Comparison Between Perfadex and Locally Manufactured Low-Potassium Dextran Solution for Pulmonary Preservation in an Ex Vivo Isolated Lung Perfusion Model

Introduction. Lung tranplantation, a consolidated treatment for end-stage lung disease, utilizes preservation solutions, such as low potassium dextran (LPD), to mitigate ischemia reperfusion injury. We sought the local development of LPD solutions in an attempt to facilitate access and enhance usage. We also sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a locally manufactured LPD solution in a rat model of ex vivo lung perfusion. Methods. We randomized the following groups \?\adult of male Wistar rats (n = 25 each): Perfadex (LPD; Vitro life, Sweden); locally manufactured LPD-glucose (LPDnac) (Farmoterapica, Brazil), and normal saline solution (SAL) with 3 ischemic times (6, 12, and 24 hours). The harvested heart lung blocks were flushed with solution at 4 C. After storage, the blocks were connected to an IL-2 Isolated Perfused Rat or Guinea Pig Lung System (Harvard Apparatus) and reperfused with homologous blood for 60 minutes. Respiratory mechanics, pulmonary artery pressure, perfusate blood gas analysis, and lung weight were measured at 10-minute intervals. Comparisons between groups and among ischemic times were performed using analysis of variance with a 5% level of significance. Results. Lungs preserved for 24 hours were nonviable and therefore excluded from the analysis. Those preserved for 6 hours showed better ventilatory mechanics when compared with 12 hours. The oxygenation capacity was not different between lungs flushed with LPD or LPDnac, regardless of the ischemic time. SAL lungs showed higher PCO(2) values than the other solutions. Lung weight increased over time during perfusion; however, there were no significant differences among the tested solutions (LPD, P = .23; LPDnac, P = .41; SAL, P = .26). We concluded that the LPDnac solution results in gas exchange were comparable to the original LPD (Perfadex); however ventilatory mechanics and edema formation were better with LPD, particularly among lungs undergoing 6 hours of cold ischemia.

Small volume resuscitation with 3% hypertonic saline solution decrease inflammatory response and attenuates end organ damage after controlled hemorrhagic shock

BACKGROUND: Recently, studies have been conducted examining the efficacy of 3% hypertonic saline solution (HS) for the treatment of traumatic brain injury; however, few studies have analyzed the effects of 3% hemorrhagic shock during hemorrhagic shock. The aim of this study was to test the potential immunomodulatory benefits of 3% hemorrhagic shock resuscitation over standard fluid resuscitation. METHODS: Wistar rats were bled to a mean arterial pressure of 35 mm Hg and then randomized into 3 groups: those treated with lactated Ringer`s solution (LR; 33 mL/kg, n = 7), 3% HS (10 mL/kg, n = 7), and 7.5% HS (4 mL/kg, n = 7). Half of the extracted blood was reinfused after fluid resuscitation. Animals that did not undergo shock served as controls (n = 5). Four hours after hemorrhagic shock, blood was collected for the evaluation of tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-6 by enzyme immunoassay. Lung and intestinal samples were obtained for histopathologic analysis. RESULTS: Animals in the HS groups had significantly higher mean arterial pressure than those in the LR group 1 hour after treatment. Osmolarity and sodium levels were markedly elevated in the HS groups. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 levels were similar between the control and HS groups but significantly higher in the LR group (P < .05). The lung injury score was significantly higher in the LR group compared with the 7.5% HS and 3% HS groups (5.7 +/- 0.7, 2.1 +/- 0.4, and 2.7 +/- 0.5, respectively). Intestinal injury was attenuated in the 7.5% HS and 3% HS groups compared with the LR group (2.0 +/- 0.6, 2.3 +/- 0.4, and 5.9 +/- 0.6, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A small-volume resuscitation strategy modulates the inflammatory response and decreases end-organ damage after HS. Three percent HS provides immunomodulatory and metabolic effects similar to those observed with conventional concentrations of HS. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Timing-dependent protection of hypertonic saline solution administration in experimental liver ischemia/reperfusion injury

Background. Diving liver ischemia, the decrease in mitochondrial energy causes cellular damage that is aggravated after reperfusion. This injury can trigger a systemic inflammatory syndrome, also producing remote organ damage. Several substances have been employed to decrease this inflammatory response during liver transplantation, liver resections, and hypovolemic shock. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hypertonic saline solution and the best timing of administration to prevent organ injury during experimental liver ischemia/reperfusion. Methods. Rats underwent 1 hr of warm liver ischemia followed by reperfusion. Eighty-four rats Were allocated into 6 groups: sham group, control of ischemia group) (C), pre-ischemia treated NaCl 0.9% (ISS) and NaCl 7.5% (HTS) groups, pre-repefusion ISS, and HTS groups. Blood and tissue samples were collected 4 hr after reperfusion. Results. HTS showed beneficial effects in prevention of live ischemia/reperfusion injury. HTS groups developed increases in AST and ALT levels that were significantly less than ISS groups; however, the HTS pre-reperfusion group showed levels significantly less than the HTS pre-ischemia group. No differences in IL-6 and IL-10 levels, were observed. A significant decrease in mitochondrial dysfunction as well as hepatic edema was observed in the HTS pre-reperfusion group. Pulmonary vascular permeability Was significantly less in the pre-reperfusion HTS group compared to the ISS group. No differences in myeloperoxidase activity were observed. The liver histologic score was significantly less in the pre-reperfusion HTS group compared to the pre-ischemia I-ITS group. Conclusion. HTS ameliorated local and systemic injuries in experimental liver ischemia/reperfusion. Infusion of HTS in the pre-reperfusion period may be an important adjunct to accomplish the best results. (Surgery 2010;147:415-23.)

Salvage of long-term central venous catheters during an outbreak of Pseudomonas putida and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia infections associated with contaminated heparin catheter-lock solution

objective. To describe the management of patients with long-term central venous catheters (CVCs) during an outbreak of infection due to Pseudomonas putida and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia associated with contaminated heparin catheter-lock solution. design. Descriptive study. setting. Private, 250-bed tertiary-care hospital. methods. In March 2003, we identified 2 febrile cancer patients with P. putida bacteremia. Over 2 days, 7 cases of bacteremia were identified; lots of syringes prefilled with heparin catheter-lock solution, supplied by a compounding pharmacy, were recalled and samples were cultured. More cases of bacteremia appeared during the following days, and any patient who had had a catheter lock infused with the suspect solution was asked to provide blood samples for culture, even if the patient was asymptomatic. Isolates that were recovered from culture were typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Antimicrobial salvage treatment of long-term CVCs was attempted. results. A total of 154 patients had had their catheter lock infused with solution from the lots that were suspected of being contaminated. Only 48 of these patients had CVCs. By day 7 of the outbreak, 18 of these patients had become symptomatic. Twenty-six of the remaining 30 asymptomatic patients then also provided blood samples for culture, 10 of whom developed fever shortly after samples were collected. Thirty-two patients were identified who had P. putida bacteremia; 9 also had infection due to S. maltophilia. Samples from 1 of the 3 lots of prefilled syringes in use at the time of the outbreak also grew P. putida on culture. Molecular typing identified 3 different clones of P. putida from patients and heparin catheter-lock solution, and 1 clone of S. maltophilia. A total of 27 patients received antimicrobial therapy regimens, some of which included decontamination of the catheter lock with anti- infective lock solution. Of 27 patients, 19 (70%) retained their long-term CVC during the 6-month follow-up period. conclusions. To our knowledge, this is one of the largest prospective experiences in the management of bloodstream infection associated with long-term CVCs. The infections were caused by gram-negative bacilli and were managed without catheter removal, with a high response rate. We emphasize the risks of using intravenous formulations of medications supplied by compounding pharmacies that produce large quantities of drugs.

Development of an animal model for endometrial ablation using trichloroacetic acid

Objective: To develop an animal model of endometrial ablation, and to evaluate the histologic effects of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) in the uterine cavity. Design: Experimental prospective. Setting: Department of gynecology. Patient(s): Thirty female adult rats. Intervention(s): Animals were submitted to injection of TCA in one uterine horn and saline solution in the other. Group 1 was sacrificed the day after the procedure. Group 2 was sacrificed in phase of diestrus. Superficial epithelia of the endometrium, stromal thickness, endometrial glands, and myometrium thickness were compared among the uterine horns of the same rats of group 1. The same evaluation was performed in group 2. Endometrial regeneration was evaluated. Main Outcome Measure(s): Histologic effects. Result(s): In group 1, histologic parameters showed endometrial destruction on TCA injected uterine horn. In group 2, four rats died after the procedure, and six rats had no viable material. In the rest of the group, TCA-injected uterine horns showed endometrial destruction. Superficial epithelia of the endometrium and stromal thickness were similar between TCA uterine horn from groups. However, the number of endometrial glands was higher in group 1. Conclusion(s): The study developed an experimental model for endometrial ablation. TCA acid is a potent agent for endometrial ablation in rat model. No endometrial regeneration was observed after recovery of cycle. (Fertil Steril (R) 2011; 95: 2418-21. (C) 2011 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)

Intracardiac Cavopulmonary Connection in Patients with Univentricular Heart Using Intra-atrial Lateral Tunnel and Intra-atrial Conduit Techniques

Background: In this study, we analyzed the time course of hemodynamic efficiency and follow-up in Fontan candidates who underwent the bidirectional Glenn procedure for staged intracardiac cavopulmonary connection (ICPC). Methods: Between 1991 and 2008, 52 patients with univentricular heart (mean age, 3.3 years; range, 2-8 years; 27 female patients [51.9%]) underwent ICPC. The cardiac malformations were as follows: tricuspid atresia, 25 cases (48.0%); common ventricle, 16 cases (30.7%); and pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum, 11 cases (21.1%). The intracardiac cavopulmonary procedure was indicated for all 52 cases. In 42 patients (80.7%), an intra-atrial lateral tunnel was constructed with a bovine pericardium patch. In the last 10 consecutive cases (19.3%), we performed a modified surgical technique in which we implanted an intra-atrial corrugated bovine pericardium tube sutured around the superior and inferior vena cava ostium. In all cases, a 4-mm fenestration was made to reduce the intratunnel pressure. All 52 patients had previously undergone a Glenn operation. Results: There were 2 hospital deaths (3.8%) and no recorded late deaths. During the follow-up, all patients were medicated with antiplatelet drugs. To evaluate the hemodynamic performance, we used Doppler echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic nuclear resonance studies. There were no prosthesis thromboses during this follow-up period. To evaluate cardiac arrhythmias, we conducted a Holter study. The last 10 patients with an intra-atrial conduit (IAC) presented with sinus rhythm and no arrhythmias during the last 4 years. The 50 surviving patients (96.1%) have been followed up for 6 to 204 months; all these patients are free of reoperation. Conclusion: The Glenn operation, which is performed at an early age, prepares the pulmonary bed to receive the ICPC. The midterm results of the intracardiac Fontan procedure seem to be good. The modified surgical procedure (IAC) can be a good alternative technique to the Fontan procedure in suitable patients.

Participatory ergonomics: Understanding the contributions of reflection groups in a hospital food service

Aim: To identify how the methodology of Reflection Groups (RG) can contribute to approach social-psychological problems, so often observed as obstacles in PE efforts. The objective was also to verify the contributions from RG to the implementation of ergonomics recommendations, which were a starting point and organized group discussions. Method: A concrete case was used as an illustration, and studied in depth: RG with administration and production workers` representatives from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics of a cardiologic hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. RG are temporary thinking groups, taking place outside the workplace and having delegative and consultive participation. They make use of Operative Groups, an adapted form of tripartite group, activity as an instrumental resource, group dynamic techniques and videotaping. In 2007, 31 meetings took place during paid working hours with 7 groups of different composition, ranging from 1.5 h to 3 h. Results: Additionally to the positive effects in communication and psychosocial environment, RG could also contribute to changes in interpersonal relationships, cooperation, personal and work behaviours. By dealing with aspects which could hinder the explicit task: fears, conflicts, and stereotyped beliefs and behaviours; resistance to change could be broken and group members could learn. RG allowed input about new risks; continuous information and feedback about ongoing ergonomics interventions so that immediate corrective action could be taken. The main form of participation was in administrative, organizational, and psychosocial problems which required a better clarification and identification of their real causes, commitment, and elaboration of strategies and negotiation of different stakeholders in their solution. Conclusion: RG takes advantage of homogeneous and heterogeneous groups, in face to face communication. The interactions in the groups are task-oriented (explicit task) but attaining groups` goals depends on a relational interaction (implicit task). Relevance to industry: Reflection groups can bring important contributions to ergonomics and industry because they favour the discussion, disclosure of problems and incorporation of solutions, enabling interventions in working organization, psychosocial environment and relationships in a collective and participatory approach, promoting health and social integration. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of semen storage and separation techniques on sperm DNA fragmentation

Objective: To determine the effect of semen storage and separation techniques on sperm DNA fragmentation. Design: Controlled clinical study. Setting: An assisted reproductive technology laboratory. Patient(s): Thirty normoozospermic semen samples obtained from patients undergoing infertility evaluation. Intervention(s): One aliquot from each sample was immediately prepared (control) for the sperm chromatin dispersion assay (SCD). Aliquots used to assess storage techniques were treated in the following ways: snap frozen by liquid nitrogen immersion, slow frozen with Tris-yolk buffer and glycerol, kept on ice for 24 hours or maintained at room temperature for 4 and 24 hours. Aliquots used to assess separation techniques were processed by the following methods: washed and centrifuged in media, swim-up from washed sperm pellet, density gradient separation, density gradient followed by swim-up. DNA integrity was then measured by SCD. Main Outcome Measure(s): DNA fragmentation as measured by SCD. Result(s): There was no significant difference in fragmentation among the snap frozen, slow frozen, and wet-ice groups. Compared to other storage methods short-term storage at room temperature did not impact DNA fragmentation yet 24 hours storage significantly increased fragmentation. Swim-up, density gradient and density gradient/swim-up had significantly reduced DNA fragmentation levels compared with washed semen. Postincubation, density gradient/swim-up showed the lowest fragmentation levels. Conclusion(s): The effect of sperm processing methods on DNA fragmentation should be considered when selecting storage or separation techniques for clinical use. (Fertil Steril (R) 2010;94:2626-30. (C) 2010 by American Society for Reproductive Medicine.)

Use of Inverted Fluoroscope`s C-arm During Endoscopic Treatment of Urinary Tract Obstruction in Pregnancy: A Practicable Solution to Cut Radiation

OBJECTIVES To describe the use of pulsed fluoroscopic guidance, to perform endoscopic procedures in pregnant women, by inverting the fluoroscope`s c-arm using a lead thyroid collar to shield the fetus from the direct X-ray beam. The use of radiation during treatment of pregnant patients with urolithiasis remains a recurring dilemma. METHODS Between May 2006 and December 2008, endoscopic treatment due to ureteral stones was attempted in 8 pregnant women. In all cases, we use an inverted fluoroscope`s c-arm during endoscopic treatment associated with 2 lead neck thyroid collars to shield the uterus, protecting the fetus from direct radiation. Indication for treatment was symptomatic ureteral stones unresponsive to medical treatment in 7 and persistent fever in 1. RESULTS Mean ureteral stone size was 8.1 +/- 4.8 mm, located in the left ureter in 5 (62.5%) cases. Three (37.5%) patients had stone located in the upper ureter, 2 (25%) in the middle ureter, and 3 (37.5) in the distal ureter. In 6 cases, ureteral stones were treated using the semi-rigid ureteroscope, whereas in 1 case a flexible ureteroscope was needed. One woman was treated with insertion of a double-J stent due to associated urinary infection. No women has early delivery related to the endoscopic procedure, and all neonates were perfectly normal. CONCLUSIONS We present a technique for endoscopic procedures in pregnant women inverting the fluoroscope`s c-arm and protecting the fetus from the direct X-ray beam. This practical approach should be specially considered when no portable ultrasound and radiologic assistance in available in the operating room. UROLOGY 75: 1505-1508, 2010. (c) 2010 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Supporting content-based image retrieval and computer-aided diagnosis systems with association rule-based techniques

In this work, we take advantage of association rule mining to support two types of medical systems: the Content-based Image Retrieval (CBIR) systems and the Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD) systems. For content-based retrieval, association rules are employed to reduce the dimensionality of the feature vectors that represent the images and to improve the precision of the similarity queries. We refer to the association rule-based method to improve CBIR systems proposed here as Feature selection through Association Rules (FAR). To improve CAD systems, we propose the Image Diagnosis Enhancement through Association rules (IDEA) method. Association rules are employed to suggest a second opinion to the radiologist or a preliminary diagnosis of a new image. A second opinion automatically obtained can either accelerate the process of diagnosing or to strengthen a hypothesis, increasing the probability of a prescribed treatment be successful. Two new algorithms are proposed to support the IDEA method: to pre-process low-level features and to propose a preliminary diagnosis based on association rules. We performed several experiments to validate the proposed methods. The results indicate that association rules can be successfully applied to improve CBIR and CAD systems, empowering the arsenal of techniques to support medical image analysis in medical systems. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Quality control of blood irradiation with a teletherapy unit: damage to stored red blood cells after cobalt-60 gamma irradiation

BACKGROUND: Previous publications have documented the damage caused to red blood cells (RBCs) irradiated with X-rays produced by a linear accelerator and with gamma rays derived from a Cs-137 source. The biologic effects on RBCs of gamma rays from a Co-60 source, however, have not been characterized. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This study investigated the effect of 3000 and 4000 cGy on the in vitro properties of RBCs preserved with preservative solution and irradiated with a cobalt teletherapy unit. A thermal device equipped with a data acquisition system was used to maintain and monitor the blood temperature during irradiation. The device was rotated at 2 r.p.m. in the irradiation beam by means of an automated system. The spatial distribution of the absorbed dose over the irradiated volume was obtained with phantom and thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs). Levels of Hb, K+, and Cl- were assessed by spectrophotometric techniques over a period of 45 days. The change in the topology of the RBC membrane was investigated by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Irradiation caused significant changes in the extracellular levels of K+ and Hb and in the organizational structure of the phospholipid bilayer of the RBC membrane. Blood temperature ranged from 2 to 4 degrees C during irradiation. Rotation at 2 r.p.m. distributed the dose homogeneously (92%-104%) and did not damage the RBCs. CONCLUSIONS: The method used to store the blood bags during irradiation guaranteed that all damage caused to the cells was exclusively due to the action of radiation at the doses applied. It was demonstrated that prolonged storage of Co-60-irradiated RBCs results in loss of membrane phospholipids asymmetry, exposing phosphatidylserine (PS) on the cells` surface with a time and dose dependence, which can reduce the in vivo recovery of these cells. A time- and dose-dependence effect on the extracellular K+ and plasma-free Hb levels was also observed. The magnitude of all these effects, however, seems not to be clinically important and can support the storage of irradiated RBC units for at last 28 days.

Comparison of corneal changes after phacoemulsification using BSS Plus versus Lactated Ringer`s irrigating solution: a prospective randomised trial

Background/aims To compare two intraocular irrigating solutions, Balanced Salt Solution Plus (BSS Plus) versus Lactated Ringer`s (Ringer), for the preservation of corneal integrity after phacoemulsification. Methods 110 patients undergoing phacoemulsification were randomised to either BSS Plus (n = 55) or Ringer (n = 55) as the irrigating solution. Patients were examined at baseline and at 1, 8, 15, 30 and 60 days postoperatively. Evaluations included specular microscopy to evaluate endothelial cell density (ECD) and endothelial cell size variability (CV), and corneal pachymetry for central corneal thickness (CCT) measurement. Results Groups were well balanced regarding baseline ECD, CV and CCT (p>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between ECD reduction in group BSS Plus 13.1 +/- 2.0% and Ringer 9.2 +/- 1.9% (p<0.05) at day 60 or in any study visit. There was no statistically significant difference between CV increase in group BSS Plus 23.0 +/- 3.0% and Ringer 20.2 +/- 4.0% (p<0.05) at day 60 or in any study visit. CCT was significantly increased (p<0.05) at 1, 8, 15 and 30 days postoperatively, returning to baseline at 60 days in both groups. There was no significant difference in CCT increase in both groups at any visit. Interestingly, there were statistically significant correlations between ECD loss and phacoemulsification time (p<0.0001) and ECD loss and irrigation solution volume (p<0.0001) in the Ringer group, but not in the BSS Plus group. Conclusions Ringers solution was similar to BSS Plus for corneal preservation in atraumatic cataract surgery. However, our study demonstrates that there is a trend towards lower postoperative endothelial cell density for surgeries with longer phacoemulsification time and higher irrigation volumes if Ringer is used.

Articular Cartilage in the Knee: Current MR Imaging Techniques and Applications in Clinical Practice and Research

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is the most important imaging modality for the evaluation of traumatic or degenerative cartilaginous lesions in the knee. It is a powerful noninvasive tool for detecting such lesions and monitoring the effects of pharmacologic and surgical therapy. The specific MR imaging techniques used for these purposes can be divided into two broad categories according to their usefulness for morphologic or compositional evaluation. To assess the structure of knee cartilage, standard spin-echo (SE) and gradient-recalled echo (GRE) sequences, fast SE sequences, and three-dimensional SE and GRE sequences are available. These techniques allow the detection of morphologic defects in the articular cartilage of the knee and are commonly used in research for semiquantitative and quantitative assessments of cartilage. To evaluate the collagen network and proteoglycan content in the knee cartilage matrix, compositional assessment techniques such as T2 mapping, delayed gadolinium-enhanced MR imaging of cartilage (or dGEMRIC), T1 rho imaging, sodium imaging, and diffusion-weighted imaging are available. These techniques may be used in various combinations and at various magnetic field strengths in clinical and research settings to improve the characterization of changes in cartilage. (C)RSNA, 2011 , radiographics.rsna.org

Clinical and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing in Robin Sequence Treated With Nasopharyngeal lntubation: The Importance of Feeding Facilitating Techniques

Objective: To evaluate oral feeding capacity, the swallowing process, and risk for aspiration, both clinically and during fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, in infants with isolated Robin sequence treated exclusively with nasopharyngeal intubation and feeding facilitating techniques. Design: Longitudinal and prospective study. Setting: Hospital de Reabilitacao de Anomalies Craniofaciais, University of Sao Paulo, Bauru, Brazil. Patients: Eleven infants with isolated Robin sequence, under 2 months of age, treated with nasopharyngeal intubation. Interventions: Feeding facilitating techniques were applied in all infants throughout the study period. The infants were evaluated clinically and through fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing at first, second, and, if necessary, third week of hospitalization (T1, T2, T3). The mean volume of ingested milk was registered during clinical evaluation, and events were registered during feeding. Results: The respiratory status of all infants was improved after nasopharyngeal intubation; 72% of them presented risk for aspiration during fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing at T1. This risk was less frequent when thickened milk was given to the infants and at subsequent evaluations (T2 and T3). Conclusions: Nasopharyngeal intubation aids in stabilizing the airway in isolated Robin sequence, but it does not relate directly to feeding. The risk for aspiration was present in most of the infants, mainly during the first week of hospitalization, and improved within a few weeks, after the use of feeding facilitating techniques.

Characteristics of Filiform, Fungiform and Vallate Papillae and Surface of Interface Epithelium-Connective Tissue of the Maned Sloth Tongue Mucosa (Bradypus torquatus, Iliger, 1811): Light and Scanning Electron Microscopy Study

The study of lingual surfaces and the surface of interface epithelium-connective tissue of the tongue of Bradypus torquatus was performed by employing the light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The results revealed that the rostral part of the tongue presents a round apex and covered by filiform and fungiform lingual papillae and a ventral smooth surface. It was observed that the epithelial layer of the dorsal surface possesses the basal, spinosum, granular and cornified epithelial cells. The lamina propria is characterized by a dense connective tissue forming the long, short and round papillae. Numerous typical filiform papillae are located especially in the rostral part intermingled for few fungiform papillae, which were revealed in three-dimensional SEM images. Usually, the fungiform papillae are located in the border of rostral apex of the tongue exhibiting the rounded form. They are covered by keratinized epithelial cells. In the fungiform papillae, several taste pores were observed on the surface. The vallate papillae presented numerous taste buds in the wall of epithelial cells, being that the major number of taste buds is located on the superior half of vallate papilla. The taste pores are surrounded by several laminae of keratinized epithelial cells. The samples treated with NaOH solution and examined by SEM revealed, after removal of the epithelial layer, the dense connective core in original disposition, presenting different sizes and shapes. The specimens stained with Picrosirius and examined by polarized light microscopy revealed the connective tissue, indicating the collagen fibres type I and type III.