Exploring the clinical relevance of "Angico Gum": an effective biopolymer for topical protection of oesophageal mucosa in gastroesophageal reflux disease patients.

OBJECTIVES: Angico gum (AG) (Anadenanthera colubrina var. Cebil [Griseb.] Altschul) is utilized by some Brazilian communities to alleviate symptoms from gastroesophageal reflux disease. Here, we aimed to investigate the "in vitro" topical protective capacity of AG on human esophageal mucosa. METHODS: Biopsies of the distal esophageal mucosa were collected from 35 patients with heartburn (24 non-erosive and 11 with erosive oesophagitis (EE)) and mounted in Üssing chambers. AG was applied topically, followed by exposure with acid solution (pH 2.0 or pH 1.0), where transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and The transepithelial permeability for fluorescein was assessed. The incubation of the AG labeled with FITC in the esophageal mucosa was localized by fluorescence microscopy. KEY FINDINGS: Pretreatment with AG prevented the drop in TER induced by acid solution, as well as significantly decreases the fluorescein permeability in non-erosive patients. The protective effect of AG was sustained for up to 120 min both in biopsies of non-erosive and erosive esophagitis. Confocal microscope images showed mucosal luminal adherence of FITC-labeled AG. CONCLUSION: AG had a prolonged topical protective effect against acid solution in mucosal biopsies of patients with non-erosive and erosive esophagitis.

Gastroesophageal tube of the Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): histological description, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of 5-HT and SS cells

Abstract The work aims were to describe the histological and histochemical structure of the gastroesophageal tube of Iguana iguana and verify the occurrence and distribution of immunoreactive serotonin (5-HT) and somatostatin (SS) cells. Fragments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of five iguanas were which underwent standard histological and immunohistochemistry technique. Immunoreactive cells for 5-HT and SS were quantified using the STEPanizer. The oesophagus has ciliated columnar pseudostratified epithelium with staining Alcian blue (AB) + and goblet cells highly reactive to periodic acid Schiff (PAS). In the cervical oesophagus, the numerical density of 5-HT cells per unit area (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) was 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 and celomatic oesophagus presented QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. The epithelium of the stomach is simple columnar, PAS and AB +. The cranial and middle regions of the stomach presented (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 and the caudal region, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. The SS cells were only observed in the caudal stomach, with numerical density (QA [SS cells]/µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9 In I. iguana, variation was observed in terms of the distribution of mucus secretions and the pattern of occurrence of serotonin and somatostatin-secreting enteroendocrine cells in the TGI, which possibly will result in an interspecific adaptive response.

Resumo Os objetivos do trabalho foram descrever a estrutura histológica e histoquímica do tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana e verificar a ocorrência e distribuição de células serotonina (5-HT) e somatostatina (SS) imunorreativas. Fragmentos do trato gastrointestinal (TGI) de cinco iguanas foram submetidos à técnica histológica e imunohistoquímica padrão. As células imunorreativas para 5-HT e SS foram quantificadas usando o STEPanizer. O esôfago apresenta epitélio pseudoestratificado colunar ciliado Alcian blue (AB) positivo, com células caliciformes altamente reativas ao ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS). No esôfago cervical, a densidade numérica de células 5-HT por unidade de área (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) foi de 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 e o esôfago celomático apresentou QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. O epitélio do estômago é colunar simples, PAS e AB positivo. As regiões cranial e média do estômago apresentaram (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 e a região caudal, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. As células SS foram observadas apenas no estômago caudal, com densidade numérica (QA [células SS] / µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9. Em I. iguana, foi observada variações em termos da distribuição das secreções de muco e padrão de ocorrência das células enteroendócrinas secretoras de serotonina e somatostatina no TGI, o que possivelmente reflete uma resposta adaptativa interespecifica.

Gastroesophageal tube of the Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): histological description, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of 5-HT and SS cells / Tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): descrição histológica, histoquímica e análise imunohistoquímica de células 5-HT e SS

Abstract The work aims were to describe the histological and histochemical structure of the gastroesophageal tube of Iguana iguana and verify the occurrence and distribution of immunoreactive serotonin (5-HT) and somatostatin (SS) cells. Fragments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of five iguanas were which underwent standard histological and immunohistochemistry technique. Immunoreactive cells for 5-HT and SS were quantified using the STEPanizer. The oesophagus has ciliated columnar pseudostratified epithelium with staining Alcian blue (AB) + and goblet cells highly reactive to periodic acid Schiff (PAS). In the cervical oesophagus, the numerical density of 5-HT cells per unit area (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) was 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 and celomatic oesophagus presented QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. The epithelium of the stomach is simple columnar, PAS and AB +. The cranial and middle regions of the stomach presented (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 and the caudal region, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. The SS cells were only observed in the caudal stomach, with numerical density (QA [SS cells]/µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9 In I. iguana, variation was observed in terms of the distribution of mucus secretions and the pattern of occurrence of serotonin and somatostatin-secreting enteroendocrine cells in the TGI, which possibly will result in an interspecific adaptive response.

Resumo Os objetivos do trabalho foram descrever a estrutura histológica e histoquímica do tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana e verificar a ocorrência e distribuição de células serotonina (5-HT) e somatostatina (SS) imunorreativas. Fragmentos do trato gastrointestinal (TGI) de cinco iguanas foram submetidos à técnica histológica e imunohistoquímica padrão. As células imunorreativas para 5-HT e SS foram quantificadas usando o STEPanizer. O esôfago apresenta epitélio pseudoestratificado colunar ciliado Alcian blue (AB) positivo, com células caliciformes altamente reativas ao ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS). No esôfago cervical, a densidade numérica de células 5-HT por unidade de área (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) foi de 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 e o esôfago celomático apresentou QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. O epitélio do estômago é colunar simples, PAS e AB positivo. As regiões cranial e média do estômago apresentaram (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 e a região caudal, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. As células SS foram observadas apenas no estômago caudal, com densidade numérica (QA [células SS] / µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9. Em I. iguana, foi observada variações em termos da distribuição das secreções de muco e padrão de ocorrência das células enteroendócrinas secretoras de serotonina e somatostatina no TGI, o que possivelmente reflete uma resposta adaptativa interespecifica.

Gastroesophageal tube of the Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): histological description, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of 5-HT and SS cells / Tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): descrição histológica, histoquímica e análise imunohistoquímica de células 5-HT e SS

The work aims were to describe the histological and histochemical structure of the gastroesophageal tube of Iguana iguana and verify the occurrence and distribution of immunoreactive serotonin (5-HT) and somatostatin (SS) cells. Fragments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of five iguanas were which underwent standard histological and immunohistochemistry technique. Immunoreactive cells for 5-HT and SS were quantified using the STEPanizer. The oesophagus has ciliated columnar pseudostratified epithelium with staining Alcian blue (AB) + and goblet cells highly reactive to periodic acid Schiff (PAS). In the cervical oesophagus, the numerical density of 5-HT cells per unit area (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) was 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 and celomatic oesophagus presented QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. The epithelium of the stomach is simple columnar, PAS and AB +. The cranial and middle regions of the stomach presented (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 and the caudal region, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. The SS cells were only observed in the caudal stomach, with numerical density (QA [SS cells]/µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9 In I. iguana, variation was observed in terms of the distribution of mucus secretions and the pattern of occurrence of serotonin and somatostatin-secreting enteroendocrine cells in the TGI, which possibly will result in an interspecific adaptive response.

Os objetivos do trabalho foram descrever a estrutura histológica e histoquímica do tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana e verificar a ocorrência e distribuição de células serotonina (5-HT) e somatostatina (SS) imunorreativas. Fragmentos do trato gastrointestinal (TGI) de cinco iguanas foram submetidos à técnica histológica e imunohistoquímica padrão. As células imunorreativas para 5-HT e SS foram quantificadas usando o STEPanizer. O esôfago apresenta epitélio pseudoestratificado colunar ciliado Alcian blue (AB) positivo, com células caliciformes altamente reativas ao ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS). No esôfago cervical, a densidade numérica de células 5-HT por unidade de área (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) foi de 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 e o esôfago celomático apresentou QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. O epitélio do estômago é colunar simples, PAS e AB positivo. As regiões cranial e média do estômago apresentaram (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 e a região caudal, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. As células SS foram observadas apenas no estômago caudal, com densidade numérica (QA [células SS] / µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9. Em I. iguana, foi observada variações em termos da distribuição das secreções de muco e padrão de ocorrência das células enteroendócrinas secretoras de serotonina e somatostatina no TGI, o que possivelmente reflete uma resposta adaptativa interespecifica.

Gastroesophageal tube of the Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): histological description, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of 5-HT and SS cells / Tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): descrição histológica, histoquímica e análise imunohistoquímica de células 5-HT e SS

The work aims were to describe the histological and histochemical structure of the gastroesophageal tube of Iguana iguana and verify the occurrence and distribution of immunoreactive serotonin (5-HT) and somatostatin (SS) cells. Fragments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of five iguanas were which underwent standard histological and immunohistochemistry technique. Immunoreactive cells for 5-HT and SS were quantified using the STEPanizer. The oesophagus has ciliated columnar pseudostratified epithelium with staining Alcian blue (AB) + and goblet cells highly reactive to periodic acid Schiff (PAS). In the cervical oesophagus, the numerical density of 5-HT cells per unit area (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) was 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 and celomatic oesophagus presented QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. The epithelium of the stomach is simple columnar, PAS and AB +. The cranial and middle regions of the stomach presented (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 and the caudal region, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. The SS cells were only observed in the caudal stomach, with numerical density (QA [SS cells]/µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9 In I. iguana, variation was observed in terms of the distribution of mucus secretions and the pattern of occurrence of serotonin and somatostatin-secreting enteroendocrine cells in the TGI, which possibly will result in an interspecific adaptive response.(AU)

Os objetivos do trabalho foram descrever a estrutura histológica e histoquímica do tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana e verificar a ocorrência e distribuição de células serotonina (5-HT) e somatostatina (SS) imunorreativas. Fragmentos do trato gastrointestinal (TGI) de cinco iguanas foram submetidos à técnica histológica e imunohistoquímica padrão. As células imunorreativas para 5-HT e SS foram quantificadas usando o STEPanizer. O esôfago apresenta epitélio pseudoestratificado colunar ciliado Alcian blue (AB) positivo, com células caliciformes altamente reativas ao ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS). No esôfago cervical, a densidade numérica de células 5-HT por unidade de área (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) foi de 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 e o esôfago celomático apresentou QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. O epitélio do estômago é colunar simples, PAS e AB positivo. As regiões cranial e média do estômago apresentaram (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 e a região caudal, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. As células SS foram observadas apenas no estômago caudal, com densidade numérica (QA [células SS] / µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9. Em I. iguana, foi observada variações em termos da distribuição das secreções de muco e padrão de ocorrência das células enteroendócrinas secretoras de serotonina e somatostatina no TGI, o que possivelmente reflete uma resposta adaptativa interespecifica.(AU)

Micromorphological study of the upper digestive tract of the Argentine tegu (Salvator merianae).

Argentine black and white tegus (Salvator merianae) are omnivorous lizards native to southeastern Brazil, Uruguay, eastern Paraguay and northern Argentina, and are invasive species in Florida and Georgia, USA. They are opportunistic feeders, which is what allow them to have such a diverse variety of foods. Tegus raised a particular concern due to their adaptive capability to different environments. Our goal was to provide a micromorphology baseline of oesophagus and stomach and correlate findings with their dietary and invasive capabilities. Four Argentine black and white tegus were used for this study. We collected and processed specimens from oesophagus and stomach using standard histological techniques and stained tissue sections using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), Periodic Acid Schiff (PAS), Alcian Blue (AB) and Verhoef's elastic stains. The oesophagus was lined with ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium (PSCE) with goblet cells. Gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) were present occasionally in the oesophagus and more frequently in the stomach. Tunica muscularis (Tm) of the oesophageal-gastric junction had distinct smooth muscle which could function as a sphincter. The mucosa of the stomach was lined with simple columnar epithelium (SC). The glands had neck and dark oxyntico-peptic cells. The pyloric sphincter had more GALT and mucus cells than other regions. The Tm outer layer is thinner than the inner. Presence of large number of goblet cells would support faster transit of the bolus. The short digestive tract and the histological features observed are consistent with the ability of tegus consumption of large amount of food.

Coincidencia de hallazgos endoscópicos e histológicos en el diagnóstico de esófago de Barrett / Coincidence of endoscopic and histological findings in the diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus

Introducción: el esófago de Barrett es una alteración en la cual la mucosa esofágica se transforma desde un epitelio escamoso a un epitelio columnar con metaplasia intestinal. Endoscópicamente esta lesión se corresponde con la presencia de una mucosa columnar de color rojo salmón por encima de la unión gatroesofágica. Para su diagnóstico se requiere de la sospecha endoscópica y la confirmación histológica. Objetivo: determinar los niveles de coincidencia entre los diagnósticos endoscópicos y las características histopatológicas del esófago de Barrett, a partir del análisis de una serie de casos. Métodos: se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico "Joaquín Albarrán" de La Habana, Cuba entre enero de 2017 a junio de 2019, obteniéndose los datos de los registros de biopsias e historias clínicas. Se realizaron cálculos de frecuencias absolutas y relativas y, para evaluar la fuerza de coincidencia entre endoscopia e histología, se utilizó el estadístico Chi cuadrado. Resultados: en los 67 casos con diagnóstico endoscópico la coincidencia con histopatológica fue del 44,8%, en el restante 55,2% de los pacientes las lesiones diagnosticadas fue esofagitis crónica (p = 0,005). Conclusiones: el esófago de Barrett es una de las entidades clínicas con una epidemiología de alta variabilidad y su diagnóstico endos-cópicos requiere de la confirmación histológica ya que existe una baja coincidencia entre el diagnóstico endoscópico e histopatológico del EB el cual es el estándar de oro para el diagnóstico de EB.

Background: Barrett's oesophagus is an alteration in which the oesophagal mucosa is transformed from squamous epithelium to co-lumnar epithelium with intestinal metaplasia. Endoscopically this lesion corresponds to the presence of a salmon-red columnar mucosa above the gastroesophageal junction. For its diagnosis, endoscopic suspicion and histological confirmation are required.Objective: To determine the levels of coincidence between the endoscopic diagnoses and the histopathological characteristics of Barrett's oesophagus, from the analysis of a series of cases. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out at the "Joaquín Albarrán" Surgical Cli-nical Hospital in Havana, Cuba, between January 2017 and June 2019, obtaining data from biopsy records and medical records. Absolute and relative frequency calculations were performed and, to evaluate the force of coincidence between endoscopy and histology, the Chi-square statistic was used. Results: In the 67 cases with endoscopic diagnosis, the coincidence with histopathology was 44.8%, in the remaining 55.2% of the patients the lesions diagnosed were chronic esophagitis (p = 0.005). Conclusions: Barrett's oesophagus is one of the clinical entities with the epidemiology of high variability, and its endoscopic diagnosis requires histological confirmation since there is a low coincidence between the endoscopic and histopathological diagnosis of EB which is the gold standard for EB diagnosis.

Late-onset 'sloughing esophagitis' (esophagitis dissecans superficialis) associated with bullous pemphigoid.

Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune disease that causes blistering of the skin and oral mucosa. In bullous pemphigoid (BP), skin involvement is predominant, whereas oesophageal involvement is rare, compared with other blistering diseases. We present, herein, the case of a 67-year-old man with a history of successfully treated BP that 2 years later developed progressive dysphagia, unintentional weight loss and iron deficiency anaemia. An endoscopy with biopsies was performed, and its findings were consistent with 'sloughing esophagitis' (esophagitis dissecans superficialis) associated with BP. Oesophageal involvement was present during the first weeks, making our case unusual due to the isolated oesophageal symptoms that developed 24 months later.

Carcinoma de esófago en un adolescente de 14 años de edad con esófago de Barrett: Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Oesophageal carcinoma in a14 year old with Barrett's oesophagus: Case report and literature review

Resumen Los carcinomas del esófago son neoplasias extremadamente raras en niños y adolescentes y la literatura médica está limitada a reportes y series de casos. En su etiología están asociados algunos factores de riesgo implicados con la inflamación y la irritación crónica de las paredes del esófago. Los autores presentan el caso de un adolescente de14 años de edad con retardo mental y esófago de Barrett que desarrolló un carcinoma adenoescamoso del tercio medio del esófago. Se describen las características clínicas, los hallazgos radiológicos, la patología y el tratamiento adyuvante y quirúrgico recibido por el paciente.

Abstract Carcinomas of the oesophagus are extremely rare neoplasms in children and adolescents, and the medical literature is limited to case reports and series. In its aetiology they are associated with some risk factors involved with inflammation and chronic irritation of the wall of the oesophagus. The authors present the case of a14 year old mentally retarded and Barrett's oesophagus that developed an adeno-squamous carcinoma of the middle third of the oesophagus. Clinical features, radiological findings, pathology and surgical and adjuvant treatment received by the patient are described.

Surgical resection after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for oesophageal adenocarcinoma: what is the optimal timing?

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal timing of surgical resection of oesophageal adenocarcinoma following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT). METHODS: nCRT before resection of oesophageal adenocarcinoma yields improved overall and progression-free survival. Despite the wide acceptance of tri-modal therapy, the optimal timing of surgical resection after nCRT is not well defined and existing studies are limited. Adults with Stage II/III oesophageal adenocarcinoma undergoing nCRT before surgery were identified from the National Cancer Database. Multivariable analysis using restricted cubic splines was used to identify an inflection point in clinical outcomes as a function of time between nCRT and surgery, dividing the cohort into short- and long-interval treatment groups, which were then compared. Adjusted rates of survival and margin status were compared between groups using multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Among 2444 patients, restricted cubic splines identified an inflection point at 56 days, dividing our cohort into 1533 short-interval and 911 long-interval patients. Long-interval patients had a higher adjusted incidence of pathologic downstaging (odds ratio 1.38, confidence interval 1.02-1.85, P = 0.04) but no difference in margin positivity compared with short-interval patients (odds ratio 0.91, confidence interval 0.56-1.47, P = 0.69). Worse overall survival was noted in the long-interval subgroup (hazard ratio 1.44, confidence interval 1.22-1.71, P < 0.001), but 30-day postoperative mortality was not statistically different (odds ratio 1.56, confidence interval 0.9-2.72, P = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: Restricted cubic splines provides an objective mechanism to more accurately delineate optimum timing between nCRT and surgical resection. A time interval of 56 days represents an interval where increased pathologic downstaging is balanced by decreased overall survival.

Histological study of the oesophagus and stomach in grey-backed shrike (Lanius tephronotus) / Estudio histológico de esófago y estómago del alcaudón (Lanius tephronotus)

The microstructure of oesophagus and stomach in grey-backed shrike were examined by means of light microscopy. The results showed that the oesophagus glands were mucous glands, the shedding glandular cells and the mucin from the oesophagus glands secreted to the lumen. The number of the glands in the thoracic part was less than that of in the cervical part. The lumens of the glands showed an intense positive periodic acid-Schiff and Alcian blue reaction. There were two types of glands in the lamina propria. The simple tubular glands were located in the superficial lamella of the lamina propria, while compound tubular glands were located in the deep lamella. The epithelium was lined by a layer of cuticle in the intermediate zone between the proventriculus and gizzard. The surface of gizzard possessed a rough thick cuticle, which was made up of the Alcian blue-positive horizontal matrix and the periodic acid-Schiff-positive vertical rods.

La microestructura del esófago y el estómago del alcaudón gris fueron examinados mediante microscopía de luz. Los resultados mostraron que las glándulas del esófago eran glándulas mucosas, y que las células glandulares de descamación y la mucina de las glándulas del esófago eran secretadas al lumen. El número de glándulas en la porción torácica del esófago fue menor que en la porción cervical. Las aberturas de las glándulas mostraron una reacción positiva intensa al PAS y azul de Alcián. Se encontraron dos tipos de glándulas en la lámina propia. Las glándulas tubulares simples se localizaron en la lámina superficial de la lámina propia, mientras que las glándulas tubulares compuestas se hallaron en la lámina de profundidad. El epitelio se encontró revestido por una capa cuticular en la zona intermedia entre el proventrículo y la molleja. La superficie de la molleja presentó una cutícula gruesa, demostrada por una matriz horizontal positivo para azul de Alcian y varillas verticales positivas para el PAS.

Acute oesophageal necrosis concurrent with Leishmania chagasi infection in a dog.

A case of acute oesophageal necrosis concurrent with Leishmania chagasi infection is reported in a 6-year-old female mixed-breed dog. The report describes clinical signs, gross and microscopical lesions and immunohistochemical findings.

Caraterização morfoquantitativa do plexo mioentérico do esôfago no modelo de distrofia muscular camundongo MDX / Morphoquantitative features of myenteric plexus of the oesophagus in MDX mice

A Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne (DMD) [...]. Além dos graves distúrbios cardiorrespiratórios e da motricidade, o paciente apresenta disfunções do sistema digestório, caracterizadas pelas desordens da motilidade. Entretanto, sabe-se que tais disfunções não ocorrem no camundongo MDX. O objetivo deste estudo foi estimar a densidade numérica por área da população total de neurônios (QA[T]) e dos neurônios nitrérgicos (QA[N]); assim como a área de secção transversal média do corpo celular destes neurônios (A[T] e A[N]) do plexo mioentérico esofágico e a largura média das fibras estriadas (L) das camadas musculares. Foram utilizados 40 camundongos machos da linhagem C57BL/10 nas idades de 4 e 10 semanas, distribuídos entre grupos experimentais (MDX4 e MDX10), e controles (C4 e C10). As estimativas foram analisadas em preparados de membrana dos esôfagos, e técnicas histoquímicas de NADH-diaforase (NADH-d) e NADPH-diaforase (NADPH-d) foram utilizadas para evidenciar toda a população de neurônios e os neurônios nitrérgicos, respectivamente. Os resultados mostraram que a QA[T] foi significativamente maior no grupo MDX10 em relação ao C10 (p<0.05); enquanto a QA[N] foi menor no grupo MDX4 em relação ao C4 (p<0.05). A A[T] foi menor no grupo MDX10 em relação ao MDX4 e ao C10 (p<0.05); enquanto que para a A[N] não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos controle e experimental, e tampouco entre os grupos de 4 e de 10 semanas. A variável L foi maior nos grupos MDX4 e MDX10 em relação aos seus respectivos controles de mesma idade (p<0.05). Concluímos que no plexo mioentérico esofágico de camundongos MDX existe uma redução dos neurônios mediadores do relaxamento, especialmente em animais jovens (MDX4), provavelmente porque o organismo tenta manter íntegra a função peristáltica do órgão. Esse fato pode explicar a adaptação e ausência de disfunções esofágicas durante quase toda a vida desses animais

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) [...]. DMD is degenerative, progressive and a genetic X-linked disease. Besides the cardiomyopathy and the movement disorders, the patients have serious disfunctions in the alimentary system, characterized by motility disorders. However, it is known that such changes do not exist in MDX mice. The aim of this study was to estimate the neuronal numerical density/area of total (QA[T]) and nitregic neurons (QA[N]), the average cross-sectional area of total (A[T]) and nitregic (A[N]) neurons in myenteric plexus of the oesophagus and the average width of striped muscle of muscular layer (L). Forty C57BL/10 male mice were studied from four to ten weeks of age, divided into four groups: MDX mice formed the experimental groups (MDX4 and MDX10) and C57BL/10 male mice without the mutation formed the control groups (C4 and MDX10). Whole mounts preparations were obtained from the samples and histochemistry for NADH-diaphorase (NADH-d) and NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) were used for morphometric evaluation. The results showed a significant increase of the QA[T] in the MDX10 than C10 (p<0.05), and a decrease of the QA[N] in MDX4 comparing to C4 (p<0.05). The A[T] decreased significantly in MDX10 comparing to both MDX4 and C10 (p<0.05), while no significant differences were observed among all the groups regarding the A[N]. The groups MDX4 and MDX10 showed a significant increase in L when compared to its controls at the same age (p<0.05). We conclude that in the myenteric plexus of the oesophagus in MDX mice there is a reduction of the inhibitory neurons, manly in the young animals (MDX4), probably to keep normal the peristaltic functions. Thus, it may explain the adaptation and the absence of oesophageal disfunction during almost the whole life in this animal model

Megaesófago por persistencia del cuarto arco aórtico derecho en un perro pastor alemán / Megaesophagus due to persistence of the fourth right aortic arch in a german shepherd dog

Se diagnosticó un megaesófago secundario por anomalías de anillo vascular a una hembra, de raza Pastor Alemán, de nueve semanas de edad, con historia de regurgitación intermitente posterior al destete, problemas respiratorios, pérdida de peso y retraso en el crecimiento. Un estudio radiográfico simple de tórax y un esofagograma usando como material de contraste el bario, confirmaron la presencia de una gran dilatación esofágica craneal a la base del corazón, conformada por tres saculaciones. Un mes después, la paciente fue sometida a una toracotomía intercostal izquierda para seccionar el ligamento arterioso y liberar la constricción esofágica, lo que permitió establecer el diagnóstico definitivo de megaesófago secundario adquirido, por persistencia del cuarto arco aórtico derecho. Luego de la cirugía, se inició un método de alimentación en un plano elevado, con una dieta blanda, la cual se mantuvo con leves variaciones de manera permanente. La paciente mostró remisión completa de los signos clínicos a pesar de la persistencia del megaesófago, reafirmando que la corrección quirúrgica del anillo vascular y un método de alimentación apropiado, permiten controlar la enfermedad a largo plazo. Se presenta la evolución clínica de la paciente durante 11 años, y los resultados de los estudios radiográficos realizados durante ese período.

A secondary megaesophagus, as a result of vascular ring anomalies, was diagnosed in a nine-week old female German Shepherd dog, with a history of intermittent regurgitation soon after weaning, respiratory disturbances, weight loss and growth retardation. A survey thoracic radiographs and a barium esophagogram confirmed the presence of a large esophageal dilatation cranial to the base of the heart, formed by three sacculations. A month later, the patient underwent a left intercostal thoracotomy to transect the ligamentum arteriosum to release the esophageal constriction. This procedure allowed to establish the definitive diagnosis of acquired secondary megaesophagus due to persistence of the fourth right aortic arch. After surgery, a feeding method was restarted in an upright position, with a soft diet, which was maintained with slight variations on a permanent basis. The patient showed a complete remission of clinical signs, despite the persistence of the megaesophagus, reaffirming that both the surgical correction of the vascular ring and an appropriate feeding method, help in controlling the disease in the long term. A report of the clinical evolution of the patient over 11 years and the results of radiographic studies conducted throughout this period are shown.

Giant oesophageal liposarcoma: case report / Lipossarcoma gigante de esôfago: relato de caso

We describe imaging findings of a oesophageal liposarcoma in a 66 year old man. The computed tomography scan was performed after a chest radiograph showed a large posterior mediastinal mass. Oesophageal liposarcomas are rare tumours. They can achieve large size before they become symptomatic. Our patient was successfully managed with complete surgical removal.

São descritos os achados de imagem de um lipossarcoma de esôfago em um paciente do sexo masculino, de 66 anos de idade. Foi feita tomografia computadorizada, após radiografias de tórax terem mostrado massa mediastinal posterior. Lipossarcomas de esôfago são tumores raros. Eles podem atingir grandes dimensões antes de se tornarem sintomáticos. O paciente foi tratado com sucesso, com remoção cirúrgica completa do tumor.

O USO DE TUBO DE SILICONE COMO PRÓTESE ESOFÁGICA CERVICAL EM CANINOS

The behaviour of the silicone prosthesis was evaluated in replacement of a cervical oesophagus segment in five dogs, They were submitted to an operation, where a part of the oesophagus of approximately 2cm of length was excised and substituted by silicone tube with similar diameter, but greater length. These animals were observed for thirty days. They were sacrified and necropsied at end of this period. At the harvest of the oesophagus the growth of the tissue around the prosthesis was observed.

O comportamento da prótese de silicone em substituição a segmento de esôfago cervical, foi avaliado em cinco cães. Uma porção esofágica de aproximadamente 2cm de comprimento foi excisada e substituída por tubo de silicone com diâmetro semelhante, porém de maior comprimento. Esses animais foram observados pelo período de trinta dias, sendo sacrificados e necropsiados ao final desse período. No ato da colheita do esôfago foi observado o crescimento tecidual externamente à prótese.

O uso de tubo de silicone como prótese esofágica cervical em caninos

The behaviour of the silicone prosthesis was evaluated in replacement of a cervical oesophagus segment in five dogs, They were submitted to an operation, where a part of the oesophagus of approximately 2cm of length was excised and substituted by silicone tube with similar diameter, but greater length. These animals were observed for thirty days. They were sacrified and necropsied at end of this period. At the harvest of the oesophagus the growth of the tissue around the prosthesis was observed.

O comportamento da prótese de silicone em substituição a segmento de esôfago cervical, foi avaliado em cinco cães. Uma porção esofágica de aproximadamente 2cm de comprimento foi excisada e substituída por tubo de silicone com diâmetro semelhante, porém de maior comprimento. Esses animais foram observados pelo período de trinta dias, sendo sacrificados e necropsiados ao final desse período. No ato da colheita do esôfago foi observado o crescimento tecidual externamente à prótese.

Information on the foot-and-mouth disease virus in the upper oesophagus epitelium of cattle coming from endemic areas / Observações sobre a ocorrência do virus da febre aftosa na mucosa do esôfago de bovinos vacinados procedentes de áreas endêmicas

Examining specimens of epitelium from the upper oesophagus of cattle by suckling mice inoculation was possible demonstrate the 0 type of Foot-and-Mouth disease virus (FMDV) in two opportunities. These results provide evidence that the vaccinated cattle from endemic areas of Foot-and-Mouth disease may harbour the disease agent even if the animals seem to be health.

O exame de espécimes da mucosa do terço superior do esôfago de 250 bovinos recém-abatidos revelou, por inoculação em camundongos lactentes, a presença do vírus da febre aftosa tipo O1 Vallée, subtipo O1 Campos, em duas oportunidades. Tal observação sugere que bovinos vacinados, procedentes de áreas endêmicas de febre aftosa, podem albergar este agente na mucosa do esôfago mesmo em ausência de qualquer sinal evidente da doença.

Information on the foot-and-mouth disease virus in the upper oesophagus epitelium of cattle coming from endemic areas / Observações sobre a ocorrência do virus da febre aftosa na mucosa do esôfago de bovinos vacinados procedentes de áreas endêmicas

Examining specimens of epitelium from the upper oesophagus of cattle by suckling mice inoculation was possible demonstrate the 0 type of Foot-and-Mouth disease virus (FMDV) in two opportunities. These results provide evidence that the vaccinated cattle from endemic areas of Foot-and-Mouth disease may harbour the disease agent even if the animals seem to be health.

O exame de espécimes da mucosa do terço superior do esôfago de 250 bovinos recém-abatidos revelou, por inoculação em camundongos lactentes, a presença do vírus da febre aftosa tipo O1 Vallée, subtipo O1 Campos, em duas oportunidades. Tal observação sugere que bovinos vacinados, procedentes de áreas endêmicas de febre aftosa, podem albergar este agente na mucosa do esôfago mesmo em ausência de qualquer sinal evidente da doença.