Mobility of the forearm skeleton in the Asiatic black (Ursus thibetanus), brown (U. arctos) and polar (U. maritimus) bears

In several primates and carnivores, pronation/supination angles of the forearm skeleton were examined, and it is thought that a larger angle is useful to acquire dexterous behaviors in feeding and/or life style, including climbing. In this study, the pronation/supination angles in Asiatic black, brown and polar bears were nondestructively examined. These specimens were classified as adult or non-adult. Three or four carcasses of each group of Asiatic black and brown bears were used for CT analysis, whereas only one adult polar bear was used. The forearms were positioned within the gantry of a CT scanner in both maximally supinated and pronated states. Extracted cross-sectional CT images of two positions were superimposed by overlapping the outlines of each ulna. The centroids of the radii were detected, and then the centroid of each radius and the midpoint of a line which connects between both ends of the surface of each radius facing the ulna, were connected by lines to measure the angle of rotation as an index of pronation/supination. In adult brown and polar bears, the angles were smaller as compared with the other groups (Asiatic black and non-adult brown bears). Asiatic black and non-adult brown bears can climb trees, whereas adult brown bears and polar bears cannot. This suggests that the pronation/supination angle is related to arboreal activity in Ursidae.     

Antebrachial fractures in four captive polar bears (Ursus maritimus)

OBJECTIVE: To identify common risk factors for antebrachial fractures of captive polar bears and to evaluate outcome after fracture repair. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Four captive polar bears. METHODS: United States zoological collections were surveyed to determine the prevalence of fractures in captive polar bears. Medical records of captive polar bears that had antebrachial fractures were reviewed for signalment, history, physical and radiographic findings, fracture management, postoperative care, and outcome. Serum samples from healthy bears and bears with antebrachial fractures were assayed for 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) concentrations. RESULTS: Nineteen fractures (12 polar bears) occurred from 1974 to 2002; 12 fractures involved the antebrachium. Management of 4 antebrachial fractures was reviewed; 3 were repaired by internal fixation and 1 by external coaptation. Fractures healed and bears were returned to exhibit on average 3 months postfracture. Of 11 serum samples assayed for 25-OHD concentrations, 6 were below normal, 1 was low normal and 4 were within normal reference intervals. The 7 bears with subnormal or low normal values were housed in 2 zoos. Subnormal vitamin D concentrations were identified in 2 of 3 bears with fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Fracture disease is not uncommon in captive polar bears. Additional research is necessary to explore the role of nutrition in polar bear fracture disease. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Internal fixation of antebrachial fractures is feasible and reasonably well tolerated in captive polar bears.     

Spontaneous Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma in a Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus): Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Findings

A spontaneously occurring subcutaneous mass in the left forelimb of a nine-year-old rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Clinically, edema and hemorrhage were seen around the mass. No connection of the tumor mass to the appendicular skeleton was found. The tumor was arranged in a solid growth pattern and irregular bundles, and neoplastic cells were polygonal to spindle-shape. Osteoid (positive for osteocalcin) and multinucleated giant cells were diffusely or focally seen. Neoplastic cells were positive for vimentin, osterix and Ki-67, indicating the nature of osteoblasts with proliferating activity, but negative for α-smooth muscle actin, desmin or CD204. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of extraskeletal osteosarcoma was made, a very rare tumor both in laboratory and pet rabbits.     

马来熊胆囊癌一例

苏州市动物园1只25岁雌性马来熊(Helarctos malayanus)于2019年9月18日起腹围缓慢增大,治疗6周后,于2019年11月4日死亡。解剖发现有胸腔积液、腹腔积液、肝硬化、胆结石等组织病变,送检病变组织样本。化验报告:心肌轻度萎缩,肾间质慢性炎细胞浸润,肝脏、胆囊、肺脏病理切片显示大量癌栓/转移性低分化腺癌;胆汁、胸腔积液和腹腔积液中均分离出大肠杆菌(Escherichia coli)和迟钝爱德华氏菌(Edwardsiella tarda)2种细菌;诊断为结石性胆囊癌引起的渗出性腹水。在野生动物中,临床表现为腹水的胆囊癌较为少见,马来熊相关文献资料缺乏,本文将记述该动物的病程,解剖及检查结果,以供大家参考。     

Spontaneous early-onset glomerulonephritis in a 8-week-old male Crj:CD1 (ICR) mouse

Glomerular lesions including membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis occur spontaneously in aged mice, but they are rare in young animals. In our laboratory, spontaneous glomerulonephritis was observed in an 8-week-old male Crj:CD1 (ICR) mouse. Macroscopically, the bilateral kidneys were discolored, but no edema or ascites was observed. Glomerular lesions were characterized by a thickening of capillary walls, a double-contoured basement membrane and mesangial expansion due to increased amounts of matrix. Ultrastructurally, mesangial interposition in the capillary wall and subendothelial deposition of basement membrane-like material were observed. No evidence of immune complex deposition or amyloid was found. On the basis of the observed clinical pathology and histopathology, a secondary form of glomerular lesion was excluded. The glomerular lesion was compatible with glomerulonephritis in a young Crj:CD1 (ICR) mouse.     

外源复合酶对移地保护圈养马来熊日粮营养消化率的影响

利用外源复合酶对移地保护圈养的 9只马来熊日粮营养物质及能量消化率进行了测定 ,经单因子方差分析结果表明 ,在圈养马来熊日粮中添加一定量的外源复合酶 ,能提高马来熊对日粮营养物质的消化率 ,其中 ,添加 0 3%饲料量的酶能显著提高日粮粗蛋白的消化率(P <0 0 5) ;添加 0 5%的酶 ,能显著提高日粮粗纤维、粗蛋白质消化率 (P <0 0 5)。此研究结果可应用于马来熊的饲养中 ,提高其饲料报酬     

Spontaneous Rhabdomyosarcoma in a Common Marmoset ( Callithrix jacchus )

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) is now widely used in various research fields, including toxicology. However, information about the background pathology of this species is scarce. Here, we report a case of rhabdomyosarcoma that spontaneously occurred in a common marmoset. A 44-month-old male common marmoset was euthanized due to bilateral hind limb paralysis. At necropsy, a 2×2×5-cm intramuscular mass was observed in the lower right back. Histologically, the mass was mainly composed of interlacing bundles of spindle-shaped tumor cells. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for myogenin, desmin, vimentin and alpha-smooth muscle actin. Ultrastructurally, the tumor cells contained bundles of myofilaments with Z-band-like structures. Thus, the tumor was diagnosed as a rhabdomyosarcoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of spontaneous rhabdomyosarcoma that was definitely diagnosed in the common marmoset.     

棕熊精子体外获能及异种穿卵的超微结构研究

对棕熊精子体外获能前后和异种穿卵的超微结构观察表明,棕熊精子全长77μm,由头、颈和尾3部分组成.头部长7.3μm,宽2.5μm,主要由核、顶体及顶体后区组成;颈部由中心粒和9条纵行分节的节往组成;尾部全长68.2μm,其中中段长13.2μm,线粒体为65～68旋,主段中央为“9 2”的微管结构,其外方被9条致密纤维和纤维鞘包裹.精子获能前群集成簇,运动缓慢;获能后精子呈超激活运动.获能的精子质膜膨胀,顶体外膜囊泡化,引起顶体反应,质膜并未参加囊泡化.顶体反应完成后,仅有顶体内膜包在精子核膜的外面.棕熊精子与仓鼠的卵相互作用,多以赤道段和顶体后区附着于卵膜.     

Lipomatosis of axillary lymph nodes in a cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis)

Lipomatosis of lymph nodes is defined as the replacement of the lymphatic parenchyma by adipose tissue which grows in the node from the hilus toward the cortical zone. In humans, it is considered as part of the normal aging process and is common in obese patients, but there are no reports in non-human primates. In this report, we describe the first case of lymph node lipomatosis in the bilateral axillary lymph nodes of a young adult cynomolgus monkey. Macroscopically, there were no apparent abnormalities in the axillary lymph nodes on either side, and their volumes were unchanged. At the cut surface, pale yellow fat-like tissue was observed in the medullary area. Histopathologically, well differentiated adipocytes replaced a large part of the lymphatic parenchyma in the area from the hilus to the medulla without any malignant findings. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with lipomatosis of the lymph nodes.     

Femoral Fracture Repair Using a Locking Plate Technique in an Adult Captive Polar Bear (Ursus Maritimus)

Objective— To report successful femoral fracture repair in a polar bear. Study Design— Case report. Animals— Female polar bear (Ursus maritimus) 5 years and ～250 kg. Methods— A closed, complete, comminuted fracture of the distal midshaft femur was successfully reduced and stabilized using a compression plating technique with 2 specialized human femur plates offering axial, rotational, and bending support, and allowing the bone to share loads with the implant. Postoperative radiographs were obtained at 11.5 weeks, 11 months, and 24 months. Results— Bone healing characterized by marked periosteal reaction was evident at 11 months with extensive remodeling evident at 24 months. No complications were noted. Conclusions— Distal mid shaft femoral fracture was reduced, stabilized, and healed in an adult polar bear with a locking plate technique using 2 plates. Clinical Relevance— Previously, femoral fractures in polar bears were considered irreparable. Use of 2 plates applied with a locking plate technique can result in successful fracture repair despite large body weight and inability to restrict postoperative activity.     

Swim bladder tumors in the wavy medaka (Oryzias latipes)

Swim bladder tumors were detected in three out of 28 wavy medakas aged about 2 years old, all of which displayed abnormal swimming patterns caused by their spinal curvature. The tumors were located in the dorsal abdominal cavity. The swim bladder lumen was not detected in the region where it was originally assumed to be located, and that region was replaced with adipose tissue. The tumors were non-invasive, expansile, and encapsulated solid masses composed of a homogenous population of well-differentiated, densely packed, gas glandular epithelium-like cells. The tumor masses were connected to the rete mirabile, but the tumor cells did not infiltrate into them. Histopathologically, these tumors were diagnosed as adenomas originating from the gas glandular epithelium of the swim bladder. Spontaneous swim bladder tumors are rare in medaka, with an incidence of 0.02%; however, in the present study of wavy medaka, the incidence was much higher (10.7%). The long-term physical effects on the gas gland caused by swim bladder deformation considered to be a secondary effect of the spinal curvature may be an important factor in the proliferation of the gas glandular epithelium in the wavy medaka, resulting in the higher incidence of swim bladder tumors.     

Swim bladder tumor in the young adult scoliotic medaka (Oryzias latipes)

A swim bladder tumor was detected in one scoliotic medaka aged 22 weeks. The tumor was located in the dorsal abdominal cavity, with maximum dimension of 1,850 × 1,500 µm. No swim bladder lumen was identified, and the region where the swim bladder lumen would have been located, was replaced with adipose tissues. The tumor was a non-invasive, expansile, and encapsulated solid mass with a few cysts, and comprised a homogenous population of well-differentiated, densely packed, gas glandular epithelium-like cells. The tumor mass was connected to a rete mirabile that showed a hyperplastic capillary plexus; however, the tumor cells did not invade the rete mirabile, thereby revealing that the tumor was an adenoma originating from the gas glandular epithelium of the swim bladder. Since proliferative lesions in the swim bladder have been reported in some teleosts with skeletal deformations, including medaka, the occurrence of a spontaneous swim bladder tumor in teleosts is considered to be closely associated with various types of skeletal deformation, and spinal curvature in particular.     

Molecular detection of filarial nematode parasites in Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) from Iwate Prefecture, Japan

This study aimed to detect filarial parasites in blood samples of Japanese black bears (Ursus thibetanus japonicus) collected from Iwate Prefecture, Japan. Positive amplicons were obtained from 26 out of 30 samples by nested PCR targeting 18S ribosomal RNA gene and first internal transcribed spacer regions. DNA sequences of Mansonella sp. close to M. ozzardi and Dirofilaria sp. were detected for eight and 11 positive amplicons, respectively. Co-infection was detected for the remaining seven amplicons. Dirofilaria sp. was identified as D. ursi by further genetic analysis of 5S ribosomal RNA gene sequence. The results of this study will contribute to further investigations of Japanese black bears for monitoring their risk as a reservoir of possible zoonotic filarial parasites.     

Spontaneous extraskeletal osteosarcoma in the neck skeletal muscle of a Crlj:CD1 (ICR) mouse

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma is extremely rare in humans and animals, especially in rodents. This is the first case report on spontaneous extraskeletal osteosarcoma in the neck skeletal muscle of a Crlj:CD1 (ICR) mouse (36 weeks, dead). Necropsy revealed a solid white mass located in the neck skeletal muscle (scalenus muscle). Histological examination showed that the tumor consisted of atypical polygonal cells, a small osteoid clump, and bone tissue. Mitotic figures were observed. Serial sections showed that neoplastic cells lacked clear invasive proliferation to adjacent normal skeletal muscle and continuity with normal bone tissue. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the neoplastic cells were positive for osteocalcin, osterix, vimentin, and S-100. Based on these results, the tumor was diagnosed as extraskeletal osteosarcoma in the neck skeletal muscle.     

Age-related Histological Findings in the Pineal Gland of Crl:CD(SD) Rats

To provide background data as the pathologic basis, the pineal glands of 190 male and 193 female Crl:CD(SD) rats at ages of 0–7, 51–58, 70–85 and 111 weeks were examined histologically in this study. Mineralization and fibrosis were common findings in the aged rats, whereas they were rarely found in the young ones; mineralization was present in 7, 44, 67 and 79% of males and in 0, 32, 67 and 79% in females, and fibrosis was present in 0, 29, 48 and 44% of males and 0, 18, 40 and 35% of females at ages of 0–7, 51–58, 70–85 and 111 weeks, respectively. Striated muscle fiber appeared regularly in the fibrosis region from 51–58 weeks of age when fibrosis increased, while the origin of this fiber remained unclear. Vacuolation of pineal cells also increased with age in both sexes, though the total incidence was low. There was a low incidence of lymphocytic infiltration in both sexes, but this was not related to age.     

Kidney organoid derived from renal tissue stem cells is a useful tool for histopathological assessment of nephrotoxicity in a cisplatin-induced acute renal tubular injury model

Organoids derived from renal tissue stem cells (KS cells) isolated from the S3 segment of adult rat nephrons have previously been developed and evaluated. However, data regarding the histopathological evaluation of these organoids are limited. Therefore, in this study, we performed histopathological examinations of the properties of these organoids and evaluated the nephrotoxicity changes induced by cisplatin treatment. We observe that the tubular structure of the organoids was generally lined by a single layer of cells, in concordance with previous findings. Microvilli were exclusively observed under electron microscopy on the luminal side of this tubular structure. Moreover, the luminal side of the tubular structure was positive for aquaporin-1 (Aqp1), a marker of the proximal renal tubule. Cisplatin treatment induced cell death and degeneration, including cytoplasmic vacuolation, in cells within the tubular structure of the organoids. Cisplatin toxicity is associated with the induction of γ-H2AX (a marker of DNA damage) and the drop of phospho-histone H3 (a marker of cell division) levels. During the nephrotoxicity assessment, the kidney organoids displayed various features similar to those of the natural kidney, suggesting that it is possible to use these organoids in predicting nephrotoxicity. The histological evaluation of the organoids in this study provides insights into the mechanisms underlying nephrotoxicity.     

Clinical,histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies of histiocytic sarcoma in four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris): A retrospective study

Histiocytic sarcoma was investigated histopathologically and immunohistochemically in 17 four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris), along with a review of their clinical data. Cases were histopathologically classified into two types: round-polygonal cell type (6 cases) and spindle cell type (11 cases). Round-polygonal cell type was found in visceral organs such as the spleen, lymph nodes, and more, and most cases of this type were consistent with disseminated histiocytic sarcoma. On the other hand, spindle cell type occurred mainly in skin, and almost all cases were consistent with localized histiocytic sarcoma. The prognosis of patients with round-polygonal cell type appeared worse than that of spindle cell type. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells of spindle cell type showed stronger reactivity against human leukocyte antigen-DR than round-polygonal cell type. Neoplastic cells of all cases showed strong reactivity against ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) and various reactivities against cluster of differentiation (CD) 204. Regardless of morphological classification, most tumor cells were negative for CD163, suggesting that this marker is less effective for the diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma. The results of this study suggest that Iba-1 is the most effective marker for histiocytic sarcoma.