Abstract Background: The association of scaffolds to repair extensive bone defects can contribute to their evolution and morphophysiological recomposition. The incorporation of particulate biomaterials into three-dimensional fibrin bioproducts together with photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) has potential and can improve regenerative medicine procedures. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of PBM therapy on critical size defects filled with xenogenic bone substitute associated with fibrin biopolymer. Methods: A critical defect of 8 mm was performed in 36 Wistar male adult rats that were divided into four groups. Groups BC and BC-PBM were defined as controls with defects filled by a clot (without or with PBM, respectively) and groups XS and XS-PBM that comprised those filled with biocomplex Bio-OssTM in association with fibrin biopolymer. PBM was applied immediately after the surgery and three times a week every other day, with the parameters: wavelength of 830 nm, energy density 6.2 J/cm2, output power 30 mW, beam area of 0.116 cm2, irradiance 0.258,62 W/cm2, energy/point 0.72 J, total energy 2.88 J. Fourteen and 42 days after the surgery, animals were euthanatized and subjected to microtomography, qualitative and quantitative histological analysis. Results: The BC-PBM and XS-PBM groups had a similar evolution in the tissue repair process, with a higher density of the volume of new formed bone in relation to the groups without PBM (p = 0.04086; p = 0.07093, respectively). Intense vascular proliferation and bone deposition around the biomaterial particles were observed in the animals of the groups in which biocomplex was applied (XS and XS-PBM). Conclusion: PBM therapy allowed an improvement in the formation of new bone, with a more organized deposition of collagen fibers in the defect area. Biocomplex favored the insertion and permanence of the particulate material in bone defects, creating a favorable microenvironment for accelerate repair process.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a influência da suplementação de β-hidroxi-β-metilbutirato sobre as características morfológicas e morfométricas do músculo diafragma de ratos e se existe diferenças entre os sexos. Métodos Estudo experimental com 48 ratos Wistar (24 de cada sexo) divididos em 3 grupos: Grupo Controle, no qual foi ofertada dieta diária com soro fisiológico; Grupo Experimental, ofertada 0,3g/kg de β-hidroxi-β-metilbutirato e mesma quantidade de alimentos do Grupo Controle consumida no dia anterior; Grupo Experimental Ad libitum com mesma dose do suplemento, porém com alimentação Ad libitum. A análise foi feita através da histomorfometria e classificação em faixas de área das fibras musculares após 30 dias do início do experimento. Os dados foram analisados pelos testes Anova one-way e Tukey (p<0,05). Resultados Não foi observado aumento da área de secção transversal das fibras do músculo diafragma com o protocolo de suplementação utilizado e no padrão histológico em ambos os sexos. Não foram observadas mudanças significativas nas faixas de tamanho de fibras musculares nos grupos suplementados, sugerindo que não houve hipertrofia das fibras musculares. Conclusão A suplementação com β-hidroxi-β-metilbutirato não provoca alterações nas características morfológicas e morfo-métricas do músculo diafragma, independente do sexo.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the β-hydroxy-βmethylbutyrate supplementation influence on the morphological and morphometric characteristics of the diaphragm muscle of rats and verify whether there are sex differences. Methods Experimental study with 48 Wistar rats (24 of each sex) divided into 3 groups: Control Group: in which a daily diet with saline solution was offered; Experimental Group: the same amount of food from the Control group consumed in the previous day and 0.3g/kg of β-hydroxy-βmethylbutyrate; Ad libitum Experimental Group: ad libitum feeding with the same dose of the supplement. The analysis consisted of histomorphometry and classification in diaphragm muscle fiber area bands. The procedures occurred 30 days after the start of the experiment. Data were analyzed using the one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests (p<0.05). Results There was no increase in the cross-sectional area of the diaphragm muscle fibers with the supplementation protocol employed and a similar histological pattern in both sexes. No significant changes were observed in muscle fiber size ranges in the supplemented groups, suggesting that there was no hypertrophy of muscle fibers. Conclusion This study suggests that β-hydroxy-βmethylbutyrate supplementation does not cause changes in the morphological and morphometric characteristics of the diaphragm muscle, regardless of sex.

Abstract Purpose: To investigate if the inorganic bovine bone matrix changes the bone formation in rats submitted to inhalation of cigarette smoke. Methods: Twenty Wistar rats were divided into two groups: Cigarette Clot Group (CCG), which in the inhalation chamber received the smoke of 10 cigarettes, 3 times a day, 10 minutes, for 30 days and had the surgical cavity filled by clot; Cigarette Biomaterial Group (CBG), submitted to the same inhalation technique but with the cavity filled by biomaterial. Results: In CCG there was a significant difference of new bone tissue in the analyzed periods (15 and 45 days), and in 15 days, there was 4.8 ± 0.42 of bone formed and 11.73 ± 0.59 (p <0.05) in 45 days. The CBG also showed a significant difference between the periods of 15 to 45 days, being respectively 6.16 ± 0.30 and 11.60 ± 0.61. However, when the groups were compared, within the same analyzed periods, a significant difference was observed only in the period of 15 days, with the new bone percentage being greater in the CBG. Conclusion: The bone matrix acted as an osteoinductive biomaterial, biocompatible and aided in the repair process, mainly in the initial period of recovery.

Abstract Purpose: To evaluated the tubulization technique with standard and inside-out vein, filled or not with platelet-rich plasma (PRP), in sciatic nerve repair. Methods: Seventy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: IOVNF (Inside-Out Vein with No Filling); IOVPRP (Inside-Out Vein filled with PRP); SVNF (Standard Vein with No Filling); SVPRP (Standard Vein filled with PRP); Sham (Control). The left external jugular vein was used as graft in a 10 mm nervous gap. Results: In the morphological analysis of all groups, myelinated nerve fibers with evident myelin sheath, neoformation of the epineurium and perineurium, organization of intraneural fascicles and blood vessels were observed. In the morphometry of the distal stump fibers, SVPRP group had the highest means regarding fiber diameter (3.63±0.42 μm), axon diameter (2.37±0.31 μm) and myelin sheath area (11.70±0.84 μm2). IOVPRP group had the highest means regarding axon area (4.39±1.16 μm2) and myelin sheath thickness (0.80±0.19 μm). As for values of the fiber area, IOVNF group shows highest means (15.54±0.67 μm2), but are still lower than the values of the Sham group. Conclusion: The graft filled with platelet-rich plasma, with use standard (SVPRP) or inside-out vein (IOVPRP), promoted the improvement in axonal regeneration on sciatic nerve injury.

Abstract Purpose: To compare the functional result of standart vein grafts and inside-out vein graft technique on sciatic nerve repair. Methods: We used 24 male Wistar rats divided into 4 groups: control group (CG), standard vein graft group (SVG), Inside-out vein graft group (IOVG) and denervated Group (DG). SVG, IOVG and DG underwent total section of the sciatic nerve, SVG and IOVG however underwent nerve repair surgery using a graft with normal jugular vein and inside-out jugular vein, respectively. Histological analysis of the soleus and Extensor Digitorum Longus (EDL), and Sciatic Functional Index were used to compare the results after 6 weeks. Results: Both grafts acted favorably in muscle recovery and improved functionality; They were similar in all parameters, however, in more points SVG achieved similar to the CG, in the other hand IOVG more times was similar to DG. Fact that makes the graft with normal vein the most viable option between the two options. Conclusion: Both types of grafts acted beneficially wherein the graft normal vein has proved to be the best option

This study proposes the use of a porous polyethylene (PPE) tube as the conductive element in the regeneration in the sciatic nerve sectioning and evaluates the use of fill with autologous fat. The subject was divided randomly into five groups, 3 control and 2 experimental (PPE tube graft with/ without autologous fat). Each group was selected for functional, histological and morphometric evaluation of the sciatic nerve. Functional analysis of the sciatic nerve occurred through the "footprint" values near -100 refer sectioned sciatic nerve, near 0 (zero) refer to control group. On histological analysis of the experimental groups lots of dense connective tissue replacing nerve tissue was observed. In morphometric analysis the group EGPGf got higher performance in all of variables. The use of PPE has shown promise in nerve regeneration with favorable results when associate with fat as a trophic factor in the regeneration.

Este estudio propone el uso de un tubo de polietileno poroso (PPE) como elemento conductor en la regeneración del nervio ciático seccionado y evaluar el uso de relleno con grasa autóloga. Al azar se formaron cinco grupos, 3 y 2 de control experimental (PPE prótesis tubular con / sin grasa autóloga). Cada grupo fue seleccionado para estudiar la forma funcional, histológica y evaluación morfométrica del nervio ciático. Un análisis funcional del nervio ciático se produjo a través de los valores de "huella", cerca de -100 se refiere al nervio ciático seccionado; cerca de 0 (cero) se refiere al grupo control. En el análisis histológico de los grupos experimentales se observó una gran cantidad de tejido conjuntivo denso que sustituye el tejido nervioso. En el análisis morfométrico, el grupo experimental de injerto de polietileno lleno de grasa (EGPGf) obtuvo un mayor rendimiento en todas las variables. El uso de PPE ha mostrado ser prometedor en la regeneración del nervio, con resultados favorables cuando se asocia con la grasa como un factor trófico en la regeneración.

The purpose of the Dental Sculpture and Anatomy discipline is to introduce undergraduate students to the study of the anatomic and morphological characteristics of permanent and primary human dentition, through classes, books and cognitive and psychomotor activities. This discipline supports the teaching of specific knowledge necessary for a more extensive education, involving interdisciplinarity as a means of knowledge exchange among several areas of dentistry, to achieve comprehensive professional education. Students must recognize the dental morphology from samples of preserved teeth, and reproduce the morphology through three-dimensional models made of stone or wax blocks. In this article, the authors describe the process for producing teeth collars and macro dental models made of stone, their importance and benefits of utilization. The purpose of the study was to encourage the teaching of Dental Sculpture and Anatomy toundergraduate students of the Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, through activities that would associate theory, practice and the development of manual skills.

El propósito de la disciplina sobre escultura y anatomía de dientes es introducir a los estudiantes de pregrado para el estudio de las características anatómicas y morfológicas de la dentición humana permanente y primaria, a través de clases, libros y actividades cognitivas y psicomotoras. Esta disciplina se fundamenta en la enseñanza de conocimientos específicos necesarios para una educación más amplia, que implica la interdisciplinariedad como medio de intercambio de conocimientos entre diferentes áreas en odontología, y de esa forma, lograr una enseñanza profesional integral. Los estudiantes deben identificar la morfología dental a partir de dientes conservados, además de reproducir la morfología a través de modelos tridimensionales elaborados con bloques de yeso tipo piedra o cera. En este estudio, los autores describen el proceso para la producción de collares de dientes y macro modelos dentales hechos de yeso tipo piedra, su importancia y los beneficios de su utilización. El propósito del estudio fue incentivar la enseñanza de la escultura y anatomía dental a los estudiantes de pregrado de la Facultad de Odontología de Bauru, Universidad de São Paulo, a través de actividades que asocian la teoría, práctica y desarrollo de habilidades manuales.

The purpose of this systematic review was to verify the literature available regarding the effectiveness and the biological effects of ozone therapy in periodontics, orthodontics and dental implants. Studies were searched in September 2012. Analyzed sources included the databases PubMed, Lilacs and SciELO, through a combination of key words, dental implants, periodontics, orthodontics, therapeutics. Studies between 2002 and 2012 were included. In vitro and in vivo studies English and Spanish language publications, excluding posters, letters to the editors and conferences. In Vitro and in Vivo studies showed the inactivation of the major periodontal pathogens by ozone. There were divergent results and lack of evidence for the activity of ozone on adhesion of orthodontic brackets, in implantology and orthodontics. Ozone could be considered as a promissory alternative therapy in dentistry. However, well-designed studies are needed to assess the application of ozone in order to evaluate its clinical effectiveness in the field of dentistry.

El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática fue verificar la literatura disponible relacionada a la efectividad y efectos biológicos de la ozonoterapia en periodoncia, ortodoncia e implantes dentales. Se realizó una revisión sistemática en septiembre del 2012 en las bases de datos PubMed, LILACS and SciELO por medio de la combinación de las palabras clave dental implants, periodontics, orthodontics, therapeutics. Se evaluaron los artículos publicados entre los años 2002 y 2012. Fueron incluidos estudios In vitro e in vivo y publicaciones en Inglés y Español, excluyendo pósters, carta al editor y conferencias. Estudios in vitro e in vivo mostraron inactivación de los principales patógenos periodontais con el uso del ozono. Hubo resultados contradictorios y falta de evidencia sobre la acción del ozono en la adhesión de los brackets ortodónticos, así como también en la osteointegración de los implantes dentales. El ozono puede ser considerado como una terapia alternativa promisoria en la Odontología. Sin embargo, es necesaria la realización de estudios bien diseñados para, de ese modo, evaluar la aplicación del ozono y su efectividad clínica en el campo de la Odontología.

Styloid syndrome is characterized by an elongated styloid process or calcification of the stylomandibular and stylohyoid ligament. This study describes a case of a 65-year-old woman who presented to the Stomatology Clinic, University of Marilia with temporomandibular joint pain, ear ringing and a reduced ability to open the mouth. Panoramic and posteroanterior digital radiographs showed bilateral elongation of the styloid processes, especially of the right side, whose length extended beyond the mandible angle. The diagnosis was confirmed with the association of clinical data and image examinations. The treatment options for styloid Syndrome include clinical follow-up, surgical removal of the styloid process or fracture of the elongated process. The case was managed by providing prosthetic rehabilitation and clinical follow-up, observing the level of discomfort and the benefit that could be achieved by the therapy, and avoiding surgical intervention.

El síndrome estilode (Síndrome de Eagle) se caracteriza por un proceso estiloides alargado o calcificación de los ligamentos estilohioideo y estilomandibular. Este estudio describe el caso de una mujer de 65 años de edad que concurrió a la Clínica Estomatológica de la Universidad de Marilia con dolor de la articulación temporomandibular, zumbido en los oídos y una disminución de la capacidad de abrir la boca. Las radiografías digitales panorámica y posteroanterior mostraron alargamiento bilateral de los procesos estiloides, especialmente del lado derecho, cuya longitud se extendió más allá del ángulo de la mandíbula. El diagnóstico se confirmó con la asociación de los datos clínicos y los exámenes de imagen. Las opciones de tratamiento para el síndrome estiloide incluyen el seguimiento clínico, la extirpación quirúrgica del proceso estiloides o la fractura del proceso alargado. El caso fue tratado con rehabilitación protésica y seguimiento clínico, observando el nivel de molestia y el beneficio que se podría lograr mediante la terapia, evitando la intervención quirúrgica.

Extended excessive alcohol use causes changes in bone tissue, thus affecting osteogenesis. The objective of this study was to evaluate if demineralized bone matrix (Gen-ox®) associated with bone morphogenetic protein (Gen-pro®) changes bone neoformation in rats submitted to experimental alcoholism. Forty male rats (Rattus norvegicus) were separated into 2 groups of 20 animals each: Group E1, which received ethyl alcohol at 25% and had the surgical cavity filled in only with blood clot; and Group E2, which received ethyl alcohol at 25% and had the surgical cavity filled in with demineralized bovine cortical bone associated with bone morphogenetic protein. The animals were submitted to a three-week period of gradual adaptation to alcohol, and then continued receiving alcohol at 25% for 90 days, when the surgical cavity was made. After the surgery, the animals continued consuming alcohol until reaching the sacrifice periods of 10, 20, 40, and 60 days, when the tibias were removed for histological processing. Results showed that surgical cavity repair and bone marrow reorganization occurred faster in Group E1 than in Group E2. At the end of the experiment, it was observed that animals in Group E2 had thick bony trabeculae surrounding the implanted material particles and a small area of connective tissue in the surface region. In conclusion, the implanted material did not accelerate bone neoformation, rather it served as a structure for osteogenesis.

El abuso prolongado del alcohol produce alteraciones en el tejido óseo, interfiriendo en el proceso de la osteogénesis. El estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar si la matriz ósea bovina desmineralizada (Gen-ox®) asociada a la proteína morfogenética ósea (Gen-pro®) altera la neoformación ósea en ratones sometidos a alcoholismo experimental. Fueron utilizados 40 ratones machos (Rattus norvegicus), separados en dos grupos de 20 animales cada uno: Grupo E1, que recibió alcohol etílico a 25% con cavidad quirúrgica rellenada solamente por coágulo sanguíneo, y Grupo E2, que recibió sólo alcohol etílico a 25% con cavidad quirúrgica rellenada con hueso bovino desmineralizado cortical asociado a proteína morfogenética ósea. Después de 3 semanas de adaptación gradual al alcohol, los animales continuaron recibiéndolo en concentración de 25% por 90 días, cuando fue realizada la cavidad quirúrgica. Luego de la cirugía, los animales continuaron la ingestión alcohólica hasta los períodos de sacrificio de 10, 20, 40 y 60 días, cuando las tibias fueron removidas para su procesamiento histológico. Los resultados mostraron que en el Grupo E1 hubo reparación de la cavidad quirúrgica y reorganización de la médula ósea en un menor lapso temporal que en el Grupo E2. En el período final del experimento, se observó en los animales del Grupo E2 la presencia de trabéculas óseas espesas alrededor de las partículas de material implantado y pequeña área de tejido conjuntivo en la región superficial. Se puede concluir en que el material implantado no aceleró el proceso de neoformación ósea, sirviendo como estructura de base para generar osteogénesis.

BACKGROUND: Effective pain control in Dentistry may be achieved by local anesthetic techniques. The success of the anesthetic technique in mandibular structures depends on the proximity of the needle tip to the mandibular foramen at the moment of anesthetic injection into the pterygomandibular region. Two techniques are available to reach the inferior alveolar nerve where it enters the mandibular canal, namely indirect and direct; these techniques differ in the number of movements required. Data demonstrate that the indirect technique is considered ineffective in 15% of cases and the direct technique in 13-29% of cases. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe an alternative technique for inferior alveolar nerve block using several anatomical points for reference, simplifying the procedure and enabling greater success and a more rapid learning curve. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 193 mandibles (146 with permanent dentition and 47 with primary dentition) from dry skulls were used to establish a relationship between the teeth and the mandibular foramen. By using two wires, the first passing through the mesiobuccal groove and middle point of the mesial slope of the distolingual cusp of the primary second molar or permanent first molar (right side), and the second following the oclusal plane (left side), a line can be achieved whose projection coincides with the left mandibular foramen. RESULTS: The obtained data showed correlation in 82.88% of cases using the permanent first molar, and in 93.62% of cases using the primary second molar. CONCLUSION: This method is potentially effective for inferior alveolar nerve block, especially in Pediatric Dentistry.

The progress of science in search of new techniques of the nerve regeneration and the functional repair in reinnervated muscle has been the target of many researchers around the world. Consequently, nerves and muscles in different body segments asked for more enlightenment of their morphology, their interrelation with other anatomic structures and their peculiarities. One of the most significant areas that need deeper studies is the region of the head and neck, since they are often affected by important pathologies. In order to offer the researcher's community a morphological myoneural interaction model, this study elected the levator labii superioris muscle and its motor nerve, the buccal branch of the facial nerve (VII pair) not only for its special characteristics, but also its value on the facial expression. The rat was chosen for this investigation for being easy to obtain, to keep, to manipulate and to compare this experiment with many others studies previously published. The techniques used were Mesoscopic (dissection), histoenzymologic and morphometric ones.In the results the muscle proved to have a predominance of fast twich fibers (FG and FOG) and superficial location, with a proximal bone and a distal cutaneous insertion. Its motor nerve, the buccal branch of the facial nerve (VII pair), breaks through the muscle belly into its deep face, and comprised a heterogeneous group of myelinic nerve fibers disposed in a regular form in all fascicle. Near the motor point, the nerve showed to be composed of two fascicles with different sizes. Due to the small nerve dimensions, the nerve fibers have a smaller diameter if compared to the motor nerve of pectineus muscle of the cat. Further studies with neural tracers have already had a start in order to provide more information about the distribution and the architecture of these fibers.

El progreso de la ciencia en busca de nuevas técnicas para la regeneración neural y la recuperación funcional de los músculos reinervados, ha atraído el interés de muchos investigadores en todo el mundo. En consecuencia, los músculos y los nervios merecen más aclaraciones sobre su morfología, relaciones anatómicas y particularidades. Entre las áreas que merecen estudios más profundos y detallados, está la región de cabeza y cuello, que es a menudo afectada por enfermedades graves. Con el propósito de ofrecer a la comunidad científica un modelo morfológico de interacción mioneural, se eligió el músculo elevador del labio superior y su nervio motor, la rama bucal del nervio facial (VII par craneal), por sus especiales características y su importancia en la expresión facial. En esta investigación se optó por la rata, por las facilidades de obtención, de manejo y para comparar los datos obtenidos con estudios previos. Se utilizaron técnicas mesoscópicas de disección, histoenzimológicas y morfométricas. Los resultados mostraron un músculo con predominio de fibras de contracción rápida (FG y FOG), ubicación superficial, inserción proximal ósea e inserción distal en la piel. Su nervio motor, la rama bucal del nervio facial, ingresa en el vientre muscular en la cara profunda, y está compuesto por un grupo heterogéneo de fibras nerviosas mielínicas dispuestas de forma regular por todo el fascículo nervioso cerca del punto motor. El nervio es formado por dos fascículos de diferentes tamaños. Debido a las pequeñas dimensiones en la rata, el diámetro de las fibras nerviosas presenta valores reducidos, en comparación con el nervio motor del músculo pectíneo en el gato, por ejemplo. Los datos aportados podrán ser usados como referencia en estudios de regeneración en nervios y músculos. Otros estudios con marcadores neuronales se iniciaron para aclarar la distribución y la estructura de las fibras mencionadas.

Facial palsy, parotid diseases and others are a relatively common clinical condition with a variety of causes. Irrespective of its etiology, facial palsy always represents a very serious problem for the patient. Parotid gland diseases also are very common occurrence. In this particular case, the knowledge of surgical anatomy of the facial nerve and its correlations with the parotid gland is very important for an adequate preservation in the cases of surgery of benign and malignant diseases of the parotid gland. Although the surgical anatomy of the facial nerve has been well documented, the concept of surgical treatment for parotid tumors, facial palsy (neurorraphy techniques) and submandibular surgical approach are rarely challenged now.

La parálisis facial, enfermedades de la parótida y otras patologías son una condición clínica relativamente común con una variedad de causas. Independientemente de su etiología, la parálisis facial siempre representa un problema muy serio para el paciente. Las enfermedades de la glándula parótida son también de una ocurrencia común. En este caso particular, el conocimiento de la anatomía quirúrgica del nervio facial y su correlación con la glándula parótida es de mucha importancia para una adecuada preservación de la misma, en casos de cirugía como tratamiento de enfermedades benignas o malignas. Aunque la anatomía quirúrgica del nervio facial es bien documentada, el concepto de tratamiento quirúrgico para los tumores parotídeos, parálisis facial (técnicas de neurorrafia) y acercamiento quirúrgico submandibular son raramente impugnados hoy en día.

Disturbances involving abnormalities in tooth eruption are named ectopia. Transmigration is the name assigned to ectopia in the presence of teeth in areas distant from the alveolar process. Initial angulation of the tooth bud of the second premolar and premature loss of permanent mandibular 1st molars can influence the distal migration of the second premolar. Some studies have observed that ectopic teeth can be found in a variety of places around the oral cavity and also in other areas of the human body. There are records of teeth in the maxillary sinus, mandibular condyle, coronoid process, mandibular angle, orbit, palate, mentum and also the skin. The prevalence of tooth abnormalities is higher in children with cleft lip and palate compared to children without clefts. This paper presents a case report of migration of the mandibular left second premolar in a patient attending the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies of the University of São Paulo (HRAC/USP), Brazil. Migration of the mandibular left 2nd premolar was confirmed by 8 panoramic and 1 periapical radiographs obtained during patient's treatment between 1978 and 2002, which were available in the files of the Department of Dental Radiology of HRAC/USP. It can be assumed that distal migration of the mandibular left 2nd premolar is not associated with presence of cleft lip and palate; observation of these two events in a same patient is rare, since no similar reported cases were found in the literature.

The apoptosis phenomenon happens in normal tissues and in many pathological conditions as described by several researchers. Most studied in the 70s, this phenomenon remained almost forgotten in the 90s, when, with the advent of more advanced techniques, returned to laboratories. Thus, electronic microscopy, Comet Assays and histochemistry techniques, among others, were utilized in an effort to elucidate in a thorough way, the mechanisms that lead the cell to "suicide". No one can deny the importance of the knowledge of such phenomenon, so as to control its induction or blocking in the treatment of pathologies such as cancer. In this work, the apoptosis study was aimed at denervated muscles in different periods. Furthermore, two types of skeletal striated muscles were compared: the one called red muscle (soleo) which is resistant to fatigue, having a slow contraction, and the one named white muscle (EDL) of precocious fatigue and fast contraction. Previoulsy carried out in the techniques mentioned above, this work has been accomplished using the TUNEL technique, which is most accepted in the identification of apoptosis. It was demonstrated that this phenomenon takes place in a more marked way, in the beginning of the denervation process. In addition, it was observed that the red muscle responds more intensely to denervation than the white muscle. One can infer that the removal of the main cell function, the contraction, in the case of the skeletal striated muscle, triggers the chain reactions that culminate in apoptosis. Other projects are in process using mutant animals aiming at studying degenerative muscular illnesses and correlating them with denervation

El fenómeno apoptosis ocurre en tejidos normales y en muchas condiciones patológicas, de acuerdo a lo relatado en varios trabajos. El estudio de este fenómeno tuvo su apogeo en la década del 70, permaneciendo en el olvido hasta la década del 90, momento en el cual comienzan a surgir técnicas más avanzadas, que motivaron su retorno a laboratorios de todo el mundo. Así, técnicas de microscopía electrónica, histoquímica, ensayos cometa, etc., fueron utilizados en los esfuerzos de elucidar de forma más profunda los mecanismos que conllevan a la célula al "suicidio". No se puede negar la importancia del conocimiento de ese fenómeno o, más específicamente, del control de su inducción o bloqueo para el tratamiento de patologías como el cáncer, por ejemplo. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo el estudio de apoptosis en músculo inervados, por diferentes periodos. También fueron comparados dos tipos de músculo estriado, el llamado músculo rojo (m. soleo), resistente a la fatiga y de contracción lenta, un músculo blanco (m. EDL) de fatiga precoz y contracción rápida. Este trabajo hace parte de un proyecto mayor ya desarrollado por sus ejecutores, sólo que utilizando la técnica del TUNEL como herramienta principal para identificar la apoptosis. Fue demostrado que tal fenómeno ocurre de forma más acentuada en los momentos iniciales de la desnervación. Además de eso, fue observado que el músculo rojo responde de manera más intensa a la desnervación. Nos parece inferir que la retirada de la principal función celular, en el caso del músculo estriado, la contracción despierta un mecanismo cuya reacción en cadena culmina en apoptosis. Otros proyectos están siendo elaborados con el propósito de utilizar animales mutantes, para estudiar enfermedades musculares degenerativas y correlacionarlas a la desnervación