Anatomia macroscópica interna e avaliação elétrica do coração de Bradypus variegatus / Internal macroscopic anatomy and electrical evaluation of the Bradypus variegatus heart

The Bradypus variegatus species presents peculiar anatomophysiological properties and many aspects of its organic systems still need to be clarified, especially regarding the cardiovascular system, given its participation in vital activities. Disorderly anthropic action has had drastic consequences in sloth populations and the need to treat sick and injured animals is increasingly common. To this end, the importance of knowing its characteristics is emphasized. Therefore, this study proposed to describe the internal macroscopic structures of the sloth's heart, as well as to measure the ventricular walls and indicate the electrical activity of the organ. For the dissections, 15 Bradypus variegatus cadavers were used (1 young female, 9 adults females and 5 adult males) belonging to the Área de Anatomia of the Departamento de Morfologia e Fisiologia Animal (DMFA), Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recide, PE, Brazil. After they were fixed and preserved, the specimens received a midsagittal incision in the chest, followed by soft tissue folding and removal of ribs to access the heart. The organ was derived from the cavity and sectioned sagittal medially to identify its internal anatomy. Ventricular walls and interventricular septum were measured with a steel caliper (150 mm / 0.02 mm). An electrocardiogram was performed to determine the electrical profile on 5 healthy B. variegatus sloths, living under semi-livestock conditions at the Recife Zoo, PE, Brazil. The electrodes were taken from the regions, scapular and glutes of the animals that were called hugging a keeper during the procedure, carried out in the Zoo itself, using a portable device. Based on the data obtained, sloths have cardiac chambers separated by septa, however between atria and ventricles, in both antimeres, there are atrioventricular ostia, where valves are found, consisting of 3 valves on the right and 2 on the left. The atria are practically smooth inside and have their cavity enlarged by the atria, the right being larger than the left, these having a greater amount of pectineal muscles in relation to the atria. The ventricles have trabeculae and papillary muscles, 3 on the right and 2 on the left. These muscles hold the tendinous chords that connect the valves. The existence of trabeculae marginal septum was not evidenced. The thickness of the wall of the left ventricle, as well as that of the interventricular septum, proved to be greater than the thickness of the wall of the right ventricle, regardless of the age or sex of the animals. Based on the electrocardiographic recordings, the sloths presented sinus rhythm, with a heart rate between 67 and 100 bpm. The electrical axis ranged from -60º to -90º. The P wave is smoother than the QRS complex. While the S-T segment was classified as isoelectric. The T wave was shown to be + and predominantly > or = at 25% of the S wave, which characterized an rS type QRS deflection in both females and males. The general characteristics of the cardiac chambers in sloths are similar to those observe in other domestic and wild mammals. However, the presence of pectineal muscles associated with the atria and auricles differs from that observed in mammals such as the paca and raccoon and in birds such as the ostrich, which have trabecular structures in these cavities. The number of valves in sloths is equal to the anteater. However, it has a marginal trabeculae septum, not seen in Bradypus variegatus. According to the electrocardiographic findings, the rhythm was sinus, but much lower than that observed in the capuchin monkey, which also maintains arboreal habits.(AU)

Parasite load in intact and ulcerative skin of dogs with leishmaniais / Carga parasitária em fragmentos de pele intacta e ulcerada em cães com leishmaniose

The skin is the site of inoculation of Leishmania spp. in susceptible hosts, and consequently dermatopathies, especially ulcerative dermatitis, are the main clinical signs observed. The aim of this study was to assess parasitism of the skin (intact and ulcerated) among dogs that were naturally infected by Leishmania spp., through immunohistochemical analysis. Skin fragments (intact and ulcerated) were collected from 13 dogs with positive parasitological (bone marrow aspiration and exfoliative skin) and serological examinations (ELISA S7® Biogene) forLeishmania spp. These samples were processed using the immunohistochemical technique, involving the streptavidin-peroxidase complex. Ulcerative lesions were mainly observed on the elbows (53.84%; 7/13), nostrils (15.38%; 2/13), ears (23.07%; 3/13) and wings of the ilium (7.69%; 1/13). A severe parasite load was detected in 46.15% and 76.92% of the intact and ulcerated skin samples tested, respectively. The parasite load on ulcerated skin was statistically higher than on intact skin (p = 0.0221). These results indicate that the intact and ulcerated skin may host a high parasite load of amastigote forms of Leishmania spp., which can favor the transmission of the parasite.(AU)

A pele é o local de inoculação da Leishmania spp. nos hospedeiros susceptíveis e dessa forma, as dermatopatias, principalmente as dermatites ulcerativas são os principais sinais clínicos observados. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o parasitismo na pele (íntegra e ulcerada) em cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania spp. através da técnica de imunohistoquímica. Fragmentos de pele (íntegra e ulcerada) foram coletados de 13 cães com diagnóstico parasitológico (aspirado de medula óssea e esfoliação cutânea) e sorológico positivos (ELISA S7® Biogene) paraLeishmania spp. Amostras foram processadas por imunohistoquímica pelo complexo estreptoavidina-peroxidase. As lesões ulcerativas foram observadas principalmente nas regiões do cotovelo 53,84% (7/13), narina 15,38% (2/13), orelha 23,07% (3/13) e sobre a asa do ílio 7,69% (1/13). Uma intensa carga parasitária foi detectada 46,15% e 76,92% das amostras de pele íntegra e ulcerada, respectivamente. A carga parasitária na pele ulcerada foi estatisticamente superior à pele íntegra (p = 0,0221). Esses resultados indicam que a pele intacta e ulcerada pode albergar uma intensa carga parasitária de formas amastigotas de Leishmania spp., o que pode favorecer a transmissão do parasita.(AU)

Parasite load in intact and ulcerative skin of dogs with leishmaniais

Abstract The skin is the site of inoculation of Leishmania spp. in susceptible hosts, and consequently dermatopathies, especially ulcerative dermatitis, are the main clinical signs observed. The aim of this study was to assess parasitism of the skin (intact and ulcerated) among dogs that were naturally infected by Leishmania spp., through immunohistochemical analysis. Skin fragments (intact and ulcerated) were collected from 13 dogs with positive parasitological (bone marrow aspiration and exfoliative skin) and serological examinations (ELISA S7® Biogene) forLeishmania spp. These samples were processed using the immunohistochemical technique, involving the streptavidin-peroxidase complex. Ulcerative lesions were mainly observed on the elbows (53.84%; 7/13), nostrils (15.38%; 2/13), ears (23.07%; 3/13) and wings of the ilium (7.69%; 1/13). A severe parasite load was detected in 46.15% and 76.92% of the intact and ulcerated skin samples tested, respectively. The parasite load on ulcerated skin was statistically higher than on intact skin (p = 0.0221). These results indicate that the intact and ulcerated skin may host a high parasite load of amastigote forms of Leishmania spp., which can favor the transmission of the parasite.

Resumo A pele é o local de inoculação da Leishmania spp. nos hospedeiros susceptíveis e dessa forma, as dermatopatias, principalmente as dermatites ulcerativas são os principais sinais clínicos observados. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o parasitismo na pele (íntegra e ulcerada) em cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania spp. através da técnica de imunohistoquímica. Fragmentos de pele (íntegra e ulcerada) foram coletados de 13 cães com diagnóstico parasitológico (aspirado de medula óssea e esfoliação cutânea) e sorológico positivos (ELISA S7® Biogene) paraLeishmania spp. Amostras foram processadas por imunohistoquímica pelo complexo estreptoavidina-peroxidase. As lesões ulcerativas foram observadas principalmente nas regiões do cotovelo 53,84% (7/13), narina 15,38% (2/13), orelha 23,07% (3/13) e sobre a asa do ílio 7,69% (1/13). Uma intensa carga parasitária foi detectada 46,15% e 76,92% das amostras de pele íntegra e ulcerada, respectivamente. A carga parasitária na pele ulcerada foi estatisticamente superior à pele íntegra (p = 0,0221). Esses resultados indicam que a pele intacta e ulcerada pode albergar uma intensa carga parasitária de formas amastigotas de Leishmania spp., o que pode favorecer a transmissão do parasita.

Effect of dietary selenium and vitamin E supplementation on testicular morphology and serum testosterone concentration in goats following scrotal insulation

Background: Heat directly applied to the testis has been providing information regarding the damage triggering mechanisms on spermatogenesis and possible treatments to prevent testicular changes. Testis submitted to heat-shock have inhibition of the local antioxidant defense mechanisms against lipid peroxidation and free radicals. Vitamin E and Selenium protect biological membranes against free radicals to prevent membrane lipid peroxidation. The current assay evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with Selenium and Vitamin E on testicular parenchyma and testosterone levels of goats submitted to heat shock by scrotal insulation.Materials, Methods & Results: The effect of dietary selenium and vitamin E supplementation on testicular parameters and serum testosterone concentration was evaluated in goats subjected to scrotal insulation. The animals were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 6) to receive either a control diet (CO) or a diet supplemented with selenium and vitamin E (SE). The animals received supplementation for 120 days: 60 days prior to scrotal insulation, 18 days during scrotal insulation and 42 days after scrotal insulation. Orchiectomy was performed on three animals from each group, immediately after the end of scrotal insulation. The remaining animals were neutered at the end of the experimental period (120 days). Testicles were routinely process [...](AU)

Effect of dietary selenium and vitamin E supplementation on testicular morphology and serum testosterone concentration in goats following scrotal insulation

Background: Heat directly applied to the testis has been providing information regarding the damage triggering mechanisms on spermatogenesis and possible treatments to prevent testicular changes. Testis submitted to heat-shock have inhibition of the local antioxidant defense mechanisms against lipid peroxidation and free radicals. Vitamin E and Selenium protect biological membranes against free radicals to prevent membrane lipid peroxidation. The current assay evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with Selenium and Vitamin E on testicular parenchyma and testosterone levels of goats submitted to heat shock by scrotal insulation.Materials, Methods & Results: The effect of dietary selenium and vitamin E supplementation on testicular parameters and serum testosterone concentration was evaluated in goats subjected to scrotal insulation. The animals were randomly allocated into two groups (n = 6) to receive either a control diet (CO) or a diet supplemented with selenium and vitamin E (SE). The animals received supplementation for 120 days: 60 days prior to scrotal insulation, 18 days during scrotal insulation and 42 days after scrotal insulation. Orchiectomy was performed on three animals from each group, immediately after the end of scrotal insulation. The remaining animals were neutered at the end of the experimental period (120 days). Testicles were routinely process [...]

Testis evaluation of adult Wistar rats after neonatal treatment with fluoxetine / Avaliação testicular de ratos Wistar adultos após tratamento neonatal com fluoxetina

In current assay the serotoninergic system in newly-born Wistar rats underwent pharmacological modification by fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), to investigate its repercussion on testicular parameters in adult animals. Thirty animals were distributed according to treatment: control animals (n = 6), animals treated with 1 mg kg-1 (n = 6), 5 mg kg-1 (n = 6), 10 mg kg-1 (n = 6) and 20 mg kg-1 (n = 6) of fluoxetine (IP). When 150 days old, the animals were anesthetized and perfused intra-cardiacally with fixative solution. Testes were routinely processed for inclusion in plastic resin (methacrylate glycol). Further, 4 m-thick histological sections were stained with toluidine blue/sodium borate 1% and analyzed histometrically. Pharmacological intervention on the serotoninergic system during the postnatal period of the testes development in Wistar rats with fluoxetine chlorohydrate reduced parameters, such as testicular weight, testis liquid weight and seminiferous tubules diameter. However, testicular parameters, such as daily sperm production (DSP), spermatogenesis efficiency (DSP/g/testis) and cell population in stage VII of adult animals, were not influenced by fluoxetine chlorohydrate usage during neonatal period. Results show that administration of fluoxetine during 21 days after birth may induce adverse changes in the spermatogenesis of adult rats.(AU)

No presente trabalho, o sistema serotoninérgico de ratos Wistar recém-nascidos foi farmacologicamente modificado por um inibidor seletivo de recaptação da serotonina, fluoxetina, com o objetivo de observar sua repercussão nos parâmetros testiculares em ratos adultos. Trinta animais foram distribuídos de acordo com o tratamento: controle (n = 6), tratado com 1 mg kg-1 (n = 6), 5 mg kg-1 (n = 6), 10 mg kg-1 (n = 6) e 20 mg kg-1 (n = 6) de fluoxetina. Aos 150 dias de vida, os animais foram anestesiados e perfundidos intracardiacamente com solução fixadora. Os testículos foram removidos e processados para inclusão em resina plástica (glicol metacrilato). Cortes histológicos com 4 m de espessura foram corados por azul de toluidina/borato de sódio 1% e analisados histometricamente. O tratamento com fluoxetina reduziu nos parâmetros de peso testicular líquido e bruto, bem como no diâmetro dos túbulos seminíferos. Entretanto, os parâmetros testiculares de produção espermática diária (PED), eficiência espermática (PED/g/testículo) e população de células germinativas no estágio VII não estavam alteradas pelo tratamento com fluoxetina. Em conclusão, a administração de fluoxetina durante 21 dias após o nascimento pode induzir efeitos adversos na espermatogênese de ratos adultos.(AU)

Opioid system manipulation during testicular development: resultson sperm production and sertoli cells population / Manipulação do sistema opioidérgico durante o desenvolvimento testicular: consequência sobre a produção espermática e a população de células de sertoli

The Sertoli cell has fundamental importance to the development and maintenance of spermatogenesis, as well as it has a directly proportional numerical relationship to sperm production. The proliferative period of this cell in rats occurs between 13 days pre-natal and 21 days pos-natal, when is established the final population in adult animals. The Leydig cell can modulate the Sertoli cell proliferation during fetal and neonatal periodthrough-endorphin. The manipulation of opioidergic system can promote changes in parameters related to development of nervous, endocrine and reproductive systems. By the way, the main purpose of this present work was to compare the effects of the blockade of opioid receptor blocking in Sertoli cells using naltrexone (50 mg kg-1) during fetal and neonatal period in Wistar rats. According to the results, the manipulation of opioidergic system during pre-natal period reduced the total length of seminiferous tubule and Sertoli cell population in adult rats, but sperm production was normal because this cell has had a compensatory response for spermatozoids support capacity.(AU)

As células de Sertoli têm fundamental importância para o desenvolvimento e manutenção da espermatogênese, bem como possuem uma relação numérica diretamente proporcional com a produção espermática. O período proliferativo destas células em ratos ocorre entre 13 dias pré-natal e 21 dias pós-natal, resultando na definição da população de células de Sertoli nos animais adultos. As células de Leydig podem modular a proliferação das células de Sertoli durante o período fetal e neonatal por meio da -endorfina. A manipulação do sistema opioidérgico durante esta fase pode promover alterações em parâmetros relacionados com o desenvolvimento dos sistemas nervoso, endócrino e reprodutivo. Em virtude disto, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi comparar os efeitos do bloqueio de receptores opioides nas células de Sertoli, utilizando o naltrexone (50 mg kg-1), durante o período proliferativo destas células em ratos Wistar. De acordo com nossos resultados, a manipulação do sistema opioidérgico durante o período pré-natal reduziu o comprimento total de túbulos seminíferos e a população de células de Sertoli em ratos adultos, porém, a produção espermática foi normal pela resposta compensatória desta célula na capacidade de suporte para espermatozoides.(AU)