Abstract FioAntar, FIOCRUZ’s research project in Antarctica, is based on the One Health approach. FioAntar aims to generate relevant information that will help reduce the risk of future pandemics and improve the search for chemical compounds and new biological molecules. After four expeditions to Antarctica under the scope of PROANTAR, Fiocruz has identified Influenza H11N2 virus in environmental fecal samples, as well as Histoplasma capsulatum and Bacillus cereus in soil samples. In addition, in a prospective virome analysis from different lakes in the South Shetland Islands, six viral orders were described, supporting future research related to the biodiversity and viral ecology in this extreme ecosystem. Our findings of environmental pathogens of public health importance are a warning about the urgency of establishing a surveillance agenda on zoonoses in Antarctica due to the imminent risks that ongoing environmental and climate changes impose on human health across the planet. FioAntar strives to establish a comprehensive surveillance program across Antarctica, monitoring circulation of pathogens with the potential to transcend continent boundaries, thereby mitigating potential spread. For Fiocruz, Antarctica signifies a new frontier, teeming with opportunities to explore novel techniques, refine established methodologies, and cultivate invaluable knowledge. FIOCRUZs FIOCRUZ s approach molecules PROANTAR HN H N H11N samples addition Islands described ecosystem planet boundaries spread frontier techniques methodologies knowledge

BACKGROUND Few studies have focused on microbial diversity in indoor environments of ships, as well as the role of the microbiome and its ecological interconnections. In this study, we investigated the microbiome and virome present on the internal surfaces of a polar ship in different stages (beginning, during, and at the end) of the Brazilian Antarctic expedition in order to evaluate abundance of microorganisms in different periods. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS We used shotgun metagenomic analysis on pooled samples from sampling surfaces in the ship’s interior to track the microbial diversity. FINDINGS Considering the total fraction of the microbiome, the relative abundance of bacteria, eukaryotes, viruses, and archaea was 83.7%, 16.2%, 0.04%, and 0.002%, respectively. Proteobacteria was the most abundant bacterial phyla, followed by Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Concerning the virome, the greatest richness of viral species was identified during the middle of the trip, including ten viral families after de novo assembly: Autographiviridae, Chrysoviridae, Genomoviridae, Herelleviridae, Myoviridae, Partitiviridae, Podoviridae, Potyviridae, Siphoviridae, and Virgaviridae. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This study contributed to the knowledge of microbial diversity in naval transportation facilities, and variations in the abundance of microorganisms probably occurred due to factors such as the number of passengers and activities on the ship. ships interconnections beginning, beginning (beginning end periods s bacteria eukaryotes viruses 837 83 7 83.7% 162 16 2 16.2% 004 0 04 0.04% 0002 002 0.002% respectively phyla Firmicutes Actinobacteria Bacteroidetes trip assembly Autographiviridae Chrysoviridae Genomoviridae Herelleviridae Myoviridae Partitiviridae Podoviridae Potyviridae Siphoviridae Virgaviridae facilities 8 83.7 1 16.2 00 0.04 000 0.002 83. 16. 0.0 0.00 0.

Abstract Numerous Antarctic species are recognized as reservoirs for various pathogens, and their migratory behavior allows them to reach the Brazilian coast, potentially contributing to the emergence and circulation of new infectious diseases. To address the potential zoonotic risks, we conducted surveillance of influenza A virus (IAV) and coronaviruses (CoVs) in the Antarctic Peninsula, specifically focusing on different bird and mammal species in the region. During the summer of 2021/2022, as part of the Brazilian Antarctic Expedition, we collected and examined a total of 315 fecal samples to target these respiratory viruses. Although we did not detect the viruses of interest during this particular expedition, previous research conducted by our team has shown the presence of the H11N2 subtype of influenza A virus in penguin fecal samples from the same region. Given the continuous emergence of new viral strains worldwide, it is crucial to maintain active surveillance in the area, contributing to strengthening integrated One Health surveillance efforts. pathogens coast diseases risks IAV (IAV CoVs (CoVs Peninsula region 20212022 2021 2022 2021/2022 Expedition 31 expedition HN H N H11N worldwide area efforts 2021202 202 2021/202 3 202120 20 2021/20 20212 2 2021/2 2021/

Objective: To describe the clinical-epidemiological profile of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) cases and to identify factors associated with MIS-C deaths in Brazil, 2020. Methods: Cross-sectional study, based on MIS-C national monitoring database in Brazil, 2020. Simple and multiple logistic regression was performed to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR). Results: The median age of cases (n=652) was 5 years, 57.1% were male, 52.0% were brown race/color and 6.4% died. The odds of death was greater among those who presented O2 saturation <95% (ORa=4.35 – 95%CI 1.69;11.20) and altered result of urea (ORa=5.18 – 95%CI 1.91;14.04); lower in the absence of cutaneous lesion such as rash (ORa=0.23 – 95%CI 0.09;0.62), with the use of anticoagulants (ORa=0.32 – 95%CI 0.12;0.89) and of immunoglobulins (ORa=0.38 – 95%CI 0.15;1.01). Conclusion: Fatality rates was higher among cases that presented O2 saturation<95% and altered urea, and lower among those with cutaneous lesion, who used immunoglobulins and anticoagulants.

Objetivo: Caracterizar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico da síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica pediátrica temporalmente associada à COVID-19 (SIM-P) e identificar fatores associados aos óbitos de SIM-P no Brasil, 2020. Métodos: Estudo seccional, utilizando dados do monitoramento nacional da SIM-P. Empregou-se regressão logística para estimar razões de chances (ORs, odds ratios) brutas e ajustadas. Resultados: Os casos (n=652) apresentaram idade mediana de 5 anos; 57,1% eram do sexo masculino e 52,0% de raça/cor da pele parda; 6,4% evoluíram a óbito. A chance de óbito foi significativamente maior nos que apresentaram saturação de O2<95% (ORa=4,35 – IC95% 1,69;11,20) e resultado alterado de ureia (ORa=5,18 – IC95% 1,91;14,04); e menor na ausência de manchas vermelhas pelo corpo (ORa=0,23 – IC95% 0,09;0,62), com uso de anticoagulantes (ORa=0,32 – IC95% 0,12;0,89) e imunoglobulinas (ORa=0,38 – IC95% 0,15;1,01). Conclusão: A letalidade foi maior entre casos que apresentaram saturação de O2<95% e ureia alterada; e menor nos que apresentaram manchas vermelhas, usaram imunoglobulinas e anticoagulantes.

Resumo Objetivo Caracterizar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico da síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica pediátrica temporalmente associada à COVID-19 (SIM-P) e identificar fatores associados aos óbitos de SIM-P no Brasil, 2020. Métodos Estudo seccional, utilizando dados do monitoramento nacional da SIM-P. Empregou-se regressão logística para estimar razões de chances (OR, odds ratios ) brutas e ajustadas. Resultados Os casos (n=652) apresentaram mediana de idade de 5 anos; 57,1% eram do sexo masculino e 52,0% de raça/cor da pele parda; 6,4% evoluíram a óbito. A chance de óbito foi significativamente maior nos que apresentaram saturação de O2<95% (ORa=4,35 – IC95% 1,69;11,20) e resultado alterado de ureia (ORa=5,18 – IC95% 1,91;14,04); e menor na ausência de manchas vermelhas pelo corpo (ORa=0,23 – IC95% 0,09;0,62), com uso de anticoagulantes (ORa=0,32 – IC95% 0,12;0,89) e imunoglobulinas (ORa=0,38 – IC95% 0,15;1,01). Conclusão A letalidade foi maior entre casos que apresentaram saturação de O2<95% e ureia alterada; e menor nos que apresentaram manchas vermelhas, usaram imunoglobulinas e anticoagulantes.

Abstract Objective To characterize the clinical-epidemiological profile of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children temporally associated with COVID-19 (MIS-C), and to identify factors associated with MIS-C deaths in Brazil, 2020. Methods This was a cross-sectional study, using national MIS-C monitoring data. Logistical regression was performed to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR). Results Median case (n=652) age was 5 years, 57.1% were male, 52.0% were of brown race/skin color and 6.4% died. Likelihood of death was greater among those who presented O2 saturation <95% (ORa=4.35 – 95%CI 1.69;11.20) and altered urea results (ORa=5.18 – 95%CI 1.91;14.04); likelihood of death was lower when red skin blotches were not present (ORa=0.23 – 95%CI 0.09;0.62), when anticoagulants were used (ORa=0.32 – 95%CI 0.12;0.89) and when immunoglobulins were used (ORa=0.38 – 95%CI 0.15;1.01). Conclusion Fatality ratios were higher among cases that presented O2 saturation <95% and altered urea results. Fatality ratios were lower among those with red skin blotches, and those who used immunoglobulins and anticoagulants.

Resumen Objetivo Caracterizar el perfil clínico-epidemiológico de los casos por síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico pediátrico asociado temporalmente a la COVID-19 (SIM-PedS) e identificar factores asociados a los óbitos por SIM-PedS en Brasil, 2020. Métodos Estudio transversal basado en datos del monitoreo nacional de la SIM-PedS, Brasil, 2020. Se utilizó regresión logística para estimar razones de probabilidades brutas y ajustadas (OR, odds ratio). Resultados Los casos (n=652) presentaron edad mediana de 5 años, 57,1% eran hombres, 52,0% de raza/color pardo y 6,4% falleció. La probabilidad de muerte fue significativamente mayor entre aquellos con saturación de O2<95% (ORa=4,35 – IC95%1,69;11,20) y resultado alterado de urea (ORa=5,18 – IC95% 1,91;14,04); menor en ausencia de manchas rojas como erupción (ORa=0,23 – IC95% 0,09;0,62), con uso de anticoagulantes (ORa=0,32 – IC95% 0,12;0,89) e inmunoglobulinas (ORa=0,38 – IC95%0,15;1,01). Conclusión La letalidad fue mayor entre casos que presentaron saturación de O2<95% y urea alterada, y menor entre aquellos con manchas rojas, que usaron inmunoglobulinas y anticoagulantes.

Resumo Objetivo Caracterizar o perfil clínico-epidemiológico da síndrome inflamatória multissistêmica pediátrica temporalmente associada à COVID-19 (SIM-P) e identificar fatores associados aos óbitos de SIM-P no Brasil, 2020. Métodos Estudo seccional, utilizando dados do monitoramento nacional da SIM-P. Empregou-se regressão logística para estimar razões de chances (OR, odds ratios ) brutas e ajustadas. Resultados Os casos (n=652) apresentaram mediana de idade de 5 anos; 57,1% eram do sexo masculino e 52,0% de raça/cor da pele parda; 6,4% evoluíram a óbito. A chance de óbito foi significativamente maior nos que apresentaram saturação de O2<95% (ORa=4,35 – IC95% 1,69;11,20) e resultado alterado de ureia (ORa=5,18 – IC95% 1,91;14,04); e menor na ausência de manchas vermelhas pelo corpo (ORa=0,23 – IC95% 0,09;0,62), com uso de anticoagulantes (ORa=0,32 – IC95% 0,12;0,89) e imunoglobulinas (ORa=0,38 – IC95% 0,15;1,01). Conclusão A letalidade foi maior entre casos que apresentaram saturação de O2<95% e ureia alterada; e menor nos que apresentaram manchas vermelhas, usaram imunoglobulinas e anticoagulantes.

Abstract Objective To characterize the clinical-epidemiological profile of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children temporally associated with COVID-19 (MIS-C), and to identify factors associated with MIS-C deaths in Brazil, 2020. Methods This was a cross-sectional study, using national MIS-C monitoring data. Logistical regression was performed to estimate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR). Results Median case (n=652) age was 5 years, 57.1% were male, 52.0% were of brown race/skin color and 6.4% died. Likelihood of death was greater among those who presented O2 saturation <95% (ORa=4.35 – 95%CI 1.69;11.20) and altered urea results (ORa=5.18 – 95%CI 1.91;14.04); likelihood of death was lower when red skin blotches were not present (ORa=0.23 – 95%CI 0.09;0.62), when anticoagulants were used (ORa=0.32 – 95%CI 0.12;0.89) and when immunoglobulins were used (ORa=0.38 – 95%CI 0.15;1.01). Conclusion Fatality ratios were higher among cases that presented O2 saturation <95% and altered urea results. Fatality ratios were lower among those with red skin blotches, and those who used immunoglobulins and anticoagulants.

Resumen Objetivo Caracterizar el perfil clínico-epidemiológico de los casos por síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico pediátrico asociado temporalmente a la COVID-19 (SIM-PedS) e identificar factores asociados a los óbitos por SIM-PedS en Brasil, 2020. Métodos Estudio transversal basado en datos del monitoreo nacional de la SIM-PedS, Brasil, 2020. Se utilizó regresión logística para estimar razones de probabilidades brutas y ajustadas (OR, odds ratio). Resultados Los casos (n=652) presentaron edad mediana de 5 años, 57,1% eran hombres, 52,0% de raza/color pardo y 6,4% falleció. La probabilidad de muerte fue significativamente mayor entre aquellos con saturación de O2<95% (ORa=4,35 – IC95%1,69;11,20) y resultado alterado de urea (ORa=5,18 – IC95% 1,91;14,04); menor en ausencia de manchas rojas como erupción (ORa=0,23 – IC95% 0,09;0,62), con uso de anticoagulantes (ORa=0,32 – IC95% 0,12;0,89) e inmunoglobulinas (ORa=0,38 – IC95%0,15;1,01). Conclusión La letalidad fue mayor entre casos que presentaron saturación de O2<95% y urea alterada, y menor entre aquellos con manchas rojas, que usaron inmunoglobulinas y anticoagulantes.

Resumo A influência das manchas da paisagem sobre a riqueza e frequência de captura de quirópteros foi avaliada em uma fazenda de gado no norte do Pantanal. A falta de informações sobre os quirópteros em áreas modificadas pela pecuária, o uso da terra e as inundações estacionais no Pantanal certamente são fatores que limitam o entendimento da composição da quiropterofauna da região. Foram capturadas 27 espécies, distribuídas em cinco famílias. Phyllostomidae predominou com 16 espécies, seguido por Vespertilionidae com cinco espécies. A riqueza de espécies e a frequência das capturas variaram de acordo com o mosaico da paisagem, apresentando associação positiva a áreas menos alteradas. Espécies consideradas mais sensíveis a distúrbios ambientais foram capturadas nas áreas mais conservadas, associadas a florestas de palmeiras (floresta de acuri; Scheelea phalerata, palmeira de acuri) e florestas inundadas (floresta de cambará; Vochysia divergens). Os dados sugerem que mesmo unidades de vegetação em extensas áreas desflorestadas são valiosas para a manutenção de algumas espécies de quirópteros, seja por oferecerem muitos dos recursos que necessitam ou por estarem espacialmente dispostos de forma a facilitar a utilização conjunta das manchas da paisagem.

Abstract Influence of landscape patches on species richness and frequency of bats was evaluated in a cattle ranch in northern Pantanal wetland. Besides the lack of information on bats in areas modified by ranching, land use and the seasonal flooding in the Pantanal wetland certainly affects bat fauna composition. Twenty-seven (27) species were captured, distributed in five families. Phyllostomidae predominated with 16 species, followed by Vespertilionidae with five species. Species richness and frequency of captures varied according to the landscape mosaic, presenting positive association to less altered areas. Species more sensitive to environmental disturbances were captured in the most conserved areas, associated to palm forests (acuri palm forest; Scheelea phalerata, acuri palm tree) and flooded forest (cambará forest; Vochysia divergens). Our data suggest that even vegetation units in extensively deforested areas are valuable for the maintenance of some species of bats, either because they offer many of the resources they need or because they are spatially arranged in order to facilitate the joint use of the landscape patches.

Resumo Objetivos: aferir taxa de transmissão vertical (TTV) do HIV e descrever a adoção das medidas profiláticas (MP) em gestantes infectadas e crianças expostas, nos municípios de Petrolina/PE e Juazeiro/BA. Métodos: estudo transversal em 76pares mães/crianças atendidos de janeiro/2006 a dezembro/2010. Coletaram-se dados de fichas de notificação e prontuários de serviços de referência. Para caracterizar criança infectada seguiram-se recomendações do Ministério da Saúde. Considerou-se adequada a adoção conjunta de cinco MP distribuídas em três etapas assistenciais: gravidez (terapia antirretroviral), intraparto (azidotimidina endovenosa e via de parto preferencial em função da carga viral materna) e pós-natal (azidotimidina oral nas crianças e não amamentação). Resultados: cinco crianças infectadas pelo HIV em 58 investigadas, revelando TTV de 8,6%. As MP foram inadequadas em 68,4% dos casos. Conclusões: alta TTV do HIV e inadequação das MP na maioria dos casos, tendo as pacientes não-brancas e as procedentes de outros municípios recebido menor proporção de MP adequadas. Falhas diagnósticas e nas três etapas assistenciais repercutiram na TTV. Incrementar testes rápidos na gravidez, integrar ações com municípios adstritos, oferecer planejamento reprodutivo, maximizar cobertura do pré-natal e engajar equipes obstétricas e de Saúde da Família são estratégias para reduzir a TTV.

Abstract Objectives: to measure vertical HIV transmission rate (TTV) and describe the adoption of prophylactic measurements (MP) in infected pregnant women and exposed children in the cities of Petrolina, PE and Juazeiro, BA. Methods: a cross-sectional study was carried out on 76 mothers and children from January 2006 to December 2010. Data were collected from reported forms and medical records from the referral services. The Ministry of Health recommendations was followed to characterize an infected child. It was appropriately considered to adopt the five MP distributed in three stages of care: pregnancy (antiretroviral therapy), intrapartum (intravenous azidotimidina and by delivery preference as a function of the maternal viral load) and post natal (azidotimidina taken orally by children and no breastfeeding). Results: 58 children investigated, five were HIV infected, revealing 8.6% of TTV. The MP was inadequate in 68.4% of the cases. Conclusions: high TTV of HIV and inadequate MP in most of the cases, the non-white patients and those who came from other cities received a lower proportion of adequate MP. Diagnostic failures and the three stages of care reflected on the TTV. Improve quick tests at pregnancy, integrate actions in cities, offer reproductive planning, maximize coverage of prenatal care and engage obstetric teams and Family Health are strategies to reduce TTV.

Evaluate the effect of the extract of Ginkgo biloba L., Ginkgoaceae (EGb) in the Bcl-2 expression by osteoblasts in the femoral trabecular bone of Wistar rats with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis. Rats were divided into five groups: osteoporosis; EGb1 (28 mg/kg); EGb2 (56 mg/kg); alendronate (0.2 mg/animal) and control. The treatments were conducted for 20 or 30 days. The Bcl-2 expression by osteoblasts cells was evaluated in the femoral trabecular bone. The control group was compared with the osteoporosis-induced group (Student's t-test). The other groups were analyzed by ANOVA test followed by Tukey's test (p < 0.05). The percentage of Bcl-2 expression was reduced, when the control group (17.95 ± 3.45 20 days; 21.11 ± 3.43 30 days) was compared with the osteoporosis group (10.64 ± 3.30 20 days; 9.72 ± 2.84 30 days). Nevertheless, this percentage increased in the EGb2 group (18.58 ± 3.41 20 days; 16.51 ± 1.80 30 days) when compared to the osteoporosis group. The EGb increased the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein, suggesting a decrease in osteoblast apoptosis.

Foram determinadas três novas sequências da região do Citocromo c-oxidase da subunidade II do DNA mitocondrial (cox-2 mtDNA) de Contracaecum pelagicum, parasito de Spheniscus magellanicus, pinguim Magalhães, de águas brasileiras. As sequências apresentaram 99 e 98% de similaridade com sequências de C. pelagicum da Argentina depositadas no GenBank da mesma região genética com forte suporte estatístico inferido pela arvore filogenética. Estudos morfológicos e ultraestruturais realizados confirmaram a identidade genética.

Three new sequences of Mitochondrial cytochrome c-oxidase subunit 2 (mtDNA cox-2) from C. pelagicum parasite of Spheniscus magellanicus, the Magelanicus penguin, were determined from Brazilian waters. The sequences presented 99 and 98% of similarity with C. pelagicum sequences from Argentina, deposited on GenBank for the same genetic region and with a strong statistical support inferred from the phylogenetic tree. The morphological and ultrastructural studies that were carried out confirmed the genetic analysis.

The aim of this work was to study the degradation and detoxification of three textile azo dyes (Reactive Red 198, Reactive Red 141 and Reactive Blue 214) by mixed fungal cultures from semi-arid region of Brazilian Northeast. Sediment samples of twenty water reservoirs in the surroundings of Serra da Capivara National Park, area of environmental preservation in the caatinga in the State of Piauí, with semi-arid climate, were evaluated in order to select the consortia of fungi capable to degrade and detoxify these dyes. The mixed fungal culture from Caldeirão Escuridão (CE) reservoir was the most efficient in the degradation and detoxification of the dyes tested.

Estudos sobre biodiversidade permitem avaliações ecossistêmicas e monitoramentos de impactos e mudanças ambientais. A diversidade parasitária pode refletir o processo coevolutivo entre parasitos e hospedeiros, e mudanças ambientais que permitem a perda, ganho ou a manutenção das espécies nesse processo. O presente trabalho utilizou espécies/morfotipos de ovos de helmintos encontrados em fezes de sete mamíferos silvestres (os grupos Dasypodidae e grandes felinos, e as espécies: Tamandua tetradactyla, Cebus apella, Alouatta caraya, Cerdocyon thous, Pecari tajacu) e dois domésticos (Canis familiaris e Sus scrofa), que cohabitam o Parque Nacional Serra da Capivara (PNSC) e seu entorno, para analisar a diversidade dos helmintos intestinais desses mamíferos. Neste trabalho, utilizou-se achados da fauna helmintológica de mamíferos silvestres e domésticos, para avaliar um possível fluxo de helmintos entre estes dois grupos hospedeiros usando Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) dos hospedeiros com base na composição de suas faunas helmintológicas. Os resultados indicam que a região do PNSC, ainda mantém condições ambientais que ainda propiciam a manutenção da composição da fauna de helmintos de mamíferos silvestres, diferente da encontrada nos animais domésticos.

Biodiversity studies allow ecosystem assessment and monitoring of environmental changes and impacts. Parasite diversity could reflect the host/ parasite coevolutionary process and the environment changes that permit the loss, gain or maintenance of species. This survey used species/morphotypes of helminths eggs found in feces from seven wild mammal species (the groups Dasypodidae and Large Cats, and Tamandua tetradactyla, Cebus apella, Alouatta caraya, Cerdocyon thous, Pecari tajacu) and from two domestic species (Canis familiaris and Sus scrofa), which occur within the Serra da Capivara National Park (PNSC) and surrounding areas in order to analise the diversity of mammal intestinal helminths. This work used the helminthological fauna findings of wild and domestic mammals, to consider a possible helminth flux between these two host groups using Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) of the hosts based on helminthological fauna composition. The results indicate that the region of the PNSC still maintains environmental conditions that still keep wild mammal helminthological fauna composition different from the one found for domestic mammals.

O Lapachol é uma naftoquinona, extraída de plantas do gênero Tabebuia (família Bignoneaceae), que apresenta múltiplas atividades terapêuticas. Estudos prévios sobre o efeito do lapachol no início do desenvolvimento embrionário de ratas são controversos. No presente trabalho ratas Wistar prenhes foram tratadas com lapachol do 1º ao 4º dias pós-inseminação (período de pré-implantação) e do 5º ao 7º dias (período de implantação do blastocisto). As mães foram sacrificadas no 5º o e no 15º dia pós-inseminação. Contaram-se corpos lúteos, embriões em fase de pré-implantação, blastocistos, fetos vivos e mortos e reabsorções.Fetos e placentas foram pesados. Não ocorreram indícios de toxicidade materna.O número e a morfologia dos embriões durante o desenvolvimento tubário não foi afetado pela droga, mas durante o período de implantação o lapachol foi tóxico, causando morte de embriões e retardo de crescimento intra-uterino.

Lapachol, a naphthoquinone extracted from plants of the genus Tabebuia (family Bignoneaceae), showed multiple therapeutic activities. Pregnant Wistar rats were treated with Lapachol from the 1st to the 4th (pre-implantation period) and from 5th to 7th (implantation period) post insemination day (PID). Mothers were sacrificed on the 5th or on the15th PID. Number of corpora lutea, preimplantation embryo, blastocysts, live and dead fetuses and resorptions were counted. There were no signs of maternal toxicity. The number and the morphology of embryos, during oviduct development (pre-implantation period), did not seem to be affected by this drug, but during the implantation period, lapachol was toxic causing the death of embryos and intrauterine growth retardation.