Neuroanatomical and neurochemical organization of brainstem and forebrain circuits involved in breathing regulation.

Breathing regulation depends on a highly intricate and precise network within the brainstem, requiring the identification of all neuronal elements in the brainstem respiratory circuits and a comprehensive understanding of their organization into distinct functional compartments. These compartments play a pivotal role by providing essential input to three main targets: cranial motoneurons that regulate airway control, spinal motoneurons that activate the inspiratory and expiratory muscles, and higher brain structures that influence breathing behavior and integrate it with other physiological and behavioral processes. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the phenotypes, connections, and functional roles of the major compartments within the brainstem and forebrain respiratory circuits.

"The Mystery of the Cell Kingdom": an online game to improve the learning of thyroid physiology.

Games and analogies can significantly enrich the learning experience when integrated with traditional expository teaching methods. With this aim, we developed "The Mystery of the Cell Kingdom," an online game designed to enhance understanding of the physiology of thyroid hormones through a medieval analogy. In the game, students are challenged to apply their knowledge of endocrine physiology to solve a series of relevant questions on the topic.

The bank robbery analogy as a first approach for understanding basic concepts of synthesis, transport, and mechanism of action of hormones.

Learning endocrine physiology can be challenging. Some physiological concepts are abstract, making the process of learning more difficult for students. The comprehension of basic concepts, such as chemical hormone classification, is essential to understand the differences in synthesis, secretion, transport, and mechanism of action of hormones.

Antidepressant, Anxiolytic and Neuroprotective Activities of Two Zinc Compounds in Diabetic Rats.

Behavioral disorders affect most diabetic patients and Zinc (Zn) has been used among adjuvant therapies for involvement in the etiology of depression and anxiety, however, the results are still controversial. The objective of this study was to compare the antidepressant, anxiolytic and neuroprotective activity of the supplementation of two Zn compounds in an animal model of Diabetes Mellitus type 1 (DM1). Thirty-eight (38) adult rats were randomized into four groups: Control (C; = 8); Diabetic (D; = 10); Diabetic Zn Sulfate Supplement (DSZ; = 10) and Diabetic Zn Gluconate Supplement (DGZ; = 10).

Short- and long-term effects of maternal dyslipidaemia on blood pressure and baroreflex sensitivity in male rat offspring.

Maternal dyslipidaemia is a predisposing factor for arterial hypertension in male rat offspring at adulthood. This study was designed to investigate the short- and long-term effects of maternal dyslipidaemia on blood pressure (BP) and baroreflex control in male rat offspring. Animals were obtained from mothers who received a dyslipidaemic (DLP, n = 7) or control (CTL, n = 7) diet during pregnancy and lactation.

Maternal dyslipidaemic diet induces sex-specific alterations in intestinal function and lipid metabolism in rat offspring.

This study investigated the effects of a maternal dyslipidaemic (DLP) diet on lipid metabolism, microbial counts in faeces and hepatic and intestinal morphology in rat offspring with respect to sex during different phases of life. Wistar rats (dams) were fed a control (CTL) or DLP during gestation and lactation. After weaning, CTL and DLP offspring were fed a standard diet.

Maternal dyslipidemia during pregnancy and lactation increases blood pressure and disrupts cardiorespiratory and glucose hemostasis in female rat offspring.

Hypertension and metabolic disorders evidenced in adults who have been exposed to nutritional insults during early life may be sex-dependent. We evaluated if blood pressure (BP), cardiorespiratory control, and metabolic parameters are affected in female offspring (FO) from dams fed a dyslipidaemic diet during pregnancy and lactation. FO was obtained from dams who received control (CTL) or dyslipidaemic diets during pregnancy and lactation.

Effect of maternal dyslipidaemia on the cardiorespiratory physiology and biochemical parameters in male rat offspring.

The present study evaluated the effects of maternal dyslipidaemia on blood pressure (BP), cardiorespiratory physiology and biochemical parameters in male offspring. Wistar rat dams were fed either a control (CTL) or a dyslipidaemic (DLP) diet during pregnancy and lactation. After weaning, both CTL and DLP offspring received standard diet.