[Histology of gill, liver and kidney in juvenile fish Colossoma macropomum exposed to three temperatures]. / Histología de branquias, hígado y riñón de juveniles del pez neotropical Colossoma macropomum (Characiformes, Characidae) expuesto a tres temperaturas.

Abstract: Histology of gill, liver and kidney in juvenile fish Colossoma macropomum exposed to three temperatures. Water temperature is an important factor that affects growth and antioxidant enzyme activities in fish, and when adverse, it may trigger diseases in fish populations. C. macropomum is a freshwater neotropical fish widely distributed in South America and abundant in river basins as the Amazon and Orinoco. It is highly used for intensive aquaculture development and is a very important product for the local riverside economy in Venezuela. The purpose of our study was to examine the water temperature effect on gills, liver and kidneys of juvenile fishes of C macropomum. Eighteen juveniles with biometrical index of 17.87 +/- 7.88 cm and 87.69 +/- 34.23 g were respectively exposed to three culture temperatures (T18, T29 and T35 degrees C) during a period of 21 days. Histological analyses on gills, liver and kidney were made according to standard methodologies. Our results showed that these tissues exhibited normal citoarchitecture at T29. On the contrary, T18-gills displayed brachiallipid droplets inside brachial epithelium; and disorganization in the brachial tissue was observed at T35. Furthermore, we observed two kinds of hepatocytes (dark and light) on T180 degrees C-liver. The T35-liver samples showed cytoplasmatic granulation and damages in cytoplasmatic membrane. Kidney samples from T18 observed alterations in the cellular distribution of the hematopoietic tissue; while, at T35, the most important feature observed was the disorganization of the glomerular structure. We concluded that T18 and T35 are respectively critical and severe temperatures to C. macropomum; besides, the most sensible tissues to changes induced by temperature in this species were the liver and gills.

Histología de branquias, hígado y riñón de juveniles del pez neotropical Colossoma macropomum (Characiformes, Characidae) expuesto a tres temperaturas / Histology of gill, liver and kidney in juvenile fish Colossoma macropomum exposed to three temperatures

Water temperature is an important factor that affects growth and antioxidant enzyme activities in fish, and when adverse, it may trigger diseases in fish populations. C. macropomum is a freshwater neotropical fish widely distributed in South America and abundant in river basins as the Amazon and Orinoco. It is highly used for intensive aquaculture development and is a very important product for the local riverside economy in Venezuela. The purpose of our study was to examine the water temperature effect on gills, liver and kidneys of juvenile fishes of C. macropomum. Eighteen juveniles with biometrical index of 17.87±7.88cm and 87.69±34.23g were respectively exposed to three culture temperatures (T18, T29 and T35ºC) during a period of 21 days. Histological analyses on gills, liver and kidney were made according to standard methodologies. Our results showed that these tissues exhibited normal citoarchitecture at T29. On the contrary, T18-gills displayed brachiallipid droplets inside brachial epithelium; and disorganization in the brachial tissue was observed at T35. Furthermore, we observed two kinds of hepatocytes (dark and light) on T18°C-liver. The T35-liver samples showed cytoplasmatic granulation and damages in cytoplasmatic membrane. Kidney samples from T18 observed alterations in the cellular distribution of the hematopoietic tissue; while, at T35, the most important feature observed was the disorganization of the glomerular structure. We concluded that T18 and T35 are respectively critical and severe temperatures to C. macropomum; besides, the most sensible tissues to changes induced by temperature in this species were the liver and gills.

Colossoma macropomum es uno de los peces tropicales de agua dulce con mayor éxito en el cultivo en aguas continentales tropicales. Se realizó una evaluación histológica de branquias, hígado y riñón de este pez expuesto a tres temperaturas (T18, T29 y T35ºC). Se utilizaron 18 ejemplares juveniles con índices biométricos de 17.87±7.88cm y 87.69±34.23g. Los análisis histológicos fueron hechos de acuerdo a técnicas previamente descritas. Se encontró que las branquias, el hígado y el riñón de los peces T29 presentaron citoarquitectura normal. Por el contrario, en las branquias de los peces T18, se observaron gotas lipídicas inmersas en el tejido branquial; los peces T35 presentaron desorganización en la estructura del tejido branquial y necrosis celular. El hígado de los peces T18, mostró hepatocitos claros y oscuros y el de T35, presentó células con granulaciones citoplasmáticas y daño en la membrana plasmática. En el riñón de los T18, se observaron alteraciones en la distribución del tejido hematopoyético. La característica más resaltante en el riñón de los peces T35, fue la desorganización del tejido glomerular. En conclusión, la temperatura de 18°C se puede considerar crítica para la cachama y la de 35ºC severa. De los tres órganos evaluados, el hígado y las branquias resultaron ser los más sensibles a los daños inducidos por las temperaturas en esta especie.

Histopathological changes in gill, liver and kidney of neotropical fish Colossoma macropomum exposed to paraquat at different temperatures.

This work focused on the histological alterations in gill, liver and kidney of fish Colossoma macropomum exposed to different temperatures (18°C, 29°C, 35°C) with 10mg/L of herbicide Paraquat (PQ), during 21 days. The fish exhibited histopathological changes in these tissues; the most important alteration in gills was telangiectasis. Liver showed debris accumulation inside cytoplasm hepatocytes, karyolysis, karyohesis and a decrease in the size of sinusoids. Hyperplasia of melanomacrophagic centers (MMC) and an increase in basophils were observed in kidney. The lesion inducing by PQ and the damage in tissue depended of temperature exposure fish. The severity of lesions clearly differed among organs with the liver showing the most extensive damages followed in order by the kidney and gills. In PQ/18°C group it was observed the changes in the pattern of lesions, with kidney showing higher damage followed gills and liver.

Detection of Treponema denticola in saliva obtained from patients with various periodontal conditions.

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of Treponema denticola in saliva of periodontally diseased and healthy patients and its relationship with the periodontal status. A 16S rRNA-based polymerase chain reaction detection method was used to determine the prevalence of T. denticola in whole saliva samples from patients with chronic periodontitis (CP, n = 37), aggressive periodontitis (AgP, n = 24), and healthy subjects (n = 28). The periodontal status of each subject was assessed by criteria based on probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and extent of periodontal breakdown. Risk factors were assessed individually and adjusted for confounding using a binary logistic regression model. The results showed that the prevalence of T. denticola in CP patients was significantly higher than those in healthy and AgP subjects (P < 0.05). Odds ratio analysis revealed a positive association for CP group/T. denticola-positive and smoking/T. denticola-positive subjects. Furthermore, all clinical measurements were significantly greater (P < 0.05) for T. denticola-positive subjects compared to T. denticola-negative subjects. After binary logistic regression analysis, both T. denticola and smoking were independently and strongly associated with development of CP. It was concluded that when used in conjunction with an optimized clinical examination protocol, this assay may offer a rapid, useful, and cost-effective tool for monitoring the presence of T. denticola in noninvasive clinical samples from both healthy and diseased patients and correlating it with the amount and extent of periodontal breakdown.

Ultraestructura de la retinopatía causada por la hiperoxia en ratas en desarrollo / Ultra structure of retinopathy induced by hyperoxia in developing rats

In order to evaluate the effect of postnatal hyperoxia on retinal structure, newborn rats were exposed to different oxygenation intervals (80 ± 1%) with three interruptions of 21% (30 min each). Four groups of rats were exposed from birth to the 6th, 9th, 12th and 14th postnatal day, respectively and another group was placed under normoxia. After this period all oxygenated groups and the controls remained under normoxia until they were 30 days old for the structural analysis of retina. Retinal histology was carried out using conventional techniques for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the ganglion cell layer of the retina from rats exposed for 9 days to hyperoxia, capillaries with large projections toward the lumen, were observed as a possible consequence of cellular edema of endothelium. The most severe damage was observed in rats exposed to hyperoxia during 12 and 14 days, showing mitochondrias swollen up and without crests in the areas surrounding the capillaries, necrosis and apoptosis processes, dense bodies, cells with swollen cytoplasms and rupture of the plasmatic membrane. The results suggest that postnatal hyperoxia causes severe damages to the retina in developing rats with a direct relationship between the time exposed to oxygen and ultra structural damages.

Con el propósito de evaluar el efecto de la hiperoxia posnatal sobre la estructura retiniana se analizaron retinas de ratas recién nacidas expuestas a diferentes periodos de oxigenación (80 ±1%), con tres interrupciones de 21% (30 min c/u). Cuatro grupos de ratas fueron expuestas desde su nacimiento hasta el 6to, 9no, 12mo y 14to días de vida y otro grupo fue mantenido en normoxia. Después de este periodo tanto los grupos expuestos a la hiperoxia como los controles permanecieron en normoxia hasta una edad de 30 días para el análisis estructural de la retina. La histología se hizo usando técnicas convencionales para microscopía electrónica de transmisión (MET). En la capa de células ganglionares de la retina de ratas expuestas a nueve días de hiperoxia, se observaron capilares con notables proyecciones hacia la luz, posiblemente como consecuencia de edema celular del endotelio. El daño más intenso fue observado en las ratas expuestas a hiperoxia durante 12 y 14 días, mostrando mitocondrias hinchadas y sin crestas en las áreas circundantes a los capilares, procesos de necrosis y apoptosis, cuerpos densos, células con citoplasmas hinchados y con ruptura de la membrana plasmática. Los resultados sugieren que la hiperoxia posnatal causa graves daños a la retina en las ratas en desarrollo, con una relación directa entre el tiempo de exposición al oxígeno y los daños ultraestructurales.

[Ultra structure of retinopathy induced by hyperoxia in developing rats]. / Ultraestructura de la retinopatía causada por la hiperoxia en ratas en desarrollo.

In order to evaluate the effect of postnatal hyperoxia on retinal structure, newborn rats were exposed to different oxygenation intervals (80 +/- 1%) with three interruptions of 21% (30 min each). Four groups of rats were exposed from birth to the 6th, 9th, 12th and 14th postnatal day, respectively and another group was placed under normoxia. After this period all oxygenated groups and the controls remained under normoxia until they were 30 days old for the structural analysis of retina. Retinal histology was carried out using conventional techniques for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the ganglion cell layer of the retina from rats exposed for 9 days to hyperoxia, capillaries with large projections toward the lumen, were observed as a possible consequence of cellular edema of endothelium. The most severe damage was observed in rats exposed to hyperoxia during 12 and 14 days, showing mitochondrias swollen up and without crests in the areas surrounding the capillaries, necrosis and apoptosis processes, dense bodies, cells with swollen cytoplasms and rupture of the plasmatic membrane. The results suggest that postnatal hyperoxia causes severe damages to the retina in developing rats with a direct relationship between the time exposed to oxygen and ultra structural damages.

Estrés oxidativo como posible causante de retinopatía en ratas en desarrollo sometidas a hiperoxia / The effect of oxidative stress on retinal and choroidal cytoarchitecture was evaluated, and the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) analyzed, in rats subjected to hyperoxygenation (80 ±1% O2). Groups of rats were oxygenated from birth (day 0) to days 6, 9, 12 or 14 of life, while others were kept under normal O2 (controls). GSH blood concentration was determined in each period. Retinal and choroidal histology was studied in 30 day-old rats. GSH concentration was significantly lower in rats oxygenated on days 0-6 and 0-9 than in controls. However, rats kept under high O2 on days 0-12 and 0-14 showed similar values to the controls, possibly due to an adaptive process. In the retina and choroid of rats exposed to O2 on days 0-9, 0-12 and 0-14, capillary vasoconstriction was observed, as well as tight junction weakening in choroidal capillaries leading to hemorrhage. The retina from rats subjected to hyperoxigenation from 0-12 days showed vacuolized horizontal cells with damaged mitochondria and swollen nuclear envelopes. The results show severe structural damage in the retina and choroid when animals are subjected to high O2 levels. / Avaliou-se o efeito do estresse oxidativo sobre a citoarquitetura retiniana e coroidal e analisou-se os níveis de glutation reduzido (GSH) em eritrócitos de ratos submetidos a hiperóxia (80 ±1% O2). Grupos destas foram oxigenados desde o dia do seu nascimento (0) até o dia 6, 9, 12 o 14 de vida, e outras se colocaram em normoxia (controles). Em cada um de estes períodos se determinou a concentração do GSH. A histologia da retina e a coróides se realizou em ratos de 30 dias. As concentrações de GSH em ratos oxigenados de 0-6 e 0-9 dias, foram significativamente mais baixas que nos controles. No entanto, nos grupos de 0-12 e 0-14 dias de hiperóxia mostraram valores similares aos controles, possivelmente como um processo adaptativo. Na retina e coróides de ratos expostos de 0-9, 0-12 e 0-14 dias, se evidenciaram processos de vasoconstrição capilar, assim como debilitação das uniões estreitas dos endotélios capilares coróides, conduzindo a hemorragia. A retina dos ratos submetidos a hiperóxia de 0-12 dias, apresentou células horizontais vacuolizadas, com mitocôndrias alteradas e as envolturas nucleares dilatadas. Os resultados evidenciam os severos danos estruturais que sofrem a retina e a coróides quando os animais são submetidas a altos níveis de oxigenação.

Se evaluó el efecto del estrés oxidativo sobre la citoarquitectura retiniana y coroidal y se analizó los niveles de glutatión reducido (GSH) en eritrocitos de ratas sometidas a hiperoxia (80 ±1% O2). Grupos de éstas fueron oxigenados desde el día de su nacimiento (0) hasta el día 6, 9, 12 o 14 de vida, y otras se colocaron en normoxia (controles). En cada uno de estos períodos se determinó la concentración del GSH. La histología de la retina y la coroides se realizó en ratas de 30 días. Las concentraciones de GSH en ratas oxigenadas de 0-6 y 0-9 días, fueron significativamente más bajas que en los controles. No obstante, en los grupos de 0-12 y 0-14 días de hiperoxia mostraron valores similares a los controles, posiblemente como un proceso adaptativo. En la retina y coroides de ratas expuestas de 0-9, 0-12 y 0-14 días, se evidenciaron procesos de vasoconstricción en capilares retinianos y coroideos, así como debilitamiento de las uniones estrechas de los endotelios capilares coroideos, conduciendo a hemorragia. La retina de las ratas sometidas a hiperoxia de 0-12 días, presentó células horizontales vacuolizadas, con mitocondrias alteradas y las envolturas nucleares dilatadas. Estos resultados evidencian los severos daños estructurales que sufren la retina y la coroides cuando son sometidas a altos niveles de hiperoxia.

The eyes of oilbirds (Steatornis caripensis): pushing at the limits of sensitivity.

An extreme example of a low light-level lifestyle among flying birds is provided by the oilbird, Steatornis caripensis (Steatornithidae, Caprimulgiformes). Oilbirds breed and roost in caves, often at sufficient depth that no daylight can penetrate, and forage for fruits at night. Using standard microscopy techniques we investigated the retinal structure of oilbird eyes and used an ophthalmoscopic reflex technique to determine the parameters of these birds' visual fields. The retina is dominated by small rod receptors (diameter 1.3+/-0.2 microm; length 18.6+/-0.6 microm) arranged in a banked structure that is unique among terrestrial vertebrates. This arrangement achieves a photoreceptor density that is the highest so far recorded (approximately 1,000,000 rods mm(-2)) in any vertebrate eye. Cone photoreceptors are, however, present in low numbers. The eye is relatively small (axial length 16.1+/-0.2 mm) with a maximum pupil diameter of 9.0+/-0.0 mm, achieving a light-gathering capacity that is the highest recorded in a bird (f-number approximately 1.07). The binocular field has a maximum width of 38 degrees and extends vertically through 100 degrees with the bill projecting towards the lower periphery; a topography that suggests that vision is not used to control bill position. We propose that oilbird eyes are at one end of the continuum that juxtaposes the conflicting fundamental visual capacities of sensitivity and resolution. Thus, while oilbird visual sensitivity may be close to a maximum, visual resolution must be low. This explains why these birds employ other sensory cues, including olfaction and echolocation, in the control of their behaviour in low-light-level environments.

Evidence for a brief period of enhanced oxygen susceptibility in the rat model of oxygen-induced retinopathy.

PURPOSE: Findings in a previous study have shown that the retina of newborn rats exposed to hyperoxia during the first days of life sustain permanent functional (as determined with the rod ERG) and structural (as determined with histology) damage that appears to be determined by the level of retinal maturity reached at the time of oxygen exposure-the retinas of rat pups being more susceptible to hyperoxic shock during the second week of life than during the first week. Given that the cone ERG has been shown to mature later than the rod ERG, the purpose of the present study was to examine whether cone responses also demonstrates a similar maturational susceptibility to postnatal hyperoxia. Also examined was whether the oscillatory potentials (OPs) were affected by postnatal hyperoxia. METHODS: Newborn rats were exposed to hyperoxia during selected postnatal day intervals either initiated at birth (early-onset exposure) or at a later postnatal age (late-onset exposure). Photopic and scotopic (mixed cone-rod) electroretinograms were recorded at 30 days. RESULTS: Data analysis reveals that photopic and scotopic responses (b-wave and OPs) demonstrated a similar maturational susceptibility to postnatal hyperoxia, in which exposure regimens initiated during the second week of life were most detrimental to retinal function. The results also revealed a temporal window of enhanced oxygen susceptibility at approximately postnatal day 10. The duration of this window was longer when estimated with the scotopic responses, but the extent of the functional damage was more pronounced when estimated with the photopic signals. Finally, compared with the b-wave, the OPs, especially the short-latency OPs, were proportionally more affected. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that cone function is significantly more susceptible to postnatal hyperoxia than rod function, and the OPs appear to be the most susceptible ERG components, thus suggesting a differential susceptibility to oxygen toxicity of the different retinal components. However, despite a clear demonstration of its existence, the exact nature of the temporal window of enhanced oxygen susceptibility as well as a possible equivalence in other animal models of oxygen induced retinopathy, including the human form (retinopathy of prematurity), remains to be determined.