Abstract Concentration of interferon-gamma and interleukin-10 in maternal serum and in maternal and fetal porcine placental extracts from different gestation periods was determined. Crossbred pigs’ placental samples of 17, 30, 60, 70, and 114 days gestation and non-pregnant uteri were used. Interferon-gamma concentration was increased at the placental interface at 17 days, in maternal and fetal placenta, and decreased significantly in the remaining gestation periods. Interferon-gamma showed a peak in serum at 60 days. Regarding interleukin-10, placental tissue concentrations were unaltered, there were no significant differences with non-gestating uteri samples. In serum interleukin-10 increased at 17, 60, and 114 days gestation. At 17 days there are uterus structural and molecular changes that allow the embryos implantation and placenta development. The presence of interferon-gamma found at this moment in the interface would favor that placental growth. Moreover, its significant increase in serum at 60 days, would generate a proinflammatory cytokine pattern that facility the placental remodeling characteristic of this moment of porcine gestation. On the other hand, a significant interleukin-10 increase in serum at 17, 60 and 114 days could indicate its immunoregulatory role at a systemic level during pig gestation.

ABSTRACT In aquaculture, the intensification of cultures of aquatic organisms to obtain large volumes of production leads to the establishment of an environment that generates stress. These conditions weaken the immune system of these organisms, which increases the spread of diseases and generates great economic losses. One of the factors responsible for the mortality of cultivated species is fungal infections. In farms, the handling procedures that are carried out during the incubation, rearing and fattening stages are important for the final yield. One of the crucial stages is incubation as there is usually a high degree of mortality at this stage. Several studies have been conducted using chemical products for the prophylaxis, disinfection and control of mycoses. This use has caused the resistance of pathogens and the accumulation of residues in the tissues of aquatic organisms or in the environment. For this reason, other forms of therapy that are more profitable and with less deleterious effects on the environment are being developed. Phytotherapy emerges as an alternative due to its proven action against diseases of diverse etiology. This review compiles and discusses the existing bibliography on the most common fungal diseases in fish, amphibians and crustaceans, emphasizing those that affect the eggs of cultures organisms and analyzing the natural antifungal agents used in vitro and in vivo in aquaculture.

RESUMEN En acuicultura, la intensificación de los cultivos para obtener grandes volúmenes de producción conlleva a establecer un ambiente que genera estrés en los organismos. Estas condiciones debilitan su sistema inmune lo que incrementa la propagación de enfermedades y generan grandes pérdidas económicas. Uno de los factores responsables de la mortalidad de las especies cultivadas son las infecciones fúngicas. En las granjas de cultivo, los procedimientos de manejo que se realizan durante las etapas de incubación, cría y engorde son importantes para el rendimiento final del producto. Una de las etapas cruciales es la incubación, ya que en esta etapa suele haber un alto grado de mortalidad. Se han realizado diversos estudios que utilizan productos químicos para la profilaxis, desinfección y control de las micosis. Esta utilización ha provocado la resistencia de los agentes patógenos y la acumulación de residuos en los tejidos de los organismos acuáticos o en el ambiente. Por ello, se están desarrollando otras formas de terapia más rentables y con menos efectos deletéreos sobre el medio ambiente. La fitoterapia surge como una alternativa por su comprobada acción ante enfermedades de diversa etiología. En esta revisión se compila y discute la bibliografía existente sobre las enfermedades fúngicas más comunes en los peces, anfibios y crustáceos, se enfatiza en las que afectan a las ovas de los organismos en cultivo y se analizan los antimicóticos naturales utilizados in vitro e in vivo en acuicultura.

Abstract: Raising South American domestic camelids is the main source of subsistence in the Peruvian Andes. Under the understanding that pre-slaughter handling and transport practices can affect meat quality an evaluation was done of South American camelids based on animal welfare criteria and carcass lesions. Data were collected at the Huancavelica municipal slaughterhouse, Peru. A total of 203 carcasses were inspected post-slaughter for lesions from trauma. Information collected on transport included number of animals transported per vehicle, transport characteristics and animal handling practices. Every one of the 203 evaluated carcasses exhibited evidence of pre-slaughter mistreatment. A total of 1,418 lesions were recorded, with an average of 6.9 ± 0.2 per carcass; four animals (1.9 %) exhibited generalized traumas. Of the 27 animal group arrivals, half were in cars (50.0 %). Grade 2 and 3 lesions were associated with transport in any vehicle type (OR= 2.20, 95% CI: 1.27 - 3.82), and no vision restriction (OR= 2.26, 95% CI: 1.66 - 3.06). Large area lesions were associated with pre-slaughter wait times greater than 24 h (OR= 1.42, 95% CI: 0.99 - 2.03). South American camelid transport and handling practices at the studied slaughterhouse were generally poor and clearly compromised carcass quality as evidenced by ubiquitous lesions. Animal welfare criteria and regulations for South American camelids were not fulfilled.

Resumen: La crianza de camélidos sudamericanos domésticos, alpaca y llama, es la principal fuente de subsistencia en la zona altoandina peruana. El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar las características de manejo y transporte hacia el camal de los camélidos sudamericanos, considerando los criterios basados en el bienestar animal, usando las lesiones contusas halladas en la carcasa como indicador. Se recolectó información del camal municipal de la ciudad de Huancavelica, Perú. Se seleccionaron 203 canales y se revisaron después de la faena para observar la presencia de lesiones. Se registró información sobre la cantidad de animales transportados, detalles del transporte y características del manejo de los animales. De las 203 canales evaluadas se contabilizó un total de 1,418 lesiones con un promedio de 6.9 ± 0.2 por carcasa, además se registraron cuatro animales con contusión generalizada (1.9 %). Se contabilizaron 27 medios de transporte, siendo la mitad de ellos autos (50.0 %). La presentación de lesiones grados 2 y 3 están asociadas al traslado en cualquier tipo de vehículo (OR= 2.20; IC95%: 1.27 - 3.82) y a la no restricción de visión (OR= 2.26; IC95%: 1.66 - 3.06). También las lesiones extensas están asociadas al tiempo de espera pre-sacrificio mayor a las 24 h (OR= 1.42; IC95%: 0.99 - 2.03). Se evidencia que las malas características de los vehículos, malas condiciones de transporte y manejo, aumentan la probabilidad de encontrar lesiones en las canales. Por lo tanto, no se cumplen con los criterios de bienestar animal durante el manejo y transporte de los camélidos sudamericanos.

Abstract: Riggia puyensis, an ectoparasitic isopod, was collected in juvenile Chaetostoma breve and Chaetostoma microps host specimens from the Amazonian region of Ecuador. The aim of this work is to study the possible injury that the parasite causes in its host. R. puyensis was found covered by a fold of the skin, which formed a sort of pocket or pouch within the host’s peritoneal cavity. The alterations described in the epidermis were associated with the mechanical action of the isopod inside the pouch.

ResumenEl pez neotropical Corydoras paleatus, de respiración aérea de tipo facultativa, utiliza el sector caudal del intestino para el intercambio gaseoso. En América del Sur, los peces con respiración aérea se encuentran en las aguas dulceacuícolas tropicales y subtropicales, donde la probabilidad de hipoxia es alta. El objetivo de este trabajo fue caracterizar mediante técnicas histoquímicas tradicionales y de lectinhistoquímica el patrón de carbohidratos de la mucosa intestinal. Para ello se utilizaron muestras de intestino de 25 ejemplares sanos adultos recolectados en la provincia de Buenos Aires (Argentina). Las muestras fueron fijadas en formol amortiguado al 10 % y se procesaron para su inclusión en parafina. Posteriormente, los cortes fueron incubados con una batería de lectinas biotiniladas. Se utilizó el sistema de marcado con estreptavidina-biotina (LSAB) para su detección, diaminobencidina como cromógeno y hematoxilina como colorante de contraste. Para localizar y diferenciar los glicoconjugados (GCs) de las células caliciformes, se utilizaron las siguientes técnicas histoquímicas: PAS, PAS*S, PAPS, KOH/PA*S, PA/Bh/KOH/PAS, KOH/PA*/Bh/PAS, Azul Alcian y Azul de Toluidina a diferentes pHs. Microscópicamente, se observa la estructura general del intestino de los vertebrados y el epitelio intestinal presenta todos los tipos celulares característicos de esta región. El sector craneal del intestino de este teleósteo, es el sitio de digestión y absorción, y posee una estructura similar a la de otros grupos de peces. En cambio, los enterocitos de la porción caudal, son células cúbicas bajas, entre ellos se observan células caliciformes y capilares sanguíneas que llegan hasta el lumen de la mucosa. Por fuera del epitelio, se observa una lámina propia-submucosa muy desarrollada compuesta por tejido conectivo, altamente vascularizada que no presenta glándulas. De acuerdo con las técnicas histoquímicas, los diversos GCs elaborados y secretados por la mucosa intestinal se encuentran asociados con funciones específicas de importancia fisiológica, como su rol en la lubricación, su efecto amortiguador y la prevención de daños proteolíticos del epitelio junto con otros procesos biológicos, tales como la osmorregulación y el intercambio iónico. El análisis lectinhistoquímico de la mucosa intestinal revela la presencia de residuos terminales de glucosa, manosa y galactosa. En conclusión, en este estudio se demuestra que los GCs sintetizados en el intestino de C. paleatus muestran un alto nivel de complejidad histoquímica y que el patrón de unión de lectina de la mucosa intestinal es característico para cada especie y las variaciones se hallan relacionadas con las múltiples funciones realizadas por el mucus en el tracto digestivo. La información brindada en este trabajo es una herramienta de relevancia biológica para comparar y analizar los posibles cambios glicosídicos del mucus intestinal bajo diferentes condiciones como los cambios en la dieta o diferentes estados patológicos.

AbstractThe Neotropical catfish Corydoras paleatus is a facultative air-breather and the caudal half of the intestine is involved in gas exchange. In South America, air-breathing fishes are found in tropical or sub-tropical freshwaters where the probability of hypoxia is high. The aim of this study was to characterize by traditional histochemical and lectinhistochemical methods the pattern of carbohydrate in the intestinal mucosa. Intestine samples were taken from 25 healthy adult specimens collected in Buenos Aires (Argentina). Samples were fixed by immersion in 10 % buffered formalin and routinely processed and embedded in paraffin wax. Subsequently, these sections were incubated in the biotinylated lectins battery. Labeled Streptavidin-Biotin (LSAB) system was used for detection, diaminobenzidine as chromogen and haematoxylin as a contrast. To locate and distinguish glycoconjugates (GCs) of the globet cells, we used the following histochemical methods: PAS; PAS*S; KOH/ PA*S; PA/Bh/KOH/PAS; KOH/PA*/Bh/PAS; Alcian Blue and Toluidine Blue at different pHs. Microscopically, the general structure of vertebrate intestine was observed and showed all the cell types characteristic of the intestinal epithelium. The cranial sector of catfish intestine is a site of digestion and absorption and its structure is similar to other fish groups. In contrast, enterocytes of the caudal portion are low cuboidal cells; and between these, globet cells and capillaries are observed, these latter may reach the mucosal lumen. Underlying the epithelium, observed a well-developed lamina propria-submucosa made of connective tissue; this layer was highly vascularized and did not exhibit glands. According to histochemistry, the diverse GCs elaborated and secreted in the intestine are associated with specific functions in relation to their physiological significance, with special reference to their role in lubrication, buffering effect and prevention of proteolytic damage to the epithelium together with other biological processes, such as osmoregulation and ion exchange. The lectinhistochemical analysis of the intestinal mucosa reveals the presence of terminal residues of glucose, mannose and galactose. In conclusion, this study has shown that GCs synthesized in the intestine of C. paleatus exhibit a high level of histochemical complexity and that the lectin binding pattern of the intestinal mucosa is characteristic of each species and the variations are related with the multiple functions performed by the mucus in the digestive tract. The information generated here may be a relevant biological tool for comparing and analyzing the possible glycosidic changes in the intestinal mucus under different conditions, such as changes in diet or different pathological stages. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (1): 327-340. Epub 2016 March 01.

The aim of this study was to determine the glycosylation pattern in the uterine endometrium of alpacas with and without superovulation treatment. Uterine tissues were obtained from five non-treated alpacas with ovarian follicles less than 4 mm and five superovulated alpacas where FSH, GnRH and hCG was used. Samples from the uterus and uterine horns were analyzed by histochemistry (PAS and alcian blue) and lectinhistochemistry techniques. Fourteen lectins were used and PNA, RCA-1, ConA, DBA, WGA, Swga, GS, LCA, SJA and PHA-L showed different glycosilation patterns in the endometrium between both groups, indicating that the hormonal treatment could affect the expression of glycoconjugates that have affinity for these lectins. Lectins PNA, SJA, SBA, ConA, LCA and PSA showed different glycosilation patterns between the two uterine horns, indicating that the glycoconjugates that have affinity for these lectins can be implicated in the uterine environment during the implantation, which in most cases in the alpaca take place on the left horn. In conclusion, the glycosylation pattern in the alpaca can change due to superovulation hormone

El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar el patrón de glicosilación del endometrio uterino en alpacas con y sin tratamiento de superovulación. Se utilizaron cinco alpacas no superovuladas con folículos ováricos menores de 4 mm y cinco alpacas que fueron sometidas a un tratamiento de superovulación en base a FSH, GnRH y hCG. Se tomaron muestras del cuerpo del útero y de ambos cuernos uterinos y se trabajaron con las técnicas histoquímicas PAS y Azul Alcián y con la técnica de lectinhistoquímica. Para esta última se utilizaron 14 lectinas, de las cuales PNA, RCA-I, ConA, DBA, WGA, sWGA, GS, LCA, SJA y PHA-L presentaron un patrón de glicosilación diferente entre ambos grupos, sugiriendo que el tratamiento hormonal influenció en la expresión de los glicoconjugados que se unen a estas lectinas. Asimismo, las lectinas PNA, SJA, SBA, ConA, LCA y PSA presentaron diferencias entre el cuerno derecho y el cuerno izquierdo, lo que sugiere que los glicoconjugados de unión a estas lectinas podrían participar en generar un ambiente propicio para la implantación, que por lo general se da en el cuerno izquierdo en la alpaca. Se concluye que la alpaca tiene un patrón de glicosilación que puede variar con tratamientos hormonales de superovulación.

A composição e distribuição dos glicoconjugados (GCs) secretado pelo epitélio do ovário de lamelas com referência à biologia reprodutiva de Genypterus blacodes (Schneider, 1801) através da histoquímica com lectinas é aqui discutida. Nesta espécie, as células epiteliais que revestem a cavidade do ovário apresentou acentuada variação morfológica ao longo do ciclo reprodutivo relacionados com a secreção de muco que acompanha a maturação do oócito. Durante a época de desova, de resíduos de manose e N-acetilglicosamina foram detectados no glicocálix dessas células usando histoquímica de lectinas. N-acetilgalactosamina e fucose também foram observados na mesma zona. As maiores variações no padrão de lectinas foram encontradas na composição do citoplasma apical, em comparação com a zona basal das células. Os resultados do presente estudo foram discutidos, comparando as suas possíveis implicações funcionais.

The composition and distribution of the glycoconjugates (GCs) secreted by the epithelium of ovarian lamellae with reference to the reproductive biology of Genypterus blacodes (Schneider, 1801) through lectin hi stochemistry is here discussed. In this species, the epithelial cells that line the ovarian cavity presented sharp morphological variations along the reproductive cycle related to the mucus secretion that accompanies oocyte ma turation. During sp awning season, residues of mannose and N-acetylglucosamine were detected in the glycocalyx of those cells using lectinhistochemistry. N- acetylgalactosamine and fucose were also observed in the same zone. The greatest variations in the lectinhistochemical pattern were found in the apical cytoplasm composition in comparison to the basal zone of the cells. The results of the present study were discussed by comparing their possible functional implications.

Entre as espécies de roedores já estudadas podemos destacar a grande variação na morfologia do aparelho reprodutor masculino. Assim, considerando a importância ecológica dos roedores, e a grande representatividade numérica quanto geográfica destes animais, bem como a escassez que aborda a anatomia reprodutiva, desenvolvemos este trabalho com um roedor histricomorfo da América do Sul, a viscacha. Este animal apresenta algumas características reprodutivas bem peculiares, desta forma descreveremos a anatomia macroscópica da musculatura perineal, e o papel dos músculos no comportamento copulatório desta espécie. A região perineal da viscacha é composta por cinco músculos, sendo que três músculos encontram-se dispostos no diafragama urogenital superficial, Musculus ischiocavernosus, M. bulbocavernosus e M. bulbospongiosus, e pelos músculos que se encontram no diafragma pélvico, M. levator ani e M. retractor penis. Sendo assim, destacamos que o estudo do assoalho pélvico em animais silvestres é de grande valia, uma vez que contribuem com o melhor entendimento dos mecanismos relacionados â ereção e ejaculação; ou seja colaboram com os estudos sobre a reprodução dos animais.

Among the rodent species studied we can highlight the wide variation in the morphology of the male reproductive system. Thus, considering the ecological importance of rodents, and the large number and geographical representation of this animal, as well as shortages regarding the reproductive anatomy, we developed this study with viscacha, a South American histricomorph rodent. As this species has some very peculiar reproductive features, we described the gross anatomy of the perineal muscles and the role of copulatory behavior. The perineal region of viscacha is composed of five muscles, three of which are arranged in the superficial genitourinary diaphragm, as Musculus ischiocavernosus, M. bulbocavernosus and M. bulbospongiosus, and the muscles that lie at the pelvic diaphragm, M. levator ani and M. retractor penis. Therefore, we emphasize that the study of the pelvic floor in wild animals is of great value, then contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms related to erection and ejaculation or collaborate with studies on the reproduction of animals.

Paneth cells have an important function in the defense and protection mechanisms of the gastrointestinal tract in several animal species through secretions, e.g. as lysozime, secretory phospholipase A2 and defensins. The aim of this study was to identify the Paneth cells in the small intestine of baby alpacas. Eighteen culled animals between 1 and 21 days of age were used. Duodenum, jejunum and ileum samples were taken. Samples were fixed in 10% formalin, processed and stained with haematoxylin-eosin (H-E) and Masson trichromic. An anti-lizozime polyclonal antibody was used for immunohistochemistry. Typical Paneth cells were not identified with H-E and Masson trichromic stains, whereas lysozime granules were identified in the base of the crypts of Lieberkühn of duodenum, jejunum and ileum by immunohistochemistry since the first day of age. The number in jejunum and ileum was greater between 15 and 21 days of age. The cell area was between 129.19 and 147.67 μm2, major axes between 17.96 and 19.92 μm and minor axes between 8.68 and 9.79 μm. It is concluded that the observed cells corresponded to Paneth cells

Las células de Paneth cumplen un importante rol en los mecanismos de defensa y protección del tracto gastrointestinal en varias especies animales a través de sus secreciones como lisozima, fosfolipasa A2 secretoria y defensinas. El estudio tuvo por objetivo identificar las células de Paneth en el intestino delgado de crías de alpacas. Se utilizaron 18 animales de descarte entre 1 y 21 días de edad. Se tomaron muestras de duodeno, yeyuno e íleon, que fueron fijadas en formol al 10%. Se prepararon cortes histológicos con hematoxilina-eosina (H-E) y tricrómico de Masson. Mediante inmunohistoquímica con un anticuerpo policlonal antilisozima se identificó la presencia de gránulos de lisozima. Con las coloraciones no se pudo identificar en forma precisa las células típicas de Paneth, mientras que mediante inmunohistoquímica se observó células con presencia de gránulos de lisozima en la base de las criptas de Lieberkühn de duodeno, yeyuno e íleon desde el primer día de edad; siendo mayor el número en yeyuno e íleon entre los 15 y 21 días de edad. Las células presentaron un área de 129.19 a 147.67 μm2, ejes mayores entre 17.96 y 19.92 μm y ejes menores entre 8.68 y 9.79 μm. Se concluye que las cιlulas encontradas corresponden a cιlulas de Paneth.

Solanum glaucophyllum (Sg) [= S. malacoxylon] é uma planta calcinogênica que induz "Calcinose Enzoótica" em bovinos. O 1,25-dihidroxivitamina D3, seu principal agente tóxico, regula o metabolismo ósseo, o metabolismo de cálcio e também mostra efeitos na imunomodulação. Precursores de timócitos derivados da medula óssea se diferenciam em linfócitos T maduros. A diferenciação da maioria dos linfócitos T é caracterizada pela expressão variável de moléculas de receptores CD4/CD8 e densidade aumentada dos receptores antigênicos de superfície de células T. Alem disso, há mudanças no padrão de glicosilação de glicolipídeos na superfície celular ou de glicoproteínas. Timócitos mostram uma influência de retro alimentação em células tímicas não-linfóides. Foram analisadas modificações induzidas pelo Sg em linfócitos T e células tímicas não-linfóides de bovinos. Novilhas foram divididas em 5 grupos (controle, intoxicadas com Sg durante 15, 30 ou 60 dias, e grupo provavelmente recuperado). As diferentes populações celulares das novilhas experimentais foram caracterizadas com técnicas histoquímicas, imuno-histoquímicas, lectina-histoquímicas e morfométricas. As novilhas intoxicadas com Sg mostraram uma atrofia cortical progressiva que foi caracterizada usando a lectina aglutinina de amendoim (PNA) que reconhece timócitos imaturos. Estes animais também aumentaram as células não-linfóides tímicas por unidade de área, detectadas com a técnica de Picrosirius, lectinas WGA e DBA e anticorpos antipancitoqueratina e anti-S-100. A atrofia de timo observada nos animais intoxicados foi semelhante àquela do processo de envelhecimento fisiológico. Após supressão da intoxicação, foi observado um efeito de reversão nestas mudanças. Estes resultados sugerem que a intoxicação por Sg induza a alteração observada no timo diretamente, pela ação de 1,25-dihidroxivitamina D3, ou indiretamente, pela ação da hipercalcemia.

Solanum glaucophyllum (Sg) [= S. malacoxylon] is a calcinogenic plant inducing "Enzootic Calcinosis" in cattle. The 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, its main toxic principle, regulates bone and calcium metabolism and also exerts immunomodulatory effects. Thymocyte precursors from bone marrow-derived progenitor cells differentiate into mature T-cells. Differentiation of most T lymphocytes is characterized not only by the variable expression of CD4/CD8 receptor molecules and increased surface density of the T cell antigen receptor, but also by changes in the glycosylation pattern of cell surface glycolipids or glycoproteins. Thymocytes exert a feedback influence on thymic non-lymphoid cells. Sg-induced modifications on cattle thymus T-lymphocytes and on non-lymphoid cells were analysed. Heifers were divided into 5 groups (control, intoxicated with Sg during 15, 30 or 60 days, and probably recovered group). Histochemical, immunohistochemical, lectinhistochemical and morphometric techniques were used to characterize different cell populations of the experimental heifers. Sg-poisoned heifers showed a progressive cortical atrophy that was characterized using the peanut agglutinin (PNA) lectin that recognizes immature thymocytes. These animals also increased the amount of non-lymphoid cells per unit area detected with the Picrosirius technique, WGA and DBA lectins, and pancytokeratin and S-100 antibodies. The thymus atrophy found in intoxicated animals resembled that of the physiological aging process. A reversal effect on these changes was observed after suppression of the intoxication. These findings suggest that Sg-intoxication induces either directly, through the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 itself, or indirectly through the hypercalcemia, the observed alteration of the thymus.

A imunodeteccão de marcadores celulares foi avaliada em amostras prostáticas de bovinos com hiperplasia ou hiperplasia-metaplasia epiteliais, induzidas por estrógenos administrados ilegalmente e em próstatas de bovinos inoculados com dietilstilbestrol (DES). A técnica de recuperacão antigênica permitiu o uso de tecidos fixados em formalina, por longos períodos. Foram utilizados os anticorpos monoclonais K8.12, anti-vimentina e anti-desmina para determinação de células basais coradas/epitélio hiperplásico-metaplásico, células do estroma e células musculares, respectivamente. As alterações tissulares observadas nos casos de campo e nos experimentais foram semelhantes, através do que se concluiu que houve administração ilegal de estrógenos. O teste imuno-histoquímico com esses marcadores específicos foi útil ao exame histológico da próstata, uma vez que a análise das imagens permite maior e melhor quantificação das alterações observadas. Os testes bioquímicos, entretanto, são necessários para uma avaliação mais precisa.

The immunodetection of diverse cell markers was evaluated in prostatic samples from bullocks, and bullocks showing epithelial hyperplasia-metaplasia, with oestrogen-induced changes, and in experimental samples from bullocks inoculated with dietylstilbestrol (DES). Antigen-retrieval procedures allowed the use of tissues that had been fixed in formalin for long periods. Three tissue markers were chosen for the study: cytokeratins 13 and 16, vimentin and desmin. Monoclonal antibody K8.12 (specific for cytokeratins 13 and 16) stained basal cells and hyperplastic-metaplastic epithelium; monoclonal antivimentin, and desmin, allowed the definition of fibromuscular changes.