L'objectif de la présente étude est l’évaluation des effets de l'exposition gestationnelle et lactationnelle aux anguilles contaminées aux POP dont la Σ6 PCB-NDL, sur la mémoire, la capacité d’apprentissage, l’activité motrice, le comportement de résignation, le statut oxydatif et l'activité de l'acétylcholinestérase des souris de génération F1. Pour ce faire, des souris femelles ont été exposées, à partir du sixième jour de gestation (JG 6) jusqu'au jour postnatal 21 (JPN 21), par voie d'ingestion, aux anguilles contaminées contenant Σ 6 PCB-NDL. Trois doses de la Σ 6 PCB-NDL ont été choisies : 85, 216 et 400ng/kg/j en se référant à un groupe de souris témoins. Nos résultats ont montré que l'exposition gestationnelle et lactationnelle, aux anguilles contaminées, contenant la Σ 6 PCB-NDL, n’a pas affecté la capacité d’apprentissage, ni la mémoire. Cependant, le traitement, utilisé dans cette étude, pourrait causer une hyperactivité tardive, persistante et sexe dépendante qui ne touche les souris femelles de la génération F1. En outre, un effet « depresive-like » de l’exposition gestationnelle et lactationnelle des souris de génération F1 aux anguilles contaminée par les POP y inclus la Σ 6 PCB-NDL, a été relevé de façon sexe dépendante. Le comportement « depresive-like » ne touche que les souris mâles et il était persistant au fil de temps. L’étude du statut oxydatif des trois régions cérébrales (cortex préfrontal, hippocampe et cervelet), a révélé que le traitement pourrait perturber, de façon sexe dépendante, l’activité des enzymes antioxydants (Cat, SOD) au niveau du cortex préfrontal et de l’hippocampe. Les conséquences du stress oxydant, dans cette étude se sont manifestées par une augmentation du taux des protéines carbonylées au niveau du cortex préfrontal et de l’hippocampe de certains groupes de souris mâles traitées. Cependant, aucune différence significative, n’a été enregistrée, au niveau des trois régions cérébrales étudiées, dans le taux de MDA, entre les souris traitées et les souris témoins. La perturbation du statut oxydatif a été sexe dépendante, elle n’a touché que les souris mâles. L’étude de l’activité de l’acétylcholinestérase a montré que l’ingestion des souris gestantes et puis allaitantes des anguilles contaminées contenant Σ6PCB-NDL aux doses 85 et 400 ng / kg / jour était à l’origine d’une inhibition significative, par rapport au témoin de l’activité de l’acétylcholinestérase, au niveau du cortex préfrontal de leurs progéniture femelles. Alors qu’au niveau de l’hippocampe, une inhibition significative de l’activité de cette enzyme a été enregistrée chez les souris mâles traitées aux anguilles contenant Σ6PCB-NDL à la dose de 85 ng / kg / jour et chez toute la progéniture de souris femelles des groupes traitées / The objective of the present study is the evaluation of gestational and lactational exposure to contaminated eels, containing Σ6 NDL-PCBs, on learning, memory, motor activity, resignation behavior, oxidative status and acetylcholinesterase activity of the offspring mice. For this purpose female mice were orally exposed during gestational and breast feeding period (from JG6 to JPN 21), through standard diet containing contaminated eel with Σ6 NDL-PCBs or no. Three doses of Σ 6 NDL-PCBs were chosen: 85ng / kg / day, 216 ng / kg / day and 400ng / kg / day. A control group of female mice, receiving the standard diet without fish, was used. Results showed that gestational and lactational exposure to contaminated eels, containing Σ6 NDL-PCBs, did not affect the memory and learning capacities. However the early-life exposure to polluted eels containing Σ6 NDL-PCBs caused late, persistent and gender dependent neurobehavioral hyperactive effects in offspring mice that affects only offspring females. Furthermore our results suggest that the consumption of polluted fish by pregnant and lactating dams might cause neurobehavioral depression only in their male offspring, at progressive life stage. Moreover the study of oxidative status on the three brain areas (prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum), revealed that the treatment had affected the activity of antioxidant enzymes (Cat, SOD) only in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus of male mice. The consequences of oxidative stress in this study were revealed by an increase of protein carbonyl levels in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex of offspring male mice, exposed to chemically contaminated fish containing Σ6 NDL-PCBs at the dose of 85 and 216 ng / kg / day, respectively. However the treatment had no effect on the lipids. Indeed there were no significant differences in the MDA rate, in the three studied regions of the brain, between treated and control mice. Moreover, gestational and lactational exposure to contaminated eels, containing Σ6NDL-PCB at the dose of 85 and 400 ng / kg / day, had inhibited acetylcholinesterase activity, in the prefrontal cortex, only of female mice. However, in the hippocampus, the enzyme activity was inhibited of male mice, exposed to contaminated eels, containing Σ6NDL-PCB at the dose of 85 ng/ kg / day and in all the treated female offspring mice

The Scrophulariaceae family is composed of some 25 genera and more than 1200 species. The genus Buddleja, widely distributed around the world, belongs to this family presently. Buddleja thyrsoides Lam. species, object of study in this work, is distributed in the southern of Brazil region and is popularly known by barbasco and cambarazinho-do-campo. Flowers and leaves decoction are used to treat bronchitis, asthma and cough. The first step of this was the morphoanatomical study of B. thyrsoides leaves aiming to established the identity of the species. The leaves present lanceolate-linear shape, straight adaxial face, serrata to subentire margin and little revolute close to the basis. The epidermis is uniseriate, with the epidermal cells of the adaxial face bigger than those of abaxial face, stomata and trichomes in abaxial face. The mesophyll is heterogeneous, bifacial and presents brachiblasts and crystals in druse form. The vascular system is of the open collateral type. Phytochemical screening showed alkaloids, flavonoids, cumarins, organic acids, antocyanic heterosides, saponins and volatile oils. The antioxidant activities, total phenolic contents, antimicrobial activities, antiplatelet action, acetylcholinesterase enzyme inhibition and toxicity of the crude extract (70% ethanol macerate) and dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and butanolic fractions of Buddleja thyrsoides were investigated. Total phenolic contents varied from 214.07 to 438.4 mg / g. The crude extract and fractions in order of increasing polarity exhibited scavenging activity with IC50 equal to 186.04, 137.70, 146.89, 165.71 μg/mL. A positive correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenolic contents was observed, where the ethyl acetate and dichloromethane fractions had the best results in both tests. The butanolic fraction was effective against S. cerevisiae (62.5 μg / mL for MIC and MFC) in the assessment of antimicrobial activity. The dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were effective against S. aureus (250 and 500 μ g / mL for CIM and CBM), respectively. The crude extract and the fractions of B. thyrsoides did not shown toxicity against Artemia salina. The fractions (in order of increasing polarity) and crude extract showed antiplatelet action (42.35, 40.68, 43.57 and 41.52% respectively), whereas the AAS afforded 58.36% of inhibition. The crude extract inhibited in 22.77% the acetylcholinesterase enzyme after 24 hours. The major components of the essential oil were germacreno D (27.16%), 1,10-di - epi-cubenol (13.37%) and α - Cadinol (12.95%), biciclogermacreno (9.00%), δ - cadineno (8.59%) and cariofileno E (5.26%). / A família Scrophulariaceae é composta por cerca de 25 gêneros e mais de 1200 espécies. O gênero Buddleja, amplamente distribuído pelo mundo, atualmente, pertence a esta família. A espécie Buddleja thyrsoides Lam., objeto de estudo neste trabalho, encontra-se distribuída na região sul do Brasil e é conhecida popularmente por barbasco e cambarazinho-docampo. A decocção das flores e folhas é utilizada para bronquite, asma e tosse. Este trabalho objetiva em identificar morfoanatomicamente as folhas de B. thyrsoides, bem como analisar alguns parâmetros farmacológicos e biológicos para esta espécie. As folhas apresentam formato linear-lanceolado, face adaxial lisa, margem serreada até subinteira e pouco revoluta próxima à base. A epiderme é uniseriada, com as células epidérmicas da face adaxial maiores do que na face abaxial, estômatos e tricomas na face abaxial. O mesofilo é heterogêneo, bifacial e apresenta braquiblastos e cristais na forma de drusas. O sistema vascular é do tipo colateral aberto. Na análise fitoquímica foram detectados alcalóides, flavonóides, cumarinas, ácidos orgânicos, heterosídeos antociânicos, saponinas e óleos voláteis. O extrato bruto (de um macerado etanólico a 70 %) e frações diclorometano, acetato de etila e butanólica de Buddleja thyrsoides foram investigados quanto à atividade antioxidante, conteúdo de fenólicos totais, atividade antimicrobiana, ação antiagregante, inibição da enzima acetilcolinesterase e quanto à toxicidade. O conteúdo de fenólicos totais variou de 214,07 a 438,4 mg/g. O CI50 da atividade antioxidande para o extrato bruto e frações em ordem crescente de polaridade (186,04; 137,70; 146,89; 165,71 μg/mL). Foi observada uma correlação positiva entre a atividade antioxidante e o conteúdo de fenólicos totais, onde as frações acetato de etila e diclorometano apresentaram os melhores resultados em ambas análises. Na avaliação da atividade antimicrobiana, a fração butanólica foi efetiva contra S. cerevisae (62,5 μg/mL para CIM e CFM). As frações diclorometano e acetato de etila foram eficazes contra o S. aureus (250 e 500 μg/mL para CIM e CBM), respectivamente. O extrato bruto e as frações de B. thyrsoides não apresentaram toxicidade frente Artemia salina. As frações (em ordem crescente de polaridade) e extrato bruto mostraram ação antiagregante plaquetária (42,35; 40,68; 43,57 e 41,52 %, respectivamente), sendo que o AAS apresentou 58,36 % de inibição. O extrato bruto inibiu em 22,77 % a enzima acetilcolinesterase após 24 horas. Os componentes majoritários do óleo essencial são Germacreno D (27,16%), 1,10-di-epi-Cubenol (13,37 %) e α-Cadinol (12,95 %), Biciclogermacreno (9,00 %), δ-cadineno (8,59 % ) e Cariofileno E (5,26%).

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Alzheimer s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, mainly characterized by memory and intellectual capacity loss. AD is characterized by deposition of amyloid-β peptide, neurofibrillary tangles, neuroinflammation, energy metabolism impairment, oxidative stress and synaptic dysfunction and loss. Its multiple pathological pathways contribute to the difficulty of AD treatment and prevention. Thus, the development of new therapies for AD curing or treatment is a challenge. The purpose of this study was to indicate an organoselenium moiety, p,p -dimethoxyl-diphenyl diselenide [(MeOPhSe)2], as a promising alternative for the treatment and prevention of sporadic dementia of Alzheimer-type (SDAT), using an experimental model of dementia induced by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of streptozotocin (STZ) in rodents. Initially, it was investigated the prophylactic action of (MeOPhSe)2. For this, mice were treated with (MeOPhSe)2 (25 mg/kg, by gavage) and STZ (2μl of 2,5mg/ml solution; i.c.v.) or vehicles, and 48h after that, the treatment was repeated. The tasks of step-down-type passive-avoidance (SDPA), Y-maze and Morris water-maze (MWM), that followed this treatment, showed that (MeOPhSe)2 protected against the impairment in learning and memory caused by i.c.v. injection of STZ in mice. (MeOPhSe)2 protected against the increase in reactive species (RS) and the reduction of glutathione (GSH) levels, as well as modulated the antioxidant enzymes. (MeOPhSe)2 inhibited the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, which was increased by STZ. Subsequently, it was investigated the effectiveness of (MeOPhSe)2 in reversing the cognitive impairment and neuronal damage induced by STZ. Therefore, rats were injected with STZ (1.0 mg/8μl; 4μl/ventricle) twice, 48h apart. After 21 days of STZ injection, regular diet fed rats were supplemented with 10ppm of (MeOPhSe)2 during 30 days. At the end of this period, it was observed that (MeOPhSe)2 dietary supplementation reversed STZ-induced memory impairment in MWM, SDPA and object recognition tasks. The results on SDPA and object recognition tasks demonstrated that the (MeOPhSe)2 improved memory in rats per se. STZ enhanced the RS and protein nitration levels in cortex and decreased GSH levels on hippocampus of rats, (MeOPhSe)2 reversed these alterations. (MeOPhSe)2 normalized AChE activity (which was enhanced by STZ) in both cortex and hippocampus, but did not reverse the deficit in cerebral glucose metabolism (ATP turnover was decrease by STZ). (MeOPhSe)2 was effective in reducing STZ-induced neuronal (apoptosis) loss. Moreover, (MeOPhSe)2 suppressed neuroinflammation induced by STZ in the rats hippocampus. The organoselenium inhibited activation of microglia and astrogliosis. Based on these results, it was concluded that: 1) (MeOPhSe)2 protected and reversed the cognitive abilities decline; 2) the mechanisms involved in the neuroprotective effect of (MeOPhSe)2 are: antioxidant, AChE inhibitor; inflammation suppressor; 3) (MeOPhSe)2 did not alter the energy metabolism; and 4) (MeOPhSe)2 reduced the neuronal death. Therefore, the present study demonstrated that (MeOPhSe)2 is a promising alternative for the drug studies for treatment of cognitive disorders such as SDAT. / A doença de Alzheimer (DA) é uma síndrome neurodegenerativa progressiva caracterizada principalmente por uma perda da memória e da capacidade intelectual. Ela é caracterizada pelo depósito de fragmentos β-amilóides; emaranhados neurofibrilares; neuroinflamação; déficit do metabolismo energético; estresse oxidativo e deficiência da neurotransmissão. As múltiplas vias patológicas da DA dificultam sua prevenção e tratamento. Logo, o desenvolvimento de novas terapias para a DA é um desafio. Por esta razão, este trabalho procurou apontar uma nova molécula orgânica contendo selênio, o disseleneto de p-metoxi fenila [(MeOPhSe)2], como uma alternativa promissora para o tratamento e prevenção da demência decorrente da DA (DEDA), usando um modelo experimental de demência induzida pela injeção intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) de estreptozotocina (ETZ) em roedores. Inicialmente, avaliou-se o efeito profilático do (MeOPhSe)2. Para tal, camundongos receberam uma dose oral do organoselênio (25mg/kg, gavage) 30 minutos antes da ETZ (2μl de uma solução 2,5mg/ml), esse procedimento foi repetido 48horas depois. Os testes da esquiva passiva, do labirinto em Y e aquático de Morris, que sucederam esse tratamento, revelaram que o (MeOPhSe)2 protegeu os camundongos do prejuízo cognitivo induzido pela ETZ. O (MeOPhSe)2 protegeu o tecido cerebral do aumento das espécies reativas (ER) e da diminuição dos níveis de glutationa (GSH) induzidos pela ETZ, assim como modulou a atividade de enzimas antioxidantes. O (MeOPhSe)2 inibiu a atividade da acetilcolinesterase (AChE), a qual foi estimulada pela ETZ. Posteriormente, investigou-se a efetividade do (MeOPhSe)2 em reverter o prejuízo cognitivo e os danos neuronais induzidos pela ETZ. Para isso, a ETZ foi injetada nos ratos (1μg/8μl, 4μl/ventrículo) em 0 e 48horas. Passados 21dias, iniciou-se uma suplementação dietética com 10ppm de (MeOPhSe)2 durante 30dias. Ao final deste período, observou-se que o (MeOPhSe)2 restaurou as habilidades cognitivas prejudicadas pela ETZ nos ratos, nos testes do labirinto aquático de Morris, esquiva passiva e reconhecimento do objeto. Os resultados referentes aos testes do reconhecimento do objeto e da esquiva passiva apontaram que o (MeOPhSe)2 melhorou per se a memória dos ratos. A ETZ aumentou os níveis de ER e de nitração de proteínas no córtex e diminuiu os níveis de GSH no hipocampo dos ratos, o (MeOPhSe)2 reverteu estas alterações. O organoselênio inibiu a atividade da AChE (aumentada pela ETZ) tanto no córtex como no hipocampo dos ratos, mas não modulou o metabolismo da glicose (ETZ diminuiu ATP-turnover). O (MeOPhSe)2 evitou a perda neuronal (apoptose) e inibiu os eventos neurodegenerativos (ativação da caspase-3) induzidos pela ETZ. O (MeOPhSe)2 suprimiu a neuroinflamação induzida pela ETZ no hipocampo dos ratos. O organoselênio inibiu a ativação das células gliais e astrócitárias. Baseado nestes resultados, conclui-se que: 1) O (MeOPhSe)2 protegeu e reverteu o declínio das habilidades cognitivas; 2) Os mecanismos envolvidos no efeito neuroprotetor do (MeOPhSe)2 são: antioxidante; inibidor da AChE; supressor da neuroinflamação; 3) O (MeOPhSe)2 não altera o metabolismo energético; e 4) O (MeOPhSe)2 reduziu a morte neuronal. Assim sendo, este trabalho demonstrou que o (MeOPhSe)2 é uma alternativa promissora para o estudo de drogas para o tratamento de desordens cognitivas como a DEDA.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / In this study, the effects of Aluminium (Al) and of different diets, both individually and in association, were investigated through the determination of NTPDase, 5 -nucleotidase and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities in rat brain. In addition, we investigated said effects on oxidative stress by determining activity of the antioxidant enzyme catalase as well as lipid peroxidation by measuring TBARS levels. Male rats were exposed to Al (50 mg/kg/day) by gavage during three months. NTPDase and 5 -nucleotidase activities were then determined in synaptosomes of cerebral cortex and hippocampus, as well as in platelets. ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis was increased in both synaptosomes of cerebral cortex and hippocampus, as well as in platelets. AChE activity and TBARS levels were determined in homogenate of different brain structures in mice exposed to Al (2.7 mg/kg/day) by gavage during three months. The group that received Al+sodium citrate presented an increase in AChE activity in hippocampus, striatum, cortex and hypothalamus. On the other hand, the group that received only Al presented a decrease in AChE activity in hypothalamus and an increase in striatum. Moreover, AChE was determined in S1 of different brain structures, synaptosomes of cerebral cortex and erythrocytes of male rats exposed to Al (50 mg/kg/day) by gavage during three months. There was an increase in AChE activity in S1 of striatum and hypothalamus and in synaptosomes of cerebral cortex and erythrocytes. However, in S1 of cerebellum, hippocampus and cortex there was a decrease. In addition, the effect of diets rich in saturated fat and refined sugar on AChE activity in homogenate of different brain structures, on catalase activity in liver and on TBARS levels in plasma and liver were determined in female and male rats. There was a decrease in AChE activity in hippocampus, cortex and hypothalamus of male and female rats given both a diet rich in saturated fat and a diet rich in refined sugar. There was no alteration of AChE activity in cerebellum and striatum. For both diets, catalase activity was increased in liver of male and female rats. In addition, considering the alterations brought about by the individual exposure to both environmental factors, Al and diets, the effect of the association of both factors was evaluated. Thus, after a period of three months of exposure to both Al (50 mg/kg/day) by gavage and diets rich in saturated fat and saturated/polyunsaturated fat ad libitum, NTPDase and 5 -nucleotidase activities were determined in synaptosomes of cerebral cortex and platelets of rats. Animals receiving both diets in association with Al and Al/Ci presented an increase in ATP, ADP and AMP hydrolysis in synaptosomes of cerebral cortex and platelets. The results obtained in the present study demonstrate that exposure to both environmental factors, Al and diets rich in saturated fat and refined sugar, either individually or in association, affected the purinergic and cholinergic systems and caused oxidative stress in rats. / Neste estudo, investigamos os efeitos do alumínio (Al) e de diferentes dietas, individualmente e em associação, através da determinação da atividade das enzimas NTPDase, 5 -nucleotidase e acetilcolinesterase (AChE) no encéfalo de roedores. Adicionalmente, investigamos o estresse oxidativo, através da atividade da enzima antioxidante catalase, e a peroxidação lipídica pela medida dos níveis de TBARS. Ratos machos foram expostos ao Al (50 mg/kg/dia) através de gavagem, por um período de 3 meses. Após o tratamento, foi determinada a atividade das enzimas NTPDase e 5 -nucleotidase em sinaptossoma de córtex cerebral, hipocampo e plaquetas. A hidrólise dos nucleotídeos ATP, ADP e AMP foi aumentada, nas frações sinaptossomais de córtex cerebral e hipocampo bem como nas plaquetas. A atividade da AChE e os níveis de TBARS foram determinados em homogeneizado de diferentes estruturas cerebrais de camundongos expostos ao Al (2,7 mg/kg/dia), através de gavagem, por um período de 3 meses. Quanto à atividade da AChE, o grupo que recebeu Al+citrato de sódio apresentou um aumento da atividade desta enzima em hipocampo, estriado, córtex e hipotálamo. Já o grupo que recebeu só Al apresentou uma diminuição da atividade em hipotálamo e um aumento em estriado. Além disto, a atividade da AChE foi determinada em S1 de diferentes estruturas cerebrais, sinaptossoma de córtex cerebral, e em eritrócitos de ratos machos expostos à Al (50 mg/kg/dia), através de gavagem, por 3 meses. A atividade da AChE apresentou um aumento em S1 de estriado e hipotálamo, e em sinaptossoma de córtex cerebral e eritrócitos. Porém, em sobrenadante (S1) de cerebelo, hipocampo e córtex houve uma diminuição. Adicionalmente, foi determinado o efeito de dietas ricas em gordura saturada e açúcar refinado sobre a atividade da enzima AChE em homogeneizado de diferentes estruturas encefálicas, e atividade da enzima catalase em fígado, e os níveis de TBARS em plasma e fígado de ratos machos e fêmeas. A atividade da AChE em hipocampo, córtex e hipotálamo de ratos machos e fêmeas foi diminuída, após exposição a ambas as dietas, rica em gordura e rica em açúcar. Nas estruturas cerebelo e estriado não houve alteração na atividade da AChE. Após o consumo de ambas as dietas, a atividade da enzima catalase foi aumentada em fígado de ratos machos e fêmeas. Adicionalmente, considerando todas as alterações ocasionadas pela exposição individual aos fatores ambientais, Al e dietas, foi avaliado o efeito da associação entre esses dois fatores. Dessa forma, após um período de 3 meses de exposição conjunta ao Al (50 mg/kg/dia) através de gavagem e o consumo ad libitum de dietas ricas em gordura saturada e gordura saturada/poliinsaturada, foram determinadas a atividade das enzimas NTPDase e 5 - nucleotidase em sinaptossomas de córtex cerebral e plaquetas de ratos. Os animais que receberam ambas as dietas administradas em conjunto com Al e Al/Ci apresentaram um aumento na hidrólise dos nucleotídeos ATP, ADP e AMP, em sinaptossoma de córtex cerebral e plaquetas. Os resultados obtidos no presente estudo relatam que a exposição de roedores a ambos os fatores ambientais Al e dietas ricas em gordura saturada e açúcar refinado, individualmente e em conjunto, afetam os sistemas purinérico e colinérgico, e causam estresse oxidativo.

Abstract The introduction of physiologically and therapeutically effective drugs in anaesthetic treatment has meant a significant change. Their discovery has thus contributed to a minimisation of their negative effects on a living organism. As a result, anaesthesiology has become more controllable and safer. These new drugs translate into more comfort for the patient in the course of anaesthesiology as well as his or her rapid recovery resulting in a shorter period of hospitalisation. The research of new physiologically and therapeutically effective substances is a pre-requisition of a potential higher standard of medical care. Older substances, e.g. Alkuronium and Gallamin, which, due to their undesirable effects, have come out of use, have lost their significance. Nowadays, these substances have been generally replaced by substances with an intermedial effect, e.g. Rokuronium and Cisatrakurium, which, compared with Alkuronium and Gallamin, show a minimum of undesirable effects. One of the foremost objectives of the current pharmaceutical research is to find a replacement of Sukcinylcholin, which, in spite of its known side effects, has had a non-substitutable position in urgent intubation. As a result, its use is limited to out-patient application and a certain selection of patient categories. Let us hope that we shall see a replacement of Sukcinylcholin being introduced in treatment in the near future. This would mean a final solution of problems arising from its side effects limiting its scope of application.

Ratos Wistar machos adultos jovens (6 meses) e velhos (24-25 meses) foram alocados em treinamentos de endurance (corrida em esteira) ou resistido (escalada em grade) durante 6 semanas e comparados a controles sedentários (n=6). Ao final, músculos dos membros posteriores (sóleo e gastrocnêmio) foram analisados por histogramas e atividade total da enzima acetilcolinesterase (AChE). Na medula espinhal lombar, motoneurônios (MN) foram contados, bem como astrócitos da substância cinzenta marcados com GFAP. Densidades ópticas foram medidas nos cornos ventral (CV) e dorsal (CD) para CGRP-ir (MN e CD), AChE e 5-HT-ir (CV e CD). Para histogramas, dados foram analisados usando-se MANOVA e post hoc de Tukey. Os demais dados foram analisados usando-se ANOVA de 1 via e post hoc de Duncan. Resultados: histogramas de ratos jovens mostraram perfis de distribuição distintos após corrida (predominância de fibras de médio diâmetro) ou escalada (predominância de fibras de grande diâmetro) no músculo gastrocnêmio, mas não no sóleo. O perfil de predominância de fibras de pequeno diâmetro observado em ratos velhos sedentários foi igualmente revertido por corrida ou escalada, mas ratos velhos apresentaram limitado aumento de fibras de maior diâmetro. Tanto corrida quanto escalada diminuíram a atividade da AChE muscular. A medula espinhal de animais velhos apresentou menor número de MN e aumento do número de astrócitos. Tanto corrida quanto escalada reduziram a astrogliose no CV, mas não no CD. Ratos velhos mostraram aumento da CGRP-ir em MN, mas nenhum treinamento alterou a CGRP-ir em MN ou no CD. Tanto corrida quanto escalada aumentaram a AChE no CV em todos os grupos treinados. A escalada diminuiu AChE no CD e 5-HT-ir no CV. Nos ratos jovens, a corrida elevou 5-HT-ir no CD, mas não nos ratos velhos. Estes resultados sugerem que distintas modalidades de exercícios crônicos evocam diferentes respostas de neurotransmissores na medula espinhal em diferentes idades. / Young (6 months) and aged (24-25 months) male Wistar rats were assigned to endurance training (ET - treadmill running) and resistance training (RT - grid climbing with increasing weights) during 6 weeks and compared to sedentary controls (n=6). At the end, hindlimb muscles (soleus and gastrocnemius) were analysed by histograms and total AChE activity. In the lumbar spinal cord, motoneurons (MN) were counted, as well as gray matter's GFAP-labeled astrocytes. Optical densities were measured in the ventral (VH) and dorsal (DH) horns for CGRP-ir (MN and DH), AChE staining and 5-HT-ir (VH and DH). Data from histograms were analysed using MANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc. The remaining data Weir analysed using ANOVA and Duncan´s post hoc. Results: gastrocnemius, but not soleus, muscle histograms in young rats showed distinct fiber distribution profiles under ET (toward medium-diameter fibers) and RT (toward large-diameter fibers). The predominance in small-diameter muscle fibers in aged rats was similarly reversed by ET and RT, but aged rats presented limited increase in large-diameter muscle fibers. Both ET and RT decreased muscle AChE activity. The aged spinal cords presented MN loss and greater astrocyte numbers. Both ET and RT reduced astrogliosis in VH, but not in DH. The aged rats displayed elevated CGRP-ir in MN, and neither ET nor RT altered CGRP-ir in MN or DH. Exercise (ET and RT) markedly increased AChE staining in VH in all groups. RT decreased AChE in DH and 5-HT-ir in VH. In young rats, running elevated 5-HT-ir in the DH. These results suggest that different chronic exercise modalities and age evoke distinct spinal cord neurotransmitter responses.

Ratos Wistar machos adultos jovens (6 meses) e velhos (24-25 meses) foram alocados em treinamentos de endurance (corrida em esteira) ou resistido (escalada em grade) durante 6 semanas e comparados a controles sedentários (n=6). Ao final, músculos dos membros posteriores (sóleo e gastrocnêmio) foram analisados por histogramas e atividade total da enzima acetilcolinesterase (AChE). Na medula espinhal lombar, motoneurônios (MN) foram contados, bem como astrócitos da substância cinzenta marcados com GFAP. Densidades ópticas foram medidas nos cornos ventral (CV) e dorsal (CD) para CGRP-ir (MN e CD), AChE e 5-HT-ir (CV e CD). Para histogramas, dados foram analisados usando-se MANOVA e post hoc de Tukey. Os demais dados foram analisados usando-se ANOVA de 1 via e post hoc de Duncan. Resultados: histogramas de ratos jovens mostraram perfis de distribuição distintos após corrida (predominância de fibras de médio diâmetro) ou escalada (predominância de fibras de grande diâmetro) no músculo gastrocnêmio, mas não no sóleo. O perfil de predominância de fibras de pequeno diâmetro observado em ratos velhos sedentários foi igualmente revertido por corrida ou escalada, mas ratos velhos apresentaram limitado aumento de fibras de maior diâmetro. Tanto corrida quanto escalada diminuíram a atividade da AChE muscular. A medula espinhal de animais velhos apresentou menor número de MN e aumento do número de astrócitos. Tanto corrida quanto escalada reduziram a astrogliose no CV, mas não no CD. Ratos velhos mostraram aumento da CGRP-ir em MN, mas nenhum treinamento alterou a CGRP-ir em MN ou no CD. Tanto corrida quanto escalada aumentaram a AChE no CV em todos os grupos treinados. A escalada diminuiu AChE no CD e 5-HT-ir no CV. Nos ratos jovens, a corrida elevou 5-HT-ir no CD, mas não nos ratos velhos. Estes resultados sugerem que distintas modalidades de exercícios crônicos evocam diferentes respostas de neurotransmissores na medula espinhal em diferentes idades. / Young (6 months) and aged (24-25 months) male Wistar rats were assigned to endurance training (ET - treadmill running) and resistance training (RT - grid climbing with increasing weights) during 6 weeks and compared to sedentary controls (n=6). At the end, hindlimb muscles (soleus and gastrocnemius) were analysed by histograms and total AChE activity. In the lumbar spinal cord, motoneurons (MN) were counted, as well as gray matter's GFAP-labeled astrocytes. Optical densities were measured in the ventral (VH) and dorsal (DH) horns for CGRP-ir (MN and DH), AChE staining and 5-HT-ir (VH and DH). Data from histograms were analysed using MANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc. The remaining data Weir analysed using ANOVA and Duncan´s post hoc. Results: gastrocnemius, but not soleus, muscle histograms in young rats showed distinct fiber distribution profiles under ET (toward medium-diameter fibers) and RT (toward large-diameter fibers). The predominance in small-diameter muscle fibers in aged rats was similarly reversed by ET and RT, but aged rats presented limited increase in large-diameter muscle fibers. Both ET and RT decreased muscle AChE activity. The aged spinal cords presented MN loss and greater astrocyte numbers. Both ET and RT reduced astrogliosis in VH, but not in DH. The aged rats displayed elevated CGRP-ir in MN, and neither ET nor RT altered CGRP-ir in MN or DH. Exercise (ET and RT) markedly increased AChE staining in VH in all groups. RT decreased AChE in DH and 5-HT-ir in VH. In young rats, running elevated 5-HT-ir in the DH. These results suggest that different chronic exercise modalities and age evoke distinct spinal cord neurotransmitter responses.

The increased use of pesticides has resulted in a corresponding increase in concern for the effect they may have on the health of humans and other non-target organisms. The two main areas of concern are the toxicological effects that mixtures of pesticides may have as well as the endocrine disrupting effects. Although the individual pesticides may be present at concentrations below the levels deemed to be detrimental to health, it has been argued that their combined effect may still result in elevated health risks. Another important aspect of pesticide risk assessment requires a consideration of the breakdown products of pesticides and their effect on human health. There has been very little research into the effects of degradation products and this issue should be addressed as these could potentially pose a higher risk than their parent compounds. One of the most important bio-markers available for use is the ubiquitous enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). This enzyme is responsible for one of the most important functions in the body; namely nerve impulse transmission, upon which all life depends. The inhibition of this enzyme indicates toxicity and as a subsequence, a threat to the organism’s well-being. Bioassays have also recently been developed to test chemicals for endocrine disrupting effects. These tests rely on a dose response equivalent to that of the most potent well known estrogen 17-β estradiol. Any chemical that has a measurable response is deemed to display endocrine disrupting effects. This first aim of this study was to investigate the toxicological and endocrine disrupting effects of three organophosphorus pesticides; aldicarb, parathion and demeton-S-methyl, in addition to two breakdown products; aminophenol and p-nitrophenol. Two carbamate pesticides; carbaryl and carbofuran were also analysed. The toxicological effects of mixtures of the parent pesticide compounds were tested to assess if any antagonistic, additive or synergistic effects were observed. This data was then used in conjunction with an artificial neural network to assess if individual pesticides could be distinguished from mixtures of pesticides. A final objective was to sample various Eastern Cape water sources, utilising the enzymatic assay to determine the presence of any of these pesticides in these samples. There were several conclusions drawn from this study. AChE was successfully used as an assay to test the toxicity of the pesticides under investigation, based on their inhibition of this enzyme. An important factor for consideration throughout the study was the need to establish basal and monitor AChE activity (i.e. the need to monitor AChE activity in the absence of any pesticide). This ensured accurate comparison of the results obtained. It was found that demeton-S-methyl was the most potent of these pesticides followed by carbaryl, parathion, aldicarb and finally carbofuran, and that carbofuran could potentiate AChE. The results indicated that pesticide mixtures generally exhibited an additive inhibitory effect on AChE, although at some concentrations of pesticides, synergistic and antagonistic effects were noted. From the data using mixtures of pesticides, a feed forward neural network was created that was successfully able to distinguish individual pesticides from mixtures within its training parameters. None of the pesticides tested displayed endocrine disrupting properties in the Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES), T47D-KBluc and MDA-kb2 bio-assays. Other studies reported mixed results in this regard and thus no final conclusions could be drawn. The Blaauwkrantz River, Kariega River, Sundays River, Swartkops River and Kowie River were all tested for pesticides and although positive results were recorded, conventional methods indicated that there were no pesticides in the rivers. There were, however, trace metals present which are known to inhibit AChE, thus causing a false positive result. These results indicated that AChE can be used as a high throughput initial pre-screening tool, but that it cannot serve as a substitute for more accurate conventional testing methods.

This work presents synthesis of seven dihydro-pyran-2,4-diones and investigation of some of its biological activities (moluscicidal, antiulcer, antioxidant and anticholinesterasic). These compounds were prepared - in yields that had varied of moderate to good (50 - 85%) - through the aldol condensation of β-ketoester’s diânion with an aldehyde or a ketone, basic hydrolysis, followed of lactonization in acid medium. In the first investigation about its biological activities, dihydro-pyran-2,4-diones had been inactive on Biomphalaria glabrata adult, presenting active only on its egg masses. Studies about antiulcer activity were not satisfactory therefore results obtained for dihydro-pyran-2,4-diones were not significantly different of those observed in the control group. For determination of the antioxidant activity, the spectrophotometric assay with stable radical DPPH was chosen. The results obtained for dihydro-pyran-2,4-diones, in this assay, were similar to the observed ones for the positive control used, BHT, and show that these compounds constitute in a promising synthetic antioxidants. Results obtained still point with respect to a possible correlation between enol concentration in the equilibrium, and the capacity of reduction of free radical DPPH. It was verified that electron withdrawing groups increase the activity, whereas introduction of electron donators groups cause a reduction of the activity. When assays were extended for other acyclic 1,3-dicarbonilic compounds, was verified that these don’t present antioxidant activity on free radical DPPH. This fact indicates that conformation also can be decisive for manifestation of the studied activity. The inquiry of the anticholinesterasic activity not yet presented results conclusive, but the preliminary assays showed resulted sufficiently promising, with percentage of inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase between 50% - 60%. / Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Alagoas / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Este trabalho apresenta a síntese de sete diidro-piran-2,4-dionas e a investigação de algumas de suas atividades biológicas (moluscicida, antiúlcera, antioxidante e anticolinesterásica). Estes compostos foram obtidos, em rendimentos que variaram de moderados a bons (50 – 85%), através da condensação aldólica do diânion de um β-cetoéster com um aldeído ou uma cetona, seguido de hidrólise básica do éster e lactonização em meio ácido. Na primeira investigação sobre suas atividades biológicas, as diidro-piran-2,4-dionas foram inativas frente ao caramujo adulto da espécie Biomphalaria glabrata, apresentando-se ativo apenas frente à sua desova. Os estudos sobre atividade antiúlcera não foram satisfatórios pois os resultados obtidos para as diidro-piran-2,4-dionas não foram significativamente diferentes daqueles observados no grupo controle. Para a determinação da atividade antioxidante escolheu-se o ensaio espectrofotométrico com o radical estável DPPH. Os resultados obtidos para as diidro-piran-2,4-dionas, neste ensaio, foram similares aos observados para o controle positivo utilizado, BHT, e mostram que estas se constituem numa promissora classe de antioxidantes sintéticos. Os resultados obtidos apontam ainda para uma possível correlação entre a concentração da forma enólica no equilíbrio, o pKa da hidroxila deste enol e a capacidade de redução do radical livre DPPH. Verificou-se que grupos retiradores de elétrons ligados ao anel aumentam a atividade, enquanto que a introdução de grupos doadores de elétrons causa uma redução da atividade. Ao estender os ensaios para outros compostos 1,3-dicarbonílicos acíclicos, verificou-se que estes não apresentam atividade antioxidante frente ao radical livre DPPH. Este fato indica que a conformação também pode ser decisiva para a manifestação da atividade estudada. A investigação da atividade anticolinesterásica ainda não apresentou dados conclusivos, mas os ensaios preliminares mostraram resultados bastante promissores, com porcentagem de inibição da enzima acetilcolinesterase entre 50% - 60%.

Le système cholinergique est impliqué dans les phénomènes d’attention, de mémoire et d’apprentissage et les récepteurs cholinergiques régulent de multiples fonctions du système nerveux central. Néanmoins, leur rôle au niveau de la modulation des propriétés du cortex visuel reste à être établi. L’un des objectifs de cette thèse était d’étudier le rôle des récepteurs muscariniques impliqués dans le fonctionnement normal du cortex visuel. Nous avons pu déterminer que les récepteurs muscariniques sont impliqués dans l’établissement de nombreuses propriétés visuelles telles la taille des champs récepteurs, la sensibilité au contraste, la sélectivité à la fréquence spatiale et la finesse de la connectivité corticale. L’autre objectif était d’identifier les récepteurs cholinergiques impliqués dans la potentiation des capacités visuelles. Nous avons amélioré le traitement cognitif de l’information visuelle par stimulation électrique du télencéphale basal (noyau où sont localisés les corps cellulaires cholinergiques) et par la stimulation cholinergique par le donépézil, un inhibiteur de l’acétylcholinestérase. La combinaison répétée d’une stimulation visuelle et cholinergique (qu’elle soit électrique ou pharmacologique) améliore similairement l’activité corticale visuelle. Toutefois, les récepteurs impliqués ne sont pas les mêmes. Suite à la stimulation pharmacologique, ce sont principalement les récepteurs muscariniques qui influencent l’acuité visuelle de manière tardive et cette modulation est plus précoce lors de la stimulation électrique. Ces résultats démontrent que le couplage répétitif d’une stimulation cholinergique et d’une stimulation visuelle est en mesure d’améliorer l’activité corticale visuelle. Le fait de connaître les récepteurs cholinergiques impliqués permettra dans un futur proche de les cibler directement pour améliorer la fonction corticale. / The cholinergic system is involved in attention, learning and memory and cholinergic receptors regulate multiple functions of the central nervous system. Nevertheless, their role in modulating the properties of the visual cortex remains to be established. One of the objectives of this thesis was to study the role of muscarinic receptors involved in the normal function of the visual cortex. We have been able to determine that the muscarinic receptors are involved in the establishment of many visual properties such as the size of the receptor fields, contrast sensitivity, spatial frequency selectivity and accuracy of the cortical connectivity. The other objective was to identify the cholinergic receptors involved in the potentiation of visual abilities. We improved the cognitive processing of visual information by electrical stimulation of the basal forebrain (the nucleus where the cholinergic cell bodies are located) and by cholinergic stimulation using donepezil, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. The repeated combination of visual and cholinergic stimulations (whether electrical or pharmacological) similarly enhances visual cortical activity. However, the receptors involved are not the same. Following the pharmacological stimulation, it is mainly the muscarinic receptors that influence visual acuity with a delay in the receptors expression and this modulation is earlier for the electrical stimulation. These results demonstrate that repetitive coupling of cholinergic stimulation and visual stimulation can enhance visual cortical activity. Knowing the cholinergic receptors involved will allow in a near future to target them directly to improve cortical function.