Comparative morphology of the endocrine brain and retrocerebral complex of the honeybee worlker and queens (Hymenoptera-apinae)

Foi estudado o aspecto das células neurosecretoras da pars intercerebralis e dos corpora cardiaca e allata, em material obtido de rainhas e operárias de Apis mellifera em diferentes idades. O material foi corado com hematoxilina crômicafloxina, verificando-se urna degranulação das células neurosecretoras das operárias após os 15 dias de ida de com correspondente aumento da atividade dos corpora cardiaca e dos corpora allata.Nas rainhas, com exceção da rainha virgem e da rainha fecundada, com 3 anos de idade, a atividade desse sistema endocrino manteve-se constante, fato que parece indicar a atuação dos hormônios produzidos na vitelogênese

Ultrastructure of ovarian follicular epithelium of the amazonian fish Pseudotylosurus microps (Gunther) (Teleostei, Belonidae): I. the follicular cells cycle of development

The present paper deals with the changes on ultrastructural features of the follicular cells along the growth of the oocyte of Pseudotylosurus microps (Gunther, 1868). The epithelium pass from single squamous to pseudostratified and finally cylindric. Remarkable are the changes in the nuclear shapes, the increasing amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum and the formation of large lipid deposits in the follicular cells by the end of vitellogenic phase. Very peculiar intercellular deposits forms between the perinucleolar and vitellogenic phase of oocyte maturation. Although largely referred to in the specialized literature, our attempts to correlate the follicular cells changes with the formation of the oocyte envelopes or even with an endocrine function are not supported by conclusive evidences in the present paper.99109Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq

Influencia da pinealectomia sobre o cortical da adrenal : estudo morfologico e histoquimico

Orientador: Walter August HadlerTese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de BiologiaResumo: Não informadoAbstract: Not informedDoutoradoDoutor em Ciência

Ultrastructure of ovarian follicular epithelium of the amazonian fish Pseudotylosurus microps (Gunther) (Teleostei, Belonidae): I. the follicular cells cycle of development

The present paper deals with the changes on ultrastructural features of the follicular cells along the growth of the oocyte of Pseudotylosurus microps (Gunther, 1868). The epithelium pass from single squamous to pseudostratified and finally cylindric. Remarkable are the changes in the nuclear shapes, the increasing amount of rough endoplasmic reticulum and the formation of large lipid deposits in the follicular cells by the end of vitellogenic phase. Very peculiar intercellular deposits forms between the perinucleolar and vitellogenic phase of oocyte maturation. Although largely referred to in the specialized literature, our attempts to correlate the follicular cells changes with the formation of the oocyte envelopes or even with an endocrine function are not supported by conclusive evidences in the present paper

Differential Expression of Aquaporin 4 in the Hippocampus of Neonate and Adult Rats after Envenoming by Phoneutria nigriventer (Ctenidae, Araneomorphae)

17th World Congress of the International-Society-on-Toxinology (IST)/Venom Week/4th International Scientific Symposium on All Things Venomous60223423

Neuropharmacological effects of phoneutria nigriventer venom on astrocytes

Bites from genus Phoneutria (Ctenidae, Araneomorpha) are the second most frequent source of spider accidents in Southeast Brazil. Severe envenoming from Phoneutria nigriventer produces vision disturbance, tremor and convulsion, suggesting that the CNS is involved; however, the mechanisms by which P. nigriventer venom (PNV) affects the CNS remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate whether PNV directly impairs astrocytes. Cultured astrocytes were exposed to PNV, and intracellular Ca2+ release and signaling were measured (Fura-2/AM), Na+/K+-ATPase and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) involvement were investigated, actin filaments were stained (Alexa (TM) 488-conjugated phalloidin probe), the G-actin/F-actin ratio was determined, and the expression level of connexin 43 (Cx43) was assessed. Incubation in Ca2+-free buffer did not change the Ca2+ responses. However, pre-incubation in thapsigargin/caffeine completely abolished these responses, suggesting that PNV-evoked Ca2+ transients were from intracellular Ca2+ stores. Pretreatment with a Na+/K+-ATPase antagonist (ouabain) or a TLR4 antagonist (LPS-RS) decreased or increased the Ca2+-evoked transients, respectively. Astrocytes showed altered actin filament structure after PNV exposure. PNV treatment increased the expression levels of Na+/K+-ATPase and Cx43 but decreased those of TLR4. The present results suggest that PNV directly affects astrocytes. Na+/K+-ATPase may thus represent a more specific drug target for controlling the neurotoxicity of PNV961323CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP305099/2011-6; 486142/2012-42012/19245-0; 2011/08005-6Edit Jacobson's Foundation in Gothenburg, Sweden; Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden; AFA Insurance, Stockholm, Swede

Sildenafil (Viagra®) prevents and restores LPS-induced inflammation in astrocytes

Astrocytes are effectively involved in the pathophysiological processes in the central nervous system (CNS) and may contribute to or protect against development of inflammatory and degenerative diseases. Sildenafil is a potent and selective phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitor, which induces cyclic GMP accumulation. However, the mechanisms of actions on glial cells are not clear. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the role of sildenafil in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated astrocytes. The cytoskeleton integrity and Ca2+ waves were assessed as indicators of inflammatory state. Two main groups were done: (A) one prevention and (B) one restoration. Each of these groups: A1: control; A2: LPS for 24h; A3: sildenafil 1 or 10 mu M for 4h and then sildenafil 1 or 10 mu M + LPS for 24 h. B1: control; B2: LPS for 24 h; B3: LPS for 24 h and then LPS + sildenafil 1 or 10 mu M for 24 h. Cytoskeleton integrity was analyzed through GFAP immunolabeling and actin labeling with an Alexa 488-conjugated phalloidin probe. Calcium responses were assessed through a Ca2+-sensitive fluorophore Fura-2/AM. The results show that both preventive and restorative treatments with sildenafil (in both concentrations) reduced the Ca2+ responses in intensity and induced a more organized actin fiber pattern, compared to LPS treated cells. This work demonstrated for the first time that astrocytes are a key part of the sildenafil protective effects in the CNS6305965CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPES305 099/2011-699999.005966/2014-0

Venom of the Phoneutria nigriventer spider alters the cell cycle, viability, and migration of cancer cells

The mechanisms of cancer involve changes in multiple biological pathways. Multitarget molecules, which are components of animal venoms, are therefore a potential strategy for treating tumors. The objective of this study was to screen the effects of Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom (PnV) on tumor cell lines. Cultured human glioma (NG97), glioblastoma (U-251) and cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cells, and nontumor mouse fibroblasts (L929) were treated with low (14 mu g/ml) and high (280 mu g/ml) concentrations of PnV, and analyzed through assays for cell viability (thiazolyl blue tetrazolium blue), proliferation (carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester), death (annexin V/propidium iodide [Pi]), the cell cycle (Pi), and migration (wound healing and transwell assay). The venom decreased the viability of U-251 cells, primarily by inducing cell death, and reduced the viability of NG97 cells, primarily by inhibiting the cell cycle. The migration of all the tumor cell lines was delayed when treated with venom. The venom significantly affected all the tumor cell lines studied, with no cytotoxic effect on normal cells (L929), although the nonglial tumor cell (HeLa) was less sensitive to PnV. The results of the current study suggest that PnV may be composed of peptides that are highly specific for the multiple targets involved in the hallmarks of cancer. Experiments are underway to identify these molecules234213981415CNPQ - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e TecnológicoFAPESP – Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa Do Estado De São Paulo431465/2016-92017/16196-2; 2017/05402-0; 2015/04194-0; 2016/15827-

Aqueous extract of brazilian berry (myrciaria jaboticaba) peel improves inflammatory parameters and modulates lactobacillus and bifidobacterium in rats with induced-colitis

Natural compounds could be a complementary alternative to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) management. This study determined the effects of an aqueous extract of Myrciaria jaboticaba peel (EJP) (50 g L-1) on 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis. Wistar rats were randomized into five groups: HC-healthy control, CC-colitis control, DC-drug control, SJ-short-term treatment with EJP, and LJ-long-term treatment with EJP. The EJP treatments reduced body weight loss, stool consistency score, and spleen enlargement. Gut microbiota was modulated through increased Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts after EJP treatment. Short-chain fatty acids were also higher in the EJP treatment groups. The antioxidant enzyme activities were greater than CC or DC controls. Myeloperoxidase activity (LJ), inducible nitric oxide synthase (LJ/SJ), and intercellular adhesion molecule (SJ) levels were lower than in the CC group. EJP decreased histological scoring, mucosal thickness, and preserved the crypts and histological structure. Therefore, EJP showed beneficial effects and could be potentially used as an adjuvant in IBD treatment1111CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP#204088/2014-3; #142493/2013-9; #300533/2013-6; 301108/2016-1; #305099/2011-6; #310111/2016-4; #454791/2014-3#2015/50333-1; 2018/11069-