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Background/aims Diabetes causes damage to the enteric nervous system. The enteric nervous system consists of neurons and enteric glial cells (EGCs). The present study evaluated the effects of an ethyl-acetate fraction (EAF) from Trichilia catigua (T. catigua; 200 mg/kg) on the total population of enteric neurons (HuC/D-immunoreactive [IR]) and EGCs (S100-IR and glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]-IR) in the total preparation and jejunal mucosa in diabetic rats. Methods The animals were distributed into four groups: normoglycemic rats (N), diabetic rats (D), normoglycemic rats that received the EAF (NC), and diabetic rats that received the EAF (DC). The jejunum was processed for immunohistochemistry to evaluate HuC/D, S100, and GFAP immunoreactivity. The expression of S100 and GFAP proteins was also quantified by Western blot. Results The D group exhibited a decrease in the number of neurons and EGCs, an increase in the area of cell bodies, an increase in S100 protein expression, a decrease in GFAP protein expression, and a decrease in S100-IR and GFAP-IR EGCs in the jejunal mucosa. The DC group exhibited a decrease in the number of neurons and EGCs, a decrease in the area of cell bodies, a decrease in S100 and GFAP protein expression, and a decrease in S100-IR and GFAP-IR EGCs in the jejunal mucosa. The NC group exhibited maintenance of the number of neurons and EGCs, an increase in the area of cell bodies, and a decrease in S100 and GFAP protein expression. Conclusion The EAF from T. catigua partially conferred protection against diabetic neuropathy in the enteric nervous system.

Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) is a DNA virus that infects different tissues in Bombyx mori at immature stage. Caterpillars become infected after ingesting polyhedral occlusion bodies (POB) present in contaminated mulberry leaves and spread through the body after passing the epithelium of the midgut. As this organ is responsible for digestion, most absorption of nutrients requires an intact epithelium to maintain gastrointestinal physiology. Considering the importance of this organ in the feeding of caterpillars and in the production of quality silk threads, and because it is also the first barrier faced by the BmNPV, the study analyzed details of cytopathological events in the intestinal cells as well as evaluated the action of the antioxidant systems as a response to cellular infection. For this purpose, B. mori hybrid caterpillars of fifth instar were inoculated with a suspension of 7.8 × 107 POB ml-1 and, from the first to the eighth day post-inoculation (dpi), segments of the midgut were collected and processed for light and electronic microscopy. The nuclei of columnar cells showed polyhedric occlusion bodies in the seventh dpi and fragmentation of those cells, with peritrophic matrix disorganization. Analysis of antioxidant systems shows some moments of changes of the catalase enzymes and superoxide dismutase. Analysis of the cholinergic system revealed changes only at the beginning of the infection. Thus, the article acknowledges the antioxidant system as a barrier to stop viral infection, albeit it cannot stop infection from occurring, once a coevolutionary bond is maintained between virus and host.

The effects of quercetin supplementation in NADH-diaphorase positive (NADH-d) neurons of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was carried in this study. Fifteen male rats were divided into three groups: normoglycemic (N), diabetic (D) and diabetic supplemented with quercetin (DQ). Whole mount preparations of the muscular layer of the ileum underwent NADH-d histochemistry for evidencing the NADH-d neuronal subpopulation. Quantitative analyzes were performed on 30 random fields, and morphometric analyzes in 100 neuronal bodies and nuclei per animal. The supplementation promoted a 44 % reduction in the neuronal density in D group when compared to N group (p

The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) is widely used in several countries. Research on the neurotoxicity of 2,4-D has been focused on the central nervous system, and little is known about its effects on the myenteric plexus. Therefore, to elucidate the neurotoxicity of 2,4-D and the viability of its use, we investigated the effects of daily intake of 5 mg 2,4-D/kg for 60 days on the myenteric plexus neurons of the rat ileum using quantitative and morphometric analyses. Twenty male Wistar rats aged 60 days were divided into two groups (n=10 rats/group). The group E animals received daily 5 mg doses of 2,4-D/kg diluted in 1 mL of water, whereas the group C animals were not treated with the herbicide. The animals were euthanized with anesthetic after 60 days; subsequently, the ileum was dissected out, and procedures were performed to visualize the total population of neurons (Giemsa staining), the nitrergic neurons (NADPHd+), and the estimated population of cholinergic neurons (NADPHd-). The results were statistically analyzed and compared between groups. In group E, the densities of Giemsa-stained neurons and NADPHd- neurons decreased (p

Background/Aims Enteric neuropathy associated with Diabetes Mellitus causes dysfunction in the digestive system, such as: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, among others. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of supplementation with 2% l -glutamine and 1% l -glutathione on neurons and enteric glial cells of ileum of diabetic rats. Methods Thirty male Wistar rats have been used according to these group distributions: Normoglycemic (N), Normoglycemic supplemented with l -glutamine (NG), Normoglycemic supplemented with l -glutathione (NGO), Diabetic (D), Diabetic supplemented with l -glutamine (DG) and Diabetic supplemented with l -glutathione (DGO). After 120 days, the ileum was processed for immunohistochemistry of HuC/D and S100β. Quantitative and morphometric analysis have been performed. Results Diabetic rats presented a decrease in the number of neurons when compared to normoglycemic animals. However, diabetes was not associated with a change in glial density. l -Glutathione prevented the neuronal death in diabetic rats. l -Glutathione increased a glial proliferation in diabetic rats. The neuronal area in diabetic rats increased in relation to the normoglycemics. The diabetic rats supplemented with l -glutamine and l -glutathione showed a smaller neuronal area in comparison to diabetic group. The glial cell area was a decreased in the diabetics. The diabetic rats supplemented with l -glutamine and l -glutathione did not have significant difference in the glial cell body area when compared to diabetic rats. Conclusion It is concluded that the usage of l -glutamine and l -glutathione as supplements presents both desired and side effects that are different for the same substance in considering normoglycemic or diabetic animals.

Intestinal epithelial secretion is coordinated by the submucosal plexus (SMP). Chemical mediators from SMP regulate the immunobiological response and direct actions against infectious agents. Toxoplasma gondii is a worldwide parasite that causes toxoplasmosis. This study aimed to determine the effects of chronic infection with T. gondii on the morphometry of the mucosa and the submucosal enteric neurons in the proximal colon of rats. Male adult rats were distributed into a control group (n = 10) and an infected group (n = 10). Infected rats received orally 500 oocysts of T. gondii (ME-49). After 36 days, the rats were euthanized and samples of the proximal colon were processed for histology to evaluate mucosal thickness in sections. Whole mounts were stained with methylene blue and subjected to immunohistochemistry to detect vasoactive intestinal polypeptide. The total number of submucosal neurons decreased by 16.20%. Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive neurons increased by 26.95%. Intraepithelial lymphocytes increased by 62.86% and sulfomucin-producing goblet cells decreased by 22.87%. Crypt depth was greater by 43.02%. It was concluded that chronic infection with T. gondii induced death and hypertrophy in the remaining submucosal enteric neurons and damage to the colonic mucosa of rats.

The present study evaluated the synergistic effects of the association of ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol on myenteric in the jejunum of diabetic rats. The rats were randomly divided into four equal groups: untreated normoglycemic (UC), untreated diabetic (UD), ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol-treated normoglycemic (CAE) and ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol-treated diabetic (DAE). The rats from the CAE and DAE group received supplementation with ascorbic acid (1g/L in water) and α-tocopherol (1% in chow). At 210-days-old, the animals were sacrified and their jejunum was collected and submitted to immunohistochemistry. Quantitative and/or morphometric analysis were performed. Supplementation with ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol prevented the cell loss of myenteric neurons expressing HuC/D and TrkA in an equivalent proportion. We also observed a reduction of the CGRP nerve fiber varicosities and the prevention of the increased cell body size of submucosal VIP neurons (p

Purpose Enteric glial cells (EGCs) exert a critical role in the structural integrity, defense, and metabolic function of enteric neurons. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterized by metabolic disorders and chronic autonomic neuropathy. Quercetin supplementation, which is a potent antioxidant, has been used in order to reduce the effects of diabetes-induced oxidative stress. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of quercetin supplementation in the drinking water at a daily dose of 40 mg on the glial cells and neurons in the jejunum of diabetic rats. Materials and methods Twenty 90-day-old male adult Wistar rats were split into four groups: normoglycemic control (C), normoglycemic control supplemented with quercetin (Q), diabetic (D), and diabetic supplemented with quercetin (DQ). After 120 days, the jejunums were collected, and immunohistochemical technique was performed to label S-100-immunoreactive glial cells and HuC/D-immunoreactive neurons. Results An intense neuronal and glial reduction was observed in the jejunum of diabetic rats. Quercetin displayed neuroprotective effects due to reduced cell body areas of neurons and glial cells in Q and DQ groups compared to their controls (C and D groups). Interestingly, quercetin prevented the glial and neuronal loss with a higher density for the HuC/D-immunoreactive neurons (23.06%) and for the S100-immunoreactive glial cells (14.55%) in DQ group compared to D group. Conclusion Quercetin supplementation promoted neuroprotective effects through the reduction of neuronal and glial body areas and a slight prevention of neuronal and glial density reduction.

Enteric nervous plexuses have been the object of several studies, specially the myenteric plexus whose studies describe its organization, functions and alterations. On the other hand, the submucosal plexus has been less studied and still needs descriptive studies. To analyze morphologically and quantitatively submucosal neurons of the jejunum of 90-day-old healthy rats using different techniques for neuronal staining as a way to provide normality data to compare with future experimental studies. Whole mount preparations of the jejunum were submitted to Giemsa, NADH-diaphorase and NADPH-diaphorase techniques to stain the total neuronal population, more metabolically active subpopulation and subpopulation of nitrergic neurons, respectively. Neurons of the submucosal plexus of adult rats are mainly organized in ganglia with varied sized and shapes. Giemsa technique stained 243.93 ± 7.68 neurons per mm2. Regarding the total population stained by Giemsa, NADH- diaphorase positive (139.09 ± 11.14/mm2) neurons represented 57 % and NADPH-diaphorase positive (18.17 ± 0.28/mm2) represented 7.5 %. The area of the cell body was bigger in nitrergic neurons (412.29 ± 150.22) than in the ones stained by Giemsa (254.71 ± 63.32) and NADH-diaphorase positive (243.98 ± 123.82).

deMeloGermano,R.,Stabille,S.R.,deBrittoMari,R.,Pereira,J.N.B.,Faglioni, J.R.S. and de Miranda Neto, M.H. 2014. Morphologicalcharacteristics of the Pterodoras granulosus digestive tube (Valenciennes, 1821)(Osteichthyes, Doradidae). — Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 95: 166–175.Little is known about the digestive tube (DT) morphology of the fish Pterodorasgranulosus. Therefore, macro-, meso-andmicroscopicaspectsof15 P. granulosusDTs were analysed. The muscular layer was composed of striated skeletal mus-cle in the oesophagus and smooth muscle i n the other segments. The epitheliumprogressed from a stratified pavement in the oesophagus to a simple column inthe other segments, with a flat striated border in the intestine. A large number ofmucus-secreting periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive cells were observed in theoesophagus. In the stomach, the number of glands in the region decreasedtowards the cardiac–fundic region, and none were found in the pylorus. Theintestine showed an epithelium with absorptioncellsandanincreasingnumberof PAS-positive caliciform cells towards the distal region. Tests showed that theoesophagus is adapted for passing and preparing food for the chemical digestionthat occurs in the stomach, which also has storage functions without grindingaction. The proximal intestinal region was consistent with fat absorption, andthe medium region, with the absorption of other nutrients. The distal region wasshort and consistent with a role in absorption for osmoregulation as well as inthe formation, storage and disposal of faeces.Ricardode Melo Germano, Departamento de Ci^enciasMorfologicas, Universid-ade Estadual de Maringa, Av. Colombo, no. 5790 –Bloco H79 –CEP. 87020-900, Maringa –Parana, Brasil. E-mail: prof.ricardogermano@gmail.comIntroductionThroughout the evolutionary process, fish have developedtheir own mechanisms to obtain food and to survive, with spe-cific physiological and morphological changes of the digestivesystem associated with their feeding behaviour (Dzhumaliyev1982; Fanta et al. 2001).In general, the digestive tubes of fish present the classicstratigraphic organisation that is described for the tubularorgans of other vertebrates. However, the macro- and micro-scopic structures of the segments are indicative of the fairlyprecise nature of the fish diet and how food is ingested by thespecies (Chaves and Vazzoler 1984; Seixas-Filho et al. 2000;Fugi et al. 2001). These factors have led to the appearance ofmorphological changes from the oesophagus to the distalintestine, which can be used to distinguish fish structures fromclassical descriptions.Pterodoras granulosus, described by Valenciennes in 1821(Fowler 1951) and popularly known as ‘armado’, ‘armadocomum’ or ‘abotoado’, belongs to the Siluriformes order,Doradidae Family and is found in the basins of the Paran a,Paraguay, Uruguay, Amazonas and Goias rivers. This specieswasnotfoundintheupperParana River and its floodingchannels until the construction of the Itaipu reservoir andwater levelling, when the P. granulosus increased its distribu-tion (Agostinho et al. 2003; Feitoza et al. 2004).

RESUMO: Este trabalho constou de uma revisão de literatura corn o tema Cronobiologia, que teve como objetivo compilar textos que servissem de subsidios para a compreensão dos pressupostos desta ciência. Visando o entendimento das relações existentes entre os 3 eixos que norteiam os conteúdos de ciências para as escolas públicas do Estado do Parana, a partir de 1990. A Cronobiologia busca explicitar as relações existentes entre fatores geofísicos, como o movirnento de rotação e translação do planeta, suas influências sobre a disponibilidade de energia no ecossistema e suas consequências para as seres vivos.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of 0.1% and 2% vitamin E (α-tocopherol) supplementation on the expression of nitric oxide (NO) in penile tissue of rats with experimentally induced diabetes mellitus (DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS In all, 30 male rats were divided into six groups: normoglycaemic (NG), NG treated with 0.1% vitamin E (NGE1), NG treated with 2% vitamin E (NGE2), DM, DM treated with 0.1% vitamin E (DME1), and DM treated with 2% vitamin E (DME2). After 120 days the rats were killed, and penile tissue was collected and processed for neuronal NO synthase (nNOS) immunohistochemistry to determine areas of nNOS-immunoreactive varicosities. RESULTS nNOS-immunoreactive varicosities in DME2 rats were similar to those of controls (NG) and controls supplemented with vitamin E (NGE1 and NGE2). Varicosity sizes in the NGE1 group were similar to the DM rats with no vitamin E supplementation. CONCLUSION Supplementation with 2% vitamin E had a positive effect on areas of nNOS-immunoreactive varicosities of penile tissue in DM rats.

The effect of vitamin E (1 g/kg body weight) supplementation on myosin-V and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) immunoreactive myenteric neurons from the ileum of diabetic rats was investigated in the present study. Forty animals were divided into the following groups: normoglycemics (N), normoglycemics treated with vitamin E (NE), diabetics (D), and diabetics treated with vitamin E (DE). Quantitative and morphometric analyses were performed. The area of the tertiary plexus was also determined. Diabetes produced a 24% reduction in the number of myosin-V neurons in group D compared with group N, an effect that was accompanied by an increase in the tertiary plexus area (P < 0.05). Neuronal density was 27% higher in group NE than group N (P < 0.05). Nitrergic neuronal density was not altered as a consequence of either diabetes or vitamin E treatment. Myosin-V and nNOS immunoreactive neuronal cell body area increased significantly in group NE. The area of myosin-V and nNOS myenteric neurons also increased in group D. Vitamin E treatment (group DE) increased only the size of nitrergic neurons. The present results suggest that vitamin E elicited a neuroprotective and neurotrophic effect on the natural aging process, but with regard to diabetes, vitamin E supplementation exerted a neurotrophic effect only on nitrergic neurons.

We carried out this investigation with the purpose of verifying whether insulin treatment prevents changes in the density of myoenteric neurons of the duodenum of Wistar rats with streptozotocin short-term diabetes. The animals from the diabetic group (D) lost more weight than the controls (group C), while the insulin treatment (group T) prevented weight loss in three animals and increased visceral fat in all of the animals of this group. Insulin treatment did not prevent the early loss of HuC/HuD myoenteric neurons. The density of nNOS-positive neurons did not change significantly in groups D and T. The density of NADHd-positive neurons in these groups was greater than in group C, indicating that short-term diabetes increases the activity of respiratory chain enzymes.

BmMNPV, a Nucleopolyhedrovirus isolated from infected Bombyx mori (L.) larvae in Paraná State--Brazil, was used to inoculate healthy 5th-instar B. mori larvae and examine the infection on central nervous system (CNS) cells. Samples of nervous tissue were removed from the infected insects, at different sampling times, and processed for cytopathology studies by light and transmission electron microscopy using routine techniques. The experiment included both inoculated and non-inoculated larvae (control). BmMNPV infection was detected on the 5th day after inoculation in CNS cells. Initially, infection was characterized by nuclear hypertrophy and the presence of virogenic stroma, in which the progeny virions were produced. Virions are enveloped and occluded into protein crystal, the polyhedra. Lyses of infected CNS cells were undetected; however, free mature polyhedra were seen in spaces inside the CNS. These polyhedra possibly came from trachea that penetrate the CNS and its cells, which are susceptible to BmMNPV and lyses after infection. We conclude that the tracheal system is responsible for disseminating BmMNPV infection in B. mori CNS and that the tracheal branches allow non-occluded virions to pass through the blood-brain barrier.

O presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar as características morfoquantitativas de neurônios mioentéricos nitrérgicos do corpo do estômago de ratos diabéticos. O corpo do estômago de 5 ratos normoglicêmicos e de 5 ratos diabéticos foi submetido a preparados de membrana corados pela técnica histoquímica da NADPH-diaforase. Verificaram-se, nos animais diabéticos, diminuição do peso corporal, aumento do consumo diário de água, da glicemia em jejum e da hemoglobina glicada. Com os dados obtidos, não foi observada diferença significativa na densidade de neurônios nitrérgicos entre os dois grupos, porém as áreas dos perfis celulares neuronais dos ratos diabéticos foram significativamente maiores. Constatou-se, portanto, que o diabetes induzido por estreptozootocina não acelera a morte dos neurônios nitrérgicos, contudo aumenta a expressão desses neurôniosThe aim of this study was to analyze the morphoquantitative features of the nitrergic myenteric neurons from the body of the stomach of diabetic rats. The body of the stomach of five normoglicemic rats and of five diabetic rats were prepared as whole-mounts stained by the histochemical technique of NADPH-diaphorase. Decreased body weight and increased daily ingestion of water, fast glicemia and glycated hemoglobin were verified in diabetic animals. According to the data obtained, significant difference in the density of nitrergic neurons was not observed between the two groups, but the areas of the neuronal cell body profiles in the diabetic rats were significantly larger. Results showed that the streptozotocin that induced diabetes does not accelerate the death of the nitrergic neurons, but increases the expression of these cells

O objetivo do trabalho foi comparar o perfil dos corpos celulares dos neurônios mioentéricos NADH-diaforase positivos do estômago de ratos. Utilizou-se 10 animais (Rattus norvegicus), provenientes dos grupos: a) controle (n=5), que durante 210 dias receberam, ad libitum, dieta com teor protéico normal (22%) e água; e b) experimental (n = 5), que durante 210 dias receberam, ad libitum, ração com teor protéico normal (22%) e aguardente-de-cana diluída a 30 Gay Lussac (30º v/v). Os estômagos coletados foram submetidos à técnica de evidenciação neuronal. A mensuração do perfil dos corpos celulares dos neurônios (n = 1.000) foi através de um Sistema Computadorizado de Análise de Imagem. O perfil dos corpos celulares dos neurônios do grupo controle ficou entre 60,16 a 638,64 µm2. No grupo experimental variou de 40,84 a 599,15 µm2. Constatamos redução significante no tamanho do corpo celular, aumento de neurônios pequenos e diminuição de neurônios grandesThe purpose of this work was to compare the profile of the cell body of the NADH-diaphorase positive myenteric neurons from the stomach of rats. It was used 10 animals (Rattus norvegicus), from groups a) control (n = 5), that during 210 days had ad libitum supply of chow with normal protein level (22%) and water; and b) experimental (n = 5), that during 210 days had ad libitum supply of chow with normal protein level (22%) and sugar cane brandy diluted to 30 Gay Lussac (30o v/v). The stomachs collected and subjected to the technique for neuronal staining. The cell body of the neurons (n = 1.000) was measured through a computerized system of image analysis. The profile of the neurons from the control rats ranged from 60.16 and 638.64 µm2. In the experimental group the values ranged from 40.84 to 599.15 µm2. We observed a significant decrease on the cell body size, increase of the small neurons and decrease of the large neurons

The effect of the treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) on neurons releasing the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) of the submucous plexus in the jejunum of diabetic rats was the purpose of our investigation. Diabetes (DM) was induced by injecting streptozotocin endovenously (35mg/kg). After sacrificing the animals, the jejunum was collected and processed for VIP detection. Four groups were used: C (non-diabetic), CC (non-diabetic treated with ALC), D (diabetic), DC (diabetes treated with ALC). We analyzed the immunoreactivity and the cellular profile of 126 cell bodies. The treatment with ALC improved some aspects of DM. However, it promoted a small increase in the area of neurons from group CC, suggesting a possible neurotrophic effect. Neurons from groups D and DC showed a large increase in their cellular profile and immunoreactivity when compared to C and CC, suggesting a larger concentration of this neurotransmitter within the neurons that produce it. This observation constitutes a recurrent finding in diabetic animals, suggesting that ALC doesnot interfere in the pathophysiological mechanisms that unchain a higher production and/or neurotransmitter accumulation and increase the profile of the VIP-ergic neurons.Investigamos o efeito da acetil-L-carnitina (ALC) sobre os neurônios que expressam o peptídeo intestinal vasoativo (VIP) do plexo submucoso no jejuno de ratos diabéticos. O diabetes (DM) foi induzido pela administração endovenosa de estreptozootocina (35mg/kg). Após o sacrifício dos animais, o jejuno foi coletado e processado para a detecção de VIP. Utilizou-se quatro grupos: C (não diabéticos), CC (não diabéticos suplementados com ALC), D (diabéticos) e DC (diabéticos suplementados com ALC). Analisou-se a imunoreatividade e o perfil celular de 126 corpos celulares. O tratamento com ALC melhorou alguns aspectos do DM. Porém, promoveu pequeno aumento na área dos neurônios do grupo CC, indicando possível efeito neurotrófico. Neurônios dos grupos D e DC apresentaram grande aumento do perfil celular e na imunoreatividade em relação a C e CC, sugerindo maior concentração deste neurotransmissor nestes neurônios. Esta observação é constante em animais diabéticos, sugerindo que a ALC não interfere nos mecanismos fisiopatológicos que desencadeiam a maior produção e/ou acúmulo de neurotransmissor e aumento do perfil dos neurônios VIP-érgicos.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the neuronal density of the myenteric plexus of the intermediate and antimesocolic regions of the descending colon of rats. Whole-mounts were stained with three different techniques of neuronal evidenciation. Through counts of the number of neurons in an area of 6.64 mm² under light microscopy, we found 1,271 ± 227.54 neurons with Giemsa in the intermediate region and 1,234 ± 225.92 neurons in the antimesocolic region; with the NADH-diaphorase technique we found 530 ± 92.97 neurons in the intermediate region and 539 ± 146.72 neurons in the antimesocolic region; and through the NADPH-diaphorase histochemistry, we found 417 ± 34.42 neurons in the intermediate region and 547 ± 84.01 neurons in the antimesocolic region. We conclude that there is a variation in the density of NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons in the intestinal circumference; that the NADH-diaphorase positive neuronal subpopulation represented 42.7% of that stained with Giemsa; and that the NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons represented 37.8% of the whole myenteric population. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a densidade neuronal do plexo mioentérico das regiões intermediária e antimesocólica do colo descendente de ratos. Preparados de membrana foram corados com três técnicas diferentes de evidenciação neuronal. Através da contagem do número de neurônios, em uma área de 6,64 mm², sob microscopia de luz, encontramos com a coloração de Giemsa: 1271 ± 227,54 neurônios na região intermediária e 1234 ± 225,92 na região antimesocólica. Utilizando a técnica de marcação da NADH-diaforase, encontramos 530 ± 92,97 neurônios na região intermediária e 539 ± 146,72 na região antimesocólica. Através da histoquímica da NADPH-diaforase, encontramos 417 ± 34,42 neurônios na região intermediária e 547 ± 84,01 na região antimesocólica. Concluímos que há uma variação da densidade de neurônios NADPH-diaforase positivos ao redor da circunferência intestinal; que a subpopulação neuronal NADH-diaforase positivos representou 42,7% da população evidenciada no Giemsa e que os neurônios NADPH-diaforase positivos representam 37,8% do total.

We carried out this work with the purpose of studying the effects of protein and vitamin B deficiency on the morphologic and quantitative aspects of the myenteric plexus of the descending colon of adult Rattus norvegicus. Twenty-eight rats were divided in two groups, one of them receiving chow with 22% protein level (control) and the other fed with chow having 8% protein level without vitamin B supplementation, during 120 days. Whole-mounts of the descending colon were prepared and stained with Giemsa, NADH-diaphorase and NADPH-diaphorase. The undernourished rats had a body weight 11.84% less than the control group. Relative to the controls, the experimental group had a colonic area 48% smaller, 51.9% less Giemsa-stained neurons, 28.3% less NADH-diaphorase positive neurons and 24.2% less NADPH-diaphorase positive neurons. Realizamos este estudo com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos da desnutrição protéica e da carência de vitaminas do complexo B sobre os aspectos morfológicos e quantitativos do plexo mioentérico do colo descendente de Rattus norvegicus adultos. Vinte e oito ratos foram divididos em dois grupos, sendo oferecida para um dos grupos ração com teor protéico de 22% (controle) e, para outro, ração com teor protéico de 8% sem suplementação de vitaminas do complexo B, durante 120 dias. Elaboramos os preparados de membrana do colo descendente e os coramos pelo método de Giemsa, pela técnica da NADH diaforase e da NADPH diaforase. Os ratos desnutridos apresentaram peso corporal 11,84% menor que o grupo controle. Em relação ao controle, observou-se uma redução da área do colo do grupo experimental de 48%, e de 51,9% dos neurônios corados por Giemsa, 28,3% dos neurônios NADH-diaforase positivos e 24,2% neurônios NADPH-diaforase.

Summary The junction between the small and the large intestines has been studied in several animals since this region makes an important intestinal transition. Like humans the swine have a structure that forms a boundary between the cecum and the ascending colon — the frenulum papillae ilealis dorsalis and ventralis . Nevertheless the morphology and physiology of this is poorly known. The aim of this work is to describe the morphology of the swine's frenula and to trace some elements of comparative anatomy. The macroscopic research was done on 33 animals and the results were analyzed by Wilcoxon test. The arrangement of the tunica muscularis was studied in 12 animals by dissection, after immersion in 50% nitric acid solution, and the light microscopic studies were performed in 15 animals. In all of the cases it was observed that it was the frenulum papillae ilealis , dorsal and ventral, which formed the internal boundary between the cecum and the ascending colon. They were constituted of the tunica mucosa, tela submucosa and tunica muscularis of the large intestine. The swine's frenula papillae ilealis participate in the functioning of the ileocecocolic “pylorus”. The macro- and microscopic morphology of the swine's frenula are similar to that of the man, indicating that this animal would be a good model for the experimental studies.

Nitric oxide (NO) mediated slow inhibitory junction potential (sIJP) and mechanical relaxation after electrical field stimulation is impaired in diabetes mellitus. Externally added NO donor restore nitrergic function, indicating that this reduction result from diminution of NO synthesis within the prejunctional nerve terminals. The present study aimed to investigate two specific aims that may potentially provide pathophysiological insights into diabetic nitrergic neuropathy. Specifically, alteration in nNOSα contents within jejunal nerve terminals and a local subcortical transporter myosin Va was tested sixteen weeks after induction of diabetes by low-dose streptozotocin in male Wistar rats. The results show that diabetic rats, in contrast to vehicle treated animals, have (a) nearly absent myosin Va expression in nerve terminals of axons innervating smooth muscles and (b) significant decrease of myosin Va in neuronal soma of myenteric plexus. In contrast, nNOSα staining in diabetic jejunum neuromuscular strips showed near intact expression in neuronal cell bodies. The space occupancy of nitrergic nerve fibers was comparable between groups. Normal concentration of nNOSα was visualized within a majority of nitrergic terminals in diabetes, suggesting intact axonal transport of nNOSα to distant nerve terminals. These results reveal the dissociation between presences of nNOSα in the nerve terminals but deficiency of its transporter myosin Va in the jejunum of diabetic rats. This significant observation of reduced motor protein myosin Va within jejunal nerve terminals may potentially explain impairment of prejunctional nitric oxide synthesis during electrical field stimulation of diabetic gut neuromuscular strips despite presence of the nitrergic synthetic enzyme nNOSα.

The aims of this work were to evaluate the effects of the deficient ingestion of protein and vitamin B on the biochemical and hematologic parameters and on the NADH- and NADPH-diaphorase positive myenteric neurons. The control animals (n=10) received commercial chow and the experimental rats (n=10) received chow with protein level reduced to 8% during 120 days. At the time of killing blood was collected for assessment of the blood and hematologic parameters and the ascending colon for quantitative analysis of the neurons of the myenteric plexus. It was observed that the reduction of the protein level to 8% coupled to the reduction of the levels of vitamin B in adult rats neither led to qualitative or quantitative changes on red or white blood cells, nor decreased globulin levels, induced the formation of edema or gave rise to clinical signs typical of protein or vitamin B deficiency. On the other hand, the experimental protocol led to less weight gain, change on the body composition with fat deposition; decrease of the values of serum total protein and albumin; reduction of the area of colon and density of nitrergic and NADH-diaphorase myenteric neurons inferior to the expected. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram avaliar as repercussões da ingestão deficiente de proteínas e vitaminas do complexo B sobre parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos e neurônios mientéricos NADH e NADPH-diaforase positivos. Os animais controle (n=10) receberam ração comercial e os animais experimentais (n=10) ração com teor protéico reduzido para 8% durante 120 dias. Durante o sacrifício, coletou-se o sangue dos animais para avaliação de parâmetros sanguíneos e hematológicos e o colo ascendente para a análise quantitativa dos neurônios do plexo mioentérico. Observou-se que a redução do teor de proteínas na dieta para 8% associado a redução no teor de vitaminas do complexo B em ratos adultos, não causa alterações qualitativas e quantitativas das células sanguíneas das séries vermelha e branca, não leva a redução do valor da globulina nem a formação de edema ou ao surgimento de sinais clínicos característicos das carências de proteínas e vitaminas do complexo B. Por outro lado causa: menor ganho de peso corporal; alteração da composição corporal com acúmulo de gordura; redução nos valores de proteína total e albumina; redução na área do colo e evidenciação de densidade de neurônios nitrérgicos e NADH-diaforase positivos inferior ao esperado.

A histological study of New Zealand White female rabbits’ ovaries was undertaken. Rabbits were fed on canola meal as an increasing substitute (00, 33, 66 and 100%) for soybean meal so that the tissue’s general aspects could be verified and the number of ovarian follicles from each experimental group could be obtained. Forty-eight female rabbits were slaughtered at 43, 150 and 225 days of age and their ovaries were fixed in Bouin’s liquid, washed and conserved in 70% ethanol and embedded in paraffin. 5µm-thick histological sections were undertaken and stained by HE and Azan techniques. The ovaries were bound by a predominantly simple cubic epithelium followed by the tunica albuginea. Ovarian follicles were observed in different stages of development in the cortical tissue. Interstitial gland cells, blood and lymphatic vessels and nerves were observed in the medullar tissue. Small cysts were also reported. Histological preparations didn’t show any change between groups either in the general morphology of the tissue or in follicle number. This fact suggests that the use of canola as a food of rabbits didn’t interfere in reproduction.O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a histologia de ovário de coelhas da raça Nova Zelândia Branca. As coelhas foram alimentadas com farelo de canola em substituição gradativa (00, 33, 66 e 100%) ao farelo de soja. Foram estudados os aspectos histológicos gerais dos ovários, assim como a contagem de folículos. Um grupo de 48 coelhas foi dividido ao acaso e abatido aos 43, 150 e 225 dias de idade, e os ovários foram fixados em Bouin, lavados e conservados em solução de etanol a 70% e embebidos em parafina. Cortes histológicos foram realizados com 5µm de espessura e corados com HE e técnica de Azan. Os ovários apresentavam predominantemente epitélio simples cúbico seguidos de túnica albugínea. Os folículos foram observados em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento no estroma cortical. Células glandulares intersticiais, vasos sanguíneos, vasos linfáticos e nervos foram observados no estroma medular. Pequenos cistos também foram observados. Observações histológicas não mostraram variações entre tratamentos na morfologia geral do tecido e no número de folículos, indicando que o uso de farelo de canola em substituição ao farelo de soja não interferiu no desempenho reprodutivo de coelhas.

The aim of present study was to evaluate the number and basophily of cell bodies of myenteric neurons in the ileum of rats with diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin. Four groups of rats were used: diabetes was induced in two (D) whereas the other two worked as controls (N). Animals were sacrificed six (6N, 6D) or nineteen (19N, 19D) weeks after diabetes induction. A segment of the terminal portion of the ileum of each rat was obtained and stained with Giemsa's solution, for whole-mount preparation studies. Forty fields were analyzed in each animal, and the number and basophily intensity of cell bodies were recorded. After counting, the following mean numbers of neurons/mm² were obtained: 6N=593.1 ± 95.75, 6D=639.1 ± 130.8, 19N=580.1 ± 175.6 and 19D=402.0 ± 144.8. The analysis of basophily shown that highest frequency of neurons with weak/intermediary basophily was verified in 6D group (55.3%), whereas the groups 6N, 19N e 19D presented 38%, 36% e 40% respectively. The statistical analysis showed that a long period is necessary to decrease the number of neurons/mm² in the rat ileum after diabetes induction, and that there was a reduction in basophily intensity in diabetic rats after 6 weeks of treatment, and such cells do not recover after a longer period (19 weeks).O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o número e basofilia dos corpos celulares dos neurônios mientéricos no íleo de ratos com diabetes mellitus induzido por estreptozootocina. Quatro grupos de ratos foram usados. O diabetes foi induzido em dois grupos (D), enquanto outros dois eram controles (N). Os animais foram sacrificados 6 (6N, 6D) ou dezenove (19N, 19D) semanas após a indução do diabetes. Preparados totais de um segmento do íleo terminal, de cada rato, foram corados com solução de Giemsa. Foram contados 40 campos em cada animal, e o número e a intensidade de basofilia citoplasmática foram registrados. Após a contagem, as seguintes médias no número de neurônios/mm² foram obtidos: 6N=593,1 ± 95,75, 6D=693,1 ± 130,8, 19N=580,1 ± 175,6 e 19D=402,0 ± 144,8. A análise da basofilia mostrou que a maior frequência de neurônios com basofilia fraca e intermediária foi verificada no grupo 6D (55,3%), enquanto os grupos 6N, 19N e 19D apresentaram 38%, 36% e 40% respectivamente. A análise estatística mostrou que um longo período é necessário para que ocorra a redução no número de neurônios/mm² no íleo de ratos, após a indução do diabetes. Também demonstrou uma redução na intensidade da basofilia citoplasmática 6 semanas de tratamento com estreptozootocina, e que estas células não se recuperam após um longo período de tempo (19 semanas).

The arrangement of the bundles of muscular fibers in the transition between the small and the large intestines was studied in 12 male adult crossbred swine by dissection, after immersion in 50% nitric acid solution. The connection between the small and the large intestines was formed by the association of the muscular tissue, the connective tissue and the fat tissue. The tunica muscularis of these organs was organized in thin thread-like bundles and wide ribbon-like bundles of variable width and thickness. The superficial bundles of the longitudinal stratum of the tunica muscularis of the ileum established the continuity with the large intestine; the deep bundles penetrated into the ileal papilla. The limit between the cecum and the ascending colon was externally marked by the sulcus cecocolicus dorsalis and ventralis. The connection between the cecum and the ascending colon was formed by bundles of muscular fibers coming from the ileum, and the taeniae ventralis, lateralis and medialis of the cecum. Some bundles of muscular fibers from the ascending colon and the cecum headed toward the sulcus cecocolicus. The median bundles of muscular fibers of the taenia ventralis of the cecum, near the termination of the ileum, were arranged to form a loop around the termination of the ileum, mixing with the musculature of the ascending colon at the level of this junction.

This study compared the areas of cell body and nucleus profiles of the myenteric neurons in the antimesenteric and intermediate regions of the duodenum of adult rats. Five male rats were used. The duodenum was removed and dissected to whole-mount preparations, which were stained by the Giemsa technique. The areas of cell body and nucleus profiles of 100 neurons, 50 from each region, of each animal, were assessed with image analyser. Based on the global mean±SD of the areas of cell body profiles, neurons were labelled as small, medium or large. It was observed that the neurons did not differ significantly in size or incidence between the antimesenteric and intermediate regions. However, the nuclei of the small and medium neurons were significantly smaller in the latter region. It is discussed that the smaller nuclear size could be related to the cell bodies being slightly smaller on this region and to a possible smaller biosynthetic activity which would influence nuclear size.

This study had as its purpose to assess the effects of acute diabetes induced by streptozotocin (35 mg/kg body weight) on the number and size of the myenteric neurons of the duodenum of adult rats considering equally the antimesenteric and intermediate regions of the intestinal circumference. Experimental period extended for a week. Neuronal counts were carried out on the same number of fields of both regions of the duodenal circumference and measurements of neuronal and nuclear areas on equal numbers of cells. Number and size of the myenteric neurons stained with Giemsa were not significantly different between groups. On the other hand, the proportion of NADH-positive neurons increased from 18.54% on the controls to 39.33% on the diabetics. The authors discuss that this increased reactivity probably results from a greater NADH/NAD+ ratio, described in many tissues of diabetic animals, which has consequences on the modulation of the enzymes that use these cofactors and whose activity is detected by the NADH-diaphorase technique. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos do diabetes agudo induzido por estreptozootocina (35 mg/kg de peso corporal) sobre o número e tamanho dos neurônios mientéricos do duodeno de ratos adultos considerando de forma equivalente as regiões antimesentérica e intermediária da circunferência intestinal. O período experimental se estendeu por uma semana. As contagens neuronais foram feitas em igual número de campos nas duas regiões da circunferência duodenal e as mensurações das áreas neuronais e nucleares em igual número de células. O número e o tamanho dos neurônios corados por Giemsa não foram significativamente diferentes entre os grupos. Por outro lado, a proporção de neurônios NADH-positivos aumentou de 18,54% nos animais controles para 39,33% nos diabéticos. Os autores discutem que essa maior reatividade possivelmente resultou do aumento da proporção NADH/NAD+, descrita em diversos tecidos de animais diabéticos, que repercute na modulação das enzimas que utilizam esses cofatores e cuja atividade é detectada pela técnica da NADH-diaforase.

O objetivo desse trabalho foi verificar os efeitos da desnutrição protéica sobre a morfologia, a morfometria e a densidade dos neurônios do plexo mientérico. Foi utilizado o íleo de 10 ratos. Para este estudo, cinco ratos com 90 dias receberam, durante 120 dias, ração hipoprotéica (grupo desnutrido) e 5 ratos (grupo de controle) receberam ração com teor protéico normal. Segmentos do íleo foram coletados e submetidos à elaboração de preparados de membrana, corados por Giemsa (Barbosa, 1978), e, para tratamento histológico de rotina, corados por HE. Os neurônios agrupavam-se formando gânglios localizados entre os estratos circular e longitudinal da túnica muscular. Com base nos comprimentos dos maiores eixos longitudinal e transversal, os neurônios foram classificados em três grupos: pequenos (14,44 a 22,32μm), médios (22,60 a 39,40) e grandes (40,70 a 63,02). A densidade neuronal no íleo de ratos em uma área de 7,08mm² foi em média 1.482 e 2.515 neurônios, respectivamente, nos grupos de controle e desnutrido. Os dados obttidos sugerem que a desnutrição protéica não provocou alteração na densidade neuronal.This paper deals with the effects of proteic desnutrition on the morphology, morphometry and density of the neurons of the myenteric plexus. The ileum of 10 rats was used. For this study five rats aging 90 days were fed during 120 days with hypoproteic ration (experimental group) and five rats (control group) received ration with normal proteic level. Segments of the ileum were obtained for the method of whole-mount preparation, stained with Giemsa (Barbosa, 1978) and for histological routine treatment stained with HE. The neurons were clustered in ganglia located between the circular and longitudinal layers of the muscular tunica. Based on the lengths of the major longitudinal and transverse axes, the neurons were selected in three groups: small, medium and large. The neuronal density on the ileum of rats corresponding to an area of 7.08mm2 was 1,482 and 2,515 neurons on the control and experimental groups respectively. The data suggested that proteic desnutrition did not cause alteration to the neuronal density.

Com o objetivo de fazer um estudo, em microscópio de luz, das pontes de miocárdio sobre as veias cardíacas, utilizaram-se 5 corações de suínos de ambos os sexos. Esses corações foram fixados em formol a 10%, por um período de 10 dias, embebidos em parafina e submetidos a cortes histológicos seriados de 15 m de espessura. A seguir, os cortes foram corados pelos métodos de Azan e Weigert-van Gieson. Verificou-se que as pontes de miocárdio eram constituídas por fibras da camada superficial do miocárdio. A parede dos segmentos venosos pré-pontino, pós-pontino e pontino das veias cardíacas magna e média de suínos era delgada e possuía características semelhantes. A túnica média apresentava modificações estruturais de acordo com a localização no plano subepicárdico: fibromuscular, próxima ao ápice cardíaco, e fibroelástica, no restante do trajeto. Sob o ponto de vista morfofuncional, as pontes de miocárdio podem ser consideradas como um fator coadjuvante do retorno venoso.Aiming to study the myocardial bridges over the cadiac veins on the optic microscope we used 5 pig hearts. The hearts were fixed in 10% formaldehyde for 10 days, embebbed in paraffin and were submitted to 15m histological serial sections. The sections were stained by Azan and Weigert-van Gieson methods.The myocardial bridges were composed by superficial layer of the myocadium. The great cardiac vein and middle cardiac vein showed similar features on their pre-pontine, pontine, and post-pontine segments. The vessel wall was thin. The middle layer of the veins showed structural changes during its subepicardial course: it was fibro-muscular near the cardiac apex and fibro-elastic on its remaing course were also observed. From a morphofunctional point of view these myocardial bridges may be considered an additional factor for the venous return.

O presente estudo teve por objetivo analisar as características morfológicas e quantitativas dos neurônios do plexo mientérico do estômago de ratos. Amostras do corpo do estômago foram submetidas a preparados de membrana corados pelo método da NADH-diaforase e a cortes histológicos corados com Hematoxilina-Eosina. Verificou-se que, no corpo do estômago de ratos, a túnica muscular apresenta dois estratos bem definidos, o circular e o longitudinal, sendo raras as fibras com disposição oblíqua. Os neurônios do plexo mientérico localizam-se entre esses dois estratos, o que facilita a sua evidenciação, em preparados de membrana dessa região. Quanto à densidade neuronal, verificou-se que próximo à curvatura gástrica menor é significantemente maior que próximo à curvatura gástrica maior.The present study had the purpose of analysing the morphological and quantitative characteristics of the neurons of the myenteric plexus of the stomach of rats. Samples of the stomach corpus were subjected to whole-mount preparations stained with NADH-diaphorase and to histological sections stained with Hematoxilin-Eosin. It was verified that, on the corpus of the stomach of rats, the muscular tunica shows two well defined layers, the circular and the longitudinal, while oblique fibers are rare. The neurons of the myenteric plexus are located between these two layers, which makes their evidencing easier in whole-mount preparations of this region. It was observed that near the small gastric curvature neuronal density is significantly larger than that near the large gastric curvature.

We have studied the morphological and quantitative aspects of the myenteric plexus neurons of the proximal colon in rats (Rattus norvegicus of Wistar strain) submitted to a protein deprivation during prenatal and lactation periods. Twenty pregnant dams were divided in four groups labeled according to the kind of nourishment they were given: Group NN, normal diet; Group DN, low protein diet during prenatal period, and normal diet during lactation period; Group ND, normal diet during prenatal period, and low protein diet during lactation period; Group DD, low protein diet during prenatal and lactation periods. Histological analyses were developed with proximal colon segments using the haematoxylin and eosin staining method. Membrane preparations were stained by Giemsa's method. The statistical analysis has demonstrated no significant difference among the means of neurons found in the four studied groups. It was noticed that the animals under protein deprivation during prenatal and lactation periods presented greater quantity of large and strongly basophilic myenteric neurons. This suggests that neurons have accumulated protein in the cytoplasm. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os aspectos morfológicos e quantitativos dos neurônios do plexo mientérico do colo proximal de ratos Wistar submetidos a desnutrição protéica, durante a gestação e lactação. Foram utilizados vinte animais, denominados de acordo com o período em que suas mães receberam ração com baixo teor de proteína: grupo NN (normoalimentados), grupo DN (ração hipoprotéica na gestação e normal na lactação), grupo ND (ração normal na gestação e hipoprotéica na lactação) e grupo DD (ração hipoprotéica na gestação e lactação). Amostras do colo proximal destinaram-se a cortes histológicos, corados pela hematoxilina-eosina e a preparados de membrana corados pelo método de Giemsa. O tratamento estatístico não demonstrou diferença significativa entre as médias referentes ao número de neurônios encontrados nos diferentes grupos nutricionais. Verificou-se que animais que sofreram deprivação protéica nos períodos de gestação e lactação apresentaram maior proporção de neurônios mientéricos grandes e fortemente basofílicos, indicando portanto que estes acumularam material protéico em seu citoplasma.

The purpose of this work was to study the neurons of the myenteric plexus of the cecum of rats with chronic streptozotocin-induced diabetes. We used four experimental groups of animals. In groups D2 and D8 animals were killed two and eight months, respectively, after diabetes induction and groups C2 and C8 were used as controls. We carried out whole-mount preparations stanied with Giemsa and NADH-diaphorase. We verified that the diabetes did not alter the shape and disposition of the myenteric ganglia; it provoked decrease on the neuronal density and increase on the incidence of weakly basophilic neurons. The effects of streptozotocin caused dilatation of the cecum still evidenced two months after induction, but no more observed on the eight months after induction. The smaller incidence of neurons in group D8 relative to group C8 was due to the early loss related to the drug toxicity and later to the aging in diabetic condition. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os neurônios do plexo mientérico do ceco de ratos, com diabetes mellitus crônico, induzido por estreptozootocina. Utilizamos quatro grupos de animais. Nos grupos D2 e D8, os animais foram mortos, dois e oito meses, respectivamente, após à indução do diabetes e os grupos C2 e C8 foram controles dos grupos experimentais. Realizamos preparados de membrana corados pelo método de Giemsa e NADH-diaforase. Verificamos que o diabetes não alterava a forma e a disposição dos gânglios do plexo mientérico; provocou redução da densidade neuronal e aumento da freqüência de neurônios fracamente basofílicos. Os efeitos da estreptozootocina provocavam dilatação do ceco ainda evidenciada dois meses após a indução, porém não mais verificada no oitavo mês após indução. A menor freqüência de neurônios no grupo D8 em relação ao grupo C8 deve-se a perda inicial relacionada à toxicidade da droga e posteriormente ao envelhecimento em condição de diabetes.

We carried out this study with the purpose of contributing on the effects of the proteic desnutrition on the morphological aspects and quantitative analysis of the neurons in the myenteric plexus of the ascending colon of adult Rattus norvegicus. Twenty adult rats were divided into two groups; in one of them, we offered a normal ration with proteic level of 22% (control group) and in the other, a ration with a proteic level of 8% (experiment group) during 120 days. We did the whole-mount preparations for the ascending colon and stained them with the Giemsa technique and the histochemical technique of NADH-diaphorase. The rats with proteic desnutrition showed a body weight, on average, to be 35.1% less than those of the control group, and the colon was on average, 26.8% shorter and 6.7% narrower. Thus, it was to be expected that the colon of animals with proteic desnutrition had a neuronal density 31.62% greater than the rats of the control group. Nevertheless, the difference with the Giemsa technique was on average 18.4%, demonstrating a mean neuronal loss of 13.25%.Realizamos este estudo com o objetivo de analisar os efeitos da desnutrição protéica sobre os aspectos morfológicos e quantitativos dos neurônios do plexo mientérico do colo ascendente de Rattus norvegicus adultos. Vinte ratos adultos foram divididos em 2 grupos, sendo que para um dos grupos ofertamos ração normal, com teor protéico de 22% (controle) e para o outro ração com teor protéico de 8% durante 120 dias. Elaboramos os preparados de membrana do colo ascendente e coramos pelo método de Giemsa e pela técnica histoquímica da NADH-diaforase. Os ratos com desnutrição protéica apresentaram peso corporal em média 35,1% menor que os do grupo controle, e o colo era em média 26,8% mais curto e 6,7% mais estreito. Esperava-se que o colo dos animais desnutridos possuíssem uma densidade neuronal 31,62% maior que o dos animais normonutridos; no entanto, a diferença com a técnica de Giemsa foi em média de 18,4%, demonstrando uma perda média de 13,25% dos neurônios.

The present work studied the effects of ascorbic acid supplementation (1 mg/ml in water daily) on submucosal vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-immunoreactive (VIP-IR) neurons in the jejunum of aging rats. Twenty-five male rats were divided into the following groups: Y90 (young, 90-day-old rats), A345 (aged, 345-day-old rats), A428 (aged, 428-day-old rats), AA345 (ascorbic acid-supplemented rats, 90-345-day old), and AA428 (ascorbic acid-supplemented rats, 90-428-day old). Whole mounts of the submucosal layer were subjected to immunohistochemistry for determination of VIP-IR. Morphometric analyses were carried out in 100 submucosal VIP-IR neuron cell bodies from each group. At 345 days, neurons from supplemented animals were larger than those of non-supplemented animals of the same age. These results indicate that ascorbic acid neutralized free radicals and played a neuroprotective role. At 428 days, no significant differences between cell body areas were seen with or without ascorbic acid supplementation, indicating that, from a certain age onward, the role of ascorbic acid as a VIP-IR antioxidant was reduced. This supposition is supported by the fact that both supplemented and non-supplemented animals had higher blood concentrations of ascorbic acid on Day 428 compared with Day 345. The possible neuroprotective and neurodegenerative effects of ascorbic acid appear to depend on the age of the animals, dose, and its interaction with other antioxidants.