Haw's syndrome associated with giardiasis in a cat

Background: Haw's syndrome results in bilateral projection of the third eyelid, which is caused by a dysfunction of the sympathetic innervation in the region, not accompanied by other ocular changes. It has been mostly seen in cats, under 2-year-old and, it usually shows an acute presentation. It is believed that the disorder may be self-limiting, but several infectious etiologies have been proposed, together with diarrhea. The aim of the study was to report a case of a 2-year-old mixed breed male feline, castrated and diagnosed with Haw's syndrome, associated with an infectious condition given the presence of Giardia sp. Case: A 2-year-old male, mixed-breed cat and orchiectomized, was admitted and treated at the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Jataí. In the anamnesis, the owner complained that the cat had had pasty brown diarrhea for 4 days and a projection of the third eyelid. He emphasized that the animal used to have some episodes of diarrhea sporadically and the last deworming was carried out 3 months ago from that day. He reported contact with other random street and outdoor cats. On the physical examination, bilateral projection of the third eyelid was observed without any other visible alteration. The third eyelid projection was responsive to the mydriatic and adrenergic [phenylephrine 10%] eye drops instillation test. Complete blood count and serum biochemical evaluation of creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations were performed. In addition, abdominal ultrasound and parasitological examination of feces were requested. Complete blood count showed eosinophilia and serum biochemical evaluations were within reference values. The coproparasitological examination detected Giardia sp. On the ultrasound, no significant changes were observed. The recommended treatment was anthelmintic [fenbendazole 50 mg/kg, SID, for 5 days]. However, one week later, the coproparasitological examination still showed Giardia sp. Given this scenario, the chosen treatment was the use of nitazoxanide [25 mg/kg, BID, for 7 days]. Therefore, the patient presented emesis and the treatment with nitazoxanide had to be suspended. Thus, metronidazole [25 mg/kg, BID, for 7 days] was prescribed, in addition to the environmental disinfection and daily litter box cleaning, all performed with quaternary ammonia. After 1 week of treatment with metronidazole, the patient's clinical improvement and reversal of the third eyelid projection were observed. Discussion: This case proved to be consistent with the data found in the literature, in which cats younger than 2-year-old are affected by Haw's syndrome and may present concomitant diarrhea. On the physical examination, the parameters evaluated were within normal reference for the cat species and the bilateral projection of the third eyelid was the only alteration found in the patient. The prognosis for the patient with Haw's syndrome and concomitant giardiasis is favorable, as long as the intestinal infection is treated briefly, in order to prevent the chronicity of the enteroparasitosis. The need of more studies is evident in order to explain the Haw's syndrome pathology and so, clarify the real cause of this disease. Since the syndrome is mostly, a self-limiting disease, interventions with topical ocular drugs are not necessary. However, in the event of a concomitant disease, infection or underlying cause, it must be treated correctly. Attention is drawn to the need of feces examination through coproparasitological evaluation in cases of diarrhea.

Proteolytic activity of Triatoma infestans saliva associated with PAR-2 activation and vasodilation

Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is a hematophagous insect and the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). In the present study, the authors investigated whether a serine protease activity from the saliva of T. infestans has a role in vasomotor modulation, and in the insect-blood feeding by cleaving and activating protease-activated receptors (PARs). Methods T. infestans saliva was chromatographed as previously reported for purification of triapsin, a serine protease. The cleavage activity of triapsin on PAR peptides was investigated based on FRET technology. Mass spectrometry was used to analyze the sites of PAR-2 peptide cleaved by triapsin. NO measurements were performed using the DAN assay (2,3-diaminonapthalene). The vasorelaxant activity of triapsin was measured in vessels with or without functional endothelium pre-contracted with phenylephrine (3 µM). Intravital microscopy was used to assess the effect of triapsin on mouse skin microcirculation. Results Triapsin was able to induce hydrolysis of PAR peptides and showed a higher preference for cleavage of the PAR-2 peptide. Analysis by mass spectrometry confirmed a single cleavage site, which corresponds to the activation site of the PAR-2 receptor. Triapsin induced dose-dependent NO release in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), reaching a maximum effect at 17.58 nM. Triapsin purified by gel-filtration chromatography (10-16 to 10-9 M) was applied cumulatively to mouse mesenteric artery rings and showed a potent endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect (EC30 = 10-12 M). Nitric oxide seems to be partially responsible for this vasodilator effect because L-NAME (L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester 300 µM), a nitric oxide synthetase inhibitor, did not abrogate the vasodilation activated by triapsin. Anti-PAR-2 antibody completely inhibited vasodilation observed in the presence of triapsin activity. Triapsin activity also induced an increase in the mouse ear venular diameter. Conclusion Data from this study suggest a plausible association between triapsin activity mediated PAR-2 activation and vasodilation caused by T. infestans saliva.(AU)

Proteolytic activity of Triatoma infestans saliva associated with PAR-2 activation and vasodilation

Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is a hematophagous insect and the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). In the present study, the authors investigated whether a serine protease activity from the saliva of T. infestans has a role in vasomotor modulation, and in the insect-blood feeding by cleaving and activating protease-activated receptors (PARs). Methods T. infestans saliva was chromatographed as previously reported for purification of triapsin, a serine protease. The cleavage activity of triapsin on PAR peptides was investigated based on FRET technology. Mass spectrometry was used to analyze the sites of PAR-2 peptide cleaved by triapsin. NO measurements were performed using the DAN assay (2,3-diaminonapthalene). The vasorelaxant activity of triapsin was measured in vessels with or without functional endothelium pre-contracted with phenylephrine (3 µM). Intravital microscopy was used to assess the effect of triapsin on mouse skin microcirculation. Results Triapsin was able to induce hydrolysis of PAR peptides and showed a higher preference for cleavage of the PAR-2 peptide. Analysis by mass spectrometry confirmed a single cleavage site, which corresponds to the activation site of the PAR-2 receptor. Triapsin induced dose-dependent NO release in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), reaching a maximum effect at 17.58 nM. Triapsin purified by gel-filtration chromatography (10-16 to 10-9 M) was applied cumulatively to mouse mesenteric artery rings and showed a potent endothelium-dependent vasodilator effect (EC30 = 10-12 M). Nitric oxide seems to be partially responsible for this vasodilator effect because L-NAME (L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester 300 µM), a nitric oxide synthetase inhibitor, did not abrogate the vasodilation activated by triapsin. Anti-PAR-2 antibody completely inhibited vasodilation observed in the presence of triapsin activity. Triapsin activity also induced an increase in the mouse ear venular diameter. Conclusion Data from this study suggest a plausible association between triapsin activity mediated PAR-2 activation and vasodilation caused by T. infestans saliva.(AU)

Biometria ocular e sua relação com tamanho corporal e da cabeça em cães da raça buldogue francês / Ocular biometry and its relationship with body size and head in French Bulldog dogs

Background: Ocular biometrics is an easy to perform, safe, non-invasive and low-cost exam that provides immediate resultswith excellent definition. Brachycephalic dogs have a high risk of developing eye problems, and the early appearance isfrequent due to factors linked to anatomical conformation. The aim of the present study was to perform eye biometrics inFrench Bulldog dogs through ultrasound, correlating with body and head size.Materials, Methods & Results: Clinical examination, ophthalmic examination and ocular biometrics were performed usingB-mode ultrasonography, using a 10 megahertz frequency transducer in 30 French Bulldog dogs, aged 1-6 years old, maleand females from the Br Lord’s Staff kennel and the Radiovet - Rio de Janeiro veterinary clinic. A drop of anesthetic eyedrops containing 1% tetracaine hydrochloride and 0.1% phenylephrine hydrochloride was instilled and the direct contacttechnique was performed with the cornea with the help of sterile water-soluble lubricating acoustic gel between the transducerand the examined eye. These measurements were correlated with cephalic measurements (frontal-occipital distance, skullcircumference, distance between the zygomatic arches and frontal-nasal distance) and with body measurements (lengthof the dog from the cranial end of the sternum to the ischial tuberosity and height of the withers from the cranial angleof the scapula to the ground). No chemical restraint was necessary. Dogs were positioned seated or in sternal decubitus,with slight physical restraint. All measurements were performed by the same examiner. There was no significant difference between the parameters of male and female eye biometrics and there was no difference between the measurementsof the right and left eyes. The mean value of axial bulb length was 19.51 ± 0.58 mm, for the thickness of the lens, 6.71 ±0.66 mm, for depth of the anterior chamber, 2.36 ± 0.89 mm and for the depth of the vitreous chamber...

Biometria ocular e sua relação com tamanho corporal e da cabeça em cães da raça buldogue francês / Ocular biometry and its relationship with body size and head in French Bulldog dogs

Background: Ocular biometrics is an easy to perform, safe, non-invasive and low-cost exam that provides immediate resultswith excellent definition. Brachycephalic dogs have a high risk of developing eye problems, and the early appearance isfrequent due to factors linked to anatomical conformation. The aim of the present study was to perform eye biometrics inFrench Bulldog dogs through ultrasound, correlating with body and head size.Materials, Methods & Results: Clinical examination, ophthalmic examination and ocular biometrics were performed usingB-mode ultrasonography, using a 10 megahertz frequency transducer in 30 French Bulldog dogs, aged 1-6 years old, maleand females from the Br Lords Staff kennel and the Radiovet - Rio de Janeiro veterinary clinic. A drop of anesthetic eyedrops containing 1% tetracaine hydrochloride and 0.1% phenylephrine hydrochloride was instilled and the direct contacttechnique was performed with the cornea with the help of sterile water-soluble lubricating acoustic gel between the transducerand the examined eye. These measurements were correlated with cephalic measurements (frontal-occipital distance, skullcircumference, distance between the zygomatic arches and frontal-nasal distance) and with body measurements (lengthof the dog from the cranial end of the sternum to the ischial tuberosity and height of the withers from the cranial angleof the scapula to the ground). No chemical restraint was necessary. Dogs were positioned seated or in sternal decubitus,with slight physical restraint. All measurements were performed by the same examiner. There was no significant difference between the parameters of male and female eye biometrics and there was no difference between the measurementsof the right and left eyes. The mean value of axial bulb length was 19.51 ± 0.58 mm, for the thickness of the lens, 6.71 ±0.66 mm, for depth of the anterior chamber, 2.36 ± 0.89 mm and for the depth of the vitreous chamber...(AU)

Haws Syndrome in cats / Síndrome de Haw em gatos

Background: Haws syndrome is an uncommon but underdiagnosed disease that affects cats. It occurs due to changes in the innervation of the third eyelid causing protrusion. These changes may occur due to some change in sympathetic innervation efferent to the eye and its annexes. The diagnosis is based on the instillation of sympathomimetic agents. The palliative treatment is based on the instillation of sympathomimetic agents only if the protrusion is preventing eyesight. The aim of this study is to report the clinical management of three cats with this syndrome, emphasizing its clinical, diagnostic and treatment demonstration. Case: Three cats were referred to the Department of Ophthalmology Veterinary of the Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), two with undefined breeds (male and female) and a Siamese (male), aged between 2 and 4 years, with bilateral protrusion of the third eyelid. The owners reported that the animals ate well, were active and did not observe any other problems concomitantly, with the exception of diarrhea In one of the animals a week ago, but that had passed. The animals underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination where they were evaluated since the symmetry orbits until intraocular pressure, Schirmer tear test, fluorescein test and lissamine green, without any obvious change, with values within the normal range for the species, except for...(AU)

Haws Syndrome in cats / Síndrome de Haw em gatos

Background: Haws syndrome is an uncommon but underdiagnosed disease that affects cats. It occurs due to changes in the innervation of the third eyelid causing protrusion. These changes may occur due to some change in sympathetic innervation efferent to the eye and its annexes. The diagnosis is based on the instillation of sympathomimetic agents. The palliative treatment is based on the instillation of sympathomimetic agents only if the protrusion is preventing eyesight. The aim of this study is to report the clinical management of three cats with this syndrome, emphasizing its clinical, diagnostic and treatment demonstration. Case: Three cats were referred to the Department of Ophthalmology Veterinary of the Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), two with undefined breeds (male and female) and a Siamese (male), aged between 2 and 4 years, with bilateral protrusion of the third eyelid. The owners reported that the animals ate well, were active and did not observe any other problems concomitantly, with the exception of diarrhea In one of the animals a week ago, but that had passed. The animals underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination where they were evaluated since the symmetry orbits until intraocular pressure, Schirmer tear test, fluorescein test and lissamine green, without any obvious change, with values within the normal range for the species, except for...

Effects of catecholamines on volemic replacement with saline solution and the impact on heart rate variability in rabbits subjected to hemorrhage. A study by spectral analysis

Twenty four rabbits subjected to hemorrhage (with a 25% loss of blood volume) and were randomly divided into four experimental groups: 1) HEMO Group underwent replacement with their own blood in an equal volume; 2) SS Group underwent replacement with saline solution (SS) in a volume that corresponded to three times the removed blood volume; 3) ISP Group underwent replacement with SS and isoprenaline; 4) FNL Group underwent replacement with SS and phenylephrine. Spectral Analysis of the heart rate and heart rate variability were performed from the recorded data. Hematocrit was measured throughout the experiment.RESULTS:Replacement with SS and an α- or β-agonist did not produce differences in the intravascular retention compared to replacement with SS alone. An analysis of HRV showed that the FNL group maintained the LF/HF ratio better than ISP and SS.CONCLUSIONS:No difference in vascular retention when α- or β- agonists were added to SS during post-hemorrhagic recovery. The animals in the FNL group maintained the integrity of the autonomic response within normal physiological standards during hemorrhagic stress.(AU)

Estudo clínico e histológico das pálpebras e conjuntiva hígidas submetidas ao tratamento tópico com soluções anestésicas em coelhos / Clinical and histological evaluation of healthy eyelid and conjunctiva subject to local treatment with anesthetic solutions in rabbits

Avaliaram-se as apresentações comerciais de colírios anestésicos aplicados em 63 coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia, distribuídos em três grupos (G1, G2 e G3) de 21 animais cada e que receberam instilação de uma gota em cada olho seis vezes ao dia. Os animais do G1 foram tratados com colírio de cloridrato de proparacaína a 0,5%; os do G2, com colírio de cloridrato de tetracaína a 1% associado à fenilefrina a 0,1%; e os do G3, com solução fisiológica. Cada grupo foi subdividido em três subgrupos com sete animais cada, os quais foram tratados por três, sete e 15 dias. No final de cada tratamento, dois animais de cada subgrupo foram sacrificados para exame histológico de fragmentos retirados da conjuntiva, da terceira pálpebra e das pálpebras. Observou-se, ao exame clínico, episclerite em graus diversos em 100% dos animais do G1, no terceiro, sétimo e 15º dia, e em apenas 17,8% nos do G2, nestes mesmos dias. Ao exame microscópico, observaram-se aumento do número de células califormes, proliferação de folículos linfoides, aumento do número de eosinófilos e aumento do espaço intersticial nas pálpebras dos animais do G1. Pôde-se concluir que o colírio de tetracaína a 1% associado à fenilefrina a 0,1% promoveu maior toxicidade à conjuntiva ocular e às pálpebras de coelhos quando comparado ao colírio de proparacaína a 0,5%.(AU)

This work aimed to evaluate commercial presentations of anesthetic eye drops in sixty three New Zealand rabbits which were separated equally in three groups (G1, G2 and G3). The G1 group was treated with 0.5% proparacaine chloridrate eye drop, G2 group with 1% tetracaine chloridrate associated with 0.1% phenylephrine eye drop and G3 group with 0.9% physiologic solution eye drop. All of them received one drop in each eye six times a day. Each group was subdivided into three subgroups (seven rabbits), which are treated for 3, 7 and 15 days. At the end of each treatment, two animals in each subgroup were subject to euthanasia, for the purpose of conjunctiva, eyelids and third eyelids histological evaluation. At the clinical exam, different grades of episcleritis were found in all rabbits in G2 group and only in 17.8% of the rabbits in G1 group. Eye and eyelid histologic evaluation of G2 group revealed an upgrade of goblet cells and eosinophil number, lymphoid follicle proliferation and increase of interstitial space in the eyelids. We could conclude that 1% tetracaine associated with 0.1% phenylephrine eye drop caused more eyelid and ocular conjunctiva toxicity than 0.5% proparacaine eye drop.(AU)

ESTUDO COMPARATIVO ENTRE A UTILIZAÇÃO OU NÃO DO CLORIDRATO DE TETRACAÍNA ASSOCIADO AO CLORIDRATO DE FENILEFRINA NA AFERIÇÃO DA PRESSÃO INTRAOCULAR EM CÃES

A avaliação da pressão intraocular é um exame importante na clínica oftalmológica não só de cães, como de outras espécies. Vários tipos de aparelhos foram desenvolvidos para tal, contudo, com o avanço da tecnologia, aparelhos mais sofisticados surgiram, exibindo avaliações mais rápidas e precisas. Com isso, revelou-se a proposta de não aplicar o anestésico local previamente ao exame, já que se trata de um procedimento de atuação em superfície da córnea e não doloroso, e também devido aos efeitos adversos do anestésico local como reações alérgicas e hiperemia na córnea e conjuntiva. Comparou-se a técnica de aferição da pressão intraocular em cães, uma utilizada com uso do colírio a base de cloridrato de tetracaína associado ao cloridrato de fenilefrina ao aferir a pressão intraocular com o aparelho portátil de tonometria, e outro, sem o uso do colírio. Foi estabelecido o colírio a base de tetracaína, e o tonômetro de aplanação. Foram analisados 100 olhos de cães hígidos, e que foram divididos em dois grupos de 50 animais cada, o grupo T1 sem o colírio anestésico e o grupo T2 com colírio anestésico. Não houve diferença ente os dois grupos (p>0,05), concluindo-se, portanto, que o uso do colírio anestésico pode ser dispensado no exame de tonometria em cães.

The evaluation of intraocular pressure is an important examination in the ophthalmologic clinic, not only of dogs, but also of other species. Various types of handsets have been developed for this, however, with the advancement of technology, more sophisticated handsets have emerged, exhibiting faster and more accurate evaluations. Thus, the proposal was not to apply the local anesthetic prior to the examination, since it is a non-painful procedure on the surface of the cornea, and also due to the adverse effects of the local anesthetic, such as allergic reactions and hyperemia in the cornea and conjunctiva. The intraocular pressure gauging technique was compared in dogs, one used with tetracaine hydrochloride-based eye drops associated with phenylephrine hydrochloride when measuring intraocular pressure with the portable tonometry device, and another without the use of eye drops. The tetracaine-based eye drops and the aplanation tonometer were established. One hundred eyes of healthy dogs were analyzed and divided into two groups of 50 animals each, the T1 group without the anesthetic eye drops and the T2 group with anesthetic eye drops. There was no difference between the two groups (p> 0.05), therefore it was concluded that the use of anesthetic eye drops can be dispensed with in the examination of tonometry in dogs.

Ação anestésica e oftálmica da administração de colírio de tetracaína 1 por cento e proparacaína 05 por cento em cães / Ophthalmic and anesthetic evaluation of topical 1 percent tetracaine and 0.5 percent proparacaine in dogs

The aim of this study was to establish the action of 1 percent tetracaine eye drops in combination with 0.1 percent phenylephrine in two different posologies and their effects on the eye compared to the 0.5 percent proparacaine drops in dogs. 22 animals were divided into two groups: TG (11 animals), received 1 percent tetracaine associated with 0.1 percent phenylephrine eye drops, one drop instilled in the left eye and two drops, with one-minute interval between each, instilled in the right eye; PG (11 animals) received 0.5 percent proparacaine eye drops following the same dosage. The average duration of the observed anesthetic action was 25 minutes for tetracaine and 15 minutes for proparacaine. The instillation of two drops increased anesthetic time in five minutes. No changes in intraocular pressure, pupil diameter and tear production was observed. The drops of tetracaine triggered chemosis in four (36.4 percent) animals. Topical anesthesia with proparacaine eye drops showed no adverse reactions and is thus recommended preferentially.(AU)

Estudou-se a ação do colírio de tetracaína 1 por cento, em associação com a fenilefrina 0,1 por cento em duas posologias diferenciadas, bem como seus efeitos oculares, comparando-a com a do colírio de proparacaína 0,5 por cento em cães. Vinte e dois animais foram separados em dois grupos. Os do GT (n=11) receberam colírio de tetracaína 1 por cento associada à fenilefrina 0,1 por cento, sendo uma gota instilada no olho esquerdo e duas gotas, com intervalo de um minuto entre cada, instiladas no olho direito; e os do GP (n=11), receberam colírio de proparacaína 0,5 por cento seguindo a mesma posologia. A média de duração da ação anestésica observada foi de 25 minutos para a tetracaína e 15 minutos para a proparacaína. A instilação de duas gotas aumentou o tempo anestésico em cinco minutos. Não ocorreram alterações na pressão intra-ocular, no diâmetro pupilar e na produção lacrimal. O colírio de tetracaína desencadeou quemose em quatro (36,4 por cento) animais. Na anestesia tópica do olho com proparacaína não ocorreram reações adversas sendo, assim, recomendada preferencialmente.(AU)

AÇÃO DE FÁRMACOS NAS CONTRAÇÕES DA MUSCULATURA DA CÉRVIX DE SUÍNOS

A manipulação farmacológica da cérvix possui potencial importante na assistência à biotécnicas da reprodução, como inseminação artificial e transferência de embriões, em espécies que o acesso transcervical ao útero é muito difícil e, portanto, necessitam de procedimento cirúrgico para aumentar as taxas de concepção. Por meio de estudos básicos das propriedades mecânicas e farmacológicas da cérvix, objetivou-se com este estudo fornecer maior conhecimento da atividade da musculatura lisa da cérvix e então apresentar e discutir possibilidades de fármacos que possam relaxá-la e, portanto facilitar a passagem transcervical. Segmentos do músculo liso circular (MC) e longitudinal (ML) foram dissecados do útero (corno e corpo) e cérvix de suínos e preparados para tensão isométrica em banhos de órgão isolados de 20mL de solução modificada de Krebs-Henseleit (pH 7,4) gaseificada com 95% O2: 5% CO2 a 37°C. Os segmentos da cérvix apresentaram maiores respostas mecânicas do que os uterinos, mas exibiram menor atividade espontânea. Todas as preparações responderam de maneira dependente à frequência de estimulação de força elétrica (EFE, 2Hz 32Hz, 300mA, por 30s). Especialmente na cérvix, após as respostas neurogênicas, houve um período de quiescência muscular importante até que as atividades espontâneas retornassem ao normal. Na maioria das preparações cervicais (MC e ML) a atropina aboliu as contrações neurogênicas, destacando um maior envolvimento para inervação colinérgica e receptoresmuscarínicos, mas uma pequena proporção das preparações se mostraram resistente à atropina. Estas respostas não foram afetadas pela fentolamina, e nem pela prazosina e fenilefrina, sugerindo a ausência de receptores alfa-adrenérgicos. L-NAME (N-nitro-L-arginina-metil-ester) não teve nenhum efeito sobre a atividade muscular cervical, excluindo o envolvimento de óxido nítrico. Diltiazem, paraverina e isoprenalina inibiram as contrações neurogênicas dos MC e ML da cérvix, consistente com importante envolvimento dos canais de cálcio sensíveis à voltagem, fosfodiesterase e receptores beta-adrenérgicos, respectivamente. Entretanto, RP73401 (3-cyclopentyloxy-N-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridl)-4-methoxybenzamine) e UK114542 (UK114542 - 5-[2-ethoxy-5-(morpholinylacetyl)phenyl]-1,6-dihydro-1-methyl-3-propyl-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one methanesulfonate monohydrate) não tiveram efeito nenhum sobre a musculatura lisa cervical. Exposição prolongada à fenoxibenzamina reduziu as respostas neurogênicas e atividade espontânea da cérvix. Ainda, estes efeitos se mostraram irreversíveis e consistentes com a ação conhecida desta droga em ambos receptores muscarínicos e canais de cálcio, além de ser antagonista de receptores alfa-adrenérgicos. Esta ação irreversível da fenoxibenzamina pode ser particularmente útil para estudos posteriores no auxílio à penetração cervical e aumento das taxas de concepção.

Pharmacological manipulation of cervix has a potentially important role for aiding either artificial insemination or embryo transfer in species requiring surgical procedures to aid conception. By studying basic pharmacological and mechanical properties of the cervix, we aimed with this study to provide a better knowledge about cervical smooth muscle activity and then present and discuss insights into possible drugs for the pig that could facilitate biotechnological procedures for reproduction. Circular (CM) and longitudinal (LM) smooth muscle strips were dissected from porcine uterus (cornu and corpus) and cervix and prepared for isometric tension recording in organ-bath of 20mL of modified Krebs Henseleit solution (pH 7.4) maintained at 37oC and gassed with 95% O2 and 5% CO2. Cervical strips produced larger mechanical responses than the uterine segments, but exhibited less spontaneous activity. All preparations responded in a frequency-dependent manner to electrical field stimulation (EFS, 2Hz-32Hz, 300mA for 30s) with a contraction. Especially in cervix, after neurogenic responses, there was a period of important muscular quiescence until the resume of normal spontaneous activity. In most cervical preparations (CM and LM) atropine abolished neurogenic contractions, highlighting a major role for cholinergic nerves and muscarinic receptors, but a small proportion of preparations exhibited atropine-resistant responses. These responses were not affected by phentolamine, and neither by prazosina and phenylephrine suggesting no role for alpha-adrenoceptors. L-NAME (N-nitro-L-arginina-metil-ester) did not affect the cervical smooth muscle activity, excluding the role of nitric oxide. Diltiazem, papaverine and isoprenaline inhibited neurogenic contractions in CM and LM strips of the cervix, consistent with important roles for voltage-sensitive calcium channels, phosphodiesterase and beta-adrenoceptors, respectively. However, RP73401 (3-cyclopentyloxy-N-(3,5-dichloro-4-pyridl)-4-methoxybenzamine) and UK114542 (UK114542 - 5-[2-ethoxy-5-(morpholinylacetyl)phenyl]-1,6-dihydro-1-methyl-3-propyl-7H-pyrazolo[4,3-d]pyrimidin-7-one methanesulfonate monohydrate) did not present effect in cervical smooth muscle. Prolonged exposure to phenoxybenzamine reduced cervical neurogenic responses and spontaneous activity. Interestingly, these effects were irreversible and consistent with known action of this drug at both muscarinic receptors and calcium channels, besides being alfa-adrenoceptor antagonist. This atypical, irreversible, action of the phenoxybenzamine may be particularly useful for further studies in aiding cervical penetration and increasing conception rates.

Ulcerative keratitis in paca (Agouti paca)

Ulcerative keratitis is a disorder mainly caused by fights and scratches in rodents. This disorder was described in a 7-year-old female paca with ocular secretion, blepharospasm, chemosis, conjunctival hyperemia, edema and corneal neovascularization. After anesthesia using azaperone (1mg/kg, i.m.), ketamine (20mg/kg, i.m.) and xylazine (0.2mg/kg, i.m.), plus anesthetic collyrium (hydrochloride of tetracaine 0.5% and phenylephrine 10%), conjunctival covering of 360 was performed. Subconjunctival injection of gentamicine was done and the animal was kept using an Elizabethan collar in an individual pen, receiving analgesic (0.02mg/kg of buprenorphine, i.m.) three times a day for 2 days and pentabiotic every 48 hours during 10 days (30,000IU/kg of three penicillins and 12.5mg/kg of two estreptomicines, i.m.). After 30 days, important adhesion of the conjunctival bulb to the scarred cornea was noted and phithisis bulbi observed. The surgical technique performed preserved the eye bulb although vision was lost.

Bloqueio atrioventricular de terceiro grau e óbito por anestésico tópico com fenilefrina em coelho (oryctolagus cuniculus): relato de caso / Third-degree atrioventricular trioventricular block and death by topical anesthesic with phenylephrine in rabbit (oryctolagus cuniculus): case report

Os coelhos são animais amplamente utilizados em experimentação, sobretudo em ensaios anestésicos e cirúrgicos. O presente relato apresenta Ocaso de um coelho submetido a anestesia geral e tópica para experimentos oftalmológicos. Neste caso, associou-se Cetamina e Diazepan para indução anestésica, seguidos de um colírio anestésico à base de Cloridrato de Tetracaína com Cloridrato de Fenilefrina. Após observação de um plano anestésico adequado, foram instiladas as gotas anestésicas. Minutos após foram observados uma bradicardia reflexa acentuada, bloqueio atrioventricular de terceiro grau, seguido de óbito. Embora a literatura não descreva casos semelhantes nesta espécie, conclui-se que este protocolo, mesmo constituindo uma anestesia adequada, pode representar um perigo de vida eminente, pelo somatório dos riscos de hipertensão arterial, bradicardia reflexa, bloqueios atrioventricularese óbito conferidos pelas substâncias utilizadas(AU)

The use of rabbits in experimentation, especially in clinical anesthesia and surgery is wide. This report describes the case of an animal which was subjected to general and topical anesthesia for ophthalmological experiments. In this case, Ketamine and diazepam were associated for anesthetic induction. Such procedure was followed by the use of anesthetic eye drops .based upon Tetracaine hydrochloride with phenylephrine hydrochloride. After the observation of an adequate depth of anesthesia, the anesthetic drops were instilled. However, after some minutes, a marked reflex bradycardia was observed, as well as third degree atrioventricular block, which led to the animal's death. Although literature does not describe similar cases in this species, it is possible to conclude that, even with the presentation of adequate anesthesia, such protocol may represent an imminent threaten to life, as a consequence of the sum of risks of hypertension, reflex bradycardia, atrioventricular blocks and death conferred by the substances used(AU)

Bloqueio atrioventricular de terceiro grau e óbito por anestésico tópico com fenilefrina em coelho (oryctolagus cuniculus): relato de caso / Third-degree atrioventricular trioventricular block and death by topical anesthesic with phenylephrine in rabbit (oryctolagus cuniculus): case report

Os coelhos são animais amplamente utilizados em experimentação, sobretudo em ensaios anestésicos e cirúrgicos. O presente relato apresenta Ocaso de um coelho submetido a anestesia geral e tópica para experimentos oftalmológicos. Neste caso, associou-se Cetamina e Diazepan para indução anestésica, seguidos de um colírio anestésico à base de Cloridrato de Tetracaína com Cloridrato de Fenilefrina. Após observação de um plano anestésico adequado, foram instiladas as gotas anestésicas. Minutos após foram observados uma bradicardia reflexa acentuada, bloqueio atrioventricular de terceiro grau, seguido de óbito. Embora a literatura não descreva casos semelhantes nesta espécie, conclui-se que este protocolo, mesmo constituindo uma anestesia adequada, pode representar um perigo de vida eminente, pelo somatório dos riscos de hipertensão arterial, bradicardia reflexa, bloqueios atrioventricularese óbito conferidos pelas substâncias utilizadas

The use of rabbits in experimentation, especially in clinical anesthesia and surgery is wide. This report describes the case of an animal which was subjected to general and topical anesthesia for ophthalmological experiments. In this case, Ketamine and diazepam were associated for anesthetic induction. Such procedure was followed by the use of anesthetic eye drops .based upon Tetracaine hydrochloride with phenylephrine hydrochloride. After the observation of an adequate depth of anesthesia, the anesthetic drops were instilled. However, after some minutes, a marked reflex bradycardia was observed, as well as third degree atrioventricular block, which led to the animal's death. Although literature does not describe similar cases in this species, it is possible to conclude that, even with the presentation of adequate anesthesia, such protocol may represent an imminent threaten to life, as a consequence of the sum of risks of hypertension, reflex bradycardia, atrioventricular blocks and death conferred by the substances used

Ulcerative keratitis in paca (Agouti paca)

Ulcerative keratitis is a disorder mainly caused by fights and scratches in rodents. This disorder was described in a 7-year-old female paca with ocular secretion, blepharospasm, chemosis, conjunctival hyperemia, edema and corneal neovascularization. After anesthesia using azaperone (1mg/kg, i.m.), ketamine (20mg/kg, i.m.) and xylazine (0.2mg/kg, i.m.), plus anesthetic collyrium (hydrochloride of tetracaine 0.5% and phenylephrine 10%), conjunctival covering of 360 was performed. Subconjunctival injection of gentamicine was done and the animal was kept using an Elizabethan collar in an individual pen, receiving analgesic (0.02mg/kg of buprenorphine, i.m.) three times a day for 2 days and pentabiotic every 48 hours during 10 days (30,000IU/kg of three penicillins and 12.5mg/kg of two estreptomicines, i.m.). After 30 days, important adhesion of the conjunctival bulb to the scarred cornea was noted and phithisis bulbi observed. The surgical technique performed preserved the eye bulb although vision was lost.

Ulcerative keratitis in paca (Agouti paca)

Ulcerative keratitis is a disorder mainly caused by fights and scratches in rodents. This disorder was described in a 7-year-old female paca with ocular secretion, blepharospasm, chemosis, conjunctival hyperemia, edema and corneal neovascularization. After anesthesia using azaperone (1mg/kg, i.m.), ketamine (20mg/kg, i.m.) and xylazine (0.2mg/kg, i.m.), plus anesthetic collyrium (hydrochloride of tetracaine 0.5% and phenylephrine 10%), conjunctival covering of 360 was performed. Subconjunctival injection of gentamicine was done and the animal was kept using an Elizabethan collar in an individual pen, receiving analgesic (0.02mg/kg of buprenorphine, i.m.) three times a day for 2 days and pentabiotic every 48 hours during 10 days (30,000IU/kg of three penicillins and 12.5mg/kg of two estreptomicines, i.m.). After 30 days, important adhesion of the conjunctival bulb to the scarred cornea was noted and phithisis bulbi observed. The surgical technique performed preserved the eye bulb although vision was lost.

Ulcerative keratitis in paca (Agouti paca)

Ulcerative keratitis is a disorder mainly caused by fights and scratches in rodents. This disorder was described in a 7-year-old female paca with ocular secretion, blepharospasm, chemosis, conjunctival hyperemia, edema and corneal neovascularization. After anesthesia using azaperone (1mg/kg, i.m.), ketamine (20mg/kg, i.m.) and xylazine (0.2mg/kg, i.m.), plus anesthetic collyrium (hydrochloride of tetracaine 0.5% and phenylephrine 10%), conjunctival covering of 360 was performed. Subconjunctival injection of gentamicine was done and the animal was kept using an Elizabethan collar in an individual pen, receiving analgesic (0.02mg/kg of buprenorphine, i.m.) three times a day for 2 days and pentabiotic every 48 hours during 10 days (30,000IU/kg of three penicillins and 12.5mg/kg of two estreptomicines, i.m.). After 30 days, important adhesion of the conjunctival bulb to the scarred cornea was noted and phithisis bulbi observed. The surgical technique performed preserved the eye bulb although vision was lost.

Ulcerative keratitis in paca (Agouti paca)

Ulcerative keratitis is a disorder mainly caused by fights and scratches in rodents. This disorder was described in a 7-year-old female paca with ocular secretion, blepharospasm, chemosis, conjunctival hyperemia, edema and corneal neovascularization. After anesthesia using azaperone (1mg/kg, i.m.), ketamine (20mg/kg, i.m.) and xylazine (0.2mg/kg, i.m.), plus anesthetic collyrium (hydrochloride of tetracaine 0.5% and phenylephrine 10%), conjunctival covering of 360 was performed. Subconjunctival injection of gentamicine was done and the animal was kept using an Elizabethan collar in an individual pen, receiving analgesic (0.02mg/kg of buprenorphine, i.m.) three times a day for 2 days and pentabiotic every 48 hours during 10 days (30,000IU/kg of three penicillins and 12.5mg/kg of two estreptomicines, i.m.). After 30 days, important adhesion of the conjunctival bulb to the scarred cornea was noted and phithisis bulbi observed. The surgical technique performed preserved the eye bulb although vision was lost.

Ulcerative keratitis in paca (Agouti paca)

Ulcerative keratitis is a disorder mainly caused by fights and scratches in rodents. This disorder was described in a 7-year-old female paca with ocular secretion, blepharospasm, chemosis, conjunctival hyperemia, edema and corneal neovascularization. After anesthesia using azaperone (1mg/kg, i.m.), ketamine (20mg/kg, i.m.) and xylazine (0.2mg/kg, i.m.), plus anesthetic collyrium (hydrochloride of tetracaine 0.5% and phenylephrine 10%), conjunctival covering of 360 was performed. Subconjunctival injection of gentamicine was done and the animal was kept using an Elizabethan collar in an individual pen, receiving analgesic (0.02mg/kg of buprenorphine, i.m.) three times a day for 2 days and pentabiotic every 48 hours during 10 days (30,000IU/kg of three penicillins and 12.5mg/kg of two estreptomicines, i.m.). After 30 days, important adhesion of the conjunctival bulb to the scarred cornea was noted and phithisis bulbi observed. The surgical technique performed preserved the eye bulb although vision was lost.