Caudal Mesenteric Artery Research Articles

Distribution pattern of the celiac, cranial mesenteric, and caudal mesenteric arteries to the gastrointestinal tract in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

Gastrointestinal diseases pose problems to captive common marmosets. Therefore, knowledge of the anatomy of the arterial supply to the gastrointestinal tract is an important prerequisite for implementing appropriate veterinary care. The common marmoset's intestinal tract has a well-developed cecum specialized for the fermentative digestion of tree gums. This specialized gastrointestinal tract may have a unique pattern of arterial distribution. This study aimed to elucidate the species-specific gastrointestinal tract arterial anatomy of the common marmoset. We traced the celiac, cranial mesenteric, and caudal mesenteric arteries in six male and nine female common marmosets using the latex injection method. We found that the celiac artery gave rise to the left gastric, common hepatic, splenic, and caudal pancreaticoduodenal arteries. In addition to these arteries, the celiac artery gave origin to the middle colic or jejunal arteries in seven or one cases, respectively. The branches of the cranial mesenteric artery consisted of 3-6 arteries, including the middle colic, caudal pancreaticoduodenal, jejunal, right colic, ileocolic, and ileal arteries, as well as a common trunk of the ventral cecal and ileal branches, and the dorsal cecal and colic branches. In four cases, the cranial mesenteric artery gave rise to the jejunal, ileocolic, and ileal arteries. In one of the 13 cases, the celiac and cranial mesenteric arteries formed a common trunk. The caudal mesenteric artery branched into the left colic, sigmoid, and cranial rectal arteries in all the cases. These findings provide an anatomical basis for gastrointestinal veterinary care of common marmosets.

The arterial vascularization of the gastrointestinal tract of the Common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)

The common pheasant has been the subject of scientific research, although it has yet to receive as thorough analysis as other domestic birds. It has spread to many world areas, adapting to diverse environments. A study was conducted on 30 carcasses of female common pheasants. The aim of the study was a comparative analysis of the anatomy of vessels supplying the digestive system of the pheasant. An anatomical study of the pheasant's arteries revealed that the celiac artery originates from the right part of the descending aorta. Its branches include the proventriculus artery, which supplies vessels to the proventriculus and esophagus. This artery also supplies the spleen, duodenum, and the initial segment of the large intestine. Both the left and right branches of the celiac artery give off numerous branches that reach different areas of the intestines and stomach, forming a complex network of vessels. The cranial mesenteric artery is a crucial vessel supplying the small and large intestines, while the caudal mesenteric artery supplies the final segment of the large intestine and cloaca. Additionally, the pudendal arteries are responsible for vascularizing the cloaca and surrounding structures in this species of bird. These detailed anatomical observations are significant for understanding the blood circulation in pheasants.

Vascularization of the gastrointestinal tract of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus, Montagu 1821).

Odontocetes primarily rely on fish, cephalopods, and crustaceans as their main source of nutrition. In the digestive system, their polygastric complex exhibits similarities to that of their closest terrestrial relatives such as cows, sheep, and giraffes, while the entero-colic tract shares similarities with terrestrial carnivores. The morphology, caliber, and structure of the odontocete intestine are relatively constant, and, since there is no caecum, a distinction between the small and large intestine and their respective subdivisions is difficult. To address this issue, we used the intestinal vascularization pattern, specifically the course and branching of the celiac artery (CA) and the cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries (CrMA and CdMA). A series of pictures and dissections of 10 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were analyzed. Additionally, we performed a cast by injecting colored polyurethane foam in both arteries and veins to measure the caliber of the arteries and clarify their monopodial or dichotomous branching. Our results showed the presence of multiple duodenal arteries (DAs) detaching from the CA. The CrMA gave origin to multiple jejunal arteries, an ileocolic artery (ICA), and, in six cases, a CdMA. In four specimens, the CdMA directly originated from the abdominal aorta. The ICA gave rise to the mesenteric ileal branches (MIB) and mesenteric anti-ileal branches and the right colic arteries (RCA) and the middle colic arteries. From the CdMA originated the left colic and cranial rectal arteries (LCA and CrRA). The measurements revealed a mixed monopodial and dichotomous branching scheme. The analysis of the arteries and their branching gave us an instrument, based on comparative anatomy, to distinguish between the different intestinal compartments. We used the midpoint of anastomoses between MIB and RCA to indicate the border between the small and the large intestine, and the midpoint of anastomoses between LCA and CrRA, to tell the colon from the rectum. This pattern suggested an elongation of the duodenum and a shortening of the colic tract that is still present in this species. These findings might be related to the crucial need to possess a long duodenal tract to digest prey ingested whole without chewing. A short aboral part is also functional to avoid gas-producing colic fermentation. The rare origin of the CdMA on the CrMA might instead be a consequence of the cranial thrust of the abdominopelvic organs related to the loss of the pelvic girdle that occurred during the evolution of cetaceans.

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

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.

Pathogenesis and pathomorphology of distraction trauma in the framework of pre-trial investigations of cruelty to animals

The importance of identification and differential diagnosis of spinal injuries, in the case of polytrauma, the ability to distinguish the pathogenesis of various injuries are important and relevant both during clinical and during pathological examination of the animal’s body. The purpose of research is to provide veterinary practitioners and lawyers with strategies for identifying the cause (mechanism) of spinal cord injury and to assist triers of fact (decision-makers) in arriving at plausible and reasoned veterinary forensic conclusions. The research was performed using pathological and anatomical dissection and histological studies. It was established that damage to the cervical spinal cord due to traumatic bending of the neck was accompanied by partial or complete rupture of the intervertebral disc and destruction of the ligaments of the vertebrae. It was found that the hyperemia of the vessels of the meninges of the brain is the result of blood circulation disorders in the occipital artery and the caudal artery of the meninges, and mechanical damage to the integrity of the intervertebral discs or the destruction of the ligaments of the neck vertebrae led to various disorders of the innervation of various organs and systems of the body and ended the death of animals. It was proved that the distraction injury of the cervical spine led to the swelling of the medulla of the brain, haemorrhages of the caudalventral part of the brain substance. It was found that irritation of nervus vagus led to hyperemia of vessels of large (aorta and trunk of pulmonary artery) caliber, cranial mesenteric artery) caudal mesenteric artery and, accordingly, hyperemia of thoracic and abdominal organs. Application of research results will help in differentiation of various types of mechanical injuries of the spine (including differentiation from other pathological conditions of the body), determination of the area of the applied force vector

Collateral aortic branches in the collared peccary (Pecari tajacu Linnaeus, 1758).

The determination of arterial vascular distribution patterns can contribute to more detailed knowledge on arterial systems. In this context, the aim of the present study was to describe the collateral aortic branches in the collared peccary, aiming to define a standard model for this species, providing information through comparative anatomy for analysis of some evolutionary aspects of the order Artiodactyla. Ten young male animals were employed. The vascular system was washed with a saline solution and then perfused with Neoprene 450 latex coloured with red or yellow pigment, followed by collateral aorta branch dissections and analyses. The contrasted digital radiography technique was applied to two animals, which were initially perfused with a barium sulphate solution (1 g/ml) and Neoprene 450 latex at a 1:3 ratio, and subsequently, the digital radiographic examination was performed. The aortic arch of the collared peccary emitted the brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery, while eight symmetric pairs of dorsal intercostal arteries originated from the thoracic aorta. The abdominal aorta, in turn, exhibited the celiac, cranial mesenteric, renal, caudal mesenteric, testicular, external iliac, internal iliac and sacral arteries as the collateral branches in all studied animals. Therefore, no relevant variations were observed regarding the arrangement of the arterial distribution of the aorta, thus suggesting a static standard model in the collared peccary.

Arterial supply to the rat colon.

Rats are often used as animal models in studies such as on intestinal transplantation and anastomosis healing, which require colectomy. Although detailed information regarding arterial supply is important to establish accurate and reproducible experimental procedures, this has not been studied in the rat colon. Therefore, we analysed the detailed arterial distribution pattern and its individual variations in the colon of 34 rats. The rat colon received colic branches of the ileocolic artery, and the right, middle and left colic arteries. The single left colic artery constantly arose from the caudal mesenteric artery and was distributed to the descending colon, whereas the others showed variations in number and distribution. The ileocolic artery gave rise to one (12%) or two (88%) colic branches supplying the proximal ascending colon, and these branches formed rich, mesh-like anastomoses along the initial portion of the ascending colon. One (74%) or two (26%) right colic arteries originated from the cranial mesenteric artery and supplied the ascending colon and right colic flexure. Moreover, one (38%), two (56%) or three (6%) middle colic arteries emerged from the cranial mesenteric artery and were distributed to the transverse colon, left colic flexure and proximal descending colon. In total, we categorized the individual variations in arterial branching and anastomosis into 11 patterns. Arterial supply to the rat colon showed a specific pattern and frequent individual variations. These findings thus provide essential information for establishing reproducible models of rat colic surgery.

The Arterial Vascularization of the Small and Large Intestine in Adult Male Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

The aim of this study was to reveal the blood supply of the intestinal tract in male adult turkey. Five healthy birds were collected from local suppliers at Baaqoba province. All birds were euthanized and their coelomic cavity was dissected. The descending aorta was cannulated and injected with colored latex, and then the course of arteries along the intestinal tract investigated. Small intestine received the blood by celiac artery, cranial and caudal mesenteric artery. Celiac was split into two branches right and left, the right branch of celiac artery supplied the proventriculus, gizzard, duodenum, pancreas, jejunum and distal part of ileum and cecum while left branch supply the stomach. The crania mesenteric artery nourished the terminal parts of duodenum, jejunum ileum and cranial part of the two ceca, on the other hand. Caudal mesenteric artery was the third artery that supplied the intestine which was short branch originated from descending aorta and divided into two groups cranial groups supplied distal part of ileum and base of ceca while the caudal groups supplied the rectum and cloaca and anastomosed with cranial mesenteric artery. Form the above results, it was concluded that the small and large intestine are nourished by the three major arteries namely Celiac, Cranial and Caudal mesenteric arteries and its branches.

Vascularização do intestino do bicho-preguiça (Bradypus variegatusSCHINZ, 1825)

Common sloth (Bradypus variegatus) is a mammal that belongs to the superorder Xenarthra, typical from neotropical regions, with geographic distribution from Honduras to northern Argentina. Our study aimed to describe the intestine blood supply of these Bradipodids in order to collaborate with the clinical-surgical for these animals. For that, ten animals, included four females and six males, were sampled from the collection of the Anatomy Division, Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco DMFA/UFRPE. Corpses received formalin, preserved in saline solution and subsequently dissected for description of the cranial (AMCr) and caudal (AMC) mesenteric arteries. Sixty percent of sloths presented AMCr and AMC, cwhile 30% of them had intestines (small and large) irrigation from the common mesenteric artery (AMCo), an arterial trunk from which AMCr and AMC originated. For 10% of the specimens, the entire intestine was vascularized only by AMCr. Along the AMCr branches, there were arched arrangements, with arches size reductionat the level of the small intestine. Therefore, B. variegatus presents anatomical variations regarding the irrigation of the intestine, which can be made from AMCr and AMC, from the AMCo arterial trunk or to a lower frequency exclusively through AMCr branches.

Angiographic Atlas of the Visceral Vascular Anatomy in Translational Rat Models.

To characterize angiographic and cross-sectional imaging anatomy of the rat visceral vasculature in 2 translational models. Animal studies were conducted in accordance with institutional guidelines and approval of the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees. Retrospective review of digital subtraction arteriography was performed in 65 Wistar and 50 Sprague-Dawley male rats through a left common carotid artery or right common femoral artery approach. MR imaging of the abdomen was performed on the rats to correlate imaging modalities. Aortography was performed in 3 locations, including cranial to the celiac artery, cranial to the renal arteries, and cranial to the caudal (inferior) mesenteric artery, enabling characterization of the visceral branch arteries in all 65 Wistar rats. Selective arteriography of first-, second-, and third-order branch vessels of the aorta was performed allowing characterization of normal and variant anatomy. Dedicated selective arteriography was performed of the celiac artery in 65 Wistar and 10 Sprague-Dawley rats, of the common hepatic artery in 65 Wistar and 50 Sprague-Dawley rats, and of the cranial mesenteric artery in 43 Wistar rats. MR imaging enabled correlation with the lobar and portal venous anatomy. Analysis of arteriography and MR imaging in these rat models will provide translational researchers with anatomic details needed to develop new endovascular protocols for small animal research in interventional radiology.

Anatomy of the abdominal aorta in the hoary fox (Lycalopex vetulus, Lund, 1842)

The hoary fox (Lycalopex vetulus, Lund, 1842) is the smallest Brazilian canid, whose weight varies between 2 and 4 kg, has a slender body, a small head, and a short and blackened snout. Despite being considered an endemic species, little is known about the hoary fox as it is one of the seven less studied canids in the world. Thus, this study aimed to describe the anatomy of the abdominal aorta artery of the hoary fox and to compare it with the pre-established literature data in domestic canids. For this purpose, we used two adult hoary foxes without definite age. We collected the corpses of these animals along roadsides of Catalão-GO, being later fixed and conserved in a 10% formalin solution. The results showed that the abdominal aorta in hoary fox is at the ventral face of the lumbar region vertebral bodies, being slightly displaced to the left of the median plane. The first branch is visceral, named celiac artery, followed by a paired parietal branch: the phrenic abdominal arteries. The third and fourth branches are the cranial mesenteric arteries and the rightand left are the renal arteries, respectively. The posterior branches of the renal arteries are equally visceral, paired, being called testicular arteries. Distal to the latter, both the caudal mesenteric artery and deep circumflex iliac arteries originate. Finally, two large external iliac arteries and its terminal branches composed of internal iliac arteries and the median sacral artery originate. In addition, five pairs of lumbar arteries originate alongside the abdominal segment of the aorta. Considering these findings, it is possible to conclude that despite the hoary fox being a wild animal, the anatomy of its abdominal aorta is very similar to that of domestic canids.

Subcutaneous ureteral bypass for treatment of bilateral ureteral obstruction in a cat with retroperitoneal paraganglioma

CASE DESCRIPTION A 7-year-old female domestic shorthair cat was referred for evaluation of azotemia and unilateral hydronephrosis. CLINICAL FINDINGS Abdominal ultrasonography revealed right-sided hydronephrosis and dilation of the proximal aspect of the ureter; the left kidney was small with irregular margins. A highly vascular, irregular retroperitoneal mass, not clearly associated with the ureteral obstruction, was also visualized. Surgical exploration confirmed a retroperitoneal mass involving the caudal mesenteric artery and both ureters, with hydroureter on the right side. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME A subcutaneous ureteral bypass (SUB) device was surgically implanted to treat right ureteral obstruction, and the mass was biopsied. Shortly after surgery, progressive azotemia and hyperkalemia were detected; ultrasonographic examination revealed left-sided hydronephrosis and hydroureter, which was suspected secondary to inflammation of the mass causing a left-sided ureteral obstruction. A second surgery was performed to place an SUB device for the left kidney and remove the retroperitoneal mass; both ureters were ligated at the mid- and distal aspects and then transected and removed with the mass. A neuroendocrine paraganglioma was identified by histopathologic evaluation of the mass. Hydronephrosis improved (right kidney) or resolved (left kidney) after surgery, and azotemia improved. Chemotherapeutic intervention was declined. Markers of renal function were static during the 14-month follow-up period. At the last follow-up evaluation, the patient was reportedly doing well, and both SUB devices were patent. CLINICAL RELEVANCE This was the first report of retroperitoneal paraganglioma in a domestic cat causing bilateral ureteral obstruction. Bilateral SUB device placement enabled en bloc mass resection and provided long-term relief of ureteral obstruction.

Adaptive Anatomical Specialization of the Intestines of Alpacas Taking into Account their Original Habitat and Feeding Behaviour.

The gastrointestinal tract of the alpaca (Vicugna pacos) is most efficiently adapted to its habitat at high altitudes. Alpacas, just like ruminants, feed on hardly digestible forage. However, it has been demonstrated that the anatomy of the camelid digestive tract has developed independently of ruminants and not in homology to them. Despite a long history of domestication and an increasing number of animals worldwide, little research has been done on the intestinal anatomy of alpacas. The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomical features of the alpaca's intestines and to explain anatomical peculiarities in the context of evolutionary function and morphology. Another goal of this study was the demonstration of weaknesses of the intestinal anatomy predisposing alpacas to certain clinical presentations. Six animals were used for dissection. The basic structure of the intestines was comparable to that in ruminants. However, a number of characteristic peculiarities were found in alpacas, like the duodenal ampulla and the proximal and distal loop of the ascending colon. The jejunum and ileum, unlike those of ruminants, had their own mesentery largely separated from the ascending mesocolon. The main blood supply was provided by the cranial and caudal mesenteric artery. The particular lymph nodes were located along the branches of these two arteries. The spiral colon seemed to play a major role in intestinal digestion and water resorption. The size of the distal fermentation chamber allows the presumption that alpacas belong to the group of animals practicing a fractionated fermentation in the proximal and distal fermentation chambers. Anat Rec, 301:1840-1851, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Gross Anatomy of the Celiac, Cranial Mesenteric and Caudal Mesenteric Arteries in Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix)

The Celiac artery in hooded crow originated from descending aorta. It gives off the proventricular artery, splenic arteries then terminated with the right and left celiac arteries. The right celiac artery detached the right hepatic, left hepatic, gastroduodenal and the right gastric arteries. The gastro duodenal artery supplies the pylorus and duodenum. The right gastric artery gives off the ventral proventricular, dorsal gastric and ventral gastric arteries. The dorsal and ventral gastric arteries supply the gizzard. The left celiac artery gives off the left gastric artery to gizzard, the jejunal branch, duodenal branch, and pancreatico-duodenal artery. The cranial mesenteric artery originated from the descending aorta then gives off the duodo-jejunal artery, ileal branches, jejunal arteries. the duodo-jejunal artery divided into duodenal and jejunal branches. The ileal branches are the dorsal and ventral ileal arteries. The caudal mesenteric artery arose from the descending aorta then di- vided into cranial and caudal branches. The cranial branch is distributed in the cranial part of rectum and cecum. The caudal branch sup- plies the caudal half of rectum, cloaca and cloacal bursa.

Macroscopic Study of Celiac, Cranial Mesenteric and Caudal Mesenteric Arteries in the European Hare

Abstract The aim of this paper was to describe the branching schema of the ventral branches of the abdominal aorta: the a. celiaca, the a. mesenterica cranialis and the a. mesenterica caudalis. The study was carried out on nine adult European hares using the corrosion cast technique. After the euthanasia, the vascular network was perfused with saline. Batson’s corrosion casting kit No. 17 was used as a casting medium. After polymerisation of the medium, the maceration was carried out in KOH solution. In all specimens, the first branch originating from the a. celiaca was the a. lienalis. The a. hepatica was present as the second branch in four cases and as the third branch also in four cases. The first branch of the a. mesenterica cranialis was the a. colica media in seven cases. The second branch was represented by the a. pancreaticoduodenalis caudalis also in seven cases. Two aa. jejunales originated as the third branch. In seven cases, the fourth branch formed the truncus jejunalis and the fifth branch the a. ileocecalis. The a. mesenterica caudalis had a uniform arrangement in all of the specimens. The results enabled us to conclude that there was higher variability of the branching pattern of the a. celiaca in comparison with the a. mesenterica cranialis and the a. mesenterica caudalis in the European hare.

Anatomia cardíaca e ramificações da aorta em macaco-prego (Sapajus apella)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi descrever a anatomia cardíaca da espécie Sapajus apella, fazendo um estudo da morfologia e irrigação cardíaca, aorta abdominal e suas ramificações em duas fêmeas e dois machos desta espécie. Os animais foram dissecados em nível de arco aórtico, o qual foi canulado e nele injetado solução de látex Neoprene 650, corado com pigmento vermelho. Em seguida, foram fixados em solução aquosa de formoldeído a 10%. O coração dos exemplares analisados apresentava-se perfeitamente envolto pelo pericárdio, com a base do órgão na altura da terceira costela e localização dorsal. A morfologia interna do coração e suas ramificações revelam grande parte de suas estruturas-padrões descritas na literatura. As ramificações da aorta abdominal mostraram-se semelhantes às de outras espécies já descritas na literatura, apresentando como primeiro ramo a artéria celíaca, que se trifurcou de maneira clássica em gástrica esquerda, esplênica e hepática. O ramo seguinte foi o da artéria mesentérica cranial, seguido das artérias renais e mesentérica caudal. A região terminal da aorta originou as ilíacas externas e internas e, por fim, a sacral mediana, que estava ausente em um dos animais analisados.

Origin Level of the Ventral Branches of the Abdominal Aorta in the Rabbit and European Hare

Abstract The aim of this research was to describe the level of origin of the branches originating from the ventral surface of the abdominal aorta in the rabbit and hare. The study was carried out on ten adult rabbits and ten adult European hares using the corrosion cast technique. After euthanasia, the vascular network was perfused with saline. Batson’s corrosion casting kit No. 17 was used as a casting medium. After polymerization of the medium, the maceration was carried out in a KOH solution. We found variable levels of the origin of the celiac, cranial mesenteric and caudal mesenteric arteries in both species. In the rabbit, the celiac artery originated in the majority of cases at the cranial end of the first lumbar vertebra and in the hare at the middle part of the vertebral body of the same vertebra. The cranial mesenteric artery in the rabbit originated predominantly at the level of the first lumbar vertebra and in the hare at the level of the second lumbar vertebra. In the rabbit, the caudal mesenteric artery originated mainly at the level of the sixth lumbar vertebra and in the hare, at the level of the fifth lumbar vertebra. We concluded that there were higher variabilities of the origins of the ventral branches of the abdominal aorta in domesticated rabbit in comparison with the European hare.

Abstract 102: A Novel Swine Model of Infrarenal Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Introduction: A reproducible large animal model for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) does not exist. This study sought to develop a large animal AAA model in swine using β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), a lysyl oxidase inhibitor, an enzyme responsible for collagen cross-linking. We hypothesized that elastase/collagenase perfusion and balloon dilatation in combination with BAPN administration would result in AAA formation. Methods: Uncastrated Yorkshire male swine were fed BAPN (0.12g/kg) daily for one week prior to surgery and continued throughout the experiment. After anesthesia, the aorta was exposed from the renal arteries to the aortic bifurcation. The infrarenal aorta was cannulated via the caudal mesenteric artery and an aortic angioplasty was performed to dilate the aorta to 200% of its original diameter. Next, a 30 mL solution consisting of 500 units of elastase and 8,000 units of Type I collagenase was perfused into the infrarenal aorta for 10 minutes. This solution was also then topically applied for 10 minutes. The abdomen was irrigated and closed. Antibiotics and analgesic medications were administered. Results: BAPN-fed swine sacrificed at 28 days (n=5) had a 101% increase in infrarenal aorta diameter compared with day 0 (p=0.008). Swine (n=4) sacrificed at 7 and 14 days showed an increase of 114 and 75%, respectively. Histologically on day 28, collagen decreased by 20% and smooth muscle cell expression decreased by 40% (p=0.0001) in the aortic wall compared with control suprarenal aorta. Infrarenal aortas also showed a strong predilection for M1-polarized macrophages (MCP-1 positive staining, p=0.0165) compared with M2 macrophages (Arg-1 positive staining). MMP2 activity by zymography (p=0.0127) and IL-18 by array was also significantly increased (p=0.0202) on day 28 in the infrarenal AAA. Conclusions: Compared with previous large animal AAA models, this model using conventional techniques including balloon dilatation, elastase/collagenase perfusion, in addition to oral BAPN led to robust AAA with similar molecular and histologic changes to those seen in human AAA. This novel swine AAA model may serve as a much-needed link that will allow for the progression of studies from rodents to humans.

Anatomical studies on the cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries of the Barbados Black Belly sheep

Abstract Introduction: The Barbados Black Belly is a breed of domestic sheep in the Caribbean island of Trinidad. Anatomical studies on the cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries are necessary to know the pattern of its blood supply to gain information in benefit of experimental surgery. Materials and Methods: The thoracic part of the aorta of five sheep was injected with red latex. Careful gross dissection of the cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries was performed either after embedding in 10% formalin solution for 2-3 days. Results: The cranial mesenteric artery originated from the abdominal aorta, caudally to the celiac trunk, giving caudal duodenal artery, jejunal arteries, ileal arteries, ileocolic artery and middle colic artery. The caudal mesenteric artery arises from the aorta, cranially to the external iliac arteries, originating the left colic and cranial rectal arteries. Conclusion: cranial and caudal mesenteric arteries supplied the small and large intestine of the Barbados Black Belly sheep except caudal part of the large intestine which were supplied by the middle and caudal rectal arteries.

Origem e principais ramificações das artérias mesentéricas cranial e caudal em avestruz (Struthio camelus Linnaeus, 1758)

Resumo: As artérias mesentéricas das aves são importantes para a irrigação do aparelho digestório e encontram-se associadas ao ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. Objetivou-se descrever as origens, esqueletopias, medidas e principais ramificações das artérias mesentéricas cranial e caudal em avestruzes. Foram utilizados 41 cadáveres de filhotes de avestruzes, 23 machos e 18 fêmeas, obtidos de um criadouro após morte natural. Os cadáveres foram fixados com formaldeído a 10% e tiveram o sistema vascular preenchido com Petrolatex® S-65 colorido. As artérias mesentéricas, cranial e caudal e seus ramos proximais foram dissecados "in situ" e medidas com paquímetro digital. A artéria mesentérica cranial teve comprimento médio de 3,68 ± 1,04 cm e surgiu da aorta descendente ao nível da oitava vértebra torácica na maioria dos casos. Ramificou-se em artérias jejunal e ileocecal. A artéria jejunal ofereceu média de 14,04 ±2,08 ramos ao jejuno e a artéria ileocecal originou um ramo retal e outro que se bifurcou para derivar ramos para íleo, ceco e reto. Em um espécime macho a artéria ileocecal foi ramo da artéria celíaca. A artéria mesentérica caudal originou-se na porção terminal da aorta descendente predominantemente ao nível das 4ª e 6ª vértebras sacro-caudais. Perto da extremidade caudal do rim emitiu os ramos cranial e caudal. O primeiro irrigou o reto e anastomosou-se com ramo retal da artéria mesentérica cranial; o segundo irrigou a porção final do reto, cloaca e bolsa cloacal. Não houve diferença significativa (p<0,05) entre as medidas, esqueletopia e número de ramificações das artérias entre os sexos.