Responsiveness of the interrenal tissue of Jundia (Rhamdia quelen) to an in vivo ACTH test following acute exposure to sublethal concentrations of agrichemicals

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Annual pattern of plasma melatonin and progesterone concentrations in hair and wool ewe lambs kept under natural photoperiod at lower latitudes in the southern hemisphere

To study the annual pattern of plasma melatonin and progesterone concentrations in hair [Santa Ines (SI)] and wool [Romney Marsh (RM) and Suffolk (SU)] ewe lambs kept under natural photoperiods at 21 degrees 59'S, 12 ewe lambs (four/breed) were used. For melatonin, blood samples were collected monthly throughout the year at the onset (17:00, 19:00 and 21:00 hr) and end (04:00, 06:00 and 08:00 hr) of the night, and for progesterone the samples were collected in the morning, two to three times a week throughout the year. Plasma melatonin concentrations at different times of the day changed according to the season. In diurnal periods (17:00 and 8:00 hr) no seasonal differences were observed but they became evident in the nocturnal intervals (21:00 and 4:00 hr) and transitional night-day (6:00 hr) times. The patterns of melatonin secretion were higher in winter and autumn than in spring and summer. The patterns of plasma progesterone secretion were affected by interaction between breed and season. There was no seasonal variation in plasma progesterone concentrations for SI females. The progesterone pattern for RM and SU females varied with season. The plasma levels were higher in autumn and winter than in spring and summer. At 21 degrees 59'S hair and wool ewe lambs showed the same annual pattern of plasma melatonin concentration while the annual progesterone profiles were quite different. For SI females this pattern was constant along all seasons and for RM and SU females this pattern was higher during autumn and winter than spring and summer.

Steroidogenesis in cumulus cells of bovine cumulus-oocyte-complexes matured in vitro with BSA and different concentrations of steroids

The present in vitro experiments were designed to evaluate the ability of bovine cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs)to produce steroids and also to evaluate the modulatory effects of added estradiol, progesterone and testosterone on the steroidogenic activity of COCs. Considerable estradiol accumulation was observed in the control maturation medium for in vitro maturation of bovine COCs during the 24h of maturation (P < 0.05). When testosterone was added to the medium at various concentrations, a slight estradiol accumulation occurred, which, however, was lower (P < 0.05) than that observed in the control medium. Slight estradiol accumulation was observed in maturation medium containing progesterone at concentrations of 2.5, 5.0 and 10.0 mug/ml, but these increases were less (P < 0.05) than those observed in the control medium. However, in the presence of 1.0 mug/ml progesterone, estradiol accumulation was equal to that of the control medium (P > 0.05). Progesterone accumulation (P < 0.05) was observed in the control medium for in vitro maturation of bovine COCs. When estradiol was added to the maturation medium, progesterone accumulation was observed, but was significant (P < 0.05) only when the medium was supplemented with the lesser concentrations of estradiol utilized in the experiment (1.0 mug/ml). The results demonstrated that (1) cumulus cells of bovine COCs are able to secrete estradiol and progesterone in culture systems for in vitro maturation, and this steroidogenesis is modulated by the steroids progesterone, testosterone and estradiol, and (2) the addition of estradiol to the in vitro maturation medium of bovine oocytes should be reviewed, since cumulus cells of COCs have been demonstrated to secrete estradiol in the maturation medium. (C) 2002 Elsevier B.V. B.V. All rights reserved.

Leucogram and serum acute phase protein concentrations in queens submitted to conventional or videolaparoscopic ovariectomy

Trinta gatas, saudáveis, foram submetidas à ovariectomia pela técnica convencional e por videolaparoscopia. Amostras de sangue foram obtidas com o objetivo de verificar a intensidade da resposta inflamatória por meio da análise das concentrações de proteinas de fase aguda e contagem de leucócitos antes e até 144 horas após procedimento cirúrgico. As proteínas que apresentaram aumento significativo 24 horas após a cirurgia foram: ceruloplasmina, hemopexina, haptoglobina e α1-glicoproteína ácida, 69,8%, 103,5%, 117,3% e 199,0%, respectivamente, para ovariectomia convencional, e 22,3%, 46,1%, 79,8% e 74,6%, respectivamente, para ovariectomia por videolaparoscopia. A resposta inflamatória foi mais evidente nas gatas submetidas à ovariectomia convencional. Os resultados mostram aumento e diminuição na concentração de proteínas de fase aguda e na contagem de leucócitos, podendo ser utilizados na avaliação da resposta inflamatória induzida por procedimentos cirúrgicos.

Nutrient contents and production of rocket as affected by nitrogen concentrations in the nutritive solution

O empirismo no uso das soluções nutritivas é freqüente. Muitas vezes a mesma solução nutritiva é usada para diferentes espécies baseando-se apenas em semelhanças morfológicas. No entanto esta situação pode proporcionar desequilíbrio nutricional prejudicando tanto a produção quanto a qualidade do produto face o acúmulo de nitrato. Foi conduzido um trabalho em sistema hidropônico - NFT, com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da concentração de nitrogênio na solução nutritiva na produção, nos teores de nutrientes e de nitrato em folhas de rúcula (Eruca sativa). O trabalho foi conduzido na primavera de 2003. Foram avaliadas quatro concentrações de nitrogênio na solução nutritiva (60,8; 121,6; 182,5; 243,5 mg L-1) e três cultivares de rúcula (Cultivada, Folha Larga e Selvática), sob delineamento de blocos ao acaso, fatorial 4 x 3, com quatro repetições. A cv. Cultivada apresentou maior estatura e fitomassa fresca de folhas, não diferindo da 'Folha Larga' quanto a número de folhas, teor de nitrato nas folhas e fitomassa seca e fresca da raiz. Houve incremento de NO3-, N, Ca e P e diminuição de Mg, K e S com o aumento da concentração de N na solução nutritiva. O cultivo da cv. Cultivada na concentração de 93 mg L-1 é a mais recomendada em função da maior produtividade e baixo teor de nitrato.

Efeitos da aplicação de calcário no desenvolvimento, no estado nutricional e na produção de matéria seca de mudas de maracujazeiro

Este trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de calcário ao substrato de produção das mudas de maracujazeiro, acompanhando os benefícios no desenvolvimento, na produção de matéria seca e no estado nutricional das plantas. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. As doses de calcário calcinado foram aplicadas objetivando elevar em meia; uma vez; uma vez e meia, e duas vezes a dose para elevar o V = 80%, correspondendo a 0,44; 0,88; 1,32; 1,76 g por vaso, respectivamente, além da testemunha sem aplicação. As mudas receberam doses de N, P, K, Zn e B de 300; 450; 150; 5,0 e 0,5 mg dm-3, respectivamente, sendo o N e o K parcelados em três vezes (30; 45 e 60 dias após a semeadura). O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação da FCAV/Unesp, em Jaboticabal-SP, no período dezembro/2002 até abril/2003. A unidade experimental foi constituída por vasos com 2 dm³ de substrato de um Latossolo Vermelho distrófico. Após 80 dias da semeadura, avaliaram-se: o diâmetro do caule, a altura, o número de folhas, a área foliar e a matéria seca da parte aérea e das raízes, bem como os teores de macro e micronutrientes. As mudas de maracujazeiro responderam à aplicação de calcário. O maior desenvolvimento das plantas esteve associado à saturação por bases do solo de 56% e a concentrações de Ca e Mg no solo de 20 e 8 mmol c dm-3, e a teores de Ca e Mg na parte aérea de 12,8 e 4,0 g kg-1, respectivamente.

Variação sazonal de micronutrientes em folhas de aceroleira (Malpighia emarginata DC.)

Os teores de micronutrientes nas folhas necessários para obter boa produtividade e qualidade de frutos de aceroleira (Malpighia emarginata DC.) e sua variação sazonal são pouco conhecidas. Para melhor entendimento da dinâmica de absorção de nutrientes e o desenvolvimento dessa frutífera avaliaram-se teores foliares de Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn, em seis progênies de aceroleira no período de dezembro de 1999 a outubro de 2000. O estudo foi conduzido na Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA) Agroindústria Tropical, em Pacajus, e envolveu 6 progênies (P52, P66, P78, P91, P93 e P97) e 6 épocas de amostragem das folhas (dezembro, fevereiro, abril, junho, agosto e outubro de 2000). A variação sazonal foi confirmada para os teores de Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn nas folhas, enquanto o Zn não sofreu alteração significativa nas progênies consideradas pela pesquisa. Os teores de Cu foram superiores em fevereiro, e os de Fe e Mn em agosto. As progênies apresentaram habilidade diferenciada na manutenção das concentrações de Cu, Mn e Zn nas folhas. A melhor época para amostragem de folhas e diagnóstico do estado nutricional foi em outubro, início do florescimento das aceroleiras, quando os teores de Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn devem ser superiores a 3, 125, 80 e 15 mg/kg.

Changes in the quality of jaboticaba fruit (Myriciaria jaboticaba (Vell) Berg. cv. Sabara) stored under different oxygen concentrations

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

Seasonal changes in fecal testosterone concentrations and their relationship to the reproductive behavior, antler cycle and grouping patterns in free-ranging male Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus bezoarticus)

The purpose of this study was to validate noninvasive endocrine monitoring techniques for Pampas deer and to evaluate seasonal changes in testicular steroidogenic activity and their correlation to reproductive behavior, antler cycle and group size. Thus, fecal samples, behavioral data and observations of antler status were collected at monthly intervals during 1 year from free-ranging Pampas deer stags (three radio-collared individuals and 15 random individuals) living in Emas National Park, Brazil (18 degrees S latitude). Fecal steroids were extracted using 80% methanol and steroid concentrations were quantified by a commercial enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Fecal testosterone concentrations peaked in December-January (summer), March (early autumn) and in August-September (winter-spring), with minimal values from April-July. Reproductive behavior had two peaks, the first in December-January, characterized by predominately anogenital sniffing, flehmen, urine sniffing, chasing and mounting behavior, and the second peak in July-September (behavior primarily related to gland marking). There were significant correlations between fecal testosterone and reproductive behavior (r = 0.490), and between fecal testosterone and antler phases (r = 0.239). Antler casting and regrowth occurred under low testosterone concentrations, whereas velvet shedding was associated with high concentrations of testosterone. We inferred that Pampas deer stags exhibited a seasonal cycle that modulated sexual behavior and the antler cycle, and we concluded that fecal steroid analysis was a practical and reliable non-invasive method for the evaluation of the endocrine status of free-ranging Pampas deer. (c) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cold-induced enhancement of avian uncoupling protein expression, heat production, and triiodothyronine concentrations in broiler chicks

The relationships among avian uncoupling protein (avUCP) mRNA expression, heat production, and thyroid hormone metabolism were investigated in 7-14-day-old broiler chicks (Gallus gallus) exposed to a low temperature (cold-exposed chicks, CE) or a thermoneutral temperature (TN). After 7 days of exposure, CE chicks exhibited higher heat production (+83%, P < 0.01), avUCP mRNA expression (+20%, P < 0.01), and circulating triiodothyronine (T-3) levels (+104%, P = 0.07) for non-statistically different body weights and feed intake between 3 and 7 days of exposure as compared to TN chicks. Plasma thyroxine (T-4) concentration was clearly decreased in CE chicks (-33%, P = 0.06). The lower hepatic inner-ring deiodination activity (-47%) and the higher renal outer-ring deiodination activity (+75%) measured in CE compared to TN chicks could partly account for their higher plasma T3 concentrations. This study describes for the first time the induction of avUCP mRNA expression by low temperature in chickens, as it has been previously shown in ducklings, and supports the possible involvement of avUCP in avian thermogenesis. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. (USA). All rights reserved.

In vitro acaricidal activity of neem (Azadirachta indica) seed extracts with known azadirachtin concentrations against Rhipicephalus microplus

The effect of four extracts from neem seeds (Azadirachta indica) containing 2000, 5000, 9000 and 10,000 ppm of azadirachtin A (AZA), quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and diluted to 1.25%; 2.5%; 5.0%; 10.0% and 12.8% was verified by in vitro tests with engorged females and larvae of the cattle tick Rhipicephalus micro plus. The results from the bioassays with the engorged females showed that the main toxic effect of the extracts was reduction of the reproductive parameters, with a sharp drop in the number of eggs laid and the hatching rate, mainly when the extracts were diluted to 10.0% and 12.8%. The product effectiveness (PE) calculations for all the solutions tested showed that the AZA solution at 10,000 ppm (N10) was the most effective. However, statistical analysis of the PE data obtained for the proportional AZA concentrations in the different diluted extracts showed significance (P<0.05) of the effects included in the model (extract dilution, principle effect (classificatory) of the assay (extract) and the interaction between the two), indicating significant variations due to the dilution, the test and the interaction between the two factors in the tests with engorged females. For solutions N2, N5, and N9, it was not possible to estimate LC(90) values in the dilution range tested. The lowest LC(50) was observed for extract N5, and although extract N10 was the only extract for which the LC(90) could be estimated within the range tested, the LC(50) was higher than for N5 and N9. These results suggest that substances other than AZA present in the extracts influenced the efficacy, especially up to a certain LC range. In the tests with larvae, no mortality was observed, indicating zero effectiveness of all the extracts tested. The results of the tests with engorged females showed that the neem extracts had acaricide activity, inhibiting egg laying and the larval hatching rate. Complementary studies are necessary to develop new methods to isolate and/or identify other substances besides AZA contained in this plant, to enable using products made from it as acaricides. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Boro disponível e resposta da soja em latossolo vermelho-amarelo do Mato Grosso

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

Teores de nutrientes da folha bandeira e grãos de aveia-preta em função da adubação fosfatada e postássica

The black oat (Avena strigosa Schreber) has been commonly used as green manure, in crop rotation systems under no-tillage, fall-winter crop, and for cattle grazing, hay, and silage. The objective of this work was to evaluate the nutrient concentrations in the flag leaf and grains of black-oat affect by phosphate and potassium fertilization. The experiment was carried Out under field conditions on a Rhodic Nitosol, in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil. Three doses of single superphosphate (0, 40 and 80 kg.ha(-1) of P(2)O(5)) and three of potassium chloride (0, 20 and 40 kg ha(-1) of K(2)O) were tested as a factorial (3 x 3), in a randomized complete block design, with four replicates. The fertilizers were applied in the sowing row. Ammonium sulphate was supplied for all plots (20 kg ha(-1) of N applied at sowing and 30 kg.ha(-1) after tillering stage). The concentrations of Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in the flag leaf and the P and K concentrations in the grain were increased by phosphate fertilizer application. The potassic fertilization had no effect on the concentrations of nutrients in the flag leaf and grains of black-oat.