Abstract The Brazilian Buriti oil presents low extraction costs and relevant antioxidant properties. Thus, this work aimed to analyze Buriti oil biomaterial (BB), within its physicochemical properties, biocompatibility and cellular integration, with the purpose to the use as a growth matrix for Goat Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells. Biomaterials were produced from Buriti oil polymer (Mauritia flexuosa), for it’s characterization were performed Infrared Region Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TG and DTG). The biointegration was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and histological techniques. In order to investigate biocompatibility, MTT (3-(4,5-dimetil-2-tiazolil)-2,5-difenil-2H-tetrazólio) test and hemolytic activity tests were performed. The activation capacity of immune system cellswas measured by phagocytic capacity assay and nitric oxide synthesis . The BB presented an amorphous composition, with high thermal stability and high water expansion capacity, a surface with micro and macropores, and good adhesion of Wharton’s jelly mesenchymal stem cells (MSCWJ). We verified the absence of cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity, in addition, BB did not stimulate the activation of macrophages. Proving to be a safe material for direct cultivation and also for manufacturing of compounds used for in vivo applications. properties Thus BB, , (BB) integration Whartons Wharton s Mauritia flexuosa, flexuosa flexuosa) it FTIR (FTIR TG DTG. DTG DTG) SEM (SEM techniques 34,5dimetil2tiazolil2,5difenil2Htetrazólio 345dimetil2tiazolil25difenil2Htetrazólio dimetiltiazolildifenilHtetrazólio 3 4,5 dimetil 2 tiazolil 2,5 difenil 2H tetrazólio 4 5 H (3-(4,5-dimetil-2-tiazolil)-2,5-difenil-2H-tetrazólio composition macropores MSCWJ. MSCWJ (MSCWJ) addition macrophages applications (BB 34 5dimetil2tiazolil2 5difenil2Htetrazólio Htetrazólio 45 4, 25 2, (MSCWJ dimetiltiazolil 5dimetil2tiazolil difenilHtetrazólio

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate the inflammatory effect and bone formation in sterile surgical failures after implantation of a collagen sponge with mesenchymal stem cells from human dental pulp (hDPSCs) and Aloe vera. Material and Methods Rattus norvegicus (n=75) were divided into five experimental groups according to treatment: G1) control (blood clot); G2) Hemospon®; G3) Hemospon® in a culture medium enriched with 8% Aloe vera; G4) Hemospon® in a culture medium containing hDPSCs and G5) Hemospon® in a culture medium enriched with 8% Aloe vera and hDPSCs. On days 7, 15 and 30, the animals were euthanized, and the tibia was dissected for histological, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses. The results were analyzed using nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn’s post-test. Results On days 7 and 15, the groups with Aloe vera had less average acute inflammatory infiltrate compared to the control group and the group with Hemospon® (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups regarding bone formation at the three experimental points in time. Osteopontin expression corroborated the intensity of bone formation. Fluorescence microscopy revealed positive labeling with Q-Tracker® in hDPSCs before transplantation and tissue repair. Conclusion The results suggest that the combination of Hemospon®, Aloe vera and hDPSCs is a form of clinical treatment for the repair of non-critical bone defects that reduces the inflammatory cascade’s effects.

Abstract Purpose: To assess the efficacy of allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells and xenogenic platelet rich plasma in the treatment of bone failure of osteoporotic rabbits secondary to estrogenic deprivation and iatrogenic hypercortisolism. Methods: Eight female rabbits underwent ovarian resection and corticoid therapy to induce clinical status of osteoporosis. Four failures were produced in the tibiae, with each failure being treated with hemostatic sponge, allogenic mesenchymal stem cells, xenogenic platelet-rich plasma and the association between both. The animals were divided into two groups, evaluated radiographically and histopathologically at 30 and 60 days post treatment. Results: A radiographically confirmed consolidation of bone failures treated with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells, associated with the histopathological image of mature and immature bone tissue, without evidence of osteopenia, was compared with the other groups, in which radiolucent failures with osteopenia and fibrosis were still present, denoting the satisfactory effect of the first treatment in detriment to the others. Conclusion: The treatment of bone failures of rabbits with secondary osteoporosis with allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells induced greater bone consolidation with mature and immature bone tissue production (p<0.01), when compared to the other treatments.

Resumo: As biotécnicas da reprodução são importantes ferramentas para conservação de espécies domésticas e silvestres, pois permitem a recuperação e uso futuro de material reprodutivo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar parâmetros morfológicos de CCOs de cutias, obtidos pela técnica de fatiamento do ovário para utilização em protocolos de maturação e fecundação na produção in vitro de embriões. Foram utilizadas dezessete cutias fêmeas do NEPAS, CCA- UFPI, com idade e peso médios de 3,9 anos e 2,16Kg, respectivamente, que foram submetidas à ovariossalpingohisterectomia. Os ovários após dissecados e pesados em balança de precisão, foram fatiados individualmente. Procedeu-se a busca e seleção dos CCOs em estereomicroscópio, os quais foram identificados e quantificados por cada ovário, além de classificados quanto a sua morfologia segundo a quantidade de camadas de células do cumulus e ao citoplasma em quatro graus. Verificou-se que a técnica de fatiamento do ovário possibilitou a obtenção de CCOs de cutias, com recuperação de grande quantidade e de variados graus de qualidade. Não houve correlações entre a idade dos animais e o peso dos ovários; a idade e o número de CCOs obtidos; entre o peso das cutias e o peso dos ovários e o número de CCOs obtidos.

Abstract: The reproductive biotechnologies are important tools for conservation of domestic and wild animal species, because they allow the recovery and future use of reproductive material. The aim of this study was to evaluate morphological parameters of COCs of agoutis obtained by slicing the ovary for using them in maturation and fertilization protocols in vitro production of embryos. Seventeen female agoutis NEPAS, CCA-UFPI, age and weight average of 3.9 years and 2.16 kg, respectively, were underwent ovariossalpingohisterectomy. The ovaries after dissected and weighed on a precision balance were sliced individually. We proceeded the search and selection of COCs in stereomicroscope, which were identified and quantified by each ovary, and classified as to their morphology, by the quantity of layers of cumulus cells and the cytoplasm into four degrees. It has been found that the technique of slicing ovarian possible to obtain agouti COCs with recovery of loads and varying degrees of quality. There was no correlation between age and weight of animal ovaries, age and the number of COCs obtained; between the weight of agoutis and weight of ovaries and the number of COCs obtained.

PURPOSE:The use of the collared peccary as an experimental model for ischemic nephropathy.METHODS:A total of 12 collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) was used and ischemic nephropathy was induced in six of these animals that constituted the experimental group (G1) while the other six formed the control group (G2). Ischemic nephropathy was induced surgically by partial occlusion of the left renal artery. The disease course was assessed by hematological tests, serum chemistry, urinalysis, ultrasound (US) and doppler ultrasound function of the renal artery before induction, and at five, 10, 15 and 20 days after surgery. Twenty days after the occlusion, unilateral nephrectomy and histopathological examination were performed to assess renal morphology.RESULTS:Statistical analysis by Fischer's test showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between the control group and the experimental group. The histopathological examination showed glomerular, tubular and interstitial lesions. In the experimental group, 83.3% (5 /6) showed moderate renal lesions and only 16.7% (1/6) were classified with no lesions. The ultrasound examination of the right kidney presented statistical difference between day 5 and day 10 post occlusion.CONCLUSION:The collared peccary as a good experimental model for ischemic renal disease, because it could be manipulated during the research time without death, with health conditions that permit any subsequent procedure for disease therapy.

PURPOSE:To characterize bone marrow progenitors cells grown in vitro,using native goats from northeastern Brazil as animal model.METHODS:Ten northeastern Brazil native goats of both genders were used from the Piauí Federal University Agricultural Science Center's (UFPI) - Goat Farming Sector. Bone marrow aspirates where taken from the tibial ridge and seeded on culture plates for isolation, expansion and Flow Cytometry (expression markers - Oct-3/4, PCNA, Ck-Pan, Vimentina, Nanog).RESULTS:Progenitor cells showed colonies characterized by the presence of cell pellets with fibroblastoid morphology. Cell confluence was taken after 14 days culture and the non-adherent mononuclear cell progressive reduction. After the first passage, 94.36% cell viability was observed, starting from 4.6 x 106 cell/mL initially seeded. Cells that went through flow cytometry showed positive expression for Oct-3/4, PCNA, Ck-Pan, Vimentina, and Nanog.CONCLUSIONS:Bone marrow progenitor isolated of native goats from northeastern Brazil showed expression markers also seen in embryonic stem cells (Oct-3/4, Nanog), markers of cell proliferation (PCNA) and markers for mesenchymal cells (Vimentina and Ck-pan), which associated to morphological and culture growth features, suggest the existence of a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) population in the goat bone marrow stromal cells studied.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar a distribuição dos vasos arteriais nos testículos em caprinos com diferentes graus de divisão escrotal. A configuração escrotal foi classificada da seguinte forma: Grupo I: constituído por caprinos com escroto único, Grupo II: com escroto separado até a metade do testículo e Grupo III: com separação escrotal estendendo-se além da metade do testículos. As artérias foram injetadas e coradas com solução de acetado de vinil, sendo os orgãos (30 pares) submetidos à corrossão para obtenção dos moldes vasculares. As artérias testiculares emergem da aorta abdominal, com trajeto retilíneo, atravessam o canal inguinal, apresentam-se espiraladas e envolvidas parcialmente pelo plexo pampiniforme. Próximo à extremidade caudada do testículo, dividem-se mais freqüentemente nos ramos cranial e caudal, os quais emitem vasos colaterais, de onde emergem ramos penetrantes. Os testículos dos animais com nível intermediário de divisão escrotal (Grupo II) apresentam menor quantidade destes ramos, sendo os quadrantes mais povoados o ventrolateral e o dorsolateral. Conclui-se que a origem, o trajeto e a distribuição das artérias testiculares não apresentam variações relacionadas ao grau de divisão escrotal em caprinos.

The objective of this study was to describe the distribution of testicular arterial vessels in caprines with different degrees of scrotal division. Scrotal configurations were classified as follows; Group I: scrotum without bipartition; Group II: scrotum showing a ventral division until the middle of the testis; and, Group III: scrotal separation extended beyond the middle of the testis. A colored vinyl acetate solution was injected into 60 testicular arteries (30 pairs). After, the samples were submitted to corrosion cast method to obtain tubular vascular models for macroscopic analysis. We observed that the testicular arteries emerge from the abdominal aorta, cross the inguinal canal to become coiled and involved by the pampiniform plexus. Close to the caudal extremity of the testis, the arteries become divided in cranial and caudal branches that emit collateral vessels to originate emerging branches. Testicles with intermediate level of scrotal division (group II) showed a smaller amount of those branches than the others, being the most populated the ventrolateral and the dorsolateral quadrants. The origin, distribution and localization of the testicular arteries did not show any differences related to the degree of scrotal division in caprines.

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência do sexo e do tipo de parto (simples ou duplo) sobre peso, comprimento corporal, perímetro torácico ao nascer e ao desmame de cutias, bem como o ganho de peso total e o ganho médio diário, em busca de subsídios que contribuam para a preservação e a exploração racional desses animais. Foram avaliados 41 animais (26 machos e 15 fêmeas), em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2x2, associando-se os tratamentos: sexo (macho, fêmea) e tipo de parto (duplo e simples). O peso médio, o perímetro torácico médio, o comprimento corporal dos filhotes ao nascer para, machos e fêmeas, foram de 147,62 g e 146,25 g; 12,26 cm e 12,17 cm; 19,91 cm e 19,39 cm, respectivamente. Para as mesmas variáveis, os valores ao desmame para machos e fêmeas foram 481,92 g e 509,33 g; 17,12 cm e 16,85 cm; 30,07 cm e 30,42 cm, respectivamente. Não houve diferença significativa entre os parâmetros avaliados, quando comparados ao sexo e ao tipo de parto (simples ou duplo). Concluiu-se que o peso de filhotes de cutia ao nascer e ao desmame não tem relação com o sexo e o tipo de parto; o peso médio, o comprimento corporal e o perímetro torácico de filhotes de cutia ao nascer e ao desmame, respectivamente, são, para ambos os sexos, em torno de 145 g e 500 g, 20 e 30 cm e 12 e 17 cm; o ganho de peso médio diário do nascer ao desmame é de 7,76 g.

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of sex and parturition type (simple or double) on live weight, body length, thoracic diameter at birth and at weaning of agouti, as well as total weight gain and daily mean weight gain, to obtain subsidies that contribute to preservation and rational exploration of these animals. Fourty-one animals (26 males and 15 females) were allotted to a completely randomized a design. Animal weight, thoracic diameter and body length of agouti at birth, for males and females, were respectively: 147.62 g and 146.25 g; 12.26 cm and 12.17 cm; 19.91 cm and 19.39 cm. For the same variables, the values at wean for males and females were, respectively: 481.92 g and 509.33 g; 17.12 cm and 16.85 cm; 30.07 cm and 30.42 cm. No significant difference among the studied variables was observed, when compared to the sex and parturition type (simple or double). It was concluded that the variables studied of of agouti at birth and at weaning were affected neither by sex and nor by parturition type; animal weight, body length and thoracic diameter of agouti at birth and weaning were around 145 g and 500 g, 20 and 30 cm and 12 and 17 cm, respectively; and daily mean weight gain from to birth to weaning is about 7.76 g for both sexes.

Analisou-se os dados biométricos do desenvolvimento testicular e peso corporal de 31 cutias (Dasyprocta aguti) desde o nascimento até os 14 meses de idade. As correlações entre o peso corporal, idade e parâmetros testiculares apresentaram-se altamente significativas. O peso testicular, o volume testicular, assim como os demais parâmetros biométricos testiculares (comprimento, diâmetro e perímetro), evoluíram lenta e gradualmente até os 8 meses de idade. A partir dos 9 meses, o crescimento foi mais rápido. O desenvolvimento biométrico do testículo pode ser dividido em duas fases, de 0 - 8 meses e de 9 - 14 meses de idade, sendo 9 meses considerado ponto de corte em se tratando de desenvolvimento testicular de cutias criadas em cativeiro.

Biometric data of the testicular and corporal weight development of 31 Agoutis (Dasyprocta aguti), from the birth up to 14 months of age, were analyzed. The correlations between corporal weight, age and testicular parameters were highly significant. Testicular weight, testicular volume, as well other testicular biometric parameters (length, diameter and perimeter), evolved slow and gradually until eight months of age. Beginning on 9 months of age, the growth was faster, and in this period. the seminiferous epithelium was already formed. Biometric development of the testes can be shared in two phases: 0 - 8 months and 9 - 14 months of age, however the 9 months age are the maximum point of the testicular development in Agoutis (Dasyprocta aguti) rised in captivity.

A cutia (Dasyprocta aguti) é um roedor silvestre encontrado amplamente na região Nordeste do Brasil. É uma espécie muito utilizada pela população humana de baixa renda como fonte alternativa de proteína na alimentação. Foram utilizadas 31 cutias, machos, provenientes da Universidade Federal do Piauí, Estado do Piauí e da Escola Superior de Agricultura de Mossoró Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Os animais foram divididos em grupos etários desde o nascimento até os 14 meses de idade. O diâmetro nuclear médio foi obtido pela medida de 10 núcleos do tipo celular estudado em cada testículo, no estágio 1 do ciclo do epitélio seminífero. Nos animais que não apresentaram o epitélio organizado em estágios bem definidos em virtude da idade, foram feitas medidas em secções transversais escolhidas somente pelo contorno circular. O início da assincronia do processo espermatogênico foi observado a partir dos seis meses de idade. A puberdade, na cutia Dasyprocta aguti, foi definitivamente estabelecida a partir dos nove meses de idade, pois estavam presentes todos os tipos celulares e espermatozóides liberados no lume tubular em grande parte do parênquima testicular.

The Agouti (Dasyprocta aguti) is a wild rodent that, in the Northeast region of Brazil, is a species that is very used by the low-income population as an alternative protein source for human feeding. Thirty-one male Agouti were used, coming from the Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI) - Piauí State, and from Escola Superior de Agricultura de Mossoró (ESAM) - Rio Grande do Norte State - Brazil. The animals were divided in to age groups, from the birth to fourteen months old. The average diameter average of the nucleus was obtained by measuring 10 nuclei of the studied cellular type, in each testicle that was in the stage I of the seminiferous epithelium cycle. This was performed in animals that did not present an organized epithelium in well-defined periods due to the age, and measurements were made in transversal sections chosen only for the circular contour. The beginning of the asynchronism of the spermatogenic process was observed since the six months of age. The puberty of the Agouti Dasyprocta aguti was definitely established at nine months of age, because all the cellular types and free spermatozoa in the tubular lumen were present in a large extent of the testicular parenchyma.

Foram utilizados vinte e três cutias (D. aguti), machos, adultos, adquiridos em criatórios científicos, legalmente licenciados pelo IBAMA, da Universidade Federal do Piauí - UFPI, Teresina, PI e da Escola Superior Agrícola de Mossoró - ESAM, Mossoró, RN, com o objetivo de descrever morfologicamente os órgãos genitais masculinos externos, abordando aspectos histológicos e macroscópicos destes órgãos. Foi realizada a dissecação dos órgãos genitais externos dos espécimes. Fragmentos foram coletados e submetidos ao processamento histológico de rotina para inclusão em parafina, os quais foram cortados e corados pelos métodos de H/E e Tricômico de Masson e observados em microscópio de luz. Os resultados mostraram que o pênis destes animais possui características do tipo fibrocavernoso, com grande quantidade de estruturas queratinizadas no seu ápice. No terço médio do pênis da cutia foi evidenciado uma flexura peniana em forma de "U" deitado; a glande do pênis encontra-se revestida por uma epiderme queratinizada contendo espículas córneas; um osso peniano substituindo o corpo cavernoso e um saco suburetral ventral, com dois longos esporões córneos no seu interior, estão presentes no pênis desses espécimes. Na região escrotal não se observa limites externos nítidos do escroto. Dorsalmente, abaixo da lâmina interna do prepúcio, próximo ao óstio prepucial, verifica-se um par de glândulas prepuciais.

Thirty-thee males adult agoutis (Dasyprocta aguti) had been used, originated from the Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI) - Piauí State, and from the Escola Superior de Agricultura de Mossoró (ESAM) - Rio Grande do Norte State - Brazil. The purpose of the present investigation was describly the morfology of male genital organs and caracterized the histology aspects and their gross caracteristics. It was carry out an dissections of the extenal organs genital. The fragments were included in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Tricomy of the Masson and observed in light microscopic .The result showed that the penis is fibrocavernous with large amounts of the keratizaded structures in the their apex. In third part of the penis was evidencied an curved with form of the "U" lying. The glans was covering to keratinized epiderm with many espicules, an bone penis has been replaced the carvernous body. In the part ventral of the penis there was suburethal sac with two long projection corneus. In the Scroral region there wasn't distintict external limits with scrotum. Under of the internal layer of the prepuce, next to the preputial orifice, there was two preputial gland.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o rendimento da espermatogênese de cutias criadas em cativeiro, por intermédio das razões encontradas entre tipos celulares do epitélio seminífero. Os resultados apontaram que o rendimento da espermatogênese da cutia dos nove aos quatorze meses de idade não chegou a um ponto de estabilização. O coeficiente de eficiência de mitoses espermatogoniais não aumentou com a idade. O rendimento meiótico, o rendimento geral da espermatogênese e o índice de células de Sertoli mostraram variações numéricas em função da idade, entretanto, não detectadas estatisticamente.

This study has as objective to evaluate the spermatogenesis yield of Agoutis rised in captivity, through the rates found between cellular types of the seminiferous epithelium. The results showed that the spermatogenesis yield of the Agoutis since 9 to 14 months of age did not reach the stabilization point. The coefficient of efficiency of the spermatogonium mitoses, did not increase with the age. The meiotic yield, usual spermatogenesis yield and the Sertoli cells index didn't showed numeric variation at function of the age, however, it was not detected by statistic data.

A determinação do estabelecimento da puberdade é bastante estudada em animais domésticos e roedores, no entanto, são escassas as pesquisas com a finalidade de estabelecer parâmetros para a biologia reprodutiva em cutias. Foram utilizadas 31 cutias machos da espécie Dasyprocta agouti, oriundas da Universidade Federal do Piauí, Estado do Piauí, e da Escola Superior de Agricultura de Mossoró, Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Imediatamente após a orquiectomia foram retirados fragmentos e estes foram processados histologicamente, os tecidos foram corados com hematoxilina-eosina e analisou-se os parâmetros seguintes: aspectos de luminação dos túbulos seminíferos; presença de espermatócitos primários; presença de espermátides e formação dos primeiros estágios do ciclo do epitélio seminífero (CES) segundo o método da morfologia tubular. O período desde o nascimento até os cinco meses de idade correspondeu à fase impúbere; dos seis aos oito meses de idade a fase de transição da pré-puberdade à puberdade; dos nove aos dez meses de idade à fase da puberdade; e dos doze aos quartoze meses de idade à fase da pós-puberdade. A puberdade da cutia (Dasyprocta aguti), ocorreu em animais a partir dos sete meses de idade, e o estabelecimento da puberdade foi constatado em todos os animais estudados aos nove meses de idade.

The determination of the puberty beginning is widely studied in domestic animals and rodents. However, there are scarce researches with the purpose to establish parameters for the reproductive biology in Agoutis. Thirty-one male Agoutis, Dasyprocta agouti species had been used, originated from the Universidade Federal do Piauí - PI, and from the Mossoró Superior Scholl of Agriculture - RN. Immediately after the orchiectomy, histological sections were made, the tissues were stained with hematoxylin-eosine and analyzed for the following parameters: aspects of the seminiferous tubule lumen; presence of primary spermatocytes; presence of spermatid cells and formation of the first stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle (SEC), in accordance with the tubular morphology method. The period from the birth up to five months of age corresponded to the impuberal phase; from six to eight months, to the transition from the prepuberal phase to puberty; from nine to ten months, to the puberty; and, from twelve to fourteen months of age to the after-puberty phase. The puberty of the Agouti (Dasyprocta aguti), occurred since seven months of age, being the establishment puberty beginning evidenced at nine months of age.

Foi estudado, por meio da histometria, o desenvolvimento testicular em 31 cutias da espécie Dasyprocta aguti desde o nascimento até 14 meses de idade. O diâmetro e a área, médios, foram obtidos a partir de 30 secções transversais de cordões e/ou túbulos seminíferos, em cada testículo, utilizando-se sistema de computadorizado de analises de imagem e uma ocular micrométrica Zeiss CPL 10X, acoplada a uma objetiva de 40X. As proporções volumétricas do testículo foram obtidas com o método estereométrico, segundo Elias, Henning e Schwartz¹. O diâmetro tubular médio apresentou crescimento lento desde o nascimento até os oito meses de idade, nas duas metodologias empregadas. Quando foi usada a ocular micrométrica observou-se que, a partir de nove meses, o diâmetro tubular teve um crescimento acelerado, chegando a duplicar o seu valor, se comparado com grupo etário que o antecedia. A proporção volumétrica dos cordões testiculares e túbulos seminíferos cresceu gradualmente, atingindo, aos nove meses, seu valor máximo (86,50%). As células de Leydig apresentaram proporção volumétrica decrescente, e seus maiores valores foram expressivos do nascimento até quatro meses de idade (7,00 ± 1,77% a 9,55 ± 0,64%) e mínimos a partir de nove meses, tendendo ainda a uma estabilização. O estroma diminuiu com a evolução da idade caindo bruscamente a partir da puberdade. Conclui-se que o diâmetro dos cordões testiculares e túbulos seminíferos apresentou maior crescimento, coincidindo com o início da puberdade e a proporção volumétrica das células de Leydig encontrou-se, respectivamente, mais alta e mais baixa no mesmo período.

The testicular development in 31 Agoutis, of the Dasyprocta aguti species, from the birth up to 14 months of age was studied through the histometric analysis. Mid diameter and the mean area, in each testicle, were obtained through 30 crosscuts of the funiculus and/or the seminiferous tubule, by means of a computerized system for image analysis and a Zeiss CPL 10X ocular micrometric device, coupled to an objective lens of 40X. Testicles volume proportions were obtained through the stereometric method, according to Elias, Henning and Schwartz¹. Tubule medium diameter presented a slow growth from the birth to the eight months of age, for both used methodologies. When the ocular micrometric device was used it was observed that, beginning in the ninth month, the tubule diameter had an accelerated growth getting to duplicate its value if compared with the preceded age group. The volume proportion of the testicle cord and the seminiferous tubule grew gradually, reaching its maximum value (86,50%) on the ninth month. The Leydig cells presented a decreasing volume proportion, and their largest values were expressive from the birth up to four months of age (7,00 ± 1,77% to 9,55 ± 0,64%) and a minimum value, starting from nine months, still tending to stabilize. The stroma decreased with the development of age and fall abruptly when the puberty starts. It is concluded that the diameter of the testicles cords and seminiferous tubule presented a larger growth coinciding with the start of puberty and the volume proportion of the Leydig cells was lower in the same period.

Foram estudados 24 ovários pertencentes a 13 cutias adultas (em dois exemplares pesquisou-se apenas o ovário esquerdo), sendo 7 gestantes e 6 não gestantes, provenientes do Núcleo de Estudos e Preservação de Animais Silvestres da Universidade Federal do Piauí. Os órgãos foram observados in loco para descrição de sua topografia, mensurados, submetidos a cortes histológicos e observados em Microscópio Óptico. Os ovários apresentam-se de forma elipsóide, achatados dorsoventralmente, situando-se na região sub-lombar, caudalmente aos rins, com pequenas áreas transparentes em sua superfície externa. A margem mesovárica e a face lateral estão cobertas pelo mesossalpinge (bolsa ovárica). O ovário direito, apresenta em média: peso - 0,082g; comprimento - 0,83cm; largura - 0,49cm e espessura - 0,24cm; o ovário esquerdo: peso - 0,058g; comprimento - 0,74cm; largura - 0,45cm e espessura - 0,23cm. Histologicamente, constam de epitélio de revestimento cúbico simples, córtex periférico e medula central, constituída basicamente por tecido conjuntivo frouxo entremeado por vasos sangüíneos. Nas fêmeas gestantes foram observados de dois a três grandes corpos lúteos centrais e muitos outros menores periféricos; nas não gestantes os corpos lúteos são menores e mais numerosos. O córtex é rico em tipos celulares de natureza conjuntiva e em folículos em diferentes estágios de amadurecimento, os quais migram da margem mesovárica para a extremidade tubárica à medida que aumentam de tamanho. Conclui-se que os ovários da cutia, macro e microscopicamente, seguem o padrão observado nos demais roedores sexualmente ativos.

It were studied 24 ovaries belonging to 13 adult agoutis (in two copies it was just researched the left ovary), being 7 pregnant and 6 not pregnant, coming of the "Núcleo de Estudos e Preservação de Animais Silvestres", of the Federal University of Piauí. The organs were described in loco, measured, submitted to section and observed in Optical Microscope. The ovaries, ellipsoids, were located in the sub-lumbar area, flow to the kidneys, flat, with external surface evidencing small transparent areas and the margin mesovarian and lateral face coming covers for the mesossalpinge (ovaric bag). For the right ovary, was observed on the average: weight - 0,082g; length - 0,83cm; width - 0,49cm and thickness - 0,24cm; the left ovary: weight - 0,058g; length - 0,74cm; width - 0,45cm and thickness - 0,23cm. Histologically, this gonads were correspondents with the majority of the rodents sexually actives studies, showing epithelium of simple cubic coating, the outlying cortex and the central medulla (constituted basically by conjunctive slack tissue mixed with vases of blood). In the pregnant females it was counted two to three great central luteous bodies and many other smaller. In the not pregnant the luteous bodies was smaller and more numerous. The cortex is rich in cellular types of conjunctive nature and follicles in different phases of the maturation, which migration of the mesovarian margin for the tubaric extremity, as they increase of size. It was conclued that the ovaries of the agoutis, macro and microscopically, coming the pattern observed in the others rodents actives sexually.