PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Costa M.C., Flaiban K.K.M.C., Coneglian M.M., Feitosa F.L.F., Balarin M.R.S. & Lisbôa J.A.N. 2008. [Passive transfer of immunity in Nelore and Limousin calves and serum proteinogram in the first four months of life.] Transferência de imunidade passiva em bezerros das raças Nelore e Limousin e proteinograma sérico nos primeiros quatro meses de vida. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(9):410-416. Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: janlisboa@uel.br To study the passive transfer of immunity, 90 healthy calves, 45 Nelore and 45 Limousin, were grouped (n=15) according to their dam’s parity: first, second or third or more calvings. Blood samples were draw from each calf with 24 to 36 hours of life and 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. The total serum (TSP) and plasma (TPP) proteins, gamaglutamiltransferase activity (GGT), serum albumin, alpha, beta and gammaglobulin by electrophoresis in agarose gel and IgG estimated by the zinc sulphate turbidity test were determined. Two-way-ANOVA was used to compare the data in the first age. The age behaviour was analysed through repeated measures ANOVA. Correlations were established between the variables. The passive transfer of immunity was successful in both breeds and the parity of the dam had no effect on the calves’ serum gammaglobulin concentration. The levels of gammaglobulins were higher at the end of the first day of life, and decreased until 60 days. From there on, the increase due to the active production of antibodies was precocious in taurine calves and slower in Zebu calves. At the end of the first day of life, the gammaglobulin was correlated with IgG (r=0,859), TPP (r=0,807), TSP (r=0,811) and GGT (r=0,399). The variation of serum proteins followed the normal pattern throughout the first four months of life, with little differences between taurine and Zebu calves.

• Calves Zebu taurine serum proteins immunoglobulins

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Costa M.C., Flaiban K.K.M.C., Coneglian M.M., Feitosa F.L.F., Balarin M.R.S. & Lisbôa J.A.N. 2008. [Passive transfer of immunity in Nelore and Limousin calves and serum proteinogram in the first four months of life.] Transferência de imunidade passiva em bezerros das raças Nelore e Limousin e proteinograma sérico nos primeiros quatro meses de vida. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(9):410-416. Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: janlisboa@uel.br To study the passive transfer of immunity, 90 healthy calves, 45 Nelore and 45 Limousin, were grouped (n=15) according to their dam’s parity: first, second or third or more calvings. Blood samples were draw from each calf with 24 to 36 hours of life and 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 days. The total serum (TSP) and plasma (TPP) proteins, gamaglutamiltransferase activity (GGT), serum albumin, alpha, beta and gammaglobulin by electrophoresis in agarose gel and IgG estimated by the zinc sulphate turbidity test were determined. Two-way-ANOVA was used to compare the data in the first age. The age behaviour was analysed through repeated measures ANOVA. Correlations were established between the variables. The passive transfer of immunity was successful in both breeds and the parity of the dam had no effect on the calves’ serum gammaglobulin concentration. The levels of gammaglobulins were higher at the end of the first day of life, and decreased until 60 days. From there on, the increase due to the active production of antibodies was precocious in taurine calves and slower in Zebu calves. At the end of the first day of life, the gammaglobulin was correlated with IgG (r=0,859), TPP (r=0,807), TSP (r=0,811) and GGT (r=0,399). The variation of serum proteins followed the normal pattern throughout the first four months of life, with little differences between taurine and Zebu calves.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Costa M.C., Flaiban K.K.M.C., Coneglian M.M., Dognani R., Vettorato E.D., Balarin M.R.S. & Lisbôa J.A.N. 2008. [Neutrophil oxidative burst in Nelore and Limousin calves in the first four months of life.] Metabolismo oxidativo dos neutrófilos de bezerros das raças Nelore e Limousin nos primeiros quatro meses de vida. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(9):431-436. Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: janlisboa@uel.br To study some defence mechanisms of beef calves kept on range conditions, 90 healthy calves, 45 Nelore and 45 Limousin, were bled at 24 to 36 hours of life, 15, 30, 60, 90 and, 120 days. Leukogram and neutrophil oxidative burst through the non-stimulated and the stimulated NBT tests were determined. The parasitemia with Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina and B. bovis was investigated. Repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyse the age effect on leukocyte counts. Variation of positive neutrophil throughout the age was analysed through Krushkal-Wallis test. Comparisons among breeds were done using the Mann-Whithney test. The white blood cell count increased with age in both breeds, with a decrease in neutrophil and an increase in lymphocyte counts. The neutrophil lymphocyte ratio had been inverted before 15 days of life. The neutrophil oxidative burst was less effective in the newborn calves increasing with age. Limousin calves’ neutrophils had higher capacity to reduce NBT in advanced ages. The observed differences between taurine and Zebu calves had no effects on calves’ health and could be atributed to Anaplasma marginale natural and asynptomatic infection.

• Beef calf Zebu taurine NBT Anaplasma marginale

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Costa M.C., Flaiban K.K.M.C., Coneglian M.M., Dognani R., Vettorato E.D., Balarin M.R.S. & Lisbôa J.A.N. 2008. [Neutrophil oxidative burst in Nelore and Limousin calves in the first four months of life.] Metabolismo oxidativo dos neutrófilos de bezerros das raças Nelore e Limousin nos primeiros quatro meses de vida. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(9):431-436. Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR 86051-990, Brazil. E-mail: janlisboa@uel.br To study some defence mechanisms of beef calves kept on range conditions, 90 healthy calves, 45 Nelore and 45 Limousin, were bled at 24 to 36 hours of life, 15, 30, 60, 90 and, 120 days. Leukogram and neutrophil oxidative burst through the non-stimulated and the stimulated NBT tests were determined. The parasitemia with Anaplasma marginale, Babesia bigemina and B. bovis was investigated. Repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyse the age effect on leukocyte counts. Variation of positive neutrophil throughout the age was analysed through Krushkal-Wallis test. Comparisons among breeds were done using the Mann-Whithney test. The white blood cell count increased with age in both breeds, with a decrease in neutrophil and an increase in lymphocyte counts. The neutrophil lymphocyte ratio had been inverted before 15 days of life. The neutrophil oxidative burst was less effective in the newborn calves increasing with age. Limousin calves’ neutrophils had higher capacity to reduce NBT in advanced ages. The observed differences between taurine and Zebu calves had no effects on calves’ health and could be atributed to Anaplasma marginale natural and asynptomatic infection.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Simões E.A., Jatene F.B., Bernardo W.M., Stopiglia A.J., Monteiro R, Fantoni D.T., Abduch C.D., Yasbek K.V.B., Irino E.T., Unruh S.M., Kahvegian M. & Soares A.L.H. 2007. [Viability of the right pneumonectomy in dogs: a parametric, hemogasometric and radiological evaluation.] Viabilidade da pneumonectomia direita em cães: uma avaliação paramétrica, hemogasométrica e radiográfica. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(11):447-454. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: edas@uol.com.br In dogs, the evidence of viability of the right pneumonectomy, as well as the study of complications resulting from surgical procedure, are very important regarding the few specific studies made on the pneumonectomy in this animal species. The objective of this project was to carry out an experimental study to evaluate the viability of the right pneumonectomy in dogs through parametric, hemogasometric and radiographic evaluation. Ten adult healthy mongrel dogs, males and females, weighing 13-32 kg, were used. The dogs were submitted to selective intubation and right thoracotomy at the 5th intercostal space, where the pneumonectomy was performed. A radiografic evaluation was made on days 7, 30 and 60 after the surgery, as well as parametric and hemogasometric evaluations were done (before anesthetic induction, 1 hour after extubation, 48 hours and on days 7, 30 and 60 after the surgical procedure), considered important to evaluate possible complications due to the anesthetic and surgical techniques, as well as complications resulting from these procedures. The results were analyzed statistically. Besides the parametric and hemogasometric alterations, all dogs showed compensation for the gaseous exchanges after removing 57% of the pulmonary volume. Regarding the radiographic evaluation, it could be observed that the expansion of the remaining lung caused heart and lung displacement into the right hemithorax. It can be concluded that the right pneumonectomy is completely feasible in dogs, allowing a parametric, hemogasometric and radiographic satisfactory evaluation in all the animals.

• Pneumonectomy lung surgery dogs

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Simões E.A., Jatene F.B., Bernardo W.M., Stopiglia A.J., Monteiro R, Fantoni D.T., Abduch C.D., Yasbek K.V.B., Irino E.T., Unruh S.M., Kahvegian M. & Soares A.L.H. 2007. [Viability of the right pneumonectomy in dogs: a parametric, hemogasometric and radiological evaluation.] Viabilidade da pneumonectomia direita em cães: uma avaliação paramétrica, hemogasométrica e radiográfica. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(11):447-454. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: edas@uol.com.br In dogs, the evidence of viability of the right pneumonectomy, as well as the study of complications resulting from surgical procedure, are very important regarding the few specific studies made on the pneumonectomy in this animal species. The objective of this project was to carry out an experimental study to evaluate the viability of the right pneumonectomy in dogs through parametric, hemogasometric and radiographic evaluation. Ten adult healthy mongrel dogs, males and females, weighing 13-32 kg, were used. The dogs were submitted to selective intubation and right thoracotomy at the 5th intercostal space, where the pneumonectomy was performed. A radiografic evaluation was made on days 7, 30 and 60 after the surgery, as well as parametric and hemogasometric evaluations were done (before anesthetic induction, 1 hour after extubation, 48 hours and on days 7, 30 and 60 after the surgical procedure), considered important to evaluate possible complications due to the anesthetic and surgical techniques, as well as complications resulting from these procedures. The results were analyzed statistically. Besides the parametric and hemogasometric alterations, all dogs showed compensation for the gaseous exchanges after removing 57% of the pulmonary volume. Regarding the radiographic evaluation, it could be observed that the expansion of the remaining lung caused heart and lung displacement into the right hemithorax. It can be concluded that the right pneumonectomy is completely feasible in dogs, allowing a parametric, hemogasometric and radiographic satisfactory evaluation in all the animals.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Inoe A.P., Pereira F.C., Stopiglia A.J. & Da-Silva C.F. 2007. Pharmacological immunomodulation enhances peripheral nerve regeneration. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(9):363-369. Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 2415, São Paulo, SP 055508-900, Brazil. E-mail: ana.paula@unipar.br To assess the effect of N-Acetylmuramyl-L-Alanyl-D-Isoglutamine MDP topically administrated on the regenerating peripheral neurons, twelve male C57BL/6J adult mice were equally distributed into three groups. Four mice underwent unilateral sciatic nerve transection and polyethylene tubulization, with a 4mm gap between the proximal and distal nerve stumps and were implanted with collagen + PBS (COL). Other four animals underwent the same surgical procedure but received collagen + MDP (COL/MDP) inside the prosthesis. Four animals were not operated and served as control group (NOR). After 4 weeks, the regenerated nerve cables were processed for total myelinated axon counting and myelinated fiber diameter measurement. The L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was also removed and sectioned for sensory neurons counting and measurement. The results revealed significant difference (p<0.05) in axonal counting among the groups NOR (4,355±32), COL (1,869±289) and COL/MDP (2,430±223). There was a significant reduction in the axonal diameter in the operated groups (COL=3.38mm±1.16 and COL/MDP=3.54mm±1.16) compared to NOR (6.19mm±2.45). No difference was found in the number of DRG neurons between the experimental groups (COL=564±51; COL/MDP=514±56), which presented fewer sensory neurons compared to NOR (1,097±142). Data obtained indicate that locally applied MDP stimulates peripheral nerve regeneration in mice.

• N-Acetylmuramyl-L-Alanyl-D-Isoglutamine MDP nerve regeneration drug effect sciatic nerve surgery

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Inoe A.P., Pereira F.C., Stopiglia A.J. & Da-Silva C.F. 2007. Pharmacological immunomodulation enhances peripheral nerve regeneration. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(9):363-369. Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, Cidade Universitária, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 2415, São Paulo, SP 055508-900, Brazil. E-mail: ana.paula@unipar.br To assess the effect of N-Acetylmuramyl-L-Alanyl-D-Isoglutamine MDP topically administrated on the regenerating peripheral neurons, twelve male C57BL/6J adult mice were equally distributed into three groups. Four mice underwent unilateral sciatic nerve transection and polyethylene tubulization, with a 4mm gap between the proximal and distal nerve stumps and were implanted with collagen + PBS (COL). Other four animals underwent the same surgical procedure but received collagen + MDP (COL/MDP) inside the prosthesis. Four animals were not operated and served as control group (NOR). After 4 weeks, the regenerated nerve cables were processed for total myelinated axon counting and myelinated fiber diameter measurement. The L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) was also removed and sectioned for sensory neurons counting and measurement. The results revealed significant difference (p<0.05) in axonal counting among the groups NOR (4,355±32), COL (1,869±289) and COL/MDP (2,430±223). There was a significant reduction in the axonal diameter in the operated groups (COL=3.38mm±1.16 and COL/MDP=3.54mm±1.16) compared to NOR (6.19mm±2.45). No difference was found in the number of DRG neurons between the experimental groups (COL=564±51; COL/MDP=514±56), which presented fewer sensory neurons compared to NOR (1,097±142). Data obtained indicate that locally applied MDP stimulates peripheral nerve regeneration in mice.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Binoki D.H., Jatene F.B., Fantoni D.T., Stopiglia A.J., Santos A.L.S., Freitas R.R., Simões E.A., Irino E.T., Monteiro R. & Lofiego R. 2007. [Hemogasometric evaluation in dogs submitted to left pneumonectomy.] Avaliação hemogasométrica em cães submetidos à pneumonectomia esquerda. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(8):345-351. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: stopa@usp.br It is well known that different diseases of infectious, traumatic or neoplasic origin can occur in the lungs of dogs, and pneumonectomy technique may be an option for the treatment of some of these diseases. The objective was to evaluate hemogasometric parameters, oxygen partial pressure (PaO2), carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2), hydrogen ion concentration (pH) and bicarbonate ion concentration on the pre- and post-operative moments of the left pneumonectomy. Eighteen adult mongrel dogs, males and females, were randomly distributed into two groups with 9 dogs each. In Group A, the left bronchial stump of the dogs was sutured manually with polypropylene 5-0, and, in Group B, the left bronchial stump of the dogs was sutured mechanically with a surgical stapler. The data were collected at 6 moments: Before the pre-anesthetic administration (T0), one hour after the extubation (T1EXT), 48 hours after the surgery (T48h), 7 days after the surgery (T7d), 15 days after the surgery (T15d), and 36 days after the surgery (T36d). The results were statistically analyzed. PaO2 values of Group A on T1EXT (67.00±11.31) were significantly lower in relation to T0 (99.4±18.34), a fact that did not happen in Group B: T1EXT (87.00±8.35) in regard to T0 (87.00±7.55). There was no difference on pH values in dogs of Group A, but in Group B was observed a decrease on T1EXT (7.3644±0.0353) in relation to T0 (7.4189±0.0136), although the animals did not develop acidosis. It was concluded that dogs submitted to left pneumonectomy (sutured manually or sutured mechanically of left bronchial) did not show immediate and mediate acid-basic instability during the study.

• Pneumonectomy manual suture mechanic suture hemogasometric dogs

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Binoki D.H., Jatene F.B., Fantoni D.T., Stopiglia A.J., Santos A.L.S., Freitas R.R., Simões E.A., Irino E.T., Monteiro R. & Lofiego R. 2007. [Hemogasometric evaluation in dogs submitted to left pneumonectomy.] Avaliação hemogasométrica em cães submetidos à pneumonectomia esquerda. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(8):345-351. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: stopa@usp.br It is well known that different diseases of infectious, traumatic or neoplasic origin can occur in the lungs of dogs, and pneumonectomy technique may be an option for the treatment of some of these diseases. The objective was to evaluate hemogasometric parameters, oxygen partial pressure (PaO2), carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2), hydrogen ion concentration (pH) and bicarbonate ion concentration on the pre- and post-operative moments of the left pneumonectomy. Eighteen adult mongrel dogs, males and females, were randomly distributed into two groups with 9 dogs each. In Group A, the left bronchial stump of the dogs was sutured manually with polypropylene 5-0, and, in Group B, the left bronchial stump of the dogs was sutured mechanically with a surgical stapler. The data were collected at 6 moments: Before the pre-anesthetic administration (T0), one hour after the extubation (T1EXT), 48 hours after the surgery (T48h), 7 days after the surgery (T7d), 15 days after the surgery (T15d), and 36 days after the surgery (T36d). The results were statistically analyzed. PaO2 values of Group A on T1EXT (67.00±11.31) were significantly lower in relation to T0 (99.4±18.34), a fact that did not happen in Group B: T1EXT (87.00±8.35) in regard to T0 (87.00±7.55). There was no difference on pH values in dogs of Group A, but in Group B was observed a decrease on T1EXT (7.3644±0.0353) in relation to T0 (7.4189±0.0136), although the animals did not develop acidosis. It was concluded that dogs submitted to left pneumonectomy (sutured manually or sutured mechanically of left bronchial) did not show immediate and mediate acid-basic instability during the study.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Machado T.F.S., Ferrigno C.R.A., Stopiglia A.J. & Pinto A.C.B.C.F. 2007. [Anatomic features of the dorsal venous sinus in skull of brachycephalous dogs.] Revisão anatômica do seio venoso sagital dorsal no crânio de cães braquicéfalos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(5):194-198. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: tfsm@usp.br The dorsal venous sinuses of the Dura mater perform the cerebral and spinal cord drainage to keep homeostasis of the Central Nervous System. Injuries in the cerebral venous network may cause severe deficits, including hemiplegia, hemorrhage, coma and death. The main landmark for neurologic surgery is the Dura mater venous sinus. The aim of this study is to analyse the pathway of the Sinus sagittalis dorsalis in the brachycephalous skull, as the brachycephalous dogs have specific characteristics. The skulls were taken from 8 Boxer dogs and venous perfusion with latex and barium sulfate solution was performed. After the perfusion, radiographies and tomographies were obtained to relate the dorsal sagittal sinus and the skull averages. The cephalic index showed mean values of 91.24±8.34cm, and the cranio-facial index was 2.89±0.23cm. The venous sinus mensuration interface to the skull was: Área = 10.18±4.69mm2; D1 = 11.84±2.35mm; D2 = 19.57±2.61mm; D3 = 17.88±2.31mm; D4 = 25.32±5.68mm e D5 = 24.84±4.40mm.

• Brachycephalous dorsal venous sinus brain vasculature

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Machado T.F.S., Ferrigno C.R.A., Stopiglia A.J. & Pinto A.C.B.C.F. 2007. [Anatomic features of the dorsal venous sinus in skull of brachycephalous dogs.] Revisão anatômica do seio venoso sagital dorsal no crânio de cães braquicéfalos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 27(5):194-198. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: tfsm@usp.br The dorsal venous sinuses of the Dura mater perform the cerebral and spinal cord drainage to keep homeostasis of the Central Nervous System. Injuries in the cerebral venous network may cause severe deficits, including hemiplegia, hemorrhage, coma and death. The main landmark for neurologic surgery is the Dura mater venous sinus. The aim of this study is to analyse the pathway of the Sinus sagittalis dorsalis in the brachycephalous skull, as the brachycephalous dogs have specific characteristics. The skulls were taken from 8 Boxer dogs and venous perfusion with latex and barium sulfate solution was performed. After the perfusion, radiographies and tomographies were obtained to relate the dorsal sagittal sinus and the skull averages. The cephalic index showed mean values of 91.24±8.34cm, and the cranio-facial index was 2.89±0.23cm. The venous sinus mensuration interface to the skull was: Área = 10.18±4.69mm2; D1 = 11.84±2.35mm; D2 = 19.57±2.61mm; D3 = 17.88±2.31mm; D4 = 25.32±5.68mm e D5 = 24.84±4.40mm.

Abstract in English:

Zlotowski P., Corrêa A. M. R., Rozza D. B., Driemeier D., Mallmann C. A. & Migliavacca F.A. 2004. [Swine aflatoxicosis outbreak in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Surto de aflatoxicose em suínos no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):207-210. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veteri-nária, UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br An outbreak of aflatoxicosis in a swine herd, which occurred in fall 2004 in the county of Sentinela do Sul, RS, is described. The corn, which contained the micotoxin and has been used to feed the animals, was produced and processed on the farm. Seven sows and 8 growing pigs died, and 2 cases of abortion were reported. The clinical signs observed were apathy, anorexia, icterus, yellowish urine stained with blood, and photosensitization. Gamma glutamyltransferase and total bilirubin were elevated in the 4 pigs on which post-mortem examination was done. The main macroscopic findings were generalized icterus, an orange-yellow liver, edema of the gall bladder wall and yellowish effusion in the abdominal and pericardial cavities. The most important microscopic changes were found in the liver and included tumefaction, degeneration and individual necrosis of the parenchyme, with ductal proliferation and cholestasis. The diagnosis was based on the clinical signs, macroscopic and histological findings and on the high levels of B1 aflatoxin found in the corn and ration.

• Mycotoxins aflatoxicosis hepatotoxicosis swine pathology.

Abstract in Portuguese:

Zlotowski P., Corrêa A. M. R., Rozza D. B., Driemeier D., Mallmann C. A. & Migliavacca F.A. 2004. [Swine aflatoxicosis outbreak in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.] Surto de aflatoxicose em suínos no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 24(4):207-210. Setor de Patologia Veterinária, Depto Patologia Clínica Veterinária, Faculdade de Veteri-nária, UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9090, Cx. Postal 15094, Porto Alegre, RS 91540-000, Brazil. E-mail: davetpat@vortex.ufrgs.br An outbreak of aflatoxicosis in a swine herd, which occurred in fall 2004 in the county of Sentinela do Sul, RS, is described. The corn, which contained the micotoxin and has been used to feed the animals, was produced and processed on the farm. Seven sows and 8 growing pigs died, and 2 cases of abortion were reported. The clinical signs observed were apathy, anorexia, icterus, yellowish urine stained with blood, and photosensitization. Gamma glutamyltransferase and total bilirubin were elevated in the 4 pigs on which post-mortem examination was done. The main macroscopic findings were generalized icterus, an orange-yellow liver, edema of the gall bladder wall and yellowish effusion in the abdominal and pericardial cavities. The most important microscopic changes were found in the liver and included tumefaction, degeneration and individual necrosis of the parenchyme, with ductal proliferation and cholestasis. The diagnosis was based on the clinical signs, macroscopic and histological findings and on the high levels of B1 aflatoxin found in the corn and ration.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Lemos K.R. & Alessi A.C. 1999. [Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactive astrocytes in the Central Nervous System of normal horses and horses with leukoencephalomalacia.] Astrócitos imunorreativos à proteína glial fibrilar ácida (GFAP) em sistema nervoso central de equinos normais e de equinos com leucoencefalomalácia. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 19(3/4):104-108. Depto Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Unesp, Rod. Carlos Tonanni Km 5, Jaboticabal, SP 14870-000, Brazil. The glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), subunit of the intermediary filaments of the cellular cytoskeleton, exists in the cytoplasm of astrocytes. Immunohistochemistry utilizing primary antibodies anti-GFAP is generally chosen to identify astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS), allowing also to verify their hypertrophy. Several studies show the distribution, morphology and cytoarchitecture of the astrocytes in several areas of the CNS of humans and laboratory animals. However, in domestic animals, especially in horses, little information is available. In the present study the density ánd morphology of GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes in the white matter of the cerebral cortex of horses with leukoencephalomalacia (LEM) has been compared with such aspects in normal horses. In animals with LEM hypertrophic astrocytes in areas dose to the lesions were observed. There was enlargement of the perikarion, nucleus and the cytoplasmic extension. The astrocytes were reduced in number and the immunoreactivity was increased. In the normal animals constant distribution of immunoreactive cells characteristic of fibrous astrocytes was seen. Vascular changes in the animals with LEM, as for example degeneration of vascular endothelium, were also observed and could be correlated with the astrocytic alterations.

• Astrocytes GFAP horse leukoencephalomalacia Astrócito equino Ieucoencefalomalácia.

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Lemos K.R. & Alessi A.C. 1999. [Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactive astrocytes in the Central Nervous System of normal horses and horses with leukoencephalomalacia.] Astrócitos imunorreativos à proteína glial fibrilar ácida (GFAP) em sistema nervoso central de equinos normais e de equinos com leucoencefalomalácia. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 19(3/4):104-108. Depto Patologia Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias, Unesp, Rod. Carlos Tonanni Km 5, Jaboticabal, SP 14870-000, Brazil. A proteína glial fibrilar ácida (GFAP), subunidade dos filamentos intermediários do citoesqueleto celular, está presente no citoplasma de astrócitos. Técnicas imunohistoquímicas com anticorpos primários anti-GFAP são geralmente empregadas para identificar astrócitos no sistema nervoso, permitindo verificar também sua hipertrofia. Vários estudos mostram a distribuição, á morfologia e a citoarquitetura de astrócitos em várias regiões do SNC do homem e de animais de laboratório. No entanto, em animais domésticos e, especialmente em equinos, poucas informações estão disponíveis. No presente trabalho, verificou-se a densidade e a morfologia de astrócitos imunorreativos à GFAP na substância branca da córtex cerebral de equinos com leucoencefalomalácia (LEM) comparando-se esses aspectos com o de equinos normais. Animais com LEM apresentaram hipertrofia de astrócitos em áreas próximas às lesões, representada pelo aumento do corpo celular, do núcleo e dos prolongamentos citoplasmáticos. O número de astrócitos apresentou-se reduzido e a imunorreatividade foi mais acentuada. Nos animais normais, verificou-se distribuição constante de astrócitos imunorreagentes com características de fibrosos. Alterações vasculares nos animais com LEM, como por exemplo degeneração de endotélio vascular, também foram observadas, podendo estar associadas às alterações astrocíticas.