Impact of genetic deletion of MrgD or Mas receptors in depressive-like behaviour in mice

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of genetic deletion of receptors of the counterregulatory arms of the renin-angiotensin system in depressive-like behaviors. METHODS: 8-12 weeks-old male mice wild-type (WT, C57BL/6J) and mice with genetic deletion of MrgD (MrgD KO) or Mas receptors (Mas KO) were subjected to the Forced Swim Test (FST) and the Tail Suspension Test (TST). Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Blockade of Mas was performed by acute intracerebroventricular (icv) injection of its selective antagonist, A779. RESULTS: No statistical difference in immobility time was observed between MrgD KO and WT male animals subjected to FST and TST. However, acute icv injection of A779 significantly increased the immobility time of MrgD KO male mice subjected to FST and TST, suggesting the involvement of Mas in preventing depression-like behavior. Indeed, Mas KO male animals showed increased immobility time in FST and TST, evidencing a depressive-like behavior in these animals, in addition to a reduction in BDNF levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. No changes in BDNF levels were observed in MrgD KO male animals. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that Mas plays an important role in the neurobiology of depression probably by modulating BDNF expression. On the contrary, lack of MrgD did not alter depressive-like behavior, which was supported by the lack of alterations in BDNF levels

Consumo e digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, da proteína bruta e da energia de silagens de quatro genótipos de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) por ovinos Voluntary intake and digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and energy of silages of four sorghum genotype in sheep

Avaliaram-se o consumo e a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, da proteína bruta e da energia e o balanço de nitrogênio de silagens dos sorgos BR601, BR700, BR701 e AG2002 em ovinos. O consumo de matéria seca e de energia bruta não diferiu entre os híbridos. Quanto à digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca e da energia bruta e ao consumo de matéria seca digestível e de energia digestível, observaram-se maiores valores para o BR601. O maior consumo de proteína bruta foi observado no BR700 e o menor no AG2002. A maior digestibilidade aparente da proteína bruta ocorreu para o BR601 e a menor para o BR701. O consumo de proteína digestível foi maior para os híbridos BR601 e BR700. Todos os tratamentos apresentaram balanço de nitrogênio positivo e não diferiram entre si.<br>The nitrogen balance, the consumption and the apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and the energy of the silages of four genotypes of sorghum were evaluated. The consumption of dry matter and crude energy did not differ among the hibrids. The largest apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude energy and the consumption of digestible dry matter and energy, were observed for BR601 genotype. The largest consumption of crude protein, was observed for BR700 and the smalest for AG2002 genotypes (P<0.05). The largest apparent digestibility of protein was observed for BR601 and the smalest one for BR701 (P<0.05) genotype. The consumption of digestible protein was larger for BR601 and BR700. All treatments showed positive nitrogen balance and did not differ among them

Effect of grain maturity stage on the quality of sorghum BRS-610 silages

The quality of sorghum BRS-610 silages in seven stages of grain maturity, between the milky and dry stage, for determination of the ideal moment of ensilage was evaluated. The silos were open after 56 days of fermentation. The values for dry matter of silages increased from 199 to 473g/kg or from 19.9 to 47.3%, with the advance of stage maturity of grains. As for the quality of fermentation, the silages may be classified as excellent quality in every stage of maturity. The lower values of neutral detergent fiber, 539g/kg or 53.9%, and acid detergent fiber, 307g/kg or 30.7%, were observed between the milky/dough to dough/dent stages. Regression analysis indicated an increase in values of lignin - 0.3 unit por stage - and reduction in values of in vitro dry matter digestibility - -2.5 units por stage - with the advance of the grain's stage maturity. The ensilage of sorghum BRS-610 between the milky/dough and dough stage ensure very good fermentation and nutritive value of silage

Anatomical and histochemical aspects of the peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) seed

Bactris gasipaes Kunth (peach palm) is a palm tree (Arecaceae) widely used by Amazon people, whose seeds have dormancy of unknown cause, which result in difficulties on producing uniform seedlings. This study aimed at identifying anatomical and histochemical aspects of peach palm seeds that may have influence on germination. Histological sections were performed with seed material embedded into hystoresin, which were then stained with toluidine blue and assessed under optical microscope to verify structural characteristics. Histological sections were manually performed to identify primary and secondary metabolites; and histochemical test were performed for fatty acids, alkaloids, starch, phenolic compounds, lignin, neutral and acidic lipids, pectins, polysaccharides, proteins, tannins, and terpenoids. Tegument is thin and contains two layers. The external layer is thicker and has vascular bundles; and the internal layer is thinner containing irregular cells replete of phenolic compounds. Endosperm is whitish in color, with cells with shapes that vary from oblong or ellipsoidal until oval; containing lipids, proteins, pectins, and polysaccharides. Embryo is relatively small as related to seed size, conical and vascularized at distal portion. On longitudinal sections, plumule appears in proximal region as three foliar primordia. At seedling protrusion region the cells contain acidic lipids, proteins, and neutral polysaccharides