Histochemical and immunohistochemical investigation of the number and localization of mast cells in the feline tongue.

This is the first study to describe the subtypes, number and distribution of mast cells (MC) in cat tongue by histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. Six male adult felines' tongue tissue samples consist of the study's material. Samples were fixed in 10% formaldehyde. MC number and distribution in the feline tongue were assessed using toluidine blue. Also, sections taken from blocks were stained in alcian blue/safranin O (AB/SO) combined dyes to determine the MC subtypes. The Streptavidin biotin complex method using anti-chymase and anti-tryptase primary antibodies was used for immunohistochemistry. Metachromatic MCs were mainly observed in the lamina propria close to the multilayered keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The high number of MCs in this region may be because the dorsal surface of the tongue plays an essential role in the defence system of tongue tissue and, thus, of the body as a whole. Additionally, the number of MCs stained with AB (+) (1.7 ± 0.08) in the feline tongue was statistically higher than those with SO (+) (0.18 ± 0.02). This might be interpreted as an indication that MC heterogeneity may be due not only to their staining properties but also to their localization. It is also conceivable that the high histamine content may be a factor in this. Tryptase-positive MCs were found in the loose connective tissue around blood vessels, between the glands, as solitary cells, or in groups of several cells. Chymase-positive MCs were observed more individually rather than in groups. Moreover, chymase-positive MCs were detected to be located in the filiform papillae subepithelial and in the blood vessels' immediate vicinity. Animals often lick themselves to clean themselves and promote healing. For this reason, it is very important to protect the tongue, which is in direct contact with the external environment, against foreign agents. Considering both the functional and protective properties of the tongue, we concluded that MCs may play a role in oral cavity immunity and protective effect.

Histological Effect of Emodin on Acute Vocal Fold Injury in a Rat Model.

OBJECTIVES: Emodin has beneficial effects on wound healing and reduces excessive fibrosis during tissue regeneration. Its positive effects on the wound-healing process were demonstrated on human fibroblasts. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of emodin application on acute vocal fold injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: control, sham, and emodin group. The glottis was examined using a 30°-2.7 mm diameter telescope, and vocal folds was unilaterally wounded by a microscissor through the entire layer of the lamina propria down to the vocalis muscle. While no procedure(no acute injury of the vocal fold or an injection of saline/emodin) was applied to the control group, 0.5 cc of saline was injected into the sham group and 0.5 cc of emodin in the emodin group, just lateral to the vocal folds, with 27 gauge injectors. Animals were sacrificed on the 21st day after the procedure. After excised larynx experiments, serial sections were prepared from the vocal fold. Hematoxylin eosin and immunohistochemical staining were performed and fibroblast density, lamina propria thickness, and vessel formation were graded from 0 (none) to 3 (severe reaction). Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) staining was used for immunohistochemical examinations. Four-point scoring scale for intensity being scored as 0 (no staining) to 3 (severeley stained) to quantify immonuhistochemical reaction. This scoring system was applied to vocal fold epithelium, lamina propria, vessel wall, and vocalis muscle tissues. The groups were compared with the Kruskal Wallis and Dunn tests. RESULTS: Histologically, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) between the sham group and the emodin group in terms of fibroblast density, vessel formation, and lamina propria thickness. These parameters were higher (P < 0.05) in both groups compared to the control group. In the lamina propria and vessel wall, MMP-9 staining was more intense in the emodin group than in the sham group. TGF-ß1 staining of lamina propria, epithelial tissue, and vocalis muscle was significantly more intense in the emodin group than in the other groups. CONCLUSION: Emodin induced MMP-9 and TGF-1 staining in the vocalis muscle and epithelium, as well as TGF-1 staining in the lamina propria. In terms of fibroblast density, new vascular creation, and LP thickness in acute vocal fold damage, there was no difference between saline administration and emodin injection. It may increase fibroblast activation in the acute phase of wound healing, but its long-term effects should be further investigated.

A morphological investigation of the tongue of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758).

The morphological structure of the tongue and papillae that occur on it vary according to an animal's lifestyle, nutrition, and adaptation to various environmental conditions. This study aimed to reveal in detail the morphological, histological, and electron microscopic structure of the tongue of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758). In this study, nine roe tongues were used. The tongue consists of three parts: the apex, body, and root. When the dorsal surface of the tongue was examined in detail, five different papillae were observed: filiform, lenticular, conical, fungiform, and vallate. Filiform papillae differed in having secondary papillae according to their localization. The opening holes of taste buds were observed on the surface of the round and flat fungiform papillae. The free ends of the filiform papillae were more pointed and thinner than those of the other papillae, while the width of the lenticular papillae was thicker, the surface was flat, and the free ends were blunt. Triangular-shaped conical papillae were observed differently regarding the presence or absence of secondary papillae. The vallate papillae were caudolateral to the lingual torus. On the surface of the vallate papillae, circumferenced by a deep groove, were the opening holes of the taste buds and microridges. From this analysis, it appears to be characteristic of roe deer that mechanical function, filiform, and conical papillae contain secondary papillae; lenticular papillae, absent in many deer species, are found; and a prominent papillary groove surrounds all mechanical and gustatory papillae. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The lingual papillae of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus Linnaeus, 1758) were examined with this study in detail for the first time. Similarities and differences with ruminant species were determined.

Assessing the therapeutic effect of resveratrol in heart failure following blunt chest trauma and the potential role of endocan as a biomarker of inflammation using rats.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the therapeutic effect of resveratrol on cardiac injury resulting from blunt chest trauma and the utility of endocan as a biomarker of the inflammation process using rats. METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into the following four groups (n=7 in each group): a control group (no treatment or trauma); trauma-induced group (trauma group); resveratrol group (resveratrol 0.3 mg/kg administered via the intraperitoneal [i.p.] route group); and resveratrol + trauma group (resveratrol 0.3 mg/kg administered via the i.p. route 1 hour prior to the induction of trauma). RESULTS: The immunoreactivity of tumor necrosis factor-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the trauma group was increased, whereas the reaction intensity in resveratrol + trauma group was deceased. The mean endocan values of the differed between the groups (p<0.001). The mean endocan value in the resveratrol + trauma group was higher than that of the other groups. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in lung injury after blunt chest trauma and contributed favorably to the treatment process. We believe that there is a need for further studies on the clinical use of endocan as a biomarker of inflammation in cardiac injury after blunt chest trauma.

A Study of the Therapeutic Effects of Resveratrol on Blunt Chest Trauma-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Rats and the Potential Role of Endocan as a Biomarker of Inflammation.

The present study focused on the therapeutic effects of resveratrol in a rat model of blunt chest trauma-induced acute lung injury and the potential role of endocan as a biomarker of inflammation. They were randomly divided into the following four groups (n = 7 in each group): control group (no treatment or trauma); trauma group (trauma-induced group); resveratrol group (resveratrol [0.3 mg/kg] administered via the i.p. route group); and resveratrol + trauma group (resveratrol [0.3 mg/kg] administered via the i.p. route 1 h prior to the induction of trauma At the end of the 24 h, all the experimental rats were sacrificed. Lung lobe and blood samples were collected for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical investigations. Serum endocan levels were found to be significantly higher in the travma, resveratrol, and resveratrol + trauma groups than in the control group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Moreover, in resveratrol + trauma group, endocan showed a significant increase compared to trauma and resveratrol group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Serum MDA level was significantly higher in the trauma group than in the control group (p = 0.017). SOD showed a significant increase in resveratrol and resveratrol + trauma groups compared to control group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). The present study suggested that resveratrol exerted antioxidant properties in a rat model of lung injury after blunt chest trauma. Thus, it may have therapeutic potential in cases of blunt chest trauma-induced lung injury. Serum levels of endocan were not correlated with the inflammation response. The clinical use of endocan as a biomarker of inflammation in lung injury caused by blunt chest trauma is not recommended.

Effects of leflunomide on inflamation and fibrosis in bleomycine induced pulmonary fibrosis in wistar albino rats.

PURPOSES: Pulmonary fibrosis is a rare and progressive lung disease with a high mortality rate. The treatment regimens still fail to recover the disease. Leflunomide (LEF) is an immunomodulatory agent with antiproliferative activity that is used for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of the study is to investigate the potential therapeutic efficacy of LEF in bleomycin (BLM) induced pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS: A total of 21 male, adult wistar albino rats were used. The animals were divided into three groups as control, BLM and BLM plus LEF groups (n=7). In BLM group, mice were treated with intratracheal instillation of BLM (2.5 U/kg). Control group received the same volume of saline instead of BLM. In LEF group, in addition to BLM, LEF (10 mg/kg, daily) was administrated by oral gavage. The effect of LEF on pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis was studied by measurements of serum clara cell protein-16 (CC-16), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance levels (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) levels and lung tissue contents of IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB by immunhistochemical examinations. RESULTS: LEF significantly increased the level of CC-16 and decreased the level of AOPP (P=0.042 and P=0.003 respectively). Lung tissue contents of IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB significantly decreased in LEF group compared to BLM group by immunhistochemical examinations (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LEF reduces oxidative stress factors, alveolar inflammation and attenuates lung injury and fibrosis.

Macroanatomic, light and scanning electron microscopic studies of the pecten oculi in the stork (Ciconia ciconia).

This study was undertaken to investigate the pecten oculi of stork by using macroscopic, light and electron microscopic techniques. A total of 20 eyes that were obtained from 10 storks were used. The eyes were cleaned and isolated by dissection. After various procedures, four of the pecten oculi were examined by light microscope while the other four with an electron microscope. The remaining 12 eyes were assigned for macroscopic investigation. Pecten oculi of the stork were determined as accordion-like structures that originated from n. opticus, consisting of 15-17 plica and projecting up to 2/5 of the diameter of the bulbus oculi. Light microscopic examination revealed two types of blood vessels. Afferent-efferent vessels were larger in diamater (40-45 µm), fewer in numbers, and the capillary vessels were smaller in diamater (2-5 µm) and more in numbers. There were granules including amount of melanin pigment at the apical part of the pleats. These granules were fewer and scattered randomly on the basal part of the pleats. As a result, pecten oculi in the stork, which is a migrating bird, were determined to be similar to those of other diurnal birds.

The effects of chronic low-dose capsaicin treatment on substance P levels.

Capsaicin, the pungent ingredient of red pepper, is consumed in varying amounts by many ethnic groups. It serves both therapeutically and as a specific tool to investigate sensory neurons. Although effects of high capsaicin doses are well-established, systemic effects of chronic low-dose capsaicin exposure are unknown. Sprague-Dawley rats (21-day old) were injected with capsaicin (0.5 mg/kg, ip) for 6 and 19 days. Changes in Substance P (SP) levels of lung and skin were measured. Two-step sequential acetic acid extraction was used to estimate neuronal and non-neuronal SP. Six-day, but not 19-day capsaicin treatment decreased SP levels in first as well as second extractions of both tissues. Because the cumulative dose used here was much lower than the neurotoxic doses of capsaicin, initial decrease of SP levels must be due to continuous release of SP from nerve endings as well as non-neuronal tissues. The fact that SP levels returned to control values at the end of 19-day treatment demonstrates that reactive increases in SP synthesis occurred. These findings suggest that systemic exposure to low-dose capsaicin enhances sensory nerve function and also increases SP in non-neuronal tissues. In addition, significantly decreased SP levels of both tissues were observed in 40-day, compared to 27-day old rats.