http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147054 Sat, 14 Nov 2026 23:31:27 GMT 2026-11-14T23:31:27Z http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147326 Revision vol. 2, no. 11; Physiological Mini Reviews (PMR) All of us who have taught physiology to undergraduate students have had to answer the questions in the title. Nevertheless, it is practically impossible to outline a general panorama. Each physiology professor will relate his personal background and this minireview, as will be seen, is actually a history of a professor’s life related to physiology. Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147326 2007-06-01T00:00:00Z All of us who have taught physiology to undergraduate students have had to answer the questions in the title. Nevertheless, it is practically impossible to outline a general panorama. Each physiology professor will relate his personal background and this minireview, as will be seen, is actually a history of a professor’s life related to physiology. http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147324 Revision Physiological Mini Reviews (PMR); vol. 2, no. 10 Current clinical data show a strong correlation between time of day and illness manifestation or immune activity. For example, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis occur during the morning (Katz et al. 2002) most asthma attacks during the night (Reinberg 2006), and the effects of immunization also change with daytime (Langlois et al. 1995). Taken together, these reports suggest a strong regulation exerted by the circadian clock on the immune system, which will be reviewed in this article. Moreover, clock-controlled rhythms in several variables exert a feedback regulation on the circadian oscillator itself, a mechanism that we shall also consider in this paper. Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147324 2007-05-01T00:00:00Z Current clinical data show a strong correlation between time of day and illness manifestation or immune activity. For example, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis occur during the morning (Katz et al. 2002) most asthma attacks during the night (Reinberg 2006), and the effects of immunization also change with daytime (Langlois et al. 1995). Taken together, these reports suggest a strong regulation exerted by the circadian clock on the immune system, which will be reviewed in this article. Moreover, clock-controlled rhythms in several variables exert a feedback regulation on the circadian oscillator itself, a mechanism that we shall also consider in this paper. http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147323 Contribucion a revista Physiological Mini Reviews (PMR); vol. 2, no. 9 The first number of “Physiological Mini-Reviews” was published in august 2005. After the first 20 issues, which were published both in the electronic and “on paper” version, we think that an initial assessment can be made. Physiological Mini-Reviews was planned as a scientific journal that would publish brief reviews on "hot" topics in Physiology. The scope is quite broad, going from "Molecular Physiology" to "Integrated Physiological Systems". As indicated by our title it is not our intention to publish exhaustive and complete reviews. We ask the authors for concise and updated "state of the art" descriptions of the selected topic. This is our specific niche and we believe it has not yet been covered. Innovative and thought-provoking ideas are welcome. Physiological Mini-Reviews (edited by the Argentine Physiological Society), especially but not exclusively, publishes the work of distinguished Latin-American scientists working either at home or around the world. Our Society founded and edited "Acta Physiologica Latinoamericana", which represented, during many years, the Latin-American contribution to physiological sciences. "Physiological Mini-Reviews" is intended to fill, at least partially, this currently empty space. Are we approaching the previously mentioned goals? Let us take a look at several important points. Sun, 01 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147323 2007-04-01T00:00:00Z The first number of “Physiological Mini-Reviews” was published in august 2005. After the first 20 issues, which were published both in the electronic and “on paper” version, we think that an initial assessment can be made. Physiological Mini-Reviews was planned as a scientific journal that would publish brief reviews on "hot" topics in Physiology. The scope is quite broad, going from "Molecular Physiology" to "Integrated Physiological Systems". As indicated by our title it is not our intention to publish exhaustive and complete reviews. We ask the authors for concise and updated "state of the art" descriptions of the selected topic. This is our specific niche and we believe it has not yet been covered. Innovative and thought-provoking ideas are welcome. Physiological Mini-Reviews (edited by the Argentine Physiological Society), especially but not exclusively, publishes the work of distinguished Latin-American scientists working either at home or around the world. Our Society founded and edited "Acta Physiologica Latinoamericana", which represented, during many years, the Latin-American contribution to physiological sciences. "Physiological Mini-Reviews" is intended to fill, at least partially, this currently empty space. Are we approaching the previously mentioned goals? Let us take a look at several important points. http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147322 Revision Physiological Mini Reviews (PMR); vol. 2, no. 8 Aldosterone in addition to its synthesis in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal gland is produced at the vascular level in both endothelial and smooth muscle cells1,2. This mineralocorticoid exerts actions in the vascular wall through genomic and non-genomic effects. Genomic actions imply the binding of aldosterone to cytoplasmatic mineralocorticoid receptors, which have been found in both endothelial and smooth muscle cells3-5 and involve transcription and protein synthesis3. The non-genomic effects of aldosterone are observed in a few minutes and are insensitive to transcription inhibitors, they seem to involve both mineralocorticoid and an unidentified membrane receptor2 and the activation of different signaling pathways. Numerous studies at both clinical and experimental levels have shown that this mineralocorticoid acting on endothelial cells or smooth muscle cells induces vascular alterations through endocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms which can affect vascular wall. The interaction of aldosterone to its receptors in endothelial cells produces swelling and stiffness. This increase in cell volume is associated with cell rigidity and produced numerous gaps between cell-to cell contacts6,7 which alters blood flow as well as vascular permeability and, consequently, can have an impact on vascular function and structure and can induce an inflammatory process. Thu, 01 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147322 2007-03-01T00:00:00Z Aldosterone in addition to its synthesis in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal gland is produced at the vascular level in both endothelial and smooth muscle cells1,2. This mineralocorticoid exerts actions in the vascular wall through genomic and non-genomic effects. Genomic actions imply the binding of aldosterone to cytoplasmatic mineralocorticoid receptors, which have been found in both endothelial and smooth muscle cells3-5 and involve transcription and protein synthesis3. The non-genomic effects of aldosterone are observed in a few minutes and are insensitive to transcription inhibitors, they seem to involve both mineralocorticoid and an unidentified membrane receptor2 and the activation of different signaling pathways. Numerous studies at both clinical and experimental levels have shown that this mineralocorticoid acting on endothelial cells or smooth muscle cells induces vascular alterations through endocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms which can affect vascular wall. The interaction of aldosterone to its receptors in endothelial cells produces swelling and stiffness. This increase in cell volume is associated with cell rigidity and produced numerous gaps between cell-to cell contacts6,7 which alters blood flow as well as vascular permeability and, consequently, can have an impact on vascular function and structure and can induce an inflammatory process. http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147321 Revision Physiological Mini Reviews (PMR) Aging is a slow, inflammatory biological process that affects many organs of which the kidney is one of the main targets. Aging is associated with a decline in renal function coincident with a progressive loss of nephrons, with glomerular and tubulointerstitial scarring. These changes begin in the fourth decade of life and accelerate between the 5th and 6th decade, resulting in alterations in glomerular and tubular function, systemic hemodynamics and body homeostasis. While aging-related changes begin in mid-life, most of the discussion will revolve around the management of the older population, defined as > 65 years of age. It is important to realize that aging-associated renal disease may not be an inevitable consequence of life. Some subjects do not show age-related decline in GFR, and in some populations hypertension does not increase with aging, the latter occurring primarily in non-Westernized groups habitually on low sodium diets. This has led some to hypothesize that aging-associated renal disease may be an active process that is potentially preventable. Thu, 01 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147321 2007-02-01T00:00:00Z Aging is a slow, inflammatory biological process that affects many organs of which the kidney is one of the main targets. Aging is associated with a decline in renal function coincident with a progressive loss of nephrons, with glomerular and tubulointerstitial scarring. These changes begin in the fourth decade of life and accelerate between the 5th and 6th decade, resulting in alterations in glomerular and tubular function, systemic hemodynamics and body homeostasis. While aging-related changes begin in mid-life, most of the discussion will revolve around the management of the older population, defined as > 65 years of age. It is important to realize that aging-associated renal disease may not be an inevitable consequence of life. Some subjects do not show age-related decline in GFR, and in some populations hypertension does not increase with aging, the latter occurring primarily in non-Westernized groups habitually on low sodium diets. This has led some to hypothesize that aging-associated renal disease may be an active process that is potentially preventable. http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147320 Revision Physiological Mini Reviews (PMR); vol. 2, no. 6 The steroid hormone aldosterone plays a major role in the control of blood pressure and extracellular volume homeostasia, by regulating renal sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion1-6. Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147320 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z The steroid hormone aldosterone plays a major role in the control of blood pressure and extracellular volume homeostasia, by regulating renal sodium reabsorption and potassium excretion1-6. http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147252 Revision Physiological Mini Reviews (PMR); vol. 2, no. 4, número especial Resúmenes presentados en las conferencias plenarias, conferencias temáticas, contribuciones de simposios y presentaciones de carteles del IBERO-ALACF 2006. Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147252 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z Resúmenes presentados en las conferencias plenarias, conferencias temáticas, contribuciones de simposios y presentaciones de carteles del IBERO-ALACF 2006. http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147250 Revision Physiological Mini Reviews (PMR); vol. 2, no. 4 Most of the studies on olfactory perception in Alzheimer´s Disease show a reduction or loss of ability to identify recognize and detect scents. This loss is noticeable during the first stages of Alzheimer´s Disease. Sensitivity loss in terms of detection thresholds can occur but as the cognitive impairment increases there are also problems with odor identification or memory. In our studies we have demonstrated that the familiarity of odors plays an important role in identifying scents. Other elements that may affect odor evaluation are its dispersal vehicle and concentration. Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147250 2006-01-01T00:00:00Z Most of the studies on olfactory perception in Alzheimer´s Disease show a reduction or loss of ability to identify recognize and detect scents. This loss is noticeable during the first stages of Alzheimer´s Disease. Sensitivity loss in terms of detection thresholds can occur but as the cognitive impairment increases there are also problems with odor identification or memory. In our studies we have demonstrated that the familiarity of odors plays an important role in identifying scents. Other elements that may affect odor evaluation are its dispersal vehicle and concentration. http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147248 Revision Physiological Mini Reviews (PMR) Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting 1-2% of the general population. Although antiepileptic therapies efficiently control seizures in most patients, it is estimated that 20-25% of the affected population fails to achieve good control with antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment, thus defining refractory epilepsy (RE). Although the underlying mechanisms involved in AED resistance are poorly understood, it has been suggested that unresponsiveness to AEDs resembles the mechanism of resistance to chemotherapy in cancer. Considerable progress has bee attained recently in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of refractoriness during cancer chemotherapy. The foundational finding was that tumor cells become refractory to chemotherapeutic agents due to the action of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp), the product of the MDR-1 gene. P-gp acts as energy-dependent pumps that extrudes potentially toxic compounds out of the cells and can confer resistance levels of 1000-fold or more to the expressing cells. Sun, 01 Oct 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147248 2006-10-01T00:00:00Z Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder affecting 1-2% of the general population. Although antiepileptic therapies efficiently control seizures in most patients, it is estimated that 20-25% of the affected population fails to achieve good control with antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment, thus defining refractory epilepsy (RE). Although the underlying mechanisms involved in AED resistance are poorly understood, it has been suggested that unresponsiveness to AEDs resembles the mechanism of resistance to chemotherapy in cancer. Considerable progress has bee attained recently in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of refractoriness during cancer chemotherapy. The foundational finding was that tumor cells become refractory to chemotherapeutic agents due to the action of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp), the product of the MDR-1 gene. P-gp acts as energy-dependent pumps that extrudes potentially toxic compounds out of the cells and can confer resistance levels of 1000-fold or more to the expressing cells. http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147057 Revision Physiological Mini Reviews (PMR); vol. 2, no. 2 An endocrine disruptor (ED) is a synthetic chemical that when absorbed into the body either mimics or blocks hormones and disrupts the body's normal functions. This disruption can happen through altering normal hormone levels, halting or stimulating the production of hormones, or changing the way hormones travel through the body, thus affecting the functions that these hormones control. Chemicals known to be human ED include diethylstilbestrol (DES), dioxin, PCBs, DDT, and other pesticides. Many chemicals, particularly cosmetics (UV filters) and plasticizers, are suspected to be endocrine disruptors based on experimental studies in animals. Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147057 2006-09-01T00:00:00Z An endocrine disruptor (ED) is a synthetic chemical that when absorbed into the body either mimics or blocks hormones and disrupts the body's normal functions. This disruption can happen through altering normal hormone levels, halting or stimulating the production of hormones, or changing the way hormones travel through the body, thus affecting the functions that these hormones control. Chemicals known to be human ED include diethylstilbestrol (DES), dioxin, PCBs, DDT, and other pesticides. Many chemicals, particularly cosmetics (UV filters) and plasticizers, are suspected to be endocrine disruptors based on experimental studies in animals. http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147055 Revision Physiological Mini Reviews (PMR); vol. 2, no. 1 The information coming from the outer and the inner worlds during life is a meaningful influence on the brain phenotypical development and, in our particular topic, on sleep organization. In early developmental stages, from phylogenetic and ontogenetic viewpoints, the sensory information constitutes a relevant drive controlling the brain function and the general physiology. Each brain develops genetically conditioned, although a germane component is the sensory information from both the two worlds and the way the brain handled it throughout life, i.e., an endless process. The natural light-dark sequence, a phylogenically archaic information, through the light receptor and its processing system, profoundly influences the sleep-wakefulness cycle. The circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion -the notion of darkness- is generated in mammals by a central pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus, largely synchronized by cues from the light-dark cycle. Early in the twentieth century, the concept of the sleep as being the result of a blockade of the auditory inflow was introduced (see 16). Later, Bremer made the proposal of an extensive deafferentation of ascending sensory impulses to the isolated brain that resulted in sleep. He became the outstanding proponent of the deafferentation sleep theory known as the “passive theory”, implicating the existence of a tonus on the central nervous system (CNS) dependent on the sensory information. The activating ascending reticular system described seemed to confirm Bremer’s concepts: every sensory input would also release information (tonus?) to the brain stem activating reticular formation. Tue, 01 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://sedici.unlp.edu.ar:80/handle/10915/147055 2006-08-01T00:00:00Z The information coming from the outer and the inner worlds during life is a meaningful influence on the brain phenotypical development and, in our particular topic, on sleep organization. In early developmental stages, from phylogenetic and ontogenetic viewpoints, the sensory information constitutes a relevant drive controlling the brain function and the general physiology. Each brain develops genetically conditioned, although a germane component is the sensory information from both the two worlds and the way the brain handled it throughout life, i.e., an endless process. The natural light-dark sequence, a phylogenically archaic information, through the light receptor and its processing system, profoundly influences the sleep-wakefulness cycle. The circadian rhythm of melatonin secretion -the notion of darkness- is generated in mammals by a central pacemaker located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei of the hypothalamus, largely synchronized by cues from the light-dark cycle. Early in the twentieth century, the concept of the sleep as being the result of a blockade of the auditory inflow was introduced (see 16). Later, Bremer made the proposal of an extensive deafferentation of ascending sensory impulses to the isolated brain that resulted in sleep. He became the outstanding proponent of the deafferentation sleep theory known as the “passive theory”, implicating the existence of a tonus on the central nervous system (CNS) dependent on the sensory information. The activating ascending reticular system described seemed to confirm Bremer’s concepts: every sensory input would also release information (tonus?) to the brain stem activating reticular formation.