Localization of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) in the sebaceous gland of the dorsal region in the Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica)

Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) was believed to be an exclusive protein found in the brown adipose tissue of small rodents and humans; however, recent studies show that the expression of UCP-1 protein has been found in the sebaceous glands of the mouse tail and human skin. There are a few reports about the presence of UCP-1 in the sebaceous glands of other rodents, such as the Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica), a wild spiny rodent commonly found in Indonesia with a large sebaceous gland. The aim of this study was to identify the presence of UCP-1 in the sebaceous glands on the skin of the Sunda porcupine. The skin from three regions (thoracodorsal, lumbosacral and apex caudal) of eight adult Sunda porcupines was used to detect UCP-1-immunopositive cells through immunohistochemistry. All three regions were found immunopositive to anti-UCP-1 antibody in the sebaceous gland of quill and hair follicles, and the epidermal layer in quill and hair follicles with various intensities. The result of immunohistochemistry revealed that the thoracodorsal and apex caudal region was the most intense immunoreaction followed by the lumbosacral region. These findings proved that the presence of UCP-1 was also identified in the sebaceous glands of other rodent (Hystrix javanica) and regions of the body, which has not been reported previously.     

Sonoanatomy of female reproductive organ of Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica)

The conventional anatomical study of specimens requires cutting processes which destruct the limited specimens. A non-destructive method, namely an ultrasonography, can be used to assess the anatomical organ information of those specimens. The aim of this research is to analyse the macroanatomy of the female reproductive organ in the Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica), using ultrasonographical imaging. In this study, four formaldehyde-fixed reproductive organ specimens of the Sunda porcupine were used. A 10–12 MHz linear ultrasound transducer was utilized to provide an imaging format of both longitudinal and transversal views. Photographic images were then used as comparison with a sonographic image. The results show that the ultrasound image of the Sunda porcupine reproductive organ soft tissue was hypoechoic, the lumen and antrum follicles were anechoic, while atretic follicles and the mons pubis were hyperechoic. Generally, the size of the organ was not significantly different between photographical and ultrasonographical imaging (p > .05). In conclusion, ultrasound images can be utilized for anatomical studies of the Sunda porcupine reproductive organs without destructing the specimen.     

The spleen morphophysiology of fruit bats

Spleen is one of the important lymphoid organs with wide variations of morphological and physiological functions according to species. Morphology and function of the spleen in bats, which are hosts to several viral strains without exhibiting clinical symptoms, remain to be fully elucidated. This study aims to examine the spleen morphology of fruit bats associated with their physiological functions. Spleen histological observations were performed in three fruit bats species: Cynopterus titthaecheilus (n = 9), Rousettus leschenaultii (n = 3) and Pteropus vampyrus (n = 3). The spleens of these fruit bats were surrounded by a thin capsule. Red pulp consisted of splenic cord and wide vascular space filled with blood. Ellipsoids in all three studied species were found numerously and adjacent to one another forming macrophages aggregates. White pulp consisted of periarteriolar lymphoid sheaths (PALS), lymphoid follicles and marginal zone. The lymphoid follicle contained a germinal centre and a tingible body macrophage that might reflect an active immune system. The marginal zone was prominent and well developed. This study reports some differences in spleen structure of fruit bats compared to other bat species previously reported and discusses possible physiological implications of the spleen based on its morphology.     

Radiographic anatomy of the heart of fruit bats

As the only mammal that can fly, bats have organ systems with a unique morphophysiology. One of the highlights is the heart and blood circulation system, which must be able to meet the needs of blood and oxygen supply when flying. This study examined the radiography of the normal condition of the heart organ in 3 species of fruit bats, namely Cynopterus titthaecheilus, Cynopterus brachyotis and Rousettus leschenaultii using radiological silhouette analysis and clock analogy. The results showed that the heart positions of the three bat species tend to be tilted to the left with the apex moving away from the midsagittal plane. Analysis of intercostal space (ICS) value and vertebral heart score (VHS), and evaluation of radiographic features showed R. leschenaultii has a relatively larger heart size than the other two species. All three bat species have a higher VHS than mammals in general. Radiographic images obtained, and interpretation results show the position, size and normal heart parts of the three bat species. They will be useful in diagnostic efforts related to heart problems in these three species.     

Characteristics of testicular cell development of 5‐day‐old mice in culture in vitro

The crude testicular cells (CTCs) contain many cell types, such as Sertoli cells, leydig cells, spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), spermatocytes, and other somatic testicular cells, that secrete various growth factors needed in spermatogenesis. The objective of this study was to characterize development of 5‐day‐old mice testicular cells cultured. Crude testicular cells prepared from the testes of 5‐day‐old male mice were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium and incubated at 37°C in a 5% CO₂ atmosphere for 6 days. The results demonstrated that the testicular cells developed rapidly with a population doubling time (PDT) of 0.63 days and more than 90% of cells were viable after being cultured for 3 days. The number of Sertoli‐like cells increased significantly over days 1, 3, and 6 to 22.1%, 34.6%, and 50.1%, respectively. A significant increase was also observed in fibroblast‐like cells (15.5% on day 1 to 28.8% on day 3 and to 26.6% on day 6). In contrast, the number of spermatogonia‐like cells decreased significantly (54.3%, 30.4%, and 18.7%, on days 1, 3, and 6, respectively). These data indicated that the developmental pattern of the testicular cell in this study might be affected by the niche provided by the cultured testicular cells.     

Extracellular matrix composition of different spleen compartments of fruit bats

The distribution and composition of extracellular matrix (ECM) of the spleen in two species of fruit bats, namely Cynopterus titthaecheilus and Rousettus leschenaultii, were examined by histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. Reticular fibres accompanied by laminin were identified to make up the splenic stromal network. Types I and III collagen were identified in various spleen compartments with varying intensities. Thin and short elastin fibres were scattered in several parts of the spleen. Visualization of the ECM of the spleen can better demonstrate spleen compartmentalization. The alleged vascular space structure in the fruit bats spleen was the sinus structure that was strengthened by the presence of reticular fibres that limit the sinus basement membrane. The present study identified periellipsoidal lymphoid sheath (PELS)-like structure in fruit bats spleen that had never been identified in mammals before. In addition to describing the structure, this study highlighted the variations in ECM composition of the spleen between species that can provide new insight into the phylogenetic study of spleen morphology.     

Viral-derived DNA invasion and individual variation in an Indonesian population of large flying fox Pteropus vampyrus

Here, we performed next-generation sequencing (NGS) on six large flying foxes (Pteropus vampyrus) collected in Indonesia. Seventy-five virus species in the liver tissue of each specimen were listed. Viral homologous sequences in the bat genome were identified from the listed viruses. This finding provides collateral evidence of viral endogenization into the host genome. We found that two of the six specimens bore partial sequences that were homologous to the plant pathogens Geminiviridae and Luteoviridae. These sequences were absent in the P. vampyrus chromosomal sequences. Hence, plant viral homologous sequences were localized to the hepatocytes as extrachromosomal DNA fragments. Therefore, this suggests that the bat is a potential carrier or vector of plant viruses. The present investigation on wild animals offered novel perspectives on viral invasion, variation, and host interaction.