Distribution of neuropeptides in endocrine and exocrine pancreas of long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus): an immunohistochemical study.

This study aimed to determine the existence and distribution of certain neuropeptides in endocrine and exocrine pancreas of the long-legged buzzard by using immunohistochemical methods. SOM-14-, NPY- and CGRP-IR endocrine cells were determined in both central and peripheral regions in A-islets within the pancreas, while SP-IR endocrine cells were found only in the central region, and CCK-8- and galanin-IR endocrine cells were only detected in peripheral region. On the other hand, in B-islets; SP-, NPY- and CGRP-IRendocrine cells were determined in both central and peripheral regions, while SOM-14- CCK-8- and galanin-IRendocrine cells were found only in the peripheral region. In addition; SOM-14-, NPY-, CGRP-, CCK-8- and galanin-IR cells were also observed in exocrine pancreas. This distribution pattern in the pancreas of the long-legged buzzard demonstrates that neuropeptides perform their probable affects through endocrine and/or paracrine mechanisms. In conclusion, the existence and distribution of neuropeptides in the pancreas of long-legged buzzard have been introduced in this study for the first time and this bird species has also been found to differ from other types of avian species.

Investigation of coronary arteries in the porcupine (Hystrix cristata) by latex injection and angiography.

Coronary arteries were investigated in the porcupine by means of angiography performed on each of 5 adult porcupines (3 male, 2 female) which was followed by injection of a colored latex mixture from the aortic arch for the demonstration of these arteries. The results showed that the aorta branched out at the level of the cardiac outlet to form the left and right coronary arteries and right ramus coni arteriosi. Coronary arteries coursed and ramified in the myocardium. The left coronary artery divided to form the paraconal interventricular artery and left circumflex artery when it reached the coronary sulcus. The interventricular septum was vascularized by the septal branch of the paraconal interventricular artery and by the small septal branches. The left and right coronary arteries gave off all the branches reported in the literature for other species. When the ramus coni arteriosi originates from the right coronary artery, it is designated a third coronary artery. In conclusion, it was found that the coronary arteries of the porcupine had an "intramyocardial course" as in other rodents. The coronary supply of the heart represented a "left coronary type" which was similar to those of carnivores and ruminants. The results of this study may contribute to the data in this area of science.