Anesthesia of Epinephelus marginatus with essential oil of Aloysia polystachya: an approach on blood parameters

This study investigated the anesthetic potential of the essential oil (EO) of Aloysia polystachya in juveniles of dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus). Fish were exposed to different concentrations of EO of A. polystachya to evaluate time of induction and recovery from anesthesia. In the second experiment, fish were divided into four groups: control, ethanol and 50 or 300 mu L L-1 EO of A. polystachya, and each group was submitted to induction for 3.5 min and recovery for 5 or 10 min. The blood gases and glucose levels showed alterations as a function of the recovery times, but Na+ and K+ levels did not show any alteration. In conclusion, the EO from leaves of A. polystachya is an effective anesthetic for dusky grouper, because anesthesia was reached within the recommended time at EO concentrations of 300 and 400 mu L L-1. However, most evaluated blood parameters showed compensatory responses due to EO exposure.Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul/Programa de Apoio a Nucleos de Excelencia (FAPERGS/PRONEX) [10/0016-8]; Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq) [470964/2009-0]; Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior, Brazil (CAPES)info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The mammals of Angola

Scientific investigations on the mammals of Angola started over 150 years ago, but information remains scarce and scattered, with only one recent published account. Here we provide a synthesis of the mammals of Angola based on a thorough survey of primary and grey literature, as well as recent unpublished records. We present a short history of mammal research, and provide brief information on each species known to occur in the country. Particular attention is given to endemic and near endemic species. We also provide a zoogeographic outline and information on the conservation of Angolan mammals. We found confirmed records for 291 native species, most of which from the orders Rodentia (85), Chiroptera (73), Carnivora (39), and Cetartiodactyla (33). There is a large number of endemic and near endemic species, most of which are rodents or bats. The large diversity of species is favoured by the wide range of habitats with contrasting environmental conditions, while endemism tends to be associated with unique physiographic settings such as the Angolan Escarpment. The mammal fauna of Angola includes 2 Critically Endangered, 2 Endangered, 11 Vulnerable, and 14 Near-Threatened species at the global scale. There are also 12 data deficient species, most of which are endemics or near endemics to the countryinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Perindopril Inhibits Both the Development of Atherosclerosis in the Cholesterol-Fed Rabbit and Lipoprotein Binding to Smooth-Muscle Cells in Culture

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of low doses of perindopril, approximating those used therapeutically and sub-therapeutically in human hypertensives, on the development of atherosclerosis in the cholesterol-fed rabbit. The right carotid artery of 12 week old rabbits was balloon de-endothelialized to induce the formation of a myointimal thickening. After 14 weeks rabbits were placed into 6 groups, 6 rabbits per group. Groups I, II and III were fed a l% cholesterol diet for the following 6 week experimental period, while Groups IV, V and VI received a normolipemic diet. In addition, Groups II and V rabbits received in their drinking water 0.3 mg/kg per day perindopril, and Groups III and VI 0.01 mg/kg per day. At the end of 6 weeks' treatment, the mean arterial pressure (MAP) in Groups II and V decreased by about 12%, while that in Groups III and VI decreased by 13%. Plasma cholesterol levels of rabbits on a normolipemic diet (Groups IV, V, VI) averaged l.3 mmol/l while those on a cholesterol-enriched diet (Groups I, II, III) averaged 10.5 mmol/l. Plasma perindoprilat concentrations and percentage of plasma angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition in Groups II and V averaged 14 ng/ml and 92.l% respectively, while in Groups III and VI they were 5.7 ng/ml and 80.5%, respectively. The percentage luminal surface area of the thoracic aorta covered by lipid-filled plaques (as observed by en face staining with Oil-Red-O) averaged 26.3% in Group I, 4.7% in Group II and 20.0% in Group III. No lesions developed in Groups IV, V and VI. Microscopic examination of the right (manipulated) carotid arteries of Group I rabbits revealed lesions of large, lipid-filled cells radially oriented, overlying the pre-formed myointimal thickening. Both doses of perindopril in the cholesterol-fed rabbits (Groups II and Ill) decreased the amount of lipid-filled cells which were oriented circumferentially. More extracellular matrix was present in the lesions of Groups II and III than of Group I. No lesions were observed in the right carotid arteries of Groups IV, V and VI (normal diet) or in the unmanipulated left carotid arteries of all 6 groups. The sizes of the neointima plus lesion in Groups I, II and III were, however, not significantly different, being 42.4%, 48.5% and 46.9% of the cross-sectional area of the artery wall. Culture studies revealed that perindoprilat decreased specific binding of I-labelled β-very low density lipoprotein to passaged smooth muscle cells (SMC) from the rabbit aorta in a dose-dependent manner. Perindoprilat had no effect on SMC proliferation, but did increase collagen synthesis. These results indicate that perindopril at low doses has a beneficial effect in decreasing the severity of atherosclerosis in the cholesterol-fed rabbit. The effect is not related to MAP, or to any effect on plasma cholesterol level. Instead, perindopril appears to have a direct effect on the biology of the cells of the artery wall, in particular increasing collagen synthesis by the SMC and decreasing their binding and uptake of atherogenic lipoprotein

Influence of the sardine run on selected nearshore predatory teleosts in KwaZulu-Natal

The relationships between shore-angling catch rates of nearshore predatory teleosts in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and the timing of the sardine run were examined using a multiple regression model. Results showed that catch rates of five (elf Pomatomus saltatrix, garrick Lichia amia, king mackerel Scomberomorus commerson, blacktip kingfish Caranx heberi and kingfish Caranx spp.) of the nine teleost predators selected for their predatory habits on sardine Sardinops sagax were significantly higher during the months of the sardine run (June–July/August). This corroborates anecdotal and scientific reports of close associations between these predatory fish and the run. It is not clear whether these relationships can be ascribed to a feeding migration by the predators, a reproductive migration by the predators or an extension of suitable habitat for both prey and predators during these months. It is possible that the misidentification of some predatory species may have confounded the results for some species, or that these species are not as strongly influenced by the sardine run as previously thought. Keywords: CPUE, feeding, linefish, migration, recreational fishing, sardine, spawningAfrican Journal of Marine Science 2010, 32(2): 375–38

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and atherosclerosis: Relevance of animal models to human disease

1. Most studies examining the effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors on atherosclerosis in experimental animals have used doses well in excess of those given clinically. 2. Using a rabbit model of cholesterol-induced atherosclerosis characterized by subendothelial lipid accumulations ('juvenile fatty streaks') in the aorta and atheromatous lesions in the pre-injured carotid artery, we examined the effect of perindopril (at doses approaching clinical relevance) on the development, progression and regression of atherosclerosis. 3. Administration of perindopril during the 6 weeks of cholesterol feeding reduced lipid accumulation in developing atheromatous plaques of the carotid artery and in fatty streaks of the aorta. In animals with pre-existing fat-filled lesions, perindopril inhibited progression of the disease in both vessels and aided lesion regression following return to a normal diet for up to 10 months. The protective effect of perindopril was not related to a decrease in blood pressure nor to an influence on serum cholesterol levels. 4. The bradykinin Bj receptor antagonist Hoel40 did not alter the effectiveness of perindopril in inhibiting either the development of atherosclerosis or vessel wall ACE activity, indicating that the anti-atherogenic effect of perindopril is not mediated through the Bj receptor. 5. The angiotensin II (AngH) receptor antagonist losartan had no effect on the development of atherosclerotic plaques in this rabbit model, indicating that inhibition of AngH production is not the mechanism by which perindopril exerts its antiatherogenic effects