Quantification of Global DNA Methylation in Canine Melanotic and Amelanotic Oral Mucosal Melanomas and Peripheral Blood Leukocytes From the Same Patients With OMM: First Study.

Oral mucosal melanomas (OMMs) are aggressive and resistant cancers of high importance in veterinary oncology. Amelanotic OMM produces comparatively less melanin and is considered to be more aggressive than melanotic OMM. Global DNA methylation profiles with hypomethylated or hypermethylated patterns have both been associated with aggressive neoplasms; however, global DNA hypomethylation seems to correlate to higher aggressiveness. Accordingly, global DNA methylation in peripheral blood leukocytes has been investigated to understand the role of systemic or environmental factors in cancer development. This study aimed to quantify global DNA methylation in canine melanotic and amelanotic OMM samples and in the peripheral blood leukocytes of the same dogs. Tumor tissue samples were collected from 38 dogs, of which 19 were melanotic and 19 were amelanotic OMM. These were submitted to immunohistochemistry (IHC) with anti-5-methylcytosine (5mC) and anti-Ki67 primary antibodies. Ki67- and 5mC-positive nuclei were manually scored with the help of an image analysis system. Peripheral blood samples were collected from 18 among the 38 OMM-bearing dogs and from 7 additional healthy control dogs. Peripheral blood leukocytes were isolated from the 25 dogs, and DNA was extracted and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for global DNA methylation. The pattern of global DNA methylation in both canine melanotic and amelanotic OMM indicated higher percentages of weakly or negatively stained nuclei in most of the OMM cells, presuming predominant global DNA hypomethylation. In addition, Ki67 counts in amelanotic OMM were significantly higher than those in melanotic OMM (p < 0.001). Global DNA methylation different immunostaining patterns (strong, weak or negative) correlated with Ki67 scores. Global DNA methylation in circulating leukocytes did not differ between the 9 melanotic and 9 amelanotic OMM or between the 18 OMM-bearing dogs and the 7 healthy dogs. This study provides new information on canine melanotic and amelanotic OMM based on global DNA methylation and cell proliferation.

Effects of Alpha-Connexin Carboxyl-Terminal Peptide (aCT1) and Bowman-Birk Protease Inhibitor (BBI) on Canine Oral Mucosal Melanoma (OMM) Cells.

Oral mucosal melanomas (OMM) are aggressive cancers in dogs, and are good models for human OMM. Gap junctions are composed of connexin units, which may have altered expression patterns and/or subcellular localization in cancer cells. Cell-to-cell communication by gap junctions is often impaired in cancer cells, including in melanomas. Meanwhile, the upregulated expression of the gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) inhibits melanoma progression. The α-connexin carboxyl-terminal (aCT1) peptide reportedly maintains Cx43 expression and cell-cell communication in human mammary cells and increases the communication activity through gap junctions in functional assays, therefore causing decreased cell proliferation. The Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor (BBI), a component of soybeans, induces Cx43 expression in several tumor cells as a trypsin-chymotrypsin inhibition function, with antineoplastic effects. This study investigated the effect of aCT1 peptide and BBI treatment, alone or in combination, on TLM1 canine melanoma cell viability. Cell viability after treatment with aCT1, the reverse sequence peptide (R-pep), and/or BBI for 5 days was analyzed by PrestoBlue assay. Immunofluorescence was used to observe Cx43 localization and expression. aCT1 (200 µM) alone did not significantly decrease cell viability in TLM1 cells, whereas BBI (400 µg/ml) alone significantly decreased the TLM1 viability. Combined treatment with both aCT1 (200 µM) and BBI (400 µg/ml) significantly decreased cell viability in TLM1 cells. Cx43 expression, as identified by immunostainings in TLM1 cells, was increased in the cell membrane after the combination treatment with BBI and aCT1. This dual treatment can be combined to achieve the anticancer activity, possibly by increasing Cx 43 expression and affecting Cx43 migration to the cell membrane. In conclusion, a treatment strategy targeting Cx43 with BBI and aCT1 may possibly lead to new effective therapies for canine OMM.

Testicular subcutaneous allografting followed by immunosuppressive treatment promotes maintenance of spermatogonial cells in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

Germ cell transplantation and testis graft represent promising biotechnologies that can be applied for the reproduction of commercial or endangered species. However, mechanisms of rejection from the host immune system might remove the transplanted donor cells/tissues and limit the surrogate production of gametes. In this work, we administered emulsion containing-immunosuppressants to verify whether they are capable to prevent immune rejection and promote survival of testis allografts in rainbow trout. In the first part of this study, we demonstrated in vitro that tacrolimus and cyclosporine were able to affect viability, inhibit leucocyte proliferation, and suppress il2 expression in vitro. In in vivo experiments, both doses of tacrolimus (0.5 and 1.5 mg/kg) and the lower dose of cyclosporine (20 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the expression of il2 in head kidney, three days post-injection. A higher dose of cyclosporine (40 mg/kg) was able to inhibit il2 expression for up to seven days post-injection. In the second part, testis allografts were conducted in fish treated weekly with emulsion containing-tacrolimus. Immunohistochemical, conventional histology, and qRT-PCR (vasa) analysis demonstrated the presence of spermatogonial cells by the fifth week, in animals treated with 0.5 mg/kg of tacrolimus similar as found in autografted group. In the group treated with the highest tacrolimus dose (1.5 mg/kg) and in the non-treated group (without immunosuppressant), no germ cells or their respective markers were detected. il2 expression in head kidney was also suppressed in grafted animals treated with tacrolimus compared to non-treated group. These results suggest that tacrolimus may be a promising immunosuppressant for testis allografts or germ cell transplantation in rainbow trout. Co-administration combining tacrolimus (at lower dose) with other immunosuppressive drugs for inhibiting other activation pathways of the immune system, as performed in human organ transplantation, could be an alternative approach to optimize the immunosuppressive effects in host organisms.

The skin structures and their role in the thermoregulation of the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis).

The skin of the South American fur seal (Arctocephalus australis) is important for animal thermoregulation in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Skin tissue samples were collected from A. australis for microscopic analysis and were related to anatomical references. The aim of this study was to describe the skin morphology, as well as to suggest the major anatomical regions and skin components involved in the thermoregulation of this species. Using light microscopy, the skin of six animals was examined based on histological, morphometric, and immunohistochemical criteria. Hair follicle morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The skin was classified as either thick or thin based on its epidermal thickness. The thin epidermis regions had more abundant hair follicles, as well as high pigmentation, whereas the thick epidermis regions had very pigmented epidermal layers. Pigmentation of hair and skin is fundamental for protection against ultraviolet rays; moreover, hair is important in preventing abrasion, and provides an insulating layer against the external environment, which can be much colder than body temperature. Furthermore, the dermis is well vascularized, especially the superficial dermis. All regions of the skin have adaptations for maintaining the animal's condition in both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Among the studied regions, the interdigital region from hindflipper showed important morphological characteristics related to thermoregulation, such as having an epidermis of intermediate thickness, a dermis with a small number of hairs, a large amount of blood vessels, and sweat glands with large lumens, indicating that heat exchange in this region may be faster.

Inhibitory effects of Euphorbia tirucalli latex on murine B16/F10 melanoma cells and lung metastasis.

Euphorbia tirucalli (E. tirucalli) is a tropical and subtropical plant that produces a latex which is used for several purposes. The components of E. tirucalli latex include triterpenes, diterpenes and steroids. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of diluted E. tirucalli latex on murine B16/F10 melanoma cells and lung metastasis. For this purpose, an in vitro study was first performed, in which B16/F10 cells were treated with diluted (1/2 to 1/11,192) E. tirucalli latex. In a second study, B16/F10 melanoma cells were inoculated into the tail vein of mice to generate lung metastases; the mice then received 0.467 µg of latex diluted in 200 ml saline by gavage for 14 days. A significant decrease in B16/F10 cell viability was observed using the MTT assay at 24 and 48 h after treatment with E. tirucalli latex. In addition, a significant decrease in the volume fraction occupied by B16/F10 metastatic colonies in the lungs was observed in mice treated with E. tirucalli latex. These results confirm the antineoplastic effects of diluted E. tirucalli latex.

Biochemical and Utralmicroscopic Evaluation of Myofibril Proteins and Collagen during Ageing in Broiler Chicken PSE (Pale, Sof, Exudative) Meat

Abstract The aim of this work was to study the myofibril proteins and collagen fraction changes in broiler chickens PSE (pale, soft, exudative) meat during ageing and their relationship to meat quality. The results presented an increase of myofibril proteins and collagen solubility promoted by the enhanced proteases activities during storage. Ultramicroscopically, the PSE meat samples revealed intracellularly a sarcomere super contraction and lacunas within the A and I bands while Z-lines appeared very dense and fragmented in comparison to normal samples. This observation was noticed already at 4h storage while extracellularly collagen fibrils decreased visually within the endomysium only after 24h of conditioning. These results influenced the quality as the PSE meat presented better functional properties at the first hours of conditioning before further proteins degradation by proteases. Thereafter, at the later ageing stage a further disintegration of the abnormal meat structure would affect the meat functional properties.

Stereology shows that damaged liver recovers after protein refeeding.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the putative effects of a low-protein diet on the three-dimensional structure of hepatocytes and determine whether this scenario could be reversed by restoring the adequate levels of protein to the diet. METHODS: Using design-based stereology, the total number and volume of hepatocytes were estimated in the liver of mice in healthy and altered (by protein malnutrition) conditions and after protein renutrition. RESULTS: This study demonstrated a 65% decrease in the liver volume (3302 mm3 for the control for undernourished versus 1141 mm3 for the undernourished group) accompanied by a 46% reduction in the hepatocyte volume (8223 µm3 for the control for undernourished versus 4475 µm3 for the undernourished group) and a 90% increase in the total number of binucleate hepatocytes (1 549 393 for the control for undernourished versus 2 941 353 for the undernourished group). Reinstating a normoproteinic diet (12% casein) proved to be effective in restoring the size of hepatocytes, leading to an 85% increase in the total number of uninucleate hepatocytes (15 988 560 for the undernourished versus 29 600 520 for the renourished group), and partially reversed the liver atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: Awareness of these data will add to a better morphologic understanding of malnutrition-induced hepatopathies and will help clinicians improve the diagnosis and treatment of this condition in humans and in veterinary practice.

Histology of the gastrointestinal tract from Bothrops jararaca and Crotalus durissus / Aspectos histológicos do trato gastrointestinal de Bothrops jararaca e Crotalus durissus

Recent studies have discussed the importance of snakes, going beyond the context of Public Health (snakebites). Promising research demonstrates the utility of snake venom in several fields, including oncology, diagnosis, anticoagulant therapy, and pain treatment. Nevertheless, there are still gaps in the basic knowledge on these animals, specifically regarding the histological characterization of the gastrointestinal tract, which ultimately hinder comparative histology and pathology studies. In this context the present study intends to contribute with the advance of current knowledge on snake histology by describing and analyzing histological samples of the gastrointestinal tracts of Bothrops jararaca and Crotalus durissus. Samples were collected from 12 individuals (six from each species), up to 6 months of age and equally distributed between males and females. Histological slides were prepared from the organs collected and were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff and alcian blue. The slides were photographed with a high-resolution camera to create a portfolio representative of the histology of the gastrointestinal systems of these animals.(AU)

Na atualidade, a importância das serpentes extravasa a conotação em saúde pública (acidentes ofídicos), e pesquisas promissoras têm demonstrado a utilidade dos venenos das serpentes em diversas áreas como oncologia, diagnóstico, terapia anticoagulante e tratamento da dor. Ainda assim, existem lacunas no conhecimento básico sobre esses animais, tais como a caracterização histológica do seu sistema gastrointestinal, que se tornam obstáculos para estudos nos campos da histologia e patologia comparadas. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho pretende contribuir com o avanço do conhecimento sobre histologia de serpentes a partir da descrição e análise histológica de amostras do trato gastrointestinal de exemplares das espécies Bothrops jararaca e Crotalus durissus. Para tanto, foram coletadas amostras de 12 indivíduos com até seis meses de idade, seis por espécie (distribuídos igualmente entre machos e fêmeas). A partir dos órgãos colhidos, lâminas histológicas foram preparadas e coradas pela técnica de hematoxilina e eosina, bem como PAS com Alcian Blue. As lâminas foram fotografadas por câmera de alta resolução, resultando em um portfólio representativo da histologia do sistema gastrointestinal desses animais.(AU)

Histology of the gastrointestinal tract from Bothrops jararaca and Crotalus durissus / Aspectos histológicos do trato gastrointestinal de Bothrops jararaca e Crotalus durissus

Recent studies have discussed the importance of snakes, going beyond the context of Public Health (snakebites). Promising research demonstrates the utility of snake venom in several fields, including oncology, diagnosis, anticoagulant therapy, and pain treatment. Nevertheless, there are still gaps in the basic knowledge on these animals, specifically regarding the histological characterization of the gastrointestinal tract, which ultimately hinder comparative histology and pathology studies. In this context the present study intends to contribute with the advance of current knowledge on snake histology by describing and analyzing histological samples of the gastrointestinal tracts of Bothrops jararaca and Crotalus durissus. Samples were collected from 12 individuals (six from each species), up to 6 months of age and equally distributed between males and females. Histological slides were prepared from the organs collected and were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff and alcian blue. The slides were photographed with a high-resolution camera to create a portfolio representative of the histology of the gastrointestinal systems of these animals.(AU)

Na atualidade, a importância das serpentes extravasa a conotação em saúde pública (acidentes ofídicos), e pesquisas promissoras têm demonstrado a utilidade dos venenos das serpentes em diversas áreas como oncologia, diagnóstico, terapia anticoagulante e tratamento da dor. Ainda assim, existem lacunas no conhecimento básico sobre esses animais, tais como a caracterização histológica do seu sistema gastrointestinal, que se tornam obstáculos para estudos nos campos da histologia e patologia comparadas. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho pretende contribuir com o avanço do conhecimento sobre histologia de serpentes a partir da descrição e análise histológica de amostras do trato gastrointestinal de exemplares das espécies Bothrops jararaca e Crotalus durissus. Para tanto, foram coletadas amostras de 12 indivíduos com até seis meses de idade, seis por espécie (distribuídos igualmente entre machos e fêmeas). A partir dos órgãos colhidos, lâminas histológicas foram preparadas e coradas pela técnica de hematoxilina e eosina, bem como PAS com Alcian Blue. As lâminas foram fotografadas por câmera de alta resolução, resultando em um portfólio representativo da histologia do sistema gastrointestinal desses animais.(AU)

Connexins, Pannexins, and Their Channels in Fibroproliferative Diseases.

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of wound healing, tissue repair, and fibrogenesis are established in different organs and are essential for the maintenance of function and tissue integrity after cell injury. These mechanisms are also involved in a plethora of fibroproliferative diseases or organ-specific fibrotic disorders, all of which are associated with the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components. Fibroblasts, which are key cells in tissue repair and fibrogenesis, rely on communicative cellular networks to ensure efficient control of these processes and to prevent abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix into the tissue. Despite the significant impact on human health, and thus the epidemiologic relevance, there is still no effective treatment for most fibrosis-related diseases. This paper provides an overview of current concepts and mechanisms involved in the participation of cellular communication via connexin-based pores as well as pannexin-based channels in the processes of tissue repair and fibrogenesis in chronic diseases. Understanding these mechanisms may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies to clinically manage fibroproliferative diseases and organ-specific fibrotic disorders.

Chemopreventive effects of pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.) on preneoplastic lesions in a mouse model of hepatocarcinogenesis.

Pequi (Caryocar brasiliense Camb.), a fruit from Brazil's central region, was evaluated for its chemopreventive effects on preneoplastic liver lesions induced by the carcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in mice. BALB/c mice, 14 days of age, received an intraperitoneal injection at 10 µg/g of DEN. The mice received either of two doses of pequi oil (100 or 400 mg/kg) daily from the age of 30 days and were killed at the age of 189 days. Stereological parameters, including the volume density (Vv) and the total volume (Vtot) of the lesions (preneoplastic and adenomas), were measured and the expression of cytokeratins CK8/18 was evaluated. The total volume of lesions and adenomas was reduced by 51% in the group treated with the carcinogen and 400 mg/kg of pequi oil administered daily by an oral gavage for 25 consecutive weeks. In addition, some mice in this group did not develop lesions. Among the remaining preneoplastic lesions in this group, the number of remodelled profiles increased by 2.4-fold in the 400-mg pequi oil-treated mice relative to the 100-mg-treated mice. Our results show that pequi oil exerts a hepatoprotective effect against DEN-induced development of preneoplastic lesions and adenoma in mice and the potential for its use in the prevention of liver cancer.

Parenteral solution of nutritional hepatotrophic factors improves regeneration in thioacetamide-induced cirrhotic livers after partial hepatectomy.

Liver resection is a suitable option for the treatment of certain hepatic conditions, particularly hepatocarcinomas, in patients with cirrhosis. However, this disease impairs liver regeneration, which increases the risk of liver failure and postoperative death. Supportive treatments for regeneration of the remaining liver may be useful for the recovery of these patients. We demonstrated that nutritional hepatotrophic factors (NHF) is an effective regenerative stimulus for cirrhotic livers in rats subjected to partial hepatectomy (PH). The rats with thioacetamide-induced cirrhosis were subjected to PH, and they were divided into 2 groups. One group received intraperitoneal administration of NHF, and the other group received saline solution. After 12 days, biometric data, collagen content, hepatocyte regeneration (proliferation cell nuclear antigen immunochemistry), and profibrotic gene expression (Collagen-α1, matrix metalloproteinase 2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, and transforming growth factor beta 1) were assessed. The results indicated that the rats treated with NHF after PH had an increased liver size, a reduced amount of collagen, and a higher hepatocyte proliferation index compared with the rats that underwent PH alone. In addition, collagen-α1 gene expression was decreased in the NHF-treated rats. Thus, postoperative improvement in the liver morphology following NHF treatment may cause a significant decrease in the risk of liver failure and mortality after hepatic resection.

Effect of pork backfat replacement for vegetal oils in the quality characteristics, oxidative stability and microstructure of mortadella / Efeito da substituição da gordura suína por óleos vegetais nas características de qualidade, estabilidade oxidativa e microestrutura de mortadela

This study was developed with the aim to evaluate the use of different vegetable oils as a replacer for pork backfat. For this, there were used canola, linseed, olive and soybean oils at two levels of replacement (50 and 100%). There were evaluated the physico-chemical characteristics (proximate composition, pH and water activity), instrumental color, microbiological characteristics, lipid oxidation (TBARS) and microstructure during storage at room temperature for 60 days. The products had the quality parameters required by the Brazilian legislation. There was a pH decrease during storage due to the growth of lactic acid bacteria. Products containing vegetable oils showed higher levels of lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) and lower levels of redness (a*). TBARS values remained under the perceptible threshold by the consumers and microstructure characteristics were similar to those observed in other kinds of cooked meat sausages. Thus, the use of canola, linseed, olive or soybean oils is a viable alternative as a substitute for pork backfat in elaboration of mortadella.

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar o uso de diferentes óleos vegetais como substituto da gordura animal em mortadela. Para isso, foram utilizados os óleos de canola, linhaça, oliva e soja em dois níveis de substituição (50 e 100%). Foram avaliadas as características físico-químicas (composição centesimal, pH e Atividade de água), cor instrumental, características microbiológicas, oxidação lipídica (TBARS) e microestrutura durante armazenamento em temperatura ambiente por 60 dias. Os produtos apresentaram os parâmetros de qualidade exigidos pela legislação brasileira. Houve uma queda nos valores de pH durante o armazenamento devido ao crescimento de bactérias láticas. Os produtos contendo óleos vegetais apresentaram teores de luminosidade (L*) e amarelo (b*) superiores e teor de vermelho (a*) inferior ao controle. Os valores de TBARS mantiveram-se abaixo do limiar perceptível pelo consumidor e as características de microestrutura foram semelhantes às observadas em outros produtos cárneos cozidos. Assim, a utilização de óleos de canola, linhaça, oliva ou soja é uma alternativa viável como substituto da gordura animal na elaboração de mortadela.

Effect of pork backfat replacement for vegetal oils in the quality characteristics, oxidative stability and microstructure of mortadella / Efeito da substituição da gordura suína por óleos vegetais nas características de qualidade, estabilidade oxidativa e microestrutura de mortadela

This study was developed with the aim to evaluate the use of different vegetable oils as a replacer for pork backfat. For this, there were used canola, linseed, olive and soybean oils at two levels of replacement (50 and 100%). There were evaluated the physico-chemical characteristics (proximate composition, pH and water activity), instrumental color, microbiological characteristics, lipid oxidation (TBARS) and microstructure during storage at room temperature for 60 days. The products had the quality parameters required by the Brazilian legislation. There was a pH decrease during storage due to the growth of lactic acid bacteria. Products containing vegetable oils showed higher levels of lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) and lower levels of redness (a*). TBARS values remained under the perceptible threshold by the consumers and microstructure characteristics were similar to those observed in other kinds of cooked meat sausages. Thus, the use of canola, linseed, olive or soybean oils is a viable alternative as a substitute for pork backfat in elaboration of mortadella.

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de avaliar o uso de diferentes óleos vegetais como substituto da gordura animal em mortadela. Para isso, foram utilizados os óleos de canola, linhaça, oliva e soja em dois níveis de substituição (50 e 100%). Foram avaliadas as características físico-químicas (composição centesimal, pH e Atividade de água), cor instrumental, características microbiológicas, oxidação lipídica (TBARS) e microestrutura durante armazenamento em temperatura ambiente por 60 dias. Os produtos apresentaram os parâmetros de qualidade exigidos pela legislação brasileira. Houve uma queda nos valores de pH durante o armazenamento devido ao crescimento de bactérias láticas. Os produtos contendo óleos vegetais apresentaram teores de luminosidade (L*) e amarelo (b*) superiores e teor de vermelho (a*) inferior ao controle. Os valores de TBARS mantiveram-se abaixo do limiar perceptível pelo consumidor e as características de microestrutura foram semelhantes às observadas em outros produtos cárneos cozidos. Assim, a utilização de óleos de canola, linhaça, oliva ou soja é uma alternativa viável como substituto da gordura animal na elaboração de mortadela.

Histologia do fígado de avestruz (Struthio camelus, Linnaeus 1758) / Histology of ostrich liver (Struthio camelus, Linnaeus 1758)

A criação de avestruz (Struthio camelus, Linnaeus 1758) é uma atividade de grande potencial, porém não existem padrões definidos sobre a histologia do seu fígado, que é um órgão de grande importância no metabolismo. O conhecimento de sua histologia pode contribuir para a detecção de doenças e deficiências nutricionais no animal. Para este estudo foram utilizados 24 avestruzes com idades entre 12 e 18 meses (com peso médio em torno de 80 a 100 kg), provenientes do abatedouro Don Pig, em Botucatu no estado de São Paulo. Os animais foram abatidos com pistola pneumática e, após a sangria, as amostras do fígado foram processadas e observadas em microscopia de luz e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET). A hematoxilina e eosina (H.E), picrossírius, Gordon e Sweets, Sudan black e o ácido peródico de Schiff (PAS) são colorações usadas respectivamente para observar a morfologia do fígado, colágeno, fibras reticulares, gordura e glicogênio. Foram encontrados os espaços portahepáticos.O glicogênio mostrou média de 5,68%, o conteúdo lipídico, média de 9,83%, o colágeno média de 14,71% e as fibras reticulares média de 5,96%. Quanto à MET notou-se no citoplasma dos hepatócitos, numerosas mitocôndrias, glicogênio, muitas gotas de gordura, alguns lisossomos, retículo endoplasmático granular ao redor das mitocôndrias, algumas células estreladas, célula em degeneração e o canalículo biliar ao centro. Provavelmente o quadro sugestivo de esteatose é resultante do estado nutricional dos animais. Estes resultados demonstraram que os hepatócitos dos avestruzes são muito similares às outras aves, como também muito semelhantes à estrutura e ultraestrutura das células do fígado de mamíferos.

are not distinct patterns about the histology of its liver, which is an organ of key importance in terms of metabolism. The knowledge of its histology can help the detection of diseases and nutritional deficiencies of this bird. Twenty four ostriches with an average age of 12-18 months and average weight of 80-100 Kg, proceeding from Don Pig Abatteur, located at Botucatu, São Paulo, were used. The birds were slaughtered with and to bleeding. Liver samples were processed for light and electron transmission microscopic studies. Hematoxilin and eosin (HE), picrosirius, Gordon and Sweets, Sudan black and Schiff periodic acid (PAS) were respectively used to observe the liver morphology, collagen, reticular fibers, lipids and glycogen. The liver portal spaces were determined. An average of 5.68% of glycogen was observed. The lipidic content with an average of 9.83%. Collagen fibers at an average of 14.71%. Reticular fibers with an average of 5.96%. Through transmission electron microscopy we noticed in the hepaticyte cytoplasm the presence of numerous mithocondria, glycogen, several lipidic droplets, some lysosomes, granular endoplasmatic reticulum around the mithocondria, some stellate cells, erythrocytes, nucleus and degenerating cells, besides the central biliary canaliculus. The suggestive steatotic results might result from the animals nutritional status Our results demonstrated that ostrich and other birds hepatocytes are very similar.

Retrospective Study of Hepatic Neoplasms in Dogs (1999-2012)

Primary hepatic neoplasms (PHN) account for 0.6 to 1.5% of canine tumours and constitute a major portion of chronic liver disease. The canine hepatic neoplasms can be classified as hepatocellular adenoma/carcinoma (HA/HCC), cholangiocellular adenoma/carcinoma (CCA/CCC), neuroendocrine carcinoma of tumors of mesenchymal origin, vascular or hematopoietic. Thus, because of its importance in veterinary oncology and hepatology, we performed a retrospective study of primary canine liver cancer in the Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, between 1999 and 2012. Was evaluated 6886 histopathological analysis, 106 (1.5%) were related to canine liver diseases, in which the tumors accounted for 27 cases (25.47%). Liver neoplasms, were classified as HA (2 cases -7.4%); CCA (5 cases - 18.5%); HCC (5 cases - 18.5%); CCC (6 cases - 22.2%) and 9 tumors of mesenchymal, hematopoietic or vascular (33.3%). Epidemiological data showed similarities to previously reported data, predominantly CCC, HCC and CCA in older animals and females.(AU)

Retrospective study of hepatic neoplasms in dogs (1999-2012)

Primary hepatic neoplasms (PHN) account for 0.6 to 1.5% of canine tumours and constitute a major portion of chronic liver disease. The canine hepatic neoplasms can be classified as hepatocellular adenoma/carcinoma (HA/HCC), cholangiocellular adenoma/carcinoma (CCA/CCC), neuroendocrine carcinoma of tumors of mesenchymal origin, vascular or hematopoietic. Thus, because of its importance in veterinary oncology and hepatology, we performed a retrospective study of primary canine liver cancer in the Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Sao Paulo, between 1999 and 2012. Was evaluated 6886 histopathological analysis, 106 (1.5%) were related to canine liver diseases, in which the tumors accounted for 27 cases (25.47%). Liver neoplasms, were classified as HA (2 cases -7.4%); CCA (5 cases - 18.5%); HCC (5 cases - 18.5%); CCC (6 cases - 22.2%) and 9 tumors of mesenchymal, hematopoietic or vascular (33.3%). Epidemiological data showed similarities to previously reported data, predominantly CCC, HCC and CCA in older animals and females.

Histologia do fígado de avestruz (Struthio camelus, Linnaeus 1758) / Histology of ostrich liver (Struthio camelus, Linnaeus 1758)

A criação de avestruz (Struthio camelus, Linnaeus 1758) é uma atividade de grande potencial, porém não existem padrões definidos sobre a histologia do seu fígado, que é um órgão de grande importância no metabolismo. O conhecimento de sua histologia pode contribuir para a detecção de doenças e deficiências nutricionais no animal. Para este estudo foram utilizados 24 avestruzes com idades entre 12 e 18 meses (com peso médio em torno de 80 a 100 kg), provenientes do abatedouro Don Pig, em Botucatu no estado de São Paulo. Os animais foram abatidos com pistola pneumática e, após a sangria, as amostras do fígado foram processadas e observadas em microscopia de luz e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET). A hematoxilina e eosina (H.E), picrossírius, Gordon e Sweets, Sudan black e o ácido peródico de Schiff (PAS) são colorações usadas respectivamente para observar a morfologia do fígado, colágeno, fibras reticulares, gordura e glicogênio. Foram encontrados os espaços portahepáticos.O glicogênio mostrou média de 5,68%, o conteúdo lipídico, média de 9,83%, o colágeno média de 14,71% e as fibras reticulares média de 5,96%. Quanto à MET notou-se no citoplasma dos hepatócitos, numerosas mitocôndrias, glicogênio, muitas gotas de gordura, alguns lisossomos, retículo endoplasmático granular ao redor das mitocôndrias, algumas células estreladas, célula em degeneração e o canalículo biliar ao centro. Provavelmente o quadro sugestivo de esteatose é resultante do estado nutricional dos animais. Estes resultados demonstraram que os hepatócitos dos avestruzes são muito similares às outras aves, como também muito semelhantes à estrutura e ultraestrutura das células do fígado de mamíferos.(AU)

are not distinct patterns about the histology of its liver, which is an organ of key importance in terms of metabolism. The knowledge of its histology can help the detection of diseases and nutritional deficiencies of this bird. Twenty four ostriches with an average age of 12-18 months and average weight of 80-100 Kg, proceeding from Don Pig Abatteur, located at Botucatu, São Paulo, were used. The birds were slaughtered with and to bleeding. Liver samples were processed for light and electron transmission microscopic studies. Hematoxilin and eosin (HE), picrosirius, Gordon and Sweets, Sudan black and Schiff periodic acid (PAS) were respectively used to observe the liver morphology, collagen, reticular fibers, lipids and glycogen. The liver portal spaces were determined. An average of 5.68% of glycogen was observed. The lipidic content with an average of 9.83%. Collagen fibers at an average of 14.71%. Reticular fibers with an average of 5.96%. Through transmission electron microscopy we noticed in the hepaticyte cytoplasm the presence of numerous mithocondria, glycogen, several lipidic droplets, some lysosomes, granular endoplasmatic reticulum around the mithocondria, some stellate cells, erythrocytes, nucleus and degenerating cells, besides the central biliary canaliculus. The suggestive steatotic results might result from the animals nutritional status Our results demonstrated that ostrich and other birds hepatocytes are very similar.(AU)

Morfometria das fibras colágeno cardíaco em ratos sadios e diabéticos suplementados com vitamina C / Morphometry of the collagen fibers in healthy and diabetic rats treated with vitamin C

The increase of heart collagen fibers in diabetics is a well known fact, but the consequences are not defined. The aim was to quantify the cardiac collagen fibers in normal and diabetic rats treated with vitamin C. We selected 32 Wistar rats, 16 diabetic animals induced endovenously with streptozootocin, and 16 healthy animals, half of them, diabetics and normals, were treated with vitamin C for 90 days. After the experimental proceeding, the hearts were removed and processed accordingly to conventional protocol for optical microscopy and specific staining for collagen. The results showed that the diabetic rats presented increase in the number of cardiac collagen fibers, but the ones treated with vitamin C showed little accumulation of fibers. It could be concluded that treatment with vitamin C is important for the prevention of heart failure in diabetic animals.

O aumento do conteúdo de fibras colágenas no coração de diabéticos é um fato bastante conhecido, suas conseqüências ainda são objeto de estudo e causam certa controvérsia, portanto este trabalho objetivou estudar a variação na quantidade das fibras de colágeno cardíacas em animais normais e diabéticos tratados pela vitamina C. Para isso foram selecionados 32 ratos Wistar, 16 diabéticos induzidos pela injeção endovenosa de estreptozootocina e 16 normais, sendo metade deles tratados com Vitamina C (diabéticos e normais) por um período de 90 dias. Após período experimental, os corações foram retirados e processados segundo protocolo convencional para microscopia óptica e coloração específica para colágeno. Os resultados mostram que animais diabéticos apresentam maior quantidade de fibras de colágeno cardíacas e que o tratamento com a vitamina C determinou um menor acúmulo na quantidade dessas fibras.

Morfometria das fibras colágeno cardíaco em ratos sadios e diabéticos suplementados com vitamina C / Morphometry of the collagen fibers in healthy and diabetic rats treated with vitamin C

The increase of heart collagen fibers in diabetics is a well known fact, but the consequences are not defined. The aim was to quantify the cardiac collagen fibers in normal and diabetic rats treated with vitamin C. We selected 32 Wistar rats, 16 diabetic animals induced endovenously with streptozootocin, and 16 healthy animals, half of them, diabetics and normals, were treated with vitamin C for 90 days. After the experimental proceeding, the hearts were removed and processed accordingly to conventional protocol for optical microscopy and specific staining for collagen. The results showed that the diabetic rats presented increase in the number of cardiac collagen fibers, but the ones treated with vitamin C showed little accumulation of fibers. It could be concluded that treatment with vitamin C is important for the prevention of heart failure in diabetic animals.(AU)

O aumento do conteúdo de fibras colágenas no coração de diabéticos é um fato bastante conhecido, suas conseqüências ainda são objeto de estudo e causam certa controvérsia, portanto este trabalho objetivou estudar a variação na quantidade das fibras de colágeno cardíacas em animais normais e diabéticos tratados pela vitamina C. Para isso foram selecionados 32 ratos Wistar, 16 diabéticos induzidos pela injeção endovenosa de estreptozootocina e 16 normais, sendo metade deles tratados com Vitamina C (diabéticos e normais) por um período de 90 dias. Após período experimental, os corações foram retirados e processados segundo protocolo convencional para microscopia óptica e coloração específica para colágeno. Os resultados mostram que animais diabéticos apresentam maior quantidade de fibras de colágeno cardíacas e que o tratamento com a vitamina C determinou um menor acúmulo na quantidade dessas fibras.(AU)