Vergleich der histologischen Struktur der Kompakta der langen Röhren-knochen bei Maus, Hamster, Ratte, Meerschweinchen, Kaninchen, Katze und Hund während der Altersentwicklung

This paper reports on histological examinations of the diaphyseal structure of the long bones (humerus, radius, ulna, os femoris and tibia) of mouse, hamster, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, cat, and dog using six animals in three different age groups. There are considerable differences in structure between the species. The results show that with increasing height in the evolution of the species and period of life, as well as advancing age, the differentiation and complexity of bone structures increases. The differences in structure between the localization of bones within the individual species are not considerable. The species comparison results in great similarities between the bone structures of each of mouse and hamster, of rat and guinea pig, as well as of cat and dog. The bone structure of the animals examined becomes more similar to the human structure from mouse, hamster, rat, guinea pig, rabbit, and cat to dog.     

Partial sequence of Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) immunoglobulin gamma heavy chain constant region

We determined the sequence of the immunoglobulin gamma heavy‐chain constant (IGHC) region of the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). To isolate a part of the IGHC complementary DNA, we designed primers on the basis of highly conserved sequences in mouse, rat and hamster. The deduced IGHC is structurally similar to counterparts in other mammalian species and shows 84.6% identity to the IGHC of hamster IgG, 76.6% to rat IgG1, 83.3% to rat IgG2a, 78.1% to mouse IgG1, 81.8% to mouse IgG2a, 79.1% to mouse IgG2b and 79.2% to mouse IgG3 at the nucleotide level. The results suggest that gerbil IgG is closely related to hamster IgG and rat IgG2a.     

Normal anatomical and histochemical characteristics of the lacrimal glands in the American bison and cattle

Dorsal lacrimal glands, superior glands of the third eyelid and Harderian glands (deep gland of the third eyelid) from 19 bison and 18 cattle free of apparent ocular disease were examined to compare the normal anatomical properties of these glands. All glands were characterized and measured (length and width). The gross anatomy of the dorsal lacrimal glands was similar, with the exception of a bipartite gland in cattle. The bison's superior gland of the third eyelid and Harderian gland was longer as compared with cattle. A subset of the bison and cattle samples (five bison and five cattle) was sectioned for histological and histochemical analysis. The histology of the dorsal lacrimal and superior gland of the third eyelid revealed tubuloalveolar cells with basophilic vacuolated cytoplasm in bison and eosinophilic granular cytoplasm in cattle. The Harderian glands consisted of a tubuloalveolar anterior part combined with large lumens acini lined with cuboidal epithelium in the posterior part; the posterior part of the bison Harderian gland was more predominant than in cattle samples. Mucosubstance histochemistry revealed acidic and neutral glycoproteins with similar staining patterns in all glands of both species.     

Husbandry and medicine of small rodents

Biology, physiology, husbandry, and commonly occurring diseases of small rodent pets, including the Syrian hamster, Mongolian gerbil, rat, and mouse, are presented.     

Investigations on the conjunctival goblet cells and on the characteristics of glands associated with the eye in the guinea pig

Objective To investigate the distribution and density of conjunctival goblet cells (GC) and to study the anatomy and microscopic characteristics of glands associated with the eye in the guinea pig. Procedures Twenty‐five guinea pigs were used. Meibomian gland openings were counted using biomicroscopy. Conjunctiva, eyelids and glands were embedded in glycol methacrylate and paraffin. Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid Schiff’s reaction (PAS) and Alcian blue (AB). Results Highest GC densities were found in the bulbar and palpebral region of the nasal conjunctiva (GC index: 13.7–16.4%). Lowest GC densities (GC index: 0.0–1.0%) were found in 3/4 limbal regions (nasal and temporal upper eyelid, temporal lower eyelid). Guinea pigs have 27.1 ± 3.0 (mean ± SD) meibomian gland openings in the upper lid and 25.7 ± 2.3 in the lower lid. Difference between upper and lower lid was significant (P = 0.037). Two subconjunctival sebaceous glands occur temporal to each eye. The Harderian gland is very large. In the lacrimal gland three different cell types were distinguished both according to the cell structure and histochemical staining. Conclusions Goblet cell densities are lower in guinea pigs than in dogs and horses. Positive staining with PAS and AB could be an indication that mucins are produced in the lacrimal gland. If so, they may contribute to the mucin layer of the tear film. Both the extraordinarily large Harderian gland and the subconjunctival sebaceous glands produce lipids and may contribute to the lipid layer of the tear film.     

Supplementation of heterologous complement induces anti-Thy-1.1 nephritis in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus)

Anti-Thy-1.1 nephritis in the rat is a popular experimental model for mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (GN). This model is characterized by direct binding of anti-Thy-1.1 antibody with Thy-1.1 antigen expressed on mesangial cells (MCs) of glomeruli in the rat. A single injection of anti-rat thymocyte serum (ARTS) results in GN with proteinuria and extensive mesangiolysis. Development of mesangiolysis and proteinuria are complement-dependent. We previously demonstrated Thy-1.1 antigen, similar to the rat, in thymocytes, brain cells and MCs of the kidney in the Mongolian gerbil (MG). In this study, we attempted to develop a MG nephritis model, but an injection of ARTS did not induce GN. An additional injection of guinea pig serum as a complement after ARTS injection resulted in anti-Thy-1.1 nephritis in MG. Degeneration of MCs and neutrophil infiltration were observed 1 hr after GP serum injection. Mesangiolysis and fibrin exudation occurred 12 hr after the injection and MC proliferation was apparent 7 days after the injection. In the complement-dependent hemolytic test, MG serum could not hemolyze sheep erythrocytes. These results suggested low activity, or depletion of some factors, in complements of MG serum.     

Susceptibility of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) to leptospires and the protective effect of vaccination

Mongolian gerbils, Meriones unguiculatus, were shown to be highly susceptible to Leptospira interrogans serovars such as icterohaemorrhagiae, copenhageni, canicola, autumnalis, javanica, pyrogenes and hebdomadis as compared to guinea pigs and hamsters. Mortality with signs of haemorrhage and jaundice was recorded in all experimental rodents after intraperitoneal inoculation with all strains of the serovars indicated. However, Mongolian gerbils were comparatively susceptible to strains which were of low virulence to guinea pigs and hamsters. Use of leptospiral vaccination proved effective in protecting the animals against inoculum challenges. The Mongolian gerbil is a species that may be selectively and preferentially useful for assays on the protective effects of leptospiral vaccination.     

河西走廊北部荒漠草地长爪沙鼠防治指标研究

长爪沙鼠是河西走廊北部荒漠草地的优势鼠类,危害严重。古浪县位于河西走廊东部,北部荒漠草地的长爪沙鼠,5月鼠密度在29．1只／hm^2～52．3只／hm^2之间,至9月造成牧草损失586kg／hm^2。通过调查鼠密度和牧草损失量,结果充分显示长爪沙鼠的种群密度与其造成的损失量之间呈明显的正相关关系,其回归方程式为：M=13．96×-8．10。通过防治及综合分析研究后提出在河西走廊的古浪县北部荒漠草地长爪沙鼠的防治指标为5．33只／hm^2,5月份防治。     

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.     

Comparative Morphology of the Arterial Circle of the Brain in Some Species of Mammals

Investigations were performed on 10 adult individuals of chinchilla ( Chinchilla laniger ), midday gerbil ( Gerbillus gerbillus ), rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ), guinea pig ( Cavia porcellus ) and Egyptian spiny mouse ( Acomys cahirinus ). The animals were killed with ether anaesthesia and injected with coloured acryl latex through the abdominal aorta or left heart ventricle. The heads of the animals were fixed in formalin and after decalcification in 5% HNO₃, injected arteries of the base of the brain were exposed. The different types of arterial circle of the brain in investigated species were observed. The open type with morphological asymmetry in the anterior part was found in chinchilla. It depended on an unusually strongly developed anterior cerebral artery at the right side. In the midday gerbil the most common form was the closed type of investigated circle, with a lack of typical communicating artery posterior. The morphological asymmetry of the anterior part of the circle without fully developed anterior cerebral artery was found in the rabbit. Typical, the closed type of investigated structure with little individual variability was observed in guinea pig. The most individual variability connected with anterior and posterior part of the Willi's circle was found in the Egyptian spiny mouse where it was difficult to describe the typical arterial circle of the base of the brain.     

Lactate dehydrogenase and creatine phosphokinase isoenzymes in tissues of laboratory animals

The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) isoenzyme distributions in tissues of the ICR mouse, Wistar rat, guinea pig and golden hamster were analyzed by histoelectrophoresis. Tissues obtained were as follows: liver, pancreas, stomach, small intestine, heart, femoral muscle, uterus, kidney, spleen, lymph node, cerebrum, spinal cord and erythrocyte. Histoelectrophoresis was for the direct analysis of LDH and CPK isoenzymes in the tissues and had high practical value compared with previous tissue-extraction methods. In tissues of the mouse, guinea pig and golden hamster, LDH isoenzymes showed five bands. In the rat, LDH isoenzyme was separated into four fractions. CPK isoenzyme showed three bands; BB, MB and MM. In some tissues, the MM band was separated into two sub fractions.     

Immunohistochemical localization of chromogranin A in normal tissues from laboratory animals

To analyze the distribution of Chromogranin A in endocrine cells of various species of laboratory animals (dog, gerbil, guinea pig, hamster, monkey, mouse, and fetal, neonatal, and adult rats), normal tissues were stained immunohistochemically with polyclonal anti-bovine Chromogranin A antiserum (SP-1). Selected tissues (pituitary, adrenal, thyroid, parathyroid, pancreas, brain, peripheral nerve, stomach, small and large intestine, bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph node, and liver) from these species and from the rabbit were stained with two monoclonal anti-human Chromogranin A antibodies (LK2H10 and PHE5) to compare the immunoreactivities of the monoclonal antibodies and polyclonal antiserum. Staining with the polyclonal antiserum (SP-1) resulted in a broader spectrum of immunoreactivity but had more nonspecific background staining than either monoclonal antibody. Immunoreactivity and staining intensity with SP-1 varied between species, but most endocrine tissues (pituitary cells in the anterior and intermediate lobes, thyroid "C" cells, adrenal medulla, parathyroid, pancreatic islets, and enterochromaffin cells) from most species stained positively. In some species, pancreatic alpha cells stained more intensely, and two populations of adrenal medullary cells with different staining intensities were observed. Sciatic nerve (axonal area) was immunoreactive with monoclonal antibodies and/or the polyclonal antiserum in several species. The spectrum of immunoreactive tissues from fetal and neonatal rats increased with age. There was good cross-reactivity between species with SP-1, but not with either LK2H10 or PHE5. These results indicate that many endocrine cells with secretory granules in laboratory animals express Chromogranin A and that a polyclonal antiserum, such as SP-1, is more sensitive in detecting this protein in various species than monoclonal antibodies such as LK2H10 or PHE5.     

Diphenylamine-induced renal papillary necrosis and necrosis of the pars recta in laboratory rodents

The nephrotoxicity of diphenylamine, the parent compound of the mefenamate family of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, was evaluated in male Syrian hamsters, male Sprague-Dawley rats, and male Mongolian gerbils. Total renal papillary necrosis was observed in four of ten, seven of ten, and six of ten male Syrian hamsters orally treated with diphenylamine at respective doses of 400 mg/kg body weight/day, 600 mg/kg body weight/day, and 800 mg/kg body weight/day. Total renal papillary necrosis was also observed in five of ten and four of ten male Syrian hamsters intraperitoneally treated with diphenylamine at respective doses of 600 mg/kg body weight/day and 800 mg/kg body weight/day. Focal intermediate renal papillary necrosis was induced in two hamsters orally given diphenylamine at 600 mg/kg body weight/day and in two of ten hamsters intraperitoneally given diphenylamine at 800 mg/kg body weight/day. Apex-limited necrosis of the medullary interstitial cells and vasa recta and degeneration of the renal interstitial matrix occurred in two Sprague-Dawley rats orally administered diphenylamine at 800 mg/kg body weight/day. Degeneration and necrosis of the pars recta was induced in seven of ten hamsters intraperitoneally given diphenylamine at 400 mg/kg body weight/day. Gross and microscopic renal lesions were not observed in any Mongolian gerbils. It was concluded that the Syrian hamster is more susceptible to the papillotoxic effects of diphenylamine than the Sprague-Dawley rat and the Mongolian gerbil. Renal papillary necrosis in the Syrian hamster treated orally with diphenylamine is reproducible, is of short onset, and is induced in a high proportion of the hamsters (70-90%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Glandular structures in the major interlobular and extrapancreatic ducts in the guinea pig

The morphology of the pancreatic duct system did not receive much attention as compared to the microanatomy of the exocrine and endocrine pancreas. The histological peculiarities of the excretory duct system are of major importance especially in laboratory animals like guinea pigs. The paper describes the histological peculiarities of the major interlobular and extrapancreatic ducts in guinea pigs. The pancreatic tissue samples were collected from five guinea pigs. For histological investigation, several pancreatic fragments underwent fixation in 10% buffered formalin and were later processed by the standard paraffin technique. Subsequentially, tissue sections were stained by Goldner's trichrome staining. The mucous substances were assessed by Alcian blue and Periodic acid–Schiff staining methods. The interlobular and main pancreatic ducts in the guinea pig present a simple columnar epithelium surrounded by a thick layer of dense connective tissue. The aforementioned epithelium of the main pancreatic ducts includes principal cells, goblet cells and basal cells. Additionally, the ductal epithelium presents occasional unicellular multiloculated intraepithelial mucous glands and prominent extraepithelial glands. The latter adopts a simple or compound tubular feature. The mucus elaborated by the three glandular types is mostly neutral in goblet cells, predominantly acidic in extraepithelial ductal glands, and a similar amount of acidic and neutral mucin in intraepithelial glands. In conclusion, the epithelium-associated mucous glands in the interlobular and main pancreatic ducts in the guinea pig are restricted not only to goblet cells. A substantial mucous discharge probably with a protecting role against irritative pancreatic juice derives from the main ductal intraepithelial and extraepithelial glands.     

Cytochemical demonstration of esterases in peripheral blood leukocytes.

Cytochemical methods for alpha naphthyl acetate esterase and chloroacetate esterase have been used to identify human monocytes and granulocytes. In this study, a standard procedure for staining alpha naphthyl acetate and chloroacetate esterase activities was modified by extending the range of pH of the incubation mixture and the duration of staining and was applied to cat, dog, goat, guinea pig, hamster, human, pig, rabbit, rat, and sheep leukocytes. The results for both enzymes showed (1) incubation time and pH had discrete effects on staining and (2) species differences for in vitro conditions to demonstrate esterase activity were pronounced.     

Investigations on the conjunctival goblet cells and the characteristics of the glands associated with the eye in chinchillas (Chinchilla Laniger)

Objective To investigate the density and distribution of conjunctival goblet cells (GC) and study the anatomy and microscopic characteristics of glands associated with the eye in chinchillas (Chinchilla Laniger). Procedure 12 chinchillas were included in the study. Conjunctiva (divided into four regions), eyelids, and glands were embedded in paraffin wax, sectioned, stained, and analyzed. Results Highest GC densities were found in the palpebral region of the nasal and temporal conjunctiva of both eyelids (GC index: 25.1-18.2%), and lowest densities, in the bulbar and marginal region of the nasal and temporal conjunctiva of both eyelids (GC index: 1.5-0.0%). Meibomian glands extend along the entire length of both eyelids, and the whole glandular complex broadens toward the temporal canthus. This is macroscopically visible through the conjunctiva. The openings of the Meibomian glands are macroscopically not discernible. The light pink, smooth, and crescent-shaped lacrimal gland lies next to the aforementioned broadened part of the Meibomian glands in the temporal canthus. The whitish, 0.9-cm-long, smooth Harderian gland is firmly attached to the posterior part of the globe and extends nasally from the optic nerve to the equator. Furthermore, chinchillas possess two lacrimal puncta, situated on the inner conjunctival surface of both eyelids near the medial canthus. A pigmented lacrimal canaliculus originates from each punctum. The vestigial nictitating membrane is supported by a hyaline cartilage and is pigmented at its free margin. Conclusions Chinchillas possess a Harderian gland, a lacrimal gland, and Meibomian glands. The GC density in the nasal and temporal palpebral conjunctiva is higher than in guinea pigs.     

Spontaneous rosette formation of pig and guinea pig thymocytes and peripheral blood lymphocytes: influence of proteases, oxidising and reducing agents, cytochalasin B and carbohydrates

Spontaneous rosette formation (SRF) of pig and guinea pig thymocytes (Th) and thymus derived peripheral blood lymphocytes (PTL) was tested under different experimental conditions. Treatment with different proteases (trypsin, chymotrypsin, protease type VII) showed that SRF of pig Th and PTL is inhibited to a much higher extent than that of guinea pig Th and PTL. Cytochalasin B (CB) inhibited SRF of PTL of both species to a higher degree as compared to Th. Different carbohydrates neither influenced SRF of Th nor of PTL in both species indicating that simple carbohydrates are not the recognized component of SRF receptors. Treatment with oxidising and reducing agents did not influence SRF.     

The orbital Harderian gland of the male atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus): a morphological study

The ultrastructure of the Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin Harderian gland (HG) has been described but some questions remain unanswered. The purpose of this work was to define the gland's structure, ultrastructure and the differences between cells (types I and II) of the male dolphin using optic, fluorescence and electron transmission microscopy. Three different cells were observed under optic and fluorescence microscopic examination, while only two cell types (types I and II) were distinguished by electron transmission microscopy. Type I (oval nuclear envelope) exhibited three different cell populations and type II (indented nuclear envelope) exhibited two different cell populations. Although, we observed both types of vesicles in both types of cells they differed, principally, in quantity. The glands also possessed prominent duct systems, with three orders of complexity. The dolphin orbital HG appears to function as a mixed heterologous gland with two types of cells that exhibit both types of vesicles and other distinguishable differences.     

Sequential changes in the harderian and exorbital lacrimal glands in Wistar rats infected with sialodacryoadenitis virus

A sequential light and electron microscopic study of the exorbital and Harderian lacrimal glands was done on 2.5- to 15-month-old Wistar rats exposed to sialodacryoadenitis (SDA) virus. Typical coronaviral particles were readily demonstrated in cytoplasmic vesicles of Harderian and exorbital glands examined at 6 days post-inoculation. Lesions were seen in a relatively high percentage of lacrimal glands in infected animals of all ages, with no obvious age-related variations in the incidence and extent of changes. Lesions frequently persisted for a longer interval post-exposure in lacrimal glands than in salivary glands. The persistence of lesions commonly seen in Harderian glands was attributed, at least in part, to the cytotoxic effects of porphyrin-containing secretions released during the acute necrotizing stages of the disease. The persistence of lesions in some lacrimal glands indicates that they are useful tissues for microscopic examination for the retrospective provisional diagnosis of SDA. Persistent lesions also indicate that normal functions of these glands may be compromised for up to several weeks following outbreaks of SDA.