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Os acidentes com trem não são comumente associados a animais de pequeno porte, pela localização das linhas férreas. Quando um animal é atropelado, pode sofrer múltiplas lesões que podem acometer diversos segmentos do corpo e até resultar em morte, principalmente quando as regiões de face e crânio são acometidas. O paciente pode chegar para atendimento clínico manifestando diversas alterações como hemorragia, choque hipovolêmico, alteração em estado de consciência e dispneia. Deve ser estabilizado o quanto antes, podendo carecer de fluidoterapia, analgesia, oxigenioterapia, e se necessário, ventilação mecânica e transfusão sanguínea. Podem ser utilizados exames complementares laboratoriais e radiografias para elucidar e auxiliar no caso. Esse trabalho relata o caso de uma cadela atendida no município de Santos/SP atropelada por veículo ferroviário em outro município e destaca as importâncias clínicas e cirúrgicas do caso. Após a estabilização da paciente, a mesma foi encaminhada para intervenção cirúrgica e respondeu positivamente ao protocolo cirúrgico e terapêutico realizado, recebendo alta médica no fim do tratamento. Sendo assim, conclui-se que uma rápida busca para atendimento médico-veterinário adjunto com um protocolo adequado e intervenção cirúrgica em tempo hábil, podem acarretar melhora clínica do paciente mesmo em quadros graves.

The Cuvier's beaked whale (CBW; Ziphius cavirostris) is a cosmopolitan marine mammal found in deep tropical and temperate waters of all oceans. CBW strandings have been recorded sporadically in Brazil; however, there is lack of information available regarding their causes of stranding and/or death. Herein, we report the epidemiologic, pathologic, morphologic parasitologic features and molecular identification of arterial and renal crassicaudiasis by Crassicauda sp. in three geographically and chronologically distant CBW stranded off Brazil. CBW-1 was an adult male stranded dead in Rio Grande do Sul State. CBW-2 was an adult female that stranded alive in Sergipe State and died shortly after. CBW-3 was and adult male that stranded dead in Santa Catarina State. The most relevant pathologic findings in these three CBW were severe, chronic proliferative mesenteric and caudal aortic endarteritis and chronic granulomatous and fibrosing interstitial nephritis with renicular atrophy and loss, and numerous intralesional Crassicauda sp. nematodes. Furthermore, CBW-1 had concomitant gram-negative bacterial pneumonia and pulmonary and hepatic thromboembolism. Morphologic analysis of renal adult nematodes identified Crassicauda sp. in the three CBW. Molecular analyses targeting the 18S and ITS-2 ribosomal loci of renal nematodes in CBW-2 and CBW-3 identified C. anthonyi. It is believed that severe arterial and renal crassicaudiasis likely resulted or contributed significantly to morbidity and death of these animals. These results expand the known geographical range of occurrence of crassicaudiasis in CBW. Specifically, the present study provides the first accounts of arterial and renal crassicaudiasis in CBW off the southern hemisphere, specifically in CBW off Brazil, and to the authors' knowledge, it is the first record of C. anthonyi in the southern Atlantic Ocean., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • First record of Crassicauda anthonyi in cetaceans off the southern Atlantic Ocean. • Arterial and renal crassicaudiasis may be fatal in Ziphius cavirostris. • ITS-2 gene sequence analysis enables Crassicauda species identification.

A Leishmaniose Visceral é uma grave zoonose ocasionada por protozoários do gênero Leishmania sp., amplamente distribuídos no mundo e está incluída entre uma das seis endemias de maior relevância mundial. Os principais animais acometidos são os cães domésticos, sendo os flebotomíneos do gênero Lutzomyia sp. os principais transmissores. Os cães podem apresentar-se assintomáticos e devido a sua supina ocorrência e elevado nível de letalidade, o diagnóstico precoce é necessário para a saúde coletiva. Nos últimos anos, no município de Santos/SP, houve um crescimento significativo de casos de Leishmaniose Visceral Canina (LVC) e a atuação da população é extremamente importante para o desfecho adequado de intervenções profiláticas. Logo objetivou-se averiguar o nível de percepção dos tutores que comparecem a uma Clínica Veterinária Popular na cidade de Santos/SP sobre a LVC, bem como, realizar atividades educacionais para esclarecer a importância desta zoonose. Participaram da pesquisa 300 indivíduos, destes 44,7% não tinham conhecimento prévio sobre. Quanto a transmissão, 65,0% manifestaram desconhecimento. Verificou-se que 72,0% não sabiam identificar sinais clínicos e 70,3% não realizavam prevenção. Portanto, o estudo enfatiza a necessidade de investimentos na educação continuada da população sobre a LVC de forma a diminuir susceptíveis, monitorar animais errantes, diagnosticar os assintomáticos e controlar a propagação de vetores.

The roadside hawk (Rupornis magnirostris) is a free-living bird that commonly has wing injuries caused by man-made obstacles when flying. Studies that describe the topographic anatomy of the wings of this species are necessary to assist in the treatment of possible wing lesions. For this reason, the present work aimed to describe the origin and insertion of the nerves that constitute the brachial plexus in roadside hawks. Five roadside hawk carcasses donated to the Animal Anatomy Laboratory of the Sao Judas University Center, UNIMONTE campus, by CEPTAS (Center for Research and Screening of Wild Animals) were used for the study. The brachial plexus of the roadside hawk was formed by the union of the ventral branches of the spinal nerves located between C9-C10-T1-T2-T3. The ventral branches joined together and formed four short trunks which later united again by exchanging nerve fibers and constituting a big caliber branch. This is divided into two nerve cords (dorsal and ventral) which are destined to specific muscular groupings. The dorsal cord originates the axillary, anconeal and radial nerves, and is responsible for innervating the extensor muscles. The ventral cord originates the pectoral, bicipital, median-ulnar, median and ulnar nerves, and is responsible for innervating the flexor muscles.

It is known that the cranial cruciate legament is one of the main stabilizers of the knee, and problems in it can bring complications to the animal, including the rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament, which is classified as one of the biggest diseases in the pelvic limbs in dogs. Its diagnosis is made through a thorough consultation and, during the physical exam, the drawer and tibial compression tests. However, as a confirmatory diagnosis, complementary imaging exams are used for a better visualization of suspicious problems. Conservative and surgical treatments are included in its treatment, where the surgical ones include extracapsular, intracapsular, and corrective osteotomies, the latter being the most modern and safest in terms of possible relapse and future joint degeneration, because they are procedures that modify the bone anatomy, restoring stability and returning function to the limb; however, the choice of treatment is always made individually for each patient. Thus, the present study aims to report the case of a patient with rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament and the TPLO surgical technique as a solution, in order to contribute to advances in the field of orthopedics. The information was obtained through follow-up and review of the patient's medical record, photographic record of the exams for which the patient was submitted, and literature review in articles on the Scielo and Google Academic platforms. It is known that the cranial cruciate legament is one of the main stabilizers of the knee, and problems in it can bring complications to the animal, including the rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament, which is classified as one of the biggest diseases in the pelvic limbs in dogs. Its diagnosis is made through a thorough consultation and, during the physical exam, the drawer and tibial compression tests. However, as a confirmatory diagnosis, complementary imaging exams are used for a better visualization of suspicious problems. Conservative and surgical treatments are included in its treatment, where the surgical ones include extracapsular, intracapsular, and corrective osteotomies, the latter being the most modern and safest in terms of possible relapse and future joint degeneration, because they are procedures that modify the bone anatomy, restoring stability and returning function to the limb; however, the choice of treatment is always made individually for each patient. Thus, the present study aims to report the case of a patient with rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament and the TPLO surgical technique as a solution, in order to contribute to advances in the field of orthopedics. The information was obtained through follow-up and review of the patient's medical record, photographic record of the exams for which the patient was submitted, and literature review in articles on the Scielo and Google Academic platforms.

A leishmaniose visceral canina, e uma zoonose de grande importância, alta letalidade e de dificil diagnostico precoce. Metodos de controle, como a vacina profilatica anti-LVC, tem sido utilizada para prevencao da doenca no pais. A Leish-Tec®, e a vacina licenciada pelo MAPA, porem, apresenta em alguns casos reacoes adversas, como apatia, dor no local da aplicacao, tremores musculares, entre outros. Por esse motivo, este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos adversos da vacina Leish-Tec® em 29 animais, de ambos os sexos, de diferente faixa etaria e raca, que realizaram teste diagnostico, conforme o protocolo exigido pelo Ministerio da Saude de triagem da doenca, e apresentaram-se negativos. Pode-se observar que do total dos animais estudados, um animal (3,4%) nao apresentou alteracoes no periodo da primovacinacao, ja, os demais (96,6%) apresentaram algum tipo de reacao, principalmente, os animais de racas pequenas. Desta forma, concluimos que mais estudos em relacao aos efeitos adversos da vacina se mostram necessarios, para sua utilizacao como metodo de controle da doenca.

Galinhas poedeiras ou de postura, sao aves destinadas exclusivamente a producao de ovos, sendo estes de grande importância para o produtor. A racao fornecida para poedeiras devera ser de excelente qualidade e conter os nutrientes necessarios para atender cada fase de vida em que a ave se encontra. Entretanto, a mesma pode oferecer maleficios a producao devido ao erro de manejo alimentar e armazenamento, degradando-sede forma mais rapida e sofrendoreducao em sua qualidade nutricional. Com base nessas informacoes, foi simulado o mau armazenamento e realizado analises bromatologicas/centesimaisda racao para galinhas poedeiras iniciais para determinacao dos valores dos componentes bases da racao. Constatou-se possiveis perdas nutricionais nos niveis de extrato etereo (EE), materia seca (MS) e digestibilidadequando comparada a mesma racao armazenada corretamente.

Aging can promote significant morphofunctional changes in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Regulation of GIT motility is mainly controlled by the myenteric neurons of the enteric nervous system. Actions that aim at decreasing the aging effects in the GIT include those related to diet, with caloric restriction (CR). The CR is achieved by controlling the amount of food or by manipulating the components of the diet. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate different levels of CR on the plasticity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate– (NADPH-) reactive myenteric neurons in the colon of Wistar rats during the aging process using ultrastructural (transmission electron microscopy) and morphoquantitative analysis. Wistar male rats (Rattus norvegicus) were distributed into 4 groups (n = 10/group): C, 6-month-old animals; SR, 18-month-old animals fed a normal diet; CRI, 18-month-old animals fed a 12% CR diet; CRII, 18-month-old animals fed a 31% CR diet. At 6 months of age, animals were transferred to the laboratory animal facility, where they remained until 18 months of age. Animals of the CRI and CRII groups were submitted to CR for 6 months. In the ultrastructural analysis, a disorganization of the periganglionar matrix with the aging was observed, and this characteristic was not observed in the animals that received hypocaloric diet. It was observed that the restriction of 12.5% and 31% of calories in the diet minimized the increase in density and cell profile of the reactive NADPH neurons, increased with age. This type of diet may be adapted against gastrointestinal disturbances that commonly affect aging individuals.

Pontoporia blainvillei or Franciscana is a small cetacean endemic of South Atlantic Ocean and its highlighted as the most endangered species. Despite the necessity to development conservation strategies for Pontoporia blainvillei studies aiming to feature the reproductive biology and morphological characteristics of the genital organs are still scarce. In this context, the aim of this study was describe the morphological aspects of the genital organs of Pontoporia blainvillei. For this purpose, six male specimens of P. blainvillei stranded on the southeast region of Brazil, were used. Initially animals were measured, and the genital organs were collected, dissected and photodocumented. Then, fragments of all collected organs were submitted to microscopic analysis. The male genital organs of P. blainvillei showed similar results described for other cetaceans, such as, topography in abdominal cavity, presence of two testicles with epididymis, fibroelastic penis with sigmoid shape and presence of deferent duct. Moreover, a male uterus non-functional, two vestigial bones that support the penis, one retractor penis muscle and presence of associated muscles that support the entire reproductive apparatus were observed. However, some differences were present, such as, a simple cubic epithelium in the light of the epididymis, a small testicle even in sexually mature animals and absence of prostate, not previously observed in other cetaceans. Therefore, the animals analyzed showed similar features to other cetaceans, however some peculiarities were observed.

On 25 January 2014, a 1 mo old female Amazonian manatee Trichechus inunguis calf weighing 12 kg was rescued by air transport in Guajará, Brazil, and transferred to Mamirauá Institute's Community-based Amazonian Manatee Rehabilitation Center. The calf presented piercing/cutting lesions on the back, neck, and head, in addition to dehydration and intermittent involuntary buoyancy. X-ray analysis revealed a large amount of gases in the gastrointestinal tract. Daily procedures included wound cleaning and dressing, clinical and laboratory monitoring, treatment for intestinal tympanism, and artificial feeding. Adaptation to the nursing formula included 2 kinds of whole milk. Up to 20 d post-rescue the calf presented appetite, was active, and gained weight progressively. Past this period the calf started losing weight and presented constant involuntary buoyancy and died after 41 d in rehabilitation. The major findings at necropsy were pneumatosis intestinalis in cecum and colon, pulmonary edema, and hepatomegaly. The microscopic examination revealed pyogranulomatous and necrohemohrragic colitis with multinucleated giant cells, acute multifocal lymphadenitis with lymphoid depletion in cortical and paramedullary regions of mesenteric lymph nodes, and diffuse severe acinar atrophy of the pancreas. Anaerobic cultures of fragments of cecum and colon revealed colonies genotyped as Clostridium perfringens type A. We speculate that compromised immunity, thermoregulatory failure, and intolerance to artificial diet may have been contributing factors to the infection, leading to enterotoxemia and death.

This study describes the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) in odontocetes from the Brazilian coast and freshwater systems. Seven species were evaluated and tissue samples were analyzed by light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry. Laryngeal tonsil was a palpable oval mass located in the larynx, composed of a lymphoepithelial complex. Dense collections of lymphocytes were found in the skin of male fetus and calf. Clusters of lymphoid tissue were found in the uterine cervix of a reproductively active juvenile female and along the pulmonary artery of an adult female. Lymphoid tissues associated with the gastrointestinal tract were characterized by diffusely arranged or organized lymphocytes. The anal tonsil was composed of an aggregate of lymphoid tissue occurring exclusively in the anal canal, being composed of squamous epithelium branches. MALT was present in different tissues and organic systems of cetaceans, providing constant protection against mucosal pathogens present in their environment.

Studies have shown the feeding diversity of teleostean fish, which is conditioned by environmental characteristics or the biology of the different species. Analysis on the morphology of the digestive system (DS) of fish made it possible for researchers to know the food regimen of several species at different stages of life. On the other hand, it is known that food habits may lead to morphological changes in the DS the same way that different food habits may be imposed by morphological limitations of this system. Among the species of greater commercial importance in Brazil, Micropogonias furnieri is highly representative of fish in south-eastern Brazil. Therefore, the objective of this study was to analyse the morphology of the DS of M. furnieri. Results on the morphology of the DS observed in this study were similar to the patterns determined for the morphology of teleostean fish. In this study, it was observed that the DS of the Whitemouth croaker is directly related with the shape of the peritoneal cavity; these fish showed oesophagus, stomach, pyloric caeca and intestines. The pyloric caeca showed morphological adaptations in relation to sexual maturation, with well-developed caeca found in sexually mature animals.

Diariamente, milhões de toneladas de lixo são lançadas no ambiente, colocando em risco o equilíbrio da natureza. O despejo de detritos no ambiente é considerado como uma das principais ameaças à vida silvestre em todo o mundo, estando relacionada como potencial fator de impacto para muitas espécies de aves e tartarugas marinhas e mamíferos aquáticos, os quais vem sofrendo com a poluição e ingestão acidental. O objetivo deste trabalho é relatar a ingestão de lixo plástico por um sapo do gênero Rhinella encontrado morto em bom estado de conservação na capital de Sergipe, Brasil. Durante a necropsia, observou-se que o animal apresentava pele íntegra e bom estado nutricional. Os órgãos da cavidade celomática apresentavam-se em sua topografia normal e, com exceção do estômago, sem alterações. O compartimento gástrico do anfíbio apresentava-se dilatado e, durante a palpação, notou-se a presença de conteúdo gástrico de aspecto folhoso. Após a sua abertura, foi identificada a presença de corpo estranho - material plástico correspondente a embalagens de balas. Até o momento, não há relatos de ingestão de lixo plástico por anfíbios no Brasil. A obstrução do trato digestivo pode desencadear um processo inflamatório, resultando na perda de apetite, caquexia, debilidade acentuada, podendo chegar ao óbito. Para que o problema do lixo no ambiente seja reduzido, é necessária a realização de campanhas educacionais voltadas para a orientação e educação da população sobre o impacto do lixo no equilíbrio ambiental.

The presence of denticles in the external surface, oral cavity, fins, and clasper of Elasmobranchii has been widely reported. These structures, called body denticles, may be observed on the body surface of sharks. Dermal and oral denticles are made up by a basal plate that is embedded in the dermis, forming a peduncle that grows from the base to the crown. These denticles may protect the skin against abrasion, and improve hydrodynamics and gill arches function. Rhizoprionodon lalandii is a widely distributed and very common species in Brazilian coastal areas. The aims of this study was to compare the morphology of oral and body denticles of R. lalandii to understand the implications of these structures in the behavior of these animals. Morphological analysis showed that there are differences between dermal and oral denticles, which are related to their role in different body regions. Body denticles have three cusps, and well-defined crests and ridges, and literature data suggest that suggest that hydrodynamics is their main function. Most of the oral denticles have only one cusp, and their morphology and distribution showed that their main functions are preparing food to be swallowed and protecting the oral cavity against abrasion. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:859–864, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Aquatic mammals underwent morphological and physiological adaptations due to the transition from terrestrial to aquatic environment. One of the morphological changes regards their vision since cetaceans' eyes are able to withstand mechanical, chemical, osmotic, and optical water conditions. Due to insufficient information about these animals, especially regarding their sense organs, this study aimed to describe the morphology of the Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) eyeball. Three newborn females, stranded dead on the coast of Sergipe and Bahia, Brazil, were used. Samples were fixed in a 10% formalin solution, dissected, photographed, collected, and evaluated through light and electron microscopy techniques. The Humpback whale sclera was thick and had an irregular surface with mechanoreceptors in its lamina propria. Lens was dense, transparent, and ellipsoidal, consisting of three layers, and the vascularized choroid contains melanocytes, mechanoreceptors, and a fibrous tapetum lucidum. The Humpback whale eyeball is similar to other cetaceans and suggests an adaptation to diving and migration, contributing to the perception of differences in temperature, pressure, and lighting.

The objective was to determine the prevalence of accessory spleens in cetaceans stranded on the north and northeastern coasts of Brazil and to describe their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, thereby providing insights into the contribution of these structures to the immune system of cetaceans. Sixty-three Odontocetes and Mysticetes (total of 14 species), male and female, ranging from calves to adults, stranded from 2009 to 2013 on the Brazilian north and northeastern coasts, were evaluated. Accessory spleens were present in 38 animals (60.3 %), with 1–14 accessory spleens per animal. Their location varied among species, ranging from firmly adherent to the spleen, to the large curvature of the first stomach or both. The presence of these structures was apparently not related to age or sex. However, there was a higher prevalence in animals with a greater body size and known to make deeper dives. Both primary and accessory spleens had similar macroscopic morphology with no demarcation between cortex and medulla. Both primary and accessory spleens had similar histological characteristics. Furthermore, it was noteworthy that germinal centers became more discrete and reduced in number with increasing age. In conclusion, we inferred that accessory spleens may be an additional mechanism for adaptation to diving and that they have a complementary reservoir function and thus can be considered compensatory lymphoid organs to splenic activity.

The morphology and location of lymph nodes from seven species of Odontocetes, of both sexes and different age groups, were described. All animals were derived from stranding events along the North and Northeastern coasts of Brazil. After the identification of lymph nodes in situ, tissue samples were analyzed for light and electron microscopy. Vascular volume density (VVD) and vascular length density (VLD) were evaluated in the mesenteric lymph nodes. Lymph nodes occurred as solitary nodules or in groups, varying in shape and size. In addition to using the nomenclature recommended by Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria, new nomenclatures were suggested based on the lymph nodes topography. Lymph nodes were covered by a highly vascularized and innervated capsule of dense connective tissue, below which muscle fibers were observed, inconsistently, in all studied species. There was no difference in VLD among different age groups. However, VVD was higher in adults. Lymph nodes parenchyma was divided into an outer cortex, containing lymph nodules and germinal centers; a paracortical region, transition zone with dense lymphoid tissue; and an inner medulla, composed of small irregular cords of lymphatic tissue, blood vessels, and diffuse lymphoid tissue. Abundant collagen fibers were observed around arteries and arterioles. Germinal centers were more evident and developed in calves and young animals, being more discrete and sparse in adults. The morphology of lymph nodes in Odontocetes was typical of that observed in other terrestrial mammals. However, new groups of lymph nodes were described for seven species occurring in the Brazilian coast.

The Southern-fur-seal belongs to the order Carnivora, suborder Pinnipedia, and Otariidae family. This species inhabits aquatic and terrestrial environments, thus presenting important morphophysiological adaptive changes, especially in the cardiac system. For this purpose, Southern-fur-seal (Arctocephalus australis) hearts were used from animals that died from natural causes. Gross morphology observations were supported by light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The heart was long and flat; it was lined by pericardium and partly covered by lungs. Structurally, atrium and ventricle muscle fibers exhibit typical features of cardiac fibers revealing myofibrils bundles, mitochondria, plate-shaped junctions, anastomosis between myofibrils bundles, and electron-dense granule natriuretic around the nucleus and mitochondria of atrium muscle cells. The Southern-fur-seal heart was structurally similar to other mammals; however, it presented morphological changes that assist in their adaptation to their environment.

Poucos são os relatos a respeito do efeito da atividade física sobre o plexo mioentérico ao longo do envelhecimento. Portanto, analisaram-se os neurônios mioentéricos NADPH-diaforase positivos do íleo em ratos que envelheceram praticando atividade física a partir dos seis meses de vida. Dez ratos Wistar foram distribuídos em dois grupos (n = 5/grupo): S (ratos sedentários controles com 12 meses de idade) e T (ratos treinados com 12 meses de idade). Os animais do grupo T realizaram, dos seis aos 12 meses de idade, atividade física regulada conforme resultados obtidos em teste de esforço máximo. Ao final do período experimental, o íleo obtido de cada animal foi processado para a técnica de NADPH-diaforase para evidenciar neurônios mioentéricos em preparados de membrana e quantificar e mensurar a área do pericário desses neurônios. A área do pericário não diferiu (P> 0,05) entre o grupo S (218,49 µm2) e o grupo T (210,59 µm2). A média de neurônios presente em 60 campos microscópicos de preparados de membranas no grupo S (126 neurônios) foi superior (P

Capybara is the largest rodent in the world and displays a seasonally dependent herbivore feeding behavior. Here, we present an anatomical contribution for understand this fact, by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy methodologies for tongue tissue analysis. The histological preparations revealed filiform, fungiform, vallate, and foliate papillae on the dorsal mucosa of the capybara tongue. The epithelial layer exhibited a lining of keratinized stratified squamous epithelial cells. The lamina propria was characterized by a dense connective tissue composed of the primary and secondary papillar projections. We also revealed the original aspects of the connective papillae. The shapes of the papillae varied by region of the tongue, and filiform, fungiform, vallate, and foliate papillae and subjacent layers of muscular fibers were observed. Pyriform taste buds occupying the epithelial layer of fungiform, vallate and foliate papillae were identified and the intracellular components of the taste buds and the intracorpuscular amyelinated nerve fibers were observed. The taste buds were characterized by the distribution of granular endoplasmic reticulum throughout the perinuclear area, the Golgi apparatus, and mitochondrial assemblies of various distinct diameters. Mitochondrial accumulation was also observed in the collagen bundle-surrounded amyelinated nerve fibers beside the basal cells. Therefore, these peculiar anatomical descriptions may contribute to understanding the adaptation of the feeding behavior of capybaras in a seasonally changing environment.

The importance of the tongue during feeding, and the limited information on the tongue of most aquatic mammals led us to investigate its morphological aspects in sexually immature and mature Sotalia guianensis. Six tongues were measured and photo-documented after their removal from the oral cavity. The samples were divided into rostral, middle, and caudal regions, and examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (S.E.M.). Sotalia guianensis tongue presented lateral grooves from the apex to the middle portion, while the anterolateral region presented marginal papillae. Histological characteristics revealed the presence of a keratinized stratified epithelium, salivary glands in the middle and caudal portions of the tongue, and filiform papillae in the caudal region. S.E.M. images revealed the presence of filiform papillae and ducts of salivary glands in the middle and caudal portions of the tongue. We can conclude that the characteristics found in this study may reflect an adaptation to changes in diet after weaning.

Morphological characteristics of the tongue were studied in adult rhea (Rhea americana). The lingual surface and the surface of epithelium-connective tissue interface of rhea tongue were examined macroscopically and by light and scanning electron microscopy. The rhea tongue revealed a triangular aspect, without adjustment of the inferior bill formation, occupying approximately ¼ of the length of the oral cavity. Lingual papilla-like structures were not observed over the lingual surface. The tongue mucosa was composed of a thick non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium in the dorsal and ventral part, supported by a connective tissue core. The submucosa contained numerous glands with cytoplasmic granules, and luminal secretion was positive for histochemical reaction to Alcian Blue in pH 2.5 and PAS, and negative to Alcian Blue in pH 0.5. Despite the rudimentary characteristic of the tongue in rhea, our results suggest an important role of tongue secretions in food lubrication and humidification during the swallowing process, based on the enormous quantity of lingual glands in the submucosa and the histochemical characteristics of their secretions.

With 4 figures Summary The presence of lingual papillae and the nerve endings in the middle region of the tongue mucosa of collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) were studied using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy, based upon the silver impregnation method. The middle region of tongue mucosa revealed numerous filiform and fungiform papillae. The thick epithelial layer showed epithelial cells and a dense connective tissue layer containing nerve fibre bundles and capillaries. The sensory nerve endings, intensely stained by silver impregnation, were usually non-encapsulated and extended into the connective tissue of the filiform and fungiform papillae very close to the epithelial cells. In some regions, the sensory nerves fibres formed a dense and complex network of fine fibrils. The presence of these nerve fibrils may characterize the mechanisms of transmission of sensitive impulses to the tongue mucosa.

Saimiri sciureus is one of the smallest Cebidae native of Amazon region and also found at the biological reserve of northeast Atlantic forest. It is an omnivore animal, with diversified diet that directly influences the lingual mucosa, which includes certain types of papillae with different organization levels. The present study attempted to describe the morphological and ultrastructure aspects of the dorsal surface of the S. sciureus. Five tongues of de S. sciureus were analyzed from three males and two females who died from natural causes and were obtained from breeding colonies of CENP-Ananindeua-PA. Main macroscopic features were a general triangular shape with a craniocaudal elongation pointed apex. Tissue samples—apex, body, and root of tongue—were fixed in modified Karnovsky solution, following standard scanning protocol, mounted in stubs, coated by gold, and analyzed by Scanning Electron Macroscopy (SEM). Four types of papillae were described: filiform (along all tissue extension with 154 μm of diameter), fungiform (along all tissue extension with 272 μm of diameter), vallate [just three units in caudal (dorsal) portion with 830 μm of diameter] and foliate (one pair at caudolateral surface with ∼13 projections and 3000 μm in length). Data analysis indicates that the distribution and ultra structural morphology of the S. sciureus lingual papillae are some similar to other primates. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2010. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The nerve terminals of intrinsic muscular fibers of the tongue of adult wistar rats was studied by using silver impregnation techniques, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) to observe the nerve fibers and their terminals. Silver impregnation was done according to Winkelman and Schmit, 1957. For TEM, small blocks were fixed in modified Karnovsky solution, postfixed in 1% buffered osmium tetroxide solution, and embedded in Spurr resin. For HRSEM, the parts were fixed in 2% osmium tetroxide solution with 1/15 M sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) at 4°C for 2 h, according to the technique described by Tanaka, 1989. Thick myelinated nerve bundles were histologically observed among the muscular fibers. The intrafusal nerve fiber presented a tortuous pathway with punctiform terminal axons in clusters contacting the surface of sarcolemma. Several myelinated nerve fibers involved by collagen fibers of the endoneurium were observed in HRSEM in three-dimensional aspects. The concentric lamellae of the myelin sheath and the axoplasm containing neurofilaments interspersed among the mitochondria were also noted. In TEM, myofibrils, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi's apparatus, and glycogen granules were observed in sarcoplasm. It is also noted that the sarcomeres constituted by myofilaments with their A, I, and H bands and the electron dense Z lines. In areas adjacent to muscular fibers, there were myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers involved by endoneurium and perineurium. In the region of the neuromuscular junction, the contact with the sarcolemma of the muscular cell occurs forming several terminal buttons and showing numerous evaginations of the cell membrane. In the terminal button, mitochondria and numerous synaptic vesicles were observed. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The tongue of birds fills the oral cavity and has a beak-like shape. Morphological studies of birds reveal a correlation between the structure of the tongue and the mechanism of food intake and the type of food. However, several studies have shown morphological differences among the tongues of bird species. The aim of this study was to analyze ostrich tongue morphology and ultrastructural features using scanning electron microscopy. Tongues from 12 adult ostriches were examined. Six tongues were sectioned sagittally into lateral and middle portions, fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution, and examined under light microscopy. The other six samples were sectioned longitudinally, and the dorsal and ventral surfaces were separated, immersion-fixed in modified Karnovsky solution, and examined under scanning electron microscopy. The tongue surface of the ostrich was smooth, without lingual papillae, and covered by stratified non-keratinized epithelium. In the submucosal layer, mucous salivary glands were surrounded by connective-tissue capsules, with septa dividing the glands into lobes. Numerous salivary gland ducts of different sizes and connective-tissue laminae dividing each opening could be clearly seen in scanning electron microscope images. The ventral surface had fewer openings than the dorsal surface. In samples treated with NaOH, connective-tissue papillae from the dorsal region were oriented posteriorly.

The study of lingual surfaces and the surface of interface epithelium-connective tissue of the tongue of Bradypus torquatus was performed by employing the light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The results revealed that the rostral part of the tongue presents a round apex and covered by filiform and fungiform lingual papillae and a ventral smooth surface. It was observed that the epithelial layer of the dorsal surface possesses the basal, spinosum, granular and cornified epithelial cells. The lamina propria is characterized by a dense connective tissue forming the long, short and round papillae. Numerous typical filiform papillae are located especially in the rostral part intermingled for few fungiform papillae, which were revealed in three-dimensional SEM images. Usually, the fungiform papillae are located in the border of rostral apex of the tongue exhibiting the rounded form. They are covered by keratinized epithelial cells. In the fungiform papillae, several taste pores were observed on the surface. The vallate papillae presented numerous taste buds in the wall of epithelial cells, being that the major number of taste buds is located on the superior half of vallate papilla. The taste pores are surrounded by several laminae of keratinized epithelial cells. The samples treated with NaOH solution and examined by SEM revealed, after removal of the epithelial layer, the dense connective core in original disposition, presenting different sizes and shapes. The specimens stained with Picrosirius and examined by polarized light microscopy revealed the connective tissue, indicating the collagen fibres type I and type III.

O lobo-marinho-do-sul pertencente à ordem Carnivora, subordem Pinnipedia e família Otariidae habita ambientes aquáticos e terrestres e, desta forma, apresentando alterações morfofisiológicas adaptativas importantes, entre elas o sistema cardíaco. O coração é o órgão muscular central do sistema circulatório que tem como função o transporte de oxigênio e nutrientes para os tecidos, assim como o transporte de dióxido de carbono. Considerando a importância deste órgão para o funcionamento geral dos demais sistemas corpóreos, este trabalho teve por objetivo descrever a morfologia e aspectos morfométricos do coração a fim de estabelecer comparações entre o coração do lobo-marinho-do-sul com outros pinípedes e carnívoros terrestres. Para tanto, foram utilizados corações de lobo-marinho-do-sul (Arctocephalus australis) que vierem a óbito por causas naturais. Após análise macroscópica e realização de mensurações, os corações foram analisados em nível de microscopia de luz, microscopia eletrônica de varredura, por meio de crio fratura em nitrogênio líquido, e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. As características topográficas e morfológicas do coração do lobo-marinho-do-sul são descritas. O órgão é quase totalmente envolto pelo pulmão e revestido pelo pericárdio tendo uma forma alongada e achatada. Os aspectos ultra-estruturais apresentaram a disposição de fibras musculares dos átrios e ventrículos com as características típicas de fibras cardíacas revelando os feixes de miofibrilas, mitocôndrias com as cristas mitocondriais nítidas, junções em forma de placas, anastosmoses entre os feixes de miofibrilas e grânulos elétron-densos, nátrio-uréticos, próximo ao núcleo das células musculares ou ao longo da disposição de mitocôndrias das fibras musculares de átrios. The southern-fur-seal belongs to the order Carnivora, suborder Pinnipedia and Otariidae family lives in aquatic and terrestrial environments and thus presenting important adaptive morpho-physiological changes, between then the cardiovascular system. The heart is the central muscular organ of the circulatory system whose function is to transport oxygen and nutrients to tissues, as well as the transport of carbon dioxide. Considering the importance of this organ to the overall functioning of other body systems, this study was to aim to describe the morphology and morphometric aspects of the heart in order to establish comparisons between the heart of the southern-fur-seals with other pinnipeds and terrestrial carnivores. Therefore, hearts of southern-fur-seals (Arctocephalus australis) were used that come to death by natural pathologies. After macroscopic analysis and execution of measurements, the hearts were analyzed at the level of light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, using cryo fracture in liquid nitrogen, and transmission electron microscopy. The heart of the fur seal-of-south is surrounded almost entirely by the lung and covered by the pericardium, having long, flat in shape. The ultrastructural aspects presented the dispositive of muscle fibers of the atrium and ventricles under the typical cardiac fibers revelry the myofibrils bundles, mitochondria with mitochondrial cristal, junction in form of plates, anastomosis between the myofibrils bundles, and electron dense granules like natriun-uretriz near to nuclear of muscle cells or along the disposal of mitochondria of the muscle fibers of atrium.

The reproductive morphology of cetaceans is poorly studied and, despite the large number of strandings, reports on this subject are scarce due to access to carcasses mostly in an advanced state of decomposition. The present study aimed to describe histological characteristics of the female genital tract ofSotalia guianensis, in order to assist in future studies on the reproductive biology of these animals. Females of different ages, from stranding events on beaches in northeastern Brazil, were used. Fragments of all organs were collected and processed for light and scanning electron microscopy. Histological analyses showed that these structures were similar to those found in terrestrial mammals, with some peculiarities, such as the presence of differentiated cells in the vulvar subepidermal layer, not described in the literature on cetaceans. Reproductive studies with a morphological description of the female genital organs are extremely important, since they would enable a better understanding of the species reproductive physiology and assist in the development of new strategies for the species conservation. A morfologia reprodutiva dos cetáceos é pouco estudada e, apesar do grande número de encalhes, dados sobre este assunto são escassos principalmente devido ao acesso às carcaças em um estado avançado de decomposição. O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever as características histológicas dos órgãos reprodutores femininos de Sotalia guianensis, auxiliando futuros estudos sobre a biologia reprodutiva desses animais. Fêmeas de diferentes idades foram utilizadas, oriundas de eventos de encalhe em praias no nordeste do Brasil. Fragmentos de todos os órgãos foram coletados e processados para microscopia de luz e eletrônica de varredura. As análises histológicas mostraram que estas estruturas eram semelhantes às encontradas em mamíferos terrestres, com algumas particularidades, tais como a presença de células diferenciadas na camada subepidermal vulvar, não descritos na literatura de cetáceos. Os estudos de reprodução com uma descrição morfológica dos órgãos reprodutores femininos são extremamente importantes, uma vez que podem fornecer uma compreensão melhor da fisiologia reprodutiva da espécie, auxiliando no desenvolvimento de novas estratégias para sua conservação.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-28T19:00:59Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2015-01-01 In equines, kidney diseases are typically associated with respiratory and digestive problems, but surgical intervention is not common. The study of kidney blood vessels of domestic and wild animals are of fundamental importance for understanding many aspects of their physiology and nutrition. The current study used 30 pairs of kidneys from English Thoroughbred horses being 15 males and 15 females of different ages. The organs were donated by the Jockey Club of Sao Paulo. During the animal necropsies, the kidneys and their arteries and veins were removed together. The organs were fixed in formalin 10% for about 48 hours, for dissection and individualization of the components of the renal pedicle. After dissecting the material, the components of the renal pedicle were individualised. To analyse the results, the cranioventral, craniodorsal, caudoventral and caudodorsal quadrants were defined using two lines: craniocaudal and dorsoventral. Overall, the following results were obtained: in the hilar region, two arterial branches occurred in the right kidney in 50% of cases and two in the left kidney (33.3%); in the juxtahilar region, the number of arterial branches ranged from four to five in the right kidney in 20% of cases, whereas six occurred in the left kidney (16.7%); and regarding the extrahilar region, three branches occurred in the right kidney (26.7%) and three in the left kidney (20.0%). Universidade de Sao Paulo, Departamento de Cirurgia Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho Universidade de Sao Paulo, Departamento de Cirurgia Setor de Anatomia dos Animais Domésticos e Silvestres Universidade Paulista, Instituto de Ciências da Saúde Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho

The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) has a cosmopolitan distribution and inhabits coastal and oceanic habitats, being present in polar and tropical waters. In aquatic mammals, vision has an important role in the perception of photoperiod changes. Due to lack of information on the morphology of Mysticetes, this study aimed to provide a morphological description of the adnexal structures of the humpback whale eye. Three newborn female specimens, stranded on the coast of Sergipe, Brazil, were used. Samples were fixed in a 10% formalin solution, dissected and photographed, and all the structures were collected and analysed using different light microscopy techniques. Eyelids were characterized by a palpebral fissure, a palpebral opening, two grooves (dorsal and ventral) and the presence of mechanoreceptors in the dermis. Some fibres of the four recti muscles had palpebral, scleral and glandular insertions. The Harderian gland filled the area between the orbit wall and the eyeball. Two vascular networks separated the extraocular retractor muscle of the eye and surround the optic nerve. The morphology of the accessory structures of the humpback whale eye was similar to that of other cetaceans, which suggests an adaptation to diving during migration, contributing to the perception of temperature difference in different regions.

A pele representa parte importante do sistema tegumentar, pois desempenha funções como a proteção contra desidratação, lesões e infecções, além de apresentar alto poder de renovação. Histologicamente, a pele consiste de duas camadas funcionais, morfologicamente distintas, a epiderme e a derme. As glândulas mamárias, capsula ungueal e cornos também fazem parte deste sistema. Devido à escassez de dados na literatura sobre o desenvolvimento da pele e dos anexos de natureza córnea em bovinos, o objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever as características morfológicas do desenvolvimento do sistema tegumentar durante os períodos embrionário e fetal em bovinos. Os indivíduos foram divididos em três grupos: Grupo I -embriões de 20-26 dias (n=4); Grupo II -embriões 30-47 dias (n=6) e Grupo III -fetos de 74-140 dias (n=6). Durante o desenvolvimento da pele observou-se diferentes padrões morfológicos de acordo com as regiões analisadas, apresentando índice maior de diferenciação no intervalo entre 30-47 dias de gestação. O aparelho ungueal e a glândula mamária se desenvolvem mais tardiamente entre os dias 74-140 da gestação. Em resumo, estes resultados acerca do desenvolvimento do sistema tegumentar em bovinos, poderão auxiliar na interpretação e compreensão da formação dos órgãos que o constituem, assim como para a compreensão de alterações patológicas associadas à organogênese. The skin is an important part of the integumentary system, which has important functions such as protection against dehydration, injury and infection, as well as present high potential of renewal. Histologically, the skin consists of two functional layers, that are morphologically distinct, the epidermis and dermis. The mammary glands, ungueal capsule and horn are also part of this system. Due the poor data available on literature about the development of skin and other cornea attachments in bovine, the aim of this study was to describe the morphological characteristics of the integumentary system development during the embryonic and fetal periods in bovine. Individuals were allocated in three groups: Group I -embryos from 20 to 26 days (n=4), Group II -embryos from 30 to 47 days (n=6) and Group III -fetuses from 74 to 140 days (n=6). During the development of the skin it was observed different morphological patterns according to the analyzed regions. Especially, a higher level of differentiation was observed during 30-47 days of gestation. The bovine claw and mammary gland develop later between 74 to 140 days of gestation. In summary, these results related to the development of the integumentary system in bovine may help the analysis and understanding of the development of their organs, as well as the pathological disorders associated to the organogenesis.

The morphology and location of lymph nodes from seven species of Odontocetes, of both sexes and different age groups, were described. All animals were derived from stranding events along the North and Northeastern coasts of Brazil. After the identification of lymph nodes in situ, tissue samples were analyzed for light and electron microscopy. Vascular volume density (VVD) and vascular length density (VLD) were evaluated in the mesenteric lymph nodes. Lymph nodes occurred as solitary nodules or in groups, varying in shape and size. In addition to using the nomenclature recommended by Nomina Anatomica Veterinaria, new nomenclatures were suggested based on the lymph nodes topography. Lymph nodes were covered by a highly vascularized and innervated capsule of dense connective tissue, below which muscle fibers were observed, inconsistently, in all studied species. There was no difference in VLD among different age groups. However, VVD was higher in adults. Lymph nodes parenchyma was divided into an outer cortex, containing lymph nodules and germinal centers; a paracortical region, transition zone with dense lymphoid tissue; and an inner medulla, composed of small irregular cords of lymphatic tissue, blood vessels, and diffuse lymphoid tissue. Abundant collagen fibers were observed around arteries and arterioles. Germinal centers were more evident and developed in calves and young animals, being more discrete and sparse in adults. The morphology of lymph nodes in Odontocetes was typical of that observed in other terrestrial mammals. However, new groups of lymph nodes were described for seven species occurring in the Brazilian coast.

In most anatomical studies developed with mammals, the tongue is described as highly differentiated among different species. However, studies on the tongue of aquatic mammals are still limited as compared to those on terrestrial mammals. The aim of this study was to describe the tongue morphology of the Franciscana dolphin (Pontoporia blainvillei) using macroscopic observations, light, and scanning electron microscopy. Microscopically, the dorsal surface was cov- ered by a keratinized stratified epithelium. Salivary gland acini were found on the middle and cau- dal third of the tongue. The dorsal surface was totally covered by filiform papillae with a connective tissue core and a connective tissue structure round in shape in the middle and caudal regions. Microsc. Res. Tech. 75:737-742, 2012. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The neurohistologic observations were performed using the specimens prepared by Winkelmann and Schmitt silver impregnation method. The tissues were fixed in 10% formalin solution and sections of 40µm thickness were obtained by Leica Cryostat at -30ºC. The sections of dorsal mucosa of White-lipped peccary tongue showed numerous filliform and fungiform papillae, and two vallate papillae on the caudal part. The epithelial layer revealed queratinized epithelial cells and the connective tissue papillae of different sizes and shapes. Thick nerve fiber bundles are noted into the subepithelial connective tissue of the papillae. The connective tissue of fungiform and vallate papillae contained numerous sensitive nerves fibers bundles forming a complex nerve plexus.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of regular physical activity on the morphology of the myenteric plexus of the duodenum in rats during the ageing process. To this end, 45 Wistar rats were divided into three groups: C (sedentary - 6 months old), S (sedentary - 12 months old) and T (trained - 12 months old). The animals of group S were given with a physical activity programme consisting of a 10-min-treadmill workout once a week. The animals of group T were submitted to the physical activity programme five times a week. Their duodenums were collected and submitted to the techniques of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)-diaphorase enzyme histochemistry for whole-mount preparations and transmission electron microscopy. No differences in the constitution of the myenteric plexuses were found when the sedentary and trained groups were compared with the control group. The ultrastructural features were similar for the three groups. However, it was verified that the physical activity of the trained animals resulted in a similar myenteric neuron morphology to that of the adult animals (6 months old), thereby confirming its beneficial effect, as the sedentary animals had larger alterations in the collagen fibrils and the basal membrane that occur through ageing. The quantitative analysis showed that the NADH-diaphorase positive neurons decreased with ageing and increased with physical activity (P > 0.05). No significant alteration (P > 0.05) in the neuronal profile area of the NADH-diaphorase positive neurons has been observed with ageing.

Foram estudados corpúsculos de Herbst da mucosa palatina de avestruz em nível de microscopia de luz. Os corpúsculos compõem-se de uma cápsula externa, cápsula interna e axônio central. A cápsula externa apresentou numerosas lamelas, enquanto que a cápsula interna mostrou estrutura de folhas compactas. Os corpúsculos apresentaram formato ovalado ou circular e circundado por espessos feixes de fibras colágenas. Cada lamela estava composta de uma densa rede de fibras espessas. Os axônios terminais estavam situados ao longo do eixo, terminando em um bulbo terminal. As fibras da cápsula externa, coradas por Picrosirius e examinadas no microscópio óptico sob luz polarizada, revelou a presença de fibras colágenas do tipo I em verde e na região periférica observou-se grande quantidade de fibras colágenas do tipo III. Os corpúsculos apresentaram-se envoltos por células planas e envoltos por fibras colágenas. Herbst corpuscles of the palatine mucosa of ostrich were studied by light microscopy. The corpuscles are composed of an outer core, inner core and central nerve terminal. The outer core presents numerous lamellae, while the inner core shows compact structure of cytoplasm sheets. The corpuscles are elongate or oval in shape and are surrounded by bundles of collagen fibers. Each lamella is composed of a dense network of thick fibrils. The terminal axons are located along the axis and form a bulb terminal. The fibers of external core stained by Picrosirius and examined by polarized light microscopy revealed to be green in color like type I collagen fibers, and at the periphery is a large amount of collagen type III. The corpuscles are surrounded by flat cells and dense collagen fibers at the periphery.

As características tridimensionais dos componentes intracelulares de células acinares e de ductos foram reveladas usando o método ósmio-DMSO-ósmio. As amostras foram maceradas em solução de tetróxido de ósmio diluído após a fratura na solução de dimetil sulfoxido. As lamelas do retículo endoplasmático granular são reveladas entremeadas por várias mitocôndrias. As lamelas do retículo endoplasmático granular são localizados ao redor dos núcleos na porção basal e estas estruturas são observadas em imagens tridimensionais de microscopia eletrônica de alta resolução.

A ordem Cetacea compreende golfinhos e baleias, mamíferos totalmente adaptados ao ambiente aquático. A língua de duas espécies de cetáceos, Pontoporia blainvillei e Sotalia fluviatilis, foram utilizadas para descrição da morfologia das papilas linguais e da superfície de interface epitélio-tecido conjuntivo da lâmina própria, empregando as técnicas de microscopia de luz e eletrônica de varredura. As línguas foram fixadas e divididas em três porções: rostral, médio e caudal e processadas conforme os protocolos das técnicas utilizadas. A língua da Pontoporia blainvillei e Sotalia fluviatilis estava revestida por um epitélio estratificado queratinizado, sendo possível observar as camadas basal, espinhosa, granulosa e córnea. Pode-se notar que na língua, o tecido conjuntivo denso apresentava vasos sanguíneos e profundamente relacionado com o tecido muscular. A superfície de interface epitélio-tecido conjuntivo da lâmina própria apresentou papilas conjuntivas de várias formas. Elas correspondem às papilas filiformes e valadas, mostrando feixes de fibras colágenas em disposição original. Na microscopia de luz polarizada revelou-se fibras colágenas do tipo I e III. No terço médio e caudal de ambas as espécies foram encontradas ácinos de glândulas salivares. As amostras tratadas com solução de hidróxido de sódio, tiveram a camada epitelial removida, e as papilas conjuntivas foram observadas em aspecto tridimensional. Foi possível observar que a superfície dorsal de ambas as espécies é totalmente recoberta por papilas conjuntivas de aspecto filiforme. Observa-se também a presença dos forames dos ductos das glândulas salivares nas porções média e caudal da língua, sendo eles mais numerosos nos filhotes. Morfometricamente, as papilas conjuntivas apresentaram maior comprimento na espécie Sotalia fluviatilis do que na Pontoporia blainville. Foi observado somente na espécie Pontoporia blainvillei estruturas conjuntivas arredondadas na região média e caudal. Embora as áreas dessas estruturas tenham sido maiores na região caudal que na média, estatisticamente estes resultados não foram significativos (P>0,05). The Cetacea order comprises dolphins and whales, mammals totally adapted to the aquatic ambient. The tongue of two cetaceans species, Pontoporia blainvillei and Sotalia fluviatilis, was studied for description of the morphology of the lingual papillae and of interface epithelium the connective tissue surface, using the light and scanning electron microscopic techniques. The tongues were fixed and divided in three portions: rostral, medium and caudal and treated according to the protocols of techniques used. The tongues of the Pontoporia blainvillei and Sotalia fluviatilis were covered by keratinized stratified epithelium, being that is possible to verify the basal, spinosa, granular and cornetiel ayers. In the tongue the dense connective tissue of lamina propria showed blood vessels and muscular layer was deeply related. The interface epithelium-connective tissue surface of the lamina propria presented connective tissue papillae which are various in shape. They correspond to the filiform and vallate papillae showing the collagen fibers bunches in original disposition. In the polarized light microscopy revealed collagen fibers type I and III. In the medium and caudal third of both species various groupins of salivary gland acini. The samples treated with sodium hydroxide solution, the epithelial layer was removed and the connective tissue papillae were observed in three-dimensional SEM images. It was possible to observe that the dorsal surface of the both species is totally covered by connective tissue papillae of filiform aspect. We observed also the presence of the ducts of the salivary glands in the media and caudal portions of the tongue, being them more numerous in pups. Morphometric analysis showed that the connective tissue papillae presented larger length in the Sotalia fluviatilis than in the Pontoporia blainville samples. The round connectives structures in the media and caudal portions were observed only the Pontoporia blainvillei species. Although, the areas of those structures have been major in the caudal region than media, and these results were not signifficant (P>0,05).

Se analizaron tridimensionalmente las caracteristicas de la interfase del tejido epitelio-conectivo en la superficie de huellas dactilares de mono Cebus apella, empleando el microscopio electronico de barrido. El nucleo del tejido conectivo (NTC) y las papilas epiteliales se examinaron en las tres dimensiones. Las muestras fueron fijadas en solucion histologica Bouin para los preparativos y en Karnovsky modificada para examinar y observar en el microscopio electronico de barrido. Despues del tratamiento en solucion de NaOH al 10%, durante 3 a 5 dias, la superficie de las huellas dactilares revelaron una distribucion de NTC de lamina propia in situ mostrando imagenes en tres dimensiones originales con microscopio electronico de barrido. Las disposiciones lineal y circular del NTC estan claramente identificadas. Cada papila senalada presenta una gran base y la disposicion longitudinal de gruesos haces de fibras de colageno y, en algunas zonas con formaciones de un complejo reticular. Los surcos longitudinales entre las papilas senaladas mostraron una densa capa de tejido conectivo con NTC bajos o de forma laminar. La presencia de numerosos foramenes de las glandulas sudoriparas se observaron en tres dimensiones.