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This study performed a histomorphometric analysis of the retina and estimated the visual acuity of three fruit-eating bats of the genus Artibeus, including Artibeus lituratus, Artibeus planirostris and Artibeus obscurus. In total, 13 animals were used for this study, in which the retinas were hemidisected, fixed, cut, and stained. The visual acuity was determined by the density of ganglion cells in the retina and the retinal layers were also measured from histological sections. The retinas of these bats are avascular, do not present tapetum lucidum in any quadrant, and have the 10 retinal layers common in mammals. Moreover, it was observed that the thickness of the retina in the central region was significantly higher in all measured parameters (p

In this study, reproductive stages and ovarian histophysiology were investigated in adult female Artibeus planirostris in the municipality of Vitoria de Santo Antao, Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. They were captured over one night each month (November 2016 to November 2017). Based on the monthly average precipitation, the dry (September to February) and rainy (March to August) months were grouped. Through external body morphology, females were classified as inactive, pregnant, lactating, and post-lactating. Only the inactive (n = 13) were euthanized for morphophysiological analyzes. Blood samples were obtained for estrogen measurement and, after euthanasia, the ovaries were collected and processed by routine histological techniques. In morphometry, were considered: the area of the ovary, the presence, and the area of the ovarian follicles (unilaminar and multilaminar primary, antral, and Graafian), as well as the quantification of the corpus luteum. In immunohistochemistry, PCNA (Proliferating cell nuclear antigen) was used. The results showed pregnant females only in dry months, however inactive, lactating, and post-lactating females were collected in dry and rainy months. Estrogen levels and the presence of positive PCNA cells were higher in the rainy months. The Graafian follicle occurred only in these months, whereas the corpus luteum was found in all specimens from the dry months. Although A. planirostris has a tendency to start gestation in dry months and mating from mid to the end of the rainy months, this species showed adaptability influenced by environmental variations throughout the reproductive cycle, indicating a aseasonal polyestry.

Bats belong to the order Chiroptera, family Phyllostomidae, and present a wide diversity of reproductive strategies. However, information on the reproductive biology of male bats is scarce, mainly in the Northeast Region of Brazil. Thus, this study evaluated the seasonal testicular histomorphometry of the bat Carollia perspicillata in fragments of the Atlantic Forest in Pernambuco state. To this end, adult males were collected, euthanized for removal of the testicles, and later submitted to a routine histological technique. Histomorphometric analysis included assessment of the areas of tubular and intertubular compartment occupation, as well as quantification of spermatocytes, rounded spermatids, elongated spermatids, and Sertoli and Leydig cells. Results indicated that this bat species presents reproductive seasonality, because significantly higher averages of the testicular parameters were observed in the rainy season, which is a period of greater availability of food resources. Such inferences indicate that there is a synchrony between peak spermatogenesis and hormonal inversion in the months of high precipitation; furthermore, a higher carrying capacity of the Sertoli cells is noted. C. perspicillata males possibly present greater sperm and androgenic activity in the rainy season, associated with increased tubular area and number of spermatogenic cells, as well as with the intertubular area and number of Leydig cells, respectively. RESUMO: Os morcegos pertencem a ordem Chiroptera, família Phyllostomidae, e apresentam ampla diversidade de estratégias reprodutivas. Entretanto, as informações relacionadas à biologia reprodutiva dos machos são escassas, principalmente no Nordeste do Brasil. Dessa forma, o trabalho avaliou a histomorfometria sazonal testicular de Carollia perspicillata em fragmentos de Mata Atlântica de Pernambuco. Para tanto, os machos adultos foram coletados, eutanasiados para a remoção dos testículos, e posteriormente submetidos à técnica histológica de rotina. As análises histomorfométricas avaliaram as áreas de ocupação do compartimento tubular e intertubular, assim como a quantificação dos espermatócitos, espermátides arredondadas, espermátides alongadas, células de Sertoli e de Leydig. Os resultados indicaram que a espécie apresenta sazonalidade reprodutiva, visto que maiores médias significativas dos parâmetros testiculares foram encontradas na estação chuvosa, que é um período de maior disponibilidade de recursos alimentares. Tais inferências indicam que existe uma sincronia entre o pico de espermatogênese e investimento hormonal nos meses de alta precipitação, atrelado a isso, nota-se ainda, uma maior capacidade de suporte das células de Sertoli. Os machos de C. perspicillata possivelmente apresentam uma maior atividade espermática e androgênica na estação chuvosa, associadas ao aumento da área tubular e do número de células espermatogênicas, assim como da área intertubular e do número das células de Leydig, respectivamente.

RESUMO Esse estudo objetivou avaliar sazonalmente a histomorfometria do epidídimo de Dermanura cinerea (Gervais, 1856) em um fragmento de Mata Atlântica no nordeste do Brasil. Foram utilizados 18 espécimes machos adultos capturados por redes de neblina. As coletas ocorreram mensalmente ao longo de dezoito meses, durante duas noites consecutivas e os dados meteorológicos foram fornecidos pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia. Depois de eutanasiados, os espécimes tiveram os epidídimos coletados e esses órgãos foram fixados e processados. As lâminas histológicas foram coradas por Hematoxilina - Eosina e analisadas em microscopia óptica. Os parâmetros morfométricos analisados foram as áreas do túbulo, do lúmen e do epitélio das regiões do segmento inicial, cabeça, corpo e cauda do epidídimo. Os dados histomorfométricos obtidos foram submetidos às análises no teste U de Mann-Whitney. Os resultados revelaram que D. cinerea apresentou espermatozoides em todas as regiões do epidídimo, exceto no segmento inicial. As maiores médias das áreas tubular, do lúmen e do epitélio nas quatro regiões, foram constatadas durante os meses secos. Portanto, D cinerea apresentou maior sensibilidade na região da cauda do epidídimo, ao longo dos meses com baixos índices pluviométricos. Isso indica que as condições ambientais apresentam considerável influência sobre a morfofisiologia epidídimária dessa espécie, sobretudo, em relação ao armazenamento de espermatozoides na cauda desse órgão, em área de Mata atlântica do nordeste brasileiro. ABSTRACT Description and seasonal variation in epididymal histomorphometry of Dermanuracinerea (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in the Northeastern Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate seasonal patterns in the histomorphometry of the epididymis of Dermanura cinerea (Gervais, 1856) in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in the Northeastern Brazil. Eighteen adult male specimens captured by mist net were used. The field-work occurred monthly over 18 months, during two consecutive nights. Meteorological data (precipitation) were obtained from the National Institute of Meteorology. After euthanasia, specimens had the epididymis collected, which were fixed and processed. The histological slides produced were stained by Hematoxylin - Eosin and analyzed by optical microscopy. The morphometric parameters analyzed were the tubular, lumen and epithelium areas, of the regions of the initial segment, caput, corpus and cauda of the epididymis. The histomorphometric data were submitted to the Mann-Whitney U test analyzes. The results showed that D. cinerea presented spermatozoa in all regions of the epididymis, except in the initial segment. The highest averages of the tubular, lumen and epithelial areas in the four regions were observed during the dry months. Therefore, D cinerea presented greater sensibility in the region of the cauda of the epididymis, during the months with low rainfall indices. This indicates that environmental conditions have considerable influence on the epididymal morphophysiology of this species, especially in relation to the storage of sperm in the tail of this organ, in area of Atlantic forest in northeastern Brazil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the histology and morphometry of endochondral ossification in limbs of rats submitted to usnic acid from Cladonia substellata (AHTI) encapsulated in PLGA-microspheres. It was used 12 pregnant Wistar rats that were randomly distributed in the control groups (n = 6), which received 1.0 mL of saline solution; and treated (n = 6), that received 25 mg/kg/day of encapsulated usnic acid in PLGA microspheres by oral administration. It was analyzed six fetuses from each rat under study. At the 20th day of gestation were euthanized the females and their fetuses removed for histomorphometric analysis of the anterior and posterior limbs. The results showed the epiphyseal discs of the animals with cell alterations, as in the morphology and numbers of chondrocytes. It also showed a decrease in the amount of collagen type I collagen in bone tissue. However, this study showed low toxicity of the encapsulated usnic acid on bone development, when compared to its conventional dosage form. In this way, the toxicity of usnic acid can be reduced by encapsulation in PLGA-microspheres.

Exposure of pregnant women to pesticides in an occupational or incidental manner has been pointed out as a possible cause of health problems in newborns. Cypermethrin and methomyl are insecticides whose active compounds and metabolites can cause harm to the health of pregnant women and their offspring. Both contribute to increases in the concentrations of oxidizing agents that damage DNA, causing mutations. Thus, the use of antioxidant substances, such as melatonin, could serve as protection against genetic damage, reducing the problems caused by insecticides. Here, we evaluated the protective effect of exogenous melatonin in adult rats and their offspring exposed to methomyl and cypermethrin during the gestational period. Thirty adult rats were divided into five groups from the first day of pregnancy: NC - negative control, Mth received 0.02 mg/kg/day of methomyl, Cyp received 0.05 mg/kg/day cypermethrin, MthMl received 0.02 mg/kg/day methomyl combined with 10 mg/kg/day melatonin, and CypMl received 0.05 mg/kg/day cypermethrin combined with 10 mg/kg/day melatonin. Blood and liver samples were collected from the dams; blood, liver, and brain samples were collected from the offspring. All tissues were used for comet assay; blood was used for micronucleus test. Our results demonstrate that cypermethrin and methomyl induce significant genetic damage in the tissues of dams and offspring. Treatment with melatonin significantly reduced cypermethrin-induced genetic damage in dams and pups; however, melatonin was not effective against the genetic damage caused by methomyl. Thus, melatonin may be considered a promising agent for the reduction of genotoxic effects induced by cypermethrin but appears to be inefficient against the genotoxic effects caused by methomyl, probably due to differences in the metabolism of each pesticide.

RESUMO Esse estudo analisou o estágio reprodutivo, a histologia e a morfometria dos testículos de Dermanura cinerea (Gervais, 1856) em fragmento de Mata Atlântica no Litoral Sul de Pernambuco. Os espécimes foram capturados por redes de neblina e as coletas ocorreram mensalmente, ao longo de duas noites consecutivas, durante 18 meses. Os dados meteorológicos foram agrupados em meses chuvosos e secos. Foram utilizados 18 espécimes adultos, os quais foram classificados em machos com testículos descendentes e não descendentes. Para as análises histológicas, os testículos foram coletados, fixados e processados seguindo a técnica histológica de rotina. As lâminas obtidas foram coradas por Hematoxilina-Eosina. Nas análises morfométricas foram mensuradas a área de ocupação do compartimento tubular e intertubular, quantificados o número de células de Leydig, de Sertoli, de espermatócitos e de espermátides alongadas. Os dados morfométricos foram submetidos às análises estatísticas. Dermanura cinerea apresentou maior atividade de produção espermática em meses secos e maior produção hormonal em meses chuvosos. Essas informações estão relacionadas também com o padrão reprodutivo das fêmeas e com a elevação nos índices pluviométricos, já que é um fator determinante na mediação da disponibilidade alimentar das espécies frugívoras, como D. cinerea em área de Mata Atlântica de Pernambuco. ABSTRACT This study analyzed the reproductive stage, histology and morphometry of the testes of Dermanura cinerea (Gervais, 1856) in Atlantic Forest fragment on the South Coast of Pernambuco. Specimens were captured by mist net, and collections occurred monthly over two consecutive nights for 18 months. The meteorological data were grouped in rainy and dry months. Eighteen adult specimens were used, which were classified in males with descendant testes and with testes no descendant. For the histological analysis, the testes were collected, fixed and processed following the routine histological technique. The slides obtained were stained by Hematoxylin-Eosin. In the morphometric analysis the area of occupation of the tubular and intertubular compartment were measured, the number of Leydig, Sertoli, spermatocytes and elongated spermatids were quantified. The morphometric data were submitted to statistical analysis. Dermanura cinerea presented higher sperm production activity in dry months and higher hormone production in rainy months. This information is also related to the reproductive pattern of the females and to the increase in rainfall indexes, since it is a determinant factor in the mediation of the food availability of the frugivorous species, such as D. cinerea in the Atlantic Forest area of Pernambuco.

This study aimed to analyze the reproductive stage, histology and morphometry of the ovary of Dermanura cinerea in an Atlantic Forest fragments in the Biological Reserve of Saltinho, Pernambuco, Brazil. Adult females were captured monthly by mist net, during two consecutive nights from June/2014 to November/2015. The meteorological data were provided by the National Institute of Meteorology and grouped together with the reproductive data, in six periods: period I (June to August/2014), period II (September to November/2014), period III (December/2014 to February/2015), period IV (March to May/2015), period V (June to August/2015) and period VI (September to November/2015). The females were classified according to their reproductive stages in: Inactive, pregnant, lactating and postlactating. Among the 25 females caught, 10 inactive females were selected for the histomorphometric analysis of the ovaries and then they were euthanized. After that, the specimens had their ovaries removed, fixed, processed and included in Paraplast. The organs were cut and stained by Hematoxylin - Eosin and the histological slides produced were submitted to the appropriate optical microscope analysis. Each type of ovarian follicle was estimated according to the histological characteristics evidenced for other mammals. In the morphometric analysis, it was considered: The area of the ovary (measured in square millimeter), Quantification of different types of ovarian follicles (unilaminar and multilaminar primary follicles, antral and matures) and corpus luteum, as well as the area of each by those different follicles (measured in square micrometer) The results indicated that 16 females were inactive, 5 were lactating, 4 were pregnant and no post-lactating. The histological analysis revealed that the ovaries of D. cinerea exhibit characteristics, structures and cellular types similar to other mammals. The morphometric data of the study area were statistically evaluated using the Student’s t-test. Therefore, ovarian histomorphometric analysis are very important to infer with greater certainty about the reproduction of a species. Thus, it was observed that females of D. cinerea exhibit two reproductive peaks, that is, they can give birth either at the end of dry periods or from the beginning to the middle of the rainy season. The main feature observed in the ovary of this species, found in the Atlantic Forest area of the state of Pernambuco, is the preparation of the ovarian cortex to ovulate in months of high rainfall throughout the year. Therefore, this species tries to adjust its reproductive period with the variations of the environmental conditions, so that the reproduction might occur during the period more favorable for the maintenance of their offspring.

Maternal alcoholism can induce serious injuries in embryonic and fetal development. The metabolism of alcohol increases the production of free radicals and acetaldehyde, molecules capable of reacting with DNA, impairing organogenesis. Melatonin is a powerful antioxidant that can act as a protective agent against DNA damage caused by genotoxic agents, such as ethanol. This study evaluated the protective effect of exogenous melatonin in rats and their offspring on the genotoxic response induced by chronic alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Twenty-five pregnant rats were divided into the following groups: NC - Negative control; ET - Rats receiving ethanol (3 g/kg/day); ET+10 M - Rats receiving ethanol (3 g/kg/day) and melatonin (10 mg/kg/day); ET+15 M - Rats receiving ethanol (3 g/kg/day) and melatonin (15 mg/kg/day); PC - Positive control (40 mg/kg cyclophosphamide). The dams and 10 pups (five males and five females) from each group were anesthetized to collect blood and liver from the dams and blood, liver and brain of neonates to evaluate the frequency of DNA damage by the comet assay. Blood was also used for the micronucleus test. The results demonstrated a significant increase in DNA damage in the blood and liver cells of dams receiving ethanol and their offspring as well as in the brain of these neonates. Treatments with melatonin (10 and 15 mg/kg/day) significantly reduced the genotoxicity caused by ethanol in the blood of dams and neonates (males and females), liver of dams and male offsprings, and in the brain of female offsprings. It was shown that only the female offspring exposed to maternal alcohol consumption showed a higher frequency of micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes. Consequently, exogenous melatonin may be a promising therapeutic agent against genotoxic damage induced by alcohol; however, further studies are needed to confirm these benefits.

This study aimed to evaluate the teratogenic and hepatotoxic potential of the usnic acid encapsulated into PLGA-microspheres. In total, 12 female Wistar rats in pregnancy were randomly distributed in the control group (n= 6) that received 1.0 mL of physiological solution and treatment group (n= 6) that received 25 mg/kg of encapsulated usnic acid by oral administration. All females were euthanized at day 20 of pregnancy and their fetuses were removed and analyzed. During the pregnancy was observed a reduction in weight gain. There was no difference in serum transaminases levels analyzed as well as any difference in liver weight in both groups. The histomorphometric analysis of the liver from the treatment group revealed an increase in number of hepatocytes and a decrease in nuclear area of these cells. Moreover, no alteration was observed in cell area of hepatocytes or number of Kupffer cells. The fetuses had an increase in total number of hepatocytes and a reduction in the amount of megakaryocytes. These results show the hepatotoxic potential of usnic acid during pregnancy. However, its toxicity can be minimized by encapsulation in microspheres.

The tongue is regarded as a key organ for bats, since the specialized characters are used for taxonomic and systematic purposes, cladistic studies, and elucidation of patterns of eating habits. This study aimed to characterize morphologically the tongue in the species Artibeus lituratus, Artibeus planirostris, Artibeus obscurus, and Dermanura cinerea, and to report the first evidence of melanin in the lingual epithelium of bats. We used 20 specimens collected in the municipalities of Vitoria de Santo Antao and Sirinhaem, in Pernambuco State, Brazil. The tongues were extracted and submitted to routine histological techniques, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Fontana-Masson. In the four species, the keratinized stratified pavement epithelium was observed, but with the presence of melanin granules on the basal layer only in the species A. lituratus, A. planirostris, and A. obscurus, evidenced through the Fontana-Masson staining technique. The melanin found in the tongue of these species is characterized as the first record for the order Chiroptera and it may be related to oral asepsis, and/or inhibition of toxic substances observed in plants. Therefore, there is a need for further studies, aiming to improve our knowledge of the function of pigment in this organ. Keywords: Artibeus; Dermanura; melanin; bats; lingual morphology.

Studies about toxicological potential of usnic acid are limited. This way, the vast majority of data available in the literature are related only to biological activities. This is the first study that aimed to evaluate the oral toxicity of usnic acid during the period of organogenesis. Females rats were distributed in the control groups, treated I and II, at doses of 15 and 25 mg/kg, administered by gavage during the 6° to 15° days of pregnancy. After 20 days the fetuses were removed and analyzed. A reduction in weight gain during pregnancy, increased resorption, reduction in the number of viable fetuses, and their body weight were observed. Morphological changes in the litter were visualized as exposure of the eye and atrophy of the limbs at the dose of 25 mg/kg. Histological analysis of the liver of the fetus showed reduction in the number of megakaryocytes between experimental groups and increase in the number of hepatocytes in a dose of 25 mg/kg. The experimental model used in this study reveals teratogenic effect of usnic acid in the period of organogenesis. Since this achievement, the importance of evaluating the toxic effects of natural substances is imperative, in order to elucidate the care in their indication as drug.

Pregnant women may be exposed to pesticides in an occupational or incidental way, which has been pointed out as a possible cause of problems in the health of newborns. Cypermethrin and methomyl are insecticides whose active compounds and metabolites can cause harm to the health of pregnant women and the concept. Both increase the concentration of oxidizing agents that damage DNA, causing mutations. Thus, the use of antioxidant substances such as melatonin could serve as protection against genetic damage, reducing the problems caused by insecticides. Here, we evaluated the protective effect of exogenous melatonin in adult rats and their offspring exposed to methomyl and cypermethrin during the gestational period. Thirty adult rats were divided into five groups from the first day of pregnancy: NC - negative control; Mth received 0.02 mg / kg / day of methomyl; Cyp received 0.05 mg / kg / day cypermethrin; MthMl received 0.02 mg / kg / day methomyl combined with 10 mg / kg / day melatonin; CypMl received 0.05 mg / kg / day cypermethrin combined with 10 mg / kg / day melatonin. Blood and liver samples were collected from the dams; blood, liver, and brain samples were also collected from the offspring. All tissues were analysed in the comet assay; while blood was also used for the micronucleus test. The results demonstrate that cypermethrin and methomyl induce significant genetic damage in the tissues of dams and offspring. Treatment with melatonin reduced Cyp-induced genetic damage in dams and pups; but was not effective against DNA damage caused by methomyl. Thus, melatonin may be considered a promising agent for the reduction of genotoxic effects induced by cypermethrin, but appears to be inefficient against the genotoxic effects caused by methomyl, probably due to differences in the metabolism of each pesticide.

Resumo: Esse estudo objetivou avaliar o efeito da ooforectomia sob os parâmetros histomorfométricos dos cardiomiócitos e quantificação de colágeno em ratas Wistar. Vinte ratas foram utilizadas e separadas em dois grupos: GI - ooforectomizada e GII - sham-ooforectomizada. Após a recuperação anestésica os animais foram acomodados em gaiolas e separados nas condições de ciclo claro/escuro 12/12h por um período de 6 meses. Passado o período experimental, os animais foram anestesiados, o coração retirado e mergulhado em formaldeído a 10%. Os fragmentos dos ventrículos foram submetidos ao processamento histológico e corados com hematoxilina e eosina. As análises histomorfométricas (área celular e área e volume nuclear) foram realizadas pelo microscópio de luz e software ImageJ versão 1.44. Os dados foram submetidos à análise ANOVA e quando significantes, complementados pelo teste t de student (p

Schistosomiasis has affected the rural population of Pernambuco, Brazil, for centuries. The hepatosplenic and neurological manifestations of this parasitosis have often been described. However, prostatic schistosomiasis caused by Schistosoma mansoni had never been registered in Pernambuco, thus the importance of this particular case being reported. Case presentation: This report records the first case of prostatic schistosomiasis in Pernambuco. A 51-year-old patient underwent partial prostatectomy due to possible cancer and was diagnosed with this ectopic form of schistosomiasis. After the surgical procedure, stool samples were collected to run Kato-Katz parasitological tests, which were positive for S. mansoni, thus confirming that the patient was still infected. Laboratory blood tests and clinical examination showed alterations in liver function and confirmed the presence of hepatointestinal damage. Patient monitoring evidenced that the prostate-specific antigen levels remained high and, one year after the first surgical intervention, a new prostatic puncture showed that schistosomiasis and fibromatosis lesions remained present. It is noteworthy that after triple praziquantel treatment (April 2014, July 2014, February 2015) parasitological stool examinations were all negative for S. mansoni. In conclusion this accidental diagnosis of prostatic schistosomiasis raises doubts regarding the ability of healthcare services to identify and treat ectopic schistosomiasis. The persistently high levels of PSA even after surgical and pharmacological treatment, indicate irreversible damage to tissue caused by S. mansoni. Therefore, healthcare services need to be prepared to investigate and diagnose these cases, with a view to preventing chronic sequelae through early treatment.

During an inventory fieldwork carried out at Usina Salgado property in the county of Ipojuca, Pernambuco, Brazil, we captured a Lionycteris spurrelli specimen in a forest fragment known as Mata do Mingú (8° 31' 29" S and 35° 03' 26" W). This marks the first occurrence for the northeast region and therefore, the first record for the state of Pernambuco, widening its distribution area within Atlantic Forest. The extension of the occurrence area points out this record as being the oriental limit for the species.

The present study had the objective of analyzing morphometrically the occupied area by the ovarian follicles in ovaries of pinealectomized female rats. To do so, 24 albino female rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) were used, which were equally divided in the following groups: Group I sham-pinealectomized rats and kept in the light/dark cycle (12/12 hours), for three months; Group II pinealectomized rats and kept in the light/dark cycle (12/12 hours), for three months; Group III pinealectomized rats and kept in the absence of light for three months; Group IV sham-pinealectomized rats and kept in the absence of rats for three months. The results showed that the groups I and IV presented, respectively, average of 19,00 and 25,00, while groups II and III presented the highest average, 28,25 and 27,25, respectively, indicating, this way, a bigger occupied area by the follicles. It was observed a small amount of corpus luteum in the pinealectomized groups. So, we conclude that the pinealectomy can exert, in a certain period of time, some influence in the gonadal function, what might induce the formation of an anovulatory clinical patology and consequently the development of policystic ovaries El estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar morfométricamente el área ocupada por los folículos ováricos en ovarios de ratas pinealectomizadas. Para ello, 24 ratas albinas (Rattus norvegicus albinus), fueron divididas igualmente en los siguientes grupos: Grupo I - Ratas falsamente pinealectomizadas y mantenidas en el ciclo claro/oscuro (12/12 horas), por tres meses; Grupo II - ratas pinealectomizadas y mantenidas en el ciclo claro/oscuro (12/12 horas), por tres meses; Grupo III - ratas pinealectomizadas y mantenidas en la ausencia de luz durante tres meses; Grupo IV ratas falsamente pinealectomizadas, y mantenidas en la ausencia de luz por tres meses. Los resultados mostraron que los grupos I y IV presentaban, respectivamente, medias de 19,00 y 25,00, mientras que los grupos II y III presentaron las mayores medias, 28,25 y 27,25, respectivamente, indicando mayor área ocupada por los folículos. Fue observada una pequeña cantidad de cuerpos lúteos en los grupos pinealectomizados. De esta manera, concluimos que la pinealectomía puede ejercer, con el tiempo, alguna influencia en la función gonadal, lo que podrá inducir la formación de un cuadro clínico anovulatorio, y consecuentemente, el desarrollo de ovarios policísticos