Abstract This study investigated the morphology and immunoexpression of aquaporins (AQPs) 1 and 9 in the rete testis, efferent ducts, epididymis, and vas deferens in the Azara’s agouti (Dasyprocta azarae). For this purpose, ten adult sexually mature animals were used in histologic and immunohistochemical analyses. The Azara’s agouti rete testis was labyrinthine and lined with simple cubic epithelium. Ciliated and non-ciliated cells were observed in the epithelium of the efferent ducts. The epididymal cellular population was composed of principal, basal, apical, clear, narrow, and halo cells. The epithelium lining of vas deferens was composed of the principal and basal cells. AQPs 1 and 9 were not expressed in the rete testis. Positive reaction to AQP1 was observed at the luminal border of non-ciliated cells of the efferent ducts, and in the peritubular stroma and blood vessels in the epididymis, and vas deferens. AQP9 was immunolocalized in the epithelial cells in the efferent ducts, epididymis and vas deferens. The morphology of Azara’s agouti testis excurrent ducts is similar to that reported for other rodents such as Cuniculus paca. The immunolocalization results of the AQPs suggest that the expression of AQPs is species-specific due to differences in localization and expression when compared to studies in other mammals species. The knowledge about the expression of AQPs in Azara’s agouti testis excurrent ducts is essential to support future reproductive studies on this animal, since previous studies show that AQPs may be biomarkers of male fertility and infertility.

RESUMO: A morfologia do trato reprodutivo do macho de Tomodon dorsatus foi descrita nas estações climáticas do ano com base em variáveis macroscópicas e microscópicas. Para isto, foram usados 56 espécimes oriundos da coleção herpetológica do Instituto Butantan. Fragmentos dos testículos, rins e ductos deferentes foram coletados e submetidos à rotina histológica. O volume testicular foi maior no verão e o epitélio dos túbulos seminíferos mostrou uma maior altura no verão (p=0.001). Os testículos estavam ativos durante todo o ano, contudo, a espermiogênese foi maior no verão. Espermatozoides foram encontrados no lúmen do ducto deferente em todas as estações do ano. O comprimento renal foi maior no outono (p=0.027), e a largura renal não mostrou um aumento significativo (p=0.237). O diâmetro e a altura epitelial do segmento sexual do rim (SSR) mostrou hipertrofia nas estações inverno e primavera, coincidindo com o período reprodutivo. Com base nestes resultados, pode-se sugerir que, em nível populacional, o ciclo reprodutivo de T. dorsatus possa ser considerado semi-sincrônico sazonal, devido à atividade espermiogênica na estação quente, e descontínuo em nível individual.

ABSTRACT: The morphology of the male reproductive tract of Tomodon dorsatus was described in the austral seasons of the year considering macroscopic and microscopic variables. For this purpose, 56 specimens from the herpetological collection of the “Instituto Butantan” were used. Fragments of the testes, kidneys and ductus deferens were collected and submitted to histological routine. The peak of the testicular volume was observed in the summer and the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules had higher height in the summer (p=0.001). The testes were active throughout the year, however, the spermiogenesis peaked in the summer. There were spermatozoa in the lumen of the ductus deferens in all seasons of the year. Renal length was higher in autumn (p=0.027), and renal width did not show a significant increase (p=0.237). The diameter and epithelial height of the sexual segment of the kidney (SSK) showed hypertrophy in winter and spring, coinciding with the mating period. Based on findings of this study, we can suggest that, at the population level, the reproductive cycle of T. dorsatus can be considered seasonal semi-synchronous, due to the peak of spermiogenic activity in the hot season, and discontinuous at the individual level.

RESUMO: O diagnóstico de diversas afecções em quelônios é um desafio para a clínica veterinária, já que um exame físico detalhado com auscultação e palpação é difícil devido à presença da carapaça e do plastrão. A radiografia e a tomografia computadorizada (TC) tem se mostrado benéficas para o diagnóstico, prognóstico e tratamento em muitas espécies animais. Assim, este estudo teve por objetivo identificar e descrever as estruturas do trato respiratório inferior no jabuti-piranga por meio da tomografia computadorizada, radiografia e anatomia em 12 jabutis-piranga (Chelonoidis carbonara), adultos e de ambos os sexos. Nos animais estudados, o trato respiratório inferior consistiu da laringe, traqueia, brônquios e os pulmões. A cartilagem epiglote não foi observada. A TC permitiu a observação da parte intrapulmonar dos brônquios, a qual estava acompanhada dos vasos sanguíneos intrapulmonares. Os pulmões possuíam um parênquima reticulado, sem lobações. Cada pulmão tinha uma pequena câmara localizada junto aos pólos cranial e caudal. Estas estruturas foram identificadas na TC e na reconstrução 3D a partir da TC e poderiam ser estruturas não-respiratórias, podendo ser comparadas aos sacos aéreos das aves. Este estudo identificou a anatomia normal por meio da TC do trato respiratório inferior do jabuti-piranga, o que pode ser usado como referência para diagnóstico de desordens respiratórias nesta espécie.

ABSTRACT: The diagnosis of several diseases in chelonians is a challenge in the veterinary clinic, because a detailed physical examination with auscultation and palpation is difficult due the presence of carapace and plastron. Imaging analysis such as radiography and computed tomography (CT) have been shown to be beneficial for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment in numerous animal species. Thus, this study aimed to identify and describe the structures of the lower respiratory tract in red-foot tortoises, by computed tomography, radiography and gross anatomy in twelve red-foot tortoises (Chelonoidis carbonaria), adults and of both sexes. The lower respiratory tract in these animals comprised the larynx, trachea, bronchi and the lungs. The presence of epiglottic cartilage was not observed in the animals studied. CT allowed the observation of the intrapulmonary part of the bronchi, which was accompanied by large intrapulmonary blood vessels. The lungs presented a reticulated parenchyma, without lobulations. Each lung had a small chamber located near the cranial and caudal poles. These structures were identified in CT and 3D CT reconstructions and these could suggest that these chambers could be non-respiratory structures, and could be comparable to the air sacs of birds. This study establishes normal CT anatomy of the lower respiratory tract of the red-foot tortoise; and may be used as a reference in the assessment of respiratory disorders in this tortoise.

SUMMARY: This study aimed to investigate the morphometric and the pattern of protein and gene expression related to the extrinsic apoptotic pathway in experimental focal cerebral ischemia and the hole of neuroprotection with hypothermia and ketoprofen. For this analysis, 120 rats were randomly divided into 3 groups (20 animals each): control - no surgery (20 animals); sham - simulation of surgery (20 animals); ischemic - focal ischemia for 1 hour, without reperfusion (80 animals) and divided into four subgroups with 20 animals each: ischemic + intraischemic hypothermia; ischemic + previous intravenous ketoprofen, and ischemic + hypothermia and ketoprofen. The infarct volume was measured using morphometric analysis of infarct areas defined by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride and the patterns of expression of the apoptosis genes (Fas, c-Flip, caspase-8 and caspase-3) and the apoptosis protein caspase-3 were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Hypo expression of genes of extrinsic pathway of apoptosis was observed: Fas receptor, c-Flip and caspase-8 in the ischemics areas. Increases in the gene and protein caspase-3 in the ischemic areas were also observed, and these increases were reduced by hypothermia and ketoprofen, also noted in the morphometric study. The caspases-3 increase suggests that this gene plays an important role in apoptosis, probably culminating in cell death and that the neuroprotective effect of hypothermia and ketoprofen is involved.

RESUMEN: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar la morfometría y el patrón de expresión de proteínas y genes relacionados con la vía apoptótica extrínseca en la isquemia cerebral focal experimental y el agujero de neuroprotección con hipotermia y ketoprofeno. Se dividieron aleatoriamente 120 ratas en 3 grupos (20 animales cada uno): control - sin cirugía (20 animales); simulación - simulación de cirugía (20 animales); isquemia isquemia focal durante 1 hora, sin reperfusión (80 animales) y dividida en cuatro subgrupos con 20 animales cada uno: isquemia + hipotermia intraisquémica; isquemia + ketoprofeno intravenoso previo, e isquemia + hipotermia y ketoprofeno. El volumen del infarto se midió utilizando un análisis morfométrico de áreas de infarto definidas por cloruro de trifenil tetrazolio y los patrones de expresión de los genes de apoptosis (Fas, c-Flip, caspase-8 y caspase-3) y la proteína de apoptosis caspase-3 fueron evaluados por PCR cuantitativa en tiempo real e inmunohistoquímica, respectivamente. Se observó hipoexpresión de genes de la vía extrínseca de la apoptosis: receptor Fas, c-Flip y caspasa-8 en las áreas isquémicas. También se observaron aumentos en el gen y la proteína caspasa-3 en las áreas isquémicas y estos aumentos se redujeron por hipotermia y ketoprofeno, también observado por estudio morfométrico. El aumento de caspasas-3 sugiere que este gen tiene un papel importante en la apoptosis, y probable causa de muerte celular, involucrando el efecto neuroprotector de la hipotermia y el ketoprofeno.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effects of alcohol exposure and diabetes on apoptotic process in the corpus cavernosum. Methods Forty eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, diabetic, alcoholic and diabetic-alcoholic. Samples of the corpus cavernosum were prepared to study protein expression of apoptotic genes (Caspases-3 and 9) by immunohistochemistry and Real-Time PCR. Results The immunoreactivity of Caspases-3 and -9 was diffuse and higher in the treated groups though there was no significant difference between the experimental groups, only when compared with the control group. An increase was observed in the gene expression of Caspases-9 in the diabetic and ethanol-diabetic groups when compared with control and ethanol groups. Conclusions The association of these factors (ethanol and diabetes) probably can affect the apoptosis mechanism in lesions of the cavernous tissue in the rat penis. Both gene and protein expression of Caspase-9 in diabetic and ethanol-diabetic groups suggest the involvement of the apoptosis cascade from this study model.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the effect of chronic alcoholism on morphometry and apoptosis mechanism and correlate with miRNA-21 expression in the corpus cavernosum of rats. Methods Twenty-four rats were divided into two experimental groups: Control (C) and Alcoholic group (A). After two weeks of an adaptive phase, rats from group A received only ethanol solution (20%) during 7 weeks. The morphometric and caspase-3 immunohistochemistry analysis were performed in the corpus cavernosum. The miRNA-21 expression was analyzed in blood and cavernous tissue. Results Chronic ethanol consumption decreased cavernosal smooth muscle area of alcoholic rats. The protein expression of caspase 3 in the corpus cavernosum was higher in A compared to the C group. There was no difference in the expression of miRNA-21 in serum and cavernous tissue between the groups. Conclusion Chronic ethanol consumption reduced smooth muscle area and increased caspase 3 in the corpus cavernosum of rats, without altered serum and cavernosal miR-21 gene expression.

RESUMO: O pênis representa o órgão da cópula do macho. É fundamental que se conheça a biologia reprodutiva e a morfologia dos órgãos reprodutores para o incremento da produção animal. Com o objetivo de contribuir para este conhecimento e fornecer informações sobre a morfologia reprodutiva de ovinos, o propósito deste trabalho foi descrever a distribuição, com base na microscopia de luz, das fibras colágenas e elásticas no pênis de ovinos. Para tanto, foram coletados fragmentos transversais do pênis (raiz, flexura sigmoide, corpo e glande) de sete ovinos. Os exemplares foram fixados em paraformaldeído por 24h e destinados à rotina histológica. A matriz extracelular do pênis de ovinos estava constituída por fibras colágenas e elásticas. O pênis estava envolvido pela túnica albugínea, formada essencialmente por fibras colágenas, que estavam arranjadas em duas camadas: longitudinal externa e circular interna. Esta túnica emitiu septos que penetraram no corpo cavernoso. As fibras elásticas apareceram de modo transversal e longitudinal nos corpos cavernoso e esponjoso e junto ao feixe vásculo-nervoso do pênis de ovinos. Esta estrutura mostrou-se similar ao encontrado em outros ruminantes domésticos como bovinos e bubalinos.

ABSTRACT: The penis represents the organ of the male’s copulation. It is essential to know the reproductive biology and the morphology of the reproductive organs to increase animal production. In order to contribute to this knowledge and provides information on the ram reproductive morphology, the purpose of this work was to describe the distribution, based on light microscopy, of the collagen and elastic fibers in the ram penis. For that, were collected transverse fragments of the penis (root, sigmoid flexure, body and glans) of seven rams. The specimens were fixed in paraformaldehyde for 24h and destined for the histological routine. The extracellular matrix of the ram penis was composed of collagen and elastic fibers. The penis was enveloped by the tunica albuginea, consisting essentially of collagen fibers, which were arranged in two layers: an outer longitudinal and an inner circular. This tunic emitted septa that penetrated the corpus cavernosum. The elastic fibers appeared transversely and longitudinally in the corpus cavernosum, corpus spongiosum, and next to the neurovascular bundle of the penis. This structure was not different to that reported for other domestic ruminants such as cattle and buffaloes.

The cervical salivary glands of the armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus was examined by light microscopy. These glands are situated on either side of the neck, divide in lobes and show a presence of a salivary bladder, associated with the main ducts of the gland. This gland is histologically a typical mixed glands, containing both mucous and serous elements, with mucous acini as the predominant secretory unit. The bladder itself is composed of a wall made up of pseudostratified epithelium, skeletal muscle and connective tissue. In general, the morphology of the cervical salivary glands appears similar to that described in other species of the mammals.

Las glándulas salivales cervicales del armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus fueron examinadas por microscopía de luz. Estas glándulas se encuentran a ambos lados del cuello, divididas en lóbulos y muestran la presencia de una vejiga salival, asociada con los principales conductos de la glándula. Esta glándula es histológicamente una típica glándula mixta, que contiene tanto elementos mucosos y serosos, con acinos mucosos como la principal unidad secretora. La vejiga en sí se compone de una pared formada por epitelio pseudoestratificado, músculo esquelético y tejido conectivo. En general, la morfología de las glándulas salivales cervicales parece similar a la descrita en otras especies de mamíferos.

The epithelial principal cells are the predominant cell type of the epididymis. These cells have been shown to be both secretory and endocytic cells. The apical region of the cytoplasm of principal cells in the mongrel dog are located close to the cell apex and tubular lumen, and shown microvilli at the luminal border and present a endocytic apparatus, that consists of coated pits and vesicles, endosomes of varying size, multivesicular bodies, and lysosomes. The endosomes, multivesicular bodies and lysosomes contained the electron-dense patches. These results suggest that principal cells of the epididymis in the dog as possess a highly developed endocytic apparatus play a role in endocytosis. These cells function are similarly to the related in other mammals, in performing endocytosis.

Las células epiteliales principales son el tipo de célula que predominan en el epidídimo. Estas células han demostrado ser secretoras y endocíticas. La región apical del citoplasma de las células principales en el perro Mongrel, se encuentran muy cerca del ápice celular y lumen tubular, mostrando microvellosidades en el límite luminal y un aparato endocítico, el que consiste en depresiones recubiertas y vesículas, endosomas de diversos tamaños, cuerpos multivesiculares y lisosomas. Los endosomas, cuerpos multivesiculares y lisosomas contienen gránulos electrodensos. Estos resultados sugieren que las células principales del epidídimo, en el perro, poseen un aparato endocítico altamente desarrollado que juega un importante rol en la endocitosis. Estas células funcionan de manera similar a la correspondiente en otros mamíferos, en el desempeño de endocitosis.

The cisternae of the Golgi apparatus of dog epididymal principal cells were labeled by the zinc iodide-osmium tetroxide method (ZIO). These cisternae were observed in the supranuclear region of the cytoplasm of the epididymal principal cells. Abundant endoplasmic reticulum cisternae, multivesicular bodies, mitochondria, lysosomes and vesicular elements of variable size were also found in this region, all associated with the sacks of the well-developed Golgi apparatus. The use of the ZIO method facilitates the observation and identification of the cisternae of the Golgi apparatus, thus permitting a correlation between structure and function in the so-called Golgi area. These ultrastructural characteristics support the secretory role of epididymal principal cells in the dog

La cisterna del aparato de Golgi de las células principales del epidídimo del perro, fueron tratados con el método de tetróxido de zinc iodide-osmium (ZIO). Estas cisternas fueron observadas en la región supranuclear del citoplasma de las células principales del epidídimo. Abundante cisternas del retículo endoplasmático, cuerpos multivesiculares, mitocondrias, lisosomas y elementos vesiculares de tamaño variable, fueron encontrados en esta región, todos asociados con los sacos del aparato de Golgi maduro. El uso del método de ZIO facilita la observación e identificación del aparato de Golgi, permitiendo efectuar una correlación entre estructura y función en el área de Golgi. Estas características estructurales suponen el rol secretorio de las células epididimarias principales en el perro

A região epididimária do pato doméstico era composta pelos ductúlos eferentes, os quais hitotopologicamente foram caracterizados como dúctulos eferentes proximal e distal e, sequencialmente, pelo ducto epididimal. O epitélio dos dúctulos eferentes era pseudo-estratificado, formado por células colunares. O epitélio dos ductos epididimários mostrou-se também pseudo-estratificado, mas não ciliado. De acordo com as análises histomorfométricas, a média da altura epitelial foi significativamente maior nos dútulos esferentes distais, diferindo das baixas médias de altura epitelial observadas nos dúctulos eferentes proximais e ducto epididimal. A média dos diâmetros máximos e mínimos foi significativamente maior nos dúctulos eferentes proximais, comparativamente as médias dos mesmos diâmetros dos outros dúctulos.

The epididymal region of the domestic duck is composed by efferent ductules, whose histotopology was characterized by the proximal and distal ductules and sequentially by the epididymal duct. The epithelial lining of the efferent ductules was ciliated pseudostratified and formed by columnar cells. Also the ducts epididymidis epithelium was pseudostratified but non-ciliated. Concerning the histomorphometric analysis, the epithelial height mean was significantly greater in the distal efferent ductules, differing from the lower epithelium height mean observed in proximal efferent ductules and epididymal duct. The maximum and minimum diameter mean were significantly greater in the proximal efferent ductules, comparatively to the same diameter means of the other ductules.

The light microscopical structure of the efferent ductuli and epididymis were examined in the tufted capuchin monkeys. The efferent ductules are lined by a simple cuboidal epithelium, with two cell types: ciliated and non-ciliated cells. The epididymal duct is lined by a pseudostratified epithelium with stereocilia, that is made up of four cell types: principal, basal, apical and migratory cells (intraepithelial lymphocytes). Although there are some clear differences, the histological appearance of the excurrent ducts and of the component epithelia of the epididymis, is remarkably similar to that reported for the others mammals

Describimos las estructuras de los conductos eferentes y epidídimo en el mono (Cebus apella), usando microscopía de luz. Los conductos eferentes estaban tapizados por un epitelio linear, de tipo cúbico simple y con una población celular que comprendía células ciliadas y no-ciliadas. El epitelio de revestimiento del epidídimo era pseudoestratificado, observándose cuatro tipos de células: principales, basales, apicales y linfocitos. El presente trabajo denota las particularidades del epitelio de los conductos eferentes y epidídimo estableciendo analogías con otras especies de mamíferos

O ducto epididimário, no cão, acha-se revestido por epitélio colunar pseudoestratificado, com população celular constituída por células principais, basais e apicais, presentes em todas as regiões. Este epitélio é circundado pelo estroma peritubular. O epitélio do segmento inicial epididimário possui a maior altura, que diminui progressivamente em direção à cauda epididimária. Ocorre um aumento progressivo do lúmen tubular através das diferentes regiões, sendo maior na região da cauda epididimária, configurando um local de estocagem de espermatozóides.

The epithelium lining of the epididymal duct is pseudostratified columnar and the cell population is comprised of principal, basal, and apical cells. The stroma periductal, is a well developed framework surrounding the tubule. Epididymal epithelial heights were maximal in the initial segment and minimal in the tail. Luminal diameter was just the reverse of the last pattern, e.g., it increased along the length of the duct.

The structure of the tufted capuchin monkeys vas deferens was examined by light microscopy. Three main regions (proximal, distal and terminal) were morphologically identified. Each region could be readly distinguished through their gross histological characteristics. The epithelium of the vas consisting of four epithelial cell types: principal, basal, apical and dark cells. The three frequent cell types (principal, apical and basal), seem to be related to a cell cycle, in which the basal cells are the stem cells. The muscular coat comprise three muscular layers: (1) inner longitudinal, (2) middle circular, and (3) outer longitudinal. The muscular coat was relatively thicker than the others, probably in agreement to its peristaltic role, in the spermatic transport

Se efectuó, bajo microscopio de luz, un estudio morfológico del conducto deferente de mono. El conducto deferente está constituido por tres regiones morfológicamente distintas: proximal, distal y terminal. Cada región puede distinguirse fácilmente por variaciones en sus características morfológicas. Fueron observados cuatro tipos de células en el epitelio de revestimiento: principal, basal, apical y parda. Las tres primeras células podrían estar involucradas en el desencadenamiento del desarrollo del ciclo celular. La túnica muscular está formada de tres láminas: longitudinal interna, circular media y longitudinal externa. La túnica muscular es de mayor espesor que las túnicas mucosa y adventicia

The ductus epididymidis of the dog is lined by a pseudostratified columnar epithelium. The boundary tissue of the epididymis, surrounds the epithelium, and is divided into periductal stroma and tubular interstitium. Principal cells were observed in the luminal surface of the epithelium. Numerous stereocilia lined the luminal surface of principal cells. These results are compared with previous findings observed in the epididymis of other species

El epidídimo en el perro está revestido por epitelio de tipo columnar pseudoestratificado, encontrándose el tejido conjuntivo inmediatamente debajo de él. El tejido conjuntivo epididimario consiste de estroma e intersticio. Fueron observadas células epiteliales con microvellosidades en el lumen del conducto. Se comparan los resultados obtenidos con los reportados por diversos autores ens otros mamíferos