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Adult honeybee's resistance against Paenibacillus larvae larvae, the causative agent of the American foulbrood.

American foulbrood is a widespread disease of honeybee larvae caused by the spore-forming bacterium Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae. Spores represent the infectious stage; when ingested by a larva they germinate in the midgut. The rod-shaped vegetative forms penetrate the larva's intestinal tissue and start multiplying rapidly, which finally kills the larva. Spores fed to adult honeybees, however, do not harm the bees. We investigated this phenomenon. Specifically, we studied the influence of the adult honeybee midgut on the vegetative growth and on the germination of spores of P. larvae larvae. We focused on two groups of adult workers that are likely to have large numbers of spores in their gastrointestinal tracts in infected colonies: middle-aged bees, which are known to remove or cannibalize dead larvae and clean brood cells, and winterbees, which do not have frequent chances to defecate. We found that midgut extract from winterbees and worker-aged bees of different colonies almost completely inhibited the growth of the vegetative stage of P. larvae larvae and suppressed the germination of spores. The inhibiting substance or substances from the adult midgut are very temperature stable: they still show about 60% of their growth-inhibiting capacity against this bacterium after 15 min at 125 degrees C. We established a method to test growth-inhibiting factors against P. larvae larvae in vitro.

Animals↗

Rectal pacing: pacing parameters required for rectal evacuation of normal and constipated subjects.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Our previous studies have demonstrated that rectal electric waves start at the rectosigmoid junction (RSJ) and spread caudad along the rectum. A rectosigmoid pacemaker was postulated to exist at the RSJ. We also demonstrated that electric waves in rectal inertia are so scarce that a "silent" electrorectogram is recorded; the myoelectric activity in such cases was stimulated by an artificial pacemaker placed at the RSJ. For this article we investigated the pacing parameters necessary for rectal evacuation in rectal inertia patients. METHODS: The study comprised 24 patients with rectal inertia divided into two groups: study group (10 women, 6 men; mean age, 38.9 +/- 10.6 years) and control group (6 women, 2 men; mean age, 36.3 +/- 9.8 years). The main complaint was infrequent defecation and straining at stools. Eight healthy volunteers (6 women, 2 men; mean age, 37.2 +/- 9.4 years) with normal stool frequency were included in the study. Through a sigmoidoscope, an electrode was hooked to the RSJ (stimulating) and two electrodes were hooked to the rectal mucosa (recording). Rectal electric activity was recorded before (basal activity) and during electric stimulation of the RSJ electrode with an electrical stimulator delivering constant electric current of 5-mA amplitude and 200-ms pulse width. RESULTS: In the healthy volunteers, rectal pacing effected increases in frequency, amplitude, and velocity from a mean of 2.3 +/- 0.9 to 6.2 +/- 1.8 cycles/min (P < 0.01), 1.2 +/- 0.6 to 1.7 +/- 0.8 mV (P < 0.05), and 4.1 +/- 1. 2 to 6.3 +/- 1.7 cm/s (P < 0.05), respectively. No waves were recorded from rectal inertia patients at rest. Rectal pacing of the study group showed pacesetter potentials with a mean frequency of 2. 1 +/- 1.2 cycles/min, amplitude of 0.9 +/- 0.1 mV, and velocity of 3. 3 +/- 1.6 ms. The control group, in whom the pacemaker was not activated, showed no electric activity. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal pacing succeeded in producing myoelectric activity in patients with rectal inertia. It is therefore suggested that this method be applied for rectal evacuation in patients with inertia constipation.

Action Potentials↗

Spatial exploration in transgenic mice expressing human beta-S100.

beta-S100 is a calcium-binding protein in the CNS which is involved in the development of the nervous system. In addition, it has been postulated to play a role in long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus. To test its role in behavior related to hippocampal function, the gene was overexpressed (80 copies) in CD-1 transgenic mice, and the exploration of a novel environment was examined in two experiments. In both experiments subjects' exploratory behavior was observed in an open-field arena containing four objects. No differences in emotional behavior were found between transgenic mice and their controls as measured by the subjects' motility, defecation, and urination. The results of Experiment 1 revealed that transgenic mice explored objects significantly less than the controls, and they did not respond overtly to the spatial change after object displacement. The control CD-1 subjects, on the other hand, showed increased selective reexploration of the displaced object. The results of Experiment 2 replicated the findings of Experiment 1 and revealed more subtle differences in object exploration between the groups. Transgenic mice climbed objects less often and they had longer latencies of object approach than normal CD-1 mice. The study suggests the possible involvement of beta-S100 protein in general exploratory behavior, which includes learning of spatial characteristics of the environment. Specifically, the overexpression of the beta-S100 gene seems to affect the subjects' reactivity to the arousal-inducing properties of novel stimuli.

Animals↗

Gamma-vinyl-GABA potentiates the severity of naloxone-precipitated abstinence signs in morphine-dependent rats.

Effects of gamma-vinyl-GABA (GVG), an antiepileptic drug that inhibits GABA transaminase and increases extracellular GABA concentrations in the brain, were investigated on the morphine abstinence syndrome (AS) in male Wistar rats. Two morphine pellets (75 mg morphine base in each) were implanted subcutaneously on the back of the rats. Seventy-two hours after the morphine implantation, naloxone (NL, 2 mg kg-1) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) to induce precipitated morphine AS. GVG was administered at the doses of 250 mg kg-1 (n = 11) and 500 mg kg-1 (n = 11) i.p. 24 h prior to AS and at the dose of 500 mg kg-1 (n = 13) i.p. 6 h prior to AS. Immediately after NL injections, rats were observed for 5 min and AS signs (jumping, teeth chattering, wet dog shake, diarrhoea, ptosis and defecation) were assessed. The behavioural signs of GVG-treated rats were compared with the control groups (n = 10) during the AS. Jumping, wet dog shake, teeth chattering were found to be significantly increased in all of the GVG-treated groups. Ptosis was found to have increased in only 500 mg kg-1 GVG groups. GVG potentiated the severity of morphine AS signs. GVG does not seem to have any therapeutic potential for treatment of morphine abstinence unlike some other drugs that enhance GABAergic transmission.

Animals↗

The effects of different 4-aminopyridine and morphine combinations on the intensity of morphine abstinence.

The glutamatergic system is deeply involved in the development of opiate dependence and in the manifestation of opiate abstinence syndrome. In this study the effect of the increase in the endogenous glutamate (GLU) release due to 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), a potassium channel blocker, during the development of morphine (M) physical dependence and during the naloxone (NL)-precipitated abstinence syndrome was investigated. For the development of physical dependence M was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected for 9 days 105 min following i.p. saline administration to a group of rats. In the first 3 days the dose of M was 10 mg x kg(-1). In the second 3 days the initial dose was doubled (20 mg x kg(-1)) and in the last 3 days the dose of M was raised to 40 mg x kg(-1). On day 10, the rats were divided into three groups at random and these three groups were i.p. given saline 105 min before 80 mg x kg(-1)M, 2 mg x kg(-1) 4-AP 105 min after 80 mg x kg(-1) M, and 80 mg x kg(-1) M 105 min before 2 mg x kg(-1) 4-AP, respectively. In a second group of rats, the rats were i.p. given 2 mg x kg(-1) 4-AP 105 min prior to M administration, which was increased every 3 days (10 mg x kg(-1), 20 mg x kg(-1), 40 mg x kg(-1)). On day 10, the rats were divided into two groups whose first injection was saline and 2 mg x kg(-1) 4-AP, respectively. The second injections of both groups after an interval of 105 min following the first one contained 80 mg x kg(-1) M. In contrast, one group of rats received only i.p. saline at every other injection time (the control group). Furthermore, another group of rats was i.p. administered 2 mg x kg(-1) 4-AP once a day, as the first injection. At the second injection time they were i.p. given saline. After a period of 15 min following the last administration on day 10, the rats belonging to all groups were i.p. injected with 2 mg x kg(-1) NL and immediately placed in a metal cage. Body weight loss (g), teeth chattering, rearing, wet-dog shaking, grooming, and jumping were determined or counted for 15 min. Penile erection, defecation, and diarrhoea were separately scored with one point for every individual occurrence, and the total score was named 'total number of others'. The administration of 4-AP before M appeared to intensify the development of dependence, and was most probably due to the Ca2+-induced inactivation of NMDA receptors as a result of excess release of GLU when the 4-AP took effect. The inactivation of NMDA receptors should have acted as a transient blockade of the receptors during the chronic administration period, and as well as after a single administration on day 10 before M injection and before abstinence. The intensification of the abstinence syndrome may be dependent on the excessive GLU released by 4-AP.

4-Aminopyridine↗

Behavioral and developmental outcomes of prenatal and postnatal vanadium exposure in the rat.

The developmental and behavioral outcomes of uninterrupted exposure to vanadium was studied in the rat. Starting 3 days before birth and up to the 100th day of extrauterine life, rats received as drink either a water solution of vanadyl sulphate (300 mg l(-1)containing 70 mg l(-1)of vanadium element, which is equal to an ingested dose of about 10 mg kg(-1)per day of vanadium element) plus NaCl 5 g l(-1), or a water solution of NaCl 5 g l(-1), or plain water [up to weaning (25th day of extrauterine life) treatment was given to dams and offspring]. At weaning, survivors were fewer and body weight was found to be significantly lower in the offspring of vanadium plus NaCl-treated dams than in the offspring of the other two groups. After weaning, growth retardation continued to be significant in both vanadium plus NaCl- and NaCl-treated rats. Such an effect was more pronounced in males than in females. Locomotor activity--evaluated at 1 month of age--was not significantly different in the three groups of rats. In the open-field, male (but not female) vanadium plus NaCl-treated rats had a reduced outer ambulation, rearing posture and grooming activity, and an increased defecation, in comparison with the males of the NaCl group, and reduced rearing in comparison with control males. As concerns ingestive behaviors, the only significant datum was an increased water intake in NaCl-treated males. Finally, at the 100th day of life, working memory was significantly impaired in both vanadium plus NaCl- and NaCl-treated rats.

Animals↗

Role of L-type calcium channels on yohimbine-precipitated clonidine withdrawal in vivo and in vitro.

This study was designed to elucidate the possible participation of L-type calcium channels in the expression of clonidine-withdrawal precipitated by yohimbine in clonidine-dependent animals. Mice implanted for 5 days with osmotic minipumps containing the alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist clonidine showed symptoms of a withdrawal syndrome (jerks, headshakes, defecations and weight loss) when yohimbine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor antagonist, was injected. Similarly, isolated rat ilea incubated with clonidine in vitro showed a withdrawal contracture when yohimbine was added to the organ bath. The effects of L-type calcium channel blockers (verapamil and diltiazem) and the stimulant Bay K 8644 on these two different types of withdrawal responses were evaluated. A dose-dependent decrease in yohimbine-precipitated clonidine withdrawal in vivo was observed when verapamil (10-40 mg/kg, s.c. and 120 micrograms/mouse, i.c.v.) or diltiazem (5-20 mg/kg, s.c. and 160 micrograms/mouse, i.c.v.) were administered to mice dependent on clonidine. No effect was found after Bay K 8644 (0.5-5 mg/kg, s.c. and 1-5 micrograms/mouse) was injected under these conditions. In vitro, both verapamil (0.1-5 microM) and D-cis-diltiazem (1-50 microM) concentration-dependently reduced the height of the yohimbine-precipitated withdrawal contracture in rat ileum incubated with clonidine. Furthermore, the effect of diltiazem was stereospecific, as D-cis-diltiazem 10 microM markedly inhibited clonidine withdrawal, whereas the same concentration of L-cis-diltiazem had no effect. In contrast, the calcium channel stimulant Bay K 8644 (0.1-1 microM) increased the height of the ileum withdrawal contracture.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗

Neonatal desipramine or zimeldine treatment causes long-lasting changes in brain monoaminergic systems and alcohol related behavior in rats.

To study the relationship between neonatal antidepressant administration, active (REM) sleep and adult alcohol-related behavior, rat pups were treated daily with 5 mg/kg desipramine (DMI) or 25 mg/kg zimeldine SC from the 6th to the 19th postnatal days. Movement sensitive mattress ("SCSB") measurements showed that zimeldine treatment suppressed active sleep throughout the whole treatment period, but DMI was more effective during the first 8 days than during the last treatment days. At the age of 70 days, the zimeldine-treated rats expressed a selective increase of some components of activity in the open field test, and the DMI rats had a higher defecation score compared to the controls. Furthermore, the zimeldine-rats responded with a decrease in ambulation in the open field to an alcohol dose which generally stimulates locomotion in rats. At the age of 3 months the DMI and zimeldine rats showed increased voluntary intake of 10% (v/v) alcohol. Measurement of brain monoamines revealed that the neonatal treatment with DMI or zimeldine interfered with the normal development and function of the monoamine neuronal systems: the concentrations of noradrenaline, dopamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and their metabolites were altered in several brain regions. The results thus suggest that neonatal treatment with DMI or zimeldine suppresses active sleep and has an influence on later alcohol-related behavior, possibly due to a long-lasting defect in brain monoaminergic transmission.

Alcohol Drinking↗

An intracellular study of perineal and hindlimb afferent inputs onto sphincter motoneurons in the decerebrate cat.

The external urethral sphincter (EUS) and external anal sphincter (EAS) are striated muscles that function to maintain urinary and fecal continence respectively. This study examines the short-latency synaptic input from a variety of cutaneous perineal and muscle/cutaneous hindlimb afferents to the motoneurons innervating these muscles. Intracellular recordings from antidromically identified EUS and EAS motoneurons provided records of the postsynaptic potentials (PSPs) produced by electrical stimulation of peripheral afferents in decerebrate or chloralose anesthetized cats. Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) were produced in most EUS and EAS motoneurons by stimulation of ipsilateral and contralateral sensory pudendal (SPud) and superficial perineal (SPeri) cutaneous nerves. The shortest central latencies in the study (1.5 ms) suggest that there are disynaptic excitatory, in addition to tri- and oligosynaptic, connections within these reflex pathways. EPSPs mixed with longer latency inhibitory potentials (E/I PSPs) were observed in both motoneuron populations, but were found more frequently in EAS motoneurons. These E/I PSPs were evoked more often from contralateral afferents than from ipsilateral afferents. Cutaneous nerves innervating the hindlimb had weaker if any synaptic effects on sphincter motoneurons. Stimulation of ipsilateral hindlimb muscle nerves rarely produced PSPs in EUS motoneurons and had weak synaptic actions on EAS motoneurons. In 2 of 22 animals (both decerebrate), large inhibitory potentials predominated over early small EPSPs suggesting that inhibitory pathways from these afferents to sphincter motoneurons can be released under certain circumstances. The relation between the segmental afferents to EUS and EAS motoneurons and the neural circuitry influencing them during micturition and defecation are discussed.

Afferent Pathways↗

Comparison of the functional results of ileorectostomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis following total colectomy.

To evaluate the functional results of continence reconstruction techniques following total colectomy, an analysis of long-term follow-up, quality of life parameters, and recurrence of basal disease was conducted on 17 patients who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, and 16 who underwent ileorectostomy. Satisfactory results were achieved in 29 of the 33 patients, partial results were achieved in 3, and only 1 remained totally incontinent. While this outcome was independent of the reconstruction technique, a lower mean daily frequency of defecation, better day-night distribution, faster definitive recovery from surgery, a higher degree of rehabilitation, and a lower frequency of unplanned outpatient visits, hospitalizations, and minor complications were achieved after ileorectostomy than after pouch-anal anastomosis. Furthermore, better results were observed in patients who had undergone surgery for familial polyposis or complicated diffuse colonic diverticulosis, compared to those who had undergone surgery for inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). During the postcolectomy stage, tumor recurrence was found in 5 of 7 patients with familial polyposis and histologically confirmed malignancy, compared to only 1 of 6 patients with negative histological results. Extracolonic manifestations developed in two patients with ulcerative colitis, and a small bowel obstruction occurred in one with Crohn's disease. These findings emphasize the importance of carefully selecting patients for each type of continence reconstruction method after total colectomy according to their individual requirements.

Adult↗

The evolution of postoperative ileus after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A comparative study with conventional cholecystectomy and sympathetic blockade treatment.

Our study is prompted by the arrival of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in connection with the evolution of postoperative ileus (PI) and by its avoidance of the intraabdominal handling implied in conventional cholecystectomy. With this aim a prospective, controlled, randomized, and blind clinical trial was designed using 100 patients divided into five groups (n = 20): I, conventional cholecystectomy (CC): II, CC+injection of 20 ml bupivacaine 0.5% into the mesentery root; III, CC + 7.5 mg propranolol i.v. and 0.5 mg neostigmine s.c., postoperatively until the first defecation; IV, II+III; and V, laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The shortest period of PI was observed in group V. This period increases notably in group IV (53 h), group II (72 h), and group III (84 h) relative to the control group with (89 h). This reduction in PI time runs parallel with an improvement in the patient's general state of well-being. We concluded that after laparoscopic cholecystectomy PI is nonexistent. Furthermore, this study confirms the correlation between the avoidance of intraabdominal manipulation and the evolution of postoperative ileus.

Autonomic Nerve Block↗

Anorectal function after low anterior resection of the rectum.

Impaired neorectal function or sphincter incompetence have been respectively implicated as causative factors of increased frequency of defaecation or incontinence after low anterior resection of the rectum (LARR) for rectal carcinoma, although individual mechanisms of anorectal function have not been fully studied. Functional and laboratory results were evaluated in 19 subjects, who had a LARR for rectal carcinoma before and after the procedure, and were compared to those of normal subjects. LARR worsened anorectal function, mostly by significantly increasing the daily number of defaecations (p < 0.001), while major incontinence was reported in three cases. Patients with rectal carcinoma have a decreased resting anal pressure on manometry, as compared to controls (p < 0.001). LARR further reduces anal resting pressure (p < 0.001) as well as all parameters that express internal sphincter activity, such as presence and amplitude of either slow (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) or ultraslow waves. LARR also impaired external anal sphincter activity, as expressed by the reduction in anal squeeze pressure (p < 0.001). Anorectal sampling was found reduced in incidence and frequency in LARR patients as compared to controls (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001), and was impaired even further postoperatively (p < 0.001). Rectoanal inhibitory reflex was present in all but three patients postoperative, but significantly impaired as compared to controls. Rectal volumes to elicit transient or permanent desire to defecate, maximal tolerable rectal volume and rectal compliance were also significantly reduced after LARR (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively). Large bowel transit was significantly enhanced after LARR (p < 0.001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

[Aggressive behaviour induced by apomorphine: relations with some elements of the behavioural profile and with the sensitivity to apomorphine (author's transl)].

Aggressive rats could be differentiated from non-aggressive rats on a lower rate of rearing reactions in the open-field activity, as well as on a weaker aptitude for learning, increasing with the complication of the test. The two groups of rats had comparable activity, and a comparable response to pain. Apomorphine decreased the number of rearing reactions and defecations on open-field activity in the same manner in non-aggressive rats as in aggressive animals. In the usual housing conditions, apomorphine increased similarly locomotor activity in both groups, but in observation cages of "emotional" type, the increase was much more pronounced in aggressive rats than in non-aggressive animals.

Aggression↗

Dose-response effects of taurine on some open-field behaviors in the rat.

In two experiments albino rats were injected i.p. with various doses of taurine and their subsequent behavior in an open-field apparatus was observed. Increasing doses of taurine significantly decreased ambulation levels, increased latency scores, and increased thigmotaxis ('wall-hugging' behavior). In general, 50 mg/kg or more of taurine was required to produce significant changes in the dependent behavioral measures. The open-field behaviors of rearing and defecation were not significantly affected by the drug manipulation. The results of these experiments suggest that taurine may act as modulating or stabilizing agent in the central nervous-motor system rather than as a diffuse inhibitory agent.

Animals↗

Effects of an organophosphate (dichlorvos) on open field behavior and locomotor activity: correlation with regional brain monoamine levels.

Dichlorvos (O,O-dimethyl-2:2-dichlorovinyl phosphate) was administered IP (3 mg/kg) daily for 10 days to a group of albino rats. Open field behavior was significantly depressed below the mean of the control group. On day 7, ambulation was reduced to 24% of the mean but recovered to 60% on day 10. Similarly, rearing response was decreased on day 7 and showed a fast recovery on day 10 but the preening response further declined on day 10. Defecation, on the contrary, was suppressed to 0% on day 7 and showed complete recovery on day 10. Motor activity showed a significant depression and fine movements were reduced more than gross movements in the second phase. Dopamine was significantly decreased on days 5 and 7 but showed a 13% recovery in the brain stem on day 10. Norepinephrine was significantly reduced in the cerebral hemisphere while serotonin was decreased both in cerebral hemisphere and brain stem. Neither of thse two amines showed significant recovery on day 10. Interesting concordance of the open field behavioral changes with the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the various regions of the rat brain was noticeable and has been discussed.

Animals↗

Prenatal alcohol consumption and open-field behaviour in rats: effects of age at time of testing.

Throughout gestation pregnant Wistar rats consumed a nutritious liquid diet containing 35% ethanol-derived calories. Control mothers were fed lab-chow. Subsequently, the offspring of the ethanol-fed mothers displayed significantly greater activity (ambulation) in an open-field test at 28 and at 56 days of age, but not at 112 days of age. No differences in defecation were observed at any age.

Alcohol Drinking↗

[Emotional reactivity and neurovegetative balance in the rat (author's transl)].

It has been shown in male rats of two albino strains, Wistar and Sprague-Dawley, that differences in emotional reactivity were related to physiological differences (Bernet and Denimal, 1978). Particularly the resting heart rate was slower in the more emotionally reactive rats. It has been suggested that emotional reactivity is linked with a certain neurovegetative balance. This possibility was investigated in twelve rats of each strain by means of differential blockade of the autonomic nervous system by atropine and propranolol. The heart rate response of the emotionally reactive strain to propranolol was statistically smaller than that of the non reactive strain. On the other hand, the heart rate increase resulting from atropine treatment was more elevated in the same rats. The calculated sympathetic and parasympathetic tones (as % of intrinsic heart rate) were 8% and 30% respectively in the reactive rats. However, both of the tones were 14% in the non reactive rats. In conclusion, the high defecating rats in the open-field exhibit a lower sympathetic tone linked with a higher parasympathetic tone.

Animals↗

Oral taurine effects on inhibitory behavior: response transients to step-like schedule changes.

Rats habituated to DRL 6-s schedules that required response inhibition in order to obtain reward did not alter their total responses or efficiency ratios (response/reinforcement) when placed ad libitum (orally) on 0.9% taurine (1.1 +/- 0.4 g/kg/24-h) relative to controls. In three separate experiments, taurine-administerd rats did show significantly poorer adjustment profiles (higher response/reinforcement ratios) during the 15 min immediately following step-like increases in inhibition time demand to DRL 12 s. The effect was transient and was not signficant in subsequent sessions. Taurine rats had been habituated to a DRL schedule intended to induce "frustration" before and step-change did not differ from the taurine group maintained on the normal DRL schedule. No significant differences were noted between taurine and control groups, either before or after taurine administration or before or after the step-change in inhibition demand, with respect to defecation in the test chamber, daily fluid consumption, body weight or total responses. We concluded that oral taurine may inhibit learning during labile periods of adjustment following sudden changes of input demand but does not influence a well learned or established response pattern. These results imply taurine's role in the brain as a "stabilizer" against short-term input fluctuations.

Animals↗