Comparative morphology of the digestive system of 19 species of Southern African myomorph rodents in relation to diet and evolution

Trends in digestive system-morphology have been examined in 19 species of Southern African myomorph rodents. Structure was related to function, diet, and evolution. Characters related to an ancestral proteinaceous diet, and specialized characters associated with herbivory, were recognized. All stomachs were of the unilocular hemiglandular type with increasing degrees of cornification of the corpus, although the stomach of Saccostomus compestris approached the bilocular discoglandular condition. Those of Thallomys paedulcus and Mystromys albicaudatus were highly modified in containing numerous papillae in the corpus, possibly associated with gastric fermentation. The most complex caeca, of the herbivorous Otomyids, possessed numerous haustra and internal papillae probably associated with caecal microbial fermentation.     

Preliminary investigations of the digestive processes of the white-tailed rat Mystromys albicaudatus (Smith 1834)

The possibility of pregastric fermentation or amylolytic digestion in the bilocular stomach of Mystromys albicaudatus was examined. Measurements of various digestive parameters (pH, stomach size and ingesta passage rates) and analyses of gut contents (volatile fatty acid concentration and amylase activity) revealed that gastric fermentation is unlikely, but that the forestomach acts as an amylase reservoir. Large populations of amylase-producing bacilli, located on fornical papillae, contribute significantly to high alpha amylase activity in the fornix. Examination of the natural food preferences of the white-tailed rat showed that the rodent selects a diet rich in starch, glycogen and protein. The bilocular stomach of M. albicaudatus is well adapted to efficiently digest these dietary components with carbohydrate digestion occurring in the keratinized fornix and protein digestion in the glandular antrum.     

The ‘Turbulometer’—An Apparatus for Measuring Relative Exposure to Wave Action on Shores

The growth and development of the stomach, gastric epithelia and associated microflora of M. albicaudatus have been quantified and a chronology of morphological, histological and ultrastructural events documented. In neonates, a monogastric stomach was present with distinct separation of glandular (antral) and cornified (fornical) regions. Development of the fornix ventricularis and ‘grenzfalte’ characterized the transitional period and gave rise to the bilocular condition. An early autochthonous microflora of facultative cocci and cocco-bacilli became established. In the infantile phase, fornical papillae developed and provided microhabitats for colonization by symbiotic anaerobic bacilli. Cocci and cocco-bacilli remained attached to (or successive populations colonized) the folded fornical epithelium and pregastric pouch. All common bacteria , were attached to the gastric epithelium by a capsular (slime) layer in palisade formation. The synchrony of events in gastric development (appearance of papillae, ingestion of solid food and the colonization of papillae by bacilli), the numerical abundance of papillae bacilli, and the absence of epithelial damage, suggest that the bacilli are autochthonous, symbiotic and aid the digestive processes of M. albicaudatus.     

Comparative Morphology of the Papillae Linguales and their Connective Tissue Cores in the Tongue of the Greater Japanese Shrew‐mole,Urotrichus talpoides

The external morphology of the papillae linguales (papillae filiformes, papillae fungiformes and papillae vallatae) and their connective tissue cores (CTCs) of the greater Japanese shrew‐mole (Urotrichus talpoides) were analysed by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Papillae filiformes were distributed over the dorsal surface of the apex linguae, and on the rostral and caudal regions of the corpus linguae but were less numerous in the mid‐region. They were absent from the radix linguae. A pair of oval papillae vallatae was situated at the border between the corpus linguae and the radix linguae. Papillae foliatae were absent. The epithelial surface of each papilla filiformis consisted of a circular concavity, a ring‐like wall and either a single thumb‐like process or 2–3 slender pointed processes, depending on their location. The morphology of the CTCs of the papillae filiformes also varied regionally. The papillae linguales of the Japanese shrew‐mole were morphologically similar to those of other Talpidae and Soricidae, including the common shrew, particularly with respect to the papillae filiformes in the mid‐ and caudal regions of the corpus linguae.     

Effect of Megasphaera elsdenii NCIMB 41125 dosing on rumen development,volatile fatty acid production and blood β‐hydroxybutyrate in neonatal dairy calves

Thirty calves were randomly assigned to two treatments and fed until weaning [42 days (d) of age]. Treatments were a control group (n = 15), which did not receive Megasphaera elsdenii (Me0) and a M. elsdenii group, which received a 50‐ml oral dose of M. elsdenii NCIMB 41125 (10⁸ CFU/ml) at day 14 day of age (Me14). Calves were given colostrum for the first 3 day followed by limited whole milk feeding. A commercial calf starter was offered ad libitum starting at day 4 until the end of the study. Fresh water was available throughout the study. Feed intake and growth were measured. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture to determine β‐hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations. Fourteen male calves (seven per group) were euthanised on day 42 and digestive tracts harvested. Reticulo‐rumen weight was determined and rumen tissue samples collected from the cranial and caudal sacs of the ventral and dorsal portions of the rumen for measurements of papillae length, papillae width and rumen wall thickness. Dosing with M. elsdenii NCIMB 41125 improved starter dry matter intake (DMI), weaning body weight (BW) and tended to improve average daily gain. Calves in Me14 group had greater plasma BHBA concentration than Me0‐calves during the last 3 weeks of the trial and had at day 42 greater reticulo‐rumen weight, papillae width and papillae density compared to Me0. No differences in rumen wall thickness or papillae length were observed between the two groups. Total volatile fatty acids, acetate and propionate production did not differ between treatments, but butyrate production was greater in Me14 than Me0. Dosing M. elsdenii NCIMB 41125 showed benefit for calves with improved feed intake and rumen development suggesting increased epithelium metabolism and improved absorption of digestive end products.     

Papillar morphology of the rumen of forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus) and semidomesticated reindeer (R. t. tarandus)

The papillar morphology of the ventral and dorsal rumen of the wild forest reindeer (Rangifer tarandus fennicus Lönn.) and semidomesticated reindeer (R. t. tarandus L.) was studied in October and November 1996. The morphological measurements which were carried out were: the lengths of the papillae, the number of the papillae per square centimetre, the cross‐sectional area and perimeter of sections cut from the middle of papillae. From these measurements mean papillar volume, areal papillar volume, mean papillar (epithelial) surface area, areal papillar surface and surface enlargement factor were calculated. No differences in these measurements between ventral and dorsal walls of the rumen were evident. The semidomesticated reindeer had longer papillar perimeters, larger mean and areal papillar surface areas, larger mean papillar volumes, and a larger surface enlargement factor in the ventral rumen than did forest reindeer. This may be a result of differences between feeding habits, the semidomesticated reindeer preferring a diet including more plants rich in carbohydrates e.g. lichens, which has resulted in a high production of volatile fatty acids and thus stimulation of papillar growth.     

Growth of rumen papillae in weaned calves is associated with lower expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding proteins 2, 3, and 6

This study aimed to characterize the relationship between the growth of rumen papillae in calves and the mRNA expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐binding proteins (IGFBPs) in the rumen papillae. The length of rumen papillae, the mRNA expression of IGFBPs in rumen papillae by quantitative real‐time PCR, and the presence of insulin‐like growth factors I and II (IGF‐I and II) by immunohistochemistry (IHC) were analyzed in nine Holstein calves divided into three groups: suckling (2 weeks, n = 3), milk‐continued (8 weeks, n = 3), and weaned (8 weeks, n = 3). The length of rumen papillae was greater (p < 0.01) in weaned calves than in suckling and milk‐continued calves, whereas the expressions of IGFBP2, IGFBP3, and IGFBP6 genes were lower (p < 0.05) in the rumen papillae of weaned calves than in milk‐continued calves. Thus, rumen papillae length and IGFBP2, 3, and 6 expressions were negatively correlated. The IHC analysis showed that IGF‐I and IGF‐II were present in the rumen epithelium of calves. These results suggested that the growth of rumen papillae after weaning is associated with the induction of IGFs by the low levels of IGFBP2, IGFBP3, and IGFBP6.     

Morphological characterization of Horsfield’s treeshrew Tupaia javanica lingual papillae: Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy studies

The Horsfield's treeshrew (Tupaia javanica) is one of the shrews found on the island of Java that mainly feeds on fruits and occasionally insects. This shrew has an important role in the ecosystem as it spreads plant seeds and controls insects. To this day, there is no available knowledge about the structure of Horsfield's treeshrew's tongue. Therefore, the aim of this study was to provide data on the tongue structure of the Horsfield's treeshrew through two different methods. We investigated the tongue morphology and lingual papillae distribution of Tupaia javanica using 1) scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for microscopic structure and 2) histology for microscopic organization. Our macroscopic results revealed that the tongue of Tupaia javanica can be divided into three parts: apex, corpus and radix. The dorsal surface of the medial corpus is the median groove extending to the radix. Observation using SEM and light microscopy (LM) showed that the apex of the tongue bears three types of papillae: scale-like filiform, small filiform and fungiform. These are rosette filiform papillae, cornflower filiform papillae, conical papillae and fungiform papillae in the corpus. Meanwhile, the radix contains small filiform papillae, scale-like filiform papillae, vallate papillae, conical papillae and fungiform papillae. On the lateral posterior radix, Weber's gland reacts positively to PAS reaction. Taking together, our research shows that there are variations in the papillae on the tongue surface of Horsfield's treeshrew, and the variations of these papillae are very dependent on the pattern, type of food and the function of the tongue.     

Jersey steer ruminal papillae histology and nutrigenomics with diet changes

The transition from a high forage to a high concentrate diet is an important milestone for beef cattle moving from a stocker system to the feedlot. However, little is known about how this transition affects the rumen epithelial gene expression. This study assessed the effects of the transition from a high forage to a high concentrate diet as well as the transition from a high concentrate to a high forage diet on a variety of genes as well as ruminal papillae morphology in rumen fistulated Jersey steers. Jersey steers (n = 5) were fed either a high forage diet (80% forage and 20% grain) and transitioned to a high concentrate diet (20% forage and 80% grain) or a high concentrate diet (40% forage and 60% grain) and transitioned to a high forage diet (100% forage). Papillae from the rumen were collected for histology and RT‐qPCR analysis. Body weight had a tendency for significant difference (p = .08). Histological analysis did not show changes in papillae length or width in steers transitioning from a high forage to a high concentrate diet or vice versa (p > .05). Genes related to cell membrane structure (CLDN1, CLDN4, DSG1), fatty acid metabolism (CPT1A, ACADSB), glycolysis (PFKL), ketogenesis (HMGCL, HMGCS2, ACAT1), lactate/pyruvate (LDHA), oxidative stress (NQO1), tissue growth (AKT3, EGFR, EREG, IGFBP5, IRS1) and the urea cycle (SLC14A1) were considered in this study. Overall, genes related to fatty acid metabolism (ACADSB) and growth and development (AKT3 and IGFBP5) had a tendency for a treatment × day on trial interaction effect. These profiles may be indicators of rumen epithelial adaptations in response to changes in diet. In conclusion, these results indicate that changes in the composition of the diet can alter the expression of genes with specific functions in rumen epithelial metabolism.     

Morphological study of the Forestomach of the Japanese Serow (Capricomis crispus)

Details of the morphology of the forestomach of the Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus) were examined macroscopically, and by light and scanning electron microscopy. The rumen was sac-like in shape, and the right accessory longitudinal groove was not visible externally. The reticulum was relatively small, while the omasum was oval and large. Inside the rumen, even in the dorsal sac, the ruminal papillae were densely distributed, although absent on the pillars. The caudodorsal coronary pillar was indistinct. In the ruminoreticular fold, ruminal papillae were observed even on the reticulum side. In the reticulum, the primary reticular fold was apparent and the ill-defined secondary folds were also detected in some reticular cells. In the omasum, the omasal laminae of four sizes were recognized. The fourth order of laminae was occasionally absent. Histological sections of ruminal papillae revealed that softly keratinized epithelium covered the entire ruminal mucosa. In the reticulum, soft keratinized epithelium was observed throughout, with the exception of the tips of reticular papillae on which the epithelium showed evidence of hard keratinization. The epithelium of the omasal laminae was moderately keratinized. On the floor of the reticular groove, interlaminar area and in the omasal groove, the accumulations of numerous eosinophilic cells were observed in the superficial region. Under the scanning electron microscope, shallow transverse grooves were seen on the surface of the ruminal papillae. In general, the surface structure seemed to be similar to that of sheep rather than cattle. Cellular formations of the collagen fibrils were observed at the subepithelial region. In conclusion, examination of the forestomach allows classification of the Japanese serows as requiring an intermediate type of feeding habit and being between concentrate selectors and grass-roughage eaters from a morphological view.     

不同日龄舍饲绵羊瘤胃形态学变化

为了研究舍饲条件下绵羊瘤胃形态学上的发育特点,随机选取40、60、120、180、240日龄绵羊瘤胃进行容积、瘤胃相对容积以及瘤胃黏膜乳头高度、宽度和密度的测定。测定结果表明,瘤胃容积和瘤胃相对容积随着日龄的增加而增大,在60日龄后瘤胃容积随日龄增加显著（P〈0.05）,在120日龄前瘤胃相对容积增加显著（P〈0.05）。瘤胃黏膜乳头高度和宽度随日龄增加而增大,瘤胃黏膜乳头密度在60日龄前随日龄增加而增大,在60日龄后随日龄增加而减少。瘤胃各部乳头形态变化的显著性差异不同。     

Morphological study of the lingual papillae in the fruit bat (Rousettus amplexicaudatus) by scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy

This study was carried on the tongues of ten normal, healthy and adult fruit bats (Rousettus amplexicaudatus, also known as the nyap biasa bat) in Yogyakarta, Java Island, Indonesia. The tongue was protrusible, elongated and flat with a rounded apex, and its width and thickness increased gradually towards to lingual root. There were two main types of lingual papillae, mechanical (filiform) and gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate). The tongue was divided into three parts (apex, corpus and radix), and then, each part was subdivided into three regions (two lateral regions and a median region). There were six subtypes of the filiform papillae—three types on the anterior part (small, scale-like and giant), one type on the middle part (leaf-like papillae) and two types on the posterior part (rosette-shaped filiform and conical filiform papillae)—in addition to transitional papillae presented on the corpus and radix. Two types of gustatory papillae were represented by a small number of fungiform papillae that are scattered among the filiform papillae on the lingual apex and corpus, while three circumvallate papillae on the posterior part are arranged in a “V” shape pointing directly at the larynx.     

不同年龄段牦牛瘤胃组织形态学与转录组研究

旨在比较不同年龄牦牛瘤胃组织形态、转录组表达谱的变化，挖掘影响牦牛瘤胃发育的关键基因和信号通路，为进一步探讨牦牛瘤胃发育机制提供理论基础。本研究选取非反刍阶段（1日龄与20日龄）、过渡阶段（60日龄）和反刍阶段（15月龄与3岁龄）的健康牦牛作为研究对象，共5个年龄组，每组3个样本。测量样本的体重与瘤胃重量；采集瘤胃组织样品，切片观察组织形态，并统计肌层厚度、乳头高度与宽度；提取瘤胃组织总RNA进行测序，并以1日龄为对照进行转录组分析。选取差异表达基因进行荧光定量试验，关联其与转录组数据的表达趋势。组织形态学分析结果显示，1日龄至3岁的牦牛瘤胃肌层与乳头形态有极大程度的发育与分化，15月龄和3岁牦牛瘤胃重量与指数显著增加（P<0.05）；从20日龄开始，瘤胃的肌层厚度随着日龄的增加显著增加（P<0.05）；20日龄后，瘤胃乳头高度和宽度随着日龄增加而显著增加（P<0.05）。转录组分析结果显示，20日龄组DEGs富集到胆固醇合成、丁酸代谢和PPAR信号通路等与VFA代谢相关的通路，富集到与免疫相关的免疫反应生物过程和Th17细胞分化通路，富集到与瘤胃上皮细胞异源物代谢相关的细胞色素P450外源性物质的代谢途径；60日龄组DEGs富集到脂肪酸代谢、丙酸代谢通路和丙酮酸代谢通路等与VFA代谢相关的通路，富集到与VFA吸收相关的矿物质吸收通路；15月龄与3岁组DEGs富集到维持瘤胃上皮的完整性和屏障功能的ECM受体相互作用途径。从富集通路中发现，HMGCS2、SLC26A3、PPARG、PPARD和CCL5等基因是与瘤胃营养吸收、代谢和免疫相关的候选基因。荧光定量结果显示，挑选的差异表达基因的表达与转录组测序结果一致。上述结果表明，牦牛瘤胃形态结构发育较早，20日龄是其发育的重要临界点；牦牛瘤胃肌层发育比瘤胃乳头更早，肌层厚度从20日龄时快速增加，瘤胃乳头从20日龄后快速发育；20日龄瘤胃开始VFA代谢，促进瘤胃快速健康的发育。     

Morphology of the tongue and laryngeal entrance in the Common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus); a light and scanning electron microscopic study

The present work was carried out to describe morphological features of the tongue and laryngeal entrance of the Common pheasantPhasianus colchicus, using light and scanning electron microscopy. The lingual apex was taper-shaped with a shallow median sulcus. A V-shaped papillary crest with 15–20 caudally directed conical papillae was located between the radix and corpus linguae. The second row of papillae consisting of three caudolaterally directed conical papillae was arranged caudal to the main papillary crest. The mons laryngealis was equipped caudally with a double-layer of large conical papillae as pharyngeal crest, and few small conical papillae were seen around the glottis. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation showed that the apex linguae and corpus were covered with compact filiform papillae, while the radix linguae were free of papillae. Numerous openings of salivary gland can be seen on the radix linguae and mons laryngealis at higher magnification. On histological sections, all parts of the tongue and mons laryngealis were covered with a keratinised stratified squamous epithelium. The keratinised layer became thinner rostro-caudally. The simple alveolar salivary glands were distributed in the submucosa from the apex linguae to the radix linguae as well as the mons laryngealis. PAS staining revealed mucin-secreting activity of this glands. According to the findings, although the tongue and laryngeal entrance of the Common pheasant is characteristics of a galliform bird, it has some features similar to passeriformes and falconiformes.     

Anatomical Study of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Free‐living Axis Deer (Axis axis)

The macroscopic anatomy of the stomach and intestines of adult axis deer (Axis axis), a cervid species considered intermediate/mixed feeder, was observed and recorded. Nine adult wild axis deers of both sexes were used and studied by simple dissection. The ruminal papillae were distributed unevenly in the overall area of the inner surface of rumen and primarily were more large and abundant within the atrium. The ruminal pillars had no papillae. There was an additional ruminal pillar located between the right longitudinal and right coronary ventral pillars connected to the caudal pillar. No dorsal coronary pillars were found, and the ventral coronary pillars are connected. The reticulum was the third compartment in size, and the maximum height of the reticular crests was 1.0 mm. The Cellulae reticuli were not divided and rarely contained secondary crests. There were no Papillae unguiculiformes. The omasum was the smallest gastric compartment. The abomasum had about twelve spiral plicae, and a small pyloric torus was present. The intraruminal papillation was similar to those species that are characterized by a higher proportion of grass in their natural diet. The finding of the small reticular crests is typical for browser ruminants and was coincident with data reported for other deer. The comparative ratio of the small intestine to the large intestine was 1.69, in terms of length measurements in axis deer and appears below of the ‘browser range’. We concluded that the gastrointestinal system of axis deer reflected similar morphological characteristics of the both types of ruminants: browser and grazer, and we consider it as an intermediate feeder.     

Papillary architecture of the Leopardus pardalis tongue

The ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is a Felidae of wide geographical distribution and food flexibility; therefore, it is essential to understand the morphology of the species. Thus, we aimed to describe its lingual morphology in order to gain information regarding the anatomy of this carnivore's digestive system. The tongues ??were removed for ex situ macroscopic and morphometric analyses, as well as for light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, of fragments of the different lingual regions. The tongue of L. pardalis had an elongated form that was subdivided into the apex, body and root, in which four papillary types were observed: filiform, fungiform, circumvallate and conical. It presented with a stratified, keratinized squamous epithelium, followed by loose and dense connective tissues, as well as a skeletal striated musculature that comprised most of the organ. In addition, in scanning electron microscopy the filiform papillae showed a complex with multiple layers of keratin with triangular shape projected caudally in oral cavity. The fungiform papillae were distributed among the filiform and showed a rounded shape with some gustatory pores, and are keratinized but in a lower intensity if compared with filiform. The vallate papillae, located in lingual root, showed an oval format, had a deep groove surrounded the papillae and some gustatory pores. The conical papillae are located in lingual root and are similar to the filiform. The tongue of L. pardalis resembles other carnivorous species, mainly among felids. However, it differed in relation to the quantity of vallate papillae and the absence of foliate papillae.     

Effect of forage inclusion and particle size in diets of neonatal lambs on performance and rumen development

A slaughter experiment was conducted to determine the effects of alfalfa particle size on rumen morphology and performance of lambs. Twenty‐four Balouchi lambs aged 21 days (9.1 ± 1.1 kg) were randomly fed control (diet without alfalfa hay; CON) and mixed rations containing 15% finely ground (FINE; 2 mm) and 15% coarsely chopped alfalfa hay (LONG; 3 to 4 cm). After a 63 days feeding period, nine animals (three per treatment) were slaughtered to obtain ruminal tissue samples for morphological analyses. Alfalfa particle size did not affect (p > 0.05) papillae density, height, width, epithelium depth and surface area. Coarse alfalfa decreased the stratum corneum and increased (p < 0.05) muscle depth compared with fine and control diets. Neither DNA content and nor RNA concentration of rumen tissue was affected by feeding different diets. Forage particle size did not affect the blood concentration of glucose, urea nitrogen (BUN), beta‐hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA). Dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio were higher for control diet; however, there were no significant differences between treatments for average daily gain. These data suggest that coarse alfalfa significantly reduces the stratum corneum and increases muscularity of rumen wall and tended to better feed conversion ratio.