Approach to the humerus and femur of the paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus 1766).

The paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus 1766) is a rodent species, typical of tropical regions. It is important that in addition to its commercial value as a protein source, it can be used as a scientific scope. The objective of this study was to describe the morphology of the thigh and the arm of the paca by anatomical and imaging methodology with radiography (X-ray), computed tomography (CAT scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the surgical approach of the bones of these regions. It was concluded that the imaging study through X-ray, CAT scan and MRI are reliable methods for anatomical description of wild animals that have little known about their morphology. Finally, similarly to dogs, it was determined that lateral access is the best approach to the femoral diaphysis and the medial access is the best approach to the humerus diaphysis of the paca.

The macro and micro-structure of the celiac and cranial mesenteric ganglia in a long-lived rodent - paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus 1766) / La macro y micro estructura de los ganglios mesentéricos celíacos y craneales en un roedor longevo - paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus 1766)

SUMMARY: The celiac, cranial mesenteric and celiacomesenteric ganglia of the paca (Cuniculus paca) were found between the celiac and cranial mesenteric arteries. Two predominant patterns were found: isolated celiac and cranial mesenteric ganglion and the celiacomesenteric ganglion. At the microscopic level, the ganglia are constituted by an agglomeration of neurons surrounded by capsule of connective tissue. Most of these neurons had a single eccentric nucleus. Satellite cells and mast cells were found around the soma. The mast cells were also found ar ound blood vessels and in the capsule of the ganglia.

RESUMEN: Los ganglios celíacos, mesentérico-craneales y celíaco mesentéricos de la paca (Cuniculus paca) se encontraron entre las arterias celíaca y mesentérica craneal. Se visalizaron dos patrones predominantes: celiaca aislada y ganglio mesentérico craneal y ganglio celiaco mesentérico. A nivel microscópico, los ganglios están constituidos por una aglomeración de neuronas rodeadas por una cápsula de tejido conectivo. La mayoría de estas neuronas tenían un solo núcleo excéntrico. Se encontraron células satélites y mastocitos alrededor del soma. Los mastocitos también se encontraron alrededor de los vasos sanguíneos y en la cápsula de los ganglios.

The morphology of paca (Cuniculus paca) testis with high dose of letrozole an aromatase inhibitor / La morfología del testículo de paca (Cuniculus paca) con altas dosis de letrozol, un inhibidor de la aromatasa

SUMMARY: The study reported the influence of the high and acute dose of Letrozole on the testis morphology in paca (Cuniculus paca), an aromatase inhibitor that reduces the endogenous estrogen, the essential hormone for spermatogenesis. Morphological changes were observed in seminiferous epithelium with germ cells with apoptotic characteristics and presence of vacuoles and nuclei in pycnose.

RESUMEN: El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la influencia de una dosis alta de Letrozol en la morfología de los testículos de la paca (Cuniculus paca), un inhibidor de la aromatasa que reduce el estrógeno endógeno, la hormona esencial para la espermatogénesis. Se observaron cambios morfológicos en el epitelio seminífero con células germinales con características apoptóticas y la presencia de vacuolas y núcleos en picnosis.

Ovum pick-up and in vitro maturation in spotted paca (Cuniculus paca-Linnaeus, 1766).

We tested FSHp, eCG and FSHp + eCG to establish ovum pick-up (OPU) and in vitro maturation method in spotted paca. Eight healthy adult females were subjected to each of four treatments to stimulate ovarian follicular growth. All females were subjected to a hormonal protocol using a single dose of 45 mg of injectable progesterone and single intramuscular injection of 0.075 mg d-cloprostenol on day 6. Ovarian stimulation was carried out as follows: in Group TFE (FSHp and eCG), animals were treated with a single dose of 80 mg of FSHp and 200 IU of eCG intramuscularly on day 6 after the application of progesterone; in Group TF (FSHp), they were treated with a single dose of 80 mg of FSHp intramuscularly on day 6 after application of progesterone; in Group treatment eCG, they were treated with 200 IU of eCG intramuscularly on day 6 after application of progesterone; and in Group TC (saline solution), 1 ml of saline solution was administered to control does. The OPU was performed between 22 and 26 hr after gonadotropin treatments. All recovered oocytes were placed into maturation media and incubated for 24 hr. There were no differences among the mean number of observed follicles, aspirated follicles and oocytes recovered per treatment. Oocyte maturation rates did not differ among groups, except, TF and treatment eCG oocytes had greater maturation rates than TC oocytes. In this study, gonadotropin administration failed to superovulate treated does and increase oocyte retrieval efficiency. Despite the feasibility of the procedure, further studies are needed to develop and refine hormonal protocols for oocyte recovery and in vitro maturation in this species.

Organisation and tyrosine hydroxylase and calretinin immunoreactivity in the main olfactory bulb of paca (Cuniculus paca): a large caviomorph rodent.

The majority of neuroanatomical and chemical studies of the olfactory bulb have been performed in small rodents, such as rats and mice. Thus, this study aimed to describe the organisation and the chemical neuroanatomy of the main olfactory bulb (MOB) in paca, a large rodent belonging to the Hystricomorpha suborder and Caviomorpha infraorder. For this purpose, histological and immunohistochemical procedures were used to characterise the tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and calretinin (CR) neuronal populations and their distribution. The paca MOB has eight layers: the olfactory nerve layer (ONL), the glomerular layer (GL), the external plexiform layer (EPL; subdivided into the inner and outer sublayers), the mitral cell layer (MCL), the internal plexiform layer (IPL), the granule cell layer (GCL), the periventricular layer and the ependymal layer. TH-ir neurons were found mostly in the GL, and moderate numbers of TH-ir neurons were scattered in the EPL. Numerous varicose fibres were distributed in the IPL and in the GCL. CR-ir neurons concentrated in the GL, around the base of the olfactory glomeruli. Most of the CR-ir neurons were located in the MCL, IPL and GCL. Some of the granule cells had an apical dendrite with a growth cone. The CR immunoreactivity was also observed in the ONL with olfactory nerves strongly immunostained. This study has shown that the MOB organisation in paca is consistent with the description in other mammals. The characterisation and distribution of the population of TH and CR in the MOB is not exclusively to this species. This large rodent shares common patterns to other caviomorph rodent, as guinea pig, and to the myomorph rodents, as mice, rats and hamsters.

Aplicação da membrana de látex natural e do extrato da pele de rã (Lithobates catesbiana) em feridas cirúrgicas cutâneas de ratos Wistar / Application of natural latex membrane and extract of frog skin (Lithobates catesbiana) (Shaw, 1802) in cutaneous surgical wounds of Wistar rats

Implantou-se a membrana de látex natural e o extrato da pele de rã individualmente e em conjunto em feridas cutâneas de ratos com o intuito de se avaliar o processo de reparação tecidual e possíveis complicações. Utilizaram-se 60 ratos da linhagem Wistar divididos em grupos experimentais: grupo controle (GC), grupo membrana de látex (GM), grupo óleo do extrato da pele de rã (GO) e grupo membrana de látex e óleo de rã (GMO), cada um com 15 animais. Aos três, cinco, sete, 14 e 21 dias de pós-operatório, foi realizada eutanásia dos animais para avaliações macroscópicas e histológicas da região lesionada. Nas feridas dos animais do GM e do GC a cicatrização ocorreu mais cedo. No último tempo de avaliação, o sinal de lesão era mínimo; já no GMO, a cicatrização não foi completa e no GO a ferida teve o pior resultado, com presença de crosta no 21º dia. Foram observadas, à microscopia de luz, células normais envolvidas no processo de reparação tecidual e formação de neovasos em todos os grupos. Conclui-se que em todos os grupos não houve rejeição dos biomateriais testados. Todavia, o grupo GM proporcionou melhor cicatrização com menos efeitos adversos quando comparada aos demais grupos testados.

In this study, the membrane of the natural latex and extract of the skin frog, isolated and together, where implanted to replace a cutaneous in the mice, with purpose for evaluating the tissue repair process and possible complication. Sixty Wistar rats ere divided in four experimental groups: control group (GC), membrane of the latex group (GM), oil of the frog group (GO) and group membrane of latex with oil of the frog group (GMO), each one with 15 animals. The animals were euthanized at three, five, seven, 14 and 21 days post-operative, followed by macroscopic and microscopic evaluations of the area of the lesion. In the wounds of the GM and GC, healing occurred earlier, in the latter evaluation time the signal was minimal injury, in the GMO healing was not complete and the wound GO had the worst outcome with presence of crust on the 21st day. There were observed by microscopic, normal cells involved in the tissue repair process and neovascularization in all groups. We conclude that in all groups there was no rejection of the biomaterials tested, however the GM group gave better healing with fewer adverse effects when compared to the other groups tested.

Aplicação da membrana de látex natural e do extrato da pele de rã (Lithobates catesbiana) em feridas cirúrgicas cutâneas de ratos Wistar / Application of natural latex membrane and extract of frog skin (Lithobates catesbiana) (Shaw, 1802) in cutaneous surgical wounds of Wistar rats

Implantou-se a membrana de látex natural e o extrato da pele de rã individualmente e em conjunto em feridas cutâneas de ratos com o intuito de se avaliar o processo de reparação tecidual e possíveis complicações. Utilizou-se 60 ratos da linhagem Wistar divididos em grupos experimentais: grupo controle (GC), grupo membrana de látex (GM), grupo óleo do extrato da pele de rã (GO) e grupo membrana de látex e óleo de rã (GMO), cada um com 15 animais. Aos três, cinco, sete, 14 e 21 dias de pós-operatório, foi realizada eutanásia dos animais para avaliações macroscópicas e histológicas da região lesionada. Nas feridas dos animais do GM e do GC a cicatrização ocorreu mais cedo, no último tempo de avaliação o sinal de lesão era mínimo, já no GMO, a cicatrização não foi completa e no GO a ferida teve o pior resultado, com presença de crosta no 21º dia. Foram observadas, à microscopia de luz, células normais envolvidas no processo de reparação tecidual e formação de neovasos em todos os grupos.  Conclui-se que em todos os grupos não houve rejeição dos biomateriais testados, todavia o grupo GM proporcionou melhor cicatrização com menos efeitos adversos quando comparada aos demais grupos testados.

In this study, the membrane of the natural latex and extract of the skin frog, isolated and together, where implanted to replacea cutaneous in the mice, with purpose for evaluating the tissue repair process and possible complication. Sixty Wistar rats eredivided in four experimental groups: control group (GC), membrane of the latex group (GM), oil of the frog group (GO) and groupmembrane of latex with oil of the frog group (GMO), each one with 15 animals. The animals were euthanized at three, five, seven,14 and 21 days post-operative, followed by macroscopic and microscopic evaluations of the area of the lesion. In the wounds ofthe GM and GC, healing occurred earlier, in the latter evaluation time the signal was minimal injury, in the GMO healing was notcomplete and the wound GO had the worst outcome with presence of crust on the 21st day. There were observed by microscopic,normal cells involved in the tissue repair process and neovascularization in all groups. We conclude that in all groups there wasno rejection of the biomaterials tested, however the GM group gave better healing with fewer adverse effects when compared to the other groups tested.

Propriedades tensiométricas do peritônio da paca (Cuniculus paca) a fresco e conservado em glicerina 98 por cento / Tensiometer peritoneum properties of the paca (Cuniculus paca) fresh and preserved in glycerin 98 por cento

In constant searching for alternative biological material to perform implants and new options of experimental animal models, the objective of this investigation was to describe the mechanical properties of the peritoneum paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766) fresh and preserved in 98% glycerin. Samples of fresh and preserved in glycerin for periods of 30, 60 and 90 days were subjected to mechanical tests. Four adult animals, male or female, with mean body weight of eight kilograms, were used for collecting samples of the peritoneum. All tissues preserved in glycerin 98% showed a decrease in stiffness and increase in ductility and toughness. Considering the maximum force applied to the peritoneum, significant increase was observed in values (p<0.01) of samples stored for 60 and 90 days when compared to fresh material. In relation to the stretch variable, an increase was observed in all storage time of glycerin samples, verifying significant difference (p<0,01) when compared with the fresh samples. The variable area also showed significance (p <0.01) between the values of the fresh samples (5.40 mm²) and preserved in the glycerin by periods of 30 days (4.50 mm²), 60 days (9.00 mm²) and 90 days (7.20 mm²), thus indicating that the area of this membrane increased by 0.033 mm² per day. Generally, it was concluded that the 98% glycerin is a substance effective for the preservation of the peritoneum of the agouti paca, therefore improves its mechanical properties allowing the support membranes greater deformation forces. Thus, the results obtained in mechanical tests of the peritoneum of paca suggest its use as an alternative biological material.

Na busca constante, tanto de material biológico alternativo para a realização de implantes, quanto de novas opções de modelos de experimentação animal, o objetivo desta investigação foi descrever o comportamento mecânico do peritônio da paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766) a fresco e conservado em glicerina a 98%. Amostras frescas e conservadas em glicerina por períodos de 30, 60 e 90 dias foram submetidas a testes mecânicos de tração. Quatro animais adultos, três machos e uma fêmeas, com peso corporal médio de oito quilogramas, foram utilizados para colheita das amostras de peritônio. Todos os tecidos conservados em glicerina a 98% apresentaram diminuição na rigidez e aumento na ductibilidade e tenacidade. Considerando-se a força máxima aplicada ao peritônio, evidenciou-se aumento significativo nos valores (p<0,01) das amostras conservadas por 60 e 90 dias, quando comparado ao material a fresco. Com relação a variável alongamento, notou-se aumento nos valores relativos aos materiais em glicerina em todos os tempos de conservação, verificando-se diferença significativa (p<0,01) entre os valores das amostras a fresco. A variável área também se apresentou significativa (p<0,01) entre os valores das amostras a fresco (5,40 mm²) e os preservados em glicerina pelos períodos de 30 dias (4,50 mm²), 60 dias (9,00 mm²) e 90 dias (7,20 mm²), indicando assim, que a área desta membrana aumentou em 0,033 mm² por dia. Mediante os resultados observados, concluiu-se que a glicerina 98% é uma substância eficiente para a conservação do peritônio da paca, pois melhorou suas propriedades mecânicas permitindo que as membranas suportem maiores forças de deformação. Assim, os resultados obtidos nos ensaios mecânicos do peritônio da paca sugerem sua utilização como mais uma opção de material biológico.

Morphology of accessory genital glands of spotted paca (Agouti paca Linnaeus, 1766).

The spotted paca is the second largest rodent in Brazil, where it is of great economic interest in impoverished regions in view of its prominence as a low-cost source of protein. Little is known about the morphology of the accessory genital glands of this species. Thus, we studied the position and morphology of the genitals in ten adult male spotted pacas. The animals were divided into two groups, five animals were used for fixing of samples in 10% aqueous formaldehyde for macroscopic studies and the other five animals were designated for microscopic analysis. These were arranged in pairs and had the vesicular, prostate, coagulating and bulbourethral glands identified, being structured as mucous glands, which lead into the pelvic urethra. It was concluded that the accessory genital glands found in the paca are the same as those found in most rodents, showing similar histological aspects.

Light microscope observations on the epididymis of paca (Agouti paca).

The features of paca epididymis, based on its appearance in light microscope, is described in this paper. The cellular population of the epithelial lining comprises principal cells, basal cells, apical cells, narrows cells, and hallo cells. The epididymis is divided in five distinct and continuous regions, Zone I, or initial segment, and zone II, are both localized into the head. Zone III comprises the distal head and all the body. Zones IV and V are restricted to the tail, in the proximal and distal cauda epididymis respectively. Each zone can be readily distinguished on the basis of morphological characteristics. The height of epididymal epithelium is greater in zone I. There is a progressive increase in the diameter of the tubular lumen through the different areas, with the maximum in the zone V. The presence of a high epithelium, and the virtual absence of sperm in zone I suggest fast transit of spermatozoa in this region. Zone V comprises the distal tail, has smaller epithelial lining, greater luminal diameter, shorter stereocilia than the other zones, and contains spermatozoa packed inside the lumen, that characterizes this zone as a place of sperm storage. The findings are compared with other reports in rodents and other domestic animals, to contribute to the understanding of epididymal morphophysiology.

Estrutura, ultraestrutura e morfometria da veia cava de paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766) criada em cativeiro / Structure, ultrastructure and morphometry of the Vena cava in the paca (Cuniculus paca Linnaeus, 1766) raised in captivity

A paca (Cuniculus paca) é o segundo maior roedor da fauna brasileira. Apresenta carne de excelente qualidade, o que incentiva a criação comercial. Além disso, este animal pode tornar-se uma opção válida em experimentação embora poucas sejam as informações detalhadas sobre sua morfologia. Assim, objetivou-se descrever a morfologia, morfometria e ultraestrutura de segmentos das porções cranial e caudal da veia cava de quatro pacas (Cuniculus paca) adultas excedentes do plantel do Setor de Animais Silvestres do Departamento de Zootecnia da FCAV-Unesp. Os segmentos venosos foram analisados à microscopia de luz e à microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Foram mensuradas as espessuras do complexo formado pelas túnicas íntima e média, além da túnica adventícia e analisou-se os resultados pela estatística descritiva, teste "T" pareado (p<0,05). Em relação à espessura das túnicas estudadas, comprovou-se que os valores da espessura das túnicas íntima, média e adventícia, para todos os animais, foram significativamente maiores no segmento cranial. As camadas das paredes dos vasos apresentaram variações entre si quanto à estrutura e espessura, supostamente devido a uma adaptação à exigência funcional.

The paca (Cuniculus paca) is the second largest rodent of the Brazilian fauna. The excellent meat quality of this specie encourages the development of their commercial production. Moreover, this animal can become a viable alternative for animal experimentation although there exists scarce detailed information concerning their morphology. Therefore the purpose of this study is to describe the morphology, morphometry and ultrastructure in segments of the cranial and caudal portions of vena cava in four adult males and females of Cuniculus paca from the squad of Wild Animals Sector of Animal Science Department of FCAV-Unesp. Parts of the segments were examined by light microscopy and part by scanning electron microscopy. Thickness measures of the tunica intima and media complex and tunica adventitia of the vena cava were taken and analyzed using "T" test (p<0.05). In vena cava the thickness values of the intima, media and adventitia, for all animals, were significantly higher in the cranial segment. The layers of the vessel walls showed variations in structure and thickness, presumably due to an adaptation to functional demand.

Histopathological biomarkers in pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) infected with aeromonas hydrophila and treated with antibiotics.

Pharmacochemicals usage in fish farming disease treatment can cause morphological and functional changes in absorption capacity, metabolism and excretion organs. The aim of this research was to evaluate the histopathological biomarkers in the gills, liver, kidney and skin of pacu (P. mesopotamicus), which have been infected with A. hydrophila and treated with oxytetracycline (OTC) and florfenicol (FFC). Fish were exposed to 2.4×10(7) mL(-1) of A. hydrophila bacteria experimental infection and after 24h exposed to FFC treatment for ten days and OTC for seven days. OTC was not effective in the A. hydrophila control in pacu in up to 170.0 mg kg(-1) concentration. Nevertheless, FFC was 100% effective with 10.0 mg kg(-1) concentration. After the treatment, skin, gills, liver and kidney samples were collected and processed for histopathological analysis. A. hydrophila caused lamellar fusion, sub epithelial edema, mucous hypertrophy and hyperplasia, lining, pillar and chloride cells. Hepatocytes hypertrophy was observed on liver, as a result of the antibiotics metabolism and bacteria cell wall. The histopathological biomarkers show the effects of the presence of the A. hydrophila. The use of the antibiotic florfenicol decreases the bacterial action effectiveness on tissues evaluated. Thus, the histopathological biomarkers show the A. hydrophila effect and the antibiotics treatment. The skin and liver are exposure biomarkers for both.

Parâmetros métricos da traqueia e suas correlações com o perímetro torácico, peso e comprimento corporal de cães sem raça definida (Canis familiaris, Linnaeus, 1758) / Metric parameters of the trachea and their correlations with thoracic perimeter, weight and body length of unknown breed dogs (Canis familiaris, Linnaeus, 1758)

Com o presente estudo objetivou-se analisar dados métricos da traqueia de cães e correlacioná-los com o comprimento corporal, perímetro torácico e peso corporal. Utilizou-se 48 cães sem raça definida, 19 machos e 29 fêmeas. Os animais foram pesados e em seguida aferiu-se o comprimento corpóreo, o perímetro torácico, o comprimento e diâmetro traqueal, e o número de anéis traqueais. O peso dos cães variou de 4,2 a 21,5 kg, o comprimento corporal de 40,6 a 81,0 cm e o perímetro torácico de 36,0 a 63,5 cm. A traqueia exibiu número total de anéis entre 32 e 43, comprimento entre 13,0 e 23,4 cm, diâmetro de sua porção cervical entre 11,0 e 23,5 mm e de sua porção torácica entre 8,2 e 20,9 mm. Avaliou-se também a esqueletopia da terminação traqueal, que manteve relação com o 2º (2,0%), 3º (6,3%), 4º (20,8%) ou 5º (12,5%) espaços intercostais, e com a 3ª (6,3%), 4ª (35,4%) ou 5ª (16,7%) costelas. Evidenciou-se fortes correlações positivas do comprimento traqueal com o peso corporal (rS=0,763; p<0,001), o comprimento corporal (r=0,826; p<0,001) e o perímetro torácico (r=0,735; p<0,001). Portanto, o estudo anatômico da traqueia, ao fornecer subsídios morfológicos para a realização de procedimentos clínico-cirúrgicos nesse órgão, mostra-se como uma importante ferramenta na prática veterinária.

The present study aimed to analyze metric data from the trachea of dogs and to correlate them with the thoracic girth, body length and weight. We used 48 dogs of unknown breed, 19 males and 29 females. The animals were weighed and then body length, thoracic girth, length and diameter of the trachea, and the number of tracheal rings were measured. The weight of dogs ranged from 4.2 to 21.5 kg, body length from 40.6 to 81.0 cm and thoracic girth from 36.0 to 63.5 cm. The trachea exhibited a total number of tracheal rings between 32 and 43, length between 13.0 and 23.4 cm, diameter of the cervical portion between 11.0 and 23.5 mm and in the thoracic portion between 8.2 and 20.9 mm. We also evaluated the tracheal termination skeletopy, which maintained relations with the 2nd (2.0%), 3 (6.3%), 4 (20.8%) or 5 (12.5%) intercostal spaces, and with the 3rd (6.3%), 4th (35.4%) or 5th (16.7%) ribs. Strong positive correlations of tracheal length with body weight (rS = 0.756, p <0.001), body length (r = 0.808, p <0.001) and thoracic girth (r = 0.735, p <0.001) were found. Therefore, the anatomical study of the trachea provides morphological subsidies for the realization of clinical and surgical procedures in this organ, being an important tool in veterinary practice.

Histologia e histoquímica do intestino anterior de tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) alimentadas com dietas contendo silagem de peixe / Histology and histochemical the medium intestine in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed diets with fish silage

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a histologia e a histoquímica do intestino anterior de tilápia do Nilo alimentadas com dietas contendo farinha de peixe ou silagem de peixe como fonte de proteína de origem animal. A espessura da vilosidade intestinal dos peixes alimentados com silagem fermentada de resíduo de tilápia foi influenciada pelos teores proteicos, independente das proporções de proteína de origem animal das dietas. Observou-se que a variação da intensidade de secreção de glicoproteínas pelas células caliciformes está diretamente ligada com o tipo de dieta fornecida aos animais. O intestino médio de Oreochromis niloticus apresentou diferenças no padrão de secreção de muco glicoproteico neutro, glicoproteínas ácidas e glicoconjugados, dependendo da origem da proteína e da porcentagem utilizada na dieta, demonstrando que esta espécie pode adaptar seu sistema de secreção para a proteção do aparelho digestório durante a absorção de diferentes fontes proteicas.

This work was carried out to evaluate the action of the fermented fish silage and fish meal in the histochemical of the middle intestine of O. niloticus. A great epithelium intestinal was present in fishes fed with fish silage, independent of the animal origin protein proportions in diets. It was observed that the variation of the goblet cells secretion glicoproteic intensity is linked directly to the diet supplied to animals. The middle intestine of Oreochromis niloticus showed differences in the neutral mucus glicoproteic, acid glicoproteic and glicoconjugated secretion pattern, depending on the protein origin and the percentage used in the diet, demonstrating that this species can adapt its secretion system for the protection of the digesting apparatus during the absorption of different protein sources.

Morfologia do sistema genital feminino da paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus, 1766) / Morphology of the female genital system of the paca (Cuniculus paca, Linnaeus, 1766)

Foi caracterizada a morfologia macroscópica do genital feminino, de seis exemplares adultos de paca (Cuniculus paca), mediante dissecação das cavidades abdominal e pélvica imediatamente após o óbito. Os ovários apresentam forma ovoide, achatados dorso-ventralmente, de coloração amarela esbranquiçada com pequenos pontos avermelhados em sua superfície; têm localização sublombar, caudal aos rins; estão envoltos por uma rasa bolsa ovárica e fixados pelo mesovário; a tuba uterina é um órgão par, de aspecto sinuoso, contínua aos ovários, estando inserida na mesossalpinge e se estendendo até o início de cada corno uterino correspondente. Os cornos uterinos retilíneos fixam-se à parede abdominal pelo mesométrio e se unem pelo ligamento intercornual na altura da entrada da pelve, onde se posicionam dorsalmente à vesícula urinária; duas cevices estão presentes, embora o septo uterino que as separa seja incompleto, caracterizando presença de dois óstios uterinos internos e um único óstio uterino externo, considerando-se este útero como duplo incompleto. A vagina é um órgão tubular que se posiciona ventral ao reto e dorsal à vesícula urinária e à uretra, não se verificou a presença de vestíbulo e a vagina e a uretra não possuem ponto comum de convergência, abrindo-se, cada uma delas, diretamente na região vulvar, que se apresenta plana, com reduzidos lábios vulvares, apenas o clitóris de forma cônica é pouco proeminente e apresenta duas estruturas pontiagudas em sua região distal. Não se verificaram diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas mensurações realizadas nos ovários, tubas uterinas e cornos uterinos, ao se comparar os antímeros direito e esquerdo

The macroscopic morphology of genital tract of six adult female paca (Cuniculus paca) was studied through dissection of abdominal and pelvic cavities immediately after death. The ovaries have ovoid shape, dorsal-ventrally flattened, whitish yellow color with small red spots on its surface, located in sublombar situation, caudally to the kidneys, surrounded by a shallow bursa and fixed by the mesovarium; the oviduct is a pair of sinuous tubes, continuous with the ovaries, inserted in the mesosalpinx and extending up to the beginning of each correspondent uterine horn. The uterus horns are rectilinear and attached in the abdominal walls by the mesometrium, each horns extends caudally into the pelvic cavity and are linked by intercornual ligament, the ventral surface chiefly contacts the bladder; two cervices are present, although the uterine septum is incomplete, characterizing the presence of two internal uterine ostia and one external uterine ostium, considering this uterus as an incomplete duplex. The vagina is a tubular organ that is positioned ventrally to the rectum and dorsally to the urinary bladder and urethra; urethral duct is placed apart of the vaginal canal, characterizing the absence of the vestibulum; the vulva presents itself planed, with reduced vulvae lips, the clitoris is a conical structure with two prominent pointed structures at its distal region. There were no differences statistically significant in measurements made in the ovaries, oviducts and uterine horns, when comparing the right and left sides

Asymmetric post-natal development of superior cervical ganglion of paca (Agouti paca).

Functional asymmetry has been reported in sympathetic ganglia. Although there are few studies reporting on body side-related morphoquantitative changes in sympathetic ganglion neurons, none of them have used design-based stereological methods to address this issue during post-natal development. We therefore aimed at detecting possible asymmetry-related effects on the quantitative structure of the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) from pacas during ageing, using very precise design-based stereological methods. Forty (twenty left and twenty right) SCG from twenty male pacas were studied at four different ages, i.e. newborn, young, adult and aged animals. By using design-based stereological methods the total volume of ganglion and the total number of mononucleate and binucleate neurons were estimated. Furthermore, the mean perikaryal volume of mononucleate and binucleate neurons was estimated, using the vertical nucleator. The main findings of this study were: (1) the right SCG from aged pacas has more mononucleate and binucleate neurons than the left SCG in all other combinations of body side and animal age, showing the effect of the interaction between asymmetry (right side) and animal age, and (2) right SCG neurons (mono and binucleate) are bigger than the left SCG neurons (mono and binucleate), irrespective of the animal age. This shows, therefore, the exclusive effect of asymmetry (right side). At the time of writing there is still no conclusive explanation for some SCG quantitative changes exclusively assigned to asymmetry (right side) and those assigned to the interaction between asymmetry (right side) and senescence in pacas. We therefore suggest that forthcoming studies should focus on the functional consequences of SCG structural asymmetry during post-natal development. Another interesting investigation would be to examine the interaction between ganglia and their innervation targets using anterograde and retrograde neurotracers. Would differences in the size of target organs explain ganglia structural asymmetry?

Características regionais sobre a ultra-estrutura das células principais do epitélio do ducto epididimal de Agouti paca / Regional ultra structural features of principal cells from the epididymal epithelium lining of Agouti paca

As células principais (P) do epitélio de revestimento do epidídimo de paca foram relacionadas com processos citofisiológicos de endocitoses do tipo adsortiva e de fase fluida, respectivamente, aparentemente realizando também secreção apócrina. Essas funções foram propostas embasando-se em características de ultra-estrutura das células P, em cujos citoplasma observaram-se um expressivo número de vesículas, com diferentes formas, tamanhos e presença de conteúdo internalizado em algumas das vesículas revestidas por endomembranas, ocorrendo ainda caveolas e vesículas diminutas localizadas junto à borda apical de microvilos. Ademais, observaram-se vesículas grandes e revestidas e/ou com superfícies lisas; endossomos, e lisossomos de localização predominantemente apical. Uma via de secreção apócrina foi sugerida com base na ocorrência de expansões (protrusões), citoplasmáticas intraluminais nas células P.

The principal (P) cells of epididymidis surface epithelium of Agouti paca were related to processes of adsorptive endocytosis and phase-fluid endocytosis, as well as protein secretion apparently also occur.These findings had been proposed on the base the cytoplasmic ultrastructural features of P cells in which were seen an expressive number of vesicles with several shapes, sizes and internalized content occurring also smaller pits and pale small vesicles located next to the apical brush border of microvilli. Moreover, occurred coated vesicles, smooth surface vesicles and great vesicles; multivesicular bodies, endosomes and lysosomes mainly viewed on supranuclear and apical positions. Presence of an appocrine secretory pathway was characterized in P cells through the occurrence of apical cytoplasmic expansions, protruding into the ducts epididymidis luminal compartment.

Avaliação mesoscópica da origem, distribuição e ramificação do nervo radial no braço do gato doméstico (Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758) / Mesoscopic evaluation of the radial nerve origin, distribution and ramification in arm of the domestic cat (Felis catus Linnaeus, 1758)

No presente estudo avaliou-se a origem, a distribuição e a ramificação do nervo radial de 30 gatos adultos, 15 machos e 15 fêmeas, sem raça definida, mediante dissecação mesoscópica, após a fixação dos espécimes em solução aquosa de formaldeído a 10%. O referido nervo mostrou-se polifasciculado desde a origem até sua ramificação em ramos superficial e profundo. Sua origem ocorreu a partir dos ramos ventrais do sexto (26,7%), sétimo (100%) e oitavo (100%) nervos espinhais cervicais e do ramo ventral do primeiro (100%) nervo espinhal torácico. Na região do braço, onervo radial cedeu ramos musculares em todos os animais (100%) para os músculos tensor da fáscia do antebraço, cabeça longa do tríceps braquial, cabeça acessória do tríceps braquial, cabeça medial do tríceps braquial, cabeça lateral do tríceps braquial e ancôneo, emitindo de 14 a 25 ramos nervosos nesta região. O ramo ventral do sexto nervo espinhal cervical apresentou diferença significativa (p menor ou igual a 0,05) em relação ao sexo dos animais, ocorrendo quase que exclusivamente nas fêmeas, além dos fascículos nervosos, que diferiram significativamente de acordo com a região estudada.

The present study evaluated the origin, distribution and ramification of the radial nerves were studied in 30 adult domestic cats. The sample included 15 females and 15 males of unknown breed. The specimens were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution. The radial nerve showed many fascicles from the origin also your ramification insuperficial and deep branches. Radial nerves were observed to originate, in 16 cases (26.7%), from the ventral branch of the sixth cervical spinal nerve; in 60 cases (100%), from the ventral branch of the seventh cervical spinal nerve; in 60 cases (100%), from the ventral branch of the eight cervical nerve and in 60 cases (100%), from the ventral branch of the first thoracic nerve. The radial nerves branched out, in all of the animals studied (100.0%), to the tensor fasciae antebrachii,long, accessory, medial and lateral heads of the triceps branchii and anconeus muscles. The radial nerve emits of 14 to 25 nervous branches in this region. However, the branch of the sixth cervical spinal nerve and the nervous fascicles reveal significant differences (p smaller or equal 0.05), respectively, in or with relation to sex of the animals and the studied region.

Cistoplastia experimental em coelhos (Oryctolagus cuniculus) com peritônio bovino conservado em glicerol a 98 por cento / Experimental cystoplasty in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with bovine peritoneum conserved in 98 percent glycerol

Neste estudo foi implantado um retalho de membrana peritoneal bovina em substituição a um fragmento da face ventral da bexiga de coelhos albinos, raça Nova Zelândia, adultos, machos não-castrados (n=12), com o intuito de avaliar o processo de reparação tecidual no que se refere à biocompatibilidade, à capacidade de reparação tecidual e a possíveis complicações. Aos sete, 14, 30 e 60 dias de pós-operatório, os animais foram eutanasiados, três em cada período, mediante o emprego de tiopental sódico (200mg kg-1), para posterior avaliação macroscópica e análise histopatológica da interface do implante com o tecido nativo. Macroscopicamente, foram observadas, em todos os períodos, aderências de estruturas adjacentes ao local do implante, presença de cálculos e ausência de sinais de rejeição. Sob microscopia de luz, aos sete, 14 e 30 dias de observação, o implante ainda estava presente, havia intensa reação inflamatória mista, neovascularização, fibroplasia e escassas fibras musculares, contudo, o epitélio e a lâmina própria não estavam reconstituídos. Aos 60 dias de avaliação, o implante não estava mais presente e todas as camadas vesicais encontravam-se reparadas. O implante foi biocompatível e forneceu arcabouço para orientação e desenvolvimento das camadas teciduais da bexiga, mediante processos de reparação, restabelecendo a estrutura do órgão.

Bovine peritoneum was utilized to replace a section of ventral face of the bladder of New Zealand rabbits, adult and entire males (n=12) with the purpose of evaluating the tissue repair process in regard of its biocompatility, scar formation ability and possible complications. The animals were euthanized at 7, 14, 30 and 60 days post operative, three in each period, by the use of sodium thiopental (200mg kg-1), followed by macroscopic evaluation and histopathological analysis of the implant interface with the native tissue. Macroscopically it was observed, in all time periods, structure adherence to the implant site, presence of calculi and absence of rejection signs. Under light microscopy at the 7th, 14th and 30th observation days, the implant was present; a mixed intense inflammatory reaction could be observed, neovascularization, fiberplasic process and rare muscle fibers, however the epithelium and sheath weren't also reconstituted. At the 60th day of evaluation the implant wasn't anymore present and all vesicle layers were repaired. The implant was biocompatible and provided the mainframe for orientation and development of the tissue layers of the bladder, through repairing processes thus reestablishing the organ's structure.

Propriedades tensiométricas comparadas entre fragmentos do centro tendíneo do diafragma, pericárdio fibroso e peritônio parietal de bovinos não conservados e conservados em glicerina / Compared tensiometrical properties between non conserved and glycerin conserved fragments of bovine diaphragma’s tendinous center, fibrous pericardium and parietal peritoneum

Objetivou-se descrever o comportamento do centro tendíneo do diafragma, pericárdio fibroso e peritônio parietal de bovinos não conservados e conservados em glicerina a 98% durante 30, 60 e 90 dias submetidos a ensaios mecânicos de tração. Utilizou-se para tanto dez bovinos com idade entre 30 meses e 36 meses, mestiços, machos e fêmeas, coletando-se de cada animal fragmentos das membranas referidas. O centro tendíneo do diafragma e o peritônio parietal não sofreram alteração significante (p>0,05) para os valores de tensão quando comparados os testes de resistência à tração do material não conservado com aqueles conservados em glicerina. Entretanto, todos os tecidos avaliados exibiram aumento significante (p£0,05) para os valores de alongamento quando conservados em glicerina 98% poraté 90 dias. Verificou-se que o pericárdio fibroso é a membrana que suporta as maiores tensões, ou seja, maior força de tração por área desecção. Assim, concluiu-se que a glicerina é eficaz para conservação de membranas biológicas, além de alterar suas propriedades mecânicas.