Ultimobranchial body cyst in an adult horse: clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical features.

A 9-y-old Mangalarga Marchador gelding was referred to a veterinary hospital because of a swelling on the upper right side of the neck. Ultrasound examination revealed a multilocular structure adjacent to the thyroid gland with low echogenic content suggestive of fluid. The mass was removed surgically. Histologically, the cystic cavities in the surgical sample were filled with abundant eosinophilic secreta and lined by cuboidal, segmentally ciliated, columnar epithelium with interspersed goblet cells. Segmental crowding of the multilayered lining of the cyst was noted. Immunohistochemistry suggested the presence of both C cells and follicular cells, given the positivity of the immunomarkers calcitonin and TTF-1, respectively. The histogenesis of ultimobranchial cysts is uncertain. Based on clinical, histopathologic, and immunohistochemical identification, the cystic structure in this case is compatible with an ultimobranchial body cyst.

Pathogenesis of Equid Alphaherpesvirus 1 Infection in the Central Nervous System of Mice.

Equid alphaherpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) causes myeloencephalopathy in horses and occasionally in non-equid species. Although mouse models have been developed to understand EHV-1 pathogenesis, few EHV-1 strains have been identified as highly neurovirulent to mice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pathogenesis of 2 neurovirulent EHV-1 strains in mice, and to characterize the inflammatory cells and expression of chemokines and the apoptosis marker caspase-3 in the brain of infected mice. C57BL/6J mice were inoculated intranasally with EHV-1 strains A4/72 or A9/92 and evaluated on 1, 2, and 3 days post inoculation (DPI). EHV-1-infected mice showed severe neurological signs at 3 DPI. Ultrastructural analysis revealed numerous viral nucleocapsids and fewer enveloped virions within degenerated and necrotic neurons and in the surrounding neuropil. Histologically, at 3 DPI, there was severe diffuse neuronal degeneration and liquefactive necrosis, prominent microgliosis, and perivascular cuffing composed of CD3+ cells (T cells) and Iba-1+ cells (macrophages), mainly in the olfactory bulb and ventral portions of the brain. In these areas, moderate numbers of neuroglial cells expressed CCL5 and CCL2 chemokines. Numerous neurons, including those in less affected areas, were immunolabeled for cleaved caspase-3. In conclusion, neurovirulent EHV-1 strains induced a fulminant necrotizing lymphohistiocytic meningoencephalitis in mice, with microgliosis and expression of chemokines and caspase-3. This model will be useful for understanding the mechanisms underlying the extensive neuropathology induced by these viral infections.

Equine herpesvirus 1 elicits a strong pro-inflammatory response in the brain of mice.

Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is an emerging pathogen that causes encephalomyelitis in horses and non-equid species. Several aspects of the immune response in the central nervous system (CNS), mainly regarding the role of inflammatory mediators during EHV-1 encephalitis, remain unknown. Moreover, understanding the mechanisms underlying extensive neuropathology induced by viruses would be helpful to establish therapeutic strategies. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate some aspects of the innate immune response during highly neurovirulent EHV-1 infection. C57BL/6 mice infected intranasally with A4/72 and A9/92 EHV-1 strains developed a fulminant neurological disease at 3 days post-inoculation with high viral titres in the brain. These mice developed severe encephalitis with infiltration of monocytes and CD8+ T cells to the brain. The inflammatory infiltrate followed the detection of the chemokines CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL2, CXCL9 and CXCL-10 in the brain. Notably, the levels of CCL3, CCL4, CCL5 and CXCL9 were higher in A4/72-infected mice, which presented higher numbers of inflammatory cells within the CNS. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukins (ILs) IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-12ß, and tumour necrosis factor (TNF), were also detected in the CNS, and Toll-like receptor (TLR) TLR2, TLR3 and TLR9 genes were also upregulated within the brain of EHV-1-infected mice. However, no expression of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and IL-12α, which are important for controlling the replication of other herpesviruses, was detected in EHV-1-infected mice. The results show that the activated innate immune mechanisms could not prevent EHV-1 replication within the CNS, but most likely contributed to the extensive neuropathology. The mouse model of viral encephalitis proposed here will also be useful to study the mechanisms underlying extensive neuropathology.

Heterogenous deposition of ß-amyloid in the brain of aged dogs.

Dogs have been used as animal models for human diseases in which there is beta-amyloid (Aß) deposition in the central nervous system (CNS), such as Alzheimer's and cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). However, many aspects of Aß deposition in the CNS of dogs still remain unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the deposition of Aß in different areas of the CNS of aged dogs from different breeds. Aß was detected in the brains of aged dogs, forming either senile plaques in the neuropil of cortical gray matter or within the walls of parenchymal or leptomeningeal blood vessels. There was a positive correlation between aging and senile plaques or CAA. In dogs older than 8 years, there was no correlation between the area of Aß plaques and age, with frontal, temporal, and occipital cortices being affected with approximately equal frequency. There was a positive correlation between Aß deposition in vessel walls and age. Importantly, CAA was associated with the occurrence of microperivascular hemorrhages in the brains of aged dogs. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that Aß deposition as plaques or within vessel walls are extremely heterogenous in dogs from different breeds and sizes. Although many features of this disease in dogs are similar to those observed in humans, the choice of dog breed and size as a model for human disease will substantially affect the pattern of Aß deposition.

Glial response in the central nervous system of cats with feline infectious peritonitis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate central nervous system (CNS) lesions in non-effusive and effusive cases of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) regarding aspects related to astrocytic and microglial reactions. METHODS: Five necropsied cats that were naturally infected with FIP virus, confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry, with different intensities of CNS lesions, were studied. Brain and cerebellum were evaluated by light microscopy and immunohistochemistry for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin to assess astrocytic morphology, and lectin histochemistry for Ricinus communis agglutinin-I (RCA-I) to detect microglia was performed to evaluate the glial response in the CNS of cats with FIP. RESULTS: An important astrocytic response in many areas of the CNS of all cats, including the periventricular areas of lateral ventricles and fourth ventricle, the molecular layer of the cerebellum and cerebral cortex, was visualized. This astrocytic reactivity was associated with areas of granulomatous or pyogranulomatous vasculitis/perivasculitis in most cases, and it was characterized by multifocal to coalescing astrocytosis and astrogliosis with an increase in the expression of intermediate filaments, such as GFAP. However, astrocytes exhibited strong vimentin expression in neuroparenchyma with severe inflammatory and necrotic changes, but GFAP expression was mild or absent in these cases. A microglial response was present only in severe lesions, and RCA-I expression was detected primarily in gitter cells and resting microglia. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The present study indicates a strong astrocytic response, including the presence of many less differentiated vimentin-positive astrocytes and gitter cells positive for RCA-1 in severe lesions in the CNS of cats with FIP.

A Mouse Model for Human Unstable Hemoglobin Santa Ana.

In the present study, we described the phenotype, histologic morphology, and molecular etiology of a mouse model of unstable hemoglobin Santa Ana. Hematologic evaluation of anemic mice (Anem/+) discovered after N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis revealed moderate anemia with intense reticulocytosis and polychromasia, followed by anisocytosis, macrocytosis, hypochromia, and intraerythrocytic inclusion and Heinz bodies. The mice also demonstrated hemoglobinuria, bilirubinemia, and erythrocytic populations with differing resistance to osmotic lysis. Splenomegaly (particularly in older mutant mice) and jaundice were apparent at necropsy. Histopathologic examination revealed dramatically increased hematopoiesis and hemosiderosis in hematopoietic organs and intracellular iron deposition in tubular renal cells. These data are characteristic of a congenital hemolytic regenerative anemia, similar to human anemias due to unstable hemoglobin. Genetic mapping assigned the affected gene to mouse chromosome 7, approximately 50 cM from the Hbb locus. The sequence of the mutant Hbb gene exhibited a T→C transversion at nucleotide 179 in Hbb-b1, leading to the substitution of proline for leucine at amino acid residue 88 and thus homologous to the genetic defect underlying Santa Ana anemia in humans.

Intoxication by Cyanide in Pregnant Sows: Prenatal and Postnatal Evaluation.

Cyanide is a ubiquitous chemical in the environment and has been associated with many intoxication episodes; however, little is known about its potentially toxic effects on development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of maternal exposure to potassium cyanide (KCN) during pregnancy on both sows and their offspring. Twenty-four pregnant sows were allocated into four groups that orally received different doses of KCN (0.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 mg/kg of body weight) from day 21 of pregnancy to term. The KCN-treated sows showed histological lesions in the CNS, thyroid follicle enlargement, thyroid epithelial thickening, colloid reabsorption changes, and vacuolar degeneration of the renal tubular epithelium. Sows treated with 4.0 mg/kg KCN showed an increase in the number of dead piglets at birth. Weaned piglets from all KCN-treated groups showed histological lesions in the thyroid glands with features similar to those found in their mothers. The exposure of pregnant sows to cyanide thus caused toxic effects in both mothers and piglets. We suggest that swine can serve as a useful animal model to assess the neurological, goitrogenic, and reproductive effects of cyanide toxicosis.

Aspectos histopatológicos das lesões renais em gatos experimentalmente infectados pelo vírus da imunodeficiência felina / Histopathological aspects of renal lesions in cats experimentally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus

A infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) em gatos domésticos é caracterizada por distúrbios imunológicos, que geralmente se manifestam tardiamente na doença. Semelhante à infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) em humanos, a infecção pelo FIV geralmente está associada a infecções oportunistas e ao desenvolvimento progressivo de nefropatia. Portanto, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar as alterações histopatológicas em rins de 10 gatos experimentalmente infectados pelo FIV submetidos a eutanásia 60 meses após a inoculação viral. Nos rins de 100% dos gatos infectados pelo FIV foram visualizadas lesões glomerulares e tubulointersticiais. As lesões glomerulares eram caracterizadas principalmente por espessamento global ou segmentar da membrana basal glomerular (glomerulonefrite membranosa). Glomeruloesclerose e, em dois casos, proliferação de células epiteliais intraglomerulares (crescente glomerular), também foram observados. Nefrite intersticial linfoplasmocítica foi a alteração tubulointersticial mais frequente, visualizada em diferentes intensidades nos rins de 100% dos gatos. Os resultados do presente estudo demonstram que o tempo prolongado entre a infecção e a avaliação histopatológica pode ter sido decisivo para o surgimento das lesões renais em todos os gatos infectados pelo FIV e para o agravamento dessas lesões em alguns gatos...

The feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection in domestic cats is characterized by immunological disorders that commonly manifest in a later stage of the disease. Similarly to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in humans, FIV infection is commonly associated with opportunistic infections and progressive development of nephropathies. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to perform histological evaluation of the kidneys of 10 cats experimentally infected with FIV and euthanized at 60 months after viral inoculation. In the kidneys of 100% of the cats infected with FIV, glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions were seen. The glomerular lesions were mainly characterized by global or segmental thickening of the glomerular basement membrane (membranous glomerulonephritis). Glomerulosclerosis, and in two cases, proliferation of intraglomerular epithelial cells (glomerular crescent) were also observed. The intersticial lymphoplasmacytic nephritis was the tubulointerstitial alteration most frequent and was observed in different intensity levels in 100% of the cats. The results of the present study demonstrate that the prolonged time between infection and histopathological evaluation may have been decisive for the arising of renal lesions in all cats infected with FIV and for the increase of these lesions in some cats...

Bovine herpesvirus-5 infection in a rabbit experimental model: immunohistochemical study of the cellular response in the CNS.

Since little information is available regarding cellular antigen mapping and the involvement of non-neuronal cells in the pathogenesis of bovine herpesvirus type 5 (BHV-5) infection, it were determined the BHV-5 distribution, the astrocytic reactivity, the involvement of lymphocytes and the presence of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in the brain of rabbits experimentally infected with BHV-5. Twelve New Zealand rabbits that were seronegative for BHV-5 were used for virus inoculation, and five rabbits were used as mock-infected controls. The rabbits were kept in separate areas and were inoculated intranasally with 500 µl of virus suspension (EVI 88 Brazilian isolate) into each nostril (virus titer, 10(7.5) TCID50). Control rabbits were inoculated with the same volume of minimum essential medium. Five days before virus inoculation, the rabbits were submitted to daily administration of dexamethasone. After virus inoculation, the rabbits were monitored clinically on a daily basis. Seven rabbits showed respiratory symptoms and four animals exhibited neurological symptoms. Tissue sections were collected for histological examination and immunohistochemistry to examine BHV-5 antigens, astrocytes, T and B lymphocytes and MMP-9. By means of immunohistochemical and PCR methods, BHV-5 was detected in the entire brain of the animals which presented with neurological symptoms, especially in the trigeminal ganglion and cerebral cortices. Furthermore, BHV-5 antigens were detected in neurons and/or other non-neural cells. In addition to the neurons, most infiltrating CD3 T lymphocytes observed in these areas were positive for MMP-9 and also for BHV-5 antigen. These infected cells might contribute to the spread of the virus to the rabbit brain along the trigeminal ganglia and olfactory nerve pathways.

Felid herpesvirus 1 as a causative agent of severe nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis in a domestic cat.

Felid herpesvirus 1 is an important respiratory pathogen of domestic cats. This report presents the first case of severe nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis caused by this virus in a cat.

Estudo morfofuncional dos rins de cães da raça Golden Retriever afetados pela distrofia muscular (GRMD) / Morphofunctional study in kidneys of Golden Retriever dogs affected by muscular dystrophy (GRMD)

A Distrofia Muscular de Duchenne (DMD) é uma miopatia severa de caráter recessivo ligada ao cromossomo X e o modelo animal de estudo mais relevante é o Golden Retriever Muscular Dystrophy (GRMD). Além das severas alterações que ocorrem na musculatura estriada, muitos estudos mostram que outras estruturas, inclusive viscerais, podem se mostrar alteradas nesta patologia. Desta forma, este trabalho objetivou análisar e comparar possíveis alterações estruturais e funcionais do rim em cães GRMD. Neste modelo de estudo, foi possível observar a presença das faces convexa e côncava, do hilo renal e dos pólos craniais e caudais dos rins. O órgão mostrou-se envolto por uma cápsula fibrosa. Em um corte sagital do órgão, notou-se a presença das regiões cortical e medular e da pelve renal. Na análise microscópica foi possível identificar a zona medular e cortical com suas estruturas: os corpúsculos renais formados pelo glomérulo e pela cápsula de Bowman, os túbulos contorcidos proximais e distais, os ductos coletores, vasos sanguíneos e os segmentos das Alças de Henle. As dosagens séricas de creatinina e uréia encontram-se dentro dos limites de normalidade. Desta forma, de acordo com os nossos resultados, podemos concluir que os animais afetados estudados, não apresentaram alterações estruturais ou funcionais dos rins, o que nos permitir sugerir que apesar da ingestão hídrica comprometida, a estrutura renal, mantem- se preservada nos animais GRMD.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe myopathy of recessive X-linked character and the most relevant animal study model is the Golden Retriever muscular dystrophy (GRMD). In addition to the severe changes occurring in the striated musculature, several studies show that other structures, including viscera, may prove to be altered in this pathology. Thus, this study aimed to analyze and compare possible structural and functional alterations of the kidney in GRMD dogs. In this study model, it was possible to observe the presence of convex and concave faces, the renal hilum, and the cranial and caudal poles of the kidneys. The organ was surrounded by a fibrous capsule. In a sagittal section of the organ, the presence of the cortical and medullary regions and the renal pelvis were noticed. On microscopic examination, it was possible to identify the medullary and cortical zones and their structures: the renal corpuscles formed by the glomerulus and Bowman's capsule, the proximal and distal convoluted tubules, the collecting ducts, the blood vessels, and the segments of the loops of Henle. The serum creatinine and urea were within normal limits. Thus, according to our results, we may conclude that the affected animals under study showed no structural or functional changes in the kidneys, something which allows us to suggest that, despite the impaired water intake, renal structure remains preserved in GRMD animals.

The use of ultrasonography to study teratogenicity in ruminants: evaluation of Ipomoea carnea in goats.

BACKGROUND: Ipomoea carnea (I. carnea) is a poisonous plant found in Brazil and other tropical countries that often poison livestock. The plant contains the alkaloids calystegines and mainly swainsonine, which inhibit cellular enzymes and cause systematic cell death. The objective of this study was to evaluate the perinatal effects of I. carnea in goats. METHODS: Forty-seven pregnant goats were randomly allocated into 5 treatment groups and given the following doses (g/kg BW) of I. carnea: 0 (IC0), 1.0 (IC1), 3.0 (IC3), 5.0 (IC5) and 7.5 (IC7). The treatment animals were given fresh I. carnea from day 27 of gestation to parturition. Weight gains and serum biochemistry were evaluated. Fetuses were evaluated using ultrasonographic measurements. RESULTS: Goats from the IC7 group showed clinical signs of poisoning. Ultrasound examination revealed that I. carnea feeding in all treatment groups reduced fetal movement compared to the controls. There was an increase in the total number of birth defects (retrognathia and arthrogyposis) in the IC7 and IC5 groups compared to the controls. CONCLUSION: The results show that I. carnea has teratogenic potential in goats. In addition, ultrasounds were useful in evaluating fetotoxicity and teratogenicity.

Genotipagem de polimorfismos no gene prnp em ovinos da raça Santa Inês no Estado de São Paulo / Genotyping of polymorphisms in the prnp gene in Santa Ines sheep in the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Scrapie ou paraplexia enzoótica dos ovinos é uma doença neurodegenerativa fatal que acomete ovinos e raramente caprinos. A doença é influenciada por polimorfismos nos códons 136, 154 e 171 do gene prnp que codifica a proteína priônica. Os animais podem ser susceptíveis ou resistentes, de acordo com as sequências alélicas observadas nos referidos códons. No Brasil ocorreram apenas casos de animais que foram importados, sendo o país considerado livre da doença. Neste trabalho foi realizada a genotipagem dos diferentes polimorfismos associados ao desenvolvimento do scrapie e a categorização em animais susceptíveis e resistentes. Foram sequenciadas 118 amostras provenientes de ovinos da raça Santa Inês criados em propriedades localizadas no Estado de São Paulo. Destas amostras foram identificados 6 alelos e 11 genótipos (ARQ/ARQ, ARR/ARQ, ARQ/AHQ, ARQ/VRQ, AHQ/AHQ, ARR/ARR, ARR/AHQ, VRQ/VRQ, ARQ/TRQ, TRR/TRR, TRQ/TRQ), dentre os quais o genótipo ARQ/ARQ teve ocorrência de 56,7%. Em nosso estudo foi detectada a presença da tirosina no códon 136, observação rara na medida em que não existem relatos nacionais e internacionais envolvendo a raça Santa Inês descrevendo este polimorfismo. Com os resultados obtidos, foi possível determinar a existência de grande variabilidade genética relacionada à raça Santa Inês no Estado de São Paulo. Apesar da variabilidade, apenas 1,69% dos genótipos observados mostraram-se extremamente resistentes ao scrapie. Estes dados demonstram que a raça nativa Santa Inês pode ser considerada potencialmente susceptível ao scrapie.

Enzootic paraplexia or scrapie is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting mainly sheep and rarely goats. The disease is influenced by polymorphisms at codons 136, 154 and 171 of prnp gene that encodes the prion protein. The animals may be susceptible or resistant to the development of the disease according to the allelic sequences observed in these codons. In Brazil there were only cases of scrapie in imported animals, therefore the country is considered free of the disease. This study performed the genotyping of different polymorphisms associated to the development of scrapie. Then, based on these findings the animals were categorized in resistant and susceptible. A total of 118 samples were sequenced from the Santa Ines sheep raised on properties located in the State of Sao Paulo. From these samples, 6 alleles and 11 genotypes were identified (ARQ / ARQ, ARR / ARQ, ARQ / AHQ, ARQ / VRQ, AHQ / AHQ, ARR / ARR, ARR / AHQ, VRQ / VRQ, ARQ / TRQ, TRR / TRR, TRQ / TRQ), the genotype ARQ / ARQ presented a frequency of 56.7%. It was also detected the presence of tyrosine at codon 136, which may be considered a rare observation, since there is no report regarding Santa Ines breeding presenting this polymorphism. These results showed the great genetic variability in Santa Ines in Sao Paulo and only 1,69% of the genotypes observed are extremely resistant to scrapie. These data demonstrate that the Santa Ines sheep can be considered potentially susceptible to scrapie.

Cell therapy for fibrotic interstitial pulmonary disease: experimental study.

Parte superior do formulário Digite um texto ou endereço de um site ou traduza um documento. The aim of this study is to evaluate the histological changes in lung parenchyma of pigs affected by interstitial lung disease induced after the infusion of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs). Ten female swines were submitted to pulmonary fibrosis induced by a single dose of intratracheal bleomicine sulfate. Animals were arranged into two groups: Group 1: induced-disease control and Group 2: cell therapy using BMMCs. Both groups were clinically evaluated for 180 days. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) was performed at 90 and 180 days. BMMC sampling was performed in cell therapy group at 90 days. Euthanasia was performed, and samples were collected for histology and immunohistochemistry. The 90-days HRCT demonstrated typical interstitial lesions in pulmonary parenchyma similarly to human disease. The 180-days HRCT in Group 1 demonstrated advanced stages of the disease when compared with Group 2. Immunohistochemistry analysis suggests the presence of pre-existent vessels and neoformed vessels as well as predominant young cells in the injured parenchyma of Group 2. Immunohistochemistry analysis suggests that cell therapy would promote a reconstructive response. Histology and HRCT analysis suggest a positive application of swine as a model for a bleomicine inducing of fibrotic interstitial pulmonary disease.

Feeder-free derivation of induced pluripotent stem cells from human immature dental pulp stem cells.

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be created by forcing expression of certain genes in fibroblasts or other somatic cell types, reversing them to a pluripotent state similar to that of embryonic stem cells (ESC). Here, we used human immature dental pulp stem cells (hIDPSCs) as an alternative source for creating iPSC. hIDPSCs can be easily isolated from accessible tissue of young and adult patients. hIDPSCs possess a fibroblast-like morphology, retaining characteristics of adult multipotent stem cells. Reprogramming of hIDPSCs was fast, producing primary hIDPSC-iPSC colonies even under feeder-free conditions. hIDPSCs acquired ESC-like morphology, expressed pluripotent markers, possessed stable, normal karyotypes, and demonstrated the ability to differentiated in vitro and in vivo. Our data demonstrate that hIDPSCs-iPSCs offer an advantageous cell system for future cell therapy and basic studies, particularly as a model for pediatric developmental disorders.

Intoxication by Senna occidentalis seeds in pregnant goats: prenatal and postnatal evaluation.

Senna occidentalis is a weed toxic to different animal species. Very little is known about the effects of prolonged exposure to low doses of S. occidentalis on developmental toxicology. Thus, the present study proposes an approach to evaluate the perinatal toxicity of S. occidentalis seeds in goats. Twenty-one pregnant goats were fed rations containing 0% (control), 1% (So1 group), 2% (So2 group) and 4% (So4 group) mature S. occidentalis seeds from pregnancy detection on day 27 after mating until parturition; weight gains and serum biochemistry were evaluated. Fetuses were evaluated using ultrasonographic measurements; neonates were evaluated by body morphometry, weight gains, and serum biochemistry. Fetal resorption occurred in 2 So4 dams and one dam died. Only a few minor alterations in serum biochemistry occurred in dams and kids; even so one So4 group dam had tissue lesions as vacuolations in hepatocytes and kidneys; necrosis in skeletal and cardiac muscles and for the first time lesions were observed in sciatic nerve cells. No relevant alterations in body morphometry were observed. This study suggests that 4% S. occidentalis seeds is toxic for pregnant goats, but levels of seeds less than 4% have little impact on fetal and post birth body development.

Morphine treatment during pregnancy modulates behavioral selection in lactating rats.

Previous studies have demonstrated that treatment of postpartum female rats with morphine inhibits maternal behavior and stimulates foraging. Exposure to drugs of abuse may result in a progressive enhancement of their reinforcing effects. Puerperal treatment with morphine leads to reverse tolerance to this drug. The present study investigated whether repeated morphine treatment during late pregnancy may influence the effects of different morphine dosages on behavioral selection in lactating rats. Females were simultaneously exposed to pups and insects, and the choice between taking care of the pups and hunting insects was observed. Female Wistar rats were treated with morphine (3.5 mg/kg/day, subcutaneous [s.c.]) or saline for 5 days beginning on pregnancy day 17. On day 5 of lactation, animals were acutely challenged with morphine (0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mg/kg, s.c.; MM0.5, MM1.0, and MM1.5 groups, respectively) or saline (MS group) and tested for predatory hunting and maternal behavior. Control groups were pretreated with saline and challenged with morphine (SM0.5, SM1.0, and SM1.5 groups) or saline (SS group). Animals treated with morphine during late pregnancy and acutely challenged with 1.0 mg/kg morphine (MM1.0 group) exhibited significantly decreased maternal behavior and enhanced hunting. This effect was not evident with the 0.5 mg/kg dose. The 1.5 mg/kg morphine dose decreased maternal behavior and increased hunting in both the MM1.5 group and in animals challenged with morphine after previous saline treatment (SM1.5 group). These results provide evidence of plasticity of the opioidergic role in behavioral selection during lactation.

Prenatal lipopolysaccharide reduces social behavior in male offspring.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the relationship between maternal sickness behavior during pregnancy and offspring development and behavior. METHODS: Pregnant Wistar rats were administered with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100 microg/kg, i.p.) on gestation day (GD) 9.5. Dams' sickness behavior was analyzed, and at birth, offspring number and weight were evaluated. Male offspring was evaluated through physical development, play behavior, adult social interaction, plus maze studies and morphological analysis of the brain. RESULTS: Results, with respect to the control group, showed that: (1) LPS decreased general activity, food intake, and weight gain in dams, but no pyrexia was observed following treatment; (2) LPS reduced litter size, but no alterations in physical development were observed; (3) LPS reduced play behavior parameters in baby rats; (4) LPS decreased adult social interaction; (5) no alterations were observed between groups on plus maze studies; (6) no differences were observed between groups on morphological analyses of the brain. CONCLUSION: These data reveal that LPS administered on GD 9.5 impaired male offspring's social behavior in infancy and adulthood. These results may be related to an alteration in motivational states or/and increased anxiety.

Cystic liver disease related to high Platynosomum fastosum infection in a domestic cat.

Platynosomum fastosum is a small fluke found in the biliary ducts and gallbladder of cats. Its lifecycle includes the snail Sublima octona as intermediate host, and lizards, toads and geckos as paratenic hosts. Affected cats are usually adult and acquire the parasite by feeding on infected lizards. This parasite occurs across the world but is more frequent in tropical areas. The clinical signs range from none to obstruction of the biliary tract, with hepatic failure and death, reinforcing the necessity of including the liver fluke Platynosomum fastosum in the differential diagnosis of hepatic diseases in cats. This report describes an unusual case of a cat with a polycystic hepatic disease and a severe infestation by Platynosomum fastosum and presents a review of the literature.

The effects of ochratoxin/aluminosilicate interaction on the tissues and humoral immune response of broilers.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary ochratoxin, in the presence or absence of aluminosilicate, on the histology of the bursa of Fabricius, liver and kidneys, and on the humoral immune response of broilers vaccinated against Newcastle disease virus. The exposure of birds to 2 p.p.m. ochratoxin, in the presence or absence of aluminosilicate, reduced their humoral immune response and the number of mitotic cells in the bursa. The relative weight of the livers of the birds exposed to this toxin was increased and, microscopically, there was hepatocyte vacuolation and megalocytosis with accompanying hyperplasia of the biliary epithelium. The kidneys showed hypertrophy of the renal proximal tubular epithelium, with thickening of the glomerular basement membrane. Aluminosilicate did not ameliorate the deleterious effects of the ochratoxin.