Parâmetros qualitativos do sêmen e morfologia comparada da cabeça e peça intermediária do espermatozoide de pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus), pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) e tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) / Qualitative semen parameters and comparative morphology of pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus), pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) and tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) sperm

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os parâmetros qualitativos do sêmen e comparar a morfologia da cabeça do espermatozoide entre três espécies de peixes, Piaractus mesopotamicus, Piaractus brachypomus e Colossoma macropomum. As amostras de sêmen foram coletadas de nove animais, três machos de cada espécie, por método de reprodução induzida no mês de novembro de 2011. Os espermatozoides foram submetidos à análise de motilidade e estudo da morfologia em microscopia eletrônica de varredura. As taxas de motilidade das três espécies avaliadas foram acima de 90%, não diferindo entre elas. Porém, a duração de motilidade do sêmen de pacu foi superior as demais espécies. O comprimento da cabeça (CC) dos espermatozóides de pacu, Pirapitinga e Tambaqui foram, respectivamente, 2,43 ± 0,19 μm, 1,94 ± 0,07 μm e 2,44 ± 0,12 μm. A largura da cabeça (LC) foram, respectivamente, 1,45 ± 0,07 μm, 1,76 ± 0,07 μm e 1,56 ± 0,06 μm. O comprimento da peça intermediária foram, respectivamente, 1,00 ± 0,10 μm, 1,54 ± 0,08 μm e 2,07 ± 0,33 μm. Os resultados revelam que os espermatozoides das três espécies diferem entre si na morfologia externa quanto ao tamanho e formato da cabeça, e nas proporções de comprimento da peça intermediária.(AU)

The objective of this work was to evaluate qualitative semen parameters and to compare the morphology of the sperm head among three fish species, Piaractus mesopotamicus, Piaractus brachypomus and Colossoma macropomum. The semen samples were collected from nine animals, three males per species, by the induced reproduction method in November 2011. Sperm motility was evaluated and morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The motility rates of the three species evaluated were higher than 90%, with no difference between species. However, the duration of sperm motility was longer for pacu semen compared to the other species. The head length was 2.43 ± 0.19, 1.94 ± 0.07 and 2.44 ± 0.12 μm for pacu, pirapitinga and tambaqui sperm, respectively. The head width was 1.45 ± 0.07, 1.76 ± 0.07 and 1.56 ± 0.06 μm, and the length of the intermediate piece was 1.0 ± 0.10, 1.54 ± 0.08 and 2.07 ± 0.33 μm, respectively. The results show that the sperm of the three species differs in terms of external morphology (size and shape of the head) and in relation to the length of the intermediate piece.(AU)

Parâmetros qualitativos do sêmen e morfologia comparada da cabeça e peça intermediária do espermatozoide de pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus), pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) e tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) / Qualitative semen parameters and comparative morphology of pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus), pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) and tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) sperm

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os parâmetros qualitativos do sêmen e comparar a morfologia da cabeça do espermatozoide entre três espécies de peixes, Piaractus mesopotamicus, Piaractus brachypomus e Colossoma macropomum. As amostras de sêmen foram coletadas de nove animais, três machos de cada espécie, por método de reprodução induzida no mês de novembro de 2011. Os espermatozoides foram submetidos à análise de motilidade e estudo da morfologia em microscopia eletrônica de varredura. As taxas de motilidade das três espécies avaliadas foram acima de 90%, não diferindo entre elas. Porém, a duração de motilidade do sêmen de pacu foi superior as demais espécies. O comprimento da cabeça (CC) dos espermatozóides de pacu, Pirapitinga e Tambaqui foram, respectivamente, 2,43 ± 0,19 μm, 1,94 ± 0,07 μm e 2,44 ± 0,12 μm. A largura da cabeça (LC) foram, respectivamente, 1,45 ± 0,07 μm, 1,76 ± 0,07 μm e 1,56 ± 0,06 μm. O comprimento da peça intermediária foram, respectivamente, 1,00 ± 0,10 μm, 1,54 ± 0,08 μm e 2,07 ± 0,33 μm. Os resultados revelam que os espermatozoides das três espécies diferem entre si na morfologia externa quanto ao tamanho e formato da cabeça, e nas proporções de comprimento da peça intermediária.

The objective of this work was to evaluate qualitative semen parameters and to compare the morphology of the sperm head among three fish species, Piaractus mesopotamicus, Piaractus brachypomus and Colossoma macropomum. The semen samples were collected from nine animals, three males per species, by the induced reproduction method in November 2011. Sperm motility was evaluated and morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The motility rates of the three species evaluated were higher than 90%, with no difference between species. However, the duration of sperm motility was longer for pacu semen compared to the other species. The head length was 2.43 ± 0.19, 1.94 ± 0.07 and 2.44 ± 0.12 μm for pacu, pirapitinga and tambaqui sperm, respectively. The head width was 1.45 ± 0.07, 1.76 ± 0.07 and 1.56 ± 0.06 μm, and the length of the intermediate piece was 1.0 ± 0.10, 1.54 ± 0.08 and 2.07 ± 0.33 μm, respectively. The results show that the sperm of the three species differs in terms of external morphology (size and shape of the head) and in relation to the length of the intermediate piece.

Prostaglandin A1 inhibits the replication of bovine viral diarrhea virus

Bovine viral diarrhea virus can cause acute disease in livestock, leading to economic losses. We show that Prostaglandin A1 inhibits bovine viral diarrhea virus replication in Madin-Darby bovine kidney cells (94% inhibition using 5 µg/mL). Light and electron microscopy of infected cells shows that Prostaglandin A1 also prevents virus-induced vacuolization, but at higher concentrations (10 µg/mL).(AU)

Morphological characterization of ckd in cats: Insights of fibrogenesis to be recognized.

Renal fibrosis is characterized by glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis and its pathogenesis is associated with the activity of mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts), being essentially characterized by a process of excessive accumulation resulting from the deposition of extracellular matrix components. The aim of this study was to characterize the morphological presentation of chronic and fibrotic lesions in the glomerular, tubular, interstitial, and vascular compartments in feline CKD, as well as the possible participation of myofibroblasts in renal fibrotic processes in this species. Cat kidneys were collected and processed according to the conventional techniques for light microscopy, circular polarization, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Fibrotic alterations were present in all compartments analyzed. The main findings in the glomerular compartment were different degrees of glomerular sclerosis, synechia formation, Bowman's capsule calcification, in addition to glomerular basement membrane thickening and pericapsular fibrosis. The tubulointerstitial compartment had intense tubular degeneration and the immunostaining in tubular cells for mesenchymal cell markers demonstrated the possibility of mesenchymal epithelial transition and consequent involvement of myofibroblasts in the development of interstitial tubule damage. Infiltration of inflammatory cells, added to vessel thickening and fibrosis, demonstrated the severity and role of inflammation in the development and perpetuation of damage. Thus, we may conclude that fibrotic lesions play a relevant role in feline CKD and the mechanism of perpetuation of these lesions need further elucidation regarding the origin and participation of myofibroblasts and consequent mesenchymal epithelial transition in this species.

Anatomia microscópica e ultraestrutura do joelho da paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766) / Microscopic anatomy and ultrastructure of paca stifle (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766)

A paca (Cuniculus paca), um dos maiores roedores da fauna brasileira, possui características inerentes à sua espécie que podem contribuir como uma nova opção de animal experimental; assim, considerando-se que há crescente busca por modelos experimentais apropriados para ortopedia e pesquisas cirúrgicas, foram analisados e descritos em detalhes a anatomia microscópica e ultraestrutural do joelho desse roedor. Os ligamentos colaterais são constituídos por feixes de fibras colágenas arranjadas paralelamente e com trajeto ondulado. Os fibroblastos formavam fileiras paralelas às fibras colágenas; quanto aos ligamentos colaterais, estes apresentaram citoplasma imperceptível à avaliação por microscopia de luz, entretanto, em análise ultraestrutural verificou-se vários prolongamentos citoplasmáticos. Microscopicamente, as estruturas presentes no joelho da paca assemelham-se às dos animais domésticos, roedores e lagomorfos.(AU)

Paca (Cuniculus paca), one of the largest rodent of the Brazilian fauna, has characteristics inherent to the species that can contribute as a new experimental animal; so, considering that there is a growing search for experimental models suitable for orthopedic and surgical research, it was analyzed and described in detail the microscopic and ultrastructural anatomy of the stifle in this rodent. The collateral ligaments are composed of bundles of collagen fibers arranged in parallel and in wavy path. Fibroblasts formed parallel rows to the collagen fibers; concerning the collateral ligaments, they presented imperceptible cytoplasm at light microscopy, but at ultrastructure analysis they presented several cytoplasmic processes. At the microscopic level, the stifle of paca resembles the domestic animals, rodents and lagomorphs.(AU)

Anatomia microscópica e ultraestrutura do joelho da paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766) / Microscopic anatomy and ultrastructure of paca stifle (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766)

A paca (Cuniculus paca), um dos maiores roedores da fauna brasileira, possui características inerentes à sua espécie que podem contribuir como uma nova opção de animal experimental; assim, considerando-se que há crescente busca por modelos experimentais apropriados para ortopedia e pesquisas cirúrgicas, foram analisados e descritos em detalhes a anatomia microscópica e ultraestrutural do joelho desse roedor. Os ligamentos colaterais são constituídos por feixes de fibras colágenas arranjadas paralelamente e com trajeto ondulado. Os fibroblastos formavam fileiras paralelas às fibras colágenas; quanto aos ligamentos colaterais, estes apresentaram citoplasma imperceptível à avaliação por microscopia de luz, entretanto, em análise ultraestrutural verificou-se vários prolongamentos citoplasmáticos. Microscopicamente, as estruturas presentes no joelho da paca assemelham-se às dos animais domésticos, roedores e lagomorfos.(AU)

Paca (Cuniculus paca), one of the largest rodent of the Brazilian fauna, has characteristics inherent to the species that can contribute as a new experimental animal; so, considering that there is a growing search for experimental models suitable for orthopedic and surgical research, it was analyzed and described in detail the microscopic and ultrastructural anatomy of the stifle in this rodent. The collateral ligaments are composed of bundles of collagen fibers arranged in parallel and in wavy path. Fibroblasts formed parallel rows to the collagen fibers; concerning the collateral ligaments, they presented imperceptible cytoplasm at light microscopy, but at ultrastructure analysis they presented several cytoplasmic processes. At the microscopic level, the stifle of paca resembles the domestic animals, rodents and lagomorphs.(AU)

Immunohistochemical, lectin histochemical and ultrastructural studies of canine transmissible venereal tumor in Brazil / Estudos imuno-histoquímico, lectino-histoquímico e ultraestrutural do Tumor Venéreo Transmissível Canino no Brasil

Canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) is a naturally occurring contagious round-cell neoplasia, with poorly understood origin and transmission. This study aims to further investigate the tumor nature through immunohistochemistry, lectin histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, and to provide support for diagnostic and differential diagnoses of CTVT. Immunohistochemistry was performed in 10 genital and six exclusively extragenital tumors, which were previously diagnosed by citology and histopathology. CTVT samples were incubated with biotinylated antibodies to specific membrane and cytoplasmic antigens (anti-lysozyme, anti-macrophage, anti-vimentin, anti-CD18, monoclonal anti-CD117, monoclonal anti-CD3, polyclonal anti-CD117, polyclonal CD3 and anti-CD79a), followed by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique. The lectins Con A, DBA, SBA, PNA, UEA-1, WGA, sWGA, GSL, JSA, PSA, PHA-L, PHA-E and RCA were additionally tested in four genital CTVTs and TEM was performed in eight genital tumors. The anti-vimentin antibody revealed strong immunoreactivity to neoplastic cells in all the assessed samples (16/16). The polyclonal anti-CD3 antibodies showed moderate to strong immunoreactivity in fourteen (14/16) and the polyclonal anti-CD117 in fifteen cases (15/16). There was no immunoreactivity to anti-lysozyme, anti-macrophage, anti-CD18, monoclonal anti-CD117, monoclonal anti-CD3 and anti-CD79a antibodies. At lectin histochemistry, it was observed strong staining of tumor cells to Con-A, PHA-L and RCA. There was no histopathological and immunoreactivity differences between genital and extragenital CTVTs. These findings do not support the hypothesis of histiocytic origin of CTVT. In contrast, the lectin histochemical results were similar to cells from lymphoid/myeloid origin.(AU)

O Tumor Venéreo Transmissível Canino (CTVT) é uma neoplasia de células células redondas, contagiosa, com origem e transmissão ainda mal compreendidas. Com a finalidade de aprofundar a investigação sobre a natureza (origem) do TVTC, bem como fornecer subsídios para o estabelecimento do diagnóstico e diagnóstico diferencial, realizaram-se avaliações imuno-histoquímica, lectino-histoquímica e ultraestrutural de TVTC(s). A avaliação imuno-histoquímica foi feita em 10 TVTCs genitais e em 6 exclusivamente extragenitais previamente diagnosticados através de citologia e da histopatologia. Os TVTCs foram testados para reagentes específicos de antígenos de membrana e citoplasmáticos (anti-lisozima, anti-macrófago, anti-vimentina, anti-CD18, anti-CD3, anti-CD79, anti-CD117) com utilização da técnica complexo avidina-biotina-peroxidase. Adicionalmente, foram utilizadas as lectinas Con A, DBA, SBA, PNA, UEA-1, WGA, sWGA, GSL, SJA, PSA, PHA-L, PHA-E e RCA em quatro TVTCs genitais. Microscopia eletrônica foi realizada em oito TVTC genitais. Em 100% dos tumores testados (16/16) com anticorpo anti-vimentina (mono e policlonal) houve forte imuno-reatividade. Não houve reatividade para os anticorpos anti-lisozima, anti-macrófago, anti-CD18, anti-CD3, anti-CD79a e anti-CD117 quando empregamos anticorpos monoclonais, entretanto, com a utilização de anticorpos policlonais verificou-se marcação dos tumores com os anticorpos anti-CD3 e anti-CD117. Na avaliação lectino-histoquímica foi verificada forte marcação das células tumorais com Con-A, PHA-L e RCA. Não houve diferença histopatológica e de imuno-reatividade entre os TVTCs genitais e extragenitais. Estes achados não corroboram com a hipótese da origem histiocítica do CTVT (ausência de reatividade dos anticorpos anti-lisozima, anti-macrófago e anti-CD18), entretanto, os resultados da avaliação lectino-histoquímica foram em parte similares aos obtidos quando células de origem linfóide/mielóide (ConA, PHA-L e RCA) foram analisadas (Gimeno et al. 1995).(AU)

Immunohistochemical, lectin histochemical and ultrastructural studies of canine transmissible venereal tumor in Brazil / Estudos imuno-histoquímico, lectino-histoquímico e ultraestrutural do Tumor Venéreo Transmissível Canino no Brasil

Canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT) is a naturally occurring contagious round-cell neoplasia, with poorly understood origin and transmission. This study aims to further investigate the tumor nature through immunohistochemistry, lectin histochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, and to provide support for diagnostic and differential diagnoses of CTVT. Immunohistochemistry was performed in 10 genital and six exclusively extragenital tumors, which were previously diagnosed by citology and histopathology. CTVT samples were incubated with biotinylated antibodies to specific membrane and cytoplasmic antigens (anti-lysozyme, anti-macrophage, anti-vimentin, anti-CD18, monoclonal anti-CD117, monoclonal anti-CD3, polyclonal anti-CD117, polyclonal CD3 and anti-CD79a), followed by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex technique. The lectins Con A, DBA, SBA, PNA, UEA-1, WGA, sWGA, GSL, JSA, PSA, PHA-L, PHA-E and RCA were additionally tested in four genital CTVTs and TEM was performed in eight genital tumors. The anti-vimentin antibody revealed strong immunoreactivity to neoplastic cells in all the assessed samples (16/16). The polyclonal anti-CD3 antibodies showed moderate to strong immunoreactivity in fourteen (14/16) and the polyclonal anti-CD117 in fifteen cases (15/16). There was no immunoreactivity to anti-lysozyme, anti-macrophage, anti-CD18, monoclonal anti-CD117, monoclonal anti-CD3 and anti-CD79a antibodies. At lectin histochemistry, it was observed strong staining of tumor cells to Con-A, PHA-L and RCA. There was no histopathological and immunoreactivity differences between genital and extragenital CTVTs. These findings do not support the hypothesis of histiocytic origin of CTVT. In contrast, the lectin histochemical results were similar to cells from lymphoid/myeloid origin.(AU)

O Tumor Venéreo Transmissível Canino (CTVT) é uma neoplasia de células células redondas, contagiosa, com origem e transmissão ainda mal compreendidas. Com a finalidade de aprofundar a investigação sobre a natureza (origem) do TVTC, bem como fornecer subsídios para o estabelecimento do diagnóstico e diagnóstico diferencial, realizaram-se avaliações imuno-histoquímica, lectino-histoquímica e ultraestrutural de TVTC(s). A avaliação imuno-histoquímica foi feita em 10 TVTCs genitais e em 6 exclusivamente extragenitais previamente diagnosticados através de citologia e da histopatologia. Os TVTCs foram testados para reagentes específicos de antígenos de membrana e citoplasmáticos (anti-lisozima, anti-macrófago, anti-vimentina, anti-CD18, anti-CD3, anti-CD79, anti-CD117) com utilização da técnica complexo avidina-biotina-peroxidase. Adicionalmente, foram utilizadas as lectinas Con A, DBA, SBA, PNA, UEA-1, WGA, sWGA, GSL, SJA, PSA, PHA-L, PHA-E e RCA em quatro TVTCs genitais. Microscopia eletrônica foi realizada em oito TVTC genitais. Em 100% dos tumores testados (16/16) com anticorpo anti-vimentina (mono e policlonal) houve forte imuno-reatividade. Não houve reatividade para os anticorpos anti-lisozima, anti-macrófago, anti-CD18, anti-CD3, anti-CD79a e anti-CD117 quando empregamos anticorpos monoclonais, entretanto, com a utilização de anticorpos policlonais verificou-se marcação dos tumores com os anticorpos anti-CD3 e anti-CD117. Na avaliação lectino-histoquímica foi verificada forte marcação das células tumorais com Con-A, PHA-L e RCA. Não houve diferença histopatológica e de imuno-reatividade entre os TVTCs genitais e extragenitais. Estes achados não corroboram com a hipótese da origem histiocítica do CTVT (ausência de reatividade dos anticorpos anti-lisozima, anti-macrófago e anti-CD18), entretanto, os resultados da avaliação lectino-histoquímica foram em parte similares aos obtidos quando células de origem linfóide/mielóide (ConA, PHA-L e RCA) foram analisadas (Gimeno et al. 1995).(AU)

Aspectos morfológicos e ultraestruturais de células sanguíneas de Crotalus durissus terrificus / Morphological and ultrastructural aspects of Crotalus durissus terrificus blood cells

Hematological evaluation, important for the diagnostic by the small domestic animal clinician, has become common in wildlife clinic, and for handling and study of the physiology of various species. Given the increased demand for drug production of pharmaceutical importance, the breeding of venomous snakes has become common and is already recognized as production. Knowledge of the management and clinics of snakes is still insufficient and their mortality is high. Although some hematological studies have already been conducted in the rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus), the analyzed data are still insufficient, especially with respect to the characterization of blood cells, and few electron microscopy studies have been performed on snakes. In order to characterize morphologically blood cells with light and ultrastructural microscopy, blood samples from 52 individuals of subspecies of Crotalus durissus terrificus were collected to perform blood smears and ultrastructural evaluation. It was concluded that hematologic Giemsa staining allows morphological evaluation and differentiation of the blood cells as well as of snake hemoparasites. The ultrastructural evaluation will highlight the cell organelles and differentiation between cells, including leukocyte types; although still further studies are needed to elucidate the hypothesis of eosinophils in the species studied as also is necessary a better characterization of azurophilic beads to confirm a possible difference between the typical monocyte and the azurophilic.(AU)

A avaliação hematológica, de importância comprovada como um meio auxiliar de diagnóstico ao clínico de pequenos animais domésticos, vem se tornando comum em animais selvagens não apenas para a clínica, mas para a avaliação do manejo e como estudo auxiliar para a fisiologia das várias espécies. Tendo em vista o aumento da demanda para a produção de várias drogas de importância farmacêutica, a criação de serpentes peçonhentas vem se tornando comum a ponto destes animais já serem reconhecidos como sendo de produção. O conhecimento do manejo e da clínica destes animais ainda é escasso e a mortalidade é elevada nos criatórios, tornando urgente a ampliação destes. Embora alguns estudos hematológicos já tenham sido realizados em cascavéis (Crotalus durissus) os dados analisados ainda são insipientes, notadamente em relação à caracterização das células do sangue e poucos estudos em microscopia eletrônica foram realizados em serpentes. Com o objetivo de caracterizar as células sanguíneas morfologicamente, sob microscopia óptica e ultraestrutural, foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 52 de indivíduos da subespécie Crotalus durissus terrificus para a realização de esfregaços sanguíneos e avaliação ultraestrutural. Concluiu-se que a coloração hematológica de Giemsa permite a avaliação morfológica e a diferenciação das células sanguíneas em serpentes assim como a visualização de hemoparasitos. A avaliação ultraestrutural permite evidenciar as organelas celulares e a diferenciação entre as células, inclusive entre os tipos leucocitários, porém ainda são necessários outros estudos para que seja elucidada a hipótese da existência dos eosinófilos na espécie estudada assim como é necessária melhor caracterização dos grânulos dos azurófilos para que se confirme uma possível diferença entre os monócitos típicos e os azurófilos.(AU)

Aspectos morfológicos e ultraestruturais de células sanguíneas de Crotalus durissus terrificus / Morphological and ultrastructural aspects of Crotalus durissus terrificus blood cells

A avaliação hematológica, de importância comprovada como um meio auxiliar de diagnóstico ao clínico de pequenos animais domésticos, vem se tornando comum em animais selvagens não apenas para a clínica, mas para a avaliação do manejo e como estudo auxiliar para a fisiologia das várias espécies. Tendo em vista o aumento da demanda para a produção de várias drogas de importância farmacêutica, a criação de serpentes peçonhentas vem se tornando comum a ponto destes animais já serem reconhecidos como sendo de produção. O conhecimento do manejo e da clínica destes animais ainda é escasso e a mortalidade é elevada nos criatórios, tornando urgente a ampliação destes. Embora alguns estudos hematológicos já tenham sido realizados em cascavéis (Crotalus durissus) os dados analisados ainda são insipientes, notadamente em relação à caracterização das células do sangue e poucos estudos em microscopia eletrônica foram realizados em serpentes. Com o objetivo de caracterizar as células sanguíneas morfologicamente, sob microscopia óptica e ultraestrutural, foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 52 de indivíduos da subespécie Crotalus durissus terrificus para a realização de esfregaços sanguíneos e avaliação ultraestrutural. Concluiu-se que a coloração hematológica de Giemsa permite a avaliação morfológica e a diferenciação das células sanguíneas em serpentes assim como a visualização de hemoparasitos. A avaliação ultraestrutural permite evidenciar as organelas celulares e a diferenciação entre as células, inclusive entre os tipos leucocitários, porém ainda são necessários outros estudos para que seja elucidada a hipótese da existência dos eosinófilos na espécie estudada assim como é necessária melhor caracterização dos grânulos dos azurófilos para que se confirme uma possível diferença entre os monócitos típicos e os azurófilos.(AU)

Hematological evaluation, important for the diagnostic by the small domestic animal clinician, has become common in wildlife clinic, and for handling and study of the physiology of various species. Given the increased demand for drug production of pharmaceutical importance, the breeding of venomous snakes has become common and is already recognized as production. Knowledge of the management and clinics of snakes is still insufficient and their mortality is high. Although some hematological studies have already been conducted in the rattlesnake (Crotalus durissus), the analyzed data are still insufficient, especially with respect to the characterization of blood cells, and few electron microscopy studies have been performed on snakes. In order to characterize morphologically blood cells with light and ultrastructural microscopy, blood samples from 52 individuals of subspecies of Crotalus durissus terrificus were collected to perform blood smears and ultrastructural evaluation. It was concluded that hematologic Giemsa staining allows morphological evaluation and differentiation of the blood cells as well as of snake hemoparasites. The ultrastructural evaluation will highlight the cell organelles and differentiation between cells, including leukocyte types; although still further studies are needed to elucidate the hypothesis of eosinophils in the species studied as also is necessary a better characterization of azurophilic beads to confirm a possible difference between the typical monocyte and the azurophilic.(AU)

Development of the central nervous system in guinea pig (Cavia porcellus, Rodentia, Caviidae) / Desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso central em guinea pig (Cavia porcellus, Rodentia, Caviidae)

This study describes the development of the central nervous system in guinea pigs from 12th day post conception (dpc) until birth. Totally, 41 embryos and fetuses were analyzed macroscopically and by means of light and electron microscopy. The neural tube closure was observed at day 14 and the development of the spinal cord and differentiation of the primitive central nervous system vesicles was on 20th dpc. Histologically, undifferentiated brain tissue was observed as a mass of mesenchymal tissue between 18th and 20th dpc, and at 25th dpc the tissue within the medullary canal had higher density. On day 30 the brain tissue was differentiated on day 30 and the spinal cord filling throughout the spinal canal, period from which it was possible to observe cerebral and cerebellar stratums. At day 45 intumescences were visualized and cerebral hemispheres were divided, with a clear division between white and gray matter in brain and cerebellum. Median sulcus of the dorsal spinal cord and the cauda equina were only evident on day 50. There were no significant structural differences in fetuses of 50 and 60 dpc, and animals at term were all lissencephalic. In conclusion, morphological studies of the nervous system in guinea pig can provide important information for clinical studies in humans, due to its high degree of neurological maturity in relation to its short gestation period, what can provide a good tool for neurological studies.(AU)

Este estudo descreve o desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso central em guinea pig do 12º dia pós-concepção (dpc) até ao nascimento. No total, 41 embriões e fetos foram analisados macroscopicamente e por microscopia de luz e eletrônica. O fechamento do tubo neural foi observado no dia 14 e o desenvolvimento da medula espinhal e diferenciação das vesículas primitivas do sistema nervoso central foram observados no dia 20. Histologicamente, o tecido cerebral indiferenciado foi observado como uma massa de tecido mesenquimal entre os dias 18 e 20 e no 25º dia o tecido no interior do canal medular apresentou maior densidade. No dia 30 o tecido cerebral apresentou-se diferenciado, período no qual a medula espinhal preenchia todo o canal vertebral e foi possível observar os estratos cerebral e cerebelar. No dia 45 as intumescências cervical e lombar foram visualizadas e os hemisférios cerebrais estavam divididos, com uma clara distinção entre substância branca e cinzenta no cérebro e cerebelo. O sulco mediano dorsal da medula espinhal e a cauda equina foram evidentes apenas no dia 50. Não houve diferenças estruturais significativas em fetos de 50 e 60 dpc e animais a termo eram todos lisencefálicos. Estudos morfológicos do sistema nervoso em guinea pig podem fornecer informações importantes para estudos clínicos em seres humanos devido ao alto grau de maturidade neurológica em relação ao seu período de gestação curto, fato que servir como excelente ferramenta em estudos neurológicos.(AU)

Development of the central nervous system in guinea pig (Cavia porcellus, Rodentia, Caviidae) / Desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso central em guinea pig (Cavia porcellus, Rodentia, Caviidae)

This study describes the development of the central nervous system in guinea pigs from 12th day post conception (dpc) until birth. Totally, 41 embryos and fetuses were analyzed macroscopically and by means of light and electron microscopy. The neural tube closure was observed at day 14 and the development of the spinal cord and differentiation of the primitive central nervous system vesicles was on 20th dpc. Histologically, undifferentiated brain tissue was observed as a mass of mesenchymal tissue between 18th and 20th dpc, and at 25th dpc the tissue within the medullary canal had higher density. On day 30 the brain tissue was differentiated on day 30 and the spinal cord filling throughout the spinal canal, period from which it was possible to observe cerebral and cerebellar stratums. At day 45 intumescences were visualized and cerebral hemispheres were divided, with a clear division between white and gray matter in brain and cerebellum. Median sulcus of the dorsal spinal cord and the cauda equina were only evident on day 50. There were no significant structural differences in fetuses of 50 and 60 dpc, and animals at term were all lissencephalic. In conclusion, morphological studies of the nervous system in guinea pig can provide important information for clinical studies in humans, due to its high degree of neurological maturity in relation to its short gestation period, what can provide a good tool for neurological studies.(AU)

Este estudo descreve o desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso central em guinea pig do 12º dia pós-concepção (dpc) até ao nascimento. No total, 41 embriões e fetos foram analisados macroscopicamente e por microscopia de luz e eletrônica. O fechamento do tubo neural foi observado no dia 14 e o desenvolvimento da medula espinhal e diferenciação das vesículas primitivas do sistema nervoso central foram observados no dia 20. Histologicamente, o tecido cerebral indiferenciado foi observado como uma massa de tecido mesenquimal entre os dias 18 e 20 e no 25º dia o tecido no interior do canal medular apresentou maior densidade. No dia 30 o tecido cerebral apresentou-se diferenciado, período no qual a medula espinhal preenchia todo o canal vertebral e foi possível observar os estratos cerebral e cerebelar. No dia 45 as intumescências cervical e lombar foram visualizadas e os hemisférios cerebrais estavam divididos, com uma clara distinção entre substância branca e cinzenta no cérebro e cerebelo. O sulco mediano dorsal da medula espinhal e a cauda equina foram evidentes apenas no dia 50. Não houve diferenças estruturais significativas em fetos de 50 e 60 dpc e animais a termo eram todos lisencefálicos. Estudos morfológicos do sistema nervoso em guinea pig podem fornecer informações importantes para estudos clínicos em seres humanos devido ao alto grau de maturidade neurológica em relação ao seu período de gestação curto, fato que servir como excelente ferramenta em estudos neurológicos.(AU)

Morphometric alteration of intestinal epithelium of rats (Rattus norvegicus) submitted to the technique of enteropexy

Background: Due to the numerous complications that enteropexy may cause in domestic animals and humans, this study aimed at investigating the microscopic level, the damage generated by this technique in mice, in order to investigate the morphometric changes caused by enteropexy technique in rats. Materials, Methods & Results: Eighteen Wistar rats were submitted to surgical technique of enteropexy. To evaluate intestinal disorders they were euthanized at 30 (Group I), 60 (group II) and 90 (group III) days after the procedure. The animals were perfused with 2.5% glutaraldehyde and 4% paraformaldehyde for the removal of intestinal fragments for analysis in conventional microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In classical histopathology, group I presented mild lesions with necrosis of the epithelium and infiltration of mononuclear cells. After 60 days, extensive ischemic necrosis area was observed, characterized by the denudation of epithelium cells and cellular debris in the lumen surface and loss of intestinal crypts. After 90 days (group III) lesions were evident and were characterized by strong coagulative necrosis of epithelial cells and intestinal crypts. Under electron microscopy, group I showed early fusion of the adjacent intestinal walls. After 60 days there was adherence of luminal stenosis and intestinal walls. In group III loss of epithelium and substitution [...]

Morphometric alteration of intestinal epithelium of rats (Rattus norvegicus) submitted to the technique of enteropexy

Background: Due to the numerous complications that enteropexy may cause in domestic animals and humans, this study aimed at investigating the microscopic level, the damage generated by this technique in mice, in order to investigate the morphometric changes caused by enteropexy technique in rats. Materials, Methods & Results: Eighteen Wistar rats were submitted to surgical technique of enteropexy. To evaluate intestinal disorders they were euthanized at 30 (Group I), 60 (group II) and 90 (group III) days after the procedure. The animals were perfused with 2.5% glutaraldehyde and 4% paraformaldehyde for the removal of intestinal fragments for analysis in conventional microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. In classical histopathology, group I presented mild lesions with necrosis of the epithelium and infiltration of mononuclear cells. After 60 days, extensive ischemic necrosis area was observed, characterized by the denudation of epithelium cells and cellular debris in the lumen surface and loss of intestinal crypts. After 90 days (group III) lesions were evident and were characterized by strong coagulative necrosis of epithelial cells and intestinal crypts. Under electron microscopy, group I showed early fusion of the adjacent intestinal walls. After 60 days there was adherence of luminal stenosis and intestinal walls. In group III loss of epithelium and substitution [...](AU)

Anatomical and histological characteristics of teeth in agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha Wagler, 1831) / Características anatômicas e histológicas dos dentes na cutia (Dasyprocta prymnolopha Wagler, 1831)

The agouti species Dasyprocta prymnolopha (D. prymnolopha) is a medium-sized rodent, diurnal, and characteristic of northeastern Brazil, south of the Amazon. Several studies have been made on these rodents. However, there is a lack of analysis of masticatory system, in particular morphology of the teeth. Thus, this research seeks to describe anatomical and histological aspects of the agouti teeth. For this purpose, we used adult agouti, in which measurements and descriptions of teeth and dental tissues were made. It was observed that the dental arch of D. prymnolopha comprises of twenty teeth, evenly distributed in the upper and lower arch, being inferior teeth larger than their corresponding higher. The incisors are larger, and between the posterior premolars and molars, there is a gradual increase in length in the anterior-posterior arch. In microscopic examination, a prismatic appearance was observed consisting of enamel prisms arranged in different directions, behind the enamel and dentin with standard tubular dentinal tubules with variable diameter and far between, also showing a sinuous path from the inner portion to the junction with more superficial enamel. Morphological analysis of dental tissues showed that an enamel with structural organization adapted to the act of chewing and high impact dentin compatible with standard tubular function resilience and mechanical damping of masticatory forces, as found in larger animals, confirming the understanding of eating habits that define much of its ecological functions within the ecosystem they inhabit.(AU)

A cutia espécie Dasyprocta prymnolopha (D. prymnolopha) é um roedor de tamanho médio, diurno e característico do Nordeste do Brasil, sul da Amazônia. Vários estudos têm sido feitos sobre estes roedores. No entanto, há uma carência de estudos do sistema estomatognático, em particular, a morfologia dos dentes. Assim, esta pesquisa procura descrever aspectos anatômicos e histológicos dos dentes cutia. Para isto, nós utilizamos cutias adultas, em que as mensurações e as descrições dos dentes e dos tecidos dentais foram feitas. Observou-se que a arcada dentária de D. prymnolopha é composta por vinte dentes, distribuídas uniformemente no arco superior e inferior, sendo os dentes inferiores, maiores do que os seus correspondentes superiores. Os incisivos são maiores, e entre os pré-molares e molares posteriores, existe um aumento gradual no comprimento do arco anterior-posterior. No exame microscópico, uma forma prismática foi observada o que consiste de prismas de esmalte dispostos em diferentes direções, atrás do esmalte e dentina com túbulos dentinários com padrão tubular de diâmetro variável e distantes entre si, mostrando também um caminho sinuoso a partir da parte interna da junção com o esmalte mais superficial. A análise morfológica dos tecidos dentários mostrou um esmalte com a organização estrutural adaptada para o ato de mastigar e dentina de alto impacto compatível com a função do padrão tubular de resiliência e amortecimento mecânico de forças mastigatórias, como encontrado em animais maiores, confirmando o entendimento de hábitos alimentares que definem muito das suas funções ecológicas dentro do ecossistema em que vivem.(AU)

Anatomical and histological characteristics of teeth in agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha Wagler, 1831) / Características anatômicas e histológicas dos dentes na cutia (Dasyprocta prymnolopha Wagler, 1831)

The agouti species Dasyprocta prymnolopha (D. prymnolopha) is a medium-sized rodent, diurnal, and characteristic of northeastern Brazil, south of the Amazon. Several studies have been made on these rodents. However, there is a lack of analysis of masticatory system, in particular morphology of the teeth. Thus, this research seeks to describe anatomical and histological aspects of the agouti teeth. For this purpose, we used adult agouti, in which measurements and descriptions of teeth and dental tissues were made. It was observed that the dental arch of D. prymnolopha comprises of twenty teeth, evenly distributed in the upper and lower arch, being inferior teeth larger than their corresponding higher. The incisors are larger, and between the posterior premolars and molars, there is a gradual increase in length in the anterior-posterior arch. In microscopic examination, a prismatic appearance was observed consisting of enamel prisms arranged in different directions, behind the enamel and dentin with standard tubular dentinal tubules with variable diameter and far between, also showing a sinuous path from the inner portion to the junction with more superficial enamel. Morphological analysis of dental tissues showed that an enamel with structural organization adapted to the act of chewing and high impact dentin compatible with standard tubular function resilience and mechanical damping of masticatory forces, as found in larger animals, confirming the understanding of eating habits that define much of its ecological functions within the ecosystem they inhabit.

A cutia espécie Dasyprocta prymnolopha (D. prymnolopha) é um roedor de tamanho médio, diurno e característico do Nordeste do Brasil, sul da Amazônia. Vários estudos têm sido feitos sobre estes roedores. No entanto, há uma carência de estudos do sistema estomatognático, em particular, a morfologia dos dentes. Assim, esta pesquisa procura descrever aspectos anatômicos e histológicos dos dentes cutia. Para isto, nós utilizamos cutias adultas, em que as mensurações e as descrições dos dentes e dos tecidos dentais foram feitas. Observou-se que a arcada dentária de D. prymnolopha é composta por vinte dentes, distribuídas uniformemente no arco superior e inferior, sendo os dentes inferiores, maiores do que os seus correspondentes superiores. Os incisivos são maiores, e entre os pré-molares e molares posteriores, existe um aumento gradual no comprimento do arco anterior-posterior. No exame microscópico, uma forma prismática foi observada o que consiste de prismas de esmalte dispostos em diferentes direções, atrás do esmalte e dentina com túbulos dentinários com padrão tubular de diâmetro variável e distantes entre si, mostrando também um caminho sinuoso a partir da parte interna da junção com o esmalte mais superficial. A análise morfológica dos tecidos dentários mostrou um esmalte com a organização estrutural adaptada para o ato de mastigar e dentina de alto impacto compatível com a função do padrão tubular de resiliência e amortecimento mecânico de forças mastigatórias, como encontrado em animais maiores, confirmando o entendimento de hábitos alimentares que definem muito das suas funções ecológicas dentro do ecossistema em que vivem.

Clonagem e expressão do gene E6 do Papilomavírus Bovino do tipo 1 / Cloning and expression of Bovine Papillomavirus type 1 E6 gene

O Papilomavírus Bovino do tipo 1 (BPV-1) causa fibropapilomas em bovinos e sarcóide em equinos, associados à expressão de oncoproteínas virais, principalmente E6 e E7. A purificação de oncoproteínas a partir de sistema recombinante possibilita seu estudo. Os objetivos foram expressar o gene E6 do BPV-1, purificar e analisar in silico a proteína recombinante obtida. O amplificado foi clonado em E. coli e os plasmídeos foram sequenciados, confirmando a matriz correta de leitura. Após indução da expressão, a proteína recombinante foi identificada e purificada. A microscopia eletrônica mostrou a formação de corpúsculos de inclusão. As análises in silico apontaram as mutações das sequências gênica e proteica de E6-1 em relação às depositadas. Foi realizada a predição tridimensional da estrutura da proteína recombinante e identificadas as regiões conservadas, antigênicas e capazes de realizar ligações cátion-p. Logo, a proteína recombinante E6 do BPV-1 foi obtida e purificada com sucesso, possibilitando o início de novos experimentos e estudos mais detalhados.

Bovine Papillomavirus type 1 (BPV-1) causes fibropapillomas in cattle and sarcoid in equines, associated with the expression of viral oncoproteins, E6 and E7 particularly. Purification of oncoproteins from recombinant system allows their study. The aim of this study was cloning and expressing BPV-1 E6 gene, purify and analyze in silico recombinant protein. Amplicon was cloned into E. coli and the plasmids were sequenced to confirm the correct reading frame. After induction of expression, the recombinant protein was identified and purified. Electron microscopy showed the inclusion bodies formation. In silico analysis showed mutations in E6-1 gene and protein sequences when there were compared to sequences available in current database. Three-dimensional structure prediction of the recombinant protein was performed and conserved, antigenic and cation-p interaction regions were identified. Therefore, BPV-1 E6 recombinant protein was obtained and successfully purified enabling new experiments and more detailed studies.

Detection of avian paramyxoviruses in migratory and resident birds in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Paramyxoviruses and avian influenza viruses are present worldwide, and wild birds are known natural reservoirs of these viruses. This study monitored the circulation of these viruses in migratory and resident coastal birds captured in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In total, 494 birds were trapped, and their fecal samples were collected and inoculated into embryonated chicken eggs. The allantoic fluids were evaluated using a hemagglutination test and PCR amplification of the genes of the M and L proteins of influenza A virus and paramyxovirus, respectively. Avian paramyxovirus was detected in 5 (1.01%) of the birds. The majority of these viruses were isolated from migratory birds classified into the order Charadriiformes (families Scolopacidae and Charadriidae). Four samples were characterized as avian paramyxovirus serotype-2 (APMV-2) by a hemagglutination inhibition test. These results reinforce the importance of continuous surveillance of wild species in Brazil.

Histopathologic, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features of a granular cell tumour in an Australian parakeet (Melopsittacus undulatus).

An adult male Australian parakeet (Melopsittacus undulatus) presented a firm nodular lesion in the lateral metacarpal region of the right wing. Microscopically, there were neoplastic cells, round and polyhedral in shape, with abundant, slightly eosinophilic granular cytoplasm; they were strongly periodic-acid Schiff-positive and resistant to diastase digestion. Some groups of neoplastic cells were immunopositive for smooth muscle actin and desmin. There was no immunopositivity for S-100 protein, CD68 and cytokeratin. Ultrastructurally, the neoplastic cells were round and polygonal in shape, and they were characterized by abundant cytoplasm with numerous homogeneous osmophilic bodies covered by an electron-dense membrane (lysosomes). The histopathologic, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features of the neoplastic tissue are consistent with a granular cell tumour, which has been described in different animal species and anatomic locations; however, this seems to be an infrequent neoplasm in Australian parakeets. The immunopositivity of the neoplastic cells for smooth muscle actin and desmin, as well as slight positivity for muscle with Masson's trichrome, suggest that this is a tumour of myogenic origin.

Diagnosis of Porcine teschovirus encephalomyelitis in the Republic of Haiti.

In February and March 2009, approximately 1,500 backyard pigs of variable age became sick, and approximately 700 of them died or were euthanized in the Lower Artibonite Valley and the Lower Plateau of the Republic of Haiti. The main clinical sign was posterior ataxia followed by paresis and/or paralysis on the second or third day of illness. No gross lesions were observed at postmortem examinations. The morbidity and mortality were approximately 60% and 40%, respectively. Diagnostic samples (whole blood, brain, tonsil, lymph nodes, spleen, and lung) were negative for Classical swine fever virus and African swine fever virus. Porcine teschovirus type 1 was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions in brain samples. Results of virus isolation, electron microscopy of virus particles, histopathological analysis on brain tissues, nucleic acid sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis of the viral isolate supported the diagnosis of teschovirus encephalomyelitis. The outbreak of the disease in Haiti is the first appearance of the severe form of teschovirus encephalomyelitis in the Americas. This disease poses a potential threat to the swine industries in other Caribbean countries, as well as to Central and North American countries.