Hypermethioninemia induces memory deficits and morphological changes in hippocampus of young rats: implications on pathogenesis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the chronic administration of methionine (Met) and/or its metabolite, methionine sulfoxide (MetO), on the behavior and neurochemical parameters of young rats. Rats were treated with saline (control), Met (0.2-0.4 g/kg), MetO (0.05-0.1 g/kg), and/or a combination of Met + MetO, subcutaneously twice a day from postnatal day 6 (P6) to P28. The results showed that Met, MetO, and Met + MetO impaired short-term and spatial memories (P < 0.05), reduced rearing and grooming (P < 0.05), but did not alter locomotor activity (P > 0.05). Acetylcholinesterase activity was increased in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and striatum following Met and/or MetO (P < 0.05) treatment, while Na+, K+-ATPase activity was reduced in the hippocampus (P < 0.05). There was an increase in the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the cerebral cortex in Met-, MetO-, and Met + MetO-treated rats (P < 0.05). Met and/or MetO treatment reduced superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activity, total thiol content, and nitrite levels, and increased reactive oxygen species and TBARS levels in the hippocampus and striatum (P < 0.05). Hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor was reduced by MetO and Met + MetO compared with the control group. The number of NeuN-positive cells was decreased in the CA3 in Met + MetO group and in the dentate gyrus in the Met, MetO, and Met + MetO groups compared to control group (P < 0.05). Taken together, these findings further increase our understanding of changes in the brain in hypermethioninemia by elucidating behavioral alterations, biological mechanisms, and the vulnerability of brain function to high concentrations of Met and MetO.

The neuroprotective role of melatonin in a gestational hypermethioninemia model.

Elevated levels of methionine in blood characterize the hypermethioninemia, which may have genetic or non-genetic origin, as for example from high protein diet. Born rats from hypermethioninemic mothers presented cerebral oxidative stress, inhibition of Na+,K+-ATPase, memory deficit and ultrastructure cerebral changes. Melatonin is a hormone involved in circadian rhythm and has antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to verify the possible neuroprotective effects of melatonin administration in hypermethioninemic pregnant rats on damage to biomolecules (Na+,K+-ATPase, sulfhydryl content and DNA damage index) and behavior (open field, novel object recognition and water maze tasks), as well as its effect on cells morphology by electron microscopy in offspring. Wistar female rats received methionine (2.68 µmol/g body weight) and/or melatonin (10 mg/kg body weight) by subcutaneous injections during entire pregnancy. Control rats received saline. Biochemical analyzes were performed at 21 and 30 days of life of offspring and behavioral analyzes were performed only at 30 days of age in male pups. Results showed that gestational hypermethioninemia diminished Na+,K+-ATPase activity and sulfhydryl content and increased DNA damage at 21 and 30 days of life. Melatonin was able to totally prevent Na+,K+-ATPase activity alteration at 21 days and partially prevent its alteration at 30 days of rats life. Melatonin was unable in to prevent sulfhydryl and DNA damage at two ages. It also improved DNA damage, but not at level of saline animals (controls). Regarding to behavioral tests, data showed that pups exposed to gestational hypermethioninemia decreased reference memory in water maze, spent more time to the center of the open field and did not differentiate the objects in the recognition test. Melatonin was able to prevent the deficit in novel object recognition task. Electron microscopy revealed ultrastructure alterations in neurons of hypermethioninemic at both ages of offspring, whose were prevented by melatonin. These findings suggest that melatonin may be a good neuroprotective to minimize the harmful effects of gestational hypermethioninemia on offspring.

Interset Stretching vs. Traditional Strength Training: Effects on Muscle Strength and Size in Untrained Individuals.

Evangelista, AL, De Souza, EO, Moreira, DCB, Alonso, AC, Teixeira, CVLS, Wadhi, T, Rauch, J, Bocalini, DS, Pereira, PEDA, and Greve, JMDA. Interset stretching vs. traditional strength training: effects on muscle strength and size in untrained individuals. J Strength Cond Res 33(7S): S159-S166, 2019-This study compared the effects of 8 weeks of traditional strength training (TST) and interset stretching (ISS) combined with TST on muscular adaptations. Twenty-nine sedentary, healthy adults were randomly assigned to either the TST (n = 17; 28.0 ± 6.4 years) or ISS (n = 12; 26.8 ± 6.1 years) group. Both groups performed 6 strength exercises encompassing the whole body (bench press, elbow extension, seated rows, biceps curl, knee extension, and knee flexion) performing 4 sets of 8-12 repetition maximum (RM) with a 90-second rest between sets. However, the ISS group performed static passive stretching, at maximum amplitude, for 30 seconds between sets. Both groups performed training sessions twice a week on nonconsecutive days. Muscle strength (i.e., 1RM) and hypertrophy (i.e., muscle thickness [MT] by ultrasonography) were measured at pre-test and after 8 weeks of training. Both groups increased 1RM bench press (p ≤ 0.0001): ISS (23.4%, CIdiff: 4.3 kg-11.1 kg) and TST (22.2%, CIdiff: 5.2 kg-10.9 kg) and 1RM knee extension (p ≤ 0.0001): ISS (25.5%, CIdiff: 5.6 kg-15.0 kg) and TST (20.6%, CIdiff: 4.4 kg-12.3 kg). Both groups increased MT of biceps brachii (BIMT), triceps brachii (TRMT), and rectus femoris (RFMT) (p ≤ 0.0001). BIMT: ISS (7.2%, CIdiff: 1.14-3.5 mm) and TST (4.7%, CIdiff: 0.5-2.5 mm), TRMT: ISS (12.3%, CIdiff: 1.1-4.4 mm) and TST (7.1%, CIdiff: 0.3-3.1 mm), and RFMT: ISS (12.4%, CIdiff: 1.1-2.9 mm) and TST (9.1%, CIdiff: 0.7-2.2 mm). For vastus lateralis muscle thickness (VLMT) and sum of the 4 muscle thickness sites (ΣMT), there was a significant group by time interaction (p ≤ 0.02) in which ISS increased VLMT and ΣMT to a greater extent than TST. Vastus lateralis muscle thickness: ISS (17.0%, CIdiff: 1.5-3.1 mm) and TST (7.3%, CIdiff: 0.7-2.1 mm), and ΣMT: ISS (10.5%, CIdiff: 6.5-9.0 mm) and TST (6.7%, CIdiff: 3.9-8.3 mm). Although our findings might suggest a benefit of adding ISS into TST for optimizing muscle hypertrophy, our data are not sufficient enough to conclude that ISS is superior to TST for inducing muscle hypertrophic adaptations. More studies are warranted to elucidate the effects of ISS compared with TST protocols on skeletal muscle. However, our findings support that adding ISS to regular TST regimens does not compromise muscular adaptations during the early phase of training (<8 weeks) in untrained individuals.

Vitamin D partially reverses the increase in p-NF-κB/p65 immunocontent and interleukin-6 levels, but not in acetylcholinesterase activity in hippocampus of adult female ovariectomized rats.

The aim of this study was to verify the effects of ovariectomy (OVX) and/or vitamin D supplementation (VIT D) on inflammatory and cholinergic parameters in hippocampus, as well as on serum estradiol and VIT D levels of rats. Ninety-day-old female Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: SHAM, OVX, VIT D or OVX + VIT D. Thirty days after OVX, VIT D (500 IU/kg/day) was supplemented by gavage, for 30 days. Approximately 12 h after the last VIT D administration, rats were euthanized and hippocampus and serum were obtained for further analyses. Results showed that OVX rats presented a decrease in estradiol levels when compared to control (SHAM). There was an increase in VIT D levels in the groups submitted to VIT D supplementation. OVX increased the immunocontent of nuclear p-NF-κB/p65, TNF-α and IL-6 levels. VIT D partially reversed the increase in p-NF-κB/p65 immunocontent and IL-6 levels. Regarding cholinergic system, OVX caused an increase in acetylcholinesterase activity without changing acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase immunocontents. VIT D did not reverse the increase in acetylcholinesterase activity caused by OVX. These results demonstrate that OVX alters inflammatory and cholinergic parameters and that VIT D supplementation, at the dose used, partially reversed the increase in immunocontent of p-NF-Kb/p65 and IL-6 levels, but it was not able to reverse other parameters studied. Our findings may help in the understanding of the brain changes that occurs in post menopause period and open perspectives for futures research involving VIT D therapies.

Chronic Mild Hyperhomocysteinemia Alters Inflammatory and Oxidative/Nitrative Status and Causes Protein/DNA Damage, as well as Ultrastructural Changes in Cerebral Cortex: Is Acetylsalicylic Acid Neuroprotective?

Homocysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid derived from methionine metabolism. When plasma homocysteine levels exceed 10-15 µM, there is a condition known as hyperhomocysteinemia, which occur as a result of an inborn error of methionine metabolism or by non-genetic causes. Mild hyperhomocysteinemia is considered a risk factor for development of neurodegenerative diseases. The objective of the present study was to evaluate whether acetylsalicylic acid has neuroprotective role on the effect of homocysteine on inflammatory, oxidative/nitrative stress, and morphological parameters in cerebral cortex of rats subjected to chronic mild hyperhomocysteinemia. Wistar male rats received homocysteine (0.03 µmol/g of body weight) by subcutaneous injections twice a day and acetylsalicylic acid (25 mg/Kg of body weight) by intraperitoneal injections once a day from the 30th to the 60th postpartum day. Control rats received vehicle solution in the same volume. Results showed that rats subjected to chronic mild hyperhomocysteinemia significantly increased IL-1ß, IL-6, and acetylcholinesterase activity and reduced nitrite levels. Homocysteine decreased catalase activity and immunocontent and superoxide dismutase activity, caused protein and DNA damage, and altered neurons ultrastructure. Acetylsalicylic acid totally prevented the effect of homocysteine on acetylcholinesterase activity and catalase activity and immunocontent, as well as the ultrastructural changes, and partially prevented alterations on IL-1ß levels, superoxide dismutase activity, sulfhydryl content, and comet assay. Acetylsalicylic acid per se increased DNA damage index. In summary, our findings showed that chronic chemically induced model of mild hyperhomocysteinemia altered some parameters and acetylsalicylic acid administration seemed to be neuroprotective, at least in part, on neurotoxicity of homocysteine.

Desenvolvimento ocular / Ocular development

O conhecimento do desenvolvimento da visão é fundamental ao clínico/pediatra. Os aspectos da maturação visual devem ser considerados, não só para orientação, mas também para a prevenção e tratamento de perdas visuais.O desenvolvimento de cada porção ocular se dá individualmente, em prazos variáveis, constituindo, assim, possibilidades visuais, muitas vezes, bastante abaixo do que se poderia esperar pelo aspecto externo do olho. A observação isolada de cada parte principal da maturação ocular pode facilitar a compreensão e a orientação semiológica para determinada idade e capacidade funcional da criança.

Estudo do anticorpo monoclonal 56G anti-Streptococcus mutans: papel na prevenção e colonização da superfície de corpos de prova confeccionados com resina composta / Evaluation of a 56G Anti - Streptococcus mutans monoclonal antibody: role in the prevention of colonization on surface of composite resin

Neste trabalho foi realizada uma análise, in vitro, da capacidade do anticorpo monoclonal (Acmo) 56G anti-Streptococcus mutans de impedir ou interferir na aderência e colonização de S.mutans (cepa GS5) à superfície de corpos de prova confeccionados com Resina Composta Híbrida TPH (Dentsply). Vinte corpos de prova foram preparados, desinfetados com gluconato de clorexidina ou esterilizados por radiação gama com cobalto 60 e incubados em tubos de ensaio contendomeio sacarosado e um inóculo de S. mutans. Metade dos corpos de prova constituiu o grupo tratado e, por isso,recebeu uma alíquota do Acmo; a outra metade destinou-se ao grupo controle. As películas bacterianas aderidas sobre as pastilhas de resina dos grupos tratado e controle foram quantificadas e comparadas através da dosagem de carboidratos e proteínas presentes nas mesmas, além da determinação do número de UFC/ml. Verificou-se que não havia diferença entre a desinfecção com clorexidina e a esterilização por radiação gama, e que o biofilme bacteriano formado na presença doAcmo não diferia daquele formado na sua ausência, tanto nas dosagens de carboidratos e proteínas (p=0,577 e p=0,705, respectivamente) quanto na microbiológica (p=0,488). Conclui-se que o Acmo 56G não foi efetivo na prevenção da colonização da superfície dos corpos de prova confeccionados em resina pelo S. mutans.

Neuropsychological rehabilitation in a patient with ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysm: 48 month outcomes.

The neurobehavioral impairments associated with aneurysms of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) are severe amnesia, executive problems and personality changes. Although most patients achieve a favorable neurological outcome, those cognitive deficits usually prevent return to previous activities and levels of social integration. OBJECTIVES: To report the outcomes of a neuropsychological and behavioral intervention in a 55 year-old man with very severe memory and executive dysfunctions following ACoA aneurysm rupture. METHODS: Neuropsychological intervention focused in functional adjustment in everyday life was used, including individual sessions with the patient, discussion sessions with caregivers and also work with patient at home, aiming generalization of the rehabilitation strategies. Neuropsychological and functional assessments were conducted pre and post intervention. RESULTS: Important improvements were seeing in behavior and daily living performance after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A neuropsychological rehabilitation approach focused on goals based on the family and caregivers necessities is an efficient manner in which to carry out cognitive rehabilitation in severe cases. The importance of a supportive family should be stressed.

Os prejuízos neuro-comportamentais associados a aneurismas de artéria comunicante anterior (ACoA) são amnésia severa, dificuldades executivas e alterações de personalidade. Embora muitos pacientes alcancem uma recuperação neurológica favorável, os prejuízos cognitivos acabam impedindo o retorno às atividades prévias e ao mesmo nível de integração social. OBJETIVOS: Relatar os resultados de uma intervenção neuropsicológica e comportamental junto a um homem de 55 anos, com dificuldades severas de memória e funções executivas secundárias a ruptura de aneurisma de ACoA. MÉTODOS: Foi empregada intervenção neuropsicológica com foco na adaptação funcional na vida diária. Foram realizadas sessões individuais com o paciente, sessões de discussão com cuidadores, além de trabalho com o paciente em casa, visando a generalização das estratégias de reabilitação. Foram realizadas avaliações neuropsicológica e funcional pré e pós-intervenção. RESULTADOS: Foram observadas melhoras importantes no comportamento e no desempenho da vida diária após o tratamento. CONCLUSÕES: reabilitação neuropsicológica com foco nas necessidades dos familiares e cuidadores revelou-se eficiente maneira de realizar a reabilitação neuropsicológica em casos graves. A importância do apoio da família deve ser ressaltada.

Production of monoclonal antibodies against Streptococcus mutans antigens

Several studies have been conducted in the last decades aiming to obtain an anti-caries vaccine, however some studies have demonstrated cross reactivity between Streptococcus mutans surface antigens and the human cardiac tissue. In this work, the reactivity of five anti-Streptococcus mutans monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) (24A, 56G, C8, E8 and F6) was tested against oral streptococci, cardiac antigens and skeletal and cardiac myosins, aiming to evaluate the specificity of these MoAb. The hybrid producers of immunoglobulins of the IgG2b class were cloned by limit dilution and expanded in vivo. MoAb were tested by ELISA. The hybrid 24A reacted with S. mutans CCT 1910, S. salivarius CCT 0365 and S. pyogenes T23. No reactivity difference was observed among the tested species. Cross reactivity with heart and cardiac myosin was not confirmed and only reaction with myosin of skeletal muscle was observed (p = 0.0381). The hybrid 56G reacted with all the tested microorganisms and there was statistically significant difference between S. mutans and S. pyogenes T23 (p < 0.001). This hybrid also reacted with myosin of skeletal muscle (p = 0.0095). C8, E8 and F6 presented low reactivity against oral streptococci strains and no reactivity against cardiac antigens. The data of this study showed that the 24A and 56G anti-S. mutans MoAb presented reactivity with S. pyogenes and S. salivarius, reinforcing the occurrence of common antigens between these species. The tested MoAb presented low cross-reactivity with myosin of skeletal muscle, but anti-heart activity could not be confirmed.

Diversos estudos foram realizados nas últimas décadas com o intuito de se obter uma vacina anticárie dentária, mas alguns trabalhos têm demonstrado reatividade cruzada entre antígenos de superfície de Streptococcus mutans e tecido cardíaco humano. Neste trabalho, foi testada a reatividade de cinco anticorpos monoclonais (AcMo) anti-Streptococcus mutans (24A, 56G, C8, E8 e F6) contra estreptococos orais, antígenos cardíacos e miosinas esquelética e cardíaca, no intuito de avaliar a especificidade desses AcMo. Os híbridos produtores de imunoglobulinas da classe IgG2b foram clonados por diluição limite e expandidos in vivo. Os AcMo foram testados por ELISA. O híbrido 24A reagiu com S. mutans CCT 1910, S. salivarius CCT 0365 e S. pyogenes T23. Nenhuma diferença de reatividade foi detectada entre as espécies analisadas. Reatividade cruzada com coração e miosina cardíaca não foi confirmada, existindo somente reação com miosina de músculo esquelético (p = 0,0381). O híbrido 56G reagiu com todos os microrganismos testados e houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre S. mutans e S. pyogenes T23 (p < 0,001). Este híbrido também reagiu com miosina de músculo esquelético (p = 0,0095). C8, E8 e F6 apresentaram baixa reatividade contra cepas de estreptococos orais e nenhuma reatividade com antígenos cardíacos. Os dados deste trabalho demonstraram que os AcMo 24A e 56G anti-S. mutans reagiram com S. pyogenes e S. salivarius, confirmando a existência de antígenos comuns entre essas espécies. Esses AcMo avaliados apresentaram baixa reatividade cruzada com miosina de músculo esquelético, porém a atividade anticoração não foi confirmada.

Efeito do anticorpo monoclonal 56G sobre o crescimento de Streptococcus mutans em caldo e no acúmulo de placa bacteriana in vitro / Effect of monoclonal antibodies 56G on the growth of Streptococcus mutans in broth and

O anticorpo monoclonal (Acmo) anti-Streptococcus mutans 56G foi analisado quanto ao efeito na aderência e crescimento da placa bacteriana in vitro, e quanto ao crescimento em caldo e no comprimento da cadeia do estreptococo. O Acmo foi purifi cado em proteína A - Sepharose e testado em ELISA frente a quatro cepas de S. mutans (ATCC 35668, SP, GS5, CD28A). O Acmo reconheceu com maior intensidade a cepa GS5. As placas bacterianas formadas in vitro na presença do Acmo apresentou menos carboidrato total (polissacarídeo extracelular) que o grupo controle e essa diferença foi signifi cante (p>0,001). A placa bacteriana do grupo tratado, formada sobre uma lamínula de vidro, era diferente da placa controle e apresentava agregados menores que cobriam a lamínula quase completamente. O Acmo 56G não infl uenciou o crescimento bacteriano, nem o comprimento da cadeia de S. mutans.Os resultados desse trabalho sugerem que o Acmo testado deve reconhecer a glicosiltransferase (GTF) de S. mutans presente na superfície bacteriana, interferindo na síntese de glucano por essa enzima.

Estudo da interação entre anticorpos monoclonais anti-Streptococcus mutans e / Evaluation of the interactions between anti-Streptococcus mutans monoclonal antibodies and oral streptococci antigens

Nesse trabalho estudou-se a reatividade de dois anticorpos monoclonais (Acmo) anti-Streptococcus mutans (24A e 56G) desenvolvidos no Laboratório de Imunologia da Faculdade de Odontologia de São José dos Campos-UNESP, frente às cepas de estreptococos orais (S. salivarius, S. mutans e S. pyogenes) pelo ELISA e Western blot. Estes anticorpos eram da classe IgG2b e foram purificados em proteína A. O Acmo 56G mostrou ser o mais reativo com S. mutans. Testado no Western Blot (WB) com o antígeno citoplasmático (AgC) de S.mutans, 56G marcou uma única banda de 53kDa. Com o antígeno de superfície (AgSu) e com células inteiras dos microrganismos estudados, 56G reagiu com componentes de pesos moleculares mais elevados como 116 e 155 kDa. Foi detectada reatividade cruzada do Acmo 56G, no WB, com outros estreptococos orais (S. pyogenes, S. salivarius, S. sobrinus), constatando o compartilhamento de antígenos entre as espécies testadas, o que pode ser um fator importante no desenvolvimento de doenças, como a febre reumática.

Production of monoclonal antibodies against Streptococcus mutans antigens.

Several studies have been conducted in the last decades aiming to obtain an anti-caries vaccine, however some studies have demonstrated cross reactivity between Streptococcus mutans surface antigens and the human cardiac tissue. In this work, the reactivity of five anti-Streptococcus mutans monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) (24A, 56G, C8, E8 and F6) was tested against oral streptococci, cardiac antigens and skeletal and cardiac myosins, aiming to evaluate the specificity of these MoAb. The hybrid producers of immunoglobulins of the IgG2b class were cloned by limit dilution and expanded in vivo. MoAb were tested by ELISA. The hybrid 24A reacted with S. mutans CCT 1910, S. salivarius CCT 0365 and S. pyogenes T23. No reactivity difference was observed among the tested species. Cross reactivity with heart and cardiac myosin was not confirmed and only reaction with myosin of skeletal muscle was observed (p = 0.0381). The hybrid 56G reacted with all the tested microorganisms and there was statistically significant difference between S. mutans and S. pyogenes T23 (p < 0.001). This hybrid also reacted with myosin of skeletal muscle (p = 0.0095). C8, E8 and F6 presented low reactivity against oral streptococci strains and no reactivity against cardiac antigens. The data of this study showed that the 24A and 56G anti-S. mutans MoAb presented reactivity with S. pyogenes and S. salivarius, reinforcing the occurrence of common antigens between these species. The tested MoAb presented low cross-reactivity with myosin of skeletal muscle, but anti-heart activity could not be confirmed.

Citomegaloviroses: clínica, diagnóstico e tratamento / Cytomegalovirosis: clinical, diagnosis and treatment

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir as manifestações da citomegalovirose, enfocando aspectos etiopatogênicos, epidemiológicos, manifestações clínicas, diagnóstico laboratorial, tratamento e profilaxia.

Meningite bacteriana aguda: revisão da literatura / Acute bacterial meningitis: literature review

Meningite bacteriana aguda (MBA) constitui o grupo mais freqüente de infecções do sistema nervoso central (SNC). É uma situação de grande importância epidemiológica, social e econômica relacionada à alta morbiletalidade e possibilidade de acometimento de qualquer faixa etária. No presente artigo os autores discutem a clínica, o diagnóstico e o tratamento da meningite bacteriana aguda

Candida spp.biotypes in the oral cavity of school children from different socioeconomic categories in Piracicaba - SP, Brazil / Biotipos de candida spp.na cavidade oral de escolares de diferentes categorias socioeconômicas de Piracicaba - SP, Brasil

Duzentos e trinta e nove crianças brasileiras foram estudadas, distribuídas em cinco categorias socioeconômicas distintas (A a E). As amostras de saliva foram analisadas avaliando-se o fluxo salivar, pH, capacidade tampäo e parâmetros microbianos. Os resultados mostraram Candida em 47,3 por cento da amostra total. A espécie mais encontrada foi C. albicans em todas as categorias socioeconômicas seguidas por C. tropicalis, C. krusei e C. parapsilosis. A saliva e os parâmetros de investigaçäo clínicos como a proporçäo de secreçäo, capacidade tampäo e CFU/ml de Candida näo mostraram nenhuma correlaçäo estatística entre estes parâmetros. A freqüência de Candida näo diferiu substancialmente entre os grupos; no entanto elas foram mais acentuadas entre as categorias B e C. Entre todas as espécies, C. albicans foi a mais prevalente. Somente 5 por cento das amostras mostraram mais de uma espécie e revelaram a presença de C. albicans associada com C. tropicalis, C. Parapsilosis ou C. krusei. Foi possível detectar uma correlaçäo significante entre os índices de cárie e as categorias socioeconômicas. As categorias A e E mostraram índices de cárie aumentados; no entanto, a amostra da populaçäo foi considerada de risco de cárie baixo. Näo havia nenhuma correlaçäo positiva entre Candida e risco de cárie

Produção de anticorpo monoclonal reativo com leveduras do gênero Candida / Production of monoclonal antibody reactive with yeast of the genus Candida

O presente estudo teve como objetivo a produção de um anticorpo monoclonal reativo com leveduras do gênero Candida. Esplenócitos de camundongos BALB/c previamente imunizados com Candida foram fusionados in vitro com células de mieloma Sp2-OAg14 e os híbridos resultantes mantidos em cultura a 37 graus C com 5 por cento de CO2. Os sobrenadantes das células em crescimento foram testados por ELISA para a produção de anticorpos. Os pontos positivos (0,29 por cento) foram clonados para obter-se o anticorpo monoclonal e posteriormente expandidos in vivo em peritôneo de camundongo. O anticorpo produzido pelo clone foi purificado e isotipado. O anticorpo monoclonal foi denominado 76 C e é uma IgMk. O 76C é dirigido para um epítopo de mananoproteína da parede celular de Candida, cuja natureza ainda não foi completamente elucidada. O anticorpo 76C foi analisado por DOT BLOT contra diferentes cepas de Candida reagindo positivamente com 87,5 por cento das amostras testadas. O anticorpo monoclonal (76C) será uma ferramenta útil no estudo sorológico de pacientes com candidose invasiva