Bronchopneumonia by Streptococcus equi subsp zooepidemicus in a horse with inhalation of pine branch of Araucaria angustifolia / Broncopneumonia por Streptococcus equi subsp zooepidemicus em um equino com inalação de grimpa de Araucaria angustifolia

Respiratory problems due to tracheobronchial foreign bodies (FBs) are unusual in horses; although equines kept in pastures eventually inhale FBs, as conifer twigs of Araucaria angustifolia. A 1,5-year-old Criolle foal was presented with hemoptysis, dyspnea, restlessness and fever (40.9 ºC rectal temperature). Complete blood count showed intense neutropenia, monocytosis, thrombocytopenia and hypoproteinemia. Treatment was carried out but no clinical improvement was observed. At the post-mortem examination, marked amount of dark red liquid was observed in the thoracic cavity (hemothorax). The lung parenchyma was diffusely consolidated, predominantly in the cranioventral area, associated with mild pleural fibrin deposition. The right primary bronchus was obliterated by a Araucaria angustifolia pine branch measuring 18 cm in length, with adjacent darkened areas (lung consolidation). Microscopically, there was diffuse necrosis with severe hemorrhage in the lungs, associated with marked neutrophilic inflammatory infiltrate, numerous coccoid bacterial aggregates, and fibrinous pleuritis. Additionally, there was diffuse alveolar edema and multifocal thrombosis. Lung fragments were submitted for bacterial culture and mixed bacterial growth was observed with a predominance of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus. Inhalation of branches is not commonly reported in horses, but it must be included in the differential diagnoses of pneumonia, and attention should be taken when allowing horses to graze in areas where the plant occurs.

Problemas respiratórios devido a corpos estranhos (CEs) traqueobrônquicos são incomuns em equinos, embora cavalos em pastagem possam eventualmente aspirar CEs, como galhos de Araucaria angustifolia. Um potro Crioulo, 1,5 anos, apresentou hemoptise, dispneia, inquietação e temperatura retal de 40,9 ºC. O hemograma revelou intensa neutropenia, monocitose, trombocitopenia e hipoproteinemia. O tratamento foi realizado, mas sem sucesso. Na cavidade torácica, foi observada grande quantidade de líquido avermelhado livre (hemotórax). Os pulmões estavam difusamente consolidados, predominantemente cranioventral e com discreta deposição de fibrina sobre a superfície pleural. O brônquio principal direito estava obliterado por um ramo de pinheiro de Araucaria angustifolia com 18 cm de comprimento. Microscopicamente, notou-se necrose de coagulação pulmonar difusa com hemorragia severa, infiltrado inflamatório neutrofílico marcado, numerosos agregados bacterianos cocoides e pleurite fibrinosa. Fragmentos de pulmão foram submetidos ao isolamento bacteriológico e abundante crescimento misto com predominância de Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus foi observado. A inalação de grimpas de pinheiro não é comumente relatada em equinos, mas deve ser incluída nos diagnósticos diferenciais de pneumonia e deve-se ter atenção ao introduzir cavalos no campo com a presença da planta.

Computed tomographic and radiologic anatomy of the lower respiratory tract in the red-foot tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) / Anatomia radiológica e por tomografia computadorizada do trato respiratório inferior no jabuti-piranga (Chelonoidis carbonaria)

The diagnosis of several diseases in chelonians is a challenge in the veterinary clinic, because a detailed physical examination with auscultation and palpation is difficult due the presence of carapace and plastron. Imaging analysis such as radiography and computed tomography (CT) have been shown to be beneficial for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment in numerous animal species. Thus, this study aimed to identify and describe the structures of the lower respiratory tract in red-foot tortoises, by computed tomography, radiography and gross anatomy in twelve red-foot tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria), adults and of both sexes. The lower respiratory tract in these animals comprised the larynx, trachea, bronchi and the lungs. The presence of epiglottic cartilage was not observed in the animals studied. CT allowed the observation of the intrapulmonary part of the bronchi, which was accompanied by large intrapulmonary blood vessels. The lungs presented a reticulated parenchyma, without lobulations. Each lung had a small chamber located near the cranial and caudal poles. These structures were identified in CT and 3D CT reconstructions and these could suggest that these chambers could be non-respiratory structures, and could be comparable to the air sacs of birds. This study establishes normal CT anatomy of the lower respiratory tract of the red-foot tortoise; and may be used as a reference in the assessment of respiratory disorders in this tortoise.(AU)

O diagnóstico de diversas afecções em quelônios é um desafio para a clínica veterinária, já que um exame físico detalhado com auscultação e palpação é difícil devido à presença da carapaça e do plastrão. A radiografia e a tomografia computadorizada (TC) tem se mostrado benéficas para o diagnóstico, prognóstico e tratamento em muitas espécies animais. Assim, este estudo teve por objetivo identificar e descrever as estruturas do trato respiratório inferior no jabuti-piranga por meio da tomografia computadorizada, radiografia e anatomia em 12 jabutis-piranga (Chelonoidis carbonara), adultos e de ambos os sexos. Nos animais estudados, o trato respiratório inferior consistiu da laringe, traqueia, brônquios e os pulmões. A cartilagem epiglote não foi observada. A TC permitiu a observação da parte intrapulmonar dos brônquios, a qual estava acompanhada dos vasos sanguíneos intrapulmonares. Os pulmões possuíam um parênquima reticulado, sem lobações. Cada pulmão tinha uma pequena câmara localizada junto aos pólos cranial e caudal. Estas estruturas foram identificadas na TC e na reconstrução 3D a partir da TC e poderiam ser estruturas não-respiratórias, podendo ser comparadas aos sacos aéreos das aves. Este estudo identificou a anatomia normal por meio da TC do trato respiratório inferior do jabuti-piranga, o que pode ser usado como referência para diagnóstico de desordens respiratórias nesta espécie.(AU)

Computed tomographic and radiologic anatomy of the lower respiratory tract in the red-foot tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) / Anatomia radiológica e por tomografia computadorizada do trato respiratório inferior no jabuti-piranga (Chelonoidis carbonaria)

The diagnosis of several diseases in chelonians is a challenge in the veterinary clinic, because a detailed physical examination with auscultation and palpation is difficult due the presence of carapace and plastron. Imaging analysis such as radiography and computed tomography (CT) have been shown to be beneficial for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment in numerous animal species. Thus, this study aimed to identify and describe the structures of the lower respiratory tract in red-foot tortoises, by computed tomography, radiography and gross anatomy in twelve red-foot tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria), adults and of both sexes. The lower respiratory tract in these animals comprised the larynx, trachea, bronchi and the lungs. The presence of epiglottic cartilage was not observed in the animals studied. CT allowed the observation of the intrapulmonary part of the bronchi, which was accompanied by large intrapulmonary blood vessels. The lungs presented a reticulated parenchyma, without lobulations. Each lung had a small chamber located near the cranial and caudal poles. These structures were identified in CT and 3D CT reconstructions and these could suggest that these chambers could be non-respiratory structures, and could be comparable to the air sacs of birds. This study establishes normal CT anatomy of the lower respiratory tract of the red-foot tortoise; and may be used as a reference in the assessment of respiratory disorders in this tortoise.(AU)

O diagnóstico de diversas afecções em quelônios é um desafio para a clínica veterinária, já que um exame físico detalhado com auscultação e palpação é difícil devido à presença da carapaça e do plastrão. A radiografia e a tomografia computadorizada (TC) tem se mostrado benéficas para o diagnóstico, prognóstico e tratamento em muitas espécies animais. Assim, este estudo teve por objetivo identificar e descrever as estruturas do trato respiratório inferior no jabuti-piranga por meio da tomografia computadorizada, radiografia e anatomia em 12 jabutis-piranga (Chelonoidis carbonara), adultos e de ambos os sexos. Nos animais estudados, o trato respiratório inferior consistiu da laringe, traqueia, brônquios e os pulmões. A cartilagem epiglote não foi observada. A TC permitiu a observação da parte intrapulmonar dos brônquios, a qual estava acompanhada dos vasos sanguíneos intrapulmonares. Os pulmões possuíam um parênquima reticulado, sem lobações. Cada pulmão tinha uma pequena câmara localizada junto aos pólos cranial e caudal. Estas estruturas foram identificadas na TC e na reconstrução 3D a partir da TC e poderiam ser estruturas não-respiratórias, podendo ser comparadas aos sacos aéreos das aves. Este estudo identificou a anatomia normal por meio da TC do trato respiratório inferior do jabuti-piranga, o que pode ser usado como referência para diagnóstico de desordens respiratórias nesta espécie.(AU)

Broncopneumopatia eosinofílica em cães / Eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy in dog

Background: The eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy (EBP) is characterized by pulmonary infiltration with eosinophils. The etiology of canine EBP remains unclear, although hypersensitivity to aeroallergens is suspected. Dogs affected are usually young. The persistent cough is the most common clinical sign, often associated with respiratory difficulty and exercise intolerance. The diagnosis is based on signalment, radiographic and bronchoscopic findings, and the tissue eosiphilic infiltration demonstrated by cytology of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). No reports were found in Brazil. The aim of this paper is report four cases of canine BPE, with emphasis on clinical aspects, diagnosis and therapy.Cases: Case 1. A 18-month-old female dog with 12 kg of body weight was presented for consultation with a 60-day history of cough, inappetence and weariness. It presented cough and tachypnea. The complementary exams demonstrated peripheral eosinophilia, bronchointersticial pulmonary pattern on radiography, moderate amount of mucus on bronchoscopy and tissue eosinophilis infiltration on the BAL. The treatment was based on steroids, with improvement of clinical signs. Case 2. A 24-month-old female dog with 16 kg of body weight was presented for consultation with one-year history of cough, inappetence and lethargy. It presented only cough, and in complementary exams showed transitory peripheral eosinophilia, bronchointersticial pattern on radiography and predominantly eosinophilic inflammation on citology of BAL. The therapy was based on steroids, with improvement followed by worsening of signs, with need of readjustment of doses. Case 3. A 8-year-old male dog with 6.2 kg of body weight was presented for consultation with 3-weeks history of productive cough, vomiting and weight loss. The complementary exams showed peripheral eosinophilia, bronchointersticial pulmonary pattern on radiography and eosinophils infiltration on cytology of BAL.[...]

Broncopneumopatia eosinofílica em cães / Eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy in dog

Background: The eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy (EBP) is characterized by pulmonary infiltration with eosinophils. The etiology of canine EBP remains unclear, although hypersensitivity to aeroallergens is suspected. Dogs affected are usually young. The persistent cough is the most common clinical sign, often associated with respiratory difficulty and exercise intolerance. The diagnosis is based on signalment, radiographic and bronchoscopic findings, and the tissue eosiphilic infiltration demonstrated by cytology of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). No reports were found in Brazil. The aim of this paper is report four cases of canine BPE, with emphasis on clinical aspects, diagnosis and therapy.Cases: Case 1. A 18-month-old female dog with 12 kg of body weight was presented for consultation with a 60-day history of cough, inappetence and weariness. It presented cough and tachypnea. The complementary exams demonstrated peripheral eosinophilia, bronchointersticial pulmonary pattern on radiography, moderate amount of mucus on bronchoscopy and tissue eosinophilis infiltration on the BAL. The treatment was based on steroids, with improvement of clinical signs. Case 2. A 24-month-old female dog with 16 kg of body weight was presented for consultation with one-year history of cough, inappetence and lethargy. It presented only cough, and in complementary exams showed transitory peripheral eosinophilia, bronchointersticial pattern on radiography and predominantly eosinophilic inflammation on citology of BAL. The therapy was based on steroids, with improvement followed by worsening of signs, with need of readjustment of doses. Case 3. A 8-year-old male dog with 6.2 kg of body weight was presented for consultation with 3-weeks history of productive cough, vomiting and weight loss. The complementary exams showed peripheral eosinophilia, bronchointersticial pulmonary pattern on radiography and eosinophils infiltration on cytology of BAL.[...](AU)

Effect of melatonin on antioxidant capacity, inflammation and apoptotic cell death in lung tissue of diabetic rats

Purpose: To investigate the effects of melatonin on antioxidant capacity, inflammation and apoptotic cell death (through expression of cleaved-caspase 3) in lung tissue samples of diabetic rats. Methods: Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (control group) was made up of healthy rats. Group 2 (diabetes group) received streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days.Group 3 (diabetes plus melatonin group) received streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg/day for 5 days and then they received melatonin at a dose of 20 mg/kg/day between 28th and 35th days of the study. Results: Tissue MDA and MPO levels were found to be significantly higher in diabetes group compared to control group (p< 0.05) whilst administration of melatonin was found to significantly lower this increase down to normal levels (p <0.05). Bronchus associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) was more severe in diabetics whereas administration of melatonin alleviated this hyperplasia. Cleaved caspase 3 activity was severe in hyperplastic BALT in diabetic rats however in lowered down to moderate level when melatonin was administered. Conclusion: The melatonin caused an increase in antioxidant capacity and decreased the expression of cleaved-caspase 3.(AU)

Anatomia e segmentação pulmonar de tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla - Linnaeus, 1758) de vida livre / Anatomy and pulmonary segmentation of Free-living Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla - Linnaeus, 1758)

O presente trabalho utilizou oito pulmões de tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), jovens e adultos, de ambos os sexos, provenientes do Setor de Atendimento Clínico Cirúrgico de Animais Selvagens (SACCAS), do Hospital Veterinário "Dr. Halim Atique"( Unirp, localizado na cidade de São José do Rio Preto, estado de São Paulo. Os animais foram encaminhados ao Laboratório de Anatomia Veterinária, onde se procedeu à separação dos órgãos, à lavagem em água corrente e à retirada do excesso de sangue, para serem fixados em formol a 10%. Após a fixação dos pulmões, estes foram dissecados para identificar os segmentos. Os animais apresentaram lobação pulmonar à direita em cranial, médio, caudal e acessório, sendo o lobo cranial dividido em partes cranial e caudal. A lobação pulmonar à esquerda apresentou cranial e caudal em 100% dos animais. Por sua vez, o lobo cranial, em 87,5%, dividiu-se em partes cranial e caudal, e em 12,5% não houve divisão. O pulmão direito apresentou maior tamanho do que o pulmão esquerdo. A árvore brônquica apresentou os brônquios principais direito e esquerdo, os quais se ramificam em brônquios lobares, que dão origem aos segmentos bronquiopulmonares. Em relação à segmentação bronquiopulmonar, foram observadas, à direita, de 14 (12,5%) a 18 segmentos (25%) e, à esquerda, de 10 (25%) a 30 segmentos (12,5%).(AU)

The study used eight lungs of giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), youth and adults of both sexes, from the Clinical Surgical Care Industry Wildlife (SACCAS), Veterinary Hospital "Dr. Halim Atique "- Unirp, located in the city of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo. The animals were sent to the Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory, where organs were separated and washed under running waterto remove excess blood, then fixed in 10% formalin. After fixation, lungs were dissected to identify the segments. The animals have pulmonary lobations right cranial, middle, caudal and accessory; and the cranial lobe divided into cranial and caudal parts. Pulmonary lobation in the left cranial and caudal form were present in 100% of animals. The cranial lobe was evident in 87.5%, divided into cranial and caudal part, and 12.5% with no division. The right lung was shown to be larger than the left lung. Bronchial tree presented the main right and left bronchial tubes that branch into lobar bronchi that give rise to bronquiopulmonares segments. In relation to bronquiopulmonar targeting, 14 (12.5%) to 18 right segments (25%) and 10 (25%) to 30 (12.5%) left segments.(AU)

Anatomia e segmentação pulmonar de tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla - Linnaeus, 1758) de vida livre / Anatomy and pulmonary segmentation of Free-living Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla - Linnaeus, 1758)

O presente trabalho utilizou oito pulmões de tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), jovens e adultos, de ambos os sexos, provenientes do Setor de Atendimento Clínico Cirúrgico de Animais Selvagens (SACCAS), do Hospital Veterinário "Dr. Halim Atique"( Unirp, localizado na cidade de São José do Rio Preto, estado de São Paulo. Os animais foram encaminhados ao Laboratório de Anatomia Veterinária, onde se procedeu à separação dos órgãos, à lavagem em água corrente e à retirada do excesso de sangue, para serem fixados em formol a 10%. Após a fixação dos pulmões, estes foram dissecados para identificar os segmentos. Os animais apresentaram lobação pulmonar à direita em cranial, médio, caudal e acessório, sendo o lobo cranial dividido em partes cranial e caudal. A lobação pulmonar à esquerda apresentou cranial e caudal em 100% dos animais. Por sua vez, o lobo cranial, em 87,5%, dividiu-se em partes cranial e caudal, e em 12,5% não houve divisão. O pulmão direito apresentou maior tamanho do que o pulmão esquerdo. A árvore brônquica apresentou os brônquios principais direito e esquerdo, os quais se ramificam em brônquios lobares, que dão origem aos segmentos bronquiopulmonares. Em relação à segmentação bronquiopulmonar, foram observadas, à direita, de 14 (12,5%) a 18 segmentos (25%) e, à esquerda, de 10 (25%) a 30 segmentos (12,5%).(AU)

The study used eight lungs of giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), youth and adults of both sexes, from the Clinical Surgical Care Industry Wildlife (SACCAS), Veterinary Hospital "Dr. Halim Atique "- Unirp, located in the city of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo. The animals were sent to the Veterinary Anatomy Laboratory, where organs were separated and washed under running waterto remove excess blood, then fixed in 10% formalin. After fixation, lungs were dissected to identify the segments. The animals have pulmonary lobations right cranial, middle, caudal and accessory; and the cranial lobe divided into cranial and caudal parts. Pulmonary lobation in the left cranial and caudal form were present in 100% of animals. The cranial lobe was evident in 87.5%, divided into cranial and caudal part, and 12.5% with no division. The right lung was shown to be larger than the left lung. Bronchial tree presented the main right and left bronchial tubes that branch into lobar bronchi that give rise to bronquiopulmonares segments. In relation to bronquiopulmonar targeting, 14 (12.5%) to 18 right segments (25%) and 10 (25%) to 30 (12.5%) left segments.(AU)

Morfologia da traqueia e lobação pulmonar de Leopardus pardalis (jaguatirica) / Morphology of the trachea and lung lobation of Leopardus pardalis (ocelot)

A espécie Leopardus pardalis, conhecida popularmente como jaguatirica, é um felino de médio porte com ampla distribuição em território nacional e está incluída na lista de espécies da fauna brasileira ameaçadas de extinção. Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar os aspectos macroscópicos e microscópico da traqueia e lobos pulmonares em L. pardalis. As análises foram feitas utilizando cinco exemplares de jaguatirica, sendo dois machos e três fêmeas, adultos, três desses exemplares foram a óbito por atropelamento em rodovias próximas ao município de Alta Floresta, e dois doados após a morte pelo IBAMA ao o Laboratório de Zoologia e Morfologia Animal. Nos espécimes a traqueia era um tubo flexível formado por pares de arcos cartilaginosos, apresentando epitélio pseudo-estratificado não ciliado no seu revestimento interno, e outros estruturas básicas deste órgão. O pulmão se mostrou como um órgão constituído por lobos separados por fissuras com um parênquima usual aos demais mamíferos descritos. No que diz respeito às caraterísticas anatômicas da traqueia e pulmão se mostraram semelhantes à de outros mamíferos, já nos aspectos microscópicos da traqueia apresentou certas peculiaridades diferindo dos demais trabalhos encontrados. No que tange o aspecto do parênquima pulmonar as características histológicas não variaram com as que estão descritas.(AU)

The species Leopardus pardalis, popularly known as ocelot, is a medium sized cat with wide distribution in the national territory and is included in the list of species of Brazilian fauna threatened with extinction. This study aimed to characterize the macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the trachea and lung lobes in L. pardalis. Analyses were performed using five copies of ocelot, two males and three females, adults, three of these specimens died from being run over on highways nearby the municipality of Alta Floresta, and two donated after death by IBAMA to the Laboratory of Zoology and Animal Morphology. In the trachea specimens was a flexible tube formed by pairs of cartilaginous arches, with pseudo-stratified epithelium ciliated not in its inner lining, and other basic structures of this body. Lung proved as a body made up of lobes separated by cracks with a usual parenchyma to the other described mammals. With respect to the anatomic features of the trachea and lung were similar to other mammals, as in the microscopic aspects of the trachea showed certain peculiarities found differing from the other jobs. Regarding the appearance of the lung parenchyma histological characteristics did not differ with those described.(AU)

Morfologia da traqueia e lobação pulmonar de Leopardus pardalis (jaguatirica) / Morphology of the trachea and lung lobation of Leopardus pardalis (ocelot)

A espécie Leopardus pardalis, conhecida popularmente como jaguatirica, é um felino de médio porte com ampla distribuição em território nacional e está incluída na lista de espécies da fauna brasileira ameaçadas de extinção. Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar os aspectos macroscópicos e microscópico da traqueia e lobos pulmonares em L. pardalis. As análises foram feitas utilizando cinco exemplares de jaguatirica, sendo dois machos e três fêmeas, adultos, três desses exemplares foram a óbito por atropelamento em rodovias próximas ao município de Alta Floresta, e dois doados após a morte pelo IBAMA ao o Laboratório de Zoologia e Morfologia Animal. Nos espécimes a traqueia era um tubo flexível formado por pares de arcos cartilaginosos, apresentando epitélio pseudo-estratificado não ciliado no seu revestimento interno, e outros estruturas básicas deste órgão. O pulmão se mostrou como um órgão constituído por lobos separados por fissuras com um parênquima usual aos demais mamíferos descritos. No que diz respeito às caraterísticas anatômicas da traqueia e pulmão se mostraram semelhantes à de outros mamíferos, já nos aspectos microscópicos da traqueia apresentou certas peculiaridades diferindo dos demais trabalhos encontrados. No que tange o aspecto do parênquima pulmonar as características histológicas não variaram com as que estão descritas.(AU)

The species Leopardus pardalis, popularly known as ocelot, is a medium sized cat with wide distribution in the national territory and is included in the list of species of Brazilian fauna threatened with extinction. This study aimed to characterize the macroscopic and microscopic aspects of the trachea and lung lobes in L. pardalis. Analyses were performed using five copies of ocelot, two males and three females, adults, three of these specimens died from being run over on highways nearby the municipality of Alta Floresta, and two donated after death by IBAMA to the Laboratory of Zoology and Animal Morphology. In the trachea specimens was a flexible tube formed by pairs of cartilaginous arches, with pseudo-stratified epithelium ciliated not in its inner lining, and other basic structures of this body. Lung proved as a body made up of lobes separated by cracks with a usual parenchyma to the other described mammals. With respect to the anatomic features of the trachea and lung were similar to other mammals, as in the microscopic aspects of the trachea showed certain peculiarities found differing from the other jobs. Regarding the appearance of the lung parenchyma histological characteristics did not differ with those described.(AU)

Morfo-histologia dos pulmões e árvore bronquial de Procyon cancrivorus (Carnivora: Procyonidae) / Morphohistology of the lungs and bronchial tree of the Procyon cancrivorus (Carnivora: Procyonidae)

Nenhuma característica dos seres vivos é tão primordial quanto a respiração, e os pulmões são os principais órgãos do sistema respiratório. Este estudo tem por objetivo descrever os aspectos macroscópicos da traqueia, dos brônquios e dos lobos pulmonares bem como os aspectos microscópicos dos brônquios pulmonares do mão-pelada e compará-los com dados da literatura de estudos realizados com mamíferos silvestres e domésticos. Utilizaram-se três exemplares de Procyon cancrivorus, que foram fixados em solução aquosa de formaldeído a 10%. Os pulmões e a traqueia foram dissecados e fotografados com câmera fotográfica digital (Câmera Sony a200, 10.2mpx). Para a identificação das características microscópicas, foram coletados fragmentos de cada brônquio seguindo as técnicas de rotina histológica. O pulmão do Procyon cancrivorus se divide em quatro lobos direito e dois lobos esquerdo e a traqueia apresenta cerca de 31 a 34 anéis. Os brônquios extrapulmonares se dividem em direito e esquerdo; o direito se subdivide em brônquios lobares cranial, médio, acessório e caudal, e o esquerdo em lobares cranial e caudal, com seus respectivos brônquios segmentares. Microscopicamente, os brônquios apresentam um epitélio prismático pseudoestratificado ciliado com células caliciformes e feixes de fibras de musculatura lisa, placas de cartilagem hialina e fibras elásticas. O conhecimento da morfologia desses órgãos nas espécies silvestres auxilia em estudos descritivos e/ou comparativos entre espécies.(AU)

No characteristic of living beings is as primal as breathing, and the lungs are the main organs in the respiratory system. This study aims to describe the macroscopic aspects of the trachea, bronchus and lung lobes and microscopic aspects of the bronchi of raccoon lungs and compare with data from the literature studies performed with wild and domestic mammals. We used three samples of Procyon cancrivorus, which were fixed in aqueous 10% formaldehyde, lungs and trachea were dissected and photographed with a digital camera (Sony a200 Camera, 10.2mpx). For the identification of microscopic characteristics, fragments were collected from each bronchus following routine histological techniques. The Procyon cancrivorus lung is divided into four lobes, with two right and left lobes. The trachea has about 31-34 rings. The extrapulmonary bronchi divides into left and right, where the right is divided into lobar bronchi cranial, middle, accessory and caudal lobes and the left in cranial and caudal, with their respective segmental bronchi. Microscopically the bronchial epithelium has prismatic pseudo-ciliated and goblet cells with bundles of smooth muscle fibers, plates of hyaline cartilage and elastic fibers. Knowledge of the morphology of these organs in wild species helps us in descriptive studies and / or comparisons between species.(AU)

The role of alveolar type II cells in swine leptospirosis / O papel das células alveolares tipo II na leptospirose suína

This study aimed to investigate a possible relationship between alveolar type II cells and the inflammatory response to infection with Leptospira spp., and thus comprise a further element that can be involved in the pathogenesis of lung injury in naturally infected pigs. The study group consisted of 73 adult pigs that were extensively reared and slaughtered in Teresina, Piauí state, and Timon, Maranhão state, Brazil. The diagnosis of leptospirosis was made using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) aided by immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction. The MAT registered the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in 10.96% (8/73) of the pigs. Immunohistochemistry allowed for the visualization of the Leptospira spp. antigen in the lungs of 87.67% (64/73) of the pigs. There was hyperplasia of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue and circulatory changes, such as congestion of alveolar septa, parenchymal hemorrhage and edema within the alveoli. Lung inflammation was more intense (p = 0.0312) in infected animals, which also showed increased thickening of the alveolar septa (p = 0.0006). Evaluation of alveolar type II (ATII) cells using an anti-TTF-1 (Thyroid Transcription Factor-1) antibody showed that there were more immunostained cells in the non-infected pigs (53.8%) than in the infected animals (46.2%) and that there was an inverse correlation between TTF-1 positive cells and the inflammatory infiltrate. There was no amplification of Leptospira DNA in the lung samples, but leptospiral DNA amplification was observed in the kidneys. The results of this study showed that a relationship exists between a decrease in alveolar type II cells and a leptospire infection. Thus, this work points to the importance of studying the ATII cells as a potential marker of the level of lung innate immune response during leptospirosis in pigs.(AU)

Setenta e três suínos adultos de criação extensiva, abatidos em Teresina, no estado do Piauí e Timon, no estado do Maranhão, constituíram o grupo de estudo. O diagnóstico da leptospirose foi realizado utilizando a técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica (MAT), auxiliada por imunoistoquímica e reação em cadeia pela polimerase. A SAM registrou a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-leptospiras em 10,96% (8/73) dos suínos. A imunoistoquímica permitiu a visualização de antígenos de Leptospira spp. em pulmões de 87,67% (64/73) dos suínos. Havia hiperplasia do tecido linfoide associado ao brônquio e alterações circulatórias como, congestão do septo alveolar, hemorragia parenquimatosa e edema no interior de alvéolos. Os focos de inflamações pulmonares eram mais numerosos (p=0,0312) nos animais infectados, bem como o espessamento do septo alveolar (p=0,0006). A quantificação de células alveolares tipo II marcadas pelo anticorpo anti-TTF-1 (Thyroid Transcription Factor-1) mostrou que existia mais células imunocoradas em suínos não infectados (53,8%) comparados aos infectados (46,2%) e uma correlação inversa em relação ao infiltrado inflamatório. Não houve amplificação de DNA de Leptospira spp. em amostras de tecido pulmonar, no entanto DNA leptospiral foi observado em rim. Os resultados deste estudo mostraram que existe uma relação entre a diminuição das células alveolares tipo II e a infecção por leptospiras. Dessa forma, este trabalho aponta para a importância do estudo dessas células, como um provável marcador da modulação da resposta imune inata do pulmão na leptospirose em suínos.(AU)

Morfologia e segmentação pulmonar de raposas (Cerdocyon thous) / Pulmonary morphology and segmentation of fox (Cerdocyon thous)

Foram utilizadas oito raposas (Cerdocyon thous) adultas capturadas no município de Patos, Estadoda Paraíba, Brasil, com o intuito de descrever a anatomia dos pulmões e a configuração da árvore bronquial. Osórgãos foram retirados e fixados em solução aquosa de formol a 10%. Após a descrição da morfologia externa doórgão, dissecou-se a árvore bronquial. Observou-se que o pulmão direito apresentou quatro lobos, o cranial,médio, caudal e acessório e o pulmão esquerdo mostrou apenas dois, o lobo cranial, dividido em duas porções(cranial e caudal) e o lobo caudal. A traquéia bifurcou-se sempre em dois brônquios principais, direito eesquerdo. O brônquio principal direito emitiu quatro brônquios lobares, um para cada lobo, e do brônquioprincipal esquerdo emergiram apenas dois brônquios, um comum à porção cranial e caudal do lobo cranial eoutro para o lobo caudal. Em média, no pulmão direito, foram observados dez segmentos para o lobo cranial, dezpara o lobo médio, onze para o lobo caudal e quatro para o acessório. No pulmão esquerdo foram observadosapenas dois segmentos no lobo cranial, sendo, em média, onze brônquios intrasegmentares na parte cranial e dezna parte caudal do lobo, além de onze segmentos no lobo caudal, em média. Concluiu-se que o pulmão da raposa(Cerdocyon thous) apresentou características anatômicas semelhantes com o dos carnívoros e com segmentaçãobroncopulmonar bastante variada, sendo necessário cuidado maior quando do diagnóstico de lesões pulmonares,bem como, em procedimentos cirúrgicos.

Eight adult foxes (Cerdocyon thous) were captured in the municipality of Patos, Paraíba state,Brazil in order to describe the lung anatomy and the bronchial tree configuration. The organs were removed andfixed in 10% aqueous formaldehyde solution. After describing the external morphology of the organ, thebronchial tree was dissected. The right lung had four lobes, the cranial, median and caudal and accessory whilethe left lung presented only the cranial lobe divided into two portions (cranial and caudal) and the caudal lobe.The trachea always divided into two main bronchi, the right and left. The main right bronchus emitted four lobarbronchioles, one for each lobe, and the main left bronchus emitted only two bronchioles, one in common withthe cranial and caudal portion and the other to the caudal lobe. Ten segments were observed average, in the rightlung, for the cranial lobe, ten for the median lobe, eleven for the caudal lobe and four for the accessory lobe. Inthe left lung, only two segments were observed in the cranial lobe and on average, eleven intrasegmentalbronchioles in the cranial part and ten in the caudal part of the lobe, in addition to eleven segments in the caudallobe, on average. It was concluded that the fox (Cerdocyon thous) presented anatomical characteristics similarto those of carnivores and with very varied bronchopulmonary segmentation, and greater care is needed whendiagnosing lung lesions and during surgical procedures.

Morfologia e segmentação pulmonar de raposas (Cerdocyon thous) / Pulmonary morphology and segmentation of fox (Cerdocyon thous)

Foram utilizadas oito raposas (Cerdocyon thous) adultas capturadas no município de Patos, Estadoda Paraíba, Brasil, com o intuito de descrever a anatomia dos pulmões e a configuração da árvore bronquial. Osórgãos foram retirados e fixados em solução aquosa de formol a 10%. Após a descrição da morfologia externa doórgão, dissecou-se a árvore bronquial. Observou-se que o pulmão direito apresentou quatro lobos, o cranial,médio, caudal e acessório e o pulmão esquerdo mostrou apenas dois, o lobo cranial, dividido em duas porções(cranial e caudal) e o lobo caudal. A traquéia bifurcou-se sempre em dois brônquios principais, direito eesquerdo. O brônquio principal direito emitiu quatro brônquios lobares, um para cada lobo, e do brônquioprincipal esquerdo emergiram apenas dois brônquios, um comum à porção cranial e caudal do lobo cranial eoutro para o lobo caudal. Em média, no pulmão direito, foram observados dez segmentos para o lobo cranial, dezpara o lobo médio, onze para o lobo caudal e quatro para o acessório. No pulmão esquerdo foram observadosapenas dois segmentos no lobo cranial, sendo, em média, onze brônquios intrasegmentares na parte cranial e dezna parte caudal do lobo, além de onze segmentos no lobo caudal, em média. Concluiu-se que o pulmão da raposa(Cerdocyon thous) apresentou características anatômicas semelhantes com o dos carnívoros e com segmentaçãobroncopulmonar bastante variada, sendo necessário cuidado maior quando do diagnóstico de lesões pulmonares,bem como, em procedimentos cirúrgicos.(AU)

Eight adult foxes (Cerdocyon thous) were captured in the municipality of Patos, Paraíba state,Brazil in order to describe the lung anatomy and the bronchial tree configuration. The organs were removed andfixed in 10% aqueous formaldehyde solution. After describing the external morphology of the organ, thebronchial tree was dissected. The right lung had four lobes, the cranial, median and caudal and accessory whilethe left lung presented only the cranial lobe divided into two portions (cranial and caudal) and the caudal lobe.The trachea always divided into two main bronchi, the right and left. The main right bronchus emitted four lobarbronchioles, one for each lobe, and the main left bronchus emitted only two bronchioles, one in common withthe cranial and caudal portion and the other to the caudal lobe. Ten segments were observed average, in the rightlung, for the cranial lobe, ten for the median lobe, eleven for the caudal lobe and four for the accessory lobe. Inthe left lung, only two segments were observed in the cranial lobe and on average, eleven intrasegmentalbronchioles in the cranial part and ten in the caudal part of the lobe, in addition to eleven segments in the caudallobe, on average. It was concluded that the fox (Cerdocyon thous) presented anatomical characteristics similarto those of carnivores and with very varied bronchopulmonary segmentation, and greater care is needed whendiagnosing lung lesions and during surgical procedures.(AU)

Distribuição dos brônquios lobares dos pulmões do veado-catingueiro Mazama gouazoubira / Distribution of lobar bronchi of the lungs of brown brocket deer Mazama gouazoubira

Este estudo teve como objetivo descrever a lobação do pulmão do veado-catingueiro Mazama gouazoubira. Dois animais da espécie, obtidos post mortem por atropelamento em rodovia, foram utilizados para o estudo, obedecendo aos critérios da Lei Vigente (Lei 1.153/95). Através da dissecação, a pele foi completamente removida e os animais foram fixados em solução de formaldeído a 10 porcento. Através de um acesso ventral, o bloco de vísceras foi removido e posteriormente os pulmões foram dissecados do bloco por uma secção na região torácica da traqueia e de outras estruturas do hilo pulmonar. Os pulmões e a árvore brônquica foram dissecados, fotografados, as imagens foram registradas com câmera fotográfica digital (Câmera Sony a200, 10.2mpx). Os pulmões apresentaram-se unidos pelas estruturas que penetravam a região do hilo pulmonar, o pulmão direito do veado-catingueiro mostrou ser composto pelos lobos cranial (segmento cranial e segmento caudal), médio, caudal e acessório. O pulmão esquerdo apresentou apenas lobo cranial (segmentado em parte cranial e parte caudal) e lobo caudal. A árvore brônquica se inicia emergindo para o pulmão direito um brônquio traqueal acima da bifurcação da traqueia que sequencialmente serão denominados de brônquios principais direito e esquerdo, os quais no nível do hilo pulmonar penetram nos pulmões direito e esquerdo respectivamente. Os pulmões e árvore brônquica de M. gouazoubira apresentaram a mesma descrição anatômica de outros ruminantes, como bubalinos, ovinos e bovinos.(AU)

The study aimed to describe the lung lobation of the brown brocket deer, Mazama gouazoubira. Two animal of the species, obtained postmortem by trampling on the highway, were used for the study, according to criteria of the Governing Law (1.153/95). The skin was completely removed and the animals were fixed in 10 percent formaldehyde. The viscera were removed and the lungs were dissected by a section of the block in the thoracic trachea and other structures of the pulmonary hilum. The lungs and bronchial tree were dissected, photographed and the images were recorded with a digital camera (Sony a200 Camera, 10.2mpx). The lungs showed themselves united by structures that penetrate the region of the pulmonary hilum, the right lung was found to be composed of the cranial lobes (segment cranial and caudal segment), middle, caudal and accessory. The left lung showed only cranial lobe (segmented into the cranial and caudal part) and caudal lobe. The bronchial tree begins emerges to the right lung one tracheal bronchus above the bifurcation of the trachea that are sequentially named right and left main bronchi, which at the level of the pulmonary hilum penetrate the left and right lungs respectively. The lungs and bronchial tree of M. gouazoubira showed the same anatomical description of other ruminants, like buffaloes, sheep and cattle.(AU)

Histopathological and immunohistochemical characterization of pneumonia caused by co-infection between Pasteurella multocida and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in swine / Caracterização histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica da pneumonia causada pela co-infecção por Pasteurella multocida e Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae em suínos

Background: The infection with Mycoplasma (M.) hyopneumoniae is a major cause of pneumonia in pigs worldwide, but the interaction between M. hyopneumoniae and Pasteurella (P.) multocida has been described with low frequency and histopathological characteristics of this association have not been described. In Brazil this interaction is considered very important and is found in most cases of pigs with pneumonia and pleuritis at slaughter. The objective of this work was to examine 41 samples of swine lungs collected at slaughter, from which P. multocida had been isolated and to study the co-infection with M. hyopneumoniae by histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Materials, Methods & Results: Among lung tissue samples obtained from necropsy in swine with clinical signs of pneumonia, 41 that had shown positive results on bacteriological examination for P. multocida were selected. The histopathological findings of bronchopneumonia were classified in different degrees according to the extension of the lesion as follow: absent (0), mild (+), moderate (+ +) and severe (+ + +). Hyperplasia of bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium was classified as absent (0) and present (+). The bronchus associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) hyperplasia lesions were classified as absent (0), (+) when the peribronchial and peribronchiolar lymphocytic infiltrate were discrete, (+ +) when the peribr

Pasteurella (P.) multocida causa a pasteurelose pulmonar dos suínos, sendo necessária a interação com outros agentes para causar pneumonia. Entretanto, existem evidências de que possa atuar como patógeno primário, pois em suínos SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) inoculados experimentalmente, um determinado isolado da bactéria foi capaz de causar lesões de pleurite e pericardite. Mycoplasma (M.) hyopneumoniae, agente da pneumonia enzoótica suína, é um patógeno primário que predispõe a infecções secundárias, principalmente com P. multocida. A relação entre os dois agentes é explicada pelo efeito imunodepressor exercido pelo Mycoplasma devido à necrose do epitélio do trato respiratório e ciliostase, além da modulação do sistema imune. [...]

Caracterização histopatológica e imuno-histoquímica da pneumonia causada pela co-infecção por Pasteurella multocida e Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae em suínos / Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Characterization of Pneumonia Caused by Co-infection between Pasteurella multocida and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in Swine

Background: The infection with Mycoplasma (M.) hyopneumoniae is a major cause of pneumonia in pigs worldwide, but the interaction between M. hyopneumoniae and Pasteurella (P.) multocida has been described with low frequency and histopathological characteristics of this association have not been described. In Brazil this interaction is considered very important and is found in most cases of pigs with pneumonia and pleuritis at slaughter. The objective of this work was to examine 41 samples of swine lungs collected at slaughter, from which P. multocida had been isolated and to study the co-infection with M. hyopneumoniae by histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Materials, Methods & Results: Among lung tissue samples obtained from necropsy in swine with clinical signs of pneumonia, 41 that had shown positive results on bacteriological examination for P. multocida were selected. The histopathological findings of bronchopneumonia were classified in different degrees according to the extension of the lesion as follow: absent (0), mild (+), moderate (+ +) and severe (+ + +). Hyperplasia of bronchial and bronchiolar epithelium was classified as absent (0) and present (+). The bronchus associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) hyperplasia lesions were classified as absent (0), (+) when the peribronchial and peribronchiolar lymphocytic infiltrate were discrete, (+ +) when the peribronchial and peribronchiolar lymphocytic infiltrate was moderate and/or the presence of a few lymphoid nodules; (+ + +) highest amount of lymphoid nodules, and (+ + ++) when a large amount of lymphoid nodules compressing the bronchi and bronchioles were observed. All samples were submitted to IHC technique for M. hyopneumoniae p-36 protein. The main findings in histological examination were BALT hyperplasia (97.6%), purulent bronchopneumonia (92.7%) and bronchial and bronchiolar epithelial hyperplasia (51.2%). BALT hyperplasia was mild (+) in 43.9%; moderate (++) in 31.7%; accentuated (+++) in 12.2%; accentuated with bronchium and bronchiole obstruction (++++) in 9.8% and absent (-) in 2.4%. The classification of purulent bronchopneumonia was moderate (++) in 36.6%; accentuated (+++) in 34.1%; mild (+) in 22.0% and absentee (-) in 7.3%. Lesions compatible with a combined infection between P. multocida and M. hyopneumoniae were found in 97.6% of the samples by histopathology and in 61.0% by IHC. Discussion: There was a high frequency of lesions consistent with infection by M. hyopneumoniae in samples of lungs from which P. multocida was isolated, being detected at the same time by histopathology in 97.6% of samples, and 61% by IHC. However, 15 samples (39.0%) had microscopic lesions of BALT hyperplasia in different degrees and/or epithelial hyperplasia with no labeling in IHC M. hyopneumoniae. This could be due to the absence of the agent in chronic infections. On histopathological examination, the presence of BALT hyperplasia is considered very suggestive of infection with M. hyopneumoniae. In the study only one lung (2.3%) did not have this injury, and did not show labeling in IHC. Among samples positive for P. multocida in bacteriological examination, only three showed no lesion suggestive of the infection with the agent in histopathology, which could be due to a recent bacterial infection or its presence as a commensal in the lungs. Collectively, bacteriological examination, histopathology and IHC confirmed the co-infection between M. hyopneumoniae and P. multocida in 97.2% of pneumonic lungs analyzed, suggesting the importance of the relationship between the agents in Brazil. Moreover, it was possible to determine the histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics of the association between both bacteria.

Sistema respiratório de Amphisbaena vermicularis e Amphisbaena microcephala (Squamata, Amphisbaenia, Amphisbaenidae) / Respiratory system of Amphisbaena vermicularis and Amphisbaena microcephala (Squamata, Amphisbaenia, Amphisbaenidae)

The macroscopic and microscopic morphology of the trachea and lungs of Amphisbaena vermicularis Wagler, 1824 and Amphisbaena microcephala (Wagler, 1824), as well as the ultrastructure of the pulmonary respiratory chambers of the latter, are described for the first time. The trachea does not ramify, and its caudal segment, between the lungs, was named bronchus. The left lung is long, sac-like and unicameral, with a faveolar parenchyma in the cranial portion and a trabecular parenchyma in the caudal portion. Respiratory chambers are present in both regions of the lungs and it is suggested that the caudal portion acts as a reservoir of air. The right lung is reduced in both species, however in A. vermicularis this reduction is fairly pronounced and only a vestige of this organ can be observed, but in A. microcephala the right lung is a delimited organ that links to the caudal portion of the tracheal tube through two holes. Pneumocytes I and II occur in the respiratory chambers. The basal membranes of the pneumocytes I and of the endothelial cells are fused, diminishing the air-to-blood barrier which measures approximately 0.5 µm in A. microcephala. Morphological features described in this paper may represent some adaptations that permit the survival of the specimens of Amphisbaenia in the subterranean galleries where they spend most of their lives, under conditions of low air renewal, relatively variable levels of humidity and suspended particles.(AU)

A morfologia macro e microscópica da traqueia e pulmões de Amphisbaena vermicularis Wagler, 1824 e Amphisbaena microcephala (Wagler, 1824), assim como a ultraestrutura das câmaras respiratórias, foram descritas pela primeira vez neste estudo. A traqueia não se ramifica e seu segmento caudal, situado entre os pulmões, foi denominado brônquio. O pulmão esquerdo é alongado, saculiforme e unicameral, com parênquima faveolar na porção cranial e trabecular, na porção caudal. Câmaras respiratórias estão presentes em ambas as regiões do pulmão, mas é possível que a região caudal funcione também como reservatório de ar. O pulmão direito está reduzido nas duas espécies, no entanto em A. vermicularis a redução é bastante acentuada e apenas um vestígio deste órgão pode ser observado, mas em A. microcephala o pulmão direito é um órgão com limites definidos que se comunica com a porção caudal do tubo traqueal, através de dois orifícios. Pneumócitos tipo I e tipo II estão presentes nas câmaras respiratórias. As lâminas basais dos pneumócitos I e das células endoteliais encontram-se fundidas, de forma a diminuir a barreira ar-sangue, que é de aproximadamente 0,5 µm em A. microcephala. As características morfológicas descritas neste estudo podem representar adaptações que permitem a sobrevivência dos espécimes de Amphisbaenia nas galerias subterrâneas, onde passam a maior parte de suas vidas sob condições de baixa renovação de ar, níveis de umidade relativamente variáveis e partículas em suspensão.(AU)

Sistema respiratório de Amphisbaena vermicularis e Amphisbaena microcephala (Squamata, Amphisbaenia, Amphisbaenidae) / Respiratory system of Amphisbaena vermicularis and Amphisbaena microcephala (Squamata, Amphisbaenia, Amphisbaenidae)

The macroscopic and microscopic morphology of the trachea and lungs of Amphisbaena vermicularis Wagler, 1824 and Amphisbaena microcephala (Wagler, 1824), as well as the ultrastructure of the pulmonary respiratory chambers of the latter, are described for the first time. The trachea does not ramify, and its caudal segment, between the lungs, was named bronchus. The left lung is long, sac-like and unicameral, with a faveolar parenchyma in the cranial portion and a trabecular parenchyma in the caudal portion. Respiratory chambers are present in both regions of the lungs and it is suggested that the caudal portion acts as a reservoir of air. The right lung is reduced in both species, however in A. vermicularis this reduction is fairly pronounced and only a vestige of this organ can be observed, but in A. microcephala the right lung is a delimited organ that links to the caudal portion of the tracheal tube through two holes. Pneumocytes I and II occur in the respiratory chambers. The basal membranes of the pneumocytes I and of the endothelial cells are fused, diminishing the air-to-blood barrier which measures approximately 0.5 µm in A. microcephala. Morphological features described in this paper may represent some adaptations that permit the survival of the specimens of Amphisbaenia in the subterranean galleries where they spend most of their lives, under conditions of low air renewal, relatively variable levels of humidity and suspended particles.

A morfologia macro e microscópica da traqueia e pulmões de Amphisbaena vermicularis Wagler, 1824 e Amphisbaena microcephala (Wagler, 1824), assim como a ultraestrutura das câmaras respiratórias, foram descritas pela primeira vez neste estudo. A traqueia não se ramifica e seu segmento caudal, situado entre os pulmões, foi denominado brônquio. O pulmão esquerdo é alongado, saculiforme e unicameral, com parênquima faveolar na porção cranial e trabecular, na porção caudal. Câmaras respiratórias estão presentes em ambas as regiões do pulmão, mas é possível que a região caudal funcione também como reservatório de ar. O pulmão direito está reduzido nas duas espécies, no entanto em A. vermicularis a redução é bastante acentuada e apenas um vestígio deste órgão pode ser observado, mas em A. microcephala o pulmão direito é um órgão com limites definidos que se comunica com a porção caudal do tubo traqueal, através de dois orifícios. Pneumócitos tipo I e tipo II estão presentes nas câmaras respiratórias. As lâminas basais dos pneumócitos I e das células endoteliais encontram-se fundidas, de forma a diminuir a barreira ar-sangue, que é de aproximadamente 0,5 µm em A. microcephala. As características morfológicas descritas neste estudo podem representar adaptações que permitem a sobrevivência dos espécimes de Amphisbaenia nas galerias subterrâneas, onde passam a maior parte de suas vidas sob condições de baixa renovação de ar, níveis de umidade relativamente variáveis e partículas em suspensão.

Lobação pulmonar e distribuição brônquica do ouriço-cacheiro (Sphiggurus villosus) / Lung lobation and bronchial distribution of the orange-spined hairy dwarf Porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus)

Background: The orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus) is a mammal found in Brazil, Venezuela, Guyanas and Bolivia. Its dorsum is yellowish brown and presents a great number of spines. There are no spines in the belly area, which is covered with softer fur. It can host ticks and louses, hemoparasites and endoparasites. This paper aimed to describe the lung lobation and the bronchial distribution of the orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine. Materials, Methods & Results: The lungs of two orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupines, ran over by cars and with no damage in the viscerae, were used in the study. Animals were set with intramuscular and intravisceral injections of a 10% formaldehyde solution and further dissected. The right lung was bigger than the left one and presented cranial, middle, caudal and accessory lobes, and the cranial lobe was bilobated in cranial and caudal portions. The left lung presented cranial and caudal lobes, and the former was subdivided into cranial and caudal portions. The right main bronchus divided into three bronchi, one to the cranial, one to the middle and one to the caudal and accessory lobes. The right lobar bronchus gave origin to five segmental bronchi to the cranial portion and three segmental bronchi to the caudal portion; the middle lobar bronchus originated four segmental bronchi; the accessory lobe bronchus was originated from the right caudal lobe and divided into two segmental bronchi. The right lobar bronchus divided into eleven segmental bronchi. The main left bronchus bifurcated into one bronchus to the cranial lobe and one to the caudal lobe; the left cranial lobe bronchus divided into five to the cranial portion and two to the caudal portion; the left caudal lobe bronchus originated eleven segmental bronchi as well as the right one. Discussion: Markable interlobar fissures were noticed between lobes, similarly to the domestic carnivorous, to the crabeating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) and to wild rodents as agoutis (Dasyprocta azarae). There was a left lobe division, differently from the described in the crab-eating raccoon and horses, and similarly to the described in domestic carnivorous or in agoutis, capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) and pacas (Agouti paca). In all lobes, but the accessory lobe, lobar bronchi divided into several segmental bronchi, differently from the described in the right cranial and accessory lobes of the domestic carnivorous and of the crab-eating raccoon, and from the right middle lobe bronchus of the paca, which presented a bifurcated lobar bronchus. It also differed from the left cranial lobe of agoutis and pacas, which presented one or three segmental bronchi to this lobe, respectively. In the accessory lobe, there was a lobar bronchus bifurcating in segmental bronchi, as described in the domestic carnivorous and in the crab-eating raccoon. The bronchial distribution and lung lobation of the orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine were different from the ones reported in domestic carnivorous and horses, wild rodents and from the crab-eating raccoon, with a markable division in the left and right cranial lobes, as in the domestic ruminants, from whom it differed due the absence of the tracheal bronchus.