Morphological and molecular characterization of parabasilids isolated from ex situ nonhuman primates and their keepers at different institutions in Brazil.

Intestinal protozoa, which can be asymptomatic or cause diarrhea, dysentery and even death, are among the main agents that affect nonhuman primates (NHPs) kept under human care. Nevertheless, information on the molecular and morphometric profiles of parabasilids in the Neotropics is still scarce. In this context, the objective of this study was to isolate the Parabasalia protozoa detected in the feces of NHPs and their keepers in Pavlova and TYSGM9 media and to characterize the isolates by molecular biology and morphometry. Fecal samples from NHPs from five Brazilian institutions were analyzed. Direct examination was performed immediately after obtaining the samples. A total of 511 fecal samples from NHPs were collected, and 10.6% contained parabasilids. Regarding the handlers, of the 74 samples analyzed, three were positive. In vitro-generated parabasilid isolates were successfully obtained from all positive samples, as identified via microscopy. Isolates of the parasite were obtained both from New World NHPs, including the genera Leontopithecus, Saguinus, Leontocebus, Aotus, Saimiri, Sapajus, and Alouatta, and from the Old World primate Pan troglodytes. Forty-nine NHP isolates were molecularly identified: Pentatrichomonas hominis (16), Trichomitus batrachorum (14), Tetratrichomonas brumpti (13) and Hypotrichomonas hampli (6). The human isolates were identified as Tetratrichomonas sp. (2) and T. batrachorum (1). Visualization and morphometric analysis revealed trophozoites with piriform or rounded shapes that presented variable measurements. The isolates previously characterized as P. hominis had up to five free flagella, while T. batrachorum and Tetratrichomonas sp. had up to four free flagella, and H. hampli had a maximum of three free flagella. These morphometric characteristics corroborated the molecular identification. In general, a variety of parabasilids were observed to infect NHPs, and T. batrachorum was isolated from biological samples from both NHPs and their keepers, a finding that reinforces the susceptibility of these hosts to infections by parabasilids in Brazil.

Uniform trichromacy in Alouatta caraya and Alouatta seniculus: behavioural and genetic colour vision evaluation.

Primate colour vision depends on a matrix of photoreceptors, a neuronal post receptoral structure and a combination of genes that culminate in different sensitivity through the visual spectrum. Along with a common cone opsin gene for short wavelengths (sws1), Neotropical primates (Platyrrhini) have only one cone opsin gene for medium-long wavelengths (mws/lws) per X chromosome while Paleotropical primates (Catarrhini), including humans, have two active genes. Therefore, while female platyrrhines may be trichromats, males are always dichromats. The genus Alouatta is inferred to be an exception to this rule, as electrophysiological, behavioural and molecular analyses indicated a potential for male trichromacy in this genus. However, it is very important to ascertain by a combination of genetic and behavioural analyses whether this potential translates in terms of colour discrimination capability. We evaluated two howler monkeys (Alouatta spp.), one male A. caraya and one female A. seniculus, using a combination of genetic analysis of the opsin gene sequences and a behavioral colour discrimination test not previously used in this genus. Both individuals completed the behavioural test with performances typical of trichromatic colour vision and the genetic analysis of the sws1, mws, and lws opsin genes revealed three different opsin sequences in both subjects. These results are consistent with uniform trichromacy in both male and female, with presumed spectral sensitivity peaks similar to Catarrhini, at ~ 430 nm, 532 nm, and 563 nm for S-, M- and L-cones, respectively.

Menadione reduces CDC25B expression and promotes tumor shrinkage in gastric cancer.

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the most incident types of cancer worldwide and presents high mortality rates and poor prognosis. MYC oncogene overexpression is a key event in gastric carcinogenesis and it is known that its protein positively regulates CDC25B expression which, in turn, plays an essential role in the cell division cycle progression. Menadione is a synthetic form of vitamin K that acts as a specific inhibitor of the CDC25 family of phosphatases. Methods: To better understand the menadione mechanism of action in gastric cancer, we evaluated its molecular and cellular effects in cell lines and in Sapajus apella, nonhuman primates from the new world which had gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea. We tested CDC25B expression by western blot and RT-qPCR. In-vitro assays include proliferation, migration, invasion and flow cytometry to analyze cell cycle arrest. In in-vivo experiments, in addition to the expression analyses, we followed the preneoplastic lesions and the tumor progression by ultrasonography, endoscopy, biopsies, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Results: Our tests demonstrated menadione reducing CDC25B expression in vivo and in vitro. It was able to reduce migration, invasion and proliferation rates, and induce cell cycle arrest in gastric cancer cell lines. Moreover, our in-vivo experiments demonstrated menadione inhibiting tumor development and progression. Conclusions: We suggest this compound may be an important ally of chemotherapeutics in the treatment of gastric cancer. In addition, CDC25B has proven to be an effective target for investigation and development of new therapeutic strategies for this malignancy.

Comparison of semen characteristics and sperm cryopreservation in common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and black-tufted-ear marmoset (Callithrix penicillata).

BACKGROUND: The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is one of the most studied Neotropical primates regarding reproduction. However, little has been reported on the black-tufted-ear marmoset (Callithrix penicillata), which may produce fertile hybrids with other Callithrix. This is the first study to evaluate sperm freezing from black-tufted-ear marmoset. METHODS: Testicles from all animals were measured, and semen was collected by penile vibrostimulation. Samples were analyzed after collection, after chilling and addition of glycerol, and after thawing. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Fresh semen from both species was similar in many aspects. Additionally, there is a relationship between total motility, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity observed in sperm samples from both species. We managed to evaluate fresh and thawed sperm with suitable methods for use under zoo or field conditions. However, TEST egg yolk with glycerol at 4% and 6% concentration was not effective for sperm protection in both species during cryopreservation.

Deregulation of the SRC Family Tyrosine Kinases in Gastric Carcinogenesis in Non-human Primates.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The evolution of gastric carcinogenesis remains largely unknown, as the regulatory mechanisms involved in the aggressiveness of gastric cancer are still poorly understood. Kinases are downstream modulators and effectors of various cell signaling cascades and play key roles in the development of neoplastic diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of genes and proteins of the SRC family, including FYN, YES, BLK, FGR, LYN and SRC, in a model of intestinal gastric carcinogenesis generated by treating Cebus apella, a New World non-human primate, with N-methyl nitrosourea (MNU). MATERIALS AND METHODS: mRNA expression of genes was measured by real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and protein expression was measured by western blotting in six Cebus apella treated with N-methyl-nitrosourea (MNU) for about 2.5 years. RESULTS: Elevated mRNA and protein expression mainly of the SRC and LYN kinases was observed. Their expression was gradually increasing as non-atrophic gastritis was evolving to gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: SRC family kinases play a key role in tumor progression and metastasis and may be a promising target for the treatment of gastric cancer.

Collection, Evaluation, and Coagulum Dissolution of Semen from Goeldi's Monkey, Callimico goeldii.

Research on Neotropical primates' reproduction is necessary due to the lack of available information and the increasing threat to these species. Callimico goeldii is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. This study aimed to test rectal electrostimulation for semen collection and evaluate seminal characteristics. Therefore, semen from 6 captive Goeldi's monkeys was collected and, for the first time, seminal characteristics are described. Coagulum formation was noted in all ejaculates, and we obtained partial or complete liquefaction of the samples. Results were (means ± SD): volume = 26.9 ± 11.87 µL; pH = 7.61 ± 0.28; concentration = 143.18 ± 174.96 × 106 spermatozoa/mL; total sperm motility = 83.33 ± 5.16%; linear progressive motility = 46 ± 24.08%; plasma membrane integrity = 36.38 ± 16.11%; acrosome integrity using fast-green/bengal-rose staining = 63.41 ± 11.72%, and kit Spermac® = 69.36 ± 11.81%; abnormal sperm = 72.5 ± 17.7%, with 16.2 ± 7.7% major defects and 56.3 ± 10% minor defects; sperm with high mitochondrial activity class I = 16.45 ± 22.25%. Rectal electrostimulation was an efficient method for semen collection in this species. Investigations are required to improve semen collection and handling, including cryopreservation methods.

Organic effects of associating paclitaxel with a lipid-based nanoparticle system on a nonhuman primate, Cebus apella.

Lipid-based nanoparticle systems have been used as vehicles for chemotherapeutic agents in experimental cancer treatments. Those systems have generally been credited with attenuating the severe toxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. This study aimed to investigate the effects of associating paclitaxel (PTX) with a lipid-based nanoparticle system on a nonhuman primate, Cebus apella, documenting the toxicity as measured by serum biochemistry, which is a detailed analysis of blood and tissue. Eighteen C. apella were studied: three animals were treated with cholesterol-rich nanoemulsion (LDE) only, without PTX, administered intravenously every 3 weeks, during six treatment cycles; six animals were treated with PTX associated with LDE at the same administration scheme, three with lower (175 mg/m2) and three with higher (250 mg/m2) PTX doses; and six animals were treated with commercial PTX, three with the lower and three with the higher doses. In the LDE-PTX group, no clinical toxicity appeared, and the weight-food consumption curve was similar to that of the controls. Two animals treated with commercial PTX presented weight loss, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, skin flaking, 70% loss of body hair, and decreased physical activity. The use of LDE as a carrier at both lower and higher doses reduced the toxicity of the drug in this species, which is closely related to human subjects. This was observed not only by clinical, biochemical, and hematological profiles but also by the histopathological analysis. The results of this study support the assumption that lipid-based nanoparticle systems used as drug carriers can serve as valuable tools to decrease the toxicity and increase the safety of chemotherapeutic agents.

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.

Ganglion cell and displaced amacrine cell density distribution in the retina of the howler monkey (Alouatta caraya).

Unlike all other New World (platyrrine) monkeys, both male and female howler monkeys (Alouatta sp.) are obligatory trichromats. In all other platyrrines, only females can be trichromats, while males are always dichromats, as determined by multiple behavioral, electrophysiological, and genetic studies. In addition to obligatory trichromacy, Alouatta has an unusual fovea, with substantially higher peak cone density in the foveal pit than every other diurnal anthropoid monkey (both platyrrhines and catarrhines) and great ape yet examined, including humans. In addition to documenting the general organization of the retinal ganglion cell layer in Alouatta, the distribution of cones is compared to retinal ganglion cells, to explore possible relationships between their atypical trichromacy and foveal specialization. The number and distribution of retinal ganglion cells and displaced amacrine cells were determined in six flat-mounted retinas from five Alouatta caraya. Ganglion cell density peaked at 0.5 mm between the fovea and optic nerve head, reaching 40,700-45,200 cells/mm2. Displaced amacrine cell density distribution peaked between 0.5-1.75 mm from the fovea, reaching mean values between 2,050-3,100 cells/mm2. The mean number of ganglion cells was 1,133,000±79,000 cells and the mean number of displaced amacrine cells was 537,000±61,800 cells, in retinas of mean area 641±62 mm2. Ganglion cell and displaced amacrine cell density distribution in the Alouatta retina was consistent with that observed among several species of diurnal Anthropoidea, both platyrrhines and catarrhines. The principal alteration in the Alouatta retina appears not to be in the number of any retinal cell class, but rather a marked gradient in cone density within the fovea, which could potentially support high chromatic acuity in a restricted central region.

Evaluation of the immunological cellular response of Cebus apella exposed to the carcinogen N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and treated with CANOVA®.

The immune response modifier Canova® is a homeopathic remedy indicated for patients with depressed immune system, since this drug appears to increase adaptive immunity and induce an immune response against multiple and severe pathological conditions, including cancer. We evaluated the pattern of immune cellular response in non-human primates of the species Cebus apella exposed to N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) with and without Canova®. Twelve animals were divided into four groups, with three animals each: negative control and three experimental groups, MNU-alone (35 days); MNU (35 days)-plus-Canova® (3 days) and Canova®-alone (3 days). The animals received MNU orally and Canova® by three intravenous injections. Evaluation of the cellular immune response was performed by immunophenotyping of T-lymphocytes (CD4(+), CD8(+)), B-lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Analysis was also performed of the cell cycle. Our results suggest an increase of T-lymphocytes (CD4(+)CD3(+)) only in the Canova® group, while in the MNU-plus-Canova® group only B-lymphocytes increased.

Semen characteristics of captive common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus): a comparison of a German with a Brazilian colony.

BACKGROUND: The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is of interest for reproductive studies because of their high and variable fertility in captivity. However, to understand this variability, much basic information still needs to be gathered. This study is the first to characterize marmoset semen comparing a German and a Brazilian colony. METHODS: All animals were weighted, and semen samples were collected by penile vibratory stimulation and analyzed according to standard criteria. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The German animals had a higher mean and maximum weight than the Brazilian. Further, sperm concentration tended to be higher with heavier animals in the German population, but not in the Brazilian. Additionally, major defects tended to be more frequent with higher weight but also only in German sample. In spite of these differences, the total range and variability in sperm concentration were similar in both populations, suggesting that this is characteristic for the species.

hTERT and TP53 deregulation in intestinal-type gastric carcinogenesis in non-human primates.

Despite the high incidence, the molecular events involved in intestinal-type gastric carcinogenesis remains unclear. We previously established an intestinal-type gastric carcinogenesis model in Cebus apella, a New World monkey. In the present study, we evaluated hTERT and TP53 mRNA expression, as well as their protein immunoreactivity, in normal mucosa, non-atrophic gastritis, atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and intestinal-type gastric cancer samples of non-human primates treated with N-methyl-nitrosourea. In addition, we evaluated the number of TP53 copies in these samples. Although hTERT immunoreactivity was only detected in gastric cancer, a continuous increase of hTERT mRNA expression was observed from non-atrophic gastritis to gastric tumors. No sample presented p53 immunoreactivity. However, we also observed a continuous decrease of TP53 mRNA expression during the sequential steps of gastric carcinogenesis. Moreover, loss of TP53 copies was observed in intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer samples. Our study highlights that hTERT and TP53 have a key role in intestinal-type gastric cancer initiation.

The protective effect of Canova homeopathic medicine in cyclophosphamide-treated non-human primates.

BACKGROUND: Canova activates macrophages and indirectly induces lymphocyte proliferation. Here we evaluated the effects of Canova in cyclophosphamide-treated non-human primates. METHODS: Twelve Cebus apella were evaluated. Four animals were treated with Canova only. Eight animals were treated with two doses of cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg) and four of these animals received Canova. Body weight, biochemistry and hematologic analyses were performed for 40 days. Micronucleus and comet assays were performed for the evaluation of DNA damage. RESULTS: We observed that cyclophosphamide induced abnormal WBC count in all animals. However, the group treated with cyclophosphamide plus Canova presented a higher leukocyte count than that which received only cyclophosphamide. Cyclophosphamide induced micronucleus and DNA damage in all animals. The frequency of these alterations was significantly lower in the Canova group than in the group without this medicine. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated that Canova treatment minimizes cyclophosphamide myelotoxicity in C. apella.

Ultrastructural aspects of Callithrix penicillata lingual papillae.

Callithrix penicillata belongs to the family Callitrichidae, Callithrix genus. They are basically insectivorous, but they consume fruits. The mucosa of the tongue is composed of some papillary types, revealing different levels of expertise. The present study attempted to describe the morphological and ultrastructural aspects of the dorsal surface of the C. penicillata, describing the characteristics and distribution of papillae found. Five tongues of C. penicillata (two females and three males), obtained from breeding colonies of CENP-Ananindeua-PA, died from natural causes. The material was fixed partly in a buffer solution paraformaldehyde 10% and partly in modified Karnovsky solution, divided into apex, body, and root, and then the fragments were used in light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The average length of the tongue of the females was 22 mm and for males 20.5 mm. Three types of papillae were described: filiform (along all tissue extension with 154 µm of diameter), fungiform (along all tissue extension with 275 µm of diameter), and vallate (just three units in caudal (dorsal) portion with 672 µm of diameter). Data analysis indicates that the distribution and ultrastructural morphology of the C. penicillata lingual papillae are some similar to other primates.

Experimental gastric carcinogenesis in Cebus apella nonhuman primates.

The evolution of gastric carcinogenesis remains largely unknown. We established two gastric carcinogenesis models in New-World nonhuman primates. In the first model, ACP03 gastric cancer cell line was inoculated in 18 animals. In the second model, we treated 6 animals with N-methyl-nitrosourea (MNU). Animals with gastric cancer were also treated with Canova immunomodulator. Clinical, hematologic, and biochemical, including C-reactive protein, folic acid, and homocysteine, analyses were performed in this study. MYC expression and copy number was also evaluated. We observed that all animals inoculated with ACP03 developed gastric cancer on the 9(th) day though on the 14(th) day presented total tumor remission. In the second model, all animals developed pre-neoplastic lesions and five died of drug intoxication before the development of cancer. The last surviving MNU-treated animal developed intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma observed by endoscopy on the 940(th) day. The level of C-reactive protein level and homocysteine concentration increased while the level of folic acid decreased with the presence of tumors in ACP03-inoculated animals and MNU treatment. ACP03 inoculation also led to anemia and leukocytosis. The hematologic and biochemical results corroborate those observed in patients with gastric cancer, supporting that our in vivo models are potentially useful to study this neoplasia. In cell line inoculated animals, we detected MYC immunoreactivity, mRNA overexpression, and amplification, as previously observed in vitro. In MNU-treated animals, mRNA expression and MYC copy number increased during the sequential steps of intestinal-type gastric carcinogenesis and immunoreactivity was only observed in intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer. Thus, MYC deregulation supports the gastric carcinogenesis process. Canova immunomodulator restored several hematologic measurements and therefore, can be applied during/after chemotherapy to increase the tolerability and duration of anticancer treatments.

Ultrastructural aspects of lingual papillae in squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus).

Saimiri sciureus is one of the smallest Cebidae native of Amazon region and also found at the biological reserve of northeast Atlantic forest. It is an omnivore animal, with diversified diet that directly influences the lingual mucosa, which includes certain types of papillae with different organization levels. The present study attempted to describe the morphological and ultrastructure aspects of the dorsal surface of the S. sciureus. Five tongues of de S. sciureus were analyzed from three males and two females who died from natural causes and were obtained from breeding colonies of CENP-Ananindeua-PA. Main macroscopic features were a general triangular shape with a craniocaudal elongation pointed apex. Tissue samples--apex, body, and root of tongue--were fixed in modified Karnovsky solution, following standard scanning protocol, mounted in stubs, coated by gold, and analyzed by Scanning Electron Macroscopy (SEM). Four types of papillae were described: filiform (along all tissue extension with 154 µm of diameter), fungiform (along all tissue extension with 272 µm of diameter), vallate [just three units in caudal (dorsal) portion with 830 µm of diameter] and foliate (one pair at caudolateral surface with ∼ 13 projections and 3000 µm in length). Data analysis indicates that the distribution and ultra structural morphology of the S. sciureus lingual papillae are some similar to other primates.

Descrição morfológica dos ramos colaterais viscerais da aorta abdominal do macaco-de-cheiro / Morphological description of the collateral visceral branches from abdominal aorta of squirrel monkey

O Saimiri sciureus é um primata não humano existente na região amazônica e não consta na lista de animais em perigo de extinção, de acordo com o IBAMA. Neste trabalho, sistematizou-se os ramos colaterais viscerais da aorta abdominal de seis animais sendo três machos e três fêmeas, os quais tiveram o sistema circulatório preenchido com látex Neoprene, adicionado de contraste radiográfico. O resultado observado foi que a aorta abdominal emitiu ventralmente, como ramo colateral visceral, a artéria celíaca, que se trifurcou nas artérias gástrica esquerda, hepática e lienal. Os ramos da artéria celíaca promovem a irrigação do estômago, duodeno, fígado, pâncreas e baço. A seguir, a aorta abdominal emitiu a artéria mesentérica cranial, de calibre maior que a artéria celíaca e justaposta caudalmente. A artéria mesentérica cranial emitiu ramos que vascularizaram a parte final do duodeno, pâncreas, jejuno, íleo, ceco, cólon maior e cólon menor. A aorta abdominal emitiu lateralmente as artérias renais direita e esquerda. A artéria adrenal esquerda surgiu como um ramo colateral direto da artéria celíaca e a artéria adrenal direita surgiu da artéria renal direita. A artéria mesentérica caudal foi emitida da superfície ventral da aorta abdominal, logo abaixo das artérias renais. Em L6, a aorta abdominal se bifurcou, dando origem às artérias ilíacas externas direita e esquerda e estas deram origem à artéria ilíaca interna e femoral direita e esquerda. As artérias testiculares ou ováricas tiveram origem na artéria ilíaca interna. A continuidade da aorta abdominal deu origem à artéria sacral mediana e a continuidade desta é chamada de artéria caudal mediana. O estudo da espécie em questão é de suma importância para gerar conhecimentos a respeito dos primatas não humanos existentes em nosso país. Dessa forma, pode-se dizer que o Saimiri sciureus é um importante modelo biológico para o desenvolvimento de pesquisas biomédicas.

The Saimiri sciureus is a non human primate that exists in the amazon region, which is not in the list of endangered animals according to IBAMA. So, this research systemized the collateral branches visceral of the abdominal aorta of these animals. It was used six animals, three males and three females, which had the circulatory system filled with latex Neoprene added of radiographic contrast. The results showed that the abdominal aorta ventrally emitted a collateral visceral branch called celiac artery, which originates three branches: left gastric, hepatic and lienal arteries. The branches of the celiac artery promoted the irrigation of the stomach, duodenum, liver, pancreas and spleen. Then the abdominal aorta emitted the cranial mesenteric artery, which was of a larger size than the celiac artery and was caudally juxtaposed. The cranial mesenteric artery supply branches that irrigate the final portion of the duodenum, pancreas, jejunum, ileum, cecum and colon. Abdominal aorta emitted laterally the right and left kidney arteries. The left adrenal artery as a collateral branch of the celiac artery and the right adrenal artery has been originated in the right renal artery. The mesenteric caudal artery was emitted from the ventral surface of the abdominal aorta, below the kidney arteries. In L6, abdominal aorta has two derivations to origin the right and left external iliac arteries and these had given origin to the internal iliac and femoral artery right and left. The testicular or ovary arteries were emitted in internal iliac arteries. Of the abdominal aorta led to origin the sacral median artery and in this sequence there is the caudal median artery. The study of this specie is very important to generate knowledge about non human primates existing in our country. It can be said that Saimiri sciureus is an important biological model for development of biomedical researches.

Dioctophyma renale (Goeze, 1782) in the abdominal cavity of a capuchin monkey (Cebus apella), Brazil.

This study reports a case of parasitism by Dioctophyma renale (Goeze, 1762) encysted in the abdominal cavity of a capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) coming from the Centro Nacional de Primatas, Brazil. The animal was sent to the Veterinary Clinic sector with an increase in abdominal volume and no occurrence of any other clinical signs. Upon palpation, a movable circular mass with a diameter of approximately 10 cm was found. Urinalysis, complete blood count and serum biochemistry were performed without revealing any alterations. The animal was then submitted to an abdominal ultrasound exam. The cyst was punctured and a surgical removal procedure was performed, revealing a brownish-colored cylindrical structure that was already deteriorated, making it impossible to perform morphological analysis and classification. In the sediment of the liquid found, eggs were encountered that had morphological characteristics compatible with D. renale. The objective of this paper is to report the first case of parasitism by D. renale in C. apella (Linnaeus, 1758).

The use of new world primates for biomedical research: an overview of the last four decades.

Animal experimentation contributes significantly to the progression of science. Nonhuman primates play a particularly important role in biomedical research not only because of their anatomical, physiological, biochemical, and behavioral similarities with humans but also because of their close phylogenetic affinities. In order to investigate the use of New World primates (NWP) in biomedical research over the last four decades (1966-2005), we performed a quantitative study of the literature listed in bibliographic databases from the Health Sciences. The survey was performed for each genus of NWP that has been bred in the National Center of Primates in Brazil. The number of articles published was determined for each genus and sorted according to the country from which the studies originated and the general scientific field. The data obtained suggests that Brazil is a leader in generating knowledge with NWP models for translational medicine.

Conservação do sêmen e liquefação do coágulo seminal de macaco-prego (Cebus apella) em água de coco em pó (ACP-118®), em diferentes temperaturas / Semen conservation and seminal clot liquefaction of capuchin monkey (Cebus apella) in powdered coconut water extender (PCW) at different temperatures

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a água de coco em pó (ACP) na conservação do sêmen e liquefação do coágulo seminal de Cebus apella. O sêmen de seis machos adultos foi coletado por eletroejaculação (EEJ), diluído em solução à base de ACP-118® e submetido à incubação em banho-maria a 33, 35 e 37°C, por 24 horas. Avaliou-se a integridade espermática por meio da coloração eosina-nigrosina a cada uma hora durante as seis horas iniciais e após 24 horas de incubação. Os volumes médios e as concentrações espermáticas das frações coagulada e líquida foram de 0,20±0,02 e 0,20±0,10mL; 1,1±0,3x10(8) e 1,3±0,9x10(7) espermatozoides mL-1, respectivamente. Somente em uma amostra da fração líquida foram verificados espermatozoides com motilidade (20 por cento) e vigor (4), perdurando por 40 minutos. A maior parte do coágulo liquefez em ACP-118® após 12 horas de incubação. O melhor tratamento observado foi sob 33°C, por manter até 47±12,8 por cento de espermatozoides vivos após 24 horas. Conclui-se que o diluente à base de ACP é eficiente na liquefação do coágulo seminal e na manutenção da integridade espermática até 24 horas após a EEJ, nas temperaturas de 33, 35 e 37°C.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the powdered coconut water (PCW) in the semen conservation and seminal clot liquefaction. The semen of six adult male Cebus apella was collected by electroejaculation (EEJ), diluted in ACP-118® extender and stayed in water bath at 33, 35 and 37°C for 24 hours. The sperm integrity was evaluated by eosin-nigrosine staining every one hour during the six initial hours and after 24 hours of incubation. The average volumes and sperm concentrations of clotted and liquid fractions were 0.20±0.02 and 0.20±0.10mL, 1.1±0.3x108 and 1.3±0.9x107 sperm mL-1, respectively. Immediately after collection, only in a sample of liquid fraction was observed 20 percent motility and vigor 4, which stopped after 40 minutes. Most of the clot was liquefied in ACP-118® after 12 hours of incubation. The best observed treatment was 33°C, because it kept 47±12.8 percent of sperm integrity after 24 hours. It was concluded that the PCW extender is effective in the liquefaction of seminal clot and maintenance of sperm viability 24 hours after the EEJ at 33, 35 and 37°C.