The present study characterized envenomation in young rats by Tityus fasciolatus, an endemic scorpion to Central Brazilian and state of Minas Gerais. Electrocardiographic examinations were performed prior to treatment and every 5 min during the first 30 min after envenomation. The cardiac blood profile [creatine kinase, CK isoenzyme MB, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and troponina] together with macroscopic and microscopic alterations in the lungs and heart were evaluated. Envenomated animals showed ECG changes suggesting electrolytic imbalance, myocarditis and venom interference on the conduction tissue. Biochemical analyses indicated myocardial damage with high levels of CK, CK-MB and LDH. Macroscopic and microscopic findings included detection of pulmonary haemorrhages. In conclusion, T. fasciolatus venom leads to acute cardio-respiratory changes in young rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the canine blood and urinary profiles after envenomation by Tityus serrulatus venom. Twelve dogs were randomly distributed into two equal groups. Control group animals received 0.5 mL phosphate buffered saline (PBS) injected subcutaneously into the internal portion of the left thigh, whilst dogs in the envenomed group were injected with scorpion venom (250 microg/kg in 0.5 mL PBS). No significant alterations were detected in the urine of envenomed dogs. Levels of plasma glucose and serum urea, creatinine, total protein, potassium, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and amylase were determined. Semi-quantitative analysis of serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) was performed using an immunochromatographic test. The concentrations of cortisol and insulin were determined using commercial radioimmunoassay kits. Increases in serum cortisol levels in experimental group animals coincided with hyperglycaemia and was probably a response to pain. Increased insulin levels were observed during the hyperglycaemic peaks. Envenomed dogs presented discreet increases in ALT, AST and CK, but no alterations in LDH, amylase, cTnI, urea, creatinine and potassium levels were observed. It was concluded that the venom of T. serrulatus induces blood and urinary biochemical changes in dogs.

Massive production, such as fish growing in water recirculation system, imposes challenges to animals capable of altering their homeostatic balance, and is able to affect their physiological performance. Therefore, the levels of ions and serum enzymes can be used as indicators of fish health. This study aimed to analyze the blood biochemistry profile of hybrid surubim (P. reticulatum X P. corruscans) submitted to different stocking densities in water recirculation system, in two distinct stages of production, from 150 to 400 g (first trial), and 400 to 1000 g (second trial). In the first trial, the five stocking rates were: 27.5, 47.5, 67.5, 87.5 and 107.5 fish/m 3 of water. To obtain these densities, it was used 11, 19, 27, 35 and 43 fish per tank, respectively. In the second trial, five stocking rates were: 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 fish/m 3 of water. To obtain these densities we used 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 fish per tank, respectively. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium were obtained. Only urea concentrations in first trial and ALP and AST concentrations in second trial were influenced by stocking density, presenting a significant difference between groups. Thus, in both trials the hybrid fish studied maintained homeostasis when reared in different stocking densities.Index terms: Fish, hybrid, plasma biochemistry. RESUMODentre os sistemas de produção, o de recirculação de água impõe desafios para os animais que podem ser capazes de alterar o seu equilíbrio homeostático, afetando o índice de desempenho. Por conseguinte, os níveis de ions e enzimas séricas podem ser utilizados como indicadores de saúde dos peixes. Neste estudo, objetivo-se analisar o perfil de bioquímico do sangue do híbrido de Surubim (P. reticulatum X P. corruscans), submetido a diferentes densidades de estocagem em sistema de recirculação de água, em duas fases distintas de produção, de 150 a 400 g (primeiro ensaio) e, 400 a 1000 g (segundo ensaio). No primeiro ensaio, as cinco densidades de estocagem estudadas foram: 27,5, 47,5, 67,5, 87,5 e 107,5 peixes/m 3 de água. Para a obtenção dessas densidades foram utilizados 11, 19, 27, 35 e 43 peixes por tanque, respectivamente. No segundo ensaio, as cinco densidades de estocagem estudadas foram: 10, 20, 30, 40 e 50 peixes/m3 de água. Para a obtenção dessas densidades foram utilizados 4, 8, 12, 16 e 20 peixes por tanque, respectivamente. As concentrações de glicose, colesterol, triglicérides, ureia, creatinina, fosfatase alcalina (FA), aspartato aminotransferase (AST), desidrogenase lática (LDH), cálcio, fósforo, potássio e magnésio foram avaliadas. Apenas as concentrações de ureia no primeiro ensaio e FA e AST no segundo ensaio foram influenciadas pela densidade de estocagem, apresentando uma diferença significativa entre os grupos. Assim, em ambos os ensaios, o Surubim híbrido manteve a homeostase do sangue em diferentes...

Avaliou-se o perfil bioquímico sanguíneo na intoxicação por Mascagnia rigida, uma planta tóxica que gera problema econômico para a pecuária, por causar morte súbita. Nove coelhos Nova Zelândia, machos, com massa corporal média de 3,54kg, foram distribuídos em três grupos (G) (n=3). Os animais receberam, durante oito dias consecutivos, o equivalente a 30g/kg de matéria seca da planta em dois tipos de extratos: solúvel em água (GS) e insolúvel em água (GI), e formou-se também o grupo-controle (GC). Os exames bioquímicos foram realizados previamente ao início do experimento até o nono dia. A administração dos extratos da Mascagnia rigida causou alterações eletrolíticas que podem justificar alguns sinais clínicos observados e atuar de forma significativa na causa mortis.

The hematological and biochemical profiles of newly weaned rats submitted to experimental poisoning with T. serrulatus venom were evaluated. Fifteen recently weaned male Wistar rats (mean weight 130g) were distributed into three equal groups (n = 5). Animals in the control group (group A) received a subcutaneous injection of 400µL of ultra-pure water, while those in the experimental groups received, by identical route, 400µL of a solution containing 100µg (group B) or 450µg (group C) of scorpion venom dissolved in ultra-pure water. Red blood cells indexes, and differential leukocyte and total platelet counts were determined, together with levels of serum glucose, urea, creatinine, lactic dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, amylase, insulin, and cortisol. No significant differences between the control and experimental groups regarding red blood cells indexes were found. In contrast, significant increases (P<0.05) in neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes were observed in animals from groups B and C compared with the control group, while the number of platelets decreased. Serum glucose concentration remained unchanged in all groups, but important alterations were observed in the values of urea and creatinine. The results show that scorpion venom was detrimental to renal function as demonstrated by the altered urea and creatinine levels. Pancreatic function was also impaired, as revealed by the increase in amylase activity and the reduction in insulin levels.Keywords: rat, Tityus serrulatus, scorpion, experimental envenoming, hematology, biochemestry RESUMO Avaliaram-se os perfis hematológico e bioquímico de ratos recém-desmamados submetidos ao envenenamento experimental com veneno de Tityus serrulatus. Quinze ratos Wistar machos, média de peso de 130g, foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em três grupos (n = 5). Os animais do grupo-controle

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RESUMOAvaliou-se o hemograma de 12 cães adultos, saudáveis (14,2±5,4kg) após a inoculação de veneno do escorpião amarelo (Tityus serrulatus). Os animais foram distribuídos em dois grupos (G), com seis em cada: os do GI foram usados como controle e receberam 0,5mL de salina tamponada com fosfato (PBS) por via subcutânea (SC) na face medial da coxa esquerda (FMCE), e os do GII receberam veneno liofilizado do T. serrulatus (250µg/kg) diluído em PBS por via SC na FMCE. Foram realizadas colheitas de sangue com anticoagulante EDTA a 10% antes da inoculação do veneno (T0) e após 2h, (T1), 6h (T2), 12h (T3), 24h (T4), 48h (T5) e 72h (T6), para contagem de eritrócitos, leucócitos e plaquetas em aparelho contador eletrônico e esfregaços sanguíneos para contagem diferencial de leucócitos. Houve aumento significativo (P<0,05) dos valores de eritrócitos, volume globular e hemoglobina 2h e 6h após o envenenamento, devido à contração esplênica decorrente da dor local causada pelo veneno e pela liberação de catecolaminas. Foi observada leucocitose por aumento significativo (P<0,05) de neutrófilos e linfócitos 2h e 6h após o envenenamento. Concluiu-se que o veneno de Tityus serrulatus na dose de 250µg/kg, é capaz de aumentar os valores do eritrograma e do leucograma dos cães, provavelmente devido à dor local, com liberação de catecolaminas. Palavras-chave: cão, escorpionismo, Tityus serrulatus, hematologia ABSTRACTThe canine blood profile after scorpion envenomation was evaluated using 12 healthy mongrel male dogs (14.2±5.4kg)

O zinco (Zn) é considerado indispensável para o funcionamento de muitas atividades celulares nos peixes. Entretanto, quando em excesso, pode tornar-se nocivo ao organismo. A bioacumulação de Zn nos peixes é uma ferramenta importante para avaliação da poluição ambiental. Diante deste contexto, objetivou-se dosar os teores de Zn nas brânquias, carcaça, fígado e musculatura de 68 peixes (totalizando 272 amostras) das espécies Hoplias sp., Hypostomus sp., Piaractus sp., Pimelodus sp. e Prochilodus sp., capturados em cinco distintos pontos do Rio São Francisco (Minas Gerais) no ano de 2008. A área de estudo compreendeu a região de Três Marias, desde o Reservatório da Usina Hidrelétrica da CEMIG até a foz do rio Abaeté. Vinte e oito animais apresentaram concentrações de Zn acima do permitido pela legislação brasileira (50,00 mg/kg) em pelo menos uma de suas vísceras. Do total das 272 amostras avaliadas, 50 (18,38%) estavam inadequadas. As espécies Hoplias sp. e Hypostomus sp. apresentaram a maior bioacumulação de Zn no fígado e na carcaça. O valor médio de Zn na musculatura foi de 6,82 +- 3,00 mg/kg, ou seja, todas amostras de musculatura apresentaram baixos valores deste metal. Não houve diferença na concentração do Zn entre os cinco pontos estudados. Conclui-se que o tecido hepático da espécie de peixe Hoplias sp., é o melhor biomarcador da contaminação de Zn.Palavras-chave: Zinco, peixe, Rio São Francisco.ABSTRACT: ZINC EVALUATION IN GILLS, CARCASS, LIVER AND MUSCLE OF DIFFERENT FISH SPECIES CAUGHT IN SÃO FRANCISCO RIVER (MG, BRAZIL). The Zinc (Zn) is considered indispensable for the functioning of many cellular activities in fish. However, in high levels, zinc may become harmful. The bioaccumulation of Zn in fish is an important tool for assessing environmental pollution. In this context, the aim of the study was to dose the levels of Zn in gills, carcass, liver and muscle of 68 fish (total 272 samples) of: Hoplias sp., Hypostomus sp., Piaractus sp., Pimelodus sp. and Prochilodus sp., caught in five different parts of the São Francisco River (Minas Gerais) in 2008. The studied area covered the region of Três Marias, between CEMIG hydroelectric power plant reservoir and Abaeté River. Twenty-eight animals showed Zn concentrations above the limit level allowed by Brazilian legislation (50 mg/kg) in at least one of its tissues. Out of 272 samples tested, 50 (18.38%) were inadequate. The fish Hoplias sp. and Hypostomus sp. presented the highest bioaccumulation of Zn in liver and carcass. The mean value of Zn in the muscle was 6.82 +- 3.00 mg/kg, which means, all muscle samples showed low levels of this metal. There was no difference in Zn concentration among the five locations studied. It was concluded that the liver of the fish specie Hoplias sp. is the best biomarker of Zn contamination.Keywords: Zinc, fish, São Francisco River.