Thèse numérisée par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal.

Le récepteur neurokinine 1 (NK1R) est impliqué dans la régulation des réponses immunitaires innées et adaptatives. Cependant, les mécanismes par lesquels le NK1R modulerait ces réponses ne sont pas connus. Chez les cellules T, les voies de la calcineurine et de la mTOR constituent les cibles d’immunosuppresseurs, comme la cyclosporine A (CsA), le tacrolimus et la rapamycine. Ainsi, nous avons voulu déterminer si le NK1R pourrait agir sur ces voies et si le blocage pharmacologique du NK1R avec des antagonistes sélectifs, pourrait augmenter l’action de ces immunosuppresseurs sur l’activation des cellules T. Tout d’abord, nos résultats ont montré que les cellules Jurkat (celules T humaines) exprimaient à la fois le gène du NK1R et de son ligand (les endokinines). Ceci suggère l'existence d'une régulation autocrine tachykinergique de la fonction des cellules T. Cette hypothèse est appuyée par nos données, où nous avons observé que le blocage du NK1R avec des antagonistes spécifiques (L-733,060 et L-703,606) chez les cellules Jurkat, inhibe la production d'IL-2 et diminue l'activation du NFAT (substrat de la calcineurine). De façon intéressante, nous avons montré un effet de combinaison entre les antagonistes du NK1R et les inhibiteurs de la calcineurine (CsA et tacrolimus) sur la production d’IL-2 et l’activation du NFAT. En revanche, le blocage du NK1R n'a pas d'effet inhibiteur sur l’activation de la mTOR et la p70S6K, mais réduit la phosphorylation de S6R (Ser235/236) et Akt (Ser473). Enfin, nous n’avons observé aucun effet de combinaison avec la rapamycine et l’antagoniste NK1R sur l’activation de mTOR et de sa voie de signalisation. L’ensemble de nos résultats, démontrent la présence d'un nouveau mécanisme de régulation de NFAT impliquant le système tachykinergique NK1R/endokinines chez les cellules T. Par conséquent, nous suggérons que la combinaison des antagonistes NK1R avec les inhibiteurs de la calcineurine pourrait être une alternative thérapeutique intéressante afin de réduire les doses de CsA et le FK506 dans les protocoles de prévention de rejet de greffes. / There are increasing evidences for a role of the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) in the regulation of innate and adaptive immune systems. However, whether NK1R regulates calcineurin/nuclear factor of activated T cell (NFAT) and mTOR pathways in T cells is unknown. These signalling pathways being targets of the immunosuppressive drugs cyclosporine A (CsA), FK506 and rapamycin respectively. We also examined whether pharmacological blockade of NK1R may be combined to those immunosuppressors to repress T cell activation. In this article, we first show that Jurkat T cells express both genes for NK1R and its ligands endokinins which suggests the existence of an autocrine tachykinergic regulation of T cells function. This hypothesis is supported by our data showing that blockade of this receptor with specific NK1R antagonists inhibits IL-2 production in Jurkat T cells which is associated with the reduction of NFAT activation. Interestingly, we show interplay between NK1R antagonists and calcineurin inhibitors to repress IL-2 production and NFAT activation. In contrast, blockade of NK1R has no inhibitory effect on mTOR and p70S6K activation but reduce S6R (Ser235/236) and Akt (Ser473) phosphorylation. However, combining rapamycin with NK1R antagonist has no enhancing effect on rapamycin-reduced mTOR activation and its signalling pathway. Our findings provide the evidence of a novel mechanism of regulation of NFAT activation-induced IL-2 production in T cells involving the tachykinergic system NK1R/endokinins. These observations may offer new application for NK1R antagonists in transplantation immunotherapy in combination with immunosuppressors.

Implication du PTP dans la mort cellulaire β pancréatique L'hyperglycémie, l'hyperfructosémie et l'ischémie-reperfusion sont délétères pour la viabilité cellulaire β pancréatique, jouant un rôle majeur dans la perte de la masse cellulaire β. Le pore de transition de perméabilité mitochondriale (PTP) est un canal mitochondrial impliqué dans le déclenchement de la mort cellulaire. Des données récentes montrent l'implication du PTP et du stress oxydant dans la toxicité induite par l'ischémie-reperfusion sur cardiomyocytes et également dans la glucotoxicité induite sur cellules endothéliales. La première partie de notre étude a visé à étudier l'implication de l'ouverture du PTP dans la mort cellulaire des cellules INS-1 et des îlots pancréatiques humains soumis à de fortes concentrations de glucose et de fructose. Nous démontrons que l'incubation des cellules INS-1 et des îlots pancréatiques humains en présence de 30 mM de glucose ou 2,5 mM de fructose déclenche une ouverture du PTP et induit la mort cellulaire. La metformine et la Cyclosporine A (CsA) préviennent l'ouverture du PTP et la mort cellulaire induite par le glucose et le fructose. La deuxième partie de notre travail montre que l'exposition des INS-1 à une heure de carence en substrat concomitante d'une hypoxie, suivie d'une restauration des conditions basales conduit à l'ouverture du PTP et à une majoration drastique de la mort cellulaire. Ces deux évènements sont totalement prévenus par l'incubation préalable par la CsA et la metformine mais aussi par la N-Acétyl-Cystéine (NAC) ou par l'exposition à une anoxie, soulignant ainsi le rôle fondamental du stress oxydant dans le déclenchement de l'ouverture du PTP et de la mort cellulaire. Nous montrons qu'au cours de l'ischémie-reperfusion simulée, la production de superoxide est bi-phasique : nous décrivons un premier pic de production au cours de la carence en substrat, lié à un flux reverse d'électrons au sein du complexe I de la chaîne respiratoire. Ce premier pic est suivi d'un deuxième pic de production après la restauration du niveau de substrats et d'O2, lié à l'ouverture du PTP. La NAC, l'anoxie ou la metformine préviennent les deux pics de production de superoxide tandis que la CsA prévient seulement le second pic. Enfin, nous montrons que l'hypoxie seule n'induit ni stress oxydant, ni ouverture du PTP ni mortalité cellulaire. L'ensemble de notre travail démontre le rôle central du PTP dans la gluco-fructotoxicité et dans la toxicité induite par l'ischémie-reperfusion sur la cellule β pancréatique. Ainsi, prévenir l'ouverture du PTP peut-être une approche intéressante pour préserver la viabilité cellulaire β. / PTP involvement in β pancreatic cell death Hyperglycemia, hyperfructosemia and ischemia-reperfusion play a major role in the progression of β cell loss in diabetes mellitus. The permeability transition pore (PTP) is a mitochondrial channel involved in cell death. PTP opening and oxidative stress have been shown to be involved in ischemia-reperfusion injury on cardiomyocytes and in hyperglycemia-induced cell death in endothelial cells. In the first part of this work, we have examined the involvement of PTP opening in INS-1 cells and human pancreatic islets cell death induced by high levels of glucose or fructose. We first reported that Metformin and Cyclosporin A (CsA) prevented Ca2+-induced PTP opening in permeabilized and intact INS-1 cells. We then shown that incubation of INS-1 cells and human islets in the presence of 30 mM glucose or 2.5 mM fructose induced PTP opening and led to cell death. Because both Metformin and CsA prevented glucose and fructose induced PTP opening, and hampered glucose and fructose induced cell death, we conclude that PTP opening is involved in high glucose and high fructose induced INS-1 and human islets cell death. We therefore suggest that preventing PTP opening might be a new approach to preserve β cell viability. In the second part of the work, we demonstrate that the incubation of INS-1 cells in the absence of energy substrates in hypoxic condition for 1 hour followed by incubation in normal condition led to PTP opening and to a dramatic increase in cell death. Both events were totally prevented when PTP opening was inhibited by either Cyclosporin A (CsA) or Metformin or when the cells were incubated in the presence of the antioxidant N-acetyl-cystein (NAC), in anoxia, highlighting the implication of oxidative stress is the commitment of PTP opening. Superoxide production increased during the removal of energy substrates, due to reverse electron flux through complex I and again increased when normal energy substrate and O2 were restored, due to PTP opening. NAC, anoxia or Metformin prevented the two phases of oxidative stress, while CsA prevented only the second one. Hypoxia alone did not induce oxidative stress, PTP opening or cell death. Our work demonstrates the implication of PTP opening in ischemia-reperfusion injury and gluco- fructotoxicty in β pancreatic cells. We therefore suggest that preventing PTP opening might be a new approach to preserve β cell viability.

Há evidências de que a ciclosporina, imunossupressor utilizado nos transplantes de células- tronco hematopoéticas, impregna nos cateteres de silicone quando os mesmos são utilizados para a sua infusão; podendo a coleta de amostras para dosagem sérica do medicamento por essa via resultar em níveis falsamente elevados. Apesar de já existirem dados comprovando a possibilidade de se coletar as amostras da via do cateter venoso central não utilizada para a infusão, há escassez de estudos e também controvérsias quanto ao melhor momento para realizar o procedimento, assim como divergências quanto ao volume de sangue ideal a ser descartado. Esse ensaio clínico controlado randomizado teve como objetivo verificar o efeito do tempo transcorrido entre a interrupção da infusão de ciclosporina e a coleta das amostras na dosagem sérica do medicamento, em relação à via utilizada para a coleta e ao volume de descarte. Os sujeitos foram aleatorizados em dois grupos. No grupo A, a coleta das amostras em acesso venoso periférico, via do cateter utilizada para a infusão da ciclosporina e via não utilizada para infusão foi realizada imediatamente após a interrupção da infusão do medicamento, sendo que na última a coleta foi realizada após descarte de 5 mL e de 10 mL de sangue. No grupo B os mesmos procedimentos foram realizados, porém cinco minutos depois da interrupção. Participaram 32 sujeitos adultos, a maioria do sexo masculino (68,75%), portadores de leucemia (59,37%), com doadores aparentados (84,37%) e histocompatibilidade total (90,62%). A coleta realizada previamente ao início da infusão da ciclosporina atestou ausência desta no sangue e impregnada nos cateteres. As demais foram realizadas nos 32 sujeitos depois de 24 horas do início da infusão; em 12 do grupo A e 16 do grupo B sete dias depois; e em nove do grupo A e 13 do B 14 dias após iniciado o uso do medicamento. O principal motivo que levou à interrupção da coleta foi a transição da ciclosporina para via oral (71,87%). Inicialmente, nas análises intra sujeitos, a diferença entre a dosagem sérica obtida na via do cateter utilizada para a infusão da ciclosporina e as outras vias foi significativa (p < 0,001), enquanto entre o acesso venoso periférico e via não utilizada para a infusão, independente do volume de descarte, não houve diferença (p > 0,05). Quando realizadas as comparações entre os grupos, não foram observadas diferenças (p > 0,05) quanto à influência do tempo transcorrido entre a interrupção da infusão e a coleta das amostras de sangue, independente da via de coleta utilizada e do volume descartado. Conclui-se que a via do cateter não utilizada para infusão da ciclosporina é segura para ser utilizada na coleta das amostras para dosagem sérica desse medicamento; e o procedimento pode ser realizado imediatamente após a interrupção da infusão, desde que empregada a técnica adequada com descarte de 5 mL de sangue. Assim evita-se que o sujeito, já fragilizado e submetido a um tratamento complexo, seja exposto a mais um procedimento doloroso e associado ao estresse que é punção venosa periférica / There is evidence that cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant used in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, impregnate in silicone catheters when they are used for its infusion; and the sample collection for serum levels of medication through this line may result in falsely elevated levels. Although there are data demonstrating the possibility to collect samples through the line of the central venous catheter not used for the infusion, there are few studies and also controversies regarding the best time to perform the procedure, as well as disagreement about the optimal volume of blood to be discarded. This randomized controlled trial aimed to verify the effect of time elapsed between discontinuation of the infusion and serum sample collection in relation to the line used for collection and volume of discard. The subjects were randomized into two groups. In group A, samples collected from a peripheral venous access, through catheter line used for cyclosporine infusion and catheter line not used for cyclosporine infusion was performed immediately after discontinuation of the drug infusion, and the last collection was performed after discarding 5ml and 10ml of blood. In group B, the same procedures were done, but five minutes after the interruption. The participants were 32 adults, most males (68,75%), with leukemia (59,37%), with related donors (84,37%), and total histocompatibility (90,62%). The collection performed prior to the start of cyclosporine infusion attested absence of cyclosporine in blood and presence of it in catheters. The others were performed in 32 subjects after 24 hours prior the start of infusion; in 12 of group A and 16 of group B after seven days; and in 9 of group A and 13 of B fourteen days after starting the medication. The main reason that led to discontinuation of the collection was the switch of cyclosporine to oral administration (71,87%). Initially, in the intra-subject analysis, the difference between the serum levels obtained in the line used for cyclosporine infusion of and other lines was significant (p < 0,001), while there was no difference between the peripheral venous access and the line not used for infusion, independently of the volume of discard (p > 0,05). When performed comparisons between groups, no differences were observed (p > 0,05) in the influence of time elapsed between discontinuation of the infusion and collection of blood samples, regardless the line used for collection and volume of discard. It is concluded that the catheter line not used for infusion of cyclosporine seems to be safe for use in serum samples collection of this medication; and the procedure can be performed immediately after discontinuation of the infusion, since used the technique with adequate discard of 5ml of blood. This avoids that the subject, already weakened and subordinated to a complex treatment, be exposed to a painful and stressful procedure such as peripheral venipuncture

Para avaliar a exposição ao ácido micofenólico (MPA) na fase inicial pós-transplante renal, receptores foram destinados para receber tacrolimo (n=33) ou ciclosporina (n=19, controle) com MMF. Foram feitas coletas de farmacocinética (AUC) do inibidor de calcineurina e MPA nos dias 7, 14, 30, 60 e 180 pós-transplante. Dos dias 14-180, a MPA-AUC foi mais elevada no grupo tacrolimo devido a um maior segundo pico de MPA. Com doses fixas de MMF, uma grande porcentagem de curvas ficou abaixo da faixa terapêutica. No dia 7, a equação que emprega a concentração pré-dose (C0) e na segunda hora (C2) foi a mais precisa para estimar AUC. Após o dia 7, a equação que utiliza C2 foi a mais precisa. A exposição ao MPA nos primeiros seis meses após transplante renal é maior sob tacrolimo do que ciclosporina. Entretanto, para qualquer inibidor de calcineurina empregado com MMF, uma equação que emprega C0 e C2 (dia 7) e C2 isoladamente (após o dia 7), permite a monitoração de MPA com grande precisão / To evaluate the exposure to mycophenolic acid (MPA) early after renal transplantation, recipients were allocated to tacrolimus (n = 33) or Neoral (n =19, control) plus MMF. Pharmacokinetic curves (AUC) of calcineurin inhibitor and MPA were drawn on days 7, 14, 30, 60 and 180 post-transplant. From days 14-180, MPA-AUC was higher in tacrolimus group due to a higher second MPA peak. With fixed MMF doses, a great amount of curves fell below the proposed therapeutic range. On day 7, the equation that uses pre-dose (C0) and second-hour (C2) concentrations was the most accurate. After day 7, the equation that uses C2 alone was the most accurate. Exposure to MPA during the first six months after transplantation is higher under tacrolimus than Neoral. Nevertheless, despite the calcineurin inhibitor associated with MMF, an equation that uses C0 and C2 up to day 7 and C2 thereafter allows precise MPA monitoring

Made available in DSpace on 2016-01-26T12:51:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 gloriaelisa_tese.pdf: 873601 bytes, checksum: 4169d3e3662f4f5b0cb50f642bec7715 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005-11-28 / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Cyclosporine A (CsA) is a immunosuppressant drug, whose most serious toxic effect is chronic nephrotoxicity, characterized by decreased glomerular filtration rate and the development of irreversible renal fibrosis. It may go through the placenta to the developing fetus. Currently, a great number of women with childbearing potential is treated by CsA, increasing the chances of pregnancy under the effect of this drug. Our objectives were to assess CsA effects on the renal structure and function during pregnancy. The low-salt-diet (0.06%) model was used in pregnant (P/CsA) and virgin (V/CsA) Munich-Wistar female rats receiving CsA; in virgin (V/VH) and pregnant (P/VH) rats with vehicle at a dosage of 15 mg/kg/day of CsA subcutaneously or vehicle. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR, ml/min/100g) , renal blood flow (RBF, Doppler ultrasound, ml/min), renal vascular resistance (RVR, mmHg/ml/min), blood pressure (BP, intracarotid probe, mmHg), blood levels of CsA (BCsA, radioimmunoassay, ng/ml), urinary volume (UV, ml/min), plasma and urinary creatinine (mg/dl), urine sodium excretion (UNa, mEq/l), sodium excretion fraction (FeNa,%) urinary osmolality (UOsm, m/Osm/K), osmolar clearance (COsm, ml/min), urinary nitric-oxide (NO, griess, umol/mgCr), immunohistochemistry for angiotensin II-positive renal cells and renal histology were measured in the middle and at the end of the gestational period (21 days). Results are presented as mean ± standard error of mean and analyzed by ANOVA and Student-Neuman-Keuls test. After 10 days of treatment, the pregnancy caused significant increases of 27% in the GFR (GC; 1.19 ± 0.04 vs 0.94 ± 0.05 in V/C, p<0.05) and of 36% in RBF (G/C; 4.9 ± 0.2 vs 3.6 ± 0.1 in V/C, p< 0.001) and significant decreases of 13% in MBP (GC; 112 ± 4 vs 129 ± 5 in V/C, p<0.05) and of 29% in RVR ( GC; 24 ± 1 vs 34 ± 2 in VC, p<0.05) of vehicle treated animals. In contrast, in CsA-treated animals, there was no significant GFR increase in pregnancy (20%, G/CsA; 0.95 ± 0.07 vs 0.79 ± 0.07 in V/CsA, p>0.05) nor was there a significant MPB decrease (7%, G/CsA; 110 ± 3 vs 118 ± 4 in V/CsA, p>0.05). The significant RBF increase (38%, G/CsA; 3.3 ± 0.2 vs 2.4 ± 0.1 in V/CsA p<0,01) and significant RVR decrease ( 24%, G/CsA 38 ± 3 vs 50 ± 3 in V/CsA, p<0.05) were maintained in this group. Pregnancy caused a significant decrease of CsA serum levels (G/CsA; 544±58 vs 805±71 in V/CsA, p<0.01). CsA treated animals showed a trend to higher urinary nitric oxide levels, however, the difference was not statistically significant. There was no difference in urinary nitric oxide between virgin and pregnant rats. Pregnancy increased the number of angiotensin II-positive cells in the renal interstitium (3.9 ± 0.6 in G/CsA vs 2.5 ± 0.4 in V/CsA and 4 ± 1.4 in G/C vs 1.9 ± 0.86 in V/C), however these differences did not reach statistical significance. The number of angiotensin II-positive cells in the afferent arteriole was greater in pregnant rats when compared to virgin rats (G/C; 1.3 ± 0.3 vs 0.21 ± 0.2 in V/C) and greater in CsA-treated virgin rats when compared to vehicle-treated rats (V/CsA; 1 ± 0.3 vs 0.21 ± 0.2 in V/C), however these differences were not statistically significant. After 20 days, V and P rats had similar (NS) GFR and RBF decreases and CsA vs Control for GFR (p<0.001), for RBF (p<0.01), and a similar RVR increase (NS). MBP values showed similar decreases in V vs P rats (NS) and a decrease in Csa vs C animals (p<0.05). SCsA was lower in P vs V rats (p<0.001). AII expression in the interstice increased for V/CsA vs V/C rats (p<0.001) and for G/CsA vs P/C rats (p<0.05). The same was observed in the afferent arteriole, for V/CsA vs v/C (p<0.01); however it was not statistically significant for pregnant rats. Only the V/CsA group had an IF score of 0.2 ± 0.1 after 20 days. In the middle of normal pregnancy, CsA altered the renal hemodynamics, impairing both the increase of GFR and the decrease of BP, although the blood levels of the drug were lower in pregnant rats than in virgin rats. The NO urinary system does not seem to be connected to this phenomenon. AII expression in the interstice and in the afferent arteriole was greater for CsA treated-pregnant animals vs controls. Pregnancy did not impair CsA-induced interstitial fibrosis. / A ciclosporina A (CsA) é uma droga imunossupressora cujo efeito tóxico mais grave é a nefrotoxicidade, caracterizada pela queda da filtração glomerular e pelo desenvolvimento de fibrose intersticial renal irreversível. A CsA pode passar através da placenta para o feto em desenvolvimento. Atualmente, um grande número de mulheres em idade fértil são tratadas com CsA, aumentando a chance de gestação sob efeito desta droga. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar os efeitos da CsA sobre a função e estrutura renal durante a gravidez. Utilizou-se o modelo da manobra de restrição de sal na dieta (0,06%) em ratas Munich-Wistar, virgens que receberam CsA (V/CsA), grávidas com CsA (G/CsA), virgens com veículo (V/C) e grávidas com veículo (GIC), na dose de 15 mg/Kg/dia de CsA subcutâneo ou veículo. Avaliou-se na metade e no final do período gestacional a filtração glomerular (FGR, depuração de inulina, ml/min/100g), o fluxo sanguíneo renal (FSR, ultra-som Doppler, ml/min), a resistência vascular renal (RVR, mmHg/ml/min), a pressão arterial média (PAM, cateter intracarotídeo, mmHg), os níveis sanguíneos de CsA (SCsA, radioimunoensaio, ng/ml), o volume urinário (VU, l/min), a creatinina plasmática e urinária (mg/dl), a excreção urinária de sódio (UNa, mEqIl), a fração de excreção de sódio (FeNa,%), a osmolalidade urinária (Uosm, m/Osm/K), a depuração osmolar (Cosm, ml/min), o óxido nítrico urinário (NO, griess, pmol/mgCr), a imunohistoquímica para células renais positivas para angiotensina II (células/campo) e a histologia renal. Os resultados são apresentados como média erro padrão e comparados por ANOVA e StudentNeuman-Keuls. Após 10 dias de tratamento a gravidez provocou aumentos significantes de 27% na FGR (GC; 1,19 0,04 vs 0,94 0,05 em V/C, p<0,05) e de 36% no FSR (G/C 49 + 0,2 vs 36 + 0,1 em V/C, p< 0,001) e quedas significantes de 13% na PAM (GC; 112 4 vs 129 5 em V/C, p<0,05) e de 29% na RVR (GC; 24 1 vs 34 2 em VC, p<0,05) Nota de Resumo dos animais tratados com veículo. Em contraste, nos animais tratados com CsA, na gravidez não houve aumento significante da FOR (20%, G/CsA; 0,95 + 0,07 vs 0,79 + 0,07 em V/CsA, p>0,05) ou queda significante da PAM (7%, G/CsA; 110 3 vs 118 4 em V/CsA, p>0,05). Neste grupo manteve-se a elevação significante do FSR (38%, G/CsA; 3,3 0,2 vs 2 4 0,1 em V/CsA p<0,01) e a diminuição significante da RVR (24%, C/CsA 38 3 vs 50 3 em V/CsA, p<0,05). A gravidez provocou diminuição significante dos níveis séricos de CsA (G/CsA; 544 58 vs 805 71 em V/CsA, p<0,0 1). Os animais tratados com CsA apresentaram tendência a níveis mais elevados de óxido nítrico urinário, porém a diferença não foi estatisticamente significante. Não houve diferença de óxido nítrico urinário entre ratas virgens e grávidas. A gravidez causou aumento do número de células positivas para angiotensina II no interstício renal (3,90,6 em G/CsA vs 2,5 0,4 em V/CsA e 4 1,4 em C/C vs 1,9 0,86 em V/C), porém estas diferenças não alcançaram signíficância estatística. O número de células positivas para angiotensina li na arteríola aferente foi maior nas ratas grávidas quando comparadas às virgens (G/C; 1,3 0,3 vs O 21 + O 2 em V/C) e maior nas ratas virgens tratadas com CsA quando comparadas às tratadas com veículo (V/CsA 1 + 0,3 vs 021 + 02 em V/C), porém, estas diferenças não foram estatisticamente significantes. Após 20 dias, V e O apresentaram queda similares (NS) na FGR e FSR, sendo CsA vs Controle para FGR (p<0.001), para FSR (p<0.01), e aumentando similar na RVR (NS). Os valores da PAM apresentaram quedas similares, em V vs G (NS) e diminuição nos animais com CsA vs C (p<0,05). A SCsA foi menor em G vs V (p<0,01). A expressão de AII no interstício aumentou, para V/CsA vs V/C (p<0,001) e para G/CsA vs G/C (p<0,05). O mesmo aconteceu na arteríola aferente, para V/CsA vs V/C (p<0,01); todavia não foi estatisticamente significante para as ratas prenhes. Nota de Resumo Apenas o grupo V/CsA após 20 dias apresentou escore de 0,2 + 0,1 de IRF. A CsA alterou desfavoravelmente a hemodinâmica renal na metade da gravidez normal, prejudicando o aumento da FGR e prejudicando queda da PA na prenhez normal, apesar de as ratas prenhes apresentarem níveis sangüíneos da droga menores em relação às virgens. O NO não parece estar envolvido nesse fenômeno. A expressão da AII no interstício e na arteríola aferente foi maior para os animais com CsA e prenhes vs controles. A gravidez não prejudicou a fibrose intersticial causada pela CsA.

Há evidências de que a ciclosporina, imunossupressor utilizado nos transplantes de células- tronco hematopoéticas, impregna nos cateteres de silicone quando os mesmos são utilizados para a sua infusão; podendo a coleta de amostras para dosagem sérica do medicamento por essa via resultar em níveis falsamente elevados. Apesar de já existirem dados comprovando a possibilidade de se coletar as amostras da via do cateter venoso central não utilizada para a infusão, há escassez de estudos e também controvérsias quanto ao melhor momento para realizar o procedimento, assim como divergências quanto ao volume de sangue ideal a ser descartado. Esse ensaio clínico controlado randomizado teve como objetivo verificar o efeito do tempo transcorrido entre a interrupção da infusão de ciclosporina e a coleta das amostras na dosagem sérica do medicamento, em relação à via utilizada para a coleta e ao volume de descarte. Os sujeitos foram aleatorizados em dois grupos. No grupo A, a coleta das amostras em acesso venoso periférico, via do cateter utilizada para a infusão da ciclosporina e via não utilizada para infusão foi realizada imediatamente após a interrupção da infusão do medicamento, sendo que na última a coleta foi realizada após descarte de 5 mL e de 10 mL de sangue. No grupo B os mesmos procedimentos foram realizados, porém cinco minutos depois da interrupção. Participaram 32 sujeitos adultos, a maioria do sexo masculino (68,75%), portadores de leucemia (59,37%), com doadores aparentados (84,37%) e histocompatibilidade total (90,62%). A coleta realizada previamente ao início da infusão da ciclosporina atestou ausência desta no sangue e impregnada nos cateteres. As demais foram realizadas nos 32 sujeitos depois de 24 horas do início da infusão; em 12 do grupo A e 16 do grupo B sete dias depois; e em nove do grupo A e 13 do B 14 dias após iniciado o uso do medicamento. O principal motivo que levou à interrupção da coleta foi a transição da ciclosporina para via oral (71,87%). Inicialmente, nas análises intra sujeitos, a diferença entre a dosagem sérica obtida na via do cateter utilizada para a infusão da ciclosporina e as outras vias foi significativa (p < 0,001), enquanto entre o acesso venoso periférico e via não utilizada para a infusão, independente do volume de descarte, não houve diferença (p > 0,05). Quando realizadas as comparações entre os grupos, não foram observadas diferenças (p > 0,05) quanto à influência do tempo transcorrido entre a interrupção da infusão e a coleta das amostras de sangue, independente da via de coleta utilizada e do volume descartado. Conclui-se que a via do cateter não utilizada para infusão da ciclosporina é segura para ser utilizada na coleta das amostras para dosagem sérica desse medicamento; e o procedimento pode ser realizado imediatamente após a interrupção da infusão, desde que empregada a técnica adequada com descarte de 5 mL de sangue. Assim evita-se que o sujeito, já fragilizado e submetido a um tratamento complexo, seja exposto a mais um procedimento doloroso e associado ao estresse que é punção venosa periférica / There is evidence that cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant used in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, impregnate in silicone catheters when they are used for its infusion; and the sample collection for serum levels of medication through this line may result in falsely elevated levels. Although there are data demonstrating the possibility to collect samples through the line of the central venous catheter not used for the infusion, there are few studies and also controversies regarding the best time to perform the procedure, as well as disagreement about the optimal volume of blood to be discarded. This randomized controlled trial aimed to verify the effect of time elapsed between discontinuation of the infusion and serum sample collection in relation to the line used for collection and volume of discard. The subjects were randomized into two groups. In group A, samples collected from a peripheral venous access, through catheter line used for cyclosporine infusion and catheter line not used for cyclosporine infusion was performed immediately after discontinuation of the drug infusion, and the last collection was performed after discarding 5ml and 10ml of blood. In group B, the same procedures were done, but five minutes after the interruption. The participants were 32 adults, most males (68,75%), with leukemia (59,37%), with related donors (84,37%), and total histocompatibility (90,62%). The collection performed prior to the start of cyclosporine infusion attested absence of cyclosporine in blood and presence of it in catheters. The others were performed in 32 subjects after 24 hours prior the start of infusion; in 12 of group A and 16 of group B after seven days; and in 9 of group A and 13 of B fourteen days after starting the medication. The main reason that led to discontinuation of the collection was the switch of cyclosporine to oral administration (71,87%). Initially, in the intra-subject analysis, the difference between the serum levels obtained in the line used for cyclosporine infusion of and other lines was significant (p < 0,001), while there was no difference between the peripheral venous access and the line not used for infusion, independently of the volume of discard (p > 0,05). When performed comparisons between groups, no differences were observed (p > 0,05) in the influence of time elapsed between discontinuation of the infusion and collection of blood samples, regardless the line used for collection and volume of discard. It is concluded that the catheter line not used for infusion of cyclosporine seems to be safe for use in serum samples collection of this medication; and the procedure can be performed immediately after discontinuation of the infusion, since used the technique with adequate discard of 5ml of blood. This avoids that the subject, already weakened and subordinated to a complex treatment, be exposed to a painful and stressful procedure such as peripheral venipuncture

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) represents a significant health crisis. To date there are no FDA-approved pharmacotherapies available to prevent the neurologic deficits caused by TBI. Following TBI, dysfunctional mitochondria generate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, initiating lipid peroxidation (LP) and the formation of LP-derived neurotoxic aldehydes, which bind mitochondrial proteins, exacerbating dysfunction and opening of the mitochondrial permeability pore (mPTP), resulting in extrusion of mitochondrial sequestered calcium into the cytosol, and initiating a downstream cascade of calpain activation, spectrin degradation, neurodegeneration and neurologic impairment. As central mediators of the TBI secondary injury cascade, mitochondria and LP-derived neurotoxic aldehydes make promising therapeutic targets. In fact, Cyclosporine A (CsA), an FDA-approved immunosuppressant capable of inhibiting mPTP has been shown to be neuroprotective in experimental TBI. Additionally, phenelzine (PZ), an FDA-approved non-selective irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) class antidepressant has also been shown to be neuroprotective in experimental TBI due to the presence of a hydrazine (-NH-NH2) moiety allowing for the scavenging of LP-derived neurotoxic aldehydes. The overall goal of this dissertation is to further examine the neuroprotective effects of the mPTP inhibitor, CsA, and the LP-derived neurotoxic aldehyde scavenger, PZ, using a severe controlled cortical impact injury (CCI) model in 3-month old male Sprague-Dawley rats. First, the effects of CsA on cortical synaptic and non-synaptic mitochondria, two heterogeneous populations, are examined. Our results indicate that compared to non-synaptic mitochondria, synaptic mitochondria sustain greater damage 24h following CCI and are protected to a greater degree by CsA. Second, the neuroprotective effects of a novel 72h continuous subcutaneous infusion of CsA combined with PZ are compared to monotherapy. Following CCI, our results indicate that individually both CsA and PZ attenuate modification of mitochondrial proteins by LP-derived neurotoxic aldehydes, PZ is able to maintain mitochondrial respiratory control ratio and cytoskeletal integrity, but together, PZ and CsA, are unable to improve and in some cases negate monotherapy neuroprotective effects. Finally, the effects of PZ (MAOI, aldehyde scavenger), pargyline (PG, MAOI, non-aldehyde scavenger) and hydralazine (HZ, non-MAOI, aldehyde scavenger) are compared. Our results indicate that PZ, PG, and HZ are unable to improve CCI-induced deficits to learning and memory as measured by Morris water maze (post-CCI D3-7). Of concern, PZ animals lost a significant amount of weight compared to all other group, possibly due to MAOI effects. In fact, in uninjured cortical tissue, PZ administration leads to a significant increase in norepinephrine and serotonin. Additionally, although PZ, PG, and HZ did not lead to a statistically significant improvement in cortical tissue sparing 8 days following CCI, the HZ group saw a 10% improvement over vehicle. Overall, these results indicate that pharmacotherapies which improve mitochondrial function and decrease lipid peroxidation should continue to be pursued as neuroprotective approaches to TBI. However, further pursuit of LP-derived aldehyde scavengers for clinical use in TBI may require the development of hydrazine (-NH-NH2)-compounds which lack additional confounding mechanisms of action.

Los resultados del trasplante renal a largo plazo están limitados por la pérdida a largo plazo del injerto y la muerte con injerto funcionante. Los inmunosupresores tienen gran importancia por su efecto sobre el injerto (control de la respuesta inmunológica y nefrotoxicidad) y sobre los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y el desarrollo de neoplasias. Los nuevos inmunosupresores apuntan a un mejor perfil en este sentido para reducir estos dos tipos de complicaciones y prolongar la supervivencia del injerto y del paciente, siendo los fármacos del grupo mTOR los más prometedores en este sentido. La presente tesis doctoral analiza los efectos de este grupo de fármacos inmunosupresores (Sirolimus y Everolimus) en pacientes trasplantados renales.Se analizan los efectos del uso de inhibidores de mTOR en pacientes trasplantados renales sobre el daño crónico del injerto en biopsias de protocolo, sobre la aparición de proteinuria como complicación de su uso en pacientes estables y sobre la formación de células T reguladoras circulantes en sangre periférica. / Long-term results of kidney transplantation are limited by the chronic graft failure and the death of the patient with a functioning kidney. Immunosuppressive drugs have an important role due to its effects on the graft (control of immune response and nephrotoxicity) and on vascular risk factors and the development of neoplasms. New immunosuppressive drugs, specially mTOR inhibitors have a better profile and are able to reduce both types of complications, increasing graft and patient survival. The present doctoral thesis analyzes the effects of this group of immunosuppressive drugs (Sirolimus and Everolimus) in renal transplant recipients.The effects of mTOR inhibitors over chronic graft damage in protocol kidney biopsies, on the appearance of proteinuria as a complication of its use in stable patients and on the formation of circulating regulatory T-cells in renal transplant patients are analyzed

La dystrophie musculaire de Duchenne (DMD) touche un garçon sur 3500, contraint à l'usage du fauteuil roulant à l'âge de 10 ans, et entraîne le décès à une vingtaine d'années. Cette maladie demeure incurable, et les pistes thérapeutiques envisagées nécessitent d'être validées en amont, dans les modèles murins, puis au stade pré-clinique, dans les modèles canins.L'un d'eux, le chien GRMD (Golden Retriever Muscular Dystrophy), est le plus largement utilisé, et présente l'intérêt de partager, avec le patient qu'il modélise, de nombreuses similitudes génotypiques et phénotypiques. Les différentes fonctions touchées doivent donc pouvoir faire l'objet de mesures objectives et quantitatives, à l'aide d'outils dédiés. Par ailleurs, une problématique inhérente à l'utilisation de ce modèle est sa grande variabilité sur le plan phénotypique.L'objectif du travail mené ici a été de développer des outils d'évaluation du chien GRMD, afin de mieux connaître et maîtriser cette hétérogénéité clinique.La mesure de force de flexion du tarse a permis de démontrer que la force tétanique maximale pouvait être utilisée comme indice d'évaluation à différents stades de la maladie, sans que le déficit de force musculaire puisse être relié à l'atteinte motrice globale. De plus, la relaxation s'est avérée altérée chez les chiens GRMD, en corrélation avec leur atteinte motrice.La locomotion, évaluée par accélérométrie tri-dimensionnelle, a pu montrer des altérations multiples, mesurées par différentes variables. Certaines variables sont altérées de manière précoce, tandis que d'autres anomalies s'installent durant les premiers mois, traduisant l'aggravation de la fonction locomotrice.La dysfonction respiratoire, évaluée par spirométrie en respiration de Tidal, et cinématique diaphragmatique sur images radioscopiques, a également pu être objectivée par différents indices. Une moindre mobilité diaphragmatique, une rétraction caudale du diaphragme, et un effondrement du débit expiratoire en fin d'expiration, s'installent au cours des premiers mois.Afin de contrôler l'hétérogénéité clinique ainsi mesurée, une recherche de marqueurs prédictifs de l'évolution clinique a été menée. Différents indices histologiques et cliniques ont été évalués sur leur valeur pronostique à un stade précoce. La fréquence des cycles locomoteurs à 2 mois et le défaut de relaxation à 4 mois se sont avérés prédictifs de formes accélérées.Enfin, les différents outils mis en place ont été évalués dans le cadre du suivi d'animaux au cours d'un essai thérapeutique, qui a, de plus, permis de disposer d'une population de référence sous traitement immunosuppresseur. Une amélioration fonctionnelle des animaux traités a pu être démontrée par nombre des indices mesurés.Ces résultats démontrent que les outils développés sont utilisables au cours d'essais pré-cliniques, et permettent, malgré l'hétérogénéité clinique qu'ils mesurent, de démontrer un bénéfice fonctionnel. Plus largement, ces données permettent d'optimiser l'utilisation pré-clinique du modèle GRMD.