RESUMO
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of antidopaminergic agents on the somatotrophs in the presence of hyperprolactinemia. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups: a control group and five groups chronically treated (60 days) with haloperidol, fluphenazine, sulpiride, metoclopramide or estrogen. Somatotrophs and lactotrophs were identified by immunohistochemistry and the data are reported as percent of total anterior pituitary cells counted. The drugs significantly increased the percentage of lactotrophs: control (mean +/- SD) 21.3 +/- 4.4, haloperidol 27.8 +/- 2.2, fluphenazine 34.5 +/- 3.6, sulpiride 32.7 +/- 3.5, metoclopramide 33.4 +/- 5.5 and estrogen 42.4 +/- 2.8. A significant reduction in somatotrophs was observed in animals treated with haloperidol (23.1 +/- 3.0), fluphenazine (22.1 +/- 1.1) and metoclopramide (24.2 +/- 3.0) compared to control (27.3 +/- 3.8), whereas no difference was observed in the groups treated with sulpiride (25.0 +/- 2.2) and estrogen (27.1 +/- 2.8). In the groups in which a reduction occurred, this may have simply been due to dilution, secondary to lactotroph hyperplasia. In view of the duplication of the percentage of prolactin-secreting cells, when estrogen was applied, the absence of a reduction in the percent of somatotrophs suggests a replication effect on this cell population. These data provide additional information about the direct or indirect effect of drugs which, in addition to interfering with the dopaminergic system, may act on other pituitary cells as well as on the lactotrophs.
Assuntos
Antagonistas de Dopamina/farmacologia , Estrogênios/farmacologia , Hormônio do Crescimento/efeitos dos fármacos , Hiperprolactinemia/metabolismo , Hipófise/efeitos dos fármacos , Prolactina/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Flufenazina/farmacologia , Hormônio do Crescimento/análise , Haloperidol/farmacologia , Masculino , Hipófise/citologia , Prolactina/análise , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Sulpirida/farmacologiaRESUMO
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of antidopaminergic agents on the somatotrophs in the presence of hyperprolactinemia. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 6 groups: a control group and five groups chronically treated (60 days) with haloperidol, fluphenazine, sulpiride, metoclopramide or estrogen. Somatotrophs and lactotrophs were identified by immunohistochemistry and the data are reported as percent of total anterior pituitary cells counted. The drugs significantly increased the percentage of lactotrophs: control (mean + or - SD) 21.3 + or - 4.4, haloperidol 27.8 + or - 2.2, fluphenazine 34.5 + or - 3.6, sulpiride 32.7 + or - 3.5, metoclopramide 33.4 + or - 5.5 and estrogen 42.4 + or - 2.8. A significant reduction in somatotrophs was observed in animals treated with haloperidol (23.1 + or - 3.0), fluphenazine (22.1 + or - 1.1) and metoclopramide (24.2 + or - 3.0) compared to control (27.3 + or - 3.8), whereas no difference was observed in the groups treated with sulpiride (25.0 + or - 2.2) and estrogen (27.1 + or - 2.8). In the groups in which a reduction occurred, this may have simply been due to dilution, secondary to lactotroph hyperplasia. In view of the duplication of the percentage of prolactin-secreting cells, when estrogen was applied, the absence of a reduction in the percent of somatotrophs suggests a replication effect on this cell population. These data provide additional information about the direct or indirect effect of drugs which, in addition to interfering with the dopaminergic system, may act on other pituitary cells as well as on the lactotrophs.
Assuntos
Animais , Masculino , Ratos , Antagonistas de Dopamina/farmacologia , Estrogênios/farmacologia , Hormônio do Crescimento/efeitos dos fármacos , Hiperprolactinemia/metabolismo , Prolactina/efeitos dos fármacos , Flufenazina/farmacologia , Hormônio do Crescimento/análise , Haloperidol/farmacologia , Metoclopramida/farmacologia , Prolactina/análise , Ratos Wistar , Sulpirida/farmacologiaRESUMO
Early assessment of neurological and behavioral effects is extremely valuable for early identification of intoxications because preventive measures can be taken against more severe or chronic toxic consequences. The time course of the effects of an oral dose of the anticholinesterase agent propoxur (8.3 mg/kg) was determined on behaviors displayed in the open-field and during an active avoidance task by rats and on blood and brain cholinesterase activity. Maximum inhibition of blood cholinesterase was observed within 30 min after administration of propoxur. The half-life of enzyme-activity recovery was estimated to be 208.6 min. Peak brain cholinesterase inhibition was also detected between 5 and 30 min of the pesticide administration, but the half-life for enzyme activity recovery was much shorter, in the range of 85 min. Within this same time interval of the enzyme effects, diminished motor and exploratory activities and decreased performance of animals in the active avoidance task were observed. Likewise, behavioral normalization after propoxur followed a time frame similar to that of brain cholinesterase. These data indicate that behavioral changes that occur during intoxication with low oral doses of propoxur may be dissociated from signs characteristic of cholinergic over-stimulation but accompany brain cholinesterase activity inhibition.
Assuntos
Comportamento Animal/efeitos dos fármacos , Colinesterases/efeitos dos fármacos , Inseticidas/farmacologia , Propoxur/farmacologia , Animais , Aprendizagem da Esquiva/efeitos dos fármacos , Encéfalo/efeitos dos fármacos , Encéfalo/enzimologia , Colinesterases/sangue , Defecação/efeitos dos fármacos , Reação de Fuga/efeitos dos fármacos , Asseio Animal/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Atividade Motora/efeitos dos fármacos , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , CaminhadaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the appropriateness of use of vancomycin in a University affiliated Hospital in Brazil. METHODS: One hundred sequential therapeutic courses of vancomycin were retrospectively examined through a chart review. The prescriptions were evaluated in terms of indication, use of critical process indicators, and use of outcome measurements according to an adapted version of the criteria recommended by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. RESULTS: The indication for use was appropriate in 39% of the cases. Critical process indicators indicated frequent inappropriate use, mainly in relation to a low frequency of bacterial cultures (54%), infrequent determination of creatinine levels prior to therapy (57%), incorrect dosage (42%), incorrect duration of therapy (63%), and infrequent determination of serum levels of vancomycin (73%). It was impossible to evaluate outcome measurements, since data were not collected in most patients. Larger discrepancies between recommendation and practice were detected in Paediatrics and Paediatric Pneumology Services. CONCLUSION: The misuse of vancomycin in our hospital is very common according to standard guidelines, demanding new policies of control in order to diminish the possibility of the emergence of multi-resistant strains.
RESUMO
The present study compared the antiimmobility effects of l-deprenyl (DEP) and moclobemide (MOC) to the classic antidepressant imipramine (IMI), using an ethological approach. To investigate the degree of MAO-B inhibition by DEP and MOC, combination of treatments of ineffective doses of phenylethylamine (PHEA) with DEP or with MOC were administered in three doses before immobility was tested in the forced-swimming paradigm. Tests were videotape recorded for analysis of the frequency and duration of the behaviors during the procedure. There was a significant, dose-dependent decrease in immobility duration and an increase in mobility duration of rats treated with IMI. Both active behaviors of climbing and swimming were equally enhanced by the tricyclic antidepressant, climbing behavior composing 75% of the mobile behaviors. The intermediate doses of the MAOIs tested, DEP 0.25 mg/kg and MOC 30 mg/kg, decreased immobility and increased mobility. The antiimmobility effect of DEP was due to longer climbing behavior while MOC enhanced swimming duration. No behavioral changes were seen with the administration of the lower and higher doses of the MAOI. Potentiation of the antiimmobility effects was observed when ineffective doses of PHEA and of DEP or MOC were administered in combination. Differences between the MAO inhibitors on the active behaviors were also observed when administered with PHEA; DEP and PHEA significantly increased climbing and MOC and PHEA increased swimming. This preclinical evaluation of selective MAO inhibitors indicates that both MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitors have antidepressant effects. However, to clearly demonstrate that these antiimmobility effects are a consequence of increased brain concentrations of any one of the several monoamines implicated in the mechanism of action of DEP or MOC should be the subject of future studies.
Assuntos
Comportamento Animal/efeitos dos fármacos , Benzamidas/farmacologia , Inibidores da Monoaminoxidase/farmacologia , Selegilina/farmacologia , Animais , Antidepressivos Tricíclicos/farmacologia , Imipramina/farmacologia , Masculino , Moclobemida , Atividade Motora/efeitos dos fármacos , Fenetilaminas/farmacologia , Psicotrópicos/farmacologia , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , NataçãoRESUMO
1. This study compared the effects of the antimanic drugs, lithium and valproic acid, on GABA and glutamine CSF concentration and on head-shakes during hyponatremia. 2. Hyponatremic and normonatremic rats were treated with 2 mEq/kg lithium and 360 mg/kg valproic acid. Behavioral observation was conducted for 120 min after which blood and CSF collection were performed under anesthesia. 3. Peritoneal dialysis with glucose induced moderate hyponatremia and doubled glutamine CSF concentrations. Both lithium and valproic acid significantly increased GABA CSF levels in normonatremic and hyponatremic animals. Valproic acid induced head-shakes and increased CSF glutamine concentration. 4. The results suggest that both antimanic drugs have similar effects on GABA, but lithium is preferred if the increase in glutamine concentration poses a problem, either in the presence or absence of hyponatremia.
Assuntos
Antimaníacos/farmacologia , Glutamina/efeitos dos fármacos , Cloreto de Lítio/farmacologia , Ácido Valproico/farmacologia , Ácido gama-Aminobutírico/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Feminino , Glutamina/líquido cefalorraquidiano , Hiponatremia/tratamento farmacológico , Hiponatremia/metabolismo , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Ácido gama-Aminobutírico/líquido cefalorraquidianoRESUMO
PURPOSE: Testicular torsion followed by ischemia results in variable degrees of infertility and until now there appears to be no effective way to recover it. Testosterone participation in the maintenance of male sexual organs and spermatogenesis led us to hypothesize that intratesticular administration could recover ischemic injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We divided 40 Wistar rats in 2 groups, of 20 each. One group was control and the other underwent a 120-minute testicular ischemia by means of a vascular clamp on the left spermatic cord. Each group was further subdivided in 2 subgroups. The first one was observed and the second received intratesticular testosterone 25 mg. starting on the third day after injury and during the next 7 consecutive days. Half the animals were sacrificed 30 days after injury and the remaining ones after 60 days. Weight, volume, number of seminiferous tubules, histology and spermatogenesis of the same side and contralateral testes were examined. For statistical analysis ANOVA and Fisher's tests were applied. RESULTS: It was found that testosterone was capable of acting upon volume and weight of the left testis (p=0.0001). The animals receiving intratesticular testosterone showed lower testicular weight and volume after 30 and 60 days, respectively. This subgroup also showed a higher number of seminiferous tubules, modified histology and absent spermatogenesis suggesting testicular atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that intratesticular injection of testosterone 25 mg. once a day during 7 consecutive days after transitory testicular ischemia causes ipsilateral testis atrophy. The animals in control group showed testicular histological recovery 60 days after injury. There were no significant histological differences in the contralateral testes.
Assuntos
Isquemia/prevenção & controle , Testículo/irrigação sanguínea , Testosterona/uso terapêutico , Análise de Variância , Animais , Atrofia , Injeções Intralesionais , Isquemia/patologia , Masculino , Ratos , Ratos Wistar , Testículo/patologia , Testosterona/administração & dosagem , Fatores de TempoRESUMO
The importance of the use of analgesic medication for the symptomatic relief of pain has been underestimated in medical practice. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of tension-type and migraine-type headaches and the associated analgesic consumption for its treatment within elementary school students from Porto Alegre (Brazil). A systematic random sample of 538 students from 5th to 8th grades was produced to complete the cross-sectional delineation. Subjects were individually submitted to a structured interview on headache and to general physical and neurological examination. Lifetime prevalence for headaches was 93.3%, 82.9% of the students recalled having headaches during the last year and 31.4% reported headaches in the last week. The prevalence for headaches in the previous 24 h was 8.9%. There was a significant prevalence of headache in females. The prevalence of analgesic consumption was 84.1% throughout life, 85.7% in the last year, and 54% in the last 3 months. A significantly higher prevalence of headache medication consumption was also depicted for females. However, the small age differences within the sample did not appear to be an important factor in influencing analgesic use for headaches. Different agents composed the individual treatment of headaches, with predominant use of over-the-counter preparations. Acetylsalicylic acid, consumed by 58.3% of the children, was the drug most frequently used for both tension-type and migraine-type headache treatments. In spite of the verification that headache was very frequently experienced by the children composing this sample accompanied by a consequent use of analgesics, no medication abuse was diagnosed.
RESUMO
We studied the self-reported activities engaged in by children found wandering on the streets of Porto Alegre, Brazil, aiming to describe their drug abuse habits and practice of thefts or mendicancy. One hundred-and-five youngsters, 6-18 years old, were interviewed in the streets. Although the external appearance of the interviewed children lacked cues as to their life-style differences, three diverse life-style characteristics were depicted among them. Almost 25% of the children lived with their families and went to school (FAMSCH) and 46% lived with their families but didn't go to school (FAM). The other 29% spent all day long and slept in the streets (STREET). The most frequently used drug for the total group of children was tobacco, followed by alcohol, with a much higher prevalence of use of both alcohol and tobacco among children from the STREET subgroup. Alcohol was used by more than 25% of the STREET children and tobacco by 58% of the children from this subgroup, in a regular (almost daily) basis. Less than 12% of the FAMSCH children used illicit drugs. Inhalants were the preferred drugs for illicit drug experimental use. Only 4% of the children attending school sniffed solvents in a regular basis. Regular abuse of inhalants was reported much more frequently by the STREET subgroup of children, reaching a prevalence of 40%. Self-report of marijuana smoking was described to be regular by 4% of the FAMSCH children and 26% by the STREET children. A significantly higher number of the children who lived with their families in comparison to the STREET children described work activities (selling food, washing cars or polishing shoes) while out in the streets. On the other hand the practice of thefts was self-reported mainly by the children from the STREET group and only by the ones who used illicit drugs. Children who lived with their families reported less mendicancy and thefts than STREET children. These results show that very poor children might spend many hours of the day by themselves in the streets of a big city accompanied by children who are never under adult supervision. In spite of being alone for some hours a day and making friends with others who might use drugs, having a family and regularly attending school decreases the risk of delinquent acts and drug use.
Assuntos
Países em Desenvolvimento , Jovens em Situação de Rua/estatística & dados numéricos , Drogas Ilícitas , Psicotrópicos , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/epidemiologia , População Urbana/estatística & dados numéricos , Adolescente , Adulto , Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/epidemiologia , Consumo de Bebidas Alcoólicas/psicologia , Brasil/epidemiologia , Criança , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Jovens em Situação de Rua/psicologia , Humanos , Incidência , Estilo de Vida , Masculino , Fumar/epidemiologia , Fumar/psicologia , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/prevenção & controle , Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias/psicologia , Roubo/psicologia , Roubo/estatística & dados numéricosRESUMO
To study the epidemiology of pediatric headache, we conducted a cross-sectional study of a randomized and proportional sample of 538 male and female students, 10 to 18 years old. They were in the 5th to 8th grade of the schools of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. The headache disorders were classified on the basis of clinical interview as well as a physical and neurological examination using the operational diagnostic criteria of the International Headache Society (IHS). The following headache prevalences were found: lifetime, 93.2%; last year, 82.9%; last week, 31.4%; last 24 h, 8.9%. Last week and last 24 h headache complaints were twice as prevalent in the female group. During the last year the prevalence of headache disorders was 72.8% for tension-type and 9.9% for migraine headache and was not associated with age distribution. Only the last year and last week prevalences of tension-type headache were significantly higher in the female group. The last year prevalence of headache disorders proved to be positively associated with sex and age variables. The prevalence of headache disorders was found to be extremely high in this population group, requiring more attention on the part of investigators as a public health problem.