Acute systemic anaphylaxis in adult domestic fowl: evidence for the protective role of H2-histaminergic and beta 2-adrenergic receptors

Pentobarbital-anesthetized and spontaneously breathing, bovine albumin (BA)-sensitized adult domestic fowl showed acute systemic anaphylaxis to IV injection of antigen (BA), which was characterized by arterial hypotension, central venous hypertension, and bradycardia. Large doses of pyrilamine maleate (/1-receptor antagonist) partially inhibited acute systemic anaphylaxis. On the other hand, metiamide (a specific H2-antagonist) and propranolol (beta-adrenergic antagonist) markedly enhanced the anaphylactic response. Terbutaline (beta 2-agonist), dimaprit (a highly selective H2-agonist), and compound FPL 55712 (a slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis receptor antagonist) either significantly inhibited or reversed the anaphylactic response. Cimetidine (a newer H2-antagonist) enhanced only central venous pressor response to BA. This investigation appears to suggest a minor role of histamine and a major role of slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis as chemical mediatiors of anaphylaxis. A protective role of beta 2-adrenergic and H2-histaminergic receptors seem to operate in immediate hypersensitivity reactions in adult domestic fowl.     

余干乌骨鸡胃和小肠肥大细胞的分布特点

通过石蜡切片、改良甲苯胺蓝染色的方法对余干乌骨鸡主要胃肠道内的肥大细胞进行鉴定和分布特点分析。结果显示,在余干乌骨鸡的腺胃、肌胃、十二指肠、空肠和回肠管壁内皆有肥大细胞的分布,尤其是腺胃和肌胃内肥大细胞尤为丰富。肥大细胞主要位于胃肠道管壁内的黏膜固有层和肌层中,有些围绕着血管周围分布。黏膜下层极少有肥大细胞分布。外膜内无肥大细胞,但空肠外膜外附有的结缔组织中,脂肪细胞周围有肥大细胞分布。肥大细胞体积较大,多数呈卵圆形,有的细胞形态不规则,甚至有突起。胞质中含有紫红色颗粒。结果表明,余干乌骨鸡胃肠道管壁内具有丰富的肥大细胞,余干乌骨鸡胃肠道具有较强的抗病原微生物和抗寄生虫功能,肠道免疫屏障较为完善。同时,大量的肥大细胞在胃肠道内的分布可能与黑色素的生成具有相关性。     

Multiple perineuriomas in chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)

Intraneural perineurioma is an extremely rare condition characterized by perineurial cell proliferation within peripheral nerve (PN) sheaths. In the veterinary field, this entity has been reported only in a dog. We examined multiple enlargements of PNs in 11 chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) (9 Japanese bantams and 2 specific pathogen-free White Leghorn), which were inoculated with an avian leukosis virus (ALV) causing so-called fowl glioma. All chickens clinically exhibited progressive leg paralysis. Lumbosacral plexus, brachial plexus, and/or spinal ganglion were commonly affected, and these nerves contained a diffuse proliferation of spindle cells arranged concentrically in characteristic onion bulb-like structures surrounded by residual axons and myelin sheaths. The spindle cells were immunohistochemically negative for S-100alpha/beta protein. Electron microscopy revealed that these cells were characterized by short bipolar cytoplasmic processes, occasional cytoplasmic pinocytotic vesicles, and discontinuous basal laminae. These features are consistent with those of intraneural perineurioma. Furthermore, the specific sequence of the ALV was detected in the PN lesions of 8/11 (73%) birds by polymerase chain reaction. These results indicate that the multiple intraneural perineuriomas of chicken may be associated with the ALV-A causing fowl glioma.     

Parasites of domestic and wild animals in South Africa. XVIII. The crowned guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), an important host of immature ixodid ticks

The tick burdens of 10 crowned guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), shot at approximately 3-monthly intervals in the Mountain Zebra National Park, and of 21 crowned guinea fowl from the Andries Vosloo Kudu Reserve, the majority of which were shot at monthly intervals, were determined. No adult ticks were recovered from any of the guinea fowl. The birds in the Mountain Zebra National Park harboured 4 species of ixodid ticks of which Amblyomma marmoreum was the most abundant and most prevalent. Three birds also harboured Hyalomma marginatum turanicum. Six ixodid tick species were present on guinea fowl in the Andries Vosloo Kudu Reserve. Of these Amblyomma hebraeum was the most abundant and all the birds were infested. Most of these birds were also infested with A. marmoreum and Haemaphysalis silacea and some harboured Hyalomma marginatum rufipes. The seasonal abundance of ticks on crowned guinea fowl is discussed.     

Nonsuppurative myocarditis associated with so-called fowl glioma

C/O specific pathogen-free White Leghorn chickens were intracerebrally inoculated at one day of age with a brain homogenate of Japanese bantams (Gallus gallus domesticus) affected with fowl glioma. Histologically, six of eight inoculated chickens developed nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis in cerebrum and two of them had the characteristic lesions of fowl glioma. Hyperplastic lymphoid foci concomitantly developed in many organs of these birds, especially in the heart. Apart from these lymphoid foci, lymphocytic myocarditis was observed in all inoculated birds. Matrix inclusions were also noted in myocardial cells. Immunohistochemically, avian leukosis virus antigens were detected in reticular cells in the lymphoid foci, mesangial cells of the kidney, smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels, and myocardial cells. Of these tissues, the myocardium of all inoculated birds consistently showed strong reactivity for this antigens. The matrix inclusions were also positive for the antigens. These results suggest that the causal virus of fowl glioma has a high propensity to replicate, especially in myocardium and nonsuppurative myocarditis occurs associated with so-called fowl glioma.     

Involvement of spleen components of mature fowl in the primary and secondary humoral antibody response following experimental EDS'76 virus infection

Summary

Cellular changes in spleens of mature fowl in relation to both the primary and secondary humoral antibody response following experimentalEDS'76 virus infection were studied. The influence of splenectomy on humoral antibody response was also examined.

Experimental fowl had been naturally infected with fowl adenovirus (FAV) but did not possess precipitins to these viruses at the time of EDS’ 76 virus infection. Since EDS'76 infection provokes a recall of the group antibody to FAV, this infection simultaneously induces a primary response against EDS’ 76 virus and a secondary response due to the recall of the group antibody to FAV.

HI and precipitating antibodies toEDS'76 virus (primary response) werefirst detected at 6 and 8 days p.i. respectively. Curves of HI, precipating and neutralising antibody titres were biphasic; the first peak (IgM peak) occurred at 10–11 days p.i., the second (IgG peak) at 16–28 days p.i.

Precipitating antibodies to FAV (secondary response) were demonstrated from 4 days p.i. The curve of these antibody titres was also biphasic, with peaks at the same times as in the primary response.

Based on HI and AGP testing of primary and secondary immune response in both splenectomised and non‐splenectomised fowl it is concluded that in the primary response the spleen of the adult fowl is involved significantly in only IgM secretion, while in the secondary response it is likely that bothIgM and IgG are secreted in considerable amounts.

Clusters of lymphoblasts and plasmablasts were observed at 3 days p.i. in the red pulp. It is very likely that antigen‐antibody complexes are formed from that time and circulate bound to the surface of lymphocytes. These antigen‐loaded lymphocytes are ‘picked up’ from the blood stream by

– red pulp macrophages, leading to enhanced formation of lymphoblasts in the red pulp. Great numbers of these cells (which are very probably IgM secreting cells) were present on days 6 and 7 p.i., but were no longer detectable after day 10 p.i.

– macrophages of the macrophagalellipsoidal corona (MEC), leading to significant enlargement of the periellipsoidal lymphoid tissue(PELT) by an increase of the number of lymphocytes observedfrom days 4–12 p.i. The MEC was significantly enlarged from 7–12 days p.i., very likely due to an increased number of macrophages.

Following deposition of antigen in the white pulp, formation of follicles begins. The number of small, intact follicles includingfollicle precursors increasedfrom 6 days p.i. From 15 days p.i. to the end of the experiment both the number and size of follicles increased significantly.

Uptake and processing of antigen by macrophages is probably accompanied by death of some of these cells. This might explain the degenerative changes observed in large mesenchymal cells, probably macrophages, at 3 and 5 days p.i. in the red pulp and at 5 and 6 days especially in the MEC. Splenitis which was present at 3 and 5 days p.i. and oedema observed in and around ellipsoidal cells at 5 days p.i. may be due to mediators released from these degenerative macrophages.

A significantly increased number of follicles with lymphoblasts was seen from 2–15 days p.i. while lymphoblasts and plasmablasts were present in the PELT from 5–15 days p.i., but predominantly at 6 and 7 days p.i. It is likely that disruption of follicles and blast transformation of white pulp lymphoid cells are secondary response events. White pulp lymphoblastsand plasmablastsare probably IgG secreting cells.

Splenomegaly was observed at 3, 5 and 6 days after infection and was mainly due to swelling of red pulp macrophages and infiltration of granulocytes in the red pulp. Ellipsoidal and periellipsoidal changes could contribute to the splenomegaly at 5 and 6 days p.i.     

Immunological release of histamine and slow-reacting substance in domestic fowl.

Immunological release of histamine from the whole blood of the sensitized chickens was demonstrated. Compound 48/80 (a potent histamine releaser) released histamine from isolated chicken lung. The sensitizing antigens (bovine albumin or horse plasma) did not release histamine from the lung. Bovine albumin and horse plasma released slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis only from the lungs of adult domestic fowl and not from ileum or lungs of immature chickens.     

禽类催乳素研究进展

文章综述了近几年国内外禽类催乳素对禽类卵泡发育、卵泡类固醇激素的分泌和禽类就巢的调节机理的研究进展。催乳素在其发挥生理作用的过程中 ,对禽类卵泡发育有一定的抑制作用 ;其与卵泡类固醇激素表现出很强的相关性 ,并通过它们之间极其复杂的相互作用引起、调节和维持禽类的就巢。此外 ,催乳素还具有对卵泡各细胞的多种调节功能。     

A survey of potential virulence markers from avian strains of Pasteurella multocida

Twenty-four isolates of Pasteurella multocida from clinical cases of fowl cholera and the Clemson University vaccine strain were surveyed for the presence of potential virulence markers. Membrane proteins, enzymatic activity of the membrane proteins, and carbohydrate fermentation patterns were also determined to demonstrate phenotypic relationships within the groups. Few differences were found in these phenotypic characteristics among the isolates. Almost all the organisms produced siderophore and were hemolytic on turkey red blood cells. No extracellular enzyme or bacteriocin activity was detected and little antibiotic resistance was found. However, many organisms contained plasmids and demonstrated some degree of resistance to complement. Both characteristics were correlative markers in Pasteurella multocida isolated from birds with fowl cholera.     

Mast cells in the ovary of Gallus gallus domesticus

1. Histamine or mast cells are involved in mammalian ovary function. Their role in the avian ovary is not known. In the present study mast cell distribution in the ovary of the domestic fowl was studied. 2. Mast cells were distributed throughout the ovary, both in the stroma of medullary and cortical regions as well as in the thecae of normal and atretic follicles. In the stroma, mast cells were especially abundant in the area just below the germinal epithelium (GE) and followed the contours of the GE. 3. In the follicles, mast cells were more obvious in the thecae of small non-yolky follicles, whereas they were compressed and scattered in the larger yolky follicles. They were more frequently seen in the theca externa than in the theca interna and in their ultrastructure showed characteristic mast cell granules. 4. Some of the atretic follicles showed increased mast cells in their thecae. Postovulatory follicles had very few mast cells. 5. The possible role of the mast cells in the ovarian activity of domestic fowl is discussed.     

The structure of the lachrymal glands of the domestic fowl and of the duck.

The histology of the lachrymal glands of the duck and fowl is similar. In both birds the gland is a compound tubulo-acinar structure, lobulated and invested by a thin connective tissue capsule. Foci of lymphocytes, but few plasma cells, are found in the glands. Moderately acidic mucosubstances predominate in the gland of the fowl whereas sialomucins are found in that of the duck. Neutral lipids were detected only in the gland of the fowl.     

Three Enzymes Newly Identified from the Genus Eimeria and Two More Newly Identified from E. maxima,Leading to the Discovery of Some Aliphatic Acids with Activity against Coccidia of the Domesticated Fowl

Nine enzymes were detected in sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tenella and E. maxima, parasites of the domesticated fowl (Gallus gallus). Three enzymes, hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, alanine aminotransferase and -glutamyltransferase, all identified for the first time in Eimeria of fowl, occurred both in E. tenella and in E. maxima. The remaining enzymes assayed had previously been found in various Eimeria species of fowl, although creatine kinase and glutamate dehydrogenase were hitherto unknown from E. maxima. The three enzymes newly recorded from Eimeria of fowl are of interest as potential genetic markers, and also as potential chemotherapeutic targets. The discovery of hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase led to the demonstration of anticoccidial activity by some aliphatic acids. The paper also includes a list of the enzymes detected in Eimeria of fowl in previous studies.     

Effects of ligation of the ductus deferens on the fowl epididymal region

The effects of ligation of the ductus deferens on the epididymis in the fowl were studied histochemically and immunohistochemically to reveal the mechanisms of sperm disposal. At one week post-ligation, the lumina of the rete testes (RT) and the efferent ductules (ED) were distended and filled with densely accumulated spermatozoa. Macrophages and foreign-body giant cells were aggregated in and around the accumulations. The epithelium regressed in the initial portion of the RT with the invasion of fibroblasts and heterophiles into the lumen. The other part of the epithelium was penetrated by many spermatozoa. Numerous lymphocytes and plasma cells infiltrated into the interstitium. At 4 weeks, larger number of spermatozoa agglutinated in the lumen, and large masses of foamy cells and proliferated connective tissue protruded into the lumen. At 8 weeks, large masses of foamy cells were noted. The connecting ductules or the epididymal duct showed no marked changes after ligation. The epithelium of the ED showed weaker or no acid phosphatase activity after ligation. Immunoglobulin G-containing cells increased in number in the interstitium. These results showed that ligation of the ductus deferens in the fowl causes granuloma in the RT and ED, and that epithelial cells, macrophages and granuloma are engaged in the removal of spermatozoa. The participation of antibody is suggested in the sperm disposal processes.     

Stress--mechanisms of immunosuppression.

Stress, a term commonly used to describe varied phenomena, should be restricted to describe an adaptive response by an animal to threats to homeostasis. The threats to homeostasis are called stressors. Stressors include a variety of physical, psychological, chemical, or infectious causes that are modified by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Examples of modifiers include stressor severity, duration, novelty, host genetics and immune status. What may be a stressor to an animal in one situation, when modified, may not be a stressor in another situation. Mechanisms of stress once thought to involve a single pathway described by Seyle as the General Adaptation Syndrome, have been rejected. Four pathways, some incompletely defined, have been implicated in modulation of the immune system. They include autonomic nervous system, the hypothalamic adrenal axis, extra-adrenal pathways involving neuropeptides and neurotransmitters and neuroimmunological mediators. The mechanisms of stress-induced immunosuppression resistance are poorly defined in domestic fowl and will require careful experimentation linking defined stressors with altered physiological responses that affect specific immune function and result in increased disease susceptibility.     

Effects of amitraz on nerve conduction and neuromuscular transmission in anaesthetised dogs

Ataxia is an occasional side effect of amitraz when used as a wash to treat dogs with demodectic mange. In the present study, successive doses of 0.5, 2, 5 and 10 mg kg-1 amitraz were given intravenously at intervals of nine minutes to thiopentone/methoxyflurane/oxygen anaesthetised dogs. The amplitude of the evoked muscle action potential to electrical stimulation of the right ulnar nerve and the muscle refractory period were unchanged by increasing doses of amitraz but there was a progressive and significant decrease in nerve conduction velocity. The minimum recorded nerve conduction velocity (50.7 +/- 1.5 m s-1) was still within an adequate range. From these results it appears that the ataxia following amitraz is unlikely to be attributable to peripheral mechanisms. The concurrent amitraz-induced rise in mean arterial pressure and bradycardia was consistent with previous findings in which alpha 2-adrenoceptors were shown to be the major mediators.     

Role of macrophage in the defense against intestinal cancers

The capability of activated macrophages to kill tumor cells in vitro is now well documented. The tumoricidal activation of macrophages against intestinal tumor cells by different agents is described and the main hypothesis on the mechanisms of tumor cell killing in vitro are discussed. These in vitro results suggest that the macrophage can constitute an efficient effector cell in the defense against intestinal tumors. The distribution and ratio of macrophages in normal intestine and intestinal tumors is described. At the moment, potent activators of macrophages studied in vivo on experimental and human intestinal tumors give poor results or even enhance the growth of tumors. Macrophages may also interfere with the specific immune response in two directions by enhancing the immune response or decreasing it by elaboration of mediators such as prostaglandins.     

Molecular characterization of MHC class II region in guinea fowl

1. The MHC class II gene was amplified, cloned and sequenced in guinea fowl. 2. The NumeMHC II sequence of 754 nucleotides included complete exon 1 (91 nt), exon 2 (270 nt), exon 3 (282 nt) and exon 4 (110 nt). 3. The size of β(1) and β(2), domains were 89 and 93 amino acids, respectively in guinea fowl. 4. High amino acid variability (38·2%) was observed within guinea fowl in β(1) domain, while in β(2) domain, amino acid variability (6·3%) was low. 5. Among poultry species, the percent amino acid identity between guinea fowl and chicken, quail, pheasant and duck was 38·8, 42·2, 44·4 and 58·8 in β(1) domain; and 13·8, 17·0, 13·8 and 27·6 in β(2) domain, respectively. 6. Sequence alignment with mammalian and avian MHC showed that many of the conserved features of MHC class II glycoprotein was conserved in guinea fowl. 7. Within-species genetic distances (Poisson correction) based on cumulative amino acid variability in β(1) domain and β(2) domains was 0·141 in guinea fowl. 8. Guinea fowl showed low and similar genetic distances with all the poultry species (0·255-0·268) except duck (0·456). 9. Guinea fowl made separate branch within the major cluster having chicken, quail and pheasant, showing equal distance from these poultry species, whereas duck MHC II clustered separately.     

Molecular characteristics and site specific distribution of the pigment of the silky fowl

Silky fowl, a breed of chicken, is hyperpigmented in its various internal tissues. The pigment was extracted from various tissues of two strains of Silky fowl to determine its molecular structure and internal distribution. Analysis by infrared spectroscopy showed two spectrum patterns of the pigment in Silky fowl; one is from ovary and testis, the other is from periosteum and feather. The difference between the two spectra is possibly due to the sulfur contents of melanin. Especially, the spectra of the pigments from feather and periosteum shared the characteristics of synthesized melanin spectrum in common, which indicates that the melanocytes dispersed in these tissues were functionally the same. According to our quantitative analysis, the tissues examined were classified significantly in the order of the pigment content (p<0.05): periosteum > gonads (ovary or testis) = trachea > or = heart, liver, gizzard, cecum, muscles (Pectoralis and Supracoracoideus) and skin. In addition, the specific regions of embryonic neural crest derived cells, such as cardiac artery and various parts of cephalic tissues, were found to be locally hyperpigmented. These data suggest that hyperpigmentation (fibromelanosis) in Silky fowl chicken occurs in a tissue- and organ-specific manner, which is strongly related to neural crest cell development. It is hypothesized that neural crest cells of the bird, containing melanocyte progenitors, acquire unusual ability to differentiate into melanocytes excessively, and to extend the distribution of their descendant along the destinations of neural crest derivatives.     

Involvement of spleen components of mature fowl in the primary and secondary humoral antibody response following experimental EDS'76 virus infection

Cellular changes in spleens of mature fowl in relation to both the primary and secondary humoral antibody response following experimental EDS'76 virus infection were studied. The influence of splenectomy on humoral antibody response was also examined. Experimental fowl had been naturally infected with fowl adenovirus (FAV) but did not possess precipitins to these viruses at the time of EDS'76 virus infection. Since EDS'76 infection provokes a recall of the group antibody to FAV, this infection simultaneously induces a primary response against EDS'76 virus and a secondary response due to the recall of the group antibody to FAV. HI and precipitating antibody to EDS'76 virus (primary response) were first detected at 6 and 8 days p.i. respectively. Curves of HI, precipitating and neutralising antibody titres were biphasic; the first peak (IgM peak) occurred at 10-11 days p.i., the second (IgG peak) at 16-28 days p.i. Precipitating antibodies to FAV (secondary response) were demonstrated from 4 days p.i. The curve of these antibody titres was also biphasic, with peaks at the same times as in the primary response. Based on HI and AGP testing of primary and secondary immune response in both splenectomised and non-splenectomised fowl it is concluded that in the primary response the spleen of the adult fowl is involved significantly in only IgM secretion, while in the secondary response it is likely that both IgM and IgG are secreted in considerable amounts. Clusters of lymphoblasts and plasmablasts were observed at 3 days p.i. in the red pulp. It is very likely that antigen-antibody complexes are formed from that time and circulate bound to the surface of lymphocytes. These antigen-loaded lymphocytes are 'picked up' from the blood stream by -red pulp macrophages, leading to enhanced formation of lymphoblasts in the red pulp. Great numbers of these cells (which are very probably IgM secreting cells) were present on days 6 and 7 p.i., but were no longer detectable after day 10 p.i. -macrophages of the macrophagal ellipsoidal corona (MEC), leading to significant enlargement of the periellipsoidal lymphoid tissue (PELT) by an increase of the number of lymphocytes observed from days 4-12 p.i. The MEC was significantly enlarged from 7-12 days p.i., very likely due to an increased number of macrophages. Following deposition of antigen in the white pulp, formation of follicles begins. The number of small, intact follicles including follicle precursors increased from 6 days p.i.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)