Pathology and causes of death in stranded humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) from Brazil.

This study describes the pathologic findings of 24 humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) found stranded along the Brazilian coast from 2004 to 2016. Eighteen (75%) animals evaluated were found stranded alive. From these, 13 died naturally on shore and five were euthanized. Six died at sea and were washed ashore. Of the 24, 19 (79.2%) were calves, four (16.7%) were juveniles, and one (4.2%) was an adult. The most probable cause of stranding and/or death (CSD) was determined in 23/24 (95.8%) individuals. In calves, CSD included neonatal respiratory distress (13/19; 68.4%), infectious disease (septicemia, omphaloarteritis and urachocystitis; 3/19; 15.8%), trauma of unknown origin (2/19; 10.5%), and vehicular trauma (vessel strike; 1/19; 5.3%). In juveniles and adult individuals, CSD was: emaciation (2/5; 40%), sunlight-thermal burn shock (1/5; 20%); and discospondylitis (1/5; 20%). In one juvenile, the CSD was undetermined (1/5; 20%). This study integrates novel findings and published case reports to delineate the pathology of a South-western Atlantic population of humpback whales. This foundation will aid in the assessment of the population health and establish a baseline for development of conservation policies.

Balanced Caloric Restriction Minimizes Changes Caused by Aging on the Colonic Myenteric Plexus.

Aging can promote significant morphofunctional changes in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Regulation of GIT motility is mainly controlled by the myenteric neurons of the enteric nervous system. Actions that aim at decreasing the aging effects in the GIT include those related to diet, with caloric restriction (CR). The CR is achieved by controlling the amount of food or by manipulating the components of the diet. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate different levels of CR on the plasticity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate- (NADPH-) reactive myenteric neurons in the colon of Wistar rats during the aging process using ultrastructural (transmission electron microscopy) and morphoquantitative analysis. Wistar male rats (Rattus norvegicus) were distributed into 4 groups (n = 10/group): C, 6-month-old animals; SR, 18-month-old animals fed a normal diet; CRI, 18-month-old animals fed a 12% CR diet; CRII, 18-month-old animals fed a 31% CR diet. At 6 months of age, animals were transferred to the laboratory animal facility, where they remained until 18 months of age. Animals of the CRI and CRII groups were submitted to CR for 6 months. In the ultrastructural analysis, a disorganization of the periganglionar matrix with the aging was observed, and this characteristic was not observed in the animals that received hypocaloric diet. It was observed that the restriction of 12.5% and 31% of calories in the diet minimized the increase in density and cell profile of the reactive NADPH neurons, increased with age. This type of diet may be adapted against gastrointestinal disturbances that commonly affect aging individuals.

Topography of arterial and venous blood vessels in the kidneys of English Thoroughbred Horses / Topografia dos vasos sanguíneos arteriais e venosos nos rins de Cavalos Puro Sangue Inglês

In equines, kidney diseases are typically associated with respiratory and digestive problems, but surgical intervention is not common. The study of kidney blood vessels of domestic and wild animals are of fundamental importance for understanding many aspects of their physiology and nutrition. The current study used 30 pairs of kidneys from English Thoroughbred horses being 15 males and 15 females of different ages. The organs were donated by the Jockey Club of Sao Paulo. During the animal necropsies, the kidneys and their arteries and veins were removed together. The organs were fixed in formalin 10% for about 48 hours, for dissection and individualization of the components of the renal pedicle. After dissecting the material, the components of the renal pedicle were individualised. To analyse the results, the cranioventral, craniodorsal, caudoventral and caudodorsal quadrants were defined using two lines: craniocaudal and dorsoventral. Overall, the following results were obtained: in the hilar region, two arterial branches occurred in the right kidney in 50% of cases and two in the left kidney (33.3%); in the juxtahilar region, the number of arterial branches ranged from four to five in the right kidney in 20% of cases, whereas six occurred in the left kidney (16.7%); and regarding the extrahilar region, three branches occurred in the right kidney (26.7%) and three in the left kidney (20.0%).

As doenças renais em equinos, geralmente estão associadas a problemas respiratórios e digestórios, entretanto não são frequentes as intervenções cirúrgicas neste órgão para estes animais. O estudo dos vasos sanguíneos relativos aos rins nos animais domésticos e selvagens é de fundamental importância para o entendimento de diversos aspectos de sua fisiologia e nutrição. Neste trabalho, foram utilizados 30 pares de rins de equinos Puro Sangue Inglês, dos quais 15 machos e 15 fêmeas, de diferentes faixas etárias, provenientes de doação do Jockey Club de São Paulo. Durante a necropsia dos animais, os rins unidos por meio de suas artérias e veias renais foram retirados em bloco. Em seguida, foram fixados em solução de formol a 10%, por aproximadamente 48h, para a dissecação e individualização dos componentes dos pedículos renais. Para a análise dos resultados foram demarcados os quadrantes cranioventral, craniodorsal, caudoventral e caudodorsal, com duas linhas uma craniocaudal e a outra dorsoventral. Os resultados obtidos revelaram que: os ramos arteriais da região hilar são observados no rim direito em número de dois em 50%, no esquerdo em número de dois (33,3%), os ramos arteriais na região justahilar são computados no rim direito em número de quatro a cinco em 20% e no rim esquerdo em número de seis (16,7%), e nos ramos dispostos na região extrahilar são registrados no rim direito em número de três (26,7%) e no esquerdo em número de três (20%).

Efeito da atividade física moderada sobre neurônios mioentéricos nitrérgicos do íleo de ratos de meia idade / The effect of moderate physical activity on myoenteric nitrergic neurons in the ileum of middle-aged rats / Efecto de la actividad física moderada en neuronas mientéricas nitrérgicas del íleon de ratas de mediana edad

Poucos são os relatos a respeito do efeito da atividade física sobre o plexo mioentérico ao longo do envelhecimento. Portanto, analisaram-se os neurônios mioentéricos NADPH-diaforase positivos do íleo em ratos que envelheceram praticando atividade física a partir dos seis meses de vida. Dez ratos Wistar foram distribuídos em dois grupos (n = 5/grupo): S (ratos sedentários controles com 12 meses de idade) e T (ratos treinados com 12 meses de idade). Os animais do grupo T realizaram, dos seis aos 12 meses de idade, atividade física regulada conforme resultados obtidos em teste de esforço máximo. Ao final do período experimental, o íleo obtido de cada animal foi processado para a técnica de NADPH-diaforase para evidenciar neurônios mioentéricos em preparados de membrana e quantificar e mensurar a área do pericário desses neurônios. A área do pericário não diferiu (P> 0,05) entre o grupo S (218,49 µm2) e o grupo T (210,59 µm2). A média de neurônios presente em 60 campos microscópicos de preparados de membranas no grupo S (126 neurônios) foi superior (P<0,05) a média encontrada no grupo T (93 neurônios), sugerindo que a atividade física pode inibir ou diminuir a expressão dos neurônios nitrérgicos em ratos de 12 meses de idade que praticaram atividade física desde os seis meses de vida. Os resultados quantitativos sugerem que a falta de atividade física regular propicia aumento na atividade dos neurônios nitrérgicos, contribuindo para o surgimento dos distúrbios da motricidade gastrointestinal que podem ocorrer ao longo do envelhecimento.

There are only a few reports on the effect of physical activity in the myoenteric plexus throughout the aging process. For such, the positive myoenteric NADPH-diaphoresis neurons in the ileum of those rats that aged practicing physical activity from the sixth month were analyzed. Ten Wistar rats were distributed into two groups (n= 5/group): S (12 months-old control sedentary rats) and T (12 months-old trained rats). The animals from the T group practiced controlled physical activity from the age of 6 months to 12 months, according to the maximum effort test results. At the end of the experimental period, the ileum obtained from each animal was processed in the NADPH-diaphoresis technique to highlight myoenteric neurons in membrane preparations, and quantify and measure the perikaryon area from those neurons. The Perikaryon area did not differ (P>0.05) among the S group (218.49 µm2) and the T group (210.59 µm2). The average of neurons in 60 membrane preparations in the S group (126 neurons) was higher (P<0.05) than the average finding in the T group (93 neurons), indicating that the physical activity can inhibit or decrease the nitrergic expression in 12 month-old rats that have practiced physical activity from the age of 6 months. The quantitative results suggest that the lack of regular physical activity provides the elevation of nitrergic neurons, concurring to the emergence of gastrointestinal motility disorders that can occur during the aging process.

Hay pocos informes sobre el efecto de la actividad física sobre el plexo mientérico a lo largo del envejecimiento. Por lo tanto, se analizaron las neuronas mientéricas NADPH-diaforasa positivas del íleon en ratas que envejecieron practicando actividad física a partir de seis meses de vida. Diez ratas Wistar se dividieron en dos grupos (n = 5 / grupo): S (ratas sedentarias de control con 12 meses de edad) y T (ratas entrenadas con 12 meses de edad). Los animales del grupo T realizaron, de los seis a los doce meses de edad, actividad física regulada conforme resultados obtenidos en prueba de esfuerzo máximo. Al final del período experimental, el íleon obtenido de cada animal se procesó por la técnica de NADPH-diaforasa para mostrar las neuronas mientéricas en preparados de membrana, cuantificar y medir el área del pericario de esas neuronas. El área del pericario no difirió (P> 0.05) entre el grupo S (218.49 µm2) y el grupo T (210.59 µm2). El número medio de neuronas presentes en 60 campos microscópicos de preparados de membranas en el grupo S (126 neuronas) fue mayor (P <0,05), promedio encontrado en el grupo T (93 neuronas), lo que sugiere que la actividad física puede inhibir o disminuir la expresión de las neuronas nitrérgicas en ratas de 12 meses de edad que practicaron actividad física desde los seis meses de edad. Los resultados cuantitativos sugieren que la falta de actividad física regular promueve aumento en la actividad de las neuronas nitrérgicas, contribuyendo a la aparición de disturbios de la motricidad gastrointestinal que pueden ocurrir a lo largo del envejecimiento.

Ultrastructural aspects of the tongue in Magellanic Penguins Spheniscus magellanicus (Forster, 1781) / Aspectos ultraestruturais da língua de Pinguim-de-Magalhães Spheniscus magellanicus (Forster, 1781)

The tongue of birds presents diversified morphologic characteristics, related directly their feeding habits and may be adapted to food capture. Penguins of the Spheniscidae family are pelagic birds that are totally adapted to the marine environment. The objective of this study was to describe the morphology of the tongue in Magellanic penguins (Spheniscus magellanicus). In order to investigate these characteristics, six tongues of juvenile S . magellanicus were collected and their morphology analyzed macroscopically and microscopically. The tongue of the Magellanic penguin has a fusiform shape with a round apex that is narrower than the root, following the shape of the beak. The epithelium of the tongue of the Magellanic penguin showed to be stratified and very keratinized, with the presence of lingual papillae that showed a caudally inclined apex. The neighboring connective tissue showed absence of mucous glands. The cartilaginous skeleton was observed in the medial region of the tongue, extending from the base to the apex. The structure of the tongue of the Magellanic penguin showed to be similar to that of other penguin species, but also showed peculiar characteristics that were not observed in other bird families.

A língua das aves apresenta características morfológicas diversificadas, relacionados diretamente com seus hábitos alimentares e pode ser adaptado para a captura de alimentos. Os pinguins da família Spheniscidae são aves pelágicas totalmente adaptadas ao ambiente marinho. O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a morfologia da língua de pinguins de Magalhães (Spheniscus magellanicus). Para investigar tais características, seis línguas de S. magellanicus juvenis foram coletados e sua morfologia analisada macro e microscopicamente. A língua do pinguim de Magalhães tem formato fusiforme com ápice arredondado e mais estreito em relação à raiz, acompanhando o formato do bico. O epitélio da língua do pinguim-de-Magalhães mostrou-se estratificado e muito queratinizado, com a presença de papilas linguais, com ápices voltados caudalmente. O tecido conjuntivo adjacente mostrou ausência de glândulas mucosas. Um esqueleto cartilaginoso, formado por cartilagem hialina, foi observado na região mediana da língua se estendendo da base até ápice. A estrutura da língua do pinguim Magellanic mostrou ser semelhante ao de outras espécies de pinguins, mas também apresentou características peculiares que não foram observados em outras famílias de aves.

Desenvolvimento do sistema tegumentar em bovinos com idades gestacionais estimadas de 20 a 140 dias / Development of the integumentary system in bovine with estimated gestational ages from 20 to 140 days

A pele representa parte importante do sistema tegumentar, pois desempenha funções como a proteção contra desidratação, lesões e infecções, além de apresentar alto poder de renovação. Histologicamente, a pele consiste de duas camadas funcionais, morfologicamente distintas, a epiderme e a derme. As glândulas mamárias, capsula ungueal e cornos também fazem parte deste sistema. Devido à escassez de dados na literatura sobre o desenvolvimento da pele e dos anexos de natureza córnea em bovinos, o objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever as características morfológicas do desenvolvimento do sistema tegumentar durante os períodos embrionário e fetal em bovinos. Os indivíduos foram divididos em três grupos: Grupo I -embriões de 20-26 dias (n=4); Grupo II -embriões 30-47 dias (n=6) e Grupo III -fetos de 74-140 dias (n=6). Durante o desenvolvimento da pele observou-se diferentes padrões morfológicos de acordo com as regiões analisadas, apresentando índice maior de diferenciação no intervalo entre 30-47 dias de gestação. O aparelho ungueal e a glândula mamária se desenvolvem mais tardiamente entre os dias 74-140 da gestação. Em resumo, estes resultados acerca do desenvolvimento do sistema tegumentar em bovinos, poderão auxiliar na interpretação e compreensão da formação dos órgãos que o constituem, assim como para a compreensão de alterações patológicas associadas à organogênese.

The skin is an important part of the integumentary system, which has important functions such as protection against dehydration, injury and infection, as well as present high potential of renewal. Histologically, the skin consists of two functional layers, that are morphologically distinct, the epidermis and dermis. The mammary glands, ungueal capsule and horn are also part of this system. Due the poor data available on literature about the development of skin and other cornea attachments in bovine, the aim of this study was to describe the morphological characteristics of the integumentary system development during the embryonic and fetal periods in bovine. Individuals were allocated in three groups: Group I -embryos from 20 to 26 days (n=4), Group II -embryos from 30 to 47 days (n=6) and Group III -fetuses from 74 to 140 days (n=6). During the development of the skin it was observed different morphological patterns according to the analyzed regions. Especially, a higher level of differentiation was observed during 30-47 days of gestation. The bovine claw and mammary gland develop later between 74 to 140 days of gestation. In summary, these results related to the development of the integumentary system in bovine may help the analysis and understanding of the development of their organs, as well as the pathological disorders associated to the organogenesis.

Morphological analysis of lymph nodes in Odontocetes from north and northeast coast of Brazil.

The morphology and location of lymph nodes from seven species of Odontocetes, of both sexes and different age groups, were described. All animals were derived from stranding events along the North and Northeastern coasts of Brazil. After the identification of lymph nodes in situ, tissue samples were analyzed for light and electron microscopy. Vascular volume density (VVD) and vascular length density (VLD) were evaluated in the mesenteric lymph nodes. Lymph nodes occurred as solitary nodules or in groups, varying in shape and size. In addition to using the nomenclature recommended by Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria, new nomenclatures were suggested based on the lymph nodes topography. Lymph nodes were covered by a highly vascularized and innervated capsule of dense connective tissue, below which muscle fibers were observed, inconsistently, in all studied species. There was no difference in VLD among different age groups. However, VVD was higher in adults. Lymph nodes parenchyma was divided into an outer cortex, containing lymph nodules and germinal centers; a paracortical region, transition zone with dense lymphoid tissue; and an inner medulla, composed of small irregular cords of lymphatic tissue, blood vessels, and diffuse lymphoid tissue. Abundant collagen fibers were observed around arteries and arterioles. Germinal centers were more evident and developed in calves and young animals, being more discrete and sparse in adults. The morphology of lymph nodes in Odontocetes was typical of that observed in other terrestrial mammals. However, new groups of lymph nodes were described for seven species occurring in the Brazilian coast.

Structural characterization of the capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) tongue by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy.

Capybara is the largest rodent in the world and displays a seasonally dependent herbivore feeding behavior. Here, we present an anatomical contribution for understand this fact, by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy methodologies for tongue tissue analysis. The histological preparations revealed filiform, fungiform, vallate, and foliate papillae on the dorsal mucosa of the capybara tongue. The epithelial layer exhibited a lining of keratinized stratified squamous epithelial cells. The lamina propria was characterized by a dense connective tissue composed of the primary and secondary papillar projections. We also revealed the original aspects of the connective papillae. The shapes of the papillae varied by region of the tongue, and filiform, fungiform, vallate, and foliate papillae and subjacent layers of muscular fibers were observed. Pyriform taste buds occupying the epithelial layer of fungiform, vallate and foliate papillae were identified and the intracellular components of the taste buds and the intracorpuscular amyelinated nerve fibers were observed. The taste buds were characterized by the distribution of granular endoplasmic reticulum throughout the perinuclear area, the Golgi apparatus, and mitochondrial assemblies of various distinct diameters. Mitochondrial accumulation was also observed in the collagen bundle-surrounded amyelinated nerve fibers beside the basal cells. Therefore, these peculiar anatomical descriptions may contribute to understanding the adaptation of the feeding behavior of capybaras in a seasonally changing environment.

Influência do evelhecimento sobre a densidade e neurônios mioentéricos nadph--diafore positivo do duodeno de ratos / Influence of aginng on the density of myenteric neurons nadph- diafore positive

O século XX foi caracterizado pelo aumento na longevidade do ser humano, sendo que a expectativa de vida equivale a quase o dobro da idade alcançada no início do século. O envelhecimento é um processo progressivo e inevitável que ocorre com o avanço da idade, independentemente de doença, estilo de vida ou fatores ambientais. Está acompanhado de modificações morfofisiológicas que determinam à perda gradual da capacidade de adaptação do indíviduo ao meio ambiente. No trato gastrointestinal (TGI), o processo de envelhecimento pode provocar alterações morfofuncionais significativas nos plexos entéricos, ocasionando maior incidência de processos patológicos. A regulação da motilidade do TGI é controlada principalmente pelos neurônios mioentéricos e alterações na densidade destes neurônios podem resultar em modificações na freqüência e amplitude da contração intestinal. Dessa forma, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a densidade dos neurônios mioentéricos NADPH-diaforase positivos do duodeno de ratos Wistar durante o processo de envelhecimento. Para tanto, foram utilizados 15 ratos machos da linhagem Wistar, divididos em três grupos (n=5/grupo): C6 (animais com seis meses de idade); C12 (animais com doze meses de idade); C18 (animais de dezoito meses). Os animais dos grupos C12 e C18 aos seis meses de idade foram transferidos para o biotério setorial, onde permaneceram até aos 12 e 18 meses respectivamente, sob condições ambientais controladas de temperatura e de iluminação e água ad libitum. Após o período experimental todos os animais foram submetidos a eutanásia e os duodenos foram coletados e processados pela técnica histoquímica da NADPH-diaforase. Ao compararmos os grupos C6, C12 e C18 verificou-se uma diminuição na densidade neuronal (número de neurônios/mm²) com o envelhecimento, entretanto esta diferença só foi significativa (p<0,05) nos animais com 18 meses de idade. Essa redução na densidade de neurônio nitrérgicos também foi relatada na literatura no duodeno e em outros segmentos intestinais, em diferentes espécies animais com o avanço da idade. Tendo em vista tais alterações, se faz necessário o desenvolvimento de intervenções terapêuticas, que visem minimizar os efeitos do envelhecimento, melhorando desta forma a qualidade de vida da população idosa.

The twentieth century was characterized by increasing in human longevity, being life expectancy equivalent to practically twice of the age reached at the beginning of the century. The aging is a progressive and inevitable process that occurs with age and does not depend of diseases, lifestyle or environmental factors; it is accompanied by morph physiological changes that determine the progressive loss of individual´s ability to adapt to the environment. In the Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT), the aging process can provoke significant morpho functional changes in the enteric plexuses causing higher incidence of pathological processes. The GIT motility is primarily controlled by myenteric neurons, thus, changes in the density of these neurons may result in changes in the frequency and amplitude of intestinal contraction. Therefore, the aim of this work to evaluate the density of myenteric neurons NADPH-diaforase positive in the duodenum of Wistar rats during aging process. Fifteen male wistar rats were used in the experiment. The animals were divided in three groups of five animals (n=5) as following: C6 (animals aged six months); C12 (animals aged twelve months); C18 (animals aged eighteen months). The animals from the groups C12 and C18 were previously transferred to vivarium, under environmental conditions of controlled temperature and light and water ad libitum, since have reached six months to twelve and eighteen months respectively. After experimental period, all animals were euthanized and the duodenum were collected and processed for standard histochemical NADPH-diaforase technique. As a result, a decrease in the neuronal density (mm²) at the time with aging was observed in the three groups, C6, C12 and C18, however, this difference was remarkable (p>0,05) from twelve months old. This reduction in the density of nitrergic neurons was previously reported in the duodenum and other intestinal segments of different animals under aging process. Based in such alterations, were believed that there is a need of the development of therapies that minimize the effects of aging, thus, improving the quality of elderly life.

Light and scanning electron microscopic study of the tongue in the estuarine dolphin (Sotalia guianensis van Bénéden, 1864).

The importance of the tongue during feeding, and the limited information on the tongue of most aquatic mammals led us to investigate its morphological aspects in sexually immature and mature Sotalia guianensis. Six tongues were measured and photo-documented after their removal from the oral cavity. The samples were divided into rostral, middle, and caudal regions, and examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (S.E.M.). Sotalia guianensis tongue presented lateral grooves from the apex to the middle portion, while the anterolateral region presented marginal papillae. Histological characteristics revealed the presence of a keratinized stratified epithelium, salivary glands in the middle and caudal portions of the tongue, and filiform papillae in the caudal region. S.E.M. images revealed the presence of filiform papillae and ducts of salivary glands in the middle and caudal portions of the tongue. We can conclude that the characteristics found in this study may reflect an adaptation to changes in diet after weaning.

Ultrastructural aspects of lingual papillae in squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus).

Saimiri sciureus is one of the smallest Cebidae native of Amazon region and also found at the biological reserve of northeast Atlantic forest. It is an omnivore animal, with diversified diet that directly influences the lingual mucosa, which includes certain types of papillae with different organization levels. The present study attempted to describe the morphological and ultrastructure aspects of the dorsal surface of the S. sciureus. Five tongues of de S. sciureus were analyzed from three males and two females who died from natural causes and were obtained from breeding colonies of CENP-Ananindeua-PA. Main macroscopic features were a general triangular shape with a craniocaudal elongation pointed apex. Tissue samples--apex, body, and root of tongue--were fixed in modified Karnovsky solution, following standard scanning protocol, mounted in stubs, coated by gold, and analyzed by Scanning Electron Macroscopy (SEM). Four types of papillae were described: filiform (along all tissue extension with 154 µm of diameter), fungiform (along all tissue extension with 272 µm of diameter), vallate [just three units in caudal (dorsal) portion with 830 µm of diameter] and foliate (one pair at caudolateral surface with ∼ 13 projections and 3000 µm in length). Data analysis indicates that the distribution and ultra structural morphology of the S. sciureus lingual papillae are some similar to other primates.

Fine structure of the dorsal surface of ostrich's (Struthio camelus) tongue.

The tongue of birds fills the oral cavity and has a beak-like shape. Morphological studies of birds reveal a correlation between the structure of the tongue and the mechanism of food intake and the type of food. However, several studies have shown morphological differences among the tongues of bird species. The aim of this study was to analyze ostrich tongue morphology and ultrastructural features using scanning electron microscopy. Tongues from 12 adult ostriches were examined. Six tongues were sectioned sagittally into lateral and middle portions, fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution, and examined under light microscopy. The other six samples were sectioned longitudinally, and the dorsal and ventral surfaces were separated, immersion-fixed in modified Karnovsky solution, and examined under scanning electron microscopy. The tongue surface of the ostrich was smooth, without lingual papillae, and covered by stratified non-keratinized epithelium. In the submucosal layer, mucous salivary glands were surrounded by connective-tissue capsules, with septa dividing the glands into lobes. Numerous salivary gland ducts of different sizes and connective-tissue laminae dividing each opening could be clearly seen in scanning electron microscope images. The ventral surface had fewer openings than the dorsal surface. In samples treated with NaOH, connective-tissue papillae from the dorsal region were oriented posteriorly.

Nerve endings of filliform, fungiform and vallate papillae of dorsal tongue mucosa of White-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari): Neurohistological observations / Terminação nervosa das papilas filiformes, fungiformes e valadas da mucosa dorsal da língua de queixada: observação neurohistológica

The neurohistologic observations were performed using the specimens prepared by Winkelmann and Schmitt silver impregnation method. The tissues were fixed in 10 percent formalin solution and sections of 40µm thickness were obtained by Leica Cryostat at -30ºC. The sections of dorsal mucosa of White-lipped peccary tongue showed numerous filliform and fungiform papillae, and two vallate papillae on the caudal part. The epithelial layer revealed queratinized epithelial cells and the connective tissue papillae of different sizes and shapes. Thick nerve fiber bundles are noted into the subepithelial connective tissue of the papillae. The connective tissue of fungiform and vallate papillae contained numerous sensitive nerves fibers bundles forming a complex nerve plexus.

As observações neuro-histológicas foram realizadas utilizando amostras preparadas segundo o método de impregnação por prata de Winkelmann e Schmitt. Os tecidos foram fixados em solução de formol a 10 por cento e seções de 40µm de espessura foram obtidas em criostato Leica -30ºC. As seções da mucosa dorsal da língua de queixada revelaram numerosas papilas filiformes, fungiformes e duas papilas valadas sobre a parte caudal. A camada epitelial revelou células epiteliais queratinizadas e papilas de tecido conjuntivo de diferentes tamanhos e formas foram observadas. Espessos feixes de fibras nervosas são notados no tecido conjuntivo subepitelial das papilas. O tecido conjuntivo das papilas fungiformes e valadas contêm numerosos feixes de nervos de fibras sensíveis formando um plexo nervoso complexo.

Three-dimensional characteristics of bacteriae in the filiform and fungiform papillae of rat: a TEM and HRSEM study / Características tridimensionales de bacterias en las papilas filiformesy fungiformes de rata: un estudio en MET y ARMEB

Tongue mucosae of one day postnatal rat was examined by transmission electron microscopic and HRSEMmethods.The specimens were fixed using Karnovsky solution and embedded in Spurr resin for transmission electron microscopy. For HRSEM methods, the samples were fixed in 2 percent osmiun tetroxide, dehydrated in alcohol, critical point dried and coated with gold-palladium. The results demonstrated that the surface of tongue present the filiform and fungiform papillae covered by numerous keratinized epithelial cells. The bacteriae are attached to the surfaces of microplicae at random, demonstrating in their three-dimensional HRSEM images. At high magnification, the transmission electron microscopic images revealed the adhesion of bacteriae to the cell membrane by glycocalyx. The fibrillar structures surrounding the bacteriae are clearly seen.

Un día después del nacimiento, la mucosa de la lengua una rata fue examinada por el microscopio electrónico de transmisión y método de ARMEB. Los especímenes fueron fijados mediante uan solución Karnovsky y embebido en resina Spurr para microscopía electrónica de transmisión. Para el método ARMEB, las muestras fueron fijadas en tetróxido de osmio 2 por ciento, deshidratados en alcohol, secados al punto crítico y recubierto con oro-paladio. Los resultados demostraron que la superficie de la lengua presentaba papilas filiformes y fungiformes cubiertas por numerosas células epiteliales queratinizadas. Las bacterias se unen a las superficies de las microplicas al azar, lo que se demuestra en sus tres dimensiones las imágenes en ARMEB. A gran aumento, las imágenes del microscopio electrónico de transmisión revelan la adhesión de bacterias a la membrana celular por el glicocalix. Las estructuras fibrilares que rodean a las bacterias son claramente visibles.

Three-dimensional characteristics of the interface epithelium-connective tissue surface of fingeres lamina propria of Cebus apella monkey: scanning electron microscopy study / Características tri-dimensionales superficiales de la lámina propia de los dedos de monos Cebus apella: interfase del tejido epitelial-conectivo del estudio con microscopía electrónica de barrido

In the present paper were analysed the three-dimensional characteristics of the interface epithelium-connective tissue surface of finger prints of Cebus apella monkey employing the scanning electron microscopic methods. The connective tissue core (CTC) and epithelial papillae were examined verifying the three-dimensional configuration of the tissue projections. The samples were fixed in Bouin solsution for histologic preparations and in modified Karnovsky for examine to observe in scanning electron microscopy. After treatment in the 10 percent NaOH solution during 3 to 5 day s, the surface of finger prints revealed a distribution of CTC of lamina propria in situ showing original three-dimensional SEM images. The linear and circular dispositions CTC, and the furrows were clearly identified. Each pointed papilla presented a large base and longitudinal disposition of thick collagen fiber bundles and in some areas with a complex reticular formations. The longitudinal furrows between the pointed papillae exhibited a dense layer of connective tissue and showed only low CTC or laminar in shape. The presence of numerous foramina of sweat gland were noted in three-dimensional SEM images.

Se analizaron tridimensionalmente las características de la interfase del tejido epitelio-conectivo en la superficie de huellas dactilares de mono Cebus apella, empleando el microscopio electrónico de barrido. El núcleo del tejido conectivo (NTC) y las papilas epiteliales se examinaron en las tres dimensiones. Las muestras fueron fijadas en solución histológica Bouin para los preparativos y en Karnovsky modificada para examinar y observar en el microscopio electrónico de barrido. Después del tratamiento en solución de NaOH al 10 por ciento, durante 3 a 5 días, la superficie de las huellas dactilares revelaron una distribución de NTC de lámina propia in situ mostrando imágenes en tres dimensiones originales con microscopio electrónico de barrido. Las disposiciones lineal y circular del NTC están claramente identificadas. Cada papila señalada presenta una gran base y la disposición longitudinal de gruesos haces de fibras de colágeno y, en algunas zonas con formaciones de un complejo reticular. Los surcos longitudinales entre las papilas señaladas mostraron una densa capa de tejido conectivo con NTC bajos o de forma laminar. La presencia de numerosos forámenes de las glándulas sudoríparas se observaron en tres dimensiones.

Avaliação quantitativa e mofométrica dos neurônios mioentéricos da região agrandular do estômago de ratos com Diabetes Mellitus induzido por estreptozootocina e suplementados com ácido ascórbico / Quantitative and morphometric evaluation of myenteric neurons of the forestomach of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats supplemented with ascorbic acid

O presente trabalho teve como objetivos investigar possíveis alterações no número e a área do corpo celular dos neurônios mioentéricos NADH-diaforase reativos (NADH-dr) da região aglandular do estômago de ratos diabéticos e o efeito da suplementação com AA (1g/L de água) nos referidos parâmetros. Para tanto, 15 ratos (Rattus norvegicus) foram separados em três grupos (n = 5): controle (C); diabético (D); e diabético suplementado com AA (DS). O DM foi induzido por estreptozootocina (35 mg/kg de peso corporal). Após 120 dias de experimento, os animais foram anestesiados para obtenção do estômago. Os neurônios mioentéricos foram evidenciados pelo método da NADH-diaforase. Por meio de microscópio de luz foram contados os neurônios NADH-dr e, pelo programa computadorizado para análise de imagens, foi mensurado o perfil do corpo celular (PCC) desses neurônios. O número de neurônios NADH-dr não variou significativamente entre os três grupos estutados (P>0,05). A média dos PCCs foi maior (P<0,05) para os neurônios dos grupos D e DS do que para o grupo C. Ocorreu aumento na incidência de neurônios com PCC superior a 200 µm2 no grupo D quando comparada aos grupos DS e C. Os resultados sugerem que a suplementação com AA teve efeito neuroprotetor sobre os neurônios mioentéricos NADH-dr representado pela diminuição da freqüência de neurônios grandes na região aglandular A e B do grupo DS