Galea spixii embryos have potential to produce steroid hormones

Estrogens and progestogens are hormones produced by maternal organs and it is required for recognition and maintenance of pregnancy. In addition, the embryo may also be a source. For this, the aim was to identify steroidogenic expression on Galea spixii embryos early in the embryonic period. Embryos were collected on Days 10 and 15 of gestation; some were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde for morphological and immunohistochemical analysis (P450arom), whereas others had RNA extracted to determine presence of CYP19a1 gene. In addition, for immunochemistry, maternal ovaries were collected as positive control tissues. Maternal tissues had positive staining for aromatase, whereas none of the embryos stained for P450 aromatase. Based on qPCR reactions, CYP19a1 gene were expressed in all embryos. Galea spixii embryos expressed steroidogenic genes during the post-implantation period, indicating they have the potential to produce steroid hormones.(AU)

Heterologous in vitro fertilization and embryo production for assessment of jaguar (Panthera onca Linnaeus, 1758) frozen-thawed semen in different extenders

Heterologous in vitro fertilization (IVF) is an important tool for assessing fertility of endangered mammals such as the jaguar, considering difficult access to females for artificial insemination and to obtain homologous oocytes. We aimed to evaluate the fertility of jaguar sperm cryopreserved with different extenders, using domestic cat oocytes to assess the development of hybrid embryos. Semen from four captive jaguars was obtained by electroejaculation. Samples were cryopreserved in powdered coconut water (ACP-117c) or Tris extender containing 20% egg yolk and 6% glycerol. Thawed spermatozoa were resuspended (2.0 × 106 spermatozoa/mL) in IVF medium and co-incubated with cat oocytes matured in vitro for 18 h. Presumptive zygotes were cultured for 7 days. After 48 h, cleavage rate was evaluated, and non-cleaved structures were stained for IVF evaluation. On days 5 and 7, the rate of morula and blastocyst formation was assessed. Data were analyzed using the Fisher exact test (p < 0.05). No difference was observed between ACP-117c and Tris extenders, respectively, for oocytes with 2nd polar body (2/51, 3.9 ± 2.9% vs. 2/56, 3.6 ± 3.1%), pronuclear structures (5/51, 9.8 ± 4.7% vs. 8/56, 14.3 ± 8.0%), and total IVF rates (7/36, 19.4 ± 5.0% vs. 10/37, 27.0 ± 13.8%). All the samples fertilized the oocytes, with 22.9 ± 3.2% (16/70) and 16.7 ± 3.6% (12/72) cleavage of mature oocytes for ACP-117c and Tris extenders, respectively. Morula rates of 4.3 ± 2.3% (3/70) and 5.6 ± 2.2% (4/72) were observed for ACP-117c and Tris, respectively. Only the Tris extender demonstrated blastocyst production (2/12, 16.7 ± 1.5% blastocyst/cleavage). We demonstrated that jaguar ejaculates cryopreserved using ACP-117c and Tris were suitable for IVF techniques, with blastocyst production by ejaculates cryopreserved in Tris. This is a first report of embryos produced in vitro using jaguar sperm and domestic cat oocytes through IVF.(AU)

Morphology and immunolocalization of intertubular steroidogenic cell in mesonephros of Podocnemis expansa during gonadal differentiation

Sex steroid hormones are critical in gonadal differentiation in turtles. The gonads are not the only organs responsible for producing these hormones during this phase. Mesonephros play an important role in steroidogenesis. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of steroidogenic cells in mesonephros of Podocnemis expansa during gonadal differentiation and to evaluate their morphology and ultrastructure. Ten embryos of P. expansa were collected from 5 nests on day 36 of incubation, during spawning period on an artificial beach. Embryos were extracted from eggs by slicing the shell and euthanized. They were dissected under a stereoscopic microscope to collect the gonad-mesonephro complex, in which were fixed and subsequently processed for light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy analysis. During histological analysis was observed mesonephros has typical morphological structure. Immunohistochemistry showed immunoreaction to aromatase in cells of intertubular space. Confirming these findings, it was possible to observe a type of intertubular cell in several regions of mesonephro, being more predominant in region close to blood vessels, distal and proximal tubules. In ultrastructural analysis these cells were characterized by having a clear, large, and rounded nucleus with evident nucleolus and cytoplasm rich in electron-dense droplets. This study demonstrated for the first time the presence of cells with morphological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characteristics similar to steroid-producing cells in P. expansa mesonephrons, suggesting that this organ may contribute to gonadal differentiation in this species.(AU)

Intertubular morphometric and ultrastructural testes analyses in mdx mice

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) reproductive alterations and the influence of antioxidant treatments may aid in understanding morphometry testicular quantification. In this context, the aim of the present study was to characterize the intertubular compartment (ITC) morphometry of animal testes in mdx mice supplemented with ascorbic acid (AA). Sixteen mice were used, namely the C57BL/10 (non-dystrophic) and C57BL/10Mdx (dystrophic) lineages, distributed into the following groups: Control (C60), Dystrophic (D60), Control supplemented with AA (CS60), Dystrophic supplemented with AA (DS60). A total of 200 mg/kg of AA were administered to mice for 30 days. Subsequently, the testicles were collected, weighed, and fragmented. The obtained fragments were fixed in Karnovsky's solution (pH 7.2) and embedded in historesin for morphometric and transmission electron microscopy assessments. Leydig cells were hypertrophic in the D60 group, but was reverted by AA supplementation in the DS60 group. The DS60 group also exhibited increased intertubular volume compared to the CS60 group. The ultrastructural images identified multilamellar bodies in dystrophic animals (lipid storage) and telocyte cells (transport substances) in both control and dystrophic animals. Morphometric alterations were, therefore, noted in the intertubular compartment due to Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with AA administration capable of altering Leydig cells in this condition.(AU)

Prolonged use of letrozole causes morphological changes on gonads in Galea spixii

Letrozole is used as a therapeutic agent in reproductive disorders caused by high estrogen levels. Letrozole inhibits cytochrome P450 aromatase and reduces estrogen levels. However, the effects of longterm use on reproductive traits are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prolonged use of letrozole in the gonads of rodents (Spix's yellow-toothed cavy; Galea spixii). Forty-eight rodents (24 males and 24 females) were randomly divided into the treated and control groups. Letrozole administration started at 15 days of age and continued weekly until 30, 45, 90, and 120 days of age. The body, testis, and ovary weights were analyzed, as well as the morphological progression of spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis. Macroscopically, body weight gain and gonads weight were increased in the letrozole group. Microscopically, the ovaries of treated females showed stratified epithelium and a cellular disorder of the tunica albuginea. In the testes of treated males, the development of seminiferous tubules was delayed and sperm was absent. The collective findings indicate that the prolonged use of letrozole alters secondary sexual characteristics, and causes weight gain, reproductive changes, and male infertility.(AU)

Prolonged use of letrozole causes morphological changes on gonads in Galea spixii

Abstract Letrozole is used as a therapeutic agent in reproductive disorders caused by high estrogen levels. Letrozole inhibits cytochrome P450 aromatase and reduces estrogen levels. However, the effects of long-term use on reproductive traits are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prolonged use of letrozole in the gonads of rodents (Spix's yellow-toothed cavy; Galea spixii). Forty-eight rodents (24 males and 24 females) were randomly divided into the treated and control groups. Letrozole administration started at 15 days of age and continued weekly until 30, 45, 90, and 120 days of age. The body, testis, and ovary weights were analyzed, as well as the morphological progression of spermatogenesis and folliculogenesis. Macroscopically, body weight gain and gonads weight were increased in the letrozole group. Microscopically, the ovaries of treated females showed stratified epithelium and a cellular disorder of the tunica albuginea. In the testes of treated males, the development of seminiferous tubules was delayed and sperm was absent. The collective findings indicate that the prolonged use of letrozole alters secondary sexual characteristics, and causes weight gain, reproductive changes, and male infertility.

Prolapso peniano em tartaruga-verde (Chelonia mydas) / Penile prolapse in green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)

A ocorrência de prolapso peniano em repteis é observada tanto em quelônios terrestres, quanto em squamatas, porém há a escassez de relatos em tartarugas marinhas documentados até o momento. Desta forma, objetivou-se relatar o processo de reabilitação de uma tartaruga-verde (Chelonia mydas) com prolapso peniano, de modo a nortear procedimentos clínicos e terapêuticos que possam propiciar maior sucesso na reabilitação destes animais. Uma tartaruga-verde (C. mydas), adulto, macho, foi resgatada no dia 02 de maio de 2020 na praia de Muriú, Ceará Mirim, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. O espécime encontrava-se ativo, responsivo, com bom escore corpóreo, hidratação moderada, presença de prolapso peniano com mucosa associada hiperêmica e parte necrosada, além disso, encontrava-se com a nadadeira anterior esquerda amputada. O animal recebeu suporte terapêutico à base de analgésicos, antibióticos, anti-inflamatórios, polivitamínicos e fluidoterapia. Foram realizados procedimentos cirúrgicos para remoção total do úmero e redução mecânica do prolapso peniano. Após 50 dias de reabilitação o animal teve alta médica e foi reintroduzido de volta ao mar. Conclui-se que o protocolo utilizado, tanto na reabilitação, quanto no tratamento conservativo do prolapso peniano mostrou-se eficaz na redução do edema, evitando assim a recidiva do prolapso.(AU)

The occurrence of penile prolapse in reptiles has been observed both in terrestrial turtles and squamates. However, there are few reports of penile prolapse in sea turtles published to date. This study aimed at reporting the rehabilitation process of a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) with penile prolapse, in order to guide clinical and therapeutic measures that can provide greater success in the rehabilitation of these animals. An adult male green sea turtle (C. mydas) was rescued on May 2, 2020 at Muriú beach, Ceará Mirim, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The specimen was active and responsive, with a good body score and moderate hydration, and showed the presence of penile prolapse with associated hyperemic mucosa and necrosis. It also had the left anterior fin amputated. The animal received therapeutic support based on antibiotics, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, multivitamins, and fluid therapy. The surgical procedure for the complete removal of the humerus and mechanical reduction of penile prolapse was performed. After 50 days of rehabilitation, the animal was discharged and was reintroduced back to the sea. It is concluded that the protocol used was effective in reducing edema, thus preventing the recurrence of prolapse, both in rehabilitation and in the conservative treatment of penile prolapse(AU)

Prolapso peniano em tartaruga-verde (Chelonia mydas) / Penile prolapse in green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)

A ocorrência de prolapso peniano em repteis é observada tanto em quelônios terrestres, quanto em squamatas, porém há a escassez de relatos em tartarugas marinhas documentados até o momento. Desta forma, objetivou-se relatar o processo de reabilitação de uma tartaruga-verde (Chelonia mydas) com prolapso peniano, de modo a nortear procedimentos clínicos e terapêuticos que possam propiciar maior sucesso na reabilitação destes animais. Uma tartaruga-verde (C. mydas), adulto, macho, foi resgatada no dia 02 de maio de 2020 na praia de Muriú, Ceará Mirim, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil. O espécime encontrava-se ativo, responsivo, com bom escore corpóreo, hidratação moderada, presença de prolapso peniano com mucosa associada hiperêmica e parte necrosada, além disso, encontrava-se com a nadadeira anterior esquerda amputada. O animal recebeu suporte terapêutico à base de analgésicos, antibióticos, anti-inflamatórios, polivitamínicos e fluidoterapia. Foram realizados procedimentos cirúrgicos para remoção total do úmero e redução mecânica do prolapso peniano. Após 50 dias de reabilitação o animal teve alta médica e foi reintroduzido de volta ao mar. Conclui-se que o protocolo utilizado, tanto na reabilitação, quanto no tratamento conservativo do prolapso peniano mostrou-se eficaz na redução do edema, evitando assim a recidiva do prolapso.

The occurrence of penile prolapse in reptiles has been observed both in terrestrial turtles and squamates. However, there are few reports of penile prolapse in sea turtles published to date. This study aimed at reporting the rehabilitation process of a green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) with penile prolapse, in order to guide clinical and therapeutic measures that can provide greater success in the rehabilitation of these animals. An adult male green sea turtle (C. mydas) was rescued on May 2, 2020 at Muriú beach, Ceará Mirim, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The specimen was active and responsive, with a good body score and moderate hydration, and showed the presence of penile prolapse with associated hyperemic mucosa and necrosis. It also had the left anterior fin amputated. The animal received therapeutic support based on antibiotics, analgesics, anti-inflammatories, multivitamins, and fluid therapy. The surgical procedure for the complete removal of the humerus and mechanical reduction of penile prolapse was performed. After 50 days of rehabilitation, the animal was discharged and was reintroduced back to the sea. It is concluded that the protocol used was effective in reducing edema, thus preventing the recurrence of prolapse, both in rehabilitation and in the conservative treatment of penile prolapse

Produção de embriões partenogenéticos de cutias usando Cloreto de Estrôncio e Citocalasina B / Production of parthenogenetic embryos from agoutis using strontium chloride and cytochalasin B

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of strontium chloride (SrCl2) with cytochalasin B (CB) on the activation of agouti oocytes matured in vitro for embryo production. Thus, ovaries were used for oocyte recovery by slicing. Subsequently, viable oocytes were destined for in vitro maturation (IVM) and after 24 h evaluated for the expansion and viability of the cumulus cells and presence of the first polar body (1PB). After IVM, oocytes were activated with a combination of 10 mM SrCl2 and 5 μg/mL CB for 6 h and evaluated for embryo development kinetics. Hence, 93.3% of cumulus cell expansion was observed, with 91.2% viability and 37.3% of oocytes with the presence of 1PB. Regarding embryonic development, 43.2% (19/44) of cleaved structures and 6.8% (3/44) of morulae were observed in relation to the number of oocytes and 18.8% (3/16) morulae in relation to the number of cleaved structures. Thus, the combination of SrCl2 with CB promoted the activation of oocytes matured in vitro from agouti resulting in morulae. Finally, with this study, fundamental steps for in vitro conservation through reproductive biotechniques were developed in agoutis.

Produção de embriões partenogenéticos de cutias usando Cloreto de Estrôncio e Citocalasina B / Production of parthenogenetic embryos from agoutis using strontium chloride and cytochalasin B

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of strontium chloride (SrCl2) with cytochalasin B (CB) on the activation of agouti oocytes matured in vitro for embryo production. Thus, ovaries were used for oocyte recovery by slicing. Subsequently, viable oocytes were destined for in vitro maturation (IVM) and after 24 h evaluated for the expansion and viability of the cumulus cells and presence of the first polar body (1PB). After IVM, oocytes were activated with a combination of 10 mM SrCl2 and 5 μg/mL CB for 6 h and evaluated for embryo development kinetics. Hence, 93.3% of cumulus cell expansion was observed, with 91.2% viability and 37.3% of oocytes with the presence of 1PB. Regarding embryonic development, 43.2% (19/44) of cleaved structures and 6.8% (3/44) of morulae were observed in relation to the number of oocytes and 18.8% (3/16) morulae in relation to the number of cleaved structures. Thus, the combination of SrCl2 with CB promoted the activation of oocytes matured in vitro from agouti resulting in morulae. Finally, with this study, fundamental steps for in vitro conservation through reproductive biotechniques were developed in agoutis.(AU)

Desenvolvimento embrionário/fetal, placentação e glicosaminoglicanos no aparelho reprodutor feminino e na placenta / Embryonic/fetal development, placentation and glycosaminoglycans in the female reproductive tract and placenta

Background: Fetal attachments, placentation and embryonic development have been widely discussed in rodents such as agoutisand cavies, as well as research on glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in rats and rabbits. Moreover, studies on buffalo, cattle and sheep aredescribed in ruminants, and work has also been reported in sheep with GAGs in placentoma. However, further studies are needed inthis regard, since there are reports of economic losses associated with reproductive failures described for cattle such as changes in thechorion and allantois, and in sheep in which changes between the transition from vitelline to allantois circulation have been discussed.Review: In relation to embryonic development, detailed studies have been described in rodents such as rats (12 days old), desertmouse (15 days old) and agoutis at 30 days. Macroscopic structures such as the cephalic region, nose, optic vesicle, cervical curvature, thoracic and pelvic limbs were observed, as well as microscopic structures such as the pituitary, lung, heart, brain cavity, liver,retina, and ossification regions. There are reports of buffalo and cattle studies in ruminants describing early embryonic development.However, the research in the case of sheep is limited, meaning there is only the ultrasound examination, such as gestational diagnosisand morphometric measurement of the embryonic vesicle. Still, studies with umbilical funicular and placental development of sheepwith different gestational ages can be highlighted. Regarding extraembryonic annexes, four important structures which contributeto embryonic maintenance have been reported. These are called the chorion, amnion, allantois and yolk sac, respectively, and areresponsible for originating the placenta, embryonic protection, collecting metabolic waste and early embryonic nutrition. In...

Desenvolvimento embrionário/fetal, placentação e glicosaminoglicanos no aparelho reprodutor feminino e na placenta / Embryonic/fetal development, placentation and glycosaminoglycans in the female reproductive tract and placenta

Background: Fetal attachments, placentation and embryonic development have been widely discussed in rodents such as agoutisand cavies, as well as research on glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in rats and rabbits. Moreover, studies on buffalo, cattle and sheep aredescribed in ruminants, and work has also been reported in sheep with GAGs in placentoma. However, further studies are needed inthis regard, since there are reports of economic losses associated with reproductive failures described for cattle such as changes in thechorion and allantois, and in sheep in which changes between the transition from vitelline to allantois circulation have been discussed.Review: In relation to embryonic development, detailed studies have been described in rodents such as rats (12 days old), desertmouse (15 days old) and agoutis at 30 days. Macroscopic structures such as the cephalic region, nose, optic vesicle, cervical curvature, thoracic and pelvic limbs were observed, as well as microscopic structures such as the pituitary, lung, heart, brain cavity, liver,retina, and ossification regions. There are reports of buffalo and cattle studies in ruminants describing early embryonic development.However, the research in the case of sheep is limited, meaning there is only the ultrasound examination, such as gestational diagnosisand morphometric measurement of the embryonic vesicle. Still, studies with umbilical funicular and placental development of sheepwith different gestational ages can be highlighted. Regarding extraembryonic annexes, four important structures which contributeto embryonic maintenance have been reported. These are called the chorion, amnion, allantois and yolk sac, respectively, and areresponsible for originating the placenta, embryonic protection, collecting metabolic waste and early embryonic nutrition. In...(AU)

Stereology of spix's yellow-toothed cavy brain (Galea spixii, WAGLER, 1831)

Spix's Yellow-toothed Cavy is a histrichomorphic rodent of the Caviidae family found in South American countries such as Brazil and Bolivia. It is a widely-used species as an experimental model in research in reproductive biology due to morphological and reproductive characteristics, such as the similarity in the placental development of Galea spixii and human species. However, there are no studies on the behavior of this species or on its brain morphology. Considering the lack of information in the literature about the brain and internal structures of Galea spixii, this study aimed to stereologic evaluate the brain as well as the volumetric proportions of the hippocampus and corpus callosum. Therefore, ten healthy animals were used from the Wild Animal Multiplication Center of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido. The brains were measured in terms of external length, height and width, followed by fixation in paraformaldehyde solution 4% and coronary cuts with a thickness of 4mm and the rostral face of each cut was photographed, with the images being analyzed to determine the volumetric proportions of the required areas. There was no statistically significant difference between the means of volume, length, width and height when the right and left hemispheres were compared, and there was also no statistically significant difference between the volume of the corpus callosum and hippocampus in both hemispheres. The brain of Galea spixii is larger when compared to the rodent Rattus norvegicus. Volumetric differences may be responsible for distinct behavioral aspects between these species.

Anatomia macroscópica e vascularização do encéfalo de emas (Rhea americana americana) / Macroscopic anatomy and brain vascularization in the greater rhea (Rhea americana americana)

Background: The Rhea americana americana is a wild bird belonging to the group of Ratites, and is important from the scientific point of view given their adaptability to captivity. Considering that information about its morphology is important for the viability of domesticating the species, the aim of this study was to macroscopically identify the brain regions, as well as the cerebral arteries and the cerebral arterial circuit in order to establish the cerebral vascular pattern and systematization.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty one brains from young and adult Greater Rheas of both sexes were used from animals that had died due to natural causes and were then kept in a freezer. The specimens were thawed and incised in the cervical region to allow exposure of the left common carotid artery, which was cannulated. The vascular system was rinsed with 0.9% saline solution, then perfused with latex Neoprene 650 stained with red pigment. The animals were subsequently fixed in 3.7% aqueous formaldehyde solution for 72 h, and then they were dissected by removing the bones from the skull cap. The brains were analyzed, and the structures were identified, photographed, schematized and denominated. Morphometric measurements were performed on the basilar and cerebellar ventral caudal arteries, recording the values of length and width in millimeters with the aid of a digital caliper. The brain was divided into: telencephalon, diencephalon, brainstem and cerebellum; while externally, the observed structures are: olfactory bulbs, optical lobes, optic nerves, optic chiasm, pituitary and pineal glands. Vascularization was performed by the following arteries: ventral spinal artery, basilar artery, ventricular cerebellar arteries, medium ventricular cerebellar arteries, caudal branches of the carotid arteries of the brain, ventral mesencephalic artery, cerebral caudal arteries, rostral branches of the carotid arteries of the brain, middle cerebral arteries,[...]

Artérias colaterais do arco aórtico do gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) / Collateral arteries of the aortic arch in mongolian gerbil (meriones unguiculatus)

Background: Gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) are rodents belonging to the Muridae family. Recently, breeding of this species as pets has increased significantly. Animal models are being investigated to study diseases related to the human aortic arch. Despite the importance of the aortic arch in maintaining homeostasis, there is limited data available regarding its morphology in gerbils. This study was performed with the objective of describing the collateral branches of the aortic arch in this animal to establish a standard model and thus contribute to future research on cardiovascular diseases in humans.Materials, Methods & Results: This study used 20 male specimens from previous studies that were frozen and stored at the Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region. After thawing the animals, the thoracic cavity was opened for aortic cannulation. The vascular system was washed using saline solution and Neoprene latex stained with red pigment was injected. Subsequently, the animals were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and were dissected and analyzed 72 h later. The arrangement of the collateral branches of the aortic arch in gerbils was analyzed in all animals. The brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid, and the left subclavian artery were observed to originate as collateral branches. The brachiocephalic trunk bifurcated into the right common carotid and the right subclavian arteries. The right and the left subclavian arteries branched into the vertebral artery, the internal thoracic artery, the superficial cervical artery, the costocervical trunk, and the axillary artery.[...]

Stereology of spix's yellow-toothed cavy brain (Galea spixii, WAGLER, 1831)

Spix's Yellow-toothed Cavy is a histrichomorphic rodent of the Caviidae family found in South American countries such as Brazil and Bolivia. It is a widely-used species as an experimental model in research in reproductive biology due to morphological and reproductive characteristics, such as the similarity in the placental development of Galea spixii and human species. However, there are no studies on the behavior of this species or on its brain morphology. Considering the lack of information in the literature about the brain and internal structures of Galea spixii, this study aimed to stereologic evaluate the brain as well as the volumetric proportions of the hippocampus and corpus callosum. Therefore, ten healthy animals were used from the Wild Animal Multiplication Center of the Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido. The brains were measured in terms of external length, height and width, followed by fixation in paraformaldehyde solution 4% and coronary cuts with a thickness of 4mm and the rostral face of each cut was photographed, with the images being analyzed to determine the volumetric proportions of the required areas. There was no statistically significant difference between the means of volume, length, width and height when the right and left hemispheres were compared, and there was also no statistically significant difference between the volume of the corpus callosum and hippocampus in both hemispheres. The brain of Galea spixii is larger when compared to the rodent Rattus norvegicus. Volumetric differences may be responsible for distinct behavioral aspects between these species.(AU)

Anatomia macroscópica e vascularização do encéfalo de emas (Rhea americana americana) / Macroscopic anatomy and brain vascularization in the greater rhea (Rhea americana americana)

Background: The Rhea americana americana is a wild bird belonging to the group of Ratites, and is important from the scientific point of view given their adaptability to captivity. Considering that information about its morphology is important for the viability of domesticating the species, the aim of this study was to macroscopically identify the brain regions, as well as the cerebral arteries and the cerebral arterial circuit in order to establish the cerebral vascular pattern and systematization.Materials, Methods & Results: Twenty one brains from young and adult Greater Rheas of both sexes were used from animals that had died due to natural causes and were then kept in a freezer. The specimens were thawed and incised in the cervical region to allow exposure of the left common carotid artery, which was cannulated. The vascular system was rinsed with 0.9% saline solution, then perfused with latex Neoprene 650 stained with red pigment. The animals were subsequently fixed in 3.7% aqueous formaldehyde solution for 72 h, and then they were dissected by removing the bones from the skull cap. The brains were analyzed, and the structures were identified, photographed, schematized and denominated. Morphometric measurements were performed on the basilar and cerebellar ventral caudal arteries, recording the values of length and width in millimeters with the aid of a digital caliper. The brain was divided into: telencephalon, diencephalon, brainstem and cerebellum; while externally, the observed structures are: olfactory bulbs, optical lobes, optic nerves, optic chiasm, pituitary and pineal glands. Vascularization was performed by the following arteries: ventral spinal artery, basilar artery, ventricular cerebellar arteries, medium ventricular cerebellar arteries, caudal branches of the carotid arteries of the brain, ventral mesencephalic artery, cerebral caudal arteries, rostral branches of the carotid arteries of the brain, middle cerebral arteries,[...](AU)

Artérias colaterais do arco aórtico do gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) / Collateral arteries of the aortic arch in mongolian gerbil (meriones unguiculatus)

Background: Gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) are rodents belonging to the Muridae family. Recently, breeding of this species as pets has increased significantly. Animal models are being investigated to study diseases related to the human aortic arch. Despite the importance of the aortic arch in maintaining homeostasis, there is limited data available regarding its morphology in gerbils. This study was performed with the objective of describing the collateral branches of the aortic arch in this animal to establish a standard model and thus contribute to future research on cardiovascular diseases in humans.Materials, Methods & Results: This study used 20 male specimens from previous studies that were frozen and stored at the Laboratory of Veterinary Anatomy of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid Region. After thawing the animals, the thoracic cavity was opened for aortic cannulation. The vascular system was washed using saline solution and Neoprene latex stained with red pigment was injected. Subsequently, the animals were fixed in 10% formaldehyde and were dissected and analyzed 72 h later. The arrangement of the collateral branches of the aortic arch in gerbils was analyzed in all animals. The brachiocephalic trunk, the left common carotid, and the left subclavian artery were observed to originate as collateral branches. The brachiocephalic trunk bifurcated into the right common carotid and the right subclavian arteries. The right and the left subclavian arteries branched into the vertebral artery, the internal thoracic artery, the superficial cervical artery, the costocervical trunk, and the axillary artery.[...](AU)

Vascularização arterial da base do encéfalo de preá (Galea spixii) / Arterial vascularization of the base of the brain in galea (Galea spixii)

Background: Galea (Galea spixii) are rodents which are especially distributed in the northeastern region of Brazil, and have economic importance as their meat is used as a source of protein by the regional population. Currently, they have received attention from researchers in studies involving their morphology. Thus, seeking to contribute information that supports their sanitary management in addition to the lack of literature on their nervous system, our objective was to describe the arterial vascularization of the base of the brain in this species, in order to identify the arterial pattern and arterial circuit behavior, as well as possible variations in these vessels. Materials, Methods & Results: Brains were obtained from 20 animals (10 males and 10 females) aged between 11 and 12 months, obtained from the Wild Animal Multiplication Center (CEMAS) of the Federal Rural Semi-Arid University (UFERSA), under the approval of CEUA/UFERSA (case number 23.091.000653/2014-26 and opinion number 15/2014), euthanized according to anesthetic protocol recommended for rodents (resolution number 714/2002 of the CFMV/ UFERSA) and preserved frozen in a freezer for an average period of 30 days. The animals were thawed and a longitudinal incision was performed in the thoracic region to allow exposure of the aortic arch. Next, they were cannulated in the cranial direction and injected with Noprene Latex “650” stained with water-based white or red pigment. The animals were subsequently fixed in 3.7% aqueous formaldehyde solution for 48 h, and soon after the brain skull cap was dissected and removed, which was then analyzed, photographed and sketched. Of the 20 animals evaluated, 100% presented vertebrobasilar system responsible for encephalic irrigation of the rostral and caudal regions, and anastomosis of the left internal carotid artery was found in only […]

Vascularização arterial da base do encéfalo de preá (Galea spixii) / Arterial vascularization of the base of the brain in galea (Galea spixii)

Background: Galea (Galea spixii) are rodents which are especially distributed in the northeastern region of Brazil, and have economic importance as their meat is used as a source of protein by the regional population. Currently, they have received attention from researchers in studies involving their morphology. Thus, seeking to contribute information that supports their sanitary management in addition to the lack of literature on their nervous system, our objective was to describe the arterial vascularization of the base of the brain in this species, in order to identify the arterial pattern and arterial circuit behavior, as well as possible variations in these vessels. Materials, Methods & Results: Brains were obtained from 20 animals (10 males and 10 females) aged between 11 and 12 months, obtained from the Wild Animal Multiplication Center (CEMAS) of the Federal Rural Semi-Arid University (UFERSA), under the approval of CEUA/UFERSA (case number 23.091.000653/2014-26 and opinion number 15/2014), euthanized according to anesthetic protocol recommended for rodents (resolution number 714/2002 of the CFMV/ UFERSA) and preserved frozen in a freezer for an average period of 30 days. The animals were thawed and a longitudinal incision was performed in the thoracic region to allow exposure of the aortic arch. Next, they were cannulated in the cranial direction and injected with Noprene Latex “650” stained with water-based white or red pigment. The animals were subsequently fixed in 3.7% aqueous formaldehyde solution for 48 h, and soon after the brain skull cap was dissected and removed, which was then analyzed, photographed and sketched. Of the 20 animals evaluated, 100% presented vertebrobasilar system responsible for encephalic irrigation of the rostral and caudal regions, and anastomosis of the left internal carotid artery was found in only […](AU)