Locomotor behavior in rats after separate and simultaneous intrastriatal microinjections of GABA-ergic drugs

The effects of daily intrastriatal bilateral microinjections of 45 mog GABA, 1 mcg of picrotoxine and 5 mcg of bicuculline on rats, were investigated. Impairment of the avoidance conditioning in shuttle box was registered in rats with picrotoxine or bicuculline and the choreo-myoklonic limb jerks, with distinct generalization stage after the picrotoxine microinjections. The combined microinjections--GABA with picrotoxine, and bicuculline with picrotoxine inhibited the hyperkinesis manifestation and changed avoidance conditioning behaviour and open-field locomotor activity. The findings suggest involvement of neostriatal GABAergic system in avoidance conditioning and complex locomotor behavioural acts regulation. The ultimate aim of the research is to find the cause, neurotransmitter mechanisms of neuromotor diseases, and to research principal new orders in treatment of neuromotor deviations.     

Spontaneous release of transmitter from the growth cones of Xenopus neurons in vitro: the influence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions

To determine whether spontaneous release of transmitter from the growth cones of neurons exhibits properties similar to the spontaneous release which occurs from the neurons at the neuromuscular junction, release of transmitter from the growth cones of Xenopus neurons in culture was monitored in salines containing varying calcium and magnesium concentrations. Release was monitored by use of an outside-out piece of muscle membrane attached to a patch clamp electrode. Spontaneous release of transmitter from the growth cones in standard saline (2 mM CaCl2, 1 mM MgCl2) produces clusters of single-channel openings in the muscle membrane. Clusters are seen to consist of two types: a series of high-frequency channel openings, called "bursts," and clusters of low-frequency channel openings called "singles." The bursts were identified and examined for their possible relationship to MEPP-producing release, and the singles were identified and examined for their possible relationship to "leak" release of the neuromuscular junction. When the external saline contains high calcium (10 mM CaCl2, 1 mM MgCl2) or high magnesium (2 mM CaCl2, 9 mM MgCl2), the frequencies of both "bursts" and "singles" was greatly reduced. This reduction in release persists if the neurons are grown in the high-calcium or high-magnesium solutions. When the saline is a low-calcium solution (0 mM CaCl2, 3 mM MgCl2) the growth cones release transmitter at rates similar to those from standard saline. These results indicate that although the spontaneous release from the growth cone shares one characteristic with the leak release, neither the burst nor the singles release from the growth cones share exact relationship with either the MEPP producing release or the leak release. This suggests that further development of the mechanisms for spontaneous release of neurotransmitter occurs after nerve-muscle contact.     

Kinetics of conformational change of troponin-C induced by binding or removal of calcium ion

The kinetics of conformational change of troponin-C (TN-C) induced by binding or removal of calcium ion were studied in the presence or absence of magnesium ion by measuring the fluorescence of tyrosyl residues by stopped-flow spectrofluorometry. The result was analyzed in terms of first-order kinetics. Two phases were observed both in pCa-up and in pCa-down experiments. The dependence of the rate constants on pCa was explained by a simple mechanism as follows; (see article). The dissociation constants of calcium bound to TN-C, K and K', calculated from the experimentally determined rate constants were K = 3.16 X 10(-7) M, K' = 1.58 X 10(-6) M in the absence of magnesium ion, and K = K' = 1 X 10(-6) M in the presence of 2 mM MgCl2.     

Effect of furosemide on changes in the rat behavior produced by intrastriatal GABA or picrotoxin microinjections

It was shown in chronic rat experiments that multiple microinjections of furosemide into the rostral region of the neostriatum facilitated avoidance conditioning in a shuttle box and prevented from GABA-induced deviant freezing, but did not abolish the choreic hyperkinesis produced by picrotoxine (GABA-A receptors antagonist) intrastriatal microinjections. Simultaneous microinjections of furosemide and picrotoxine into the neostriatum increased differences in parameters of picrotoxine-induced hyperkinesis between rat groups capable and incapable (extinct reflex) for conditioned avoidance. These findings point to a certain correlation between the intensity of hyperkinesis, capability for acquisition and realization of avoidance conditioning, and activity of neostriatal neurotransmitter systems involved in neuronal homeostasis. The findings suggest an involvement of neostriatal GABAergic system in conditioning and organization of free locomotor behavioral acts.     

The removal of non-collagen components from newborn calf dermis with magnesium chloride solution.

1. Non-collagenous substances in newborn calf dermis were extracted with solutions of various concentrations of MgCl2. The total protein and hydroxyproline contents in MgCl2 extracts increased with increase in the concentration of MgCl2 in the solutions. In particular, steep increases of their contents were observed at concentrations of MgCl2 from 0.5 to 1.0 M. Total amounts of hydroxyproline in 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 M MgCl2 extracts were equivalent to 40-50% of the hydroxyproline content in the whole connective tissue. Hexose and hexosamine contents of MgCl2 extracts increased with increase of the MgCl2 concentration. Hexuronic acid was hardly present in the residues after extractions with 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 M MgCl2. 2. Plasma proteins, hyaluronic acid, and dermatan sulfate were extracted at low concentrations of MgCl2. A non-collagenous protein and MgCl2-soluble collagen were extracted with 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 M MgCl2 solutions. The disperson of collagen fibrils was observed in the residue extracted with 1.0 M MgCl2 solution by electron microscopy; the fibril structure of collagen was disordered by extraction with 2.0 and 3.0 M MgCl2. The results suggest that the dispersion and disorder of collagen fibrils lead to the release of a non-collagenous protein. Furthermore, it is suggested that the removal of hyaluronic acid and dermatan sulfate was not very effective for the solubilization of a large amount of collagen, but was suitable as a pretreatment to the extraction of a non-collagenous protein accompanied by the solubilization of a large amount of collagen. 3. The non-collagenous protein was purified by DEAE-cellulose column chromatography. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of this protein at pH 8.5 showed a single band moving to the cathode. The non-collagenous protein contained 3.7% hexose, 1.8% hexosamine, and no hexuronic acid. This protein is rich in glycine, glutamic acid, and alanine, and contains neither hydroxyproline nor hydroxylysine. Sedimentation analysis showed a single peak with 1.8 S and the molecular weight was approx. 43,000 as determided by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.     

Changes in the Concentration of Microelements in the Teeth of Rats in the Final Stage of Type 1 Diabetes,with an Absolute Lack of Insulin

The mineral content of tooth hard tissue may influence the rate of decay change. Considering this fact, we aimed at examining if type 1 diabetes might be a contributing factor to the appearance of tooth decay. The experiment was conducted on female Wistar rats. To induce diabetes, rats were intravenously injected with 1 mL streptozocine 0.01 M citrate buffer. The control group of rats was injected with 1 mL 0.01 M citrate buffer only. After 10 days, teeth and blood serum samples were obtained. Fluoride concentration was determined by potentiometer method, and calcium and magnesium, by AAS. Serum concentrations of glucose and estradiol in the diabetic rats were significantly higher compared to the control group. In the experimental group, a statistically significant decrease of fluorine concentration in both teeth and serum were observed. Calcium and magnesium concentrations in blood serum and dental magnesium concentration were significantly higher in rats with type 1 diabetes compared with the control. A downward trend in the content of dental calcium in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was observed. The results obtained indicate that caries initiation and progression could be promoted by metabolic changes associated with diabetes affecting the mineral composition of tooth hard tissue.     

Factors subserving the enhancing effect of progesterone on the output of prostaglandin F2 alpha in uteri from ovariectomized rats

The effects of progesterone (P4) and of calcium-ionophore A-23187, on the release of prostaglandins (PGs) E2 and F2 alpha, in uteri isolated from ovariectomized rats and the influences of mepacrine and nifedipine, were explored. The metabolism of labelled arachidonic acid (AA) into different prostanoids (6-keto-PGF 1 alpha, PGE 2 and PGF2 alpha) in uterine segments from spayed rats, injected or not with P4, was also studied. In all cases ovariectomy was performed 20-25 days prior to sacrifice. One group of spayed rats were injected with 4.0 mg of P4 during two days and sacrificed 24 h after the last injection. The remaining spayed animals were considered as controls. Tissue samples from both groups were incubated for one hour in the absence or in the presence of either A-23187 (1.0 microgram/ml), mepacrine (10(-3) M) or nifedipine (10(-6) M), or a combination of A-23187 plus mepacrine. At the end of the incubating period PGs in the suspending solution were extracted, separated, identified (TLC) and quantitated. The metabolism of 14C-AA into different prostanoids was explored in uterine segments from spayed rats, injected or not with P4 prior to sacrifice. Tissue prepared from P4-injected rats as well as those from rats not receiving P4 but incubated with ionophore A-23187, generated and released significantly more PGF2 alpha into the incubating solution than basal controls, but failed to exhibit changes in the basal output of PGE.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Binary interactions of troponin subunits

The association constants for the formation of the binary complexes of rabbit fast skeletal muscle troponin subunits have been determined for three solution conditions: (a) 1 mM CaCl2, (b) 3 mM MgCl2 and 1 mM EGTA, and (c) 2 mM EDTA. The subunits were labeled with extrinsic fluorescence probes, either 5-(iodoacetamido)eosin (IAE) or dansylaziridine (DANZ), and the binding was detected by enhancement or quenching of the probe fluorescence. The association constant for the TnI X TnT (where TnI and TnT are the inhibitory subunit and the tropomyosin-binding subunit, respectively, of troponin) complex was measured with two different probes, IAE-TnI and IAE-TnT. The measured values were not affected by the presence of Ca2+ or Mg2+, and the mean values for the three buffer conditions are, respectively, 8.0 X 10(6) and 9.0 X 10(6) M-1 for the two probes. The association constant for TnC-TnI (where TnC is the Ca2+-binding subunit of troponin) interaction was measured with three probes, IAE-TnC, DANZ-TnC, and IAE-TnI. Values of 1.7 X 10(9), 1.2 X 10(8), and 1.0 X 10(6) M-1 were obtained, respectively, in the presence of calcium ion, in the presence of magnesium ion (no calcium), and in the absence of divalent metal ions. A mean value of 4.0 X 10(7) M-1 was obtained for the association constant of TnC X TnT using DANZ-TnC and IAE-TnC as probes in the presence of calcium or magnesium ions. A value of 4.5 X 10(6) M-1 was obtained in the absence of divalent metal ions. The results show that the presence of magnesium ion in the Ca2+-Mg2+ sites strengthens the TnC-TnI and the TnC-TnT interactions and suggest that the troponin structure would be stabilized. This likely results from the effect of magnesium ion on the Ca2+-Mg2+ domains of TnC. The presence of calcium ion in the Ca2+-specific sites provides an additional binding free energy for the TnC-TnI interaction which presumably reflects the changes in the subunit interactions required for the calcium regulatory switch.     

Calcium rather than calcitonin is dominant to mediate gastric emptying in thyroidectomized rats

Both calcium and calcitonin are important in mediating gastrointestinal motility. Present study tried to study what was the dominant role of calcitonin or calcium replacement on the gastric emptying in thyroidectomized animals. Adult Sprague-Dawley male rats received thyroidectomy or sham operation and then housed for two weeks until motility study, which was conducted using radiochromium to measure gastric emptying. Before motility study these rats were i.p. injected with saline or human calcitonin in the doses of 0.1, 1 and 10 microgM/kg, respectively. Another group of thyroidectomized rats received i.v. infusion of saline or CaCl2 for 30 min before motility study. Among thyroidectomized rats, neither saline nor various doses of calcitonin treatment disturbed gastric emptying compared to this of sham operated rats. Thyroidectomy diminished plasma calcium level, however, additional calcitonin treatment did not restore the suppressed calcium level (P<0.01). Of rats following saline or CaCl2 infusion, thyroidectomy did not change gastric emptying, whereas CaCl2 infusion enhanced gastric emptying (P<0.05). In conclusion, exogenous calcium treatment further enhances gastric emptying in thyroidectomized rats, whereas calcitonin replacement has no effect on gastric emptying. We suggest that calcium rather than calcitonin is dominant to mediate gastric emptying.     

The solubility and properties of a purified ichthyocol in salt solutions of neutral pH

1. Purified citrate-extracted ichthyocol obtained from carp swim bladders has been further characterized with respect to its content of certain amino acids and carbohydrate substances. 2. The degree of solubilization or dispersion of ichthyocol by solutions of certain salts maintained in the range of neutral pH and at a temperature of 0-2 degrees C. has been determined. 3. While a number of salts of monovalent cations had no significant solubilizing effects on ichthyocol, ammonium chloride in a concentration of 1 M did cause solution of the protein. 4. Sodium thiosulfate in a range of concentrations caused the solubilization of ichthyocol but was most effective in an intermediate concentration of 0.25 M. 5. Several salts of divalent cations, in particular the chlorides of calcium, magnesium, and barium, and magnesium thiosulfate in concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 1 M caused the immediate and complete solubilization of the ichthyocol. 6. Solutions of ichthyocol in calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium thiosulfate buffered or adjusted to pH 7.0, were studied with respect to intrinsic viscosity of the protein, optical rotation, ultracentrifugal sedimentation, and reconstitution into fibers. It was found in each case that the original characteristics of the collagen, as determined previously in acid solution, were maintained when the protein was dissolved in salt solutions of neutral pH. No evidence of denaturation or gelatinization could be found when ichthyocol was solubilized under the stated conditions. 7. Collagen in neutral solution with sodium thiosulfate, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride was not attacked by trypsin as determined viscometrically at 20.0 degrees C., but was rapidly degraded by a purified bacterial collagenase.     

Iron accumulation in tissues of magnesium-deficient rats with dietary iron overload

The mineral imbalances in magnesium-deficient rats with dietary iron overload were studied. Forty-four male Wister rats were divided into six groups and fed six diets, two by three, fully crossed: magnesium adequate or deficient, and iron deficient, adequate, or excess. The concentrations of iron, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus in tissues of the rats were measured. The results were as follows: (1) The excess iron intake reinforced the iron accumulation in liver and spleen of magnesium deficient rats; (2) The saturation of iron binding capacity was enormously elevated in the magnesium deficient rats fed excess iron; and (3) Dietary iron deprivation diminished the degree of calcium deposition in kidney of magnesium deficient rats. These results suggest that magnesium-deprived-rats have abnormal iron metabolism losing homeostatic regulation of plasma iron, and magnesium deficient rats with dietary iron overload may be used as an experimental hemochromatosis model.     

Nonparticipation of extracellular glutathione in renal transport of dibasic amino acids

Microinjections of L-[14C]arginine (2.9 mM) and L-[14C]ornithine (3.4 mM) were made into renal proximal tubules of rats in the presence of methionine sulfoximine (MSO) (10, 20 mM), ATP (10 mM), and MgCl2 (20 mM) together. Absorption of both labelled amino acids dropped, respectively, by 31.1 and 49.1% compared with control microinjections. The MSO alone or ATP plus MgCl2 had no effect. These data suggest that the inhibition by MSO plus ATP plus MgCl2 is not due to direct competition between MSO and dibasic amino acids but rather to suppression of the renewal of intracellular glutathione. Such an effect is discussed in comparison with cycloleucine inhibition of dibasic amino acid transport. Addition of exogenous glutathione to microinjectates die not reverse either type of inhibition. This study shows that while intracellular glutathione may affect amino acid transport, extracellular glutathione has no effect.     

Calcium binding of troponin C. I. A potentiometric titration study.

Structural changes of troponin C on calcium binding were studied by hydrogen ion titration, circular dichroism, and fluorescence measurements. The potentiometric titration curves in the carboxyl region are shifted towards lower pH with calcium binding. The intrinsic pK of the carboxyl groups at the calcium binding sites decreases by 0.8 pK unit on calcium binding; on the other hand, magnesium ions have little effect on the intrinsic pK of the carboxyl groups. The intrinsic pK of the imidazole group is not affected by calcium binding. The value of w, an electrostatic interaction factor, is identical for calcium-free and calcium-bound troponin C and is about half of the value calculated assuming a compact sphere. The results of difference titration on the calcium binding indicate that the pH of troponin C solution increases on addition of CaCl2 up to 2 mol of Ca2+ per mol of troponin C and then decreases on further addition of CaCl2. The pH increase is depressed in the presence of MgCl2, in the low pH region, or at high ionic strength. The pH increase is also observed on addition of MgCl2. The ellipticity at 222 nm was measured under the same conditions as the difference titration measurements, and the relation between the pH change and the conformational change of troponin C on calcium binding is discussed based on the results obtained. The number of calcium binding sites and the binding constants estimated by analysis of these difference titration curves were in agreement with the results of Potter and Gergely (22). No magnesium binding site was observed. The tyrosine fluorescence measurements indicated that the binding site near tyrosine-109 is one of the high affinity sites.     

Effects of angiotensin and vasopressin V(1) receptors on water and sodium intake induced by injection of vasopressin into lateral septal area

The specific arginine(8)-vasopressin (AVP) V(1) receptors antagonist (AAVP) was injected (20, 40 and 80 nmol) into the lateral septal area (LSA) to determine the effects of selective septal V(1) receptor on water and 3% sodium intake in rats. Was also observed the effects of losartan and CGP42112A (select ligands of the AT(1) and AT(2) ANG II receptors, respectively) injected into LSA prior AVP on the same appetites. Twenty-four hours before the experiments, the rats were deprived of water. The volume of drug solution injected was 0.5 microl. Water and sodium intake were measured at 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 h. Injection of AVP reduced the water and sodium ingestion vs. control (0.15 M saline). Pre-treatment with AAVP (40, 80 and 160 nmol) did not alter the decrease in the water ingestion induced by AVP, whereas AAVP abolished the action of AVP-induced sodium intake. Losartan (40, 80 and 160 nmol) did not alter the effect of AVP on water and sodium intake, whereas CGP42112A (20, 40 and 60 nmol) at the first 30 min increased water ingestion. Losartan and CGP42112A together increased the actions of AVP, showing more pronounced effects than when the two antagonists were injected alone. The results showed that AVP inhibited the appetites and these effects were increased by the AAVP. The involvement of angiotensinergic receptors in the effects of AVP is also suggested.     

Activated ERK2 is a monomer in vitro with or without divalent cations and when complexed to the cytoplasmic scaffold PEA-15

The extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase, ERK2, fully activated by phosphorylation and without a His(6) tag, shows little tendency to dimerize with or without either calcium or magnesium ions when analyzed by light scattering or analytical ultracentrifugation. Light scattering shows that ~90% of ERK2 is monomeric. Sedimentation equilibrium data (obtained at 4.8-11.2 μM ERK2) with or without magnesium (10 mM) are well described by an ideal one-component model with a fitted molar mass of 40180 ± 240 Da (without Mg(2+) ions) or 41290 ± 330 Da (with Mg(2+) ions). These values, close to the sequence-derived mass of 41711 Da, indicate that no significant dimerization of ERK2 occurs in solution. Analysis of sedimentation velocity data for a 15 μM solution of ERK2 with an enhanced van Holde-Weischet method determined the sedimentation coefficient (s) to be ~3.22 S for activated ERK2 with or without 10 mM MgCl(2). The frictional coefficient ratio (f/f(0)) of 1.28 calculated from the sedimentation velocity and equilibrium data is close to that expected for an ~42 kDa globular protein. The translational diffusion coefficient of ~8.3 × 10(-7) cm(2) s(-1) calculated from the experimentally determined molar mass and sedimentation coefficient agrees with the value determined by dynamic light scattering in the absence and presence of calcium or magnesium ions and a value determined by NMR spectrometry. ERK2 has been proposed to homodimerize and bind only to cytoplasmic but not nuclear proteins [Casar, B., et al. (2008) Mol. Cell 31, 708-721]. Our light scattering data show, however, that ERK2 forms a strong 1:1 complex of ~57 kDa with the cytoplasmic scaffold protein PEA-15. Thus, ERK2 binds PEA-15 as a monomer. Our data provide strong evidence that ERK2 is monomeric under physiological conditions. Analysis of the same ERK2 construct with the nonphysiological His(6) tag shows substantial dimerization under the same ionic conditions.     

Demonstration of three protonated forms of poly(A): potentiometric and conductometric study of isoionic solutions

It is shown that there are three parts on the potentiometric titration curves of isoionic solutions of poly(A) ascribed to the three protonated structures. Double-helical protonated structures are especially stable in isoionic solution. These parts on potentiometric curves are attributed to the single-stranded poly(A), to the completely protonated double-stranded poly(A+).poly(A+), and to the semiprotonated poly(A+).poly(A) structures: D, A, B forms of poly(A), respectively. pK0 values of these forms are calculated. The D form portion is found to be about 18% in isoionic solution, 40% in KCl solution (from 0.01 to 1.0 M), 40% in solution, containing 1.2 X 10(-3) M MgCl2 and 70% in 8 X 10(-4) M MgCl2 solution. The increase of MgCl2 concentration up to 8 X 10(-4) M leads to complete degradation of the double-helical structure. Only single-stranded D form exists in 5 X 10(-3) M MgCl2 solution. About 5-7% of all protons become inaccessible for titration in all solutions containing KCl and in the presence of small amounts of MgCl2. This phenomenon can not be explained by aggregation of poly(A), because all protons become accessible for titration in more concentrated MgCl2 solution when aggregation of poly(A) is significant and accompanied by the precipitation of sediment insoluble in NaOH. The supposition is made, that unprotonated double-stranded poly(A) can exist in salt-free solution at neutral pH. It is this form that is protonated with decrease of pH.     

Effect of small changes in extracellular magnesium concentration on the tone of feline mesenteric arteries: involvement of endothelium.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of small alterations in extracellular magnesium concentration on the tone of feline mesenteric arteries and to examine the role of endothelium in these responses. We measured isometrical tension of isolated arterial rings, placed between two stainless steel wires in a tissue chamber containing Krebs-Henseleit solution, aerated with a gas mixture containing 95% O2 and 5% CO2 at 37 degrees C. After precontraction with noradrenaline, a decrease of extracellular magnesium concentration from 1.2 mM to 1.0 and 0.8 mM resulted in sustained relaxations, whereas the elevation of extracellular magnesium from 0.8 mM to 1.2 mM caused an increase in vascular tone when endothelium was intact. The magnesium-withdrawal related dilations were absent in endothelium-denuded vessels and were inhibited by oxyhemoglobin (5 x 10(-6) M) and methylene blue (10(-5) M), suggesting the involvement of endothelium-derived relaxing factor in this vascular response. Nifedipine (5 x 10(-7) M) or dichlorobenzamil (3 x 10(-5) M), however, did not affect the magnesium-deficiency related relaxations. Therefore, in this vascular action of magnesium, nifedipine-sensitive calcium channels or the sodium- calcium antiport system are not involved. We conclude that small alterations in extracellular magnesium concentration, possibly within the physiological range, are able to modify the basal formation and release of EDRF, and thus alter arterial smooth muscle tone in this vascular bed. This endothelium- and magnesium-dependent system appears to be more sensitive than the direct smooth muscle actions of magnesium. The possible physiological and pathophysiological consequences of these observations are discussed.     

Effects of hypothalamic microinjections of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on estral cycle and morphology of the genital tract in the female rat (author's transl)]

To determine whether central catecholaminergic pathways are involved in the neural contral of gonadotrophin secretion, they were interrupted at the hypothalamic level by microinjections of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). The effects on ovulation, estral cycle and ovarian and uterine histology were studied. Microinjections of 50 mug of 6-OHDA hydrobromyde were made bilaterally into the anterolateral hypothalamus in a group of rats. Another group was injected with 25 mug of 6-OHDA, while a control group recieved an equivalent volume (5 mul) of saline with ascorbic acid. Animals injected with 50 mug of 6-OHDA showed blockade of ovulation, vaginal cytology characteristics of persistent estrous, polyfollicular ovaries and enlarged uteri with hypertrophic endometrial glands. In the group injected with 25 mug, similiar effects were demonstrated, but the number of affected animals was smaller than that in the 50 mug group. Control animals dit not show modifications, either in estral cycle or in ovarian and uterine histology. These results suggest that 6-OHDA injected into the anterolateral hypothalmus interferes with catecholaminergic pathways that participate in the neural control of ovulation.     

Proline Alters Antioxidant Enzyme Defenses and Lipoperoxidation in the Erythrocytes and Plasma of Rats: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

In the present study, we investigated, in vivo (acute and chronic) and in vitro, the effects of proline on the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in erythrocytes and also investigated the effect on thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in the plasma of rats. For the experiments, the number of animals per group ranged from eight to ten. For acute administration, 29-day-old rats received one subcutaneous injection of proline (18.2 μmol/g body weight) or an equivalent volume of 0.9% saline solution (control) and were killed 1 h later. For chronic treatment, buffered proline was injected subcutaneously into rats twice a day at 10 h intervals from the 6th to the 28th day of age. Rats were killed 12 h after the last injection. For in vitro studies, proline (30.0 μM to 1.0 mM) was added to the incubation medium. Results showed that acute administration of proline reduced CAT and increased SOD activities, while chronic treatment increased the activities of CAT and SOD in erythrocytes and TBARS in the plasma of rats. Furthermore, in vitro studies showed that proline increased TBARS in the plasma (0.5 and 1.0 mM) and CAT activity (1.0 mM) in the erythrocytes of rats. The influence of the antioxidants (α-tocopherol plus ascorbic acid) on the effects elicited by proline was also studied. Treatment with antioxidants for 1 week or from the 6th to the 28th day of age prevented the alterations caused by acute and chronic, respectively, proline administration on the oxidative parameters evaluated. Data indicate that proline alters antioxidant defenses and induces lipid peroxidation in the blood of rats.