Hematological profile of captive bearded capuchin monkeys (Sapajus libidinosus) from Northeastern Brazil / Perfil hematológico de macacos-prego (Sapajus libidinosus) do nordeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT: Bearded Capuchin or Black-striped Capuchin monkeys (Sapajus lidibinosus) are New World robust capuchin monkeys widely used in medical research. Few data are available concerning hematological reference values for these species, with no studies available from the Northeast region in Brazil. The aim of this study was to determine the hematological reference values for healthy bearded capuchin monkeys and to analyze the influence of sex and age factors. Blood samples were collected from 50 healthy bearded capuchin monkeys housed in captivity. These were analysed for total erythrocyte, hemoglobin, leukocyte and platelet count, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). When considering the age factor, significant differences were reported for total erythrocyte count, PCV, hemoglobin, total leucocytes, band neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes (higher in juveniles). Significant sex-associated differences were noted for total erythrocyte count, PCV, hemoglobin (higher in males) and number of lymphocytes (higher in females).We have reported for the first time the hematological profile of bearded capuchin monkeys in captivity in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. These results can contribute for a better understanding of the normal physiology of capuchin monkeys, while demonstrating that factors such as sex and age influence hematological parameters should be taken into consideration in the hematological evaluation of this species.

RESUMO: Os macacos-prego (Sapajus lidibinosus) são macacos capuchinhos robustos do Novo Mundo amplamente utilizados na pesquisa médica. Poucos dados estão disponíveis sobre valores de referência hematológicos para essas espécies, e não há estudos na região Nordeste no Brasil. O nosso objetivo foi determinar os valores de referência hematológicos para macacos-prego saudáveis e analisar a influência de fatores como o sexo e a idade. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 50 macacos-prego saudáveis alojados em cativeiro. Determinaram-se as contagens de eritrócitos, hemoglobina, leucócitos e plaquetas, hematócrito, volume corpuscular médio (MCV), hemoglobina corpuscular média (MCH) e concentração média de hemoglobina corpuscular (MCHC). Foram encontradas diferenças significativas relacionadas à idade para a contagem total de eritrócitos, hematócrito, hemoglobina, leucócitos totais, neutrófilos em banda, eosinófilos e linfócitos (maior em juvenis). Diferenças significativas associadas ao sexo foram observadas para a contagem total de eritrócitos, hematócrito, hemoglobina (maior nos machos) e número de linfócitos (maior nas fêmeas). Relatamos o primeiro perfil hematológico de macacos-prego alojados em cativeiro no estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Estes resultados contribuem para uma melhor compreensão da normal fisiologia dos macacos-prego e demonstram que fatores como sexo e a idade têm influência e devem ser considerados na sua avaliação hematológica.

Natural infection by Microsporum canis in a capuchin monkey / Infeção natural por Microsporum canis em macaco capuchinho

ABSTRACT: This paper described a case of a capuchin monkey (Sapajus libidinosus) with non-pruritic skin lesions. During the physical examination, multifocal areas of alopecia with crusts, erythema and scaling compatible with dermatophytosis were reported on the right fore and hind limbs and on tail. Fungal culture findings revealed a diagnosis of dermatophytosis due to Microsporum canis. The animal was successfully treated with itraconazole. This is the first report of a dermatophytosis case in S. libidinosus and the first description of an effective treatment in this species.

RESUMO: O presente trabalho relata o caso de um macaco capuchinho (Sapajus libidinosus) com lesões de pele não-pruriginosas. Durante o exame físico foram encontradas lesões multifocais com crostas, eritema e descamação compatíveis com dermatofitose, nos membros anterior e posterior direitos, bem como na cauda. O animal não tinha outras alterações. O diagnóstico de dermatofitose por Microsporum canis foi realizado através de cultura fúngica das lesões. O animal foi tratado com sucesso com itraconazol. Este é o primeiro relato de um caso de dermatofitose em S. libidinosus e a primeira descrição de um tratamento eficaz para esta espécie.

Biometric values, C-reactive protein, and proteinogram of healthy blonde capuchin (Sapajus flavius) kept in northeast of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Sapajus flavius is a species of capuchin monkey classified as critically endangered. Studies related to their biometric values are scarce with incomplete external measurement reports available from only four specimens. Moreover, information regarding proteinogram is limited with no reference to C-reactive protein (CRP) and globulin fractions for this species. METHODS: Biometric values, CRP, and proteinogram were determined for 12 clinically healthy S. flavius, kept in captivity in João Pessoa, Brazil. RESULTS: The measured values in biometric parameters present a tendency to be higher in males. The CRP mean values from 12 S. flavius were 1.2±0.2 mg/dL. For albumin, alpha, beta, and gamma globulin fraction parameters, the reference interval was calculated. CONCLUSIONS: Authors believe that with certain limitations, results obtained can be helpful for the populations in the wild, which could be of great aid in detecting unhealthy individuals and therefore contributing to the conservation of this species.

Positive Interplay Between CD3+ T-lymphocytes and Concurrent COX-2/EGFR Expression in Canine Malignant Mammary Tumors.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The ability of tumors to evade the immune system is one of cancer hallmarks. In breast cancer, it has been demonstrated that the cyclooxygenase-2(+)/ epidermal growth factor receptor(+) (COX-2(+)/EGFR(+)) status might influence tumor microenvironment allowing escape of cancer cells to the immune system. This topic is unknown in canine mammary tumors (CMT). Therefore, the potential relationship between CD3(+) T-lymphocytes and concurrent COX-2/EGFR expression was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded malignant CMT samples (n=63) were submitted to immunohistochemical staining to detect CD3, COX-2 and EGFR. RESULTS: Tumoral CD3(+) T-lymphocytes were significantly associated with tubular differentiation grade (p=0.006), tumor necrosis (p=0.025), histological grade of malignancy (p=0.027) and presence of lymph node metastasis (p=0.009). A correlation between COX-2 and EGFR was observed (r=0.741, p<0.0001). The COX-2(+)/EGFR(+) group was associated with tumor size (p=0.002), mitotic index (p=0.019), histological grade of malignancy (p=0.035) and presence of lymph node metastasis (p=0.041). CD3(+) T-lymphocytes and COX-2/EGFR groups were significantly associated (p=0.025) and positively correlated (r=0.399; p=0.003). CONCLUSION: The present results suggest that the COX-2(+)/EGFR(+) status may be part of a strategy adopted by tumor cells to evade the cytotoxic tumor-specific immune responses.

Hematologic and blood chemistry values of healthy Cebus flavius kept in northeast of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Cebus flavius is a New World Monkey found in the northeast of Brazil, listed as critically endangered. So far, no hematologic or blood chemistry reference intervals have been determined for this species. METHODS: Hematologic and biochemistry reference values were determined for 20 clinically healthy C. flavius, kept in captivity in the Wild Animals Screening Center, João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil. The influence of gender and age on these variables was evaluated. RESULTS: Considering sex, significant differences are found for the total count of erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and creatine kinase. Regarding the age, levels of creatinine and alanine aminotransferase are significantly higher in adults and levels of creatine kinase and calcium are significantly higher in juveniles. Considering age, no hematologic differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: The factors age and gender had influence on some hematologic and blood chemistry variables and should not be neglected for a correct blood interpretation.