Histology, histochemistry and fine structure of the lacrimal gland in the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius).

Our research aimed to provide complete histological, histochemical and ultrastructural features of the lacrimal gland of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) as well as novel insights into its adaptability to the Egyptian desert. Our study was applied to 20 fresh lacrimal glands collected from 10 camels instantly after their slaughtering. The results revealed that the gland was a compound tubulo-acinar gland, and its acini were enclosed by a thick connective tissue capsule that was very rich in elastic and collagen fibres. The gland acini had irregular lumens and were composed of conical to pyramidal cells. The nuclei of secretory cells were found in the basal part, and the cytoplasm was eosinophilic and granular. The glandular tissue consisted of serous and mucous acini and seromucous secretory cells. Histochemically, there was a significant amount of neutral mucopolysaccharides in the acini in which mucous cells had a significant periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive reaction, whereas seromucous cells had a mild PAS-positive reaction. Ultrastructurally, the lacrimal cells had numerous secretory vesicles with contents of moderately to highly electron-dense cytoplasm. The nuclear envelope consisted of two prominent membranes surrounding the peri-nuclear cisterna. The acinar cells had numerous electron-lucent and moderately electron-dense secretory granules, mainly situated on the apical surface, and secreted their contents into the lumen. The luminal surface of the mucous secretory cells represents the remains of secretory granules discharged by the merocrine mechanism. In conclusion, the mucous secretion is believed to aid in the washing and moistening of the eyeball, particularly in dry, hot and dusty environments.

Developmental characteristics of aggregated lymphoid nodules area in the abomasum of fetal Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus).

BACKGROUND: Bactrian camel is one of the important economic animals in northwest China. They live in arid desert, and their gestation period is about 13 months, which is longer than other ruminants (such as cattle and sheep). The harsh living conditions have made its unique histological characteristics a research focus. Aggregated lymphoid nodules area (ALNA) in the abomasum of Bactrian camels, as one of the most important sites for the induction of the immune response, provide a comprehensive and effective protective role for the organism, and their lack of information will affect the feeding management, reproduction and epidemic prevention of Bactrian camels. In this study, the histological characteristics of the fetal ALNA in the abomasum of Bactrian camels at different developmental gestation have been described by using light microscopy and histology . RESULTS: The ALNA in the abomasum of the Chinese Alashan Bactrian camel is a special immune structure that was first discovered and reported by Wen-hui Wang. To further establish the developmental characteristics of this special structure in the embryonic stage, the abomasum ALNA of 8 fetuses of Alashan Bactrian camels with different gestational ages (5~13 months) were observed and studied by anatomy and histology. The results showed that the aggregation of reticular epithelial cells (RECs) surrounded by a very small number of lymphoid cells was detected for the first time in the abomasum of fetal camel at 5 months gestation, which was presumed to be primitive ALNA. At 7 months gestation, the reticular mucosal folds region (RMFR) appeared, but the longitudinal mucosal folds region (LMFR) was not significant, and histological observations showed that there were diffusely distributed lymphocytes around the RECs. At 10months gestation, RMFR and LMFR were clearly visible, lymphoid follicles appeared in histological observation, lymphocytes proliferated vigorously. By 13 months, the volume of lymphoid follicles increased, forming the subepithelial dome (SED), and there was a primitive interfollicular area between the lymphoid follicles, which contained high endothelial vein (HEV), but no germinal center (GC) was found. In summary, ALNA of Bactrian camels is not fully mature before birth. CONCLUSIONS: Generally, the small intestine PPs of ruminants (such as cattle and sheep) is already mature before birth, while the ALNA in the abomasum of Bactrian camels is not yet mature in the fetal period. During the development of ALNA in Bactrian camel, the development of lymphoid follicles extends from submucosa to Lamina propria. Interestingly, the deformation of FAE changes with age from simple columnar epithelium at the beginning of pregnancy to Simple cuboidal epithelium, which is opposite to the FAE deformation characteristics of PPs in the small intestine of fetal cattle and sheep. These results are the basis of further research on the specificity of ALNA in the abomasum of Bactrian camels.

Morphological and radiographic studies on the Manus region in the Arabian one-humped camel (Camelus dromedaries).

The study aims to analyse the normal anatomical and radiographical features of the Manus of the southern Aswanian-adapted Arabian one-humped camel, providing crucial data for diagnosing and treating various ailments. Our study was applied to 10 cadaver forelimbs of adult male one-humped camels (4-5 years old) for an explanation of the gross anatomy of the bones of the Manus region from under the carpal bones by using traditional techniques, including the gross anatomical, radiographic and x-ray (at the dorsopalmar and lateral planes) of the preparation of Manus bones. Our results showed that the large fused (third and fourth) metacarpal bones, in which the fusion extended along the entire length of the bone except at the distal end, diverged to form separate articulations with cross-ponding digits. As described in all ruminant species, especially the camel, there were two digits, and each digit consisted of three phalanges and two proximal sesamoid bones. Our radiographic x-ray data revealed that the complete radiopaque septum that completely divided the medullary cavity into two separate parts was clear from the dorsopalmar view, while the lateral view showed the proximal sesamoid bones that were placed over each other and located palmar to the head of the large metacarpal bone. In conclusion, our study reveals the adaptations of the Arabian one-humped camel to Egyptian conditions, aiding in the early diagnosis of lameness and digit problems and enabling veterinarians and camel owners to better address these issues, thereby improving the overall health and well-being of these animals.

Antibody preparation and age-dependent distribution of TLR8 in Bactrian camel spleens.

BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptor 8 (TLR8) can recognize specific pathogen-associated molecular patterns and exert multiple immunological functions through activation of signaling cascades. However, the precise distribution and age-related alterations of TLR8 in the spleens of Bactrian camels have not yet been investigated. This study aimed to prepare a rabbit anti-Bactrian camel TLR8 polyclonal antibody and elucidate the distribution of TLR8 in the spleens of Bactrian camels at different age groups. The methodology involved the construction of the pET-28a-TLR8 recombinant plasmid, followed by the expression of TLR8 recombinant protein via prokaryotic expression. Subsequently, rabbits were immunized with the purified protein to prepare the TLR8 polyclonal antibody. Finally, twelve Alashan Bactrian camels were categorized into four groups: young (1-2 years), pubertal (3-5 years), middle-aged (6-16 years) and old (17-20 years). These camels received intravenous sodium pentobarbital (20 mg/kg) anesthesia and were exsanguinated to collect spleen samples. Immunohistochemical techniques were employed to observe and analyze the distribution patterns and age-related changes of TLR8 in the spleen. RESULTS: The results showed that the TLR8 recombinant protein was expressed in the form of inclusion body with a molecular weight of 52 kDa, and the optimal induction condition involved 0.3 mmol/L IPTG induction for 8 h. The prepared antibody yielded a titer of 1:32 000, and the antibody demonstrated specific binding to TLR8 recombinant protein. TLR8 positive cells exhibited a consistent distribution pattern in the spleen across different age groups of Bactrian camels, primarily scattered within the periarterial lymphatic sheath of the white pulp, marginal zone, and red pulp. The predominant cell type expressing TLR8 was macrophages, with expression also observed in neutrophils and dendritic cells. Statistical analysis revealed that there were significant differences in the distribution density of TLR8 positive cells among different spleen regions at the same age, with the red pulp, marginal zone, and white pulp showing a descending order (P<0.05). Age-related changes indicated that the distribution density in the marginal zone and red pulp exhibited a similar trend of initially increasing and subsequently decreasing from young to old camels. As camels age, there was a significant decrease in the distribution density across all spleen regions (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results confirmed that this study successfully prepared a rabbit anti-Bactrian camel TLR8 polyclonal antibody with good specificity. TLR8 positive cells were predominantly located in the red pulp and marginal zone of the spleen, signifying their pivotal role in the innate immune response of the spleen. Aging was found to significantly reduce the density of TLR8 positive cells, while leaving their scattered distribution characteristics unaffected. These findings provide valuable support for further investigations into the immunomorphology and immunosenescence of the spleen in Bactrian camels.

Anatomical, Histological, and Immunohistochemical Description of the Abomasum in One-Humped Adult Camel (Camelus dromedary) in the South of Iraq.

The camel is an important mammal, especially in the Middle EAST, although it has received less attention than other mammals and ruminants. Due to the lack of studies in this field, the current research was designed to investigate the morphological, histological, and immunohistochemical of one-humped camel's stomach. In this study, the third chamber (abomasum) of the stomach in adult one-humped camels (Camelus dromedaries) were evaluated (n=12). The morphological study of the third chamber showed that it consisted of two parts, the letter J, where the front part was found to be tubular, the outer surface is smooth, swollen, and transparent, while the inner surface has longitudinal folds with a low height. The posterior part is spherical, and the inner surface is divided into two regions. Histological study showed that the abomasum consists of four layers and is lined with simple columnar epithelium. The lamina property is composed of loose connective tissue. It contains different glands that, according to their location from the abomasum, where cardiac, Fundus, and pyloric glands are found, as well as stomach cells such as neck cells, mucous cells, chief cells, and parietal cells. In contrast, the sub mucosa layer is composed of loose connective tissue. It was also observed that the muscular layer is developed and contained from two layers, a circular inner and the outer one is longitudinal. It was also noted that the fourth layer is composed of loose connective tissue. The histochemical study showed a positive response to the PAS reagent.

Ossa cordis and os aorta in the one-humped camel: Computed tomography, light microscopy and morphometric analysis.

The present study describes the morphological characteristics of the camel heart Ossa cordis, and os aorta using computed tomography soft tissue window (CT) alongside 3D render volume reconstructions and light microscopy. The current study techniques demonstrated the Ossa cordis and os aorta in the cardiac window with more precision than the black and white (ghost), and angiography images. Transverse and sagittal CT images additionally demonstrated the presence of Ossa cordis and os aorta. This study is the first to record two small Ossa cordis sinistrum and one os aorta in the camel heart, in addition to the more commonly observed singular, large, os cordis dextrum. The os cordis dextrum was always located in the upper part of the interventricular septum, near to its junction with the atrium, forming an elongated rectangular shape when observed transversally. The wider cranial part was composed from bone, whereas the caudal aspect was narrow and contained both bone and cartilage. Light microscopy identified that the os cordis dextrum consisted of trabecular bone, marrow spaces, and hyaline cartilage. Two Ossa cordis sinistrum were detected on the left side of the heart, one in the right fibrous ring and another in the interventricular septum, microscopy showed that both contained only trabecular bone with osteocytes, osteoblasts, and osteoclasts. At the level of ascending aorta, there was also trabecular bone containing osteocytes, an os aorta.

Microscopic focus on ependymal cells of the spinal cord of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius): Histological, immunohistochemical, and transmission microscopic study.

The current study was designed to give a complete microscopic description of the ependymal cells of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) using histological, immunohistochemical, and transmission microscopic descriptions of the ependymal cells of the fresh 35 spinal cord samples immediately after their slaughtering. In our findings, the central canal of the spinal cord was lined by multilayered stratified cuboidal or columnar ependymal cells. The ependymal cells had an irregular striated border at their free surface. The ependymal cells do not exhibit a basement membrane. The simple oval nucleus was occupied a large part of the cell with spherical mitochondria. The apical surface of the ependymal cells possesses long cilia; each cilium was bounded by an evagination of the luminal plasma membrane. Some ependymal cells had minute finger-like projections on their luminal plasma membrane. In the perinuclear zone of ependymal cells, many cristiform mitochondria, free ribosomes, and Golgi complexes usually occur. Vacuoles with homogenous and clear fluid were observed. The lateral surface of the adjacent ependymal cells exhibits several tight junctions represented by zonulae occludens and adherens. There were many desmosomes between the neighboring ependymal cells. A perinuclear whorl of filaments fills the lateral part of these ependymal cells. The ependymal cells revealed a clear immunohistochemical reaction with proliferating cell nuclear antigen and nestin stain. There were no obvious differences between the different segments of the spinal cord. Our data concluded that the ependymal cells display clear differences in anatomy as well as ultrastructure that may reflect their distinct functional activity.

Morphological and histochemical changes in the dromedary camel epididymis in relation to reproductive activity.

Environmental conditions such as temperature, light and food availability are known to influence the physiological status of animals. The male dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) is considered as a seasonal breeder with maximal sexual activity during certain period of the year followed by a decrease in activity during the remaining period. On the other hand, the male camel is also shown as an atypical seasonal breeder because this does not undergo sexual quiescence with complete cessation of spermatogenesis. This animal, however, shows remarkable physiological and behavioral changes during its maximal sexual activity. The annual breeding (rutting) period also influences the epididymis. In this review, an attempt has been made to present the available literature pertaining to gross anatomical, histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and molecular changes in camel epididymis during breeding and nonbreeding periods, and the changes are believed to be correlated with male sexual behavior and libido. This review may also exhibit the dromedary camel breeding period, which is still unresolved, and thus may prove helpful in determining the exact time of mating, which is important for the success of assisted reproductive outcomes. Further, the review may contribute to a better understanding of the epididymal physiology in camel and may also prove useful in improving reproductive efficiency and population of this animal.

Computed tomographic and radiographic morphology of the pastern and coffin joints of One-Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius).

The objective of the current study was to describe the structures of the pastern and coffin joints in dromedary camel using x-ray, bone and soft tissue windows computed tomography (CT) and three-dimensional volume rendering (3DVR) of CT imaging. 3DVR of CT was obtained at the slight flexed dorsal view, plantar view, dorsolateral view and lateral view which explained all the surfaces and structures of the digit bony parts even the parts of the articular surface. The processed images of 3DVR of CT showed different patterns of the cortical, cancellous, subchondral bones and medullary cavity of the bones of the digits. The present study showed clearly all the hard and soft tissues in the pastern and coffin joints of the camel in CT images; however, the plantar ligaments of the pastern joint and ligaments of the navicular cartilage identified on CT images. The CT soft tissue window visualized the joint cavity and their pouches and tendon sheath of the flexor tendons better than the bone window CT. The radiographic, CT and 3D images could be used as a normal reference for the interpretation of some clinical diseases in the pastern and coffin joints of the camel.

The architecture of alveolar capillaries in the lungs of bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) / Arquitectura de los capilares alveolares de pulmones de camellos bactrianos (Camelus bactrianus)

SUMMARY: The Bactrian camel, which is native to China and Mongolia, is large in size and is an even-toed ungulate species. The double humps on the Bactrian camel back differentiate it from the dromedary camel, which has a single hump. This species has adapted to unsuitable conditions (lack of food and water) in the Gobi Desert and is advanced in unique anatomical and physiological characteristics during a prolonged evolution period. Several studies have been conducted on the anatomical features of the Bactrian camel, but none have given attention to the alveolar capillaries of the Bactrian camel lung. Therefore, the current study aims to explore the architecture of the alveolar capillary in the Bactrian camel lung and further explain the mechanism of blood flow in its lung. The current study extracted and examined the architecture of the alveolar capillary in the lung of the Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) and further explained the mechanism of blood flow by performing lung casting and replica scanning electron microscopy methods. The reports showed that the resources of the alveolar-capillary originated from the capillaries of the subpleural space or interlobular septulum, sometimes originating from the precapillary arterioles or directly from the terminal arterioles. The alveolar capillaries anastomosed and formed a single layer of dense, basket-like network surrounding the alveolus. The mash diameter of the alveolar-capillary network was larger than that of the capillary, and the appearance of the mash was oval and elliptical. Many of the collapsed alveolar-capillary networks were found in the alveolar microvascular architecture in the lung of the Bactrian camel. The study found that, due to many collapsed alveoli in the Bactrian camel lung, the disproportional pressure between the pulmonary alveoli induced less imbalance of blood flow in the alveolar capillary, which affected the gas exchange efficiency. Therefore, the function of the anastomosing capillary branch was likely to regulate the blood flow between the alveolar-capillary network.

RESUMEN: El camello bactriano, es originario de China y Mongolia, es de gran tamaño y es una especie de ungulado de dedos pares. Las dobles jorobas del lomo del camello bactriano lo diferencian del dromedario, que tiene una sola joroba. Esta especie se ha adaptado a condiciones inadecuadas (falta de alimento y agua) en el desierto de Gobi y ha avanzado en características anatómicas y fisiológicas únicas durante un período de evolución prolongado. Se han realizado varios estudios sobre las características anatómicas del camello bactriano, pero ninguno ha prestado atención a los capilares alveolares del pulmón de este animal. Por lo tanto, el presente estudio tuvo como objetivo principal explorar la arquitectura del capilar alveolar en el pulmón del camello bactriano y explicar el mecanismo del flujo sanguíneo. A partir de nuestro trabajo se examinó la arquitectura del capilar alveolar en el pulmón del camello bactriano (Camelus bactrianus) mediante la realización de métodos de microscopía electrónica de barrido y escaneo pulmonar. Los informes mostraron que los recursos del alvéolo-capilar se originaban en los capilares del espacio subpleural o del tabique interlobulillar y a veces se originaban en las arteriolas precapilares o directamente en las arteriolas terminales. Los capilares alveolares se anastomosaban y formaban una densa red de capa única en forma de cesta que rodeaba el alvéolo. El diámetro del macerado de la red alveolar-capilar era mayor que el del capilar y el aspecto del macerado era ovalado y elíptico. Muchas de las redes alvéolo-capilares colapsadas se encontraron en la arquitectura microvascular alveolar en el pulmón del camello bactriano. El estudio encontró que, muchos alvéolos colapsados en el pulmón del camello bactriano, la presión desproporcionada entre los alvéolos pulmonares inducía un menor desequilibrio del flujo sanguíneo en el capilar alveolar, lo que afectaba la eficiencia del intercambio de gases. Por lo tanto, la función de la rama capilar anastomosante probablemente regularía el flujo sanguíneo entre la red alveolar-capilar.

Morphometric, haematological and physio-biochemical characterization of Bactrian (Camelus bactrianus) camel at high altitude.

BACKGROUND: Biochemical and haematological parameters have not been determined in Bactrian camels kept at high altitude. Therefore, this study was undertaken to characterise different physiological, haematological, biochemical, and morphometric parameters of Bactrian camels of high altitude. For this, total fourteen high altitude healthy Bactrian camels were selected from Leh-Ladakh, India, a high altitude area, and thereafter divided into three age groups (N = 3 young; N = 6 adult; N = 5 old camels) to characterise for above parameters. All the results were compared with Lowlander Bactrian camels. RESULTS: Morphometric measurement showed significant difference in body height, body length, front-hump height and girth, back-hump height and girth, abdomen girth, neck length, and circumference of the shank in the young age group camels as compared to other age groups of Bactrian camels (p < 0.05). Furthermore, all the physiological and haematological parameters were similar in all the age groups of camels (p < 0.05). However, the leukocyte, erythrocyte, Hb, platelets, monocyte, and ESR level were towards the higher side of the normal reference range of Lowlander Bactrian camels. Whereas, the biochemical analysis revealed a significant increase in triglycerides and decrease in protein levels in the younger age group as compared to other age groups (p < 0.05). Although, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, iron, magnesium, urea, and creatinine levels were insignificant among the different groups, but observed towards the higher side of the low altitude reference range. Interestingly, the glucose levels in all the groups were observed towards the lower side of the range, which showed metabolic adaptation to high altitude. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested there is morphometric and biochemical variation in Bactrian camel of high altitude. The results further helped in establishing novel reference ranges for these parameters in Highlander Bactrian camel. Hence, this study will be the basis of future research on a Bactrian camel from high-altitude cold desert and helpful for better camel husbandry and health management in high altitude.

Morphometric characterization and estimating body weight of two Algerian camel breeds using morphometric measurements.

This study was carried out in order to identify the body measurements of two different Dromedary camel breeds raised in Algeria. The animal material of the study consisted of a total of 115 animals belong to Steppe (n = 55) and Sahraoui (n = 60) camel breeds. Eye and coat colors along with body measurements such as head length, neck length, neck girth, tail length, distance between eyes, distance between ears, body length, withers height, chest girth, and live weight were determined. Least squares means for head length, neck length, neck girth, tail length, distance between eyes, distance between ears, body length, withers height, chest girth, and live weight are found 48.2, 116.9, 65.7, 55.6, 24.1, 22.5, 152.2, 184.5, 141.2 cm, and 217.2 kg for Steppe and 48.1, 101.2, 56.2, 51.2, 23.4, 18.3, 135.6, 167.3, 176.8 cm, and 298.9 kg for Sahraoui camel breeds, respectively. The distribution of brown and black eye colors for the Steppe camel breed is as 58.2% and 41.8%, respectively, while all of the Sahraoui camels studied had a brown eye color. The proportional distribution in terms of body color included are coffee, dark coffee, and red colors for 1.8%, 83.6%, and 14.6% in the Steppe camel and 98.3%, 1.7%, and 0.0% for the Sahraoui camel, respectively. As a result, this study concluded that the withers height and chest girth could estimate the body weight in the two breeds of camels with different ages.

Ultrasonography of the liver in healthy and diseased camels (Camelus dromedaries).

In camels, hepatic diseases are relatively common and most of them are misdiagnosed as a cause of illness because signs may be subtle. In addition, diagnostic laboratory methods are insufficient as hepatic enzymes can also be elevated in camels with cardiac or skeletal muscle damage. Examples of liver diseases in camels are hepatic lipidosis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatic necrosis, choleostasis, hyperplasia of biliary epithelium, hydatid cysts, glycogen deposition, cholangitis, cholangiohepatitis, calcified hydatid cyst and hepatic abscesses. When the liver is examined by ultrasonography, the clinician gets sufficient information about the size, position, echopatterns of the hepatic parenchyma, bile ducts and outlines of the hepatic blood vessels. Ultrasonography has been used previously in camels only for reproductive purposes. However, during the past decade, it has been used for scanning of the healthy organs as well as evaluation and determining the diagnosis and prognosis of non-reproductive disorders. Examples of diseases evaluated by ultrasonography in camels are paratuberculosis, trypanosomiasis, abdominal and urinary disorders, thoracic diseases, renal tumors, pyelonephritis, renal abscessation, gastrointestinal tumors, chronic peritonitis and splenic abscessation. Ultrasound-guidance in biopsy of hepatic lesions and in portocentesis has also been reported in camels. This mini review article is written to shed light on ultrasonography of the liver and its blood vessels in healthy camels as well as finding in camels with hepatic disorders such as fatty infiltration of the liver, hepatic abscesses and calcification of the bile ducts.

Ovary and ovarian bursa in dromedary camels: Clinical relevance of the topographical features.

This study aimed to associate ovarian characteristics with the efficiency of clinical examination and occurrence of genital diseases in dromedary camels. The reproductive tract of 870 female camels was examined through standard transrectal palpation and by ultrasonography during the breeding season. The ovaries were examined for structures and dimensions. The follicles were categorized according to size, the thickness of the wall and contents. Follicle aspiration was carried out from females with overgrown follicles (OVGF, n = 127), and the obtained follicular fluids were examined. At the slaughterhouse, 100 genital tracts were examined in situ and after dissection. Ovarian bursae were examined for patency and the presence of fluid (ovarian hydrobursitis, OVHB). Risks associated with the development of OVGF and OVHB were identified by the logistic regression. The results showed that, due to topographical difference, the right ovary was more accessible at rectal palpation than the left ovary (98.9% vs. 96.1%, p = .0005). Time needed for rectal palpation of the right ovary was shorter than the left ovary (25.1 ± 25 s vs. 34.6 ± 34.5 s, p = .03). Significant relationships were found between OVGF and OVHB (Odds ratio = 10.5, p = .001), OVGF and clinical endometritis (Odds ratio = 21.1, p = .001), OVGF and vaginal adhesion (Odds ratio = 4.4, p = .03), and OVHB and clinical endometritis (Odds ratio = 11.3, p = .001). Ultrasonographic examination was imperative for the differentiation between active corpus luteum, old non-active corpus luteum and small luteinized follicle. In conclusion, anatomical arrangement of the ovary and ovarian bursa in dromedary camels affects the likelihood of their accessibility during clinical examination and predisposes to unusual genital disorders.

Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Features of the Seasonal Changes in the Epididymal Epithelium of Camel (Camelus dromedarius).

In order to evaluate the influence of reproductive activity on the functional role of the epididymal epithelium in the Egyptian dromedary camel, Connexin-43 (Cx-43), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and androgen receptor (AR) immunoreactivity in the epididymal epithelium and the fine structure of the principal, dark, basal, apical, and halo cells were investigated. The secretory activity of the principal cells was amplified in the breeding season, while its endocytotic function became more active in the nonbreeding season. This was evidenced by punctate strong immunoreactive signals for Cx-43, which appeared to be more intense in the apical region of these epithelial cells, and the extremely long slender stereocilia (microvilli) with multiple junctional complexes. The nonbreeding principal cells revealed granular immunoreactive signals for VEGF scattered in the apical and basal cytoplasm. Ultrastructurally, both extreme vacuolation and several multivesicular inclusion bodies were observed in their cytoplasm. Dark cell size greatly diminished in the nonbreeding season and their nuclear morphology greatly changed from oval to lobulated shape. The plasma membrane of the apical cells expressed several infoldings (microvilli) in the breeding season. However, it was almost smooth in the nonbreeding season except for a small microvillus that appeared as a bleb-like projection. In some regions, a strong dense immunoreactivity for VEGF could be recognized in the cytoplasm of the apical cells and some basal ones. Halo cells with numerous multivesicular inclusions occupying most of the cytoplasm and a lobulated eccentric nucleus were detected in the nonbreeding season. In conclusion, these findings indicate that the reproductive activity has a significant impact on the immunohistochemical and ultrastructural profiles of the epithelial cells lining the Egyptian dromedary camel epididymis.

Old World camels in a modern world - a balancing act between conservation and genetic improvement.

Old World camels have served humans in cross-continental caravans, transporting people and goods, connecting different cultures and providing milk, meat, wool and draught since their domestication around 3000-6000 years ago. In a world of modern transport and fast connectivity, these beasts of burden seem to be out-dated. However, a growing demand for sustainable milk and meat production, especially in countries affected by climate change and increasing desertification, brings dromedaries (Camelus dromedarius) and Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) back onstage and into the focus of animal breeders and scientists. In this review on the molecular genetics of these economically important species we give an overview about the evolutionary history, domestication and dispersal of Old World camels, whereas highlighting the need for conservation of wild two-humped camels (Camelus ferus) as an evolutionarily unique and highly endangered species. We provide cutting-edge information on the current molecular resources and on-going sequencing projects. We cannot emphasise enough the importance of balancing the need for improving camel production traits with maintaining the genetic diversity in two domestic species with specific physiological adaptation to a desert environment.

Morphological configuration and topography of the brain arterial supply of the one-humped camel ( Camelus dromedarius, Linnaeus 1758) / Configuración morfológica y topografía del suministro arterial del encéfalo del camello de una joroba ( Camelus dromedarius, Linnaeus 1758)

This study investigated the anatomy of the arteries of the brain, including the arterial circle of the brain, its branches and junctions, in five camel (Camelus dromedarius, Linnaeus 1758) following intravascular injection of colored latex via common carotid artery. The course and distribution of the arterial supply to the brain was described and morphological analysis was made. The basilar artery contributed to the blood supply of the brain in the camel in contrast to the situation in other Artiodactyla order.

En presente estudio se analizó la anatomía de las arterias del encéfalo en cinco camellos (Camelus dromedarius, Linnaeus 1758). Después de administrar una inyección intravascular de látex coloreado en la arteria carótida común se estudiaron las arterias incluyendo al círculo arterial del cerebro, sus ramas y uniones. Fueron descritos en detalle el curso y la distribución del suministro arterial al encéfalo y se realizó un análisis morfológico. La arteria basilar contribuyó al suministro de sangre del encéfalo del camello, diferenciando este aspecto en otras especies de Artiodactyla.

Scanning electron microscopy and histomorphology of the epiglottis in dromedaries: A study revealing unusual structure with the probable functional role.

While epiglottis is essentially a mammalian structure, studying its microstructure in any placental model will add an important information to the field of comparative anatomy and the related branches of biology. The aim of this study was to describe the structure of the epiglottis in dromedary camels using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), with reference to the possible functions. A total of 11 epiglottis cartilages from 11 larynges were used. The study revealed unusual, deeply situated glands just beneath the cartilage plate. They have unusually, wide surface-openings, while their ducts were partly located within the cartilage. This is presumed to be an adaptation to the need for rapid and efficient mucosal surface hydration in the arid conditions. The possible secretion transport mechanisms in these glands were also discussed. Furthermore, the SEM revealed for the first time, the presence of taste buds in camel epiglottis. However, in histological sections, visibility of taste buds was dependent upon the staining techniques. The taste buds were not seen with standard H& E stain, as they blended imperceptibly with the surrounding epithelium. Conversely, Mallory's trichrome showed contrasting colors, and taste buds were visible. In conclusion, camel epiglottis has an unusual structure, which may be correlated to environmental adaptation and important for the general health of upper respiratory tract in this species.

Molecular cloning and cellular expression of the cholesterol synthesizing enzymes during the prenatal development of the optic nerve in the dromedary camel (Camelus Dromedarius).

The Cholesterol-synthesizing proteins (HMGCS1 and HMGCS2) are mitochondrial enzymes that believed to catalyze the first reaction of ketogenesis, the process by which energy is provided from fats in the absence of carbohydrates. Typically, astrocytes developed from its progenitor cells in the embryonic optic nerve and enriched with HMGCS1 and 2. However, the detailed histomorphology of camel HMGCS1 and 2 remains to be clearly defined. Here, we investigated the changes that associate with astrocytes differentiation within the developing camel optic nerve. Firstly, we isolated cDNAs encoding HMGCS1 and 2 from the optic nerve. Then, we found that HMGCS1 shared high similarity to human, while HMGCS2 showed a lower similarity and was more diverse. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that distinct correlation of astrocytes differentiation with HMGCS1 and 2 expressions in the developing camel optic nerve. Both encoded proteins were localized throughout the cytoplasm, as well as the nuclei of the astrocytes. In addition, semi-quantitative PCR analysis and western analysis confirmed that both HMGCS1 and 2 were highly expressed in camel optic nerve as well as other tissue, but they were lower in both skeletal and heart muscles. Moreover, various stains such as Sudan black and florescence filipin stains were used to visualize the free cholesterol in the astrocytes, indicating the enzymatic activity of HMGCS1 and 2. Together, our study reported the first comprehensive investigation of the molecular cloning and cellular expression of HMGCS1 and 2 in the optic nerve of dromedary camel.

Effect of short artificial lighting and low temperature in housing rooms during non-rutting season on reproductive parameters of male dromedary camels.

Ten dromedary mature males were used to study the effects of short artificial lighting and low temperature on the reproductive behavior, testicular size, semen quality and hormone during the non-rutting season and subsequent rutting season. Bulls were allocated into two groups: the first group were subjected to natural daylight and temperature and used as a control. The second group was housed individually in light and temperature controlled rooms in which artificial light (300 lux) was used for 10 h/d, and the temperature was 25.28 ±â€¯0.21 °C. The trial was initiated in mid-June and continued for 10 weeks in the non-rutting season. The reproductive parameters of all animals in the control and room groups were evaluated once every two weeks. The reproductive parameters of all animals in the control and room groups were re-evaluated during the rutting season of the same year. A significant (P < 0.05) increase in the morphometry of the testes, scrotum, libido, and reaction time score, as well as serum melatonin and testosterone levels, was observed in the treatment non-rutting season (TNRS) group compared to in the control non-rutting season (CNRS) group. The testicular volume, reaction time score, serum melatonin, and testosterone were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the treatment rutting season (TRS) group than in the control non-rutting season (CRS) group. Improvement in the semen parameters were observed in the TNRS and TRS groups compared to in the CRS group. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that short artificial lighting and low temperature can induce rutting out of season and improve the reproductive parameters of dromedary males during the subsequent rutting season.