Histomorphologic features of the nasal cavity of pigs exposed to Pasteurella multocida type-D dermonecrotic toxin.

Microscopic examination of the nasal mucosa of clinically normal specific-pathogen-free pigs and of toxicogenic type-D Pasteurella multocida toxin challenge-exposed specific-pathogen-free pigs indicated that the surface epithelium in pigs of both groups was microscopically normal; erosions or appreciable inflammatory changes were not evident. In pigs of both groups and in all 3 regions of the nasal cavity, the endothelial lining of all blood vessels appeared normal without detectable changes to the walls at postinoculation day 10. Vascular injury in the cartilage or the bone was not discernible in control or challenge-exposed pigs. There were marked differences in the osseous structures of the conchae when the 2 groups were compared. In control pigs, active bone formation and remodeling were observed, and the septal cartilage was normal. In toxin challenge-exposed pigs, there likewise was normal bone formation and remodeling in the vestibular region, and the septal cartilage was normal. In marked contrast, conspicuous changes were observed in the osseous core of the conchae of the respiratory and, sometimes, the olfactory regions. These changes consisted of bone necrosis and resorption by large numbers of osteoclasts with variable replacement by dense mesenchymal stroma, which resulted in conchal atrophy. In the absence of any discernible damage or injury (angiopathy) to the nasal vessels, it appears that the action of the dermonecrotoxin of P multocida serotype D is on the most active osteoblasts and the associated organic matrix of the bone, with subsequent disruption of normal bone formation and remodeling of the nasal conchae.

Electron microscopy of the oxynticopeptic cells of the gastric glands and the intestinal glands of the caecum of the guineapig.

Histomorphology of the gastric and intestinal glands was investigated in 19 sexually mature, adult guineapigs by light and transmission electron microscopy. Gastric glands exhibited the cytological characteristics of oxynticopeptic cells capable of both hydrochloric acid (HCl) and pepsinogen secretion. In the literature, occurrence of oxynticopeptic cells in the proventriculus of the domestic fowl (Toner, 1963; Bell & Freeman, 1971) and in the gastric glands of frogs has been reported (Sedar, 1961; Patt & Patt, 1969; Forte & Forte, 1970). It has been claimed by other investigators (Herriot et al., 1938; Long, 1967) that simultaneous secretion of HCl and pepsinogen by a single, not completely differentiated 'pure' cell type, was highly effective for rapid conversion of the zymogen to active enzyme. Under the light microscope with haematoxylin and eosin stain, the protein secreting activity of gastric glands in guineapigs was masked by the HCl secreting activity, thus morphologically resembling the oxyntic cells. Therefore, different cell types, for example protein-secreting peptic cells and the acid-secreting oxyntic cells, could not be distinguished on the basis of their morphology and staining affinity. For histochemical evaluation of the sections with stains-all method, most cells in the gastric glands responded by a positive reaction to protein. Further, protein containing cells were seen in the intestinal glands of the guineapig caecum. The function of this cell type was correlated with caecotrophic food habits of this species.

Growth hormone concentrations in plasma of healthy pigs and pigs with atrophic rhinitis.

Plasma concentrations of porcine growth hormone (PGH) were similar in healthy pigs and those with atrophic rhinitis (AR), therefore, observed reduced growth rates and feed efficiency in naturally infected pigs with AR were not attributed to low concentrations of plasma PGH. Also, pituitary glands in both groups of pigs were responsive to growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) challenge by increasing PGH secretion. Administration of clonidine hydrochloride to pigs naturally infected with AR failed to elicit any significant change (5.3 +/- 1.4 ng/ml) in the plasma concentration of PGH within a 45-minute bleeding interval. The pretreatment concentrations of PGH were similar in specific-pathogen-free toxin-treated and specific-pathogen-free control groups, but they increased significantly in toxin-treated pigs (20.7 +/- 8.2 ng/ml) within 15 minutes after GHRH injection. Porcine growth hormone release in toxin-treated pigs was variable; however, all pigs did not respond to GHRH administration: 3 responded with an increase in PGH release (35.6 +/- 10.6 ng/ml), 2 did not respond (6.7 +/- 0.5 ng/ml), and 1 had a decrease in PGH release (3.9 ng/ml). Therefore, the observed reduced growth rates reported in the literature may be attributed to factors at the target level of PGH action, such as insufficient or down-regulation of PGH receptors, changes or impaired ability in the PGH receptor-binding characteristics, and inability of PGH receptor complex to transduce signal. Toxins are known to modulate signal transduction pathways. It has been speculated that serotype-D Pasteurella multocida toxin may influence growth by its effect on signal transduction from PGH receptor complex on the cell membrane to the interior of the cell.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Dural sinuses in the camel and their extracranial venous connections.

The dural sinuses of one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) and their connections with veins of the head and neck were described and, whenever possible, were compared with other domestic animals emphasizing species differences. Information obtained from gross dissection of embalmed camel heads was correlated with latex injected vascular casts, as well as venographs. Although the disposition of the dural sinuses, in general, was similar to those of other domestic animals, they were somewhat complex in the camel. An important venous flow mechanism which functions in the thermoregulation of the brain in the camel was described. The venous drainage of the nasal cavity and its surrounding areas had five connections with the ophthalmic plexus and the cavernous sinus: (1) the infraorbital vein----ophthalmic plexus; (2) the medial superior palpebral vein----ophthalmic plexus; (3) the medial inferior palpebral vein----ophthalmic plexus; (4) the angularis oculi----frontal----supraorbital----dorsal external ophthalmic----emissary vein of the foramen orbitorotundum----cavernous sinus; and (5) the deep facial vein----ventral external ophthalmic----emissary vein of the foramen orbitorotundum----cavernous sinus.

Gross and histologic study of the rostral epidural rete mirabile and the cavernous sinus in one-humped camels.

Gross and histologic features of the rostral epidural rete mirabile (carotid rete) and the cavernous sinus in one-humped camels were studied. It was evident that the branches of the carotid rete share a common tunica adventitia with the veins of the cavernous sinus. Transmission electron microscopy of the rostral epidural rete mirabile and the cavernous sinus revealed gap junctions in endothelial cells lining the walls of the arterial rete branches and veins. The internal elastic lamina of rete branches were fenestrated. Some of these structural features could facilitate countercurrent heat exchange between the rete branches and the venous plexus of the cavernous sinus to regulate brain temperature.

Histomorphology of the hamster cheek pouch.

Histomorphology of the cheek pouch was studied in 14 hamsters by light and transmission electron microscopy. The cheek pouch wall was devoid of any lymphatic tissue and dense subepithelial tissue (i.e. the lamina propria) would render lymph drainage almost impossible and might constitute impermeable morphological barrier for non-recognition of transplants evoking a host immune response. Because in the literature it was reported that there is absence of any arteriovenous anastomoses on the pouch wall, and interruption of arterial supply failed to alter the growth rate of tissue grafts, we speculated that epidermal growth factors present in the saliva could play a role in maintaining the growth of tissue transplants.

Presence of a tracheal bronchus in ponies.

A relatively unknown existence of a tracheal bronchus in three, approximately 2-3 years old ponies, is reported and the possible genesis of this anomaly is discussed.

Comparative morphology of the stomach of some laboratory mammals.

Histomorphology of the stomach of mouse, rat, hamster, guineapig, gerbil, and rabbit was studied. Although a common structural basis existed in the stomach between these species, the occurrence and distribution of various cells in gastric glands differed considerably between them. In mice, rats, hamsters and gerbils, the lower one-third of the glandular lamina propria was seemingly occupied by a varying proportion of parietal and chief cells. In rabbits, the predominantly occurring chief cells were distributed in the lower three-quarters of the glands intermingling with parietal cells, but in guinea-pigs the chief cells were not discernible. In hamsters, there was, however, a gradual increase of chief cells from the junction between nonglandular-glandular stomach toward the pyloric region. In all these species, parietal cells were the predominant cell type in the upper half to upper one-third of the gastric glands, often extending up to the neck of the glands interspersing between mucus neck cells and occasionally between chief cells.

Morphology of the terminal bronchiolar region of common laboratory mammals.

The histomorphology of the terminal bronchiolar region of the mouse, rat, hamster, guinea pig, gerbil and rabbit was studied. Although some general structural similarities existed in the progressive intrapulmonary branching pattern of the airway tree between species, there were conflicting accounts in the literature about the presence of the respiratory bronchioles in common laboratory mammals. In our light microscopy study we failed to detect the existence of typical respiratory bronchioles with characteristic interruptions on their walls projecting into the alveoli. Frequently in these species the terminal bronchioles were short and abrupt, opening directly into several alveolar ductules.

Dural sinuses in the pig and their extracranial venous connections.

The dural sinuses of the pig and their connections with veins of the head and neck have been described. The rostral epidural rete mirabile and the cavernous venous sinus complex have been described in detail, and speculation about their possible role in brain temperature regulation was made.

Alkaline phosphatase and 5'-nucleotidase enzymes in the carotid rete-cavernous sinus complex of sheep and goats.

12 sheep and 4 goats were used to detect the presence of alkaline phosphatase (A.P.) and 5'-nucleotidase (5'-N) enzymes in the carotid rete-cavernous sinus structure. Different methods of preservation were used. The calcium and the lead methods were used to detect the presence of A.P. and 5'-N, respectively. Best results in their detection were obtained with liquid nitrogen preservation. A.P. enzyme was found in and around areas in which blood capillaries were present, indicating active transport of materials through the capillary membrane. Slight enzymatic activity was seen on the endothelial surface of the rete branches, while the enzyme seemed to be absent from the cavernous sinus. 5'-N was discernible in the tunica adventitia and in the endothelial cells, while the tunica media of the rete branches was apparently devoid of this enzyme. Possible role of these enzymes in the vascular wall metabolism of this structure has been discussed.

Occipitoatlantoaxial malformation in two non-Arabian horses.

Occipitoatlantoaxial malformation was diagnosed in a 19-month-old mare of Appaloosa breeding and in a 3-year-old Quarter Horse gelding. Both horses had abnormal head and neck carriage since birth, but neurologic deficits did not become evident clinically until the horses reached 2 and 3 years of age, respectively. Palpation and manipulation of the base of the skull and cervical area proved to be useful diagnostically. Movement could not be elicited at the atlantooccipital joint but, in comparison with clinically normal horses, the range of dorsoventral motion at the atlantoaxial joint was increased. Alternate subluxation and relocation of this joint generated audible clicking sounds. Radiography revealed symmetric atlantooccipital fusion, with modification of the atlas, atlantoaxial joint, and axis. These findings were confirmed at necropsy.

Adenosine triphosphatase activity in the carotid rete-cavernous sinus complex of sheep and goats.

The carotid rete-cavernous sinus structures of sheep and goats were frozen with liquid nitrogen or with Freon liquid spray and were cryo-sectioned at -20 C. The main concentration of sodium- and potassium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase was on the tunica intima, especially on the endothelial cells of rete branches and the cavernous sinus. Little reaction product was discernible in the tunica media and the tunica adventitia.

Gross and scanning electron microscopy of the carotid rete--cavernous sinus complex of the sheep (Ovis aries).

Intravascularly plastic injected specimens of the carotid rete of the sheep were investigated. In addition, glutaraldehyde-fixed, freeze-fractured and sputter-coated retia were examined by SEM. The carotid rete is supplied by one caudal and 2-4 rostral rete branches of the maxillary artery, with a few variations in the origin of the rostral rete branches. The tunica adventitia of muscular arteries was continuous with that of the cavernous sinus. The endothelial cells of the cavernous sinus were differently oriented than those of the arterial rete branches. In addition, craters were found in the endothelial cells of the arteries but not in those of the cavernous sinus.

Innervation of the canine thoracolumbar vertebral column.

The pattern of innervation of the caudal thoracic and cranial lumbar vertebral column of the dog is described. Frozen sections stained with Schofield's silver impregnation method show that the dorsal longitudinal ligament is profusely innervated, while the anulus fibrosus contains a few nerves limited to its outermost layers; no nerves are present in the nucleus pulposus. Following injection of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into the anulus fibrosus of the thoracolumbar intervertebral disc and subsequent removal and staining of dorsal root ganglia, the reaction product is found in ganglia as far as two segments cranially as well as caudally, demonstrating that the disc is innervated by nerves arising from several spinal cord segments. A meningeal ramus, which innervates the discs of man, could not be found by gross dissection. Dissections show each vertebral articular facet innervated by the medial branches of two contiguous spinal nerves, a pattern further confirmed by injections of HRP into facet joints with subsequent staining of dorsal root ganglia. The dorsal rami of spinal nerves often divide into medial, intermediate, and lateral branches rather than the traditionally described division into only medial and lateral branches.

Histomorphologic structure of the carotid rete-cavernous sinus complex and its functional importance in sheep (Ovis aries).

Paraffin sections of the carotid rete-cavernous sinus complex of sheep were studied, using different stains. The carotid rete of sheep was composed of medium-sized arteries with smooth muscle layers that were oriented in different directions. The carotid body cells may have migrated proximally in the adventitia of the intracranial portion of the internal carotid artery as its extracranial portion degenerates early in life. The cavernous sinus shared a common tunica adventitia with surrounding rete branches. At places, the wall of the cavernous sinus had a distinct tunica media interposed between the endothelial cells and the tunica adventitia. Therefore, the name cavernous venous plexus has been proposed for the cavernous sinus in sheep.

Angularis oculi vein temperature variations related to man's mental activity--preliminary studies.

This preliminary study describes a noninvasive, inexpensive approach to the study of lateralization as related to mental activity. It supports the concept of a thermoregulatory role of blood in cerebral temperature control. Right and left angularis oculi vein temperatures were measured during periods of mental activity and mental rest and both temperature changes were asymmetrical. There was a consistent temperature drop during thinking, with a consistent rise after thinking ceased. Heat loss from superficial vessels of the buccal region and nasal mucosa to the ambient air was evident which caused lowering of the venous blood temperature flowing towards the cavernous sinus. This drop in blood temperature of angularis oculi veins coincided with increased brain metabolism and heat production occasioned by an increase in the level of mental activity and oxygen utilization.

Light microscopic study of blood vessels of the nasal cavity of the pig.

4 adult pigs were used for light microscopic studies to depict the relationship between nasal blood vessels and the surface epithelium, and to describe the histomorphology of these vessels. After giving an electric shock, animals were bled to death. Tissues were collected from three regions in the nasal cavity after splitting heads sagitally. Different types of vessels were described and a new classification was suggested. Arteries were muscular in type with, as well as without, internal elastic laminae. Thick-walled veins (characterized by smooth muscle cells in the tunica media) were present throughout the nasal cavity, while thin-walled veins or cavernous spaces were discernible only in the caudal one third of the nasal cavity. Further, arteriovenous anastomoses, epithelioid arterioles, and free smooth muscle cells in the propria submucosa were observed throughout the nasal cavity.