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Contents The cryopreservation of testicular tissue is presented as the only alternative for the preservation of genetic material from prepubertal animals. However, this biotechnology is still being tested. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different associations of cryoprotectants and the potential of cell proliferation after vitrification of testicular tissue of prepubertal cats. Five testicular pairs from five prepubertal cats were used, and each pair was divided into four fragments. Of these, one fragment composed of the control group ( CG) and the rest were distributed in experimental groups according to the associations of cryoprotectants to be tested (dimethyl sulphoxide ( DMSO)/glycerol ( GLY); ethylene glycol ( EG)/ GLY) or DMSO/ EG) in a final cryoprotectant concentration of 5.6 m. The fragments were submitted to vitrification, and after one week, fragments were heated and processed for histomorphological evaluation and quantification of nucleolar organizer regions ( NORs). DMSO/ GLY did not differ from CG and was superior to the other vitrified groups, as to cell separation and degree of shrinkage of the basal membrane. Concerning cell differentiation, visibility of the nucleus and nuclear condensation, all the vitrified groups were inferior to CG; however, DMSO/ EG was inferior to DMSO/ GLY and EG/ GLY, which did not differ among themselves. CG was superior to all groups in quantification of NORs. DMSO/ EG was inferior to all others, and there was no difference between DMSO/ GLY and EG/ GLY. The association DMSO/ GLY presented the best preservation of tissue integrity and potential of cell proliferation after vitrification of the testicular tissue of prepubertal cats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of two vitrification techniques on the extra cellular matrix ( ECM) and ovarian follicular development. The ovarian cortex was fragmented (9 mm3) and divided into six groups, viz. fresh control, cultured control, vitrified by the Ovarian Tissue Cryosystem ( OTC) method, conventional solid surface vitrification ( SSV) method, OTC/cultured and SSV/cultured. Follicles from all the fragments were analysed for morphology, development and viability. The ECM was evaluated based on the condition of collagen and reticular fibres and the immunolocalization of type I collagen and fibronectin. After 7 days of culture, the tissue vitrified by OTC revealed a higher percentage (p < 0.05) of morphologically normal (30.66%) and viable (60.00%) follicles when compared with those vitrified using the SSV technique (21.33% and 23.00%). In all the fragments cultured, regardless of the vitrification method, a significantly higher percentage of developing follicles was observed when compared with the non-cultured tissue. Analysis of the type I collagen showed increased immunostaining after the in vitro culture in the vitrified fragments. In conclusion, the OTC is better for preserving the follicular viability and morphology and maintaining the integrity of the extracellular matrix components of the ovine ovary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus are common health issues in obese (OB) cats. In humans, obesity leads to alterations in adipokine and proinflammatory cytokine secretion, causing persistent inflammation. The inflammatory impact of obesity in cats remains unproven. This study investigated associations between obesity and inflammatory and metabolic changes in three groups of client-owned Brazilian domestic shorthair cats: naturally lean, overweight (OW), and OB., Materials and Methods: Cats from the Veterinary Hospital of Professor Sylvio Barbosa e Cardoso (FAVET/UECE) were clinically evaluated. Blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical profile measurements, and part of the serum was used for measuring adipokine and inflammatory cytokines using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay., Results: In both the OW and OB groups, serum cholesterol and insulin concentrations increased, while triglyceride concentrations were notably elevated in the OB group. In the OW and OB groups, serum adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β levels were elevated, and leptin levels were significantly higher in the OB group., Conclusion: This study is the first in Brazil to reveal increased serum levels of inflammatory markers in OW and OB client-owned felines. OW cats exhibited higher proinflammatory marker levels, implying obesity-induced inflammation., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © Araujo, et al.)

The ability of a species to withstand human impact depends on its life history characteristics, including social, ranging, and reproductive activity. The genera Lagothrix and Cacajao are more susceptible to anthropic action than small-sized primates due to their slower life histories, more restricted geographical ranges, and lower population densities. This narrative literature review aimed to gather scientific information available from the last 60 years on the reproductive biology of females of the genera Lagothrix and Cacajao. Most studies on the genus Lagothrix, mainly focused on L. lagothricha and L. l. poeppigii, present important advances on reproductive strategies, reproductive productivity, functional morphology and physiology, including seasonality, sexual cycle, gestation and fetal development in captive and free-living populations. Contrary, there is much less known about the reproductive biology of the genus Cacajao, with studies on free-living C. calvus and C. melanocephalus highlighting reproductive behavior, and basic description of the sexual cycle, gestation, and lactation. Unfortunately, the morphology of the female genital organs is only described in C. calvus, and there is still scarce information about the menstrual activity and the placenta. This literature review encourages primatologists, morphophysiologists, reproductive specialists, and ecologists to conduct comprehensive studies of these species to better understand the gaps in knowledge about reproduction, their relationship with their environment, including climatic and social variables. Understanding the integrative reproductive biology of these species will be a clue for improving the assessment of the resilience capacity of free-living populations and, consequently, establishing more appropriate management programs, and for the development of ex situ management techniques for the conservation of the species., (© 2023 The Authors. American Journal of Primatology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The placenta is the main organ of pregnancy and is directly related to the proper development of the fetus. The correlation among some placental measurements and their respective neonates is widely studied in the human species. However, the studies regarding bitches are still limited. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate if there is a relationship between placental weight and volume and the weight of neonates at birth in the canine species, as well as its influence on their viability. In this work, 7 bitches, 18 neonates and their placentas were evaluated. The weight of the placentas was measured using an analytical balance and the volume was calculated by measuring the volume of water displaced after placing it in a container of water. The neonates were weighed and classified according to the Apgar score after birth. Samples from each placenta were fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin, then placed on slides and stained in hematoxylin and eosin. From these samples, the microvascular density (MVD) was calculated, as well as the presence or absence of necrosis, calcification and haemorrhage, classified in scores from 0 to 2. Data were analyzed using Kendall's test. The mean weight of the placentas was 29.11 ± 11.06 g and the volume was 21.33 ± 10.65 cm³. The mean weight of the neonates was 282.94 ± 123.28 g and the Apgar score was 8.83 ± 2.06. The mean MVD of the placentas was 0.04 ± 0.01. A positive correlation was observed between birth weight and placental weight and volume. Placental weight also positively correlated with placental volume. Also, no significant correlation was found between MVD and alterations with placental weight and volume and with the weight and Apgar score of neonates. Among the microscopic changes, only necrosis showed a moderate correlation with placental weight and volume. It can be concluded that the placenta has an influence on the weight of neonates, which is essential for its development in intra and extrauterine life. However, more studies are required in the described species, to better elucidate these questions., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Metal coordination complexes are chemotherapeutic and anti-inflammatory agents. The ruthenium complex FOR811A ([Ru(bpy) 2 (2-MIM)Cl](PF 6 ) 3 ) FOR811A was evaluated in mice models of acute inflammation and behavioral tests. Animals received FOR811A (3, 10 or 30 mg/kg; i.p.), indomethacin (20 mg/kg; i.p.), L-NAME (20 mg/kg; i.v.) aminoguanidine (50 mg/kg; i.p.) or dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg; s.c.) 30 min before inflammatory stimulation. Paw edema was induced by carrageenan (400 μg/paw), TNF-α or L-arginine (15 nmol/paw) (5 ng/paw) and evaluated by hydropletismometry 4 h later. Peritonitis was induced by carrageenan (500 μg; i.p.) and evaluated 4 h later for hypernociception and quantification of total/differential leukocytes, total protein reduced glutathione (GSH) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). FOR811A inhibited the paw edema induced by carrageenan at 3 (64%; p < 0.0001), 10 (73%; p < 0.0001) and 30 mg/kg (66%; p < 0.0001), and at 10 mg/kg that induced with L-arginine by 75% or TNF-α by 55% (p = 0.0012). Paw tissues histological analysis showed reduction in mast cells (46%; p = 0.0027), leukocyte infiltrate (66%; p < 0.0001), edema and hemorrhagic areas. Immunohistochemical evaluation revealed inhibition of iNOS (62%; p < 0.0001) and TNF-α (35%; p < 0.0001). In the peritonitis model FOR811A increased (2.8X; p < 0.0001) hypernociceptive threshold, reduced total leukocytes (29%; p < 0.0001), neutrophils (47%; p = 0.0003) and total proteins (36%; p = 0.0082). FOR811A also inhibited MPO (47%; p = 0.0296) and increased GSH (1.8X; p < 0.0001). In the behavioral tests, FOR811A reduced (30.6%) the number of crossings in the open field, and increased (16%) the number of falls in the Rota rod. Concluding, FOR811A presents anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, via nitric oxide pathway., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To evaluate the concentration of kidney injury molecule-1 and activity of urinary gamma-glutamyl transferase in cats with urethral obstruction and healthy cats., Materials and Methods: Blood and urine samples were collected from a group of 15 healthy cats (control group) and a group of 20 cats with urethral obstruction at presentation, and 24 hours and 7 days after unblocking the obstruction. The serum creatinine, urinary creatinine and urinary gamma-glutamyl transferase were measured by spectrophotometry and kidney injury molecule-1 by the sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay., Results: On presentation, cats with obstruction had serum creatinine concentration and urinary gamma-glutamyl transferase index higher than healthy cats (mean difference 544 μmol/L, 95% confidence intervals 222 to 865 μmol/L, and 0.0022 U/μmol-uCre, 0.00043 to 0.0039 U/μmol-uCre, respectively), urine creatinine concentration lower (mean difference 25,624 µmol/L, 17,329 to 33,919 µmol/L), and no significant difference in the kidney injury molecule-1/urinary creatinine ratio (mean difference 13 pg/μmol-uCre, -33 to 59 pg/μmol-uCre). In the group of cats with urinary obstruction, over time serum creatinine decreased, urine creatinine increased, urinary gamma-glutamyl transferase index did not change significantly, and kidney injury molecule-1/urinary creatinine ratio increased., Clinical Significance: Cats with post-renal obstruction and potential intrinsic renal damage had higher urinary gamma-glutamyl transferase index than healthy cats at the time of presentation and showed increase in kidney injury molecule-1/urinary creatinine ratio over time., (© 2021 British Small Animal Veterinary Association.)

Populations of gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira) are declining; yet, knowledge on the reproductive biology of this species remains limited. Therefore, this study aimed to describe morphology, viability, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, morphometry, micromorphology, and ultrastructure of the gray brocket deer sperm. Three adult male gray brocket deer were used in the study. Semen collection was performed using electroejaculation. Semen were analyzed by evaluating pH, motilities, vigor, mass movement, volume, concentration, viability, membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, morphology, and morphometry. Micromorphology and ultrastructure of sperm were analyzed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), respectively. There was no significant difference among males regarding on pH, motilities, vigor, mass movement, volume, concentration, viability. High values for membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and normal sperm were observed. The most frequent defects were simple bent tail and bowed midpiece. The head length, and width, midpiece, and tail length were 8.5, 4.4, 11.5, and 41.3 μm, respectively. SEM sperm showed paddle-shaped heads, with apical ridge and serrated band on the equatorial segment. TEM revealed the nucleus, acrosome, plasma membrane, mitochondria sheath, proximal centrioles, segmented columns, axoneme, outer dense fibers, and fibrous sheath. SEM and TEM showed the presence of some abnormalities. These results are expected to provide baseline values of diverse semen parameters, contributing toward the development of reproductive biotechnologies for gray brocket deer and, other deer species at risk of extinction., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The envenomation caused by the Bothrops pauloensis snake leads to severe local and systemic effects including acute kidney injury. In this study, we investigated the renal effects by phospholipases A2 (PLA2s), divided into two main subgroups, Asp-49 and Lys-49, isolated from the Bothrops pauloensis snake venom (BpV) in isolated rat kidney system. Both PLA2s (3 μg/mL), added alone to the perfusion system and analyzed for 120 min, had significant effects on isolated rat kidney. Asp-49 reduced Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) at 60, 90 and 120 min, and the percentage of total tubular sodium transport (%TNa + ) and potassium transport (%TK + ) at 120 min. Lys-49 increased Perfusion Pressure (PP) at 120 min and reduced GFR, %TNa + and the percentage of total tubular chloride transport (%TCl - ) at 60, 90 and 120 min. Cytokine release in the kidney tissues were increased with Asp-49 PLA2 (IL-10) and Lys-49 PLA2 (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10). Both increased MPO activity. Asp-49 PLA2 decreased Glutathione (GSH) and increased nitrite levels, while Lys-49 PLA2 increased Malondialdehyde (MDA), GSH and nitrite levels. Histological analysis of the perfused kidneys revealed the presence of glomerular degeneration and atrophy, deposit of proteinaceous material in Bowman's space and intratubular with both PLA2s. These findings indicated that both PLA2s modified the functional parameters in an isolated perfused kidney model with increased oxidative stress and cytokine release. PLA2s are one of the components at high concentration in BpV and our results provide important knowledge about their involvement with the nephrotoxic mechanism., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Pinitol is a natural antidiabetic agent shown to prevent or ameliorate metabolic and overall vascular and neural function. In the present study we have evaluated the potential benefits of pinitol on renal function of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Both euglycemic or 8-week or 16-week diabetic rats were treated with either saline (1 ml/kg/12h; p.o) or pinitol (20 mg/kg/12h; p.o). The renal function was evaluated by using metabolic cages, renal hemodynamic and tubular parameters measurements. Histological examination and evaluation of the protein expression of renal markers such as nephrin, TGFβ and pERK were also performed. Pinitol decreased by 50% the increased urinary albumin/creatinine ratio in both 8-week and 16 week diabetic rats. In addition, the glomerular volume of 16-week rats increased by 55% and this increase was blunted by pinitol. Remarkably, pressure-natriuresis was completely blunted in both 8 and 16-week diabetic rats but this impairment was prevented by pinitol in both treatment regimens. Pinitol ameliorated renal lesions and also prevented the decrease in nephrin expression and the increase of pERK and TGFβ expression in both diabetic groups. Natriuresis due to high renal perfusion pressure increased 7-fold in control animals but was blocked in 16-week diabetic rats and remarkably pinitol partially restored pressure natriuresis (3-fold increase in sodium excretion during pressure natriuresis). Pinitol prevents and ameliorates albuminuria, glomerular expansion, impairment of pressure-natriuresis, renal structural alterations and changes of renal markers and has the potential to be tested for the prevention of diabetic kidney disease., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no conflict of interest to declare., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common and irreversible neurodegenerative disorder, and amyloid peptide plays a central role in its pathogenesis. Physical training contributes as a beneficial adaptation to AD. However, these effects may be underestimated because much of the literature used fixed training prescription variables (intensity and volume) throughout the protocol. Moreover, researchers poorly understand whether chronic high-intensity interval training (HIIT) exerts similar effects on the brain tissue of individuals with AD., Objective: This study evaluated the effect of 8 minutes of HIIT with incremental overload in an AD model., Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: an untrained Sham group, Sham trained group, Aβ 1-42 (Alzheimer's) untrained group, and Aβ 1-42 (Alzheimer's) trained group (n=10 rats per group). Animals underwent stereotactic surgery and received a hippocampal injection of Aβ 1-42 or a saline solution. Seven days after surgery, two weeks of treadmill adaptation followed by a maximal running test (MRT) was performed. Then, animals were subjected to eight weeks of HIIT. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after the behavioral tests (open field and Morris water maze), hippocampal tissue was extracted to analyze the redox balance and BDNF/TrkB pathway, and neuritic plaques (NP) were detected by evaluating silver impregnation., Results: The AD trained group presented a physical capacity amelioration every two weeks and locomotor, learning, and memory improvements (p<0.05). These effects were accompanied by increased CAT and SOD levels, followed by decreased lipid peroxidation (p<0.05). Furthermore, increased activation of the BDNF/TrkB (p<0.05) pathway and decreased NP was observed., Conclusion: Based on these results, MRT was essential for an excellent chronic training protocol prescription and overload adjustment. Therefore, 8 minutes of HIIT daily for 8 weeks may reduce behavioral deficits by promoting a positive redox balance and increased activity of the BDNF/TrkB pathway that may contribute to NP attenuation., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Wound healing involves the interaction of blood cells, proteins, proteases, growth factors, and extracellular matrix components. Inflammation is one of the first events occurring during this process. Previously, we showed that the N-Methyl-(2S,4R)-trans-4-Hydroxy-L-Proline (NMP) from Sideroxylon obtusifolium leaves (a Brazilian medicinal species) presents an anti-inflammatory action. Considering inflammation as an important event in the wound healing process, the objectives were to investigate the topical effects of the NMP gel on a mice wound-induced model. Male Swiss mice were divided into 4 groups: Sham (surgical procedure only), Control (gel-base treated), and 3% or 10% NMP gel-treated groups. Measurements of wound areas and microscopic analyses (HE [hematoxylin-eosin] and PSR [picrosirius red] stainings) were carried out, at the 7th and 12th, days after the wound induction. Furthermore, immunohistochemical assays for iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase) and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) and biochemical measurements for TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), GSH (glutathione), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were also performed, at the second day after the wound induction. The work showed that NMP decreases the wound areas, after topical application, relatively to the Sham and Control groups. In addition, microscopic alterations were reduced and collagen deposition was increased, at the 7th and 12th days, in the 10% NMP group. While iNOS and COX-2 immunostainings and GSH contents increased, in relation to the Sham and Control groups, TBARS and MPO decreased. Altogether, the results showed NMP to improve the wound healing process, by upregulating iNOS and COX-2 activities, reducing lipid peroxidation and MPO activity, and increasing GSH contents. In addition, NMP certainly contributes to the increased collagen deposition. These data may stimulate translational studies dealing with the possible use of NMP from Sideroxylon obtusifolium or from other sources for the management of wound healing.

Background: Envenomation caused by Bothrops alternatus is common in Southern Brazil. Acute Kidney Injury occurs after Bothrops snakebite and more information is necessaryrequired to understand its mechanism., Objective: The objective was to evaluate the effect of Bothrops alternatus venom (BaV) on renal cells and rat isolated kidney function., Methods: Wistar rats (n = 6, weighing 260-320 g) were perfused with a Krebs-Henseleit solution containing 6 g 100 mL-1 of bovine serum albumin. After 30 minutes, the kidneys were perfused with BaV to a final concentration of 1 and 3 μgmL-1; and subsequently were evaluated for Perfusion Pressure (PP), Renal Vascular Resistance (RVR), Urinary Flow (UF), Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), and percentage of electrolyte tubular transport. Renal histological analysis, cytokine release, oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in renal proximal tubular cells were assessed., Results: BaV reduced PP, RVR, GFR, UF, total and proximal sodium transport (%TNa+), and chloride (%TCl-) in the isolated kidney perfusion model. Histological analysis of perfused kidneys disclosed the presence of proteinaceous material in the glomeruli and renal tubules, vacuolar tubular epithelial cell degeneration, Bowman's capsule degeneration, swelling of glomerular epithelial cells, glomerular atrophy and degeneration, and the presence of intratubular protein. Cytokine release (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10) and oxidative stress were increased in the kidneys. The viability of LLC-MK2 cells (IC50: 221.3 μg/mL) was decreased by BaV and necrosis was involved in cell death., Conclusion: These findings indicate that BaV modifies functional parameters in an isolated perfused kidney model and has cytotoxic effects on renal lineage cells., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)

Bredemeyera floribunda roots are popularly used to treat snakebites in the semiarid region of Northeast Brazil, and previous studies indicate the anti-ophidian actions of triterpenoid saponins found in its roots. To assess B. floribunda root extract (BFRE) activity against the effects of Bothrops jararacussu venom (BjuV), antiphospholipasic, antiproteolytic, antihemorrhagic, antinecrotic, and anti-edematogenic activities were investigated in mice. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, and sugars, with rutin and saccharose being the major constituents of BFRE. Acute toxicity was determined and BFRE was nontoxic to mice. Phospholipase A2 and proteolytic activities induced by BjuV were inhibited in vitro by BFRE at all concentrations tested herein. BFRE (150 mg/kg) inhibited paw edema induced by BjuV (50 µg/animal), reducing total edema calculated by area under the curve, but carrageenan-induced paw edema was unchanged. Hemorrhagic and necrotizing actions of BjuV (50 µg/animal) were considerably decreased by BFRE treatment. Thus, BFRE blocked the toxic actions of B. jararacussu venom despite having no anti-inflammatory activity, which points to a direct inhibition of venom's toxins, as demonstrated in the in vitro assays. The larger amounts of rutin found in BFRE may play a role in this inhibition, since 3',4'-OH flavonoids are known inhibitors of phospholipases A2.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most important complications of bothropic poisoning and its early identification remains challenging. The nephrotoxicity of Bothrops insularis venom (BinsV) was previously described by our research group. In this study, we continued to evaluate the effect of BinsV on kidney function in mice and LLC-MK2 proximal tubule cells, evaluating KIM-1 protein as an early AKI biomarker. Male Swiss mice were inoculated with BinsV intramuscularly and observed for 24 h in a metabolic cage model. Urine and blood were collected for biochemical analyses and the kidneys were examined for oxide-reducing balance and submitted to histological analysis. LLC-MK2 cells incubated with BinsV were assessed for cell viability and cell death mechanism by flow cytometry. Histological analysis of the kidneys indicated AKI and the oxide-reducing analyses demonstrated a decreasing in reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and an increasing on Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. BinsV was cytotoxic to LLC-MK2 and the cytometry analyses suggested necrosis. Within 24 h after the envenomation, urinary creatinine did not increase, but the urinary levels of KIM-1 increased. In conclusion, we found AKI evidence in the kidney tissue and the increase in the KIM-1 levels suggest it can be used as an early AKI biomarker., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

SummaryThere are few reports of cryopreservation and injuries in Macrobrachium amazonicum embryos. Thus, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of cryoprotectants agents and cooling on stage VIII of this species. Fertilized eggs from ovigerous females were removed from the incubation chamber, then placed in 10 ml Falcon tubes with a cryoprotectant solution and saline-free calcium solution. Thus, the embryos underwent a cooling curve of 1°C per min until reaching 5°C, and then were stored for 2 h. The tubes containing the embryos were washed to remove the cryoprotectant, acclimated for 5 min and then transferred to 50 ml incubators. At the end of the 24-h period, living embryos from each tube were counted and tabulated. A pool of embryos was fixed with 4% formaldehyde and then subjected to histology using 3-mm thick sections and stained with haematoxylin/eosin. Another pool was used for biometric analysis in which length, width and volume were analyzed. The cryoprotectants agents used were: dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), methyl alcohol, ethylene glycol at 1, 5 and 10% and sucrose (0.5 M). Variance analysis was performed followed by Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) test at 5% significance level. DMSO cryoprotectant affected embryo survival the least with rates of 71.8, 36.2 and 0% for concentrations of 1, 5 and 10%, respectively. Ethylene glycol caused 100% mortality at all the concentrations used. It was not possible to observe the interference of cooling and cryoprotectants on embryonic structures in this study.

Renal fibrosis is characterized by glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis and its pathogenesis is associated with the activity of mesenchymal cells (fibroblasts), being essentially characterized by a process of excessive accumulation resulting from the deposition of extracellular matrix components. The aim of this study was to characterize the morphological presentation of chronic and fibrotic lesions in the glomerular, tubular, interstitial, and vascular compartments in feline CKD, as well as the possible participation of myofibroblasts in renal fibrotic processes in this species. Cat kidneys were collected and processed according to the conventional techniques for light microscopy, circular polarization, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy. Fibrotic alterations were present in all compartments analyzed. The main findings in the glomerular compartment were different degrees of glomerular sclerosis, synechia formation, Bowman's capsule calcification, in addition to glomerular basement membrane thickening and pericapsular fibrosis. The tubulointerstitial compartment had intense tubular degeneration and the immunostaining in tubular cells for mesenchymal cell markers demonstrated the possibility of mesenchymal epithelial transition and consequent involvement of myofibroblasts in the development of interstitial tubule damage. Infiltration of inflammatory cells, added to vessel thickening and fibrosis, demonstrated the severity and role of inflammation in the development and perpetuation of damage. Thus, we may conclude that fibrotic lesions play a relevant role in feline CKD and the mechanism of perpetuation of these lesions need further elucidation regarding the origin and participation of myofibroblasts and consequent mesenchymal epithelial transition in this species., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

This study have analyzed the pulmonary function in an experimental model of acute lung injury, induced by the Crotalus durissus cascavella venom (C. d. cascavella) (3.0 μg/kg - i.p), in pulmonary mechanic and histology at 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after inoculation. The C. d. cascavella venom led to an increase in Newtonian Resistance (R N ), Tissue Resistance (G) and Tissue Elastance (H) in all groups when compared to the control, particularly at 12 h and 24 h. The Histeresivity (η) increased 6 h, 12 h and 24 h after inoculation. There was a decrease in Static Compliance (C ST ) at 6 h, 12 h and 24 h and inspiratory capacity (IC) at 3 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h. C. d. cascavella venom showed significant morphological changes such as atelectasis, emphysema, hemorrhage, polymorphonuclear inflammatory infiltrate, edema and congestion. After a challenge with methacholine (MCh), R N demonstrated significant changes at 6, 12 and 24 h. This venom caused mechanical and histopathological changes in the lung tissue; however, its mechanisms of action need further studies in order to better elucidate the morphofunctional lesions., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The combustion of residual glycerol to generate heat in industrial processes has been suggested as a cost-effective solution for disposal of this environmental liability. Thus, we investigated the effects of exposure to the exhaust gases of glycerol combustion in the rat respiratory system. We used 2 rats groups, one exposed to the exhaust gases from glycerol combustion (Glycerol), and the other exposed to ambient air (Control). Exposure occurred 5h a day, 5days a week for 13 weeks. We observed statistically changes in all parameters of respiratory system mechanics in vivo. This results was supported by histological analysis and morphometric data, confirming narrower airways and lung parenchimal changes. Variables related to airway resistance (ΔR N ) and elastic properties of the tissue (ΔH), increased after challenge with methacholine. Finally, analysis of lung tissue micromechanics showed statistically increases in all parameters (R, E and hysteresivity). In conclusion, exhaust gases from glycerol combustion were harmful to the respiratory system., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a relevant disease in feline clinic. The tubulointerstitial damage, with collagen deposition and fibrosis, is an important result of this process. The aim of this study was to quantify and correlate the deposition of collagen and severity of interstitial fibrosis (IF) in the kidney from cats in different stages of CKD. Kidney fragments from 10 adult cats with CKD were analyzed and stained by Masson's trichrome (MT) and Picrosirius red (PSR) for circular polarized microscopy. Random quantitative analysis was performed on MT sections to classify the degree of IF, per field area, with and without circular polarization. Statistics correlations were performed by Spearman's (ρ; p < .05). There was a significant correlation of IF quantification with the area of interstitial collagen deposition by polarized PSR (PSRp) (r = .7939, p = .0098) and nonpolarized PSR (PSRn) (r = .7781, p = .0080). There was a positive correlation of serum creatinine (sCr) at different stages of CKD with PSRp (r = .7939, p = .0098), PSRn (r = .8667, p = .0027) and MT (r = .7818, p = .0117). Correlations between the percentage of quantified area was also positive from PSRp to PSRn (r = .9030, p = .0009) and PSRp to MT (r = .7939, p = .0098). The PSRN was also correlated with MT (r = .9273, p = .0001). The correlation with IF and sCr follows the disease evolution and the quantification of collagen by PSR is an excellent tool for analyzing the disease severity at different stages., (© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)