Favorable and unfavorable lactation modulates the effects of electrical stimulation on brain excitability: A spreading depression study in adult rats

AbstractAimsWe investigated how different nutritional states resulting from distinct lactation conditions modulate the effects of cortical electrical stimulation (CES) on the excitability-related phenomenon known as cortical spreading depression (CSD).Main methodsWistar rats were reared in different litter sizes with 12, 6 or 3 pups, designated as malnourished (M), well-nourished (W) and overnourished (Ov), respectively. CSD was recorded for 4h on 2 cortical points of each cerebral hemisphere at baseline and after CES. CES was applied for 20min on the left cortex using a bipolar electrode placed between the CSD recording electrodes. Paired Student t test and ANOVA followed by Tukey test were used for statistical analysis (p<0.05).Key findingsThe lactation conditions significantly influenced body weight (the M and Ov groups presented the lowest and largest average weight, respectively) and modified the CSD velocities of propagation in adulthood (Ov<W<M CSD velocity). CES increased CSD velocity of propagation in the stimulated hemisphere in all groups, and in the non-stimulated hemisphere (8.66%±1.38) in the Ov group only. We observed nutritional-dependent CES effects on cortical excitability as evaluated by the different CSD velocities across the three groups (mean±sem, M (10.13%±1.70), Ov (14.65%±1.10) and W (25.70%±5.05)).SignificanceThese findings suggest valuable mechanisms of action for the brain stimulation techniques, which have gained importance because of their increasing use for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases. Data also suggest modulation of CES-effects by baseline excitability (as determined by the early nutritional state)

Use of Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Mill extracts from Brazilian Caatinga as an alternative of natural moisturizer in cosmetic formulations

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was the obtainment of Opuntia fícus-indica (L.) Mill extract for the development of cosmetic formulations and in vivo evaluation of its moisturizing effects. The formulations were tested for preliminary and accelerated stability. Organoleptic characteristics, pH values and rheological behavior were assessed. The evaluation of moisturizing efficacy of the emulsions formulated with 3.0% of Polyacrylamide (and) C13-14 Isoparaffin (and) Laureth-7 containing 1.0 and 3.0% of O. ficus-indica hydroglycolic extract (EHG001) was performed using the capacitance method (Corneometer(r)) and the transepidermal water loss - TEWL evaluation (Tewameter(r)). The emulsions formulated were stable, exhibiting pseudoplastic and thixotropic behavior. The results of evaluation of moisturizing efficacy showed increased skin hydration after five hours by mainly increasing the skin barrier effect. The formulations containing 1.0 and 3.0% of EHG001 enhanced the skin barrier effect by reducing TEWL up to four hours after application. The results observed suggest that O. ficus-indica hydroglycolic extract may act through a humectant and occlusion mechanism

Time-course effects of aerobic exercise training on cardiovascular and renal parameters in 2K1C renovascular hypertensive rats

Exercise training (Ex) has been recommended for its beneficial effects in hypertensive states. The present study evaluated the time-course effects of Ex without workload on mean arterial pressure (MAP), reflex bradycardia, cardiac and renal histology, and oxidative stress in two-kidney, one-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats. Male Fischer rats (10 weeks old; 150–180 g) underwent surgery (2K1C or SHAM) and were subsequently divided into a sedentary (SED) group and Ex group (swimming 1 h/day, 5 days/week for 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 weeks). Until week 4, Ex decreased MAP, increased reflex bradycardia, prevented concentric hypertrophy, reduced collagen deposition in the myocardium and kidneys, decreased the level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in the left ventricle, and increased the catalase (CAT) activity in the left ventricle and both kidneys. From week 6 to week 10, however, MAP and reflex bradycardia in 2K1C Ex rats became similar to those in 2K1C SED rats. Ex effectively reduced heart rate and prevented collagen deposition in the heart and both kidneys up to week 10, and restored the level of TBARS in the left ventricle and clipped kidney and the CAT activity in both kidneys until week 8. Ex without workload for 10 weeks in 2K1C rats provided distinct beneficial effects. The early effects of Ex on cardiovascular function included reversing MAP and reflex bradycardia. The later effects of Ex included preventing structural alterations in the heart and kidney by decreasing oxidative stress and reducing injuries in these organs during hypertension.</p