Ovarian mixed germ-cell tumor comprising mature teratoma and embryonal carcinoma in a four-toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)

This report describes the clinical and histopathological characteristics of a rare mixed germ-cell tumor comprising teratoma and embryonal carcinoma in the left ovary of a 10-month-old four-toed hedgehog, with chief complaints of loss of appetite and lethargy. Laparotomy revealed a swollen left ovary with small disseminated peritoneal nodules, and bilateral ovariohysterectomy was performed. The left ovary had a mature teratoma with well-differentiated fat, bone, cartilage, salivary gland, trachea, keratin cyst, and nervous tissues, and an embryonal carcinoma consisting of poorly-differentiated epithelial cells arranged in tubular, alveolar, or solid patterns. Immunohistochemically, the embryonal carcinoma cells were positive for placental alkaline phosphatase and c-KIT. This is the first case of mature teratoma with embryonal carcinoma in the ovary of a hedgehog.     

Histology and histochemistry of the major salivary glands in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor)

This study aimed to investigate the major salivary glands in the southern white-breasted hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) histologically and histochemically. Five adult males were included in this study. The results showed that anatomically the shape of the parotid, submandibular and sublingual glands of the Erinaceus concolor was respectively almost pear, elliptical to pyramidal and oval. Histologically, the parotid gland had serous acini and secretory cells showed negative reaction to alcian blue (AB) (pH = 2.5) and negative response to aldehyde fuchsin (AF), methylene blue (MB) and PAS stains. The submandibular gland was a mixed gland of mucous and serous acini. The mucous acini were strongly positive for PAS, AB, MB and AF. However, serous acini were week for PAS and negative against AB, MB and AF stains. The sublingual gland was purely composed of mucous acini. The mucous acini of the sublingual gland were strongly positives for PAS, AB and MB methods. While their reaction to the AF staining was negative. In conclusion, the histological and histochemical observations of the major salivary glands of the southern white-breasted hedgehog (E. concolor) indicated that these glands shown similarities and some special different histochemical features as compared to other mammalian species.     

Histological and immunohistochemical features of cutaneous mast cell tumor in six captive four-toed hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)

This report described the histopathological and immunohistochemical features of cutaneous mast cell tumor (MCT) in six hedgehogs. The hedgehogs presented single cutaneous mass with ulcer and crusting. Histologically, the neoplastic lesions were characterized by the proliferation of well-differentiated mast cells (3 cases), and atypical mast cells (3 cases) with one atypical histiocytic morphology. Immunohistochemically, tumor cells were positive for KIT and mast cell tryptase, and were negative for Iba-1. In well-differentiated MCT, all patients were clinically improved and survived more than 365 days after surgical excision, whereas an atypical histiocytic MCT showed aggressive behavior with re-recurrence, and the animal died 115 days after surgery. These findings suggest that, compatible with other animals, well-differentiated MCT has a better prognosis in hedgehogs.     

Bilateral Malignant Ovarian Teratoma With Peritoneal Metastasis in a Captive African Pygmy Hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris)

A 675-g, 1.4-year-old, female African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was evaluated for progressive abdominal distension of 2 months duration. A large mass within the abdominal cavity was detected by radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography. The irregular, multilobulated mass, containing calcified, necrotic, and fatty areas was consistent with fused bilateral ovaries. Cytology of the mass suggested an ovarian adenoma or adenocarcinoma. The hedgehog died approximately 3 months after the initial presentation. Postmortem computed tomography and necropsy examination revealed a large bilaterally fused ovarian mass with peritoneal metastases. Histologically, the masses were composed of a variety of tissues from all 3 germ layers, including immature (embryonic) cells and neoplastic cells in the lymphatic system, which was consistent with malignant ovarian teratomas. This is the first report to describe malignant ovarian teratomas in a hedgehog.     

Anti-Sonic hedgehog blocking antibody enhances killing effect of PBMCs on cervical carcinoma HeLa cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of anti-Sonic hedgehog(Shh) blocking antibody on the killing effect of peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) on cervical carcinoma HeLa cells. METHODS: The expression levels of Shh and Shh signaling molecules in HeLa cells were detected by immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR. PBMCs from health peoples were isolated by the method of Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and then co-cultured with HeLa cells in vitro. The expression of CD3, CD69 and CD71 was assayed by flew cytometry. The concentrations of IFN-γ, IL-10 and IL-4 in culture supernatants were detected by ELISA. The killing effect of PBMCs on HeLa cells was observed under microscope. RESULTS: Shh and Shh signaling molecules were expressed in HeLa cells. The level of Shh expression didn't change significantly in the 6th passage of HeLa cells. CD3⁺ cells were increased in the co-culture system. The expression of CD69 and CD 71, and the secretion of IFN-γ were increased, while the secretion of IL-10 was decreased in the co-culture system treated with anti-Shh blocking antibody. Anti-Shh blocking antibody has no effect on the secretion of IL-4. The killing effect of PBMCs on HeLa cells was strengthened by anti-Shh blocking antibody. CONCLUSION: Anti-Shh blocking antibody promotes the activation of PBMCs and enhances the killing effect of PBMCs on cervical carcinoma HeLa cells.     

Congestive Heart Failure Due to Endocardiosis of the Mitral Valves in an African Pygmy Hedgehog

A 2.5-year-old male African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) was presented with a 2-week history of lethargy, reduced appetite, and general weakness. Based on the clinical signs and heart valve abnormalities observed during an echocardiography examination, a provisional diagnosis of endocardiosis or endocarditis was made. Immediate therapeutic intervention consisted of furosemide, pimobendan, and amoxicillin/clavulanate. Despite medical treatment, 2 weeks following presentation, the hedgehog’s physical condition deteriorated to the point that euthanasia was recommended for the patient and agreed to by its owner. A postmortem examination was performed and tissue samples submitted for histopathology revealed a final diagnosis of valvular endocardiosis and wobbly hedgehog syndrome.     

Mange in pigs: A survey

Extract

Mange in pigs caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis is reported to be common in New Zealand, but, to the writer's knowledge, no investigation has been made of the number of infested farms in any area.     

Ocular anomalies and holoprosencephaly in a lamb

The brain and eyes from a 1-day-old, male mixed-breed lamb with bilateral microphthalmia were examined. Bilateral ventral colobomata of choroid, sclera, retina and optic nerve were accompanied by agenesis of the optic nerve, and dilated lateral and third ventricular cavities that communicated with the subarachnoid space. Abundant neuroretinal tissue extending through the colobomatous defect to retro-orbital connective tissue, the meningeal surface and ventricular system were identified by histologic examination. Positive immunolabeling of these structures for recoverin (a photoreceptor marker) established the retinal origin of ectopic structures. The optic nerve was replaced by a short fibrous stalk containing glial nests. Sections of brainstem revealed extensive architectural disorganization. A developmental abnormality resulting from defective optic nerve and retina compartmentalization, accompanied by abnormalities of midline development consistent with the holoprosencephaly syndrome, was diagnosed. These lesions are consistent with signaling defects in the sonic hedgehog signaling pathway. Genetic and toxic causes of sonic hedgehog signaling defects are discussed.     

普通刺猬的解剖学研究(二) 骨骼

对28只（♀16,♂12）成年普通利猬（Erinaceuseuropaeus）的骨骼标本进行了解剖学研究,结果表明,普通刺猬全身骨骼有316～317枚,其中头骨48枚,脊椎骨43～44杖,椎式为C7T15L6S3Cy12～13,肋骨15对,胸骨5枚,前肢骨每侧47杖,后肢骨每侧48枚。普通刺猬骨骼存在有性别差异并表现出与刺猬生活习性相适应的一些特征。     

Effect of Sonic Hedgehog signaling blockade on growth of hepatocarcinoma cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling blockade on the growth of hematocarcinoma cells and underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The expression of Shh signaling molecules in hematocarcinoma cell lines BEL-7402, Huh7 and HepG2 was detected by RT-PCR. The cell viability was detected by MTT assay. The cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of apoptosis-related proteins was determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Shh signaling molecules were all expressed in BEL-7402, Huh7 and HepG2 cells. The mRNA expression of Patched (Ptch), Gli1 and Gli2 was down-regulated by anti-Shh antibody. Blockade of Shh signaling pathway inhibited the proliferation of hepatocarcinoma cells with increasing cells in G₀/G₁ phase and induced the apoptosis of hepatocarcinoma cells. Treatment with anti-Shh antibody down-regulated the protein expression of pro-caspase-3, pro-caspase-8 and pro-caspase-9, while up-regulated the protein levels of cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-8 and cleaved caspase-9 in BEL-7402 cells. CONCLUSION: Blockade of Shh signaling pathway inhibits the growth of hepatocarcinoma at different levels by cell cycle arrest and inducing apoptosis of hematocarcinoma cells.