Efeitos da castração imunológica no epitélio seminífero de machos bubalinos / Effects of immunological castration on the seminipheral epithelium of buffaloes males

O procedimento de imunocastração vem sendo utilizado como técnica alternativa amplamente favorável ao bem-estar animal, por ser indolor, pouco invasiva e com eficácia semelhante à da castração cirúrgica, que causa maior estresse aos animais, principalmente quando realizada de forma inadequada. A imunocastração estimula a produção de anticorpos contra o Hormônio Liberador de Gonadotrofina (GnRH), bloqueando temporariamente a produção da testosterona pelas gônadas masculinas. Face a escassez de informações sobre este procedimento em touros bubalinos, o estudo teve como objetivo analisar os possíveis efeitos da imunocastração no parênquima testicular de búfalos. Vinte touros bubalinos, com idade entre 2 a 3 anos, oriundos da ilha do Marajó ­ PA, foram avaliados e divididos aleatoriamente em dois grupos composto por dez animais no grupo controle (GC) e dez do grupo imunocastrado (GIM). O produto utilizado foi a vacina anti-GnRH Bopriva ® (Zoetis, SP, Brasil). O GIM recebeu duas doses de 1,0ml contendo 400µg da vacina Bopriva ® com intervalo de 8 semanas entre as aplicações e o grupo controle recebeu 1,0 ml de solução fisiológica. Após 14 dias da última dose, os animais foram abatidos e coletado os 20 pares de testículos para analises de parâmetros macroscópicos como: comprimento, largura, circunferência e peso. Além disso, foi realizada a retirada de fragmentos do parênquima testicular para confecção de lâminas histológicas. Para comparação dos dados foi aplicado o teste t de Student (Nonparametric Test) considerando a significância com p<0,05 e intervalo de confiança de 95%. Foi observado diferença significativa entre os dois grupos para grupos para peso (direto p<0001; esquerdo p≤ 0,0001), circunferência (direita p< <0,0001), 1; esquerda p<0,0001), ), largura (somente lado direito p<0,0372) e comprimento (direita p≤ 0,0013; esquerda p<0,0437). Na avaliação microscópica, os animais do GC não apresenteram alterações. Nos animais do GIM houve degeneração em todas as amostras, sendo visualizado descamação, tortuosidade e espessamento da membrana basal do túbulo seminífero, assim como vacuolização e atrofia das células de Sertoli. Foi observado também uma redução do número de células de Leydig, fibrose intertubular pronunciada, núcleos picnóticos, azoospermia e células multinucleadas no interior dos túbulos. Conclui-se a vacina anti-GnRH mostrou-se eficaz em provocar lesões no parênquima testicular, comprometendo significativamente a espermatogênese a partir da possível supressão de testosterona.(AU)

The immunocastration procedure has been used as an alternative technique widely favorable to animal welfare, as it is painless, minimally invasive and with similar efficacy to surgical castration, which causes greater stress to animals, especially when performed improperly. Immunocastration stimulates the production of antibodies against Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH), temporarily blocking the production of testosterone by the male gonads. Due to the scarcity of information about this procedure in buffalo bulls, the study aimed to analyze the possible effects of immunocastration on the testicular parenchyma of buffaloes. Twenty buffalo bulls, aged between 2 and 3 years, from the island of Marajó - PA, were evaluated and randomly divided into two groups consisting of ten animals in the control group (CG) and ten from the immunocastrated group (GIM). The product used was the anti-GnRH vaccine Bopriva ® (Zoetis, SP, Brazil). The GIM received two doses of 1.0ml containing 400µg of Bopriva ® vaccine with an interval of 8 weeks between applications and the control group received 1.0 ml of saline solution. After 14 days of the last dose, the animals were slaughtered and the 20 pairs of testes were collected for analysis of macroscopic parameters such as: length, width, circumference and weight. In addition, fragments of the testicular parenchyma were removed for the preparation of histological slides. To compare the data, Student's t test (Nonparametric Test) was applied, considering the significance with p< 0.0372) and length (right p≤ 0.0013; left p<0.0437). In the microscopic evaluation, the animals of the CG showed no alterations. In the GIM animals there was degeneration in all samples, with desquamation, tortuosity and thickening of the seminiferous tubule basement membrane, as well as vacuolization and atrophy of Sertoli cells. A reduction in the number of Leydig cells, pronounced intertubular fibrosis, pyknotic nuclei, azoospermia and multinucleated cells within the tubules were also observed. In conclusion, the anti-GnRH vaccine proved to be effective in causing lesions in the testicular parenchyma, significantly compromising spermatogenesis from the possible suppression of testosterone.(AU)

Increased quality of in natura and cryopreserved semen of water buffaloes supplemented with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids from the palm oil industry

Ruminant energy supplementation with vegetable oils or fats has been standing out worldwide and oil palm processing has been receiving growing interest. This study assessed the effect of supplementation with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids from the palm oil industry on the lipid profile of seminal plasma and of the sperm membrane, as well as on the morphological and functional characteristics of raw and cryopreserved buffalo semen. Twelve purebred Murrah bulls (Bubalus bubalis) were assigned to the experimental groups and fed diets for 120 days with no added lipids (CONT, four bulls), or with an extra amount of 3% lipids from crude palm oil (PALM, four bulls), or from palm oil deodorizer distillate (PODD, four bulls). Semen was collected and cryopreserved every 15 days. The lipid composition of membranes and semen quality were determined after collections. Lipid supplementation did not impact feed intake (P>0.05). Diet enrichment with PALM increased the linoleic acid (C18:2,6) in seminal plasma. Lipid supplementation did not increase the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the sperm membrane composition, but significantly increased the lignoceric acid (C24:0). Cryopreserved semen of the supplemented bulls presented higher progressive motility (60.2 vs. 67.9 vs. 65.2%; P 0.05) and sperm viability detected by eosin-nigrosin staining (61.1 vs. 69.4 vs. 67.8%; P 0.05). Palm oil reduced major sperm defects in both raw (12.2 vs. 9.3 vs. 13.2%; P 0.0001) and cryopreserved semen (12.4 vs. 9.4 vs. 11.2%; P 0.0001). The lipids added to the diet did not impact the population of spermatozoa with intact plasma and acrosomal membranes (PI-/PSA-), but significantly increased the percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial potential (25.6 vs. 31.5 vs. 32.0%; P=0.008). The results suggest that lipid supplementation based on crude palm oil or palm oil deodorizer distillate can be safely used to feed buffalo bulls and may increase sperm attributes related to male fertility.

Increased quality of in natura and cryopreserved semen of water buffaloes supplemented with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids from the palm oil industry

Ruminant energy supplementation with vegetable oils or fats has been standing out worldwide and oil palm processing has been receiving growing interest. This study assessed the effect of supplementation with saturated and unsaturated fatty acids from the palm oil industry on the lipid profile of seminal plasma and of the sperm membrane, as well as on the morphological and functional characteristics of raw and cryopreserved buffalo semen. Twelve purebred Murrah bulls (Bubalus bubalis) were assigned to the experimental groups and fed diets for 120 days with no added lipids (CONT, four bulls), or with an extra amount of 3% lipids from crude palm oil (PALM, four bulls), or from palm oil deodorizer distillate (PODD, four bulls). Semen was collected and cryopreserved every 15 days. The lipid composition of membranes and semen quality were determined after collections. Lipid supplementation did not impact feed intake (P>0.05). Diet enrichment with PALM increased the linoleic acid (C18:2,6) in seminal plasma. Lipid supplementation did not increase the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the sperm membrane composition, but significantly increased the lignoceric acid (C24:0). Cryopreserved semen of the supplemented bulls presented higher progressive motility (60.2 vs. 67.9 vs. 65.2%; P 0.05) and sperm viability detected by eosin-nigrosin staining (61.1 vs. 69.4 vs. 67.8%; P 0.05). Palm oil reduced major sperm defects in both raw (12.2 vs. 9.3 vs. 13.2%; P 0.0001) and cryopreserved semen (12.4 vs. 9.4 vs. 11.2%; P 0.0001). The lipids added to the diet did not impact the population of spermatozoa with intact plasma and acrosomal membranes (PI-/PSA-), but significantly increased the percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial potential (25.6 vs. 31.5 vs. 32.0%; P=0.008). The results suggest that lipid supplementation based on crude palm oil or palm oil deodorizer distillate can be safely used to feed buffalo bulls and may increase sperm attributes related to male fertility.(AU)

In vitro embryo production in buffaloes: from the laboratory to the farm

Transvaginal follicular aspiration technique together with in vitro embryo production are the biotechnological alternatives currently available to support genetic improvement breeding programs in buffalo species. However, aspects related to animal management, lack of knowledge of the metabolic needs and biochemical peculiarities of gametes and embryos, as well as the reproductive physiology characteristics have hampered progress in the results. Despite the low availability of good quality oocytes collected after OPU in donors as a physiological characteristic of buffalo species, high rates of oocyte maturation, modest embryo cleavage, blastocyst production and pregnancy rates after transvaginal embryo transfer in recipients could be obtained in buffalo in vitro embryo production programs. The results of implementing an in vitro embryo production program in buffaloes in the northern region of Pará state, Brazil, and results published by other groups demonstrate the feasibility of implementing this biotechnology in the routine of breeding programs. Nevertheless, in order to achieve better and consistent results, it is necessary to deepen the knowledge on the peculiarities of reproductive biology in this specie. Selection of donor animals based on ovarian size and ovarian follicular reserve and on the rate of blastocyst production is presented as an effective alternative to increase the efficiency of the in vitro embryo production technique applied to the buffalo species.

In vitro embryo production in buffaloes: from the laboratory to the farm

Transvaginal follicular aspiration technique together with in vitro embryo production are the biotechnological alternatives currently available to support genetic improvement breeding programs in buffalo species. However, aspects related to animal management, lack of knowledge of the metabolic needs and biochemical peculiarities of gametes and embryos, as well as the reproductive physiology characteristics have hampered progress in the results. Despite the low availability of good quality oocytes collected after OPU in donors as a physiological characteristic of buffalo species, high rates of oocyte maturation, modest embryo cleavage, blastocyst production and pregnancy rates after transvaginal embryo transfer in recipients could be obtained in buffalo in vitro embryo production programs. The results of implementing an in vitro embryo production program in buffaloes in the northern region of Pará state, Brazil, and results published by other groups demonstrate the feasibility of implementing this biotechnology in the routine of breeding programs. Nevertheless, in order to achieve better and consistent results, it is necessary to deepen the knowledge on the peculiarities of reproductive biology in this specie. Selection of donor animals based on ovarian size and ovarian follicular reserve and on the rate of blastocyst production is presented as an effective alternative to increase the efficiency of the in vitro embryo production technique applied to the buffalo species.(AU)

Contributions of RNA-seq to improve in vitro embryo production (IVP)

In Vitro Embryo Production (IVP) is widely used to improve the reproductive efficiency of livestock animals, however increasing the embryo development rates and pregnancy outcomes is still a challenge for some species. Thus, the lack of biological knowledge hinders developing specie-specific IVP protocols. Therefore, the contributions of RNA-seq to generate relevant biological knowledge and improve the efficiency of IVP in livestock animals are reviewed herein.

Contributions of RNA-seq to improve in vitro embryo production (IVP)

In Vitro Embryo Production (IVP) is widely used to improve the reproductive efficiency of livestock animals, however increasing the embryo development rates and pregnancy outcomes is still a challenge for some species. Thus, the lack of biological knowledge hinders developing specie-specific IVP protocols. Therefore, the contributions of RNA-seq to generate relevant biological knowledge and improve the efficiency of IVP in livestock animals are reviewed herein.(AU)

Desafio da Pecuária na Amazônia frente ao novo código florestal brasileiro / Challenge of Livestock in the Amazon in front of the new Brazilian forest law

O rebanho bovino brasileiro no período de 1975 a 2017 passou de 101.673.753 para 171.858.168 de animais, o que representa um crescimento de 69%, sendo que 77% desse crescimento ocorreu na Amazônia, onde no mesmo período, o rebanho cresceu 1.066%. Mas, a derrubada da floresta cresceu na mesma proporção colocando a região no centro das discussões nacionais e internacionais em relação ao meio ambiente. Em 2012 foi aprovado o novo código florestal o qual determina que na Amazônia deve ser preservado 80% da área da propriedade como reserva legal (RL), restando 20% a ser explorado economicamente. Apesar da questão ambiental, é inegável que a pecuária colocou a região dentro do contexto econômico nacional. Portanto, o desafio é: é possível manter o desenvolvimento da pecuária na Amazônia de forma sustentável, dentro da concepção da nova lei? É dentro desse contexto que abordaremos de forma superficial essa grande questão, na certeza de que para respondê-la precisará de um profundo debate pela sociedade.(AU)

The Brazilian cattle herd in between 1975 and 2017 rose from 101,673,753 to 171,858,168 of animals, representing a growth of 69%, of which 77% of this growth occurred in the Amazon, where in the same period the herd grew 1.066%. However, the deforestation has grown at the same rate, putting the region at the center of national and international environmental discussions. In 2012 it was approved the new forest law that states that 80% of the property area must be kept as legal reserve (RL), whereas only 20% remaining economically exploitable. Despite the environmental issue, it is undeniable that livestock farming has placed the region within the national economic context. So the challenge is: Is it possible to sustainably maintain the livestock development in the Amazon region? It is within this context that we will superficially address this great question, in the certainty that in order to answer it, it will require a deep debate by society.(AU)

Desafio da Pecuária na Amazônia frente ao novo código florestal brasileiro / Challenge of Livestock in the Amazon in front of the new Brazilian forest law

O rebanho bovino brasileiro no período de 1975 a 2017 passou de 101.673.753 para 171.858.168 de animais, o que representa um crescimento de 69%, sendo que 77% desse crescimento ocorreu na Amazônia, onde no mesmo período, o rebanho cresceu 1.066%. Mas, a derrubada da floresta cresceu na mesma proporção colocando a região no centro das discussões nacionais e internacionais em relação ao meio ambiente. Em 2012 foi aprovado o novo código florestal o qual determina que na Amazônia deve ser preservado 80% da área da propriedade como reserva legal (RL), restando 20% a ser explorado economicamente. Apesar da questão ambiental, é inegável que a pecuária colocou a região dentro do contexto econômico nacional. Portanto, o desafio é: é possível manter o desenvolvimento da pecuária na Amazônia de forma sustentável, dentro da concepção da nova lei? É dentro desse contexto que abordaremos de forma superficial essa grande questão, na certeza de que para respondê-la precisará de um profundo debate pela sociedade.

The Brazilian cattle herd in between 1975 and 2017 rose from 101,673,753 to 171,858,168 of animals, representing a growth of 69%, of which 77% of this growth occurred in the Amazon, where in the same period the herd grew 1.066%. However, the deforestation has grown at the same rate, putting the region at the center of national and international environmental discussions. In 2012 it was approved the new forest law that states that 80% of the property area must be kept as legal reserve (RL), whereas only 20% remaining economically exploitable. Despite the environmental issue, it is undeniable that livestock farming has placed the region within the national economic context. So the challenge is: Is it possible to sustainably maintain the livestock development in the Amazon region? It is within this context that we will superficially address this great question, in the certainty that in order to answer it, it will require a deep debate by society.

A importância dos estudos transcriptômicos de gametas e embriões para o avanço e consolidação da Produção In Vitro de Embriões (PIVE) em bubalinos na Amazônia / The importance of the transcriptomic studies of gametes and embryos for the advance and consolidation of In Vitro Production (IVP) in buffaloes in the Amazon

A produção de búfalos está se expandindo na Amazônia, sendo assim o uso de biotecnologias reprodutivas em programas de melhoramento genético tornou-se uma estratégia para melhorar a produtividade dos rebanhos sem a necessidade de aumentar as áreas de pastagens. A Produção In Vitro de Embriões (PIVE) é uma das biotecnologias disponíveis, a qual é contiuamente aperfeiçoada através da pesquisa de novos componentes para os meios de cultivo e da pesquisa de protocolos espécie específicos que resultem em maior número de embriões de boa qualidade. Contudo, a falta de informações sobre os requerimentos metabólicos de gametas e embriões têm dificultado a consolidação de protocolos de PIVE específicos para búfalos. Neste artigo discutimos as abordagens transcriptômicas que estão ajudando a preencher esta falta de informações, as limitações destas abordagens e os tópicos de pesquisa que ainda precisam ser investigados em búfalos.(AU)

Buffalo production is expanding in the Amazon region therefore the use of reproductive biotechnologies in breeding programs became a strategy to improve the herd productivity without a need for increasing pasture areas. In Vitro Production (IVP) is one of the available biotechnologies, which is continuously being improved through the research of novel components of culture media and the research of specie-specific protocols to obtain an increased number of good quality embryos. However, the lack of information about the metabolic requirements of gametes and embryos have delayed the consolidation of buffalos IVP specific protocols. Herein, we discussed the transcriptomic approaches that are helping to fill the lack of information, the limitations of these approaches and the research topics that still needs further investigations in buffaloes.(AU)

Proliferation of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells stimulated by oil rich in thymol of Lippia origanoides

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of this thymol-rich oil in the proliferation of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells. Methods: Stem cells were isolated from human adipose tissue by liposuction. After the first passage, cells were cultivated in triplicate for three days in control medium and medium supplemented with three oil samples (1.0 g/mL, 5.0 g/mL, and 25.0 g/mL). Cells were analyzed by the MTT assay at passage 1 (P1), and cell proliferation of control and 1 g/mL groups was determined with a hemocytometer at P2 and P3. Results: Viability of the essential oil-treated cells was significantly higher than the control group at P1 (p = 0.0008). The treatment with the oil, at a concentration of 1 µg/mL, led to increases of 24.8% at P1 and 43.0% at P3 in the rate of cell proliferation compared with control cells. Conclusion: Supplementing culture medium with essential oil of Lippia origanoides increased cell proliferation, especially at later passages.(AU)

A importância dos estudos transcriptômicos de gametas e embriões para o avanço e consolidação da Produção In Vitro de Embriões (PIVE) em bubalinos na Amazônia / The importance of the transcriptomic studies of gametes and embryos for the advance and consolidation of In Vitro Production (IVP) in buffaloes in the Amazon

A produção de búfalos está se expandindo na Amazônia, sendo assim o uso de biotecnologias reprodutivas em programas de melhoramento genético tornou-se uma estratégia para melhorar a produtividade dos rebanhos sem a necessidade de aumentar as áreas de pastagens. A Produção In Vitro de Embriões (PIVE) é uma das biotecnologias disponíveis, a qual é contiuamente aperfeiçoada através da pesquisa de novos componentes para os meios de cultivo e da pesquisa de protocolos espécie específicos que resultem em maior número de embriões de boa qualidade. Contudo, a falta de informações sobre os requerimentos metabólicos de gametas e embriões têm dificultado a consolidação de protocolos de PIVE específicos para búfalos. Neste artigo discutimos as abordagens transcriptômicas que estão ajudando a preencher esta falta de informações, as limitações destas abordagens e os tópicos de pesquisa que ainda precisam ser investigados em búfalos.

Buffalo production is expanding in the Amazon region therefore the use of reproductive biotechnologies in breeding programs became a strategy to improve the herd productivity without a need for increasing pasture areas. In Vitro Production (IVP) is one of the available biotechnologies, which is continuously being improved through the research of novel components of culture media and the research of specie-specific protocols to obtain an increased number of good quality embryos. However, the lack of information about the metabolic requirements of gametes and embryos have delayed the consolidation of buffalo’s IVP specific protocols. Herein, we discussed the transcriptomic approaches that are helping to fill the lack of information, the limitations of these approaches and the research topics that still needs further investigations in buffaloes.

Hormônio antimülleriano pode uma realidade usada em seres humanos ser transferida a bovinos e búfalos / Antimüllerian Hormone can a reality in humans translate to bovine and buffalos

O hormônio antimülleriano (AMH) nas fêmeas é produzido especificamente pelas células da granulosa dos folículos em crescimento e controla a velocidade do crescimento folicular ao inibir a enzima aromatase. Este hormônio tem sido explorado em várias aplicações biotecnológicas, sendo a mais bem estudada a relação positiva entre a sua concentração circulante e a população folicular antral (PFA) no ovário, tornando o AMH um indicador confiável desta característica em humanos e em outras espécies. O AMH também mostrou ser um indicador prognóstico positivo do rendimento de embriões em programas de ovulação múltipla e transferência de embriões (MOET) em bovinos, porém sua utilidade para identificar fêmeas doadoras de oócitos para produção de embriões in vitro (IVEP) ainda está em discussão. Em búfalos, apenas poucos estudos foram realizados até o momento, porém devido a baixa reserva folicular ovariana na espécie e a grande variabilidade individual, que criam um desafio para ART (Assisted Reproduction Technology) na espécie, o AMH surge com grande potencial de se tornar alternativa eficiente para a identificação precoce de doadores de oócitos para IVEP. Estudos sobre AMH demonstraram claramente sua utilidade como parte do "pacote de biotecnologia reprodutiva" em algumas espécies, especialmente em seres humanos. Em animais de produção, como bovinos, e principalmente no búfalo, estudos adicionais são necessários para definir a utilidade da AMH não apenas como um bom preditor da AFP, mas também como uma ferramenta chave em programas de biotecnologia reprodutiva em todo o mundo.(AU)

The antimüllerian hormone (AMH) in females ias specifically produced by the granulosa cells of growing follicles and controls the speed of follicular growth by inhibit the enzyme aromatase. This has been recently explored in several biotechnological applications with the most well studied being the positive relationship between circulating concentration of circulating AMH and the antral follicular population (PFA) in the ovary,where AMH is becoming accepted as a reliable indicator of this characteristic in both humans and other species. AMH has also been shown to be a positive prognostic indicator of embryo yield in multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) in cattle, however its utility for identifying good oocyte donors for in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in bovines is still under debate. In buffaloes, only limited studies have been completed, however with the low ovarian follicular reserve in the species and the great individual variability creating a challenge for ART (Assisted Reproduction Technology) the enormous potential of AMH as an efficient alternative of early identification of oocyte donors for IVEP has been suggested. In summary, studies on AMH have clearly demonstrated its utility as part of the "reproductive biotechnology package" in some species, especially in humans and in farm animals such as cattle. In the buffalo, further studies are needed to define the usefulness of AMH not only as a good predictor of AFP but also as a key tool in buffalo reproductive biotechnology programs worldwide.(AU)

Hormônio antimülleriano pode uma realidade usada em seres humanos ser transferida a bovinos e búfalos / Antimüllerian Hormone can a reality in humans translate to bovine and buffalos

O hormônio antimülleriano (AMH) nas fêmeas é produzido especificamente pelas células da granulosa dos folículos em crescimento e controla a velocidade do crescimento folicular ao inibir a enzima aromatase. Este hormônio tem sido explorado em várias aplicações biotecnológicas, sendo a mais bem estudada a relação positiva entre a sua concentração circulante e a população folicular antral (PFA) no ovário, tornando o AMH um indicador confiável desta característica em humanos e em outras espécies. O AMH também mostrou ser um indicador prognóstico positivo do rendimento de embriões em programas de ovulação múltipla e transferência de embriões (MOET) em bovinos, porém sua utilidade para identificar fêmeas doadoras de oócitos para produção de embriões in vitro (IVEP) ainda está em discussão. Em búfalos, apenas poucos estudos foram realizados até o momento, porém devido a baixa reserva folicular ovariana na espécie e a grande variabilidade individual, que criam um desafio para ART (Assisted Reproduction Technology) na espécie, o AMH surge com grande potencial de se tornar alternativa eficiente para a identificação precoce de doadores de oócitos para IVEP. Estudos sobre AMH demonstraram claramente sua utilidade como parte do "pacote de biotecnologia reprodutiva" em algumas espécies, especialmente em seres humanos. Em animais de produção, como bovinos, e principalmente no búfalo, estudos adicionais são necessários para definir a utilidade da AMH não apenas como um bom preditor da AFP, mas também como uma ferramenta chave em programas de biotecnologia reprodutiva em todo o mundo.

The antimüllerian hormone (AMH) in females ias specifically produced by the granulosa cells of growing follicles and controls the speed of follicular growth by inhibit the enzyme aromatase. This has been recently explored in several biotechnological applications with the most well studied being the positive relationship between circulating concentration of circulating AMH and the antral follicular population (PFA) in the ovary,where AMH is becoming accepted as a reliable indicator of this characteristic in both humans and other species. AMH has also been shown to be a positive prognostic indicator of embryo yield in multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) in cattle, however its utility for identifying good oocyte donors for in vitro embryo production (IVEP) in bovines is still under debate. In buffaloes, only limited studies have been completed, however with the low ovarian follicular reserve in the species and the great individual variability creating a challenge for ART (Assisted Reproduction Technology) the enormous potential of AMH as an efficient alternative of early identification of oocyte donors for IVEP has been suggested. In summary, studies on AMH have clearly demonstrated its utility as part of the "reproductive biotechnology package" in some species, especially in humans and in farm animals such as cattle. In the buffalo, further studies are needed to define the usefulness of AMH not only as a good predictor of AFP but also as a key tool in buffalo reproductive biotechnology programs worldwide.

Epididymal morphophysiology of adult collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) / Morfofisiologia epididimária de catitus (Pecari tajacu) adultos

A functional understanding of the epididymis makes it possible to increase a species' fertility, since it facilitates the preservation of gametes for use in assisted reproduction techniques. This study analyzed the histological features of the different regions of the epididymis of the Pecari tajacu and the associated pathologies found in the spermatozoa present in this organ. After an orchiectomy surgery to remove the testicles and epididymis obtained from eight adult animals bred in captivity, fixation and histological processing of samples were carried out. The presence of pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia was observed in all regions of the epididymis (caput, corpus and caudal). Similarities were noted between the average height of the corpus and caudal epithelium, which differed from that found at the caput (1- proximal: region associated with the efferent ducts; 2- distal: region associated with corpus epididymis). It was also observed that the proximal caput presents a smaller average of the tubules diameter compared to other portions of the epididymis. Regarding pathologies of the spermatozoa, thirteen different types of morphological modifications were observed. Underdeveloped spermatozoa and detached heads were most frequently encountered along the epididymis of the collared peccaries. This study is a pioneer in the area and its data will serve as a basis for comparative research on the reproductive biology of artiodactyls, thus contributing to their conservation and reproduction.(AU)

O entendimento funcional do epidídimo possibilita o aumento da fertilidade de uma espécie, pois torna possível a preservação de gametas para o uso em técnicas de reprodução assistida. Este trabalho estudou os aspectos histológicos das diferentes regiões do epidídimo de Pecari tajacu, bem como as patologias associadas encontradas nos espermatozoides presentes nesse órgão. Após procedimento cirúrgico de orquiectomia, para remoção dos testículos e epidídimos, obtidos de oito animais adultos nascidos em cativeiro, realizou-se a fixação e o processamento histológico das amostras. Constatou-se em todas as regiões do epidídimo (cabeça, corpo e cauda) a presença de epitélio pseudoestratificado colunar com estereocílios. Foram observadas semelhanças entre a altura média do epitélio do corpo e da cauda, a qual era diferente da encontrada na cabeça (1- proximal: região associada aos ductos eferentes; 2- distal: região associada ao corpo do epidídimo). Foi verificado que a cabeça proximal apresenta a média de diâmetro dos túbulos menor em relação às demais porções do epidídimo. Em relação às patologias dos espermatozoides, constataram-se treze tipos diferentes de alterações morfológicas. Os espermatozoides subdesenvolvidos e cabeças soltas foram as mais frequentes ao longo do epidídimo de catitus. Os dados deste trabalho são pioneiros, e servirão como base para pesquisas comparativas sobre a biologia reprodutiva dos artiodátilos, contribuindo para a sua conservação e produção.(AU)

Epididymal morphophysiology of adult collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) / Morfofisiologia epididimária de catitus (Pecari tajacu) adultos

A functional understanding of the epididymis makes it possible to increase a species fertility, since it facilitates the preservation of gametes for use in assisted reproduction techniques. This study analyzed the histological features of the different regions of the epididymis of the Pecari tajacu and the associated pathologies found in the spermatozoa present in this organ. After an orchiectomy surgery to remove the testicles and epididymis obtained from eight adult animals bred in captivity, fixation and histological processing of samples were carried out. The presence of pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia was observed in all regions of the epididymis (caput, corpus and caudal). Similarities were noted between the average height of the corpus and caudal epithelium, which differed from that found at the caput (1- proximal: region associated with the efferent ducts; 2- distal: region associated with corpus epididymis). It was also observed that the proximal caput presents a smaller average of the tubules diameter compared to other portions of the epididymis. Regarding pathologies of the spermatozoa, thirteen different types of morphological modifications were observed. Underdeveloped spermatozoa and detached heads were most frequently encountered along the epididymis of the collared peccaries. This study is a pioneer in the area and its data willserve as a basis for comparative research on the reproductive biology of artiodactyls, thus contributing to their conservation and reproduction.(AU)

O entendimento funcional do epidídimo possibilita o aumento da fertilidade de uma espécie, pois torna possível a preservação de gametas para o uso em técnicas de reprodução assistida. Este trabalho estudou os aspectos histológicos das diferentes regiões do epidídimo de Pecari tajacu, bem como as patologias associadas encontradas nos espermatozoides presentes nesse órgão. Após procedimento cirúrgico de orquiectomia, para remoção dos testículos e epidídimos, obtidos de oito animais adultos nascidos em cativeiro, realizou-se a fixação e o processamento histológico das amostras. Constatou-se em todas as regiões do epidídimo (cabeça, corpo e cauda) a presença de epitélio pseudoestratificado colunar com estereocílios. Foram observadas semelhanças entre a altura média do epitélio do corpo e da cauda, a qual era diferente da encontrada na cabeça (1- proximal: região associada aos ductos eferentes; 2- distal: região associada ao corpo do epidídimo). Foi verificado que a cabeça proximal apresenta a média de diâmetro dos túbulos menor em relação às demais porções do epidídimo. Em relação às patologias dos espermatozoides, constataram-se treze tipos diferentes de alterações morfológicas. Os espermatozoides subdesenvolvidos e cabeças soltas foram as mais frequentes ao longo do epidídimo de catitus. Os dados deste trabalho são pioneiros, e servirão como base para pesquisas comparativas sobre a biologia reprodutiva dos artiodátilos, contribuindo para a sua conservação e produção.(AU)

Stem cells from adipose tissue improve the time of wound healing in rats

PURPOSE:To evaluate the Adipose Stem Cells (ACS) therapy efficacy on the time and quality of wound healing process in rats.METHODS:Nine male Wistar rats were randomly distributed into three groups I) 7 days of healing; II) 14 days of healing; III) 21 days of healing. Four incisions were made on the dorsal surface of each rat and then treated with intralesional ACS, meloxicam, and no treatment and ACS+meloxicam. Macroscopic evaluation was measured by percentage of healing and histopathological by hematoxylin-eosin was performed.RESULTS:All groups have the wound reduced during the three weeks (p<0.001) and after 14 days of healing had greater reduction than others. Wounds treated with ASC had accelerated healing in relation to no treatment and only meloxicam (p<0.001), excepting the ASC+Meloxicam that was similar (p=0.13). There was no difference in histopathological analysis between lesions.CONCLUSION:Adipose stem cell have benefits in reducing time of healing of experimental model of wound in rats, observed 7 days of after application.(AU)

Biometria testicular, eletroejaculação e características seminais de caititus, Tayassu tajacu Linnaeus, 1758 (Mammalia, Artiodactyla, Tayassuidae) mantidos em cativeiro na Amazônia Oriental / Testicular biometry, electroejaculation and seminal features of captive collared peccaries (Tayassu tajacu Linnaeus, 1758, Artiodactyla, Tayassuidae) raised in the Eastern Amazon

Estudos relacionados à obtenção e avaliação de sêmen de Tayassu tajacu são escassos, sendo necessárias pesquisas a respeito. Os objetivos do estudo foram avaliar a biometria testicular de caititus adultos cativos, testar a eficiência da eletroejaculação para obtenção de sêmen e avaliar suas características seminais ao longo do ano. Procedeu-se à eletroejaculação em oito animais adultos e as amostras de sêmen colhidas foram avaliadas quanto às características físicas e morfológicas. Os animais tinham testículo esquerdo com 3,8 ± 0,4 cm X 2,6 ± 0,3 cm e 2,3 ± 0,2 de consistência, e testículo direito com 3,8 ± 0,5 cm X 2,7 ± 0,3 cm e 2,3 ± 0,2 de consistência. A taxa de sucesso nas colheitas foi de 75,21%. O sêmen possuiu: volume 0,81 ± 0,86 mL, concentração 137,44 ± 153 x 106 sptz mL-1, pH 7,92 ± 0,73, motilidade 52,66 ± 28,79%, vigor 2,2 ± 0,8, integridade de membrana plasmática 55,84 ± 28,55%, defeitos maiores 22,87 ± 12,93%, defeitos menores 9,11 ± 5,88% e defeitos totais 31,52 ± 13,81%. Os animais apresentaram simetria testicular, a eletroejaculação se mostrou eficiente para a obtenção de ejaculados em caititus e as flutuações observadas na produção seminal não foram suficientes para caracterizá-los como animais de reprodução sazonal.

Research development in semen collection and sperm evaluation of Tayassu tajacu are necessary. The aims of this research were to evaluate testicular biometry of captive collared peccaries, test electroejaculation for semen collection and evaluate seminal characteristics during the year. Eight animals were submitted to electroejaculation and semen samples were evaluated according their physical and morphological characteristics. Left testicles measured 3.8 ± 0.4 cm X 2.6 ± 0.3 cm and presented 2.3 ± 0.2 of consistence, while right testicles were 3.8 ± 0.5 cm X 2.7 ± 0.3 cm and presented 2.3 ± 0.2 of consistence. Success rate on semen collections achieved 75.21%. Semen presented 0.81 ± 0.86 mL (volume), 137.44 ± 153 x 106 sptz mL-1 (sperm concentration), 7.92 ± 0.73 (pH), 52.66 ± 28.79% (sperm motility), 2.2 ± 0.8 (vigour), 55.84 ± 28.55% (plasmatic membrane integrity), 22.87 ± 12.93% (primary defects), 9.11 ± 5.88% (secondary defects) and 31.52 ± 13.81% (overall defects). Seminal characteristics showed no expressive variation along the year. Testicular symmetry was observed, electroejaculation was an efficient method to semen collection and slight mensal oscillations of seminal quality were not enough to characterize collared peccaries as seasonal reproductive animals.

Estudos morfofisiológicos do testículo de búfalos mestiços (B. Bubalis) em diferentes idades

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