Ocular echobiometry and resistivity Index of external ophthalmic artery in agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha)

Veterinary Ophthalmology provides complementary information for the diagnosis of ocular pathologies. Studies in wild species are essential. Among the diagnostic techniques in ophthalmology, two-dimensional ultrasonography stands out. The agouti is a rodent belonging to the Dasyproctidae family that has been widely used as an experimental model. For these animals, sight is one of the crucial senses for their survival. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the two-dimensional ocular ultrasound technique to obtain anatomical measurements and the external ophthalmic artery resistivity index, presumably normal in the species Dasyprocta prymnolopha. Forty eye bulbs of 20 adult rodents of the species were evaluated by ultrasonography. In these animals, B-mode echobiometry was performed using the transpalpebral approach and the hemodynamic study of the external ophthalmic artery using the color Doppler technique. All examinations were initiated by the left eye bulb and all measurements were performed by only one examiner. The collected data related to echobiometry were analyzed using Bioest 5.0 for Windows. Initially, normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk test for each parameter, then the paired t-test was performed, comparing right and left eyes, and a significance level of 5% (P < 0.05) was adopted. Based on the methodology used, the following values were obtained for the right and left eyeballs, respectively: anterior chamber thickness - mean of 1.28 ± 0.3 mm and 1.22 ± 0.1 mm; lens thickness - 8.27 ± 0.9 mm and 8.11 ± 0.9 mm; vitreous chamber thickness - 5.35 ± 0.48 mm and 5.30 ± 0.47 mm and axial length - 12.7 ± 0.9 mm and 13 ± 0.68 mm. The mean external ophthalmic artery resistivity values were 0.4305 ± 0.0390 and 0.4258 ± 0.0387 (right and left eye, respectively), characterizing a low resistance. There was no statistical difference between the right and left eyeballs in any of the studied parameters. The use of the convex transducer was feasible, promoting adequate contact with the ocular surface and images of satisfactory quality for obtaining measurements, similar to what was observed in studies evaluating the ocular biometry of primates and dogs. The anterior chamber thickness values in this experiment did not differ statistically between the antimers, as well as observed for dogs. The data obtained for lens thickness did not differ statistically for antimers, like those obtained for other rodent species evaluated with the same methodology. The mean values of vitreous chamber thickness were like those observed in chinchillas but correspond to about half of that obtained for capybaras. In this study, the external ophthalmic artery was characterized in all animals, but obtaining the spectral tracing was difficult due to its fine caliber. In wild animals, and especially in wild rodents, there are few data reporting the resistivity of the ophthalmic artery, and there is a lack of studies, which can be explained by the behavioral characteristics of defense and by the high susceptibility to stress in capture, since the performing the technique requires, as in other procedures, the use of chemical containment. (AU)

Prevalência de agravos em saúde e fatores associados em profissionais de limpeza pública / Prevalence of health problems and associated factors in public cleaning professionals

Objetivo: avaliar a prevalência de agravos em saúde e os fatores associados às alterações somatoscópicas, hematológicas, bioquímicas e parasitológicas nos trabalhadores de limpeza pública. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma pesquisa de campo do tipo descritiva, exploratória, com abordagem quantitativa. Resultados: os dados coletados nessa pesquisa permitem afirmar que a maioria eram do sexo feminino, com idade entre 40 a 59 anos, solteiros, não possuíam hábitos etilistas e tabagista. Não praticavam atividades físicas e consideravam-se estressados. Expunham-se diariamente ao sol e não usavam protetor solar, faziam menos de seis refeições diárias, ingeriam menos de dois litros de agua por dia, se consultavam menos de duas vezes ao ano e não usavam equipamentos de proteção individual, na avaliação somatoscópica, os profissionais de limpeza pública apresentavam peso médio de 70,6 kg e dentição com presença de cáries, dentre os valores hematológicos e bioquímicos apresentaram baixo percentual de Hemácias, Linfocitose e HDL em nível tolerável. Houve prevalência de 33% de infestação parasitária entre os participantes. Conclusão: percebe-se que a saúde do trabalhador deve-se desenvolver por um conjunto de ações de assistência e vigilância, buscando detectar e analisar os fatores determinantes e condicionantes dos agravos relacionados à sua rotina laboral.

Objective: to evaluate the prevalence of health problems and the factors associated with somatoscopic, hematological, biochemical and parasitological changes in public cleaning workers. Methodology: This is a descriptive, exploratory field research with a quantitative approach. Results: the data collected in this research allow us to affirm that the majority were female, aged between 40 and 59 years old, single, did not have alcohol and smoking habits. They did not practice physical activities and considered themselves stressed. They exposed themselves daily to the sun and did not use sunscreen, ate less than six meals a day, drank less than two liters of water per day, consulted less than twice a year and did not use personal protective equipment, in the somatoscopic evaluation, public cleaning professionals had an average weight of 70.6 kg and teething with the presence of cavities, among the hematological and biochemical values they presented a low percentage of red blood cells, lymphocytosis and HDL at a tolerable level. There was a 33% prevalence of parasitic infestation among the participants. Conclusion: it is perceived that the worker's health must be developed through a set of assistance and surveillance actions, seeking to detect and analyze the determining and conditioning factors of the injuries related to their work routine.

Ecocardiografia Padrão, com Strain e Strain Rate com Speckle Tracking Bidimensional em Macaco-Capuchinho (Cebus Apella, Linnaeus, 1758) / Standard Echocardiography, Strain and Strain Rate by Two-Dimensional Speckle Tracking in Capuchin Monkey (Cebus Apella, Linnaeus, 1758)

Introdução: O macaco-capuchinho é uma espécie de primata não humano que demonstra grande potencial para estudos pré-clínicos devido às semelhanças anatômicas e fisiológicas com os seres humanos. Objetivo: Estudar os índices de deformação miocárdica em macacos-capuchinhos anestesiados utilizando speckle tracking. Métodos: Foram utilizados dezesseis animais do Parque Zoobotânico, em Teresina, Piauí, Brasil, com restrição química, utilizando uma combinação de cetamina e midazolam. Os estudos ecocardiográficos foram obtidos nos modos B, M e Doppler, medindo-se strain e strain rate através de speckle tracking. Resultados: As variáveis que apresentaram coeficientes de correlação estatisticamente significativos em relação ao peso foram a parede livre do ventrículo esquerdo em diástole (PLVEd), diâmetro interno do ventrículo esquerdo em diástole (DIVEd), diâmetro interno do ventrículo esquerdo em sístole (DIVEs), onda E, A'VD, movimento do anel mitral (MAM) e excursão sistólica do plano do anel tricúspide (TAPSE). A frequência cardíaca (FC) mostrou correlação positiva com a onda E e a onda A e correlação negativa com o tempo de relaxamento isovolumétrico (TRIV). A fração de encurtamento (FS) apresentou correlação positiva com a razão entre as ondas E e A (r = 0,61). TAPSE mostrou correlações positivas com E'VD e A'VD. Os valores obtidos para o strain circunferencial (-18,17 ± 4,68%), radial (47,13 ± 5,24%) e longitudinal (-26,46 ± 5,155%) para os macacos-capuchinhos estavam dentro dos intervalos normais para machos e fêmeas. Conclusão: O presente estudo fornece os primeiros valores de referência para medidas ecocardiográficas em modos B, M e Doppler para macacos-capuchinhos anestesiados com cetamina e midazolam. Os valores de strain e strain rate obtidos utilizando a técnica de speckle tracking mostraram-se semelhantes aos obtidos em seres humanos, sugerindo que esta ferramenta pode ser explorada em estudos pré-clínicos utilizando o modelo do macaco-capuchinho

Introduction: The capuchin monkey is a type of nonhuman primate that has shown great potential for preclinical studies because of its anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. Objective: To study the indices of myocardial deformation in anesthetized capuchin monkeys using speckle tracking. Methods: Sixteen animals from the Zoobotanical Park, Teresina, Piauí, Brazil, were used and chemically restrained using a combination of ketamine and midazolam. Echocardiography recordings were obtained in B, M and Doppler modes, and strain and strain rate were measured using speckle tracking. Results: The variables that showed statistically significant correlation coefficients in relation to weight were LVFWd, LVIDd, LVIDs, E wave, A'RV, MAM and TAPSE. HR showed a positive correlation with the E wave and A wave and a negative correlation with IVRT. FS presented a positive correlation with the E/A wave relationship (r = 0.61). TAPSE showed positive correlations with E'RV and A'RV. The values obtained for circumferential (-18.17 ± 4.68%), radial (47.13 ± 5.24%) and longitudinal (- 26.46 ± 5.15%) strain for the capuchin monkeys were within the normal ranges for males and females. Conclusion: The present study provides the first reference values for echocardiographic measurements in B, M and Doppler modes for capuchin monkeys anesthetized with ketamine and midazolam. The strain and strain rate values obtained using speckle tracking showed similarities with those obtained in humans, suggesting that this tool has the potential to be exploited in preclinical studies using the capuchin monkey model

ECHOCARDIOGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF BIDIMENSIONAL MODE, M-MODE, AND DOPPLER OF CLINICALLY NORMAL BLACK-RUMPED AGOUTI (DASYPROCTA PRYMNOLOPHA, WAGLER 1831).

The black-rumped agouti ( Dasyprocta prymnolopha , Wagler 1831) is currently under intense ecologic pressure, which has resulted in its disappearance from some regions of Brazil. Echocardiography is widely used in veterinary medicine but it is not yet part of the clinical routine for wild animals. The objective of the present study was to assess the applicability of the echocardiographic exam in nonanesthetized agouti and to establish normal reference values for echocardiographic measurements in bidimensional mode (2D), M-mode, and Doppler for this species, and a lead II electrocardiogram was simultaneously recorded. Twenty agouti were used in this study. All the echocardiographic measurements were positively correlated with weight (P < 0.05), and there were no significant differences between sexes (P > 0.05). Blood flow velocities in the pulmonary and aortic artery ranged from 67.32-71.28 cm/sec and 79.22-101.84 cm/sec, respectively. The isovolumic relaxation time was assessed in all the animals and ranged from 38.5 to 56.6 ms. The maximum value for the nonfused E and A waves and the Et and At waves was 158 beats/min for both. The results obtained for the morphologic and heart hemodynamic measurements can guide future studies and help in the clinical management of these animals in captivity.

Comparative B-mode and Doppler renal ultrasonography with histopathological findings in dogs positive for canine visceral leishmaniasis.

Morphological parameters and renal flow were assessed and measured in six clinically healthy dogs with negative serological and parasitological examinations for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) and six dogs with CVL-positive serological and parasitological tests and asymptomatic condition of the disease. Kidney length and diameter were measured and compared with the aorta/kidney ratio. Alterations in flow were measured using the flow velocity (cm/s) and resistance index (RI). Renal function was assessed by serum biochemical examination (urea, creatine, total proteins, albumin, and globulin) and urinalysis. CVL-positive animals presented heterogeneous kidney echotexture, reduced vascular flow, hypoperfusion, lesser visualization of the arcuate arteries, high RI values (1.06 ± 0.28 for the right kidney and 1.10 ± 0.30 for the left kidney), reduced diastolic flow, and high systolic peak. They also presented positive creatine/RI correlation and between the renal artery vascular flow and kidney diameter. Histopathological analysis of CVL-positive animals was compatible and confirmed hemodynamic changes observed by Doppler ultrasound. The findings in the present study showed that Doppler ultrasonography is a valid method to assess and detect alterations in flow in renal pathological processes with kidney vascular damage, as in the case of leishmaniasis, and can help in the diagnosis of animals with this infection. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:637-645, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

CARDIOTHORACIC RATIO AND VERTEBRAL HEART SCALE IN CLINICALLY NORMAL BLACK-RUMPED AGOUTIS (DASYPROCTA PRYMNOLOPHA, WAGLER 1831).

Wild rodents, such as the lowland paca (Cuniculus paca), capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), rock cavy (Kerodon rupestris), guinea pig (Cavia aperea), and black-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) are intensely hunted throughout Amazonia and at the semiarid regions of northeastern Brazil. To contribute to the preservation of these species, more information about their anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology is needed. The aim of this study was to standardize the vertebral heart scale (VHS) and cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) in clinically normal black-rumped agouti, as well as to compare the results of these two methods, which are commonly used to evaluate the cardiac silhouette in domestic animals. Twelve healthy black-rumped agoutis, divided into two groups (six males and six females), obtained from the Nucleus for Wild Animal Studies and Conservation at the Federal University of Piauí, were radiographed in right and left lateral and dorsoventral projections. The values of the VHS were 8.00±0.31v (the number of thoracic vertebral length spanned by each dimension, starting at T4) for males and 8.11±0.41v for females, and there was no statistical difference between the decubitus (right and left) or between males and females (P>0.05). The CTR mean values obtained were 0.51±0.03 for males, and 0.52±0.02 for females, and there was no statistical difference between the genders (P>0.05). However, there was positive correlation between VHS and CTR (r=0.77 right decubitus and r=0.82 left decubitus). The thoracic and heart diameter had mean values of 6.72±0.61 and 3.48±0.30 cm (males), and for the females, it was 6.61±0.51 and 3.5±0.30 cm, respectively, and there was statistical difference between the genders. The results demonstrated high correlation between the VHS and CTR producing similar results, indicating similar clinical precision for assessing the size of the cardiac silhouette in the black-rumped agoutis.

Collared pecary (Tayassu tajacu) as a new model of renal ischemic injury induced by clamping the renal artery.

PURPOSE: The use of the collared peccary as an experimental model for ischemic nephropathy. METHODS: A total of 12 collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) was used and ischemic nephropathy was induced in six of these animals that constituted the experimental group (G1) while the other six formed the control group (G2). Ischemic nephropathy was induced surgically by partial occlusion of the left renal artery. The disease course was assessed by hematological tests, serum chemistry, urinalysis, ultrasound (US) and doppler ultrasound function of the renal artery before induction, and at five, 10, 15 and 20 days after surgery. Twenty days after the occlusion, unilateral nephrectomy and histopathological examination were performed to assess renal morphology. RESULTS: Statistical analysis by Fischer's test showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between the control group and the experimental group. The histopathological examination showed glomerular, tubular and interstitial lesions. In the experimental group, 83.3% (5 /6) showed moderate renal lesions and only 16.7% (1/6) were classified with no lesions. The ultrasound examination of the right kidney presented statistical difference between day 5 and day 10 post occlusion. CONCLUSION: The collared peccary as a good experimental model for ischemic renal disease, because it could be manipulated during the research time without death, with health conditions that permit any subsequent procedure for disease therapy.

Collared Pecary (tayassu tajacu) as a new model of renal ischemic injury induced by clamping the renal artery

PURPOSE: The use of the collared peccary as an experimental model for ischemic nephropathy. METHODS: A total of 12 collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) was used and ischemic nephropathy was induced in six of these animals that constituted the experimental group (G1) while the other six formed the control group (G2). Ischemic nephropathy was induced surgically by partial occlusion of the left renal artery. The disease course was assessed by hematological tests, serum chemistry, urinalysis, ultrasound (US) and doppler ultrasound function of the renal artery before induction, and at five, 10, 15 and 20 days after surgery. Twenty days after the occlusion, unilateral nephrectomy and histopathological examination were performed to assess renal morphology. RESULTS: Statistical analysis by Fischer's test showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between the control group and the experimental group. The histopathological examination showed glomerular, tubular and interstitial lesions. In the experimental group, 83.3% (5 /6) showed moderate renal lesions and only 16.7% (1/6) were classified with no lesions. The ultrasound examination of the right kidney presented statistical difference between day 5 and day 10 post occlusion. CONCLUSION: The collared peccary as a good experimental model for ischemic renal disease, because it could be manipulated during the research time without death, with health conditions that permit any subsequent procedure for disease therapy. .

Aloe vera as vehicle to mineral trioxide aggregate: study in bone repair / Aloe vera como veículo ao mineral trióxido agregado: estudo em reparo ósseo

Aim: Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) was associated to Aloe vera to verify the coadjutant action of that medicinal plant in the bone neoformation process in tibia of rats. Material and Method: 36 male rats (Rattus norvegicus) were used, divided into two groups of 18 rats each. Two circumferential bone defects with approximately 5 mm in diameter were made on the right tibia of each animal: the upper defect was filled with blood coagulates in both groups to serve as experimental control and the lower defect was filled with MTA and Aloe vera in experimental (group E1) and MTA and distilled water in experimental (group E2). Seven, 15 and 30 days after surgery, six animals from each group were euthanized and the right tibia of each animal was removed for histological analysis. Result: Histologically, experimental group E1 presented better results for the two variables, inflammation [at seven days (p=0.045)] and bone formation [at seven days (p=0.018) and 30 days (p=0.034)], compared to the E2 group. Conclusion: The association of MTA and Aloe vera showed potential to reduce the effects of the inflammatory cascade and promote bone neoformation making it to a promising proposal for future use in endodontic therapy. .

Objetivo: Mineral trióxido agregado (MTA) foi associado a Aloe vera para se verificar a ação coadjuvante desta planta medicinal no processo de neoformação óssea em tíbia de ratos. Material e Método: 36 ratos machos (Rattus norvegicus) foram utilizados, divididos em dois grupos com 18 animais em cada. Dois defeitos ósseos circunferenciais com aproximadamente 5 mm de diâmetro foram feitos na tíbia direita de cada animal: o defeito superior foi preenchido com coágulo sanguíneo em ambos os grupos para servir como controle e o defeito inferior foi preenchido com MTA e Aloe vera (grupo E1) e MTA e água destilada (grupo E2). Sete, 15 e 30 dias após a cirurgia, seis animais de cada grupo foram submetidos à eutanásia e a tíbia direita de cada animal foi retirada para análise histológica. Resultado: Histologicamente, o grupo experimental E1 apresentou melhores resultados para as duas variáveis, inflamação [em sete dias (p = 0,045)] e formação óssea [em sete dias (p = 0,018) e 30 dias (p = 0,034)], em comparação com os resultados do grupo E2. Conclusão: A associação entre o MTA e Aloe vera demonstrou potencial para reduzir os efeitos da cascata inflamatória e promover a neoformação óssea, tornando-a uma proposta promissora para uso futuro no tratamento endodôntico. .

Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal progenitors derived from the bone marrow of goats native from northeastern Brazil.

PURPOSE: To characterize bone marrow progenitors cells grown in vitro, using native goats from northeastern Brazil as animal model. METHODS: Ten northeastern Brazil native goats of both genders were used from the Piauí Federal University Agricultural Science Center's (UFPI) - Goat Farming Sector. Bone marrow aspirates where taken from the tibial ridge and seeded on culture plates for isolation, expansion and Flow Cytometry (expression markers - Oct-3/4, PCNA, Ck-Pan, Vimentina, Nanog). RESULTS: Progenitor cells showed colonies characterized by the presence of cell pellets with fibroblastoid morphology. Cell confluence was taken after 14 days culture and the non-adherent mononuclear cell progressive reduction. After the first passage, 94.36% cell viability was observed, starting from 4.6 x 106 cell/mL initially seeded. Cells that went through flow cytometry showed positive expression for Oct-3/4, PCNA, Ck-Pan, Vimentina, and Nanog. CONCLUSIONS: Bone marrow progenitor isolated of native goats from northeastern Brazil showed expression markers also seen in embryonic stem cells (Oct-3/4, Nanog), markers of cell proliferation (PCNA) and markers for mesenchymal cells (Vimentina and Ck-pan), which associated to morphological and culture growth features, suggest the existence of a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) population in the goat bone marrow stromal cells studied.

Isolation and characterization of mesenchymal progenitors derived from the bone marrow of goats native from northeastern Brazil

PURPOSE: To characterize bone marrow progenitors cells grown in vitro, using native goats from northeastern Brazil as animal model. METHODS: Ten northeastern Brazil native goats of both genders were used from the Piauí Federal University Agricultural Science Center's (UFPI) - Goat Farming Sector. Bone marrow aspirates where taken from the tibial ridge and seeded on culture plates for isolation, expansion and Flow Cytometry (expression markers - Oct-3/4, PCNA, Ck-Pan, Vimentina, Nanog). RESULTS: Progenitor cells showed colonies characterized by the presence of cell pellets with fibroblastoid morphology. Cell confluence was taken after 14 days culture and the non-adherent mononuclear cell progressive reduction. After the first passage, 94.36% cell viability was observed, starting from 4.6 x 106 cell/mL initially seeded. Cells that went through flow cytometry showed positive expression for Oct-3/4, PCNA, Ck-Pan, Vimentina, and Nanog. CONCLUSIONS: Bone marrow progenitor isolated of native goats from northeastern Brazil showed expression markers also seen in embryonic stem cells (Oct-3/4, Nanog), markers of cell proliferation (PCNA) and markers for mesenchymal cells (Vimentina and Ck-pan), which associated to morphological and culture growth features, suggest the existence of a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) population in the goat bone marrow stromal cells studied. .

Hematopoietic progenitor constituents and adherent cell progenitor morphology isolated from black-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831) bone marrow.

Stem cells are present in the adult tissues of most diverse species. Bone marrow is recognized to be the most exploited site to obtain stem cells and cell progenitors. The objective of the present study was to characterize hematopoietic progenitor (HP) morphology and analyze the performance of adherent cell progenitors (ACPs) cultivated in vitro from black-rumped agouti bone marrow (Dasyprocta prymnolopha). Bone marrow aspirates were obtained from tibia crest and used to prepare histological slides and identify cell morphology. Cells were also scattered on culture plates for later isolation, expansion, and quantification. Smears obtained from bone marrow demonstrated HPs at different stages of maturity. In culture, these cells showed fibroblastoid morphology and a strong tendency to form colonies, demonstrated by the presence of cell aggregates, cytoplasmic elongations lying side by side. An 80% cell confluence was observed at 18 days in culture and progressive reduction in the percentage of nonadherent mononuclear cells. After eight passes, a mean cell viability of 96.07% was observed, from a pool of 1.6 × 10(7) cells (ACP). Thirteen 25-cm(2) culture bottles were trypsinized, resuspended in freezing medium, stored in 14 criotubes at a concentration of 1 × 10(6) cells per milliliter, and placed in liquid nitrogen at -196°C. Agouti bone marrow demonstrated high plasticity, moreover different HP lines, and a population of adherent cells demonstrated morphology similar to mesenchymal stem cells in culture.

Presumed normal ultrasonographic findings of the testis and epididymis of botos (Inia geoffrensis).

Fifteen live adult male botos, or Amazon river dolphins (Inia geoffrensis), were examined using ultrasonography during the yearly capture expedition, between October and November 2005, at the Mamirauá Sustainable Development Reserve, within the Brazilian Amazon (3 degrees S, 65 degrees W). All examinations were performed with a Sonosite 180 plus ultrasound unit in conjunction with a 2- to 5-MHz multifrequency transducer convex array 180 Plus/Elite-C60. Age and maturity estimates were determined considering the body length, weight, and external characteristics. In all examinations, the testes were discerned by the presence of a hyperechoic central line, called the mediastinum testis, a landmark for their identification during ultrasonography. No significant differences in echogenicity were detected on the ultrasonographic appearance of the testes among the studied animals. On adult male botos, apparent parenchymal nodulation of the testis was observed on scanning in most of the animals and probably constituted evidence of reproductive maturity. Using the color Doppler technique, blood flow was detected along the mediastinum testis that progressively decreased toward the periphery of this organ. Little blood flow could be identified by color Doppler. Power Doppler allowed better accuracy to identify testicular vessels, their topography, and their differentiation from adjacent structures. Ultrasonographic examination provides useful data for morphologic characterization of the boto's testes. Examination using Doppler techniques was considered a valuable tool to evidence blood flow through the testicular parenchyma.

Efeito da fotoperiodicidade na taxa de prenhez em ratos isogênicos (F344) / Effect of photoperiodicity in the pregnancy rate of isogenic rats (F344)

O uso de animais isogênicos apresenta grandes vantagens experimentais, como uniformidade fenotípica e genotípica (reduzindo o número de animais em experimentos) e histocompatibilidade, permitindo, assim, o acúmulo de informações e a repetibilidade dos experimentos. A linhagem isogênica de Rattus norvegicus Fischer 344 existe há 90 anos, entretanto pouco se sabe sobre as razões de seu baixo índice reprodutivo. O presente estudo demonstrou que ratos Fischer F344 são fotorresponsivos quanto à reprodução, tendo seus índices de prenhezes acrescidos com o aumento do fotoperíodo. Os melhores índices são obtidos quando os machos são submetidos a 14 horas de luz e fêmeas a 16 horas de luz, indicando dimorfismo sexual na fotorresponsividade.

The use of isogenic animals presents great experimental advantages, as phenotypic and genotypic uniformity (reducing the number of experimental animals) and histocompatibility, thus allowing, the accumulation of information, and the repeatability of the experiments. The isogenic strain of Rattus norvegicus Fischer 344 has existed for 90 years, however the reasons of its low reproductive index are not knew. The present study has demonstrated that Fischer F344 rats are photoresponsive regarding reproduction, having improved its pregnancy index with the increase of the photoperiod. The best indexes were achieved when the males had been submitted to 14 hours of light and females to 16 hours of light, indicating sexual dimorphism in photoresponsivity.

Avaliação cintilográfica de diferentes dosagens de Tecnécio-99m na padronização da perfusão pulmonar em cães da raça Rottweiller / Dosage padronization of 99mTC for scintigraphy evaluation on the pulmonary perfusion in Rottweiller dog

A avaliação da função pulmonar em cães pode ser obtida mediante exames cintilográficos, os quais incluem a injeção de radiofármacos, seguida de radiografias. Neste estudo, foram utilizados 10 cães machos hígidos da raça Rottweiler e radiograficamente normais e soronegativos para dirofilariose, com administração de doses variadas de macroagregado de albumina sérica humana marcados com tecnécio-99m ([99mTc](MAA)). Os resultados foram avaliados qualitativa e quantitativamente, considerando o índice de perfusão pulmonar e sua homogeneidade, sendo dessa maneira visualizado um aumento na homogeneidade da imagem diretamente relacionado ao número de partículas de MAA injetado. Este estudo define os critérios de normalidade e de dosagem na perfusão pulmonar em cães hígidos da raça Rottweiller estabelecidos com a técnica de cintilografia.

Pulmonary function evaluation in dogs can be gotten by scintigraphy exams, which are obtained with radiopharmacs injections, followed by radiography. In this study it was used 10 healthful male dogs of Rottweiler breed, radiographically normal and serum negative for dirofilariasis, with administration of varied doses of human serum albumin grouped marked with technetium-99m (MAA). The results were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively, considering the index of pulmonary perfusion and its homogeneity, being found an increase on the homogeneity of image directly related with the number of MAA particles injected. This study defines the criteria of normality and the dosage of pulmonary perfusion in healthful dogs established with scintigraphy technique.

Ultra-sonografia abdominal e pélvica em cães da raça golden retriever sadios, portadores e afetados pela distrofia muscular progressiva / Abdominal and pelvic ultrasonography in healthy golden retriever dogs, carriers and affected by gradual muscular dystrophy

A distrofia muscular de Duchenne (DMD) é um tipo de distrofia muscular em humanos caracterizada por uma doença genética ligada ao cromossomo X. O cão golden retriever portador da distrofia muscular (GRMD) tem sido intensamente estudado e considerado o modelo mais representativo para a doença observada em humanos. Assim, como forma de verificar anormalidades em órgãos internos nesses animais, foi realizado o exame ultra-sonográfico de 24 cães golden retriever saudáveis, portadores e afetados pela distrofia muscular. O exame ultra-sonográfico do GRMD diagnosticou aumento hepático de moderado a severo, incluindo os vasos hepáticos e seus ramos e aumento de ecogenicidade da vesícula biliar e vesícula urinária. Entretanto, não foram observadas imagens claras de alterações no baço e nos vasos ramos da aorta. A partir disso, acreditamos que o exame ultra-sonográfico constitui-se em um procedimento útil no acesso de órgãos abdominais em cães afetados pela distrofia muscular.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is one type of human’s muscular dystrophy characterized by a genetic disorder linked to the X chromosome. The Golden Retriever muscular dystrophic (GRMD) has been extensively studied and considered the best resembling model to the human disease. Therefore, for identifying internal organs abnormality in GRMD, abdominal and pelvic ultrasonography was performed in 24 golden retriever dogs, either healthy or muscular dystrophic in different levels of disease. The GRMD ultrasonographic exams diagnosed moderate to severe liver enlargement, including hepatic vessels and their branches and increase of echogenicity in gallbladder and urinary bladder. However was not-clearly recognized pathologic images from spleen and aortic vessels were accessed. Therefore, we believe, the ultrasonographic exam was an useful procedure to the assessment of abdominal organs in dogs affected by muscular dystrophy.

Anatomia dos tendões e ligamentos da região distal dos membros torácicos de asininos (Equus asinus) utilizados como veículo de tração animal e suas relações com a anatomia do eqüino doméstico / Tendon and ligament anatomy of the distal forelimb region in donkey (Equus asinus) used to traction role and relations with the domestic equine anatomy

A espécie asinina (E. asinus), desenvolve um papel fundamental na região Nordeste do Brasil, influenciando diretamente na renda familiar e conseqüentemente na economia local. Tendo em vista o grande número de afecções locomotoras e a falta de cuidados a que estão submetidos, realizou-se um estudo anatômico da região distal de seus membros torácicos, buscando-se subsídios à prática clínica e cirúrgica dedicada a esses animais, bem como a compreensão de sua maior resistência em apresentar sintomatologia frente a lesões locomotoras, quando comparado ao eqüino. A avaliação anatômica revelou características musculares semelhantes às já descritas para eqüinos. Os tendões e ligamentos desses animais apresentaram características particulares, mostrando suas origens e inserções, muitas vezes diferenciados do observado em eqüinos, emitindo projeções tendíneas que permitem uma melhor inserção articular e maior estabilidade do aparelho suspensório, garantindo mais segurança de movimentos durante as atividades físicas

The asinine species play an essential role in the northeast region of Brazil in the income of the local families and consequently in the local economy. Due to a large number of locomotor disorders and a lack of professional care, an anatomical study of the distal forelimb region of the asinine was carried out in order to gather information to improve the clinical and surgical practice in this species, and to explain the less susceptibility to locomotor disorders compared to equines. The anatomical study showed that asinine has similar muscular characteristics already described for equines. Tendons and ligaments showed proper characteristics with different origin and attachment already described for equines, emitting tendons projections that improve articular insertion and better stability in its suspensory apparatus allowing a bigger safety during the movement in physic activities

Dinâmica dos precursores celulares do epitélio olfatório de cães sem raça definida: um estudo imunohistoquímico e ultra-estrutural / The dynamic of precursor of the olfactory epithelium of mongrel dogs: an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study

O epitélio olfatório apresenta um mecanismo de diferenciação em que células-tronco dão origem a células progenitoras amplificadoras, as quais expressam um gene pró-neural denominado Mammalian Achaete Scute Homolog 1 (Mash1). Estas células podem se diferenciar em receptores olfatórios. O epitélio olfatório de cães sem raça definida (3 machos de um ano e 2 fêmeas de três de idade) foi analisado por imunolocalização do antígeno nuclear de proliferação celular (PCNA) e por microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Verificou-se marcação positiva para PCNA em células do epitélio olfatório, particularmente acima da linha da membrana basal. A ultra-estrutura do epitélio olfatório revelou células adjacentes à lâmina basal, cuja eletrodensidade assemelha-se àquelas presentes no epitélio de sustentação, reforçando a idéia da renovação das células de sustentação e dos neurônios olfatórios locais. O epitélio olfatório é composto células basais, comprometidas com sua renovação, caracterizadas através da intensa atividade mitótica, identificada pela reação positiva ao PCNA. Estes resultados sugerem que há reposição das células sustentaculares locais e do sistema através de mecanismos semelhantes.

Olfactory epithelium presents a mechanism of differentiation where stem cells give arise to amplifying progenitor cell which express Mammalian Achaete Scute Homolog 1 (Mash1). These cells can be differentiated into olfactory receptors. An immunolocalization study and ultrastructural analysis by transmission electron microscopy of olfactory epithelium of mongrel dogs were made using 3 males (one year old) and 2 females (three years old). Labeled cells with positive staining by Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were observed in specific areas of the olfactory epithelium, especially above the basal membrane. The ultrastructure revealed cells adjacent to the basal membrane with morphology resembling sustentacular cells, supporting the idea of renewal of sustentacular and olfactory sensorial cells. Olfactory epithelium contains basal cells committed to self-renewal, characterized by high metabolic activity, identified by positive reaction to PCNA. These results suggested the renewal of sustentacular and sensorial olfactory cells through the same pathway.