3D morphometric study of domestic fowl glomerulus—A scanning electron microscope study of vascular corrosion casts

Microvascularization of domestic fowl kidneys was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vascular corrosion casts (VCCs). Two types of nephrons, mammalian-type (MT) and reptilian-type (RT) nephrons and their glomerular structure were analysed quantitatively by 3D morphometry. A significant difference in shape and size between the MT and RT glomeruli was found. The mean diameter of the RT glomeruli was about 56 µm, while that of MT glomeruli was significantly larger, namely about 80 µm. The afferent arterioles in mammalian-type glomeruli usually bifurcated into two lobular branches and formed a complex glomerular capillary network with numerous loops. Reptilian-type glomeruli consisted of a single capillary forming few loops and leaving the glomerulus as efferent arteriole. Diameters of afferent and efferent arteriolar replicas were similar in all three kidney divisions of MT and RT nephrons. The absence of the interconnecting branches between the MT nephron capillaries at the gross inspection suggests that the mammalian-type nephron glomeruli, although more complex than the reptilian type, are not equivalent to those in mammalian kidneys.     

Mesangioproliferative Glomerulonephritis in Mink with Encephalitozoonosis

Renal specimens from 6 mink with encephalitozoonosis were studied by light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. The glomeruli of affected kidneys had a mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis which was characterized by an increase in mesangial cells and matrix in most glomeruli. Some glomeruli were partially or completely sclerosed. There were protein or granular casts in the cortical and medullary tubules. Interstitial nephritis, vasculitis and tubular cysts were found. Electron microscopy demonstrated extensive matrix and increased cellularity in the mesangial areas. Glomeruli showed segmentally thickened or wrinkled capillary basement membranes. Electron dense deposits were found in the glomerular basement membranes and mesangium. Peroxidase-anti-peroxidase immunohistochemistry demonstrated that IgG and IgM positive material was present as granular deposits in the glomerular basement membrane and occasionally in the mesangium.     

Scanning electron microscopy of cellular and acellular glomeruli of male dogs affected with Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy and a carrier female.

Glomeruli isolated from three male dogs affected with Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy were compared by scanning electron microscopy with glomeruli of one carrier female and six unaffected dogs. Scanning electron microscopy was performed before and after removal of podocytes and endothelial cells with enzyme and detergent, producing cellular and acellular glomeruli respectively. Cellular glomeruli of unaffected dogs showed podocytes with normally arranged foot processes, while in acellular glomeruli, the subepithelial surface of glomerular capillary basement membranes appeared smooth to finely granular. In contrast, cellular glomeruli of affected males showed microvilli, globular cytoplasmic projections from podocytes, and effacement of foot processes; acellular glomeruli demonstrated ridges and plaque-like irregularities on the subepithelial surface of glomerular capillary basement membranes. Changes in the glomeruli of the carrier female were intermediate between those of unaffected and affected male dogs. The appearance of the subepithelial surface of glomerular capillary basement membranes of acellular glomeruli seen by scanning electron microscopy correlated with the extent of multilaminar splitting of glomerular capillary basement membranes seen by transmission electron microscopy.     

Atypical membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in a cat

Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis was observed in a 2-year-old male Japanese domestic cat with clinical renal failure. In the glomeruli, moderate mesangial hypercellularity with an increased mesangial matrix and thickening of the capillary walls were prominent. In addition, frequent duplication of the capillary walls, splitting, and spike formation were observed in the glomerular basement membrane. Granular cat IgG and complement component deposition were detected globally along the glomerular capillary walls and in the mesangium. Transmission electron microscopy revealed dense deposits in the subendothelial and subepithelial regions and the mesangium. Mesangial interposition was also observed. These glomerular lesions are also found in humans with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis type III, which has not been reported in animals.     

Scanning electron microscopy of vascular architecture in the mucosa of sheep omasal laminae

Three dimensional vascular architecture in the omasal laminae of sheep was studied by scanning electron microscopy of corrosion casts. The omasal laminae were equipped with well-developed subepithelial capillary network with various capillary loops and inter-papillar undulations. The capillary loops were more highly developed in the omasal papillae than in the inter-papillar space and more in the oral region than in the aboral. The capillary loops were inconspicuous in the inter-papillar space of the middle and aboral regions and in the omasal papillae of the aboral region. On the other hand, the inter-papillar undulation of the capillary network was more conspicuous in the aboral region than in the other regions of the omasal mucosa. These findings may indicate a regional diversity in the function of the omasal laminae.     

Collagen fiber arrangement in canine hepatic venules

Cell-maceration/scanning electron microscopy, serial sections and scanning electron microscopy of vascular resin casts were employed to demonstrate the arrangement of collagen fibers in the terminal hepatic venules, involving the central, intercalated and collecting veins in dog liver. In cell-maceration specimens, each collagen fiber was observed to run in various directions, forming a sheath with a compact meshwork of collagen fibers. The collagenous meshwork in the hepatic venules was looser than those of the terminal portal venules and hepatic arterioles. Some collagen fibers formed bundles with an elongated spiral arrangement encircling the wall of the terminal hepatic venules. In resin casts, these venules were observed as a twisted configuration caused by spiral collagen bundles. A helical modification of such connective tissue bundles might provide a mechanically stable vascular structure and permit reversible changes in linear and circumferential vascular dimensions at the terminal tributaries of veins. Round or oval pores with diameters of approximately 9 microns were also observed in the sheath of collagen fibers. These pores, together with the relatively loose collagenous meshwork in the hepatic venules, might play a role in lymphocyte migration from these venules into the surrounding tissue and provide high permeability to the venule walls. No such helical configuration and pores were observed in either the portal venules or the hepatic arterioles.     

The vascular bed in the rabbit ear: microangiography and scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts

The vascular bed of the rabbit ear has been studied with light microscopy, microangiography and scanning electron microscopy of resin casts in a series of 20 ears. The major arteries supplying the ear were the central and rostral auricular branches of the caudal auricular artery. The caudal auricular branch was not observed, except as a small vessel supplying the rostral auricular base. The central auricular branch supplied blood to most of the auricular integument and was surrounded by capillaries extended from those supplying the skin. The periarterial capillaries formed a fine, compact network in the tunica media and were closely related to the central auricular branch. Evidence is presented suggesting that this vascular mechanism has a counter-current heat-exchange function for regulating body temperature. The artery had the well-developed internal elastic lamina and intimal cushions that regulate blood flow at the branching sites. A number of arteriovenous anastomoses were also observed between arterioles and venules, particularly in marginal regions of the ear. The intimal cushions and arteriovenous anastomoses might play an additional role in thermoregulation by regulating local blood flow in the ear.     

Liquoid-induced renal lesions in the dog

The role of fibrin in the pathogenesis of renal glomerular scarring in the dog was studied. Fibrin deposition, resulting from disseminated intravascular coagulation, was induced by intravenous injection of Liquoid (sodium polyanethol sulphonate). Thirty-eight puppies were killed from 30 minutes to 39 days after treatment, and the renal lesions examined by light, electron and immunofluorescence microscopy. The major acute lesions in the glomeruli were capillary thrombosis, mesangial and endothelial cell swelling and phagocytosis of fibrin, polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration and necrosis. Animals that recovered from this acute phase had focal glomerular scars. Affected glomeruli showed combinations of mesangial enlargement, focal tuft hypercellularity, collagen formation, thickening, wrinkling and duplication of the glomerular basement membranes, and some capsular adhesions. These observations indicate that fibrin deposition can be an important mechanism in glomerular scarring in the dog.     

Micromorphological studies of the blood vessels of the dental pulp of small ruminants]

The blood vascular supply of the dental pulp of 15 domestic sheep of varying age and sex was investigated using light and electron microscopy. The pulp vascular system is showing arterioles with a media of varying thickness and with endothelial cells of variable structure. In the transitional zone between crown and root pulp, the arterioles are taking a typical S- or U-shaped course. The capillary network of the crown pulp is denser and more regular than that in the root pulp. In addition to the capillaries lined by a continuous endothelial tube, there may be others with a typically fenestrated endothelial lining. Specialised vascular structures of the peripheral blood vessels, especially arterio-venous anastomoses as described in man, have not been observed in the sheep.     

Microvascular anatomy of the third compartment of the stomach of llamas

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the vascular anatomy of the third compartment of the stomach of llamas. ANIMALS: 7 adult llamas. PROCEDURE: Immediately after each llama was euthanatized, vascular replicas of tissue from the third compartment were prepared by use of methylmethacrylate monomer and catalyst. Following chemical removal of tissue, the casts were further prepared for examination via scanning electron microscopy. By use of barium solution, microangiography was also performed on fixed tissue samples; the infused tissue was sectioned and imaged radiographically. Tissue samples were also collected for histologic evaluation after fixation and H&E staining. RESULTS: The third compartment was supplied by 4 pairs of primary arteries and veins located around the circumference of the structure. From these vessels, smaller arteries and veins branched to supply the serosal surface and penetrated deeper through the tunica muscularis to supply the submucosal and mucosal layers. An extensive capillary network was arranged in a hexagonal array surrounding the gastric glands, such that the mucosal aspect of the replicas had a honeycomb-like appearance. Histologically, variably sized villous projections lined by a single layer of epithelial cells with an extensive glandular network were observed. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The third compartment of the stomach of llamas is a highly vascular structure with an extensive anastomotic capillary network at the luminal surface. Branching vessels provide extensive collateral circulation, and it appears that surgical incisions should heal well. Incisions in the third compartment should be oriented parallel to the longitudinal plane.     

Histological and ultrastructural studies of renal lesions in Babesia canis infected dogs treated with imidocarb

Histological and electron microscopic examinations of the kidneys of 8 dogs suffering from fatal, naturally acquired Babesia canis infection and nephropathy are presented. Seven animals were treated with imidocarb dipropionate on average 4.5 days prior to death. Severe anaemia was present only in 2 cases. Degenerative histological changes observed mostly in the proximal convoluted tubules included vacuolar-hydropic degeneration, necrosis and detachment of renal tubular epithelial (RTE) cells from the basement membrane. Necrotic debris occasionally formed acidophilic casts within the tubules. In some cases, necrosis of the whole tubule was observed. Haemoglobin casts in the tubules and haemoglobin droplets in RTE cells seldom appeared. No significant histological changes were seen in the glomeruli. Ultrastructural lesions in RTE cells included nuclear membrane hyperchromatosis, karyopyknosis, karyolysis, swelling or collapse of mitochondria with fragmentation of cristae and vacuolar-hydropic degeneration in the endoplasmic reticulum and microvilli. Nuclear oedema was also observed. Many RTE cells exhibiting necrosis collapsed. Vacuolar-hydropic degeneration and necrosis were also observed in the glomerular and interstitial capillary endothelium. The severe acute tubular necrosis described in this study is probably the result of hypoxic renal injury. Systemic hypotension leading to vasoconstriction in the kidneys might be the most important cause of renal hypoxia in B. canis infections, but anaemia may also contribute to inadequate oxygenation. Imidocarb should be applied with caution in patients with possible renal involvement until further data become available on its potential nephrotoxicity in dogs.     

Systemic necrotizing vasculitis and glomerulonephritis in grower pigs in southwestern Quebec.

This purpose of this study was to describe the clinical features and the pathological findings of an unusual condition observed in pigs of a fattening unit in southwestern Quebec. Two of these pigs were submitted for complete postmortem examination. The disease was characterized by a systemic necrotizing vasculitis and an exudative and proliferative glomerulonephritis. In the skin, the vascular lesions produced a conspicuous papular dermatopathy with a characteristic distribution. Bacteriological and virological results were inconclusive. In the glomeruli, there were extensive granular complement deposits with scattered immunoglobulin M. Transmission electron microscopy did not reveal any dense deposits in glomerular basement membrane. The cause of this newly recognized and potentially lethal condition remains unknown, although histological and immunopathological observations suggest an immune-mediated process.     

Glomerulopathy with IgA deposition in the dog.

In 100 dogs autopsied, glomerular IgA deposition was examined by the immunofluorescence technique and the histopathological features of glomeruli with IgA deposition were examined by light and electron microscopy. The incidence of the IgA deposition was age-related but there were no sex and breed predisposition. Deposition of IgA was observed mainly in mesangial areas in approximately a half (47%) of dogs examined. IgG, IgM and C3 often co-deposited. Histopathology of the glomeruli with IgA deposition indicated increase of mesangial cells, crescent formation, hemispherical deposits in paramesangial areas and glomerular sclerosis. Ultrastructurally electron dense substances positive for IgA deposited in mesangial and paramesangial areas. The examination to know the relation between the severity of IgA deposition and the number of mesangial cells or percent of the cells to total glomerular cells indicated that mesangial cells increased at the early stage of the disease and subsequently epithelial and endothelial cells proliferated as the increasing amount of IgA. Dogs suffering from enteritis or liver diseases showed high incidence of glomerular IgA deposition.     

Microvasculature of the retina, ciliary processes and choroid in the North American raccoon (Procyon lotor) eye: a scanning electron microscopic study of corrosion casts

We have studied the vasculature of the retina, ciliary processes and choroid in the North American raccoon (Procyon lotor), a nocturnal mammal, using light and scanning electron microscopic examination of corrosion casts. We carried out an identical study in the crab-eating macaque (Macaca fascicularis), which forages only during the daytime, in order to compare the ocular vasculature with that of nocturnal mammals. Our observations in raccoons demonstrated a photoreceptor layer associated with rich lymph and a poorly vascularized retina. The meridian region of the eye, which lies in the horizontal plane and pass around the optic disc, had a markedly sparse capillary network. This horizontal sparse vascular band may correspond to a visual streak. Ciliary process capillaries were delicate, and formed a well-developed and compact network. Choriocapillaries were quite thin and formed a coarse capillary network. This contrasted with the dense retinal and well-extended choroidal capillary networks noted in the macaques. Our findings suggest that the sparse retinal capillary network in raccoons is extremely beneficial for photon capture, thereby allowing the raccoon to see well at night, as the retinal vessels restrict the inflow of photons toward the photoreceptors. The well-developed lymph probably compensates for the sparse retinal capillaries and choriocapillaries and nourishes the retina in the nocturnal raccoon.     

Membranous Glomerulonephropathy in a Hatano Low-avoidance Rat

Membranous glomerulonephropathy can be experimentally induced in rats, but spontaneous cases have been rarely reported. In this report, we present a typical case of spontaneous membranous glomerulonephropathy in a rat. A male Hatano low-avoidance (LAA) strain rat had a tumor mass on the right auricle, and was sacrificed at 41 weeks of age. Urinary screening by reagent strips revealed intense proteinuria. Histological tests revealed frequent presence of irregularly sized eosinophilic hyaline materials on the capillary wall and in the mesangium of renal glomeruli. Immunofluorescence revealed granular deposits of IgG, IgM, and C3 in the glomeruli. Subepithelial dense deposits were observed by electron microscopy accompanied by podocyte foot process effacement and occasional irregular thickening of the glomerular basement membrane. The rat also developed chronic lymphocytic pancreatitis, and the tumor mass on the right auricle was diagnosed as a fibrosarcoma. Screening tests for antibodies against major infectious agents and antinuclear antibody were negative. Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence analyses suggested the presence of an autoantibody against the pancreatic component. The glomerulopathy was considered an early stage of membranous glomerulonephropathy.     

Development of the areola in the early placenta of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius): a light, scanning and transmission electron microscopical study

This study aimed to elucidate development of the areola in the early dromedary placenta in comparison with that of the pig and mare. Placental tissues from 25 pregnant camels were obtained from Cairo abattoir and prepared for light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy by routine methods. Vascular casts were made by injection of 4 : 1 liquid plastic mixture of mercox and methylmethacrylate. Areolar formation was first observed at 4.5 cm curved-crown-rump CVR length, while by 5-9 cm CVR length, the endometrial surface was uneven and studded with numerous uterine gland openings, where corresponding foetal areolae were barely detectable and the foetal areolar cells were of variable appearance and covered with long microvilli. At 10-13 cm CVR length the uterine gland openings developed irregular folds and the maternal areolar cells showed numerous apical blebs. At 14-29 cm CVR length the foetal areolae showed a great increase in height at the expense of their width. At 30-34 cm (CVR) length the maternal areolae appeared discoid and sharply demarcated from the surrounding inter-areolar tissues and the foetal areolae were rounded to irregular in shape with well-developed areolar rims. The vascular casts showed a widely meshed capillary network on the maternal areola, connecting with the pre- and post-capillary vessels, whereas the foetal side showed a relatively dense capillary meshwork. These studies indicate that the areola in the placenta of the one-humped camel is of the regular type like in the pig, and is poorly vascularized.     

Morphologic Peculiarities of the Renal Cortical Vasculature Connected with Blood Redistribution in the Kidney of the Domestic Pig

The cortical blood vessels from 2 to 8 month old Camborow hybrid pigs and Belgium landrace pigs were studied using histologic and semithin sections as well as corrosion casts and cleared preparations of intravascular injection. It was established that the cortical blood vessels of the porcine kidney possess peculiarities that may regulate the redistribution of blood in the cortex. These peculiarities were found in the interlobular arteries, in the efferent arterioles of midcortical nephrons, in afferent arterioles of juxtamedullar glomeruli, and in the glomerular capillary networks. It was established that the number of renal corpuscles is different in the various zones of the cortex.     

Microvascular anatomy of ovary and oviduct in the adult African Clawed Toad (Xenopus laevis DAUDIN, 1802)–Histomorphology and scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts

Ovaries and oviducts of the adult African Clawed Toad (Xenopus laevis DAUDIN, 1802) were studied by light microscopy (LM) of paraplast embedded tissue sections and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of vascular corrosion casts (VCCs). Histomorphology revealed that ovarian vessels located in the thecal layers. Ovarian and interlobar arteries displayed a horse-shoe shaped longitudinally running bundle of vascular smooth muscle cells. Follicular blood vessels showed flattened profiles, which were confirmed by scanning electron microscopy in vascular corrosion casts. The flattened profiles obviously led to high intravasal pressures, which locally prevented filling of the follicular capillary bed. Oviduct arteries pierced the fibrous stroma surrounding the oviduct mucosa. In the pars convoluta, the mucosa consisted of a ciliated simple columnar epithelium and tubular oviduct glands that opened between ciliated epithelial cells into the oviduct lumen. Oviduct arteries branched at the basolateral surfaces of tubular glands. After a short tangential course, arterioles branched into capillaries which ran radially between oviduct glands towards the subepithelium. Anastomoses at different heights connected capillaries of neighbouring glands. Subepithelially, capillaries ran longitudinally and undulated. Postcapillary venules radiated centrifugally towards the stroma to finally drain into oviduct veins located in the stroma. Oviduct vascular densities clearly reflected non-ovulatory and ovulatory states.     

Microvasculature in the terminal air spaces of the lungs of the Baird's beaked whale (Berardius bairdii)

Lungs were obtained from five adult Baird's beaked whales (Berardius bairdii) and examined by means of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy of corrosion casts. The alveolar septa of these whales are thick with a connective tissue core and a bi-layer capillary bed. A double capillary network is regularly found in the alveolar duct and alveolar septa. Occasionally, septa adjacent to alveoli and alveoli themselves show only a single capillary layer. The distance between the two capillary layers has a tendency to decrease toward the end of airspaces, suggesting an end result of capillary fusion. Vascular replicas of venous vessels have annular furrows at regular intervals of 50 to 100 microm, which are caused by focal aggregations of collagen fibers circularly oriented and located immediately underneath the endothelium. The first valves appear in the collecting venules gathering alveolar capillaries. These valves are quite characteristic of flap-, funnel-and/or chimney like structures.     

PRRSV感染仔猪肾组织的超微病理变化分析

猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒（PRRSV）是能引起仔猪高死亡率的疾病,给养猪业带来极大的经济损失。本研究对PRRSV感染仔猪肾组织的病毒定位及产生的超微病理变化进行观察,以期了解PRRSV对肾组织细胞以及血液循环的影响。主要采用透射电镜技术结合血清生化检测、免疫组织化学染色（IHC）,对仔猪感染PRRSV后肾组织进行超微病理学观察及分析。结果发现,PRRSV感染后引起肾组织损伤,病毒主要分布于肾小球、坏死的肾小管上皮细胞胞质及巨噬细胞胞质内;肾小球内足细胞足突广泛融合或微绒毛化,内皮细胞肿胀;肾小管上皮细胞线粒体肿胀、嵴断裂、溶解;间质炎性细胞浸润。PRRSV通过巨噬细胞内复制随血液扩散至肾组织,引起损伤;根据透射电镜观察结果,足细胞足突融合,肾小球血管内皮细胞损伤引起微血栓形成,说明PRRSV感染仔猪后影响了肾小球滤过率,同时,对肾血液微循环系统造成损伤。本研究为阐明PRRSV的感染致病机制提供理论基础。