Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Skin Analyzed Under Architecture and Structure / Piel de Alpaca (Vicugna pacos) Analizada Bajo Arquitectura y Estructura

SUMMARY: This study evaluated the morphology of alpacas skin. Biopsies were collected and samples were fixed in 10 % neutral buffered formalin for histological procedures. The sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, picrosirius red and Masson's trichrome. Types I, III and IV collagen were analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The derma presented sebaceous and sweat glands, as well as follicular groups with medullated fibers. Type I and type IV collagen were observed at epidermis and dermis as well as in glandular structures and hair follicles. The collagen III, was observed only in dermis.

Este estudio evaluó la morfología de la piel de alpacas. Se recogieron biopsias y las muestras se fijaron en formalina tamponada neutra al 10 % para procedimientos histológicos. Las secciones se tiñeron con hematoxilina y eosina, rojo picrosirius y tricrómico de Masson. El colágeno tipo I, III y IV se analizó mediante inmunohistoquímica. La dermis presentó glándulas sebáceas y sudoríparas, así como grupos foliculares con fibras medulares. Se observó colágeno tipo I y tipo IV en la epidermis y la dermis, así como en estructuras glandulares y folículos pilosos. El colágeno III, se observó únicamente en la dermis.

A 15-year longitudinal study of search-and-rescue dogs identifies the musculoskeletal, integumentary, and gastrointestinal systems as commonly affected.

OBJECTIVE: A longitudinal study followed search-and-rescue (SAR) dogs for 15 years to determine the incidence of health events and whether factors of deployment during 9/11, breed, or sex altered the risk of specific events. ANIMALS: 150 SAR dogs: 95 dogs deployed to the September 11 terrorist attack sites and 55 SAR dogs not deployed. METHODS: Each year, a survey was sent to the handler to collect health information until the dog died or the handler withdrew from the study. The reported health events were then categorized according to the body system affected and etiology. Incidence risk rates, with 95% CIs, were calculated for the most common types of health events. Incidence rate ratios were calculated stratified by deployment status, sex, and breed and significance assessed. RESULTS: 1 or more health event was recorded in 96 of the 150 enrolled dogs. The most affected systems were the musculoskeletal (31%; CI, 24 to 39), integumentary (22%; CI, 15 to 29), and gastrointestinal (20%; CI, 14 to 26). The health events were most commonly reported as inflammatory (45%; CI, 37 to 53) and degenerative (28%; CI, 21 to 35) in nature. There were no significant differences in incidence of health events based on deployment status to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Additionally, there was no significant effect of breed or sex on incidence of health events. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: To improve the health and longevity of SAR dogs, disease prevention and management programs should focus on reducing the health problems involving the musculoskeletal system as well as the integumentary and gastrointestinal systems.

Impact of benzophenone-3 on the integument and gills of zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Benzophenone (BP-3) is an organic compound that is a common ingredient in lotions, conditioners, and other personal care products, which helps protect against ultraviolet radiation. This study investigated the effect of BP-3 on the structure of the integument and gills, as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the gills of Danio rerio. Fish were exposed to different concentrations (7, 70, and 700 µg L-1) of BP-3 for 7 and 14 d. For the histological analysis of the integument and gills, the fish were fixed in Bouin liquid and processed according to standard histologic procedures, and the tissue section slices were stained according to different histochemical methods. BP-3 caused tissue damage and morphological alterations in the gills; however, the integument showed no histological or morphological alterations. Furthermore, there was no observed correlation between the BP-3 concentration and exposure period and the gill alterations, as these did not occur in a linear manner. The gills were removed to evaluate the antioxidant defense; for this, CAT and SOD activities were measured, and a reduction of SOD activity was noted, whereas the CAT activity was not significantly affected.

Morphology of coat and skin of small ruminants reared in the Brazilian semi-arid region.

The structure of the coat and integument of small ruminants reared in semi-arid regions have valuable characteristics that favor their adaptation to the region. The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural characteristics of the coat and integument and sweating capacity of goats and sheep in the Brazilian semi-arid region, using 20 animals, 10 of each breed, 5 males and 5 females of each species, grouped in a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme (2 species and 2 genders) with 5 replicates. The animals were already being kept under the influence of high temperatures and levels of direct solar radiation before the day of the collections. At the time of the evaluations, ambient temperature was high, with low relative humidity. The pattern of epidermal thickness and sweat glands per body region was superior in sheep (P < 0.05), and the number of hair follicles and sweat rate were similar (P > 0.05) between the species. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in the evaluated characteristics between the genders, showing that they are not influenced by hormones. The morphology of the coat and skin of these animals showed a superiority of goats compared to sheep.

Aspects of skin morphology and morphometry of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla, LINNAEUS, 1758) / spectos da morfologia e morfometria da pele do tamanduá bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla, LINNAEUS, 1758)

The aim of the present study is to describe the skin morphology and morphometry of the giant anteater (M. tridactyla), based on comparative analysis applied to skin segments from central metacarpal torus (palmar pad), dorsal thorax, ventral cervical, ventral abdomen, medial carpal and nasal regions. In order to do so, eight adult specimens of M. tridactyla were used for macroscopic studies and four for microscopic assessments. Microscopy was used to assess fur general features that were macroscopically assessed through visual analysis. Fragments (2.0cm²) were collected from the selected regions for microscopic studies. Samples were fixed on McDowell solution, processed through routine histology techniques and subjected to semi-serial cuts (5 µm). The cuts were stained in HE, Alcian blue and periodic acid Schiff. General morphology of different skin layers was described, as well as their architecture and composition; mesoscopy of the epidermis, dermis and stratum corneum was also carried out. There was difference in skin morphometry between males and females, and between different skin regions in the same animal, based on the statistical evaluation of the recorded values. All epidermis layers were assessed for the selected regions. Dermis encompassed surface and deep layers; it presented sweat and sebaceous glands, as well as hair follicles. Findings also allowed reporting that epidermis components are easily identified given its thickness, and the large amount of sweat glands in it ­ it contrasts its physiological features.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever a morfologia e morfometria da pele do Tamanduá-bandeira (M. tridactyla), mediante a análise comparativa de segmentos cutâneos das regiões central do toro metacarpal (coxim palmar), dorsal do tórax, cervical ventral, ventral do abdome, medial do carpo e nasal. Para tanto, foram utilizados oito exemplares adultos de M. tri-dactyla para o estudo macroscópico, e quatro destes para o estudo microscópico. Macroscopicamente estudou-se, por meio de análise visual, as características gerais do pelo e pelagem. Para o estudo microscópico, foram coletados fragmentos de 2,0 cm2 das áreas selecionadas. As amostras foram fixadas em solução de McDowell, processadas pelas técnicas rotineiras de his-tologia e submetidas a cortes semi-seriados de 5 µm. Os cortes foram corados com HE, azul de Alcian e ácido periódico de Schiff. Descreveu-se a morfologia geral, a arquitetura e a composição das diferentes camadas da pele e ainda realizou-se a mesoscopia da epiderme, derme e estrato córneo. De acordo com a avaliação estatística dos valores obtidos, houve diferença na morfometria cutânea entre machos e fêmeas, e entre as diferentes regiões cutâneas de um mesmo animal. Nas regiões estu-dadas observou-se todas as camadas da epiderme. A derme compôs-se das camadas superficial e profunda, apresentado glân-dulas sudoríferas e sebáceas e folículos pilosos. Dentre os achados também pode-se relatar que os componentes da epiderme são facilmente identificáveis pela sua maior espessura, além da grande quantidade de glândulas sudoríferas presentes, o que contrasta com suas características fisiológicas.(AU)

Comparative morphology of the paw pad of the main arboreal Xenarthras from Amazon.

Paw pads are specializations of the integument and important shock absorbers of the locomotor system, as well as pressure, pain, temperature, storage and excretion sensors. Aiming to describe the paw pad morphology of the main arboreal xenarthras species in the Amazon, 16 animals were studied, Bradypus variegatus (6), Choloepus didactylus (5), Tamandua tetradactyla (3) and Cyclopes didactylus (2) that after death were donated to the Animal Morphological Research Laboratory (LaPMA / Ufra). The corpses were thawed and fixed with 10% aqueous formalin solution. The paw pads were measured, photographed and removed by skin incision dorsally to them. Fragments were used for routine histological processing, using two staining techniques: Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) and Gomori's Trichrome, in sections of 6 to 8 µm. Choloepus didactylus, Tamandua tetradactyla and Cyclopes didactylus have digital paw pads, one in each digit, and one palm, as well as a plantar, whose shapes and colours are distinct from each other. Bradypus variegatus, however, has only one palmar and one plantar pad. Histologically, they have keratinized stratified squamous epithelium, supported by a large amount of collagen fibres and fibroblast cords in the dermis and hypodermis. Groups of eccrine sweat glands were observed in the reticular dermis of C. didactylus, B. variegatus, T. tetradactyla and only in the hypodermis of Cyclopes didactylus.

Morphology and distribution of scales, dermal ossifications, and other non-feather integumentary structures in non-avialan theropod dinosaurs.

Modern birds are typified by the presence of feathers, complex evolutionary innovations that were already widespread in the group of theropod dinosaurs (Maniraptoriformes) that include crown Aves. Squamous or scaly reptilian-like skin is, however, considered the plesiomorphic condition for theropods and dinosaurs more broadly. Here, we review the morphology and distribution of non-feathered integumentary structures in non-avialan theropods, covering squamous skin and naked skin as well as dermal ossifications. The integumentary record of non-averostran theropods is limited to tracks, which ubiquitously show a covering of tiny reticulate scales on the plantar surface of the pes. This is consistent also with younger averostran body fossils, which confirm an arthral arrangement of the digital pads. Among averostrans, squamous skin is confirmed in Ceratosauria (Carnotaurus), Allosauroidea (Allosaurus, Concavenator, Lourinhanosaurus), Compsognathidae (Juravenator), and Tyrannosauroidea (Santanaraptor, Albertosaurus, Daspletosaurus, Gorgosaurus, Tarbosaurus, Tyrannosaurus), whereas dermal ossifications consisting of sagittate and mosaic osteoderms are restricted to Ceratosaurus. Naked, non-scale bearing skin is found in the contentious tetanuran Sciurumimus, ornithomimosaurians (Ornithomimus) and possibly tyrannosauroids (Santanaraptor), and also on the patagia of scansoriopterygids (Ambopteryx, Yi). Scales are surprisingly conservative among non-avialan theropods compared to some dinosaurian groups (e.g. hadrosaurids); however, the limited preservation of tegument on most specimens hinders further interrogation. Scale patterns vary among and/or within body regions in Carnotaurus, Concavenator and Juravenator, and include polarised, snake-like ventral scales on the tail of the latter two genera. Unusual but more uniformly distributed patterning also occurs in Tyrannosaurus, whereas feature scales are present only in Albertosaurus and Carnotaurus. Few theropods currently show compelling evidence for the co-occurrence of scales and feathers (e.g. Juravenator, Sinornithosaurus), although reticulate scales were probably retained on the mani and pedes of many theropods with a heavy plumage. Feathers and filamentous structures appear to have replaced widespread scaly integuments in maniraptorans. Theropod skin, and that of dinosaurs more broadly, remains a virtually untapped area of study and the appropriation of commonly used techniques in other palaeontological fields to the study of skin holds great promise for future insights into the biology, taphonomy and relationships of these extinct animals.

Cytochrome P450 Genes of the CYP4 Clan and Pyrethroid Resistance in Chagas Disease Vectors

he chemical control of Triatoma infestans, the major Chagas disease vector in southern South America, has been threatened in the last years by the emergence of pyrethroid-resistant bug populations. As an alternative approach, the efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana to control T. infestans populations (regardless their pyrethroid susceptibility) has been demonstrated. Growing research efforts on the interaction between T. infestans and B. bassiana by molecular, ecological, biochemical and behavioral traits has allowed framing such interaction as an evolutionary arms race. This review will focus on the relationships established in this particular host-pathogen system, compiling available data on the relevance of fungal pathogenesis, insect behavior, population dynamics and human intervention to favor fungal dissemination in bug populations. The current snapshot shows the fungus ahead in the evolutionary arms race and predicts a promissory landscape for the biological control of Chagas disease vectors.

The dermal armor of mylodontid sloths (Mammalia, Xenarthra) from Cueva del Milodón (Última Esperanza, Chile).

Dermal ossifications (osteoderms, dermal ossicles, osteoscutes) appear independently in various tetrapod lineages. In mammals, however, dermal ossifications are only present in some members of Xenarthra. This clade includes Cingulata (armadillos and their relatives), and Pilosa, including Vermilingua (anteaters) and Folivora (sloths). In extant xenarthrans, osteoderms are invariably present in cingulates whereas they are absent in pilosans. Among extinct sloths, however, a limited number of taxa possessed dermal ossifications. Records of mummified skins of ground sloths bearing osteoderms found in Cueva del Milodón (Southern Chile), with a late Pleistocene age, allowed us to analyze their micro- and macroscopic morphology. The main goal of this study is to closely examine a portion of a mylodontid skin portion using radiography. The arrangement, morphology and internal structure of the ossicles are analyzed and the results are discussed in the context of previous research. The results we obtained indicate that ossicles vary in shape and size, and the integument has four different patterns of arrangement of the ossicles: that is, areas without ossicles, disorganized ossicles, rows, and mosaic areas. The latter has two variants, with clusters of ossicles forming rosettes or stars. Thin sections of the ossicles allowed us to recognize and describe anatomical features of the bone and its mode of growth. Finally, paleobiological and functional considerations of the dermal armor are discussed along with its phylogenetic and chronological implications.

Comparative research on morphology and mechanical property of integument of Rana dybowskii, Xenopus laevis and Ambystoma mexicanum.

Amphibians' integument is a multifunctional organ offering protection from the exterior surroundings and facilitating the physiological change of gas, water and salts with the environment, which is a natural biomaterial with multifunctional features. Interspecies comparison of biomechanical characters and microstructure possibly related to them were performed on the integument of three species of amphibians, two anurans(Rana dybowskii and Xenopus laevis) and one urodeles(Ambystoma mexicanum) using tensile testing and morphological characterization. It was found that the integument of Rana dybowskii and Xenopus laevis was covered by polygonal epidermal cells, while the trunk surface of Ambystoma mexicanum presented irregular microstructure with the lack of keratinization. The integument of Rana dybowskii and Xenopus laevis exhibited good performance on stiffness and strength, which showed quite high mean elastic modulus, 931MPa and 1048MPa,respectively.

Deciphering the role of Rhodnius prolixus CYP4G genes in straight and methyl-branched hydrocarbon formation and in desiccation tolerance.

Insect cuticle hydrocarbons are involved primarily in waterproofing the cuticle, but also participate in chemical communication and regulate the penetration of insecticides and microorganisms. The last step in insect hydrocarbon biosynthesis is carried out by an insect-specific cytochrome P450 of the 4G subfamily (CYP4G). Two genes (CYP4G106 and CYP4G107) have been reported in the triatomines Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma infestans. In this work, their molecular and functional characterization is carried out in R. prolixus, and their relevance to insect survival is assessed. Both genes are expressed almost exclusively in the integument and have an expression pattern dependent on the developmental stage and feeding status. CYP4G106 silencing diminished significantly the straight-chain hydrocarbon production while a significant reduction - mostly of methyl-branched chain hydrocarbons - was observed after CYP4G107 silencing. Molecular docking analyses using different aldehydes as hydrocarbon precursors predicted a better fit of straight-chain aldehydes with CYP4G106 and methyl-branched aldehydes with CYP4G107. Survival bioassays exposing the silenced insects to desiccation stress showed that CYP4G107 is determinant for the waterproofing properties of the R. prolixus cuticle. This is the first report on the in vivo specificity of two CYP4Gs to make mostly straight or methyl-branched hydrocarbons, and also on their differential contribution to insect desiccation.

Skin Diseases in Donkeys and Mules-An Update.

The skin of donkeys and mules represents a promising source of income; however, cultural, productive, and infectious factors can directly interfere with the quality of the integumentary tissue and well-being of these species. The objective of this study is to present a literature review on equine dermatopathies. This literature review included scientific articles related to equine medicine and breeding according to pre-established search terms and expressions published in recently articles. The evaluation of the clinical and pathological behavior of dermatopathies implies the use of control strategies and the recognition of pathological patterns that may be particular to the species.

First Record of Ategmic Ovules in Orchidaceae Offers New Insights Into Mycoheterotrophic Plants.

The number of integuments found in angiosperm ovules is variable. In orchids, most species show bitegmic ovules, except for some mycoheterotrophic species that show ovules with only one integument. Analysis of ovules and the development of the seed coat provide important information regarding functional aspects such as dispersal and seed germination. This study aimed to analyze the origin and development of the seed coat of the mycoheterotrophic orchid Pogoniopsis schenckii and to compare this development with that of other photosynthetic species of the family. Flowers and fruits at different stages of development were collected, and the usual methodology for performing anatomical studies, scanning microscopy, and transmission microscopy following established protocols. P. schenckii have ategmic ovules, while the other species are bitegmic. No evidence of integument formation at any stage of development was found through anatomical studies. The reduction of integuments found in the ovules could facilitate fertilization in this species. The seeds of P. schenckii, Vanilla planifolia, and V. palmarum have hard seed coats, while the other species have seed coats formed by the testa alone, making them thin and transparent. P. schenckii, in contrast to the other species analyzed, has a seed coat that originates from the nucellar epidermis, while in other species, the seed coat originates from the outer integument.

Interactions of adjuvants on adhesion and germination of Isaria fumosorosea on adults of Diaphorina citri

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is considered the most important citrus pest worldwide, as it transmits Huanglongbing serious citrus disease. New efficient and sustainable strategies to control this pest have been investigated and the use of entomopathogenic fungi has become a promising alternative. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adjuvants a) Tween 80 at 0.01 % (v/v); b) Silwet L77 at 0.025 % (v/v) and c) KBRAdj at 0.075 % (v/v) on adhesion, germination and pathogenicity of Isaria fumosorosea ESALQ-1296(5 × 106 conidia mL–1). Female adults of D. citri used in this experiment were sprayed on Citrus limonia seedlings. The sprayed insects were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to identify the most susceptible integument regions for fungus attachment and the effect of adjuvants used. In the pathogenicity test, adjuvants Silwet L77 and KBRAdj presented a higher efficiency than Tween 80. Fungi adhered predominantly to the ventral posterior (abdomen) region in comparison with the dorsal anterior (thorax) region. In addition, adjuvants Silwet L77 and KBRAdj presented faster germination (< 48 h) of I. fumosorosea spores when compared to Tween 80 (> 72 h). Conidial germination in the dorsal part of the thorax of the insects was observed only with adjuvant KBRAdj 72 h post inoculation.(AU)

Interactions of adjuvants on adhesion and germination of Isaria fumosorosea on adults of Diaphorina citri

Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, is considered the most important citrus pest worldwide, as it transmits Huanglongbing – serious citrus disease. New efficient and sustainable strategies to control this pest have been investigated and the use of entomopathogenic fungi has become a promising alternative. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adjuvants a) Tween 80 at 0.01 % (v/v); b) Silwet L77 at 0.025 % (v/v) and c) KBRAdj at 0.075 % (v/v) on adhesion, germination and pathogenicity of Isaria fumosorosea ESALQ-1296(5 × 106 conidia mL–1). Female adults of D. citri used in this experiment were sprayed on Citrus limonia seedlings. The sprayed insects were analyzed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to identify the most susceptible integument regions for fungus attachment and the effect of adjuvants used. In the pathogenicity test, adjuvants Silwet L77 and KBRAdj presented a higher efficiency than Tween 80. Fungi adhered predominantly to the ventral posterior (abdomen) region in comparison with the dorsal anterior (thorax) region. In addition, adjuvants Silwet L77 and KBRAdj presented faster germination ( 72 h). Conidial germination in the dorsal part of the thorax of the insects was observed only with adjuvant KBRAdj 72 h post inoculation.

A fatty acid synthase gene (FASN3) from the integument tissue of Rhodnius prolixus contributes to cuticle water loss regulation.

Fatty acid synthase is a multifunctional enzyme involved in the formation of fatty acids. Despite the role of fatty acids in cell signalling and energy metabolism, and as precursors to pheromones and hydrocarbons that waterproof the cuticle, the insect fatty acid synthases have been scarcely studied. Here we perform the molecular characterization of three fatty acid synthase genes (fatty acid synthase RPRC000123, RPRC000269 and RPRC002909) in the Chagas disease vector, Rhodnius prolixus. Gene expression screening by reverse transcription quantitative PCR showed that RPRC000123 and RPRC002909 are expressed almost exclusively in the integument tissue whilst RPRC000269 is mostly expressed in the fat body and also in several body organs. Phylogenetic analysis, together with gene expression results, showed that RPRC000269, RPRC002909 and RPRC000123 are orthologues of Drosophila melanogaster fatty acid synthase 1 (FASN1), FASN2 and FASN3 genes, respectively. After RNA interference-mediated knockdown of RPRC000123, insects died immediately after moulting to the next developmental stage. However, mortality was prevented by placing the insects under saturated humidity conditions, suggesting that dehydration might play a role in the insects' death. Lipid analyses in RPRC000123-silenced insects showed reduced amounts of integument fatty acids and methyl-branched hydrocarbons, compared to controls. These data support an important role for FASN3 in the biosynthesis of the precursors to hydrocarbons that waterproof the insect cuticle.

Alterações morfológicas na epiderme de Pipa carvalhoi durante a inserção dos ovos

The aquatic amphibians of the genus Pipa, exclusive to South and Central America, present a peculiar reproductive mode. After an elaborate dance, the male directs the fertilized eggs to the female's back, where they will form individual chambers and develop into tadpoles or toadlets (depending on the species). Previous work has shown that the insertion of these eggs takes on average 24h but detailed description of this period is still lacking. The present work aims to morphologically describe the epidermal changes that occur in the interaction of eggs with the dorsal female until the complete formation of the egg chamber in the species Pipa carvalhoi. For this work, seven specimens of Pipa carvalhoi from Ilhéus, Bahia, were used: one male, 2 females without eggs, and 4 females at different stages of development in the first 24 hours after egg laying. The dorsal skins of these individuals were processed for light microscopy (ML), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It has been observed that: the skin of males and females without eggs is similar and present several regions with living cells and differentiated on the surface; the cells of this most superficial layer of the epidermis appear to contain small vesicles which suggest exchange of material with the gelatinous outer layers of the egg; as the egg is inserted into the back of the female there is a rapid modification of the epidermis that reduces the number of cell layers from 5-6 to 1-2 layers in the bottom of the chamber, in addition to changing the shape of the cells from cubic to fusiform, making them difficult to visualize in histology; At the same time, it is possible to notice a large accumulation of cells below the modified epidermis, which were identified in the MET as modified fibroblasts and/or macrophages in intense activity; in the dermis, there is a large increase of blood vessels; at the end of the formation of the egg chamber, the pore is covered by an amorphous substance, probably derived from the egg. The results indicate that the transformation of the epidermis into a very thin structure, the replacement of the corneal layer by differentiated cells that could have some kind of interaction with the egg through small vesicles on the surface of the skin, and the expressive angiogenesis observed in the dermis are an indication of possible exchange of substance between the mother and the eggs. In addition, cells that proliferate in the dermis just below the epidermis should exert an expressive role in the modifications and/or skin activity of the skin during egg insertion process.

Os anfíbios aquáticos do gênero Pipa, exclusivos da América do Sul e Central, apresentam um modo reprodutivo peculiar. Depois de uma elaborada dança, o macho direciona os ovos fertilizados para o dorso da fêmea, aonde eles formarão câmaras individuais e se desenvolverão até se tornarem girinos ou imagos (dependendo da espécie). Trabalhos pretéritos mostraram que a inserção desses ovos leva em média 24h, dessa forma o presente trabalho tem como objetivo descrever morfologicamente as modificações epidérmicas que ocorrem na interação dos ovos com a pela dorsal da fêmea até a completa formação da câmara dos ovos na espécie Pipa carvalhoi. Para esse trabalho foram usados 7 espécimes de Pipa carvalhoi provenientes de Ilhéus, Bahia, sendo: um macho, 2 fêmeas sem ovos, e 4 fêmeas em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento nas primeiras 24h após a postura dos ovos. As peles dorsais desses indivíduos foram processadas para microscopia de luz (ML), microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV) e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão (MET). Observou-se que: a pele de machos e fêmeas sem ovos são semelhantes e possuem diversas regiões com células vivas e diferenciadas na superfície; as células dessa camada mais superficial da epiderme parecem conter pequenas vesículas que sugerem troca de material com as camadas externas gelatinosas do ovo; conforme o ovo se insere no dorso da fêmea há uma rápida modificação da epiderme que reduz o número de camadas de células de 5-6 para 1-2 camadas no fundo da câmara, além de modificar a forma das células de cúbicas/poligonais para fusiformes, tornando-as de difícil visualização na histologia; ao mesmo tempo, é possível notar um grande acúmulo de células abaixo da epiderme modificada, que foram identificadas no MET como fibroblastos modificados e/ou macrófagos em intensa atividade; na derme, há um grande aumento de vasos sanguíneos; ao fim da formação da câmara do ovo, o poro é coberto por uma substancia amorfa, provavelmente oriunda do ovo. Os resultados indicam que as transformações da epiderme em uma estrutura muito delgada, a substituição da camada córnea por células diferenciadas que poderiam ter algum tipo de interação com o ovo através de pequenas vesículas na superfície da pele, e a expressiva angiogênese observada na derme são uma indicação de possível troca de substâncias entre a mãe e os ovos. Além disso, as células que se proliferam na derme logo abaixo da epiderme devem exercer um papel expressivo nas modificações e/ou atividade da pele durante essa fase de inserção dos ovos.

The integument of the nonamphibious goby Gobionellus oceanicus: Its functional morphology and respiratory capacity.

Facultative air-breathing fish can exchange respiratory gases using an air-breathing organ (ABO), such as the oral cavity of the integument, during environmental hypoxia. The goby Gobionellus oceanicus inhabits areas subject to environmental hypoxia; however, its ABO is unknown. To investigate the respiratory potential of G. oceanicus, the gill and integument surface area, diffusion capacity, and their diffusion barrier thickness were measured. Our results show that although gill surface area is smaller than observed in other facultative air-breathing fish, but it has all features necessary to perform aquatic gas exchange. Additionally the integument of the palate has a short diffusion barrier thickness and a large calculated O2 -diffusion capacity suggesting that it functions as the ABO.

Polarization Microscopy and Infrared Microspectroscopy of Integument Coverings of Diapausing Larvae in Two Distantly Related Nonsocial Bees.

The larvae of the two distantly related nonsocial bees Ericrocis lata (Apidae) and Hesperapis (Carinapis) rhodocerata (Melittidae), which develop mostly under arid desert areas of North America, and that differ in that they either spin (E. lata) or do not spin (H. rhodocerata) protective cocoons before entering diapause, produce transparent films that cover the larval integument. To understand the nature of these films, their responses to topochemical tests and their characteristics when examined with fluorescence and high-performance polarization microscopy and microspectroscopy were studied. A positive staining by Sudan black B, birefringence of negative sign, and a Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectrum typical of lipids were detected for the integument covering of both species. The FT-IR signature, particularly, suggests a wax chemical composition for these lipid coverings, resembling the waxes that are used as construction materials in the honey cells produced by social bees. Considering the arid environmental conditions under which these larvae develop, we hypothesize that their covering films may have evolved as protection against water depletion. This hypothesis seems especially appropriate for H. rhodocerata larvae, which are capable of undergoing a long diapause period in the absence of a protective cocoon.

Transcriptome Analysis of the Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) Integument.

The insect integument, formed by the cuticle and the underlying epidermis, is essential for insect fitness, regulation of lipid biosynthesis and storage, insect growth and feeding, together with development progress. Its participation in insecticide resistance has also been outlined. Triatoma infestans Klug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is one of the major vectors of Chagas disease in South America; however, genomic data are scarce. In this study, we performed a transcriptome analysis of the nymph integument in order to identify which genes are expressed and their putative role. Using the 454 GS-FLX sequencing platform, we obtained approximately 144,620 reads from the integument tissue. These reads were assembled into 6,495 isotigs and 8,504 singletons. Based on BLAST similarity searches, about 8,000 transcripts were annotated with known genes, conserved domains, and/or Gene Ontology terms.The most abundant transcripts corresponded to transcription factors and nucleic acid metabolism, membrane receptors, cell signaling, and proteins related to cytoskeleton, transport, and cell energy processes, among others. More than 10% of the transcripts-encoded proteins putatively involved in the metabolism of fatty acids and related components (fatty acid synthases, elongases, desaturases, fatty alcohol reductases), structural integument proteins, and the insecticide detoxification system (among them, cytochrome P450s, esterases, and glutathione transferases). Real-time qPCR assays were used to investigate their putative participation in the resistance mechanism. This preliminary study is the first transcriptome analysis of a triatomine integument, and together with prior biochemical information, will help further understandthe role of the integument in a wide array of mechanisms.