Veterinary anatomy during the COVID-19 pandemic in brazil: research focused on pedagogical practice / Anatomía veterinaria durante la pandemia COVID-19 en brasil: investigación centrada en la práctica pedagógica

SUMMARY: Since the first Brazilian Veterinary Medicine course in 1910, many curricular changes have taken place. The pedagogical project have been centered on the student as a subject of learning and supported by the professors as a critical mediator of this process and the pandemic of COVID-19 accelerated this change. Many professors have taught video lessons to ensure continuity of teaching, research and extension, even at a distance. This paper, therefore, aims at reporting the development of animal anatomy didactic contents applied on online platforms in Portuguese language. To this, eight researches were developed addressing the teaching-learning of Morphological Sciences contents to be incorporated into distance education platforms that focused canine and feline anatomy, the study of neuroanatomy in the ovine, bovine, equine and primate species and the surgical anatomy of the locomotor apparatus of the equine specie. Thus, virtual teaching-learning platform can help, as a complementary tool to face-to-face classes, in obtaining the skills, abilities and attitudes required for the training of veterinary students in Brazil.

RESUMEN: Se han efectuado importantes cambios curriculares desde el primer curso de Medicina Veterinaria de Brasil en 1910. El proyecto pedagógico se ha centrado en el alumno como sujeto de aprendizaje con apoyo de los docentes como mediadores críticos de este proceso; con la pandemia de COVID-19 se aceleró este cambio. Muchos profesores han impartido lecciones en video para garantizar la continuidad de la docencia, la investigación y la extensión, incluso a distancia. Este artículo tiene como objetivo informar sobre el desarrollo de los contenidos didácticos sobre la anatomía animal, aplicados en plataformas online en portugués. Para ello, se desarrollaron ocho investigaciones que abordan la enseñanza-aprendizaje de contenidos de Ciencias Morfológicas para ser incorporados en plataformas de educación a distancia que enfocaran la anatomía canina y felina, el estudio de la neuroanatomía en las especies ovina, bovina, equina y primate, y la anatomía quirúrgica del aparato locomotor de la especie equina. De esta forma, la plataforma virtual de enseñanza-aprendizaje puede complementar las clases presenciales en la obtención de las habilidades y actitudes requeridas para la formación de los estudiantes de veterinaria en Brasil.

Determination of the relationship among cell proliferation, metabolic activity and stage of pregnancy by AgNORs as markers in bovine placenta / Determinación de la relación entre la proliferación celular, la actividad metabólica y la etapa de preñez por los AgNOR como marcadores en la placenta bovina

SUMMARY: Nucleolus Organizer Regions (NORs) are defined as nucleolar components containing argyrophilic proteins selectively stained by silver methods (AgNORs). Several investigations have shown the AgNOR quantity and area represent a valuable parameter of cell kinetics, since they reflect the level of activity and cellular proliferation. This article addresses an evaluation of the functional activity and relation between days of pregnancy and proliferative capacity of trophoblastic mononucleate and binucleate cells from bovine placentomes. Both the number and size of AgNORs were determined in different phases of gestation by silver nitrate staining in conventional histological slides. The results showed a significant increase (from 1 to 12 AgNORs) in the number of AgNORS per trophoblastic mononucleate cell in the 3rd trimester, with predominance of 4-6 AgNORs/cell. In the 1st and 2nd trimesters, the number ranged between 1 and 9 AgNORs/cell, with predominance of 1-3 AgNORs. No significant differences were observed between the 2nd and 3rd trimesters, but in the first, in binucleate cells (19-27 and 10-18 AgNORs/cell, respectively) - this number was higher than the one registered in trophoblastic mononucleate cells in the same period. Thus, AgNORs can be used as markers of the proliferative placental cell cycle and established a relation between number of AgNORs and days of gestation. This relation can be used for diagnoses and prognoses of several placental pathologies, including pregnancy losses from manipulated embryos.

RESUMEN: Las Regiones Organizadoras de Nucléolos (NOR) se definen como componentes nucleolares que contienen proteínas argirofílicas teñidas selectivamente por métodos de plata (AgNOR). Varias investigaciones han demostrado que la cantidad y el área de AgNOR representan un parámetro importante de la cinética celular, ya que reflejan el nivel de actividad y proliferación celular. Este trabajo analiza la actividad funcional y la relación entre los días de preñez y la capacidad proliferativa de las células trofoblásticas mononucleadas y binucleadas de placentomas bovinos. Tanto el número como el tamaño de los AgNOR se determinaron en diferentes fases de la gestación mediante tinción con nitrato de plata en portaobjetos histológicos convencionales. Los resultados mostraron un aumento significativo (de 1 a 12 AgNOR) en el número de AgNORS por célula mononucleada trofoblástica en el tercer trimestre, con predominio de 4-6 AgNOR / célula. En el primer y segundo trimestre, el número osciló entre 1 y 9 AgNOR / célula, con predominio de 1-3 AgNOR. No se observaron diferencias significativas entre el 2do y 3er trimester; en el primer trimestre, en células binucleadas (19-27 y 10-18 AgNORs / célula, respectivamente) - este número fue superior a la cantidad registrada en células mononucleadas trofoblásticas en el mismo período. Por tanto, los AgNOR se pueden utilizar como marcadores del ciclo celular placentario proliferativo y se establece una relación entre el número de AgNOR y los días de gestación. Esta relación puede ser útil en el diagnóstico y pronóstico de varias patologías placentarias, incluidas las pérdidas de preñeces de embriones manipulados.

Development of a new decellularization protocol for the whole porcine heart.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in many countries. Advances in technology have been promoted in this regard, especially in tissue engineering, to meet the need for tissue or organ grafts. In this way, the porcine model has been used due to its morphophysiological similarity between the human species, mainly regarding the cardiovascular system. Tissue engineering is employed using biological scaffolds that are currently derived from porcine. These scaffolds are produced by decellularization, a process to remove cells aiming to maintain only its three-dimensional structure, formed by extracellular matrix (ECM). Its main objective is to produce organs through recellularized scaffolds that could eventually substitute the ones with impaired functions. AIM: In this way, the present study aimed to establish a new protocol for porcine heart decellularization with potential application on tissue engineering. METHODS: A porcine heart aorta was cannulated with a silicon tube, and the organ was washed in 0.1% phosphate-buffered saline through a peristaltic pump (Harvard Peristaltic Pump - Harvard Apparatus). After that, deionized water was introduced in the same system. The decellularization procedure was carried out using ionic and non-ionic detergents, namely 4% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 1% Triton X-100, respectively. SDS was perfused through myocardial circulation at 400 mL/min for 24 h for 6 days. Subsequently, the heart was infused with Triton X-100 and washed by PBS and water for 24 h. The heart volume was measured before and after the recellularization. After macroscopic evaluation, the heart samples were processed and stained by Hematoxylin and Eosin, Masson's Trichrome, Weigert-Van Gieson, Alcian Blue, and Pricrosirius Red techniques for microscopic analysis. To observe the cell adhesion, the recellularization was provided in this scaffold, which was analyzed under immunofluorescence and scanning electronic microscopy. RESULTS: The protocol provided cells remotion, with adequate concentration of remaining DNA. ECM components as collagen type I, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans were successfully maintained. The scaffold showed a high cells adherence and proliferation in the recellularization process. CONCLUSION: According to results, the protocol described in this work preserved the ECM components and the organ architecture, minimizing ECM loss and being possible to state that it is a promising approach to tissue bioengineering. RELEVANCE FOR PATIENTS: This study provides a protocol for whole porcine heart decellularization, which will ultimately contribute to heart bioengineering and may support further studies on biocompatibility relationship of new cells with recellularized scaffolds.

Stereological analysis of metanephros from domestic cat (Felis catus, Linnaeus 1798) embryos and fetus.

Kidney diseases are the most common illness for cats with a prevalence seven times higher than in dogs. Metanephros is the last of three renal systems to be formed during the embryonic period, which then becomes the permanent kidney. The current work aimed to analyse the morphology and to quantify the structures present in the development of metanephros from domestic cat (Felis catus) embryos and foetuses. For this purpose, the evaluation of the biometric parameters of metanephros from cat embryos and foetuses was performed in addition to the quantification of renal corpuscles and volume of cortical and medullary layers by stereological analysis. The evaluated biometric parameters were weight, width, height, thickness and volume. The values of the measured biometric parameters increased throughout the gestational stages. The quantity of renal corpuscles gradually increased following the embryo-foetal development, mainly during the middle of the gestational stage. It was during this phase that morphologically, a complete corticomedullary division was observed. Although the difference in the quantity of renal corpuscles between the middle and the end of the gestational stages was not statistically significant, there was an increase in the volume of the medullary layer and a decrease in the volume of the cortical layer between these two stages. These findings suggest that the metanephros presents a progressive growth with the renal corpuscles following this development until the middle of the gestational stage. Starting from this phase, the differentiation of the corticomedullary layers can be seen with a significant increase in the medullary layer.

Approach to the humerus and femur of the paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus 1766).

The paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus 1766) is a rodent species, typical of tropical regions. It is important that in addition to its commercial value as a protein source, it can be used as a scientific scope. The objective of this study was to describe the morphology of the thigh and the arm of the paca by anatomical and imaging methodology with radiography (X-ray), computed tomography (CAT scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the surgical approach of the bones of these regions. It was concluded that the imaging study through X-ray, CAT scan and MRI are reliable methods for anatomical description of wild animals that have little known about their morphology. Finally, similarly to dogs, it was determined that lateral access is the best approach to the femoral diaphysis and the medial access is the best approach to the humerus diaphysis of the paca.

Uso da túnica vaginal canina conservada em glicerina a 98% como curativo biológico no tratamento de feridas cutâneas produzidas em ratos Wistar / Use of canine vaginal tunic preserved in 98% glycerin as biological curative in the treatment of skin produced in wound Wistar rats

Na procura por material alternativo no tratamento de feridas cutâneas, buscou-se com este estudo avaliar o comportamento da túnica vaginal canina conservada em glicerina a 98% como curativo biológico no tratamento de feridas cutâneas provocadas experimentalmente em ratos. Foram utilizados 16 ratos Wistar, nos quais foram induzidas experimentalmente duas lesões cutâneas na região dorsal, sendo uma cranial e a outra caudal. Uma ferida serviu de controle, a qual não recebeu tratamento, a outra recebeu a túnica vaginal recobrindo toda extensão da lesão. A seleção de qual das feridas, cranial ou caudal, iria receber a membrana foi feita de forma aleatória. Os animais foram distribuídos em quatro grupos de igual número para análises clínicas, macroscópicas e histológicas decorridos três, sete, 14 e 21 dias de pós-operatório. Na avaliação clínica e macroscópica pode-se observar que o processo de reparação teve evolução semelhante tanto no grupo controle quanto no grupo membrana. Na análise histopatológica foi constatada grande quantidade de infiltrado inflamatório nos períodos iniciais, no entanto, decorridos 21 dias, a epiderme já se encontrava reparada, e em todos os momentos foi observada maior presença de tecido conjuntivo no grupo membrana, sugerindo maior precocidade na cicatrização. Deste modo, concluiu-se que a túnica vaginal canina pode ser utilizada como nova alternativa no tratamento de feridas cutâneas.

In the search for alternative material in the treatment of cutaneous wounds, this study aimed to evaluate the behavior of canine vaginal tunic conserved in glycerin 98% as a biological dressing in the treatment of cutaneous wounds provoked experimentally in rats. Sixteen animals were used in which two cutaneous lesions were caused in the dorsal region, one cranial and the other caudal. One wound served as a control which did not receive treatment, the other received the vaginal tunic covering all extension of the lesion. The selection of which of the wounds, cranial or caudal, would receive the membrane was made at random. The animals were divided into four groups of equal numbers for clinical, macroscopic, and histological analyzes after three, seven, 14 and 21 postoperative days. In the clinical and macroscopic evaluation, it can be observed that the healing process had similar evolution in both the control group and the membrane group. In the histopathological analysis, a large amount of inflammatory infiltrate was observed in the initial periods; however, after 21 days the epidermis was already healed, and at all times a greater presence of connective tissue was observed in the membrane group, suggesting a greater precocity in healing. Thus, it was concluded that the canine vaginal tunic can be used as a new alternative in the treatment of cutaneous wounds.

Uso da túnica vaginal canina conservada em glicerina a 98% como curativo biológico no tratamento de feridas cutâneas produzidas em ratos Wistar / Use of canine vaginal tunic preserved in 98% glycerin as biological curative in the treatment of skin produced in wound Wistar rats

Na procura por material alternativo no tratamento de feridas cutâneas, buscou-se com este estudo avaliar o comportamento da túnica vaginal canina conservada em glicerina a 98% como curativo biológico no tratamento de feridas cutâneas provocadas experimentalmente em ratos. Foram utilizados 16 ratos Wistar, nos quais foram induzidas experimentalmente duas lesões cutâneas na região dorsal, sendo uma cranial e a outra caudal. Uma ferida serviu de controle, a qual não recebeu tratamento, a outra recebeu a túnica vaginal recobrindo toda extensão da lesão. A seleção de qual das feridas, cranial ou caudal, iria receber a membrana foi feita de forma aleatória. Os animais foram distribuídos em quatro grupos de igual número para análises clínicas, macroscópicas e histológicas decorridos três, sete, 14 e 21 dias de pós-operatório. Na avaliação clínica e macroscópica pode-se observar que o processo de reparação teve evolução semelhante tanto no grupo controle quanto no grupo membrana. Na análise histopatológica foi constatada grande quantidade de infiltrado inflamatório nos períodos iniciais, no entanto, decorridos 21 dias, a epiderme já se encontrava reparada, e em todos os momentos foi observada maior presença de tecido conjuntivo no grupo membrana, sugerindo maior precocidade na cicatrização. Deste modo, concluiu-se que a túnica vaginal canina pode ser utilizada como nova alternativa no tratamento de feridas cutâneas.

In the search for alternative material in the treatment of cutaneous wounds, this study aimed to evaluate the behavior of canine vaginal tunic conserved in glycerin 98% as a biological dressing in the treatment of cutaneous wounds provoked experimentally in rats. Sixteen animals were used in which two cutaneous lesions were caused in the dorsal region, one cranial and the other caudal. One wound served as a control which did not receive treatment, the other received the vaginal tunic covering all extension of the lesion. The selection of which of the wounds, cranial or caudal, would receive the membrane was made at random. The animals were divided into four groups of equal numbers for clinical, macroscopic, and histological analyzes after three, seven, 14 and 21 postoperative days. In the clinical and macroscopic evaluation, it can be observed that the healing process had similar evolution in both the control group and the membrane group. In the histopathological analysis, a large amount of inflammatory infiltrate was observed in the initial periods; however, after 21 days the epidermis was already healed, and at all times a greater presence of connective tissue was observed in the membrane group, suggesting a greater precocity in healing. Thus, it was concluded that the canine vaginal tunic can be used as a new alternative in the treatment of cutaneous wounds.

The morphology of paca (Cuniculus paca) testis with high dose of letrozole an aromatase inhibitor / La morfología del testículo de paca (Cuniculus paca) con altas dosis de letrozol, un inhibidor de la aromatasa

SUMMARY: The study reported the influence of the high and acute dose of Letrozole on the testis morphology in paca (Cuniculus paca), an aromatase inhibitor that reduces the endogenous estrogen, the essential hormone for spermatogenesis. Morphological changes were observed in seminiferous epithelium with germ cells with apoptotic characteristics and presence of vacuoles and nuclei in pycnose.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la influencia de una dosis alta de Letrozol en la morfología de los testículos de la paca (Cuniculus paca), un inhibidor de la aromatasa que reduce el estrógeno endógeno, la hormona esencial para la espermatogénesis. Se observaron cambios morfológicos en el epitelio seminífero con células germinales con características apoptóticas y la presencia de vacuolas y núcleos en picnosis.

Comparative anatomy of blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna) and toco toucan (Ramphastos toco) beaks using macroscopic analysis and computerized tomography / Anatomía comparada de los picos de guacamayo azul y amarillo (Ara ararauna) y de tucán toco (Ramphastos toco) mediante análisis macroscópico y tomografía computarizada

SUMMARY: Clinically, avian medicine still finds it very difficult to treat wild patients due to the lack of reliable information about their anatomy and physiological parameters that make comparative analyzes possible. Considering that computed tomography (CT) is one of the most viable alternatives in radiography of the head, we describe the comparative anatomy of the beak in the Ara ararauna and the Ramphastos toco through this imaging modality and macroscopy analysis, providing additional information about their conformation and topography for clinical exams. Adult specimens of each were dissected after the CT and beaks were removed for macroscopic analyses. The macroscopic and tomographic findings for both species confirm the similarities in beak morphology and the dietary peculiarities of each.The CT scan proved to be a useful tool to visualize internal structures of the skull through a detailed virtopsy of regions that are difficult to access by the usual necropsy with a scalpel.

RESUMEN: Debido a la escasa información de la anatomía y de los parámetros fisiológicos que hacen posible los análisis comparativos en la medicina aviar, clínicamente resulta muy difícil el tratamiento de estos animales. Considerando que la tomografía computarizada es una buena alternativa, estudiamos la anatomía comparativa del pico en Ara ararauna y Toco Toucan utilizando imágenes y un análisis de macroscopía. Estos métodos proporcionaron información adicional referente a su conformación y topografía para el trabajo clínico. Después de analizar la tomografía se disecaron las muestras de especímenes adultos y se retiraron los picos para un análisis macroscópico. Los hallazgos macroscópicos y tomográficos para ambas especies corroboraron la relación morfológica entre los picos y las peculiaridades dietéticas de cada uno. Se demostró además, que la tomografía computarizada es una herramienta útil para visualizar las estructuras internas del cráneo de las aves, a través de una virtopsia detallada en áreas de difícil acceso durante una necropsia habitual.

Ovarian dysgerminoma causing multifocal metastases in young bitch / Disgerminoma ovariano causando metástases multifocais em cadela jovem

The ovarian neoplasias are unusual in canine species, mainly originated from germinative cells. Among these, dysgerminoma is a rare neoplasm in bitches, predominantly affecting senile and small and medium breeds. They are large, rounded, smooth surface, painless and firm in consistency. The clinical signs commonly demonstrated by patients with this neoplasia are abdominal distension and secondary signs of hyperestrogenism. The diagnosis should be based on the association of history, clinical signs, radiographic, ultrasonographic, cytological, histopathological and immunohistochemical exams. The treatment is the surgical castration and metastases are uncommon. Due to the rarity in bitches, specifically the young animals, this study aimed to describe a case of left ovarian dysgerminoma, of considerable size and adherence in adjacent organs, in a Brazilian Fila, whose showed considerable increase in abdominal volume and progressive weight loss. The diagnosis was confirmed by means of complementary x-ray, ultrasound, histopathological and immunohistochemical tests. Even with the recommended surgical treatment (castration), the patient demonstrated severe respiratory symptoms and increased abdominal volume after two months, and the complementary exams suggested pulmonary and multifocal metastases and the tutor chose euthanasia. As presented by the results, although rare in bitches, dysgerminoma should be included in the differential of ovarian neoplasias, including the young ones.

As neoplasias ovarianas são de ocorrência incomum na espécie canina, principalmente as originadas de células germinativas. Dentre estas, o disgerminoma é uma neoplasia rara em cadelas, acometendo predominantemente fêmeas senis e de raças pequenas e médias. Apresentam-se como massas grandes, arredondadas, de superfície lisa, indolores e de consistência firme. Os sinais clínicos comumente demonstrados por pacientes com este tipo neoplásico incluem distensão abdominal e sinais secundários de hiperestrogenismo. O diagnóstico deve ser baseado na associação do histórico, sinais clínicos, exames radiográficos, ultrassonográficos, citológicos, histopatológicos e imunohistoquímicos. O tratamento de escolha é a castração cirúrgica, sendo que as metástases são incomuns. Perante a raridade em cadelas, em específico as jovens, este relato teve como propósito discorrer um caso de disgerminoma ovariano esquerdo, de tamanho considerável e aderência em órgãos adjacentes, em uma Fila Brasileira, cuja sintomatologia incluiu considerável aumento de volume abdominal e emagrecimento progressivo. O diagnóstico foi confirmado por meio de exames complementares de raios-x, ultrassom, histopatológico e imunohistoquímicos. Mesmo com a instituição dotratamento cirúrgico preconizado (castração), a paciente demonstrou grave sintomatologia respiratória e aumento de volume abdominal após dois meses e, como os exames complementares foram sugestivos de metástases pulmonares e multifocais, o tutor optou pela eutanásia. Diante dos resultados, pode-se admitir que apesar de raro em cadelas, o disgerminoma deve ser incluído no diferencial das neoplasias ovarianas, incluindo as jovens.

Effect of systemic administration of phytosterol on lacrimal quality of dogs / Efeito da administração sistêmica de fitoesterol na qualidade lacrimal de cães

The tear lipid layer (oily outer layer) reduces evaporation and prevents tear overflow. In dogs, reductions in the lipid components of this layer (cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids) can cause eye serious diseases. In this way, the tear crystallization test analyzes the lacrimal quality, however, it is less used in veterinary. As phytosterol reduces blood cholesterol, the objective of this study was to investigate, through the tear crystallization test, whether the systemic administration of this drug influences the lacrimal quality of healthy dogs and, in addition, to verify differences in the interpretation of the ophthalmic test between different evaluators. Eight beagles, healthy, of both sexes, young and adults, without clinical ophthalmic signs apparent were selected. Basal lacrimal samples (D0) were collected from the right and left eye of all animals with glass capillary tube and arranged on a glass slide for scanning the images and subsequent microscopic analysis. Subsequently, all were medicated with the phytosterol (Collestra® 650 mg: 1 capsule, orally, every 12 hours, for 15 days). After seven (D7) and fifteen (D15) days of this systemic administration, the tear crystallization test in both eyes of all dogs was again performed for statistical comparison with the baseline results. The photographs of the slides were classified by four evaluators (AV1 and AV2 with professional experience in ophthalmology and AV3 and AV4 without previous professional experience in ophthalmology), following standards established by Rolando (1984). The results were statistically verified by analysis of simple variance (ANOVA One-Way). There was no statistical difference in the tear crystallization test between the established periods and in relation to the different ophthalmic test evaluators (p≤0.05). Although phytosterols reduce blood cholesterol levels, it was observed in the present study that these drugs when administered systemically did not interfere in the tear lipid layer and, consequently, in the lacrimal quality of healthy dogs, and may be prescribed as lipid-lowering agents for patients with ocular diseases, especially the lacrimal ones.

A camada lipídica lacrimal (camada externa oleosa) reduz a evaporação e previne o transbordamento lacrimal. Em cães, reduções nos componentes lipídicos desta camada (colesterol, triglicérides e fosfolipídios) podem causar doenças graves nos olhos. Desta forma, o teste de cristalização lacrimal analisa a qualidade lacrimal, no entanto, é menos utilizado em veterinária. Como o fitoesterol reduz o colesterol sanguíneo, o objetivo deste estudo foi investigar, através do teste de cristalização lacrimal, se a administração sistêmica deste fármaco influencia na qualidade lacrimal de cães hígidos e, além disso, verificar diferenças na interpretação do teste oftalmológico entre diferentes avaliadores. Oito beagles, saudáveis, de ambos os sexos, jovens e adultos, sem sinais oftalmológicos clínicos aparentes foram selecionados. Amostras lacrimais basais (D0) foram coletadas do olho direito e esquerdo de todos os animais, com tubo capilar de vidro e, dispostas em lâmina de vidro para escaneamento das imagens e posterior análise microscópica. Ato contínuo todos foram medicados com o fitoesterol (Collestra® 650 mg: 1 cápsula, por via oral, a cada 12 horas, durante 15 dias). Após sete (D7) e quinze (D15) dias desta administração sistêmica, o teste de cristalização lacrimal em ambos os olhos de todos os cães foi novamente realizado para comparação estatística com os resultados basais. As fotografias das lâminas foram classificadas por quatro avaliadores (AV1 e AV2 com experiência profissional em oftalmologia e AV3 e AV4 sem experiência profissional prévia em oftalmologia), seguindo padrões estabelecidos por Rolando (1984). Os resultados foram estatisticamente verificados pela análise de variância simples (ANOVA One-Way). Não houve diferença estatística no teste de cristalização lacrimal entre os períodos estabelecidos e em relação aos diferentes avaliadores de teste oftalmológico (p≤0,05). Embora os fitoesteróis reduzam os níveis de colesterol no sangue, observou-se no presente estudo que esses fármacos quando administrados sistemicamente não interferiram na camada lipídica da lágrima e, consequentemente, na qualidade lacrimal de cães hígidos, podendo ser prescritos como agentes hipolipemiantes para pacientes com doenças oculares, especialmente as lacrimais.

Ultrastructural analysis of the spermatogenesis in the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) / Análise ultraestrutural da espermatogênese do porquinho-da-Índia (Cavia porcellus)

Understanding of the reproductive function is essential for both, the establishment of appropriate management systems, and for the use of new species as animal models. In this study, we used light and electron microscopy to characterize the sexual development stages of the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) in specimens of 30, 45 and 90 days of age. We observed the differentiation of spermatocytes only through transmission electron microscopy in the leptotene, zygotene and pachytene phases of meiosis, in 30-day-old animals. During puberty, there was differentiation of the germinative epithelium and formation of the acrosome. Spermatozoa, however, were not detected. Thus, we could infer that puberty happens after 45 days of age. Sexual maturity was evident in 90-day-old specimens. Our results showed that changes in the testicular germinative epithelium during the postnatal sexual development in guinea pig led to morphological changes, including the ones related to the development of Leydig and Sertoli cells, which are directly related to puberty. In this work, we provide new morphological subsidies for a better understanding of reproductive parameters of this species, enabling its use as an animal model in the field of the reproductive biology.(AU)

A função reprodutiva é um fator de vital compreensão tanto para o estabelecimento de sistemas apropriados de manejo, quanto para o uso de novas espécies como modelos animais. Neste estudo através da microscopia de luz e eletrônica caracterizou-se a fase de desenvolvimento sexual do porquinho-da-Índia (Cavia porcellus) em espécimes de 30, 45 e 90 dias de desenvolvimento. Nos animais de 30 dias, a diferenciação dos espermatócitos foi visualizada somente na microscopia eletrônica de transmissão em leptóteno, zigóteno e paquíteno. Durante a puberdade, houve diferenciação do epitélio germinativo, formação do acrossoma, porém não foram evidenciados espermatozóides, assim, infere-se que a puberdade acontece a partir dos 45 dias de idade. A maturidade sexual foi evidente aos 90 dias de idade. Nossos resultados mostraram que ao longo do desenvolvimento sexual pós-natal do porquinho-da-Índia, mudanças no epitélio germinativo testicular levam há alterações morfológicas, inclusive com relação ao desenvolvimento das células de Sertoli e de Leydig, as quais estão diretamente relacionadas com a puberdade. Assim, novos subsídios morfológicos são fornecidos para um melhor entendimento dos parâmetros reprodutivos desta espécie, a fim de viabilizar sua utilização como modelo animal no campo da biologia reprodutiva.(AU)

Organisation and tyrosine hydroxylase and calretinin immunoreactivity in the main olfactory bulb of paca (Cuniculus paca): a large caviomorph rodent.

The majority of neuroanatomical and chemical studies of the olfactory bulb have been performed in small rodents, such as rats and mice. Thus, this study aimed to describe the organisation and the chemical neuroanatomy of the main olfactory bulb (MOB) in paca, a large rodent belonging to the Hystricomorpha suborder and Caviomorpha infraorder. For this purpose, histological and immunohistochemical procedures were used to characterise the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and calretinin (CR) neuronal populations and their distribution. The paca MOB has eight layers: the olfactory nerve layer (ONL), the glomerular layer (GL), the external plexiform layer (EPL; subdivided into the inner and outer sublayers), the mitral cell layer (MCL), the internal plexiform layer (IPL), the granule cell layer (GCL), the periventricular layer and the ependymal layer. TH-ir neurons were found mostly in the GL, and moderate numbers of TH-ir neurons were scattered in the EPL. Numerous varicose fibres were distributed in the IPL and in the GCL. CR-ir neurons concentrated in the GL, around the base of the olfactory glomeruli. Most of the CR-ir neurons were located in the MCL, IPL and GCL. Some of the granule cells had an apical dendrite with a growth cone. The CR immunoreactivity was also observed in the ONL with olfactory nerves strongly immunostained. This study has shown that the MOB organisation in paca is consistent with the description in other mammals. The characterisation and distribution of the population of TH and CR in the MOB is not exclusively to this species. This large rodent shares common patterns to other caviomorph rodent, as guinea pig, and to the myomorph rodents, as mice, rats and hamsters.

Aplicação da membrana de látex natural e do extrato da pele de rã (Lithobates catesbiana) em feridas cirúrgicas cutâneas de ratos Wistar / Application of natural latex membrane and extract of frog skin (Lithobates catesbiana) (Shaw, 1802) in cutaneous surgical wounds of Wistar rats

Implantou-se a membrana de látex natural e o extrato da pele de rã individualmente e em conjunto em feridas cutâneas de ratos com o intuito de se avaliar o processo de reparação tecidual e possíveis complicações. Utilizaram-se 60 ratos da linhagem Wistar divididos em grupos experimentais: grupo controle (GC), grupo membrana de látex (GM), grupo óleo do extrato da pele de rã (GO) e grupo membrana de látex e óleo de rã (GMO), cada um com 15 animais. Aos três, cinco, sete, 14 e 21 dias de pós-operatório, foi realizada eutanásia dos animais para avaliações macroscópicas e histológicas da região lesionada. Nas feridas dos animais do GM e do GC a cicatrização ocorreu mais cedo. No último tempo de avaliação, o sinal de lesão era mínimo; já no GMO, a cicatrização não foi completa e no GO a ferida teve o pior resultado, com presença de crosta no 21º dia. Foram observadas, à microscopia de luz, células normais envolvidas no processo de reparação tecidual e formação de neovasos em todos os grupos. Conclui-se que em todos os grupos não houve rejeição dos biomateriais testados. Todavia, o grupo GM proporcionou melhor cicatrização com menos efeitos adversos quando comparada aos demais grupos testados.

In this study, the membrane of the natural latex and extract of the skin frog, isolated and together, where implanted to replace a cutaneous in the mice, with purpose for evaluating the tissue repair process and possible complication. Sixty Wistar rats ere divided in four experimental groups: control group (GC), membrane of the latex group (GM), oil of the frog group (GO) and group membrane of latex with oil of the frog group (GMO), each one with 15 animals. The animals were euthanized at three, five, seven, 14 and 21 days post-operative, followed by macroscopic and microscopic evaluations of the area of the lesion. In the wounds of the GM and GC, healing occurred earlier, in the latter evaluation time the signal was minimal injury, in the GMO healing was not complete and the wound GO had the worst outcome with presence of crust on the 21st day. There were observed by microscopic, normal cells involved in the tissue repair process and neovascularization in all groups. We conclude that in all groups there was no rejection of the biomaterials tested, however the GM group gave better healing with fewer adverse effects when compared to the other groups tested.

Aplicação da membrana de látex natural e do extrato da pele de rã (Lithobates catesbiana) em feridas cirúrgicas cutâneas de ratos Wistar / Application of natural latex membrane and extract of frog skin (Lithobates catesbiana) (Shaw, 1802) in cutaneous surgical wounds of Wistar rats

Implantou-se a membrana de látex natural e o extrato da pele de rã individualmente e em conjunto em feridas cutâneas de ratos com o intuito de se avaliar o processo de reparação tecidual e possíveis complicações. Utilizou-se 60 ratos da linhagem Wistar divididos em grupos experimentais: grupo controle (GC), grupo membrana de látex (GM), grupo óleo do extrato da pele de rã (GO) e grupo membrana de látex e óleo de rã (GMO), cada um com 15 animais. Aos três, cinco, sete, 14 e 21 dias de pós-operatório, foi realizada eutanásia dos animais para avaliações macroscópicas e histológicas da região lesionada. Nas feridas dos animais do GM e do GC a cicatrização ocorreu mais cedo, no último tempo de avaliação o sinal de lesão era mínimo, já no GMO, a cicatrização não foi completa e no GO a ferida teve o pior resultado, com presença de crosta no 21º dia. Foram observadas, à microscopia de luz, células normais envolvidas no processo de reparação tecidual e formação de neovasos em todos os grupos.  Conclui-se que em todos os grupos não houve rejeição dos biomateriais testados, todavia o grupo GM proporcionou melhor cicatrização com menos efeitos adversos quando comparada aos demais grupos testados.

In this study, the membrane of the natural latex and extract of the skin frog, isolated and together, where implanted to replacea cutaneous in the mice, with purpose for evaluating the tissue repair process and possible complication. Sixty Wistar rats eredivided in four experimental groups: control group (GC), membrane of the latex group (GM), oil of the frog group (GO) and groupmembrane of latex with oil of the frog group (GMO), each one with 15 animals. The animals were euthanized at three, five, seven,14 and 21 days post-operative, followed by macroscopic and microscopic evaluations of the area of the lesion. In the wounds ofthe GM and GC, healing occurred earlier, in the latter evaluation time the signal was minimal injury, in the GMO healing was notcomplete and the wound GO had the worst outcome with presence of crust on the 21st day. There were observed by microscopic,normal cells involved in the tissue repair process and neovascularization in all groups. We conclude that in all groups there wasno rejection of the biomaterials tested, however the GM group gave better healing with fewer adverse effects when compared to the other groups tested.

Asymmetric post-natal development of superior cervical ganglion of paca (Agouti paca).

Functional asymmetry has been reported in sympathetic ganglia. Although there are few studies reporting on body side-related morphoquantitative changes in sympathetic ganglion neurons, none of them have used design-based stereological methods to address this issue during post-natal development. We therefore aimed at detecting possible asymmetry-related effects on the quantitative structure of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) from pacas during ageing, using very precise design-based stereological methods. Forty (twenty left and twenty right) SCG from twenty male pacas were studied at four different ages, i.e. newborn, young, adult and aged animals. By using design-based stereological methods the total volume of ganglion and the total number of mononucleate and binucleate neurons were estimated. Furthermore, the mean perikaryal volume of mononucleate and binucleate neurons was estimated, using the vertical nucleator. The main findings of this study were: (1) the right SCG from aged pacas has more mononucleate and binucleate neurons than the left SCG in all other combinations of body side and animal age, showing the effect of the interaction between asymmetry (right side) and animal age, and (2) right SCG neurons (mono and binucleate) are bigger than the left SCG neurons (mono and binucleate), irrespective of the animal age. This shows, therefore, the exclusive effect of asymmetry (right side). At the time of writing there is still no conclusive explanation for some SCG quantitative changes exclusively assigned to asymmetry (right side) and those assigned to the interaction between asymmetry (right side) and senescence in pacas. We therefore suggest that forthcoming studies should focus on the functional consequences of SCG structural asymmetry during post-natal development. Another interesting investigation would be to examine the interaction between ganglia and their innervation targets using anterograde and retrograde neurotracers. Would differences in the size of target organs explain ganglia structural asymmetry?

Topografia do cone medular da paca (Agouti paca, Linnaeus - 1766) / Topography of the medullar cone in the paca (Agouti paca, Linnaeus - 1766)

Objetivamos neste trabalho determinar a esqueletopia da terminação do cone medular da paca relacionando com as vértebras lombares esacrais, visando assim estabelecer parâmetros morfométricos etopográficos do cone medular nesta espécie. Para tanto, procedemos à dissecação, mediante incisão, rebatimento da pele, da tela subcutânea e da musculatura da região dorsal à coluna vertebral, com posterior secção e remoção dos arcos vertebrais para melhor visualização da medula espinhal. Após a individualização do cone medular, registramos os aspectos anatômicos de interesse, enfatizando seu início (base) e seu término (ápice) em relação às vértebras, e a partir deentão efetuamos suas medidas com o auxílio de paquímetro; visando documentar nossos achados, realizamos fotografias e esquemas dos espécimes estudados.

We object in this work to determine the skeleton sintopy of the medular cone termination of the paca relating to the lumbar and sacral vertebrae, thus aiming at establishing morphometric and topographical parameters of the medular cone in this specie. We accomplished the dissection through skin incision, subcutaneous divulsion and dissection of the vertebral column dorsal region musculature, sectioning and removing the vertebrae arcs for better visualization of the spinal medulla. After the individualization of the medular cone, we registered the anatomical aspects of interest, emphasizing the basis and its apex in relation to the vertebrae, following the measuring of the region using a caliper rule; photographs and schematic drawing were made to register the findings of studied specimens.