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Home range is a fundamental characteristic of an animal natural history. The study of home range provides information on the sites where organisms forage for food, find shelter, or locate mates. Home range size and shape can change throughout the lifespan of an organism, during the year, or across seasons, driven by resource availability and the basic needs for each organism. For freshwater and semi-aquatic turtles, home range is greatly affected by water availability, humidity, and temperature throughout the year, nevertheless demographic factors such age and sex are also important determinants of home range size. In this study we estimated home range and dispersal movements for Kinosternon creaseri, Terrapene yucatana, and Rhinoclemmys areolata in a semi-tropical dry forest in central Yucatán. For a two-year period, turtles were surveyed using hoop traps and visual encounters. Twenty-one individuals (5-8 per species) were equipped with radio transmitters to track them across the landscape. Distances between relocations and home range were compared across species seasons, sex, and interactions of these variables. Monthly average movements were positively correlated with rain in the three species studied. Home range of R. areolata was larger than those of K. creaseri and T. yucatana. Home range of the three studied species were larger during the wet season. Home range overlap index within same species individuals was higher during the rainy than dry season, but overall overlap is low between and within species.

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Kinosternon is the most speciose genus of extant turtles, with 22 currently recognized species, distributed across large parts of the Americas. Most species have small distributions, but K. leucostomum and K. scorpioides range from Mexico to South America. Previous studies have found discordance between mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenies in some kinosternid groups, with the current taxonomy following the nuclear-based results. Herein, based on extended molecular, geographic, and taxonomic sampling, we explore the phylogeographic structure and taxonomic limits for K. leucostomum and the K. scorpioides group and present a fossil-calibrated nuclear time tree for Kinosternon. Our results reveal contrasting differentiation patterns for the K. scorpioides group and K. leucostomum, despite overlapping distributions. Kinosternon leucostomum shows only shallow geographic divergence, whereas the K. scorpioides group is polyphyletic with up to 10 distinct taxa, some of them undescribed. We support the elevation of K. s. albogulare and K. s. cruentatum to species level. Given the deep divergence within the genus Kinosternon, we propose the recognition of three subgenera, Kinosternon, Cryptochelys and Thyrosternum, and the abandonment of the group-based classification, at least for the K. leucostomum and K. scorpioides groups. Our results show an initial split in Kinosternon that gave rise to two main radiations, one Nearctic and one mainly Neotropical. Most speciation events in Kinosternon occurred during the Quaternary and we hypothesize that they were mediated by both climatic and geological events. Additionally, our data imply that at least three South American colonizations occurred, two in the K. leucostomum group, and one in the K. scorpioides group. Additionally, we hypothesize that discordance between mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenetic signal is due to mitochondrial capture from an extinct kinosternine lineage.

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The genus Serpinema Yeh, 1960 allocates parasitic nematodes of freshwater turtles distributed across the Oriental, Neotropical, and Palearctic regions. Five of 10 valid species of the genus Serpinema occur in the Neotropical region, and three have been recorded parasitizing Kinosternon scorpioides Linnaeus, 1766. In the present work, we describe a new species of Serpinema, a gastrointestinal parasite of K. scorpioides from the Brazilian Amazon, using light and scanning electron microscopy. Serpinema pelliculatus n. sp. differs from other species of the genus by the number and distribution of caudal papillae and spicule morphology. The new species is the seventh recorded for the Neotropical region.

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Polystomatid flatworms in chelonians are divided into three genera, i.e. Polystomoides Ward, 1917, Polystomoidella Price, 1939 and Neopolystoma Price, 1939, according to the number of haptoral hooks. Among the about 55 polystome species that are known to date from the 327 modern living chelonians, only four species of Polystomoides are currently recognised within the 45 South American freshwater turtles. METHODS: During 2012, several sites in the vicinity of the cities Cayenne and Kaw in French Guiana were investigated for freshwater turtles. Turtles were collected at six sites and the presence of polystomatid flatworms was assessed from the presence of polystome eggs released by infected specimens. RESULTS: Among the three turtle species that were collected, no polystomes were found in the gibba turtle Mesoclemmys gibba (Schweigger, 1812). The spot-legged turtle Rhinoclemmys punctularia (Daudin, 1801) was infected with two species of Neopolystoma Price, 1939, one in the conjunctival sacs and the other in the urinary bladder, while the scorpion mud turtle Kinosternon scorpioides (Linnaeus, 1766) was found to be infected with a single Neopolystoma species in the conjunctival sacs. These parasites could be distinguished from known species of Neopolystoma by a combination of morphological characteristics including body size, number and length of genital spines, shape and size of the testis. They were also differentiated at the molecular level using the cox1 gene marker. Based on morphological and genetic evidences, three new species are described herein, namely Neopolystoma cayensis n. sp. and Neopolystoma guianensis n. sp. from the bladder and the conjunctival sacs of R. punctularia, respectively, and Neopolystoma scorpioides n. sp. from the conjunctival sacs of K. scorpioides. However the monophyly of Polystomoides and Neopolystoma is still questioned regarding their phylogeny based on a dataset comprising four concatenated genes, namely, 18S, 28S and 12S rRNA genes and cox1. CONCLUSIONS: In addition to these being the first chelonian polystomes to be reported and described from French Guiana, they represent the first polystomes from the hosts K. scorpioides and R. punctularia and the first representatives of Neopolystoma from South America. Chelonian polystomes now require an in-depth morphological study to reconcile the taxonomy of the genera with species evolution.

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tThe species Kinosternon scopioides, is a small freshwater turtle foun in the region known as BaixadaMaranhense, Maranhão, Brazil.. As studies on the species are still in the research process, the aim of thisscientific article was analyze the female reproductive organ through the ultrasonography to create a standart forimaging tests in this species and gain knowledge abaut their reproductive biology. For this, we used two femaleof Kinosternon scopioides where ultrasounds were performed twice a week. It was found thatgonads havefollicles in different stages of development and it was possible to distinguish follicles from eggs. The study showsimportant to help veterinary wildlife, and the preservation of the species, since the knowledge of reproductivecycle will help in captive breeding of them.(AU)

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tThe species Kinosternon scopioides, is a small freshwater turtle foun in the region known as BaixadaMaranhense, Maranhão, Brazil.. As studies on the species are still in the research process, the aim of thisscientific article was analyze the female reproductive organ through the ultrasonography to create a standart forimaging tests in this species and gain knowledge abaut their reproductive biology. For this, we used two femaleof Kinosternon scopioides where ultrasounds were performed twice a week. It was found thatgonads havefollicles in different stages of development and it was possible to distinguish follicles from eggs. The study showsimportant to help veterinary wildlife, and the preservation of the species, since the knowledge of reproductivecycle will help in captive breeding of them.

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title>Abstract: /title> p>The scorpion mud turtle ( italic>Kinosternon scorpioides /italic>) is a small chelonian, typical of the floodplains of the Amazon. This species is an important source of food and income and it has being studied because of its vulnerability to indiscriminate hunting, deforestation and burning; for this reason, it has been researched in order to supply data for the preservation of the species. The immunohistochemistry activity of endocrine cells present in the stomach of scorpion mud turtle is not totally known. Therefore, the aim of this work was to identify the presence of enteroglucagon hormone and to classify the endocrine cells in the stomach of the scorpion mud turtle. The fragments were submitted to Hematoxylin-Eosin technique and streptavidin peroxidase for staining and detection of antigen, respectively. Immunoreactivity to enteroglucagon in cells was found on the three portions of the stomach (gastric, fundica and pyloric); however, the immunoreactivity was more evident in the first two regions than in the last one. Endocrine cells of stomach were classified as argyrophil and argentaffin and were found among cells that comprise the gastric glands and were classified as "open type" and "closed type". There is no difference between the biochemistry and immunohistochemistry of enteroglucagon italic>K. scorpioides /italic> and other animal species. /p>

title>Resumo: /title> p>O muçuã ou jurará ( italic>Kinosternon scorpioides /italic>) é um quelônio de pequeno porte de água doce, nativo das varzéas da região amazônica. Essa espécie é importante fonte de alimentação e renda e vem sendo estudada por apresentar vulnerabilidade em consequência da caça indiscriminada, queimadas e desmatamento e, por esta razão, tem sido fonte de pesquisa para o fornecimento de dados para a preservação da espécie. Ainda não é totalmente compreendida a atividade imunohistoquímica das células endócrinas presentes no estômago do muçuã. Sendo assim, este trabalho tem por objetivo identificar a presença do hormônio enteroglucagon e classificar as células endócrinas do estômago de muçuã. Os fragmentos de estômago foram submetidos à técnica de Hematoxilina-Eosina e da Estreptovidina peroxidase para coloração e detecção do antígeno, respectivamente. Foram encontradas células imunorreativas ao enteroglucagon em uma das três porções gástricas (cárdica, fúndica e pilórica); contudo, nas duas primeiras regiões, a imunoreatividade foi mais evidente do que na última. As células endócrinas do estômago de muçuã foram classificadas em argirófilas e argentafins e encontradas entre as células que compõem as glândulas gástricas, sendo classificadas como do "tipo aberta" e do "tipo fechada". Não houve diferença bioquímica e imunohistoquímica entre o enteroglucagon do italic>K. scorpioides /italic> com as de outras espécies animais. /p>

RESUMO

The scorpion mud turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides) is a small chelonian, typical of the floodplains of the Amazon. This species is an important source of food and income and it has being studied because of its vulnerability to indiscriminate hunting, deforestation and burning; for this reason, it has been researched in order to supply data for the preservation of the species. The immunohistochemistry activity of endocrine cells present in the stomach of scorpion mud turtle is not totally known. Therefore, the aim of this work was to identify the presence of enteroglucagon hormone and to classify the endocrine cells in the stomach of the scorpion mud turtle. The fragments were submitted to Hematoxylin-Eosin technique and streptavidin peroxidase for staining and detection of antigen, respectively. Immunoreactivity to enteroglucagon in cells was found on the three portions of the stomach (gastric, fundica and pyloric); however, the immunoreactivity was more evident in the first two regions than in the last one. Endocrine cells of stomach were classified as argyrophil and argentaffin and were found among cells that comprise the gastric glands and were classified as open type and closed type. There is no difference between the biochemistry and immunohistochemistry of enteroglucagon K. scorpioides and other animal species.

O muçuã ou jurará (Kinosternon scorpioides) é um quelônio de pequeno porte de água doce, nativo das varzéas da região amazônica. Essa espécie é importante fonte de alimentação e renda e vem sendo estudada por apresentar vulnerabilidade em consequência da caça indiscriminada, queimadas e desmatamento e, por esta razão, tem sido fonte de pesquisa para o fornecimento de dados para a preservação da espécie. Ainda não é totalmente compreendida a atividade imunohistoquímica das células endócrinas presentes no estômago do muçuã. Sendo assim, este trabalho tem por objetivo identificar a presença do hormônio enteroglucagon e classificar as células endócrinas do estômago de muçuã. Os fragmentos de estômago foram submetidos à técnica de Hematoxilina-Eosina e da Estreptovidina peroxidase para coloração e detecção do antígeno, respectivamente. Foram encontradas células imunorreativas ao enteroglucagon em uma das três porções gástricas (cárdica, fúndica e pilórica); contudo, nas duas primeiras regiões, a imunoreatividade foi mais evidente do que na última. As células endócrinas do estômago de muçuã foram classificadas em argirófilas e argentafins e encontradas entre as células que compõem as glândulas gástricas, sendo classificadas como do tipo aberta e do tipo fechada. Não houve diferença bioquímica e imunohistoquímica entre o enteroglucagon do K. scorpioides com as de outras espécies animais.

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RESUMO

The scorpion mud turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides) is a small chelonian, typical of the floodplains of the Amazon. This species is an important source of food and income and it has being studied because of its vulnerability to indiscriminate hunting, deforestation and burning; for this reason, it has been researched in order to supply data for the preservation of the species. The immunohistochemistry activity of endocrine cells present in the stomach of scorpion mud turtle is not totally known. Therefore, the aim of this work was to identify the presence of enteroglucagon hormone and to classify the endocrine cells in the stomach of the scorpion mud turtle. The fragments were submitted to Hematoxylin-Eosin technique and streptavidin peroxidase for staining and detection of antigen, respectively. Immunoreactivity to enteroglucagon in cells was found on the three portions of the stomach (gastric, fundica and pyloric); however, the immunoreactivity was more evident in the first two regions than in the last one. Endocrine cells of stomach were classified as argyrophil and argentaffin and were found among cells that comprise the gastric glands and were classified as open type and closed type. There is no difference between the biochemistry and immunohistochemistry of enteroglucagon K. scorpioides and other animal species.(AU)

O muçuã ou jurará (Kinosternon scorpioides) é um quelônio de pequeno porte de água doce, nativo das varzéas da região amazônica. Essa espécie é importante fonte de alimentação e renda e vem sendo estudada por apresentar vulnerabilidade em consequência da caça indiscriminada, queimadas e desmatamento e, por esta razão, tem sido fonte de pesquisa para o fornecimento de dados para a preservação da espécie. Ainda não é totalmente compreendida a atividade imunohistoquímica das células endócrinas presentes no estômago do muçuã. Sendo assim, este trabalho tem por objetivo identificar a presença do hormônio enteroglucagon e classificar as células endócrinas do estômago de muçuã. Os fragmentos de estômago foram submetidos à técnica de Hematoxilina-Eosina e da Estreptovidina peroxidase para coloração e detecção do antígeno, respectivamente. Foram encontradas células imunorreativas ao enteroglucagon em uma das três porções gástricas (cárdica, fúndica e pilórica); contudo, nas duas primeiras regiões, a imunoreatividade foi mais evidente do que na última. As células endócrinas do estômago de muçuã foram classificadas em argirófilas e argentafins e encontradas entre as células que compõem as glândulas gástricas, sendo classificadas como do tipo aberta e do tipo fechada. Não houve diferença bioquímica e imunohistoquímica entre o enteroglucagon do K. scorpioides com as de outras espécies animais.(AU)

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The reptile Kinosternon scorpioides is a freshwater chelonian, popularly known as jurará, and is found in the Baixada Maranhense, Maranhão State, Brazil. Due to the lack of scientific information on the reproductive biology of the species, current paper describes the body and testicular biometry and the gonad -somatic index (GSI) in adult specimens collected from the natural environment. Twenty male adults were collected in the rainy (n = 10) and dry (n = 10) seasons. Data were derived from the body, testis size and GSI and tests of correlation between these measures were performed. The body biometrics of free-living Kinosternon scorpioides is similar to those found in other studies for adult animals bred in captivity. The body weight was higher in animals collected in the rainy season than that in animals collected in the dry season. The testis size presents variations among animals captured during the rainy and dry season, but the gonadossomatic index did not vary between different groups of animals. Further studies were suggested related to the levels of sexual steroid hormones and behavioral studies to understand the factors related to the species´s reproductive cycle.

O réptil Kinosternon scorpioides é um quelônio de água doce popularmente conhecido como jurará, encontrado na Baixada Maranhense, Maranhão, Brasil. Diante da carência de informações científicas sobre a biologia reprodutiva desta espécie, objetivamos descrever a biometria testicular e corporal, assim como, e o índice gonadossomático (IGS), em espécimes adultos provenientes de habitat natural. Utilizamos 20 indivíduos machos adultos, coletados no período chuvoso (n = 10) e período seco (n = 10), dos quais extraímos informações da biometria corpórea e testicular, assim como o índice gonadossomático e testes de correlação entre estas medidas. Encontramos que a biometria corpórea de Kinosternon scorpioides de vida livre é semelhante ao encontrado em outros estudos com animais adultos criados em cativeiro. No entanto, o peso corpóreo foi maior em animais coletados no período chuvoso que o encontrado em animais coletados no período seco. A biometria testicular apresenta variações entre os animais de período chuvoso e seco, no entanto os índices gonadossomáticos não variaram entre os animais dos diferentes grupos, portanto sugerimos estudos relacionados a níveis de hormônios esteroides sexuais e estudos comportamentais para auxiliar na compreensão dos fatores relacionados ao ciclo reprodutivo da espécie.

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O objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar histológica e histo- químicamente a pele do jurará (Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides). Foram utilizados seis animais (três machos e três fêmeas). Os animais foram eutanasiados com dose letal de tiopental sódico a 2,5%, para colheita de fragmentos de pele mole das patas e pescoço do animal, que após a fixação em líquido de Bouin, foram incluídos em parafina e corados pelas técnicas de hematoxilina-eosina, Giemsa, Sirius red, Reticulina de Gomori e Fucsina-resorcina de Weigert. Os resultados revelaram que a pele do jurará é delgada e composta de epiderme e derme. A epiderme é formada por estrato germinativo constituído por uma única camada de células cilíndricas; estrato espinhoso apresentando duas ou três camadas de células poliédricas; o estrato granuloso não foi observado nos exemplares estudados O estrato córneo apresenta uma delgada camada de queratina mole. Na derme, os fibroblastos foram as células mais freqüentes e as fibras colágenas formavam feixes espessos dispostos em várias direções. No método do Picro Sirius Red sob luz polarizada observou-se que, independente da região analisada, há predomínio de fibras colágenas tipo I em relação ao colágeno tipo III. Foi também observados mastócitos em pequena quantidade e fibras elásticas na região subepidérmica. Concluiu-se que a pele de Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides possui características semelhantes a dos demais vertebrados (anfíbios, aves e mamíferos), apresenta peculiaridades, como por exemplo, a ausência de papilas dérmicas e glândulas...

The aim of this paper was to study the histology and histochemistry of the skin of six specimens of muçuã (three males and three females). The animals were euthanized through a lethal dose of sodium thiopental at 2.5%. Fragments of the soft skin were fixed in Bouin's solution and processed for inclusion in paraffin. The sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Giemsa, Sirius red, Gomori's reticulin and Weigert's fuchsin-resorcin. The results revealed that the skin is thin and constituted by epidermis and dermis. The epidermis is made up by one layer of cylindrical cells of stratum germinativum, two or three layers of poliedric cells of stratum spinosum, but without stratum granular. The stratum corneum consists of a thin layer of soft keratin. In the dermis, the fibroblasts were the most frequent cells and collagen fibers formed a thick bound displayed in several directions. The Sirius red under polarized light showed that type I collagen was predominant when compared with the occurrence of type III collagen. Mast cells were also found, and elastic fibers were seen in the subepidermic layer. We concluded that the skin of Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides has histological features similar to other vertebrates (amphibia, aves, mammalia), however without dermal papillae and glands...

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We describe the subsistence exploitation of an entire turtle fauna in Esmeraldas Province, Ecuador. We collected first-hand accounts and witnessed a number of capture techniques used by rural Afroecuadorian and Chachi inhabitants of the Cayapas-Santiago river basin. The diversity of techniques indicated a practical knowledge of the ecology of the species. Chelydra acutirostris, Kinosternon leucostomum, Rhinoclemmys annulata, melanosterna, and R. nasuta were captured and eaten. Poziando involved cleaning pools in a stream bed during the relatively dry season by removing live plants, organic detritus, and then seining with baskets; we observed R. melanosterna and K. leucostomum captured in this way. Pitfall traps baited with fruit were used to catch R. melanosterna during forays on land. Basket traps ("canasto tortuguero") with a wooden slat funnel across the opening are floated with balsa lashed to the sides. Banana or Xanthosoma leaf bait in the basket traps caught R. melanosterna, R. nasuta, and K. leucostomum. Marshy areas were probed for R. melanosterna and K. leucostomum. Direct capture by hand was also common. Turtles were relished as food items; all turtles captured were consumed, usually in soup or stew. Use of turtles for food in the region was pervasive, perhaps because fish and game populations were depleted.

Describimos la cacería de subsistencia de la fauna de tortugas en la provincia de Esmeraldas, Ecuador. Hemos recogido testimonios de primera mano y fuimos testigos de una serie de técnicas de captura utilizadas por los habitantes rurales afroecuatorianos y chachis de la cuenca de los ríos Cayapas-Santiago. La diversidad de técnicas indica un conocimiento práctico de la ecología de las especies. Chelydra acutirostris, Kinosternon leucostomum, Rhinoclemmys annulata, R. melanosterna y R. nasuta fueron capturadas y utilizadas como alimento. El método de "pozeo" consiste en limpiar las pozas o quebradas durante la estación de menos lluvia; en el proceso se remueven las plantas vivas y detritus orgánicos y las tortugas se cazan con la ayuda de canastas, y observamos que R. melanosterna y K. leucostomum fueron capturadas de esta manera. Las trampas de caída, cebadas con frutas, se utilizaron para capturar R. melanosterna durante incursiones a tierra firme. El "canasto tortuguero" es un cesto de fibra vegetal que tiene la parte interna en forma de embudo, construido con listones de madera (generalmente chonta) y en su exterior se atan dos trozos de madera de balsa para darle flotabilidad. Los canastos fueron cebados con plátanos u hojas de malanga (Xanthosoma) para atrapar especies de Rhinoclemmys y K. leucostomum. En las zonas pantanosas, se usó la técnica de tanteo o pisoteo para colectar R. melanosterna y K. leucostomum. La captura directa o a mano también es un método común de caza. Las tortugas fueron preparadas como alimento principalmente en sopas o guisos. El uso de las tortugas en la alimentación se ha generalizado en la región, posiblemente porque ha disminuido la cacería de animales grandes.

RESUMO

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar histológica e histo- químicamente a pele do jurará (Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides). Foram utilizados seis animais (três machos e três fêmeas). Os animais foram eutanasiados com dose letal de tiopental sódico a 2,5%, para colheita de fragmentos de pele mole das patas e pescoço do animal, que após a fixação em líquido de Bouin, foram incluídos em parafina e corados pelas técnicas de hematoxilina-eosina, Giemsa, Sirius red, Reticulina de Gomori e Fucsina-resorcina de Weigert. Os resultados revelaram que a pele do jurará é delgada e composta de epiderme e derme. A epiderme é formada por estrato germinativo constituído por uma única camada de células cilíndricas; estrato espinhoso apresentando duas ou três camadas de células poliédricas; o estrato granuloso não foi observado nos exemplares estudados O estrato córneo apresenta uma delgada camada de queratina mole. Na derme, os fibroblastos foram as células mais freqüentes e as fibras colágenas formavam feixes espessos dispostos em várias direções. No método do Picro Sirius Red sob luz polarizada observou-se que, independente da região analisada, há predomínio de fibras colágenas tipo I em relação ao colágeno tipo III. Foi também observados mastócitos em pequena quantidade e fibras elásticas na região subepidérmica. Concluiu-se que a pele de Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides possui características semelhantes a dos demais vertebrados (anfíbios, aves e mamíferos), apresenta peculiaridades, como por exemplo, a ausência de papilas dérmicas e glândulas.(AU)

The aim of this paper was to study the histology and histochemistry of the skin of six specimens of muçuã (three males and three females). The animals were euthanized through a lethal dose of sodium thiopental at 2.5%. Fragments of the soft skin were fixed in Bouin's solution and processed for inclusion in paraffin. The sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Giemsa, Sirius red, Gomori's reticulin and Weigert's fuchsin-resorcin. The results revealed that the skin is thin and constituted by epidermis and dermis. The epidermis is made up by one layer of cylindrical cells of stratum germinativum, two or three layers of poliedric cells of stratum spinosum, but without stratum granular. The stratum corneum consists of a thin layer of soft keratin. In the dermis, the fibroblasts were the most frequent cells and collagen fibers formed a thick bound displayed in several directions. The Sirius red under polarized light showed that type I collagen was predominant when compared with the occurrence of type III collagen. Mast cells were also found, and elastic fibers were seen in the subepidermic layer. We concluded that the skin of Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides has histological features similar to other vertebrates (amphibia, aves, mammalia), however without dermal papillae and glands.(AU)

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This study aimed to characterize the morphology of the vas deferens of Kinosteron scorpioides by macroscopic and microscopic analysis. Were used 20 adult male jurarás collected at regular intervals during the year and divided into four experimental groups in the rainy and dry seasons, being processed for light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Morphometry for tubular and luminal diameters and epithelial height were also performed. On rainy season, vas deferens presented pseudostratified epithelium with cylindrical cells, spermatozoids and milky fluid in the lumen, with cytoplasmic organelles and lipid vesicles. On dry season, epithelium was pseudostratified with cuboid cells, with cellular debris and no spermatozoids. There was significant variation (p<0,05) for morphometry of vas deferens, with lower values of tubular and luminal diameters on rainy season, and higher epithelial height on dry season.

Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a morfologia dos ductos deferentes de Kinosteron scorpioides por meio de análise macroscópica e microscópica. Foram utilizados 20 machos adultos, coletados em intervalos regulares durante o ano, os quais foram divididos em quatro grupos experimentais nas estações chuvosa e seca. Os ductos deferentes foram processados para análise por microscopia de luz, microscopia eletrônica de varredura e microscopia eletrônica de transmissão. Morfometria para diâmetros tubular e luminal e altura epitelial também foram realizadas. Na época das chuvas, o ducto deferente apresentou epitélio pseudoestratificado com células cilíndricas, espermatozoides e líquido leitoso no lúmen, além de com organelas citoplasmáticas e vesículas lipídicas. Na estação seca, o epitélio do ducto deferente foi do tipo pseudoestratificado com células cuboides e debris celulares, sendo que nenhum espermatozoide foi encontrado nesta estação. Houve variação significativa (p <0,05) para a morfometria dos ductos deferentes, com menores valores de diâmetros tubular e luminal na estação chuvosa, e maior altura do epitélio na estação seca.

RESUMO

Between September, 2007, and August, 2009, six field excursions were conducted on the northern Brazilian coast (Romana and Maiandeua islands, state of Pará) for the collection of specimens of freshwater turtles (Rhinoclemmys punctularia and Kinosternon scorpioides) in natural ponds. Hoop trap were used and 35 specimens of brown-banded water snakes, Helicops angulatus, were captured as bycatch in the traps. Thus, in addition to turtles, the procedure may be useful to sample populations of aquatic snakes.

Entre septiembre de 2007 y agosto de 2009, seis excursiones de campo se llevaron a cabo en la costa norte de Brasil (islas Romana y Maiandeua, estado de Pará) para la recolección de especímenes de tortugas de agua dulce (Rhinoclemmys punctularia y Kinosternon scorpioides) en posos naturales. Utilizamos trampas en embudo. 35 ejemplares de la serpiente acuática Helicops angulatus, fueron capturados como pesca incidental en las trampas. Por lo tanto, además de las tortugas, el procedimiento puede ser útil para la toma de muestras de las poblaciones de serpientes acuáticas.

RESUMO

Kinosternon scorpioides is a Brazilian freshwater turtle that belongs to the class Reptilia, encompassing almost 10,000 species. Nevertheless, very little is known about the testicular quantitative parameters, particularly those related to spermatogenesis, in this vertebrate class. Our main objectives were to investigate in detail the structure and function of the testis in K. scorpioides, particularly the aspects related to spermatogenic cycle length and Sertoli cell (SC) and spermatogenic efficiencies. Nine sexually mature turtles were examined, and intraperitoneal bromodeoxyuridine injections were administered to estimate duration of spermatogenesis. Based on the acrosome development in spermatids and the overall germ cell associations, 10 stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle were characterized. Similar to birds, humans, and some primate species, several stages were observed per seminiferous tubule cross-sections. One spermatogenic cycle and the entire spermatogenic process lasted, respectively, 12 and 53 days. The SC efficiency (number of round spermatids per SC) and daily sperm production per gram of testis were, respectively, 20 and 40 million spermatids. As established for mammals, our findings suggest that SC efficiency is also a critical determinant of sperm production in reptiles. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the kinetics of spermatogenesis and testis function in any reptilian species. Besides allowing a better understanding of reproductive biology in reptiles, these data will be useful in comparative studies. Moreover, these results could provide the basis for investigations related to the evaluation of spermatogonial stem cell physiology niche in Kinosternon scorpioides.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The reptile Kinosternon scorpioides is a freshwater chelonian, popularly known as jurará, and is found in the Baixada Maranhense, Maranhão State, Brazil. Due to the lack of scientific information on the reproductive biology of the species, current paper describes the body and testicular biometry and the gonad-somatic index (GSI) in adult specimens collected from the natural environment. Twenty male adults were collected in the rainy (n = 10) and dry (n = 10) seasons. Data were derived from the body, testis size and GSI and tests of correlation between these measures were performed. The body biometrics of free-living Kinosternon scorpioides is similar to those found in other studies for adult animals bred in captivity. The body weight was higher in animals collected in the rainy season than that in animals collected in the dry season. The testis size presents variations among animals captured during the rainy and dry season, but the gonadossomatic index did not vary between different groups of animals. Further studies were suggested related to the levels of sexual steroid hormones and behavioral studies to understand the factors related to the species´s reproductive cycle.(AU)

O réptil Kinosternon scorpioides é um quelônio de água doce popularmente conhecido como jurará, encontrado na Baixada Maranhense, Maranhão, Brasil. Diante da carência de informações científicas sobre a biologia reprodutiva desta espécie, objetivamos descrever a biometria testicular e corporal, assim como, e o índice gonadossomático (IGS), em espécimes adultos provenientes de habitat natural. Utilizamos 20 indivíduos machos adultos, coletados no período chuvoso (n = 10) e período seco (n = 10), dos quais extraímos informações da biometria corpórea e testicular, assim como o índice gonadossomático e testes de correlação entre estas medidas. Encontramos que a biometria corpórea de Kinosternon scorpioides de vida livre é semelhante ao encontrado em outros estudos com animais adultos criados em cativeiro. No entanto, o peso corpóreo foi maior em animais coletados no período chuvoso que o encontrado em animais coletados no período seco. A biometria testicular apresenta variações entre os animais de período chuvoso e seco, no entanto os índices gonadossomáticos não variaram entre os animais dos diferentes grupos, portanto sugerimos estudos relacionados a níveis de hormônios esteroides sexuais e estudos comportamentais para auxiliar na compreensão dos fatores relacionados ao ciclo reprodutivo da espécie.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

The metabolic responses of adult and young freshwater Kinosternon scorpioides turtles raised in captivity were evaluated. Two experiments were performed: a) blood metabolite changes caused by food deprivation, and b) liver and muscle glycogen and total lipid differences after fasting and refeeding. Blood glucose concentration of young animals was susceptible to food deprivation. In both groups this metabolite decreased after 30 days of fasting. Feeding for 15 days did not recover blood glucose. Total seric proteins were not affected by food deprivation. Fasting decreased blood urea nitrogen and the highest difference was found around 30 days. Uric acid increased in young animals after 60 days of fasting. Triacylglicerol decreased after 15 days of fasting and refeeding for 15 days recovered the pre-fasting levels. Free fatty acid plasma tended to increase around 15 days of fasting. Liver glycogen decreased at day 15 of fasting, being stable thereafter while muscle glycogen decreased at a slower rate. Total liver lipid stabilized after 30 days and then decreased 70% after 60 days of fasting. Muscle lipids remained stable throughout fasting. It could be concluded that fasting of Kinosternon scorpioides led to metabolic adaptations similar to the one reported from reptiles and fish.

Neste trabalho foi avaliada as respostas metabólicas da tartaruga Kinosternon scorpioides criada em cativeiro, nas fases, adultos e jovens nos estados: alimentado, jejuado e realimentado. O estudo compreendeu dois experimentos: (a) mudanças metabólicas no sangue causadas por privação alimentar e realimentação e (b) diferenças nas concentrações de glicogênio e lipídeos totais no fígado e no músculo após jejum e realimentação. No experimento dos animais jovens a concentração de glicose no sangue apresentou mudanças significativas. Entretanto, nos dois experimentos esse metabólito reduziu significativamente aos 30 dias de jejum. Realimentados por um período de 15 dias foi observado que a concentração de glicose não recuperou os níveis de pré-jejum. Concentração de glicose no sangue de animais jovens foi mais suscetível à privação de alimentos. Em ambos os grupos os metabólitos analisados decresceu após 30 dias de jejum. Retomando a alimentação por 15 dias foi observado que a concentração de glicose não recuperou. As concentrações de proteínas séricas totais não foram afetadas pela privação alimentar. O jejum decresceu a concentração de uréia no sangue e a maior diferença ocorreu aos 30 dias. O ácido úrico decresceu nos animais jovens após 60 dias de jejum. O triacilglicerol diminuiu após 15 dias de jejum e a realimentação por 15 dias recuperou os níveis de pré-jejum. O glicogênio hepático diminuiu aos 15 dias de jejum, e estabilizou a partir daí, enquanto o glicogênio muscular diminuiu a um ritmo mais lento. O lipídio total hepático total se manteve estável até os 30 dias de jejum, diminuindo até 70% aos 60 dias de jejum. E, em seguida, diminuiu 70% após 60 dias de jejum. Os lipídeos musculares permaneceram estáveis durante o jejum. Conclui-se que o jejum na espécie Kinosternon scorpioides apresentou adaptações metabólicas semelhantes aos relatados para outros répteis e peixes.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The metabolic responses of adult and young freshwater Kinosternon scorpioides turtles raised in captivity were evaluated. Two experiments were performed: a) blood metabolite changes caused by food deprivation, and b) liver and muscle glycogen and total lipid differences after fasting and refeeding. Blood glucose concentration of young animals was susceptible to food deprivation. In both groups this metabolite decreased after 30 days of fasting. Feeding for 15 days did not recover blood glucose. Total seric proteins were not affected by food deprivation. Fasting decreased blood urea nitrogen and the highest difference was found around 30 days. Uric acid increased in young animals after 60 days of fasting. Triacylglicerol decreased after 15 days of fasting and refeeding for 15 days recovered the pre-fasting levels. Free fatty acid plasma tended to increase around 15 days of fasting. Liver glycogen decreased at day 15 of fasting, being stable thereafter while muscle glycogen decreased at a slower rate. Total liver lipid stabilized after 30 days and then decreased 70% after 60 days of fasting. Muscle lipids remained stable throughout fasting. It could be concluded that fasting of Kinosternon scorpioides led to metabolic adaptations similar to the one reported from reptiles and fish.(AU)

Neste trabalho foi avaliada as respostas metabólicas da tartaruga Kinosternon scorpioides criada em cativeiro, nas fases, adultos e jovens nos estados: alimentado, jejuado e realimentado. O estudo compreendeu dois experimentos: (a) mudanças metabólicas no sangue causadas por privação alimentar e realimentação e (b) diferenças nas concentrações de glicogênio e lipídeos totais no fígado e no músculo após jejum e realimentação. No experimento dos animais jovens a concentração de glicose no sangue apresentou mudanças significativas. Entretanto, nos dois experimentos esse metabólito reduziu significativamente aos 30 dias de jejum. Realimentados por um período de 15 dias foi observado que a concentração de glicose não recuperou os níveis de pré-jejum. Concentração de glicose no sangue de animais jovens foi mais suscetível à privação de alimentos. Em ambos os grupos os metabólitos analisados decresceu após 30 dias de jejum. Retomando a alimentação por 15 dias foi observado que a concentração de glicose não recuperou. As concentrações de proteínas séricas totais não foram afetadas pela privação alimentar. O jejum decresceu a concentração de uréia no sangue e a maior diferença ocorreu aos 30 dias. O ácido úrico decresceu nos animais jovens após 60 dias de jejum. O triacilglicerol diminuiu após 15 dias de jejum e a realimentação por 15 dias recuperou os níveis de pré-jejum. O glicogênio hepático diminuiu aos 15 dias de jejum, e estabilizou a partir daí, enquanto o glicogênio muscular diminuiu a um ritmo mais lento. O lipídio total hepático total se manteve estável até os 30 dias de jejum, diminuindo até 70% aos 60 dias de jejum. E, em seguida, diminuiu 70% após 60 dias de jejum. Os lipídeos musculares permaneceram estáveis durante o jejum. Conclui-se que o jejum na espécie Kinosternon scorpioides apresentou adaptações metabólicas semelhantes aos relatados para outros répteis e peixes.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

The turtle family Kinosternidae comprises 25 living species of mud and musk turtles confined to the New World. Previous attempts to reconstruct a phylogenetic history of the group have employed morphological, isozyme, and limited mitochondrial DNA sequence data, but have not been successful in producing a well-resolved phylogeny. With tissues from every recognized species and most subspecies, we sequenced three mitochondrial (cyt b, 12S, 16S) and three nuclear markers (C-mos, RAG1, RAG2). Our analyses revealed the existence of three well-resolved clades within the Kinosterninae (aged >22 mya), only two of which have been named: Sternotherus and Kinosternon. We here describe the third clade as a new genus. The evolutionary relationships among most species were well resolved, although those belonging to the K. scorpioides species group will require more extensive geographic and genetic sampling. Divergence time estimates and ancestral area reconstructions permitted the development of the first rigorous hypothesis of the zoogeographic history of the group, including support for three separate dispersals into South America, at least two of which preceded the closure of the Panamanian portal.

Assuntos