Endogenous cortisol correlates with performance under pressure on a working memory task in capuchin monkeys.

Humans often experience striking performance deficits when their outcomes are determined by their own performance, colloquially referred to as "choking under pressure." Physiological stress responses that have been linked to both choking and thriving are well-conserved in primates, but it is unknown whether other primates experience similar effects of pressure. Understanding whether this occurs and, if so, its physiological correlates, will help clarify the evolution and proximate causes of choking in humans. To address this, we trained capuchin monkeys on a computer game that had clearly denoted high- and low-pressure trials, then tested them on trials with the same signals of high pressure, but no difference in task difficulty. Monkeys significantly varied in whether they performed worse or better on high-pressure testing trials and performance improved as monkeys gained experience with performing under pressure. Baseline levels of cortisol were significantly negatively related to performance on high-pressure trials as compared to low-pressure trials. Taken together, this indicates that less experience with pressure may interact with long-term stress to produce choking behavior in early sessions of a task. Our results suggest that performance deficits (or improvements) under pressure are not solely due to human specific factors but are rooted in evolutionarily conserved biological factors.

Hematology and Serum Biochemistry Values of Healthy Free-Ranging Panamanian White-Faced Capuchins (Cebus imitator) in Costa Rica.

We describe the hematology and serum biochemistry values for 26 free-ranging Panamanian white-faced capuchins (Cebus imitator) in Costa Rica. Howell-Jolly bodies and microfilariae were observed in some animals. This baseline information is a tool for health assessment and species conservation.

Human erythrocyte antigens in Brazilian Capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.).

BACKGROUND: Investigation of erythrocyte antigens in New World monkeys, especially in the Brazilian ones, is scant and incomplete. METHODS: Determining the presence of 29 erythrocyte antigens from 11 human blood group systems (ABO, H, Rh, Kell, Duffy, Kidd, Lewis, P, MNS, Lutheran and Diego) on erythrocytes in nine Capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.). RESULTS: A majority (20 of 29) of human erythrocyte antigens were not found in this monkey genus. Erythrocyte phenotyping was very similar within this animal group, as five Capuchin monkeys differed from the other four in the ABO system only. CONCLUSION: The erythrocyte phenotype for this group of animals is less diversified than in humans. Some monkey erythrocyte antigens were similar in frequency, whereas others were different from those observed in human ethnicities.

Renal artery in tufted capuchin monkey: structure and morphometry / Artéria renal do macaco prego: estrutura e morfometria

The objective was to describe the structure of the renal artery in capuchin monkey at the level of the proximal and distal arterial segments. Morphometric analysis was performed referring to the thickness and quantification of tissue elements of the renal artery tunica media in both segments. Renal arteries of eight adult capuchin monkeys were collected for histological analysis of the two segments, being the proximal part branched from the abdominal aorta, and the distal part localized next to the renal hilus. The quantification of smooth muscle cells and connective elements was carried out in transversal sections of the two segments; for the tunica media, it was used the volume densities of smooth muscle cells, collagen and elastic fibers. Considering these volume densities obtained for each segment, it was verified that the proximal segment showed a marked myoconnective architecture, while the distal segment was characterized by a single muscular artery. Apparently, the mixed architecture of the proximal segment could be related to a blood flow control at the aortic emergence of the renal artery, which helped to guarantee a priority flow of enriched plasma into the kidney parenchyma.

O objetivo foi descrever a estrutura da artéria renal no macaco prego ao nível dos segmentos arteriais proximal e distal. Uma análise morfométrica foi realizada, tendo como parâmetros a espessura e a quantificação dos elementos constituintes da túnica média da parede vascular, nos dois segmentos. Foram coletadas as artérias renais de oito macacos pregos adultos para estudos histológicos dos dois segmentos, sendo o segmento proximal a parte originária da aorta abdominal e o segmento distal a parte arterial junto ao hilo renal. A quantificação de células musculares lisas e de elementos conjuntivos da matriz extracelular foi realizada em secções transversais dos dois segmentos, sendo empregadas para a túnica média as densidades de volumes (DV), dos componentes musculares e das fibras elásticas e colágenas. Tendo por base estas densidades de volumes obtidas para cada segmento arterial verificou-se que o segmento proximal apresentou estrutura mioconjuntiva marcante, enquanto que o segmento distal foi caracterizado como uma artéria muscular padrão. Aparentemente, a arquitetura mista do segmento proximal estaria relacionada com o controle de fluxo sanguíneo na emergência aórtica da artéria renal, garantindo um direcionamento prioritário de fluxo de plasma sanguíneo enriquecido para dentro do parênquima renal.

Image-based red blood cell counter for multiple species of wild and domestic animals / Contador de células vermelhas baseado em imagens para múltiplas espécies de animais silvestres e domésticos

RBC count plays an important role in animal diagnosis. Despite the many technologies available in different automated hematology analyzers, when it comes to the blood of wild animals it is still difficult to find an easy and affordable solution for multiple species. This study aims to evaluate the proposed automatic red blood cell counter. Blood samples (1 ocelot - Leopardus pardalis, 1 monkey - Cebus apella, 1 coati - Nasua nasua, 62 dogs - Canis familiaris, and 5 horses - Equus caballus) were analyzed using three methods: 1-manual count, 2-automatic count by image, and 3-semi-automatic count by image; blood from dogs and horses were also analyzed by a fourth method: 4-automatic count by impedance. The counts in methods 2 and 3 were produced by the proposed red blood cell counter. Results were compared using Pearson's correlation and plots with different methods as the criterion standard. RBC counts in methods 1, 2, and 3 correlated very well with those in the method 4 (r ≥ 0.94). RBC counts produced by method 2 were highly correlated with method 3 (r = 0.998). The results indicate that the proposed method can be used as an automatic or semi-automatic counting method in clinics that are currently using the manual method for RBC assessment.(AU)

A contagem de células vermelhas do sangue desempenha um papel importante no diagnóstico de animais. Apesar da existência de muitas tecnologias em diferentes contadores automatizados para análise de sangue, quando se trata do sangue de animais silvestres ainda é difícil encontrar uma solução simples e econômica para múltiplas espécies. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar o contador de células vermelhas proposto. Amostras de sangue (uma jaguatirica - Leopardus pardalis, um macaco - Cebus apella, um quati - Nasua nasua, 62 cães - Canis familiaris e cinco cavalos - Equus caballus) foram analisadas por três métodos: 1 - contagem manual, 2 - contagem automática por imagem e 3 - contagem semiautomática por imagem; as amostras de cães e cavalos foram analisadas por um quarto método: 4 - contagem automática por impedância. As contagens dos métodos 2 e 3 foram obtidas usando-se o contador de células vermelhas proposto. Os resultados foram comparados por meio da correlação de Pearson e gráficos com diferentes métodos como valor de referência. As contagens dos métodos 1, 2 e 3 se correlacionaram muito bem com as contagens do método 4 (r ≥ 0.94). As contagens produzidas pelo método 2 apresentaram alta correlação com o método 3 (r = 0.998). Os resultados indicam que o contador proposto pode ser usado como um método de contagem automática ou semiautomática em clínicas que usam o método manual para contagem de células vermelhas do sangue de animais.(AU)

Biometric values, C-reactive protein, and proteinogram of healthy blonde capuchin (Sapajus flavius) kept in northeast of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Sapajus flavius is a species of capuchin monkey classified as critically endangered. Studies related to their biometric values are scarce with incomplete external measurement reports available from only four specimens. Moreover, information regarding proteinogram is limited with no reference to C-reactive protein (CRP) and globulin fractions for this species. METHODS: Biometric values, CRP, and proteinogram were determined for 12 clinically healthy S. flavius, kept in captivity in João Pessoa, Brazil. RESULTS: The measured values in biometric parameters present a tendency to be higher in males. The CRP mean values from 12 S. flavius were 1.2±0.2 mg/dL. For albumin, alpha, beta, and gamma globulin fraction parameters, the reference interval was calculated. CONCLUSIONS: Authors believe that with certain limitations, results obtained can be helpful for the populations in the wild, which could be of great aid in detecting unhealthy individuals and therefore contributing to the conservation of this species.

Hematologic and blood chemistry values of healthy Cebus flavius kept in northeast of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Cebus flavius is a New World Monkey found in the northeast of Brazil, listed as critically endangered. So far, no hematologic or blood chemistry reference intervals have been determined for this species. METHODS: Hematologic and biochemistry reference values were determined for 20 clinically healthy C. flavius, kept in captivity in the Wild Animals Screening Center, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. The influence of gender and age on these variables was evaluated. RESULTS: Considering sex, significant differences are found for the total count of erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and creatine kinase. Regarding the age, levels of creatinine and alanine aminotransferase are significantly higher in adults and levels of creatine kinase and calcium are significantly higher in juveniles. Considering age, no hematologic differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: The factors age and gender had influence on some hematologic and blood chemistry variables and should not be neglected for a correct blood interpretation.

Blood biochemical indicators in young and adult Cebus apella of both sexes.

BACKGROUND: A frequent drawback in physiology of non-human primates is that normal values for a variety of indicators (haematological, biochemical and others) are scant. METHODS: We report here the blood values in a series of 92 healthy Cebus apella (divided by sex, age and pregnancy status). Health check-ups indicated that animals were healthy for the month prior to and after the sampling. Dietary intake was estimated on the basis of two semi-balance studies. RESULTS: Values of haematological indicators, serum LDH activity, micronutrient indicators (serum copper, iron and serum ceruloplasmin concentrations, Zn-Cu-superoxide dismutase activity in erythrocytes) agreed with previous results and provide some values that were not available. Activities of liver enzymes were lower than some previously reported. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide valuable information that help understanding the physiology of C. apella.

Hematological and plasma biochemical values for captive tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella).

Hematological and blood biochemical parameters are of great importance in medical and veterinary practice. Unfortunately, normal reference range intervals for hematological and serum biochemical values in the tufted capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) have seldom been reported. The study reported here is based on data from blood samples collected from 44 monkeys over an 8-year period. Male and female data are displayed separately within two age categories: juveniles and adults, and effects for sex and age are examined. Significant differences between males and females are found for erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and α(1) globulin. Significant differences between juveniles and adults are found for neutrophils, calcium, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphorus, glucose, total protein, serum iron, and some serum protein parameters and albumin/globulin ratio. These values are compared with values we previously reported, and their importance in care and well-being of captive tufted capuchin monkeys is discussed.

Cortisol response and ovarian hormones in juvenile and cycling female Cebus monkeys: effect of stress and dexamethasone.

We examined cortisol profiles in relation to ovarian hormones and their response to a repeated composite stressor with and without dexamethasone suppression. To evaluate the day-to-day changes in circulating cortisol relative to ovarian hormones, we subjected five adult female Cebus apella monkeys daily to restraint, sedation, transport to a neighboring room for femoral venipuncture, and return to the cage throughout the menstrual cycle. The cortisol response to the repeated stressor for blood collection, its relationship with the ovarian function, and the effects of dexamethasone were evaluated in six juveniles (18-24 months old) and five adult females in the luteal phase. Blood was sampled at time 0; then the monkeys received the vehicle and their blood was sampled again at 1, 2, 4, and 24 hr. This experiment was repeated 3 weeks later, with dexamethasone (i.m. 2 mg/Kg) injected instead of vehicle. Plasma aliquots were assayed for cortisol, progesterone, and estradiol. The results revealed that from middle infancy and throughout adulthood, hypercortisolism is the norm in female Cebus monkeys. The high cortisol values remained unchanged across the cycle despite the cyclic changes in estradiol and progesterone levels. Juvenile monkeys exhibited a higher cortisol response to stress than adults, and both juvenile and adult monkeys exhibited the typical suppression by dexamethasone. A rapid suppression of progesterone co-occurred in parallel with cortisol after dexamethasone injection in juvenile monkeys, suggesting that most circulating progesterone originates in the adrenals. In contrast, adult females exhibited an overincrement of progesterone levels, in parallel with a rise in cortisol, in response to the stressor, and this effect was exacerbated by dexamethasone. The findings suggest that hypercortisolism is insufficient to disrupt ovarian development toward a normal cyclical function, and that ovarian steroids have no influence on day-to-day circulating cortisol levels. On the other hand, the overincrement of progesterone levels induced by stress and/or glucocorticoids during the early luteal phase is unlikely to interfere with the development of this phase and implantation in this monkey species.

Haematology and blood chemistry of Cebus apella in relation to sex and age.

An effective health care program entails the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of medical problems. A knowledge of baseline values in clinically normal individuals is essential for determining the limits between good health and disease and for understanding the changes produced by pathogenic agents. However, very little information is currently available concerning the blood chemistry and haematological values of different species of monkeys, particularly new-world primates. The values of some haematological and chemical parameters in Cebus apella were determined. The aim of the present work was to verify the effect of age and sex on normal blood values. Blood samples were collected once a year for two successive years from 36 monkeys living in large captive social groups. Significant differences between males and females were found for AST, GGT, urea nitrogen and creatinine, erythrocytes, haemoglobin and haematocrit. Significant differences between juveniles and adults were found for calcium, AST, alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphorus, glucose, neutrophils, lymphocytes and serum protein parameters.

Handedness and cortisol in tufted capuchin monkey infants.

In this research, we examined the relationship between handedness and levels of plasma cortisol in infant monkeys (Cebus apella). Specifically, we sought to test the hypothesis that stress functioning is related to hemispheric specialization and is manifested in a positive correlation between cortisol levels and the frequency of right- versus left-hand use. We found a significant relationship between stress cortisol at age 6 months and lateral bias towards greater use of the right versus left hand at ages 6 and 12 months. These data suggest an early developmental influence of stress reactivity on the emergence of hemispheric specialization for manual control in infant monkeys through the 1st year of postnatal life.

Haemagglutination and haemolysis by oral Fusobacterium nucleatum.

Haemagglutination and haemolytic activity of 80 Fusobacterium nucleatum isolates from human and animal origin, on different human blood types was evaluated. All the isolates were able to agglutinate erythrocytes and the most were either alpha-haemolytic or beta-haemolytic. No specificity between haemolysin or haemagglutinin and blood type was observed. Haemagglutination activity was inhibited when D-galactose, D-lactose or D-raffinose were used. Haemagglutination and haemolysis may be important factors in the pathogenesis of human and animal periodontal diseases.

Development of a radioimmunoassay for Cebus apella prolactin.

Prolactin (PRL) is a pituitary hormone that plays important roles in mammalian reproductive physiology, specially lactation. The regulation of PRL secretion shows important species differences. To study PRL regulation in a subhuman primate, the Cebus apella, we developed an heterologous radioimmunoassay using an antibody against rhesus PRL (anti-m5PRL) and a Cebus apella pituitary extract as PRL standard. The assay has a sensitivity that allows measurements of cebus PRL in small amounts of Cebus apella plasma obtained from animals in different physiological conditions. Plasma cebus PRL concentrations (+/-SEM) varied in different reproductive stages. PRL concentration in adult Cebus apella females that have regular menstrual cycles (161.6 +/- 15.0 mIU/ml) was similar to that found in adult (100.3 +/- 7.6 mIU/ml) and prepuberal males (101.2 +/- 3.9 mIU/ml). PRL concentration was higher in pregnant (677.8 +/- 11.8 mIU/ml) and in nursing (625.0 +/- 47.0 mIU/ml) Cebus apella females than in 15-d post-partum non-nursing (369.0 +/- 19.0 mIU/ml) and cycling females. PRL concentration in Cebus apella newborns (719.0 +/- 49.2 mIU/ ml) was similar to that found in pregnant and nursing females, and higher than in the other females as well as adult and prepuberal males. These differences in PRL concentration in different physiological conditions are similar to that observed in humans and other primates. A PRL response to thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) was demonstrated in 2 nursing Cebus apella females, similar to the response found in nursing woman and rhesus. Altogether, the data presented support the proposal that the assay developed to measure PRL in Cebus apella is an adequate tool to study the physiology of PRL in this species.

Valores de referência de fibrinogênio plasmático em macaco prego (Cebus apella), anestesiado com Quetamina / Normal values of plasma fibrinogen in Cebus apella monkeys iunder ketamine anesthesia

Determinaram-se os valores de referência de fibrinogênio plasmático em macaco prego (Cebus apella). Para tanto, utilizaram-se 108 animais sadios, dos quais 53 machos (12 jovens e 41 adultos) e 55 fêmeas (20 jovens e 35 adultas), submetidos, previamente, a exame clínico. A coleta do material (sangue) foi realizada por punçäo da veia femoral direita e/ou esquerda com os animais anestesiados com quetamina, por via intramuscular, na dose de 10 mg/kg. A determinaçäo da fibrinogenemia foi realizada no soro, obtido após centrifugaçäo do sangue, segundo técnica descrita por Schalm et al.15 (1975)

Development of a radioimmunoassay for Cebus apella prolactin

Prolactin (PRL) is a pituitary hormone that plays important roles in mammalian reproductive physiology, specially lactation. The regulation of PRL secretion shows important species differences. To study PRL regulation in a subhuman primate, the Cebus apella, we developed an heterologous radioimmunoassay using an antibody against rhesus PRL (anti-m5PRL) and a Cebus apella pituitary extract as PRL standard. The assay has a sensitivity that allows measurements of cebus PRL in small amounts of Cebus apella plasma obtained from animals in different physiological conditions. Plasma cebus PRL concentrations (+/-SEM) varied in different reproductive stages. PRL concentration in adult Cebus apella females that have regular menstrual cycles (161.6 +/- 15.0 mIU/ml) was similar to that found in adult (100.3 +/- 7.6 mIU/ml) and prepuberal males (101.2 +/- 3.9 mIU/ml). PRL concentration was higher in pregnant (677.8 +/- 11.8 mIU/ml) and in nursing (625.0 +/- 47.0 mIU/ml) Cebus apella females than in 15-d post-partum non-nursing (369.0 +/- 19.0 mIU/ml) and cycling females. PRL concentration in Cebus apella newborns (719.0 +/- 49.2 mIU/ ml) was similar to that found in pregnant and nursing females, and higher than in the other females as well as adult and prepuberal males. These differences in PRL concentration in different physiological conditions are similar to that observed in humans and other primates. A PRL response to thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) was demonstrated in 2 nursing Cebus apella females, similar to the response found in nursing woman and rhesus. Altogether, the data presented support the proposal that the assay developed to measure PRL in Cebus apella is an adequate tool to study the physiology of PRL in this species

Coffee oil consumption does not affect serum cholesterol in rhesus and cebus monkeys.

Oil from coffee beans contains the diterpenes cafestol and kahweol, which greatly elevate cholesterol in humans. Consumption of 0.03 g coffee oil (0.86 mg cafestol and 1.04 mg kahweol)/kg body wt raised serum cholesterol by 1.27 mmol/L in volunteers. We fed coffee oil from this same batch to cebus and rhesus monkeys. Two groups of eight cebus monkeys were fed a purified diet containing 0.5% coffee oil or placebo oil (sunflower plus palm oil, 3:2, wt/wt) for 2 x seven and a half weeks in a crossover design. The daily intake of the coffee oil was 0.18 g (5.13 mg cafestol and 6.21 mg kahweol)/kg body wt, or sixfold that in the human study. Coffee oil did not affect plasma cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations compared with the placebo oil. Two groups of three rhesus monkeys were fed a commercial diet containing either 0.5% coffee oil or 0.5% placebo oil for 2 x 6 wk in a crossover design. The daily intake of coffee oil was 0.20 g (5.70 mg cafestol and 6.90 mg kahweol)/kg body wt. Again, there was no effect of coffee oil on plasma cholesterol or triglyceride concentrations. Contrary to the findings in human studies, coffee oil had no impact on plasma alanine aminotransferase activity in nonhuman primates. The cholesterol-raising effect of diterpenes from coffee oil, present in boiled coffee, seems to be specific for human primates.

Polimorfismo genético de los sistemas de albúminas, hemoglobinas y transferrinas en ganado híbrido Holstein-Cebú en el trópico húmedo / Genetic polymorphismo of albumin, haemoglobin and transferin systems in hibrid Holstein-Zebu cattle in the humid tropics

Se estudiaron 279 muestras sanguíneas de bovinos híbridos 1/2, 3/4, 5/8 y porcentaje no determinado Holstein x Cebú, (n= 71, 140, 43 y 25, respectivamente). Los fenotipos de los sistemas sanguíneos polimórficos en albúminas (Al), hemoglobinas (Hb) y transferrinas (Tf) fueron obtenidos por electroforesis zonal en geles de almidón. Las frecuencias fenotípicas y genotípicas encontradas en animales F1 fueron: Al-F = 0.67, Al-S = 0.34, Hb-A = 0.84, Hb-B = 0.16, Tf-A = 0.34, Tf-D = 0.54 y Tf-E = 0.12. En 3/4 H 1/4 C fueron: Al-F = 0.81, Al-S = 0.19, Hb-A = 0.90, Hb-B = 0.09, Hb-F = 0.01, Tf-A = 0.26, Tf-D = 0.64 y Tf-E = 0.10, y en 5/8 H 3/8 C: Al-F = 0.73, Al-S 0.27, Hb-A = 0.74, Hb-B = 0.24, Hb-F = 0.02, Tf-A = 0.42, Tf-D = 0.49 y Tf-E = 0.09. Se encontró que los alelos cuya descendencia proviene del Bos taurus, manifiestan una elevada frecuencia de aparición. Los resultados obtenidos fueron altamente significativos (P < 0.001) en cuanto a la independencia de los genotipos con la prueba de Ji cuadrada

Açäo dos raios X corpo total sobre os neutrófilos do sangue periférico em primata Cebus apella (macaco prego) / Effects of whole-body X-radiation on the neutrophils of the peripheral blood of the primate Cebus apella (weeping capuchin)

Amostras de sangue periférico foram obtidas de cinco primatas Cebus apella (macaco prego), antes e após exposiçäo aos raios X corpo inteiro, na dose única de 25,8 mC/kg (100R). Parte das amostras foi utilizada para a contagem global de cariosquizes e o restante para a realizaçäo de extensöes sanguíneas e submetidas à coloraçäo de Wright e aos seguintes métodos citoquímicos: ácido periódico Schiff (PAS) para a identificaçäo de glicogênio, Sudan black B para a detecçäo de fosfolipídios e o-toluidina-água oxigenada para a demonstraçäo da mieloperoxidase. Com o método de Wright foram observadas aos 1, 3 e 6 dias após exposiçäo à radiaçäo, alteraçöes nucleares e citoplasmáticas. Após aplicaçäo dos métodos citoquímicos acima referidos, foram observados, de modo geral, nos mesmos períodos de tempo após irradiaçäo: alteraçäo no padräo de distribuiçäo dos grânulos de glicogênio, grânulos mieloperoxidase positivos e sudanófilos de neutrófilos. No que diz respeito a cariosquizes, constatou-se um aumento dos mesmos após 1 dia, persistindo até o 3§ dia após irradiaçäo. Noventa dias após, näo foi observada nenhuma alteraçäo acima referida

Estimation of HDL cholesteryl ester kinetic parameters in the cebus monkey, an animal species with high plasma cholesteryl ester transfer activity.

We studied the kinetic parameters of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesteryl esters in the cebus monkey, an animal species with high plasma cholesteryl ester transfer activity. HDL were radiolabeled with cholesteryl [1-14C]oleate and intravenously administered to 4 cebus monkeys. The calculated fractional catabolic rate (FCR) of the HDL cholesteryl esters was 0.081 +/- 0.002 (mean +/- SD) h-1 and the calculated residence time was 12.3 +/- 0.3 h. The production or disposal rate of plasma HDL cholesteryl esters was 34.3 +/- 4.5 mumol/h. The radiolabeled cholesteryl esters were rapidly transferred from the HDL to the very low and low density lipoproteins (VLDL + LDL) and the amount of tracer in the VLDL + LDL had already reached a maximum at 3.5 +/- 0.7 h after tracer administration. The estimated fraction of VLDL + LDL cholesteryl esters derived from the HDL was 0.77 +/- 0.06. We also used radiolabeled [1,2-3H(N)]cholesteryl palmityl ether to trace HDL cholesteryl esters, but the ether tracer was more slowly cleared from the plasma and less readily transferred between plasma lipoproteins than the ester tracer.