BACKGROUND Recurrence is a hallmark of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), and conditions that influence its occurrence remain a challenge. Natural killer cells (NK) are effectors cells whose primary is cytotoxic function against many parasites, including Toxoplasma gondii. Among the NK cell receptors, immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) deserve attention due to their high polymorphism. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to analyse the influence of KIR gene polymorphism in the course of OT infection and its association with recurrences after an active episode. METHODS Ninety-six patients from the Ophthalmologic Clinic of the National Institute of Infectology Evandro Chagas were followed for up to five years. After DNA extraction, genotyping of the patients was performed by polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific oligonucleotide (PCR-SSO) utilising Luminex equipment for reading. During follow-up, 60.4% had a recurrence. FINDINGS We identified 25 KIR genotypes and found a higher frequency of genotype 1 (31.7%) with worldwide distribution. We note that the KIR2DL2 inhibitor gene and the gene activator KIR2DS2 were more frequent in patients without recurrence. Additionally, we observed that individuals who carry these genes progressed recurrence episodes slowly compared to individuals who do not carry these genes. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS2 are associated as possible protection markers against ocular toxoplasmosis recurrence (OTR).

Resumo A Organização Mundial da Saúde declarou a disseminação generalizada do SARS-CoV-2 e sua doença associada (COVID-19) uma emergência de saúde pública. O teste padrão ouro para detecção do vírus é o RT-PCR, realizado a partir de amostras de swab nasofaríngeo (NPS). No entanto, esse exame pode ser desconfortável para o paciente e requer treinamento específico e vestimenta do profissional de saúde responsável pela coleta da amostra. Portanto, a busca por formas alternativas de coleta de amostras que possam ser utilizadas no diagnóstico de COVID-19 é relevante. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os resultados obtidos em amostras de NPS e saliva. Amostras de NPS e saliva foram coletadas de 189 pacientes ambulatoriais sintomáticos com suspeita de COVID-19, que procuraram a Policlínica Piquet Carneiro. A extração de RNA foi realizada com o kit Bio-Gene DNA / RNA Viral Extraction (Bioclin®) e as reações em tempo real da reação em cadeia da polimerase-transcriptase reversa (RT-PCR) usaram o kit Molecular SARS-CoV-2 (E / RP) (Bio-Manguinhos). Os resultados indicaram que 142 apresentaram resultado não detectável (ND), enquanto 47 apresentaram resultado detectável (D). Entre os 142 "ND", 137 (94,4%) amostras de saliva obtiveram o mesmo resultado, enquanto 5 amostras (3,4%) foram "D". Dentre as 47 amostras de swab "D", 35 (74,4%) apresentaram o mesmo resultado nas amostras de saliva. A sensibilidade do teste de saliva foi de 0,74 e a especificidade foi de 0,97. O valor preditivo positivo foi de 0,88, enquanto o valor preditivo negativo foi de 0,92. Os resultados mostraram que a detecção de Sars-CoV-2 em amostras de saliva apresentou alta sensibilidade e especificidade quando comparada com swabs nasofaríngeos.

Abstract The World Health Organization has declared the widespread spread of SARS-CoV-2 and its associated disease (COVID-19) a public health emergency. The standard gold test for detecting the virus is the RT-PCR, performed from nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) samples. However, this test may be uncomfortable for the patient and requires specific training and attire from the health professional responsible for collecting the sample. Therefore, the search for alternative ways to collect samples that may be used in the diagnosis of COVID-19 is relevant. This study aimed to compare the results obtained from NPS and saliva samples. NPS and saliva samples were collected from 189 symptomatic outpatients suspected of COVID-19, who came to Piquet Carneiro Polyclinic. RNA extraction was performed using the Bio-Gene DNA/RNA Viral Extraction kit (Bioclin®). Real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) reactions used the Molecular SARS-CoV-2 (E / RP) kit (Bio-Manguinhos). The results indicated that 142 showed a non-detectable result (ND), while 47 showed a detectable result (D). Among the 142 "ND", 137 (94.4%) saliva samples obtained the same result, while 5 samples (3.4%) were "D". Among the 47 "D" swab samples, 35 (74.4%) showed the same result in the saliva samples. The sensitivity of the saliva test was 0.74 and the specificity was 0.97. The positive predictive value was 0.88 while the negative predictive value was 0.92. The results showed that detection of Sars-CoV-2 using saliva samples showed high sensitivity and specificity compared to nasopharyngeal swabs.

Abstract INTRODUCTION Rio de Janeiro has hardly experienced coronavirus disease. METHODS Here, 87,442 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were reported among Rio de Janeiro residents (March to September 2020). RESULTS Overall, RT-PCR positivity of 44.6% decreased over time towards 20%. Positivity was greater among males (OR=1.22; 95%CI:1.19-1.26); Black (OR=1.10; 95%CI:1.02-1.19), Brown (OR=1.16; 95%CI:1.10-1.22), and indigenous people (OR=2.11; 95%CI:0.88-5.03) compared to Whites and increased with age; with epidemic spread from the capital to inland regions. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 keeps spreading in Rio de Janeiro, and reopening of activities may fuel the epidemic.

Os nevos epidérmicos verrucosos são hamartomas congênitos compostos por queratinócitos, que podem ocorrer isolados ou associados a alterações do desenvolvimento. Com a recente observação de uma relação estreita entre variações nos genes PIK3CA e FGFR3 e o aparecimento do nevo, realizamos ensaios moleculares para identificação das mutações E542K, E545G/K e H1047R do gene PIK3CA, e R248C do gene FGFR3. Interessantemente, durante o processo de amplificação não observamos o produto da PCR do exon 9 do gene PIK3CA, região que compreende aos aminoácidos 542-545, sugerindo fortemente a ocorrência de uma microdeleção da região e indicando uma provável variante alélica ainda não descrita na literatura.

Verrucous epidermal nevi are congenital hamartomas composed of keratinocytes and may occur alone or in association with developmental abnormalities. A close relationship between variations in the PIK3CA and FGFR3 genes and the appearance of nevi has been recently reported. Based on that, we performed molecular assays for the identification of E542K, E545G/K and H1047R mutations in the PIK3CA gene and of the R248C mutation in the FGFR3 gene. Interestingly, during the amplification process, we did not observe the PCR product of exon 9 of the PIK3CA gene, a region comprising amino acids 542-545. This strongly suggests the occurrence of a microdeletion of that region and indicates a possible allelic variant, which has not yet being described in the literature.

FUNDAMENTO: o tabagismo apresenta importante papel sobre as doenças cardiovasculares, entretanto permanecem pouco compreendidos os motivos pelos quais alguns seres humanos as desenvolvem e outros não. OBJETIVO: nosso objetivo foi analisar o perfil redox do coração de diferentes linhagens de camundongos após exposição à fumaça de cigarro. MÉTODOS: camundongos machos suíços (n = 10), C3H (n = 10), BALB/c (n = 10) e C57BL/6 (n = 10) foram expostos à fumaça de cigarro (12 cigarros/dia), enquanto os respectivos controles (n = 10) ao ar ambiente por 60 dias. Após sacrifício, o coração foi retirado para análises bioquímicas. RESULTADOS: embora o conteúdo de malondialdeído não tenha aumentado em nenhum grupo, a atividade da catalase diminuiu no grupo suíço (p < 0,05), BALB/c (p < 0,05) quando comparados aos respectivos grupos-controle, enquanto a mieloperoxidase diminuiu no grupo C3H (p < 0,05) e C57BL/6 (p < 0,001) quando comparados aos respectivos grupos controle. O conteúdo de glutationa reduzida diminuiu nos grupos suíço, C3H, C57BL/6 (p < 0,05) e no grupo BALB/c (p < 0,001) quando comparados com os respectivos controles. Observamos aumento do conteúdo da glutationa oxidada no grupo Suíço (p < 0,05) e diminuição nos grupos C3H (p < 0,05) e BALB/c (p < 0,001) quando comparados aos respectivos grupos-controle. A razão glutationa reduzida/ glutationa oxidada apresentou redução nos grupos suíço e C57BL/6 (p < 0.05) quando comparados aos grupos controle. CONCLUSÃO: o background genético nos camundongos pode influenciar na resposta antioxidante após a exposição à fumaça de cigarro e parece ser um fator determinante para o desequilíbrio redox no suíço e C57BL/6. Compreender as respostas antioxidantes e do background genético C3H e BALB/c podem fornecer importantes informações quanto à resistência cardíaca a fumaça de cigarro.

BACKGROUND: Smoking plays an important role in cardiovascular diseases. However, the reasons why some individuals develop those diseases and others do not remain to be explained. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at assessing the redox profile of the heart of different mouse strains after exposure to cigarette smoke. METHODS: Male mice of the Swiss (n = 10), C3H (n = 10), BALB/c (n = 10) and C57BL/6 (n = 10) strains were exposed to cigarette smoke (12 cigarettes/day), while their respective controls (n = 10) were exposed to ambient air for 60 days. After being euthanized, their heart was removed for biochemical analyses. RESULTS: Although the malondialdehyde content did not increase in any of the groups, catalase activity decreased in the Swiss (p < 0.05) and BALB/c (p < 0.05) strain mice as compared with their respective control groups, while myeloperoxidase decreased in the C3H (p < 0.05) and C57BL/6 (p < 0.001) strain mice as compared with their respective control groups. The reduced glutathione content decreased in the Swiss, C3H, C57BL/6 (p < 0.05) and BALB/c (p < 0,001) strain mice as compared with their respective control groups. Regarding reduced glutathione content, an increase was observed in the Swiss strain mice (p < 0.05), while a decrease was observed in the C3H (p < 0.05) and BALB/c (p < 0.001) strain mice as compared with their respective control groups. The reduced glutathione/reduced glutathione ratio showed a reduction in the Swiss and C57BL/6 (p < 0.05) strain mice as compared with their respective control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic background of mice can influence the antioxidant response after exposure to cigarette smoke and seems to be a determinant factor for redox imbalance in Swiss and C57BL/6 strain mice. Understanding antioxidant responses and genetic background of C3H and BALB/c strain mice might provide important information regarding cardiac resistance to cigarette smoke.

OBJETIVO: A ventilação mecânica (VM) por si própria pode contribuir diretamente para a lesão pulmonar. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar biomarcadores precoces relacionados ao equilíbrio oxidantes/antioxidantes, estresse oxidativo e inflamação causados por VM de curta duração em pulmões de camundongos saudáveis. MÉTODOS: Vinte camundongos C57BL/6 machos foram randomicamente divididos em dois grupos: VM, submetidos a VM com baixo volume corrente (V T, 6 mL/kg) por 30 min; e respiração espontânea (RE), utilizados como controles. Amostras de homogeneizados de pulmão foram testados quanto à atividade de enzimas antioxidantes, peroxidação lipídica e expressão de TNF-α. RESULTADOS: Comparados ao grupo RE, houve uma redução significativa na atividade de superóxido dismutase (≈35%; p < 0,05) e aumento da atividade de catalase (40%; p < 0,01), glutationa peroxidase (500%; p < 0,001) e mieloperoxidase (260%; p < 0,001), ao passo que a razão glutationa reduzida/glutationa oxidada foi menor (≈50%; p < 0,05), e houve um aumento na atividade de expressão de TNF-α no grupo VM. O dano oxidativo, analisado como peroxidação lipídica, também aumentou no grupo VM (45%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSÕES: Nossos resultados demonstraram que VM de curta duração com baixa V T pode contribuir diretamente para a lesão pulmonar, gerando estresse oxidativo e inflamação em pulmões de camundongos saudáveis.

OBJECTIVE: Mechanical ventilation (MV) itself can directly contribute to lung injury. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate early biomarkers concerning oxidant/antioxidant balance, oxidative stress, and inflammation caused by short-term MV in healthy mouse lungs. METHODS: Twenty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into two groups: MV, submitted to low tidal volume (V T, 6 mL/kg) MV for 30 min; and spontaneous respiration (SR), used as controls. Lung homogenate samples were tested regarding the activity of various antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and TNF-α expression. RESULTS: In comparison with the SR group, the MV group showed a significant decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase (≈35%; p < 0.05), together with an increase in the activity of catalase (40%; p < 0.01), glutathione peroxidase (500%; p < 0.001), and myeloperoxidase (260%; p < 0.001), as well as a reduction in the glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio (≈50%; p < 0.05) and an increase in TNF-α expression in the MV group. Oxidative damage, assessed by lipid peroxidation, was also greater in the MV group (45%; p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that short-term low V T MV can directly contribute to lung injury, generating oxidative stress and inflammation in healthy mouse lungs.

The ultimate goal of periodontal therapy is to repair the damaged periodontal supporting tissues, permitting regeneration of the periodontal ligament. However, the cell response, the supportive matrix and the bioactive molecules use have not yet been well established. Bone marrow mononuclear cells were extracted from rat femurs and tibiae and cultured on a cross-linked collagen membrane, bone graft, or molar tooth to compare cell attachment and early proliferation on these materials. Cell attachment was quantified by light microscopy at 24, 48 and 72h, and cell proliferation was observed under a SEM after 72h. After 24h, the number of cells on bone graft was similar to that of the control and more than twice compared to collagen membrane (q=7.473 p<0.001) and 1.75 times greater than with tooth cementum (q=5.613 p<0.01). However, the number of cells close to bone graft decreased in the second day compared to the control. SEM examination revealed a significant decrease in the number of cells that attached and proliferated on tooth and bone graft when compared with membrane. The results showed that bone marrow mesenchymal cells offer great potential for colonize a collagen membrane.

El objetivo último de la terapia periodontal es reparar el daño tejidos periodontales de soporte, permitiendo la regeneración del ligamento periodontal. Sin embargo, la respuesta de la célula, la matriz de apoyo y las moléculas bioactivas aún no han sido bien establecidas. Células mononucleares de la médula ósea se extrajeron del fémur y fibula de rata, y fueron cultivadas sobre un reticulado de membrana de colágeno, de injerto de hueso o de un diente molar para comparar la adhesión celular y la proliferación temprana sobre estos materiales. La adhesión celular fue cuantificada por microscopía de luz a las 24, 48 y 72h, y la proliferación celular fue observada bajo MEB después de 72h. Después de 24 horas, el número de células sobre el injerto de hueso fue similar a la del control y más del doble en comparación con la membrana de colágeno (q=7,473 p<0,001) y 1,75 veces mayor que con el cemento dental (q=5,613 p<0,01). Sin embargo, el número de células cerca del injerto óseo disminuyó el segundo día en comparación con el control. El examen al MEB reveló una disminución significativa en el número de células que se unen y proliferan sobre los dientes y el injerto óseo en comparación con la membrana. Los resultados mostraron que las células mesenquimales de la médula ósea tienen un gran potencial para colonizar la membrana de colágeno.

Nicotine is the more abundant component in cigarette smoke. Because nicotine is first metabolized in the liver, our aim was to investígate the effects of nicotine on this organ by biochemical and stereological methods. Male Wistar rats were treated with oral nicotine (ON) diluted in drinking water during 32 days. The control group was treated with drinking water in the same period. Rats were sacrificed 24 hours after last day, the blood was collected and the liver was removed. Lipidogram was performed by enzymatic method and collagen fibers, fat globules and hepatocytes were count in the liver by stereological methods. We observed in control group preserved hepatocytes, with no presence of inflammatory cells. However in the ON group was possible to observe varied size of hepatocytes with cloudy cellular limits and histoarchitecture loss. Capillaries were fully of red blood cells. We observed also an increase of fat globules with small size. We observed in leucogram a reduction of leukocytes number (lymphocytes, neutrophils and monocytes) in the ON group in comparison to control group. The lipidogram showed an increase of triglycerides and total cholesterol for ON group when compared to control group. Moreover, a reduction of HDL- cholesterol was observed in ON group when compared to control group. Numerical density of hepatocytes was lesser in ON group when compared to control group. We suggest harmful effects of oral nicotine in liver induced by toxic mechanism with reduction of hepatocytes number and disturbance in lipid metabolism.

La nicotina es el componente más abundante en el humo del cigarrillo. Primero porque la nicotina es metabolizada en el hígado, nuestro objetivo fue investigar los efectos de la nicotina sobre este órgano por métodos bioquímicos y estereológicos. Hombre rata Wistar fueron tratados con la nicotina oral (NO) diluida en el agua potable durante 32 días. El grupo control fue tratado con agua potable en el mismo período. Las ratas se sacrificaron 24 horas después del último día, se recogió la sangre y el hígado fue retirado. Lipidogram se realizó por el método enzimático y fibras de colágeno, grasa y hepatocitos se cuentan en el hígado mediante métodos estereológicos. Hemos observado en el grupo control hepatocitos conservados, sin presencia de células inflamatorias. Sin embargo en el grupo ON fue posible observar variado tamaño de hepatocitos con nubes y claros límites celulares y histoarchitecture pérdida. Capilares están plenamente de los glóbulos rojos. Se observó también un aumento de grasa con pequeño tamaño. Hemos observado en leucogram una reducción del número de glóbulos blancos (linfocitos, neutrófilos y monocitos) en el grupo ON, en comparación con el grupo control. El lipidogram mostró un aumento de los triglicéridos y de colesterol total ON grupo comparado con el grupo control. Por otra parte, una reducción del HDL-colesterol se observó en el grupo ON, en comparación con el grupo control. Densidad numérica de los hepatocitos fue menor en el grupo ON, en comparación con el grupo control. Sugerimos oral efectos nocivos de la nicotina en el hígado inducido por tóxicos con mecanismo de reducción de número de hepatocitos y alteraciones en el metabolismo lipídico.

OBJETIVO: Muitos estudos sobre enfisema são realizados com exposição de animais à fumaça de cigarro durante um longo tempo, focando o tipo de célula envolvida no desequilíbrio protease/antiprotease e a degradação da matriz extracelular. A expressão aumentada de metaloproteinases no enfisema está associado com citocinas e evidências sugerem um papel importante da metaloproteinase de matriz-12 (MMP-12). Nosso objetivo foi estudar a detecção de inibidor tissular de metaloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α) e interleucina-6 (IL-6) por métodos imunohistoquímicos no pulmão de camundongos. MÉTODOS: Camundongos C57BL/6 machos foram expostos 3 vezes ao dia a fumaça de 3 cigarros por um período de 10, 20, 30 ou 60 dias através de uma câmara de inalação (grupos CS10, CS20, CS30 e CS60, respectivamente). O grupo controle foi exposto às mesmas condições ao ar ambiente. RESULTADOS: Nós observamos um aumento progressivo de macrófagos alveolares no lavado broncoalveolar dos grupos expostos. O diâmetro alveolar médio, um indicador de destruição alveolar, aumentou em todos os grupos expostos quando comparado ao grupo controle. O índice imunohistoquímico (II) para MMP-12 aumentou nos grupos CS10, CS20 e CS30 em paralelo a uma redução do II para TIMP-2 nos grupos CS10, CS20 e CS30. O II para as citocinas TNF-α e IL-6 aumentou em todos os grupos expostos quando comparado ao grupo controle. Enfisema foi observado no grupo CS60, com alterações na densidade de volume de fibras colágenas e elásticas. CONCLUSÕES: Estes achados sugerem que a fumaça de cigarro induz enfisema com uma participação importante do TNF-α e da IL-6 sem a participação de neutrófilos.

OBJECTIVE: Various studies of emphysema involve long-term exposure of animals to cigarette smoke, focusing on the cell type involved in the protease/antiprotease imbalance and on extracellular matrix degradation. In emphysema, increased expression of metalloproteinases is associated with cytokines, and evidence suggests that the matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) plays an important role. Our objective was to investigate tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) detection by immunohistochemical methods in mouse lung. METHODS: Male C57BL/6 mice were exposed 3 times a day to smoke of 3 cigarettes over a period of 10, 20, 30 or 60 days in an inhalation chamber (groups CS10, CS20, CS30 and CS60, respectively). Controls were exposed to the same conditions in room air. RESULTS: A progressive increase in the number of alveolar macrophages was observed in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the exposed mice. The mean linear intercept, an indicator of alveolar destruction, was greater in all exposed groups when compared to control group. In the CS10, CS20 and CS30 mice, the immunohistochemical index (II) for MMP-12 increased in parallel with a decrease in II for TIMP-2 in the CS10, CS20 and CS30 mice. The II for the cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 was greater in all exposed groups than in the control group. Emphysema, with changes in volume density of collagen and elastic fibers, was observed in the CS60 group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that cigarette smoke induces emphysema with major participation of TNF-α and IL-6 without participation of neutrophils.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a repercussão da elevada concentração de oxigênio (hiperóxia) em um curto período de tempo no pulmão de ratos Wistar. MÉTODOS: Os animais foram divididos em grupos O10', O30', O90', ou seja, ratos expostos à hiperóxia por 10', 30' e 90', respectivamente, e no grupo controle (GC), exposto ao ar ambiente. Os animais foram sacrificados 24 h após a exposição. O lavado broncoalveolar foi realizado e os pulmões foram retirados para análise histológica e estereológica. RESULTADOS: Observamos um aumento do número de macrófagos (2169,9 ± 118,0, 1560,5 ± 107,0 e 1467,6 ± 39,0) e neutrófilos (396,3 ± 35,4, 338,4 ± 17,3 e 388,7 ± 11,7), concomitante a um aumento do dano oxidativo (143,0 ± 7,8%, 180,4 ± 5,6% e 235,0 ± 13,7%) nos grupos O10', O30' e O90', respectivamente, quando comparados ao GC (781,3 ± 78,3%, 61,6 ± 4,2% e 100,6 ± 1,7%). Na análise histológica e estereológica foram observados alvéolos e septos normais no GC (83,51 ± 1,20% e 15 ± 1,21%), no grupo O10' (81,32 ± 0,51% e 16,64 ± 0,70%) e no grupo O30' (78,75 ± 0,54% e 17,73 ± 0,26%). Entretanto, no grupo O90' foi notado um influxo de células inflamatórias nos alvéolos e nos septos alveolares. Hemácias extravasaram do capilar para o alvéolo (59,06 ± 1,22%), com evidências de congestão, hemorragia e edema de septo (35,15 ± 0,69%). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados indicam que a hiperóxia induziu uma ação lesiva no grupo O90' sobre o parênquima pulmonar, com repercussões de dano oxidativo e infiltrado inflamatório.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of short-term exposure to high oxygen concentrations (hyperoxia) on Wistar rat lungs. METHODS: Animals were divided into three groups exposed to hyperoxia for 10', 30' and 90' (O10', O30', O90', respectively), together with a control group (exposed to room air). The animals were sacrificed 24 h after exposure. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed, and the lungs were removed for histological and stereological analysis. RESULTS: In the O10', O30', and O90' groups, respectively and in comparison with the controls, we observed an increase in the numbers of macrophages (2169.9 ± 118.0, 1560.5 ± 107.0, and 1467.6 ± 39.0 vs. 781.3 ± 78.3) and neutrophils (396.3 ± 35.4, 338.4 ± 17.3, and 388.7 ± 11.7 vs. 61.6 ± 4.2), concomitant with an increase in oxidative damage (143.0 ± 7.8%, 180.4 ± 5.6%, and 235.0 ± 13.7 vs. 100.6 ± 1.7%). The histological and stereological analyses revealed normal alveoli and alveolar septa in the controls (83.51 ± 1.20% and 15 ± 1.21%), in the O10' group (81.32 ± 0.51% and 16.64 ± 0.70%), and in the O30' group (78.75 ± 0.54% and 17.73 ± 0.26%). However, in the O90' group, inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the alveoli and alveolar septa. Red blood cells extravasated from capillaries to the alveoli (59.06 ± 1.22%), with evidence of congestion, hemorrhage, and septal edema (35.15 ± 0.69%). CONCLUSION: Hyperoxia for 90' caused injury of the lung parenchyma, resulting in oxidative damage and inflammatory cell infiltration.

Toxoplasma gondii invades and proliferates in human umbilical vein endothelial cells where it resides in a parasitophorous vacuole. In order to analyze which components of the endothelial cell plasma membrane are internalized and become part of the parasitophorous vacuole membrane, the culture of endothelial cells was labeled with cationized ferritin or UEA I lectin or anti Class I human leukocytte antigen (HLA) before or after infection with T. gondii. The results showed no cationized ferritin and UEA I lectin in any parasitophorous vacuole membrane, however, the Class I HLA molecule labeling was observed in some endocytic vacuoles containing parasite until 1 h of interaction with T. gondii. After 24 h parasite-host cell interaction, the labeling was absent on the vacuolar membrane, but presents only in small vesicles near parasitophorous vacuole. These results suggest the anionic site and fucose residues are excluded at the time of parasitophorous vacuole formation while Class I HLA molecules are present only on a minority of Toxoplasma-containig vacuoles.