Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 2004. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 211-243).

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T12:56:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ArquivoTotalStela.pdf: 1718832 bytes, checksum: fcb910074921d64170b58b950c91c599 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-03-05 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / This study aims to evaluate the effect of 0.5% (5mg/ml) and 1% (10mg/ml) alendronate sodium (ALN) associated or not with lyophilized bovine bone (Bio-Oss®) on the repair of calvaria bone defects in rabbits. Two bony defects, 10mm diameter circular, were created in 40 male New Zealand white rabbits. The animals were randomized into five (n = 8) groups: GI = Bio-Oss®; GII = Bio-Oss® + ALN 0.5%; GIII = Bio-Oss® + ALN 1%; GIV = ALN 0. 5%; GV = ALN 1%. The left defect was filled with the corresponding substance of each experimental group and the right defect was filled with autogenous blood clot (control). All cavities were lined and covered with a biological membrane. The animals were euthanized 30 and 60 days after craniotomy. The percentage of new bone formation was assessed by microradiographic analysis of calvaria. The images obtained were analyzed using the public domain program Image J®, to assess quantitatively the percentage of bone repair. The values obtained were analyzed using the software SPSS® Statistics, using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation and confidence intervals) and inferential ("t" - Student and ANOVA/Tukey). The intragroup results showed that in GI, GII and GIII the percentage of bone repair was significantly higher in the experimental side compared to their respective controls; and was not statistically difference in GIV and GV groups, between experimental and controls sides. The intergroup results showed the following percentage of repair at 30 days: GI = 61.91% (± 10.61), GII = 80.39 (± 8.68), GIII = 81.60% (± 5.42), GIV = 48.45% (± 6.54), GV = 41.45% (± 8.98) and at 60 days: GI = 83.23% (± 14.43), GII = 98.72% (± 2.54), GIII = 92.66% (± 9.22), GIV = 50.18% ( ± 3.03), GV = 37.46% (± 6.26). It is concluded that the addition of alendronate in concentrations of 0.5 and 1%, to lyophilized bovine bone, accelerate the process of bone repair, being more significant in lower concentration. The use of ALN alone delayed the process of bone repair, but without statistical significance. / A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do alendronato de sódio (ALN), nas concentrações de 0,5 (5mg/ml) e 1% (10mg/ml), associadas ou não ao osso bovino liofolizado (Bio-Oss®), na reparação de defeitos ósseos produzidos em calvária de coelhos. Foram utilizados 40 coelhos machos brancos da raça Nova Zelândia. Na calvária de cada animal, foram confeccionados dois defeitos medindo 10 mm de diâmetro. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em cinco grupos (n=8 cada): GI = Bio-Oss®; GII = Bio-Oss®+ALN 0,5%; GIII = Bio-Oss®+ALN 1%; GIV = ALN 0,5%; GV = ALN 1%. A cavidade esquerda foi preenchida pela substância correspondente a cada grupo experimental e a cavidade direita preenchida por coágulo sanguíneo autógeno (controle de cada grupo). Todas as cavidades foram forradas e cobertas por membrana biológica. Os animais foram eutanasiados aos 30 e 60 dias após a craniotomia. O percentual de neoformação óssea foi avaliado por meio de análise radiomicrográfica da calvária. As imagens obtidas por radiomicrografia foram analisadas através do programa de domínio público Image J®, para avaliar quantitativamente o percentual de reparo ósseo. Os valores obtidos pelo Image J® foram submetidos à análise com auxílio do software SPSS® Statistics, por meio de estatística descritiva (média, desvio-padrão e intervalos de confiança) e inferencial (teste t Student e ANOVA/ Tukey). Na comparação intragrupos, os resultados demonstraram que nos grupos GI, GII e GIII o percentual de reparo foi significantemente mais elevado no lado experimental em relação aos respectivos controles; nos grupos GIV e GV não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas no percentual de reparo entre os lados experimental e controle. Na comparação intergrupos, os resultados mostraram os seguintes percentuais de reparo aos 30 dias: GI = 61,91% (± 10,61), GII = 80,39 (± 8,68), GIII = 81,60% (± 5,42), GIV = 48,45% (±± 6,54), GV = 41,45% (± 8,98). Aos 60 dias: GI = 83,23% (± 14,43), GII = 98,72% (± 2,54), GIII = 92,66% (± 9,22), GIV = 50,18% (± 3,03), GV = 37,46% (± 6,26). Conclui-se que a adição do ALN, nas concentrações de 0,5 e 1%, ao osso bovino liofilizado aplicado topicamente nos defeitos ósseos acelerou o processo de reparo ósseo, sendo mais significativo na menor concentração. O uso do ALN isoladamente retardou o processo de reparo ósseo, mas sem significância estatística.

Orientador: Maria Rita Pacheco / Banca: Márcia Rita Fernandes Machado / Banca: Lucia Helena Vasques / Resumo: Aterosclerose é um condição inflamatória fibro-proliferativa crônica associada à produção de espécies oxidantes. O composto fenólico resveratrol encontrado principalmente na uva e no vinho tinto, parece ter atividades cardioprotetoras previnindo a oxidação de lipoproteínas de baixa densidade. Neste estudo investigou-se o efeito do resveratrol na prevenção da ateromatose induzida por meio de estudos morfológicos e morfométricos do arco aórtico, bem como observação do perfil bioquímico sérico de HDL, LDL, triglicerídeos e colesterol total. Para tanto, foram utilizados 20 coelhos divididos em quatro grupos os quais receberam as seguintes dietas durante 60 dias: grupo controle (CT) ração normal; grupo resveratrol (R) raçao normal e resveratrol na dose de 3 mg/Kg/dia; grupo colesterol (CL) ração acrescida de 1,5% de colesterol; grupo (CR) tratado com ração acrescida de 1,5% de colesterol e administração simultânea de resveratrol na dose de 3mg/Kg/dia. Na análise morfologica os animais do grupo CT e R não apresentaram alterações nas túnicas íntima, média e adventícia. Os animais do grupo CL apresentaram lesões ateroscleróticas com espessamento da íntima e invasão da média. Os animais do grupo CR também apresentaram lesões invadindo a íntima e média porém estas encontravam-se mais organizadas. O estudo morfométrico revelou maior espessamento da íntima no grupo CL, na camada média não foi observado diferença entre os grupos CL e CR. A avaliação do perfil lipídico dos animais dos grupos CL e CR revelou valores aumentados porém sem diferença entre estes grupos. Houve diferença quando comparados com os grupos que receberam uma dieta normal...(Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Atherosclerosis is a chronic fibro proliferative inflammatory disease associate to the production of reactive oxygen species. Resveratrol, a phenolic compound present in red wine and grape seems to prevent cardiovascular diseases by protecting low density lipoprotein from oxidation. The present study tested wheter resveratrol would provide any benefit in the prevention of induced atheroma lesions through morphologic, morphometric studies in the aortic arch and HDL, LDL, total cholesterol and triglyceride lipid levels. A total of 20 rabbits were divided into 4 groups during 60 days: group CT was given normal diet, group R normal diet with resveratrol at a dose of 3 mg/Kg/day, group CL normal diet supplemented with 1,5% cholesterol, group CR normal diet supplemented with 1,5% cholesterol with resveratrol at a dose of 3 mg/Kg/day. Morphologic analysis of the rabbit group CT and R didn't show lesion in intima, media and adventitia tunicas in the aortic arch. Rabbits fed with a hypercholesterolemic diet show atherosclerotic lesions with thickness of intima and invasion of the media. Severity of atherosclerosis lesions was significantly reduced in group CR and lesions were more organized, and media was also affected. Morphometry study revealed that the intima of aortic arch in CL animals was thickner than CR animals. The media didn't show difference between CL and CR groups. Lipid measurements of hypercholesterolemic rabbits showed a significant increase in serum levels but there weren't differences between CL and CR group, there were differences when compared to those fed a regular diet...(Complete abstract, click electronic access below) / Mestre

The aim of the thesis was performance comparison of selected populations of three breeds of rabbits, the Moravian Blue (Mm), the Viennese Blue (Vm) and the Dutch rabbit (Ho), that is a large, a medium-sized and a small breed. The monitored aspects were the production characteristics (gain weight and carcass yield) and the reproductive characteristics (the average number of kits born, the number of all kits born, the number of live born and stillborn and successfully weaned kits, the rate of successful pregnancies, the milkness of the doe). The population of each of the breeds was monitored in a selected base of 68 litters of the Mm, 65 litters of the Vm and 84 litters of the Ho. The weight gain of rabbits was monitored in regular intervals from birth until the end of fattening, i. e. until 8 months of age in the Mm and the Vm and until 6 months of age in the Ho. The results were compared with the weight gain required by the breed standard. Based on the observed weight gain, a growth curve has been created using the Richards function in Excel and Statistica 12.0. The monthly weight gain of the monitored breeds was compared. The highest average gain in weight for the Mm was 693 g, for the Ho 480g and for the Vm 539 g. The results show a significantly higher gain in weight throughout the growth period of the Dutch rabbit than is required by the breed standard. The Moravian Blue showed a lower average increase in weight during the first five months of age than is required by the breed standard. High statistical dependence (R = 0,94, p < 0.01) between weight gain and the number of kits per litter was observed during the first month. From the second month dependence get lower. Since the third month of age, this dependence could not be proven. Based on the parameters of the growth curve, the inflection point of growth was established at 59.8 days and weight 1 528 g for the Mm, at 43.2 days and weight 895 g for the Ho and at 67.7 days and weight 1512 g for the Vm. The average number of kits per litter was 6.3 for the Mm, 6.48 for the Ho and 6.23 for the Vm. The milkness was calculated according to the weight of the litter at 2 and 21 days of age. The milkness for the Mm was 3 985 g, for the Ho 2 582 g and 3 176 g for the Ho. A significant statistical dependence (R = 0.97 0.98) between the number of kits in the litter and the milkness was found. The mortality rate was at a low level for all monitored breeds, with the highest (5 per cent) for the Vm , followed by 2.9 per cent forthe Ho and 1.4 per cent forthe Mm. Analysis showed the highest carcass yield for the Dutch rabbit (62.4 per cent), but a lower live weight gain. The carcass yield was 59 per cent for the Vm and only 56.1 per cent for the Mm. Overall, the results of the thesis show a bigger live weight gain in case of the Moravian Blue rabbit provided there are higher demands for housing and feeding. Its progeny shows a greater growth potential and, in some aspects, also better reproductive characteristics. On the other hand, the Dutch rabbit paradoxically reached a higher number of kits per litter and better carcass yield, giving meat of greater quality. The Viennese Blue rabbit had a slightly higher mortality rate than the other breeds but also a relatively large weight gain and carcass yield approaching other medium-sized meat breeds. The results of the thesis can be beneficial for novice breeders in helping them choose the right breed, as well as for existing breeders in helping them improve the strengths and eliminate the weaknesses of these breeds.

A aceleração da regeneração nervosa aliada à sua qualidade através da inoculação de células no sítio da lesão tem sido objeto de diversos estudos experimentais. Assim, o presente trabalho objetiva avaliar a regeneração nervosa associando a técnica de tubulização com a fração mononuclear autóloga de medula óssea em coelhos. Foram utilizados 28 coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia, hígidos, distribuídos em dois grupos: terapia (GT) e controle (GC), de igual número, subdivididos de acordo com o tempo de avaliação em 50 e 75 dias. Todos os animais foram anestesiados e submetidos a secção do nervo femoral direito com imediata neurorrafia utilizando tubo de silicone, deixando um intervalo de 5 mm entre os cotos nervosos, porém apenas o GT recebeu a terapia celular. A avaliação da regeneração foi realizada funcionalmente e histologicamente, sendo os dados de função obtidos por exame clínico neurológico realizado a cada dez dias de pós-operatório e eletrofisiologia nervosa realizada previamente a eutanásia aos 50 e 75 de pós-operatório. Na análise histológica constataram-se presença de ponte nervosa e boa regeneração das fibras em todos os animais. A eletrofisiologia nervosa demonstrou queda nos valores de amplitude e aumento da latência, independentemente dos grupos. Entretanto, na avaliação funcional da marcha, o GT apresentou melhor desempenho significativo nas três primeiras semanas de avaliação. Estes dados sugerem que a terapia celular associada à técnica de tubulização influencia beneficamente no início da regeneração nervosa, proporcionando retorno funcional do nervo mais precoce quando comparado a animais controle. / The acceleration of nerve regeneration combined with its quality by the inoculation of cells is the site of the injury has been the object of several experimental studies. This paper aims to evaluate the nerve regeneration using the tubulization technique associated with the transplantation of autologous mononuclear cell from bone marrow in rabbits. The study has used twenty-eight animals New Zealand, healthy, allocated in two groups with equal number: therapy group (TG) and control group (CG), divided according to the evaluation duration time at 50 and 75 days. All animals were anaesthetized and then had their right femoral nerve sectioned, followed by immediate neurorrhaphy with a silicon tube, leaving a 5mm gap between the nervous stumps, but only the GT received cell therapy. The evaluation of the regeneration was made histologically and functionally through clinical examination carried out each ten days postsurgery and through electrophysiology prior to euthanasia at 50 and 75 postsurgery in both groups. The histological analysis, showed the presence of nerve repair and good regeneration of fibers in both groups. The electrophysiology showed a reduction of the amplitude values and increased latency, irrespective of the group. However, the lameness analysis showed that the GT had significantly better performance on the first three weeks postoperatively. The results suggest that cell therapy associated with the silicon channels can be a good influence on the beginning of nerve regeneration, providing functional return of the nerve earlier when compared to control animals.

Introdução: O uso de molas metálicas para o tratamento das craniossinostoses têm ganho cada vez mais espaço no arsenal terapêutico do cirurgião Crânio-Maxilo-Facial, na intenção de minimizar procedimentos extensos e mórbidos. Apesar da simplificação cirúrgica promovida pela mesma ainda persiste a necessidade de sua remoção. Objetivos: Realizar expansão craniana cirúrgica em modelo animal, utilizando-se de um implante (mola) totalmente integrado, confeccionado em blenda polimérica bioabsorvível. Testar sua eficácia e realizar análise histológica. Material e Métodos: Estudo experimental, aberto e prospectivo, utilizando doze coelhos fêmeas da raça New Zealand (Oryctolagus cuniculus) com seis semanas de vida. Os animais foram randomizados em dois grupos: controle (G1) aonde foi realizada craniectomia linear, e estudo (G2) aonde além da craniectomia foi inserida uma mola confeccionada a partir de uma blenda de POLI ÁCIDO LÁCTICO-CO-GLICÓLICO/POLI ISOPRENO, com o objetivo de realizar expansão craniana no sentido transversal à ostectomia. A movimentação craniana foi mensurada radiologicamente nas 12 semanas seguintes, através de marcadores e ao final foi realizada análise histológica para avaliação de reação inflamatória. Resultados: As molas confeccionadas apresentaram uma força média de 4,2N. A expansão craniana no grupo estudo no nível do marcador frontal foi de 9,6mm a 11,67mm e foi significante em relação a grupo controle. A análise histológica demonstrou pequena reação inflamatória. Conclusão: É possível a realização de expansão craniana em modelo animal utilizando-se uma mola bioabsorvível através de craniectomia linear, com boa tolerabilidade dos tecidos circunjacentes ao implante. / Introduction: The use of metal springs for the treatment of craniosynostosis have gaining more and more posicion in the therapeutic armory of the Craniofacial surgeon in the intention to minimize morbid and extensive procedures. Objectives: Perform cranial expansion surgery in an animal model, using an implant elastic (spring) fully integrated, made of bio-absorbable polymeric material. Test its efficacy and histological analysis Methods: An experimental study, open, prospective, using twelve New Zealand female rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with six weeks. The animals were randomized into two groups: control (G1) where linear craniectomy was performed and study (G2) where besides the craniectomy a spring made from a blend of POLY LACTIC ACID-CO-GLYCOLIC / POLI ISOPRENE, in order to perform cranial expansion in the transverse osteotomy. The cranial movement was assessed radiographically at 12 weeks following the surgical procedure and the final histological analysis was performed to evaluate the inflammatory reaction. Results: The springs made showed a medium force of 4,2N. The cranial expansion in the study group in the level of the frontal marker was of 9,6mm to 11,67 and was significant in relation to the control group. The histological analysis showed a small inflammatory reaction. Conclusion: It is possible to perform cranial expansion in an animal model using a bio-absorbable spring through the linear craniectomy. There was good tolerability of the surrounding tissues to the implant.

Embora a disfunção erétil seja um problema frequente em pacientes com diabete mellitus, poucos estudos avaliaram as alterações da estrutura peniana nesta condição. O objetivo foi avaliar a densidade volumétrica de colágeno, fibras do sistema elástico e células musculares lisas no corpo cavernoso (CC), corpo esponjoso (CE) e túnica albugínea (TA) no pênis de coelhos diabéticos. Foram utilizados vinte seis coelhos Nova Zelândia. A diabete foi induzida em 13 coelhos com 8 semanas de idade com injeção intravenosa de 100 mg/ kg de aloxano. 13 coelhos normais serviram como controle. Após 10 semanas os animais foram mortos com overdose de thiopenthal sódico endovenoso. Os pênis foram dissecados retirando-se um fragmento da porção média sendo fixado em formol 10% tamponado (pH 7.3). Todo material foi processado para inclusão em parafina seguindo a técnica histológica de rotina. A análise estereológica do colágeno, das fibras do sistema elástico e do músculo liso foi realizada em cortes de 5&#61549;m no sistema teste M42. Os dados foram expressos em densidade volumétrica (Vv %). A organização de colágeno foi avaliada pela coloração do Picrosirius red sob polarização. Vimos que na túnica albugínea de coelhos diabéticos, houve um aumento de 88% da espessura (p < 0.0003) com um acentuado turnover do colágeno. Além disso, o conteúdo de fibras elásticas foi 34% maior (p < 0.0001). No CC dos coelhos diabéticos o colágeno diminuiu 45% (p < 0.0001) com a presença de um colágeno mais organizado. As fibras do sistema elástico tiveram um decréscimo de 46% (p < 0.0001). A diabete induziu um aumento de 11% de colágeno no CE (p < 0.0235) com um acentuado turnover do colágeno. No CC de coelhos diabéticos houve um aumento de 40% de músculo liso (p < 0.0001), enquanto no CE uma diminuição de 38% (p <0.0001). Os tecidos do pênis foram afetados de formas diferentes pela diabete, possivelmente devido à heterogeneidade celular. Essas mudanças poderiam ter um impacto sobre o fluxo sanguíneo e resistência do tecido e, portanto, prejudicar a ereção. / Although erectile dysfunction is a frequent problem in patients with diabetes mellitus, few studies have evaluated penile structure alteration in this condition. To assess the volumetric density of collagen, elastic system fibers and smooth muscles cells in the corpora cavernosa (CC), corpus spongiosum (CE) and tunica albuginea (TA) in the penis of diabetic rabbits. Twenty-six New Zealand white rabbits were used. Diabetes was induced at 8 weeks of age in 13 rabbits by intravenous injection of 100 mg/kg of alloxan. The remaining 13 rabbits served as a control group. After 10 weeks, the rabbits were killed using sodium thiopenthal. Mid-shaft fragments of the penis were obtained and processed by routine histological techniques. Stereological analysis of collagen, elastic system fibers and smooth muscle was performed in 5-&#61549;m sections by using a M42 System Test grid. Data were expressed as volumetric density (Vv - %). Collagen organization was evaluated by Picrosirius red staining under polarization. In the TA of diabetic rabbits, thickness increased by 88% (p < 0.0003) with an enhanced collagen turnover. Moreover, the elastic fiber content was 34% higher (p < 0.0001). In the CC of diabetics, collagen was diminished by 45% (p < 0.0001) with a more organized collagen. The elastic fibers were decreased by 46% (p < 0.0001). Diabetes induced a 11% increase in CS collagen (p < 0.0235) with an enhanced collagen turnover. Smooth muscle in the CC of diabetic rabbits was increased by 40% (p < 0.0001), whereas in the CS it was decreased by a similar amount (p < 0.0001). Penile tissues were affected differently by diabetes, possibly due to cellular heterogeneity. These changes could have an impact on blood flow and tissue resistance, and therefore, might adversely affect erection.

Pacientes com diabetes mellitus (DM) têm elevadas taxas de disfunção erétil (ED). Diversos estudos examinaram esta associação. A associação entre o processo de hipertrofia vascular diabética e o grau de comprometimento dos seios cavernosos é pouco estudada. A proposta do presente estudo foi avaliar a estrutura vascular do tecido erétil de coelhos diabéticos e coelhos normais, através de histomorfometria computadorizada da artéria dorsal do pênis e dos seios vasculares cavernosos em ambos os grupos. Foram utilizados 20 coelhos adultos machos da raça Nova Zelândia, divididos em dois grupos com 10 animais cada, o grupo diabético (GD) e o grupo controle (GC). Os animais foram previamente anestesiados e os coelhos do grupo GD receberam aloxano na dose de 100mg/kg, via endovenosa para indução da diabetes. Após 10 semanas, os animais foram mortos e os pênis retirados. Fragmentos do pênis foram fixados em formalina tamponada durante 24-48 horas e processados para parafina. Para análise imunohistoquímica e identificação das fibras musculares lisas, foi utilizado o anticorpo anti alfa-actina. Foram feitas análises da espessura média das túnicas íntima e média da parede da artéria dorsal do pênis (ADP), densidade nuclear na túnica média e avaliação por microscopia de polarização do conteúdo colágeno na túnica adventícia. Na túnica íntima foram observadas vacuolizações no endotélio. Os valores encontrados para espessura de GC e GD foram respectivamente (em m): 35,0123,177 e 44,3308,434 (P=0,0350). Foi encontrada diferença na área média da parede da ADP (P=0,0179). Para densidade nuclear GC 0,0071540,001954 núcleos/&#956;m e GD 0,0048080,002069 núcleos/&#956;m (P=0,0855). Foram observadas mudanças na birrefringência das fibras colágenas na túnica adventícia, passando de alaranjado no grupo GC para esverdeado no grupo GD, indicando a mudança em sua espessura. A área ocupada pelos seios cavernosos apresentou diminuição significativa de 37 % no grupo diabético (P=0,0013). Este conjunto de alterações sugere que a hiperglicemia crônica provocada pelo diabetes levou a um processo de hipertrofia da musculatura lisa na parede vascular e nas trabéculas do corpo cavernoso, com diminuição da área dos seios, o que possivelmente altera as propriedades hemodinâmicas do órgão / Patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have a high incidence of erectile dysfunction (ED). Several epidemiological studies have assessed the correlation between DM and ED. Evaluation of animal models demonstrated that neural and vascular changes seen with DM may be associated with ED. Vascular diseases such as microangiopathy, atherosclerosis, and hypertension are often observed in patients with DM. The aim of this study was to assess the morphological changes of penile vascular structures and the corpus cavernosum area in alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. Twenty male rabbits (2 months old) were divided into two groups with 10 rabbits each, the control group (CG) and the diabetic group (DG). The animals from the DG received an intravenous injection of alloxan (100mg/kg) to induce DM. Ten weeks after the induction of DM, all animals were euthanized. Two fragments of the penile shaft were harvested and samples were processed and paraffin embedded. Sections (5&#61549;m) were cut and stained for histological and immunohistochemical markers. Nuclear protrusion toward the lumen, and cytoplasmic vacuolization were observed in the tunica intima of the dorsal artery of the penis in DG. The thicknesses of the tunica media increased significantly from 35.013,17 m in DG to 44.338,43 m in DG (p=0,0350). Was also observed a significant increase in the area of the tunica media (p=0,0179). There was no significant change in smooth muscle cell density in the tunica media of the dorsal artery of the penis (p=0,0855). The collagen fiber pattern of the tunica adventitia of the dorsal artery of the penis was different between the control and diabetic groups. There was a decrease of 37% in the area occupied by the cavernous sinuses in DG, and the difference between CG and DG was significant (p = 0.0013). Alloxan-induced DM in rabbits promotes important changes in penile vascular structures, thereby decreasing blood supply and affecting penile hemodynamics, leading to erectile dysfunction

Spleen is the largest secondary lymphatic organ which develops in a short postnatal period. Information on postnatal development of rabbit spleen is minimal in available literary sources. This diploma thesis deals with the weight, morphometric and histological changes of the spleen of rabbits at age 0, 5, 10, 14, 19, 27, 32 and 39 days. During postnatal development of rabbits, a statistically significant (P <0.01) increase in the weight, length and width of the spleen occurred. The spleen of newborn rabbits was a relatively small organ with an average length of 1.03?0.12 cm, a width of 0.2?0.01 cm and a weight of 52.50?9.69 g. At age 39 days the size and shape of spleen of adult individuals (average length 4.97?0.73 cm, width 0.9?0.18 cm and weight 1078.40?143.35 g). Between the weight and morphometric parameters, high correlation coefficients were observed in the range of 0.891 to 0.998. Spleen growth was accompanied by increasing cellularisation of the parenchyma, by strengthening the connective tissue (from 8.04?1.50 m to 31.30?5.51 m) and the progressive occurrence of connective tissue in the parenchyma. In the newborn rabbits, a red pulp with a high level of erythrocytes prevailed in the spleen parenchyma. Lymphatic tissue consisted only of small irregular aggregations of basophilic mononuclear cells around several central arteries. Basophilic and vascularization increased in the course of the age and the white pulp was gradually formed. In 14 day rabbits, the marginal zone was well-known, and primary lymph nodes formed by CD79+ cells were first formed. From 14th to 39th day the spleen gradually increased the frequency and size of the individual compartments, with rare germinal centers observed in the lymph nodes until the 39th day. Throughout the course of the observation, extramedullary haematopoiesis of different intensity was seen in the spleen.

Vicia villosa foi relacionada a intoxicações em bovinos e causa uma doença granulomatosa sistêmica caracterizada por lesões de pele e múltiplos nódulos esbranquiçados em vários órgãos. Nesse trabalho realizou-se a intoxicação experimental por sementes e folhas de V. villosa em coelhos e bovinos. Os coelhos que receberam 5g/kg de sementes de ervilhaca apresentaram lesões descamativas e crostosas nas orelhas e evidenciação dos tecidos linfóides do intestino. Os coelhos intoxicados por folhas de ervilhaca e que receberam a aplicação para o teste de hipersensibilidade apresentaram evidenciação dos tecidos linfoides do intestino que corresponderam na histologia a infiltrado de histiócitos, linfócitos e células gigantes multinucleadas. O bovino alimentado com sementes de ervilhaca (5g/kg) não apresentou a doença clínica. Na intoxicação experimental por folhas de V. villosa, o bovino não apresentou sinais clínicos, porém houve aumento nodular dos linfonodos que, na histologia, demonstravam infiltrado granulomatoso. Cinco casos de intoxicações naturais por V. villosa foram diagnosticados no Setor de Patologia Veterinária da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS) no período de 2005 a 2010. As principais alterações macroscópicas observadas foram lesões alopécicas e crostosas de pele e múltiplos nódulos branco-acinzentados principalmente localizados nos linfonodos, rins e coração. Na histologia dos animais intoxicados visualizava-se macrófagos, linfócitos, células epitelioides e células gigantes multinucleadas, plasmócitos e eosinófilos. A intensidade do infiltrado granulomatoso variou entre os cinco casos analisados e entre os órgãos de cada animal. Os testes imuno-histoquímicos caracterizaram os infiltrados, que foram constituídos principalmente por linfócitos T e macrófagos. Os resultados dos testes de hipersensibilidade cutânea em bovinos com extratos protéicos da planta sugerem que os animais com a doença clínica apresentam uma resposta de hipersensibilidade tardia enquanto que os demais animais modulam a resposta imune diferentemente. / Vicia villosa was associated with poisoning in cattle, causing a systemic granulomatous disease. Hairy vetch poisoning is characterized by skin lesions and multiple whitish nodules in several organs. This work reports experimental poisoning by seeds and leaves of V. villosa in rabbits and cattle and the spontaneous poisoning by V. villosa in cattle is described. Rabbits received 5g/kg of seeds of hairy vetch and presented scaly, crusted lesions in ear and enlargement lymphoid tissue of intestine. Rabbits poisoned by hairy vetch leaves that were tested for cutaneous hypersensitivity showed enlargement of intestine lymphoid tissue. The histologic feature of this, lesion consisted of granulomatous inflammation. Cattle fed with seeds of hairy vetch (5g/kg) did not have clinical disease. Experimental poisoning by leaves of V. villosa in cattle did not present clinical signs; however, nodules in lymph nodes were observed. Histologically, infiltration of macrophages, lymphocytes and multinucleated giant cells were observed. Five cases of poisoning by V. villosa in cattle were diagnosed at Setor de Patologia Veterinária of Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (SPV-UFRGS) in the 2005 to 2010 period. Gross lesions were alopecia, skin crusts and multiple nodules mainly located in lymph nodes, kidneys and heart. Microscopically, infiltration of lymphocytes, macrophages, multinucleated giant cells, plasma cells and eosinophils were observed. Intensity of granulomatous infiltration varied among the five cattle and between analyzed organs. The inflammatory infiltration was characterized by immunohistochemistry. It was mainly composed of lymphocytes T and macrophages. Cutaneous hypersensitivity tests with hairy vetch proteins suggest that cattle with clinic disease have type-IV hypersensitivity reaction while others show different immune response.