Carvacrol is a phenolic monoterpene present in the essential oil of the family Lamiaceae, as in the genera Origanum and Thymus. We previously reported that carvacrol is effective as an analgesic compound in various nociceptive models, probably by inhibition of peripheral mediators that could be related with its strong antioxidant effect observed in vitro. In this study, the anti-hypernociceptive activity of carvacrol was tested in mice through models of mechanical hypernociception induced by carrageenan, and the involvement of important mediators of its signaling cascade, as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), and dopamine, were assessed. We also investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of carvacrol on the model of carrageenan-induced pleurisy and mouse paw edema, and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitrite production in murine macrophages was observed. Systemic pretreatment with carvacrol (50 or 100 mg/kg; i.p.) inhibited the development of mechanical hypernociception and edema induced by carrageenan and TNF-α; however, no effect was observed on hypernociception induced by PGE(2) and dopamine. Besides this, carvacrol significantly decreased TNF-α levels in pleural lavage and suppressed the recruitment of leukocytes without altering the morphological profile of these cells. Carvacrol (1, 10, and 100 μg/mL) also significantly reduced (p < 0.001) the LPS-induced nitrite production in vitro and did not produce citotoxicity in the murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro. The spontaneous locomotor activity of mice was not affected by carvacrol. This study adds information about the beneficial effects of carvacrol on mechanical hypernociception and inflammation. It also indicates that this monoterpene might be potentially interesting in the development of novel tools for management and/or treatment of painful conditions, including those related to inflammatory and prooxidant states.

The antioxidant, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extract from leaves of Combretum duarteanum (EEC) were assessed in rodents through in vitro tests. The antioxidant activity was investigated by using thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), hydroxyl radical-scavenging, and scavenging activity of nitric oxide assays. The antinociceptive activity was investigated by using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, and hot-plate tests in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed in rats by using the carrageenan-induced hind-paw edema test and arachidonic acid-induced paw edema test. EEC possesses a strong antioxidant potential according to the TBARS, nitric oxide, and hydroxyl radical-scavenging assays; it also presented scavenger activity in all in vitro tests. After intraperitoneal injection, EEC (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of writhes (38.1%, 90.6%, and 97.8%, respectively) in a writhing test and the number of paw licks during phase 1 (30.5% and 69.5%, higher doses) and phase 2 (38.1%, 90.6%, and 97.8%, all doses) of a formalin test when compared with the control group. Naloxone (1.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) antagonized the antinociceptive action of EEC (400 mg/kg), and this finding suggests participation of the opioid system. Administration of 200 and 400 mg/kg (intraperitoneally) of EEC exhibited an anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenin test, which was based on interference with prostaglandin synthesis. This finding was confirmed by the arachidonic acid test. Together, these results indicate that properties of EEC might be further explored in the search for newer tools to treat painful inflammatory conditions, including those related to pro-oxidant states.

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Carvacrol (CARV) is a phenolic monoterpene present in the essential oil of several aromatic spices. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of CARV on formalin-, capsaicin-, and glutamate-induced orofacial nociception in mice. Male mice were pretreated with CARV [25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight (BW), intraperitoneal (i.p.)], morphine (5 mg/kg BW, i.p.), or vehicle (distilled water + one drop of 0.3% cremophor in distilled water), before formalin (20 μl, 2%), capsaicin (20 μl, 2.5 μg), or glutamate (40 μl, 25 μM) was injected into the right upper lip. Our results revealed that i.p. pretreatment with CARV was effective in reducing the nociceptive face-rubbing behaviour in both phases of the formalin test and also produced a signifi cant antinociceptive effect at all doses in the capsaicin and glutamate tests. Further, we showed that the action of CARV on the central nervous system (CNS) did not affect these results, since this compound did not exert a significant CNS-depressant effect, as shown by the pentobarbital-induced hypnosis. Our results suggest that CARV might represent an important tool for the treatment of orofacial pain

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O uso do microhabitat pode ter um efeito direto na sobrevivência dos lagartos através de comportamentos de forrageio, termorregulação, dieta e atividade diária, utilizados por cada espécie, influenciando no modo como eles obtêm seus recursos no ambiente. Assim, este estudo objetivou analisar as diferenças ontogenéticas quanto ao uso do microhabitat e o período de recrutamento de Tropidurus hygomi no Parque Nacional Serra de Itabaiana, estado de Sergipe, Brasil. Os dados foram coletados mensalmente, no período entre 2015 e 2016, e os lagartos foram contabilizados e diferenciados em jovens e adultos a cada intervalo de hora (09:00-15:00 h). Os microhabitats utilizados por jovens e adultos foram categorizados a priori. Tropidurus hygomi apresentou um período de recrutamento contínuo, mas com uma leve variação ao longo das estações, pois jovens foram registrados em todo o período amostrado. Jovens e adultos não apresentaram diferença quanto a sua abundância e a utilização dos microhabitats, e apresentaram uma alta sobreposição espacial. Essa sobreposição espacial encontrada entre as faixas etárias pode ser explicada pela qualidade dos habitats, com áreas mais sombreadas para evitar o superaquecimento. Palavras-chave: nicho espacial; temperatura; uso de microhabitat; vegetação. RECRUITMENT PERIOD AND SPATIAL RESOURCE USES OF Tropidurus hygomi (SAURIA: TROPIDURIDAE) IN ECOTONE AREA, NORTHEAST, BRAZIL The microhabitat use can have a direct effect on the survival of the lizards through foraging, thermoregulation, diet and daily activity behaviors used by each species, influencing how they obtain their resources in the environment. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the ontogenetic differences concerning the microhabitat use and recruitment period of Tropidurus hygomi in the Parque Nacional Serra de Itabaiana, Sergipe state, Brazil. The data were collected monthly between 2015 and 2016, and the lizards were counted and differentiated in juveniles and adults at each hour interval (09:00-15:00 h). The microhabitats used by juveniles and adults were categorized a priori. Tropidurus hygomi presented a continuous recruitment period, but with a slight variation throughout the seasons, since juveniles were recorded throughout the sampled period. Juveniles and adults did not present differences regarding their abundance and the microhabitats use, and presented a high spatial overlap. This spatial overlap between the age groups can be explained by the quality of the habitats, with more shaded areas to avoid overheating.

Abstract:We present the first record of Scinax nebulosus for the State of Sergipe, in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil. Scinax nebulosus is a small hylid which inhabits the Amazon and Atlantic Forest. Its main microhabitat is temporary water bodies in tropical forests. This species can be recognized by the presence of many scattered glandules on the dorsal surface, especially on the head, upper eyelids and margins of the members. Some taxonomic studies and vocals records suggest careful evaluation of the taxonomic status of S. nebulosus along its geographical distribution.