Reproductive physiology with emphasis on endometrial cycles of woolly and uakari monkeys-A literature review.

The ability of a species to withstand human impact depends on its life history characteristics, including social, ranging, and reproductive activity. The genera Lagothrix and Cacajao are more susceptible to anthropic action than small-sized primates due to their slower life histories, more restricted geographical ranges, and lower population densities. This narrative literature review aimed to gather scientific information available from the last 60 years on the reproductive biology of females of the genera Lagothrix and Cacajao. Most studies on the genus Lagothrix, mainly focused on L. lagothricha and L. l. poeppigii, present important advances on reproductive strategies, reproductive productivity, functional morphology and physiology, including seasonality, sexual cycle, gestation and fetal development in captive and free-living populations. Contrary, there is much less known about the reproductive biology of the genus Cacajao, with studies on free-living C. calvus and C. melanocephalus highlighting reproductive behavior, and basic description of the sexual cycle, gestation, and lactation. Unfortunately, the morphology of the female genital organs is only described in C. calvus, and there is still scarce information about the menstrual activity and the placenta. This literature review encourages primatologists, morphophysiologists, reproductive specialists, and ecologists to conduct comprehensive studies of these species to better understand the gaps in knowledge about reproduction, their relationship with their environment, including climatic and social variables. Understanding the integrative reproductive biology of these species will be a clue for improving the assessment of the resilience capacity of free-living populations and, consequently, establishing more appropriate management programs, and for the development of ex situ management techniques for the conservation of the species.

Macro and microscopic characteristics of the placenta and its relationship with the weight and the Apgar score of canine neonates.

The placenta is the main organ of pregnancy and is directly related to the proper development of the fetus. The correlation among some placental measurements and their respective neonates is widely studied in the human species. However, the studies regarding bitches are still limited. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate if there is a relationship between placental weight and volume and the weight of neonates at birth in the canine species, as well as its influence on their viability. In this work, 7 bitches, 18 neonates and their placentas were evaluated. The weight of the placentas was measured using an analytical balance and the volume was calculated by measuring the volume of water displaced after placing it in a container of water. The neonates were weighed and classified according to the Apgar score after birth. Samples from each placenta were fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin, then placed on slides and stained in hematoxylin and eosin. From these samples, the microvascular density (MVD) was calculated, as well as the presence or absence of necrosis, calcification and haemorrhage, classified in scores from 0 to 2. Data were analyzed using Kendall's test. The mean weight of the placentas was 29.11 ± 11.06 g and the volume was 21.33 ± 10.65 cm³. The mean weight of the neonates was 282.94 ± 123.28 g and the Apgar score was 8.83 ± 2.06. The mean MVD of the placentas was 0.04 ± 0.01. A positive correlation was observed between birth weight and placental weight and volume. Placental weight also positively correlated with placental volume. Also, no significant correlation was found between MVD and alterations with placental weight and volume and with the weight and Apgar score of neonates. Among the microscopic changes, only necrosis showed a moderate correlation with placental weight and volume. It can be concluded that the placenta has an influence on the weight of neonates, which is essential for its development in intra and extrauterine life. However, more studies are required in the described species, to better elucidate these questions.

Nephroprotective effects of Lippia sidoides ethanolic extract against ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury

Abstract Ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) is commonly related to acute kidney injury (AKI) and oxidative stress. Antioxidant agents are used to treat this condition. Lippia sidoides is a brazillian shrub with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Lippia sidoides ethanolic extract (LSEE) on in vivo and in vitro models of AKI induced by I/R. Male Wistar rats were submitted to unilateral nephrectomy and ischemia on contralateral kidney for 60 min via clamping followed by reperfusion for 48 h. They were divided into four groups: Sham, LSEE (sham-operated rats pre-treated with LSEE), I/R (rats submitted to ischemia) and I/R-LSEE (rats treated with LSEE before ischemia). Kidney tissues homogenates were used to determine stress parameters and nephrin expression. Plasma and urine samples were collected for biochemical analysis. I/R in vitro assays were evaluated by 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) and flow cytometry assays in Rhesus Monkey Kidney Epithelial Cells (LLC-MK2). The LSEE treatment prevented biochemical and nephrin expression alterations, as well as oxidative stress parameters. In the in vitro assay, LSEE protected against cell death, reduced the reactive oxygen species and increased mitochondrial transmembrane potential. LSEE showed biotechnological potential for a new phytomedicine as a nephroprotective agent.

The nitric oxide pathway is involved in the anti-inflammatory effect of the rutheniumcomplex [Ru(bpy)2(2-MIM)(NO)](PF6)3.

Metal coordination complexes are chemotherapeutic and anti-inflammatory agents. The ruthenium complex FOR811A ([Ru(bpy)2(2-MIM)Cl](PF6)3) FOR811A was evaluated in mice models of acute inflammation and behavioral tests. Animals received FOR811A (3, 10 or 30 mg/kg; i.p.), indomethacin (20 mg/kg; i.p.), L-NAME (20 mg/kg; i.v.) aminoguanidine (50 mg/kg; i.p.) or dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg; s.c.) 30 min before inflammatory stimulation. Paw edema was induced by carrageenan (400 µg/paw), TNF-α or L-arginine (15 nmol/paw) (5 ng/paw) and evaluated by hydropletismometry 4 h later. Peritonitis was induced by carrageenan (500 µg; i.p.) and evaluated 4 h later for hypernociception and quantification of total/differential leukocytes, total protein reduced glutathione (GSH) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). FOR811A inhibited the paw edema induced by carrageenan at 3 (64%; p < 0.0001), 10 (73%; p < 0.0001) and 30 mg/kg (66%; p < 0.0001), and at 10 mg/kg that induced with L-arginine by 75% or TNF-α by 55% (p = 0.0012). Paw tissues histological analysis showed reduction in mast cells (46%; p = 0.0027), leukocyte infiltrate (66%; p < 0.0001), edema and hemorrhagic areas. Immunohistochemical evaluation revealed inhibition of iNOS (62%; p < 0.0001) and TNF-α (35%; p < 0.0001). In the peritonitis model FOR811A increased (2.8X; p < 0.0001) hypernociceptive threshold, reduced total leukocytes (29%; p < 0.0001), neutrophils (47%; p = 0.0003) and total proteins (36%; p = 0.0082). FOR811A also inhibited MPO (47%; p = 0.0296) and increased GSH (1.8X; p < 0.0001). In the behavioral tests, FOR811A reduced (30.6%) the number of crossings in the open field, and increased (16%) the number of falls in the Rota rod. Concluding, FOR811A presents anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, via nitric oxide pathway.

Characterization of seminal parameters, sperm morphometry, micromorphology, and ultrastructure in gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira, Fischer, 1814).

Populations of gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) are declining; yet, knowledge on the reproductive biology of this species remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to describe morphology, viability, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, morphometry, micromorphology, and ultrastructure of the gray brocket deer sperm. Three adult male gray brocket deer were used in the study. Semen collection was performed using electroejaculation. Semen were analyzed by evaluating pH, motilities, vigor, mass movement, volume, concentration, viability, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, morphology, and morphometry. Micromorphology and ultrastructure of sperm were analyzed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), respectively. There was no significant difference among males regarding on pH, motilities, vigor, mass movement, volume, concentration, viability. High values for membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and normal sperm were observed. The most frequent defects were simple bent tail and bowed midpiece. The head length, and width, midpiece, and tail length were 8.5, 4.4, 11.5, and 41.3 µm, respectively. SEM sperm showed paddle-shaped heads, with apical ridge and serrated band on the equatorial segment. TEM revealed the nucleus, acrosome, plasma membrane, mitochondria sheath, proximal centrioles, segmented columns, axoneme, outer dense fibers, and fibrous sheath. SEM and TEM showed the presence of some abnormalities. These results are expected to provide baseline values of diverse semen parameters, contributing toward the development of reproductive biotechnologies for gray brocket deer and, other deer species at risk of extinction.

Bothrops pauloensis snake venom-derived Asp-49 and Lys-49 phospholipases A2 mediates acute kidney injury by oxidative stress and release of inflammatory cytokines.

The envenomation caused by the Bothrops pauloensis snake leads to severe local and systemic effects including acute kidney injury. In this study, we investigated the renal effects by phospholipases A2 (PLA2s), divided into two main subgroups, Asp-49 and Lys-49, isolated from the Bothrops pauloensis snake venom (BpV) in isolated rat kidney system. Both PLA2s (3 µg/mL), added alone to the perfusion system and analyzed for 120 min, had significant effects on isolated rat kidney. Asp-49 reduced Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) at 60, 90 and 120 min, and the percentage of total tubular sodium transport (%TNa+) and potassium transport (%TK+) at 120 min. Lys-49 increased Perfusion Pressure (PP) at 120 min and reduced GFR, %TNa+ and the percentage of total tubular chloride transport (%TCl-) at 60, 90 and 120 min. Cytokine release in the kidney tissues were increased with Asp-49 PLA2 (IL-10) and Lys-49 PLA2 (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-10). Both increased MPO activity. Asp-49 PLA2 decreased Glutathione (GSH) and increased nitrite levels, while Lys-49 PLA2 increased Malondialdehyde (MDA), GSH and nitrite levels. Histological analysis of the perfused kidneys revealed the presence of glomerular degeneration and atrophy, deposit of proteinaceous material in Bowman's space and intratubular with both PLA2s. These findings indicated that both PLA2s modified the functional parameters in an isolated perfused kidney model with increased oxidative stress and cytokine release. PLA2s are one of the components at high concentration in BpV and our results provide important knowledge about their involvement with the nephrotoxic mechanism.

Renal protective effect of pinitol in experimental diabetes.

Pinitol is a natural antidiabetic agent shown to prevent or ameliorate metabolic and overall vascular and neural function. In the present study we have evaluated the potential benefits of pinitol on renal function of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Both euglycemic or 8-week or 16-week diabetic rats were treated with either saline (1 ml/kg/12h; p.o) or pinitol (20 mg/kg/12h; p.o). The renal function was evaluated by using metabolic cages, renal hemodynamic and tubular parameters measurements. Histological examination and evaluation of the protein expression of renal markers such as nephrin, TGFß and pERK were also performed. Pinitol decreased by 50% the increased urinary albumin/creatinine ratio in both 8-week and 16 week diabetic rats. In addition, the glomerular volume of 16-week rats increased by 55% and this increase was blunted by pinitol. Remarkably, pressure-natriuresis was completely blunted in both 8 and 16-week diabetic rats but this impairment was prevented by pinitol in both treatment regimens. Pinitol ameliorated renal lesions and also prevented the decrease in nephrin expression and the increase of pERK and TGFß expression in both diabetic groups. Natriuresis due to high renal perfusion pressure increased 7-fold in control animals but was blocked in 16-week diabetic rats and remarkably pinitol partially restored pressure natriuresis (3-fold increase in sodium excretion during pressure natriuresis). Pinitol prevents and ameliorates albuminuria, glomerular expansion, impairment of pressure-natriuresis, renal structural alterations and changes of renal markers and has the potential to be tested for the prevention of diabetic kidney disease.

The Wound Healing Property of N-Methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-Hydroxy-L-Proline from Sideroxylon obtusifolium is Related to its Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Actions.

Wound healing involves the interaction of blood cells, proteins, proteases, growth factors, and extracellular matrix components. Inflammation is one of the first events occurring during this process. Previously, we showed that the N-Methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-Hydroxy-L-Proline (NMP) from Sideroxylon obtusifolium leaves (a Brazilian medicinal species) presents an anti-inflammatory action. Considering inflammation as an important event in the wound healing process, the objectives were to investigate the topical effects of the NMP gel on a mice wound-induced model. Male Swiss mice were divided into 4 groups: Sham (surgical procedure only), Control (gel-base treated), and 3% or 10% NMP gel-treated groups. Measurements of wound areas and microscopic analyses (HE [hematoxylin-eosin] and PSR [picrosirius red] stainings) were carried out, at the 7th and 12th, days after the wound induction. Furthermore, immunohistochemical assays for iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and biochemical measurements for TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), GSH (glutathione), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were also performed, at the second day after the wound induction. The work showed that NMP decreases the wound areas, after topical application, relatively to the Sham and Control groups. In addition, microscopic alterations were reduced and collagen deposition was increased, at the 7th and 12th days, in the 10% NMP group. While iNOS and COX-2 immunostainings and GSH contents increased, in relation to the Sham and Control groups, TBARS and MPO decreased. Altogether, the results showed NMP to improve the wound healing process, by upregulating iNOS and COX-2 activities, reducing lipid peroxidation and MPO activity, and increasing GSH contents. In addition, NMP certainly contributes to the increased collagen deposition. These data may stimulate translational studies dealing with the possible use of NMP from Sideroxylon obtusifolium or from other sources for the management of wound healing.

Correlation of feline immunodeficiency virus status and the severity of feline chronic gingivostomatitis / Correlação do status sorológico para FIV e a gravidade da gengivoestomatite crônica felina

Feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) is a challenge for the veterinary practitioner since its etiology and treatments are still undefined. The present paper investigated the role of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in the severity of the FCGS. Oral mucosal biopsies obtained from 19 cats with FCGS were divided into two groups according to their FIV serology status. Later, the clinical lesion score was correlated with the histopathological grade of FCGS lesions and the degree of immunostaining in both groups. Most of the animals had significant histological changes; however, no correlation with FIV immunostaining intensity was observed. It was concluded that the presence of FIV infection or the animal's seropositivity status does not seem to interfere with the severity of clinical signs nor the degree of histopathological changes when compared to the seronegative group.(AU)

A gengivoestomatite crônica felina (FCGS) é um desafio para o veterinário, uma vez que a sua etiologia e tratamentos permanecem indefinidos. O presente trabalho investigou o papel do vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) na gravidade do FCGS. Biópsias da mucosa oral de 19 gatos com FCGS foram divididas em dois grupos de acordo com o status sorológico de FIV. Mais tarde, o escore de lesão clínica foi correlacionado com o grau histopatológico das lesões FCGS e o grau de imunocoloração em ambos os grupos. A maioria dos animais apresentou alterações histológicas significativas, porém não foi observada correlação com a intensidade de imunocoloração para FIV. Concluiu-se que a presença de infecção por FIV ou o estado soropositivo dos animais não parece interferir com a gravidade dos sinais clínicos nem com o grau de alterações histopatológicas quando comparado ao grupo soronegativo.(AU)

Evaluation of KIM-1 as an early biomarker of snakebite-induced AKI in mice.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most important complications of bothropic poisoning and its early identification remains challenging. The nephrotoxicity of Bothrops insularis venom (BinsV) was previously described by our research group. In this study, we continued to evaluate the effect of BinsV on kidney function in mice and LLC-MK2 proximal tubule cells, evaluating KIM-1 protein as an early AKI biomarker. Male Swiss mice were inoculated with BinsV intramuscularly and observed for 24 h in a metabolic cage model. Urine and blood were collected for biochemical analyses and the kidneys were examined for oxide-reducing balance and submitted to histological analysis. LLC-MK2 cells incubated with BinsV were assessed for cell viability and cell death mechanism by flow cytometry. Histological analysis of the kidneys indicated AKI and the oxide-reducing analyses demonstrated a decreasing in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and an increasing on Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. BinsV was cytotoxic to LLC-MK2 and the cytometry analyses suggested necrosis. Within 24 h after the envenomation, urinary creatinine did not increase, but the urinary levels of KIM-1 increased. In conclusion, we found AKI evidence in the kidney tissue and the increase in the KIM-1 levels suggest it can be used as an early AKI biomarker.

Cryoprotectant agents and cooling effect on embryos of Macrobrachium amazonicum.

SummaryThere are few reports of cryopreservation and injuries in Macrobrachium amazonicum embryos. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of cryoprotectants agents and cooling on stage VIII of this species. Fertilized eggs from ovigerous females were removed from the incubation chamber, then placed in 10 ml Falcon tubes with a cryoprotectant solution and saline-free calcium solution. Thus, the embryos underwent a cooling curve of 1°C per min until reaching 5°C, and then were stored for 2 h. The tubes containing the embryos were washed to remove the cryoprotectant, acclimated for 5 min and then transferred to 50 ml incubators. At the end of the 24-h period, living embryos from each tube were counted and tabulated. A pool of embryos was fixed with 4% formaldehyde and then subjected to histology using 3-mm thick sections and stained with haematoxylin/eosin. Another pool was used for biometric analysis in which length, width and volume were analyzed. The cryoprotectants agents used were: dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), methyl alcohol, ethylene glycol at 1, 5 and 10% and sucrose (0.5 M). Variance analysis was performed followed by Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) test at 5% significance level. DMSO cryoprotectant affected embryo survival the least with rates of 71.8, 36.2 and 0% for concentrations of 1, 5 and 10%, respectively. Ethylene glycol caused 100% mortality at all the concentrations used. It was not possible to observe the interference of cooling and cryoprotectants on embryonic structures in this study.

Pulmonary mechanic and lung histology induced by Crotalus durissus cascavella snake venom.

This study have analyzed the pulmonary function in an experimental model of acute lung injury, induced by the Crotalus durissus cascavella venom (C. d. cascavella) (3.0 µg/kg - i.p), in pulmonary mechanic and histology at 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after inoculation. The C. d. cascavella venom led to an increase in Newtonian Resistance (RN), Tissue Resistance (G) and Tissue Elastance (H) in all groups when compared to the control, particularly at 12 h and 24 h. The Histeresivity (η) increased 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after inoculation. There was a decrease in Static Compliance (CST) at 6 h, 12 h and 24 h and inspiratory capacity (IC) at 3 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h. C. d. cascavella venom showed significant morphological changes such as atelectasis, emphysema, hemorrhage, polymorphonuclear inflammatory infiltrate, edema and congestion. After a challenge with methacholine (MCh), RN demonstrated significant changes at 6, 12 and 24 h. This venom caused mechanical and histopathological changes in the lung tissue; however, its mechanisms of action need further studies in order to better elucidate the morphofunctional lesions.

Changes in rat respiratory system produced by exposure to exhaust gases of combustion of glycerol.

The combustion of residual glycerol to generate heat in industrial processes has been suggested as a cost-effective solution for disposal of this environmental liability. Thus, we investigated the effects of exposure to the exhaust gases of glycerol combustion in the rat respiratory system. We used 2 rats groups, one exposed to the exhaust gases from glycerol combustion (Glycerol), and the other exposed to ambient air (Control). Exposure occurred 5h a day, 5days a week for 13 weeks. We observed statistically changes in all parameters of respiratory system mechanics in vivo. This results was supported by histological analysis and morphometric data, confirming narrower airways and lung parenchimal changes. Variables related to airway resistance (ΔRN) and elastic properties of the tissue (ΔH), increased after challenge with methacholine. Finally, analysis of lung tissue micromechanics showed statistically increases in all parameters (R, E and hysteresivity). In conclusion, exhaust gases from glycerol combustion were harmful to the respiratory system.

Nephroprotective effects of (-)-α-bisabolol against ischemic-reperfusion acute kidney injury.

BACKGROUND: Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in kidney is commonly related to acute kidney injury (AKI), essentially through oxidative stress. (-)-α-Bisabolol is a sesquiterpene isolated from the essential oil of a variety of plants, including chamomile, which has important antioxidant activity. STUDY DESIGN: This study intends to evaluate the nephroprotective activity of (-)-α-bisabolol (Bis) in both in vivo and in vitro models of kidney I/R. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were submitted to right nephrectomy, followed by ischemia by clamping of the renal artery in the left kidney for 60min. and 48h of reperfusion. The animals were treated orally with Bis (100mg/kg) or vehicle for 24h after reperfusion, and placed in metabolic cages, to evaluate water consumption, diuresis, urinary osmolality, classic biochemical markers and urinary KIM-1 (kidney injury molecule-1). Additionally, the left kidney was collected for histological evaluation and determination of glutathione (GSH) and Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) levels. Tubular epithelial cells LLC-MK2 were used to assess Bis effect on in vitro I/R, by MTT assay. It was performed the cellular respiration tests by flow cytometry: evaluation of the production of cytoplasmic reactive oxygen species by DCFH-DA assay and mitochondrial transmembrane potential analysis with the dye rhodamine 123. RESULTS: I/R caused alterations in diuresis, water intake, urinary osmolality, plasmatic creatinine, urea and uric acid, creatinine clearance, proteinuria and microalbuminuria. Treatment with Bis ameliorated all of these parameters. Also, KIM-1 level enhanced by I/R was also diminished in groups treated with Bis. The histological examination showed that Bis attenuated the morphological changes caused by I/R, markedly vascular congestion and intratubular deposits of proteinaceous material. Additionally, Bis was able to reduce the changes observed in TBARS and GSH levels in kidney tissue. In in vitro assay, Bis was capable to partially protect the cell lineage against cell damage induced by I/R. CONCLUSION: (-)-α-Bisabolol has a nephroprotective effect in kidney I/R, with antioxidant effect. Moreover, this result seems to be associated to a direct protective effect on tubular epithelia.

Oclusão de fístula oronasal em gato com uso somente de resina acrílica autopolimerizável / Oronasal fistula occlusion in cat using only acrylic resin / Oclusión de fístula oronasal en gato con uso sólo de resina acrílica autopolimerizável

A fenda palatina é uma comunicação congênita ou adquirida entre as cavidades oral e nasal, permitindo a passagem de alimentos e líquidos entre elas. O diagnóstico é feito por meio do exame físico da cavidade oral, sendo o tratamento baseado em técnicas cirúrgicas. Relata-se um caso bem-sucedido de oclusão de fístula oronasal utilizando somente resina acrílica autopolimerizável em um felino com histórico de espirros frequentes, secreção nasal purulenta crônica, halitose severa, emagrecimento e trauma sofrido há dois anos, que culminara em fratura da sínfise mandibular corrigida no mesmo período por cerclagem com fios de aço. No exame clínico verificou-se secreção nasal muco-purulenta fétida e a presença de uma grande fístula palatina na extensão do palato duro. Encaminhou-se o paciente para realização dos exames pré-cirúrgicos para posterior correção da fistula oronasal com o uso de resina acrílica autopolimerizavel. O procedimento foi bem sucedido visto que o animal deixou de apresentar os sinais clínicos e voltou a alimentar-se normalmente. A técnica mostrou-se eficaz e de fácil execução para correção de fenda palatina traumática de grande extensão em gato, na qual não se utilizou suturas ou flaps, pois os mesmos não eram praticáveis, podendo ser utilizada em substituição a outros métodos convencionais.

Cleft palate is a congenital or acquired communication between the oral and nasal cavities which can often contaminate the nasal cavity with saliva or food. The diagnosis is made by physical examination of the oral cavity and it is usually treated with surgery. We report a successful case of oronasal fistula occlusion using only acrylic resin in a feline. The patient presented with a history of frequent sneezing, chronic purulent nasal discharge, severe halitosis, weight loss and facial trauma suffered two years ago. The animal had mandibular symphysis fracture that was corrected by cerclage with steel wires. On clinical examinationit was observedthe presence of smelling nasal mucus, purulent secretions and the presence of a large cleft fistula in the extension of the hard palate. The patient was submitted to surgery in order to repair the oronasal fistula using acrylic resin. The surgery was curative eliminating clinical signs. The technique was effective and easy to be performed in this case of a traumatic cleft palate with large deffect in a cat. This technique can be used to replace other conventional methods, mainly in cases that the use of sutures or flaps are not feasible.

El paladar hendido es una comunicación congénita o adquirida entre las cavidades oral y nasal, lo que permite el paso de alimentos y líquidos entre ellos. El diagnóstico se realiza mediante un examen físico de la cavidad oral, siendo el tratamiento basado en técnicas quirúrgicas. Presentamos un caso de éxito de oclusión de la fístula oronasal usando sólo la resina acrílica autopolimerizável en un felino con histórico de frecuentes estornudos, secreción nasal purulenta crónica, halitosis severa, pérdida de peso y trauma sufrido hace dos años, culminando en fractura de la sínfisis mandibular, corregida en el mismo período por cerclaje con hilos de acero. En el examen clínico se verificó moco nasal maloliente, secreciones purulentas y la presencia de una gran fístula palatina en la extensión del paladar duro. Se hicieron exámenes pre-quirúrgicos para la posterior corrección de la fístula oronasal, mediante resina acrílica autopolimerizavel. El procedimiento fue exitoso porque el animal dejó de presentar signos clínicos y volvió a alimentarse normalmente. La técnica fue eficaz y de fácil ejecución para corrección de paladar hendido traumático de gran longitud en gato, en la cual no se utilizó suturas o aletas, ya que no eran viables y puede ser utilizado para sustituir a otros métodos convencionales.

The involvement of the HO-1 pathway in the anti-inflammatory action of a sulfated polysaccharide isolated from the red seaweed Gracilaria birdiae.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of the hemoxigenase-1 (HO-1) pathway in the anti-inflammatory action of a sulfated polysaccharide from the red seaweed Gracilaria birdiae (SP-Gb). METHODS: SP-Gb (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) was administered to Wistar rats in a peritonitis model using carrageenan or a paw edema model using carrageenan or dextran. To analyze the involvement of HO-1 in the anti-inflammatory activity of SP-Gb, the animals were pretreated subcutaneously with a specific HO-1 inhibitor (ZnPP IX). To evaluate the systemic effects, SP-Gb (10 mg/kg) was administered to mice intraperitoneally before waiting for 48 h or for 14 days. RESULTS: SP-Gb (10 mg/kg) caused an anti-inflammatory effect that was evidenced by a decrease in leukocytes in the peritoneal cavity. SP-Gb also reduced the paw edema induced by carrageenan and inhibited the paw edema induced by dextran in the first half-hour. After being inhibited by ZnPP IX, the anti-inflammatory effect of SP-Gb on carrageenan-induced rat paw edema was not observed. SP-Gb did not cause mortality or significant changes in the biochemical, hematological and histopathological parameters. CONCLUSION: SP-Gb may be used as a tool for further investigations into the inflammatory processes associated with the hemoxigenase-1 pathway.

Renal and cardiovascular effects of Bothrops marajoensis venom and phospholipase A2.

Bothrops marajoensis is found in the savannah of Marajó Island in the State of Pará and regions of Amapá State, Brazil. The aim of the work was to study the renal and cardiovascular effects of the B. marajoensis venom and phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)). The venom was fractionated by Protein Pack 5PW. N-terminal amino acid sequencing of sPLA(2) showed amino acid identity with other lysine K49 sPLA(2)s of snake venom. B. marajoensis venom (30 microg/mL) decreased the perfusion pressure, renal vascular resistance, urinary flow, glomerular filtration rate and sodium tubular transport. PLA(2) did not change the renal parameters. The perfusion pressure of the mesenteric bed did not change after infusion of venom. In isolated heart, the venom decreased the force of contraction and increased PP but did not change coronary flow. In the arterial pressure, the venom and PLA(2) decreased mean arterial pressure and cardiac frequency. The presence of atrial flutter and late hyperpolarisation reversed, indicating QRS complex arrhythmia and dysfunction in atrial conduction. In conclusion, B. marajoensis venom and PLA(2) induce hypotension and bradycardia while simultaneously blocking electrical conduction in the heart. Moreover, the decrease in glomerular filtration rate, urinary flow and electrolyte transport demonstrates physiological changes to the renal system.

Purification and biological activity of the thrombin-like substance isolated from Bothrops insularis venom.

The venom of Bothrops insularis snake, known in Brazil as jararaca ilhoa, contains a variety of proteolytic enzymes such as a thrombin-like substance that is responsible for various pharmacological effects. B. insularis venom chromatography profile showed an elution of seven main fractions. The thrombin-like activity was detected in fractions I and III, the latter being subjected to two other chromatographic procedures, so to say DEAE and Hi Trap Benzamidine. The purity degree of this fraction was confirmed by analytical reverse phase HPLC, which displayed only one main fraction confirmed by SDS-PAGE constituting fraction III. About 5 microg of fraction III protein potentiated the secretion of insulin induced by 2.8 mM of glucose in rats isolated pancreatic beta-cells treated; the increase being around 3-fold higher than its respective control. B. insularis lectin (BiLec; 10 microg/mL) was also studied as to its effect on the renal function of isolated perfused rat kidneys with the use of six Wistar rats. BiLec increased perfusion pressure (PP), renal vascular resistance (RVR), urinary flow (UF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Sodium (%TNa+) and chloride tubular reabsorption (%TCl-) decreased at 120 min, without alteration in potassium transport. In conclusion, the thrombin-like substance isolated from B. insularis venom induced an increase in insulin secretion, in vitro, and transiently altered vascular, glomerular and tubular parameters in the isolated rat kidney.