Periodontal disease and high doses of inhaled corticosteroids alter NTPDase activity in the blood serum of rats.

Background: Certain drugs such as glucocorticoids may interfere with the modulation of periodontal disease. In contrast, corticosteroid treatment has been associated with a protective effect with regard to periodontal breakdown, depending on the dose, pathway, and exposure time. Considering the potential relevance of nucleotidases in coordinating the cardiovascular system and inflammation processes, the aim of this study was to investigate the nucleotidase activities in the blood serum of rats with periodontal disease exposed chronically to inhaled corticosteroids.

Physiological level of norepinephrine increases adenine nucleotides hydrolysis in rat blood serum.

Extracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) and its breakdown products, adenosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine, have significant effects on a variety of biological processes. NTPDase enzymes, responsible for adenine nucleotides hydrolysis, are considered the major regulators of purinergic signaling in the blood. Previous work by our group demonstrated that ATP and ADP hydrolysis in rat blood serum are higher during the dark (activity) phase compared to the light (rest) phase.

Effects of restraint stress on the daily rhythm of hydrolysis of adenine nucleotides in rat serum.

Background: Adenosine 5-triphosphate (ATP) and its breakdown products ADP and adenosine can act as extracellular messengers in a range of biological processes. Extracellular adenine nucleotides are metabolized by a number of enzymes including NTPDases and 5'-nucleotidase, which are considered to be the major regulators of purinergic signaling in the blood. Previous work by our group demonstrated that ATPase and ADPase activities in rat serum exhibit a 24-h temporal pattern, with higher enzyme activity during the dark (activity) phase.

6‐Sulfatoxymelatonin as a predictor of clinical outcome in depressive patients.

Objectives: This study established the value of the 6‐sulfatoxymelatonin (aMT6s) urine concentration as a predictor of the therapeutic response to noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors in depressive patients.

Methods: Twenty-two women aged 18-60 years were selected. Depressive symptoms were assessed by using the Hamilton Depression Scale.

24-hour temporal pattern of NTPDase and 5'-nucleotidase enzymes in rat blood serum.

Circadian rhythms represent an important mechanism to prepare the organism for environmental variations. ATP, ADP, AMP, and adenosine can act as extracellular messengers in a range of biological processes and are metabolized by a number of enzymes, including NTPDases and 5'-nucleotidase. In the present study the authors report that ATPase and ADPase activities present 24-h temporal variations that peak during dark (activity) span.

Antidepressant-like effects of melatonin in the mouse chronic mild stress model.

Melatonin is a hormone primarily synthesized by the pineal gland and has been shown to govern seasonal and circadian rhythms, as well as the immune system, certain behaviours, and responses to stress. Chronic exposure to stress is involved in the etiology of human depression, and depressed patients present changes in circadian and seasonal rhythms. This study investigated the effects of daily exogenous melatonin (1 and 10 mg/kg, p.

Alstonine as an antipsychotic: effects on brain amines and metabolic changes.

Managing schizophrenia has never been a trivial matter. Furthermore, while classical antipsychotics induce extrapyramidal side effects and hyperprolactinaemia, atypical antipsychotics lead to diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, and weight gain. Moreover, even with newer drugs, a sizable proportion of patients do not show significant improvement.

Effects of Marapuama in the chronic mild stress model: further indication of antidepressant properties.

Ethnopharmacology Relevance: Ptychopetalum olacoides Bentham (PO) (Olacaceae), known as Marapuama, is regarded as a "nerve tonic" in the Amazon. Traditional uses include states of lassitude with noticeable lack of desire/motivation, and to manage particularly stressful (physical and/or psychological) circumstances. Suggestive of antidepressant activity, we have established that a specific PO ethanol extract (POEE) significantly decreases immobility in the tail suspension and forced swimming tests.