Morphometric and histopathological findings in the adrenal glands of dogs with chronic diseases

Prolonged stress suffered by the organism in the presence of chronic diseases can result in functional and morphological changes to the adrenal glands; although the effects of chronic stress on the adrenal gland function in live dogs is well documented, studies focusing on the morphologic changes in the adrenal glands have been lacking. Thus, this study aimed to identify and connect possible morphometric and histopathological changes in the adrenal glands of necropsied dogs in the presence or absence of chronic diseases. Morphological changes in the adrenal glands of 46 necropsied dogs were evaluated through morphometric and histopathological analyses. The morphometric characteristics of the adrenal glands of dogs were influenced more by the animal’s body weight (p < 0.0001) and adrenocortical hyperplasia (p < 0.05) than by the stress associated with chronic diseases or acute conditions. Previously healthy animals with sudden death or animals that died from acute diseases had significant severe congestion in the adrenal glands (p = 0.0272), while adrenocortical hyperplasia was more frequent in the chronic diseases group (p = 0.0041). Fibrosis at the corticomedullary junction (p < 0.0001) and inflammatory infiltrate (p = 0.0015) were observed only in animals with chronic diseases. The adrenal glands of dogs with chronic cardiac dysfunction frequently showed significant necrosis (p = 0.0256), fibrosis (p = 0.0002) and lipid depletion (p = 0.0288). Thus, while the weight or dimensions of the adrenal glands of dogs at necropsy should not be used alone as parameters to indicate a relation with the stress suffered prior to death, the histopathological findings could aid and support necropsy conclusions regarding the presence of chronic diseases.

Morphometric and histopathological findings in the adrenal glands of dogs with chronic diseases

Prolonged stress suffered by the organism in the presence of chronic diseases can result in functional and morphological changes to the adrenal glands; although the effects of chronic stress on the adrenal gland function in live dogs is well documented, studies focusing on the morphologic changes in the adrenal glands have been lacking. Thus, this study aimed to identify and connect possible morphometric and histopathological changes in the adrenal glands of necropsied dogs in the presence or absence of chronic diseases. Morphological changes in the adrenal glands of 46 necropsied dogs were evaluated through morphometric and histopathological analyses. The morphometric characteristics of the adrenal glands of dogs were influenced more by the animals body weight (p < 0.0001) and adrenocortical hyperplasia (p < 0.05) than by the stress associated with chronic diseases or acute conditions. Previously healthy animals with sudden death or animals that died from acute diseases had significant severe congestion in the adrenal glands (p = 0.0272), while adrenocortical hyperplasia was more frequent in the chronic diseases group (p = 0.0041). Fibrosis at the corticomedullary junction (p < 0.0001) and inflammatory infiltrate (p = 0.0015) were observed only in animals with chronic diseases. The adrenal glands of dogs with chronic cardiac dysfunction frequently showed significant necrosis (p = 0.0256), fibrosis (p = 0.0002) and lipid depletion (p = 0.0288). Thus, while the weight or dimensions of the adrenal glands of dogs at necropsy should not be used alone as parameters to indicate a relation with the stress suffered prior to death, the histopathological findings could aid and support necropsy conclusions regarding the presence of chronic diseases.(AU)

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.(AU)

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.(AU)

Description of visceral, lymphatic and central nervous system lesions in dogs infected with Leishmania spp

Leishmaniases are a group of chronic systemic infectious diseases caused by intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania. In the present study the authors aimed to investigate Leishmania spp-induced lesions mainly to detect the presence of the parasite within the CNS and lymph nodes in dogs from the Araguaina region, Tocantins State, Northern Brazil. Descriptive statistical analysis of variance and correlation were conducted, indicating that gross signs and visceral lesions do not correlate positively. Therefore we conclude that the diagnosis cannot be based on macroscopic signs alone presented by the infected dogs.(AU)

Description of visceral, lymphatic and central nervous system lesions in dogs infected with Leishmania spp

Leishmaniases are a group of chronic systemic infectious diseases caused by intracellular protozoa of the genus Leishmania. In the present study the authors aimed to investigate Leishmania spp-induced lesions mainly to detect the presence of the parasite within the CNS and lymph nodes in dogs from the Araguaina region, Tocantins State, Northern Brazil. Descriptive statistical analysis of variance and correlation were conducted, indicating that gross signs and visceral lesions do not correlate positively. Therefore we conclude that the diagnosis cannot be based on macroscopic signs alone presented by the infected dogs.

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.(AU)

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.(AU)

Effects of Deletion of the Connexin 32 gene on pro and Anti-inflammatories Aspects in the Ethidium Bromide Toxic Demyelination Model

Gap junctions are cellular structures that allow transit of molecules between cells, allowing intercellular signaling and transportation. They are formed by proteins denominated connexins and represent key structures in highly complex and integrated tissues, such as the central nervous system (CNS). The present study evaluates the effects of connexin 32 (Cx32) deletion upon CNS inflammation and regeneration/repair after 1, 3, 7, 10 and 20 days after intracerebral injection of ethidium bromide in Cx32 Knock Out and normal mice. To accomplish so, Real Time PCR gene expression quantification was performed upon Tumour Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFα), Transforming Growth Factor beta 1 (TGFß1), Metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1) genes. Results indicate varying differences in the expression pattern, including difference in expression of all evaluated genes in the 3 days post injection period, apex of the acute inflammation mechanisms. These results suggest that Cx32 may perform important functions on molecular, inflammatory and regenerative/repair signalling in the CNS.(AU)

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.(AU)

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.(AU)

Statistical evaluation of the Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Pathology - The first two years

The Brazilian Journal of Veterinary Pathology (BJVP) is the official electronic periodical of the Brazilian Association of Veterinary Pathology. The purpose of the BJVP is to publish original full papers, short communications, case reports, letters, reviews (by invited experts) and abstracts of scientific meetings in the fields of natural and experimental pathology, directed to the national and international scientific community The present communication provides information regarding some of the BJVP numeric details, its target audience and statistical data of worldwide reader's access in these first two years of publication, in order to better inform interested authors and readers regarding the Journal's scope and range.

Clinical features of indurative mastitis caused by caprine arthritis encephalitis virus

Forty seven mammary glands affected by indurative mastitis were analyzed in order to study parenchyma alterations caused by caprine arthritis encephalitis virus. The study was based on physical examination of the animals and physical-chemical characteristics of the milk. Diagnosis was based on physical examination, serological results, PCR of the milk and histopathology from the mammary tissue. Physical examination showed that indurative process affected the parenchyma of all animals. In many cases, there were nodules of different sizes. PCR detected the virus in the parenchyma and milk of many animals showing that mastitis was caused by a virus. Only 2.35% (47/2000) of the glands evaluated showed consistency alterations related to the virus. PH, chloride content and electroconductivity, as well as somatic cells counts, were greater in animals infected by CAE virus. Alterations in the consistency of the mammary parenchyma were observed in the 25 animals infected. Diameter of the nodules in the parenchyma of eight glands ranged from 1 to 3 cm. Retromammary lymphnodes were enlarged in 4 of 47 glands (8.5%). No clumps were observed in milk samples, but secretion had an aqueous appearance. From the 34 milk samples analyzed, 18/34 (52.9%) showed normal physical-chemical parameters; 9 showed one or two abnormal parameters, and 7 showed 3 or more abnormal parameters.

Gap junctions and communication within the nervous system

Gap junctions are sites on the cellular membrane with intercellular channels build up by twelve protein subunits called connexins. Each connected cell contributes with a hemichannel made up by six connexins subunits. This kind of connection represents and efficient way of intercellular communication in most tissues, including the nervous system. It works as a passage for ions, secondary messenger and metabolites exchange between the cells. In a complex tissue like the nervous tissue they are particularly important because they connect the various cellular types composing a panglial syncytium that performs neuronal protection and tissue homeostasis. The expression of connexins and the intercellular communication through gap junctions are crucial to regulate vital functions as cellular motility, proliferations and survival; changes in the conformational expression of connexins may be involved in diseases as Alzheimer's disease, neoplasms, bacterial and parasitic infections, or even affect cellular groups when they occur as genetic mutations leading to functional defects of the nervous system as demyelination in the PNS (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease), hereditary epilepsy, non-syndromic deafness and senile cataract.