General anti-microbial properties of the integument in fleece producing sheep and goats.

Based on lectin histochemical methods, this study describes the production and distribution of various terminal sugars in the integument of Merino sheep and Angora goats. Additionally, pH measurements were performed for information about environmental conditions of microbes on the skin surface and in the fleece. The results demonstrated strongly positive reactions for alpha-L-fucose in the stratum corneum of Merino sheep, and in the secretions of the skin glands of Angora goats. Moreover, alpha-D-mannose, beta-D-N-acetylglucosamine, alpha-D-N-acetylgalactosamine, alpha-D-galactose and beta-D-galactose were very distinct in the secretions of the skin glands of both species. The skin products containing saccharide residues are deposited on the skin surface and in the fleece as part of wool grease, and the terminal sugars may be liberated by bacterial and fungal activities. All of these sugars are of specific interest because of their ability of inhibiting the adherence of different bacteria and fungi to the epidermal cells. Thus, free sugars impede attacks of skin micro-inhabitants against the integrity of the epidermal barrier. In contrast to these results, the skin pH-conditions were strongly alkaline, particularly in the fleece of Merino sheep (pH 6-9), so that proliferation of microbes may be promoted. This negative influence can only be countered by high production rates of sugar-containing skin products, which is normally the case based on long and intense activity of hair follicles in fine-wool producing sheep and goats.In conclusion, this study demonstrates that a basic anti-microbial biological system exists on the skin surface and within the hair coat, that operates with free sugars before the immune system is activated.

[The structure of the skin of the ear in domesticated pigs, with special reference to their use for human dermatological research. 2. Specific histology of the integument]. / Untersuchungen zur Struktur der Ohrhaut beim Hausschwein, unter besonderer Berücksichtigung einer Verwendung in der humandermatologischen Forschung: 2. Spezielle Histologie des Integuments.

Based on light microscopy, the study describes the specific histology of the ear integument of the white domesticated pig. After careful tissue fixation and embedding, routine histological staining, collagen fibre staining, fat demonstration based on frozen sections, and ink injection of the integumental blood vessel system were applied. A detailed description is presented of the structure of the skin layers (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis), the ear cartilage envelopes (fascia, perichondrium), the plica scaphae, the blood vessel distribution, the architecture of the collagen fibre bundles, as well as the hair follicles and the skin glands (sebaceous glands, apocrine tubular glands). The results are discussed with regard to a direct comparison with the histological structure of the human integument, and the advantages and disadvantages of the use of the porcine ear skin as model system in human dermatological research are emphasized.

[The structure of the skin of the ear in domesticated pigs, with special reference to their use for human dermatological research. 1. Macroscopic aspects and hair coat]. / Untersuchungen zur Struktur der Ohrhaut beim Hausschwein, unter besonderer Berücksichtigung einer Verwendung in der humandermatologischen Forschung: 1. Makroskopische Aspekte und Haarkleid.

To begin with, the study describes macroscopically the typical pigmentation, form and surface sculpture of the external ear of the white domesticated pig. Then the palpable stability and elasticity of the ear integument is analyzed, followed by a detailed and microscopically assisted description of the fine relief of the skin surface, the hair line, the hair density, the angle of hair follicle insertion, and the arrangement of hair follicles on both sides of the auricle. The results obtained are discussed with special regard to the use of the porcine ear integument as a model for human skin.

Cytological and lectin histochemical characterization of secretion production and secretion composition in the tubular glands of the canine anal sacs.

The study reports on secretion production and composition in the tubular glands of the canine anal sacs. For this purpose, light and electron microscopical (TEM, SEM) as well as several histochemical methods for the demonstration of lysosomal acidity, lipofuscin, and complex carbohydrates were used. The glandular tubules exhibited a pseudostratified epithelium with secretory cells of a different shape as related to secretion production activity, and regionally varying amounts of basal cells. Flat, cuboidal or columnar cells with or without apocrine-like protrusions were assembled in one glandular endpiece, although grouping of these cell types often occurred. Active secretory cells were columnar with many cytoplasmic vesicles and a typically merocrine and/or micro-apocrine exocytosis of vesicle contents. Additionally, many lysosomes of different sizes could be found, whereby in aged cells giant secondary lysosomes (autophagolysosomes, about 7 microm in diameter) occupied the major cell part. These giant lysosomes were shed by an apocrine-like process forming a final bottleneck stage of the upper cell part, and consisted of ceroid-type lipofuscin. The general carbohydrate histochemical and the lectin histochemical methods revealed that the secretion produced was composed of strongly concentrated neutral glycoproteins with the following saccharide residues: alpha-D-mannose, beta-D-galactose, beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, alpha-L-fucose and N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (sialic acid); the luminal secretion contained only beta-D-galactose and, especially, N-acetyl-neuraminic acid. This luminal secretion showed a spatially orientated maturation beginning in terminal tubular regions and finishing near the excretory duct, independent of the different secretory cell types. The results obtained demonstrated highly active secretion production, with a regional variation in the glandular tubule, and at least three different modes of secretion by the secretory cells, whereby the shedding of giant lipofuscin granules seems to be very specific. The high amounts of sialic acids in the glycoproteins found may influence the rheological properties of the secretion by their water-binding capacities.

SEM demonstration of elastic fibres in the integument of small and densely-haired mammals.

The combination of SEM and autoclave methods gave a clear three-dimensional demonstration of integumental elastic fibres in small densely-haired mammals. The specific organisation of a fine and spongy elastic network was characterised by uniformly thin elastic fibres which were homogeneously distributed between both hair follicle types throughout the whole dermis. All the hair follicles were connected with each other by elastic fibres along their complete intradermal length. The advantage of such a specific elastic dermis construction is that all hair follicles can be moved together and simultaneously along the entire body, so that a better and rapid insulation is achieved after erection of the hair follicles during very low temperatures.

[Species determination of mammals based on the hair cuticle pattern--a comparison of domestic mammals and their wild ancestors from the forensic viewpoint]. / Untersuchungen zur Artbestimmung von Säugetieren anhand des Haarkutikulamusters--ein Vergleich von Haussäugetieren und ihren wilden Stammformen unter forensischer Sicht.

Based on a computer-assisted method, mammalian species were determined according to the cuticula pattern of guard hairs, comparing domesticated mammals and their wild parent species. The results obtained demonstrate that relevant species identification can only be done for the wild species, whereas this is prevented in the domesticated animals by the variety of breeds and the domestication defects included. The consequences related for a forensic use of hairs are discussed. With regard to this purpose it is not reasonable to use mammalian hairs for species determination, because of the high variations of most of the structural parameters of the hairs of domesticated mammals normally found in human habitants.

A computer-assisted method for the determination of hair cuticula patterns in mammals.

The study describes a rather simple, computer-assisted method for the determination of different mammalian species or groups with the aid of the cuticula pattern of guard hairs (primary hairs) following SEM presentation. The method is based on an image analysis program developed for metallographic investigations, and includes the evaluation of five parameters (scale area, scale perimeter, number of scales per mm2, ratio of scale width and height, scale index). The scale index as a combination of scale numbers per square unit and the width/height ratio proved to be most useful for a relevant species or group identification of mammals according to the hair cuticula pattern.

Demonstration of NADPH-diaphorase (NO-synthase) in sebaceous glands of the mammalian integument, with remarks on the glandular capillary net.

The study demonstrates weakly to strongly positive reaction staining for NADPH-diaphorase/NO- synthase in the peripheral cells of sebaceous glands in the hairy skin of domesticated mammals. Additionally, the structure of the blood capillary system surrounding these glands is better elucidated. The results obtained are discussed in view of a modulatory action of NO generated by these enzyme activities, implying a direct influence of this substance on the contractile elements of gland-associated blood capillaries. In this way, a simple and self-regulatory mechanism to couple blood flow and glandular metabolism can be proposed.

[Photo-CD--a new medium in veterinary anatomy]. / Die Photo-CD--ein neues Medium in der Veterinäranatomie.

A method of producing a Photo-CD is described, containing edited digitally stored colour slides. It is possible to present approximately 100 digitized pictures with such a CD which are shown on a colour TV screen sorted in individual or didactic programmed order. Using this method text- and visual information which is coordinated with the contents of lessons and examinations can be offered to the students. Furthermore the CD-media is well suited to transmit advanced and special information offers concerning additional as well as deepening studies.

Prenatal development of the integument in Delphinidae (Cetacea: Odontoceti).

The prenatal development of epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis was studied in embryos of different age of two delphinid species (Stenella attenuata, Delphinus delphis), using light and transmission electron microscopical methods. The delphinid embryo is covered by a multilayered tissue formed by four different epidermal generations (periderm, stratum intermedium-I, str. intermedium-II, str. spinosum) produced by the str. basale. The first layer appears at about 40-50 mm of body length, the second type (s.i.-I) about 60-160 mm, and the third type (s.i.-II) is present at 160-500 mm. The first spinosal cells are produced at 225-260 mm body length; thenceforth, the epidermis increases continuously in thickness. Epidermal ridge formation begins about 400-mm body length. The development of the dermis is characterized by the early production of thin connective tissue fibers (40-70-mm body length) and simultaneously the cutaneous muscle matures in structure. Vascular development intensifies between embryos of 150-225 mm, and collagen production increases markedly in fetuses of 225-260-mm length. These events are paralleled by an increase in dermal thickness. The first elastic fibers can be recognized in the skin from the abdomen at about 600-mm body length. The development of the hypodermis is marked by very rapid and constantly progressing growth, beginning about 60-mm body length. The first typical fat cells appear in animals of 360-400 mm. Regional differences are obvious for all skin layers with regard to the flippers, where structural maturation proceeds more rapidly than in dorsal or abdominal regions.

Demonstration of NADPH-diaphorase (NO-synthase) in the apocrine and eccrine skin glands of domesticated mammals.

The study demonstrates a strong enzyme histochemical and immunohistochemical reaction staining for NADPH-diaphorase/NO-synthase in the secretory cells of the apocrine glands in the hairy skin, and the eccrine glands in the foot pads of domesticated mammals. The results obtained are discussed in view of a regulatory action of the NO generated by these enzyme activities, implying a direct influence of NO on the contractile properties of glandular myoepithelial cells. In this way, a basic and simple mechanism to couple secretion production and secretion extrusion can be proposed.

Arrangement of elastic fibres in the integument of domesticated mammals.

The hairy skin of important domesticated mammals (12 species) was studied with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, laser scanning microscopy, and several light microscopical methods, to obtain more information about three-dimensional elastic fibre arrangement. It was obvious that there is a basic construction scheme of the elastic fibre meshwork as present in the upper and mid-dermis, with special regard to the size, number, and grouping of hair follicles. In the densely-haired species, in particular, a typical elastic mat with horizontal fibres is formed. In many of the sparsely-haired animals, the upper and mid-dermis show a sponge-like elastic system. In the rather massive, collagen-rich skin of large species, the lower two thirds of the dermis without hair follicles only possess a loosely-structured elastic network, but thick elastic sheets are found at the border zone with the hypodermis. Specific features appear with regard to the type of mechanical strain exerted, different body regions, varying hair follicle density, or as connected with the anchoring of the hair follicle complex, blood vessels, and nerves.

[Instructions for the correct use of zoologically relevant species designations for our domestic and laboratory animals, with reference to the current nomenclature of their breed types]. / Hinweise zum korrekten Gebrauch zoologisch relevanter Artbezeichnungen für unsere Hausund Labortiere, mit Berücksichtigung der aktuellen Benennung ihrer Stammarten.

This study is concerned with the correct use of the scientific zoological nomenclature for domesticated and laboratory animals. With the help of four tables, additionally, the most current latin names of all important domesticated animals (animals of economic importance, ranch-bred animals, companion animals, fancy animals, laboratory animals) are given. The authors suggest a formal nomenclature for domesticated animals which should principally be related to the scientific name of the parent species (binomially and in italics), as always followed by the completion "forma domestica/f. dom." (not in italics). Problems arising from the use of such scientific names when hybridization and introgression is concerned are also discussed, and appropriate nomenclature is proposed.

[Skin and plumage changes in domestic birds. II. Plumage changes]. / Haut- und Gefiederveränderungen bei domestizierten Vögeln. Teil II: Gefiederveränderungen--2.

The study describes plumage modifications and specific feather malformations, as related to the domestication process of different poultry species. The modifications include naked necks, leg feathering, frizzle feathering, silky feathering, fat quills, and feather abnormalities caused by behavioural hypertrophies. Most of these plumage modifications correspond to the breed standard for exhibition poultry fancy. However, they impair the normal function of these animals. The negative influences comprise disorders in social behaviour, loss of typical plumage functions and disabilities of normal mobility, as well as genetic defects and pathogenic predispositions.

[Skin and plumage changes in domestic birds. II. Plumage changes--1]. / Haut- und Gefiederveränderungen bei domestizierten Vögeln. Teil II: Gefiederveränderungen--1.

Modifications of the plumage and specific feather malformations, as developed during the domestication process of different poultry species are described. The modifications include henny feathering, elongated feathers, ear tufts, muffs, and increased numbers of tail feathers. The greater part of these plumage modifications is generally of interest for exhibition poultry fancy. Several of the plumage abnormalities presented distinctly impair the normal species-typical way of life of the animals concerned. The spectrum of negative influences comprises disorders in social behaviour, loss of, or restrictions in typical plumage functions such as weather susceptibility, as well as disabilities of normal mobility. Finally, genetic defects and pathogenic predispositions are also connected with such plumage modifications.

[Skin and plumage changes in domestic birds. I. Skin changes]. / Haut- und Gefiederveränderungen bei domestizierten Vögeln. Teil I: Hautveränderungen.

This study presents modifications of the common integument and specific integumental structures developed during the domestication process of different poultry species. These modifications include dewlaps, variations of the comb, ear lobes, and wattles, size and form variations of the beak, exuberances of the cere and orbital skin, spur defects, loss of the uropygial gland, and crop dilatations. Most skin modifications were genetically manifested by exhibition poultry, and perpetuated by deliberate selective breeding. Several of the skin modifications described severely impair the normal, species-typical way of life of the animals concerned. The range of negative influences exerted by some of the fancy breed characteristics includes physical disabilities as well as disorders in food intake, reproduction, and social behaviour. Additionally, genetic defects and pathogenic predispositions can be found.

Intraepidermal distribution of free amino acids in porcine skin.

The study describes the vertical distribution of free amino acids in the porcine epidermis as compared to the human integument, using a micro-determination TLC method based on the reaction of amino acids with dansyl chloride. This microanalytical approach demonstrated 22 free amino acids, with the relatively largest amounts being present for acidic amino acids and their amides. It was obvious that the relative amounts of certain amino acids (alanine, proline, valine, glutamine, histidine, glycine, threonine) decreased, whereas acidic amino acids (glutamic acid, aspartic acid) increased from the stratum basale up to the stratum corneum. This distributional pattern could be verified for the dorsal and lateral body regions of the pig breeds used, and for man. The results obtained are discussed in view of the development of epidermal keratinization.

[The "protective acid coat" of the skin of our domestic animals]. / Der "Säureschutzmantel" der Haut unserer Haustiere.

The study reviews and discusses functional aspects of the so-called "acid mantle" of the integumentum commune of domesticated mammals and birds. The problems referred to are closely related to the skin surface-pH and different factors influencing this phenomenon (chemical composition of the skin surface film, secretory activity of apocrine tubular glands, structure of the microflora, lack of skin glands in birds). It becomes evident, that an "acid mantle" of the skin of domesticated animals cannot be verified, and that normal skin-pH (medium values weakly acid to alkaline) exerts no microbicidal effects. Integumental antimicrobial properties may rather be connected with free fatty acids as decomposition products of skin lipids.