Maturação in vitro de oócitos de cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831) seguida de fertilização in vitro e ativação partenogenética / In vitro maturation of agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) oocytes followed by in vitro fertilization and parthenogenetic activation

O objetivo foi avaliar protocolos de maturação in vitro (MIV) para oócitos de cutias, seguida de fertilização in vitro (FIV) e ativação partenogenética (AP). Os oócitos imaturos (CCOs) foram obtidos por fatiamento do ovário, após OSH, e submetidos a três grupos: MAT - 16 (16 horas de maturação), MAT - 20 (20 horas de maturação) e MAT - 24 (24 horas de maturação), em incubadora de cultivo a 38,8°C, com atmosfera de 5% de CO2 e 95% de umidade relativa. A maturação foi analisada pela presença do primeiro corpúsculo polar. Em seguida, os CCOs maduros foram submetidos à FIV, com período de coincubação dos CCOs e dos espermatozoides de 15h, a 38,8ºC e 5% de CO2, e AP com ionomicina. Os grupos de MIV foram analisados utilizando-se o teste qui-quadrado e, nos experimentos de FIV e AP, foram analisadas a taxa de clivagem e a proporção de desenvolvimento embrionário. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando-se o programa SAS. Houve diferença significativa entre os grupos de maturação, tendo os grupos MAT - 20 e MAT - 24 apresentado maior porcentagem de oócitos maturados in vitro. As taxas de clivagem e de desenvolvimento embrionário foram de 8,6% e 2,9%, respectivamente, na FIV, e de 63,6% e 15,1%, na AP. Entretanto, nos dois casos, o embrião não passou do estágio de mórula.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate IVM protocols for agouti oocytes, followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF) and parthenogenetic activation (PA). The immature oocytes (CCOs) were obtained by slicing the ovary after OSH and submitted to three groups: MAT - 16 (16 hours maturation), MAT - 20 (20 hours maturation) and MAT - (24 hours maturation), in a culture incubator at 38.8°C, with an atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% relative humidity. The maturation was analyzed by the presence of the first polar corpuscle. Then, mature CCOs were submitted to IVF, with co-incubation period of CCOs and spermatozoa from 15h to 38.8°C and 5% of CO2, and PA with inomycin. The IVM groups were analyzed using the chi-square test and in the FIV and PA experiment the rate of cleavage and the rate of embryonic development were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using the SAS program. There was a significant difference between the maturation groups, and the MAT - 20 and MAT - 24 groups showed a higher percentage of matured oocytes in vitro. The rates of cleavage and embryonic development were 8.6% and 2.9%, respectively in FIV and 63.6% and 15.1% in PA. However, in both cases the embryo did not pass beyond the morula stage.(AU)

Immunophenotyping, plasticity tests and nanotagging of stem cells derived from adipose tissue of wild rodent agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) / Imunofenotipagem, testes de plasticidade e marcação com nanocristais de céluas-tronco derivadas de tecido adiposo em cutias

There is a growing interest in the study of unspecialized mesenchymal stem cells, for there are still some discussions about their in vitro behavior. Regenerative medicine is a science undergoing improvement which develops treatments as cell therapy using somatic stem cells. In several studies, adipose tissue is presented as a source of multipotent adult cells that has several advantages over other tissue sources. This study aimed to characterize and evaluate the tagging of mesenchymal stem cells from the agoutis adipose tissue (Dasyprocta prymonolopha), with fluorescent intracytoplasmic nanocrystals. Fibroblast cells were observed, plastic adherent, with extended self-renewal, ability to form colonies, multipotency by differentiation into three lineages, population CD90 + and CD45 - expression, which issued high red fluorescence after the tagging with fluorescent nanocrystals by different paths and cryopreserved for future use. It is possible to conclude that mesenchymal stem cells from agouti adipose tissue have biological characteristics and in vitro behavior that demonstrate its potential for use in clinical tests.(AU)

Há um interesse crescente no estudo das células estaminais mesenquimais, não especializadas, pois ainda existem algumas discussões sobre seu comportamento in vitro. A medicina regenerativa é uma ciência em fase de crescimento que desenvolve tratamentos como terapia celular utilizando células estaminais somáticas. Em vários estudos, o tecido adiposo é apresentado como uma fonte de células adultas multipotentes que tem várias vantagens em relação a outras fontes de tecido. Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar e avaliar a marcação de células estaminais mesenquimais do tecido adiposo de cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) com nanocristais intracitoplasmáticos fluorescentes. Observaram-se células fibroblásticas, aderentes ao plástico, com autorrenovação prolongada, capacidade de formar colônias, diferenciação em três linhagens, população CD90 + e expressão CD45, que emitiram alta fluorescência vermelha após a marcação com nanocristais fluorescentes por diferentes vias, e criopreservadas para uso futuro. É possível concluir que as células estaminais mesenquimais do tecido adiposo de cutias têm características biológicas e comportamentos in vitro que demonstram seu potencial para uso em testes clínicos.(AU)

Conditioned medium of ovine Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells improves growth and reduces ROS generation of isolated secondary follicles after short-term in vitro culture.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the conditioned medium of ovine Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (oWJ-MSCs) on the morphology, growth, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH) intracellular levels, active mitochondria, and meiotic resumption of isolated ovine secondary follicles in vitro. The oWJ-MSCs were isolated and the medium where they were cultured was recovered (conditioned medium). Isolated ovine secondary follicles were cultured for 6 days in 1) supplemented α-MEM+ (control); 2) 50% α-MEM+ + 50% conditioned medium (α-MEM + CM group) or 3) conditioned medium only (CM group). The parameters analyzed were morphology, antrum formation, follicle and oocyte growth, ROS and GSH levels, mitochondrial activity and meiotic resumption. The percentage of normal follicles, antrum formation, and fully grown oocytes did not differ (P > 0.05) among treatments. Follicles cultured in α-MEM + CM group had greater (P < 0.05) diameter than other treatments after culture. Moreover, the diameter of the follicles cultured in CM alone was higher (P < 0.05) than in the α-MEM+. In addition, α-MEM + CM and CM treatments increased the growth rate compared to the α-MEM+. Treatments containing conditioned medium (α-MEM + CM or CM) significantly reduced ROS levels compared to the control medium. Moreover, mitochondrial activity was higher in α-MEM+ and α-MEM + CM than in CM alone. All treatments showed oocytes in GV, GVBD and MI. In conclusion, oWJ-MSCs conditioned medium, especially when associated with α-MEM, improves the growth of secondary follicles and reduces ROS generation after short-term culture.

Efeito de vitaminas adicionadas ao diluente ACP-104 sobre a qualidade do sêmen criopreservado de carpa comum (Cyprinus carpio) / Effect of vitamins added to the ACP-104 extender on the quality of cryopreserved semen of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi alcançado com a divisão da pesquisa em dois experimentos: (1) aperfeiçoar o protocolo de congelação utilizando água de coco em pó (ACP-104) como diluente para a criopreservação seminal de carpa comum; (2) avaliar o efeito da suplementação das vitaminas C (ácido ascórbico) ou E (α-tocoferol) sobre os melhores diluidores testados no experimento 1 na qualidade do sêmen pós-descongelado da espécie. Para o experimento 1, foram formados oito pools de sêmen, provenientes de 14 machos selecionados. As amostras seminais coletadas foram avaliadas quanto à motilidade total, à velocidade, ao percentual de espermatozoides normais e à vitalidade espermática antes e depois da criopreservação seminal. Esta foi realizada em meio ACP-104 acrescido de dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO), ou etilenoglicol (EG), ou glicerol, ou metanol, todos à concentração de 10%, diluídos em 1:3 (sêmen:diluidor). As amostras foram, então, congeladas em vapor de nitrogênio líquido em dry shipper e estocadas em nitrogênio líquido (-196°C). Para o experimento 2, foram formados oito pools provenientes da coleta de sêmen de 15 machos. As amostras seminais foram avaliadas seguindo as mesmas análises do experimento 1, acrescentando-se a duração da motilidade total. A criopreservação seminal utilizou-se do meio ACP-104 acrescido de DMSO ou EG, suplementado ou não com vitamina C ou E. Os melhores resultados encontrados no experimento 1 foram obtidos com o DMSO e o EG. Estes não diferiram significativamente entre si para a motilidade total (24% e 28%; P>0,05) e a normalidade espermática (32% e 26%; P>0,05), respectivamente. Para o experimento 2, o EG suplementado com vitamina E produziu significativamente resultados superiores de motilidade total, normalidade espermática e duração da motilidade em relação ao DMSO, concluindo-se que o EG deve ser, portanto, o crioprotetor de escolha a ser utilizado com o ACP-104 suplementado ou não com vitamina E.(AU)

The objective was achieved by dividing the research into two experiments: (1) improving the freezing protocol using powdered coconut water (ACP-104) as a diluent for the cryopreservation seminal of common carp; (2) evaluating the effect of supplementation of vitamins C (ascorbic acid) or vitamin E (α-tocoferol) with the best extenders tested in experiment 1 on the quality of post-thawed. For experiment 1, semen pools from 14 selected males were formed. Seminal samples were evaluated for total motility, velocity, percentage of normal sperm and sperm vitality before and after the seminal cryopreservation. This was done in ACP-104 extender plus dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), or ethylene glycol (EG), or glycerol or methanol all at concentration 10% diluted in 1:3 (semen:extender). The samples were frozen in vapors of nitrogen into dry shippers and stored in liquid nitrogen (-196 °C). For experiment 2, eight pools were formed from the 15 males. The semen samples were evaluated following the same analysis of experiment 1 adding duration of total motility. The sperm cryopreservation was performed in extenders ACP-104 plus DMSO or EG supplemented or not with vitamin C or E. The best results found in Experiment 1 were obtained with DMSO and EG. They do not differ significantly for total motility (24% and 28%; P>0.05) and normal sperm (32% and 26%; P>0.05) respectively. For experiment 2, EG supplemented with vitamin E, produced significantly better results overall motility, sperm normality and duration of motility relative to DMSO. In conclusion, EG should be the cryoprotectant of choice for use with the ACP-104 supplemented or not with vitamin E.(AU)

Morfologia e dinâmica testicular em cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) adultas / Testicular morphology and dynamic in adult agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha)

Este trabalho objetivou apresentar a caracterização da morfologia do testículo de cutia (Dasyproctaprymnolopha) macho, com o intuito de colaborar com o conhecimento da morfofisiologia reprodutiva da espécie. Foram utilizados testículos de 47 animais, com idade entre um e dois anos, pesos homogêneos (2,08 ± 0,23kg), oriundos do Núcleo de Estudos e Preservação de Animais Silvestres do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal do Piauí. As estruturas foram dissecadas, descritas, e fragmentos foram processados para a microscopia de luz, sendo, posteriormente avaliada a atividade gonadal. Observou-se que os testículos são órgãos elipsoides alongados, podendo ser encontrados na região inguinal ou na cavidade abdominal, não apresentando um escroto bem delimitado. Verificou-se também parênquima com característica histológica padrão para o órgão em mamíferos, com a identificação de oito tipos de associações celulares, caracterizando os estádios do ciclo do epitélio seminífero, com menor e maior frequência dos estádios 3 e 5, respectivamente.(AU)

This study meant to characterize the morphology of the testicle from (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) agouti males, in order to collaborate with the knowledge of reproductive morphophysiology of the specie. Testicles were used from 47 animals aged between 1 and 2 years, homogeneous weight (2.08±0.23kg), coming from the Centre for the Study and Conservation of Wild Animals of Agricultural Sciences Center of the Federal University of Piauí. The structures were dissected, described and fragments were processed for light microscopy, and, subsequently, gonadal activity was evaluated. Testes were observed to be elongated ellipsoidal bodies that can be found in the groin or in the abdominal cavity, not having a clearly defined scrotum. We also could see parenchymal with standard histological characteristic for the mammalian body, with the identification of eight types of cell associations, characterized epithelium Seminiferous stages of the cycle, with lower and higher frequency of stages 3 and 5, respectively.(AU)

Cinética e morfologia de espermatozoides de carpa comum criopreservados em água de coco em pó acp-104 / Kinetics and morphology of common carp sperm cryopreserved in powdered coconut water acp-104

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes taxas de diluição seminal sobre a motilidade, velocidade e presença de anormalidades espermáticas no sêmen descongelado de carpa comum (Cyprinus carpio). Utilizaram-se 20 machos sexualmente maduros, pertencentes ao Departamento Nacional de Obras Contra as Secas (DNOCS). A partir do sêmen coletado, foi formado um total de nove pools. O sêmen de cada pool foi avaliado quanto à motilidade, velocidade e morfologia espermática antes e depois da criopreservação. A criopreservação seminal foi realizada em meio ACP-104 + DMSO 10% diluído em 1:1 ou 1:3 (sêmen:diluidor). As amostras foram envasadas em palhetas de 0,25mL, congeladas em vapor de nitrogênio líquido (caixa de poliestireno) e estocadas em nitrogênio líquido (-196 °C). Não houve diferença significativa (P>0,05) entre as taxas de diluições sobre os parâmetros cinéticos e morfológicos de sêmen descongelado de carpa comum. Entretanto, esses parâmetros apresentaram diferença significativa (P<0,05) em relação ao sêmen fresco (controle). Baixos valores de velocidade foram registrados no sêmen descongelado (VCL 42,6-46,5μm/s; VSL 33,2-37,1μm/s; VAP 38,9-43,2μm/s); contudo, observaram-se motilidades acima de 59% (59,8-67,8%) e baixos índices de anormalidades espermáticas (19,3-19,5%), sugerindo que o ACP pode ser usado como um meio favorável à criopreservação do sêmen de carpa comum em qualquer uma das taxas de diluição testadas.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of various dilution ratios on thaw sperm motility, velocity and presence of spermatic abnormalities in the common carp. 20 males with three years of age, raised at the Departamento Nacional de Obras Contra as Secas (DNOCS) were used. From the collected semen a total of nine pools were formed. The semen from each pool was evaluated for motility, velocity and spermatic morphology before and after cryopreservation. The sperm cryopreservation was performed in medium ACP-104 + DMSO 10% diluted in 1:1 or 1:3 (sperm:extender). The samples were loaded into 0.25mL straws, frozen in liquid nitrogen vapor (Styrofoam) and stored in liquid nitrogen (-196 °C). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the ratios of dilution on the kinetic and morphological parameters of thawed semen from common carp. However, these parameters were significantly different (P<0.05) compared to fresh semen (control). Low velocity values were recorded in thawed semen (VCL 42.6-46.5μm/s; VSL 33.2-37.1μm/s; VAP 38.9-43.2μm/s), however, observed motility above 59% (59.8-67.8%), and low levels of spermatic abnormalities (19.3-19.5%) suggested that the ACP-104 can be used as a suitable medium for cryopreservation of common carp semen in any of the tested dilution ratios.

Effects of elevated CO2 concentration and water deficit on fructan metabolism in Viguiera discolor Baker.

Elevated [CO2 ] is suggested to mitigate the negative effects of water stress in plants; however responses vary among species. Fructans are recognised as protective compounds against drought and other stresses, as well as having a role as reserve carbohydrates. We analysed the combined effects of elevated [CO2 ] and water deficit on fructan metabolism in the Cerrado species Viguiera discolor Baker. Plants were cultivated for 18 days in open-top chambers (OTC) under ambient (∼380 ppm), and high (∼760 ppm) [CO2 ]. In each OTC, plants were submitted to three treatments: (i) daily watering (control), (ii) withholding water (WS) for 18 days and (iii) re-watering (RW) on day 11. Analyses were performed at time 0 and days 5, 8, 11, 15 and 18. High [CO2 ] increased photosynthesis in control plants and increased water use efficiency in WS plants. The decline in soil water content was more distinct in WS 760 (WS under 760 ppm), although the leaf and tuberous root water status was similar to WS 380 plants (WS under 380 ppm). Regarding fructan active enzymes, 1-SST activity decreased in WS plants in both CO2 concentrations, a result consistent with the decline in photosynthesis and, consequently, in substrate availability. Under WS and both [CO2 ] treatments, 1-FFT and 1-FEH seemed to act in combination to generate osmotically active compounds and thus overcome water deficit. The proportion of hexoses to sucrose, 1-kestose and nystose (SKN) was higher in WS plants. In WS 760, this increase was higher than in WS 380, and was not accompanied by decreases in SKN at the beginning of the treatment, as observed in WS 380 plants. These results suggest that the higher [CO2 ] in the atmosphere contributed to maintain, for a longer period, the pool of hexoses and of low DP fructans, favouring the maintenance of the water status and plant survival under drought.

Pregnancy in Hystricomorpha: gestational age and embryonic-fetal development of agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, Wagler 1831) estimated by ultrasonography.

Thirty-one pregnant agoutis, between Days 9 and 103 of gestation (Day 1 = day of detection of sperm in the vaginal smear), underwent B-mode ultrasonography; gestational sac diameter (GSD), crown-rump length (CRL), embryonic-fetal diameter (EFD), and placenta diameter (PD) were measured. There were positive correlations (P < 0.05) between GSD and CRL (r = 0.98), GSD and PD (r = 0.88), CRL and PD (r = 0.86), days of gestation (DG) and CRL (r = 0.85), and DG and PD (r = 0.73). The gestational sac was first observed on Day 14. The embryo was first seen on Day 18 in 9/31 of pregnant agoutis and on Day 22 in 20/31 of pregnant agoutis. Heartbeats were detected from the Day 25 and placentas were observed in 100% of the animals from Day 25. Early limb bud and ossification of the fetal skull were identified on Days 27 (15/31) and 45 (24/31), respectively. Fetal orientation (head and body) was evident from Day 40, the stomach, liver and lungs were identified on Day 50, the kidneys were reliably seen only on Day 55, and the aorta and vena cava were seen on Day 70. The fetal bowel and the urinary bladder were the last structures to be observed (Day 85). Ultrasonography was effective for early pregnancy diagnosis in agouti and for obtaining information on embryonic and fetal structures that could be used to predict gestational age and birth, thereby contributing to their reproductive management in captivity.

Spermatogenesis in goats with and without scrotum bipartition.

The objective of the present research was to quantify the seminiferous epithelium cells, spermatogenesis efficiency and characterize the ultrastrucure of Sertoli cells in goats. Eighteen goats were used and divided into three groups: Group I - goats without bipartition of the scrotum; Group II - animals with bipartition of the scrotum in up to 50% of the testicular length; Group III - goats with bipartition of the scrotum in more than 50% of the testicular length. The goat testes in Group III had a greater number of primary spermatocytes (25.37 ± 4.55 cells per cross sections), spermatids (112 ± 15.12 cells per cross sections), and Sertoli cells (9.46 ± 1.74 cells per cross sections) than the animals in Groups I and II (P<0.05). The spermatogenic mitotic, meiotic, and general efficiency were greater in animals in Group III (1.25 ± 0.28; 5.12 ± 1.63; 6.44 ± 1.96) when compared to those in Groups I and II. Sheet-like processes originated from the Sertoli cell body as simple and smooth structures which involved almost all the surface of germ cells. Slender cord-like processes originated from Sertoli cells and also from the sheet-like processes. The relative frequency of the cycle stages showed differences among the groups of goats studied, and the highest frequency was in Stage 3 (20.68% for goats in Group I, 21.15% for those in Group II, and 16.89% for the animals in Group III). In conclusion, goats with bipartition of the scrotum have a greater number of germ and Sertoli cells per cross section of seminiferous tubule, that indicated a greater sperm production when compared to the other groups, and the ultrastructure of the Sertoli cell process did not present any relationship with bipartition of the scrotum.

Daily sperm production and testicular morphometry in goats according to external scrotal conformation.

The present study aimed to compare testicular histology and the testicular cell population as well as spermatogenic efficiency in goats with different scrotal conformations. Eighteen goats were divided into 3 groups: Group I - goats without bipartition of the scrotum, Group II - animals with bipartition of the scrotum up to 50% of the testicular length, Group III - goats with scrotal bipartition more than 50% of the testicular length. In goats in Groups I, II and III, the values for the volume density of seminiferous epithelium were 68.9 ± 0.6%, 71.5 ± 2.8% and 73.4 ± 4.7% (P<0.05), the height of the seminiferous epithelium were 60.2 ± 4.9 µm, 61.0 ± 5.0 µm and 73.1 ± 6.6 µm (P<0.05), total length of seminiferous tubules found for Groups I, II and III were 2091.9 ± 27 m, 2172.5 ± 24.1 m, and 2340.1 ± 14 m (P<0.05), number of Sertoli and Leydig cells were 1.8 ± 0.4×10(9) and 1.4 ± 0.1×10(9), 2.2 ± 0.4 and 2.2 ± 0.7×10(9), and 2.5 ± 0.1 10(9) and 2.3 ± 0.5 10(9) (P<0.05) and daily sperm production observed were 2.1 ± 0.3×10(9), 2.8 ± 0.4×10(9), and 3.1 ± 0.7×10(9) (P<0.05). In conclusion, goats with greater scrotal bipartition have a greater capacity to produce reproductive cells that is reflected in a greater reproductive potential.

Collection and evaluation of epididymal sperm in captive agoutis (Dasyprocta aguti).

The objective was to establish a protocol for the collection and evaluation of epididymal sperm in agoutis. Eight males (1-2 y old) underwent left orchidectomy and epididymal sperma were collected by retrograde flush. Average values were flush volume 32 µL, pH 6.9, sperm concentration 748 x 10(6) sperm/mL, with motility 86.5% and vigor 4.6. Viable sperm were present in all flush samples; 66% of sperm were alive, and 41.9% of sperm responded positively to the hypoosmotic test (using distilled water). There were 21.1% morphologically abnormal sperm, of which 2.0 and 19.1% were primary and secondary defects, respectively. The acrosome was intact in 99.5% of sperm. The sperm head was 4.89 ± 0.41 µm long and 3.13 ± 0.35 µm wide, with an area of 13.01 ± 2.01 µm(2). Midpieces were 5.33 ± 0.44 µm long and 0.98 ± 0.13 wide, sperm tails were 29.91 ± 2.29 µm, and overall sperm length was 40.12 ± 2.44 µm. In conclusion, epididymal sperm collection from agoutis was satisfactory; the collected sperm has the potential to be stored, facilitating development of other reproductive biotechnologies for this species.

Out-of-season sperm cryopreserved in different media of the Amazonian freshwater fish pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus).

The pirapitinga (Piaractus brachypomus) is a freshwater fish that inhabits the Amazon and Orinoco River basins. The use of cryopreserved sperm has been considered to facilitate procedures during the artificial reproduction. The aim of the present study was to develop a freezing protocol for pirapitinga sperm collected outside the spawning season. Sperm samples were diluted in four freezing media prepared by a combination of two extenders (glucose and BTS-Beltsville Thawing Solution) and two cryoprotectant agents (DMSO and methylglycol) loaded into 0.5-mL straws, frozen in a nitrogen-vapor shipping dewar (dry-shipper) and stored in liquid nitrogen at -196 degrees C. Post-thaw sperm motility was evaluated both subjectively using a light microscope and by a computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA). Curvilinear, average path and straight-line velocities were also determined. There were no differences (P>0.05) in post-thaw sperm motility between evaluations performed subjectively and using the CASA. Sperm samples cryopreserved in glucose-methylglycol yielded the greatest post-thaw sperm motility (81%) and fastest sperm velocities when compared to the samples frozen in the other three media (P<0.05). Out-of-season sperm cryopreserved in glucose and methylglycol under the conditions described above is of high quality and can therefore be used to facilitate artificial reproduction procedures, as only females will need handling for hormonal induction and gamete collection during the spawning season. Although the CASA system provides precise data on sperm motility, the subjective evaluation is practical and can be conducted by well-trained personnel at commercial fish farms as an acceptable evaluation of sperm quality.

Hemograma e proteinograma de cutias (Dasyprocta sp. ) hígidas, criadas em cativeiro: influência do sexo e da idade / Haemogram and proteinogram of healthy agouti (Dasyprocta sp. ) raised in captivity: influence of gender and age

Determinaram-se os perfis do hemograma e do proteinograma de 24 cutias (Dasyprocta sp.) saudáveis, criadas em cativeiro, e avaliaram-se a influência de sexo e de idade e a interação sexo-idade. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso em arranjo fatorial 2 x 4 (dois sexos e quatro faixas etárias), com três repetições. Os valores do hemograma e do proteinograma foram: leucócitos totais: 7,24±2,52 (x10³/µl), basófilos: 0,11±0,2 (x10³/µl), eosinófilos: 0,32±0,2 (x10³/µl), segmentados: 2,5±1,22 (x10³/µl), linfócitos: 3,58±1,52 (x10³/µl), monócitos: 0,76±0,47 (x10³/µl), hemácias: 6,51±0,83 (x10(6)/µl), hematócrito: 43,58±3,41 por cento, hemoglobina: 12,71±1,04g/dl, volume corpuscular médio: 67,61±7,52ml, concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média: 29,19±1,61 por cento, plaquetas: 150,08±63,39 (x10³/ml), proteínas totais: 6,04±1,77g/dl, albumina: 2,07±0,79g/dl e globulinas: 3,97±1,54g/dl. Os parâmetros relativos à série vermelha e ao proteinograma não diferiram quanto ao sexo ou idade, e não houve interação sexo-idade. Os valores de linfócitos foram mais baixos entre os animais mais velhos.

The profiles of hemogram and proteinogram of healthy agouti (Dasyprocta sp.) grown in captivity, in Piauí State, Brazil, were determined, as well as the influence of gender and age factors and the relationship between sex-age them. A completely randomized design was used in a factorial arrange 2x4, two genders and four ages, totaling 24 animals. The mean values of the hemogram were: erythrocytes = 6.51±0.83 (x10(6)); hematocrit = 43.58±3,41 percent; hemoglobin = 12.71±1,04g/dl; mean corpuscular volume = 64.61±7.52μl; mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration = 29.19±1,61 percent; platelets= 150.08±63.39 (x10³/μl); white blood cells = 7.24±2.52 (x10³/μl); basophils = 0.11±0,2 (x10³/μl); eosinophils = 0,32±0,2 (x10³/μl); neutrophils = 2.5±1,22 (x10³/μl); lymphocytes = 3.58±1.52 (x10³/μl); and monocytes = 0.76±0.47 (x10³/μl). The mean values of the proteinogram were: total serum proteins = 6.04±1.77g/dl; albumin = 2.07±0.79g/dl and globulin = 3.97±1.54g/dl. Neither gender nor age influenced the results of the studied parameters. Association between gender and age was not verified. The values of lymphocytes were lower in older animals.

Níveis iônicos e enzimáticos de cutias (Dasyprocta sp.) hígidas, criadas em cativeiro, influência do sexo e da idade / Ion and enzymatic levels of healthy agouti (Dasyprocta sp.) raised in captivit. Influence of gender and age

Determinou-se o perfil do ionograma e enzimas hepáticas de cutias (Dasyprocta sp.) saudáveis, criadas em cativeiro, como também se avaliou a influência de sexo, idade e interação sexo-idade. Foi adotado um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2 x 4 (dois sexos e quatro faixas etárias), com três repetições, totalizando 24 cutias. Foram determinados os valores para o cálcio (Ca), fósforo (P), cloretos (Cl), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), alanina aminotransferase (ALT), fosfatase alcalina (FA) e gama-glutamiltransferase (GGT). Os valores médios obtidos foram: Ca= 7,62+2,59mg/dl; P= 3,91+1,41mg/dl; Cl= 58,63+16,45mg/dl; AST= 119,54+79,35UI/ml; ALT= 28,08+15,53UI/ml; FA= 26,95+14,01UI/ml e GGT= 25,34+19,44UI/ml. O valor de P foi maior nas fêmeas e da FA nos machos. Os níveis de FA diminuíram com o aumento da idade.

This research studied the profile of the ionogram and hepatic enzymes of healthy agoutis (Dasyprocta sp.) raised in captivity as well as evaluated the influence of gender, age and interaction gender-age. It was used a completely randomized design, in a factorial arrangement of 2 x 4 (two genders and four age groups), with three repetitions, totaling 24 agoutis. The values were determined for calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), chlorides (Cl), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). The mean values were: Ca= 7.62±2.59mg/dl; P= 3.91±1.41mg/dl; Cl= 58.63±16,45mg/dl; AST= 119.54±79.35UI/ml; ALT= 28.08±15.53UI/ml; ALP= 26.95±14.01UI/ml, and GGT= 25.34±19.44UI/ml. The value of P was larger in females and ALP in males. As the age increased, levels of ALP decreased.

Arterial supply of the penis in agoutis (Dasyprocta prymnolpha, Wagler, 1831).

The arterial vascularization of agoutis' penis (Dasyprocta prymnolopha) were analysed using ten male adults from 'Núcleo de Estudos e Preservação de Animais Silvestres da Universidade Federal do Piauí' (FUFPI/IBAMA n degrees 02/99). Among the total number of specimens, six animals had natural death and were members of the research collection of the Laboratory of Anatomy, and four were killed after anaesthesia. Stained bi-centrifugated-Cis-I-4 latex was injected in arterial vessels responsible for penis vascularization throughout the abdominal portion of aorta. The samples were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution and arteries were dissected. The penile artery is originated as a branch of internal pudendal artery. At the level of ischiatic arch, the penile artery project two branches, the penile dorsal and the deep arteries; those arteries irrigates the penile dorsal surface and the corpus cavernosum penis. The penile dorsal arteries have an independent course up to the glans penis. Based on the conditions of this work a remarkable similarity regarding the distribution of vessels destined to the agouti penis when compared to other domestic, wild and lagomorph rodents as rabbits.

Ramificaçäo e distribuiçäo da artéria celíaca na cutia (Dasyprocta aguti) / Branching and distribution of the coeliac artery in \"cutias\" (Dasyprocta aguti, Rodentia)

Estudamos a ramificaçäo e a distribuiçäo da artéria celíaca em 19 cutias (Dasyprocta aguti, Rodentia) adultas (5 machos e 14 fêmeas), procedentes do Estado do Piauí, Brasil. Injetamos látex, do tipo Neoprene 650 corado, na porçäo abdominal da aorta de cada animal, os quais foram fixados em soluçäo aquosa de formol a 10 por cento. Nossos resultados mostraram que a artéria celíaca termina por trifurcaçäo (73,7 por cento mais ou menos 10,1), nas artérias esplênica, gástrica esquerda e hepática por bifurcaçäo (26,3 por cento mais ou menos 10,1). A artéria esplênica emite vários ramos para o baço 1 a 7 e continua-se como artéria gastroepiplóica esquerda. A artéria hepática dá origem à artéria gástrica direita, gastroepiplóica direita e pancreaticoduodenal cranial. A artéria gástrica esquerda destina-se à pequena curvatura e parte proventricular do estômago