A oxidação do resíduo de cisteína 56 (ANT-cys56) do transportador de nucleotídeos de adenina (ANT) é descrita como evento crítico da Transição de Permeabilidade Mitocondrial (TPM), fenômeno caracterizado pela sensibilidade ao fármaco imunossupressor ciclosporina A (CsA), responsável pela ligação e inibição do componente promotor da abertura do Poro de Transição de Permeabilidade (PTP), a enzima peptidil-prolil-cis trans isomerase (cyp D). Aspectos bioquímico-estruturais do ANT, das cardiolipinas (CDL) que envolvem o transportador e da cyp D na TPM foram avaliados por meio de ensaios turbidimétricos de inchamento mitocondrial e estado conformacional do ANT em mitocôndrias isoladas de fígado de rato, associados a abordagens de química computacional para análises de campos de interação molecular (MIF) e dinâmica molecular (MD), visando a predição de eventos envolvidos na abertura do PTP. As análises computacionais revelaram aumento da mobilidade relativa do ANT-cys56, como resultado da interação preferencial do Ca2+ com a molécula de CDL ligada à hélice 4 do transportador, enquanto que a inversão da configuração do resíduo de prolina do ANT (ANT-pro61) potencializou o efeito induzido por Ca2+. A presença de ADP no interior do ANT preveniu o aumento da mobilidade relativa do ANT-cys56 promovida pelo Ca2+, enquanto que a inversão da configuração do ANT-pro61, de trans para cis, potencializou o efeito promovido pelo Ca2+ na mobilidade relativa do ANT-cys56, de forma insensível ao nucleotídeo. Os ensaios com mitocôndrias isoladas demonstraram que o Ca2+ induz a conformação c do ANT e promove abertura do PTP, de forma sensível à CsA e ADP. A presença de cyp D estabilizou a conformação c do ANT induzida por Ca2+, sendo que Atractilosídeo (ATR) tornou o efeito parcialmente insensível aos inibidores da TPM. Os resultados sugerem que a abertura do PTP induzida por Ca2+ envolve a mudança conformacional do ANT para o estado c, cuja estabilização é obtida pela cyp D na função de inversão do ANT-pro61, com base na avaliação da mobilidade relativa do ANT-cys56 parcialmente sensível ao ADP. / Oxidation of the Adenine Nucleotide Translocase (ANT) cysteine residue 56 (ANT-cys56) is potentially involved in Ca2+-induced Mitochondrial Permeability Transition (MPT), a process which is prevented by cyclosporine A (CsA), due to its inhibition of Permeability Transition Pore (PTP) opener component, the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase cyclophylin D (cyp D). The main aspects of ANT, cardiolipins (CDL) and cyp D on Ca2+-induced PTP opening were addressed by employing light scattering techniques in isolated rat liver mitochondria to assess both ANT conformational change and mitochondrial swelling in association with computational chemistry analysis of Molecular Interaction Fields (MIF) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) for PTP events predictions. Computational analysis revealed that Ca2+ interacts preferentially with the ANT surrounding CDL bound to the H4 helix of the carrier and weakens the CDL/ANT interactions accounting for the ADP-sensitive increase of ANT-cys56 relative mobility while ANT-pro61 cis to trans configuration inversion intensified the Ca2+ effect in a ADP-insensitive way. The ANT conformation and mitochondrial swelling analyses demonstrated that Ca2+ induces conformation c of ANT and opens PTP in a CsA- and ADP-sensitive way. Cyp D stabilizes Ca2+-induced ANT conformation c, whereas ATR renders a PTP opening less sensitive to the inhibition by CsA or ADP. The results suggest that Ca2+-induced PTP opening involves ANT conformation c change supported by a cyp D-induced trans to cys ANT-pro61 configuration inversion based on the relative mobility of ANT-cys56, in a ADP-sensitive manner.

The Two-pore channel (TPC1-3) family represents a recently identified class of endolysosomal ion channels. TPCs were originally proposed to be promising candidate channels for NAADP-induced Ca²⁺ release. However, subsequent studies have emerged to propose an alternative view where TPCs may be Na+-selective channels regulated by the lysosome-specific phosphoinositide PI(3,5)P2 or voltage in an isoform-dependent manner. This thesis asks the question of whether pharmacological and ion permeation properties of TPCs, in particular the human TPC2, may satisfy or may be consistent with the requirement of a potential NAADP-sensitive Ca²⁺-release channel. These fundamental properties of hTPC2 were approached using patch-clamp electrophysiology and confocal fluorescence microscopy, and were analysed quantitatively to extract relevant physical parameters important to our understanding of their physiological and functional significance. Chapter 2 presents the basic electrophysiological characterisation of hTPC2. It follows a logical way by first determining the ion permeation properties, followed by the investigation of its physical relation with fractional Ca²⁺ current and Ca²⁺ nanodomains to rigorously prove that this Na⁺ selectivity is sufficient to ensure negligible Ca²⁺ leakage both experimentally and theoretically. This follows the logic that matter must not be created nor destroyed so that a Na+-selective channel that poses a physiologically significant energy barrier to Ca²⁺ permeation from one side would not lead to the creation of Ca²⁺ on the other side. Chapter 3 represents a natural progression from Chapter 2 and is aimed at investigating the underlying mechanisms responsible for the electrophysiological ion selectivity observed. This chapter also follows a logical way by first identifying spermine as a high valence intracellular blocker, its mutual antagonism with different external ionic species that allows the determination of ion-binding affinity, followed by the determination of the concentration dependence of ion conduction to identify possible lower affinity binding. By considering all the above qualities, the outcome is a coherent description and connection of ion binding selectivity, kinetic selectivity and ion binding configuration with the observed electrophysiological selectivity. Chapter 4 discusses the missing puzzles and how these questions might be addressed.

The structural characteristics associated with the binding of beneficial metals (i.e. - Mg2+, Zn2+ and Ca2+) to natural proteins has typically received more attention than competitive binding by toxic metals (e.g. – Pb2+, Hg2+, Cd2+, La3+, etc.). In this thesis, a statistical analysis of Pb2+-binding in crystallized protein structures indicates that Pb2+ does not bind preferentially with nitrogen, as generally assumed, but binds predominantly with oxygen, and to a lesser degree, sulfur. A comparison of Ca2+ and Pb2+ indicates that Pb2+ binds with a wider range of coordination numbers, with less formal change, and with less defined structure than Ca2+. The Pb2+ ion also appears to displace Ca2+ with little conformational stress in calcium binding proteins (CaBP’s). Experimental data from the binding of metals with engineered fluorescent proteins indicate that both Pb2+ and Gd3+ will occupy grafted calcium-binding sites with greater affinity than Ca2+, and strong evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that Pb2+ and Gd3+ will bind non-specifically on the protein surface. These results suggest that toxicity is associated with two binding mechanisms: displacement of the metal cofactor which disrupts protein function, and non-specific binding which maintains higher solubility of the metal.

The overall objective of this thesis was to examine mechanisms involved in the acute regulation of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) Ca2+-handling properties by second messenger signaling pathways in skeletal and cardiac muscle. The aim of the first study (Chapter Two) was to characterize changes in the kinetic properties of sarco(endo)-plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) proteins in cardiac and skeletal muscles in response to b-adrenergic, Ca2+-dependent calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII) and protein kinase C (PKC) signaling. The aim of the second study (Chapter Three) was to determine if insulin signaling could acutely regulate SERCA kinetic properties in cardiac and skeletal muscle. The aim of the final study (Chapter Four) was to determine if alterations in plasma glucose, epinephrine and insulin concentrations during exercise are able to influence SR Ca2+-handling properties in contracting human skeletal muscle. Data collected in Chapter Two and Chapter Three were obtained using tissue prepared from a group of 28 male Sprague-Dawley rats (9 weeks of age; mass = 280 ± 4 g: X ± S.E). Crude muscle homogenates (11:1 dilution) were prepared from selected hind limb muscles (soleus, SOL; extensor digitorum longus, EDL; the red portion of gastrocnemius, RG; and the white portion of gastrocnemius, WG) and the left ventricle (LV). Enriched SR membrane fractions, prepared from WG and LV, were also analyzed. A spectrophotometric assay was used to measure kinetic properties of SERCA, namely, maximal SERCA activity (Vmax), and Ca2+-sensitivity was characterized by both the Ca50, which is defined as the free Ca2+-concentration needed to elicit 50% Vmax, and the Hill coefficient (nH), which is defined as the relationship between SERCA activity and Ca2+f for 10 to 90% Vmax. The observations made in Chapter Two indicated that b-adrenergic signaling, activated by epinephrine, increased (P<0.05) Ca2+-sensitivity, as shown by a left-shift in Ca50 (i.e. reduced Ca50), without altering Vmax in LV and SOL but had no effect (P<0.05) on EDL, RG, or WG. Further analysis using a combination of cAMP, the PKA activator forskolin, and/or the PKA inhibitor KT5270 indicated that the reduced Ca50 in LV was activated by cAMP- and PKA-signaling mechanisms. However, although the reduced Ca50 in SOL was cAMP-dependent, it was not influenced by a PKA-dependent mechanism. In contrast to the effects of b-adrenergic signaling, CaMKII activation increased SERCA Ca2+-sensitivity, as shown by a left-shift in Ca50 and increased nh, without altering SERCA Vmax in LV but was without effect in any of the skeletal muscles examined. The PKC activator PMA significantly reduced SERCA Ca2+-sensitivity, by inducing a right-shift in Ca50 and decreased nH in the LV and all skeletal muscles examined. PKC activation also reduced Vmax in the fast-twitch skeletal muscles (i.e. EDL, RG and WG), but did not alter Vmax in LV or SOL. The results of Chapter Three indicated that insulin signaling increased SERCA Ca2+-sensitivity, as shown by a left-shift in Ca50 (i.e. reduced Ca50) and an increased nH, without altering SERCA Vmax in crude muscle homogenates prepared from LV, SOL, EDL, RG, and WG. An increase in SERCA Ca2+-sensitivity was also observed in enriched SERCA1a and SERCA2a vesicles when an activated form of the insulin receptor (A-INS-R) was included during biochemical analyses. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments were conducted and indicated that IRS-1 and IRS-2 proteins bind SERCA1a and SERCA2a in an insulin-dependent manner. However, the binding of IRS proteins with SERCA does not appear to alter the structural integrity of the SERCA Ca2+-binding site since no changes in NCD-4 fluorescence were observed in response to insulin or A-INS-R. Moreover, the increase in SERCA Ca2+-sensitivity due to insulin signaling was not associated with changes in the phosphorylation status of phospholamban (PLN) since Ser16 or Thr17 phosphorylation was not altered by insulin or A-INS-R in LV tissue. The data described in Chapter Four was collected from 15 untrained human participants (peak O2 consumption, VO2peak= 3.45 ± 0.17 L/min) who completed a standardized cycle test (~60% VO2peak) on two occasions during which they were provided either an artificially sweetened placebo (PLAC) or a 6% glucose (GLUC) beverage (~1.00 g CHO per kg body mass). Muscle biopsies were collected from the vastus lateralis at rest, after 30 min and 90 min of exercise and at fatigue in both conditions to allow assessment of metabolic and SR data. Glucose supplementation increased exercise ride time by ~19% (137 ± 7 min) compared to PLAC (115 ± 6 min). This performance increase was associated with elevated plasma glucose and insulin concentrations and reduced catecholamine concentrations during GLUC compared to PLAC. Prolonged exercise reduced (p<0.05) SR Ca2+-uptake, Vmax, Phase 1 and Phase 2 Ca2+-release rates during both PLAC and GLUC. However, no differences in SR Ca2+-handling properties were observed between conditions when direct comparisons were made at matched time points between PLAC and GLUC. In summary, the results of the first study (Chapter Two) indicate that b-adrenergic and CaMKII signaling increases SERCA Ca2+-sensitivity in the LV and SOL; while PKC signaling reduces SERCA Ca2+-sensitivity in all tissues. PKC activation also reduces Vmax in the fast-twitch skeletal muscles (i.e. EDL, RG, and WG) but has no effect on Vmax in the LV and SOL. The results of the second study (Chapter Three) indicate that insulin signaling acutely increases the Ca2+-sensitivity of SERCA1a and SERCA2a in all tissues examined, without altering the Vmax. Based on our observations, it appears that the increase in SERCA Ca2+-sensitivity may be regulated, in part, through the interaction of IRS proteins with SERCA1a and SERCA2a. The results of the final study (Chapter Four) indicate that alterations in plasma glucose, epinephrine and insulin concentrations associated with glucose supplementation during exercise, do not alter the time course or magnitude of reductions in SERCA or Ca2+-release channel (CRC) function in working human skeletal muscle. Although glucose supplementation did increase exercise ride time to fatigue in this study, our data does not reveal an association with SR Ca2+-cycling measured in vitro. It is possible that the strength of exercise signal overrides the hormonal influences observed in resting muscles. Additionally, these data do not rule out the possibility that glucose supplementation may influence E-C coupling processes or SR Ca2+-cycling properties in vivo.

Ce mémoire décrit plusieurs expériences pour lesquelles la quantification du champ électromagnétique joue un rôle essentiel dans la description théorique et la compréhension physique des phénomènes observés. En particulier, la nécessité de cette quantification apparaît à travers la mise en évidence d'un état d'un champ très proche d'un état de Fock, dans lequel un seul quantum est excité (état à un seul photon). Un état à un seul photon peut être caractérisé en utilisant deux photomultiplicateurs placés de part et d'autre d'une lame semi-réfléchissante : la probabilité d'observer deux photodétections pendant un temps w doit être beaucoup plus petite que le produit des probabilités de photodétections simples pendant le même temps. Cette propriété "non-classique", que nous désignons par le terme d'anticorrélation, est mise en évidence expérimentalement pour une cascade radiative du Calcium, en utilisant des techniques de comptages rapides. Nous avons ensuite réalisé une expérience d'interférences, avec la lumière ayant permis d'observer l'effet d'anticorrélation. En utilisant un interféromètre de Mach-Zehnder réglé au voisinage de la teinte plate, le contraste mesuré des franges d'interférences a été supérieur à 98%, en parfait accord avec les performances calculées de l'interféromètre. Nous présentons enfin deux autres expériences, qui illustrent de façon plus générale la notion d'interférence à un photon : une expérience de battements quantiques dans une cascade radiative excitée de façon continue, et un effet d'interférence apparaissant dans la fluorescence d'un système de deux atomes, obtenus par photodissociation d'une molécule Ca2 par une impulsion laser.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T12:59:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1262940 bytes, checksum: 3eb5eef404a585e59e9d6b96edc0609c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-02-21 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The pharmacological effects induced by CH2Cl2/MeOH extract (EDP) and Hexane/EtOAc phase (FDP) from the Brazilian alga Dictyota pulchella were studied on the cardiovascular system of Wistar rats using a combined in vivo and in vitro approach. All protocols in this study were approved by the CEPA/LTF (protocol nº 0208/10). In normotensive conscious male rats, EDP injections (5; 10; 20 and 40 mg/kg, i.v., randomly) produced hypotension (-4.1 ± 1.34; -7.0 ± 2.4; -46.9 ± 1.3 and - 54.8 ± 4.3%; respectively) and bradycardia (-2.1 ± 1.6; -4.0 ± 2.3; -66.8 ± 5.2 and - 74.7 ± 4.5%; respectively) (n=5). Isolated superior mesenteric artery rings (1-2 mm) were suspended by cotton threads for isometric tension recordings in a Tyrode s solution at 37 ºC, gassed with a 95% O2 and 5% CO2, under a resting tension of 0.75g. In phenylephrine (Phe, 1&#956;M)-pre-contracted rings, EDP (0.01 500 &#956;g/mL) induced a concentration-dependent relaxation (Maximum Response = 101.4 ± 4.5%; EC50 = 22.35 ± 5.09 &#956;g/mL) and this effect was not modified by removal of the vascular endothelium (MR = 103.3 ± 8.3%; EC50 = 21.43 ± 8.98 &#956;g/mL, n=7). Similar results were found in the presence of FDP (0.01 500 &#956;g/mL). FDP induced a concentration-dependent vasodilatation in both endothelium-intact (MR = 80.6 ± 5.8%; EC50 = 24.1 ± 8.95 &#956;g/mL, n=6) or endothelium-denuded mesenteric artery rings (MR = 95.6 ± 7.5%; EC50 = 23.7 ± 5.65 &#956;g/mL, n=6). Based on the preliminary results, the subsequent experiments were performed in rings without endothelium. To appreciate the involvement of potassium channels, the preparations were preincubated with Tyrode s modified solution, KCl (20 mM) or with non-selective K+ channel blocker, tetraethylammonium (TEA, 3 mM). In both preparations the vasorelaxant activity was not changed. In the presence of a tromboxane A2 agonist U-46619 (100 nM), EDP induced concentration-dependent vasodilatation (MR = 90.3 ± 7.8%; EC50 = 24.63 ± 4.04 &#956;g/mL, n=6) was similar to the response found under Phe-induced. After exposure to high concentrations of extracellular K+ (KCl, 60 mM), the EDP induced concentration-dependent vasodilatation (MR = 97.7 ± 4.0%; EC50 = 34.57 ± 5.11 mg/mL; n=6). In the same experimental condition, FDP induced concentration-dependent vasodilatation (MR = 113.5 ± 6.1%; EC50 = 10.92 ± 2.81 &#956;g/mL; n=6). This result indicates that both EDP and FDP act on voltage-operated calcium channel (Cav). Furthermore, EDP and FDP (0.03; 0.3; 10; 30 e 100 &#956;g/mL) antagonized CaCl2-induced contractions. The extract also induced vasodilatation in the contraction evoked by L-type Ca2+ channel agonist (Bay K 8644, 200 nM) (MR = 113.3 ± 6.7%; EC50 = 19.45 ± 6.66 &#956;g/mL, n=7). These results suggest that EDP induces hypotension and bradycardia. Both EDP and FDP induce endotheliumindependent vasodilatation that involves the inhibition of the Ca2+ influx through blockade of Cav. / Os efeitos farmacológicos do extrato CH2Cl2:MeOH (EDP) e fase Hexano:AcOEt (FDP) da alga marinha brasileira Dictyota pulchella foram estudados sobre o sistema cardiovascular de ratos, utilizando uma abordagem in vivo e in vitro. Em ratos normotensos não anestesiados, EDP (5; 10; 20 e 40 mg/kg, i.v., randomicamente) promoveu hipotensão (-4,1 ± 1,34; -7,0 ± 2,4; -46,9 ± 1,3 e -54,8 ± 4,3%, respectivamente) acompanhada de bradicardia (-2,1 ± 1,6; -4,0 ± 2,3; -66,8 ± 5,2 e - 74,7 ± 4,5%, respectivamente) (n=5). Em anéis de artéria mesentérica superior isolada de rato pré-contraídos com Fenilefrina (FEN) 1 &#956;M, EDP (0,01 500 &#956;g/mL) promoveu um efeito vasorrelaxante dependente de concentração na presença do endotélio vascular (Emáx = 101,4 ± 4,5%; CE50 = 22,35 ± 5,09 &#956;g/mL), e este efeito não foi alterado após a remoção do endotélio (Emáx = 103,3 ± 8,3%; CE50 = 21,43 ± 8,98 &#956;g/mL) (n=7). Resultados semelhantes foram obtidos na presença de FDP (0,01 500 &#956;g/mL), observando-se um vasorrelaxamento tanto na presença (Emáx = 80,6 ± 5,8%; CE50 = 24,1 ± 8,9 &#956;g/mL), quanto na ausência do endotélio funcional (Emáx = 95,6 ± 7,5%; CE50 = 23,70 ± 5,65 mg/mL). Para avaliar se o efeito de EDP era dependente do tônus vascular, este extrato foi testado no tônus basal, na presença ou ausência do endotélio, demonstrando que a resposta não foi alterada em nenhuma das duas situações. Baseado nos resultados preliminares, os experimentos subseqüentes foram realizados com endotélio desnudo. Para avaliar a participação dos canais para potássio (K+), utilizou-se uma solução com 20 mM de KCl ou tetraetilâmonio (TEA) 3 mM. Em ambas as preparações (Emáx = 102,3 ± 4,8%; CE50 = 25,40 ± 6,05 &#956;g/mL) ou (Emáx = 111,2 ± 5,3%; CE50 = 16,70 ± 3,61 &#956;g/mL) (n=7), respectivamente, a atividade vasorrelaxante de EDP não foi alterada. Na presença de outro agente contracturante, U46619 (100 nM), EDP promoveu um efeito vasorrelaxante (Emáx = 90,3 ± 7,8%; CE50 = 24,63 ± 4,04 &#956;g/mL) de maneira similar aos anéis pré-contraídos com FEN. Em experimentos contendo uma solução despolarizante de 60 mM de KCl, EDP causou vasorrelaxamento dependente de concentração (Emáx = 97,7 ± 4,0%; CE50 = 34,57 ± 5,11 mg/mL; n=6). Na mesma condição experimental, FDP também promoveu um efeito vasorrelaxante (Emáx = 113,5 ± 6,1%; CE50 = 10,92 ± 2,81 &#956;g/mL; n=6), não havendo diferença significante, para os dois compostos, quando comparados aos anéis pré-contraídos com FEN. Sugere-se que tanto EDP quanto FDP atuem sobre os canais para cálcio sensíveis a voltagem (Cav). Além disso, EDP e FDP (0,03; 0,3; 10; 30 e 100 &#956;g/mL) antagonizaram as contrações induzidas por CaCl2. O extrato ainda produziu vasorrelaxamento na presença de um agonista de canais para Ca2+ tipo-L (Bay K 8644; 200 nM) (Emáx = 113,3 ± 6,7% e CE50 = 19,45 ± 6,66 &#956;g/mL, n=7). Esses resultados sugerem que EDP produz hipotensão e bradicardia transientes, e tanto EDP quanto FDP promovem vasorrelaxamento independente do endotélio vascular por inibição do influxo de Ca2+, por meio do bloqueio dos Cav.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T12:59:27Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 2410324 bytes, checksum: 683a4ac95271e3c06063aa05abced89b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-03-25 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The genus Lippia (Verbenaceae) has yielded a great number of medicinal and economically important species that are frequently used in folk medicine for treatment of several diseases, such as: coughs, bronchitis, liver disorders and hypertension. L. microphylla Cham. is a plant of the genus Lippia found in the Northeast of Brazil, and there is no information in the literature concerning its cardiovascular effects. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the cardiovascular effects of the essential oil of L. microphylla Cham. (EOLM) and of its main constituent, thymol. In normotensive non-anaesthetized rats, EOLM injections produced hypotension (ED50=5.5 (4.1-7.3) mg/Kg, n=5) and bradycardia (ED50=5.2 (4.3-6.2) mg/Kg, n=5). Isometric tension recordings revealed that EOLM (1 300 μg/mL) caused concentration-dependent relaxation in isolated mesenteric rings, with functional endothelium, pre-contracted with phenylephrine (10 μM) (EC50=28.2 (25.3-31.4) μg/mL, n=5) and this effect was not attenuated by removal of the vascular endothelia layer. In preparations without endothelium, pre-incubated with KCl 20 mM, the relaxantion was not changed. Furthermore, EOLM caused relaxation in mesenteric rings pre-contracted with KCl 60 mM and inhibited Ca2+ -induced vasoconstriction in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, EOLM relaxed the contractions elicited by the L-type Ca2+ channel activator, S(-)-Bay K 8644, indicating that the vasodilatation is related to the inhibition of Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ channels. To confirm this hypothesis, whole-cell L-type Ca2+ currents were recorded in freshly dispersed rat mesenteric artery myocytes. EOLM (1-100 μg/mL) significantly inhibited Ba2+ currents in a concentration-dependent manner (EC50=11.9 (9.4-15.0) μg/mL, n=4).These results suggest that OELM induce vasorelaxant effect in rat mesenteric artery due to the inhibition of the Ca2+ influx via voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels. Interestingly, the relaxantion induced by thymol (EC50=9.3 (8.3-10.4) μg/mL, n=5, p<0.01) was more potent than that observed to EOLM (EC50=23.9 (22.0-26.0) μg/mL, n=5), indicating that the vascular actions of EOLM could be attributed to its main constituent, thymol. The cardiovascular responses evoked by thymol were investigated in SHR and WKY rats. In SHR and WKY non-anaesthetized rats, intravenous administration of thymol (0.1; 0.3; 1; 3; 6; 12 and 15 mg/Kg, i.v.) produced hypotension and bradycardia in a dose-dependent manner. Isometric tension recordings, the pharmacological profile of arterial relaxant effects of thymol was compared in rings of mesenteric arteries and aorta from SHR and WKY. In preparations without endothelium, thymol (1 μM 1 mM) produced relaxation in mesenteric arteries from SHR (pD2=4.40.04, n=5) and WKY (pD2=4.30.02, n=5) and aorta from SHR (pD2 = 4.40.03, n=5) and WKY (pD2=4.30.03, n=5) and this effect was not altered in preparations with functional endothelium. Furthermore, thymol relaxed the vasoconstriction induced by high K+ solution, U46619 and S(-)-Bay K 8644 in mesenteric arteries and aorta from SHR and WKY. The addition of thymol also inhibited Ca2+ -induced vasoconstriction in a concentration-dependent manner in mesenteric and aorta segments from SHR and WKY. In electrophysiological recordings, L-type Ca2+ current (ICa,L) was decreased by thymol in a concentration-dependent manner in cardiomyocytes isolated from SHR (pD2=3.40.06, n=4, p<0.05) and WKY (pD2=4.70.05, n=4). In addition, thymol lowed-down both the fast and slow time constants for L-type Ca2+ current inactivation. In conclusion, these results suggest that the vascular effects induced by EOLM and thymol are probably due to the inhibition of the Ca2+ influx via voltage-dependent L-type Ca2+ channels. / O gênero Lippia (Verbenaceae) contém um grande número de espécies medicinais e economicamente importantes, que são frequentemente utilizadas na medicina popular para o tratamento de várias doenças, tais como: tosse, bronquite, disordens hepáticas e hipertensão. L. microphylla Cham. é uma espécie do gênero Lippia encontrada no Nordeste brasileiro e não há informações na literatura a respeito de suas ações cardiovasculares. Portanto, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar os efeitos cardiovasculares do óleo essencial de L. microphylla Cham (OELM) e seu constituinte principal, o timol. Em ratos normotensos não-anestesiados, OELM produziu hipotensão (DE50=5,5 (4,1-7,3) mg/Kg, n=5) e bradicardia (DE50=5,2 (4,3-6,2) mg/Kg, n=5). Experimentos de tensão isométrica revelaram que o OELM (1 300 μg/mL) promove relaxamento dependente de concentração em anéis mesentéricos, com endotélio funcional, pré-contraídos com fenilefrina (10 μM) (EC50=28,2 (25,3-31,4) μg/mL, n=5), e este efeito não foi atenuado pela remoção do endotélio vascular. Em preparações pré-incubadas com KCl 20 mM, o relaxamento do OELM não foi alterada. Além disso, o OELM promoveu relaxamento em anéis mesentéricos pré-contraídos com KCl 60 mM e inibiu a vasoconstrição indizuda pelo Ca2+ de maneira dependente de concentração. O OELM relaxou as contrações induzidas pelo ativador de canais para Ca2+ tipo-L, o S(-)-Bay K 8644, indicando que a vasodilatação induzida pelo OELM está relacionada com a inibição do influxo de Ca2+ via canais para Ca2+ tipo-L. Para confirmar esta hipótese, correntes macroscópicas de Ca2+ foram registradas em miócitos de artéria mesentérica recém dispersas. O OELM (1 100 μg/mL) inibiu significantemente as correntes de Ba2+ de maneira dependente de concentração (CE50=11,9 (9,4-15,0) μg/mL, n=4). Estes resultados surgerem que o OELM induz efeito relaxante em artéria mesentérica de rato devido à inibição do influxo de Ca2+ via canais para Ca2+ dependente de voltage tipo-L. Interessantemente, o efeito relaxante induzido pelo timol (CE50=9,3 (8,3-10,4) μg/mL, n=5, p<0,01) foi mais potente do que o induzido pelo OELM (CE50=23,9 (22,0-26,0) μg/mL, n=5), indicando que os efeitos vasculares do OELM são provavelmente atribuídos ao seu principal constituinte, o timol. A partir dessas premissas, os efeitos cardiovasculares induzidos pelo timol foram investigados em ratos SHR e WKY. Em ratos SHR e WKY não-anestesiados, a administração intravenosa de timol (0,1; 0,3; 1; 3; 6; 12 e 15 mg/kg, i.v.) produziu hipotensão e bradicardia de maneira depedente de dose. Em experimentos de tensão isométrica, o perfil do efeito relaxante induzido pelo timol foi comparado entre artéria mesentérica e aorta isoladas de ratos SHR e WKY. Em preparações sem endotélio vascular, o timol (1 μM 1 mM) induziu relaxamento de maneira concentração dependente em artéria mesentérica isolada de SHR (pD2=4,40,04, n=5) e WKY (pD2=4,30,02, n=5) e aorta de SHR (pD2=4,40,04, n=5) e WKY (pD2=4,30,03, n=5) e este efeito não foi alterado em preparações com o endotélio. Além disso, o timol relaxou as contrações induzidas por KCl, U46619 e S(-)-Bay K 8644 em artéria mesentérica e aorta de ratos SHR e WKY. A adição do timol inibiu a vasoconstrição induzida por Ca2+ em anéis de artéria mesentérica e aorta de ratos SHR e WKY. O timol diminuiu as correntes de Ca2+ tipo-L de maneira concentração dependente em cardiomiócitos de SHR (pD2=3,40,06, n=4, p<0,05) e WKY (pD2=4,70,05, n=4). Além disso, o timol diminuiu a constante de tempo rápida e lenta para inativação das correntes de Ca2+. Em conclusão, estes resultados surgerem que os efeitos cardiovasculares induzidos pelo o OELM e timol são provavelmete devido a inibição do influxo de Ca2+ via canais para Ca2+ dependentes de voltage tipo-L.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T12:59:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1843957 bytes, checksum: 23eff6067396c6f267138994bec5be02 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-02-13 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The studed Herbal Product is indicated for treatment of intestinal colic and constipation, though there are no scientific data, that prove its efficacy. Thus, this study aimed in preclinical pharmacologic trials to evaluate its laxative and spasmolytic action and elucidate its possible pathway. For this, pharmacological tests were carried out in vivo to evaluate its stimulating effect on the gastrointestinal tract and in vitro assays in order to evaluate its spasmodic activity. The Herbal Product increased small intestinal motility in male mice at doses of 100mg/kg (161.66 ± 14.86%, n=6) and 200mg/kg (151.04 ± 17.17%, n=6) compared to control (100.00 ± 10.49%, n=6). The intestinal transit of animals constipated by loperamide (3mg/kg/day, three days) was reduced to 66.25 ± 7.49% (n=8) compared to the control group (100 ± 5.16%, n=8). In the constipated animals treated with doses of 100 and 200mg/kg (98.42 ± 6.33%, n=7) (99.32 ± 8.47%, n=7) was observed the normalization of the traffic bowel. Similar results were observed for 24 hours in the quantification of rat feces constipated by loperamide (3mg/kg/day, three days). The herbal medicine induced return of quantity of feces normal levels (7.92 ± 1.01g, n=6) in constipated animals (4.01 ± 1.43g, n=6), at dose of 100mg/kg (11.24 ± 2.90g, n=6) and 200mg/kg (8.70 ± 2.01g, n=6). These results demonstrate the stimulating action of this preparation in the intestine of the animals with potential laxative effect. Adding increasing and cumulative (0.01-1000μg/mL) of this product did not significantly alter spontaneous contractions in guinea pig ileum. However, its addition (1-1000μg/mL) caused a relaxation in this organ pre-contracted with 1μM carbachol, Emax= 67.61 ± 6.25%; EC50 269.77μg/mL (215.8 to 337.1), n=6; histamine 1μM (Emax= 58.68 ± 7.17%, EC50= 144.10μg/mL (86.65 to 239.70), n=6, and 40mM KCl (Emax= 50.76 ± 3.79%; EC50= 91.94μg/mL (57.97 to 145.80), n=7, no significant difference in the powers, suggesting an action of this product on a step common to these three agents. The relaxing action of this preparation was attenuated in ileum pre-contracted with 60mM KCl (Emax= 39.28 ± 1.95%, n=7) and the efficacy and potency were also significantly attenuated in the presence of potassium channel blockers, 5mM TEA, Emax= 22.79  2.99%; EC50 93.41μg/mL (54.89 to 159.00), n=5; and 5mM CsCl; Emax= 29.44  6.24%, EC50= 112,60μg/mL (44.09 to 287.80), n=5, suggesting the participation of these channels in relaxation. In contractions induced by 300nM S(-)BayK-8644, Cav channel agonist, the effect induced by phytomedicine, Emax= 39.28 ± 1.95%, EC50= 199.70μg/mL (120.50 to 239.00), n=8, was significantly lower when compared to carbachol, indicating the involvement of Cav in its effect. In preparations pre-incubated with 1μM propranolol (Emax= 34.45 ± 4.97%, n=6), the Emax was attenuated, suggesting also the involvement of β-adrenergic receptors in the effect induced by preparation. Thus, we conclude that the Herbal Product acts stimulating the intestine of rats and mice, especially in constipated animals and has spasmolytic activity in guinea pig ileum probably due to opening of K+ channels, inhibition of Ca2+ channels and activation of β-adrenoceptor. / O Produto Fitoterápico estudado é indicado no tratamento de cólicas intestinais e constipação, entretanto não apresenta dados científicos que comprovem sua eficácia. Assim, este estudo objetivou realizar ensaios farmacológicos pré-clínicos para avaliar sua ação laxante e sua ação espasmolítica, bem como elucidar seu provável mecanismo de ação. Para tal, realizaram-se ensaios farmacológicos in vivo para avaliar seu efeito estimulante sobre o trato gastrointestinal e ensaios in vitro com o intuito de avaliar sua atividade espasmolítica. O Produto Fitoterápico aumentou a motilidade do intestino delgado em camundongos machos, nas doses de 100mg/kg (161,66 ± 14,86%; n=6) e 200mg/kg (151,04 ± 17,17%, n=6) quando comparados ao controle (100,00 ± 10,49%; n=6). O trânsito intestinal de animais constipados por loperamida (3mg/kg/dia, três dias) foi reduzido a 66,25 ± 7,49% (n=8) em comparação ao grupo controle (100 ± 5,16%; n=8). Nos animais constipados e tratados com doses de 100 e 200mg/kg (98,42 ± 6,33%, n=7); (99,32 ± 8,47%; n=7), observou-se a normalização do trânsito intestinal. Resultados semelhantes foram encontrados na quantificação por 24 horas de fezes de ratos constipados por loperamida (3mg/kg/dia, três dias), em que o Produto Fitoterápico induziu o retorno da quantidade de fezes a níveis normais (7,92 ± 1,01g; n=6) de animais constipados (4,01 ± 1,43g; n=6), tanto na dose de 100mg/kg (11,24 ± 2,90g; n=6) como na dose de 200mg/kg (8,70 ± 2,01g; n=6). Estes resultados demonstram a ação estimulante da preparação estudada no intestino destes animais com potencial efeito laxante. A adição crescente e cumulativa (0,01-1000μg/mL) deste produto não alterou significativamente as contrações espontâneas em íleo de cobaia. Entretanto, sua adição (1-1000μg/mL) promoveu relaxamento neste órgão pré-contraído com carbacol 1μM, Emax= 67,61 ± 6,25%; CE50 269,77μg/mL (215,8 337,1); n=6, com histamina 1μM, Emax= 58,68 ± 7,17%; CE50= 144,10 μg/mL (86,65 239,70); n=6, ou com KCl 40mM, Emax= 50,76 ± 3,79%; CE50= 91,94μg/mL (57,97 145,80); n=7, não apresentando diferença estatística nas potências, o que sugere uma ação sobre uma etapa comum a estes três agentes. A ação relaxante desta preparação foi atenuada em íleo pré-contraído com KCl 60mM (Emax= 39,28 ± 1,95%; n=7) e sua eficácia e potência também foram significantemente atenuados na presença de bloqueadores de canais para K+, 5mM TEA, Emax= 22,79  2,99%; CE50 93,41μg/mL (54,89 159,00); n=5, e 5mM CsCl, Emax= 29,44  6,24%; CE50= 112,60μg/mL (44,09 287,80); n=5, sugerindo participação destes canais em seu relaxamento. Em contrações induzidas por 300nM S(-)-BayK 8644, agonista de canais Cav, o efeito induzido pelo Produto Fitoterápico Emax= 39,28 ± 1,95%; CE50= 199,70μg/mL (120,50 239,00); n=8, foi significativamente menor, quando comparado ao carbacol, indicando a participação dos Cav em seu efeito. Em preparações pré-incubadas com 1μM propranolol (Emax= 34,45 ± 4,97%; n=6), o Emax foi atenuado, sugerindo também a participação de receptores β-adrenérgicos no efeito induzido pela preparação. Assim, concluimos que o Produto Fitoterápico age estimulando o intestino de ratos e camundongos, principalmente em animais constipados e apresenta atividade espasmolítica em íleo de cobaia provavelmente pela abertura de canais para K+, inibição de canais para Ca2+ e ativação de β-adrenoceptores.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T12:59:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 2521222 bytes, checksum: cfc5f6c38f54dd1ac44a377a98ba266e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012-08-14 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The aim of this study was to evaluate the mechanism of vasorrelaxante 6 - [(E) - styryl] - 2 - pyrone (pyrone-198), a natural estirilpirona isolated from the fruit of Aniba panurensis (Meisn.) Mez (Lauraceae), with protocols in normotensive rats in vivo and in vitro on the superior mesenteric artery rings isolated from rats. In non-anesthetized normotensive rats, 198-pyrone (10, 20, 30 and 40 mg / kg; iv) induced bradycardia and hypotension. In the superior mesenteric artery rings isolated from rats pyrone-198 (1 nM - 1 mM) induced relaxation of contractions induced by phenylephrine (Phe, 10 mM) concentration dependent manner and this effect was significantly attenuated after removal of the vascular endothelium. A similar effect occurred in rings pre-contracted with 1 mM of Phe, an effect significantly attenuated after removal of the endothelium. In the presence of 100 mM of L-NAME, 10  M ODQ, 300 mM of PTIO, the relaxation was attenuated. The effect of blocking with L-NAME was completely reversed in preparations with 1 mM L-arginine. In the presence of atropine (1 nM) and indomethacin (10 M), the response induced by pyrone-198 was not changed. The pyrone-198 inhibited contractions induced by increasing concentrations of Phe (1 nM - 1 mM) as well as the relaxation induced contractions induced by U46619 (10 M). In rings pre-contracted with S (-) Bay K8644 (200 nM) caused a relaxation pyrone the like, in rings pre-contracted with Phe (1 and 10 mM) in the presence of nifedipine. The pyrone-198 also interfered in the release of Ca+2 from intracellular stores mediated by Phe (1 and 10 M). In preparations incubated with 3 mM TEA and pre-contracted with 1 M Phe, relaxation of pyrone-198 was not attenuated, unlike the rings incubated with 3 mM TEA and pre-contracted with FEN 10  M. In preparations without endothelium preincubated with 1 mM TEA, relaxation to pyrone-198 was significantly attenuated, however, in the ring without endothelium preincubation with BaCl2 (30 M), 4-AP (1 mM) or GLIB (10 M) did not alter the relaxation induced by pyrone-198. The results suggest the action of pyrone-198 on hemodynamic parameters, alémde vasorrelaxante present a potent effect, an effect mediated in part by endothelium-dependent mechanisms involving via eNOS / CGs. But also by mechanisms independent of the vascular endothelium and the ability to promote relaxation in vascular smooth muscle seems to act interfering with contractile mechanisms subsequent to the entry of calcium, prinicpalmente by inhibiting the release of Ca+2 from intracellular stores sensitive to IP3, and engagement channels sensitive potassium calcium, these effects with different presentation by submaximal and maximal concentrations of phenylephrine. / O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o mecanismo vasorrelaxante da 6 [(E) estiril] - 2 - pirona (pirona-198), uma estirilpirona natural isolada a partir dos frutos de Aniba panurensis (Meisn.) Mez (Lauraceae), com protocolos in vivo em ratos normotensos e in vitro sobre anéis de artéria mesentérica superior isolada de ratos. Em ratos normotensos não anestesiados, pirona-198 (10, 20, 30 e 40 mg/kg, i.v.) induziu hipotensão e bradicardia. Em anéis de artéria mesentérica superior isolada de rato, pirona-198 (1 nM - 1 μM) induziu relaxamento das contrações induzidas por fenilefrina (FEN, 10 μM) de maneira dependente de concentração e esse efeito foi significativamente atenuado após a remoção do endotélio vascular. Efeito semelhante ocorreu em anéis pré-contraidos com 1 μM de FEN 7, efeito significativamente atenuado após a remoção do endotélio. Na presença de 100 μM de L- NAME, 10 M de ODQ, 300 μM de PTIO, o relaxamento foi atenuado. O efeito do bloqueio com L-NAME foi completamente revertido em preparações com 1 mM de L-arginina. Na presença de atropina (1 nM) e indometacina (10 M), a resposta induzida pela pirona-198 não foi alterada. A pirona-198 inibiu contrações induzidas por concentrações crescentes de FEN (1 nM 1 mM), como também induziu relaxamento nas contrações induzidas por U46619 (10 M). Em anéis pré-contraídos com S(-) Bay K8644 (200 nM), a pirona promoveu relaxamento tal como, em anéis pré-contraidos com FEN (1 e 10 μM) na presença de nifedipino. A pirona-198 também interferiu na liberação do Ca+2 dos estoques intracelulares mediado por FEN (1 e 10 M). Em preparações incubadas com TEA 3 mM e pré-contraídas com 1 M FEN, o relaxamento da pirona-198 não foi atenuado, diferentemente dos anéis incubados com TEA 3 mM e pré-contraídos com FEN 10 M. Em preparações sem endotélio pré-incubadas com 1 mM de TEA, o relaxamento para pirona-198 foi significantemente atenuado, entretanto, nos anéis sem endotélio a pré-incubação com BaCl2 (30 M), 4-AP (1 mM) ou GLIB (10 M) não modificou o relaxamento induzido pela pirona-198. Os resultados sugerem a ação da pirona-198 sobre os parâmetros hemodinâmicos, alémde apresentar um potente efeito vasorrelaxante, efeito este mediado parcialmente por mecanismos dependentes do endotélio, envolvendo a via eNOS/CGs. Como também por mecanismos independentes do endotélio vascular e essa capacidade de promover relaxamento no músculo liso vascular parece atuar interferindo em mecanismos contratéis posteriores à entrada de cálcio, prinicpalmente pela inibição da liberação de Ca+2 dos estoques intracelulares sensíveis ao IP3, e envolvimento dos canais de potássio sensíveis ao cálcio, efeitos estes com apresentação diferente mediante as concentrações submáxima e máxima de fenilefrina.

A oxidação do resíduo de cisteína 56 (ANT-cys56) do transportador de nucleotídeos de adenina (ANT) é descrita como evento crítico da Transição de Permeabilidade Mitocondrial (TPM), fenômeno caracterizado pela sensibilidade ao fármaco imunossupressor ciclosporina A (CsA), responsável pela ligação e inibição do componente promotor da abertura do Poro de Transição de Permeabilidade (PTP), a enzima peptidil-prolil-cis trans isomerase (cyp D). Aspectos bioquímico-estruturais do ANT, das cardiolipinas (CDL) que envolvem o transportador e da cyp D na TPM foram avaliados por meio de ensaios turbidimétricos de inchamento mitocondrial e estado conformacional do ANT em mitocôndrias isoladas de fígado de rato, associados a abordagens de química computacional para análises de campos de interação molecular (MIF) e dinâmica molecular (MD), visando a predição de eventos envolvidos na abertura do PTP. As análises computacionais revelaram aumento da mobilidade relativa do ANT-cys56, como resultado da interação preferencial do Ca2+ com a molécula de CDL ligada à hélice 4 do transportador, enquanto que a inversão da configuração do resíduo de prolina do ANT (ANT-pro61) potencializou o efeito induzido por Ca2+. A presença de ADP no interior do ANT preveniu o aumento da mobilidade relativa do ANT-cys56 promovida pelo Ca2+, enquanto que a inversão da configuração do ANT-pro61, de trans para cis, potencializou o efeito promovido pelo Ca2+ na mobilidade relativa do ANT-cys56, de forma insensível ao nucleotídeo. Os ensaios com mitocôndrias isoladas demonstraram que o Ca2+ induz a conformação c do ANT e promove abertura do PTP, de forma sensível à CsA e ADP. A presença de cyp D estabilizou a conformação c do ANT induzida por Ca2+, sendo que Atractilosídeo (ATR) tornou o efeito parcialmente insensível aos inibidores da TPM. Os resultados sugerem que a abertura do PTP induzida por Ca2+ envolve a mudança conformacional do ANT para o estado c, cuja estabilização é obtida pela cyp D na função de inversão do ANT-pro61, com base na avaliação da mobilidade relativa do ANT-cys56 parcialmente sensível ao ADP. / Oxidation of the Adenine Nucleotide Translocase (ANT) cysteine residue 56 (ANT-cys56) is potentially involved in Ca2+-induced Mitochondrial Permeability Transition (MPT), a process which is prevented by cyclosporine A (CsA), due to its inhibition of Permeability Transition Pore (PTP) opener component, the peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase cyclophylin D (cyp D). The main aspects of ANT, cardiolipins (CDL) and cyp D on Ca2+-induced PTP opening were addressed by employing light scattering techniques in isolated rat liver mitochondria to assess both ANT conformational change and mitochondrial swelling in association with computational chemistry analysis of Molecular Interaction Fields (MIF) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) for PTP events predictions. Computational analysis revealed that Ca2+ interacts preferentially with the ANT surrounding CDL bound to the H4 helix of the carrier and weakens the CDL/ANT interactions accounting for the ADP-sensitive increase of ANT-cys56 relative mobility while ANT-pro61 cis to trans configuration inversion intensified the Ca2+ effect in a ADP-insensitive way. The ANT conformation and mitochondrial swelling analyses demonstrated that Ca2+ induces conformation c of ANT and opens PTP in a CsA- and ADP-sensitive way. Cyp D stabilizes Ca2+-induced ANT conformation c, whereas ATR renders a PTP opening less sensitive to the inhibition by CsA or ADP. The results suggest that Ca2+-induced PTP opening involves ANT conformation c change supported by a cyp D-induced trans to cys ANT-pro61 configuration inversion based on the relative mobility of ANT-cys56, in a ADP-sensitive manner.