PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Schons S.V., Kommers G.D., Pereira G.M., Raffi M.B. & Schild A.L. 2007. [Microscopic, immunohistochemical, and ultra-structural study of the lesions experimentaly induced by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) in cattle.] Estudo histológico, imuno-histoquímico e ultra-estrutural das lesões induzidas experimentalmente por Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):269-276. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br The objective of this study was to investigate the pathogenesis of the lesions observed in cattle experimentally poisoned by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens. The mushroom was given to three 9 to10-month-old Jersey calves immediately after harvesting. Daily doses were around 20g/kg of body weight during 7 (Calf 1) or 13 days (Calves 2-3), and the total doses of mushroom given were 140, 268, and 261g/kg of body weight, respectively. One calf (Calf 4) with same age and breed was used as control. Clinical signs were characterized by prostration, anorexia, hyperemia of oral mucosa, and loosening of long hairs of the tail tip under mild traction. The calves were submitted to euthanasia and necropsied on days 8 (Calf 1) and 15 (Calves 2-4) after the beginning of the experiment. Microscopically, there was smoothness of dorsal epithelium of tongue with absence of filiform papillae, vacuolation of keratinocytes, and loosening of the keratin layer. In the hooves, there was vacuolation and irregular keratinization of the laminar epidermis and hyperplasia of keratinocytes. Hyperkeratosis, vacuolation of the external root sheath, thickening of tricholemal keratin, and inflammatory infiltration around hair follicles were observed on the skin of the tail tip. Immunohistochemical results with anti-pancytoceratin and anti-Ki67 (cell proliferation marker) antibodies showed no differences between the tongue dorsal epithelium of the control and experimental calves. Ultrastructural study demonstrated decrease in tonofilaments and increased intercellular spaces of the spinous layer of the tongue dorsal epithelium. The results of this study favor the hypothesis of an interference with the epithelial keratinization mechanisms by the toxic principles of Ramaria flavo-brunnescens.

• Ramaria flavo-brunnecens mushroom poisoning cattle diseases pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Schons S.V., Kommers G.D., Pereira G.M., Raffi M.B. & Schild A.L. 2007. [Microscopic, immunohistochemical, and ultra-structural study of the lesions experimentaly induced by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) in cattle.] Estudo histológico, imuno-histoquímico e ultra-estrutural das lesões induzidas experimentalmente por Ramaria flavo-brunnescens (Clavariaceae) em bovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):269-276. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br The objective of this study was to investigate the pathogenesis of the lesions observed in cattle experimentally poisoned by Ramaria flavo-brunnescens. The mushroom was given to three 9 to10-month-old Jersey calves immediately after harvesting. Daily doses were around 20g/kg of body weight during 7 (Calf 1) or 13 days (Calves 2-3), and the total doses of mushroom given were 140, 268, and 261g/kg of body weight, respectively. One calf (Calf 4) with same age and breed was used as control. Clinical signs were characterized by prostration, anorexia, hyperemia of oral mucosa, and loosening of long hairs of the tail tip under mild traction. The calves were submitted to euthanasia and necropsied on days 8 (Calf 1) and 15 (Calves 2-4) after the beginning of the experiment. Microscopically, there was smoothness of dorsal epithelium of tongue with absence of filiform papillae, vacuolation of keratinocytes, and loosening of the keratin layer. In the hooves, there was vacuolation and irregular keratinization of the laminar epidermis and hyperplasia of keratinocytes. Hyperkeratosis, vacuolation of the external root sheath, thickening of tricholemal keratin, and inflammatory infiltration around hair follicles were observed on the skin of the tail tip. Immunohistochemical results with anti-pancytoceratin and anti-Ki67 (cell proliferation marker) antibodies showed no differences between the tongue dorsal epithelium of the control and experimental calves. Ultrastructural study demonstrated decrease in tonofilaments and increased intercellular spaces of the spinous layer of the tongue dorsal epithelium. The results of this study favor the hypothesis of an interference with the epithelial keratinization mechanisms by the toxic principles of Ramaria flavo-brunnescens.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Macêdo J.T.S.A., Riet-Correa F., Simões S.V.D., Dantas A.F.M. & Nobre V.M.T. 2007. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Paraíba, northeastern Brazil.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos na Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):277-281. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.cnpq.br Six cases of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) observed from 2000 to 2005, and one outbreak occurred from 1986 to 1987 are reported in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. In one case the disease was diagnosed clinically and in 5 cases also by histopathology consisting of diffuse vasculitis with fibrinoid degeneration and perivascular infiltration of mononuclear cells in many organs. In 5 cases only one cattle was affected, and in one, 2 out of 6 cattle were affected. Five cases occurred from May to August, at the end of the raining season during the lambing season. Clinical signs and pathology were characteristics of the disease. Four cattle died after a clinical manifestation period of 5-8 days, another was euthanized after 40 days, and another recovered. The outbreak reported in the municipality of Taperoá occurred from August 1986 to December 1987, with a morbidity rate of 8.22% and a fatality rate of 100%. The disease occurred after the introduction of a ram in the farm. The outbreak was controlled after the slaughter of all sheep in the farm. These results demonstrated that MCF is endemic in Paraíba, and outbreaks with high morbidity and fatality rates can also occur. As it was previously reported in the state of Rio Grande do Sul few affected cattle can recovered. Because the 6 cases of MCF represent 3.1% of the 190 cases of different diseases diagnosed by the Veterinary Hospital from 2000 to 2005, it can be estimated that the disease affects 0.125% of cattle population in the state of Paraíba.

• Malignant catarrhal fever vasculitis diseases of cattle viral diseases semiarid

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Macêdo J.T.S.A., Riet-Correa F., Simões S.V.D., Dantas A.F.M. & Nobre V.M.T. 2007. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle in Paraíba, northeastern Brazil.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos na Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):277-281. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-000 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pesquisador.cnpq.br Six cases of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) observed from 2000 to 2005, and one outbreak occurred from 1986 to 1987 are reported in the state of Paraíba, northeastern Brazil. In one case the disease was diagnosed clinically and in 5 cases also by histopathology consisting of diffuse vasculitis with fibrinoid degeneration and perivascular infiltration of mononuclear cells in many organs. In 5 cases only one cattle was affected, and in one, 2 out of 6 cattle were affected. Five cases occurred from May to August, at the end of the raining season during the lambing season. Clinical signs and pathology were characteristics of the disease. Four cattle died after a clinical manifestation period of 5-8 days, another was euthanized after 40 days, and another recovered. The outbreak reported in the municipality of Taperoá occurred from August 1986 to December 1987, with a morbidity rate of 8.22% and a fatality rate of 100%. The disease occurred after the introduction of a ram in the farm. The outbreak was controlled after the slaughter of all sheep in the farm. These results demonstrated that MCF is endemic in Paraíba, and outbreaks with high morbidity and fatality rates can also occur. As it was previously reported in the state of Rio Grande do Sul few affected cattle can recovered. Because the 6 cases of MCF represent 3.1% of the 190 cases of different diseases diagnosed by the Veterinary Hospital from 2000 to 2005, it can be estimated that the disease affects 0.125% of cattle population in the state of Paraíba.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Garcia E.C., Rabelo R.E., Costa Y.L., Schild A.L. & Riet-Correa F. 2007. [Oropharyngeal and neurologic lesions in sheep associated with the use of drenching guns.] Lesões orofaríngeas e neurológicas em ovinos associadas ao uso de pistolas dosificadoras. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):282-286. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Jataí, 75800-000 Jataí, GO, Brazil. E-mail: santanafjf@yahoo.com Six outbreaks of oropharyngeal lesions caused by drenching guns in sheep are reported. In 2 outbreaks in Rio Grande do Sul the morbidity was 6.25% and 15%, and the lesions observed after antihelmintic treatment in adult sheep were characterized by a fistula extending from mouth to skin of the face. All sheep died or were euthanatized after continuous weight loss for up to 8 months. Another outbreak in the same State affected 26 out of 360 adult sheep after being dosed with molasses, causing lesions in the oral mucosa followed by malignant edema of the oral and subcutaneous tissues. All sheep died within 10 days after treatment. Another case observed in Rio Grande do Sul affected one out of 88 adult ewes. The animal died with hemorrhages from the nose and mouth 8 days after antihelmintic treatment. At necropsy an ulcerated lesion covered by a clot of fibrine was found in the oral mucosa. The lesion had a fistulated tract with purulent exudate extending through the soft tissues in direction to the right eye. Two outbreaks occurred in the State of Goiás 16-20 days after antihelmintic treatment in 5-9 months old lambs. Morbidity was 11.43% and 15.62% and fatality rate was 7.14% and 9.38%. Main clinical signs were nervous signs caused by abscesses with a diameter of 0.5-3cm, containing purulent exudates in the oropharynx, soft palate and adjacent muscles extending to the meninges through the atlantoaxial joint. Not-purulent meningitis was observed histologically. The need to use proper drenching guns and pay attention during dosing to avoid lesions of the oropharynx is pointed out.

• Oropharyngeal abscess neurologic alterations drenching guns sheep

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Sant’Ana F.J.F., Garcia E.C., Rabelo R.E., Costa Y.L., Schild A.L. & Riet-Correa F. 2007. [Oropharyngeal and neurologic lesions in sheep associated with the use of drenching guns.] Lesões orofaríngeas e neurológicas em ovinos associadas ao uso de pistolas dosificadoras. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):282-286. Laboratório de Patologia Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Campus Jataí, 75800-000 Jataí, GO, Brazil. E-mail: santanafjf@yahoo.com Six outbreaks of oropharyngeal lesions caused by drenching guns in sheep are reported. In 2 outbreaks in Rio Grande do Sul the morbidity was 6.25% and 15%, and the lesions observed after antihelmintic treatment in adult sheep were characterized by a fistula extending from mouth to skin of the face. All sheep died or were euthanatized after continuous weight loss for up to 8 months. Another outbreak in the same State affected 26 out of 360 adult sheep after being dosed with molasses, causing lesions in the oral mucosa followed by malignant edema of the oral and subcutaneous tissues. All sheep died within 10 days after treatment. Another case observed in Rio Grande do Sul affected one out of 88 adult ewes. The animal died with hemorrhages from the nose and mouth 8 days after antihelmintic treatment. At necropsy an ulcerated lesion covered by a clot of fibrine was found in the oral mucosa. The lesion had a fistulated tract with purulent exudate extending through the soft tissues in direction to the right eye. Two outbreaks occurred in the State of Goiás 16-20 days after antihelmintic treatment in 5-9 months old lambs. Morbidity was 11.43% and 15.62% and fatality rate was 7.14% and 9.38%. Main clinical signs were nervous signs caused by abscesses with a diameter of 0.5-3cm, containing purulent exudates in the oropharynx, soft palate and adjacent muscles extending to the meninges through the atlantoaxial joint. Not-purulent meningitis was observed histologically. The need to use proper drenching guns and pay attention during dosing to avoid lesions of the oropharynx is pointed out.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Pilati C. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Experimental poisoning by Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) in horses.] Intoxicação experimental por Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) em eqüinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):287-296. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Fourteen 4 to 22-year-old mixed breed horses weighing 230-475 kg were experimentally fed the dried aerial parts of Senecio brasiliensis (Spreng.) collected in its sprouting stage. A 15-year-old horse served as non-plant-fed control. Small amounts of the dried plant material were admixed in the ration given to the horses; larger amounts were grounded, admixed with water and force fed through nasogastric intubation. Liver biopsies were periodically performed in 11 horses. Nine horses died with signs or lesions of the poisoning after having received amounts of the plant corresponding to 0.87%, 1.5% (single administrations), 1.74% (two weekly administrations), 3.0% (three daily administrations), 7.42% (17 weekly administrations), 8.9% (284 daily administrations), 9.66% (82 daily administrations) and 9.30% (43 weekly administrations) of their body weight. Two horses which received amounts of the plant corresponding to 15.0% (30 and 60 daily administrations) of their body weight died during the experiments due to unrelated causes. Three horses which received amounts of the plant corresponding to 0.5% and 1.0% (single administrations), and 15.0% (240 daily administrations) of their body weight, and the control horse survived without any clinical signs. The disease induced by the plant had a clinical course of 1-30 days and was characterized by anorexia, jaundice and neurological signs of hepatic encephalopathy. Weight loss was observed in the more protracted cases. Necropsy findings included marked enhancement of the lobular pattern of the livers or those were firm and dark-red. Hemorrhages were frequent and more conspicuous on the subcutis, serosal surfaces and in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Edema occurred in the submucosa of the gastrointestinal tract and in body cavities. Histologically, the livers of horses that ingested relatively larger amounts of the plant for short periods of time had zonal coagulative necrosis and centrilobular to massive hemorrhages. Moderate to marked hepatomegalocytosis and mild to moderate fibrosis were seen in 4 horses which ingested small amounts of the plant for longer periods. Cholestasis and hemosiderosis were observed in the liver of 8 horses, neutrophilic aggregates in 6 and acidophilic intranuclear pseudo-inclusion bodies in hepatocytes of 3 horses. Changes suggestive of hepatic encephalopathy were observed in the brain of 6 horses. The earliest detected change in the liver biopsies was vacuolization of hepatocyte nuclei followed by apoptotic loss of hepatocytes, hepatomegalocytosis, infiltration of neutrophils and centrolobular necrosis. Occasionally hepatocellular acidophilic intranuclear pseudo-inclusion bodies and, in more protracted cases, slight fibrosis were seen. No changes were observed in the liver biopsies of the 3 plant-fed horses that survived, nor on the 2 horses that died of unrelated causes. The control horse had no clinical signs.

• Poisonous plants Senecio brasiliensis Asteraceae diseases of horses pathology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Pilati C. & Barros C.S.L. 2007. [Experimental poisoning by Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) in horses.] Intoxicação experimental por Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) em eqüinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):287-296. Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, 97105-900 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil. E-mail: claudioslbarros@uol.com.br Fourteen 4 to 22-year-old mixed breed horses weighing 230-475 kg were experimentally fed the dried aerial parts of Senecio brasiliensis (Spreng.) collected in its sprouting stage. A 15-year-old horse served as non-plant-fed control. Small amounts of the dried plant material were admixed in the ration given to the horses; larger amounts were grounded, admixed with water and force fed through nasogastric intubation. Liver biopsies were periodically performed in 11 horses. Nine horses died with signs or lesions of the poisoning after having received amounts of the plant corresponding to 0.87%, 1.5% (single administrations), 1.74% (two weekly administrations), 3.0% (three daily administrations), 7.42% (17 weekly administrations), 8.9% (284 daily administrations), 9.66% (82 daily administrations) and 9.30% (43 weekly administrations) of their body weight. Two horses which received amounts of the plant corresponding to 15.0% (30 and 60 daily administrations) of their body weight died during the experiments due to unrelated causes. Three horses which received amounts of the plant corresponding to 0.5% and 1.0% (single administrations), and 15.0% (240 daily administrations) of their body weight, and the control horse survived without any clinical signs. The disease induced by the plant had a clinical course of 1-30 days and was characterized by anorexia, jaundice and neurological signs of hepatic encephalopathy. Weight loss was observed in the more protracted cases. Necropsy findings included marked enhancement of the lobular pattern of the livers or those were firm and dark-red. Hemorrhages were frequent and more conspicuous on the subcutis, serosal surfaces and in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Edema occurred in the submucosa of the gastrointestinal tract and in body cavities. Histologically, the livers of horses that ingested relatively larger amounts of the plant for short periods of time had zonal coagulative necrosis and centrilobular to massive hemorrhages. Moderate to marked hepatomegalocytosis and mild to moderate fibrosis were seen in 4 horses which ingested small amounts of the plant for longer periods. Cholestasis and hemosiderosis were observed in the liver of 8 horses, neutrophilic aggregates in 6 and acidophilic intranuclear pseudo-inclusion bodies in hepatocytes of 3 horses. Changes suggestive of hepatic encephalopathy were observed in the brain of 6 horses. The earliest detected change in the liver biopsies was vacuolization of hepatocyte nuclei followed by apoptotic loss of hepatocytes, hepatomegalocytosis, infiltration of neutrophils and centrolobular necrosis. Occasionally hepatocellular acidophilic intranuclear pseudo-inclusion bodies and, in more protracted cases, slight fibrosis were seen. No changes were observed in the liver biopsies of the 3 plant-fed horses that survived, nor on the 2 horses that died of unrelated causes. The control horse had no clinical signs.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Sanz M.G., Venturini L., Assis R.A., Uzal F., Risso M.A., Idiart J.R. & Perfumo C.J. 2007. Fibrinonecrotic enteritis of piglets in a commercial farm: a postmortem study of the prevalence and the role of lesion associated agents Isospora suis and Clostridium perfringens. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):297-300. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CC 296, B1900 AVW, 60 y 119, La Plata, Argentina. E-mail: cjperfumo@fcv.unlp.edu.ar The objectives were to determine the prevalence of fibrinonecrotic enteritis (FNE) on a farrow-to-finish farm of 1,000 sows, to categorize the pathological changes, and to to investigate the lesion associated agents Isospora suis and Clostridium perfringens. Causes of preweaning mortality (PWM) were classified into 8 categories including FNE. Obtained data were evaluated for statistical significance by adjusted Chi-square analysis. Samples of FNE were taken for complementary studies including a PCR technique for genotyping toxin genes of Clostridium perfringens from gut samples fixed in 10% neutral formalin. From 3,153 piglets examined, less than 1% was classified as FNE. FNE prevalence increased progressively from the first to the third week, the last differing statistically from the others. Eighty percent of gut samples with FNE lesions were positive to Isospora suis, when examined by PCR from 9 severe FNE lesions detected 7 positive samples only for a toxin gene, characteristic of C. perfringens type-A.

• Fibrinonecrotic enteritis piglets prevalence Isospora suis Clostridium perfringens PCR

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Sanz M.G., Venturini L., Assis R.A., Uzal F., Risso M.A., Idiart J.R. & Perfumo C.J. 2007. Fibrinonecrotic enteritis of piglets in a commercial farm: a postmortem study of the prevalence and the role of lesion associated agents Isospora suis and Clostridium perfringens. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(7):297-300. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, CC 296, B1900 AVW, 60 y 119, La Plata, Argentina. E-mail: cjperfumo@fcv.unlp.edu.ar The objectives were to determine the prevalence of fibrinonecrotic enteritis (FNE) on a farrow-to-finish farm of 1,000 sows, to categorize the pathological changes, and to to investigate the lesion associated agents Isospora suis and Clostridium perfringens. Causes of preweaning mortality (PWM) were classified into 8 categories including FNE. Obtained data were evaluated for statistical significance by adjusted Chi-square analysis. Samples of FNE were taken for complementary studies including a PCR technique for genotyping toxin genes of Clostridium perfringens from gut samples fixed in 10% neutral formalin. From 3,153 piglets examined, less than 1% was classified as FNE. FNE prevalence increased progressively from the first to the third week, the last differing statistically from the others. Eighty percent of gut samples with FNE lesions were positive to Isospora suis, when examined by PCR from 9 severe FNE lesions detected 7 positive samples only for a toxin gene, characteristic of C. perfringens type-A.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Cazerta S.M.M., Miglino M.A., Marques R.S., Vulcano M. & Pereira F.T.V. 2007. [Characterization of hemophagous areas of the bovine placenta.] Caracterização das áreas hemófagas da placenta bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(6):229-235. Faculdade de Zootecnia, Campus Dracena, Unesp, Rod. Com. João Ribeiro de Barros, SP294 Km 651, Dracena, SP 17900-000, Brazil. E-mail: fverechia@dracena.unesp.br The specific region of maternal fetal interface needs to be clarified and corresponds to the “arcade zone” of sheep and goat placentomes. In small ruminants that area is also characterized by macroscopic blood extravasation (hemophagous areas). This occurs possibly because the iron is transferred to the embryo by trophoblastic erytrophagocytosis in these hemophagous placental areas. In order to investigate the hemophagous placental areas in cattle, placentomes of 34 pregnant Bos indicus cows (2-3, 4-6, 7-8 and 9 months of gestation) were analyzed. They were fixed by perfusion with 10% formaldehyde aqueous solution and 4% paraformoldehyde in PBS, pH 7.4, 0.1M, processed and stained for light microscopy and histochemistry. The methodology used allowed to observe placental haematomes between the uterine and trophoblastic epithelium since 3 months of pregnancy. Erythrocytes had been found in the trophoblastic cells, elucidating the erytrophagocytosis. Through Perl’s histochemical reaction it was possible to prove the existence of ferric iron in the trophoblastic cells. The PAS reaction was positive staining mucoid substance in the epithelial cells, especially in the binucleate cells of the fetal epithelium. Based on histology and histochemistry, it can be inferred that the hemophagous areas are important sites for iron transfer in the bovine placenta.

• Erythrophagocytosis hemophagous areas bovine placenta reproduction trophoblast

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Cazerta S.M.M., Miglino M.A., Marques R.S., Vulcano M. & Pereira F.T.V. 2007. [Characterization of hemophagous areas of the bovine placenta.] Caracterização das áreas hemófagas da placenta bovina. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 26(6):229-235. Faculdade de Zootecnia, Campus Dracena, Unesp, Rod. Com. João Ribeiro de Barros, SP294 Km 651, Dracena, SP 17900-000, Brazil. E-mail: fverechia@dracena.unesp.br The specific region of maternal fetal interface needs to be clarified and corresponds to the “arcade zone” of sheep and goat placentomes. In small ruminants that area is also characterized by macroscopic blood extravasation (hemophagous areas). This occurs possibly because the iron is transferred to the embryo by trophoblastic erytrophagocytosis in these hemophagous placental areas. In order to investigate the hemophagous placental areas in cattle, placentomes of 34 pregnant Bos indicus cows (2-3, 4-6, 7-8 and 9 months of gestation) were analyzed. They were fixed by perfusion with 10% formaldehyde aqueous solution and 4% paraformoldehyde in PBS, pH 7.4, 0.1M, processed and stained for light microscopy and histochemistry. The methodology used allowed to observe placental haematomes between the uterine and trophoblastic epithelium since 3 months of pregnancy. Erythrocytes had been found in the trophoblastic cells, elucidating the erytrophagocytosis. Through Perl’s histochemical reaction it was possible to prove the existence of ferric iron in the trophoblastic cells. The PAS reaction was positive staining mucoid substance in the epithelial cells, especially in the binucleate cells of the fetal epithelium. Based on histology and histochemistry, it can be inferred that the hemophagous areas are important sites for iron transfer in the bovine placenta.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Agreste F.R., Bombonato P.P. & Hernandez-Blazquez, F.J. 2007. [Morphometric characteristics of thymus development in dogs.] Características morfométricas do desenvolvimento do timo em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(6):236-240. Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. E-mail: bombonat@usp.br The thymus is an organ with great immunological relevance during foetus life and neonatal period, It is the predecessor of lymphopoiesis and shows high lymphopoietic activity, being also the largest lymphoid organ during intrauterine life and at birth. In this study, the morphological aspects of the prenatal development of dog thymus were described in foetus of different ages and sexes. Twenty-four foetus of mongrel domestic dogs, males and females, were divided into four age groups. The thymus presented two lobes linked by a rose-colored tissue connection that was localized in the cranial mediastinal space. The cranial portion protrudes slightly beyond the first pair of ribs. The cells that formed the thymus parenchyma were well organized. Concentric aggregates named Hassal corpuscles were observed, involved by a thin capsule of connective tissue thickened by adipose tissue. The vessels size gradually increased with the foetus age, being larger in animals that were closer to birth. The volume (Vref) and size parameters of female thymus were larger than in males.

• Thymus vascularization lymphatic system morphometry dogs

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Agreste F.R., Bombonato P.P. & Hernandez-Blazquez, F.J. 2007. [Morphometric characteristics of thymus development in dogs.] Características morfométricas do desenvolvimento do timo em cães. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(6):236-240. Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Universidade de São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. E-mail: bombonat@usp.br The thymus is an organ with great immunological relevance during foetus life and neonatal period, It is the predecessor of lymphopoiesis and shows high lymphopoietic activity, being also the largest lymphoid organ during intrauterine life and at birth. In this study, the morphological aspects of the prenatal development of dog thymus were described in foetus of different ages and sexes. Twenty-four foetus of mongrel domestic dogs, males and females, were divided into four age groups. The thymus presented two lobes linked by a rose-colored tissue connection that was localized in the cranial mediastinal space. The cranial portion protrudes slightly beyond the first pair of ribs. The cells that formed the thymus parenchyma were well organized. Concentric aggregates named Hassal corpuscles were observed, involved by a thin capsule of connective tissue thickened by adipose tissue. The vessels size gradually increased with the foetus age, being larger in animals that were closer to birth. The volume (Vref) and size parameters of female thymus were larger than in males.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Rodrigues M.A.M., Oliveira D.A., Taketomi E.A. & Hernandez-Blazquez F.J. 2007. IgA production, coliforms analysis and intestinal mucosa morphology of piglets that received probiotics with viable or inactivated cells. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(6):241-245. Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Anatomia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. Email: fjhblazq@usp.br Two types of probiotics were used in piglets. One product is a mixed culture of viable Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium e Bifidobacterium bifidum. The second product is composed of inactivated Lactobacillus acidophilus cells. The piglets received two weekly oral doses for 30 days while a control group did not receive probiotics. All piglets were euthanized at the 30th day of life and the mesenteric lymph nodes, the small intestine, and blood samples were collected. The tissue samples were studied by light microscopy and the blood serum was analyzed by ELISA method. The treatment with the probiotic with viable cells produced higher serum levels of IgA (P<0.05) and more IgA expressing cells were found in the mesenteric lymph nodes than observed in the inactivated cells treatment or control groups (P<0.05). Also, intestinal villi were longer, crypts were deeper (P<0.05) and fecal coliform count was lower than found in the inactivated product (P<0.05). These results suggest that viable probiotics are more efficient than inactivated probiotics to induce immunostimulation and intestinal modifications in piglets, thus improving their health and development.

• Probiotics IgA piglets swine weaning Lactobacillus intestine

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Rodrigues M.A.M., Oliveira D.A., Taketomi E.A. & Hernandez-Blazquez F.J. 2007. IgA production, coliforms analysis and intestinal mucosa morphology of piglets that received probiotics with viable or inactivated cells. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(6):241-245. Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Anatomia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. Email: fjhblazq@usp.br Two types of probiotics were used in piglets. One product is a mixed culture of viable Lactobacillus acidophilus, Enterococcus faecium e Bifidobacterium bifidum. The second product is composed of inactivated Lactobacillus acidophilus cells. The piglets received two weekly oral doses for 30 days while a control group did not receive probiotics. All piglets were euthanized at the 30th day of life and the mesenteric lymph nodes, the small intestine, and blood samples were collected. The tissue samples were studied by light microscopy and the blood serum was analyzed by ELISA method. The treatment with the probiotic with viable cells produced higher serum levels of IgA (P<0.05) and more IgA expressing cells were found in the mesenteric lymph nodes than observed in the inactivated cells treatment or control groups (P<0.05). Also, intestinal villi were longer, crypts were deeper (P<0.05) and fecal coliform count was lower than found in the inactivated product (P<0.05). These results suggest that viable probiotics are more efficient than inactivated probiotics to induce immunostimulation and intestinal modifications in piglets, thus improving their health and development.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silva F.O.C., Rafael E.L.S., Severino R.S., Drummond S.S. & Bombonato P.P. 2007. [Arteries of the cervical wolves of the thymus in stillborns hogs of the lineage C40.] Vascularização arterial dos lobos cervicais do timo em fetos de suínos da linhagem C40. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(6):246-250. Departamento de Anatomia Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil. E-mail: eltonvete@yahoo.com.br The thymus is a lymphoid structure of great importance for young animals, excellently acting on the after-birth development and maintenance of their immunologic ability. It has been shown well-developed from the final phase of the prenatal period through the beginning of puberty, and is the largest lymphoid structure with high lymphopoietic function during that period. The objective was to study the arterial vascularization of the cervical part of the thymus of C40 pigs, to supply morphologic information for this structure in animals that are of economical importance in Brazil, and to furnish subsidies for comparative anatomy. Thirty pig embryos, males and females, were used originating from cases of abortion and natural death. Both sides of the cervical lobes of the thymus were found divided during the fetal phase into cranial and caudal portions, joined by an isthmus and situated along the medial face of the mandibulary glands up to the cranial edge of the first pair of ribs. Characteristic for each side of the thymus vascularization is that the cervical lobes of the left side were found irrigated by Arteria subclavia, A. carotida communis, A. thyreoidea caudalis, A. thyreoidea cranialis, A. thyreoidea cervicalis superficialis, A. laryngea caudalis, and A. laryngea cranialis. The cervical thymus lobes of the right side were irrigated by A. carotida communis, A. thyreoidea caudalis, A. thyreoidea cranialis, A. thyreoidea cervicalis superficialis, A. laryngea caudalis, and A. laryngea cranialis.

• Arteries thymus swine

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silva F.O.C., Rafael E.L.S., Severino R.S., Drummond S.S. & Bombonato P.P. 2007. [Arteries of the cervical wolves of the thymus in stillborns hogs of the lineage C40.] Vascularização arterial dos lobos cervicais do timo em fetos de suínos da linhagem C40. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(6):246-250. Departamento de Anatomia Veterinária, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Av. Pará 1720, Uberlândia, MG 38400-902, Brazil. E-mail: eltonvete@yahoo.com.br The thymus is a lymphoid structure of great importance for young animals, excellently acting on the after-birth development and maintenance of their immunologic ability. It has been shown well-developed from the final phase of the prenatal period through the beginning of puberty, and is the largest lymphoid structure with high lymphopoietic function during that period. The objective was to study the arterial vascularization of the cervical part of the thymus of C40 pigs, to supply morphologic information for this structure in animals that are of economical importance in Brazil, and to furnish subsidies for comparative anatomy. Thirty pig embryos, males and females, were used originating from cases of abortion and natural death. Both sides of the cervical lobes of the thymus were found divided during the fetal phase into cranial and caudal portions, joined by an isthmus and situated along the medial face of the mandibulary glands up to the cranial edge of the first pair of ribs. Characteristic for each side of the thymus vascularization is that the cervical lobes of the left side were found irrigated by Arteria subclavia, A. carotida communis, A. thyreoidea caudalis, A. thyreoidea cranialis, A. thyreoidea cervicalis superficialis, A. laryngea caudalis, and A. laryngea cranialis. The cervical thymus lobes of the right side were irrigated by A. carotida communis, A. thyreoidea caudalis, A. thyreoidea cranialis, A. thyreoidea cervicalis superficialis, A. laryngea caudalis, and A. laryngea cranialis.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Iturrizaga D.M., Verechia F.T., Santos T.C., Bombonato P.P., Teixeira D.G. & Miglino M.A. 2007. The materno-fetal interface in llama (Lama guanicoe glama). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(6):221-228. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: miglino@usp.br Samples from 9 llamas (28 through 36 weeks of gestation) were collected and fixed in 4% buffered paraformaldehyde (light microscopy) and in 2.5% buffered glutaraldehyde (transmission and scanning electron microscopy). The material was processed in paraplast and slides (5mm) were stained with HE, PAS, Masson-Trichrome, acid phosphatase and Perl´s. The uteroferrin was immunolocalized. The results show that llama placenta is chorioallantoic, diffuse, folded and epitheliochorial, and the fetus is covered with an epidermal membrane. The trophoblast cells have variable morphology: cubic, rounded and triangular cells, with cytoplasm containing PAS-positive granules. Binucleated cells with large cytoplasm and rounded nuclei, as well as giant trophoblastic cells with multiple nuclei were also observed. Numerous blood vessels were observed beneath the cells of the uterine epithelium and around the chorionic subdivided branches. Glandular activity was shown by PAS, Perl´s, and acid phosphatase positive reactions in the cytoplasm and glandular lumen, and by immunolocalization of the uteroferrin in the glandular epithelium. The uterine glands open in spaces formed by the areoles, which are filled by PAS-positive material. The llama fetus was covered by the epidermal membrane, composed of stratified epithelium, with up to seven layers of mono-, bi- or trinucleated cells. The high level of maternal and fetal vascularization surfaces indicates an intense exchange of substances across both surfaces. The metabolic activity shown in the uterine glands suggests an adaptation of the gestation to the high altitudes of the natural habitat of this species.

• Placenta llama trophoblast uteroferrin ephiteliochorial morphology

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Iturrizaga D.M., Verechia F.T., Santos T.C., Bombonato P.P., Teixeira D.G. & Miglino M.A. 2007. The materno-fetal interface in llama (Lama guanicoe glama). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(6):221-228. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: miglino@usp.br Samples from 9 llamas (28 through 36 weeks of gestation) were collected and fixed in 4% buffered paraformaldehyde (light microscopy) and in 2.5% buffered glutaraldehyde (transmission and scanning electron microscopy). The material was processed in paraplast and slides (5mm) were stained with HE, PAS, Masson-Trichrome, acid phosphatase and Perl´s. The uteroferrin was immunolocalized. The results show that llama placenta is chorioallantoic, diffuse, folded and epitheliochorial, and the fetus is covered with an epidermal membrane. The trophoblast cells have variable morphology: cubic, rounded and triangular cells, with cytoplasm containing PAS-positive granules. Binucleated cells with large cytoplasm and rounded nuclei, as well as giant trophoblastic cells with multiple nuclei were also observed. Numerous blood vessels were observed beneath the cells of the uterine epithelium and around the chorionic subdivided branches. Glandular activity was shown by PAS, Perl´s, and acid phosphatase positive reactions in the cytoplasm and glandular lumen, and by immunolocalization of the uteroferrin in the glandular epithelium. The uterine glands open in spaces formed by the areoles, which are filled by PAS-positive material. The llama fetus was covered by the epidermal membrane, composed of stratified epithelium, with up to seven layers of mono-, bi- or trinucleated cells. The high level of maternal and fetal vascularization surfaces indicates an intense exchange of substances across both surfaces. The metabolic activity shown in the uterine glands suggests an adaptation of the gestation to the high altitudes of the natural habitat of this species.