Enhancing Titanium Disk Performance through In-Pack Cold Atmospheric Plasma Treatment.

While titanium dental implants have already been clinically established, ongoing research is continuously being conducted to advance the fields of osseointegration and bacterial resistance, seeking further improvements in these areas. In this study, we introduce an innovative method for treating titanium surfaces within tightly sealed packaging. Specifically, titanium discs, enclosed in surgical-grade packaging, underwent treatment using cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). The surfaces were thoroughly characterized in terms of wettability, crystalline structure, and chemical composition. Hemocompatibility analyses were conducted using blood diluted in sodium citrate (1:9) exposed to titanium discs for 30 min inside a CO2 incubator at 37 °C. Subsequently, various blood parameters were evaluated, including prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and platelet adhesion. Microbiological analyses were also performed using Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) for 4 h at 37 °C. The treatment with CAP Jet resulted in a reduction in contact angle without causing any changes in the crystalline structure. No statistically significant differences were observed in the blood parameters. The plasma-treated samples exhibited lower PT and APTT values compared to those of the control group. The surfaces treated with CAP Jet showed increased platelet activation, platelet density, and thrombus formation when compared with the untreated samples. Moreover, the treated surfaces demonstrated lower bacterial colony formation compared with other surfaces.

Gonadal Morphology of Stillborn Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Hatchlings.

This study aimed to investigate sexual dimorphism in stillborn hawksbill sea turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata) through gonadal morphological characterizations. Macroscopic, light microscopy, and transmission electron analyses were performed for 30 gonad-mesonephros complexes. Female gonads were spindle-shaped and present a translucent whitish appearance with a grainy texture. Male gonads were approximately ovoid with a smooth opaque white surface. A primary sexual difference concerns different marrow structures, with females presenting organized cellularity featuring oocytes, lacunae, and blood vessels, while males presented a distinct organizational medulla pattern marked by testicular cords extending throughout the gonad length. Ultrastructurally, female's stroma presented interstitial cells and an abundant cytoplasm rich in electrodense droplets and large oval germline cells, with a conspicuous and noncentral nucleus. Males, on the other hand, presented testicular cord cells containing small amounts of heterochromatin and approximately triangular apical and basal cytoplasms with an evident nucleolus characteristic of support cells. Additionally, there were cells with a large spherical nucleus compared with the cell size and a relatively scarce cytoplasm, identified as gonocytes. These findings indicate that macroscopic, microscopic, and ultrastructural evaluations are effective and reliable techniques for the sexual identification of stillborn E. imbricata hatchlings.

Placental development in the early stages of red-rumped agouti pregnancy (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758).

BACKGROUND: Hystricomorpha rodents display a similar placentation model to humans. The present study was carried out considering the scarcity of information concerning the placental development in agouti. OBJECTIVE: Describe the microscopy of the placenta, subplacenta and yolk sac of agoutis in early pregnancy and report on the inversion of the yolk sac. METHODS: Fifteen females between the 14th-32nd day of gestation were used following euthanasia. Gestational buttons were collected, fixed, processed, stained to optical microscopy or immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Chorioallantoic placenta (CP) ranged from conical to a half-sphere, as follows: from the 14th to 17th day, the CP displays an inverted "V" shape, predominantly formed by cytotrophoblasts; from 20 to 22 days, formed almost entirely by cytotrophoblasts; at 28 days, a half sphere, with distinct lobes and interlobular area, numerous maternal gaps delimited by syncytiotrophoblasts and trophoblast giant cells; at 32 days, globose and undergoing the maturation process. Subplacenta, located between decidua and CP, initially presents septa consisting of simple columnar epithelium and after 17 days, comprising stratified epithelium. Visceral yolk sac (VYS) is attached to two CP projections between 14 and 17 days, formed by a simple cubic epithelium and inverted. Between 20 and 22 days, the epithelium displays apical villous projections with cytoplasmic vacuoles and a vascularized mesoderm. After the 24th day, the VYS near the placenta is pleated, very vascularized and villous, with decreased villi sizes further away from the placenta. CONCLUSION: The agouti CP displays similar characteristics to other hystricomorpha, including placenta lobulation, a subplacenta and an inverted vitelline placenta.

Comparative analysis of the biocompatibility of endothelial cells on surfaces treated by thermal plasma and cold atmospheric plasma.

In recent years, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is used for surface disinfection. However, little is known about its ability to improve biocompatibility of metallic surfaces when compared to thermal plasma methods. In this context, the study aimed to evaluate the response of human endothelial cells (Ea.hy926) on titanium surfaces treated by non-thermal plasma method and thermal plasma method under nitriding atmosphere. The wettability was characterized by the sessile drop method, the topography and roughness were evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the microstructure by grazing angle X-ray diffraction (GIXRD). Endothelial cells were cultured and evaluated for morphology by scanning electron microscopy and viability by an MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. CAP treatment reduced the contact angle of the Ti surface (13.43° ± 1.48; p<0.05), increasing hydrophilicity. Rz roughness was higher on the nitrided surface (220.44±20.30; p< 0.001) compared to the CAP treated surfaces (83.29 ± 11.61; p< 0.001) and polished (75.98 ±34.21a); p<0.001). The different applied plasma treatments created different titanium surfaces improving the biocompatibility of endothelial cells, however CAP results demonstrate its potential for biomedical applications, considering the low cost and ease of use of the technique, allowing surface treatments before clinical procedures.

Extraembryonic membrane morphology in greater rheas (Rhea americana americana Linnaeus, 1758).

The greater rhea, Rhea americana, is a wild ratite of high scientific importance and significant and zootechnical value, especially considering the current development state of Brazilian poultry production, where research aimed at increasing the productivity of these animals has become extremely relevant. Studies concerning fetal attachments and embryonic development are paramount, as they can provide essential information concerning reproductive and nutritional animal management. However, a lack of information on greater rhea fetal morphology is noted. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to establish a standard model for fetal attachments in this species. Greater rhea eggs were incubated from 0 to 36 days, and macroscopic and microscopic embryonic attachment characterizations were performed. Histologically, all embryonic annexes exhibit germ layers, namely the ectoderm (outer layer), mesoderm (middle layer) and endoderm (inner layer). The findings indicate that greater rhea development patterns are similar to other birds.

Heart morphology during the embryonic development of Podocnemis unifilis Trosquel 1948 (Testudines: Podocnemididae).

Cardiogenesis is similar in all vertebrates, but differences in the valvuloseptal morphogenesis among non-crocodilian reptiles, birds, and mammals are noted. The origin of mesenchymal structures such as valves that regulate the passage of blood and the formation of partial septa that prevent the complete mixing of oxygen-rich and low-oxygen blood present in adult chelonians are essential in the evolutionary understanding of complete septation, endothermy and malformations, even in mammals. In this context, this study analyzed the heart morphogenesis of Podocnemis unifilis (Testudines: Podocnemididae) from the 4th to the 60th day of incubation. We identified the tubular heart stage, folding of the cardiac tube and expansion of the atrial and ventricular compartments followed by atrial septation by the septum primum, ventricle septation by partial septa, outflow tract septation and the formation of bicuspid valves with cartilage differentiation at the base. The formation of the first atrial septum with the mesenchymal cap is noted during the development of the atrial septum, joining the atrioventricular cushion on the 17th day and completely dividing the atria. Small secondary perforations appeared in the mid-cranial part, observed up to the 45th day. Partial ventricle septation into the pulmonary, venous, and arterial subcompartments takes place by trabeculae carneae thickening and grouping on the 15th day. The outflow tract forms the aorticopulmonary and interaortic septa on the 16th day and the bicuspid valves, on the 20th day. Therefore, after the first 20 days, the heart exhibits a general anatomical conformation similar to that of adult turtles.

Pronephros and mesonephros characterization during the embryonic development of the giant South American river turtle, Podocnemis expansa (Podocnemididae: Testudines).

This study aimed to describe pronephros and mesonephros morphology during the embryonic development of Podocnemis expansa. Eggs were collected on an artificial beach at Balbina, Amazonas, Brazil, during the entire incubation period (mean of 59 days). The kidney-gonad complex was processed using light microscopy and the mesonephros using transmission electron microscopy. The pronephros was present for the first time on stage 4, composed of external glomeruli devoid of a capsule, protruding into the coelomic cavity, and internally composed of a capillary network. The pronephros degenerated after development stage 15. The first sign of the appearance of the mesonephros occurred around stage 8, indicated by the early formation of renal corpuscles. The mesonephros comprised an renal corpuscles, neck segment, proximal tubule, intermediate segment, distal tubule, collector tubule, and collector duct. Ultrastructural analysis of the mesonephros brush border was done in the proximal tubule, and the presence of cells with structural characters indicative of secretory activity was detected in the juxtatubular region. Renal corpuscles and proximal tubules were the main components that underwent morphological alterations during mesonephros degeneration. The pronephros is a transient kidney, and the mesonephros became the functional embryonic kidney in P. expansa. Mesonephros degeneration occurs in the cranial-caudal direction, and histologically, the degeneration is identified by changes in the morphology of the renal corpuscle and proximal tubule. However, the mesonephros is still present after hatching.

Oropharyngeal cavity floor morphology in Eretmochelys imbricata (Testudines: Cheloniidae) hatchlings and evolutionary implications.

Morphological studies of the oropharyngeal cavity of chelonians have become an interesting tool in the understanding of evolutionary processes associated with feeding habits in aquatic animals and the transition from aquatic to terrestrial forms. In this context, the aim of the present study was to describe the oropharyngeal cavity floor morphology of hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) hatchlings. Ten dead hatchlings of undefined sex were obtained from nests hatched on the coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The heads of each specimen were fixed, dissected, and analyzed at the macroscopic and microscopic levels. The oropharyngeal cavity floor of the hawksbill sea turtle hatchlings is formed by the tongue, pharynx, floor muscles, and hyolingual skeleton, delimited in the rostral and lateral directions by a keratinized beak, called the rhamphotheca, and in the caudal region at the limit between the pharynx and the esophagus. The tongue muscles and the muscles that support the floor of the oral cavity comprise the following: m. hypoglossohyoideus, m. hypoglossoglossus, m. hyoglossus, m. genioglossus, m. constrictor laryngis, m. geniohyoideus pars lateralis, and m. intermandibularis. The oropharyngeal cavity floor mucosa is formed by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and the lamina propria is formed by loose connective tissue. The floor mucosa is devoid of taste buds. We believe that the basic oropharyngeal cavity floor characteristics in hawksbill sea turtle hatchlings may comprise indications that these animals are plesiomorphic and that semiaquatic and terrestrial turtles may have undergone adaptations to feed out of water.

Intertubular morphometric and ultrastructural testes analyses in mdx mice.

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) reproductive alterations and the influence of antioxidant treatments may aid in understanding morphometry testicular quantification. In this context, the aim of the present study was to characterize the intertubular compartment (ITC) morphometry of animal testes in mdx mice supplemented with ascorbic acid (AA). Sixteen mice were used, namely the C57BL/10 (non-dystrophic) and C57BL/10Mdx (dystrophic) lineages, distributed into the following groups: Control (C60), Dystrophic (D60), Control supplemented with AA (CS60), Dystrophic supplemented with AA (DS60). A total of 200 mg/kg of AA were administered to mice for 30 days. Subsequently, the testicles were collected, weighed, and fragmented. The obtained fragments were fixed in Karnovsky's solution (pH 7.2) and embedded in historesin for morphometric and transmission electron microscopy assessments. Leydig cells were hypertrophic in the D60 group, but was reverted by AA supplementation in the DS60 group. The DS60 group also exhibited increased intertubular volume compared to the CS60 group. The ultrastructural images identified multilamellar bodies in dystrophic animals (lipid storage) and telocyte cells (transport substances) in both control and dystrophic animals. Morphometric alterations were, therefore, noted in the intertubular compartment due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with AA administration capable of altering Leydig cells in this condition.

Morphology and immunolocalization of intertubular steroidogenic cell in mesonephros of Podocnemis expansa during gonadal differentiation.

Sex steroid hormones are critical in gonadal differentiation in turtles. The gonads are not the only organs responsible for producing these hormones during this phase. Mesonephros play an important role in steroidogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of steroidogenic cells in mesonephros of Podocnemis expansa during gonadal differentiation and to evaluate their morphology and ultrastructure. Ten embryos of P. expansa were collected from 5 nests on day 36 of incubation, during spawning period on an artificial beach. Embryos were extracted from eggs by slicing the shell and euthanized. They were dissected under a stereoscopic microscope to collect the gonad-mesonephro complex, in which were fixed and subsequently processed for light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy analysis. During histological analysis was observed mesonephros has typical morphological structure. Immunohistochemistry showed immunoreaction to aromatase in cells of intertubular space. Confirming these findings, it was possible to observe a type of intertubular cell in several regions of mesonephro, being more predominant in region close to blood vessels, distal and proximal tubules. In ultrastructural analysis these cells were characterized by having a clear, large, and rounded nucleus with evident nucleolus and cytoplasm rich in electron-dense droplets. This study demonstrated for the first time the presence of cells with morphological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characteristics similar to steroid-producing cells in P. expansa mesonephrons, suggesting that this organ may contribute to gonadal differentiation in this species.

Morphological characterization of the digestive tube of hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) hatchlings.

Morphological studies concerning the digestive system can further information on animal diets, thus aiding in the understanding of feeding behavior. Given the scarcity of information on sea turtle digestive system morphology, the aim of the present study was to describe the digestive tube (DT) morphology of Eretmochelys imbricata hatchlings to further understand the diet of these individuals in the wild. DT samples from 10 stillborn turtles (undefined sex) were analyzed at the macro and microscopic levels. The esophagus, stomach, small intestine (SI), and large intestine (LI) are described. Histologically, the DT is formed by four tunics, the mucosa, submucosa, muscular, and adventitia or serosa. The esophagus is lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, while the remainder of the DT is lined by a simple columnar epithelium. The esophagus mucosa is marked by conical, pointed papillae. The stomach comprises three regions, the cardiac, fundic, and pyloric and is covered by neutral mucous granular cells. The intestinal mucosa presents absorptive cells with microvilli, neutral and acidic goblet cells, and mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue. The SI is significantly longer than the LI (p value = 0.006841). These morphological findings are strong indications of adaptations to a carnivorous diet in this hawksbill turtle age group.

Collateral aortic branches in the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758).

The determination of arterial vascular distribution patterns can contribute to more detailed knowledge on arterial systems. In this context, the aim of the present study was to describe the collateral aortic branches in the collared peccary, aiming to define a standard model for this species, providing information through comparative anatomy for analysis of some evolutionary aspects of the order Artiodactyla. Ten young male animals were employed. The vascular system was washed with a saline solution and then perfused with Neoprene 450 latex coloured with red or yellow pigment, followed by collateral aorta branch dissections and analyses. The contrasted digital radiography technique was applied to two animals, which were initially perfused with a barium sulphate solution (1 g/ml) and Neoprene 450 latex at a 1:3 ratio, and subsequently, the digital radiographic examination was performed. The aortic arch of the collared peccary emitted the brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery, while eight symmetric pairs of dorsal intercostal arteries originated from the thoracic aorta. The abdominal aorta, in turn, exhibited the celiac, cranial mesenteric, renal, caudal mesenteric, testicular, external iliac, internal iliac and sacral arteries as the collateral branches in all studied animals. Therefore, no relevant variations were observed regarding the arrangement of the arterial distribution of the aorta, thus suggesting a static standard model in the collared peccary.

Testicular morphometry of rats with Walker 256 tumor supplemented with L-glutamine.

Glutamine is often used to treat metabolic changes associated with anorexia-cachexia syndrome in patients with malignant neoplasms. Walker 256 tumor is an excellent model for studying these changes associated with cancer in different organs, including injuries in testicular functions. However, the effects of supplementing glutamine on testicular morphometry in this model have not yet been investigated. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of L-glutamine supplementation on testicular morphometry in rats transplanted with Walker 256 tumor cells. Forty puberty Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control without L-glutamine (C); control supplemented with L-glutamine (CG); inoculated with Walker 256 tumor cells (WT) and inoculated with Walker 256 tumor cells and supplemented with L-glutamine (WTG). The testicles were removed, weighed, fixed in Bouin, and included in paraffin for histomorphometric analysis. Walker 256 tumor caused quantitative changes in the tubular and intertubular compartments and tunica albuginea, with reductions in the percentages of lumen and tunica albuginea, number of Sertoli cells per gram of testis; number of Leydig cells; percentage of blood vessels and connective tissue in intertubule. However, glutamine supplementation prevented part of these changes caused by the tumor, presenting mainly a protective effect on the tunica albuginea and percentage of blood and lymph vessels in the intertubule. These results indicate the potential of L-glutamine was able to recover for testicular dysfunction associated with cancer.

Influence of freezing techniques and glycerol-based cryoprotectant combinations on the survival of testicular tissues from adult collared peccaries.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of different cryopreservation techniques including glycerol-based cryoprotectant combinations on the structure and viability of testicular tissues from adult collared peccaries. Tissue biopsies (3.0 mm³) from 5 different individuals were allocated to 10 different groups: fresh control; slow freezing (SF), conventional vitrification (CV), or solid-surface vitrification (SSV); each of them using three different combinations of cryoprotectants [dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) + ethylene glycol (EG); DMSO + Glycerol; and EG + Glycerol]. After thawing/warming, samples were evaluated for histomorphology, viability, proliferative capacity potential, and DNA integrity. Most effective preservation of testicular histomorphology was achieved using SF and CV with DMSO + EG. However, the use of glycerol-based cryoprotectant combinations increased the occurrence of tubular cell swelling, tubular cell loss and shrinkage from the basal membrane. Cell viability was comparable among cryopreservation methods and cryoprotectant combinations. Regarding cell proliferative capacity, the use of SF with EG + Glycerol and SSV with DMSO + Glycerol impaired the conservation of spermatogonia proliferative potential compared to other treatments. Moreover, CV with DMSO + EG was better than SF with EG + Glycerol for Sertoli cell proliferation potential. Regarding DNA integrity, less damage occurred when using SF with DMSO + EG while more fragmentations were observed when using CV with EG + Glycerol or DMSO + Glycerol as well as SSV with EG + Glycerol or DMSO + Glycerol. In sum, SF and CV appeared to be the most suitable methods for the cryopreservation of adult peccary testicular tissues. Additionally, the use of glycerol-based cryoprotectant combinations did not improve testicular tissues preservation with DMSO + EG being the most efficient option.

Morphometry of the heart of greater rhea (Rhea americana americana, Linnaeus, 1758).

Heart diseases in birds are frequent and generate significant production disorders. Morphometry is a valuable tool to provide fundamental information about heart conditions. Few studies have addressed morphological aspects of the heart of ratite birds, such as the Greater rhea. The present study aimed to analyse rhea heart morphometry, comparing young and adult subjects, in order to provide relevant information for the diagnosis of heart disease in this species. Hearts of young (n = 10) and adult (n = 10) female rheas were used in this research. Heart length and width and sternum length were measured using a caliper. Heart length and width and sternum length in adults were approximately three times greater than in young individuals. The left ventricular wall (LVW) was thicker than the right ventricular wall (RVW) at all ages, and the RVW was thicker in adults when compared to young subjects. The basal and middle RVW regions thicken with advancing age, and the thickness of the interventricular septum (ISW) occupies an intermediate position between the LVW and RVW. In general, an increase in rhea heart thickness and size relative to age is observed. The morphometric variations between young and adult rhea hearts observed in the present study may serve as a comparative subsidy for the diagnosis of cardiac abnormalities observed in this species.

Laser therapy increases the proliferation of preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells cultured on poly(lactic acid) films.

This study aimed to verify the efficacy of low-level laser irradiation (LLLI) on the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts cultured on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) films. The produced films were characterized by contact angle tests, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction. The MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured as three different groups: Control-cultured on polystyrene plastic surfaces; PLA-cultured on PLA films; and PLA + Laser-cultured on PLA films and submitted to laser irradiation (660 nm; 30 mW; 4 J/cm2 ). Cell proliferation was analyzed by Trypan blue and Alamar blue assays at 24, 48, and 72 h after irradiation. Cell viability was assessed by Live/Dead assay, apoptosis-related events were evaluated by Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) expression, and cell cycle events were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell morphology on the surface of films was assessed by SEM. Cell counting and biochemical assay results indicate that the PLA + Laser group exhibited higher proliferation (p < 0.01) when compared with the Control and PLA groups. The Live/Dead and Annexin/PI assays indicate increased cell viability in the PLA + Laser group that also presented a higher percentage of cells in the proliferative cell cycle phases (S and G2/M). These findings were also confirmed by the higher cell density observed in the irradiated group through SEM images. The evidence from this study supports the idea that LLLI increases the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells on PLA surfaces, suggesting that it can be potentially applied in bone tissue engineering.

Live endothelial cells on plasma-nitrided and oxidized titanium: An approach for evaluating biocompatibility.

We evaluated the effects of titanium plasma nitriding and oxidation on live endothelial cell viscoelasticity. For this, mechanically polished titanium surfaces and two surfaces treated by planar cathode discharge in nitriding (36N2 and 24H2) and oxidant (36O2 and 24H2). Surfaces were characterized regarding wettability, roughness and chemical composition. Rabbit aortic endothelial cells (RAECs) were cultured on the titanium surfaces. Cell morphology, viability and viscoelasticity were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. Grazing Incidence X-ray Diffraction confirmed the presence of TiN0,26 on the surface (grazing angle theta 1°) of the nitrided samples, decreasing with depth. On the oxidized surface had the formation of TiO3 on the material surface (Theta 1°) and in the deeper layers was noted, with a marked presence of Ti (Theta 3°). Both plasma treatments increased surface roughness and they are hydrophilic (angle <90°). However, oxidation led to a more hydrophilic titanium surface (66.59° ± 3.65 vs. 76.88° ± 2.68; p = 0.001) due to titanium oxide films in their stoichiometric varieties (Ti3O, TiO2, Ti6O), especially Ti3O. Despite focal adhesion on the surfaces, viability was different after 24 h, as cell viability on the oxidized surface was higher than on the nitrided surface (9.1 × 103 vs. 4.5 × 103cells; p < 0.05). This can be explained by analyzing the viscoelastic property of the cellular cytoskeleton (nuclear and peripheral) by AFM. Surface oxidation significantly increased RAECs viscoelasticity at cell periphery, in comparison to the nucleus (2.36 ± 0.3 vs. 1.5 ± 0.4; p < 0.05), and to the RAECs periphery in contact with nitrided surfaces (1.36 ± 0.7; p < 0.05) and polished surfaces (1.55 ± 0.6; p < 0.05). Taken together, our results have shown that titanium plasma treatment directly increased cell viscoelasticity via surface oxidation, and this mechanobiological property subsequently increased biocompatibility.

Testicular characterization and spermatogenesis of the hematophagous bat Diphylla ecaudata.

Diphylla ecaudata is a hematophagous bat endemic of South America, with food preference for bird blood. Given the lack of information about the reproductive activity of this species, this study aimed to describe the testicular morphology and histomorphometry of D. ecaudata in order to understand its reproductive biology, specially spermatogenesis. The animals were collected in Lajes city, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. Following euthanasia, the testes were histologically processed for morphological, morphometric, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analyses. Their average body weight was 24.64g, with a gonadosomatic index of 0.49%, tubulesomatic index of 0.47%, and a total of 32.20m of seminiferous tubules per gram of testis. The pre-meiotic, meiotic, and post-meiotic phases accounted for 56.20%, 9.30%, and 34.50% of the seminiferous epithelium cycle, respectively. The ultrastructure of spermiogenesis was similar to that described in other mammals and the perforatorium was not observed in the sperm. Androgen receptors were detected in Sertoli cell nuclei and Leydig cell cytoplasm, while aromatase enzyme was detected only in Sertoli cell nuclei. FGF2 and BCL-2 activities were detected in the cytoplasm of zygotene and pachytene primary spermatocytes, as well as round and elongated spermatids. D. ecaudata showed testicular pattern similar to other mammals and characteristics common to other bat species. This species stood out for its high efficiency of Sertoli cells, which presented high capacity to support germ cells, besides the highest sperm production rates among those already recorded. This study is the first step towards the knowledge of D. ecaudata reproduction and the first description of its spermatogenesis.