Populational genetic data for 15 STR markers in the Brazilian population of Minas Gerais.

Fifteen short tandem repeats (STR) markers were analyzed (TPOX, D2S1338, D3S1358, FGA, D5S818, CSF1PO, D7S820, D8S1179, TH01, vWA, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D19S433, and D21S11) in unrelated individuals undergoing paternity studies from Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Allele frequencies and statistical parameters for the 15 loci were calculated.

Plasma lipid alterations after total splenectomy, subtotal splenectomy and splenic auto-implants in rats.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The relation between the spleen and lipid metabolism has not been properly studied. In order to contribute to the filling of this gap, in the present investigation we experimentally assessed the lipidogram of rats in the presence of the spleen, in asplenia, and after conservative spleen surgeries. METHODS: Fifty female Wistar rats of similar weight and age were divided into five groups submitted to the following procedures: group 1: control, with an intact spleen; group 2: sham operation; group 3: total splenectomy; group 4: subtotal splenectomy; and group 5: total splenectomy complemented with autogenous spleen tissue implants. Four months after the interventions, serum triglycerides, total cholesterol and fractions (very-low-density lipoprotein [VLDL]-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein [LDL]-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein [HDL]-cholesterol) were determined. The results for the four groups were compared by analysis of variance followed by the Tukey-Kramer test, with the level of significance set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: There were no differences between groups 1, 2, 4 and 5. In the animals submitted to total splenectomy, total cholesterol (P = 0.0151) and LDL-cholesterol fraction concentrations (P < 0.0001) were higher, whereas HDL-cholesterol fraction concentrations were lower (P = 0.0026) than those detected in the other groups. There was no difference in triglycerides (P = 0.1571) or VLDL-cholesterol (P = 0.2527) between groups. CONCLUSION: The spleen probably plays an important role in the lipid metabolism of female rats and total splenectomy may be related to changes in cholesterol control. It is possible that preservation of spleen tissue prevents such metabolic disorders.

The influence of venous drainage on autologous ovarian transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Despite many investigations of ovarian transplantation, it is still difficult to define the best site for ovarian implantation, considering its endocrine function. We sought to evaluate the influence of venous drainage on ovarian physiomorphological aspects and to assess ovary transplantation by intact and sliced techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and eight cycling female Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 18): G1 (control, sham operation), G2 (bilateral oophorectomy), G3 (transplantation of intact ovarium on the greater omentum), G4 (transplantation of sliced ovarium on the greater omentum), G5 (transplantation of intact ovarium in the retroperitoneum), G6 (transplantation of sliced ovarium in the retroperitoneum). The blood drainage of groups G3 and G4 was to the portal vein and that of groups G5 and G6 was to the cava. The estrus cycle was investigated in the 3rd and 6th months. Serum estradiol concentration was also assessed in all groups in the 3rd and 6th months. Histological studies of the transplanted ovaria were carried out at that time. RESULTS: G1 animals preserved the cycling sequence. G2 rats persisted in diestrus. Nine G3 rats showed estrus cycles. Fourteen G4 rats had normal cycles and 1 rat persisted in estrus. Seven G5 rats showed estrus vaginal smears. Nine G6 animals had estrus vaginal smear patterns and 3 showed incomplete cycles in the 3rd month and complete in the 6th month. The histology of all ovaria confirmed the preservation of their vitality. The ovaries of G5 and G6 animals had more cysts and fewer corpora lutea. The sliced ovaries implanted on the omentum presented higher estradiol concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The ovaria that drained to the portal vein presented a better physiomorphological aspect than those that drained to the cava. The sliced ovaria were more efficient than the intact ones.