Effects of estrogen and raloxifene on synaptic density in the hippocampal CA1 region of ovariectomized rats.

INTRODUCTION: The CA1 region of the hippocampus has an important role in learning and memory. It has been shown that estrogen deficiency may reduce the synaptic density in the region and that hormone replacement therapy may attenuate the reduction. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of estrogen and raloxifene on the synaptic density profile in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in ovariectomized rats. METHODS: Sixty ovariectomized three-month-old virgin rats were randomized into six groups (n = 10). Treatments started either three days (early treatment) or sixty days (late treatment) after ovariectomy. The groups received propylene glycol vehicle (0.5 mL/animal/day), equine conjugated estrogens (50 µg/animal/day), or raloxifene (3 mg/kg/day) either early or late after ovariectomy. The drugs were administered orally by gavage for 30 days. At the end of the treatments, the animals were anesthetized and transcardially perfused with ether and saline solution. The brains were removed and prepared for analysis under transmission electron microscopy and later fixed. RESULTS: Results showed a significant increase in the synaptic density profile of the hippocampal CA1 region in both the early estrogen (0.534 ± 0.026 µ/m2) and the early raloxifene (0.437 ± 0.012 µ/m2) treatment groups compared to the early or late vehicle-treated control groups (0.338 ± 0.038 µ/m2 and 0.277 ± 0.015 µ/m2 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The present data suggest that the raloxifene effect may be lower than that of estrogen, even early or late treatment, on synaptic density in the hippocampus.

Possible role of annexin A1/FPR2 pathway in COX2/NLRP3 inflammasome regulation in alveolar bone cells of estrogen-deficient female rats with diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Annexin A1 (ANXA1) and the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome play important roles in bone remodeling. However, expression profiles of these factors in bone cells under diabetes mellitus (DM) and estrogen-deficient conditions are poorly understood. This study investigated the immunoexpression of ANXA1 and its formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), as well as NLRP3 inflammasome mediators, during remodeling of the alveolar process in diabetic and estrogen-deficient rats. METHODS: Twenty adult female Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 5): Sham-operated (SHAM) and ovariectomized (OVX) rats received a vehicle solution, and SHAM and OVX rats were intraperitoneally administered 60 mg/kg/body weight (BW) of streptozotocin (STZ) to induce DM (SHAM-Di and OVX-Di groups). After 7 weeks, the rats were euthanized and their maxillae were fixed in phosphate-buffered 4% formaldehyde and embedded in paraffin. Sections were stained with hematoxylin/eosin (H&E) and picrosirius red or subjected to immunohistochemical detection of ANXA1, FPR2, NLRP3, interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2). RESULTS: Estrogen deficiency and DM were associated with deleterious effects in bone tissue, as evidenced by a lower number of osteocytes and higher number of empty lacunae in the SHAM-Di and OVX-Di groups compared to the nondiabetic groups. Both diabetic groups showed a smaller vascular area and weaker collagen fiber birefringence intensity in alveolar bone tissue. A significantly higher number of ANXA1/FPR2-positive osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts was accompanied by a significantly higher number of these cells immunolabeled for COX2, NLRP3, and IL-1ß in the diabetic and OVX groups, especially in both estrogen-deficient and diabetic rats. CONCLUSION: These results indicate a possible role for the ANXA1/FPR2 pathway as a fine-tuning/anti-inflammatory regulator to counterbalance exacerbated COX2/NLRP3/IL-1ß activation in bone cells during bone remodeling under estrogen deficiency and DM.

Effects of estrogen and raloxifene on synaptic density in the hippocampal CA1 region of ovariectomized rats

Abstract Introduction The CA1 region of the hippocampus has an important role in learning and memory. It has been shown that estrogen deficiency may reduce the synaptic density in the region and that hormone replacement therapy may attenuate the reduction. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the effects of estrogen and raloxifene on the synaptic density profile in the CA1 region of the hippocampus in ovariectomized rats. Methods Sixty ovariectomized three-month-old virgin rats were randomized into six groups (n = 10). Treatments started either three days (early treatment) or sixty days (late treatment) after ovariectomy. The groups received propylene glycol vehicle (0.5 mL/animal/day), equine conjugated estrogens (50 μg/animal/day), or raloxifene (3 mg/kg/day) either early or late after ovariectomy. The drugs were administered orally by gavage for 30 days. At the end of the treatments, the animals were anesthetized and transcardially perfused with ether and saline solution. The brains were removed and prepared for analysis under transmission electron microscopy and later fixed. Results Results showed a significant increase in the synaptic density profile of the hippocampal CA1 region in both the early estrogen (0.534 ± 0.026 µ/m2) and the early raloxifene (0.437 ± 0.012 µ/m2) treatment groups compared to the early or late vehicle-treated control groups (0.338 ± 0.038 µ/m2 and 0.277 ± 0.015 µ/m2 respectively). Conclusions The present data suggest that the raloxifene effect may be lower than that of estrogen, even early or late treatment, on synaptic density in the hippocampus.

Melatonin may prevent or reverse polycystic ovary syndrome in rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ovarian effects of melatonin (Mel) in a rat model of polycystic-ovary-syndrome (PCOS) before and after permanent estrus induction. METHODS: Thirty-two adult-female rats with regular estrous cycle were equally divided into four groups: 1) GCtrl - at estrous phase. 2) GPCOS - at permanent-estrous phase. 3) GMel1 - treated for 60 days with Mel (0.4 mg/Kg) during permanent estrus induction and 4) GMel2 - rats with PCOS and treated for 60 days with Mel. After that, the animals were euthanized, and the ovaries were removed and processed for paraffin embedding. Sections were stained with H.E. for histomorphometry or subjected to immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 and cleaved caspase-3 (Casp-3) detections. RESULTS: The GPCOS showed lack of corpus luteum and several ovarian cysts, as well as interstitial-like cells. The presence of corpus luteum and a significant increase in primary and antral follicles were observed in Mel-treated groups, which also showed a decrease in the number of ovarian cysts and in the area occupied by interstitial-like cells. These results were more evident in GMel1. The percentage of Ki-67-positive cells was significantly higher in the Mel-treated groups, mainly in the GMel2, as compared to GPCOS. On the other hand, the percentage of Casp-3-positive cells was significantly lower in granulosa cells of GMel1, whereas it was significantly higher in the interstitial-like cells of GMel2, in comparison to GPCOS. CONCLUSION: Melatonin administration prevents the permanent estrus state in the PCOS rat model. This effect is more efficient when melatonin is administered before permanent estrus induction.

Melatonin may prevent or reverse polycystic ovary syndrome in rats

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To evaluate the ovarian effects of melatonin (Mel) in a rat model of polycystic-ovary-syndrome (PCOS) before and after permanent estrus induction. METHODS Thirty-two adult-female rats with regular estrous cycle were equally divided into four groups: 1) GCtrl - at estrous phase. 2) GPCOS - at permanent-estrous phase. 3) GMel1 - treated for 60 days with Mel (0.4 mg/Kg) during permanent estrus induction and 4) GMel2 - rats with PCOS and treated for 60 days with Mel. After that, the animals were euthanized, and the ovaries were removed and processed for paraffin embedding. Sections were stained with H.E. for histomorphometry or subjected to immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 and cleaved caspase-3 (Casp-3) detections. RESULTS The GPCOS showed lack of corpus luteum and several ovarian cysts, as well as interstitial-like cells. The presence of corpus luteum and a significant increase in primary and antral follicles were observed in Mel-treated groups, which also showed a decrease in the number of ovarian cysts and in the area occupied by interstitial-like cells. These results were more evident in GMel1. The percentage of Ki-67-positive cells was significantly higher in the Mel-treated groups, mainly in the GMel2, as compared to GPCOS. On the other hand, the percentage of Casp-3-positive cells was significantly lower in granulosa cells of GMel1, whereas it was significantly higher in the interstitial-like cells of GMel2, in comparison to GPCOS. CONCLUSION Melatonin administration prevents the permanent estrus state in the PCOS rat model. This effect is more efficient when melatonin is administered before permanent estrus induction.

RESUMO OBJETIVO Avaliar os efeitos ovarianos da melatonina (Mel) em ratas com síndrome dos ovários policísticos (SOP) antes e após a indução do estro-permanente. MÉTODOS Trinta e duas ratas com ciclos estrais regulares foram igualmente divididas em quatro grupos: 1) GCtrl - fase de estro. 2) GSOP - fase de estro-permanente. 3) GMel1 - tratadas por 60 dias com Mel (0,4 mg/kg) durante a indução do estro-permanente e 4) GMel2 - ratas com SOP e tratadas com Mel. Após eutanásia dos animais, os ovários foram processados para inclusão em parafina. Cortes foram corados com H.E ou submetidos à imuno-histoquímica para detecção de Ki-67 e caspase-3 clivada (Casp-3). RESULTADOS O GSOP mostrou ausência de corpos lúteos e vários cistos ovarianos, além de inúmeras células intersticiais. A presença de corpos lúteos e o aumento significativo dos folículos primários e antrais foram observados nos grupos tratados com Mel, os quais também mostraram diminuição no número de cistos ovarianos e na área ocupada pelas células intersticiais. Esses resultados foram mais evidentes no GMel1 do que no GMel2. A porcentagem de células Ki-67 positivas foi significativamente maior no GMel1 e no GMel2, sendo mais evidente no GMel2, em comparação ao GSOP. Por outro lado, a porcentagem de células positivas à Casp-3 foi menor nas células da granulosa do GMel1 e maior nas células intersticiais do GMel2, em comparação ao GSOP. CONCLUSÃO A administração de melatonina previne o estado de estro-permanente em ratas com SOP. Esse efeito é mais eficiente quando a melatonina é administrada após indução do estado de estro-permanente.

Analysis of hyaluronic acid in the endometrium of women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Endometrium extracellular matrix provides a wide range of signals at different cellular levels, like cell death and proliferation, which can be important for regulating menses and reducing the proliferative processes. The objective of this study is to evaluate hyaluronic acid concentration, the enzymes of hyaluronic acid synthases in the endometrium of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and eumenorrheic women. A total of 60 endometrial samples from 30 patients with PCOS and 30 women with regular menstrual cycles in the proliferative phase, attended at Gynecology Division of Clinical Hospital of the FMUSP (HC-USP). Profile determination and the concentration of hyaluronic acid was performed by the biochemical method of the fluorimetric assay (ELISA-like). Its location in the endometrial tissue as well as the dosage of enzymes synthases (HAS1, HAS2 and HAS3) was done by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Statistical analyses were performed with one-way ANOVA, followed by the Bonferroni test. Regarding hyaluronic acid synthases, there was a higher HAS1 and HAS2 reactivity and lower HAS3 reactivity in the PCOS endometrium compared to women with regular menstrual cycles in the proliferative phase. We suggest that PCOS patients have different composition of hyaluronic acid in relation to a regular cycle in the proliferative phase.

Isoflavones in gynecology

SUMMARY

Collagen concentration on the facial skin of postmenopausal women after topical treatment with estradiol and genistein: a randomized double-blind controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare the effects of topical estrogen and genistein (a soy isoflavone) on the facial skin collagen of postmenopausal women not undergoing systemic hormonal therapy. METHODS: This is a prospective, double blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Volunteer women (N = 30) 45-55 year old from the Endocrine Gynecology sector of the Gynecology Department of the Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP). The Ethical Committee of the Federal University of São Paulo approved the study (report no. 386/2004; registration on ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01553773), were assigned to topical treatment with either estrogen or genistein for 24 weeks. We quantified and compared facial collagen concentration before and after each treatment by performing pre-auricular skin biopsies. RESULTS: Our data showed an increase in the amount of both type I and type III facial collagen by the end of both treatments. However, the outcomes of the estrogen GI (ER) group were superior to the genistein GII (GEN) group, with statistical significance p < 000.1 Conclusion: Treatment with topical estrogen is superior to genistein, but both have positive impacts on facial skin collagen. Nevertheless, it is still unclear whether prolonged use of genistein and other topical phytoestrogens could produce systemic effects and further research is needed to clarify this question.

Effects of hyperprolactinemia on the tibial epiphyseal plate of mice treated with sex hormones.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of metoclopramide-induced hyperprolactinemia on the tibial epiphyseal plate of hormone-treated oophorectomized mice. For this purpose, 18 animals with intact ovaries were allocated to two groups, M (metoclopramide) and V (vehicle). One hundred and eight oophorectomized animals were allocated to 12 subgroups: Oophx/V (vehicle); Ooph/M (metoclopramide); Oophx/V + E (vehicle + estradiol); Oophx/M + E (metoclopramide + estradiol); Oophx/V + P (vehicle + progesterone); Oophx/M + P (metoclopramide + progesterone); Oophx/V + T (vehicle + testosterone); Oophx/M + T (metoclopramide + testosterone); Oophx/V + E + P (Vehicle + estradiol + progesterone); Oophx/M + E + P (metoclopramide + estradiol + progesterone); Oophx/V + E + P + T (vehicle + estradiol + progesterone + testosterone); Oophx/M + E + P + T (metoclopramide + estradiol + progesterone + testosterone). After a 50-day treatment was performed histomorphometric and immunohistochemical cell death analysis. In the epiphyseal plate of the hyperprolactinemic and/or oophorectomized animals, cell proliferation and bone formation decreased, inducing intensified cell death. In the sex steroid-treated animals, estrogen boosted cell proliferation; progesterone, bone formation and testosterone, both cell proliferation and bone formation. These findings suggest that oophorectomy and hyperprolactinemia changed epiphyseal plate morphology causing cartilage degeneration. Treatment with combined sex steroids may diminish such deleterious effects.

Biology of Bone Tissue: Structure, Function, and Factors That Influence Bone Cells.

Bone tissue is continuously remodeled through the concerted actions of bone cells, which include bone resorption by osteoclasts and bone formation by osteoblasts, whereas osteocytes act as mechanosensors and orchestrators of the bone remodeling process. This process is under the control of local (e.g., growth factors and cytokines) and systemic (e.g., calcitonin and estrogens) factors that all together contribute for bone homeostasis. An imbalance between bone resorption and formation can result in bone diseases including osteoporosis. Recently, it has been recognized that, during bone remodeling, there are an intricate communication among bone cells. For instance, the coupling from bone resorption to bone formation is achieved by interaction between osteoclasts and osteoblasts. Moreover, osteocytes produce factors that influence osteoblast and osteoclast activities, whereas osteocyte apoptosis is followed by osteoclastic bone resorption. The increasing knowledge about the structure and functions of bone cells contributed to a better understanding of bone biology. It has been suggested that there is a complex communication between bone cells and other organs, indicating the dynamic nature of bone tissue. In this review, we discuss the current data about the structure and functions of bone cells and the factors that influence bone remodeling.

Effects of metformin on the adrenal cortex of androgenized rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sex steroid profile and histomorphometry of the adrenal cortical zones of androgenized rats (wistar) with polycystic ovary syndrome treated with metformin. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty animals were divided into three groups: GC (regular estrous cycle), GPE (permanent estrus), and GPEM (permanent estrus + metformin 28 mg/kg for 50 days). At the end of this period, blood was collected for hormone measurement. The width of the adrenal cortical zones and the nuclear volumes were analyzed by histomorphometry. The ANOVA test was used in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The adrenal glands of the androgenized animals were larger and more intensely vascularized than those of the other groups. The concentration of androstenedione in GPE was higher than that in the other groups (0.4 ± 0.1*>= 0.2 ± 0.1 = 0.2 ± 01, *p < 0.05). The width of the zona glomerulosa and of the zona reticularis and their nuclear volumes were greater in GPE compared to those of the other groups (GPE* > GPEM = GC, *p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Metformin treatment may decrease the serum levels of androstenedione as well as the width and the nuclear volumes of the zona glomerulosa and of the zona reticularis in androgenized animals.

Histomorphometric Analysis and Markers of Endometrial Receptivity Embryonic Implantation in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome During the Treatment With Progesterone.

Literature data indicate that the infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not only attributed to anovulation but also to endometrial dysfunction. Endometrial biopsies were performed in the proliferative and secretory phases of women with normal cycle and in women with PCOS before and after oral treatment with micronized progesterone. After the treatment, the endometrium of the women with PCOS exhibited a lower number of glands and thicker luminal epithelium compared to the normal women in the secretory phase. In addition, the PCOS group exhibited reduced integrin and MECA-79 immunoexpression during the secretory phase. The expression of E-cadherin was higher in the PCOS and the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 was lower in PCOS, during the secretory and proliferative phases, respectively. Also, there is a negative correlation with MECA-79 and integrin expression and body mass index. Conventional doses of progesterone may not be enough to correct the changes of endometrial histomorphology and the receptive markers of PCOS-bearing women. The obesity may be a factor that interferes with this response.

The soybean concentrated extract proliferates the vagina of adult rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate changes induced on the vagina of ovariectomized rats after treatment with soybean concentrated extract or conjugated equine estrogens and the association of both drugs. METHODS: We conducted an experimental study with 50 ovariectomized rats that were randomly divided into five equal groups of 10 animals: GI received vehicle, GII received soybean concentrated extract 46 mg/kg per day, GIII received soybean concentrated extract 120 mg/kg per day, GIV received conjugated equine estrogens 50 µg/kg per day, and GV received conjugated equine estrogens 50 µg/kg and soybean concentrated extract 46 mg/kg per day. The substances were administered by gavage during 21 consecutive days. After that, the animals were killed under anesthesia and the vagina was removed for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Data were initially submitted to analysis of variance. Whenever a significant difference was detected, the study was complemented with the Tukey-Kramer test for multiple comparisons. RESULTS: GII did not show any differences on the vaginal epithelium or collagen compared with GI. GIII presented an increase in vaginal epithelium and collagen amount. GIV had the highest amount of collagen and the signals of vaginal proliferation. GV did not show any additional effect compared with GIV. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that a high dose of isoflavone-rich soy extract may have positive effects on the vaginal structures of ovariectomized rats, but this action is less than that of estrogen treatment on vaginal thickness. In addition, soy extract may not block the estrogen effect on vaginal tissue.

Glycosaminoglycan distribution in the rat uterine cervix during the estrous cycle.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the amount of glycosaminoglycans in the uterine cervix during each phase of the rat estrous cycle. DESIGN: Based on vaginal smears, forty female, regularly cycling rats were divided into four groups (n = 10 for each group): GI - proestrous, GII - estrous, GIII - metaestrous and GIV - diestrous. Animals were sacrificed at each phase of the cycle, and the cervix was immediately removed and submitted to biochemical extraction and determination of sulfated glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronic acid. The results were analyzed by ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post-hoc test. RESULTS: The uterine cervix had the highest amount of total sulfated glycosaminoglycans and dermatan sulfate during the estrous phase (8.90 +/- 0.55 mg/g of cetonic extract, p<0.001; and 8.86 +/- 0.57 mg/g of cetonic extract, p<0.001). In addition, there was more heparan sulfate at the cervix during the proestrous phase (0.185 +/- 0.03 mg/g of cetonic extract) than during any other phase (p<0.001). There were no significant changes in the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the uterine cervix during the estrous cycle. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the amount of total sulfated glycosaminoglycans may be influenced by hormonal fluctuations related to the estrous cycle, with dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate being the glycosaminoglycans most sensitive to hormonal change.

Glycosaminoglycan distribution in the rat uterine cervix during the estrous cycle

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the amount of glycosaminoglycans in the uterine cervix during each phase of the rat estrous cycle. DESIGN: Based on vaginal smears, forty female, regularly cycling rats were divided into four groups (n = 10 for each group): GI - proestrous, GII - estrous, GIII - metaestrous and GIV - diestrous. Animals were sacrificed at each phase of the cycle, and the cervix was immediately removed and submitted to biochemical extraction and determination of sulfated glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronic acid. The results were analyzed by ANOVA followed by the Bonferroni post-hoc test. RESULTS: The uterine cervix had the highest amount of total sulfated glycosaminoglycans and dermatan sulfate during the estrous phase (8.90 ± 0.55 mg/g of cetonic extract, p<0.001; and 8.86 ± 0.57 mg/g of cetonic extract, p<0.001). In addition, there was more heparan sulfate at the cervix during the proestrous phase (0.185 ± 0.03 mg/g of cetonic extract) than during any other phase (p<0.001). There were no significant changes in the concentration of hyaluronic acid in the uterine cervix during the estrous cycle. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the amount of total sulfated glycosaminoglycans may be influenced by hormonal fluctuations related to the estrous cycle, with dermatan sulfate and heparan sulfate being the glycosaminoglycans most sensitive to hormonal change.

[Histomorphologic and respiratory aspects of acute lung injury in rats induced by experimental sepsis and under pentoxifylline treatment]. / Aspectos histomorfológicos e respiratórios em modelo de lesão pulmonar aguda por sepse em ratos tratados com pentoxifilina.

OBJECTIVE: Respiratory repercussion on acute lung injury in a model of induced sepsis intraperitoneally. METHODS: Fifteen animals taken at random were submitted to adult male Wistar rats. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=15): Group C - control group received only mechanical ventilation; Group S - rats received live Escherichia coli (E. coli) intraperitoneally (septic) and after 6 hours they were treated with normal saline infusion and ventilated with a low tidal volume. Group S+PTX - rats received live Escherichia coli intraperitoneally (septic) and after 6 hours they were treated with pentoxifylline (PTX) infusion and ventilated with a low tidal volume. All animals were ventilated during 180 minutes. We analyzed the arterial blood gases, gravimetric indices and histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: Blood gases, wet to dry ratios, and total protein concentrations in the bronchoalveolar lavage were analyzed in all experimental groups. In the end of the experiment the partial pressure of oxygen was higher in the GS+PTX (460,0 +/- 38,2 mmHg) compared with GS (336,0 +/- 14,6 mmHg). Pentoxifylline with low tidal volume attenuated significantly total protein in the bronchoalveolar lavage. The septal diameter was significantly reduced in the group GS compared with group GS+PTX (P < 0,05). CONCLUSIONS: The pentoxifylline ameliorated the oxygenation and decreased the deleterious effects of sepsis in the associated mechanical ventilation.

Aspectos histomorfológicos e respiratórios em modelo de lesão pulmonar aguda por sepse em ratos tratados com pentoxifilina / Histomorphologic and respiratory aspects of acute lung injury in rats induced by experimental sepsis and under pentoxifylline treatment

OBJETIVO: Analisar as alterações histomorfológicas e respiratórias em modelo de lesão pulmonar aguda por sepse em ratos tratados com pentoxifilina. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 15 ratos adultos distribuídos em três grupos (n=5, por grupo), assim constituídos: GC - receberam apenas ventilação mecânica; GS - Animais sépticos tratados com solução salina e mecanicamente ventilados; GS+PTX - Animais sépticos, com infusão de pentoxifilina e mecanicamente ventilados. Todos os animais foram ventilados por um período de 180 minutos. Ao final deste período, foram avaliadas variáveis gasométricas (gasometria arterial), gravimétricas (relação peso úmido/peso seco), concentração de proteínas totais no lavado broncoalveolar e histomorfométricas (espessura dos septos alveolares). Os dados obtidos foram submetidos a análise estatística (P < 0,05) RESULTADOS: A pressão parcial de oxigênio ao final do experimento mostrou-se elevada no grupo GS+PTX (460,0 ± 38,2 mmHg) em relação ao grupo GS (336,0 ± 14,6 mmHg) (P < 0,05). No grupo GS, a concentração de proteínas no lavado broncoalveolar encontrou-se aumentada em relação aos demais grupos; no entanto, se mostrou atenuada após a administração de pentoxifilina. Notamos, pela morfologia em todos os grupos avaliados, vasodilatação nos septos alveolares e no grupo S alguns alvéolos apresentaram-se repletos de macrófagos. Estes aspectos foram atenuados no GS+PTX. A espessura dos septos alveolares mostrou uma significante redução no grupo GS+PTX quando comparado com o grupo GS (P < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: A pentoxifilina restabelece a oxigenação e reduz os efeitos deletérios do processo de sepse em associação à ventilação mecânica com baixo volume corrente.

OBJECTIVE: Respiratory repercussion on acute lung injury in a model of induced sepsis intraperitoneally. METHODS: Fifteen animals taken at random were submitted to adult male Wistar rats. The rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=15): Group C - control group received only mechanical ventilation; Group S - rats received live Escherichia coli (E. coli) intraperitoneally (septic) and after 6 hours they were treated with normal saline infusion and ventilated with a low tidal volume. Group S+PTX - rats received live Escherichia coli intraperitoneally (septic) and after 6 hours they were treated with pentoxifylline (PTX) infusion and ventilated with a low tidal volume. All animals were ventilated during 180 minutes. We analyzed the arterial blood gases, gravimetric indices and histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: Blood gases, wet to dry ratios, and total protein concentrations in the bronchoalveolar lavage were analyzed in all experimental groups. In the end of the experiment the partial pressure of oxygen was higher in the GS+PTX (460,0 ± 38,2 mmHg) compared with GS (336,0 ± 14,6 mmHg). Pentoxifylline with low tidal volume attenuated significantly total protein in the bronchoalveolar lavage. The septal diameter was significantly reduced in the group GS compared with group GS+PTX (P < 0,05). CONCLUSIONS:The pentoxifylline ameliorated the oxygenation and decreased the deleterious effects of sepsis in the associated mechanical ventilation.

The effects of pentoxifylline into the kidneys of rats in a model of unilateral hindlimb ischemia/reperfusion injury.

PURPOSE: To study the role of pentoxifylline (PTX) on remote kidney injury caused by muscle ischemia of left hindlimb of rats. METHODS: After xylazine and ketamine anesthesia, the left hindlimb of rats (n=66) were submitted to 6 hours ischemia (clamping the left common iliac artery). Three groups were used: sham group (SG, n=6), early group (EG, n=30) with reperfusion after 4 hours and late group (LG, n=30) with reperfusion after 24 hours. The saline solution (EG1, n=10 and LG1, n=10) or PTX (40 mg.Kg-1) was administered in the reperfusion beginning (EG2, n=10/LG2, n=10) or divided in two doses in the ischemia beginning and reperfusion beginning (EG3, n=10/LG3, n=10). The plasmatic creatinokinase, urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium values were measure and histological samples from left kidney were prepared and H&E stained for scored cellular necrosis and degeneration of kidney tubules and thickness glomerulus determination. The apoptosis index was determined by immunohistochemical expression of the caspase-3. The tests of Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis (p

The effects of pentoxifylline into the kidneys of rats in a model of unilateral hindlimb ischemia/reperfusion injury

PURPOSE: To study the role of pentoxifylline (PTX) on remote kidney injury caused by muscle ischemia of left hindlimb of rats. METHODS: After xylazine and ketamine anesthesia, the left hindlimb of rats (n=66) were submitted to 6 hours ischemia (clamping the left common iliac artery). Three groups were used: sham group (SG, n=6), early group (EG, n=30) with reperfusion after 4 hours and late group (LG, n=30) with reperfusion after 24 hours. The saline solution (EG1, n=10 and LG1, n=10) or PTX (40mg.Kg-1) was administered in the reperfusion beginning (EG2, n=10/LG2, n=10) or divided in two doses in the ischemia beginning and reperfusion beginning (EG3, n=10/LG3, n=10). The plasmatic creatinokinase, urea, creatinine, sodium and potassium values were measure and histological samples from left kidney were prepared and H&E stained for scored cellular necrosis and degeneration of kidney tubules and thickness glomerulus determination. The apoptosis index was determined by immunohistochemical expression of the caspase-3. The tests of Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis (p < 0.05) were applied. RESULTS: The urea (90.5 ± 30.96 mg.dL-1), creatinine (2.28 ± 0.54 mg.dL-1), potassium (16 ± 3.66 mmol.dL-1) and mesangium thickness (0.97 ± 0.42 µm) values were significantly higher in group LG3. There was no significantly difference of caspase 3 expression between EG2 (16.35 ± 1.65 percent) and LG3 (15.57 ± 2.54 percent), and both were significantly worse than SG (9.8 ± 1.98 percent). CONCLUSIONS: The PTX has some protecting effect on remote kidney injury due to hindlimb ischemia/reperfusion injury only in the early phase of reperfusion.

OBJETIVO: Estudar o papel da pentoxifilina (PTX) nas lesões à distância no rim causadas pela isquemia no membro posterior esquerdo de ratos. MÉTODOS: Sob anestesia com xilazina e quetamina, o membro posterior de ratos (n=66) foi submetido a 6 horas de isquemia pelo clampeamento da artéria ilíaca comum esquerda. Foram estudados três grupos: grupo simulado (SG, n=6), grupo precoce (EG, n=30) após quatro horas de reperfusão e grupo tardio (LG, n=30) após 24 de reperfusão. A solução salina (EG1, n=10 e LG1, n=10) ou a PTX (40mg.Kg-1) foram administradas no início da reperfusão(EG2, n=10/LG2, n=10) ou divididas em duas aplicações no início da isquemia e no início da reperfusão (EG3, n=10/LG3, n=10). Foram medidos os valores plasmáticos da creatinofosfoquinase, uréia, creatinina, sódio e potássio. Amostras do rim esquerdo foram preparadas e coradas em HE para realizar o escore de necrose de células tubulares renais ou presença de obstrução tubular renal na área do córtex renal e da presença do espessamento do mesângio glomerular. O índice de apoptose foi determinado pela expressão imunoistoquímica da caspase-3. Foram aplicados os testes de Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis (p < 0.05). RESULTADOS: a dosagem de uréia (90,5 ± 30,96 mg.dL-1), creatinina (2,28 ± 0,54 mg.dL-1), potássio (16 ± 3,66 mmol.dL-1) e a espessura do mesângio(0,97 ± 0,42 µm) foram significantemente maiores nos animais do grupo LG3. Não houve diferença significante na expressão da caspase-3 entre os grupos EG2 (16,35 ± 1,65 por cento) e LG3 (15,57 ± 2,54 por cento) e ambos foram significantemente piores que o grupo SG (9,8 ± 1,98 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: A PTX oferece algum efeito protetor nas lesões à distância nos rins de animais submetidos à lesão de isquemia e reperfusão de membro posterior, no período de até quatro horas após a reperfusão.