Jogo patológico (JP) pode ser definido pela persistência e recorrência do comportamento de apostar em jogos de azar, apesar de prejuízos em diversas áreas da vida decorrentes dessa atividade. O JP é considerado um transtorno do controle de impulso e um modelo de dependência comportamental. Diferentes estudos têm comprovado o envolvimento de vias dopaminérgicas em dependências de substâncias e em jogadores patológicos. O transportador de doamina (DAT) é uma proteína présináptica de neurônios dopaminérgicos nigroestriatais, responsável pela recaptação da dopamina (DA) da fenda sináptica, e tem sido relatada alterações em sua densidade em dependentes de substâncias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar em pacientes com jogo patológico, a densidade de DAT no estriado, através de imagens do exame de SPECT com TRODAT-1- 99mTc verificar por meio de estudo de correlação a associação entre comportamento de jogo (freqüência, tempo, dinheiro, gastos com jogo e fissura/craving) e a densidade DAT em jogadores patológicos. Foram selecionados 15 jogadores e 15 controles normais pareados para gênero, idade e escolaridade. Para inclusão ou exclusão de sujeitos foram utilizados instrumentos de verificação e principais Transtornos Psiquiátricos do Eixo 1 do DSM IV e escalas para depressão e ansiedade; para jogadores patológicos os instrumentos utilizados foram escalas para avaliação do padrão de jogo recente, para avaliação da fissura pelo jogo; para rastreamento de outras dependências comportamentais (sexo e comida). Observou-se que: 1) jogadores patológicos não apresentaram aumento de densidade DAT quando comparados a controles normais; 2) nos jogadores a densidade de DAT foi diretamente proporcional a intensidade de jogo no último mês e inversamente proporcional a auto-eficácia na abstinência do jogo. Não houve correlação significativa entre densidade de DAT e comportamentos de abuso relacionados com sexo ou comida. Desta forma, faz-se necessário estudos futuros para a avaliação da densidade de DAT no início e no fim do tratamento, a fim de verificar se a diminuição da densidade de DAT ao longo do tratamento pode ser utilizada como preditor de boa resposta e bom prognóstico em jogadores patológicos. / Pathological gambling (PG) can be defined by the persistence and recurrence of the behavior of gambling on games of chance, despite losses in many areas of life from this activity. The JP is considered a disorder of impulse control and a model of behavioral dependence. Different studies have demonstrated the involvement of dopaminergic pathways in substance dependency and pathological gamblers. The dopamine transporter (DAT) is a protein pre-synaptic dopaminergic neurons nigroestriatais responsible for the reuptake of dopamine (DA) from the synaptic cleft, and has been reported changes in the density-dependent substances. The objective of this study was to investigate in patients with pathological gambling, the density of DAT in the striatum, through examination of SPECT images with TRODAT-1 - 99mTc to verify through correlation study the association between gambling behavior (frequency, time, money spent on gambling and urge / craving) and DAT density in pathological gamblers. We selected 15 plathological gamblers and 15 controls matched for gender, age and education. For inclusion or exclusion of subjects were used verification tools and major psychiatric disorders in the DSM IV Axis 1 and scales for depression and anxiety; for pathological gamblers were the instruments used scales for assessing the standard of play recently, to evaluate the crack for the game; for tracking other behavioral addictions (sex and food). It was observed that: 1) pathological gamblers did not have increased DAT density compared with normal controls, 2) players in the density of DAT was directly proportional to the intensity of gambling in the last month and inversely proportional to self-efficacy on abstinence of gambling. There was no significant correlation between DAT density and behavior of abuse related to sex or food. Thus, it is necessary to future studies for evaluating the density of DAT at the beginning and end of treatment in order to determine whether the decrease in density during the treatment DAT can be used as predictor of good response and a good prognosis in pathological gamblers.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeiÃoamento de NÃvel Superior / O presente trabalho teve por objetivo estudar as respostas fisiolÃgicas e bioquÃmicas de clones de cajueiro anÃo-precoce (Anacardium occidentale L.) ao estresse salino. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em casa de vegetaÃÃo, sendo as plÃntulas cultivadas em vasos plÃsticos contendo vermiculita. No primeiro experimento, cinco clones de cajueiro anÃo-precoce foram submetidos aos tratamentos com NaCl a 0 (controle), 8 e 16 dS.m-1 de condutividade elÃtrica e objetivou selecionar clones com tolerÃncias diferenciadas ao estresse salino. Para isso, foram estudados os efeitos da salinidade no crescimento, nas trocas gasosas, no teor de Ãgua, na suculÃncia foliar, no potencial osmÃtico, nas concentraÃÃes de prolina, N-aminossolÃveis e carboidratos solÃveis e nos teores dos Ãons inorgÃnicos (Na+, Cl- e K+). A salinidade reduziu o crescimento das plÃntulas de todos os clones estudados. Os efeitos inibitÃrios do NaCl foram mais conspÃcuos na parte aÃrea do que nas raÃzes. O clone CCP 06 foi aquele que apresentou maior reduÃÃo no crescimento foliar, enquanto os clones BRS 189 e CCP 09 foram os que apresentaram as menores reduÃÃes. A salinidade inibiu a mobilizaÃÃo das reservas cotiledonÃrias, principalmente, na dose mais elevada de sal. A reduÃÃo no crescimento, pela salinidade, correlacionou-se com a reduÃÃo na taxa de fotossÃntese lÃquida. Os clones CCP 06 e BRS 189 apresentaram, respectivamente, a maior e a menor reduÃÃo na taxa fotossintÃtica a 8 dS.m-1. Embora a salinidade tenha reduzido a condutÃncia estomÃtica dos clones de cajueiro anÃo-precoce, essa reduÃÃo nÃo foi acompanhada por mudanÃas nas concentraÃÃes internas de CO2. Os clones estudados nÃo apresentaram alteraÃÃes, em funÃÃo da salinidade, no estado hÃdrico das folhas e raÃzes, porÃm, apresentaram reduÃÃes no potencial osmÃtico, favorecendo o ajustamento osmÃtico e, consequentemente, a manutenÃÃo da turgescÃncia dos tecidos. Sob condiÃÃes de estresse salino, os clones BRS 189 e CCP 09 foram os mais eficientes na regulaÃÃo do transporte do Ãon Na+ para a parte aÃrea da plÃntula, acumulando-o nas raÃzes. Em relaÃÃo ao Cl-, o clone CCP 09 mostrou-se o mais eficiente no controle do transporte desse Ãon. PorÃm, CCP 06 foi o clone que mais acumulou ambos os Ãons tÃxicos na parte aÃrea da planta. Com o aumento da salinidade, os teores de potÃssio dos clones estudados tiveram seus valores reduzidos apenas nas raÃzes. Na dose de 8 dS.m-1, o BRS 189 foi o clone que mais aumento suas concentraÃÃes de N-aminosolÃveis e prolina no suco radicular. Nesse mesmo nÃvel de sal, a salinidade aumentou a concentraÃÃo de carboidratos apenas nos clones CCP 06 e BRS 189. De posse destes resultados, o segundo experimento foi realizado com os clones CCP 06 e BRS 189 que foram os que se mostraram, respectivamente, o menos e o mais tolerante à salinidade. Esse experimento teve por objetivo estudar os efeitos da salinidade (NaCl a 8 dS.m-1) na atividade da H+-ATPase e na composiÃÃo e peroxidaÃÃo dos lipÃdios de membrana plasmÃtica isoladas de raÃzes das plÃntulas dos dois clones contrastantes. A salinidade estimulou a atividade da H+-ATPase apenas no clone tolerante, o BRS 189, sendo esse clone o que apresentou maior conteÃdo de esterÃis totais e menor relaÃÃo fosfolipÃdios totais (PLt)/ esterÃis totais (Et), tanto em condiÃÃes controle como de estresse. Esses resultados foram concordantes com o fato de ter sido o BRS 189 o clone que melhor excluiu o Na+ da parte aÃrea. Nesse clone nÃo foram observadas alteraÃÃes nos teores de malondialdeÃdo, diferentemente do que ocorreu com o CCP 06, cujos teores aumentaram com o estresse salino. A maior proteÃÃo da membrana plasmÃtica do clone BRS 189 ao dano oxidativo està de acordo com os maiores acÃmulos de prolina e N-aminossolÃveis observados nesse clone. Os principais fosfolipÃdios da membrana plasmÃtica isolada de raÃzes do clone BRS 189 foram fosfatilglicerol (PG), fosfatidiletalonamina (PE) e fosfatilserina (PS). A salinidade provocou alteraÃÃes nas proporÃÃes relativas dos fosfolipÃdios, sendo PE e fosfatidilinositol (PI) os que apresentaram maiores aumentos em relaÃÃo ao total, enquanto que fosfatidilglicerol (PG) e Ãcido fosfatÃdico (PA) foram os que apresentaram maiores reduÃÃes. A percentagem de PS, em relaÃÃo ao total, nÃo foi afetada pela salinidade. No entanto, a relaÃÃo entre essas mudanÃas na composiÃÃo lipÃdica do BRS 189 pela salinidade e o aumento na atividade da H+-ATPase necessita ser melhor investigada. / Early-dwarf cashew seedlings (Anacardium occidentale L.) were used in order to investigate the physiological and biochemical changes induced by salt stress. The seeds (nuts) were sown in plastics pots containing vermiculite moistened with either distilled water (control treatment) or NaCl solutions at 8 and 16 dS.m-1 of electrical conductivity (saline treatment), and kept in greenhouse throughout the experimental period. Uniform 28-day-old seedlings were used for the analyses. The first experiment aimed to select, among five clones (CCP 06, CCP 09, CCP 76, Embrapa 51 and BRS 189), the ones showing contrasting salt-tolerance. The effect of salinity on the growth, gas exchange, water content, leaf succulence, osmotic potential and inorganic (Na+, Cl-, K+) and organic (proline, soluble carbohydrates, quaternary ammonium compounds) solute concentration for both salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant clones was studied. Salinity inhibited the growth of all clones studied, being the inhibitory effect on shoot growth more conspicuous than in root growth. Clone CCP 06 leaf area was the most inhibited by salt stress, while clones BRS 189 and CCP 09 leaf areas were the least affected by salinity. Salt stress caused a great decrease in the cotyledon reserve mobilization especially at 16 dS.m-1. Growth reduction was correlated to the reduction in net photosynthetic rate. CCP 06 and BRS 189 showed the greatest and the lowest reduction in photosynthetic rate at 8 dS.m-1, respectively. Although, salinity reduced stomatal conductance, this reduction was not followed by changes in CO2 internal concentration. The water status, expressed as water content in relation to dry mass, was not changed by salt-stress. Salinity induced the lowering of osmotic potential both in leaves and roots of all clones studied. This osmotic adjustment might have lead to turgor maintenance of those tissues. The concentrations of Cl- and Na+ increased with increasing salt stress. Clones BRS 189 and CCP 09 accumulated more Na+ in the roots, and this could explain their efficiency in maintaining a lower ion concentration in shoots, i.e. they regulated more efficiently the transport of Na+ from roots to shoots. The regulation of Cl- transport to shoots was more efficient in clone CCP 09 than in the others. Salinity did not induce significant changes in leaves and stems K+ concentration, but it induced a reduction of K+ concentration in roots. Salinity also induced increases of quaternary ammonium compounds and proline concentration in BRS 189 root at 8 dS.m-1. In addition, this level of salinity increased soluble carbohydrates in the root sap especially in clones BRS 189 and CCP 06. During the second experiment, the effect of salt stress (NaCl at 8 dS.m-1) on the activity of H+-ATPase, lipid composition and peroxidation of root plasma membrane of both salt-tolerant (BRS 189) and salt- sensitive (CCP 06) clones were studied. The vanadate-sensitive H+-ATPase activity was studied in plasma membrane-enriched vesicles isolated by discontinuous sucrose gradient centrifugation from roots. ATP hidrolizing activity in this fraction was mostly inhibited by vanadate and scarcely, by azide and molybdate, indicating that it was essentially enriched in plasma membrane vesicles. Salinity induced a 1.3-fold increase in the H+-ATPase specific activity in roots of BRS 189 seedlings. Salinity had no appreciable effect on the hydrolytic activity of this enzyme during the growth of CCP 06 seedlings. Likewise, clone BRS 189 roots plasma membrane showed higher sterol content and lower phospholipids/total sterol ratio than clone CCP 06. Both properties could contribute to the decrease in Na+ influx or increase in Na+ efflux or âexclusionâ from roots. This could result in less Na+ being transported to the shoot, and thus explaining the higher salt-tolerance of clone BRS 189. The higher degree of root plasma membrane lipid peroxidation of clone, and the lower proline and ammonium quaternary compounds contents of CCP 06 when compared to BRS 189 could also explain the differences in salt-tolerance between the two clones. These organic solutes could protect and stabilize plasma membrane against oxidative stress. Phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylserine (PS) were the major phospholipids in the plasma membrane from BRS 189 roots. Salinity induced increases in the relative proportions of PE and phosphatidylinositol (PI), while PG and PA were reduced. No changes were detected in PS in relation to control plant. The importance of lipid composition changes on H+-ATPase activity must be more studied.

The capacity of the olfactory neuraxis to undergo neuronal replacement and axon targeting following injury, has led to scrutiny concerning the molecular and physical determinants of this growth capacity. This is because injury to the central nervous system, in contrast, leads to permanent disconnection of neurons with targets. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), a specialized glial cell, may contribute to olfactory repair, and have been used to promote recovery from spinal cord injury. However, there mechanisms underlying OEC-induced regeneration are poorly appreciated. To understand these mechanisms, OECs from the lamina propria (LP OECs) or olfactory bulb (OB OECs) were transplanted into a lesion of the dorsolateral funiculus. While both cells demonstrated reparative capacities, LP and OB OECs differentially promoted spinal fibre growth; large-diameter neurofilament-positive, CGRP-positive, and serotonergic fibres sprouted in response to both LP and OB OEC transplantation, whereas substance-P and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons grew more extensively following OB or LP OEC transplantation, respectively. To further understand the growth of spinal cord neurons in response to OECs, a proteomic analysis of OEC secreted factors was performed, identifying secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteines (SPARC) as a mediator of OEC-induced outgrowth in vitro. To test the contributions of SPARC to spinal cord repair after OEC transplantation, cultures of LP OECs from SPARC null and wildtype (WT) mice were transplanted into a crush of the dorsolateral funiculus. Substance P and tyrosine hydroxylase positive axon sprouting was significantly reduced in SPARC null OEC-treated animals, suggesting that individual factors may contribute to OEC-promoted regeneration. To investigate the effect of OECs on corticospinal (CST) neurons, an in vitro assay was developed using postnatal day 8 CST neurons. Coculture of CST neurons with OB OECs produced extensive axon elongation. Application of OB OEC secreted factors increased CST neurite branching, but did not increase axon elongation. In contrast, plating of CST neurons on OB OEC plasma membrane resulted in extensive axon elongation. Furthermore, the OB OEC plasma membrane could overcome CST neurite outgrowth inhibition induced by an outgrowth inhibitor. Together these findings provide insight into OEC mechanisms of neurite outgrowth and axon regeneration.

The capacity of the olfactory neuraxis to undergo neuronal replacement and axon targeting following injury, has led to scrutiny concerning the molecular and physical determinants of this growth capacity. This is because injury to the central nervous system, in contrast, leads to permanent disconnection of neurons with targets. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), a specialized glial cell, may contribute to olfactory repair, and have been used to promote recovery from spinal cord injury. However, there mechanisms underlying OEC-induced regeneration are poorly appreciated. To understand these mechanisms, OECs from the lamina propria (LP OECs) or olfactory bulb (OB OECs) were transplanted into a lesion of the dorsolateral funiculus. While both cells demonstrated reparative capacities, LP and OB OECs differentially promoted spinal fibre growth; large-diameter neurofilament-positive, CGRP-positive, and serotonergic fibres sprouted in response to both LP and OB OEC transplantation, whereas substance-P and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons grew more extensively following OB or LP OEC transplantation, respectively. To further understand the growth of spinal cord neurons in response to OECs, a proteomic analysis of OEC secreted factors was performed, identifying secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteines (SPARC) as a mediator of OEC-induced outgrowth in vitro. To test the contributions of SPARC to spinal cord repair after OEC transplantation, cultures of LP OECs from SPARC null and wildtype (WT) mice were transplanted into a crush of the dorsolateral funiculus. Substance P and tyrosine hydroxylase positive axon sprouting was significantly reduced in SPARC null OEC-treated animals, suggesting that individual factors may contribute to OEC-promoted regeneration. To investigate the effect of OECs on corticospinal (CST) neurons, an in vitro assay was developed using postnatal day 8 CST neurons. Coculture of CST neurons with OB OECs produced extensive axon elongation. Application of OB OEC secreted factors increased CST neurite branching, but did not increase axon elongation. In contrast, plating of CST neurons on OB OEC plasma membrane resulted in extensive axon elongation. Furthermore, the OB OEC plasma membrane could overcome CST neurite outgrowth inhibition induced by an outgrowth inhibitor. Together these findings provide insight into OEC mechanisms of neurite outgrowth and axon regeneration.

PIZARRO, Juan Carlos Alvarez. Caracteres fisiológicos e bioquímicos da tolerância à salinidade em clones de cajueiro anão precoce. 2006. 135 f. Dissertação (Mestrado em Bioquímica) - Universidade Federal do Ceará, Fortaleza-CE, 2006. / Submitted by Eric Santiago (erichhcl@gmail.com) on 2016-05-30T14:16:32Z No. of bitstreams: 1 2006_dis_jcapizarro.pdf: 935692 bytes, checksum: c709b8b0747f8a929112611a9c584729 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by José Jairo Viana de Sousa (jairo@ufc.br) on 2016-07-12T23:10:54Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 2006_dis_jcapizarro.pdf: 935692 bytes, checksum: c709b8b0747f8a929112611a9c584729 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-12T23:10:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 2006_dis_jcapizarro.pdf: 935692 bytes, checksum: c709b8b0747f8a929112611a9c584729 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006 / Early-dwarf cashew seedlings (Anacardium occidentale L.) were used in order to investigate the physiological and biochemical changes induced by salt stress. The seeds (nuts) were sown in plastics pots containing vermiculite moistened with either distilled water (control treatment) or NaCl solutions at 8 and 16 dS.m-1 of electrical conductivity (saline treatment), and kept in greenhouse throughout the experimental period. Uniform 28-day-old seedlings were used for the analyses. The first experiment aimed to select, among five clones (CCP 06, CCP 09, CCP 76, Embrapa 51 and BRS 189), the ones showing contrasting salt-tolerance. The effect of salinity on the growth, gas exchange, water content, leaf succulence, osmotic potential and inorganic (Na+, Cl-, K+) and organic (proline, soluble carbohydrates, quaternary ammonium compounds) solute concentration for both salt-sensitive and salt-tolerant clones was studied. Salinity inhibited the growth of all clones studied, being the inhibitory effect on shoot growth more conspicuous than in root growth. Clone CCP 06 leaf area was the most inhibited by salt stress, while clones BRS 189 and CCP 09 leaf areas were the least affected by salinity. Salt stress caused a great decrease in the cotyledon reserve mobilization especially at 16 dS.m-1. Growth reduction was correlated to the reduction in net photosynthetic rate. CCP 06 and BRS 189 showed the greatest and the lowest reduction in photosynthetic rate at 8 dS.m-1, respectively. Although, salinity reduced stomatal conductance, this reduction was not followed by changes in CO2 internal concentration. The water status, expressed as water content in relation to dry mass, was not changed by salt-stress. Salinity induced the lowering of osmotic potential both in leaves and roots of all clones studied. This osmotic adjustment might have lead to turgor maintenance of those tissues. The concentrations of Cl- and Na+ increased with increasing salt stress. Clones BRS 189 and CCP 09 accumulated more Na+ in the roots, and this could explain their efficiency in maintaining a lower ion concentration in shoots, i.e. they regulated more efficiently the transport of Na+ from roots to shoots. The regulation of Cl- transport to shoots was more efficient in clone CCP 09 than in the others. Salinity did not induce significant changes in leaves and stems K+ concentration, but it induced a reduction of K+ concentration in roots. Salinity also induced increases of quaternary ammonium compounds and proline concentration in BRS 189 root at 8 dS.m-1. In addition, this level of salinity increased soluble carbohydrates in the root sap especially in clones BRS 189 and CCP 06. During the second experiment, the effect of salt stress (NaCl at 8 dS.m-1) on the activity of H+-ATPase, lipid composition and peroxidation of root plasma membrane of both salt-tolerant (BRS 189) and salt- sensitive (CCP 06) clones were studied. The vanadate-sensitive H+-ATPase activity was studied in plasma membrane-enriched vesicles isolated by discontinuous sucrose gradient centrifugation from roots. ATP hidrolizing activity in this fraction was mostly inhibited by vanadate and scarcely, by azide and molybdate, indicating that it was essentially enriched in plasma membrane vesicles. Salinity induced a 1.3-fold increase in the H+-ATPase specific activity in roots of BRS 189 seedlings. Salinity had no appreciable effect on the hydrolytic activity of this enzyme during the growth of CCP 06 seedlings. Likewise, clone BRS 189 roots plasma membrane showed higher sterol content and lower phospholipids/total sterol ratio than clone CCP 06. Both properties could contribute to the decrease in Na+ influx or increase in Na+ efflux or “exclusion” from roots. This could result in less Na+ being transported to the shoot, and thus explaining the higher salt-tolerance of clone BRS 189. The higher degree of root plasma membrane lipid peroxidation of clone, and the lower proline and ammonium quaternary compounds contents of CCP 06 when compared to BRS 189 could also explain the differences in salt-tolerance between the two clones. These organic solutes could protect and stabilize plasma membrane against oxidative stress. Phosphatidylglycerol (PG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylserine (PS) were the major phospholipids in the plasma membrane from BRS 189 roots. Salinity induced increases in the relative proportions of PE and phosphatidylinositol (PI), while PG and PA were reduced. No changes were detected in PS in relation to control plant. The importance of lipid composition changes on H+-ATPase activity must be more studied. / O presente trabalho teve por objetivo estudar as respostas fisiológicas e bioquímicas de clones de cajueiro anão-precoce (Anacardium occidentale L.) ao estresse salino. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em casa de vegetação, sendo as plântulas cultivadas em vasos plásticos contendo vermiculita. No primeiro experimento, cinco clones de cajueiro anão-precoce foram submetidos aos tratamentos com NaCl a 0 (controle), 8 e 16 dS.m-1 de condutividade elétrica e objetivou selecionar clones com tolerâncias diferenciadas ao estresse salino. Para isso, foram estudados os efeitos da salinidade no crescimento, nas trocas gasosas, no teor de água, na suculência foliar, no potencial osmótico, nas concentrações de prolina, N-aminossolúveis e carboidratos solúveis e nos teores dos íons inorgânicos (Na+, Cl- e K+). A salinidade reduziu o crescimento das plântulas de todos os clones estudados. Os efeitos inibitórios do NaCl foram mais conspícuos na parte aérea do que nas raízes. O clone CCP 06 foi aquele que apresentou maior redução no crescimento foliar, enquanto os clones BRS 189 e CCP 09 foram os que apresentaram as menores reduções. A salinidade inibiu a mobilização das reservas cotiledonárias, principalmente, na dose mais elevada de sal. A redução no crescimento, pela salinidade, correlacionou-se com a redução na taxa de fotossíntese líquida. Os clones CCP 06 e BRS 189 apresentaram, respectivamente, a maior e a menor redução na taxa fotossintética a 8 dS.m-1. Embora a salinidade tenha reduzido a condutância estomática dos clones de cajueiro anão-precoce, essa redução não foi acompanhada por mudanças nas concentrações internas de CO2. Os clones estudados não apresentaram alterações, em função da salinidade, no estado hídrico das folhas e raízes, porém, apresentaram reduções no potencial osmótico, favorecendo o ajustamento osmótico e, consequentemente, a manutenção da turgescência dos tecidos. Sob condições de estresse salino, os clones BRS 189 e CCP 09 foram os mais eficientes na regulação do transporte do íon Na+ para a parte aérea da plântula, acumulando-o nas raízes. Em relação ao Cl-, o clone CCP 09 mostrou-se o mais eficiente no controle do transporte desse íon. Porém, CCP 06 foi o clone que mais acumulou ambos os íons tóxicos na parte aérea da planta. Com o aumento da salinidade, os teores de potássio dos clones estudados tiveram seus valores reduzidos apenas nas raízes. Na dose de 8 dS.m-1, o BRS 189 foi o clone que mais aumento suas concentrações de N-aminosolúveis e prolina no suco radicular. Nesse mesmo nível de sal, a salinidade aumentou a concentração de carboidratos apenas nos clones CCP 06 e BRS 189. De posse destes resultados, o segundo experimento foi realizado com os clones CCP 06 e BRS 189 que foram os que se mostraram, respectivamente, o menos e o mais tolerante à salinidade. Esse experimento teve por objetivo estudar os efeitos da salinidade (NaCl a 8 dS.m-1) na atividade da H+-ATPase e na composição e peroxidação dos lipídios de membrana plasmática isoladas de raízes das plântulas dos dois clones contrastantes. A salinidade estimulou a atividade da H+-ATPase apenas no clone tolerante, o BRS 189, sendo esse clone o que apresentou maior conteúdo de esteróis totais e menor relação fosfolipídios totais (PLt)/ esteróis totais (Et), tanto em condições controle como de estresse. Esses resultados foram concordantes com o fato de ter sido o BRS 189 o clone que melhor excluiu o Na+ da parte aérea. Nesse clone não foram observadas alterações nos teores de malondialdeído, diferentemente do que ocorreu com o CCP 06, cujos teores aumentaram com o estresse salino. A maior proteção da membrana plasmática do clone BRS 189 ao dano oxidativo está de acordo com os maiores acúmulos de prolina e N-aminossolúveis observados nesse clone. Os principais fosfolipídios da membrana plasmática isolada de raízes do clone BRS 189 foram fosfatilglicerol (PG), fosfatidiletalonamina (PE) e fosfatilserina (PS). A salinidade provocou alterações nas proporções relativas dos fosfolipídios, sendo PE e fosfatidilinositol (PI) os que apresentaram maiores aumentos em relação ao total, enquanto que fosfatidilglicerol (PG) e ácido fosfatídico (PA) foram os que apresentaram maiores reduções. A percentagem de PS, em relação ao total, não foi afetada pela salinidade. No entanto, a relação entre essas mudanças na composição lipídica do BRS 189 pela salinidade e o aumento na atividade da H+-ATPase necessita ser melhor investigada.

Jogo patológico (JP) pode ser definido pela persistência e recorrência do comportamento de apostar em jogos de azar, apesar de prejuízos em diversas áreas da vida decorrentes dessa atividade. O JP é considerado um transtorno do controle de impulso e um modelo de dependência comportamental. Diferentes estudos têm comprovado o envolvimento de vias dopaminérgicas em dependências de substâncias e em jogadores patológicos. O transportador de doamina (DAT) é uma proteína présináptica de neurônios dopaminérgicos nigroestriatais, responsável pela recaptação da dopamina (DA) da fenda sináptica, e tem sido relatada alterações em sua densidade em dependentes de substâncias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar em pacientes com jogo patológico, a densidade de DAT no estriado, através de imagens do exame de SPECT com TRODAT-1- 99mTc verificar por meio de estudo de correlação a associação entre comportamento de jogo (freqüência, tempo, dinheiro, gastos com jogo e fissura/craving) e a densidade DAT em jogadores patológicos. Foram selecionados 15 jogadores e 15 controles normais pareados para gênero, idade e escolaridade. Para inclusão ou exclusão de sujeitos foram utilizados instrumentos de verificação e principais Transtornos Psiquiátricos do Eixo 1 do DSM IV e escalas para depressão e ansiedade; para jogadores patológicos os instrumentos utilizados foram escalas para avaliação do padrão de jogo recente, para avaliação da fissura pelo jogo; para rastreamento de outras dependências comportamentais (sexo e comida). Observou-se que: 1) jogadores patológicos não apresentaram aumento de densidade DAT quando comparados a controles normais; 2) nos jogadores a densidade de DAT foi diretamente proporcional a intensidade de jogo no último mês e inversamente proporcional a auto-eficácia na abstinência do jogo. Não houve correlação significativa entre densidade de DAT e comportamentos de abuso relacionados com sexo ou comida. Desta forma, faz-se necessário estudos futuros para a avaliação da densidade de DAT no início e no fim do tratamento, a fim de verificar se a diminuição da densidade de DAT ao longo do tratamento pode ser utilizada como preditor de boa resposta e bom prognóstico em jogadores patológicos. / Pathological gambling (PG) can be defined by the persistence and recurrence of the behavior of gambling on games of chance, despite losses in many areas of life from this activity. The JP is considered a disorder of impulse control and a model of behavioral dependence. Different studies have demonstrated the involvement of dopaminergic pathways in substance dependency and pathological gamblers. The dopamine transporter (DAT) is a protein pre-synaptic dopaminergic neurons nigroestriatais responsible for the reuptake of dopamine (DA) from the synaptic cleft, and has been reported changes in the density-dependent substances. The objective of this study was to investigate in patients with pathological gambling, the density of DAT in the striatum, through examination of SPECT images with TRODAT-1 - 99mTc to verify through correlation study the association between gambling behavior (frequency, time, money spent on gambling and urge / craving) and DAT density in pathological gamblers. We selected 15 plathological gamblers and 15 controls matched for gender, age and education. For inclusion or exclusion of subjects were used verification tools and major psychiatric disorders in the DSM IV Axis 1 and scales for depression and anxiety; for pathological gamblers were the instruments used scales for assessing the standard of play recently, to evaluate the crack for the game; for tracking other behavioral addictions (sex and food). It was observed that: 1) pathological gamblers did not have increased DAT density compared with normal controls, 2) players in the density of DAT was directly proportional to the intensity of gambling in the last month and inversely proportional to self-efficacy on abstinence of gambling. There was no significant correlation between DAT density and behavior of abuse related to sex or food. Thus, it is necessary to future studies for evaluating the density of DAT at the beginning and end of treatment in order to determine whether the decrease in density during the treatment DAT can be used as predictor of good response and a good prognosis in pathological gamblers.

La greffe d’îlots pancréatiques est caractérisée par une réponse inflammatoire et procoagulante précoce, connue sous le nom d’IBMIR (Instant Blood Mediated Inflammatory Reaction). Les microparticules (MPs) porteuses de facteur tissulaire (TF) sont le témoin d’un important remodelage membranaire et constituent des acteurs centraux dans la dissémination du stress de l’IBMIR. Nous avons exploré l’effet d’un stress inflammatoire sur la survie et la fonction de la cellule β dans un modèle de communication cellulaire médiée par les MPs. La modulation pharmacologique par les analogues du GLP-1 a été évaluée, la par la mesure de la sécrétion d’insuline, de l’activité TF et l'analyse du remodelage de la membrane plasmique. Nos résultats décrivent les MPs comme des effecteurs autocrines et indiquent que les MPs sont des cibles potentielles pour les analogues du GLP-1 au cours de l'IBMIR. Les données apportent de nouvelles pistes sur les mécanismes cellulaires mis en jeu lors des phénomènes d’ischémie reperfusion durant l’IBMIR. / Pancreatic islets graft is characterized by early inflammatory and procoagulant events known as Instant Blood Mediated Inflammatory Reaction (IBMIR). Tissue factor (TF) bearing microparticles (MPs) are surrogates of important membrane remodeling and key players in the systemic and local dissemination of such stress.We investigated the effect of inflammatory stress on β cell survival and function in a MP-mediated cell crosstalk model. Pharmacological modulation by GLP-1 analogues was evaluated by measurement of insulin secretion, TF activity and assessment of plasma membrane remodeling. Our data evidenced MPs as autocrine effectors and possible new target for GLP-1 analogues. They bring new hints on the cellular mechanisms prompted by ischemia reperfusion during IBMIR.

The capacity of the olfactory neuraxis to undergo neuronal replacement and axon targeting following injury, has led to scrutiny concerning the molecular and physical determinants of this growth capacity. This is because injury to the central nervous system, in contrast, leads to permanent disconnection of neurons with targets. Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), a specialized glial cell, may contribute to olfactory repair, and have been used to promote recovery from spinal cord injury. However, there mechanisms underlying OEC-induced regeneration are poorly appreciated. To understand these mechanisms, OECs from the lamina propria (LP OECs) or olfactory bulb (OB OECs) were transplanted into a lesion of the dorsolateral funiculus. While both cells demonstrated reparative capacities, LP and OB OECs differentially promoted spinal fibre growth; large-diameter neurofilament-positive, CGRP-positive, and serotonergic fibres sprouted in response to both LP and OB OEC transplantation, whereas substance-P and tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons grew more extensively following OB or LP OEC transplantation, respectively. To further understand the growth of spinal cord neurons in response to OECs, a proteomic analysis of OEC secreted factors was performed, identifying secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteines (SPARC) as a mediator of OEC-induced outgrowth in vitro. To test the contributions of SPARC to spinal cord repair after OEC transplantation, cultures of LP OECs from SPARC null and wildtype (WT) mice were transplanted into a crush of the dorsolateral funiculus. Substance P and tyrosine hydroxylase positive axon sprouting was significantly reduced in SPARC null OEC-treated animals, suggesting that individual factors may contribute to OEC-promoted regeneration. To investigate the effect of OECs on corticospinal (CST) neurons, an in vitro assay was developed using postnatal day 8 CST neurons. Coculture of CST neurons with OB OECs produced extensive axon elongation. Application of OB OEC secreted factors increased CST neurite branching, but did not increase axon elongation. In contrast, plating of CST neurons on OB OEC plasma membrane resulted in extensive axon elongation. Furthermore, the OB OEC plasma membrane could overcome CST neurite outgrowth inhibition induced by an outgrowth inhibitor. Together these findings provide insight into OEC mechanisms of neurite outgrowth and axon regeneration. / Medicine, Faculty of / Graduate

Les cellules souches neurales (CSNs) se situent dans des régions spécifiques du système nerveux central qui sont appelées niches. Ces cellules sont capables de se répliquer ou se différentier en cellules neurales spécialisées (neurones, astrocytes et oligodendrocytes). C’est grâce à cette propriété de différentiation que les CSNs sont étudiées comme thérapie chez les patients atteints d’une maladie neurodégénérative. En effet, elles pourraient remplacer les cellules neurales altérées et ainsi restaurer les fonctions neurologiques. De nombreuses approches ont été développées afin de stimuler la différentiation des CSNs, dont la plus prometteuse est la différentiation des cellules endogènes directement au sein de leurs niches. Actuellement, il n’existe pas de molécule active ou de système thérapeutique qui cible les CSNs endogènes et qui induit leur différentiation simultanément. Le but de ce travail est de fournir un système de délivrance de molécules bioactives capable de cibler les CSNs endogènes et d'induire leur différenciation in situ. Nous avons développé et caractérisé des nanoparticules lipidiques (LNC), un système de délivrance très versatile. NFL-TBS.40-63, un peptide ciblant les CSNs, a été adsorbé à la surface des LNC afin de les diriger contre les CSNs endogènes. Nous avons observé que ces NFL-LNC ne ciblaient que les CSNs du cerveau et pas de la moelle. Afin d’étudier les interactions spécifiques entre les nanoparticules et les CSNs, nous avons caractérisé et comparé les propriétés de leur membrane plasmique. Enfin, nous avons encapsulé de l’acide rétinoïque, une molécule connue pour stimuler la différentiation des CSNs, dans les LNC-NFL et étudié leur impact sur la différentiation de CSNs in vitro et in vivo. Ce travail contribue au développement de thérapies efficaces et sures pour le traitement de maladies neurodégénératives à travers la différentiation de CSNs endogènes. / Neural stem cells (NSCs) are located in specific regions of the central nervous system called niches. Those cells are able to self-renew and to differentiate into specialized neuronal cells (neurons, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes). Due to this differentiation property, NSCs are studied to replace neuronal cells and restore neurological functions in patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases. Several therapeutic approaches have been developed and endogenous NSC stimulation is one of the most promising. Currently, there is no active molecule or therapeutic system targeting endogenous CSNs and inducing their differentiation at the same time. The aim of the work was to provide a drug delivery system able both to target endogenous CSNs and to induce their differentiation in situ. Here, we developed and characterized lipidic nanoparticles (LNC) targeting endogenous NSCs. A peptide called NFL-TBS.40-63, known for its affinity towards NSCs, was adsorbed at the surface of LNC. We observed that NFL-LNC specifically targeted NSC from the brain and not from the spinal cord in vitro and in vivo. To explain this specificity, we characterized and compared NFL-LNC interactions with the plasmatic membrane of both cell types. Finally, we demonstrated that by loading retinoic acid in NFL-LNC we were able to induce brain NSC differentiation in vitro and in vivo. This work contributes to the development of efficient and safe therapies for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease via the differentiation of endogenous NSCs.

In this thesis, we start with the description of the biophysical properties of the plasma membrane models upon signaling processess such as the increased cytoso- lic concentration of calcium ions, or posttranslational modifications of membrane proteins. Calcium signaling is characterized by a rapid increase of its cytosolic concentration. We identify calcium binding sites and characterize the binding in the plasma membrane models of increasing complexity from pure phospholipid bilayers, through cholesterol and peptide rich lipid membranes, to membranes ex- tracted from HEK293 cells. We use Time-Dependent Fluorescent Shift method, which provides direct information on hydration and mobility in defined regions of a lipid bilayer, accompanied with molecular dynamic (MD) simulations, which give molecular details of the studied interactions. The initial step of signaling mediated by PAG protein is its double palmi- toylation. We investigate changes of the biophysical properties of both the lipid membrane and the peptide itself upon the incorporation of the palmitoyls. Em- ploying all atom MD simulations, we study inter- and intramolecular interactions as well as changes in membrane hydration, thickness, or lipid ordering. The second part of the thesis, realized in a direct collaboration with a phar- macological...