In Situ Uterine Artery Prostaglandin E2 and Nitric Oxide in Open-Cervix Pyometra and Medically Treated Bitches.

Uterine vascular alterations take place in pyometra bitches speculatively influenced by prostaglandin and nitric oxide pathways. However, no causative effect of nitric oxide on endometrial vascularization was proved elsewhere for medically treated pyometra bitches. This study aimed to identify the main in situ uterine artery vasodilation pathway in pyometra bitches medically treated with antigestagen solely or coupled with prostaglandin. Pyometra bitches were enrolled into groups: Ovariohysterectomy at diagnosis (Control-OHE; n = 7), Antigestagen (10 mg/kg aglepristone on Days 1, 2, and 8 after diagnosis; n = 5), and Antigestagen + luteolytic (aglepristone plus 1 µg/kg of cloprostenol from Days 1-7; n = 5). Treated bitches were ovariohysterectomized after 8 days of treatment. Uterine artery fragments from all bitches were collected for tissue nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 assays. Control-OHE group had lower uterine artery concentration of nitric oxide compared to treated bitches (Antigestagen and Antigestagen + luteolytic groups). No significant difference was verified between the medical treated groups. Uterine artery concentration of prostaglandin E2 was not different between control and treated bitches, as well as between both treated groups. In conclusion, nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 are not directly involved in vascular modulation of the uterine artery, albeit pyometra medical treatment influences nitric oxide concentration in the uterine artery.

The need for assisted ventilation corroborates the effectiveness of antenatal corticosteroid therapy in preventing premature lamb mortality.

In premature births, deficiency and/or inactivation of surfactant and incomplete development of lung occur, leading to pulmonary complications and greater need for ventilatory interventions. Prenatal corticosteroid therapy is used to improve neonatal lung function and, thus, may reduce mortality and lower incidence and severity of lung injury. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the need for ventilatory support in preterm lambs subjected or not to prenatal betamethasone treatment, and to evaluate the effectiveness on neonatal survival. Lambing was induced and 13 premature lambs were assigned to Corticosteroid Group (n = 8; lambs from ewes subjected previously to 0.5 mg/kg betamethasone, IM, at 133 days of pregnancy) and Control Group (n = 5; non-treated lambs). Lambs were evaluated for vitality, neurologic reflexes, vital functions and birth weight. Three ventilatory modalities were preconized for critical lambs, according to specific criteria: mask oxygen therapy, self-inflating bag with tracheal tube and mechanical ventilation. Non-treated lambs had lower vitality score, muscle tonus and respiratory rate compared to Corticosteroid Group. Ventilatory support was needed for 3 Control lambs and only 1 Corticosteroid neonate. Corticosteroid lamb required significant less time-frame between birth and onset of ventilatory assistance and remained under ventilation for a shorter time. Percentage of ventilated non-treated lambs correlated negatively with birth weight, muscle tone, heart and respiratory rate. In conclusion, antenatal betamethasone treatment reduces the need for ventilatory assistance in premature lambs. Additionally, mortality is low when a protocol for inducing pulmonary maturity (maternal corticosteroid therapy) and/or ventilatory interventions are employed, ensuring the survival of premature lambs.

Canine pulmonary clearance during feto-neonatal transition according to the type of delivery.

The success of immediate adaptation to extrauterine life depends on appropriate lung function, however, elective cesarean section can increase the risk of respiratory distress as a result of reduced pulmonary fluid absorption. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of birth mode on pulmonary clearance and respiratory performance of canine neonates in the transition period. For this purpose, 37 neonates were selected according to the obstetric condition: Vaginal Eutocia (n = 17) and Elective C-section (n = 20). Neonates were evaluated for neonatal vitality score, as well as evaluation of heart and respiratory rates, body temperature and body weight, venous hemogasometric evaluation, blood lactate and glucose, pulse oximetry and radiographic evaluation during the first 24 h of life. Additionally, amniotic fluid electrolyte composition of each puppy was evaluated. There was no influence of the type of delivery on electrolyte composition of canine amniotic fluid and neonatal pulmonary liquid content, analyzed by thoracic X-Rays. On the other hand, elective cesarean section delayed pulmonary adaptation, resulting in hypoxemia and less efficient compensatory response to acid-base imbalance and thermoregulation. In conclusion, elective c-section does not delay pulmonary clearance, whilst alters pulmonary adaptation by less efficient gas exchange and lower oxygenation, hindering the compensatory response to acid-base imbalance during the fetal-neonatal transition in dogs.

Maternal and neonatal cortisol and catecholamines throughout vaginal eutocia and C-section in dogs.

Increased fetal cortisol is associated with catecholamine release, a primary factor for neonatal adaptive responses. However, relationship between canine peripartum cortisol and catecholamine is unknown. We aimed to compare serum adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol during peripartum in bitches and neonates of distinct obstetric conditions and to assess amniotic fluid cortisol concentration. Twenty females and maximum of three puppies per litter were allocated into Vaginal Eutocia (10 females; 17 neonates) and Elective C-section (10 females; 20 neonates) groups. Amniotic fluid was collected at delivery for cortisol concentration. Maternal and neonatal blood were collected prepartum, intrapartum, postpartum and 1h postpartum, and at birth, 30 and 60min, 12hs and 24hs, respectively, for cortisol, adrenaline and noradrenaline assessment. C-section determined higher noradrenaline throughout delivery and cortisol concentration from intrapartum through 1h postpartum, compared to vaginal birth. C-section maternal cortisol showed progressive increase from intrapartum onwards, while neonatal cortisol remained unchanged. No difference of maternal cortisol concentration occurred along whelping, whereas a significant decrease was verified for vaginal delivery puppies from birth until the 12hs. Puppies delivered vaginally had higher cortisol concentration at birth and 30min, compared to c-section puppies. There was a higher concentration of amniotic fluid cortisol in vaginal eutocia. In conclusion, c-section induces higher maternal stress during and after surgery, whilst vaginal delivery is a more neonatal physiologically stressful condition, contributing to better adaptation during transition.

Frozen-Thawed Sperm Analysis of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Dogs Treated With Finasteride.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a pathological condition that directly interferes with the reproductive potential of senile dogs, by leading to prostate enlargement and sperm injury, which in turn may compromise sperm freezeability. Moreover, albeit finasteride treatment reduces prostatic volume and blood supply and maintains seminal quality and testicular integrity, the effects of sperm samples submitted to cryopreservation after the finasteride treatment are still unknown. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate frozen-thawed semen of BPH dogs, as well as dogs subjected to BPH pharmacological treatment with finasteride. For such purpose, 20 dogs were previously selected and assigned to three experimental groups, according to BPH diagnosis and treatment with finasteride: Control (n = 9), BPH Group (n = 5) and BPH-Finasteride Group (n = 6). Semen was subjected to one-step cryopreservation protocol with tris-fructose-citric acid extender with 5% glycerol and thawed at 37°C for 30 sec. Fresh and post-thaw sperm samples were evaluated for macroscopic parameters, sperm concentration, sperm motility kinetics, sperm mitochondrial activity and potential, oxidative stress, plasmatic and acrosome membrane integrity, sperm DNA fragmentation and sperm binding test on perivitelic membrane of chicken egg yolk. Regarding fresh semen, BPH-Finasteride group had the lowest ejaculate visual aspect (opacity), higher frequency of sperm flagellar beating (BCF) and percentage of sperm with medium velocity. Control group had the highest percentage of sperm DNA integrity compared to BPH group. For the frozen-thawed semen, Control group presented the highest percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial activity. However, the BPH-Finasteride group showed higher number of sperm bound to the perivitelline membrane of chicken egg yolk compared to the BPH Group. Conversely, BPH group had higher percentage of DNA damage. In conclusion, the ejaculate of BPH dogs has higher susceptibility to cryoinjury, whereas finasteride-treated dogs have increased spermatozoa functional performance, suggesting a promising use of BPH dogs as semen donors in sperm cryopreservation programs.

Prenatal or postnatal corticosteroids favor clinical, respiratory, metabolic outcomes and oxidative balance of preterm lambs corticotherapy for premature neonatal lambs.

Challenges of the extrauterine environment can be life threatening for a premature fetus with inadequate fetal maturity. Maternal corticosteroids therapy is widely employed to induce fetal pulmonary maturation. Nevertheless, whenever therapeutic pregnancy interruption has to be performed in a time manner insufficient to treat the dam, postnatal corticotherapy can be considered an alternative. However, it is not known if antenatal and postnatal corticotherapy can improve similarly neonatal outcomes and pulmonary function. This research aimed to analyze antenatal and postnatal corticotherapy on premature lambs vitality, pulmonary functioning, metabolic and oxidative status. Lambs were evaluated according to the mode of treatment: Prenatal Corticosteroid Group (8 lambs born after maternal betamethasone treatment 48 h prior to birth), Postnatal Corticosteroid Group (9 lambs subjected to betamethasone treatment 10 min after birth) and Control Group (5 lambs remained untreated). Lambs were medically followed-up from birth to 72 h thereafter through a complete physical examination, as well as lactatemia, glycaemia, blood acid-base balance and antioxidant status. Treated lambs had higher vitality score than the Control Group. Heart rate was higher in postnatal therapy compared to prenatal treatment. Respiratory rate and rectal temperature were higher in treated groups. Treated lambs had hyperglycemia, while the Postnatal Group had higher lactatemia than the Control Group. The Prenatal Group had lower and normal pCO2 from 60 min onwards. The Postnatal Group had higher superoxide dismutase activity than untreated lambs. In conclusion, prenatal and postnatal betamethasone treatments favor neonatal clinical outcome, respiratory function, glucose homeostasis and oxidative balance.

Both spontaneous vaginal delivery and elective caesarean section influence neonatal redox status in dogs.

BACKGROUND: The influence of birth mode on redox balance is unknown in dogs. We aimed to compare antioxidant activity and oxidative stress of puppies born by elective c-section or vaginal delivery. METHODS: Twenty-one bitches were elected for spontaneous vaginal delivery (n = 10) and elective cesarean section (n = 11) groups, considering only the first and last puppies born. Neonatal oxygen saturation, lactatemia, superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant capacity; marker of oxidative stress (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS]) and protein oxidation were analysed at birth, 1 h, 12 h, 24 h and 72 h. RESULTS: C-section newborns had lower oximetry at birth and 1 h. Lactatemia was higher in the last vaginal delivery puppies and higher at birth, and 1 h. Regardless of birth mode, last puppies had hyperlactatemia at birth. Vaginal delivery puppies had higher TBARS, while protein oxidation was higher in c-section, mostly in last puppies. C-section puppies had higher GPx activity, whereas GSH concentration decreased overtime. Surgically born puppies had lowering SOD between 12 h and 72 h. CONCLUSIONS: Vaginal delivery enhances lipid peroxidation, counteracted mostly by GPx. Conversely, c-section triggers protein oxidation, acutely scavenged by SOD and GSH, thus puppies are less exposed to the negative consequences of oxidative stress.

Ageing changes testes and epididymis blood flow without altering biometry and echodensity in dogs.

Senescence leads to deleterious effects in testicular function, sperm quality and fertility in dogs. There, however, are no consistent results of vascular changes in the testes and epididymis during natural ageing in dogs. The aim of this study, therefore, was to compare testes and epididymis blood flow, biometry and echodensity between young and senile dogs. Ten young dogs (1-4 years) and eight senile dogs (over 7 years) were selected and assigned to two experimental groups: Young Group and Senile Group. Dogs were evaluated using testicular and epididymis B-mode (dimensions and echodensity) and Doppler ultrasonography (tissue perfusion parameters and blood flow velocity of the testicular artery). There were no differences between experimental groups for the echographic evaluation of testicular and epididymis parenchyma and biometric variables. The dogs in the Young Group had greater (P = 0.02) testes vascularization score and greater (P = 0.06) testicular artery blood flow velocity than those in the Senile Group. Furthermore, the older dogs had a greater (P = 0.06) pulsatility index of the testicular artery than those in the Young Group. Ageing, therefore, seems to cause natural hemodynamical changes to the testicular artery, resulting in reduced blood flow (ischemia) and tissue damage. Testes and epididymis vascular characteristics, therefore, may represent the causal factors for changes in spermatogenesis and, as a consequence, negatively affect the sperm quality of older dogs. In conclusion, senescence alters testicular artery blood flow and vascularization of the testes, without changing testicular and epididymis ultrasonographic dimensions and echodensity in dogs.

Clinical Changes and Uterine Hemodynamic in Pyometra Medically Treated Bitches.

Cystic endometrial hyperplasia-pyometra complex is a canine endometrial disorder, considered the most common and important among uterine diseases. The treatment of choice is ovariohysterectomy, but medical treatments have become an alternative. However, no studies have been performed in order to evaluate uterine hemodynamic changes during medical treatment for pyometra bitches. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two medical protocols by means of clinical (heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature), medullar response (complete blood count (CBC)) and uterine hemodynamic evaluation in pyometra bitches. For such purpose, 10 bitches with pyometra were assigned to two groups: Aglepristone Group (n = 5) and Associative Group (aglepristone + prostaglandin; n = 5). The Associative Group had altered respiratory rate and decreased body temperature. The Aglepristone Group had decreased plasma protein, however, leukocyte count reduced over time for both therapeutic protocols. Uterine area and vascularization score decreased throughout treatment. There was a significant reduction in uterine perimeter, area and vascularization score. The Associative Group had lower final diastolic velocity and higher systole:diastole ratio (S/D), pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI). In conclusion, both medical treatments are effective in reversing clinical and CBC changes of pyometra, especially aglepristone, however they cannot fully restore local uterine changes in a short-term evaluation. Conversely, associative therapy was more effective in decreasing uterine vascularization and modulating uterine blood flow.

Effect of senescence on morphological, functional and oxidative features of fresh and cryopreserved canine sperm.

The present research aimed to compare the hormonal profile, sperm quality and freezability of young and senile dogs. Dogs were assigned into Young Group (n = 11) and Senile Group (n = 11), additionally divided into Fresh Semen Group and Cryopreserved Semen Group. Males were evaluated for libido score and blood estrogen and testosterone assay. Sperm morphofunctional evaluations were performed based on Computer Assisted Sperm Analysis, morphology, mitochondrial activity, mitochondrial membrane potential, plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity, and DNA fragmentation. Sperm oxidative features were: protein oxidation, lipid peroxidation and production of advanced glycation end-products. Young dogs had higher libido score, sperm velocity average pathway, linearity of motility and mitochondrial activity index and lower percentage of major defects, total defects and proximal cytoplasmic droplet, despite the lack of difference between hormone profile of aged dogs. Fresh semen of senile dogs had increased percentage of spermatozoa with high mitochondrial membrane potential compared to young dogs and to cryopreserved sperm. Cryopreserved semen of young dogs had higher acrosomal membrane integrity compared to the Senile Group. In conclusion, sperm of aged dogs have reduced quality, signaled by higher morphological defects, ultimately altering sperm mitochondrial function and sperm kinetics. Furthermore, spermatozoa from senile dogs are more sensible to cryoinjury.

Sperm-binding to the perivitelline membrane of chicken egg yolk as a functional test for sperm evaluation in dogs / Teste de ligação espermática à membrana perivitelínica da gema de ovo de galinha como avaliação funcional do sêmen de cães

During fertilization, spermatozoa interact with the zona pellucida (ZP) through the binding between the acrosome and proteins 2 and 3 (ZP2 and ZP3). The perivitelline membrane of chicken egg yolk is homologous to the mammalian ZP3, which allows the binding of sperm of several species. The aim of this study was to standardize and evaluate the efficiency of sperm-binding to the perivitelline membrane of chicken eggs as a functional method for canine semen evaluation. For this purpose, nine post-thaw sperm samples were used, which were divided into two aliquots: the first was kept in water bath at 37ºC (live sample) and the second was submitted to cold shock to induce cellular damage (dead sample). The two aliquots were mixed on five proportions, corresponding to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of viable cells, and the binding test was performed by analyzing the number of spermatozoa bonded to the perivitelline membrane by means of computerized assessment of sperm motility (CASA) or conventional microscopy. Additionally, samples were submitted to sperm motility analysis, evaluation of plasmatic and acrosomal membrane integrity, and sperm mitochondrial activity. The sperm-binding test to the perivitelline membrane of chicken egg yolk was considered a feasible sperm analysis test for both fertilizing capacity and overall sperm attributes evaluation, mainly when the analysis is performed by a conventional microscope, which expands its practicality to the majority of canine reproduction laboratories.(AU)

Durante a fecundação, os espermatozoides interagem com a zona pelúcida (ZP) por meio da ligação entre o acrossomo e as proteínas 2 e 3 (ZP2 e ZP3). A membrana perivitelínica da gema de ovo de galinhas é homóloga à ZP3 de mamíferos, possibilitando a ligação espermática de diversas espécies. Este trabalho padronizou e avaliou a eficiência do teste de ligação espermática à membrana perivitelínica da gema de ovo de galinhas como avaliação funcional do sêmen de cães. Para tal, foram utilizadas nove amostras seminais previamente criopreservadas. Cada amostra foi dividida em duas alíquotas: a primeira foi mantida em banho-maria à 37ºC (vivos) e a segunda submetida a choque térmico com o intuito de induzir dano celular (mortos). As duas alíquotas foram misturadas, correspondendo a 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% de células viáveis. As amostras foram avaliadas quanto ao número de espermatozoides ligados à membrana perivitelínica por meio da análise computadorizada da motilidade (CASA) ou microscopia convencional. Ademais, as amostras foram avaliadas quanto à motilidade espermática, integridade das membranas acrossomal e plasmática e atividade mitocondrial espermática. O teste de ligação espermática à membrana perivitelínica de ovos de galinha foi considerado um teste de análise seminal exequível tanto para avaliar a capacidade fecundante dos espermatozoides como atributos seminais gerais, especialmente quando realizado em microscopia convencional, expandindo sua praticidade para a maioria dos laboratórios de análise de sêmen canino.(AU)

Alterações hemodinâmicas na próstata e nos testículos de cães acometidos por hiperplasia prostática benigna e tratados com finasterida / Prostatic and testicular hemodynamic changes in dogs with untreated benign prostatic hyperplasia and treated with finasteride

Este trabalho avaliou os efeitos do tratamento com finasterida nas variáveis vasculares e hemodinâmicas da próstata e testículos de cães acometidos pela hiperplasia prostática benigna (HPB). Para tal, foram selecionados dez cães de idades variadas (5-13 anos). Os grupos experimentais foram constituídos de cães acometidos pela HPB (HPB, n=5) e cães com HPB e tratados com finasterida (HPB+F, n=5). Três avaliações foram realizadas, com intervalo mensal entre elas (dia 0 início do tratamento com finasterida, 30 dias e 60 dias). Foi realizada a ultrassonografia em modo-B para mensuração do volume da próstata e dos testículos. Com a ultrassonografia com Doppler colorido foi avaliado o escore de vascularização da próstata (1-3). O perfil hemodinâmico das artérias prostática e testicular foi mensurado com o Doppler espectral. Ocorreu redução de 35,2% no volume prostático no grupo HPB+F depois de 60 dias de tratamento, enquanto o grupo HPB sofreu elevação de 15,4%. O escore de vascularização no dia 60 foi maior no grupo HPB (2,4±0,2) em relação ao grupo HPB+F (1,6±0,2). Na análise por Doppler espectral, foi observado maior índice de pulsatilidade da artéria testicular no grupo HPB (2,1±0,2) em relação ao HPB+F (1,9±0,1). Os demais índices hemodinâmicos não apresentaram diferença estatística. Assim, a terapia com finasterida além de promover a redução da angiogênese provocada pela HBP também reduziu o índice de pulsatilidade da artéria testicular e, portanto, é capaz de reduzir a eficiência da espermatogênese. Em conclusão, aterapia com finasterida reduz o volume e a vascularização da próstata.Ademais, sugere-se a análise do índice de pulsatilidade como possível marcador para prognóstico da HPB em cães.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of finasteride treatment on prostatic and testicular hemodynamic and vascular variables in dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Ten dogs aged between 5 and 13 years were selected and assigned to two experimental groups: dogs with BPH (BPH, n=5), and dogs with BPH treated with finasteride (BPH+F, n=5). Three monthly evaluations were performed (day 0 onset of finasteride treatment, day 30 and day 60). Testicular and prostatic volumes were measured through mode-B ultrasound; prostatic vascularization score (1-3) was measured with the color Doppler ultrasound; and the hemodynamic profile of the prostatic and testicular arteries was measured with spectral Doppler. A reduction of 35.2% in the prostate volume occured in the HPB+F group after 60 days of treatment, while in the HPB group, it increased 15.4%.Vascularization score on day 60 was higher in the BPH group (2.4±0.2) in comparison to the BPH+F group (1.6±0.2), suggesting that finasteride therapy reduces the angiogenesis caused by BPH. Regarding the spectral Doppler analysis, it was possible to observe higher pulsatility index of the testicular artery in the BPH group (2.1±0.2) compared to BPH+F (1.9±0.1), which is capable of reducing the efficiency of spermatogenesis. The remaining hemodynamic indexes presented no statistical difference. In conclusion, finasteride therapy reducesprostatic volume and vascularization. Moreover, the pulsatility index can be employed as an prognostic markerof BPH in dogs.

Alterações hemodinâmicas na próstata e nos testículos de cães acometidos por hiperplasia prostática benigna e tratados com finasterida / Prostatic and testicular hemodynamic changes in dogs with untreated benign prostatic hyperplasia and treated with finasteride

Este trabalho avaliou os efeitos do tratamento com finasterida nas variáveis vasculares e hemodinâmicas da próstata e testículos de cães acometidos pela hiperplasia prostática benigna (HPB). Para tal, foram selecionados dez cães de idades variadas (5-13 anos). Os grupos experimentais foram constituídos de cães acometidos pela HPB (HPB, n=5) e cães com HPB e tratados com finasterida (HPB+F, n=5). Três avaliações foram realizadas, com intervalo mensal entre elas (dia 0 início do tratamento com finasterida, 30 dias e 60 dias). Foi realizada a ultrassonografia em modo-B para mensuração do volume da próstata e dos testículos. Com a ultrassonografia com Doppler colorido foi avaliado o escore de vascularização da próstata (1-3). O perfil hemodinâmico das artérias prostática e testicular foi mensurado com o Doppler espectral. Ocorreu redução de 35,2% no volume prostático no grupo HPB+F depois de 60 dias de tratamento, enquanto o grupo HPB sofreu elevação de 15,4%. O escore de vascularização no dia 60 foi maior no grupo HPB (2,4±0,2) em relação ao grupo HPB+F (1,6±0,2). Na análise por Doppler espectral, foi observado maior índice de pulsatilidade da artéria testicular no grupo HPB (2,1±0,2) em relação ao HPB+F (1,9±0,1). Os demais índices hemodinâmicos não apresentaram diferença estatística. Assim, a terapia com finasterida além de promover a redução da angiogênese provocada pela HBP também reduziu o índice de pulsatilidade da artéria testicular e, portanto, é capaz de reduzir a eficiência da espermatogênese. Em conclusão, aterapia com finasterida reduz o volume e a vascularização da próstata.Ademais, sugere-se a análise do índice de pulsatilidade como possível marcador para prognóstico da HPB em cães.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of finasteride treatment on prostatic and testicular hemodynamic and vascular variables in dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Ten dogs aged between 5 and 13 years were selected and assigned to two experimental groups: dogs with BPH (BPH, n=5), and dogs with BPH treated with finasteride (BPH+F, n=5). Three monthly evaluations were performed (day 0 onset of finasteride treatment, day 30 and day 60). Testicular and prostatic volumes were measured through mode-B ultrasound; prostatic vascularization score (1-3) was measured with the color Doppler ultrasound; and the hemodynamic profile of the prostatic and testicular arteries was measured with spectral Doppler. A reduction of 35.2% in the prostate volume occured in the HPB+F group after 60 days of treatment, while in the HPB group, it increased 15.4%.Vascularization score on day 60 was higher in the BPH group (2.4±0.2) in comparison to the BPH+F group (1.6±0.2), suggesting that finasteride therapy reduces the angiogenesis caused by BPH. Regarding the spectral Doppler analysis, it was possible to observe higher pulsatility index of the testicular artery in the BPH group (2.1±0.2) compared to BPH+F (1.9±0.1), which is capable of reducing the efficiency of spermatogenesis. The remaining hemodynamic indexes presented no statistical difference. In conclusion, finasteride therapy reducesprostatic volume and vascularization. Moreover, the pulsatility index can be employed as an prognostic markerof BPH in dogs.(AU)

Sperm-binding to the perivitelline membrane of chicken egg yolk as a functional test for sperm evaluation in dogs / Teste de ligação espermática à membrana perivitelínica da gema de ovo de galinha como avaliação funcional do sêmen de cães

During fertilization, spermatozoa interact with the zona pellucida (ZP) through the binding between the acrosome and proteins 2 and 3 (ZP2 and ZP3). The perivitelline membrane of chicken egg yolk is homologous to the mammalian ZP3, which allows the binding of sperm of several species. The aim of this study was to standardize and evaluate the efficiency of sperm-binding to the perivitelline membrane of chicken eggs as a functional method for canine semen evaluation. For this purpose, nine post-thaw sperm samples were used, which were divided into two aliquots: the first was kept in water bath at 37ºC (live sample) and the second was submitted to cold shock to induce cellular damage (dead sample). The two aliquots were mixed on five proportions, corresponding to 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of viable cells, and the binding test was performed by analyzing the number of spermatozoa bonded to the perivitelline membrane by means of computerized assessment of sperm motility (CASA) or conventional microscopy. Additionally, samples were submitted to sperm motility analysis, evaluation of plasmatic and acrosomal membrane integrity, and sperm mitochondrial activity. The sperm-binding test to the perivitelline membrane of chicken egg yolk was considered a feasible sperm analysis test for both fertilizing capacity and overall sperm attributes evaluation, mainly when the analysis is performed by a conventional microscope, which expands its practicality to the majority of canine reproduction laboratories.(AU)

Durante a fecundação, os espermatozoides interagem com a zona pelúcida (ZP) por meio da ligação entre o acrossomo e as proteínas 2 e 3 (ZP2 e ZP3). A membrana perivitelínica da gema de ovo de galinhas é homóloga à ZP3 de mamíferos, possibilitando a ligação espermática de diversas espécies. Este trabalho padronizou e avaliou a eficiência do teste de ligação espermática à membrana perivitelínica da gema de ovo de galinhas como avaliação funcional do sêmen de cães. Para tal, foram utilizadas nove amostras seminais previamente criopreservadas. Cada amostra foi dividida em duas alíquotas: a primeira foi mantida em banho-maria à 37ºC (vivos) e a segunda submetida a choque térmico com o intuito de induzir dano celular (mortos). As duas alíquotas foram misturadas, correspondendo a 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% de células viáveis. As amostras foram avaliadas quanto ao número de espermatozoides ligados à membrana perivitelínica por meio da análise computadorizada da motilidade (CASA) ou microscopia convencional. Ademais, as amostras foram avaliadas quanto à motilidade espermática, integridade das membranas acrossomal e plasmática e atividade mitocondrial espermática. O teste de ligação espermática à membrana perivitelínica de ovos de galinha foi considerado um teste de análise seminal exequível tanto para avaliar a capacidade fecundante dos espermatozoides como atributos seminais gerais, especialmente quando realizado em microscopia convencional, expandindo sua praticidade para a maioria dos laboratórios de análise de sêmen canino.(AU)

Acute-phase protein profile of healthy bitches in diestrus: the influence of steroid hormones

Background: Acute-phase proteins are known as significant indicators of inflammation for several animal species, allowing more accurate follow-up of diseases, particularly when other clinical signs are not apparent. Nevertheless, the difficulty of data interpretation due to the absence of reference values for canine species represents an imperative obstacle for systematic clinical application. Moreover, no influence of hormonal status has yet been established for dogs. The aim of this study was thus to propose reference values of fibrinogen, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, seromucoid and glycoprotein for diestrous healthy females and therefore verify the influence of the hormone status.Materials, Methods & Results: Data consisted of weekly blood sampling from 20 Great Dane diestrous bitches during 9 weeks. Each animal’s health condition was verified through physical assessment and the absence of acute inflammatory or infectious processes was guaranteed by a total white cell count. Sampling started with diestrus onset and continued until the beginning of anestrus, evaluated by vaginal cytology. From blood samples, the concentrations of fibrinogen, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, seromucoid, glycoprotein, progesterone and estrogen were determined accordingly. No statistical variations (P < 0.05) on plasmatic fibrinogen, serum haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin concentrations were observed between weeks of diestrus nor a correlation between the hormonal profile. Significant increase in seromucoid concentration was verified between the 1st and 6th week of diestrus, while significant variation (P < 0.05) of glycoprotein was measured between the 1st and 3rd weeks of diestrus, as well as between weeks 2 and 9. The reference values proposed were: 182.22 (±46.40) mg/ dL for fibrinogen, 80.22 (±9.80) mg/dL of HbCN binding capacity for haptoglobin, 8.19 (±1.68) IU/L for ceruloplasmin, 79.88 (±15.78) mg/dL for seromucoid and 11.89 (±0.92) % for glycoprotein.[...]

Acute-phase protein profile of healthy bitches in diestrus: the influence of steroid hormones

Background: Acute-phase proteins are known as significant indicators of inflammation for several animal species, allowing more accurate follow-up of diseases, particularly when other clinical signs are not apparent. Nevertheless, the difficulty of data interpretation due to the absence of reference values for canine species represents an imperative obstacle for systematic clinical application. Moreover, no influence of hormonal status has yet been established for dogs. The aim of this study was thus to propose reference values of fibrinogen, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, seromucoid and glycoprotein for diestrous healthy females and therefore verify the influence of the hormone status.Materials, Methods & Results: Data consisted of weekly blood sampling from 20 Great Dane diestrous bitches during 9 weeks. Each animals health condition was verified through physical assessment and the absence of acute inflammatory or infectious processes was guaranteed by a total white cell count. Sampling started with diestrus onset and continued until the beginning of anestrus, evaluated by vaginal cytology. From blood samples, the concentrations of fibrinogen, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, seromucoid, glycoprotein, progesterone and estrogen were determined accordingly. No statistical variations (P < 0.05) on plasmatic fibrinogen, serum haptoglobin and ceruloplasmin concentrations were observed between weeks of diestrus nor a correlation between the hormonal profile. Significant increase in seromucoid concentration was verified between the 1st and 6th week of diestrus, while significant variation (P < 0.05) of glycoprotein was measured between the 1st and 3rd weeks of diestrus, as well as between weeks 2 and 9. The reference values proposed were: 182.22 (±46.40) mg/ dL for fibrinogen, 80.22 (±9.80) mg/dL of HbCN binding capacity for haptoglobin, 8.19 (±1.68) IU/L for ceruloplasmin, 79.88 (±15.78) mg/dL for seromucoid and 11.89 (±0.92) % for glycoprotein.[...](AU)