Extensive gene loss parallels kidney aglomerulism in Syngnathidae.

The eccentric seahorses, seadragons, pipehorses and pipefishes (Syngnathidae) have an aglomerular kidney1. Here, we show that nephron genes2 conserved in Bilateria are secondarily eroded/deleted in Syngnathidae genomes. A transcriptome enrichment analysis suggests the predominance of excretion processes in the Syngnathidae kidney. In a lineage where crypsis and idleness are tightly associated, we propose that aglomerulism evolved as an energy-saving strategy.

Gonadal characterization of the Amazonian fish Serrapinnus kriegi (Characidae: Cheirodontinae) / Caracterização gonadal do peixe Amazônico Serrapinnus kriegi (Characidae: Cheirodontinae)

The knowledge of the testicular and ovarian morphology of a particular fish species is of paramount importance. Such analyze enables the development of studies and techniques aiming the improvement of their reproduction, management, commercialization and even their conservation. This study performed the ovarian and testicular characterization of the ornamental Amazon fish Serrapinnus kriegi. A total of three males and three females had their gonads analyzed by optical microscopy. Females present ovaries filled with oocytes in asynchronous development, indicating partial spawning in the species. Moreover, the micropyle and micropilar cell formation was observed in primary growing oocytes, representing a precocious oocyte development; and the zona radiata in the final vitellogenic oocytes is thicker than other related species, evidencing the development of a better protection to the embryos in function of the waters’ turbulence that characterize it spawning sites in the Amazonian streams. The male specimens’ present anastomosed tubular testes with unrestricted spermatogonia spread along the entire seminiferous tubules. The present data elucidate the dynamic of spermatogenesis and oogenesis of an ornamental Amazonian species, through the description of the male and female germ cells development.

O conhecimento da morfologia testicular e ovariana de uma determinada espécie de peixe é de suma importância, pois através destas análises é possível o desenvolvimento de estudos e técnicas visando o melhoramento de sua reprodução, manejo e comercialização e até mesmo auxiliar em sua conservação. Este estudo realizou a caracterização ovariana e testicular do peixe Amazônico ornamental Serrapinnus kriegi. Um total de três machos e três fêmeas tiveram suas gônadas analisadas através de microscopia óptica. As fêmeas apresentam ovários preenchidos por oócitos em desenvolvimento assincrônico, indicando desova parcelada da espécie. Além disso, observou-se a formação de micrópila e célula micropilar em oócitos em crescimento primário, representando o desenvolvimento precoce do oócito; a zona radiata nos oócitos vitelogênicos finais é mais espessa em comparação a outras espécies relacionadas, evidenciando o desenvolvimento de uma melhor proteção aos embriões, em função das águas turbulentas que caracterizam seu local de desova nos córregos amazônicos. Os machos apresentam testículos do tipo tubular anastomosado com espermatogônias irrestritas, espalhadas por todo o túbulo seminífero. Os dados apresentados elucidam a dinâmica da espermatogênese e oogênese de uma espécie de peixe ornamental amazônica, por meio da descrição das células germinativas masculinas e femininas.

Gonadal characterization of the Amazonian fish Serrapinnus kriegi (Characidae: Cheirodontinae)

Abstract The knowledge of the testicular and ovarian morphology of a particular fish species is of paramount importance. Such analyze enables the development of studies and techniques aiming the improvement of their reproduction, management, commercialization and even their conservation. This study performed the ovarian and testicular characterization of the ornamental Amazon fish Serrapinnus kriegi. A total of three males and three females had their gonads analyzed by optical microscopy. Females present ovaries filled with oocytes in asynchronous development, indicating partial spawning in the species. Moreover, the micropyle and micropilar cell formation was observed in primary growing oocytes, representing a precocious oocyte development; and the zona radiata in the final vitellogenic oocytes is thicker than other related species, evidencing the development of a better protection to the embryos in function of the waters turbulence that characterize it spawning sites in the Amazonian streams. The male specimens present anastomosed tubular testes with unrestricted spermatogonia spread along the entire seminiferous tubules. The present data elucidate the dynamic of spermatogenesis and oogenesis of an ornamental Amazonian species, through the description of the male and female germ cells development.

Resumo O conhecimento da morfologia testicular e ovariana de uma determinada espécie de peixe é de suma importância, pois através destas análises é possível o desenvolvimento de estudos e técnicas visando o melhoramento de sua reprodução, manejo e comercialização e até mesmo auxiliar em sua conservação. Este estudo realizou a caracterização ovariana e testicular do peixe Amazônico ornamental Serrapinnus kriegi. Um total de três machos e três fêmeas tiveram suas gônadas analisadas através de microscopia óptica. As fêmeas apresentam ovários preenchidos por oócitos em desenvolvimento assincrônico, indicando desova parcelada da espécie. Além disso, observou-se a formação de micrópila e célula micropilar em oócitos em crescimento primário, representando o desenvolvimento precoce do oócito; a zona radiata nos oócitos vitelogênicos finais é mais espessa em comparação a outras espécies relacionadas, evidenciando o desenvolvimento de uma melhor proteção aos embriões, em função das águas turbulentas que caracterizam seu local de desova nos córregos amazônicos. Os machos apresentam testículos do tipo tubular anastomosado com espermatogônias irrestritas, espalhadas por todo o túbulo seminífero. Os dados apresentados elucidam a dinâmica da espermatogênese e oogênese de uma espécie de peixe ornamental amazônica, por meio da descrição das células germinativas masculinas e femininas.

Gonadal characterization of the Amazonian fish Serrapinnus kriegi (Characidae: Cheirodontinae) / Caracterização gonadal do peixe Amazônico Serrapinnus kriegi (Characidae: Cheirodontinae)

Abstract The knowledge of the testicular and ovarian morphology of a particular fish species is of paramount importance. Such analyze enables the development of studies and techniques aiming the improvement of their reproduction, management, commercialization and even their conservation. This study performed the ovarian and testicular characterization of the ornamental Amazon fish Serrapinnus kriegi. A total of three males and three females had their gonads analyzed by optical microscopy. Females present ovaries filled with oocytes in asynchronous development, indicating partial spawning in the species. Moreover, the micropyle and micropilar cell formation was observed in primary growing oocytes, representing a precocious oocyte development; and the zona radiata in the final vitellogenic oocytes is thicker than other related species, evidencing the development of a better protection to the embryos in function of the waters' turbulence that characterize it spawning sites in the Amazonian streams. The male specimens' present anastomosed tubular testes with unrestricted spermatogonia spread along the entire seminiferous tubules. The present data elucidate the dynamic of spermatogenesis and oogenesis of an ornamental Amazonian species, through the description of the male and female germ cells development.

Resumo O conhecimento da morfologia testicular e ovariana de uma determinada espécie de peixe é de suma importância, pois através destas análises é possível o desenvolvimento de estudos e técnicas visando o melhoramento de sua reprodução, manejo e comercialização e até mesmo auxiliar em sua conservação. Este estudo realizou a caracterização ovariana e testicular do peixe Amazônico ornamental Serrapinnus kriegi. Um total de três machos e três fêmeas tiveram suas gônadas analisadas através de microscopia óptica. As fêmeas apresentam ovários preenchidos por oócitos em desenvolvimento assincrônico, indicando desova parcelada da espécie. Além disso, observou-se a formação de micrópila e célula micropilar em oócitos em crescimento primário, representando o desenvolvimento precoce do oócito; a zona radiata nos oócitos vitelogênicos finais é mais espessa em comparação a outras espécies relacionadas, evidenciando o desenvolvimento de uma melhor proteção aos embriões, em função das águas turbulentas que caracterizam seu local de desova nos córregos amazônicos. Os machos apresentam testículos do tipo tubular anastomosado com espermatogônias irrestritas, espalhadas por todo o túbulo seminífero. Os dados apresentados elucidam a dinâmica da espermatogênese e oogênese de uma espécie de peixe ornamental amazônica, por meio da descrição das células germinativas masculinas e femininas.

Arundic Acid (ONO-2506) Attenuates Neuroinflammation and Prevents Motor Impairment in Rats with Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe stroke subtype caused by the rupture of blood vessels within the brain. Increased levels of S100B protein may contribute to neuroinflammation after ICH through activation of astrocytes and resident microglia, with the consequent production of proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Inhibition of astrocytic synthesis of S100B by arundic acid (AA) has shown beneficial effects in experimental central nervous system disorders. In present study, we administered AA in a collagenase-induced ICH rodent model in order to evaluate its effects on neurological deficits, S100B levels, astrocytic activation, inflammatory, and oxidative parameters. Rats underwent stereotactic surgery for injection of collagenase in the left striatum and AA (2 µg/µl; weight × 0.005) or vehicle in the left lateral ventricle. Neurological deficits were evaluated by the Ladder rung walking and Grip strength tests. Striatal S100B, astrogliosis, and microglial activation were assessed by immunofluorescence analysis. Striatal levels of interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA, and the ROS production was analyzed by dichlorofluorescein (DCF) oxidation. AA treatment prevented motor dysfunction, reduced S100B levels, astrogliosis, and microglial activation in the damaged striatum, thus decreasing the release of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1ß and TNF-α, as well as ROS production. Taken together, present results suggest that AA could be a pharmacological tool to prevent the harmful effects of increased S100B, attenuating neuroinflammation and secondary brain damage after ICH.

Gonadal characterization of the Amazonian fish Serrapinnus kriegi (Characidae: Cheirodontinae).

The knowledge of the testicular and ovarian morphology of a particular fish species is of paramount importance. Such analyze enables the development of studies and techniques aiming the improvement of their reproduction, management, commercialization and even their conservation. This study performed the ovarian and testicular characterization of the ornamental Amazon fish Serrapinnus kriegi. A total of three males and three females had their gonads analyzed by optical microscopy. Females present ovaries filled with oocytes in asynchronous development, indicating partial spawning in the species. Moreover, the micropyle and micropilar cell formation was observed in primary growing oocytes, representing a precocious oocyte development; and the zona radiata in the final vitellogenic oocytes is thicker than other related species, evidencing the development of a better protection to the embryos in function of the waters' turbulence that characterize it spawning sites in the Amazonian streams. The male specimens' present anastomosed tubular testes with unrestricted spermatogonia spread along the entire seminiferous tubules. The present data elucidate the dynamic of spermatogenesis and oogenesis of an ornamental Amazonian species, through the description of the male and female germ cells development.

Isolated obesity resistance condition or associated with aerobic exercise training does not promote cardiac impairment.

Mechanisms involved in cardiac function and calcium (Ca2+) handling in obese-resistant (OR) rats are still poorly determined. We tested the hypothesis that unsaturated high-fat diet (HFD) promotes myocardial dysfunction in OR rats, which it is related to Ca2+ handling. In addition, we questioned whether exercise training (ET) becomes a therapeutic strategy. Male Wistar rats (n=80) were randomized to standard or HFD diets for 20 weeks. The rats were redistributed for the absence or presence of ET and OR: control (C; n=12), control + ET (CET; n=14), obese-resistant (OR; n=9), and obese-resistant + ET (ORET; n=10). Trained rats were subjected to aerobic training protocol with progressive intensity (55-70% of the maximum running speed) and duration (15 to 60 min/day) for 12 weeks. Nutritional, metabolic, and cardiovascular parameters were determined. Cardiac function and Ca2+ handling tests were performed in isolated left ventricle (LV) papillary muscle. OR rats showed cardiac atrophy with reduced collagen levels, but there was myocardial dysfunction. ET was efficient in improving most parameters of body composition. However, the mechanical properties and Ca2+ handling from isolated papillary muscle were similar among groups. Aerobic ET does not promote morphological and cardiac functional adaptation under the condition of OR.

Isolated obesity resistance condition or associated with aerobic exercise training does not promote cardiac impairment

Mechanisms involved in cardiac function and calcium (Ca2+) handling in obese-resistant (OR) rats are still poorly determined. We tested the hypothesis that unsaturated high-fat diet (HFD) promotes myocardial dysfunction in OR rats, which it is related to Ca2+ handling. In addition, we questioned whether exercise training (ET) becomes a therapeutic strategy. Male Wistar rats (n=80) were randomized to standard or HFD diets for 20 weeks. The rats were redistributed for the absence or presence of ET and OR: control (C; n=12), control + ET (CET; n=14), obese-resistant (OR; n=9), and obese-resistant + ET (ORET; n=10). Trained rats were subjected to aerobic training protocol with progressive intensity (55-70% of the maximum running speed) and duration (15 to 60 min/day) for 12 weeks. Nutritional, metabolic, and cardiovascular parameters were determined. Cardiac function and Ca2+ handling tests were performed in isolated left ventricle (LV) papillary muscle. OR rats showed cardiac atrophy with reduced collagen levels, but there was myocardial dysfunction. ET was efficient in improving most parameters of body composition. However, the mechanical properties and Ca2+ handling from isolated papillary muscle were similar among groups. Aerobic ET does not promote morphological and cardiac functional adaptation under the condition of OR.

Microbiota oral e retal de calitriquídeos (Callithrix sp) em área antropizada de Mata Atlântica, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil / [Oral and rectal microbiota of callitrichids (Callithrix sp) in an anthropized area of the Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil]

A proximidade dos primatas não humanos (PNH) com o ser humano pode ser considerada um fator de risco para transmissão de bactérias entre essas duas populações. Neste estudo, foi investigada a microbiota anfibiôntica aeróbica oral e retal de calitriquídeos em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica localizado no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil, e foram realizados testes fenotípicos para detecção de bactérias multirresistentes nos isolados encontrados. Foram capturados 14 calitriquídeos e coletadas 21 amostras (14 de cavidade oral e sete de cavidade retal) em dois pontos da mata próximos às habitações humanas. As espécies mais frequentes, na cavidade oral, foram Klebsiella oxytoca (50,0%), K. pneumoniae (28,6%), Kluyvera ascorbata (21,4%) e Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (21,4%) e, na cavidade retal, K. pneumoniae (85,7%), Escherichia coli (28,6%) e Enterobacter spp. (42,9%). Todos os 48 isolados da família Enterobacteriaceae foram negativos para ESBL (betalactamase de espectro ampliado), mostrando-se não produtores da enzima nos dois métodos utilizados: disco-aproximação e método de detecção automatizado. Na pesquisa de ERC (enterobactérias resistentes a carbapenêmicos), esses mesmos isolados não apresentaram resistência aos antibióticos imipenem, meropenem e ertapenem. Todas as bactérias isoladas apresentam um potencial zoonótico, o que representa um risco à saúde pública e à conservação das espécies.(AU)

Proximity of nonhuman primates (NHP) to humans can be considered a risk factor for transmission of pathogens between these two populations. This study investigated the oral and rectal aerobic bacterial microbiota of marmosets in an anthropized area of the Atlantic Forest located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and performed phenotypic tests for detection of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Twenty-one samples (14 from the oral cavity and seven from the rectum) were collected from 14 Callithrix sp. captured in two sites of the forest near human dwellings. The most frequent species identified from the oral cavity swabs were Klebsiella oxytoca (50.0%), K. pneumoniae (28.6%), Kluyvera ascorbata (21.4%) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (21.4%), whereas the species most commonly identified from the rectum swabs were K. pneumoniae (85.7%), Enterobacter spp. (42.9%) and Escherichia coli (28.6%). All isolates of family Enterobacteriaceae showed no extended spectrum ß-lactamase production by disk-diffusion and automated detection tests. In the search for carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae these isolates presented no resistance to the imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem antibiotics. The isolate of Staphylococcus aureus was susceptible to oxacillin and the isolate of Enterococcus was susceptible to vancomycin. All isolated bacteria showed zoonotic potential, thus posing a risk to species conservation and public health.(AU)

Arundic Acid (ONO-2506), an Inhibitor of S100B Protein Synthesis, Prevents Neurological Deficits and Brain Tissue Damage Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Male Wistar Rats.

Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and neurological morbidity. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) has the poorest prognosis among all stroke subtypes and no treatment has been effective in improving outcomes. Following ICH, the observed high levels of S100B protein have been associated with worsening of injury and neurological deficits. Arundic acid (AA) exerts neuroprotective effects through inhibition of astrocytic synthesis of S100B in some models of experimental brain injury; however, it has not been studied in ICH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of AA in male Wistar rats submitted to ICH model assessing the following variables: reactive astrogliosis, S100B levels, antioxidant defenses, cell death, lesion extension and neurological function. Firstly, AA was injected at different doses (0.02, 0.2, 2 and 20 µg/µl) in the left lateral ventricle in order to observe which dose would decrease GFAP and S100B striatal levels in non-injured rats. Following determination of the effective dose, ICH damage was induced by IV-S collagenase intrastrial injection and 2 µg/µl AA was injected through ICV route immediately before injury. AA treatment prevented ICH-induced neurological deficits and tissue damage, inhibited excessive astrocytic activation and cellular apoptosis, reduced peripheral and central S100B levels (in striatum, serum and cerebrospinal fluid), improved neuronal survival and enhanced the antioxidant defences after injury. Altogether, these results suggest that S100B is a viable target for treating ICH and highlight AA as an interesting strategy for improving neurological outcome after experimental brain hemorrhage.

Chronic aerobic exercise associated to low-dose L-NAME improves contractility without changing calcium handling in rat cardiomyocytes.

Nitric oxide (NO) inhibition by high-dose NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) is associated with several detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system. However, low-dose L-NAME increases NO synthesis, which in turn induces physiological cardiovascular benefits, probably by activating a protective negative feedback mechanism. Aerobic exercise, likewise, improves several cardiovascular functions in healthy hearts, but its effects are not known when chronically associated with low-dose L-NAME. Thus, we tested whether the association between low-dose L-NAME administration and chronic aerobic exercise promotes beneficial effects to the cardiovascular system, evaluating the cardiac remodeling process. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control (C), L-NAME (L), chronic aerobic exercise (Ex), and chronic aerobic exercise associated to L-NAME (ExL). Aerobic training was performed with progressive intensity for 12 weeks; L-NAME (1.5 mg·kg-1·day-1) was administered by orogastric gavage. Low-dose L-NAME alone did not change systolic blood pressure (SBP), but ExL significantly increased SBP at week 8 with normalization after 12 weeks. Furthermore, ExL promoted the elevation of left ventricle (LV) end-diastolic pressure without the presence of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Time to 50% shortening and relaxation were reduced in ExL, suggesting a cardiomyocyte contractile improvement. In addition, the time to 50% Ca2+ peak was increased without alterations in Ca2+ amplitude and time to 50% Ca2+ decay. In conclusion, the association of chronic aerobic exercise and low-dose L-NAME prevented cardiac pathological remodeling and induced cardiomyocyte contractile function improvement; however, it did not alter myocyte affinity and sensitivity to intracellular Ca2+ handling.

Chronic aerobic exercise associated to low-dose L-NAME improves contractility without changing calcium handling in rat cardiomyocytes

Nitric oxide (NO) inhibition by high-dose NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) is associated with several detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system. However, low-dose L-NAME increases NO synthesis, which in turn induces physiological cardiovascular benefits, probably by activating a protective negative feedback mechanism. Aerobic exercise, likewise, improves several cardiovascular functions in healthy hearts, but its effects are not known when chronically associated with low-dose L-NAME. Thus, we tested whether the association between low-dose L-NAME administration and chronic aerobic exercise promotes beneficial effects to the cardiovascular system, evaluating the cardiac remodeling process. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to control (C), L-NAME (L), chronic aerobic exercise (Ex), and chronic aerobic exercise associated to L-NAME (ExL). Aerobic training was performed with progressive intensity for 12 weeks; L-NAME (1.5 mg·kg-1·day-1) was administered by orogastric gavage. Low-dose L-NAME alone did not change systolic blood pressure (SBP), but ExL significantly increased SBP at week 8 with normalization after 12 weeks. Furthermore, ExL promoted the elevation of left ventricle (LV) end-diastolic pressure without the presence of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. Time to 50% shortening and relaxation were reduced in ExL, suggesting a cardiomyocyte contractile improvement. In addition, the time to 50% Ca2+ peak was increased without alterations in Ca2+ amplitude and time to 50% Ca2+ decay. In conclusion, the association of chronic aerobic exercise and low-dose L-NAME prevented cardiac pathological remodeling and induced cardiomyocyte contractile function improvement; however, it did not alter myocyte affinity and sensitivity to intracellular Ca2+ handling.

Understanding the Environmental Impact of a Mine Dam Rupture in Brazil: Prospects for Remediation.

The rupture of the Fundão mine dam in Mariana municipality, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, spilled the tailings across the Doce River basin. These tailings, composed of residues discarded from the beneficiation of iron ore, are rich in SiO and AlO, as well as some ether amine compounds and NaOH. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of these sediments, as well as their effect on the riparian zones reached, as compared with preserved sites. Sediment deposition in the river resulted in a morphological change from a meandering profile to a braided aspect. The nutrient and mineral content (P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and NO) and soil organic matter of the sediments were depleted, whereas NH, Na, and pH increased. A random presence of ether amines in the sediments was confirmed by quantitative and chromatographic analyses, with concentrations ranging from 0 to 57.8 mg kg; Na reached values as high as 150 mg kg. The impact of the dam tailings on biota was assessed by estimating total microbial biomass (phospholipid fatty acids), which were depleted in sediments relative to soils from preserved sites. Overall plant mortality, as well as a low resilience capacity, were also observed. Ether amines and Na present in the sediments had a strong toxic effect in the environment. Identification of these substances as the main impact factors will help guide future remediation efforts.

Prenatal and Early Postnatal Environmental Enrichment Reduce Acute Cell Death and Prevent Neurodevelopment and Memory Impairments in Rats Submitted to Neonatal Hypoxia Ischemia.

Environmental enrichment (EE) is an experimental strategy to attenuate the negative effects of different neurological conditions including neonatal hypoxia ischemia encephalopathy (HIE). The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of prenatal and early postnatal EE in animals submitted to neonatal HIE model at postnatal day (PND) 3. Wistar rats were housed in EE or standard conditions (SC) during pregnancy and lactation periods. Pups of both sexes were assigned to one of four experimental groups, considering the early environmental conditions and the injury: SC-Sham, SC-HIE, EE-sham, and EE-HIE. The offspring were euthanized at two different time points: 48 h after HIE for biochemical analyses or at PND 67 for histological analyses. Behavioral tests were performed at PND 7, 14, 21, and 60. Offspring from EE mothers had better performance in neurodevelopmental and spatial memory tests when compared to the SC groups. HIE animals showed a reduction of IGF-1 and VEGF in the parietal cortex, but no differences in BDNF and TrkB levels were found. EE-HIE animals showed reduction in cell death, lower astrocyte reactivity, and an increase in AKTp levels in the hippocampus and parietal cortex. In addition, the EE was also able to prevent the hippocampus tissue loss. Altogether, present findings point to the protective potential of the prenatal and early postnatal EE in attenuating molecular and histological damage, as well as the neurodevelopmental impairments and the cognitive deficit, caused by HIE insult at PND 3.

Under stressful conditions activation of the ionotropic P2X7 receptor differentially regulates GABA and glutamate release from nerve terminals of the rat cerebral cortex.

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate (Glu) are the main inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmitters in the central nervous system (CNS), respectively. Fine tuning regulation of extracellular levels of these amino acids is essential for normal brain activity. Recently, we showed that neocortical nerve terminals from patients with epilepsy express higher amounts of the non-desensitizing ionotropic P2X7 receptor. Once activated by ATP released from neuronal cells, the P2X7 receptor unbalances GABAergic vs. glutamatergic neurotransmission by differentially interfering with GABA and Glu uptake. Here, we investigated if activation of the P2X7 receptor also affects [3H]GABA and [14C]Glu release measured synchronously from isolated nerve terminals (synaptosomes) of the rat cerebral cortex. Data show that activation of the P2X7 receptor consistently increases [14C]Glu over [3H]GABA release from cortical nerve terminals, but the GABA/Glu ratio depends on extracellular Ca2+ concentrations. While the P2X7-induced [3H]GABA release is operated by a Ca2+-dependent pathway when external Ca2+ is available, this mechanism shifts towards the reversal of the GAT1 transporter in low Ca2+ conditions. A different scenario is verified regarding [14C]Glu outflow triggered by the P2X7 receptor, since the amino acid seems to be consistently released through the recruitment of connexin-containing hemichannels upon P2X7 activation, both in the absence and in the presence of external Ca2+. Data from this study add valuable information suggesting that ATP, via P2X7 activation, not only interferes with the high-affinity uptake of GABA and Glu but actually favors the release of these amino acids through distinct molecular mechanisms amenable to differential therapeutic control.

Karyotype evolution in the genus Jacaranda Juss. (Jacarandeae, Bignoniaceae): chromosome numbers and heterochromatin.

Most taxa in the Bignoniaceae have 2n = 40, but the basal clade Jacarandeae has 2n = 36, suggesting that x = 18 is the ancestral basic number for the family. Variations in heterochromatin band patterns in genera that are numerically stable, such as Jacaranda, could facilitate our understanding of the chromosomal and karyotypic evolution of the family. We characterized heterochromatin distributions in six Jacaranda species using chromomycin A3 (CMA) and 4'6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI). All of them had 2n = 36, including first counts for Jacaranda bracteata Bureau & K. Schum., Jacaranda irwinii A.H. Gentry, Jacaranda jasminoides (Thunb.) Sandwith, and Jacaranda rugosa A.H. Gentry. Their karyotypes had four to eight terminal CMA+/DAPI- bands per monoploid set. In the section Monolobos, Jacaranda brasiliana (Lam.) Pers. had eight terminal bands and Jacaranda mimosifolia D. Don had four; in the section Dilobos, J. bracteata had six bands per monoploid set, with the other species having five. While three species in the section Dilobos had the same number of terminal bands, J. irwinii had two additional pericentromeric bands and a proximal heterozygotic band, and J. bracteata had two distended CMA bands. The consistent records of 2n = 36 in Jacaranda may represent a plesiomorphic condition for the Bignoniaceae; therefore, the family originated from an ancestor with x = 18. However, 2n = 36 may represent a derived condition, and the family could have had an ancestral basic number of x = 20 that is still conserved in most representatives of the family.

Adenosine A2A receptor and ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 are upregulated in hippocampal astrocytes of human patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE).

Refractoriness to existing medications of up to 80 % of the patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) prompts for finding new antiepileptic drug targets. The adenosine A2A receptor emerges as an interesting pharmacological target since its excitatory nature partially counteracts the dominant antiepileptic role of endogenous adenosine acting via inhibitory A1 receptors. Gain of function of the excitatory A2A receptor has been implicated in a significant number of brain pathologies commonly characterized by neuronal excitotoxicity. Here, we investigated changes in the expression and cellular localization of the A2A receptor and of the adenosine-generating enzyme, ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73, in the hippocampus of control individuals and MTLE human patients. Western blot analysis indicates that the A2A receptor is more abundant in the hippocampus of MTLE patients compared to control individuals. Immunoreactivity against the A2A receptor predominates in astrocytes staining positively for the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). No co-localization was observed between the A2A receptor and neuronal cell markers, like synaptotagmin 1/2 (nerve terminals) and neurofilament 200 (axon fibers). Hippocampal astrogliosis observed in MTLE patients was accompanied by a proportionate increase in A2A receptor and ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 immunoreactivities. Given our data, we hypothesize that selective blockade of excessive activation of astrocytic A2A receptors and/or inhibition of surplus adenosine formation by membrane-bound ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 may reduce neuronal excitability, thus providing a novel therapeutic target for drug-refractory seizures in MTLE patients.

Rehabilitation of atrophic anophthalmic cavity with orthostatic ocular prosthesis: A clinical report.

The absence of the eyeball can generate psychosocial and facial harmony changes, such as atrophy of the muscles around it. In these cases, the use of an orthostatic prosthesis with expanding function fosters distension of the tissues for subsequent rehabilitation. This technique consists of making individual ocular prostheses with gradual enlargement of size. The aim of this following clinical report was to describe the technique used in the standing prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient, 73 years old, who underwent enucleation of the right eye as a result of glaucoma. Clinical and laboratory procedures were performed such as impression, adjusting curvature of the sclera, centering the pupil area and processing in heat-cured acrylic resin three prostheses made according to the expansion of the anophthalmic cavity. At the end of treatment, there was a considerable increase of the cavity, allowing for volume replacement similar to that existing in the patient's contralateral orbit, thus generating a satisfactory facial harmony.

Bladder pain induced by prolonged peripheral alpha 1A adrenoceptor stimulation involves the enhancement of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 activity and an increase of urothelial adenosine triphosphate release.

AIM: Pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic visceral pain (CVP) are unknown. This study explores the association between the sympathetic system and bladder nociceptors activity by testing the effect of a prolonged adrenergic stimulation on transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) activity and on urothelial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release. METHODS: Female Wistar rats received saline, phenylephrine (PHE), PHE + silodosin, PHE + naftopidil or PHE + prazosin. TRPV1 knockout and wild-type mice received saline or PHE. Visceral pain behaviour tests were performed before and after treatment. Cystometry was performed, during saline and capsaicin infusion. Fos immunoreactivity was assessed in L6 spinal cord segment. Human urothelial ATP release induced by mechanical and thermal stimulation was evaluated. RESULTS: Subcutaneous, but not intrathecal, PHE administration induced pain, which was reversed by silodosin, a selective alpha 1A adrenoceptor antagonist, but not by naftopidil, a relatively selective antagonist for alpha 1D adrenoceptor. Silodosin also reversed PHE-induced bladder hyperactivity and L6 spinal cord Fos expression. Thus, in subsequent experiments, only silodosin was used. Wild-type, but not TRPV1 knockout, mice exhibited phenylephrine-induced pain. Capsaicin induced a greater increase in voiding contractions in PHE-treated rats than in control animals, and silodosin reversed this effect. When treated with PHE, ATP release from human urothelial cells was enhanced either by mechanical stimulation or by lowering the thermal threshold of urothelial TRPV1, which becomes abnormally responsive at body temperature. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the activation of peripheral alpha 1A adrenoceptors induces CVP, probably through its interaction with TRPV1 and ATP release.