The antelope jackrabbit (Lepus alleni) inhabits the seasonal landscape of the subtropical Sonoran savanna grassland in southern Arizona. Basic ecological information on this understudied lagomorph is lacking beyond historical responses to rangeland conditions. This is the first study to utilize radio collars to assess space use of antelope jackrabbits. In the semidesert grassland of Buenos Aires National Wildlife Refuge, Arizona, we estimated antelope jackrabbit home range size, seasonal ranges, and movement patterns. Home range estimates were comparable to other Lepus species, however, seasonal range sizes did not differ. We analyzed antelope jackrabbit habitat structure, measured vegetation characteristics, and determined whether there was a spatial association between antelope jackrabbits and the endangered Pima pineapple cactus (Coryphantha scheeri var. robustispina). Antelope jackrabbits selected vegetation structure and characteristics similarly to available areas on the refuge. We did not detect a spatial association between antelope jackrabbits and Pima pineapple cacti, however given the importance of understanding endangered species relationships, further investigation is warranted. Our results add to the limited ecological information known about antelope jackrabbits and provide baseline data for future studies. Knowledge about spatial ecology and habitat selection helps managers and biologists make informed recommendations for land and wildlife management.

The Lower Keys marsh rabbit (LKMR, Sylvilagus palustris hefneri), a subspecies of marsh rabbit endemic to the Lower Keys, Florida, is threatened with extinction due to extensive coastal development of salt marsh habitats. LKMR recovery is limited by habitat loss and degradation from brush encroachment, predation by freeroaming cats (Felis catus) and raccoons (Procyon lotor), sea-level rise, and hurricanes. This study sought to determine local and landscape factors that influence LKMR metapopulation ecology and dynamics and to evaluate strategies for their recovery. I evaluated the influence of patch and landscape characteristics on LKMR densities, extinction, and colonization rates following Hurricane Wilma, and the response of LKMRs and salt marsh habitats to prescribed fire. I used estimates of population change based on annual monitoring data to validate vital rates, constructed a spatially explicit demographic model to evaluate various levels and spatial configurations of recovery scenarios implemented throughout the LKMRs range, and validated expected changes in parameter estimates using measures of habitat degradation and raccoon activity from known LKMR populations. I found LKMR densities were higher in patches with greater numbers of bunchgrasses and forbs and less edge and lower in patches with higher measures of raccoon activity. In response to a hurricane, I found the distance between LKMR patches and the coast had a negative influence on extinction probability; the distance between an extirpated and occupied LKMR patch had a negative influence on colonization probability and patch size had a positive influence. Adult LKMRs increased as woody cover <0.5 m decreased, herbaceous cover <0.5 m increased, and food availability increased in at least one site following prescribed fire. Model results indicated habitat management actions that improve carrying capacity of local rabbit populations and juvenile survival and control raccoon populations to increase rabbit reproductive rates are effective population recovery strategies. In total, my results provide a conservation planning tool that can be used to select recovery strategies and locations that will maximize benefits to LKMRs, thus improving their viability and recovery.

The Lower Keys marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris hefneri, LKMR), 1 of 3 subspecies of Sylvilagus palustris, is endemic to the Lower Florida Keys. The LKMR is listed as an endangered species due to predation by feral and free roaming domestic cats (Felis catus) and raccoons (Procyon lotor), road mortality, effects of storm surges, sea level rise, the small declining metapopulation size, and possible habitat loss from hardwood encroachment. The purpose of this study was to determine the current LKMR density on lands managed by the United States Navy, Naval Air Station Key West and evaluate how vegetation structure and patch elevation effect LKMR population density. I conducted fecal pellet counts to determine LKMR density, collected vegetation data using percent composition of ground cover, Robel range pole, and point-centered quarter methods, and obtained data on patch area and elevation. I used simple linear regression to assess the relationship between LKMR density and 9 measured vegetation characteristics, patch area, and patch elevation to determine which variables have an influence on LKMR density and the relationship between them. In my examination of the simple regression models, 6 out of the 11 variables appeared to influence LKMR population density. The average per patch percent composition of nonliving material and grasses, maximum height of vegetation at the range pole, distance to nearest woody vegetation, patch elevation, and visual obstruction readings (VOR) individually accounted for 26.4%, 30.4% , 18.1%, 8.5%, 6.8%, and 1.4% of the variability in LKMR density, respectively. According to the regression models, LKMR density increased in patches with greater amounts of grasses and with greater distance to woody vegetation. Habitat management is vital to the recovery of the LKMR and needs to focus on providing greater amounts of grasses and reducing the amount of woody vegetation encroachment to enhance LKMR population density.

Swamp rabbit and eastern cottontail populations have declined substantially in Illinois within the last half-century. Habitat loss and fragmentation, particularly of bottomland hardwood (BLH) forest, have left swamp rabbit populations patchily distributed along major rivers in the southern portion of the state. In addition, the decline of early-successional upland habitats due to changes in farming techniques have led to as much as 90% declines in cottontail populations in Illinois. Managers need information on basic vital rates and habitat use to conserve both species in southern Illinois; however, many questions regarding demography and behavior have not been investigated. My research examined the importance of several factors that may influence survival and habitat use among swamp rabbits and eastern cottontails. My specific research objectives were to 1) estimate seasonal and annual survival rates and identify primary mortality agents, 2) examine the influence of intrinsic factors and habitat variables on annual and seasonal 50% core area (CA) and 95% home range (HR) sizes, 3) assess differences in space use and habitat use by season, and 4) evaluate differences in space and habitat use between species for swamp rabbits and cottontails in BLH forests in southern Illinois. During December-March 2009-2013, I live-trapped and radiocollared adult swamp rabbits (>1.9 kg) and cottontails (>1.0 kg) at 7 BLH sites along the Cache River and Cypress Creek within the Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge in southern Illinois. I monitored rabbits for survival every 24-48 hr and estimated radiolocations by triangulation more than twice weekly during morning (0500-0900 hr), daytime (0900-1700 hr), and evening (1700-2400 hr) time periods on a rotating schedule. I delineated annual and seasonal 50% CA and 95% HR isopleths using kernel density estimators, comparing winter-spring (W/S; 21 Dec-19 Jun) and summer-fall (S/F; 20 Jun-21 Dec) seasons. During May-August 2012, I sampled microhabitat in 0.02-ha circular plots (3.5 plots/ha) randomly placed throughout home ranges of rabbits at each site. In ArcGIS, I classified macrohabitat patches into 1 of 4 cover types: agriculture, early-successional BLH (EBLH), mature BLH (MBLH), or upland. I also measured the distance from all radiolocations to the nearest patch of each cover type and the nearest river or creek. I modeled the influence of species, sex, and season on annual survival using parametric survival regression models. Then, I used the best model (based on AICc) to examine the influence of habitat covariates on survival. I also modeled the influence of habitat on annual and seasonal CA and HR sizes using generalized linear and generalized linear mixed effects models with AIC model selection. Finally, I estimated conspecific and heterospecific CA and HR overlap for swamp rabbits and cottontails, and examined differences between species in space and habitat use. I documented causes of mortality and estimated survival for 129 swamp rabbits and 75 cottontails during the period of study. Predation (71%) was the primary mortality agent for both species, followed by weather (9%) and hunter harvest (6%). Models with survival rates differing by species and season received the most support; swamp rabbits had higher estimated annual survival (0.37  0.05) than did cottontails (0.20  0.05), and survival for both species was lowest during the W/S season (βW/S=-2.28  0.46). None of the habitat covariates that I measured apparently influenced survival. Core areas and HRs were estimated for 60 swamp rabbits (SR; 34 M, 26 F) and 21 cottontails (CT; 10 M, 11 F) during the W/S season; of these, 57 swamp rabbits and 11 cottontails lived long enough to estimate S/F seasonal and annual home ranges. The average annual CA and HR for swamp rabbits were 2.49  1.42 ha and 11.60  5.81 ha, respectively. Cottontails had an average annual CA and HR size of 2.48  1.26 ha and 13.54  7.24 ha, respectively. Core areas and HRs for both species during the were larger during W/S than S/F (CA: βW/S=0.59  0.11, wi=1.0; HR: βW/S=0.53  0.11, wi=1.0). Seasonal CA sizes increased with decreasing proportions of woody ground cover within CAs (SR: βShrubs=-2.75  0.50, wi=1.0; CT: βShrubs=-2.30  0.74, wi=0.91). Few macrohabitat variables influenced space use for either species. The coefficient of variation in patch size within 1 km of study sites was positively associated with space use for both swamp rabbits (CA; β=0.01  0.004, wi=0.81; HR: β=0.01  0.003, wi=0.95) and cottontails (CA; β=0.02  0.01, wi=0.29; HR: β=0.02  0.01, wi=0.23); I did not detect significant differences between species in pairwise conspecific overlap within CAs or pairwise conspecific volume of intersection (VI) over the entire utilization distribution. Median conspecific CA overlap was higher during W/S than S/F, with mean CA overlap proportions of 0.20 ± 0.21 (range: 0−0.87) and 0.10 ± 0.18 (range: 0−0.73) respectively. Median conspecific VIs also differed between seasons, with mean pairwise VIs of 0.32 ± 0.19 (range: 0−0.77) during winter-spring and 0.19 ± 0.18 (range: 0−0.73) during S/F. Heterospecific CA overlap was 48% and 46% lower than conspecific overlap during W/S and S/F, respectively. Differences in habitat use between species were apparent. Swamp rabbits had HRs and CAs in areas with higher basal area compared to cottontails during both seasons (all U≥483, Z≥2.83, p≤0.005). Multivariate tests for both CAs and HRs indicated a significant effect of species on habitat use (CA: T2=0.58, F3, 71=13.70, p<0.001; HR: T2=0.24, F3, 71=5.80, p=0.001). During W/S, swamp rabbits had CAs and HRs composed of significantly higher proportions of EBLH (CA: F1, 73=16.46, p<0.001; HR: F1, 73=8.55, p=0.005) and MBLH (CA: F1, 73=17.99, p<0.001; HR: F1, 73=7.78, p<0.007). Swamp rabbits were located significantly closer to a permanent watercourse (F1, 79=24.18, p<0.001) than cottontails. Indeed, 95% of all swamp rabbit radiolocations were ≤332.0 m away from a permanent watercourse (mean=169.0  100.0 m; range=1.0−571.0 m; Figure 18), whereas 95% of cottontail radiolocations were ≤536.0 m away from a permanent watercourse (mean=289.0  142.0 m; range=1.7−670.0 m; Figure 18). Swamp rabbits also were significantly closer to MBLH patches (F1, 79=9.05, p=0.003) and farther from agriculture (F1, 79=12.36, p=0.001) than cottontails. My study represents the most complete record to date on survival and habitat use by swamp rabbits. Rabbit survival was positively associated with basal area so management actions that provide woody cover for concealment and thermoregulation may benefit both species. Although cottontails in my study used early-successional BLH, patterns of space and habitat use described here demonstrate that cottontails remained on the periphery of bottomlands. My study confirms the utility of early-successional BLH to both species; however, stands that are located too far from a permanent water sources are unlikely to be used by swamp rabbits, and may be less suitable for other BLH specialists as well. Allowing grasslands and crop fields to succeed into old fields containing bushes, vines, and other woody species will benefit both cottontails and swamp rabbits. Within BLH forests, canopy gaps can be created to promote tree regeneration and woody ground vegetation such as vines and shrubs. Finally, upland early-successional habitats that border bottomland forests are especially important as refugia for swamp rabbits during flooding.

Through the Cenozoic, paleoclimate records show general trends of global cooling and increased aridity, and environments in North America shifted from predominantly forests to more open habitats. Paleobotanical records indicate grasses were present on the continent in the Eocene; however, paleosol and phytolith studies indicate that open habitats did not arise until the late Eocene or even later in the Oligocene. Studies of large mammalian herbivores have documented changes in ecomorphology and community structure through time, revealing that shifts in mammalian morphology occurred millions of years after the environmental changes thought to have triggered them. Smaller mammals, like rodents and lagomorphs, should more closely track climate and habitat changes due to their shorter generation times and smaller ranges, but these animals have received much less study. To examine changes in smaller mammals through time, we have assembled and analyzed an ecomorphological database of all North American rodent and lagomorph species. Analyses of these data found that rodent and lagomorph community structure changed dramatically through the Cenozoic, and shifts in diversity and ecology correspond closely with the timing of habitat changes. Cenozoic rodent and lagomorph species diversity is strongly biased by sampling of localities, but sampling-corrected diversity reveals diversity dynamics that, after an initial density-dependent diversification in the Eocene, track habitat changes and the appearance of new ecological adaptations. As habitats became more open and arid through time, rodent and lagomorph crown heights increased while burrowing, jumping, and cursorial adaptations became more prevalent. Through time, open-habitat specialists were added during periods of diversification, while closed-habitat taxa were disproportionately lost in subsequent diversity declines. While shifts among rodents and lagomorphs parallel changes in ungulate communities, they started millions of years earlier than in larger mammals. This is likely a consequence of the smaller mammal' greater sensitivity to environmental changes and more rapid evolution. These results highlight the importance of examining understudied members of vertebrate faunas for understanding the evolution of terrestrial communities through time.

O endotélio é uma monocamada de células achatadas, poligonais e interligadas que recobrem a superfície posterior da córnea, sendo fundamental na manutenção da transparência desta estrutura. Apesar dos coelhos (Orictolagus cuniculus) serem amplamente utilizados em pesquisas oftálmicas, não existem avaliações detalhadas referentes ao endotélio da córnea desta espécie em diferentes idades. Objetivou-se estudar os parâmetros morfológicos e morfométricos do endotélio da córnea de coelhos de diferentes idades, utilizando-se a microscopia especular. Foram estudados 36 bulbos oculares de 18 coelhos, machos ou fêmeas, de diferentes faixas etárias divididos em três grupos com seis animais cada, designados por: G I (animais com idade de seis meses); G II (animais com 1 ano de idade) e G III (animais com quatro anos de idade). A densidade celular endotelial média nos animais dos grupos G I, G II e G III foi de respectivamente 2307,16± 319,04, 1894,75 ± 170,81 e 1818,66 ± 245,11 células/mm2. A área celular média foi de respectivamente 364,43 ± 39,36, 374,79 ± 48,46 e de 378.50 ± 02,97 μm2 para G I, G II e G III. O pleomorfismo médio ou porcentagem de células hexagonais no endotélio central do olho direito e esquerdo de coelhos foi respectivamente de 65,40 ± 23,39% e de 75,15 ± 10,44%, com variação de 42,01 a 88,80% e de 60,71 a 81,60%. Os resultados apontam decréscimo da densidade, do pleomorfismo, e aumento da área celular média com o aumento da idade. O endotélio da córnea de coelhos sofre alterações decorrentes do avanço da idade. / The corneal endothelium is a monolayer of interconnected flattened polygonal cells that cover the back surface of the cornea, it is essential for the maintenance of its transparency. Due to the complete lack of data on the endothelial cells of rabbits (Orictolagus cuniculus) it`s ophthalmic widely used in research, no data relating to corneal endothelium in this species correlating their age. Therefore aimed to assess cell density, the average cell area and morphology of the corneal endothelium of rabbits at different ages. It was studied 36 eyes of 18 rabbits, male or female, of different ages. Rabbits were divided into three groups with 6 animals each, designated by: G I (animals aged six months), G II (animals with 1 year) and G III (animals with four years of age). The mean endothelial cell density in the animals of G I, G II and G III were respectively 2307,16± 319,04, 1894,75 ± 170,81 e 1818,66 ± 245,11 células/mm2. The average cell area was respectively 364,43 ± 39,36, 374,79 ± 48,46 e de 378.50 ± 02,97 μm2 for GI, G II and G III. The pleomorphism medium or percentage of hexagonal cells in the endothelium of the central right and left eyes of rabbits was respectively 65.40 ± 23.39% and 75.15 ± 10.44%, ranging from 42.01 to 88.80 %, and 60.71 to 81.60%. The results indicate a decrease in density, pleomorphism, and increased in average cell area with increasing age. The corneal endothelium of rabbits changes with advancing age.

A regeneração óssea alveolar tem sido um dos principais alvos de estudo na odontologia, tanto humana como veterinária, principalmente na implantodontia e nas cirurgias periodontais e buco-maxilo-faciais. Em função disto, este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a regeneração óssea alveolar, utilizando como enxerto osso liofilizado e células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs), oriundas da polpa dentária de um doador macho para enxerto alogênico. Foram utilizados 57 coelhas, Nova Zelândia, sendo um coelho doador das MSCs, distribuídos em sete grupos: controle (G1), osso liofilizado (G2), Matrigel (G3), Matrigel e MSC (G4), osso liofilizado e Matrigel (G5), Osso liofilizado, Matrigel e MSC (G6) e somente MSC (G7). Após a exodontia do incisivo inferior esquerdo, o alvéolo recebia o implante de acordo com cada grupo e avaliados em sete dias. As amostras foram coletadas para análise microscópica, desmineralizadas e não desmineralizadas, PCR, além de terem sido submetidas à análise radiográfica, a qual também era realizada no pré e no pós-operatório imediato. Macroscopicamente, foi observado espessamento do ramo mandibular dos animais dos grupos que receberam Matrigel e aceleração do crescimento dos dentes incisivos remanescentes nos animais que receberam terapia celular. Na análise microscópica, constatou-se que, todos os grupos que receberam como enxerto o osso liofilizado, o tempo de regeneração foi menor, embora o grupo controle tenha apresentado melhor organização na regeneração óssea, sendo que o tratamento com Matrigel resultou ainda em uma reação inflamatória exacerbada, dado este confirmado também nas amostras não desmineralizadas. As radiografias periapicais também apontaram que os grupos que foram tratados com osso liofilizado apresentavam maior área de radiopacidade, sugerindo aceleração do processo de regeneração. Porém, o teste de PCR não detectou a presença do cromossomo Y do doador nas fêmeas receptoras das MSCs. Os resultados sugerem que o uso da terapia celular diminui o tempo de regeneração óssea alveolar e, quando aliada ao osso liofilizado, acelera este processo. Entretanto, decorridos sete dias da aplicação do Matrigel, houve aumento da espessura do ramo mandibular no alvéolo onde foi aplicado, necessitando maior tempo de avaliação para melhor elucidar seu uso clínico. / The alveolar bone regeneration has been a major focus of study in dentistry, both human and veterinary medicine, especially in implant and periodontal surgery and in the bucco-maxillo facial. Because of this, this study was to evaluate alveolar bone regeneration, using lyophilized bone and implant as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the dental pulp of a male donor for allogeneic graft. We used 57 female New Zealand rabbits, one rabbit MSCs from donor, divided into seven groups: control (G1), lyophilized bone (G2), Matrigel (G3), Matrigel and MSC (G4), lyophilized bone and Matrigel(G5), lyophilized bone, MSC and Matrigel (G6) and MSC only (G7). After extraction of the left lower incisor, the socket receiving the implant according to each group and evaluated in seven days. The samples were collected for microscopic analysis, demineralized and non-demineralized, PCR, and they have been subjected to X-ray analysis, which was also held in pre-and postoperatively. Grossly, there was thickening of the mandibular branch of animals that received and accelerate growth of the incisor teeth remaining in the Matrigel animals that received cell therapy. Under microscopic analysis, we found that all groups that received the bone graft as lyophilized, regeneration time was lower, although the control group had a better organization in bone regeneration, and treatment with still resulted in a Matrigel exaggerated inflammatory response, since this is also confirmed in samples not demineralized. The periapical radiographs also showed that the groups were treated with lyophilized bone had a greater area of radiopacity, suggesting acceleration of the regeneration process. However, the PCR test failed to detect the presence of Y chromosome in female recipients of the donor of MSCs. The results suggest that the use of cell therapy reduces the duration and alveolar bone regeneration when combined with lyophilized bone, accelerates this process. However, Matrigel, there was increased thickness after seven days of applying of the mandibular alveolus in which it was applied, requiring longer evaluation to elucidate its clinical use.

O endotélio é uma monocamada de células achatadas, poligonais e interligadas que recobrem a superfície posterior da córnea, sendo fundamental na manutenção da transparência desta estrutura. Apesar dos coelhos (Orictolagus cuniculus) serem amplamente utilizados em pesquisas oftálmicas, não existem avaliações detalhadas referentes ao endotélio da córnea desta espécie em diferentes idades. Objetivou-se estudar os parâmetros morfológicos e morfométricos do endotélio da córnea de coelhos de diferentes idades, utilizando-se a microscopia especular. Foram estudados 36 bulbos oculares de 18 coelhos, machos ou fêmeas, de diferentes faixas etárias divididos em três grupos com seis animais cada, designados por: G I (animais com idade de seis meses); G II (animais com 1 ano de idade) e G III (animais com quatro anos de idade). A densidade celular endotelial média nos animais dos grupos G I, G II e G III foi de respectivamente 2307,16± 319,04, 1894,75 ± 170,81 e 1818,66 ± 245,11 células/mm2. A área celular média foi de respectivamente 364,43 ± 39,36, 374,79 ± 48,46 e de 378.50 ± 02,97 μm2 para G I, G II e G III. O pleomorfismo médio ou porcentagem de células hexagonais no endotélio central do olho direito e esquerdo de coelhos foi respectivamente de 65,40 ± 23,39% e de 75,15 ± 10,44%, com variação de 42,01 a 88,80% e de 60,71 a 81,60%. Os resultados apontam decréscimo da densidade, do pleomorfismo, e aumento da área celular média com o aumento da idade. O endotélio da córnea de coelhos sofre alterações decorrentes do avanço da idade. / The corneal endothelium is a monolayer of interconnected flattened polygonal cells that cover the back surface of the cornea, it is essential for the maintenance of its transparency. Due to the complete lack of data on the endothelial cells of rabbits (Orictolagus cuniculus) it`s ophthalmic widely used in research, no data relating to corneal endothelium in this species correlating their age. Therefore aimed to assess cell density, the average cell area and morphology of the corneal endothelium of rabbits at different ages. It was studied 36 eyes of 18 rabbits, male or female, of different ages. Rabbits were divided into three groups with 6 animals each, designated by: G I (animals aged six months), G II (animals with 1 year) and G III (animals with four years of age). The mean endothelial cell density in the animals of G I, G II and G III were respectively 2307,16± 319,04, 1894,75 ± 170,81 e 1818,66 ± 245,11 células/mm2. The average cell area was respectively 364,43 ± 39,36, 374,79 ± 48,46 e de 378.50 ± 02,97 μm2 for GI, G II and G III. The pleomorphism medium or percentage of hexagonal cells in the endothelium of the central right and left eyes of rabbits was respectively 65.40 ± 23.39% and 75.15 ± 10.44%, ranging from 42.01 to 88.80 %, and 60.71 to 81.60%. The results indicate a decrease in density, pleomorphism, and increased in average cell area with increasing age. The corneal endothelium of rabbits changes with advancing age.

A regeneração óssea alveolar tem sido um dos principais alvos de estudo na odontologia, tanto humana como veterinária, principalmente na implantodontia e nas cirurgias periodontais e buco-maxilo-faciais. Em função disto, este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a regeneração óssea alveolar, utilizando como enxerto osso liofilizado e células-tronco mesenquimais (MSCs), oriundas da polpa dentária de um doador macho para enxerto alogênico. Foram utilizados 57 coelhas, Nova Zelândia, sendo um coelho doador das MSCs, distribuídos em sete grupos: controle (G1), osso liofilizado (G2), Matrigel (G3), Matrigel e MSC (G4), osso liofilizado e Matrigel (G5), Osso liofilizado, Matrigel e MSC (G6) e somente MSC (G7). Após a exodontia do incisivo inferior esquerdo, o alvéolo recebia o implante de acordo com cada grupo e avaliados em sete dias. As amostras foram coletadas para análise microscópica, desmineralizadas e não desmineralizadas, PCR, além de terem sido submetidas à análise radiográfica, a qual também era realizada no pré e no pós-operatório imediato. Macroscopicamente, foi observado espessamento do ramo mandibular dos animais dos grupos que receberam Matrigel e aceleração do crescimento dos dentes incisivos remanescentes nos animais que receberam terapia celular. Na análise microscópica, constatou-se que, todos os grupos que receberam como enxerto o osso liofilizado, o tempo de regeneração foi menor, embora o grupo controle tenha apresentado melhor organização na regeneração óssea, sendo que o tratamento com Matrigel resultou ainda em uma reação inflamatória exacerbada, dado este confirmado também nas amostras não desmineralizadas. As radiografias periapicais também apontaram que os grupos que foram tratados com osso liofilizado apresentavam maior área de radiopacidade, sugerindo aceleração do processo de regeneração. Porém, o teste de PCR não detectou a presença do cromossomo Y do doador nas fêmeas receptoras das MSCs. Os resultados sugerem que o uso da terapia celular diminui o tempo de regeneração óssea alveolar e, quando aliada ao osso liofilizado, acelera este processo. Entretanto, decorridos sete dias da aplicação do Matrigel, houve aumento da espessura do ramo mandibular no alvéolo onde foi aplicado, necessitando maior tempo de avaliação para melhor elucidar seu uso clínico. / The alveolar bone regeneration has been a major focus of study in dentistry, both human and veterinary medicine, especially in implant and periodontal surgery and in the bucco-maxillo facial. Because of this, this study was to evaluate alveolar bone regeneration, using lyophilized bone and implant as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from the dental pulp of a male donor for allogeneic graft. We used 57 female New Zealand rabbits, one rabbit MSCs from donor, divided into seven groups: control (G1), lyophilized bone (G2), Matrigel (G3), Matrigel and MSC (G4), lyophilized bone and Matrigel(G5), lyophilized bone, MSC and Matrigel (G6) and MSC only (G7). After extraction of the left lower incisor, the socket receiving the implant according to each group and evaluated in seven days. The samples were collected for microscopic analysis, demineralized and non-demineralized, PCR, and they have been subjected to X-ray analysis, which was also held in pre-and postoperatively. Grossly, there was thickening of the mandibular branch of animals that received and accelerate growth of the incisor teeth remaining in the Matrigel animals that received cell therapy. Under microscopic analysis, we found that all groups that received the bone graft as lyophilized, regeneration time was lower, although the control group had a better organization in bone regeneration, and treatment with still resulted in a Matrigel exaggerated inflammatory response, since this is also confirmed in samples not demineralized. The periapical radiographs also showed that the groups were treated with lyophilized bone had a greater area of radiopacity, suggesting acceleration of the regeneration process. However, the PCR test failed to detect the presence of Y chromosome in female recipients of the donor of MSCs. The results suggest that the use of cell therapy reduces the duration and alveolar bone regeneration when combined with lyophilized bone, accelerates this process. However, Matrigel, there was increased thickness after seven days of applying of the mandibular alveolus in which it was applied, requiring longer evaluation to elucidate its clinical use.

O endotélio é uma monocamada de células achatadas, poligonais e interligadas que recobrem a superfície posterior da córnea, sendo fundamental na manutenção da transparência desta estrutura. Apesar dos coelhos (Orictolagus cuniculus) serem amplamente utilizados em pesquisas oftálmicas, não existem avaliações detalhadas referentes ao endotélio da córnea desta espécie em diferentes idades. Objetivou-se estudar os parâmetros morfológicos e morfométricos do endotélio da córnea de coelhos de diferentes idades, utilizando-se a microscopia especular. Foram estudados 36 bulbos oculares de 18 coelhos, machos ou fêmeas, de diferentes faixas etárias divididos em três grupos com seis animais cada, designados por: G I (animais com idade de seis meses); G II (animais com 1 ano de idade) e G III (animais com quatro anos de idade). A densidade celular endotelial média nos animais dos grupos G I, G II e G III foi de respectivamente 2307,16± 319,04, 1894,75 ± 170,81 e 1818,66 ± 245,11 células/mm2. A área celular média foi de respectivamente 364,43 ± 39,36, 374,79 ± 48,46 e de 378.50 ± 02,97 μm2 para G I, G II e G III. O pleomorfismo médio ou porcentagem de células hexagonais no endotélio central do olho direito e esquerdo de coelhos foi respectivamente de 65,40 ± 23,39% e de 75,15 ± 10,44%, com variação de 42,01 a 88,80% e de 60,71 a 81,60%. Os resultados apontam decréscimo da densidade, do pleomorfismo, e aumento da área celular média com o aumento da idade. O endotélio da córnea de coelhos sofre alterações decorrentes do avanço da idade. / The corneal endothelium is a monolayer of interconnected flattened polygonal cells that cover the back surface of the cornea, it is essential for the maintenance of its transparency. Due to the complete lack of data on the endothelial cells of rabbits (Orictolagus cuniculus) it`s ophthalmic widely used in research, no data relating to corneal endothelium in this species correlating their age. Therefore aimed to assess cell density, the average cell area and morphology of the corneal endothelium of rabbits at different ages. It was studied 36 eyes of 18 rabbits, male or female, of different ages. Rabbits were divided into three groups with 6 animals each, designated by: G I (animals aged six months), G II (animals with 1 year) and G III (animals with four years of age). The mean endothelial cell density in the animals of G I, G II and G III were respectively 2307,16± 319,04, 1894,75 ± 170,81 e 1818,66 ± 245,11 células/mm2. The average cell area was respectively 364,43 ± 39,36, 374,79 ± 48,46 e de 378.50 ± 02,97 μm2 for GI, G II and G III. The pleomorphism medium or percentage of hexagonal cells in the endothelium of the central right and left eyes of rabbits was respectively 65.40 ± 23.39% and 75.15 ± 10.44%, ranging from 42.01 to 88.80 %, and 60.71 to 81.60%. The results indicate a decrease in density, pleomorphism, and increased in average cell area with increasing age. The corneal endothelium of rabbits changes with advancing age.