Lectin histochemistry evaluation of liver and kidney of sheep with photosensitization caused by Brachiaria decumbens

Inspite that Brachiaria spp. are most important forage grasses for beef cattle raising in Brazil, they can under certain conditions be toxic, cause outbreaks of hepatogenic photosensibilization and determine severe economic losses. Animals grazing toxic Brachiaria spp. commonly show in their liver foamy macrophages, isolated or grouped together, and crystals inside the biliary ducts. Steroidal saponins have been identified in these crystals and are liable for damage the liverleading to accumulation of phylloerytrin. Occasionally negative images of the crystals may be seen in the cytoplasm of foamy macrophages. The pathogenesis of formation and the type of material stored in the foamy cells is still unknown. The lectin histochemistry aims to assist in the detection of foamy macrophages and consequently in the diagnosis of the poisoning. Lectin histochemistry detects what kind of specific sugar residues exists in the cytoplasm of the foamy cells. The purpose of the present study was to identify the most suitable lectins the detection of steroidal saponins in the liver and kidney of sheep with photosensitization caused by Brachiara decumbens. Fragments of liver and kidney of fifteen sheep of both sexes and variable age, from Conceição do Mato Dentro, Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, and one sheep kept free grazing Brachiaria spp. were evaluated by lectin histochemistry. Fourteen lectins were used (Con-A, DBA, SBA, PNA, SJA, RCA-I, UEA-I, WGA, SWGA, GSL, PSA, PHA-L, PHA-E and LCA). It was found that the PNA lectin detected in the liver of sheep with photosensitization, caused by ingestion of Brachiaria decumbens, showed specificity and great binding reactivity for foamy macrophages, and also specificity and slight binding reactivity for hepatocytes. The WGA lectin showed specificity and moderate binding reactivity for foamy macrophages of the liver, and also specificity and slight binding reactivity for hepatocytes. The SBA, GSL and LCA lectins showed specificity and moderate binding reactivity for foamy macrophages, but were not specific for hepatocytes. The PNA lectin showed greater binding reactivity in the kidney of the sheep. Lectin histochemistry evaluation had not yet been performed in liver and kidney of sheep with photosensitization caused by Brachiaria spp.

Brachiaria decumbens; photosensitization; lectin histochemistry; liver; kidney; sheep