Life-history traits of the red brocade hermit crab Dardanus insignis on the subtropical Brazilian coast

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Impact of adrenalectomy and dexamethasone treatment on testicular morphology and sperm parameters in rats: insights into the adrenal control of male reproduction

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Cardiovascular Complications following Chronic Treatment with Cocaine and Testosterone in Adolescent Rats

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

The role of proestrus on fertility and postovulatory uterine function in the cow

Modern protocols to synchronize ovulations for timed artificial insemination and timed embryo transfer that include manipulations in the proestrus period (i.e., between luteolysis and estrus) affect fertility in cattle. Specifically, stimulating pre-ovulatory follicle growth and exposure to estrogens after CL regression increase the proportion of cows pregnant and decrease late embryo mortality. Such effects may be due to both preovulatory actions of estrogens and post-ovulatory actions of progesterone, as concentrations of the later hormone may be changed in response to manipulations conducted during proestrus. In the first portion of this paper we describe strategies used recently to manipulate the proestrus period in protocols for synchronization of ovulation, and to present evidence of their effects on fertility. Manipulations of timing and prominence of sex steroids during the proestrus and early diestrus that affect fertility may act on targets such as the endometrium. This tissue expresses receptors for both estrogens and progesterone and these hormones change endometrial function to support conceptus growth and pregnancy maintenance. However, specific cellular and molecular mechanisms through which fertility is affected via manipulations of the proestrus are poorly understood. In the second portion of this paper we describe a well-defined animal model to study changes in endometrial function induced by manipulations conducted during the proestrus. Such manipulations induced endometrial changes on sex steroid receptors expression, cell proliferation, oxidative metabolism and eicosanoid synthesis in the uterus, but not on glucose transport to uterine lumen. In summary, evidence is accumulating to support a positive role of increasing duration and estrogen availability during the proestrus on fertility to synchronization protocols. Such positive effects may be through changes in endometrial function to stimulate conceptus growth and survival.

Portal hypertension in dogs

Portal hypertension (PH) is the pathological increase in portal vein pressure above normal limits. Two variables control the pressure in the portal system: the resistance to blood flow and blood flow volume in the portal system. If one these variables changes, PH may develop. Classification: Pre-hepatic (e. g. compression of the portal vein), intrahepatic (e. g. chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis) or post-hepatic (e. g. right heart failure). The invasive methods (intravenous catheter) were replaced by an indirect method of diagnosis: Doppler Ultrasound. This technique does not measure portal pressure, but indirectly allows the diagnosis of PH. Average speed of portal flow decrease (<10 cm/s) and hepatofugal flow have been reported in cirrhotic dogs with PH. Currently, the focus of the ultrasound is the detection of acquired collateral portal circulation (ACPC), closely correlated with hepatic encephalopathy. The characterization of these vessels is essential to differentiate them from congenital shunts. They are usually multiple vessels, small and tortuous, with turbulent flow, near to the kidneys, and/or a single and larger vessel, draining into the left renal vein (dilated gonadal vein). Gastric, esophageal and mesenteric varices may occur. After identifying the PH, it is important to determine its origin in order to treat the underlying disease. B-Mode Ultrasound and Doppler are the best choices in cases of suspected PH, because they may recognize not just the hypertension, but also its complications and origin.

Aspectos reprodutivos e sociais e resistência óssea em ratos machos submetidos ao exercício físico e/ou a um anabolizante esteróide

Nowadays the regular practice of sports is known as a way to obtain a better quality of life. On the other hand, the media has been distorting this idea, determining the ideal body as the hypertrophy phenotype. It is well known that the genetic factor does not allow all individuals to have this body shape. Besides the fact that, the anxiety of these people in obtain quick results, as one of the globalization’s consequence, make use of anabolic steroid to achieve this goal. However the bodybuilding or the strength muscle gain, make anabolic steroids users abuse and in major cases the users do not know the side effects. In front of these considerations, the present study evaluated the effects of the treatment with anabolic steroids and/or high intensity physical training on the corporal developing, the reproductive organs, bone parameters (strength and bone deformation) and seminal parameters as well the social behavior (aggressiveness). In other to obtain the experimental group, male Wistar rats were used, with 75 days old. The groups were divided into: Vehicle Non-Training (NV), Anabolic Steroid-Non-Training (NA), Vehicle-Training (TV) and Anabolic Steroid-Training (TA). These rats received i.m. injections, twice a week, of anabolic steroid (5mg/kg per animal of nandrolona decanoate) or vehicle (the same volume of peanut oil per animal) and the group TV and TA were submitted to physical training three times per week, during eight weeks. The body mass, wet weight of reproductive organs, femur and semen of the different groups were measured. The aggressive test was also realized in two steps: the first, within 4 weeks of the treatment and the other step in the end of the treatment, in this period the animal was isolated. It was not observed alterations in body mass of the groups. Though it was observed a benefic effect on the maximum strength of the... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Ontogênese da sensibilização cruzada entre testosterona e femproporex

Não possui

Uma Nova Abordagem do Ciclo Reprodutivo dos Machos e Fêmeas, e da Origem e Desenvolvimento dos Oócitos dos Ostariophysi e Perciformes Neotropicais Aplicada a Representantes da Série Otophysi, Gymnotus sp. (Gymnotidae), Hoplias Malabaricus (Erythrinidae), Sorubim Lima (Pimelodidae) e Tanichthys Albonubes (Cyprinidae), e dos Perciformes, Cichla Temensis (Cichlidae)

Nos peixes, durante a vida reprodutiva o desenvolvimento gonadal é cíclico e anual. As alterações estruturais das gônadas de machos e fêmeas provêm parâmetros úteis para a sua classificação macroscópica e microscópica. Porém, o desenvolvimento das células germinativas, nem sempre é consoante com os diferentes tipos de classificação e, machos e fêmeas nem sempre parecem concatenados. Neste estudo, aplicando-se propostas recentes, utilizadas primariamente para peixes derivados, notadamente os Perciformes marinhos, e tomando como modelo experimental representantes da série Otophysi, Hoplias malabaricus (Characiformes), Tanichthys albonubes (Cypriniformes), Sorubim lima (Siluriformes) e Gymnotus sp. (Gymnotiformes), e dos Perciformes Neotropicais, Cichla temensis, foram descritos, comparativamente, os eventos iniciais da oogênese e da espermatogênese, assim como o desenvolvimento oocitário a fim de traçar um paralelo entre grupos basais e derivados. A partir dos resultados, verificou-se que a maioria dos eventos morfológicos durante o desenvolvimento oocitário é similar entre grupos basais e derivados. Os Perciformes de água doce divergem dos grupos basais por duas características: a presença de inclusões lipídicas, que surgem no citoplasma perinuclear após o início da formação dos alvéolos corticais e deposição de vitelo e por uma tênue proteólise do vitelo durante a maturação final. A foliculogênese e espermatogênese não apresentam divergências e parecem ser processos conservados entre os Teleostei. Durante a fase de Regeneração, os eventos iniciais desses processos em fêmeas e machos, respectivamente, são responsáveis por altos índices de proliferação das células germinativas, quando comparado às demais fases. Além disso, analisou-se ...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)

Diagnóstico molecular da alteração mutagênica nt 230 (del4) no gene MDR1 em cães

P-glycoprotein is an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-driven drug efflux carrier responsible for transport of xenobiotics and multiple classes of drugs, many usually use in veterinary medicine. Encoded by MDR1 gene, also referred to as ABCB1, located on chromosome 14, is expressed in many tissues with secretory or excretory functions, such as liver, kidney and intestine, where it limits drug absorption from the gut and promotes drug excretion into the bile and urine of their substrates. In 2001, a 4 base pair gene deletion mutation in the canine MDR1 gene was identified as MDR1-1▲, ABCB1-1▲, MDR1 MDR1 nt 230 (del4) and associated with an non-functional Pglycoprotein. The clinical correlation is the (hyper) sensitivity of certain dogs breeds, mostly collies, to a few classes of drugs such as anticancer drugs (doxorubicin, vincristine, vinblastine), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine), antiparasitic drugs (ivermectin, moxidectin), steroids hormones (aldosterone, cortisol, dexamethasone), antimicrobial agents (tetracycline, doxycycline, levofloxacin, ketoconazole, itraconazole), analgesics (morphine, methadone), antidiarrheals (loperamide), antiepileptic agents (phenothiazine), cardiac drugs (digoxin, diltiazem, verapamil, talinolol) and others. Dogs with homozygous MDR1 nt 230 (del4) MDR1 mutations (MDR1 - / -) have a higher predisposition to intoxication with substrates of P-gp than heterozygous (MDR1 + / -) and these are more likely than dogs homozygous nonmutant (MDR1 +/ +). After the identification of nt230 (del4) mutation, several molecular techniques have been developed for identification of mutant animals as a diagnostic method. The importance of molecular diagnosis is, after the identification of mutant animals, establish treatment protocols safe, exclude this animals from reproduction (genetic selection program) and investigating the history of adverse drugs reactions... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Uma nova abordagem do ciclo reprodutivo dos machos e fêmeas, e da origem e desenvolvimento dos oócitos do Ostariophysi, e Perciformes neotropicais aplicada ao Anostomidae, Schizodon nasutus e ao Sciaenidae, Plagioscion squamosissimus

Nos peixes, durante a vida reprodutiva o desenvolvimento gonadal é cíclico e anual. As gônadas passam por alterações de forma, de tamanho, de cor e de textura que são utilizadas como parâmetros para a sua classificação macroscópica. Porém, o desenvolvimento das células germinativas, nem sempre é consoante com essa classificação e, machos e fêmeas nem sempre parecem concatenados. Novas propostas de classificação vêm surgindo na tentativa de compatibilizar as informações macroscópicas e histológicas, considerando a atividade do epitélio germinativo de machos e fêmeas. Ocorre, no entanto, que essas propostas vêm sendo desenvolvidas em estudos com Perciformes marinhos. Aqui, tomando-se como modelo o Characiformes, Schizodon nasutus e o Perciformes, Plagioscion squamosissimus analisou-se comparativamente o ciclo reprodutivo de ambas as espécies, frente às classificações tradicionais e às novas propostas de classificação adicionadas das características histológicas das gônadas, e pode-se perceber que a análise macroscópica das gônadas, muitas vezes, não corresponde a sua verdadeira fase do ciclo reprodutivo, analisado microscopicamente. Isso se dá porque muitas das características cruciais para distinção das fases não são visíveis a olho nu, como folículos atrésicos, maturação do oócito ou anastomose de túbulos ou lóbulos testiculares. Assim, para determinação das fases reprodutivas, deve-se sempre contar com a análise microscópica e, no presente estudo, foi considerado que a melhor classificação para tal é a proposta de Brown-Peterson e colaboradores (2009), que divide o ciclo reprodutivo em seis fases reprodutivas, bastante detalhadas. A partir da descrição do ciclo reprodutivo feminino e masculino em S. nasutus e P. squamosissimus, os dados foram correlacionados com o índice gonadossomático, determinando, assim, que o período... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo)

Evolução do ciclo vital de Poecilia vivipara (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) em um gradiente de predação

O presente estudo teve como objetivo testar previsões da teoria sobre a influência da predação na evolução dos ciclos vitais. Como modelo de estudo, foram estudadas populações do peixe Poecilia vivipara que habitam o Parque Nacional da Restinga de Jurubatiba, no sistema lagunar Norte-Fluminense, estado do Rio de Janeiro. Neste sistema lagunar, P. vivipara está sujeita à predação por peixes piscívoros (e.g. a traíra Hoplias malabaricus) em parte das lagoas, mas está livre destes predadores em outras lagoas. Foram estudadas três lagoas em que P. vivipara coexiste com seus predadores piscívoros e três em que estes estão ausentes. A ictiofauna das seis lagoas foi amostrada através de redes de arrasto e espinhel. Em laboratório, as fêmeas e os machos de P. vivipara foram dissecados para remoção de suas gônadas. As gônadas das fêmeas foram categorizadas em seis diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento. A partir do terceiro estágio, os embriões foram contados e medidos (maior diâmetro). Os exemplares de P. vivipara e suas gônadas foram secos em estufa a 60ºC e pesados em balança analítica (0,01 mg). Os aspectos do ciclo vital analisados foram: (1) investimento reprodutivo das fêmeas (massa gonadal/massa total da fêmea); (2) índice gonadossomático dos machos (massa gonadal/massa total do macho); (3) fecundidade (número de embriões); (4) comprimento médio dos embriões; e (5) massa seca média dos embriões (massa gonadal/fecundidade). O efeito da predação foi testado com uma ANCOVA aninhada, com regime de predação (alta intensidade, baixa intensidade), população de origem (aninhada dentro do regime de predação) e coleta como variáveis independentes, e massa somática e estágio embrionário como covariáveis. De acordo com o previsto pela teoria, as fêmeas dos ambientes de baixa predação apresentaram embriões maiores, mas, contrariando as previsões teóricas, também apresentaram maior fecundidade e...

Identificação de genes candidatos ao desenvolvimento de Leiomiomas Uterinos

Uterine leiomyomas (UL) are benign smooth muscle tumors from myometrium, representing the major indication for hysterectomies and a significant public health problem. Several genetics alterations have been associated with its development and pathogenesis. Although the initial factors that lead to the development of uterine leiomyomas are unclear, there are several evidences showing that ovarian steroids, estrogen and progesterone, are associated with these tumors.Recent reports, however, show others genes related with distinct signalization pathways besides sex hormones, which may be or not activated by these hormones, are associated with uterine leiomyomas development. In this study, the AHR, ESR1, ESR2, PGR and WNT7A gene transcripts expression was evaluated using quantitative real time RT-PCR in 58 UL samples compared to five normal myometrium tissues to explore the hormonal molecular basis of these tumors and associate these expression pattern with clinical and pathological features. The present study showed AHR, ESR1, ESR2, PGR and WNT7A down expression in 60%, 43%, 52%, 60% e 40% of the tumors, respectively, and a significant AHR loss of expression compared with the controls samples (P=0.0130). The comparison between the genes expression values revealed a positive correlation between the AHR and ESR1 transcripts (P<0.0001; r=0.6911) and between the genes ESR1 and WNT7A (P<0.0001; r=0.5655). The expression pattern was compared with clinical and pathological features. The WNT7A gene presented a differential expression pattern between the proliferative and secretory phase of menstrual cycle (P=0.0373) and the AHR and ESR1 genes were differentially expressed between women in reproductive and menopause years (P=0.0267; P=0.0415, respectively). The ESR1 and WNT7A down regulation was statistically ...(Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Indução de parto em bovinos: Princípios e aplicações

Currently, Brazil has one of the largest cattle herds worldwide. In order to keep that milk and meat were introduced reproductive biotechnologies such as artificial insemination, embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization. In certain situations the technique may have undesired effect, for example, the production of calve calves due to the very large increase in the gestation period when performed in vitro fertilization. To avoid this problem we perform the induction of labor in order to prevent the product is longer the womb. This induction can also be made in case of diseases that compromise the life of the mother, twin pregnancy an abnormal size calf. The administration of short acting steroids, prostaglandins, association of short acting steroids and prostaglandins and association of short acting steroids, prostaglandins and long-acting corticosteroids are some of the possibilities of induction

Dinâmica populacional do camarão sete-barbas Xiphopenaeus kroyeri (Heller, 1862) (Decapoda: Penaeidae) na região costeira de Cananéia, extremo sul do estado de São Paulo: subsídios científicos para adequação do período de defeso

Pós-graduação em Biociências - FCLAS

Microscopic Evidence of the Opportunistic Reproductive Strategy and Early Sexual Maturation of the Small-Sized Characin Knodus moenkhausii (Characidae, Pisces)

We investigated the reproductive biology of Knodus moenkhausii, an abundantsmall-sized characin fish with broad occurrence in the Parana River basin, Bra-zil. Specimens were collected monthly to determine fecundity, length at firstmaturity, reproductive period and spawning type. Gonads were macroscopically classified according to their form, size and texture in three different stages(immature, maturing or mature). Histological procedures were conducted toconfirm gonadal developmental stages, and it was possible to notice thatmaturing females actually presented atretic oocytes, and all males that weremacroscopically classified as immature, maturing and mature actually presentedabundant spermatozoa in their gonads. Because of these discrepancies, a reclas-sification of gonadal maturations stages was needed after histological analysis,reinforcing its importance to studies on the reproduction of small characins.Reproduction occurred throughout the year though with two peaks. The lengthof the smallest mature individuals was 13 mm SL for males and 24 mm SL for females. Despite presenting relatively small batch fecundity, some life historytraits such as early reproduction, multiple spawning throughout the year, inassociation with known opportunistic feeding habits, explain the high abun-dance of this species in locations where it occurs.