Women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men, yet stress and depression research has relied primarily on the responses of males. Early life stress is hypothesized to influence the development of vulnerability to depression while adult stress exposure can act as a trigger in those predisposed. This relationship is mediated by other environmental factors. Maternal care and the social environment appear to be particularly important for mammals. The purpose of this thesis was twofold: to develop an animal model of depression for use in female rats based on the chronic mild stress (CMS) model previously validated for use in male rodents, and to apply this model in female offspring of mothers exposed to physical restraint in the second half of gestation representing an early life insult. Results indicate that a modified CMS model was able to alter hedonic and physiological responses not present in the original model. Housing condition interacted with CMS in that effects were evident only in singly housed rats. While gestational stress (GS) altered maternal weight and behavioural profiles related to offspring care and anxiety, little to no behavioural effects were noted in juvenile or adult offspring. Applying the modified CMS model to adult female offspring resulted in an anhedonic-like response that recovered rapidly prior to the third week of CMS. Weight in GS female rats was attenuated throughout life beginning post weaning. When taken together, these results demonstrate that stress-based models, previously established in males, must be altered to accommodate the hormonally intact female rat in two ways: first, to eliminate extraneous variables that may interfere with the estrous cycle and mask possible stress effects, and secondly, to consider the appropriateness of individual stressors to induce a stress response in females. While a general lack of effect was noted in response to CMS, this was interpreted as a strong influence of housing and supportive early life experiences in protecting the female rat from the establishment of stress effects related to depression and anxiety. The housing practices employed here may be considered a model of stress-resilience and represents an encouraging avenue of future research.

Women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men, yet stress and depression research has relied primarily on the responses of males. Early life stress is hypothesized to influence the development of vulnerability to depression while adult stress exposure can act as a trigger in those predisposed. This relationship is mediated by other environmental factors. Maternal care and the social environment appear to be particularly important for mammals. The purpose of this thesis was twofold: to develop an animal model of depression for use in female rats based on the chronic mild stress (CMS) model previously validated for use in male rodents, and to apply this model in female offspring of mothers exposed to physical restraint in the second half of gestation representing an early life insult. Results indicate that a modified CMS model was able to alter hedonic and physiological responses not present in the original model. Housing condition interacted with CMS in that effects were evident only in singly housed rats. While gestational stress (GS) altered maternal weight and behavioural profiles related to offspring care and anxiety, little to no behavioural effects were noted in juvenile or adult offspring. Applying the modified CMS model to adult female offspring resulted in an anhedonic-like response that recovered rapidly prior to the third week of CMS. Weight in GS female rats was attenuated throughout life beginning post weaning. When taken together, these results demonstrate that stress-based models, previously established in males, must be altered to accommodate the hormonally intact female rat in two ways: first, to eliminate extraneous variables that may interfere with the estrous cycle and mask possible stress effects, and secondly, to consider the appropriateness of individual stressors to induce a stress response in females. While a general lack of effect was noted in response to CMS, this was interpreted as a strong influence of housing and supportive early life experiences in protecting the female rat from the establishment of stress effects related to depression and anxiety. The housing practices employed here may be considered a model of stress-resilience and represents an encouraging avenue of future research.

Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography and hormone measurements were used to study ovarian antral follicular dynamics and development of luteal structures during the middle portion of the breeding season in non-prolific cross-bred Western white-faced ewes and prolific Finn sheep. Studies were also done on ovarian activity in Western white-faced ewes during the transition to seasonal anoestrus and at the onset of the breeding season. Lastly, two experiments were carried out to examine ovulatory responses and subsequent luteal function in Western white-faced ewes treated with luteolysin (PgF 2á) and progestogen (medroxyprogesterone acetate-MAP) during the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle and after ovulation induction with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in mid-anoestrus. The results of the present experiments showed that the growth of ovine antral follicles reaching ovulatory sizes of >=5 mm in diameter occurred in a wave-like pattern throughout the oestrous cycle in both breeds of sheep under study. There were typically 3 or 4 waves of follicle production throughout the 17-day interovulatory period. Ovarian follicular emergence, or beginning of growth from the pool of 3-mm follicles, appeared to be primarily controlled by changes in circulating concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In cyclic ewes, the largest ovarian follicles acquired the ability to secrete oestradiol from the day of emergence and a peak of oestradiol secretion occurred about the time they reached their maximum diameter. The high ovulation rate in prolific Finn sheep appeared to be achieved mainly by the ovulation of follicles emerging in the last two waves of the interovulatory interval. Interestingly, prolific Finn ewes produced more but smaller corpora lutea (CL) and had lower serum concentrations of progesterone during the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle as compared to non-prolific Western white-faced ewes. During the transition into seasonal anoestrus in Western white-faced ewes, FSH secretion resembled that during the breeding season but the pattern of emergence of sequential follicular waves was dissociated from FSH and oestradiol secretion. Prior to the first ovulation of the breeding season, there was a distinct elevation in circulating concentrations of progesterone produced by luteinized unovulated follicles and/or interstitial tissue of unknown origin. This increase in serum levels of progesterone, heralding the resumption of ovulatory cycles, did not alter the rhythmic pattern FSH secretion or follicular wave emergence. Treatment of non-prolific Western white-faced ewes with PgF2á and MAP applied late in the oestrous cycle changed follicular dynamics and increased ovulation rate to resemble that in prolific Finn sheep. Effects of MAP on the recruitment and growth of ovulatory follicles in Western white-faced ewes did not have a clear gonadotrophic dependancy, suggesting a possible local regulation of ovarian activity by progestins in ewes. Following the induction of ovulation with GnRH in anoestrous Western white-faced ewes, an array of ovarian responses were detected with ultrasonography, including failure of ovulation of large antral follicles, normal (fall-lifespan) and short-lived CL post-ovulation, and luteinized cystic-like follicles. The normal luteinization of ovulated follicles appeared to be related to the amplitude of episodic elevations in daily serum FSH concentrations before induction of ovulation and characteristics of the preovulatory LH surge.

Women are twice as likely to suffer from depression as men, yet stress and depression research has relied primarily on the responses of males. Early life stress is hypothesized to influence the development of vulnerability to depression while adult stress exposure can act as a trigger in those predisposed. This relationship is mediated by other environmental factors. Maternal care and the social environment appear to be particularly important for mammals. The purpose of this thesis was twofold: to develop an animal model of depression for use in female rats based on the chronic mild stress (CMS) model previously validated for use in male rodents, and to apply this model in female offspring of mothers exposed to physical restraint in the second half of gestation representing an early life insult. Results indicate that a modified CMS model was able to alter hedonic and physiological responses not present in the original model. Housing condition interacted with CMS in that effects were evident only in singly housed rats. While gestational stress (GS) altered maternal weight and behavioural profiles related to offspring care and anxiety, little to no behavioural effects were noted in juvenile or adult offspring. Applying the modified CMS model to adult female offspring resulted in an anhedonic-like response that recovered rapidly prior to the third week of CMS. Weight in GS female rats was attenuated throughout life beginning post weaning. When taken together, these results demonstrate that stress-based models, previously established in males, must be altered to accommodate the hormonally intact female rat in two ways: first, to eliminate extraneous variables that may interfere with the estrous cycle and mask possible stress effects, and secondly, to consider the appropriateness of individual stressors to induce a stress response in females. While a general lack of effect was noted in response to CMS, this was interpreted as a strong influence of housing and supportive early life experiences in protecting the female rat from the establishment of stress effects related to depression and anxiety. The housing practices employed here may be considered a model of stress-resilience and represents an encouraging avenue of future research.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Considerando que nos tempos atuais o hábito de fumar atingiu uma parcela significativa das adolescentes brasileiras e apesar de seus conhecidos efeitos deletérios sobre diversos órgãos, pouco se sabe da sua ação sobre os ovários. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da exposição à fumaça de cigarro sobre o ciclo estral e a morfologia ovariana. Para tal, foram utilizados camundongos da linhagem Swiss, cujo estudo teve início com o estudo do perfil das características da maturação sexual. Após o desmame, aos 21 dias de idade, a partir da abertura vaginal, o 1 estro e o início da ciclicidade foram acompanhados através da citologia vaginal. As características do ciclo estral foram determinadas no decorrer de doze semanas. O efeito da exposição à fumaça de cigarro 3R4F utilizou fêmeas Swiss de 35 dias de idade que foram subdivididos em dois grupos expostos à fumaça de cigarro (grupo 15E) e animais controles livres de fumaça (grupo 15C). A exposição ocorreu por 15 dias e ao final deste período, metade dos animais de cada grupo foi sacrificada e ovários direitos foram coletados. A outra metade permaneceu em observação durante 30 dias, sem exposição à fumaça, originando os grupos 45Ex e 45C. A citologia vaginal foi avaliada durante todo o período experimental. Ao final dos 30 dias, sangue e ovários direitos foram coletados. Estes foram pesados e processados por técnica de rotina histológica para análise morfológica. A caracterização dos eventos da puberdade estabeleceu o tempo de abertura vaginal com média de 33,60,24 de idade, o primeiro estro 39,42,58 dias de idade e o início da ciclicidade, com média de 39,51,19 dias de idade, concomitante com o primeiro estro. Além disso, os ciclos estrais apresentaram períodos de cinco dias com freqüência baixa da fase diestro. Com relação à exposição da fumaça de cigarro ocorreu aumento significativo na extensão dos ciclos estrais e uma forte tendência ao aumento de estros nos animais 45Ex, apesar de não ser significativa. O número e o diâmetro de folículos grandes foram maiores no 15E, enquanto o de corpos lúteos foi menor. Em relação ao grupo 45C, o 45Ex não se alterou, porém, mostrou uma discreta redução da massa ovariana, do número de folículos pequenos, do número e do diâmetro dos folículos médios, dos corpos lúteos e aumento de folículos atrésicos. A comparação entre controles, 15C e 45C e expostos, 15E e 45Ex, mostrou uma redução no diâmetro de folículos médios e grandes. O estudo do perfil das características reprodutivas de fêmeas Swiss é indispensável para modelos experimentais em pesquisa que fazem uso desta linhagem. Permitiu verificar que a exposição à fumaça de cigarro promove alteração do ciclo estral, da massa ovariana e antecipa alterações morfológicas tempo dependente que sinaliza a finalização da vida reprodutiva / Nowadays greater number of Brazilian young women are smokers, and it is troubling because in their reproductive prime are the fastest growing population of smokers. Despite the fact that cigarette smoke is a well established health hazard, and systemic diseases are already well recognized, the potential deleterious effects on ovaries must be more investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to cigarette smoke on the estrous cycle and ovarian morphology. To this end, female Swiss mice were used, whose protocols were previously provided for the timing of three pubertal events and determination of the estrous cycle phases in this strain. Weanlings were examined daily and the date of vaginal opening was recorded. Daily vaginal lavages were begun on the day of vaginal opening and continued for the duration of the study. The onset of first cornification and cyclicity were measured. Animals were then observed for a total of 12 weeks. The ovarian effects of smoke exposure from cigarette 3R4F were studied in female Swiss mice (35 days old) for 15 day - 15E group. The control group (15C) stead in absence of smoke. At the end of this time, part of the animals in each group was sacrificed and right ovaries were collected. The others remained under observation for 30 days without exposure to smoke (45Ex group). The vaginal smear was determined throughout the experimental period. Ovaries were weighed and fixed for standard histology. The protocol provided a vaginal opening at 33,60,24 days old, the onset of first cornification at 39,42,58 days of age and the onset of cyclicity at 39,51,19 days old, concomitant with the appearance of first estrus. Furthermore, the estrous cycles were equal to 5 days in length. The less predominant smear type was diestrus. The length of estrous cycles increased significantly in mice exposed to cigarette smoke and estrus smear was more frequent. The number and diameter of large follicles were higher in 15E, while the corpora lutea was less frequent. The 45Ex group showed a decreasing trend of the ovarian weight, number of small follicles, the number and mean diameter of follicles, corpora lutea and the increase of atretic follicles. Comparison between controls and exposed animals throughout the time, showed a reduction in mean diameter of medium and large follicles. The protocols provided in this unit are indispensable for experimental research involving the reproductive system and the influence of the estrous cycle on non-reproductive functions in Swiss mice. The findings show that exposure to cigarette smoke results in alteration of the estrous cycle, ovarian weight and predict time dependent morphological changes that are signals of the end of reproductive life

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar os efeitos de dois diluentes comerciais, Dilutris® (SEMENCON – Produtos Agropecuários Ltda., Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil) e TQC Holding Plus® (Nutricell – Nutrientes Celulares Ltda., Campinas, SP, Brasil), na qualidade do sêmen, nas taxas de concepção utilizando inseminação artificial cervical (IAC) e por laparoscopia (IAL) e na reação inflamatória uterina após a inseminação laparoscópica. Para os testes in vitro do sêmen foram coletados seis ejaculados de dois carneiros. Cada ejaculado foi dividido em cinco frações de 0,20 mL, e acrescentado a cada fração o volume de diluidor equivalente a concentração da dose inseminante: para IAC (100x106 espermatozóides) e para IAL (40x106 espermatozóides), formando quatro tratamentos T1, T2, T3 e T4, respectivamente: Dilutris®/cervical; Dilutris®/laparoscopia; Holding®/cervical; Holding®/laparoscopia. Foram avaliadas a motilidade/ vigor, testes de termo-resistência e hiposmótico de cada fração. A motilidade e o vigor não diferiram entre os tratamentos e foram semelhantes aos verificados no sêmen fresco. No teste hiposmótico, os valores verificados no T4 e T1 foram semelhantes e não diferiram dos observados no sêmen fresco. Os valores observados nos tratamentos T2 e T3 não diferiram entre si, mas foram significativamente inferiores (P<0,05) aos verificados no T4. Os resultados do teste de TTR verificados em todos os tratamentos utilizados, foram superiores ao valor mínimo de 30% preconizado pelo CBRA. O T1 apresentou valor significativamente inferior (P<0,05) ao dos demais tratamentos. Para a inseminação artificial, 208 fêmeas tiveram o estro sincronizado com esponjas vaginais contendo 60 mg de MAP por 13 dias e aplicação de 400 UI de eCG no momento da retirada. Foram inseminadas pela via cervical (IAC) ou por laparoscopia (IAL), 54 horas e 60 horas, respectivamente, após a retirada do dispositivo intra-vaginal, com sêmen diluído com Dilutris®, Holding® ou solução fisiológica (Grupo controle). Independentemente do diluente utilizado, os índices obtidos na IAL foram superiores (P<0,05) aos obtidos pela IAC. Na IAC a taxa de gestação obtida no grupo inseminado com o diluente TQC Holding Plus® (45,6%), foi semelhante à verificada no grupo controle (48,9%). Já no grupo que foi inseminado com Dilutris®, a taxa de gestação (29%) foi inferior à obtida no grupo controle (P<0,05). Com relação aos aspectos histológicos, verificou-se um infiltrado inflamatório de neutrófilos de grau discreto a acentuado nos úteros inseminados por laparoscopia com Dilutris®, de ausente a moderado nos úteros inseminados com TQC Holding Plus®, e no grupo controle não houve presença de infiltrado inflamatório de neutrófilos. Podese concluir que na avaliação in vitro, o meio de manutenção de embriões TQC Holding Plus® não causou efeitos negativos na qualidade do sêmen, enquanto que o meio diluidor Dilutris® foi menos efetivo na manutenção da qualidade do sêmen. O local de deposição do sêmen teve influência significativa no índice de fertilidade (P<0,05). Por laparoscopia as taxas de gestação foram semelhantes independentemente do diluidor utilizado. Um maior número de avaliações uterinas são necessárias para um melhor conhecimento da reação inflamatória intra-uterina em ovinos inseminados por laparoscopia. / This study aims to assess the effects of two commercial diluents, Dilutris® (SEMENCON – Produtos Agropecuários Ltda., Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil) and TQC Holding Plus® (Nutricell – Nutrientes Celulares Ltda., Campinas, SP, Brazil), on semen quality, conception rates using Cervical Artificial Insemination (CAI) and Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination (LAI), and uterine inflammatory reactions after the laparoscopic insemination. For the in vitro tests with the semen, six ejaculates of two rams were collected. Each ejaculate was divided into five fractions of 0.20 mL, and we added to each fraction the volume of extender equivalent to the concentration of the inseminant dose: for CAI (100x106 spermatozoa) and for LAI (40x106 spermatozoa), forming four treatments T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively: Dilutris®/cervical; Dilutris®/laparoscopy; Holding®/cervical; Holding®/laparoscopy. The motility/vigor, thermo-resistance and hypoosmotic tests of each fraction was evaluated. The motility and vigor were not different between the treatments and were similar to those verified in fresh semen. In the hypoosmotic test, the values verified in T4 and T1 were similar and were not different from those observed in fresh semen. The values observed in T2 and T3 treatments have not differed between them, but were significantly lower (P<0.05) to those verified in T4. Results of the TTR test verified in all used treatments were superior to the minimum value of 30% preconized by CBRA. T1 presented a significantly lower value (P<0.05) compared to the other treatments. For artificial insemination, 208 female had their estrus synchronized with vaginal sponges containing 60 mg of MAP for 13 days and the application of 400 UI of eCG at the moment of removal. They were inseminated by cervical via (CAI) or by laparoscopy (LAI), 54 and 60 hours, respectively, after the removal of the intravaginal device, with semen diluted with Dilutris®, Holding® or physiological solution (control group). Independently of the extender used, the obtained rates in the LAI were superior (P<0.05) to those obtained with the CAI. In CAI the pregnancy rate obtained in the inseminated group with the TQC Holding Plus® diluent (45.6%) was similar to the one verified in the control group (48.9%). In the group inseminated with Dilutris®, the pregnancy rate (29%) was inferior to the obtained in the control group (P<0.05). Related to the histological aspects, we verified a discreet to accentuated degree of neutrophils inflammatory infiltrate in the uterus inseminated by laparoscopy with Dilutris®, from absent to moderate in uterus inseminated with TQC Holding Plus®, and in the control group there was not inflammatory infiltrate of neutrophils. We can conclude that in the in vitro evaluation, the embryos maintenance means TQC Holding Plus® has not caused negative effects in the quality of the semen, while the Dilutris® extender was less effective to maintain the quality of the semen. The semen deposition site has a significant impact in the fertility rate (P<0.05). By laparoscopy the pregnancy rates were similar independently of the extender used. A larger number of uterine analyses are required for a better knowledge of the intrauterine inflammatory reaction in sheep inseminated by laparoscopy.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / Considerando que nos tempos atuais o hábito de fumar atingiu uma parcela significativa das adolescentes brasileiras e apesar de seus conhecidos efeitos deletérios sobre diversos órgãos, pouco se sabe da sua ação sobre os ovários. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da exposição à fumaça de cigarro sobre o ciclo estral e a morfologia ovariana. Para tal, foram utilizados camundongos da linhagem Swiss, cujo estudo teve início com o estudo do perfil das características da maturação sexual. Após o desmame, aos 21 dias de idade, a partir da abertura vaginal, o 1 estro e o início da ciclicidade foram acompanhados através da citologia vaginal. As características do ciclo estral foram determinadas no decorrer de doze semanas. O efeito da exposição à fumaça de cigarro 3R4F utilizou fêmeas Swiss de 35 dias de idade que foram subdivididos em dois grupos expostos à fumaça de cigarro (grupo 15E) e animais controles livres de fumaça (grupo 15C). A exposição ocorreu por 15 dias e ao final deste período, metade dos animais de cada grupo foi sacrificada e ovários direitos foram coletados. A outra metade permaneceu em observação durante 30 dias, sem exposição à fumaça, originando os grupos 45Ex e 45C. A citologia vaginal foi avaliada durante todo o período experimental. Ao final dos 30 dias, sangue e ovários direitos foram coletados. Estes foram pesados e processados por técnica de rotina histológica para análise morfológica. A caracterização dos eventos da puberdade estabeleceu o tempo de abertura vaginal com média de 33,60,24 de idade, o primeiro estro 39,42,58 dias de idade e o início da ciclicidade, com média de 39,51,19 dias de idade, concomitante com o primeiro estro. Além disso, os ciclos estrais apresentaram períodos de cinco dias com freqüência baixa da fase diestro. Com relação à exposição da fumaça de cigarro ocorreu aumento significativo na extensão dos ciclos estrais e uma forte tendência ao aumento de estros nos animais 45Ex, apesar de não ser significativa. O número e o diâmetro de folículos grandes foram maiores no 15E, enquanto o de corpos lúteos foi menor. Em relação ao grupo 45C, o 45Ex não se alterou, porém, mostrou uma discreta redução da massa ovariana, do número de folículos pequenos, do número e do diâmetro dos folículos médios, dos corpos lúteos e aumento de folículos atrésicos. A comparação entre controles, 15C e 45C e expostos, 15E e 45Ex, mostrou uma redução no diâmetro de folículos médios e grandes. O estudo do perfil das características reprodutivas de fêmeas Swiss é indispensável para modelos experimentais em pesquisa que fazem uso desta linhagem. Permitiu verificar que a exposição à fumaça de cigarro promove alteração do ciclo estral, da massa ovariana e antecipa alterações morfológicas tempo dependente que sinaliza a finalização da vida reprodutiva / Nowadays greater number of Brazilian young women are smokers, and it is troubling because in their reproductive prime are the fastest growing population of smokers. Despite the fact that cigarette smoke is a well established health hazard, and systemic diseases are already well recognized, the potential deleterious effects on ovaries must be more investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exposure to cigarette smoke on the estrous cycle and ovarian morphology. To this end, female Swiss mice were used, whose protocols were previously provided for the timing of three pubertal events and determination of the estrous cycle phases in this strain. Weanlings were examined daily and the date of vaginal opening was recorded. Daily vaginal lavages were begun on the day of vaginal opening and continued for the duration of the study. The onset of first cornification and cyclicity were measured. Animals were then observed for a total of 12 weeks. The ovarian effects of smoke exposure from cigarette 3R4F were studied in female Swiss mice (35 days old) for 15 day - 15E group. The control group (15C) stead in absence of smoke. At the end of this time, part of the animals in each group was sacrificed and right ovaries were collected. The others remained under observation for 30 days without exposure to smoke (45Ex group). The vaginal smear was determined throughout the experimental period. Ovaries were weighed and fixed for standard histology. The protocol provided a vaginal opening at 33,60,24 days old, the onset of first cornification at 39,42,58 days of age and the onset of cyclicity at 39,51,19 days old, concomitant with the appearance of first estrus. Furthermore, the estrous cycles were equal to 5 days in length. The less predominant smear type was diestrus. The length of estrous cycles increased significantly in mice exposed to cigarette smoke and estrus smear was more frequent. The number and diameter of large follicles were higher in 15E, while the corpora lutea was less frequent. The 45Ex group showed a decreasing trend of the ovarian weight, number of small follicles, the number and mean diameter of follicles, corpora lutea and the increase of atretic follicles. Comparison between controls and exposed animals throughout the time, showed a reduction in mean diameter of medium and large follicles. The protocols provided in this unit are indispensable for experimental research involving the reproductive system and the influence of the estrous cycle on non-reproductive functions in Swiss mice. The findings show that exposure to cigarette smoke results in alteration of the estrous cycle, ovarian weight and predict time dependent morphological changes that are signals of the end of reproductive life

Este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar os efeitos de dois diluentes comerciais, Dilutris® (SEMENCON – Produtos Agropecuários Ltda., Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil) e TQC Holding Plus® (Nutricell – Nutrientes Celulares Ltda., Campinas, SP, Brasil), na qualidade do sêmen, nas taxas de concepção utilizando inseminação artificial cervical (IAC) e por laparoscopia (IAL) e na reação inflamatória uterina após a inseminação laparoscópica. Para os testes in vitro do sêmen foram coletados seis ejaculados de dois carneiros. Cada ejaculado foi dividido em cinco frações de 0,20 mL, e acrescentado a cada fração o volume de diluidor equivalente a concentração da dose inseminante: para IAC (100x106 espermatozóides) e para IAL (40x106 espermatozóides), formando quatro tratamentos T1, T2, T3 e T4, respectivamente: Dilutris®/cervical; Dilutris®/laparoscopia; Holding®/cervical; Holding®/laparoscopia. Foram avaliadas a motilidade/ vigor, testes de termo-resistência e hiposmótico de cada fração. A motilidade e o vigor não diferiram entre os tratamentos e foram semelhantes aos verificados no sêmen fresco. No teste hiposmótico, os valores verificados no T4 e T1 foram semelhantes e não diferiram dos observados no sêmen fresco. Os valores observados nos tratamentos T2 e T3 não diferiram entre si, mas foram significativamente inferiores (P<0,05) aos verificados no T4. Os resultados do teste de TTR verificados em todos os tratamentos utilizados, foram superiores ao valor mínimo de 30% preconizado pelo CBRA. O T1 apresentou valor significativamente inferior (P<0,05) ao dos demais tratamentos. Para a inseminação artificial, 208 fêmeas tiveram o estro sincronizado com esponjas vaginais contendo 60 mg de MAP por 13 dias e aplicação de 400 UI de eCG no momento da retirada. Foram inseminadas pela via cervical (IAC) ou por laparoscopia (IAL), 54 horas e 60 horas, respectivamente, após a retirada do dispositivo intra-vaginal, com sêmen diluído com Dilutris®, Holding® ou solução fisiológica (Grupo controle). Independentemente do diluente utilizado, os índices obtidos na IAL foram superiores (P<0,05) aos obtidos pela IAC. Na IAC a taxa de gestação obtida no grupo inseminado com o diluente TQC Holding Plus® (45,6%), foi semelhante à verificada no grupo controle (48,9%). Já no grupo que foi inseminado com Dilutris®, a taxa de gestação (29%) foi inferior à obtida no grupo controle (P<0,05). Com relação aos aspectos histológicos, verificou-se um infiltrado inflamatório de neutrófilos de grau discreto a acentuado nos úteros inseminados por laparoscopia com Dilutris®, de ausente a moderado nos úteros inseminados com TQC Holding Plus®, e no grupo controle não houve presença de infiltrado inflamatório de neutrófilos. Podese concluir que na avaliação in vitro, o meio de manutenção de embriões TQC Holding Plus® não causou efeitos negativos na qualidade do sêmen, enquanto que o meio diluidor Dilutris® foi menos efetivo na manutenção da qualidade do sêmen. O local de deposição do sêmen teve influência significativa no índice de fertilidade (P<0,05). Por laparoscopia as taxas de gestação foram semelhantes independentemente do diluidor utilizado. Um maior número de avaliações uterinas são necessárias para um melhor conhecimento da reação inflamatória intra-uterina em ovinos inseminados por laparoscopia. / This study aims to assess the effects of two commercial diluents, Dilutris® (SEMENCON – Produtos Agropecuários Ltda., Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil) and TQC Holding Plus® (Nutricell – Nutrientes Celulares Ltda., Campinas, SP, Brazil), on semen quality, conception rates using Cervical Artificial Insemination (CAI) and Laparoscopic Artificial Insemination (LAI), and uterine inflammatory reactions after the laparoscopic insemination. For the in vitro tests with the semen, six ejaculates of two rams were collected. Each ejaculate was divided into five fractions of 0.20 mL, and we added to each fraction the volume of extender equivalent to the concentration of the inseminant dose: for CAI (100x106 spermatozoa) and for LAI (40x106 spermatozoa), forming four treatments T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively: Dilutris®/cervical; Dilutris®/laparoscopy; Holding®/cervical; Holding®/laparoscopy. The motility/vigor, thermo-resistance and hypoosmotic tests of each fraction was evaluated. The motility and vigor were not different between the treatments and were similar to those verified in fresh semen. In the hypoosmotic test, the values verified in T4 and T1 were similar and were not different from those observed in fresh semen. The values observed in T2 and T3 treatments have not differed between them, but were significantly lower (P<0.05) to those verified in T4. Results of the TTR test verified in all used treatments were superior to the minimum value of 30% preconized by CBRA. T1 presented a significantly lower value (P<0.05) compared to the other treatments. For artificial insemination, 208 female had their estrus synchronized with vaginal sponges containing 60 mg of MAP for 13 days and the application of 400 UI of eCG at the moment of removal. They were inseminated by cervical via (CAI) or by laparoscopy (LAI), 54 and 60 hours, respectively, after the removal of the intravaginal device, with semen diluted with Dilutris®, Holding® or physiological solution (control group). Independently of the extender used, the obtained rates in the LAI were superior (P<0.05) to those obtained with the CAI. In CAI the pregnancy rate obtained in the inseminated group with the TQC Holding Plus® diluent (45.6%) was similar to the one verified in the control group (48.9%). In the group inseminated with Dilutris®, the pregnancy rate (29%) was inferior to the obtained in the control group (P<0.05). Related to the histological aspects, we verified a discreet to accentuated degree of neutrophils inflammatory infiltrate in the uterus inseminated by laparoscopy with Dilutris®, from absent to moderate in uterus inseminated with TQC Holding Plus®, and in the control group there was not inflammatory infiltrate of neutrophils. We can conclude that in the in vitro evaluation, the embryos maintenance means TQC Holding Plus® has not caused negative effects in the quality of the semen, while the Dilutris® extender was less effective to maintain the quality of the semen. The semen deposition site has a significant impact in the fertility rate (P<0.05). By laparoscopy the pregnancy rates were similar independently of the extender used. A larger number of uterine analyses are required for a better knowledge of the intrauterine inflammatory reaction in sheep inseminated by laparoscopy.

A ketamina, antagonista não competitivo de receptores NMDA, apresenta potentes efeitos psicomiméticos, sendo capaz de acentuar o estado psicótico de pacientes esquizofrênicos. Uma das áreas cerebrais afetadas por seu uso é o córtex pré-frontal, já que o desempenho em tarefas que dependem de sua atividade é profundamente alterado pela administração aguda de ketamina. Assim como na esquizofrenia, estas alterações podem sofrer influência de fatores hormonais, alterações estas que podem ser explicadas pelos efeitos dos hormônios sexuais femininos, como o estrogênio, os quais apresentam um papel regulador sobre os sistemas dopaminérgicos, serotonérgicos, glutamatérgicos e GABAérgicos, todos afetados pelos efeitos agudos e crônicos do uso de ketamina. Este projeto, portanto, teve como meta avaliar os possíveis efeitos da administração crônica e retirada de ketamina sobre a expressão de comportamentos relacionados à ansiedade humana em ratas da linhagem Wistar, assim como a influência dos hormônios estradiol e a progesterona sobre esta variável. As possíveis alterações farmacológicas induzidas pela administração crônica de ketamina sobre os sistemas dopaminérgicos e serotoninérgicos da divisão pré-límbica (PrL) do córtex pré-frontal medial serão avaliadas através da injeção local de antagonista/agonista específicos. Nossos dados reforçam a ideia de que a ketamina demonstra de forma significativa a expressão da resposta aprendida de medo. E também, os dados mostram que a abstinência da droga altera este comportamento, particularmente a capacidade cognitiva relacionada ao encadeamento de estímulos. Da mesma forma que outras drogas de abuso, estas alterações parecem envolver tanto o sistema dopaminérgico quanto serotoninérgico do CPFm. / Ketamine, a non-competitive antagonist of NMDA receptors, has potent psychomimetic effects, being able to accentuate the psychotic state of schizophrenic patients. One of the brain areas affected by its use is the prefrontal cortex, since performance in tasks that depend on its activity is profoundly altered by the acute administration of ketamine. As in schizophrenia, these changes may be influenced by hormonal factors, which can be explained by the effects of female sex hormones, such as estrogen, which play a role in the dopaminergic, serotonergic, glutamatergic and GABAergic systems, all affected acute and chronic effects of ketamine use. This project therefore aimed to evaluate the possible effects of chronic administration and withdrawal of ketamine on the expression of behaviors related to human anxiety in Wistar rats, as well as the influence of the hormones estradiol and progesterone on this variable. The possible pharmacological changes induced by chronic ketamine administration on the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems of the prelambial (PrL) division of the medial prefrontal cortex will be assessed by specific local antagonist / agonist injection. Our data reinforce the idea that ketamine demonstrates significantly the expression of the learned response of fear. Also, the data show that drug abstinence alters this behavior, particularly the cognitive capacity related to the chaining of stimuli. Like other drugs of abuse, these changes appear to involve both the dopaminergic and serotonergic system of CPFm.

The Criollo Horse breed is gaining increasing importance in our state, due to competition to economic and cultural aspects. However, few studies were developed with this horse breed. Under seasonal and natural photoperiod influence, in a stud farm at 29º38 South latitude, the length of gestation, foal s heat occurrence and duration of partum to ovulation interval, fall transition, anestrous, vernal transition and estrous were evaluated in 82 Criollo mares, with age between three and 28 years. Palpation per rectum and ultrasonography were performed daily from the beginning of the breeding season in September/2005 until December/2006. The mean and standard deviation (±SD) of gestation length in 70 mares was 335.6±10.5 days, varying from 312 to 364 days. The mean interval from parturition to first ovulation (±SD) of 42 mares that foaled between September and December of 2005 and 2006 was 20.0±14.0 days. The longer period was 71 days. A foal heat ovulation shorter then 20 days was shown on 83.3% (35/42) of the mares and, on them the mean parturition to ovulation interval (±SD) was 14.2±3.0 days. The results of estrus evaluation, during the six days prior to ovulation, showed a daily enlargement of follicle diameter of about three millimeters. The mean diameter varied from 30.1mm at the 6th day pre-ovulation to 45.6mm on the day before corpus luteum detection. The vernal transition was evaluated in 14 mares in two consecutive years. On them, 64.3% finished their transitional period between the second half of September and the first fortnight of October, close to the spring equinox. The fall transition started on May and 75% (6/8) of the mares entered the anestrous period at the second half of that month / Os eqüinos da raça Crioula se destacam pela sua importância cultural, atlética e econômica no Rio Grande do Sul. Entretanto, poucas pesquisas têm sido desenvolvidas com enfoque nos aspectos fisiológicos da reprodução da égua Crioula que ainda requerem melhor compreensão. Em uma propriedade situada à latitude 29º38 Sul e sob a influência do fotoperíodo natural, 82 éguas da raça Crioula, com idade entre três e 28 anos, foram avaliadas a duração da gestação, a ocorrência do primeiro cio pós-parto e duração do intervalo parto-ovulação, período de transição vernal e estros, período de transição outonal e ocorrência da fase de anestro. A partir do início da estação reprodutiva, de setembro de 2005 até dezembro de 2006, examinou-se diariamente o trato reprodutivo das éguas por palpação retal e ultra-sonografia. A duração da gestação (n=70) foi de 335,6±10,5 dias, variando de 312 a 364 dias. O intervalo parto-ovulação de 42 reprodutoras paridas de setembro a dezembro de 2005 e 2006 teve duração média (±DP) de 20,0±14,0 dias, sendo de 71 dias o período mais longo. Oitenta e três porcento das éguas apresentaram cio do potro e primeira ovulação até o 20° dia após o parto (35/42), com mé dia (±DP) de 14,2±3,0 dias. O crescimento médio do folículo dominante durante o cio foi de três milímetros ao dia, variando de 30,1mm no sexto dia pré-ovulação, para 45,6mm no dia que antecedeu a detecção do corpo lúteo. A transição vernal foi avaliada em 14 éguas em dois anos consecutivos. Destas, 64,3% encerraram a fase transicional entre a primeira quinzena do mês de setembro e a primeira quinzena do mês de outubro, próximo, ou até duas semanas após o equinócio de primavera. A transição outonal teve início no mês de maio, sendo a partir da segunda quinzena deste mês, 75% (6/8) das reprodutoras avaliadas iniciaram a entrada na fase de anestro