Impact of maternal protein restriction on Hypoxia-Inducible Factor (HIF) expression in male fetal kidney development.

Background: Kidney developmental studies have demonstrated molecular pathway changes that may be related to decreased nephron numbers in the male 17 gestational days (17GD) low protein (LP) intake offspring compared to normal protein intake (NP) progeny. Here, we evaluated the HIF-1 and components of its pathway in the kidneys of 17-GD LP offspring to elucidate the molecular modulations during nephrogenesis.

Methods: Pregnant Wistar rats were allocated into two groups: NP (regular protein diet-17%) or LP (Low protein diet-6%).

Opposing roles of CB and CB cannabinoid receptors in the stimulant and rewarding effects of cocaine.

Background And Purpose: The endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) bind to CB and CB cannabinoid receptors in the brain and modulate the mesolimbic dopaminergic pathway. This neurocircuitry is engaged by psychostimulant drugs, including cocaine. Although CB receptor antagonism and CB receptor activation are known to inhibit certain effects of cocaine, they have been investigated separately.

Carbohydrate-enriched diet predispose to anxiety and depression-like behavior after stress in mice.

Objectives: Obesity is a chronic disease frequently associated with serious co-morbidities, such as diabetes type II, metabolic syndrome, and psychiatric disorders. Little is known, however, regarding the behavioral consequences of modified diet constituents and the propensity to development of stress related disorders. Thus, the aim of this study was to verify whether chronic exposure to a normocaloric/high-carbohydrate diet will modify the animal's behavior after different stressful stimuli.