida pela DOX no miocárdio de ratos, considerando que nas doses de 300 e 600mg/kg o EECP atenua a degeneração vacuolar miocítica e, na dose de 600mg/kg, o EECP reduz a quantidade de células de Anitschkow e a fragmentação das miofibrilas.(AU)

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapic drug used in the treatment of malignancies, but has the cardiotoxicity as collateral effect. The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of pequi shell etanolic extract (Caryocar brasiliense) (PSEE) through morphological evaluation (macroscopic, microscopic and ultramicroscopic), and to evaluate the expression of metalloproteinases (MMP2 and MMP9) and its tissue inhibitors (TIMP1 and TIMP2) in the myocardium of rats with chronic cardiotoxicity by DOX and treated or not with PSEE. The experiment lasted three months and 30 Wistar rats were divided into six groups of five animals. G1 and G2 received 300mg/kg and 600mg/kg of PSEE, respectively, as pretreatment, by gavage for seven days and continued treatment for 21 days of application of DOX. In G1, G2, G3, G4 and GC, cardiotoxicity was induced with weekly applications of 2mg/kg DOX, intraperitoneally, totaling four applications (8 mg/kg), and in the Sham group (GS) 1ml of saline solution was applied. G3 animals received daily 300mg/kg of PSEE, and G4, 600mg/kg, by gavage, for 21 days of application of DOX. The GC and GS received 1ml of water daily by gavage also. After the completion of the application, the animals were kept for two months, with three months of experiment. Macroscopic evaluation was performed after 90 days, at which time samples were taken for analysis in electron microscopy, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. At necropsy, ascites was observed in animals that received DOX. There was a low mortality rate (3.33%), being one mouse that developed false road pneumonia. There was no change in weights and measures of the rat hearts. At doses of 300 and 600mg/kg, the PSEE attenuates myocyte vacuolar degeneration. At a dose of 600mg/kg, PSEE reduces amount Anitschkow cells. There was no significant result on the immunostaining of MMP, but considering their inhibitors (TIMP) there was a greater immunostaining of TIMP2 in GC, the group that received only DOX. It was concluded that PSEE is effective in minimizing effects of chronic cardiotoxicity induced by DOX in the myocardium of rats, whereas at doses of 300 and 600mg/kg, PSEE attenuates vacuolar degeneration in myocytes and at the dose of 600mg/kg the PSEE reduces the amount of Anitschkow cells and myofibrils fragmentation.(AU)

Ação do extrato etanólico da casca do pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) na cardiotoxicidade crônica induzida por doxorrubicina em ratos / Caryocar brasiliense shell ethanol extract in chronic cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin in rats

A doxorrubicina (DOX) é um quimioterápico utilizado no tratamento de neoplasias malignas, porém possui a cardiotoxicidade como efeito colateral. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar quanto à ação do extrato etanólico da casca do pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) (EECP) por meio de avaliação morfológica (macroscópica, microscópica e ultramicroscópica), bem como avaliar a expressão de metaloproteinases (MMP2 e MMP9) e seus inibidores teciduais (TIMP1 e TIMP2) no miocárdio de ratos submetidos à cardiotoxicidade crônica pela DOX, tratados ou não com o EECP. O experimento teve duração de três meses e foram utilizados 30 ratos da raça Wistar, distribuídos em seis grupos de cinco animais. G1 e G2 receberam como pré-tratamento 300mg/kg e 600mg/kg de EECP, respectivamente, por gavagem, durante sete dias e mantiveram o tratamento durante os 21 dias de aplicação da DOX. Em G1, G2, G3, G4 e GC, a cardiotoxicidade foi induzida com aplicações semanais de 2mg/kg de DOX, via intraperitoneal, totalizando quatro aplicações (8mg/kg) e, nos ratos do grupo Sham (GS), foi aplicado 1ml de solução fisiológica. Os animais do G3 receberam diariamente 300mg/kg e os do G4 600mg/kg de EECP, por gavagem, durante os 21 dias de aplicação da DOX. Os do GC e GS receberam 1 ml de água, diariamente, também por gavagem. Após o término das aplicações, os animais foram mantidos por dois meses, totalizando três meses de experimento. A avaliação macroscópica foi realizada após 90 dias, momento em que foram colhidas amostras para análise em microscopia eletrônica, histopatologia e imunoistoquímica. Ao exame necroscópico foi observada ascite nos animais que receberam DOX. Houve baixo índice de mortalidade (3,33%), representado pela morte de um rato que desenvolveu pneumonia por falsa via. Não foi observada alteração no peso e nas medidas do coração dos ratos. Nas doses de 300 e 600mg/kg, o EECP atenuou a degeneração vacuolar miocítica. Na dose de 600mg/kg, o EECP reduziu a quantidade de células de Anitschkow e a fragmentação das miofibrilas. Não houve resultado significativo quanto à imunomarcação das MMP e, quanto a seus inibidores (TIMP), houve maior imunomarcação de TIMP2 no GC, grupo que recebeu apenas DOX. Concluiu-se que o extrato etanólico da casca do pequi (EECP) é eficiente em minimizar os efeitos da cardiotoxicidade crônica induzida pela DOX no miocárdio de ratos, considerando que nas doses de 300 e 600mg/kg o EECP atenua a degeneração vacuolar miocítica e, na dose de 600mg/kg, o EECP reduz a quantidade de células de Anitschkow e a fragmentação das miofibrilas.(AU)

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapic drug used in the treatment of malignancies, but has the cardiotoxicity as collateral effect. The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of pequi shell etanolic extract (Caryocar brasiliense) (PSEE) through morphological evaluation (macroscopic, microscopic and ultramicroscopic), and to evaluate the expression of metalloproteinases (MMP2 and MMP9) and its tissue inhibitors (TIMP1 and TIMP2) in the myocardium of rats with chronic cardiotoxicity by DOX and treated or not with PSEE. The experiment lasted three months and 30 Wistar rats were divided into six groups of five animals. G1 and G2 received 300mg/kg and 600mg/kg of PSEE, respectively, as pretreatment, by gavage for seven days and continued treatment for 21 days of application of DOX. In G1, G2, G3, G4 and GC, cardiotoxicity was induced with weekly applications of 2mg/kg DOX, intraperitoneally, totaling four applications (8 mg/kg), and in the Sham group (GS) 1ml of saline solution was applied. G3 animals received daily 300mg/kg of PSEE, and G4, 600mg/kg, by gavage, for 21 days of application of DOX. The GC and GS received 1ml of water daily by gavage also. After the completion of the application, the animals were kept for two months, with three months of experiment. Macroscopic evaluation was performed after 90 days, at which time samples were taken for analysis in electron microscopy, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. At necropsy, ascites was observed in animals that received DOX. There was a low mortality rate (3.33%), being one mouse that developed false road pneumonia. There was no change in weights and measures of the rat hearts. At doses of 300 and 600mg/kg, the PSEE attenuates myocyte vacuolar degeneration. At a dose of 600mg/kg, PSEE reduces amount Anitschkow cells. There was no significant result on the immunostaining of MMP, but considering their inhibitors (TIMP) there was a greater immunostaining of TIMP2 in GC, the group that received only DOX. It was concluded that PSEE is effective in minimizing effects of chronic cardiotoxicity induced by DOX in the myocardium of rats, whereas at doses of 300 and 600mg/kg, PSEE attenuates vacuolar degeneration in myocytes and at the dose of 600mg/kg the PSEE reduces the amount of Anitschkow cells and myofibrils fragmentation.(AU)

Ação do extrato etanólico da casca do pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) na cardiotoxicidade crônica induzida por doxorrubicina em ratos

ABSTRACT: Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapic drug used in the treatment of malignancies, but has the cardiotoxicity as collateral effect. The objective of this study was to evaluate the action of pequi shell etanolic extract (Caryocar brasiliense) (PSEE) through morphological evaluation (macroscopic, microscopic and ultramicroscopic), and to evaluate the expression of metalloproteinases (MMP2 and MMP9) and its tissue inhibitors (TIMP1 and TIMP2) in the myocardium of rats with chronic cardiotoxicity by DOX and treated or not with PSEE. The experiment lasted three months and 30 Wistar rats were divided into six groups of five animals. G1 and G2 received 300mg/kg and 600mg/kg of PSEE, respectively, as pretreatment, by gavage for seven days and continued treatment for 21 days of application of DOX. In G1, G2, G3, G4 and GC, cardiotoxicity was induced with weekly applications of 2mg/kg DOX, intraperitoneally, totaling four applications (8 mg/kg), and in the Sham group (GS) 1ml of saline solution was applied. G3 animals received daily 300mg/kg of PSEE, and G4, 600mg/kg, by gavage, for 21 days of application of DOX. The GC and GS received 1ml of water daily by gavage also. After the completion of the application, the animals were kept for two months, with three months of experiment. Macroscopic evaluation was performed after 90 days, at which time samples were taken for analysis in electron microscopy, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. At necropsy, ascites was observed in animals that received DOX. There was a low mortality rate (3.33%), being one mouse that developed false road pneumonia. There was no change in weights and measures of the rat hearts. At doses of 300 and 600mg/kg, the PSEE attenuates myocyte vacuolar degeneration. At a dose of 600mg/kg, PSEE reduces amount Anitschkow cells. There was no significant result on the immunostaining of MMP, but considering their inhibitors (TIMP) there was a greater immunostaining of TIMP2 in GC, the group that received only DOX. It was concluded that PSEE is effective in minimizing effects of chronic cardiotoxicity induced by DOX in the myocardium of rats, whereas at doses of 300 and 600mg/kg, PSEE attenuates vacuolar degeneration in myocytes and at the dose of 600mg/kg the PSEE reduces the amount of Anitschkow cells and myofibrils fragmentation.

RESUMO: A doxorrubicina (DOX) é um quimioterápico utilizado no tratamento de neoplasias malignas, porém possui a cardiotoxicidade como efeito colateral. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar quanto à ação do extrato etanólico da casca do pequi (Caryocar brasiliense) (EECP) por meio de avaliação morfológica (macroscópica, microscópica e ultramicroscópica), bem como avaliar a expressão de metaloproteinases (MMP2 e MMP9) e seus inibidores teciduais (TIMP1 e TIMP2) no miocárdio de ratos submetidos à cardiotoxicidade crônica pela DOX, tratados ou não com o EECP. O experimento teve duração de três meses e foram utilizados 30 ratos da raça Wistar, distribuídos em seis grupos de cinco animais. G1 e G2 receberam como pré-tratamento 300mg/kg e 600mg/kg de EECP, respectivamente, por gavagem, durante sete dias e mantiveram o tratamento durante os 21 dias de aplicação da DOX. Em G1, G2, G3, G4 e GC, a cardiotoxicidade foi induzida com aplicações semanais de 2mg/kg de DOX, via intraperitoneal, totalizando quatro aplicações (8mg/kg) e, nos ratos do grupo Sham (GS), foi aplicado 1ml de solução fisiológica. Os animais do G3 receberam diariamente 300mg/kg e os do G4 600mg/kg de EECP, por gavagem, durante os 21 dias de aplicação da DOX. Os do GC e GS receberam 1 ml de água, diariamente, também por gavagem. Após o término das aplicações, os animais foram mantidos por dois meses, totalizando três meses de experimento. A avaliação macroscópica foi realizada após 90 dias, momento em que foram colhidas amostras para análise em microscopia eletrônica, histopatologia e imunoistoquímica. Ao exame necroscópico foi observada ascite nos animais que receberam DOX. Houve baixo índice de mortalidade (3,33%), representado pela morte de um rato que desenvolveu pneumonia por falsa via. Não foi observada alteração no peso e nas medidas do coração dos ratos. Nas doses de 300 e 600mg/kg, o EECP atenuou a degeneração vacuolar miocítica. Na dose de 600mg/kg, o EECP reduziu a quantidade de células de Anitschkow e a fragmentação das miofibrilas. Não houve resultado significativo quanto à imunomarcação das MMP e, quanto a seus inibidores (TIMP), houve maior imunomarcação de TIMP2 no GC, grupo que recebeu apenas DOX. Concluiu-se que o extrato etanólico da casca do pequi (EECP) é eficiente em minimizar os efeitos da cardiotoxicidade crônica induzida pela DOX no miocárdio de ratos, considerando que nas doses de 300 e 600mg/kg o EECP atenua a degeneração vacuolar miocítica e, na dose de 600mg/kg, o EECP reduz a quantidade de células de Anitschkow e a fragmentação das miofibrilas.

Morphology, development and heterochrony of the carapace of giant amazon river turtle podocnemis expansa (testudines, podocnemidae) / Morfologia, desenvolvimento e heterocronia da carapaça da tartagura da amazônia, podocnemis expansa (testudines, podocnemidae)

With aim to report the ontogeny of the osseous elements of the carapace in Peurodiras, 62 embryos and 43 nestlings of Podocnemis expansa were collected and submitted to the clearing and staining technique of bones and cartilages and study of serial histological slices. The carapace has mixed osseous structure of endo and exoskeleton, formed by 8 pairs of costal bones associated with ribs, 7 neural bones associated with neural arches, 11 pairs of peripheral bones, 1 nuchal, 1 pygal and 1 suprapygal. This structure begins its formation in the beginning of stage 16 with the ossification of the periosteal collar of the ribs. With exception of the peripheral bones, the other ones begin their ossification during the embrionary period. In histologic investigation it was found that the costal bones and neural bones have a close relation to the endoskeleton components, originating themselves as intramembranous expansions of the periosteal collar of the ribs and neural arches, respectively. The condensation of the mesenchyme adjacent to the periosteal collar induces the formation of spikes that grow in trabeculae permeated by fibroblasts below the dermis. The nuchal bone also ossifies in an intramembranous way, but does not show direct relation to the endoskeleton. Such information confirms those related to the other Pleurodira, mainly with Podocnemis unifilis, sometimes with conspicuous variations in the chronology of the ossification events. The formation of dermal plates in the carapace of Pleurodira and Criptodira follow the same pattern.

Com objetivo de relatar a ontogenia dos elementos ósseos da carapaça em Pleurodiras, coletaram-se 62 embriões e 43 filhotes de Podocnemis expansa que foram submetidos à técnica de clareamento e coloração dos ossos e cartilagens e pelo estudo cortes histológicos seriados. A carapaça possui estrutura óssea mista de endo e exoesqueleto, sendo formada por 8 pares de ossos costais associados às costelas, 7 ossos neurais associados aos arcos vertebrais, 11 pares de ossos periféricos, 1 nucal, 1 pigal e 1 supra-pigal. Esta estrutura começa sua formação no início do estágio 16 com a ossificação do colar periostal das costelas. Com exceção dos ossos periféricos, os demais iniciam sua ossificação durante o período embrionário. A investigação histológica explicitou que os ossos costais e neurais possuem uma estreita relação com componentes do endoesqueleto, originando-se como expansões intramembranosas do colar periostal das costelas e dos arcos neurais, respectivamente. A condensação do mesenquima adjacente ao colar periostal induz a formação de espiculas que crescem em trabéculas permeadas por fibroblastos abaixo da derme. O osso nucal, também se ossifica de maneira intramembranosa mas não apresenta relação direta com o endoesqueleto. Tais informações corroboram àquelas relatadas para os demais Pleurodiras, principalmente com Podocnemis unifilis, outrora com variações conspícuas na cronologia dos eventos de ossificação. A formação das placas dérmicas da carapaça em Pleurodira e Criptodira seguem um mesmo padrão.

Morphology, development and heterochrony of the carapace of Giant Amazon River Turtle Podocnemis expansa (Testudines, Podocnemidae) / Morfologia, desenvolvimento e heterocronia da carapaça da Tartagura da Amazônia, Podocnemis expansa (Testudines, Podocnemidae)

With aim to report the ontogeny of the osseous elements of the carapace in Peurodiras, 62 embryos and 43 nestlings of Podocnemis expansa were collected and submitted to the clearing and staining technique of bones and cartilages and study of serial histological slices. The carapace has mixed osseous structure of endo and exoskeleton, formed by 8 pairs of costal bones associated with ribs, 7 neural bones associated with neural arches, 11 pairs of peripheral bones, 1 nuchal, 1 pygal and 1 suprapygal. This structure begins its formation in the beginning of stage 16 with the ossification of the periosteal collar of the ribs. With exception of the peripheral bones, the other ones begin their ossification during the embrionary period. In histologic investigation it was found that the costal bones and neural bones have a close relation to the endoskeleton components, originating themselves as intramembranous expansions of the periosteal collar of the ribs and neural arches, respectively. The condensation of the mesenchyme adjacent to the periosteal collar induces the formation of spikes that grow in trabeculae permeated by fibroblasts below the dermis. The nuchal bone also ossifies in an intramembranous way, but does not show direct relation to the endoskeleton. Such information confirms those related to the other Pleurodira, mainly with Podocnemis unifilis, sometimes with conspicuous variations in the chronology of the ossification events. The formation of dermal plates in the carapace of Pleurodira and Criptodira follow the same pattern.(AU)

Com objetivo de relatar a ontogenia dos elementos ósseos da carapaça em Pleurodiras, coletaram-se 62 embriões e 43 filhotes de Podocnemis expansa que foram submetidos à técnica de clareamento e coloração dos ossos e cartilagens e pelo estudo cortes histológicos seriados. A carapaça possui estrutura óssea mista de endo e exoesqueleto, sendo formada por 8 pares de ossos costais associados às costelas, 7 ossos neurais associados aos arcos vertebrais, 11 pares de ossos periféricos, 1 nucal, 1 pigal e 1 supra-pigal. Esta estrutura começa sua formação no início do estágio 16 com a ossificação do colar periostal das costelas. Com exceção dos ossos periféricos, os demais iniciam sua ossificação durante o período embrionário. A investigação histológica explicitou que os ossos costais e neurais possuem uma estreita relação com componentes do endoesqueleto, originando-se como expansões intramembranosas do colar periostal das costelas e dos arcos neurais, respectivamente. A condensação do mesenquima adjacente ao colar periostal induz a formação de espiculas que crescem em trabéculas permeadas por fibroblastos abaixo da derme. O osso nucal, também se ossifica de maneira intramembranosa mas não apresenta relação direta com o endoesqueleto. Tais informações corroboram àquelas relatadas para os demais Pleurodiras, principalmente com Podocnemis unifilis, outrora com variações conspícuas na cronologia dos eventos de ossificação. A formação das placas dérmicas da carapaça em Pleurodira e Criptodira seguem um mesmo padrão.(AU)

Anosmia does not impair the anxiolytic-like effect of lavender essential oil inhalation in mice.

AIM: The inhalation of Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) essential oil has anxiolytic-like effects in animal models and humans, but its mechanism of action is still not fully understood. The inhalation of essential oils can induce anxiolytic effects through the central nervous system (e.g., lung absorption and bloodstream transport) or stimulation of the olfactory system and secondary activation of brain regions. Thus, the main objective of the present study was to evaluate whether the perception of lavender essential oil aroma, when inhaled, is necessary to obtain its anxiolytic-like effects in mice tested in the marble-burying test. MAIN METHODS: Anosmia was induced by irrigating the nasal cavity with zinc gluconate+zinc acetate so that the mice could not detect odors in the olfactory discrimination test. The marble-burying test was used to evaluate the anxiolytic-like effects of inhaled lavender essential oil. KEY FINDINGS: Anosmia did not interfere with the anxiolytic-like effect of lavender essential oil inhalation in the marble-burying test at concentrations of 2.5% (number of marbles buried: vehicle, 4.7±1.0; zinc, 6.2±2.2; p>0.10) and 5% (number of marbles buried: vehicle, 3.4±0.8; zinc, 4.3±0.9; p>0.10). Lavender essential oil at a concentration of 0.5% was ineffective. SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest that olfactory system activation is unlikely to participate in the anxiolytic-like effect of lavender essential oil inhalation.

Anxiolytic-like effect of lavender essential oil inhalation in mice: participation of serotonergic but not GABAA/benzodiazepine neurotransmission.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) inhalation has been used in folk medicine for the treatment of anxiety, and clinical and animal studies have corroborated its anxiolytic effect, although its mechanism of action is still not fully understood. AIMS OF THE STUDY: The objective of the present study was to determine whether the GABAA/benzodiazepine complex or serotonin neurotransmission mediates the anxiolytic-like effect of lavender essential oil. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Swiss mice were subjected to the marble-burying test after being exposed to the aroma of lavender essential oil (1-5%), amyl acetate (5%; used as a behaviorally neutral odor), or distilled water for 15 min via inhalation. Additionally, the effect of 5% lavender essential oil was also evaluated in mice subjected to the elevated plus maze. GABAA/benzodiazepine mediation was evaluated by pretreating the mice with the GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin before the marble burying test and [(3)H]flunitrazepam binding to the benzodiazepine site on the GABAA receptor. Serotonergic mediation was studied by pretreating the mice with O-methyl-[3H]-N-(2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl)-N-(2-pyridinyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide trihydrochloride (WAY100635), a serotonin 5-HT1A receptor antagonist before the marble burying test. We also evaluated changes in the pharmacologically induced serotonin syndrome and the effects of combined administration of subeffective doses of lavender essential oil and the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT). RESULTS: Lavender essential oil (1-5%) decreased the number of marbles buried compared with the control and amyl acetate groups. In the elevated plus maze, 5% lavender essential oil inhalation increased the percentage of time spent on and number of entries into the open arms compared with controls. No effect was seen in the number of closed arm entries or number of beam interruptions in the automated activity chamber. Pretreatment with the GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin (0.5mg/kg) did not modify the behavioral effect of 5% lavender essential oil in the marble-burying test. Lavender essential oil also did not alter [(3)H]flunitrazepam binding to the benzodiazepine site on the GABAA receptor. Pretreatment with the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 (3mg/kg) blocked the anxiolytic-like effect of lavender essential oil and the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT (3mg/kg). A combination of ineffective doses of 8-OH-DPAT (0.5mg/kg) and lavender essential oil (0.1%) reduced the number of marbles buried. Finally, 5% lavender essential oil attenuated the serotonin syndrome induced by 40 mg/kg fluoxetine plus 80 mg/kg 5-hydroxytryptophan. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate an important role for the serotonergic system in the anxiolytic-like effect of lavender essential oil.

White-nosed coatis (Nasua narica) are a potential reservoir of Trypanosoma cruzi and other potentially zoonotic pathogens in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

We studied white-nosed coatis (Nasua narica) in Monteverde, Costa Rica to evaluate their potential as a reservoir for the vector-borne zoonotic parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and other selected microorganisms. We live-trapped 20 coatis in July and August 2011 and tested them for T. cruzi by blood smear, molecular analysis of blood, culture of blood and anal gland secretions, and serology. Seven coatis (35%) were polymerase-chain-reaction-positive for T. cruzi and one coati was also culture positive. We did not detect T. cruzi in anal gland secretions. All coatis were positive for Mycoplasma and Babesia, but were negative for Baylisascaris, Anaplasma, Candidatus Neoehrlichia lotoris, Ehrlichia, Bartonella, and several apicomplexan parasites. The possible pathogenicity of T. cruzi, Babesia, and Mycoplasma in coatis and their transmission potential to humans and domestic animals warrants further investigation.

Memory impairment induced by sodium fluoride is associated with changes in brain monoamine levels.

Previous studies suggest that sodium fluoride (NaF) can impair performance in some memory tasks, such as open-field habituation and two-way active avoidance. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of NaF intake (100 ppm in drinking water for 30 days) and its short-term (15 days) withdrawal on open-field habituation and brain monoamine level. Adult male rats were allocated to three groups: tap water (NaF 1.54 ppm) for 45 days (control group); 15 days of tap water followed by NaF for 30 days; and NaF for 30 days followed by 15 days of tap water. The results showed that NaF impairs open-field habituation and increases noradrenaline (NA) and serotonin (5-HT) in the striatum, hippocampus and neocortex. Dopamine (DA) increase was restricted to the striatum. Short-term NaF withdrawal did not reverse these NaF-induced changes, and both NaF treatments led to a mild fluorosis in rat incisors. No treatment effect was seen in body weight or fluid/water consumption. These results indicate that sodium fluoride induces memory impairment that outlasts short-term NaF withdrawal (2 weeks) and may be associated with NA and 5-HT increases in discrete brain regions.

Subchronic fluoride intake induces impairment in habituation and active avoidance tasks in rats.

Since clinical case reports suggest that sodium fluoride (NaF) intoxication may impair learning and memory, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of NaF on two memory tasks: open-field habituation and two-way active avoidance. Adult male rats were exposed to NaF in drinking water at three concentrations for 30 days: 1.54 (control, tap water), 50 and 100 ppm NaF (corresponding to an intake of 0.10+/-0.005, 5.15+/-0.14, and 10.77+/-0.39 mg/kg of NaF, respectively). At day 30, the rats were placed in an open-field and retested after 24 h (test session) to measure habituation. In the two-way active avoidance task, another three groups of rats were trained in a 30-trial training session and tested again 24 h later (test session). Dental fluorosis was also evaluated. Habituation was impaired by 50 and 100 ppm, but not by 1.54 ppm NaF. Moreover, 100 ppm NaF reduced the number of avoidance responses in the active avoidance task. No locomotor impairment was observed. Mild dental fluorosis in rat incisor teeth was found in the 50 and 100 ppm NaF groups. Overall, these results suggest that moderate intoxication with sodium fluoride has potentially deleterious effects on learning and memory.