Innate immunity response of zafirlukast treated-tilapia during foreign body inflammation.

There is limited knowledge regarding the blockade of cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (CysLTRs) and their effects in teleost fish. The present study investigated the effects of Zafirlukast, antagonist of CysLTR1 receptor, on the foreign body inflammatory reaction in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Zafirlukast-treated tilapia demonstrated a decrease in the formation of multinucleated foreign body giant cells and Langhans cells on the round glass coverslips implanted in the subcutaneous tissue, along with a significant reduction in white blood cell counts and decreased production of reactive oxygen species. There was an increase in serum levels of α2-macroglobulins, as well as a decrease in ceruloplasmin and haptoglobin. Zafirlukast treatment led to a significant decrease in the area of splenic melanomacrophage centers and a reduction in the presence of lipofuscin. These findings highlight the potential anti-inflammatory effects of zafirlukast treatment in tilapia and indicate its action on CysLTR1 receptor, modulating the innate immune response of tilapia during the foreign body reaction. The comprehension of chronic inflammation mechanisms in fish has become increasingly relevant, especially concerning the utilization of biomaterials for vaccine and drug delivery.

Silvopastoral system is an alternative to improve animal welfare and productive performance in meat production systems.

Climate change is a reality and global surface temperature is projected to rise substantially in the next 80 years. Agriculture practices will have to adapt to climate change, and also help to mitigate this effect using, among other strategies, forest conservation and management. Silvopastoral systems have been adopted in tropical climate livestock areas but their benefits on thermal comfort and reproductive performance of beef cows are not completely known. Therefore, our aims were to compare the microclimate of silvopastoral and intensive rotational unshaded grazing systems in different months and to evaluate physiological variables (Exp. 1 and 2), metabolism, and in vitro embryo production (Exp. 2) in crossbred beef females. Our hypothesis is that the silvopastoral system can improve the thermal comfort of beef heifers and cows and, consequently, also improve dry matter intake, body weight gain, and in vitro embryo production when compared to the unshaded rotational grazing system. In Exp 1, the silvopastoral system decreased body temperature and increased welfare and performance of heifers. In Exp. 2, the silvopastoral system enhanced the body weight but did not affect metabolism and the general reproductive performance, but increased the recovery rate of oocytes in primiparous cows.

Toxicity of a methotrexate metronomic schedule in Wistar rats.

Metronomic chemotherapy is a relevant strategy that uses low doses of antineoplastic drugs for sustained periods to control tumor growth, an alternative frequently utilized in veterinary patients. This work aimed to evaluate the toxic effects of a metronomic oral dose of methotrexate (MTX) for 45 days in tumor-free Wistar rats when compared with control animals. Clinical alterations, body weight, food, and water intake were monitored daily, and bone marrow suppression, hematological, biochemical, and histopathological analyses were performed at three points (days 30, 45, and 60). MTX-treated animals did not demonstrate severe systemic involvement. At 30 days, compared with control animals, MTX-treated animals showed significant leukocytosis (11.9 ± 2.3 vs. 7.8 ± 0.2 106/µL; P < .05) and augmentation of immature myeloid populations from bone marrow (9.0 ± 0.8 vs. 6.5 ± 1.5%; P < .05), and at 60 days, treated animals showed significant neutrophilia (35.0 ± 11.0 vs. 23.00 ± 3.0%; P < .05), depletion of bone marrow lymphocytes (8.2 ± 0.7 vs. 11.5 ± 1.9%; P < .05), and immature myeloid populations (7.2 ± 0.7 vs. 8.3 ± 0.6%; P < .05). At a histopathological level, splenic hypoplasia and respiratory inflammatory lesions were significant when compared with control animals, presenting mild to moderate myelotoxicity, immune suppression, and associated clinical compromise that persisted beyond treatment withdrawal. This suggested that MTX metronomic toxicity should not be neglected owing to the observed residual side-effects and special care should be taken regarding myelosuppression.

Terapia metronómica en el manejo del paciente veterinario con cáncer / Metronomic therapy to manage the veterinary patient with cancer / Terapia metronómica no manejo do paciente veterinário com câncer

Resumen El cáncer es una problemática cada vez más frecuente en la práctica clínica de pequeños animales, para su control se emplean metodologías agresivas con múltiples efectos adversos, lo que ha estimulado la búsqueda de nuevas estrategias terapéuticas. La quimioterapia metronómica consiste en la administración de bajas dosis de fármacos antineoplásicos, en intervalos regulares y por largos períodos de tiempo. Se destaca por su potencial antineoplásico, facilidad de administración y toxicidad reducida, mostrando beneficio clínico en pacientes geriátricos, debilitados o con cáncer avanzado, logrado principalmente a través de la inhibición de la angiogénesis y la modulación inmune antitumoral. En veterinaria, se relata principalmente el uso de ciclofosfamida, clorambucilo o lomustina, asociados en muchos casos con otros fármacos, para el tratamiento de distintos tipos de tumores, con respuestas favorables y baja toxicidad. No obstante, los estudios existentes son limitados y en muchos casos la selección de la posología de administración de los fármacos ha sido empírica, perjudicando su eficacia terapéutica. El objetivo de esta revisión es mostrar la utilidad de este tipo de quimioterapia antineoplásica en animales domésticos, los avances en la comprensión de sus mecanismos de acción, fármacos y esquemas utilizados, así como su potencial tóxico, buscando generar mayor conciencia del médico veterinario al utilizar esta modalidad de quimioterapia en pacientes oncológicos.

Abstract Cancer is a frequent problem in veterinary practice in small animals; aggre ssive strategies with several side-effects are used to its control, which has stimulated research of new therapeutic options. The metronomic chemotherapy consists in regular administration of low doses of antineoplastic drugs for long periods of time. Together with its antitumor potential, it is administrated easily and has apparent reduced toxicity, showing clinical benefits within advanced diseases or geriatric and weak patients mainly by angiogenesis inhibition and antitumor immune modulation. In small animals, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil and lomustine have been used mainly, in some cases associated with other drugs, to treat several kinds of tumors, obtaining clinical advantages and low toxicities. However, current studies are limited, and selection of most doses and intervals use to be empirical, in detriment of therapeutic efficacy. This work aims to evidence the potential use of this kind of antineoplastic chemotherapy in domestic animals, as well as the advances in comprehension of its mechanisms of action, drugs, schedules and toxic effects, trying to do a best and more aware use of this chemotherapy strategy in oncologic patients.

Resumo O câncer é um problema cada vez mais comum na rotina clínica de pequenos animais, e para seu controle são utilizadas metodologias agressivas com múltiplos efeitos adversos, o que estimula a busca de novas estratégias terapêuticas. A quimioterapia metronômica consiste na administração de baixas doses de drogas antineoplásicas, em intervalos regulares e por longos períodos de tempo. Chama atenção devido ao por seu potencial anti-neoplásico, facilidade de administração e toxicidade reduzida, mostrando benefício clínico em pacientes geriátricos, debilitados ou com câncer avançado, obtidos principalmente por meio da inibição da angiogênese e da modulação imune antitumoral. Na medicina veterinária, o uso de ciclofosfamida, clorambucil ou lomustina, associado em muitos casos a outras drogas, é relatado principalmente para o tratamento de diferentes tipos de tumores, com respostas favoráveis e baixa toxicidade. No entanto, os estudos existentes são limitados e, em muitos casos, a seleção da posologia da administração das drogas tem sido empírica, prejudicando sua eficácia terapêutica. O objetivo desta revisão é mostrar a utilidade deste tipo de quimioterapia antineoplásica em animais domésticos, os avanços na compreensão de seus mecanismos de ação, fármacos mais indicados e esquemas utilizados, bem como seu potencial tóxico, buscando gerar maior consciência do veterinário ao usar este tipo de quimioterapia em pacientes com câncer.

Dogs poisoned with Nerium oleander fresh leaves: clinical and electrocardiographic findings / Cães intoxicados com folhas frescas de Nerium oleander: achados clínicos e eletrocardiográficos

ABSTRACT: Nerium oleander is distributed worldwide, mainly in tropical and subtropical regions. These shrubs are frequently used as ornamental plants. However, they contain more than 30 cardiac glycosides that can cause serious toxic effects in dogs. The objective of this study was to report the clinical and electrocardiographic alterations in dogs experimentally poisoned with N. oleander. Ten adult, healthy, mixed-breed dogs weighing 10-25kg and aged 3-6 years were selected for the study. We orally administered 0.25g kg-1 of fresh ground leaves of N. oleander to the dogs. No dog died after the ingestion, but all exhibited signs of poisoning such as vomiting, sialorrhea, nausea, apathy, conjunctiva congestion, dehydration, abdominal pain, tremors, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and tenesmus. Electrocardiogram revealed occurrence of several types of arrhythmias: sinus bradycardia, second-degree atrioventricular block, paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular premature complexes. Systolic blood pressure, as well as heart rate, decreased in the first 24 hours. The present study concluded that a single dose of 0.25g kg-1 of N. oleander green leaves is sufficient to cause a moderate intoxication in dogs, with nonspecific clinical changes mainly related to the digestive system and heart rate, thus demonstrating the importance of this type of intoxication in the list of differential diagnoses of small animals routine.

RESUMO: O Nerium oleander é uma planta com ampla distribuição mundial, principalmente em regiões tropicais e subtropicais. Esses arbustos são frequentemente usados como plantas ornamentais e possuem mais de 30 glicosídeos cardíacos causadores do quadro clínico de intoxicação em caninos. Sabendo-se disso, este artigo teve por objetivo a avaliar as alterações clínicas e eletrocardiográficas, nos animais intoxicados experimentalmente com N. oleander. Foram utilizados 10 cães adultos, hígidos, sem raça definida, com 10 a 25kg de peso, de 3 a 6 anos de idade. Os animais receberam uma única dose de 0,25g kg-1 de peso, de folhas frescas de N. oleander. Nenhum dos animais do experimento veio a óbito. Os sinais clínicos observados foram vômito, sialorréia, náuseas, apatia, conjuntiva ocular congesta, desidratação, dor abdominal, tremores, diarreia, inapetência e tenesmo. Pela análise do eletrocardiograma encontraram-se arritmias como: bradicardia sinusal, bloqueios atrioventriculares de segundo grau, taquicardia ventricular paroxística e complexo ventricular prematuro. A pressão arterial sistólica diminui nas primeiras 24 horas, assim como a frequência cardíaca. Concluiu-se com o presente estudo que uma única dose de 0,25g kg-1 de folhas verdes de N. oleander é suficiente para causar um quadro moderado de intoxicação em cães, com alterações clínicas inespecíficas principalmente relacionadas ao sistema digestório e no ritmo cardíaco, mostrando a importância deste tipo de intoxicação na lista de diagnósticos diferenciais da rotina de pequenos animais.

Prilocaína a 3% associada à felipressina na anestesia peribulbar de gatos / Prilocaine 3% associated with felipressin peribulbar anesthesia in cats

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da prilocaina associada à felipressina na anestesia peribulbar em gatos. Foram utilizados oito gatos adultos, machos e fêmeas, com peso entre 2 e 3 kg. Cada animal recebeu clorpromazina (1,0 mg.kg-1 por via intramuscular) como medicação pré anestésica e propofol (3,0 mg.kg-1 por via intravenoso) para indução anestésica. Foi introduzida uma agulha hipodérmica de 0,38 x 13 mm moldada manualmente até atingir a forma de "L" na porção superior da cavidade orbitária em direção ao fórnice e administrada prilocaína a 3% com vasoconstritor na dose de 5 mg.kg-1. Foi observada proptose após uma média de 2,28 ± 1,52 minutos, e este efeito durou em média 75,22 ± 26,99 minutos. Também ocorreu perda do reflexo corneano após 3,00 ± 1,69 minutos e sua duração foi de 73,75 ± 17,98 minutos em média. A prilocaína 3% com vasoconstritor manteve o globo ocular concêntrico, sem nistagmo e aboliu os reflexos corneanos sem causar efeitos colaterais.

The purpose of this study was to verify the effects of prilocaine 3% associated to felypressin for peribulbar anesthesia in cats. Eight adult cats, male and female, weighing between 2 and 3 kg, received chlorpromazine (1.0 mg.kg-1, intramuscular) and propofol (3.0 mg.kg-1, intravenously). While, prilocaine at 3% (5.0 mg.kg-1) was administered by using an L-shape hypodermic needle (0.38 x 13 mm), which was introduced in the upper portion of the orbital cavity towards the fornix. The onset of proptosis was observed in 2.28 ± 1.52 minutes and lasted 75.22 ± 26.99 minutes. The loss of the corneal reflex occurred after 3.00 ± 1.69 minutes and lasted 73.75 ± 17.98 minutes. It can be concluded that 3% prilocaine with felypressin solution induces centralization of the eyeball without nistagmus and abolition the corneal reflexes without causing any collateral effects in cats.

Avaliações hematológicas e bioquímicas do uso de diclofenaco de sódio, meloxicam e firocoxibe em ratos / Evaluations hematological and biochemical by the use of sodium diclofenac, meloxicam and firocoxib in rats

O presente trabalho avaliou os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos do uso de diclofenaco de sódio, meloxicam e firocoxibe em ratos Wistar. Os ratos foram distribuídos em grupos: G1 (controle), G2 (diclofenaco de sódio: 15 mg/kg), G3 (meloxicam: 2,0 mg/ kg), G4 (meloxicam: 10,0 mg/ kg), G5 (firocoxibe: 5,0 mg/ kg) e G6 (firocoxibe: 25,0 mg/ kg). Os fármacos foram administrados por via intragástrica (gavage) a cada 24 horas, durante cinco dias e avaliados em três momentos: M1 (48 horas após o início do tratamento), M2 (96 horas após o início do tratamento) e M3 (72 horas após o término do tratamento). Em cada momento de cada grupo, foram avaliados de cinco a sete animais e realizados os exames laboratoriais. Não foram observadas alterações significativas nos parâmetros bioquímicos e hematológicos com o uso de meloxicam e firocoxibe. O diclofenaco de sódio produziu alterações no eritrograma (redução de hemácias, hematócrito e na taxa de hemoglobina) durante o tratamento e não alterou a contagem das plaquetas e leucometria, com exceção dos basófilos. Não produziu alterações nas atividades de AST, FA, GGT, ureia, creatinina, sódio e potássio. Entretanto, causou diminuições das proteínas plasmática e total sérica, albumina e globulina. Conclui-se que o diclofenaco de sódio não produz grandes alterações no hemograma e exames bioquímicos, enquanto que, o meloxicame o firocoxibe não produzem alterações e efeitos deletérios dose-dependentes nestes exames laboratoriais.

This work has evaluated the hematological and biochemical profile by the use of sodium diclofenac, meloxicam and firocoxib in Wistar rats. The rats were distributed in groups: G1 (control), G2 (diclofenac sodium: 15 mg/kg), G3 (meloxicam: 2.0 mg/ kg), G4 (meloxicam: 10.0 mg/ kg), G5 (firocoxib: 5.0 mg/ kg) e G6 (firocoxib: 25.0 mg/ kg). The drugs were administered intragastrically (gavage) once a day, during five days and evaluated in three moments: M1 (48 hours after the beginning of the treatment), M2 (96 hours after the beginning of the treatment) and M3 (72 hours after the ending of the treatment). In each moment of each group, five to seven animals were evaluated and laboratory exams were performed. There were no significant changes observed in the biochemical and hematological parameters by the use of meloxicam and firocoxib. One of the effects of the sodium diclofenac was eritrogram variation as hematocrit, erythrocytes, hemoglobin decrease during the treatment. In addition, the platelets and total white blood cells counts did not change except for basophil. There was no changes in AST, ALP, GGT, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium values. However, the values of protein, globulin and albumin decreased. It was concluded that diclofenac sodium does not provide large variations in the hemogram and biochemical profile than the meloxicam and firocoxib do not provide delletery effects in laboratories tests.