Microstructural architecture of the bony scutes, spine, and rays of the bony fins in the common pleco (Hypostomus plecostomus).

Studying scute and fin morphology are advantageous approaches for phylogenetic identification and provide information on biological linkages and evolutionary history that are essential for deciphering the fossil record. Despite this, no prior research has precisely characterized the histological structures of scutes in the common pleco. Therefore, this research investigated the microstructure and organization of bone tissue within the dermal skeleton, including the scutes and fins, in the common pleco, using light microscopy, stereomicroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The dermal scutes were organized in a pentagonal shape with denticular coverage and were obliquely aligned with the caudal portion pointing dorsally. The dermal scutes consisted of three distinct portions: the central, preterminal, and terminal portions. Each portion comprised three layers: a superficial bony plate, a basal bony plate, and a mid-plate. Both the superficial and basal bony plates were composed of lamellar bone and lamellar zonal bone, whilst the mid-plate consisted of secondary osteons and woven bone. In the terminal portion, the superficial and basal bony plates became thinner. The pectoral fin consists of spines and rays composed of lepidotrichium (two symmetrical hemi-rays). The spine contained centrifugal and centripetal lamellar and trabecular bones. A centripetal fibrous bone was implanted between the lamellar bones. Besides being oriented in a V shape, the hemi-rays were also composed of thin centrifugal and centripetal lamellar bones and trabecular bones. A fibrous bone was identified between the centrifugal and centripetal bones. The trabecular bone and lamellar bone were made up of bone spicules.

Congenital and gynecological tumors: A review.

Congenital tumors are rare, and malignant congenital tumors are uncommon. Benign tu,mors might be life-threatening, depending on the location and size of the tumor. Different factors affect congenital tumors, such as maternal and placental hormones and environmental factors such as drugs, radiation, and infection. Developing fetal imaging methods and continuous follow-up during pregnancy are important factors in congenital tumor prognosis. Ultrasound is the most common method used for fetal evaluation. The complementary evaluation method is MRI. Both methods are helpful and widely spread for the detection of congenital tumors. These imaging methods help the medical team make a suitable decision about therapy. Some of these tumors regressed spontaneously, and some need surgical treatments. Treatment of tumors has developed rapidly, and recently molecular-targeted drugs have been used.

Modulation of Immunity, Antioxidant Status, Performance, Blood Hematology, and Intestinal Histomorphometry in Response to Dietary Inclusion of Origanum majorana in Domestic Pigeons' Diet.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding Origanum majorana (OM) powder to domestic pigeon diets on growth performance, feeding and drinking behaviour, blood hematology, blood biochemical parameters, blood inflammatory and oxidative markers, carcass characteristics, the weights of lymphoid organs, and and intestinal cecal, and bursa of Fabricius histology. A random distribution of fifty-four unsexed pigeon squabs (30 days old, average body weight; 321 g ± 7.5) into three groups was done. The first group was fed the grower basal diet without adding OM powder, while OM powder was added at levels of 0.5 and 1% to the basal diets of the second and third groups, respectively. The changes in growth performance parameters and feeding and drinking behavior under OM powder's effect were insignificant. However, the lymphoid organs (spleen and thymus) significantly increased in weight (p < 0.05) in the OM-fed groups. Moreover, blood examination showed positive responses to OM powder in terms of blood cell counts (RBCs andWBCs), and the values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, lymphocyte numbers, levels of globulin, and glutathione peroxidase enzyme were significantly increased. The numbers of heterophils, the ratio of heterophil to lymphocyte, malondialdehyde levels were reduced (p < 0.05). Histomorphometry examination revealed increases in intestinal villi height, cecal thickness, and bursal follicle area and number. These results indicated that adding OM powder to the pigeon diet may improve their immunity, increase their antioxidant status, and correct some hematological disorders.

Characterization of giant neuroendocrine cells in the pregnant New Zealand white rabbit vagina demonstrated by histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical methods.

The vagina is part of the genitalia and constitutes part of the birth canal. Sperm is deposited into vagina, and it acts in transport of sperm. Pregnancy is a complex process involving different physiological changes in the body associated with hormonal and metabolic alterations that control maternal and fetal demands. During pregnancy, neuroendocrine cells in rabbit vagina are considered part of the diffuse neuroendocrine system observed throughout the body. Giant neuroendocrine cells in rabbit vagina during pregnancy have not been observed previously. This study detected the presence of giant neuroendocrine cells in the vagina of the pregnant rabbit. The presence of these cells was demonstrated with the use of different histological techniques, including hematoxylin and eosin, PAS, combined Alcian blue-PAS, Crossmon's trichrome, and the Grimelius silver method. Giant neuroendocrine cells were observed in late-pregnancy intraepithelial sites and on the lamina propria. These cells were characterized by vacuolated basophilic cytoplasm with PAS- and PAS-AB-positive granules. Moreover, neuroendocrine cells exhibited an argyrophilic character. Immunohistochemically, neuroendocrine cells in rabbit vagina during pregnancy demonstrated positive immunoreactivity to neuron-specific enolase (NSE) with different intensities, mild immunoreactivity to the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and negative immunoreactivity to CD68. HIGHLIGHTS: Neuroendocrine cells on the vagina of the female rabbit during pregnancy are considered part of the diffuse neuroendocrine system. Giant neuroendocrine cells on the vagina of the rabbit during pregnancy have not been observed previously. Giant neuroendocrine cells were demonstrated intraepithelial and on the lamina propria. Immunohistochemically, neuroendocrine cells demonstrated positive immunoreactivity to NSE and VEGF, and negative immunoreactivity to CD68.

The Cellular Architecture of the Primo Vascular System.

The primo vascular system (PVS) is of great interest to scientists in the last few years. The PVS plays a role in stem cell migration, immune function, erythropoiesis, tissue regeneration, and cancer metastasis. Discovered by Bong Han Kim in 1960, the PVS was described as a new, independent system that is distributed in the body of different animals. Since then, several cells have been discovered as important constituents of the PVS. Endothelial cells are hallmarks for the identification of the PVS, as they line the sinuses of the primo vessels and are characterized by their arrangement of rod-shaped nuclei in a parallel, broken-line fashion along the primo vessels. Immune cells as mast cells, eosinophils, neutrophils, and lymphocytes are also hallmarks for the identification of the PVS. One of the most interesting cells in the PVS are p-microcells. Primo nodes are a stem cell niche due to their p-microcells content, which express stem cell biomarkers CD133 and Oct 4. Mature erythrocytes and hematopoietic stem cells have also been observed in the PVS. Hematopoietic stem cells were observed in the PVS. Hematopoietic Stem Cells are the source of the cellular component of blood. Additionally, adrenaline and noradrenaline-producing cells, mesothelial cells, and smooth-muscle-like cells have also been described in the PVS.

Characterization of the primo vascular system in rabbit vagina.

The primo vascular system (PVS) is observed in different parts of the body under different physiological and disease conditions. Previously, the PVS was not observed in the vagina. The vaginal samples of this study were collected from the female genitalia of healthy New Zealand white rabbits from the animal house, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University. The vaginal samples were fixed in Bouin's solution. The sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and Crossmon's trichrome. Additionally, the sections were immunohistochemically stained with neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). A primo node was observed on the lymph vessel of the vagina and has several characteristics that resemble those of the previously discovered primo nodes. The primo node in this study was surrounded by mesothelial cells that provide positive immunoreactivity to NSE and VEGF. Sinuses of different sizes, floating cells, telocyte-like cell, and primo microcells were observed as the main constituents of the primo node. Additionally, migratory cells were detected, which passed from the primo node to the enclosing lymph vessel.

Morphological and histological studies of the adrenal gland in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).

The adrenal gland is a vital endocrine gland that secretes many important hormones in everyday bird life. The adrenal gland of the Japanese quail is grossly located ventromedially the corresponding kidney and has a creamy to yellow color. The quail gland is surrounded by a capsule and contains some ganglionic cells, and the capsule is characterized by the presence of chromaffin cells. The adrenal gland is subdivided into three concentric zones: subcapsular, peripheral, and central. The parenchyma consists of interrenal tissue, chromaffin islets, and blood sinusoids. The interrenal cells contain lipid droplets, are arranged in cords, and rest on the basement membrane. Chromaffin cells are categorized as two types: epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) cells. These cells contain the granules, and are characterized by the presence of lipid droplets. In this study, the interrenal tissue was found to have a higher proportion of chromaffin cells in quail as compared with other birds, which is attributed to the fact that the Japanese quail is a migratory bird. Therefore, the present investigation aims to provide a detailed study on the adrenal gland in the Japanese quail to help physiologists understand the gland's function and the pathologist to determine the implications for the differential diagnosis of adrenal gland tumors. HIGHLIGHTS: The adrenal gland is subdivided into three concentric zones: subcapsular, peripheral, and central. The interrenal cells contain lipid droplets, are arranged in cords. Chromaffin cells are categorized as two types: epinephrine (E) and norepinephrine (NE) cells. These cells contain the granules, and are characterized by the presence of lipid droplets. The interrenal tissue was found to have a higher proportion of chromaffin cells in quail because it is a migratory bird.

Histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural characterization of the testes of the dove.

Avian testes have been used in the study of germ cell transfer, importantly for understanding the preservation and control of birds. For this purpose, we use light microscopy, electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry to understand the reproductive efficiency of dove testes. The tunica albuginea was thin and septula testes were not observed. The testicular parenchyma was formed mainly of closely packed convoluted seminiferous tubules with little interstitial area. Three types of spermatogonia were distinguished. The primary spermatocyte appeared as the largest spermatogenic cell and was identified at different stages of meiosis. Different morphological stages of the spermatid were categorized. Various cellular associations were described within the seminiferous epithelium. The cytoplasm of Sertoli cells was pale and ill defined due to its close relationship to the germinal epithelium. The spermatid attached to the luminal border of Sertoli cells and germ cells were closely associated. A single layer of myoid cells surrounded the seminiferous tubule. Testicular telocytes of doves were located in the peritubular region and near the blood vessels. Telopods appeared as long cytoplasmic processes arising from the cell body. Leydig cells were distributed singly or in small groups and cords. The intensity of androgen receptor (AR) immunostaining in the testes of the dove was established for the first time and is described in this paper.

Distribution of estrogen receptor in the rabbit cervix during pregnancy with special reference to stromal elements: an immunohistochemical study.

The estrogen plays a critical role during pregnancy through their receptors. Although the rabbit is one of the most important lab animal estrogen receptor alpha (ERA) localization on basic cells, newly discovered cells including telocyte and neuroendocrine cells, vascular compartments and interstitium during pregnancy not been described. At 0 day pregnancy, the most prominent immunoreactivity was moderate to ERA and observed on the ciliated cells, secretory cells, blood plasma, and interstitium. The smooth muscles and the endothelial cells showed mild immunoreactivity to ERA. Lymphocytes only exhibited strong immunoreactivity to ERA. At 7 days pregnancy moderate immunoreactivity to ERA observed on ciliated cells, secretory cells, smooth muscles, interstitium, and lymphocytes. Strong immunoreactivity to ERA detected on endothelial cells and blood plasma. At 14 days of pregnancy, the most prominent immunoreactivity was strong and detected on ciliated cells, smooth muscles, lymphocytes, and interstitium. Moderate immunoreactivity detected on endothelial cells and blood plasma. Secretory cells only exhibited mild immunoreactivity to ERA. At 21 days of pregnancy, the immunoreactivity to ERA ranged between mild on ciliated cells, smooth muscles, blood plasma and interstitium and negative on secretory cells, endothelial cells and lymphocytes. Our results indicated that the frequency and intensity of ERA immunostaining in the rabbit cervix varied on different structural compartments of the cervix during different pregnancy stages.

Melatonin induces a stimulatory action on the scrotal skin components of Soay ram in the non-breeding season.

Fifteen adult Soay rams were employed in this study to investigate the effect of melatonin on the scrotal skin using histological, histochemical, and morphometrical analysis. The results revealed that the melatonin treated group showed a significant increase in the thickness of the epidermis, the cross-sectional area of blood capillaries and nerve fibers compared with the control one. In addition, obvious hypertrophy and hyperplasia were detected in the sebaceous glands in association with a significant increase in the number and diameter of apocrine sweat glands with well-developed secretory activity. S100 protein and cytokeratin-19 strongly stained the basal cells of sebaceous glands in the melatonin treated group incomparable to the control group. Moreover, the nerve fibers were intensively immunoreacted for S100 and cytokeratin proteins in the melatonin treated group in contrast to the control one. A high number of telocytes (TCs) could be identified in the treated group around the nerve fibers and blood vessels in the dermis. The number of Langerhans cells showed a significant increase in the melatonin groups that were identified by MHC II and PGP 9.5 within the epidermal layer. Furthermore, a significant increase in the number of dendritic cells was identified in the melatonin group, which were distributed within the dermis, around hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands and were strongly expressed PGP-9.5, MHC-II, VAMP, SNAP, keratin-5, and cytokeratin-19 immunoreactivity. Notably, Merkel cells showed a significant increase in the number in the melatonin group that could be stained against nestin, SNAP, and VAMP. On the other hand, the secretory granules in sweat glands were exhibited a strong positive reactivity for synaptophysin in melatonin group. The current study showed that the administration of melatonin induced a stimulatory effect on keratinocytes, non-keratinocytes, sebaceous and sweat glands, hair follicles, as well as the vascular, neuronal, and cellular constituents of the dermis.

Architecture and Cellular Composition of the Spleen in the Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica).

The spleen is considered a key player in birds' immunity. The stroma and the parenchyma of the spleen of the adult quail were demonstrated histologically, histochemically, and ultrastructurally. A thin capsule and the absence of trabeculae were the most characteristics of spleen stroma. The demarcation between white pulp and red pulp was not observed in the quail. White pulp formed from the periarterial lymphatic sheath and the periellipsoidal lymphatic sheath, both of which were surrounded by arteriole and ellipsoid, respectively. Ellipsoids appeared more numerous and were characterized by cuboidal lining of the epithelium and supporting cells. Red pulp consisted of sinuses and cords. White pulp and red pulp of the quail spleen contained various cells, such as red blood cells, macrophages, heterophils with characteristic granules, lymphocytes of different sizes, dendritic cells, plasma cells, and telocytes. In addition, closed circulation and open circulation established the blood flow on the spleen.

Histological and histochemical studies on the oviduct microcirculation of the laying Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica).

The health of oviduct circulation is very important for normal egg production. The present work describes the histology and histochemistry of vessels of different types on the oviduct of quail. Arteria, venae and lymphatics of the oviduct were described clearly. In addition, special vascular elements were observed presenting circular, longitudinal and oblique smooth muscle fibres on the blood vessel wall. Glomus cells were observed at typical glomus vessels, atypical glomus vessels and on the wall of some of arteria and arteriolae. Also, spirally oriented blood vessels were observed. Dark brown pigment was detected in the wall of arteria, venae, lymphatics and the special types of blood vessels.

Putative Primo-Vascular System in Rabbit Placenta.

The primo vascular system (PVS) is a very important topic of study nowadays because of their role in transport and regeneration of tissue and in cell migration and cancer metastasis. The PVS was detected in different organs of the rabbit but not in the placenta. In this work, we observe the PVS inside the blood vessels of the placenta for the first time. The main characteristic features of the primo vessels (PVs) from the rabbit placenta were in agreement with the PVS in different organs of animals, including the rod-shaped nuclei and their arrangement.