Stroke is the most common cause of motor disabilities and is a major cause of mortality worldwide. Adult stem cells have been shown to be effective against neuronal degeneration through mechanisms that include both the recovery of neurotransmitter activity and a decrease in apoptosis and oxidative stress. We chose the lineage stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP) as a model for stem cell therapy. SHRSP rats can develop such severe hypertension that they generally suffer a stroke at approximately 1 year of age. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) decrease apoptotic death and oxidative stress in existing SHRSP brain tissue. The results of qRT-PCR assays showed higher levels of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 gene in the MSC-treated animals, compared with untreated. Our study also showed that superoxide, apoptotic cells, and by-products of lipid peroxidation decreased in MSC-treated SHRSP to levels similar those found in the animal controls, Wistar Kyoto rats. In addition, we saw a repair of morphological damage at the hippocampal region after MSC transplantation. These data suggest that MSCs have neuroprotective and antioxidant potential in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the action of the conjugated equine estrogens and tamoxifen on the morphology of thyroid gland in ovariectomized (OVx) rats. METHODS: Conjugated equine estrogens (CEE), clinically used as estrogen therapy, is a complex formulation containing multiple estrogens that decrease menopausal symptoms. Thirty ovariectomized rats were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups: GI, vehicle (propylene glycol); GII, CEE 200 µg/kg per day; and GIII, tamoxifen 1 mg/kg per day. Another group of 10 rats with intact ovaries (GIV) was included, treated with the vehicle, and sacrificed during estrous. All animals were treated by gavage for 50 days, after which they were sacrificed. Blood samples were collected, and the thyroid was removed for morphological analysis and PCNA evaluation through immunohistochemical study. RESULTS: The thyroid follicular cell height was increased in animals treated with CEE (14.90 ± 0.20 μm), with TAM (14.90 ± 0.10 μm), and in rats with intact ovaries (15.10 ± 0.50 μm) in comparison to that of the vehicle group (9.90 ± 0.20 μm) (P < 0.001). The follicular area was larger in the CEE (2,225 ± 51 μm 2) and TAM (2,127 ± 67 μm 2) groups compared to that of the vehicle group (5,016 ± 53 µm 2). The levels of T4 and T3 in rats treated with CEE, with Tamoxifen and in rats with intact ovaries, were higher than those those in the vehicle group (P < 0.001). The PCNA index in the vehicle group was lower than in other groups. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that estrogen and tamoxifen administration has a proliferative effect on the thyroid.

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The etiology of idiopathic peripheral facial palsy (IPFP) is still uncertain; however, some authors suggest the possibility of a viral infection.Aim: to analyze the ultrastructure of the facial nerve seeking viral evidences that might provide etiological data. Material and Methods:We studied 20 patients with peripheral facial palsy (PFP), with moderate to severe FP, of both genders, between 18-60 years of age, from the Clinic of Facial Nerve Disorders. The patients were broken down into two groups -Study: eleven patients with IPFP and Control: nine patients with trauma or tumor-related PFP. The fragments were obtained from the facial nerve sheath or from fragments of its stumps -which would be discarded or sent to pathology exam during the facial nerve repair surgery. The removed tissue was fixed in 2% glutaraldehyde, and studied under Electronic Transmission Microscopy. Results:In the study group we observed an intense repair cellular activity by increased collagen fibers, fibroblasts containing developed organelles, free of viral particles. In the control group this repair activity was not evident, but no viral particles were observed. Conclusion:There were no viral particles, and there were evidences of intense activity of repair or viral infection. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2010;76(5):639-42. ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Background/Aims: To evaluate the behavior of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in rat gingiva and the effects of lack of sexual steroids and the hormonal therapy with estrogen and dexamethasone (DEX). Methods: 40 female rats were divided into four groups: GI: animals in permanent estrus; GII: ovariectomized (OVX) animals + vehicle; GIII: OVX animals treated with 17β-estradiol benzoate (10 µg/kg), and GIV: OVX animals treated with 17β-estradiol benzoate (10 µg/kg) + DEX (3 mg/kg). After treatment, the gingiva was removed and its GAGs content was evaluated by electronic microscopy after stained by cuprolinic blue technique. Results: The electron-microscopic data showed that low values of chondroitin sulfate were found in castrated animals (35.05 ± 3.58%) compared to other groups (GI: 41.17 ± 1.13; GIII: 48.04 ± 2.60; GIV: 49.09 ± 2.68%). In contrast, the amount of dermatan sulfate in GII (57.70 ± 2.50%) was higher than in the other groups (GI: 46.12 ± 1.30; GIII: 42.65 ± 2.98; GIV: 42.68 ± 5.43%). Conclusions: GAGs may be influenced by estradiol, and DEX did not seem to antagonize the role of estradiol in the GAGs of gingiva. The histotypical structure of gingiva is related to the amount of chondroitin sulfate. Consequently, the estrogen therapy may be important for gingival health.