Sonoanatomy of female reproductive organ of Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica)

The conventional anatomical study of specimens requires cutting processes which destruct the limited specimens. A non-destructive method, namely an ultrasonography, can be used to assess the anatomical organ information of those specimens. The aim of this research is to analyse the macroanatomy of the female reproductive organ in the Sunda porcupine (Hystrix javanica), using ultrasonographical imaging. In this study, four formaldehyde-fixed reproductive organ specimens of the Sunda porcupine were used. A 10–12 MHz linear ultrasound transducer was utilized to provide an imaging format of both longitudinal and transversal views. Photographic images were then used as comparison with a sonographic image. The results show that the ultrasound image of the Sunda porcupine reproductive organ soft tissue was hypoechoic, the lumen and antrum follicles were anechoic, while atretic follicles and the mons pubis were hyperechoic. Generally, the size of the organ was not significantly different between photographical and ultrasonographical imaging (p > .05). In conclusion, ultrasound images can be utilized for anatomical studies of the Sunda porcupine reproductive organs without destructing the specimen.     

幼年牦牛不同部位皮肤毛囊的组织学结构及TGF-β2与HIF-1α差异性表达分析

旨在探究幼年牦牛皮肤毛囊的组织学结构和TGF-β2及HIF-1α对幼年牦牛皮肤毛囊生长发育的影响，选取10头健康幼年牦牛，采集其颈部、背部、胸部、腹部、小腿部、腋下及阴囊皮肤组织，制作石蜡切片后，采用HE和Sacpic染色，对各部位皮肤组织中毛囊进行观察和计数，并筛选出多毛及少毛部位。利用qRT-PCR、Western blot及免疫组织化学法对TGF-β2和HIF-1α在幼年牦牛多毛皮肤和少毛皮肤进行定位与定量的初步研究。结果表明，幼年牦牛皮肤的毛囊分布于真皮层，常与汗腺及皮脂腺伴行，毛髓质及内根鞘结构不完整。Sacpic染色可见毛囊内根鞘为红色，外根鞘为苍绿色，结缔组织鞘为蓝绿色。腹部皮肤的毛囊数量最多[（2 085±15）个·cm^-2]，阴囊数量最少[（158±15）个·cm^-2]。免疫组织化学结果显示，TGF-β2及HIF-1α主要表达在表皮层、毛囊外根鞘、皮脂腺及汗腺。TGF-β2在阴囊和腋下的mRNA转录水平和蛋白质表达水平均显著高于腹部和背部。HIF-1α在腹部的mRNA转录水平和蛋白质表达水平均显著高于其他三个部位。幼年牦牛的毛囊处于退行期，在腹部数量最多，背部次之，阴囊最少；TGF-β2和HIF-1α在不同部位皮肤中的表达水平存在显著差异，为进一步研究TGF-β2和HIF-1α对牦牛皮肤毛囊生长发育的影响提供理论依据。     

Seasonal influences on quantitative changes in sweat-associated anatomy in native and thoroughbred horses

Stereological techniques were used to assess seasonal influences on morphometric characteristics of hair follicles, sweat and sebaceous glands in abattoir pelts of ponies (PN), thoroughbred (TB) and non-thoroughbred (NTB) horses. Volume density of sweat glands increased significantly from winter (0.061) to summer (0.098) in TB, and showed no change in NTB and a positive tendency in PN. There might be a body surface area : volume effect for sweat gland parameters as PN had smaller values than either TB or NTB, probably attributable to control of heat loss in winter. In summer, the skin remained thick and the volume density of sebaceous glands was increased in NTB, in contrast to TB where both were decreased. It is possible that in summer, sebum has a particular importance in NTB to enhance wicking of sweat through the pelt. TB showed significantly higher volume measurements of sebaceous glands than NTB and PN for winter: sebum has probably a special importance for water-proofing in TB in winter. PN showed no significant seasonal changes in sebaceous glands, but had a thinner summer skin. Winter values for hair follicle volume density between equine groups were similar (TB, NTB 0.066; PN 0.059), as was skin thickness (1.14-1.19 mm). The volume density lowered significantly in summer in TB and NTB. The volume of hair follicles under a unit area of skin surface decreased significantly in TB and nonsignificantly in NTB and PN. The seasonal adaptations of the skin shown here were most pronounced in TB and differed between breeds.     

Histological organization of collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) lip

Collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu) belongs to the Tayassuidae family that is characterized by a dorsal scent gland located in the middle of the hump. It can be found from south-west United States to Argentina. It is a very well-adapted animal that can survive different environments, having a varied diet. Very little morphological information of the animal is available, except that concerning the reproductive tract. This study describes the histological organization of the collared peccary lip. The lip marks the junction between the integument and digestive system. It is lined by skin on the outer surface and mucosa on the inner surface. Skin appendages such as hair follicles and glands are usually found on the outer surface. The collared peccary's lip shows, on the outer surface, simple and sinus hair follicles as well as sebaceous and apocrine sweat glands. No salivary gland is found on the inner surface, and deep in the connective tissue pacinian corpuscles can be found. The connective tissue is rich in collagen and elastic fibres. The collared peccary's lip may be used not only for food prehension but also functions as a sensitive structure giving tactile input to the central nervous system.     

Skin distribution of imidacloprid by microautoradiography after topical administration to beagle dogs

To investigate the cutaneous distribution, localization, and persistence of imidacloprid in dogs, Advantage Topical Solution labeled with carbon 14 (14C) was topically applied as a single treatment at label rates and application pattern based on body weight to two adult beagles. One dog (8.5 kg) received 1.0 mL of the test solution at a single spot in the interscapular area (14 mg active ingredient/kg body weight); the second dog (12.3 kg) was treated with 2.5 mL of the test solution at four sites, each site receiving approximately 0.625 mL, along the dorsal thoracic and lumbar spine area (21 mg active ingredient/kg body weight). Samples of hair, skin surface residue, and skin taken from the application sites and/or distal body regions of the dogs at four intervals between 7 and 56 days after treatment demonstrated the migration of 14C radioactivity from the application sites to distal areas of the canine haircoat and skin. The 14C radioactivity concentrations in the skin biopsy and stratum corneum samples diminished steadily over 56 days after treatment. Microautoradiography of the skin showed focal concentrations of radioactivity in the superficial epidermis, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands. The presence of imidacloprid-derived radioactivity within hair follicles and sebaceous glands and on the skin surface is in good agreement with the reported efficacy of imidacloprid against fleas on dogs and cats for up to 1 month despite posttreatment bathing, shampooing, and/or swimming.     

Large-bodied Demodex mite infestation in 4 dogs

Large-bodied Demodex mites were detected in 4 dogs. The mites were readily detected in material obtained via deep skin scrapings and were most commonly found on the trunk. The mites were distinguishable from D. canis, because adult males were approximately 100% longer and adult females were approximately 50% longer than adult male and female D. canis mites, respectively. The large-bodied mites were found in the hair follicles, sebaceous ducts, and sebaceous glands in histologic sections of skin from 2 dogs. All dogs had adult-onset generalized demodicosis. Two dogs had coexistent iatrogenic hypercortisolism, 1 dog had hypothyroidism, and 1 dog did not have coexistent disease. Infestations responded to miticidal therapy, control of the coexistent disease, or both.     

Immunohistochemical analysis of the distribution of classical swine fever (CSF) viral antigen in boar-pig hybrids and pigs four weeks after infection

We detected the classical swine fever virus (CSFV) antigen in three boar-pig hybrids (hybrids) and three pigs. All animals were experimentally infected with CSFV strain JPN/27/2019 to optimize diagnostic sampling and risk assessment of virus dissemination. Two hybrids died 17- and 19-days post-inoculation (dpi). The other animals were euthanized at 28 dpi. The detection of CSFV antigen at 28 dpi in epithelial cells of the apocrine sweat and sebaceous glands in the skin, salivary glands, mucosal epithelial cells in the rectum, and epithelial cells in the kidney and urinary bladder, suggests that CSFV persists in these tissues and spreads via sweat, saliva, feces, and urine for at least 4 weeks. These findings reveal that hybrids and pigs represent a high risk of virus dissemination four weeks after infection with CSFV strain JPN/27/2019. Prominent CSFV antigens were also detected in hair follicles of the skin. These results suggest that postmortem sampling of animal skin may be effective for CSF diagnosis and can be used to develop a rapid and easy diagnostic method using hair follicles.     

Distribution of acid and alkaline phosphatases in canine skin.

Azo dye methods were used to determine the distribution of acid phosphatase (ACP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the skin of 25 Beagle dogs. ALP activity was found in dermal papillae of hair follicles regardless of their state of activity, in Huxley's layer of the inner root sheath of anagen stages, in myoepithelial cells of apocrine sweat glands, in germinative cells of sebaceous glands, in vascular endothelium, and in mast cells. The ACP activity was found in the epidermis, outer and inner root sheaths, keratogenous zone, hair cuticle and medulla, duct of sebaceous gland, and sebum. The results indicate that ACP and ALP are distinctive enzymes serving different biologic functions. The principal role of ALP in the skin appears to be dephosphorylation for adsorption and transport of chemical substances necessary for growth and maintainence of the pilary system and glandular adnexa. The ACP appears to be primarily involved in the breakdown of phospholipids and in necrobiosis of keratinocytes.     

Successful treatment of sebaceous adenitis in a rabbit with ciclosporin and triglycerides

A 4-year-old rabbit was presented with a chronic exfoliative dermatitis and patchy alopecia. General physical examination revealed no abnormalities. Skin scrapings and fungal culture were negative. A blood sample was obtained for a complete blood cell count and biochemical profile, and yielded results that were within normal limits. Radiographic examination of the thorax excluded the presence of a thymoma. Histopathology of the skin showed orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis, absence of sebaceous glands and mural lymphocytic folliculitis, consistent with sebaceous adenitis. Oral treatment was started with ciclosporin dissolved in a medium-chain triglyceride solution (Miglyol 812), combined with essential fatty acids and topical propylene glycol sprays. Within 2 months of treatment, complete regression of skin lesions and regrowth of hair was observed. Serum chemistry values including kidney and liver function tests remained within reference range during the course of treatment. Histopathological examination of control biopsies of the skin showed presence of normal sebaceous glands and active hair follicles. Treatment was changed to a different pharmaceutical formulation of ciclosporin without Miglyol and deterioration of clinical signs was noticed. Using pure Miglyol 812, however, resulted in a gradual improvement of 60%. A nearly complete response was again observed after re-administration of the combination ciclosporin/Miglyol. It is hypothesized that sebaceous adenitis in the rabbit is most likely due to an autoimmune reaction directed at the sebaceous glands and a defect in lipid metabolism. The outcome indicates that a combination of ciclosporin and Miglyol 812 is a promising new treatment for sebaceous adenitis in rabbits.     

Hematology and serum biochemistry of captive Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) in Wildlife Reserves Singapore

The Sunda pangolin (Manis javanica) faces threat of extinction due to illegal trafficking of its scales for the purpose of traditional medicine in the Asian region. Ex-situ captive breeding and reintroduction programs have been identified to be a key effort in the conservation of the species. The establishment of blood parameters for captive Sunda pangolins are vital to assess the health in these animals during health assessments. The objective of this study is to establish blood parameters for captive Sunda pangolins and compare the blood parameters with the established blood reference ranges for rescued wild Sunda pangolins in Singapore. Blood parameters for hematology and serum biochemistry were established from 13 clinically normal captive Sunda pangolins. Male captive Sunda pangolins were found to have significantly (P<0.05) higher potassium compared to the female captive Sunda pangolins. Captive Sunda pangolins were found to have significantly (P<0.05) lower white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil counts, alanine phosphatase (ALP) and phosphorus and significantly (P<0.05) higher PCV, TP, globulin and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) when compared with rescued wild Sunda pangolins from the previous study.     

雌激素对体外培养皮肤毛囊影响的研究

为观察体外培养绵羊皮肤对外源雌激素加入后的反应,实验对新鲜皮肤、加入雌激素后培养的皮肤和对照组之间通过HE和免疫组化染色的结果进行了比较.结果表明：在HE染色中,加入0.5 μg/mL雌激素组和对照组之间没有差异,但是它们与新鲜皮肤相比均出现了皮肤结构的破坏;在免疫组化染色中,加入0.5 μg/mL雌激素组皮肤毛囊和皮脂腺普遍出现了凋亡现象,而对照组与新鲜皮肤组则无.表明0.5 μg/mL雌激素浓度将导致皮肤毛囊及皮脂腺的凋亡.     

Porcupine quill injuries in dogs: a retrospective of 296 cases (1998-2002)

The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify factors associated with quill injury in dogs. A second objective was to determine the risk of complications and any factors that would predict the likelihood of complications. Hospital records of 296 porcupine quill injuries in dogs from 1998 to 2002 were studied. There was an increased occurrence of porcupine encounters in the spring and fall months; Siberian huskies, rottweilers, and German shepherd crosses were significantly overrepresented for quill injuries. There was no association between risk of complications and either number of quills or antimicrobial use. Increasing time between quill injury and presentation was associated with an increased risk of complications. Because of the increased frequency of complication with a longer interval until presentation, clients should be strongly encouraged to bring the dog in as soon as the quill injury is discovered. Patients presented after 24 hours should be monitored closely during the first 3 weeks after injury, as most complications occurred during this time.     

Gender Differences in the Anatomy of the Perineal Glands in Guinea Pigs and the Effect of Castration

Perineal glands in guinea pigs are part of the sebaceous glandular complex. Their secretions are used for scent marking. This is important for social status and can be seen in both sexes and castrated males. Discrepancy exits about the existence of these glands in female guinea pigs and knowledge of the anatomical consequences of castration on the male perineal glands is sparse. To examine these uncertainties related to gender, perineal glands from 13 sexually mature pet guinea pigs were examined macro‐ and microscopically. Clear gender differences in the anatomy of perineal glands were found, and castrated males showed signs of atrophy and fatty infiltration in the glands. Females do have perineal glands, although smaller than the glands in the male. The glands are typically sebaceous with multiple excretory ducts. A macroscopic unique feature in the males was the clearly evident orifices of a large excretory duct on each side of the slightly everted perineal sac. However, the reason for this gender difference is not clear. In castrated males, the orifices were atrophied and difficult to see. In addition, the sebaceous glands of the hair follicles in the skin folds of the perineal opening were smaller and less abundant in females and castrated males. The changes in castrated males are presumably linked to the hormonal changes and decreased secretion after castration. The dense keratin layer in the perineal sac was thicker in males than in both castrated males and females and could contribute to the concrement formation seen mainly in males.     

Generalized alopecic and cystic dermatosis in a cat: a counterpart to the hairless mouse phenotype or a unique congenital dermatosis?

A 2-year-old, male neutered, domestic semi-long-haired cat was presented with a 1.5-year history of progressive, initially nonpruritic alopecia and malodorous greasy exudate affecting the distal extremities, trunk and neck but sparing the head and tail. The extensive alopecia and 'seborrhoea' were associated with severe thickening of the skin and fold formation on the dorsal head and distal extremities as well as the lateral thorax and abdomen. The hair was easily epilated, numerous milia were seen on the ventral abdomen and the caudal and lateral thighs, and mild paronychia was present. Histopathological examination of skin biopsies revealed marked cystic dilation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands with follicular hypoplasia, infundibular hyperkeratosis and variable associated inflammation. Systemic glucocorticoid therapy in combination with topical washes with chlorhexidine and miconazole resulted in a marked improvement and some hair regrowth, but the cat was subsequently lost to follow-up. The dermatosis resembles a number of conditions in other species, but it is not clear whether it is a counterpart to the hairless mutant mouse or is a unique dermatosis.     

A new Late Miocene Hystrix (Hystricidae,Rodentia) from Turkey

The Çorakyerler fossil locality in Anatolia reveals unique faunal elements. This study introduces Hystrix kayae sp. nov., a new Late Miocene porcupine initially classified as Hystrix sp. Yavuz et al., 2018. This finding expands our knowledge of Late Miocene Anatolian porcupines, bringing the total number of known species to three. H. kayae sp. nov. is larger than Hystrix aryanensis and exhibits greater upper cheek tooth crown height. Its cheek tooth morphology differs from Hystrix depereti, and it possesses distinctive U-shaped choanae unlike Hystrix primigenia. The Çorakyerler locality may predate sites with H. aryanensis and H. primigenia but aligns temporally with Hystrix parvae localities. This study enhances our understanding of Late Miocene porcupine diversity in Anatolia, emphasizing the importance of Çorakyerler in unraveling the evolutionary history of these fascinating mammals.     

Histopathologic features of canine distichiasis

Objective To describe the histologic features of canine distichiasis using excised tarsoconjunctival specimens that included roots of distichiatic cilia. Procedures The study group included 21 strips of cilia‐bearing tarsoconjunctiva resected from 20 dogs with distichiasis. Eyelid tissue specimens were also collected from 11 euthanized dogs without distichiasis to serve as controls. All flat mount preparations were processed for histologic examination, and serial sections were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin (H&E). A total of 157 slides were examined for the study group to describe the follicles and path of the distichiatic hairs and determine their potential connection with the tarsal glands. A total of 82 slides were examined for the control group. Results In 19 of the 20 dogs with distichiasis, serial sections of the specimens identified anatomic segments of hair follicles located abnormally in the eyelid tarsus and associated with the aberrant cilia. They appeared as hair bulbs adjacent to tarsal glands, middle portions of hair follicles located between sebaceous lobules, and single or multiple hair shafts present within the sebaceous duct. The tarsal glands in the cilia‐bearing tarsoconjunctiva were not different from those of the controls, in which no distichiatic hair bulbs or shafts were observed. Conclusions These results demonstrate that adventitious cilia are not associated with histologic changes of the tarsal glands, and appear to arise from ectopic hair follicles present in the tarsus. Canine distichiasis may result from anomalous regulation of morphogenesis of hair follicles in the mesenchymal tissue of the tarsal plate.     

催乳素及其受体在青年公羊驼皮肤中分布的研究

羊驼是一种经济价值很高的毛用动物，研究包括激素在内的各种因素对羊驼毛生长的调控极为重要。作者采用基因芯片杂交技术发现青年公羊驼皮肤中不仅存在PRL及其受体基因，而且还存在PRL相关蛋白基因，提示羊驼皮肤是PRL的一个垂体外合成部位，同时羊驼皮肤还可以合成PRL相关蛋白及PRL受体；通过荧光定量分析比较，认为羊驼皮肤合成的PRL是极少量的，垂体是PRL合成的主要部位；通过免疫组织化学技术确定PRL及其受体蛋白主要分布在羊驼毛囊上皮根鞘、表皮、皮脂腺等，提示PRL对羊驼皮肤及其衍生物可能以内分泌、自分泌和旁分泌的方式发挥作用。     

毛囊干细胞的分离方法及其应用

毛囊干细胞是皮肤组织工程理想的种子细胞,分离纯化是其研究的基础手段。毛囊干细胞能分化成毛囊、皮脂腺、表皮,在组织维持与更新及某些临床疾病的治疗中均起到重要的作用。作者介绍了近年来毛囊干细胞几种常用的分离纯化方法,包括组织块法和酶消化法等,为进一步研究毛囊干细胞的特性和应用提供参考。