Histopathological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical examination of changes in the placenta as a result of severe preeclampsia

Purpose: To investigate the role of hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and angiogenetic factor endothelin-1 (ET-1) expression in regulating hypoxia and placental development by routine histopathological methods. Methods: Twenty preeclamptic and normal placentas were used. Placenta tissue pieces were examined histopathologically after routine paraffin follow-ups. HIF-1α and ET-1 proteins were examined immunohistochemically, and placental tissues were examined ultrastructurally. Results: Increase in syncytial proliferation, endothelial damage in vessels, and increase in collagen were observed in preeclamptic placentas. As a result of preeclampsia, an increase was observed in HIF-1α and ET-1 protein levels in the placenta. Dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum and loss of cristae in mitochondria were observed in trophoblast cells in preeclamptic placental sections. Conclusion: High regulation of oxygen resulting from preeclampsia has been shown to be a critical determinant of placentagenesis and plays an important role in placental differentiation, changes in maternal and fetal blood circulation, trophoblastic invasion, and syncytial node increase. It has been thought that preeclampsia affects secretion by disrupting the endoplasmic reticulum structure and induces mitochondrial damage, and that ET-1 may potentially help in the induction of stress pathways as a result of hypoxia in preeclampsia.

Necrotizing placentitis in a cow caused by Bacillus cereus / Placentite necrotizante em uma vaca por Bacillus cereus

This report described a case of necrotizing placentitis caused by Bacillus cereus in a cow associated with abortion and maternal lethality. The etiological diagnosis of placentitis by B. cereus was based on histopathology of placenta, cytology and bacterial isolation from intrauterine aminiotic fluid in retained placenta and further characterization of the pathogen by the MALDI-TOF. Although, B. cereus abortions are sporadic, the bacterium has the ability to release necrotizing toxins that can lead to placentitis, fetal death and abortion.(AU)

Este relato descreve a placentite necrotizante causada por Bacillus cereus em uma vaca associada a aborto e mortalidade materna. O diagnóstico etiológico de placentite por B. cereus foi baseado na histopatologia da placenta, citologia e isolamento bacteriano partir do líquido aminiótico em placenta retida e identificação do patógeno pela técnica de MALDI-TOF. Embora abortos por B. cereus sejam esporádicos, a bactéria tem a capacidade de liberar toxinas necrotizantes que podem levar a placentite e aborto.(AU)

Gestação e parâmetros fisiológicos neonatais em potros muares / Pregnancy and neonatal physiological parameters in mule foals

Os muares são híbridos, provenientes do cruzamento de éguas com jumentos e que apresentam um número cromossômico diplóide (2n = 63). Estes animais herdam a combinação de traços comportamentais de ambas as espécies base, e demonstram frequentemente vigor híbrido nas suas características físicas e cognitivas. A popularidade, bem como o interesse econômico tem crescido, devido as características como docilidade, rusticidade e habilidades para atividades de trabalho e esporte. Entretanto, existe uma nítida falta de informação sobre híbridos muares, desde parâmetros gestacionais, a comportamentais, físicos e fisiológicos dos neonatos. Esta revisão, tem por objetivo trazer as informações da literatura e resultados das últimas pesquisas desenvolvidas pelo LEPPE (Laboratório de Estudos da Prenhez e Periparto em Equídeos), sobre parâmetros de éguas gestantes de potros híbridos muares, bem como parâmetros neonatais. A principal finalidade, é permitir um correto manejo e uma abordagem clínica, permitindo a identificação e intervenção precoce em problemas.

Mules are hybrids, products of mares and donkeys, with a diploid chromossomic number (2n = 63). These animals inherit a combination of behavioral traits from both species and often show hybrid vigor in their physical and cognitive characteristics. Their popularity, as well as their economic value, has increased because of their characteristics such as docility, rusticity, and ability for work and pleasure. However, there is a lack of published information about hybrid mules, such as gestational, behavioral, physical, and physiological neonatal parameters. Therefore, this review aims to bring published information and results from the most current research projects developed by LEPPE (Laboratory of the Study of Pregnancy and Peripartum in Equids), about parameters of pregnant mares with mule foals, as well as neonatal parameters. The main purpose is to assist in the correct management and clinical approach, allowing diagnosis and early intervention when there are problems.

Genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics of the normal and abnormal equine placenta: A better understanding of late gestational function and dysfunction / Genômica, transcriptômica e proteômica da placenta equina normal e anormal: um melhor entendimento da função final da gestação e disfunção

High throughput methods to assess genomics, gene (mRNA) expression, and protein composition of tissues and body fluids has led to a rapid advancement in understanding of normal and abnormal function of many body systems across a wide variety of mammalian and non-mammalian animal species. Over the past several years, our laboratory has applied these techniques to the study of normal physiology and disease of the pregnant mare, in particular for the placenta and fetal fluids. Although our understanding of the endocrine aspects of pregnancy in mares is reasonably advanced, much of our understanding related to placental function and dysfunction remains limited. This review will cover a number of studies which detail normal gestational changes in the fetal and maternal placenta along with changes in gene expression in a number of late gestational diseases of pregnancy.

Doenças do pós-parto e seus efeitos sobre a eficiência reprodutiva de vacas leiteiras / Postpartum diseases and their effects on dairy cows reproductive efficiency

O período de transição das vacas leiteiras é marcado por diversas alterações fisiológicas, metabólicas e endócrinas. Essas alterações aumentam a susceptibilidade das vacas às infecções no pósparto o que compromete bem-estar, resultando em menor desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo, levando ao aumento dos custos relacionados ao tratamento das infecções e ao descarte de leite. Dentre as doenças que acometem as vacas leiteiras no período pós-parto destacam-se as patologias relacionadas ao trato reprodutivo (retenção de placenta, metrite, endometrite clínica e subclínica) ou em outros órgãos (mastite, claudicação, problemas digestivos e respiratórios), e os distúrbios metabólicos (cetose, hipocalcemia e deslocamento de abomaso). Embora o impacto negativo das doenças no pós-parto sobre a eficiência reprodutiva de vacas leiteiras já tenha sido demonstrado por diversos estudos, os mecanismos pelos quais os processos infecciosos e inflamatórios interferem direta e/ou indiretamente no funcionamento do trato reprodutivo das vacas leiteiras ainda não foram totalmente elucidados. Sabe-se que as respostas inflamatória e imunológica frente à infecção podem influenciar processos reprodutivos como a dinâmica folicular ovariana, a esteroidogênese, a competência ovocitária, a fertilização, o desenvolvimento embrionário e a manutenção da gestação. Portanto, a ocorrência de doenças no pós-parto é um obstáculo a eficiência reprodutiva, principalmente devido à alta incidência dessas infecções nas vacas de leite. Podese concluir que a prevenção é a melhor estratégia para combater os efeitos negativos da ocorrência das doenças do pós-parto na eficiência reprodutiva, pois mesmo após a cura clínica dessas patologias a eficiência reprodutiva não é reestabelecida, e seus efeitos persistem por toda a lactação.

The transition period of dairy cows is marked by several physiological, metabolic and endocrine changes. These changes increase the susceptibility of cows to postpartum infections, which compromises welfare, resulting in lower productive and reproductive performance, leading to increased costs related to the treatment of infections and milk disposal. Among the diseases that affect dairy cows in the postpartum period are pathologies related to the reproductive tract (retention of placenta, metritis, clinical and subclinical endometritis) or to other organs (mastitis, claudication, digestive, and respiratory problems), and metabolic disorders (ketosis, hypocalcemia and abomasal displacement). Although the negative impact of postpartum diseases on dairy cows reproductive efficiency has already been demonstrated by several studies, the mechanisms by which infectious and inflammatory processes directly and/or indirectly interfere in the reproductive tract of dairy cows have not yet been fully elucidated. It is known that inflammatory and immunological responses to infection can influence reproductive processes such as ovarian follicular dynamics, steroidogenesis, oocyte competence, fertilization, embryonic development, and maintenance of pregnancy. Therefore, the occurrence of postpartum diseases is an obstacle to reproductive efficiency, mainly due to the high incidence of these infections in dairy cows. It can be concluded that prevention is the best strategy to combat the negative effects of the occurrence of postpartum diseases on reproductive efficiency, because even after the clinical cure of these pathologies reproductive efficiency is not reestablished, and its effects persist throughout lactation.

Pluripotent stem cells proliferation is associated with placentation in dogs

Pluripotent stem cells have been studied as source of cells for regenerative medicine and acquire or genetic diseases, as an innovative therapy. Most tissues have stem cells populations, however in few quantities or impossible to be used during adult life, which lead to scientists look for new sources. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the presence of pluripotent cells in the uterus and placenta, following up non-pregnant, pregnant (begin, middle, and final), and postpartum periods in dogs. The uteri were obtained from social castration programs for population control in Pirassununga, Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was collected 20 uteri at different stages. The samples were fixed and processed for immunohistochemical analysis of NANOG, OCT4 and SOX2 expression, knowing as pluripotent stem cells makers. Our results showed positive expression for NANOG, OCT4 and SOX2 in all stages of gestation and nonpregnant uterus; however, we highlight some quantitative different between stages. OCT4 showed more expression in non-pregnant uterus than NANOG and SOX2, and its expression increased in pregnant uterus. In pregnant uterus there was more expression of NANOG than OCT4 and SOX2. Interesting, no difference was found between these markers in the other periods. In conclusion, it was possible to identify pluripotent stem cells in all periods in dog placenta and uterus, however during the early stage of pregnancy we observed more pluripotent stem cells than in all the others periods confirming the high plasticity and regeneration capacity of the uterine tissue.

Pluripotent stem cells proliferation is associated with placentation in dogs

Pluripotent stem cells have been studied as source of cells for regenerative medicine and acquire or genetic diseases, as an innovative therapy. Most tissues have stem cells populations, however in few quantities or impossible to be used during adult life, which lead to scientists look for new sources. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the presence of pluripotent cells in the uterus and placenta, following up non-pregnant, pregnant (begin, middle, and final), and postpartum periods in dogs. The uteri were obtained from social castration programs for population control in Pirassununga, Sao Paulo, Brazil. It was collected 20 uteri at different stages. The samples were fixed and processed for immunohistochemical analysis of NANOG, OCT4 and SOX2 expression, knowing as pluripotent stem cells makers. Our results showed positive expression for NANOG, OCT4 and SOX2 in all stages of gestation and nonpregnant uterus; however, we highlight some quantitative different between stages. OCT4 showed more expression in non-pregnant uterus than NANOG and SOX2, and its expression increased in pregnant uterus. In pregnant uterus there was more expression of NANOG than OCT4 and SOX2. Interesting, no difference was found between these markers in the other periods. In conclusion, it was possible to identify pluripotent stem cells in all periods in dog placenta and uterus, however during the early stage of pregnancy we observed more pluripotent stem cells than in all the others periods confirming the high plasticity and regeneration capacity of the uterine tissue.(AU)

Placenta specific gene targeting to study histone lysine demethylase and androgen signaling in ruminant placenta

Reproductive efficiency is critically dependent on embryo survival, establishment of a successful pregnancy and placental development. Recent advances in gene editing technology have enabled investigators to use gene knockdown and knockout approaches to better understand the role of hormone signaling in placental function and fetal growth and development. In this review, an overview of ruminant placentation will be provided, including recent data highlighting the role of histone lysine demethylase 1A and androgen signaling in ruminant placenta and pregnancy. Studies in ruminant placenta establish a role for histone lysine demethylase 1A in controlling genetic networks necessary for important cellular events such as cell proliferation and angiogenesis, as well as androgen receptor signaling during early placentation.

Placenta specific gene targeting to study histone lysine demethylase and androgen signaling in ruminant placenta

Reproductive efficiency is critically dependent on embryo survival, establishment of a successful pregnancy and placental development. Recent advances in gene editing technology have enabled investigators to use gene knockdown and knockout approaches to better understand the role of hormone signaling in placental function and fetal growth and development. In this review, an overview of ruminant placentation will be provided, including recent data highlighting the role of histone lysine demethylase 1A and androgen signaling in ruminant placenta and pregnancy. Studies in ruminant placenta establish a role for histone lysine demethylase 1A in controlling genetic networks necessary for important cellular events such as cell proliferation and angiogenesis, as well as androgen receptor signaling during early placentation.(AU)

Epigenetic characterization of the H19/IGF2 locus in calf clones placenta / Caracterização epigenética do locus H19/IGF2 na placenta de bezerros clones

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT-Cloning) is a promising technique in many areas and is based on genetically identical individuals. However, its efficiency is low. Studies suggest that the leading cause is inadequate epigenetic reprogramming. This study aimed to characterize the methylation pattern of the exon 10 regions of the IGF2 gene and the Imprinting Control Region (ICR) of the H19 gene in the placenta of cloned calves. For this study, female and male cloned calves presenting different phenotypes were used. Genomic DNA from these animals' placenta was isolated, then treated with sodium bisulfite and amplified to the ICR/H19 and IGF2 loci. PCR products were cloned into competent bacteria and finally sequenced. A significant difference was found between controls and clones with healthy phenotypes for the ICR/H19 region. In this region, controls showed a hemimethylated pattern, as predicted in the literature due to this region has an imprinted control, while clones were showed less methylated. For the IGF2, no significant differences were found between controls and clones. These results suggest that different genomic regions in the genome may be independently reprogrammed and that failures in reprogramming the DNA methylation patterns of imprinted genes may be one of the causes of the low efficiency of SCNT.(AU)

A Transferência Nuclear de Células Somáticas (TNCS-Clonagem) é uma técnica promissora em várias áreas, e se baseia na produção de indivíduos geneticamente idênticos. No entanto, sua eficiência é baixa. Estudos sugerem que a principal causa seja uma reprogramação epigenética inadequada. O objetivo desse trabalho é caracterizar o padrão de metilação da região éxon 10 do gene IGF2 e da Região Controladora de Imprinting (ICR) do gene H19 na placenta de bezerros clonados. Para a execução do trabalho foram selecionados clones bovinos fêmeas e machos, apresentando diferentes fenótipos. O DNA da placenta desses animais foi extraído, e em seguida foi tratado com bissulfito de sódio e amplificado para os loci ICR/H19 e IGF2. Os produtos da PCR foram clonados em bactérias competentes e, por fim, sequenciados. Foi encontrada uma diferença significativa entre os controles e os clones com fenótipos saudáveis para a região da ICR/H19. Nesta região, os controles tiveram um padrão hemimetilado, como previsto pela literatura, devido essa região ser imprinted. Enquanto os clones encontravam-se menos metilados. Para a região do éxon 10 do IGF2, não foi encontrada diferença significativa entre controles e clones. Estes resultados sugerem que as diferentes regiões do genoma podem se reprogramar independente umas das outras e que falhas na reprogramação do padrão de metilação do DNA de genes imprinted podem ser uma das causas da baixa eficiência da TNCS.(AU)

Epigenetic characterization of the H19/IGF2 locus in calf clones placenta / Caracterização epigenética do locus H19/IGF2 na placenta de bezerros clones

Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT-Cloning) is a promising technique in many areas and is based on genetically identical individuals. However, its efficiency is low. Studies suggest that the leading cause is inadequate epigenetic reprogramming. This study aimed to characterize the methylation pattern of the exon 10 regions of the IGF2 gene and the Imprinting Control Region (ICR) of the H19 gene in the placenta of cloned calves. For this study, female and male cloned calves presenting different phenotypes were used. Genomic DNA from these animals' placenta was isolated, then treated with sodium bisulfite and amplified to the ICR/H19 and IGF2 loci. PCR products were cloned into competent bacteria and finally sequenced. A significant difference was found between controls and clones with healthy phenotypes for the ICR/H19 region. In this region, controls showed a hemimethylated pattern, as predicted in the literature due to this region has an imprinted control, while clones were showed less methylated. For the IGF2, no significant differences were found between controls and clones. These results suggest that different genomic regions in the genome may be independently reprogrammed and that failures in reprogramming the DNA methylation patterns of imprinted genes may be one of the causes of the low efficiency of SCNT.(AU)

A Transferência Nuclear de Células Somáticas (TNCS-Clonagem) é uma técnica promissora em várias áreas, e se baseia na produção de indivíduos geneticamente idênticos. No entanto, sua eficiência é baixa. Estudos sugerem que a principal causa seja uma reprogramação epigenética inadequada. O objetivo desse trabalho é caracterizar o padrão de metilação da região éxon 10 do gene IGF2 e da Região Controladora de Imprinting (ICR) do gene H19 na placenta de bezerros clonados. Para a execução do trabalho foram selecionados clones bovinos fêmeas e machos, apresentando diferentes fenótipos. O DNA da placenta desses animais foi extraído, e em seguida foi tratado com bissulfito de sódio e amplificado para os loci ICR/H19 e IGF2. Os produtos da PCR foram clonados em bactérias competentes e, por fim, sequenciados. Foi encontrada uma diferença significativa entre os controles e os clones com fenótipos saudáveis para a região da ICR/H19. Nesta região, os controles tiveram um padrão hemimetilado, como previsto pela literatura, devido essa região ser imprinted. Enquanto os clones encontravam-se menos metilados. Para a região do éxon 10 do IGF2, não foi encontrada diferença significativa entre controles e clones. Estes resultados sugerem que as diferentes regiões do genoma podem se reprogramar independente umas das outras e que falhas na reprogramação do padrão de metilação do DNA de genes imprinted podem ser uma das causas da baixa eficiência da TNCS.(AU)

Imunodetecção de Toxoplasma gondii em tecido placentário de cabras naturalmente infectadas / Immunodetection of Toxoplasma gondii in placenta tissue of naturally infected goats

A imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) é considerada uma ferramenta rápida e precisa para a identificação de protozoários, como Toxoplasma gondii, em tecidos fetais e placentários. Neste estudo foi avaliada a imunodetecção de Toxoplasma gondii em tecido placentário de cabras naturalmente infectadas. Foram coletadas e analisadas 80 amostras de placentas de cabras procedentes de único rebanho com sorologia positiva para T. gondii na técnica de ELISA. Na histopatologia, 27/80 amostras apresentaram lesões sugestivas de infecção por protozoários. Após a avaliação histopatológica, procedeu-se à realização da técnica de imuno-histoquímica, obtendo-se 85,2% (23/27) de amostras com marcação positiva. A imunodetecção ocorreu no epitélio de revestimento das vilosidades coriônicas e foi classificada de acordo com o grau de intensidade da imunomarcação. Também foi evidenciada imunomarcação no interior dos vasos sanguíneos fetais em 8,69% (2/23) das amostras. Este estudo demonstrou que a técnica de IHQ se comportou como uma ferramenta valiosa no diagnóstico da infeção por T. gondii em tecido placentário de cabras naturalmente infectadas e complementou, de forma decisiva, o diagnóstico, além de agregar maior valor aos resultados obtidos nas análises histopatológica e sorológica.(AU)

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is considered to be a rapid and accurate tool for the identification of protozoa such as Toxoplasma gondii in fetal and placental tissues. In this study, we evaluated the immunodetection of Toxoplasma gondii in placental tissue from naturally infected goats. A total of 80 samples of goat placentas from a single herd with positive ELISA serology for T. gondii were collected and analyzed. In the histopathology, 27/80 samples presented lesions suggestive of protozoal infection. After the histopathological evaluation, the immunohistochemistry technique was performed, obtaining 85.2% (23/27) of samples with positive marking. Immunodetection occurred in the lining epithelium of the chorionic villi and was classified according to the degree of intensity of the immunostaining. Immunostaining within the fetal blood vessels was also evidenced in 8.69% (2/23) of the samples. This study demonstrated that the IHQ technique behaved as a valuable tool in the diagnosis of T. gondii infection in placental tissue of naturally infected goats completing the diagnosis in a decisive way and adding greater value to the results obtained in the histopathological and serological analysis.(AU)

Imunodetecção de Toxoplasma gondii em tecido placentário de cabras naturalmente infectadas / Immunodetection of Toxoplasma gondii in placenta tissue of naturally infected goats

A imuno-histoquímica (IHQ) é considerada uma ferramenta rápida e precisa para a identificação de protozoários, como Toxoplasma gondii, em tecidos fetais e placentários. Neste estudo foi avaliada a imunodetecção de Toxoplasma gondii em tecido placentário de cabras naturalmente infectadas. Foram coletadas e analisadas 80 amostras de placentas de cabras procedentes de único rebanho com sorologia positiva para T. gondii na técnica de ELISA. Na histopatologia, 27/80 amostras apresentaram lesões sugestivas de infecção por protozoários. Após a avaliação histopatológica, procedeu-se à realização da técnica de imuno-histoquímica, obtendo-se 85,2% (23/27) de amostras com marcação positiva. A imunodetecção ocorreu no epitélio de revestimento das vilosidades coriônicas e foi classificada de acordo com o grau de intensidade da imunomarcação. Também foi evidenciada imunomarcação no interior dos vasos sanguíneos fetais em 8,69% (2/23) das amostras. Este estudo demonstrou que a técnica de IHQ se comportou como uma ferramenta valiosa no diagnóstico da infeção por T. gondii em tecido placentário de cabras naturalmente infectadas e complementou, de forma decisiva, o diagnóstico, além de agregar maior valor aos resultados obtidos nas análises histopatológica e sorológica.(AU)

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is considered to be a rapid and accurate tool for the identification of protozoa such as Toxoplasma gondii in fetal and placental tissues. In this study, we evaluated the immunodetection of Toxoplasma gondii in placental tissue from naturally infected goats. A total of 80 samples of goat placentas from a single herd with positive ELISA serology for T. gondii were collected and analyzed. In the histopathology, 27/80 samples presented lesions suggestive of protozoal infection. After the histopathological evaluation, the immunohistochemistry technique was performed, obtaining 85.2% (23/27) of samples with positive marking. Immunodetection occurred in the lining epithelium of the chorionic villi and was classified according to the degree of intensity of the immunostaining. Immunostaining within the fetal blood vessels was also evidenced in 8.69% (2/23) of the samples. This study demonstrated that the IHQ technique behaved as a valuable tool in the diagnosis of T. gondii infection in placental tissue of naturally infected goats completing the diagnosis in a decisive way and adding greater value to the results obtained in the histopathological and serological analysis.(AU)

Fatores de risco associados à retenção de placenta em vacas holandesas / Risk factors associated to retained placenta in Holstein cows

Background: Retained placenta (RP) is characterized by a failure to remove the fetal membranes within the first 12-24h after calving. This condition appears to be related to a decrease in neutrophil activity and to the suppression of the immune response in the prepartum period. The specific reasons for some cows to retain the placenta after parturition is stillnot fully understood, but numerous predisposing factors have been related, which may include mechanical, nutritional,infectious and handling factors. The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of retained placenta in dairy cowsand to correlate the main predisposing factors related.Materials, Methods & Results: This study was conducted in nine dairy farms located in the Rio Grande do Sul state,Brazil, with an average of 45 lactating dairy cows producing 10,100 kg / dairy cow in a period of 305 days. The total dietfor postpartum cows was estimated to meet or exceed the requirements of dairy cows according to previously establishedguidelines (NRC 2001). A total of 393 calving Holstein cows (126 primiparous and 267 multiparous) were analyzed, ofwhich 203 were kept in a semi-confined production system (free-stall and pasture system) and 190 animals were kept ina free-stall production system. Statistically, the cows were the experimental unit, and the results were analyzed using thePearson’s Chi-squared test or Fisher’s exact test for the comparisons of occurrence of peripartum disorders. In addition,linear and logistic regression models were constructed to determine the effect of the dependent variable on the other indicators, which may be continuous or categorical. Possible correlations of the occurrence of peripartum disorders relatedto production system (free-stall or semi-confined), calving order (primiparous or multiparous), season of the year (heator cold), ECC at calving (1 to 5), calf sex, rectal temperature and dystocia were analyzed. Of the 393 deliveries followedup in...

Fatores de risco associados à retenção de placenta em vacas holandesas / Risk factors associated to retained placenta in Holstein cows

Background: Retained placenta (RP) is characterized by a failure to remove the fetal membranes within the first 12-24h after calving. This condition appears to be related to a decrease in neutrophil activity and to the suppression of the immune response in the prepartum period. The specific reasons for some cows to retain the placenta after parturition is stillnot fully understood, but numerous predisposing factors have been related, which may include mechanical, nutritional,infectious and handling factors. The aim of this study was to analyze the occurrence of retained placenta in dairy cowsand to correlate the main predisposing factors related.Materials, Methods & Results: This study was conducted in nine dairy farms located in the Rio Grande do Sul state,Brazil, with an average of 45 lactating dairy cows producing 10,100 kg / dairy cow in a period of 305 days. The total dietfor postpartum cows was estimated to meet or exceed the requirements of dairy cows according to previously establishedguidelines (NRC 2001). A total of 393 calving Holstein cows (126 primiparous and 267 multiparous) were analyzed, ofwhich 203 were kept in a semi-confined production system (free-stall and pasture system) and 190 animals were kept ina free-stall production system. Statistically, the cows were the experimental unit, and the results were analyzed using thePearsons Chi-squared test or Fishers exact test for the comparisons of occurrence of peripartum disorders. In addition,linear and logistic regression models were constructed to determine the effect of the dependent variable on the other indicators, which may be continuous or categorical. Possible correlations of the occurrence of peripartum disorders relatedto production system (free-stall or semi-confined), calving order (primiparous or multiparous), season of the year (heator cold), ECC at calving (1 to 5), calf sex, rectal temperature and dystocia were analyzed. Of the 393 deliveries followedup in...(AU)

Intrauterine growth restriction: screening and diagnosis using animal models

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a serious condition of multifactorial origin, mainly caused by maternal malnutrition, multiple gestation associated with nutrient competition, abuse of nocive substances and infections. The diagnosis of such syndrome is complex, as its own manifestations can mask its occurrence, requiring a thorough assessment of body weight and size. Moreover, it is not responsive to any kind of treatment. There is evidence that IUGR may predispose the individual to several pathologies, such as diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome in adulthood, and it has also been linked to thrifty phenotype hypothesis. Thus, a healthy lifestyle is needed to better prevent those pathologies. Given the world high prevalence and importance of IUGR, mainly in developing countries, this review is focused on discussing how different animal models contribute to the biological screening and diagnosis of this condition.

Intrauterine growth restriction: screening and diagnosis using animal models

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a serious condition of multifactorial origin, mainly caused by maternal malnutrition, multiple gestation associated with nutrient competition, abuse of nocive substances and infections. The diagnosis of such syndrome is complex, as its own manifestations can mask its occurrence, requiring a thorough assessment of body weight and size. Moreover, it is not responsive to any kind of treatment. There is evidence that IUGR may predispose the individual to several pathologies, such as diabetes, hypertension and metabolic syndrome in adulthood, and it has also been linked to thrifty phenotype hypothesis. Thus, a healthy lifestyle is needed to better prevent those pathologies. Given the world high prevalence and importance of IUGR, mainly in developing countries, this review is focused on discussing how different animal models contribute to the biological screening and diagnosis of this condition.(AU)

Evolution of placentation in cattle and antelope

Bovids have enjoyed great evolutionary success as evidenced by the large number of extant species. Several important domestic animals are from this family. They derive from both subfamilies: cattle and their kin belong to Bovinae and sheep and goats to Antilopinae. The premise of this review, therefore, is that evolution of reproduction and placentation is best understood in a context that includes antelope-like bovines and antelopes. Many key features of placentation, including hormone secretion, had evolved before bovids emerged as a distinct group. Variation nevertheless occurs. Most striking is the difference in fusion of the binucleate trophoblast cell with uterine epithelium that yields a transient trinucleate cell in bovines and many antelopes, but a more persistent syncytium in wildebeest, sheep and goat. There is considerable variation in placentome number and villus branching within the placentome. Many antelopes have right-sided implantation in a bicornuate uterus whilst others have a uterus duplex. Finally, there has been continued evolution of placental hormones with tandem duplication of PAG genes in cattle, differences in glycosylation of placental lactogen and the emergence of placental growth hormone in sheep and goats. The selection pressures driving this evolution are unknown though maternal-fetal competition for nutrients is an attractive hypothesis.

Evolution of placentation in cattle and antelope

Bovids have enjoyed great evolutionary success as evidenced by the large number of extant species. Several important domestic animals are from this family. They derive from both subfamilies: cattle and their kin belong to Bovinae and sheep and goats to Antilopinae. The premise of this review, therefore, is that evolution of reproduction and placentation is best understood in a context that includes antelope-like bovines and antelopes. Many key features of placentation, including hormone secretion, had evolved before bovids emerged as a distinct group. Variation nevertheless occurs. Most striking is the difference in fusion of the binucleate trophoblast cell with uterine epithelium that yields a transient trinucleate cell in bovines and many antelopes, but a more persistent syncytium in wildebeest, sheep and goat. There is considerable variation in placentome number and villus branching within the placentome. Many antelopes have right-sided implantation in a bicornuate uterus whilst others have a uterus duplex. Finally, there has been continued evolution of placental hormones with tandem duplication of PAG genes in cattle, differences in glycosylation of placental lactogen and the emergence of placental growth hormone in sheep and goats. The selection pressures driving this evolution are unknown though maternal-fetal competition for nutrients is an attractive hypothesis.(AU)

Mid-pregnancy ewe shearing and the effects on fetus liver and muscle glycoprotein deposits

The reason why shearing ewes in midpregnancy does increase the lamb birth weight is not completely clears. Therefore, we focused on the analyses of the deposition of glycogen in different fetal tissues to investigate this issue. Thirteen pregnant Australian Merino ewes, raised in native pasture, were separated in two groups. One group (n = 7) was shorn (SE) at 70 days of pregnancy, whereas another group (n = 6) remained unshorn (NSE). Cesarean section was conducted in all the ewes at near parturition, when placenta and fetuses sampling were collected. Placenta, liver and muscle samples were fixed and stained with glycoproteinreactive acid-Schiff acid for analysis under light microscopy. The quantification of these glycoproteins was performed with the support of a program that analyzes the measurement of the intensity of staining by field. Five random fields from each sample were used, where statistical analyzes was used as normal test T. Among the analyzed regions, the deposition of glycoprotein between SE and NSE groups was statistically different in the hepatic portal vein (54,499.23 µm2 in SE and 34,830.73 µm2 in NSE) and in the total muscle area of the sample fragment (41,128, 7 µm2 and 31,942.7 µm2 , respectively; P < 0.05). We conclude that shearing ewes at the 70th day of gestation lead to accumulation of glycoproteins in the liver and muscle of fetuses, which may be responsible for the increase in birth weights in that group.(AU)