Dynamic patterns of expressed genes in granulosa cells during follicular and luteal stages in Egyptian buffaloes.

A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms in granulosa cells (GC) is warranted, during different follicular and luteal developmental stages in buffalo cows. We aimed to (I) study the expression of selected genes in GC during follicular and luteal phases, (II) evaluate correlations between GC gene expression and steroid concentrations {17-beta estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4)} in follicular fluid (FF), and (III) study effect of ovarian status on follicular population as well as follicular size frequency. Ovaries were collected in pairs from buffaloes (n = 178). Ovaries bearing corpus luteum (CL) were subdivided into hemorrhagic, developing, mature, and albicans. Follicles from luteal groups were classified only into small (< 4 mm) and large (9-20 mm), while follicles from follicular groups were classified into three subgroups: small (< 4 mm), medium (5-8 mm), and large (9-20 mm). The FF and GC were collected for steroid concentrations measurement and gene expression, respectively. In the follicular phase, luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) and cytochrome P450 aromatase (CYP19) in small follicles decreased compared to medium ones. Large follicle showed an increase in LHCGR and CYP19 compared to medium ones. Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) decreased in large compared to medium size follicles. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) increased in small and large follicles. Meanwhile, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and phospholipase A2 group III (PLA2G3) decreased in small and large follicles. The different stages of luteal phase had a profound impact on GC gene expression. There were strong (positive and/or negative) correlations between gene expression and steroid hormones. The different scenarios between expressed genes in GC and steroid concentrations are required for the proper growth and development of follicles and CL.

The fine structure of the camel prostate gland.

The prostate glands of 10 mature camels (3-5 years of age) were studied with the transmission electron microscope. Ultrastructural examination of the secretory acini showed 2 types of cells, i.e. tall secretory epithelial cells and basal cells. The cells both were characterised by rounded nuclei. The subnuclear cytoplasm was filled with abundant stacks of rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER). The RER was occasionally observed to be interconnected with whorls and networks of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (SER). In the supranuclear region, a moderate Golgi complex and a large number of secretory granules of varying sizes and electron density were observed. Lysosomes of various sizes were present in all types of cells. The luminal surfaces of the cells were covered with large number of microvilli. The basal cells were described. The ultrastructural morphology of the secretory units of the camel prostate may help us to determine if the mode of secretion in the camel prostate is apocrine in nature.

Fine structure of camel erythrocytes in relation to its functions.

The fine structure of the red cells in Arabian camels was investigated and certain characteristic features were noted. The plasmalemma of camel erythrocytes are tri-laminar, the inner and outer membranes are of high electron density between which is a zone of lesser electron density. No intracellular organelles were observed with the occasional exception of a small number of mitochondria. In the camel erythrocyte, a marginal band consisting of 30-45 microtubules was observed in many cells. Some of the possible functions of the marginal band in camel erythrocytes are discussed.

Ultrastructure of camel basophilic granulocytes with special reference to its functions.

The ultrastructure of camel basophils in peripheral circulating blood of the Arabian camel were studied in order to provide detailed description of its constituents. Camel basophils were found to possess pseudopodia of varying lengths and numbers. Electron micrographs of camel basophilic granulocytes reveal that the cytoplasm is of moderately electron density. Membrane bound granules of different sizes and varying electron density, spherical or oval in shape, were observed, vacuoles of various forms, a well-defined Golgi complex, few rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria were noticed randomly distributed in the cytoplasm. The results obtained were compared with that reported for other mammalian species and interpretation of the functional activities of the basophil intracellular organelles were discussed.

Ultrastructure of the camel monocyte.

The fine structure of the camel monocytes was studied in order to record its constituents because these informations were missed from the literature. The observations revealed the presence of a few short cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum and various forms of vesicles associated with the Golgi complex which were seen near the mitochondria. The distribution of the cytoplasmic organelles seemed to be located adjacent to the main indentation in the nuclei. Camel monocytes were found to possess microvilli of varying length and number. The functional morphology of the above mentioned structures was discussed.

Fine structure of the camel neutrophilic granulocytes with special references to its function.

This study is directed at the population of neutrophilic granulocytes in the peripheral circulating blood of the one-humped camel. The detailed fine structure is described and a number of cellular parameters are determined. Particular attention was given to the characteristics of the cytoplasmic granules of this cell type. The functional roles of these intracellular granules are discussed.

Electron microscopic studies on the thymus of the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius).

The thymus of young camels contained 2 main cell types: lymphocytes and epithelial reticular cells (ER). 3 types of ER cells were observed and described. 2 types from these cells showed secretory activities, meanwhile, the third type had well developed tonofilaments. Hassall's corpuscles were noted in the medulla and were composed of degenerative concentrically arranged ER cells. The functional morphology of the above mentioned structures was discussed.

Further studies on prostaglandins. III. Effect of prostaglandins on thyroid activity as assessed by 125I.

The effect of crude prostaglandins extraced from prostate glands of camels as well as that PGE1, on the thyroid activity of male immature Boskat rabbits, was investigated. The iodinated amino acid fractions (T1, T2, T3 and T4) in the serum of the injected groups were determined in control and treated animals. Cytological work on sections of the thyroid glands of the treated and control rabbits were performed to study the effect on subcellular level. The results indicate that both crude and pure prostaglandins have a stimulating effect on thyroid activity. This was indicated by the increased 125I uptake of the thyroids of rabbits and evidenced histologically. PGE1, was found to be more effective as compared with the crude prostaglandins. The indinated amino acid and hormone fractions in the serum of the treated groups showed that T2 was increased as a result of injection of the crude prostaglandins, and T4 was increased after PGE1 injection. Tables and figures explained diversed effect.