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Biomedical subjects

F E Martinez

Publications and source records attributed to F E Martinez.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Morphology of testis and epididymis in an ethanol-drinking rat strain (UChA and UChB).

The objective of the present study was to analyze the prospective alterations of the testis and epididymis in a defined strain of alcoholic rats in order to contribute to our understanding of the effects of chronic alcoholism on reproduction. The testis and epididymis of the animals were submitted to morphological analysis by macroscopy, light microscopy and electron microscopy and to morphometric analysis. The UCh rats showed atrophy of the epithelium and reduction of testis and epididymis weight, liver hypertrophy and fat infiltration and alterations of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis. Ethanol induces changes in the weight and in the epithelium of the testis and epididymis and in the hypothalamus-pituitary axis of the UCh rats.

Alcoholism↗

Ultrastructural changes on the epithelial cells of uterine tubes of Wistar rats after chronic ethanol ingestion.

The present paper describes the morphological alterations of the epithelial layer of the uterine tubes of rats submitted to experimental chronic alcoholism using anatomical, histological, ultrastructural and morphometric methods. Sixty adult rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) at the same age (3 months) and with a mean body weight of 228 g were divided into two groups. The control group received solid diet (Purina rat chow) and tap water ad libitum. The alcoholic group received the same solid diet and was allowed to drink only sugar cane brandy dissolved in 30 degrees Gay Lussac (v/v). After periods of 90, 180 and 270 days of treatment animals at normal estrus were anaesthetised with ethyl ether, weighed and sacrificed. Subsequently, the uterine tubes were dissected, weighed and prepared for TEM and SEM methods. The final mean body weights were similar in the control and alcoholic groups. The morphometric analysis showed no difference between control and alcoholic epithelial height. The alcoholic animals showed ultrastructural alterations: intense lipid droplet and lysosomes accumulation, dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum cisternae and vacuolization in both periods of treatment. It was concluded that alcohol acts as a toxin on the epithelial layer of the uterine tubes of rats.

Alcohol Drinking↗

Morphometric analysis of the endometrial epithelium of rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) submitted to chronic experimental alcoholism.

The effects of alcohol ingestion on the epithelial layer of the uterine endometrium of rats submitted to experimental chronic alcoholism were observed by morphometric methods. Sixty adult rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) of the same age (3 months) and weighing on average 228 g were divided into two groups. The control group received solid diet, rat chow, and tap water ad libitum. The experimental group received the same solid diet and was allowed to drink only sugar cane brandy dissolved in 30 degrees Gay Lussac (v/v). At the end of 90, 180 and 270 days of treatment, the animals at estro were anaesthetized with ethyl ether, weighed and sacrificed. The internal reproductive organs were dissected, weighed and fixed. The final mean body weights were similar in the control and alcoholic groups. The histological results showed intense atrophy of the lining epithelium of the endometrium of uterine horns in the alcoholic group. Morphometric analysis confirmed the endometrial epithelial atrophy, showing that the alcoholic group had small cytoplasmic and nuclear areas and small cytoplasmic and nuclear perimeter compared to the control group. Scanning electron microscopic images showed intense lipid droplets accumulation in the epithelial cells from alcoholic group. Therefore, we concluded that alcohol acts as a toxin on the epithelial layer of the rat endometrium.

Alcoholism↗

Light and scanning electron microscopic study of the palatine mucosa of nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus).

The three-dimensional structure of the lamina propria of the hard and soft palatine mucosa of the nine-banded armadillo was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Sodium hydroxide cell maceration method was applied to demonstrate the architecture of the connective tissue papillae. The palatine mucosa of the armadillo had a triangular shape and measured appr. 6.5 cm length. The hard palate showed 9 transverse palatine plicae while the soft palate was smooth. In the 10% NaOH treated specimens, the lamina propria of the hard palatine mucosa showed numerous connective tissue papillae with a general finger-like shape. These structures were composed by a meshwork of collagen fibers arranged in several directions. On the other hand, the connective tissue papillae of the soft palate mucosa were scattered and small. Numerous openings of glandular ducts with circular or elliptical shape were located in the interplicae area and in the soft palate.

Animals↗

Iron nutritional status is improved in Brazilian preterm infants fed food cooked in iron pots.

To determine the efficacy of cooking food in iron pots to prevent anemia in premature infants, a longitudinal study on iron nutritional status was conducted in preterm, healthy infants from families of low socioeconomic level between mo 4 and 12 of life. The infants were divided randomly into two groups. The study group consisted of 22 infants whose food was cooked in iron pots; the control group consisted of 23 infants whose food was cooked in aluminum pots. Supplemental iron [2 mg/(kg.d)] was recommended from 15 d to 12 mo of age for both groups. At 12 mo of age, the group fed food cooked in iron pots had significantly better hematologic values than the group fed food cooked in aluminum pots. Differences included hemoglobin (116 +/- 16 vs. 103 +/- 20 g/L, P = 0.02), hematocrit (0.35 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.31 +/- 0.05, P = 0.005), mean corpuscular volume (72.1 +/- 10.4 vs. 62.7 +/- 11.1 fL, P = 0.005), free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (0.78 +/- 0.60 vs. 1.46 +/- 0.94 mol/L, P = 0.006) and serum ferritin (median 5 vs. 0 g/L, P = 0.001). No significant differences between groups were observed in serum iron concentration, total iron-binding capacity or transferrin saturation. Iron deficiency anemia (hemoglobin </= 110 g/L) was observed in 36.4% (8 of 22) of infants in the group fed food cooked in iron pots and in 73.9% (17 of 23) of the infants fed food cooked in aluminum pots (P = 0.03). These results indicate that the iron added to food cooked in iron pots is bioavailable. However, this increased iron availability was insufficient to satisfy the high iron requirements of this group of preterm infants.

Aluminum↗

Ultrastructural study of the lateral lobe of the prostate of Wistar rats submitted to experimental chronic alcohol ingestion.

Alcoholism is considered today one of the most serious social and medical problems. Different investigators have demonstrated that chronic exposure to alcohol causes morphological and physiological changes in the testes and in the accessory sex glands, in the prostate in particular. In the present study, experimental rats were divided into groups receiving sugar cane brandy diluted to 30 degrees G.L. (30%, v/v) and Purina ration ad libitum for 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 days, respectively. At the end of each period the animals were sacrificed and the lateral lobe of the prostate was collected for histological examination. The results showed atrophied epithelium, accumulation of lipidic droplets and rupture of the microvilli that line the cell surface facing the lumen of cells of the secretory epithelium of the lateral lobe of the prostate.

Alcoholism↗

Morphological changes on the hard palatine mucosa of rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) after chronic alcohol consumption.

In order to examine the effects of alcohol on the hard palatine mucosa of rats, sixty adult female rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) were divided into two experimental groups. The control group received solid diet (Purina rat chow) and tap water ad libitum. The alcoholic group received the same solid diet and was allowed to drink only sugar cane brandy dissolved in 30% Gay Lussac (v/v). At the end of periods of 90, 180 and 270 days of treatment, the animals at estro were sacrificed and the hard palatine mucosa were prepared for TEM and SEM methods. The basal cells of the alcoholic groups (90, 180 and 270 days of treatment) demonstrated some alterations: the intercellular spaces between these cells were higher, presented cytoplasmatic lipid droplets and autolysis. Also, the connective tissue showed intense lipid droplets accumulation in the alcoholic groups. These modifications suggested that chronic alcohol ingestion was able to modify the integrity of the cells in the rat hard palatine mucosa.

Alcoholism↗

Toxic effects of alcohol intake on prostate of rats.

BACKGROUND: The present report was carried out to determine whether alcohol intake could induce prostate lesions. METHODS: We tested male rats for 300 days. Animals were divided into three groups: controls received only tap water as liquid diet; the chronic alcohol intake group received only ethanol solution in semivoluntary research; and the withdrawal group received the same treatment as chronic alcohol intake until 240 days, after which they reverted to drinking water. RESULTS: Chronic alcohol intake increased lipoperoxide concentrations and acid phosphatase activities. Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD) was decreased at 60 days, but approached controls values at 300 days following treatment. The serum increased alkaline phosphatase, and alanine transaminase activities reflected the chronic toxic effect of ethanol. CONCLUSIONS: Since SOD activity was unable to scavenge superoxide radical and lipoperoxide formation, we can conclude that superoxide is an important intermediate in prostate damage of chronic alcohol intake.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Morphologic changes in the vesical transition epithelium of alcoholic rats.

Few studies are available about the effect of alcohol on the epithelium of the urinary bladder. In the present investigation we studied the ultrastructure of the vesical transition epithelium of normal rats and of rats submitted to experimental chronic alcoholism. Adult rats were submitted to experimental chronic alcoholism by the ingestion of sugar cane liquor. The vesical epithelium was examined after 60, 120, 180 and 240 days of alcohol treatment by transmission electron microscopy. Surface cells presented nuclear and cytoplasmic changes and marked cellular desquamation. There was an increase in multivesicular bodies and lysosomes suggesting cell degeneration. Mast cell infiltration was observed, possibly related to increased epithelial sensitivity. Intracellular spaces were frequently observed. The transmission epithelium of the urinary bladder was found to be sensitive to the action of alcohol, as demonstrated by the changes in the components of the blood-urine barrier, the greater sensitivity to inflammation, the increase in cell desquamation and the greater recycling of the apical membrane and of the fusiform vesicles of surface cells observed in alcoholic rats.

Alcoholism↗

A morphometric ultrastructural study of the seminal vesicle of rats submitted to experimental chronic alcoholism.

The effects of chronic alcohol ingestion on the secretory epithelium of the seminal vesicle were studied in rats (Rattus norvegicus). Male adult albino Wistar rats were divided into two groups: alcoholic and control. Tips of the seminal vesicle were removed and prepared for light and electron microscopy. Ultrastructural observations on the epithelial cells of the seminal vesicle showed reduced epithelial cell size, decreased apical secretory vacuoles, irregularly shaped nuclei with deep infoldings, increased lipid droplets and dense bodies, a small number of microvilli covering the cell surface, and signs of degeneration. In addition to the hormonal effects, alcohol may act on the secretory epithelium of the seminal vesicle.

Alcoholism↗

Ultrastructural study of the coagulating gland of Wistar rats submitted to experimental chronic alcohol ingestion.

Morphological changes of coagulating gland of Wistar rats submitted to the experimental chronic alcoholism were noted. Ultrastructurally, it was observed reduction of the granular endoplasmic reticulum cisternae and nuclei with basal position and irregular shape. The epithelial cells presented pycnotic nuclei and the mitochondrial cristae disappeared, characteristic of cellular degeneration.

Animals↗

Congenital shortening of the anterior lamella of all eyelids: the so-called ablepharon macrostomia syndrome.

The so-called ablepharon macrostomia syndrome is an extremely rate congenital condition that includes abnormal ears, an enlarged, fishlike mouth, absence of lanugo, redundant skin, and vertical shortening of all eyelids. Only four cases have been described so far. In these cases the nature of the eyelid anomalies has not been clearly defined. We report one more case showing that the condition is better described as a severe microblepharon because only the anterior lamella of the eyelids is shortened. The literature about this condition is reviewed, and oculoplastic treatment is discussed.

Adolescent↗

Ultrastructural study of the ventral lobe of the prostate of rats submitted to experimental chronic alcoholism.

The effects of chronic alcohol ingestion on the ventral lobe of the prostate were studied in rats (Rattus norvegicus). Ultrastructural observations on the epithelial cells of the ventral lobe of the prostate showed irregularly shaped nuclei with deep infoldings, dilated RER cisternae, and a small number of microvilli covering the cell surface. After 90 and 135 days of alcohol treatment, the epithelial cells showed signs of degeneration.

Alcoholism↗

Feeding premature infants banked human milk homogenized by ultrasonic treatment.

Premature neonates fed ultrasonically homogenized human milk had better weight gain and triceps skin-fold thickness than did a control group given untreated human milk (p < 0.01) and also had lower fat loss during tube feeding (p < 0.01). Ultrasonic homogenization of human milk appears to minimize loss of fat and thus allows better growth of premature infants.

Food Handling↗

Case report: familial growth hormone deficiency associated with Bartter's syndrome.

Two children, a brother and a sister with growth retardation, and their short adult female sibling presented with isolated growth hormone deficiency. In addition, they had hypokalemic alkalosis and overactive renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The mother of these three individuals has short stature plus growth hormone deficiency. Other members of the pedigree have average stature. All the patients are normotensive. In addition to potassium and magnesium administration, the children were treated with growth hormone for more than 12 months. The growth velocity more than doubled during the therapy period. The association between Bartter's syndrome and isolated familial growth hormone deficiency is of interest because of the combination of these two rare conditions. To our knowledge, there are no published growth hormone studies on Bartter's syndrome, which is also characterized by short stature.

Adult↗