Diagnosis of transmissible venereal tumors in bitches - platelet indices are a remarkable marker?

Background: Hematological analyses are seen as more preferred laboratory analyses in canine transmissible venereal tumor studies. There is no information about the availability of platelets and their indices in routine practice in canine transmissible venereal tumor cases. Taking this as a starting point, this study analyzed the usefulness of platelet indices in dogs with transmissible venereal tumor in clinical laboratory diagnosis as well as examined the relationship between white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets (PLT), main platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit (PCT), and the ratio of main platelet volume to platelets (MPV/PLT). Materials, Methods & Results: In the study, a total of 42 bitches of various breeds were used. Nineteen healthy bitches were used as a control group, and the others 23 with cTVT as a study group. Metastasis was not observed in any of the bitches involved in the study. History, clinical findings, and cytological examinations were evaluated for the diagnosis of cTVT. In animals with hemorrhagic discharge and neoplastic lesions, a vaginal cytological examination was performed. Typical TVT cells with large nuclei and intracytoplasmic vacuoles were observed in the vaginal cytological examinations, and the diagnosis of TVT was made. Healthy bitches (19) and those with TVT (23) were 39.16 5.37 months and 47.61 5.14 months old, respectively. From all animals, 2 mL blood samples were collected from V. cephalica to evaluate PIs in the complete blood count (CBC). Collected blood samples were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer. As a result of the analysis, WBC, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCHC, RDW, PLT, MPV, PDW, PCT, and MPV/PLT data were obtained. Mild leukocytosis, an increase in PLT, and a decrease in MCV and MPV/PLT were determined in the study group compared to the control group. Cut-off values in CBC of bitches with TVT were determined as WBC: 13.35 (sensitivity: 78%; specificity: 90%); MCV: 67 (sensitivity: 57%; specificity: 95%); PLT: 315.50 (sensitivity: 65%; specificity: 74%); and MPV/PLT: 0.028 (sensitivity: 78%; specificity: 58%). In CBC analyses, a strong negative correlation between PLT and MPV/PLT was detected in both groups. Discussion: Canine transmissible venereal tumors are common in both stray and pet dogs. It is naturally transferred from animal to animal during mating by live tumor cells. This tumor can commonly affect the external genitalia and internal organs in some cases. It generally has the look of cauliflower, and its surface is ulcerated, inflammatory, hemorrhagic, and infectious. More preferred laboratory analyses are complete blood count and blood chemistry analysis in cTVT for to evaluate the success of treatments. Platelet indices have been investigated in many diseases such as endotoxemia, chronic enteropathy, mammary tumor, parvoviral enteritis, septic peritonitis, lymphoma, pyometra, visceral leishmaniasis, and babesiosis in dogs. There is no information available for either diagnostic or prognostic use of the PIs in canine TVT cases. Ultimately, in light of the presented study's results, platelet indices, especially PLT and the MPV/PLT ratio, seem to be notable laboratory markers in terms of easy accessibility and low-cost assessment techniques in canine transmissible venereal tumor cases. New data, however, should be established by a thorough follow-up study using a larger sample size and addressing its usefulness as a diagnostic or prognostic marker in canine transmissible venereal tumors.

Pyometra in queens - changes in haemato-biochemical parameters

Background: Pyometra is a bacterial and hormone-induced reproductive disease that occurs in the post-estrus luteal phase in intact queens. Pyometra is more common in the diestrus period due to the high progesterone concentration (in queens that mated, spontaneously ovulated, or were induced to ovulate). However, it can also be seen due to the use of exogenous hormones such as progesterone for the suppression of estrus. More research is needed in cases of pyometra in queens, as well as in bitches. Because, considering that the pathogenesis and characteristics of feline pyometra is similar to bitches, studies on pyometra-affected bitches are taken as reference in studies and applications on queens. From this point of view, the aims of this study were to reveal the changes in complete blood count, blood gas, and serum biochemistry parameters in feline pyometra cases and to determine the correlation between the mentioned parameters. Materials, Methods & Results: In the study, a total of 25 female cats of different breeds were used, between the ages of 6 months and 7 years, 15 were diagnosed with pyometra, and 10 healthy. Anamnesis, clinical findings, and ultrasonographic examinations were used in the diagnosis of pyometra. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed on queens brought to the clinic with complaints such as anorexia, polydipsia, polyuria, abdominal tension, and fever. The control group (n =10) consisted of queens that were introduced to the clinic and were reproductively healthy. Before any treatment in queens with pyometra and the control group, 1 mL blood samples were taken from v. cephalica to evaluate complete blood count, blood gases and serum biochemistry parameters. In complete WBC, Lym, Mon, Gra, RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH and PLT parameters and, blood gas parameters such as pH, pCO2 , pO2 , sO2 , Na, K, Cl, lactate, glucose, HCO3 , and BE were also evaluated in taken blood samples. Biochemical parameters BUN, creatinine, ALT, AST, ALP, amylase, T.BIL, D.BIL, P, CHOL, TG, LDH, TP, CPK, ALP, Ca, GGT were measured in serum samples. After examination and laboratory analysis, ovariohysterectomy was performed on queens as a treatment. Granulocyte, WBC, HCT and MCH levels of the pyometra group were higher (P < 0.05) and Lym levels were lower (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. According to these results, pH, HCO3 , and BE were lower (P < 0.05) in queens with pyometra than those in the control group, while Na and lactate parameters were higher (P < 0.05). According to the results of biochemical analysis, it was determined that BUN, creatinine levels, GGT, and LDH enzyme activities were found to be higher in the pyometra group compared to the control group, while the Ca level was found to be low (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between BUN and creatinine and LDH, WBC, granulocyte, HCT, and lactate, and a negative correlation between lymphocytes, pH, and BE in the correlation analysis performed on queens with pyometra and control group. However, a positive correlation was observed between creatinine and LDH and HCT, and a negative correlation between lymphocyte, pH and BE. Discussion: There is not enough information about pyometra in queens. As a result, it was determined that there were significant changes in complete blood count, blood gases and serum biochemical parameters in queens with pyometra in this study. These changes were generally thought to be related to dehydration and sepsis or endotoxemia. In addition, it was evaluated that prerenal azotemia occurring in pyometra affected queens may cause renal dysfunction. For this reason, it is thought that the results obtained in the presented study may contribute to the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of pyometra cases in queens.

ESBL in positive hemoculture of a Southern-Brazil Teaching Hospital's Intensive Care Units / ESBL em hemoculturas positivas das Unidades de Terapia Intensiva de um Hospital Universitário do sul do Brasil

Bloodstream infections are among the most serious and frequent infections, and the people most exposed are patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). ESBL (extended-spectrum beta-lactate) are resistant bacteria to penicillins, cephalosporins and monobactams. It´s necessary to know how often and which microorganisms are involved, checking their susceptibility. This study was carried out at the University Hospital. Data collection was performed in the Adult and Newborn ICUs, with assessment of microorganisms and their resistance profile. During six-month period, 156 samples were studied, and 42 were positive with microorganism isolation. Isolated species include Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Many resistant to carbapenem.

ESBL in Positive Hemoculture of a Southern-Brazil Teaching Hospital's Intensive Care Units As infecções da corrente sanguínea estão entre as infecções mais graves e frequentes, e os indivíduos mais expostos são os pacientes da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI). As ESBL (Beta-Lactamase de Espectro Estendido) são bactérias resistentes a penicilinas, cefalosporinas e monobactâmicos. Se faz necessário saber com que frequência e quais microrganismos estão envolvidos, verificando sua suscetibilidade. Este estudo foi realizado no Hospital Universitário. A coleta de dados foi realizada nas UTIs Adulto e Neonatal, com avaliação dos microrganismos e seu perfil de resistência. Durante o período de seis meses, foram estudadas 156 amostras, sendo 42 positivas com isolamento dos microrganismos. As espécies isoladas incluem Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis e Klebsiella pneumoniae. Muitos resistentes aos carbapenêmicos.

Accuracy evaluation of two portable blood glucose meters in feline patients using whole blood samples / Avaliação da acurácia de dois glicosímetros portáteis em amostras de sangue total de pacientes felinos

Using portable blood glucose meters (PBGMs) to measure blood glucose (BG) concentration is a common procedure in veterinary practice. Our objective was to evaluate the analytical and clinical accuracy of a human PBGM (Accu-Chek Performa®), (AC) and a veterinary PBGM (GlucoCalea®), (GC) in feline patients. Central venous blood samples were collected from 48 cats at a Brazilian Veterinary teaching hospital. Two devices from each model were used and compared to a reference method (RM). Analytical accuracy was assessed according to ISO 15197:2013 requirements for human PBGMs. Data were compared using Wilcoxon's nonparametric test and represented by Bland-Altman plots. Hematocrit's effect on BG measurements was evaluated by the Spearman correlation coefficient. Clinical accuracy was determined using error grid analysis (EGA). Values of BG were significantly higher in all PBGMs compared to the RM. Although ISO's analytical accuracy requirements could not be met by any of the devices, AC meters were more accurate than GC meters. All AC measurements - but not GC ones - were within zones A and B of the EGA, meeting ISO requirements for clinical accuracy. Significant hematocrit interference was observed in all devices. Therefore, AC showed greater accuracy compared to GC using feline whole blood samples.

O uso de glicosímetros portáteis (GPs) para aferição da glicemia é um procedimento comum na rotina clínica veterinária. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a acurácia analítica e clínica de um GP humano (Accu-Chek Performa®), (AC) e um GP veterinário (GlucoCalea®), (GC) em gatos. Amostras de sangue venoso central foram coletadas de 48 gatos atendidos em um hospital veterinário-escola no Brasil. Foram utilizados dois GPs de cada modelo e comparados a um método de referência (MR). A acurácia analítica foi avaliada de acordo com os requisitos estipulados pela ISO 15197:2013 para GPs de uso humano. Os dados foram comparados pelo teste não-paramétrico de Wilcoxon e representados em gráficos de Bland-Altman. O efeito do hematócrito sobre os valores de glicemia foi avaliado pelo coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. A acurácia clínica foi avaliada pela análise da grade de erros (AGE). Em comparação com o MR, os valores de glicemia foram maiores em todos os GPs avaliados. Nenhum deles atendeu aos requisitos da ISO quanto à acurácia analítica, mas o AC mostrou-se mais acurado que o GC. Todos os valores de glicemia obtidos pelos GPs humanos - mas não pelos GPs veterinários - estiveram dentro das zonas A e B da AGE, demonstrando acurácia clínica de acordo com as exigências da ISO. A interferência do hematócrito da amostra mostrou-se significativa em todos os aparelhos testados. Portanto, o AC apresentou maior acurácia quando comparado ao GC em amostras de sangue total em felinos.

Morphometric analysis on erythrocytes of various livestock being reared in the Cholistan desert / Análise morfométrica de eritrócitos de vários pecuários criados no deserto de Colistão

The present study aimed to assess the influence of physiological exposure to erythrocyte indices; the morphometric parameters of the size of erythrocytes, as well as synergistic effects on the erythrocyte spectrum changes in various species being reared in different strip-wasteland conditions. We collected samples from 400 animals from the jugular veins and made 2000 blood smears, sample blood was taken by an expert veterinary doctor and transferred into an EDTA vacutainer. Blood smears were stained through the Pappenheim procedure and slides were photomicrographed under 100x objective. The parameters of morphometry of erythrocytes were largest in cattle after buffalo, sheep, while goats have the lowest one. The influence of age was significant p<0.05. The influence of sex was not significant in Cattle p<0.01, values of a parameter of erythrocytes were higher in young than in adults in sheep, goats, cattle, and buffalo. The size of erythrocytes in males was higher than females in sheep, goat, and buffalo but in cattle values of female erythrocytes were higher than in males. Further, gender, altitude, and age have a profound influence on the morphometric attributes of erythrocytes. It will be helpful in interpreting etiopathogenetic conditions in human beings and other animals.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a influência da exposição fisiológica nos índices eritrocitários; os parâmetros morfométricos do tamanho dos eritrócitos, bem como os efeitos sinérgicos sobre as alterações do espectro eritrocitário em várias espécies criadas em diferentes condições de terreno baldio. Coletamos amostras de 400 animais das veias jugulares e fizemos 2.000 esfregaços de sangue, a amostra de sangue foi colhida por um médico veterinário especialista e transferida para um vacutainer de EDTA. Esfregaços de sangue foram corados pelo procedimento de Pappenheim e as lâminas foram fotomicrografadas sob objetiva de 100x. Os parâmetros de morfometria dos eritrócitos foram maiores em bovinos após bubalinos, ovinos, enquanto os caprinos apresentaram os menores. A influência da idade foi significativa p<0,05. A influência do sexo não foi significativa em Bovinos p<0,01, os valores de um parâmetro de eritrócitos foram maiores em jovens do que em adultos em ovinos, caprinos, bovinos e bubalinos. O tamanho dos eritrócitos nos machos foi maior que nas fêmeas em ovinos, caprinos e búfalos, mas em bovinos os valores de eritrócitos femininos foram maiores do que nos machos. Além disso, sexo, altitude e idade têm uma profunda influência nos atributos morfométricos dos eritrócitos. Será útil na interpretação de condições etiopatogenéticas em seres humanos e outros animais.

Comparing modified Lee and White method against 20-minute whole blood clotting test as bedside coagulation screening test in snake envenomation victims

Abstract Background: Twenty-minute whole blood clotting test (20WBCT) and Modified Lee and White (MLW) method are the most routinely employed bedside tests for detecting coagulopathic snake envenomation. Our study compared the diagnostic utility of MLW and 20WBCT for snakebite victims at a tertiary care hospital in Central Kerala, South India. Methods: This single-center study recruited 267 patients admitted with snake bites. 20WBCT and MLW were performed simultaneously at admission along with the measurement of Prothrombin Time (PT). The diagnostic utility of 20WBCT and MLW was determined by comparing the sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), positive and negative predictive values, likelihood ratios, and accuracy at admission with an INR value > 1.4. Results: Out of 267 patients, 20 (7.5%) patients had VICC. Amongst those who had venom-induced consumption coagulopathy (VICC), MLW was prolonged for 17 patients, (Sn 85% 95% confidence interval [CI]: 61.1-96.0) whereas 20WBCT was abnormal for 11 patients (Sn 55%, 95% CI: 32.04-76.17). MLW and 20WBCT were falsely positive for the same patient (Sp 99.6%, 95% CI: 97.4-99.9%). Conclusion: MLW is more sensitive than 20WBCT to detect coagulopathy at the bedside amongst snakebite victims. However, further studies are necessary for standardizing bedside coagulation tests in snakebite cases.

Effect of monochrome light with different wavelengths on biochemical parameters of hens

Artificial light, as one of the environmental factors, plays a significant role in regulating the synthesis and secretion of hormones related to the coordination of parameters of life, growth, immunity, and reproductive functions of hens. The article aims to study the influence of monochrome light with different wavelengths on the biochemical parameters of hens` blood serum. Four groups of "Hy-Line W-36" crossbred hens were formed. Hens of the 1st group were kept using monochrome light with different wavelength lamps with a wavelength of ~ 460 nm, the 2nd group ~ 600 nm, the 3rd group ~ 630 nm, and the 4th group ~ 650 nm. It was found that the use of light with different wavelengths for keeping hens in cages of multilevel batteries affects hen' biochemical parameters, according to the research results. It was established that when using light with a wavelength of ~ 630 and ~ 650 nm, the indicators of clinical biochemistry of hens' blood serum were within the normal physiological values. Whereas, with the use of light with a wavelength of ~ 600 nm, an increase in the level of glucose, creatinine, total protein, total bilirubin, and phosphorus, a decrease in the ratio of calcium to phosphorus, in the activity of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase, were observed in the hens' blood serum. The use of light with a wavelength of ~ 460 nm was accompanied by a further increase in the level of glucose, creatinine, total protein, urea, total bilirubin, phosphorus, the activity of alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase, a decrease in the ratio of calcium and phosphorus.

Hipertensão situacional em cães dóceis adultos / Situational hypertension in docile adult dogs

A hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) é uma enfermidade silenciosa que pode afetar gatos e cães. Embora bastante descrita em felinos, a "Síndrome do Jaleco Branco", ou hipertensão situacional, é pouco relatada em cães. Assim, este trabalho tem como objetivo mostrar a importância do estresse na aferição da pressão arterial de cães adultos. O estudo foi realizado com 46 cães de ambos os sexos, dóceis, adultos, e aparentemente saudáveis. Após anamnese, exame físico, ambientação e manejo amigável dos animais, mensurou-se a pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) pelo método Doppler no membro torácico. Foram feitas várias aferições para obtenção de média aritmética. Animais com até 160mmHg de PAS, na primeira aferição, foram considerados normotensos (36 cães, correspondente a 78,26%). Para os que tiveram PAS maior ou igual a 160mmHg (dez cães, equivalente a 21,74%), realizou-se um segundo momento de aferição, após 15 a 30 minutos, com os animais em repouso. Assim, seis desses cães apresentaram PAS entre 154mmHg e 200mmHg, sendo, então, um considerado pré-hipertenso e cinco hipertensos, e outros quatro considerados normotensos. Para o animal com pré-hipertensão e para os hipertensos, realizaram-se exames complementares, pelos quais quatro cães foram diagnosticados com doença renal crônica e dois com dislipidemia familiar dos Schnauzers. Dessa forma, pode-se concluir que, dos 46 cães avaliados, 36 apresentaram-se normotensos (78,26%), um pré-hipertenso (2,17%), cinco hipertensos (10,87%) e quatro com hipertensão situacional (8,7%). Portanto, para cães em ambiente hospitalar, é importante realizar um manejo amigável e, quando necessário, mais de um momento de aferição de PAS para evitar diagnósticos errôneos de HAS.

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is a silent disease that can affect cats and dogs. Although well described in felines, "white coat syndrome", or situational hypertension, is little reported in dogs. Thus, this paper aims to show the importance of stress in the measurement of blood pressure from adult dogs. The study was conducted with 46 dogs of both sexes, docile, adults, apparently healthy. After anamnesis, physical examination, ambiance, and friendly management of animals, systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by the doppler method in the thoracic limb. Several measurements were made to obtain an arithmetic average. Animals up to 160mmHg of SBP, in the first measurement, were considered normotensive (36 dogs, corresponding to 78.26%). For those with SBP higher than or equal to 160mmHg (10 dogs, equivalent to 21.74%), a second measurement was performed after 15 to 30 minutes, with the animals at rest. Therefore, six of these dogs presented SBP between 154mmHg and 200mmHg (one considered prehypertense and five hypertensives) and four normotensives. For the animal with prehypertension and the hypertensives, complementary examinations were performed, in which four dogs were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and two with family dyslipidemia of the Schnauzers. Thus, it can be concluded that among the 46 dogs evaluated, there were 36 normotenses (78.26%), a one prehypertense (2.17%), five hypertensives (10.87%), and four with situational hypertension (8.7%). Therefore, regarding dogs in a hospital environment, it is important to perform friendly management and, when necessary, more than one moment of SBP measurement to avoid erroneous diagnoses of SAH.

Accuracy evaluation of two portable blood glucose meters in feline patients using whole blood samples / Avaliação da acurácia de dois glicosímetros portáteis em amostras de sangue total de pacientes felinos

ABSTRACT: Using portable blood glucose meters (PBGMs) to measure blood glucose (BG) concentration is a common procedure in veterinary practice. Our objective was to evaluate the analytical and clinical accuracy of a human PBGM (Accu-Chek Performa®), (AC) and a veterinary PBGM (GlucoCalea®), (GC) in feline patients. Central venous blood samples were collected from 48 cats at a Brazilian Veterinary teaching hospital. Two devices from each model were used and compared to a reference method (RM). Analytical accuracy was assessed according to ISO 15197:2013 requirements for human PBGMs. Data were compared using Wilcoxon's nonparametric test and represented by Bland-Altman plots. Hematocrit's effect on BG measurements was evaluated by the Spearman correlation coefficient. Clinical accuracy was determined using error grid analysis (EGA). Values of BG were significantly higher in all PBGMs compared to the RM. Although ISO's analytical accuracy requirements could not be met by any of the devices, AC meters were more accurate than GC meters. All AC measurements - but not GC ones - were within zones A and B of the EGA, meeting ISO requirements for clinical accuracy. Significant hematocrit interference was observed in all devices. Therefore, AC showed greater accuracy compared to GC using feline whole blood samples.

RESUMO: O uso de glicosímetros portáteis (GPs) para aferição da glicemia é um procedimento comum na rotina clínica veterinária. O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a acurácia analítica e clínica de um GP humano (Accu-Chek Performa®), (AC) e um GP veterinário (GlucoCalea®), (GC) em gatos. Amostras de sangue venoso central foram coletadas de 48 gatos atendidos em um hospital veterinário-escola no Brasil. Foram utilizados dois GPs de cada modelo e comparados a um método de referência (MR). A acurácia analítica foi avaliada de acordo com os requisitos estipulados pela ISO 15197:2013 para GPs de uso humano. Os dados foram comparados pelo teste não-paramétrico de Wilcoxon e representados em gráficos de Bland-Altman. O efeito do hematócrito sobre os valores de glicemia foi avaliado pelo coeficiente de correlação de Spearman. A acurácia clínica foi avaliada pela análise da grade de erros (AGE). Em comparação com o MR, os valores de glicemia foram maiores em todos os GPs avaliados. Nenhum deles atendeu aos requisitos da ISO quanto à acurácia analítica, mas o AC mostrou-se mais acurado que o GC. Todos os valores de glicemia obtidos pelos GPs humanos - mas não pelos GPs veterinários - estiveram dentro das zonas A e B da AGE, demonstrando acurácia clínica de acordo com as exigências da ISO. A interferência do hematócrito da amostra mostrou-se significativa em todos os aparelhos testados. Portanto, o AC apresentou maior acurácia quando comparado ao GC em amostras de sangue total em felinos.

Phagocytotic activity and gene expression of leukocytes isolated from Astyanax lacustris / Atividade fagocítica e expressão gênica de leucócitos isolados de Astyanax lacustris

The constant intensification of aquaculture has considerable increased the stress levels of farmed fish and, consequently, the number and intensity of diseases outbreaks. Thus, studies on fish immune response, especially regarding the interaction of fish leukocytes with potential pathogens and xenobiotics are of great importance in order to develop new prophylactic and curative strategies. We isolated leukocytes from the head kidney of Astyanax lacustris­an important Neotropical fish species for aquaculture and a potential model for Neotropical aquaculture research­using a Percoll centrifugation protocol. The isolated leukocytes were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the expression of genes IL-1ß, IL-8, LysC, and LysG were measured. We assessed the phagocytotic activity of leukocytes using Congo red-dyed yeast, a novel and cost-effective protocol that has been developed in this study. The isolated leukocytes responded to LPS induction, exhibiting strong IL-1ß and IL-8 upregulation, two of the most important pro-inflammatory interleukins for vertebrates immune reponse. The optimal concentration of yeast for the phagocytic assay was 106 cells mL-1, resulting in acceptable phagocytic capacity (PC) but without excess of yeasts during the counting process, ensuring a high precision and accuracy of the method. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first to investigate the in vitro gene expression and phagocytic activity of leukocytes isolated from A. lacustris. Our findings will serve as a reference for future studies on the immunology and toxicology of Neotropical fish.

A constante intensificação da aquicultura tem aumentado consideravelmente os níveis de estresse dos animais cultivados e, consequentemente, o número e a intensidade dos surtos de doenças. Logo, estudos sobre a resposta imune dos peixes, especialmente relacionados com a interação dos leucócitos de peixes com potenciais patógenos e xenobióticos, são de grande importância para o desenvolvimento de novas estratégias profiláticas e curativas. No presente trabalho, nós obtivemos sucesso ao isolar leucócitos oriundos do rim cranial de Astyanax lacustris ­ uma importante espécie de peixe Neotropical para a aquicultura e um modelo em potencial para pesquisas em aquicultura Neotropical ­ usando um protocolo de centrifugação com Percoll. Os leucócitos isolados foram incubados com lipossacarídeo (LPS) e, a expressão dos genes IL-1ß, IL-8, LysC, e LysG foi avaliada. Ainda, um novo protocolo para avaliação da atividade fagocítica dos leucócitos utilizando leveduras coradas com Vermelho Congo foi estabelecido. Os leucócitos isolados responderam à indução com LPS, exibindo up regulation dos genes IL-1ß e IL-8, duas das interleucinas pró-inflamatórias mais importantes para a resposta imune de vertebrados. Além do mais, a concentração ótima de leveduras para a avaliação da fagocitose foi de 106 células mL-1, resultando em uma capacidade fagocítica (PC) aceitável, mas sem excesso de leveduras durante o processo de contagem, garantindo maior precisão e eficácia do método. Até o presente momento, o presente estudo é o primeiro a investigar a expressão gênica e atividade fagocítica de leucócitos isolados de A. lacustris através da abordagem in vitro. Ainda, nossos resultados servirão de referência para futuros estudos em imunologia e toxicologia de peixes Neotropicais.