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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Accessory spleen in cetaceans and its relevance as a secondary lymphoid organ

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Author(s):
de Oliveira e Silva, Fernanda Menezes [1, 2] ; Carvalho, Vitor Luz [3] ; Guimaraes, Juliana Placido [1, 2] ; Vergara-Parente, Jociery Einhardt [1] ; Oliveira de Meirelles, Ana Carolina [3] ; Marmontel, Miriam [4] ; Miglino, Maria Angelica [2]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Fundacao Mamiferos Aquat, Nucleo Estudos Efeitos Antropogen Nos Recursos Ma, BR-49095000 Aracaju, SE - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Cirugia, Fac Med Vet & Zootecnia, BR-05508270 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[3] Assoc Pesquisa & Preservacao Ecossistemas Aquat, Programa Mamiferos Marinhos, BR-61627010 Caucaia, CE - Brazil
[4] Inst Desenvolvimento Sustentavel Mamiraua, Grp Pesquisa Mamiferos Aquat Amazon, BR-69550000 Tefe, AM - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: ZOOMORPHOLOGY; v. 133, n. 3, p. 343-350, SEP 2014.
Web of Science Citations: 3
Abstract

The objective was to determine the prevalence of accessory spleens in cetaceans stranded on the north and northeastern coasts of Brazil and to describe their macroscopic and microscopic characteristics, thereby providing insights into the contribution of these structures to the immune system of cetaceans. Sixty-three Odontocetes and Mysticetes (total of 14 species), male and female, ranging from calves to adults, stranded from 2009 to 2013 on the Brazilian north and northeastern coasts, were evaluated. Accessory spleens were present in 38 animals (60.3 %), with 1-14 accessory spleens per animal. Their location varied among species, ranging from firmly adherent to the spleen, to the large curvature of the first stomach or both. The presence of these structures was apparently not related to age or sex. However, there was a higher prevalence in animals with a greater body size and known to make deeper dives. Both primary and accessory spleens had similar macroscopic morphology with no demarcation between cortex and medulla. Both primary and accessory spleens had similar histological characteristics. Furthermore, it was noteworthy that germinal centers became more discrete and reduced in number with increasing age. In conclusion, we inferred that accessory spleens may be an additional mechanism for adaptation to diving and that they have a complementary reservoir function and thus can be considered compensatory lymphoid organs to splenic activity. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 12/01964-0 - Morphology and ultrastructure of lymphoid organs of cetaceans (Order Cetacea, Suborder Odontoceti)
Grantee:Fernanda Menezes de Oliveira e Silva
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate