Ultrastructure of endocrine cells from the abdominal midgut epithelium of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae)

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to study two types of endocrine cells front the midgut of adult female Luttzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva). Endocrine cells rarely have been observed in Nematocera, even using TEM, and were present in small numbers dispersed among the monolayer of midgut digestive epithelial cells. Triangular shaped "closed" cells were observed along the basement membrane, bounded on each side by digestive cells; these cells closed distally before reaching the epithelial lumen. These endocrine cells appeared to deliver active granules that were secreted through a cellular membrane into the hemolymph. A second cell type occupied a similar position to the closed cells, but opened into the midgut lumen via microvilli, where the secretory products may be delivered. Each cell type possessed both electron-lucent and electron-dense vesicles with secretory granules which may indicate different stages in maturation and activity. These granular secretory products are probably peptidergic substances, with secretion mediated by diet via basal and baso-lateral receptors that were bound to membranes or microvilli.     

Photobiomodulation therapy on expression of HSP70 protein and tissue repair in experimental acute Achilles tendinitis

Lasers in Medical Science - The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy on the expression of heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and tissue repair in...     

Intoxication by non-protein nitrogen compounds in rat feed

Last year our white rats (Wistar origin) showed acute behavioral and physiological changes followed by death in 70% of the animals. We detected that the malfunctions could be attributed to the new batch of laboratory rat pellets provided two weeks before. High levels of urea (260 mg/kg) and ammonia (540 mg/kg) were found in the feed while usual values in other similar feed were 48 mg/kg and 82 mg/kg respectively. Suspecting an ammonia intoxication, concentrations of ammonia and urea were determined in blood, brain and liver. Brain neurotransmitters and blood tryptophan and serotonine (5-HT) were also determined. Blood ammonia in rats fed the contaminated feed was about 100% higher than those fed the normal feed while liver and brain ammonia were three and four fold high respectively. Liver and brain urea were four to five fold and about 100% higher in the exposed group than in the group fed the control diet respectively. Blood 5-HT increased 62.33% in females and 99% in males whereas brain 5-HT increased 83.13% in females and 70.47% in males. But, we detected a 59.8% decrease in brain dopamine levels in females and a 38.65% decrease in males. Liver histology showed small droplets of fat stores mainly in centrolobular hepatocyte. No differences in blood or liver cholesterol concentrations were observed whereas liver triacylglycerides were significantly higher in intoxicated females. This study illustrates a problem of food borne intoxication that justifies the need for exhaustive analyses of even not usual compounds in every feed batch; moreover, it is demonstrated that rat behavior appears to be the earliest biomarker of ammonia exposure.     

Antimycotic activity in vitro and in vivo of a new hydrosoluble polyene antibiotic.

The in vitro and in vivo activity of a new water soluble polyene antibiotic, anmed SPA-S-222, has been studied on numerous Candida and Cryptococcus species. The in vitro tests were carried out in comparison with nystatin and amphotericin B whose antimycotic properties are already well known. The inhibition of "germination" of various strains of Candida albicans was also investigated. The results show that SPA-S-222 has greater antimycotic activity than nystatin or amphotericin B. Tests on the protection afforded by SPA-S-222 in Swiss albino mice infected with C, albicans were satisfactory as regards both the total protective dose and the partial protective dose (P.D. 50%).     

Detection of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) residues in neonates breast-fed by 2,4-D exposed dams

Knowing early nutritional status have been shown to be an important factor in determining the activity level of rats later in life, we studied offspring of dams which had received 50, 70 or 700 mg/kg of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) during nursing. Neonatal tissues and the stomach content (milk) were examined up to 16 post natal days to detect body and organs weight alterations and 2,4-D residues after 2,4-D maternal dosing every-other-day, from post natal day 1. We detected 2,4-D residues in stomach content, blood, brain and kidney of 4-day-old neonates breast-fed by 2,4-D exposed mothers and onward. 2,4-D residues were dose- and exposure-time-dependent. The highest dose impaired body growth, as well as low tissue weights and diminished stomach contents. Levels of 2,4-D residues in stomach content, blood, kidney and brain of post natal rats (age PD 4-PD 16) fed through lactation from dams treated with 2,4-D demonstrated that 2,4-D was transferred to the neonates and the diminished body and tissues weight during this developmental period could be due to a diminished milk intake or/and to the direct 2,4-D toxic effect. Besides, when the herbicide treatment (100 mg 2,4-D/kg) was withdrawn from the dams, 2,4-D residues remained in the stomach content of neonates for at least one week. This fact indicated that dams continued depurating the herbicide through their milk.     

Renal and antibacterial effects induced by myotoxin I and II isolated from Bothrops jararacussu venom.

Bothrops jararacussu myotoxin I (BthTx-I; Lys 49) and II (BthTX-II; Asp 49) were purified by ion-exchange chromatography and reverse phase HPLC. In this work we used the isolated perfused rat kidney method to evaluate the renal effects of B. jararacussu myotoxins I (Lys49 PLA2) and II (Asp49 PLA2) and their possible blockage by indomethacin. BthTX-I (5 microg/ml) and BthTX-II (5 microg/ml) increased perfusion pressure (PP; ct120=110.28+/-3.70 mmHg; BthTX I=171.28+/-6.30*mmHg; BthTX II=175.50+/-7.20*mmHg), renal vascular resistance (RVR; ct120=5.49+/-0.54 mmHg/ml.g(-1)min(-1); BthTX I=8.62+/-0.37*mmHg/ml g(-1)min(-1); BthTX II=8.9+/-0.36*mmHg/ml g(-1)min(-1)), urinary flow (UF; ct(120)=0.14+/-0.01ml g(-1)min(-1); BthTX I=0.32+/-0.05*ml g(-1)min(-1); BthTX II=0.37+/-0.01*ml g(-1)min(-1)) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR; ct120=0.72+/-0.10 ml g(-1)min(-1); BthTX I=0.85+/-0.13*ml g(-1)min(-1); BthTX II=1.22+/-0.28*ml g(-1)min(-1)). In contrast decreased the percent of sodium tubular transport (%TNa(+); ct(120)=79,76+/-0.56; BthTX I=62.23+/-4.12*; BthTX II=70.96+/-2.93*) and percent of potassium tubular transport (%TK(+);ct120=66.80+/-3.69; BthTX I=55.76+/-5.57*; BthTX II=50.86+/-6.16*). Indomethacin antagonized the vascular, glomerular and tubular effects promoted by BthTX I and it's partially blocked the effects of BthTX II. In this work also evaluated the antibacterial effects of BthTx-I and BthTx-II against Xanthomonas axonopodis. pv. passiflorae (Gram-negative bacteria) and we observed that both PLA2 showed antibacterial activity. Also we observed that proteins Also we observed that proteins chemically modified with 4-bromophenacyl bromide (rho-BPB) decrease significantly the antibacterial effect of both PLA2. In conclusion, BthTx I and BthTX II caused renal alteration and presented activity antimicrobial. The indomethacin was able to antagonize totally the renal effects induced by BthTx I and partially the effects promoted by BthTx II, suggesting involvement of inflammatory mediators in the renal effects caused by myotoxins. In the other hand, other effects could be independently of the enzymatic activity of the BthTX II and the C-terminal domain could be involved in both effects promoted for PLA2.     

Patterns and determinants of psychoactive drug use in Lisbon University students – a population-based study

OBJECTIVE: To study the patterns and determinants of psychoactive drug use by Lisbon University students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted, from January to April 2000, in a probabilistic sample of 1,147 students. Information about use of psychoactive drugs and co-variates was collected by a questionnaire administered by trained interviewers. Psychoactive drugs were considered to be all medicines classified in group N (nervous system) of the ATC system except the anesthetics (subgroup N01) and the analgesics (subgroup N02). RESULTS: 91 students (7.9%) had taken psychoactive drugs during the fortnight before the interview, 39 of whom (42.8%) mentioned continuous use. The prevalence of use was significantly higher in females (9.6%), older than 25 years (13.1%), married (16%), who considered themselves to have a weak health status (21.7%), as under intense stress (15.5%). After adjustment by multivariate analysis the variables sex, self-evaluation of health status and daily stress retained a higher significant association with psychoactive drug use. A total of 132 drugs were reported as being used in that period. Tranquilizers (ATC = N05B or N05C) were used by 82 students (7.2%), while 22 (1.9%) consumed psychoactive stimulants (N06B) and 19 (1.7%) antidepressants (N06A). In all of these therapeutical subgroups, females had higher consumption prevalence than males, but the difference was statistically significant only for tranquilizers (P < 0.001). Anxiety, depression and insomnia were the most frequently stated health problems. More than 90% of drug consumers considered they had a compliant attitude and about 60% considered themselves well-informed about adverse effects of the drug used. The reported prevalence of self-medication for psychoactive drugs used was 12.8%. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of psychoactive drug use among students of Lisbon University was higher than expected, considering age group and the usual health status of this population. The administration of a questionnaire was a very useful tool to characterise the pattern of use and the consumer's knowledge about the drugs consumed.     

GETTING NO RESPECT: BARRIERS TO MAMMOGRAPHY FOR A GROUP OF SWEDISH WOMEN

Mammography screening is a highly sensitive and specific method to detect breast cancer at an early stage. If screening campaigns are to be cost effective, compliance is valuable. However, many women do not attend when called for mammography screening. Our aim in this study is to understand and explain why women become nonattenders. A sample of 16 nonattending women, aged between 43 and 73 years, participated in this qualitative study, by interviews or written comments. The core category discovered in the data was ``getting no respect.'' The informants did not feel respected from either the society or the health care system. Below this core category, two categories were identified: the mammography examination and affecting circumstances. The performance and its effects comprised the content of the category of mammography examination. The category affecting circumstances included knowledge about risk factors, prevention, and practical or emotional arguments.