Organisation of Autonomic Nervous Structures in the Small Intestine of Chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger,Molina)

Using histochemical, histological and immunocytochemical methods, organisation of the autonomic nerve structures in small intestine of chinchilla was investigated. Myenteric plexus was localised between circular and longitudinal layers of the smooth muscles. Forming network nodes, the small autonomic, cholinergic ganglia were linked with the bundles of nerve fibres. Adrenergic structures were visible as specific varicose, rosary‐like fibres forming bundles of parallel fibres connecting network nodes. Structures of the submucosal plexus formed a finer network than those of the myenteric plexus. Moreover, in ‘whole‐mount’ specimens, fibres forming thick perivascular plexuses were also observed. Immunocytochemical studies confirmed the cholinergic and adrenergic character of the investigated structures. VAChT‐positive neurones were found only in myenteric plexus, and numerous VAChT‐positive and DBH‐positive fibres were found in both plexuses.     

The equine enteric nervous system — Neuron characterization and distribution in adults and juveniles

A study of myenteric and submucosal plexuses was undertaken in the jejunum and ileum of horses and ponies in which no clinical or pathological evidence of intestinal abnormality was apparent. Complete transverse sections of the intestine, stained by a modified haematoxylin and eosin method, were examined using up to 20 sequential sections per animal. Information was gathered from adult, juvenile and fetal equidae. In adults, the longitudinal muscle layers were thinner than the circular muscle layers and the ileum had thicker layers compared to the jejunum. In adults, the submucosal plexus had more neurons per section than the myenteric plexus by mean ratios of 1:3 in the jejunum and 1:1.9 in the ileum. In juveniles, the ratios were respectively 1:1.8 and 1:1.5 and in the fetus 1:2.5 and 1:1.3. The three-dimensional distribution of neurons in both plexuses varied from animal to animal and no consistent pattern was observed. Groups of neurons contained between one and 42 cells per section examined and their length in a cranio-caudal direction varied from 10 to over, 100 µm. There were few statistical differences observed between the cranial, middle and caudal portions of either the jejunum or the ileum when neuron groups or neuron numbers per section were examined in 10 adult animals.Abbreviations H&E haematoxylin and eosin Deceased; formerly of the Moredun Research Institute, 408, Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh, EH17 7JH, UK     

Histochemical study of the distribution of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPHd)-positive neurons in the chicken caecum

The distribution of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPHd)-positive neurones was investigated in the chicken caecum. Double staining combined NADPHd histochemistry with immunohistochemistry for neural nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) indicated that NADPHd-positive neurones also showed immunoreactivity for nNOS. NADPHd-positive nerve cell bodies were observed in both the myenteric and the submucous plexuses. Nerve fibres showing enzyme activity were mainly distributed in the circular muscle layer, but only a few fibres in the mucosal layer. Fine nerve fibres showing NADPHd activity were found running between germinal centres in the caecal tonsil. Quantitative analysis showed no significant differences in the number of enzyme-positive nerve cell bodies per ganglion of the myenteric and the submucous plexuses among three different caecal regions; proximal, middle and distal regions. Larger numbers of ganglia were detected in the submucous plexus than the myenteric plexus at all three regions. These data indicate that nitrergic neurones in the submucous plexus mainly project to the circular muscle layer in the chicken caecum. It is possible that nitrergic nerves regulate the motility of the chicken caecum.     

In vitro effects of tachykinins on the smooth musculature of horse gut

The contractile effects of the tachykinins eledoisin, substance P and neurokinin A and B were investigated in vitro on circular and longitudinal muscle strips from horse duodenum, ileum and colon. Circular smooth muscle of the small intestine was highly responsive, large intestine circular smooth muscle less so, while longitudinal muscle from all gut segments was much less sensitive. pD₂ values and intrinsic activities on small intestine circular muscle indicated differences in receptor distribution between the duodenum and ileum: NK₃ and a smaller number of NK₂ receptors being present in the duodenum, and NK₂ receptors predominating in the ileum. Notwithstanding this, eledoisin and neurokinin B were the most active substances on duodenum and ileum, respectively. These findings suggest that tachykinins may play a role in equine gastrointestinal pathophysiology.     

Comparative study of the distribution of NOS-positive neurons in pigeon intestine

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in regulating gut motility, mucosal barrier function and secretions in the enteric nervous system. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d) staining has been used to identify nitrergic neurons of the enteric nervous system in different species. However, NADPH-d staining lacks specificity because it also reflects the presence of enzymes other than nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Therefore, NOS immunohistochemistry techniques are needed to test for nitrergic neurons in the avian gut. In the present work, the morphology, density and size of NOS-positive neurons in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum and rectum myenteric plexus of adult pigeons were investigated using NOS immunohistochemistry and whole-mount preparations techniques. The density of NOS-positive ganglion was highest in the ileum, similar to the caecum and rectum, and the lowest staining levels were observed in the duodenum. The staining intensity of NOS-positive neurons in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum was dark, followed by the rectal regions, with weak staining in the caecum. These results suggested that NOS immunohistochemistry and whole-mount preparation techniques provide an effective assessment method of the ganglia in the pigeon intestinal myenteric nerve plexus and are more accurate for cell counting compared with conventional sections.     

An immunohistochemical study of S-100 protein in the intestinal tract of Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis

The present work describes the distribution of S-100 protein in the intestinal tract of a Chinese soft-shelled turtle specimen (Pelodiscus sinensis). S-100 protein positive cells were located in the intestinal tract, from the proximal small to distal large intestine. S-100 protein positive dendritic cells had irregular shape and were positive in both cytoplasm and nucleus. Most of them were located both lamina propria and submucosa in the small intestine, while few were found in the large intestine. S-100 protein, C-kit positive ICCs and Silver staining glial cells were predominantly observed in three locations: (1) in the interspace between the submucosa and circular muscle layer; (2) in the circular muscle layer; and (3) between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the intestine. Fewer were found in the large intestinal lamina propria and submucosa. Three types of positive cells (S-100 protein positive cells, C-kit positive ICCs and Silver staining glial cells) with 1–2 long or 2–3 short processes were distributed as lace-like or surrounding blood vessels in the different locations mentioned above. In the lamina propria, all the positive cells with irregular processes were connected with each other and formed a network. In the submucosa, all the positive cells were found surrounding the blood vessels.     

An immunohistochemical study of S-100 protein in the intestinal tract of Chinese soft-shelled turtle,Pelodiscus sinensis

The present work describes the distribution of S-100 protein in the intestinal tract of a Chinese soft-shelled turtle specimen (Pelodiscus sinensis). S-100 protein positive cells were located in the intestinal tract, from the proximal small to distal large intestine. S-100 protein positive dendritic cells had irregular shape and were positive in both cytoplasm and nucleus. Most of them were located both lamina propria and submucosa in the small intestine, while few were found in the large intestine. S-100 protein, C-kit positive ICCs and Silver staining glial cells were predominantly observed in three locations: (1) in the interspace between the submucosa and circular muscle layer; (2) in the circular muscle layer; and (3) between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers of the intestine. Fewer were found in the large intestinal lamina propria and submucosa. Three types of positive cells (S-100 protein positive cells, C-kit positive ICCs and Silver staining glial cells) with 1–2 long or 2–3 short processes were distributed as lace-like or surrounding blood vessels in the different locations mentioned above. In the lamina propria, all the positive cells with irregular processes were connected with each other and formed a network. In the submucosa, all the positive cells were found surrounding the blood vessels.     

The intermesenteric plexus in the pigeon (Columba livia GM)

Using the thiocholine method and histological techniques the intermesenteric plexus of the pigeon was studied. The intermesenteric plexus of this species is a plexo-ganglionic structure with several (five to seven) ganglia and nerve fibres. The ganglia have an oval-, spindle- or star-like shape. Single nerve cells along the nerve fibres were observed. The intermesenteric plexus of the pigeon is situated on the ventrolateral surface of the aorta, between the cranial mesenteric artery and caudal mesenteric artery. The connections between the intermesenteric and other vegetative plexuses (coeliac plexus, mesenteric inferior plexus) and the pelvic nerve were observed.     

Lesions of the enteric nervous system and the possible role of mast cells in the pathogenic mechanisms of migration of schistosome eggs in the small intestine of cattle during Schistosoma bovis infection

The enteric nervous system in the small intestine of cattle during Schistosoma bovis infection was studied by histological stains and immunohistochemical methods. Lesions due to migration of schistosoma eggs were located mainly in the mucous and the submucous layer overlaying the submucous vascular arcades. Granulomas destroyed ganglia, neurons, nerves fibre strands and nerve fibres. Ganglia situated within or near granulomas were infiltrated by mast cells, eosinophils, lymphocytes, globule leukocytes, neutrophils and macrophages. Mast cells were in close contact with degenerating neuronal perikarya. Whereas vasoactive intestinal peptide-like immunoreactivity in the nerves and neurons in the ganglia within and around granulomas was increased, the neurofilament-like immunoreactivity was reduced. Compared to the myenteric and external submucous plexuses, the internal submucous and mucous plexuses were the most damaged. These changes imply reduced functional capacity in the nervous tissue which might cause reduced motility, malabsorption and partly account for the loss of body weight and condition and failure to thrive which occur in schistosomosis.Biotinylated affinity purified swine anti-rabbit and mouse anti-rabbit immunoglobulins reacted nonspecifically with a subset of mast cells. The reaction revealed many mast cells in early forming granulomas and around schistosome egg tracts and infiltration of mast cells into the ganglia of intestinal nerve plexuses. The observation shows a localized, Type I hypersensitivity reaction suggesting for the release of mast cell-derived chemical mediators in the intestinal reaction to trap or evict S. bovis eggs and to cause diarrhoea.     

Expression and function of 5-HT7 receptors in smooth muscle preparations from equine duodenum, ileum, and pelvic flexure

In horses, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders occur frequently and cause a considerable demand for efficient medication. 5-Hydroxytryptamine receptors (5-HT) have been reported to be involved in GI tract motility and thus, are potential targets for treating functional bowel disorders. Our studies extend current knowledge on the 5-HT₇ receptor in equine duodenum, ileum and pelvic flexure by studying its expression throughout the intestine and its role in modulating contractility in vitro by immunofluorescence and organ bath experiments, respectively.5-HT₇ immunoreactivity was demonstrated in both smooth muscle layers, particularly in the circular one, and within the myenteric plexus. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), identified by c-Kit labeling, show a staining pattern similar to that of 5-HT₇ immunoreactivity.The selective 5-HT₇ receptor antagonist SB-269970 increased the amplitude of contractions in spontaneous contracting specimens of the ileum and in electrical field-stimulated specimens of the pelvic flexure concentration-dependently.Our in vitro experiments suggest an involvement of the 5-HT₇ receptor subtype in contractility of equine intestine. While the 5-HT₇ receptor has been established to be constitutively active and inhibits smooth muscle contractility, our experiments demonstrate an increase in contractility by the 5-HT₇ receptor ligand SB-269970, suggesting it exerting inverse agonist properties.     

羔羊小肠pH及主要消化酶发育规律的研究

对小尾寒羊羔羊小肠不同部位(十二指肠、空肠和回肠)pH及淀粉酶、胰蛋白酶、糜蛋白酶、脂肪酶和乳糖酶的活性进行了测定，结果表明：羔羊小肠不同部位内容物pH不同，回肠pH显著高于空肠，空肠和回肠pH显著高于十二指肠，羔羊1月龄后，小肠各段pH变化不大；小肠不同部位淀粉酶和胰蛋白酶、糜蛋白酶及脂肪酶活性不同，空肠段淀粉酶、胰蛋白酶、糜蛋白酶及脂肪酶活性高于十二指肠和回肠段，随着羔羊日龄的增长，小肠淀粉酶、胰蛋白酶、糜蛋白酶及脂肪酶活性增加，3月龄后各消化酶活性变化差异不显著(P＜O．05)；羔羊小肠不同部位乳糖酶活性不同，空肠乳糖酶活性显著高于十二指肠和回肠，随着羔羊日龄的增长，小肠乳糖酶活性逐渐降低。     

An immunohistochemical study of various peptide-containing endocrine cells and neurones at the equine ileocaecal junction

The ileocaecal junctions of 5 horses and 2 donkeys were examined by using antisera to the following peptides: somatostatin, glucagon, gastrin, neurotensin, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), peptide histidine isoleucine (PHI), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P (SP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY). Antisera to somatostatin, neurotensin and NPY demonstrated endocrine cells in the ileal- and caecal parts of the ileocaecal junction, while immunoreactivity for glucagon was demonstrated in endocrine cells of the ileal part only. Nerve cell bodies showing immunoreactivity to SP, VIP, CGRP and PHI were demonstrated in the myenteric and submucosal plexuses and were associated with small blood vessels in the submucosa of all the regions tested. Ramified nerve fibres in the submucosa immunoreactive to SP, VIP, CGRP and PHI extended to the mucosa and to small blood vessels in the submucosa. Nerve fibres showing immunoreactivity to SP, VIP and PHI extended to the circular smooth muscle layer of the ileocaecal junction.     

江西宁都黄鸡肉质性状的研究

对宁都黄鸡常规肉质、胸肌化学成分、肌肉氨基酸含量及脂肪酸含量、肌肉组织学特性以及屠宰性能等6个方面进行了研究,结果表明:宁都黄鸡无论公、母在以上6个方面,均有优良表现,尤其亚麻酸含量高、芥子酸含量低及肌纤维直径小以及鲜味和甜鲜味氨基酸含量高在省内外著名地方品种鸡中是不多见的;蛋白质含量、氨基酸总量、人体必需氨基酸、胸肌率,肌纤维高度、肌束内纤维根数母鸡分别高于公鸡10.33%、10%、8.36%、13.9%、31.57%、21.33%。肌纤维直径、肌肉嫩度值公鸡分别大于母鸡15.2%和11.9%;公鸡优于母鸡主要方面是:必需脂肪酸、亚麻酸、腿肌率,公鸡分别高于母鸡2.5%、5.31%及4.06%,而芥子酸、腹脂率、公鸡分别低于母鸡5.4%和71.24%。     

不同日龄乳鸽肠道CaBP-D28k基因表达的变化规律研究

为了解乳鸽肠道钙吸收规律,以满足乳鸽生产中钙的营养需要,试验将48对健康种鸽随机分为8个重复,每个重复6对,产蛋后由种鸽自然孵化和哺育乳鸽,在乳鸽7、14、21、28日龄时称量体重,平均体重分别为(120.27±31.37)g、(264.35±88.77)g、(399.22±75.04)g和(454.16±38.39)g,分别从每个重复选取1只体重适中的乳鸽,取其嗉囊内容物(鸽乳),并对其十二指肠和空肠肠段进行采样,测定鸽乳钙含量和肠道CaBP-D28k的相对表达量。结果表明:7日龄鸽乳钙含量显著低于21、28日龄鸽乳钙含量(P<0.01);7日龄时十二指肠和空肠中CaBP-D28k的表达量显著高于14、21、28日龄的表达量(P<0.01);且CaBP-D28k在7～28日龄乳鸽十二指肠的表达量显著高于在空肠的表达量(P<0.05)。由此可见:鸽乳的钙含量随着乳鸽日龄的增大而增加,乳鸽肠道CaBP-D28k基因表达量随着日龄增大而减少,十二指肠是鸽进行钙载体吸收的主要部位。     

Morphometric study of the layers of the canine small intestine at five sampling sites

The histology of the canine intestine has not been accurately defined. To establish the precise thickness of its different layers, whole wall samples of the small intestine were removed from 41 cadavers at five standardised sampling sites (duodenum, proximal jejunum, distal jejunum, proximal ileum and distal ileum). The total thickness was estimated by morphometry, as was the thickness of the mucosa, muscularis mucosae, submucosa and muscularis externa. In addition, the size of the lymphoid aggregates in the submucosa and the thickness of the circular and longitudinal layers within both the muscularis mucosae and the muscularis externa were estimated. The total intestinal thickness depended very much upon the thickness of the mucosa and submucosa. The mucosa decreased progressively from proximal to distal parts of the small intestine (47% reduction). The thickness of the submucosa, however, changed little from the duodenum to the distal jejunum, but increased significantly in the ileum; this change was positively correlated with the amount of lymphoid tissue. Sex influenced the thickness of the intestinal wall, with males displaying higher thickness values along the small intestine. Conversely, no correlation between bodyweight and intestinal thickness was found for any of the five sampling sites. This study gives absolute and relative values for the thickness of the layers of the dog intestine which might help in the diagnosis of small intestinal pathology from postmortem samples and/or endoscopic biopsies.     

A comparative study of pigeons and chickens experimentally infected with PPMV-1 to determine antigenic relationships between PPMV-1 and NDV strains

To compare the pathogenicity of PPMV-1 in pigeons and chickens, both species of birds were experimentally infected with strain pi/CH/LHLJ/110822, which was isolated from a pigeon in China. The clinical signs, gross lesions, and histopathological changes were observed in pigeons inoculated with pi/CH/LHLJ/110822. The morbidity and mortality rates were 80% and 70% in pigeons, respectively, whereas there were no clinical signs or gross lesions in chickens inoculated with the same strain. The viral loads in tissue samples were detected by real-time RT-PCR, indicating that six tissue samples (i.e., kidney, lung, brain, trachea, Harderian glands, and proventriculus) had detectable viral RNA in all dead pigeons, and significant differences in viral loads between pigeons and chickens were observed in several tissue samples (i.e., Harderian glands, proventriculus, duodenum, pancreas, small intestine, and large intestine) on 3 days post-inoculation (dpi) and in brain tissue on 7 dpi. In general, viral loads in pigeons were higher than those in chickens, whereas antibody titers in pigeons were lower than those in chickens. These results showed differences in pathogenicity, efficiency of viral RNA replication, and humoral immunity, indicating different susceptibilities between the host species. Additionally, the cross hemagglutination inhibition assay and cross virus neutralization tests demonstrated that pi/CH/LHLJ/110822 antigenicity was different from those of strains La Sota and F48E9.     

Myenteric ganglionitis and intestinal leiomyositis in a Jack Russell terrier

A 9-year, 6-month old spayed female Jack Russell terrier presented with a 3-week history of intermittent vomiting, diarrhoea and weight loss. Serum biochemistry demonstrated severe panhypoproteinaemia, mild hypocalcaemia and mild hypocholesterolaemia, consistent with protein-losing enteropathy. Full-thickness biopsies obtained from the stomach and different sections of small intestine demonstrated histological features of both myenteric ganglionitis and early intestinal leiomyositis. Complete resolution of clinical signs occurred within 1 week of implementing immunosuppressive therapy. At the time of writing, 9 months following diagnosis, the dog remains in remission.     

Effects of Temperature Changes on the Contractility of Isolated Small Intestinal Smooth Muscle in Rabbits

In order to explore the influence of temperature changes on animal digestive tract smooth muscle,the contractility of isolated rabbit small intestine (duodenum,jejunum and ileum) were measured at different temperatures (39→32℃,32→39℃,39→42℃ and 42→39℃) using the biological signal processing system.The results showed that the contraction frequency of duodenum and jejunum was positively correlated with temperature changes between 39 and 32℃,while the amplitude and tension of duodenum were negatively correlated with temperature changes.Only the contraction frequency of ileum was positively correlated with temperature changes between 39 and 32℃.Changes of frequency,amplitude and tension of duodenum between 39 and 42℃ were similar with those changes between 39 and 32℃.However,the contraction of jejunum and ileum was irregular.When the temperature was decreased from 42 to 39℃,the contraction of small intestine could not return to the condition in 39℃.The results suggested that the optimal bath temperature was 37℃ in contraction test of rabbit small intestine in vitro,and the present results could be referenced to explore the disorder of gastrointestinal movement due to the change of environment temperature in animals.     

不同配比油脂对肉仔鸡小肠形态的影响

研究了日粮中添加不同配比油脂对肉仔鸡小肠形态的影响。试验选取324只1日龄AA肉鸡,随机分成6组,每组6个重复,每个重复9只。CON为对照组(饲喂基础日粮),SO组为正对照组(日粮添加豆油),LO组为负对照组(日粮添加猪油),COP、COC、COV组分别在日粮中添加以棕榈油为主的配比油脂、以椰子油为主的配比油脂和多种植物油配比的油脂,饲养至21日龄。结果:COP组的十二指肠和空肠的绒毛高度与隐窝深度的比值高于SO组(P<0.05),空肠的隐窝深度低于CON和SO组(P<0.05)。COC组的十二指肠绒毛宽度高于SO组和LO组(P<0.05),绒毛面积高于CON组、SO组和LO组(P<0.05);空肠的黏膜厚度高于LO组(P<0.05)。COV组的十二指肠绒毛高度高于CON组、SO组和LO组(P<0.05),十二指肠黏膜厚度高于CON组(P<0.05)。试验表明3种配比油脂均可从不同角度促进十二指肠和空肠的形态发育,且从提高绒毛表面积考虑,配比椰子油效果最好。     

温度变化对家兔离体小肠平滑肌运动的影响

为了探究温度变化对动物消化道平滑肌运动的影响,本试验用生物信号处理系统测定了浴槽不同温度（39→32℃、32→39℃、39→42℃和42→39℃）对家兔离体小肠各段（十二指肠、空肠、回肠）平滑肌运动的影响。结果显示,当温度在39和32℃之间变化时家兔离体十二指肠和空肠运动的收缩频率同温度变化呈正相关,而十二指肠收缩幅度和收缩张力同温度变化呈负相关,但回肠仅表现在收缩频率同温度变化呈正相关;当温度从39℃升高到42℃时,十二指肠的收缩频率、收缩幅度和收缩张力变化与温度在39和32℃之间变化情况相同,但是空肠和回肠的规律性较差;当温度从42℃高温降低到39℃时,3段离体小肠运动不能恢复到39℃时的运动状态,家兔小肠离体试验浴槽最适温度为37℃。本研究结果提示,在进行动物小肠离体试验时应注意浴槽温度对小肠运动的影响,同时本研究结果也为探究由于环境温度变化导致的动物胃肠运动异常的机理提供参考。