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Biomedical subjects

M L Nunes

Publications and source records attributed to M L Nunes.

25 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Developmental regulation of regional functionality of substantial nigra GABAA receptors involved in seizures.

GABAergic (gamma-aminobutyric acid) transmission in the substantia nigra pars reticulata is critical for seizure control. We tested the hypothesis that there is a differential regional distribution and functionality of nigral GABAA receptor sites that is developmentally regulated. In adult rats, we determined the effects on flurothyl seizures of (Z)-3-[(aminoiminomethyl)thio]prop-2-enoic acid (ZAPA, a presumed agonist of the low-affinity GABAA receptor site), bicuculline (an antagonist of the low-affinity GABAA receptor site) and gamma-vinyl-GABA (a GABA-transaminase inhibitor), infused bilaterally in anterior or posterior substantia nigra pars reticulata. ZAPA infusions (8 micrograms) were anticonvulsant in anterior substantia nigra but proconvulsant in posterior substantia nigra. Bicuculline infusions (100 ng) were proconvulsant in anterior substantia nigra but ineffective in posterior substantia nigra. An anticonvulsant dose of gamma-vinyl-GABA, when infused in anterior substantia nigra, was proconvulsant when infused in posterior substantia nigra. In 15 day old rats, the effects of ZAPA, were biphasic: 2 micrograms was anticonvulsant while 8 micrograms was proconvulsant. There was no regional specificity. The data suggest that with maturation there is functional segregation of specific GABAA receptor subtypes involved in substantia nigra-mediated seizure control.

Acrylates↗
PubMed1995

Early onset bilateral calcifications and epilepsy.

Bilateral occipital calcifications associated with epilepsy and sometimes with celiac disease have been described previously. A boy with bilateral frontal and occipital diffuse calcifications accompanied by failure to thrive, nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, developmental delay and seizures, but without celiac disease is presented. Follow-up at 3 years of age disclosed neurodevelopmental delay, height and weight less than expected for age, and seizures controlled with carbamazepine. The uncommon association of these features and the early onset of symptoms is discussed. Although bilateral occipital calcifications share some clinical features with bilateral fronto-occipital calcifications, it is arguable whether the two are on a spectrum of a single disease or represent separate entities.

Brain Diseases↗
PubMed1995

Trihexyphenidyl and isoprinosine in the treatment of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Six cases of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (1 stage I, 3 stage II, 2 stage III) were diagnosed at our institution in the last 10 years. Five patients were treated with isoprinosine and the antiepileptic drug valproic acid. Three patients presented with myoclonic seizures refractory to valproic acid and the usual antiepileptic therapy. They received trihexyphenidyl with good results. We suggest the use of trihexyphenidyl in combination with isoprinosine in patients with subacute sclerosing panencephalitis with myoclonic seizures refractory to valproic acid.

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗
PubMed1995

[Value of EEG in the characterization and prognosis of neurological diseases in premature infants].

The importance of the EEG for the investigation of neurological diseases in the neonatal period has been largely discussed, since it is often the only way to approach cerebral function in newborns with severe pathologies or under drug effect. The present study was carried out with 85 newborns (NB) who presented perinatal dysfunctions and were submitted to neurological and electroencephalogram (EEG) or polysomnography (PS) evaluation. EEG/PS alterations, pathologies and prognosis were reported. The EEG were classified according to basal activity alterations, presence of paroxysmal activity and sleep stages organization and maturity. The most frequent pathology was perinatal asphyxia (40%) followed by intraventricular hemorrhage (HIV, 16%). The most frequent complaint for exam indication was apnea (71%) followed by convulsion (19%). Fifty-five percent of the exams exclusively required because apnea complaint were considered normal and out of all exams required because seizures only 31% were normal. The EEG alteration most frequently related to perinatal asphyxia, HIV and intrauterine growth delay was immaturity and in the NB with seizures immature EEG and abnormal paroxysms. Many different alterations were registered in the NB with nervous system infection. The EEG findings more correlated with unfavorable prognosis were isoelectricity and abnormal paroxysmal activity including positive sharp waves (100%).

Central Nervous System Diseases↗
PubMed1987

Antipyretic activity of an aqueous extract of Zizyphus joazeiro Mart. (Rhamnaceae).

Bark infusions of Zizyphus joazeiro Mart. (Rhamnaceae) have been employed in Northeastern Brazil as a remedy for fever. This study investigated the antipyretic activity of an aqueous extract of the plant in rabbits rendered febrile by intravenous injection of E. coli endotoxin. Fever responses were significantly decreased (P less than 0.05) by the oral administration of a bark infusion of Z. joazeiro Mart. These results lend support to the popular use of infusions of this plant in folk medicine as a remedy for fever and suggest that the characterization of the principle(s) responsible for such activity deserves further investigation.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Associated and prognosis in apparent life threatening events (ALTE)]

OBJECTIVE: To verify the etiology and prognosis of ALTE in infancy and its possible relationship to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). METHODS: We studied a group of infants that presented ALTE episodes and were evaluated in our hospital. First we reviewed their clinical history and polysomnographies, then we sent a letter to the families with questions regarding the outcome. RESULTS: 56 patients were included. 92% had ALTE during their first 6 months and 83% in the first trimester. Symptomatic ALTE predominated (71%). The disease most frequently associated was gastroesophageal reflux, followed by neurological diseases. The follow up showed 51.5% of normal outcome, 4 children repeated ALTE, no cases of SIDS were registered. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that multifactorial etiologies can be associated to ALTE, and the outcome is generally related to the associated disease. We did not observe any relationship between ALTE and SIDS considering a predominantly symptomatic ALTE population.

Journal Article↗