[Increased vascular density with indirect myocardial revascularization in normal rat hearts].

Background: The aim of this study was to identify if the interaction of myocardial revascularization methods increases the functional vascular area.

Methods: A 4x3 factorial design was performed in 11 groups, five rats per group, ten samples per rat, evaluated at 45 days postoperative, with different surgical combinations. The magnitude of the interaction was evaluated by immunoexpression of vascular endothelium-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor and tyrosine receptor, to allow the activity of vascular endothelium-derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor and thrombin (Flk-1), as well as vascular area measurement; Both measures were performed by computerized morphometry.

O-GlcNAc-selective-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity and mRNA expression in muscle is related to glucosamine-induced insulin resistance.

Glucosamine (GlcN)-induced insulin resistance is associated with an increase in O-linked-N-acetylglucosaminylated modified proteins (O-GlcNAcylated proteins). The role played by O-GlcNAc-selective-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (O-GlcNAcase), which removes O-N-acetyl-glucosamine residues from O-GlcNAcylated proteins, has not yet been demonstrated. We investigated whether GlcN-induced whole-body insulin resistance is related to tissue O-GlcNAcase activity and mRNA expression.

Effect of parathyroidectomy on cardiac fibrosis and apoptosis: possible role of aldosterone.

Background/aim: It has been demonstrated that parathyroidectomy prevents left ventricular hypertrophy in uremic animals. Although this effect may be mediated by direct actions of parathormone (PTH), it may also be exerted through regulation of profibrotic factors such as aldosterone. In adrenal cortex cell cultures, PTH increases aldosterone release.

[Ovarian denervation and polycystic ovary].

Background: Ovarian inervation is limited to the superior pedicle and ovarian artery to loose itself within the gonadal smooth muscle. Hence, it is far from clear how is it that the ovary preserves its communication with hypothalamic and pituitary structures for feedback regulation. There is a lack of precision concerning structures and mechanisms involved in the genesis of polycystic disease.