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The cattle tick Boophilus microplus causes great damage in livestock and is considered one of the most important tropical ectoparasites. The traditional method of control is based on the intensive use of pesticides, however the indiscriminate use of these compounds over the years has led to the selection of resistant ticks. Hydrolases, particularly esterases (EST), have been reported to be associated with acaricide resistance in B. microplus. We compared the esterase profile of susceptible and cypermethrin-resistant strains of adult B. microplus and a pyrethroid susceptible reference strain (the Mozzo strain) using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and specific staining. The electrophoretic profiles of protein extracts revealed the presence of four regions with esterase activity in the cypermethrin-resistant strain and three of these regions in the susceptible strains. The bands were numbered EST-1 to EST-4 in sequence (starting from the anode) according to their decrease in negative charge. The EST-1A and EST-1B enzymes were detected only in the resistant strain. The inhibition studies with eserine sulfate, copper sulfate, p-p-chloromercuribenzoate (pCMB), malathion and phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) indicated that the EST-1A and EST-1B enzymes belong to the acetylcholinesterase class and are probably associated with resistance to acaricides in this Brazilian resistant strain of B. microplus.

Fourty-six non-castrated, halothane-free, male Landrace pigs were genotyped by PCR-RFLP for the Rsa I polymorphism in the PIT1 gene and classified into AA and AB genotypes. Total RNA was extracted from the pituitaries and the relative quantities of growth hormone (GH) mRNA were determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Pigs with the AB genotype had higher levels of GH mRNA than those with the AA genotype (p = 0.034; Kruskal-Wallis test). This result suggests that the Rsa I polymorphism may be involved in Pit-1 protein expression or function, which in turn may influence GH transcription and expression. Thus, the Rsa I PIT1 gene polymorphism in this pig line may be used as a molecular marker to identify higher GH expression and possibly select for carcass and performance traits affected by GH.

-The objective of this work was to analyze the pattern of esterase activity in the development stages of Rhipicephalus microplus by nondenaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using specific staining for esterase. The electrophoretical results revealed the presence of nine regions displaying esterase activity, stained with both alpha-naphthyl acetate and beta-naphthyl acetate, and classified as alpha-beta-esterase. Stage-specific esterases were found, with the first nymphal and larval stages showing the greatest esterase activity throughout the development. An esterase called EST-4 was detected only in males and was considered sex-specific. There are differences in the esterase profile among the different postembryonic development stages of R. microplus.Index terms: cattle tick, resistance to acaricides, tick control. Perfil esterásico durante o desenvolvimento pós-embrionário de Rhipicephalus microplusResumo -O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar o padrão de atividade da esterase nos estágios de desenvolvimento de Rhipicephalus microplus por meio de eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida não desnaturante, com uso de coloração específica para esterase. Observou-se a presença de nove regiões com atividade esterásica, coradas tanto pelo alfa-naftil acetato como pelo beta-naftil acetato, e definidas como alfa-beta-esterases. Foram detectadas esterases estágio-específicas, e os estágios de ninfa de primeiro estádio e de larva foram os que mostraram maior atividade esterásica durante todo o desenvolvimento. A esterase EST-4 foi detectada apenas em machos e considerada sexo-específica. Existem diferenças quanto ao perfil esterásico nos diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento pós-embrionário de R. microplus.Termos para indexação: carrapato bovino, resistência a acaricidas, controle de carrapatos.

Por meio de estudos moleculares, este trabalho determinou a distância genética entre 12 genótipos de A. comosus por marcadores RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA), utilizando 11 "primers" decâmeros da OPERON Technologies Inc. Dos 12 genótipos , 1 foi proveniente da Jamaica, 2 do Estado do Acre (Quinari e RBR-1), 2 do Estado do Maranhão (Turiaçu e São Domingos), 3 do Estado do Piauí (Cefas, Floriano-1 e Floriano-2), 2 do Estado da Bahia (Monte Alegre-1 e Monte Alegre-2) e 2 de Minas Gerais (Pérola e Smouth Cayenne). Pela análise de "cluster", utilizando o método de UPGMA, foi constatada uma grande divergência entre os genótipos de A. comosus estudados com a separação destes em dois grupos a uma distância genética de 31,1%.

Purposes To analyze the main edaphic factors that differentiate ultramafic from typical Cerrado environments and act as agents of the development of biochemical and morphological mechanisms of species adaptation to these harsh environments; and to determine the genetic diversity of three Cerrado’s shrubland native species (Justicia lanstyakii, Euploca salicoides, and Oxalis hirsutissima). Methods We conducted chemical analysis of metal contents in soils, as well as on elemental composition, and analysis of DNA extracted from leaf tissues of the three species found in both environments. In leaves of E. salicoides grown in both environments we evaluated the changes in the levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC), and total proteins. Results The accessions obtained in ultramafic soils were closer with each other, indicating genetic similarity and major differences in relation to the accessions collected in the Cerrado area. These differentiations probably are related with higher adaptation to soils rich in metals, mainly Ni in ultramafic, and Al in the Cerrado environments. The highest levels of NSC were observed in plants grown in ultramafic soils, including raffinose, which is related to responses to metal detoxification and drought. The allocation of Ni in the trichomes, which does not affect important processes of plant metabolism, is another mechanism developed by E. salicoides to overcome the hyperaccumulation of Ni in their tissues. Conclusions These findings can help select seed collection sites representative of the genetic diversity of native plant species for restoring degraded areas or for phytoremediation of metals.

that are found in the abovementioned environments: Euploca salicoides (ES), Justicia lanstyakii (JL), and Oxalis hirsutissima (OH). Objectives We aimed to analyse the main edaphic factors that differentiate ultramafic from Al-rich environments, and act as drivers of the evolution of physiological mechanisms underlying plant adaptation to these harsh environments. Methods We analysed the chemical attributes of four ultramafic soils (SAP5, SAP7, SAP9, LAT) and an Al-rich soil (CAM), and the elemental composition and DNA of the three species growing in both environments. ES was used as a model species to analyse changes in the levels of non-structural carbohydrates (NSCs) and Ni localization in plant leaves. Results The soil types presented significant differences in available nutrients and heavy metals. The DNA sampled from the same species from ultramafic sites was genetically closer, but different from that in the Al-rich sites. In ultramafic soils, ES accessions had high levels of NSCs and Ni accumulated in trichomes. Conclusions The genetic diversity observed in plants growing in both areas is probably related to plant adaptation to the contrasting edaphic conditions of these environments. The raffinose production and Ni allocation to trichomes are mechanisms employed by ES to overcome metal toxification in ultramafic environments.

Vocês sabem o quanto são importantes para mim e comigo participaram juntos da realização deste trabalho. Cida, minha mulher; Ana Carolina, Lucas e Vinícius (meus filhos) A vocês Dedico ÍNDICE LISTA DE TABELAS LISTA DE FIGURAS LISTA DE ABREVIAÇÕES RESUMO GERAL 1-INTRODUÇÃO GERAL 2-REFERÊNCIAS BIBLIOGRÁFICAS 3-CAPÍTULO 1: Perfil Esterásico em Teleóginas de Sensíveis e Resistentes à Cipermetrina em Uberlândia-MG 3.1-RESUMO 3.2-INTRODUÇÃO 3.3-MATERIAL E MÉTODOS 3.4-RESULTADO E DISCUSSÃO 3.5-REFERÊNCIAS BILBIOGRÁF1CAS 4-CAPÍTULO 2: Análise de Mutações na de Sódio Em Boophilus microplus 4.1-RESUMO 4.2-INTRODUÇÃO 4.3-MATERIAL E MÉTODOS