Search

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a treatment using injectable zinc and copper in rats infected with Trypanosoma evansi. 48 rats were divided into eight groups of six animals each. Group A was composed of uninfected animals. Animals from groups B-H were inoculated at the 5th day of experiment with 1.2×10(6) trypanosomes. Group B was used as a positive control. The infected groups received prophylactic (C, D and E) and therapeutic (F, G and H) treatments with the zinc and copper, both at a dose of 5 mg kg(-1). The effectiveness of treatment was confirmed by negative blood smears and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) at the end of study. All treated animals had their prepatent period and survival prolonged when compared with control group (group B). Treatment efficacy was 17% (C: zinc), 33% (D: copper), 50% (E: zinc+copper), 0% (F: zinc), 50% (G: copper) and 50% (H: zinc+copper). Thus, we can conclude that treatment with zinc and copper are capable of controlling and/or curing T. evansi infection in rats, delaying the parasitemia and prolonging their survival.

The present study aimed to assess the oxidative profile, erythrogram and mineral interaction in lambs with anemia due to worm infection supplemented with different forms of oral iron. It was used 27 lambs, 6 to 8 month old, naturally infected by Haemonchus contortus , which showed packed cell volume between 16 and 18%. The animals were divided in three groups: Control Group (GC) n=9, Ferrous Sulphate Group (G2) n=9 and Ferric Sulphate Group (G3) n=9. The animals of G2 received 1 g of ferrous sulphate (Fe+2) orally daily, equivalent to 200 milligram of iron, the animals of G3 received 1 g of ferric sulphate (Fe+3) orally daily, or equivalent to 200 milligram of iron, whereas the GC received no treatment. The samples were taked on day 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of the experiment, and during four days two animals of each group were kept in metabolic cages to measure the faecal minerals excretion. There was no difference among the groups about serum iron values and parameters of red blood cells. The serum copper and zinc values were lower in the G2 and G3 on days 21 and 28 of the experiment, whereas the faecal copper, iron and zinc excretion was higher in the same groups. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were lower in the G2 and G3 on day 28 whereas the levels of non-protein thiol groups (NPTH) showed a decrease on days 21 and 28. In relation to reactive species thio-barbituric acid (TBARS), there was an increase on day 28 in the G2 and G3. Based on these results, it was concluded that the oral supplementation with 200 mg of iron, irrespective of its form, ferrous or ferric, does not increase the erythrocyte response in lambs. As well as, it has antagonist action on copper and zinc, reducing its serum concentrations and increasing the faecal excretion of these minerals. Moreover, the decrease of the serum copper and zinc concentrations causes a decrease in activity of superoxide dismutase, causing an oxidative stress situation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the blood gas profile of experimentally copper-poisoned sheep (in the pre-hemolytic, hemolytic and post-hemolytic phases) that have been treated or not treated with ammonium tetrathiomolybdate. Ten lambs of the Santa Ines breed were divided into two groups: control and ATTM (treated (ammonium tetrathiomolibydate). The animals were submitted to increasing doses of copper sulfate until macroscopic hemoglobinuria was detected.All of the control animals from died within four days of hemolytic crisis, and one sheep from ATTM died during the treatment. There was no difference in blood gas parameters between experimental groups. Higher values of pCO2 were observed during the hemolytic crisis (HC) in both groups. The control group had higher mean values of hCO3 in the times HC and 2 days after hemolytic crisis (dA) when compared with the time 15 before hemolytic crises (dB). The sheep that were treated with ATTM presented lower values of hCO3 at 7dB and higher levels at the HC. The control and ATTM groups exhibited higher values of BE during the HC. Poisoning resulted in disorder in the acid-base equilibrium, characterized by metabolic alkalosis and respiratory acidosis. Treatment with ATTM was able to reverse the changes in acid-base balance in copper poisoning sheep. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o perfil de gases sanguineos em ovinos experimentalmente intoxicados com cobre (fases: pré-hemoltica, hemolitica e pós-hemolitica) tratados ou não com tetratiomolibidato de amônio (ATTM). Dez cordeiros da raça Santa Inês foram divididos em dois grupos:controle (tratados com solução fisiologica a 0,9%) e ATTM (tratados com 3,4 mg/kg de tetratiomolibidato de amonio). Os animais foram submetidos a doses crescentes de sulfato de cobre até a observação de hemoglobinúria macroscópica. Todos os animais do grupo controle morreram dentro de quatro dias após observação da hemoglobinúria, e um cordeiro do grupo ATTM morreu durante o tratamento. Não houve diferença nas varíaveis hemogasometricas entre os grupos durante o período experimental. Maiores valores da pCO2 foram observados nos dois grupos experimentais dutante a crise hemolitica (HC). O grupo controle exibiu valores mais elevados do hCO3 na HC e dois dias após a crise hemolitica em relação ao tempo 15 dias após a crise hemolitica. Os animais do grupo tratado com ATTM apresentaram, respectivamente, amenores e maiores valores do hCO3 sete dias antes da crise hemolitica e durante a crise hemolitica. Os dois grupos exibiram maiores valores da BE na crise hemolitica. A intoxicação por cobre gerou desordem no equilibrio ácido-base, caracterizada por alcalose metabolica e acidose respiratória. O tratamento com ATTM foi capaz de reverter as alterações hemogasometricas em ovinos intoxicados por cobre.

To establish reference values and to assess the influence of age on the leukograms of healthy Holstein calves, blood samples were obtained from 300 animals. These samples were distributed equally (n=20) among 15 experimental groups according to age: birth to 8 hours, 9 to 16 hours, 17 to 24 hours, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 to 7 days, 8 to 9 days, 10 to 11 days, 12 to 13 days, 14 to 15 days, 16 to 20 days, 21 to 25 days and 26 to 30 days of age. The maximum numbers of leukocytes (9,305.0/mL), segmented neutrophils (6,551.2/mL) and total neutrophils (6,678.3/mL) were noted within the first 8 hours of life, while band neutrophils peaked in number (133.3/mL) between 9 and 16 hours after birth. Meanwhile, the maximum total lymphocyte (4,992.1/µL) and typical lymphocyte (4,686.1/µL) counts occurred between 21 and 25 days, whereas atypical lymphocytes (388.5/µL) reached their maximum number between 26 and 30 days, demonstrating an inversion of the neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio over time. Thus, the influence of age on the leukocyte count of the evaluated calves was verified. The release of endogenous corticosteroids during labor or at birth may contribute to this variation in leukograms with age. Com a finalidade de estabelecer os valores de referência e de avaliar a influência do fator etário sobre o leucograma de bezerras sadias, da raça Holandesa, utilizaram-se amostras de sangue de 300 animais, distribuídos com igual número (n=20) por 15 grupos experimentais, de acordo com a idade: do nascimento até 8 horas de vida; de 9 até 16 horas; de 17 até 24 horas; 2 dias de idade; 3 dias; 4 dias; 5 dias; 6 a 7 dias; 8 a 9 dias; 10 a 11 dias; 12 a 13 dias; 14 a 15 dias; de 16 a 20 dias; de 2l a 25 dias; e de 26 a 30 dias de vida. Puderam-se observar valores máximos nas primeiras oito horas de vida para leucócitos (9305,0/µL), neutrófilos segmentados (6551,2/µL) e neutrófilos totais (6678,3/µL); entre 9 a 16 horas pós-nascimento para os neutrófilos bastonetes (133,3/µL). Para os linfócitos totais (4992,1/µL) e os linfócitos típicos (4686,1/µL) os valores máximos ocorreram entre 21 e 25 dias, e para os linfócitos atípicos (388,5/µL), entre 26 e 30 dias, demonstrando-se uma inversão na relação neutrófilo: linfócito, com o decorrer dos dias de vida. Constatou-se a da influência do fator etário no leucograma dos bezerros avaliados, no entanto acredita-se que a liberação de corticoides endógenos no momento do parto/nascimento, contribuíram para esta variação.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the utilization of a standard treatment with diminazene aceturate against the infection caused by Trypanosoma evansi, associated to sodium selenite and vitamin E. In vitro tests showed trypanocidal effect related to the treatment with diminazene aceturate and sodium selenite, but vitamin E had no harmful effect on the trypanosomes. In vivo experiments utilized a total of 72 adult outbreed females rats, separated into 9 groups (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I), 8 animals each. Group A was the uninfected group; groups B to I were infected with 0.2mL of blood containing 10(6) trypanosomes. Parasitemia was estimated daily by microscopic examination of blood smears. Group B served as positive control; group C was treated with diminazene aceturate; group D with sodium selenite; group E with vitamin E; group F received an association of diminazene aceturate and sodium selenite; group G received an association of diminazene aceturate and vitamin E; group H received an association of diminazene aceturate, sodium selenite and vitamin E, and group I received an association of sodium selenite and vitamin E. Diminazene aceturate was administrated in a single dose on the 3rd day post infection (PI). Sodium selenite and vitamin E were administered at the 3rd and 23rd day PI. In vivo tests showed increase of longevity in groups treated with diminazene aceturate associated with sodium selenite (groups F and H). No difference was found between groups C and E, thus the vitamin E did not increase the efficacy of treatment against T. evansi when associated to diminazene aceturate. The curative efficacy of treatments was 37.5, 87.7, 37.7 and 75% to the groups C, F, G and H, respectively. Other treatments showed no efficacy. The sodium selenite when combined with chemotherapy may represent an alternative in the treatment of trypanosomosis.

Diphenyl diselenide ((PhSe)2) is a organoselenium compound with potent antioxidant properties. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether subcutaneous supplementation of (PhSe)2 in dairy sheep has positive effects on milk composition, as well as on the prevention of oxidative stress and exacerbated inflammatory response. For this, 16 primiparous recently calved sheep were divided into the following two groups, with eight animals in each: Group A, the control group; and Group B, the group subcutaneously supplemented with five doses of (PhSe)2 of 3.0µmol/kg each every 7 days. Blood samples from supplemented animals showed increased concentration of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase), and reduced reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation, which prevented oxidative damage in the lactation period, as well as increased seric interleukin-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. In the sera, supplemented animals showed increased total antioxidant capacity and ferric-reducing ability of plasma compared with the control group. As a consequence, supplemented animals showed increased antioxidant variables, as well as reduced protein oxidation in milk samples. Moreover, milk from supplemented sheep showed a higher fat content, and lower total protein and lactose contents in some periods in the study, than did not-supplemented ewes. Seric concentrations of interleukin-1 were lower on Days 30 and 45 in supplemented animals, as well as the concentrations of tumour necrosis factor α in all periods, than were those in the control group, whereas the interleukin-10 concentrations were higher. Thus, dairy sheep supplementation of (PhSe)2 activated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses, and increased milk fat content. Moreover, this protocol increased the antioxidant and, consequently, reduced the oxidant concentration in milk, which is desirable for product quality.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os parâmetros hematologicos em bufalos de diferentes faixas etarias criados emsistema extensivo no Rio Grande do Sul. Utilizaram-se 45 bufalos, separados em tres grupos: grupo 1 (n=12) animais comseis meses de idade; grupo 2 (n=16) animais com 12 meses de idade e grupo 3 (n=17) animais com 24 meses de idade.Verificou-se diferenca significativa entre os grupos nos seguintes parâmetros hematologicos: contagem de hemacias,concentracao de hemoglobina, hematocrito, volume corpuscular medio (VCM), leucocitos totais, neutrofilos segmentados,eosinofilos, monocitos e fibrinogenio. Os resultados encontrados indicam que existem variacoes no hemograma de bubalinosconforme a idade analisada. Dessa forma, e necessario que medicos-veterinarios tenham conhecimento desses valorespara que esses dados nao sejam interpretados como indicativo de doenca.

The objective of this study was to evaluate neutrophil oxidative metabolism and haemogram in sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and supplemented with selenium and vitamin E. Twenty male Corriedale sheep were utilised and distributed into four experimental groups each with five animals infected with larvae: G1--supplemented with sodium selenite, 0.2 mg/kg body weight (bw) given intramuscularly (IM); G2--supplemented with sodium selenite and vitamin E, 0.2 mg/kg bw and 2000 IU per animal, respectively, both IM; G3--supplemented with vitamin E, 2000 IU per animal IM; G4--not supplemented. A haemogram and the number of parasite eggs were determined in samples of blood and faeces, respectively, on days zero (T0), 20 (T1), 40 (T2) and 60 (T3) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assays were performed on heparinized blood samples taken on days zero, 30 and 60. A lower total leucocyte count was detected in G1 in relation to G4 at T4. Lymphocytes were reduced in G1 in relation to G3 and G4 at T3. In both non-stimulated (NBT-NS) and stimulated (NBT-S) dye reduction assays, there was reduced activity at 60 days, in relation to other times in the groups treated with selenium (G1 and G2). On the basis of results obtained, we conclude that supplementation with selenium provides better antioxidant protection to neutrophils.

The purpose of the present study was to establish a practical, fast, precise and low-cost procedure to estimate the degree of metabolic acidosis in cattle with acute rumen lactic acidosis for further treatment. The rumen acidosis was induced experimentally in 40 crossbreed rumen-cannulated 1.5-year-old steers. The induction caused the development of the most characteristic clinical signs of acute rumen lactic acidosis, severe rumen acidosis and a moderate metabolic acidosis, which was evidenced by low blood pH, and blood bicarbonate concentration and base excess (BE). A highly positive correlation (r=0.80) between urinary pH and BE concentration, and between urinary pH and blood pH (r=0.75) was observed. The BE concentration estimated by urinary pH was similar to that determined by venous blood gas analysis (P>0.99). Furthermore, the results presented by the predictive formula were very significant. In conclusion, urinary pH is a good tool to predict the quantity of buffers needed to treat metabolic acidosis in cattle with acute rumen lactic acidosis. O presente estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver um procedimento de baixo custo, preciso, rápido e prático para estimar o grau de acidose metabólica, para tratar bovinos com quadros de acidose láctica ruminal. A acidose ruminal foi induzida experimentalmente em 40 novilhos mestiços de 1,5 anos de idade, implantados com cânula ruminal. Essa indução causou o surgimento de sinais clínicos muito típicos da enfermidade aguda, com o aparecimento de pronunciada acidose ruminal e acidose metabólica de grau moderado, caracterizado por baixo pH sangüíneo e diminutos teores de bicarbonato e excesso de base (BE) no sangue. Verificou-se uma alta correlação positiva (r = 0,80) entre o pH urinário e o BE e entre o pH urinário e o pH sangüíneo (r = 0,75). A concentração de BE estimado pelo pH urinário foi similar à obtida pela análise do hemogasômetro (P = 0,99). Além disso, os resultados apresentados pela fórmula de predição foram muito significativos. Dessa forma, conclui-se que a mensuração do pH urinário é uma boa alternativa para estimar a quantidade necessária de tampão para tratar o quadro de acidose metabólica em bovinos com acidose láctica ruminal aguda.

Gastrointestinal parasites are one of the biggest health problems faced in sheep, mainly due to their pathogenicity and resistance to drugs used to control these parasites. Thus, the following study aimed to assess the anthelmintic efficacy of Melaleuca alternifolia against Haemonchus contortus in gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) experimentally infected. Three treatments were tested: M. alternifolia essential oil, popularly known as tea tree oil (TTO), a solid lipid nanocarrier made with essential oil of Melaleuca (nanoTTO), and terpinen-4-ol (terp-4-ol). In vivo studies were performed by determining the mean worm burden of H. contortus in gerbils TTO (0.75 mL/kg); nanoTTO (0.5 mL/kg) and terp-4-ol (0.5 mL l/kg) were able to reduce 46.36%; 48.64%, and 43.18% worm burden, respectively. H. contortus increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, as demonstrated by liver injury. It was found that the TTO, nanoTTO, and terp-4-ol were not toxic to liver and kidneys since hepatic and renal functions were not affected. Moreover, terp-4-ol was able to prevent increased levels of seric AST and ALT in infected animals, indicating a hepatoprotective effect. Thus, our results indicate that TTO, nanoTTO, and terp-4-ol are safe and efficient against H. contortus infection in gerbils, and possibly the terp-4-ol may be considered the compound present in the Melaleuca alternifolia responsible for parasitic action against H. contortus.

Com o objetivo de validar um protocolo de indução de diarréia osmótica e avaliar comparativamente a eficácia de três diferentes tratamentos, foram utilizados 18 bezerros holandeses hígidos, com idade entre oito e 30 dias, e peso variando entre 37 e 50 Kg. A diarréia e a desidratação foram induzidas por via oral, através da administração de leite integral (16,5 ml/Kg), de quatro gramas de sacarose por quilo e de dois tipos de diuréticos (espirolactona e hidroclorotiazida, em dose de 2mg/Kg), a cada oito horas, por um período de 48 horas. Os bezerros foram distribuídos aleatoriamente por três grupos experimentais, cada um com seis animais, que receberam as seguintes soluções: solução salina hipertônica à 7,5% (SSH-4ml/kg IV), solução eletrolítica oral (SEI-60ml/kg) e a associação dessas duas soluções (SSH+SEI), sendo a SEI administrada por mais duas vezes com um intervalo de oito horas. O exame físico e as colheitas de sangue para determinações do hemograma, de dosagens hemogasométricas e de componentes bioquímicos séricos e plasmáticos foram realizadas nos seguintes momentos: 0h (antes da indução), 24 e 48 horas pós-indução(PI) de diarréia, e com 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 e 72 horas pós-tratamento (PT).As amostras de fezes e urina foram colhidas às 0h, 24 e 48 horas PI, e 24, 48 e 72 horas PT. O protocolo de indução da diarréia obteve 100% de resposta produzindo diarréia aquosa e desidratação severa (equivalente a 13% do peso corpóreo) acompanhada de azotemia pré-renal, aumentos no volume globular, no teor de hemoglobina e na proteína total; hipercalemia; hiperlactemia; hiperfosfatemia; acidose metabólica; elevado déficit de volume plasmático; aumentos da densidade urinária, da concentração de uréia e creatinina urinárias e do lactato urinário e fecal; diminuições da pressão venosa central, do pH urinário e fecal. Os animais tratados com SSH+SEI diminuíram de forma rápida e substancial os valores do volume globular e do déficit de volume plasmático; aumentaram o pH sangüíneo e a pressão venosa central entre 1hPT e 3hPT, além de manterem as concentrações de glicose próximas aos valores basais durante todo o período de tratamento. A SEI também promoveu o restabelecimento das variáveis anteriormente citadas, porém de forma mais lenta quando comparada com o uso da SSH+SEI. Os animais tratados apenas com SSH exibiram, no monitoramento através de exames físico e laboratoriais, sinais de desidratação, de depressão clínica e de acidose metabólica ainda às 24hPT, indicando que o uso isolado dessa solução não é eficaz no tratamento da diarréia em bezerros neonatos. With the purpose of validating a protocol for osmotic diarrhea induction and to comparatively evaluate the efficacy of three different treatments, 18 healthy Holstein calves, with eight to 30 days old, and 37 to 50 Kg of body weight were used. The diarrhea and dehydration were orally induced, through the administration of whole milk (16.5 ml/Kg bwt), sucrose 4g/Kg bwt and two types of diuretics (spironolactone and hydrochlorothiazide, in a dosage of 2mg/Kg bwt), every eight hours, for a total period of 48 hours. The calves were randomly distributed into three experimental groups, each one with six animals, which received the following solutions: 7.5% hypertonic saline solution (HSS - 4ml/Kg bwt, IV), oral electrolytic solution (OES - 60ml/Kg bwt) and the association of both solutions (HSS+OES), being the OES administered two more times with an interval of eight hours. The physical examination and blood sampling for hemogram determinations, hemogasometric dosages and serum and plasmatic biochemical components were done in the following moments: 0h (before the induction), 24 and 48h post-induction (PI) of diarrhea, and within 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 hours post-treatment (PT). The protocol for osmotic diarrhea induction had a 100% response with aqueous diarrhea and severe dehydration (corresponding to 13% of body weight), followed by pre-renal azotemia, increases in the globular volume, and hemoglobin and total protein levels; hyperkalemia; hyperlactemia; hyperphosphatemia; metabolic acidosis; high plasmatic volume deficit; increases of urinary density, urinary urea and creatinine concentrations and urinary and fecal lactate; diminished central venous pressure and urinary and fecal pH. The animals treated with HSS+OES rapidly and substantially diminished the values of globular volume and plasmatic volume deficit; had the blood pH and central venous pressure increased between 1hPT and 3hPT, besides they maintained glucose concentrations near basal values along the period of treatment. The OES also promoted the reestablishment of the cited variables, although in a slower manner when compared with the use of HSS+OES. The animals treated only with HSS showed, through the physical and laboratory exams, signs of dehydration, clinical depression and metabolic acidosis still at 24hPT, indicating that the isolated use of this solution is not efficient in the treatment of neonatal diarrhea in calves.

Haemonchus contortus is one of the major gastrointestinal nematodes responsible for significant economic and production losses of sheep. Diseases caused by this species lack effective anthelmintic products, and the search for new compounds to replace synthetic anthelmintics has been extensive. The present investigation assesses the in vitro activity of the essential oil of melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia), both free (TTO) and nanostructured (nanoTTO), and terpinen-4-ol (terp-4-ol) on eggs and larvae of H. contortus. Tests of egg hatching (EHT) and inhibition of larval migration (LMIT) were used to assess the in vitro efficacy of TTO, nanoTTO and terp-4-ol. Using EHT, at a concentration of 3.5 mg/ml, 100% inhibition occurred using TTO and terp-4-ol, with LC50 values of 0.43 and 0.63 mg/ml, and LC90 values of 1.75 mg/ml and 3.12 mg/ml, respectively. NanoTTO had lower activity, with 82.6% inhibition at the same concentration. Using LMIT, TTO and nanoTTO had a similar activity with 88.0% and 84.8% inhibition, respectively, at a concentration of 56 mg/ml. Terp-4-ol had a greater effect on larvae, with 85.7% inhibition at a concentration of 56 mg/ml and 82.4% at 3.5 mg/ml, demonstrating high activity at the lowest concentration tested. Therefore, the results indicate that all substances tested showed ovicidal and larvicidal activity against H. contortus. TTO, terp-4-ol and, mainly, nanoTTO may be targeted in in vivo studies, besides being a promising line of research into the control and treatment of veterinary important helminths.

Com o propósito de estabelecer valores-padrão da pressão venosa central (PVC), utilizaram-se 24 bezerros sadios, da raça Holandesa, com idade entre oito e 30 dias, e peso entre 37 e 50kg. A PVC foi medida, no átrio direito, com uso de cateter intravenoso e equipo próprio usando-se como via de acesso a veia jugular esquerda. O átrio direito foi considerado o ponto zero de referência para as leituras, estando topograficamente em correspondência externa à articulação escapuloumeral no animal em estação e à região do esterno, quando em decúbito lateral direito. Estabeleceram-se os valores médios da PVC, em centímetros de água, de 0,81±1,40 e 0,88±1,76, respectivamente, nos animais em estação e em decúbito lateral, e não houve diferença estatística entre os valores. A metodologia empregada para mensurar a PVC de bezerros revelou-se segura e exeqüível, não necessitando de aparelhagem sofisticada para a sua determinação.

Foram estabelecidos critérios de interpretação do teste de tuberculinização aplicado ao diagnóstico da tuberculose em grupos de caprinos experimentalmente sensibilizados. Dos 30 animais utilizados, dez foram sensibilizados com Mycobacterium avium - amostra D4 (grupo A) e dez com Mycobacterium bovis - amostra AN5 (grupo B). Dez caprinos não foram sensibilizados e constituíram o grupo controle (grupo C). No teste cervical simples, realizado com tuberculina bovina (M. bovis) e lido às 72 horas pós-tuberculinização (p.t.), as reações positivas foram aquelas em que houve aumento da espessura da dobra de pele igual ou superior a 3,9mm; reações inconclusivas, quando situadas entre 1,8 e 3,8mm, e negativas quando iguais ou menores que 1,7mm. A análise dos resultados do teste cervical comparativo, realizado com o M. avium e M. bovis e lido às 72 horas p.t., indicou reação positiva quando o aumento da espessura da dobra da pele induzida pela tuberculina bovina superou a reação à aviária em pelo menos 2,5mm; reação inconclusiva quando a diferença entre a reação à tuberculina bovina e à tuberculina aviária ficou situada entre 1,9 e 2,4mm; e negativa quando a reação bovina ultrapassou a aviária em até 1,8mm. Às 96 horas após a injeção da tuberculina, foi efetuada a avaliação histológica do local das reações tuberculínicas colhendo-se amostras de pele de cinco caprinos dos grupos A e B e de quatro animais do grupo controle; os resultados confirmaram a presença, nos grupos sensibilizados, de infiltrado inflamatório, constituído, preferencialmente, por células mononucleares. The tuberculin skin test was established with the aim to be applied in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in experimentally sensitized goats. Thirty goats were alocated into three groups with ten animals each. The animals in group A were sensitized with Mycobacterium avium sample D4; group B with Mycobacterium bovis sample AN5; and group C (control) was inoculated with saline solution. The results of the simple cervical test after 72h of bovine tuberculin inoculation was interpreted as follow: positive reaction, when there was an increase in the skin fold thickness greater than 3.9mm; suspicious, when from 1.8 to 3.8mm; and negative when less than 1.7mm. The analysis of the results of the comparative cervical test between M. avium and M. bovis and analysed, 72h after tuberculin, indicated positive reactions, when the increase in skin fold thickness induced by M. bovis was greater than that one induced by the avian tuberculin at least 2.5mm; it was considered suspicious when the difference between the bovine and avian tuberculin reactions was from 1.9 to 2.4mm; and negative when this difference was smaller than 1.8mm. The histological evaluation of the local specific tuberculin response, were performed in skin samples collected from five goats in group A, five in group B, and four in group C, the results were the presence of mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate at 96h after tuberculin inoculation.

The aim of this study was to evaluate adenosine deaminase (E-ADA) activity in sera of lambs experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus. We used 12 lambs divided into 2 groups; Group A had 5 healthy, non-infected animals (control) and Group B had 7 healthy animals infected with H. contortus. Lambs were infected orally with 500 larvae (L3) per animal every 2 days, for a period of 20 days, and later the infection was confirmed by examination of feces (eggs per gram [EPG] via fecal egg count). Blood collection was performed at days 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 post-infection (PI) for analysis of E-ADA activity. Animals in Group A showed negative EPG throughout the experiment unlike those from Group B that had elevated EPG counts. E-ADA activity was reduced in the serum of animals infected with H. contortus when compared to non-infected controls at days 20, 40, 60, and 80 PI. Therefore, it is concluded that infection with H. contortus influences the E-ADA activity in lambs.

Haemonchus contortus (order Strongylida) is a common parasitic nematode infecting small ruminants and causing significant economic losses worldwide. It induces innate and adaptive immune responses, which are essential for the clearance of this nematode from the host. Ecto-adenosine deaminase (E-ADA) is an enzyme that plays an important role in the immune system, while Zinc (Zn) has been found playing a critical role in E-ADA catalysis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of Zn supplementation on E-ADA activity in serum of lambs experimentally infected with H. contortus . To reach this purpose 28 male lambs (in average 25 kg) were used. The animals were divided into four groups: A and B composed of healthy animals (uninfected); C and D, infected with H. contortus . Groups B and D were supplemented with Zn Edetate, subcutaneously with 3 mg kg of live weight, on days 11 and 25 post-infection (PI). Blood and fecal samples were collected on the days 11, 25 and 39 PI, in order to assess hematocrit, seric E-ADA, and eggs per gram (EPG) counting, respectively. The animals of groups C and D showed severe hematocrit reduction (days 25 and 39 PI) and were EPG positive (days 11, 25 and 39 PI). On day 41 PI, three animals each group were subjected to necropsy. This procedure showed that animals of groups A and B did not have helminths in abomasum and intestines, while H. contortus were observed in groups C (5782.5 ± 810.9) and D (6185.0 ± 150.0). Infected and untreated animals (group C) showed a reduction in E-ADA activity, but this was not observed when the animals were supplemented with Zn (Group D). Therefore, based on our results, it was possible to observe that Zn supplementation exercised a positive effect on E-ADA activity in lambs infected with H. contortus , and did not allow a reduction in E-ADA activity, as occurred in the group infected and without supplementation. However, Zn supplementation was not able to prevent the worm burden.

SUMMARYThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (ST) supplemented with diphenyl diselenide and sodium selenite in experimental toxoplasmosis, on oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers and cytokine levels. Eighty-four BALB/c mice were divided in seven groups: group A (negative control), and groups B to G (infected). Blood and liver samples were collected on days 4 and 20 post infection (p.i.). Levels of thiobarbituric acid (TBA) reactive substances and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) were assessed in liver samples. Both biomarkers were significantly increased in infected groups on day 4 p.i., while they were reduced on day 20 p.i., compared with group A. Glutathione reductase (GR) activity significantly (Pγwas significantly increased (PPPP

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of iron supplementation on oxidative stress and on the activity of the adenosine deaminase (ADA) in rats experimentally infected by Trypanosoma evansi. For this purpose, 20 rats were divided into four experimental groups with five animals each as follows: groups A and B were composed by healthy animals, while animals from groups C and D were infected by T. evansi. Additionally, groups B and D received two subcutaneous doses of iron (60 mg kg-1) within an interval of 5 days. Blood samples were drawn on day 8 post infection in order to assess hematological and biochemical variables. Among the main results are: (1) animals from group C showed reduced erythrogram (with tendency to anemia); however the same results were not observed for group D; this might be a direct effect of free iron on trypanosomes which helped to reduce the parasitemia and the damage to erythrocytes caused by the infection; (2) iron supplementation was able to reduce NOx levels by inhibiting iNOS, and thus, providing an antioxidant action and, indirectly, reducing the ALT levels in groups Band D; (3) increase FRAP levels in group D; (4) reduce ADA activity in serum and erythrocytes in group C; however, this supplementation (5) increased the protein oxidation in groups B and D, as well as group C (positive control). Therefore, iron showed antioxidant and oxidant effects on animals that received supplementation; and it maintained the activity of E-ADA stable in infected/supplemented animals.

SUMMARYThe aim of this study was to evaluate the purine levels of lambs experimentally infected withHaemonchus contortus. A total of 12 healthy lambs were divided into two groups, composed of 6 animals each: Group A represented the healthy animals (uninfected), while in Group B the animals were infected with 15 000 larvae ofH. contortus. Blood was drawn on days 15, 45 and 75 post-infection (PI) in order to perform the purine analysis (ATP, ADP, AMP, adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine and uric acid) by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) in serum. On day 15 PI a significant (PPP

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of zinc supplementation on the ecto-adenosine deaminase activity (E-ADA), zinc seric levels and cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and IL -10) on rats experimentally infected by Trypanosoma evansi. Four groups with 10 rats each were used as negative controls (groups A and B), while the animals from the groups C and D were infected intraperitoneally with 0.1 mL of cryopreserved blood containing 1.4 × 10(4) of trypanosomes. Animals of groups B and D received two doses of Zinc (Zn) at 5 mg kg(-1), subcutaneously, on the 2nd and 7th day post-infection (PI). Blood samples were collected on days 5 (n = 5) and 15 PI (n = 5). Zn supplementation was able to increase the rat's longevity and to reduce their parasitemia. It was observed that seric Zn levels were increased on infected animals under Zn supplementation. Animals that were infected and supplemented with Zn showed changes in E-ADA activity and in cytokine levels (P

As broncopneumonias são afecções importantes na pecuária mundial, representando uma das principais causas de mortalidade de bezerros nos primeiros meses de vida. As medidas preventivas e terapêuticas adotadas geralmente são baseadas em resultados de estudos internacionais, não se conhecendo as bactérias implicadas nos quadros pneumônicos em animais criados no Brasil. Aliado a isso, no primeiro mês de vida, os bezerros demonstram imaturidade do sistema imune, o que tem sido pouco estudado em quadros pneumônicos. Desta maneira, objetivou-se estudar as broncopneumonias em bezerros neonatos, identificando bactérias do trato respiratório posterior de bezerros sadios e com pneumonias naturalmente adquiridas, bem como analisar citologicamente a resposta pulmonar frente a estes patógenos. Para isso amostras de lavado do trato respiratório foram colhidas por traqueocentese durante o primeiro mês de vida dos animais. Verificou-se que não houve diferença na microbiota traqueobrônquica de bezerros sadios em relação aos doentes, discordando dos relatos da literatura internacional, sendo constituída principalmente por: Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Streptococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa e enterobactérias, permitindo inferir que as medidas profiláticas e terapêuticas adotadas internacionalmente possam não ser tão efetivas para as criações brasileiras. Observou-se também que bezerros neonatos têm uma proporção aproximada de 1:1 de macrófagos e neutrófilos na região traqueobrônquica quando saudáveis, atingindo uma relação aproximada de 1:3 durante os quadros de broncopneumonias, sendo estes perfis provavelmente característicos da idade, período conhecido pela imaturidade do sistema imune e agravado por fatores de manejo que favoreçam uma maior inalação de agentes bacterianos. Bronchopneumonia is important for world livestock production and one of the major causes of calf mortality during the first months of life. The preventive and therapeutic measures adopted for the disease in calves in Brazil are usually based on the results of international studies; however there is not enough known which bacteria are implicated. In the first month of life calves show immaturity of their immune system, what has been little studied in regard to pneumonia. The present investigation sought to study neonate bronchopneumonia in calves, to identify which bacteria are present in the respiratory tract of healthy and, with naturally acquired pneumonia calves, to analyze the pulmonary cytological response against pathogens. For this purpose, samples of the respiratory tract were collected by tracheocenthesis. It was noted that the microflora of the tracheobronchial region of healthy and diseased calves was the same, but they were different from the one reported by international papers. The flora was constituted mainly by Staphylococcus sp., Bacillus sp., Streptococcus sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa and enterobacteriae, allowing to infer that the prophylactic and therapeutic measures adopted internationally may not be as effective for the Brazilian condition. It was also found that newborn calves have an approximate ratio of 1:1 of macrophages and neutrophils in the tracheobronchial region when they were healthy, reaching a ratio of approximately 1:3 of macrophages and neutrophils when they were with bronchopneumonia. Probably, these profiles are characteristic of the age, a period when exists immaturity of the immune system and influenced by management factors which lead to greater inhalation of bacterial agents.

Blood pH, carbon dioxide and oxygen partial pressures, bicarbonate, total carbon dioxide, base excess, standard bicarbonate and oxygen saturation concentrations were measured by blood gas analyses in a study of assessment of the acid-base status in young calves. Venous blood samples were taken from 80 healthy female Holstein calves, from four to 30 days of age. The calves were divided in two groups based on the interval between the morning milk feeding and the blood sample collection (up to 30 minutes or over two hours). Greater alkali reserve and higher carbon dioxide pressure values were observed later than 2h after milk feeding, supporting the influence of the diet on the acid-base balance of calves during the milk feeding phase.

O período neonatal dos bezerros é um momento crítico para adaptação do recém-nascido à vida extra uterina e o sistema respiratório, um dos mais exigidos funcionalmente, é frequentemente afetado por enfermidades, redundando no prejuízo direto da sua função e acarretando perdas econômicas importantes na pecuária. O ponto básico para reduzir estas perdas, é representado pela adequada avaliação clínica dos neonatos, todavia o diagnóstico baseado exclusivamente no exame físico é muito difícil de ser estabelecido. O uso de exames complementares como a citologia do trato respiratório torna-se uma ferramenta diagnóstica importante nestes casos, porém faz-se necessário, padronizar seus achados frente às diferentes técnicas empregadas para a sua obtenção. Assim, o presente estudo propôs-se acompanhar as variações dos constituintes celulares da região traqueobrônquica e broncoalveolar obtidos por lavados respiratórios pelos métodos de traqueocentese e por colheita nasotraqueal respectivamente, durante o primeiro mês de vida de bezerros sadios. Observou-se alteração no quadro citológico ao longo do tempo, quando a região traqueobrônquica foi lavada, expresso por diminuição da porcentagem de macrófagos alveolares, com aumento de neutrófilos, possivelmente, por maior irritação local provocada pela técnica, que se repetiu sequencialmente e/ou por maior estimulo de microorganismos inalados depositados nesta região. Na região broncoalveolar, não encontraram-se variações nos constituintes celulares em função do tempo. Os resultados permitiram a conclusão que a população celular da região traqueobrônquica modificou-se ao longo das semanas de vida dos bezerros, possivelmente pela técnica empregada e/ou fisiologia normal da região, sendo representadas por maiores magnitudes de neutrófilos. De modo diverso, na região broncolaveolar, as células evidenciaram um comportamento estável durante o primeiro mês de vida dos bezerros neonatos, apresentando predomínio numérico dos macrófagos alveolares. The neonatal calf is a critical moment for adaptation of the newborn to extra uterine life. The respiratory tract is functionally very demanded and often affected by disease, resulting in direct loss of their function and causing serious economic losses in livestock. The basic point to reduce these losses is appropriate clinical evaluation of neonates; but the diagnosis based solely in physical examination is very difficult to establish. The use of complementary analysis such cytology of the respiratory tract becomes an important diagnostic tool; however their findings must be standardized in the face of different techniques employed. This research studied the dynamics of the cellularity of the bronchoalveolar and tracheobronchial region obtained through lung lavage harvested by nasotracheal catheterization technique and tracheocenthesis respectively, during the first month of life of healthy calves. The tracheobronchial cytology was influenced by the time, showing decreased number of alveolar macrophages and greater number of neutrophils, possibly increased by local irritation caused by the technique, which was repeated sequentially, and/or through greater stimulation of inhaled microorganisms deposited in this region. In the bronchoalveolar region no variation in the cellular constituents in function of time was found. The results allowed the conclusion the cell population of the tracheobronchial region has changed over the week-old calves, possibly due to the technique used and/or to the normal region physiology, represented by higher magnitudes of neutrophils. Otherwise, the cells of the broncholaveolar region showed a stable behavior during the first month of life of newborn calves, presenting numerical predominance of alveolar macrophages.

Com a finalidade de estabelecer valores de referência e de avaliar a influência do fator etário sobre o eritrograma de bezerras sadias, da raça Holandesa, utilizaram-se amostras de sangue de 300 animais, distribuídos por 15 grupos experimentais, de acordo com a idade, no primeiro mês de vida. As variações dos valores médios obtidos para os componentes do eritrograma foram as seguintes: número de hemácias (x10(6)/mm³) = 6,68-7,60, volume globular (%) = 29,80-33,35, taxa de hemoglobina (g/dl) = 9,00-10,43, volume corpuscular médio (fl) = 38,93 47,68, hemoglobina corpuscular média (pg) = 11,75-14,69, concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (%) = 29,53-31,63% e número de reticulócitos (x10³/mm³) = 0,00-11,86. A influência do fator etário provou-se significativa para o volume corpuscular médio, hemoglobina corpuscular média e número de reticulócitos. In order to establish reference values, and to assess the influence of the age factor on the erytrogram of healthy Holstein calves, blood samples from 300 animals were used, spread over 15 experimental groups, according to age, in the first month of life. Variations of the average values for the components of erytrogram were as follows: number of red blood cells (x10(6)/mm³) = 6.68-7.60, packed cell volume (%) = 29.80-33.35, hemoglobin concentration (g/dl) = 9.00-10.43, mean corpuscular volume (fl) = 38.93-47.68, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (pg) = 11.75-14.69, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (%) = 29.53-31.63% and number of reticulocytes (x10³/mm³) = 0.00-11.86. The influence of the age factor proved to be significant for the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and the number of reticulocytes.

SUMMARYThe aim of this study was to evaluate the activity of delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) in red blood cells of rats infected withTrypanosoma evansiand establish its association with haematocrit, serum levels of iron and zinc and lipid peroxidation. Thirty-six male rats (Wistar) were divided into 2 groups with 18 animals each. Group A was non-infected while Group B was intraperitoneally infected, receiving 7·5×106trypomastigotes per animal. Each group was divided into 3 subgroups of 6 rats and blood was collected during different periods post-infection (p.i.) as follows: day 5 (A1 and B1), day 15 (A2 and B2) and day 30 PI (A3 and B3). Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture to estimate red blood cell parameters (RBC),δ-ALA-D activity and serum levels of iron, zinc and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Rats in group B showed a significant (Pδ-ALA-D in blood was significantly (Pδ-ALA-D activity in blood had a significant (PPPδ-ALA-D activity in blood was negatively correlated with the levels of iron (r=−0·68) and zinc (r=−0·57) on day 30 p.i. It was concluded that the increased activity ofδ-ALA-D in blood might have occurred in response to the anaemia in remission as heme synthesis was enhanced.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of supplementation with selenium and vitamin E on the hematological parameters of lambs infected experimentally with Haemonchus contortus. Thirty female lambs were distributed into the following groups: group 1, infected animals; group 2, infected and supplemented animals; group 3, controls; group 4, noninfected and supplemented animals. Groups 1 and 2 received 5,000 larvae of H. contortus (L3) orally per animal. In groups 2 and 4, supplementation with 0.1 mg/kg sodium selenite (1.67%) and 2,000 IU of vitamin E, administered intramuscularly, was performed on day 0. Blood sampling was performed on days 0, 20, 30, 45, 60, and 80 to determine the hemogram. Eggs per gram of feces (EPG) was quantified on days 0, 20, 45, and 80. In relation to the number of erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, total leukocytes, and lymphocytes, principal differences were observed when parasitized groups were compared with the supplemented-only group, where the latter maintained the highest levels. In lambs supplemented with vitamin E and selenium, there was an increase in cellular immune response mediated by neutrophils.

Objetivando-se avaliar o efeito da refrigeração sobre o exame hemogasométrico, foram utilizados 14 caprinos machos, hígidos, mestiços, com cerca de quatro meses de idade e peso variando entre 30 e 45 kg. As amostras de sangue destinadas ao exame hemogasométrico foram coletadas em duplicata, utilizando-se agulhas descartáveis acopladas a seringas plásticas contendo cerca de 1000 UI de heparina sódica. As amostras não conservadas foram mantidas a temperatura ambiente, entre 23 e 25 ºC e aquelas destinadas à refrigeração foram acondicionadas em isopor contendo três litros de água gelada e três quilos de gelo, mantendo-se assim uma temperatura entre zero e 4 ºC. As análises hemogasométricas foram determinadas imediatamente após coleta e 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12 e 24 horas após. Verificou-se efeito significativo da temperatura ambiente sobre o conjunto de variáveis, com exceção da concentração sanguínea de HCO3. Quanto às amostras mantidas sob refrigeração, verificou-se efeito significativo sobre a tensão parcial de O2 e CO2 e SO2; sendo que a variação significativa dos valores médios destas variáveis com os valores médios iniciais foram mais tardias em relação às amostras mantidas a temperatura ambiente. Os valores de pH, HCO3 e ABE das amostras refrigeradas mantiveram-se estáveis até 24 horas após a colheita de sangue. Conclui-se, portanto, o exame hemogasométrico de sangue venoso de caprinos pode ser efetivado com segurança até seis horas após sua colheita, desde que mantidos sob refrigeração adequada.

Com o objetivo de avaliar um protocolo de diarréia osmótica induzida, foram utilizados 18 bezerros hígidos, com idade entre oito e 30 dias de vida, e peso variando de 37 a 50kg. A diarréia e a desidratação foram induzidas por meio da administração de leite integral (16,5mL kg-1), sacarose (4g kg-1), espirolactona e hidroclorotiazida (2mg kg-1), a cada oito horas, durante dois dias. O exame físico e as coletas de sangue para determinações de componentes do hemograma, hemogasometria e de constituintes bioquímicos foram realizados em T0 (0h), T1 (24hi) e T2 (48hi). O protocolo de indução da diarréia obteve 100% de eficiência, produzindo diarréia aquosa e desidratação intensa (13% do peso corpóreo) acompanhadas de azotemia pré-renal, aumento nos valores do hematócrito, hemoglobina e proteína total, hipercalemia, hiperlactemia, hiperfosfatemia, acidose metabólica e diminuição do défict de volume plasmático e da pressão venosa central. Eighteen health Holstein calves between 18 and 30 days old and 37 weighting 50kg (body weight - BW) were used to develop a model for inducing osmotic diarrhea in order to cause a status of dehydration. Thus, sucrose (4g kg BW-1) and spirolactone and hydrochlorothiazide (2mg g BW-1) were added to the whole milk (16.5mL kg-1) each 8h for two days. Physical examination and blood samples for hemogram, acid:base status and biochemical analysis were obtained at 0 (T0), 24h (T1) and 48h (T2). Watery diarrhea and severe dehydration (13% of the BW) were seen in all calves, followed by pre-renal azotemia, high values of hematocrit, hemoglobin and total protein levels, hiperkalemia, hyperlactemia, and hyperphosphatemia, metabolic acidosis and decreased plasma volume and central venous pressure.

Com o objetivo de estabelecer valores de medidas ecocardiográficas em bezerros da raça Holandesa, utilizaram-se 25 animais, com idade entre 8 e 28 dias e peso entre 27 e 57 kg. Procedeu-se o exame ecocardiográfico em modo-B e modo-M para a obtenção dos valores médios dos seguintes parâmetros, em diástole e sístole, respectivamente: diâmetros internos dos ventrículos direito (2,05±0,13cm e 1,59±0,13cm) e esquerdo (3,91±0,09cm e 2,52±0,13cm), espessuras do septo interventricular (1,24±0,04cm e 1,62±0,06cm) e da parede livre do ventrículo esquerdo (0,92±0,04cm e 1,50±0,05cm). Obtiveram-se ainda valores do diâmetro dos átrios direito e esquerdo em sístole (2,97±0,12cm e 4,11±0,21cm, respectivamente), dos volumes diastólico (67,90±3,65ml), sistólico (25,32±3,05ml) e de ejeção (42,58±2,46ml) do ventrículo esquerdo, do débito cardíaco (3857±339ml/min), do diâmetro aórtico (2,52±0,05cm), da distância entre o ponto de maior abertura do folheto anterior da valva atrioventricular esquerda até o septo interventricular (0,65±0,08cm) e tempo de ejeção (0,39±0,02s), das frações de encurtamento (36,27±2,40%) e de ejeção do ventrículo esquerdo (64,67±3,22%). Houve média correlação linear positiva (66,4%, P

Estudou-se o perfil de variação das imunoglobulinas em lavados das regiões traqueobrônquica e broncoalveolar do trato respiratório de bezerros neonatos sadios. Vinte bezerros da raça Holandesa, recém-nascidos e clinicamente sadios, receberam o colostro e foram distribuídos em dois grupos de dez animais cada. O Grupo 1 foi submetido à técnica de sondagem nasotraqueal para obtenção de lavado bronco-alveolar (LBA) e o Grupo 2, à traqueocentese para colheita de lavado traqueobrônquico (LTB), sendo estes procedimentos realizados em intervalos semanais, iniciando-se nos primeiros dias pós-nascimento até, aproximadamente, um mês de vida. Verificaram-se maiores teores de IgG que IgA ao longo do trato respiratório e estas imunoglobulinas sofreram influências da região do trato respiratório lavado, bem como influência do tempo de vida dos bezerros. Pôde-se detectar maiores teores de imunoglobulinas no LTB, assim como as maiores taxas de IgM e IgA em comparação com aquelas do LBA. As imunoglobulinas do LBA tenderam a aumentar seus teores com a evolução das semanas de vida dos bezerros, enquanto tenderam a diminuir no LTB.

Com o propósito de avaliar o efeito da refrigeração sobre o exame hemogasométrico, foram utilizados 12 ovinos machos, hígidos, da raça Santa Inês, com cerca de quatro meses de idade e peso variando entre 30 e 45 kg. As amostras de sangue destinadas ao exame hemogasométrico foram coletadas em duplicata utilizando-se agulhas descartáveis acopladas à seringas plásticas contendo cerca de 1000UI de heparina sódica. Durante e após a coleta tomou-se o cuidado de evitar a entrada de bolhas de ar no interior da seringa. As amostras não conservadas foram mantidas a temperatura ambiente, entre 23 e 25°C, e aquelas destinadas à refrigeração foram acondicionadas em isopor contendo 3kg de água gelada e 3kg de gelo, mantendo-se assim uma temperatura entre 0 e 4º C. As análises hemogasométricas foram determinadas imediatamente após coleta e com 1,2,3,4,5,6,8,10,12 e 24 horas. As análises dos resultados indicaram alterações significativas nas amostras mantidas a temperatura ambiente, caracterizado-se por diminuições, a partir da 4, 8 e 10 horas após coleta, para os valores do pH, BE e StB, respectivamente, e por aumento, a partir da 6 hora, para os valores da PCO2. Com relação as amostras conservadas, não foram evidenciadas variações significativas dos parâmetros ao longo dos tempos de análise. Conclui-se, portanto, que amostras de sangue venoso de ovinos são viáveis, para a realização do exame hemogasométrico, até 24 horas após coleta, desde que mantidas sob adequada refrigeração.

Com a finalidade de estabelecer valores de referência do proteinograma sérico e avaliar o efeito do fator etário, estudaram-se amostras de soro sangüíneo de 300 bezerras sadias, da raça Holandesa, no primeiro mês pós-nascimento, distribuídas por 15 grupos etários. O teor sérico de proteína total foi mínimo nos animais com até oito horas de idade, aumentando progressivamente até o 4º dia, quando alcançou o valor máximo seguindo, então, com pequenas oscilações até o 30º dia. Os teores de albumina sérica apresentaram pequenas elevações a partir das 24 horas de vida, sendo o aumento significativo após 13 a 15 dias e mantendo-se até os 30 dias de idade, quando registrou-se o valor máximo. As taxas séricas de alfaglobulina não demonstraram variações significativas entre os grupos etários. Os teores de betaglobulina sérica aumentaram progressivamente até sete a nove dias pós-nascimento, quando alcançaram um valor máximo, sendo este seguido por pequenas variações até o final das observações. A concentração sérica de gamaglobulina que foi mínima até oito horas de idade, evoluiu com aumentos significativos até dois dias de idade, quando atingiu um valor máximo, tendo estabilidade dos valores até o 11º dia de idade e, na seqüência, apresentou queda progressiva das taxas até os 30 dias. A relação albumina:globulina evidenciou um valor máximo nos animais com até oito horas de idade, seguido por queda significativa até os dois dias pós-nascimento, quando passou a apresentar valores relativamente estáveis mantidos até os 15 dias de idade, demonstrando então tendência a aumentos até o final do período de estudo. Todos os componentes do proteinograma, com exceção da fração alfaglobulina, apresentaram variações influenciadas pela idade. Three-hundred healthy female Holstein calves were used for assessing reference values and ageing influence on the protein profile throughout the first month of life. The total protein values were lower on calves younger than 8 hours of life, increasing progressively until the 4th day when were recorded the highest value, remaining like this until the 30 th day. The level of albumin increased from 24 hours of life and more intensively from the 13-15th to the 30 th day when were recorded the highest value. No differences were recorded on the alphaglobulin concentrations throughout the study. The levels of betaglobulin increased until the 7-9th day, reaching the highest value and continuing similar until the end of the experiment. Lowest gammaglobulin levels were recorded on calves under 8 hours of life, than it showed an increase until the 2nd day, when it reached the highest values, remaining at similar levels until the 11th day; after that showed a continuing decrease until the 30th day of life. The albumin:globulin ratio presented its highest value at the 8th hour followed by a significant decrease until the 2nd day of life. Then it remained at similar levels until the 15th day when they had shown an increase until the end of the study. Ageing showed a significant influence for all biochemical variables studied, but the alphaglobulin.

Para investigar o efeito da idade sobre o equilíbrio ácido-básico de bovinos neonatos, colheram-se amostras de sangue venoso de 300 bezerras sadias da raça Holandesa distribuídas por 15 grupos etários: do nascimento até 8 h; de 8 a 16 h; de 16 a 24 h; 2 d; 3 d; 4 d; 5 d; 6 e 7 d; 8 e 9 d; 10 e 11 d; 12 e 13 d; 14 e 15 d; 16 a 20 d; 21 a 25 d; e 26 a 30 d. Determinaram-se os valores de pH, pCO2, pO2, HCO3-, TCO2, BE, StB e SatO2, testando-se o efeito da idade por meio da Análise de Variâncias. Nas bezerras em seu primeiro dia de idade, estudaram-se as correlações das variáveis com o tempo de vida em horas; e a influência da condição de parto (espontâneos contra auxiliados ou distócicos). O pH e a pCO2 foram menor e maior, respectivamente, no primeiro grupo; e o BE e o StB mais reduzidos até 16 horas de vida, com uma tendência a aumentarem até o quinto dia. Ao longo do primeiro dia de vida o pH, o BE e o StB se elevaram e a pCO2 diminuiu. A condição do parto não atuou, em geral, como um fator adicional de variação. Tais resultados reforçam as evidências de que o estado de acidose mista exibido ao nascimento tende a se reverter nos primeiros dias de vida; e comprovam que os valores das variáveis hemogasométricas mantêm-se estabilizados ao longo de todo o período neonatal restante. Venous blood samples of 300 healthy female Holstein calves were used to study the effect of the age on the acid-base balance in the neonatal period. The calves were divided in 15 age groups: from birth to 8 h; 8 to 16 h; 16 to 24 h; 2 d; 3 d; 4 d; 5 d; 6 and 7 d; 8 and 9 d; 10 and 11 d; 12 and 13 d; 14 and 15 d; 16 to 20 d; 21 to 25 d; and 26 to 30 d. Blood pH, pCO2, pO2, HCO3-, TCO2, BE, StB and SatO2 values were measured and the results were analysed through ANOVA. The correlation between the variables and age in the first day of life was studied. The influence of the type of parturition (normal versus assisted or dystocic) on the acid-base status was compared. Blood pH and pCO2 values were respectivelly lower and higher in the first age group; BE and StB were reduced in the first 16 h of life, showing a trend to increase up to the 5th day of life. The older the calf, in the first day of life, the higher the blood pH, BE, and StB; the lower the blood pCO2. Few changes occurred in the acid-base status of calves born from different types of parturition. These results reforced the evidence that mixed acidosis presented at birth tend to be reverted during the first days of life. The acid-base vriables remained stable along the rest of the neonatal period.

RESUMO Avaliou-se o efeito da suplementação com colina protegida sobre o perfil energético, as enzimas hepáticas e a reprodução de vacas leiteiras no periparto. Quinze vacas leiteiras foram divididas em dois grupos experimentais: oito receberam 80 gramas de colina protegida por 21 dias no pré-parto e por 40 dias no pós-parto e sete foram consideradas controle. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas nos dias 10, 20, 30 e 60 pós-parto para avaliação dos perfis energético e hepático. Aos 60 dias pós-parto, realizou-se exame ginecológico dos animais para avaliação da saúde reprodutiva. A suplementação com colina protegida não alterou os níveis de beta-hidroxibutirato (BHBA), ácidos graxos não esterificados (AGNE), frutosamina, fator de crescimento semelhante a glicose I (IGF-I), status oxidante total (TOS), aspartato aminotransferase (AST) e gamaglutamiltransferase (GGT) no pós-parto. Não houve diferença também quanto à produção de leite. Aos 60 dias pós-parto, vacas suplementadas com colina protegida apresentaram menor número de casos de endometrite que vacas do grupo controle. A suplementação de colina protegida não alterou o perfil bioquímico e a produção de leite, mas reduziu o número de casos de endometrite no pós-parto de vacas leiteiras. ABSTRACT The study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementation with protected choline on the energy profile, liver enzymes and reproduction in dairy cows in peripartum. Fifteen cows were divided into two groups: 8 received 80 grams of protected choline for 21 days pre-partum and 40 days postpartum, and 7 were considered control. Blood samples were collected on days 10, 20, 30, and 60 postpartum to evaluate the energy and hepatic profiles. After 60 days postpartum a gynecological examination of animals for evaluation of reproductive health was done. The supplementation with choline protected did not alter the beta-hydroxybutyrate levels (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), fructosamine, like growth factor glucose (IGF-I), total oxidant status (TOS), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and glutamiltrasferase range (GGT) postpartum. There was no difference in milk production. After 60 days postpartum, cows fed protected choline had fewer cases of endometritis that cows in the control group. The protected choline supplementation did not alter the biochemical profile and milk production, but reduced the number of endometritis cases in postpartum dairy cows.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of selenium and copper on oxidative stress and its performance in lambs experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus. Twenty-eight five-months old lambs were experimentally infected by the oral route with 5000 third-stage infective larvae and allocated into four groups, i.e., untreated animals, animals treated intramuscularly with sodium selenite (0.2 mg kg(-1)), animals treated subcutaneously with copper (3.5 mg kg(-1)), and animals treated with sodium selenite (IM; 0.2 mg kg(-1)) and copper (SC; 3.5 mg kg(-1)). These animals received oat hay (Avena sativa) and commercial concentrate, totaling 15% of crude protein, 30% being derived from oat hay and 70% of the concentrate. Lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes, eggs per gram of feces (EPG) and body weight were assessed on the day of infection and after 20, 40, 60 and 80 days post-infection. The number of H. contortus adults was assessed at the end of the experiment. The selenium associated or not with copper reduced the effects of oxidative stress caused by infection. The groups supplemented with copper had increased body weight, and the combination of these two minerals reduced the EPG and number of H. contortus adults in lambs. The use of selenium associated with copper may help the control of infection by H. contortus.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito metafilático de minerais traços e vitaminas A e E injetáveis, em parâmetros do estresse oxidativo e na função de neutrófilos em fêmeas da raça Holandesa no período de transição. Sessenta animais foram divididos em dois grupos: animais que receberam minerais traços e vitaminas A e E injetáveis (GMTV) (n= 30) e grupo controle (GC) (n= 30). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos nos parâmetros avaliados, porém observou-se diferença significativa entre tratamento e dia para os valores da SOD, com maior atividade dessa enzima em fêmeas GMTV, nas semanas próximas ao parto. Observou-se diferença de dia e para interação tratamento e dia para o TBARS, em que fêmeas GMTV mostraram menores valores de TBARS em todos os momentos, exceto sete dias após o parto. Houve efeito significativo de dia para leucócitos, interação tratamento e dia para neutrófilos e interação tratamento e dia para fagocitose de neutrófilos, em que as fêmeas GMTV apresentaram valores menores de leucócitos e neutrófilos próximo ao parto, além de maior fagocitose de neutrófilos. Pode-se observar que houve melhora no sistema oxidativo e imune de fêmeas GMTV, resposta que provavelmente está relacionada com a administração dos minerais traços e vitaminas A e E.

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a atividade funcional dos polimorfonucleares (PMNs) do sangue de cabritos neonatos "in vitro" - metabolismo oxidativo e a fagocitose induzidos por S.aureus e E.coli, por meio da citometria de fluxo. Foram utilizados 32 cabritos da raça Saanen, acompanhados quanto ao estado de saúde do nascimento até os 15 dias de idade, distribuídos em quatro grupos: G1- colostro de cabra "in natura"; G2- colostro de cabra aquecido a 56ºC por 60 minutos; G3- colostro de vaca "in natura" e G4 - leite de cabra; sendo avaliados nos seguintes tempos: t0 (antes da ingestão do colostro); t1 (24-48h p.n.); t2 (72-96h p.n); t3 (168-192h p.n) e t4 (336-360h p.n). A avaliação estatística foi realizada pela análise de variância (ANOVA) para a comparação entre os grupos e intragrupos para amostras de pequeno tamanho, de acordo com as variáveis do estudo, com nível de significância de 5%. O metabolismo oxidativo basal não diferiu nos grupos e com a idade. O metabolismo oxidativo aumentou com o estímulo por S. aureus após a ingestão de colostro tratado pelo calor (G2), não apresentando diferenças nos demais grupos. O estímulo com E. coli o aumentou após a ingestão de colostro tratado (G2) e após a ingestão de leite de cabra (G4) a partir de t3, não diferindo nos grupos que receberam colostro de cabra e vaca "in natura" (G1 e G3 respectivamente). A comparação entre metabolismo oxidativo basal e induzido para o S. aureus foi maior antes e após a mamada do colostro nos grupos colostro de cabra "in natura" e sem colostro (G1 e G4); e, após a ingestão do colostro nos grupos que o receberam tratado pelo calor e de vaca respectivamente (G2 e G3). Para a E. coli a resposta foi maior após a ingestão de colostro tratado pelo calor (G2); antes e após a mamada de colostro de vaca (G3) ou leite (G4); não houve diferença entre o metabolismo basal e induzido para a E. coli no grupo que recebeu colostro de cabra "in natura" (G1). A fagocitose induzida pelo S.aureus não diferiu em nenhum dos grupos; o percentual de fagocitose aumentou após a ingestão de colostro de cabra "in natura" (G1) no momento t1. A fagocitose induzida pela E.coli foi maior após a ingestão de colostro de cabra nos dois grupos. O percentual de fagocitose foi maior após a ingestão do colostro tratado pelo calor e não diferiu nos demais grupos. Os resultados permitiram concluir que a ingestão do colostro não interferiu no metabolismo oxidativo basal; o desencadeamento da explosão respiratória de PMNs induzido pelas bactérias foi maior após a ingestão de colostro de cabra aquecido a 56ºC por 60 minutos; houve indícios de aumento da fagocitose para S. aureus e um aumento da intensidade de fluorescência e do percentual de fagocitose para E.coli nos grupos que receberam colostro de cabra (G1 e G2); não ficou esclarecida a influência da idade na atividade funcional de PMNs do sangue de cabritos neonatos "in vitro"; os resultados do presente estudo subsidiam propostas de melhoria do manejo da produção caprina baseada na utilização de colostro de cabra tratado pelo calor. The aim of this study was to evaluate "in vitro" functional activities of neonates goats blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) respiratory burst and phagocytosis induced by S. aureus and E. coli, by flow cytometry. We used 32 Saanen goats, accompanied on the health status from birth to 15 days of age divided into four groups: G1-goat colostrum \"in nature\"; G2- goat colostrum heated to 56 ° C for 60 minutes; G3-cow colostrum \"in nature\" and G4 - goat milk, being evaluated at the following times: t0 (before intake of colostrum), t1 (24-48h after birth), t2 (72-96h a.b), t3 (168-192h a.b), t4 (336-360h a.b). Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) for comparison between groups and within groups for samples of small size, according to the study variables, with 5% of significance. The respiratory burst did not differ in basal and age groups. The stimulation of respiratory burst in S. aureus increased significantly after ingestion of colostrum treated by heat (G2) and it was not different in the other groups. Stimulation with E. coli increased after colostrum treated by heat intake (G2) and after ingestion of goat\'s milk (G4) from t3; no difference in the groups that received colostrum from goats and cows \"in nature\" (G1 and G3 respectively). The comparison of basal and induced respiratory burst for S. aureus was higher before and after the intake of colostrum or goat milk in the groups colostrum \"in nature\" and without colostrum (G1 and G4) and, after ingestion of colostrum in the groups treated with heat and bovine colostrum, respectively (G2 and G3). For E. coli, response was higher after ingestion of colostrum treated by heat (G2), before and after feeding cow colostrum (G3) or goat milk (G4), there was no difference between basal metabolism and induced to E. coli in the group that received goat colostrum \"in nature\" (G1). Phagocytosis induced by S. aureus did not differ in any group, the percentage of phagocytosis increased after ingestion of goat colostrum \"in nature\" (G1) at time t1. Phagocytosis induced by E. coli was increased after colostrum intake in both groups that received goat colostrum. The percentage of phagocytosis was increased after ingestion of colostrum but it did not differ in treated and other groups. The results showed that ingestion of colostrum did not affect the basal respiratory burst; triggering the respiratory burst of PMNs induced by bacteria was greater after eating goat colostrum heated to 56 ° C for 60 minutes, there was evidence of increased phagocytosis of S. aureus and there was an increase in fluorescence intensity and percentage of phagocytosis of E.coli in the groups receiving goat colostrum (G1 and G2); it was not clarified the influence of age on functional activity of PMNs from the blood of goats neonates "in vitro"; and the results of this study subsidize proposals for improving the management of goat production based on the use of goats colostrum treated by heat.

Com o objetivo de avaliar a relação entre o exame físico da glândula mamária de ovelhas com o leite, 292 ovelhas da raça Santa Inês foram examinadas. As amostras de leite foram submetidas ao exame bacteriológico, ao CMT e a CCS (automática e microscópica). Variações especificamente identificadas por inspeção da mama apresentaram alterações de celularidade observadas pelo CMT (p

A idade entre o terceiro e o sexto mês de vida é um período peculiar para o estabelecimento da imunidade própria dos bezerros. Nesse intervalo, há susceptibilidade e índice de letalidade à broncopneumonias maiores, provavelmente devido à imaturidade do sistema imunológico pulmonar, quer seja por uma insuficiente resposta, nos primeiros momentos, quer seja por uma resposta citotóxica exagerada, no momento subsequente. A par disso, este trabalho teve o intuito de verificar o momento em que ocorre a maturidade do sistema imunológico, como se comportam os perfis Th1 e Th2 e a existência de uma resposta citotóxica exagerada, durante esta fase de estabelecimento da imunidade ativa dos bezerros. Para tal, estudaram-se as funções de fagocitose e metabolismo oxidativo de leucócitos sanguíneos e broncoalveolares, as classes de imunoglobulinas e citocinas incriminadas nos padrões de resposta linfocitária Th1 e Th2, em 10 bezerros da raça holandesa, sadios, avaliados em sete momentos experimentais, com intervalo quinzenal, entre o terceiro e o sexto mês de vida. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística, pela comparação entre as médias ou medianas, confrontadas pelo teste de Anova e Tukey, quando paramétricas, e pelo teste de Kruskal Wallis e Dunn, quando não paramétricas, considerando nível de significância P≤ 0,05 e tendência P≤ 0,10. Os dados que apresentaram dinâmicas semelhantes entre si foram submetidos ao teste de correlação de Pearson. Na região broncoalveolar, observaram-se um aumento progressivo das funções dos macrófagos alveolares, equilíbrio de secreção dos isotipos IgG1 e IgG2 e predominância de citocinas compatíveis com padrão de resposta Th1, até os 150 dias de vida dos bezerros. Aos 165 dias de vida, ocorreram diminuição da função celular, aumento dos títulos de IgG2 e aumento da citocina regulatória IL-10. Aos 180 dias, retornou-se o equilíbrio entre secreção de IgG1 e IgG2, diminuiram os teores de IL-10 e ocorreu tendência a aumento de IL-12, TNF-α e metabolismo oxidativo de macrófagos alveolares, o que permitiu concluir que a resposta imune tem característica própria, nesta faixa etária, e não se torna matura até os seis meses de vida. Apesar de os fagócitos pulmonares já estarem eficientes, a partir dos 135 dias de vida, tornam-se hiperresponsivos aos 150 dias de vida, momento em que gera consequentemente uma resposta regulatória e/ou humoral aos 165 dias de vida, para que aos 180 dias de vida, o equilíbrio entre os perfis Th1 e Th2 seja atingido The age between the third and sixth month of life is a peculiar period for the establishment of active immunity of calves. There is a greater susceptibility and lethality by bronchopneumonia, probably due to the immaturity of the pulmonary immune system, whether by an insufficient response , in the first moments , whether by an exaggerated cytotoxic response in the subsequent time. So, this work aimed to verify when the maturity of the immune system occurs, how the Th1 and Th2 profiles behave and if there is an exaggerated cytotoxic response during this active phase for immunity of the calves without maternal interference. For this purpose we studied the functions of phagocytosis and oxidative metabolism of blood and bronchoalveolar leukocytes, classes of immunoglobulins and cytokines incriminated in lymphocyte response patterns Th1 and Th2, in 10 holstein healthy calves. They were sampled every fifteen days, during the third until sixth month of life. Data were statistically analyzed by comparing the means or medians, confronted by ANOVA test and Tukey, when the data were parametric, and by Kruskal Wallis and Dunn's test, when the data were nonparametric, level of significance p ≤ 0.05 and trend p ≤ 0.10. The data that showed similar dynamics between them were subjected to Pearson correlation test. In bronchoalveolar region, until 150 days of age, the alveolar macrophages functions increased progressively, the IgG1 and IgG2 isotypes secretion showed a balance, and the cytokines profile were compatible with Th1 response. At 165 days of age, there was a decrease of cellular function, an increased of IgG2 titers and the IL-10 secretion, a regulatory cytokine, increased. At 180 days of life, we observed a balance of IgG1 and IgG2 secretion, a decreased of IL-10 levels and a tendency to increase IL-12, TNF-α and alveolar macrophage oxidative metabolism. These results indicated that the calves have an active immune response with particularities for this age group and it does not become mature until six months of life. Despite of the macrophages alveolar are already efficiency from the 135 days of age, they become more reactive at 150 days. After this moment, a regulatory and/or humoral response begins at 165 days of life, as the balance of Th1 and Th2 profiles are reached at 180 days of calves life

O objetivo deste trabalho consistiu em esclarecer os mecanismos bioquímicos e hormonais da ação da somatotropina recombinante bovina (r-bST), recomendada no tratamento de toxemia da prenhez (TP). Para tal, foram realizados dois experimentos nos quais induziram-se quadros de hipercetonemia ou hiperlipidemia em 39 ovelhas com elevada condição corporal tratadas ou não previamente com 160 mg de um produto comercial de r-bST, pela via subcutânea. A hipercetonemia foi provocada pela infusão IV de 5 mM/kg P.V. de beta hidroxibutirato (BHB) no decorrer de duas horas e a hiperlipidemia com injeção IV de solução 20% de óleo de peixe, perfazendo 0,54g de triacilglicerol/kg P.V. no decorrer de quatro dias. Essas quantidades infundidas lograram provocar os quadros esperados. No primeiro experimento, o tratamento com r-bST promoveu aumento significativo da gliconeogênese por meio da conversão de BHB em glicose, maiores teores de insulina, com consequente aumento da resistência insulínica, incremento na concentração de IGF1 que levou a mobilização de nitrogênio ureico para os depósitos e maior atividade de GGT. No segundo experimento, o rbST gerou destacado aumento da gliconeogênese, pela metabolização dos AGNEs e de BHB em glicose, com maior destaque aos AGNEs, elevação dos teores de insulina e do percentual de resistência insulínica, e maior atividade da AST e GGT e bilirrubinal direta e total. Assim, conclui-se que a atuação farmacológica do r-bST se baseia na vigorosa capacidade do aumento da gliconeogênese, diminuindo concomitantemente os nefastos catabólitos (AGNEs e BHB) no processo da TP. Foi realizado ainda um experimento subsidiário para comparar a capacidade diagnóstica da detecção de BHB, em sangue total, entre o kit diagnóstico enzimático (Randox®), padrão ouro, e tiras reativas comerciais (Precision Xceed®) lidas em dosímetro portátil. Foram obtidas 247 amostras de sangue das ovelhas nas quais tinham sido infundida solução de BHB, no experimento um. Duas faixas de acetonemia foram consideradas: de 0,7 a 1,5 mM caracterizada como cetose inaparente e acima deste valor como cetose clínica. A correlação entre os métodos foi alta (r = 0,98 ; P < 0,001). Na cetose inaparente as tiras reativas apresentaram sensibilidade de 0,97 e especificidade de 0,89 e na cetose aparente sensibilidade de 0,99 e especificidade de 0,75, respectivamente. As tiras reativas podem ser empregadas eficientemente no diagnóstico precoce de casos de TP, com custo baixo e rápida leitura ao pé dos animais. The aim of this study was to clarify the biochemical and hormonal mechanisms of action of recombinant bovine somatotropin (r-bST), recommended in the treatment of pregnancy toxemia (PT). Two experiments were conducted inducing hyperlipidemia or hyperketonemia in 39 high body condition sheep pretreated or no with 160 mg of a commercial product of rbST subcutaneously. The hyperketonemia was caused by IV infusion of 5 mM / kg BW of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) during two hours and hyperlipidemia with IV injection of a 20% fish oil solution corresponding to 0.54 g of triglyceride / kg BW in four days course. These infusions successfully caused the expected effects. In the first experiment, treatment with rbST caused a significant increase of gluconeogenesis by converting BHB into glucose, higher levels of insulin, with consequent increased insulin resistance, increase in the concentration of IGF1 leading to mobilization of urea nitrogen for deposits and increased activity of GGT. In the second experiment, the r-bST greatly increased gluconeogenesis generated by metabolism of non esterified fatty acids (NEFA), BHB and glucose, with emphasis on NEFA, elevated levels of insulin and the percentage of insulin resistance, and increased activity of AST and GGT and bilirrubin direct and total. In conclusion, the pharmacological action of r-bST is based on vigorous increase capacity on gluconeogenesis, concomitantly reducing the adverse catabolites (NEFA and BHB) in the PT process. An additional experiment was performed to compare the diagnostic capability of detecting BHB in whole blood, between the enzymatic diagnostic kit (Randox®), considered gold standard, and commercial test strips (Precision Xceed®) read in hand-held meter. 247 sheep blood samples were obtained in the first experiment in which BHB solution had been infused. Two ketonemic tracks were considered: 0.7 to 1.5 mM characterized as unapparent ketosis and above this value as a clinical ketosis. The correlation between the methods was high (r = 0.98, P

O trabalho foi desenvolvido com o intuito de investigar o potencial alcalinizante de solucoes eletroliticas com diferentes concentracoes de lactato e de bicarbonato de sodio, administradas por via intravenosa, em bezerros sadios e portadores de acidose metabolica. Foram desenvolvidas seis solucoes contendo 28, 56 e 84 mEq/L de lactato (L28, L56 e L84) ou de bicarbonato (B28, B56 e B84) de sodio, com concentracoes de sodio, de potassio e de calcio identicas e com teores de cloretos inferiores aos da solucao de Ringer com lactato (SRL). Foram utilizados 6 bezerros mesticos sadios, com aproximadamente 50 kg de peso vivo. As solucoes estudadas foram infundidas por via intravenosa em cada um dos bezerros a uma velocidade de 20ml/kg/hora totalizando 5L por bezerro em 5 horas de administracao continua. Cada bezerro sadio recebeu todas as seis solucoes estudadas, uma a cada vez, com intervalo de 5 dias entre as infusoes. Quadros de diarreia foram induzidos em 20 bezerros, Girolanda, com peso de 46,2 } 5,7 kg, entre 9 e 30 dias de idade, por meio da infeccao oral com rotavirus e da ingestao de sacarose. Apos desenvolverem desidratacao e acidose metabolica foram tratados com as solucoes L84 (n=10) ou B84 (n=10), infundidas uma unica vez conforme o protocolo adotado para os bezerros sadios. Amostras de sangue venoso e de urina foram colhidas em quatro momentos: antes do inicio da infusao, na metade da infusao (2,5 horas), ao termino da infusao (5 horas) e 2,5 horas apos o termino da infusao (7,5 horas). Os exames laboratoriais consistiram nas determinacoes plasmaticas de proteina total, fibrinogenio e lactato L; nas determinacoes sanguineas de pH, pCO2, HCO3 -, BE, Na+, K+ e Cl-; e nas determinacoes de pH, lactato L e densidade na urina. A solucao L28, equivalente a SRL, provocou discreto incremento da reserva alcalina nos bezerros sadios. A solucao com 84 mEq/L de lactato (L84) mostrou-se mais eficaz no aumento da reserva alcalina, mesmo quando comparada com a solucao contendo bicarbonato na mesma concentracao. A solucao L84 foi eficaz para a correcao da desidratacao e da acidose metabolica ocasionada pela diarreia nos bezerros, com resultados semelhantes aos obtidos pela solucao de bicarbonato na mesma concentracao. Nao foram observados efeitos colaterais com a administracao das solucoes eletroliticas estudadas. This study was carried out with the aim of investigating, in healthy calves and in calves with metabolic acidosis, the alkalinizing potential of electrolyte solutions with different concentrations of lactate and sodium bicarbonate. Six solutions were formulated containing 28, 56 and 84 mEq/L of lactate (L28, L56 and L84) or sodium bicarbonate (B28, B56 and B84). The solutions were constituted by sodium, potassium and calcium in similar concentrations, and with concentration of chlorides lower than the Ringer solution with commercial lactate (SRL). Six healthy crossbred calves, over 50 kg of live weight, were evaluated. The studied solutions were infused intravenously in each calf at a speed of 20.0 ml/kg per hour, totalizing 5.0 L per calf, in five hours of continuously administration. Each healthy calf was treated with all the six studied solutions, one at a time, with a five day interval between the infusions. Diarrhea cases were induced in twenty Girolando calves, aging from 9 to 30 days old, 46,2 } 5,7 kg of live weight. Diarrhea was caused by oral infection with rotavirus and by nourishing the animals with sucrose. After developing dehydration and metabolic acidosis, the calves were treated by infusion of L 84 (n=10) or B84 (n=10) solutions, one time, according to the adopted protocol for healthy calves. Samples of venous blood and urine were collected in four different stages: before the infusion, in the middle of the infusion (after two and a half hours), at the end of the infusion (five hours after), and two and a half hours after the end of the infusion (seven and a half hours). The laboratory tests consisted in blood determinations of: total plasmatic protein, fibrinogen and L lactate; pH, pCO2, HCO3 -, BE, Na+, K+ and Cl- in blood. In the urine were determined: density, pH and L lactate. The solution L28, equivalent to SRL, caused, in the healthy calves, a slight increment in the alkaline reserve. The solution with 84 mEq/L of lactate (L84) proved to be more effective in increasing the alkaline reserve (alkaline buffer), even when compared with to the solution containing bicarbonate at the same concentration. The solution L84 was effective for the correction of metabolic acidosis and dehydration caused by diarrhea in calves, with the results similar to those obtained by the bicarbonate solution in the same concentration. No side effects were found with the administration of the electrolyte solutions studied.