MUE granted in the process 17/14957-6: Siemens S2000

Abstract

The aim of this project is to promote the development of new biotechniques of reproduction in small ruminants and canines, involving pre-conception, gestation maintenance and postpartum of females. The animals that will be used are: 1) adult and healthy pluriparous sheep and goats after clinical and reproductive examinations; 2) adult and healthy brachycephalic bitches after clinical and reproductive examinations. Study 1 - Alpha-adrenoceptors of ovine cervix: segments (n = 45) of ovine cervix will be evaluated regarding the proportion and magnitude of alpha 1 and 2 adrenergic receptors and differences in contractility; Study 2 - B-mode ultrasonography and Doppler flow maternal-fetal in gestational evaluation of ovine and caprine: gestational ultrasound examinations will be performed in sheep (n = 30) and goats (n = 30) during pregnancy, obtaining fetal ultrasound findings, biometry and Doppler flow; Study 3 - Contrast-enhanced ultrasound for evaluation of the uterus in pregnant ewes: 24 pregnant ewes will be used to study placenta vascular perfusion and those with pregnancy abnormalities to determine parameters of placentomes and uterus. Study 4 - Ultrasound and elastographic evaluation of the pulmonar, hepatic and renal development and maturity of ovine concepts: ultrasound and elastographic examinations of fetal tissues in sheep (n = 20) will be performed, obtaining quantity and quality results correlated with development and maternal- fetal maturity; Study 5 - Study of the cervix and maturity of maternal-fetal tissues of pregnant ewes with normal and prematurely induced delivery to predict the time of delivery: pregnant ewes with normal delivery (n = 15) and induced to preterm labor (n = 15) will be evaluated, for maternal-fetal tissues by B-mode, Doppler and elastographic ultrasound examinations; Study 6 - B-mode Ultrasonography, Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) elastography, Doppler and postpartum uterine hysteroscopy of ewes: postpartum ewes (n = 20) will be submitted to hysteroscopy, B-mode ultrasonography, Doppler and elastography for evaluation of uterine tissue in involution process; Study 7 - HD Ultrasonography for diagnosis and assessment of pregnant bitches: high-resolution gestational ultrasound examinations of bitches (n = 20) will be performed daily throughout the gestational period, which will allow to obtain maternal-fetal and biometrical ultrasound characteristics; Study 8 - B-mode Ultrasonography, Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) elastography and Doppler of the uteroplacental structure during the gestational and postpartum period of bitches: preterm and postpartum uteroplacental structures of pregnant bitches (n = 20) will be evaluated daily by B mode ultrasonography, Doppler and elastography. Study 9: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in the evaluation of the reproductive system in bitches: the qualitative characteristics of placental, ovarian and luteal perfusion in healthy pregnant bitches in bitches with gestational abnormalities and to verify the correlation of the results with the presence of the diagnosed abnormalities; Study 10 - Ultrasonographic and elastographic evaluation of the central nervous system in brachyphalic canine fetuses: 20 pregnant bitches will be used to evaluate the ultrasound characteristics (qualitative aspects and values of tissue biometry) of the cerebellum tissue, brain mass and structures of canine fetuses nuchal translucency and elastographic study of fetal brain and cerebellar tissues. For all experiments, statistical analyzes will be performed and significance will be set at 5% (p <0.05). (AU)