Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been studied recently as a major cause of cognitive deficits, memory a... more Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been studied recently as a major cause of cognitive deficits, memory and neurodegenerative damage. Taurine and enriched environment have stood out for presenting neuroprotective and stimulating effects that deserve further study. In this paper, we examined the effects of taurine and enriched environment in the context of diabetes, evaluating effects on behaviour, memory, death and cellular activity. Eighty-eight Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups (E=enriched environment; C=standard housing). Some animals (24/group) underwent induction of diabetes, and within each group, some animals (half of diabetics (D) and half of non-diabetics (ND)/group) were treated for 30days with taurine (T). Untreated animals received saline (S). In total, there were eight subgroups: DTC, DSC, NDTC, NDSC, DTE, DSE, NDTE and NDSE. During the experiment, short-term memory was evaluated. After 30th day of experiment, the animals were euthanized and was made removal of brains used to immunohistochemistry procedures for GFAP and cleaved caspase-3. As a result, we observed that animals treated with taurine showed better performance in behavioural and memory tasks, and the enriched environment had positive effects, especially in non-diabetic animals. Furthermore, taurine and enriched environment seemed to be able to interfere with neuronal apoptosis and loss of glial cells, and in some instances, these two factors seemed to have synergistic effects. From these data, taurine and enriched environment may have important neurostimulant and neuroprotective effects.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutamate-modulating agent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory prope... more N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutamate-modulating agent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties , has been considered as a potential anti-addictive drug. Beneficial effects were reported for cocaine, cannabis, and tobacco addicts, but the effect of NAC in alcoholics or in alcohol animal models is unknown. The aggravation of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, has been associated with increased levels of serum corticosterone and leptin. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of NAC on anxiety, as well as corticosterone and leptin serum levels, after cessation of chronic alcohol treatment in rats. Male Wistar rats were treated with 2 g/kg ethanol, twice daily, by gavage for 30 days; control animals received an appropriate dose of glucose to balance caloric intake. Rats were treated for 4 days with NAC (60 and 90 mg/kg, intra-peritoneally [i.p.]) or saline after alcohol cessation. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, rats were exposed to a 5-min session in the open-field test (OF). Corti-costerone and leptin serum levels were determined by ELISA in samples collected within 30 min after the OF. Results showed that rats were hypoactive (decreased rearing, peripheral, and total crossings), and that corticosterone and leptin levels were increased 5 days after alcohol cessation. Four days of NAC prevented the behavioral and biochemical changes brought about by alcohol cessation. We suggest that, in addition to the anti-addictive properties reported for other drugs of abuse, NAC is potentially useful in the management of alcohol withdrawal.
this study points to the validity of NAC clinical evaluation in the context of alcohol detoxifica... more this study points to the validity of NAC clinical evaluation in the context of alcohol detoxification and withdrawal.
this study points to the validity of NAC clinical evaluation in the context of alcohol detoxifica... more this study points to the validity of NAC clinical evaluation in the context of alcohol detoxification and withdrawal.
Cocaine sensitization is a marker for some facets of addiction, is greater in female rats, and ma... more Cocaine sensitization is a marker for some facets of addiction, is greater in female rats, and may be influenced by their sex hormones. We compared the modulatory effects of endogenous or exogenous estradiol and progesterone on cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization in 106 female rats. Ovariectomized female rats received progesterone (0.5 mg/mL), estradiol (0.05 mg/mL), progesterone plus estradiol, or the oil vehicle. Sham-operated control females received oil. Control and acute subgroups received injections of saline, while the repeated group received cocaine (15 mg/kg, ip) for 8 days. After 10 days, the acute and repeated groups received a challenge dose of cocaine, after which locomotion and stereotypy were monitored. The estrous cycle phase was evaluated and blood was collected to verify hormone levels. Repeated cocaine treatment induced overall behavioral sensitization in female rats, with increased locomotion and stereotypies. In detailed analysis, ovariectomized rats showed no locomotor sensitization; however, the sensitization of stereotypies was maintained. Only females with endogenous estradiol and progesterone demonstrated increased locomotor activity after cocaine challenge. Estradiol replacement enhanced stereotyped behaviors after repeated cocaine administration. Cocaine sensitization of stereotyped behaviors in female rats was reduced after progesterone replacement, either alone or concomitant with estradiol. The behavioral responses (locomotion and stereotypy) to cocaine were affected differently, depending on whether the female hormones were of an endogenous or exogenous origin. Therefore, hormonal cycling appears to be an important factor in the sensitization of females. Although estradiol increases the risk of cocaine sensitization, progesterone warrants further study as a pharmacological treatment in the prevention of psychostimulant abuse.
Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, Jan 5, 2015
Alcohol is frequently used in combination with tobacco and few studies explore interactions betwe... more Alcohol is frequently used in combination with tobacco and few studies explore interactions between these two drugs of abuse. Here, we evaluated the effect of chronic alcohol administration and concomitant exposure to tobacco smoke on long-term memory and on cell proliferation in the hippocampus of rats. Forty male Wistar rats were assigned to 4 groups and treated with alcohol (2 g/kg by gavage) and/or exposed to tobacco smoke (from 6 cigarettes, by inhalation) twice a day (at 9AM and 2 PM) for 30 days. Long-term memory was evaluated in the inhibitory avoidance test and hippocampal cell proliferation was analyzed for BrDU immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that alcohol, tobacco smoke or their combination improved the long-term memory evaluated by the memory index in rats. Moreover, alcohol and tobacco coadministration decreased BrdU-labeled cells by 60% when compared to the control group, while alcohol treatment decreased labeled cells by 40%. The tobacco group showed a non-si...
ABSTRACT Our objective was to investigate the antioxidant effect of an aqueous extract of organic... more ABSTRACT Our objective was to investigate the antioxidant effect of an aqueous extract of organic grapevine leaves (Vitis labrusca L.) on the livers of diabetic rats and to evaluate the resulting changes in metabolic and biochemical parameters. Diabetic rats received daily intragastric doses of 50, 100 or 200 mg/kg of the grapevine extract for 30 days. Grapevine leaf extract showed a dose-dependent antioxidant effect on the livers of diabetic rats, evidenced by decreases in TBARS and in carbonyl levels and increases in sulfhydryl levels. Moreover, the extract (200 mg/kg) prevented weight loss and reduced LDL cholesterol (50 mg/kg), urea (50 mg/kg), and AST (50 and 100 mg/kg) levels in diabetic rats at the indicated doses. Thus, we suggest that chronic treatment with an extract of grapevine leaves may represent an adjuvant therapy for the treatment and/or prevention of diabetic complications because its antioxidant, hepatoprotective and possible hypolipidemic effects showed here.
Presentation Abstract Program#/Poster#: 710.20/Y23 Presentation Title: Taurine increases the α2 G... more Presentation Abstract Program#/Poster#: 710.20/Y23 Presentation Title: Taurine increases the α2 GABAA receptor subunit and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in the hippocampus of diabetic rats Location: WCC Hall A-C Abstract: Taurine, one of the most abundant free amino acids in the central nervous system, modulates a variety of biological functions and acts as an agonist at GABAA receptors. Previous studies showed that taurine decreases depressive-like behaviors in diabetic rats (Caletti, et al., 2012, Amino Acid, 43(4):1525-33). Because changes in the α2 GABAA receptor subunit and in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are related to mood disorders we studied here the effect of taurine on expression of these two biomarkers in the hippocampus of diabetic rats exposed to the forced swimming rats. Streptozotocin -induced diabetic male adult Wistar rats were matched to control non-diabetic rats and daily administered with saline or 100 mg/kg of taur...
Diabetes-associated depression may occur due to changes in the quality of life imposed by treatme... more Diabetes-associated depression may occur due to changes in the quality of life imposed by treatment, or may be a consequence of the biochemical changes accompanying the disease. It was our objective to evaluate the behaviors of diabetic rats through an animal model of depression, and determine if a positive GABA modulator agent, clonazepam, is an effective antidepressant. Wistar male rats were submitted to the forced-swimming test after 26 days of the induction of diabetes with streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Test and retest days analyzed with an ethological approach. Clonazepam (control, 0.25, 0. 5, and 1.0 mg/kg) was administered IP 24, 5, and 1 h before the retest. Diabetic rats presented longer immobility duration during test and retest of forced swimming. Diabetic rats dived significantly less during the test. Clonazepam 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg decreased immobility of diabetic rats with no consequences on the behaviors of nondiabetic rats. These results demonstrate that diabetic rats pre...
Levodopa is the principal pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD); however the... more Levodopa is the principal pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD); however the protein content in diet may compromise its effectiveness. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of protein intake and the use of levodopa in ambulatory patients with PD. Thirty four PD patients were assessed for protein intake, evaluating the relation energy-protein intake by means of a register. An intake of 1762 kcal/day, 70.9 g of protein/day equivalent to 16.6% of the total energy intake as protein at a level of 1.1 g/kg bw/day. Of all patients, 47.1% took their medications with meals. We conclude that the studied patients consume more protein in their diet than those recommended for PD, with half the sample taking the medications with meals, which may affect the treatment.
Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, Jan 5, 2015
Alcohol is frequently used in combination with tobacco and few studies explore interactions betwe... more Alcohol is frequently used in combination with tobacco and few studies explore interactions between these two drugs of abuse. Here, we evaluated the effect of chronic alcohol administration and concomitant exposure to tobacco smoke on long-term memory and on cell proliferation in the hippocampus of rats. Forty male Wistar rats were assigned to 4 groups and treated with alcohol (2 g/kg by gavage) and/or exposed to tobacco smoke (from 6 cigarettes, by inhalation) twice a day (at 9AM and 2 PM) for 30 days. Long-term memory was evaluated in the inhibitory avoidance test and hippocampal cell proliferation was analyzed for BrDU immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that alcohol, tobacco smoke or their combination improved the long-term memory evaluated by the memory index in rats. Moreover, alcohol and tobacco coadministration decreased BrdU-labeled cells by 60% when compared to the control group, while alcohol treatment decreased labeled cells by 40%. The tobacco group showed a non-si...
Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology, 2014
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of progesterone on the protein expression of α4 ... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of progesterone on the protein expression of α4 subunit of GABA(A) receptor, serotonin transporter (SERT), Akt, Erk, and caspase-3 in the olfactory bulb (OB) of female rats exposed to the forced swimming test (FST). Female rats were injected daily with progesterone (0.4 mg/kg body mass) or vehicle during 2 complete oestrous cycles and exposed to the FST, and the protein expression of GABA(A) receptor α4 subunit, SERT, Akt, Erk, and caspase-3 in the OB were evaluated. Progesterone increased the expression of the α4 subunit in the right OB and decreased its expression in the left OB, although it did not change the expression of other proteins. In summary, our findings indicate that progesterone has an asymmetric modulatory effect on the expression of GABA(A) receptor α4 subunit in the OB. This effect could be related to the antidepressant-like effect of progesterone in female rats.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been studied recently as a major cause of cognitive deficits, memory a... more Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been studied recently as a major cause of cognitive deficits, memory and neurodegenerative damage. Taurine and enriched environment have stood out for presenting neuroprotective and stimulating effects that deserve further study. In this paper, we examined the effects of taurine and enriched environment in the context of diabetes, evaluating effects on behaviour, memory, death and cellular activity. Eighty-eight Wistar rats were divided into 2 groups (E=enriched environment; C=standard housing). Some animals (24/group) underwent induction of diabetes, and within each group, some animals (half of diabetics (D) and half of non-diabetics (ND)/group) were treated for 30days with taurine (T). Untreated animals received saline (S). In total, there were eight subgroups: DTC, DSC, NDTC, NDSC, DTE, DSE, NDTE and NDSE. During the experiment, short-term memory was evaluated. After 30th day of experiment, the animals were euthanized and was made removal of brains used to immunohistochemistry procedures for GFAP and cleaved caspase-3. As a result, we observed that animals treated with taurine showed better performance in behavioural and memory tasks, and the enriched environment had positive effects, especially in non-diabetic animals. Furthermore, taurine and enriched environment seemed to be able to interfere with neuronal apoptosis and loss of glial cells, and in some instances, these two factors seemed to have synergistic effects. From these data, taurine and enriched environment may have important neurostimulant and neuroprotective effects.
N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutamate-modulating agent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory prope... more N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutamate-modulating agent with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties , has been considered as a potential anti-addictive drug. Beneficial effects were reported for cocaine, cannabis, and tobacco addicts, but the effect of NAC in alcoholics or in alcohol animal models is unknown. The aggravation of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety, has been associated with increased levels of serum corticosterone and leptin. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of NAC on anxiety, as well as corticosterone and leptin serum levels, after cessation of chronic alcohol treatment in rats. Male Wistar rats were treated with 2 g/kg ethanol, twice daily, by gavage for 30 days; control animals received an appropriate dose of glucose to balance caloric intake. Rats were treated for 4 days with NAC (60 and 90 mg/kg, intra-peritoneally [i.p.]) or saline after alcohol cessation. Twenty-four hours after the last treatment, rats were exposed to a 5-min session in the open-field test (OF). Corti-costerone and leptin serum levels were determined by ELISA in samples collected within 30 min after the OF. Results showed that rats were hypoactive (decreased rearing, peripheral, and total crossings), and that corticosterone and leptin levels were increased 5 days after alcohol cessation. Four days of NAC prevented the behavioral and biochemical changes brought about by alcohol cessation. We suggest that, in addition to the anti-addictive properties reported for other drugs of abuse, NAC is potentially useful in the management of alcohol withdrawal.
this study points to the validity of NAC clinical evaluation in the context of alcohol detoxifica... more this study points to the validity of NAC clinical evaluation in the context of alcohol detoxification and withdrawal.
this study points to the validity of NAC clinical evaluation in the context of alcohol detoxifica... more this study points to the validity of NAC clinical evaluation in the context of alcohol detoxification and withdrawal.
Cocaine sensitization is a marker for some facets of addiction, is greater in female rats, and ma... more Cocaine sensitization is a marker for some facets of addiction, is greater in female rats, and may be influenced by their sex hormones. We compared the modulatory effects of endogenous or exogenous estradiol and progesterone on cocaine-induced behavioral sensitization in 106 female rats. Ovariectomized female rats received progesterone (0.5 mg/mL), estradiol (0.05 mg/mL), progesterone plus estradiol, or the oil vehicle. Sham-operated control females received oil. Control and acute subgroups received injections of saline, while the repeated group received cocaine (15 mg/kg, ip) for 8 days. After 10 days, the acute and repeated groups received a challenge dose of cocaine, after which locomotion and stereotypy were monitored. The estrous cycle phase was evaluated and blood was collected to verify hormone levels. Repeated cocaine treatment induced overall behavioral sensitization in female rats, with increased locomotion and stereotypies. In detailed analysis, ovariectomized rats showed no locomotor sensitization; however, the sensitization of stereotypies was maintained. Only females with endogenous estradiol and progesterone demonstrated increased locomotor activity after cocaine challenge. Estradiol replacement enhanced stereotyped behaviors after repeated cocaine administration. Cocaine sensitization of stereotyped behaviors in female rats was reduced after progesterone replacement, either alone or concomitant with estradiol. The behavioral responses (locomotion and stereotypy) to cocaine were affected differently, depending on whether the female hormones were of an endogenous or exogenous origin. Therefore, hormonal cycling appears to be an important factor in the sensitization of females. Although estradiol increases the risk of cocaine sensitization, progesterone warrants further study as a pharmacological treatment in the prevention of psychostimulant abuse.
Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, Jan 5, 2015
Alcohol is frequently used in combination with tobacco and few studies explore interactions betwe... more Alcohol is frequently used in combination with tobacco and few studies explore interactions between these two drugs of abuse. Here, we evaluated the effect of chronic alcohol administration and concomitant exposure to tobacco smoke on long-term memory and on cell proliferation in the hippocampus of rats. Forty male Wistar rats were assigned to 4 groups and treated with alcohol (2 g/kg by gavage) and/or exposed to tobacco smoke (from 6 cigarettes, by inhalation) twice a day (at 9AM and 2 PM) for 30 days. Long-term memory was evaluated in the inhibitory avoidance test and hippocampal cell proliferation was analyzed for BrDU immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that alcohol, tobacco smoke or their combination improved the long-term memory evaluated by the memory index in rats. Moreover, alcohol and tobacco coadministration decreased BrdU-labeled cells by 60% when compared to the control group, while alcohol treatment decreased labeled cells by 40%. The tobacco group showed a non-si...
ABSTRACT Our objective was to investigate the antioxidant effect of an aqueous extract of organic... more ABSTRACT Our objective was to investigate the antioxidant effect of an aqueous extract of organic grapevine leaves (Vitis labrusca L.) on the livers of diabetic rats and to evaluate the resulting changes in metabolic and biochemical parameters. Diabetic rats received daily intragastric doses of 50, 100 or 200 mg/kg of the grapevine extract for 30 days. Grapevine leaf extract showed a dose-dependent antioxidant effect on the livers of diabetic rats, evidenced by decreases in TBARS and in carbonyl levels and increases in sulfhydryl levels. Moreover, the extract (200 mg/kg) prevented weight loss and reduced LDL cholesterol (50 mg/kg), urea (50 mg/kg), and AST (50 and 100 mg/kg) levels in diabetic rats at the indicated doses. Thus, we suggest that chronic treatment with an extract of grapevine leaves may represent an adjuvant therapy for the treatment and/or prevention of diabetic complications because its antioxidant, hepatoprotective and possible hypolipidemic effects showed here.
Presentation Abstract Program#/Poster#: 710.20/Y23 Presentation Title: Taurine increases the α2 G... more Presentation Abstract Program#/Poster#: 710.20/Y23 Presentation Title: Taurine increases the α2 GABAA receptor subunit and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) mRNA expression in the hippocampus of diabetic rats Location: WCC Hall A-C Abstract: Taurine, one of the most abundant free amino acids in the central nervous system, modulates a variety of biological functions and acts as an agonist at GABAA receptors. Previous studies showed that taurine decreases depressive-like behaviors in diabetic rats (Caletti, et al., 2012, Amino Acid, 43(4):1525-33). Because changes in the α2 GABAA receptor subunit and in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are related to mood disorders we studied here the effect of taurine on expression of these two biomarkers in the hippocampus of diabetic rats exposed to the forced swimming rats. Streptozotocin -induced diabetic male adult Wistar rats were matched to control non-diabetic rats and daily administered with saline or 100 mg/kg of taur...
Diabetes-associated depression may occur due to changes in the quality of life imposed by treatme... more Diabetes-associated depression may occur due to changes in the quality of life imposed by treatment, or may be a consequence of the biochemical changes accompanying the disease. It was our objective to evaluate the behaviors of diabetic rats through an animal model of depression, and determine if a positive GABA modulator agent, clonazepam, is an effective antidepressant. Wistar male rats were submitted to the forced-swimming test after 26 days of the induction of diabetes with streptozotocin (60 mg/kg). Test and retest days analyzed with an ethological approach. Clonazepam (control, 0.25, 0. 5, and 1.0 mg/kg) was administered IP 24, 5, and 1 h before the retest. Diabetic rats presented longer immobility duration during test and retest of forced swimming. Diabetic rats dived significantly less during the test. Clonazepam 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg decreased immobility of diabetic rats with no consequences on the behaviors of nondiabetic rats. These results demonstrate that diabetic rats pre...
Levodopa is the principal pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD); however the... more Levodopa is the principal pharmacological treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD); however the protein content in diet may compromise its effectiveness. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of protein intake and the use of levodopa in ambulatory patients with PD. Thirty four PD patients were assessed for protein intake, evaluating the relation energy-protein intake by means of a register. An intake of 1762 kcal/day, 70.9 g of protein/day equivalent to 16.6% of the total energy intake as protein at a level of 1.1 g/kg bw/day. Of all patients, 47.1% took their medications with meals. We conclude that the studied patients consume more protein in their diet than those recommended for PD, with half the sample taking the medications with meals, which may affect the treatment.
Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, Jan 5, 2015
Alcohol is frequently used in combination with tobacco and few studies explore interactions betwe... more Alcohol is frequently used in combination with tobacco and few studies explore interactions between these two drugs of abuse. Here, we evaluated the effect of chronic alcohol administration and concomitant exposure to tobacco smoke on long-term memory and on cell proliferation in the hippocampus of rats. Forty male Wistar rats were assigned to 4 groups and treated with alcohol (2 g/kg by gavage) and/or exposed to tobacco smoke (from 6 cigarettes, by inhalation) twice a day (at 9AM and 2 PM) for 30 days. Long-term memory was evaluated in the inhibitory avoidance test and hippocampal cell proliferation was analyzed for BrDU immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that alcohol, tobacco smoke or their combination improved the long-term memory evaluated by the memory index in rats. Moreover, alcohol and tobacco coadministration decreased BrdU-labeled cells by 60% when compared to the control group, while alcohol treatment decreased labeled cells by 40%. The tobacco group showed a non-si...
Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology, 2014
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of progesterone on the protein expression of α4 ... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of progesterone on the protein expression of α4 subunit of GABA(A) receptor, serotonin transporter (SERT), Akt, Erk, and caspase-3 in the olfactory bulb (OB) of female rats exposed to the forced swimming test (FST). Female rats were injected daily with progesterone (0.4 mg/kg body mass) or vehicle during 2 complete oestrous cycles and exposed to the FST, and the protein expression of GABA(A) receptor α4 subunit, SERT, Akt, Erk, and caspase-3 in the OB were evaluated. Progesterone increased the expression of the α4 subunit in the right OB and decreased its expression in the left OB, although it did not change the expression of other proteins. In summary, our findings indicate that progesterone has an asymmetric modulatory effect on the expression of GABA(A) receptor α4 subunit in the OB. This effect could be related to the antidepressant-like effect of progesterone in female rats.
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Papers by Rosane G Gomez