POTENCIAL EFEITO ESTERILIZANTE DO ÓLEO ESSENCIAL DE CRAVO DA ÍNDIA (Eugenia caryophyllata) EM SUÍNOS POR ADMINISTRAÇÃO INTRATESTICULAR NOS PRIMEIROS DIAS DE VIDA

A proteína animal mais consumida no mundo é a carne suína. O aumento por informações de como se produz a carne, faz parte das queixas dos consumidores, pelas preocupações envolvendo o bem-estar animal. As agroindústrias têm buscado atualizar as técnicas de produção com o intuito de atender os consumidores e melhorar a palatabilidade e o sabor da carne. Um dos objetivos na suinocultura é a ausência de substâncias residuais na carne, oriundas dos hormônios esteroides, naturalmente produzidos a partir do quinto mês de vida, onde se inicia a maturidade sexual e que diminui a qualidade do produto final. As técnicas usuais para castração de suínos estão sendo substituídas por novos modelos, com a finalidade de não causar sofrimento aos animais, dentre elas, a castração química que vem sendo estudada como alternativa para diminuir custos aos produtores, além do que, é considerada técnica de fácil execução e que respeita o bem-estar dos animais. Ao cravo da índia (Eugenia caryophyllata) são atribuídos diferentes potenciais terapêuticos, dentre eles há o relato de ser esterilizante químico. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o potencial efeito esterilizante do óleo de cravo da índia (Eugenia caryophyllata) em suínos, afim de oferecer uma alternativa de baixo custo, facilidade de execução e que sigam as diretrizes do bem-estar animal. Foram selecionados ao acaso 20 suínos, sem raça definida do setor de suinocultura da Universidade Paranaense, divididos em quatros grupos contendo cinco repetições cada. Foram administrados aos sete dias de vida dos animais, inicialmente analgésico meloxicam e anestésico local lidocaína 2% para analgesia preemptiva, e na sequência, óleo de cravo da índia em dois grupos tratamentos nas doses/volume de 0,07mL/kg (G1) e 0,3mL/kg (G3), e solução fisiológica em dois grupos controles no volume de 0,07mL/kg (G2) e 0,3mL/kg (G4), a via de administração foi a intratesticular bilateral em todos os grupos. Após 60 dias os animais foram sedados, anestesiados e então submetidos a orquiectomia bilateral. Os testículos foram coletados para processamento histológico. Os animais foram acompanhados clinicamente durante 10 dias, tendo sido realizada a limpeza das feridas. Nas avaliações histopatológicas, foram observadas as estruturas da túnica albugínea, septos testiculares e lóbulos testiculares neles sendo avaliados as estruturas dos túbulos seminíferos, as células intersticiais e de sustentação. Foram também avaliadas as estruturas do mediastino testicular, rede testicular, ducto deferente e epidídimo. Não foram observadas nenhuma alteração clínica digna de nota, após aplicação do óleo essencial de cravo da índia, como também após ao procedimento de orquiectomia. A histopatologia revelou que nenhum dos agentes utilizados foram capazes de induzir esterilização química dos animais, onde todas as estruturas avaliadas encontravam-se preservadas. Conclui-se que a técnica de castração química testada é de fácil execução, porém, o óleo essencial de cravo não foi capaz de induzir esterilização nos animais no modelo adotado para o estudo, podendo atribuir este resultado a imaturidade dos animais. Sendo assim, acredita-se serem necessários novos estudos para esclarecimentos sobre o agente esclerosante utilizado e se o efeito pode ocorrer quando os animais estiverem entrando na maturidade sexual.

The most consumed animal protein in the world is pork. The increase in information on how meat is produced is part of consumer complaints, concerns about animal welfare. Agro-industries have sought to update production techniques in order to serve consumers and improve the palatability and flavor of meat. One of the objectives in pig farming is the absence of residual substances in the meat, derived from steroid hormones, naturally produced from the fifth month of life, where sexual maturity begins and which reduces the quality of the final product. The usual techniques for pig castration are being replaced by new models, with the purpose of not causing suffering to the animals, among them, the chemical castration that has been studied as an alternative to reduce costs to the producers, besides, it is considered technique of easy execution and that respects the welfare of the animals. The clove (Eugenia caryophyllata) has different therapeutic potentials, among which there is a report of being a chemical sterilizer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential sterilizing effect of clove oil (Eugenia caryophyllata) in pigs, in order to offer a low cost alternative, ease of execution and that follow the guidelines of animal welfare. Twenty pigs of mixed breed from the pig industry of the Universidade Paranaense were randomLy selected, divided into four groups containing five replicates each. The animals were administered at seven days of life, initially meloxicam analgesic and 2% lidocaine local anesthetic for preemptive analgesia, and subsequently, clove oil in two treatment groups at doses / volume of 0.07mL/kg (G1) and 0.3mL/kg (G3), and saline solution in two control groups in the volume of 0.07mL/kg (G2) and 0.3mL/kg (G4), the route of administration was bilateral intratesticular in all groups. After 60 days, the animals were sedated and anesthetized and then submitted to bilateral orchiectomy. The testicles were collected for histological processing. The animals were followed up clinically for 10 days and the wounds were cleaned. In histopathological evaluations, the structures of the tunica albuginea, testicular septa and testicular lobes were observed, and the structures of the seminiferous tubules, interstitial and support cells were evaluated. The structures of the testicular mediastinum, testicular network, vas deferens and epididymis were also evaluated. No significant clinical changes were observed after the application of clove essential oil, as well as after the orchiectomy procedure. Histopathology revealed that none of the agents used were able to induce chemical sterilization of the animals, where all the evaluated structures were preserved. It is concluded that the tested chemical castration technique is easy to perform, however, the clove essential oil was not able to induce sterilization in the animals in the model adopted for the study, which may attribute this result to the immaturity of the animals. Therefore, it is believed that further studies are needed to clarify the sclerosing agent used and whether the effect can occur when the animals are entering sexual maturity.

Transmissible extragenital venereal tumor in impuberal canine

Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is commonly observed in the external reproductive organs of sexually active canines. However, this tumor can unusually be identified in young dogs which have not reached reproductive capacity. In these latter animals, the tumor presentation is located in regions distant from the genitalia as integument and mucous membranes of body cavities. This study aimed to describe a case of TVT in a puppy dog. A seven month old female dog of the Labrador breed, had disseminated nodules in the skin and left conjunctival mucosa. Cytological examination of theproliferation was chosen, which led to the diagnosis of TVT. Since the dog showed no genital lesions, as she was impuberal,this was considered as an extragenital case. Chemotherapy protocol was established with vincristine sulfate, with completeremission of the lesion at the end of the fourth session. Later there was recurrence of the cutaneous TVT, being employedsalvage therapy with vinblastine. However there was tumor resistance to such a drug. Surgical excision of the recurrentlesion was performed. It was demonstrated that TVT may also be adapted to other tissues and affect not only dogs atreproductive age, but also those at the pre-pubertal age.

Transmissible extragenital venereal tumor in impuberal canine

Transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) is commonly observed in the external reproductive organs of sexually active canines. However, this tumor can unusually be identified in young dogs which have not reached reproductive capacity. In these latter animals, the tumor presentation is located in regions distant from the genitalia as integument and mucous membranes of body cavities. This study aimed to describe a case of TVT in a puppy dog. A seven month old female dog of the Labrador breed, had disseminated nodules in the skin and left conjunctival mucosa. Cytological examination of theproliferation was chosen, which led to the diagnosis of TVT. Since the dog showed no genital lesions, as she was impuberal,this was considered as an extragenital case. Chemotherapy protocol was established with vincristine sulfate, with completeremission of the lesion at the end of the fourth session. Later there was recurrence of the cutaneous TVT, being employedsalvage therapy with vinblastine. However there was tumor resistance to such a drug. Surgical excision of the recurrentlesion was performed. It was demonstrated that TVT may also be adapted to other tissues and affect not only dogs atreproductive age, but also those at the pre-pubertal age.(AU)

Efeitos da associação de beta-glucana e itraconazol sobre a fertilidade de ratos Wistar machos / Effects of the Association of Beta-glucan and Itraconazole on Fertility of Male Wistar Rats

Background: In recent years, the number of patients with systemic fungal infections requiring antifungal therapy has increased. As a consequence, antimicrobial resistance to conventional treatment is frequently reported. Due to this reason, new therapies emerge, including the combination of beta (1-3) glucan and itraconazole. However, the reproductive and fertility effects of this association were not known. So, the aim of this study was to identify the effects of the combination of itraconazole and beta (1-3) glucan, extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae, on male rats fertility. Materials, Methods & Results: Sixty male Wistar rats with 120-days-old were used. The experimental protocol was approved by Ethics Committee on Animal Use of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (protocol CEUA/UFRGS no. 19452/2010). The animals were placed into six groups (n = 10 animals / group) as following: Negative Control group - treated daily with the volume corresponding to 10 mL.kg-¹ of sterile distilled water orally and 0.25 mL of sterile normal saline (NaCl 0.9 %) subcutaneously weekly; Itraconazole (IT) group - treated daily with itraconazole solution at a dose of 10 mg.kg-¹ orally and 0.25 mL of sterile 0.9% NaCl subcutaneously weekly; Beta group - treated daily with the volume corresponding to 10 mL.kg-¹ of sterile distilled water orally and 0.5 mg of beta (1-3) glucan subcutaneously weekly; Therapeutic Dose (TD) group - daily treated with itraconazole at a dose of 10 mg.kg-¹ orally and 0.5 mg of ß (1-3) glucan subcutaneously weekly; TD5x - treated daily with itraconazole at a dose of 50 mg.kg-¹ orally and 0.5 mg of beta (1-3 ) glucan subcutaneously weekly; TD10x - daily treated with itraconazole at a dose of 100 mg.kg-¹ orally and 0.5 mg of beta (1-3) glucan subcutaneously weekly. The rats were treated for 91 consecutive days. Individual body mass, organs relative mass and histopathology, number of sperm in the cauda epididymis, daily spermatozoal production, sperm parameters, sperm morphology, serum testosterone concentration and reproductive rates were evaluated. Significant differences were observed in daily spermatozoal production, sperm morphology, serum concentration of testosterone, mating rate and birth rate, with lower results in the TD5x and TD10x groups. Discussion: The systemic toxicity indicators, as body mass variation, water intake and clinical signs, as well as organ histology suggest that systemic toxicity in these animals did not occur. The decrease in serum testosterone concentrations in elevated doses of itraconazole associated with beta (1-3) glucan must be involved in decrease of sperm parameters and in sexual behavior and consequently, in the reproductive rates. Changes in sperm morphology, mainly found in sperm head, indicate sperm immaturity, preamature spermiation, abnormal or degenerate acrosome. Based on these results, it is concluded that beta (1-3) glucan and itraconazole did not affect the male rats reproductive variables when used in therapeutic doses alone or in combination, however these variables were altered with higher doses of itraconazole in the association. These data, added to the absence of histopathological damage of the testes suggest functional effect on male fertility. Caution is advised in the use of high doses of itraconazole with or without beta (1-3) glucan in males, especially in prolonged therapy.

Annual characteristics of estrous activity in wool and hair ewe lambs under subtropical conditions

The increased emphasis placed on lamb production in Brazil points to the need for a better knowledge of the annual pattern of reproductive activity in ewe lambs. This study evaluates the annual estrous activity pattern of hair and wool ewe lambs raised in southeast Brazil. Estrous characteristics were recorded for 12 months in ten Santa Inês and 21 Romney Marsh and Suffolk ewe lambs. Santa Inês ewe lambs exhibited a greater length of the normal estrous cycle (14 to 19 days) than Romney Marsh and Suffolk ewe lambs (17.0 ± 0.1 days vs. 16.5 ± 0.2 and 15.9 ± 0.2 days). All the ewe lambs presented a greater number of periods of estrus per animal per month for single estrous cycles (up to 26 days) during autumn and winter. During spring and summer there was a reduction of this number but this decline varied according to the breed. For Santa Inês ewe lambs the reduction was only significant in the summer. For wool ewe lambs the reduction was significant in both seasons but was more accentuated for Romney Marsh. The Romney Marsh ewe lambs had a more restricted breeding season than Suffolk and both presented optimal estrus activity in autumn and winter. Santa Inês ewe lambs had a continuous distribution of estrous cycles along the year, although presenting a reduction in the number of estrous periods in the summer. The ewe lambs of three breeds presented characteristics of sexual immaturity, like irregular estrous cycles and silent ovulations.

Em função do maior interesse pela ovinocultura de corte na região Sudeste do Brasil há necessidade de conhecer melhor o padrão anual da atividade reprodutiva das borregas. Esse estudo avaliou esse padrão anual em borregas deslanadas e lanadas criadas nessa região. A atividade cíclica reprodutiva foi avaliada durante 12 meses em dez borregas da raça Santa Inês e 21 borregas das raças Romney Marsh (11) e Suffolk (10). A duração dos ciclos estrais normais (14 a 19 dias) das fêmeas Santa Inês foi maior do que a duração observada nas fêmeas Romney Marsh e Suffolk (17,0 ± 0,1 dias vs. 16,5 ± 0,2 e 15,9 ± 0,2 dias). Todas as borregas apresentaram um elevado número de períodos de estros/animal/mês para ciclos estrais simples (até 26 dias) durante o outono e inverno. Houve redução desse número durante a primavera e o verão, mas esse declínio variou conforme a raça. Para as borregas Santa Inês essa redução só foi significativa no verão enquanto que para as fêmeas das raças lanadas, a redução foi significativa em ambas as estações e mais acentuada nas fêmeas Romney Marsh. As fêmeas dessa raça também apresentaram uma estação reprodutiva mais restrita do que as fêmeas Suffolk havendo uma concentração dos estros durante o outono e inverno para as fêmeas de ambas as raças. As fêmeas Santa Inês apresentaram uma distribuição equilibrada dos estros ao longo do ano embora tenha havido uma redução do número de período de estros durante o verão. As borregas das três raças apresentaram características de imaturidade sexual como ciclos estrais irregulares e ovulações silenciosas.

Annual characteristics of estrous activity in wool and hair ewe lambs under subtropical conditions

The increased emphasis placed on lamb production in Brazil points to the need for a better knowledge of the annual pattern of reproductive activity in ewe lambs. This study evaluates the annual estrous activity pattern of hair and wool ewe lambs raised in southeast Brazil. Estrous characteristics were recorded for 12 months in ten Santa Inês and 21 Romney Marsh and Suffolk ewe lambs. Santa Inês ewe lambs exhibited a greater length of the normal estrous cycle (14 to 19 days) than Romney Marsh and Suffolk ewe lambs (17.0 ± 0.1 days vs. 16.5 ± 0.2 and 15.9 ± 0.2 days). All the ewe lambs presented a greater number of periods of estrus per animal per month for single estrous cycles (up to 26 days) during autumn and winter. During spring and summer there was a reduction of this number but this decline varied according to the breed. For Santa Inês ewe lambs the reduction was only significant in the summer. For wool ewe lambs the reduction was significant in both seasons but was more accentuated for Romney Marsh. The Romney Marsh ewe lambs had a more restricted breeding season than Suffolk and both presented optimal estrus activity in autumn and winter. Santa Inês ewe lambs had a continuous distribution of estrous cycles along the year, although presenting a reduction in the number of estrous periods in the summer. The ewe lambs of three breeds presented characteristics of sexual immaturity, like irregular estrous cycles and silent ovulations.

Em função do maior interesse pela ovinocultura de corte na região Sudeste do Brasil há necessidade de conhecer melhor o padrão anual da atividade reprodutiva das borregas. Esse estudo avaliou esse padrão anual em borregas deslanadas e lanadas criadas nessa região. A atividade cíclica reprodutiva foi avaliada durante 12 meses em dez borregas da raça Santa Inês e 21 borregas das raças Romney Marsh (11) e Suffolk (10). A duração dos ciclos estrais normais (14 a 19 dias) das fêmeas Santa Inês foi maior do que a duração observada nas fêmeas Romney Marsh e Suffolk (17,0 ± 0,1 dias vs. 16,5 ± 0,2 e 15,9 ± 0,2 dias). Todas as borregas apresentaram um elevado número de períodos de estros/animal/mês para ciclos estrais simples (até 26 dias) durante o outono e inverno. Houve redução desse número durante a primavera e o verão, mas esse declínio variou conforme a raça. Para as borregas Santa Inês essa redução só foi significativa no verão enquanto que para as fêmeas das raças lanadas, a redução foi significativa em ambas as estações e mais acentuada nas fêmeas Romney Marsh. As fêmeas dessa raça também apresentaram uma estação reprodutiva mais restrita do que as fêmeas Suffolk havendo uma concentração dos estros durante o outono e inverno para as fêmeas de ambas as raças. As fêmeas Santa Inês apresentaram uma distribuição equilibrada dos estros ao longo do ano embora tenha havido uma redução do número de período de estros durante o verão. As borregas das três raças apresentaram características de imaturidade sexual como ciclos estrais irregulares e ovulações silenciosas.

Characterization of the imaginal reproductive diapause of Oebalus poecilus (Dallas) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

The state of development of the internal reproductive organs of male and female Oebalus poecilus (Dallas) as well as the body fat amount in the abdominal cavity during hibernation, of individuals sampled in bamboo litter in Eldorado do Sul (30º02'S and 51°23'W), RS, Brazil was investigated. Females and males showed the abdominal cavity filled with body fat in the beginning of the hibernation phase. The decrease in fat reserve level occurred from August on for males and from October on for females. Ovaries and testis doubled in length and tripled in width from immature to the reproductive phase. Male sexual maturation occurred in the hibernation sites while for females it occurred later on outside of the sites. Reproductive organ immaturity and abdominal body fat hypertrophy characterized the diapause of O. poecilus.

Descreveu-se o estado de desenvolvimento dos órgãos internos de reprodução de fêmeas e machos de Oebalus poecilus (Dallas) e avaliou-se o conteúdo de corpos gordurosos contidos na cavidade abdominal, durante o período de hibernação, em indivíduos amostrados em folhedo de bambu, em Eldorado do Sul (30º02'S e 51°23'W), RS, Brasil. No início da fase de hibernação, a cavidade abdominal de fêmeas e machos está repleta de reservas em forma de corpos gordurosos. A redução nos níveis de reservas foi verificada a partir de agosto nos machos e de outubro nas fêmeas. Registrou-se, tanto nos ovários quanto nos testículos, duplicação do comprimento e triplicação da largura entre a fase imatura e a reprodutiva. O amadurecimento sexual dos machos ocorreu dentro do sítio de hibernação. As fêmeas completaram o amadurecimento sexual mais tardiamente, quando já se encontravam fora do refúgio. O estado de desenvolvimento do aparelho reprodutor (sexualmente imaturo) e a cavidade abdominal preenchida por corpos gordurosos caracterizaram o estado de diapausa.