RESUMO
BACKGROUND: The northern pike Esox lucius is a fresh water species belonging to the Esocidae family. It is a carnivorous fish which mostly feeds on invertebrates and fishes. The morphology of its intestine is very useful for understanding the fish's digestive physiology, diagnosing some intestinal diseases and formulating suitable feeds.
OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to determine the anatomical, histological and histomorphometric properties of the intestine of E. lucius.
METHODS: The intestines of five E. lucius were examined in this study. After anatomical dissection, the histological specimens were taken and fixed in 10% formalin. Then, tissue passages were stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and Masson's trichrome.
RESULTS: The anatomical examination showed the short intestine with intestinal coefficient 0.68 +/- 0.09 in E. lucius which is a characteristic of the carnivorous species. The histological study revealed that the intestinal wall of E. lucius is composed of tunica mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and serosa. The muscularis mucosa was not visible in the intestine. The stratum compactum is present between tunica mucosa and tunica submucosa. The histomorphometric results differentiated between three parts in the intestine of E. lucius namely anterior, middle and posterior. The maximum height of mucosal folds was observed in the anterior intestine due to its role in nutrient absorption. The mucosal fold's height then decreased towards the posterior intestine. The tunica muscularis is significantly thicker in the anterior intestine, and the circular muscle layer is thicker than the longitudinal muscle layer throughout the entire length of the intestine. The posterior intestine possessed large numbers of goblet cells in comparison with other parts of the intestine, to promote elimination of unabsorbed particles.
CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study revealed adaptation for the species feeding habits, so as to protect the intestine and increase absorptive processes
RESUMO
Mycobacterium bovis is responsible for 5-10% human tuberculosis all around the world. It especially infects children and people living in weak health-care regions. Currently, 25% of people with tuberculosis in Iran are afflicted by extrapulmonary tuberculosis [often related to M. bovis] that has exceeded standard amount. This investigation is an effort for studying human tuberculosis and bovine tuberculosis in Sistanobalouchestan province that has the maximum incidence rate of human tuberculosis in Iran. In this ecological study, human tuberculosis data were provided from Tuberculosis and Leprosy Office of Ministry of Health and Medical Education. The bovine tuberculosis data were received from Veterinary Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Among all studied towns in Sistanobalouchestan province, "Zabol" had the highest amount of extrapulmonary tuberculosis and total human tuberculosis for each year and "Zahedan" had the highest incidence rate of bovine tuberculosis. Meanwhile, all types of tuberculosis have been decreased within this ten years period. This study has shown in all towns of Sistanobalouchestan province human tuberculosis has a high incidence rate. Bovine tuberculosis had an indeterminate way and in last 4 years, the incidence rate has not been reported. Further studies including microbiological experiments and detection of precise species of infecting bacteria are strongly recommended for upcoming researches