RESUMO O objetivo deste trabalho foi quantificar a resposta superovulatória e a produção embrionária de ovelhas Bergamácia Brasileira e relacioná-las com a condição folicular antes do tratamento superovulatório, como referência para seleção de doadoras com potencial para superovulação. Vinte e três ovelhas foram avaliadas quanto à população folicular por ultrassonografia na fase de metaestro do ciclo estral e divididas em grupos com baixa, média e alta população folicular. Posteriormente foram sincronizadas, superovuladas com 133mg de pFSH, acasaladas e submetidas à coleta de embriões. A resposta superovulatória (9,0±3,3 vs. 10,7±6,2 vs. 13,8±7,1) e a produção embrionária (4,0±3,8 vs. 2,6±2,0 vs. 1,8±4,0) foram semelhantes entre os grupos (P>0,05). Houve correlação positiva entre o número de folículos no metaestro e o número de corpos lúteos com regressão prematura (RPCL) (0,52) e correlação negativa entre a taxa de recuperação e RPCL (-0,44) (P <0,05). As ovelhas que apresentaram RPCL tiveram mais folículos no metaestro (16,9±7,8 vs. 12,7±3,2) e menor taxa de recuperação embrionária (38,8±29,3 vs. 72,2±29,9) do que as que apresentaram CLs funcionais (P<0,05). A quantificação folicular nas fases de metaestro não foi capaz de identificar doadoras com alto potencial de produção embrionária. Animais com RPCL tiveram maior população folicular no metaestro e menor recuperação de embriões.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to quantify the superovulatory response and embryo production of Brazilian Bergamasca sheep and to evaluate the link to the follicular condition before superovulatory treatment, as a reference for selection of donors with potential for superovulation. Follicular population of twenty-three sheep was evaluated by ultrasound during metestrus phase of the estrous cycle and divided into groups of low, medium and high follicular population. Subsequently, they were synchronized, superovulated with 133mg of pFSH, mated and subjected to embryo collection. The superovulatory response (9.0±3.3 vs 10.7±6.2 vs 13.8±7.1) and embryo production (4.0±3.8 vs 2.6±2.0 vs 1,8±4.0) were similar between groups (P>0.05). There was a positive correlation between the number of follicles during the metestrus phase and the number of corpus luteum with premature regression (PLR) (0.52) and a negative correlation between the recovery rate and PLR (-0.44) (P<0.05). The sheep that presented PLR had more follicles during metestrus (16.9±7.8 vs 12.7±3.2) and lower embryo recovery rate (38.8±29.3 vs 72.2±29.9) than those with functional CLs (P<0.05). Follicular quantification during metestrus phases was unable to identify donors with high embryo production. Animals with PLR had a larger follicular population during metestrus and lower embryo recovery rate.

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

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

RESUMO Este trabalho tem por objetivo mensurar as frações das proteínas totais séricas de equinos Campeiros e identificar as influências de variantes biológicas. Foram colhidas amostras de sangue de 138 equinos, machos e fêmeas da raça Campeiro. A determinação da concentração de proteínas totais séricas foi realizada pelo método de biureto. As concentrações séricas das frações proteicas foram determinadas por eletroforese, utilizando-se gel de agarose. Formaram-se grupos em relação à idade, ao sexo e à condição reprodutiva. Os valores médios das frações séricas albumina (2,85±0,36g/dL), alfa 1 (0,28±0,11g/dL), alfa 2 (0,26±0,08g/dL), beta 1 (0,57±0,15g/dL), beta 2 (0,89±0,28g/dL), gamaglobulinas (1,86±0,34g/dL), relação albumina/globulina (0,75±0,18) e os percentis 2,5% e 97,5% apresentaram diferenças pontuais em relação aos intervalos propostos para a espécie. Observaram-se maiores valores de alfa 1, alfa 2 globulinas, no grupo de seis a oito anos, e de gamaglobulinas, no grupo acima de 13 anos de idade. O proteinograma sérico foi similar entre machos e fêmeas e entre fêmeas vazias e gestantes. Sexo e estado gestacional não afetaram o proteinograma sérico. Alfa e gamaglobulinas têm incrementos em função de idades crescentes. O proteinograma sérico de equinos Campeiros tem variações que devem ser consideradas em exames laboratoriais.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study to measure the fractions of the total serum proteins of the Campeiro horse and identify the influences of biological variants. Blood samples were taken in 138 horses of the breed Campeiro for measuring the concentration of total serum protein by the biuret method. Serum concentrations of protein fractions were measured by electrophoresis using agarose gel. Groups were formed according to age, sex and reproductive condition. The average values of serum fractions: albumin (2.85±0.36g/dl), alpha 1 (0.28±0.11g/dl), alpha 2 (0.26±0.08g/dL) beta 1 (0.57±0.15g/dl), beta 2 (0.89±0.28g/dL), gamaglobulinas (1.86±0.34g/dL), albumin/globulin ratio (0.75±0.18) and 2.5% percentile and 97.5% had slight differences in relation to the reference interval proposed for the species. They observed higher values of alpha 1 and 2 globulins in the group from that had six to eight years old and gammaglobulins in group above 13 years old. Serum protein concentrations were similar in horses and mares and between non-pregnant and pregnant. Sex and pregnancy status did not affect serum proteinogram. Alpha and gammaglobulins have higher values as the age increases. Serum proteinogram of Campeiro horses shows variations that have to be considered in the interpretation of laboratory tests.

RESUMO Três experimentos foram realizados para adaptar um protocolo de sincronização de estro e da ovulação para ser utilizado em programas de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) em vacas taurinas tropicalmente adaptadas. No Exp. 1 (crossover), vacas pluríparas Curraleiro Pé-Duro (n= 12) receberam um dispositivo intravaginal contendo 1g de P4 por oito dias e 2mg de BE intramuscular (IM) no momento da inserção do dispositivo (dia 0). No dia da remoção do dispositivo (dia 8), as fêmeas receberam 150μg de D-cloprostenol sódico e 300UI de gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) IM, sendo, então, divididas aleatoriamente para receber 1mg de BE no dia 8 (BE8) ou 1mg de BE no dia 9 (BE9). A aplicação de BE no D9 atrasou a ovulação em aproximadamente 15 horas (P<0,05). No Experimento 2, foram avaliados protocolos com oito (P4D8) e nove dias (P4D9) de exposição à progesterona, resultando em parâmetros de desenvolvimento folicular e luteal semelhantes entre os tratamentos (P>0,05). No Experimento 3, os protocolos hormonais de IATF BE8 e P4D9 foram testados para a taxa de prenhez, alcançando 23% (10/43) e 20% (9/45), respectivamente (P>0,05). Embora o grupo P4D9 tenha mostrado avanço na proporção de animais que responderam ao protocolo quando comparado ao protocolo BE8, este não se refletiu em melhora na taxa de prenhez.

ABSTRACT Three experiments were performed to adapt a synchronization protocol of estrus synchronization and ovulation to be used in fixed time artificial insemination programs (FTAI) in tropically adapted Bos taurus cows. In Exp. 1 (crossover) multiparous Curraleiro Pé-Duro cows (n= 12) received an intravaginal device containing 1g of P4 for 8 days and 2mg of EB at the time of device insertion (Day 0). On the P4 device removal (Day 8) females received 150g of D-cloprostenol Sodic and 300IU of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Then, they were randomly divided to receive 1mg of EB on Day 8 (EB8) or on Day 9 (EB9). EB9 delayed ovulation approximately 15 hours (P<0.05). In Exp. 2, protocols using progesterone for eight (P4D8) or nine days (P4D9) were evaluated, resulting in similar parameters of folicular and luteal development (P>0.05). In Exp. 3, EB8 and P4D9 protocols were used to evaluate the pregnancy rate, reaching 23% (10/43) and 20% (9/45), respectively (P>0.05). Although P4D9 protocol has shown improvement in proportion of animals that responded to the protocol when compared to EB8 protocol, it was not able to improve pregnancy rate.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a influência de dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo sobre as características físicas e químicas na carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido, com idade entre cinco e sete meses e peso vivo médio de 17,7±3,7kg, alimentados com dietas contendo silagem de diferentes cultivares de sorgo. O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental Pendência, pertencente à Empresa Estadual de Pesquisa Agropecuária - Emepa, tendo um período experimental de 42 dias. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (silagem de sorgo BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) e sete repetições. Ao atingirem o peso de abate de 26,24kg, os animais foram encaminhados ao abate. Procedeu-se à análise do pH, da cor, da perda de peso por cocção, da força de cisalhamento, bem como à determinação de umidade, proteínas, cinzas e lipídeos totais no músculo Longissimus dorsi. As dietas não influenciaram os parâmetros de pH (5,64), cor (L*23,13, a* 18,00, b*15,78), perdas de peso por cocção (34,43%), umidade (72,53%), proteína (24,08%), cinzas (1,09%) e lipídeos (2,99%). A força de cisalhamento diferiu entre as dietas, com a silagem do cultivar BRS 655 propiciando uma carne mais macia (2,10kgf/cm2). As silagens de sorgo utilizadas na confecção das dietas de cordeiros em confinamento não interferem nas características de qualidade da carne de ovinos sem padrão racial definido. Dietas contendo silagem de sorgo granífero BRS 655 proporcionaram uma carne mais macia.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the influence of diets containing silage of different sorghum cultivars on the physical and chemical characteristics in the meat of lambs. Thirty five animals of undefined breed with average age between 5 and 7 months and average body weight of 17. 7±3.7kg were used. The lambs were randomly assigned to five treatments (sorghum silage BRS 610, BRS 655, BRS 800, BRS 810 e Ponta Negra) with seven replicates. When they reach 26.24kg of weight, the animals were sent to be slaughtered. Proceeded to the analysis of pH, color, cooking losses, shear force, determination of humidity, protein, ash and total amount of lipids in the Longissimus dorsi. The diets did not influence the parameters of pH (5.64), color (L*23.13, a* 18.00, b*15.78), cooking losses (34.43%), humidity (72.53%), protein (24.08%), ash (1.09%) or lipids (2.99%). The shear force differed among the diets, with the silage of cultivar BRS 655 providing a tender meat (2.10kgf/cm2). The sorghum silages used in in the diets did not interfere in the meat quality characteristics of feedlot lambs. Diets containing sorghum grain silage BRS 655 provided a tender meat.

RESUMO Foram realizados dois experimentos com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de dois indutores da ovulação e da gonadotrofina coriônica equina (eCG) na dinâmica folicular e luteal, em um protocolo de inseminação artificial em tempo fixo (IATF) em vacas localmente adaptadas da raça Curraleiro Pé-Duro. No experimento 1, vacas pluríparas receberam um dispositivo intravaginal contendo 1g de progesterona (P4) durante oito dias e 2mg de benzoato de estradiol (BE) intramuscular (IM) no momento da inserção do dispositivo (dia zero). Na retirada do dispositivo (dia oito), as vacas receberam 0,150mg de D-cloprostenol sódico IM e foram separadas aleatoriamente para receber 1mg de BE IM (BE8) ou 1mg de cipionato de estradiol IM (CE8), ou nenhum indutor da ovulação (controle). Todos os animais participaram de todos os tratamentos (crossover). O intervalo entre a retirada da P4 e a ovulação foi menor e menos variável no tratamento BE8 (P≤0,05). O momento da ovulação foi mais precoce e mais concentrado nos animais do grupo BE 8. No experimento 2 (crossover), vacas pluríparas receberam o mesmo tratamento hormonal do grupo BE8 do experimento1. Na retirada do dispositivo (dia 8), as vacas foram separadas aleatoriamente para receberem 300UI de eCG IM, enquanto o controle não. Não houve diferença nos parâmetros foliculares e luteais avaliados no experimento 2 (P>0,05). Em conclusão, o BE pode ser utilizado como indutor da ovulação (experimento 1) em protocolos de IATF em vacas Curraleiras Pé-Duro. Entretanto, o eCG (experimento 2) não foi capaz de estimular o desenvolvimento folicular e luteal. Esse resultado é devido provavelmente à capacidade adaptativa das vacas Curraleiras Pé-Duro em manter uma condição corporal satisfatória mesmo em condições de clima seco e quente.

ABSTRACT Two experiments were conducted aiming to evaluate the effects of two ovulatory inducers (Exp.1) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG; Exp.2) on follicular and luteal dynamics in a fixed-time AI (FTAI) protocol in locally adapted Curraleiro Pé-Duro cows. In Exp. 1 multiparous cows (n=12) received an intravaginal device containing 1g of progesterone (P4) for 8 days and 2mg of estradiol benzoate (EB) intramuscularly (IM) at device insertion (Day 0). At device removal (Day 8) 0.150mg of Sodium D-Cloprostenol was administered IM and the cows were randomly assigned to receive 1mg of EB (EB8) or 1mg of estradiol cypionate (EC8) IM, or to not receive any ovulatory inducer (Control). All the animals participated in all treatments (crossover). The interval from P4 removal to ovulation was shorter and less variable in the EB8 treatment group (P≤0.05). In Exp. 2 (crossover), multiparous cows (n=12) received the same hormonal treatment as the EB8 group in Exp.1. At device removal (Day 8) cows were randomly assigned to receive 300UI of eCG IM or to not receive eCG (Control). No difference was ascertained on follicular and luteal parameters in Exp. 2 (P>0.05). We concluded that EB can be used as the ovulatory inducer (Exp. 1) in a FTAI protocol in Curraleiro Pé-Duro cows. However, eCG (Exp. 2) was not able to stimulate follicular and luteal development. This result is probably due to the adaptive capacity of Curraleiro Pé-Duro cows that maintained a satisfactory body condition score even in dry and hot environments.

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

RESUMO Amostras de sangue foram obtidas de 138 equinos registrados da raça Campeiro, com idade média de 9,7±5,4 anos, sendo 14 machos (10,15%) e 124 fêmeas (89,85%). Observaram-se valores médios da atividade sérica de GGT: 13,73±4,08 U/L; AST: 246,34±72,87U/L; ALT: 5,13±1,18U/L; FA: 284,32±53,33UI/L; CK: 132,54±72,25U/L; LDH: 511,38±143,65U/L; e das concentrações séricas de ureia: 38,65±12,62mg/dL e de creatinina: 1,24±0,24mg/dL. Os valores médios de AST, FA, ALT, ureia e creatinina foram semelhantes aos propostos na literatura para outras raças. Os valores de CK, GGT e LDH foram superiores aos comumente utilizados como referências. Não houve diferença nas concentrações de nenhum dos componentes séricos avaliados nas diferentes idades analisadas. Maiores valores médios nas concentrações de ureia e menores de creatinina foram observados nas fêmeas em relação aos machos, assim como a maior atividade sérica de FA em fêmeas gestantes em relação às éguas vazias. O perfil bioquímico sérico de equinos sadios da raça Campeiro apresenta variações peculiares que devem ser levadas em consideração na interpretação de exames laboratoriais.

ABSTRACT Blood samples were obtained from 138 equines of the Campeiro breed with mean ages of 9.7±5.4 years, including 14 males (10.15%) and 124 mares (89.85%). Mean values of serum of GGT: 13.73 ± 4.08U/L; AST: 246.34±72.87U/L; ALT 5.13±1.18U/L; FA: 284.32±53.33IU/L; CK: 132.54±72.25U/L; LDH: 511.38±143.65U/L; and serum urea: 38.65±12.62mg/dL and creatinine: 1.24±0.24mg/dL were observed. The mean values of AST, FA, ALT, urea and creatinine were similar to those proposed in the literature for other breeds. The CK values, GGT, and LDH were higher than those commonly used as references. There was no difference in the concentrations of any of the serum components evaluated at different ages analyzed. Further average values in the lower urea concentrations and creatinine were observed in females compared to males, as well as the higher serum activity of FA in pregnant mares in relation to non-pregnant. Serum biochemical profile of healthy horses of the Campeiro breed presents peculiar variations that must be taken into consideration in the interpretation of laboratory tests.

Morphometry and ultrasound of carcasses were used to estimate the growth curve of Criola Lageana cows, raised under natural conditions. A total of 111 cows, raised under extensively production system in Central Plateau of Santa Catarina, were evaluated. Morphometrics and ultrasound measurements were related with the age of the animals using the targeted univariate regression model, assigning the variable response to gamma distribution. The inflection points of the growth curve were 24 and 25 months for withers height and hip height, between 27 and 29 for weight, body length, rump length, thorax perimeter, depth and distance between ilea. For ribeye area (REA), inflection point was 18 months. The Crioula Lageana cows presented greater growth velocity around 27 months, showing good productive performance under the natural conditions of the Central Plateau of Santa Catarina.

In the last several years, the use of dendritic cells has been studied as a therapeutic strategy against tumors. Dendritic cells can be pulsed with peptides or full-length protein, or they can be transfected with DNA or RNA. However, comparative studies suggest that transfecting dendritic cells with messenger RNA (mRNA) is superior to other antigen-loading techniques in generating immunocompetent dendritic cells. In the present study, we evaluated a new therapeutic strategy to fight tuberculosis using dendritic cells and macrophages transfected with Hsp65 mRNA. First, we demonstrated that antigen-presenting cells transfected with Hsp65 mRNA exhibit a higher level of expression of co-stimulatory molecules, suggesting that Hsp65 mRNA has immunostimulatory properties. We also demonstrated that spleen cells obtained from animals immunized with mock and Hsp65 mRNA-transfected dendritic cells were able to generate a mixed Th1/Th2 response with production not only of IFN-γ but also of IL-5 and IL-10. In contrast, cells recovered from mice immunized with Hsp65 mRNA-transfected macrophages were able to produce only IL-5. When mice were infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis and treated with antigen-presenting cells transfected with Hsp65 mRNA (therapeutic immunization), we did not detect any decrease in the lung bacterial load or any preservation of the lung parenchyma, indicating the inability of transfected cells to confer curative effects against tuberculosis. In spite of the lack of therapeutic efficacy, this study reports for the first time the use of antigen-presenting cells transfected with mRNA in experimental tuberculosis.

The Pantaneiro cattle are descendant from animals brought by settlers in the beginning of the colonization of Brazil. Ten months old Pantaneiro steers, raised under pasture conditions in Brazil, were used to study puberty. Monhtly measurement of scrotal circumference and testicular width and length were recorded. Semen was collected by eletroejaculation and evaluated according to physical and morphological aspects. Penile and prepuce detachment percentages were also evaluated. The ages of first spermatozoa presence in the ejaculate, first motile spermatozoa in the ejaculate, seminal puberty and detachment between penis and prepuce was studied.

Descendentes de animais oriundos da Península Ibérica, os bovinos Pantaneiros foram introduzidos no Brasil na época do descobrimento. Características reprodutivas foram monitoradas em dez tourinhos, no intervalo de idade de dez a vinte meses, criados em pastagens nas condições de Brasil central com objetivo de determinar a idade à puberdade. Mensalmente eram mensuradas a circunferência, o comprimento e a largura testicular. O sêmen foi coletado e os aspectos de morfologia e físicos do ejaculado avaliado. Foi avaliada a idade do desprendimento entre pênis e prepúcio, do aparecimento da primeira célula espermática, da primeira célula espermática móvel e da puberdade seminal.

Leukotrienes are reported to be potent proinflammatory mediators that play a role in the development of several inflammatory diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease. Leukotrienes have also been associated with protection against infectious diseases. However, the role of leukotrienes in Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is not understood. To answer this question, we studied the role of leukotrienes in the protective immune response conferred by prime-boost heterologous immunization against tuberculosis. We immunized BALB/c mice (4-11/group) with subcutaneous BCG vaccine (1 x 10(5) M. bovis BCG) (prime) followed by intramuscular DNA-HSP65 vaccine (100 µg) (boost). During the 30 days following the challenge, the animals were treated by gavage daily with MK-886 (5 mg·kg-1·day-1) to inhibit leukotriene synthesis. We showed that MK-886-treated mice were more susceptible to M. tuberculosis infection by counting the number of M. tuberculosis colony-forming units in lungs. The histopathological analysis showed an impaired influx of leukocytes to the lungs of MK-886-treated mice after infection, confirming the involvement of leukotrienes in the protective immune response against experimental tuberculosis. However, prime-boost-immunized mice treated with MK-886 remained protected after challenge with M. tuberculosis, suggesting that leukotrienes are not required for the protective effect elicited by immunization. Protection against M. tuberculosis challenge achieved by prime-boost immunization in the absence of leukotrienes was accompanied by an increase in IL-17 production in the lungs of these animals, as measured by ELISA. Therefore, these data suggest that the production of IL-17 in MK-886-treated, immunized mice could contribute to the generation of a protective immune response after infection with M. tuberculosis.

Avaliaram-se as concentrações plasmáticas de triglicérides, colesterol, aspartato transaminase (AST) e progesterona (P4) em vacas Nelore não lactantes com elevado escore corporal, superovuladas com diferentes protocolos. Foram utilizados três grupos de animais, G1 (n=11), G2 (n=8) e G3 (n=5), superovulados com 500UI de FSH, 200mg e 180mg de FSH (hormônio folículo estimulante), respectivamente, em doses decrescentes, duas vezes ao dia, durante quatro dias. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas antes da superovulação (A), no terceiro dia da superovulação (B), no momento da inseminação artificial (C) e na coleta dos embriões (D). As concentrações de triglicérides, AST e colesterol foram verificados por espectrofotometria, e a de progesterona (P4) por radioimunoensaio. Não houve alteração (P>0,05) na concentração de triglicérides, AST e colesterol entre as amostras. Não houve efeito (P>0,05) do protocolo de superovulação sobre a concentração de triglicérides, AST e P4 nas diferentes amostras. O G2 apresentou menor concentração de colesterol (P<0,05) nas amostras A e B, possivelmente em razão da grande instabilidade dessa variável.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the concentration of tryglicerides, cholesterol, aspartate transaminase (AST) and progesterone (P4) in embryo donor Nelore cows superovulated with different protocols. Twenty four donors were randomly distributed in three groups: group 1 (n=11), donors superovulated with 500UI of FSH and group 2 (n=8) and group 3 (n=5) respectively with 200mg and 180mg of FSH, in decreasing doses, twice a day, during four consecutive days. Blood samples were collected before superovulation (A), in the third day of superovulation (B), at the artificial insemination time (C) and at the embryo collection time (D). The concentrations of tryglicerides, aspartate transaminase (AST) and cholesterol were measured by spectrophotometry and progesterone (P4) by radioimmunoassay. There was no alteration (P<0.05) in the concentration of tryglicerides, AST and cholesterol among the samples. There was no effect (P>0.05) of the superovulation protocol on the concentration of tryglicerides, AST and P4 in the samples. In the samples A and B of group 2 the concentration of cholesterol was lower (P<0.05) than in groups 1 and 3, probably due to the instability of the parameter.

Estudou-se o efeito da somatotropina bovina recombinante (rbST) sobre o número e qualidade dos embriões de 40 vacas da raça Holandesa, distribuídas aleatoriamente em três grupos: controle (GI, n=15), tratadas com 250mg de rbST (GII, n=11) e tratadas com 500mg de rbST (GIII, n=14) no sexto dia do ciclo estral. No décimo dia após o estro, as doadoras foram submetidas ao tratamento superovulatório com 360mg de hormônio folículo estimulante (FSH) em doses decrescentes, duas vezes ao dia, com intervalos de 12 horas. Juntamente com a sétima aplicação de FSH foram administrados 0,5mg de cloprostenol (análogo da PGF2alfa) e as doadoras inseminadas artificialmente 12, 20 e 28 horas após o início da manifestação de estro. Os embriões foram coletados, não cirurgicamente, no sétimo dia após a primeira inseminação. A administração de 250 ou 500mg de rbST aumentou (P<0,05) o percentual de embriões viáveis e não alterou a taxa de gestação das receptoras.

The use of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) in superovulated Holstein donors to increase the number and quality of the embryos was studied. Forty cows were randomly allotted into three groups: control (n=15), treated with 250mg rbST (n=11) and treated with 500mg rbST (n=14) on the 6th day of the oestrous cycle. On the 10th day after estrus the donors were submitted to a superovulatory treatment with 360mg of FSH in decreasing doses, twice-a-day, with 12 hours interval. Along with the 7th application of FSH, 0.5mg of cloprostenol was injected and the donors were inseminated 12, 20 and 28 hours after the onset of estrus. Embryos were collected non-surgically on the 7th day after the 1st insemination. The use of 250 or 500mg of rbST increased (P<0.05) the percentage of viable embryos, but did not alter the recipient pregnancy rate.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estabelecer critérios adequados à triagem de doadores de sangue de regiões com características epidemiológicas distintas, para malária. Foram estudados 3 locais com critérios de seleção diferentes: São Paulo, SP (sem transmissão vetorial), Belém (baixa transmissão ativa), Matupá, Belém, PA e Peixoto de Azevedo, MT (alta transmissão ativa). A pesquisa de plasmódios foi realizada por gota espessa, QBC Test® e imunofluorescência para pesquisa de antígenos, tendo sido todas as amostras negativas. Houve grande variação na positividade para anticorpos antiplasmodiais por IFI-IgG anti P. vivax e P. falciparum entre doadores aptos nos 3 locais de estudo e entre doadores aptos e inaptos em São Paulo (aptos 1,98%, inaptos 22,3%, p < 0.01) e Belém (aptos 17,2%, inaptos 58,3%, p < 0.01), o que atesta a validade da triagem clínico-epidemiológica realizada. Em Matupá e Peixoto de Azevedo não houve doadores inaptos e a positividade foi de 80,6%. Consideramos que em bancos de sangue a triagem deve seguir critérios clínico-epidemiológicos adequados à situação de cada região. Os métodos laboratoriais de triagem, devem ser para detecção de plasmódios (gota espessa/QBC Test® ou detecção de antígenos parasitários.

The aim of the present work was to establish appropriate criteria for screening of donor blood from regions with distinct Malaria epidemiological characteristics. Three locations with different screening criteria were studied: São Paulo, SP (with no vectorial transmission), Belém, PA (with low active transmission) and Matupá and Peixoto de Azevedo, MT (with high active transmission). The Malaria parasite3/4Plasmodium sp3/4was searched for by "thick film", QBC Test( and antigen Immunofluorescence test, and was not detected in any of the samples. There was, however, a great variation in the positivity of anti-plasmodial antibodies, as determined by IIF-IgG anti-P. vivax and -P. falciparum, between accepted donors in the 3 studied locations and between rejected and accepted donors in São Paulo (1.98% accepted, 22.3% rejected - p < 0.01) and Belém (17.2% accepted, 58.3% rejected - p < 0.01). These data endorse the use of the applied clinical and epidemiological screening. In Matupá and Peixoto de Azevedo, where there was no rejected donor, the serological positivity was 80.6%. We, therefore, consider that the Malaria screening in blood banks should follow clinical and epidemiological criteria suitable to each region. The laboratorial screening techniques should then detect either the parasites (thick film/ QBC Test® or the parasite antigens.