First Capture of a Jaguar Using a Minimally Invasive Capture System for GPS Tracking in an Isolated Patch of Atlantic Forest in Southern Brazil.

This study presents the first successful capture using GPS tagging of a jaguar () using a minimally invasive capture system (MICS). We used snare-foot traps and a MICS during two capture campaigns in a fragment of Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. The specimen disarmed snares on different occasions, and capture was only possible with the MICS.

Comparison of semen samples collected from wild and captive jaguars (Panthera onca) by urethral catheterization after pharmacological induction.

This study was designed to evaluate the efficiency of medetomidine anesthesia for semen collection through urethral catheter in wild and captive jaguars. Six captive and five wild jaguars were chemically restrained with a combination of medetomidine (0.08-0.

The spermatogenic process of the common vampire bat Desmodus rotundus under a histomorphometric view.

Among all bat species, Desmodus rotundus stands out as one of the most intriguing due to its exclusively haematophagous feeding habits. However, little is known about their spermatogenic cycle. This study aimed at describing the spermatogenic process of common vampire bats through testicular histomorphometric characterization of adult specimens, spermatogenic production indexes, description of stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle and estimative of the spermatogenic process duration.

Ocelot and oncilla spermatozoa can bind hen egg perivitelline membranes.

We evaluated the capacity of ocelot and oncilla spermatozoa to bind to the perivitelline membranes (PVMs) of hen eggs in a sperm binding assay (S-PVM). In addition, a device that improves the standardization of the assay was developed. The number of sperm bound to the PVM in fresh (T1) and frozen-thawed (T2) semen from both species was compared to the sperm quality observed in routine tests.

Evaluation of the cell population of the seminiferous epithelium and spermatic indexes of the bat Sturnira lilium (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae).

Due to the scarcity of information about patterns of spermatogenesis in bats, this study aimed to provide information on the testicular activity of the bat Sturnira lilium along the annual seasons. Thus, a series of morphometrical and stereological analyses were made using the testes of adult S. lilium in order to achieve a better understanding of the sperm production dynamics.

Histomorphometric characterization of the intertubular compartment in the testes of the bat Sturnira lilium.

Due to the scarcity of information about the reproduction of bats, it is necessary to perform studies on different species to identify the occurrence of annual variations in their reproductive process. Therefore, the aims of this study were to describe and quantify the intertubular components within the testes of the bat Sturnira lilium and to verify whether seasonality takes place in spermatogenesis of this species. The animals were collected in different seasons and time of collection was grouped into dry and rainy seasons.

Histomorphometric evaluation of the Molossus molossus (Chiroptera, Molossidae) testis: the tubular compartment and indices of sperm production.

Insectivorous bats play a very important role in the regulation of tropical ecosystems, but information about their reproductive cycle is lacking. Thus, male Molossus molossus were captured over the four seasons, and morphometric analyses of their testes were conducted to infer on the gonadal dynamics and the reproductive capacity of the species. Testes were immersed in Karnovsky fixative, and fragments were embedded in methacrylate and paraplast for morphometric and TUNEL assay respectively.

Stages and duration of the seminiferous epithelium cycle in the bat Sturnira lilium.

Knowledge of the stages that compose the seminiferous epithelium cycle (SEC) and determination of the duration of spermatogenic processes are fundamental for the accurate quantification of the dynamics of spermatogenesis. The aim of this study was to characterize the stages that compose the SEC of the bat Sturnira lilium, including evaluation of the average frequency of each of these stages throughout the year and calculation of the duration of the spermatogenic process. An ultrastructural characterization of the formation of the acrosomal cap was also performed.

Organization and seasonal quantification of the intertubular compartment in the bat Molossus molossus (Pallas, 1776) testis.

Environmental factors can influence the reproductive rates in bats, and since morphometric information of bats testis is scarce, we aimed to compare the organization and quantification of the intertubular components in the testes of the bat Molossus molossus, collected in different seasons. Testicular histological sections were evaluated using light and electron microscopy. The intertubular compartment occupied an average 10% of the testes, being predominately constituted of Leydig cells (LC).

Stages and duration of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in oncilla (Leopardus tigrinus, Schreber, 1775).

Six adult Leopardus tigrinus (oncilla) were studied to characterize stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle and its relative frequency and duration, as well as morphometric parameters of the testes. Testicular fragments were obtained (incisional biopsy), embedded (glycol methacrylate), and histologic sections examined with light microscopy. The cycle of the seminiferous epithelium was categorized into eight stages (based on the tubular morphology method).

Histomorphometric evaluation of the neotropical brown brocket deer Mazama gouazoubira testis, with an emphasis on cell population indexes of spermatogenic yield.

Information on the reproductive biology of neotropical cervids is scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform biometric, histologic and stereologic analyses of the brown brocket deer Mazama gouazoubira testis, with an emphasis on the intrinsic yield and the Sertoli cell index. Seven adult males kept in captivity were used.

Intrinsic rate of spermatogenesis in free-ranging feral pigs (Sus scrofa sp).

The aim of this research was to evaluate the intrinsic rate of spermatogenesis in adult free-ranging feral pigs. Twelve adult male free-ranging feral pigs were captured, sedated, and orchidectomized, and then were released and observed to complete recovery and return to their natural environment. Fragments of the testes were embedded in plastic resin and used to prepare slides for histometric analysis.

Kinetics of spermatogenesis in the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari).

This study aimed to characterize the stages of the seminiferous epithelium cycle by the tubular morphology method, and to determine the number of differentiated spermatogonia generations in the adult white-lipped peccary. Twenty adult white-lipped peccaries, obtained from commercial slaughterhouse, were used. Fragments of the testicular parenchyma were fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde and embedded into a methacrylate resin.

The effects of Tynnanthus fasciculatus (Bignoniaceae) infusion on testicular parenchyma of adult Wistar rats.

Traditional medicine provides strong guidance for scientific experiments involving plant products used by the Brazilian people. The species "cipó-cravo" (Tynnanthus fasciculatus) is a plant commonly used either to combat indigestion and stomach aches, or as a general stimulant and aphrodisiac. In this study, the effects of "cipó-cravo" infusion were investigated within the testicular parenchyma of adult Wistar rats.

Cell population indexes of spermatogenic yield and testicular sperm reserves in adult jaguars (Panthera onca).

The intrinsic yield of spermatogenesis and supporting capacity of Sertoli cells are the desirable indicators of sperm production in a species. The objective of the present study was to quantify intrinsic yield and the Sertoli cell index in the spermatogenic process and estimate testicular sperm reserves by histological assessment of fragments obtained by testicular biopsy of five adult jaguars in captivity. The testicular fragments were fixed in 4% glutaric aldehyde, dehydrated at increasing alcohol concentrations, included into hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and were cut into 4 microm thickness.

Organization and quantification of the elements in the intertubular space in the adult jaguar testis (Panthera onca, LINNAEUS, 1758).

The endocrine portion of mammal testicle is represented by Leydig cells which, together with connective cells, leukocytes, blood and lymphatic vessels, form the intertubular space. The arrangement and proportion of these components vary in the different species of mammals and form mechanisms that keep the testosterone level--the main product of the Leydig cell--two to three times higher in the interstitial fluid than in the testicular blood vessels and 40-250 times higher in these than in the peripheral blood. Marked differences are observed among animal species regarding the abundance of Leydig cells, loose connective tissue, development degree and location of the lymphatic vessels and their topographical relationship with seminiferous tubules.

Sertoli cell index and spermatic reserves in adult captive African lions (Panthera leo, Linnaeus, 1758).

The intrinsic yield of spermatogenesis and the supporting indexes of the Sertoli cells are the best indicators for the spermatic production capacity in a species. The aim of the present study was to quantify the intrinsic yield of the spermatogenetic process, as well as the Sertoli cell index and spermatic reserves. Testicular fragments of five adult African lions was fixed in 4% glutaric aldehyde, dehydrated at increasing alcohol concentrations, included into hydroxyethyl methacrylate, and were cut into 4 microm thickness.

The seminiferous epithelium cycle and daily spermatic production in the adult maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus, Illiger, 1811).

The duration of the seminiferous epithelium cycle was estimated in adult maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus, Illiger, 1811), by applying intratesticular injections with tritiated thymidine. The total duration of the seminiferous epithelium cycle in this species was calculated in 8.99 days.

Spermatogenesis in white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari).

We describe here morphological and functional analyses of the spermatogenic process in sexually mature white-lipped peccaries. Ten sexually mature male animals, weighing approximately 39 kg were studied. Characteristics investigated included the gonadosomatic index (GSI), relative frequency of stages of the cycle of seminiferous epithelium (CSE), cell populations present in the seminiferous epithelium in stage 1 of CSE, intrinsic rate of spermatogenesis, Sertoli cell index, height of seminiferous epithelium and diameter of seminiferous tubules, volumetric proportion of components of the testicular parenchyma and length of seminiferous tubules per testis and per gram of testis.

Cycle and duration of the seminiferous epithelium in puma (Puma concolor).

Puma or sussuarana (Puma concolor) is the second largest feline in the American continent and has an ample latitudinal distribution in very diverse habitats. In relation to its conservation status, the puma is considered an extinction-threatened species. The study of the testis morphology and the spermatogenic process in a species is fundamental for establishing the physiologic patterns that will make possible the selection of the protocols for assisted reproduction.