Memoria para optar al título de Químico Farmacéutico / El corazón está constituido por numerosos tipos celulares, de los cuales el 90% corresponde a cardiomiocitos y fibroblastos. Los fibroblastos representan dos tercios de la población celular del corazón y están encargados principalmente del recambio de las proteínas de la matriz extracelular. Estas células tienen la capacidad de responder a una variedad de citoquinas, factores de crecimiento y expresan sus receptores indicando que pueden responder de manera autocrina; y por la acción de TGF-1, se diferencian a miofibroblastos, un fenotipo celular altamente secretor de colágeno y principal encargado del proceso de cicatrización. Por otro lado, existen numerosos antecedentes que demuestran que en fibroblastos cardiacos, la activación de las vías de transducción que conducen al aumento del AMPc contribuye a la reducción de la fibrosis cardiaca, por regular procesos antifibróticos entre ellos disminuir la adhesión, migración y la diferenciación a miofibroblasto. Recientemente se ha descrito en la literatura a la proteína EPAC-1 (del acrónimo exchange protein activated directly by cAMP), quien a través de las GTPasas pequeñas Rap 1 y Rap 2 modula secreción de colágeno y migración. Sin embargo, no existen antecedentes de si EPAC-1 regula en fibroblastos y miofibroblastos cardiacos la adhesión y migración celular; y la contracción de geles de colágeno. Por lo anterior, en este trabajo se estudió los niveles de expresión de EPAC-1 en fibroblastos y miofibroblastos cardiacos, y si EPAC-1 regula los procesos antes mencionados. Para ello, se utilizaron estímulos que aumentan el AMPc (forskolina e isoproterenol) y el agonista directo de EPAC-1 Me-AMPc. Nuestros resultados mostraron que en fibroblastos cardiacos forskolina y Me-AMPc aumentaron la adhesión celular, y este efecto fue menor con isoproterenol; mientras que en miofibroblastos se observó un aumento en la adhesión sólo con el agonista de la EPAC-1. Por otro lado, forskolina, isoproterenol y Me-AMPc, inducen una mayor migración de fibroblastos, mientras que en miofibroblastos no se observaron efectos con esos estímulos. Finalmente, en fibroblastos cardiacos no se observaron efectos sobre la contracción de geles de colágeno. Conclusión: EPAC regula diferencialmente la adhesión y migración de fibroblastos y miofibroblastos cardiacos, indicando que participa de manera muy importante en procesos asociados al remodelamiento cardiaco / The heart is composed of many cell types, of which 90% were cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. Fibroblasts represent two thirds of the heart cell population and are mainly responsible for the turnover of extracellular matrix proteins. These cells have the capacity to respond to a variety of cytokines, growth factors and express their receptors indicating that they can respond in an autocrine manner; and by the action of TGF-1, they are differentiated into myofibroblasts, a cellular phenotype highly secreting of collagen and main cell involved of the healing process. On the other hand, there are numerous reports that show that in cardiac fibroblasts, the activation of signal transduction pathways leading to increased cAMP levels contributes to the reduction of cardiac fibrosis by regulating profibrotic processes including adhesion, migration and myofibroblastic differentiation. Recently has been described the protein EPAC-1 (exchange protein activated by cAMP), who through the small GTPases Rap 1 and 2, modulates secretion of collagen and migration. However, there is no data on whether EPAC-1 regulates cardiac fibroblasts and myofibroblasts adhesion and migration, and contraction of collagen gels. Therefore, in this work we studied in cardiac fibroblasts and myofibroblasts the expression levels of EPAC-1, and if EPAC-1 regulates the above mentioned processes. To do this, we used stimuli that increase cAMP (forskolin and isoproterenol) and direct agonist of EPAC-1 (Me-cAMP). Our results showed that in cardiac fibroblasts Me-cAMP and forskolin increased cell adhesion, and this effect was less with isoproterenol, while in myofibroblasts showed an increased adhesion only with the agonist of EPAC-1. Furthermore, forskolin, isoproterenol and Me-cAMP, induced an increased migration of fibroblasts, myofibroblasts whereas no effects were observed with these stimuli. Finally, cardiac fibroblasts showed no effects on collagen gel contraction. Conclusion: EPAC differentially regulates adhesion and migration of cardiac fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, indicating that it play an important role in processes associated with cardiac remodeling

Los tumores de mama pertenecen a un grupo de lesiones neoplásicas denominadas tumores desmoplásicos que, bajo la influencia de ciertos factores epiteliales, originan una estructura estromal rígida responsable de la consistencia dura de la masa tumoral. Este proceso fibrótico ocurre en etapas tempranas de la enfermedad, es controlado por una forma de fibroblastos conocidos como miofibroblastos, o fibroblastos activados, y sus mecanismos son pobremente comprendidos. La activación del tejido estromal es una etapa fundamental en la progresión tumoral, permitiendo tanto la adquisición de propiedades malignas en células epiteliales, como la capacidad invasiva y metastásica. En esta memoria de título estudiamos la miodiferenciación de fibroblastos mamarios no tumorales RMF-EG, frente al estímulo de TGF-β1, secretado por células tumorales y que es abundante en el microambiente tumoral. Los resultados mostraron que 5ng/mL de TGF-β1 aumentó la expresión de actina α-SMA, marcador de miofibroblastos, y de CTGF, molécula asociada a diversos desórdenes fibróticos. A través del uso del inhibidor DPI y el knock-down de NOX4 demostramos que TGF-β1 promovió un ambiente oxidativo que favoreció la miodiferenciación fibroblástica de células RMF-EG. Determinamos también que TGF-β1 activó la ruta de señalización JNK1,2 y que esta activación era fundamental para el aumento de la expresión de CTGF, NOX4 y α-SMA. Estudiamos la influencia de la activación de esta ruta alternativa junto con el aumento del tenor oxidativo, sobre la activación de la ruta canónica Smad2,3. Los resultados mostraron que el aumento en la expresión de NOX4 y la fosforilación de JNK1,2 actuaban de manera sinérgica para activar la ruta Smad2,3. En conjunto, estos resultados demuestran que TGF-β1 provoca la miodiferenciación de fibroblastos no tumorales, a través de un mecanismo que requiere de la activación de JNK1,2, el aumento temprano de la expresión de CTGF y NOX4 con un consecuente aumento de los niveles intracelulares de ROS. / Memoria para optar al título de Bioquímico / Brest tumors belong to a group of neoplastic lesions known as desmoplastics or scirrhous tumors which, under the influence of tumor cell factors, originate a fibrous structure responsible for the hard consistency of the tumor mass. This fibrotic process occurs during early stages of the disease, it is orchestrated by activated fibroblast i.e. myofibroblast and its mechanisms are poorly understood. Activation of the stromal compartment is a critical step in tumor progression, enabling the epithelial acquisition of malignant properties, such as invasive and metastatic capacities. In the present study, we investigated the myofibroblastic differentiation of normal human mammary fibroblast RMF-EG, induced by TGF-β1, a growth factor secreted by tumor cells and abundant in tumor microenvironment. Our results reveal that a 5ng/mL TGF-β1 stimulus increased the expression of myofibroblast marker α-SMA and CTGF, a molecule associated to several fibrotic disorders. Using a NOX inhibitor (DPI) and a siRNA for NOX4, we demonstrated that TGF-β1 promoted an oxidative environment that favors myofibroblastic differentiation of RMF-EG cells. We also determined that TGF-β1-dependant activation of JNK1,2 was essential for CTGF, NOX4 and α-SMA increased expression. We assessed the influence of JNK1,2 activation and NOX4 activity on canonical Smad2,3 activation. Our results reveal that the TGF-β1-dependant increase of NOX4 expression and JNK1,2 phosphorylation induced a synergical activation of the canonical TGF-β1 pathway, Smad2,3.Taken together, these results demonstrate that TGF-β1 promotes myofibroblastic differentiation of normal fibroblasts RMF-EG through a mechanism that requires JNK1,2 activation, early increase of CTGF and NOX4 expression with a consequent increase of intracellular ROS levels

Tesis presentada a la Universidad de Chile para optar al grado de Doctora en Farmacología / La fibrosis cardiaca se genera por un depósito exagerado de proteínas de matriz extracelular (MEC) producto de la activación de los fibroblastos (FC). Estas células, representan cerca de un 60 a 70% de las células del corazón, y en respuesta a un daño, son activadas por diversas citoquinas y factores de crecimiento (entre ellas, TGF-β1, Ang II, etc.), los que desencadenan en ellas un cambio estructural y funcional que las diferencia a miofibroblastos cardiacos (MFC). Los MFC tienen como principal función la de secretar proteínas de la MEC con el fin de contraer y reparar la zona dañada en el caso de un infarto al corazón. Así, el MFC juega un papel crucial en la respuesta frente a un daño en el tejido cardiaco. A pesar de ello, es muy poco lo que se sabe con respecto al comportamiento de este tipo celular frente al remodelado cardiaco. Además, se tiene un escaso conocimiento acerca de los receptores celulares que presenta este tipo celular, pudiendo ser piezas claves en la regulación de la secreción exacerbada de MEC y por tanto, de la generación de fibrosis del tejido. En la fibrosis cardiaca, adquiere gran importancia la participación del sistema calicreina-cinina. Se ha propuesto que la ausencia de los receptores de cininas es deletérea a nivel del tejido cardiaco, especialmente en la respuesta frente a una injuria. Dentro de este sistema, se encuentran bradicinina (BK) que actúa sobre el receptor B2 de cininas (B2R) y lis-des-Arg-BK (DAKD) que ejercen su acción sobre el receptor B1 (B1R). En FC se ha demostrado que, BK produce liberación de NO y de prostaglandinas, además de reducir la secreción de colágeno. Sin embargo, en MFC se desconocen que subtipos de receptores están presentes, así como las vías transduccionales que se activan tras la estimulación de ambos subtipos de receptores. En la presente tesis y de acuerdo con el contexto, se realizaron diversos experimentos para demostrar la existencia y funcionalidad de los receptores de cininas tanto en FC como en MFC. Por western blot (WB) se evidenció la presencia de ambos receptores tanto en FC como en MFC, no obstante, la expresión de B1R es mayor en MFC que FC; mientras que B2R permanece constante. La expresión de B1R aumentó tras el tratamiento de FC con TGF-β1, principal diferenciador a MFC. Además mediante las técnicas de inmunofluorescencia y ensayos de radioligando, se determinó que en FC el B1R se encuentra localizado principalmente a nivel intracelular, mientras que en MFC se localiza marcadamente en las membranas plasmáticas. Por otro lado, mediante el análisis de los movimientos de calcio intracelular, se demostró que B2R es funcional en ambos tipos celulares, mientras que B1R es funcional en MFC y no así en FC. Sin embargo, en FC la preincubación con el agonista de B1R (DAKD), y la posterior estimulación (30 min) con el mismo agonista, mostró que estos receptores son también funcionales. Mediante inmunofluorescencia se evidenció que tras la preincubación con el agonista existe una relocalización de B1R hacia las membranas plasmáticas, dónde son capaces de generar movimientos de calcio intracelular, demostrando que también son receptores activos. Además, en MFC se demostró que la activación de B1R y B2R por sus respectivos agonistas induce una reducción en la expresión de colágeno I (Col I). En FC, la activación de B2R induce la disminución en los niveles de Col I, mientras que la activación de B1R que provoca la reducción en la expresión de Col I, requiere de un estímulo previo que redistribuya este receptor hacia la membrana plasmática. Finalmente, el uso de distintos inhibidores permitió demostrar que en MFC, tanto la activación de B1R como B2R, conducen a la disminución en la expresión de Col I a través de la activación de una vía transduccional que es compartida por ambos receptores, y que corresponde a: PKC/PLA2/COX-2/PGI2/IPR. En resumen, los resultados de esta tesis sostienen que en MFC la activación de B1R y B2R conduce a la disminución de la expresión de Col I, lo cual se relaciona a los efectos antifibróticos de las cininas en el progreso de patologías como la fibrosis cardiaca / Cardiac fibrosis is generated by an excessive deposit of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM) product of fibroblast (CF) activation. These cells account for about 60 to 70% of the cells in the heart. In response to injury, fibroblasts are activated by various cytokines and growth factors (including TGF-β1, Ang II, etc.), which trigger in them structural and functional changes, differentiating to cardiac myofibroblasts (CMF). The main function of CMF is to secrete ECM proteins to repair the damaged area in the case of a heart attack. Thus CMF play a crucial role in the response to injury in the heart tissue. However, very little is known about the behavior of this cell type versus cardiac remodeling. Furthermore, the knowledge on the receptors present on this cell type is scarce, and they could be key elements in the regulation of the exacerbated secretion of MEC and therefore the generation of tissue fibrosis. In cardiac fibrosis, the participation of the kallikrein-kinin system is very important. It has been proposed that the absence of kinin receptors is deleterious for cardiac tissue, especially in response to an injury. Within this system are bradykinin (BK) which acts on the B2 kinin receptor (B2R) and lis-des-Arg-BK (DAKD) that exerts its action on the B1 receptor (B1R). In CF, it has been shown that BK induces NO release and prostaglandins production, which reduce collagen secretion. However, in CMF it is not known which kinin receptor subtype is present and what signal transduction pathways are activated by these receptors. In this thesis and in accordance with the context, various experiments were conducted to prove the existence and functionality of kinin receptors in both CF and CMF the presence of both receptors in both CF as MFC was observed by Western blot (WB), however, expression of B1R in CMF was greater than in FC, while B2R remained constant. B1R expression increased after treatment of CF with TGF-β1, the main differentiator to CMF. By immunofluorescence techniques and radioligand assays, it was determined that CF B1R was located primarily intracellularly, whereas CMF was markedly located in the plasma membranes. Moreover, by analyzing intracellular calcium movements, B2R was shown to be functional in both cell types, while B1R was functional in CMF, but not in CF. However, when CF were preincubated with the B1R agonist (DAKD) and subsequently stimulated (30 min) with the same agonist, these receptors were also functional. By Immunofluorescence it was shown that after preincubation with the agonist the B1R was relocated to plasma membranes, where they were able to generate intracellular calcium movements, showing they are active receptors. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that B1R and B2R activation in CMF by their respective agonists, induces a reduction in the expression of collagen I (Col I). In contrast in CF, B2R activation induced a decrease in Col I levels, whereas a previous stimulus that redistributes B1R receptor to the plasma membrane is required to induce a reduction in Col I expression after B1R stimulation. Finally, the use of various inhibitors shows that CMF allowed both B1R activation and B2R, leading to a decrease in Col I expression through activation of a signal transduction pathway which is shared by both receptors, and that is mediated by PKC/PLA2/COX-2/PGI2/IPR. In summary, the results of this study argue that B1R and B2R activation in CMF leads to decreased expression of Col I, which is related to antifibrotic effects of kinins in the progress of diseases such as cardiac fibrosis / Conicyt Fondecyt

Doctor en Ciencias Farmacéuticas / Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son, hoy en día, una de las principales causas de muerte. Estas enfermedades generan comúnmente cambios en la estructura del corazón que conlleva a un remodelamiento del tejido generando hipertrofia y fibrosis, lo cual altera la función cardiaca normal y que finalmente se traduce en una insuficiencia cardiaca. La fibrosis cardiaca se genera por un depósito excesivo de proteínas de la matriz extracelular (MEC) producto de la activación de fibroblastos. Estas células, que representan alrededor del 70% del total de las células del corazón humano, frente a una injuria cardiaca, responden a una variedad de citoquinas y factores de crecimiento que promueven su diferenciación a miofibroblastos. Estos a su vez, expresan la proteína α-actina del músculo liso (α-SMA) la que le confiere propiedades contráctiles y durante el proceso de reparación del tejido cardiaco, son los principales responsables de la síntesis de numerosas proteínas de la MEC, las que incluyen colágeno, fibronectina y laminina lo que finalmente se traduce en el cierre de la herida. Asimismo, los miofibroblastos están encargados de liberar citoquinas, factores de crecimiento, como angiotensina II, y en forma adicional, incrementan el número de receptores para estos mismos mediadores. Por otro lado, existen numerosos antecedentes que demuestran que la activación de la vía de transducción del 3’,5’-adenosina monofosfato cíclico (AMPc) podría estar contribuyendo a la reducción de la fibrosis cardiaca, ya que se ha visto que un incremento en los niveles de AMPc en el fibroblasto cardiaco, puede disminuir su función celular así como también inhibir la diferenciación de fibroblasto a miofibroblasto. En este sentido, durante mucho tiempo se ha establecido como regla general que los efectos mediados por el AMPc en las células eucariontes ocurría exclusivamente a través de la activación de la proteína quinasa A (PKA) y que a su vez la PKA mediaba los cambios en la expresión y función de las proteínas. Sin embargo, el descubrimiento de otra proteína llamada EPAC (del acrónimo exchange protein activated directly by cAMP), que regula la actividad de las proteínas G pequeñas Rap 1 y Rap 2, y que también es activada por el AMPc, comenzó a cambiar el campo de investigación relacionado con el estudio de la vía de transducción de este segundo mensajero. A pesar de que los fibroblastos cardiacos expresan EPAC-1, poco se conoce acerca de los mecanismos que regulan la expresión de las isoformas de EPAC en los fibroblastos y miofibroblastos, y de que factores (péptidos, citoquinas, hormonas, entre otros) son los que están involucrados en la regulación de la misma. Estudios han demostrado que los niveles de expresión de EPAC-1 se encuentran aumentados en ratones con hipertrofia cardiaca y que la vía AMPc-EPAC1-Rap1 se encuentra activa bajo estas circunstancias. Estos antecedentes estarían dando cuenta de que EPAC-1 podría estar participando de forma activa en procesos asociados al remodelamiento cardiaco. Paralelamente, se ha observado que el factor de crecimiento transformante β1 (TGF-β1), citoquina estrechamente relacionada con el proceso de fibrosis cardiaca, promueve la disminución de la expresión de EPAC-1 en el fibroblasto cardiaco de rata adulta. Sin embargo, se desconoce el mecanismo por el cual TGF-β1 regula la expresión de EPAC-1 tanto en el fibroblasto como en los miofibroblastos cardiacos. Desde el punto de vista de la funcionalidad de EPAC-1, existen algunos estudios que demuestran la participación de esta proteína en algunos procesos celulares asociados al remodelamiento cardiaco, tales como la migración de fibroblastos y secreción de colágeno, pero se desconoce totalmente su participación en los mecanismos asociados a adhesión y contracción de geles de colágeno, procesos celulares importantes en el remodelamiento del miocardio, en donde participan activamente tanto fibroblastos como miofibroblastos. Bajo este contexto, en la presente tesis, se estudió en una primera instancia cómo el TGF-β1 era capaz de regular los niveles de EPAC-1 tanto en fibroblastos como en miofibroblastos de rata neonata. Para ello se realizaron estudios mediante westernblot con el fin de determinar los niveles basales de EPAC-1 en nuestro modelo de estudio, para luego estudiar la influencia del TGF- β1 sobre estos niveles a través de la intervención de sus vías de señalización canónica (Smad2/3) y no canónica (MAPK y Akt). Los resultados obtenidos dieron cuenta de que los miofibroblastos poseían mayores niveles de EPAC-1 comparado a los fibroblastos y que en la regulación de EPAC- 1 en fibroblastos cardiacos participaron proteínas tales como Smad-2 y JNK, mientras que en el miofibroblasto ambas vías de señalización, canónica y no canónica, participaron de la regulación de los niveles de EPAC-1. Posteriormente y con el fin de dilucidar el rol que juega este factor intercambiador de nucleótidos de guanina sobre las funciones de fibroblastos y miofibroblastos, se evaluó la capacidad de EPAC-1 de fosforilar a su efector río abajo Rap-1, utilizando para ello un análogo del AMPc con capacidad de activar selectivamente a EPAC-1. Los resultados demostraron que en ambos fenotipos celulares EPAC-1 fue capaz de activar a su efector río abajo Rap-1, y más aún, que en los miofibroblastos está activación era mucho mayor en comparación a sus precursores los fibroblastos. Finalmente y con el objetivo de dilucidar la participación de EPAC-1 en procesos asociados al remodelamiento cardiaco tales como adhesión, migración, contracción de geles de colágeno y expresión de colágeno; se llevaron a cabo una serie de experimentos destinados a evaluar los procesos antes mencionados en nuestro modelo de estudio. Para ello se utilizaron herramientas mediante las cuales fue posible dilucidar los efectos mediados principalmente por EPAC-1 y a la vez los efectos mediados por PKA, ya que al ser ambas proteínas efectoras del AMPc, era importante poder establecer la contribución real de cada una de ellas a los procesos antes señalados. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren que EPAC-1 participaría aumentando la adhesión de fibroblastos y miofibroblastos a fibronectina, promoviendo la migración de fibroblastos, aumentando la contracción de geles de colágeno tanto en fibroblastos como en miofibroblastos y disminuyendo los niveles de colágeno en ambos fenotipos celulares. Estos resultados se complementan con los obtenidos en relación a la PKA, en donde se logró dilucidar que esta proteína estaría participando en los procesos de contracción de geles de colágeno y expresión de colágeno. PKA al parecer aumentaría la contracción de geles de colágeno en miofibroblastos y además, sería capaz de disminuir la expresión de colágeno tanto en fibroblastos como en miofibroblastos. En resumen, los resultados de la presente tesis sugieren por un lado que, el TGF- β1 regularía diferencialmente los niveles de EPAC-1 en fibroblastos y miofibroblastos cardiacos y por otro lado, que EPAC-1 estaría regulando importantes funciones asociadas al remodelamiento cardiaco tales como adhesión, migración, contracción de geles de colágeno y expresión de colágeno en ambos fenotipos celulares. / Throughout the last decades cardiovascular diseases has become one of the most important causes of death. These diseases commonly generate changes in the structure of the heart which leads to tissue remodeling and fibrosis, which alters the normal cardiac function and eventually resulting in cardiac failure. Cardiac fibrosis is generated by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM) produced by the activation of fibroblasts. These cells represent about 70% of total human heart cells and following a cardiac injury, they respond to a wide range of cytokines and growth factors promoting their differentiation into myofibroblasts. These myofibroblasts express the protein α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) synonymous with increased contractile force. Enhanced contractility that attends this protein’s expression is believed to be important in allowing these cells to contract during the wound healing in the damaged heart. Myofibroblasts are the primary mediators responsible for synthesis of many ECM proteins, including collagen, fibronectin and laminin, among others. During transition of fibroblast into myofibroblasts they acquire the capability to be avid producers of cytokines and growth factors, and in addition, increase the receptor number for the same mediators. A growing body of literature over the last years has made evident that activation of the transduction pathway of 3', 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) may be contributing to the reduction of cardiac fibrosis. It has been demonstrated that an increase in cAMP levels in cardiac fibroblasts can reduce their cellular function as well as inhibit fibroblast differentiation into myofibroblasts. In this regard, it has become generally accepted, that the effects mediated by cAMP in eukaryotic cells occurred only by activation of protein kinase A (PKA) which once activated was able to mediate expression and protein function. However, the discovery of another protein, called EPAC (exchange protein activated directly by cAMP), which regulates the activity of small G proteins Rap 1 and 2, has begun to innovate the research field of the cAMP transduction pathway. It is known that cardiac fibroblast express EPAC-1, however little is known about the mechanism regulating the expression of this protein in fibroblast and myofibroblasts. In this regard, studies in this area have demonstrated that levels of EPAC-1 expression were increased in mice with cardiac hypertrophy and cAMP pathway EPAC1-Rap1 was very active. These results support the idea that EPAC-1 could be actively involved in processes associated with cardiac remodeling. In parallel, it has been observed that the transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), cytokine closely related to the process of cardiac fibrosis, promotes the decrease of EPAC-1 expression in cardiac fibroblasts. However, the mechanism by which TGF-β1 regulates fibroblasts and myofibroblasts EPAC-1 expression still remains unclear. There are few studies demonstrating the involvement of EPAC-1 in cellular processes associated with cardiac remodeling. There are some investigations related to fibroblast migration and collagen secretion, nevertheless EPAC-1 participation in processes associated to cardiac remodeling such as cellular adhesion and those related to capability to contract collagen gels matrix are completely unknown. In this context, we studied EPAC-1 levels and the effect caused by TGF-β1 on EPAC-1 expression in both cardiac fibroblasts and myofibroblasts through the intervention of TGF-β1 canonical (Smad) and no canonical (MAPK and Akt) signaling pathways. The data obtained showed that cardiac myofibroblasts have greater amounts of EPAC-1 than cardiac fibroblasts. In the presence of chemical inhibitors the results showed that fibroblast EPAC-1 expression is regulated by JNK-MAPK and Smad2 protein, and the myofibroblast EPAC-1 expression is regulated by both signaling pathways (Smad, MAPKs and Akt). Subsequently, in order to determine the EPAC-1 capability to activate its downstream effector Rap1, we stimulated this protein using a cAMP analog able to specifically activate EPAC-1. The results showed that EPAC-1 was able to phosphorylate its downstream effector Rap-1 in both fibroblast and myofibroblasts, however myofibroblasts demonstrated to have higher levels of Rap1-GTP compared to cardiac fibroblasts. Finally and in order to elucidate the EPAC-1 involvement in cardiac remodeling, we performed a series of experiments designed to evaluate cellular adhesion, migration, collagen gel contraction and collagen expression. To evaluate these functions we used selective molecules ables to recognize specifically both EPAC-1 and PKA. The results suggest that EPA-1 increases fibroblast and myofibroblast fibronectin adhesion, promotes fibroblasts migration, enhances collagen gel contraction in both fibroblast and myofibroblast and decrease collagen levels measured by western blot. On the other hand, the results obtained using a PKA agonist suggest that this protein apparently increases myofibroblasts collagen gel contraction and reduces collagen expression measured by western blot in both fibroblast and myofibroblasts. In summary, the results obtained in this thesis suggest TGF-β1 participation in regulating differentially EPAC-1 levels in cardiac fibroblasts and myofibroblasts and EPAC-1 participation in cellular processes related to adhesion, migration, collagen gel contraction and collagen expression; all of them important cellular processes involved in cardiac remodeling in both fibroblast and myofibroblasts. / Fondecyt

Orientador: Julio Lopes Sequeira / Banca: Alessandre Hataka / Banca: Louisiane de Carvalho Nunes / Resumo: A endometrose é uma alteração degenerativa das glândulas uterinas e do estroma circundante, caracterizada pelo arranjo periglandular de miofibroblastos e a deposição de matriz extracelular (ECM). O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a expressão de colágeno tipo I, III e IV e α-actina de músculo liso (α-SMA) nas endometroses equinas, procurando esclarecer a participação dos miofibroblastos na progressão destes processos. Foram utilizadas 24 biópsias uterinas com diagnóstico de endometrose, recebidas pelo Serviço de Patologia Veterinária e de Reprodução Animal da FMVZ, UNESP, Botucatu, SP. Cortes histológicos foram submetidos às técnicas histoquímicas de Tricrômico de Masson, Picrosirius Red sob luz polarizada e Ácido Periódico de Schiff (PAS) e imuno-histoquímicas para os três tipos de colágeno citados e α-SMA. Ainda, traçou-se um paralelo entre a técnica de Picrosirius Red e a imunomarcação dos colágenos tipos I e III. A análise histológica revelou que as fibras de colágeno denso correspondem ao colágeno tipo I, predominantes nas endometroses inativa e inativa destrutiva. As fibras de colágeno frouxo correspondem ao colágeno tipo III, predominantes nas endometroses ativas e ativas destrutivas. Nestes mesmos processos, a membrana basal revelou espessamento, aparentemente não relacionado ao colágeno tipo IV, e uma maior imunomarcação de miofibroblastos periglandulares em relação às endometroses inativa e inativa destrutiva. Desta forma, nota-se que os miofibroblastos estão relacionados ao aumento na deposição de colágeno tipo III nos ninhos fibróticos ativos / Abstract: Endometrosis is a degenerative change of the uterine glands and surrounding stroma, characterized by periglandular arrangement of myofibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). The aim of this study was evaluate the expression of collagen type I, III and IV and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in equine endometroses, and investigate the role of myofibroblasts in the progression of these processes. A parallel was made with histochemical techniques of Masson's trichrome, Picrosirius Red under polarized light and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS). Twenty four uterine biopsies received by the Veterinary Pathology Service and Animal Reproduction of FMVZ, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, were diagnosed with endometrosis. Histological analysis revealed that the orange dense collagen fibers correspond to type I collagen, being prevalent in inactive and inactive destructive endometrosis. And the green loose collagen fibers correspond to type III collagen, and are predominant in active and active destructive endometrosis. In the same processes, a greater amount of periglandular myofibroblasts were observed in comparison to inactive and inactive destructive endometrosis. The presence of these cells in active processes are strongly related to an increased deposition of collagen type III in fibrotic nests. Regarding the basement membrane, the active destructive and active endometrosis shows thickening, apparently not related to an increase in expression of type IV collagen. The active destructive and inactive destructive endometrosis exhibited disruption areas in type IV collagen fibers. Thus, it is noted that the myofibroblasts are related to increased deposition of type III collagen in active fibrotic nests / Mestre

A radioterapia é frequentemente utilizada no tratamento de tumores da próstata, porém durante esse procedimento a bexiga sadia usualmente sofre efeitos colaterais. Através do uso de um modelo animal para irradiação pélvica, avaliamos se a suplementação nutricional com L-glutamina poderia prevenir possíveis danos na parede da bexiga, especialmente em suas camadas mais superficiais. Ratos Wistar adultos machos com idade entre 3 e 4 meses foram separados em grupos de 8 animais: grupo controle que não recebeu a irradiação; grupos somente irradiados que foram mortos 7 (R7) e 15 dias (R15) após a irradiação (dose única de 10 Gy na região pélvico-abdominal); grupos irradiados e suplementados com L-glutamina (0,65g/kg de peso por dia), que foram mortos 7 (RG7) ou 15 após a irradiação. Células e vasos sanguíneos da lâmina própria, bem como o urotélio, foram avaliados com métodos histológicos. No urotélio foram feitas análises da altura e densidade nuclear e na lâmina própria densidade celular, densidade vascular e o número de mastócitos. Os resultados mostraram que em R7, a altura e densidade nuclear do urotélio e a densidade celular da lâmina própria não foram alterados significativamente. Entretanto a densidade dos vasos sanguíneos foi reduzida em 48% (p<0,05) e essa alteração foi evitada pela glutamina (p <0,02). No grupo R15, a densidade celular do epitélio aumentou em 35% (p<0,02). A densidade celular da lâmina própria não apresentou diferença estatística entre os grupos. Os mastócitos na lâmina própria foram reduzidos em R7 e R15. Apesar de ainda reduzidos em RG7 em RG15 houve aumento no número desse tipo celular o que sugere uma ação positiva da glutamina. Células &#945;-actina positivas na lâmina própria formam uma camada suburotelial e foram identificadas como miofibroblastos. A espessura dessa camada aumentou em R7, mas foi semelhante ao controle em RG7, enquanto alterações em R15 e RG15 foram menos evidentes. Esses resultados mostraram que a utilização da L-glutamina antes e após a radioterapia deve ser considerada para uso humano na proteção da bexiga contra os efeitos da radiação. / Radiotherapy is often used to treat prostate tumors, but the normal bladder is usually adversely affected. Using an animal model of pelvic radiation, we investigated whether glutamine nutritional supplementation can prevent radiation-induced damage to the bladder, especially in its more superficial layers. Male rats aged 3 to 4 months were divided into groups of 8 animals each: controls, which consisted intact animals; radiated-only rats, which were sacrificed 7 (R7) or 15 (R15) days after a radiation session (10 Gy aimed at the pelvico-abdominal region); and radiated rats receiving L-glutamine supplementation (0.65 g/kg body weight/day), which were sacrificed 7 (RG7) or 15 (RG15) days after the radiation session. Morphological and morphometric analysis of the urothelium were made. Nuclear density, lamina propria cell density and mast cells numbers per area were counted. The results showed that, in R7, epithelial thickness, epithelial cell density, and cell density in the lamina propria were not significantly affected. However, density of blood vessels in R7 was reduced by 48% (p < 0.05) and this alteration was mostly prevented by glutamine (p < 0.02). In R15, density of blood vessels in the lamina propria was not significantly modified. However, epithelial thickness was reduced by 25% (p < 0.05) in R15, and this effect was prevented by glutamine (p < 0.01). In R15, epithelial cell density was increased by 35% (p < 0.02), but glutamine did not protect against this radiation-induced increase. Cell density in the lamina propria was likewise unaffected in R15. Density of mast cells in the lamina propria was markedly reduced in R7 and R15. The density was still reduced in RG7, but a higher density in RG15 suggested a glutamine-mediated recovery. Alpha-actin positive cells in the lamina propria formed a suburothelial layer and were identified as myofibroblasts. Thickness of this layer was increased in R7, but was similar to controls in RG7, while changes in R15 and RG15 were less evident. In conclusion, pelvic radiation leads to significant acute and post-acute alterations in the composition and structural features of the vesical lamina propria and epithelium. Most of these changes, however, can be prevented by glutamine nutritional supplementation. These results emphasize, therefore, the potential use of this aminoacid as a radioprotective drug.

Submitted by Automação e Estatística (sst@bczm.ufrn.br) on 2018-06-05T21:48:08Z No. of bitstreams: 1 MarianaCarvalhoXerez_DISSERT.pdf: 2569374 bytes, checksum: b9412a4670ae842428fa3cda06c7ea0c (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Arlan Eloi Leite Silva (eloihistoriador@yahoo.com.br) on 2018-06-11T19:36:26Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 MarianaCarvalhoXerez_DISSERT.pdf: 2569374 bytes, checksum: b9412a4670ae842428fa3cda06c7ea0c (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-06-11T19:36:26Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 MarianaCarvalhoXerez_DISSERT.pdf: 2569374 bytes, checksum: b9412a4670ae842428fa3cda06c7ea0c (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-02-26 / Dentre as neoplasias malignas que acometem a cavidade oral destacam-se o carcinoma de células escamosas oral (CCEO), por ser o mais frequente e apresentar altas taxas de morbidade e mortalidade, e o carcinoma verrucoso oral (CVO) que exibe um comportamento distinto, tratando-se de uma variante de baixo grau do carcinoma de células escamosas oral. O desenvolvimento e a progressão destas neoplasias malignas estão relacionados ao desequilíbrio na regulação da divisão e morte celular, associado ao microambiente tumoral. A proteína CLIC4 está relacionada à regulação do ciclo celular, sendo supraregulada em resposta a apoptose e também participando do processo de transdiferenciação dos fibroblastos em fibroblastos associados ao câncer (FAC), que passam a expressar α-SMA. Os FACs são os principais componentes celulares do microambiente tumoral, tendo sido relacionados com a agressividade e o prognóstico de diversos tumores. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar comparativamente a imunoexpressão das proteínas CLIC4 e α-SMA em carcinomas orais. A amostra consistiu em 20 casos de CCEO, 15 casos de CVO e 5 casos de MO. A partir dos prontuários, foram coletados dados clínicos referentes à idade, gênero e localização da lesão. Foi realizada uma análise morfológica em HE e semiquantitativa da expressão imuno-histoquímica das proteínas CLIC4 e α-SMA em amostras de material parafinado das lesões. Para verificar associações foram utilizados os testes do Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher, assumindo uma significância de 5%. Para buscar correlação foi utilizado o teste de Spearman. Resultados: Dentre os CCEO a maioria ocorreu em pacientes do sexo masculino (n=11/55,0%), com idade media de 66,95 anos e a localização anatômica mais acometida foi língua (n=9/45,0%). Para o CVO o sexo com maior frequência foi o feminino (n=9/60,0%), a idade media foi de 61,71 anos, e a localização mais acometida foi o rebordo alveolar (n=4/26,7%) e a mucosa labial (n=4/26,7%). Para a análise da expressão de CLIC4 foi considerada sua localização celular. Comparando as lesões para a marcação de CLIC4 no núcleo, citoplasma e núcleo/citoplasma das células epiteliais tumorais não foi observada diferença significativa. Quando comparada a expressão de CLIC4 no estroma dos CCEO e CVO foi observada diferença significativa (p<0,0001). A análise da imunomarcação de α-SMA nas células mesenquimais dos CCEO e CVO revelou um aumento da expressão desta proteína no estroma tumoral de ambos os tumores, não sendo observada diferença significativa entre as lesões. Quando comparada a imuno-expressão de αSMA e CLIC4 no estroma dos CCEO e CVO foi observada correlação positiva, mas não significativa no CCEO (r: 0,350 e p: 0,130). Já no CVO foi observada uma correlação positiva e significativa entre as proteínas CLIC4 e α-SMA (r: 0,612 e p: 0,015). Em conclusão, os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que a diminuição ou ausência da marcação nuclear da proteína CLIC4, associada ao aumento de expressão desta proteína no estroma tumoral parece contribuir para o processo de carcinogênese e progressão do CCEO e CVO e pode ter influência na expressão de α-SMA. / Among the malignant neoplasias affecting the oral cavity, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most frequent presenting high rates of morbidity and mortality, and oral verrucous carcinoma (OVC), which exhibits a behavior distinct from a low grade variant of oral squamous cell carcinoma. The development and progression of these malignant neoplasms are related to the imbalance in the regulation of cell division and death associated to the tumor microenvironment. CLIC4 protein is related to the regulation of the cell cycle, being supraregulated in response to apoptosis and also participating in the process of transdifferentiation of fibroblasts in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), which now express αSMA. CAFs are the main cellular components of the tumor microenvironment, having been related to the aggressiveness and prognosis of several tumors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunoexpression of CLIC4 and α-SMA proteins in oral carcinomas. The sample consisted of 20 cases of OSCC, 15 cases of OVC and 5 cases of OM. From the medical records, clinical data regarding the age, gender and location of the lesion were collected. A morphological analysis was performed on HE and semiquantitative immunohistochemical expression of the CLIC4 and α-SMA proteins in samples of paraffin-shaped lesion material. Pearson's Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used to verify associations. The Spearman test was used to search for correlation. Significance was set at of 5%. Results: Among the OSCC, the majority occurred in male patients (n = 11; 55.0%), with a mean age of 66.95 years and the most affected anatomic location was tongue (n = 9; 45.0%). The OVC was the female sex (n = 9; 60.0%), the mean age was 61.71 years, and the alveolar ridge was the most affected (n = 4; 26.7%) and lip mucosa (n = 4; 26.7%). For the analysis of CLIC4 expression, its cellular location was considered. Comparing the lesions for CLIC4 labeling in the nucleus, cytoplasm and nucleus /cytoplasm of tumor epithelial cells, no significant difference was observed. When comparing CLIC4 expression in the OSCC and OVC stroma, a significant difference was observed (p <0.0001). The analysis of α-SMA immunostaining in mesenchymal cells of OSCC and OVC revealed an increase in the expression of this protein in the tumor stroma of both tumors, and no significant difference was observed between the lesions. When comparing the immunoexpression of αSMA and CLIC4 in the stroma of OSCC and OVC, a positive correlation was observed but not significant in OSCC (r: 0.350 and p: 0.130). In the OVC, a positive and significant correlation was observed between the CLIC4 and α-SMA proteins (r: 0.612 and p: 0.015). In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that the decrease or absence of CLIC4 protein nuclear marking associated with increased expression of this protein in the tumor stroma seems to contribute to the process of carcinogenesis and progression of CCEO and CVO and may have an influence on expression of α-SMA.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-12-06T23:46:15Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2013 / Introdução: Os efeitos da Estimulacao Eletrica Nervosa Transcutanea (TENS) no processo de cicatrizacao de feridas tem sido estudados para determinar os principais eventos responsaveis pelo reparo tecidual. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da TENS de alta e de baixa frequencias nos vasos sanguineos e nos miofibroblastos de ferida excisional aguda em pele de ratos. Metodos: Foram utilizados 90 ratos (Wistar-EPM1) machos e adultos. Realizou-se uma ferida excisional na regiao dorsal do animal utilizando um punch medindo 8 milimetros. Os animais foram aleatorizados em 3 grupos: Grupo Alta frequencia (GA: 80 Hz), Grupo Baixa frequencia (GB: 5 Hz) e Grupo Simulado (GS: TENS desligada); e submetidos a TENS por 3 dias consecutivos. A duracao do pulso e intensidade da corrente foram 200 &#956;s e 15 mA, respectivamente; durante 60 minutos. Foram realizadas analises imunohistoquimicas para quantificacao dos vasos sanguineos e dos miofibroblastos, aos 3, 7 e 14 dias de PO. Resultados: Aos 3 dias de PO, o GB apresentou maior quantidade de vasos sanguineos em relacao ao GA; aos 7 e 14 dias de PO, o GA demonstrou menor quantidade de vasos sanguineos em relacao ao GS. O GA apresentou menor quantidade de miofibroblastos comparado com o GB e o GS aos 3 dias de PO e comparado ao GS aos 7 dias de PO. Conclusao: A TENS de baixa frequencia aumentou a quantidade de vasos sanguineos aos 3 dias de PO e a de alta frequencia inibiu os vasos sanguineos e os miofibroblastos de ferida excisional aguda em pele de ratos / Introdution: The effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on the wound healing process have been studying to verify the most important events to tissue repair. Objective: To assess the effect of high- and low-frequency TENS on the angiogenesis and myofibroblasts of acute excisional wounds in rats’ skin. Methods: Ninety young adult male EPM1-Wistar rats were used in the study. An excisional wound was performed on the back of each animal using an 8-mm punch. The animals were randomly assigned to three groups: the High-frequency Group (HG: 80 Hz), Low-frequency Group (LG: 5 Hz), and Sham Group (SG: TENS turned off). TENS was delivered on three days: in the immediate postoperative period and on two consecutive days. Pulse duration and current intensity were 200 µs and 15 mA, respectively. The length of each TENS session was 60 minutes. Microscopic analyses were taken to quantify the blood vessels and myofibroblasts on postoperative days 3, 7, and 14. Results: On postoperative day 3, the LG showed more angiogenesis than HG; on the postoperative days 7 and 14, the LG inhibited the angiogenesis compared to SG. On postoperative day 3, the HG inhibited the myofibroblasts compared to LG and SG, and on the postoperative day 7 compared to SG only. Conclusions: Low-frequency TENS increased the angiogenesis on postoperative day 3 and the highfrequency TENS inhibited the angiogenesis and myofibroblasts of acute excisional wounds in rats’ skin. / BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertações

Made available in DSpace on 2015-12-10T14:22:37Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-05-27. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2015-12-10T14:28:45Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 000851207.pdf: 1059422 bytes, checksum: 3ef98dc609c2e964bafefa24cd2efdc7 (MD5) / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / A endometrose é uma alteração degenerativa das glândulas uterinas e do estroma circundante, caracterizada pelo arranjo periglandular de miofibroblastos e a deposição de matriz extracelular (ECM). O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a expressão de colágeno tipo I, III e IV e α-actina de músculo liso (α-SMA) nas endometroses equinas, procurando esclarecer a participação dos miofibroblastos na progressão destes processos. Foram utilizadas 24 biópsias uterinas com diagnóstico de endometrose, recebidas pelo Serviço de Patologia Veterinária e de Reprodução Animal da FMVZ, UNESP, Botucatu, SP. Cortes histológicos foram submetidos às técnicas histoquímicas de Tricrômico de Masson, Picrosirius Red sob luz polarizada e Ácido Periódico de Schiff (PAS) e imuno-histoquímicas para os três tipos de colágeno citados e α-SMA. Ainda, traçou-se um paralelo entre a técnica de Picrosirius Red e a imunomarcação dos colágenos tipos I e III. A análise histológica revelou que as fibras de colágeno denso correspondem ao colágeno tipo I, predominantes nas endometroses inativa e inativa destrutiva. As fibras de colágeno frouxo correspondem ao colágeno tipo III, predominantes nas endometroses ativas e ativas destrutivas. Nestes mesmos processos, a membrana basal revelou espessamento, aparentemente não relacionado ao colágeno tipo IV, e uma maior imunomarcação de miofibroblastos periglandulares em relação às endometroses inativa e inativa destrutiva. Desta forma, nota-se que os miofibroblastos estão relacionados ao aumento na deposição de colágeno tipo III nos ninhos fibróticos ativos / Endometrosis is a degenerative change of the uterine glands and surrounding stroma, characterized by periglandular arrangement of myofibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). The aim of this study was evaluate the expression of collagen type I, III and IV and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in equine endometroses, and investigate the role of myofibroblasts in the progression of these processes. A parallel was made with histochemical techniques of Masson's trichrome, Picrosirius Red under polarized light and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS). Twenty four uterine biopsies received by the Veterinary Pathology Service and Animal Reproduction of FMVZ, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, were diagnosed with endometrosis. Histological analysis revealed that the orange dense collagen fibers correspond to type I collagen, being prevalent in inactive and inactive destructive endometrosis. And the green loose collagen fibers correspond to type III collagen, and are predominant in active and active destructive endometrosis. In the same processes, a greater amount of periglandular myofibroblasts were observed in comparison to inactive and inactive destructive endometrosis. The presence of these cells in active processes are strongly related to an increased deposition of collagen type III in fibrotic nests. Regarding the basement membrane, the active destructive and active endometrosis shows thickening, apparently not related to an increase in expression of type IV collagen. The active destructive and inactive destructive endometrosis exhibited disruption areas in type IV collagen fibers. Thus, it is noted that the myofibroblasts are related to increased deposition of type III collagen in active fibrotic nests

A radioterapia é frequentemente utilizada no tratamento de tumores da próstata, porém durante esse procedimento a bexiga sadia usualmente sofre efeitos colaterais. Através do uso de um modelo animal para irradiação pélvica, avaliamos se a suplementação nutricional com L-glutamina poderia prevenir possíveis danos na parede da bexiga, especialmente em suas camadas mais superficiais. Ratos Wistar adultos machos com idade entre 3 e 4 meses foram separados em grupos de 8 animais: grupo controle que não recebeu a irradiação; grupos somente irradiados que foram mortos 7 (R7) e 15 dias (R15) após a irradiação (dose única de 10 Gy na região pélvico-abdominal); grupos irradiados e suplementados com L-glutamina (0,65g/kg de peso por dia), que foram mortos 7 (RG7) ou 15 após a irradiação. Células e vasos sanguíneos da lâmina própria, bem como o urotélio, foram avaliados com métodos histológicos. No urotélio foram feitas análises da altura e densidade nuclear e na lâmina própria densidade celular, densidade vascular e o número de mastócitos. Os resultados mostraram que em R7, a altura e densidade nuclear do urotélio e a densidade celular da lâmina própria não foram alterados significativamente. Entretanto a densidade dos vasos sanguíneos foi reduzida em 48% (p<0,05) e essa alteração foi evitada pela glutamina (p <0,02). No grupo R15, a densidade celular do epitélio aumentou em 35% (p<0,02). A densidade celular da lâmina própria não apresentou diferença estatística entre os grupos. Os mastócitos na lâmina própria foram reduzidos em R7 e R15. Apesar de ainda reduzidos em RG7 em RG15 houve aumento no número desse tipo celular o que sugere uma ação positiva da glutamina. Células &#945;-actina positivas na lâmina própria formam uma camada suburotelial e foram identificadas como miofibroblastos. A espessura dessa camada aumentou em R7, mas foi semelhante ao controle em RG7, enquanto alterações em R15 e RG15 foram menos evidentes. Esses resultados mostraram que a utilização da L-glutamina antes e após a radioterapia deve ser considerada para uso humano na proteção da bexiga contra os efeitos da radiação. / Radiotherapy is often used to treat prostate tumors, but the normal bladder is usually adversely affected. Using an animal model of pelvic radiation, we investigated whether glutamine nutritional supplementation can prevent radiation-induced damage to the bladder, especially in its more superficial layers. Male rats aged 3 to 4 months were divided into groups of 8 animals each: controls, which consisted intact animals; radiated-only rats, which were sacrificed 7 (R7) or 15 (R15) days after a radiation session (10 Gy aimed at the pelvico-abdominal region); and radiated rats receiving L-glutamine supplementation (0.65 g/kg body weight/day), which were sacrificed 7 (RG7) or 15 (RG15) days after the radiation session. Morphological and morphometric analysis of the urothelium were made. Nuclear density, lamina propria cell density and mast cells numbers per area were counted. The results showed that, in R7, epithelial thickness, epithelial cell density, and cell density in the lamina propria were not significantly affected. However, density of blood vessels in R7 was reduced by 48% (p < 0.05) and this alteration was mostly prevented by glutamine (p < 0.02). In R15, density of blood vessels in the lamina propria was not significantly modified. However, epithelial thickness was reduced by 25% (p < 0.05) in R15, and this effect was prevented by glutamine (p < 0.01). In R15, epithelial cell density was increased by 35% (p < 0.02), but glutamine did not protect against this radiation-induced increase. Cell density in the lamina propria was likewise unaffected in R15. Density of mast cells in the lamina propria was markedly reduced in R7 and R15. The density was still reduced in RG7, but a higher density in RG15 suggested a glutamine-mediated recovery. Alpha-actin positive cells in the lamina propria formed a suburothelial layer and were identified as myofibroblasts. Thickness of this layer was increased in R7, but was similar to controls in RG7, while changes in R15 and RG15 were less evident. In conclusion, pelvic radiation leads to significant acute and post-acute alterations in the composition and structural features of the vesical lamina propria and epithelium. Most of these changes, however, can be prevented by glutamine nutritional supplementation. These results emphasize, therefore, the potential use of this aminoacid as a radioprotective drug.