Detección de anticuerpos anti-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) en venados silvestres en Colombia / Detection of anti-Mycobacterium aviumsubsp. paratuberculosis antibodies in wild deer in Colombia

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar la presencia de anticuerpos anti-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) en venados de cola blanca (Odocoileus virginianus) y venados de páramo (Mazama rufína), capturados en las regiones de la Orinoquía y el Caribe en Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Un total de 44 muestras de suero sanguíneo de venados de las especies M. rufína y O. virginianus fueron colectadas en condiciones de campo entre 2014 y 2016. Se utilizó un kit comercial de ELISA para la detección de anticuerpos anti-MAP. Un animal se consideró positivo a ELISA cuando la relación muestra-positivo (S/P%) fue > 0.4, según lo recomendado por el fabricante. Resultados. El 50% (22/44) de los animales muestreados resultaron positivos, lo que corresponde a 10 hembras y 12 machos. Un 81.8% (18/22) y un 77.3% (17/22) de estos animales seropositivos fueron capturados en la región de la Orinoquía y fueron reportados como adultos, respectivamente. Conclusiones. No se sabe cómo o cuándo se introdujo MAP en la población de ciervos colombianos en las regiones de estudio. La hipótesis más plausible para explicar la presencia de anticuerpos anti-MAP en estas poblaciones silvestres es la transmisión por contacto con el ganado bovino infectado, ya que en ambas regiones estas especies comparten pasturas. Este es el primer estudio en explorar la infección por MAP en animales silvestres en Colombia. Estos hallazgos respaldan la necesidad de realizar más estudios utilizando técnicas de diagnóstico directo, y aproximaciones investigativas que permitan la definición de vínculos en la dinámica de la infección entre mamíferos silvestres y domésticos en Colombia.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the presence of anti-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) antibodies in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and red brocket deer (Mazama rufína), captured in the Orinoquía and Caribbean regions in Colombia. Materials and methods. A total of 44 blood serum samples from deer of species M. rufina and O. virginianus were collected under field conditions between 2014 and 2016. An ELISA commercial kit was used to detect anti-MAP antibodies. An animal was considered ELISA-positive at a sample-to-positive ratio (S/P%) of > 0.4, as recommended by the manufacturer. Results. The 50% (22/44) of the animals were positive, corresponding to 10 females and 12 males. An 81.8% (18/22) and 77.3% (17/22) of these seropositive animals were captured in the Orinoquía region and were reported as adults, respectively. Conclusions. It is not known how or when MAP was introduced in the Colombian deer population in the study regions. The most plausible hypothesis to explain the presence of antibodies against MAP in these wild populations is transmission by contact with infected bovine cattle since, in both regions, these species share pastures. This is the first study to explore MAP infection in wild animals in Colombia. These findings support the need for further studies using different direct diagnostic techniques and research approaches that allow the definition of links in the infection dynamics between wild and domestic mammals in Colombia.

Detection of bluetongue virus in Brazilian cervids in São Paulo state / Detecção de vírus da língua azul em cervídeos brasileiros no estado de São Paulo

Viral hemorrhagic diseases in cervids occur worldwide and include epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), bluetongue (BT), and adenoviral hemorrhagic disease (AHD). Since gross lesions in all three hemorrhagic diseases are identical (hemorrhagic enteropathy, pulmonary edema, systemic petechial and suffusion hemorrhages), it is necessary to use accurate techniques for a definitive etiologic diagnosis. Archival material (paraffin blocks) at the Department of Veterinary Pathology of FCAV - Unesp was reviewed for lesions of hemorrhagic disease and 42 captive and free-living Brazilian deer were selected to include in this study. Paraffin-embedded tissues were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and tested negative for adenovirus. Using real time RT-PCR, EHD virus was not detected in paraffin-embedded tissues in any of the cases evaluated. The same technique was used for detection of BT virus and seven positive animals (16,66%) were confirmed after agarose 4% gel electrophoresis and gene sequencing. The main macroscopic changes observed in the positive animals were hemorrhagic intestinal contents, reddish mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, ulcers on tongue and petechiae in various organs. Microscopic changes observed were lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate in liver, kidney and lungs, hemorrhage, and congestion in various organs. All positive cases were from captive animals, three females (two young and one adult), and four young males. This study demonstrates that the bluetongue virus is involved in hemorrhagic disease outbreaks of deer in Brazil.(AU)

Doenças hemorrágicas virais em cervídeos ocorrem no mundo todo e incluem a doença epizoótica hemorrágica (DEH), língua azul (LA), e doença hemorrágica por adenovírus (DHA). Uma vez que as lesões nas três doenças hemorrágicas são idênticas (enteropatia hemorrágica, edema pulmonar, petéquias sistêmicas e sufusões hemorrágicas), é necessário utilizar técnicas precisas para um diagnóstico etiológico definitivo. Material de arquivo (blocos de parafina) do Departamento de Patologia Veterinária da FCAV - Unesp foi revisado para lesões de doenças hemorrágicas e 42 cervídeos brasileiros de cativeiro e de vida livre foram selecionados e incluídos neste estudo. Tecidos embebidos em parafina foram avaliados usando imunohistoquímica e foram negativos para adenovírus. Usando o RT-PCR em tempo real, o vírus da DEH não foi detectado nos tecidos de nenhum dos casos avaliados. A mesma técnica foi utilizada para detecção do vírus da LA e sete animais positivos (16,66%) foram confirmados após eletroforese em gel de agarose a 4% e sequenciamento genético. As principais alterações macroscópicas observadas nos animais positivos foram conteúdo intestinal hemorrágico, mucosa do trato gastrointestinal avermelhada, úlceras na língua e petéquias em vários órgãos. As alterações microscópicas observadas foram infiltrado inflamatório linfocítico em fígado, rins e pulmões, e hemorragia e congestão em vários órgãos. Todos os casos positivos foram de animais de cativeiro, três fêmeas (dois jovens e um adulto), e quatro jovens do sexo masculino. Este estudo demonstra que o vírus da lingual azul está envolvido nos surtos de doença hemorrágica em veados no Brasil.(AU)

Electroretinography in eight species of neotropical deer / Eletrorretinografia em oito espécies de cervídeos neotropicais

The aim of this study was to establish normal baseline ERG values of 23 anesthetized deer belonging to 8 neotropical species (Mazama americana, Mazama nemorivaga, Mazama gouazoubira, Mazama nana, Mazama bororo, Ozotocerus bezoarticus, Odocoileus virginianus and Blastocerus dichotomus). Only right eyes were studied. Chemical restraint was performed using xylazine associated with ketamine, IM, for M. americana, M. gouazoubira, M. nemorivaga, M. nana, M. bororo, O. bezoarticus and O. virginianus. A combination of tiletamine/zolazepam diluted in xylazine 2% was used for B. dichotomus individuals. After 20min of dark adaptation, electroretinograms were obtained using a handheld electroretinography (ERG) machine using the QuickRetCheck Protocol at three different light intensities: 0.01cd.s/m2, 3cd.s/m2, and 10cd.s/m2. After light adaptation, photopic phase was recorded. A-wave amplitude recorded during pattern mixed rod/cone response in M. americana was significantly lower when compared to B. dichotomus. No other differences were observed between the species studied. ERG in Neotropical deer is applicable using a portable ERG system and did not show differences among species in relation to the retinal response at different light intensities. Therefore, the lifestyle of the species is more dictated by the selection pressure of the environment than by physiological factors.(AU)

Objetivou-se estabelecer valores de referência para eletrorretinografia (ERG) de 23 cervídeos anestesiados, de oito espécies neotropicais (Mazama americana, Mazama nemorivaga, Mazama gouazoubira, Mazama nana, Mazama bororo, Ozotocerus bezoarticus, Odocoileus virginianus e Blastocerus dichotomus). Somente os olhos direitos foram estudados. A contenção química foi realizada com cetamina/xilazina, IM, nas seguintes espécies: M. americana, M. gouazoubira, M. nemorivaga, M. nana, M. bororo, O. bezoarticus e O. virginianus. Para o B. dichotomus, foi utilizada a associação de tiletamina/zolazepam e xilazina. Após 20 minutos de adaptação ao escuro, os eletrorretinogramas foram obtidos com aparelho portátil de ERG, utilizando-se o protocolo "QuickRet Check", em três intensidades de luz: 0.01cd.s/m2, 3cd.s/m2 e 10cd.s/m2. Após adaptação à luz, realizou-se a fase fotóptica. Os valores para amplitude da onda A durante a resposta padrão mista de cones/bastonetes em M. americana foram significativamente menores quando comparados aos do B. dichotomus. Não foram observadas outras diferenças entre as espécies. A realização de ERG em cervídeos neotropicais é aplicável utilizando-se aparelho portátil e não demonstrou diferenças quanto à resposta retiniana a diferentes intensidades de luz. Dessa forma, o estilo de vida das espécies é ditado mais pela pressão de seleção do ambiente do que por fatores fisiológicos.(AU)

Infecção por Mycobacterium sp. em herbívoros selvagens de cativeiro no Rio Grande do Sul: estudo retrospectivo e detecção imuno-histoquímica (2003-2015) / Mycobacterium sp. in captive-reared wild herbivores in Rio Grande do Sul: a retrospective study and immunohistochemical detection (2003-2015)

A tuberculose é uma enfermidade infectocontagiosa, debilitante, causada por bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes (BAAR), pertencentes ao complexo Mycobacterium tuberculosis (CMT). As micobacterioses têm importância em Medicina Veterinária devido ao seu potencial zoonótico e sua distribuição mundial, afetando todas as classes de vertebrados. Em animais selvagens as micobacterioses têm sido um problema relatado principalmente em cativeiro. Contudo, há relatos de sua ocorrência também em animais de vida livre, colocando em risco e dificultando os programas de erradicação da tuberculose em animais de produção. O diagnóstico nas espécies selvagens em geral é post mortem, uma vez que o teste de tuberculina não está padronizado para essas espécies, assim como não é confiável para triagem. São consideradas para o diagnóstico lesões de necropsia, observação microscópica de BAAR na coloração de Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) e, principalmente, isolamento e identificação do agente. No entanto, apenas os achados morfológicos macro e microscópicos não permitem distinguir a espécie de Mycobacterium envolvida. A técnica de imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) com anticorpo policlonal anti-M. tuberculosis confirma a infecção pelo CMT, mas não é específica, pois pode ocorrer marcação de outras micobactérias. As características histológicas, os achados na coloração de ZN e na IHQ de 13 casos de herbívoros selvagens diagnosticados com tuberculose no Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS) no período de 2003 a 2015 são descritos. A partir das amostras em blocos de parafina foram confeccionadas novas lâminas histológicas, coradas com hematoxilina e eosina (HE) e ZN. Cortes foram submetidos à técnica de IHQ para detecção do CMT. Todos os animais eram adultos, provenientes de cativeiro e incluíram lhama (5/13), cervo sambar (4/13), camelo (1/13), cervo vermelho (1/13), anta brasileira (1/13) e antílope Nilgai (1/13). Na IHQ observou-se imunomarcação acentuada (4/13), moderada (4/13) ou discreta (4/13), exceto em um caso, em que não havia quantidade suficiente de material. As características histológicas, bem como os achados na coloração de ZN e na técnica de IHQ confirmaram o diagnóstico de infecção por Mycobacterium sp. e foram considerados métodos rápidos e eficientes, de forma que podem ajudar na prevenção da disseminação da doença em animais.(AU)

Tuberculosis is a debilitating infecto-contagious disease, caused by an acid-fast bacillus (AFB) that belong to different species of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). Mycobacteriosis are important diseases in veterinary medicine because of their zoonotic potential and worldwide distribution, affecting all classes of vertebrates. In wild animals the mycobacteriosis have been reported mainly as a problem in captivity. There are also reports in free-ranging wildlife, endangering and hampering tuberculosis erradication programs in animal production. The diagnosis of the disease in wildlife is usually postmortem, because the tuberculin test is not standardized for wildlife species, and also it is not reliable for screening. The postmortem diagnosis is based on macroscopic findings, microscopic detection of AFB at Ziehl-Neelsen staining (ZN), and mainly isolation and identification of the agent. However, only gross and microscopic exams do not allow to distinguish the species of Mycobacterium involved. The immunostaining with polyclonal anti-Mycobacterium tuberculosis confirms tuberculosis infection, but is not specific; there may be marking of other mycobacteria. The aim of this study was to describe the histologic findings, of ZN staining and immunohistochemistry technique (IHC) of 13 cases of wildlife herbivores diagnosed with tuberculosis in the Setor de Patologia Veterinária of the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS) during the 2003- 2015 period. Formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues were recut, stained with hematoxylin and eosin and ZN, and samples were submitted to the IHC (anti-M. tuberculosis marking, streptavidin-biotin peroxidase method). All animals included were adults living in captivity and belonged to the following species: llama (5/13), sambar deer (4/13), camel (1/13), red deer (1/13), Brazilian tapir (1/13) and Nilgai antelope (1/13). The IHC revealed immunostaining of accentuated (4/13), moderate (4/13) and discrete (4/13) intensity, except in a case with insufficient material. The histological features, findings in ZN staining and IHC in the wild herbivores with tuberculosis lesions allowed the diagnosis of infection with Mycobacterium sp., turning into fast and efficient methods of diagnosis, which can help to prevent the spread of this disease in animals from the same herd.(AU)

Gross anatomy of the stomach of the dorcas gazelle (Gazella Dorcas, Linnaeus, 1758) / Anatomía macroscópica del estómago de la gacela dorcas (Gazella Dorcas, Linnaeus, 1758)

The macroscopic anatomy of the stomach in four adult dorcas gazelle was described. Four adult, two male and two female dorcas gazelle (Gazella dorcas) of the Frigya Zoological Park, Enfidha, Tunisie, were used in this study. The ruminal papillae were distributed unequally in the rumen, and were larger and more abundant within the atrium and in the two saccus cecus. The papillae were absent in dorsal part of the dorsal sac. The ruminal pillars had no papillae. The cellulae reticuli were divided and contained secondary and tertiary crests. The curvatura omasi measured 12.1±0.1 cm. A comparison with literature data for sand gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa marica) emphasises that differences between closely related species that fill similar niches cannot be expected to follow a clear pattern, but yield an inhomogenous picture, with some measurements more tending towards a specific feeding type in the one, and some other measurements tending more towards that feeding type in the other species.We concluded that the stomach morphology of the dorcas gazelle indicates the'cattle-type' morphophysiology representative for intermediate feeders.

En este estudio se describe la anatomía macroscópica del estómago de cuatro gacelas dorcas adultas. Se utilizaron cuatro animales adultos, dos machos y dos hembras (Gazella dorcas) del Parque Zoológico Frigya, Enfidha, Túnez. Las papilas ruminales estaban distribuidas de manera desigual en el rumen, y se observaron de mayor tamaño y abundantes dentro de la aurícula, y en ambos saccus cecus. No se observaron papilas en la parte dorsal del saco dorsal. Los reticuli cellulae se dividieron y contenían crestas secundarias y terciarias. La curvatura omasi media 12,1±0,1 cm. Una comparación con los datos de la literatura en gacelas de arena (Gazella subgutturosa marica) indica que no se puede esperar un patrón exacto en las especies estrechamente relacionadas que llenan nichos similares, pero no cuentan con una imagen homogénea. En algunas de las mediciones se observa la tendencia hacia un tipo específico de alimentación en una especie, mientras que otras medidas tienden a asociar este tipo de alimentación a otras especies. La morfología del estómago de la gacela dorcas indica que la morfofisiologia de este tipo de ganado es representativa de alimentadores intermedios.

Morphological and radiographic studies on the skull of Indian blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra) / Estudios morfológicos y radiográficos del craneo del antilope negro (Antilope cervicapra) de la India

The phenotypic appearance of the head of animal species depends strongly on the shape of the skull. The present study has been carried out on morphological and radiographic characteristics of skull of the Indian Blackbuck. The skull comprised of cranial and facial bones. The cranial bones included occipital, sphenoid, ethmoid, interparietal, parietal, frontal and temporal. The occipital was a single bone surrounding the foramen magnum. The sphenoid was a single bone and situated between the occipital posteriorly and the ethmoid anteriorly. The ethmoid was a single bone laid ventral to the frontal and nasal bones. The interparietal was a small quadrilateral bone wedged in between the parietal anterio-laterally and the supraoccipital posteriorly. The parietal was a paired bone. The frontal bone was a paired and formed the roof of the cranial cavity. The occipital bone was roughly pentagonal in shape. The temporal was a paired bone and formed the part of the lateral wall of the cranial cavity. The facial bones included maxilla, premaxilla, palatine, pterygoid, nasal, lacrimal, zygomatic, vomer, turbinates, mandible and hyoid. The maxilla was a roughly triangular flat paired bone. The paired incisive bones were placed on the lower part of the face. The palatine was a paired bone. The pterygoid was a paired, small, slightly curved, flat plate of bone and situated on either side of the posterior nares. The nasal was a paired bone and formed the roof of nasal cavity. The lacrimal was a paired bone and located on the anterior margin of the orbit. The zygomatic was a paired bone and irregularly triangular in outline. The vomer was a single medial bone. The turbinate bone was delicate, scroll-like, complex bony plates, placed vertically in the nasal cavity, being attached to the lateral walls. The mandible was a paired bone. The hyoid bone was situated between the vertical parts of the rami of the mandible.

La apariencia fenotípica de la cabeza de las especies animales depende principalmente de la forma del cráneo. El objetivo fue estudiar las características morfológicas y radiográficas del cráneo del antílope negro de la India. El cráneo consta de los huesos craneales y faciales. Los huesos craneales incluyen occipital, esfenoides, etmoides, interparietal, parietal, frontal y temporal. El occipital es un hueso singular que circunda el foramen occipital. El esfenoides se sitúa entre el occipital posterior y el etmoidal anterior. El etmoidal es un hueso singular situado de forma ventral a los huesos frontal y nasal. El interparietal es un pequeño hueso cuadrilátero ubicado entre el parietal anterolateral y posterior del supraoccipital. El parietal es un hueso bilateral. El hueso bilateral frontal cubría la cavidad craneal. El hueso occipital era más o menos de forma pentagonal. El hueso temporal formaba parte de la pared lateral de la cavidad craneal. Los huesos faciales incluyen el hueso maxilar, premaxila, palatina, pterigoideo, nasal, lacrimal, cigomático, vómer, conchas nasales, mandíbula y el hueso hioides. El maxilar se presentó como un hueso bilateral plano más o menos triangular. Los huesos incisivos estaban colocados en la parte inferior de la cara. El hueso palatino es un hueso bilateral. El hueso pterigoideo bilateral, plano pequeño, de hueso y situado a ambos lados de las fosas posteriores. El hueso nasal en ambos lados formaba la cubierta de la cavidad nasal. El lagrimal es un hueso asociado y situado en el margen anterior de la órbita. El cigomático es un hueso irregular de contorno triangular. El vómer esun solo hueso medial. La concha nasal delgada con forma de espiral, placas óseas complejas y colocadas verticalmente en la cavidad nasal unidas a las paredes laterales. La mandíbula es un hueso bilateral. El hueso hioides estaba situado entre las partes verticales de las ramas de la mandíbula.

Obtención, evaluación y congelación de semen de antilope adulto (Addax nasomaculatus) del Zoo-Parque Lecocq de Montevideo-Uruguay / Collection, evaluation and freezing of sperm antilope adult (Addax nasomaculatus) of the Lecocq Zoo-Park in Montevideo-Uruguay

La criopreservación de semen es una importante biotecnología reproductiva que viene siendo utilizada con éxito desde hace casi 50 años que busca promover la conservación del germoplasma masculino. Si bien en la actualidad se han desarrollado sistemas electrónicos automatizados portátiles, muchos técnicos continúan utilizando el método convencional de congelación por su practicidad, bajo costo y su buena eficiencia. En este trabajo, utilizando protocolos estandarizados para la evaluación reproductiva de machos de otras especies se presentan datos preliminares sobre obtención, evaluación y congelación de gameto masculino de antílopes adultos (Addax nasomaculatus). Se obtuvo el semen de tres antílopes machos adultos, registrándose volumen, color, motilidad, vigor, vitalidad, concentración y morfología. El semen fue congelado por el método convencional y preservado en nitrógeno a -196 C. Los machos respondieron satisfactoriamente al método de sedación y extracción de semen. Tanto la evaluación del semen fresco como del semen congelado mostraron datos preliminares aceptables que validan la metodología utilizada y estimulan a continuar trabajando con esta especie dada su condición de animales en cautiverio y en peligro de extinción.

For almost 50 years sperm cryopreservation has been an important reproductive biotechnology that promotes the conservation of male germplasm. While today automated portable electronic systems have been developed, many technicians continue to use the conventional method of freezing for its practicality, low cost and efficiency. In this work we present preliminary data using standard protocols for assessing reproductive males of other species, about evaluation and freezing of adult antelope (Addax nasomaculatus) male gamete. Semen from three adult male antelope was obtained; we registered volume, color, motility, vigor, vitality, concentration and morphology. The semen was frozen by the conventional method and preserved under -196 C nitrogen. Males responded satisfactorily to the method of sedation and extraction of semen. The evaluation of fresh and frozen semen showed acceptable preliminary data that validate the methodology and encourage them to continue working with this species because of their status of animals in captivity and in danger of extinction.

Fatal parasitosis in blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra): a possible factor risk in hunting units / Parasitosis fatal en el antílope negro (Antilope cervicapra): un posible factor de riesgo en unidades de cacería

In February 2012, a reproductive group of 60 adult blackbucks (Antilope cervicapra) from Veracruz, Mexico was relocated to hunting units in eastern and northeastern Mexico. Seven individuals died due to hemorrhagic parasitic, abomasitis and enteritis caused by Haemonchus spp., Setaria spp., and Trichostrongylids. Deaths were associated with hepatic necrosis, bilateral congestive distention of heart and fibrinonecrotic bronchopneumonia. Also Anaplasma marginale was identified. The blackbucks' population displayed a general mortality rate of 11.67%, where 25% of total male and 9.62% of total female died. The mortality was controlled by segregation of all remaining blackbucks and the treatment for internal and external parasites (biting flies and ticks). After the treatment, no fatality cases related to parasitosis were recorded. The results presented here exhibit the high relevance of parasitosis as possible factor risk in the survival of tis specie.

En febrero del 2012, un grupo de 60 individuos adultos reproductivos de antílope negro (Antilope cervicapra) provenientes de Veracruz, México fueron reubicado en unidades de cacería del este y noreste de este país. Siete individuos murieron presentando hemorragias parasíticas, abomasitis y enteritis ocasionadas por Haemonchus spp., Setaria spp. y Trichostrongylids. Las muertes estuvieron asociadas con necrosis hepática, distensión congestiva del corazón y bronconeumonía fibronecrótica, donde Anaplasma marginale fue identificada. La población de antílopes negros mostró un porcentaje de mortalidad del 11.67%, en donde el 25 y 9.62% de los machos y hembras totales murieron. La mortalidad fue controlada mediante el aislamiento de los antílopes negros restantes y un tratamiento contra parásitos internos y externos (garrapatas y moscas picadoras), lo cual controló las mortalidades y reveló la importancia de la parasitosis como factor de riesgo que afecta la sobrevivencia de esta especie.

Morphometrical studies on the skull of indian blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra) / Estudios morfológicos en el cráneo del antílope indio (Antelope cervicapra)

The phenotypic appearance of the head of animal species depends strongly on the shape of the skull. The morphometric studies of the skull show that variability in the shape and proportions of bones is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. The present study was carried out first time on the morphometrical characteristics on skull of Indian Blackbuck. Craniometric measurements for 48 different parts of the skulls of Indian blackbuck were made in this study. All investigated features were expressed as Mean±SE. The craniometric measurements and cephalic indices had been compared with ruminants. The mean lengths of the skulls were found to be 20.68±0.02 cm, with the width and cephalic index to the magnitude of 9.54±0.03 cm and 46.12±0.12 cm, respectively. The cranial length, width and height in blackbuck were 10.40±0.02 cm, 6.13±0.02 cm and 7.13±0.02 cm, respectively. The cranial index was 59.00±0.11. The mean facial length, facial width and facial index were 11.53±0.08 cm, 9.30±0.01 cm and 80.67±0.44 cm, respectively. The mean weight of the skull with mandible in blackbuck was 182.37±0.54.

La apariencia fenotípica de la cabeza de especies animales depende principalmente de la forma del cráneo. Los estudios morfométricos del cráneo muestran que la variabilidad en la forma y proporciones de los huesos está influenciada por factores genéticos y ambientales. El presente estudio se llevó a cabo por primera vez en las características morfométricas en el cráneo del antílope indio. En este estudio se efectuaron mediciones craneométricas en 48 partes de los cráneos de antílope indio. Todas las características investigadas se expresaron como Media±EE. Las mediciones craneométricas e índices cefálicos fueron comparados con los rumiantes. Se encontró que las longitudes medias de los cráneos eran de 20,68±0,02 cm, con el ancho y el índice cefálico de 9,54±0,03 cm y 46,12±0,12 cm, respectivamente. La longitud del cráneo, ancho y alto en antílope indio eran 10,40±0,02 cm, 6,13±0,02 cm y 7,13±0,02 cm, respectivamente. El índice craneal era 59,00±0,11. La longitud media del rostro, ancho facial e índice facial eran 11,53±0,08 cm, 9,30±0,01 cm y 80,67±0,44 cm, respectivamente. El peso medio del cráneo con la mandíbula en el antílope indio fue de 182,37±0,54.

Gross and morphometrical studies on mandible of blackbuck (Antelope cervicapra) / Estudio macroscópico y morfométrico de la mandíbula del antílope negro (Antelope cervicapra)

The present study has been done on the mandible of blackbuck. The mandible was a paired bone. It was the largest bone of the skull, and it was made up of two halves, which were united with immovable articulation forming mandibular symphysis. It presented for description three surfaces and three borders. The lingual sur-face was smooth and concave. Its symphyseal surface was rough and irregular. The most prominent part of the curve of the ramus formed the angle of the jaw; the part of the ramus between the body and the angle was called horizontal part and carries the lower cheek teeth. The part of the ramus above the angle was termed the vertical part. The vertical part of ramus was non-tooth bearing, expanded vertical part of mandible. Each ramus presented for description two surfaces, two borders and two extremities. The lateral surface was widest at the angle and tapers towards the extremities.

Este estudio se llevó a cabo sobre la mandíbula del antílope negro. La mandíbula del antílope negro es un hueso emparejado, corresponde al hueso más grande del cráneo, y está compuesto de dos mitades, unidas por una articulación inmóvil formando la sínfisis mandibular. Se observaron tres superficies y tres márgenes. La superficie lingual era lisa y cóncava y la superficie sinfisial era áspera e irregular. La zona más prominente de la curva de la rama formó el ángulo de la mandíbula; el punto de la rama entre el cuerpo y el ángulo se denomina el área horizontal y lleva a los dientes de la mandíbula inferior. El punto de la rama superior al ángulo es conocido como el área vertical. Cada rama presentó para la descripción dos superficies, dos márgenes y dos extremidades. La superficie lateral era más ancha en el ángulo y se extendía hacia las extremidades.

Preliminary study on substitution of Antelope Horn in Danqi Piantan capsule with artificial bezoar / 中国中药杂志

To study the protective effect of Danqi Piantan capsule ( DPC) and its antelope horn substitution (DPCAS) on the cerebral ischemia, in order to preliminary study the possibility of replacing antelope horn with artificial bezoar. In this study, the left middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was adopted. Totally 150 SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: the sham operation group, the model group, the Danqi Piantan capsule (DPC) group (0.246 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)), the Danqi Piantan capsule without antelope horn (DPCRA) group (0.246 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)), the Danqi Piantan capsule without antelope horn and with double artificial bezoar (DPCDB) group (0.246 g x kg(-1) x d(-1)). The MCAO model was prepared 1 h later after the administration on the 5th day. At 24 h after the operation, the inner canthus blood was collected to determine the serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the endothelin (ET) content. At 72 h after the operation, the cerebral infarct size and the cerebral index were determined by TTC-staining. The fluorescent quantitative PCR method was used to detect brain Bcl-2, Caspase-3, IL-1β, P-selectin, E-selectin, ICAM-1 mRNA expressions. The mmunohistochemical method was used to detect ICAM-1, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 expressions in ischemic penumbra. According to the results, compared with the model group, DPCDB and DPC groups showed almost consistent results, indicating both of the two group can significantly improved cerebral infarction index and cerebral index (P < 0.05), increase the serum SOD activity (P < 0.05), decrease the serum ET level and Caspase-3 expression, IL-1β, P-selectin, E-selectin, ICAM-1 mRNA expressions in brain tissues (P < 0.05) and expressions of ICAM-1, IL-1,6, TNF-α, IL-6 positive cells in ischemic penumbra (P < 0.05) and increase the Bcl-2 expression (P < 0.05). The DPCRA group showed much lower impacts on indexes than DPCDB and DPC groups. This suggests that DPCDB and DPC reveal similar efficacies and antelope horn in Danqi Piantan capsule can be substitutes by artificial bezoar.

Substitution of antelope horn in Danqi Piantan capsule with artificial bezoar in vitro / 中国中药杂志

The in vitro cell culture experiment was conducted to study the effect of Danqi Piantan capsule (DPC) and DPC dislodge the antelope horn with artificial bezoar double (DPCBD) on nerve regeneration and blood vessel regeneration and preliminarily investigate the possibility of substituting antelope horn in DPC with artificial bezoar. In this experiment, rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: the blank serum control group, the model group, DPC groups (0.306 g x kg(-1) x d(-1), the same below), DPC remove of antelope horn (DPCRA) groups and DPCBD groups. Brain microvascular endothelial cells cultured in vitro (BMEC), astrocytes and neural stem cells (NSC) were co-cultured to simulate neurovascular unit, label neurons with microtubule associated protein III (β-tubulin III) antibody and lable astrocytes with glial fibrillary acidicprotein (GFAP). ELISA was used for the detection of the content of BMEC lactate dehydrogenase instrument method (LDH), the inverted phase contrastmicroscope was adopted to observe the formation of BMEC tube like structure, the number of leukocytes and leukocytes adherent to BMEC were counted under the microscope, the expression levels of β-tubulin III and the ratio of GFAP positive cells was detected with inimmunofluorescence, and RT-PCR method was used to detect NGF, BDNF, VEGF and VEGFr-2 mRNA. According to the result, compared with the model group, both DPC and DPCBD can reduce LDH leakage, promote the formation of BMEC tube like structure, inhibit leukocytes and their adhesion to BMEC, increase the β-tubulin III positive cell differentiation proportion (P < 0. 01), reduce the proportion of GFAP positive cells (P < 0.01), increase the expressions of co-cultured NGF, VEGF, BDNF and VEGFr-2 mRNA to a certain extent, with the most significant difference on NGF and VEGF mRNA expressions (P < 0.05) and the same efficacy in both groups. DPCRA groups showed less impact on all indexes than that of DPCBD and DPC groups. The same efficacy of DPCBD and DPC on nerve regeneration and angiogenesis suggested that antelope horn in DPC can be substituted by artificial bezoar.

Arabian oryx (oryx leucoryx) trachea: a descriptive and morphometric analysis / Tráquea del órix de arabia (oryx leucoryx): un análisis descriptivo y morfométrico

The objective of this study was to report the distinctive anatomical and histological features of the trachea of the Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx). The number of tracheal rings and tracheal length were measured. The diameter, thickness and cross sectional area of tracheal ring were determined at four tracheal regions (cranial cervical (CCR), middle cervical, thoracic inlets and intra thoracic). Tracheal rings were also collected for histological analysis. The mean length of the trachea was 54.1cm +/- 0.73, while the number of tracheal rings varied from 50-51. Tracheal ring measurements (diameter, thickness and cross sectional area) were smallest at the thoracic inlet region. The ratio of the outer transverse to outer vertical and inner transverse to inner vertical diameter ranged between 0.75 and 0.98. The histological analysis revealed that the wall of the trachea consists from four histological layers: a mucosa made of pseudostratified epithelium and lamina propria, submucosa made of dense irregular connective tissue, a hyaline cartilage and a tunica adventitia made of loose connective tissue.

El objetivo fue describir las características anatómicas e histológicas distintivas de la tráquea del Orix de Arabia (Oryx leucoryx). Fueron medidos el número de anillos traqueales y la longitud traqueal. El diámetro, grosor y área de la sección transversal (AST) del anillo traqueal fueron determinados en cuatro regiones (cervical craneal (CCR), medio cervical (MC), entradas torácicas (ET) e intratorácica (EIT)). También se realizó en los anillos traqueales el análisis histológico. La longitud media de la tráquea fue de 54,1+/-0,73 cm, mientras que el número de anillos traqueales varió desde 50 hasta 51. Las mediciones del anillo traqueal (diámetro, grosor y AST) fueron menores en la región de la entrada torácica. La relación de los diámetros transversal exterior a vertical exterior y transversal interno a vertical interno osciló entre 0,75 y 0,98. El análisis histológico reveló que la pared de la tráquea se compone de cuatro capas: mucosa de epitelio pseudoestratificado y lámina propia, submuscosa de tejido conectivo denso irregular, cartílago hialino y túnica adventicia de tejido conectivo laxo.

Monitoring the endangered population of the antelope Kobus leche smithemani (Artiodactyla: Bovidae), in the Bangweulu ecosystem, Zambia

Black lechwe (Kobus leche smithemani) is a semi-aquatic medium sized antelope currently enlisted on the IUCN red list of endangered species and is only endemic to the Bangweulu basin of Zambia. Its population has significantly decreased due to floods that took place during the period 1930-1940 from over 250 000-15 000 leading the Zambian government to gazette all habitats of Black lechwe into state protected areas, and to establish urgent management strategies needed to save the remaining population from extinction. Using retrospective data, our findings show that the population has increased from 15 000 animals in 1954 to 55 632 in 2009. The current population is estimated at 34.77% (55 632/160 000) of the carrying capacity of the Bangweulu basin. Although the Black lechwe is one of the 42 species offered for consumptive utilization by the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA), only 0.12% and 0.08% of the current stock was offered for safari and resident hunting annually for the period 2005-2009, respectively. Annual quota utilization were estimated at 67% (n=37) and 81% (n=37) for safari and resident hunting, respectively. Hence, overall income obtained from utilization of Black lechwe is very low accounting for only 2.1% of the total revenue earned from wildlife utilization. Although the current population trend is showing a unit increase of 639 animals per year, it is still far below levels ideal for the lucrative utilization. In this study, we demonstrate that adverse ecological changes on wildlife species, can lead to their vulnerability and danger of extinction, and that their recovery to full carrying capacity may demand a considerable amount of time.

El lechwe negro (Kobus leche smithemani) es un antílope semi-acuático de tamaño medio que en la actualidad se encuentra en la lista roja de la UICN de especies en peligro de extinción y sólo es endémica de la cuenca del Bangweulu de Zambia. Su población ha disminuido considerablemente, de más de 250 000 a 15 000, debido a las inundaciones que se dieron durante el período 1930-1940, lo que llevó al gobierno de Zambia a declarar todos los hábitats del lechwe negro en áreas protegidas estatales, y a establecer estrategias de administración urgentes necesarias para salvar el resto de la población de la extinción. Utilizando los datos retrospectivos, nuestros resultados muestran que la población ha aumentado de 15 000 animales en 1954 a 55 632 en 2009. La población actual se estima en 34.77% (55 632/160 000) de la capacidad de carga de la cuenca del Bangweulu. Aunque el lechwe Negro es una de las 42 especies que se ofrecen para su utilización consuntiva por la Autoridad de Vida Silvestre de Zambia (ZAWA), sólo el 0.12% y 0.08% de la población actual se ha ofrecido para el safari y la caza residente anual para el período 2005-2009, respectivamente. La utilización de la cuota anual se estima en 67% (n=67) y 81% (n=37) para safari de caza y residente, respectivamente. Por lo tanto, los ingresos totales obtenidos de la utilización del lechwe negro son muy bajos contando sólo el 2.1% de los ingresos totales obtenidos de la utilización de la fauna silvestre. Aunque la tendencia actual de la población está mostrando un incremento unitario de 639 animales por año, está todavía muy por debajo de los niveles ideales para la utilización lucrativa. En este estudio, se demuestra que los cambios ecológicos perjudiciales sobre especies de fauna silvestre, puede conducir a su vulnerabilidad y peligro de extinción, y que la recuperación de su capacidad de carga completa puede exigir una cantidad considerable de tiempo.

Gross anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract in the Brown Brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira)

We dissected and described the macroscopic anatomy of the stomach and intestines of five adult Brown Brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira), a south american cervid species. The findings of our study as ruminal papillae evenly distributed across the rumen, papillated rumen pillars, the large reticulum with low reticular crests and the small omasum represent typical characteristics of browser ruminants. The ratio of the small intestine to the large intestine of 2.0 appears within the ‘browser range’.

Avaliação de dois métodos para condicionamento e coleta de sêmen em quatro espécies do gênero Mazama / Assessment of two methods for conditioning and semen collection in four species of Mazama genus

O desenvolvimento de técnicas não invasivas para a obtenção de sêmen de cervídeos facilita a criação de bancos genômicos, que são importantes instrumentos para a conservação ex situ e in situ. Este trabalho teve como objetivo criar uma metodologia não-invasiva de coleta de sêmen e comparar duas técnicas de coleta em quatro espécies do gênero Mazama: M. americana, M. gouazoubira, M. nana e M. nemorivaga. Para tanto, foram utilizados seis machos (M) e duas fêmeas (F) da espécie M. americana, 3M e 2F de M. gouazoubira, 1M e 1F de M. nana e 2M e 1F de M. nemorivaga. Para cada técnica testada, foi realizado um período de habituação dos animais ao manejo. Em seguida, duas técnicas de condicionamento e coleta foram avaliadas. Na primeira delas foi utilizada uma fêmea em estro com desvio lateral do pênis para vagina artificial (FEDL), obtendo-se a coleta de 50% dos indivíduos (100% dos machos de M. gouazoubira e 50% dos machos de M. americana), não obtendo ejaculados das demais espécies. Na segunda técnica, utilizando um manequim taxidermizado com urina de fêmea em estro (MUFE) não foi possível a coleta de nenhum ejaculado. Em todas as fases foi observado o comportamento do macho quanto ao tempo de interesse e aproximação, reflexo de "Flehmen", ato de cheirar ou lamber, exposição do pênis, ereção, número de falsas montas, tentativas de cópula e ocorrência de agressividade entre os animais.

The development of noninvasive techniques for obtaining semen from deer facilitates the creation of genome banks, which are important tools for ex situ and in situ conservation. This study aimed to establish a noninvasive method of semen collection and compare two techniques of collection in four species of the genus Mazama: M. americana, M. gouazoubira, M. nana and M. nemorivaga. To achieve this, 6 males (M) and 2 females (F) of the species M. Americana, 3M and 2F of M. gouazoubira, 1M and 1F of M. nana and 2M and 1F of M. nemorivaga were used. For each technique tested, a period of habituation to animal handling was conducted; then, the two conditioning techniques and collection were evaluated. In the first, a female in estrus was used with lateral deviation of the penis to an artificial vagina (FEDL), yielding collection from 50% of the males (100% from M. gouazoubira and 50% from M. americana), with no ejaculate from the remaining species. In the second technique, using a taxidermized dummy with urine from females in estrus (MUFE), no semen collection was possible. During all stages, male behavior was observed regarding the time of interest and approximation, the "Flehmen" response, the act of sniffing or licking, exposure of the penis, erection, number of false mounts, attempts at copulation and the occurrence of aggression between the deer.

Craniometrical studies on the skull of Tibetan gazelle (Procapra Picticaudata) / Estudios craneométricos en el cráneo de la gacela del Tibet (Procapra Picticaudata)

A total of 10 skulls of Tibetan gazelle were utilized in this study. Craniometric measurements for 22 different parts of the skull were made. Skull indices and ratios were calculated. A skull index of 43.22+/-0.44, a cranial index of 58.37+/-0.80 and a facial index of 116.37+/-1.24 were obtained.

Un total de 10 cráneos de gacela tibetana se utilizaron en este estudio. Mediciones craniométricos para 22 diferentes partes de los cráneos fueron realizadas. Los índices craneales y sus razones fueron calculadas. Un índice de cráneo de 43,22 +/- 0,44, un índice craneal de 58,37 +/- 0,80 y un índice facial de 116,37 +/- 1,24 se obtuvieron.

Neurological adaptations to hypoxia in Tibetan antelope (Pantholops hodgsonii) with a view of molecular biology of respiratory globin-neuroglobin / 中国应用生理学杂志

Neuroglobin (Ngb) is a respiratory protein that is preferentially expressed in brain of mouse and man. In this article, Tibetan antelope, living at altitude of 3 000-5 000 m for millions of years, was selected as the model of hypoxia-tolerant adaptation species. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot techniques, expression of Ngb gene was amplified and analyzed in antelope brain tissue. Our results showed that Ngb homology protein in Tibetan antelope was identified with more sequence similarity with cattle (96%), sheep (95%), and human (95%). We detected that there were some mutations occurred in the Open Reading Frame of Ngb in Tibetan antelope compared with sheep. Phylogenetic analysis of Ngb chain showed that it was closer to cattle than the others. This study suggests possible roles of central nervous system enriched Ngb in adaptation of Tibetan antelope to extremely high altitude.

Study on the content of myoglobin and the activity of lactate dehydrogenase and malate dehydrogenase in skeletal muscle of tibetan antelope / 中国应用生理学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the adaptive mechanism to hypoxia in skeletal muscle of tibetan antelope.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Tibetan sheep which living at the same altitude (4 300 m) with tibetan antelope and low altitude (1 800 m) sheep as control, the content of myoglobin (Mb) and lactic acid (LA), the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) in skeletal muscles among three animals were analyzed by spectrophotometer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The content of myoglobin in skeletal muscle of tibetan antelope significantly higher than that of tibetan sheep and low altitude sheep (P < 0.05). And the content of LA in skeletal muscle of tibetan antelope significantly lower than that of tibetan sheep and low altitude sheep (P < 0.05), activity of LDH and MDH in skeletal muscle was significantly lower and higher respectively than that of tibetan sheep and low altitude sheep (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between tibetan sheep and low altitude sheep.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Tibetan antelope may improve their ability to get oxygen under hypoxia by increasing the content of myoglobin in skeletal muscle, and the proportion of aerobic metabolism is high in skeletal muscle, it may be relate that with high myoglobin content in skeletal muscle, we suppose that high myoglobin content in skeletal muscle of tibetan antelope might be one of the molecular basis to adapt hypoxia.</p>

Detection of Babesia spp. in Free-Ranging Pukus, Kobus vardonii, on a Game Ranch in Zambia

Babesia spp. were detected from 4 asymptomatic pukus captured on a game ranch in central Zambia in October 2008. Blood smears were examined in 4 species of aymptomatic free-ranging antelopes, namely the puku (Kobus vordanii), reedbuck (Redunca arundinum), bushbuck (Tragelaphus sylvaticus), and kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros), and showed the presence of Babesia parasites only in the puku. In the puku, the prevalence of babesiosis was estimated at 33.3% (n=12), while the overall prevalence in all examined animals was 8.5% (n=47). The parasites showed morphological characteristics of paired ring-like stages with the length varying between 1.61 microm and 3.02 microm (mean=2.12 microm, n=27; SD=0.76 microm). Both the infected and non-infected pukus showed good body condition scores (BCS), while the dominant tick species detected from all animals were Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Rhipicephalus spp., and Boophilus spp. To our knowledge this is the first report of Babesia spp. infection in pukus in Zambia. These findings suggest that wildlife could play an important role in the epidemiology of babesiosis in Zambia.