Proteomic identification and purification of seed proteins from native Amazonian species displaying antifungal activity.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Seeds of native species from the rain forest (Amazon) are source of chitinases and their protein extracts exhibited strong and broad antifungal activity. Numerous plant species native to the Amazon have not yet been chemically studied. Studies of seeds are scarcer, since adversities in accessing study areas and seasonality pose constant hurdles to systematic research. In this study, proteins were extracted from seeds belonging to endemic Amazon species and were investigated for the first time. Proteolytic activity, peptidase inhibitors, and chitinases were identified, but chitinolytic activity predominated. Four proteins were purified through chromatography and identified as lectin and chitinases by MS/MS analyses. The proteins were examined for inhibition of a phytopathogen (Fusarium oxysporum). Analyses by fluorescence microscopy suggested binding of propidium iodide to DNA of fungal spores, revealing that spore integrity was lost when accessed by the proteins. Further structural and functional analyses of defensive proteins belonging to species facing highly complex ecosystems such as Amazonia should be conducted, since these could provide new insights into specificity and synergism involving defense proteins of plants submitted to a very complex ecosystem.

Contribution of the carbohydrate-binding ability of Vatairea guianensis lectin to induce edematogenic activity.

Vatairea guianensis lectin (VGL), Dalbergiae tribe, is a N-acetyl-galactosamine (GalNAc)/Galactose (Gal) lectin previously purified and characterized. In this work, we report its structural features, obtained from bioinformatics tools, and its inflammatory effect, obtained from a rat paw edema model. The VGL model was obtained by homology with the lectin of Vatairea macrocarpa (VML) as template, and we used it to demonstrate the common characteristics of legume lectins, such as the jellyroll motif and presence of a metal-binding site in the vicinity of the carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD). Protein-ligand docking revealed favorable interactions with N-acetyl-d-galactosamine, d-galactose and related sugars as well as several biologically relevant N- and O-glycans. In vivo testing of paw edema revealed that VGL induces edematogenic effect involving prostaglandins, interleukins and VGL CRD. Taken together, these data corroborate with previous reports showing that VGL interacts with N- and/or O-glycans of molecular targets, particularly in those presenting galactosides in their structure, contributing to the lectin inflammatory effect.

Morpho-anatomical study of Stevia rebaudiana roots grown in vitro and in vivo

ABSTRACT Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni, Asteraceae, is used as a food additive because its leaves are a source of steviol glycosides. There are examples of tissue culture based on micropropagation and phytochemical production of S. rebaudiana leaves but there are few studies on adventitious root culture of S. rebaudiana. More than 90% of the plants used in industry are harvested indiscriminately. In order to overcome this situation, the development of methodologies that employ biotechnology, such as root culture, provides suitable alternatives for the sustainable use of plants. The aim of this study was to compare morpho-anatomical transverse sections of S. rebaudiana roots grown in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro system used to maintain root cultures consisted of a gyratory shaker under dark and light conditions and a roller bottle system. Transverse sections of S. rebaudiana roots grown in vitro were structurally and morphologically different when compared to the control plant; roots artificially maintained in culture media can have their development affected by the degree of media aeration, sugar concentration, and light. GC–MS and TLC confirmed that S. rebaudiana roots grown in vitro have the ability to produce metabolites, which can be similar to those produced by wild plants.

Preventing False Negatives for Histochemical Detection of Phenolics and Lignins in PEG-Embedded Plant Tissues.

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a low-cost and advantageous embedding medium, which maintains the majority of cell contents unaltered during the embedding process. Some hard or complex plant materials are better embedded in PEG than in other usual embedding media. However, the histochemical tests for phenolics and lignins in PEG-embedded plant tissues commonly result in false negatives. We hypothesize that these false negatives should be prevented by the use of distinct fixatives, which should avoid the bonds between PEG and phenols. Novel protocols for phenolics and flavanols detection are efficiently tested, with fixation of the samples in ferrous sulfate and formalin or in caffeine and sodium benzoate, respectively. The differentiation of lignin types is possible in safranin-stained sections observed under fluorescence. The Maule's test faultlessly distinguishes syringyl-rich from guaiacyl- and hydroxyphenyl-rich lignins in PEG-embedded material under light microscopy. Current hypothesis is corroborated, that is, the adequate fixation solves the false-negative results, and the new proposed protocols fill up some gaps on the detection of phenolics and lignins.

Método imunomagnético associado ao meio MesenCult® na obtenção de células mononucleares da medula óssea de coelhos negativas para o anticorpo monoclonal CD45 / Immunomagnetic method associated with MesenCult® medium to obtain bone marrow mononuclear cells from rabbits negative for CD45 monoclonal antibody

O objetivo detse artigo é de descrever um protocolo de isolamento das células mononucleares da medula óssea de coelhos, seguido de purificação celular por depleção negativa com o anticorpo monoclonal CD45 e posterior expansão em meio de cultura MesenCult®. Dez coelhos machos adultos, da raça Nova Zelândia, com idade média de 1,0±0,2 anos e peso médio 3,5±0,24kg, foram utilizados para padronização da metodologia. O isolamento das células mononuclares da medula óssea foi realizado pelo gradiente de densidade Ficoll-paque® e a purificação e obtenção das células- pela depleção negativa com o anticorpo monoclonal CD45 em base imunomagnética. A população celular obtida foi expandida posteriormente em meio de cultura MesenCult®. No isolamento pelo gradiente de icoll-Paque® foi obtido um rendimento médio de 7,31x106 células/mL. Após purificação e obtenção das possíveis células-tronco mesenquimais pela base imunomagnética, houve um decréscimo do rendimento para 2,28x106 células/mL, mas o processo de expansão foi incrementado pelo cultivo celular. Os resultados indicaram que as células obtidas da fração mononuclear da medula óssea, cultivadas in vitro foram capazes de gerar células aderentes 24 horas após o cultivo, com predominância de células fibroblastóides sugestivas de células-tronco mesenquimais. Concluiu-se que a obtenção de células-tronco mesenquimais pode ser alcançada após purificação das células mononucleares da medula óssea de coelhos pelo método imunomagético, o meio de cultura MesenCult® proporciona um ambiente adequado para a rápida expansão in vitro e o número de passagens exerce influência negativa sobre as características morfológicas das células.

The objective of this study was to describe guidelines for the isolation of bone marrow mononuclear cells from rabbits, followed by cell purification by negative depletion with CD45 monoclonal antibody, and further expansion in MesenCult® medium. Ten adult male New Zealand White rabbits, age average of 1.0±0.2 years and weighting 3.5±0.24kg, were used to obtain a standardized method. The mononuclear cells of the bone marrow were isolated with Ficoll-paque® density gradient centrifugation, and the cell purification and acquisition was completed by negative depletion with CD45 monoclonal antibody in immunomagnetic base. The cell population obtained was expanded in MesenCult® medium. Through isolation with Ficoll-paque® density gradient was possible to obtain an average yield of 7.31x106 cells/mL. After purification and acquisiton of potential mesenchymal stem cells by the immunomagnetic base, there was a yield decrease to 2.28x106 cells/mL; however the expansion process was increased in cell culture. The results indicated that cells obtained from the mononuclear fraction of bone marrow and cultivated in vitro were capable to generate adherent cells 24 hours after culture, with predominance of fibroblastoid cells suggestive of mesenchymal stem cells. It can be concluded that mesenchymal stem cells can be achieved with purified rabbit bone marrow mononuclear cells through the immunomagnetic method, as the MesenCult® medium provides a suitable environment for a quick in vitro expansion, and the number of passages exerts negative influence on the morphological characteristics.

CRLI induces vascular smooth muscle relaxation and suggests a dual mechanism of eNOS activation by legume lectins via muscarinic receptors and shear stress.

Lectins are proteins able to recognize carbohydrates, without modifying their structure, via the carbohydrate-recognition domain (CRD). Here, the three-dimensional structure of the mannose-binding lectin isolated from Cymbosema roseum (CRLI) was determined with X-man molecule modeled into the carbohydrate recognition domain. CRLI relaxant activity in thoracic rat aorta was also investigated, and based on the results, a molecular docking of CRLI with heparan sulfate was performed to investigate the possible interaction with mechanoreceptors involved in vasorelaxation. CRLI (IC50=12.4 µg mL(-)(1)) elicited vasorelaxant response (96%) in endothelialized rat aorta contracted with phenylephrine. Endothelium-derived relaxant factors, extracellular calcium (Ca(2+)e) and muscarinic receptors were also evaluated as putative participants in the CRLI relaxant effect. CRLI relaxant effect was blocked by L-NAME, a nonselective inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and partially inhibited in a calcium-free solution (0Ca) and by atropine, but it remained unchanged in the presence of indomethacin and TEA. In summary, our data suggest interaction between CRLI and muscarinic receptors located in vascular endothelial cells leading to NOS activation triggered by a mechanism that involves Ca(2+)e along with the ability of CRLI to interact with heparan sulfate, a highly rated mechanoreceptor involved in eNOS activation.

Stryphnodendron adstringens extract associated with the hooves trimming surgical procedure for the treatment of bovine digital dermatitis.

Hoof care, lesion curettage, and application of 5 % Stryphnodendron adstringens bark extract (S. adstringens (Mart.) Coville) or 3 % copper sulfate on surgical wounds of cattle were carried out in this research. A total of 180 cattle with digital dermatitis were used. They were distributed into six groups of 30 animals each (GI, GII, GIII, GIV, GV, and GVI). In GI and GII, only the sick digit was trimmed; in GIII and GIV, both sick and healthy digits of the lesioned limb were trimmed; and in GV and GVI, all digits were trimmed. During the postoperative period, 5 % S. adstringens extract was applied in GI, GIII, and GV, and 3 % copper sulfate solution was applied in GII, GIV, and GVI. After 60 days of evaluation, the data were analyzed using the Chi-squared test (p ≤ 0.05). Both therapeutic protocols utilizing surgical curettage of the lesions were efficient for treating digital dermatitis. However, when the procedure is followed by the trimming of sick and healthy digits, the healing is optimized and a greater number of animals are rehabilitated.

Ambientes virtuais, escrita e clínica fonoaudiológica / Virtual environments, writing and clinical speech therapy

O uso da escrita em ambientes virtuais, sobretudo na Web, tem sido objeto de reflexão e de polêmica, pois afeta convenções e o uso tradicional da mesma. Na literatura fonoaudiológica informática e internet, geralmente, são utilizadas como subsídios terapêuticos modernos e eficazes. Entretanto, áreas afins já fazem uso do meio digital tanto para capacitação e aprimoramento profissional, como para mediação com o outro: aluno, paciente, familiares.O objetivo desta pesquisa exploratória, realizada por meio de revisão bibliográfica e vinhetas clínicas, é discutir a efetividade do emprego da escrita virtual como dispositivo terapêutico fonoaudiológico. Aspectos éticos da relação terapeuta-paciente e o uso de novas formas da linguagem escrita no dia-a-dia de nossos pacientes são alguns dos pontos que merecem a atenção, discussão e reflexão por parte dos fonoaudiólogos na clínica contemporânea.

The use of writing in virtual environments, particularly the Web, has been a subject of discussion and controversy, since it affects conventions and the its traditional use. In Speech therapy literature, computer science and the internet are generally used as modern and effective therapeutic assistance. However, similar areas are already making use of digital media for both training and professional improvement, and for mediation with others: students, patients, family members.The aim of this exploratory research, developed through bibliographic research and clinical memories, is to discuss the effectiveness of the use of writing in virtual environments as a speech therapeutic device. Ethical aspects of the therapist-patient relationship, the clinical demands of each case, and the proliferation of new forms of writing in our patients' everyday lives are just some of several aspects that deserve attention, discussion and reflection by Speech Therapy professionals in contemporary clinical practice

El uso de la escritura en ambientes virtuales, sobretodo en la Web, es objeto de discusión y controversia, porque afecta convenciones y su uso tradicional. En la literatura fonoaudiológica, informática y Internet son, generalmente utilizados como subsídios terapéuticos modernos e eficaces. Sin embargo, áreas afines ya se utilizan del medio digital tanto para la capacitación como para la mediación con el otro: alumno, paciente, familiares.El objetivo de esta investigación exploratoria desarrollada por médio de revisión bibliográfica y viñetas clínicas, es discutir la eficacia de la utilización de la escritura virtual como dispositivo terapéutico fonoaudiológico. Aspectos éticos de la relación terapeuta-paciente y el uso diário de formas del lenguaje escrito por nuestros pacientes, son algunos de los puntos que merecen la atención, discusión y reflexión por parte de los fonoaudiólogos en la clínica contemporánea.

Cystic spinal dysraphism of the cervical and upper thoracic region.

BACKGROUND: Cystic dysraphic lesions of the cervical and upper thoracic region are rare and only a few series have been published about the topic. These malformations can be divided into categories that include both myelocystoceles and the so-called cervical meningoceles or myelomeningoceles. METHODS: A retrospective study of 18 patients was conducted. RESULTS: In 17 patients a squamous or a cicatricial epithelium of variable thickness covered the dome of the lesions, while the base was covered with full-thickness skin. In one case the skin was entirely normal. Four patients displayed associated CNS malformations and three more had systemic congenital anomalies. All patients underwent surgical exploration and the length of time between birth and surgery ranged from 6 h to 9 months. The most frequent surgical finding, seen in 14 patients, was a stalk connecting the dorsal surface of the spinal cord to the cyst. In three patients the findings were consistent with myelocystocele. Only in one case was a true meningocele found. Hydrocephalus and Chiari II malformation were not as consistently associated as in myelomeningoceles. Neurological signs and symptoms were not so marked as in myelomeningoceles and were found in the follow-up of four patients. In two of them there was a non-progressive deficit, probably expressing an imperceptible involvement of the nervous system in the first year of life. The histopathological findings were of three types: neuroglial stalks, fibrovascular stalks and myelocystoceles. CONCLUSIONS: Cystic dysraphisms of the cervical and upper thoracic region differ clinically and structurally from meningomyelocele and have a more favorable outcome. We believe that these malformations have not been properly labeled and propose a classification based on the structures found inside the cyst.

Morfo-anatomia da plântula de tabernaemontana catharinensis A. DC. (Apocynaceae) / Morphology and anatomy of the seedling of tabernaemontana catharinensis A. DC. (Apocynaceae)

Tabernaemontana catharinensis, conocida vulgarmente como lechero, es una especie perteneciente a la familia Apocynaceae. El actual estudio se refierea la morfología y la anatomía de la plántula de esta especie. Las semillas colectadas desde varios arboles creciendo en la planicie de la inundación del alto río Paraná, fueron germinadas en una cámara de germinación con una temperatura constante de 300C y mantenidas bajo luz fluorescente continua. El desarrollo de las plántulas ocurrió en un invernadero. La anatomía fue estudiada en plántulas fijadas en FAA 50. Este material fue seccionado transversalmente y las secciones obtenidas fueron teñidas en safranina y azul de astra. La plántula es fanerocotiledonar y epígea y presenta raíz axial, cuello, cotiledones ovados, epicótilo reducido, y eófilos lanceolados semejantes a los metáfilos. Su raíz es tetrarca. El hipocótilo y epicótilo tienen estructura caulinar y presentan crecimiento secundario cuya peridermis es de origen del felógeno en el ámbito epidérmico. Los cotiledones y eófilos son hojas dorsiventrales, con un estrato de parénquima en empalizada y algunas capas de parénquima esponjoso. Los cotiledones tienen un haz vascular colateral en la vena media, mientras en los eófilos el haz es bicolateral.

Tabernaemontana catharinensis is a species belonging to the family Apocynaceae. In this paper, the seedling morphology and anatomy of this species are described and discussed. The seedling development was analyzed until the first eophyll pair’s formation. The seeds were collected from several trees, in fragments of the semideciduous seasonal alluvial and submontaneforest located on the Upper Paraná River floodplain. The seeds were germinated at constant temperatures of 300C, using germination chambers and maintained under continuous fluorescent light. Seedlings development occurred in the greenhouse. The seedlings fixed in FAA 50 were sectioned by microtome and stained with safranin and astra blue. Seedling is phanerocotylar and epigeal with axial root, collet, ovate cotyledons, reduced epicotyl, and lanceolate eophylls similar to the metaphylls. Root is tetrarch. Hypocotyl and epicotyl have stem structure, and they present secondary growth with phellogen of epidermic origin. Cotyledons and eophylls are dorsiventral leaves, with uniseriate palisade parenchyma and some layers of spongy parenchyma. Cotyledons have a collateral vascular bundle in the midrib, while in the eophylls is bicollateral one.

Anatomy of the developing fruit of Metrodorea nigra a. st.-hil. (rutaceae)

El pericarpio y la semilla en desarrollo de Metrodorea nigra fueron examinados estructuralmente. Flores y frutos enetapas diferentes de maduración se fijaron en FAA 50 y se seccionaron transversal y longitudinalmente, según técnicas usuales en estudios anatómicos. El epicarpio diferenciado está representado por la peridermis de origen subepidérmico. El mesocarpio es parenquimatoso. El endocarpio es esclerenquimatoso y se origina de la acción meristemática de la epidermis del ovario. La semilla es endotestal y se origina del óvulo anátropo, crasinucelado y con dos tegumentos. La nucela y endospermo aparecen en pequeña cantidad en la semilla madura. El embrión es recto y posee cotiledones de reserva. La semilla y el endocarpio son eyectados en el proceso autócoro que ocurre en la especie. El fruto es capsular, tipo coccarium.

Pericarp and seed in development of Metrodorea nigra are investigated structurally. Flowers and fruits in different stages of maturation were fixed in FAA 50 and cross- and longitudinally sectioned, according to usual techniques. The differentiated epicarp is represented by the periderm of subepidermal origin. The mesocarp is parenchymatous. The endocarp is sclerenchymatous and originates from the meristematic action of the inner epidermis of the ovary. The seed is endotestal and originates from an anatropous, bitegmic and crassinucellate ovule. The nucellus and the endosperm occur in small quantity in the mature seed. The embryo is straight with thick cotyledons. The seed and the endocarp are ejected in the autochory process. The fruit is capsular and coccarium(.

Species richness and seasonal abundance of ectomycorrhizal fungi in plantations of Eucalyptus dunnii and Pinus taeda in southern Brazil.

The abundance and diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) was assessed based on the collection of basidiocarps during 12 months comprising the spring of 1995, and the summer, autumn, and winter of 1996, in three stands of young, middle-aged, and rotation age plantations of Pinus taeda and Eucalyptus dunnii, in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. A total of 3,085 collections yielded 34 presumed EMF taxa in ten genera, including mushroom-like and sequestrate species. Fruiting patterns of EMF differed with host and season, and host specificity was apparent in some. The overall relative importance (RI) and the Shannon diversity index (H) suggested that stands of E. dunnii had a more diverse aboveground EMF community than those of P. taeda. Overall, species of Scleroderma and Laccaria were not only the most abundant but also had the highest biomass values. The results show that a small number of species of abundant biomass and a larger number of species of less-abundant biomass characterize each forest class.

Morphology and anatomy of the flower and anthesis of Metrodorea nigra St. Hill.(Rutaceae)

Metrodorea nigra St. Hill. (Rutaceae) apresenta flores perfeitas que ocorrem em panícula. O pico de florescimento acontece em agosto e setembro. A antese é diurna e a espécie apresenta flores protândricas. As sépalas verdes e as pétalas vermelhas apresentam epiderme papilosa contendo estômatos e mesofilo parenquimático. A antera tetrasporangiada também apresenta uma epiderme papilosa, células do endotécio com espessamento parietal secundário, duas camadas médias e tapetum binucleado. O único pistilo apresenta a parede do ovário com tecido nectarífero e uma epiderme ventral meristemática, um estilete sólido e um estigma imperceptível. Os óvulos são anátropos, bitegumentados e crassinucelados e apresentam um obturator de origem funicular e placentária. O nectário, em forma de disco, circunda a base do ovário e em seu ápice há várias protuberâncias pilosas.

[Reproductive structures of Piper amalago var. medium Linnaeus (Piperaceae)]. / Estruturas de reprodução de Piper amalago var. medium Linnaeus (Piperaceae).

Flowers, fruits, seeds and subterranean organ of Piper amalago var. medium Linnaeus were analyzed structurally. Flowers are hermaphrodite lacking perianth, with two stamens and a tricarpelate gynoecea. Tetrasporangiate anthers shows epidermis, endothecium, one or two middle layers and secretory tapetum. Ovary has a simple structure, with ventral meristem. There is one orthotropous, bitegmic and crassinucellate ovule. Fruits are drupes. Seeds are endotegmic with copious perisperm. Putamen is composed of a sclerified inner mesocarp and endocarp. Individuals of the species can be interlinked by radicular subterranean organ, that can spread vegetatively.

Tabebuia avellanedae Lor. ex Griseb. (Bignoniaceae) submitted at the flooding and the "Ethrel" and silver nitrate application

Three-month-old Tabebuia avellanedae Lor. ex Griseb. (Bignoniaceae) plants cultivated in the greenhouse were submitted to 56 days of flooding and to "Ethrel" and silver nitrate applications to find out itÆs capacity for morphological and physiological modifications to survive under flooding conditions and at which degree such responses were correlated with alterations in the ethylene level. Flooding and the "Ethrel" application caused growth reduction and epinasty in T. avellanedae and the application of silver nitrate lessened some these symptoms. Certain symptoms shown during flooding by this species and its ability to develop structures which lessen hypoxia effects, such as stem fissures and hypertrophied lenticels in the roots, modifications which enable the species to adapt to short flooding periods, could be related to increases in the ethylene concentration in the plant tissues

[Morphology and anatomy of the fruit and seed in development of Guarea macrophylla Vahl. (Meltaceae)]. / Morfo-anatomia do fruto e da semente em desenvolvimento de Guarea macrophylla Vahl. (Meliaceae).

Morphology and anatomy of the fruit and seed in development of Guarea macrophylla Vahl. were studied in flowers and fruits collected in secondary forests of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil. Pericarp originates from the wall of the ovary and is constituted of epidermic exocarp, parenchymatous mesocarp with brachysclereids and fibrous and lignified endocarp. The seed develops from the hemianatropous, bitegmic and crassinucellate ovule and it is classified as an exotegmic and exalbuminous one. Exotesta and mesotesta constitute the red sarcotesta, with oily content.

[Morphology, anatomy and floral biology of Cabralea canjerana (Vell.) Mart. (Meliaceae)]. / Morfo-anatomia e aspectos da biologia floral de Cabralea canjerana (Vell.) Mart. (Meliaceae).

Cabralea canjerana (Vell.) Mart. is a tree that occurs frequently in secondary forests of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil and presents a valuable wood. Its flowering time occurs from August to October and the anthesis occurs during the night. Its flowers are visited by Lepidoptera-Noctuidae. The flowers are unisexual and solitary or arranged in panicles. The perianth presents a papillose epidermis with striate cuticle and a parenchymatic mesophyll. Ten stamens constitute the androecium and are arranged in a staminal tube with anthers. The anthers present epidermis, endothecium, two median layers and secretory tapetum with binucleate cells. The semi-inferior ovary presents anatropous, bitegmic and crassinucleate ovules. The nectaries are located in the base of the ovary and staminal tube and they present papillose epidermis with stomata and secretory parenchyma with a conspicuous phloematic tissue.

[Morphology and anatomy od the development of the anthocarp and fruit of Pisonia aculeata L. (Nyctaginaceae)]. / Morfo-anatomia do desenvolvimento do antocarpo e do fruto de Pisonia aculeata L. (Nyctaginaceae).

Pisonia aculeata L. is a widespread species that occurs frequently in tropical and subtropical forests in the South of Brazil. This paper presents a morphological and anatomical study of the development of its anthocarps and the fruits. Flowers in pre and post anthesis and fruits in different stages of development were collected in the Horto Florestal of Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil. The anthocarp originates in the perigone and it can be characterized by the presence of an uniseriate epidermis on the abaxial surface, presence of glandular emergences, a glabrous epidermis on the adaxial surface and a parenchymatous mesophyll. This last tissue presents a great number of cellular strata due to the action of a ventral meristema installed still in the perigone phase. The pericarp develops from the wall of the ovary. The ovule is anatropous, bitegmic and crassinucellate. The mature seed presents a thin testa with thickened cell walls just in the rafe region, perisperm and endosperm with nuclear origin, without development of tegmen. The anthocarp has great importance in the process of dispersion of this species (epizoochory). This study confirms that the fruit is an achene and not a caryopsis as affirmed in the literature.

Morfo-anatomia e aspectos da biologia floral de Cabraela canjerana (Vell.) Mart. (Meliaceae) / Morphology, anatomy and floral biology of Cabrraela canjerana (Vell.) Mart. (Meliaceae)

Cabralea canjerana (Vell.) Mart. is a tree that occurs frequently in secondary forests of Maringá, Paraná, Brazil and presents a valuable wood. Its flowering time occurs from August to October and the anthesis occurs during the night. Its flowers are visited by Lepidoptera-Noctuidae. The flowers are unisexual and solitary or arranged in panicles. The perianth presents a papillose epidermis with striate cuticle and a parenchymatic mesophyll. Ten stamens constitute the androecium and are arranged in a staminal tube with anthers. The anthers present epidermis, endothecium, two median layers and secretory tapetum with binucleate cells. The semi- nferior ovary presents anatropous, bitegmic and crassinucelate ovules. The nectaries are located in the base of the ovary and staminal tube and they present papillose epidermis with stomata and secretory parenchyma with a conspicuous phloematic tissue. Key Words: Cabraleacanjerana, flower, anthesis, morphology, anatomy.

Cabralea canjerana (Vell) Mart. es una especie arbórea de madera valiosa que crece en matorrales secundarios de Maringá, Estado del Paraná, Brasil, de alli fueron recoled flores y capullos para el presente estudio. Florece desde agosto hasta octubre y presenta antesis nocturna. Sus flores son visitadas por lepidópteros de la familia Noctuidae. Las flores se disponen en panículas o son solitarias y son diclinas. El perianto tiene epidermis con cutfcula estriada y papilosa y mesófilo parenquimático. Los estambres en número de 10 forman un tubo estaminal, cuyas anteras son caracterizadas mortológicamente y luego anatómicamente, cuya pared está constituida por epidermis, endotecio, dos capas medias y tapete secretor binucleado. El ovario es semi-infero y presenta óvulos anátropos con dos tegumentos y crasinucelados. Los nectarios ocurren en la base del ovario y tubo estaminal y tienen epidermis con pelos, estomas y parénquima secretor con tejido floemático predominante

Morfo-anatomia do desenvolvimento do antocarpo e do fruto de Pisonia aculeata L. (Nyctaginaceae) / Morphology and anatomy of the development of the anthocarp and fruit of Pisonia aculeata L. (Nyctaginaceae)

Pisonia aculeata L. es un arbusto sarmentoso que presenta amplia distribución en los bosques tropicales y subtropicales del sur del Brasil. El estudio del desarrollo morfo-anatómico de sus antocarpos y de sus frutos es objeto del presente trabajo. Las flores en pre y postantesis y los frutos en diversas fases de diferenciación fueron recolectados en el Horto Florestal de Maringá, Paraná, Brasil y analizados morfológica y anatómicamente. El antocarpo tiene orígen en el perigonio y se caracteriza por presentar la epidermis uniseriada de la cara abaxial, donde se destacan emergencias glandulares, mesofilo parenquimático con gran número de estratos celulares, gracias a la acción del meristema ventral formado aún en la fase de perigonio, y la epidermis de la cara adaxial glabra. El pericarpio se desarrolla a partir de la pared del ovario que contiene un óvulo anátropo, bitegumentado y crasinucelado. En la semilla madura se presenta la testa delgada, perisperma, y endosperma de origen nuclear, no formándose tegmen. El antocarpo, además de la protección del fruto y semilla, presenta gran importancia en el proceso de dispersión de esta especie (epizoocoria). La estructura del fruto permitió demostrar que es correcta su clasificación como aquenio y no cariopsis como lo registrado en la literatura.

Pisonia aculeata L. is a widespread species that occurs frequently in tropical and subtropical forests in the South of Brazil. This paper presents a morphological and anatomical study of the development of its anthocarps and the fruits. Flowers in pre and post anthesis and fruits in different stages of development were collected in the Horto Florestal of Maringá, Paraná State, Brazil. The anthocarp originates in the perigone and it can be characterized by the presence of an uniseriate epidermis on the abaxial surface, presence of glandular emergences, a glabrous epidermis on the adaxial surface and a parenchymatous mesophyll. This last tissue presents a great number of cellular strata due to the action of a ventral meristema installed still in the perigone phase. The pericarp develops from the wall of the ovary. The ovule is anatropous, bitegmic and crassinucellate. The mature seed presents a thin testa with thickened cell walls just in the rafe region, perisperm and endosperm with nuclear origin, without development of tegmen. The anthocarp has great importance in the process of dispersion of this species (epizoochory). This study confirms that the fruit is an achene and not a caryopsis as affirmed in the literature.