Lingual Ultrastructural and Histochemical Study in the Patagonian Mara (Rodentia: Caviidae, Dolichotis patagonum) in Relation to Other Hystricomorphs.

The study describes the ultrastructure of the tongue in the Patagonian mara (Dolichotis patagonum) using light and scanning electron microscopy. Histochemical methods were used for evaluation of lingual salivary glands. The tongue is divided into a small and rounded apex, a narrow corpus, and a significantly wider radix, with a well-developed lingual prominence. The tip of the apex is free of papillae. The caudal part of the apex and the corpus are covered by filiform papillae. Round fungiform papillae are scattered among them. Papillae on the narrow stalk are conical. The radix contains caudally bent papillae forming wide flat prominences, slender, hook shaped filiform papillae, foliate papillae, and two oval vallate papillae. Taste buds were found on the lateral sides of the foliate and vallate papillae. Purely serous salivary glands are beneath the vallate and foliate papillae. Serous acini and mucous tubules are in the lingual radix. The Patagonian mara is the only hystricomorph rodent with described hyaline cartilage strengthening the lingual radix. Some typical signs of adaptation to herbivorous diet were found. The structure of the tongue is adapted to grass-feeding, as grasses form the main component of their diet.

Lymphocyte immunophenotyping and concentration of MMP-9 in transudates and exudates in horses.

This study is the first to provide information on the lymphocyte subpopulations in peritoneal effusions in horses. Peritoneal transudates (n = 12), peritoneal exudates (n = 6) and a pleural exudate (n = 1) were analyzed. The total nucleated cell count (TNCC), total protein (TP) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) concentration determined by ELISA were measured and routine cytological evaluation was performed. CD3, CD4, CD8 and CD21 positive cells were detected by flow cytometry. A higher percentage of neutrophils (P < 0.05) and higher MMP-9 (P < 0.01) levels were found in exudates. A higher percentage of macrophages (P < 0.05) and lymphocytes (P < 0.01) were found in transudates. CD4 + lymphocytes were the most common lymphocyte subpopulation in all samples. CD21 + lymphocytes were the least common in all samples. A large variability in the percentage of CD21 + lymphocytes was found in exudates. The percentage of CD21 + lymphocytes positively correlated with the level of total protein (r = 0.5704, P < 0.05). The correlation was even stronger in the group of exudates. The percentages of lymphocyte subpopulations did not correlate with the level of MMP-9 or with cytological findings. The level of MMP-9 positively correlated with the percentage of neutrophils (r = 0.4980, P < 0.05), the level of TP (r = 0.7855, P < 0.01) and TNCC (r = 0.6129, P < 0.01). A significantly higher level of MMP-9 was detected in euthanized horses than in horses that survived (P < 0.05). However, it was shown that the level of MMP-9 in the peritoneal fluid can change significantly in a short time. More studies on repeated abdominocentesis could contribute to elucidating the role of MMP-9 as a prognostic indicator.

Regulatory T lymphocytes and selected cytokines in horses with mild to severe equine asthma and different inflammatory cytology profiles.

This study determined Tregs and inflammatory cytokines in BALF and peripheral blood (PB) of adult horses with mild and severe asthma and different BALF cytological inflammation profiles. Horses of diverse breeds with asthma (age range: 2-20 years, n = 24) were divided into groups according to the number of points obtained in a standardized clinical scoring system (mild-moderate equine asthma - MEA, severe equine asthma - SEA) and according to the inflammation type based on cytological finding. Plasma levels of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17 and MMP-9 in the BALF were determined by ELISA. Tregs in the BALF and PB were detected by flow cytometry. Horses with SEA were older than horses with MEA and had higher concentrations of MMP-9 in the BALF (P < 0.05). The neutrophilic inflammation group was characterised by higher age, grade of clinical score, percentage of Tregs and MMP-9 concentration in the BALF compared to the mastocytic inflammation group (P < 0.05). Age positively correlated with neutrophils, grade of score, Tregs in the BALF and in the PB. The grade of score positively correlated with MMP-9. The percentage of Tregs in the BALF positively correlated with Tregs in the PB. Tregs in the BALF and PB positively correlated with neutrophils and MMP-9 in the BALF and with IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 in the plasma. IFN-γ and IL-10 in the plasma positively correlated with the age. The results indicate that the evaluation of selected parameters in PB, the collection of which is less invasive than the collection of BALF, is of potential importance.

Lymphocyte immunophenotyping in dogs with lymphopenia of common causes.

Lymphocyte immunophenotyping can be useful for evaluating immune competence and predicting the disease prognosis. It is essential to gain knowledge about canine lymphocyte immunophenotypes in various conditions. The study deals with the characteristics of lymphopenia in dogs, with an emphasis on lymphocyte immunophenotyping by flow cytometry. Blood samples from 44 dogs with lymphopenia were included in the study. All lymphopenias sent from veterinary clinics to the diagnostic laboratory were analyzed. The hematological and biochemical abnormalities were investigated, as well as the effect of the age. Lymphopenias were classified according to the level of C-reactive protein (CRP). The percentage of T cells, B cells, Th cells and Tc cells, and T/B and Th/Tc ratios were determined by flow cytometry. Lymphopenias often occurred in dogs over 7 years of age (79.5 %). The most common were postoperative lymphopenia (31.8 %) and inflammatory diseases (29.5 %), most commonly affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Frequent abnormalities were monocytosis (56.8 %), increased CRP (72.7 %) and decreased albumin/globulin ratio (50.0 %). The percentage of Th lymphocytes was significantly lower in the group with elevated CRP than in the group with basal CRP (P = 0.0329). A negative correlation was found between the level of CRP and the percentage of Th lymphocytes (r = -0.3278, P = 0.0390). This study provided new insights into the appearance, incidence and classification of canine lymphopenia.

Comparative Study of Lingual Papillae, Lingual Glands and Lyssa of the Tongue of Selected Wild Felids (Carnivora, Felidae) in Biological Aspects.

Although much attention has been paid in the literature to the morphology of the tongue in various animal species, including some Felidae, it has not yet been described in detail in the vulnerable Neofelis nebulosa and Panthera leo bleyenberghi and the last concern Lynx lynx and Otocolobus manul. Therefore, the present study aimed to characterize the features of the tongue surface, lingual glands and lyssa in the above-mentioned four selected wild species of the Pantherinae and Felinae subfamilies. Macroscopic, histological, histochemical and ultrastructural analyzes were used in the present work. Comparative analyzes of the dorsal tongue surface showed the presence of mechanical lingual papillae on five subtypes of filiform papillae on the apex and body and conical papillae on the root of the tongue. Gustatory papillae in the four analyzed species were fungiform papillae and various numbers of vallate papillae. Foliate papillae were absent in P. leo bleyenberghi and L. lynx, while delicate smooth folds, which were separated by parallel grooves but without taste buds, were present in N. nebulosa. The vallate and foliate papillae were accompanied by lingual glands, which produced a serous secretion, whereas the mixed lingual glands of the lingual root were with a predominance of mucus secretions comparable to four captive Felidae species. In the median plane on the ventral surface of the apex under its epithelium and within the muscle fibers, the lyssa was also observed to a varying degree, with the least developed, and thought about the size of the entire tongue, was in P. leo bleyenberghi. The lyssa structure in the four species was dominated by adipose tissue. The obtained results contribute knowledge concerning the functional anatomy of the tongue in four selected Felidae species, especially in terms of comparative anatomy.

Changes in rabbit lymphocyte subpopulations and activation following long-term administration of meloxicam.

Meloxicam is a commonly used analgesic in rabbits. However, its possible impact on lymphocyte subpopulations remained unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate a possible effect of long-term administration of meloxicam on rabbit lymphocyte subpopulations. The study included 8 rabbits given meloxicam orally once daily (1 mg/kg BW) for 14 days and 8 rabbits as a control group. Peripheral blood samples were collected on day 0 (before the first dose of meloxicam), day 3, 7 and 14. Samples were evaluated with a haematology analyser and a flow cytometer. A significant decrease in T: B cell ratio was found in all samples taken during meloxicam administration compared to day 0, as well as in comparison with the control group (P < 0.01). A significant increase (P < 0.05) in proportion of CD5 +CD8 + lymphocytes occurred by day 3. Subsequently, although the values slightly decreased, they still remained elevated throughout all the experiment compared to the values from day 0 (P < 0.05). A slight decrease in T and B cell activation (CD5 +CD25 + and IgM+CD25 +) noticed by day 3, declined during the next days of administration and became more and more significant (finally, P = 0.0078). Since a high significant decrease (P < 0.01) in both T and B cell activation as well as a significant increase (P < 0.05) in CD5 +CD8 + T cells proportion were observed after meloxicam administration, a predicted effect of long-term administration of meloxicam on rabbit lymphocytes was confirmed.

Electrolyte, Oestradiol and Progesterone Concentrations in Ovarian Cyst Fluid in Guinea Pigs (Cavia porcellus).

Despite their high prevalence, the aetiopathogenesis of ovarian cysts in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) is unknown. We examined tissue samples of cystic ovaries from 20 guinea pigs by histopathology and immunohistochemistry for CD10 antigen, and determined the concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl-, oestradiol and progesterone in the cyst fluid. Cystic rete ovarii were found in all 20 guinea pigs but no follicular cysts. Concentrations of Na+ (142.2 ± 5.04 mmol/l), K+ (5.6 ± 0.76 mmol/l) and Cl- (116.1 ± 5.25 mmol/l) corresponded to extracellular, rather than intracellular, fluid indicating that rete ovarii cysts in guinea pigs are transudative in nature. A positive correlation was found between Na+ and Cl- concentrations (r = 0.7713, P <0.0001). The mean concentrations of oestradiol (61.9 ± 17.44 pg/ml) and progesterone (2.7 ± 5.42 ng/ml) in the cyst fluid were higher than expected because the rete epithelium is not known to have steroidogenic activity. A negative correlation was found between oestradiol and progesterone concentrations in cyst fluid (r = -0.4296, P = 0.0178). Possible pathogenetic mechanisms of cystic rete ovarii in guinea pigs are discussed.

The tongue of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens fulgens Cuvier, 1825)-a stereoscopy, light microscopy and ultrastructural analysis.

In the light of recent molecular studies, there are two phylogenetic species of the red panda (Ailurus fulgens): Ailurus fulgens fulgens and Ailurus fulgens styani. The red panda belongs to the endangered species living in the wild only in Asia and is included in the CITES list. Although the biology and diet of this species has been extensively described, the histological structure of the tongue and lingual glands has not yet been characterized in detail in relation to the lifestyle of this mammal under specific conditions and as a basis for comparative anatomical studies of the biodiversity of endemic species. Study samples were collected from two adult males of Ailurus fulgens f. held in Wroclaw Zoological Garden. Both tongues were examined macroscopically; moreover, samples with lingual papillae for light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were collected from the apex, body and root of the tongue. Both tongues of the Ailurus fulgens f. males were approximately 9 cm long. The dorsal lingual surface was covered with mechanical and gustatory lingual papillae. Filiform papillae were observed on the apex and the body of the tongue, while small conical papillae were observed on the root of the tongue. An elongated, 1-1.5 cm long cylinder-shaped lyssa was observed in the ventral part of the apex. Moreover, most numerous and largest round in shape fungiform papillae were observed on the apex and on the border of the body and root of the tongue, located directly rostrally to 12-13 round and oval in shape vallate papillae. The SEM study showed that filiform papillae on the apex had several long secondary processes, while filiform papillae on the body of the tongue were taller and their secondary papillae were shorter than the equivalent structures on the apex of the tongue. The SEM study showed numerous taste pores on the surface of the fungiform papilla, while irregular surface of the vallate papillae, however some of them had smoother surface. Mixed glands (comprised of mucous acini and serous acini) were present within the vallum (within the connective tissue core) of the vallate papilla. Beneath the papillae more serous glands were observed, while the posterior lingual glands in the caudal part of the root of the tongue were mucoserous (mucous units were prevalent). A characteristic feature of the tongue of Ailurus fulgens f. was the presence of lyssa, which is comparable to other representatives of Carnivora, but the number of vallate papillae was individually variable. The lack of strongly developed mechanical conical papillae probably may be related to the type of plant food that is particularly dominant in red panda. Further differences between Ailurus fulgens f. and Ailurus fulgens s. cannot be excluded. The results of these studies may be useful especially for veterinarians specializing in working with exotic animals and people dealing with wildlife conservation.

Mast cells and Kurloff cells - Their detection throughout the oestrous cycle in normal guinea pig ovaries and in guinea pigs with cystic rete ovarii.

Mast cells (MCs) and Kurloff cells (KCs) were detected in guinea pig ovaries in the follicular and luteal phases of the oestrous cycle. The samples of ovaries were fixed in Mota's basic lead acetate. Toluidine blue was used for detection of MCs and periodic acid-Schiff for detection of KCs. The percentage of KCs in a differential leukocyte count was determined in blood smears stained according to the Pappenheim method. Non-pregnant females with normal ovaries and with cystic rete ovarii were included in the study and the numbers of MCs and KCs were compared in these two groups and in follicular and luteal phases of the oestrous cycle. MCs' distribution in ovaries was different in the guinea pig in comparison to previously studied species: MCs were found exclusively in the superficial layers of cortical stroma and no significant difference was found between the number of MCs in the follicular and luteal phases, neither in normal ovaries, nor in ovaries with cystic rete ovarii. Significantly lower numbers of MCs were found in ovaries with cystic rete ovarii (P < 0.01) in contrast to normal ovaries. A significantly higher percentage of KCs in the peripheral blood was found in the follicular phase (P < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was found in relation to the presence of cystic rete ovarii. Interestingly, no KCs were found in the samples of ovaries (either in the follicular or luteal phase, and with or without cysts). Thus, the expected role of KCs in ovarian physiology or in the aetiology of the cystic rete ovarii can be excluded.

Microstructure of the Surface of the Tongue and Histochemical Study of the Lingual Glands of the Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris Linnaeus, 1758) (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae).

Although the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract has been characterized in the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), the exact anatomy of its tongue has not been studied. Samples of the lingual papillae and lingual glands were collected from the tongue of an adult female lowland tapir. The microscopic analysis of the structure of the lingual papillae and the histochemical analysis of the secretion of the lingual glands were analyzed. The tongue of the tapir is divided into the apex, body with a distinct lingual prominence, and the root. Its ventral surface is smooth. The most numerous of the mechanical papillae were the filiform papillae, while numerous conical papillae with a sharp apex or more rounded papillae were present in the root of the tongue. There were also nine vallate papillae and pair of foliate papillae. The foliate papillae contained several folds parted by 12-14 grooves. The mucous secretion produced by the lingual glands was more obvious than the serous secretion. The features of the dorsal surface of the tongue as well as the shape and number of the lingual papillae on the surface of the tongue of the examined female tapir differ compared to Equidae or Rhinocerotidae, the other two representatives of Perissodactyla. However, further study is necessary for the synapomorpy of the tapir's tongue.

Changes in the mast cell distribution in the canine ovary and uterus throughout the oestrous cycle.

This is the first study describing the relation between the phase of the oestrous cycle and the number of mast cells (MCs) in the canine ovaries and uterine horns. The total number of MCs was counted in cortex ovarii, medulla ovarii, endometrium and myometrium. The number of MCs was compared in all of these areas among the bitches in the early follicular phase, luteal phase and anoestrus. MCs were the most numerous in the early follicular phase and in the luteal phase; however, they were significantly less numerous during anoestrus. Based on the results, it was concluded that the number of MCs in ovaries and uterine horns fluctuates during the oestrous cycle. The results of this study may contribute to clarifying the role of MCs in the reproductive organs of bitches.

Microscopic structure of the tongue in the lesser hedgehog tenrec (Echinops telfairi, Afrosoricida) and its relation to phylogenesis.

The tongue of the lesser hedgehog tenrec (Echinops telfairi) was evaluated by light and scanning electron microscopy. Dorsal and lateral surfaces of the tongue were densely covered with various types of lingual papillae. Two types of mechanical papillae (filiform and conical) and two types of sensory papillae (fungiform and vallate) were observed. Rostrocaudally, the number of spikes in filiform papillae increased. Filiform, crown-like papillae were found on the radix, as well as large conical papillae with a wide base and a caudally bent single spike. Fungiform papillae were scattered in four rows on the dorsal surface. Three vallate papillae in inverse triangular layout were developed in the area of the lingual radix. Taste buds were found in the sensory papillae, i.e., fungiform and vallate. The lingual glands were predominantly seromucous. These glands were evenly scattered from the caudal portion of the lingual apex to the lingual radix. Purely serous glands were localized close to vallate papillae. A histochemical analysis of glands was performed. Results were compared to the Afrotheria (tenrec's relatives) and Eulipotyphla (animals with similar feeding habits to tenrecs). This study is the first description of the lingual morphology in the member of the Order Afrosoricida. Moreover, it compares the effect of the phylogenetic relation to the effect of the feeding habits on the lingual morphology.

Light and scanning electron microscopy of the tongue of a degu (Octodon degus).

The tongue of an adult degu was examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. It consists of an apex, corpus, and radix and contains a lingual prominence. The aim of this study was to describe the course of muscle fascicles of the proper lingual muscle, the presence and nature of the lingual salivary glands, and particularly the appearance and distribution of the lingual papillae. Three major types of papillae have been observed: filiform, conical, and vallate. The dorsal surface of the lingual apex extends in caudally bent filiform papillae with two spines. The lingual corpus bears long filiform papillae with a single tip. The lingual radix contains crown-like papillae in the region of the prominence and conical papillae in the remaining areas. Two oval vallate papillae were discovered caudally on the lingual radix. This first description of the lingual structures in a degu could be used for comparative studies or as basic data for differentiation of lingual morphology in this species.