Induction of the Phenylpropanoid Pathway by Acibenzolar-S-Methyl and Potassium Phosphite Increases Mango Resistance to Ceratocystis fimbriata Infection.

This study used both microscopic and biochemical analyses to investigate the possible defense responses induced by acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM) and potassium phosphite (Phi) in mango plants inoculated with Ceratocystis fimbriata. Disease development was evaluated in the stems of inoculated mango plants and these were examined using fluorescence and light microscopy. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify secondary metabolites in the stem sections. Spraying the plants with ASM and Phi reduced internal necrosis and disease development. The ASM and Phi induced many microscopic defense responses in the stem tissues against C. fimbriata infection. HPLC analysis revealed that the concentrations of two alkaloids (theobromine and 7-methylxanthine) and 10 phenolic compounds (catechin, epicatechin, epigallocatechin, gallic acid, myricetin, p-coumaric acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, phloridzin, sinapinic acid, and salicylhydroxamic acid) were higher in the stem tissues of plants sprayed with ASM or Phi than in inoculated control treatment. The concentrations of phenolic compounds were higher in the stem tissues of inoculated plants than in noninoculated plants, while the inverse was observed for alkaloids. Higher concentrations of secondary metabolites in the stem tissues were detected in the early stages of fungal infection, especially in plants treated with inducers. Taken together, the results from the present study clearly support the concept that the phenylpropanoid pathway in the stem tissues of mango plants infected by C. fimbriata can be induced by ASM and Phi.

Effect of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and methylprednisolone on the healing of jejunal anastomoses in rats.

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) has been effective in reducing adhesion formation and corticosteroids reduce the inflammatory process. The objective of this study was to define the intraperitoneal (ip) effects of SCMC combined with intramuscular (im) methylprednisolone on peritoneal adhesion formation and on jejunal anastomosis healing in rats. Twenty Wistar rats (200-350 g) were divided into four groups (N = 5): groups I and III (controls) 5 and 21 days of treatment before sacrifice, respectively; groups II and IV (experimental groups) 5 and 21 days of treatment, respectively. SCMC (1%) was infused into the abdominal cavity and methylprednisolone (10 mg kg-1 day-1) was injected im daily from the day before surgery for animals of groups II and IV. All rats were submitted to a jejunal anastomosis. Sections of the anastomosis were prepared for routine histopathological analysis. The abdominal adhesion of group IV was less intense when compared with group III (P<0.0008). Anastomotic resistance was higher in groups II and IV when compared with groups I and III, respectively (P<0.05). There was no histological difference between groups I and II (exuberant granulation tissue on the serosal surface). Group III presented little peritoneal fibrinous tissue, with numerous thick collagen fibers. Group IV presented extensive although immature young fibrous tissue with rare thick collagen fibers. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose combined with corticosteroids seemed to diminish peritoneal adhesion but did not reduce anastomotic resistance.

Effect of sodium carboxymethylcellulose and methylprednisolone on the healing of jejunal anastomoses in rats

Sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) has been effective in reducing adhesion formation and corticosteroids reduce the inflammatory process. The objective of this study was to define the intraperitoneal (ip) effects of SCMC combined with intramuscular (im) methylprednisolone on peritoneal adhesion formation and on jejunal anastomosis healing in rats. Twenty Wistar rats (200-350 g) were divided into four groups (N = 5): groups I and III (controls) 5 and 21 days of treatment before sacrifice, respectively; groups II and IV (experimental groups) 5 and 21 days of treatment, respectively. SCMC (1 percent) was infused into the abdominal cavity and methylprednisolone (10 mg kg-1 day-1) was injected im daily from the day before surgery for animals of groups II and IV. All rats were submitted to a jejunal anastomosis. Sections of the anastomosis were prepared for routine histopathological analysis. The abdominal adhesion of group IV was less intense when compared with group III (P<0.0008). Anastomotic resistance was higher in groups II and IV when compared with groups I and III, respectively (P<0.05). There was no histological difference between groups I and II (exuberant granulation tissue on the serosal surface). Group III presented little peritoneal fibrinous tissue, with numerous thick collagen fibers. Group IV presented extensive although immature young fibrous tissue with rare thick collagen fibers. Sodium carboxymethylcellulose combined with corticosteroids seemed to diminish peritoneal adhesion but did not reduce anastomotic resistance