Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: GIOVANNA ALMEIDA SANTORO

Uma banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : GIOVANNA ALMEIDA SANTORO
DATE: 09/05/2025
TIME: 14:00
LOCAL: Departamento de Morfologia
TITLE:

Cytoarchitectonic and Stereological Characterization of the Primary and Secondary Auditory Cortex of Stenella clymene: The Acoustic Chimera of the Atlantic

KEY WORDS:

Keywords: 1.neuroanatomy 2 conservation 3.cetacean 4.dolphin 5.cytoarchitecture

PAGES: 48
BIG AREA: Ciências Biológicas
AREA: Morfologia
SUMMARY:

Odontocetes, a group comprising 92 extant species of toothed cetaceans exhibiting diverse habits, present challenges for neuroanatomical investigations due to limited accessibility to specimens. One of the species that remains undescribed is Stenella clymene, an Atlantic odontocete resulting from the hybridization of two other species of this genus. Therefore, this study aims to map and characterize the cytoarchitecture of the primary and secondary auditory cortex of dolphins of the species Stenella clymene, in addition to comparing them with their phylogenetic ancestors. Furthermore, a brain collection protocol for small cetaceans was also developed, aiming to contribute to the standardization of scientific knowledge for future analyses of this system. The samples were obtained from stranded animals that were found dead or rescued alive but died during rehabilitation. The rescues were conducted by local institutions, the Center for Environmental Studies and Monitoring (CEMAM) in partnership with the Cetacean Project of Costa Branca (PCCB). Sections of brain areas previously described in the literature as corresponding to the primary and secondary auditory areas in other species were performed. The obtained blocks were processed, resulting in Nissl-stained slides for the analysis of cortical cytoarchitecture, as well as for the application of stereological studies, allowing the characterization of cortical layers and the quantification of volume density, total density, and layer thicknesses in the different areas. The results consisted of the description of five distinguishable layers with unique characteristics, varying thicknesses, and behaviors across the cortical regions in both analyzed areas. Distinctions between areas A1 and A2 were observed in parameters such as thickness, orientation, and cell density. The information generated through this study can assist in future research on auditory function, promoting the advancement of knowledge about the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of these animals. Moreover, it contributes to the mitigation of the impact of human activities in the marine environment, thereby aiding in the conservation of the species.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - 1672446 - SIMONE ALMEIDA GAVILAN
Interno - 4363493 - EXPEDITO SILVA DO NASCIMENTO JUNIOR
Interno - 1076490 - FERNANDO VAGNER LOBO LADD