Comparative morphological and computed tomographical measurements of the orbit in cattle and pig eyes / Mediciones morfológicas y tomográficas computarizadas comparativas de la órbita en ojos de bovinos y porcinos

SUMMARY: Understanding species intraocular parameters using computed tomography (CT) scanning is initial and crucial step in ophthalmology. There is a lack of studies that have specialized in estimating the cattle and pig eyes using CT scans. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the anatomical and computed tomography features of cattle and pig eyes and its internal structures. Animal heads that not suffer from any diseases related to the eye were disarticulated. CT scan was performed. Moreover, 10 % fixed buffered formalin Specimens were used for the anatomical description of the eye and the optic nerve in particular. The values of length, width of the lens and globe, radio density of the optic nerve, lens, the anterior chamber, the vitreous chamber, and orbital dimensions were measured. Statistically, all parameters of cattle optic nerve increased significantly than that of the pig except for radiodensity, and angle of the optic nerve. Furthermore, all intraocular parameters of cattle increased significantly than that of the pig except the radiodensity of aqueous and vitreous humor. There was no significant difference between species in the opening angle of the orbit. This study's findings represent a first step toward developing CT reference values for cattle and pigs intraocular structural assessments.

Comprender los parámetros intraoculares de especies mediante la tomografía computarizada es un paso inicial y crítico en oftalmología. Faltan estudios enfocados en la estimación de ojos de bovinos y porcinos mediante tomografías computarizadas. Por tanto, este estudio tuvo como objetivo describir las características anatómicas y de tomografía computarizada de los bulbos oculares de bovinos y porcinos y sus estructuras internas. Se desarticularon cabezas de animales que no padecieran alguna enfermedad relacionada con el ojo. Se realizó una tomografía computarizada. Se fijaron las muestras en formalina tamponada al 10 % para la descripción anatómica del bulbo ocular y del nervio óptico en particular. Se midieron los valores de longitud del bulbo ocular, ancho del lente y la radio densidad del nervio óptico, lente, cámara anterior, cámara vítrea y dimensiones orbitarias. Estadísticamente, todos los parámetros del nervio óptico del ganado aumentaron significativamente con respecto al del cerdo, excepto la radio densidad y el ángulo del nervio óptico. Además, todos los parámetros intraoculares del ganado bovino aumentaron significativamente respecto a los del cerdo, excepto la radio densidad del humor acuoso y cuerpo vítreo. No hubo diferencia significativa entre especies en el ángulo de apertura de la órbita. Los hallazgos de este estudio representan un primer paso hacia el desarrollo de valores de referencia de tomografía computarizada para evaluaciones estructurales intraoculares de ganado vacuno y porcino.

Evaluation of reproductive traits and ovarian and uterine morphology of sows with different genotypes for the estrogen receptor, prolactin receptor, and follicle-stimulating hormone subunit beta genes.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the morpho-functional features of the ovaries and uterus of sows with different genotypes for the estrogen receptor (ESR), prolactin receptor (PRLR), and follicle-stimulating hormone subunit beta (FSHß) genes associated with reproductive traits. Healthy Large White sows were studied. The genotypic status of the ESR, PRLR, and FSHß genes was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The structure of the ovaries and uterus was studied using quantitative assessment of organs and histological research. Sows with the ESR BB genotype significantly exceeded animals with the ESR AA genotype in milk yield (by 0.3 kg) and in the number of piglets at birth (by 0.9 animals) and at weaning (by 0.7 animals). Sows with the ESR AB genotype were midway between those with ESR BB and ESR AA genotypes in terms of these reproductive traits. Animals with the PRLR AA genotype significantly exceeded those with the PRLR BB genotype in the number of piglets born (P < 0.05); the differences in litter weight at birth were not significant. Compared to other genotypes, sows with genotypes ESR BB (P < 0.05) and PRLR AA (AB) (P < 0.05) had larger uteruses and more yellow bodies, tertiary follicles, and primordial follicles in their ovaries. Animals with the FSHß BB genotype significantly exceeded animals with the FSHß AB genotype in the length of uterus by 21 cm (P < 0.05).

Le but de cette étude était d'analyser les caractéristiques morpho-fonctionnelles des ovaires et de l'utérus de truies avec différents génotypes pour les gènes du récepteur des oestrogènes (ESR), du récepteur de la prolactine (PRLR) et de la sous-unité bêta de l'hormone folliculostimulante (FSHß) associés à des traits de reproduction. Des truies Large White en bonne santé ont été étudiées. Le statut génotypique des gènes ESR, PRLR et FSHß a été détecté par polymorphisme de la longueur des fragments de restriction par amplification en chaîne par la polymérase. La structure des ovaires et de l'utérus a été étudiée en utilisant une évaluation quantitative des organes et une recherche histologique.Les truies avec le génotype ESR BB dépassaient significativement les animaux avec le génotype ESR AA en rendement laitier (de 0,3 kg) et en nombre de porcelets à la naissance (de 0,9 animal) et au sevrage (de 0,7 animal). Les truies avec le génotype ESR AB étaient à mi-chemin entre celles avec les génotypes ESR BB et ESR AA en termes de ces traits de reproduction. Les animaux avec le génotype PRLR AA dépassaient significativement ceux avec le génotype PRLR BB dans le nombre de porcelets nés (P < 0,05); les différences de poids des portées à la naissance n'étaient pas significatives. Comparativement aux autres génotypes, les truies avec les génotypes ESR BB (P < 0,05) et PRLR AA (AB) (P < 0,05) avaient des utérus plus gros et plus de corps jaunes, de follicules tertiaires et de follicules primordiaux dans leurs ovaires. Les animaux avec le génotype FSHß BB dépassaient significativement les animaux avec le génotype FSHß AB pour la longueur de l'utérus de 21 cm (P < 0,05).(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Innovative high-resolution microCT imaging of animal brain vasculature.

Analysis of the angioarchitecture and quantification of the conduit vessels and microvasculature is of paramount importance for understanding the physiological and pathological processes within the central nervous system (CNS). Most of the available in vivo imaging methods lack penetration depth and/or resolution. Some ex vivo methods may provide better resolution, but are mainly destructive, as they are designed for imaging the CNS tissues after their removal from the skull or vertebral column. The removal procedure inevitably alters the in situ relations of the investigated structures and damages the dura mater and leptomeninges. µAngiofil, a polymer-based contrast agent, permits a qualitatively novel postmortem microangio-computed tomography (microangioCT) approach with excellent resolution and, therefore, visualization of the smallest brain capillaries. The datasets obtained empower a rather straightforward quantitative analysis of the vascular tree, including the microvasculature. The µAngiofil has an excellent filling capacity as well as a radio-opacity higher than the one of bone tissue, which allows imaging the cerebral microvasculature even within the intact skull or vertebral column. This permits in situ visualization and thus investigation of the dura mater and leptomeningeal layers as well as their blood supply in their original geometry. Moreover, the methodology introduced here permits correlative approaches, i.e., microangioCT followed by classical histology, immunohistochemistry and even electron microscopy. The experimental approach presented here makes use of common desktop microCT scanners, rendering it a promising everyday tool for the evaluation of the (micro)vasculature of the central nervous system in preclinical and basic research.

A special double lumen tube for use in pigs is suitable for different lung ventilation conditions.

Previous studies of haemodynamic and blood gas variables during one-lung ventilation in pigs have used a double lumen tube designed for use in humans. However, because of interspecies differences in bronchial anatomy, a special design for pigs is required. In this study, we evaluated a new left-sided double lumen endobronchial tube designed for use in pigs under different lung ventilation conditions. Ten female pigs (weighing 35-40 kg) were transorally intubated, first with a single lumen tube and then with the left-sided double lumen tube for pigs, and mechanically ventilated. Haemodynamic and blood gas variables were recorded before and after intubation with the double lumen tube and before and after one-lung flooding of the left lung with saline solution. Each pig was repositioned (left lateral, to dorsal, to right lateral) every 30 min during one-lung flooding. Bronchoscopy and thoracic radiography were performed at fixed intervals. Blood gas variables during two-lung ventilation were not impaired by intubation with the double lumen endobronchial tube for pigs, compared with intubation with the single lumen tube. Haemodynamic and blood gas variables were not impaired by one-lung flooding. Complete flooding of the left lung was achieved for all pigs. Two-lung ventilation to reventilate the previously flooded lung provided complete air filling for all pigs. Use of this tube resulted in lung separation without obstruction of bronchi or resultant atelectasis. In this study, the new double lumen tube for pigs was safe for one-lung flooding and prevented fluid entry into the non-flooded lung.

Effects of crude protein and lactose levels in diets on growth performance, intestinal morphology, and expression of genes related to intestinal integrity and immune system in weaned piglets.

To evaluate the effects of crude protein (CP) and lactose (LAC) for weaned piglets on performance, intestinal morphology, and expression of genes related to intestinal integrity and immune system, 144 piglets with initial weight 7.17 ± 0.97 kg were allotted in a randomized design, in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (20.0% and 24.0% CP and 8.0%, 12.0%, and 16.0% LAC) with eight replicates. Piglets fed 20.0% CP had greater weight gain and feed intake. Including 12.0% LAC in the 20.0% CP diet provided higher villous height in the duodenum than 8.0% LAC, and 12.0% or 16.0% LAC in the 24.0% CP diet resulted in higher villous height in the jejunum and ileum, and higher villi/crypt ratio in the ileum than 8.0% LAC. No effects of CP and LAC on interleukin-1ß and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA were observed. The 16.0% LAC diet provided higher gene expression of transforming-ß1 growth factor. Feeding 20.0% CP resulted in better performance than 24.0% CP. The 12.0% LAC diet promoted greater genetic expression of occludin and zonula occludens. Including 12.0% LAC in the diet may improve intestinal epithelial morphology and integrity, and these improvements are more evident when piglets are fed diets with 24.0% CP.

Associação de alterações anatomopatológicas com o Helicobacter spp. por meio de análise imuno-histoquímica em estômagos de leitões / Association of anatomopathological changes with the Helicobacter spp. through immunohistochemical analysis in piglets stomachs

O objetivo deste trabalho foi relacionar os achados anatomopatológicos das lesões gástricas subclínicas de ocorrência natural em leitões com a presença, ou não, de Helicobacter spp. por meio da imuno-histoquímica. Foram utilizados 48 leitões de linhagem genética comercial. Os animais foram adquiridos em uma granja comercial, com peso médio de 34 Kg e idade média de 79 dias; após o abate, seus estômagos foram coletados e avaliados. Avaliações histopatológicas e imuno-histoquímicas foram realizadas em amostras das regiões anatômicas aglandular e glandular. Macroscopicamente, 34 (70,83%) leitões apresentaram lesões na região aglandular, enquanto que em 14 animais (29,17%) não foram encontradas alterações nesta região. Dos estômagos com lesão, 14 foram classificados como grau 1, seis como grau 2 e 14 como grau 3. Microscopicamente, 44 amostras (91,66%) apresentaram paraqueratose. Deste total, 22 apresentaram a forma discreta, 20 a moderada e dois a acentuada. Na avaliação macroscópica da porção glandular, 41 (85,4%) animais apresentaram alteração em pelo menos uma das três regiões, e em somente sete (14,6%) não foram encontradas lesões em nenhuma delas. Em 14 deles, houve aumento da atividade mucípara, em dois, houve erosão e, em cinco, hiperemia. As lesões na região glandular do estômago foram mais extensas no antro e no cárdia, seguidas do fundo. Em relação à análise imuno-histoquímica, 21 (43,8%) amostras tiveram resultados negativos em todas as regiões, e 24 (50%) foram positivas em pelo menos uma delas, sendo que nenhuma foi positiva em todas. Os achados anatomopatológicos demonstraram relação estatística com a bactéria e, sua imunomarcação não associada à lesão em certas regiões gástricas, demonstra seu caráter saprofítico e oportunista.

The aim of this study was to relate the anatomopathological findings of naturally occurring subclinical gastric lesions in piglets, with or without Helicobacter spp. through immunohistochemistry. Forty-eight piglets of commercial genetic lineage were used. The animals were acquired in a commercial farm, with an average weight of 34 kg and an average age of 79 days, and after slaughter, their stomachs were collected and evaluated. Samples from the glandular and aglandular anatomical regions were evaluated. Macroscopically, 34 (70.83%) samples had lesions on aglandular region, while 14 (29.17%) nothing had. Of the injured stomachs, 14 were classified as grade 1, six as grade 2 and 14 as grade 3. Microscopically, 44 samples (91.66%) showed parakeratosis. Of these, 22 showed a discreet manner, 20 moderate and two severe. In the glandular region, in 41 (85.4%) samples there was a change in at least one of the three regions, and only seven animals (14.6%) showed no change in any of the three. Fourteen samples showed increased muciparous activity, two showed erosion and five hyperemia. The lesions were higher in antral regions and cardic, followed the fundus. In relation to immunohistochemistry, 21(43.8%) samples were negative in all areas, 24 (50%) were positive in at least one, and none were positive in all. The anatomopathological findings showed a statistical relationship with the bacteria, and its immunostaining, not associated with gastric lesions in certain regions, demonstrates its saprophytic and opportunistic character.

Associação de alterações anatomopatológicas com o Helicobacter spp. por meio de análise imuno-histoquímica em estômagos de leitões

O objetivo deste trabalho foi relacionar os achados anatomopatológicos das lesões gástricas subclínicas de ocorrência natural em leitões com a presença, ou não, de Helicobacter spp. por meio da imuno-histoquímica. Foram utilizados 48 leitões de linhagem genética comercial. Os animais foram adquiridos em uma granja comercial, com peso médio de 34 Kg e idade média de 79 dias; após o abate, seus estômagos foram coletados e avaliados. Avaliações histopatológicas e imuno-histoquímicas foram realizadas em amostras das regiões anatômicas aglandular e glandular. Macroscopicamente, 34 (70,83%) leitões apresentaram lesões na região aglandular, enquanto que em 14 animais (29,17%) não foram encontradas alterações nesta região. Dos estômagos com lesão, 14 foram classificados como grau 1, seis como grau 2 e 14 como grau 3. Microscopicamente, 44 amostras (91,66%) apresentaram paraqueratose. Deste total, 22 apresentaram a forma discreta, 20 a moderada e dois a acentuada. Na avaliação macroscópica da porção glandular, 41 (85,4%) animais apresentaram alteração em pelo menos uma das três regiões, e em somente sete (14,6%) não foram encontradas lesões em nenhuma delas. Em 14 deles, houve aumento da atividade mucípara, em dois, houve erosão e, em cinco, hiperemia.  As lesões na região glandular do estômago foram mais extensas no antro e no cárdia, seguidas do fundo. Em relação à análise imuno

The aim of this study was to relate the anatomopathological findings of naturally occurring subclinical gastric lesions in piglets, with or without Helicobacter spp. through immunohistochemistry. Forty-eight piglets of commercial genetic lineage were used. The animals were acquired in a commercial farm, with an average weight of 34 kg and an average age of 79 days, and after slaughter, their stomachs were collected and evaluated. Samples from the glandular and aglandular anatomical regions were evaluated. Macroscopically, 34 (70.83%) samples had lesions on aglandular region, while 14 (29.17%) nothing had. Of the injured stomachs, 14 were classified as grade 1, six as grade 2 and 14 as grade 3. Microscopically, 44 samples (91.66%) showed parakeratosis. Of these, 22 showed a discreet manner, 20 moderate and two severe. In the glandular region, in 41 (85.4%) samples there was a change in at least one of the three regions, and only seven animals (14.6%) showed no change in any of the three. Fourteen samples showed increased muciparous activity, two showed erosion and five hyperemia. The lesions were higher in antral regions and cardic, followed the fundus. In relation to immunohistochemistry, 21(43.8%) samples were negative in all areas, 24 (50%) were positive in at least one, and none were positive in all. The anatomopathological findings showed a statistical relationship with the bacteria, and its immunostaining, not associated with gastric lesions in certain regions, demonstrates its saprophytic and opportunistic character.

Long-term Effect of Split Iron Dextran/Hemoglobin Supplementation on Erythrocyte and Iron Status, Growth Performance, Carcass Parameters, and Meat Quality of Polish Large White and 990 Line Pigs.

Heme is an efficient dietary iron supplement applied in humans and animals to prevent iron deficiency anemia (IDA). We have recently reported that the use of bovine hemoglobin as a dietary source of heme iron efficiently counteracts the development of IDA in young piglets, which is the common problem in pig industry. Here, we used maternal Polish Large White and terminal sire breed (L990) pigs differing in traits for meat production to evaluate the long-term effect of split supplementation with intramuscularly administered small amount of iron dextran and orally given hemoglobin on hematological indices, iron status, growth performance, slaughter traits, and meat quality at the end of fattening. Results of our study show that in pigs of both breeds split supplementation was effective in maintaining physiological values of RBC and blood plasma iron parameters as well as growth performance, carcass parameters, and meat quality traits. Our results prove the effectiveness of split iron supplementation of piglets in a far-reach perspective.

Use of testicular tone and echogenicity in identifying boars with low sperm quality / Uso de tônus e ecogenicidade testiculares na identificação de reprodutores suínos com baixa qualidade espermática

This study aimed to evaluate the use of some testicular traits to identify boars with low sperm morphological quality. The consistency (scores from 1 to 5), tone with tonometry (mm), parenchyma echogenicity and heterogeneity with ultrasound (pixel) were assessed in 402 mature boars (18.5 months on average). Sperm abnormality thresholds (≤ 25% of total sperm abnormalities, ≤ 5% of heads, acrosome, neck or midpiece defects, ≤ 10% tail defects, and 15% cytoplasmic droplets) were used to classify boars as approved or disapproved. Three classes of testicular traits were formed (extremely low and high values, approximately 15% each, were kept in separated classes). When the traits were individually evaluated, fewer boars were approved if the echogenicity or heterogeneity were high, or if the tone was rigid. When evaluated in combination, the interaction between heterogeneity and tone, and between heterogeneity and echogenicity were significant. The high heterogeneity combined with soft tone or with hypo-echogenicity resulted in lower approval of boars. Tonometry and ultrasonography have a moderate potential to be included in breeding soundness examination of boars. When combined, they provide more reliable information about the impact of testicular parenchymal alterations on morphology of sperm cells.(AU)

O estudo objetivou avaliar o uso de características testiculares para identificar reprodutores com baixa qualidade de morfologia espermática. A consistência (escore de 1 a 5), o tônus por tonometria (mm), a ecogenicidade e a heterogeneidade do parênquima testicular por ultrassonografia (pixel) foram avaliados em 402 machos suínos maduros (18,5 meses, em média). Limiares máximos de anormalidades espermáticas (≤ 25% de defeitos totais, ≤ 5% de defeitos de cabeça, acrossoma, colo e peça intermediária, ≤ 10% de defeitos de cauda e 15% de gota citoplasmática) foram utilizados para classificar os machos como aprovados ou reprovados. Três classes de características testiculares foram formadas (valores extremamente baixos e altos, aproximadamente 15% em cada, foram mantidos em classes separadas). Quando as características testiculares foram avaliadas individualmente, menos machos foram aprovados se a ecogenicidade ou a heterogeneidade foram altas, ou se o tônus era rígido. Quando avaliadas em combinação, a interação entre heterogeneidade e tônus e a interação entre heterogeneidade e ecogenicidade foram significativas. A alta heterogeneidade combinada com testículos flácidos ou com testículos hipoecogênicos resultou em menor aprovação de cachaços. A tonometria e a ultrassonografia possuem potencial moderado para serem incluídas no exame andrológico de cachaços. Quando combinadas, as técnicas fornecem uma informação mais consistente do impacto das alterações do parênquima testicular na morfologia das células espermáticas.(AU)

Distribution and co-expression patterns of specific cell markers of enteroendocrine cells in pig gastric epithelium.

Although the pig is an accepted model species for human digestive physiology, no previous study of the pig gastric mucosa and gastric enteroendocrine cells has investigated the parallels between pig and human. In this study, we have investigated markers for each of the classes of gastric endocrine cells, gastrin, ghrelin, somatostatin, 5-hydroxytryptamine, histidine decarboxylase, and PYY cells in pig stomach. The lining of the proximal stomach consisted of a collar of stratified squamous epithelium surrounded by gastric cardiac glands in the fundus. This differs considerably from human that has only a narrow band of cardiac glands at its entrance, surrounded by a fundic mucosa consisting of oxyntic glands. However, the linings of the corpus and antrum are similar in pig and human. Likewise, the endocrine cell types are similar and similarly distributed in the two species. As in human, gastrin cells were almost exclusively in the antrum, ghrelin cells were most abundant in the oxyntic mucosa and PYY cells were rare. In the pig, 70% of enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells in the antrum and 95% in the fundus contained 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), higher proportions than in human. Unlike the enteroendocrine of the small intestine, most gastric enteroendocrine cells (EEC) did not contain colocalised hormones. This is similar to human and other species. We conclude that the pig stomach has substantial similarity to human, except that the pig has a protective lining at its entrance that may reflect the difference between a pig diet with hard abrasive components and the soft foods consumed by humans.

Exploration of peripancreatic lymphatic pathways in a live porcine model.

Pancreatic cancer is associated with a poor prognosis, mainly due to lymph node invasion and lymph node recurrence after surgical resection, even after extended lymphadenectomy. The peripancreatic lymphatic system is highly complex and the specific lymphatic drainage of each part of the pancreas has not been established. The aim of this study was to determine the lymphatic drainage pathways specific to each part of the pancreas on live pigs using Patent Blue. The pancreases of 14 live pigs were injected in different parts of the gland. The technique was efficient and reproducible. The diffusion patterns were similar for each location and were reported. Our results in pigs allowed us to define specific nodal relay stations and lymphatic drainage for each part of the pancreas and confirm that independent anatomical-surgical pancreatic segments can be described. It is interesting to note that lymphatic drainage for the upper part of the proximal part of pancreas (duodenal lobe) occurred on the left side of the portal vein. This suggests that lymph node resection during cephalic duodenopancreatectomy in humans should be extended to the left side of the mesenteric vein, and probably to the right side of the superior mesenteric artery, as recently suggested. These results could help surgeons perform safe anatomical-segmental pancreatic resections with accurate lymphadenectomies and improve survival in patients with pancreatic cancer. Based on these results we will perform an innovative prospective study. Patent Blue will be injected into different parts of the gland in patients operated for pancreatic resection, and lymphatic diffusion of the dye will be recorded in relation to their origin from the theoretical pancreatic segments (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03597230).

Metabolites and Lipids Associated with Fetal Swine Anatomy via Desorption Electrospray Ionization - Mass Spectrometry Imaging.

Chemical imaging by mass spectrometry (MS) has been largely used to study diseases in animals and humans, especially cancer; however, this technology has been minimally explored to study the complex chemical changes associated with fetal development. In this work, we report the histologically-compatible chemical imaging of small molecules by desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) - MS of a complete swine fetus at 50 days of gestation. Tissue morphology was unperturbed by morphologically-friendly DESI-MS analysis while allowing detection of a wide range of small molecules. We observed organ-dependent localization of lipids, e.g. a large diversity of phosphatidylserine lipids in brain compared to other organs, as well as metabolites such as N-acetyl-aspartic acid in the developing nervous system and N-acetyl-L-glutamine in the heart. Some lipids abundant in the lungs, such as PC(32:0) and PS(40:6), were  similar to surfactant composition reported previously. Sulfatides were highly concentrated in the fetus liver, while hexoses were barely detected at this organ but were abundant in lung and heart. The chemical information on small molecules recorded via DESI-MS imaging coupled with traditional anatomical evaluation is a powerful source of bioanalytical information which reveals the chemical changes associated with embryonic and fetal development that, when disturbed, causes congenital diseases such as spina bifida and cleft palate.

Valves of the small coronary veins in porcine hearts.

The aim of the study was to investigate the existence of valves in small peripheral coronary veins of porcine hearts. The study was performed on 20 porcine hearts using standard histological methods. The veins in the subepicardial and intramyocardial regions of the anterior and posterior parts of the interventricular septum and in the wall of the right atrium were studied. Valves were present in intramyocardial veins (diameter of 75-180 µm), in the veins located just beneath the external surface of the myocardium (diameter 120-170 µm) and in the terminal segments of the ventricular veins (diameter 250 µm) opening into the stems of the anterior interventricular vein and middle cardiac vein. Valves were also recorded in most veins of the subepicardial space. The described rich presence of valves in the small coronary veins may contribute to a better comprehension of their hemodynamic properties. These findings may also help to improve the understanding of the efficacy of retrograde application of medications, a novel technique in cardiology and cardiac surgery.

Establishment of a Large Animal Model for Eustachian Tube Functional Study in Miniature Pigs.

This study was performed to investigate whether miniature pigs are a suitable animal model for studies of the Eustachian tube (ET). Sixteen Chinese experimental miniature pigs were used in this investigation. Ten animals were used for anatomical and morphometric analyses to obtain qualitative and quantitative information regarding the ET. Three animals were used for histological analysis to determine the fine structure of ET cross-sections. Three animals were used to investigate the feasibility of balloon dilation of the Eustachian tube (BDET). The anatomical study indicated that the pharyngeal orifice and tympanic orifice of the miniature pig ET are located at the posterior end of the nasal lateral wall and anterior wall of the middle ear cavity, respectively. The cartilaginous tube was seen to pass through the whole length of the ET, the length of the cartilaginous part of the ET and the diameter of the isthmus were similar between humans and miniature pigs. The inclination of the ET in miniature pigs was larger than that in humans. The gross histology seemed to be slightly different between miniature pig and human, but the fine structures were essentially the same in both species. BDET experiments verified that the miniature pig model is suitable as a model for clinical operations. The miniature pig ET corresponds very well to that of humans. In addition, the miniature pig ET is suitable as a model for clinical operations. Therefore, the miniature pig is a valid animal model for ET study. Anat Rec, 302:1024-1038, 2019. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Histopathological and ultrastructural findings induced by heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum and the culture supernatant on the intestinal mucosa of piglets: an ex vivo approach / Achados histopatológicos e ultraestruturais induzidos por Lactobacillus plantarum inativado pelo calor na mucosa intestinal de leitões: estudo ex-vivo

In the present study, histological, morphometrical and ultrastructural analysis were performed to investigate intestinal mucosa changes in piglets jejunal explants exposed to two concentration of heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum and their respective culture supernatants. Jejunal explants were incubated for 4 hours in DMEM culture medium with a) only culture medium (control group), b) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain1 - LP1 (1.1 x 108CFU/ml), c) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain2 - LP2 (2.0 x 109CFU/ml), d) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain1 culture supernatant (CS1), and e) heat-inactivated Lactobacillus plantarum strain2 culture supernatant (CS2). Explants exposed to heat-inactivated L. plantarum strain 1 and 2 showed multifocal to difuse villi atrophy, villi apical necrosis and enterocyte flattening. Morphological assessment revealed similar results with bacterial adhesion to mucus and intestinal epithelial cells and, morphometric analysis showed a decreased villi height compared to the control group. Alterations in explants treated with the culture supernatant of both strains include mild villi atrophy and mild enterocyte apical necrosis. Morphological assesment reveled numerous well delineated villi and, morphometric analysis showed a significant increase in villi height compared to the control group. In general, exposure to the culture supernatants improved the intestinal morphology.(AU)

No presente estudo, foram realizadas análises histológica, morfométrica e ultraestrutural para investigar as alterações da mucosa intestinal em explantes jejunais de leitões expostos a duas cepas e concentrações de Lactobacillus plantarum inativado pelo calor e seus sobrenadantes de cultura. Os explantes jejunais foram incubados durante quatro horas, em meio de cultura DMEM com: a) meio de cultura (grupo controle); b) Lactobacillus plantarum, cepa 1 - LP1 (1,1 x 108CFU/mL); c) Lactobacillus plantarum, LP2 (2,0 x 109CFU/mL); d) sobrenadante da cultura do Lactobacillus plantarum, cepa 1 (SC1); e e) sobrenadante da cultura do Lactobacillus plantarum, cepa 2 (SC2). Os explantes expostos às cepas 1 e 2 do L. plantarum inativado pelo calor mostraram atrofia difusa de vilosidades, necrose apical das vilosidades e achatamento de enterócitos. A avaliação morfológica revelou resultados semelhantes, com adesão bacteriana ao muco e às células epiteliais intestinais, e a análise morfométrica mostrou uma diminuição da altura das vilosidades em relação ao grupo controle. Alterações nos explantes tratados com o sobrenadante da cultura de ambas as cepas caracterizaram-se por atrofia leve das vilosidades e necrose apical leve dos enterócitos. A avaliação morfológica revelou vilosidades bem delineadas, e a análise morfométrica mostrou um aumento significativo na altura das vilosidades em comparação ao grupo controle. Em geral, a exposição aos sobrenadantes da cultura melhora a morfologia intestinal.(AU)

Histological and functional comparisons of four anatomical regions of porcine skin with human abdominal skin.

Because of the shortage of human skin for research purposes, porcine skin has been used as a model of human skin. The aim of this study was to identify the region of German Landrace pig skin that could be used as the best possible substitute for human abdominal skin. Porcine samples were collected from the ear, flank, back and caudal abdomen; human abdominal skin samples were excised during plastic surgery. Histological and ultrastructural assessments were carried out on the epidermis and dermis, with emphasis on the dermo-epidermal interface length, dermo-epidermal thickness ratio as well as densities of; hair follicles, arrector pili muscles, blood vessels and sweat glands. In the pig, the barrier function of the four anatomical regions was assessed. Results showed that both histologically and ultrastructurally, all four regions of porcine skin were similar to human skin. These include the shapes of keratinocytes, structure of cell contacts and presence of Weibel Palade bodies in endothelial cells. Other parameters such as the thickness of epidermis, the thickness of stratum basale, spinosum and granulosum and the number of cell layers in the stratum corneum were similar in human abdominal and in all four regions of porcine skin. However, there were also significant differences especially in the thickness of the stratum corneum, the dermo-epidermal interface length and the blood vessel density.

Surgical options in experimental porcine model for endovascular training in complex vascular lesions.

We describe a new, elegant, two-phase, microsurgical method that minimizes the surgical preparation time for different complex vascular lesions in a swine model. In the first phase, the model is prepared microsurgically in the experimental laboratory using arterial or/and venous grafts. In the second phase, the model is implanted in the experimental animal. This two-fold method allows for increasing the complexity and accuracy of the model while reducing preparation time on the day of the training session.

The effect of dietary supplementation of low crude protein on intestinal morphology in pigs.

To explore the effects of reducing the Cp levels on intestinal barrier function, low Cp (LP) and NRC standard Cp (NP) diets were fed to pigs from 45 to 160 days, and in vitro experiments were performed using monolayers of IPEC-J2 cells. The number of goblet cells, expression of proteins related to cell junction, amino acid transport, glucose transport, transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), dextran permeability, and IL-6 secretion level were detected in pigs. The results demonstrated that a moderate reduction of Cp levels did not affect intestinal morphology, as demonstrated by a normal villi height, crypt depth and normal numbers of goblet cells. The maintenance of the intestinal structure obtained with LP was also confirmed by stable mRNA expression levels of muc2 and E-cadherin in the jejunum. We also found that LP did not affect the protein expression of cationic amino acid transporter 1 (CAT-1) and alanine serine cysteine transporter 1 (ASCT1) from 45 to 160 days. Moreover, the excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3), sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) and glucose transporter (GLUT2) protein expression levels in the jejunum were significantly increased at a certain age during the rearing period. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that a reduction in protein concentration up to 15% in the cultural medium of IPEC-J2 cells did not impact the mucosal barrier function. This study demonstrated that a moderate reduction of the protein level did not affect intestinal mucosal barrier function and morphology in the jejunum.

Effects of low-molecular-weight chitosan on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, barrier function, cytokine expression and antioxidant system of weaned piglets.

BACKGROUND: Chitosan was used as an alternative to promote the growth of weaned piglets. And low-molecular-weight chitosan (LC) is one of chitosan derivatives and maintain beneficial biological properties of chitoson. The present experiment was carried out to examine the effects of LC on the growth performance, intestinal morphology, barrier function, cytokine expression, and antioxidant system of weaned piglets. RESULTS: A total of 40 piglets weaned at 21 d of age, with average body weight 6.37 ± 0.08 kg, were randomly assigned (5 pens/diet; 4 pigs/pen) to 2 treatments (a basal diet and the basal diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg LC) and were fed for 28 d. Compared with the control group, average daily feed intake (ADFI), and the expression of intestinal barrier protein ZO-1 was increased (P < 0.05) when the piglets fed the diet supplemented with LC. No significant differences were found in average daily gain (ADG, P > 0.05), gain-to-feed ratio (G:F, P > 0.05), the incidence of diarrhea (P > 0.05), or the antioxidant capacity (P > 0.05) between two groups. The expression of IL-1ß and TNF-α in jejunal mucosa were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in piglets fed the LC-supplemented diet in comparison to the control. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that dietary supplementation with LC at 50 mg/kg was effective for enhancing the growth performance in weaned piglets, improving intestinal barrier function and alleviating intestinal inflammation.

Effects of dietary supplementation of red pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi) essential oil on performance, small intestinal morphology and microbial counts of weanling pigs.

BACKGROUND: Many strategies, such as the antibiotic growth promoters, have been developed to improve intestinal health and performance of newly weaned piglets. Natural products such as essential oils have been scientifically recognized as growth enhancer feed additives for weanling pigs, replacing the antibiotics. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that Brazilian red pepper could replace performance-enhancing antibiotics also in weanling pig diets. However, one experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary Brazilian red pepper essential oil or antimicrobial growth promoter on intestinal health and growth performance of weanling pigs. RESULTS: No effects of treatments were observed on performance and organ weights (P > 0.05). Overall, both additives [red pepper essential oil (RPEO) or antibiotic (ANT)] increased gut Lactobacillus counts compared to negative control, as well as reduced villi density (P < 0.05). Animals fed diets containing 1.5 g kg-1 RPEO presented the lowest incidence of diarrhea (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggested that essential oil from Brazilian red pepper or chlorohydroxyquinoline added in weanling pig diets affect gut microbiota and histology without affecting performance and organ weights. In addition, there was an indication that high doses of essential oil could reduce the incidence of diarrhea. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.