Toxic pneumopathy by Trema micrantha in sheep in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil / Pneumopatia tóxica por Trema micrantha em ovinos no Estado de Santa Catarina, Brasil

Poisoning by Trema micrantha commonly causes hepatocellular necrosis in cattle, sheep, and goats and edema and cerebral hemorrhage in horses. This plant can cause toxic pneumopathy in sheep, and there is only one report of the natural form and one of the experimental form in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. This study aimed to report an outbreak of the respiratory form of natural poisoning by T. micrantha in sheep. Six sheep developed clinical respiratory signs after consumption of the plant and four of them died and two recovered after treatment with dexamethasone. The sheep presented tachypnea, noisy breathing, edema of the face, eyelids, and vulva, and subcutaneous emphysema on the face and neck. Necropsy (Sheep 2, 3, and 4) showed uncollapsed, heavy, diffuse red lungs with evident costal impressions and a moderate amount of serosanguineous fluid flowed at section. The liver had a moderate diffuse evident lobular pattern. The histopathology of the lungs of the three necropsied sheep showed congestion and edema with the formation of hyaline membranes within accentuated diffuse alveoli, in addition to thickening of the alveolar septa due to mild to moderate diffuse type II pneumocyte hyperplasia and also mild to moderate diffuse infiltrate of macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and neutrophils in the lumen of alveoli, bronchi, and bronchioles. Sheep 3 also showed type II pneumocytes with enlarged and hyperchromatic nuclei, sometimes binucleated with evident nucleoli, and, in some regions, the pneumocytes were desquamated to the alveolar lumen forming small syncytia and mild multifocal hyperplasia in the bronchial epithelium. The anti-cytokeratin IHC evaluation showed marked diffuse intracytoplasmic staining in hyperplastic type II pneumocytes in the bronchiolar epithelium of the three evaluated sheep. The liver of the three sheep had mild multifocal centrilobular necrosis. It seems to be the second report of spontaneous poisoning by T. micrantha in sheep developing lung lesions described in Brazil and the first in the State of Santa Catarina.

A intoxicação por Trema micrantha, comumente causa em bovinos, ovinos e caprinos necrose hepatocelular e, edema e hemorragia cerebral em equinos. Essa planta em ovinos pode causar pneumopatia tóxica, existindo descrição apenas de um relato da forma natural e um da forma experimental no estado do Rio Grande do Sul. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar, um surto, da forma respiratória de intoxicação natural por T. micranta em ovinos. Seis ovinos desenvolveram sinais clínicos respiratórios após o consumo da planta e destes quatro morreram e dois após o tratamento com dexametasona se recuperaram. Os ovinos apresentaram taquipneia, respiração ruidosa, edema de face, pálpebras, vulva e enfisema subcutâneo na face e pescoço. Na necropsia (Ovinos 2, 3 e 4) observou-se pulmões não colabados, pesados, vermelhos difusos com impressões costais evidentes e ao corte fluindo moderada quantidade de líquido serosanguinolento. O fígado apresentava padrão lobular evidente difuso moderado. Na histopatologia, em pulmões dos três ovinos necropsiados havia congestão e edema com formação de membranas hialinas no interior de alvéolos difusos acentuados, além de espessamento dos septos alveolares devido a hiperplasia de pneumócitos tipo II difuso discreta à moderada, havia ainda, infiltrado de macrófagos, linfócitos, plasmócitos e neutrófilos difuso discreto a moderado no lúmen de alvéolo, brônquios e bronquíolos. No Ovino 3, observou-se ainda pneumócitos tipo II com núcleos aumentados e hipercromáticos, por vezes binucleados com nucléolos evidentes, e em algumas regiões estes pneumócitos estavam descamados para a luz alveolar formando pequenos sincícios e no epitélio de brônquios havia hiperplasia multifocal discreta. A avaliação IHQ anti-citoqueratina demonstrou marcação intracitoplasmática difusa acentuada em pneumócitos tipo II hiperplásicos no epitélio bronquiolar dos três ovinos avaliados. No fígado dos três ovinos havia necrose centrolobular multifocal discreta. Este parece ser o segundo relato da intoxicação espontânea por T. micrantha em ovinos desenvolvendo lesões pulmonares, descrito no Brasil e o primeiro no estado de Santa Catarina.

The effect of Lacticaseibacillus casei on inflammatory cytokine (IL-8) gene expression induced by exposure to Shigella sonnei in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) / [O efeito do Lacticaseibacillus casei na citoquina inflamatória (IL-8) expressão genética induzida pela exposição a Shigella sonnei em Zebrafish (Danio rerio)]

This study aimed to evaluate the protective function of probiotics against Shigella sonnei pathogenicity. For this purpose, 400 zebrafish were divided into four groups with two replications: (T1): receiving Lacticaseibacillus casei for 27 days, (T2): receiving L. casei for 27 days followed by 72 hr exposure to S. sonnei, (T3): receiving basal diet for 27 days followed by 72 hr exposure to S. sonnei, and control group (C): receiving basal diet without exposure to the pathogen. According to the results, feeding with L. casei for 27 days reduced the interleukin-8 (IL-8) expression significantly (P<0.05). The results showed a decrease in IL-8 expression in the group exposed to the pathogen and fed with the probiotic compared to the group only fed with the basal diet (P<0.05). Considering the role of IL-8 as a pro-inflammatory cytokine, our results indicated that feeding with L. casei could modulate inflammatory responses.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a função protetora dos probióticos contra a patogenicidade Shigella sonnei. Para este fim, 400 zebrafish foram divididos em quatro grupos com duas réplicas: (T1): recebendo Lacticaseibacillus casei por 27 dias, (T2): recebendo L. casei por 27 dias seguido por 72 horas de exposição a S. sonnei, (T3): recebendo dieta basal por 27 dias seguido por 72 horas de exposição a S. sonnei, e grupo controle (C): recebendo dieta basal sem exposição ao patógeno. De acordo com os resultados, a alimentação com L. casei por 27 dias reduziu significativamente a expressão da interleucina-8 (IL-8) (P<0,05). Os resultados mostraram uma diminuição na expressão de IL-8 no grupo exposto ao patógeno e alimentado com o probiótico em comparação com o grupo alimentado apenas com a dieta basal (P<0,05). Considerando o papel da IL-8 como uma citocina pró-inflamatória, nossos resultados indicaram que a alimentação com L. casei poderia modular as respostas inflamatórias.

Detection of respiratory viruses and expression of inflammatory cytokines in patients with acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Mongolia China / Detecção de vírus respiratórios e expressão de citocinas inflamatórias em pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica de exacerbação aguda na Mongólia, China

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was estimated to be the third cause of global mortality by 2020. Acute exacerbation COPD (AECOPD) is a sudden worsening of COPD symptoms and could be due to virus/bacterial infections and air pollution. Increased expression of inflammatory markers in patients with AECOPD is associated with viral infection. This study aimed to detect different viruses and analyze the expression of various inflammatory markers associated with AECOPD patients. Three hundred and forty-seven patients diagnosed with COPD according to GOLD criteria were included in this study. Swab samples and blood were collected for the detection of viruses by RT-PCR and expression of inflammatory markers, respectively. Of the swab samples, 113 (32.6%) of samples were positive for virus detection. Of these, HRV (39.8%) was the predominant virus detected followed by FluB (27.4%) and FluA (22.1%). The presence of HRV was significantly higher (p=0.044) among the other detected viruses. When compared to healthy controls the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly higher (p<0.05) in virus-positive patients. The IL-6 and IL-8 were the next predominantly expressed in markers among the samples. The higher expression rate of IL-8 was significantly (p<0.05) associated with patients having COPD GOLD III severity level and smoking history. Although HRV was the predominant virus detected the combined prevalence of Influenza A and B surpassing the rate of HRV. The high-level expression of well known inflammatory markers of AECOPD, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 indicates a chronic severe illness. These markers play an important role and could be used as a marker for determining the severity of AECOPD.(AU)

Estima-se que a doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) seja a terceira causa de mortalidade global em 2020. A exacerbação aguda DPOC (AECOPD) é um agravamento súbito dos sintomas da DPOC e pode ser devido a infecções por vírus/bactérias e poluição do ar. O aumento da expressão de marcadores inflamatórios em pacientes com AECOPD está associado à infecção viral. Este estudo teve como objetivo detectar diferentes vírus e analisar a expressão de vários marcadores inflamatórios associados a pacientes com AECOPD. Trezentos e quarenta e sete pacientes com diagnóstico de DPOC de acordo com os critérios GOLD foram incluídos neste estudo. Amostras de swab e sangue foram coletadas para detecção de vírus por RT-PCR e expressão de marcadores inflamatórios, respectivamente. Das amostras de esfregaço, 113 (32,6%) amostras foram positivas para detecção de vírus. Nestas, o HRV (39,8%) foi o vírus predominante detectado, seguido do FluB (27,4%) e do FluA (22,1%). A presença de VFC foi significativamente maior (p = 0,044) entre os demais vírus detectados. Quando comparados a controles saudáveis, os níveis de expressão de TNF-α, IL-6 e IL-8 foram significativamente maiores (p <0,05) em pacientes com vírus positivo. A IL-6 e a IL-8 foram as próximas predominantemente expressas em marcadores entre as amostras. A maior taxa de expressão de IL-8 foi significativamente (p <0,05) associada a pacientes com grau de gravidade GOLD III da DPOC e história de tabagismo. Embora o HRV tenha sido o vírus predominante, a prevalência combinada de Influenza A e B ultrapassou a taxa de HRV. O alto nível de expressão de marcadores inflamatórios bem conhecidos de AECOPD, TNF-α, IL-6 e IL-8 indica uma doença crônica grave. Esses marcadores desempenham um papel importante e podem ser usados como um marcador para determinar a gravidade da AECOPD.(AU)

Recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax in a Maltese dog with endogenous lipoid pneumonia

Background: Pneumothorax is a clinical condition which can cause respiratory distress. It can have as its origin traumatic causes or even classified as spontaneous, mainly related to diseases of the lung parenchyma. Lipoid pneumonia is rarely described in dogs, and it is characterized by globules of lipid in the alveolar spaces. Endogenous lipoid pneumonia (EnLP) occurs when lesions on pulmonary cells release cholesterol and other lipids in the alveoli. There is no clinical approach established for EnLP in veterinary patients. The aim of this report is to describe a case of a young Maltese dog, with recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax in which EnLP was diagnosed post mortem. Case: A 2-year-old sexually intact male Maltese dog was evaluated for restrictive dyspnea. Clinicopathologic findings included cyanotic, muffled chest auscultation with hypersonic thoracic percussion. Chest x-ray demonstrated an increase in pleuropulmonary radio transparency and a floating-looking heart, indicating pneumothorax. Complete blood counts and biochemical panel results were normal. Dirofilaria immitis antigen test results were negative. Computed tomography demonstrated slightly hyper-expanded pulmonary fields, with slightly enlarged reticular marking with areas of mild multicentric panlobular emphysema and a fracture on the sixth left rib. The treatment was focused on improving the breathing pattern through sedation, supplementation with oxygen, and thoracentesis. Owing to the reserved prognosis of the case, the unknown etiology of the recurrent pneumothorax, and the clinical worsening of the patient, the owner opted for euthanasia. Necropsy displayed multiple, circular whitish areas in the lungs, distributed over the surface of all lobes. Histopathological examination revealed pulmonary tissue with the subpleural micronodular foci, multifocal to coalescent, with a moderate accumulation of foamy intra-alveolar macrophages, occasionally multinucleate, associated with cholesterol crystals compatible with endogenous lipid pneumonia. Discussion: The patient presented with clinical signs and physical examination characteristics of pneumothorax at the first visit. After the pneumothorax diagnosis, and clinical stabilization of the patient. No predisposing factor for the formation of the pneumothorax was identified as the radiography revealed only bronchitis and blood tests were normal, the patient was thus discharged after 24 h, with the recommendations for observing the breathing pattern. Initially, spontaneous pneumothorax was suspected. The antibiotics were administered since bacterial pneumonia, although not confirmed on chest x-ray, is the main cause of pneumothorax in dogs is lung parenchyma disease. With the worsening of the clinical condition of the patient, CT was performed and did not demonstrate any findings that would justify the presence of pneumothorax. Despite the placement of the chest tube for facilitating the management of thoracentesis, there was no stabilization of the condition, enhancing the frequency of centesis procedures, which led to the decision to euthanize. The microscopic examination of the pulmonary alterations was decisive for the diagnostic conclusion. The visualization of the accumulation of foamy intra-alveolar macrophages, occasionally multinucleate, associated with cholesterol crystals, was responsible for the diagnosis of EnLP. This condition is rarely described in dogs and as in the present report, it is a noninfectious inflammatory condition, characterized by intra- or extracellular globules of lipid in the alveolar spaces. In the present report, although it was not possible to determine the etiology of EnLP, we can conclude that although rare, it can affect dogs and can generate severe clinical repercussions.

Strongyloidiasis in a puppy in Northeastern Brazil

Background: Strongyloides stercoralis is a nematode that causes intestinal infection in vertebrate hosts, especially in humans and dogs. The species S. stercoralis is responsible for chronic and asymptomatic infections in adult dogs or serious infections in puppies and immunosuppressed animals. In Brazil, natural infection in dogs was demonstrated by coproparasitological and serological methods, however, there are no reports that address the clinicopathological characteristics of the infection in the canine species. Thus, this paper aims to describe the epidemiological, clinical and pathological aspects of S. stercoralis infection in a puppy in Northeastern Brazil. Case: A puppy female Chihuahua was referred to the Animal Pathology Laboratory of the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Campina Grande for necropsy with a historic of severe respiratory symptoms and gastrointestinal changes that included sanguineous diarrhea and vomiting that evolved to death in 5 days. Grossly, there was a moderate amount of slightly reddish fluid in the thoracic cavity. The lungs remained expanded with a smooth, shiny, and diffusely reddish pleural surface interspersed with multifocal and blackened coalescent areas. Upon cutting, a moderate amount of slightly yellow foamy liquid flowed from the airways and trachea. In the duodenum, the mucosa was diffusely reddened. Histologically, there were multifocal to coalescent areas of moderate interalveolar accumulation of fibrin, edema and hemorrhage in the lung surrounded by an inflammatory infiltrate composed of foamy macrophages associated with numerous parasitic structures in longitudinal and transverse sections in the alveolar lumen and pleural surface. In the duodenum, we observed flattening with diffuse and moderate fusion of the villi and multifocal areas of mucosal erosion. The crypts were moderately dilated, covered by attenuated epithelium, with numerous longitudinal and transversal sections of adult nematode parasites, larvae and eggs associated with inflammatory lymphplasmocytic infiltrate in the lamina propria. The morphological characteristics were compatible with the nematode S. stercoralis. Discussion: The diagnosis of strongyloidiasis was performed by means of microscopic lesions associated with parasitic structures morphologically compatible with the nematode S. stercoralis. This species is responsible for parasitism especially in humans, dogs, and cats. Parasites are the only ones that have a life cycle that involve free living form and parasitic. In this case, it was not possible to determine the primary portal of entry for the infection, but most infections commonly occur through the penetration of the larvae into the skin or mucous membranes, where they migrate via the haematogenous to the lung, then they are swallowed up to the intestine. Occasionally, there is autoinfection by larvae that enter the intestinal mucosa or perianal region and the contamination of neonates and puppies through the ingestion of milk. The clinical signs evidenced in this case, revealed the committed respiratory and gastrointestinal, possibly may be related to the migration of the larvae in the lungs and the destruction of the intestinal epithelium caused by the high number of parasites, respectively. It is concluded that strongyloidiasis is an uncommon infectious disease in puppies in Brazil, capable of causing severe respiratory and gastrointestinal changes that result in the death of animals with a high parasitic load and should be included in the differential diagnosis of diseases that affect the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract of dogs.(AU)

Subclinical endometritis and postpartum ovarian resumption in respect to TNF-alpha, IL-8 and CRP in Egyptian buffaloes

The study was carried out to find the relation between subclinical endometritis (SCE) and postpartum (pp.) ovarian resumption as well as to evaluate serum and endometrial TNF-α, IL-8 and serum CRP in buffaloes with and without SCE. Thirty-nine pluriparous buffaloes at the 3rd (W3), 5th (W5) and 7th (W7) week pp. were involved in this experiment. The parity of the buffaloes ranged from 4 to 8 with an average 5.8±0.2. Subclinical endometritis was diagnosed by the percentage of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) in uterine cytology obtained from endometrial cytobrush at W5 and W7. The cut-off point of PMNs% in buffaloes for SCE was ≥ 6% at W5 or ≥ 4% at W7. According to PMNs%, buffaloes were divided into SCE group (n=27) and non-SCE group (n=12). Ovarian cyclicity was monitored by rectal palpation, ultrasonography and progesterone assay at W3, W5 and W7. Serum and endometrial TNF-α, IL-8 and serum CRP were estimated at W5 and W7. Buffaloes with SCE (55.6%) showed delayed ovarian activity as compared to non-SCE (16.7%) animals (P=0.036). Significant increase in serum cytokines and CRP levels were detected at W5 (P ˂0.05) and W7 (P <0.01) in SCE buffaloes as compared to non-SCE. Endometrial levels of cytokines were significantly (P ˂0.05) elevated in SCE buffaloes. Serum and endometrial cytokines showed significant positive correlation. Furthermore, levels of TNF-α, IL-8 and CRP exhibited significant positive correlation with PMNs%. In conclusion, SCE delayed postpartum ovarian cyclicity in buffaloes. Moreover, TNF-α, IL-8 and CRP assessments could be efficient tools in prediction of SCE in buffaloes.(AU)

HMGB1 and inflammatory cytokines in experimental acute lung injury induced in rabbits / [HMGB1 e citocinas inflamatórias em lesão pulmonar aguda experimental induzida em coelhos]

The aim of this work was to measure HMGB1, TNF-alpha, and IL-8 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), serum and TLR2 and TLR4mRNA expression in lung tissue of rabbits with two grades of acute lung injury (ALI). The animals were randomly assigned to groups with severe (S) and mild/moderate (MM) ALI, induced with warm saline, and a control group. HMGB1, TNF-alpha, IL-8, TLR2mRNA and TLR4mRNA were measured after ALI induction. The results showed increased levels of IL-8, TNF-alpha, HMGB1 and TLR4mRNA in the ALI groups. HMGB1, IL-8 and TNF-alpha concentrations in BAL were higher in S compared MM. Increased TLR4mRNA was observed in S and MM versus control. The results suggest an early participation of HMGB1 in ALI together with IL-8 and TNF-alpha and association with severity. TLR4 has early expression and role in ALI pathophysiology but is not associated with severity.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho é determinar os níveis de HMGB1, TNF-alfa e IL-8 no lavado broncoalveolar (BAL), bem como quantificar a expressão sérica de TLR2 e TLR4 mRNA em tecido pulmonar de coelhos com dois graus de lesão pulmonar aguda (LPA). Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em grupos com LPA grave (S) e leve / moderada (MM), induzidas com solução salina morna, e um grupo controle. HMGB1, TNF-alfa, IL-8, TLR2mRNA e TLR4mRNA foram medidos após a indução de LPA e quatro horas de ventilação mecânica. Os resultados mostraram níveis aumentados de IL-8, TNF-alfa, HMGB1 e TLR4mRNA nos grupos com LPA. As concentrações de HMGB1, IL-8 e TNF-alfa no LBA foram maiores no S comparado ao MM. Aumento de TLR4mRNA foi observado em S e MM versus controle. Os resultados sugerem uma participação precoce da HMGB1 na LPA em conjunto com IL-8 e TNF-alfa e associação com a gravidade da LPA. O TLR4 foi expresso na ALI e possivelmente possui papel precoce na fisiopatologia da LPA, mas sem associação com a gravidade.(AU)

HMGB1 and inflammatory cytokines in experimental acute lung injury induced in rabbits / [HMGB1 e citocinas inflamatórias em lesão pulmonar aguda experimental induzida em coelhos]

The aim of this work was to measure HMGB1, TNF-alpha, and IL-8 in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), serum and TLR2 and TLR4mRNA expression in lung tissue of rabbits with two grades of acute lung injury (ALI). The animals were randomly assigned to groups with severe (S) and mild/moderate (MM) ALI, induced with warm saline, and a control group. HMGB1, TNF-alpha, IL-8, TLR2mRNA and TLR4mRNA were measured after ALI induction. The results showed increased levels of IL-8, TNF-alpha, HMGB1 and TLR4mRNA in the ALI groups. HMGB1, IL-8 and TNF-alpha concentrations in BAL were higher in S compared MM. Increased TLR4mRNA was observed in S and MM versus control. The results suggest an early participation of HMGB1 in ALI together with IL-8 and TNF-alpha and association with severity. TLR4 has early expression and role in ALI pathophysiology but is not associated with severity.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho é determinar os níveis de HMGB1, TNF-alfa e IL-8 no lavado broncoalveolar (BAL), bem como quantificar a expressão sérica de TLR2 e TLR4 mRNA em tecido pulmonar de coelhos com dois graus de lesão pulmonar aguda (LPA). Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em grupos com LPA grave (S) e leve / moderada (MM), induzidas com solução salina morna, e um grupo controle. HMGB1, TNF-alfa, IL-8, TLR2mRNA e TLR4mRNA foram medidos após a indução de LPA e quatro horas de ventilação mecânica. Os resultados mostraram níveis aumentados de IL-8, TNF-alfa, HMGB1 e TLR4mRNA nos grupos com LPA. As concentrações de HMGB1, IL-8 e TNF-alfa no LBA foram maiores no S comparado ao MM. Aumento de TLR4mRNA foi observado em S e MM versus controle. Os resultados sugerem uma participação precoce da HMGB1 na LPA em conjunto com IL-8 e TNF-alfa e associação com a gravidade da LPA. O TLR4 foi expresso na ALI e possivelmente possui papel precoce na fisiopatologia da LPA, mas sem associação com a gravidade.(AU)

Increased leishmanicidal activity of alveolar macrophages from mature horses with mild equine asthma / Aumento da atividade leishmanicida de macrófagos alveolares de equinos adultos com asma equina leve

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are an essential part of defense mechanisms within the lungs and their phagocytic activity is important for organ homeostasis. The phagocytic ability of AMs obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage from 17 mature mixed-breed pleasure horses (8 healthy and 9 diagnosed with mild equine asthma) was studied through assays with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis promastigotes, which enabled the calculation of a phagocytic index (PI) and a survival index (SI). Results indicate that phagocytic activity of AMs in asthma affected horses is similar to healthy horses, while leishmanicidal activity is significantly increased in horses with asthma.(AU)

Os macrófagos alveolares (MAs) são uma parte essencial dos mecanismos de defesa dentro dos pulmões e sua atividade fagocítica é importante para a homeostase desse órgão. A capacidade fagocitária dos MAs obtidos do lavado broncoalveolar de 17 equinos adultos, sem raça definida (oito saudáveis e nove com diagnóstico de asma equina leve), foi estudada por meio de ensaios com promastigotas de Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Foi calculado o índice fagocítico e o índice de sobrevivência. Os resultados indicam que a atividade fagocítica de MAs em cavalos com asma é semelhante a cavalos saudáveis, enquanto a atividade leishmanicida está significativamente aumentada em cavalos com essa enfermidade.(AU)

Increased leishmanicidal activity of alveolar macrophages from mature horses with mild equine asthma / Aumento da atividade leishmanicida de macrófagos alveolares de equinos adultos com asma equina leve

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) are an essential part of defense mechanisms within the lungs and their phagocytic activity is important for organ homeostasis. The phagocytic ability of AMs obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage from 17 mature mixed-breed pleasure horses (8 healthy and 9 diagnosed with mild equine asthma) was studied through assays with Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis promastigotes, which enabled the calculation of a phagocytic index (PI) and a survival index (SI). Results indicate that phagocytic activity of AMs in asthma affected horses is similar to healthy horses, while leishmanicidal activity is significantly increased in horses with asthma.(AU)

Os macrófagos alveolares (MAs) são uma parte essencial dos mecanismos de defesa dentro dos pulmões e sua atividade fagocítica é importante para a homeostase desse órgão. A capacidade fagocitária dos MAs obtidos do lavado broncoalveolar de 17 equinos adultos, sem raça definida (oito saudáveis e nove com diagnóstico de asma equina leve), foi estudada por meio de ensaios com promastigotas de Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Foi calculado o índice fagocítico e o índice de sobrevivência. Os resultados indicam que a atividade fagocítica de MAs em cavalos com asma é semelhante a cavalos saudáveis, enquanto a atividade leishmanicida está significativamente aumentada em cavalos com essa enfermidade.(AU)

Lung lesions of non-vaccinated puppies affected by canine distemper virus

Canine distemper is an uncommon disease in vaccinated domestic dogs, but presents high incidence in South America due to the lack of widespread prevention measures. The purpose of this study is to describe histological lung lesions in non-vaccinated puppies affected by canine distemper virus (CDV). The lungs of 4 non-vaccinated puppies ageing 2 to 5 months that showed respiratory signs for about 15 days were examined. Interstitial pneumonia was histologically detected in one puppy, while the other 3 showed alveolar lesions such as edema, congestion and hemorrhage. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports of pulmonary disease without interstitial pneumonia in puppies diseased by CDV. The differences observed between puppies may relate to distinct passive immune states. Remarkably, characteristic inclusion bodies of CDV were only detected in alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages of the puppy with interstitial pneumonia.

Lung lesions of non-vaccinated puppies affected by canine distemper virus

Canine distemper is an uncommon disease in vaccinated domestic dogs, but presents high incidence in South America due to the lack of widespread prevention measures. The purpose of this study is to describe histological lung lesions in non-vaccinated puppies affected by canine distemper virus (CDV). The lungs of 4 non-vaccinated puppies ageing 2 to 5 months that showed respiratory signs for about 15 days were examined. Interstitial pneumonia was histologically detected in one puppy, while the other 3 showed alveolar lesions such as edema, congestion and hemorrhage. To our knowledge, there are no previous reports of pulmonary disease without interstitial pneumonia in puppies diseased by CDV. The differences observed between puppies may relate to distinct passive immune states. Remarkably, characteristic inclusion bodies of CDV were only detected in alveolar epithelial cells and macrophages of the puppy with interstitial pneumonia.(AU)

Clinical and pathological aspects of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in cats / Aspectos clínicos e patológicos em felinos com fibrose pulmonar idiopática

Interstitial lung diseases are a group of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases that include interstitial lung fibrosis. The aim of this study is to characterize the clinical and pathological findings of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in three cats and to investigate possible etiological agents through bacteriological and mycological exams and immunohistochemistry. All three cats were female and aged from 10 to 14 years old, they presented with a clinical history of weight loss and dyspnea. The radiographic changes were similar in all cats and included increased pulmonary radiopacity with a mixed bronchointerstitial pattern progressing to an alveolar pattern. Two cats died during lung biopsy procedures. At necropsy, the lesions were limited to the pulmonary parenchyma and were firm, hypocrepitant with a multinodular appearance on the pleural surface; they failed to completely collapse when the thorax was opened. In the pleural region, there were multifocal star-shaped scarring lesions, with parenchymal retraction. Microscopically, all three cats had multifocal-to-coalescing fibrosis, type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, hypertrophy or hyperplasia of the smooth muscle tissue of terminal bronchioles and an accumulation of macrophages within the alveolar spaces. There was no growth on bacteriological or mycological cultures, and the immunohistochemical evaluations for the presence of viral etiological agents (FIV, FeLV, FCoV, FCV and FHV-1) were also negative.(AU)

As enfermidades pulmonares intersticiais são um grupo de doenças difusas do parênquima pulmonar, nas quais a fibrose pulmonar está incluída. O objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar os achados clínicos e patológicos da fibrose pulmonar idiopática em três gatas, e avaliar possíveis agentes etiológicos através dos exames bacteriológicos, micológicos e imuno-histoquímicos. As três gatas tinham entre 10 e 14 anos de idade e histórico clínico de emagrecimento e dispneia. As alterações radiográficas observadas foram similares, com aumento de radiopacidade difuso dos campos pulmonares de padrão misto broncointersticial e eventualmente alveolar. Dois felinos morreram durante procedimento de biópsia pulmonar. No exame de necropsia as lesões eram exclusivas no parênquima pulmonar os quais estavam firmes, hipocreptantes, com aspecto levemente multinodular em superfície pleural e não colapsaram após a abertura da cavidade torácica. Em região pleural havia lesões cicatriciais de aspecto estrelar multifocais, com retração do parênquima. Microscopicamente, todos os gatos apresentaram fibrose multifocal a coalescente, hiperplasia dos pneumócitos do tipo II e hiperplasia e hipertrofia do músculo liso de bronquíolos terminais e acúmulo de macrófagos no interior de espaços alveolares. Não houve crescimento nas culturas bacteriana e micológica, e os exames de imuno-histoquímica para avaliação de possíveis agentes virais (FIV, FeLV, FCoV, FCV e FHV-1) foram negativos em todos os felinos.(AU)

Clinical and pathological aspects of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in cats / Aspectos clínicos e patológicos em felinos com fibrose pulmonar idiopática

Interstitial lung diseases are a group of diffuse parenchymal lung diseases that include interstitial lung fibrosis. The aim of this study is to characterize the clinical and pathological findings of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in three cats and to investigate possible etiological agents through bacteriological and mycological exams and immunohistochemistry. All three cats were female and aged from 10 to 14 years old, they presented with a clinical history of weight loss and dyspnea. The radiographic changes were similar in all cats and included increased pulmonary radiopacity with a mixed bronchointerstitial pattern progressing to an alveolar pattern. Two cats died during lung biopsy procedures. At necropsy, the lesions were limited to the pulmonary parenchyma and were firm, hypocrepitant with a multinodular appearance on the pleural surface; they failed to completely collapse when the thorax was opened. In the pleural region, there were multifocal star-shaped scarring lesions, with parenchymal retraction. Microscopically, all three cats had multifocal-to-coalescing fibrosis, type II pneumocyte hyperplasia, hypertrophy or hyperplasia of the smooth muscle tissue of terminal bronchioles and an accumulation of macrophages within the alveolar spaces. There was no growth on bacteriological or mycological cultures, and the immunohistochemical evaluations for the presence of viral etiological agents (FIV, FeLV, FCoV, FCV and FHV-1) were also negative.(AU)

As enfermidades pulmonares intersticiais são um grupo de doenças difusas do parênquima pulmonar, nas quais a fibrose pulmonar está incluída. O objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar os achados clínicos e patológicos da fibrose pulmonar idiopática em três gatas, e avaliar possíveis agentes etiológicos através dos exames bacteriológicos, micológicos e imuno-histoquímicos. As três gatas tinham entre 10 e 14 anos de idade e histórico clínico de emagrecimento e dispneia. As alterações radiográficas observadas foram similares, com aumento de radiopacidade difuso dos campos pulmonares de padrão misto broncointersticial e eventualmente alveolar. Dois felinos morreram durante procedimento de biópsia pulmonar. No exame de necropsia as lesões eram exclusivas no parênquima pulmonar os quais estavam firmes, hipocreptantes, com aspecto levemente multinodular em superfície pleural e não colapsaram após a abertura da cavidade torácica. Em região pleural havia lesões cicatriciais de aspecto estrelar multifocais, com retração do parênquima. Microscopicamente, todos os gatos apresentaram fibrose multifocal a coalescente, hiperplasia dos pneumócitos do tipo II e hiperplasia e hipertrofia do músculo liso de bronquíolos terminais e acúmulo de macrófagos no interior de espaços alveolares. Não houve crescimento nas culturas bacteriana e micológica, e os exames de imuno-histoquímica para avaliação de possíveis agentes virais (FIV, FeLV, FCoV, FCV e FHV-1) foram negativos em todos os felinos.(AU)

Assessment of the oxidative metabolism of calves' bronchoalveolar cells: comparison between NBT and fluorimetric techniques / Mensuração do metabolismo oxidativo de células broncoalveolares de bezerros: comparação entre as técnicas de NBT e fluorimétrica

Evaluation of alveolar macrophage functions of cattle is an important tool in order to assess whether measures taken during the cattle husbandry can decrease the respiratory tract defense. The aim of this study was to determine whether dexamethasone used at therapeutic dose can affect the oxidative metabolism of alveolar macrophages of cattle. This was evaluated by two tests, the fluorometric and colorimetric. The similarity of the results was studied, using alveolar macrophages of six healthy cattle, obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage on a basal and an immunosuppressant moment after the application of dexamethasone. For the fluorometric test, alveolar macrophages were incubated with Staphylococcus aureus and 2'-7'dichlorohidroflurescein, and analyzed by flow cytometer. For the colorimetric test, alveolar macrophages were incubated with Phorbol 12- miristate-13 acetate and nitroblue tetrazolium, dissolved and analyzed in a spectrophotometer. It was noted that dexamethasone therapeutic dose (0.05 mg/kg) reduced the functions of alveolar macrophages from healthy bovine. This result was observed by both tests with the difference that the flow cytometry assay was more informative for identifying which specific cellular function has been compromised.(AU)

A avaliação das funções de macrófagos alveolares de bovinos é uma ferramenta importante no intuito de analisar se medidas adotadas durante a criação desses animais diminuem a defesa do trato respiratório, aumentando a susceptibilidade à pneumonia. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se a dexametasona em dose terapêutica afeta o metabolismo oxidativo de macrófagos alveolares de bovinos por meio de duas provas, a fluorimétrica e a colorimétrica, avaliando a similaridade dos resultados. Para tanto, utilizaram-se macrófagos alveolares de seis bovinos sadios, obtidos por meio de lavados broncoalveolares em um momento basal e em um momento imunossupressor, após a aplicação da dexametasona. Na prova fluorimétrica, os macrófagos alveolares foram incubados com Staphylococcus aureus e o fluorófilo 2'-7' diclorohidrofluresceína e analisados por citometria de fluxo. Na prova colorimétrica, os macrófagos alveolares foram incubados com Phorbol 12- miristate-13 acetate e nitroazul de tetrazolium, dissolvidos e analisados em espectofotômetro. Observou-se que a dexametasona em dose terapêutica (0,05 mg/kg) reduziu as funções dos macrófagos alveolares de bovinos sadios, sendo este resultado obtido em ambas as provas, com a diferença de que o teste de citometria de fluxo foi mais esclarecedor por identificar qual função celular específica foi comprometida.(AU)

Assessment of the oxidative metabolism of calves' bronchoalveolar cells: comparison between NBT and fluorimetric techniques / Mensuração do metabolismo oxidativo de células broncoalveolares de bezerros: comparação entre as técnicas de NBT e fluorimétrica

Evaluation of alveolar macrophage functions of cattle is an important tool in order to assess whether measures taken during the cattle husbandry can decrease the respiratory tract defense. The aim of this study was to determine whether dexamethasone used at therapeutic dose can affect the oxidative metabolism of alveolar macrophages of cattle. This was evaluated by two tests, the fluorometric and colorimetric. The similarity of the results was studied, using alveolar macrophages of six healthy cattle, obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage on a basal and an immunosuppressant moment after the application of dexamethasone. For the fluorometric test, alveolar macrophages were incubated with Staphylococcus aureus and 2'-7'dichlorohidroflurescein, and analyzed by flow cytometer. For the colorimetric test, alveolar macrophages were incubated with Phorbol 12- miristate-13 acetate and nitroblue tetrazolium, dissolved and analyzed in a spectrophotometer. It was noted that dexamethasone therapeutic dose (0.05 mg/kg) reduced the functions of alveolar macrophages from healthy bovine. This result was observed by both tests with the difference that the flow cytometry assay was more informative for identifying which specific cellular function has been compromised.(AU)

A avaliação das funções de macrófagos alveolares de bovinos é uma ferramenta importante no intuito de analisar se medidas adotadas durante a criação desses animais diminuem a defesa do trato respiratório, aumentando a susceptibilidade à pneumonia. O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar se a dexametasona em dose terapêutica afeta o metabolismo oxidativo de macrófagos alveolares de bovinos por meio de duas provas, a fluorimétrica e a colorimétrica, avaliando a similaridade dos resultados. Para tanto, utilizaram-se macrófagos alveolares de seis bovinos sadios, obtidos por meio de lavados broncoalveolares em um momento basal e em um momento imunossupressor, após a aplicação da dexametasona. Na prova fluorimétrica, os macrófagos alveolares foram incubados com Staphylococcus aureus e o fluorófilo 2'-7' diclorohidrofluresceína e analisados por citometria de fluxo. Na prova colorimétrica, os macrófagos alveolares foram incubados com Phorbol 12- miristate-13 acetate e nitroazul de tetrazolium, dissolvidos e analisados em espectofotômetro. Observou-se que a dexametasona em dose terapêutica (0,05 mg/kg) reduziu as funções dos macrófagos alveolares de bovinos sadios, sendo este resultado obtido em ambas as provas, com a diferença de que o teste de citometria de fluxo foi mais esclarecedor por identificar qual função celular específica foi comprometida.(AU)

Histoplasmose pulmonar grave em um gato doméstico: tratamento com Anfotericina B e Itraconazol / acute pulmonary histoplasmosis in a domestic cat treated with Amphotericin B and Itraconazole

Background: Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis whose etiologic agent is the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungal infection, which is the second most frequent systemic mycotic fungal disease in felines in the United States, has rarely been found in cats in Brazil. This paper reports on a case of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis in a domestic cat treated with oral itraconazole associated with amphotericin B administered subcutaneously. This treatment resulted in clinical remission of the patient’s symptoms, as evidenced by radiographic follow-ups.Case: A domestic cat suffering from acute dyspnea was taken to a veterinary clinic. The animal was subjected to emergency oxygen therapy, and kept at rest through sedation with midazolam. A physical examination revealed normally colored mucosa, 8% dehydration, bristly fur, body condition score 2/9, tachypnea with respiratory rate of 100 breaths per minute and expiratory dyspnea. The radiographic examination showed marked opacification of all the pulmonary fields, with a mixed pattern (interstitial and alveolar) of heterogeneous appearance and diffuse distribution, which are changes consistent with an inflammatory infectious process (pneumonia). A cytological analysis of the pleural fluid revealed round to oval-shaped intracytoplasmic structures, varying in size from 2 to 4 μm, inside foamy macrophages, consistent with Histoplasma capsulatum. Based on the diagnosis of pulmonary histoplasmosis, and in view of the patient’s acute respiratory distress, it was decided to treat the cat using itraconazole associated with amphotericin B. Itraconazole was administered orally at a dose of 100 mg/cat every 24 h, while amphotericin B was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, combined with 100 mL of sodium chloride 0.9% and 100 mL of 5% glycated serum, with monitoring of serum concentrations of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA).[...]

Histoplasmose pulmonar grave em um gato doméstico: tratamento com Anfotericina B e Itraconazol / acute pulmonary histoplasmosis in a domestic cat treated with Amphotericin B and Itraconazole

Background: Histoplasmosis is a systemic mycosis whose etiologic agent is the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum. This fungal infection, which is the second most frequent systemic mycotic fungal disease in felines in the United States, has rarely been found in cats in Brazil. This paper reports on a case of acute pulmonary histoplasmosis in a domestic cat treated with oral itraconazole associated with amphotericin B administered subcutaneously. This treatment resulted in clinical remission of the patients symptoms, as evidenced by radiographic follow-ups.Case: A domestic cat suffering from acute dyspnea was taken to a veterinary clinic. The animal was subjected to emergency oxygen therapy, and kept at rest through sedation with midazolam. A physical examination revealed normally colored mucosa, 8% dehydration, bristly fur, body condition score 2/9, tachypnea with respiratory rate of 100 breaths per minute and expiratory dyspnea. The radiographic examination showed marked opacification of all the pulmonary fields, with a mixed pattern (interstitial and alveolar) of heterogeneous appearance and diffuse distribution, which are changes consistent with an inflammatory infectious process (pneumonia). A cytological analysis of the pleural fluid revealed round to oval-shaped intracytoplasmic structures, varying in size from 2 to 4 μm, inside foamy macrophages, consistent with Histoplasma capsulatum. Based on the diagnosis of pulmonary histoplasmosis, and in view of the patients acute respiratory distress, it was decided to treat the cat using itraconazole associated with amphotericin B. Itraconazole was administered orally at a dose of 100 mg/cat every 24 h, while amphotericin B was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, combined with 100 mL of sodium chloride 0.9% and 100 mL of 5% glycated serum, with monitoring of serum concentrations of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA).[...](AU)

Morfologia da bolsa cloacal de emas, Rhea americana americana Linnaeus, 1758 / Morphology of rhea's cloacal bursa, Rhea americana americana Linnaeus, 1758

A bolsa cloacal é o órgão das aves responsável pela maturação e transferência de linfócitos para outros tecidos. Apesar da importância deste órgão nos mecanismos imunológicos desses animais, são escassas as informações a respeito de sua morfologia em emas. Neste estudo, objetivou-se descrever o desenvolvimento morfológico da bolsa cloacal de emas jovens. Utilizou-se 12 animais de ambos os sexos (6 machos e 6 fêmeas) para a microscopia de luz, eletrônica de transmissão e varredura. Microscopicamente, a bolsa cloacal da ema apresentou, em todas as idades a mucosa interna pregueada composta por lóbulos linfoides de diversos tamanhos, organizados como estrutura alveolar. Em cada prega verificou-se quatro componentes histológicos: as camadas mucosa, submucosa, muscular e adventícia. Esses lóbulos eram compostos de uma zona cortical, uma zona corticomedular e uma zona medular. Verificou-se a existência de linfócitos de tamanhos variados, linfoblastos, capilares sanguíneos, células reticulares epiteliais e macrófagos. Pela microscopia eletrônica de varredura, verificou-se que a superfície da mucosa dos lóbulos bursais apresentaram projeções poligonais, com a presença de curtas microvilosidades em toda a superfície. A comparação nas idades de 0 e 15 semanas de vida demostrou o desenvolvimento dos lóbulos bursais. O padrão morfológico da bolsa cloacal de emas difere do padrão comumente reportado para outras aves tais como pato selvagem, galinha da angola, ganso nativo, peru, codorna japonesa e falcão.(AU)

The cloacal bursa is the bird's organ responsible for maturation and transfer of lymphocytes to other tissues. Despite the importance of this organ in the immunological mechanisms of these animals, information about their morphology in rhea are scarce. We used 12 animals (6 males and 6 females) for light, transmission electron, and scanning microscopy. Microscopically, the cloacal bursa presented the inner mucosa consists of pleated lymphoid lobes of various sizes, organized as alveolar structure, in all ages. In each nail was found four histological components: mucosa, submucosa, muscular and adventitia layers. These lobes were composed of a cortical zone, a corticomedular zone and a medular area. It was verified the existence of varying sizes lymphocytes, lymphoblasts, blood capillaries, epithelial reticular cells and macrophages. By scanning electron microscopy, it was found that the mucous membrane surface of the bursal lobes showed polygonal projections, with the presence of short microvilli membranes throughout the surface. The comparison between 0 and 15 weeks demonstrated the development of the bursal lobes. The morphological pattern of the rhea cloacal bursa differs from standard commonly reported for other birds such as wild duck, Angola's chicken, native goose, turkey, Japanese quail, and Hawk.(AU)

Infecção pelo vírus influenza A em suínos no sul de Moçambique / Influenza A virus infection in pigs in southern Mozambique

A influenza suína (IS) é uma doença aguda e altamente contagiosa do trato respiratório de suínos, causada pelo vírus influenza A (VIA). A doença provoca perdas econômicas na suinocultura e também, tem importância na saúde pública devido ao seu potencial zoonótico. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a infecção pelo VIA em suínos de Moçambique e realizar a caracterização anatomopatológica e imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) das lesões pulmonares associadas. Pulmões de 457 suínos abatidos foram avaliados e coletados 38 (8,3%) pulmões de suínos com áreas de consolidação pulmonar em um abatedouro na cidade da Matola, no Sul de Moçambique. As áreas de consolidação em cada lobo pulmonar foram classificadas em 4 graus de acordo com a extensão da lesão. Amostras de pulmões com consolidação foram submetidas ao exame histopatológico e IHQ para a detecção de antígenos do VIA, Circovírus suíno tipo 2 (PCV2) e Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Os pulmões coletados apresentaram áreas multifocais ou coalescentes de consolidação pulmonar, frequentemente, observadas nos lobos craniais, mediais e acessório. Estas lesões acometiam principalmente um ou três lobos pulmonares e as lesões de grau 1 e 2 foram as mais frequentes. As principais lesões histopatológicas observadas foram bronquiolite necrotizante (23/38), infiltrado de neutrófilos nos alvéolos (24/38), hiperplasia de pneumócitos tipo II (26/38), hiperplasia de tecido linfoide peribronquiolar (28/38), e pneumonia intersticial mononuclear (29/38). No exame de IHQ, antígenos do VIA foram detectados em 84.3% (32/38) dos pulmões com pneumonia, e a nucleoproteína do vírus foi visualizada, no núcleo de células epiteliais de brônquios e bronquíolos e em macrófagos alveolares. Suínos positivos para o VIA na IHQ eram provenientes do distrito de Matutuine (5/32), distrito da Moamba (2/32), distrito de Namaacha (21/32), distrito de Boane (3/32) e Cidade da Matola (1/32). Todas as amostras foram negativas para PCV2 e Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae pelo exame de IHQ. Os resultados demonstram que o VIA está presente e é causa de pneumonia em suínos em Moçambique.(AU)

Swine influenza (SI) is an acute and highly contagious disease of the respiratory tract of pigs caused by influenza A virus (IAV). The disease causes economic losses in swine production and is of great public importance for its zoonotic potential. The aim of the present study was to report IAV infection in pigs from Mozambique and characterize the anatomopathological and immunohistochemical features of associated lung lesions. Lungs from 457 slaughtered pigs were subjected to gross evaluation and 38 (8.3%) lungs with cranioventral consolidation were collected from a slaughterhouse in Matola City, southern Mozambique. Areas of consolidation in each lung lobe were classified in 4 grades according to the lesion extension. Samples with consolidated lung tissue were examined for histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for the presence of IAV, Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae antigens. The lungs had multifocal to coalescing areas of consolidation observed most frequently in the cranial, middle, and accessory lobes. The lesions involved mainly one or three pulmonary lobes and grade 1 and 2 lesions were the most frequent. The main histopathological findings were necrotizing bronchiolitis (23/38), alveolar neutrophil infiltration (24/38), type II pneumocytes hyperplasia (26/38), peribronchiolar lymphoid tissue hyperplasia (28/38) and interstitial mononuclear cells infiltrate (29/38). Immunohistochemistry revealed positive staining in 84.3% (32/38) of the samples and IAV nucleoprotein was present in the nucleus of bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages. Positive IHC pigs were from Matutuine district (5/32), Moamba district (2/32), Namaacha district (21/32), Boane district (3/32) and Matola city (1/32). All lung samples were immunohistochemically negative for PCV2 and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. These results demonstrate that IAV is a cause of pneumonia in pigs in Mozambique.(AU)