Muitos estudos de câncer têm sido desenvolvidos, mas os mecanismos moleculares da tumorigênese e a resposta imune contra tumores não foi completamente elucidada. RMAS é uma linhagem celular mutante derivada de RMA. Ao contrário da última, RMAS é deficiente de MHC I e, portanto, é avlvo de células NK. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o uso deste par de células para estabelecer modelos murinos que possam ser usados para entender a resposta imune entre células CD8 e NK contra tumor e investigar o efeito da expressão de moléculas antiapoptóticas no comportamento tumoral in vivo. Essa abordagem pode prover informações relevantes para o desenvolvimento de novas terapias. Para desenvolver células EGFP, foi usado um vetor retroviral bicistrônico contendo o gene Egfp. Para desenvolver os modelos experimentais, camundongos C57BL6 WT foram injetados iv com diferentes números de células e curvas de sobrevivência foram geradas. Os padrões de doença e infiltração tumoral foram observadas por análises macroscópica, microscópica e por detecção de EGFP em tecidos. In vivo, células RMA. induziram paralisia enquanto RMA-S.Egfp, ascite. RMA.Egfp infiltrou a medula óssea enquanto RMA-S.Egfp, tecidos diferentes como fígado, rins e peritôneo, mas não a medula óssea. Os sinais clínicos apareceram após 15 dias da inoculação de >104 células e a morte, em 30 dias. Números <103 células não induziram doença nem morte, mas protegeram de ambas quando re-inoculadas 106 células RMA.Egfp. Camundongos CD4KO e CD8KO paralisaram e morreram antes do que os WT. Células RMA.BclW.Egfp foram mais resistentes a apoptose do que células RMA.Egfp in vitro e provocaram características clínicas piores: paralisia e morte anteriores, inchaço de membros e hemorragia de fígado e rins. / Many cancer studies have been developed, however the molecular mechanisms of tumorigenesis and immune responses to tumor is not completely elucidated. RMAS cells are a mutant lymphoma line derived from RMA cells. In contrast to the latter, RMAS are deficient in MHCI and, therefore, are targets for NK cells. Our aims were use these pair of cells to establish mouse models that can be used to understand CD8T vs NK cell immune responses to tumors and investigate the effect of expression of antiapoptotic molecules in tumor behavior in vivo. The combination of these approaches should provide relevant information for the development of novel immunotherapy. To develop EGFP cells we used a bicistronic retroviral vector containing Egfp gene. To develop the experimental models, WT C57BL/6 mice were iv injected with different cell numbers and survival curves were produced. In addition, clinical features and tumor spread was observed by macroscopy, microscopy and EGFP detection of tumor cell analysis in tissues. When injected in vivo, RMA.Egfp cells induced progressive paralysis while RMA-S.Egfp promoted ascites. RMA.Egfp cells infiltrated the bone marrow, while RMA-S.Egfp were found in different tissues such as liver, kidney and the peritoneum cavity, but were not found in bone marrow. The symptoms appeared 15 days post injection of >104 cells and the death was 30 days. Numbers of <103 cells do not induced pathology or death, but protected to paralysis and death when re-injected 106 RMA.Egfp cells. CD4KO and CD8KO mice showed paralysis and death earlier than WT mice. RMA.BclW.Egfp cells were more resistant to apoptosis than RMA.Egfp in vitro and induced worse clinical features in vivo: earlier paralysis and death, swelling of members, haemorragia of liver and kidneys.

Objetivo: Estudar as alterações morfométricas da retina de ratos expostos agudamente à fumaça de cigarro. Métodos: Em um estudo experimental, controlado, mascarado, foram utilizados 24 ratos Wistar machos (8 semanas de idade), sendo metade deles expostos por duas horas contínuas à fumaça de cigarro em uma câmara de inalação e a outra metade exposta a ar comprimido como grupo controle. A fumaça foi aspirada diretamente do cigarro utilizando um sistema venturi, e conduzida para a câmara. A concentração de monóxido de carbono no interior da câmara de inalação foi mantida em uma faixa constante de 45 a 55 partes por milhão, monitorada eletronicamente no interior do recipiente. Os ratos foram sacrificados imediatamente após a inalação e nos momentos 24 e 48 horas após exposição. Os olhos foram enucleados e analisados por meio da morfometria em microscópio óptico, por examinador mascarado. Resultados: Foram identificadas regiões da retina do grupo exposto que sofreram redução das estimativas morfométricas em comparação ao grupo controle, com significância estatística correspondendo às regiões dos fotorreceptores, camada nuclear interna e plexiforme interna 48 horas após a exposição. Comparando os grupos expostos entre si houve uma redução progressiva nas estimativas morfométricas das camadas retinianas com o aumento do intervalo entre o término da exposição e o sacrifício, de forma estatisticamente significante na camada nuclear interna. Conclusão: As retinas dos ratos expostos agudamente à fumaça de cigarro sofreram uma redução nas estimativas morfométricas, com uma tendência a redução progressiva nas estimativas no decorrer das primeiras 48 horas após exposição / Objective: To evaluate morphometric alterations of the retina, from rats acutely exposed do cigarette smoking. Methods: In an experimental, prospective, masked study with 24 male Wistar rats (8 weeks old), half of them were exposed during two hours continually to cigarette smoking inside an intoxicating chamber, while the other half exposed to compressed air. The smoke was aspirated directly from cigarette, using a venturi system, and conducted to the chamber. The carbon monoxide concentration was constantly kept in between 45 to 55 parts per million, electronically monitored inside de chamber. The rats were sacrificed immediately after the inhalation, 24 and 48 hours after exposition. The eyes were enucleated and analyzed trough morphometry, in an optical microscope, by a masked examiner. Results: It was identified regions of the retina in the experimental group that suffered a reduction in the morphometric estimates, comparing to control group, with statistical significance, corresponding to the photoreceptor layer, the inner nuclear and inner plexiform layers, 48 hours after exposure. Comparing the exposed groups between themselves, there was a progressive reduction in the morphometric estimates of retinal layers after an increase in time between finishing the exposure and sacrifice, with statistical significance in inner nuclear layer. Conclusion: The retina of rats acutely exposed to cigarette smoke suffered a reduction in the morphometric estimates, with a tendency to progressive reduction in the estimates during the initial 48 hours after exposure

Os recém-nascidos pré-termo extremos, por estarem ainda em uma fase do desenvolvimento pulmonar anterior à alveolização, estão mais vulneráveis a fatores como a hiperoxia, o barotrauma, o volutrauma e, o uso de medicações como os corticosteróides. A ação destes fatores, associada à imaturidade pulmonar, pode alterar a organização estrutural pulmonar, interferindo na alveolização e na organização de fibras elásticas e de colágeno. Estas alterações são comuns à \"nova\" displasia broncopulmonar, patologia freqüente entre os recém-nascidos pré-termo, especialmente os extremos. Criou-se um modelo experimental de restrição nutricional e hiperoxia, em coelhos pré-termo, com o objetivo de analisar os efeitos da restrição nutricional e da hiperoxia sobre a arquitetura pulmonar (número de alvéolos, intercepto linear médio(ILm), área de superfície interna(ASI), espessura de septo interalveolar), especialmente em relação à deposição de fibras elásticas e de colágeno. Após a realização de cesárea, em coelhas New Zealand White, com idade gestacional de 28 dias, seus filhotes foram divididos em 4 grupos, de acordo com a dieta e a concentração de oxigênio administradas: GIA (dieta padrão e FiO2=0,21) (n=120); GIB (dieta padrão e FiO2>0,95) (n=232); GIIA (restrição nutricional e FiO2=0,21) (n=72); GIIB (restrição nutricional e FiO2>0,95) (n=368). A restrição nutricional foi definida como uma redução em 30% de todos os nutrientes, em relação à dieta padrão. Os coelhos foram pesados, diariamente. Após o sacrifício, aos 7 e 11 dias de vida, os pulmões foram removidos, pesados e fixados em formol tamponado 10%, com uma pressão de 30 cm de H2O. O volume pulmonar total foi medido pelo método de deslocamento de água. Nos cortes histológicos utilizou-se as seguintes colorações: hematoxilina-eosina, para contagem do número de alvéolos, ILm, ASI, medida de septo interalveolar; orceína-resorcina modificada para análise de fibras elásticas e picrosirius, para análise de colágeno. Os resultados foram apresentados através de médias e realizou-se ANOVA para comparação dos resultados, considerando-se um p < 0,05 como significante. A restrição nutricional alterou o crescimento somático, reduzindo o ganho de peso e, alterou o crescimento e a morfologia pulmonares, reduzindo o volume pulmonar, o número de alvéolos e a deposição de fibras elásticas e de colágeno aos 7 e 11 dias de vida. A hiperoxia elevou a mortalidade e modificou a arquitetura pulmonar, reduzindo o número de alvéolos e aumentando suas dimensões, bem como aumento da espessura dos septos interalveolares, aos 7 e 11 dias de vida. Aos 11 dias, a hiperoxia reduziu a deposição de colágeno. A restrição nutricional associada à hiperoxia teve os seus efeitos intensificados sobre a redução do número de alvéolos e do depósito de colágeno, aos 7 e 11 dias. Estes resultados ilustram o papel da nutrição como modulador da lesão pulmonar pela hiperoxia, em pulmões em desenvolvimento / Characteristic pathologic findings in bronchopulmonary dysplasia are the presence of alveolization impairment, widened alveolar septa, disordered collagen and elastic fibers deposition. There are likely to be multiple factors that result in the histological changes seen with the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, besides the lung imaturity: hyperoxia, volutrauma, barotrauma, nutrition. The aim of this study is to developed an experimental model, in preterm rabbits, to evaluate the effects of nutritional restriction and hyperoxia on lung weight and volume, alveoli number, mean linear intercept (Lm), internal surface area (ISA), alveolar septal thickness, elastic fibers and collagen density. After c-section, 28 days preterm New Zealand White rabbits were randomized into 4 groups: GIA (regular diet and FiO2=0,21) (n=120); GIB (regular diet and FiO2>0,95) (n=232); GIIA (nutritional restriction and FiO2=0,21) (n=72); GIIB (nutritional restriction and FiO2>0,95) (n=368). They were kept in incubators, warmer and humidified oxygen (Plexiglas chamber). Nutritional restriction was defined as caloric-proteic intake limited to 70% of the regular diet. After sacrifice with 7 and 11 days, the lungs were removed and fixed in 10% formalin under 30 cm H2O transtracheal pressure. The total lung volume was measured by displacement water. Lung slices were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for alveoli number, Lm, ISA and alveolar septal thickness; resorcin-orcein for elastic fibers and Picrosirius for collagen (fibers/parenchyma pointy counting). Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA. Level of significance was set at 0,05. Values are means +- sd. It was observed that GIA and GIB (regular diet) put on more weight than nutritional restriction groups from 8th till 11th day of life. Nutritional restriction influenced the ponderal evolution and reduced lung volume, alveoli number, collagen and elastic fibers deposition at 7th and 11th days of life. Hyperoxia elevated the mortality. In relation to lung architetural, the hyperoxia reduced alveoli number and elevated Lm, besides widened alveolar septal at 7th and 11th days of life. At 11th days, hyperoxia reduced collagen deposition, too. Nutritional restriction and hyperoxia had an additive efect on the reduction of alveoli number and collagen deposition. These findings suggest that nutrition has a modulator effect on lung injury by hyperoxia. This study strengthened the contribution of nutrition on preterm lung development

Os recém-nascidos pré-termo extremos, por estarem ainda em uma fase do desenvolvimento pulmonar anterior à alveolização, estão mais vulneráveis a fatores como a hiperoxia, o barotrauma, o volutrauma e, o uso de medicações como os corticosteróides. A ação destes fatores, associada à imaturidade pulmonar, pode alterar a organização estrutural pulmonar, interferindo na alveolização e na organização de fibras elásticas e de colágeno. Estas alterações são comuns à \"nova\" displasia broncopulmonar, patologia freqüente entre os recém-nascidos pré-termo, especialmente os extremos. Criou-se um modelo experimental de restrição nutricional e hiperoxia, em coelhos pré-termo, com o objetivo de analisar os efeitos da restrição nutricional e da hiperoxia sobre a arquitetura pulmonar (número de alvéolos, intercepto linear médio(ILm), área de superfície interna(ASI), espessura de septo interalveolar), especialmente em relação à deposição de fibras elásticas e de colágeno. Após a realização de cesárea, em coelhas New Zealand White, com idade gestacional de 28 dias, seus filhotes foram divididos em 4 grupos, de acordo com a dieta e a concentração de oxigênio administradas: GIA (dieta padrão e FiO2=0,21) (n=120); GIB (dieta padrão e FiO2>0,95) (n=232); GIIA (restrição nutricional e FiO2=0,21) (n=72); GIIB (restrição nutricional e FiO2>0,95) (n=368). A restrição nutricional foi definida como uma redução em 30% de todos os nutrientes, em relação à dieta padrão. Os coelhos foram pesados, diariamente. Após o sacrifício, aos 7 e 11 dias de vida, os pulmões foram removidos, pesados e fixados em formol tamponado 10%, com uma pressão de 30 cm de H2O. O volume pulmonar total foi medido pelo método de deslocamento de água. Nos cortes histológicos utilizou-se as seguintes colorações: hematoxilina-eosina, para contagem do número de alvéolos, ILm, ASI, medida de septo interalveolar; orceína-resorcina modificada para análise de fibras elásticas e picrosirius, para análise de colágeno. Os resultados foram apresentados através de médias e realizou-se ANOVA para comparação dos resultados, considerando-se um p < 0,05 como significante. A restrição nutricional alterou o crescimento somático, reduzindo o ganho de peso e, alterou o crescimento e a morfologia pulmonares, reduzindo o volume pulmonar, o número de alvéolos e a deposição de fibras elásticas e de colágeno aos 7 e 11 dias de vida. A hiperoxia elevou a mortalidade e modificou a arquitetura pulmonar, reduzindo o número de alvéolos e aumentando suas dimensões, bem como aumento da espessura dos septos interalveolares, aos 7 e 11 dias de vida. Aos 11 dias, a hiperoxia reduziu a deposição de colágeno. A restrição nutricional associada à hiperoxia teve os seus efeitos intensificados sobre a redução do número de alvéolos e do depósito de colágeno, aos 7 e 11 dias. Estes resultados ilustram o papel da nutrição como modulador da lesão pulmonar pela hiperoxia, em pulmões em desenvolvimento / Characteristic pathologic findings in bronchopulmonary dysplasia are the presence of alveolization impairment, widened alveolar septa, disordered collagen and elastic fibers deposition. There are likely to be multiple factors that result in the histological changes seen with the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, besides the lung imaturity: hyperoxia, volutrauma, barotrauma, nutrition. The aim of this study is to developed an experimental model, in preterm rabbits, to evaluate the effects of nutritional restriction and hyperoxia on lung weight and volume, alveoli number, mean linear intercept (Lm), internal surface area (ISA), alveolar septal thickness, elastic fibers and collagen density. After c-section, 28 days preterm New Zealand White rabbits were randomized into 4 groups: GIA (regular diet and FiO2=0,21) (n=120); GIB (regular diet and FiO2?0,95) (n=232); GIIA (nutritional restriction and FiO2=0,21) (n=72); GIIB (nutritional restriction and FiO2?0,95) (n=368). They were kept in incubators, warmer and humidified oxygen (Plexiglas chamber). Nutritional restriction was defined as caloric-proteic intake limited to 70% of the regular diet. After sacrifice with 7 and 11 days, the lungs were removed and fixed in 10% formalin under 30 cm H2O transtracheal pressure. The total lung volume was measured by displacement water. Lung slices were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for alveoli number, Lm, ISA and alveolar septal thickness; resorcin-orcein for elastic fibers and Picrosirius for collagen (fibers/parenchyma pointy counting). Statistical analysis was done by ANOVA. Level of significance was set at 0,05. Values are means ? sd. It was observed that GIA and GIB (regular diet) put on more weight than nutritional restriction groups from 8th till 11th day of life. Nutritional restriction influenced the ponderal evolution and reduced lung volume, alveoli number, collagen and elastic fibers deposition at 7th and 11th days of life. Hyperoxia elevated the mortality. In relation to lung architetural, the hyperoxia reduced alveoli number and elevated Lm, besides widened alveolar septal at 7th and 11th days of life. At 11th days, hyperoxia reduced collagen deposition, too. Nutritional restriction and hyperoxia had an additive efect on the reduction of alveoli number and collagen deposition. These findings suggest that nutrition has a modulator effect on lung injury by hyperoxia. This study strengthened the contribution of nutrition on preterm lung development

A técnica de mobilização neural (NM) clinicamente é eficaz, porém ainda é pouco fundamentada. Neste trabalho, submetemos ratos Wistar no 14º dia após a lesão constritiva crônica (CCI) do nervo isquiático ao tratamento com NM, em 10 sessões, e avaliamos o comportamento doloroso utilizando testes comportamentais para hiperalgesia e alodinia. Ainda, observamos através de ensaios de Western blotting o envolvimento das células gliais e do fator neurotrófico derivado do cérebro (BDNF). No estudo comportamental, os animais com CCI mostraram diminuição no limiar nociceptivo, tratados com a NM apresentaram melhora no comportamento doloroso. Os ensaios de Western blotting mostraram que após a CCI houve aumento de OX-42, GFAP e BDNF, na medula, tálamo e mesencéfalo, também observado em analise de imuno-histoquímica e após a NM observamos diminuição desses mediadores através da primeira técnica mencionada. Sendo assim, sugerimos que a técnica de NM é eficaz como terapia analgésica, sendo possível observar o envolvimento das células gliais e do BDNF neste modelo experimental. / The technique of neural mobilization (NM) is clinically effective, although it is still poorly reasoned. In this study, Wistar rats on day 14th after chronic constrictive injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve were submitted to treatment with NM in 10 sessions, and it was evaluated the painful behavior using tests for hyperalgesia and allodynia. Also, we observed through Western blotting assays the involvementof glial cells and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In the behavioral study, animals with CCI showed a decrease in nociceptive threshold, and those treated with NM showed an improvement in pain behavior. Western blotting assays showed an increase after CCI of OX-42, GFAP and BDNF levels in the spinal cord, thalamus and midbrain, also observed in immunohistochemical analysis, and after the NM we observed a decrease of these mediators through the first technique mentioned. Therefore, we suggest that the NM technique is an effective analgesic therapy, and it is possible to observe the involvement of glial cells and BDNF in this experimental model.

Les phéochromocytomes et les paragangliomes (PCC/PGL) sont des tumeurs neuroendocrines rares qui se développent aux dépens de la médullosurrénale et des paraganglions sympathiques et parasympathiques. Près de 40% des patients ont une prédisposition génétique, et, à ce jour 13 gènes de prédisposition ont été identifiés. Les mutations du gène SDHB sont un facteur de risque de malignité et de mauvais pronostic qui conduisent à une perte de fonction de la succinate déshydrogénase (SDH), enzyme du complexe mitochondrial II. Il en résulte une accumulation intracellulaire de succinate responsable du phénomène dit de « pseudohypoxie » qui stimule la production de VEGF et donc l’angiogenèse, ainsi que l’expression du transporteur membranaire du glucose GLUT-1. Le surrisque de malignité liée à SDHB et l’absence de traitement curatif des formes métastatiques de PCC/PGL justifient l’élaboration d’un modèle murin permettant de mettre en place des essais précliniques. L’obtention d’un modèle murin prédisposé au PCC/PGL par mutation du gène Sdhb s’étant révélée infructueuse, notre équipe a finalement généré des cellules chromaffines Sdhb-/- immortalisées (imCC Sdhb-/-) dont l’implantation dans le coussinet adipeux sous-cutané (Fat-pad) de souris nudes NMRI a permis l’établissement du premier modèle de tumeurs porteuses d’une inactivation complète du gène Sdhb. La caractérisation phénotypique du modèle a été réalisée par imagerie multimodalité in vivo, comparativement à un groupe contrôle de souris ayant reçu des imCC non mutées (WT). L’angiogenèse tumorale évaluée par imagerie optique retrouve une expression des intégrines αvβ3 plus marquée dans le groupe Sdhb-/- avec une rétention du traceur prolongée 12 h après injection. L’IRM dynamique de contraste (IRM-DCE), montre un rehaussement tumoral global nettement plus important dans le modèle Sdhb-/-, que le post-traitement par le logiciel PhysioD3D permet d’attribuer à une augmentation du volume capillaire intratumoral. Sur le plan métabolique, la consommation globale de glucose mesurée par TEP au 18FDG est également plus marquée dans les tumeurs Sdhb-/-. Enfin, la spectroscopie par résonance magnétique (1H-MRS) a mis en évidence une accumulation de succinate dans les tumeurs Sdhb-/-, non retrouvée dans les tumeurs WT. Ce résultat a été confirmé par spectrométrie de masse et cette technique innovante de détection du succinate in vivo a été transférée avec succès en clinique pour l’exploration des patients porteurs de PCC/PGL. En conclusion, l’imagerie in vivo a permis de distinguer le phénotype des tumeurs Sdhb-/- de celui des WT, avec une néoangiogenèse, une microcirculation et un métabolisme glucidique augmentés. Ces résultats permettent de proposer des études précliniques de réponse précoce aux traitements. La détection de l’accumulation de succinate par 1H-MRS ouvre la possibilité d’un diagnostic « métabolique » préopératoire pour détecter les patients de mauvais pronostic. / Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PCC/PGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumours that arise from chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla, sympathetic and parasympathetic paraganglia respectively. Around 15% of PCC are malignant. SDHB mutations are associated with malignancy and poor prognosis. SDH deficiency leads to succinate accumulation that induces a cellular pseudohypoxic phenotype, promoting in particular VEGF and GLUT-1 expression and increasing angiogenesis and glucose metabolism. The high malignancy hazard associated with SDHB and the absence of curative treatment of metastatic forms of the disease make it essential to develop a mouse model for preclinical trials launching. The quest for a predisposed mouse model of Sdhb-deficient tumors being unsuccessful, Sdhb-/- and wild-type (WT) immortalized mouse chromaffin cells previously generated in the laboratory were propagated in the fat pad of NMRI nude mice, thereby providing the first pattern of Sdhb- deficient tumors. These mice were compared to a control group receiving non-mutated imCC (WT) and characterization was performed in vivo by multimodality imaging. Optical imaging assessing the tumor angiogenesis with Angiostamp®, an RGD fluorescent peptide, found an increased expression of integrins αvβ3 in the Sdhb-/- group 12 h after tracer injection. Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) showed an overall tumor enhancement significantly higher in the Sdhb-/- model secondary to an increase of the tumor blood flow (F) and of the intratumoral capillary volume fraction (Vb) (compartmental analysis using PhysioD3D software). Metabolic imaging assessed by 18FDG-PET confirmed the expected high glucose consumption by Sdhb-/- tumors. Finally, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) detected succinate accumulation in Sdhb-/- tumors and not in WT tumors. This result was confirmed by mass spectrometry and this innovative procedure for in vivo detection of succinate was translated into patients suffering from PCC/PGL. A succinate peak was specifically observed in SDHx-related PCC/PGL patients. In conclusion, these results show strong differences between Sdhb-/- and WT allografts and suggest that preclinical therapeutic studies could be implemented in this unique model of Sdhb-deficient tumour. Our noninvasive, highly sensitive and specific method allowing in vivo detection of succinate, the major biomarker of SDHx-mutated tumors was translated into clinical imaging.

L’innovation thérapeutique est limitée en psychiatrie. De nombreux médicaments sélectionnés sur la base de résultats encourageants dans les essais chez l’animal se révèlent décevants lors des essais cliniques. La validité limitée des modèles animaux, et leur utilisation pour tenter de mimer des pathologies définies de façon catégorielle sur la base de regroupement de symptômes de surface sans lien clair avec les processus cérébraux, les mécanismes biologiques ou la génétique, participent à ces difficultés. Une branche des neurosciences cognitives, l’étude de l’apprentissage par renforcement, associée à l’utilisation d’interventions pharmacologiques ciblées chez le sujet malade ou le sujet sain, représente une opportunité de mieux caractériser les processus cérébraux sous-tendant certaines dimensions cardinales des pathologies psychiatriques. Nous illustrons l’utilisation de l’étude de l’apprentissage par renforcement avec intervention pharmacologique dans deux études expérimentales. La première cherche à caractériser l’effet de l’aripiprazole, un antipsychotique atypique, chez des patients atteints du syndrome Gilles de la Tourette, en utilisant une tâche d’apprentissage contrefactuel, évaluant la capacité à apprendre non seulement des conséquences de ses actions, mais également des conséquences hypothétiques d’actions alternatives possibles. La seconde étude, randomisée contrôlée et en double aveugle, étudie l’effet de deux classes différentes d’antidépresseurs, l’escitalopram et l’agomélatine, chez le sujet sain. L’effet de leur administration est évalué à court terme (3 jours) et à long terme (8 semaines) dans deux tâches probabilistes de sélection de stimulus, l’une simple, l’autre avec renversements occasionnels. L’utilisation de cette approche pourrait participer à la définition d’endophénotypes et, en collaboration avec la recherche préclinique, aider à la création de nouveaux modèles animaux pour en améliorer la valeur prédictive. / Successful new drug development has declined in psychiatry in the last decades. This is in part the resut of a high failure rate in translating positive preclinical efficacy results to positive clinical trials. Limitations in the validity of animal models and shortcomings in the usefullnes of the current categorical diagnostic system. Cognitive neurosciences and particularly reinforcement learning and its computational analysis might provide biomarkers required to develop new ways of classifying mental disorders on the basis of both observable behaviour and neurobiological measues. Used in conjunction with pharmacological challenges, it may bring new insights into the physiopahtology and brain mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders. It may also help design new animal models with imporved predictive validity for the develoment of medications relying on innovative mechanisms of action. We illustrate the use of reinforcement learning and pharmacological challenge in two experimental studies. In the first experiment, we administered a reinforcement learning task that involves both direct learning from obtained outcomes and indirect learning from forgone outcomes to two groups of Gilles de la Tourette patients, one receiving aripiprazole, one unmedicated and to a group of healty subjects. In the second experiment, we administered two probabilistic stimulus selection learning tasks (one simple, one with occasional reversals) to healthy subjects randomly and blindly allocated to either escitalopram, a typical serotonin reuptake inhibitor, agomelatine, an antidepressant with a different mechanism of action, or placebo. The experiment compard the effect of these two classes of antidepressants to placebo after both short term (3 days) and long term (8 weeks) treatment. These experiments bring insights into the understanding of the clinical condition studied, and the effects of the drugs tested. Implications of this approach for the translational approach to drug development is discussed.

Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration, destruction and dysfunction of the lacrimal and salivary glands and the presence of serum autoantibodies. Although, approximately 0.5% of the population suffers from SS, there is a female predominance of 9:1 compared with males. Most women with SS are postmenopausal; however, not all women who are post-menopausal develop SS. Therefore, we postulate that a decrease in the circulating levels of hormones creates an environment favorable to the development of SS in a predisposed genetic background. In order to carry out our studies, we used the NOD.B10.H2b mouse model of SS, and ovariectomized (OVX) them as a model for the post-menopausal condition. We removed the lacrimal glands and measured the gene expression and protein levels of several cytokines and chemokines known to be upregulated in patients with SS such as : lL-1B, IL-10, INF-y, TNFa, CCL9 and CXCL13. / We also stained for markers of B cells (B220+) and T cells (CD4+ and CD8+), and counted positively stained cleaved caspase-3 cells as an indication of apoptosis. These experiments were done 3, 7 and 21 days post-OVX and compared to sham operated animals. In order to determine whether the changes observed with OVX were triggered mainly by a genetic pre-disposition, a non-prediposed OVX and sham operated mouse (C57BL/10) was used as control. We found that gene expression of IL-1B, IL-10 and IF-y were upregulated in the lacrimal glands of the OVX NOD.B10.H2b mice at 3 days post-OVX compared with sham operated animals. Gene expression of IL-1B, IL-10, IFN-y, TNF-a, CCL9 and CXCL13, and protein levels of IL-1B, IL-10 and CCL9 were upregulated in the OVX NOD.B10.H2b mice at 7 days post-OVX compared to sham operated animals. / Also, at 7 days, an increase in B220+ B cells and an increase in cleaved caspase-3 were also observed in the OVX NOD.B10.H2b mice lacrimal glands compared to sham operated animals. At 21 days, protein levels of IL-10 were also highly upregulated in the OVX NOD.B10.H2b mice, together with an increase of B220+ B cells, a slight increase in the CD4/CD8 ratio and an increase on the number of caspase-3 positive cells. No changes were observed in any of the above parameters measured in the OVX C57BL/10 mice compared to the sham operated group, supporting our hypothesis that both, genetics and a decrease in the levels of hormones are necessary for SS to occur. / by Vanessa Seamon. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2009. / Includes bibliography. / Electronic reproduction. Boca Raton, Fla., 2009. Mode of access: World Wide Web.

Aproximadamente 5,8 milhões de pessoas morrem anualmente vítimas de trauma no mundo. A reposição volêmica inicial dos pacientes graves politraumatizados com choque hemorrágico tem características distintas hoje quando comparada à proposta não mais do que uma década atrás. A infusão reduzida de fluidos associada à transfusão precoce de hemoderivados é o padrão adotado em portadores de hemorragia maciça, no que se chama na literatura de damage control resuscitation (DCR). Entretanto, a administração precoce de componentes do sangue, implica em limitações de armazenamento, transporte, disponibilidade, compatibilidade, reações transfusionais e custo. Assim, estratégias medicamentosas que possam beneficiar o paciente politraumatizado no tratamento do sangramento devem ser desenvolvidas. As pesquisas atuais buscam medidas que possam agir na resposta inflamatória e na coagulopatia envolvidas nas lesões traumáticas e no choque hemorrágico. Desta forma, decidiu- se avaliar o potencial da administração precoce de Pentoxifilina (PTX) em associação com Ringer lactato (RL) e seus efeitos na coagulopatia associada ao trauma. Foi utilizado modelo experimental suíno de choque hemorrágico e politrauma. Foram utilizados 23 suínos, machos, da raça Landrace, com peso médio de 28,5 kg randomizados em 3 grupos: Controle (n=5), RL (n=5) e PTX (n=7). Os animais foram submetidos à anestesia geral, exceto o grupo controle, a uma fratura de fêmur, seguido de choque hemorrágico controlado e, por fim, uma lesão hepática como hemorragia não controlada. Foram analisados parâmetros hemodinâmicos, laboratoriais e gasometria, testes de coagulação padrão e tromboelastometria. Os animais submetidos ao experimento apresentaram taquicardia, hipotensão arterial, hipotermia, acidose, redução de hemoglobina e alteração nos testes de coagulação e viscoelásticos. O lactado no tempo Final mostrou-se mais elevado no grupo PTX, quando comparado ao grupo RL (p=0,01). Os dados da tromboleastometria não mostraram diferença entre os grupos submetidos ao experimento. No tempo Final, observou-se uma redução do fibrinogênio menor no grupo tratado com PTX, quando comparado ao grupo RL (p < 0,01). A análise dos efeitos da pentoxifilina associada à reanimação volêmica sugere melhora dos níveis de fibrinogênio após sua administração seguindo a hemorragia e trauma / Approximately 5.8 million people die each year victim of trauma worldwide. The initial volume replacement of severely injured patients with hemorrhagic shock has different characteristics today than a decade before. Low-volume fluid resuscitation associated with early transfusion of blood products is the standard adopted in patients with massive hemorrhage, so called damage control resuscitation (DCR). However, early administration of blood components implies limitations in storage, transport, availability, compatibility, transfusion reactions, and cost. Thus, drug strategies that may benefit the severely injured patient in the treatment of bleeding should be developed. Current research seeks measures that can modulate the inflammatory response and coagulopathy involved in traumatic injuries and hemorrhagic shock. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the role of early administration of Pentoxifylline (PTX) in association with RL and its effects on coagulopathy and traumatic inflammatory response. A porcine model of multiple trauma and hemorrhagic shock was used. Twenty-three Landrace male pigs were used, with a mean weight of 28.5 kg randomized into three groups: Control (n=5), RL (n=5), and PTX (n=7). The animals were submitted to general anesthesia (except the control group), femur fracture, followed by controlled hemorrhagic shock, and, finally, a hepatic injury (as uncontrolled hemorrhage simulation). Hemodynamic parameters, laboratory tests, standard coagulation tests and thromboelastometry were analyzed. The animals submitted to the experiment presented tachycardia, hypotension, hypothermia, acidosis, hemoglobin decrease and impaired coagulation and viscoelastic tests. Lactate levels at the end of the experiment were higher in the PTX group when compared to RL (p=0,01). Data extracted from thromboelastometric tests have shown no difference between the groups submitted to the protocol. Fibrinogen reduction (consumption) were significantly lower in the PTX group when compared to RL (p < 0,01). The analysis of pentoxifylline effects suggests less fibrinogen consumption after PTX administration

O transplante (Tx) de ilhotas pancreáticas (IP) é uma atraente alternativa para o tratamento do diabetes melito tipo 1. No entanto, para evitar a rejeição há necessidade de imunossupressão. Uma nova idéia de tolerância surge a partir do paradoxo imunológico, onde a mãe, imunologicamente competente, não rejeita o embrião durante a gravidez. Uma das hipóteses é que células da placenta expressam a molécula IDO, a qual protege o embrião do ataque imunológico materno. O objetivo do estudo foi analisar o efeito da indução da expressão da IDO em IP em transplante experimental de IP. Para tanto, as seguintes etapas de padronização foram necessárias. Etapa 1: Padronização da perfusão e digestão do tecido pancreático de rato e determinação do método para a purificação das IP, comparando-se diferentes gradientes de densidade: descontínuo de Ficoll, contínuo de Ficoll e contínuo de iodixanol. Foi demonstrado que o gradiente contínuo de iodixanol fornece maior pureza e maior número de IP íntegras e funcionais. Etapa 2: Padronização do Tx experimental de IP sob a cápsula renal para avaliação do número mínimo de IP transplantadas para reverter o diabetes induzido por estreptozotocina, definido como glicemia >300mg/Kg. Foram transplantadas entre 200 a 3.000 IP por experimento. A rejeição das IP foi analisada pela sobrevida das IP (permanência da glicemia <300mg/dL), tanto em Tx isogênico (Lewis-Lewis) como em alogênico (Sprague-Dawley-Lewis). Para reverter o diabetes foram necessárias no mínimo 2.500 IP. No transplante entre ratos isogênicos (n=6) não houve rejeição das IP. Já no transplante entre animais alogênicos (n=12), as IP apresentaram uma curta sobrevida pós-Tx (11±1 dias; p<0,01 vs. Tx isogênico). Dez dias pós-Tx, houve um grande infiltrado de macrófagos e linfócitos T no enxerto alogênico e uma diminuição significativa da expressão de insulina (p<0,001 vs. Tx isogênico). Etapa 3: Construção do vetor de expressão para IDO. A partir de RNA extraído de placenta de rata no 10º dia de gestação, foi amplificada a seqüência completa do cDNA para IDO, utilizando-se RT-PCR. Em seguida, o cDNA para IDO foi inserido em vetor de expressão (vetor-IDO). Etapa 4: Transfecção do vetor-IDO nas IP. O vetor-IDO foi introduzido nas IP através de lipofecção (Lipofectamina 2000), testando-se diferentes concentrações do vetor-IDO (0, 0,5, 1 e 10 ng/uL) e diferentes períodos de incubação (1h, 15h e 24h). A expressão de IDO nas IP foi confirmada por RT-PCR e imuno-histoquímica. A incubação com 10 ng/uL de vetor-IDO durante 24h foi eficaz para induzir a expressão de IDO nas IP, confirmada a nível de RNAm (RT-PCR) e de proteína (imuno-histoquímica). A eficiência da transfecção em nível funcional foi confirmada pela degradação de triptofano em cultura (dosagem de triptofano por HPLC). Etapa 5: Onze transplantes alogênicos (Sprague-Dawley-Lewis) com IP transfectadas com vetor-IDO foram realizados para analisar o efeito da IDO. Três animais foram sacrificados para análise de imuno-histoquímica e 8 animais foram acompanhados por 45 dias. A sobrevida das IP transfectadas com vetor-IDO foi significativamente maior comparada com a sobrevida de IP não-transfectadas (p<0,01). O estudo conclui que a expressão da IDO protege as IP aumentando a sobrevida das IP. / Transplantation (Tx) of pancreatic islets (PI) is an attractive alternative of treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus. However, continuous immunossupression is necessary in order to avoid allograft rejection. A new idea of tolerance is based on the immunological paradox, during pregnancy, in that the mother, immunologically competent, does not reject the semi-allogeneic fetus. The hypothesis is that the placenta produces IDO molecules, which protect the embryos against the maternal immunologic attack. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the induction of the IDO expression into PI in an experimental model of PI transplantation. The following steps for standardization were necessary. Step 1: Besides the standardization of the rat pancreas perfusion and digestion, the best method for purification of the PI was determined, comparing several density gradients: Ficoll discontinuous, Ficoll continuous and iodixanol continuous. The iodixanol continuous gradient was able to provide high purity and a high number of intact and functional PI. Step 2: The transplantation of the PI between rats was established determining the minimal number of PI to reverse the diabetes (glycemia > 300mg/dL) induced by streptozotocin. In addition, the rejection was analyzed by PI survival (time with glycemia <300mg/dL) in syngeneic (Lewis-Lewis) and allogeneic (Sprague-Dawley-Lewis) transplantation. To reverse the diabetes at least 2,500 PI were necessary. Transplantation between syngenic rats (n=6) disclosed no rejection of the PI. In the allogeneic transplantation (n=12), the PI had a short survival (11±1 days). Ten days post-Tx, a higher number of macrophages and T lymphocytes were observed in the grafts, accompanied by very low insulin expression. Step 3: The expression vector for IDO was constructed from RNA extracted from rat placenta. RT-PCR was carried out to amplify the IDO cDNA, which was inserted into expression vector (IDO vector). Step 4: The IDO vector was introduced into PI through lipofection (Lipofectamine 2000) analyzing several concentrations of the IDO vector (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 10 ng/uL) and several periods of incubation (1h, 15h e 24h). The IDO expression in PI was confirmed by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The incubation with 10 ng/uL of IDO vector during 24h was efficient to induce IDO expression in PI. The function of the IDO was confirmed by tryptofan degradation in culture (measurement of tryptofan by HPLC). Step 5: Eleven allogenic transplants (Sprague-Dawley to Lewis) of PI expressing IDO were performed to analyze the effect of the IDO in the rejection. Eight animals were accompanied for 45 days, whereas three were sacrificed after 10 days for immunohistochemistry analysis. Finally, the survival of the PI expressing IDO was significantly higher than nontransfected PI. The study concludes that the induction of the IDO into PI protects the PI increasing the PI survival.