The Effect of Dietary Organic Copper and Zinc Trace Minerals on some Yield and Mineral Levels and Histological Structure of Testes.

This study aims to investigate the effects of providing Cu and Zn minerals with an organic structure reduced by 25% compared to the recommended (NRC) inorganic value on parameters such as the age at which lambs achieve 50% sperm motility yield, some developmental parameters, testis histology, as well as serum, wool, and fecal mineral levels in lambs. The study involved 12 male lambs in the T1 group (organic minerals) and 11 in the T2 group (inorganic minerals) of the Kivircik breed. Lambs received minerals from mothers during the last month of fetal period and suckling, continuing individual feeding post-weaning. During individual feeding, T1 received 5.25 mg/kg DM copper-chelate and 15.0 mg/kg DM zinc-chelate, while T2 received 7 mg/kg DM copper-sulfate and 20 mg/kg DM zinc-sulfate. The mothers received identical mineral amounts in the last month of pregnancy and lactation. The ewes birthed offspring solely for the supply of experimental groups. Lambs, averaging about 18.5 kg, underwent bi-weekly electroejaculation, concluding the trial for those with 50% semen motility. Statistical analyses were carried out using the GLM method. No differences were observed between groups in the average age at which lambs achieve 50% sperm motility, live weight, scrotum, and testicular measurements at this age (P > 0.05). Histological analyses revealed no difference in tubule area between T1 and T2 groups (P > 0.05), but tubular epithelium height was greater in T1 (P < 0.01). End-of-trial serum copper, as well as weaning day and end-of-trial serum and fleece zinc mean values, did not differ between groups (P > 0.05). However, T1 had higher mean values for serum Cu on the weaning day (P < 0.01), fleece copper on the weaning day (P < 0.05) and at the end of the trial (P < 0.001). Additionally, the T1 group exhibited lower mean levels of fecal copper (P < 0.05) and fecal zinc (P < 0.001). In conclusion, despite organic copper and zinc levels being 25% lower in the examined parameters, comparable or improved results were achieved with inorganic copper and zinc.

Expression of Toll-Like Receptors in the Lung Tissue of Mouse Fetuses Generated by in vitro Embryo Culture and Embryo Transfer.

Mouse fetuses generated by in vitro embryo culture and embryo transfer exhibit impaired lung development, altered composition of pulmonary epithelial cells associated with downregulation of several genes involved in lung development and toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathway. The aims of the present study were to determine the expression of all TLRs and to examine if the expression of TLRs, along with genes involved in TLR signaling pathway, is altered in the lung tissue of mouse fetuses generated through embryo culture and embryo transfer. Two experimental (EGs) and one control (CG) group were included in the study. Embryos cultured at 5% CO2-95% air for 95 h or less than 24 h were transferred to pseudo-pregnant females to obtain fetuses comprising EGin vitro (n = 18) and EGin vivo (n = 18), respectively. Fetuses obtained from naturally ovulating females on day 18 of pregnancy served as the CG (n = 18). Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to determine the expression of TLR proteins. The expression of transcripts encoding TLRs, and the genes involved in TLR signaling pathway (Lbp, Pik3r1, Pik3cb, Nfkbia, and Fos), was determined using qRT-PCR. While all TLRs were expressed by cells lining the bronchial/bronchiolar epithelium of lung tissues in all groups, some of the TLRs were expressed in a specific pattern. When compared to CG, the expression of transcripts encoding TLR-2, -3, -4, -5, -7, -8, -9, -12, -13, Lbp, Pik3r1, Pik3cb, Nfkbia, and Fos was significantly downregulated in both EGs. It appears that stress imposed on embryos at preimplantation stages of development is associated with downregulation of TLRs, along with some of the genes involved in TLR signaling pathway, in the lung tissue during the perinatal period. It remains to be determined if downregulation of TLRs, along with the genes involved in TLR signaling pathway, has any functional consequences in the adult lung tissue.

Protective and therapeutic role of melatonin against tunicamycin-induced ER stress in testicular tissue of rats.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the possible consequences of administering exogenous melatonin as prevention or treatment against tunicamycin-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the testicular tissue of rats. Materials and Methods: In this study, 42 adult Sprague Dawley rats, randomly divided into seven equal groups, were administered intraperitoneal tunicamycin to induce ER stress. Both prophylactic (PMel) and therapeutic melatonin (TMel) groups were administered melatonin for seven days. ER stress in the cell was detected through immunohistochemical and molecular analyses using GPR78 expression. Results: Increased oxidant levels and apoptosis rates were shown in testicular tissue because of ER stress. The sections in the melatonin-administered and control groups were similar, with melatonin-administered groups showing an increase in the antioxidant ratio. Histometric examinations revealed both TMel and melatonin applications reduced the diameter of the tubules. However, immunohistochemical and molecular analyses showed that PMel administration decreased the concentration of GRP78 more effectively than TMel. Conclusion: Applying melatonin prior to cell damage occurrence can be recommended for its effectiveness in protecting from tunicamycin-induced ER stress.

TLR2 and TLR4 molecules and antigen-presenting cell compositions in cecal tonsils of broiler chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus) in the first two weeks of the post-hatch period.

Chickens do not have lymph nodes. Gut-associated lymphoid tissue is the major immunological organization for the digestive system. Cecal tonsils are an important part of this organization. This study is a descriptive and experimental study that was conducted to determine the histological development of the cecal tonsils and the distribution of Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR4 and antigen-presenting cells during the first 2 weeks of the chick's life. The tissue sections were stained using Crossmon's triple technique, Gordon and Sweet's silver impregnation, and streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex methods. The classical tonsil framework with fossa and tonsillar units were observed in 4 days cecal tissue. The web of reticular fibres forming the stroma of the tissue had the impression that the lymphoid cells filling in time. The development of cecal tonsil was completed histologically on the day 10 and following day 14 samples. Regardless of the antigenic stimulation, TLR2, TLR4 and CD83, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules are present in proximal cecal tissue. However, CD83-positive dendritic cells in the germinal centre were first distinguished on day 7. Furthermore, the high antigen presentation capacity of the cecum with an intense MHC class II molecule expression was determined. Histological and immunohistochemical findings in this study revealed that both innate and adaptive cecal defence mechanisms were in the learning period during the first 2 weeks. The learning period of innate immunity may require more detailed research. However, the results obtained in this study will be taken into consideration in the vaccination programmes in chicks.

Protective effect of coenzyme Q10 against bisphenol-A-induced toxicity in the rat testes.

The present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant, histomorphometric, histochemical, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and cytological effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) against bisphenol-A (BPA)-induced testicular toxicity in rats. A total of 40 adult male Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups. The control group remained untreated. The vehicle control group was administered corn oil (2 ml/kg/day), the BPA group was given BPA (100 mg/kg/day), the CoQ10 group was supplemented with CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day), and the rats in the CoQ10-BPA group received CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/day) followed by BPA (100 mg/kg/day) 1 h later. The treatments were administered by oral gavage for 14 days. Results showed that the seminiferous tubule diameters (STDs) and seminiferous epithelium heights (SEHs) at stages VII-VIII and XII-XIV, number of undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor-1 (UTF-1) positive cells per tubule, UTF-1 positive tubules (%), plasma glutathione (GSH), and serum superoxide dismutase activities, testicular GSH activity and sperm viability (%) decreased whereas the number of terminal dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) positive cells per tubule, TUNEL positive tubules (%), testicular and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and the rate of mid-piece sperm abnormality increased in the BPA administered group. However, while the STDs at stages VII-VIII and XII-XIV, SEHs at stages VII-VIII, plasma GSH, and serum SOD activities increased, serum MDA level decreased in the CoQ10-BPA group. In conclusion, these results suggest a protective effect of CoQ10 against BPA-induced testicular toxicity in rats.

Histological and immunohistochemical studies of the proximal caecum and caecal tonsils of quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

The proximal caecum in quails consists of lymphoid and non-lymphoid structures. The caecal tonsils in the proximal part of the caecum are units of gut-associated lymphoid tissue in poultry. This study aimed to examine the histological characteristics of the proximal caecum, as well as compositions of dendritic cells (DCs) and antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the caecal tonsil of quails. Tissue sections were stained with Crossman's triple, periodic acid-Schiff, Gordon and Sweet's silver, Congo red and methyl green-pyronin dyes, as well as immunohistochemically by the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. Caecal lymphoid tissue was located in the lamina propria and submucosa. Germinative centres were observed within the lymphoid tissue. Reticular fibres were mainly distributed in the border area of the germinal centre with only a few fibres scattered in the centre. Plasma cells were observed in the subepithelial region and germinal centres. Eosinophil granulocytes were prevalent in the lymphoid tissue. Additionally, CD83-immunoreactive DCs and MHC class II immunoreactive APCs were present in the subepithelial area and diffuse lymphoid tissue. While DCs were seen in the germinal centres of tonsillar units, APCs were rarely present in the germinal centres, but they were noticed around the germinal centres. In conclusion, the histological structure of the proximal caecum in quails and the distributions of some immunological cells in the caecal tonsils were revealed. Therefore, the defensive role of the caecal tonsils in the digestive system may be better understood, and comparative studies may be carried out.

Protective role of alpha lipoic acid against polychlorobiphenyl (Aroclor 1254)-induced testicular toxicity in rats.

The present study was aimed to investigate the antioxidant, biochemical, and histological effects of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) on polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-induced testicular toxicity in male rats. The rats were divided into five groups: In the control group, the rats were not administered any chemicals for 30 days. In the sham group, the rats were administered corn oil for 30 days. In the PCB group, the rats were administered with Aroclor 1254 for 30 days. In the ALA group, the rats were treated with ALA for 30 days. In the ALA+PCB group, the rats were treated with ALA 24 hours before Aroclor 1254 was administered for 30 days. The total oxidant status (TOS) level in the serum and testis, number of apoptotic cells, vacuolization at the basal membrane, immature spermatids in the tubular lumen, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) staining density, and abnormal spermatozoa were significantly increased in the PCB group. Moreover, in the PCB group, the seminiferous tubule diameter (STD) was decreased in stage VII-VIII and XII-XIV tubules. The TOS level in the serum and testis, vacuolization at the basal membrane, immature spermatids in the tubular lumen, and apoptosis were significantly decreased in the ALA+PCB groups. These findings suggested that ALA has a protective role against PCB-induced testicular toxicity.

MHC class II expression by mast cells in the genital tract of cows.

This work examined the presence of MHC class II molecules expressing mast cells in oviduct, uterus and vaginal tissues in cows. The tissue samples of five cows were collected from a local slaughterhouse. Toluidine blue pH 0.5 (TB) and avidin-biotin peroxidase complex (ABC) staining procedures applied to adjacent sections from tissue samples. It was determined that some TB + cells were also gave positive reaction with strept ABC staining for MHC II molecules. To our knowledge this is the first evidence indicating the presence of MHC class II molecules expressing mast cells in the cow.