PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Nóbrega Jr J.E., Macêdo J.T.S.A., Araújo J.A.S., Dantas A.F.M., Soares M.P. & Riet-Correa F. 2008. [Contagious echtyma in sheep and goats in the semiarid of Paraíba, Brazil.] Ectima contagioso em ovinos e caprinos no semi-árido da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):135-139. Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-970 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Ten outbreaks of contagious ecthyma in goats and two in sheep in the semiarid of Paraíba State are reported. Young animals were more frequently affected, but in 8 outbreaks adult animals were also affected, mainly lactating goats which developed udder lesions. None of the affected flocks had been vaccinated. Upon histologic examination the epidermis showed acanthosis with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia and multifocal ballooning degeneration forming vesicles or pustules. Eosinophilic inclusion bodies were observed in keratinocytes. Crust of necrotic cells, hyperkeratosis, and intracorneal microabscesses or large ulcerated areas were also observed. Severe diffuse infiltration by mononuclear cells was observed in the dermis. A human case was observed in an investigator that was feeding a goat that later appeared with lesions of the disease. In this case, the virus was identified by electron microscopy of a skin biopsy. These results show that contagious ecthyma is endemic in Northeastern Brazil and therefore systematic vaccination of the flocks is necessary to control the disease. The use of gloves to handle affected animals is advisable to minimize the risk of human exposure.

• Contagious ecthyma sheep goat human infection parapoxvirus Poxviridae

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Nóbrega Jr J.E., Macêdo J.T.S.A., Araújo J.A.S., Dantas A.F.M., Soares M.P. & Riet-Correa F. 2008. [Contagious echtyma in sheep and goats in the semiarid of Paraíba, Brazil.] Ectima contagioso em ovinos e caprinos no semi-árido da Paraíba. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):135-139. Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Campus de Patos, 58700-970 Patos, PB, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Ten outbreaks of contagious ecthyma in goats and two in sheep in the semiarid of Paraíba State are reported. Young animals were more frequently affected, but in 8 outbreaks adult animals were also affected, mainly lactating goats which developed udder lesions. None of the affected flocks had been vaccinated. Upon histologic examination the epidermis showed acanthosis with pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia and multifocal ballooning degeneration forming vesicles or pustules. Eosinophilic inclusion bodies were observed in keratinocytes. Crust of necrotic cells, hyperkeratosis, and intracorneal microabscesses or large ulcerated areas were also observed. Severe diffuse infiltration by mononuclear cells was observed in the dermis. A human case was observed in an investigator that was feeding a goat that later appeared with lesions of the disease. In this case, the virus was identified by electron microscopy of a skin biopsy. These results show that contagious ecthyma is endemic in Northeastern Brazil and therefore systematic vaccination of the flocks is necessary to control the disease. The use of gloves to handle affected animals is advisable to minimize the risk of human exposure.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Mendonça F.S., Dória R.G.S., Schein F.B., Freitas S.H., Nakazato L., Boabaid F.M., Paula D.A.J., Dutra V. & Colodel E.M. 2008. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle, Mato Grosso, Brazil.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Estado de Mato Grosso. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):155-160. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa s/n, Bairro Coxipó, Cuiabá, MT 78068-900, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@ufmt.br Four outbreaks of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in cattle, which had contact with sheep, in Mato Grosso, Brazil, are described. In all cases, the animals had a clinical course of 4 to 7 days with no recovery. Two outbreaks occurred in the municipality of Cuiabá, the first in January 2006 with 8 cattle affected from a herd of 148, and the second in one out of 30 cattle in September 2006. The third outbreak occurred in April 2007 in the municipality of Rondonópolis, where 3 cattle died in a herd of 160. The fourth outbreak was in the municipality of Caceres in September 2007, where 2 out of 450 cattle were affected. The clinical signs were hyperthermia, intense lacrimation, nasal and oral discharge, corneal opacity, sialorrhea, oral, nasal and genital mucosal erosions, incoordination, depression and death. Necropsy findings in 4 animals were similar and consisted of lymph node swelling, and nasal, oral and esophagus erosion and ulceration. Histologically, arteritis and fibrinoid degeneration was observed in small arteries and arterioles, associated with epithelial necrosis in various organs and tissues. A nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) detected ovine herpes virus type 2 in frozen and paraffin embedded tissues in 3 cases.

• Bovine malignant catarrhal fever herpesvirus vasculitis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Mendonça F.S., Dória R.G.S., Schein F.B., Freitas S.H., Nakazato L., Boabaid F.M., Paula D.A.J., Dutra V. & Colodel E.M. 2008. [Malignant catarrhal fever in cattle, Mato Grosso, Brazil.] Febre catarral maligna em bovinos no Estado de Mato Grosso. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):155-160. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade de Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa s/n, Bairro Coxipó, Cuiabá, MT 78068-900, Brazil. E-mail: moleta@ufmt.br Four outbreaks of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF) in cattle, which had contact with sheep, in Mato Grosso, Brazil, are described. In all cases, the animals had a clinical course of 4 to 7 days with no recovery. Two outbreaks occurred in the municipality of Cuiabá, the first in January 2006 with 8 cattle affected from a herd of 148, and the second in one out of 30 cattle in September 2006. The third outbreak occurred in April 2007 in the municipality of Rondonópolis, where 3 cattle died in a herd of 160. The fourth outbreak was in the municipality of Caceres in September 2007, where 2 out of 450 cattle were affected. The clinical signs were hyperthermia, intense lacrimation, nasal and oral discharge, corneal opacity, sialorrhea, oral, nasal and genital mucosal erosions, incoordination, depression and death. Necropsy findings in 4 animals were similar and consisted of lymph node swelling, and nasal, oral and esophagus erosion and ulceration. Histologically, arteritis and fibrinoid degeneration was observed in small arteries and arterioles, associated with epithelial necrosis in various organs and tissues. A nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) detected ovine herpes virus type 2 in frozen and paraffin embedded tissues in 3 cases.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Soares M.P., Quevedo P.S. & Schild A.L. 2008. [Perreyia flavipes larvae poisoning in cattle in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação por larvas de Perreyia flavipes em bovinos na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):169-173. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Three outbreaks of poisoning by Perreyia flavipes Konow, 1899 (Hymenoptera: Pergidae) in cattle during July and August 2006 in southern Brazil are reported. The morbidity rate was 0.8%, 6.2% and 33% on the 3 farms, respectively. Fatality rate was 100%. Clinical signs were depression, jaundice, recumbence, pedaling movements and death in 24-48 hours. The liver was enlarged with increased lobular pattern, the mesenteric lymph nodes were edematous and Peyer patches of the small gut were depressed. Petechial hemorrhages and ecchymosis were observed in the mesentery and abomasum. On histologic examination the liver showed centrolobular or massive necrosis. Hemosiderosis and necrosis of the germinative centers of lymph nodes, white pulp of the spleen and Peyer patches were also observed. The poisoning occurred probably due to an intense drought in October-December 2005, when the insect stayed as a cocoon underground. The dry conditions probably avoided a higher number of adult sawflies to emerge from the cocoons, what resulted in greater egg production. The large amount of decaying grass due to almost normal rain fall during summer seemed to have provided favorable environmental conditions for the development of larvae in winter.

• Perreyia flavipes sawfly epidemiology bovine hepatic necrosis

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Soares M.P., Quevedo P.S. & Schild A.L. 2008. [Perreyia flavipes larvae poisoning in cattle in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Intoxicação por larvas de Perreyia flavipes em bovinos na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):169-173. Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico, Faculdade de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Campus Universitário s/n, Pelotas, RS 96010-900, Brazil. E-mail: alschild@terra.com.br Three outbreaks of poisoning by Perreyia flavipes Konow, 1899 (Hymenoptera: Pergidae) in cattle during July and August 2006 in southern Brazil are reported. The morbidity rate was 0.8%, 6.2% and 33% on the 3 farms, respectively. Fatality rate was 100%. Clinical signs were depression, jaundice, recumbence, pedaling movements and death in 24-48 hours. The liver was enlarged with increased lobular pattern, the mesenteric lymph nodes were edematous and Peyer patches of the small gut were depressed. Petechial hemorrhages and ecchymosis were observed in the mesentery and abomasum. On histologic examination the liver showed centrolobular or massive necrosis. Hemosiderosis and necrosis of the germinative centers of lymph nodes, white pulp of the spleen and Peyer patches were also observed. The poisoning occurred probably due to an intense drought in October-December 2005, when the insect stayed as a cocoon underground. The dry conditions probably avoided a higher number of adult sawflies to emerge from the cocoons, what resulted in greater egg production. The large amount of decaying grass due to almost normal rain fall during summer seemed to have provided favorable environmental conditions for the development of larvae in winter.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Corrêa A.M.R., Bezerra P.S.J., Pavarini S.P., Santos A.S., Sonne L., Zlotowski P., Gomes G. & Driemeier D. 2008. Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) poisoning in Murrah buffaloes in Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):187-189. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Thirteen (14.4%) out of 90 Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) became ill after con-sumption of Senecio brasiliensis, and 11 (12.2%) of them died. The buffaloes were kept in a highly Senecio brasiliensis infested area. The poisoning occurred in June-August 2006 on a farm in the county of Nova Prata, Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Clinical signs included weakness, apathy, progressive weight loss, permanent decubitus, and diarrhea. Necropsy was performed in 2 of the 11 buffaloes that died. The pathological findings were typical of poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids. High infestation of pastures with S. brasiliensis, severe drought, and consequent starvation were the main epidemiological factors associated with the poisoning here described.

• Buffaloes pyrrolizidine alkaloids Senecio poisoning

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Corrêa A.M.R., Bezerra P.S.J., Pavarini S.P., Santos A.S., Sonne L., Zlotowski P., Gomes G. & Driemeier D. 2008. Senecio brasiliensis (Asteraceae) poisoning in Murrah buffaloes in Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):187-189. Departamento de Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@ufrgs.br Thirteen (14.4%) out of 90 Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) became ill after con-sumption of Senecio brasiliensis, and 11 (12.2%) of them died. The buffaloes were kept in a highly Senecio brasiliensis infested area. The poisoning occurred in June-August 2006 on a farm in the county of Nova Prata, Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Clinical signs included weakness, apathy, progressive weight loss, permanent decubitus, and diarrhea. Necropsy was performed in 2 of the 11 buffaloes that died. The pathological findings were typical of poisoning by pyrrolizidine alkaloids. High infestation of pastures with S. brasiliensis, severe drought, and consequent starvation were the main epidemiological factors associated with the poisoning here described.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Montassier M.F.S., Brentano L., Montassier H.J. & Richtzenhain L.J. 2008. Genetic grouping of avian infectious bronchitis virus isolated in Brazil, based on RT-PCR/RFLP analysis of the S1 gene. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):190-194. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. E-mail: leonardo@usp.br Twelve Brazilian isolates and one reference vaccine strain of avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) were propagated in embryonating chicken eggs. The entire S1 glycoprotein gene of these viruses was analysed by reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RT-PCR-RFLP), using the restriction enzymes HaeIII, XcmI and BstyI. The RFLP patterns led to the classification of these isolates into five distinct genotypes: A, B, C, D and Massachusetts. Five of twelve isolates were grouped in Massachusetts genotype and the remaining seven viruses were classified into four distinct genotypes: A (2), B (2), C (2) or D (1). Such genotyping classification agreed with previous immunological analysis for most of these viruses, highlighting the occurrence of a relevant variability among the IBV strains that are circulating in Brazilian commercial poultry flocks.

• Avian infectious bronchitis virus spike glycoprotein genotyping and RFLP

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Montassier M.F.S., Brentano L., Montassier H.J. & Richtzenhain L.J. 2008. Genetic grouping of avian infectious bronchitis virus isolated in Brazil, based on RT-PCR/RFLP analysis of the S1 gene. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(3):190-194. Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. E-mail: leonardo@usp.br Twelve Brazilian isolates and one reference vaccine strain of avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) were propagated in embryonating chicken eggs. The entire S1 glycoprotein gene of these viruses was analysed by reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RT-PCR-RFLP), using the restriction enzymes HaeIII, XcmI and BstyI. The RFLP patterns led to the classification of these isolates into five distinct genotypes: A, B, C, D and Massachusetts. Five of twelve isolates were grouped in Massachusetts genotype and the remaining seven viruses were classified into four distinct genotypes: A (2), B (2), C (2) or D (1). Such genotyping classification agreed with previous immunological analysis for most of these viruses, highlighting the occurrence of a relevant variability among the IBV strains that are circulating in Brazilian commercial poultry flocks.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Silverio S.M., Mari R.B., Clebis N.K., Scoz J.R., Germano R.M., Agreste F., Bombonato P.P. & Stabille S.R. 2008. Assessment of NADPH-diaphorase stained myenteric neurons of the jejunum of diabetic rats supplemented with ascorbic acid. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(2):95-102. Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, UNIPAR, Campus-Paranavaí, Av. Huberto Brüning 360, Jardim Santos Dumont, Paranavaí, PR 87706-490, Brazil. E-mail: srstabille@wnet.com.br The relation between hyperglycemia and diabetic neuropathy has already been demonstrated in some studies. Among the theories proposed for its etiology the oxidative stress stands out. The performance of nitric oxide as a link between the metabolic and vascular neuropathogenic factors that triggers the diabetic neuropathy has already been put forward. This study aimed to assess the quantification and measurements of the cell body profile area (CBPA) of NADPH-diaphorase reactive (NADPH-dp) myenteric neurons of the jejunum of diabetic rats (induced by streptozotocin) supplemented with Ascorbic Acid (AA). These changes in the myenteric neurons seem to be related to the gastrointestinal disturbances observed in diabetes mellitus (DM). Twenty male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were distributed in 4 groups (n=5): controls (C), control supplemented (CS), diabetic (D), and diabetic suplemented (DS). DM was induced by estreptozotocin (50mg/kg body wt). One week after the induction and confirmation of the DM (glycemia exam), animals of the groups CS and DS received 50mg of AA three times a week by gavage. After 90 days of experiment, the animals were anesthetized with lethal thiopental dose (40mg/kg) and the collected jejunum processed for the histochemistry NADPH-diaphorase technique. Whole-mount preparations were obtained for quantitative and morphometric analysis of the myenteric neurons. A quantity of jejunum neurons in the Group D (96±7.5) was not different (P>0.05) from Group DS (116±8.08), C (92±9.7), and CS (81±5.4), but in Group DS the quantity was higher (P<0.05) than in Group C and CS. The CBPA of neurons from Group D (189.50±2.68µm2) and DS (195.92±3.75µm2) were lower (P<0.05) than from Group C (225.13±4.37µm2) and CS (210.23±3.15µm2). The streptozotocin-induced DM did not change the jejunum-ileum area, the jejunum myenteric plexus space organization and the density of NADPH-dp neurons. The 50g AA-supplementation, three times a week, during 90 days, did not decrease hyperglycemia; however, it had a neuroprotective effect on the myenteric neurons, minimizing the increase on the CBPA of NADPH-dp neurons and increasing the amount of NADPD-dp neurons.

• Myenteric plexus intestine vitamin C antioxidants hyperglycemia

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Silverio S.M., Mari R.B., Clebis N.K., Scoz J.R., Germano R.M., Agreste F., Bombonato P.P. & Stabille S.R. 2008. Assessment of NADPH-diaphorase stained myenteric neurons of the jejunum of diabetic rats supplemented with ascorbic acid. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(2):95-102. Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, UNIPAR, Campus-Paranavaí, Av. Huberto Brüning 360, Jardim Santos Dumont, Paranavaí, PR 87706-490, Brazil. E-mail: srstabille@wnet.com.br The relation between hyperglycemia and diabetic neuropathy has already been demonstrated in some studies. Among the theories proposed for its etiology the oxidative stress stands out. The performance of nitric oxide as a link between the metabolic and vascular neuropathogenic factors that triggers the diabetic neuropathy has already been put forward. This study aimed to assess the quantification and measurements of the cell body profile area (CBPA) of NADPH-diaphorase reactive (NADPH-dp) myenteric neurons of the jejunum of diabetic rats (induced by streptozotocin) supplemented with Ascorbic Acid (AA). These changes in the myenteric neurons seem to be related to the gastrointestinal disturbances observed in diabetes mellitus (DM). Twenty male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were distributed in 4 groups (n=5): controls (C), control supplemented (CS), diabetic (D), and diabetic suplemented (DS). DM was induced by estreptozotocin (50mg/kg body wt). One week after the induction and confirmation of the DM (glycemia exam), animals of the groups CS and DS received 50mg of AA three times a week by gavage. After 90 days of experiment, the animals were anesthetized with lethal thiopental dose (40mg/kg) and the collected jejunum processed for the histochemistry NADPH-diaphorase technique. Whole-mount preparations were obtained for quantitative and morphometric analysis of the myenteric neurons. A quantity of jejunum neurons in the Group D (96±7.5) was not different (P>0.05) from Group DS (116±8.08), C (92±9.7), and CS (81±5.4), but in Group DS the quantity was higher (P<0.05) than in Group C and CS. The CBPA of neurons from Group D (189.50±2.68µm2) and DS (195.92±3.75µm2) were lower (P<0.05) than from Group C (225.13±4.37µm2) and CS (210.23±3.15µm2). The streptozotocin-induced DM did not change the jejunum-ileum area, the jejunum myenteric plexus space organization and the density of NADPH-dp neurons. The 50g AA-supplementation, three times a week, during 90 days, did not decrease hyperglycemia; however, it had a neuroprotective effect on the myenteric neurons, minimizing the increase on the CBPA of NADPH-dp neurons and increasing the amount of NADPD-dp neurons.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Moura Junior P.C., Vieira T.H.M., Vieira S.R.C., Sobreiro D., Ruiz C.R., Wafae G.C., Silva N.C. & Wafae N. 2008. [Anatomic study of coronary arteries Landrace pigs.] Estudo anatômico das artérias coronárias de suínos Landrace. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(2):103-107. Laboratório de Anatomia da União Educacional do Planalto Central, Campus II, Área Especial nº 2, Setor Leste, Gama, DF 72460-000, Brazil. E-mail: crisruiz@scamilo.edu.br The experimental use of coronary arteries of swine to study drug action for clinical and surgical application is an important tool. For this anatomic study about coronary arteries, thirty hearts of Landrace pigs, of both sexes, 5 to 6 months old, weighing 80 to 110 kg, were fixed in 10% formalin. The coronary arteries and their branches were dissected until the visible ramifications. There was one left coronary artery, with length of 0.4-1.2cm, giving off 2 (80%) or 3 (20%) branches. The paraconal interventricular branch, with length of 10-16cm, emitted 16-25 branches, 52.3% for the right ventricle and 47.7% for the left ventricle. The circumflex branch, with length of 7-15cm, emitted 4-13 branches, 55.6% for the left ventricle and 44.4% for the left atrium. There was one right coronary artery, with length of 7.5-11.5cm, which emitted 12-21 branches, 57.4% for the right ventricle and 42.6% for the right atrium. The subsinuosus interventricular branch, length of 3-11cm, emitted 9-22 branches, 50.9% for the right ventricle and 49.1% for the left ventricle. The number of branches of the paraconal interventricular branch and the number of branches of the subsinuosus interventricular branch was similar for both ventricles. The results obtained in the present study compared with the literature indicate that the distribution of the coronary branches in swine and in humans is similar.

• Coronary artery anatomy swine heart

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Moura Junior P.C., Vieira T.H.M., Vieira S.R.C., Sobreiro D., Ruiz C.R., Wafae G.C., Silva N.C. & Wafae N. 2008. [Anatomic study of coronary arteries Landrace pigs.] Estudo anatômico das artérias coronárias de suínos Landrace. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(2):103-107. Laboratório de Anatomia da União Educacional do Planalto Central, Campus II, Área Especial nº 2, Setor Leste, Gama, DF 72460-000, Brazil. E-mail: crisruiz@scamilo.edu.br The experimental use of coronary arteries of swine to study drug action for clinical and surgical application is an important tool. For this anatomic study about coronary arteries, thirty hearts of Landrace pigs, of both sexes, 5 to 6 months old, weighing 80 to 110 kg, were fixed in 10% formalin. The coronary arteries and their branches were dissected until the visible ramifications. There was one left coronary artery, with length of 0.4-1.2cm, giving off 2 (80%) or 3 (20%) branches. The paraconal interventricular branch, with length of 10-16cm, emitted 16-25 branches, 52.3% for the right ventricle and 47.7% for the left ventricle. The circumflex branch, with length of 7-15cm, emitted 4-13 branches, 55.6% for the left ventricle and 44.4% for the left atrium. There was one right coronary artery, with length of 7.5-11.5cm, which emitted 12-21 branches, 57.4% for the right ventricle and 42.6% for the right atrium. The subsinuosus interventricular branch, length of 3-11cm, emitted 9-22 branches, 50.9% for the right ventricle and 49.1% for the left ventricle. The number of branches of the paraconal interventricular branch and the number of branches of the subsinuosus interventricular branch was similar for both ventricles. The results obtained in the present study compared with the literature indicate that the distribution of the coronary branches in swine and in humans is similar.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Vidotti A.P., Agreste F.R., Bombonato P.P. & Prado I.M.M. 2008. [Arterial vascularization of the sinoatrial node in swine hearts: origin, distribution and quantification.] Vascularização arterial da região do nó sinoatrial em corações suínos: origem, distribuição e quantificação. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(2):113-118. Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. E-mail: avidotti@usp.br The sinoatrial node, for being topographically installed as the initial component of the conduction system, is responsible for the production of the nervous impulses, which determines the cardiac contraction. There have been made studies related to the node’s morphology in order to know the origin, distribution and quantification of the vases in this tissue, however, in spite of the results and quantitative data of the nodal irrigation - arterial vascular conduct and arterial vascular density, at the nodal level - the literature is scarce. With this objective 27 SRD swine hearts, injected with colored resin for macroscopic analysis of the origin and distribution of ANSA (sinoatrial node artery), 3 others injected with watery solution of colloidal coal (dyed nanquim) were used, to mark the route of the vases on the node level for stereological analysis. The atrial arteries originated as well from the right coronary artery as from the left one, with predominance of the first (66.66% and 33.33%, respectively). When originated from the right coronary artery, there existed the following branches: AADAM (right cranial medial atrial artery) in 14 cases, AADAI (right cranial intermedial atrial artery) in 2 cases, and AADAL (right cranial lateral atrial artery) in 2 cases. In 9 cases (33.33%) the following branches originated from the left coronary artery: 4 through branch AASPL (left caudal lateral atrial artery), 2 through branch AASAI (left cranial intermedial atrial artery) and 3 through branch AASAM (left cranial medial atrial artery). Interarterial anastomoses with vessels responsible for irrigation of the sinoatrial node area were observed in most of the cases (25 hearts). The Volume or Reference Volume (V(ref)) of the hearts were 35.32x104µm3. For the stereological variables analyzed, the estimate density of the vessel length (Lv) was 766; the vessel length (L) - mm - was 27.06x105µm; the area’s surface density (Sv) was 182 and the area’s surface (S) - mm2 - was 64.3x106µm2. The estimate of the vascular numeric density (Nv(vasc)) - total of vessels per unit of volume (cm3) was 2.19 10-5, and the total number of vessels in the organ (N(vasc)), estimated by the physical dissector method in combination with the estimate of the number of Euler (Xv), was 773.6832 x10-2. The raised vascular density and total number of vases in the swine’s sinoatrial node area suggests the existence of a vascular perinodal network complex and dense, ratifying the importance of this mark-pass for its blood supply.

• Heart vascularization sinoatrial node morphometry swine

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Vidotti A.P., Agreste F.R., Bombonato P.P. & Prado I.M.M. 2008. [Arterial vascularization of the sinoatrial node in swine hearts: origin, distribution and quantification.] Vascularização arterial da região do nó sinoatrial em corações suínos: origem, distribuição e quantificação. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(2):113-118. Departamento de Cirurgia, Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil. E-mail: avidotti@usp.br The sinoatrial node, for being topographically installed as the initial component of the conduction system, is responsible for the production of the nervous impulses, which determines the cardiac contraction. There have been made studies related to the node’s morphology in order to know the origin, distribution and quantification of the vases in this tissue, however, in spite of the results and quantitative data of the nodal irrigation - arterial vascular conduct and arterial vascular density, at the nodal level - the literature is scarce. With this objective 27 SRD swine hearts, injected with colored resin for macroscopic analysis of the origin and distribution of ANSA (sinoatrial node artery), 3 others injected with watery solution of colloidal coal (dyed nanquim) were used, to mark the route of the vases on the node level for stereological analysis. The atrial arteries originated as well from the right coronary artery as from the left one, with predominance of the first (66.66% and 33.33%, respectively). When originated from the right coronary artery, there existed the following branches: AADAM (right cranial medial atrial artery) in 14 cases, AADAI (right cranial intermedial atrial artery) in 2 cases, and AADAL (right cranial lateral atrial artery) in 2 cases. In 9 cases (33.33%) the following branches originated from the left coronary artery: 4 through branch AASPL (left caudal lateral atrial artery), 2 through branch AASAI (left cranial intermedial atrial artery) and 3 through branch AASAM (left cranial medial atrial artery). Interarterial anastomoses with vessels responsible for irrigation of the sinoatrial node area were observed in most of the cases (25 hearts). The Volume or Reference Volume (V(ref)) of the hearts were 35.32x104µm3. For the stereological variables analyzed, the estimate density of the vessel length (Lv) was 766; the vessel length (L) - mm - was 27.06x105µm; the area’s surface density (Sv) was 182 and the area’s surface (S) - mm2 - was 64.3x106µm2. The estimate of the vascular numeric density (Nv(vasc)) - total of vessels per unit of volume (cm3) was 2.19 10-5, and the total number of vessels in the organ (N(vasc)), estimated by the physical dissector method in combination with the estimate of the number of Euler (Xv), was 773.6832 x10-2. The raised vascular density and total number of vases in the swine’s sinoatrial node area suggests the existence of a vascular perinodal network complex and dense, ratifying the importance of this mark-pass for its blood supply.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Filappi A.R., Prestes D.S., Antes F.G., Flores E.L.M., Dressler V.L., Flores E.M.M. & Cecim M. 2008. [Metabolism and distribution of fluor in lambs chronically treated with sodium fluoride.] Metabolismo e distribuição do flúor em ovinos jovens tratados cronicamente com fluoreto de sódio. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(2):124-128. Departamento de Clínica de Grandes Animais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Campus Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: afilappi@bol.com.br The objective of the present study was to evaluate fluorine metabolism in growing lambs. Twelve 5-month-old male lambs maintained on alfalfa hay (3% BW) and non-fluorinated water ad libitum were used. Animals were allocated into Control, receiving 5g NaCl/animal/day + 0.2mg I/kg dry matter) and Treated group, receiving the same treatment plus sodium fluoride (4.7mg F/kg body weight). Mineral treatment was given by gavage, daily for 150 days. Blood, urine and fecal samples were collected during and the end of the experiment. At the end of treatment period animals were euthanized and kidney, pineal and bone samples were collected. Urine F was higher in treated animals throughout the experiment. Bone F levels were also increased in treated animals; pineal F content however, was not different between groups. Kidney histology revealed no differences. It is concluded that chronic F administration induces accumulation of the element in the skeleton. However such fact appears not to be detrimental to animals. Rates of F accumulation in bone and urine excretion obtained in other species can not be used in growing lambs.

• Fluoride sheep serum urine bone

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Filappi A.R., Prestes D.S., Antes F.G., Flores E.L.M., Dressler V.L., Flores E.M.M. & Cecim M. 2008. [Metabolism and distribution of fluor in lambs chronically treated with sodium fluoride.] Metabolismo e distribuição do flúor em ovinos jovens tratados cronicamente com fluoreto de sódio. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(2):124-128. Departamento de Clínica de Grandes Animais, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Campus Camobi, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil. E-mail: afilappi@bol.com.br The objective of the present study was to evaluate fluorine metabolism in growing lambs. Twelve 5-month-old male lambs maintained on alfalfa hay (3% BW) and non-fluorinated water ad libitum were used. Animals were allocated into Control, receiving 5g NaCl/animal/day + 0.2mg I/kg dry matter) and Treated group, receiving the same treatment plus sodium fluoride (4.7mg F/kg body weight). Mineral treatment was given by gavage, daily for 150 days. Blood, urine and fecal samples were collected during and the end of the experiment. At the end of treatment period animals were euthanized and kidney, pineal and bone samples were collected. Urine F was higher in treated animals throughout the experiment. Bone F levels were also increased in treated animals; pineal F content however, was not different between groups. Kidney histology revealed no differences. It is concluded that chronic F administration induces accumulation of the element in the skeleton. However such fact appears not to be detrimental to animals. Rates of F accumulation in bone and urine excretion obtained in other species can not be used in growing lambs.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Millar P.R., Daguer H., Vicente R.T., Costa T., Sobreiro L.G. & Amendoeira M.R.R. 2008. [Toxoplasma gondii: epidemiological study of pigs from southwestern Paraná, Brazil.] Toxoplasma gondii: estudo soro-epidemiológico de suínos da região Sudoeste do Estado do Paraná. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):15-18. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Higiene Veterinária e Processamento Tecnológico de Produtos de Origem Animal, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho 64, Santa Rosa, Niterói, RJ 24230-360, Brazil. E-mail: patriciariddell@vm.uff.br This study evaluated the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pigs bred and slaughtered for human consumption. The frequency of the antibody anti-Toxoplasma gondii was investigated in 408 animals from distinct piggeries of 25 cities in the southwestern region of the state of Paraná, Brazil. Serum samples were examined for IgG antibodies specific for T. gondii through the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). A frequency of 25.5% of serum samples tested positive for dilutions equal to or greater than 1:64. Statistically significant were not observed in relation to sex and age of the animals. The highest antibody level observed was 4,096 (3.0%) and the most frequent was 64 (74%), suggesting that a chronic infection occurred in the population. The high prevalence of the infection found in the swine herds of this region suggests that these herds can be a source of infection for individuals who typically consume this type of raw or badly cooked meat.

• Toxoplasma gondii pigs seroprevalence

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Millar P.R., Daguer H., Vicente R.T., Costa T., Sobreiro L.G. & Amendoeira M.R.R. 2008. [Toxoplasma gondii: epidemiological study of pigs from southwestern Paraná, Brazil.] Toxoplasma gondii: estudo soro-epidemiológico de suínos da região Sudoeste do Estado do Paraná. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(1):15-18. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Higiene Veterinária e Processamento Tecnológico de Produtos de Origem Animal, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Vital Brazil Filho 64, Santa Rosa, Niterói, RJ 24230-360, Brazil. E-mail: patriciariddell@vm.uff.br This study evaluated the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in pigs bred and slaughtered for human consumption. The frequency of the antibody anti-Toxoplasma gondii was investigated in 408 animals from distinct piggeries of 25 cities in the southwestern region of the state of Paraná, Brazil. Serum samples were examined for IgG antibodies specific for T. gondii through the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). A frequency of 25.5% of serum samples tested positive for dilutions equal to or greater than 1:64. Statistically significant were not observed in relation to sex and age of the animals. The highest antibody level observed was 4,096 (3.0%) and the most frequent was 64 (74%), suggesting that a chronic infection occurred in the population. The high prevalence of the infection found in the swine herds of this region suggests that these herds can be a source of infection for individuals who typically consume this type of raw or badly cooked meat.