A light microscopical study of the intestinal tract of the Nile crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus, Laurenti 1768).

Although the histology of the intestinal tract of Crocodylus niloticus is touched on in overall studies on reptilian intestinal tract, a more comprehensive light microscopical study on this area is lacking. Specimens for histological examination were taken from the duodenum, the jejunum, the ileum and the rectum. The data obtained revealed that the mucosa is thrown into folds and simple, slightly branched tubular intestinal glands. The mucosal folds diminished in height and eventually disappeared upon reaching the ileorectal junction. The epithelium covering the folds and crypts was of the simple columnar type. Clear marginal cells, goblet cells and argentaffin cells were observed throughout the intestinal tract. No Paneth cells were seen in this study. The lamina propria was rich in lymphocytic infiltrations while the muscularis mucosa consisted mainly of an outer longitudinal layer, the inner circular layer being rudimentary or absent. The submucosa was extremely narrow, and the circular and longitudinal layers of the tunica muscularis contained distinct layers of dense fibrous connective tissue. The histology of the intestinal tract of C. niloticus is shown to be in line with the situation in crocodilians and also exhibits a resemblance to that of carnivorous mammals.     

Fertilizing capacity of the ejaculate of nutria (Myocastor coypus) after the removal of the seminal vesicles as evaluated by the penetration test and natural mating

The fertility of male coypu sperm following seminal vesicle extirpation was investigated using the penetration test into the egg of Syrian golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus). Ejaculates were obtained from five males by means of electro-ejaculation under halothane narcosis. The results of the zona-free hamster eggs (ZFHE) penetration test showed that the ejaculates of all the surgically treated coypu males were fertile and that ZFHE value fluctuated from 54 to 76.6%. The results obtained in experiments with natural mating revealed that the extirpation of male coypu seminal vesicles did not affect their fertility. In total 47 foetuses were found post mortem in ten coypu females covered by surgically treated males, which on average represented 4.7 foetuses per female.     

Morphological features of the gastrointestinal tract of Garganey (Anas querquedula,Linnaeus 1758)—Oesophagus to coprodeum

The present work was aimed to study the gastrointestinal tract in Garganey from the oesophagus to coprodeum by the aid of the gross morphology, scanning electron microscopy and histology. At the level of the thoracic inlet, the oesophagus had a thick part which had numerous tortuous longitudinal folds carried transverse folds on them. Histologically, the thick part had thick epithelium and appeared more folded with more and larger glands. The mucosa of the proventriculus had mucosal folds appeared as a leaf-like with rounded tips. The openings of the proventriculus glands were projected with papillae on the epithelial surface. The gizzard lined with horizontal layer of cuticle which sent vertical parts of cuticle. The duodenal villi were pentagonal in shape with sharply pointed tips, while the jejunal villi were triangular with rounded ends, and the ileal villi were wide and pentagonal in shape with pointed tips. The mucosa of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum was thrown into villi lined by simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells with difference in the form, length, density and number. The apical points of the duodenal and ileal villi appeared pointed, while the jejunal villi had rounded ends. The jejunal villi were longer and numerous than the duodenal villi, but the ileal villi appeared with different length and less numerous. The mucosa of the caecum had numerous mucous glands which surrounded by circular crypts. The rectal mucosa had longitudinal folds and semilunar and circular crypts. The mucosa of the coprodeum had longitudinal folds surrounded by crypts.     

Distribution of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in organs of naturally infected bull-calves and breeding bulls

Paratuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis, has particular importance in cattle due to the resulting chronic diarrhoea, weight loss, decreased production, infertility and eventual death. While faecal oral route of infection is generally recognised, reports about semen-derived infection are rare. The objective of this work was to assess whether M.a. paratuberculosis may disseminate from the gastrointestinal tract to reproductive organs, and compare this event between naturally infected bull-calves and breeding bulls. Ten bull-calves, aged 6-28 weeks and four breeding bulls were tested by serology, faecal and tissue culture, IS900 PCR and RFLP. In seven bull-calves M.a. paratuberculosis was isolated predominantly from mesenteric lymph nodes (75%); isolates from mucosa of the intestine constituted 25%. In three breeding bulls, M.a. paratuberculosis was isolated both from intestinal mucosa and mesenteric lymph nodes. Head and mediastinal lymph nodes, liver, spleen and semen of bull no. 1 (Holstein-Friesian); testes and epididymis of bull no. 2 (Piemonte); testes, epididymides and seminal vesicle of bull No. 3 (Hereford); and seminal vesicle of bull No. 4 (Simmental) tested positive by culture. Hot-start PCR revealed M.a. paratuberculosis in semen, seminal vesicle and intestinal tissue where culture isolation was difficult. Isolates from bull-calves and breeding bulls were of RFLP types B-C9 and B-C1, respectively. Bull-calves born in infected herd can be sources of infection when later used for natural mating or artificial insemination. Sub-clinically infected bulls release M.a. paratuberculosis into semen, consequently infecting the uterine environment of cows.     

Morphological study of the oesophagus and stomach of the Gopher snake Pituophis catenifer

The gastrointestinal tract of the snake has various distinctions from mammals, birds and other reptiles. Five gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) were studied in relation to the gross anatomical measurements of visceral organs relative to body length as well as the histology of the oesophagus and the stomach. The oesophagus closely resembles the empty stomach upon gross examination. A small palpable thickening was observed at the junction of the oesophagus with the stomach. In both the oesophagus and the stomach, there were cellular and structural differences observed in the tunica mucosa which can be linked to the feeding habits and natural biology of the snake when compared to those of mammals. Both oesophagus and stomach were lined by simple columnar to pseudostratified columnar epithelium. There were no glands in the wall of the oesophagus. Scattered ciliated triangular cells (brush cells) were present among the columnar epithelial cells in the distal portion of the oesophagus. The stomach can be divided into three portions (proximal, middle and distal). The stomach has a small non-glandular portion with low folds. After this small non-glandular portion, glands started to appear and gradually increase in quantity. The largest quantity of glands appeared in the middle portion of the stomach with more branching folds resulting in a decrease in the lumen diameter. The tunica muscularis increased in thickness at the oesophageal and the pyloric-duodenal junctions. Positive statistical correlations were established in thickness of the tunica muscularis between proximal and distal portions of the oesophagus and the stomach.     

Pathological studies on systemic mycoses in calves.

Systemic mycoses were found in 19 (4.7%) of 406 calves less than 6 months old which were autopsied during the past 10 years. Alimentary mycosis occurred in 12 (63.2%) of 19 cases. In alimentary mycosis, mucormycosis showed the highest rate of occurrence (91.7%, 11/12 calves) followed by aspergillosis 41.7% and candidiasis was 9.3%. Mucormycosis and aspergillosis were characterized by focal hemorrhagic necroses with hyphal proliferation and thrombi in the mucosa and muscular layers of the forestomach, abomasum, and small intestine. Candidiasis was characterized by hyperkeratosis with pseudohyphae and microconidia in the mucosa of the omasum. Four of 12 calves (33.3%) had mixed infections of the alimentary tract consisting of Mucorales and Aspergillus species. Pulmonary aspergillosis was found in 10 (52.6%) of 19 calves. There were micro-abscesses with hyphal proliferation or asteroid bodies in the lungs. Infections involving both the alimentary tract and respiratory organs were noted in 3 (10.5%) of 19 calves. Disseminated mycosis was found only in one calf. In alimentary mycosis, administration of antibiotics for the treatment of diarrhea and early weaning were thought to be an important predisposing factor.     

Diagnosis of stomach carcinoma in the horse

In 10 horses, which were referred to the clinic with the suspicion of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, gastroscopy revealed a gastric tumour. In ten cases the diagnosis of a squamous cell carcinoma was made on the basis of histology of biopsies or autopsy. The tumour always derived from the non-glandulary mucosa. The horses showed various clinical symptoms. All patients had a hypoalbuminemia and a hyperglobulinemia in the serum electrophoresis. This suggests that a gastric tumour can be suspected intra-vitam even without gastroscopy of the patient.     

Morphology and histology of the adult Paramphistomum gracile Fischoeder, 1901

In the present study, we evaluated the histological morphology of the adult Paramphistomum (P.) gracile. Adult flukes with bodies 5~15 mm in length and 2~7 mm in width were subjected to histological analysis. Longitudinal and transversal serial-sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and examined. The body surface and longitudinal section of P. gracile were also assessed using scanning electron microscopy. In this species, the anterior sucker and posterior sucker (acetabulum) were present on an anterior and posterior part of the body, respectively. The major folds were located in the areas of the anterior sucker, genital canal, and posterior sucker. The fluke membrane was spineless at the tegument surface and in the tegument tissue. Histological data showed structural-systematic characteristics of the digestive tract, reproductive tract, excretory tract, copulatory organs, connective tissues, and muscle tissues. We attempted to elucidate the histological characteristics of P. gracile that might increase the knowledge and understanding of rumen fluke morphology.     

Polyamines in the gastro-intestinal tract of goat kids and in the regenerating ruminal epithelium of sheep

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether temporal changes in polyamine concentration and synthesis could be found in the luminal content and wall tissue of the rumen and abomasum, two organs which have entirely different growth patterns during the first month of life. In the abomasal mucosa there was a marked gradual decrease in the ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity during the first month of life, while the ODC activity in the ruminal mucosa was low during the whole experimental period. However, injury of the rumen wall was followed by increased ODC activity. The ODC activity in duodenal mucosa was about 10 times higher than in the ileal mucosa and the ruminal epithelium. In ruminal liquid a clear peak in ODC activity was observed during the period 51-70 days after birth. The polyamine concentration did not parallel the ODC activity, in either the ruminal epithelium or the ruminal liquid. Of the polyamines, the spermine concentration was always highest, and with the exception of duodenal mucosa, the putrescine concentration was lowest. In liver a clear decrease in spermidine concentration from day 1 to about day 60 after birth was observed. Otherwise no marked temporal changes in tissue polyamine concentrations were observed. Two and a half hours after oral administration of 14C-labelled spermine, nearly all of the radioactivity was found in the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract. On the other hand, 1 h after intravenous injection of polyamines the walls of the gastrointestinal tract were strongly labelled. In conclusion, the polyamines needed for ruminal epithelial development seem to come from sources other than the ruminal epithelium itself or the ruminal lumen.     

黄牛呼吸道CD3+淋巴细胞分布的研究

CD3⁺是T细胞群的重要表面标志,呼吸道黏膜下分布的CD3⁺淋巴细胞作为抗感染黏膜免疫的基础,在保护机体抵抗呼吸道感染中发挥重要作用。为了解黄牛呼吸道CD3⁺淋巴细胞和淋巴组织的分布,本研究运用HE染色法和免疫组织学方法对5头7岁健康婆罗门黄牛的鼻黏膜、气管、肺内支气管及肺脏组织的CD3⁺淋巴细胞和淋巴组织的分布进行了研究。结果显示,黄牛的鼻黏膜、气管、肺内支气管和肺脏组织中均分布有CD3⁺淋巴细胞,且主要分布于黏膜上皮间及其下方固有层中及腺体周围;在鼻黏膜和肺脏组织中分布有CD3⁺淋巴细胞形成的弥散淋巴组织。牛呼吸道中CD3⁺淋巴细胞数量在鼻黏膜和肺脏组织中分布最多,气管黏膜、肺内支气管黏膜次之。本试验结果明确了CD3⁺淋巴细胞在黄牛呼吸道中的分布谱,表明黄牛呼吸道具备引发局部黏膜免疫的基础条件,为牛呼吸道黏膜免疫及呼吸道疾病防治研究提供了数据支撑。     

Predisposing factors in enterotoxemias of camels (Camelus dromedarius) caused by Clostridium perfringens type A.

C. perfringens type A was isolated from different organs and intestines from breeding and racing camels which died from peracute and acute enterotoxemias in two separate outbreaks. Pathological changes in the digestive tract were mild in breeding camels, and severe in racing camels. A polyvalent clostridial antiserum of bovine origin given intravenously had a life-saving effect on breeding camels, but not on racing camels. In the two outbreaks, fifty percent of the breeding camels were suffering from an acute Trypanosoma evansi infection, and 25% of the racing camels had developed a salmonellosis. It is suggested that both infections played an important role as predisposing factors for the outbreak of C. perfringens enterotoxemias.     

Three‐Dimensional Architecture of the Ovine Oviductal Mucosa

The objective of this work was to establish for the first time a complete three‐dimensional model of the ovine oviductal mucosa. The oviducts of 15 cyclic ewes were examined combining the direct examination of the mucosa, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histology, with the SEM observation of resin moulds of the oviductal lumen. Around the ostium abdominale, all longitudinal primary folds and wide secondary are seen to form cul‐de‐sacs, with their opening pointing in the ovarian direction were observed. At the connection of the ampulla to the isthmus, there is a sharp change in the morphology, from a high folded structure to a smoother one. In the utero‐tubal junction, the primary folds broaden and become more voluminous, the lumen has a slit‐like appearance, and secondary folds form cul‐de‐sacs with their opening oriented towards the uterus. The areas between the folds throughout the lumen of the oviduct show a high degree of complexity. The presence of crypts was observed in all the regions studied, branched in the ampulla and spiniform in the isthmus. Marked variations were observed in the oviductal epithelium depending on the oviductal segment and the basal or apical areas of the folds. The variations found regarding the phase of the oestrous cycle were similar to those described in studies of other species. The anatomy of the oviductal mucosa provides a complex system that seems to be designed to regulate the movement of fluids and the passage of cells within the oviductal canal.     

Determination of cytogenetic markers for biological monitoring in coypu (Myocastor coypu)

Cytogenetic tests are used to assess the influence of physical and chemical factors with potential mutagenic and genotoxic properties on the animal organism. The test results make it possible to eliminate mutagens, as well as helping predict possible genetic consequences in animal cells and assess animal resistance. The aim of this study was to examine, using cytogenetic tests, the spontaneous chromosome and DNA damage in coypu lymphocytes. Four tests: fragile site (FS), bleomycin (BLM), micronucleus, (MN) and comet were used for the first time in coypu cells. The averages with standard deviations obtained in the research were as follows: 3.30 ± 0.80 fragile sites/cell; 0.63 ± 0.80 BLM damage/cell; 6.10 ± 0.53% binucleated cells with MN; and 3.24 ± 0.63% DNA in tail. The present analysis showed high interindividual variation in spontaneous chromosomal and DNA damage levels. In the case of micronucleus, fragile sites, and comet assays, the differences between animals were statistically significant. The data suggest that these assays are sensitive enough to detect some effects on an individual animal and can be proposed as tools for coypu biomonitoring.     

山羊消化道寄生虫感染情况调查及防制

本研究对贵阳市某种羊场的山羊进行消化道寄生虫检查,结果表明,该羊场山羊消化道寄生虫的感染率达100%。寄生种类有线虫、吸虫、绦虫、球虫,分别是捻转血矛线虫(Haemonchus contortus)、毛圆线虫(Trichostrongylus)、夏伯特线虫(Chabertia)、乳突类圆线虫(Strongyloides papillosus)、仰口线虫(Bunostomum)、食道口线虫(Oesophagostomum)、马歇尔线虫(Marshallagia)、钝刺细颈线虫(Nematodirus spathiner)、肝片吸虫(Fasciola hepatica)、胰阔盘吸虫(Eurytrema pancreaticum)、槽盘吸虫(Ogmocoty)、莫尼茨绦虫(Moniezia)、曲子宫绦虫(Helictometra)、艾美耳球虫(Eimeria)等,为多种虫混合感染。根据调查结果采取了相应的综合防制措施。     

Anatomicohistological Characteristics of the Ovary of the Coypu (Myocastor coypus)

Using histological, histochemical and macroscopic and microscopic measurement techniques, the macroscopic and microscopic structures of coypu ovaries were studied in sexually mature virgin females. The mature ovaries of the coypu were ovoid or elongated bodies, not encapsulated, covered by a single layer of epithelium. They had a parenchyma formed by follicles at different stages of evolution and true and accessory corpora lutea. The interstitial tissue was a prominent and permanent structure in the ovaries. Some ovaries contained a few rete ovarii in the hilus.     

Laryngotracheal injury associated with nasotracheal intubation in the horse

Laryngotracheal damage following short-term nasotracheal intubation was studied in 7 healthy horses. A flexible fiberoptic endoscope was used to examine the upper respiratory tract of each horse before nasal intubation with a cuffed silicone endotracheal tube and again at 1 hour, 24 hours, and 48 hours after extubation. Any abnormalities still evident at 48 hours were evaluated at 7 days after extubation. Mucosal damage involved the nasal meatus (5 of 7 horses), the arytenoid cartilages (5 of 7 horses), the trachea (5 of 7 horses), the dorsal pharyngeal recess (4 of 7 horses), the vocal folds (3 of 7 horses), and the entrance to the guttural pouch (3 of 7 horses). Laryngeal injury was attributable to tube pressure on the arytenoid cartilages and vocal folds. Tracheal damage appeared to be a function of pressure exerted by the inflated cuff on the tracheal mucosa.     

Colonization of the intestine of turkey embryos exposed to Mycoplasma iowae

Eight-day-old turkey embryos were inoculated into the yolk sac with 3 X 10(5) colony-forming units of Mycoplasma iowae strain D112 in order to study the growth-depressing effect, the histopathological changes, and colonization of the intestinal tract. The embryo: egg weight ratio was significantly lower in the inoculated eggs than in controls. Histologically, there were infiltrations in parenchymatous organs and chorioallantoic membranes with heterophilic granulocytes. M. Iowae was demonstrated on the intestinal mucosa by antibody fluorescent microscopy and by transmission electron microscopy. Attaching mycoplasmas had a distinct morphology; the segment in contact with enterocytes was cone-shaped and had finely granulated cytoplasma which was abruptly separated from the distal coarsely granulated area. We conclude that M. iowae has a predilection for the intestinal tract of avian hosts.     

Histological and histochemical study of the proventriculus (Ventriculus glandularis) of common starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

The histological and histochemical structures of the proventriculus of starling (Sturnus vulgaris) were examined using haematoxylin and eosin and special staining, that is periodic acid schiff (PAS), Masson's trichrome, Alcian blue, Orcein and Reticulin. All three cranial, middle and caudal parts of the proventriculus were also studied. The study results showed that the wall of the proventriculus consisted of mucosal, submucosal, muscular and serosal tunics. The mucosal tunic presented folds and sulci on its luminal surface. In the first third of the proventriculus, the tunica mucosa characterized by presence of folds lined by stratified squamous epithelium and presence of simple tubular glands in the lamina propria. In the middle and caudal thirds of the proventriculus, the surface was covered by a columnar epithelium, and the branched tubular glands were extended through the lamina propria. From the base of the branched tubular glands, the deep proventricular glands were observed that were compound tubuloalveolar lobules. The surface epithelium of the tunica mucosa and the cells lining the proventricular glands showed a positive reaction to PAS and Alcian blue stainings. In addition, the epithelial cells of the tubular and branched tubular glands showed Masson's trichrome-positive reaction. The submucosal tunic was thin in the proventricular wall. The tunica muscularis was formed by a thin inner layer of longitudinal smooth muscle fibres and a thick outer layer of circular fibres. The serosa consisted of loose connective tissue, rich in blood vessels and covered by mesothelium.     

Autopsy results of a case of ingestion of sodium hydroxide solution

Sodium hydroxide is a strongly corrosive alkali. We describe herein a case of suicide by ingestion of sodium hydroxide. A man in his 80s was found dead with a mug and a bottle of caustic soda. Macroscopically, liquefaction and/or disappearance of esophagus, trachea and lung tissue and a grayish discoloration of the mucosa of the stomach were seen along with blackish brown coloration of the skin, mouth, and oral cavity. The contents of the gastrointestinal tract showed a pH level of 7–8 on pH indicator strips. Histopathologically, liquefactive necrosis of remnant lung tissue and the stomach were seen. As biological reactions such as vasodilatation and inflammation were not detected in these organs, only a short number of hours must have passed between ingestion and death. This human case provides valuable information concerning the direct irritation induced by systemic exposure to corrosive substances.