Isolation versus grouped housing in rats: Differential effects of low doses of heroin in the place preference paradigm

Male Long Evans rats were reared from weaning (21–23 days) either in isolation or in groups of four for 40 days. Animals were then individually introduced to a testing apparatus consisting of two distinct chambers. A modified place preference paradigm was used consisting of 3 phases: (1) An habituation phase (4 days) during which rats were allowed free access to the entire test apparatus for 15 min. periods daily; (2) A conditioning phase (4 days) during which rats were confined to their non-preferred side for 15 minutes each day immediately following subcutaneous injection of 0, 20, 40 and 80 μg/kg of heroin HCl; (3) A test phase (1 day) during which rats were again allowed free access to the testing chamber following injection of vehicle. The difference in time spent on the conditioned side during habituation and test periods was determined. The group-reared rats showed similar effects for all doses of heroin whereas the same magnitude of drug effect was attained only at the highest dose used in the isolated rats. This differential sensitivity to heroin in the place preference paradigm is discussed in terms of the modification of behavioral effects of opiates by environmental influences.     

An overview of malaria transmission from the perspective of Amazon Anopheles vectors

In the Americas, areas with a high risk of malaria transmission are mainly located in the Amazon Forest, which extends across nine countries. One keystone step to understanding the Plasmodium life cycle in Anopheles species from the Amazon Region is to obtain experimentally infected mosquito vectors. Several attempts to colonise Ano- pheles species have been conducted, but with only short-lived success or no success at all. In this review, we review the literature on malaria transmission from the perspective of its Amazon vectors. Currently, it is possible to develop experimental Plasmodium vivax infection of the colonised and field-captured vectors in laboratories located close to Amazonian endemic areas. We are also reviewing studies related to the immune response to P. vivax infection of Anopheles aquasalis, a coastal mosquito species. Finally, we discuss the importance of the modulation of Plasmodium infection by the vector microbiota and also consider the anopheline genomes. The establishment of experimental mosquito infections with Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium yoelii and Plasmodium berghei parasites that could provide interesting models for studying malaria in the Amazonian scenario is important. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the parasites in New World vectors is crucial in order to better determine the interaction process and vectorial competence.