Histomorphology of vomeronasal organ in Scincella tsinlingensis / Histomorfología del órgano vomeronasal en Scincella tsinlingensis

Due to the great change in the morphology of squamate vomeronasal organ (VNO), the histomorphology characteristics of VNO in Scincella tsinlingensis were studied by light and electronic microscopy. The results indicated that the VNO of S. tsinlingensis was located at the base of nasal cavity and consisted of a mushroom body situated anteroventrally and a sensory epithelium (SE) situated dorsocaudally. SE was composed of supporting cells, receptor cells and basal cells, and the supporting cells contained secretory granules near the surface membrane. Most of receptor cells were irregular in shape with long cytoplasmic extensions and characterized by microtubules, vesicles, and mitochondria. The basal cells with long cytoplasmic extensions were also irregular in shape and appeared a greater electron density than others. The thick nerve bundles were found on the dorsomedial area of VNO, and the surface of mushroom body was non-sensory epithelium consisting of ciliated and basal cells, without goblet cells. Epithelial cells were arranged in irregular, with many cilia and microvilli distributed on its free surface. Cells on the basal layer were irregularly circular in shape and arranged sparsely. Taken together, the results indicated that the fine structure of VNO in S. tsinlingensis was similar to other species from scincomorphs.

Debido al gran cambio en la morfología del órgano vomeronasal (OVN), se estudiaron las características histomorfológicas en la Scincella tsinlingensis por microscopías de luz y electrónica. Los resultados indicaron que el OVN de S. tsinlingensis se localizaba en la base de la cavidad nasal y consistía en un cuerpo como hongo situado anteroventralmente y un epitelio sensorial (ES) situado dorso caudamente. El ES estaba compuesto de células de soporte, células receptoras y células basales, y las células de soporte contenían gránulos secretores cerca de la membrana superficial. En gran parte de la mayoría de las células receptoras se observó una forma irregular con largas extensiones citoplasmáticas, caracterizadas por microtúbulos, vesículas y mitocondrias. Las células basales con extensiones citoplasmáticas también tenían forma irregular y algunas parecían tener una mayor densidad de electrones. Los haces gruesos nerviosos se encontraron en el área dorsomedial del OVN, la superficie del cuerpo de estaba compuesto de epitelio no sensorial y consistía de células ciliadas y basales, sin células caliciformes. Las células epiteliales estaban dispuestas de manera irregular, con muchos cilios y microvellosidades distribuidas en su superficie libre. Las células en la capa basal eran escasas y de forma circular irregular. Tomados en conjunto, los resultados indicaron que la estructura fina del OVN en S. tsinlingensis era similar a otras especies de scincomorpha.

Características de carcaça, órgão vomeronasal, concentrações séricas de testosterona e IGF-I em machos Nelore com ductos incisivos bloqueados / Characteristics of carcass, vomeronasal organ, serum testosterone and IGF-I concentrations in Nellore males with blocked incisor ducts

Objetivou-se avaliar características quali - quantitativas da carcaça em machos Nelore, submetidos ao bloqueio dos ductos incisivos no período pré puberal. Além disso, objetivou-se avaliar as concentrações séricas de testosterona e do hormônio do crescimento semelhante a insulina do tipo I (IGF-I), e a arquitetura histológica do órgão vomeronasal (OVN). Trinta e quatro machos, no período pré puberal, foram divididos em três grupos experimentais: inteiros ­ animais controle sem qualquer procedimento (n = 11); bloqueados - animais com os ductos incisivos bilateralmente obstruídos (n = 10); castrados - animais com orquiepididectomia bilateral (n = 13). O OVN foi obtido no abate, ao final do experimento, para avaliação histomorfométrica. As coletas de sangue foram realizadas a cada três meses, em dois turnos (manhã e tarde), totalizando cinco avaliações. Observaram-se maiores (P<0,05) pesos corporais finais (inteiros = 494,1 ± 28,71; bloqueados = 500,6 ± 23,6 e castrados = 468,3 ± 21,8 Kg) nos inteiros e bloqueados. O acabamento da carcaça foi maior nos castrados (P<0,05) em relação aos inteiros e bloqueados, enquanto o rendimento de carcaça não apresentou diferenças entre os três tratamentos (P>0,05). Registrou-se redução da altura do epitélio neuro sensitivo do OVN nos bloqueados e castrados (P<0,05). Foi registrada menor concentração de testosterona nos bloqueados nas coletas quatro e cinco à tarde (P<0,05). Conclui-se que a obstrução dos ductos incisivos reduziu os estímulos sensoriais para o OVN, que por sua vez, promoveu alteração na concentração sérica de testosterona, sem alterar o ganho de peso dos animais, porém, não promoveu melhoria na qualidade da carcaça nas condições deste estudo.

A total of 34 prepuberal Nellore males were divided into three groups: control ­ animals without any procedure (n = 11); blocked - with bilaterally incisors ducts obstructed (n = 10); castrated - with bilateral orchiectomy (n = 13). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of blocking the vomeronasal organ (VNO) in qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the carcass. Also, this study aimed to evaluate testosterone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) serum concentration, and the histological architecture of the OVN. Blood samples were taken every three months during two daily collections (morning and afternoon), totalizing five evaluations. It was observed higher (P<0.05) final body weight (control= 494.1 ± 28.71; blocked = 500.6 ± 23.6; castrated = 468.3 ± 21.8 kg) at the control and blocked groups. Carcass finishing was higher in castrated animals (P <0.05), while carcass yield did not differ between treatments (P> 0.05). It was observed a reduction (P<0.05) of the VNO sensory epithelium height in blocked and castrated groups compared with control group. It was registered lower (P<0.05) serum testosterone concentration in blocked group at the fourth and fifth blood collection (afternoon). It was concluded that the obstruction of the incisive ducts reduced the sensorial stimuli for the OVN, which, in turn, promoted a change in the serum concentration of testosterone, without altering the weight gain of the animals, but did not promote improvement in the quality of the carcass under the conditions of this study.

Características de carcaça, órgão vomeronasal, concentrações séricas de testosterona e IGF-I em machos Nelore com ductos incisivos bloqueados / Characteristics of carcass, vomeronasal organ, serum testosterone andIGF-I concentrations in Nellore males with blocked incisor ducts

Objetivou-se avaliar características quali - quantitativas da carcaça em machos Nelore, submetidos ao bloqueio dos ductos incisivos no período pré puberal. Além disso, objetivou-se avaliar as concentrações séricas de testosterona e do hormônio do crescimento semelhante a insulina do tipo I (IGF-I), e a arquitetura histológica do órgão vomeronasal (OVN). Trinta e quatro machos, no período pré puberal, foram divididos em três grupos experimentais: inteiros – animais controle sem qualquer procedimento (n = 11); bloqueados - animais com os ductos incisivos bilateralmente obstruídos (n = 10); castrados - animais com orquiepididectomia bilateral (n = 13). O OVN foi obtido no abate, ao final do experimento, para avaliação histomorfométrica. As coletas de sangue foram realizadas a cada três meses, em dois turnos (manhã e tarde), totalizando cinco avaliações. Observaram-se maiores (P0,05). Registrou-se redução da altura do epitélio neuro sensitivo do OVN nos bloqueados e castrados (P<0,05). Foi registrada menor concentração de testosterona nos bloqueados nas coletas quatro e cinco à tarde (P<0,05). Conclui-se que a obstrução dos ductos incisivos reduziu os estímulos sensoriais para o OVN, que por sua vez, promoveu alteração na concentração sérica de testosterona, sem alterar o ganho de peso dos animais, porém, não promoveu melhoria na qualidade da carcaça nas condições deste estudo.

A total of 34 prepuberal Nellore males were divided into three groups: control – animals without any procedure (n = 11); blocked - with bilaterally incisors ducts obstructed (n = 10); castrated - with bilateral orchiectomy (n = 13). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of blocking the vomeronasal organ (VNO) in qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the carcass. Also, this study aimed to evaluate testosterone and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) serum concentration, and the histological architecture of the OVN. Blood samples were taken every three months during two daily collections (morning and afternoon), totalizing five evaluations. It was observed higher (P 0.05). It was observed a reduction (P<0.05) of the VNO sensory epithelium height in blocked and castrated groups compared with control group. It was registered lower (P<0.05) serum testosterone concentration in blocked group at the fourth and fifth blood collection (afternoon). It was concluded that the obstruction of the incisive ducts reduced the sensorial stimuli for the OVN, which, in turn, promoted a change in the serum concentration of testosterone, without altering the weight gain of the animals, but did not promote improvement in the quality of the carcass under the conditions of this study.

Morfologia do órgão vomeronasal da paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766) / Morphology of the paca vomeronasal organ (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766)

O órgão vomeronasal é um receptor químico capaz de detectar feromônios e por essa razão está envolvido nos comportamentos reprodutivos, sociais e de defesa. A reprodução de pacas tem se destacado na área de comercialização de carne e para fins conservacionistas e de pesquisa, como modelo experimental. Diante da necessidade do detalhamento da morfologia do sistema olfatório secundário, o sistema vomeronasal, foi descrita a anatomia macroscópica, anatomia microscópica e topografia do órgão vomeronasal (OVN) da paca (Cuniculus paca). Foram utilizadas cinco pacas adultas do Setor de Animais Silvestres da FCAV, UNESP, Jaboticabal-SP. Após a eutanásia dos animais, a solução fixadora de formaldeído 10% em tampão fosfato de sódio (PBS) foi perfundida sistemicamente (via aorta ascendente). Mediante dissecação, o OVN foi localizado e individualizado para a descrição topográfica e anatômica. Posteriormente, foi isolado e incluído em parafina plástica. Cortes de cinco micrômetros foram corados com Hematoxilina-Eosina. O OVN encontra-se no assoalho da cavidade nasal em ambos os lados da base do septo nasal e está relacionado com o osso vômer, processos palatinos dos ossos pré-maxilar e maxilar. Rostralmente, comunica-se com a cavidade oral estabelecendo relação com a papila incisiva. É um órgão par com superfície irregular, levemente elíptico em secção transversal, apresentando coloração amarronzada repleta de vasos sanguíneos. À microscopia de luz, notou-se presença da cartilagem vomeronasal. O órgão é revestido por um epitélio não sensorial e neurossensorial.(AU)

The vomeronasal organ is a chemical receptor capable of detecting pheromones and for this reason is involved in reproductive, social and defense behaviors. The breeding of pacas has been highlighted in commercialization of meat and for conservation and research purposes, as an experimental model. Regarding the necessity of detailing the morphology of the secondary olfactory system, the vomeronasal system, the macroscopic anatomy, microscopic anatomy and topography of the vomeronasal organ (OVN) was described. Five adult pacas, from the wild animal Sector at FCAV, Unesp, Jaboticabal, SP were used. After the euthanasia, it was perfused 10% formaldehyde solution by ascendent aorta. The OVN was dissected for topographic and anatomical descriptions. Then, it was included in plastic paraffin. Five micrometres sections were collected and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. The OVN is located on the floor of the nasal cavity in both sides of the base of nasal septum and it was related to the vomer, palatine process of the premaxilar and maxilar bones. In rostral aspect, it has a communication with the oral cavity and with the incisive papilla. It is a paired organ with irregular surface. In transversal section is slight elliptical with brownish colour similar to a sponge full of blood vessels. By light microscopy, it was observed the vomeronasal cartilage. The organ is covered with non-sensorial and neurossensorial epithelia.(AU)

Expression of neuronal and non-neuronal markers in the vomeronasal organs of one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) and Egyptian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) / Expresión de marcadores neuronales y no neuronales en los órganos vomeronasales del camello jorobado y el búfalo egipcio de agua

Fourteen vomeronasal organs (VNOs) of adult males one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) and Egyptian water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) (n=7/each) were examined immunohistochemically with neuronal markers; synaptophysin (SYP) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) to clarify the distribution of the vomeronasal (VN) receptor cells and nerve fibers, in addition to elucidate the existence of non-neuronal elements via S-100 and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). In both animals, the VNO was lined medially with VN sensory (olfactory) epithelium and non-sensory (respiratory) epithelium laterally. Immunohistochemically, both animals showed SYP immunolabeling only in the receptor cells of VN sensory epithelium while GFAP labeled the ensheathing cells of the nerve fibers of VNOs. Both S-100 and eNOS labeled non-neuronal elements of the VNO; the supporting cells of sensory epithelium and the VN glands. In view of these observations, we postulate that the VNOs of both animals contain various cells populations that express several neuronal and non-neuronal markers. As well as, SYP and GFAP are suggested as markers for receptor cells and ensheathing cells of nerves of the VNOs respectively. However, no clear differences can be detected in the expressions of neuronal and non-neuronal markers in VNOs of camel and buffalo since they are ruminant species.

En este estudio fueron examinados 14 órganos vomeronasales (OVN) de machos adultos de camellos de una joroba (Camelus dromedarius) y búfalos egipcios de agua (Bubalus bubalis) (n = 7 / cada uno) por inmunohistoquímica con marcadores neuronales, sinaptofisina (SIP) y proteína ácida fibrilar glial (PAFG), para identificar la distribución vomeronasal (VN) del receptor de células y fibras nerviosas, además de dilucidar la existencia de elementos no neuronales a través de S-100 y óxido nítrico sintasa endotelial (ONSe). En ambos animales, el OVN se encuentra alineado en sentido medial con el epitelio sensorial (olfato) y lateralmente con el epitelio no sensorial (respiratorio). En el estudio inmunohistoquímico, ambos animales mostraron marcadores inmunológicos solamente en las células receptoras del epitelio sensorial VN, mientras que la proteína ácida fibrilar glial marcaba las fibras nerviosas de OVN. Tanto el S-100 como la óxido nítrico sintasa endotelial, marcaron elementos no neuronales del OVN, las células de revestimiento del epitelio sensorial y las glándulas VN. En relación a estas observaciones, se postula que los OVN de ambos animales contienen células que expresan varios marcadores neuronales y no neuronales. SIP y la PAFG se sugieren como marcadores para células receptoras y las células gliales de nervios del OVN, respectivamente. Sin embargo, debido a que son especies de rumiantes, no existen diferencias claras que se puedan detectar en las expresiones de los marcadores neuronales y no neuronales en el OVN de camello y búfalo.

Órgano vomeronasal: estudio anatómico de prevalencia y su función / The vomeronasal organ: anatomic study of prevalence and its role

Introducción: El órgano vomeronasal (OVN) descrito por Jacobson en mamíferos distintos al ser humano, es una incógnita tanto en lo que se refiere a su localización así como a su función en la raza humana. Se considera como un vestigio del olfato, que en los animales mamíferos parece influir en los hábitos sexuales (feromonas) y sociales. Hasta la fecha han sido escasos los estudios concluyentes al respecto en humanos. Objetivo: Conocer la prevalencia del órgano vomeronasal en nuestras consultas. Material y método: Presentamos un estudio prospectivo de prevalencia de la frecuencia de aparición de dicho órgano en 150 sujetos distribuidos por edad y sexo, explorados por endoscopia nasosinusal rígida. Por otro lado, analizamos la influencia sobre la libido (normal-disminuida-aumentada) en el posoperatorio de 35 septoplastías, a los 15 días tras retirada de taponamiento nasal y a los 30 días y lo comparamos con un grupo de 40 pacientes intervenidos timpanoplastías. Resultados: Estudiados 150 sujetos, encontramos la presencia del órgano vomeronasal en el 39,33% (59), de los cuales el 72,88% (43) fue unilateral (23 derecha y 20 izquierda) y el 27,12% (16) bilateral. En 91 (60,67%) no hallamos dicha estructura. La libido de los 35 pacientes intervenidos de septoplastía estaba disminuida, a los 15 días, en el 77,14% (27) frente al 40% (16) de las timpanoplastías, normal en el 17,14% (6) frente al 50% (20) de las cirugías otológicas, y en 2 (5,7%) poseptoplastía había aumentado, frente al 10% (4) del otro grupo. A los 30 días, en el 77,14% (27) de las septoplastías se había normalizado frente al 90% (36) del grupo otológico, en 2 (5,71%) de la cirugía nasal continuaba disminuida frente al 10% (4) del grupo de las timpanoplastías y en 6 (17,14%) tras septoplastía había aumentado. A todos los pacientes se les aplicó el mismo test no normalizado. Conclusión: El órgano vomeronasal de Jacobson continúa siendo un gran desconocido. Es una estructura que, al parecer, no es constante, al menos a la exploración endoscópica nasosinusal. Es difícil valorar si la cirugía en sí misma o el trauma psicológico posquirúrgico son los que afectan la libido de los pacientes tras la cirugía.

Introduction: The vomeronasal organ (OVN) described by Jacobson in mammals other than humans is unknown both in terms of its location and its role in the human race. It is viewed as a vestige of smell, that mammals in the animal seems to influence the sexual habits (pheromone) and social. To date, few studies have been inconclusive on this in humans. Aim: To determine the prevalence of vomeronasal organ in our medical consultations. Materials and methods: We report a prospective prevalence study of the occurrence of such a body in 150 subjects distributed by age and sex explored by endoscopic sinus rigid. On the other hand, we analyze the effect on the libido (normally less-plus) in the postoperative 35 septoplasty, 15 days after the withdrawal of nasal pack and 30 days and compared with a group of 40 tympanoplasty surgery. Results: Studied 150 subjects, we found the presence of the vomeronasal organ in 39.33% (59), of which 72.88% (43) had unilateral (23 right and 20 left) and 27.12% (16) bilaterally. In 91 (60.67%) did not find such a structure. The libido of the 35 patients who underwent septoplasty was decreased at 15 days, at 77.14% (27) versus 40% (16) of tympanoplasty, normal in 17.14% (6) compared to 50% (20) of otologic surgery, and in 2 (5.7%) postseptoplasty had increased, compared to 10% (4) the other group. At 30 days, in 77.14% (27) of the septoplasty group the libido was normalized against 90% (36) in the otologic group. In 2 cases (5.71%) of nasal surgery group was still decreased versus 10% (4) of cases of the tympanoplasty group, and in 6 (17.14%) postseptoplasty was increased. All patients were administered the same test is not standardized. Conclusion: The vomeronasal organ of Jacobson remains the great unknown. It is a structure that apparently is not constant, at least in the endoscopic sinus exploration. With regard to their role, it is difficult to assess whether the psychological trauma after surgery or the surgery by itself is responsible of the libido changes.

Morphological characterization of the nasopalatine region in human fetuses and its association to pathologies

The nasopalatine region is composed of structures such as the vomeronasal organ and nasopalatine duct. The nasopalatine duct may provide the communication of the mouth to the nasal cavity in human fetuses and can be obliterated in an adult human. Knowledge on the development of the nasopalatine region and nasopalatine duct in humans is necessary for understanding the morphology and etiopathogenesis of lesions that occur in this region. Objective The aim of the present study was to describe the morphological aspects of the nasopalatine region in human fetuses and correlate these aspects with the development of pathologies in this region. Material and Methods Five human fetuses with no facial or palatine abnormalities were used for the acquisition of specimens from the nasopalatine region. After demineralization, the specimens were histologically processed. Histological cuts were stained with methylene blue to orient the cutting plane and hematoxylin-eosin for the descriptive histological analysis. Results The age of the fetuses was 8.00, 8.25, 9.00 and 9.25 weeks, and it was not possible to determine the age in the last one. The incisive canal was observed in all specimens as an opening delimited laterally by the periosteum and connecting oral and nasal cavity. The nasopalatine duct is an epithelial structure with the greatest morphological variation, with either unilateral or bilateral occurrence and total patent, partial patent and islet forms. The vomeronasal organ is a bilateral epithelized structure located alongside the nasal septum above the incisive canal in all the fetuses. Conclusions The incisive canal, nasopalatine duct and vomeronasal organ are distinct anatomic structures. The development of nasopalatine duct cysts may occur in all forms of the nasopalatine duct. .

El órgano vomeronasal humano: [revisión] / Human vomeronasal organ: [revision]

El órgano vomeronasal (OVN) es una estructura que estudiamos alguna vez en anatomía, sin embargo su ubicación, frecuencia y función específica en humanos ha sido poco estudiada. Por este motivo se realizó una revisión bibliográfica actualizada acerca del OVN humano, enfatizando en puntos importantes como su anatomía y relación con algunas conductas. Hoy en día es considerado como un órgano olfatorio accesorio, capaz de percibir la presencia de vomeroferinas. Estas corresponden a un grupo de sustancias químicas identificadas, capaces de provocar cambios conductuales tanto a nivel social, sexual como maternal. Se localiza lateralmente al septo nasal y posee células periféricas, capaces de actuar como receptores, los cuales al ser estimuladas son capaces de generar una respuesta, susceptible de ser medida a través de un electrodo ubicado en el epitelio vomeronasal. Los últimos estudios sugieren que además tendría una conexión directa hacia el sistema nervioso central, mediante neuronas sensoriales bipolares, lo que implica un cuidado adicional en pacientes sometidos a cirugías cercanas a su ubicación.

The human vomeronasal organ (OVN) is a structure that is once studied in Anatomy, but commonly Iittie is known about its location, frequency and specific function. For this reason recent literature on the subject was reviewed, emphasizing important topics such as its anatomy and relation to some behaviors. The vomeronasal organ is nowadays considered an accessory olfactory organ, capable of detecting the presence of vomeropherins. These belong to a group of identified chemical substances, capable of induce behavioral changes at the social, sexual and maternal level. It is located lateral to the nasal septum, and it contains peripheral cells that act as receptors, which upon stimulation are capable of triggering a response that can be recorded via an electrode located in the vomeronasal epithelium. In addition, recent studies suggest that the vomeronasal organ has a direct connection to the central nervous system, by way of bipolar sensory neurons, which would demand additional care in patients having surgery in its vicinity.

Study on the morphology and frequency of the vomeronasal organ in humans / Estudio sobre la morfología y la frecuencia del órgano vomeronasal en los seres humanos

The vomeronasal organ was first described in humans in the seventeenth century. It has a chemosensory function and is found in the mucosa of the nasal septum of mammals and consists of an opening in the mucosa at the base of the nasal septum. For this study, 143 individuals undergoing nasofibrolaryngoscopy were studied, and presence of the vomeronasal organ was considered to be a finding from the examination. Three morphological types of vomeronasal organ were observed: fissure, fossette and circular. The total prevalence of the vomeronasal organ among these patients was 28 percent (40 individuals ). The prevalence of the vomeronasal organ in this study population is compatible with what has been reported in other studies. The forms of the vomeronasal organ can be characterized: fissure, fossette and circular. The fossette type is commonest in males and the fissure among females.

El órgano vomeronasal se describió por primera vez en seres humanos en el siglo XVII. Tiene una función quimiosensorial y se encuentra en la mucosa del tabique nasal de los mamíferos, y consta de una abertura en la mucosa en la base del tabique nasal. Para este estudio, 143 individuos fueron estudiados mediante nasofibrolaringoscopía, y la presencia del órgano vomeronasal se consideró un hallazgo del examen. Tres tipos morfológicos de órgano vomeronasal se observaron: fisura, foseta y circular, siendo el tipo foseta es más común en los hombres y las fisuras entre las mujeres. La prevalencia total del órgano vomeronasal entre estos pacientes fue de 28 por ciento (40 pacientes). La prevalencia del órgano vomeronasal de la población en estudio es compatible con lo que ha sido reportado en otros estudios.

The structure of the nasal chemosensory system in squamate reptiles. 2. Lubricatory capacity of the vomeronasal organ.

The vomeronasal organ is a poorly understood accessory olfactory organ, present in many tetrapods. In mammals, amphibians and lepidosaurian reptiles, it is an encapsulated structure with a central, fluid-filled lumen. The morphology of the lubricatory system of the vomeronasal organ (the source of this fluid) varies among classes, being either intrinsic (mammalian and caecilian amphibian vomeronasal glands) or extrinsic (anuran and urodele nasal glands). In the few squamate reptiles thus far examined, there are no submucosal vomeronasal glands. In this study, we examined the vomeronasal organs of several species of Australian squamates using histological, histochemical and ultrastructural techniques, with the goal of determining the morphology of the lubricatory system in the vomeronasal organ. Histochemically, the fluid within the vomeronasal organ of all squamates is mucoserous, though it is uncertain whether mucous and serous constituents constitute separate components. The vomeronasal organ produces few secretory granules intrinsically, implying an extrinsic source for the luminal fluid. Of three possible candidates, the Harderian gland is the most likely extrinsic source of this secretion.