New virtual platform for teaching comparative animal neuroanatomy based on metameric slices of the central nervous system.

With the limitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, new technologies were used as methods to continue teaching and learning activities. This scenario brought forth the need to develop online tools for teaching. Therefore, this research aimed to develop a digital platform linking the knowledge about the central nervous system (CNS) anatomy from feline, equine, and sheep models. The platform was produced from the analysis of a collection of mesoscopic slides made from the sequenced cross-section of the CNS of a feline, an equine, and a sheep. All sections were analysed and stained using the Paul-Wiegert modified technique. The platform was organized in four modules: (1) Neuroanatomy of the Central Nervous System; (2) Neuroanatomy of Feline; (3) Neuroanatomy of Equine; and (4) Neuroanatomy of sheep. For each module, an explanatory document in PDF was developed, as well as video lectures and a descriptive atlas identifying the structures present in the encephalon and in the cervical part of the spinal cord. Even though there are numerous online platforms that allow the study of veterinary anatomy of different species and organs, the veterinary neuroanatomy platform presented here is the first platform that conjointly addresses the CNS anatomy of felines, equines, and sheep. Future research applying this platform as an aid to the study of neuroanatomy by students, teachers, and veterinary professionals should validate its use as a complementary tool for teaching and learning animal neuroanatomy.

Development of an interactive multidisciplinary platform for the bovine neuroanatomy study / Desarrollo de una plataforma interactiva multidisciplinar para el estudio de la neuroanatomía bovina

SUMMARY: The anatomy study is part of the basic cycle of disciplines that composes Veterinary Medicine college curriculum, and its comprehension is essential for other courses subject understanding. However, the current student's profile, the reduced time frame of superior education programs, and the multidisciplinary approach nowadays have made anatomy teaching method outdated and ineffective. Addressing the problem we developed an interactive and multidisciplinary platform based on the blended learning methodology, which could serve as a valuable tool for bovine neuroanatomy comprehension. To produce a new study tool, photos from bovine specimens fixed in formaldehyde, platinated brain pieces sectioned in a metameric order, as well as histological slides of the bovine central nervous system were used. These materials were applied to photos and schemes production, that were correlated with image exams correlation, as well as written content and videotaped classes. The obtained content was compiled into a digital platform, that can serve as an effective additional method to bovine central nervous system study. Furthermore, our results serve as a guide for the development of other blended learning methodologies in veterinary medicine and anatomy teaching. The platform provides a great tool for those who wish to accomplish a better understanding of bovine neuroanatomy and its clinical, surgical and image diagnosis correlations.

El estudio de la anatomía forma parte del ciclo básico de disciplinas que componen el currículo de la facultad de Medicina Veterinaria, y su comprensión es fundamental para el entendimiento de las materias de otros cursos. Sin embargo, el perfil del estudiante actual, la reducción de los tiempos de los programas de educación superior y el enfoque multidisciplinario actual han hecho que el método de enseñanza de la anatomía sea obsoleto e ineficaz. Abordando el problema desarrollamos una plataforma interactiva y multidisciplinar basada en la metodología blended learning, que podría servir como una valiosa herramienta para la comprensión de la neuroanatomía bovina. Para producir una nueva herramienta de estudio, se utilizaron fotografías de especímenes bovinos fijados en formaldehído, piezas de cerebro plastinadas y seccionadas en un orden metamérico, así como láminas histológicas del sistema nervioso central bovino. Estos materiales se utilizaron en la producción de fotos y esquemas, que se correlacionaron con exámenes de imágenes, así como contenido escrito y clases grabadas en video. El contenido obtenido se compiló en una plataforma digital, que puede servir como un método adicional y eficaz para el estudio del sistema nervioso central bovino. Además, nuestros resultados sirven como guía para el desarrollo de otras metodologías de aprendizaje semipresencial en la enseñanza de la medicina veterinaria y la anatomía. La plataforma proporciona una gran herramienta para aquellos que deseen lograr una mejor comprensión de la neuroanatomía bovina y sus correlaciones clínicas, quirúrgicas y de diagnóstico por imágenes.

Comparative topographical description of the central nervous system of the macaw (Ara ararauna) and the owl (Tyto furcata)Comparative Topographical Description of the Central Nervous System of the Macaw (Ara ararauna) and the Owl (Tyto furcata) / Descripción topográfica comparativa del sistema nervioso central del guacamayo (Ara ararauna) y el búho (Tyto furcata)

SUMMARY: The study of animal neurology has historically focused on the closest descendants of humans, such as monkeys and chimpanzees. Because of this, the neurology of birds remains poorly studied and understood by humans compared to other groups of animals. Thus, the objective was to describe the central nervous system to better understand its functioning, correlating the findings with the role it plays in the physiology and biology of birds, comparing species with different behaviors between herbivores and carnivores, filling gaps in the literature serving as subsidy for future research.

RESUMEN: El estudio de la neurología animal se ha centrado históricamente en los descendientes más cercanos de los humanos, como los monos y los chimpancés. Debido a esto, la neurología de las aves sigue siendo poco estudiada y comprendida, en comparación con la de otros grupos de animales. Así, el objetivo fue describir el sistema nervioso central para comprender mejor su funcionamiento, correlacionando los hallazgos con el rol que juega en la fisiología y biología de las aves, comparando especies con diferentes comportamientos entre herbívoros y carnívoros y llenando vacíos en la literatura que sirvan como base para futuras investigaciones.

The microanatomy of the central nervous system and brain of the Indo-Pacific seahorse, Hippocampus barbouri, during development

The central nervous system (CNS) of Teleostei is a complex system of self-governance and its morphology is reflected in the physiological and reproductive behaviors. The Indo-Pacific seahorse, Hippocampus barbouri Jordan & Richard son, 1908, is a new candidate species for aquaculture in Thailand. In this study, we investigated the brain morphology of H. barbouri across various developmental windows. Light microscopic observations of adult brains revealed a large optic tectum in the mesencephalon, whereas the cerebral hemispheres and the cerebellum are of medium size. The detailed brain structures were generally similar to those of other teleosts; however, only five distinct layers were present in the optic tectum, including the stratum marginale, stratum opticum, stratum album central, stratum griseum central, and stratum periventriculae, versus six layers observed in other fish. One day after birth (1 DAB) the brain was a packed structure without any clear sub-structures. The number of capillaries in the optic tectum began to increase at 6 DAB, and at 14 DAB several features, including small blood vessels in the optic tectum and Purkinje cells, became noticeable. By 35 DAB, the optic tectum became highly vascularized and included five layers. Additionally, large Purkinje cells were developed in the cerebellum. Based on the brain development pattern, we speculate that the predatory ability of this fish starts to develop from 6 to 14 days after birth.

The microanatomy of the central nervous system and brain of the Indo-Pacific seahorse, Hippocampus barbouri, during development

The central nervous system (CNS) of Teleostei is a complex system of self-governance and its morphology is reflected in the physiological and reproductive behaviors. The Indo-Pacific seahorse, Hippocampus barbouri Jordan & Richard son, 1908, is a new candidate species for aquaculture in Thailand. In this study, we investigated the brain morphology of H. barbouri across various developmental windows. Light microscopic observations of adult brains revealed a large optic tectum in the mesencephalon, whereas the cerebral hemispheres and the cerebellum are of medium size. The detailed brain structures were generally similar to those of other teleosts; however, only five distinct layers were present in the optic tectum, including the stratum marginale, stratum opticum, stratum album central, stratum griseum central, and stratum periventriculae, versus six layers observed in other fish. One day after birth (1 DAB) the brain was a packed structure without any clear sub-structures. The number of capillaries in the optic tectum began to increase at 6 DAB, and at 14 DAB several features, including small blood vessels in the optic tectum and Purkinje cells, became noticeable. By 35 DAB, the optic tectum became highly vascularized and included five layers. Additionally, large Purkinje cells were developed in the cerebellum. Based on the brain development pattern, we speculate that the predatory ability of this fish starts to develop from 6 to 14 days after birth.(AU)

Unveiling the Insular Lobe of Reil: Neurophysiological and Anatomical Features

The insular lobe has long been investigated, from its anatomical descriptions to its neurophysiological activity. Located in a central location, the insular lobe participates in several afferent and efferent pathways, forming part of the eloquent and fundamental structures that make up the central core of the brain. The lobe of the insula has participation in language function, such as speech, sensory (e.g., taste), limbic, autonomic (visceral), also forming part of complex associative circuits, including part of the circuits of mirror neurons. Several functional descriptions attributed to the insular lobe have beenmade in patients suffering fromcerebrovascular diseases, as well as in those with epilepsy. Much progress and many descriptions have also been made in patients with tumors. Despite much information already available about the insular lobe, it is likely that much will be discovered in the coming years.

Gross brain morphology of Rhamdia quelen (Quoy & Gaimard 1824) (Ostariophysi: Siluriformes: Heptapteridae)

The brain gross morphology of Rhamdia quelen is described and compared with seven species of six genera of Heptapteridae. Interspecific variation in shape, size, and position of brain subdivisions was observed in all examined species. The posterior position of the hypophysis on the hypothalamus and presence of a lateral subdivision on the lobus facialis are shared by all examined heptapterids. Rhamdia quelen and Pimelodella gracilis, currently considered closely related within the family Heptapteridae, exhibit the anterior and posterior area of the telencephalon with equivalent widths, and the lateral line lobe reaching the anterior area of the lobus vagi. Members of the so called Nemuroglanis sub-clade (Cetopsorhamdia iheringi, Heptapterus mustelinus, Imparfinis mirini, and Phenacorhamdia tenebrosa) share the lobus vagi proportional smaller than the lobus facialis; the lateral line lobe reaching the half length of the lobus facialis; the tectum mesencephali in contact with the telencephalon, and thinner anterior area of the telencephalon. The results reveal several features that are phylogenetically informative among the heptapterids examined, and corroborate previous hypotheses based on other non-neural anatomical characters.(AU)

Bovine central nervous system development / Desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso central de bovinos

Central nervous system (CNS) development researches are extremely important to the most common congenital disorders and organogenesis comprehension. However, few studies show the entire developmental process during the critical period. Present research can provide data to new researches related to normal development and abnormalities and changes that occur along the CNS organogenesis, especially nowadays with the need for preliminary studies in animal models, which could be used for experimental research on the influence of viruses, such as the influence of Zika virus on the development of the neural system and its correlation with microcephaly in human newborns. Then, present study describes CNS organogenesis in cattle according to microscopic and macroscopic aspects, identifying structures and correlating to gestational period. Fourteen embryos and nine bovine fetuses at different ages were collected and analyzed. All individuals were measured in order to detect the gestational period. Bovine embryo at 17 days age has its neural tube, cranial neuropore, caudal neuropore and somites developed. After 24 days of development, were observed in cranial part of neural tube five encephalic vesicles denominated: telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon, metencephalon and myelencephalon. In addition, the caudal part of neural tube was identified with the primitive spinal cord. The primordial CNS differentiation occurred from 90 to 110 days. The five encephalic vesicles, primordial spinal cord and the cavities: third ventricule, mesencephalic aqueduct, fourth ventricle and central canal in spinal cord were observed. With 90 days, the main structures were identified: (1) cerebral hemispheres, corpus callosum and fornix, of the telencephalon; (2) interthalamic adhesion, thalamus, hypothalamus and epythalamus (glandula pinealis), of the diencephalon; (3) cerebral peduncles and quadruplets bodies, of the mesencephalon; (4) pons and cerebellum, of the metencephalon; (5)...(AU)

Os estudos que descrevem o desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso central (SNC) são de suma importância para compreensão da organogênese e identificação dos prováveis eventos que resultam em malformações congênitas. Estes dados podem subsidiar novas pesquisas relacionadas ao desenvolvimento normal, e interpretação de malformações e alterações que ocorrem ao longo da organogênese do SNC, considerando neste momento a necessidade de estudos preliminares em modelos animais, os quais poderiam ser utilizados para pesquisas experimentais sobre a influência de agentes infecciosos como o Zika vírus, no desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso e suas relações com a microcefalia em humanos recém-nascidos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever os aspectos morfológicos macro e microscópicos da organogênese do SNC de bovinos, buscando correlacionar os achados morfológicos com a idade gestacional. Todos os animais foram mensurados para detectar o período gestacional. Foram coletados e analisados 14 embriões e nove fetos de bovinos de diferentes idades gestacionais. No embrião bovino a partir do décimo sétimo dia de gestação, encontra-se a formação do tubo neural, o neuroporo cranial e neuroporo caudal, e formação dos somitos. Após 24 dias de desenvolvimento, são observadas na parte cranial do tubo neural cinco vesículas encefálicas denominadas: telencéfalo, diencéfalo, mesencéfalo, metencéfalo e mielencéfalo; e na parte caudal do tubo neural, encontra-se a medula espinhal primitiva. Entre 90 a 110 dias de gestação, observa-se a total diferenciação das cinco vesículas do SNC. Com 90 dias, são identificas as principais estruturas: (1) do telencéfalo, os hemisférios cerebrais, corpo caloso e fórnix; (2) do diencéfalo, a aderência intertalâmica, tálamo, hipotálamo e epitálamo (glândula pineal); (3) do mesencéfalo, os pedúnculos cerebrais e os corpos quadrigêmios; (4) do metencéfalo, a ponte e o cerebelo; (5) do mielencéfalo, a medula oblonga (ou bulbo); e (6) da medula espinhal...(AU)

Bovine central nervous system development / Desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso central de bovinos

Central nervous system (CNS) development researches are extremely important to the most common congenital disorders and organogenesis comprehension. However, few studies show the entire developmental process during the critical period. Present research can provide data to new researches related to normal development and abnormalities and changes that occur along the CNS organogenesis, especially nowadays with the need for preliminary studies in animal models, which could be used for experimental research on the influence of viruses, such as the influence of Zika virus on the development of the neural system and its correlation with microcephaly in human newborns. Then, present study describes CNS organogenesis in cattle according to microscopic and macroscopic aspects, identifying structures and correlating to gestational period. Fourteen embryos and nine bovine fetuses at different ages were collected and analyzed. All individuals were measured in order to detect the gestational period. Bovine embryo at 17 days age has its neural tube, cranial neuropore, caudal neuropore and somites developed. After 24 days of development, were observed in cranial part of neural tube five encephalic vesicles denominated: telencephalon, diencephalon, mesencephalon, metencephalon and myelencephalon. In addition, the caudal part of neural tube was identified with the primitive spinal cord. The primordial CNS differentiation occurred from 90 to 110 days. The five encephalic vesicles, primordial spinal cord and the cavities: third ventricule, mesencephalic aqueduct, fourth ventricle and central canal in spinal cord were observed. With 90 days, the main structures were identified: (1) cerebral hemispheres, corpus callosum and fornix, of the telencephalon; (2) interthalamic adhesion, thalamus, hypothalamus and epythalamus (glandula pinealis), of the diencephalon; (3) cerebral peduncles and quadruplets bodies, of the mesencephalon; (4) pons and cerebellum, of the metencephalon; (5) medulla oblongata or bulb, of the myelencephalon; and (6) spinal cord, of the primitive spinal cord. After 110 days of gestation, the five encephalic vesicles and its structures were completely developed. It was noted the presence of the spinal cord with the cervicothoracic and lumbossacral intumescences. In summary, the results describes the formation of the neural tube from the neural plate of the ectoderm, the encephalic vesicles derived from the neural tube and subsequent structural and cavities subdivisions, thus representing the complete embryology of the central nervous system.(AU)

Os estudos que descrevem o desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso central (SNC) são de suma importância para compreensão da organogênese e identificação dos prováveis eventos que resultam em malformações congênitas. Estes dados podem subsidiar novas pesquisas relacionadas ao desenvolvimento normal, e interpretação de malformações e alterações que ocorrem ao longo da organogênese do SNC, considerando neste momento a necessidade de estudos preliminares em modelos animais, os quais poderiam ser utilizados para pesquisas experimentais sobre a influência de agentes infecciosos como o Zika vírus, no desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso e suas relações com a microcefalia em humanos recém-nascidos. O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever os aspectos morfológicos macro e microscópicos da organogênese do SNC de bovinos, buscando correlacionar os achados morfológicos com a idade gestacional. Todos os animais foram mensurados para detectar o período gestacional. Foram coletados e analisados 14 embriões e nove fetos de bovinos de diferentes idades gestacionais. No embrião bovino a partir do décimo sétimo dia de gestação, encontra-se a formação do tubo neural, o neuroporo cranial e neuroporo caudal, e formação dos somitos. Após 24 dias de desenvolvimento, são observadas na parte cranial do tubo neural cinco vesículas encefálicas denominadas: telencéfalo, diencéfalo, mesencéfalo, metencéfalo e mielencéfalo; e na parte caudal do tubo neural, encontra-se a medula espinhal primitiva. Entre 90 a 110 dias de gestação, observa-se a total diferenciação das cinco vesículas do SNC. Com 90 dias, são identificas as principais estruturas: (1) do telencéfalo, os hemisférios cerebrais, corpo caloso e fórnix; (2) do diencéfalo, a aderência intertalâmica, tálamo, hipotálamo e epitálamo (glândula pineal); (3) do mesencéfalo, os pedúnculos cerebrais e os corpos quadrigêmios; (4) do metencéfalo, a ponte e o cerebelo; (5) do mielencéfalo, a medula oblonga (ou bulbo); e (6) da medula espinhal primitiva, a medula espinhal. Após 110 dias, as cinco vesículas encefálicas e as suas subdivisões se encontram completamente desenvolvidas. Notou-se a presença da medula espinhal com as intumescências cervicotorácica e lombossacral. Em resumo, os resultados demonstram a formação do tubo neural a partir da placa neural do ectoderma, as vesículas encefálicas provenientes do tubo neural e posteriormente as subdivisões das estruturas e das cavidades, que representam a completa embriologia do sistema nervoso central.(AU)

Gross brain morphology of Rhamdia quelen (Quoy & Gaimard 1824) (Ostariophysi: Siluriformes: Heptapteridae)

The brain gross morphology of Rhamdia quelen is described and compared with seven species of six genera of Heptapteridae. Interspecific variation in shape, size, and position of brain subdivisions was observed in all examined species. The posterior position of the hypophysis on the hypothalamus and presence of a lateral subdivision on the lobus facialis are shared by all examined heptapterids. Rhamdia quelen and Pimelodella gracilis, currently considered closely related within the family Heptapteridae, exhibit the anterior and posterior area of the telencephalon with equivalent widths, and the lateral line lobe reaching the anterior area of the lobus vagi. Members of the so called Nemuroglanis sub-clade (Cetopsorhamdia iheringi, Heptapterus mustelinus, Imparfinis mirini, and Phenacorhamdia tenebrosa) share the lobus vagi proportional smaller than the lobus facialis; the lateral line lobe reaching the half length of the lobus facialis; the tectum mesencephali in contact with the telencephalon, and thinner anterior area of the telencephalon. The results reveal several features that are phylogenetically informative among the heptapterids examined, and corroborate previous hypotheses based on other non-neural anatomical characters.

Development of the central nervous system in guinea pig (Cavia porcellus, Rodentia, Caviidae) / Desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso central em guinea pig (Cavia porcellus, Rodentia, Caviidae)

This study describes the development of the central nervous system in guinea pigs from 12th day post conception (dpc) until birth. Totally, 41 embryos and fetuses were analyzed macroscopically and by means of light and electron microscopy. The neural tube closure was observed at day 14 and the development of the spinal cord and differentiation of the primitive central nervous system vesicles was on 20th dpc. Histologically, undifferentiated brain tissue was observed as a mass of mesenchymal tissue between 18th and 20th dpc, and at 25th dpc the tissue within the medullary canal had higher density. On day 30 the brain tissue was differentiated on day 30 and the spinal cord filling throughout the spinal canal, period from which it was possible to observe cerebral and cerebellar stratums. At day 45 intumescences were visualized and cerebral hemispheres were divided, with a clear division between white and gray matter in brain and cerebellum. Median sulcus of the dorsal spinal cord and the cauda equina were only evident on day 50. There were no significant structural differences in fetuses of 50 and 60 dpc, and animals at term were all lissencephalic. In conclusion, morphological studies of the nervous system in guinea pig can provide important information for clinical studies in humans, due to its high degree of neurological maturity in relation to its short gestation period, what can provide a good tool for neurological studies.(AU)

Este estudo descreve o desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso central em guinea pig do 12º dia pós-concepção (dpc) até ao nascimento. No total, 41 embriões e fetos foram analisados macroscopicamente e por microscopia de luz e eletrônica. O fechamento do tubo neural foi observado no dia 14 e o desenvolvimento da medula espinhal e diferenciação das vesículas primitivas do sistema nervoso central foram observados no dia 20. Histologicamente, o tecido cerebral indiferenciado foi observado como uma massa de tecido mesenquimal entre os dias 18 e 20 e no 25º dia o tecido no interior do canal medular apresentou maior densidade. No dia 30 o tecido cerebral apresentou-se diferenciado, período no qual a medula espinhal preenchia todo o canal vertebral e foi possível observar os estratos cerebral e cerebelar. No dia 45 as intumescências cervical e lombar foram visualizadas e os hemisférios cerebrais estavam divididos, com uma clara distinção entre substância branca e cinzenta no cérebro e cerebelo. O sulco mediano dorsal da medula espinhal e a cauda equina foram evidentes apenas no dia 50. Não houve diferenças estruturais significativas em fetos de 50 e 60 dpc e animais a termo eram todos lisencefálicos. Estudos morfológicos do sistema nervoso em guinea pig podem fornecer informações importantes para estudos clínicos em seres humanos devido ao alto grau de maturidade neurológica em relação ao seu período de gestação curto, fato que servir como excelente ferramenta em estudos neurológicos.(AU)

Development of the central nervous system in guinea pig (Cavia porcellus, Rodentia, Caviidae) / Desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso central em guinea pig (Cavia porcellus, Rodentia, Caviidae)

This study describes the development of the central nervous system in guinea pigs from 12th day post conception (dpc) until birth. Totally, 41 embryos and fetuses were analyzed macroscopically and by means of light and electron microscopy. The neural tube closure was observed at day 14 and the development of the spinal cord and differentiation of the primitive central nervous system vesicles was on 20th dpc. Histologically, undifferentiated brain tissue was observed as a mass of mesenchymal tissue between 18th and 20th dpc, and at 25th dpc the tissue within the medullary canal had higher density. On day 30 the brain tissue was differentiated on day 30 and the spinal cord filling throughout the spinal canal, period from which it was possible to observe cerebral and cerebellar stratums. At day 45 intumescences were visualized and cerebral hemispheres were divided, with a clear division between white and gray matter in brain and cerebellum. Median sulcus of the dorsal spinal cord and the cauda equina were only evident on day 50. There were no significant structural differences in fetuses of 50 and 60 dpc, and animals at term were all lissencephalic. In conclusion, morphological studies of the nervous system in guinea pig can provide important information for clinical studies in humans, due to its high degree of neurological maturity in relation to its short gestation period, what can provide a good tool for neurological studies.(AU)

Este estudo descreve o desenvolvimento do sistema nervoso central em guinea pig do 12º dia pós-concepção (dpc) até ao nascimento. No total, 41 embriões e fetos foram analisados macroscopicamente e por microscopia de luz e eletrônica. O fechamento do tubo neural foi observado no dia 14 e o desenvolvimento da medula espinhal e diferenciação das vesículas primitivas do sistema nervoso central foram observados no dia 20. Histologicamente, o tecido cerebral indiferenciado foi observado como uma massa de tecido mesenquimal entre os dias 18 e 20 e no 25º dia o tecido no interior do canal medular apresentou maior densidade. No dia 30 o tecido cerebral apresentou-se diferenciado, período no qual a medula espinhal preenchia todo o canal vertebral e foi possível observar os estratos cerebral e cerebelar. No dia 45 as intumescências cervical e lombar foram visualizadas e os hemisférios cerebrais estavam divididos, com uma clara distinção entre substância branca e cinzenta no cérebro e cerebelo. O sulco mediano dorsal da medula espinhal e a cauda equina foram evidentes apenas no dia 50. Não houve diferenças estruturais significativas em fetos de 50 e 60 dpc e animais a termo eram todos lisencefálicos. Estudos morfológicos do sistema nervoso em guinea pig podem fornecer informações importantes para estudos clínicos em seres humanos devido ao alto grau de maturidade neurológica em relação ao seu período de gestação curto, fato que servir como excelente ferramenta em estudos neurológicos.(AU)

Histopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular study of BHV-5 infection in the central nervous system of experimentally infected calves / Estudo histopatológico, imuno-histoquímico e molecular da infecção por BHV-5 no sistema nervoso central de bovinos experimentalmente infectados

Bovine meningoencephalitis caused by BHV-5, a double-stranded DNA enveloped virus that belongs to the family Herpesviridae and subfamily Alphaherpesvirinae, is an important differential diagnosis of central nervous diseases. The aim of this study was to describe the histological changes in the central nervous system of calves experimentally infected with BHV-5 and compare these changes with the PCR and IHC results. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded central nervous system samples from calves previously inoculated with BHV-5 were microscopically evaluated and tested using IHC and PCR. All the animals presented with nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis. From 18 evaluated areas of each calf, 32.41% and 35.19% were positive by IHC and PCR, respectively. The telencephalon presented more accentuated lesions and positive areas in the PCR than other encephalic areas and was the best sampling area for diagnostic purposes. Positive areas in the IHC and PCR were more injured than IHC and PCR negative areas. The animal with neurological signs showed more PCR- and IHC-positive areas than the other animals.(AU)

A meningoencefalite bovina causada pelo BHV-5, um vírus DNA fita dupla envelopado que pertence à família Herpesviridae e subfamília Alphaherpesvirinae, é um importante diagnóstico diferencial das doenças do sistema nervoso central. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever as alterações histológicas no sistema nervoso central de bovinos experimentalmente infectados com BHV-5 e comparar estas alterações com os resultados de imunoistoquímica (IHQ) e PCR. Amostras do sistema nervoso central de bezerros previamente inoculados com BHV-5 foram microscopicamente avaliadas e submetidas à IHQ e PCR. Todos os animais apresentaram meningoencefalite não-supurativa. Das 18 áreas avaliadas de cada bezerro, 32,41% e 35,13% foram positivas na IHQ e PCR, respectivamente. O telencéfalo apresentou lesões mais acentuadas e foi mais positivo na PCR do que as demais áreas encefálicas e se apresentou como a melhor área para coleta de material para o diagnóstico. As áreas positivas na IHQ e na PCR apresentaram lesões mais acentuadas do que as áreas negativas para as mesmas técnicas. O animal com sinais neurológicos apresentou mais áreas positivas para PCR e IHQ do que os demais animais.(AU)

El dolor: los opioides: los anti-inflamatorios no esteroideos y los canabinoides / Pain: opioids: nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and cannabinoids

Aquí exponemos un modelo que explica por qué, en el sistema nervioso central, los anti-inflamatorios no esteroideos, para ejercer su acción analgésica, deben interactuar con los opioides endógenos y los canabinoides endógenos. La sustancia gris del acueducto de Silvio es una estructura clave del llamado "sistema descendente de control nociceptivo". La activación de este sistema disminuye el flujo de mensajes nociceptivos hacia la corteza cerebral y, por lo tanto, el dolor. En la sustancia gris el ácido araquidónico es el elemento donde los opioides endógenos, los analgésicos opioides y los no-opioides (anti-inflamatorios no esteroideos) convergen para inducir analgesia. Las enzimas degradantes de los endocanabinoides son el punto donde estos y los analgésicos no-opioides convergen para inducir analgesia. Parece ventajoso el hecho de que los analgésicos que se compran libremente en la farmacia pueden aprovechar para su acción los mecanismos endógenos que todos nosotros poseemos

Here we present a model that explains why, in the central nervous system, the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, in order to induce analgesia, must interact with the endogenous opioids and the endocannabinoids. The periaqueductal gray matter is a key structure in the socalled "descending pain control system". Activations of this system diminishes the flow of nociceptive signals towards the cerebral cortex and, therefore, pain perception. In the periaqueductal gray matter, arachidonic acid is the elements where endogenous opioids analgesics and nonopioid analgesics converge to induce analgasia. The endocannabinoid metabolizing enzyme are the point at which endocannabinoids and nonsteroidal antinflammatory drugs converge to induce analgesia. There seems to be some advantage in that analgesics that can be bought over the counter can use for their action some endogenous mechanisms that we all possess

Submerged fermentation of Çactobacillus rhamnosus YS9 for y-aminobutyric acid (gaba) production

γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in central nervous system, and its application in drugs and functional foods has attracted great attention. To enhance production of y-aminobutyric acid, Lactobacillus rhamnosus YS9, a strain isolated from Chinese traditional fermented food pickled vegetable, was grown under submerged fermentation. Its cultivation conditions were investigated. When culture pH condition was adjusted to the optimal pH of glutamate decarboxylase activity, culture of Lb. rhamnosus YS9 in medium supplemented with 200 mM of monosodium glutamate and 200 µM of pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), produced 187 mM of GABA.(AU)

Disfunção cognitiva em cães idosos: avaliação clínica e estratégias terapêuticas / Cognitive dysfunction in aged dogs: clinical evaluation and therapeutic strategies / Disfunción cognitiva en perros viejos: evaluación clínica y estrategias terapéuticas

O sistema nervoso central é particularmente suscetível aos efeitos do envelhecimento, uma vez que os danos nesse local se acumulam ao longo da vida, culminando com distúrbios comportamentais em animais idosos. Nos últimos anos tem sido reconhecida em cães uma síndrome relacionada à idade com achados patológicos muito semelhantes à doença de Alzheimer em seres humanos, denominada síndrome da disfunção cognitiva canina (SDCC), que acomete aproximadamente 1/3 dos animais a partir dos onze anos de idade. Apesar disso, essa doença tem recebido pouca atenção na prática clínica. Nesta revisão de literatura, o objetivo consistiu em discutir aspectos fisiopatológicos, clínicos e terapêuticos da SDCC, visando facilitar a abordagem diagnóstica da doença e discutir os recursos terapêuticos existentes que podem melhorar a qualidade de vida do animal e a interação com o proprietário.

The central nervous system is particularly susceptible to the effects of aging, since damage to this system accumulates throughout life, culminating with behavioral disturbances in older animals. In recent years, a syndrome with age-related pathological findings very similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans has been described in dogs. The disease is called canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) and can affect about 1/3 of animals from the age of 11. In spite of that, it has received little attention in clinical practice. This literature review aimed to discuss the pathophysiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of CCDS, in order to facilitate the diagnostic approach of the disease and discuss the therapeutic resources available that can improve the quality of life of the animal and the owner-animal interaction.(AU)

El sistema nervioso central es particularmente susceptible a los efectos del envejecimiento, ya que las lesiones se van acumulando a lo largo de la vida del paciente, culminando en disturbios comportamentales en los animales de edad avanzada. En los últimos años se ha reconocido un síndrome en los perros, que correlaciona la edad con las lesiones histopatológicas, que es similar a la enfermedad de Alzheimer de los humanos, denominada Síndrome de Disfunción Cognitiva Canina (SDCC), y que suele afectar aproximadamente 1/3 de los animales a partir de los once años de edad. No obstante, esta enfermedad ha recibido poca atención en la práctica clínica. En esta revisión de la literatura, se tuvo como objetivo discutir los aspectos fisiopatológicos, clínicos y terapéuticos de la SDCC, en un intento por facilitar el abordaje diagnóstico de la enfermedad, discutiendo también las alternativas terapéuticas existentes, que pudieran mejorar la calidad de vida del animal y la interacción con el propietario.(AU)

Disfunção cognitiva em cães idosos: avaliação clínica e estratégias terapêuticas / Cognitive dysfunction in aged dogs: clinical evaluation and therapeutic strategies / Disfunción cognitiva en perros viejos: evaluación clínica y estrategias terapéuticas

O sistema nervoso central é particularmente suscetível aos efeitos do envelhecimento, uma vez que os danos nesse local se acumulam ao longo da vida, culminando com distúrbios comportamentais em animais idosos. Nos últimos anos tem sido reconhecida em cães uma síndrome relacionada à idade com achados patológicos muito semelhantes à doença de Alzheimer em seres humanos, denominada síndrome da disfunção cognitiva canina (SDCC), que acomete aproximadamente 1/3 dos animais a partir dos onze anos de idade. Apesar disso, essa doença tem recebido pouca atenção na prática clínica. Nesta revisão de literatura, o objetivo consistiu em discutir aspectos fisiopatológicos, clínicos e terapêuticos da SDCC, visando facilitar a abordagem diagnóstica da doença e discutir os recursos terapêuticos existentes que podem melhorar a qualidade de vida do animal e a interação com o proprietário.

The central nervous system is particularly susceptible to the effects of aging, since damage to this system accumulates throughout life, culminating with behavioral disturbances in older animals. In recent years, a syndrome with age-related pathological findings very similar to Alzheimer's disease in humans has been described in dogs. The disease is called canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CCDS) and can affect about 1/3 of animals from the age of 11. In spite of that, it has received little attention in clinical practice. This literature review aimed to discuss the pathophysiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of CCDS, in order to facilitate the diagnostic approach of the disease and discuss the therapeutic resources available that can improve the quality of life of the animal and the owner-animal interaction.

El sistema nervioso central es particularmente susceptible a los efectos del envejecimiento, ya que las lesiones se van acumulando a lo largo de la vida del paciente, culminando en disturbios comportamentales en los animales de edad avanzada. En los últimos años se ha reconocido un síndrome en los perros, que correlaciona la edad con las lesiones histopatológicas, que es similar a la enfermedad de Alzheimer de los humanos, denominada Síndrome de Disfunción Cognitiva Canina (SDCC), y que suele afectar aproximadamente 1/3 de los animales a partir de los once años de edad. No obstante, esta enfermedad ha recibido poca atención en la práctica clínica. En esta revisión de la literatura, se tuvo como objetivo discutir los aspectos fisiopatológicos, clínicos y terapéuticos de la SDCC, en un intento por facilitar el abordaje diagnóstico de la enfermedad, discutiendo también las alternativas terapéuticas existentes, que pudieran mejorar la calidad de vida del animal y la interacción con el propietario.

Synganglion histology in different stages of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks (Acari: Ixodidae).

The present study performs a morpho-histological description of the central nervous system of Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks in order to analyze if there are differences in this tissue among larvae, nymphs, and adults. The results showed that the central nervous system in all the life stages of R. sanguineus consists of a mass of fused nerves named synganglion. Externally, this organ does not present segmentation, consisting of a single structure located ventromedially in the third anterior of the body. This organ is externally covered by the neural lamella or neurilemma, a uniform and acellular layer. Below, there is the periganglionic membrane or perineurium, formed by glial cells, which are characterized by their elongated nuclei. The esophagus penetrates the synganglion dividing it in two regions: supraesophageal, which is the smaller of the two and consists of a protocerebrum, a single dorsal ganglion located anteriordorsally to the esophagus; and the subesophageal, which is the largest part of the synganglion, located in the posterior region and ventral to the esophagus. Internally, the synganglion is subdivided in an external cortical region-which contains the cellular body of the nervous cells-and an internal neuropile formed by a set of neural fibers and it is constituted by bilaterally symmetric ganglia, from where nerves emerge towards several parts of the body. The results here obtained showed that there are no differences in the morpho-histology of this tissue in different life stages of R. sanguineus, suggesting that the initial structure is maintained during the whole life cycle of the tick, i.e., from larval to adult stage.

Estudo da imunopatogenia das lesões no sistema nervoso central de cães naturalmente acometidos por leishmaniose visceral / Study of the immunopathogenesis of central nervous system lesions in dogs naturally affected by visceral leishmaniasis

A Leishmaniose visceral em cães é descrita como uma doença de caráter crônico na qual os principais sintomas são perda progressiva de peso, caquexia e lesões dermatológicas. Recentemente, a doença tem sido relacionada com alterações neurológicas. Um total de 40 cães portadores de leishmaniose visceral foi dividido em dois grupos. O primeiro composto por cães sem sintomas neurológicos (n=30) e o segundo grupo composto por cães com sintomas neurológicos (n=10). Amostras de encéfalo foram coletadas e armazenadas em formalina tamponada, para realização de imunoistoquímica para a pesquisa de formas amastigotas de Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi, linfócitos T CD3+, CD4+ e CD8+ e macrófagos. A reação de imunoistoquímica não revelou formas amastigotas do parasita. Linfócitos T estavam presentes em 24/30 (80%) dos cães sem sintomas neurológicos e em todos os cães do segundo grupo (p=0,0011). Linfócitos CD4+ e CD8+ raramente foram observados, apresentando imunomarcação para CD4+ em 10/40 (25%) dos cães e em metade dos animais do grupo neurológico (p=0,0090). A presença de CD8+ foi detectada em 4/10 (40%) cães com doenças neurológicas (p=0,0021). Macrófagos foram observados em 38/40 (95%) cães, sem diferença estatística significante entre os dois grupos (p= 0,7664).(AU)

Visceral leishmaniasis in dogs is described as a chronic disease whose main symptoms are progressive weigth loss, cachexy and dermatologic lesions. Recently, the disease has been associated to neurologic disorders. A total of 40 dogs with visceral leishmaniasis were divided into two groups. The first composed of dogs without neurological signs (n=30) and the second by dogs with neurological disorders (n=10). Brain samples were collected, stored in 10% buffered formalin and subjected to immunohistochemical examination for amastigotes forms of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi, CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes and macrophages. Imunnohistochemistry evaluation revealed no amastigote forms of the parasite. CD3+ T lymphocytes were present in 24/30 (80%) dogs without neurological signs and in all dogs from the second group (p=0.0011). CD4+ and CD8+ were rarely observed, with CD4+ immunostaining in 10/40 (25%) dogs, from which half of them had neurological disease (p=0.0090). The presence of CD8+ was detected only in 4/10 (40%) dogs from neurological group (p=0.0021). Macrophages were detected in 38/40 (95%) dogs, without significant differences between groups (p=0.7664).(AU)

Multiplex PCR for detection of Suid herpesvirus 1, Bovine herpesvirus 1, Bovine herpesvirus 5, Ovine herpesvirus 2 / PCR Multiplex para detecção dos principais herpesvírus neurológicos de ruminantes

Desenvolveu-se uma PCR multiplex (mPCR) para diagnóstico diferencial de encefalite bovina causada por herpesvírus suíno 1 (SuHV-1), herpesvírus bovino 1 (BoHV-1), herpesvírus bovino 5 (BoHV-5) e herpesvírus ovino 2 (OvHV-2). Os iniciadores foram projetados após alinhamento de sequências disponíveis no banco de genomas (GenBank) e a reação foi padronizada levando-se em consideração a concentração dos reagentes e os tipos diferentes de DNA polimerase. Após determinação da especificidade e sensibilidade, 65 amostras de encéfalo de bovinos com síndrome neurológica foram submetidas à análise. A sensibilidade analítica para detecção de BoHV-1, BoHV-5 e SuHV-1 foi, respectivamente, 10(1,2) TCID50/50µL, 10(1,0) TCID50/50µL, 10(1,3) TCID50/50µL na reação multiplex. Das 65 amostras analisadas, 10 foram positivas para BoHV-5, uma para BoHV-1 e cinco para OvHV-2. A mPCR descrita neste trabalho mostrou-se uma técnica útil para o diagnóstico diferencial de enfermidades relacionadas ao sistema nervoso central de bovinos.(AU)

The aim of this study was to develop a multiplex PCR (mPCR) for the differential diagnosis of bovine encephalitis caused by the suid herpesvirus 1 (SuHV-1), bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1), bovine herpesvirus 5 (BoHV-5) and ovine herpesvirus 2 (OvHV -2). The primers were designed after alignment of sequences available in GenBank and the reaction was developed by taking into account the concentration of reagents and different types of DNA polymerase. After determining the specificity and sensitivity to PCR, 65 brain samples from cattle with neurological syndrome were submitted to the reaction. The analytical sensitivity for detection of BoHV-1, BoHV-5 and SuHV-1 was, respectively, 10(1,2) TCID50/50µL, 10(1,0) TCID50/50µL, 10(1,3) TCID50/50µL. Ten samples were positive for BoHV-5, one for BoHV-1, one for SuHV-1 and five for OvHV-2. The mPCR described here is a useful technique for the differential diagnosis of diseases related to the central nervous system of cattle.(AU)