RESUMO: O sistema nervoso central é vulnerável a complicações originadas pelo diabetes estresse oxidativo no cérebro e resultando em lesões no córtex cerebral, dentre outras regiões. A insulina e hipoglicemiantes ainda são os tratamentos mais utilizados, entretanto, pesquisas atuais com modelo experimental do diabetes sugerem a utilização de antioxidantes como, por exemplo, a melatonina. Assim, testamos a hipótese de que a melatonina exógena pode diminuir ou prevenir os efeitos do diabetes no córtex frontal do cérebro de ratos. Foram utilizados 50 ratos albinos, divididos em 5 grupos: GC = ratos sem indução ao diabetes, GD = ratos induzidos ao diabetes pela estreptozotocina, GDM = ratos induzidos ao diabetes pela estreptozotocina e tratados com melatonina, GDI = ratos induzidos ao diabetes pela estreptozotocina e tratados com insulina, GDMI = ratos induzidos ao diabetes pela estreptozotocina e tratados com melatonina e insulina simultaneamente. O diabetes foi induzido pela administração intraperitoneal de estreptozotocina (60mg/kg). A insulina (5U/dia) foi administrada por via subcutânea e a melatonina (10mg/kg) pela água de beber. Ambos tratamentos foram realizados durante 30 dias após a indução. Foram analisados o peso dos animais, do cerebro, as citocinas IL-6 e TNF-α, apoptose, glicogênio, além da morfometria e histopatologia do córtex frontal. Os resultados mostraram que o córtex cerebral dos animais diabéticos apresentou degeneração axonal, redução do número de neurônios no córtex, redução do glicogênio, aumento da expressão do IL-6 e TNF-α, elevação do índice apoptótico, além da redução do peso dos animais e do cérebro. O tratamento com melatonina associada ou não a insulina preveniu tais efeitos. Assim, concluímos que a melatonina associada ou não a insulina pode ser uma alternativa na prevenção dos efeitos do diabetes no córtex frontal do cérebro.

ABSTRACT: The central nervous system is vulnerable to complications caused by diabetes. These complications lead to increased oxidative stress in the brain, resulting in damage to the cerebral cortex, among other regions. Insulin and hypoglycemic agents are still the most widely used treatments. However, current research with an experimental model of diabetes suggests the use of antioxidants, such as melatonin. Thus, we tested the hypothesis that exogenous melatonin may decrease or prevent the effects of diabetes in the frontal cortex of the rat brain. Fifty albino rats were allocated into five groups: GC = rats without diabetes induction, GD = diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin, GDM = streptozotocin-induced and melatonin-treated diabetic rats, GDI = diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin and treated with insulin, GDMI = diabetic rats induced by streptozotocin and treated with melatonin and insulin simultaneously. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal administration of streptozotocin (60mg/kg). Insulin (5U/day) was administered subcutaneously and melatonin (10mg/kg) by drinking water; both treatments last days after. We analyzed animals’ weight, the cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, apoptosis, glycogen, and did morphometry and histopathology of the frontal cortex were analyzed. The results showed that the cerebral cortex of the diabetic animals presented axonal degeneration, reduced number of neurons in the cortex, reduced glycogen, increased IL-6 and TNF-α expression, high apoptotic index, and reduced animal weight and the brain. Treatment with melatonin associated or not with insulin prevented such effects. Thus, we conclude that melatonin associated with insulin may be an alternative for avoiding the impact of diabetes in the brain’s frontal cortex.

Abstract Metronidazole is an antiprotozoal and antibacterial used in gynecology and obstetrics for the treatment of parasitic infections. However, despite having clinical use for more than three decades, questions about the safety of its use during pregnancy is not well understood. Thus, the present study evaluated the effect of metronidazole on placental and fetal development in pregnant rats. Metronidazole was orally administered by gavage at a dosage of 130 mg/kg for 7 and 14 days. Morphological analysis, morphometry and immunohistochemistry were performed at the implantation sites and placentas with 14 days of development. The results showed that in the treated group there was a significant reduction in the number of implantation sites, total placental disc area and constituent elements of the labyrinth and spongiotrophoblast layers. Histochemical analysis revealed no significant changes in the content of collagen, elastic and reticular fibers. The TUNEL test showed apoptotic activity in the implantation sites and placentas with 14 days of development independent of the treatment. There was no evidence of malformation in the neonates. However, there was a significant reduction in the number and weight of neonates in the group treated with metronidazole when compared to the control group. Thus, it is concluded that the administration of 130 mg/kg of metronidazole during pregnancy in rats, in addition to interfering with the number of implanted embryos, promotes changes in placental structure and interferes with fetal development. This suggests that this drug should be used with caution during pregnancy.

Abstract Insects have several types of sensilla, the characterization of which has been fundamental to understanding the mechanisms of sensory perception in different species. This study aimed to describe the ultrastructure of the sensilla present on the antennae of Alabama argillacea (Hübner, 1823) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), an important pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) crops, as well as their possible variation between sexes. To do this, the antennae of males and females of A. argillacea were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Sensilla morphometry was assessed using photomicrographs, from which the lengths and basal and apical diameters of sensilla were measured using the ImageJ program. Seven types of sensilla were identified on the antennae of A. argillacea: sensilla trichodea, sensilla chaetica, sensilla auricillica, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla styloconica, sensilla basiconica, and sensilla Böhm bristles. Differences between the sensilla of males and females were found in their lengths and basal diameters in the distal and proximal regions. This suggests that sensilla functionality may not only vary from one species to another, but also between sexes within the same species. Thus, further transmission electron microscopy and single sensillum recording studies may provide more detailed information on the sensilla of A. argillacea and their functions.

Resumo: O uso inadequado de herbicidas pode resultar em intoxicações agudas e, às vezes, crônicas por exposição em longo prazo a baixos níveis desses agentes tóxicos, podendo o herbicida atuar também como agentes teratogênicos, mutagênicos, cancerígenos e desreguladores endócrinos, com o aparecimento de doenças neurodegenerativas e distúrbios reprodutivos. Estudos têm revelado que a melatonina tem propriedades antioxidantes, anti-inflamatórias e imunomoduladoras e atua na reprodução. Essa indolamina está entre os agentes que têm se mostrado benéfico em intoxicações por herbicidas, porém não há relatos do uso de melatonina contra intoxicações por Glifosato-Roundup®, muito menos em associação com o Paraquat. Dessa forma, o maior interesse no tratamento das intoxicações por herbicidas, tem-se concentrado em medidas que impeçam ou minimizem as lesões celulares provocadas nos diversos sistemas biológicos. Assim, a melatonina, como antioxidante conhecido, pode ser mais uma alternativa contra as intoxicações por herbicidas associados e/ou individuais.

Abstract: The inadequate use of herbicides may cause serious and sometimes chronic poisoning due to long exposure to low levels of toxic agents. Herbicides may also be teratogenic, mutagenic, cancerigenous agents and endocrine disruptors, with the occurrence of neurodegenerative diseases and reproduction disorders. Several studies have shown that melatonin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating qualities, besides affecting the reproduction system. It is among the agents which are beneficent in poisoning by herbicides even though no reports are extant on the use of melatonin against poisoning by Glyphosate-Roundup® alone or associated with Paraquat. Solutions that prevent or minimize cell lesions caused by several biological systems have been focused upon in the treatment for poisoning with herbicides. Thus, melatonin, a known antioxidant, may be an alternative against the poisoning by single or associated herbicides.

A presente pesquisa visou elucidar quais aspectos da resposta imune em Diatraea flavipennella são suprimidos pelo parasitoide Cotesia flavipes, para garantir o sucesso do parasitismo. Investigou-se a presença de células em apoptose no corpo gorduroso pela técnica de TUNEL. De acordo com os resultados verificou-se redução nos níveis de oxido nítrico e na atividade da fenoloxidase nas lagartas parasitadas, aos três dias, e redução do número total de hemócitos aos três e sete dias. Na contagem diferencial, observou-se aumento no número de plasmatócitos e redução de esferulócitos, no terceiro dia de parasitismo. O número de micro-esferas melanizadas, nas lagartas parasitadas, foi inferior mostrando uma melanização menos intensa. A análise ultra-estrutural comfirmou o efeito imunossupressor de C. flavipes para suprimir a resposta de encapsulação em D. flavipennella, pois, somente foi evidenciado à formação de cápsula de hemócitos, aderidas à superfície das micro-esferas, nas lagartas não parasitadas. Como efeito do parasitismo, foi registrado ainda no terceiro dia presença de hemócitos e células do corpo gorduroso em apoptose, além deste último apresentar aspecto de degeneração. Conclui-se que C. flavipes suprimi a resposta imunológica celular e humoral de D. flavipennella e afeta drasticamente o tecido gorduroso.

The present research aimed to elucidate which aspects of immune responses in Diatraea flavipennella are suppressed by the parasitoid Cotesia flavipes, thus, ensuring parasitism success. We investigated the presence of apoptosis in fat body cells through the TUNEL technique. According to the results, reduced levels of nitric oxide and phenoloxidase activity were observed in larvae parasitized for three days, and reduced total number of hemocytes, after three and seven days. An increase in plasmatocytes and decrease in spherulocytes numbers were observed in the differential count on the third day of parasitism. The number of melanized microspheres in parasitized larvae was low and indicated less intense melanization. The ultrastructural analysis confirmed the immunosuppressive effect of C. flavipes on the encapsulation response of D. flavipennella because only the formation of hemocytes capsules, adhered to the microspheres' surface, was evidenced in non-parasitized caterpillars. The effect of parasitism was also recorded on the third day with the presence of hemocytes and apoptosis in fat body cells, including aspects of degeneration in the latter. We concluded that C. flavipes suppresses cellular and humoral immunological responses in D. flavipennella and drastically affects the host's fat tissue.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de Metarhizium anisopliae, sobre Diatraea flavipennella e investigar sua resposta imune. Foi observado o efeito de M. anisopliae sobre lagartas de D. flavipennella, pulve-rizado nas concentrações de 103, 104, 105 conídios/mL, no qual apresentou diferenças com relação ao período larval, prolongando até 72,0 dias nos tratamentos e 25,0 dias na testemunha. Os resultados referentes aos hemócitos revelaram que as células mais frequentes quando pulverizado nas concentrações de 103, 105, 107 conídios/mL foram prohemócitos, esferulócitos, plas-mócitos e granulócitos, em relação aos adipohemócitos e oenocitóides. O nível de oxido nítrico apresentou diferença entre a testemunha e a concentração 107 conídios/mL (24h), enquanto a atividade de fenoloxidase foi semelhante entre os tratamentos em 24h e superior na concentração 107 conídios/mL (60h). No perfil bioquímico dos hemócitos, houve uma alteração em carboidratos, lipídios e proteínas em reação ao fungo. Os resultados indicam que o fungo M. anisopliae pode ser utilizado no Manejo Integrado de D. flavipennella, por apresentar patogenicidade e interferir no seu desenvolvimento mesmo quando expostas a pequenas concentrações.

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of Metarhizium anisopliae on Diatraea flavipennella and investigate their immune response. Was observed the effect of M. anisopliae against larvae of D. flavipennella sprayed at concentrations of 103, 104, 105 conidia / mL, in which showed differences relative the larval period, extending up to 72.0 days in treatment and 25.0 days in the control. The results for hemocytes revealed that the most frequent cells when sprayed at the concentrations of 103, 105, 107 conidia / mL were the prohemocytes, spherulocytes, plasmatocytes and granulocytes in relation to adipohemocytes and oenocytoids. The level of nitric oxide was different between the control and the concentration 107 spores / mL (24), while the activity of phenoloxidase was similar among treatments in 24 and higher concentration 107 spores / mL (60h). In biochemical profile of hemocytes was a change in carbohydrates, lipids and proteins in response to the fungus. The results indicate that the fungus M. anisopliae can be used in the Integrated Management of D. flavipennella by presenting pathogenicity and interfere with their development even when exposed to small concentrations.

A dexametasona, um glicocorticóide sintético, tem a capacidade de atravessar a placenta aumentando o nível de circulação de corticosteróides da mãe para o feto durante a prenhez. Quando administrada nas fases finais da prenhez pode produzir efeitos indesejáveis na formação da placenta e em vários órgãos da prole. Assim, o presente estudo objetivou investigar o efeito da administração da dexametasona (0,8mg/dia/animal) nos cinco primeiros dias da prenhez, sobre o desenvolvimento placentário de ratas. Utilizou-se 30 ratas albinas, divididas em dois grupos: Grupo I -ratas prenhes sem aplicação de dexametasona, sacrificadas ao 7º e 14º dia; Grupo II -ratas submetidas à aplicação de dexametasona nos cinco primeiros dias de prenhez, sacrificadas ao 7º e 14º dia. Os resultados mostraram que a dexametasona não afetou o número e a histologia dos sítios de implantação, porém, promoveu alteração no disco placentário ocasionando hipertrofia na camada de células trofoblásticas gigantes. Não foram evidenciadas alterações no teor de colágeno, porém houve interferência no metabolismo do glicogênio no espongiotrofoblasto trofospongio. Na morfometria de linhas houve diferença entre os grupos na região de labirinto e células trofoblásticas gigantes, porém a morfometria de pontos só ratificou as alterações percebidas na região do labirinto.

The dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, has the ability to cross the placenta by increasing the level of movement of corticosteroids from mother to fetus during pregnancy. When administered in the late stages of pregnancy can produce effects undesirable on placental formation. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of administration of dexamethasone (0.8mg/day/animal) in the first five days of pregnancy, on placental development in rats. We used 30 albino rats, divided into two groups: Group I -pregnant rats without the application of dexamethasone, sacrificed to the 7th and 14th day. Group II -rats subjected to the application of dexamethasone in the first five days of pregnancy, sacrificed to the 7th and 14th day. The results showed that dexamethasone did not affect the number and histology of the implantation sites, but promoted changes in the disk placental causing hypertrophy in trophoblastic giant cell layer. No changes were found in the content of collagen, but there was interference with the metabolism of glycogen in spongiotrophoblast. The morphometry of lines showed, a difference between groups in the region of labyrinth and trophoblast giant cell. However, in morphometry of points there was a difference between groups in the region of labyrinth.

A pesar de la probada eficacia de Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) a los insectos, se han reportado ciertos casos de resistencia alrededor del mundo, especialmente para las poblaciones de Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae). Aunque el mecanismo de resistencia a las toxinas Bt, debido a la alteración de los receptores parece común entre los lepidópteros, pocos estudios han evaluado la respuesta inmune a las toxinas Bt en insectos resistentes. Así, este estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar el recuento total y diferencial de hemocitos tanto como los niveles de óxido nítrico en poblaciones de P. xylostella resistente y susceptible a Bt después de la exposición a las formulaciones comerciales de Dipel®PM (Btk) y Xentari®WDG (Bta). Insectos resistentes y susceptibles fueron expuestos a su CL50 correspondientes de Dipel or Xentari obtenidos a través de curvas dosis-respuesta. Muestras de hemolinfa fueron recogidas a las 1, 6 y 12 h después del tratamiento para el recuento total y diferencial de hemocitos y la cuantificación de los niveles de óxido nítrico. Dipel®PM causó una reducción significativa en el número total de hemocitos en las larvas de ambas poblaciones, mientras que Xentari afectó sólo la proporción de tipos de hemocitos. Ambas formulaciones interfirieron con los niveles de óxido nítrico, aunque no se observó diferencia entre las dos poblaciones.

Despite the proven efficiency of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) to insects, a number of resistance cases have been reported throughout the world particularly for Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) populations. Although the mechanism of resistance to Bt toxins due to altered receptors appears to be common among Lepidoptera, few studies have evaluated the immune response to Bt toxins in resistant insects. Thus, this study aimed to compare the total and differential counts of hemocytes as well as the nitric oxide levels in resistant and susceptible populations of P. xylostella to Bt after exposure to Dipel®PM (Btk) and Xentari®WDG(Bta) commercial formulations. Susceptible and resistant insects were exposed to their corresponding LC50 of Dipel®PM or Xentariobtained through dose-response curves. Hemolymph samples were collected at 1, 6, and 12 h after treatment for total and differential hemocyte counts and quantification of nitric oxide levels. Dipel®PM caused a significant reduction in the total number of hemocytes in the larvae of both populations, while Xentari®WDG affected only the proportion of types of hemocytes. Both formulations interfered with the nitric oxide levels, although no difference was observed between both populations.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi caracterizar morfológica e ultraestruturalmente os hemócitos de operários de Nasutitermes coxipoensis (Holmgren) e quantificar os tipos celulares 24h, 48h e 72h após inoculação com Metarhizium anisopliae. Seis tipos de hemócitos foram identifi cados: plasmatócito, granulócito, esferulócito, prohemócito, adipohemócitos e oenocitóide. Nenhuma alteração na morfologia dessas células foi evidenciada durante os intervalos. Entretanto, houve variações na proporção dos hemócitos em relação à testemunha para esferulócitos, adipohemócitos e oenocitóides, nos três intervalos de avaliação, e para plasmatócitos e granulócitos no intervalo de 48h. As causas potenciais dessa variação e suas implicações são apresentadas e discutidas neste artigo.

We aimed to characterize the morphology and ultrastructure of hemocytes of Nasutitermes coxipoensis (Holmgren) workers and to quantify the cell types 24h, 48h and 72h after inoculation with Metarhizium anisopliae. Six hemocytes types were identified, plasmatocyte, granulocyte, spherulocyte, prohemocyte, adipohemocyte and eonocytoid Hemocytes did not present any morphological alteration at the several observation periods, but they did have a change in their abundance, as observed for spherulocytes, adipohemocytes and eonocytoids at all intervals, and for plasmatocytes and granulocytes at 48h after host inoculation. We argue on the possible reasons and implications of the observed changes.

Pesquisas envolvendo plantas com atividade inseticida evoluíram bastante nas últimas décadas. Entre essas plantas destaca-se o nim, Azadirachta indica, que atua sobre várias espécies de insetos, principalmente Lepidoptera. Sua ação depende da espécie de inseto e concentração aplicada. Uma barreira contra potenciais agentes tóxicos ingeridos com o alimento é o canal alimentar. Assim, a pesquisa teve por objetivo descrever, histologicamente, o canal alimentar de lagartas de Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith) alimentadas com folhas tratadas com nim (Neemseto®), nas concentrações 0,5 e 1,0%, e com folhas não tratadas, nos intervalos de 48, 96, 144, 192 e 240h, quantificar as células regenerativas e analisar, histoquimicamente, o produto de secreção do mesêntero. As lagartas foram imobilizadas a baixa temperatura (-4ºC), o canal alimentar foi retirado, fixado em Boüin aquoso, incluído em paraplast e historesina, e os cortes corados por hematoxilina-eosina e ácido periódico de Schiff. Histologicamente, o canal alimentar de S. frugiperda mostrou-se semelhante ao de outros lepidópteros. Alterações morfológicas só foram evidenciadas no mesêntero, sendo a sua intensidade dependente do tempo e da concentração utilizada. Observou-se degeneração do epitélio e redução de células regenerativas e de atividade secretora dessa região, em ambas as concentrações de nim. Essas alterações foram observadas após 96h a 1,0% e 144h a 0,5%. Esses resultados demonstram que o nim (Neemseto®), nas concentrações estudadas, pode ser efetivo para o controle de S. frugiperda por promover alterações morfológicas no mesêntero.

Research involving plants with insecticide activity evolved significantly in the last decades. Among these plants, the neem tree, Azadirachta indica, is commonly used against several insects, mainly Lepidoptera. The neem efficiency depends on the target insect and on the concentration used. A barrier against potential toxic agents ingested together with the food is the alimentary canal. Thus, this research aimed to describe the histology of the alimentary canal of Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith) larvae fed on leaves treated with neem (Neemseto®) at a concentration of 0.5% and 1.0% and non treated, at different intervals (48, 96, 144, 192 and 240h), by quantifying the regenerative cells and analyzing the secretion of the mesenteron histochemically. Larvae were immobilized at low temperatures (-4ºC), the alimentary canal was removed, fixed in Boüin´s aqueous, embedded in paraplast and historesin, sectioned and stained with hematoxilin-eosin and periodic acid- Schiff. The histology of the alimentary canal of S. frugiperda was similar to other lepidopterans. Neem effects on morphology were seen only in the mesenteron, depending on the time and concentration used, such as: epithelium, reduction on regenerative cells and on the secretory activity in this region, confirmed by the histochemistry in both neem concentrations. These alterations were observed after 96h at 1.0%, and 144h at 0.5%. These results indicte that neem (Neemseto®), at the concentrations studied, may be effective to control S. frugiperda because it promotes meaningful morphological alterations in the mesenteron.

The glucocorticoid dexamethasone has been largely used due to its anti-inflammatory effect. However, several authors report that the excessive exposition to it during pregnancy may cause a retard in the development in several tissues, mainly: liver, lungs and kidneys. But, the majority of the works are done with the application of dexamethasone in the late periods of pregnancy. Because of the lack of researches that evalúate the effects in the beginning of gestation, this paper aimed at evaluating the effect of dexamethasone administered in the initial phase of pregnancy, o ver the morphology of neonates rat. It was used 10 albino rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) aged 90 days from the lineage Wistar. The female were coupled and divided in two groups: Group I - rats not submitted to the dexamethasone application (control); Group II - rats submitted to the dexamethasone application in the first 5 days of pregnancy. The results show that the treatment with dexamethasone in a dosage of 0.8mg/Kg during the 5 first days of pregnancy does not produces a weight and height reduction or malformation in the offspring, it does not cause changes in the development of the liver and kidneys of neonate rats, but it leads to a reduction in the denseness of the interalveolar septa causing a higher distensión of the alveoli.

El glucocorticoide dexametasona ha sido ampliamente utilizado en virtud de su potencial antiinflamatorio. Sin embargo, varios autores relatan que la exposición excesiva a la dexametasona durante la preñez puede causar el retardo del desarrollo de varios tejidos, principalmente hígado, pulmones y ríñones. La mayoría de los trabajos son llevados a cabo con la aplicación de dexametasona en los períodos tardíos de la gestación. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de la dexametasona, sobre la morfología de ratones neonatos, administrada en la fase inicial de la preñez. Fueron utilizadas 10 ratas Wistar albinas (Rattus norvegicus albinus) con 90 días de edad. Las hembras fueron apareadas y divididas en dos grupos: Grupo I- ratas no sometidas a la dexametasona (grupo control) y Grupo II - ratas sometidas a la aplicación de dexametasona durante los cinco primeros días de preñez. Los resultados mostraron que el tratamiento con dexametasona en dosis de 0,8mg/Kg, a lo largo de los cinco primeros días de la preñez, no produce reducción de peso, longitud o malformación en la prole, tampoco causa alteraciones en el desarrollo del hígado y ríñones en los ratones neonatos, pero sí reduce el grosor de los septos interalveolares, causando de esta manera, mayor distensión de los alvéolos.

The present study had the objective of obtaining information about fertility in rats treated with dexamethasone for 10 and 15 days consecutively, to polycystic ovaries, induced by constant illumination. It was used 40 albino rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus), aged 90 days, form the lineage Wistar, which were split, randomly, in four groups, each constituted of 10 animals, namely: Group I - rats kept in a clear/dark cycle for 12/12 hours, and after 100 days submitted to fertility evaluation (control); Group II - rats kept under constant illumination during 100 days and then submitted to fertility evaluation; Group III - rats kept under constant illumination during 100 days, then treated with dexamethasone for 10 days and submitted to fertility evaluation; Group IV - rats kept under constant illumination during 100 days, then treated with dexamethasone for 15 days and submitted to fertility evaluation. The results showed that the number of implanted sites was 38(G1), 37(G2), 32(G3) and 06(G4). The reduction in group IV was due to the high mortality during the experiment, probably because of the prolonged treatment with dexamethasone. These sites presented similar histological aspects. The macroscopic analysis of the neonates haven't shown any indication of malformation. Also, abortion haven't been observed. The treatment with dexamethasone for 10 days in rats does not affect the fertility and the development of the lungs, liver and kidneys of neonates, while the administration during 15 days leads to a high maternal mortality.

El estudio tuvo el objetivo de obtener informaciones sobre la fertilidad en ratas tratadas con dexametasona por 10 y 15 días seguidos, para ovarios poliquísticos, inducidos por iluminación constante. Se utilizó 40 ratas albinas (Rattus norvegicus albinus) con 90 días de edad, del linaje Wistar, las cuales fueron divididas, en cuatro grupos, cada uno constituido por 10 animales: Grupo I - ratas mantenidas en ciclo claro/oscuro de 12/12 horas, y después de 100 días sometidas a la evaluación de la fertilidad (control); Grupo II- ratas mantenidas bajo iluminación constante, durante 100 días, y luego sometidas a la evaluación de la fertilidad ; Grupo III - ratas mantenidas bajo iluminación constante, a lo largo de 100 días, y posteriormente tratadas con dexametasona por diez días, y sometidas a la evolución de la fertilidad; Grupo IV - ratas mantenidas bajo iluminación constante, durante 100 días, en seguida tratadas con dexametasona por 15 días, y sometidas a la evaluación de la fertilidad. Los resultados mostraron que el número de sitios implantados fue 38(GI), 37(G2), 32(G3), y 06(G4). La reducción en el grupo IV fue como consecuencia de la alta mortalidad durante la experiencia, probablemente en función del largo tratamiento con dexametasona. Esos sitios presentaron aspectos histológicos semejantes. El análisis macroscópico de los neonatos no mostró ningún vestigio de malformación. Tampoco fueron observados abortos. El tratamiento con dexametasona por 10 días en ratas, no afecta la fertilidad y el desarrollo de los pulmones, hígado y ríñones de neonatos, mientras que la administración por 15 días lleva a una alta mortalidad materna.

A pesquisa teve o objetivo de avaliar a ultra-estrutura dos ovaríolos de Tropidacris collaris (Stoll), submetido aos fotoperíodos de 10L:14E, 12L:12E e 14L:10E. Foram utilizadas 60 ninfas (30 machos e 30 fêmeas) no último estágio de desenvolvimento, sendo colocados 10 casais em cada tratamento. Trinta dias após atingirem o estágio adulto, as fêmeas foram sedadas com éter etílico e dissecadas sob estereomicroscópio. Os ovaríolos foram fixados em Karnovsky (glutaraldeido 2,5%, paraformaldeído 4% e tampão cacodilato de sódio 0,1 M) e analisados em microscopia eletrônica de transmissão e varredura. Os resultados mostraram não haver influência dos fotoperíodos sobre a ultra-estrutura dos ovaríolos, onde estes apresentaram-se revestidos por uma bainha espessa constituída por um material homogêneo e filamentoso. Na região do filamento terminal observaram-se células com núcleos volumosos, algumas com citoplasma escasso, além de estruturas filamentosas assumindo característica de tecido conjuntivo. No germário, as células germinativas são maiores, com núcleos volumosos, escassos citoplasma e membrana celular com interdigitações. As células foliculares são menores com núcleo pequeno, apresentando ainda projeções citoplasmáticas. No vitelário as células foliculares sofrem modificações na sua morfologia, variando de cúbica a achatada.

The research evaluated the ultrastructure of the ovarioles of Tropidacris collaris (Stoll), submitted to photoperiods 10L:14D, 12L:12D and 14L:10D. Sixty nymphs (30 males and 30 females) in the last stage of development were paired in ten couples in each treatment. Thirty days after adult emergence, the females were immobilized with ethylic ether and dissected under stereomicroscope. The ovarioles were transferred to Karnovsky fixative (2.5% glutaraldehyde, 4% paraformaldehyde and 0.1 M sodium cacodylate buffer) and analyzed in transmission and scanning electron microscopes. The different photoperiods had no effect on the ovarioles' ultrastructure. Each ovariole is covered by a thick sheath constituted by a homogeneous and filamentous material. In the terminal filament, there are cells with large nuclei, some with scarce cytoplasm and projections cytoplasmatic, besides filamentous structures assuming characteristic of conjunctive tissue. In the germarium, the germ cells are big with large nuclei, scarce cytoplasm and plasma membrane containing interdigitations. The follicular cells are small with a small nucleus, yet presenting cytoplasmatic projections. In the vitellarium the follicular cells suffer modifications in their morphology varying from cubic to flat.

The present research had the purpose to analyze morphologically the sites of endometrial implants on the external area of the musculature of the anterior abdominal wall of female rats, treated with dexamethasone. For so, these 15 albino female rats were used (Rattus norvegicus albinus), of the lineage Wistar with 90 days of age, that were submitted to the induction of the endometriosis, and divided in the following groups: Group I induced female rats to endometriosis and evaluated after 21 days (control); Group II induced female rats to endometriosis and after 21 days, treated with dexamethasone for 10 days; Group III - induced female rats to endometriosis, and after 21 days, treated with dexamethasone for 15 days. The dexamethasone was administered in the dosage of 0,8 mg/day/animal. Our results showed that the chronic inflammatory process in the endometriosis doesn't decrease after treatment with dexamethasone for 10 days, while the treatment with dexamethasone for 15 days reverted the chronic inflammatory process in the endometriosis, besides stimulating the proliferation of glands in endometrial implants

El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar morfológicamente los sitios de implantes endometriales sobre la región externa de la musculatura de la pared abdominal anterior de ratones, tratados con dexametasona. Para ello, fueron utilizados 15 ratones albinos (Rattus norvergicus albinus), del linaje Wistar, de 90 días de edad, los cuales fueron sometidos a inducción de la endometriosis y divididos en los siguientes grupos: Grupo I ratones inducidos a la endometriosis y evaluados tras 21 días (control); Grupo II ratones inducidos a la endometriosis y tras 21 días, tratados con dexametasona durante 10 días; Grupo III ratones inducidos a la endometriosis, y tras 21 días, tratados con dexametasona durante 15 días. La dexametasona fue administrada en dosis de 0,8mg /día/animal. Nuestros resultados muestran que el proceso inflamatorio crónico en la endometriosis no baja después del tratamiento con dexametasona durante 10 días, mientras que el tratamiento con dexametasona durante 15 días cambió del proceso inflamatorio crónico en la endometriosis y estimuló la proliferación de glándulas en los implantes endometriales

In this paper we evaluated the morphologic and quantitative aspects of the implantations sites in uteruses of female pinealectomized and/or submitted to the constant illumination rats. The experimental groups were: I - normal female rats maintained in a clear/dark cycle of 12/12 hours, for two months, mated and euthanasiated in the 6th day of pregnancy (control); II - female sham-pinealectomized rats maintained in a clear/dark cycle of 12/12 hours, for two months, mated and euthanasiated in the 6th day of pregnancy (control); III - female pinealectomized rats, maintained in a clear/dark cycle of 12/12 hours, for two months, mated and euthanasiated in the 6th day of pregnancy; IV - normal female rats maintained in constant illumination for two months, mated and euthanasiated in the 6th day of pregnancy; V - female sham-pinealectomized rats, maintained in constant illumination for two months, mated and euthanasiated in the 6th day of pregnancy; VI - female pinealectomized rats, maintained in constant illumination for two months, mated and euthanasiated in the 6th day of pregnancy. The means of the implantations sites showed that there were significant differences, where the groups III, IV, V and VI differed from the groups II and I, which presented the highest means. The groups III, IV, V and VI didn't differ amongst themselves. The sites in the control groups revealed the presence of small gaps containing blood, trophoblastic cells, and some polyploid cytotrophoblasts. In the groups III, IV, V and VI it was evidenced well-developed gaps at the sites, with trophoblasts, cytotrophoblasts with high polyploidy degree and syncytiotrophoblasts. In conclusion the pinealectomy and/or constant illumination reduce of the number implants in female rats besides to stimulate the development of the implantation sites, indicating thus a probable function of the melatonin in the viability of implantation of the blastocyst

En este trabajo evaluamos los aspectos morfológicos y cuantitativos de los sitios de implantaciones en úteros de ratas pinealectomizadas y/o sometidas a iluminación constante. Los grupos experimentales fueron: I ratas normales mantenidas en ciclo claro / oscuro de 12/12 horas, durante dos meses, cruzadas y sacrificadass en el 60 día de preñez (control); II ratas sham-pinealectomizadas mantenidas en ciclo claro/oscuro de 12/12 horas, durante dos meses, cruzadas y sacrificadas en el 60 día de preñez (control); III ratas pinealectomizadas mantenidas en ciclo claro/oscuro de 12/12 horas, durante dos meses, cruzadas y sacrificadas en el 60 día de preñez; IV ratas normales mantenidas en constante iluminación durante dos meses acasaladas y sacrificadas en el 60 día de preñez; V ratas sham-pinealectomiazadas mantenidas en constante iluminación durante dos meses, cruzadas y sacrificadas en el 60 día de preñez; VI ratas pinealectomizadas, mantenidas en constante iluminación durante dos meses, cruzadas y sacrificadas en el 60 día de preñez. El análisis estadístico de las medias de los sitios de implantaciones mostró que hubo diferencia significativa, donde los grupos III, IV, V y VI diferían de los grupos I y II, los cuales presentaron las mayores medias. Los grupos III, IV, V y VI no son diferentes entre sí. El análisis morfológico de los sitios en los grupos controles reveló la presencia de pequeñas lagunas conteniendo sangre, además de células trofoblásticas y algunos citrofoblastos poliploides. En los grupos III, IV, V y VI se evidenció lagunas muy desarrolladas en los sitios, con trofoblastos, citrofoblastos con alto grado de poliploidia y sinciciotrofoblastos. Concluimos que la pinealectomía y/o constante iluminación llevan a una reducción del número de blastocistos implantados en ratas, además estimula el desarrollo de los sitios de implantación, indicando así; que la melatonina puede tener importante función en la viabilidad de implantación del blastocisto