Quantitative Histochemical Study of Perineural Nets in the Retrosplenial Cortex of Albino Rats

Thyrocalcitonin cells (C cells) were predominantly demonstrated in the ultimobranchial (UB) structures of the thyroid gland of one-humped camels. The UB population was observed as clear cells, either singly distributed or as groups of cells between the component cellular elements lining the UB structures. They displayed various shapes: oval, pear-like, rounded, cubical, columnar and or ellipsoid. Those populating the cell nests or solid cellular masses were almost polygonal or ovoid in shape. The cytoplasm contained well-developed golgi complexes, several mitochondria and characteristically presented rounded or oval membrane-bound electron dense granules of different sizes. The latter granules were irregularly distributed within the cytoplasm especially at the vascular pole. The nucleus of C cells was relatively large, indented, occupying a more or less central position in the cytoplasm. It presented various chromatin contents; the heterochromatin variety was predominantly demonstrated at the marginal zone. However, the euchromatin occupied a more central position within the nucleus.     

Apocrine adenocarcinoma in a golden hamster.

An apocrine adenocarcinoma was observed in the subcutis of the abdomen of golden hamster. Histologically, the tumor cells irregularly formed multiple layers of cysts and some detached cells were presented in the cystic space. PAS stain with alpha-amylase digestion revealed PAS-positive alpha-amylase-resistant granules in the cytoplasm. Immunohistochemically, cytokeratin was demonstrated in the tumor cells. By electron microscopy, the tumor cells had an oval nucleus with invagination, abundant cytoplasmic organelles and microvilli protruding into the intercellular spaces.     

Perineuronal Nets in the Central Nervous System

The remnant of ultimobranchial (UB) body in the thyroid gland of adult buffalo was studied. This remnant appeared in the form of irregular and elongated follicles of various size and shape with folded lumen. These structures occupied a peripheral location beneath the capsule, as well as being embedded mostly in the vascular connective tissue of the thyroid. Calcitonin cells were predominantly localized in the UB follicles. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that surface of most UB follicular cells was almost flat and polyhedral or hexagonal in shape. Other follicles possessed cells with dome shaped apical surface demarcated by a shallow intercellular depression. The luminal surface of the follicular cell lining was studded with microvilli that appeared with various density and length and were numerous at the cellular borders. Interestingly, most of UB follicular cells were provided with single cilium, projecting over the cell surface. Notably some UB follicles presented various stages of apocrine activities.     

Surface Ultrastructure of Ultimobranchial Remnants in the Thyroid Gland of Buffalo (Bos bubalis)

The remnant of ultimobranchial (UB) body in the thyroid gland of adult buffalo was studied. This remnant appeared in the form of irregular and elongated follicles of various size and shape with folded lumen. These structures occupied a peripheral location beneath the capsule, as well as being embedded mostly in the vascular connective tissue of the thyroid. Calcitonin cells were predominantly localized in the UB follicles. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that surface of most UB follicular cells was almost flat and polyhedral or hexagonal in shape. Other follicles possessed cells with dome shaped apical surface demarcated by a shallow intercellular depression. The luminal surface of the follicular cell lining was studded with microvilli that appeared with various density and length and were numerous at the cellular borders. Interestingly, most of UB follicular cells were provided with single cilium, projecting over the cell surface. Notably some UB follicles presented various stages of apocrine activities.     

日本七鳃鳗血细胞显微及亚显微结构

用光镜和透射电镜技术对１０尾日本七鳃鳗的血细胞进行了观察。结果表明：红细胞为圆形或椭圆形,胞质不很均匀,电子密度较低,含有板状嵴线粒体,核呈圆形或椭圆形。中性粒细胞表面有伪足,形态各异,胞质内含有Ａ、Ｂ２种颗粒（Ａ型颗粒为圆形,电子密度较低;Ｂ型颗粒为长椭圆形,电子密度较高）。嗜酸粒细胞数量较少,胞质内含有Ａ、Ｂ、Ｃ３种形态各异的有膜颗粒（Ａ型颗粒为圆形,电子密度较高,均质;Ｂ型为长椭圆形,颗粒中央有电子密度较高的长椭圆形致密芯;Ｃ型内含有电子密度较高的杆状致密芯,位于颗粒一侧）。单核细胞表面有伪足,胞质内含有粗面内质网、板状嵴线粒体、溶酶体和液泡。淋巴细胞为圆形,核较大,胞质内含有板状嵴线粒体、粗面内质网和嗜天青颗粒。血栓细胞体积较小,形态各异,胞质内含有线粒体、粗面内质网和细小颗粒。     

Surface Ultrastructure of Ultimobranchial Epithelium in the Thyroid Gland of Donkey (Equus asinus)

Surface ultrastructural observation of the thyroid gland in donkey revealed the coexistence of certain unusual follicles or cysts, the ultimobranchial (UB) follicles, which exhibited large diameters and less regular outlines. In addition, several small follicles, cell nests or solid cellular masses were also demonstrated in association with these structures. Surface of most UB follicular cells was almost hexagonal in shape, studded with sparse or dense pleomorphic microvilli, which were much denser at the cellular borders. Each follicular cell bore single cilium that projecting over the cell surface. Interestingly, bleb-like apocrine protrusion of the apical cytoplasm of some follicular cells was frequently demonstrated. These apocrine blebs (or aposomes) were varied in shape, size and showed smooth or irregular surface. In addition to such aposomes, deep to shallow circumscribed or eroded areas of the apical cell surface was frequently demonstrated. These findings indicate that the UB follicular cells in donkeys, similar to those of camels, exhibit an apocrine activity alongside with the usual merocrine mode of secretion.     

Morphology of blood cells in carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

The morphology of blood cells in the carp was investigated by light and electron microscopy. Erythrocytes, thrombocytes, lymphocytes, granulocytes and monocytes were identified as the peripheral blood cells. Thrombocytes were round to long oval, each containing vesicular and microtubular structures and an oval nucleus with abundant heterochromatins. Lymphocytes were divided into three types in size, small, medium and large. Some of the small and medium lymphocytes were alpha-naphthyl-acetate esterase (ANAE) positive, while large lymphocytes were pyroninophilic. Granulocytes were distinguished into three types (type I, type II and type III) according to the morphology of the nucleus and granules. Type I granulocytes possessed lobulated nuclei and a large number of cytoplasmic granules, each of which was oval and contained electron-dense materials and a crystalloid. Type II granulocytes had small eccentric nuclei and were subdivided into IIa and IIb granulocytes by electron microscopic analysis. Granules of type IIa granulocytes were furnished with an electron-dense rim. Granules of type IIb granulocytes were larger than those of type IIa, containing randomly distributed electron-dense and electron-lucent materials. Type III granulocytes possessed round nuclei and a few large granules. The granules were filled with regularly arranged fibriform materials and some needle-like structures. Monocytes were morphologically similar to those of mammals.     

Certain cytologic features of the porcine adrenal medulla

Adrenal glands were collected from pigs of various ages under general anesthesia. Glutaraldehyde-fixed medullary tissue was postfixed with OsO4 for electron microscopy and with potassium dichromate or potassium iodate for light microscopy. Columnar epinephrine (E) cells formed cords between wide sinusoidal capillaries at the corticomedullary junction and were arranged in palisade fashion along the central vein and its major tributaries. The E cells usually were polarized, with the nuclei located away from the sinusoidal capillaries. Clusters of polygonal norepinephrine (NE) cells formed large central aggregates surrounded by E cells. Granulated vesicles were the predominant cytoplasmic feature of both E and NE cells. Round or oval E granules were bounded by a crenated membrane separated from the granule by a clear halo. The more electron-dense, elongate NE granules were bounded by a closely apposed, smooth membrane. The average longest granule axis was 270 nm for E granules and 305 nm for NE granules. Many cytoplasmic organelles were congregated in a granule-free paranuclear zone, which contained a prominent Golgi complex. Thin nonmyelinated nerve fibers (singly or in small groups) were interposed between the E and NE cells. Nerve fibers often were located close to the nucleus in a depression of the cell surface and often were wrapped by thin E or NE cell processes. The medulla of newborn pigs was composed predominantly or exclusively of NE cells. In both adults and pigs, E or NE cell cords radiated through the cortex toward the capsule, and isolated clusters of E or NE cells frequently were found in the capsule or zona glomerulosa.     

Ultrastructural examination of the host cellular response in the gills of Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, with amoebic gill disease

Gills from Atlantic salmon with experimentally induced amoebic gill disease (Neoparamoeba spp.) were examined with transmission electron microscopy to assess pathology and host-cell responses. Amoebae were found either on the surface epithelium or with pseudopodia extending deeply into invaginations of epithelial cells. The amoebae had various densities along the plasma membrane and contained electron-dense deposits within their cytoplasm. Surface epithelial cells sloughed from the gills and had features consistent with apoptosis, including rounded shape, loss of surface microridges, and hypercondensation of nuclear chromatin. Affected areas of gills had fusion of secondary lamellae with interlamellar spaces occupied by mitotic epithelial cells and eosinophils. Eosinophils contained abundant fusiform-shaped granules that measured approximately 1 microm long and 360 nm wide. The granule consisted of an electron-dense matrix with a central inclusion that was less electron-dense, consisting of particulate and fibrillar material. In many instances, the central inclusion appeared empty and 90% of the eosinophils had morphology suggestive of piecemeal degranulation. Also observed within affected areas were a few neutrophils, mucous cells releasing mucus, and a small number of dendritic-like cells.     

Unusual type of reactive astrocytes in the feline central nervous system

An unusual type of hypertrophic astrocytes termed plump polygonal astrocytes (PPA) has been observed in the feline central nervous system which was characterized in a first preliminary study of 17 cats.These cells presented an oval to polygonal shape, measured about 20 microm in diameter, and displayed short, barely detectable processes.The condensed, hyperchromatic, eccentric nucleus was surrounded by an abundant, homogenous, eosinophilic cytoplasm.These GFAP-and S-100-positive and vimentin-negative cells were predominantly found in brains showing status spongiosus and less frequently in association with inflammation and in brains lacking histological lesions.They were mainly detected in white matter areas of the hindbrain. In addition, these cells were also observed in the dentate hilar region adjacent to degenerated neurons and a small amount of PPA were positive for caspase-3. It remains to be determined if PPA represent a specific type of reactive astrocytes and whether they are characteristic for a specific cause or response in the feline brain.     

A Case of Spontaneous Malignant Hibernoma in a Crl:CD(SD)IGS Rat

A firm, tan, well-circumscribed mass that measured 25 × 30 × 35 mm was observed in the thoracic cavity of a 53-week-old male Crl:CD(SD) IGS rat. Histologically, the mass was encapsulated by fibrous tissue and contained fibrovascular septae. Tumor cells were compactly arranged, and most were oval to polygonal in shape with multivacuolated cytoplasm and a centrally located nucleus. In some parts of the tumor, marked cellular atypia and frequent mitoses were evident. Vacuoles in cytoplasm were positive for oil red O. The tumor cells were characterized ultrastructurally by abundant, round to oval mitochondria with transverse closely-packed cristae. Tumor cells were immunohistochemically positive for uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1). Several thrombi and hemorrhagic or necrotic foci were also observed within the tumor mass. Vascular invasion of the tumor capsule was observed; however, invasion of surrounding tissues or metastases were not observed. Based on the pathology findings, this case was diagnosed as a malignant hibernoma.     

利用N-端融合(His)_6标签观察家蚕核型多角体病毒泛素蛋白的亚细胞定位

为了给家蚕核型多角体病毒(BmNPV)泛素蛋白(UB)的功能研究提供亚细胞定位信息,利用Red重组系统和BmN-PV的bacmid系统,进行2次同源重组,成功地将(His)6标签编码序列引入到BmNPV泛素基因(ub)起始密码子ATG和第2个密码子CAA之间,使得表达的BmNPV UB的N-端融合(His)6标签。通过对(His)6的免疫荧光分析观察到BmNPV UB在BmN细胞中呈现3种方式的亚细胞定位:均匀地分布于整个细胞;主要分布于细胞核;分布于细胞核,同时在细胞质中出现零星的点分布。BmNPV UB具有多种不同的亚细胞定位方式,提示其功能的多样性。     

The utility of intraoperative impression smear cytology of intracranial granular cell tumors: Three cases

Two adult male dogs (a 7‐year‐old shorthaired Chihuahua and 14‐year‐old Shih Tzu) and one adult female dog (a 9‐year‐old Maltese) presented for evaluation of new‐onset seizure activity. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated a large, poorly marginated T2‐weighted hyperintense, and strong contrast enhancing extra‐axial mass in each case. A surgical biopsy for histopathologic evaluation was elected in all cases, and intraoperative impression smears were successfully obtained. Intraoperative cytology identified a homogenous population of round to polygonal cells with central to eccentric nuclei, coarse chromatin, and variably amphophilic to eosinophilic granular cytoplasm. Cytologic findings led to a suspected diagnosis of granular cell tumor (GCT) in all cases. Histopathologic review identified a densely cellular, unencapsulated neoplastic mass comprised of sheets of large round to polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm containing numerous eosinophilic intracytoplasmic granules, confirming the diagnosis of GCT in all cases. The cases reported here are unique in that they reveal an accurate intraoperative cytologic diagnosis of a rare canine central nervous system neoplasm. Intraoperative cytology of the intracranial masses could provide clinicians with important and quick diagnostic and prognostic information; therefore, expediting decisions made intraoperatively. Further research is warranted to determine the diagnostic accuracy of intraoperative cytology for neoplasia in veterinary patients.     

Morphological Observations on the Erythrocytes, Leukocytes and Thrombocytes of Blue Tongue Lizards (Lacertilia: Scincidae, Tiliqua)

Blood cell appearances and sizes varied little between T. scincoides and T. rugosa. Both mature and immature erythrocytes were present in circulating blood. They were oval and, ultrastructurally, had prominent marginal microtubules. Thrombocytes were oval and often showed vacuolation. On TEM examination they had parallel arrays of microtubules and scattered dense granules. Lymphocytes were small and sometimes difficult to distinguish from thrombocytes. Ultrastructurally, they had few organelles in their cytoplasm. Monocytes were commonly packed with fine azurophilic granules which, ultrastructurally, corresponded to variably-shaped dense granules. Type I granulocytes had eccentric, irregularly shaped nuclei, and cytoplasm which contained many orange-brown oval to round granules. Ultrastructurally, the granules were membrane bound, dense, and round to elongate oval. Type II granulocytes had eccentric, oval to round nuclei and numerous purple red, round to irregularly oval granules. On TEM examination the granules were commonly large, light grey and reticulate, and often contained a variably sized fibrillar rod. Type III granulocytes had a centrally located nucleus and numerous round, purple blue granules. The granules were round and homogeneously dense at the ultrastructural level.     

成鸡卵巢嗜酸性细胞、卵泡外腺细胞和卵泡膜腺细胞微细结构的研究

对成鸡卵巢的嗜酸性细胞、卵泡外腺细胞和卵泡膜腺细胞作H.E染色、油红—O染色和电子染色,然后进行光镜和电镜观察。结果:嗜酸性细胞单个分布在卵巢基质中,形态不一。胞核形态多样,异染色质数量中等,核仁位于核的偏中心部位。胞质中有许多电子密度较高的圆形嗜酸性颗粒,高尔基复合体发育良好,粗面内质网数量中等,有少量嵴少、基质电子密度低的线粒体,其它细胞器较少,油红—O染色阴性。卵泡外腺细胞分布在卵泡之间,由数个细胞结合成一细胞团。细胞形态多样。胞核圆形或卵圆形,一至数个核仁,异染色质少。胞质中充满大小不一的卵圆形脂滴,线粒体嵴多、基质电子密度较高,有管状嵴和板状嵴,还有较多囊泡状的滑面内质网,粗面内质网数量少,油红—O染色阳性反应。卵泡膜腺细胞也是数个细胞结合成一细胞团,分布在卵泡膜内层,结构与卵泡外腺细胞极为相似,油红—O染色阳性。卵泡外腺细胞和卵泡膜腺细胞都具有分泌类固醇激素细胞的结构特征。     

Unusual metastasis of malignant aortic body tumor to multiple bones in a dog

Unusual metastasis of malignant aortic body tumor to multiple bones was detected in a 5-year-old female English Setter dog. Radiographs exhibited an abnormal mass in the base of heart and osteolytic lesions in the bodies of T11 and L2 vertebrates, body of right femur, right proximal humoral epiphysis and infraspinous fossa near to the neck of right scapula. At necropsy, multiple tumor masses of various sizes were observed also in the bones as well as the heart base and tracheobronchial lymph node. Tumor masses of L2 and T11 protruded into the vertebral canal and compressed corresponding sites of spinal cord, leading to paraplegia. Histopathologically, the tumor cells, arranged in sheets or nests, were polyhedral, lightly eosinophilic, finely granular cytoplasm with mostly round to oval nucleus and had scattered bizarre giant cells. Ultrastructural study revealed the characteristic findings that tumor cells contained a large number of small, electron-dense, membrane-limited secretory granules in cytoplasm. This is thought to be an extremely rare case having multiple bone metastases of a malignant aortic body tumor.     

A neoplasm of globule leukocytes in a cat

A neoplasm involving the ileo-cecal-colic junction, thymus, and tracheobronchial lymph nodes of a 7-year-old domestic cat was composed of dense sheets of round to oval mononuclear cells with oval to indented nuclei, moderate amounts of cytoplasm, and variable numbers of round eosinophilic granules. These granules are brown to black in phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin-stained sections and stain variably with the periodic acid-Schiff stain. They are 0.8 to 1.5 micron in diameter, limited by a single unit membrane, and have variable electron density. Light microscopic cellular morphology and staining characteristics as well as ultrastructural features of these cells are consistent with feline globule leukocytes. Morphologic features of the neoplastic cells in the present case are similar to those of the only other reported neoplasm of globule leukocytes which also involved the intestine of a cat.     

Morphological, histological, and ultrastructural studies of the ovary of the cattle-tick Boophilus microplus (Canestrini, 1887) (Acari: Ixodidae)

This study presents the morphology of the ovary, as well as the dynamics of the vitellogenesis process in oocytes of the cattle-tick Boophilus microplus. The ovary of these individuals is of the panoistic type; therefore, it lacks nurse cells. This organ consists of a single tubular structure, continuous, and composed of a lumen delimitated by a wall of small epithelial cells with rounded nuclei. In this tick species, the oocytes were classified into six stages varying from I to VI and according to: cytoplasm appearance and presence of the germ vesicle, yolk granules, and chorion. Oocytes of various sizes and at different developmental stages remain attached to the ovary through a cellular pedicel until completing stage V. Afterwards, they are liberated into the lumen and from there to the exterior. Some oocytes (classified as type VI) showed an atypical appearance indicating that some of the cellular components would be undergoing a degenerative process and/or reabsorption.     

Subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma induced by a foreign body (steel staple) in a cat

An 8-year-old, female domestic shorthair cat was presented with a ventral abdominal subcutaneous mass. A radiograph showed that the center of the mass contained what appeared to be steel sutures, presumed to be from an ovariohysterectomy performed 7 years earlier. The excised mass was irregular and contained numerous pockets filled with friable necrotic material and hemorrhages that were dissected by fibrous connective tissue bands. Multiple tangled and fragmented pieces of steel staples were deeply embedded within the mass. Histologically, the mass was non-encapsulated, densely cellular, and infiltrative. Neoplastic cells lined caverns and channels and were factor VIII-positive by immunohistochemistry. The neoplastic cells were oval to round with granular cytoplasm and vesicular nucleus and exhibited moderate cellular and nuclear pleomorphism. A diagnosis of subcutaneous hemangiosarcoma was made. To our knowledge, this is the first report of foreign body associated hemangiosarcoma and the first case of steel staple associated neoplasm in domestic animals.