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Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-02T00:16:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 tese_4384_Dissertação - Tarsila Daysy Ursula Hermogenes Gomes, 2009.pdf: 2452621 bytes, checksum: 455eb9f3531497e63e50e3f07db14941 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-02-26 / Pilea microphylla (L.) Liebm. (Urticaceae), popularmente conhecida por brilhantina no Brasil, é usada como antipirética, purificadora de vesícula e ventre, antidiarréica, antiasmática e para dores abdominais. Apesar desse uso medicinal, não há informações sobre sua biologia e eficácia terapêutica. Assim, o objetivo desse trabalho é realizar a caracterização fitoquímica, quantificando a composição fenólica total e capacidade antioxidante total, e avaliar possíveis efeitos de toxicidade aguda pela DL50 (Dose Letal Média), mutagênico e antimutagênico pelo teste de micronúcleos em medula óssea e sangue periférico de camundongos. As partes aéreas secas foram submetidas à maceração em álcool etílico absoluto, obtendo-se o extrato bruto etanólico (EBE). A prospecção fitoquímica qualitativa indicou presença de açúcares redutores, fenóis, taninos, depsídeos/depsidonas, cumarinas, esteróides e triterpenos. A concentração de compostos fenólicos foi 9,75 equivalentes de ácido tânico e 17,5 equivalentes de ácido gálico (por leitura em espectrofotômetro), resultado inferior aos encontrados por outros autores com outras espécies vegetais. A atividade antioxidante indicou valores semelhantes ou mesmo maiores que os encontrados para o ácido ascórbico e rutina e para outras espécies vegetais. O teste de toxicidade aguda não indicou DL50, demonstrando baixa toxicidade do extrato, como obtido por outro estudo com essa espécie. Apesar disso, o teste de mutagenicidade do EBE nas doses 250 mg/Kg e 500 mg/Kg em medula óssea e sangue periférico de camundongos indicou aumento não significativo na freqüência de micronúcleos em eritrócitos policromáticos (EPCMNs) e normocromáticos (ENCMNs) em medula e sangue periférico, respectivamente, independente da concentração. O potencial antimutagênico foi avaliado na dose 250 mg/Kg em pré-tratamento, pós-tratamento e tratamento simultâneo. Somente o póstratamento apresentou redução, porém não significativa, na freqüência de EPCMNs em relação ao controle positivo. Em sangue periférico, também verificou-se que o pós-tratamento apresentou menores valores de ENCMNs. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que o uso indiscriminado e prolongado (subcrônico/crônico) de preparações de Pilea microphylla pode ser prejudicial à saúde, devido à formação de micronúcleos, mas fornecem informações para outros estudos que visem à confirmação da antimutagenicidade, à elucidação dos mecanismos de mutagenicidade e à composição fitoquímica, como importantes fontes de compostos bioativos para a indústria farmacêutica para utilização de maneira isolada ou em associações com tratamentos convencionais em diversas patologias como, por exemplo, o câncer ou verminoses.

The aim of this study was to assess the potential nutritive value for sheep, of two drought tolerant leguminous shrubs (Cassia sturtii and Sutherlandia microphylla) in terms of chemical composition, degradation parameters, digestibility, rumen fermentation parameters, intake, microbial nitrogen synthesis and nitrogen balance as well as the rumen kinetics when compared to that of Medicago sativa. The crude ash concentration of all three forages differs, with S. microphylla and C. sturtii lower than M. sativa. M. sativa has a crude ash concentration almost twice the amount of both S. microphylla and C. sturtii. Wilcock et al., (2004) reported ash values for C. sturtii stems and leaves of 53 and 73 g/kg and that of S. microphylla at 25 and 64g/kg respectively. Values for C. sturtii are lower while those of S. microphylla compare well to the average of the whole plant. The mean CP and CF concentration differed between species with C. sturtii having the lowest CP and M. sativa the highest. S. microphylla had the highest CF while M. sativa had the lowest. The NDF and ADF levels of the samples varied between all three species with S. microphylla being the highest and M. sativa the lowest. Values for C. sturtii were in between those of the two other forages. The ADL concentration of S. microphylla was higher than both C. sturtii and M. sativa. The degree of lignification in C. sturtii was high (23.8% of NDF was ADL). The degree of lignification of S. microphylla was 26.8%, which is higher than that of C. sturtii, while M. sativa is the same as C. sturtii. The calcium concentrations of C. sturtii and M. sativa are similar and have a higher concentration than S. microphylla. M. sativa and C. sturtii had a higher phosphorus concentration than S. microphylla. With respect to magnesium (Mg), C. sturtii and M. sativa have a similar composition while S. microphylla has a lower concentration. The iron concentration of all three plants differs, with M. sativa having the lowest concentration and C. sturtii the highest. The copper concentrations in M. sativa and C. sturtii were similar, while that of S. microphylla was slightly lower. The zinc concentrations in M. sativa and C. sturtii were similar, while that of S. microphylla was slightly higher. Manganese concentration of all three species differs, with C sturtii being the lowest and S. microphylla the highest. The plants from this trial were analysed for selenium but none or very insignificant levels were found and were not worth reporting. The apparent DM digestibility of S. microphylla is significantly lower than M. sativa while it did not differ significantly from C. sturtii. C. sturtii did not differ significantly from both M. sativa and S. microphylla. The CP digestibility of all three species did not differ significantly, however that of M. sativa is numerically higher. With regards to the apparent NDF digestibility, C. sturtii and S. microphylla differ significantly to M. sativa with lower NDF digestibility values. The apparent OM digestibility followed the same trend as that of apparent DM digestibility. The average intake was very different between species, with C. sturtii being the lowest and M. sativa the highest. The animals consuming either C. sturtii or S. microphylla tended to lose body weight during the experimental period, while those eating M. sativa gained body weight. Voluntary intake parameters of C. sturtii and S. microphylla were lower and differed significantly between M. sativa. The DM intake of M. sativa was higher than both C. sturtii and S. microphylla. The ME was the highest for M. sativa while S. microphylla was significantly different and had the lowest value. C. sturtii had an ME value similar to both M. sativa and S. microphylla. The ME intake of S. microphylla was 2.89 MJ/day compared to that of M. sativa of 8.57 MJ/day. Rumen NH3-N concentrations of C. sturtii were the lowest and differed significantly from S. microphylla and M. sativa. Sheep receiving C. sturtii had the lowest total rumen VFA concentration and was significantly different from M. sativa which had the highest value. S. microphylla had a similar total VFA concentration to both C. sturtii and M. sativa. C. sturtii had the lowest proportion of acetate but did not differ significantly compared to S. microphylla, while both were significantly different to M. sativa, which had the highest value. The propionate concentration for all three forages did not differ significantly. S. microphylla had the highest fibre concentration, therefore leading to higher acetate concentrations than C. sturtii but not higher than M. sativa, suggesting the fibre of S. microphylla is less digestible. This is supported by the low apparent NDF digestibility for S. microphylla. Nitrogen intake was highest for M. sativa and was significantly different from C. sturtii and S. microphylla. The same trend followed for faecal and urinary nitrogen output as well as nitrogen retention. The nitrogen retention for all species was positive with C. sturtii being the lowest. These values compare well to the CP content of the three forages with C. sturtii the lowest and M. sativa the highest concentration. The daily urinary allantoin elimination did not differ between C. sturtii and S. microphylla but was significantly different and higher for M. sativa. The amount of microbial nitrogen supplied to the animal (g/day and g/kg DOMI) followed the same trend as allantoin. M. sativa had significantly higher a-values (soluble fraction) for both DM and NDF degradation compared to the two shrub species at a rate constant of 0.02/h. C. sturtii had a higher b-value (potentially degradable fraction) for DM degradation compared to S. microphylla which shows that S. microphylla DM component was most readily soluble. For NDF, however, the b-values didn’t differ among the species. Species had also no effect on the c-values (rate of degradation of the potentially degradable fraction b) of both DM and NDF. Therefore all species appear to have a similar potential source of energy for use by micro-organisms in the rumen. Effective DM degradability of C. sturtii and S. microphylla was similar while that of M. sativa was significantly higher. The effective NDF degradability for C. sturtii and S. microphylla was similar and M. sativa again had a significantly higher NDF degradability. The rumen DM degradability for all three species showed a similar trend but much higher values than the apparent DM digestibility. The rumen NDF degradability values were almost identical to those reported for apparent NDF digestibility. The rate of intake and rate of digestion for C. sturtii and S. microphylla did not differ significantly, while that of M. sativa was the highest and significantly different. The rate of passage for all three species was similar. The percent NDF digested in the rumen differed significantly between all three species with C. sturtii being the lowest and M. sativa the highest. The percent NDF passing from the rumen also differed significantly between all three species, however this time C. sturtii being the highest and M. sativa the lowest, which corresponds well to the values for NDF digested in the rumen. It is concluded that C. sturtii and S. microphylla are of a slightly lower nutritional value for sheep than M. sativa. If these two leguminous fodder species were to be used as maintenance feed, some other supporting source of energy would need to be supplied in order for these sheep to be maintained over a long period. The negative effect of all fibre related parameters (CF, NDF, ADF and ADL) in C. sturtii and S. microphylla, reduced digestibility as well as intake, leading to a forage of lower nutrient value as compared to M. sativa. The effect of anti-nutritional factors present in C. sturtii and S. microphylla on the digestibility of forages and nutrient contribution from forages needs to be studied to determine if these play a role in reducing the nutritional value. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc(Agric))--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

Aspects, which influence the choice of species for the rehabilitation of degraded arid areas, were studied. Although only one trial was established in the target area (transition area between the Succulent and Nama Karoo) seed of the indigenous species used was collected from this area. In the initial trials the effect of rumen digestion on the germination of fodder shrubs was observed. Species included the exotic Atriplex nummularia and Cassia sturtii, and the indigenous Sutherlandia microphylla, Tetragonia calycina, Tripteris sinuatum and Salsola glabrescens. No seed of T. calycina germinated. In T. sinuatum and S. glabrescens rumen digestion prevented germination while in the other species percentage germination was reduced. In the establishment trial with A. nummularia and C. sturtti, on a bare area onfarm, in the arid Northern Cape Province, no seed germinated. Observations showed that, for both species, protection is essential, where the risk of herbivory is high. Of the two species, C. sturtti shrubs appeared to be more drought tolerant. A further trial addressed the intra-species variation in the palatability of A. nummularia. Established shrubs of the F1 “elite” generation were browsed by sheep. The most palatable shrubs were identified and seed from these shrubs will be used to produce seedlings that will go into further selection trials. The final section of this study was a comparison, in terms of quantity, quality and re-growth, of C. sturtii, T. sinuatum and S. microphylla, at, and subsequent to, five different harvest dates. In the first three harvests no significant differences were observed in the total plant material produced, between the three species. In Harvest 5 both indigenous species had produced more edible material (leaf and <3mm stem material) than C. sturtii. The edible material of Harvests 1, 3 and 5, was analysed for crude protein content, in vitro digestibility and mineral concentrations. All three species had sufficient crude protein as well as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, to meet maintenance requirements of sheep. Trace minerals, manganese and copper, were present in adequate amounts and toxicity could be more of a concern. The concentrations of zinc in all three species, however, were only sufficient in material obtained in Harvests 1 and 3. Re-growth of all shrubs 21 weeks after Harvest 5 was assessed in terms of survival, healthiness, leafiness, volume and dry matter production. C. sturtii shrubs harvested at a later stage in the initial trial had the best survival. For most re-growth periods, C. sturtii shrubs also appeared healthier and leafier than the indigenous species. S. microphylla seedlings had, however, established in the S. microphylla plots, which was a plus for that species. Copyright / Dissertation (MScAgric)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Plant Production and Soil Science / unrestricted

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T13:00:03Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 2254187 bytes, checksum: afd8368a3a0714175ddde1bb708cc9f9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-18 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The essential oil extracted from aerial parts of Lippia microphylla Cham. (Verbenaceae) (LM-OE) presents as major compounds thymol and carvacrol. The aim of this study was to investigate and to characterize oil LM-OE spasmolytic effect on guinea pig ileum, as well to verify if this effect is due its major compunds, thymol and carvacrol. Were performed measures of isometric and isotonic contractions and cytosolic calcium. LM-OE inhibited phasic contractions induced by 10-6 M of histamine or carbachol (CCh) (IC50 = 15.8 ± 2.3 e 24.4 ± 2.9 μg/mL, respectively). In a similar manner, thymol, carvacrol and thymol/carvacrol mixture antagonized histamine- (IC50 = 14.2 ± 1.6; 13.6 ± 1.3 e 13 ± 2.1 μg/mL, respectively) ou CCh- (IC50 = 21.3 ± 3.8; 16 ± 2.6 e 27.9 ± 4.8 μg/mL, respectively) induced phasic contractions. Compared with LM-OE, in neither case was difference. In the same way, LM-OE relaxed pre-contracted organ by 40 mM of KCl, 10-5 M of CCh or 10-6 M of histamine (EC50 = 7.6 ± 0.8; 7.2 ± 1.3 e 6.8 ± 0.6 μg/mL, respectively), being equipotent in the three situations. As CaV are common step on pathway of these three contractile agents, we hypothesized that somehow LM-OE would blocking Ca2+ influx by these channels. Once probably the major compounds are biological markers for this specie, we evaluated their effect upon tonic contraction induced by 40 mM of KCl. We found that thymol, carvacrol and thymol/carvacrol mixture relaxed the ileum in a significant and concentration-dependent manner (EC50 = 5.1 ± 1.1; 11.5 ± 1 e 5.1 ± 1.1 μg/mL, respectively), being carvacrol the least potent among the three, they did not showed statistic difference when compared with LM-OE. To confirm the hypothesis of CaV participation on LM-OE spasmolytic action, were performed cumulative concentration-response curves to CaCl2 in a nominal without Ca2+ depolarizing medium in absence (control) and LM-OE presence, witch one antagonize these contractions besides to relaxes the organ when it was pre-contracted by S-(-)-Bay K 8644 (EC50 = 8.5 ± 1.5 μg/mL), a selective CaV 1, agonist confirming that the CaV subtype involved is CaV 1. The fact of CsCl, a K+ channels nonselective blocker, has not changed the relaxing potency of LM-OE oil on ileum pre-contracted with 10-5 M CCh, discard the hypothesis of positive modulation of these channels, which would lead to an indirect blockade of CaV. In experiments with ileum circular layer, LM-OE antagonized phasic contractions induced by 10-6 M of CCh (IC50 = 30.1 ± 1.5 μg/mL), that suggests a negative modulation of the Ca2+ intracellular signaling by LM-OE oil to exert its spasmolytic effect. Viability of layer longitudinal smooth muscle cells was evaluated in the absence and presence of 81 μg/mL LM-OE oil, and no cell death was verify during 2 h of contact with cells LM-OE oil. In the presence of LM-OE oil, the intensity of fluorescence in intestinal guinea pig myocytes stimulated by histamine was reduced as a result of the reduction of calcium cytosolic concentration ([Ca2+]c). In conclusion, the LM-OE oil act by blocking calcium influx through CaV1, possibly by inhibiting intracellular Ca2+ signaling and reducing [Ca2+]c, to promote its spasmolytic effect in guinea pig ileum / O óleo essencial extraído das partes aéreas de Lippia microphylla Cham. (Verbenaceae) (LM-OE) apresenta como componentes majoritários o timol e o carvacrol. O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar e caracterizar o efeito espasmolítico do óleo LM-OE em íleo de cobaia, bem como verificar se este efeito era devido aos seus constituintes majoritários. Foram realizadas medidas de contrações isotônicas e isométricas e do cálcio citosólico. O óleo LM-OE inibiu as contrações fásicas induzidas por 10-6 M de histamina ou de carbacol (CCh) (CI50 = 15,8 ± 2,3 e 24,4 ± 2,9 μg/mL, respectivamente). Da mesma forma, o timol, o carvacrol e a mistura timol/carvacrol antagonizaram as contrações fásicas induzidas por histamina (CI50 = 14,2 ± 1,6; 13,6 ± 1,3 e 13,0 ± 2,1 μg/mL, respectivamente) ou por CCh (CI50 = 21,3 ± 3,8; 16,0 ± 2,6 e 27,9 ± 4,8 μg/mL, respectivamente). Quando comparado com o óleo, não houve diferença em nenhum dos casos. Do mesmo modo, o óleo LM-OE relaxou, de maneira equipotente, o órgão pré-contraído com 40 mM de KCl, com 10-5 M de CCh ou com 10-6 M de histamina (CE50 = 7,6 ± 0,8; 7,2 ± 1,3 e 6,8 ± 0,6 μg/mL, respectivamente). Como o passo comum na via de sinalização destes agentes contráteis são os canais de cálcio dependentes de voltagem (CaV), hipotetizou-se que de alguma forma o óleo estaria impedindo o influxo de Ca2+ através destes canais. Visto que provavelmente os componentes majoritários são os marcadores biológicos para esta espécie, avaliou-se o efeito dos mesmos sobre a contração tônica induzida por 40 mM de KCl. Observou-se que o timol, o carvacrol e a mistura timol/carvacrol relaxaram o órgão de maneira significante e dependente de concentração (CE50 = 5,1 ± 1,1; 11,5 ± 1 e 5,1 ± 1,1 μg/mL, respectivamente), sendo o carvacrol o menos potente entre os três, os quais se mostraram equipotentes ao óleo LM-OE. Para confirmar a hipótese da participação dos CaV no mecanismo espasmolítico do óleo LM-OE, foram feitas curvas concentrações-resposta cumulativas ao CaCl2 em meio despolarizante nominalmente sem Ca2+ na ausência (controle) e na presença do óleo LM-OE, o qual antagonizou essas contrações, além de relaxar o órgão pré-contraído com S-(-)-Bay K 8644 (CE50 = 8,5 ± 1,5 μg/mL), agonista seletivo dos CaV1, confirmando assim que o subtipo de CaV envolvido é o CaV1. O fato do CsCl, um bloqueador não seletivo dos canais de K+, não ter alterado a potência relaxante do óleo LM-OE no íleo pré-contraído com 10-5 M de CCh, descarta a hipótese da modulação positiva desses canais, o que levaria a um bloqueio indireto dos CaV. Em experimentos utilizando a camada circular do íleo de cobaia, o óleo antagonizou as contrações fásicas induzidas por 10-6 M de CCh (CI50 = 30,1 ± 1,5 μg/mL), o que sugere uma possível inibição da sinalização intracelular de Ca2+ para exercer seu efeito espasmolítico. A viabilidade das células musculares lisas da camada longitudinal foi avaliada na ausência e na presença de 81 μg/mL do óleo LM-OE, não havendo morte celular no período 2 h de contato das células com o óleo LM-OE. Na presença do óleo LM-OE, a intensidade de fluorescência em miócitos intestinais de cobaia estimulados por histamina foi reduzida em consequência da redução da [Ca2+]c. Em conclusão, o óleo LM-OE age por impedir o influxo de cálcio através dos CaV1, por possivelmente inibir a sinalização intracelular de Ca2+ e redução da concentração citosólica desse íon, para promover seu efeito espasmolítico em íleo isolado de cobaia

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T13:00:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1940701 bytes, checksum: 1fb0db28dad1a0cc968ffd1001f66944 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-04-23 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Cancer is a complex genetic disease that is a major public health problem worldwide accounting for about seven million of deaths each year. Many anticancer drugs currently used in clinical medicine have been isolated from plant species, or they are based on substances isolates of these species. But natural products, as anticancer agents, can also cause damage to the organism, requiring toxicity studies. Lippia microphylla is a plant popularly known as alecrim-de-tabuleiro, rarely reported in literature. There are several reports of constituents isolated from species of this genus that have antitumor activity, which sparked interest in the investigation of a possible antitumor activity of Lippia microphylla. Additionally, essential oils isolated from different species are known to have different biological activities, among them anticancer activity. Therefore this study aimed to evaluate the antitumor activity and toxicity of essential oil of this species through in vitro and in vivo. Initially was evaluated the in vitro antitumor activity against cell lines sarcoma 180 and K562. The IC50 values obtained were 100, 1 &#956;g/mL and 60.05 &#956;g/mL for the two strains respectively. Investigation of the mechanism of cytotoxicity (intrinsic pathway of apoptosis and involvement of oxidative stress) through supplementation of culture medium with cyclosporin A and the antioxidants glutathione and N-acetylcysteine resulted in IC50 of 118,3 &#956;g/mL, 107,3 &#956;g/mL e 109,2 &#956;g/mL for sarcoma 180 respectively, and 51.94 &#956;g/mL, 55.49 &#956;g/mL and 94.18 &#956;g/ml for K562, respectively. The CH50 value obtained in the experiment of cytotoxicity against erythrocytes was 300.2 &#956;g/mL. In the evaluation of antitumor activity the in vivo inhibition rates of tumor growth were 38.2% for the dose of 50 mg/kg and 59.8% for 100 mg/kg of essential oil of Lippia microphylla (OEL). The toxicological analysis showed moderate gastrointestinal and hematological toxicity, and alterations in liver function, as evidenced by an increase in AST and ALT, corroborated with histopathological analysis, for both groups treated with OEL. However the changes are reversible and not considered substantial when compared with several widely anticancer drugs used in clinical medicine. Therefore, we can infer that the O.E.L. displays antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo with moderate toxicity, which is not a limiting factor for its possible pharmacology applicability. / O câncer é uma doença genética complexa que constitui um importante problema de saúde pública em todo mundo sendo responsável por cerca de sete milhões de óbitos a cada ano. Muitos dos fármacos antineoplásicos utilizados atualmente na clínica médica foram isolados de espécies vegetais ou são baseados em protótipos isolados das mesmas. Porém, agentes antineoplásicos, naturais ou sintéticos, podem ocasionar sérios danos ao organismo, o que justifica a necessidade de avaliação de sua toxicidade. Lippia microphylla é uma planta conhecida popularmente como alecrim-de-tabuleiro e é pouco relatada na literatura. Existem vários relatos de constituintes isolados de espécies desse gênero que apresentam atividade antitumoral, o que despertou o interesse para a investigação de uma possível atividade antitumoral de Lippia microphylla. Adicionalmente, óleos essenciais isolados de diferentes espécies, são conhecidos por apresentarem diferentes atividade biológicas, dentre elas atividade antitumoral. Diante disso, esse trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a atividade antitumoral e toxicidade do óleo essencial das folhas de L. microphylla (O.E.L.), através de ensaios in vitro e in vivo. Inicialmente foi avaliada a atividade antitumoral in vitro frente células das linhagens sarcoma 180 e K562. Os valores de CI50 obtidos foram de 100,1 &#956;g/mL e 60,05 &#956;g/mL para as duas linhagens, respectivamente. A investigação do mecanismo de citotoxicidade (via intrínseca da apoptose e envolvimento de estresse oxidativo) por meio da suplementação do meio de cultura com ciclosporina A (um inibidor do poro de transição de permeabilidade mitocondrial) e os antioxidantes glutationa e N-acetilcisteína resultou em CI50 de 118,3 &#956;g/mL, 107,3 &#956;g/mL e 109,2 &#956;g/mL para a linhagem sarcoma 180, respectivamente, e 51,94 &#956;g/mL, 55,49 &#956;g/mL e 94,18 &#956;g/mL para a linhagem K562, respectivamente. O valor de CH50 obtido no experimento de citotoxicidade frente eritrócitos de camundongos foi 300,2 &#956;g/mL. Na avaliação da atividade antitumoral in vivo as taxas de inibição do crescimento tumoral foram de 38,2 % e 59,8 % para a dose de 50 mg/kg e 100 mg/kg do O.E.L., respectivamente. As análises toxicológicas demonstraram leve toxicidade gastrointestinal e hematológica, e alteração significativa na função hepática, evidenciada por aumento de AST e ALT, e corroborada com a análise histopatológica, para ambos os grupos tratados com o O.E.L. No entanto, as alterações são consideradas reversíveis e não substanciais quando comparados àquelas produzidas por diversos antineoplásicos largamente utilizados na clínica médica. Portanto, é possível inferir que o O.E.L. apresenta atividade antitumoral in vitro e in vivo com moderada toxicidade, o que não representa um fator limitante para sua aplicabilidade terapêutica.

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

abstract: ABSTRACT The elephant tree, Bursera microphylla, is at the northern limit of its range in central Arizona. This species is sensitive to frost damage thus limiting its occurrence in more northern areas of the southwest. Marginal populations of B. microphylla are found in mountain ranges of Central Arizona and are known to occur in the rugged mountain range system of the South Mountain Municipal Park (SMMP). Little is known of the distribution of this species within the park and details relevant to the health of both individual plants and the population such as diameter and number of trunks, height, and presence of damage have not been examined. This study was designed, in part, to test the hypothesis that favorable microhabitats at SMMP are created by particular combinations of abiotic features including aspect, slope, elevation and solar radiation. Data on abiotic factors, as well as specific individual plant locations and characteristics were obtained for 100 individuals. Temperature data was collected in vertical transects at different altitudinal levels. Some of these data were used in spatial analyses to generate a habitat suitability model using GIS software. Furthermore, collected data was analyzed using Matlab© software to identify potential trends in the variation of morphological traits. In addition, for comparative purposes similar information at one hundred computer-generated randomly chosen points throughout SMMP was obtained. The GIS spatial analyses indicated that aspect, slope, elevation, and relative solar radiance are strongly associated as major climatic components of the microhabitat of B. microphylla. Temperature data demonstrated that there are significant differences in ambient temperature among different altitudinal gradients with middle elevations being more favorable. Furthermore, analyses performed using Matlab© to explore trends of elevation as a factor indicated that multiple trunk plants are more commonly found at higher elevations than single trunk plants, there is a positive correlation of trunk diameter with elevation, and that canopy volume has a negative correlation with respect to elevation. It was concluded that microhabitats where B. microphylla occurs at the northern limit of its range require a particular combination of abiotic features that can be easily altered by climatic changes. / Dissertation/Thesis / M.S. Applied Biological Sciences 2011

Submitted by Maike Costa (maiksebas@gmail.com) on 2017-09-12T13:51:31Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 2565770 bytes, checksum: 9a17a1e982b430cc6e63bdb785f2ce92 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-09-12T13:51:31Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 2565770 bytes, checksum: 9a17a1e982b430cc6e63bdb785f2ce92 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-03-31 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / Lippia microphylla Cham. (Verbenaceae), known as “alecrim-do-mato”, “alecrim-de-tabuleiro” and “alecrim-pimenta”, is populary used as antiseptic or to treat respiratory disorders. From its leaves, the essential oil (LM-OE) was extracted, that, according to Silva (2013), presented tocolytic effect on rat, with a probably indirect inhibition of Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV). Thus, the aim of this work was to characterize the tocolytic action mechanism of LM-OE on rat. Isometric contractions were recorded to determine and compare the relative efficacy and potency (n = 5). Considering that the NO pathway can negatively modulate the CaV, we decided to evaluate this participation on rat uterus pre-contracted by oxytocin. For that, it was employed L-NAME, a non-selective inhibitor of NO synthase (NOS). The results show that the tocolytic potency of LM-OE (EC50 = 2.7 ± 0.6 μg/mL) was approximately 9.5-fold attenuated in the presence of L-NAME (EC50 = 25.6 ± 3.9 μg/mL). Furthermore, this reduction was reversed in the presence of the L-arginine (EC50 = 6.2 ± 1.7 μg/mL), a NOS substrate, and simultaneous presence of the L-arginine and L-NAME (EC50 = 7.2 ± 1.4 μg/mL), confirming the participation of NO pathway in the tocolytic action of LM-OE. Similarly, the relaxant potency of LM-OE was approximately 3.7-fold reduced in the presence of ODQ (EC50 = 10.1 ± 0.9 μg/mL), a soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) inhibitor, and 3.3-fold in the presence of Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS (EC50 = 8.9 ± 0.9 μg/mL), a protein kinase G (PKG) inhibitor. Thus, LM-OE positively modulates the NO/sGC/PKG pathway to promote its tocolytic effect on rat. Given that this pathway can activate the K+ channels, it was questioned if these channels would be involved on tocolytic effect of LM-OE. To confirm this hypothesis, experiments were made in the presence of CsCl, a non-selective K+ channels blocker, and it was observed that the concentration-response curve of LM-OE (EC50 = 2.7 ± 0.6 μg/mL) was rightward shifted with an approximately 4.3-fold reduction on its relaxant potency, confirming the participation of K+ channels on tocolytic effect of essential oil. In order to verify the subtypes involved, it was employed selective blockers of K+ channels. Control concentration-response curve was also shifted to the right and the tocolytic potency of LM-OE was attenuated in the presence of tetraethylammonium (EC50 = 10.5 ± 0.3 μg/mL), apamin (EC50 = 10.0 ± 1.0 μg/mL), 4-aminopyridine (EC50 = 12.4 ± 2.0 μg/mL) and glibenclamide (EC50 = 9.7 ± 0.9 μg/mL), the large (BKCa) and small conductance (SKCa) calcium-activated, voltage-gated (KV) and adenosine triphosphate-sensitive (KATP) potassium channels blockers, respectively. Moreover, LM-OE had its tocolytic potency reduced in the same intensity when these four blockers were simultaneously incubated (EC50 = 16.6 ± 2.6 μg/mL), not observing synergistic effect. Therefore, the tocolytic action mechanism of LM-OE on rat involves the positive modulation of the NO/sGC/PKG/K+ channels pathway, suggesting the blockade of calcium influx through CaV, leading to the relaxation of uterine smooth muscle. / Lippia microphylla Cham. (Verbenaceae), conhecida como “alecrim-do-mato”, “alecrim-de-tabuleiro” e “alecrim-pimenta”, é usada popularmente como antisséptico ou para tratar distúrbios respiratórios. Das folhas dessa espécie foi extraído o óleo essencial (LM-OE) que, de acordo com Silva (2013), apresentou efeito tocolítico em útero isolado de rata, indicando uma provável inibição indireta do influxo de Ca2+ através dos canais de cálcio dependentes de voltagem (CaV). Diante disso, o objetivo deste trabalho foi caracterizar o mecanismo de ação tocolítica do LM-OE em rata. As contrações isométricas foram monitoradas para determinar e comparar a eficácia e a potência relativas (n = 5). Tendo em vista que os CaV podem ser modulados negativamente pela via do óxido nítrico (NO), decidiu-se avaliar a participação dessa via em útero de rata pré-contraído com ocitocina. Para tanto, utilizou-se L-NAME, um inibidor não seletivo de sintase do NO (NOS). Os resultados evidenciaram que a potência tocolítica do LM-OE (CE50 = 2,7 ± 0,6 μg/mL) foi reduzida em aproximadamente 9,5 vezes, na presença de L-NAME (CE50 = 25,6 ± 3,9 μg/mL), sendo essa redução revertida na presença de L-arginina (CE50 = 6,2 ± 1,7 μg/mL), substrato para a NOS, e na presença simultânea de L-arginina e de L-NAME (CE50 = 7,2 ± 1,4 μg/mL), confirmando o envolvimento da via do NO na ação tocolítica do LM-OE. Semelhantemente, a potência relaxante do LM-OE foi reduzida em aproximadamente 3,7 vezes na presença de ODQ (CE50 = 10,1 ± 0,9 μg/mL), inibidor de ciclase de guanilil solúvel (sGC), e 3,3 vezes na presença de Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS (CE50 = 8,9 ± 0,9 μg/mL), inibidor de proteína cinase G (PKG). Sendo assim, o LM-OE modula positivamente a via do NO/sCG/PKG para promover seu efeito tocolítico em rata. Uma vez que essa via pode ativar canais de K+, questionou-se se esses canais estariam participando do efeito tocolítico do LM-OE. Para confirmar essa hipótese, foram realizados experimentos na presença de CsCl, bloqueador não seletivo de canais de K+, e observou-se que a curva concentração-resposta do LM-OE (CE50 = 2,7 ± 0,6 μg/mL) foi desviada para a direita com redução da potência relaxante (CE50 = 11,7 ± 1,5 μg/mL) em aproximadamente 4,3 vezes, confirmando a participação dos canais de K+ no efeito tocolítico do óleo essencial. Para verificar quais seriam esses subtipos de canais utilizou-se bloqueadores seletivos. A curva controle concentração-resposta também foi desviada para a direita e a potência tocolítica reduzida na presença de tetraetilamônio (CE50 = 10,5 ± 0,3 μg/mL), de apamina (CE50 = 10,0 ± 1,0 μg/mL), de 4-aminopiridina (CE50 = 12,4 ± 2,0 μg/mL) e de glibenclamida (CE50 = 9,7 ± 0,9 μg/mL), bloqueadores de canais de potássio: ativados por cálcio de grande (BKCa) e de pequena condutância (SKCa), dependentes de voltagem (KV) e sensíveis ao trifosfato de adenosina (KATP), respectivamente. Ademais, o LM-OE teve sua potência tocolítica reduzida quando esses quatro bloqueadores foram pré-incubados simultaneamente (CE50 = 16,6 ± 2,6 μg/mL), não sendo observado efeito sinérgico. Assim, o mecanismo de ação tocolítica do LM-OE em rata envolve a modulação positiva da via NO/sGC/PKG/canais de K+, sugerindo o bloqueio do influxo de cálcio via CaV e, consequentemente, o relaxamento do músculo liso uterino.

Seed dispersal by caching rodents is a context-dependent mutualism in many systems. Plants benefit when seed remaining in shallow caches germinates before being eaten, often gaining protection from beetles and a favorable microsite in the process. Caching in highly unfavorable microsites, conversely, could undermine the dispersal benefit for the plant. Plant invasions could disrupt dispersal benefits of seed caching by attracting rodents to the protection of a dense invasive canopy which inhibits the establishment of native seedlings beneath it. To determine whether rodents disproportionately cache seed under the dense canopy of an invasive grass in southeastern Arizona, we used nontoxic fluorescent powder and ultraviolet light to locate caches of seed offered to rodents in the field. We fitted a general habitat-use model, which showed that disproportionate use of plant cover by caching rodents (principally Chaetodipus spp.) increased with moonlight. Across all moon phases, when rodents cached under plants, they cached under the invasive grass disproportionately to its relative cover. A greenhouse experiment showed that proximity to the invasive grass reduced the growth and survival of seedlings of a common native tree (Parkinsonia microphylla) whose seeds are dispersed by caching rodents. Biased dispersal of native seed to the base of an invasive grass could magnify the competitive effect of this grass on native plants, further reducing their recruitment and magnifying the effect of the invasion.