Asymmetric dimethyl arginine in captive owl monkeys (Aotus sp).

Only four of 40 animals had measurable asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) levels. The young primate had the lowest value (53.4 ng/ml) when compared with the two adults (218.8 ± 9.3 ng/ml) and the elderly one (320.5 ng/ml). The ADMA levels in this study may relate to the echocardiographic abnormalities found, and possible hypertensive individuals.

Lipid profile, apolipoproteins A-1 and B in owl monkeys (Aotus infulatus) in captivity.

BACKGROUND: Owl monkeys (Aotus infulatus) are frequently affected by heart diseases and, as in humans, dyslipidemia is one of the predisposing factors for adverse cardiovascular events. In view of this, the study of the lipid profile and plasma apolipoproteins can contribute to the clinical management of this neotropical primate species. METHODS: Lipid profile as well as A-1 and B apolipoprotein values were analyzed in 60 owl monkeys, studying their relationship with body biometry and the presence of cardiac alterations. RESULTS: Animals suspected of having heart disease did not show significant differences (p < .05) in terms of biometry or in relation to lipid profile and apolipoproteins A-1 and B values; however, higher values of LDL and ApoB and ApoB/ApoA-1 were observed in this group. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to describe the lipid profile and apolipoprotein values in owl monkeys, and further work will be needed to better elucidate the worthiness of LDL, ApoB, and the ApoB/ApoA-1 ratio in this primate species.

Biochemistry, Doppler echocardiography, and electrocardiography evaluation in captive owl monkeys (Aotus sp).

BACKGROUND: The cardiovascular system of owl monkeys has been studied due to frequent postmortem findings of heart disease in asymptomatic animals. The silent aspect and the difficulty of early diagnosis intensify the importance of studying the cardiovascular system in this species. METHODS: Echocardiogram evaluation was carried out on 60 animals, grouped into suspect or non-suspect of having heart diseases, and evaluated through electrocardiogram, hematology, and biochemical tests. RESULTS: Doppler echocardiography indicated two animals with suspicion of left ventricular hypertrophy and eight with dilated cardiomyopathy. Suspect animals had higher cardiac measurements and reduced shortening fraction. Troponin I was detectable in two animals (0.128 ng/mL and 0.584 ng/mL), and serum albumin concentration was significantly higher in non-suspect animals (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The importance of echocardiographic measurements of IVSd, IVSs, LVIDd, LVIDs, LVPWd, LVPWs, LA, EF, and FS in the cardiac evaluation of captive owl monkeys was evidenced.