Biopsy and Tracheobronchial Aspirates as Additional Tools for the Diagnosis of Bovine Tuberculosis in Living European Bison (Bison bonasus).

The diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis (BTB) in living wildlife remains a complex problem, and one of particular importance in endangered species like European bison (Bison bonasus). To identify infection and avoid the unnecessary culling of such valuable individuals, current best practice requires the collection and culture of material from living animals, as mycobacteria isolation remains the gold standard in BTB diagnosis. However, such isolation is challenging due to the need for the immobilization and collection of appropriate clinical material, and because of the sporadic shedding of mycobacteria. In the present study, we evaluated the potential of sampling for the detection of BTB in a group of seven living European bison suspected of being infected with Mycobacterium caprae. The specimens were collected both as swabs from the nasal and pharyngeal cavities, tracheobronchial aspirates (TBA), ultrasound-guided biopsies from lateral retropharyngeal lymph nodes, and post mortem, from mandibular, retropharyngeal and mediastinal lymph nodes. Clinical samples were tested for mycobacterial species via mycobacteriological culture and PCR. M. caprae was isolated from collected material in two out of four living infected individuals (TBA, biopsy) and mycobacterial DNA was detected in three out of four (TBA, pharyngeal swab) bison. This is the first report of isolation of M. caprae in living European bison. Our findings demonstrate the value of diagnostic tests based on both molecular testing and culture in European bison and confirm the respiratory shedding of viable M. caprae in this host species.

Gross anatomy of coronary veins of the European bison (Bison bonasus).

BACKGROUND: Although significant efforts have been put into restituting the European bison (Bison bonasus) and increasing its population, it remains a globally endangered species and requires conservation. Protection programs of bison indicate the need for morphological studies of their individual systems, in order to enhance restitution programs and enable appropriate veterinary care. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphology of the coronary veins of the European bison (Bison bonasus). RESULTS: The study was carried out on 78 hearts of European bison of both sexes, aged 5 to 21 years. The subepicardial veins were clearly visible after being filled with dyed synthetic latex (LBS 3060), Plastogen G and Batson's No. 17. In all the studied animals, the great cardiac vein drains into the coronary sinus. The interventricular paraconal branch and the circumflex branch of the great cardiac vein were distinguished. The left marginal vein, which originated in the apical area or halfway along the length of the left ventricular margin, was easily identified in 65 animals (83%). In most animals (51 bison, 65%), the middle cardiac vein drained into the coronary sinus, while in some animals it drained into the right atrium (27 animals, 35%). CONCLUSIONS: Blood from the cardiac walls is drained into the great cardiac vein, the middle cardiac vein, the right coronary veins and numerous small cardiac veins.

Immunohistochemical characteristic of C cells in European bison thyroid gland.

INTRODUCTION: C cells constitute a small percentage of thyroid gland parenchyma. The number, morphology and distribution of C cells differ among species; however, data regarding their characteristics in European bison are sparse. The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphology, distribution pattern and percentage of C cells in European bison thyroid gland together with morphometric analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thyroid glands from 28 European bisons of different sex and age were collected either in autumn-winter (13/28) or in spring-summer (15/28) periods and analyzed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The mean total C cell number per all endocrine (follicular and C cells) cell number (C cell concentration) was 7.33%. The tendency to increase the C cell number from periphery to the central region of thyroid lobe was observed with the mean C cell concentration of 3.95%, 7.89% and 9.97% in peripheral, intermediate and central areas, respectively. Most frequently, C cells were situated intrafolliculary whereas epifollicular and interfollicular positions were observed less often. C cells were polymorphic with long cytoplasmic processes. The mean C cell area was 61.97 µm2 and the mean C cell perimeter, length and width were: 34.92 µm, 12.85 µm and 4.91 µm, respectively. In the majority of C cells, strong immunohistochemical cytoplasmic reaction was observed with the mean color intensity of 78.32. In autumn-winter period, C cells were significantly larger with lower color intensity than during spring and summer. CONCLUSIONS: This study leads to deeper characteristics of thyroid gland C cells in European bison. The histomorphometric data suggest that in European bison production of calcitonin by C cells may differ depending on the time of the year.

MRI-guided intrathecal transplantation of hydrogel-embedded glial progenitors in large animals.

Disseminated diseases of the central nervous system such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) require that therapeutic agents are delivered and distributed broadly. Intrathecal route is attractive in that respect, but to date there was no methodology available allowing for optimization of this technique to assure safety and efficacy in a clinically relevant setting. Here, we report on interventional, MRI-guided approach for delivery of hydrogel-embedded glial progenitor cells facilitating cell placement over extended surface of the spinal cord in pigs and in naturally occurring ALS-like disease in dogs. Glial progenitors used as therapeutic agent were embedded in injectable hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel to support their survival and prevent sedimentation or removal. Intrathecal space was reached through lumbar puncture and the catheter was advanced under X-ray guidance to the cervical part of the spine. Animals were then transferred to MRI suite for MRI-guided injection. Interventional and follow-up MRI as well as histopathology demonstrated successful and predictable placement of embedded cells and safety of the procedure.

Relationship between Cd and Zn concentration in the kidneys, liver, and muscles of moose (Alces alces) from north-eastern Poland.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the cadmium and zinc content in the kidneys and liver of moose from north-eastern Poland. Animals were divided with respect to their age. The mean concentration of cadmium in the kidneys of moose studied was 11.31 mg kg-1, while in the liver it amounted to 2.68 mg kg-1. Age had a significant effect on the content of cadmium in both organs. In the muscles of most animals studied, the cadmium concentrations were below the detection limit. Elevated concentrations were found in three individuals only. Older animals had over six times higher concentrations of cadmium in both kidneys and liver than younger individuals. The cadmium content in kidneys increased with animals' age while no such relationship was found for zinc. Although older animals had higher mean concentrations of zinc in kidneys, liver, and muscles, the two age groups did not differ significantly. The mean concentration of zinc in the kidneys of moose studied was 38.83 mg kg-1, while in the liver it amounted to 29.03 mg kg-1. The cadmium concentration in the kidneys was significantly correlated with the cadmium concentration in the liver (r = 0.53, p ≤ 0.01) and with the zinc concentration in the kidneys (r = 0.52, p ≤ 0.01). The data obtained within study correspond with analyses results of the organs of healthy moose in Sweden.

The morphology of the adrenal gland in the European bison (Bison bonasus).

BACKGROUND: The anatomy of the adrenal glands has been widely studied in many species of domestic and wild mammals. However, there are no available literature reports describing the morphology and morphometry of the adrenal glands of the European bison (Bison bonasus). RESULTS: The study was conducted on 97 European bison of both sexes. The growth of the adrenal glands corresponded to the growth of the whole body, with the largest increase in size occurring in the first 2 years of the animal's life, followed by a slower increase in size until the animal was 5-7 years old. There were no statistically significant differences between ipsilateral adrenal glands of males and females with respect to age. There was no statistically significant difference in weight between the left and the right adrenal gland. However, there was a difference in the length, width and thickness of the two glands. Reference intervals for adrenal gland size and weight were computed separately for two bison age groups (up to 2 years of age and older than two years). The adrenal gland consisted of a cortex and a medulla. The connective-tissue capsule contained two layers. It had a fibrous structure and abundant adipose tissue. The cortex was divided into three zones. The zona glomerulosa contained cells arranged in bundles and curves. Numerous apoptotic cells were observed among regular cells in the zona reticularis. There were vacuoles in the cells of both zona fasciculata and zona reticularis, which formed a foamy cytoplasm. The adrenal medulla was composed of large, dark cells with a highly basophilic cytoplasm in the superficial region and of smaller, lighter cells in deeper layers. Sinusoidal vessels were located in the central part of the medulla. CONCLUSIONS: The left adrenal gland was significantly longer, narrower and thinner than the right one. There were no significant differences in the structure of the adrenal medulla and cortex of the European bison compared to other species of domestic and wild mammals. There was a thick layer of adipose cells at numerous locations in the adrenal capsule of the bison.

The Content of Copper and Molybdenum in the Liver, Kidneys, and Skeletal Muscles of Elk (Alces alces) from North-Eastern Poland.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the content of Cu and Mo in the liver, kidneys, and skeletal muscles of elks from north-eastern Poland. The investigation material comprised samples obtained in 2010 from 35 animals. Animals were grouped according to age (elks up to 2 years and over than 3 years). The metal concentrations were determined using coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. The mean Cu concentrations in the liver, kidneys, and skeletal muscles were 23.08, 5.03, and 2.36 mg∙kg(-1) wet weight, respectively. The mean Mo content in the examined samples was as follows: 0.92, 0.42, and 0.05 mg∙kg(-1) wet weight (w.w.) in the liver, kidneys, and muscles. In the analysis of correlation between the Cu and Mo levels in particular organs, the presence of significant dependence (p ≤ 0.05) was observed in the liver of animals studied. The mean Cu content in the liver of animals studied is lower compared with data reported from Sweden, Russia, and North America. Concentrations of Cu and Mo in the kidneys and skeletal muscles of Polish elks are similar to data noted in healthy animals from Scandinavian region. The results suggest that elks from north-eastern Poland may be threatened by primary Cu deficiency.

Coronary arteries of the European bison (Bison bonasus).

BACKGROUND: The European bison (Bison bonasus) is an endangered species. More information on its anatomy is needed as only few studies have been published. This study is the first report on the morphology of the coronary vessels. Given the anatomical similarity between the European bison and other ruminants, the results of this study can be applied to other species, including endangered ones. RESULTS: The study was conducted on 70 hearts of European bisons of both sexes, aged 5-20 years, with an average body weight of 449 kg. A distinct view of subepicardial arterial vessels was obtained by filling them with dyed synthetic latex (LBS 3060) and Plastogen G. There was a division of the common trunk of the left coronary artery into the interventricular paraconal branch and the left circumflex branch in 63 individuals (90 %). In five individuals (7.1 %), the presence of a third vessel, which was a branch of the interventricular septum, was observed. There was a lack of a common trunk in two individuals (2.9 %). Ramifications of the interventricular paraconal branch to the wall of the left ventricle were significantly larger than those to the wall of the right ventricle. In 17 individuals (24.3 %), the right coronary artery extended into the subsinuosal interventricular branch. CONCLUSION: The blood supply to the heart in bisons is provided by the left and right coronary arteries. In all the studied specimens, the left coronary artery was better developed than the right coronary artery.

Morphological variations of intra-testicular arterial vasculature in bovine testis--a corrosion casting study.

BACKGROUND: Proper blood supply is necessary for the physiological function of every internal organ. The article offers the first classification of the bovine intra-testicular arteries. A corrosive study focused on the intra-testicular arterial vasculature was performed on 40 bovine testes. The vessels were analyzed accurately using MultiScanBase v.18.02 software. METHODS: A corrosive study focused on the intra-testicular arteries was performed on 40 bovine testes. The vessels were analyzed accurately using MultiScanBase v.18.02 software. RESULT: In bulls, the centripetal arteries tended to run straight to the mediastinal region, where they form knot-like vascular structures. Those structures are the origin for centrifugal recurrent branches, running peripherally. However, three basic types of intra-testicular arterial vasculature were noted. Type I had centrifugal, recurrent branches, running peripherally towards the surface of the testis but did not reach the tunica albuginea. Type II exhibited centrifugal, recurrent branches running more horizontally than type I. Type III is the most heterogeneous type, composed of other variform types of arteries not classified as type I or type II. Type II was most commonly observed as a vascular conglomerate of intra-testicular arteries within the arterial network of the mediastinum testis. In type III, artery diameter was significantly smaller than observed in types I and II (p < 0.01). Types I and II did not differ between each other regarding artery diameter (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Variations of the intra-testicular arterial vasculature in bovine testis may suggest that particular types of vessels play different physiological roles. The most common type of intra-testicular artery comprising the arterial network of the mediastinum testis was type II.