Dimitrius Pitol - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Dimitrius Pitol

European journal of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics : official journal of Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Pharmazeutische Verfahrenstechnik e.V, 2008

The present study evaluated the potential of a w/o microemulsion as a topical carrier system for ... more The present study evaluated the potential of a w/o microemulsion as a topical carrier system for delivery of the antioxidant quercetin. Topical and transdermal delivery of quercetin were evaluated in vitro using porcine ear skin mounted on a Franz diffusion cell and in vivo on hairless-skin mice. Skin irritation by topical application of the microemulsion containing quercetin, and the protective effect of the formulation on UVB-induced decrease of endogenous reduced glutathione levels and increase of cutaneous proteinase secretion/activity were also investigated. The w/o microemulsion increased the penetration of quercetin into the stratum corneum and epidermis plus dermis at 3, 6, 9 and 12h post-application in vitro and in vivo at 6h post-application. No transdermal delivery of quercetin occurred. By evaluating established endpoints of skin irritation (erythema formation, epidermis thickening and infiltration of inflammatory cells), the study demonstrated that the daily application...

Purpose. Histological aspects were considered in order to evaluate the in vivo photoprotective ef... more Purpose. Histological aspects were considered in order to evaluate the in vivo photoprotective effect of a w/o microemulsion containing quercetin against UVB irradiation-induced dermal damages. The toxicity in cell culture and the potential skin irritation resulting from topical application of this formulation were investigated. Methods. Mouse dorsal surfaces were treated topically with 300 mg of the unloaded and quercetin-loaded (0.3%, w/w) microemulsions before and after exposure to UVB (2.87 J/cm 2) irradiation. The untreated control groups irradiated and non-irradiated were also evaluated. UVB-induced histopathological changes as well as the photoprotective effect of this formulation were evaluated considering the parameters of infiltration of inflammatory cells, epidermis thickening (basale and spinosum layers) and collagen and elastic fiber contents. The cytotoxicity of the reported formulation was evaluated in L929 mice fibroblasts by MTT assay and the skin irritation was inv...

The Anatomical Record Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology

It is not well-understood how low-laser therapy affects the skin of the applied area. This study ... more It is not well-understood how low-laser therapy affects the skin of the applied area. This study analyzes skin of the masseteric region of mice from the HRS/J strain after three different application regimens (three, six or ten applications per regimen) of low intensity laser at 20 J/cm2 and 40 mW for 20 sec on alternate days. Three experimental groups according to the number of laser applications (three, six or ten) and three control groups (N = 5 animals for each group) were used. On the third day after the last irradiation, all animals were sacrificed and the skin was removed and processed to analyze the relative occupation of the test area by each epithelial layer and the aspects of neovascularization. Data were submitted to statistical analyzes. The irradiated groups compared to their respective controls at each period of time, showed no significant difference in relative occupation of the test area by the layers and epithelium areas for three and six applications, but for ten ...

Lasers in Medical Science, 2015

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) benefits bone metabolism, but its use needs to be standardized. We... more Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) benefits bone metabolism, but its use needs to be standardized. We evaluated the effects of LLLT on bone defects in calvaria of ovariectomized rats. Stereology was used to calculate tissue repair volume (V tr ), density of trabecular bone volume (Vv t ), total volume of newly formed trabecular bone (Vtot), and the area occupied by collagen fibers (A C ). Fifty-four Wistar rats were submitted to bilateral ovariectomy, and bone defects were created in calvaria after 150 days. The animals were divided into nine groups (n = 6), and 24 h after defects, the treatment started with a 780-nm low-intensity GaAlAs laser: G1, G2, and G3 received 3 sessions of 0, 20, and 30 J/cm(2) respectively; G4, G5, and G6 received 6 sessions of 0, 20, and 30 J/cm(2), respectively; and G7, G8, and G9 received 12 sessions of 0, 20, and 30 J/cm(2), respectively. A normal distribution was found for all of the data. The test used to verify the normality was the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS, p > 0.05). The one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test was used for data processing. A difference of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Groups G2 and G1 showed significance for V tr , Vv t , Vtot, and (A C ). Results were significant for (Vv t ) and (Vtot) between G3 and G1. There were no significant results between G5 and G4 as well as between G8 and G7. Groups G6 and G4 results showed statistical difference for V tr , Vv t , Vtot, and (A C ). Groups G9 and G7 showed significance for V tr , Vv t , Vtot, and (A C ). In conclusion, there was new bone formation in the groups that received 20 and 30 J/cm(2) when compared to control groups, but over time, the dose of 30 J/cm(2) showed better stereological parameters when compared to 20 J/cm(2).

Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology, Jan 24, 2015

Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic brew traditionally used by Northwestern Amazonian indigenous groups... more Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic brew traditionally used by Northwestern Amazonian indigenous groups for therapeutic purposes. It is prepared by the decoction of Banisteriopsis caapi with the leaves of Psychotria viridis. B. caapi contains β-carbolines that are inhibitors of monoamine oxidase and P. viris is rich in dimethyltryptamine, a 5-HT1A/2A/2C agonist. Acute ayahuasca administration produces moderate cardiovascular effects in healthy volunteers, but information regarding long-term use is lacking. The present study investigated the effects of ayahuasca (2-4 ml/kg) in the rat aorta after acute and chronic (14 days) administration. Ayahuasca caused flattening and stretching of vascular smooth muscle cells and changes in the arrangement and distribution of collagen and elastic fibers. Chronic treatment with the higher dose significantly increased media thickness and the ratio of media thickness to lumen diameter. More research is needed on the cardiovascular function of long-term ay...

Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2013

The fish body is entirely covered by a thin, smooth and glandular epidermis, closely attached to ... more The fish body is entirely covered by a thin, smooth and glandular epidermis, closely attached to the scales inserted on the dermis. The descriptive work on this tissue dates to twenty or thirty years ago, bears very little photographic record and does not focus on the scale epithelium, despite the fact that it is in direct contact with the environment. Thereupon, the present study characterizes the scale epithelium of Prochilodus lineatus, a robust species of fish. The observations show that the scale is completely covered by epithelium thicker on the proximal end of the scale, multilayered on the dorsal surface and undifferentiated on the ventral surface, and covered by mucous producing cells, mostly acid mucous. The scale is formed by plywood-like collagen matrix of collagen type III and supported by a network of elastic fibers on the ventral face. Differentiated cellular types are present, such as club cells, considered to be responsible for the release of alarm substances, which suggests possible use in environmental assessment as a non-invasive technique.

Microscopy Research and Technique, 2014

Decalcification of mineralized tissues is an essential step during tissue processing in the routi... more Decalcification of mineralized tissues is an essential step during tissue processing in the routine histopathology. The time required for complete decalcification, and the effect of decalcifier on cellular and tissue morphology are important parameters which influence the selection of decalcifying agents. In this study, we compared a decalcifying solution (ETDA) composed of both acid and chelating agents to a classical and well-known decalcifying agent (EDTA). To this purpose, the optic density of bone radiographs, residual calcium analysis, bone sample weight, and histological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. Our data suggest that, similarly to EDTA, the ETDA solution completely removes the calcium ions from the samples enabling easy sectioning. However, unlike the EDTA, this agent takes much less time. Furthermore, both agents showed comparable decalcification efficacy, and similarly, they did not produce cellular, tissue or antigenicity impairments. Therefore, ETDA may be a suitable option when it is necessary an association between a rapid and complete removal of calcium minerals, and a suitable preservation of structure and antigenicity of tissues.

International Journal of Morphology, 2014

ABSTRACT Currently there is a growing concern, in both population and governments, to identify th... more ABSTRACT Currently there is a growing concern, in both population and governments, to identify the effects of substances commonly disposed of into rivers and lakes, on aquatic fauna and flora. Thus the objective of the present study was to verify effects of biodegradable detergents and water from an urban lake on gills and liver of two neotropical fish species of great economic importance, Astyanax altiparanae and Prochilodus lineatus. In order to do so, lipofuscin, also called the ageing pigment, was used as bioindicator. After one and five months of experiment both tissues accumulated this pigment. These data are discussed from physiological points of view, related with lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial damage.

International Journal of Morphology, 2007

NAVES, L. M. L.; ISSA, J. P. M.; PITOL, D. L.; FUKADA, S. Y.; DI MATTEO, M. A. S. & IYOMASA, M. M... more NAVES, L. M. L.; ISSA, J. P. M.; PITOL, D. L.; FUKADA, S. Y.; DI MATTEO, M. A. S. & IYOMASA, M. M. Clinical and histochemical alterations of the periodontal ligament in gerbils after malocclusion induced. Int. J. Morphol., 25(4):907-910, 2007.

International Journal of Morphology, 2007

International Journal of Morphology, 2007

International Journal of Morphology, 2006

ISSA, M. J. P.; TIOSSI, R.; PITOL, D. L. & MELLO, S. A. S. TGF-ß and new bone formation. Int. J. ... more ISSA, M. J. P.; TIOSSI, R.; PITOL, D. L. & MELLO, S. A. S. TGF-ß and new bone formation. Int. J. Morphol., 24(3):399-405, 2006. SUMMARY: The aim of this work is to present, by a literature review, the principal characteristics of TGF-beta, in the regulation and new bone formation. ISSA, M. J. P.; TIOSSI, R.; PITOL, D. L. & MELLO, S. A. S. TGF-ß y neoformación ósea. Int. J. Morphol., 24(3):399-405, 2006.

International Journal of Morphology, 2007

International Journal of Morphology, 2007

... Sudhakaran, PR; Radhika, A. & Jacob, SS Monocyte macrophage differentiation in vitro: Fib... more ... Sudhakaran, PR; Radhika, A. & Jacob, SS Monocyte macrophage differentiation in vitro: Fibronectin-dependent upregulation of certain macrophage-specific activities. Glycoconj., 24:49-55, 2007. [ Links ]. Takahashi, K.; Yamamura, F. & Naito, M. Differentiation, maturation ...

International Journal of Morphology, 2007

ISSA, J. P. M.; CAETANO, F. H. & LUNARDI, L. O. Morphological characterization of the leukocytes ... more ISSA, J. P. M.; CAETANO, F. H. & LUNARDI, L. O. Morphological characterization of the leukocytes in circulating blood of the turtle (Phrynops hilarri). Int. J. Morphol., 25(4):677-682, 2007.

Journal of Environmental & Analytical Toxicology, 2012

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate the osteogenic potential of recombinant human bone morphoge... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the osteogenic potential of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and low-level laser irradiation (LLLI), isolated or combined in critical bone defects (5 mm) in parietal bone using ovariectomized female rats as an experimental animal model. Forty-nine female Wistar rats, bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX), were divided into seven treatment groups of seven animals each: (I) laser in a single application, (II) 7 μg of pure rhBMP-2, (III) laser and 7 μg of pure rhBMP-2, (IV) 7 μg of rhBMP-2/monoolein gel, (V) laser and 7 μg of rhBMP-2/monoolein gel, (VI) laser and pure monoolein gel, and (VII) critical bone defect controls. The low-level laser source used was a gallium aluminum arsenide semiconductor diode laser device (λ = 780 nm, D = 120 J/cm(2)). Groups II and III presented higher levels of newly formed bone than all other groups with levels of 40.57% and 40.39%, respectively (p < 0.05). The levels of newly formed bone of groups I, IV, V, and VI were similar with levels of 29.67%, 25.75%, 27.75%, and 30.64%, respectively (p > 0.05). The area of new bone formation in group VII was 20.96%, which is significantly lower than groups I, II, III, and VI. It was concluded that pure rhBMP-2 and a single dose of laser application stimulated new bone formation, but the new bone formation area was significantly increased when only rhBMP-2 was used. Additionally, the laser application in combination with other treatments did not influence the bone formation area.

Microscopy Research and Technique, 2012

In this study, we investigated the effects of contaminated water on the blood parameters of the f... more In this study, we investigated the effects of contaminated water on the blood parameters of the fish Prochilodus lineatus exposed during 7 and 20 days. Blood was collected with heparinized syringes, and blood smears were prepared and stained with Leishman stain. Slides were examined and photographed using a Leica light microscope. Total white blood cell counts and differential counts of thrombocytes and leukocytes were obtained for statistical analysis. The group exposed to water samples from Lago Azul exhibited an increase in the number of leukocytes and in the total number of white blood cells, suggesting that the chemical contaminants in this environment were acting similarly to antigens in this fish species, causing the proliferation of defense cells. In the group exposed to detergent during 20 days, the number of thrombocytes decreased. These results suggest that the variations in the number of leukocytes were indicators of environmental pollution and that biodegradable detergents may, after a certain time of exposure, affect vital functions in fish, such as coagulation and prevention of infections, which directly involves thrombocytes.

Microscopy Research and Technique, 2012

The adipose fin is small, nonpared, and usually located medially between the dorsal and caudal fi... more The adipose fin is small, nonpared, and usually located medially between the dorsal and caudal fin. Its taxonomic occurrence is very restrict; thus, it represents an important trace for taxon distinction. As it does not play a known vital physiological roll and it is easily removed, it is commonly used in marking and recapture studies. The present study characterizes the adipose fin of Prochilodus lineatus, as it is poorly explored by the literature. The adipose fin consists basically of a loose connective core, covered by a stratified epithelium supported by collagen fibers. At the epithelium, pigmented cells and alarm substance cells are found. Despite the name, adipocytes or lipid droplets are not observed on the structure of the fin.

European journal of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics : official journal of Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Pharmazeutische Verfahrenstechnik e.V, 2008

The present study evaluated the potential of a w/o microemulsion as a topical carrier system for ... more The present study evaluated the potential of a w/o microemulsion as a topical carrier system for delivery of the antioxidant quercetin. Topical and transdermal delivery of quercetin were evaluated in vitro using porcine ear skin mounted on a Franz diffusion cell and in vivo on hairless-skin mice. Skin irritation by topical application of the microemulsion containing quercetin, and the protective effect of the formulation on UVB-induced decrease of endogenous reduced glutathione levels and increase of cutaneous proteinase secretion/activity were also investigated. The w/o microemulsion increased the penetration of quercetin into the stratum corneum and epidermis plus dermis at 3, 6, 9 and 12h post-application in vitro and in vivo at 6h post-application. No transdermal delivery of quercetin occurred. By evaluating established endpoints of skin irritation (erythema formation, epidermis thickening and infiltration of inflammatory cells), the study demonstrated that the daily application...

Purpose. Histological aspects were considered in order to evaluate the in vivo photoprotective ef... more Purpose. Histological aspects were considered in order to evaluate the in vivo photoprotective effect of a w/o microemulsion containing quercetin against UVB irradiation-induced dermal damages. The toxicity in cell culture and the potential skin irritation resulting from topical application of this formulation were investigated. Methods. Mouse dorsal surfaces were treated topically with 300 mg of the unloaded and quercetin-loaded (0.3%, w/w) microemulsions before and after exposure to UVB (2.87 J/cm 2) irradiation. The untreated control groups irradiated and non-irradiated were also evaluated. UVB-induced histopathological changes as well as the photoprotective effect of this formulation were evaluated considering the parameters of infiltration of inflammatory cells, epidermis thickening (basale and spinosum layers) and collagen and elastic fiber contents. The cytotoxicity of the reported formulation was evaluated in L929 mice fibroblasts by MTT assay and the skin irritation was inv...

The Anatomical Record Advances in Integrative Anatomy and Evolutionary Biology

It is not well-understood how low-laser therapy affects the skin of the applied area. This study ... more It is not well-understood how low-laser therapy affects the skin of the applied area. This study analyzes skin of the masseteric region of mice from the HRS/J strain after three different application regimens (three, six or ten applications per regimen) of low intensity laser at 20 J/cm2 and 40 mW for 20 sec on alternate days. Three experimental groups according to the number of laser applications (three, six or ten) and three control groups (N = 5 animals for each group) were used. On the third day after the last irradiation, all animals were sacrificed and the skin was removed and processed to analyze the relative occupation of the test area by each epithelial layer and the aspects of neovascularization. Data were submitted to statistical analyzes. The irradiated groups compared to their respective controls at each period of time, showed no significant difference in relative occupation of the test area by the layers and epithelium areas for three and six applications, but for ten ...

Lasers in Medical Science, 2015

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) benefits bone metabolism, but its use needs to be standardized. We... more Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) benefits bone metabolism, but its use needs to be standardized. We evaluated the effects of LLLT on bone defects in calvaria of ovariectomized rats. Stereology was used to calculate tissue repair volume (V tr ), density of trabecular bone volume (Vv t ), total volume of newly formed trabecular bone (Vtot), and the area occupied by collagen fibers (A C ). Fifty-four Wistar rats were submitted to bilateral ovariectomy, and bone defects were created in calvaria after 150 days. The animals were divided into nine groups (n = 6), and 24 h after defects, the treatment started with a 780-nm low-intensity GaAlAs laser: G1, G2, and G3 received 3 sessions of 0, 20, and 30 J/cm(2) respectively; G4, G5, and G6 received 6 sessions of 0, 20, and 30 J/cm(2), respectively; and G7, G8, and G9 received 12 sessions of 0, 20, and 30 J/cm(2), respectively. A normal distribution was found for all of the data. The test used to verify the normality was the Kolmogorov-Smirnov (KS, p > 0.05). The one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test was used for data processing. A difference of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Groups G2 and G1 showed significance for V tr , Vv t , Vtot, and (A C ). Results were significant for (Vv t ) and (Vtot) between G3 and G1. There were no significant results between G5 and G4 as well as between G8 and G7. Groups G6 and G4 results showed statistical difference for V tr , Vv t , Vtot, and (A C ). Groups G9 and G7 showed significance for V tr , Vv t , Vtot, and (A C ). In conclusion, there was new bone formation in the groups that received 20 and 30 J/cm(2) when compared to control groups, but over time, the dose of 30 J/cm(2) showed better stereological parameters when compared to 20 J/cm(2).

Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology, Jan 24, 2015

Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic brew traditionally used by Northwestern Amazonian indigenous groups... more Ayahuasca is a hallucinogenic brew traditionally used by Northwestern Amazonian indigenous groups for therapeutic purposes. It is prepared by the decoction of Banisteriopsis caapi with the leaves of Psychotria viridis. B. caapi contains β-carbolines that are inhibitors of monoamine oxidase and P. viris is rich in dimethyltryptamine, a 5-HT1A/2A/2C agonist. Acute ayahuasca administration produces moderate cardiovascular effects in healthy volunteers, but information regarding long-term use is lacking. The present study investigated the effects of ayahuasca (2-4 ml/kg) in the rat aorta after acute and chronic (14 days) administration. Ayahuasca caused flattening and stretching of vascular smooth muscle cells and changes in the arrangement and distribution of collagen and elastic fibers. Chronic treatment with the higher dose significantly increased media thickness and the ratio of media thickness to lumen diameter. More research is needed on the cardiovascular function of long-term ay...

Brazilian Journal of Biology, 2013

The fish body is entirely covered by a thin, smooth and glandular epidermis, closely attached to ... more The fish body is entirely covered by a thin, smooth and glandular epidermis, closely attached to the scales inserted on the dermis. The descriptive work on this tissue dates to twenty or thirty years ago, bears very little photographic record and does not focus on the scale epithelium, despite the fact that it is in direct contact with the environment. Thereupon, the present study characterizes the scale epithelium of Prochilodus lineatus, a robust species of fish. The observations show that the scale is completely covered by epithelium thicker on the proximal end of the scale, multilayered on the dorsal surface and undifferentiated on the ventral surface, and covered by mucous producing cells, mostly acid mucous. The scale is formed by plywood-like collagen matrix of collagen type III and supported by a network of elastic fibers on the ventral face. Differentiated cellular types are present, such as club cells, considered to be responsible for the release of alarm substances, which suggests possible use in environmental assessment as a non-invasive technique.

Microscopy Research and Technique, 2014

Decalcification of mineralized tissues is an essential step during tissue processing in the routi... more Decalcification of mineralized tissues is an essential step during tissue processing in the routine histopathology. The time required for complete decalcification, and the effect of decalcifier on cellular and tissue morphology are important parameters which influence the selection of decalcifying agents. In this study, we compared a decalcifying solution (ETDA) composed of both acid and chelating agents to a classical and well-known decalcifying agent (EDTA). To this purpose, the optic density of bone radiographs, residual calcium analysis, bone sample weight, and histological and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. Our data suggest that, similarly to EDTA, the ETDA solution completely removes the calcium ions from the samples enabling easy sectioning. However, unlike the EDTA, this agent takes much less time. Furthermore, both agents showed comparable decalcification efficacy, and similarly, they did not produce cellular, tissue or antigenicity impairments. Therefore, ETDA may be a suitable option when it is necessary an association between a rapid and complete removal of calcium minerals, and a suitable preservation of structure and antigenicity of tissues.

International Journal of Morphology, 2014

ABSTRACT Currently there is a growing concern, in both population and governments, to identify th... more ABSTRACT Currently there is a growing concern, in both population and governments, to identify the effects of substances commonly disposed of into rivers and lakes, on aquatic fauna and flora. Thus the objective of the present study was to verify effects of biodegradable detergents and water from an urban lake on gills and liver of two neotropical fish species of great economic importance, Astyanax altiparanae and Prochilodus lineatus. In order to do so, lipofuscin, also called the ageing pigment, was used as bioindicator. After one and five months of experiment both tissues accumulated this pigment. These data are discussed from physiological points of view, related with lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial damage.

International Journal of Morphology, 2007

NAVES, L. M. L.; ISSA, J. P. M.; PITOL, D. L.; FUKADA, S. Y.; DI MATTEO, M. A. S. & IYOMASA, M. M... more NAVES, L. M. L.; ISSA, J. P. M.; PITOL, D. L.; FUKADA, S. Y.; DI MATTEO, M. A. S. & IYOMASA, M. M. Clinical and histochemical alterations of the periodontal ligament in gerbils after malocclusion induced. Int. J. Morphol., 25(4):907-910, 2007.

International Journal of Morphology, 2007

International Journal of Morphology, 2007

International Journal of Morphology, 2006

ISSA, M. J. P.; TIOSSI, R.; PITOL, D. L. & MELLO, S. A. S. TGF-ß and new bone formation. Int. J. ... more ISSA, M. J. P.; TIOSSI, R.; PITOL, D. L. & MELLO, S. A. S. TGF-ß and new bone formation. Int. J. Morphol., 24(3):399-405, 2006. SUMMARY: The aim of this work is to present, by a literature review, the principal characteristics of TGF-beta, in the regulation and new bone formation. ISSA, M. J. P.; TIOSSI, R.; PITOL, D. L. & MELLO, S. A. S. TGF-ß y neoformación ósea. Int. J. Morphol., 24(3):399-405, 2006.

International Journal of Morphology, 2007

International Journal of Morphology, 2007

... Sudhakaran, PR; Radhika, A. & Jacob, SS Monocyte macrophage differentiation in vitro: Fib... more ... Sudhakaran, PR; Radhika, A. & Jacob, SS Monocyte macrophage differentiation in vitro: Fibronectin-dependent upregulation of certain macrophage-specific activities. Glycoconj., 24:49-55, 2007. [ Links ]. Takahashi, K.; Yamamura, F. & Naito, M. Differentiation, maturation ...

International Journal of Morphology, 2007

ISSA, J. P. M.; CAETANO, F. H. & LUNARDI, L. O. Morphological characterization of the leukocytes ... more ISSA, J. P. M.; CAETANO, F. H. & LUNARDI, L. O. Morphological characterization of the leukocytes in circulating blood of the turtle (Phrynops hilarri). Int. J. Morphol., 25(4):677-682, 2007.

Journal of Environmental & Analytical Toxicology, 2012

Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 2011

The aim of this study was to evaluate the osteogenic potential of recombinant human bone morphoge... more The aim of this study was to evaluate the osteogenic potential of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) and low-level laser irradiation (LLLI), isolated or combined in critical bone defects (5 mm) in parietal bone using ovariectomized female rats as an experimental animal model. Forty-nine female Wistar rats, bilaterally ovariectomized (OVX), were divided into seven treatment groups of seven animals each: (I) laser in a single application, (II) 7 μg of pure rhBMP-2, (III) laser and 7 μg of pure rhBMP-2, (IV) 7 μg of rhBMP-2/monoolein gel, (V) laser and 7 μg of rhBMP-2/monoolein gel, (VI) laser and pure monoolein gel, and (VII) critical bone defect controls. The low-level laser source used was a gallium aluminum arsenide semiconductor diode laser device (λ = 780 nm, D = 120 J/cm(2)). Groups II and III presented higher levels of newly formed bone than all other groups with levels of 40.57% and 40.39%, respectively (p < 0.05). The levels of newly formed bone of groups I, IV, V, and VI were similar with levels of 29.67%, 25.75%, 27.75%, and 30.64%, respectively (p > 0.05). The area of new bone formation in group VII was 20.96%, which is significantly lower than groups I, II, III, and VI. It was concluded that pure rhBMP-2 and a single dose of laser application stimulated new bone formation, but the new bone formation area was significantly increased when only rhBMP-2 was used. Additionally, the laser application in combination with other treatments did not influence the bone formation area.

Microscopy Research and Technique, 2012

In this study, we investigated the effects of contaminated water on the blood parameters of the f... more In this study, we investigated the effects of contaminated water on the blood parameters of the fish Prochilodus lineatus exposed during 7 and 20 days. Blood was collected with heparinized syringes, and blood smears were prepared and stained with Leishman stain. Slides were examined and photographed using a Leica light microscope. Total white blood cell counts and differential counts of thrombocytes and leukocytes were obtained for statistical analysis. The group exposed to water samples from Lago Azul exhibited an increase in the number of leukocytes and in the total number of white blood cells, suggesting that the chemical contaminants in this environment were acting similarly to antigens in this fish species, causing the proliferation of defense cells. In the group exposed to detergent during 20 days, the number of thrombocytes decreased. These results suggest that the variations in the number of leukocytes were indicators of environmental pollution and that biodegradable detergents may, after a certain time of exposure, affect vital functions in fish, such as coagulation and prevention of infections, which directly involves thrombocytes.

Microscopy Research and Technique, 2012

The adipose fin is small, nonpared, and usually located medially between the dorsal and caudal fi... more The adipose fin is small, nonpared, and usually located medially between the dorsal and caudal fin. Its taxonomic occurrence is very restrict; thus, it represents an important trace for taxon distinction. As it does not play a known vital physiological roll and it is easily removed, it is commonly used in marking and recapture studies. The present study characterizes the adipose fin of Prochilodus lineatus, as it is poorly explored by the literature. The adipose fin consists basically of a loose connective core, covered by a stratified epithelium supported by collagen fibers. At the epithelium, pigmented cells and alarm substance cells are found. Despite the name, adipocytes or lipid droplets are not observed on the structure of the fin.