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Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom (PNV) causes uneven BBB permeability throughout different cerebral regions. Little is known about cellular and molecular responses which course with the PNV-induced BBB opening. We investigate by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting (WB), the GFAP, S100, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha proteins expression in hippocampus and cerebellum after different time-points from venom or saline intravenous injection. All proteins variably altered its expression temporally and regionally. WB showed increased GFAP content at 15-45 min followed by a shift below the control level which was less pronounced in hippocampus. IHC showed reactive gliosis during all the trial period. In cerebellum, GFAP was mostly immunodetected in astrocytes of the molecular layer (Bergmann glia), as was S100 protein. The maximum S100 immunolabeling was achieved at 5h. IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, expressed mostly by hippocampal neurons, increased along the trial period, suggesting a role in BBB permeability. In envenomed animals, closer contacts astrocyte-astrocyte, granule cells-granule cells and astrocytes-Purkinje cells were observed in cerebellum. Closer contacts between neurons-neurons-astrocytes-astrocytes were also seen in hippocampus. PNV contains serotonin, histamine, Ca(2+) channels-blocking toxins, some of which affect glutamate release. The hypothesis that such substances plus the cytokines generated, could have a role in BBB permeability, and that calcium homeostasis loss and disturbance of glutamate release are associated with the marked GFAP/S100 reaction in Bergmann glia is discussed. The existence of a CNS mechanism of defense modulated differentially for fast synthesis and turnover of GFAP, S100, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha proteins was evident. A clear explanation for this differential modulation is unclear, but likely result from regional differences in astrocytic/neuronal populations, BBB tightness, and/or extent/distribution of microvasculature and/or ion channels density/distribution. Such differences would respond for transient characteristics of BBB disruption. This in vivo model is useful for studies on drug delivery throughout the CNS and experimental manipulation of the BBB.

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RESUMOA Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne (DMD) é a doença neuromuscular mais frequente em crianças, com incidência de 1 para cada 3.500 recém nascidos do sexo masculino. Trata-se de uma patologia progressiva, causadora de limitação motora, perda da deambulação e óbito por volta da segunda década de vida. A Tecnologia Assistiva (TA) corresponde a uma ampla gama de serviços e equipamentos aplicados para minimizar os déficits funcionais de pessoas com deficiência. Objetivo. O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar os benefícios da TA em portadores da DMD. Método. Tratou-se de um trabalho de revisão de literatura. Foram utilizados livros e artigos publicados na base de dados lilacs, scielo e pubmed, nas línguas portuguesa e inglesa. Resultados. Foram selecionados 31 artigos científicos, 2 dissertações, 1 manual e 06 livros. Conclusão. Os estudos analisados mostraram a importância da prescrição e inclusão da TA no tratamento da DMD, pois tais recursos podem prevenir encurtamentos musculares, prorrogar o tempo da marcha e, consequentemente, adiar o confinamento à cadeira de rodas e óbito precoce por complicações respiratórias. ABSTRACTDuchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is the most frequent neuromuscular disease in children, with an incidence of 1 in every 3,500 newborn males. It is a progressive disorder that causes motor limitation, loss of ambulation capability and death around the second decade of life. The Assistive Technology (AT) represents a broad range of services and equipments used to minimize the functional deficits of persons with disabilities. Objective. The purpose of this study was to verify the benefits of AT in patients with DMD. Method. This was a literature review and researches performed on databases such as virtual lilacs, scielo and pubmed, in both Portuguese and English languages. Results. We selected 31 papers, 2 essays, 1 manual and 6 books. Conclusion. The results showed the importance of the inclusion and prescription of AT in the treatment of DMD as it prevents muscular shortening, extends the ambulation time deferring confinement to a wheelchair and early death due to respiratory complications.

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