Abstract Purpose: To investigate cardiac changes in young rats, whose mothers underwent autogenic fecal peritonitis, during organogenesis phase and to evaluate the role of intravenous administration of moxifloxacin and dexamethasone in preventing infection-related cardiac changes. Methods: A prospective histomorphometric study was performed on 29 hearts of Wistar four-month old rats. Animals were divided into three groups: Negative Control Group (NCG) included 9 subjects from healthy mothers; Positive Control Group (PCG) included 10 subjects from mothers with fecal peritonitis (intra-abdominal injection of 10% autogenic fecal suspension in the gestational period) and did not receive any treatment; and Intervention Group (IG), with 10 animals whose infected mothers received moxifloxacin and dexamethasone treatment 24 hours after induction of fecal peritonitis. Results: Nuclear count was higher in the IG group as compared to PCG (p = 0.0016) and in NCG as compared to PCG (p = 0.0380). There was no significant difference in nuclear counts between NCG and IG. Conclusion: Induced autogenic fecal peritonitis in pregnant Wistar rats determined myocardial changes in young rats that could be avoided by the early administration of intravenous moxifloxacin and dexamethasone.

Spodoptera frugiperda is a polyphagous insect that causes economic losses to several crops in Brazil and is the major obstacle to corn production. Researches focusing on alternative control, e.g. botanical products are expanding to offer a wide variety of molecules that interfere with different biological parameters of insect pests. Thus, this study tested the hypothesis that clove essential oil affects the spermatogenesis, ovarioles histochemistry and the fertility of S. frugiperda. The results showed that clove essential oil affects the gametogenesis of S. frugiperda ovarioles, reflecting negatively on its reproduction, proving to be a promising tool for controlling this pest.

Spodoptera frugiperda es un insecto polífago que causa pérdidas económicas a varias cosechas en Brasil y es el mayor obstáculo para la producción de maíz. Este estudio está centrado en el control alternativo, con productos botánicos que se están expandiendo y ofrecen una amplia variedad de moléculas que interfieren con diferentes parámetros biológicos de plagas de insectos. Por tanto, se puso a prueba la hipótesis de que el aceite esencial de clavo de olor afecta la espermatogénesis. La histoquímica de los ovarioles y la fertilidad de S. frugiperda. Los resultados mostraron que el aceite esencial de clavo de olor afecta la gametogénesis de los ovarioles en S. frugiperda, lo que incide negativamente en su reproducción, demostrando ser una herramienta prometedora para el control de esta plaga.

Resumo A glândula pineal é responsável pela produção do hormônio melatonina (MEL), sendo aceita como a glândula reguladora da reprodução em mamíferos. A prolactina (PRL) também exibe atividade reprodutiva em animais, em resposta ao fotoperíodo. Sabe-se que as concentrações de PRL são elevadas durante o verão e baixam durante o inverno, ocorrendo o oposto com os níveis do hormônio melatonina nessas estações. Nos mamíferos placentários, tanto a melatonina quanto a prolactina influenciam a implantação, que é considerada o ponto crítico da gravidez, pois o sucesso da gestação requer o desenvolvimento de uma interação sincronizada entre o endométrio e o blastocisto para o desenvolvimento da placenta. Sabe- -se ainda que os níveis de PRL durante a gestação são essenciais para a manutenção da gravidez, pois esse hormônio induz o corpo lúteo a produzir progesterona, além de estimular a implantação do blastocisto, mantendo a prenhez e o desenvolvimento placentário. Em contrapartida, tem-se demonstrado também que os níveis de melatonina no plasma aumentam durante a gestação, atingindo valores elevados no fim desse período, sugerindo que esse hormônio desempenhe um importante papel na manutenção da gestação. Dessa forma, fica claro que o tratamento com prolactina ou melatonina interfere nos processos responsáveis pelo desenvolvimento e pela manutenção da gestação.

Summary The pineal gland is responsible for producing a hormone called melatonin (MEL), and is accepted as the gland that regulates reproduction in mammals. Prolactin (PRL) also exhibits reproductive activity in animals in response to photoperiod. It is known that the concentrations of PRL are high in the summer and reduced during winter, the opposite of what is seen with melatonin in these seasons. In placental mammals, both prolactin and melatonin affect implantation, which is considered a critical point of pregnancy, since a successful pregnancy requires the development of a synchronous interaction between the endometrium and blastocyst for placental development. It is also known that PRL levels during pregnancy are essential for the maintenance of pregnancy, because this hormone induces the corpus luteum to produce progesterone, in addition to stimulating blastocyst implantation to maintain pregnancy and form the placenta. However, melatonin levels in plasma have also been shown to increase during pregnancy, peaking at the end of this period, which suggests that this hormone plays an important role in the maintenance of pregnancy. Thus, it is clear that treatment with prolactin or melatonin interferes with the processes responsible for the development and maintenance of pregnancy.

Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) é considerada uma das espécies mais destrutivas de cupins subterrâneos, por causar danos a edificações, à arborização urbana e a culturas. Uma alternativa para o controle desse inseto pode ser o uso de agentes biocontroladores, como os fungos entomopatogênicos. Isaria (Persoon) tem sido indicado no controle de térmitas subterrâneos, inclusive do gênero Coptotermes. Dessa forma, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo selecionar isolados de Isaria patogênicos ao cupim C. gestroi. Os insetos pulverizados com suspensões fúngicas de I. farinosa, I. fumosoroseae I. javanica foram avaliados diariamente para a determinação da mortalidade. Todos os isolados foram patogênicos, ocasionando mortalidade acima de 70%, e virulentos, apresentando uma sobrevivência média de 2,0 a 3,9 dias. Contudo, os isolados ESALQ-1205 de I. farinosa, ESALQ-1296 de I. fumosorosea e os isolados URM-4995 e URM-4993 de I. javanica mostraram-se mais virulentos. A CL50estimada para os isolados ESALQ-1205 de I. farinosa, URM-4995 de I. javanica e ESALQ-1296 de I. fumosorosea resultou em valores de 3,7 x 105, 1,4 x 106e 2,7 x 106conídios mL-1, respectivamente. Tais resultados confirmam a eficiência dos isolados testados sobre os operários de C. gestroi. No entanto, novos estudos são necessários para verificar a melhor forma de utilização, bem como a sua efetividade em campo.

Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) is considered to be one of the most destructive species of subterranean termites because of the damage caused on edifications, urban trees, and crops. One alternative to control it is the use of biocontrol agents, such as the entomopathogenic fungi. The genus Isaria (Persoon) has been suggested for the control of subterranean termites, including the Coptotermes genus. Therefore, the present work aim was to select isolates of Isaria pathogenic to C. gestroi. The workers were sprayed with fungi suspensions of I. farinosa, I. fumosoroseaand I. javanica, and evaluated every day to determine mortality. All isolates were pathogenic towards C. gestroi with mortality rates higher than 70%, and virulent, with mean of survival of 2.0 up to 3.9 days. Among the isolates, the ESALQ-1205 isolate of I. farinosa, the ESALQ-1296 isolate of I. fumosorosea, URM-4995 and URM-4993 isolates of I. javanica showed the highest virulence. The estimated CL50 for the ESALQ-1205 isolate of I. farinosa, URM-4995 isolate of I. javanica and ESALQ-1296 isolate of I. fumosorosea was 3.7 x 105, 1.4 x 106and 2.7 x 106 conidia mL-1, respectively. These results suggest high efficiency of these isolates towards the C. gestroi workers. Nevertheless, further studies are necessary to determine a way of using them as well as their efficacy in field.

The current annual consumption of insecticides in agriculture in Brazil is over three million tons. The exposure happens through food that is contaminated with toxic waste and respiratory and dermal absorption. Biological control with Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) has assumed increasing importance replacing the use of conventional insecticides. However, the tests used to justify approval for use and market release of Bt products, and the protocols used to assess the development of toxicity, are extremely superficial. In addition, more studies comparing effects between males and females and during pregnancy and lactation have not been conducted. Thus, the hypothesis tested in this study was if the administration of the XenTari® WG (Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. Aizawai) biological insecticide and Decis® 25CE (Deltamethrin) synthetic insecticide, at concentrations that do not cause clinical signs of maternal toxicity, could interfere in the histophysiology of the organs of neonate rats. Thirty-five pregnant albino rats, Rattus norvegicus albinus, were randomly distributed in seven groups: Group I received placebo (water); Groups II, III, and IV received 1.0, 10.0, and 20.0 mg of XenTari®/kg respectively; and Groups V, VI, and VII received 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 mg of Deltamethrin/kg, respectively. The results showed that the highest doses of insecticides reduced the number of neonates. No histopathological alterations were observed in the kidneys, however, lipidosis, diffuse mononuclear inflammatory cells, and sinusoids congestion were observed in the liver. Rats from groups IV and VII presented atresia in the ovaries. Neonates from Group IV showed congestion and hemosiderin deposition in the testicle's blood vessels, which is characteristic of a process of hemolysis. In conclusion, both insecticides presented similar effects on organs and number of neonates born to rats exposed to sub-lethal doses that did not cause clinical symptoms of maternal intoxication.

El consumo anual actual de insecticidas en la agricultura en Brasil es más de tres millones de toneladas. Aproximadamente el 60% de los trabajadores rurales expuestos a los insecticidas son mujeres. La exposición ocurre a través de alimentos contaminados con desechos tóxicos y la absorción respiratoria y dérmica. El control biológico con Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) ha adquirido una importancia creciente en la sustitución del uso de insecticidas convencionales. Sin embargo, las pruebas utilizadas para justificar la aprobación para el uso y la liberación del mercado de los productos Bt, y los protocolos utilizados para evaluar el desarrollo de toxicidad, son muy superficiales. Además, no se han realizado estudios que que permitan comparar los efectos entre hombres y mujeres y durante el embarazo y la lactancia. Por lo tanto, la hipótesis planteada en este estudio fue si la administración del Grupo de Trabajo XenTari ® (B. thuringiensis subsp. Aizawai) insecticida biológico y Decis ® 25CE (deltametrina) insecticidas sintéticos, en concentraciones que no causan signos clínicos de toxicidad materna, podría interferir en la histofisiología de los órganos de las ratas recién nacidas. Treinta y cinco ratas albinas preñadas, Rattus norvegicus albino, fueron distribuidas aleatoriamente en siete grupos: Grupo I recibió un placebo (agua), los Grupos II, III y IV recibieron 1,0, 10,0 y 20,0 mg de XenTari ® / kg, respectivamente, y Grupos V, VI y VII recibieron 1,0, 2,0 y 4,0 mg de deltametrina / kg, respectivamente. Los resultados mostraron que las dosis más altas de insecticidas redujeron el número de neonatos. No se observaron alteraciones histopatológicas en los riñones, sin embargo, se observaron en el hígado, lipidosis, difusas células inflamatorias mononucleares, y la congestión de sinusoides. Las ratas de los grupos IV y VII presentaron atresia ovárica. Los recién nacidos de grupo IV mostraron congestión y depósito de hemosiderina en los vasos sanguíneos del testículo, lo cual es característico de un proceso de hemólisis. En conclusión, los insecticidas presentaron efectos similares en los órganos y en el número de recién nacidos de ratas expuestas a dosis sub-letales, que no causan síntomas clínicos de toxicidad materna.

We investigated the effect of hydroalcoholic extract the Petiveria alliacea root on fetal and placental development female rats pregnancy. Thirty female rats were mated and divided in groups: I - rats treated with placebo and sacrificed on the 7th day; II - rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract and sacrificed on the 7th day; III - rats treated with placebo and sacrificed on the 14th day; IV - rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract and sacrificed on the 14th day; V - rats treated with placebo for analysis of the offspring; VI - rats treated with hydroalcoholic extract for analysis of the offspring. The extract was administered by gavage in the dosage of 18mg/kg body wt., in 5th day of pregnancy. The implantation sites and placenta were fixed in Bouin and processed for the embedding in paraffin. The offspring were weighed, measured and counted. The hydroalcoholic extract of the root of the P. alliacea causes significant reduction in the number of implantation sites, but do not cause histological alterations in these sites and placenta. No alterations in the number, length and weight have been observed in offspring. Our results suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract from the P. alliacea in the dosage of 18mg/kg body wt., administered to female rats, on the 5th day of pregnancy, only cause a retard in the implantation process.

Se investigaron los efectos de la extracto hidroalcohólico de la raíz Petiveria alliacea sobre el desarrollo fetal y placentario en ratas preñadas. Treinta ratas hembras fueron criadas y divididas en grupos: I- Ratas tratadas con placebo y sacrificado en el día 7; II- Ratas tratadas con el extracto hidroalcohólico y sacrificadas en el día 7; III- ratas tratadas con placebo y sacrificado el día 14; IV- ratas tratadas con el extracto hidroalcohólico y sacrificaron el día 14; V- ratas tratadas con placebo para el análisis de las crías; VI- ratas tratadas con el extracto hidroalcohólico para el análisis de las crías. El extracto se administró por sonda en dosis de 18mg/kg de peso corporal, en el 5to día de preñez. Los sítios de implantación y la placenta se fijaron en Bouin y se procesaron para la inclusión en parafina. Las crías fueron pesadas, medidas y contadas. El extracto hidroalcohólico de la raíz de P. alliacea provocó una reducción significativa en el número de sitios de implantación, pero no causaron alteraciones histológicas en estos sitios y la placenta. No se observaron alteraciones en el número, longitud y peso de las crías. Nuestros resultados sugieren que el extracto hidroalcohólico de P. alliacea en la dosis de 18mg/kg de peso corporal, administrado a ratas hembras en el 5to día de preñez, sólo causó retardo en el proceso de implantación.

INTRODUÇÃO: A literatura relata que os implantes endometriais possuem receptores para hormônios esteroides, sendo estimulados principalmente pelo estrógeno, e que algumas estratégicas de tratamento têm sido propostas em modelos experimentais, tais como a utilização de glicocorticoides sintéticos, como a dexametasona. OBJETIVO: analisar histoquímica e morfometricamente lesões endometrióticas induzidas em ratas e tratadas com 0,8 mg/kg/dia de dexametasona. MATERIAL E MÉTODOS: Quarenta ratas albinas (linhagem Wistar) com 90 dias de vida, pesando aproximadamente 150 g, foram induzidas à endometriose e divididas em grupos: 1. ratas com endometriose e avaliadas após 34 dias (G1); 2. ratas com endometriose e avaliadas após 47 dias (G2); 3. ratas com endometriose e, após 21 dias do pós-operatório, tratadas com dexametasona por 13 dias (G3) e 4. ratas com endometriose e, após 21 dias do pós-operatório, tratadas com dexametasona por 13 dias e eutanasiadas após um período de 13 dias, contados a partir do término do tratamento com dexametasona (G4). Os fragmentos dos implantes endometriais foram fixados em Bouin, incluídos em paraplast e corados por hematoxilina-eosina e tricrômico de Mallory. As médias do número de glândulas foram submetidas ao teste não-paramétrico de Tukey-Kramer (p < 0,05). RESULTADOS: A dexametasona reduziu a inflamação nos implantes endometriais, o teor de colágeno no estroma e significativamente a área ocupada pelas glândulas (G1= 123,25 ± 6,44ª; G2= 113 ± 6,27ª; G3= 81,66 ± 3,05b; e G4= 94 ± 6,24b). CONCLUSÃO: A dexametasona, na dosagem utilizada, reduz os efeitos estrogênicos em implantes endometriais em ratas.

INTRODUCTION: The literature reports that endometrial implants have receptors for steroid hormones primarily stimulated by estrogen and that some treatment strategies have been proposed in experimental models such as the use of synthetic glucocorticoids, for example, dexamethasone. OBJECTIVE: to analyze histochemically and morphometrically endometriotic lesions induced in rats and treated with dexamethasone (0.8 mg/kg/day). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty albino female rats (Wistar strain), with 90 days of age, weighing approximately 150 g, were induced with endometriosis and divided into groups: I - rats with endometriosis and evaluated after 34 days, II - rats with endometriosis and evaluated after 47 days, III - rats with endometriosis and 21 days post-surgery treated with dexamethasone for 13 days and IV - rats with endometriosis and 21 days post-surgery treated with dexamethasone for 13 days and euthanized after a period of 13 days starting from the end of treatment. The fragments of endometrial implants were fixed in Bouin, embedded in Paraplast and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Mallory trichrome. The mean number of glands was compared through nonparametric Tukey-Kramer test (p < 0,05). RESULTS: Dexamethasone reduced inflammation in the endometrial implants, the collagen content in the stroma and decreased significantly the area occupied by glands (GI - 123.25 ± 6.44ª; IGI - 113 ± 6.27ª; GIII - 81.66 ± 3.05b and GIV - 94 ± 6.24b). CONCLUSION: The applied dexamethasone dosage reduces estrogenic effects in endometrial implants in rats.

The glucocorticoid dexamethasone has been largely used due to its anti-inflammatory effect. However, several authors report that the excessive exposition to it during pregnancy may cause a retard in the development in several tissues, mainly: liver, lungs and kidneys. But, the majority of the works are done with the application of dexamethasone in the late periods of pregnancy. Because of the lack of researches that evalúate the effects in the beginning of gestation, this paper aimed at evaluating the effect of dexamethasone administered in the initial phase of pregnancy, o ver the morphology of neonates rat. It was used 10 albino rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) aged 90 days from the lineage Wistar. The female were coupled and divided in two groups: Group I - rats not submitted to the dexamethasone application (control); Group II - rats submitted to the dexamethasone application in the first 5 days of pregnancy. The results show that the treatment with dexamethasone in a dosage of 0.8mg/Kg during the 5 first days of pregnancy does not produces a weight and height reduction or malformation in the offspring, it does not cause changes in the development of the liver and kidneys of neonate rats, but it leads to a reduction in the denseness of the interalveolar septa causing a higher distensión of the alveoli.

El glucocorticoide dexametasona ha sido ampliamente utilizado en virtud de su potencial antiinflamatorio. Sin embargo, varios autores relatan que la exposición excesiva a la dexametasona durante la preñez puede causar el retardo del desarrollo de varios tejidos, principalmente hígado, pulmones y ríñones. La mayoría de los trabajos son llevados a cabo con la aplicación de dexametasona en los períodos tardíos de la gestación. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la dexametasona, sobre la morfología de ratones neonatos, administrada en la fase inicial de la preñez. Fueron utilizadas 10 ratas Wistar albinas (Rattus norvegicus albinus) con 90 días de edad. Las hembras fueron apareadas y divididas en dos grupos: Grupo I- ratas no sometidas a la dexametasona (grupo control) y Grupo II - ratas sometidas a la aplicación de dexametasona durante los cinco primeros días de preñez. Los resultados mostraron que el tratamiento con dexametasona en dosis de 0,8mg/Kg, a lo largo de los cinco primeros días de la preñez, no produce reducción de peso, longitud o malformación en la prole, tampoco causa alteraciones en el desarrollo del hígado y ríñones en los ratones neonatos, pero sí reduce el grosor de los septos interalveolares, causando de esta manera, mayor distensión de los alvéolos.

The present study had the objective of obtaining information about fertility in rats treated with dexamethasone for 10 and 15 days consecutively, to polycystic ovaries, induced by constant illumination. It was used 40 albino rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus), aged 90 days, form the lineage Wistar, which were split, randomly, in four groups, each constituted of 10 animals, namely: Group I - rats kept in a clear/dark cycle for 12/12 hours, and after 100 days submitted to fertility evaluation (control); Group II - rats kept under constant illumination during 100 days and then submitted to fertility evaluation; Group III - rats kept under constant illumination during 100 days, then treated with dexamethasone for 10 days and submitted to fertility evaluation; Group IV - rats kept under constant illumination during 100 days, then treated with dexamethasone for 15 days and submitted to fertility evaluation. The results showed that the number of implanted sites was 38(G1), 37(G2), 32(G3) and 06(G4). The reduction in group IV was due to the high mortality during the experiment, probably because of the prolonged treatment with dexamethasone. These sites presented similar histological aspects. The macroscopic analysis of the neonates haven't shown any indication of malformation. Also, abortion haven't been observed. The treatment with dexamethasone for 10 days in rats does not affect the fertility and the development of the lungs, liver and kidneys of neonates, while the administration during 15 days leads to a high maternal mortality.

El estudio tuvo el objetivo de obtener informaciones sobre la fertilidad en ratas tratadas con dexametasona por 10 y 15 días seguidos, para ovarios poliquísticos, inducidos por iluminación constante. Se utilizó 40 ratas albinas (Rattus norvegicus albinus) con 90 días de edad, del linaje Wistar, las cuales fueron divididas, en cuatro grupos, cada uno constituido por 10 animales: Grupo I - ratas mantenidas en ciclo claro/oscuro de 12/12 horas, y después de 100 días sometidas a la evaluación de la fertilidad (control); Grupo II- ratas mantenidas bajo iluminación constante, durante 100 días, y luego sometidas a la evaluación de la fertilidad ; Grupo III - ratas mantenidas bajo iluminación constante, a lo largo de 100 días, y posteriormente tratadas con dexametasona por diez días, y sometidas a la evolución de la fertilidad; Grupo IV - ratas mantenidas bajo iluminación constante, durante 100 días, en seguida tratadas con dexametasona por 15 días, y sometidas a la evaluación de la fertilidad. Los resultados mostraron que el número de sitios implantados fue 38(GI), 37(G2), 32(G3), y 06(G4). La reducción en el grupo IV fue como consecuencia de la alta mortalidad durante la experiencia, probablemente en función del largo tratamiento con dexametasona. Esos sitios presentaron aspectos histológicos semejantes. El análisis macroscópico de los neonatos no mostró ningún vestigio de malformación. Tampoco fueron observados abortos. El tratamiento con dexametasona por 10 días en ratas, no afecta la fertilidad y el desarrollo de los pulmones, hígado y ríñones de neonatos, mientras que la administración por 15 días lleva a una alta mortalidad materna.

The present research had the purpose to analyze morphologically the sites of endometrial implants on the external area of the musculature of the anterior abdominal wall of female rats, treated with dexamethasone. For so, these 15 albino female rats were used (Rattus norvegicus albinus), of the lineage Wistar with 90 days of age, that were submitted to the induction of the endometriosis, and divided in the following groups: Group I induced female rats to endometriosis and evaluated after 21 days (control); Group II induced female rats to endometriosis and after 21 days, treated with dexamethasone for 10 days; Group III - induced female rats to endometriosis, and after 21 days, treated with dexamethasone for 15 days. The dexamethasone was administered in the dosage of 0,8 mg/day/animal. Our results showed that the chronic inflammatory process in the endometriosis doesn't decrease after treatment with dexamethasone for 10 days, while the treatment with dexamethasone for 15 days reverted the chronic inflammatory process in the endometriosis, besides stimulating the proliferation of glands in endometrial implants

El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar morfológicamente los sitios de implantes endometriales sobre la región externa de la musculatura de la pared abdominal anterior de ratones, tratados con dexametasona. Para ello, fueron utilizados 15 ratones albinos (Rattus norvergicus albinus), del linaje Wistar, de 90 días de edad, los cuales fueron sometidos a inducción de la endometriosis y divididos en los siguientes grupos: Grupo I ratones inducidos a la endometriosis y evaluados tras 21 días (control); Grupo II ratones inducidos a la endometriosis y tras 21 días, tratados con dexametasona durante 10 días; Grupo III ratones inducidos a la endometriosis, y tras 21 días, tratados con dexametasona durante 15 días. La dexametasona fue administrada en dosis de 0,8mg /día/animal. Nuestros resultados muestran que el proceso inflamatorio crónico en la endometriosis no baja después del tratamiento con dexametasona durante 10 días, mientras que el tratamiento con dexametasona durante 15 días cambió del proceso inflamatorio crónico en la endometriosis y estimuló la proliferación de glándulas en los implantes endometriales

In this paper we evaluated the morphologic and quantitative aspects of the implantations sites in uteruses of female pinealectomized and/or submitted to the constant illumination rats. The experimental groups were: I - normal female rats maintained in a clear/dark cycle of 12/12 hours, for two months, mated and euthanasiated in the 6th day of pregnancy (control); II - female sham-pinealectomized rats maintained in a clear/dark cycle of 12/12 hours, for two months, mated and euthanasiated in the 6th day of pregnancy (control); III - female pinealectomized rats, maintained in a clear/dark cycle of 12/12 hours, for two months, mated and euthanasiated in the 6th day of pregnancy; IV - normal female rats maintained in constant illumination for two months, mated and euthanasiated in the 6th day of pregnancy; V - female sham-pinealectomized rats, maintained in constant illumination for two months, mated and euthanasiated in the 6th day of pregnancy; VI - female pinealectomized rats, maintained in constant illumination for two months, mated and euthanasiated in the 6th day of pregnancy. The means of the implantations sites showed that there were significant differences, where the groups III, IV, V and VI differed from the groups II and I, which presented the highest means. The groups III, IV, V and VI didn't differ amongst themselves. The sites in the control groups revealed the presence of small gaps containing blood, trophoblastic cells, and some polyploid cytotrophoblasts. In the groups III, IV, V and VI it was evidenced well-developed gaps at the sites, with trophoblasts, cytotrophoblasts with high polyploidy degree and syncytiotrophoblasts. In conclusion the pinealectomy and/or constant illumination reduce of the number implants in female rats besides to stimulate the development of the implantation sites, indicating thus a probable function of the melatonin in the viability of implantation of the blastocyst

En este trabajo evaluamos los aspectos morfológicos y cuantitativos de los sitios de implantaciones en úteros de ratas pinealectomizadas y/o sometidas a iluminación constante. Los grupos experimentales fueron: I ratas normales mantenidas en ciclo claro / oscuro de 12/12 horas, durante dos meses, cruzadas y sacrificadass en el 60 día de preñez (control); II ratas sham-pinealectomizadas mantenidas en ciclo claro/oscuro de 12/12 horas, durante dos meses, cruzadas y sacrificadas en el 60 día de preñez (control); III ratas pinealectomizadas mantenidas en ciclo claro/oscuro de 12/12 horas, durante dos meses, cruzadas y sacrificadas en el 60 día de preñez; IV ratas normales mantenidas en constante iluminación durante dos meses acasaladas y sacrificadas en el 60 día de preñez; V ratas sham-pinealectomiazadas mantenidas en constante iluminación durante dos meses, cruzadas y sacrificadas en el 60 día de preñez; VI ratas pinealectomizadas, mantenidas en constante iluminación durante dos meses, cruzadas y sacrificadas en el 60 día de preñez. El análisis estadístico de las medias de los sitios de implantaciones mostró que hubo diferencia significativa, donde los grupos III, IV, V y VI diferían de los grupos I y II, los cuales presentaron las mayores medias. Los grupos III, IV, V y VI no son diferentes entre sí. El análisis morfológico de los sitios en los grupos controles reveló la presencia de pequeñas lagunas conteniendo sangre, además de células trofoblásticas y algunos citrofoblastos poliploides. En los grupos III, IV, V y VI se evidenció lagunas muy desarrolladas en los sitios, con trofoblastos, citrofoblastos con alto grado de poliploidia y sinciciotrofoblastos. Concluimos que la pinealectomía y/o constante iluminación llevan a una reducción del número de blastocistos implantados en ratas, además estimula el desarrollo de los sitios de implantación, indicando así; que la melatonina puede tener importante función en la viabilidad de implantación del blastocisto

The present study had the objective of analyzing morphometrically the occupied area by the ovarian follicles in ovaries of pinealectomized female rats. To do so, 24 albino female rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) were used, which were equally divided in the following groups: Group I sham-pinealectomized rats and kept in the light/dark cycle (12/12 hours), for three months; Group II pinealectomized rats and kept in the light/dark cycle (12/12 hours), for three months; Group III pinealectomized rats and kept in the absence of light for three months; Group IV sham-pinealectomized rats and kept in the absence of rats for three months. The results showed that the groups I and IV presented, respectively, average of 19,00 and 25,00, while groups II and III presented the highest average, 28,25 and 27,25, respectively, indicating, this way, a bigger occupied area by the follicles. It was observed a small amount of corpus luteum in the pinealectomized groups. So, we conclude that the pinealectomy can exert, in a certain period of time, some influence in the gonadal function, what might induce the formation of an anovulatory clinical patology and consequently the development of policystic ovaries

El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar morfométricamente el área ocupada por los folículos ováricos en ovarios de ratas pinealectomizadas. Para ello, 24 ratas albinas (Rattus norvegicus albinus), fueron divididas igualmente en los siguientes grupos: Grupo I - Ratas falsamente pinealectomizadas y mantenidas en el ciclo claro/oscuro (12/12 horas), por tres meses; Grupo II - ratas pinealectomizadas y mantenidas en el ciclo claro/oscuro (12/12 horas), por tres meses; Grupo III - ratas pinealectomizadas y mantenidas en la ausencia de luz durante tres meses; Grupo IV ratas falsamente pinealectomizadas, y mantenidas en la ausencia de luz por tres meses. Los resultados mostraron que los grupos I y IV presentaban, respectivamente, medias de 19,00 y 25,00, mientras que los grupos II y III presentaron las mayores medias, 28,25 y 27,25, respectivamente, indicando mayor área ocupada por los folículos. Fue observada una pequeña cantidad de cuerpos lúteos en los grupos pinealectomizados. De esta manera, concluimos que la pinealectomía puede ejercer, con el tiempo, alguna influencia en la función gonadal, lo que podrá inducir la formación de un cuadro clínico anovulatorio, y consecuentemente, el desarrollo de ovarios policísticos

Some studies have shown that pinealectomized female rats present a large concentration of collagen fibers in the endometrium. The lack of light results in morphologic alterations in the uterine lamina propria and in the muscular layer, reducing thus the uterine weight. Therefore, this work aimed to analyze ultra-structurally the influence of melatonin in the remodeling of the collagen in the endometrium, in the estrus phase, in pinealectomized adult rats or submitted to lack of light. The experimental groups: I- sham-pinealectomized maintained in a clear/dark cycle 12/12 hours, during three months; II- pinealectomized rats maintained in a clear/dark cycle 12/12 hours, for three months; III- normal rats maintained in clear/dark cycle 12/12 hours for three months; IV- normal rats maintained in lack of light, for three months. Fragments of a third of uterus average were gathered, fixed in Karnowsky solution and processed for Transmission Electron Microscope analysis. The results showed that the animals of the group II presented greater incidence of the estrus phase, in a percentile of 60%, and reduction of the proestrus phase. In the groups I, III and IV it had an equivalence of the estrus phase, however the animals of group IV showed a greater incidence of the diestrus phase with an average percentile of 40%. The ultra-structural analysis of the lamina propria of the endometrium in the animals of the groups I and III revealed several fibroblasts with nucleus presenting a little dense chromatin, and cytoplasm contents a great quantity of rugous endoplasmic reticulum. In the animals of the group II was observed a great quantity of fibroblasts, with several developed rugous endoplasmic reticulum, in spite of the great quantity of collagen fibers. In the animals of group IV themselves, few fibroblasts with small quantity of cytoplam that presents a scarce profile of rugous endoplasmic reticulum. Therefore, one can conclude that melatonin may perform a regulator factor in the collagen fibers synthesis by fibroblasts

Algunos estudios han demostrado que ratas pinealectomizadas presentan gran concentración de fibras colágenas en el endometrio. La ausencia de luz resulta en alteraciones morfológicas en la lámina propia y capa muscular del útero, reduciendo el peso uterino. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar ultra-estructuramente la influencia de la melatonina en la remodelación del colágeno en el endometrio, en la fase de estro, en ratas adultas pinealectomizadas o sometidas a la ausencia de luz. Los grupos experimentales fueron: I ratas Sham-pinealectomizadas mantenidas en ciclo luz/oscuridad 12/12 horas, por tres meses; II ratas pinealectomizadas mantenidas en ciclo luz/oscuridad 12/12 horas, por tres meses; III ratas normales mantenidas en ciclo luz/oscuridad 12/12 horas por tres meses; IV ratas normales mantenidas en ausencia de luz, por tres meses. Se tomaron fragmentos del tercio medio del útero, fijados en solución de Karnowsky y procesados para análisis en microscopía electrónica de transmisión. Los resultados fueron: los animales del grupo II presentaron mayor incidencia de la fase de estro, con porcentaje de 60% y reducción de la fase de proestro al 4%. En los grupos I, III, y IV hubo una equivalencia de la fase de estro, sin embargo, los animales del grupo IV mostraron mayor incidencia de la fase de diestro con porcentaje alrededor de 40%. El análisis ultra-estructural de la lámina propia del endometrio de los animales de los grupos I y III reveló fibroblastos con núcleo con cromatina poco densa, y en el citoplasma gran cantidad de retículo endoplasmático rugoso. En los animales del grupo II, fue observada la presencia de gran cantidad de fibroblastos con numerosos retículos endoplasmáticos rugosos bastantes desarrollados, además de gran cantidad de fibras colágenas. En los animales del grupo IV, se observó pocos fibroblastos con escaso citoplasma y poca cantidad de retículo endoplasmático rugoso. Podemos concluir que la melatonina desempeña una actividad en la síntesis de fibras colágenas por los fibroblastos

SUMMARY: In this paper, it was analyzed morphologically the endometrium of pinealectomized rats, treated or not with melatonin, besides luteinizing hormones levels (LH), stimulating follicle (FSH) and prolactin (PRL). The experimental groups were: I normal rats, during three months; II normal rats, during six months; III pinelalectomized rats evaluated after three months; IV pinealectomized rats treated with melatonin for three months; V pinealectomized rats evaluated after six months; VI pinealectomized rats for three months, and after treated with melatonin for more three months. In the animals from groups III and V, the estrous ciclicity was modified, because beyond the increase in the incidence of the estrus phase, some animals developed a persistent estrus condition. In the other groups the estrous cycle was normal. The hormonal dosage showed that there was an increase in the LH levels in groups III and V, and a small reduction in group IV. There weren't changes between groups VI and II. The levels of FSH and PRL showed themselves reduced in all animals from the pinealectomized group. However, these results didn't show statistically meaningful differences. In groups III, V and VI the endometrium presented a normal aspect except by the presence of several endometrial glands, in most cases, dilated. In the animals that developed persistent estrus, it was observed a very fibrous stroma and rare endometrial glands, some of them presenting non-keratinazed pavement stratified epithelium. The animals in group IV showed a similar endometrium to the control groups. It was concluded that the pinealectomy can draw to the condition of persistent estrus, not producing great variation in the serumal levels of the gonadotrophic hormones, and inducing more effective changes in the glandular epithelium

En este trabajo evaluamos morfológicamente el endometrio de ratas pinealectomizadas, tratadas o no con melatonina, además fueron medidos los niveles de los hormonas luteinizante (LH), folículo estimulante (FSH) y prolactina (PRL). Los grupos experimentales fueron: I. Ratas normales tratadas con melatonina durante tres meses; II. Ratas normales, con seis meses de tramiento; III. Ratas pinealectomizadas y evaluadas después de tres meses; IV. Ratas pinealectomizadas y tratadas con melatonina por tres meses; V: Ratas pinealectomizadas y evaluadas después de seis meses de tratamiento; VI. Ratas pinealectomizadas después de transcurridos tres meses tratadas con melatonina por otros tres meses. En los animales de los grupos III y V, la ciclicidad estral fue alterada, pues además del aumento en la incidencia de la fase de estro, algunos animales desarrollaron la condición de estro permanente. En los demás grupos el ciclo estral fue normal. Las dosis hormonales mostraron que hubo un aumento en los niveles del LH en los grupos III y V, y una pequeña reducción en el grupo IV. No hubo alteración entre los grupos II y VI . Los niveles del FSH y PRL se mostraron reducidos en todos los animales de los grupos pinealectomizados. Estos resultados no muestran diferencias estadísticamente significativas. En los grupos III, V y VI el endometrio presentó aspecto normal, excepto por la presencia de innumerables glándulas endometriales, en su mayoría dilatadas. En los animales que desarrollaron estro permanente, se observó estroma bastante fibroso y glándulas endometriais escazas, algunas presentaron epitelio estratificado pavimentoso no queratinizado. Los animales del grupo IV, mostraron el endometrio semejante al de los grupos controles. Concluimos que la pinealectomía puede llevar a condición de estro permanente, no pruduciendo grandes variaciones en los niveles séricos de las hormonas gonadotróficas e induciendo modificaciones más efectivas en el epitelio glandular

Em estudos anteriores, demonstrou-se que ratos mantidos em sistema de Ventilação Microambiental (VMA) apresentaram parâmetros de produtividade e padrão sanitário melhores do que aqueles mantidos em sistema de Ventilação Geral Diluidora (VGD). Outra etapa dos experimentos foi determinar os parâmetros fisiológicos destes animais. O presente estudo foi realizado para avaliar os perfis hematológico e bioquímico de ratos mantidos sob o sistema de VMA. Para tanto, foram realizados dois experimentos diferentes, com ratos mantidos em VMA, quais sejam: Experimento 1 (E1), no qual foi avaliado o desempenho reprodutivo de machos e fêmeas, sob duas faixas de velocidade de ar (FV1 - de 0,03 a 0,26 m/s, e FV2 - de 0,27 a 0,80 m/s); Experimento 2 (E2), no qual foram avaliados diferentes intervalos de troca de cama (3, 5, 7 e 9 dias), para ratos machos mantidos a uma velocidade de ar constante de 0,5 m/s. Os valores do hemograma e de parâmetros bioquímicos destes animais foram comparados com os valores encontrados em ratos mantidos sob VGD. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram diferenças estatísticas em alguns dos parâmetros observados, tanto entre os sistemas VGD e VMA, como entre os diferentes grupos de VMA. Contudo, os valores encontrados em todos os parâmetros avaliados encontram-se dentro de faixas de variação normal para a espécie estudada, como é descrito na literatura. Isto indica que o emprego do sistema de VMA não induz alterações relevantes nos parâmetros fisiológicos estudados.

Previous studies reported that rats (Rattus norvegicus) kept under microenvironmental ventilation systems (MEV) present better productive and health parameters when compared to animals kept under general diluting ventilation (GDV). The objective of the present research trial was to evaluate hematological and biochemical profiles of rats kept under MVS. In order to achieve this objective, two different trials were designed: Trail 1 (E1), in which it was evaluated the reproductive performance of males and females submitted to two different air speed limits - FV1, from 0.03 to 0.26 m / sec and FV2, from 0.27 to 0.80 m / sec. In Trial 2 (E2) it was evaluated different bed change intervals (3, 5, 7 and 9 days), for males kept under constant air speed (0.5 m / sec). Values for hemogram and biochemical patterns of these animals were compared to those of rats kept under GDV. Results show statistical differences in some of the studied parameters not only for the comparison between GVD and E1 and GVD and E2, but also between both groups submitted to MEV (E1 and E2). However, values found for all studied parameters are inside the normal range reported for this species, what indicates that MEV does not induce important changes in the physiological parameters evaluated.