Gastroesophageal tube of the Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): histological description, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of 5-HT and SS cells / Tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): descrição histológica, histoquímica e análise imunohistoquímica de células 5-HT e SS

The work aims were to describe the histological and histochemical structure of the gastroesophageal tube of Iguana iguana and verify the occurrence and distribution of immunoreactive serotonin (5-HT) and somatostatin (SS) cells. Fragments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of five iguanas were which underwent standard histological and immunohistochemistry technique. Immunoreactive cells for 5-HT and SS were quantified using the STEPanizer. The oesophagus has ciliated columnar pseudostratified epithelium with staining Alcian blue (AB) + and goblet cells highly reactive to periodic acid Schiff (PAS). In the cervical oesophagus, the numerical density of 5-HT cells per unit area (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) was 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 and celomatic oesophagus presented QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. The epithelium of the stomach is simple columnar, PAS and AB +. The cranial and middle regions of the stomach presented (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 and the caudal region, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. The SS cells were only observed in the caudal stomach, with numerical density (QA [SS cells]/µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9 In I. iguana, variation was observed in terms of the distribution of mucus secretions and the pattern of occurrence of serotonin and somatostatin-secreting enteroendocrine cells in the TGI, which possibly will result in an interspecific adaptive response.

Os objetivos do trabalho foram descrever a estrutura histológica e histoquímica do tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana e verificar a ocorrência e distribuição de células serotonina (5-HT) e somatostatina (SS) imunorreativas. Fragmentos do trato gastrointestinal (TGI) de cinco iguanas foram submetidos à técnica histológica e imunohistoquímica padrão. As células imunorreativas para 5-HT e SS foram quantificadas usando o STEPanizer. O esôfago apresenta epitélio pseudoestratificado colunar ciliado Alcian blue (AB) positivo, com células caliciformes altamente reativas ao ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS). No esôfago cervical, a densidade numérica de células 5-HT por unidade de área (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) foi de 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 e o esôfago celomático apresentou QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. O epitélio do estômago é colunar simples, PAS e AB positivo. As regiões cranial e média do estômago apresentaram (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 e a região caudal, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. As células SS foram observadas apenas no estômago caudal, com densidade numérica (QA [células SS] / µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9. Em I. iguana, foi observada variações em termos da distribuição das secreções de muco e padrão de ocorrência das células enteroendócrinas secretoras de serotonina e somatostatina no TGI, o que possivelmente reflete uma resposta adaptativa interespecifica.

Gastroesophageal tube of the Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): histological description, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of 5-HT and SS cells

Abstract The work aims were to describe the histological and histochemical structure of the gastroesophageal tube of Iguana iguana and verify the occurrence and distribution of immunoreactive serotonin (5-HT) and somatostatin (SS) cells. Fragments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of five iguanas were which underwent standard histological and immunohistochemistry technique. Immunoreactive cells for 5-HT and SS were quantified using the STEPanizer. The oesophagus has ciliated columnar pseudostratified epithelium with staining Alcian blue (AB) + and goblet cells highly reactive to periodic acid Schiff (PAS). In the cervical oesophagus, the numerical density of 5-HT cells per unit area (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) was 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 and celomatic oesophagus presented QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. The epithelium of the stomach is simple columnar, PAS and AB +. The cranial and middle regions of the stomach presented (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 and the caudal region, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. The SS cells were only observed in the caudal stomach, with numerical density (QA [SS cells]/µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9 In I. iguana, variation was observed in terms of the distribution of mucus secretions and the pattern of occurrence of serotonin and somatostatin-secreting enteroendocrine cells in the TGI, which possibly will result in an interspecific adaptive response.

Resumo Os objetivos do trabalho foram descrever a estrutura histológica e histoquímica do tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana e verificar a ocorrência e distribuição de células serotonina (5-HT) e somatostatina (SS) imunorreativas. Fragmentos do trato gastrointestinal (TGI) de cinco iguanas foram submetidos à técnica histológica e imunohistoquímica padrão. As células imunorreativas para 5-HT e SS foram quantificadas usando o STEPanizer. O esôfago apresenta epitélio pseudoestratificado colunar ciliado Alcian blue (AB) positivo, com células caliciformes altamente reativas ao ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS). No esôfago cervical, a densidade numérica de células 5-HT por unidade de área (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) foi de 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 e o esôfago celomático apresentou QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. O epitélio do estômago é colunar simples, PAS e AB positivo. As regiões cranial e média do estômago apresentaram (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 e a região caudal, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. As células SS foram observadas apenas no estômago caudal, com densidade numérica (QA [células SS] / µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9. Em I. iguana, foi observada variações em termos da distribuição das secreções de muco e padrão de ocorrência das células enteroendócrinas secretoras de serotonina e somatostatina no TGI, o que possivelmente reflete uma resposta adaptativa interespecifica.

Gastroesophageal tube of the Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): histological description, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of 5-HT and SS cells / Tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): descrição histológica, histoquímica e análise imunohistoquímica de células 5-HT e SS

Abstract The work aims were to describe the histological and histochemical structure of the gastroesophageal tube of Iguana iguana and verify the occurrence and distribution of immunoreactive serotonin (5-HT) and somatostatin (SS) cells. Fragments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of five iguanas were which underwent standard histological and immunohistochemistry technique. Immunoreactive cells for 5-HT and SS were quantified using the STEPanizer. The oesophagus has ciliated columnar pseudostratified epithelium with staining Alcian blue (AB) + and goblet cells highly reactive to periodic acid Schiff (PAS). In the cervical oesophagus, the numerical density of 5-HT cells per unit area (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) was 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 and celomatic oesophagus presented QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. The epithelium of the stomach is simple columnar, PAS and AB +. The cranial and middle regions of the stomach presented (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 and the caudal region, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. The SS cells were only observed in the caudal stomach, with numerical density (QA [SS cells]/µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9 In I. iguana, variation was observed in terms of the distribution of mucus secretions and the pattern of occurrence of serotonin and somatostatin-secreting enteroendocrine cells in the TGI, which possibly will result in an interspecific adaptive response.

Resumo Os objetivos do trabalho foram descrever a estrutura histológica e histoquímica do tubo gastroesofágico da Iguana iguana e verificar a ocorrência e distribuição de células serotonina (5-HT) e somatostatina (SS) imunorreativas. Fragmentos do trato gastrointestinal (TGI) de cinco iguanas foram submetidos à técnica histológica e imunohistoquímica padrão. As células imunorreativas para 5-HT e SS foram quantificadas usando o STEPanizer. O esôfago apresenta epitélio pseudoestratificado colunar ciliado Alcian blue (AB) positivo, com células caliciformes altamente reativas ao ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS). No esôfago cervical, a densidade numérica de células 5-HT por unidade de área (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) foi de 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 e o esôfago celomático apresentou QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. O epitélio do estômago é colunar simples, PAS e AB positivo. As regiões cranial e média do estômago apresentaram (QA [células 5-HT] / µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 e a região caudal, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. As células SS foram observadas apenas no estômago caudal, com densidade numérica (QA [células SS] / µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9. Em I. iguana, foi observada variações em termos da distribuição das secreções de muco e padrão de ocorrência das células enteroendócrinas secretoras de serotonina e somatostatina no TGI, o que possivelmente reflete uma resposta adaptativa interespecifica.

Caffeine and Its Neuroprotective Role in Ischemic Events: A Mechanism Dependent on Adenosine Receptors.

Ischemia is characterized by a transient, insufficient, or permanent interruption of blood flow to a tissue, which leads to an inadequate glucose and oxygen supply. The nervous tissue is highly active, and it closely depends on glucose and oxygen to satisfy its metabolic demand. Therefore, ischemic conditions promote cell death and lead to a secondary wave of cell damage that progressively spreads to the neighborhood areas, called penumbra. Brain ischemia is one of the main causes of deaths and summed with retinal ischemia comprises one of the principal reasons of disability. Although several studies have been performed to investigate the mechanisms of damage to find protective/preventive interventions, an effective treatment does not exist yet. Adenosine is a well-described neuromodulator in the central nervous system (CNS), and acts through four subtypes of G-protein-coupled receptors. Adenosine receptors, especially A1 and A2A receptors, are the main targets of caffeine in daily consumption doses. Accordingly, caffeine has been greatly studied in the context of CNS pathologies. In fact, adenosine system, as well as caffeine, is involved in neuroprotection effects in different pathological situations. Therefore, the present review focuses on the role of adenosine/caffeine in CNS, brain and retina, ischemic events.

Gastroesophageal tube of the Iguana iguana (Iguanidae): histological description, histochemical and immunohistochemical analysis of 5-HT and SS cells.

The work aims were to describe the histological and histochemical structure of the gastroesophageal tube of Iguana iguana and verify the occurrence and distribution of immunoreactive serotonin (5-HT) and somatostatin (SS) cells. Fragments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of five iguanas were which underwent standard histological and immunohistochemistry technique. Immunoreactive cells for 5-HT and SS were quantified using the STEPanizer. The oesophagus has ciliated columnar pseudostratified epithelium with staining Alcian blue (AB) + and goblet cells highly reactive to periodic acid Schiff (PAS). In the cervical oesophagus, the numerical density of 5-HT cells per unit area (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) was 4.6x10-2 ± 2.0 and celomatic oesophagus presented QA = 4.0x10-2 ± 1.0. The epithelium of the stomach is simple columnar, PAS and AB +. The cranial and middle regions of the stomach presented (QA [5-HT cells]/µm2) = 6.18x10-2 ± 3.2 and the caudal region, QA = 0.6x10-2 ± 0.2. The SS cells were only observed in the caudal stomach, with numerical density (QA [SS cells]/µm2) = 1.4x10-2 ± 0.9 In I. iguana, variation was observed in terms of the distribution of mucus secretions and the pattern of occurrence of serotonin and somatostatin-secreting enteroendocrine cells in the TGI, which possibly will result in an interspecific adaptive response.

Caffeine exposure ameliorates acute ischemic cell death in avian developing retina.

In infants, the main cause of blindness is retinopathy of prematurity that stems in a hypoxic-ischemic condition. Caffeine is a psychoactive compound that at low to moderate concentrations, selectively inhibits adenosine A1 and A2A receptors. Caffeine exerts beneficial effects in central nervous system of adult animal models and humans, whereas it seems to have malefic effect on the developing tissue. We observed that 48-h exposure (during synaptogenesis) to a moderate dose of caffeine (30 mg/kg of egg) activated pro-survival signaling pathways, including ERK, CREB, and Akt phosphorylation, alongside BDNF production, and reduced retinal cell death promoted by oxygen glucose deprivation in the chick retina. Blockade of TrkB receptors and inhibition of CREB prevented caffeine protection effect. Similar signaling pathways were described in previously reported data concerning chemical preconditioning mechanism triggered by NMDA receptors activation, with low concentrations of agonist. In agreement to these data, caffeine increased NMDA receptor activity. Caffeine decreased the levels of the chloride co-transporter KCC2 and delayed the developmental shift on GABAA receptor response from depolarizing to hyperpolarizing. These results suggest that the caffeine-induced delaying in depolarizing effect of GABA could be facilitating NMDA receptor activity. DPCPX, an A1 adenosine receptor antagonist, but not A2A receptor inhibitor, mimicked the effect of caffeine, suggesting that the effect of caffeine occurs through A1 receptor blockade. In summary, an in vivo caffeine exposure could increase the resistance of the retina to ischemia-induced cell death, by triggering survival pathways involving CREB phosphorylation and BDNF production/TrkB activation.

Gonadal Development of the Piau Leporinus copelandii (Characiformes, Anostomidae) in a Tropical River in South-eastern Brazil.

Histological analysis of the gonadal development of Leporinus copelandii Steindachner, 1875, a rheophilic Characiformes species in the Paraiba do Sul River, South-eastern Brazil, was described. We expect that this species adapt gonadal development to succeed in this river basin that has its longitudinal profile blocked by several impoundments. Fishes were examined by routine macroscopic and histological techniques. Stages of oocyte and spermatocyte development were described, and gonadal maturation was proposed. Mean oocyte diameter obtained from histological observations increased from the pre-spawning (4.2-175.5 µm) to spawning (148.5-262.0 µm) phases, followed by a sharp decrease in the post-spawning (27.0-56.7 µm) phase. Based on occurrence of different oocytes phases and oocyte size distribution, this species has group-synchronic development of oocytes. Further studies are necessary to clarify the spawning grounds for L. copelandii in the Paraíba do Sul River basin, especially considering that several impoundments obliterate the natural river course and this could limit spawning grounds.

Levantamento de animais silvestres atropelados em trecho da rodovia BR482 / Survey of road-killed wild animals in stretch of the highway BR482

The objective of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of wild animals found run over on the highway BR482 in the stretch between the cities Conselheiro Lafaiete and Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The average of run over was 0.010 animals/km traveled. The mammals represented the most hit, followed by birds, amphibians and reptiles. This work, pioneered in this region, presents the species most affected by the traffic in the highway BR482 and contributes to a preliminary assessment of the present fauna of this region and the anthropological impact along that stretch.

Polidactilismo unilateral incomum em equino: relato de caso / Unusual unilateral polydactylism in a horse: a case report

A polidactilia é um defeito genético caracterizado pela duplicação parcial ou completa de um dígito. Estudos em humanos, bovinos, cães e gatos indicam que um gene autossômico dominante de penetração incompleta é o responsável por essa alteração. A polidactilia é rara em equinos e, nessa espécie, sua causa ainda não foi esclarecida. Entretanto, quando ocorre, está relacionada à má formação congênita da falange. Este trabalho descreve, por meio da observação de exames físico, radiográfico e ultrassonográfico, a ocorrência de polidactilia unilateral, com características incomuns, em um equino de nove anos de idade. O animal, com um histórico de claudicação intensa, apresentava, desde o nascimento, divisão completa do dígito do membro torácico direito, com simetria entre as duas porções distais. Ao exame radiográfico, identificou-se a presença de dois dígitos separados e de dimensões semelhantes, sendo esta uma manifestação incomum de polidactilia na espécie equina.

Polydactyly is a genetic disorder characterized by partial or complete duplication of a digit. Studies in humans, cattle, dogs and cats indicate that an autosomal dominant gene of incomplete penetrance is responsible for this change. Polydactyly is rare in horses and its cause remains unclear. However, when it occurs it is related to congenital malformation of the phalanx. This paper describes, through the observation of physical, radiographic and ultrasound finds, the occurrence of unilateral polydactyly, with unusual features in a nine year old horse. Since birth, the animal, which had a history of severe lameness, had complete division of the digit of the right forelimb, with symmetry between the two distal portions. The radiographic examination identified the presence of two separated digits with similar size, which is an unusual manifestation of polydactyly in the equine species.

Fish gills alterations as potential biomarkers of environmental quality in a eutrophized tropical river in south-eastern Brazil.

Gill anomalies in three common fish species of different taxonomic order, habitat dwelling and feeding habits (one Characiformes, Oligosarcus hepsetus; one Siluriformes, Hypostomus auroguttatus; and one Perciformes, Geophagus brasiliensis) from a eutrophized tropical river in south-eastern in Brazil were compared. The aim of this study was to search for sentinel species that could be used as potential biomarkers of environmental quality. Most fish had gills with histological changes, namely epithelial lifting, interstitial oedema, leucocyte infiltration, hyperplasia of the epithelial cells, lamellar fusion, vasodilatation and necrosis. On the other hand, lamellar blood congestion and lamellar aneurysm, which are more serious and often irreversible changes, were recorded for the water column carnivorous O. hepsetus and, to a lesser extent, for the bottom-dwelling detritivorous H. auroguttatus. A histopathological alteration index (HAI) based on the occurrence and severity of gills anomalies indicated that O. hepsetus (mean score = 11.4) had significantly higher values (Kruskall-Wallis H(2,41) = 15.95, P = 0.0003) compared with G. brasiliensis (mean score = 7.0). Overall, the omnivorous G. brasiliensis had comparatively lesser occurrence of most gill anomalies compared with other two species, being less suitable as biomarker of environmental quality. In contrast, the water column-dweller O. hepsetus (water column) and the bottom-dweller H. auroguttatus had gills most susceptible to changes, making them more suitable for using as histological biomarkers of the environmental quality in entrophized tropical rivers.

Histological study of the liver of the lizard Tropidurus torquatusWied 1820, (Squamata: Tropiduridae)(AU)

The objective of this study was to characterize macroscopically and microscopically the liver of the collared lizard Tropidurus torquatus, using two adult females and two adult males, captured on the banks of Marambaia Isle in Sepetiba Bay in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Fragments of liver were fixed in Bouin’s liquid and submitted to routine histological techniques. Sections were cut by a rotary microtome to 5 mm thickness and stained by with HE, PAS, Gomori Trichrome and Gomori’s reticulin impregnation. The liver this lizard is a large, speckled dark brown organ composed of a right and left lobe. The gallbladder is located on the visceral surface of the right lobe. The lobules are polyhedral in shape and separated by a thin layer of interlobular connective tissue, forming trabeculae. These contain bile ducts, branches of portal vein and of hepatic artery. The hepatocytes are also polyhedric and have varied sizes. The majority of these cells have nuclei offset toward the periphery, and the cytoplasm is highly vacuolated and was not well evidenced by the histological techniques utilized. The hepatic parenchyma is supported by delicate reticular fibers surrounding hepatocytes and sinusoids. Large quantities of melano-macrophage centers are present in the parenchyma.

Helminthological screening of free-ranging grey brocket deer Mazama gouazoubira Fischer, 1817 (Cervidae: Odocoileini) from Brazilian Pantanal wetlands, with considerations on Pygarginema verrucosa (Molin, 1860) Kadenatzii, 1948 (Spirocercidae: Ascaropsinae).

The Brazilian Pantanal wetlands are a unique ecosystem with a faunistic composition similar to that of the adjacent biomes but in higher densities. The early establishment of domestic cattle husbandry in that area introduced pathogens that may influence the indigenous Pantanalian fauna. In this paper, the authors describe the helminthfauna of ten free-ranging adult Mazama gouazoubira from the Paiaguás sub-region, along with the descriptors of infection. Morphological description of Pygarginema verrucosa is supplied, with comments on other species of this genus. The helminth species found are similar to domestic cattle helminthfauna of the same physiographic region, suggesting an adaptation of bovine parasites to this host.

Pterygodermatites ( Multipectines) pluripectinata n. sp. (Spirurida: Rictulariidae), a nematode parasite of the crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) from Caatinga shrubland, Brazil.

In a parasitological survey of free-ranging Cerdocyon thous (Carnivora: Canidae) from Brazilian Caatinga shrubland, a new species of Pterygodermatites (Multipectines) was recovered from the small intestine of this host. Morphological analysis showed that P. (Multipectines) pluripectinata n. sp. is distinguished from all other congeneric species mainly by the numerous plate-like projections and male caudal morphology and spicular length. There are few records on the occurrence of this genus in Neotropical regions.

Helminthological records of six-banded armadillos Euphractus sexcinctus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Brazilian semi-arid region, Patos county, Paraíba state, including new morphological data on Trichohelix tuberculata (Parona and Stossich, 1901) Ortlepp, 1922 and proposal of Hadrostrongylus ransomi nov. comb.

This work aimed to evaluate the gastrointestinal helminthfauna composition of six-banded armadillos from the Brazilian semi-arid region. Gastrointestinal contents of six road-killed adult animals from Patos County, Paraíba State, were analyzed. Six species of nematodes, comprising five genera and four families, were recovered from the analyzed animals. New morphological data on Trichohelix tuberculata is given, along with a new taxonomical proposal for Hadrostrongylus ransomi (Travassos, 1935) n. comb. This is the first record for parasitic helminths in this host from the Brazilian semi-arid.

Helminthological records of six-banded armadillos Euphractus sexcinctus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Brazilian semi-arid region, Patos county, Paraíba state, including new morphological data on Trichohelix tuberculata (Parona and Stossich, 1901) Ortlepp, 1922 and proposal of Hadrostrongylus ransomi nov. comb. / Registros helmintológicos em tatus-peba Euphractus sexcinctus (Linnaeus, 1758) do semi-árido brasileiro, município de Patos, Paraíba, com dados acerca da morfologia de Trichohelix tuberculata (Parona and Stossich, 1901) Ortlepp, 1922 e proposição de Hadrostrongylus ransomi nov. comb.

This work aimed to evaluate the gastrointestinal helminthfauna composition of six-banded armadillos from the Brazilian semi-arid region. Gastrointestinal contents of six road-killed adult animals from Patos County, Paraíba State, were analyzed. Six species of nematodes, comprising five genera and four families, were recovered from the analyzed animals. New morphological data on Trichohelix tuberculata is given, along with a new taxonomical proposal for Hadrostrongylus ransomi (Travassos, 1935) n. comb. This is the first record for parasitic helminths in this host from the Brazilian semi-arid.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a composição da helmintofauna gastrintestinal de tatus-peba da região semi-árida brasileira. Conteúdos gastrintestinais de seis animais adultos atropelados nas rodovias do município de Patos, Paraíba, foram analisados. Seis espécies de nematódeos agrupados em cinco gêneros e quatro famílias foram obtidas. Novos dados morfológicos de Trichohelix tuberculata são relatados, e ainda é proposto Hadrostrongylus ransomi (Travassos, 1935) n. comb. Este é o primeiro relato de helmintos parasitas deste hospedeiro no semi-árido brasileiro.

Histological and histochemical analysis of the gonadal development of males and females of Armases rubripes (Rathbun 1897) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Sesarmidae).

The objective of this study was to provide information on the histological characteristics of the gonads of male and female Armases rubripes crabs, and to try to establish a relationship between the microscopic and macroscopic stages previously identified. Thirty-six crabs were collected by hand between February 2003 and January 2004 in banks of Spartina alterniflora on Sahy Beach in Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The histological analysis of the ovaries of A. rubripes demonstrated a gradual process of development of the oocytes. According to their cellular characteristics, five types of cells were distinguished: oogonia, oocyte I, oocyte II, oocyte III and oocyte IV. The ovaries showed four stages during gonadal activity: stage I (rudimentary), stage II (developing or maturing), stage III (developed or mature) and stage IV (resting). The results of the histochemical analyses showed that the ovaries vary according to the gonad development stage. The histological aspect of one section of the male gonad was always the same in all of the seminiferous tubules, where the lumen of these tubules always contained spermatozoa and/or spermatids. It was not possible to characterize the three stages of gonad development in the males. This agrees with previous reports in the literature. However, in the females there was a relationship between the gonad stages distinguished macroscopically and the results obtained through the histological and histochemical analysis, due to the presence of different cell types, as well as the lysis process and reabsorption of the oocytes in spent females.

Histological and histochemical analysis of the gonadal development of males and females of Armases rubripes (Rathbun 1897) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Sesarmidae) / Análise histológica e histoquímica do desenvolvimento gonadal de machos e fêmeas de Armases rubripes (Rathbun, 1897) (Crustacea, Brachyura, Sesarmidae)

The objective of this study was to provide information on the histological characteristics of the gonads of male and female Armases rubripes crabs, and to try to establish a relationship between the microscopic and macroscopic stages previously identified. Thirty-six crabs were collected by hand between February 2003 and January 2004 in banks of Spartina alterniflora on Sahy Beach in Mangaratiba, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. The histological analysis of the ovaries of A. rubripes demonstrated a gradual process of development of the oocytes. According to their cellular characteristics, five types of cells were distinguished: oogonia, oocyte I, oocyte II, oocyte III and oocyte IV. The ovaries showed four stages during gonadal activity: stage I (rudimentary), stage II (developing or maturing), stage III (developed or mature) and stage IV (resting). The results of the histochemical analyses showed that the ovaries vary according to the gonad development stage. The histological aspect of one section of the male gonad was always the same in all of the seminiferous tubules, where the lumen of these tubules always contained spermatozoa and/or spermatids. It was not possible to characterize the three stages of gonad development in the males. This agrees with previous reports in the literature. However, in the females there was a relationship between the gonad stages distinguished macroscopically and the results obtained through the histological and histochemical analysis, due to the presence of different cell types, as well as the lysis process and reabsorption of the oocytes in spent females.

O objetivo deste estudo foi fornecer informações sobre as características histológicas das gônadas de machos e de fêmeas de Armases rubripes, tentando estabelecer uma relação entre os estágios microscópicos e os macroscópicos anteriormente identificados. Foram coletados manualmente 36 caranguejos, durante o período de fevereiro de 2003 a janeiro de 2004, em bancos de Spartina alterniflora na praia do Sahy Mangaratiba, Estado do Rio de Janeiro. A análise histológica dos ovários de A. rubripes demonstrou um processo gradual de desenvolvimento dos oócitos. De acordo com sua característica celular, cinco tipos de células foram distinguidos: ovogônias, oócito I, oócito II, oócito III, oócito IV. Os ovários revelaram quatro estágios de atividade gonadal: estágio I (rudimentar), estágio II (em desenvolvimento ou em maturação), estágio III (desenvolvido ou maduro), estágio IV (desovada). Os resultados das análises histoquímicas permitem afirmar que os ovários variam de acordo com o estágio de desenvolvimento gonadal. O aspecto histológico de uma sessão de gônada masculina é sempre o mesmo em todos os túbulos seminíferos, onde o lúmen deste túbulo sempre contém espermatozóides e/ou espermátides. Não foi possível a caracterização de três estágios de desenvolvimento gonadal em machos, conforme descrito previamente na literatura. Entretanto, em fêmeas, houve uma relação entre os estágios gonadais distinguidos macroscopicamente e os resultados obtidos através da análise histológica e histoquímica, devido à presença de diferentes tipos celulares, assim como processo de lise e reabsorção dos oócitos em fêmeas desovadas.

Immunocytochemical study of gastrintestinal endocrine cells in insectivorous bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera).

The regional distribution and relative frequency of endocrine cells in the stomach and intestine of Phyllostomidae: Lonchorhina aurita and Molossidae: Molossus molossus bats were studied immunohistochemically. Three types of immunoreactive (IR) endocrine cells--to serotonin (5-HT), gastrin (GAS) and enteroglucagon (GLUC)--were found in the gastric mucosa and four types of IR cells were identified in the intestinal mucosa. This study showed an interespecfic difference in the regional distribution and relative frequency of endocrine cells in the Chiropteran alimentary tract.

Immunocytochemical study of gastrintestinal endocrine cells in insectivorous bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) / Estudo imunocitoquímico das células endócrinas gastrintestinais de morcegos insetívoros (Mammalia: Chiroptera)

The regional distribution and relative frequency of endocrine cells in the stomach and intestine of Phyllostomidae: Lonchorhina aurita and Molossidae: Molossus molossus bats were studied immunohistochemically. Three types of immunoreactive (IR) endocrine cells - to serotonin (5-HT), gastrin (GAS) and enteroglucagon (GLUC) - were found in the gastric mucosa and four types of IR cells were identified in the intestinal mucosa. This study showed an interespecfic difference in the regional distribution and relative frequency of endocrine cells in the Chiropteran alimentary tract.

A distribuição regional e a freqüência relativa das células endócrinas no estômago e intestino dos morcegos insetívoros Phyllostomidae: Lonchorhina aurita e Mormoopidae: Molossus molossus foram estudadas pelo método de imunohistoquímica. Três tipos de células endócrinas imunorreativas (IR) à serotonina (5-HT), gastrina (GAS) e enteroglucagon (GLUC) foram localizadas na mucosa gástrica e quatro tipos de células endócrinas IR à 5-HT, GAS, colecistoquinina (CCK) e GLUC foram identificadas na mucosa intestinal. Este estudo mostrou uma diferença interespecífica na distribuição regional e na freqüência relativa das células endócrinas no trato alimentar de Chiropteros.

Perfil farmacoterapêutico de pacientes atendidos na Clínica de Psicologia da Unimar no ano de 2005 / Pharmacotherapy profi le of patients attending the Psychology Clinic at UNIMAR in 2005

Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo de análise do uso de medicamentos pelos pacientes atendidos na clínica de psicologia da Universidade de Marília (UNIMAR), durante o ano de 2005, quanto à indicação terapêutica, posologia e possíveis interações medicamentosas. Analisaram-se prontuários de pacientes maiores de idade (acima de 18 anos), ambos os sexos, e em uso de medicamentos. Foram analisados 238 prontuários, dos quais 43 (18%) continham pelo menos um medicamento psicoativo prescrito. Em 11% dos casos, os medicamentos prescritos não condiziam com a patologia descrita noprontuário. Apenas em 44,2% (n=43) dos prontuários, havia descrição da posologia e esta estava de acordocom a literatura. A maioria dos prontuários eram de pacientes do sexo feminino (86%) e a depressão foio diagnóstico mais frequente (42,22%), portanto osfármacos mais frequentes foram os antidepressivos tricíclicos (43,27%), seguido dos benzodiazepínicos (29,8%). Foram identificados 40 diferentes tipos de interações medicamentosas, envolvendo 130 fármacos. 44,2% dos prontuários continham pelo menos uma interação medicamentosa, na qual as mais frequentes foram da fluoxetina com os benzodiazepínicos. Concluiu-se que a falta de informações sobre a terapia medicamentosa nos prontuários, impede estudos mais detalhados, no entanto, ainda assim, observou-se terapia medicamentosa irracional em 11% dos prontuários. A alta prevalência (44%) de interações medicamentosas na farmacoterapia dos pacientes analisados, assim como todos os dados deste estudo, reforçam a necessidade do acompanhamento farmacoterapêutico para prevenção de interações medicamentosas e evitar erros de medicação.