Descripción histológica del aparato reproductor de avestruz hembra (Strutio camelus var. domesticus) / Histological description of the ostrich female reproductive system (Strutio camelus var. domesticus)

El auge de la producción intensiva del avestruz, comenzó en la década de los noventa impulsada por la calidad de su carne y potencialidad de sus subproductos. La raza empleada para producción por la calidad nutricional y sabor de su carne es el híbrido llamado African black (Struthio camelus var. domesticus). En cuanto a la reproducción, el avestruz hembra alcanza su madurez sexual a partir de los 2,5 años. Es importante considerar el aparato genital en aves de producción, ya que una alteración en él, puede generar deficiencias en la fertilidad que se traducen en un menor número de crías. El estudio histológico del aparato reproductor de la hembra será una herramienta más que permitirá resolver problemas reproductivos. Para este análisis se obtuvo muestras de los diferentes segmentos del aparato reproductor de 6 avestruces hembras en edad reproductiva y se procesaron de acuerdo a las técnicas histológicas de rutina. Los cortes fueron observados, fotografiados y analizados bajo microscopio de luz. Obtenidas las fotografías, se analizó comparativamente su morfología con la descrita en la gallina (Gallus gallus). El aparato reproductor de la hembra tiene la particularidad de tener desarrollado solo el ovario y oviducto izquierdo. El ovario es de gran tamaño y en forma de racimo, el cual varía según la estacionalidad. Presenta folículos primordiales, previtelogénicos, vitelogénicos y atrésicos. Los folículos vitelogénicos presentan células de la granulosa y de la teca interna y externa. El oviducto presenta de cefálico a caudal los siguientes segmentos: infundíbulo, magnum, istmo, útero y vagina, que desemboca en la cloaca a nivel del urodeo. En ellos hay pliegues de variada longitud, grosor y número que comprometen la mucosa y submucosa, con glándulas de secreción mucosa y serosa a excepción de la vagina. El análisis histológico comparativo, permitió establecer que la morfología del aparato reproductor de la hembra es semejante a la observada en la gallina con ciertas diferencias microscópicas (Gallus gallus).

In the 1990's, ostrich production reached a peak in our country, boosted by the special characteristics of its meat and the potential of the derivatives. The breed raised is a hybrid called African Black (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) which has a high quality meat in terms of nutritional factors and flavor. With regard to reproduction, the female ostrich reaches maturity at the age of 2.5 years. Genital organs are very important in fowl's production, because they can generate fertility deficiencies that, in turn can diminish brood number. Histological analysis allows a better understanding of the basic structure of the female's genital organs and is a helpful tool to resolve breeding problems. For this analysis samples were obtained from the different segments of the reproductive system of 6 female ostrich in reproductive age. These samples were processed using standard histological technique. Sections were observed, photographed and analyzed under the light-microscope. Photographs were compared with hen's samples. The ostrich female's reproductive system has the particularity of having just the left ovary and oviduct developed. The ovary has a big size and a cluster shape which varies from season to season. It presents paramount, previtellogenic, vitellogenic and atresic follicles. The vitellogenic follicles have granulosa cells and inner and external theca. The oviduct presents cephalocaudally: infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus and vagina, flowing into the urodeum. It shows long pleats of different length and number, with drusen of mucose and serose secretion, except in the vagina. The comparative histological analysis allowed us to establish that the basic structure of the female reproductive system is similar to that of the hen (Gallus gallus).

Descripción histológica de los diferentes segmentos del aparato respiratorio de avestruz (Struthio camelus var. Domesticus) / Histologic description of the different segments from the ostrich respiratory system (Struthio camelus var. Domesticus)

Debido al creciente interés actual en la industria del avestruz (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) y al escaso material bibliográfico referente a la morfología del aparato respiratorio, se ha propuesto analizar comparativamente el segmento laringo traqueo siringeo pulmonar de esta especie, con el objeto de contribuir en esta área. El estudio se realizó con seis avestruces clínicamente sanos, de los cuales se obtuvieron muestras representativas del segmento laringo traqueo siringeo pulmonar. Las muestras fueron procesadas de acuerdo a las técnicas histológicas de rutina para luego realizar un análisis morfológico comparativo con la gallina (Gallus gallus). En el avestruz el cartílago aritenoides es par y está situado en posición dorsal y craneal a la laringe. El cartílago cricoides es único, situado en posición ventral y caudal a la laringe. Al igual que en la gallina, presenta un cartílago procricoides. La tráquea presenta un número mayor de anillos que el observado en la gallina. A nivel de la siringe, el pessulus está constituido por un doble pliegue dorsoventral de la membrana mucosa, con una lámina propia de tejido conectivo denso sobre una gruesa capa de tejido adiposo. A diferencia de la gallina, el pessulus del avestruz no presenta tejido cartilaginoso ni óseo. La mucosa situada desde la laringe hasta los bronquios secundarios, posee un epitelio seudoestratificado prismático ciliado con células caliciformes, con criptas y glándulas túbulo-alveolares simples de secreción mucosa. En el caso de los bronquios primarios extrapulmonares esta característica histológica se observa sólo en la región medial, donde se encuentran los extremos de los semianillos de cartílago hialino. La mucosa restante de éstos, sólo posee un epitelio seudoestratificado prismático ciliado con células caliciformes. Los sacos aéreos presentan esta característica histológica en algunos sectores.

Due to the growing interest of the ostrich industry (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) and the scarce bibliographic material related to morphology of the respiratory system of the ostrich, we carried out a comparative analysis of the laryngotracheal pulmonary segment of this bird. The research was conducted in six clinically healthy ostriches from which representative samples of the laryngotracheal pulmonary segment were obtained. Samples were processed using standard histological technique and a comparative morphological analysis between ostriches and chicken (Gallus gallus) was performed. In the ostrich, the arytenoid cartilage is double and placed in a dorsal and cranial position in relation to the larynx while the cricoid cartilage is single and situated in a ventral and caudal position. Like the chicken, the procricoid cartilage is also present. The trachea exhibits a greater number of rings compared to the chicken. At the syrinx level, the pessulus is made up of a dorso-ventral double-fold of mucous membrane with a lamina propria of dense connective tissue over a thick adipose layer. Unlike the chicken the ostrich pessulus does not contain any ossified or cartilaginous tissues. The mucosa between the larynx and secondary bronchi has a pseudostratified prismatic ciliated epithelium with mucous goblet cells with crypts and simple tubuloalveolar mucosal glands for mucous secretion. In the extrapulmonary primary bronchi this histological feature is observed only in the medial aspect where the ends of the cartilaginous rings are found. The remaining mucosa of these bronchi has a pseudostratified prismatic ciliated epithelium with mucous goblet cells. Aerial sacs show this histological feature in some sectors.

Análisis Macroscópico y Microscópico del Desarrollo Embrionario y Fetal en el Gato (Felis catus), en Relación con el Desarrollo de la Vesícula Coriónica y de la Placenta / Macroscopic and Microscopic Analysis of the Embryonic and Fetal Growth in the Cat (Felis catus), in Relation to Chorionic Vesicle and Placental Development

La gata doméstica (Felis catus) presenta una gestación que dura, en promedio 62 + 5 días. Sin embargo, establecer la edad gestacional en forma más o menos precisa resulta difícil, ya que no existe un análisis que correlacione el tamaño de la vesícula coriónica; desarrollo de la placenta; desarrollo embrionario y Fetal durante la gestación. En este trabajo se utilizaron 12 úteros grávidos, provenientes de gatas mestizas entre 8 y 18 meses de edad, éstos fueron fijados en formol neutro al 10%. Para cada útero se determinó el número de vesículas coriónicas, de cada una se removieron el embrión, feto y la placenta, los que fueron medidos, tarados y fotografiados para su análisis morfológico. Las etapas del desarrollo embrionario y Fetal fueron establecidas conforme a las características y estructuras externas de los embriones y fetos, desde el inicio hasta el término de la gestación. A los 13 días de gestación se observó una gástrula tardía. Embriones somíticos, entre los 13 y 18 días. Embriones prefetales, entre los 18 y 28 días, y fetos desde el día 28 hasta el nacimiento. El amnios se cierra a los 17 días; la formación de la cara y cuello ocurre entre los 16 y 28 días, y de los miembros, entre los 17 y 28 días de gestación. A los 15 días de gestación comienza el latido cardiaco, momento en que se observa el tubo endocárdico. El tabicamiento del corazón se produce entre los 17 y 20 días. El tubo neural está cerrado a los 17 días de gestación. Todos los parámetros estudiados en los diferentes estadios del desarrollo en el gato están significativamente correlacionados (p < 0.0001).

The domestic cat (Felis catus) presents a gestation that lasts 62 ± 5 days. However, gestational age determination in a more precise way is difficult, as there are no analysis that correlate chorionic vesicle size; placental development; embryonic and Fetal development during gestation. In this work 12 gravid uteruses from hybrid cats between 8 and 18 months of age were studied; these were fixed in 10% neutral formaldehyde. For each uterus the chorionic vesicles number was determined. The embryos, fetuses and placenta were removed, measured, weighed and photographed for morphologic analysis. The embryonic and Fetal stages of development were determined according to the external characteristics and structures of the embryos or fetuses, from gastrulation to term. At 13 days of gestation a late gastrula was observed; between days 13 and 18, somitic embryos; between days 18 and 28, prefetal embryos; and fetuses from day 28 until birth. The amnion is closed by day 17; differentiation of the facial region occurs between days 16 and 28, while limb development takes place between days 17 and 28. At 15 days of gestation the heart begins to beat and the endocardial tube is observed. Septation of the heart occurs between days 17 and 20 and the neural tube is closed by day 17. All parameters studied in the different developmental stages in the cat are significantly correlated (p < 0.0001).

Effects of steroidal and non steroidal drugs on the neovascularization response induced by tumoral TA3 supernatant on CAM from chick embryo.

Angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels from the existing vascular network, may result as a consequence of the increase or decrease of proangiogenic or antiangiogenic factors, respectively. The tumor itself could up-regulate the production of angiogenic factors. Recently, we established that the steroidal drug betamethasone in low concentration inhibit the neovascularization promoted by TA3 Ts on CAM of chick embryos. We describe here the effects of the non-steroidal drug ketoprofen, alone or in association with betamethasone, on the angiogenesis promoted by TA3 Ts on CAM. The main finding reported here is that the formation of new blood vessels is strongly inhibited by low concentrations of ketoprofen. The association of both drugs produced a synergistic effect, significantly decreasing tumoral supernatant angiogenesis. It is known that steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the enzymes required for the production of prostaglandins through a nuclear GR mediated mechanism. This may operate as a general mechanism in endothelial cells as well. Considering that the induction of COX 1 and COX2 are inhibited by ketoprofen, and that these enzymes are located in the stromal compartment of the CAM, we propose that its antiangiogenic effect may occur via inhibition of the two COX isoforms. In fact, we found that ketoprofen induced apoptosis in both the stromal fibroblast and endothelial cells. The potentiated effect of the combination of betamethasone and ketoprofen may have some therapeutic projections in the control of pathological angiogenesis.

Effects of steroidal and non steroidal drugs on the neovascularization response induced by tumoral TA3 supernatant on CAM from chick embryo

Angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels from the existing vascular network, may result as a consequence of the increase or decrease of proangiogenic or antiangiogenic factors, respectively. The tumor itself could up-regulate the production of angiogenic factors. Recently, we established that the steroidal drug betamethasone in low concentration inhibit the neovascularization promoted by TA3 Ts on CAM of chick embryos. We describe here the effects of the non-steroidal drug ketoprofen, alone or in association with betamethasone, on the angiogenesis promoted by TA3 Ts on CAM. The main finding reported here is that the formation of new blood vessels is strongly inhibited by low concentrations of ketoprofen. The association of both drugs produced a synergistic effect, significantly decreasing tumoral supernatant angiogenesis. It is known that steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the enzymes required for the production of prostaglandins through a nuclear GR mediated mechanism. This may operate as a general mechanism in endothelial cells as well. Considering that the induction of COX 1 and COX2 are inhibited by ketoprofen, and that these enzymes are located in the stromal compartment of the CAM, we propose that its antiangiogenic effect may occur via inhibition of the two COX isoforms. In fact, we found that ketoprofen induced apoptosis in both the stromal fibroblast and endothelial cells. The potentiated effect of the combination of betamethasone and ketoprofen may have some therapeutic projections in the control of pathological angiogenesis

Effects of betamethasone, sulindac and quinacrine drugs on the inflammatory neoangiogenesis response induced by polyurethane sponge implanted in mouse.

In this study, we showed the effect of the betamethasone, sulindac and quinacrine alone or combined, on the inflammatory angiogenesis promoted by polyurethane sponge on mice. The main finding reported here is that the formation of new blood vessels was strongly inhibited by low concentration of betamethasone, sulindac or quinacrine, whether alone or in combination. It is known that steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the enzymes required for the production of prostaglandins through a nuclear glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mediated mechanism. This mechanism may occur in endothelial cells as well. Considering that activity of cyclo-oxigenases 1 and 2 is inhibited by sulindac, and that these enzymes are located in the stromal tissue, we propose that the anti-angiogenic effect of these agents may occur via inhibition of both COX isoforms. On the other hand, quinacrine inhibited PLA2 activity, and we propose here that the anti-angiogenic effect occurs via inhibition of the enzyme PLA2. The potentiated effect of the association of betamethasone, sulindac and quinacrine may have some therapeutic benefit in the control of pathological angiogenesis. Further studies are required to validate these propositions.

Effect of sulfated beta-cyclodextrin, a water soluble cycloamylose, on the promotion and/or inhibition of angiogenesis.

Previous studies have reported that sulfated b b-cyclodextrin, a naturally occurring cycloamylose built up from six to eight glucopyranose units, when administered alone promotes angiogenesis, but administered with an angiostatic steroid inhibits angiogenesis in the cick embryo bioassay. In our experiments sulfated b b-cyclodextrin has been shown to possess many properties unrelated to its classical functions in the promotion and inhibition of angiogenesis that were not previously described. We studied the angiogenic and angiostatic properties of b b-cyclodextrin in a subcutaneous plastic sponge model in mice. We realized two set of experiments. In each set mice were randomized into five groups (n= 5 mice). The first group was treated with sulfated b b-cyclodextrin (200 ng), the second group was treated with sulfated b b-cyclodextrin (2000 ng), the third group received unsubstituted b b-cyclodextrin (2000 ng), the fourth group was treated with sulfated b b-cyclodextrin (20000 ng) and the last group was used as a control group. In all groups compounds were administered intraperitoneally 4 days after subcutaneous implantation of a sterile polyvinyl sponge on day 0, controls were not treated. Cyclodextrin administered alone at low drug concentration (200 ng) promoted angiogenesis and increased the development of venules in the sponge matrix. However, cyclodextrin administered at high drug concentration (2000 and 20 000 ng) reduced the vessel index in the sponge and areas of microhemorrhages were observed. From our results we propose that b b-cyclodextrin contains both a promoter and an inhibitor of angiogenesis and that the activation of both is drug concentration dependent.

Effects of betamethasone, sulindac and quinacrine drugs on the inflammatory neoangiogenesis response induced by polyurethane sponge implanted in mouse

In this study, we showed the effect of the betamethasone, sulindac and quinacrine alone or combined, on the inflammatory angiogenesis promoted by polyurethane sponge on mice. The main finding reported here is that the formation of new blood vessels was strongly inhibited by low concentration of betamethasone, sulindac or quinacrine, whether alone or in combination. It is known that steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit the enzymes required for the production of prostaglandins through a nuclear glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mediated mechanism. This mechanism may occur in endothelial cells as well. Considering that activity of cyclo-oxigenases 1 and 2 is inhibited by sulindac, and that these enzymes are located in the stromal tissue, we propose that the anti-angiogenic effect of these agents may occur via inhibition of both COX isoforms. On the other hand, quinacrine inhibited PLA2 activity, and we propose here that the anti-angiogenic effect occurs via inhibition of the enzyme PLA2. The potentiated effect of the association of betamethasone, sulindac and quinacrine may have some therapeutic benefit in the control of pathological angiogenesis. Further studies are required to validate these propositions

Ethanol effect on the chick embryo ossification: a macroscopic and microscopic study

This study attempts to analyze anomalies in avian embryos induced macroscopically and microscopically when exposed to ethanol (EtOH) during the first stages of development. Fertilized chicken eggs were employed in this study. The eggs were incubated at 37.8§C. Some of the eggs were treated on day O with EtOH (20 per cent, 40 per cent and 60 per cent) by instillation in the air sac. The control group was instilled with 0.1 ml of NaCl at 0.9 per cent. Other eggs were treated on the 4th post-incubation day, employing the same methodology. The embryos in both groups were removed from eggs on the 11th incubation day and examined using a dissecting binocular micrsocope. After macroscopic analysis, the samples obtained were fixed in 10per cent formol, photographed and processed according to common histological techniques and the Picrosirius method. Embryos treated with EtOH demonstrated a significant weight decrease. Microscopic analysis by means of the Picrosirius method revealed that the intra-membranous ossification process presents less development, and therefore there wass less type I collagen in trabecular bone in the embryos post-exposure to EtOH with respect to the control.