Licht- und elektronenmikroskopische Untersuchungen zur Oogenese der Katze (Felis catus)

For comparative purposes, the structural changes of oogonia and primary oocytes during periods of proliferation and growth were examined in 42 ovaries of fetal, neonatal and postnatal cats.
The results suggest that certain oogenic phases should be viewed in a different light.     

Die Arterien der Articulatio coxae und des proximalen Femurabschnittes bei der Katze (Felis catus)*

The arterial blood supply of the hip joint and the proximal end of the femur was studied grossly and microscopically in 40 cats. The aim of the study was to provide clinicians with an overview of the arterial supply to the area. The findings were discussed and compared with those in dogs reported in the literature.     

Zur Articulatio temporomandibularis der Hauskatze (Felis silvestris catus)*

To the articulatio temporomandibularis of the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) The mandibular joint of the cat is an incongruent cylindrical joint, which works as a hinge or screw joint. The course of motion is unilateral in the plane of the cutting edge of the molar/premolar border P4/M1 The articular disc is a connective tissue membran: its new function is decreasing the friction.     

Die Kralle der Hauskatze (Felis catus) – eine Formenanalyse

The claw of the domestic cat ( Felis catus ) – analysis of its shape
The feline claws in the forepaw and hind paw are very different in shape. An objective method of comparison will be described. The differences in function and the factors with regard to the shape are discussed.     

Die anatomischen Verhältnisse am Karpalgelenk des Geparden (Acinonyx jubatus), verglichen mit jenen der Hauskatze (Felis catus)

The anatomy of the carpal joint of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) was examined in seven specimens using dissection and corrosion casts as well as radiography, and compared to well-known data of the domestic cat (Felis catus). It was found that in the cheetah, as in the domestic cat, the intermedioradial, ulnar and accessory carpal bones, as well as the first, second, third and fourth carpal bones and the sesamoid bone of the abductor pollicis longus muscle, develop in a regular manner. The bones had a similar shape and the ligamentous apparatus was comparable, the most striking differences being the connection of all compartments of the joint cavity and the mediocarpal joint, working as a screw joint. The syndesmosis between the intermedioradial and ulnar carpal bones, instead of a synovial connection, is another adaptation for stabilization of the carpus of the cheetah during locomotion. The joint capsule is little spacious and in all three recesses can be differentiated. The first extends proximally palmar the ulnar carpal bone between the styloid process of the ulna and the accessory carpal bone, the second also extends proximally mediopalmar of the intermedioradial bone, and the largest third recess is located on the dorsal surface and extends proximally, laterally to the inserting tendon of the extensor carpi radialis muscle.     

Über die Rippengelenke XI, XII, XIII der Hauskatze (Felis catus)

On the costal articulations XI, XII, XIII of the domestic cat (Felis catus) The costal articulations XI, XII, XIII of the cat are simple, synovial joints. This dot-shaped suspension of the last ribs from the spinal column and the existence of a costo-vertebral ligament are coordinated functionally.     

Zur pränatalen Entwicklung der Glandula mandibularis und Glandula parotis der Katze

The prenatal development of the cat's mandibular and parotid gland was examined by means of serial section of 36 cat embryos at 14–62 days of development. Both glands were excised from the epithelium of the primitive oral cavity and branched up to day 36 of the branching phase into a specific connective tissue. This tissue contained besides fine collagenous fibres, a high amount of proteoglycans. In the subsequent separation phase, ducts and acini differentiated themselves in primitive lobules which were separated by connective tissue. In the prenatal differentiation phase, from about day 50 up to birth, intercalated ducts and striated ducts were formed. In the acini, mucous and serous cells contained different amounts of complex carbohydrates. This secretory component changed shortly before birth.     

Distribution of arginase in tissues of cat (Felis catus)

Arginase (EC 3.5.3.1), the final enzyme in the urea cycle, catalyses the hydrolysis of l-arginine to l-ornithine and urea. High activity of this enzyme in the liver indicates its primary role in ammonia detoxification. However, its wide tissue distribution suggests that this enzyme might perform other functions besides hepatic ureagenesis. Although the distribution and properties of arginase from many tissues of human, laboratory animals and some domestic animals have been studied, little is known about the pattern of distribution and physiological roles of this enzyme in the cat. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the distribution of arginase in different tissues of the cat. A selection of tissue samples was assayed for arginase by the diacetyl monoxime method of determination of enzymatically formed urea. The protein content of tissues and enzymatic activities were calculated as units per gram tissue and units per milligram protein of the tissue. Results showed that the liver was the richest source of arginase followed by the oesophageal and tongue mucosal layers. Significant activity of this enzyme was found in the mucosa of the small intestine, kidney cortex, lung, testis and ovary. The results of this study will be discussed in terms of the involvement of arginase in several biochemical and physiological functions in this species.     

Retinal Epithelial Fine Structure in the Domestic Cat (Felis catus)

The morphology of the retinal epithelium (RPE) and closely associated choriocapillaris and Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) has been investigated in the eye of the domestic cat (felis catus) by light and electron microscopy. The RPE consists of a single layer of cuboidal cells joined laterally by apically-located junctional complexes. Basally (sclerally) these cells display numerous infoldings while apically (vitreally) two distinct types of processes enclose photoreceptor outer segments. Internally the large vesicular nucleus is centrally located. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, polysomes and lysosome-like bodies are abundant. Rough endoplasmic reticulum while present is not plentiful. Over the tapetum lucidum, melanosomes are absent from the RPE cells while in non-tapetal locations melanosomes are large and plentiful. The endothelium of the choriocapillaris is highly fenestrated and these capillaries are deeply indented into the epithelial layer over the tapetum. Bruch's membrane (complexus basalis) is non-tapetal regions is the typical pentalaminate structure noted for most mammals. Over the tapetum however it is reduced to a trilaminate structure and when associated with the indented capillary profiles is further reduced to a single thickened basal lamina.     

Genetic characterisation of Toxoplasma gondii isolates from European beavers (Castor fiber) and European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris)

Six free-ranging European beavers (Castor fiber) from Berlin greater metropolitan area and twelve European wildcats (Felis silvestris silvestris) originating from the German Federal State of Saxony-Anhalt were found dead and their carcasses were submitted for necropsy. Brain and lung samples were analysed for the presence of Toxoplasma gondii DNA. Histo-pathologic analysis of one beaver revealed several cyst-like protozoal structures in parts of the brain. Tissue DNA isolated from all animal samples was analysed by a specific T. gondii-PCR. Two beavers and four wildcats tested T. gondii-positive. DNA of the parasites was further analysed by PCR-RFLP typing using nine markers (nSAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico). Only T. gondii type II alleles were detected, except for the Apico locus, where type I alleles were observed in two isolates from beavers and in three from wild cats. The results of this study indicate that type II T. gondii (including type II variant strain) is the most common genotype infecting wildcats and beavers from Germany.     

The Establishment oi a Specihc Pathogen Free Cat (Felis catus) Colony

Abstract— —The establishment of the first Specific Pathogen Free cat (Felis catus L) colony in the U.K. is described. The application of anaesthesia and the techniques employed in hysterectomy are described, as also is a method of hand-rearing kittens under conventional and SPF conditions. The formulae of diets used in rearing kittens from birth to maturity, and some details of body weight, are given. Cats free from endemic pathogens were produced with considerably improved breeding performance. It is likely that these results will have a marked effect on future methods of cat breeding. Résumé— —On décrit l'établissement de la première colonie de chats (Felis catus L) exempts d'organismes pathogènes spécifiques au Royaume-Uni. Des techniques d'anesthésie et d'hystérec-tomie qui ont été employées, aussi bien que la méthode d'élevage des chatons dans des conditions traditionnelles et S.P.F. sont décrites. La composition du régime utilist pour élever les chatons de la naissance a l'âge adultes et quelques détails sur la croissance sont donnés. Les chats exempts de germes pathogènes endémiques ont été produits ave une amélioration considérable des résultats de l'élevage. On peut s'attendre à une répercussion ultérieure importante de ces résultats sur les futures méthodes d'élevage du chat. Zusammenfassung— —Die Einrichtung der ersten spezifisch pathogenfreien Katzenkolonie (Felis catus L.) in Grossbritannien wird beschrieben. Ausserdem werden die Anwendung der Anästhesie und die bei der Hysterectomie gebrauchten Techniken sowie eine Methode der künstlichen Aufzucht des Wurfs unter herkömmlichen und spezifisch pathogenfreien Bedingungen beschrieben. Die Futtenusammensetzung bei der Aufzucht des Wurfs bis zur Reife und einige Einzelheiten übu das Körpergewicht werden angegeben. Von endemischen Pathogenen freie Katzen wurden mit beträchtlich verbesserter Zuchtleistung hervorgebracht. Es ist als wahrscheinlich anzunehmen, dass diese Ergebnisse einen wesentlichen Einfluss auf künftige Methoden der Katzenzucht haben werden.     

The claw of the domestic cat (Felis catus)--analysis of its shape

The feline claws in the forepaw and hind paw are very different in shape. An objective method of comparison will be described. The differences in function and the factors with regard to the shape are discussed.     

中国家猫眼球壁的组织结构

采用常规石蜡切片,HE染色的方法对中国家猫的眼球壁结构进行组织学观察。结果显示,家猫眼球壁从外到内分为3层,外层由角膜和巩膜组成,中间层是虹膜、睫状体和脉络膜,内层是视网膜。角膜共分5层。巩膜组织结构致密,含有大量平行排列的胶原纤维束。睫状体、虹膜和脉络膜血管丰富,含有大量黑色素颗粒。在眼底背侧脉络膜的视网膜面,观察到一层明显的细胞性照膜。视网膜共分为10层。结果表明,家猫视网膜的10层结构层次分明,具有一般脊椎动物视网膜的结构特征;家猫视觉敏锐与虹膜肌群发达和照膜的形成密切相关。     

Fine Structure of the Retinal Photoreceptors of the Domestic Cat (Felis catus)

The morphology of the retinal photoreceptors of the domestic cat (Felis catus) has been investigated by light and electron microscopy. In this species the photoreceptors can be readily differentiated and adequately described by the classical terminology of rods and cones, with rods being the more numerous. Rods are long slender cells with inner and outer segments of much the same diameter. Cones are shorter cells with a conical outer segment that tapers distally and an inner segment which is wider than the outer segment. Both rods and cones are highly polarized and compartmentalized cells and consist of an outer segment, a connecting cilium, an inner segment, a nuclear region and a synaptic process leading to an expanded synaptic ending. Morphological similarities and differences are noted between the rods and cones for the various regions of these cells.     

Seasonal Changes in Testicular Cell Morphology in Domestic Male Cats (Felis catus)

The aim of this study was to asses the variation in the morphology of the seminal epithelium in relation to natural photoperiod in male cats. Tom cats (n = 240) were castrated every other week throughout the year. Each testis was fixed in Bouin's solution and cut into sections. The percentage of tubules with round spermatids (RS), elongated spermatids (ES), tailed spermatids (TS), mature spermatids (MS) and the number of Sertoli cells (SC) and Leydig cells (LC) were recorded in each sample. Testicles from males during short days (SHD) had a higher percentage of tubules with RS and ES compared to testicles from males during long days (LHD, 31.3 ± 0.6 vs 2.1 ± 0.6%, p < 0.001; 30.9 ± 0.7 vs 11.0 ± 0.7%, p < 0.001). Conversely, testicles from males during SHD had a lower percentage of tubules with TS and MS compared to testicles from males during LHD (24.5 ± 0.8 vs 29.7 ± 0.8%, p < 0.01; 13.1 ± 1.2 vs 57.0 ± 1.2%, p < 0.01). Furthermore, testicles from males during SHD had a higher number of SC and lower number of LC compared to testicles from males during LHD (11.4 ± 0.1 vs 8.0 ± 0.1%, p < 0.01; 19.2 ± 1.0 vs 38.0 ± 1.0%, p < 0.01). In conclusion, there are seasonal changes in testis cell morphology in the tom which may be related to seasonal sperm production.     

Simplified isolation and enrichment of spermatogonial stem-like cells from pubertal domestic cats (Felis catus)

The efficiency of spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) isolation and culture from pubertal donors is currently poor primarily, because of contamination with other testicular cells. This study aimed to purify SSC-like cells using different extracellular matrixes and a discontinuous gradient density. In experiment 1, testes (n=6) were analyzed for histology and SSC-related protein expressions (laminin, SSEA-4, DDX-4 and GFRα-1). After enzymatic digestion, the cell suspension was plated onto either a laminin- or gelatin-coated dish. The number of SSC-like cells was determined at 15, 30 and 60 min of culture (experiment 2). Experiment 3 was performed to test whether or not the additional step of Percoll gradient density centrifugation could really improve purification of SSC-like cells. Testicular histology revealed complete spermatogenesis with laminin expression essentially at the basal lamina of the seminiferous tubules. SSEA-4 and GFRα-1 co-localized with DDX-4 in the spermatogonia. The relative percentage of SSC-like cells, as determined by cells expressing SSEA-4 (59.42 ± 2.18%) and GFRα-1 (42.70 ± 1.28%), revealed that the highest SSC-like cell purity was obtained with the 15-min laminin-coated dish compared with other incubation times and gelatin treatment (P<0.05). Percoll treatment prior to laminin selection (15 min) significantly improved SSC-like cell recovery (91.33 ± 0.14%, P<0.001) and purity (83.82 ± 2.05% for SSEA-4 and 64.39 ± 1.51% for GFRα-1, P<0.05). These attached cells demonstrated a typical SSC-like cell morphology and also expressed POU5F1, RET and ZBTB16 mRNA. In conclusion, double enrichment with Percoll gradient density centrifugation and laminin plating highly enriched the SSC-like cells population.     

Virological Survey in free-ranging wildcats (Felis silvestris) and feral domestic cats in Portugal

To determine the presence of viral pathogens in natural areas a survey was conducted on an opportunistic sample of fifty eight wild (Felis silvestris silvestris) and feral cats (F. s. catus). The biological materials included serum, lung tissue extract and stool. Feline leukemia virus p27 antigen was detected in 13/50 serum/lung tissue extract samples (26%), canine distemper virus antibodies were detected in 2/26 serum/lung tissue extract samples (7.7%), feline coronavirus RNA was present in 6/29 stool samples (20.7%) and feline parvovirus DNA in 2/29 stool samples (6.9%). Canine distemper virus RNA was not detected. Feline immunodeficiency virus and feline coronavirus antibodies were not detected. Evidence of exposure to feline leukemia virus, canine distemper virus, feline coronavirus and feline parvovirus was found in wild and feral cats raising the importance of performing a comprehensive survey to correctly evaluate the potential threat of infectious diseases to endangered species, namely to the wildcat and to the Iberian lynx, which is meant to be reintroduced after 2012 in Portugal.     

The susceptibility of domestic cats (Felis catus) to experimental infection with Leishmania braziliensis

Over the last few years, several cases of feline leishmaniasis (FL) with cutaneous and visceral forms have been reported around the world. Nonetheless, the real susceptibility of cats to infection with Leishmania spp. and the outcome of leishmaniasis in these animals are poorly understood. Experimental studies on feline models will contribute to the knowledge of natural FL. Thus, in order to determine the susceptibility of domestic cats (Felis catus) to experimental infection with Leishmania braziliensis, 13 stray cats were infected with 10(7) promastigotes by the intradermal route in the ear and nose simultaneously and followed up for 72 weeks. Soon after infection, the earliest indication of a lesion was a papule on the ear at 2 weeks post-infection (w.p.i.). The emergence of satellite papules around the primary lesion was observed about 4 w.p.i. Two weeks later these papules coalesced and formed a huge and irregular nodule. Thereafter, there was lesion dissemination to the external and marginal surface of the ipsilateral ear, and later to the contralateral ear. At 10 w.p.i., some nodules became ulcerated. Nose lesions presented a similar evolution. At both sites, the largest lesion sizes occurred at 10 w.p.i. and started to decrease 15 days later. Ear and nose nodules healed at 32 and 40 w.p.i., respectively. Specific L. braziliensis IgG antibody titers (optical density> or = 0.01 as positive result) were detected as early as 2 w.p.i. (0.09 +/- 0.02) in only three animals (23%), and all cats had positive titers at 20 w.p.i. (0.34 +/- 0.06). Only three animals (38%) continued to show positive serology at 72 w.p.i. (0.08 +/- 0.02). Up to that time, none of the cats had lesion recurrence. In a feline model of cutaneous leishmaniasis, it seems that there is no correlation between active lesions and positive serology. The implications of these data are discussed.