Southern Brazilian autumnal propolis shows anti-angiogenic activity: an in vitro and in vivo study.

The present study focuses on the effects of a hydro-alcoholic propolis extract collected in autumn (2010) in Santa Catarina State (Southern Brazil), on the angiogenesis, using in vitro and in vivo models. Cultures of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were used to assess the effects of propolis on viability, proliferation, and cell migration, as well as capillary tube formation. The propolis autumnal extracts significantly decreased the cell viability, based on CC50 values, which decreased (56%) from 297 to 130 μg/ml in 24 h and 72 h of treatment, respectively (cytotoxicity assay).

Behavioral profile and Fos activation of serotonergic and non-serotonergic raphe neurons after central injections of serotonin in the pigeon (Columba livia).

Central injections of serotonin (5-HT) in food-deprived/refed pigeons evoke a sequence of hypophagic, hyperdipsic and sleep-like responses that resemble the postprandial behavioral sequence. Fasting-refeeding procedures affect sleep and drinking behaviors "per se". Here, we describe the behavioral profile and long-term food/water intake following intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections of 5-HT (50, 150, 300 nmol/2 μl) in free-feeding/drinking pigeons.

Distribution of tryptophan hydroxylase-immunoreactive neurons in the brainstem and diencephalon of the pigeon (Columba livia).

The distribution of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH)-containing perikarya and processes in the brainstem and diencephalon of the pigeon (Columba livia) were investigated using single-labeling chromogenic and double-labeling fluorescence immunohistochemical methods for TPH and 5-HT. TPH-immunoreactive (TPH-ir) perikarya were seen extending from the caudal medulla to mid-hypothalamic levels, located in brainstem regions previously described as containing 5-HT-ir somata. Brainstem TPH-ir cell clusters (the midline raphe, and the dorsolateral and ventrolateral serotonergic cell groups) and the circumventricular cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons in the taenia choroidea (in the caudal brainstem), recessus infundibuli and paraventricular organ (in the hypothalamus) were shown to co-express 5-HT immunoreactivity.

Behavioral and metabolic effects of central injections of orexins/hypocretins in pigeons (Columba livia).

In the present study, the acute behavioral and ingestive effects of ICV injections of mammalian orexin-A (ORXA; vehicle, 0.2, 0.6 or 2 nmol) and of orexin-B (ORXB; vehicle, 0.