Tear ferning test in healthy dogs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare three tear sampling methods using two grading scales for administering the tear ferning test (TFT) to healthy dogs. METHODS: In total, 90 dogs (180 eyes) were subjected to tear sampling using millimetered strips, reused after the Schirmer tear test (STT) (Schirmer group, SG). Then, the dogs were subdivided into three groups according to sampling approach: micropipette (MPG), microcapillary (MCG), and Schirmer sample 2 (S2G). The collected tears were dried on a clean microscope glass slide at room temperature and humidity. The ferning patterns were observed under a polarized light microscope and classified according to the Rolando and Masmali grading scales. RESULTS: Although all three methods were feasible, the STT was easier to perform in clinical settings. Type I and Grade 1 were the most commonly observed (64.17% and 61.7%, respectively) regardless of collection method. There was no significant difference between the STT median values and the TFT classifications. CONCLUSIONS: The TFT is appropriate for dogs and can be performed using the three suggested sampling methods, with a higher frequency of Type I and Grade 1. Thus, it is possible to use both grading scales in the classification of tear ferning in dogs.

Assessment of meiotic spindle configuration and post-warming bovine oocyte viability using polarized light microscopy.

The objectives of this study were to assess the efficiency of polarized light microscopy (PLM) in detecting microtubule-polymerized protein in in vitro-matured bovine oocytes; to examine its effects on oocyte developmental competence; and to assess the meiotic spindle of in vitro-matured oocytes after vitrification/warming and further assessment of oocyte developmental competence. In the first experiment, the presence of microtubule-polymerized protein (MPP) was confirmed as a positive PLM signal detected in 99.1% of analysed oocytes (n = 115), which strongly correlated (r = 1; p < 0.0001) with the presence of MPP as confirmed by immunostaining. In the second experiment, oocytes (n = 651) were exposed or not (controls) to PLM for 10 min and then fertilized and cultured in vitro. Oocytes exposed to PLM did not significantly differ from controls with regard to cleavage, total blastocyst and expanded blastocyst rates and cell numbers. In the third experiment, meiotic spindles were detected in 145 of 182 oocytes (79.6%) following vitrification and warming. Interestingly, after parthenogenetic activation and in vitro culture, oocytes that displayed a positive PLM signal PLM(+) differed significantly from PLM(-) in cleavage and Day 8 blastocyst rates. These results suggest that polarized light microscopy is an efficient system to detect microtubule-polymerized protein in in vitro-matured bovine oocytes and does not exert detrimental effects on bovine oocyte developmental competence. Moreover, PLM could be used as a tool to assess post-warming viability in vitrified bovine oocytes.

Evaluation of bovine zona pellucida characteristics in polarized light as a prognostic marker for embryonic developmental potential.

It has previously been demonstrated that zona pellucida imaging of human oocytes using polarized light microscopy is a clinically applicable method for the noninvasive assessment of oocyte quality. This study was designed to investigate whether zona pellucida characteristics of bovine oocytes and zygotes in polarized light may similarly serve as a useful marker for developmental competence in bovine reproductive biotechnologies. Zona birefringence intensity parameters of 2862 oocytes/zygotes were objectively evaluated with an automatic analysis system and correlated with oocyte/zygote quality. In detail, immature oocytes of good quality assessed with brilliant cresyl blue staining showed significantly lower zona birefringence than poor-quality counterparts (P<0.001). After in vitro maturation and classification according to maturational status, the birefringence intensity parameters were significantly different in those oocytes that reached metaphase II compared with arrested stages (P<0.001). Following either parthenogenetic activation or IVF with subsequent in vitro culture in a well-of-the-well system until day 9, superior development as determined by cleavage, blastocyst formation, and hatching ability was associated with lower zona birefringence intensity parameters. When early zygote-stage embryos were selected and assorted in groups based on zona birefringence (high/medium/low), the group of embryos derived from high-birefringence zygotes displayed a significantly compromised developmental potential compared with low-birefringence zygotes. These results clearly show that developmentally competent bovine oocytes/zygotes exhibit lower zona birefringence intensity parameters. Therefore, birefringence imaging of zona pellucida is a suitable technique to predict bovine preimplantation embryo development.

Experimental H-type bovine spongiform encephalopathy characterized by plaques and glial- and stellate-type prion protein deposits.

Atypical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has recently been identified in Europe, North America, and Japan. It is classified as H-type and L-type BSE according to the molecular mass of the disease-associated prion protein (Pr(PSc)). To investigate the topographical distribution and deposition patterns of immunolabeled Pr(PSc), H-type BSE isolate was inoculated intracerebrally into cattle. H-type BSE was successfully transmitted to 3 calves, with incubation periods between 500 and 600 days. Moderate to severe spongiform changes were detected in the cerebral and cerebellar cortices, basal ganglia, thalamus, and brainstem. H-type BSE was characterized by the presence of PrP-immunopositive amyloid plaques in the white matter of the cerebrum, basal ganglia, and thalamus. Moreover, intraglial-type immunolabeled Pr(PSc) was prominent throughout the brain. Stellate-type immunolabeled Pr(PSc) was conspicuous in the gray matter of the cerebral cortex, basal ganglia, and thalamus, but not in the brainstem. In addition, Pr(PSc) accumulation was detected in the peripheral nervous tissues, such as trigeminal ganglia, dorsal root ganglia, optic nerve, retina, and neurohypophysis. Cattle are susceptible to H-type BSE with a shorter incubation period, showing distinct and distinguishable phenotypes of Pr(PSc) accumulation.

Polarized light microscopy in mammalian oocytes.

CONTENTS: The meiotic spindle structure plays a key role in normal chromosome alignment and segregation during meiosis. Polarized light microscopy (PLM) allows non-invasive evaluation of the meiotic spindle of metaphase oocytes from different animal species. The purpose of this article is to review the use of PLM in animal reproduction, mainly in the assessment of the meiotic spindle in oocytes. A brief overview of the methods to assess the meiotic spindle is presented as well as the principles behind the PLM. The use of PLM to evaluate oocyte quality and spindle morphology is discussed and the results on the viability of the oocytes after being exposed to PLM are presented. Several researchers showed that PLM could be successfully implemented on cryopreservation, nuclear transfer and intracytoplasmic sperm injection procedures as a tool to improve the outcome of these procedures. In addition, PLM can be used to develop studies on oocyte maturation and spindle dynamics. However, the information on the practical use of this technology in farm animals is very limited and further studies are needed to assess the importance of PLM in animal reproduction.

Morphological characterization of ckd in cats: Insights of fibrogenesis to be recognized.

Renal fibrosis is characterized by glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis and its pathogenesis is associated with the activity of mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts), being essentially characterized by a process of excessive accumulation resulting from the deposition of extracellular matrix components. The aim of this study was to characterize the morphological presentation of chronic and fibrotic lesions in the glomerular, tubular, interstitial, and vascular compartments in feline CKD, as well as the possible participation of myofibroblasts in renal fibrotic processes in this species. Cat kidneys were collected and processed according to the conventional techniques for light microscopy, circular polarization, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Fibrotic alterations were present in all compartments analyzed. The main findings in the glomerular compartment were different degrees of glomerular sclerosis, synechia formation, Bowman's capsule calcification, in addition to glomerular basement membrane thickening and pericapsular fibrosis. The tubulointerstitial compartment had intense tubular degeneration and the immunostaining in tubular cells for mesenchymal cell markers demonstrated the possibility of mesenchymal epithelial transition and consequent involvement of myofibroblasts in the development of interstitial tubule damage. Infiltration of inflammatory cells, added to vessel thickening and fibrosis, demonstrated the severity and role of inflammation in the development and perpetuation of damage. Thus, we may conclude that fibrotic lesions play a relevant role in feline CKD and the mechanism of perpetuation of these lesions need further elucidation regarding the origin and participation of myofibroblasts and consequent mesenchymal epithelial transition in this species.

Gumfooted lines in black widow cobwebs and the mechanical properties of spider capture silk.

Orb-weaving spiders produce webs using two types of silk that have radically different mechanical properties. The dragline silk used to construct the supporting frame and radii of the web is stiff and as strong as steel, while the capture spiral is much weaker but more than ten times as extensible. This remarkable divergence in mechanical properties has been attributed to the aqueous glue that coats the capture spiral, which is thought to decrease capture spiral stiffness and increase its extensibility. However, discerning the effect of the aqueous glue on fiber performance is complicated because dragline silk and the capture spiral are assembled from different proteins, which may also affect mechanical performance. Here, we use the sticky gumfooted lines of black widow cobwebs to test the effect of the addition of aqueous glue on the mechanical properties of dragline silk. We also surveyed orb-webs spun by a broad range of species for bundles of looped silk. Such bundles, termed windlasses, have been thought to increase capture spiral extensibility by "paying out" additional lengths of silk. Our results suggest that neither plasticization of silk by aqueous glue nor excess silk in windlasses can by themselves account for the remarkable extensibility of orb-weaver capture silk compared to other spider silks. This argues that the unique amino acid motifs of the flagelliform fibroins that constitute the core of the capture spiral play an essential role in capture silk's extreme extensibility.

Changes in proportion of canine urinary calculi composed of calcium oxalate or struvite in specimens analyzed from 1981 through 2001.

The objective of this report was to characterize 20-year changes in proportion of calcium oxalate (CaOx) calculi and struvite calculi in dogs, and associations with breed, age, and sex. In this retrospective study, results of analysis of urinary calculi from dogs were reviewed for specimens received between July 1, 1981, and December 31, 2001. Breed, sex, age, year of submission of the specimen, and mineral type(s) were analyzed statistically. CaOx or Struvite or both were contained in 18,966 of 20,884 (91%) specimens. For both sexes, a 20-year statistically significant increase was observed in the proportion of calculus specimens that contained CaOx. The increase in this proportion was greater in females (1% to 31%) than in males (18% to 82%). From 1998 to 2001, when proportions may have plateaued, the odds of specimens containing CaOx were markedly higher in 18 breeds, markedly lower in 5 breeds, and not significantly different in 13 breeds compared with crossbreds. For both sexes, a 20-year statistically significant decrease was observed in the proportion of calculus specimens that contained struvite. This decrease in proportion was greater for males (79-16%) than for females (97-68%). From 1998 to 2001, when proportions plateaued, the odds of calculi containing struvite were markedly lower in 20 breeds, markedly higher in 1 breed, and not significantly different in 15 breeds when compared with crossbreds. Breed, age, and sex were associated statistically with CaOx or struvite urolithiasis. In conclusion, there appears to have been a long-term increase in the proportion of specimens of canine urinary calculi that contain CaOx as well as a long-term decrease in the proportion of specimens of calculi that contain struvite for both male and female dogs. The rate of change appeared to begin leveling off in the period 1998 to 2001. The recent proportion of dogs with either CaOx- or struvite-associated urolithiasis may depend on breed, age, and sex, and on interactions among these 3 factors.

Dental incremental lines in Sika deer (Cervus nippon); polarized light and fluorescence microscopy of ground sections.

Periodic growth incremental lines are found universally in dental hard tissues. This periodicity theoretically allows for estimation of age, even in days, which would be useful in studies of wild animals. In the present study, enamel and dentin increments of the sika deer (Cervus nippon) were observed in ground sections with a polarized light microscope, and their periodicity was examined by the use of a chronological labeling method with fluorochromes. Enamel increments occurred at a mean interval of 10.6 (SD=1.5) microm, and mean spacing of dentin increments was 17.3 (SD=1.8) microm. Fluorochromic marking revealed that incremental lines form each day in enamel and almost every second day in dentin. The fluorescence-labeled lines suggest that enamel formation of the first molar is complete by the age of 5 months. Due to its longer interval of incremental lines and longer term of formation, we conclude that dentin is more suitable than enamel for day-age estimation in sika deer. Experimental confirmation of incremental growth periodicity in various species can improve the reliability of use of tooth increments for age estimation and life history reconstruction.

Ultrastructure and mineral composition of urinary calculi from horses.

Urinary calculi from 17 horses with urolithiasis were examined to study their mineral content and ultrastructure. Among the analytic methods used were X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, and electron microprobe analysis. The calculi initially were observed by use of a stereoscopic dissecting microscope and generally were found to have nodular surfaces surrounding a banded or granular-to-chalky interior. Observation by scanning electron microscopy revealed an intricate pattern of irregularly concentric, fine bands and spherules. These had a round, finely banded, globular texture formed by precipitation of ultrafine-grained radiating crystals. The original pore spaces (ie, between spherules, between bands and spherules, or between crystal generations) could be observed as primary porosity. Precipitation and dissolution of these urinary calculi were observed to be spontaneous processes, which can occur simultaneously within an individual calculus. Another prominent feature of the ultrastructure was secondary porosity (spontaneous dissolution) which, in its incipient stages, appeared to be site-selective (ie, some bands appeared to be more susceptible to development of pinpoint porosity). Textures indicative of dissolution were observed not only on the calculus surface, but within the calculus interior as well. Areas that had more advanced stages of dissolution, resulting in increased secondary porosity, also were observed. All 17 samples of the study were found to be composed of calcium carbonate in the form of the mineral calcite, although minor quantities of 2 other polymorphs of calcium carbonate, minerals vaterite and aragonite, also were encountered. Vaterite was observed in 5 of the samples, whereas aragonite was found in 1 sample. Strontium and sulfur were observed as trace elements in 3 of the calculi, whereas magnesium was present in all calculi. Magnesium was observed to substitute for calcium within the calcite crystal lattice in larger quantities than those of strontium or sulfur. Magnesium K alpha X-ray dot maps generated by use of an electron microprobe analyzer indicated that the distribution pattern of magnesium appeared to closely follow layer-by-layer growth of the calculus. Magnesium distribution also appeared to be related to porosity development. In samples where preferential dissolution was observed, the more porous areas had higher magnesium content. Quantitative chemical analyses, using the electron microprobe analyzer, confirmed these observations. Association of the magnesium distribution pattern to the primary growth texture of the calculus indicated that magnesium content of the calculus varied during the formation process. This also indicated that changes in urine chemical analytes may be reflected in composition of the calculi formed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The anatomy of the oesophagus, stomach and intestine in common wolffish (Anarhichas lupus L.): a basis for diagnostic work and research.

The alimentary canal of laboratory-reared common wolffish (Anarhichas lupus L.) was studied using light and electron microscopy. In the oesophagus, a simple columnar microvillous epithelium with transport characteristics was observed in addition to the main striated squamous epithelium. An osmoregulatory function is proposed for the simple columnar epithelium, which was supported by wide, thin-walled vessels. In the stomach, a separate type of neck cells was observed leading into the acinar gastric glands, which morphologically consist of one cell type: chief cells. The intestine was divided into a proximal and distal segment by an intestinal valve. Pyloric caeca were not present. We propose that shallow, crypt-like structures in the intestinal mucosa are the sites of epithelial-cell proliferation in juveniles and adults. The length of microvilli decreased from approximately 4 microns in the cranial part of the proximal intestine, to 1.5 microns in the distal intestine. In the distal intestine, rod-shaped bacteria were observed between microvilli. An extensive system of thin-walled vessels was observed in the submucosa of juvenile and adult wolffish stomach and intestine. Eosinophilic granular cells were numerous in the perivascular connective tissue in the gastric and intestinal submucosa of adults and juveniles, but were not observed in larvae.

Identification and morphological characteristics of dental neonatal line in sika deer (Cervus nippon).

The dental neonatal line of the sika deer (Cervus nippon) was identified experimentally using chronological labeling methods. In the enamel, prominent dark lines were observed under transmitted light, and the number of increments between the dark line and labeling line was almost consistent with the day-age at the time of labeling injection. Therefore, we identified the dark line as the enamel neonatal line. In the dentin, the bright line was observed under polarized light. Since the bright line corresponded to the enamel neonatal line, we recognized the bright line as the dentin neonatal line. Neonatal lines intersected with the enamel-dentin junction at approximately one-third cervical in the first molar. Using these features, it would make possible to distinguish the neonatal line in wild sika deer.

Case of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour in a dog.

A 12-year-old male shih tzu dog was diagnosed as having a calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumour. One and a half years prior to presentation, a mass was noticed on the right mandible by the owners. Radiography revealed irregular, faintly radiopaque material within the tumour. A right hemimandibulectomy was performed, based on the clinical diagnosis of osteosarcoma. Histopathological evaluation of the mandibular mass showed that it was composed of a polyhedral odontogenic epithelial cell nest, fibrous stroma, homogeneous eosinophilic material and rounded calcifying material. The eosinophilic material was visualised by staining with Congo red, and observed under green birefringence by polarisation microscopy. Although the tumour had not recurred 12 months after surgery, the dog was euthanased because of aspiratic pharyngitis. The literature on the clinical behaviour of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumours in dogs and cats is reviewed.

Use of polarized light microscopy in porcine reproductive technologies.

The meiotic spindle in the oocyte is composed of microtubules and plays an important role during chromosome alignment and separation at meiosis. Polarized light microscopy (PLM) could be useful for a non-invasive evaluation of the meiotic spindle and may allow removal of nuclear structures without fluorochrome staining and ultraviolet exposure. In this study, PLM was used to assess its potential application in porcine reproductive technologies. The objectives of the present study were to assess the efficiency of PLM to detect microtubule-polymerized protein in in vitro-matured porcine oocytes; to examine its effects on the oocyte developmental competence; to select oocytes based on the presence of the meiotic spindle detected by PLM; and to assess the efficiency oocyte enucleation assisted with PLM. In the first experiment, the presence of microtubule-polymerized protein was assessed and confirmed in oocytes (n = 117) by immunostaining and chromatin detection. In the second experiment, oocytes (n = 160) were exposed or not (controls) to PLM for 10 minutes, and then parthenogenetically activated and cultured in vitro. In the third experiment, development competence of oocytes with a positive or negative signal to PLM was analyzed after in vitro fertilization. Finally, oocytes (n = 54) were enucleated using PLM as a tool to remove the meiotic spindle. A positive PLM signal was detected in 98.2 % of the oocytes, which strongly correlated (r = 1; p < 0.0001) with the presence of microtubule-polymerized protein as confirmed by immunostaining. Oocytes exposed to PLM did not differ significantly from controls on cleavage, total blastocyst, expanded blastocyst rates and total cell numbers. The percentage of oocytes at the MII stage and blastocyst formation rate in the negative PLM group significantly differed from control and PLM positive groups. Overall efficiency of spindle removal using the PLM-Oosight system was 92.6%. These results suggest that polarized light microscopy is an efficient system to detect microtubule-polymerized protein in in vitro-matured porcine oocytes and does not exert detrimental effects on porcine oocyte developmental competence. Selecting oocytes by the presence of a PLM signal provides limited improvement on IVF results. Finally, PLM appears as an efficient method to enucleate porcine oocytes.

Induced reproduction in a migratory teleost species by water level drawdown

Captive reproduction is one of the problems faced in aquaculture requiring the manipulation of environmental factors and/or hormonal treatment. Thus, we seek to verify experimentally which gonadal changes were present in mature individuals of Astyanax altiparanae arising from decreased water level. Collections were made every four hours, initiated four hours before and finished 28 hours after stimulation, at the Fish Farming Station of Companhia Energética de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. The gonads were analyzed by light microscopy. The females had ovaries in the spawning capable phase until 12h; in 16h, in a more advanced stage of spawning capable phase; and, from 20h, in the regressing phase. Males had testes in the spawning capable phase until 8h; in 12h, in a more advanced stage of spawning capable phase; and, from 16h, the return to the spawning capable phase. The morphological description was corroborated by the proportion of cell classes. Females presented variation on the gonadosomatic index, but it was not found an emptying of the gonad for neither sex. The process of inducing reproduction with water level drawdown was considered satisfactory, since both sexes presented a reduction in the number of mature gametes at the end of the sample period.

Reprodução em cativeiro é um dos problemas enfrentados na aquicultura exigindo a manipulação de fatores ambientais e/ou tratamento hormonal. Assim, verificou-se experimentalmente as alterações gonadais presentes em indivíduos adultos de Astyanax altiparanae decorrentes da diminuição do nível da água. As coletas foram realizadas a cada quatro horas, iniciadas quatro horas antes e encerradas 28 horas após a estimulação, na Estação de Piscicultura da Companhia Energética de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil. As gônadas foram analisadas por microscopia de luz. As fêmeas apresentaram ovários na fase de apto à reprodução até 12h; em 16h, um estágio mais avançado desta fase; e, a partir das 20h, na fase de regressão. Os machos tiveram os testículos em fase de apto à reprodução até 8h; em 12h, um estágio mais avançado desta fase; e, a partir das 16h, o retorno à fase de apto à reprodução. A descrição morfológica foi corroborada pela proporção das classes celulares. As fêmeas apresentaram variação no índice gonadossomático, mas não foi estabelecido o esvaziamento das gônadas para nenhum dos sexos. O processo utilizado para a indução à reprodução foi considerado satisfatório, uma vez que ambos os sexos apresentaram redução no número de gametas maduros no final do período de amostragem.

Hematological parameters of Ameiva ameiva (Reptilia: Teiidae) naturally infected with hemogregarine: confirmation of monocytosis.

Little is known on how hematozoan infection changes reptile hematology. The lizard Ameiva ameiva is widely distributed in the Americas and is infected by hematozoan parasites. Previous studies on this lizard have shown that the parasite of monocytes causes a variety of ultrastructural changes in infected host cells. The present study reports that this infection does not cause any change to the erythrocytic values. However, a marked increase in the number of leukocytes (especially monocytes) was detected. This indicates that the hemogregarine not only modulates the infected monocyte, but also increases the blood pool of this leukocyte. A Plasmodium sp was also found infecting erythrocytes of one lizard.

Measurements of microvascular perfusion in healthy anesthetized dogs using orthogonal polarization spectral imaging.

OBJECTIVE: To determine normal microvascular assessment parameters for healthy, anesthetized dogs. DESIGN: Prospective investigational descriptive study. SETTING: University Teaching Hospital. ANIMALS: Fifteen client-owned, systemically healthy dogs that were undergoing general anesthesia for an elective procedure. INTERVENTIONS: A sidestream dark-field videomicroscope probe was placed in the mouth at the mucogingival junction above the canine tooth and 3 video recordings of the microcirculation were made for later analysis by 2 independent, blinded reviewers. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The videos were analyzed to determine the total vessel density, proportion of perfused vessels, microcirculatory flow index, and perfused vessel density. A range of values for these indices were obtained and reported. CONCLUSIONS: The microcirculation of normal dogs is readily observable using the videomicroscope and recorded video segments can be used to determine microcirculatory measurements. These values may prove useful for comparison in future studies that examine canine microcirculatory parameters.

Morfologia da glândula mamária do quati (Nasua nasua) / Morphology of mammary gland of the coati (Nasua nasua)

Nasua nasua é um animal onívoro, encontrado em todo Brasil. A reprodução da espécie ocorre somente uma vez ao ano, na primavera. As fêmeas são matriarcas e amamentam suas crias até os 5 meses de idade, vivem com seus filhotes em bandos de até 30 indivíduos. Para descrição morfológica da glândula mamaria do Nasua nasua foram utilizados seis animais provenientes do Criatório Cientifico (Cecrimpas), Unifeob. Autorizado pelo Ibama (Proc.02027.002322/98-99). Para análise macroscópica um animal foi injetado com látex neoprene, sendo a artéria femoral injetada com látex de cor vermelha e a veia jugular de cor azul. Os demais animais foram fixados em solução aquosa a 10% de formaldeído. Para análise microscópica, fragmentos glandulares foram coletados e submetidos ao processo rotineiro, embebido em parafina e corados com Hematoxilina e Eosina, Picrossírius e Azul de Toluidina. Macroscopicamente foram evidenciados três pares de glândulas mamárias, sendo dois pares posicionados na região abdominal e um par na região inguinal. Microscopicamente, notou-se epitélio de revestimento externo das papilas mamárias, epitélio pavimentoso estratificado queratinizado, o qual seguia por toda glândula de forma irregular. Na entrada do óstio, o epitélio da epiderme era modificado ocorrendo uma transição de epitélio pavimentoso estratificado para um epitélio cúbico no ducto papilar. O parênquima glandular era caracteristicamente túbulo alveolar com células secretoras, evidenciado principalmente no animal lactente. Os resultados macroscópicos e microscópicos assemelham-se aos já descritos nas cadelas (Canis familiaris) e os do Procyon cancrivorus pertencente à mesma família do quati, Família Procyonidae.

Coati is an omnivorous animal, found throughout of Brazil. The reproduction of this species occurs only once a year during spring. Females are matriarchs and nurse their young until 5 months old, living with their young in groups of up to 30. For morphological description of the mammary gland Nasua nasua six animals were used coming from the hatchery Scientific (Cecrimpas), Unifeob. Authorized by IBAMA (Proc. 02027.002322/98-99). For the macroscopic analysis one animal was injected with neoprene latex, was injected into the femoral artery with red latex and the jugular vein with blue colored one. The others animals were fixed in a 10% aqueous solution of formaldehyde. For microscopic analysis, glandular fragments were collected and submitted to routine process, embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, toluidine blue and picrossirius. Macroscopically were evidenced three pairs of mammary glands, two pairs positioned in the abdominal region and one pair in the inguinal region. Microscopically, was found a simple epithelium lining external mammary papillae, keratinized stratified epithelium, which continued throughout the gland. At the entrance of the papillae ostium the epithelium of the epidermis was modified occurring a transition from stratified epithelium to cubical epithelium into the papillary duct. The glandular parenchyma was characteristically alveolar with secretory cells observed predominantly in the lactating female. The macroscopic and microscopic results are similar to those already described in bitches (Cannis familiaris) and Procyon cancrivorus belonging to the same family of coati, the family Procyonidae.

Myxosporidiosis in intensively-reared Piaractus mesopotamicus: Histopathological diagnosis by means of Ziehl-Neelsen staining / Mixosporidiose em Piaractus mesopotamicus de criação intensiva: diagnóstico histopatológico pela coloração Ziehl-Neelsen

Samples of different organs from intensively-reared Piaractus mesopotamicus were collected and processed using routine histological techniques in order to produce thin sections for staining with hematoxylin-eosin and with the Ziehl-Neelsen method. Through examination under an optical microscope, myxosporidians of the genera Henneguya sp. and Myxobolus sp. were identified, respectivelyin the gills and kidneys of P. mesopotamicus. Plasmodia with immature spores of Henneguya sp. were located along the secondary lamellae, with total length of 30.45±4.84µm and width of 3.52±0.33µm. Spores of Myxobolus sp. were located in the kidneys, with total length of 8.94±0.82µm and width of 5.59±0.39µm. Histopathological analysis of the gills showed plasmodia containing spores of Henneguya sp., at intralamellar and intravascular localities, at different stages of development. Spores of Myxobolus sp. were identified in the kidneys, in the peritubular region and in the interstices and glomerulus, surrounded by melanomacrophages. Focal hemorrhage was recorded in a few cases. Ziehl-Neelsen staining allowed to identify particular features of the spores and facilitated biometry and enabled classification in comparison with hematoxylin-eosin, thus demonstrating its usefulness for histopathological diagnosis of the parasitosis.

Amostras de diferentes órgãos de Piaractus mesopotamicus mantidos em criação intensiva foram coletadas e processadas mediante as técnicas histológicas usuais para obtenção de cortes que foram corados com hematoxilina-eosina e pelo método de Ziehl-Neelsen. Ao exame em microscopia de luz foi possível identificar mixosporídeos dos gêneros Henneguya sp. e Myxobolus sp. em brânquia e rim de P. mesopotamicus respectivamente. Plasmódios com esporos imaturos de Henneguya sp. foram localizados ao longo das lamelas secundárias e mensurados (comprimento total 30,45±4,84µm e largura 3,52±0,33µm) e no rim esporos de Myxobolus sp. (comprimento total 8,94±0,82µm e largura 5,59±0,39µm). Na análise histopatológica das brânquias observaram-se plasmódios contendo esporos de Henneguya sp., com localização intralamelar e intravascular, em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento. No rim identificaram-se esporos de Myxobolus sp., na região peritubular e no interstício e glomérulo, circundados por melanomacrófagos. Em poucos casos foi registrada hemorragia focal. O uso da coloração de Ziehl-Neelsen permitiu identificar particularidades dos esporos, facilitou sua biometria e classificação em comparação com a hematoxilina-eosina, demonstrando sua utilidade no diagnóstico histopatológico da referida parasitose.

Rins de Baleia Minke (Baleanoptera acutorostrata): arquitetura e estrutura / Kidney of Minke Whale (Baleanoptera acutorostrata): architecture and structure

Entre os mamíferos marinhos, a baleia é um dos animais que mais desperta atenção, especialmente no atinente ao seu sistema urinário. Este sistema segue o padrão entre os mamíferos quanto a sua constituição, entretanto, difere na morfologia renal, em número de lobos, que por sua vez, forma renículos completos, aglutinados às centenas. Esta estrutura é sustentada por tecido conjuntivo fibroso, mas altamente capaz de manter o equilíbrio hidroeletrolítico. Foram dissecados 6 pares de rins de baleia Minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), colhidos em 1982, Cabedelo, Estado da Paraíba, Brasil, na última pesca autorizada. Estes rins estavam conservados em formol 10% e apresentaram uma camada histológica de colágeno muito grande circundando a parede medular. O duto coletor urinário forma cálices papilares, desembocando num único centro coletor que desemboca no ureter. Verificou-se que o rim da baleia Minke apresenta característica lobulada possuindo em média 700 renículos, cada renículo possui características anatômicas e funcionais de um rim unipiramidal, com uma camada interna (medula), e uma camada externa (córtex), e irrigação independente, com formação das artérias arqueadas individualmente, como observadas em mamíferos terrestres unipiramidais. Entretanto, o conjunto destes renículos constitui ao final um rim multilobular e polipiramidal, contrariando a morfologia da maioria dos mamíferos terrestres. Não foi possível distinguir ao nível de microscopia de luz as estruturas do córtex renicular da baleia Minke. Na microscopia eletrônica de varredura foi possível visualizar uma camada cortical que fica localizada entre duas cápsulas fibrosas. Esta junção por sua vez é feita por tecido conjuntivo o qual juntamente com uma camada de colágeno e fibras elásticas, separa o córtex da medula , foram visualizados os glomérulos renais, completamente tomados pelos vasos glomerulares e dispostos em várias camadas. Percebe-se que a cavidade glomerular é praticamente um espaço virtual para onde o filtrado glomerular é drenado, não apresentando o formato globular. A vascularização intensifica-se ao chegar à região medular. A diferença entre rins de mamíferos terrestres e marinhos está na disposição dos componentes morfológicos, favorecendo a fisiologia do órgão.

Among marine mammals, whale is one of the most attention-arousing animals, especially concerning its urinary tract. This system follows the pattern of mammals with regard to its constitution, however, it differs in renal morphology and number of lobes, which, in turn, form complete reniculi, agglutinated in hundreds. This structure is supported by fibrous connective tissue, but highly capable of maintaining electrolyte balance. Six pairs of kidneys of Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), collected in 1982, in Cabedelo, Paraiba, Brazil, in the last fishing allowed, were dissected. These kidneys were preserved in 10% formaldehyde and they presented a very large histologic layer of collagen surrounding the medullary wall. The urinary collecting duct form papillary glasses, that reach a single collecting center which discharges in the ureter. It was found that the kidney of Minke whale has a lobe characteristic, with, on average, 700 reniculi; each reniculus has anatomical and functional characteristics of a unipyramidal kidney, with an inner layer (medulla), and an outer layer (cortex), and independent irrigation, with formation of individually arcuate arteries, as observed in unipyramidal terrestrial mammals. However, the set gathering all these reniculi constitutes, in the end, a multilobular and polipyramidal kidney, contrary to the morphology of most terrestrial mammals. It was not possible to distinguish the renicular cortex structures of the Minke whale in the level of light microscopy. Through scanning electron microscopy, it was possible to visualize a cortical layer located between two fibrous capsules. This joint, in turn, consists of connective tissue, which, along with a layer of collagen and elastic fibers, separates the cortex from the medulla; the kidney glomeruli were visualized, completely taken by the glomerular vessels and arranged into several layers. One notices that the glomerular cavity is almost a virtual space into which the glomerular filtrate is drained, and it does not present a globular shape. Vascularization is increased in the medullary region. The difference between the kidneys of terrestrial and marine mammals consists in the arrangement of morphological components, favoring the organ's physiology.