Cryopreservation effects on domestic cat epididymal versus electroejaculated spermatozoa

Frozen-thawed epididymal spermatozoa have already been successfully used in artificial insemination in the domestic cat, proving to be a valuable resource for the reproduction of felid species, which are threatened with extinction. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of freezing and thawing on domestic cat semen collected by electroejaculation (EL) and from the epididymides (EP) and vasa deferentia. Ten adult cats were anesthetized, electroejaculated and immediately thereafter, orchiectomized. Epididymal spermatozoa were collected through the compression of caudae epididymidis and vasa deferentia. Spermatozoa were frozen-thawed following a single protocol. Sperm motility, sperm progressive status (0-5), plasma membrane integrity and morphology (light and transmission electron microscope) were assessed on two occasions, immediately after collection and after freezing and thawing. There were no significant differences between the electroejaculated and epididymal fresh or frozen-thawed spermatozoa for any of the variables. However, the incidence of acrosome defects after freezing and thawing increased by 19% based on light microscopy, whereas ultrastructural images revealed acrosome damages in most sperm cells. Since these acrosomal changes are known to affect sperm fertilising capacity, further studies are needed to optimize cryopreservation techniques for epididymal as well as electroejaculated domestic cat spermatozoa. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Comparison of efficiency between two artificial insemination methods using frozen-thawed semen in domestic cat (Felis catus) Artificial insemination in domestic cats

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

A radiation hybrid map of river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) chromosome 7 and comparative mapping to the cattle and human genomes

A preliminary radiation hybrid (RH) map containing 50 loci on chromosome 7 of the domestic river buffalo Bubalus bubalis (BBU; 2n = 50) was constructed based on a comparative mapping approach. The RH map of BBU7 includes thirty-seven gene markers and thirteen microsatellites. All loci have been previously assigned to Bos taurus (BTA) chromosome BTA6, which is known for its association with several economically important milk production traits in cattle. The map consists of two linkage groups spanning a total length of 627.9 cR(5,000). Comparative analysis of the BBU7 RH 5,000 map with BTA6 in cattle gave new evidence for strong similarity between the two chromosomes over their entire length and exposed minor differences in locus order. Comparison of the BBU7 RH 5,000 map with the Homo sapiens (HSA) genome revealed similarity with a large chromosome segment of HSA4. Comparative analysis of loci in both species revealed more variability than previously known in gene order and several chromosome rearrangements including centromere relocation. The data obtained in our study define the evolutionarily conserved segment on BBU7 and HSA4 to be between 3.5 megabases (Mb) and 115.8 Mb in the HSA4 (genome build 36) DNA sequence. Copyright (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Cytological steps during spermiogenesis in the house sparrow (Passes domesticus, Linnaeus)

Spermiogenesis of the domestic sparrow was investigated with the light and electron microscopes and a step by step classification is proposed. Three cell populations corresponding to early, mid and late spermatids were easily divided according to their positions in the seminiferous epithelium. In addition to this initial separation, six steps were recognized, based on nuclear morphology and the degree of chromatin condensation, in association to their acrosomal and flagellar development. Early spermiogenesis is the period previous to chromatin condensation. The first step can be recognized by the extending flagellum and the second by the pro-acrosome development in contact with the nucleus. During the third or intermediate step, chromatin condenses and the cell becomes polarized with the pro-acrosomic vesicle and the tail occupying opposite sides of the nucleus. Late spermiogenesis, including steps IV-VI, is marked by complete chromatin condensation. The final cellular modifications lead to the formation of a spiraled spermatozoon. This shape is due to the twisting of the acrosome and nucleus, as well as the helical arrangement of mitochondria around the axoneme along most of the flagellum, making an exceptionally long middle piece. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. Ltd. All rights reserved.

Determination of the geographical origin of Brazilian wines by isotope and mineral analysis

In the present research, we studied wines from three different south Brazilian winemaking regions with the purpose of differentiating them by geographical origin of the grapes. Brazil's wide territory and climate diversity allow grape cultivation and winemaking in many regions of different and unique characteristics. The wine grape cultivation for winemaking concentrates in the South Region, mainly in the Serra GaA(0)cha, the mountain area of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, which is responsible for 90% of the domestic wine production. However, in recent years, two new production regions have developed: the Campanha, the plains to the south and the Serra do Sudeste, the hills to the southeast of the state. Analysis of isotopic ratios of (18)O/(16)O of wine water, (13)C/(12)C of ethanol, and of minerals were used to characterize wines from different regions. The isotope analysis of delta(18)O of wine water and minerals Mg and Rb were the most efficient to differentiate the regions. By using isotope and mineral analysis, and discrimination analysis, it was possible to classify the wines from south Brazil.

In2O3 microcrystals obtained from rapid calcination in domestic microwave oven

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

LH Response (in vivo and in vitro) to an LHRH Agonist Administered to Domestic Male Cats

We investigated plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration in domestic male cats challenged with Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone Analog (LHRH-A) [des Gly10, (DTrp6)-LHRH ethylamide] that mediates the function of the hypothalamic-piruitary-gonadal axis (HPG). Plasma LH concentrations in cats treated daily with LHRH (10 μg/ 100 μl/kg/day, subcutaneously - sc) for 19 days (LHRH group) and in controls treated with saline (NaCl - 0.9%, same volume - SAL group) were chronically studied. LHRH administration (sc) for 15 days induced a significant fall (P < 0.05) in plasma LH concentrations during the chronic study. After the 15th day of treatment the groups were divided once more into animals treated with LHRH (10 μg/100 μl/kg) or saline (iv), and a time course study (300 min) was performed (acute study). Next, four groups of cats were compared in an acute study involving the sc/iv administration of SAL/SAL, SAL/LHRH, LHRH/SAL, and LHRH/LHRH. The responses of the SAL animals challenged by acute iv administration of LHRH (group SAL/LHRH) were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than those of animals treated with LHRH (sc) (group LHRH/LHRH). LH release was also significantly increased in the latter group (P < 0.05), although the effect was short lasting, being recorded only at the first observation (45 min). An in vitro study with the pituitaries was also performed on day 20. Mean (±SEM) LH concentrations in the culture medium containing pituitaries with LHRH (10-7 M) or saline were determined. In vitro analysis of these pituitaries demonstrated a significantly reduced response (P < 0.05) by animals treated sc with LHRH for 19 days. This study represents a source of data for the domestic cat going beyond its own physiology. Serving as a model, this animal provide important information for the study of reproductive physiology in other members of its family (Felidae), almost all of them threatened with extinction.

Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2003

Includes bibliography

Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean 2005

Includes bibliography

Economic Survey of Latin America and the Caribbean 2010-2011: Internacional integration and macroeconomic policy challenges amid global economic turmoil

Includes bibliography

Sustainable development: changing production patterns, social equity and the environment

Includes bibliography

Tax performance and reform in the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)

Includes bibliography

A new generation of standards: implications for the Caribbean and Latin America

Incluye Bibliografía

Threshold effects in the relationship between inward foreign direct investment and import productivity growth in Latin America and the Caribbean

Includes bibliography

Regional environmental policy and sustainable tourism development in the Caribbean

Includes bibliography