Comparison of the effects of triamcinolone acetonide or platelet-rich plasma on expression of extracellular matrix-related genes in equine healthy chondrocytes in vitro / Comparação dos efeitos do acetonido de triancinolona ou plasma rico em plaquetas na expressão de genes relacionados à matriz extracelular de condrócitos in vitro de equinos adultos

ABSTRACT: In healthy cartilage, chondrocytes maintain an expression of collagens and proteoglycans and are sensitive to growth factors and cytokines that either enhance or reduce type II collagen synthesis. In osteoarthritis, pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, induce overexpression of metalloproteinases (MMP) and decreasing synthesis of aggrecan. Use of chondroprotectors agents, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and triamcinolone (TA) are alternatives to reduce the progression of joint damage. In this study, we used chondrocytes extracted from metacarpophalangeal joints of healthy horses as the experimental model. Cells were treated in vitro with PRP or TA. No differences were observed between these treatments in comparison to the control group when the expressions of MMP9, MMP13, IL-6 and ACAN genes were evaluated (P<0.05). With these results, we can suggest that the treatments were not deleterious to equine cultured chondrocyte, once they did not stimulate MMPs and IL-6 synthesis or caused changes in ACAN.

RESUMO: Na cartilagem saudável, os condrócitos mantêm a expressão de colágenos e proteoglicanos, sendo sensíveis a fatores de crescimento e citocinas que aumentam ou reduzem a síntese de colágeno tipo II. Na osteoartrite, citocinas pró-inflamatórias, como a IL-6, estimulam a expressão de metaloproteinases (MMP) e reduzem a síntese de agrecano. O uso de condroprotetores, como o Plasma Rico em Plaquetas (PRP) e triancinolona (TA) é uma alternativa para se reduzir a progressão do dano articular. Neste estudo foram usados condrócitos extraídos das articulações metacarpofalangeanas de equinos saudáveis. As células foram tratadas in vitro com TA ou PRP. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os tratamentos comparando-se com o grupo controle quanto à expressão genética de MMP-9, MMP-13, IL-6 e ACAN (p<0,05). Assim, pode-se sugerir que os tratamentos não foram deletérios ao cultivo de condrócitos, uma vez que não estimularam a síntese de MMP e IL-6 e nem causaram alterações no ACAN.

Can Triamcinolone acetonide, platelet-rich plasma, and pentosan polysulfate sodium induce oxidative stress in cultured equine chondrocytes? / Acetonido de triancinolona, plasma rico em plaquetas e pentosano polissulfato sódico podem ocasionar estresse oxidativo em cultivo de condrócitos de equinos?

ABSTRACT: Progressive deterioration and loss of articular cartilage are the final degenerative events common to osteoarthritis (OA). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in this chondrocyte catabolic activity, leading to cell death and matrix components breakdown. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections such as triamcinolone acetonide have been used to control pain and inflammation associated with OA. New treatments for OA, platelet-rich plasma and pentosan polysulphate sodium have also been used and further investigations are necessary to determine their safety in joint cells. In this in vitro study, the use of these three substances (triamcinolone acetonide, platelet-rich plasma, and pentosan polysulphate sodium) in healthy chondrocytes did not alter the antioxidant status when compared to control groups, indicating that they could be considered safe in healthy conditions.

RESUMO: A deterioração progressiva e perda da cartilagem articular são os eventos finais da osteoartrite (OA). Espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) têm papel importante na atividade catabólica de condrócitos, levando a morte celular e quebra dos componentes da matriz. Injeções intra-articulares de corticosteroides, como com o acetonido de triancinolona, são usadas para controle da dor e inflamação associadas à OA. Novos tratamentos para a OA, como o plasma rico em plaquetas e o pentosano polissulfato sódico, também tem sido utilizados e necessitam de maiores investigações para determinar sua segurança para as células articulares de equinos. Neste estudo in vitro, o uso destas três substâncias (acetonido de triancinolona, pentosan polissulfato de sódio de plasma rico em plaquetas) em condrócitos saudáveis de equinos não alterou o status antioxidante quando comparado aos grupos controle, indicando que puderam ser considerados seguros em condições saudáveis.

Can Triamcinolone acetonide, platelet-rich plasma, and pentosan polysulfate sodium induce oxidative stress in cultured equine chondrocytes? / Acetonido de triancinolona, plasma rico em plaquetas e pentosano polissulfato sódico podem ocasionar estresse oxidativo em cultivo de condrócitos de equinos?

Progressive deterioration and loss of articular cartilage are the final degenerative events common to osteoarthritis (OA). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in this chondrocyte catabolic activity, leading to cell death and matrix components breakdown. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections such as triamcinolone acetonide have been used to control pain and inflammation associated with OA. New treatments for OA, platelet-rich plasma and pentosan polysulphate sodium have also been used and further investigations are necessary to determine their safety in joint cells. In this in vitro study, the use of these three substances (triamcinolone acetonide, platelet-rich plasma, and pentosan polysulphate sodium) in healthy chondrocytes did not alter the antioxidant status when compared to control groups, indicating that they could be considered safe in healthy conditions.(AU)

A deterioração progressiva e perda da cartilagem articular são os eventos finais da osteoartrite (OA). Espécies reativas de oxigênio (ROS) têm papel importante na atividade catabólica de condrócitos, levando a morte celular e quebra dos componentes da matriz. Injeções intra-articulares de corticosteroides, como com o acetonido de triancinolona, são usadas para controle da dor e inflamação associadas à OA. Novos tratamentos para a OA, como o plasma rico em plaquetas e o pentosano polissulfato sódico, também tem sido utilizados e necessitam de maiores investigações para determinar sua segurança para as células articulares de equinos. Neste estudo in vitro, o uso destas três substâncias (acetonido de triancinolona, pentosan polissulfato de sódio de plasma rico em plaquetas) em condrócitos saudáveis de equinos não alterou o status antioxidante quando comparado aos grupos controle, indicando que puderam ser considerados seguros em condições saudáveis.(AU)

Comparison of the effects of triamcinolone acetonide or platelet-rich plasma on expression of extracellular matrix-related genes in equine healthy chondrocytes in vitro / Comparação dos efeitos do acetonido de triancinolona ou plasma rico em plaquetas na expressão de genes relacionados à matriz extracelular de condrócitos in vitro de equinos adultos

In healthy cartilage, chondrocytes maintain an expression of collagens and proteoglycans and are sensitive to growth factors and cytokines that either enhance or reduce type II collagen synthesis. In osteoarthritis, pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, induce overexpression of metalloproteinases (MMP) and decreasing synthesis of aggrecan. Use of chondroprotectors agents, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and triamcinolone (TA) are alternatives to reduce the progression of joint damage. In this study, we used chondrocytes extracted from metacarpophalangeal joints of healthy horses as the experimental model. Cells were treated in vitro with PRP or TA. No differences were observed between these treatments in comparison to the control group when the expressions of MMP9, MMP13, IL-6 and ACAN genes were evaluated (P<0.05). With these results, we can suggest that the treatments were not deleterious to equine cultured chondrocyte, once they did not stimulate MMPs and IL-6 synthesis or caused changes in ACAN.(AU)

Na cartilagem saudável, os condrócitos mantêm a expressão de colágenos e proteoglicanos, sendo sensíveis a fatores de crescimento e citocinas que aumentam ou reduzem a síntese de colágeno tipo II. Na osteoartrite, citocinas pró-inflamatórias, como a IL-6, estimulam a expressão de metaloproteinases (MMP) e reduzem a síntese de agrecano. O uso de condroprotetores, como o Plasma Rico em Plaquetas (PRP) e triancinolona (TA) é uma alternativa para se reduzir a progressão do dano articular. Neste estudo foram usados condrócitos extraídos das articulações metacarpofalangeanas de equinos saudáveis. As células foram tratadas in vitro com TA ou PRP. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os tratamentos comparando-se com o grupo controle quanto à expressão genética de MMP-9, MMP-13, IL-6 e ACAN (p<0,05). Assim, pode-se sugerir que os tratamentos não foram deletérios ao cultivo de condrócitos, uma vez que não estimularam a síntese de MMP e IL-6 e nem causaram alterações no ACAN.(AU)

Influence of Ringers lactated solution in continuous infusion and general anesthesia on hematocrit in dogs / Influência da infusão contínua de solução de Ringer com lactato e da anestesia geral sobre o hematócrito em cães

The measurement of serum parameters during general anesthesia procedures are subject to variations due to differences in protocol, splenic storage, and by the instituted fluid therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the hematocrit changes promoted by controlled fluid therapy and general anesthesia. Six mongrel female dogs underwent an anesthetic protocol with acepromazine (0.03 mg kg-1) and tramadol (5 mg kg-1) for premedication, induction with propofol (3 mg kg-1), and maintained with isoflurane and mechanical ventilation for 120 minutes. After induction, they were infused with 10 ml kg hr-1 of Ringers lactate solution. Hematocrit measurements were performed from the start until 72 hours from anesthesia and evaluated statistically to check if there were significant changes over time. The fluid therapy, the acepromazine and propofol in the anesthetic protocol promotes a significant reduction of hematocrit up to four hours after general anesthesia.(AU)

A mensuração de parâmetros séricos durante procedimentos dependentes de anestesia geral são passíveis de variações devido a diferenças do protocolo utilizado, armazenamento esplênico e também da fluidoterapia instituída. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o hematócrito buscando evidenciar as alterações flutuantes promovidas por fluidoterapia controlada e anestesia geral em cães submetidos a ovariohisterectomia laparoscópica. Seis cadelas sem raça definida foram submetidas a um protocolo anestésico com acepromazina (0,03 mg kg-1) e tramadol (5,0 mg kg-1) como medicação pré-anestésica, indução com propofol (3,0 mg kg-1) e mantidas com isoflurano e ventilação mecânica durante 120 minutos. Após a indução, receberam a infusão de 10,0 ml kg hr-1 de solução Ringer com lactato. Foram realizadas aferições de hematócrito do início (ou antes?) até 72 horas após a anestesia, sendo avaliadas estatisticamente para verificar se houve alterações relevantes durante os tempos. A fluidoterapia e o uso de acepromazina e propofol no protocolo anestésico para esta técnica cirúrgica promoveram uma redução de hematócrito significativa até quatro horas após a anestesia geral.(AU)

Prednisona e meloxicam no tratamento de ratos submetidos ao trauma agudo da medula espinhal / Prednisone and meloxicam in the treatment of rats underwent to acute spinal cord injury

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito da prednisona e do meloxicam na terapia de ratos submetidos ao modelo experimental de trauma agudo da medula espinhal, induzida pelo cateter de Fogarty 2Fr, mediante a avaliação dos parâmetros de estresse oxidativo, dos testes neurológicos e do exame histopatológico da medula espinhal. Foram utilizados 90 ratos Wistar, distribuídos em seis grupos, denominados controle salina ou GCS (n=15), controle prednisona ou GCP (n=15), controle meloxicam ou GCM (n=15), trauma mais salina ou GTS (n=15), trauma mais prednisona ou GTP (n=15) e trauma mais meloxicam GTM (n=15). Cada grupo foi redistribuído em três subgrupos de igual número, de acordo com o tempo de tratamento no pós-operatório de 24h, 72h e sete dias. Todos os grupos foram submetidos à laminectomia e, nos grupos GTS, GTM e GTP, após a exposição da medula espinhal, foi realizado o trauma medular compressivo, utilizando o cateter de Fogarty 2Fr. Os grupos GCS e GTS foram tratados com solução salina, os GSM e GTM receberam meloxicam e os GSP e GTP prednisona, sendo administrados pela via intraperitoneal. Em todos os ratos, foram avaliados os parâmetros de estresse oxidativo, testes neurológicos e exame histopatológico da medula espinhal. Os animais dos grupos GTS, GTM e GTP, nos diferentes tempos (24h, 72h e sete dias), tiveram pontuação zero na escala de Basso, Beattie e Bresnahan (BBB); no plano inclinado, permaneceram com pontuação três e perderam a percepção da dor profunda. Os grupos GTM e GTP apresentaram menor atividade da catalase e de níveis de TBARS, quando comparado ao grupo GTS. Foi constatada degeneração Walleriana e necrose da substância cinzenta de intensidades variáveis, não apresentando diferença entre os grupos submetidos ao trauma. O meloxicam e a prednisona apresentam possível efeito antioxidante, mas não impedem a necrose e a degeneração Walleriana da medula espinhal de ratos.

The aim of the study was investigate the use of the prednisone and meloxicam in treatment of rats underwent to the experimental model of acute spinal cord injury with 2Fr Fogarty catheter, with evaluation of the oxidative stress, neurological test and histopathological analysis of the spinal cord. Ninety rats were separated into six equal groups denominated saline control or SCG, prednisone control or PCG, meloxicam control or MCG, saline and injury or STG, prednisone and injury PTG and meloxicam and injury MTG. Each group was divide into three subgroups according to treatment time in the postoperative period of 24h, 72h and seven days. All the rats underwent laminectomy and in the groups STG, MTG and PTG, after exposure of the spinal cord it was performed a compressive spinal cord injury with a 2Fr Fogarty catheter. The SCG and STG were treated with saline, MSG and MTG, with meloxicam and PSG and PTG with prednisone. All rats were evaluated for oxidative stress, neurological tests and histopathology of the spinal cord. Neurological tests were performed with Basso, Beattie e Bresnahan score (BBB), inclined plane and deep pain 24 hours before and after surgery and repeated every 48 hours until the day of euthanasia. The groups STG, MTG and PTG in the different times were zero point in the BBB scale and three points in the inclined plane and absence of deep pain. MTG and PTG had lower catalase activity and TBARS levels when compared to the STG. In the histopathological analysis it was found Wallerian degeneration and necrosis of gray matter of intensity variation. Meloxicam and prednisone can exhibit antioxidant effect, but the necrosis and Wallerian degeneration were not stop in rats underwent to acute spinal cord injury.

Prednisona e meloxicam no tratamento de ratos submetidos ao trauma agudo da medula espinhal / Prednisone and meloxicam in the treatment of rats underwent to acute spinal cord injury

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito da prednisona e do meloxicam na terapia de ratos submetidos ao modelo experimental de trauma agudo da medula espinhal, induzida pelo cateter de Fogarty 2Fr, mediante a avaliação dos parâmetros de estresse oxidativo, dos testes neurológicos e do exame histopatológico da medula espinhal. Foram utilizados 90 ratos Wistar, distribuídos em seis grupos, denominados controle salina ou GCS (n=15), controle prednisona ou GCP (n=15), controle meloxicam ou GCM (n=15), trauma mais salina ou GTS (n=15), trauma mais prednisona ou GTP (n=15) e trauma mais meloxicam GTM (n=15). Cada grupo foi redistribuído em três subgrupos de igual número, de acordo com o tempo de tratamento no pós-operatório de 24h, 72h e sete dias. Todos os grupos foram submetidos à laminectomia e, nos grupos GTS, GTM e GTP, após a exposição da medula espinhal, foi realizado o trauma medular compressivo, utilizando o cateter de Fogarty 2Fr. Os grupos GCS e GTS foram tratados com solução salina, os GSM e GTM receberam meloxicam e os GSP e GTP prednisona, sendo administrados pela via intraperitoneal. Em todos os ratos, foram avaliados os parâmetros de estresse oxidativo, testes neurológicos e exame histopatológico da medula espinhal. Os animais dos grupos GTS, GTM e GTP, nos diferentes tempos (24h, 72h e sete dias), tiveram pontuação zero na escala de Basso, Beattie e Bresnahan (BBB); no plano inclinado, permaneceram com pontuação três e perderam a percepção da dor profunda. Os grupos GTM e GTP apresentaram menor atividade da catalase e de níveis de TBARS, quando comparado ao grupo GTS. Foi constatada degeneração Walleriana e necrose da substância cinzenta de intensidades variáveis, não apresentando diferença entre os grupos submetidos ao trauma. O meloxicam e a prednisona apresentam possível efeito antioxidante, mas não impedem a necrose e a degeneração Walleriana da medula espinhal de ratos.(AU)

The aim of the study was investigate the use of the prednisone and meloxicam in treatment of rats underwent to the experimental model of acute spinal cord injury with 2Fr Fogarty catheter, with evaluation of the oxidative stress, neurological test and histopathological analysis of the spinal cord. Ninety rats were separated into six equal groups denominated saline control or SCG, prednisone control or PCG, meloxicam control or MCG, saline and injury or STG, prednisone and injury PTG and meloxicam and injury MTG. Each group was divide into three subgroups according to treatment time in the postoperative period of 24h, 72h and seven days. All the rats underwent laminectomy and in the groups STG, MTG and PTG, after exposure of the spinal cord it was performed a compressive spinal cord injury with a 2Fr Fogarty catheter. The SCG and STG were treated with saline, MSG and MTG, with meloxicam and PSG and PTG with prednisone. All rats were evaluated for oxidative stress, neurological tests and histopathology of the spinal cord. Neurological tests were performed with Basso, Beattie e Bresnahan score (BBB), inclined plane and deep pain 24 hours before and after surgery and repeated every 48 hours until the day of euthanasia. The groups STG, MTG and PTG in the different times were zero point in the BBB scale and three points in the inclined plane and absence of deep pain. MTG and PTG had lower catalase activity and TBARS levels when compared to the STG. In the histopathological analysis it was found Wallerian degeneration and necrosis of gray matter of intensity variation. Meloxicam and prednisone can exhibit antioxidant effect, but the necrosis and Wallerian degeneration were not stop in rats underwent to acute spinal cord injury.(AU)

Influence of Ringers lactated solution in continuous infusion and general anesthesia on hematocrit in dogs / Influência da infusão contínua de solução de Ringer com lactato e da anestesia geral sobre o hematócrito em cães

The measurement of serum parameters during general anesthesia procedures are subject to variations due to differences in protocol, splenic storage, and by the instituted fluid therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the hematocrit changes promoted by controlled fluid therapy and general anesthesia. Six mongrel female dogs underwent an anesthetic protocol with acepromazine (0.03 mg kg-1) and tramadol (5 mg kg-1) for premedication, induction with propofol (3 mg kg-1), and maintained with isoflurane and mechanical ventilation for 120 minutes. After induction, they were infused with 10 ml kg hr-1 of Ringers lactate solution. Hematocrit measurements were performed from the start until 72 hours from anesthesia and evaluated statistically to check if there were significant changes over time. The fluid therapy, the acepromazine and propofol in the anesthetic protocol promotes a significant reduction of hematocrit up to four hours after general anesthesia.

A mensuração de parâmetros séricos durante procedimentos dependentes de anestesia geral são passíveis de variações devido a diferenças do protocolo utilizado, armazenamento esplênico e também da fluidoterapia instituída. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o hematócrito buscando evidenciar as alterações flutuantes promovidas por fluidoterapia controlada e anestesia geral em cães submetidos a ovariohisterectomia laparoscópica. Seis cadelas sem raça definida foram submetidas a um protocolo anestésico com acepromazina (0,03 mg kg-1) e tramadol (5,0 mg kg-1) como medicação pré-anestésica, indução com propofol (3,0 mg kg-1) e mantidas com isoflurano e ventilação mecânica durante 120 minutos. Após a indução, receberam a infusão de 10,0 ml kg hr-1 de solução Ringer com lactato. Foram realizadas aferições de hematócrito do início (ou antes?) até 72 horas após a anestesia, sendo avaliadas estatisticamente para verificar se houve alterações relevantes durante os tempos. A fluidoterapia e o uso de acepromazina e propofol no protocolo anestésico para esta técnica cirúrgica promoveram uma redução de hematócrito significativa até quatro horas após a anestesia geral.

Role of acute phase proteins in the immune response of rabbits infected with Trypanosoma evansi.

The aim of this study was to characterize the response of acute phase proteins (APP) in rabbits experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi (T. evansi), and to relate the findings with serum immunoglobulins levels, in order to verify the relation between APP and the immune response of rabbits. A total of 12 animals were used in this experiment and divided into 2 groups, control and infected, of six rabbits each. The experimental period was 118 days, and blood was collected on days 0, 5, 20, 35, 65, 95 and 118 post-infection (PI). The infection with T. evansi stimulated APP and immunoglobulins production, once the infected animals showed an increase in C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, alpha 2-macroglobulin and IgM levels. The elevation in IgM levels observed in this study, when related to the increase in C-reactive protein and haptoglobin levels, suggests the involvement of these proteins in host defense against flagellated protozoa, with possible participation in the control of the parasitemia in rabbits infected with T. evansi.

Caffeic acid treatment alters the extracellular adenine nucleotide hydrolysis in platelets and lymphocytes of adult rats.

This study evaluated the effects of caffeic acid on ectonucleotidase activities such as NTPDase (nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase), Ecto-NPP (nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase), 5'-nucleotidase and adenosine deaminase (ADA) in platelets and lymphocytes of rats, as well as in the profile of platelet aggregation. Animals were divided into five groups: I (control); II (oil); III (caffeic acid 10 mg/kg); IV (caffeic acid 50 mg/kg); and V (caffeic acid 100 mg/kg). Animals were treated with caffeic acid diluted in oil for 30 days. In platelets, caffeic acid decreased the ATP hydrolysis and increased ADP hydrolysis in groups III, IV and V when compared to control (P<0.05). The 5'-nucleotidase activity was decreased, while E-NPP and ADA activities were increased in platelets of rats of groups III, IV and V (P<0.05). Caffeic acid reduced significantly the platelet aggregation in the animals of groups III, IV and V in relation to group I (P<0.05). In lymphocytes, the NTPDase and ADA activities were increased in all groups treated with caffeic acid when compared to control (P<0.05). These findings demonstrated that the enzymes were altered in tissues by caffeic acid and this compound decreased the platelet aggregation suggesting that caffeic acid should be considered a potentially therapeutic agent in disorders related to the purinergic system.

Protein profile of buffaloes of different ages

Background: In Brazil, the official buffalo herd has about three million animals, distributed over many states of the country. Many times, abnormalities found in proteinogram are not related to illness conditions, but with physiological organic and individuals conditions, that are relatively constant. The interpretation of biochemical constituents depends on the disponibility of knowledge of the variation that exists among different species of animals. Factors like age, stage of development, breed, hormones, pregnancy, nutrition, stress and loss of fluid are directly related to changes in proteinogram. Proteinogram is an important auxiliary exam, helpfull to clinical biochemistry, and represents one of the most reliable methods for identification of blood proteins. The aim of this research was to evaluate the proteinogram of buffaloes of different ages reared in extensive system in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Materials, Methods & Results: Forty-five buffaloes were separated into three groups: group 1 (n = 15), six-months old animals; group 2 (n = 16), twelve-month old animals and group 3 (n = 14), twenty-four months old animals. The total serum protein were determined by the biuret method, using commercial reagent Labtest® and the analysis were realized in semi-automatic spectrophotometer BioPlus-Bio-2000®, according to fabricant instructions. The fractionation of serum proteins were determined by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate strips celugell Labex®. The samples were layered on the strip and, after the closing of the horizontal plane, it was applied a constant voltage of 220 volts for 15 min. Significant differences were verified among groups in the following protein fractions: total serum protein, betaglobulin, gammaglobulin and albumin:globulin ratio. In correlation tests, there was a positive correlation between total proteins and gamaglobulins, albumin:globulin ratio and albumin and negative correlation between the albumin:globulin ratio and gamaglobulins. Discussion: With age, there is a significant increase in total serum protein, as can be seen in our work. Thus, it is possible to justify the increase in total serum proteins with the increase of gamaglobulins. In a study realized, who evaluated pregnant sheeps, observed that the total serum protein concentration diminishes with the proximity of the parturition, indicating the importance in evaluating the total serum proteins in different moments of life in different species. With age, the total serum protein tend to increase, resulting in decrease in albumin, with progressive increase in globulins. However, in this study, it was not noticed any significant statistic difference in albumin among the groups. Proteins that compose the alfaglobulin, are acute phase proteins and their concentrations increase rapidly in response to antigenic and traumatic stimuli in bovine. However, in our study, no statistic difference was observed. The proteins that compose the betaglobulin fraction are: lipoprotein, transferrin, ferritin, hemopexin, complement C3, protein C-reative, complement C4, plasminogen and fibrinogen. Some authors observed a decrease in fraction beta at the end of gestation in sheeps, other did not observed any variation in this fraction in neonatal bovine. The proteins that compose the gamaglobulin fraction are immunoglobulins IgG, IgA, IgE and IgM. In general, due to the age, there is an increase in gamaglobulin concentration, because of a higher exposure of organism to pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Similar data were observed in this study. The results indicate that there are some variations according to the analyzed age. Then, some abnormalities found in the protein profile may be due to physiological variations.

Esporotricose em um gato na região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Sporotrichosis in a cat in the central region of Rio Grande of Sul State, Brazil

A esporotricose é uma infecção subcutânea de evolução subaguda ou crônica, causada pelo fungo dimórficoSporothrix schenckii. Possui distribuição mundial, principalmente em regiões de clima tropical e subtropical. O gatoé um importante transmissor desta enfermidade por apresentar em suas lesões numerosas leveduras, conferindoa esta espécie um elevado potencial zoonótico. A ocorrência da esporotricose felina na região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, ainda não havia sido descrita na literatura, porém em humanos já é bem relatada, tendo como principais fontes de contaminação fragmentos de vegetais e o tatu, como o principal transmissor nesta região. Assim, este trabalho tem por objetivo relatar um caso de esporotricose felina naturalmente adquirida na cidade de Santa Maria, região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, fornecendo ao clínico melhor conhecimento sobre esta doença e seus métodos de diagnóstico para melhor identificação e tratamento desta dermatozoonose.

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous infection with subacute or chronic evolution, caused by the dimorphicfungus Sporothrix schenckii. It has a worldwide distribution, mainly in regions with tropical and subtropicalclimates. The cat is an important spreader of this disease, once it has many yeast forms in its lesions, what confers to this species a high zoonotic potential. The occurrence of feline sporotrichosis in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, has not been described in literature yet, but in humans this disease is well mentioned;the main sources of infection are vegetable fragments and the armadillo, the most important spreaderin this region. Thus, the aim of this work is to report a case of feline sporotrichosis naturally acquired in Santa Maria city, central region of Rio Grande do Sul State, providing to the clinician a better knowledge about thisdisease and its methods of diagnosis, to a better identification and treatment of this dermatozoonoses

Esporotricose em um gato na região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Sporotrichosis in a cat in the central region of Rio Grande of Sul State, Brazil

A esporotricose é uma infecção subcutânea de evolução subaguda ou crônica, causada pelo fungo dimórficoSporothrix schenckii. Possui distribuição mundial, principalmente em regiões de clima tropical e subtropical. O gatoé um importante transmissor desta enfermidade por apresentar em suas lesões numerosas leveduras, conferindoa esta espécie um elevado potencial zoonótico. A ocorrência da esporotricose felina na região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, ainda não havia sido descrita na literatura, porém em humanos já é bem relatada, tendo como principais fontes de contaminação fragmentos de vegetais e o tatu, como o principal transmissor nesta região. Assim, este trabalho tem por objetivo relatar um caso de esporotricose felina naturalmente adquirida na cidade de Santa Maria, região central do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, fornecendo ao clínico melhor conhecimento sobre esta doença e seus métodos de diagnóstico para melhor identificação e tratamento desta dermatozoonose. (AU)

Sporotrichosis is a subcutaneous infection with subacute or chronic evolution, caused by the dimorphicfungus Sporothrix schenckii. It has a worldwide distribution, mainly in regions with tropical and subtropicalclimates. The cat is an important spreader of this disease, once it has many yeast forms in its lesions, what confers to this species a high zoonotic potential. The occurrence of feline sporotrichosis in the central region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, has not been described in literature yet, but in humans this disease is well mentioned;the main sources of infection are vegetable fragments and the armadillo, the most important spreaderin this region. Thus, the aim of this work is to report a case of feline sporotrichosis naturally acquired in Santa Maria city, central region of Rio Grande do Sul State, providing to the clinician a better knowledge about thisdisease and its methods of diagnosis, to a better identification and treatment of this dermatozoonoses (AU)

Protein profile of buffaloes of different ages

Background: In Brazil, the official buffalo herd has about three million animals, distributed over many states of the country. Many times, abnormalities found in proteinogram are not related to illness conditions, but with physiological organic and individuals conditions, that are relatively constant. The interpretation of biochemical constituents depends on the disponibility of knowledge of the variation that exists among different species of animals. Factors like age, stage of development, breed, hormones, pregnancy, nutrition, stress and loss of fluid are directly related to changes in proteinogram. Proteinogram is an important auxiliary exam, helpfull to clinical biochemistry, and represents one of the most reliable methods for identification of blood proteins. The aim of this research was to evaluate the proteinogram of buffaloes of different ages reared in extensive system in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Materials, Methods & Results: Forty-five buffaloes were separated into three groups: group 1 (n = 15), six-months old animals; group 2 (n = 16), twelve-month old animals and group 3 (n = 14), twenty-four months old animals. The total serum protein were determined by the biuret method, using commercial reagent Labtest® and the analysis were realized in semi-automatic spectrophotometer BioPlus-Bio-2000®, according to fabricant instructions. The fractionation of serum proteins were determined by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate strips celugell Labex®. The samples were layered on the strip and, after the closing of the horizontal plane, it was applied a constant voltage of 220 volts for 15 min. Significant differences were verified among groups in the following protein fractions: total serum protein, betaglobulin, gammaglobulin and albumin:globulin ratio. In correlation tests, there was a positive correlation between total proteins and gamaglobulins, albumin:globulin ratio and albumin and negative correlation between the albumin:globulin ratio and gamaglobulins. Discussion: With age, there is a significant increase in total serum protein, as can be seen in our work. Thus, it is possible to justify the increase in total serum proteins with the increase of gamaglobulins. In a study realized, who evaluated pregnant sheeps, observed that the total serum protein concentration diminishes with the proximity of the parturition, indicating the importance in evaluating the total serum proteins in different moments of life in different species. With age, the total serum protein tend to increase, resulting in decrease in albumin, with progressive increase in globulins. However, in this study, it was not noticed any significant statistic difference in albumin among the groups. Proteins that compose the alfaglobulin, are acute phase proteins and their concentrations increase rapidly in response to antigenic and traumatic stimuli in bovine. However, in our study, no statistic difference was observed. The proteins that compose the betaglobulin fraction are: lipoprotein, transferrin, ferritin, hemopexin, complement C3, protein C-reative, complement C4, plasminogen and fibrinogen. Some authors observed a decrease in fraction beta at the end of gestation in sheeps, other did not observed any variation in this fraction in neonatal bovine. The proteins that compose the gamaglobulin fraction are immunoglobulins IgG, IgA, IgE and IgM. In general, due to the age, there is an increase in gamaglobulin concentration, because of a higher exposure of organism to pathogens including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Similar data were observed in this study. The results indicate that there are some variations according to the analyzed age. Then, some abnormalities found in the protein profile may be due to physiological variations.(AU)

Mastocitoma cutâneo canino: revisão / Canine mast cells tumor: review

O mastocitoma é um dos tumores cutâneos mais corriqueiros na clínica de pequenos animais. Caracte¬riza-se por transformações neoplásicas e proliferação anormal de mastócitos. Ainda que possa atingir cães de qualquer raça e idade, as raças braquiocefálicas e os de meia idade a idosos parecem estar mais predispostos. Acomete freqüentemente o tronco e as regiões perineal, genital e inguinal, também podem atingir extremidade de membros, cabeça e pescoço. O diagnóstico baseia-se nos achados de citologia aspirativa, no entanto o exame histopatológico torna-se necessário para classificar o grau de malignidade. O tratamento constitui-se de abordagem cirúrgica acompanhada, ou não de quimiotera¬pia e radioterapia. Este artigo destaca os aspectos clínicos, diagnóstico e terapêuticos do mastocitoma canino

Mast cell tumor is one of the most common skin tumors in small animal clinics. It is characterized by neoplastic transformation and abnormal mast cell proliferation. A1though it may affect dogs of any breed or age, brachiocephalic breeds and middle-age to older dogs appear to be at high risk for the development of mast cell tumor. It is usually located in the trunk, perineum, genital and inguinal regions, but it also can occur in the lower limbs, head and neck. Diagnosis is based in fine-needle aspi¬ration cytology; however, histopathology is necessary to evaluate the malignancy grade of the tumor. The treatment can be done by either surgery or radiotherapy or chemotherapy. This article reviews the clinical, diagnostic and aspects of canine mast cell tumor

Mastocitoma cutâneo canino: revisão / Canine mast cells tumor: review

O mastocitoma é um dos tumores cutâneos mais corriqueiros na clínica de pequenos animais. Caracte¬riza-se por transformações neoplásicas e proliferação anormal de mastócitos. Ainda que possa atingir cães de qualquer raça e idade, as raças braquiocefálicas e os de meia idade a idosos parecem estar mais predispostos. Acomete freqüentemente o tronco e as regiões perineal, genital e inguinal, também podem atingir extremidade de membros, cabeça e pescoço. O diagnóstico baseia-se nos achados de citologia aspirativa, no entanto o exame histopatológico torna-se necessário para classificar o grau de malignidade. O tratamento constitui-se de abordagem cirúrgica acompanhada, ou não de quimiotera¬pia e radioterapia. Este artigo destaca os aspectos clínicos, diagnóstico e terapêuticos do mastocitoma canino(AU)

Mast cell tumor is one of the most common skin tumors in small animal clinics. It is characterized by neoplastic transformation and abnormal mast cell proliferation. A1though it may affect dogs of any breed or age, brachiocephalic breeds and middle-age to older dogs appear to be at high risk for the development of mast cell tumor. It is usually located in the trunk, perineum, genital and inguinal regions, but it also can occur in the lower limbs, head and neck. Diagnosis is based in fine-needle aspi¬ration cytology; however, histopathology is necessary to evaluate the malignancy grade of the tumor. The treatment can be done by either surgery or radiotherapy or chemotherapy. This article reviews the clinical, diagnostic and aspects of canine mast cell tumor(AU)

Parasitismo por Calodium hepaticum em dois cães / Calodium hepaticum parasitism in two dogs

Calodium hepaticum já foi relatado parasitando o parênquima hepático de diversas espécies de mamíferos, porém é infrequente em cães. O presente artigo tem o objetivo de descrever dois casos de capilariose hepática em cães, diagnosticados em um período de um mês na região de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. O primeiro cão apresentava sintomatologia clínica de insuficiência cardíaca, e ovos de Calodium hepaticum foram encontrados ocasionalmente no exame histopatológico do fígado. O segundo animal apresentava mucosas ictéricas e ascite. No hemograma, ficou evidente a presença de anemia arregenerativa e, na avaliação de bioquímica sérica, percebeu-se aumento de fosfatase alcalina, alanina aminotransferase e hipoalbuminemia. A análise do liquido cavitário foi compatível com transudato modificado. No exame histopatológico, foram observados numerosos ovos bioperculados de Calodium hepaticum, dispostos aleatoriamente pelo parênquima hepático, com reação granulomatosa e fibrosa adjacente aos ovos. A existência de maior número de cães infectados demonstra a necessidade de controle da população de roedores.

Calodium hepaticum has been reported as a parasite of the hepatic parenchyma of many mammal species, but it is not frequent in dogs. The present article aimed to describe two cases of hepatic capillariasis in dogs, diagnosed in a period of one month, in e Santa Maria city, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil . The first dog presented clinical sintomathology of cardiac insufficiency and Calodium hepaticum eggs were occasionally found by histopathological examination of the liver. The second animal presented icteric mucous membranes and ascites. The hemogram revealed non-regenerative anaemia and in the biochemistry serum were observed elevation of alkaline phosphatase, alanina aminotransferase and hypoalbuminemia. The cavitary liquid analysis was compatible with modified transudate. In the histopathological examination, numerous bioperculated eggs of Calodium hepaticum were observed aleatorily distributed in the hepatic parenchyma, with granulomatous and fibrous reaction adjacent to the eggs. The occurrence of two cases in a short period of time suggests that other dogs may be infected and requires a rodent population control.