Abdominal aortic branches of red-rumped agouti (Dasyprocta leporina Linnaeus, 1758).

Abstract

Understanding the cardiovascular system is fundamental in diagnosing pathologies and interpreting exams, such as contrast radiographs. In this context, the present study describes the collateral abdominal aorta artery branches of red-rumped agouti. Ten red-rumped agoutis, six males and four females, were assessed. The vascular system was perfused with Neoprene 450 latex coloured with a yellow pigment, dissected and analysed. Three euthanized animals were perfused with a barium sulfate solution (1 g mL-1 ) associated with latex Neoprene 450 at a 1:3 ratio to obtain contrast-enhanced radiographs. The abdominal aorta emitted the celiac artery, which in turn originated the left gastric, hepatic and splenic arteries. The second collateral branch comprised the cranial mesenteric artery, followed by the renal arteries, which emitted the adrenal arteries, with the caudal emergence of the gonadal arteries. The caudal mesenteric artery appeared in a caudal direction. The abdominal aorta divided after reaching the pelvic cavity entrance, originating the right and left common iliac arteries. Before its bifurcation, the abdominal aorta dorsocaudally emitted its last collateral branch, the median sacral artery. The collateral branches of the aorta, therefore, resemble previously described rodent patterns, with few variations.