Anatomy of the frontal gland and ultramorphology of the frontal tube in the soldier caste of species of Nasutitermitinae (Isoptera, Termitidae)

is a predominant characteristic, conditioned by the presence of castes with different morphology, ontogeny, and development. The soldier caste is unique among social insects and it is responsible for colony defense. Soldiers belonging to the Nasutitermitinae subfamily are very peculiar, since they may be polymorphic and present a nasus in addition to either developed or vestigial mandibles. The defensive secretions of soldiers of the neotropical Nasutitermitinae have been the aim of several chemical studies, but few data exist concerning the anatomy and histology of the exocrine glands. This article presents a comparative study on the anatomy of the frontal gland of soldiers of several Nasutitermitinae species: Syntermes dirus (Burmeister), Syntermes nanus (Constantino), Constrictotermes cyphergaster (Silvestri), Nasutitermes corniger (Motschulsky) and Velocitermes heteropterus (Silvestri), with emphasis on the ultramorphology and ultrastructure of the frontal tube.

Analysis of the inflammatory reaction induced by the catfish (Cathorops spixii) venoms

Cathorops spixii is one of the most abundant venomous fish of the southeastern coast of the State of São Paulo, and consequently causes a great part of the accidents seen there. The accidents affect mainly fishermen, swimmers and tourists and are characterized by punctiform or wide wounds, erythema, edema, pain, sudoresis, indisposition, fever, nausea, vomiting and secondary infection. The objective of this work was to characterize the inflammatory response induced in mice by both venoms (mucus and sting) of the catfish C spixii. Our results demonstrated that both venoms induced a great number of rolling and adherent leukocytes in the post-capillary venules of cremaster muscle of mice, and an increase in the vascular permeability in peritoneal cavity. Mucus induced the recruitment of neutrophils immediately after injection followed later by macrophage infiltration. In contrast, the cellular infiltration elicited by sting venom was rapidly resolved. The peritonitis reaction provoked by venoms was characterized by cytokine (IL-6), chemokines (MCP-1 and KC) or lipid mediator (LTB4) production in the peritoneal cavity. The macrophages from 7-day mucus venom-induced exudates upon in vitro mucus venom stimulation, expressed CD1 Ic x MHC class II and release bioactive IL-12p70. on the other hand, sting venom-elicited peritoneal macrophages lost the ability to differentiate into dendritic cells, following re-stimulation in vitro with sting venom, they do not express CD11c, nor do they exhibit sufficient levels of MHC class II. In conclusion, both types of venoms (mucus or sting) promote inflammatory reaction with different profiles, and the inflammatory reaction induced by the first was characterized by antigen persistence in peritoneal cavity that allowed the activation of phagocytic cells with capacity of antigenic presentation. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

SPASMOGENIC NONCHOLINERGIC ACTIVITY OF A DIGESTIVE GLAND HOMOGENATE OF THE AMPHIBIAN SNAIL POMACEA-LINEATA SPIX-1827

The digestive gland of Pomacea lineata, a prosobranch gastropod mollusc inhabiting both fresh water and land, does not contain cholinomimetic compounds as do the glands of species of Aplysia, marine opisthobranch gastropods, in which both acetylcholine and urocanylcholine are present. The only pharmacological action detected for the digestive gland of Pomacea was spasmogenic activity of a crude homogenate containing 0.1 g tissue equivalents on the snail's own esophagus bathed in 10 ml of a physiological solution prepared on the basis of the animal's hemolymph composition. The spamodic activity was not blocked by atropine, bromlysergic acid diethylamide or anthazoline.

A morphometric ultrastructural study of the seminal vesicle of rats submitted to experimental chronic alcoholism

The effects of chronic alcohol ingestion on the secretory epithelium of the seminal vesicle were studied in rats (Rattus norvegicus). Male adult albino Wistar rats were divided into two groups: alcoholic and control. Tips of the seminal vesicle were removed and prepared for light and electron microscopy. Ultrastructural observations on the epithelial cells of the seminal vesicle showed reduced epithelial cell size, decreased apical secretory vacuoles, irregularly shaped nuclei with deep infoldings, increased lipid droplets and dense bodies, a small number of microvilli covering the cell surface, and signs of degeneration. In addition to the hormonal effects, alcohol may act on the secretory epithelium of the seminal vesicle.

Effects of experimental diabetes on the structure and ultrastructure of the coagulating gland of C57BL/6J and NOD mice

Diabetes mellitus can lead to reproductive disorders that in turn result in weakened fertility brought about by morphofunctional changes in the testes and accessory sex glands. However, doubts persist concerning the basic biology of the secretory epithelial cells and the stroma of the coagulating gland of diabetic mice. Thus, the objective of the present study was to analyze the histological and ultrastructural changes associated with stereology of the coagulating gland of mice with alloxan-induced diabetes, and of spontaneously diabetic mice. Sixteen mice of the C57BL/6J strain, and eight non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice were used. The animals were divided into three groups: 1) control (C), 2) alloxan diabetic (AD), and 3) NOD. Thirty days after the detection of diabetic status in group 2, all of the animals were killed and then perfused with Karnovsky's solution through the left cardiac ventricle. The coagulating gland was then removed and processed for morphometric study by light microscopy and electron microscopy. The results showed thickening of the stroma, atrophy of secretory epithelial cells, and disorganization of the organelles involved in the secretory process in both NOD and alloxan-induced mice. Thus, it may be concluded that the coagulating gland suffered drastic morphological changes, and consequently impaired glandular function, in the presence of diabetes mellitus type I in both NOD and AD mice. (C) 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Cross-reactivity between antigens from Amblyomma cajennense and A-hebraeum (Acari : Ixodidae)

Laboratory animals exposed to feeding ticks develop resistance which is reflected by a decline in tick engorgement weight, egg-laying by adults and reduced egg viability. Serum antibodies from these hosts and their reaction with tick antigens have been detected by different methods, including precipitation techniques, immunofluorescent techniques, ELISA and Western blots. However, little is known about the effects of antibodies on ticks that engorge on resistant hosts, or which tissues of the tick body are possibly immunogenic. Some researchers, using immunohistochemistry, have detected host antibodies in the gut, salivary glands and haemolymph of ticks engorged on resistant animals. The same technique has helped considerably in determining antigenic sites or antibody targets in other arthropods. Consequently, immunohistochemistry techniques were used in this study to detect cross-reactivity between sera raised against Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787) with Amblyomma hebraeum (Koch, 1844), and vice versa. The results show the existence of shared antigens between the 2 tick species. In general, our results point more to a 1-way cross-reactivity of A. hebraeum with A. cajennense than a reciprocal cross-reactivity, suggesting that A. hebraeum is more immunogenic than A. cajennense.

FRONTAL GLAND DEHISCENCE IN THE BRAZILIAN TERMITE SERRITERMES-SERRIFER (ISOPTERA, SERRITERMITIDAE)

The primary function of the soldier caste in the Isoptera is the defense of the termite society. The simplest defense is mechanical with oversized mandibles. Besides the mandibles, some termite soldiers use exocrine glands as a means of chemical defense. These glands produce substances which are toxic and/or repellent to termites enemies. Here we report the only case in the Neotropical fauna of dehiscence of the frontal gland in the soldier caste of the Brazilian termite, Serritermes serrifer (Bates).

Natural trans-crotonin: the antiulcerogenic effect of another diterpene isolated from the bark of Croton cajucara Benth.

The nor-clerodane diterpene trans-crotonin isolated from the bark of Croton cajucara BENTH. was investigated for its ability to prevent the formation of gastric-mucosa ulceration in different experimental models in mice. The results obtained from crotonin were compared with those obtained with another diterpene, DHC (trans-dehydrocrotonin) in the same models. When previously administered (p.o.) at the dose of 100 mg/kg, crotonin, as well as DHC, significantly reduced (p<0.05) gastric injury induced by stress (72, 67%), indomethacin/bethanechol (78, 29%) and pylorus ligature (35, 30%). In the HCl/ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model, at oral doses of 100 and 250 mg/kg, crotonin significantly prevented (p<0.05) the formation of gastric lesions by 51 and 56%, respectively, when compared to the control group. Gastric injury was also of significantly less magnitude in the DHC treatment group (p<0.05). In the pylorus-ligature model, crotonin (p.o.), like cimetidine, increased the volume of gastric juice when compared to the control group (p<0.05). No significant modifications where found in gastric parameters such as pH or total acid content after oral crotonin treatment. However, systemic alterations were observed when crotonin (100 mg/kg) was previously administered intraduodenally to mice. We observed significant changes (p<0.001) in gastric-juice parameters such as an increase in volume and a decrease in gastric acidity. Those pre-treated with crotonin as well as with DHC did not increase free mucus production (p>0.05). The results suggest that crotonin presents a significant anti-ulcer effect when assessed in these ulcer-induced models. As with DHC, the antiulcerogenic effects of crotonin are probably related to anti-secretory or/and gastroprotective properties of this substance. In light of results obtained with DHC and natural trans-crotonin in the present study, we concluded that the A-ring of both diterpenes is not directly involved in the antiulcerogenic activity.

Morphology of the nymphoid replacement reproductives in the neotropical termite Armitermes euamignathus (Isoptera, Termitidae, Nasutitermitinae)

Numerous nymphoid reproductives were found in three field nests of Armitermes euamignathus collected in Brazil. We report here a morphological description and a biometric study of these individuals. Nymphoid replacements displayed narrow wing buds when compared with those present in nymphs from the three last instars. Thorax morphology of the nymphoids was similar to the penultimate nymphal instar (N4) or to the ultimate nymphal instar (N5), and their origin from these instars of nymphs is discussed. All the nymphoids had eyes, ocelli, and 15 antennal segments. The nymphoid females from nest 1 had different grades of physogastry and royal fat body. The nymphoid females from nests 2 and 3, the nymphoid males from all nests, and the primary king from nests 2 acid 3 had a common fat body, which is similar to that present in alates. The ovaries and the testes of nymphoids were fully mature and the corpora allata larger than those in imagoes. The mandibular glands were also enlarged in nymphoids but the tergal glands were absent. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

MORPHOLOGY OF THE SALIVARY-GLAND ACINI IN GRIGIOTERMES-BEQUAERTI (ISOPTERA, TERMITIDAE, APICOTERMITINAE)

The salivary glands of females in Grigiotermes bequaerti (Snyder & Emerson 1949) are composed of many acini. Within the acini, the secretion is collected by canals that join into excretory ducts that open at the acini are formed of 3 classes of cells: secretory, parietal and canalicular. The secretory cells present 2 distinct types which, however, seem to be only different functional stages. Their secretion appears to be highly fluid and accumulates in vacuoles of low electron density. The morphological features of parietal cells point to an ionic transportation function, since they contain an intracellular canaliculus lined with microvilli, and are rich in mitochondria. The final product of the gland may result from the interaction of these 2 cells. The canicular cells located within the acini, in addition to constituting the way of secretion elimination, may have a support function serving as a point of aggregation an interconnection of secretory and parietal cells.

CORPORA-ALLATA IN FEMALES OF NEOPONERA-VILLOSA ANTS (HYMENOPTERA FORMICIDAE) - RELATIONS WITH OVARIAN DEVELOPMENT

In female ants of the species Neoponera villosa the corpora allata are paired structures located dorsolaterally to the esophagus (Camargo-Mathias and Caetano, 1991). In the present study the glandular volume of the corpora allata was estimated and the activity of the glands was compared with the ovarian development. In the workers there was a relation between activity of these glands and ovaries in stages 0 to IV. In workers, with ovaries at stage V (maximum development) there was a smaller activity of the corpora allata. Another increasing activity was found in workers with ovaries at stage VII.In the queens, mainly those which were mated, whose ovaries were always fully developed, the volume of the corpora allata was smaller than those of the workers.

Foam nest production in the armoured catfish

Foam nest production in Hoplosternum littorale is described in detail. This fish produces foam, while swimming belly-up, by pumping water over the gills and using their pelvic fins to mix water and mucus. The bubbles resulting from this process are added to plant debris carried by the male, which possesses a specialized pectoral fin spine to perform such activity. (C) 1997 the Fisheries Society of the British Isles.

Chemical Composition of Metapleural Gland Secretions of Fungus-Growing and Non-fungus-growing Ants

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

Reproductive Strategies of Brazilian Lizards of the Genus Tropidurus Rodrigues, 1987 (Squamata, Tropiduridae) in the Temporal and Spatial

Reproductive strategy is the set of adaptations that promote the most efficient way that the species will survive under the particular conditions of a determined environment. Understanding these adaptations is important and can help pinpoint populations indicator of environmental changes. Spermatogenesis is a measurable biological process of these adaptations in spatial and temporal scales. We analyzed the morphology of the testes and oviducts of the lizard species that comprise the genus Tropidurus, taking into account the geographical distribution and sympatric relations. For the analysis and the testes were removed from the middle part of the oviducts from Tropidurus etheridge, T oreadicus, T itambere, T spinulosus and T Guarani species, collected in different places in the Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The reproductive period is synchronous for males and females and occurs in September, October and November. Reproductive males were characterized. In the testes are seminiferous tubules with germ cells at different stages of spermatogenesis, with a high epithelium, at present light, free spermatozoa in the lumen and reduction of interstitial tissue. For females, the reproduction peak occurs when the oviduct epithelium is high with secretions and basal nucleus. These months are characterized in the sampled areas over a period of heavy rain and high temperatures. The decline of reproductive period was observed in both sexes, between April and August. Low reproduction in males is characterized by ample light, absence of sperm, only germ cells in the early stages of spermatogenesis are observed (a few spermatogonia and spermatocytes) and interstitial tissue wide. In females, the period of reproductive decline is marked by the absence of unicellular glands in the oviduct epithelium, with higher affinity with the dye. This period corresponds to low rainfall periods and lower temperatures. We propose an analysis of zoological samples; this is a proposal to facilitate the work of many researchers through access to the species, especially rare species.

A New Species of the Scinax perpusillus Group (Anura: Hylidae) from Espirito Santo, Brazil

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