Epididymal morphophysiology of adult collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu)

O entendimento funcional do epidídimo possibilita o aumento da fertilidade de uma espécie, pois torna possível a preservação de gametas para o uso em técnicas de reprodução assistida. Este trabalho estudou os aspectos histológicos das diferentes regiões do epidídimo de Pecari tajacu, bem como as patologias associadas encontradas nos espermatozoides presentes nesse órgão. Após procedimento cirúrgico de orquiectomia, para remoção dos testículos e epidídimos, obtidos de oito animais adultos nascidos em cativeiro, realizou-se a fixação e o processamento histológico das amostras. Constatou-se em todas as regiões do epidídimo (cabeça, corpo e cauda) a presença de epitélio pseudoestratificado colunar com estereocílios. Foram observadas semelhanças entre a altura média do epitélio do corpo e da cauda, a qual era diferente da encontrada na cabeça (1- proximal: região associada aos ductos eferentes; 2- distal: região associada ao corpo do epidídimo). Foi verificado que a cabeça proximal apresenta a média de diâmetro dos túbulos menor em relação às demais porções do epidídimo. Em relação às patologias dos espermatozoides, constataram-se treze tipos diferentes de alterações morfológicas. Os espermatozoides subdesenvolvidos e cabeças soltas foram as mais frequentes ao longo do epidídimo de catitus. Os dados deste trabalho são pioneiros, e servirão como base para pesquisas comparativas sobre a biologia reprodutiva dos artiodátilos, contribuindo para a sua conservação e produção.A functional understanding of the epididymis makes it possible to increase a species’ fertility, since it facilitates the preservation of gametes for use in assisted reproduction techniques. This study analyzed the histological features of the different regions of the epididymis of the Pecari tajacu and the associated pathologies found in the spermatozoa present in this organ. After an orchiectomy surgery to remove the testicles and epididymis obtained from eight adult animals bred in captivity, fixation and histological processing of samples were carried out. The presence of pseudostratified columnar epithelium with stereocilia was observed in all regions of the epididymis (caput, corpus and caudal). Similarities were noted between the average height of the corpus and caudal epithelium, which differed from that found at the caput (1- proximal: region associated with the efferent ducts; 2- distal: region associated with corpus epididymis). It was also observed that the proximal caput presents a smaller average of the tubules diameter compared to other portions of the epididymis. Regarding pathologies of the spermatozoa, thirteen different types of morphological modifications were observed. Underdeveloped spermatozoa and detached heads were most frequently encountered along the epididymis of the collared peccaries. This study is a pioneer in the area and its data will serve as a basis for comparative research on the reproductive biology of artiodactyls, thus contributing to their conservation and reproduction

AVALIAÇÃO HISTOPATOLÓGICA DO FÍGADO DE Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii (CASTELNAU, 1855) DA BAÍA DO GUAJARÁ, BELÉM, PARÁ

The species Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii is one of the most important economic resources of the Amazon region. The objective of the present work was to analyze the histopathology of the liver of B. rousseauxii and to indicate this species as a biomonitor of the environmental quality of the Guajará Bay. Samples were collected in four areas: a control area and three areas identified as discharge sites of solid and liquid wastes. Sampling was carried out in four season periods: dry/wet season, wet season, wet/dry season and dry season. The number of collected specimens was 36. The fishes were submitted to biometry after catching. They presented mean total length of 33.45 cm (±7.72), total weight of 239.21 g (±135.24), and liver weight of 1.22 g (±0.56). Liver fragments were processed for light microscopy analysis. Histopathologic analysis demonstrated that 70% of the fish presented hepatitis, inflammation, fatty degeneration, and congestion, and that 30% presented well-organized liver structures, and they were considered healthy. The hepatic changes observed and the number of specimens collected suggest that the environmental quality of the Guajará Bay is affected and that the species B. rousseauxii  is probably adapted to the areas where there are waste discharges. KEY WORDS: Amazonian biome, biomonitor, liver, histopathology, fish

AVALIAÇÃO HISTOPATOLÓGICA DO FÍGADO DE Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii (CASTELNAU, 1855) DA BAÍA DO GUAJARÁ, BELÉM, PARÁ HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE LIVER OF Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii (CASTELNAU, 1855) FROM GUAJARA’S BAY, BELÉM, PA

The species Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii is one of the most important economic resources of the Amazon region. The objective of the present work was to analyze the histopathology of the liver of B. rousseauxii and to indicate this species as a biomonitor of the environmental quality of the Guajará Bay. Samples were collected in four areas: a control area and three areas identified as discharge sites of solid and liquid wastes. Sampling was carried out in four season periods: dry/wet season, wet season, wet/dry season and dry season. The number of collected specimens was 36. The fishes were submitted to biometry after catching. They presented mean total length of 33.45 cm (±7.72), total weight of 239.21 g (±135.24), and liver weight of 1.22 g (±0.56). Liver fragments were processed for light microscopy analysis. Histopathologic analysis demonstrated that 70% of the fish presented hepatitis, inflammation, fatty degeneration, and congestion, and that 30% presented well-organized liver structures, and they were considered healthy. The hepatic changes observed and the number of specimens collected suggest that the environmental quality of the Guajará Bay is affected and that the species B. rousseauxii  is probably adapted to the areas where there are waste discharges.<br /><br />KEY WORDS: Amazonian biome, biomonitor, liver, histopathology, fish.<br /><br /> The species Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii is one of the most important economic resources of the Amazon region. The objective of the present work was to analyze the histopathology of the liver of B. rousseauxii and to indicate this species as a biomonitor of the environmental quality of the Guajará Bay. Samples were collected in four areas: a control area and three areas identified as discharge sites of solid and liquid wastes. Sampling was carried out in four season periods: dry/wet season, wet season, wet/dry season and dry season. The number of collected specimens was 36. The fishes were submitted to biometry after catching. They presented mean total length of 33.45 cm (±7.72), total weight of 239.21 g (±135.24), and liver weight of 1.22 g (±0.56). Liver fragments were processed for light microscopy analysis. Histopathologic analysis demonstrated that 70% of the fish presented hepatitis, inflammation, fatty degeneration, and congestion, and that 30% presented well-organized liver structures, and they were considered healthy. The hepatic changes observed and the number of specimens collected suggest that the environmental quality of the Guajará Bay is affected and that the species B. rousseauxii  is probably adapted to the areas where there are waste discharges.<br /><br />KEY WORDS: Amazonian biome, biomonitor, liver, histopathology, fish.<br /><br /&gt

Environmental quality of an estuary in Amazon delta using immunohistochemical and morphological analyses of gill as biomarkers

In this study, histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical observations of the gill tissue of two fish species (Plagioscion squamosissimus and Lithodoras dorsalis) were used as biomarkers to assess the ecological conditions of an estuary in the Amazon delta, by relating the health status of the fishes to environmental quality. The gill tissue was analyzed both qualitatively and semi-quantitatively. Marked differences in the type and severity of lesions were verified between species and among study sites. A variety of severe damages were confirmed histologically in specimens from the two impacted areas (B and C), including aneurysms, epithelial lifting, and intense hyperplasia. Electron microscopy and immunohistochemical analyses also revealed injuries in the gill tissue of specimens from these two areas. While, on area A only few specimens showed mild changes in gill tissues and rare marking of apoptosis. These results confirm the urgent need for the more effective control of the discharge of pollutants into the estuary as well as more effective urban planning, given the close proximity of a major industrial complex to residential areas.

Puberdade em macho de cateto (Pecari tajacu) determinada pela análise quantitativa das células espermatogênicas

Biological studies are necessary for the management of wildlife in captivity, and knowledge of reproduction is one of the important features for increasing production. The objective of the research was to determine the age at which male collared peccaries reach puberty. Testicular samples of 15 animals, aged 7 to 16 months, distributed into five groups (G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5) were used. The testes showed considerably increased weight, length and width (p < 0.05) from G1 to G3, whereas, from this group onward, the development of this organ was slower. There was positive correlation (p < 0.001) between the following testicular parameters: weight and length (r = 0.97), weight and width (r = 0.88), length and width (r = 0.92). Regarding the diameter of seminiferous tubules, an increase was observed (p < 0.05) from G1 to G4. The total number of spermatogenic cells increased significantly (p < 0.05) until G3 and then it stabilized. There was also positive correlation between testis weight and tubular diameter (r = 0.99, p < 0.001), and testis weight and spermatogenic cells (r = 0.98, p < 0.001). The number of Sertoli cells decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from G1, when they were undifferentiated as support cells, to G5, when they occurred together with the complete line of spermatic cells. The results demonstrate that the reproductive development of peccaries can be classified into the following stages: impuberty (G1, 7-8 months); pre-pubertal (G2, 9-10 months); pubertal (G3, 11-12 months); post-pubertal 1 (G4, 13-14 months); and post-pubertal 2 (G5, 15-16 months). Based on the histological analyses, puberty in the male collared peccary was determined to occur between 11 and 12 months of age.CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível SuperiorEstudos biológicos são necessários para o manejo da vida silvestre em cativeiro, e o conhecimento da reprodução é um dos aspectos importantes para o aumento da produção. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo determinar a idade da puberdade do cateto macho. Foram utilizadas amostras testiculares de 15 animais, entre 7 a 16 meses, distribuídos em cinco grupos (G1, G2, G3, G4 e G5). Os testículos aumentaram no peso, comprimento e largura consideravelmente (p < 0,05) do G1 ao G3, enquanto que, a partir deste grupo, o desenvolvimento desse órgão foi mais lento. Houve correlação positiva (p < 0,001) entre os seguintes parâmetros testiculares: peso e comprimento (r = 0,97), peso e largura (r = 0,88), comprimento e largura (r = 0,92). Com relação ao diâmetro tubular, observou-se um aumento (p < 0,05) do G1 ao G4. A quantidade total de células espermatogênicas aumentou significativamente (p < 0,05) até o G3, e se estabilizou a partir deste grupo. Houve correlação positiva entre o peso testicular e o diâmetro tubular (r = 0,99, p < 0,001), bem como o peso testicular e as células espermatogênicas (r = 0,98, p < 0,001). A quantidade de células de Sertoli reduziu significativamente (p < 0,05) do G1, onde se encontravam indiferenciadas como células de suporte, até G5, onde foram observadas juntamente com todas as células da linhagem espermática. Estes resultados demonstraram que as fases do desenvolvimento reprodutivo de catetos podem ser classificadas em: impúbere (G1, 7-8 meses), pré-púbere (G2, 9-10 meses), púbere (G3, 11-12 meses), pós-púbere 1 (G4, 13-14 meses) e pós-púbere 2 (G5, 15-16 meses). Com base na análise histológica, a puberdade dos catetos machos ocorre entre 11 e 12 meses de idade.GUIMARÃES, D. A. A.; CARDOSO, D. L.; FERREIRA, M. A. P. Universidade Federal do Par

Puberty in male collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) determined by quantitative analysis of spermatogenic cells

Biological studies are necessary for the management of wildlife in captivity, and knowledge of reproduction is one of the important features for increasing production. The objective of the research was to determine the age at which male collared peccaries reach puberty. Testicular samples of 15 animals, aged 7 to 16 months, distributed into five groups (G1, G2, G3, G4 and G5) were used. The testes showed considerably increased weight, length and width (p < 0.05) from G1 to G3, whereas, from this group onward, the development of this organ was slower. There was positive correlation (p < 0.001) between the following testicular parameters: weight and length (r = 0.97), weight and width (r = 0.88), length and width (r = 0.92). Regarding the diameter of seminiferous tubules, an increase was observed (p < 0.05) from G1 to G4. The total number of spermatogenic cells increased significantly (p < 0.05) until G3 and then it stabilized. There was also positive correlation between testis weight and tubular diameter (r = 0.99, p < 0.001), and testis weight and spermatogenic cells (r = 0.98, p < 0.001). The number of Sertoli cells decreased significantly (p < 0.05) from G1, when they were undifferentiated as support cells, to G5, when they occurred together with the complete line of spermatic cells. The results demonstrate that the reproductive development of peccaries can be classified into the following stages: impuberty (G1, 7-8 months); pre-pubertal (G2, 9-10 months); pubertal (G3, 11-12 months); post-pubertal 1 (G4, 13-14 months); and post-pubertal 2 (G5, 15-16 months). Based on the histological analyses, puberty in the male collared peccary was determined to occur between 11 and 12 months of age

Investigating spatial-temporal contamination for two environments of the Amazon estuary: a multivariate approach

An assessment of environmental quality in Amazonian estuaries utilizing histological and immunohistochemical biomarkers concomitantly with analyses of trace metals in the tissues of Sciades herzbergii, also considering physical chemical analyzes of the water. 352 animals were captured from two sites and during two periods (dry and rainy). Site 1: São Marcos Bay - heavy anthropic influence and Site 2: Caeté estuary-preserved estuary. In the laboratory, the fish were weighed (g) and measured (cm). Fragments of gills and liver were analyzed using histology and immunohistochemistry (Caspase 3). The specimens from Site 1 presented a low-value condition factor, with the highest concentrations of Al, Cd, and Hg appearing in the muscle, and most severe damages to gills and liver. In contrast, individuals from Site 2 presented a high-value condition factor and showed low metal concentrations in the muscle with only slight tissue lesions. Furthermore, our results demonstrated that seasonal changes affect metal modulation and pathologies in fish at Site 1. The sentinel species chosen in this study is considered a strong bioindicator of pollution and the combination of different biomarkers was efficient in providing a clear view of the signs of exposure to pollutants, and the risks posed to fish health by the presence of metals in the environment, especially in Site 1.publishe

<b>Branchial histopathological study of <em>Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii</em> (Castelnau, 1855) in the Guajará bay, Belém, Pará State, Brazil</b> - DOI: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v32i1.4800

This work analyzes the morphological alterations in <em>Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii</em> gills and evaluates whether this species can be considered an environmental monitoring biomarker of Guajará Bay. Sampling was carried out in four areas around Belém, Brazil, in four annual periods: dry/wet season, wet season, wet/dry season and dry season. Water pH, temperature and suspended material were evaluated. A total of 36 specimens were collected. The second right gill arch of each animal was removed and immediately fixed and processed for histopathology analysis with light microscopy. The physicochemical analysis of the water during the study period showed slight acidity, temperature and material in suspension within normal levels. Histopathological analysis of the gills from 14 individuals from area I presented no alterations, and only 2 individuals from this area presented some significant type of alteration. In contrast, all individuals captured in areas II, III, and IV presented at least one of the following alterations: aneurism-like alterations, epithelial elevation, infiltration, cell proliferation and cell hypertrophy. Based on the gill histopathological analysis, this organ is considered a good biomarker and the native species <em>B. rousseauxii</em> could be used as a bioindicator for environmental monitoring

Branchial histopathological study of Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii (Castelnau, 1855) in the Guajará bay, Belém, Pará State, Brazil = Estudo histopatológico da brânquia de Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii na baía do Guajará, Belém, Estado do Pará, Brasil

This work analyzes the morphological alterations in Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii gills and evaluates whether this species can be considered an environmental monitoring biomarker of Guajará Bay. Sampling was carried out in four areas around Belém, Brazil, in four annual periods: dry/wet season, wet season, wet/dry season and dry season. Water pH, temperature and suspended material were evaluated. A total of 36 specimens were collected. The second right gill arch of each animal was removed and immediately fixed and processed for histopathology analysis with light microscopy. The physicochemical analysis of the water during the study period showed slight acidity, temperature and material in suspension within normal levels. Histopathological analysis of the gills from 14 individuals from area I presented no alterations, and only 2 individuals from this area presented some significant type of alteration. In contrast, all individuals captured in areas II, III, and IV presented at least one of the following alterations: aneurism-like alterations, epithelial elevation, infiltration, cell proliferation and cell hypertrophy. Based on the gill histopathological analysis, this organ is considered a good biomarker and the native species B. rousseauxii could be used as a bioindicator for environmental monitoring.<br><br>O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as alterações morfológicas branquiais em Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii e verificar se esta espécie pode ser considerada como indicador biológico para o monitoramento ambiental da baía do Guajará. As coletas aconteceram em quatro áreas ao redor da cidade de Belém: I (controle), II, III e IV (forte influência antrópica), nos quatro períodos anuais: estação seco/chuvoso, estação chuvoso, estação chuvoso/seco e estação seco. Nesses períodos foram medidos pH, temperatura e material em suspensão. Foram capturados 36 exemplares. O segundo arco branquial direito de cada animal foi retirado, imediatamente fixado e processado para análise histopatológica. A análise físico-química da água revelou pH levemente ácido, a temperatura e o material em suspensão se encontravam nos parâmetros de normalidade. As análises histopatológicas das brânquias de 14 animais da área I não apresentaram alterações branquiais e somente dois revelaram algum tipo de alteração. Todos os indivíduos capturados nas áreas II, III e IV apresentaram pelo menos uma das seguintes alterações: aneurisma, elevação epitelial, infiltração, proliferação celular, fusão lamelar e hipertrofia celular. De acordo com as análises histopatológicas branquiais, este órgão é considerado como um bom biomarcador e a espécie nativa B. rousseauxii pode ser utilizada como bioindicador no monitoramento ambiental