1
|
Torres AR, Sandjo LP, Friedemann MT, Tomazzoli MM, Maraschin M, Mello CF, Santos ARS. Chemical characterization, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of propolis obtained from Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata and Tetragonisca angustula stingless bees. Braz J Med Biol Res 2018; 51:e7118. [PMID: 29791598 PMCID: PMC6002130 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20187118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the chemical composition, and antioxidant and antibacterial properties of ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) from Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata and Tetragonisca angustula. Chemical composition of EEP was determined by colorimetry and chromatographic (HPLC-DAD and UPLC-Q/TOF-MS/MS) analysis. Antimicrobial activity of EEP was evaluated against gram-positive (S. aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus, E. faecalis) and gram-negative (E. coli and K. pneumoniae) bacteria by the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) test using the microdilution method. Furthermore, the growth curve and integrity of cell membrane of S. aureus and E. coli were investigated using standard microbiological methods. HPLC-DAD analysis showed that the EEP of M. quadrifasciata quadrifasciata has a more complex chemical composition than the EEP of T. angustula. Moreover, UPLC-MS analyses of M. quadrifasciata quadrifascita indicated flavonoids and terpenes as major constituents. The bactericidal activity of both EEPs was higher against gram-positive bacteria than for gram-negative bacteria. The EEP from M. quadrifasciata quadrifasciata presented MIC values lower than the EEP from T. angustula for all tested bacteria. The EEP from M. quadrifasciata quadrifasciata caused lysis of the bacterial wall and release of intracellular components from both E. coli and S. aureus. Our findings indicate that the chemical composition of propolis from stingless bees is complex and depends on the species. The extract from M. quadrifasciata quadrifascita was more effective against gram-positive than gram-negative strains, especially against S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus compared to T. angustula extract, by a mechanism that involves disturbance of the bacterial cell membrane integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A R Torres
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | - L P Sandjo
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brasil
| | - M T Friedemann
- Laboratorio de Neurobiologia da Dor e Inflamação, Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brasil
| | - M M Tomazzoli
- Laboratório de Morfogênese e Bioquímica Vegetal, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brasil
| | - M Maraschin
- Laboratório de Morfogênese e Bioquímica Vegetal, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brasil
| | - C F Mello
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | - A R S Santos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mello CF, Santos-Mallet JR, Tátila-Ferreira A, Alencar J. Comparing the egg ultrastructure of three Psorophora ferox (Diptera: Culicidae) populations. BRAZ J BIOL 2017; 78:505-508. [PMID: 29091117 DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.171829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Characterising the external morphology of mosquito eggs is important, since it facilitates the identification of material from breeding sites and contributes to the understanding of species biology and group systematics. Therefore, was to compare eggs from different Psorophora ferox populations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Eggs were obtained from adult female of Ps. ferox collected in the Poços das Antas Biological Reserve (Reserva Biológica de Poços das Antas, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). From each female, one portion of eggs (n = 5) was reared for identification purposes, and the second portion (n = 10) was examined using SEM for morphometric analysis. The egg morphology was then compared to that of eggs from Ps. ferox populations in Florida (USA) and Arena (Trinidad). The exochorion ornamentation of the populations differs considerably in the morphology of the tubercles of the chorionic cells, external chorionic reticulum, micropylar collar, and micropyle.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C F Mello
- Diptera Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute - FIOCRUZ, Avenida Brasil, n. 4365, Manguinhos, CEP 21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program on Animal Biology, Institute of Biology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Rd BR 465, Km 7, CEP 23897-000, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - J R Santos-Mallet
- Interdisciplinary Entomological Surveillance Laboratory in Diptera and Hemiptera, Oswaldo Cruz Institute - FIOCRUZ, Avenida Brasil, n. 4365, Manguinhos, CEP 21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - A Tátila-Ferreira
- Diptera Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute - FIOCRUZ, Avenida Brasil, n. 4365, Manguinhos, CEP 21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.,Postgraduate Program on Animal Biology, Institute of Biology, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRRJ, Rd BR 465, Km 7, CEP 23897-000, Seropédica, RJ, Brazil
| | - J Alencar
- Diptera Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute - FIOCRUZ, Avenida Brasil, n. 4365, Manguinhos, CEP 21040-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fleck J, Temp FR, Marafiga JR, Jesse AC, Milanesi LH, Rambo LM, Mello CF. Montelukast reduces seizures in pentylenetetrazol-kindled mice. Braz J Med Biol Res 2016; 49:e5031. [PMID: 26909785 PMCID: PMC4792507 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20155031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs) have been implicated in seizures and kindling; however, the effect of CysLT receptor antagonists on seizure frequency in kindled animals and changes in CysLT receptor expression after pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced kindling have not been investigated. In this study, we evaluated whether the CysLT1 inverse agonist montelukast, and a classical anticonvulsant, phenobarbital, were able to reduce seizures in PTZ-kindled mice and alter CysLT receptor expression. Montelukast (10 mg/kg, sc) and phenobarbital (20 mg/kg, sc) increased the latency to generalized seizures in kindled mice. Montelukast increased CysLT1 immunoreactivity only in non-kindled, PTZ-challenged mice. Interestingly, PTZ challenge decreased CysLT2 immunoreactivity only in kindled mice. CysLT1 antagonists appear to emerge as a promising adjunctive treatment for refractory seizures. Nevertheless, additional studies are necessary to evaluate the clinical implications of this research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Fleck
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | - F R Temp
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | - J R Marafiga
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | - A C Jesse
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | - L H Milanesi
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | - L M Rambo
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | - C F Mello
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Konopka CK, Glanzner WG, Rigo ML, Rovani MT, Comim FV, Gonçalves PBD, Morais EN, Antoniazzi AQ, Mello CF, Cruz IBM. Responsivity to PGE2 labor induction involves concomitant differential prostaglandin E receptor gene expression in cervix and myometrium. Genet Mol Res 2015; 14:10877-87. [PMID: 26400315 DOI: 10.4238/2015.september.9.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Prostaglandin E2 (dinoprostone) is largely used for labor induction. However, one-third of patients do not respond to treatment. One cause of this poor response may be associated with changes in regulation of prostaglandin E receptors (EP1-4). In this study, we investigated EP mRNA expression in the uterine cervix and lower uterine segment myometrium for term births. Biopsies were obtained from women with successful (responders) and failed (non-responders) dinoprostone labor induction, while women that underwent spontaneous labor were included as controls. EP1 mRNA was upregulated in the cervical tissue of women who did not respond to dinoprostone induction. In addition, in the myometrium, significantly higher levels of EP3 mRNA were observed in women treated with dinoprostone, independent of their responsiveness. Dinoprostone-responders presented 3.6-fold higher levels of EP3 mRNA expression than the spontaneous labor group. Significantly higher levels of EP3 mRNA in the myometrium of the dinoprostone-treated group indicated that dinoprostone may regulate the EP3 gene on the transcriptional level. These results highlight the relationship between EP gene expression and delivery and indicate that understanding the regulation of prostaglandin E receptors may lead to improved labor induction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C K Konopka
- Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | - W G Glanzner
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínica de Grandes Animais
| | - M L Rigo
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínica de Grandes Animais
| | - M T Rovani
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínica de Grandes Animais
| | - F V Comim
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínica de Grandes Animais
| | - P B D Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínica de Grandes Animais
| | - E N Morais
- Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | - A Q Antoniazzi
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Reprodução Animal, Departamento de Clínica de Grandes Animais
| | - C F Mello
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | - I B M Cruz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Konopka CK, Morais EN, Naidon D, Pereira AM, Rubin MA, Oliveira JF, Mello CF. Maternal serum progesterone, estradiol and estriol levels in successful dinoprostone-induced labor. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 46:91-7. [PMID: 23314338 PMCID: PMC3854342 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x20122453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2012] [Accepted: 09/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hormone-mediated quiescence involves the maintenance of a decreased inflammatory responsiveness. However, no study has investigated whether labor induction with prostanoids is associated with changes in the levels of maternal serum hormones. The objective of this study was to determine whether labor induction with dinoprostone is associated with changes in maternal serum progesterone, estradiol, and estriol levels. Blood samples were obtained from 81 pregnant women at term. Sixteen patients had vaginal birth after spontaneous labor, 12 required cesarean section after spontaneous labor and 16 underwent elective cesarean. Thirty-seven patients had labor induction with dinoprostone. Eligible patients received a vaginal insert of dinoprostone (10 mg) and were followed until delivery. Serum progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2) and estriol (E3) levels and changes in P4/E2, P4/E3 and E3/E2 ratios were monitored from admission to immediately before birth, and the association of these measures with the resulting clinical classification outcome (route of delivery and induction responsiveness) was assessed. Progesterone levels decreased from admission to birth in patients who underwent successful labor induction with dinoprostone [vaginal and cesarean birth after induced labor: 23% (P < 0.001) and 18% (P < 0.025) decrease, respectively], but not in those whose induction failed (6.4% decrease, P > 0.05). Estriol and estradiol levels, P4/E2, P4/E3 and E3/E2 ratios did not differ between groups. Successful dinoprostone-induced labor was associated with reduced maternal progesterone levels from induction to birth. While a causal relationship between progesterone decrease and effective dinoprostone-induced labor cannot be established, it is tempting to propose that dinoprostone may contribute to progesterone withdrawal and favor labor induction in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C K Konopka
- Departamento de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Dezengrini R, Weiss M, Torres FD, Oliveira MS, Furian F, Mello CF, Weiblen R, Flores EF. Bovine herpesvirus 5 induces an overproduction of nitric oxide in the brain of rabbits that correlates with virus dissemination and precedes the development of neurological signs. J Neurovirol 2009; 15:153-63. [PMID: 19115129 DOI: 10.1080/13550280802578067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We herein report an investigation of nitric oxide (NO) levels, a candidate molecule for neuronal toxicity and dysfunction, in the brain of rabbits during experimental neurological infection by bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5). Spectrophotometry for NO products (NO(2) and NO(3)) revealed that NO levels were significantly increased (F(4, 40) = 3.33; P <.02) in several regions of the brain of rabbits with neurological disease, correlating with moderate to high BoHV-5 titers. Immunohistochemistry of brain regions revealed a group of cells with neuronal and astrocyte morphology expressing the enzyme inducible NO synthase (iNOS) close to virus antigen-positive neurons. In addition, the investigation of nitric oxide levels between 2 and 6 days post infection (d.p.i.) revealed an initial increase in NO levels in the olfactory bulb and cortex (OB/OC) and anterior cortex (AC) at day 3 p.i., correlating with the initial detection of virus. As the infection proceeded, increased NO levels-and infectivity-were progressively being detected in the OB/CO and AC at day 4 p.i. (F(12, 128) = 2.82; P <.003); at day 5 p.i. in several brain regions (P <.003 in the OB/OC); and at day 6 p.i. in all regions (P <.003) but the thalamus. These results show that BoHV-5 replication in the brain of rabbits induces an overproduction of NO. The increase in NO levels in early infection correlated spatially and temporally with virus dissemination within the brain and preceded the development of neurological signs. Thus, the overproduction of NO in the brain of BoHV-5-infected rabbits may be a component of the pathogenesis of BoHV-5-induced neurological disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Dezengrini
- Setor de Virologia, Departamento de Medicina Veterinaria Preventiva, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Dalmolin GD, Silva CR, Bellé NAV, Rubin MA, Mello CF, Calixto JB, Ferreira J. Bradykinin into amygdala induces thermal hyperalgesia in rats. Neuropeptides 2007; 41:263-70. [PMID: 17400291 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2006.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2006] [Revised: 11/23/2006] [Accepted: 12/23/2006] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Bradykinin is one of the most potent endogenous algesic substances and its role in pain transmission has been intensively studied in the periphery. However, the action of this peptide in central structures involved in pain transmission remains unclear. Administration of bradykinin (0.25 nmol/site) into the right amygdala of adult male Wistar rats induced thermal hyperalgesia, evaluated in the paw-flick test. Bradykinin-induced hyperalgesia was abolished by co-administration with the B(2) receptor antagonist Hoe 140 (5 pmol/site), the NMDA antagonist MK-801 (5 nmol/site), the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10 nmol/site) and the glial metabolic inhibitor fluorocitrate (1 nmol/site). Since the intra-amygdala administration of bradykinin did not alter spontaneous locomotion in the open-field test, it is unlikely that the current described hyperalgesic effect of bradykinin is due to an unspecific action on motor activity. These findings provide evidence that bradykinin, through activation of amygdalar B(2) receptors induces hyperalgesia and that glutamatergic- and prostanoid-mediated mechanisms are involved in such effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G D Dalmolin
- Department of Chemistry, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mello CF, Sultana R, Piroddi M, Cai J, Pierce WM, Klein JB, Butterfield DA. Acrolein induces selective protein carbonylation in synaptosomes. Neuroscience 2007; 147:674-9. [PMID: 17570602 PMCID: PMC1987324 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2007] [Revised: 04/02/2007] [Accepted: 04/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Acrolein, the most reactive of the alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes, is endogenously produced by lipid peroxidation, and has been found increased in the brain of patients with Alzheimer's disease. Although it is known that acrolein increases total protein carbonylation and impairs the function of selected proteins, no study has addressed which proteins are selectively carbonylated by this aldehyde. In this study we investigated the effect of increasing concentrations of acrolein (0, 0.005, 0.05, 0.5, 5, 50 microM) on protein carbonylation in gerbil synaptosomes. In addition, we applied proteomics to identify synaptosomal proteins that were selectively carbonylated by 0.5 microM acrolein. Acrolein increased total protein carbonylation in a dose-dependent manner. Proteomic analysis (two-dimensional electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry) revealed that tropomyosin-3-gamma isoform 2, tropomyosin-5, beta-actin, mitochondrial Tu translation elongation factor (EF-Tu(mt)) and voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) were significantly carbonylated by acrolein. Consistent with the proteomics studies that have identified specifically oxidized proteins in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain, the proteins identified in this study are involved in a wide variety of cellular functions including energy metabolism, neurotransmission, protein synthesis, and cytoskeletal integrity. Our results suggest that acrolein may significantly contribute to oxidative damage in AD brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C F Mello
- Department of Chemistry, Center of Membrane Sciences and Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Malfatti CRM, Perry MLS, Schweigert ID, Muller AP, Paquetti L, Rigo FK, Fighera MR, Garrido-Sanabria ER, Mello CF. Convulsions induced by methylmalonic acid are associated with glutamic acid decarboxylase inhibition in rats: A role for GABA in the seizures presented by methylmalonic acidemic patients? Neuroscience 2007; 146:1879-87. [PMID: 17467181 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2007.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2006] [Revised: 02/25/2007] [Accepted: 03/17/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Methylmalonic acid (MMA) is an endogenous convulsing compound that accumulates in methylmalonic acidemia, an inborn error of the metabolism characterized by severe neurological dysfunction, including seizures. The mechanisms by which MMA causes seizures involves the activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, but whether GABAergic mechanisms are involved in the convulsions induced by MMA is not known. Therefore, in the current study we investigated the involvement of GABAergic mechanisms in the convulsions induced by MMA. Adult rats were injected (i.c.v.) with muscimol (46 pmol/1 microl), baclofen (0.03, 0.1 and 0.3 micromol/1 microl), MK-801 (6 nmol/1 microl), pyridoxine (2 micromol/4 microl) or physiological saline (0.15 micromol/1 microl). After 30 min, MMA (0.3, 0.1 and 3 micromol/1 microl) or NaCl (6 micromol/1 microl, i.c.v.) was injected. The animals were immediately transferred to an open field and observed for the appearance of convulsions. After behavioral evaluation, glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) activity was determined in cerebral cortex homogenates by measuring the 14CO2 released from l-[14C]-glutamic acid. Convulsions were confirmed by electroencephalographic recording in a subset of animals. MMA caused the appearance of clonic convulsions in a dose-dependent manner and decreased GAD activity in the cerebral cortex ex vivo. GAD activity negatively correlated with duration of MMA-induced convulsions (r=-0.873, P<0.01), in an individual basis. Muscimol, baclofen, MK-801 and pyridoxine prevented MMA-induced convulsions, but only MK-801 and pyridoxine prevented MMA-induced GAD inhibition. These data suggest GABAergic mechanisms are involved in the convulsive action of MMA, and that GAD inhibition by MMA depends on the activation of NMDA receptors. While in this study we present novel data about the role of the GABAergic system in MMA-induced convulsions, the central role of NMDA receptors in the neurochemical actions of MMA is further reinforced since they seem to trigger GABAergic failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R M Malfatti
- Departamento de Educação Física e Saúde, Universidade de Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Cruz do Sul, RS, 96815-900, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Prokopp CR, Rubin MA, Sauzem PD, de Souza AH, Berlese DB, Lourega RV, Muniz MN, Bonacorso HG, Zanatta N, Martins MAP, Mello CF. A pyrazolyl-thiazole derivative causes antinociception in mice. Braz J Med Biol Res 2006; 39:795-9. [PMID: 16751986 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2006000600013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigates the antinociceptive effect of the pyrazolyl-thiazole derivative 2-(5-trichloromethyl-5-hydroxy-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-4-(4-bromophenyl)-5-methylthiazole (B50) in mice. Male albino Swiss mice (30-40 g) were used in the acetic acid-induced abdominal writhes and tail-immersion tests. B50 caused dose-dependent antinociception (8, 23 and 80 micromol/kg, s.c.) in the acetic acid writhing assay (number of writhes: vehicle: 27.69 +/- 6.15; B50 (8 micromol/kg): 16.92 +/- 3.84; B50 (23 micromol/kg): 13.85 +/- 3.84; B50 (80 micromol/kg): 9.54 +/- 3.08; data are reported as means +/- SEM for 9 animals per group). On the other hand, B50 did not cause antinociception in the tail immersion assay. Naloxone (2.75 micromol/kg, s.c.) prevented B50-induced antinociception (number of writhes: vehicle-saline: 31.11 +/- 3.15; vehicle-naloxone: 27.41 +/- 3.70; B50 (80 micromol/kg)-saline: 8.70 +/- 3.33; B50 (80 micromol/kg)-naloxone: 31.84 +/- 4.26; morphine-saline: 2.04 +/- 3.52; morphine-naloxone: 21.11 +/- 4.26; 8-9 animals per group). The removal of the methyl group of the thiazole ring of B50 or substitution of the bromo substituent with the methyl at position 4 of the phenyl group, which is attached to the thiazole ring of B50, resulted in loss of activity, suggesting that these substituents are important for antinociceptive activity. B50 had no effect on spontaneous locomotion or rotarod performance, indicating that the antinociceptive effect of B50 is not related to nonspecific motor effects. The antinociceptive profile of B50 seems to be closer to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs than to classic opioid agents, since it had no analgesic effect in a thermally motivated test.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R Prokopp
- Laboratório de Neurotoxicidade e Psicofarmacologia, Departamento de Química, Setor de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sinhorin VDG, Roehrs C, Pasin JSM, Bellé NAV, Rubin MA, Mello CF. Succinate causes oxidative damage through N-methyl-d-aspartate-mediated mechanisms. Brain Res 2005; 1051:66-71. [PMID: 15992781 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2005.05.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2005] [Revised: 05/19/2005] [Accepted: 05/23/2005] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In this study we investigated whether succinate, the accumulating substrate in succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) deficiencies and SDH inhibitor intoxication, causes lipoperoxidation and protein carbonylation, and if NMDA receptors are involved in the succinate-induced oxidative damage. Adult male mice (30-40 g) received an intracerebroventricular injection of succinic acid (0.7, 1.0 and 1.7 micromol/5 microl) or 0.9% NaCl (5 microl) and had their exploratory behavior assessed in an open field for 10 min. Succinate (0.7 and 1.0 micromol/5 microl) decreased locomotor activity behavior and increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonylation in the forebrain. Conversely, 1.7 micromol of succinate did not alter locomotor activity or oxidative damage parameters. The involvement of NMDA receptors in the succinate-induced increase of total protein carbonylation content and exploratory behavior inhibition was assessed by co-administrating MK-801 (7 nmol/2.5 microl icv), a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist, with succinate (1 micromol/2.5 microl icv). The co-administration of MK-801 protected against succinate-induced increase of total protein carbonylation and decrease of locomotor activity. These results suggest the involvement of NMDA receptors in these effects of succinate, which may of particular relevance for succinate-accumulating conditions, such as SDH inhibitors intoxication and inherited SDH deficiencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V D G Sinhorin
- Department of Physiology, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900, Santa Maria RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Tabarelli Z, Rubin MA, Berlese DB, Sauzem PD, Missio TP, Teixeira MV, Sinhorin AP, Martins MAP, Zanatta N, Bonacorso HG, Mello CF. Antinociceptive effect of novel pyrazolines in mice. Braz J Med Biol Res 2004; 37:1531-40. [PMID: 15448875 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2004001000013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The antinociceptive effect of six novel synthetic pyrazolines (3-ethoxymethyl-5-ethoxycarbonyl-1H-pyrazole (Pz 1) and its corresponding 1-substituted methyl (Pz 2) and phenyl (Pz 3) analogues, and 3-(1-ethoxyethyl)-5-ethoxycarbonyl-1H-pyrazole (Pz 4) and its corresponding 1-substituted methyl (Pz 5) and phenyl (Pz 6) analogues) was evaluated by the tail immersion test in adult male albino mice. The animals (N = 11-12 in each group) received vehicle (5% Tween 80, 10 ml/kg, sc) or 1.5 mmol/kg of each of the pyrazolines (Pz 1-Pz 6), sc. Fifteen, thirty and sixty minutes after drug administration, the mice were subjected to the tail immersion test. Thirty minutes after drug administration Pz 2 and Pz 3 increased tail withdrawal latency (vehicle = 3.4 +/- 0.2; Pz 2 = 5.2 +/- 0.4; Pz 3 = 5.9 +/- 0.4 s; mean +/- SEM), whereas the other pyrazolines did not present antinociceptive activity. Dose-effect curves (0.15 to 1.5 mmol/kg) were constructed for the bioactive pyrazolines. Pz 2 (1.5 mmol/kg, sc) impaired motor coordination in the rotarod and increased immobility in the open-field test. Pz 3 did not alter rotarod performance and spontaneous locomotion, but increased immobility in the open field at the dose of 1.5 mmol/kg. The involvement of opioid mechanisms in the pyrazoline-induced antinociception was investigated by pretreating the animals with naloxone (2.75 micro mol/kg, sc). Naloxone prevented Pz 3- but not Pz 2-induced antinociception. Moreover, naloxone pretreatment did not alter Pz 3-induced immobility. We conclude that Pz 3-induced antinociception involves opioid mechanisms but this is not the case for Pz 2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z Tabarelli
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Vargas CR, Wajner M, Sirtori LR, Goulart L, Chiochetta M, Coelho D, Latini A, Llesuy S, Bello-Klein A, Giugliani R, Deon M, Mello CF. Evidence that oxidative stress is increased in patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2004; 1688:26-32. [PMID: 14732478 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2003.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a hereditary disorder of peroxisomal metabolism biochemically characterized by the accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA), particularly hexacosanoic acid (C26:0) and tetracosanoic acid (C24:0) in different tissues and in biological fluids. The disease is clinically characterized by central and peripheral demyelination and adrenal insufficiency, which is closely related to the increased concentrations of these fatty acids. However, the mechanisms underlying the brain damage in X-ALD are poorly known. Considering that free radical generation is involved in various neurodegenerative disorders, like Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, in the present study we evaluated various oxidative stress parameters, namely chemiluminescence, thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBA-RS), total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP), and total antioxidant reactivity (TAR) in plasma of X-ALD patients, as well as the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in erythrocytes and fibroblasts from these patients. It was verified a significant increase of plasma chemiluminescence and TBA-RS, reflecting induction of lipid peroxidation, as well as a decrease of plasma TAR, indicating a deficient capacity to rapidly handle an increase of reactive species. We also observed a significant increase of erythrocytes GPx activity and of catalase and SOD activities in fibroblasts from the patients studied. It is therefore proposed that oxidative stress may be involved in pathophysiology of X-ALD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C R Vargas
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Pharmacy Faculty, UFRGS, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350 CEP 90.035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Malonic acidaemia is an inborn error of metabolism that accumulates malonate, a competitive succinate dehydrogenase (SDH; EC 1.3.99.1) inhibitor. The present study investigated the behavioural effects of unilateral intrastriatal administration of malonate (0.6, 1.8 or 6 micromol) in adult male Wistar rats (n=10-13). Low doses of malonate (1.8 micromol) decreased exploratory activity and caused ipsiversive rotational behaviour. High doses of malonate (6 micromol) induced contralateral rotational behaviour and convulsive episodes. Malonate competitively inhibited SDH in mitochondrion-enriched fractions from striatum ( Ki=0.034+/-0.008 mmol/L). Interestingly, methylmalonate, which is a weaker SDH inhibitor than malonate (Ki=4.22+/-1.3 mmol/L), induced more convulsions than malonate at equimolar doses and did not cause ipsiversive rotational behaviour. It is suggested that the potency of SDH inhibition in vitro does not correlate positively with the convulsant potential of these inhibitors in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Fleck
- Centro Universitário Franciscano, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Roehrs C, Garrido-Sanabria ER, Da Silva AC, Faria LC, Sinhorin VDG, Marques RH, Priel MR, Rubin MA, Cavalheiro EA, Mello CF. Succinate increases neuronal post-synaptic excitatory potentials in vitro and induces convulsive behavior through N-methyl-d-aspartate-mediated mechanisms. Neuroscience 2004; 125:965-71. [PMID: 15120856 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2004.01.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Succinate is a dicarboxylic acid that accumulates due to succinate dehydrogenase inhibition by malonate and methylmalonate exposure. These neurotoxins cause increased excitability and excitotoxic damage, which can be prevented by administering high amounts of succinate. In the present study we investigated whether succinate alters hippocampal field excitatory post-synaptic potentials. Bath application of succinate at intermediate concentrations (0.3-1 mM) increased the slope of field excitatory post-synaptic potentials in hippocampal slices, and at high concentrations (above 1 mM) did not alter or decrease field excitatory post-synaptic potentials slope. Succinate-induced enhancement of field excitatory post-synaptic potentials slope was abolished by the addition of d-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (50 microM) to the perfusate, supporting the involvement of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in the excitatory effect of this organic acid. Accordingly, succinate (0.8-7.5 micromol) i.c.v. administration caused dose-dependent convulsive behavior in mice. The i.c.v. co-administration of MK-801 (7 nmol) fully prevented succinate-induced convulsions, further suggesting the involvement of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in the convulsant action of succinate. Our data indicate that accumulation of moderate amounts of succinate may contribute to the excitotoxicity induced by succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors, through the activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Roehrs
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Schneider Oliveira M, Flávia Furian A, Freire Royes LF, Rechia Fighera M, de Carvalho Myskiw J, Gindri Fiorenza N, Mello CF. Ascorbate modulates pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsions biphasically. Neuroscience 2004; 128:721-8. [PMID: 15464280 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2004.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Ascorbate is an antioxidant vitamin that is found in high concentrations in the brain which seems to have neuroprotective properties in some experimental models of excitotoxic neurological disorders, including convulsive behavior and reactive species-related damage. In this study we tested whether ascorbate (30, 100 or 300 mg/kg, i.p.) protects against the convulsions, protein carbonylation and inhibition of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity induced by pentylenetetrazol (PTZ; 1.8 micromol/striatum), a classical convulsant agent that has been fairly used for the study of epilepsy and screening of new compounds with antiepileptic activity. The intrastriatal injection of PTZ caused convulsive behavior in a dose-dependent manner and an increase in the total protein carbonyl content of the injected striatum. However, duration of PTZ-induced convulsive episodes did not correlate with protein carbonyl content of the injected striatum. Ascorbate, at high doses (300 mg/kg), protected against PTZ-induced convulsions, protein carbonylation and inhibition of Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in the rat striatum, further suggesting a anticonvulsant and neuroprotective role for this vitamin. Conversely, intermediate doses of ascorbate (100 mg/kg) potentiated the duration of the convulsive episodes, but had no additive effects on protein carbonylation or Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity inhibition induced by PTZ. Low doses of ascorbate (30 mg/kg) prevented PTZ-induced increase of total striatal carbonyl protein content, but did not alter PTZ-induced convulsions and Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity inhibition. Collectively, these data indicate that the anticonvulsant activity of ascorbate is not related to its antioxidant action and support a dual role for this compound as a neuroprotective agent, since while it protects against PTZ-induced cellular oxidative damage, it has a biphasic effect on PTZ-induced convulsions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Schneider Oliveira
- Department of Physiology, Center of Health Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Royes LFF, Fighera MR, Furian AF, Oliveira MS, da Silva LGM, Malfatti CRM, Schneider PH, Braga AL, Wajner M, Mello CF. Creatine protects against the convulsive behavior and lactate production elicited by the intrastriatal injection of methylmalonate. Neuroscience 2003; 118:1079-90. [PMID: 12732252 DOI: 10.1016/s0306-4522(02)00978-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Methylmalonic acidemias are metabolic disorders caused by a severe deficiency of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase activity, which are characterized by neurological dysfunction, including convulsions. It has been reported that the accumulating metabolite, L-methylmalonic acid (MMA), inhibits succinate dehydrogenase leading to ATP depletion in vitro, and that the intrastriatal injection of MMA induces convulsions through secondary NMDA receptor stimulation. In this study we investigated the effect of creatine (1.2, 3.6 and 12.0 mg/kg, (i.p.), [DOSAGE ERROR CORRECTED] succinate (1.5 micromol/striatum) and MK-801 (3 nmol/striatum) on the convulsions and on the striatal lactate increase induced by MMA (4.5 micromol/striatum) in rats. The effect of creatine on the striatal phosphocreatine content and on MMA-induced phosphocreatine depletion was also evaluated. Creatine, succinate and MK-801 pretreatment decreased the number and duration of convulsive episodes and the lactate increase elicited by MMA. Creatine, but not succinate, prevented the convulsions and the lactate increase induced by the direct stimulation of NMDA receptors. Acute creatine administration increased the total striatal phosphocreatine content and prevented MMA-induced phosphocreatine depletion. Our results suggest that MMA increases lactate production through secondary NMDA receptor activation, and it is proposed that the anticonvulsant effect of creatine against MMA-induced convulsions may be due to an increase in the phosphocreatine content available for metabolic purposes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L F F Royes
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Surfactants are frequently used to improve solubilization of lipophilic drugs. Cremophor EL (CrEL) is a polyoxyethylated castor oil surfactant used to solubilize water-insoluble drugs such as anesthetic, antineoplastic, immunosuppressive and analgesic drugs, vitamins and new synthetic compounds, including potential analgesics. The antinociceptive effect of CrEL (3.2, 6.4 and 10.6 g/kg, in 10 ml/kg body weight, by gavage) on the abdominal writhing response induced by intraperitoneal administration of acetic acid (0.8%, 10 ml/kg body weight) and on the tail immersion test was investigated in mice. Control animals received castor oil (10 ml/kg body weight) or saline (0.9% NaCl, 10 ml/kg body weight). CrEL reduced nociception in a dose-dependent manner in both tests. At 10.6 g/kg, CrEL caused antinociception similar to that induced by dipyrone (300 mg/kg, by gavage) in the abdominal writhing test, and antinociception similar to that induced by morphine (20 mg/kg, by gavage) in the tail immersion test. The effect of castor oil was similar to that of saline in both assays. These data indicate that the appropriate controls should be used when evaluating the effects of potential antinociceptive agents dissolved in CrEL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z Tabarelli
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Centro de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rubin MA, Stiegemeier JA, Volkweis MA, Oliveira DM, Fenili AC, Boemo RL, Jurach A, Mello CF. Intra-amygdala spermidine administration improves inhibitory avoidance performance in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2001; 423:35-9. [PMID: 11438304 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(01)01061-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we investigated the effect of immediate post-training bilateral infusion of spermidine, a polyamine agonist, into the amygdala on inhibitory avoidance learning of rats. Bilateral microinjection of spermidine (0.02--20 nmol) caused an increase in test step-down latencies at high concentrations. Administration of arcaine (0.002--0.2 nmol), an antagonist of the NMDA receptor polyamine binding site, decreased test step-down latencies. On the other hand, co-administration of arcaine and spermidine completely reversed the spermidine-induced increase of test step-down latencies. These results provide evidence that polyamines may be involved in learning and memory modulation in the amygdala.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Rubin
- Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Rubin MA, Albach CA, Berlese DB, Bonacorso HG, Bittencourt SR, Queiroz CM, Maixner AE, Mello CF. Anxiolytic-like effects of 4-phenyl-2-trichloromethyl-3H-1, 5-benzodiazepine hydrogen sulfate in mice. Braz J Med Biol Res 2000; 33:1069-73. [PMID: 10973140 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2000000900013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological effects of 4-phenyl-2-trichloromethyl-3H-1, 5-benzodiazepine hydrogen sulfate (PTMB), a novel synthetic benzodiazepine, were examined in mice. In the elevated plus-maze test of anxiety, 0.3-1 mg/kg diazepam ip (F(3,53) = 3.78; P<0.05) and 1-10 mg/kg PTMB ip increased (F(5,98) = 3.26; P<0.01), whereas 2 mg/kg picrotoxin ip decreased (F(3,59) = 8.32; P<0.001) the proportion of time spent in the open arms, consistent with an anxiolytic action of both benzodiazepines, and an anxiogenic role for picrotoxin. In the holeboard, 1.0 mg/kg diazepam ip increased (F(3,54) = 2.78; P<0.05) and 2 mg/kg picrotoxin ip decreased (F(3, 59) = 4.69; P<0.01) locomotor activity. Rotarod assessment revealed that 1 mg/kg diazepam ip and 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg PTMB ip produced significant motor incoordination compared to vehicle control (F(4, 70) = 7.6; P<0.001). These data suggest that the recently synthesized PTMB compound possesses anxiolytic activity and produces motor incoordination similar to those observed with diazepam.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Rubin
- Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Rubin MA, Boemo RL, Jurach A, Rojas DB, Zanolla GR, Obregon AD, Souza DO, Mello CF. Intrahippocampal spermidine administration improves inhibitory avoidance performance in rats. Behav Pharmacol 2000; 11:57-61. [PMID: 10821209 DOI: 10.1097/00008877-200002000-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Polyamines are polycations present at high concentrations in the mammalian brain. We investigated the effect of an intrahippocampal infusion of spermidine, a polyamine agonist, immediately post-training on the inhibitory avoidance learning paradigm in rats. Bilateral intrahippocampal microinjection of spermidine (0.02-20 nmol) caused an increase in test step-down latencies at low concentrations. Administration of arcaine (0.002-0.2 nmol), an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor polyamine binding site, did not modify the test step-down latencies. In contrast, co-administration of arcaine and spermidine completely reversed the facilitatory effect of spermidine on the test step-down latencies. These results provide evidence that polyamines may be involved in learning and memory modulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M A Rubin
- Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Frussa-Filho R, Barbosa-Júnior H, Silva RH, Da Cunha C, Mello CF. Naltrexone potentiates the anxiolytic effects of chlordiazepoxide in rats exposed to novel environments. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1999; 147:168-73. [PMID: 10591884 DOI: 10.1007/s002130051157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Both novelty and naloxone have been reported to modify the anxiolytic-like effect of benzodiazepines in the elevated plus maze. In addition, it has been largely demonstrated that novelty alters endogenous opioid activity. OBJECTIVES The present study was designed to examine a possible interaction between novelty and naltrexone effects on the behavior of chlordiazepoxide-treated rats in two animal models of anxiety. METHODS Thirty minutes after acute intraperitoneal treatment with saline or naltrexone and saline or chlordiazepoxide, male Wistar rats were exposed for the first time to the elevated plus maze apparatus or the social interaction arena for the quantification of the percentage of time spent in the open arms or the time of active social interaction, respectively. The effects of naltrexone and/or chlordiazepoxide on the plus maze and the social interaction tests were also evaluated after previous exposure to the respective apparatus. RESULTS Naltrexone dose dependently increased the percentage of time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus maze in chlordiazepoxide-treated (5 mg/kg i.p.) rats exposed for the first time to the apparatus. Similarly, naltrexone (5 mg/kg i.p.) increased the time spent in active social interaction by chlordiazepoxide-treated rats exposed to an unfamiliar arena. In both experiments, naltrexone had no effect when administered alone. When both the plus maze and the social interaction tests were conducted after previous exposure to the respective apparatus, naltrexone did not modify the behavior of chlordiazepoxide- or saline-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that the anxiolytic-like effects of chlordiazepoxide can be modified by opioid mechanisms in novel environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Frussa-Filho
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Brusque AM, Mello CF, Buchanan DN, Terracciano ST, Rocha MP, Vargas CR, Wannmacher CM, Wajner M. Effect of chemically induced propionic acidemia on neurobehavioral development of rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1999; 64:529-34. [PMID: 10548267 DOI: 10.1016/s0091-3057(99)00127-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
High levels of propionic acid (PPA) comparable to those of human propionic acidemia were achieved in blood (1-5 mmol/l) and brain (1 micromol/g) of rats by administering saline-buffered propionate (pH 7.4) subcutaneously twice a day from the 6th to the 28th day of life. PPA doses ranged from 1.44 to 1.92 micromol/g body weight as a function of animal age. Control rats were treated with saline in the same volumes. Growth and development of physical landmarks were assessed by monitoring the following parameters daily: body weight, upper incisor eruption, eye opening, and hair coat. Development of some reflexes was also monitored, and a specific subset of motor skills was evaluated at days 14 and 21 of life by the free-fall righting test and the spontaneous alternation test. Chronic PPA administration had no effect on body weight, cerebral cortex weight, or cerebellum weight, but caused slight but significant delays in the day of appearance of hair coat and eye opening, indicating an effect of PPA on the development of physical parameters. Free-fall righting was impaired in PPA-treated animals. On the other hand, PPA administration had no effect on the performance of the animals in the spontaneous alternation tests. Long-term effects of early PPA administration were investigated by assessing animal performance in an aversive task (two-way shuttle avoidance task) and in a nonaversive (open-field task) behavioral task at 60 days of age. PPA-treated rats did not habituate to the open field, and presented a lack of retention of the shuttle-avoidance task. Our results suggest that early postnatal PPA administration to rats alters normal development and induces long-term behavioral deficits in aversive and nonaversive tasks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A M Brusque
- Departmento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Sustained levels of leucine comparable to those of human Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) were achieved in blood and brain of rats by subcutaneous leucine administration twice a day from the 6th to the 28th day of life. Control rats were treated with saline in the same volumes. Behavioral studies using aversive and nonaversive tasks were performed during adult age. Chronic early leucine treatment impaired acquisition of a two-way shuttle avoidance task and altered habituation to an open field. Our results suggest that early postnatal leucine administration induces long-lasting behavioral deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C F Mello
- Departamento de Química, CCNE, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Mello CF, Kraemer CK, Filippin A, Morsch VM, Rodrigues AL, Martins AF, Rubin MA. Effect of lead acetate on neurobehavioral development of rats. Braz J Med Biol Res 1998; 31:943-50. [PMID: 9698759 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x1998000700010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the effects of lead exposure during the pre- and postnatal period on the neurobehavioral development of female Wistar rats (70-75 days of age, 120-150 g) using a protocol of lead intoxication that does not affect weight gain. Wistar rats were submitted to lead acetate intoxication by giving their dams 1.0 mM lead acetate. Control dams received deionized water. Growth and neuromotor development were assessed by monitoring daily the following parameters in 20 litters: body weight, ear unfolding, incisor eruption, eye opening, righting, palmar grasp, negative geotaxis, cliff avoidance and startle reflex. Spontaneous alternation was assessed on postnatal day 17 using a T maze. The animals' ability to equilibrate on a breaker rim was measured on postnatal day 19. Lead intoxication was confirmed by measuring renal, hepatic and cerebral lead concentration in dams and litters. Lead treatment hastened the day of appearance of the following parameters: eye opening (control: 13.5 +/- 0.6, N = 88; lead: 12.9 +/- 0.6, N = 72; P < 0.05), startle reflex (control: 13.0 +/- 0.8, N = 88; lead: 12.0 +/- 0.7, N = 72; P < 0.05) and negative geotaxis. On the other hand, spontaneous alternation performance was hindered in lead-exposed animals (control: 37.6 +/- 19.7; lead: 57.5 +/- 28.3% of alternating animals; P < 0.05). These results suggest that lead exposure without concomitant undernutrition alters rat development, affecting specific subsets of motor skills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C F Mello
- Departamento de Química, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, RS, Brasil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Mello CF, Begnini J, De-La-Vega DD, Lopes FP, Schwartz CC, Jimenez-Bernal RE, Bellot RG, Frussa-Filho R. Antinociceptive effect of purine nucleotides. Braz J Med Biol Res 1996; 29:1379-87. [PMID: 9181113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The antinociceptive effect of purine nucleotides administered systematically (sc) was determined using the formalin and writhing tests in adult male albino mice. The mechanisms underlying nucleotide-induced antinociception were investigated by preinjecting the animals (sc) with specific antagonists for opioid (naloxone, 1 mg/kg), purinergic P1 (caffeine, 5, 10, of 30 mg/kg); theophylline, 10 mg/kg) or purinergic P2 receptors (suramin, 100 mg/kg; Coomassie blue, 30-300 mg/kg; quinidine, 10 mg/kg). Adenosine, adenosine monophosphate (AMP), diphosphate (ADP) and triphosphate (ATP) caused a reduction in the number of writhes and in the time of licking the formalin-injected paw. Naloxone had no effect on adenosine- or adenine nucleotide-induced antinociception. Caffeine (30 mg/kg) and theophylline (10 mg/kg) reversed the antinociceptive action of adenosine and adenine nucleotide derivatives in both tests. P2 antagonists did not reverse adenine nucleotide-induced antinociception. These results suggest that antinociceptive effect of adenine nucleotides is mediated by adenosine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C F Mello
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brasil.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
In view of conflicting results in literature concerning lead exposure associated with behavioural alterations, this study investigated behaviour in the open-field and shuttle avoidance, for as well as tissue lead burdens of pre- and postnatally lead-exposed rats. Rats were exposed to the metal from conception to weaning by giving the dams 0.5, 2.0 or 4.0 mM lead acetate in drinking water. This regimen did not affect body weight gain of dams or offspring development and had no effect on cerebral weights nor on haematological parameters of 23-day-old rats. In 1-day-old rats, lead accumulated in the blood but not in the brain, whereas both in 23-day-old rats and in dams lead accumulated in blood, kidney and cerebral cortex. In the open-field, lead-exposed groups showed higher locomotor activity in the test session as compared to controls and did not show any decrease in rearing responses in the test, indicating less habituation. Lead-treated rats subjected to a shuttle avoidance task showed no significant increase in avoidance responses between sessions as compared to control, indicating less retention. Moreover, only the control group presented a significant reduction of the footshock escape latency along testing session, suggesting a lead effect on footshock escape acquisition. In the shuttle box, intertrial crossing responses were not affected by lead treatment. The behavioural alterations occurred in animals with blood lead levels in the range 11-50.6 micrograms/dl.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A L Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Frussa-Filho R, Rocha JB, Conceição IM, Mello CF, Pereira ME. Effects of dopaminergic agents on visceral pain measured by the mouse writhing test. Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther 1996; 331:74-93. [PMID: 8896712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The present study explored the role of the dopaminergic transmission in the mouse writhing test analgesia by examining the relative analgesic activity of indirect dopaminergic agonists (amphetamine and cocaine), a mixed D1/D2 direct agonist (apomorphine), and a direct D1 (SKF38393) and D2 (bromocriptine) dopaminergic agonist. Amphetamine (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg, s.c.), cocaine (3 and 10 mg/kg, s.c.), apomorphine (0.3, 1 and 3 mg/kg, s.c.) and bromocriptine (30 mg/kg, s.c.) induced a significant decrease of the number of writhes. SKF38393 (1, 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg, s.c.) had no effect on writhing. The antinociceptive effect of amphetamine and cocaine was not reversed by naltrexone, haloperidol or SCH23390. The apomorphine- and bromocriptine-induced analgesia was not reduced by naltrexone or SCH23390 but was attenuated by haloperidol; the apomorphine-induced analgesia was not modified by domperidone. The present results suggest an involvement of the dopaminergic transmission in visceral nociception. This dopaminergic component appears to involve exclusively the central D2 receptor system, and does not seem to be influenced by opioid mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Frussa-Filho
- Departamento de Farmacologia-UNIFESP, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Mello CF, Somer JE, Tavaroni V, Graciolli R, Wu V, Torres G, Aguiar F, Wajner M, Wannmacher CM. Effects of postnatal methylmalonate administration on neurobehavioral development of rats. Braz J Med Biol Res 1994; 27:655-61. [PMID: 8081290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Administration of methylmalonic acid in rats has been used as a model for methylmalonicacidemia in humans. Nestling Wistar rats of both sexes received 5 injections daily at 3-h intervals (starting at 7:30 a.m.) of saline or methylmalonic acid (MMA, 10 mg/ml) in a volume of 9 microliters/g body weight per injection subcutaneously in the lumbar region from the 5th to the 9th day of life and 11 microliters/g from day 10 to 14. Growth and neuromotor development were assessed by monitoring the following parameters daily in 54 rats: body weight, ear unfolding, incisor eruption, eye opening, righting, palmar grasp, negative geotaxis, cliff avoidance, free-fall righting and startle reflex. The only statistically significant effects of MMA administration were on the day of appearance of the free-fall righting reflex: MMA, 12.44 +/- 1.55 vs 11.0 +/- 0.39 days for saline control (P < 0.05, by two-way ANOVA) and a significant decrease in weight (P < 0.05, by ANOVA with repeated measures). The results suggest that chronic MMA administration to rats has a selective effect on neuromotor development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C F Mello
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Rocha JB, Mello CF, Sarkis JJ, Dias RD. Undernutrition during the preweaning period changes calcium ATPase and ADPase activities of synaptosomal fractions of weanling rats. Br J Nutr 1990; 63:273-83. [PMID: 2159319 DOI: 10.1079/bjn19900114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The presence of activities that hydrolyse externally added ATP to adenosine in synaptosomal preparations from various sources is well demonstrated. The hydrolysis of ATP to AMP can be mediated either by the concerted action of enzymes or by an ATP-diphosphohydrolase (EC 3.6.1.5; apyrase). Undernutrition during the preweaning period can delay the development of several enzymes involved in the metabolism of neurotransmitters or neuronal function. In young rats, the presence of an apyrase in synaptosomal preparations from cerebral cortex was investigated. The results suggested that the hydrolysis of externally added ATP and ADP can be mediated by a single enzyme. The effects of preweaning undernutrition on the hydrolysis of ATP and ADP were also investigated. In weanling rats, previous undernutrition caused a decrease of about 20% in the hydrolysis of both substrates in synaptosomal fractions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J B Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Mello CF, Rotta FT, Souza DO, Rocha JB. Undernutrition during suckling and latent learning ability of rehabilitated adult male rats. Behav Neural Biol 1989; 52:39-50. [PMID: 2757583 DOI: 10.1016/s0163-1047(89)90146-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The present report investigates the effects of early undernutrition on the latent learning ability of rehabilitated adult male rats in a simple maze task. Rats were undernourished during suckling by feeding their dams an 8% casein diet. Well-nourished dams received a 25% casein diet during the same period. Rats were weaned at 21 days of age and nutritionally rehabilitated until they became adults, when behavioral task was conducted. Under a nonappetitive condition, rats were exposed either to an open field or to a maze apparatus. They were thereafter deprived of water and tested in the maze apparatus. Both well-nourished and undernourished rats that had been previously exposed to the maze performed better than those exposed to the open field. Nutritional treatment had no effect on performance of either the latent learning or of the open-field groups. These results suggest that rehabilitated adult rats are able to learn about the environment when no immediate reinforcement is involved. The discrepancy between our findings and results reported by others may be due to differences in task complexity and/or perhaps to the fact that nutritional rehabilitation also plays a role in reversing some of the deleterious effects of early undernutrition on learning ability of rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C F Mello
- Departamento de Bioquimica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre (Centro), Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mello CF. [Some aspects of dental caries prevention in Brazil]. Rev Bras Odontol 1966; 25:295-321. [PMID: 5225207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
|