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)

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.

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)

Qualidade ambiental de um estuário no delta amazônico utilizando análises imunohistoquímicas e morfológicas de brânquias como biomarcadores / Environmental quality of an estuary in Amazon delta using immunohistochemical and morphological analyses of gill as biomarkers

Neste estudo foram utilizados biomarcadores histológicos, ultraestruturais e imunohistoquímicos em tecidos brânquiais de duas espécies de peixes, Plagioscion squamosissimus e Lithodoras dorsalis, para avaliar a situação ecológica em um estuário amazônico relacionando a saúde do peixe com a qualidade ambiental. O tecido branquial foi analisado qualitativamente e semiquantitativamente. Foram verificadas diferenças entre as espécies selecionadas e as áreas de estudo, no que se refere ao tipo e severidade das lesões no tecido branquial. Foi detectada uma variedade de alterações histopatológicas severas somente nos peixes capturados nas áreas B e C, tais como: Aneurisma, elevação epitelial e intensa hiperplasia. As análises de microscopia eletrônica e de imunohistoquímica confirmaram danos mais prejudiciais nas brânquias apenas nestas áreas de estudo. Enquanto que na área A poucos peixes apresentaram alterações leves nos tecidos e pouca marcação de apoptose. Estes resultados confirmam a necessidade de um efetivo controle dos dejetos de poluentes assim como um planejamento urbano eficaz nesta região, uma vez que esta área possui um complexo industrial importante próximo à área urbana.(AU)

In this study, histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical observations of the gill tissue of two fish species (Plagioscion squamosissimus and Lithodoras dorsalis) were used as biomarkers to assess the ecological conditions of an estuary in the Amazon delta, by relating the health status of the fishes to environmental quality. The gill tissue was analyzed both qualitatively and semi-quantitatively. Marked differences in the type and severity of lesions were verified between species and among study sites. A variety of severe damages were confirmed histologically in specimens from the two impacted areas (B and C), including aneurysms, epithelial lifting, and intense hyperplasia. Electron microscopy and immunohistochemical analyses also revealed injuries in the gill tissue of specimens from these two areas. While, on area A only few specimens showed mild changes in gill tissues and rare marking of apoptosis. These results confirm the urgent need for the more effective control of the discharge of pollutants into the estuary as well as more effective urban planning, given the close proximity of a major industrial complex to residential areas.(AU)

Branchial histopathological study of Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii ( Castelnau, 1855 ) in the Guajará bay, Belém, Pará State, Brazil / Estudo histopatológico da brânquia de Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii na baía do Guajará, Belém, Estado do Pará, Brasil

This work analyzes the morphological alterations in Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii gills and evaluates whether this species can be considered an environmental monitoring biomarker of Guajará Bay. Sampling was carried out in four areas around Belém, Brazil, in four annual periods: dry/wet season, wet season, wet/dry season and dry season. Water pH, temperature and suspended material were evaluated. A total of 36 specimens were collected. The second right gill arch of each animal was removed and immediately fixed and processed for histopathology analysis with light microscopy. The physicochemical analysis of the water during the study period showed slight acidity, temperature and material in suspension within normal levels. Histopathological analysis of the gills from 14 individuals from area I presented no alterations, and only 2 individuals from this area presented some significant type of alteration. In contrast, all individuals captured in areas II, III, and IV presented at least one of the following alterations: aneurism-like alterations, epithelial elevation, infiltration, cell proliferation and cell hypertrophy. Based on the gill histopathological analysis, this organ is considered a good biomarker and the native species B. rousseauxii could be used as a bioindicator for environmental monitoring.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as alterações morfológicas branquiais em Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii e verificar se esta espécie pode ser considerada como indicador biológico para o monitoramento ambiental da baía do Guajará. As coletas aconteceram em quatro áreas ao redor da cidade de Belém: I (controle), II, III e IV (forte influência antrópica), nos quatro períodos anuais: estação seco/chuvoso, estação chuvoso, estação chuvoso/seco e estação seco. Nesses períodos foram medidos pH, temperatura e material em suspensão. Foram capturados 36 exemplares. O segundo arco branquial direito de cada animal foi retirado, imediatamente fixado e processado para análise histopatológica. A análise físico-química da água revelou pH levemente ácido, a temperatura e o material em suspensão se encontravam nos parâmetros de normalidade. As análises histopatológicas das brânquias de 14 animais da área I não apresentaram alterações branquiais e somente dois revelaram algum tipo de alteração. Todos os indivíduos capturados nas áreas II, III e IV apresentaram pelo menos uma das seguintes alterações: aneurisma, elevação epitelial, infiltração, proliferação celular, fusão lamelar e hipertrofia celular. De acordo com as análises histopatológicas branquiais, este órgão é considerado como um bom biomarcador e a espécie nativa B. rousseauxii pode ser utilizada como bioindicador no monitoramento ambiental.(AU)

Branchial histopathological study of Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii ( Castelnau, 1855 ) in the Guajará bay, Belém, Pará State, Brazil / Estudo histopatológico da brânquia de Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii na baía do Guajará, Belém, Estado do Pará, Brasil

This work analyzes the morphological alterations in Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii gills and evaluates whether this species can be considered an environmental monitoring biomarker of Guajará Bay. Sampling was carried out in four areas around Belém, Brazil, in four annual periods: dry/wet season, wet season, wet/dry season and dry season. Water pH, temperature and suspended material were evaluated. A total of 36 specimens were collected. The second right gill arch of each animal was removed and immediately fixed and processed for histopathology analysis with light microscopy. The physicochemical analysis of the water during the study period showed slight acidity, temperature and material in suspension within normal levels. Histopathological analysis of the gills from 14 individuals from area I presented no alterations, and only 2 individuals from this area presented some significant type of alteration. In contrast, all individuals captured in areas II, III, and IV presented at least one of the following alterations: aneurism-like alterations, epithelial elevation, infiltration, cell proliferation and cell hypertrophy. Based on the gill histopathological analysis, this organ is considered a good biomarker and the native species B. rousseauxii could be used as a bioindicator for environmental monitoring.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as alterações morfológicas branquiais em Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii e verificar se esta espécie pode ser considerada como indicador biológico para o monitoramento ambiental da baía do Guajará. As coletas aconteceram em quatro áreas ao redor da cidade de Belém: I (controle), II, III e IV (forte influência antrópica), nos quatro períodos anuais: estação seco/chuvoso, estação chuvoso, estação chuvoso/seco e estação seco. Nesses períodos foram medidos pH, temperatura e material em suspensão. Foram capturados 36 exemplares. O segundo arco branquial direito de cada animal foi retirado, imediatamente fixado e processado para análise histopatológica. A análise físico-química da água revelou pH levemente ácido, a temperatura e o material em suspensão se encontravam nos parâmetros de normalidade. As análises histopatológicas das brânquias de 14 animais da área I não apresentaram alterações branquiais e somente dois revelaram algum tipo de alteração. Todos os indivíduos capturados nas áreas II, III e IV apresentaram pelo menos uma das seguintes alterações: aneurisma, elevação epitelial, infiltração, proliferação celular, fusão lamelar e hipertrofia celular. De acordo com as análises histopatológicas branquiais, este órgão é considerado como um bom biomarcador e a espécie nativa B. rousseauxii pode ser utilizada como bioindicador no monitoramento ambiental.