CONSERVAÇÃO DE TECIDOS SOMÁTICOS DE CATETOS (Pecari tajacu LINNAEUS, 1758) SUBMETIDO A DIFERENTES CONDIÇÕES DE ARMAZENAMENTO

The aim was to evaluate the influence of conservation [refrigeration at 5°C and vitrification] on somatic tissues derived from collared peccaries. The experiment was divided into two stages. In the first step, fragments were refrigerated for 24 (R-24) and 48 h (R-48) and compared with non-refrigerated samples (C). In the second step, fragments were refrigerated for 24 (RV-24) and 48 h (RV-48) followed by vitrification and compared with vitrified fragments (V). In the first step, although the thickness of the epidermis was not affected by refrigeration for 48 h, the thickness of the dermis was reduced in both the 24 h and 48 h periods. Moreover, while a reduction in dermal fibroblasts was only evident in the group R-48, the increase in perinuclear halos of the epidermis was observed in all groups. In the second step, both the thickness of the epidermis, the dermis and the total were affected by vitrification after refrigeration for 48 h. Additionally, while a reduction in dermal fibroblasts was only evident in the group RV-48, an increase in perinuclear halos of the epidermis was observed in all vitrified groups. Thus, regardless of the storage period, refrigeration affected the quality of the somatic tissues of collared peccaries, these effects being accentuated when the fragments were refrigerated for 48 h and vitrified. Therefore, it is suggested, when necessary, the 24 h refrigeration period for somatic samples derived from collared peccaries that will still be vitrified.