Ultrasonography of the gastrointestinal tract of toco toucans (Ramphastos toco)

Baseline data for wall thickness in healthy toucans can be used to diagnose disease in sick individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the use of ultrasonography for the examination of the gastrointestinal tract of healthy toco toucans (Ramphastos toco). Ten non-anaesthetized healthy adult toco toucans were evaluated. Food was withheld for 3 h prior to the ultrasound examination. Longitudinal and transverse images of the gastrointestinal tract were obtained using ventromedian cranial and ventromedian caudal approaches to evaluate the morphology and stratification. The wall thickness of the sections was measured: proventriculus and ventriculus, duodenum, jejunum/ileum, and cloaca. Additionally, the thickness of the mucosal layer of the duodenum and jejunum/ileum was also measured. Subsequently, the ratios of the duodenal wall thickness to the duodenal mucosa layer and the total wall thickness of the jejunum/ileum to the jejunum/ileum layer mucosa were stablished. The wall thickness of the proventriculus was significantly higher than the wall thickness of ventriculus. The wall thickness of the duodenum was significantly higher than the wall thickness of jejunum/ileum. The mean ratios of the duodenal wall thickness to the duodenal mucosa layer and the wall thickness of the jejunum/ileum to the jejunum/ileum layer were 83.15% and 80.07%, respectively. In conclusion, it was possible to assess the stomach and intestines using ultrasound examination in healthy toco toucans, due to their medium body size and no interference by surrounding air sacs.     

NORMAL CANINE PEDIATRIC GASTROINTESTINAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY

The normal sonographic appearance of the adult canine gastrointestinal tract has been described. Interpretation of abdominal ultrasonographic findings in puppies is difficult due to the lack of information on normal ultrasonographic findings. The gastrointestinal tract, jejunal lymph node size and the presence and appearance of abdominal fluid were investigated in 23 normal, 7–12-week-old Beagle puppies. The duodenal wall thickness was greater than in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract (mean 3.8 ± standard deviation [SD] 5 mm, range 3.2–4.8 mm). The mean stomach wall thickness was 2.7 ± SD 0.4 mm (range 2.2–3.7 mm), the mean jejunal wall thickness was 2.5 ± SD 0.5 mm (range 1.2–3.4 mm), and the mean colonic wall thickness was 1.3 ± SD 0.3 mm (range 0.7–2.0 mm). In addition, mean duodenal and jejunal mucosal layer thicknesses measured 2.7 ± SD 0.5 mm (range 2.0–3.8 mm) and 1.5 ± SD 0.4 mm (range 0.6–2.5 mm), respectively. Homogenous, hypoechoic jejunal lymph nodes were easily found and the mean thickness was 7.1 ± SD 2.2 mm (range 1.5–12.5 mm). A mild amount of anechoic free peritoneal fluid was present in all puppies.     

Reference Values and Repeatability of Transabdominal Ultrasonographic Gastrointestinal Tract Thickness and Motility in Healthy Donkeys (Equus asinus)

The present study aimed to provide reference ranges for the wall thickness and motility pattern of the gastrointestinal tract from a sample of donkeys (Equus asinus) population using B-mode ultrasonography. In the present study, 30 clinically healthy donkeys (Equus asinus) (15 males and 15 females), aged 2–20 year old and weighed 100–280 kg were randomly selected for B-mode ultrasonographic scanning of the abdomen. The wall thickness of the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, left colon, right colon, and cecum was assessed. Moreover, the motility pattern of the duodenum, jejunum, left colon, right colon, and cecum was evaluated over a period of 3 minutes. Abdominal ultrasonographic scanning of the gastrointestinal tract of healthy donkeys explored that the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, left colon, right colon, and cecum could be visualized easily. The wall thickness of the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, left colon, right colon, and cecum was 7.0 ± 0.9 mm, 3.3 ± 1.0 mm, 5.4 ± 0.6 mm, 5.1 ± 0.5 mm, 5.4 ± 0.5 mm, and 5.4 ± 0.6 mm, respectively. The thickest part of the gastrointestinal tract is the stomach, whereas the thinnest part is the duodenum. The motility pattern of the duodenum, jejunum, left colon, right colon, and cecum was 7.7 ± 1.3 contractions/3 minutes, 6.9 ± 1.1 contractions/3 minutes, 4.1 ± 1.2 contractions/3 minutes, 5.5 ± 1.3 contractions/3 minutes, and 4.0 ± 0.8 contractions/3 minutes, respectively. Both the duodenum and jejunum contractions were significantly higher than that of the left colon, right colon, and cecum. This is the first study reporting the reference values for both the wall thickness and motility pattern of the gastrointestinal tract in healthy donkeys (Equus asinus) in Egypt. Good knowledge of these standard and reference values of the wall thickness and motility pattern of gastrointestinal tract structures represents a step in the early diagnosis of the gastrointestinal disorders, including colic in such animal species.     

SONOGRAPHY OF THE NORMAL FELINE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT

The normal sonographic appearance of the stomach in various degrees of distension, the duodenum, the small intestine, and the large intestine was determined in awake and sedated cats. The mean stomach rugal fold thickness was 4.38 mm, and the interrugal thickness was 2.03 mm. No significant difference in stomach wall thickness was seen when the stomach was empty, half full, or full. The duodenal wall thickness was significantly greater than other parts of the small intestine, and this difference was accentuated by sedation (awake mean 2.4 mm; sedated mean 2.71 mm). The mean small intestinal wall thickness was 2.1 mm, and the mean colonic wall thickness was 1.67 mm. The five characteristic sonographic layers similar to that seen in the gastrointestinal tract of other species were routinely identified at all regions of the feline gastrointestinal tract.     

黄秋葵叶粉对海兰褐蛋鸡盲肠微生物及肠道组织结构的影响

 试验旨在研究饲料中添加黄秋葵叶粉对海兰褐壳蛋鸡肠道微生物及肠道组织结构的影响。选取处于同一生产水平的海兰褐壳蛋鸡450只,随机分为5组,每组3个重复,每个重复30只,试验组黄秋葵叶粉添加量分别为3%(T₃)、4%(T₄)、5%(T₅)、6%(T₆),对照组为不添加黄秋葵叶粉组(0%,T₀)。试验预试期1 W,正试期12 W。结果表明日粮中添加黄秋葵叶粉可在一定程度上降低大肠杆菌的数量,促进盲肠中双歧杆菌和乳酸杆菌的增殖,其中以4%添加量效果最好。在42  d和84 d时屠宰,试验组鸡回肠、空肠和十二指肠的肠壁厚度较对照组均有提高,其中84 d时各试验组空肠肠壁厚度极显著高于对照组(P＜0.01);试验组回肠、空肠和十二指肠的绒毛高度(VH)及绒毛高度/隐窝深度(V/C)均显著高于对照组;42 d时,试验组T₃、T₄回肠和各试验组空肠隐窝深度较对照组显著降低(P＜0.05),试验组十二指肠隐窝深度较对照组均有所下降,差异不显著;84 d时,各试验组回肠及T₃、T₄组空肠和十二指肠隐窝深度较对照组显著降低(P＜0.05)。这表明,日粮中添加适量黄秋葵叶粉在一定程度上具有改善蛋鸡肠道微生物菌群和肠道组织结构的作用,其中以4%的添加量效果最好。     

Sonographic examinations of the intestines in calves

The aim of this investigation was to describe the normal ultrasonic appearance of the intestinal loops of calves at different stages of their adolescence and at various intervals after suckling and to determine reliable reference values. Therefore the abdomen of 20 clinically healthy calves have been examined with a 5 MHz sector probe on the right and left flank of each animal and the exact position, the largest diameter, the thickness of the walls, the peristaltic activity and the appearance of the contents of each part of the intestines described. Most often, the pars cranialis duodeni could be seen ventral of the right costal arch as well as in the right flank, with younger calves it also showed in the left flank sometimes. The position could be changed considerably depending on the period elapsed since the last suckling time.The duodenum descendens and the duodenum ascendens could be traced in the right flank. The thickness of the wall was found to measure between 2 and 3 mm throughout the whole duodenum. The examination of the jejunum and the ileum was basically done in the right flank. In cases where the rumen was not yet fully developed visualization was also possible in the left flank. Most often these parts were seen in cross-section displaying permanent peristaltic activity. With the younger calves the large intestine could equally be traced in both flanks. In older animals it could be recognized as voluminous hollow organ filled with gas, or in case of the colon ascendens as garlandshape. In the jejunum and ileum as well as in the large intestine the thickness of the wall measured between 1 and 2 mm. Each part of the intestine showed an increase in diameter as the calves grew older. The peristaltic activity increased during two hours after suckling and during this time the echoing level of the contents was lower.     

Gastrointestinal Ultrasonography of Normal Standardbred Neonates and Frequency of Asymptomatic Intussusceptions

Background

Ultrasonographic appearance of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of equine neonates has not been completely described.

Objectives

To describe (1) sonographic characteristics of the GI segments in normal nonsedated equine neonates, (2) intra‐ and interobserver variation in wall thickness, and (3) the sonographic appearance of asymptomatic intussusceptions, and (4) to compare age and sonographic findings of foals with and without asymptomatic intussusceptions.

Animals

Eighteen healthy Standardbred foals ≤5 days of age.

Methods

Prospective, cross‐sectional blinded study. Gastrointestinal sonograms were performed stall‐side. Intraobserver variability in wall thickness measurements was determined by calculating the coefficient of variation (CV). The Bland–Altman method was used to assess interobserver bias. Student''s t‐test and Fisher''s exact test were used to test the association among presence of intussusceptions, age, and selected sonographic findings.

Results

The reference ranges (95% predictive interval) for wall thickness were 1.6–3.6 mm for the stomach, 1.9–3.2 mm for the duodenum, 1.9–3.1 mm for the jejunum, 1.3–2.2 mm for the colon, and 0.8–2.7 mm for the cecum. Intraobserver wall thickness CV ranged from 8 to 21% for the 2 observers for 5 gastrointestinal segments. The interobserver bias for wall thickness measurements was not significant except for the stomach (0.14 mm, P < .05) and duodenum (0.29 mm, P < .05). Diagnostic images of mural blood flow could not be obtained. Asymptomatic intussusceptions were found in 10/18 neonates. Associations between sonographic variables or age and the presence of intussusceptions were not found.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Sonographic characteristics of the GI tract of normal Standardbred neonates can be useful in evaluating ill foals. Asymptomatic small intestinal intussusceptions occur in normal Standardbred neonates.     

Steady-state response characteristics of a pulse oximeter on equine intestine

The steady-state response characteristics of a pulse oximeter were evaluated on intestinal segments of seven clinically normal halothane-anesthetized horses. Arterial oxygen tension greater than 200 mm of Hg, end tidal carbon dioxide from 30 to 35 mm of Hg, and systemic mean arterial pressure greater than 70 mm of Hg were maintained throughout the recording periods. Values for percentage of pulse oximeter oxygen saturation, pulsatile blood flow, and percentage of signal strength were recorded from jejunum, ileum, cecum, left ventral colon, left dorsal colon, and descending colon. Probe placement on intestinal segments was recorded as over or not over visible subserosal or transmural vessels. There was no significant difference between median values on the basis of vessel codes for pulse oximeter oxygen saturations, pulsatile flow, and signal strength. Median values recorded for pulse oximeter oxygen saturation were 93% from jejunum and ileum and 95% from cecum, left ventral colon, left dorsal colon, and descending colon; median values for pulsatile flow were 576 from jejunum, 560 from ileum, 560 from cecum, 574 from left ventral colon, 578 from left dorsal colon, and 560 from descending colon; median values for signal strength were 50% from jejunum, 67.5% from ileum, 60% from cecum, 75% from left ventral colon, 50% from left dorsal colon, and 52.5% from descending colon. Median values obtained from each anatomic location were not significantly different for pulsatile flow or signal strength. Median pulse oximetry oxygen values recorded from jejunum and ileum were significantly lower than values obtained from other intestinal segments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

REPEATABILITY AND REPRODUCIBILITY OF TRANSABDOMINAL ULTRASONOGRAPHIC INTESTINAL WALL THICKNESS MEASUREMENTS IN THOROUGHBRED HORSES

The aims of this study were to assess the repeatability and reproducibility of transabdominal ultrasonography to assess intestinal wall thickness in adult Thoroughbred horses (n=8). Ultrasonographic cineloops were captured by one examiner from each horse for five consecutive days. During each examination at least three cineloops were obtained for five different intestinal tract locations. Measurements were performed by three separate observers to assess reproducibility and measured on three separate occasions by three observers to evaluate short‐term repeatability. The repeatability of measurements from the duodenum (0.3 ± 0.04 cm), jejunum (0.29 ± 0.05 cm), ventral colon (0.37 ± 0.01 cm), and cecum (0.42 ± 0.03 cm) were good ( P >0.291). The reproducibility of measurements from the duodenum, jejunum, and ventral colon were good ( P >0.394). Reproducibility of measurement of the cecal wall was inadequate ( P =0.01), although the maximum difference between observers was 0.07 cm. It was possible to image all areas on all days, with the exception of the duodenum, which could not be imaged in one horse, on 1 day. Equine intestinal wall measurements are therefore repeatable and reproducible with the exception of reproducibility of the measurements of cecal wall. Although an accepted clinical technique, measurement of cecal wall thickness from intestinal ultrasound images in a clinical setting must be interpreted with care.     

Ultrasonographic examination of the small intestine, large intestine and greater omentum in 30 Saanen goats

The small and large intestine of 30 healthy Saanen goats were examined ultrasonographically using a 5.0 MHz-linear transducer. The goats were examined on the right side, from the eighth rib to the caudal aspect of the flank. The small and large intestine could be easily differentiated. The descending duodenum could be imaged in 19 goats, and the jejunum and ileum seen in all goats. The jejunum and ileum were most often seen in cross-section and rarely in longitudinal section in the ventral region of the right flank. The intestinal contents were usually homogenously echoic, and active motility was observed in all the goats. The diameter of the small intestine was 0.8–2.7 cm (1.6 [0.33] cm). The spiral ansa of the colon was imaged in all the goats, and in 21 the caecum was also seen. Both these sections of large intestine were most commonly seen in the dorsal region of the right flank. The spiral ansa of the colon was easily identified by its spiral arrangement of centripetal and centrifugal gyri, which had a garland-like appearance. Because of intraluminal gas, only the wall of the colon closest to the transducer could be imaged. The diameter of the spiral colon ranged from 0.8 to 2.0 cm (1.1 [0.24] cm). Usually only the wall of the caecum closest to the transducer could be imaged and it appeared as a thick, echoic, slightly undulating line. The greater omentum could be seen in all the goats.     

Morphometric study of the layers of the canine small intestine at five sampling sites

The histology of the canine intestine has not been accurately defined. To establish the precise thickness of its different layers, whole wall samples of the small intestine were removed from 41 cadavers at five standardised sampling sites (duodenum, proximal jejunum, distal jejunum, proximal ileum and distal ileum). The total thickness was estimated by morphometry, as was the thickness of the mucosa, muscularis mucosae, submucosa and muscularis externa. In addition, the size of the lymphoid aggregates in the submucosa and the thickness of the circular and longitudinal layers within both the muscularis mucosae and the muscularis externa were estimated. The total intestinal thickness depended very much upon the thickness of the mucosa and submucosa. The mucosa decreased progressively from proximal to distal parts of the small intestine (47% reduction). The thickness of the submucosa, however, changed little from the duodenum to the distal jejunum, but increased significantly in the ileum; this change was positively correlated with the amount of lymphoid tissue. Sex influenced the thickness of the intestinal wall, with males displaying higher thickness values along the small intestine. Conversely, no correlation between bodyweight and intestinal thickness was found for any of the five sampling sites. This study gives absolute and relative values for the thickness of the layers of the dog intestine which might help in the diagnosis of small intestinal pathology from postmortem samples and/or endoscopic biopsies.     

Leukocyte numbers and intestinal mucosal morphometrics in horses with no clinical intestinal disease

Healthy horses and other animals have large numbers of resident leukocytes in the intestinal wall, but there is scant information regarding which and how many leukocytes are normally present in the equine intestinal wall. Our aim was to provide a reference range of leukocytes in the intestinal mucosal and submucosal propria of normal horses. We included in our study intestinal tissues from 22 Thoroughbred racehorses with no clinical intestinal disease, which had been euthanized because of catastrophic musculoskeletal injuries. Neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, macrophages, and plasma cells were counted in 5 random 17,600-µm² areas of villus lamina propria of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum, and deep lamina propria of the duodenum, jejunum, ileum, right ventral colon, left ventral colon, left dorsal colon, right dorsal colon, and small colon. Other features investigated in the same intestinal segments included villus height and width (small intestine), presence of ciliated protozoa, Paneth cells number, subcryptal leukocyte layers (number of leukocyte layers between the bottom of the crypts and the muscularis mucosae), and submucosal leukocytes. Lymphocytes were the most numerous cells in all segments analyzed, followed by plasma cells, eosinophils, macrophages, and neutrophils. Eosinophil numbers were significantly higher in both lamina propria and submucosa of the large intestine than in the small intestine. The duodenum had shorter and thinner villi than either jejunum or ileum. The data provided from our study will be useful for diagnosticians examining inflammatory processes in the intestinal tract of horses.     

Computed tomographic findings of the gastrointestinal tract in rabbits

BackgroundGastrointestinal (GI) diseases are common in rabbits. Although diagnostic imaging studies can assist clinicians in selecting therapeutic approaches, there are few reports of advanced imaging findings in normal rabbits. Computed tomography (CT) is recognized as a useful tool in dogs and cats, but there are few reports of normal findings on multidetector computed tomography (MDTC) in rabbits. The goals of this study are to describe the CT anatomic imaging appearance of the GI tract and their normal variation in healthy pet rabbits and to obtain the normal wall thickness measurements of normal GI tract structures.MethodsTwenty-three rabbits were scanned under general anesthesia and the CT abdominal images were analyzed by two experienced radiologists. Location and size of the major GI organs and structures were determined, and wall thickness of the stomach, small and large intestines were measured, including the interobserver agreement. Statistical analysis of quantitative and qualitative variables was performed.ResultsWall thickness values were established for the different parts of the stomach (cardia: 3.4 ± 0.4mm; fundus: 1.4 ± 0.2mm; body: 1.4 ± 0.1mm; pylorus: 2.9 ± 0.5mm), small intestines (duodenum: 1.4 ± 0.1mm; jejunum: 1.2 ± 0.1mm; ileum: 1.4 ± 0.1mm), and large intestines (cecum: 1.2 ± 0.1mm; colon ascending: 1.4 ± 0.3 mm and descending: 1.3 ± 0.3mm). When distended the stomach did not extend beyond the caudal limits of the L2 vertebra. The cecum occupied the ventral abdominal region from T12/T13 to L7/S1, the sacculus rotundus was identified in 11 of the 23 rabbits. The sacculus rotundus and vermiform cecal appendix were identified only in rabbits with mild large intestinal distension.Conclusions and clinical relevanceIt was possible to use CT to evaluate the different portions of the GI tract that are not normally readily visible on radiographs and ultrasound (US). Normal wall thickness values of the different portion of the GI tract were stablished. These results provide new and important reference values for CT studies in normal pet rabbits and provide data for further studies in rabbits with GI diseases.     

Effects of Cecropin and Synbiotics on the Intestinal Mucosal Morphology and Intestinal Mucosal Immune Cells of AA Broilers

In order to investigate the effects of cecropin and synbiotics on the intestinal mucosal morphology and intestinal mucosal immune cells of AA broilers. 480 of 1-day-old healthy AA broilers were chosen and randomly divided into 4 groups with 4 replicates per group and 30 broilers per replicate. The broilers in group Ⅰ(control group) were fed basal diet,while that in groups Ⅱ to Ⅳ were fed the basal diet supplemented with 0.5% cecropin,0.3% synbiotics,0.5% cecropin+0.3% synbiotics,respectively. The trial lasted for 42 days. The result showed that compared with group Ⅰ,the villus height of duodenum and ileum in group Ⅳ were extremely significantly increased (P<0.01).The crypt depth of jejunum and ileum in group Ⅱ,and that of small intestine in group Ⅲ were significantly or extremely significantly decreased (P<0.05;P<0.01).The villus height/crypt depth of small intestine in groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ,and that of duodenum and ileum in group Ⅳ were significantly or extremely significantly increased (P<0.05;P<0.01).The villus width of jejunum in group Ⅱ was significantly decreased (P<0.05),while the villus width of duodenum and jejunum in group Ⅲ,that of jejunum and ileum in group Ⅳ were extremely significantly decreased (P<0.01).The mucous thickness of jejunum in groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ were significantly increased (P<0.05),while that of small intestine in group Ⅳ was extremely significantly increased (P<0.01).The number of the intraepithelial lymphocyte of ileum in group Ⅱ was significantly increased (P<0.05),and that of duodenum in group Ⅲ and small intestine in group Ⅳ were extremely significantly increased (P<0.01).The number of the goblet cell of duodenum in group Ⅲ,duodenum and ileum in group Ⅳ were extremely significantly increased (P<0.01).The mast cell of jejunum in group Ⅳ was significantly increased (P<0.05).In conclusion,both the cecropin and synbiotics could improve the small intestine mucosal structure and promote the small intestine mucosal immunocompetent cells proliferation in AA broiler, and the effect of combined utilization would be better.     

Thymol in the intestinal tract of broiler chickens after sustained administration of thyme essential oil in feed

Plant compounds occurring in phytogenic feed additives are involved in different pharmacological activities in the animal organism. Since the digestive tract acts as a first line of defence against foreign compounds, it is necessary to outline its response to dietary supplementation with bioactive plant components. Little information is available on the bioactivity of thymol as the main bioactive compound of Thymus vulgaris L. essential oil (TEO). The main objective of the present study was to provide a detailed view of the concentrations of thymol in plasma and the content of individual intestinal segments (duodenum, jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon) of broiler chickens after 4 weeks of dietary supplementation with different TEO concentrations. 32 one‐day old Ross 308 hybrid broilers were randomly divided into four dietary treatment groups (0.00%, 0.01%, 0.05%, 0.1% w/w of TEO in the diet). Thymol concentrations in the duodenal chyme presented around 7% on average from the thymol amount administered in the feed. A significantly increased thymol amount was observed after 0.1% TEO addition to the diet compared with 0.01% TEO enrichment in the duodenal wall and gut content of jejunum, ileum, caecum and colon (p < 0.05). Thymol levels in the colon were significantly higher than in the ileum and about 1.7 times higher on average than those in the caecum. Significant coefficient of correlation was observed between thymol concentrations in plasma and feed, gut content of all intestinal segments as well as duodenal wall. Our results point to intensive thymol absorption in the initial sections of the digestive tract. In the current study, the role of intestine in biotransformation of thymol was observed, and it would be desirable to investigate whether thymol itself or thymol metabolites are responsible for beneficial effects in intestine.     

ULTRASONOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF CANINE PARVOVIRAL ENTERITIS IN PUPPIES

The ultrasonographic appearance of the gastrointestinal tract of puppies suffering from parvoviral enteritis was characterized. Forty puppies between 6 and 24 weeks of age with confirmed canine parvoviral enteritis were examined ultrasonographically within 24 h of admission. Sonographic findings included fluid‐filled small intestines in 92.5% of subjects, and stomach and colon in 80% and 62.5% of subjects, respectively. Generalized atony was present in 30 subjects and weak peristaltic contractions indicative of functional ileus observed in the remaining 10 subjects. The duodenal and jejunal mucosal layer thicknesses were significantly reduced when compared with normal puppies with mean duodenal mucosal layer measuring 1.7 mm and jejunal mucosal layer 1.0 mm. Additionally, a mucosal layer with diffuse hyperechoic speckles was seen in the duodenum (15% of subjects) and the jejunum (50% of subjects). The luminal surface of the duodenal mucosa was irregular in 22.5% of subjects and the jejunal mucosa in 42.5% of subjects. In all of these subjects, changes were accompanied by generalized indistinct wall layering. Small intestinal corrugations were seen within the duodenum in 35% of subjects and within the jejunum in 7.5%. A mild amount of anechoic free peritoneal fluid was observed in 26 subjects and was considered within normal limits and a moderate amount of anechoic free peritoneal fluid was observed in six subjects. The jejunal lymph node size was within normal limits. None of the above changes are pathognomonic for canine parvoviral enteritis but finding them in combination is highly suggestive.     

绵羊自然感染贝氏莫尼茨绦虫对小肠黏膜免疫相关细胞的数量变化

运用组织学和组织化学染色法,分别对自然感染贝氏莫尼茨绦虫的成年绵羊（感染组）与正常成年绵羊（对照组）的小肠各肠段的上皮内淋巴细胞、浆细胞、杯状细胞和嗜酸粒细胞的分布和数量变化进行了比较研究。结果显示：感染组小肠各段上皮内淋巴细胞、浆细胞、杯状细胞和嗜酸粒细胞数量均显著高于对照组,其中感染组十二指肠、空肠和回肠的上皮内淋巴细胞数量分别比对照组增加了169.11%、230.38%和233.42%（P〈0.01）;嗜酸粒细胞数量分别比对照组增加了116.78%、123.87%和164.51%（P〈0.01）;浆细胞数量分别比对照组增加了127.34%、72.97%和328.26%（P〈0.01）;杯状细胞数量分别比对照组增加了33.40%、41.42%和133.17%。对照组和感染组上皮内淋巴细胞和杯状细胞从十二指肠到回肠均逐渐减少,相反,对照组和感染组嗜酸粒细胞数量从十二指肠到回肠均逐渐增多,对照组小肠固有层浆细胞数量从十二指肠到空肠增加,空肠到回肠减少,感染组小肠固有层浆细胞数量从十二指肠到回肠均逐渐增多;对照组十二指肠、空肠、回肠的上皮内淋巴细胞、上皮内杯状细胞、浆细胞和嗜酸粒细胞均差异极显著（P〈0.01）;感染组十二指肠、空肠、回肠的上皮内杯状细胞、浆细胞和嗜酸粒细胞均差异极显著（P〈0.01）,感染组上皮内淋巴细胞空肠与回肠差异极显著（P〈0.01）,但十二指肠与空肠差异不显著（P〉0.05）。研究结果表明,贝氏莫尼茨绦虫感染成年绵羊后,成年绵羊通过特异性黏膜免疫细胞上皮内淋巴细胞增生加强细胞免疫水平,浆细胞增生加强体液免疫水平,同时还通过非特异性黏膜免疫细胞,嗜酸粒细胞和杯状细胞的增生进一步加强黏膜免疫水平以抵抗贝氏莫尼茨绦虫对绵羊的感染。可见绵羊可以通过黏膜免疫相关细胞增生加强局部免疫力以监视虫体免疫逃逸来抵抗寄生虫的感染。     

天蚕素和合生素对AA肉鸡小肠黏膜形态和小肠免疫细胞的影响

为研究日粮中添加天蚕素、合生素对AA肉鸡小肠黏膜形态及免疫细胞的影响,试验选用480只1日龄健康AA肉鸡,随机分为4组,每组4个重复,每个重复30只鸡。对照组（Ⅰ组）饲喂基础日粮,试验组（Ⅱ~Ⅳ组）分别在基础日粮中添加0.5%天蚕素、0.3%合生素、0.5%天蚕素+0.3%合生素。试验期42 d。结果显示,与Ⅰ组相比,Ⅳ组十二指肠、回肠绒毛高度极显著升高（P<0.01）;Ⅱ组空肠和回肠、Ⅲ组小肠各段隐窝深度显著或极显著降低（P<0.05;P<0.01）;Ⅱ、Ⅲ组小肠各段和Ⅳ组十二指肠、回肠绒毛高度/隐窝深度显著或极显著升高（P<0.05;P<0.01）;Ⅱ组空肠绒毛宽度显著降低（P<0.05）,Ⅲ组十二指肠和空肠、Ⅳ组空肠和回肠绒毛宽度均极显著降低（P<0.01）;Ⅱ、Ⅲ组空肠黏膜厚度显著升高（P<0.05）,Ⅳ组小肠各段黏膜厚度均极显著升高（P<0.01）。Ⅱ组回肠上皮内淋巴细胞数量显著升高（P<0.05）,Ⅲ组十二指肠、Ⅳ组小肠各段上皮内淋巴细胞数量极显著升高（P<0.01）;Ⅲ组十二指肠、Ⅳ组十二指肠和回肠杯状细胞数量极显著升高（P<0.01）;Ⅳ组空肠肥大细胞数量显著升高（P<0.05）。综上所述,天蚕素、合生素单独或联合添加均能改善AA肉鸡小肠黏膜结构,促进小肠黏膜免疫细胞增殖,联合添加效果最佳。     

ULTRASONOGRAPHY OF THE NORMAL FELINE PANCREAS AND ASSOCIATED ANATOMIC LANDMARKS: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 20 CATS

The sonographic appearance of the feline pancreas and associated anatomic landmarks including the pancreatic duct, duodenum, duodenal papilla, portal vein, and gastric lymph node were evaluated in 20 healthy, awake cats. The pancreas appeared nearly isoechoic to surrounding mesenteric tissues, isoechoic to slightly hyperechoic to adjacent liver lobes, and hypoechoic to the spleen. The mean thickness measurements for the right pancreatic lobe, body, and left pancreatic lobe were 4.5 mm (range 2.8-5.9), 6.6 mm (range 4.7-9.5), and 5.4 mm (range 3.4-9.0), respectively. The pancreatic duct was consistently visualized in the left pancreatic lobe and had a mean thickness of 0.8 mm (range 0.5-1.3). It could be differentiated from the pancreatic vessel, by its central location, and the duct's lack of Doppler flow signal. The duodenum was used as a landmark to identify the right lobe of the pancreas. The mean duodenal wall thickness measurement was 2.8 mm (range 2.1-3.8) in sagittal section, and 3.0 mm (range 2.2-4.4) in transverse section. The duodenal papilla was identified in 4 of 20 cats. It ranged in size from 2.9 to 5.5 mm in width, and had a maximum height of 4.0 mm in transverse section. The portal vein was used as a consistent anatomic landmark for identification of the left lobe and body of the pancreas. The mean diameter of the portal vein at the level where the pancreatic body joins the left pancreatic lobe was 4.3 mm (range 2.7-5.9) when viewed in sagittal section, and 4.5 mm (range 3.6-6.1) in transverse section. The gastric lymph node was identified cranial and ventromedial to the pyloroduodenal angle in 6 of 20 cats. It had an asymmetrical shape with a larger caudal pole in five of the six cats. The largest dimensions of the gastric lymph node were 10 mm in length, and 6 mm in width for the larger caudal pole, and 5.1 mm in width for the smaller cranial pole.     

肉犊牛小肠黏膜免疫相关细胞的数量变化研究

分别选择1、4、6月龄各4头利杂犊牛的十二指肠、空肠、回肠,利用组织化学法和图像分析法研究犊牛小肠的上皮内淋巴细胞、杯状细胞和肥大细胞的数量变化.结果显示在同一月龄犊牛的小肠的上皮内淋巴细胞数量由十二指肠向空肠、回肠逐渐减少,而杯状细胞的数量逐渐增加,肥大细胞的密度逐渐降低.在1、6月龄犊牛十二指肠、空肠、回肠的上皮内淋巴细胞数量之间差异极显著(P＜0.01);4月龄十二指肠的上皮内淋巴细胞数量最多(P＜0.01).在1月龄犊牛十二指肠、空肠、回肠杯状细胞的数量差异极显著(P＜0.01);4和6月龄犊牛十二指肠和空肠之间的杯状细胞的数量差异不显著(P＞0.05),但二者与犊牛回肠杯状细胞的数量差异极显著(P＜0.01).各年龄犊牛十二指肠、空肠、回肠的肥大细胞密度差异极显著(P＜0.01),4月龄时犊牛小肠的肥大细胞密度最低.结果提示犊牛的黏膜免疫水平可能与其机体的发育相一致.