Hematological and serum biochemistry evaluation in howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) and capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella): A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of blood parameters in captive non-human primates (NHPs) is crucial for monitoring their health and ensuring that their environment meets their physiological requirements. METHODS: We performed hemogram, serum biochemistry, and parasitological exams in 20 howler monkeys and 21 capuchin monkeys. RESULTS: In both species, over 50% of the individuals presented at least one parasite. There was a negative effect of age on red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell, platelets, total protein, globulin, and alkaline phosphatase, and a positive effect on the A:G ratio, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and mean platelet volume (MPV). Capuchin monkeys presented the highest platelets and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values and howler monkeys presented the highest MPV, aspartate aminotransferase, ALT, amylase, glucose, bilirubin, and triglycerides values. We observed an interaction between species and sex on RBC, Htc, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Species differences found in blood parameters may reflect differences in physiological adaptations associated with ecological and morphological traits and are clinically relevant for evaluating animal health and the suitability of breeding programs.

Zika Virus Infection Damages the Testes in Pubertal Common Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri collinsi).

During the Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak and after evidence of its sexual transmission was obtained, concerns arose about the impact of the adverse effects of ZIKV infection on human fertility. In this study, we evaluated the clinical-laboratory aspects and testicular histopathological patterns of pubertal squirrel monkeys (Saimiri collinsi) infected with ZIKV, analyzing the effects at different stages of infection. The susceptibility of S. collinsi to ZIKV infection was confirmed by laboratory tests, which detected viremia (mean 1.63 × 106 RNA copies/µL) and IgM antibody induction. Reduced fecal testosterone levels, severe testicular atrophy and prolonged orchitis were observed throughout the experiment by ultrasound. At 21 dpi, testicular damage associated with ZIKV was confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses. Tubular retraction, the degeneration and necrosis of somatic and germ cells in the seminiferous tubules, the proliferation of interstitial cells and an inflammatory infiltrate were observed. ZIKV antigen was identified in the same cells where tissue injuries were observed. In conclusion, squirrel monkeys were found to be susceptible to the Asian variant of ZIKV, and this model enabled the identification of multifocal lesions in the seminiferous tubules of the infected group evaluated. These findings may suggest an impact of ZIKV infection on male fertility.

Effect of age and sex in renal function by ultrasound and serum chemistry in two primate species (Alouatta caraya and Sapajus apella).

BACKGROUND: Comparative studies of kidney morphophysiology in nonhuman primates can help us investigate interspecies differences in growth and aging patterns. METHODS: We tested the effect of age and sex in renal morphophysiology in 21 Alouatta caraya and 21 Sapajus apella (age range = 0.5-26 years) by ultrasound, red blood cell (RBC) count, and kidney function tests. RESULTS: A. caraya had greater growth rate and absolute renal volume than S. apella, but the latter showed a greater relative renal volume and RBC count. There was a negative relationship between RBC and age, a positive relationship between creatinine and body mass, and an apparent negative relationship between creatinine and age only in S. apella. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that A. caraya has a faster aging mechanism than S. apella, and the higher relative kidney volume in S. apella is suggestive of high metabolic demands in this species.

Oral adenocarcinoma observed in Boa constrictor maintained in captivity / Adenocarcinoma papilífero oral em jiboia (Boa constritor) mantida em cativeiro

Information on neoplasms in animals has increased over time, and these studies have helped in the management of reptiles that present tumors. There are similar incidences of neoplasms between homeothermic and ectothermic animals. Furthermore, there are usually more than one type of tumor present. The treatment of wild animals afflicted with cancer usually happens late, contributing to their low life expectancy. Thus, the present work aimed to describe an infrequent case of oral tumor in Boa constrictor. The tumor was observed in an adult female animal, raised in an exhibition area of the Zoo and Botanical Park of the Emílio Goeldi Museum, located in Belém, State of Pará, Brazil. Macroscopically, the mass presented morphologically with an irregular, multilobulated surface, color that varied from white to grey, hemorrhagic areas and its extension was 3.9 x 2.3 cm. The neoplasm was surgically removed, and the histopathological evaluation revealed an adenocarcinoma, with a papillary-like development pattern and a moderate degree of differentiation. The animal died three months after diagnosis due to starvation. The necropsy showed that there was tumor recrudescence and no metastases. Given the impossibility of surgical removal with a greater margin of safety, and adjuvant therapies, this condition favoured the resurgence of the neoplasm. This compromised the animal's ability to feed and consequently lead to death. Malignant neoplasms in reptiles may have an unfavourable clinical evolution for the maintenance of life, requiring specific therapeutic care such as chemotherapy. Scientific contributions on tumors in these animals are essential for the medical treatment of wild animals, and the conservation of wild species.(AU)

Estudos de neoplasias malignas e benignas em animais tem crescido ao longo do tempo, e os seus registros tem auxiliado no manejo de répteis que apresentam tumores. Descreve-se na literatura que há incidências semelhantes de neoplasmas entre animais homeotérmicos e ectotérmicos, e que estes geralmente apresentam mais de um tipo de tumoração. O tratamento de pacientes silvestres oncológicos geralmente acontece de forma tardia contribuindo para sua baixa sobrevida. Deste modo o presente trabalho objetivou descrever um caso infrequente de neoplasia oral em Boa constrictor. A casuística ocorreu num animal adulto, fêmea, criada em recinto de exposição do Parque Zoobotânico do Museu Emílio Goeldi, localizado em Belém, Estado do Pará, Brasil. Macroscopicamente a massa apresentou morfologicamente com superfície irregular, multilobulada, coloração que variou de branca a cinza, áreas hemorrágicas e sua extensão de 3,9 x 2,3cm. A neoplasia foi removida cirurgicamente e a avaliação histopatológica revelou um adenocarcinoma, com padrão de desenvolvimento do tipo papiliforme e grau moderado de diferenciação. O animal foi a óbito três meses pós-diagnóstico por inanição. A necropsia demonstrou que havia recrudescência do neoplasma e ausência de metástases. Diante da impossibilidade da remoção cirúrgica com maior margem de segurança, e terapias adjuvantes, tal condição favoreceu o ressurgimento da neoplasia, comprometendo a alimentação e consequentemente levando ao óbito. Conclui-se que neoplasias malignas em répteis podem ter uma evolução clínica desfavorável a manutenção da sua vida necessitando de cuidados terapêuticos específicos como quimioterapia. As contribuições cientificas sobre processos neoplásicos nesses animais são fundamentais para a clínica médica de animais silvestres além de contribuir para a conservação de espécies silvestres.(AU)

Eletrocussão em Preguiça-real (Choloepus didactylus) - abordagem clínica e cirúrgica / Electrocution in a sloth (Choloepus didactylus) - clinical and surgical approach

Background: High voltage electric shock causes serious injury to the body, which can lead to a fatal condition. Sloths are commonly the target of this type of accident and factors such as the degree of tissue impairment and late medical care can contribute to the death of the animal or the indication of euthanasia. In this way, the present study aims to describe the treatment strategies in Choloepus didactylus victim of high voltage electrocution. Case: A female sloth weighing 6.15 kg was treated at the Wild Animals Sector of the Veterinary Hospital (HV-SAS) of the Federal University of Pará (UFPA) victim of high voltage electric shock with burn on the right side face, stomatitis, glossitis, lesions extensive and bullous lesions in the thoracic and pelvic limbs, in addition to an open fracture in the radioulnar joint of the left limb with signs of necrosis. After patient stabilization (fluid therapy, antibiotic therapy, pain control, cleaning and wound dressing), the patient was transfered to the impatient room. The main treatment strategies adopted were surgery, drug therapy, food and occupational therapy. The day after the patient's arrival, the amputation of the left thoracic limb was performed. On the third day of hospitalization, the right thoracic and pelvic limbs were also amputated, and on the tenth day, debridement of the right lateral face was performed. As for drug therapy, the following drugs were used postoperatively: ceftriaxone (40 mg/kg, BID, for 47 days), dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg, BID, for 4 days), silymarin (15 mg/kg, BID, for 30 days), morphine (0.4 mg/kg, BID, for 14 days; 0.8 mg/kg, SID, for 22 days) and dressing wounds on the lateral face and surgical stumps with ointment of collagenase with chloramphenicol. In food management, the animal had good acceptance of a mixture of fruits, vegetables and animal protein in a pasty presentation. The treatment by occupational therapy included basic care such as exercising, sunbathing, and desensitizing the surgical stumps (massage therapy). In conclusion, after five months, the therapeutic protocol implemented resulted in the clinical improvement of the animal, as it allowed the complete healing of the lesions on the face and surgical stumps. In addition, the care taken with the surgical stumps allowed the animal to use them as support for its locomotion. Discussion: Amputation and debridement surgeries were effective in treating electrocuted patients and should be considered when tissue is compromised, which justifies the surgical protocol adopted in this study. They were based on reports in humans, since in wild animals, although many are victims of this type of trauma, little is known about the appropriate therapeutic approach for each species. Surgical interventions associated with the antibiotic ceftriaxone were efficient for controlling the infection, since this antibiotic has a broad spectrum of activity, being used mainly in skin and soft tissue and/or bone infections, which justified its use in that patient. As for nutritional therapy, supplementation with animal protein may have contributed to the clinical improvement of the animal, since they are excellent components for tissue recovery in patients who suffered losses from burns caused by electric shocks. Stump desensitization is indicated as a treatment for neuropathic pain in amputees, and in the present study, it was essential for the animal to use the limb for locomotion. The exercises in a grassy area associated with sunbathing added as a stimulus to the patient's movement.

Hepatic lesions in captive owl monkeys (Aotus infulatus) with ultrasonographic "starry sky" liver.

BACKGROUND: The "starry sky" (SK) liver is ultrasonographic pattern characterized by multiple hyperechogenic foci in hepatic parenchyma. The study aimed to characterize the microscopic hepatic lesions in captive owl monkeys with SK liver. METHODS: Thirty-seven clinically healthy owl monkeys had their liver scanned and 18 of them had liver biopsy. Animals with SK and peliosis hepatis (PH) were subjected to immunohistochemical and molecular screening for Bartonella spp. RESULTS: SK liver occurred in 59.4% (22/37) of the owl monkeys. Biopsied animals showed steatosis, hydropic degeneration, hemosiderosis, PH, and multifocal granulomatous hepatitis. Two monkeys had SK, granulomatous hepatitis, and PH which were negative for Bartonella spp. CONCLUSIONS: PH and granulomatous hepatitis associated with hepatocellular degenerative lesions may present as hyperechoic nodular liver lesions consisted of SK liver; therefore, concomitant occurrence of two lesions or more contributed to the hepatic SK pattern among owl monkeys and such cases might be clinically monitored.

Histopathological lesions of congenital Zika syndrome in newborn squirrel monkeys.

The absence of an adequate animal model for studies has limited the understanding of congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in humans during the outbreak in America. In this study, we used squirrel monkeys (Saimiri collinsi), a neotropical primate (which mimics the stages of human pregnancy), as a model of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. Seven pregnant female squirrel monkeys were experimentally infected at three different gestational stages, and we were able reproduce a broad range of clinical manifestations of ZIKV lesions observed in newborn humans. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of early-infected newborns (2/4) revealed damage to various areas of the brain and ZIKV antigens in the cytoplasm of neurons and glial cells, indicative of CZS. The changes caused by ZIKV infection were intrauterine developmental delay, ventriculomegaly, simplified brain gyri, vascular impairment and neuroprogenitor cell dysfunction. Our data show that the ZIKV infection outcome in squirrel monkeys is similar to that in humans, indicating that this model can be used to help answer questions about the effect of ZIKV infection on neuroembryonic development and the morphological changes induced by CZS.

Ultrasonography-guided oocyte recovery in owl monkeys (aotus azarai infulatus).

The study evaluated an echo-guided oocyte recovery technique in owl monkeys. Twelve females were selected for the transabdominal ovum retrieval technique. This procedure collected twenty-six follicles, of which nine oocytes were recovered, without harm to the animals. The technique is feasible and is a minimally invasive protocol for neotropical primates.

Prenatal disorders and congenital Zika syndrome in squirrel monkeys.

During the Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak in Brazil (2015-2016), the clinical manifestations associated with its infection were complex and included miscarriage and congenital malformations, not previously described. In this study, we evaluated the prenatal conditions of pregnant female squirrel monkeys (Saimiri collinsi) infected during different gestational thirds (GTs) and assessed all clinical aspects, diagnostic imaging, viremia and the immune response. In our study, 75% of the infected animals in the 1st GT group had significant clinical manifestations, such as miscarriage and prolonged viremia associated with a late immune response. Consequently, their neonates showed fetal neuropathology, such as cerebral hemorrhage, lissencephaly or malformations of the brain grooves, ventriculomegaly, and craniofacial malformations. Thus, our study demonstrated the relevance of pregnant squirrel monkeys as a model for the study of ZIKV infection in neonates due to the broad clinical manifestations presented, including the typical congenital Zika syndrome manifestations described in humans.

Hematological and biochemical parameters of Spix's Saddleback Tamarin (Leontocebus fuscicollis) raised in captivity.

The Spix's Saddleback Tamarin, Leontocebus fuscicollis is widely distributed across the Amazon region, but is endangered. This species is serving an important role in biomedical research in captivity. However, reference values for hematological and biochemical parameters are required for the proper characterization of the species. It was therefore the objective of our research to establish these parameters taking into consideration sex and body mass differences in healthy adult Spix's saddleback tamarins. Collecting 2 mL of blood from each individual, 20 animals were examined (7 males, 13 females), and hematological and biochemical parameters were determined using commercial kits. Of the sixteen variables measured, only red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Ht) values were significantly higher in males (7.12 ± 0.98 106/mm, 14.98 ± 1.25 g/dL and 48.71 ± 4.91%, respectively), while red cell distribution width (RDW) was higher in females (14.58 ± 1.89%). Of the biochemical parameters measured, only gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) enzyme showed higher activity in females (8.08 ± 4.87 U/L), and a high glucose concentration range was observed (102.0 to 521.0 mg/dL) for both sexes. These parameters established with reference ranges for healthy adults provide a reliable reference source for the interpretation of laboratory housed saddleback tamarin.

Anatomopathological lesions of infection caused by Platynosomum illiciens (Braun, 1901) in Neotropical primates kept in captivity.

This study described the hepatobiliary anatomopathological lesions associated with trematode Platynosomum illiciens parasitism in Neotropical primates kept in captivity. In the evaluated organs, we observed portal fibrosis, biliary epithelial hyperplasia, and inflammatory reaction with a predominance of lymphocytes and plasmocytes, and in some cases infiltration of eosinophils and neutrophils.

Experimental yellow fever virus infection in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri spp.) I: gross anatomical and histopathological findings in organs at necropsy.

BACKGROUND: Non-human primates contribute to the spread of the yellow fever virus (YFV) and the establishment of transmission cycles in endemic areas. OBJECTIVE: To describe the severe histopathological aspects of YFV infection, 10 squirrel monkeys were infected with YFV and blood, brain, liver, kidney, spleen, heart, lung, lymph node and stomach were collected at 1-7, 10, 20 and 30 days post-infection (dpi). METHODS: Histopathological analysis and detection of the genome and viral antigens and neutralising antibodies were performed by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and neutralisation test, respectively. FINDINGS: Only one animal died from the experimental infection. The genome and viral antigens were detected in all investigated organs (1-30 dpi) and the neutralising antibodies from seven to 30 dpi. The brain contained perivascular haemorrhage (6 dpi); in the liver, midzonal haemorrhage and lytic necrosis (6 dpi) were observed. The kidney had bleeding in the Bowman's capsule and tubular necrosis (6 dpi). Pyknotic lymphocytes were observed in the spleen (1-20 dpi), the lung had haemorrhage (2-6 dpi), in the endocardium it contained nuclear pyknosis and necrosis (2-3 dpi) and the stomach contained blood in the lumen (6 dpi). MAIN FINDINGS: Squirrel monkeys reliably reproduced the responses observed in human cases of yellow fever and, therefore, constitute an excellent experimental model for studies on the pathophysiology of the disease.

Experimental yellow fever virus infection in the squirrel monkey (Saimiri spp. ) I: gross anatomical and histopathological findings in organs at necropsy

BACKGROUND Non-human primates contribute to the spread of the yellow fever virus (YFV) and the establishment of transmission cycles in endemic areas. OBJECTIVE To describe the severe histopathological aspects of YFV infection, 10 squirrel monkeys were infected with YFV and blood, brain, liver, kidney, spleen, heart, lung, lymph node and stomach were collected at 1-7, 10, 20 and 30 days post-infection (dpi). METHODS Histopathological analysis and detection of the genome and viral antigens and neutralising antibodies were performed by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and neutralisation test, respectively. FINDINGS Only one animal died from the experimental infection. The genome and viral antigens were detected in all investigated organs (1-30 dpi) and the neutralising antibodies from seven to 30 dpi. The brain contained perivascular haemorrhage (6 dpi); in the liver, midzonal haemorrhage and lytic necrosis (6 dpi) were observed. The kidney had bleeding in the Bowman's capsule and tubular necrosis (6 dpi). Pyknotic lymphocytes were observed in the spleen (1-20 dpi), the lung had haemorrhage (2-6 dpi), in the endocardium it contained nuclear pyknosis and necrosis (2-3 dpi) and the stomach contained blood in the lumen (6 dpi). MAIN FINDINGS Squirrel monkeys reliably reproduced the responses observed in human cases of yellow fever and, therefore, constitute an excellent experimental model for studies on the pathophysiology of the disease.

Manejo reprodutivo de quero-quero, Vanellus chilensis (molina, 1782), sob cuidados humanos / Reproductive management of quero-quero, Vanellus chilensis (molina, 1782), under human care

Pertencente à família Charadriidae, o quero-quero (Vanellus chilensis) ocorre da América Central até a América do Sul, sendo bastante tolerante a locais antropizados. Em cativeiro, os filhotes da espécie ainda não são mantidos sem os cuidados parentais, desta forma o presente trabalho propôs criar um protocolo de manejo sob cuidados humanos para estes filhotes. Para este estudo, foi comparado o desenvolvimento de filhotes neste novo protocolo com o de filhotes em vida livre, utilizando um total de treze filhotes. A alimentação sob cuidados humanos foi composta por ração MegaZoo® O-20, ovo cozido e larvas de besouro tenébrio (Tenebrio mollitor) vivas. Como resultado, os filhotes em cativeiro alcançaram uma maior massa corporal e um melhor índice de sobrevivência. Tais discrepâncias foram decorrentes da ausência de predadores, da dieta e da pouca atividade encontrada no ambiente sob cuidados humanos. Pode-se concluir que o manejo sugerido no presente trabalho obteve êxito na manutenção dos filhotes sob cuidados humanos, porém necessita de trabalhos complementares voltados a um melhor condicionamento e ambientação dos filhotes.(AU)

Belonging to the Charadriidae family, the southern lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) occurs from Central to South America, being quite tolerant of anthropized sites. Under captivity, the chick of the species are still not kept without parental care, in this way the present work proposed to create a protocol of management under human care for these chicks. For this study, we compared the development of chicks in this new protocol with free-living chicks, using a total of thirteen chicks. Feeding under human care was composed of MegaZoo® O-20 ration, boiled egg and live beetle larvae (Tenebrio mollitor). As a result, chicks in captivity achieved a higher body mass and a better survival rate. Such discrepancies were due to the absence of predators, diet and low activity found in the environment under human care. In general, it can be concluded that the present work succeed in keep the chicks under human care, but complementary work are needed aimeing at better conditioning and setting of the chicks.(AU)

Manejo reprodutivo de quero-quero, Vanellus chilensis (molina, 1782), sob cuidados humanos / Reproductive management of quero-quero, Vanellus chilensis (molina, 1782), under human care

Pertencente à família Charadriidae, o quero-quero (Vanellus chilensis) ocorre da América Central até a América do Sul, sendo bastante tolerante a locais antropizados. Em cativeiro, os filhotes da espécie ainda não são mantidos sem os cuidados parentais, desta forma o presente trabalho propôs criar um protocolo de manejo sob cuidados humanos para estes filhotes. Para este estudo, foi comparado o desenvolvimento de filhotes neste novo protocolo com o de filhotes em vida livre, utilizando um total de treze filhotes. A alimentação sob cuidados humanos foi composta por ração MegaZoo® O-20, ovo cozido e larvas de besouro tenébrio (Tenebrio mollitor) vivas. Como resultado, os filhotes em cativeiro alcançaram uma maior massa corporal e um melhor índice de sobrevivência. Tais discrepâncias foram decorrentes da ausência de predadores, da dieta e da pouca atividade encontrada no ambiente sob cuidados humanos. Pode-se concluir que o manejo sugerido no presente trabalho obteve êxito na manutenção dos filhotes sob cuidados humanos, porém necessita de trabalhos complementares voltados a um melhor condicionamento e ambientação dos filhotes.

Belonging to the Charadriidae family, the southern lapwing (Vanellus chilensis) occurs from Central to South America, being quite tolerant of anthropized sites. Under captivity, the chick of the species are still not kept without parental care, in this way the present work proposed to create a protocol of management under human care for these chicks. For this study, we compared the development of chicks in this new protocol with free-living chicks, using a total of thirteen chicks. Feeding under human care was composed of MegaZoo® O-20 ration, boiled egg and live beetle larvae (Tenebrio mollitor). As a result, chicks in captivity achieved a higher body mass and a better survival rate. Such discrepancies were due to the absence of predators, diet and low activity found in the environment under human care. In general, it can be concluded that the present work succeed in keep the chicks under human care, but complementary work are needed aimeing at better conditioning and setting of the chicks.

Renal biochemistry variables and ultrasonographic imaging in healthy Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri collinsi).

BACKGROUND: The combined use of renal biochemistry and ultrasonographic imaging may improve the correct management of renal disease. Although renal disease is frequently observed in nonhuman primates, renal function markers have not yet been studied in Squirrel monkeys (Saimiri collinsi). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to establish normal renal biochemistry variables and ultrasonographic features in Squirrel monkeys. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Renal biochemistry variables and ultrasonographic images were documented in 29 healthy Squirrel monkeys (15 males and 14 females). Urea, serum creatinine (SCr), and uric acid (UA) concentrations were measured by kinetic assay. Cystatin C (CysC) was analyzed by immunonephelometry. A multiple frequency linear array probe (5-12 MHz) was used for ultrasonographic imaging. The studied indicators of renal function were related to sex, age, and body mass. RESULTS: Serum creatinine was influenced by sex and body mass. Serum concentration of urea, UA, and CysC were not influenced by sex, age, and body mass. Ultrasonographic images provided accurate and comprehensive data for making clinical decisions for Squirrel monkeys. The total renal volume was only influenced by the body mass nested in sex and was positively correlated to body mass. Right renal volume was bigger than the left one. CONCLUSION: Normative standards for the renal evaluation, including biochemistry and ultrasonography, in the Squirrel monkey have been established correlated to age, sex, and body mass.

Serum Cystatin C in owl monkeys (Aotus azarai infulatus) / Concentrações séricas de Cistatina C em macacos-da-noite (Aotus azarai infulatus)

In veterinary medicine, renal function is usually assessed through urea and creatinine determinations. However, these markers show poor sensitivity for early detection of renal failure by altering when most of the kidney function is compromised. More sensitive biomarkers have been used, among which stands out the cystatin C (CysC). However, for several species of non-human primates concentration and reference values for CysC still need to be established. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of CysC in Aotus azarai infulatus and evaluate the effects of age, sex and body mass on the values obtained. Twenty-nine monkeys (15 males and 14 females) were divided into three age groups: AG1 (1 to 3 years old, n = 9); AG2 (4 to 6 years, n = 6), and AG3 (over 10 years, n = 14). The CysC concentrations ranged from 0.63 to 1.60 mg/l. The sex and age of the animals did not influence the results for CysC, urea, and creatinine. Body mass in AG3 (1.17 ± 0.22 kg) was greater (p 0.05) compared to those observed in AG1 (0.99 ± 0.07 Kg), but was not significant to AG2 (0.98 ± 0.10 kg). However, it is noteworthy that CysC is not influenced by body mass, so it is a good biomarker for renal function. This is the first study on the determination of CysC in the genus Aotus and the values obtained can be used as reference for this species(AU)

Em medicina veterinária, a função renal geralmente é avaliada por determinações séricas de ureia e creatinina. No entanto, estes marcadores mostram baixa sensibilidade para detecção precoce de insuficiência renal, sendo alterados quando grande parte da função renal está comprometida. Biomarcadores mais sensíveis têm sido utilizados, entre os quais se destaca a Cistatina C (CisC). No entanto, os valores de referência para CisC ainda precisam ser estabelecidos para várias espécies de primatas não-humanos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a concentração de CisC em Aotus azarai infulatus e avaliar os efeitos da idade, sexo e massa corporal sobre esses valores. Vinte e nove macacos (15 machos e 14 fêmeas) foram divididos em três faixas etárias: FE1 (1 a 3 anos, n = 9); FE2 (4 a 6 anos, n = 6), e FE3 (mais de 10 anos, n = 14). As concentrações CisC variaram de 0,63 a 1,60 mg/l. O sexo e a idade dos animais não influenciaram nos resultados para CisC, ureia e creatinina. A massa foi mais elevada (p 0,05) em FE3 (1,17 ± 0,22 kg) quando comparada a FE1 (0,99 ± 0,07 kg) e não diferiu significativamente de FE2 (0,98 ± 0,10 kg). Contudo, vale ressaltar que CisC não sofre influência com a massa corporal, por isso ela é um bom biomarcador para função renal. Este é o primeiro estudo sobre a determinação de CisC no gênero Aotus e os valores obtidos podem ser utilizados como referência para esta espécie(AU)

Serum Cystatin C in owl monkeys (Aotus azarai infulatus) / Concentrações séricas de Cistatina C em macacos-da-noite (Aotus azarai infulatus)

In veterinary medicine, renal function is usually assessed through urea and creatinine determinations. However, these markers show poor sensitivity for early detection of renal failure by altering when most of the kidney function is compromised. More sensitive biomarkers have been used, among which stands out the cystatin C (CysC). However, for several species of non-human primates concentration and reference values for CysC still need to be established. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of CysC in Aotus azarai infulatus and evaluate the effects of age, sex and body mass on the values obtained. Twenty-nine monkeys (15 males and 14 females) were divided into three age groups: AG1 (1 to 3 years old, n = 9); AG2 (4 to 6 years, n = 6), and AG3 (over 10 years, n = 14). The CysC concentrations ranged from 0.63 to 1.60 mg/l. The sex and age of the animals did not influence the results for CysC, urea, and creatinine. Body mass in AG3 (1.17 ± 0.22 kg) was greater (p 0.05) compared to those observed in AG1 (0.99 ± 0.07 Kg), but was not significant to AG2 (0.98 ± 0.10 kg). However, it is noteworthy that CysC is not influenced by body mass, so it is a good biomarker for renal function. This is the first study on the determination of CysC in the genus Aotus and the values obtained can be used as reference for this species

Em medicina veterinária, a função renal geralmente é avaliada por determinações séricas de ureia e creatinina. No entanto, estes marcadores mostram baixa sensibilidade para detecção precoce de insuficiência renal, sendo alterados quando grande parte da função renal está comprometida. Biomarcadores mais sensíveis têm sido utilizados, entre os quais se destaca a Cistatina C (CisC). No entanto, os valores de referência para CisC ainda precisam ser estabelecidos para várias espécies de primatas não-humanos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a concentração de CisC em Aotus azarai infulatus e avaliar os efeitos da idade, sexo e massa corporal sobre esses valores. Vinte e nove macacos (15 machos e 14 fêmeas) foram divididos em três faixas etárias: FE1 (1 a 3 anos, n = 9); FE2 (4 a 6 anos, n = 6), e FE3 (mais de 10 anos, n = 14). As concentrações CisC variaram de 0,63 a 1,60 mg/l. O sexo e a idade dos animais não influenciaram nos resultados para CisC, ureia e creatinina. A massa foi mais elevada (p 0,05) em FE3 (1,17 ± 0,22 kg) quando comparada a FE1 (0,99 ± 0,07 kg) e não diferiu significativamente de FE2 (0,98 ± 0,10 kg). Contudo, vale ressaltar que CisC não sofre influência com a massa corporal, por isso ela é um bom biomarcador para função renal. Este é o primeiro estudo sobre a determinação de CisC no gênero Aotus e os valores obtidos podem ser utilizados como referência para esta espécie

Evaluation of blood pressure in feline night monkeys (Aotus azarae infulatus) under different restraint protocols.

BACKGROUND: Feline night monkeys are very susceptible to stress when handled, and because of that, the use of anesthetic and physical restraint methods should be carefully evaluated. To ensure a safer anesthesia to the animals the present study aimed to observe the influence of four restraint protocols in the blood pressure of Aotus azarae infulatus. METHODS: Blood pressure was obtained from 10 animals subjected to restraining protocols using tiletamine and zolazepam, isoflurane, ketamine and midazolam, and physical restraint and results were evaluated to determine their effect on this exam. RESULTS: Among the restraint protocols tested, the anesthetic isoflurane promoted lower blood pressure values and no differences were observed between values measured in both arms in all groups. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that all restraint protocols tested significantly alter blood pressure in this species of primates.

Antiviral activity of chloroquine against dengue virus type 2 replication in Aotus monkeys.

Dengue virus (DENV) of the Flaviviridae family is a single positive-stranded RNA virus that is transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of chloroquine (CLQ) as an antiviral drug against dengue virus in monkeys. To analyze the action of the drug in vivo, nonhuman primates groups (Aotus azarai infulatus) were inoculated with a subcutaneous injection of a virulent strain of DENV-2, treated and untreated CLQ. Blood hematological, viremia, and serum biochemical values were obtained from 16 DENV-2-inoculated, treated and untreated; four received only CLQ and one mock-infected Aotus monkeys. Monkey serum samples (day 0-10 post-inoculation) were assayed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Cytometric Bead Array for determination of viremia and inflammatory cytokines, respectively. Additionally, body temperature and activity levels were determined. In the present work, CLQ was effective on replication of DENV-2 in Aotus monkeys; a time viremia reduction was observed compared with the controls. The concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon gamma in the serum of the animals had a statistically significant reduction in the groups treated with CLQ after infection compared with the controls. A significant decrease in systemic levels of the liver enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was also observed in the animals treated with CLQ after infection compared with the controls. These results suggest that CLQ interferes in DENV-2 replication in Aotus monkeys.