Aspectos macroscópicos e morfométricos dos testículos em catetos e queixadas

Aspectos macroscópicos e morfométricos dos testículos em catetos e queixadas. Este trabalho objetiva fornecer dados macroscópicos e morfométricos dos testículos dos catetos e queixadas. O material utilizado consistiu de catetos e queixadas oriundos da Fazenda Devaneio Pró-Fauna, Iguape, SP (Reg.1/3593/08480). em 33 queixadas e 20 catetos, após o abate, os testículos foram colhidos e tomados dados morfométricos como: comprimento, largura e espessura (com o auxílio de um paquímetro). Os testículos são ovalados, localizados na região pélvica, inclinados dorso-caudalmente e possuem posição intermediária. O mediastino testicular esta no centro do testículo, ligeiramente desviado para a margem epididimária deste, e termina na extremidade capitata. Os queixadas adultos possuem em média 30,92 ± 3,82 kg de peso corporal e 78,89 ± 4,77 cm de comprimento corporal, enquanto os jovens apresentam 22,93 ± 2,07 kg e 71,57 ± 3,95 cm de comprimento. Os resultados demonstram que no grupo de queixadas adultos estudado o testículo direito teve comprimento, largura e espessura médios de 5,36 ± 0,64cm; 3,64 ± 0,64cm e 3,30 ± 0,52cm respectivamente, enquanto que o esquerdo teve 5,45 ± 0,77cm; 3,68 ± 0,59cm e 3,32 ± 0,54cm. Nos queixadas jovens os valores encontrados foram de 3,20 ± 0,44cm, 2,12 ± 0,26cm e 2,11 ± 0,40cm, e de 3,23 ± 0,47cm; 2,21 ± 0,39cm e 1,99 ± 0,36cm, para a largura, comprimento e espessura dos testículos direito e esquerdo respectivamente. Já para os catetos o testículo direito teve comprimento, largura e espessura de 4,36 ± 0,38cm; 2,74 ± 0,27cm e 2,33 0,46cm respectivamente, enquanto que o esquerdo teve 4,19 ± 0,36cm; 2,68 ± 0,31cm e 2,34 ± 0,28cm. Os dados analisados não tiveram diferenças significativas (p<0,05) entre os valores encontrados para os testículos direito e esquerdo pelo testes de Qui-dradado.

Disseminated Transmissible Venereal Tumour Associated With Leishmaniasis in a Dog

This report addresses an atypical transmissible venereal tumour in an 8-year-old bitch that was pluriparous and seropositive for leishmaniasis. There were ascites and a serosanguineous discharge from the vulva, but no lesions on the external genital mucosa. An aspirate of the peritoneal fluid showed mononuclear round cells characteristic of transmissible venereal tumour (TVT). Exploratory laparotomy revealed light red, granulomatous structures in the peritoneum, omentum, spleen, liver and uterine horns. Cytological and histopathological tests confirmed the diagnosis of intra-abdominal TVT. Dissemination of the TVT to several organs inside the abdominal cavity probably resulted from immunosuppression caused by leishmaniasis, which favoured the presence and aggressiveness of TVT.

A histological study of the seminal vesicle of the armoured catfish Corydoras aeneus

Most species of Corydoras exhibited a reproductive behaviour called 'T-position', and exhibited an accessory gland in the male genital tract, called the seminal vesicle. It appeared that both the structure and the composition of the fluid varied considerably between the species investigated. Consequently, different opinions were proposed regarding the possible role of seminal vesicle on this particular reproductive behaviour. Male adults of Corydoras aeneus were collected, anaesthetized, and samples of seminal vesicle were fixed in Bouin's solution. The sections were stained with haematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid Schiff. The seminal vesicle showed a system of anastomosed secretory tubules, forming a vesicular collective network, which gave rise to the vesicular ducts. The latter fused with the testicular efferent ducts and formed the spermatic ducts. Considering this fusion, when the sperm cells reached the spermatic ducts, the fluid produced at the seminal vesicle covered them. Histochemical studies evidenced the presence of neutral and acid glycosaminoglycans in the seminal fluid. Considering the reproductive behaviour of C. aeneus, it is believed that the protection associated with the immobilization of the sperm cells assures the sperm integrity during the passage through female's intestine until fertilization.

Mutations in IRF6 cause Van der Woude and popliteal pterygium syndromes

Interferon regulatory factor 6 (IRF6) belongs to a family of nine transcription factors that share a highly conserved helix-turn-helix DNA-binding domain and a less conserved protein-binding domain. Most IRFs regulate the expression of interferon-alpha and -beta after viral infection(1), but the function of IRF6 is unknown. The gene encoding IRF6 is located in the critical region for the Van der Woude syndrome (VWS; OMIM 119300) locus at chromosome 1q32-q41 (refs 2,3). The disorder is an autosomal dominant form of cleft lip and palate with lip pits(4), and is the most common syndromic form of cleft lip or palate. Popliteal pterygium syndrome (PPS; OMIM 119500) is a disorder with a similar orofacial phenotype that also includes skin and genital anomalies(5). Phenotypic overlap(6) and linkage data(7) suggest that these two disorders are allelic. We found a nonsense mutation in IRF6 in the affected twin of a pair of monozygotic twins who were discordant for VWS. Subsequently, we identified mutations in IRF6 in 45 additional unrelated families affected with VWS and distinct mutations in 13 families affected with PPS. Expression analyses showed high levels of Irf6 mRNA along the medial edge of the fusing palate, tooth buds, hair follicles, genitalia and skin. Our observations demonstrate that haploinsufficiency of IRF6 disrupts orofacial development and are consistent with dominant-negative mutations disturbing development of the skin and genitalia.

Morphology and histology of male and female reproductive systems in the inseminating species Scoloplax distolothrix (Ostariophysi : Siluriformes : Scoloplacidae)

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

Comparative morphology of the seminal receptacles of Ocypode quadrata (Fabricius, 1787) (Brachyura, Ocypodoidea)

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Comparison of the external morphology of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) (Acari : Ixodidae) ticks from Brazil and Argentina

In the present study the external morphology of semi-engorged Rhipicephalus sanguineus females ticks from Brazil and Argentina were compared by scanning electron microscopy. Many differences were detected among the R. sanguineus collected at the two localities, such as body size, shape of the genital pore, and morphology of the sensory structures. All these characteristics are fundamental for the diagnosis of species of the genus Rhipicephalus and thus indicate the need for further comparisons and, the taxonomical revision of this species of tick in the Neotropics. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparative anatomy of the male reproductive internal organs of 51 species of bees

A anatomia dos órgãos internos do aparelho reprodutor de machos (ARM) adultos e pupas foi comparada em 51 espécies de abelhas, incluindo representantes de seis famílias. Foram obtidos quatro tipos diferentes de ARM. O tipo I está presente em machos das famílias mais basais (Colletidae, Andrenidae e Halictidae) e é caracterizado por três túbulos seminíferos por testículo, o qual é quase totalmente envolvido pela membrana escrotal. O tipo II é um tipo intermediário entre os tipos I e III e está presente em Mellitidae e Megachilidae, como também em alguns Apidae estudados, sendo caracterizado por possuir dutos deferentes pós-vesiculares fora da membrana escrotal e possuir três ou quatro túbulos seminíferos por testículo, exceto Apis mellifera L., a qual possui secundariamente um número aumentado de túbulos. O tipo III foi achado somente nos Apidae estudados e é caracterizado por apresentar os testículos e dutos genitais (exceto o duto deferente pós-vesicular) encapsulados separadamente, as glândulas acessórias são bem desenvolvidas e o duto ejaculador é calibroso, apresentando fissuras em sua parede externa, as quais podem ocorrer também no tipo II. O tipo IV está presente exclusivamente na tribo Meliponini e é caracterizado pela ausência de glândulas acessórias.

Aging effects on the mongolian gerbil female prostate (Skene's paraurethral glands): Structural, ultrastructural, quantitative, and hormonal evaluations

Different from the classic view, the prostate is not a gland exclusive to the male, also being an organ of the female genital system presenting morphofunctional similarity between human and rodent. Thus structural, ultrastructural, morphometric-stereological features of the female prostate (Skene's paraurethral gland) and steroid serological levels were evaluated during young, adult, and senile ages in the Mongolian gerbil. The morphofunctional precocity of the female gland in comparison with the male gland occurring in young gland is probably associated with the female circulating steroid levels. The hormonal imbalance in senesce coincides with its susceptibility to histopathological lesions, such as epithelial hypertrophy, metaplasia, and intraepithelial neoplasia. Differently than that of males, the aging degeneration of the female gland involves the accumulation of lipofuscin granules. However, the alterations in senile prostate did not damage its functionality. These analyses reinforce the use of this experimental model for the comprehension of glandular morphofunctional aspects with special attention to senescence. Thus, the appreciation of this organ becomes relevant to avoid future discomfort to women's health.

Cervicovaginal aerobic microflora of women with spontaneous abortion or preterm delivery in Araraquara-Brazil

Rotina bacteriológica do conteúdo vaginal e cervical de 22 mulheres com histórico de aborto recente ou ruptura precoce das membranas foi realizada. Chlamydia trachomatis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus agalactiae, Candida sp e Gardnerella vaginalis foram isolados em 54,5% (12) das pacientes. Apesar de Ureaplasma urealyticum ter sido frequentemente encontrado (45,5%), somente em 5 das 22 mulheres foi o único microrganismo presente nos materiais analisados. Esses resultados chamam a atenção para a importância de investigação quantitativa bem como qualitativa da microbiota genital em gestantes, tendo em vista ter consequências na gestação.

MORPHOMETRIC AND BIOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF RAT PROSTATE AND SEMINAL-VESICLE FOLLOWING CHEMICAL SYMPATHECTOMY WITH GUANETHIDINE

Selective chemical sympathectomy of the internal genital organs of adult male rats was undertaken by chronic treatment with low doses of guanethidine. Biochemical and morphometric methods revealed that removal of sympathetic innervation prevents fructose secretion in the prostate and seminal vesicle, in addition to promoting reduced efficiency of delivery by the latter.

Morphometric and ultrastructure features of the ventral prostate of rats (Rattus norvegicus) submitted to long-term nicotine treatment

The harmful effects of nicotine on male genital system fertility have been reported in experimental and clinical studies. However, its effects on prostatic cells and glandular pathogenesis remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to analyse the histological, histochemical and ultrastructural alterations, in addition to stereology, of the ventral lobe of the prostate of rats, submitted to chronic nicotine administration, as well as to establish the relationship between these changes and prostate diseases. Twelve male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) were divided into two experimental groups: group I (nicotine) and group II (control). Samples of the ventral prostate were collected, processed and submitted to histological analysis, acid phosphatase histochemistry and ultrastructural analysis by transmission and scanning electron microscopies. The results showed that in the nicotine group, the secretory epithelial cells of the ventral lobe of the prostate were atrophied, and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia occurred and reduced the expression of acid phosphatase. The disorganisation of organelles involved in the glandular secretory process, accompanied by biomembrane destructuring, was also observed. In conclusion, nicotine causes drastic alterations in the secretory epithelium of the ventral prostate, compromising its function. Furthermore, nicotine also induces premalignant lesions in the prostate gland, thus representing a risk factor in the development of prostate diseases.

Anindobothrium n. gen. (Eucestoda : Tetraphyllidea) inhabiting marine and freshwater potamotrygonid stingrays

Anindobothrium n. gen. is proposed to accommodate Caulobothrium anacolum inhabiting Himanturu schmardae from Colombia, and 2 new species, one inhabiting Potamotrygon orbigny in Brazil and the other inhabiting Paratrygon aereiba in Venezuela. Members of the new genus resemble members of Pararhinebothroides, Rhinebothroides, and Anthocephalum by having bothridia with poorly differentiated apical suckers and vasa deferentia expanded into external seminal vesicles. It further resembles Pararhinebothroides, Rhinebothroides, and Anthocephalum cairae by having vas deferens inserted near the poral rather than aporal end of the cirrus sac. The 3 species assigned to the new genus form an apparent monophyletic group, based on the possession of 3 putative synapomorphies: (1) genital pores in the anterior 1/4 of the proglottid, a trait that is unusual, but not unique, among phyllobothriids; (2) anteroventral ovarian lobes converging to the center of the proglottid, a character not previously reported for phyllobothriids; and (3) ovarian lobes comprising a loose network of digitiform processes.

Effects of guanethidine-induced sympathectomy on the spermatogenic and steroidogenic testicular functions of prepubertal to mature rats

Selective chemical sympathectomy of the internal genital organs of prepubertal to mature male Wistar rats was performed by chronic treatment with low doses of guanethidine. Sympathetic denervation caused an increase in intratesticular progesterone levels in prepubertal and early pubertal rats in addition to a decrease in androstenedione and testosterone levels in prepubertal animals, thus indicating a decrease in the conversion of progesterone into androgen, probably by blocking the steroidogenic enzymatic pathway at the 17 alpha-hydroxylase/17,20 desmolase level. A lower degree of testicular maturation, probably related to reduced androgen activity, was observed in prepubertal and early pubertal sympathectomized rats. Concentration of spermatozoa, on the other hand, was increased in the enlarged cauda epididymidis of late pubertal and mature denervated animals. This result is discussed in terms of the impairment of epididymal mechanisms of seminal emission, fluid resorption and spermatozoal disposal.