Genetic characterisation of populations of the critically endangered Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara, Serranidae) from the Northern Brazilian coast through analyses of mtDNA

The Goliath grouper (Epinephelus itajara) is one of the most endangered species of fish of the subfamily Epinephelinae. Slow to develop and mature, and dependent on mangrove habitats for breeding, the species also suffers intense harvesting, which has reduced drastically in numbers in many areas. To contribute to the understanding of the characteristics of E. itajara populations, we conducted a molecular genetics study of the species, focusing on populations from the Northern Brazilian coast. The mtDNA control region (D-loop) of 116 individuals from five localities (Bragança, Ajuruteua, Parnaíba, Fortaleza and Natal) was analysed, and a sequence of 499 base pairs identified. Analyses of the sequences indicated that genetic variability was generally lower in E. itajara than in other endangered species of the genus. AMOVA found no significant grouping structure among the populations. Nested Clade Analysis revealed a significant association between genetic variability and geographic distribution among only three populations (Ajuruteua, Parnaíba and Natal). Genetic diversity was higher in populations from the Amazon region, which may be related to the better conservation of mangrove habitats in this area. Therefore, the present study could be used for the implementation of conservation and management measures in order to protect and consolidate these populations.

Methylmercury intoxication and histochemical demonstration of NADPH-diaphorase activity in the striate cortex of adult cats

The effects of methylmercury (MeHg) on histochemical demonstration of the NADPH-diaphorase (NADPH-d) activity in the striate cortex were studied in 4 adult cats. Two animals were used as control. The contaminated animals received 50 ml milk containing 0.42 µg MeHg and 100 g fish containing 0.03 µg MeHg daily for 2 months. The level of MeHg in area 17 of intoxicated animals was 3.2 µg/g wet weight brain tissue. Two cats were perfused 24 h after the last dose (group 1) and the other animals were perfused 6 months later (group 2). After microtomy, sections were processed for NADPHd histochemistry procedures using the malic enzyme method. Dendritic branch counts were performed from camera lucida drawings for control and intoxicated animals (N = 80). Average, standard deviation and Student t-test were calculated for each data group. The concentrations of mercury (Hg) in milk, fish and brain tissue were measured by acid digestion of samples, followed by reduction of total Hg in the digested sample to metallic Hg using stannous chloride followed by atomic fluorescence analysis. Only group 2 revealed a reduction of the neuropil enzyme activity and morphometric analysis showed a reduction in dendritic field area and in the number of distal dendrite branches of the NADPHd neurons in the white matter (P<0.05). These results suggest that NADPHd neurons in the white matter are more vulnerable to the long-term effects of MeHg than NADPHd neurons in the gray matter.

Rosetas e concrescências cristalinas silicificadas em Piper (Piperaceae): registros inéditos de macropadrões

Piper L. (Piperaceae) é monofilético, com espécies de difícil distinção taxonômica, sendo necessários ferramentas que auxiliem a identificação interespecífica. Os objetivos do trabalho foram descrever os macropadrões e caracterizar in situ a composição química dos cristais caulinares e foliares de Piper arboreum Aubl. var. arboreum, P. callosum Ruiz & Pav. e P. tuberculatum Jacq., visando avaliar o uso dos cristais para a separação interespecífica. Para tanto, amostras foram submetidas à análise em microscopias de luz e eletrônica de varredura, microanálises espectroscópicas de raios-X por dispersão de energia e testes histoquímicos. Foram observados cristais prismáticos cuneiformes, tabulares, cúbicos e bipiramidais; ráfides; estiloides; drusas de cristais em bloco; rosetas cristalinas de estiloides e concrescências cristalinas. Foram descritos 15 macropadrões cristalinos reunidos em três categorias. Os cristais foram classificados quimicamente como: puros de oxalato de cálcio e misturas entre oxalatos e sulfatos e entre oxalatos, sulfatos e sílica. Rosetas cristalinas, concrescências cristalinas silicificadas e 14 dos 15 macropadrões cristalinos descritos são registros inéditos para inclusões biominerais de Piper e Piperaceae. Os macropadrões cristalinos caulinares e foliares observados são constitutivos e úteis à separação interespecífica das espécies estudadas. Ademais, os cristais desempenham funções relevantes para a autoecologia dos taxa de Piper analisados.