Branchial Lesions Research Articles

Histological biomarkers and biometric data on trahira Hoplias malabaricus (Pisces, Characiformes, Erythrinidae): a bioindicator species in the Mearim river, Brazilian Amazon.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of environmental contamination in a protected area in the Brazilian Amazon. For this, two areas were chosen along the Mearim River: the reference area (A1) and the potentially contaminated area (A2), where water samples were collected, for physicochemical and microbiological analyses, as well as specimens of Hoplias malabaricus, for the evaluation of biometric data and incidence of branchial lesions. The physicochemical analyzes of the water from both areas showed contamination (low levels of dissolved oxygen, tubidity and high iron concentrations, especially in A2). The microbiological analyzes showed that all water samples showed total coliform values higher than those acceptable by CONAMA and WHO (with higher values in A2), in addition to E. coli values higher than those allowed by legislation in A2. Regarding biometric data, male and female fishes were significantly longer and heavier in A1 during the dry and rain seasons and the gonadosomatic index also showed higher values in A1 than in A2 in both seasons. H. malabaricus showed gill lesions of minimal to moderate pathological importance in A1 and A2, indicating that specimens from both areas of the Mearim River showed biological responses to contamination. The observed changes in the water quality, bimetic parameters and the histological analyzes of the specimens of H. malabaricus directly reflect on the quality and health of the fishes in the Mearim River, and point to the urgent need for prevention and remediation of contamination in these ecosystems.

Oxidative Stress and Toxico-Pathic Branchial Lesions in Cyprinus carpio Exposed to Malachite Green.

Gill is the frontier tissue to come in direct contact with aquatic toxicants. Malachite green (MG) commercial textile dye was assessed for its impact on the gill cytoarchitecture. Cyprinus carpio were exposed to 0.087 and 0.146mg/L of MG for 60days. The tissue was processed, and HE stained slidesrevealed histo-pathic lesions such as lamellar curling, edema, necrosis, telangiectasia, aneurysm, and vacuolization. Scanning electron microscopy reported aberrations in lamellae and microridges of the epithelium. At the cellular level, transmission electron microscopy exhibited nuclear alterations in form of pyknosis and mitochondrial swelling followed by cristolysis. Pillar cells displayed cytoplasmic vacuolization and leukocyte infiltration, and goblet cell containing varied shaped and density mucous globules. The biochemical analysis supported the ultrastructural alterations and showed a negative impactof MG on the antioxidative enzymes (CAT, SOD, GSH), while levels of MDA were found to be significantly elevated. Thereby, concluding MG induced branchial toxicity in the fish.

A novel herpes-like virus inducing branchial lesions in a tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier).

A juvenile, male tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier) developed illness after capture in Florida waters and was euthanized. Gross lesions included mild skin abrasions, hepatic atrophy, and coelomic fluid. Histologically, gills contained multifocal lamellar epithelial cell necrosis and thromboses. Scattered gill and esophageal epithelial cells had large, basophilic, intracytoplasmic, and intranuclear inclusions. Ultrastructurally, lamellar epithelial cells contained arrays of intracytoplasmic viral particles and scattered intranuclear nucleocapsids. Capsulated virions were 148 ± 11 nm with an 84 ± 8 nm icosahedral nucleocapsid and an electron-dense core. Next-generation sequencing, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and in situ hybridization performed on formalin-fixed tissue confirmed a herpes-like viral infection. The viral polymerase shared 24% to 31% protein homology with other alloherpesviruses of fish, indicating a divergent virus. This report documents the pathologic findings associated with a molecularly confirmed novel herpes-like virus in an elasmobranch.

Estudo histopatológico em brânquias de juvenis de Rhamdia quelen submetidos a ensaio toxicológico crônico com ibuprofeno

The present study aimed at evaluating histopathological changes in gills of Rhamdia quelenjuveniles submitted to different concentrations of ibuprofen (0.0; 0.5; 5.0 and 50.0 mg/L); concentrations were determined from LC50acute assays of 5.0mg/L(120h). For each concentration four replicates were made, with four copies each. The experiment had a total duration of 120 hours in a chronic toxicological trial. After completion, the animals were euthanized, laparotomized, and the gills were localized, isolated and fixed in 10% formaldehyde, preserved in 70% alcohol and subsequently submitted to histological routine technique for paraffin inclusion. Fivecuts (6μM) per specimen were made and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E). The Average Alteration Score(AAS) and Histopathological Alteration Indices (HAI) were determined according to the degree of the lesion and then classified in stages I, II and III which produced respectively Lamellar derangement, Lamella’s epithelium rupture and aneurysm with more expressive alterations. For all concentrations the drug led to histological alterations for Rhamdia quelen, putting in evidence damages that go from moderate to severe in the gills of the analysed fishes. Ibuprofen caused branchial lesions in R.quelenwith a progressive effect in high concentrations, suggesting that the presence of this drug could cause abnormalities and favour mortality in this species.

Effects of different stocking densities on Nile tilapia performance and profitability of a biofloc system with a minimum water exchange

The determination of an optimum stocking density should be obtained according to a complex assessment, in which growth performance, water quality, animal welfare, and production costs need to be considered. In this context, the objective of this work was to evaluate different stocking densities of Nile tilapias in biofloc technology (BFT) with minimal water renewal. Six hundred masculinized Nile tilapia juveniles with an initial average weight of 133.91 g were evaluated at four different stocking densities (18.75, 37.50, 56.25, and 75.00 fish‧m−3) and four replications, during 260 days of trial. The increase in stocking density resulted in a reduction of DO and pH. The minimum water renewal at a rate of 5%‧day−1 promoted an average reduction of settleable solids in the system of 23.75% at each discharge. The final biomass followed a quadratic regression on the stocking density, with a maximum at 72.27 fish‧m−3 or 36.86 kg‧m−3. However, the greatest daily weight gain (2.84 g‧day−1) that resulted in the highest average final body weight (842.26 g) was obtained at the lowest stocking density. We did not obtain any significant differences in body composition. The biofloc, on the other hand, had lower ash content and higher gross energy in the high stocking densities. Regarding gill morphometry, we found a greater number of branchial lesions in the highest and lowest stocking density evaluated. By an economical assessment, if the sales price is influenced by the final body weight, the reduced average harvest weight in higher stocking densities could lead to low profitability or even financial loss. Therefore, it is concluded that the use of intermediate stocking density, around 33 fish‧m−3, has higher profitability since it produces a large proportion of harvested fish that reach high body weights, and possible high selling prices, combined with desirable biomass.

Bacteriomic Profiling of Branchial Lesions Induced by Neoparamoeba perurans Challenge Reveals Commensal Dysbiosis and an Association with Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi in AGD-Affected Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar L.).

Amoebic gill disease is a parasitic condition that commonly affects marine farmed Atlantic salmon. The causative agent, Neoparamoeba perurans, induces a marked proliferation of the gill mucosa and focal superficial necrosis upon branchial lesions. The effect that amoebic branchialitis has upon gill associated commensal bacteria is unknown. A 16S rRNA sequencing approach was employed to profile changes in bacterial community composition, within amoebic gill disease (AGD)-affected and non-affected gill tissue. The bacterial diversity of biopsies with and without diseased tissue was significantly lower in the AGD-affected fish compared to uninfected fish. Furthermore, within the AGD-affected tissue, lesions appeared to contain a significantly higher abundance of the Flavobacterium, Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi compared to adjunct unaffected tissues. Quantitative PCR specific to both N. perurans and T. dicentrarchi was used to further examine the co-abundance of these known fish pathogens. A moderate positive correlation between these pathogens was observed. Taken together, the present study sheds new light on the complex interaction between the host, parasite and bacterial communities during AGD progression. The role that T. dicentrarchi may play in this complex relationship requires further investigation.

Biochemical and morphological responses in Ucides cordatus (Crustacea, Decapoda) as indicators of contamination status in mangroves and port areas from northern Brazil

The aims of this study were to analyze biochemical and morphological responses (glutathione S-transferase activity and branchial lesions) in Ucides cordatus (crabs) and to verify how the species is responding to environmental contamination in a port (potentially contaminated area) and mangrove (reference area; Amazon Coast, Maranhão, Brazil). Adult males were captured bimonthly for a period of 1year. Higher GST activity (1.03 ± 0.07μmolmin-1mg protein-1) was observed in crabs in the port when compared with those in the reference area (p < 0.05). The greatest number of branchial lesions (serious alterations) was recorded in crabs only in the port area. The GST activity increased until serious lesions appeared; after this limit, GST activity decreased dramatically to very low levels, thus resulting in irreversible lesions (lamella collapse). The mathematical model based on the two parameters evaluated in U. cordatus showed that the port area experienced substantial contamination impact, while the mangroves (reference area) presented moderate environmental quality.

Enzymatic and Histological Biomarkers in Ucides cordatus (Crustacea, Decapoda) in an Industrial Port on the North Coast of Brazil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate enzymatic (glutathione-S-transferase and catalase) and histological (branchial lesions) biomarkers in Ucides cordatus (Crustacea, Decapoda) from an industrial port region on the north coast of Brazil. The crabs were collected in two distinct locations of the Brazilian coast: A1 = region under influence of port activities; and A2 = low-impacted area. We performed histological examination in the gills and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase activity in the hepatopancreas. The most frequent and severe histological lesions were found in A1, especially rupture of pilaster cells and lamellar collapse. Catalase activity did not show a pattern capable of differentiating the two analyzed areas. On the other hand, GST activity presented a more pronounced response in the crabs of the port area (p < 0.05), coinciding with the most frequent branchial lesions in these same organisms. These results suggest that the species is susceptible to environmental stress, once alterations at different organizational levels were verified.

Third or fourth branchial pouch sinus lesions: a case series and management algorithm

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to develop an effective management algorithm for lesions of third or fourth branchial sinuses.Study designCase series with chart review.MethodsData from patients who were identified as having third or fourth branchial pouch sinus lesions in a single institution between January 2014 and December 2018 were retrospectively collected.ResultsAll 67 patients underwent fistulectomy. First, we classified the patients into five types based on their anatomic features. Then, we considered four optimized surgical methods and adopted the appropriate method with full consideration of the patient’s clinical characteristics. The great majority of cases occurred on the left side of the neck (68.7%) and most commonly presented as either a recurrent low-neck abscess or cutaneous discharging fistula with neck infection. Effective preoperative examination included administering contrast agent prior to a computed tomography (CT) scan and in-office laryngoscopy during the quiescent period of inflammation. Ultrasound was also very helpful in determining the presence of thyroiditis. The mean follow-up duration after excision of the lesion was 25.8 months. To date, only 1 (1.5%) recurrence and no obvious complications have been observed.ConclusionRefining fistula subtypes and adopting corresponding treatment measures can reduce the recurrence rate and improve curative effects. We propose and advocate this treatment algorithm for all third and fourth branchial pouch lesions.

A screening test based on hematological and histological biomarkers to evaluate the environmental impacts in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) from a protected area in Maranhão, Brazilian Amazon

Nowadays biomonitoring programs can benefit with mathematical models able to correlate biomarkers to monitor water pollution. The aim of this study was to develop a screening test based on hematological parameters and histological lesions in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum), to allow the assessment of environmental impacts on fish inhabiting a protected area in Maranhão inside of Brazilian Amazon. Samples collected during three years (2012, 2013 and 2014) were grouped by season (dry and rainy) Water samples were also collected for physical chemistry analysis. Blood samples were stained with Acridine Orange to detect micronuclei and erythrocyte abnormalities. Gill tissues were stained with hematoxylin and counterstained with alcoholic eosin, and histopathological lesions were scored on a scale of 1–3, being 1 = minimal pathological importance, 2 = moderate pathological importance and 3 = marked pathological importance. A screening test for evaluating environmental impact was developed by fitting the measured data (necrosis, erythrocyte abnormalities, number of micronuclei) from tambaqui. A three-dimensional surface was fit to the empirical data. Our proposed model predicted the probability of necrosis (observed in euthanized animals) based on the numbers of micronuclei and abnormal erythrocytes (observed in blood samples from live animals) (correlation coefficient R = 0.89). The methodology could be applied for predicting contamination histories (chronic pollution that induces branchial lesions) in rivers using the micronucleus and erythrocyte abnormalities of the fishes (with a simple blood sample).

Integrated analysis of two biomarkers in Sciades herzbergii (Ariidae, Siluriformes), to assess the environmental impact at São Marcos’ Bay, Maranhão, Brazil

Guribu catfish (Sciades herzbergii) is a resident species in estuaries of Maranhão, Brazil. The aim of this work was to determine the feasibility of integrated analysis of the branchial lesions and gonadosomatic index of Sciades herzbergii in order to evaluate the effects of pollutants in São Marcos' Bay. The first site (S1) is located near the Ilha dos Caranguejos and was used as a reference area for being an environmental protection area. The second site (S2) is located near the ALUMAR/ALCOA port, and was used as a potentially polluted area. Fish were collected at each site, forty-eight in S1 and forty in S2. Gills were fixed in 10% formalin, and usual histological techniques were used in the first right gill arch, with inclusion in paraffin and sections of 5 µm thickness. There were no histopathological changes in animals captured at the reference site. However, in those catfish collected in the potentially contaminated area it was observed several branchial lesions, such as lifting of the lamellar epithelium, fusion of some secondary lamellae, hypertrophy of epithelial cells and lamellar aneurysm. The analysis using the gonadosomatic index (GSI) showed significant differences, being higher in fish analyzed from the reference area (P &lt; 0.05). The branchial lesions and GSI were sensitive for monitoring environmental impacts of different locations at São Marcos’ Bay, Maranhão, Brazil.

Clinical characteristics and surgical management in patients with third and fourth branchial anomalies

Objective:To analysize the clinical characteristics as well as the effect and methods of the surgical treatment in patiets with the third and fourth branchial anomalies.Method:The clinical data of 25 patients diagnosed as third and fourth branchial cleft fistula by pathological method were analyzed retrospectively.Two of 25 patients had undergone fistulectomy simply.Based on the embryologicc and anatomic features of branchial anomalies,23 of 25 patients had received different types of selective neck dissection.All of lesions were confirmed as branchial cleft fistula by pathology.All patients were received the examinations of Esophagus myelography,MRI and CT preoperatively.Result:The features of the third and the fourth bianchial fistula were as following:most patients suffered from recurrent neck abscess and had undergone incision and drainage. Esophagus myelography and CT were important auxiliary examination for branchial anomalies.No recurrent and complications were found in all patients by using treatment of selective neck dissection (23/25 cases) and fistulectomy simply(2/25 cases) within 12 to 36 months following-up,postoperatively.Conclusion:Branchial anomalies is characterized by recurrent acute abscess,acute thyroiditis or fistula secretion inferior to neck.Complete removal of branchial lesions and inflammatory granuloma using selective neck dissection is a safty and effective treatment for recurrent branchial anomalies.

頸部病変が軟骨母斑と異所性唾液腺であったbranchio-oto-renal syndromeの1例

頸部病変が軟骨母斑と異所性唾液腺であったbranchio-oto-renal syndromeの1例

Biomarcadores histológicos em duas espécies de bagres estuarinos da Costa Maranhense, Brasil

Neste estudo objetivou-se validar lesões branquiais como biomarcadores em peixes de importância econômica (Sciades herzbergii e Bagre bagre) capturados pela pesca artesanal em dois locais diferenciados da Baía de São Marcos, MA, a fim de selecionar um táxon como bioindicador capaz de ser utilizado em programas de biomonitoramento. O primeiro ponto (S1) foi utilizado como uma área de referência - Ilha dos Caranguejos -, e o segundo ponto (S2) foi considerado potencialmente impactado - Complexo Portuário de São Luís, MA. Encontraram-se várias alterações histológicas para as duas espécies em S2, destacando-se: estreitamento lamelar, teleangectasia, fusão e descolamento do epitélio da lamela secundária. Lesões branquiais em B. bagre coletados em S1 também foram observadas, não sendo possível diferenciar os indivíduos das duas áreas analisadas. Os dados indicam que S. herzbergii é um bioindicador mais apropriado para análise de biomarcadores de contaminação aquática.

Individual and combined effects of copper and parasitism on osmoregulation in the European eel Anguilla anguilla

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla), a catadromous species, breeds in the sea and migrates to estuarine, lagoon or freshwater habitats for growth and development. Yellow eels, exposed to low or fluctuating salinities, are also exposed to multiple other stressors as pollution, over-fishing and parasitism, which contribute to the dramatic decrease of eel populations in several European countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the single and combined effects of waterborne copper and experimental infestation of eels with the nematode Anguillicoloides crassus after a salinity challenge from nearly isotonic (18ppt) to hypo- (5ppt) and hypertonic (29ppt) conditions, in order to investigate the osmoregulatory capacity of eels exposed to these stressors. In a nearly isotonic condition (18ppt), blood osmolality remained constant over the 6 weeks contamination to Cu2+ and Anguillicoloides crassus. In fish exposed to a salinity challenge of 29ppt for 2 weeks, no significant effect was recorded in blood osmolality, Na+/K+-ATPase (NKA) activity, Na+ and Cl− concentrations. After 2 weeks at 5ppt however, a significant blood osmolality decrease was detected in fish exposed to Anguillicoloides crassus infestation with or without Cu2+ addition. This decrease may originate from lower Cl− levels measured in eels exposed to both stressors. Blood Na+ levels remained relatively stable in all tested animals, but gill NKA activities were lower in eels exposed to combined stress. No apparent branchial lesions were detected following the different treatments and immunolocalization of NKA revealed well-differentiated ionocytes. Thus, the 5ppt challenge in eels exposed to copper and Anguillicoloides crassus seems to clearly enhance iono/osmoregulatory disturbances. Funded by ANR CES/CIEL 2008–12.

Biomarkers in Catfish Sciades herzbergii (Teleostei: Ariidae) from Polluted and Non-polluted Areas (São Marcos’ Bay, Northeastern Brazil)

Biomarkers based on specific enzyme activities and histological alterations are useful tools for evaluating toxicological effects of xenobiotics in wild fish. In this work, an experimental system of biomarkers with enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) and branchial lesions in catfish (Sciades herzbergii) was mathematically modeled. The fish were collected along known pollution gradients (S1) and from areas regarded relatively free of anthropogenic input (S2) in São Marcos' Bay, Brazil. GST was measured spectrophotometrically, and branchial lesions were examined by light microscope. The databases from this analysis were compiled, and non-linear models were used to analyze the dependence of the enzyme activity on the areas of sampling and on selected biological parameters of the fish. Fish weight, length, and somatic indices (gonadosomatic index) were significant in the model of GST activity only in A2. Brachial lesions were significant in the model of GST activity only in A1. The obtained model indicates that when the GST ceases to act, serious branchial lesions are observed in the fish of the contaminated regions.

Duplication of the External Auditory Canal: Two Cases and a Review of the Literature

The objective of the present paper is to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic process, surgical treatment, and outcome of 2 patients with first branchial cleft anomaly. The first case was an 8-year-old girl presented with an elastic lesion located in the left infra-auricular area, in close relation with the lobule, duplicating the external auditory canal. The magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion, appearing as a rather well-circumscribed mass within the left parotid gland and duplicating the ear canal. A superficial parotidectomy was subsequently performed, with total excision of the cyst. The second patient was a 15-year-old girl presented with a congenital fistula of the right lateral neck. At superficial parotidectomy, a total excision of the fistula was performed. During the operation the tract was recorded to lay between the branches of the facial nerve, extending with a blind ending canal parallel to the external acoustic meatus. Conclusively, first branchial cleft anomalies are rare malformations with cervical, parotid, or auricular clinical manifestations. Diagnosis of first branchial cleft lesions is achieved mainly through careful physical examination. Complete surgical excision with wide exposure of the lesion is essential in order to achieve permanent cure and avoid recurrence.

Diagnosis and treatment of congenital fourth branchial anomaly

To discuss the anatomic features, clinical presentations, diagnosis, differentiations and treatments of congenital fourth branchial anomaly(CFBA). The clinical data of 8 patients with CFBA were retrospectively analyzed. Of the 8 patients aging from 27 to 300 months (median age: 114 months), 4 male and 4 female; 3 untreated previously and 5 recurrent. All lesions, including 1 cyst, 3 sinus (with internal opening) and 4 fistula, located in the left necks. Three patients presented acute suppurative thyroiditis, 4 deep neck abscesses, and 1 neck lump. Preoperative examinations included barium esophagogram, direct laryngoscopy, ultrasonography, CT, MRI, and so on. The principles of managements were adequate drainage, infection control during acute period and radical surgery during quiescent period. Classic surgical approach consisted of complete excision of branchial lesions, dissection of recurrent laryngeal nerve and partial thyroidectomy. Selective neck dissection was applied in recurrent cases to extirpate branchial lesions, scarrings and inflammatory granuloma. Postoperatively, 1 case was with local incision infection which healed by wound care; 1 case was with temporary vocal cord paralysis which completely recovered 1 month after operation. No recurrence was found in all of 8 cases with follow-up of 13 to 42 months (median: 21 months). CFBA relates closely anatomically with recurrent laryngeal nerve and thyroid grand. The barium esophagogram and direct laryngoscopy are the most useful diagnostic tools. CT and MRI are all beneficial to the diagnosis of CFBA. The treatment key to CFBA is the complete excision of lesion during a quiescent period after inflammatory control, together with the dissection of recurrent laryngeal nerve, partial thyroidectomy and partial resection of lamina of thyroid cartilage (if necessary), which all can decrease the risk of complications and recurrence. For recurrent cases, selective neck dissection is a safe and effective surgical procedure.

The toxic potential of aldrin and heptachlor on Danio rerio juveniles (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae)

With the objective of evaluating the effects of organochlorine pesticides (aldrin and heptachlor) on the survival, growth and gill morphology of juvenile zebrafish (Danio rerio), four partial chronic toxicity bioassays were conducted (seven days' duration) with both compounds in a semi-static system with renewal every 24 h. The results did not show any effects on the fish's survival, but did on their growth and gill morphology. Aldrin was more toxic than heptachlor, since the chronic value (CV) for growth was nearly 8.7 times less, a result confirmed by analyzing the histology of the gills, in which the changes detected were considered more severe for the former substance. In general, they were found branchial lesions of first stage, in other words, cell proliferation between the secondary lamellae, hyperplasia, lifting of respiratory epithelial cells; fusion of several secondary lamellae and dilation of blood vessels. Aneurysms (alterations of second stage) they were verified in the exposed organisms to the aldrin, which also presented about 10% of reduction in the standard length and 30% of reduction in the total weight in relation to the exposed organisms to the control. For heptachlor these values were of 8% and 25%, respectively. The intensity of the gill lesions and growth of the fish did not depend on the pesticide concentration, suggesting different modes of action of the products.

Experimentally Induced Glochidiosis in Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu)

Necropsy was performed on 2 smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) that died 8 days after experimental gill inoculation with Actinonaias pectorosa glochidia. The salient feature at necropsy was ragged gills containing multiple petechial hemorrhages and numerous white, iridescent dust-like particles easily confirmed as glochidia in squash preparations of the gill filaments. Microscopically, the gills contained multiple rounded glochidia encysted at the tips or along the length of the filaments. Parasitized filaments were thickened, blunted, and often fused. Lamellae were extensively fused and obliterated, with proliferation of the epithelial cells giving the filament a smooth outline. Sometimes glochidia were associated with necrosis and/or hemorrhage. These fish most likely died due to asphyxia associated with the severe branchial lesions caused by the glochidia.