A micromorphological study of the female copulatory organs of buffaloes in Egypt (Bos bubalus L.).

Samples from the different regions of the external genitalia of the Egyptian female buffalo, at different ages and different periods of the oestrus cycle, were examined microscopically after different strains. The walls of both vagina and its vestibule comprised mainly 3 coats; mucosa, musculosa and adventitia. The epithelia lining undergoes changes according to the period of the cycle. The circular muscle layer of vagina splits into 2 in the ventral wall and sandwitches in between a longitudinal layer and reunites oncemore in the dorsal wall. The lamina propria of the vestibula contains the following glandular structures: a) intraepithelial mucussecreting cells, b) large subepithelial glandular masses lying 1/2 cm caudal to hymen and extending for 3 cm caudally and 1 cm laterally in both dorsal and ventral walls, taking the form of compound tubuloaveolar muco-serous glands, and c) small glandular masses lying in the ventral median plane from the region of the fossa clitoridis and gradually disappearing cranially towards the suburethral diverticulum, taking the form of compound alveolar mucous glands. The clitoris is wholly formed of erectile tissue with smooth muscle fibers at its root and fat cells at its tip (glans). However, the latter cells were absent from calves.

Volumetric studies on the red nucleus of the rat at different ages.

The postnatal development of the red nucleus in albino rat was quantitatively studied. Planimetric studies on stained paraffin sections of the midbrain showed that the red nucleus has a rounded contour with tapering ends and a broad centre. The volume of the red nucleus revealed an increase from birth, to reach its maximum at the age of 3 months, then declines until the age of 2 years. However, the size does not regain its newly born value. On the other hand, the number of cells remains constant during the entire life span of the animal.

Volumetric and histochemical studies of the adrenal medulla of mouse after reserpine administration.

The effect of single and consecutive doses of reserpine on the morphology and cellular and nuclear sizes of adrenaline and noradrenaline cells in the adrenals of mice were compared with the normal controls receiving saline injections as a placebo. Adopting micrometric measurements for apparent cellular and nuclear diameters, the pooled mean volumes of adrenaline- and noradrenaline-secreting cells and nuclei were calculated. Normal controls, subjected to consecutive daily saline injections for a period of 2 weeks, presented an increase in the intensity of the chromaffin reaction and higher values of cellular and nuclear sized of both cell types than those receiving single saline injection. These findings are believed to be a result of increased cell activity due to the stress of repeated, regular daily handling and injections. The increased measurements of cellular and nuclear sized of both types of adrenomedullary cells are believed to be due to hypermetabolic activity of the cells, thus exceeding action of reserpine shown by the decreased intensity of chromaffin reaction. Mice receiving daily consecutive reserpine injections showed a decrease in the intensity of chromaffin reaction as well as cellular and nuclear sizes compared with their controls. This is attributed to a decrease in the catecholamine content of the adrenal medulla.