PESQUISA VETERINÁRIA BRASILEIRA

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Assis T.S., Medeiros R.M.T., Araújo J.A.S., Dantas A.F.M. & Riet-Correa F. 2009. [Plant poisonings in ruminants and equidae in the Sertão of Paraiba, Brazil.] Intoxicações por plantas em ruminantes e equídeos no Sertão Paraibano. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11):919-924. Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: rmtmed@uol.com.br A survey of plant poisoning in ruminants and equidae was conducted in 20 municipalities of the semiarid region of the Sertão Paraibano. Fifty farmers and 11 veterinary practitioners were interviewed. Ipomoea asarifolia and Mascagnia rigida are the most important poisonous plants in the region. Indigofera suffruticosa, the cianogenic plants (Sorghum vulgare, Piptadenia macrocarpa, and Manihot spp.), Mimosa tenuiflora, Aspidosperma pyrifolium and Crotalaria retusa cause also important intoxications in the area. Sporadic outbreaks of poisonings by Ricinus communis, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Prosopis juliflora and Brachiaria decumbens were also mentioned. Some farmers mentioned that Ziziphus joazeiro, Passiflora foetida, Caesalpina ferrea and Crescentia cujete cause abortion. The fruits of Crescentia cujete were administered to two pregnant goats causing perinatal mortality and abortion. The peels of the beans Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna unguiculata, and the leaves of Licania rigida are associated with ruminal impactation in cattle. The fruits of Mangifera indica (mango) and Anacardium occidentale (cashew) are associated with ethanol poisoning in cattle. Dalechampia sp. and Croton sp. were also mentioned as possible toxic plants in the region.

• Plantas tóxica Intoxicação por planta Sorghum vulgare Piptadenia macrocarpa Manihot spp. Brachiaria decumbens. Ziziphus joazeiro Passiflora sp. Caesalpina ferrea Crescentia cujete Phaseolus vulgaris Vigna unguiculata Licania rigida Anacardium

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Assis T.S., Medeiros R.M.T., Araújo J.A.S., Dantas A.F.M. & Riet-Correa F. 2009. [Plant poisonings in ruminants and equidae in the Sertão of Paraiba, Brazil.] Intoxicações por plantas em ruminantes e equídeos no Sertão Paraibano. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11):919-924. Hospital Veterinário, Centro de Saúde e Tecnologia Rural, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: rmtmed@uol.com.br Foi realizado um levantamento das intoxicações por plantas em 20 municípios do Sertão Paraibano, onde foram entrevistados 50 produtores e 11 médicos veterinários. De acordo com o levantamento realizado, Ipomoea asarifolia e Mascagnia rigida são as intoxicações mais importantes. Indigofera suffruticosa, as plantas cianogênicas (Sorghum vulgare, Piptadenia macrocarpa e Manihot spp.), Mimosa tenuiflora, Aspidosperma pyrifolium e Crotalaria retusa são plantas importantes como causa de intoxicações na região. Os entrevistados relataram casos esporádicos de intoxicação por Ricinus communis, Enterolobium contortisiliquum, Prosopis juliflora e Brachiaria decumbens. Ziziphus joazeiro, Passiflora sp., Caesalpina ferrea e Crescentia cujete foram mencionadas como causa de abortos em ruminantes. Frutos de Crescentia cujete foram administrados a duas cabras prenhes causando mortalidade perinatal e abortos. As cascas de feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris e Vigna unguiculata) e as folhas de Licania rigida (oiticica) são associadas à sobrecarga ruminal em bovinos. As frutas de Mangifera indica (manga) e Anacardium occidentale (cajú) são responsabilizadas por causarem intoxicação etílica. Dalechampia sp. e Croton sp. foram citadas pelos entrevistados como possíveis plantas tóxicas, que ainda não tiveram sua toxicidade comprovada.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Souza F.G., Osório A.L.A.R., Csordas B.G., Prado R.Q., Elisei C., Soares C.O., Araújo F.R., Fragoso S.P. & Rosinha G.M.S. 2009. [Development and evaluation of a strain of Brucella abortus gotten by the knockout of the virB10 gene.] Desenvolvimento e avaliação de uma cepa knockout de Brucella abortus obtida pela deleção do gene virB10. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11):943-950. Programa de Pós-Graduação, Mestrado em Ciência Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: fabicientista@gmail.com Brucella spp. are intracellular facultative gram-negative bacteria which are pathogenic for many species of mammals, causing brucellosis, a worldwide spread zoonosis. Therefore the search for more efficient alternatives of control, as the development of new potential immunogens is necessary. In this study, we knockouted virB10 from Brucella abortus S2308 strain, generating a mutant strain probably incapable to produce the corresponding native protein. The gene virB10 is part of an operon that codifies for type IV secretion system, which is essential for the intracellular survival and multiplication of the bacteria in host cells. The knockout was carried through by the construction of the suicidal plasmid pBlue: virB10: kan and eletroporation in eletrocompetent cells of B. abortus S2308, leading to the exchange of the wild gene for the interrupted gene, containing the gene of resistance to kanamycin, for double homologous recombination. BALB/c mice were inoculated with S19, RB-51, DvirB10 strains of B. abortus and S2308 wild strain; the results demonstrated that the BALB/c mice inoculated with S19 and BALB/c mice inoculated with S2308 presented faster fall of trend line, when compared with the too much groups, for bacterial recovery (BR) and esplenic weight (EW) respectively. The groups that received DvirB10 S2308 B. abortus and RB-51 demonstrated similar behavior for both the characteristics. In the sixth week postinoculation, the results for BR (log UFC ± standart deviations) and EW (esplenic weight ± standart deviations), respectively, showed: groups inoculated with strains S2308 (4,44±1,97 and 0,44±0,11), S19 (1,83±2,54 and 0,31±0,04), RB-51 (0,00±0,00 and 0,20±0,01) and DvirB10 S2308 (1,43±1,25 and 0,19±0,03). Considered the bacterial clearance, all the groups differed statistical from the group that received S2308 (p<0,0001), the group inoculated with DvirB10 S2308 B. abortus was similar to the S19 group (p=0,4302) and different of group RB-51 (p=0,0063). The evaluation of the persistence of the strains showed that virB10 is essential for the maintenance of the virulence. These results support other studies concerning the immunogenic potential of this mutant strain.

• Brucella abortus

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Souza F.G., Osório A.L.A.R., Csordas B.G., Prado R.Q., Elisei C., Soares C.O., Araújo F.R., Fragoso S.P. & Rosinha G.M.S. 2009. [Development and evaluation of a strain of Brucella abortus gotten by the knockout of the virB10 gene.] Desenvolvimento e avaliação de uma cepa knockout de Brucella abortus obtida pela deleção do gene virB10. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(11):943-950. Programa de Pós-Graduação, Mestrado em Ciência Animal, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, MS 79070-900, Brazil. E-mail: fabicientista@gmail.com Brucella spp. são bactérias gram-negativas, intracelulares facultativas que são patogênicas para muitas espécies de mamíferos causando a brucelose, uma zoonose difundida mundialmente. Por isso a busca de alternativas de controle mais eficientes se faz necessário como o desenvolvimento de novas cepas que possam ser testadas como potenciais imunógenos. Neste estudo realizou-se a deleção do gene virB10 da cepa S2308 de Brucella abortus gerando uma cepa knockout provavelmente incapaz de produzir a proteína nativa correspondente. O gene virB10 faz parte de um operon que codifica para um sistema de secreção do tipo IV, essencial para a sobrevivência intracelular e multiplicação da bactéria em células hospedeiras. A deleção foi realizada pela construção do plasmídeo suicida pBlue:virB10:kan e eletroporação deste em células eletrocompetentes de B. abortus S2308, ocorrendo a troca do gene selvagem pelo gene interrompido, com o gene de resistência a canamicina, por recombinação homóloga dupla. Camundongos BALB/c foram inoculados com as cepas S19, RB-51, DvirB10 de B. abortus e B. abortus S2308 selvagem; os resultados demonstraram que camundongos BALB/c inoculados com S19 e camundongos BALB/c inoculados com S2308 apresentaram queda mais rápida de linha de tendência, quando comparadas aos demais grupos, para recuperação bacteriana (RB) e peso esplênico (PE) respectivamente. Os grupos que receberam DvirB10 S2308 de B. abortus e RB-51 demonstraram comportamento semelhante para ambas as características. Na sexta semana após a inoculação, os resultados para RB (log de UFC ± desvio padrão) e PE (peso esplênico ± desvio padrão), respectivamente, mostraram: grupos inoculados com as cepas S2308 (4,44±1,97 e 0,44±0,11), S19 (1,83±2,54 e 0,31±0,04), RB-51 (0,00±0,00 e 0,20±0,01) e DvirB10 S2308 (1,43±1,25 e 0,19±0,03). Considerado o clearance bacteriano, todos os grupos diferiram estatisticamente do grupo que recebeu S2308 (p<0,0001), o grupo inoculado com DvirB10 S2308 de B. abortus foi semelhante ao grupo S19 (p=0,4302) e diferente do grupo RB-51 (p=0,0063). A avaliação da persistência revelou que o gene virB10 é essencial para a manutenção da virulência da bactéria. Os resultados obtidos possibilitarão que outras pesquisas sejam realizadas avaliando o potencial imunogênico desta cepa mutante.

Abstract in English:

RESUMO.- Esteves P.R., Araújo K.P.C., Teixeira D.G., Ambrósio C.E., Martins D.S., Morini A.C., Morini Junior J.C., Duarte C.N., Bombonato P.P., Miglino M.A. & Mariana A.N.B. 2009. Study of the cardiac left atrioventricular valvar complex in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of the Jafarabadi breed. [Estudo do complexo valvar atrioventricular cardíaco esquerdo em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) da raça Jafarabadi.] Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(10):852-858. Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo. Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508- 900, Brazil. E-mail: ceambrosio@usp.br [Estudo do complexo valvar atrioventricular cardíaco esquerdo em búfalos (Bubalus bubalis) da raça Jafarabadi.] Foram estudados os complexos valvares atrioventricular esquerdo de 30 búfalos da raça Jafarabadi, machos e adultos, sem alterações cardíacas, provenientes de abatedouros do Estado do Paraná. Os corações foram examinados em seu terço médio para acesso ao complexo valvar, que foi submetido a estudos de área, número e tipificação de cordas tendíneas. Os resultados demonstram que este complexo é formado por duas cúspides principais e quatro cúspides acessórias, apresentam em sua formação de 2-3 músculos papilares, nos quais se inserem de 10-25 cordas tendíneas, que se fixam em cúspides voltadas para a parede do ventrículo. A área total deste complexo apresenta uma média de 38,56cm2 com um mínimo de 24,96cm2 e um máximo de 55,54cm2. Estatisticamente não há relação entre número de cordas e a área da cúspide onde estas estão inseridas, nem com o número de músculos papilares dos quais elas provem.

• Heart Jaffarabadi water buffaloes cardiac ventricle mitral valve

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Esteves P.R., Araújo K.P.C., Teixeira D.G., Ambrósio C.E., Martins D.S., Morini A.C., Morini Junior J.C., Duarte C.N., Bombonato P.P., Miglino M.A. & Mariana A.N.B. 2009. Study of the cardiac left atrioventricular valvar complex in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) of the Jafarabadi breed. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(10):852-858. Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade de São Paulo. Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508- 900, Brazil. E-mail: ceambrosio@usp.br Atrioventricular valve complex of 30 Jafarabadi water buffaloes, adult males were studied in this research with no heart diseases. The animals were obtained from a slaughterhouse in Brazilian State of Parana. The hearts were opened at the third portion affording access to the valve complex. The complexes had its area, number and type of tendinous cords submitted to analysis. The results showed that the complex is composed by two cusps and four accessory cusps, two or three papillary muscles in which 10-25 tendinous cords fix on the cusps that face the ventricle wall. The total area of the complex was on average 38.56cm2, with a minimum of 24.96cm2 and a maximum of 55.54cm2. Statistically, no relation between the number of cords and the cusps’ area where they are inserted or with the number of papillary muscle where they originated from was observed.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Araújo M.R., Costa M.C. & Ecco R. 2009. [Occurrence of pneumonia associated to infection by Mannheimia haemolytica in sheep of Minas Gerais.] Ocorrência de pneumonia associada à infecção por Mannheimia haemolytica em ovinos de Minas Gerais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):719-724. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Caixa Postal 567, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: ecco@vet.ufmg.br This paper describes an outbreak of pneumonia in a sheep herd in the central region of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Clinically, the animals presented apathy, exhibited respiratory difficulty during 2 to 3 days or sudden death. The animals were not medicated and found dead. Grossly, the pulmonary findings were similar in all sheep. The pulmonary cranial lobes and the ventral portion of caudal lobes were consolidated and purulent exsudate streamed out of the airways. In the parenchyma of the cranial lobes there were white slightly prominent multifocal to coalescent areas with 0.2 to 0.5cm in diameter intercalated with dark red areas. Consolidated lesions occupied 70 to 80% of the lungs. Fibrinous pleuritis was observed in sheep 1, 2 and 3. Microscopically, the findings were fibrinopurulent bronchopneumonia with intense hyperemia, areas with intra-alveolar hemorrhage and thickening of interlobular septa with numerous neutrophils, cellular rests and scattering fibrin. Multifocal areas with liquefaction necrosis containing numerous bacterial colonies were observed in sheep 1, 2 and 3. In the cranial lobes of these sheep, there were areas with degenerated neutrophils forming clusters of basophilic cells with alongated nuclei (“oat cells”) associated with bacterial colonies. The histological findings were characteristic of pneumonia caused by Mannheimia (M.) haemolytica. Samples of the cranial lobes were sent for bacterial culture, and M. haemolytica was isolated and identified in all animals. This is the first report correlating pathological findings and the isolation of M. haemolytica as cause of bronchopneumonia in sheep in the country.

• Mannheimia haemolytica bronchopneumonia broncopneumonia

Abstract in Portuguese:

RESUMO.- Araújo M.R., Costa M.C. & Ecco R. 2009. [Occurrence of pneumonia associated to infection by Mannheimia haemolytica in sheep of Minas Gerais.] Ocorrência de pneumonia associada à infecção por Mannheimia haemolytica em ovinos de Minas Gerais. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(9):719-724. Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Caixa Postal 567, Belo Horizonte, MG 31270-901, Brazil. E-mail: ecco@vet.ufmg.br O trabalho descreve um surto de pneumonia em ovinos em uma propriedade na região central de Minas Gerais. Clinicamente os animais apresentavam apatia, mostravam dificuldade respiratória durante dois ou três dias ou morriam subitamente. À necropsia as alterações pulmonares eram similares em todos os ovinos. Havia consolidação dos lobos craniais e da parte ventral dos lobos caudais e ao corte fluía exsudato mucopurulento da traquéia e dos brônquios. No parênquima dos lobos craniais havia áreas brancas multifocais a coalescentes com 0,2-0,5cm de diâmetro, levemente proeminentes e intercaladas por áreas vermelho-escuras. Pleurite fibrinosa foi observada nos Ovinos 1, 2 e 3. As lesões de consolidação ocupavam cerca de 70-80% da extensão pulmonar. Microscopicamente, as alterações eram de broncopneumonia fibrinopurulenta com intensa hiperemia, áreas com hemorragia intra-alveolar e espessamento dos septos interlobulares por inúmeros neutrófilos, restos celulares e intensa exsudação de fibrina. Áreas multifocais com necrose de liquefação contendo numerosas colônias bacterianas foram observadas no Ovino 3. Nos lobos craniais dos Ovinos 1, 2 e 3, haviam áreas com neutrófilos degenerados formando aglomerados de células alongadas com formato de “grãos de aveia” associados a colônias bacterianas. As alterações histológicas foram características de pneumonia causada por Mannheimia (M.) haemolytica. Amostras dos lobos craniais de todos os ovinos foram encaminhadas para cultivo bacteriológico e M. haemolytica foi isolada e identificada em todos os animais. Este é o primeiro relato correlacionando os achados patológicos e o isolamento de M. haemolytica como causa de broncopneumonia em ovinos no Brasil.

Abstract in English:

BSTRACT.- Reis A.B., Sant’Ana D.M.G., Azevedo J.F., Merlini L.S. & Araújo E.J.A. 2009. [The influence of the aquatic environment in tanks sequetially interconnected with PVC pipes on the gill epithelium and lamellas of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).] Alterações do epitélio branquial e das lamelas de tilápias (Oreochromis niloticus) causadas por mudanças do ambiente aquático em tanques de cultivo intensivo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):303-311. Laboratório de Neurogastroenterologia Experimental, Universidade Paranaense, Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes 4286, Umuarama, PR 87502-210, Brazil. E-mail: eduardoaraujo@unipar.br The behavior of the gill epithelium of tilapias cultured in tanks at different altitudes and interconnected with PVC pipes was analyzed. Gill filaments of four specimens from four tanks (T1, T2, T3 e T4) sequentially interconnected were submitted to histological routine to obtain 5-mm-thick cuts that were stained with HE or submitted to histochemistry reactions PAS + diastase solution or Alcian Blue pH 2.5 or Alcian Blue pH 1.0. Considering the intermediary, apical and basal regions of the filaments, the lamellar area was measured and the amount of mucous cells was counted. It was verified that oxygen, pH, and temperature decreased progressively as the water flew from one tank to another. Thus, an increase was realized of the amount of mucous cells and the lamellar area in T2, as well as a progressive decrease of these measures on the tanks which received water from T2. Moreover, detachment of the gill epithelium, cellular hyperplasia in the interlamellar space, and telangectasias were observed in the fishes from T2, T3 e T4. It was concluded that the aquatic environment in tanks sequentially interconnected with PVC pipes suffers alterations from one tank to another, as that physico-chemical fluctuations reflect on the behavior of the gill epithelium through variations of the lamellar area and the amount of mucous cells.

• Nile tilapia intensive culture system gill; morphometry mucous cells secundary lamellar cells

Abstract in Portuguese:

BSTRACT.- Reis A.B., Sant’Ana D.M.G., Azevedo J.F., Merlini L.S. & Araújo E.J.A. 2009. [The influence of the aquatic environment in tanks sequetially interconnected with PVC pipes on the gill epithelium and lamellas of tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus).] Alterações do epitélio branquial e das lamelas de tilápias (Oreochromis niloticus) causadas por mudanças do ambiente aquático em tanques de cultivo intensivo. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):303-311. Laboratório de Neurogastroenterologia Experimental, Universidade Paranaense, Praça Mascarenhas de Moraes 4286, Umuarama, PR 87502-210, Brazil. E-mail: eduardoaraujo@unipar.br The behavior of the gill epithelium of tilapias cultured in tanks at different altitudes and interconnected with PVC pipes was analyzed. Gill filaments of four specimens from four tanks (T1, T2, T3 e T4) sequentially interconnected were submitted to histological routine to obtain 5-mm-thick cuts that were stained with HE or submitted to histochemistry reactions PAS + diastase solution or Alcian Blue pH 2.5 or Alcian Blue pH 1.0. Considering the intermediary, apical and basal regions of the filaments, the lamellar area was measured and the amount of mucous cells was counted. It was verified that oxygen, pH, and temperature decreased progressively as the water flew from one tank to another. Thus, an increase was realized of the amount of mucous cells and the lamellar area in T2, as well as a progressive decrease of these measures on the tanks which received water from T2. Moreover, detachment of the gill epithelium, cellular hyperplasia in the interlamellar space, and telangectasias were observed in the fishes from T2, T3 e T4. It was concluded that the aquatic environment in tanks sequentially interconnected with PVC pipes suffers alterations from one tank to another, as that physico-chemical fluctuations reflect on the behavior of the gill epithelium through variations of the lamellar area and the amount of mucous cells.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Neto F.C.P., Guerra P.C., Costa F.B., Araújo A.V.C., Miglino M.A., Bombonato P.P.,Vulcano L.C. & Alves F.R. 2009. [Ultrasonography of the liver, renal and reproductive apparatus of Boa constrictor Snake.] Ultra-sonografia do fígado, aparelho renal e reprodutivo da jibóia (Boa constrictor). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):317-321. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: flaviovet@usp.br Currently, wild animals have been received special attention for domestic breeding. In Wild Animal Medicine, ultrasonographic exams could be considered as a tool to diagnose and prevent disease. Ultrasonographic examination of twenty snakes (Boa constrictor) was performed in order to describe the morphological and ultrasonography appearance of their coelomic structures. Examination by ultrasonography revealed the parechymal liver ranging from slightly hypoechogenic to hyperechogenic, with echogenic margins and homogeneous echotexture in total scanning of this organ. The kidney was accessible for examination by sagittal ultrasound, showing an ellipsoid shape, a hyperechogenic capsule with a thin and regular wall. Ultrasonographic scanning of ovarian follicle showed an ovoid shape, as well as a thin, regular and slightly hyperechogenic edge. No evident structures from male reproductive system were identified by ultrasound examination because of their similar echogenic appearance to the tissues around and the “body fat” that lies in this region. Examination by ultrasound of the coelomic structures was a fast and repeatable technique, which provides useful data to recognize the morphology, sintopy and ultrasonographic appearance of organs such as liver, kidneys and vitellogenic follicles.

• Boa constrictor snake ultrasound wild animals Amazon

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Neto F.C.P., Guerra P.C., Costa F.B., Araújo A.V.C., Miglino M.A., Bombonato P.P.,Vulcano L.C. & Alves F.R. 2009. [Ultrasonography of the liver, renal and reproductive apparatus of Boa constrictor Snake.] Ultra-sonografia do fígado, aparelho renal e reprodutivo da jibóia (Boa constrictor). Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):317-321. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo, SP 05508-270, Brazil. E-mail: flaviovet@usp.br Currently, wild animals have been received special attention for domestic breeding. In Wild Animal Medicine, ultrasonographic exams could be considered as a tool to diagnose and prevent disease. Ultrasonographic examination of twenty snakes (Boa constrictor) was performed in order to describe the morphological and ultrasonography appearance of their coelomic structures. Examination by ultrasonography revealed the parechymal liver ranging from slightly hypoechogenic to hyperechogenic, with echogenic margins and homogeneous echotexture in total scanning of this organ. The kidney was accessible for examination by sagittal ultrasound, showing an ellipsoid shape, a hyperechogenic capsule with a thin and regular wall. Ultrasonographic scanning of ovarian follicle showed an ovoid shape, as well as a thin, regular and slightly hyperechogenic edge. No evident structures from male reproductive system were identified by ultrasound examination because of their similar echogenic appearance to the tissues around and the “body fat” that lies in this region. Examination by ultrasound of the coelomic structures was a fast and repeatable technique, which provides useful data to recognize the morphology, sintopy and ultrasonographic appearance of organs such as liver, kidneys and vitellogenic follicles.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Néspoli P.B, Gheller V.A., Mahecha G.A.B., Godoy de Araújo D.K., Gilberto L. Macedo G.L.J. & Bordin A.I. 2009. [Morphologic aspects of hepatic ultrasonography in sheep.] Aspectos morfológicos da ultra-sonografia hepática de ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):333-338. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa s/n, Coxipó, Cuiabá, MT 78060-900, Brazil. E-mail: nespoli@ufmt.br The ultrasonography (US) is a complementary technique of choice for the diagnostic of hepatic diseases in many domestics’ species. In sheep however there are few reports about ultrasonography in hepatic diseases and there is not precise definition about the anatomic standards of normal liver limits in ultrasonographic examination. In this study 58 Santa Inês sheep breed were used and divided in 3 groups: n1=8 males, n2=10 not pregnant females and n3=40 pregnant females. The animals were scanned from the 12º to 8º intercostal spaces (EI) to observe the localization of the vena cava caudal (VC), gallbladder (VB) and to measure the liver thickness above the VC and vena portae VP under the 11º and 10º EI. The liver was examined on satisfactory way from the 12º till the 8º EI. Both the VC and the VP where observed from the 12º to 9º EI, however the VC could not be observed in 11 animals, 10 of them were over 50 kg. Between the two female groups the VC and VP where observed most frequently from the 11º to 10º EI and in all males examined from the 12º to 10º EI. The location of the gallbladder varies between the 10º to the 8º EI, with bigger incidence between the 9º and the 8º EI in pregnant and no pregnant females groups and underneath the 9º EI on the male group. Comparatively, the ecogenicity of the liver parenchyma was more intense than kidney cortex. There was a significant correlation between liver’s weight and hepatic thikness above the vena portae on the 11º and 10º EI on the pregnant females group. The US supplied to important information about the topography and echogenicity of the liver and showed to be a useful tool to esteem the liver’s weight.

• Sheep ultrasonography liver Vena cava caudalis Vena portae gall bladder

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Néspoli P.B, Gheller V.A., Mahecha G.A.B., Godoy de Araújo D.K., Gilberto L. Macedo G.L.J. & Bordin A.I. 2009. [Morphologic aspects of hepatic ultrasonography in sheep.] Aspectos morfológicos da ultra-sonografia hepática de ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 29(4):333-338. Departamento de Clínica Médica Veterinária, Faculdade Agronomia e Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Av. Fernando Corrêa da Costa s/n, Coxipó, Cuiabá, MT 78060-900, Brazil. E-mail: nespoli@ufmt.br The ultrasonography (US) is a complementary technique of choice for the diagnostic of hepatic diseases in many domestics’ species. In sheep however there are few reports about ultrasonography in hepatic diseases and there is not precise definition about the anatomic standards of normal liver limits in ultrasonographic examination. In this study 58 Santa Inês sheep breed were used and divided in 3 groups: n1=8 males, n2=10 not pregnant females and n3=40 pregnant females. The animals were scanned from the 12º to 8º intercostal spaces (EI) to observe the localization of the vena cava caudal (VC), gallbladder (VB) and to measure the liver thickness above the VC and vena portae VP under the 11º and 10º EI. The liver was examined on satisfactory way from the 12º till the 8º EI. Both the VC and the VP where observed from the 12º to 9º EI, however the VC could not be observed in 11 animals, 10 of them were over 50 kg. Between the two female groups the VC and VP where observed most frequently from the 11º to 10º EI and in all males examined from the 12º to 10º EI. The location of the gallbladder varies between the 10º to the 8º EI, with bigger incidence between the 9º and the 8º EI in pregnant and no pregnant females groups and underneath the 9º EI on the male group. Comparatively, the ecogenicity of the liver parenchyma was more intense than kidney cortex. There was a significant correlation between liver’s weight and hepatic thikness above the vena portae on the 11º and 10º EI on the pregnant females group. The US supplied to important information about the topography and echogenicity of the liver and showed to be a useful tool to esteem the liver’s weight.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Abreu S.R.O., Mota R.A., Rosinha G.M.S., Forner O., Pinheiro Júnior J.W., Pereira R.R.B., Castro R.S., Elisei C., Soares C.S., Araújo F.R. & Madureira R.C. 2008. [Genotypic comparison between Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis samples obtained from sheep and goats with caseous lymphadenitis, raised in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco.] Comparação genotípica de isolados de Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis de caprinos e ovinos do sertão de Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):481-487. Clínica Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Centro de Ensino Superior de Maceió, Rodovia Divaldo Suruagy s/n, Quadra 4, Lote 4, Praia do Francês, Marechal Deodoro, AL 57160-000, Brazil. E-mail: silviobiotec@yahoo.com.br The objective was to genotypically compare 35 samples of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis obtained from abscesses of sheep and goats diagnosed with caseous lymphadenitis originated from 5 different municipalities in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco, Brazil. The RFLP-PCR technique with Hpy-Ch4 and Msp I and Pst I Msp I restriction enzimes was used to fingerprint the genes rpoB and pld, respectively. The results demonstrate that there was no difference on the fragments banding pattern among samples, independently of the host species or geographic area studied, defining a homogeneous profile of C. pseudotuberculosis responsible for superficial abscesses for the region.

• Genotyping RFLP-PCR Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis goats sheep

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Abreu S.R.O., Mota R.A., Rosinha G.M.S., Forner O., Pinheiro Júnior J.W., Pereira R.R.B., Castro R.S., Elisei C., Soares C.S., Araújo F.R. & Madureira R.C. 2008. [Genotypic comparison between Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis samples obtained from sheep and goats with caseous lymphadenitis, raised in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco.] Comparação genotípica de isolados de Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis de caprinos e ovinos do sertão de Pernambuco. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):481-487. Clínica Escola de Medicina Veterinária, Faculdade de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Centro de Ensino Superior de Maceió, Rodovia Divaldo Suruagy s/n, Quadra 4, Lote 4, Praia do Francês, Marechal Deodoro, AL 57160-000, Brazil. E-mail: silviobiotec@yahoo.com.br The objective was to genotypically compare 35 samples of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis obtained from abscesses of sheep and goats diagnosed with caseous lymphadenitis originated from 5 different municipalities in the semi-arid region of Pernambuco, Brazil. The RFLP-PCR technique with Hpy-Ch4 and Msp I and Pst I Msp I restriction enzimes was used to fingerprint the genes rpoB and pld, respectively. The results demonstrate that there was no difference on the fragments banding pattern among samples, independently of the host species or geographic area studied, defining a homogeneous profile of C. pseudotuberculosis responsible for superficial abscesses for the region.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Araujo J.A.S., Riet-Correa F., Medeiros R.M.T., Soares M.P., Oliveira D.M. & Carvalho F.K.L. 2008. [Experimental poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) in goats and sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) em caprinos e ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):488-494. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Campus de Patos, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Ipomoea asarifolia causes a tremogenic syndrome in sheep, goats, cattle and buffaloes. The objectives of the experiments were (1) to determine the toxicity to goats of fresh I. asarifolia collected during the raining and the dry season, and the toxicity of the dried plant, and (2) to determine the toxicity of the plant to sheep, and if the active principle is eliminated through the milk. In the first experiment the plant collected in the dry season and in the raining season was fed to 16 goats. The plant collected during the dry season caused clinical signs at the daily doses of 5g and 10g/kg body weight. The plant collected during the raining season was toxic at daily doses of 20g and 30g/kg, indicating that the plant is more toxic during the dry season. The plant collected in the dry season and dried was fed to 9 goats at doses of 1.7g, 2.0g, 3.4g, and 5.1g per kg. Daily doses of 3.0g, 4.0g and 5.1g/kg caused clinical signs, showing that the plant maintains its toxicity after being dried. In the second experiment the fresh plant collected in the dry and in the raining season was fed to 10 sheep. The plant collected in the dry season was toxic at the dose of 5g/kg, and the plant collected in the raining season was toxic at the doses of 10g and 20g/kg. The experimental results suggest that sheep are more susceptible to the poisoning than goats. As some farmers mentioned that suckling non-grazing lambs are poisoned by milk ingestion, I. asarifolia was fed at daily doses of 2.5g, 5.0g and 10g/kg for variable periods to 5 sheep from the day of parturition (2 sheep), after the last day of pregnancy (1 sheep) and 60 days before parturition (2 sheep). The sheep but not the lambs showed clinical signs of intoxication suggesting that the active principle is not eliminated through the milk at doses toxic for the lambs. In one euthanized sheep no gross or histologic lesions were detected. The main ultra-structural findings were found in Purkinje cell dendrites and included swelling, decrease or absence of dendritic spines, decrease or absence of neurotubules and neurofilaments and vacuolation of the dendroplasm. Swelling of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and granular eletrondense inclusions in dendroplasm was observed. Swelling of astrocyte foot processes was conspicuous. It is suggested that these alterations are a result of continuous tremors induced by the plant with liberation of glutamate causing excitotoxicity, which probably constitutes a neuronal mechanism of defense.

• Toxic plants Ipomoea asarifolia goats sheep plant poisoning Purkinje cells swollen dendrites exitotoxicity tremogenic toxins

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Araujo J.A.S., Riet-Correa F., Medeiros R.M.T., Soares M.P., Oliveira D.M. & Carvalho F.K.L. 2008. [Experimental poisoning by Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) in goats and sheep.] Intoxicação experimental por Ipomoea asarifolia (Convolvulaceae) em caprinos e ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(10):488-494. Hospital Veterinário, CSTR, Campus de Patos, Universidade Federal de Campina Grande, Patos, PB 58700-000, Brazil. E-mail: franklin.riet@pq.cnpq.br Ipomoea asarifolia causes a tremogenic syndrome in sheep, goats, cattle and buffaloes. The objectives of the experiments were (1) to determine the toxicity to goats of fresh I. asarifolia collected during the raining and the dry season, and the toxicity of the dried plant, and (2) to determine the toxicity of the plant to sheep, and if the active principle is eliminated through the milk. In the first experiment the plant collected in the dry season and in the raining season was fed to 16 goats. The plant collected during the dry season caused clinical signs at the daily doses of 5g and 10g/kg body weight. The plant collected during the raining season was toxic at daily doses of 20g and 30g/kg, indicating that the plant is more toxic during the dry season. The plant collected in the dry season and dried was fed to 9 goats at doses of 1.7g, 2.0g, 3.4g, and 5.1g per kg. Daily doses of 3.0g, 4.0g and 5.1g/kg caused clinical signs, showing that the plant maintains its toxicity after being dried. In the second experiment the fresh plant collected in the dry and in the raining season was fed to 10 sheep. The plant collected in the dry season was toxic at the dose of 5g/kg, and the plant collected in the raining season was toxic at the doses of 10g and 20g/kg. The experimental results suggest that sheep are more susceptible to the poisoning than goats. As some farmers mentioned that suckling non-grazing lambs are poisoned by milk ingestion, I. asarifolia was fed at daily doses of 2.5g, 5.0g and 10g/kg for variable periods to 5 sheep from the day of parturition (2 sheep), after the last day of pregnancy (1 sheep) and 60 days before parturition (2 sheep). The sheep but not the lambs showed clinical signs of intoxication suggesting that the active principle is not eliminated through the milk at doses toxic for the lambs. In one euthanized sheep no gross or histologic lesions were detected. The main ultra-structural findings were found in Purkinje cell dendrites and included swelling, decrease or absence of dendritic spines, decrease or absence of neurotubules and neurofilaments and vacuolation of the dendroplasm. Swelling of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and granular eletrondense inclusions in dendroplasm was observed. Swelling of astrocyte foot processes was conspicuous. It is suggested that these alterations are a result of continuous tremors induced by the plant with liberation of glutamate causing excitotoxicity, which probably constitutes a neuronal mechanism of defense.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida A.E., Wenceslau C.V., Teixeira D.G., Araújo K.P.C., Morini A.C., Morini Jr J.C., Ambrósio C.E., Miglino M.A. & Prada I.L.S. 2008. [Morphophysiology of diaphragm innervation in sheep.] Morfofisiologia da inervação do diafragma de ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(9):399-409. Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: ceambrosio@usp.br Thirty diaphragms of sheep of Santa Inês breed were studied regarding their origin, division and arrangement of the right and left phrenic nerves (Fde), and the participation of other nerves in the innervation of the diaphragm. By fixing and dissecting pieces, it was found that phrenic nerves (F) frequently come from the ventral branches of the 5th (C5) and 6th (C6) cervical spinal nerves (Ec), at right (46.67%) and at left (43.33%). The F often form a lumbocostal trunk, sternal branches at right (40.00%) and lumbar, costal and esternal branches at left (36.68%). The lumbar branches of F innervate frequently at left (96.67%) the homolateral pillar of the diaphragma, and at right (50.00%) they give fillets to Vena cava caudalis. The costal branches of the F innervate at left (90.00%) and at right (76.66%) the dorsal and ventral regions of the pars costalis. The sternal branches of the F innervate at right (100.00%) and at left (83.33%) the pars sternalis and the ventral region of the pars costalis at the same side. The intercostal nerves (VII to XII pairs, 63.33%) contribute to innervate the diaphragm of Santa Inês sheep.

• Anatomy; phrenic nerves sheep diaphragma nervous system

Abstract in Portuguese:

ABSTRACT.- Almeida A.E., Wenceslau C.V., Teixeira D.G., Araújo K.P.C., Morini A.C., Morini Jr J.C., Ambrósio C.E., Miglino M.A. & Prada I.L.S. 2008. [Morphophysiology of diaphragm innervation in sheep.] Morfofisiologia da inervação do diafragma de ovinos. Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira 28(9):399-409. Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo, SP 05508-900, Brazil. E-mail: ceambrosio@usp.br Thirty diaphragms of sheep of Santa Inês breed were studied regarding their origin, division and arrangement of the right and left phrenic nerves (Fde), and the participation of other nerves in the innervation of the diaphragm. By fixing and dissecting pieces, it was found that phrenic nerves (F) frequently come from the ventral branches of the 5th (C5) and 6th (C6) cervical spinal nerves (Ec), at right (46.67%) and at left (43.33%). The F often form a lumbocostal trunk, sternal branches at right (40.00%) and lumbar, costal and esternal branches at left (36.68%). The lumbar branches of F innervate frequently at left (96.67%) the homolateral pillar of the diaphragma, and at right (50.00%) they give fillets to Vena cava caudalis. The costal branches of the F innervate at left (90.00%) and at right (76.66%) the dorsal and ventral regions of the pars costalis. The sternal branches of the F innervate at right (100.00%) and at left (83.33%) the pars sternalis and the ventral region of the pars costalis at the same side. The intercostal nerves (VII to XII pairs, 63.33%) contribute to innervate the diaphragm of Santa Inês sheep.