Involvement of the Salivary Glands in the Suicidal Defensive Behavior of Workers in Neocapritermes opacus (Blattaria, Isoptera, Termitidae).

Suicidal behavior in termite workers is an extreme defensive strategy, probably a consequence of having a low number of soldiers available in the colony and there being high predation from enemies. We investigated the suicidal mechanism in workers of the Neotropical termite Neocapritermes opacus, which involves salivary gland autothysis followed by body cuticle rupture and the release of a defensive secretion. Autothysis was triggered by a physical stimulus such as a soldier bite that causes the protrusion of the salivary acini, burst reservoirs, and foregut. Histochemical and ultrastructural analyses showed salivary acini composed of peripheral parietal cells and two types of central cells, types I and II. Type I cells are filled with large electron-lucent secretory vesicles, which reacted positively to bromophenol blue and xylidine-Ponceau tests, indicating the occurrence of proteins. Type II cells are elongated and display smaller apical secretory vesicles. Parietal cells present an intracellular canaliculus with dense microvilli and cytoplasm rich in mitochondria and large electron-dense vesicles, which may participate in the self-destructive mechanism. Worker suicidal behavior was previously reported for N. taracua and N. braziliensis. N. opacus is a new species in which a salivary weapon has been developed and factors contributing to this altruistic response are discussed.

Restoration of Cyclo-Gly-Pro-induced salivary hyposecretion and submandibular composition by naloxone in mice.

Cyclo-Gly-Pro (CGP) attenuates nociception, however its effects on salivary glands remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the acute effects of CGP on salivary flow and composition, and on the submandibular gland composition, compared with morphine. Besides, we characterized the effects of naloxone (a non-selective opioid receptor antagonist) on CGP- and morphine-induced salivary and glandular alterations in mice. After that, in silico analyses were performed to predict the interaction between CGP and opioid receptors. Morphine and CGP significantly reduced salivary flow and total protein concentration of saliva and naloxone restored them to the physiological levels. Morphine and CGP also reduced several infrared vibrational modes (Amide I, 1687-1594cm-1; Amide II, 1594-1494cm-1; CH2/CH3, 1488-1433cm-1; C = O, 1432-1365cm-1; PO2 asymmetric, 1290-1185cm-1; PO2 symmetric, 1135-999cm-1) and naloxone reverted these alterations. The in silico docking analysis demonstrated the interaction of polar contacts between the CGP and opioid receptor Cys219 residue. Altogether, we showed that salivary hypofunction and glandular changes elicited by CGP may occur through opioid receptor suggesting that the blockage of opioid receptors in superior cervical and submandibular ganglions may be a possible strategy to restore salivary secretion while maintaining antinociceptive action due its effects on the central nervous system.

Effect of constant light and immobilization stress on rat submandibular saliva secretory response induced by cholinergic and peptidergic agonists

The aim of this work was to analyse the parasympathetic control of submandibular saliva secretory response to cholinergic and peptidergic agonists in rats chronically exposed to constant light or repeated immobilization. Thirty two adult male Wistar rats were used: LL (8 rats exposed to constant light for 20 days), IMO (8 rats submitted to 14:10 h light: dark cycle and immobilized 2 hours daily for 7 days), and control (16 rats not exposed to stress and submitted to 14:10 hours light:dark cycle). Saliva was collected under anesthesia from the salivary ducts of submandibular glands under increasing doses of methacholine and substance P. Secretory responses (µg/saliva/mg dry weight gland) to methacholine were significantly higher in LL and IMO groups compared to control for the following doses (µg/kg body weight): 3 (153±9 versus 46±3, p<0.001 and 76±3 versus 40±3, p<0.001), 10 (379±23 versus 277±8, p<0.001 and 275±19 versus 250±10, p<0.01) and 30 (729±25 versus 695±19, p<0.05 and 1008±39 versus 640±20, p<0.001). Also, responses to substance P were significantly increased in LL and IMO groups compared to control for the following doses: 0.2 (80±3 versus 30±3, p<0.01 and 94±16 versus 31±3, p<0.001), 0.5 (328±20 versus 231±16, p<0.01 and 531±31 versus 219±25,p<0.001), 1 (681±35 versus 547±30, p<0.01 and 1031±63 versus 563±53, p<0.001), and 5 (2222±88 versus 1868±59, p<0.01 and 3230±145 versus 1921±218, p<0.001). In conclusion, supersensitivity of secretory response to both agonists suggests that chronic exposure of rats to stressors capable of activating the sympathetic adrenal system promotes inhibition of the parasympathetic control of salivary secretion.

Study of the Salivary Glands in Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae): Their Color and Application to the Chagas Disease Vector Evolution.

Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by feces of a triatomine that has the habit of defecating during blood feeding. The salivary glands of triatomines are important to hematophagy because their saliva is rich in anticoagulant and hemolytic proteins. The salivary glands of some Rhodnius species analyzed are reddish due to the presence of nitrophorins (antihemostatic activity). The present study aimed to analyze the color pattern of the salivary glands of 67 triatomine species to evaluate whether the presence of nitrophorins is a synapomorphy of Rhodnius or the tribe Rhodniini, or if it is shared with triatomines of the tribes Triatomini and Cavernicolini. Since only the species of the tribe Rhoniini present red glands, it is admitted that the presence of nitrophorin proteins is a synapomorphy of the tribe Rhodniini and that this tribe has derived more recently when compared with Triatomini and Cavernicolini.

Deltamethrin as inductor agent of precocious ovarian degeneration in Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. (Acari: Ixodidae) ticks.

The cosmopolitan species Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. is one of the most widely distributed ticks all over the world. These ectoparasites are vectors of several pathogens and cause significant direct damage to their hosts. The biological success of these ectoparasites has been attributed to their ovaries and salivary glands, organs that ensure their survival in various environmental conditions. The importance of the ovaries in ticks is that, after mating, the individuals are able to lay approximately three thousand eggs. The present study had the objective to demonstrate the effects of deltamethrin obtained from the product Butox P CE 25® (MSD Saúde Animal, São Paulo, Brazil) on the ovarian development of R. sanguineus s.l. females. The chemical was tested in the concentrations of 25, 50, 100 and 200 ppm (respectively 80, 40, 20 and 10 times lower than the recommended by the manufacturer). Through the application of histological techniques and HE staining, the results showed that the deltamethrin was potentially able to modify the morphophysiology of the oocytes in all developmental stages, interfering in the vitellogenesis, causing intense vacuolation, cytoplasmic disorganization, and alterations in the chorion secretion. In addition, the chemical affected the germ vesicle of some oocytes, causing damages and hypertrophy, fragmenting the chromatin and forming bodies strongly stained by hematoxylin. Therefore, this study confirmed that the deltamethrin had an important action on the reproductive system of the R. sanguineus s.l. females, causing the precocious structural disorganization of the germ cells, consequently preventing the generation of new individuals.

Overview of Human Salivary Glands: Highlights of Morphology and Developing Processes.

Salivary glands are essential organs that produce and secrete saliva to the oral cavity. During gland morphogenesis, many developmental processes involve a series of coordinated movements and reciprocal interactions between the epithelium and mesenchyme that generate the ductal system and the secretory units. Recent studies have shown new findings about salivary gland development, particularly regarding lumen formation and expansion, with the involvement of apoptosis and cell polarization, respectively. Moreover, it has been observed that human minor salivary glands start forming earlier than previously published and that distinct apoptotic mediators can trigger duct lumen opening in humans. This review summarizes updated morphological and cellular features of human salivary glands and also explores new aspects of the human developmental process. Anat Rec, 300:1180-1188, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Activation of Peptidylarginine Deiminase in the Salivary Glands of Balb/c Mice Drives the Citrullination of Ro and La Ribonucleoproteins.

The goal of the present study was to determine whether peptidylarginine deiminase PAD2 and PAD4 enzymes are present in Balb/c mouse salivary glands and whether they are able to citrullinate Ro and La ribonucleoproteins. Salivary glands from Balb/c mice were cultured in DMEM and supplemented with one of the following stimulants: ATP, LPS, TNF, IFNγ, or IL-6. A control group without stimulant was also evaluated. PAD2, PAD4, citrullinated peptides, Ro60, and La were detected by immunohistochemistry and double immunofluorescence. PAD2 and PAD4 mRNAs and protein expression were detected by qPCR and Western blot analysis. PAD activity was assessed using an antigen capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. LPS, ATP, and TNF triggered PAD2 and PAD4 expression; in contrast, no expression was detected in the control group (p < 0.001). PAD transcription slightly increased in response to stimulation. Additionally, PAD2/4 activity modified the arginine residues of a reporter protein (fibrinogen) in vitro. PADs citrullinated Ro60 and La ribonucleoproteins in vivo. Molecular stimulants induced apoptosis in ductal cells and the externalization of Ro60 and La ribonucleoproteins onto apoptotic membranes. PAD enzymes citrullinate Ro and La ribonucleoproteins, and this experimental approach may facilitate our understanding of the role of posttranslational modifications in the pathophysiology of Sjögren's syndrome.

Infiltración de onabotulinumtoxin a para el tratamiento de la sialorrea en niños con diagnóstico de parálisis cerebral: estudio de casos / Onabotulinumtoxin a injection for the treatment of sialorrheain children with cerebral palsy: case series

Sialorrhea is a common oral motor impairment related to various neurological disorders such as cerebral palsy (CP), generating both physical and psychological complications that affect the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. Objective: To determine the clinical reduction of sialorrhea after injection with onabotulinumtoxin A (BTXA) in children diagnosed with CP. Methods: In 8 children 4-15 years of age, with GMFCS between II and V, injection with BTXA was performed in parotid and submandibular glands under ultrasound guidance. Measurement of salivation was made at baseline and 2, 4, 16, and 24 weeks post-infiltration through the Drooling Impact Scale (DIE), the Drooling Quotient (DQ) and the Drooling Severity and Frequency Scale (DSFS). Results: All children showed a significant reduction in salivation measured with the DQ (p < 0.002), the DIE (p < 0.002). Similarly, all children showed a 1 point reduction in the frequency subcomponent of the DSFS at 4 weeks post-injection. The severity subcomponent of DSFS showed a 1 point reduction only in the group of children with GMFCS II and IV. Conclusion: The use of BTXA in parotid and submandibular glands under ultrasound guidance is an effective intervention to reduce salivation, the severity and frequency of drooling, as well as the impact that sialorrhea has on patients and caregivers.

La sialorrea es consecuencia de una alteración motora oral frecuente en diversos trastornos neurológicos, como la parálisis cerebral (PC), generando complicaciones tanto físicas como psicosociales que impactan en la calidad de vida de los pacientes y sus cuidadores. Objetivo: Determinar la reducción clínica de sialorrea después de la infiltración de Onabotulinumtoxin A (BTXA) en niños con diagnóstico de PC. Pacientes y Métodos: En 8 niños de 4 a 15 años de edad, con GMFCS entre II y V, se realizó una infiltración con BTXA en glándulas parótida y submandibular bajo guía ecográfica. Se efectuó una medición basal de la salivación y en diferentes semanas post infiltración (2ª, 4ª, 8ª, 16ª y 24ª), a través de la Escala de Impacto de la Sialorrea (EIS), el Cociente de Salivación (DQ) y la Escala de Severidad y Frecuencia de la Sialorrea (DSFS). Resultados: Todos los niños presentaron una reducción significativa de la salivación en la evaluación con el DQ (p < 0,002) y la EIS (p < 0,002). En la DSFS en el subcomponente de frecuencia baja 1 punto posterior a la 4ª semana de infiltración en el total de los niños. En cambio, en el subcomponente de severidad baja 1 punto sólo en el grupo de GMFCS II y IV. Conclusión: El uso de BTXA en glándulas parótidas y submandibulares bajo guía ecográfica es un método de intervención efectivo para disminuir la salivación, la severidad y frecuencia de la sialorrea, así como el impacto que causa esta patología en los pacientes y cuidadores.

The Postpharyngeal Gland: Specialized Organ for Lipid Nutrition in Leaf-Cutting Ants.

There are several hypotheses about the possible functions of the postpharyngeal gland (PPG) in ants. The proposed functions include roles as cephalic or gastric caeca and diverticulum of the digestive tract, mixing of hydrocarbons, nestmate recognition, feeding larvae, and the accumulation of lipids inside this gland, whose origin is contradictory. The current study aimed to investigate the functions of these glands by examining the protein expression profile of the PPGs of Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). Mated females received lipid supplementation and their glands were extracted and analyzed using a proteomic approach. The protocol used combined two-dimensional electrophoresis and shotgun strategies, followed by mass spectrometry. We also detected lipid ß-oxidation by immunofluorescent marking of acyl-CoA dehydrogenase. Supplying ants with lipids elicited responses in the glandular cells of the PPG; these included increased expression of proteins related to defense mechanisms and signal transduction and reorganization of the cytoskeleton due to cell expansion. In addition, some proteins in PPG were overexpressed, especially those involved in lipid and energy metabolism. Part of the lipids may be reduced, used for the synthesis of fatty alcohol, transported to the hemolymph, or may be used as substrate for the synthesis of acetyl-CoA, which is oxidized to form molecules that drive oxidative phosphorylation and produce energy for cellular metabolic processes. These findings suggest that this organ is specialized for lipid nutrition of adult leaf-cutting ants and characterized like a of diverticulum foregut, with the ability to absorb, store, metabolize, and mobilize lipids to the hemolymph. However, we do not rule out that the PPG may have other functions in other species of ants.

Relationship between Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio and Electrocardiographic Ischemia Grade in STEMI / Associação entre a Relação Neutrófilos/Linfócitos e o Grau de Isquemia Eletrocardiográfica no IAMEST

Background: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been found to be a good predictor of future adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Changes in the QRS terminal portion have also been associated with adverse outcomes following STEMI. Objective: To investigate the relationship between ECG ischemia grade and NLR in patients presenting with STEMI, in order to determine additional conventional risk factors for early risk stratification. Methods: Patients with STEMI were investigated. The grade of ischemia was analyzed from the ECG performed on admission. White blood cells and subtypes were measured as part of the automated complete blood count (CBC) analysis. Patients were classified into two groups according to the ischemia grade presented on the admission ECG, as grade 2 ischemia (G2I) and grade 3 ischemia (G3I). Results: Patients with G3I had significantly lower mean left ventricular ejection fraction than those in G2I (44.58 ± 7.23 vs. 48.44 ± 7.61, p = 0.001). As expected, in-hospital mortality rate increased proportionally with the increase in ischemia grade (p = 0.036). There were significant differences in percentage of lymphocytes (p = 0.010) and percentage of neutrophils (p = 0.004), and therefore, NLR was significantly different between G2I and G3I patients (p < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only NLR was the independent variable with a significant effect on ECG ischemia grade (odds ratio = 1.254, 95% confidence interval 1.120–1.403, p < 0.001). Conclusion: We found an association between G3I and elevated NLR in patients with STEMI. We believe that such an association might provide an additional prognostic value for risk stratification in patients with STEMI when combined with standardized risk scores. .

Fundamento: A relação neutrófilos/linfócitos (N/L) tem sido descrita como boa preditora de eventos cardiovasculares adversos futuros em pacientes com infarto agudo do miocárdio com elevação do segmento ST (IAMEST). Mudanças na porção terminal do complexo QRS também têm sido associadas a eventos adversos após IAMEST. Objetivo: Investigar a associação entre o grau de isquemia no ECG e a relação N/L em pacientes com IAMEST para determinar fatores de risco convencionais adicionais na estratificação precoce de risco. Métodos: Pacientes com IAMEST foram investigados. O grau de isquemia foi analisado a partir do ECG obtido à admissão. A contagem de leucócitos e seus subtipos foi realizada a partir de hemograma automatizado. De acordo com o grau de isquemia presente no ECG de admissão, os pacientes foram classificados em dois grupos, isquemia grau 2 (IG2) e isquemia grau 3 (IG3). Resultados: Pacientes com IG3 apresentaram valores médios significativamente menores de fração de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo do que os pacientes com IG2 (44,58 ± 7,23 versus 48,44 ± 7,61; p = 0,001). Como esperado, a taxa de mortalidade intra-hospitalar aumentou proporcionalmente com o aumento no grau de isquemia (p = 0,036). Houve diferenças significativas nas porcentagens de linfócitos (p = 0,010) e de neutrófilos (p = 0,004) e, portanto, a relação N/L diferiu significativamente entre pacientes com IG2 e IG3 (p < 0,001). À análise de regressão logística multivariada, apenas a relação N/L emergiu como variável independente com efeito significativo sobre o grau de isquemia no ECG (odds ratio = 1,254; intervalo de confiança de 95% 1,120-1,403; p < 0,001). Conclusão: Nós encontramos uma associação entre IG3 e relação N/L aumentada em pacientes com IAMEST. Acreditamos que esta associação possa oferecer um valor prognóstico adicional para estratificação de risco em pacientes com IAMEST quando usado em combinação com escores de risco padronizados. .

Chronic alcohol consumption promotes alterations on salivary gland regeneration process.

The aim of this study is to investigate the histological effect of alcohol ingestion on the regeneration of the submandibular gland (SMG) in rats. Twelve 60-day-old male Wistar rats were randomized into two experimental groups. Test group (TG) animals ingested 40° GL of alcohol for 45 days before surgery, being its concentration gradually increased 10° GL/week for 4 weeks to achieve the final concentration of 40° GL. The control group (CG) received water during the whole experimental period. One-third of the left SMG lobe was removed. Three and seven days after, the whole gland was excised and analyzed. In the TG, the inflammatory process was pronounced when comparing the CG on day 3. The inverse aspect was observed on day 7, associated with an advanced parenchyma development. Changes in laminin expression and glycoproteins production were observed in the TG, causing advanced morphogenesis and delay in cytodifferentiation during the salivary gland regeneration, probably due to alcohol effects. Animals who received ethanol showed alterations in the pattern of glandular regeneration.

Baroreceptor-mediated activation of sympathetic nerve activity to salivary glands.

Salivary gland function is regulated by both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Previously we showed that the basal sympathetic outflow to the salivary glands (SNA(SG)) was higher in hypertensive compared to normotensive rats and that diabetes reduced SNA(SG) discharge at both strains. In the present study we sought to investigate how SNA(SG) might be modulated by acute changes in the arterial pressure and whether baroreceptors play a functional role upon this modulation. To this end, we measured blood pressure and SNA(SG) discharge in Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY-intact) and in WKY submitted to sinoaortic denervation (WKY-SAD). We made the following three major observations: (i) in WKY-intact rats, baroreceptor loading in response to intravenous infusion of the phenylephrine evoked an increase in SNA(SG) spike frequency (81%, p<0.01) accompanying the increase mean arterial pressure (ΔMAP: +77 ± 14 mmHg); (ii) baroreceptor unloading with sodium nitroprusside infusion elicited a decrease in SNA(SG) spike frequency (17%, p<0.01) in parallel with the fall in arterial blood pressure (ΔMAP: -30 ± 3 mmHg) in WKY-intact rats; iii) in the WKY-SAD rats, phenylephrine-evoked rises in the arterial pressure (ΔMAP: +56 ± 6 mmHg) failed to produce significant changes in the SNA(SG) spike frequency. Taken together, these data show that SNA(SG) increases in parallel with pharmacological-induced pressor response in a baroreceptor dependent way in anaesthetised rats. Considering the key role of SNA(SG) in salivary secretion, this mechanism, which differs from the classic cardiac baroreflex feedback loop, strongly suggests that baroreceptor signalling plays a decisive role in the regulation of salivary gland function.

Interaction between Trypanosoma rangeli and the Rhodnius prolixus salivary gland depends on the phosphotyrosine ecto-phosphatase activity of the parasite.

Trypanosoma rangeli is the trypanosomatid that colonizes the salivary gland of its insect vector, with a profound impact on the feeding capacity of the insect. In this study we investigated the role of the phosphotyrosine (P-Tyr) ecto-phosphatase activity of T. rangeli in its interaction with Rhodnius prolixus salivary glands. Long but not short epimastigotes adhered to the gland cells and the strength of interaction correlated with the enzyme activity levels in different strains. Differential interference contrast microscopy demonstrated that clusters of parasites are formed in most cases, suggesting cooperative interaction in the adhesion process. The tightness of the correlation was evidenced by modulating the P-Tyr ecto-phosphatase activity with various concentrations of inhibitors. Sodium orthovanadate, ammonium molybdate and zinc chloride decreased the interaction between T. rangeli and R. prolixus salivary glands in parallel. Levamisole, an inhibitor of alkaline phosphatases, affected neither process. EDTA strongly inhibited adhesion and P-Tyr ecto-phosphatase activity to the same extent, an effect that was no longer seen if the parasites were pre-incubated with the chelator and then washed. When the P-Tyr ecto-phosphatase of living T. rangeli epimastigotes was irreversibly inactivated with sodium orthovanadate and the parasite cells were then injected into the insect thorax, colonization of the salivary glands was greatly depressed for several days after blood feeding. Addition of P-Tyr ecto-phosphatase substrates such as p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) and P-Tyr inhibited the adhesion of T. rangeli to salivary glands, but P-Ser, P-Thr and ß-glycerophosphate were completely ineffective. Immunoassays using anti-P-Tyr-residues revealed a large number of P-Tyr-proteins in extracts of R. prolixus salivary glands, which could be potentially targeted by T. rangeli during adhesion. These results indicate that dephosphorylation of structural P-Tyr residues on the gland cell surfaces, mediated by a P-Tyr ecto-phosphatase of the parasite, is a key event in the interaction between T. rangeli and R. prolixus salivary glands.

Fhos encodes a Drosophila Formin-like protein participating in autophagic programmed cell death.

Larval tissues undergo programmed cell death (PCD) during Drosophila metamorphosis. PCD is triggered in a stage and tissue-specific fashion in response to ecdysone pulses. The understanding of how ecdysone induces the stage and tissue-specificity of cell death remains obscure. Several steroid-regulated primary response genes have been shown to act as key regulators of cellular responses to ecdysone by inducing a cascade of transcriptional regulation of late responsive genes. In this article, the authors identify Fhos as a gene that is required for Drosophila larval salivary gland destruction. Animals with a P-element mutation in Fhos possess persistent larval salivary glands, and precise excisions of this P-element insertion resulted in reversion of this salivary gland mutant phenotype. Fhos encodes the Drosophila homolog of mammalian Formin Fhos. Fhos is differentially transcribed during development and responds to ecdysone in a method that is similar to other cell death genes. Similarly to what has been shown for its mammalian counterpart, FHOS protein is translocated to the nucleus at later stages of cell death. Fhos mutants posses disrupted actin cytoskeleton dynamics in persistent salivary glands. Together, our data indicate that Fhos is a new ecdysone-regulated gene that is crucial for changes in the actin cytoskeleton during salivary gland elimination in Drosophila.

Cell death in salivary glands of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini, 1887) (Acari: Ixodidae) females at semi-engorged feeding stage.

The ultrastructure of the salivary glands of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus females is described during feeding. In beginning of feeding, individuals show acini I with many mitochondria and wide basal labyrinth in peripheral cells; glycoprotein granules only in b and c3 cells (acini II); and epithelial interstitial cells with developed basal labyrinth between f cells (acini III). Semi-engorged females show cells in degeneration, with autophagic vacuoles, lysosomes, myelin figures, and irregular, condensed, and/or fragmented nuclei, in addition to apoptotic bodies. R. B. microplus points to apoptosis in these organs before the detachment from the host, in contrast to others tick species.

Aplicação de técnicas radiográficas para o diagnóstico diferencial de tonsilolito / Application of radiographic techniques for differential diagnosis of tonsillolith

A radiografia panorâmica é um dos exames radiográficos mais utilizados na rotina odontológica, existindo grande possibilidade do cirurgião-dentista se deparar com achados radiográficos. Dentre estes, destacam-se as calcificações patológicas encontradas na região de ramo mandibular, tais como sialolito, tonsilolito, calcificações de linfonodos e de vasos sanguíneos. As calcificações patológicas podem possuir aspecto radiográfico semelhante em uma radiografia panorâmica, sendo necessária a complementação com outras técnicas radiográficas a fim de auxiliar no diagnóstico diferencial. Neste trabalho é apresentada uma revisão da literatura a respeito das características radiográficas das calcificações de tecidos moles mais comuns da clínica odontológica. Além disso, é demonstrada a aplicação de técnicas radiográficas no diagnóstico diferencial de tonsilolitos. Diante do exposto, concluiu-se que a associação de técnicas extrabucais é uma importante ferramenta para o preciso diagnóstico de sialolitos, escleroses ósseas e tonsilolitos.

Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus: clotting time in tick-infested skin varies according to local inflammation and gene expression patterns in tick salivary glands.

Ticks deposit saliva at the site of their attachment to a host in order to inhibit haemostasis, inflammation and innate and adaptive immune responses. The anti-haemostatic properties of tick saliva have been described by many studies, but few show that tick infestations or its anti-haemostatic components exert systemic effects in vivo. In the present study, we extended these observations and show that, compared with normal skin, bovine hosts that are genetically susceptible to tick infestations present an increase in the clotting time of blood collected from the immediate vicinity of haemorrhagic feeding pools in skin infested with different developmental stages of Rhipicepahlus microplus; conversely, we determined that clotting time of tick-infested skin from genetically resistant bovines was shorter than that of normal skin. Coagulation and inflammation have many components in common and we determined that in resistant bovines, eosinophils and basophils, which are known to contain tissue factor, are recruited in greater numbers to the inflammatory site of tick bites than in susceptible hosts. Finally, we correlated the observed differences in clotting times with the expression profiles of transcripts for putative anti-haemostatic proteins in different developmental stages of R. microplus fed on genetically susceptible and resistant hosts: we determined that transcripts coding for proteins similar to these molecules are overrepresented in salivary glands from nymphs and males fed on susceptible bovines. Our data indicate that ticks are able to modulate their host's local haemostatic reactions. In the resistant phenotype, larger amounts of inflammatory cells are recruited and expression of anti-coagulant molecules is decreased tick salivary glands, features that can hamper the tick's blood meal.

Circadian variation in salivary testosterone across age classes in Ache Amerindian males of Paraguay.

Testosterone levels exhibit a circadian rhythm in healthy men, with morning levels tending to be higher compared to evening titers. However, circadian rhythms wane with age. Although this has been described in males living within industrialized settings, age-related changes have not received similar attention in populations outside these contexts. Because many nonindustrialized populations, such as Ache Amerindians of Paraguay, exhibit testosterone levels that are lower than what is commonly reported in the clinical literature and lack age-associated variation in testosterone, it was hypothesized that Ache men would not show age-related variation in testosterone circadian rhythms. Diurnal rhythmicity in testosterone within and between Ache men in association with age (n = 52; age range, 18-64) was therefore examined. A significant negative association was evident between the ratio of morning and evening salivary testosterone and age (r = -0.28, P = 0.04). Men in their third decade of life exhibited significant diurnal variation (P = 0.0003), whereas older and younger age classes did not. Men between the ages of 30 and 39 also exhibited a higher AM:PM testosterone ratio compared to 40-49 and 50< year old men (P = 0.002, 0.006). Overall, declines in testosterone with aging may not be universal among human males, however, within-individual analyses of diurnal variation capture age-related contrasts in daily testosterone fluctuations. Circadian rhythmicity differs with age among the Ache and may be a common aspect of reproductive senescence among men regardless of ecological context.

Estudo prospectivo do uso do betanecol na fisiologia de glândulas salivares em pacientes irradiados em região de cabeça e pescoço / A prospective study of bethanechol in the salivary glands physiology in patient following head and neck radiotherapy

Introdução: Xerostomia e/ou hipossalivação são complicações frequentes em pacientes submetidos à radioterapia em região de cabeça e pescoço. Estes efeitos adversos aumentam o risco de cárie dentária, dificuldades em mastigar, engolir e dormir, causando impacto significativo na qualidade de vida. Objetivos: Verificar se o uso profilático do betanecol durante a Radioterapia Conformada Tridimensional (RTC3D) ou Radioterapia com Intensidade Modulada do Feixe (IMRT) em região de cabeça e pescoço, reduz a queixa de xerostomia, mantém o fluxo salivar e a função das glândulas salivares. Além disso, comparar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes irradiados com e sem o uso da medicação. Método: Foi realizado estudo prospectivo duplo-cego, avaliando 97 pacientes randomizados e alocados nos Grupos betanecol (n=48) ou placebo (n=49). Os pacientes utilizaram 25mg de betanecol ou placebo duas vezes ao dia, iniciando no primeiro dia da radioterapia e mantendo até 1 mês após o tratamento. A intensidade da xerostomia foi avaliada semanalmente, desde o início até 3 meses após o término do tratamento. Foram realizados sialometria, cintilografia das glândulas salivares e questionário de qualidade de vida da Universidade de Washington (QQV-UW) em 3 Fases: Fase 1 (previamente a radioterapia); Fase 2 (entre 30-35 Gy); Fase 3 (após 60 dias da radioterapia). Resultados: Em relação à intensidade da xerostomia, os pacientes que fizeram uso da medicação apresentaram menores queixas de boca seca durante todo o período de avaliação (p<0,001). Analisando os exames de sialometria, foi observado que tanto na Fase 2 quanto na 3, o Grupo betanecol apresentou saliva não-estimulada e estimulada significantemente maior que o placebo (p<0,05). Em relação aos resultados da cintilografia, a porcentagem média de captação da parótida e excreção da submandibular do Grupo betanecol foi significativamente maior que do Grupo placebo (p<0,05). ...

Estudo do efeito da irradiação com laser de baixa intensidade no sistema antioxidante de glândulas salivares de ratas diabéticas induzidas por estreptozotocina / Effect of low power laser irradiation on the antioxidant system of salivary glands of diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin

O objetivo do presente estudo foi o de analisar o efeito da irradiação com laser em baixa intensidade no sistema antioxidante enzimático de glândulas salivares submandibular (GSM) e parótida (GP) de ratas diabéticas induzidas por estreptozotocina. As ratas foram inicialmente divididas em grupos não-diabéticas (C) e diabéticas (D) e mantidas pelo período experimental de 30 dias. No vigésimo nono dia as ratas foram subdivididas em seis grupos, sendo três grupos de animais não diabéticos (C0, C5 e C20) e três de animais diabéticos (D0, D5 e D20), de acordo com a dose de irradiação laser que cada grupo recebeu (0, 5 e 20 J/cm2 respectivamente). Para a indução do diabetes foi realizada a injeção intraperitoneal de estreptozotocina (60 mg/kg de peso corporal) dissolvida em tampão citrato de sódio 0,1 M, pH 4,5. Os animais pertencentes aos grupos C (não diabéticos) receberam a injeção somente do veículo. As glicemias foram verificadas 72 horas após a indução do diabetes, para a confirmação do estado diabético nos grupos D. Foram considerados diabéticos os animais que apresentaram glicemia superior a 250mg de glicose/dl de sangue. A irradiação com laser em baixa intensidade seguiu a metodologia determinada pelo método de Simões et. al. (2009). Os animais foram eutanasiados 24 horas após a irradiação, sendo imediatamente removidas as glândulas salivares para a realização das análises bioquímicas.

Foram determinados através de espectrofotometria, os valores de total antioxidante (TAS) e as atividades das enzimas superóxido dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) e glutationa peroxidase (GPx). Através da análise dos resultados podemos concluir que em GSM de ratas diabéticas o laser com dose de 20J/cm2 causou aumento na atividade da enzima SOD. E independente da dose, causou aumento nos valores de TAS e atividade da enzima CAT. Já em GSM de ratas não diabéticas a dose de 20J/cm2 causou diminuição dos valores de TAS. E independente da dose a irradiação com laser levou a um aumento da atividade da enzima CAT. Nas parótidas de ratas diabéticas, independente da dose, a irradiação com laser causou diminuição da atividade da enzima CAT. E em GP de ratas não diabéticas a dose de 5J/cm2 causou diminuição da atividade da enzima CAT.

The aim of the present study was to analize the effect of low-power laser irradiation in the antioxidant enzymatic system of submandibular (GSM) and parotid (GP) salivary glands of diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin. The rats were initially divided into non-diabetic animals (C) and diabetic-animals (D) and maintained by the experimental period of thirty days. Twenty-nine days after diabetes induction, the animals were randomly divided into six groups: three diabetic groups (D0, D5 and D20) and three non-diabetic groups (C0, C5 and C20), according with laser irradiation dose that each one received (0, 5 and 20J/cm2, respectively). For diabetes induction an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (60mg/Kg body weight), dissolved in 0.1M sodium citrate buffer, pH 4.5 was performed. In non-diabetic animals, only the citrate buffer was used. The diabetes condition was confirmed seventy-two hours after animals have received the STZ injection. Rats with blood glucose level higher than 14mM (250 mg/100ml) were considered diabetic. The laser irradiation was performed according to Simões et.al. method (2009)

Twenty-four hours after the irradiation rats were euthanized. Then, immediately after the euthanasia, salivary glands were removed for biochemical analysis. The total antioxidant values (TAS) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxide (GPx) enzymes were determined in spectrophotometer. Analyzing the results we can conclude that in GSM of diabetic rats the laser irradiation with 20J/cm2 increased the SOD activity. With the two different doses, increased the TAS values and CAT activity. However, in GSM of non-diabetic rats, laser irradiation with 20J/cm2, decreased the TAS values and led to an increase in CAT activity, regardless of the dose. In parotid glands laser irradiation decreased the CAT activity with either dose of 5J/cm2 or 20 J/cm2 and the laser irradiation with dose of 5J/cm2, decreased the CAT activity in parotid glands of non-diabetic rats.