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Piau porcine blastocysts were submitted to MALDI-TOF to identify the main phospholipids (PL). After that, in vivo blastocysts (D6) were vitrified (n=52), non-vitrified were used as control (n=42). After warming, blastocysts were in vitro cultured to assess re-expansion and hatching at 24 and 48 hours. Finally, at 48 hours, hatched blastocysts were submitted to RT-qPCR searching for BCL2A1, BAK, BAX and CASP3 genes. For MALDI-TOF, the ion intensity was expressed in arbitrary units. Blastocyst development was compared by Qui-square (P< 0.05). Among the most representative PL was the phosphatidylcholine [PC (32:0) + H]+; [PC (34:1) + H]+ and [PC (36:4) + H]+. Beyond the PL, MALDI revealed some triglycerides (TG), including PPL (50:2) + Na+, PPO (50:1) + Na+, PLO (52:3) + Na+ and POO (52:2) + Na. Re-expansion did not differ (P> 0.05) between fresh or vitrified blastocysts at 24 (33.3%; 32.7%) or 48 hours (2.4%; 13.5%). Hatching rates were higher (P< 0.05) for fresh compared to vitrified at 24 (66.7%; 15.4%) and 48 hours (97.6%; 36.0%). BAX was overexpressed (P< 0.05) after vitrification. In conclusion, Piau blastocysts can be cryopreserved by Cryotop. This study also demonstrated that the apoptotic pathway may be responsible for the low efficiency of porcine embryo cryopreservation.(AU)

Blastocistos de suínos foram submetidos ao MALDI-TOF para se identificarem os principais fosfolipídios (PL). Depois, parte destes embriões (D6) foram vitrificados (n=52), ou permaneceram frescos (grupo controle, n=42). Após o aquecimento, os blastocistos foram cultivados in vitro para se avaliar a reexpansão e a eclosão (BE) às 24 e 48 horas. Finalmente, às 48 horas, os BE foram submetidos ao RT-qPCR em busca dos genes BCL2A1, BAK, BAX e CASP3. No MALDI-TOF, a intensidade do íon foi expressa em unidades arbitrárias. O desenvolvimento embrionário foi comparado por qui-quadrado (P<0,05). Entre os PL mais representativos estavam as fosfatidilcolinas [PC (32: 0) + H] +; [PC (34: 1) + H] + e [PC (36: 4) + H] +. Além do PL, o MALDI revelou alguns triglicerídeos (TG), incluindo PPL (50: 2) + Na +, PPO (50: 1) + Na +, PLO (52: 3) + Na + e POO (52: 2) + Na. A reexpansão não diferiu (P>0,05) entre blastocistos frescos ou vitrificados às 24 (33,3%, 32,7%) e 48 horas (2,4%, 13,5%). As taxas de eclosão foram maiores (P<0,05) para o grupo fresco comparado ao vitrificado às 24 (66,7% x 15,4%) e 48 horas (97,6% x 36,0%). O BAX estava mais expresso (P<0,05) após a vitrificação. Concluindo, os blastocistos Piau podem ser criopreservados por Cryotop. Este estudo também demonstrou que a via apoptótica pode ser responsável pela baixa eficiência da criopreservação de embriões suínos.(AU)

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Piau porcine blastocysts were submitted to MALDI-TOF to identify the main phospholipids (PL). After that, in vivo blastocysts (D6) were vitrified (n=52), non-vitrified were used as control (n=42). After warming, blastocysts were in vitro cultured to assess re-expansion and hatching at 24 and 48 hours. Finally, at 48 hours, hatched blastocysts were submitted to RT-qPCR searching for BCL2A1, BAK, BAX and CASP3 genes. For MALDI-TOF, the ion intensity was expressed in arbitrary units. Blastocyst development was compared by Qui-square (P< 0.05). Among the most representative PL was the phosphatidylcholine [PC (32:0) + H]+; [PC (34:1) + H]+ and [PC (36:4) + H]+. Beyond the PL, MALDI revealed some triglycerides (TG), including PPL (50:2) + Na+, PPO (50:1) + Na+, PLO (52:3) + Na+ and POO (52:2) + Na. Re-expansion did not differ (P> 0.05) between fresh or vitrified blastocysts at 24 (33.3%; 32.7%) or 48 hours (2.4%; 13.5%). Hatching rates were higher (P< 0.05) for fresh compared to vitrified at 24 (66.7%; 15.4%) and 48 hours (97.6%; 36.0%). BAX was overexpressed (P< 0.05) after vitrification. In conclusion, Piau blastocysts can be cryopreserved by Cryotop. This study also demonstrated that the apoptotic pathway may be responsible for the low efficiency of porcine embryo cryopreservation.(AU)

Blastocistos de suínos foram submetidos ao MALDI-TOF para se identificarem os principais fosfolipídios (PL). Depois, parte destes embriões (D6) foram vitrificados (n=52), ou permaneceram frescos (grupo controle, n=42). Após o aquecimento, os blastocistos foram cultivados in vitro para se avaliar a reexpansão e a eclosão (BE) às 24 e 48 horas. Finalmente, às 48 horas, os BE foram submetidos ao RT-qPCR em busca dos genes BCL2A1, BAK, BAX e CASP3. No MALDI-TOF, a intensidade do íon foi expressa em unidades arbitrárias. O desenvolvimento embrionário foi comparado por qui-quadrado (P<0,05). Entre os PL mais representativos estavam as fosfatidilcolinas [PC (32: 0) + H] +; [PC (34: 1) + H] + e [PC (36: 4) + H] +. Além do PL, o MALDI revelou alguns triglicerídeos (TG), incluindo PPL (50: 2) + Na +, PPO (50: 1) + Na +, PLO (52: 3) + Na + e POO (52: 2) + Na. A reexpansão não diferiu (P>0,05) entre blastocistos frescos ou vitrificados às 24 (33,3%, 32,7%) e 48 horas (2,4%, 13,5%). As taxas de eclosão foram maiores (P<0,05) para o grupo fresco comparado ao vitrificado às 24 (66,7% x 15,4%) e 48 horas (97,6% x 36,0%). O BAX estava mais expresso (P<0,05) após a vitrificação. Concluindo, os blastocistos Piau podem ser criopreservados por Cryotop. Este estudo também demonstrou que a via apoptótica pode ser responsável pela baixa eficiência da criopreservação de embriões suínos.(AU)

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BACKGROUND: Experimental and clinical studies have shown that myenteric neuron cell death during infection with Trypanosoma cruzi mainly occurs in the esophagus and colon, resulting in megaesophagus and megacolon, respectively. Evidence suggests that the cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX) is involved in the T. cruzi invasion process. The use of low-dose aspirin (ASA), a COX-1/COX-2 inhibitor, has been shown to reduce infection with T. cruzi. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effects of treatment with low-dose ASA on myenteric colonic neurons during murine infection with T. cruzi. METHODS: Swiss mice were assigned into groups treated with either phosphate-buffered saline or low doses of ASA during the acute phase (20 mg/kg ASA) and chronic phase (50 mg/kg ASA) of infection with the Y strain of T. cruzi. Seventy-five days after infection, colon samples were collected to quantify inflammatory foci in histological sections and also general (myosin-V+ ), nitrergic, and VIPergic myenteric neurons in whole mounts. Gastrointestinal transit time was also measured. KEY RESULTS: Aspirin treatment during the acute phase of infection reduced parasitemia (P<.05). Aspirin treatment during the acute or chronic phase of the infection reduced the intensity of inflammatory foci in the colon, protected myenteric neurons from cell death and plastic changes, and recovered the gastrointestinal transit of mice infected with T. cruzi (P<.05). CONCLUSION & INFERENCES: Early and delayed treatment with low-dose ASA can reduce the morphofunctional damage of colonic myenteric neurons caused by murine T. cruzi infection.

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The consequences of using aspirin (ASA) for the pathogenesis of Chagas disease are unclear. This study evaluated the effects of treatment of Chagas disease with ASA on the esophageal nitrergic myenteric neuron population and esophageal wall in mice. We observed that treatment of chagasic infection with ASA protects the esophageal myenteric neurons from the atrophy caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The mice were infected with 1300 trypomastigotes of Y strain T. cruzi intraperitoneally. Part of infected mice was treated with ASA from fifth to twelfth day after inoculation. Our data support the hypothesis that eicosanoids given during the acute phase of the chagasic infection may act as immunomodulators aiding the transition to and maintenance of the chronic phase of the disease. Besides, ASA treatment did not provoke alterations in the esophageal wall and the myenteric neurons in infected mice.

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Crepis japonica (L.) D.C. (Asteraceae), a weed with antioxidant, antiallergenic, antiviral and antitumor properties displays both medicinal properties and nutritional value. This study aims to assess the effects of a supplementation of blue light and UV-A radiation on the growth, leaf anatomical structure and phenolic profile of the aerial parts of Crepis japonica. Plants were grown under two light treatments: W (control - white light), W + B (white light supplemented with blue light) and W + UV-A (white light supplemented with UV-A radiation). We recorded the length, width, and weight of fresh and dry leaves, the thickness of the epidermis and mesophyll, and stomata density. The phenolic profiles of the aqueous extracts of the aerial parts were analyzed by HPLC-DAD. There was an increase in the leaf size, stomatal density, and phenolic production, and a thickening of the mesophyll and epidermis. UV-A radiation increased the phenolic production more than blue light. Blue light and UV-A radiation both improved the production of caffeic acid by about 6 and 3 times, respectively, in comparison to control. This compound was first reported as a constituent of the extract from the aerial parts together with caftaric acid. UV-A also promoted the production of chlorogenic acid (about 1.5 times in comparison to the control). We observed that the morphological and chemical parameters of C. japonica are modified in response to blue light and UV-A radiation, which can be used as tools in the cultivation of this species in order to improve its medicinal properties and nutritional value.

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A challenge faced by popcorn breeding programs is the existence of a negative correlation between the two main traits, popping expansion and yield, which hinders simultaneous gains. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of a new variable or super trait, which favors the reliable selection of superior progenies. The super trait 'expanded popcorn volume per hectare' was introduced in the evaluation of 200 full-sib families of the eighth recurrent intrapopulation selection cycle, which were arranged in randomized blocks with three replicates in two environments. Although the inability to obtain simultaneous gains through selection via popping expansion or yield was confirmed, the super trait was positively associated with both yield and popping expansion, allowing simultaneous gains via indirect selection using 'expanded popcorn volume per hectare' as the main trait. This approach is recommended because this super trait can be used in breeding programs to optimize selective gains for the crop.

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Superovulatory response and embryo yield in 19 Morada Nova and 20 Somalis Brasileira ewes was analyzed. All animals were synchronized with the insertion of an intravaginal device (CIDR®) on Day 0, replaced by a new device on Day 7, which remained in place until Day 14 and superovulated with 133mg of porcine FSH (pFSH) in decreasing doses at 12h intervals from Day 12 until Day 15 of the treatment, and a single dose of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG, 200UI) on Day 14 (i.e., administered in CIDR removal). Fifty hours after CIDR® removal, females were inseminated by laparoscopy. All embryos were recovered by laparotomy 5 days after insemination. Sheep which responded to the superovulation protocol (P>0.05) included 74% of the Morada Nova ewes and 50% of the Somalis Brasileira ewes. Morada Nova showed better results (P<0.05) than Somalis Brasileira in number of ovulations (15.38 ± 5.24 vs. 10.56 ± 2.83), total structures (11.00 ± 7.55 vs. 3.33 ± 1.94) and embryo yields (6.79 ± 5.35 vs. 2.90 ± 2.18). Despite the high fertilization rate, degenerate embryo rate was high for both breeds, with an overall rate of 39% (57/145). In conclusion, superovulatory response and embryo yields in Morada Nova ewes were considered sufficient to justify the use of this procedure in genetic resources conservation programs. However, improvements to embryo quality and control of precocious regression of corpus luteum are necessary to produce better results in the MOET program, with minimal variations and maximum embryo yield in Morada Nova and Somalis Brasileira ewes.(AU)

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Superovulatory response and embryo yield in 19 Morada Nova and 20 Somalis Brasileira ewes was analyzed. All animals were synchronized with the insertion of an intravaginal device (CIDR®) on Day 0, replaced by a new device on Day 7, which remained in place until Day 14 and superovulated with 133mg of porcine FSH (pFSH) in decreasing doses at 12h intervals from Day 12 until Day 15 of the treatment, and a single dose of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG, 200UI) on Day 14 (i.e., administered in CIDR removal). Fifty hours after CIDR® removal, females were inseminated by laparoscopy. All embryos were recovered by laparotomy 5 days after insemination. Sheep which responded to the superovulation protocol (P>0.05) included 74% of the Morada Nova ewes and 50% of the Somalis Brasileira ewes. Morada Nova showed better results (P<0.05) than Somalis Brasileira in number of ovulations (15.38 ± 5.24 vs. 10.56 ± 2.83), total structures (11.00 ± 7.55 vs. 3.33 ± 1.94) and embryo yields (6.79 ± 5.35 vs. 2.90 ± 2.18). Despite the high fertilization rate, degenerate embryo rate was high for both breeds, with an overall rate of 39% (57/145). In conclusion, superovulatory response and embryo yields in Morada Nova ewes were considered sufficient to justify the use of this procedure in genetic resources conservation programs. However, improvements to embryo quality and control of precocious regression of corpus luteum are necessary to produce better results in the MOET program, with minimal variations and maximum embryo yield in Morada Nova and Somalis Brasileira ewes.(AU)

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An investigation of the energetics of small lithium clusters doped either with a hydrogen or with a fluorine atom as a function of the number of lithium atoms using fixed-node diffusion quantum Monte Carlo (DMC) simulation is reported. It is found that the binding energy (BE) for the doped clusters increases in absolute values leading to a more stable system than for the pure ones in excellent agreement with available experimental measurements. The BE increases for pure, remains almost constant for hydrogenated, and decreases rapidly toward the bulk lithium for the fluoride as a function of the number of lithium atoms in the clusters. The BE, dissociation energy as well as the second difference in energy display a pronounced odd-even oscillation with the number of lithium atoms. The electron correlation inverts the odd-even oscillation pattern for the doped in comparison with the pure clusters and has an impact of 29%-83% to the BE being higher in the pure cluster followed by the hydrogenated and then by the fluoride. The dissociation energy and the second difference in energy indicate that the doped cluster Li3 H is the most stable whereas among the pure ones the more stable are Li2 , Li4 , and Li6 . The electron correlation energy is crucial for the stabilization of Li3 H. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

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Studies were conducted to characterize the labor behavior in Curraleiro Pé-duro cows, a Locally adapted breed found in the semiarid region of Brazil, which is considered rustic and fertile. Eleven Curraleiro Pé-duro cows were kept in pasture and were Observed every 4 h to assess the beginning of birth, and subsequently were constantly monitored until the complete expulsion of the placenta, accordingly to the three different stages of labor. The cows were evaluated according to the following events: staring into the flank (SIF); licking vulva and lifting the tail (LVUT); head-Butts to the flank (HF); dripping colostrum (DC); lying down and standing (restlessness; LDS); duration of the first phase (Dur1P); amount of initial contractions (IC); time to onset of appearing of feet (TOAF); duration of calving (DC) and duration time from end of calving til l the expulsion of the placenta (DurExpP). The results are presented as mean ± standard deviation: SIF (4.00 ± 2.37); LVUT (2.38 ± 1.06); HF (1.80 ± 0.45); DC (1.20 ± 0.45); LDS (2.56 ± 1.33);IC (6.00 ± 2.9); Dur1F (71 ± 40 min); TOAF (7± 8 min); DC (25 ± 24 min); and DurExpP (228 ± 76 min). These results allow us to characterize the events that precede and accompany the moment of labor in Curraleiro Pé-duro cows.

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Studies were conducted to characterize the labor behavior in Curraleiro Pé-duro cows, a Locally adapted breed found in the semiarid region of Brazil, which is considered rustic and fertile. Eleven Curraleiro Pé-duro cows were kept in pasture and were Observed every 4 h to assess the beginning of birth, and subsequently were constantly monitored until the complete expulsion of the placenta, accordingly to the three different stages of labor. The cows were evaluated according to the following events: staring into the flank (SIF); licking vulva and lifting the tail (LVUT); head-Butts to the flank (HF); dripping colostrum (DC); lying down and standing (restlessness; LDS); duration of the first phase (Dur1P); amount of initial contractions (IC); time to onset of appearing of feet (TOAF); duration of calving (DC) and duration time from end of calving til l the expulsion of the placenta (DurExpP). The results are presented as mean ± standard deviation: SIF (4.00 ± 2.37); LVUT (2.38 ± 1.06); HF (1.80 ± 0.45); DC (1.20 ± 0.45); LDS (2.56 ± 1.33);IC (6.00 ± 2.9); Dur1F (71 ± 40 min); TOAF (7± 8 min); DC (25 ± 24 min); and DurExpP (228 ± 76 min). These results allow us to characterize the events that precede and accompany the moment of labor in Curraleiro Pé-duro cows.(AU)

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A piometra é uma infecção aguda ou crônica do útero que ocorre frequentemente em cadelas não castradas, podendo também ocorrer em gatas domésticas e selvagens, sendo poucos os estudos relacionados à piometra em grandes felídeos. O objetivo deste relato foi descrever um caso de piometra em uma leoa (Panthera leo) de cativeiro, as lesões de necropsia e histológicas, bem como os resultados da análise microbiológica. Uma leoa com aproximadamente 23 anos, pertencente a um criadouro conservacionista de Santa Maria-RS, foi encontrada morta pela manhã em seu recinto. Após coleta de dados, procedeu-se à necropsia e à coleta de material para análise histopatológica e bacteriológica. A análise microbiológica revelou predomínio das bactérias Streptococcus sp. e Escherichia coli no conteúdo purulento do útero, caracterizando como piometra, e a bactéria predominante em plasma, fígado e medula óssea foi E. coli. De acordo com o laudo histopatológico, as alterações observadas nessa leoa sugerem um quadro de septicemia grave, sendo a origem do foco infeccioso bacteriano, provavelmente, a piometra. Considera-se importante chamar a atenção dos médicos veterinários de animais selvagens para um diagnóstico precoce dessa doença, que é comum em cadelas, mas que pode acometer também felídeos selvagens e levá-los à morte.

Pyometra is an acute or chronic uterus infection that occurs often in not spayed dogs, but may also occur in wild and domestic cats, and there are few studies related to pyometra in big cats. The aim of this report was to describe a case of pyometra in a lion (Panthera leo) in captivity, the gross and microscopic lesions found at necropsy, and the results of the microbiological analysis. A female with approximately 23 years of age, belonging to a Conservationist Breeding Center located in Santa Maria-RS-Brazil was found dead in her enclosure in the morning. After data collection, we proceeded to the autopsy and collection of material for histopathological and bacteriological analyzes. Microbiological analysis revealed a predominance of the bacteria Streptococcus sp and Escherichia coli in the uterus content, characterized as pyometra and the predominant bacterium in the plasma, liver and bone marrow was Escherichia coli. According to histopathology, the changes observed in this lioness suggest a framework of severe septicemia, being the source of the bacterial infection, probably, pyometra. It is considered important to draw the attention of zoo and wildlife veterinarians for an early diagnosis of this common disease in dogs, which can also affect large wild cats and lead them to death.

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This study was done to evaluate the efficiency of GnRH along with long-term and short-term synchronization protocols on ovulation induction and corpus luteum development. Ewes underwent four protocols: Long+GnRH (n = 11) with vaginal sponge (60 mg MAP) for 12 days along with 300 IU of eCG on day 12 and 0.025 mg of GnRH 27 h after sponge removal; Long (n = 10) with vaginal sponge for 12 days along with 300 IU of eCG on day 12; Short GnRH (n = 10) with vaginal sponge for 7 days along with 37.5 μg of D-cloprostenol on day 5 and 300 IU of eCG on day 7, plus 0.025 mg of GnRH used 27 h after sponge removal; and Short (n = 10) with vaginal sponge for 7 days. D-cloprostenol (37.5 μg) was administered on day 5 and eCG (300 IU) was administered on day 7.Ovulation was evaluated 52, 56, 60, 66, 72, 76 h after sponge removal. Blood was collected twelve days after sponge removal to measure progesterone concentration. On this same day, the corpus luteum was measure and counted. When GnRH was used, all ewes ovulated, while 70 and 80% of ewes ovulated in protocols that had not received GnRH (Long and Short, respectively). The GnRH accelerated ovulation (P< 0.05) in relation to sponge removal in both protocols and induced ovulation in approximately 28 h. The GnRH Was effective in inducing ovulation without decreasing the corpus luteum volume and progesterone concentration.

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This study was done to evaluate the efficiency of GnRH along with long-term and short-term synchronization protocols on ovulation induction and corpus luteum development. Ewes underwent four protocols: Long+GnRH (n = 11) with vaginal sponge (60 mg MAP) for 12 days along with 300 IU of eCG on day 12 and 0.025 mg of GnRH 27 h after sponge removal; Long (n = 10) with vaginal sponge for 12 days along with 300 IU of eCG on day 12; Short GnRH (n = 10) with vaginal sponge for 7 days along with 37.5 μg of D-cloprostenol on day 5 and 300 IU of eCG on day 7, plus 0.025 mg of GnRH used 27 h after sponge removal; and Short (n = 10) with vaginal sponge for 7 days. D-cloprostenol (37.5 μg) was administered on day 5 and eCG (300 IU) was administered on day 7.Ovulation was evaluated 52, 56, 60, 66, 72, 76 h after sponge removal. Blood was collected twelve days after sponge removal to measure progesterone concentration. On this same day, the corpus luteum was measure and counted. When GnRH was used, all ewes ovulated, while 70 and 80% of ewes ovulated in protocols that had not received GnRH (Long and Short, respectively). The GnRH accelerated ovulation (P< 0.05) in relation to sponge removal in both protocols and induced ovulation in approximately 28 h. The GnRH Was effective in inducing ovulation without decreasing the corpus luteum volume and progesterone concentration.(AU)

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A piometra é uma infecção aguda ou crônica do útero que ocorre frequentemente em cadelas não castradas, podendo também ocorrer em gatas domésticas e selvagens, sendo poucos os estudos relacionados à piometra em grandes felídeos. O objetivo deste relato foi descrever um caso de piometra em uma leoa (Panthera leo) de cativeiro, as lesões de necropsia e histológicas, bem como os resultados da análise microbiológica. Uma leoa com aproximadamente 23 anos, pertencente a um criadouro conservacionista de Santa Maria-RS, foi encontrada morta pela manhã em seu recinto. Após coleta de dados, procedeu-se à necropsia e à coleta de material para análise histopatológica e bacteriológica. A análise microbiológica revelou predomínio das bactérias Streptococcus sp. e Escherichia coli no conteúdo purulento do útero, caracterizando como piometra, e a bactéria predominante em plasma, fígado e medula óssea foi E. coli. De acordo com o laudo histopatológico, as alterações observadas nessa leoa sugerem um quadro de septicemia grave, sendo a origem do foco infeccioso bacteriano, provavelmente, a piometra. Considera-se importante chamar a atenção dos médicos veterinários de animais selvagens para um diagnóstico precoce dessa doença, que é comum em cadelas, mas que pode acometer também felídeos selvagens e levá-los à morte(AU)

Pyometra is an acute or chronic uterus infection that occurs often in not spayed dogs, but may also occur in wild and domestic cats, and there are few studies related to pyometra in big cats. The aim of this report was to describe a case of pyometra in a lion (Panthera leo) in captivity, the gross and microscopic lesions found at necropsy, and the results of the microbiological analysis. A female with approximately 23 years of age, belonging to a Conservationist Breeding Center located in Santa Maria-RS-Brazil was found dead in her enclosure in the morning. After data collection, we proceeded to the autopsy and collection of material for histopathological and bacteriological analyzes. Microbiological analysis revealed a predominance of the bacteria Streptococcus sp and Escherichia coli in the uterus content, characterized as pyometra and the predominant bacterium in the plasma, liver and bone marrow was Escherichia coli. According to histopathology, the changes observed in this lioness suggest a framework of severe septicemia, being the source of the bacterial infection, probably, pyometra. It is considered important to draw the attention of zoo and wildlife veterinarians for an early diagnosis of this common disease in dogs, which can also affect large wild cats and lead them to death(AU)

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BACKGROUND: We have previously demonstrated that blockade of ß-adrenoreceptors (ß-AR) located in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) of rats suppresses formalin-induced TMJ nociceptive behaviour in both male and female rats, but female rats are more responsive. In this study, we investigated whether gonadal hormones modulate the responsiveness to local ß-blocker-induced antinociception in the TMJ of rats. METHODS: Co-administration of each of the selective ß1 (atenolol), ß2 (ICI 118.551) and ß3 (SR59230A)-AR antagonists with equi-nociceptive concentrations of formalin in the TMJ of intact, gonadectomized and hormone-treated gonadectomized male and female rats. RESULTS: Atenolol, ICI 118.551 and SR59230A significantly reduced formalin-induced TMJ nociception in a dose response fashion in all groups tested. However, a lower dose of each ß-AR antagonist was sufficient to significantly reduce nociceptive responses in gonadectomized but not in intact and testosterone-treated gonadectomized male rats. In the female groups, a lower dose of ß1 -AR antagonist was sufficient to significantly reduce nociceptive responses in gonadectomized but not in intact or gonadectomized rats treated with progesterone or a high dose of oestradiol; a lower dose of ß2 -AR antagonist was sufficient to significantly reduce nociceptive responses in gonadectomized but not in intact and gonadectomized rats treated with low or high dose of oestradiol. CONCLUSION: Gonadal hormones may reduce the responsiveness to local ß-blocker-induced antinociception in the TMJ of male and female rats. However, their effect depends upon their plasma level, the subtype of ß-AR and the dose of ß-blockers used.

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Esta revisão apresenta uma visão geral e crítica da base técnica dos procedimentos de superovulação,expondo as limitações e os últimos avanços dessa tecnologia na produção de embriões ovinos. Entre osresponsáveis pelas limitações dos protocolos comumente empregados, destacam-se a variabilidade no grau depurificação das gonadotrofinas derivadas da hipófise, a falta de controle da dinâmica folicular, as falhas noprocesso de fertilização e o elevado índice de regressão prematura do corpo lúteo. Algumas abordagens foramempregadas visando ao controle desses limitantes e obteve-se aceitável resposta superovulatória, como: autilização de gonadotrofinas recombinantes; a superestimulação no dia, ou em até 24 h, da emergência de umaonda folicular; a administração de GnRH e seus agonistas, como indutores de ovulação, principalmente quandofor realizada inseminação artificial com sêmen congelado; e a aplicação de hCG, GnRH ou inibidores daprostaglandina F2α após a ocorrência das ovulações múltiplas. Essas abordagens resultaram em melhoriasrelevantes nos programas de MOTE em ovinos.

The present paper reviews an overview and critique of the technical basis of the procedures forsuperovulation, exposing the limitations and recent advances in this technology in production of sheep embryos.Among those responsible for the limitations of commonly used protocols, those that stand out are the variability inthe degree of purification of pituitary gonadotropins, the lack of control of follicular dynamics, failures in thefertilization process and the high rate of premature regression of the corpus luteum. Some approaches have beenemployed for the control of these impediments, enhancing superovulatory response, such as the use of recombinantgonadotropins; superstimulation on the day or within 24 h of emergence of a follicular wave; and the administrationof GnRH agonists to induce ovulation, especially when artificial insemination is carried out with frozen semen; andthe administration of hCG, GnRH or prostaglandin F2α inhibitors after the occurrence of multiple ovulations.These approaches have resulted in significant improvements to MOET programs in sheep.

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Esta revisão apresenta uma visão geral e crítica da base técnica dos procedimentos de superovulação,expondo as limitações e os últimos avanços dessa tecnologia na produção de embriões ovinos. Entre osresponsáveis pelas limitações dos protocolos comumente empregados, destacam-se a variabilidade no grau depurificação das gonadotrofinas derivadas da hipófise, a falta de controle da dinâmica folicular, as falhas noprocesso de fertilização e o elevado índice de regressão prematura do corpo lúteo. Algumas abordagens foramempregadas visando ao controle desses limitantes e obteve-se aceitável resposta superovulatória, como: autilização de gonadotrofinas recombinantes; a superestimulação no dia, ou em até 24 h, da emergência de umaonda folicular; a administração de GnRH e seus agonistas, como indutores de ovulação, principalmente quandofor realizada inseminação artificial com sêmen congelado; e a aplicação de hCG, GnRH ou inibidores daprostaglandina F2α após a ocorrência das ovulações múltiplas. Essas abordagens resultaram em melhoriasrelevantes nos programas de MOTE em ovinos.(AU)

The present paper reviews an overview and critique of the technical basis of the procedures forsuperovulation, exposing the limitations and recent advances in this technology in production of sheep embryos.Among those responsible for the limitations of commonly used protocols, those that stand out are the variability inthe degree of purification of pituitary gonadotropins, the lack of control of follicular dynamics, failures in thefertilization process and the high rate of premature regression of the corpus luteum. Some approaches have beenemployed for the control of these impediments, enhancing superovulatory response, such as the use of recombinantgonadotropins; superstimulation on the day or within 24 h of emergence of a follicular wave; and the administrationof GnRH agonists to induce ovulation, especially when artificial insemination is carried out with frozen semen; andthe administration of hCG, GnRH or prostaglandin F2α inhibitors after the occurrence of multiple ovulations.These approaches have resulted in significant improvements to MOET programs in sheep.(AU)

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Ivermectin (IVM) is an antiparasitic drug that is widely used in domestic animals. In mammals, IVM acts as a γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonist. This neurotransmitter plays an important role in the regulation of female sexual behavior. The present study investigated the effects of therapeutic (0.2 mg/kg) and high (1.0 mg/kg) IVM doses on female sexual behavior in physiological and pharmacological conditions. Female rats in estrus or treated with estradiol valerate to induce sexual behavior 24 h before the experiments were used. Ivermectin was administered 15 min before the sexual observations. The number of lordosis events in 10 mounts was recorded to calculate the lordosis quotient. The intensity of lordosis (0 [no lordosis], 1 [low lordosis], 2 [normal lordosis] and 3 [exaggerated lordosis]) was scored. In estrus and hormonal treated female rats, both IVM doses decreased the intensity of the lordosis reflex and the percentage of females that presented high levels of lordosis (exaggerated lordosis). However, the number of females that presented lordosis was unaltered. We conclude that in both hormonal conditions, 0.2mg/kg IVM treatment reduced female sexual behavior and the execution of the lordosis reflex. The present results may be useful for avoiding the side effects of this drug in veterinary practice.

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As aves da família Psittacidae estão entre as mais ameaçadas do mundo, devido à perda de habitat e aotráfico de animais silvestres. O Brasil é o país com o maior número de espécies dessa família no mundo, comaproximadamente 82 espécies em vida livre. A pressão humana sobre as populações de psitacídeos neotropicaisé permanente. A dificuldade de proteção de suas áreas de ocorrência afeta as estratégias de conservação in situ.Psitacídeos têm eclosões dessincronizadas, o que resulta na mortalidade dos mais jovens. Técnicas de indução amúltiplas posturas podem ser importantes em projetos de conservação in situ e ex situ. No presente estudo, comaves em cativeiro, observou-se que a retirada de ovos contribuiu para novas posturas, enquanto a retirada defilhotes não foi eficaz nesse processo. A disponibilização de animais reproduzidos em cativeiro em maior escalapode diminuir a pressão sobre populações de vida livre. O desenvolvimento de técnicas de reprodução queincrementem as posturas e os índices de fertilidade é fundamental no cenário atual e futuro de conservação.(AU)

The birds from the Psittacidae family are among the most endangered species in the world, due toproblems directly and indirectly related to habitat loss and illegal trade of wild animals. Brazil has the largestnumber of these species in the world, with about 82 species living in the wild. Human pressure on Neotropicalparrots is significant. The difficulty to protect their habitat affects the in situ strategies. Parrots do have hatchingasynchrony which usually results in the death of youngsters. Techniques to obtain multiple clutches may beimportant to in situ and ex-situ projects. In this study we observed that the egg removal from the nest increasedegg production, while removing chicks didnt increase egg production. The availability of animals through largescale captive breeding may reduce the pressure on the species in the wild, and further development of breedingtechniques that enhance fertility are fundamental for present and future conservation efforts.(AU)

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