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Mahoney SA, VanDongen NS, Greenberg NT, Venkatasubramanian R, Rossman MJ, Widlansky ME, Brunt VE, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Seals DR, Clayton ZS. Role of the circulating milieu in age-related arterial dysfunction: a novel ex vivo approach. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H1279-H1290. [PMID: 38517225 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00014.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The circulating milieu, bioactive molecules in the bloodstream, is altered with aging and interfaces constantly with the vasculature. This anatomic juxtaposition suggests that circulating factors may actively modulate arterial function. Here, we developed a novel, translational experimental model that allows for direct interrogation of the influence of the circulating milieu on age-related arterial dysfunction (aortic stiffening and endothelial dysfunction). To do so, we exposed young and old mouse arteries to serum from young and old mice and young and midlife/older (ML/O) adult humans. We found that old mouse and ML/O adult human, but not young, serum stiffened young mouse aortic rings, assessed via elastic modulus (mouse and human serum, P = 0.003 vs. young serum control), and impaired carotid artery endothelial function, assessed by endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD) (mouse serum, P < 0.001; human serum, P = 0.006 vs. young serum control). Furthermore, young mouse and human, but not old, serum reduced aortic elastic modulus (mouse serum, P = 0.009; human serum, P < 0.001 vs. old/MLO serum control) and improved EDD (mouse and human serum, P = 0.015 vs. old/MLO serum control) in old arteries. In human serum-exposed arteries, in vivo arterial function assessed in the human donors correlated with circulating milieu-modulated arterial function in young mouse arteries (aortic stiffness, r = 0.634, P = 0.005; endothelial function, r = 0.609, P = 0.004) and old mouse arteries (aortic stiffness, r = 0.664, P = 0.001; endothelial function, r = 0.637, P = 0.003). This study establishes novel experimental approaches for directly assessing the effects of the circulating milieu on arterial function and implicates changes in the circulating milieu as a mechanism of in vivo arterial aging.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Changes in the circulating milieu with advancing age may be a mechanism underlying age-related arterial dysfunction. Ex vivo exposure of young mouse arteries to the circulating milieu from old mice or midlife/older adults impairs arterial function whereas exposure of old mouse arteries to the circulating milieu from young mice or young adults improves arterial function. These findings establish that the circulating milieu directly influences arterial function with aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia A Mahoney
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Nicholas S VanDongen
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Nathan T Greenberg
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | | | - Matthew J Rossman
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Michael E Widlansky
- Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Vienna E Brunt
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
- Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Douglas R Seals
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Zachary S Clayton
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
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2
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Longtine AG, Greenberg NT, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Brunt VE. The gut microbiome as a modulator of arterial function and age-related arterial dysfunction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H986-H1005. [PMID: 38363212 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00764.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The arterial system is integral to the proper function of all other organs and tissues. Arterial function is impaired with aging, and arterial dysfunction contributes to the development of numerous age-related diseases, including cardiovascular diseases. The gut microbiome has emerged as an important regulator of both normal host physiological function and impairments in function with aging. The purpose of this review is to summarize more recently published literature demonstrating the role of the gut microbiome in supporting normal arterial development and function and in modulating arterial dysfunction with aging in the absence of overt disease. The gut microbiome can be altered due to a variety of exposures, including physiological aging processes. We explore mechanisms by which the gut microbiome may contribute to age-related arterial dysfunction, with a focus on changes in various gut microbiome-related compounds in circulation. In addition, we discuss how modulating circulating levels of these compounds may be a viable therapeutic approach for improving artery function with aging. Finally, we identify and discuss various experimental considerations and research gaps/areas of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail G Longtine
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Nathan T Greenberg
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
- Instituto Universitario de Sanidad Animal y Seguridad Alimentaria, Universidad de las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Vienna E Brunt
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States
- Division of Renal Diseases and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States
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Velázquez-Wallraf A, Fernández A, Caballero MJ, Arregui M, González Díaz Ó, Betancor MB, Bernaldo de Quirós Y. Author Correction: Establishment of a fish model to study gas-bubble lesions. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2528. [PMID: 38291085 PMCID: PMC10828413 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52889-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Velázquez-Wallraf
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
| | - María José Caballero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Marina Arregui
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Óscar González Díaz
- Physical and Chemical Instrumental Center for the Development of Applied Research Technology and Scientific Estate, Institute for Environmental Studies and Natural Resources (I-UNAT), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Mónica B Betancor
- Institute of Aquaculture, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
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4
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Velázquez-Wallraf A, Caballero MJ, Fernández A, Betancor MB, Saavedra P, Hemingway HW, Bernaldo de Quirós Y. Biomarkers related to gas embolism: Gas score, pathology, and gene expression in a gas bubble disease model. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0288659. [PMID: 37440588 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Fish exposed to water supersaturated with dissolved gas experience gas embolism similar to decompression sickness (DCS), known as gas bubble disease (GBD) in fish. GBD has been postulated as an alternative to traditional mammals' models on DCS. Gas embolism can cause mechanical and biochemical damage, generating pathophysiological responses. Increased expression of biomarkers of cell damage such as the heat shock protein (HSP) family, endothelin 1 (ET-1) or intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) has been observed, being a possible target for further studies of gas embolism. The GBD model consisted of exposing fish to supersaturation in water with approximately 170% total dissolved gas (TDG) for 18 hours, producing severe gas embolism. This diagnosis was confirmed by a complete histopathological exam and the gas score method. HSP70 showed a statistically significant upregulation compared to the control in all the studied organs (p <0.02). Gills and heart showed upregulation of HSP90 with statistical significance (p = 0.015 and p = 0.02, respectively). In addition, HSP70 gene expression in gills was positively correlated with gas score (p = 0.033). These results suggest that gas embolism modify the expression of different biomarkers, with HSP70 being shown as a strong marker of this process. Furthermore, gas score is a useful tool to study the abundance of gas bubbles, although individual variability always remains present. These results support the validity of the GBD model in fish to study gas embolism in diseases such as DCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Velázquez-Wallraf
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Maria José Caballero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Mónica B Betancor
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Institute of Aquaculture, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Pedro Saavedra
- Department of Mathematics, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Holden W Hemingway
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States of America
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Fernández A, Câmara N, Sierra E, Arbelo M, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Jepson PD, Deaville R, Díaz-Delgado J, Suárez-Santana C, Castro A, Hernández JN, Godinho A. Cetacean Intracytoplasmic Eosinophilic Globules: A Cytomorphological, Histological, Histochemical, Immunohistochemical, and Proteomic Characterization. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2130. [PMID: 37443929 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The nature, etiopathogenesis, and clinicopathologic relevance of the prevalent intracytoplasmic eosinophilic globules (IEGs) within hepatocytes of cetaceans are unknown. This study aims to evaluate the presence and characterize the IEGs in the hepatocytes of cetaceans using histochemical and immunohistochemical electron microscopy, Western blot, lectin histochemistry, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry techniques. A total of 95/115 (83%) animals (16 species) exhibited histologically evident intracytoplasmic round to oval, single to multiple, hyaline eosinophilic globules within the hepatocytes. These globules were largely PAS-positive, diastase resistant, and were immunopositive for fibrinogen (FB, 97%), albumin (Alb, 85%), and α1-antitrypsine (A1AT, 53%). The IEG positivity for FB and A1AT were correlated with live-stranding, hepatic congestion and a good nutritional status. The cetaceans lacking IEGs were consistently dead stranded and had poor body conditions. The IEGs in 36 bycaught cetaceans were, all except one, FB-positive and A1AT-negative. The IEGs exhibited morphologic and compositional variations at the ultrastructural level, suggesting various stages of development and/or etiopathogenesis(es). The glycocalyx analysis suggested an FB- and A1AT-glycosylation pattern variability between cetaceans and other animals. The proteomic analyses confirmed an association between the IEGs and acute phase proteins, suggesting a relationship between acute stress (i.e., bycatch), disease, and cellular protective mechanisms, allowing pathologists to correlate this morphological change using the acute hepatocytic cell response under certain stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Nakita Câmara
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
- The Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), Carretera de Taliarte, s/n, 35200 Telde, Canary Islands, Spain
- Loro Parque Foundation, Avenida Loro Parque, s/n, 38400 Puerto de la Cruz, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Paul D Jepson
- Zoological Society of London, Institute of Zoology, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Rob Deaville
- Zoological Society of London, Institute of Zoology, Regent's Park, London NW1 4RY, UK
| | - Josué Díaz-Delgado
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Cristian Suárez-Santana
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Ayoze Castro
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
- The Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN), Carretera de Taliarte, s/n, 35200 Telde, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Julia N Hernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Ana Godinho
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Calle Transmontaña, s/n, 35416 Arucas, Canary Islands, Spain
- Rua Central de Gandra, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS)-CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
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Felipe-Jiménez I, Fernández A, de Quirós YB, Arregui-Gil M, Puig-Lozano R, Arbelo M, Sierra E. Cerebral nasitremiasis in a Blainville's beaked whale (Mesoplodon densirostris) stranded in the Canary Islands. Res Vet Sci 2023; 158:56-64. [PMID: 36934640 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Ten species within the genus Nasitrema (subfamily Nasitrematinae, family Brachycladiidae) have been reported infecting a wide variety of odontocetes worldwide, although there is still a lack of information about their presence in beaked whales (BWs). Nasitrema spp. are commonly described inhabiting the pterygoid sinus, the tympanic cavities, and the middle and inner ear; although aberrant migrations through the brain have been also reported. This trematode may cause different type of lesions, ranging from mild to severe saculitis, neuritis, otitis, and/or meningoencephalitis that may impede cetaceans to survive in the wild, resulting in incoordination, loss of equilibrium, and echolocation dysfunction ending in a stranding event. The presence of Nasitrema sp. was found in an adult female Blainville beaked whale stranded death in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, on November 2016. The most relevant gross finding was a severe chronic-active multifocal pyogranulomatous and necrotizing encephalitis. Histologically, multiple areas of necrosis, pyogranulomatous and eosinophilic inflammation, haemorrhages and occasional cholesterol crystals were found associated with parasitic structures compatible with an adult trematode and its eggs. Molecular analysis, based on a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) of the brain tissue sample detected 99% homology with a partial sequence of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (ND3) gene of Nasitrema delphini. In addition, liver, kidney, prescapular lymph node and brain samples were positive to herpesvirus (conventional nested PCR). Evidence of the presence of this parasite was not found in any of the 54 beaked whales (n = 54) stranded on the Canary Islands between 1999 and 2017, specifically 35 Cuvier's BWs and 19 specimens belonging to the Mesoplodon genus. To our knowledge, the current study represents the first description of a nasitremiasis in a member of the Ziphiidae family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idaira Felipe-Jiménez
- Division of Histology and Veterinary Pathology, Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, Arucas 35413, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Division of Histology and Veterinary Pathology, Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, Arucas 35413, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Division of Histology and Veterinary Pathology, Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, Arucas 35413, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Marina Arregui-Gil
- Division of Histology and Veterinary Pathology, Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, Arucas 35413, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Raquel Puig-Lozano
- Division of Histology and Veterinary Pathology, Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, Arucas 35413, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Division of Histology and Veterinary Pathology, Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, Arucas 35413, Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Eva Sierra
- Division of Histology and Veterinary Pathology, Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, University Institute for Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, Arucas 35413, Canary Islands, Spain
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Mompeó B, Sacchini S, Quintana MDP, Rivero M, Consoli F, Fernández A, Bernaldo de Quirós Y. Morphological Structure of the Aortic Wall in Deep Diving Cetacean Species: Evidence for Diving Adaptation. Vet Sci 2022; 9:vetsci9080424. [PMID: 36006339 PMCID: PMC9412527 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9080424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study analyses the aortic wall structure in nine cetacean species with deep diving habits belonging to four Odontoceti families: Ziphiidae, Kogiidae, Physteridae, and Delphinidae. Samples of ascending, thoracic and abdominal aorta were processed for histological and morphometric studies. The elastic component was higher in the proximal aortic segments, and the muscular elements increased distally in all cases. Morphometric analyses showed that all families presented a decrease in the thickness of the arterial wall and the tunica media along the aorta. The reduction was dramatic between ascending and thoracic aorta in the Physeteridae specimens; meanwhile, the other three families showed a more uniform decrease between the ascending, thoracic and abdominal aorta. The decline was not correlated with a reduced elastic or lamellar unit thickness but with a loss of lamellar units. The organization of the elements in the aortic wall did not show essential modifications between the four families, resembling the structure described previously in the shallow and intermediate diving dolphins. Our findings support that the difference in the morphometric characteristics of the different segments in the aortic wall is likely related to the diving habit more than the absolutes values of any other parameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blanca Mompeó
- Department of Morphology, Campus Universitario de San Cristobal, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Simona Sacchini
- Department of Morphology, Campus Universitario de San Cristobal, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35016 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Veterinary School, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35416 Arucas, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-928-451477
| | - María del Pino Quintana
- Department of Math, Edificio de Informática y Matemáticas, Campus Universitario de Tafira, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Miguel Rivero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Veterinary School, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35416 Arucas, Spain
| | - Francesco Consoli
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Veterinary School, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35416 Arucas, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Veterinary School, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35416 Arucas, Spain
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Veterinary School, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35416 Arucas, Spain
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
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Consoli FMA, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Arbelo M, Fulle S, Marchisio M, Encinoso M, Fernandez A, Rivero MA. Cetaceans Humerus Radiodensity by CT: A Useful Technique Differentiating between Species, Ecophysiology, and Age. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141793. [PMID: 35883340 PMCID: PMC9311750 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cetaceans are mammals that underwent a series of evolutionary adaptations to live in the aquatic environment, including morphological modifications of various anatomical structures of the skeleton and their bone mineral density (BMD); there are few studies on the latter. BMD is related to the radiodensity measured through computed tomography (CT) in Hounsfield units (HU). This work aimed to test and validate the usefulness of studying humeral bone radiodensity by CT of two cetacean species (the Atlantic spotted dolphin and the pygmy sperm whale) with different swimming and diving habits. The radiodensity was analysed at certain levels following a new protocol based on a review of previous studies. Humeral radiodensity values were related to four aspects: species, diving behaviour, swimming activity level, and age. We observed that the consistent differences in the radiodensity of the cortical bone of the distal epiphysis between animals of different life-history categories suggest that this bone portion could be particularly useful for future ontogenetic studies. Hence, this technique may be helpful in studying and comparing species with different ecophysiologies, particularly distinguishing between swimming and diving habits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Maria Achille Consoli
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35400 Las Palmas, Spain; (F.M.A.C.); (M.A.); (A.F.); (M.A.R.)
- Department of Neuroscience Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35400 Las Palmas, Spain; (F.M.A.C.); (M.A.); (A.F.); (M.A.R.)
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35400 Las Palmas, Spain; (F.M.A.C.); (M.A.); (A.F.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Stefania Fulle
- Department of Neuroscience Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Marco Marchisio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University G. D’Annunzio, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Mario Encinoso
- Hospital Clínico Veterinario, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain;
| | - Antonio Fernandez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35400 Las Palmas, Spain; (F.M.A.C.); (M.A.); (A.F.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Miguel A. Rivero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35400 Las Palmas, Spain; (F.M.A.C.); (M.A.); (A.F.); (M.A.R.)
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9
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Velázquez-Wallraf A, Fernández A, Caballero MJ, Arregui M, González Díaz Ó, Betancor MB, Bernaldo de Quirós Y. Establishment of a fish model to study gas-bubble lesions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6592. [PMID: 35449183 PMCID: PMC9023494 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10539-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Decompression sickness (DCS) is a clinical syndrome caused by the formation of systemic intravascular and extravascular gas bubbles. The presence of these bubbles in blood vessels is known as gas embolism. DCS has been described in humans and animals such as sea turtles and cetaceans. To delve deeper into DCS, experimental models in terrestrial mammals subjected to compression/decompression in a hyperbaric chamber have been used. Fish can suffer from gas bubble disease (GBD), characterized by the formation of intravascular and extravascular systemic gas bubbles, similarly to that observed in DCS. Given these similarities and the fact that fish develop this disease naturally in supersaturated water, they could be used as an alternative experimental model for the study of the pathophysiological aspect of gas bubbles. The objective of this study was to obtain a reproducible model for GBD in fish by an engineering system and a complete pathological study, validating this model for the study of the physiopathology of gas related lesions in DCS. A massive and severe GBD was achieved by exposing the fish for 18 h to TDG values of 162-163%, characterized by the presence of severe hemorrhages and the visualization of massive quantities of macroscopic and microscopic gas bubbles, systemically distributed, circulating through different large vessels of experimental fish. These pathological findings were the same as those described in small mammals for the study of explosive DCS by hyperbaric chamber, validating the translational usefulness of this first fish model to study the gas-bubbles lesions associated to DCS from a pathological standpoint.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Velázquez-Wallraf
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
| | - María José Caballero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain.
| | - Marina Arregui
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Óscar González Díaz
- Physical and Chemical Instrumental Center for the Development of Applied Research Technology and Scientific Estate, Institute for Environmental Studies and Natural Resources (I-UNAT), University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Mónica B Betancor
- Institute of Aquaculture, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Canary Islands, Spain
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
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10
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Sierra E, Ramírez T, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Arregui M, Mompeó B, Rivero MA, Fernández A. Pulmonary and Systemic Skeletal Muscle Embolism in a Beaked Whale with a Massive Trauma of Unknown Aetiology. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040508. [PMID: 35203216 PMCID: PMC8868372 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A severe trauma of unknown aetiology was suspected as the cause of death in an adult female Sowerby’s beaked whale found floating dead in the Canary Islands in December 2016. Many bruises in the skin and muscles (contusions) were observed in the chest wall and bone fractures, mainly located in the mandible and ribs. The broken rib bones also affected thoracic muscles, which escaped into the blood circulation once ruptured, reaching several organic locations, including the lungs, where they became trapped within the small lumen of pulmonary blood vessels, leading to a systemic and pulmonary skeletal muscle embolism. An embolism occurs when a piece of intravascular internal or foreign material obstructs the lumen of a blood vessel, starving tissues of blood and oxygen. An embolism necessarily needs cardiac function, indicating a survival time after trauma. This case report aimed to include the diagnosis of skeletal muscle embolism as a routine tool to determine if the traumatic event occurred before or after death. This is especially valuable when working with dead animals because no other evidence of traumatic injury may be recorded if carcasses are in advanced decay. Abstract An adult female Sowerby’s beaked whale was found floating dead in Hermigua (La Gomera, Canary Islands, Spain) on 7 December 2016. Severe traumas of unknown aetiology were attributed, and the gross and microscopic findings are consistent with catastrophic trauma as a cause of death. Rib fractures affected the intercostals, transverse thoracis skeletal muscles, and thoracic rete mirabile. Degenerated muscle fibres were extruded to flow into vascular and lymphatic vessels travelling to several anatomic locations into the thoracic cavity, including the lungs, where they occluded the small lumen of pulmonary microvasculature. A pulmonary and systemic skeletal muscle embolism was diagnosed, constituting the first description of this kind of embolism in an animal. The only previous description has been reported in a woman after peritoneal dialysis. Skeletal pulmonary embolism should be considered a valuable diagnostic for different types of trauma in vivo in wild animals. This is especially valuable when working with decomposed carcasses, as in those cases, it is not always feasible to assess other traumatic evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Sierra
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35413 Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain; (E.S.); (T.R.); (Y.B.d.Q.); (M.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Tania Ramírez
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35413 Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain; (E.S.); (T.R.); (Y.B.d.Q.); (M.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35413 Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain; (E.S.); (T.R.); (Y.B.d.Q.); (M.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Marina Arregui
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35413 Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain; (E.S.); (T.R.); (Y.B.d.Q.); (M.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Blanca Mompeó
- Department of Morphology, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35016 Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain;
| | - Miguel A. Rivero
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35413 Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain; (E.S.); (T.R.); (Y.B.d.Q.); (M.A.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), 35413 Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain; (E.S.); (T.R.); (Y.B.d.Q.); (M.A.); (M.A.R.)
- Correspondence:
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11
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Velázquez-Wallraf A, Fernández A, Caballero MJ, Møllerløkken A, Jepson PD, Andrada M, Bernaldo de Quirós Y. Decompressive Pathology in Cetaceans Based on an Experimental Pathological Model. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:676499. [PMID: 34169109 PMCID: PMC8218990 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.676499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Decompression sickness (DCS) is a widely known clinical syndrome in human medicine, mainly in divers, related to the formation of intravascular and extravascular gas bubbles. Gas embolism and decompression-like sickness have also been described in wild animals, such as cetaceans. It was hypothesized that adaptations to the marine environment protected them from DCS, but in 2003, decompression-like sickness was described for the first time in beaked whales, challenging this dogma. Since then, several episodes of mass strandings of beaked whales coincidental in time and space with naval maneuvers have been recorded and diagnosed with DCS. The diagnosis of human DCS is based on the presence of clinical symptoms and the detection of gas embolism by ultrasound, but in cetaceans, the diagnosis is limited to forensic investigations. For this reason, it is necessary to resort to experimental animal models to support the pathological diagnosis of DCS in cetaceans. The objective of this study is to validate the pathological results of cetaceans through an experimental rabbit model wherein a complete and detailed histopathological analysis was performed. Gross and histopathological results were very similar in the experimental animal model compared to stranded cetaceans with DCS, with the presence of gas embolism systemically distributed as well as emphysema and hemorrhages as primary lesions in different organs. The experimental data reinforces the pathological findings found in cetaceans with DCS as well as the hypothesis that individuality plays an essential role in DCS, as it has previously been proposed in animal models and human diving medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Velázquez-Wallraf
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Maria José Caballero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Andreas Møllerløkken
- Faculty of Engineering, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Paul D Jepson
- Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marisa Andrada
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
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12
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Arregui M, Singleton EM, Saavedra P, Pabst DA, Moore MJ, Sierra E, Rivero MA, Câmara N, Niemeyer M, Fahlman A, McLellan WA, Bernaldo de Quirós Y. Myoglobin Concentration and Oxygen Stores in Different Functional Muscle Groups from Three Small Cetacean Species. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020451. [PMID: 33572177 PMCID: PMC7915992 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Marine mammals display several physiological adaptations to their marine environment. Higher myoglobin concentrations in their muscles compared to terrestrial mammals allow them to increase their onboard oxygen stores, enhancing the time available to dive. Most previous studies have calculated cetaceans’ onboard oxygen stores by assuming the myoglobin concentration of a single muscle to be representative of all the muscles in the body. In this study, we analyzed this assumption by comparing it to a more precise method that weighs all body muscles and measures myoglobin concentration in different functional groups. Abstract Compared with terrestrial mammals, marine mammals possess increased muscle myoglobin concentrations (Mb concentration, g Mb · 100g−1 muscle), enhancing their onboard oxygen (O2) stores and their aerobic dive limit. Although myoglobin is not homogeneously distributed, cetacean muscle O2 stores have been often determined by measuring Mb concentration from a single muscle sample (longissimus dorsi) and multiplying that value by the animal’s locomotor muscle or total muscle mass. This study serves to determine the accuracy of previous cetacean muscle O2 stores calculations. For that, body muscles from three delphinid species: Delphinus delphis, Stenella coeruleoalba, and Stenella frontalis, were dissected and weighed. Mb concentration was calculated from six muscles/muscle groups (epaxial, hypaxial and rectus abdominis; mastohumeralis; sternohyoideus; and dorsal scalenus), each representative of different functional groups (locomotion powering swimming, pectoral fin movement, feeding and respiration, respectively). Results demonstrated that the Mb concentration was heterogeneously distributed, being significantly higher in locomotor muscles. Locomotor muscles were the major contributors to total muscle O2 stores (mean 92.8%) due to their high Mb concentration and large muscle masses. Compared to this method, previous studies assuming homogenous Mb concentration distribution likely underestimated total muscle O2 stores by 10% when only considering locomotor muscles and overestimated them by 13% when total muscle mass was considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Arregui
- Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, C/Transmontaña s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (M.A.); (M.A.R.); (N.C.); (Y.B.d.Q.)
| | - Emily M. Singleton
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA; (E.M.S.); (D.A.P.); (W.A.M.)
| | - Pedro Saavedra
- Department of Mathematics, Campus de Tafira s/n, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35017 Las Palmas, Spain;
| | - D. Ann Pabst
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA; (E.M.S.); (D.A.P.); (W.A.M.)
| | - Michael J. Moore
- Biology Department, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA;
| | - Eva Sierra
- Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, C/Transmontaña s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (M.A.); (M.A.R.); (N.C.); (Y.B.d.Q.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-928-4597-08
| | - Miguel A. Rivero
- Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, C/Transmontaña s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (M.A.); (M.A.R.); (N.C.); (Y.B.d.Q.)
| | - Nakita Câmara
- Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, C/Transmontaña s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (M.A.); (M.A.R.); (N.C.); (Y.B.d.Q.)
| | - Misty Niemeyer
- International Fund for Animal Welfare, Yarmouth Port, MA 02675, USA;
| | - Andreas Fahlman
- Global Diving Research Inc., Ottawa, ON K2J 5E8, Canada;
- Fundación Oceanogràphic, Department of Research, Ciutat de les Arts i de les Ciències, Carrer d’Eduardo Primo Yúfera, 1B, 46013 Valencia, Spain
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5892, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
| | - William A. McLellan
- Department of Biology and Marine Biology, University of North Carolina Wilmington, 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA; (E.M.S.); (D.A.P.); (W.A.M.)
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, C/Transmontaña s/n, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain; (M.A.); (M.A.R.); (N.C.); (Y.B.d.Q.)
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, 6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5892, Corpus Christi, TX 78412, USA
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13
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Sacchini S, Díaz-Delgado J, Espinosa de Los Monteros A, Paz Y, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Sierra E, Arbelo M, Herráez P, Fernández A. Amyloid-beta peptide and phosphorylated tau in the frontopolar cerebral cortex and in the cerebellum of toothed whales: aging versus hypoxia. Biol Open 2020; 9:bio054734. [PMID: 33037014 PMCID: PMC7657478 DOI: 10.1242/bio.054734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia could be a possible risk factor for neurodegenerative alterations in cetaceans' brain. Among toothed whales, the beaked whales are particularly cryptic and routinely dive deeper than 1000 m for about 1 h in order to hunt squids and fishes. Samples of frontal cerebral and cerebellar cortex were collected from nine animals, representing six different species of the suborder Odontoceti. Immunohistochemical analysis employed anti-β-amyloid (Aβ) and anti-neurofibrillary tangle (NFT) antibodies. Six of nine (67%) animals showed positive immunolabeling for Aβ and/or NFT. The most striking findings were intranuclear Aβ immunopositivity in cerebral cortical neurons and NFT immunopositivity in cerebellar Purkinje neurons with granulovacuolar degeneration. Aβ plaques were also observed in one elderly animal. Herein, we present immunohistopathological findings classic of Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative diseases in humans. Our findings could be linked to hypoxic phenomena, as they were more extensive in beaked whales. Despite their adaptations, cetaceans could be vulnerable to sustained and repetitive brain hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Sacchini
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, c/Transmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas
| | - Josué Díaz-Delgado
- Laboratory of Wildlife Comparative Pathology (LAPCOM), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, 05508-270 SP, Brazil
- Texas A&M Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Pathology Division, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Antonio Espinosa de Los Monteros
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, c/Transmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas
| | - Yania Paz
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, c/Transmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, c/Transmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas
| | - Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, c/Transmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, c/Transmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas
| | - Pedro Herráez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, c/Transmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, c/Transmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas
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14
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Puig-Lozano R, Fernández A, Sierra E, Saavedra P, Suárez-Santana CM, De la Fuente J, Díaz-Delgado J, Godinho A, García-Álvarez N, Zucca D, Xuriach A, Arregui M, Felipe-Jiménez I, Consoli F, Díaz-Santana PJ, Segura-Göthlin S, Câmara N, Rivero MA, Sacchini S, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Arbelo M. Retrospective Study of Fishery Interactions in Stranded Cetaceans, Canary Islands. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:567258. [PMID: 33195545 PMCID: PMC7641611 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.567258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Estimating cetacean interactions with fishery activities is challenging. Bycatch and chronic entanglements are responsible for thousands of cetacean deaths per year globally. This study represents the first systematic approach to the postmortem investigation of fishery interactions in stranded cetaceans in the Canary Islands. We retrospectively studied 586 cases necropsied between January 2000 and December 2018. Of the cases with a known cause of death, 7.4% (32/453) were due to fishery interactions, and the Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) was the most affected species [46.9% (15/32)]. Three types of fishery interactions were recognized by gross findings: bycatch [65.6% (21/32)], chronic entanglements [18.8% (6/32)], and fishermen aggression [15.6% (5/32)]. Among the bycaught cases, we differentiated the dolphins that died because of ingestion of longline hooks [23.8% (5/21)] from those that died because of fishing net entrapments [76.2% (16/21)], including dolphins that presumably died at depth due to peracute underwater entrapment (PUE) [37.5% (6/16)], dolphins that were hauled out alive and suffered additional trauma during handling [43.8% (7/16)], and those that were released alive but became stranded and died because of fishery interactions [18.7% (3/16)]. Gross and histologic findings of animals in each group were presented and compared. The histological approach confirmed gross lesions and excluded other possible causes of death. Cetaceans in good-fair body condition and shallow diving species were significantly more affected by fishery interactions, in agreement with the literature. Low rates of fishery interactions have been described, compared with other regions. However, within the last few years, sightings of entangled live whales, especially the minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and Bryde's whale (B. edeni), have increased. This study contributes to further improvement of the evaluation of different types of fishery interactions and may facilitate the enforcement of future conservation policies to preserve cetacean populations in the Canary Islands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Puig-Lozano
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pedro Saavedra
- Department of Mathematics, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Cristian M Suárez-Santana
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Jesús De la Fuente
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Josué Díaz-Delgado
- TVMDL Texas A&M, Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Ana Godinho
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Natalia García-Álvarez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Daniele Zucca
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Aina Xuriach
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Marina Arregui
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Idaira Felipe-Jiménez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Francesco Consoli
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Pablo J Díaz-Santana
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Simone Segura-Göthlin
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Nakita Câmara
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Miguel A Rivero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Simona Sacchini
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
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Arregui M, Fernández A, Paz-Sánchez Y, Santana Á, Sacchini S, Sierra E, Arbelo M, de Quirós YB. Comparison of Three Histological Techniques for Fat Emboli Detection in Lung Cetacean's Tissue. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8251. [PMID: 32427895 PMCID: PMC7237497 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-64821-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Fat embolism is the mechanical blockage of blood vessels by circulating fat particles. It is frequently related to traumas involving soft tissues and fat-containing bones. Different techniques have been used for decades to demonstrate histologically fat emboli, being the extremely toxic post-fixation with osmium tetroxide one of the most used techniques in the last decades. In the present study, the osmium tetroxide technique was compared qualitatively and quantitatively, for the first time, with chromic acid and Oil Red O frozen techniques for histological fat emboli detection in the lungs of eight sperm whales that died due to ship strikes. This was also the first time that chromic acid technique was tested in cetaceans. Results showed that the three techniques were valuable for the histological detection of fat embolism in cetaceans, even when tissues presented advanced autolysis and had been stored in formaldehyde for years. Although quantitative differences could not be established, the Oil Red O frozen technique showed the lowest quality for fat emboli staining. On the contrary, the chromic acid technique was proven to be a good alternative to osmium tetroxide due to its slightly lower toxicity, its equivalent or even superior capacity of fat emboli detection, and its significantly lower economic cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Arregui
- Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Yania Paz-Sánchez
- Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Ángelo Santana
- Department of Mathematics, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Campus de Tafira s/n, 35017, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Simona Sacchini
- Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Atlantic Cetacean Research Center, Institute of Animal Health (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35413, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
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16
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Puig-Lozano R, Fernández A, Saavedra P, Tejedor M, Sierra E, De la Fuente J, Xuriach A, Díaz-Delgado J, Rivero MA, Andrada M, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Arbelo M. Retrospective Study of Traumatic Intra-Interspecific Interactions in Stranded Cetaceans, Canary Islands. Front Vet Sci 2020; 7:107. [PMID: 32181264 PMCID: PMC7059454 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggressive encounters involving cetacean species are widely described in the literature. However, detailed pathological studies regarding lesions produced by these encounters are scarce. From January 2000 to December 2017, 540 cetaceans stranded and were necropsied in the Canary Islands, Spain. Of them, 24 cases of eight species presented social traumatic lesions produced by cetaceans of the same or different species. All the cases presented severe multifocal vascular changes, 50% (12/24) presented fractures affecting mainly the thoracic region, 41.7% (10/24) acute tooth-rake marks, 37.5% (9/24) undigested food in the stomach, 33.3% (8/24) tracheal edema, and 12.5% (3/24) pulmonary perforation. In 10 cases with tooth-rake marks, the distance between the teeth, allowed us to further identify the aggressor species: four cases were compatible with killer whales (Orcinus orca) affecting three species [pigmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps), Cuvier's beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris), and short-finned pilot whale (Globicephala macrorhynchus)] and four cases compatible with common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) affecting two species [short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) and Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis)]. We also described two cases of intraspecific interaction in stripped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba). Microscopically, 70.8% (17/24) of the cases presented acute degenerative myonecrosis, 66.7% (14/21) presented vacuoles in the myocardiocytes, 36.8% (7/19) pigmentary tubulonephrosis, 31.6% (6/19) cytoplasmic eosinophilic globules within hepatocytes, 21.4% (3/14) hemorrhages in the adrenal gland, and 17.3% (4/23) bronchiolar sphincter contraction. The statistical analysis revealed that deep divers, in good body condition and nearby La Gomera and Tenerife were more prone to these fatal interactions. Additionally, in this period, three animals died due to an accident during predation: a false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens) died because of a fatal attempt of predation on a stingray, and two Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) died as a consequence of struggling while predating on large squids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Puig-Lozano
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Pedro Saavedra
- Department of Mathematics, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas of Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Marisa Tejedor
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Jesús De la Fuente
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Aina Xuriach
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Josué Díaz-Delgado
- TVMDL, Texas A&M, Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Amarillo, TX, United States
| | - Miguel Antonio Rivero
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Marisa Andrada
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
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17
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Suárez‐Santana CM, Fernández A, Sierra E, Arbelo M, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Andrada M, Mompeo B, Pérez L, Blanco A, Méndez A, Espinosa de los Monteros A, Rivero MA. Comparative morphology, histology, and cytology of odontocete cetaceans prostates. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2019; 303:2036-2053. [DOI: 10.1002/ar.24285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cristian M. Suárez‐Santana
- Division of Histology and Animal PathologyInstitute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary SchoolUniversity of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Canary Islands Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Division of Histology and Animal PathologyInstitute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary SchoolUniversity of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Canary Islands Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Division of Histology and Animal PathologyInstitute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary SchoolUniversity of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Canary Islands Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Division of Histology and Animal PathologyInstitute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary SchoolUniversity of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Canary Islands Spain
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Division of Histology and Animal PathologyInstitute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary SchoolUniversity of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Canary Islands Spain
| | - Marisa Andrada
- Division of Histology and Animal PathologyInstitute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary SchoolUniversity of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Canary Islands Spain
| | - Blanca Mompeo
- Division of Histology and Animal PathologyInstitute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary SchoolUniversity of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Canary Islands Spain
- Department of Morphology, Veterinary and Medicine SchoolUniversity of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Canary Islands Spain
| | - Lilian Pérez
- Division of Histology and Animal PathologyInstitute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary SchoolUniversity of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Canary Islands Spain
- Department of Morphology, Veterinary and Medicine SchoolUniversity of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Canary Islands Spain
| | - Alfonso Blanco
- Unit of Veterinary Histology, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of Córdoba Córdoba Spain
| | - Aniceto Méndez
- Unit of Veterinary Histology, Veterinary FacultyUniversity of Córdoba Córdoba Spain
| | - Antonio Espinosa de los Monteros
- Division of Histology and Animal PathologyInstitute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary SchoolUniversity of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Canary Islands Spain
| | - Miguel A. Rivero
- Division of Histology and Animal PathologyInstitute for Animal Health and Food Security, Veterinary SchoolUniversity of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Canary Islands Spain
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18
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Sierra E, Fernández A, Zucca D, Câmara N, Felipe-Jiménez I, Suárez-Santana C, de Quirós YB, Díaz-Delgado J, Arbelo M. Morbillivirus infection in Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus: a phylogenetic and pathological study of cases from the Canary Islands. Dis Aquat Organ 2018; 129:165-174. [PMID: 30154276 DOI: 10.3354/dao03248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The earliest evidence of cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) infection dates from 1982, when the dolphin morbillivirus strain (DMV) was identified in bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus stranded in the mid-Atlantic region. Since then, CeMV has been detected globally in at least 26 species of mysticetes and odontocetes, causing widespread mortality and a wide range of pathological effects. In the Canary Islands, DMV and pilot whale morbillivirus have been detected in cetacean species, including short-finned pilot whales Globicephala macrorhynchus and bottlenose dolphins. Risso's dolphins Grampus griseus have been reported year-round in waters of the Canary Islands and are considered a resident species. No information is currently available on CeMV prevalence in this species in this ocean region. We searched for evidence of CeMV infection in 12 Risso's dolphins stranded in the Canary Islands from 2003 to 2015 by means of histopathology, PCR and immunohistochemistry. PCR revealed 2 CeMV-positive animals (16.6%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the strains from the 2 positive specimens were phylogenetically quite distant, proving that more than 1 strain infects the Risso's dolphin population in this region. We also determined that the strain detected in one of the specimens mainly circulated in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean from 2007 to 2013.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Sierra
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 35413 Las Palmas, Spain
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19
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Suárez-Santana CM, Sierra E, Díaz-Delgado J, Zucca D, de Quirós YB, Puig-Lozano R, Câmara N, De la Fuente J, de los Monteros AE, Rivero M, Arbelo M, Fernández A. Prostatic Lesions in Odontocete Cetaceans. Vet Pathol 2018; 55:466-472. [DOI: 10.1177/0300985818755252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The prostate is the only accessory male genital gland described in cetaceans. Although few studies describe the gross and histologic anatomy of the prostate in cetaceans, there is no information on pathological findings involving this organ. The prostate glands of 45 cetaceans, including 8 different odontocete species ( n = 44) and 1 mysticete, were evaluated. The main pathologic diagnoses were verminous prostatitis, septic prostatitis, viral prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostatitis of unknown etiology. Verminous prostatitis ( n = 12) was caused by nematodes of the genus Crassicauda, and different presentations were observed. Septic prostatitis, identified in 2 cases, both involved nematode infestation and Clostridium spp coinfection. One case of viral prostatitis was identified and was associated with morbillivirus infection. In prostatitis of unknown cause ( n = 7), varying degrees of prostatic lesions, mostly chronic inflammation, were identified. Impacts at individual levels (eg, localized disease, loss of reproductive capacity) and population levels (eg, decreased reproductive success) are plausible. Our results indicate a high occurrence of prostatic lesions in free-ranging odontocetes. For this reason, the prostate should be routinely inspected and sampled during necropsy of odontocete cetaceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian M. Suárez-Santana
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Eva Sierra
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Josue Díaz-Delgado
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Daniele Zucca
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Raquel Puig-Lozano
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Nakita Câmara
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Jesús De la Fuente
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Antonio Espinosa de los Monteros
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Miguel Rivero
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Division of Histology and Animal Pathology, Institute for Animal Health and Food Security (IUSA), Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain
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20
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Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Hartwick M, Rotstein DS, Garner MM, Bogomolni A, Greer W, Niemeyer ME, Early G, Wenzel F, Moore M. Discrimination between bycatch and other causes of cetacean and pinniped stranding. Dis Aquat Organ 2018; 127:83-95. [PMID: 29384478 DOI: 10.3354/dao03189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The challenge of identifying cause of death in discarded bycaught marine mammals stems from a combination of the non-specific nature of the lesions of drowning, the complex physiologic adaptations unique to breath-holding marine mammals, lack of case histories, and the diverse nature of fishing gear. While no pathognomonic lesions are recognized, signs of acute external entanglement, bulging or reddened eyes, recently ingested gastric contents, pulmonary changes, and decompression-associated gas bubbles have been identified in the condition of peracute underwater entrapment (PUE) syndrome in previous studies of marine mammals. We reviewed the gross necropsy and histopathology reports of 36 cetaceans and pinnipeds including 20 directly observed bycaught and 16 live stranded animals that were euthanized between 2005 and 2011 for lesions consistent with PUE. We identified 5 criteria which present at significantly higher rates in bycaught marine mammals: external signs of acute entanglement, red or bulging eyes, recently ingested gastric contents, multi-organ congestion, and disseminated gas bubbles detected grossly during the necropsy and histologically. In contrast, froth in the trachea or primary bronchi, and lung changes (i.e. wet, heavy, froth, edema, congestion, and hemorrhage) were poor indicators of PUE. This is the first study that provides insight into the different published parameters for PUE in bycatch. For regions frequently confronted by stranded marine mammals with non-specific lesions, this could potentially aid in the investigation and quantification of marine fisheries interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Biology Department, Woods Hole, Massachusetts 02543, USA
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21
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Sierra E, Fernández A, Suárez-Santana C, Xuriach A, Zucca D, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, García-Álvarez N, De la Fuente J, Sacchini S, Andrada M, Díaz-Delgado J, Arbelo M. Morbillivirus and Pilot Whale Deaths, Canary Islands, Spain, 2015. Emerg Infect Dis 2016; 22:740-2. [PMID: 26982571 PMCID: PMC4806956 DOI: 10.3201/eid2204.150954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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22
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Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Møllerløkken A, Havnes MB, Brubakk AO, González-Díaz O, Fernández A. Bubbles Quantified In vivo by Ultrasound Relates to Amount of Gas Detected Post-mortem in Rabbits Decompressed from High Pressure. Front Physiol 2016; 7:310. [PMID: 27493634 PMCID: PMC4954815 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiological mechanism of decompression sickness is not fully understood but there is evidence that it can be caused by intravascular and autochthonous bubbles. Doppler ultrasound at a given circulatory location is used to detect and quantify the presence of intravascular gas bubbles as an indicator of decompression stress. In this manuscript we studied the relationship between presence and quantity of gas bubbles by echosonography of the pulmonary artery of anesthetized, air-breathing New Zealand White rabbits that were compressed and decompressed. Mortality rate, presence, quantity, and distribution of gas bubbles elsewhere in the body was examined postmortem. We found a strong positive relationship between high ultrasound bubble grades in the pulmonary artery, sudden death, and high amount of intra and extra vascular gas bubbles widespread throughout the entire organism. In contrast, animals with lower bubble grades survived for 1 h after decompression until sacrificed, and showed no gas bubbles during dissection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Department of Morphology, Veterinary School, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Andreas Møllerløkken
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marianne B Havnes
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology Trondheim, Norway
| | - Alf O Brubakk
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology Trondheim, Norway
| | - Oscar González-Díaz
- Physical and Chemical Instrumental Center for the Development of Applied Research Technology and Scientific Estate, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Department of Morphology, Veterinary School, Institute of Animal Health, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Las Palmas, Spain
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23
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Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Saavedra P, Møllerløkken A, Brubakk AO, Jørgensen A, González-Díaz O, Martín-Barrasa JL, Fernández A. Differentiation at necropsy between in vivo gas embolism and putrefaction using a gas score. Res Vet Sci 2016; 106:48-55. [PMID: 27234535 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Gas bubble lesions consistent with decompression sickness in marine mammals were described for the first time in beaked whales stranded in temporal and spatial association with military exercises. Putrefaction gas is a post-mortem artifact, which hinders the interpretation of gas found at necropsy. Gas analyses have been proven to help differentiating putrefaction gases from gases formed after hyperbaric exposures. Unfortunately, chemical analysis cannot always be performed. Post-mortem computed tomography is used to study gas collections, but many different logistical obstacles and obvious challenges, like the size of the animal or the transport of the animal from the stranding location to the scanner, limit its use in stranded marine mammals. In this study, we tested the diagnostic value of an index-based method for characterizing the amount and topography of gas found grossly during necropsies. For this purpose, putrefaction gases, intravenously infused atmospheric air, and gases produced by decompression were evaluated at necropsy with increased post-mortem time in New Zealand White Rabbits using a gas score index. Statistical differences (P<0.001) were found between the three experimental models immediately after death. Differences in gas score between in vivo gas embolism and putrefaction gases were found significant (P<0.05) throughout the 67h post-mortem. The gas score-index is a new and simple method that can be used by all stranding networks, which has been shown through this study to be a valid diagnostic tool to distinguish between fatal decompression, iatrogenic air embolism and putrefaction gases at autopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Animal Health, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Pedro Saavedra
- Department of Mathematics, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Campus de Tafira s/n, 35017, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Andreas Møllerløkken
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Alf O Brubakk
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Arve Jørgensen
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, St. Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Oscar González-Díaz
- Physical and Chemical Instrumental Center for the Development of Applied Research Technology and Scientific estate, Edificio Polivalente 1, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Campus de Tafira s/n, 35017, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Jose L Martín-Barrasa
- Multidisciplinary Organ Dysfunction Evaluation Research Network, Research Unit, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria, Dr. Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain; Infectious Diseases and Fish Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain.
| | - Antonio Fernández
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Animal Health, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña s/n, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain.
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24
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Danil K, St Leger JA, Dennison S, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Scadeng M, Nilson E, Beaulieu N. Clostridium perfringens septicemia in a long-beaked common dolphin Delphinus capensis: an etiology of gas bubble accumulation in cetaceans. Dis Aquat Organ 2014; 111:183-190. [PMID: 25320031 DOI: 10.3354/dao02783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
An adult female long-beaked common dolphin Delphinus capensis live-stranded in La Jolla, California, USA, on July 30, 2012 and subsequently died on the beach. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed gas bubble accumulation in the vasculature, organ parenchyma, mandibular fat pads, and subdermal sheath as well as a gas-filled cavity within the liver, mild caudal abdominal effusion, and fluid in the uterus. Gross examination confirmed these findings and also identified mild ulcerations on the palate, ventral skin, and flukes, uterine necrosis, and multifocal parenchymal cavitations in the brain. Histological review demonstrated necrosis and round clear spaces interpreted as gas bubbles with associated bacterial rods within the brain, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Anaerobic cultures of the lung, spleen, liver, bone marrow, and abdominal fluid yielded Clostridium perfringens, which was further identified as type A via a multiplex PCR assay. The gas composition of sampled bubbles was typical of putrefaction gases, which is consistent with the by-products of C. perfringens, a gas-producing bacterium. Gas bubble formation in marine mammals due to barotrauma, and peri- or postmortem off-gassing of supersaturated tissues and blood has been previously described. This case study concluded that a systemic infection of C. perfringens likely resulted in production of gas and toxins, causing tissue necrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri Danil
- Marine Mammal & Turtle Division, Southwest Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 8901 La Jolla Shores Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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Sierra E, Fernández A, de los Monteros AE, Arbelo M, de Quirós YB, Herráez P. Muscular senescence in cetaceans: adaptation towards a slow muscle fibre phenotype. Sci Rep 2014; 3:1795. [PMID: 23648412 PMCID: PMC3646281 DOI: 10.1038/srep01795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia, or senile muscle atrophy, is the slow and progressive loss of muscle mass with advancing age that constitutes the most prevalent form of muscle atrophy. The effects of ageing on skeletal muscle have been extensively studied in humans and laboratory animals (mice), while the few reports on wild animals are based on short-lived mammals. The present study describes the age-related changes in cetacean muscles regarding the three factors that determine muscle mass: fibre size, fibre number, and fibre type. We show that the skeletal muscle fibres in cetaceans change with advancing age, evolving towards a slower muscle phenotype. We suggest that this physiological evolution constitutes an adaptation that allows these marine mammals to perform prolonged, deep dives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Sierra
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Institute of Animal Health, Veterinary School, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Trasmontaña S/N, 35416 Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain.
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Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Seewald JS, Sylva SP, Greer B, Niemeyer M, Bogomolni AL, Moore MJ. Compositional discrimination of decompression and decomposition gas bubbles in bycaught seals and dolphins. PLoS One 2013; 8:e83994. [PMID: 24367623 PMCID: PMC3868626 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0083994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gas bubbles in marine mammals entangled and drowned in gillnets have been previously described by computed tomography, gross examination and histopathology. The absence of bacteria or autolytic changes in the tissues of those animals suggested that the gas was produced peri- or post-mortem by a fast decompression, probably by quickly hauling animals entangled in the net at depth to the surface. Gas composition analysis and gas scoring are two new diagnostic tools available to distinguish gas embolisms from putrefaction gases. With this goal, these methods have been successfully applied to pathological studies of marine mammals. In this study, we characterized the flux and composition of the gas bubbles from bycaught marine mammals in anchored sink gillnets and bottom otter trawls. We compared these data with marine mammals stranded on Cape Cod, MA, USA. Fresh animals or with moderate decomposition (decomposition scores of 2 and 3) were prioritized. Results showed that bycaught animals presented with significantly higher gas scores than stranded animals. Gas composition analyses indicate that gas was formed by decompression, confirming the decompression hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Biology Department, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Jeffrey S. Seewald
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole, Massachusetts , United States of America
| | - Sean P. Sylva
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry Department, Woods Hole, Massachusetts , United States of America
| | - Bill Greer
- Integrated Statistics, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
- NOAA NMFS Northeast Fisheries, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Misty Niemeyer
- International Fund for Animal Welfare, Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Andrea L. Bogomolni
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Biology Department, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
- University of Connecticut, Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science, Storrs, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Moore
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Biology Department, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, United States of America
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de Quirós YB, González-Diaz O, Arbelo M, Sierra E, Sacchini S, Fernández A. Decompression vs. Decomposition: Distribution, Amount, and Gas Composition of Bubbles in Stranded Marine Mammals. Front Physiol 2012; 3:177. [PMID: 22675306 PMCID: PMC3366475 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gas embolic lesions linked to military sonar have been described in stranded cetaceans including beaked whales. These descriptions suggest that gas bubbles in marine mammal tissues may be more common than previously thought. In this study we have analyzed gas amount (by gas score) and gas composition within different decomposition codes using a standardized methodology. This broad study has allowed us to explore species-specific variability in bubble prevalence, amount, distribution, and composition, as well as masking of bubble content by putrefaction gases. Bubbles detected within the cardiovascular system and other tissues related to both pre- and port-mortem processes are a common finding on necropsy of stranded cetaceans. To minimize masking by putrefaction gases, necropsy, and gas sampling must be performed as soon as possible. Before 24 h post mortem is recommended but preferably within 12 h post mortem. At necropsy, amount of bubbles (gas score) in decomposition code 2 in stranded cetaceans was found to be more important than merely presence vs. absence of bubbles from a pathological point of view. Deep divers presented higher abundance of gas bubbles, mainly composed of 70% nitrogen and 30% CO2, suggesting a higher predisposition of these species to suffer from decompression-related gas embolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Animal Health, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Las Palmas, Spain
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Bernaldo de Quirós Y, Bernaldo de Quirós Y, González-Díaz Ó, Arbelo M, Andrada M, Fernández A. PROTOCOL FOR GAS SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS IN STRANDED MARINE MAMMALS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012. [DOI: 10.1038/protex.2012.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Bernaldo de Quirós Y, González-Díaz O, Saavedra P, Arbelo M, Sierra E, Sacchini S, Jepson PD, Mazzariol S, Di Guardo G, Fernández A. Methodology for in situ gas sampling, transport and laboratory analysis of gases from stranded cetaceans. Sci Rep 2011; 1:193. [PMID: 22355708 PMCID: PMC3240978 DOI: 10.1038/srep00193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Gas-bubble lesions were described in cetaceans stranded in spatio-temporal concordance with naval exercises using high-powered sonars. A behaviourally induced decompression sickness-like disease was proposed as a plausible causal mechanism, although these findings remain scientifically controversial. Investigations into the constituents of the gas bubbles in suspected gas embolism cases are highly desirable. We have found that vacuum tubes, insulin syringes and an aspirometer are reliable tools for in situ gas sampling, storage and transportation without appreciable loss of gas and without compromising the accuracy of the analysis. Gas analysis is conducted by gas chromatography in the laboratory. This methodology was successfully applied to a mass stranding of sperm whales, to a beaked whale stranded in spatial and temporal association with military exercises and to a cetacean chronic gas embolism case. Results from the freshest animals confirmed that bubbles were relatively free of gases associated with putrefaction and consisted predominantly of nitrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Bernaldo de Quirós
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Department of Morphology, Institute of Animal Health, Veterinary School, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), Trasmontaña, s/n, 35416, Arucas, Las Palmas, Spain
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