Ultrastructural Studies of the Goose Embryo Liver

Development of the liver in goose embryo was studied ultrastructurally. The structural changes of the liver in the 14, 21, 24 and 28 days old embryos were investigated.
The liver primordium of endodermal origin localized around the ductus venosus. The hepatocyte trabeculae proliferating into the ductus venosus, first divide the lumen into wide sinusoids then with the number of trabeculae increasing the sinusoids become narrow on the 15th day. The hepatocytes in 11–14 days old embryos are less differentiated and poor in cell organelles. There are many fat drops in multi vacuolic form at the hepatocytes in 21 days old but specially in 27 days old embryos. The liver contain little connective tissue, it is formed between days 17 and 21. The endothelial cells comprise well developed endoplasmic reticulum. The Kupffer-cells contain lipid drops after the 22th day.     

Pathogenesis of Trypanosoma (brucei) evansi in small East African goats

Trypanosoma evansi is the cause of surra, a camel disease which is the most important single cause of economic losses in camel rearing areas. Sheep and goats herded with camels are the most likely hosts for T evansi. Upon intravenous infections goats developed erratic parasitaemia, lost weight and their packed cell volume dropped significantly (P<0–001). Trypanosomes were demonstrated by direct microscopy in extravascular locations such as synovial, peritoneal and cerebrospinal fluids and also in lymph by subinoculations into mice. The carcases were emaciated and pale. Histologically there was lymphatic tissue hyperplasia, muscular atrophy and nephrotic changes. Two animals had necrotic foci in the liver, kidneys, lymph nodes, spleen and lungs and also bronchopneumonia. Histologically there was depopulation of lymphocytes in lymphatic tissues, destruction of hepatocytes in the liver with infiltration by inflammatory cells in the liver, lymph nodes, spleen and the kidneys.     

Partial cloning and localisation of leptin and its receptor in the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Based on the studies and results presented here, leptin and its receptor were expressed by adipose tissue, mammary alveolar epithelial cells, liver hepatocytes, and the lining epithelium of the bile duct of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius). Our observations support the biological importance of leptin in the mammary gland as well as the likely local effect of leptin on the peripheral tissues. We suggest that there may be an association between hepatic leptin and the lipogenic activity of the liver in the dromedary camel.     

Prenatal development of the adrenal gland in the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius)

With 14 figures and 3 tables SUMMARY: Each adrenal gland consisted of cortex and medulla that developed from different embryological origins and presented different cellular organization. One hundred male or female camel embryos or fetuses with crown vertebral rump lengths (CVRL) that ranged from 0.8 to 117 cm were examined. The adrenal cortex, which is derived from intermediate mesoderm, was first observed in the 0.8-cm CVRL camel embryo. The adrenal cortex initially was combined with the gonad as a thickened region of proliferating cells derived from splanchnic intermediate mesoderm. Adrenocortical tissue was first separated from the gonadal tissue in the 2-cm CVRL camel fetus and was observed as a separate dorso-medial mass of cells. At 2.5-cm CVRL, the adrenocortical tissue was surrounded by a capsule of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells, except at its proximal pole, where an invagination was located through which chromaffinoblast cells entered the cortex. The chromaffinoblast cells migrated from the neural crest to form the medulla of the developing adrenal gland. In the 3.5-cm CVRL camel fetus, the adrenocortical cells differentiated into two layers: the inner fetal cortex and the outer definitive cortex. As development proceeded, the fetal cortex degenerated and the definitive cortex formed the zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata. The zona reticularis did not form until the end of gestation. During prenatal life, the adrenal medulla was much thicker than the cortex.     

Megakaryocytes and platelets in the spleen of the dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius)

This study was carried out on spleens of clinically healthy camels (n = 35) of both sexes (0.5-15 years) by routine histology, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry using 12 anti-bovine platelet antibodies. Megakaryocytes were observed in the red pulp. Their number decreased with age: they were found in the spleens of all camels under 8 years old but only in 57% of camels over 8 years old. Only two antibodies (IVA37 and IVA38) cross-reacted with camel platelets. A large number of platelets were found in the splenic cords and the marginal zone. Ultrastructurally, the platelets were oval in shape surrounded by a plasma membrane, and their cytoplasm was rich in glycogen and contained less dense granules. Microtubules and microfilaments were found at their periphery. Several platelets were observed in the red pulp. There are similarities in some surface antigens of bovine and camel platelets. The presence of megakaryocytes in the camel spleen indicates a thrombopoietic function of the spleen until adulthood but that this decreases with age thereafter.     

Hepatocyte apoptosis in dairy cattle during the transition period

The objective of this study was to investigate hepatocyte apoptosis in dairy cows during the transition period. Four clinically healthy, pregnant dairy cattle were used. The cows had no clinical diseases throughout this study. Blood samples were collected and livers were biopsied from the cows at 3 different times: 3 weeks before expected partition (wk −3); during parturition (wk 0), and 3 weeks (wk +3) after parturition. The damage to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) caused by hepatocytes was evaluated by comet assay. The apoptotic features of hepatocytes were examined by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopic analyses. The hepatic triglyceride content markedly increased at wk 0 and wk +3 compared with the values at wk −3. The results of the comet assay showed increases in the mean tail moment values of hepatic cells after parturition in all cows, which suggested increased DNA damage. Histopathologically, the hepatocytes began to contain lipid droplets at wk 0 and were severely opacified at wk +3. Caspase-3-positive and single-stranded DNA-(ssDNA)-positive cells were first detected in the liver after parturition. Condensation of nuclear chromatin, a typical sign of apoptosis, was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy after parturition. These results suggest that apoptosis is induced in hepatocytes of dairy cows around parturition and may result from lipotoxicity in hepatocytes.     

Oxidative stress and trace elements in camel (Camelus dromedarius) with liver cystic echinococcosis

Status of certain oxidative stress indices and zinc, copper and iron concentrations in blood were estimated in camel with liver cystic echinococcosis. In comparison to healthy control, the index of serum lipid peroxidation assessed by the malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly higher in the parasitized group. However, mean serum total antioxidant status (TAS) and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly lower in the parasitized group. Serum zinc concentration in camels with liver cystic echinococcosis was significantly lower than healthy control. In parasitized camels, a significant positive correlation of MDA with gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and bilirubin was observed. By contrast, MDA was inversely correlated with the values of packed cell volume (PCV), serum albumin and zinc. From the present study, it was concluded that cystic echinococcosis in camel is associated with oxidative stress. The resulting oxidative stress seems to have a role in the injury of hepatocytes, changes of trace elements and destruction of erythrocytes.     

Immunohistochemical studies for the neuronal elements in the vomeronasal organ of the one-humped camel

The neuronal elements of the vomeronasal organ (VNO) of camel were investigated immunohistochemically. PGP 9.5 labeled the receptor cells in the vomeronasal sensory epithelium, but not the supporting or basal cells. OMP stained some receptor cells, but no immunoreactive signals for OMP were detected in the non-sensory epithelium. PLCβ2 labeled scattered cells in the sensory epithelium and a larger number of cells in the non-sensory epithelium. Double labeling immunohistochemistry revealed that the PLCβ2-positive cells were surrounded by substance P-positive nerve fibers. Collectively, these data suggest that the camel VNO bears, in addition to the mature vomeronasal receptor cells, trigeminally-innervated solitary chemosensory cells which are expected to play a substantial role in the control of stimulus access to the VNO.     

Seasonal morphology and immunoreactivity of cytokeratin and atrial natriuretic peptide in dromedary camel poll glands

Poll glands are characteristic feature of dromedary camels; although they yield a yellowish offensive secretion, especially during rutting (breeding) season, their function is not yet exactly specified. The present study shows the seasonal morphology and immunoreactivity of cytokeratin (CK) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in the camel poll gland; the result could clearly specify the role of the gland in camel reproduction. Poll glands are compound tubulo-alveolar in structure. During rutting season, the secretory units showed wide lumina and simple squamous epithelium surrounded by myoepithelial cells; the lumina became narrower and the epithelium changed to simple cuboidal during non-rutting season. Many glandular lobules showed abundant interlobular connective tissue with fewer and smaller secretory units during non-rutting season compared to rutting season. Positive CK and ANP immunoreactivity was detected in the cytoplasm of epithelial cells of secretory units and ducts together with the myoepithelial cells and blood vessels. Although CK immunoreactivity was more intense during rutting season in comparison to non-rutting season, there was no seasonal variation in ANP immunoreactivity. During both seasons, while the glandular capsule, connective tissue septa, interstitium showed negative CK immunoreactions, they reacted moderately to ANP. In conclusion, the poll gland undergoes annual structural and functional changes which are suggested to correlate with the male seasonal sexual behaviour. Further, the biological role of CK and ANP proteins together with their immunohistochemical expression in the camel poll gland suggests a stimulatory effect in the glandular secretory cells, and hence, they might modify camel sexual activity.     

Pathology and molecular diagnosis of paratuberculosis of camels

Camels are the prime source of meat and milk in many desert regions of the world including Saudi Arabia. Paratuberculosis of camels, locally called Silag, is a serious and invariably fatal disease in the Arabian camel. Six camels were used in this study. Five camels with clinical paratuberculosis were used to study the pathology of the disease and confirm its aetiology. The sixth camel was clinically healthy and used as a control. The camels were examined clinically and bled for haematological and blood chemistry analysis. They were then humanely killed with a high intravenous dose of thiopental sodium (10 mg/kg) for pathological studies as well as obtaining tissues for microbiological and molecular studies. The clinical signs of the disease were emaciation, diarrhoea, alopecia, wry neck and pale mucous membranes. Laboratory diagnosis showed reduced haemoglobin concentration, low haematocrit and high activity of the serum enzyme alanine aminotransferase. Serum creatinine concentration was normal. These results indicated the infected camels were anaemic and the function of their livers was affected. Postmortem examination showed thickened and corrugated intestinal mucosa, enlarged granulomatous mesenteric lymph nodes, miliary and diffuse granulomas in the liver (in four camels), generalized lymph node granulomas (in one camel), splenic granuloma (in one camel) and mediastinal lymph node granuloma (in two camels). Histopathological examination showed diffuse infiltration of macrophages in all organs showing lesions. Ziehl–Neelsen staining of tissue scraping and tissue sections showed masses of acid fast bacilli, except for the spleen. Infection with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis was confirmed by PCR by targeting the IS900 gene.     

Septicemic salmonellosis in a two-humped camel calf (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Camelus bactrianus</Emphasis>)

A 1-week old, two-humped female camel (Camelus bactrianus) calf with continual whining, epiphora, anorexia, muscle twitching, and lateral recumbency was referred to a veterinary hospital. Although she died shortly after preliminary clinical examination, but necropsy was performed and tissue samples were taken for further microbiological and pathological examinations. On bacteriological investigation, Salmonella typhimurium and Streptococcus agalactiae were isolated. Histopathologically, lesions consisted of hyperemia and hemorrhage in all serosal and mucosal surfaces, gastroenteritis, and purulent ascites, associated with suppurative omphalitis. Acute nutmeg liver demonstrated centrilobular congestion and moderate fatty changes without any inflammatory cell infiltration. The abomasal and intestinal mucosa were hemorrhagic and erosive. The brain was hyperemic with severe fibrinopurulent meningoencephalitis. Except for dromedary camels and llamas, there has been no previous report of an acute, fatal septicemia in a two-humped camel calf due to S. typhimurium accompanied by S. agalactiae.     

Immunophenotypic analysis of the distribution of hepatic macrophages,lymphocytes and hepatic stellate cells in the adult rat liver

The liver consists of parenchymal hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells. Non-parenchymal cells, Kupffer cells, hepatic stellate cells and cholangiocytes have crucial roles in liver homeostasis and liver pathology. To establish baseline data, this study investigated immunohistochemically the distribution of non-parenchymal cells in perivenular areas (PV), periportal areas (PP) and Glisson's sheath (GS) of adult rat liver. Liver tissues were collected from the left lateral lobe of rats. CD163-positive macrophages were seen along the sinusoid of PV and PP areas, indicating Kupffer cells. Double immunofluorescence showed, Kupffer cells partly co-expressed CD68 and MHC class II antigens in the liver. The numbers of Kupffer cells were significantly high in PP areas as compared with PV or GS areas. CD68-positive exudative macrophages were highly localized in PP and GS areas and a comparatively low PV area. MHC class II-positive dendritic cells (activated macrophages) were localized mainly in GS. Granzyme B-positive NK cells were mainly localized in the Glisson's sheath. CD3-positive T cells and CD20-positive B cells were distributed along the sinusoids of the PP and PV areas of hepatic lobules. Vimentin and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive hepatic stellate cells were localized along sinusoids in the hepatic lobules of the liver. Cholangiocytes reacting to cytokeratin 19 were seen on interlobular bile ducts in Glisson's sheath of the liver. This study shows that heterogeneous macrophage populations, liver-resident lymphocytes and hepatic stellate cells localized in PP and PV areas or GS areas of the liver with cells specific patterns.     

泰和乌骨鸡胚后肝脏组织结构的发育性变化

为在实际生产中配制适合泰和乌骨吗胚后肝脏结构发育特点的饲粮提供形态学依据，本试验通过石蜡切片和HE染色的方法，研究泰和鸟骨鸡胚后肝脏显微结构的发育性变化，结果表明，胚后1d的肝脏被膜极薄，肝细胞数量很少，双核细胞较多，肝小叶不明显，血窦清晰，肝细胞内、外含有大量的脂滴。胚后7d，肝被膜薄，被膜下肝细胞体积较大，内含较多脂滴，但靠近中央部的肝细胞内脂滴逐渐消失，血窦较清晰。胚后14d，肝脏被膜有所增厚，被膜下肝细胞内仍然含有较多脂滴，其他结构与7d类似。胚后21d，肝被膜相对较厚，结缔组织相对前期较发达，有少量被膜结缔组织深入实质内，肝血窦相对较少，其他结构与14d类似。第28天，肝细胞与早期比较，体积较小，无脂滴，胞质染色深。肝细胞排列呈肝细胞管作辐射状排列，且相互吻合。肝细胞管中央形成胆小管。窦周隙明显。肝细胞结构和排列方式符合典型的禽类特点。     

骆驼尿液对预防CCl_4诱导小鼠肝损伤的保护作用

试验旨在研究骆驼尿液对预防四氯化碳(CCl_4)诱导小鼠肝损伤的保护作用。将40只C57BL/6小鼠随机分为正常组,模型组,骆驼尿液低剂量组(170 mg/kg)、中剂量组(340 mg/kg)和高剂量组(500 mg/kg),3组骆驼尿液组灌胃相应剂量的骆驼尿液,正常组和模型组灌胃等量的生理盐水,每日灌胃1次,连续14 d;试验末期,除正常组外(橄榄油),各组小鼠腹腔注射20%CCl_4橄榄油混合溶液,建立小鼠急性肝损伤模型;12 h后摘眼球取血和采集肝脏样本,并记录肝脏重量,计算肝脏指数;测定小鼠血清相关指标,并进行肝脏组织病理切片检查。结果显示,与模型组比较,低、中、高剂量骆驼尿液组小鼠血清中谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)活性及总胆红素(TBIL)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、葡萄糖(GLU)含量较模型组均明显降低,白蛋白(ALB)、总蛋白(TP)含量升高,且高剂量组效果较好;而小鼠肝脏病理学切片观察显示,骆驼尿液组均有不同程度的改善,其中高剂量骆驼尿液组小鼠肝脏组织病理学损伤明显减轻,与正常组的肝脏组织形态接近。比较低、中、高3种浓度骆驼尿液处理发现,浓度越高治疗效果越好,说明骆驼尿液治疗效果具有剂量依赖性。综上所述,骆驼尿液对CCl_4诱导小鼠肝损伤具有一定的预防保护作用,且高剂量骆驼尿液组的效果较好。     

Camel Kidney Ferritin: Isolation and Partial Characterization

Camel kidney ferritin was isolated from a tissue homogenate by thermal denaturation, ammonium sulphate fractionation, Sephacryl S-300 gel filtration and DEAE-blue gel affinity chromatography. The yield and the iron and neutral carbohydrate contents were 0.012 mg/g wet tissue, 4.0% and 2.7%, respectively. The phosphate:iron ratio was 0.13, twofold lower than that reported for camel liver ferritin. Native gel electrophoresis revealed the presence of a monomeric ferritin. SDS gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting showed two types of subunits, heavy and light, contrary to the extensive heterogeneity observed in camel liver ferritin. In general, the tissue ferritins shared a similar amino acid composition. However, a twofold lower glycine and an eightfold higher arginine content were recorded for camel kidney ferritin. In addition, kidney ferritin had a relatively high content of glutamic acid. Cross-reactivity studies by Ouchterlony double diffusion and noncompetitive indirect ELISA revealed a distinct cross-reactivity between buffalo ferritin antiserum and camel liver ferritin, but camel liver ferritin showed only weak cross-reactivity.     

麋鹿肝脏组织学观察

应用常规石蜡切片,HE染色,对麋鹿的肝脏进行了组织学观察.结果表明,肝脏被膜的结缔组织深入肝内,形成非常不发达的小叶间结缔组织,将肝脏分成多个不明显的小叶.中央静脉位于小叶中央,肝细胞排列成单板状,以中央静脉为中心向周围呈放射状排列.肝细胞板之间的间隙为形状不规则的肝血窦,窦壁由一层内皮细胞构成,窦内可见枯否氏细胞分布,汇管区位于多个小叶的角缘结缔组织中,小叶间动脉,小叶间静脉,小叶间胆管结构较为明显.     

Expression of the sweet receptor protein, T1R3, in the human liver and pancreas

The expression of T1R3, a taste receptor essential for the perception of sweetness and umami-taste, was examined by immunohistochemistry to determine whether and where it may be localized in the liver and pancreas. In the liver, both immunopositive and immunonegative reactions were detected; bile ducts and intercalated portions of the bile ductules were immunopositive to T1R3, while arterioles and venules were immunonegative in interlobular connective tissue. In the hepatic lobule, all other cells including liver cells (hepatocytes) and bile capillaries were immunonegative. In the pancreas, all endocrine portions of the pancreas were immunonegative to T1R3. Within the exocrine portions, immunopositive reactions were detected in excretory duct cells, intercalated cells, and centroacinar cells. In contrast, acinar cells were immunonegative, as were vessels, lymph capillaries, nerve fibers, and connective tissue cells in the exocrine portions. The restricted localization of T1R3 in the duct cells of the liver and pancreas in the present study may indicate that T1R3 is involved in monitoring changes in the makeup of bile and pancreatic juices in the hepatic and pancreatic duct systems.     

细粒棘球蚴感染羊肝脏包囊纤维化形成的病理形态学观察

为了探讨细粒棘球蚴感染羊肝脏包囊纤维化形成的病理学过程,本研究通过病理组织学、细胞化学和超微形态学的诊断方法,对羊感染细粒棘球蚴后肝脏的病理组织学变化,以及肝组织纤维化和包囊形成过程进行病理学观察。结果显示:原头蚴感染肝组织后病变沿感染组织的血管周围产生,相继出现肝细胞萎缩、变性、坏死;同时病变组织血管壁出现纤维组织分解、血管管壁出芽,增生出的纤维组织伸向周围炎症区域,血管管腔及炎区大量嗜酸性粒细胞浸润,增生的胶原纤维沿残存的肝细胞周围围绕病变组织,最终形成包囊壁。该研究结果为进一步阐释细粒棘球蚴感染羊肝脏包囊纤维化形成的病理机制奠定了坚实的基础。