RESUMEN

The gut microbiome reflects health and predicts possible disease in hosts. A holistic view of this community is needed, focusing on identifying species and dissecting how species interact with their host and each other, regardless of whether their presence is beneficial, inconsequential, or detrimental. The distribution of gut-associated eukaryotes within and across non-human primates is likely driven by host behavior and ecology. To ascertain the existence of free-living amoebae (FLA) in the gut of wild and captive non-human primates, 101 stool samples were collected and submitted to culture-dependent microscopy examination and DNA sequencing. Free-living amoebae were detected in 45.4% (46/101) of fecal samples analyzed, and their morphological characteristics matched those of Acanthamoeba spp., Vermamoeba spp., heterolobosean amoeboflagellates and fan-shaped amoebae of the family Vannellidae. Sequence analysis of the PCR products revealed that the suspected amoebae are highly homologous (99% identity and 100% query coverage) with Acanthamoeba T4 genotype and Vermamoeba vermiformis amoebae. The results showed a great diversity of amoebae in the non-human primate's microbiome, which may pose a potential risk to the health of NHPs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of free-living amoebae in non-human primates that are naturally infected. However, it is unknown whether gut-borne amoebae exploit a viable ecological niche or are simply transient residents in the gut.

RESUMEN

Bacterial nasal colonization is common in many mammals and Staphylococcus represents the main pathogen isolated. Staphylococcus nasal carriage in humans constitutes a risk factor for Staphylococcus infections pointing out the need for animal experimentation for nasal colonization studies, especially for vaccine development. A limitation in addressing this hypothesis has been a lack of appropriate animal model. Murine models do not mimic human nasal colonization studies. Non-human primates (NHP) remain the best classical models for nasal colonization studies. In this study, we analyzed nasal colonization between two species of Old World monkeys (cynomolgus and rhesus) and a New World monkey (squirrel monkey) from breeding colony at Fiocruz (Brazil). Sixty male and female NHP with the average age of 1-21 years old, comprising twenty animals of each species, were analyzed. Nine different Staphylococcus species (S. aureus, S. cohnii, S. saprophyticus, S. haemolyticus, S. xylosus, S. warneri, S. nepalensis, S. simiae, and S. kloosi) were identified by MALDI-TOF and 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses. Antibiotic resistance was not detected among the isolated bacterial population. S. aureus was the main isolate (19 strains), present in all species, predominant in cynomolgus monkeys (9/20) and squirrel monkeys (7/20). spa typing was used to examine the clonal structure and genetic profile of Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Eight (8) spa types were identified among the S. aureus strains. A major cluster was identified, corresponding to a new spa type t20455, and no spa types found in this study were seen before in Brazil.

Asunto(s)

Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina , Infecciones Estafilocócicas , Masculino , Humanos , Femenino , Animales , Ratones , Staphylococcus/genética , Staphylococcus aureus/genética , ARN Ribosómico 16S/genética , Nariz , Infecciones Estafilocócicas/microbiología , Primates/genética , Staphylococcus aureus Resistente a Meticilina/genética , Portador Sano/epidemiología , Mamíferos/genética

RESUMEN

Lab animals, such as Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), are crucial for scientific development, as they play an important role in the development and quality control chain of vaccines and drugs distributed by the Brazilian public health system. Investigating their biological and physiological parameters is fundamental to raise and keep these animals, so the handling of the facilities that hold them can be updated whenever new information comes up, with the well-being of the animals and alignment with the 3 Rs in mind. In the search for understanding reproductive aspects of Guinea pigs, the present study had the main goal of studying puberty by means of estrous cycle analysis in short-haired Guinea pigs. Guinea pigs have a vaginal occlusive membrane that covers the vaginal orifice. Its rupture takes place gradually and naturally, moments before labor and during estrus. The present study followed 42 females as for the presentation of the vaginal occlusive membrane. Once the membranes ruptured spontaneously, a swab was collected to study vaginal cytology. Membrane rupture was observed in 39 females; six females showed membrane rupture with less than 21 days of age (17 to 21 days). Twenty-three females were characterized as being in estrus due to cytology showing a prevalence of anucleated superficial cells. One of these females was younger than 21 days old. The opening of the vaginal occlusive membrane took place most frequently in intervals between 17 and 18 days, and the membrane remained open between one and three consecutive days. It was possible to follow three cycles of membrane opening on six females. The present study showed the need to adapt handling guidelines for C. porcellus kept in research animal facilities. The early age of puberty imposes the need of separate the female daughters from their fathers at 16 days old.

RESUMEN

Lab animals, such as Guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus), are crucial for scientific development, as they play an important role in the development and quality control chain of vaccines and drugs distributed by the Brazilian public health system. Investigating their biological and physiological parameters is fundamental to raise and keep these animals, so the handling of the facilities that hold them can be updated whenever new information comes up, with the well-being of the animals and alignment with the 3 Rs in mind. In the search for understanding reproductive aspects of Guinea pigs, the present study had the main goal of studying puberty by means of estrous cycle analysis in short-haired Guinea pigs. Guinea pigs have a vaginal occlusive membrane that covers the vaginal orifice. Its rupture takes place gradually and naturally, moments before labor and during estrus. The present study followed 42 females as for the presentation of the vaginal occlusive membrane. Once the membranes ruptured spontaneously, a swab was collected to study vaginal cytology. Membrane rupture was observed in 39 females; six females showed membrane rupture with less than 21 days of age (17 to 21 days). Twenty-three females were characterized as being in estrus due to cytology showing a prevalence of anucleated superficial cells. One of these females was younger than 21 days old. The opening of the vaginal occlusive membrane took place most frequently in intervals between 17 and 18 days, and the membrane remained open between one and three consecutive days. It was possible to follow three cycles of membrane opening on six females. The present study showed the need to adapt handling guidelines for C. porcellus kept in research animal facilities. The early age of puberty imposes the need of separate the female daughters from their fathers at 16 days old.(AU)

Asunto(s)

Animales , Femenino , Pubertad , Ciclo Estral , Cobayas/crecimiento & desarrollo , Salud Pública , Biología Celular , Animales de Laboratorio

RESUMEN

In digital curation, data are essential for actions, enabling better administrative management and greater efficiency in a sector or activity. In a research animal facility, the collection of management data associated with management systems or control sheets is the basis for ensuring quality information that subsidizes research and generates performance indicators and the needs and challenges to be transposed in the breeding and maintenance of animals. The inconsistency of data or incomplete records compromises the choices adopted in husbandry management practices or the interpretation of research results. For this reason, a survey was carried out about software available on the market that helps laboratory animal facilities with the management regarding software used in non-human primate breeding institutions (NHP) for scientific or conservation purposes. We identified 38 software that supports the handling of lab animals used in biomedical research; most of them with functionalities of environmental control (63.15%), control of animal files/tags (63.15%), and control of reproductive management (60%) and only two software related to the management of nonhuman primates kept under human care in research institutions. Regarding the tools used to manage the breeding of non-human primates in captivity in Brazilian institutions, five of the institutions questioned and reported that none currently uses software for colony management. In conclusion, there are several software for managing laboratory animals, but most of them are geared toward the management of rodent animal facilities. There is a lack of specific software on the market for use in animal facilities managing non-human primate breeding, which indicates the need for software developed to meet the management needs of animal facilities for these facilities.

Asunto(s)

Animales , Sistemas de Administración de Bases de Datos , Programas Informáticos , Animales de Laboratorio , Brasil , Laboratorios/organización & administración

RESUMEN

Despite worldwide efforts to understand the transmission dynamics of Zika virus (ZIKV), scanty evaluation has been made on the vector competence of Aedes aegypti fed directly on viremic human and non-human primates (NHPs). We blood-fed Ae. aegypti from two districts in Rio de Janeiro on six ZIKV infected pregnant rhesus macaques at several time points, half of which were treated with Sofosbuvir (SOF). Mosquitoes were analyzed for vector competence after 3, 7 and 14 days of incubation. Although viremia extended up to eight days post monkey inoculation, only mosquitoes fed on the day of the peak of viremia, recorded on day two, became infected. The influence of SOF treatment could not be assessed because the drug was administered just after mosquito feeding on day two. The global infection, dissemination and transmission rates were quite low (4.09%, 1.91% and 0.54%, respectively); no mosquito was infected when viremia was below 1.26 × 105 RNA copies/mL. In conclusion, Ae. aegypti vector competence for ZIKV from macaques is low, likely to be due to low viral load and the short duration of ZIKV viremia in primates suitable for infecting susceptible mosquitoes. If ZIKV infection in human and macaques behaves similarly, transmission of the Zika virus in nature is most strongly affected by vector density.

Asunto(s)

Aedes/virología , Enfermedades de los Monos/transmisión , Enfermedades de los Monos/virología , Mosquitos Vectores/virología , Viremia/virología , Infección por el Virus Zika/veterinaria , Virus Zika , Animales , Femenino , Macaca mulatta , Embarazo

RESUMEN

The outbreaks of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in Brazil, 2015-2016, were associated with severe congenital malformations. Our translational study aimed to test the efficacy of the antiviral agent sofosbuvir (SOF) against vertical transmission of ZIKV and the associated congenital syndrome (CZS), using a rhesus monkey model. Eight pregnant macaques were successfully infected during the organogenesis phase with a Brazilian ZIKV strain; five of them received SOF from two to fifteen days post-infection. Both groups of dams showed ZIKV-associated clinical signals, detectable ZIKV RNA in several specimens, specific anti-ZIKV IgM and IgG antibodies, and maternal neutralizing antibodies. However, malformations occurred only among non-treated dam offspring. Compared to non-treated animals, all SOF-treated dams had a shorter ZIKV viremia and four of five neonates had undetectable ZIKV RNA in blood and tissue samples. These results support further clinical evaluations aiming for the prevention of CZS.

Asunto(s)

Antivirales/uso terapéutico , Transmisión Vertical de Enfermedad Infecciosa/prevención & control , Sofosbuvir/uso terapéutico , Infección por el Virus Zika/prevención & control , Infección por el Virus Zika/transmisión , Virus Zika/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Antivirales/administración & dosificación , Brasil , Femenino , Macaca mulatta , Embarazo , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/prevención & control , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/virología , Sofosbuvir/administración & dosificación , Investigación Biomédica Traslacional , Viremia/tratamiento farmacológico , Viremia/prevención & control , Virus Zika/inmunología , Infección por el Virus Zika/congénito , Infección por el Virus Zika/tratamiento farmacológico

RESUMEN

Opinion studies report different points of view regarding the use of animals in research. In Brazil, few studies are dedicated to know the position of society in relation to animal experimentation. This article allowed to access and systematize the positions of high school students on the subject. For this, three discussion groups (GD) were conducted using a game tool with content focused on the Brazilian reality and covering different experiences and points of view related to laboratory animal science (LAS). The opinion of the young people was verified at the beginning and the end of the activity and the discussions throughout the game were recorded (audio and image) for content analysis. A total of 47 segments of attitudes about animal experimentation were transcribed, of which 29 were agreement (61.70%), 16 were ejection (34%) and only 2 speech segments showed an indefinite attitude (4.3%). There was a diversity of young people’s opinions about the initial positions suggested by the game. At the end of the dynamics, the positions chosen as the most representative ones involved: the importance of providing well-being to the laboratory animals; the need for monitoring and follow-up of these surveys by public agencies; investment in awareness-raising processes. The activity carried out allowed us to reflect on the theme, leading the participants to perceive the complexity of the subject. Based on this research, it will be possible to plan and carry out continuous activities for the dissemination of LAS, the development and strengthening of the area to the society and the scientific community itself.

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Estudos de opinião relatam pontos de vistas distintos em relação ao uso de animais em pesquisas. No Brasil, poucos estudos dedicam-se a conhecer o posicionamento da sociedade em relação à experimentação animal. Esse artigo permitiu acessar e sistematizar os posicionamentos de jovens do Ensino Médio sobre o tema. Para isso, foram realizados três grupos de discussão (GD) utilizando uma ferramenta de jogo com conteúdo voltado à realidade brasileira e abrangendo diferentes vivências e pontos de vista relacionados à ciência em animais de laboratório (CAL). Foi verificada a opinião dos jovens no início e fim da atividade e as discussões ao longo do jogo foram filmadas e gravadas para realização de análise de conteúdo. Foram transcritos 47 segmentos de falas referentes às atitudes em relação à experimentação animal, dos quais 29 foram de apoio (61,70 %), 16 de rejeição (34 %) e apenas 2 segmentos de fala revelaram uma atitude indefinida (4,3 %). Verificou-se uma diversidade de opiniões dos jovens sobre os posicionamentos iniciais sugeridos pelo jogo. Ao final da dinâmica, os posicionamentos eleitos como os mais representativos envolveram: a importância de proporcionar bem-estar aos animais de laboratório; a necessidade de que haja fiscalização e acompanhamento dessas pesquisas pelos órgãos públicos; o investimento em processos de conscientização. A atividade realizada permitiu a reflexão sobre o tema levando os participantes a perceber a complexidade do assunto. A partir dessa pesquisa será possível planejar e desenvolver atividades continuadas de divulgação da CAL, o desenvolvimento e o fortalecimento da área perante a sociedade e a própria comunidade científica.

Asunto(s)

Humanos , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educación , Comunicación y Divulgación Científica , Estudiantes , Opinión Pública , Educación Primaria y Secundaria

RESUMEN

Opinion studies report different points of view regarding the use of animals in research. In Brazil, few studies are dedicated to know the position of society in relation to animal experimentation. This article allowed to access and systematize the positions of high school students on the subject. For this, three discussion groups (GD) were conducted using a game tool with content focused on the Brazilian reality and covering different experiences and points of view related to laboratory animal science (LAS). The opinion of the young people was verified at the beginning and the end of the activity and the discussions throughout the game were recorded (audio and image) for content analysis. A total of 47 segments of attitudes about animal experimentation were transcribed, of which 29 were agreement (61.70%), 16 were ejection (34%) and only 2 speech segments showed an indefinite attitude (4.3%). There was a diversity of young peoples opinions about the initial positions suggested by the game. At the end of the dynamics, the positions chosen as the most representative ones involved: the importance of providing well-being to the laboratory animals; the need for monitoring and follow-up of these surveys by public agencies; investment in awareness-raising processes. The activity carried out allowed us to reflect on the theme, leading the participants to perceive the complexity of the subject. Based on this research, it will be possible to plan and carry out continuous activities for the dissemination of LAS, the development and strengthening of the area to the society and the scientific community itself.(AU)

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Estudos de opinião relatam pontos de vistas distintos em relação ao uso de animais em pesquisas. No Brasil, poucos estudos dedicam-se a conhecer o posicionamento da sociedade em relação à experimentação animal. Esse artigo permitiu acessar e sistematizar os posicionamentos de jovens do Ensino Médio sobre o tema. Para isso, foram realizados três grupos de discussão (GD) utilizando uma ferramenta de jogo com conteúdo voltado à realidade brasileira e abrangendo diferentes vivências e pontos de vista relacionados à ciência em animais de laboratório (CAL). Foi verificada a opinião dos jovens no início e fim da atividade e as discussões ao longo do jogo foram filmadas e gravadas para realização de análise de conteúdo. Foram transcritos 47 segmentos de falas referentes às atitudes em relação à experimentação animal, dos quais 29 foram de apoio (61,70 %), 16 de rejeição (34 %) e apenas 2 segmentos de fala revelaram uma atitude indefinida (4,3 %). Verificou-se uma diversidade de opiniões dos jovens sobre os posicionamentos iniciais sugeridos pelo jogo. Ao final da dinâmica, os posicionamentos eleitos como os mais representativos envolveram: a importância de proporcionar bem-estar aos animais de laboratório; a necessidade de que haja fiscalização e acompanhamento dessas pesquisas pelos órgãos públicos; o investimento em processos de conscientização. A atividade realizada permitiu a reflexão sobre o tema levando os participantes a perceber a complexidade do assunto. A partir dessa pesquisa será possível planejar e desenvolver atividades continuadas de divulgação da CAL, o desenvolvimento e o fortalecimento da área perante a sociedade e a própria comunidade científica.(AU)

Asunto(s)

Humanos , Estudiantes , Ciencia de los Animales de Laboratorio/educación , Comunicación y Divulgación Científica , Opinión Pública , Educación Primaria y Secundaria

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The advent of non-invasive methods provides a powerful alternative to stress studies as the use of stressful handling techniques is no longer needed. However, many factors influence hormone metabolism such as sex, diet, and metabolic rate. Thus, validation should be species- and matrix-specific. METHODS: To assess stress response in brown howler monkeys Alouatta clamitans, we adopted an ACTH challenge test and parallelism to provide physiological and laboratorial validation. Radioimmunoassay was used to measure fecal levels of corticosterone. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: All challenged animals presented a peak in fecal glucocorticoids levels the day after the treatment, while control animals did not. There were no significant sex differences, but females with infants had higher levels of corticosterone. Corticosterone levels showed parallelism to the standard curve of the diagnostics kit. Collectively, the data suggest that the method was validated and is useful for monitoring stress, thereby helping in conservation programs both in captivity and in the wild. Transit time information may be coupled with travel distance in seed dispersal studies.

RESUMEN

Tuberculosis is a major public health concern, and diagnostic strategies applied to animal populations are scarce. As part of ongoing efforts to control tuberculosis dissemination at our animal facility, two non-human primates (NHP, Saimiri sciureus) presenting cutaneous lesions were examined for mycobacterial infection. Both animals tested positive for acid-fast bacilli and Mycobacterium tuberculosis using a molecular assay (IS6110 PCR). Animals were euthanized and several samples were tested for M. tuberculosis using the Xpert MTB/RIF assay. Many samples were positive for M. tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance, and some produced mycobacterial growth. Oral swabs from cage mates were then tested with Xpert MTB/RIF, and the majority tested positive for M. tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance, and produced growth in culture. To our knowledge, this is the first report of multidrug-resistant mycobacterial infection in NHP. Additionally, our data shows that the Xpert MTB/RIF assay can be useful as a screening tool for tuberculosis infection in NHP.

Asunto(s)

Técnicas Bacteriológicas/veterinaria , ADN Bacteriano/genética , Enfermedades de los Monos/diagnóstico , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genética , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/veterinaria , Saimiri/microbiología , Tuberculosis Cutánea/veterinaria , Tuberculosis Resistente a Múltiples Medicamentos/veterinaria , Animales , Antituberculosos/farmacología , ADN Bacteriano/aislamiento & purificación , Farmacorresistencia Bacteriana Múltiple/genética , Genotipo , Enfermedades de los Monos/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedades de los Monos/microbiología , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/efectos de los fármacos , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/aislamiento & purificación , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Rifampin/farmacología , Tuberculosis Cutánea/diagnóstico , Tuberculosis Cutánea/tratamiento farmacológico , Tuberculosis Cutánea/microbiología , Tuberculosis Resistente a Múltiples Medicamentos/diagnóstico , Tuberculosis Resistente a Múltiples Medicamentos/tratamiento farmacológico , Tuberculosis Resistente a Múltiples Medicamentos/microbiología

RESUMEN

A criação de primatas não humanos em cativeiro para fins de pesquisa científica requer grande conhecimento e cuidados com sua reprodução e manejo. Problemas relacionados à gestação, tais como abortos, distocias e retenção de placenta causam grande impacto na produtividade das colônias, no bem-estar dos animais e custo da criação. A fim de minimizar esses prejuízos, nosso estudo tem como objetivo melhorar a compreensão da anatomia uterina de macaco rhesus (Macaca mulatta). Foram estudadas 15 fêmeas entre 38 e 87 meses de idade e massa corporal entre 4,9 e 7,39 Kg, pertencentes ao Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biomodelos/ ICTB, Fiocruz, RJ. As fêmeas foram divididas em 3 categorias: nulíparas, primíparas e pluríparas. Em todos os animais foram feitos o estudo topográfico, biometria dos órgãos, microscopia de luz e quantificação de colágeno no miométrio. O útero é do tipo simples, caracterizado por um fundo globóide, oco, alongado e de formato piriforme. Pode ser dividido em: corpo, fundo e cérvix. Não foram observadas diferenças macroscópicas e de topografia entre as 3 categorias estudadas. As fêmeas pluríparas obtiveram as maiores medidas biométricas e de quantidade de colágeno no miométrio comparado as outras categorias de fêmeas estudadas. O endométrio é formado por um epitélio prismático simples e uma lâmina própria que contém glândulas endometriais tubulares e retas com o mesmo tipo de epitélio. Concluímos que as medidas e constituição histológica do útero variam conforme o histórico reprodutivo, o que explica, em parte, o maior risco de ocorrência de complicações no parto em fêmeas pluríparas.

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The creation of nonhuman primates in captivity for scientific research purposesrequires great knowledge and care of their breeding and management.Problems related to pregnancy, such as abortions, dystocia, and retained placentacause great impact on the productivity of the colonies, animal welfare, and breedingcosts. In order to minimize these losses, our study aims to improve understanding of theuterine anatomy of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). Fifteen females between 38 and87 months of age and body mass between 4.9 and 7.39 kg, belonging to the Institute ofScience and Technology in Biomodels/ISTB, Fiocruz, RJ were studied. Females weredivided into 3 categories: nulliparous, primiparous, and pluriparous. Topographical study,biometrics organs, light microscopy, and quantification of collagen in the myometriumwere carried out in all animals. The uterus is a simple type, characterized by a globoid,hollow, elongated body and pear-shaped format. It can be divided into: body, fundus, andcervix. No macroscopic and topographic differences among the three categories studiedwere observed. The pluriparous females achieved the highest biometric and amountof collagen measures in the myometrium compared to the other categories of studiedfemales. Endometrium is formed by a simple prismatic epithelium and lamina propriacontaining straight and tubular endometrial glands with the same type of epithelium.We conclude that measurements and histological constitution of the uterus vary as thereproductive history, which explains, in part, the major risk of complications occurredin parturition of pluriparous females.

Asunto(s)

Femenino , Animales , Macaca mulatta , Primates , Útero/anatomía & histología , Modelos Animales

RESUMEN

A criação de primatas não humanos em cativeiro para fins de pesquisa científica requer grande conhecimento e cuidados com sua reprodução e manejo. Problemas relacionados à gestação, tais como abortos, distocias e retenção de placenta causam grande impacto na produtividade das colônias, no bem-estar dos animais e custo da criação. A fim de minimizar esses prejuízos, nosso estudo tem como objetivo melhorar a compreensão da anatomia uterina de macaco rhesus (Macaca mulatta). Foram estudadas 15 fêmeas entre 38 e 87 meses de idade e massa corporal entre 4,9 e 7,39 Kg, pertencentes ao Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia em Biomodelos/ ICTB, Fiocruz, RJ. As fêmeas foram divididas em 3 categorias: nulíparas, primíparas e pluríparas. Em todos os animais foram feitos o estudo topográfico, biometria dos órgãos, microscopia de luz e quantificação de colágeno no miométrio. O útero é do tipo simples, caracterizado por um fundo globóide, oco, alongado e de formato piriforme. Pode ser dividido em: corpo, fundo e cérvix. Não foram observadas diferenças macroscópicas e de topografia entre as 3 categorias estudadas. As fêmeas pluríparas obtiveram as maiores medidas biométricas e de quantidade de colágeno no miométrio comparado as outras categorias de fêmeas estudadas. O endométrio é formado por um epitélio prismático simples e uma lâmina própria que contém glândulas endometriais tubulares e retas com o mesmo tipo de epitélio. Concluímos que as medidas e constituição histológica do útero variam conforme o histórico reprodutivo, o que explica, em parte, o maior risco de ocorrência de complicações no parto em fêmeas pluríparas.(AU)

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The creation of nonhuman primates in captivity for scientific research purposesrequires great knowledge and care of their breeding and management.Problems related to pregnancy, such as abortions, dystocia, and retained placentacause great impact on the productivity of the colonies, animal welfare, and breedingcosts. In order to minimize these losses, our study aims to improve understanding of theuterine anatomy of rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). Fifteen females between 38 and87 months of age and body mass between 4.9 and 7.39 kg, belonging to the Institute ofScience and Technology in Biomodels/ISTB, Fiocruz, RJ were studied. Females weredivided into 3 categories: nulliparous, primiparous, and pluriparous. Topographical study,biometrics organs, light microscopy, and quantification of collagen in the myometriumwere carried out in all animals. The uterus is a simple type, characterized by a globoid,hollow, elongated body and pear-shaped format. It can be divided into: body, fundus, andcervix. No macroscopic and topographic differences among the three categories studiedwere observed. The pluriparous females achieved the highest biometric and amountof collagen measures in the myometrium compared to the other categories of studiedfemales. Endometrium is formed by a simple prismatic epithelium and lamina propriacontaining straight and tubular endometrial glands with the same type of epithelium.We conclude that measurements and histological constitution of the uterus vary as thereproductive history, which explains, in part, the major risk of complications occurredin parturition of pluriparous females.(AU)

Asunto(s)

Animales , Femenino , Macaca mulatta , Útero/anatomía & histología , Primates , Modelos Animales

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The studies on fecal steroid metabolites published with free-living primates are limited mainly by the difficulty in obtaining samples. METHODS: A radioimmunoassay was used to measure the fecal steroid concentrations in Alouatta belzebul in the National Forest of Tapirape-Aquiri in Brazil. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Androgens were significantly higher for the adult males from the Area of Influence (AI-I group) when compared to those from the Control Area (CA group) (P < 0.05). Progestin and estrogen concentrations were higher in the females from the CA group than in those from the AI-I for both the adult females and females with offspring; however, P < 0.05 was only observed in the concentrations of fecal progestins from the adult females. The physiological differences between the AI-I and CA groups suggest that the cause was a sum of factors, such as an exposure to sound waves, feeding habits, daily activity patterns, and the habituation of the animals.

Asunto(s)

Corticoesteroides/análisis , Alouatta , Heces/química , Hormonas Esteroides Gonadales/análisis , Animales , Brasil , Femenino , Masculino , Valores de Referencia

RESUMEN

This study aimed to characterize anatomical and biochemical properties of owl monkey kidneys in order to provide normal reference values. Sixty-nine Aotus azarai infulatus (45 males and 24 females) were divided into four different age groups (AG1: 3 months-1 year; AG2: 2-3 years; AG3: 4-6 years; and AG4: over 7 years old). The monkeys were evaluated with a serum chemistry profile, focusing on serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and with ultrasound. Mean body mass differed among the age groups. This significance was attributed to AG1 body mass being significantly lower than in AG2 and that in both AG2 and AG3 being significantly lower than in the two older age groups (AG3 and AG4). SCr and BUN concentrations differed significantly between the sexes and SCr level correlated positively with age. In contrast, renal measurements did not differ between males and females. Left and right renal volumes did not differ significantly within age groups, or among AG2, AG3, and AG4. Renal volumes in AG1, however, while not differing from those in AG2, did differ significantly from those in AG3 and AG4. In conclusion, this study provides ultrasonographic reference values for the morphology the kidneys in A. a. infulatus. Evidence is also provided that SCr and BUN levels in owl monkeys are influenced by the sex and age of the individual, factors that should be considered when interpreting test results.

Asunto(s)

Aotidae/anatomía & histología , Aotidae/sangre , Nitrógeno de la Urea Sanguínea , Creatinina/sangre , Riñón/anatomía & histología , Riñón/diagnóstico por imagen , Distribución por Edad , Animales , Femenino , Masculino , Examen Físico/normas , Examen Físico/veterinaria , Estándares de Referencia , Distribución por Sexo , Ultrasonografía

RESUMEN

Clitoromegaly in the neonatal period is an important morphologic sign that can be useful for sexual determination in aberrant cases. In rhesus monkeys, differentiation of the external genitalia occurs early during gestation (at 55 to 60 d) and is complete by approximately 80 d. Most of the critical steps in genital differentiation in primates occur prenatally. We sought to determine clitoral size in normal rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) and possible effects of age and inheritance. Clitoral length was highly variable and had no relationship to fertility. Statistical evaluation revealed no association in the distribution of daughters with and without clitoris between mothers with and without clitoris. However, even when mated with several female monkeys, some male macaques produced primarily daughters without clitoris.

Asunto(s)

Clítoris/anatomía & histología , Macaca mulatta/anatomía & histología , Animales , Femenino , Fertilidad , Diferenciación Sexual