Shape variation in cranium, mandible and teeth in selected mouse strains.

There are different strains of laboratory mouse used in many different fields. These strains differ anatomically. In order to determine these anatomical differences, shape analysis was conducted according to species. CD-1, C57bl/6 and Balb-c strains were preferred to study these differences. Forty-eight adult mouse strains belonging to these strains were utilized. The bones were photographed and geometric morphometry was applied to these photographs. Principal Component Analysis was applied to determine shape variations. In Principal component 1 for cranium, CD-1 and C57bl/6 strain groups showed different shape variations, while Balb-c strain group showed similar shape variations to the other strain groups. Principal Component 1 for the mandible separated the CD-1 and C57bl/6 strain groups in terms of shape variation. Principal Component 2 explained most of the variation between the C57bl/6 and CD-1 lineage groups. In PC1 for molars, the CD-1 group showed a different shape variation from the other groups. Mahalanobis distances and Procrustes distances were measured using Canonical variance analysis to explain the differences between the lineage groups. These measurements were statistically significant. For cranium, in canonical variate 1, CD-1 group of mouse and Balb-c group of mouse were separated from each other. In canonical variate 2, C57bl/6 group of mouse were separated from the other groups. For mandible, Balb-c group of mouse in canonical variate 1 and CD-1 group of mouse in canonical variate 2 were separated from the other groups. For molars, CD-1 group of mouse in canonical variate 1 and Balb-c group of mouse in canonical variate 2 were separated from the other groups. It was thought that these anatomical differences could be caused by genotypic factors as well as dietary differences and many different habits that would affect the way their muscles work.

Comparative Cranial Geometric Morphometrics among Wistar Albino, Sprague Dawley, and WAG/Rij Rat Strains.

This research utilizes geometric morphometrics to investigate shape variation in the skull, mandible, and teeth among three rat strains: Wistar Albino (WA), Sprague Dawley (SD), and WAG/Rij (WR). Through the analysis of 48 rats using 2D geometric morphometric techniques, significant differences in their skull morphology were identified. This study indicates a shift from a rectangular to an oval cranial shape across strains, with notable size and morphological variances. Particularly, the WR strain's skull shape significantly differs from the SD and WA strains, suggesting distinct ecological or genetic pathways. Compared to the skull, mandible shape differences are less pronounced, but still significant. The WR strain exhibits a distinct mandible shape, potentially reflecting ecological adaptations like dietary habits. The teeth shape of WR rats is the most distinct. SD rats consistently exhibited larger sizes in both skull and mandible measurements, while WR rats were notably smaller. Interestingly, sexual dimorphism was not statistically significant in skull and teeth sizes, aligning with findings from previous studies. However, the mandible showed clear size differences between sexes, underscoring its potential for adaptive or behavioral studies. In summary, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of morphological variations in rat strains, highlighting the intricate interplay of size, shape, and ecological factors. These findings lay a foundation for deeper explorations into the adaptive, ecological, or genetic narratives influencing rat morphology.

A morphological investigation of the tongue of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758).

The morphological structure of the tongue and papillae that occur on it vary according to an animal's lifestyle, nutrition, and adaptation to various environmental conditions. This study aimed to reveal in detail the morphological, histological, and electron microscopic structure of the tongue of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758). In this study, nine roe tongues were used. The tongue consists of three parts: the apex, body, and root. When the dorsal surface of the tongue was examined in detail, five different papillae were observed: filiform, lenticular, conical, fungiform, and vallate. Filiform papillae differed in having secondary papillae according to their localization. The opening holes of taste buds were observed on the surface of the round and flat fungiform papillae. The free ends of the filiform papillae were more pointed and thinner than those of the other papillae, while the width of the lenticular papillae was thicker, the surface was flat, and the free ends were blunt. Triangular-shaped conical papillae were observed differently regarding the presence or absence of secondary papillae. The vallate papillae were caudolateral to the lingual torus. On the surface of the vallate papillae, circumferenced by a deep groove, were the opening holes of the taste buds and microridges. From this analysis, it appears to be characteristic of roe deer that mechanical function, filiform, and conical papillae contain secondary papillae; lenticular papillae, absent in many deer species, are found; and a prominent papillary groove surrounds all mechanical and gustatory papillae. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The lingual papillae of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758) were examined with this study in detail for the first time. Similarities and differences with ruminant species were determined.

Investigation of the effects of atorvastatin and Lactobacillus acidophilus on some hormones and oxidative stress in experimental hypercholesterolemia.

AIM: The investigation of serum leptin, ghrelin, insulin, seratonin hormones, NO, total oxidant/antioxidant status and brain cannaboid 1 receptor protein and apoptotic cell levels in atorvastatin and Lactobacillus acidophilus administrated experimental hypercholesterolemia was aimed in the project. METHODS: In the study, 5 experimental groups were formed. Group 1 was fed with standard rat chow, and Group 2 was fed with 2% cholesterol added standard rat chow for 8 weeks. Group 3 was fed with 2% cholesterol feed and received atorvastatin (20 mg/kg/day) for the last 4 weeks. Group 4 was given L. acidophilus (2 ×108 cfu/kg/day). Group 5 was given atorvastatin and L. acidophilus probiotic in the last 4 weeks of the experiment period. After the experimental period, blood samples were taken from each rat. Rats were sacrificed and brain tissues were taken for analyzes. In sera samples, leptin, ghrelin, insulin, serotonin hormones and NO levels were measured with ELISA. In brain samples, cannabinoid 1 receptor proteins and apoptosis levels were measured by ELISA. Total oxidant and antioxidant levels were investigated with using Rel Assay Kits. RESULTS: The addition of cholesterol to feeds increased the levels of serum cholesterol, insulin and leptin levels; on the other hand, reduced the levels of serotonin and ghrelin. In hypercholesterolemia, total oxidant and NO levels were increased, and total antioxidant levels were decreased. CONCLUSION: The results showed that administrations of L. acidophilus and atorvastatin might be recommended for treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

Morphology of the tongue dorsal surface of turbot (Scophthalmus maximus).

This study aimed to analyze the morphology of the tongue, which varies among fish species and has not been studied in turbot (Scophthalmus maximus), using macro-anatomical, light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As research materials, the tongues of eight adult turbot, which were used for consumption, were examined. The roughly triangular-shaped tongue of the turbot consisted of three parts: apex, body, and root. The thickness of the tongue continued to increase from the apex to the root. Although papillae were not observed in the macroscopic examination of the tongue, microscopic examination revealed the presence of cone-like shaped papillae on the submucosa. The tongue was composed of mucosa, submucosa, and hyaline cartilage. By SEM the presence of the taste buds (Types I and III), taste pores and papillae on the dorsal surface were demonstrated. Taste buds are the first descriptions in S. maximus. Therefore our results could add new data to the fish tongue anatomy. HIGHLIGHTS: Morphological and morphometric data of the turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) tongue were obtained in this study and compared with other species. In addition, the dorsal surface of the turbot tongue was described for the first time using SEM.

Comparison of sheep scapula models created with polylactic acid and thermoplastic polyurethane filaments by three-dimensional modelling.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is a rapid prototyping method that has recently been increasingly used in anatomy education. Magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and 3D scanners are generally used to create 3D models. The aim of this study, which was performed without using the aforementioned devices, is to design sheep scapula models in a computer environment and compare bone models created with different filaments printed by a 3D printer with real bone. Photographs of sheep scapula were taken for modelling, and measurements were made from certain points. After the photographs were transferred to a computer environment, they were transformed into 3D using the Cinema 4D software, a computer-aided design program. Models were created using a 3D printer employing polylactic acid (PLA) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filaments. By comparing the models created with PLA and TPU filaments to the real bone, it was found that they have a similar anatomical structure, with dimensional-morphometric differences found at some points. It was also observed that the scapula model created with PLA filaments was more resistant to impacts than the real bone and that the model created with TPU filaments was more flexible, with very low fragility as compared to PLA and real bone. Therefore, this method allows obtaining a large number of durable models as an alternative to the real bone without the need for much manpower or equipment and without the need for a 3D reconstruction device.

The fine structure of the turbot eye (Scophtalmus maximus): A macro-anatomical, light and scanning electron microscopical study.

In fish species, the morphological structure of the eye varies depending on environmental conditions. Morphometric data about the sensory organs of fish is lacking. Therefore, this study aims to describe the morphological structure of the turbot eye using gross, light and scanning electron microscope examinations. The turbot eyeball was found to comprise three layers: the tunica fibrosa bulbi (cornea, sclera), the tunica vasculosa bulbi (choroidea, iris) and the tunica nervea bulbi (retina). The thickness of the centre of the cornea measured approximately 153.14 µm, and the peripheral thickness measured 410.81 µm. The sclera consisted of a two-part cartilage structure that was connected with elastic fibres. The choroideal rete was found in the tunica vasculosa bulbi, and its thickness measured 1.6 ± 0.1 mm. Moreover, no pigment was found in the choroidea. The lens was determined to be a very hard and transparent structure extending towards the cornea. In addition, we detected five ligaments in the equatorial plane of the eye, in which the tendon of the retractor lentis muscle attaches to the lens. Also, there were six extraocular muscles in the turbot. This study is the first to present detailed descriptions of morphological structures and morphometric data for all the layers of the turbot eye. Since the anatomical structure of the eye in fish is variable, it is thought that the data on the turbot eye will contribute to the anatomy literature.

Light and electron microscopic studies on the pecten oculi showing blood-retina barrier properties in Turkey's native Gerze chicken.

The pecten oculi is a highly vascularized and pigmented organ that projects from the optic disc into the vitreous body in the avian eye. In this study, the pecten oculi of Turkey's native Gerze chicken was examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, the localization of some adherens junction components (E-cadherin and pan-cadherin) in intact vessels of the blood-retina barrier was investigated by immunohistochemistry. In the Gerze chicken, the pecten oculi was a thin structure, which was located over the head of the discus nervi optici and projected from the retina into the corpus vitreum. The pecten oculi consisted of 18-21 highly vascularized pleats, joined apically by a bridge and resembled an accordion in appearance. Hyalocytes and melanocytes were observed around the small and large vessels. The morphometric data of the pecten oculi showed that there were no statistical differences in terms of sex. The immunohistochemical analysis of the pecten oculi, which is used as a model for the investigation of the formation and maturation of the barrier properties in the central nervous system, revealed cytoplasmic E-cadherin and pan-cadherin immunoreactivity in the endothelial cells of the small, large and capillary vessels. These observations suggest that while the morphological and histological structure of the Gerze chicken's pecten oculi was generally similar to that of other diurnal domestic birds, the pecten oculi, a model system for vascular differentiation and the blood-retina barrier, expressed different cadherins.

Macroanatomic, light, and electron microscopic examination of pecten oculi in the seagull (Larus canus).

The present study was conducted to determine macroanatomic characteristic as well as light and electron microscopic examination (SEM) of pecten oculi and totally 20 bulbus oculi belonging to 10 seagulls (Larus canus) were used. Pecten oculi formations consisted of 18 to 21 pleats and their shape looked like a snail. Apical length of the pleats forming pecten oculi were averagely measured as 5.77 ± 0.56 mm, retina-dependent base length was 9.01 ± 1.35 mm and height was measured as 6.4 ± 0.62 mm. In pecten oculi formations which extend up to 1/3 of the bulbus oculi, two different vascular formations were determined according to thickness of the vessel diameter. Among these, vessels with larger diameters which are less than the others in count were classified as afferent and efferent vessels, smaller vessels which are greater in size were classified as capillaries. Furthermore, the granules which were observed intensely in apical side of the pleats of pecten oculi were observed to distribute randomly along the plica.

Macroanatomic, light and scanning electron microscopic studies of the pecten oculi in the stork (Ciconia ciconia).

This study was undertaken to investigate the pecten oculi of stork by using macroscopic, light and electron microscopic techniques. A total of 20 eyes that were obtained from 10 storks were used. The eyes were cleaned and isolated by dissection. After various procedures, four of the pecten oculi were examined by light microscope while the other four with an electron microscope. The remaining 12 eyes were assigned for macroscopic investigation. Pecten oculi of the stork were determined as accordion-like structures that originated from n. opticus, consisting of 15-17 plica and projecting up to 2/5 of the diameter of the bulbus oculi. Light microscopic examination revealed two types of blood vessels. Afferent-efferent vessels were larger in diamater (40-45 µm), fewer in numbers, and the capillary vessels were smaller in diamater (2-5 µm) and more in numbers. There were granules including amount of melanin pigment at the apical part of the pleats. These granules were fewer and scattered randomly on the basal part of the pleats. As a result, pecten oculi in the stork, which is a migrating bird, were determined to be similar to those of other diurnal birds.

The morphology of the pecten oculi in the common buzzard (Buteo buteo).

OBJECTIVE: The pecten oculi are an intraocular, vascular, and pigmented structure peculiar to the avian eye. In this study, we investigated the pecten oculi of the common buzzard (Buteo buteo) using stereomicroscopy and light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). PROCEDURES: Twenty eyes from 10 adult buzzards were studied. Specimens from each buzzard were preserved in 10% buffered formalin and observed stereomicroscopically before being embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained with three stains: Mallory's triple staining technique as modified by Crossman, Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE), and Safranin O, and for examination by light microscopy. Specimens from two buzzards were also prepared for SEM. RESULTS: Stereomicroscopy and SEM examination showed the pecten oculi in the common buzzard to be pleated-consisting of 17-18 100 µm thick folds. These folds are connected to one another by bands of connective tissue extending vertically between the plications. Blood vessels, approximately 30-40 µm in diameter, were seen on the surface of the each fold. These vessels arise from the base of pecten, becoming thinner toward the apical end of the structure. A network of capillary vessels at the base of the plicated structure resembles contour lines. At high amplification, melanin granule accumulations were observed around the vascular structures of the plica on SEM images. Light microscopy supported the SEM observations. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal that the pecten oculi in the common buzzard are plicated and are remarkably similar to that of the other diurnal raptors.