Microscopic Study of Mechanoreceptors and Chemoreceptors of Anterior and Posterior Ends of Toxocara Canis Using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Light Microscope.

The present study investigated the fine structure of amphids and phasmids, cuticle, muscles, and digestive tracts of Toxocara canis using optical and electron microscopy, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining, and other specific stains. A number of 38 adult T.canis worms were obtained from the animal shelter of Urmia, and their small intestines were fixated in acidified formal alcohol and 10% formalin solutions. The anterior and posterior parts of male and female T.canis worms were prepared and cut at a thickness of 4-5 μm according to the conventional method in the histological laboratory. The samples were then stained using H&E and specific periodic acid-Schiff, Masson's trichrome, and Orcein staining. The structure of amphid (anterior), phasmid (posterior), cuticle, muscles, and digestive tracts of male and female worms were studied under light microscopy. Basal, intermediate, cortex, and cuticle surface coating of the parasite were visible. Alae were also observed as the thickenings in the cuticle. The muscle layer structure consists of non-branched cylindrical cells. The intestinal tract is composed of cuticular cogs, the esophagus is of filamentous-muscular structure, and the intestine is made of columnar epithelial tissue with microvilli and glycocalyx. The amphid structure consisted of cuticular protrusions with penetrations of the cephalic framework into their inner layers. Phasmid structure also includes protrusions in the cuticle and invagination of sensory neurons. It was concluded that for the most part, the histological structure of the cuticle can be studied by optical microscopy. The muscle structure in this parasite was very similar to the skeletal muscle in mammals. Furthermore, the epithelial structure of the intestine in this parasite was largely similar to the intestinal epithelium in mammals. Finally, regarding the amphid and phasmid structures, it was observed that they were protrusions covered by cuticles where neural, filamentous, and muscular structures were the core of these protrusions.

First ultrastructural observations on gastritis caused by Physaloptera clausa (Spirurida: Physalopteridae) in hedgehogs (Erinaceus europeaus).

Ultrastructural changes of gastritis due to infection with Physaloptera clausa in 12 fresh carcasses of euthanized European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) collected from different part of Urmia, Iran, in which they were highly populated with this animal, six females and six males were subjected to detail necropsy with special reference to the stomach. Macroscopic changes of stomach were recorded and some of the worms collected. Based on number of parasites present in the stomach, they were divided into light infection, mild infection, and severe infection. Parasites were collected, and worms identification of the species was confirmed on the basis of light microscope examination with reference to keys. Tissues fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde, post-fixed in 1% osmium tetroxide and processed and plastic embedded; ultrathin sections of 60-70 nm were cut and stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate; electron microscopic observations showed that, in light infection some changes were observed in gastric cells such as dilatation and vesiculation of the endoplasmic reticulum, large numbers of lipid granules, mitochondrial swelling, nuclear chromatin margination, and some nucleus showed washed out appearance. Other cells showed some alterations in mitochondria, dilatation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, loss of both free and bound ribosomes, vesiculation in cytoplasm, and increase Golgi apparatus and secretory vesicles. The inflammatory cells including lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells, and predominantly eosinophils were identified. In moderate infection, the cellular pattern of gastric mucosa replaced with inflammatory cells. The marked increase of macrophages and other inflammatory cell was observed. A particular finding in our study was the presence of globule leukocyte in the moderate stage. Moreover, scant formation and distribution of collagen fibers as well as fibroblasts were also noted. In severe infection, the most obvious observation was marked distribution of collagen fibers around the mucosal cells. The fibroblastic cells with elongated nucleus and extensive indentation were noticed. In conclusion, the result of our study revealed P. clausa could be a cause of gastritis and according to cellular pattern of inflammatory reaction, with the increase of worm burden and development of infection, chronic gastritis was stabilized. Present investigation documented the ultrastructural changes during verminous gastritis in hedgehogs.

Macroscopic and microscopic examination of pulmonary Crenosoma striatum in hedgehog.

The aim of study was to necropsy and histopathology evaluation of lung Crenosoma striatum in hedgehog. In July 2012, 10 porcupines were collected from Urmia city and transferred to parasitology lab of the veterinary faculty where they were euthanized by ketamine (over 40-90 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. In this study the lungs were assessed through naked eyes regarding parasite presence upon washing. The lung tissue was examined under loop microscope in order to finding small worms in lung parenchyma. The worms were removed by Anse forceps and kept in AFA solution, and collected for diagnosis. In order to carrying out pathological tests, some samples prepared and placed in formalin 10 % for fixation. The counted worms frequency in high severe and moderate lungs were as 86 (50 females and 36 males) and 19 (13 females and 16 males) worms respectively. But no worms were observed in healthy lungs. The infestation severity was as; low infestation (1-7 worms), moderate infestation (8-20), severe infestation (21-50) and very severe infestation (more than 50 worms). The lung examinations of non-infested lungs indicated that the lung tissues had no parasite. In addition, no inflammation reactions as inflammatory cells presence were observed, and the air spaces with alveoles' wall in some regions were observable. On histopathological examination, the observed alteration was primarily inflammatory changes, and in some cases the proliferation was also observable. Hyperemia and inflammatory cell infiltration, somehow the alveolar space was filled, representing bronchopneumonia reaction. The bronchioles had various changes as hypertrophy and hyperplastic in different parts of respiratory system. Hyperemia and hemorrhage were very severe in some cases caused hemosiderosis in the lung. In severe inflammations the pneumonia along with increasing of bronchial cells in the lumen rose as well, leading to severe verminous infestation of the lung. In regard to the obtained results, the verminous infestation of the porcupines' lung with C. striatum indicated inflammatory and proliferative alteration which was as inflammatory changes in mild cases, and inflammatory and proliferative stances in severe cases.

Effect of vitamin B12 on functional recovery and histopathologic changes of tibial nerve-crushed rats.

Recent studies have suggested a neuroprotective effect for vitamin B12. The present study investigated the effects of vitamin B12, diclofenac and celecoxib in separate and combined treatments on functional recovery of crushed tibial nerve in rats. In ketamine plus xylazin anesthetized rats, right tibial nerve was crushed using a small hemoatatic forceps. Footprints were recorded 1 day before and on days 7, 14 and 21 after induction of nerve injury. Tibial functional index (TFI) was used to evaluate the recovery of tibial nerve function. Histological changes of tibial nerve were investigated by light microscopy. The recovery of TFI values were significantly accelerated with 10 consecutive days treatments with 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg of vitamin B12, 5 mg/kg of diclofenac and 1 and 5 mg/kg of celecoxib. The severity of Wallerian degeneration was reduced by above-mentioned doses of vitamin B12, diclofenac and celecoxib. Documented effects were observed when 0.1 mg/kg of vitamin B12 was concurrently used with 1 mg/kg of diclofenac and or 0.2 mg/kg of celecoxib. In the present study, vitamin B12, celecoxib and diclofenac (at a high dose) showed neuroprotective effects. Inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) 1 and 2 pathways may be involved in neuroprotective effect of vitamin B12.

Synergistic antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Cuminum cyminum L. seed and nisin in a food model.

AIMS: To investigate effects of various concentrations of the essential oil of Cuminum cyminum L. seed alone and in combination with nisin on survival of vegetative forms of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus subtilis in a food model (commercial barley soup) and their ultrastructure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis indicated that cumin aldehyde (29·02%) and α-terpinen-7-al (20·70%) constituted the highest amount of the essential oil. The lowest concentration of the essential oil significantly affected the growth of the bacteria at 8°C but not at 25°C. Synergistic effect of the essential oil in combination with the lowest concentration of nisin was observed on the bacteria at 8°C. Evaluation of the sensory properties showed that concentration of 0·15 µl ml−1 of the essential oil was the most acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: The essential oil of C. cyminum L. seed showed the most bactericidal effects on B. cereus at 8°C. Ultrastructural studies of vegetative cells confirmed the synergistic destructive effects of the essential oil and nisin on membrane and cell wall of the bacteria.

Liquorice plant extract reduces ochratoxin A-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

To evaluate the protective effect of liquorice plant extract (LPE) on ochratoxin A-induced nephrotoxicity, rats were exposed to ochratoxin A for 28 consecutive days. Biochemical analyses showed that ochratoxin A elevated the serum level of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) while antioxidant power of the serum was diminished significantly (P<0.05). Histopathological examinations revealed degenerative symptoms in proximal tubules, congestions in renal tissue, and a remarkable infiltration of the inflammatory cells as signs of ochratoxin A nephrotoxicity. Moreover, total antioxidant power of the serum and MDA generation was increased. The test compounds melatonin (MLT) and LPE alleviated most of the biochemical alterations. The results of the histopathological investigations of the kidneys supported these findings confirming the protective effects of the test compounds albeit with some differences in antioxidant potency. Taken together, our data may suggest that LPE like MLT could alleviate an ochratoxin A-reduced antioxidant power of serum and lower the toxin-induced MDA generation. Hence LPE might be considered as a practically antioxidant compound that may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of ochratoxicosis.

Histopathological changes in the liver and kidney tissues of Wistar albino rat exposed to fenitrothion.

The aim of this study was to investigate the dose-related effects of fenitrothion (FNT) on the liver and kidney. The study was conducted on 8-week-old male Wistar rats that were divided into four groups (three experimental groups and one control group) and were treated orally with different doses (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) of FNT for 28 consecutive days. After treatment, the rats were anesthetized with ether and liver and kidney samples were taken for histological studies. The results showed that the histopathological changes in the liver were mainly represented by parenchymatous degeneration of hepatocytes with mild necrosis, leukocytic infiltration in the portal area, severe congestion, and hemorrhage. These changes were dose dependent. Marked tubular dilation, hydropic degeneration in tubular epithelium, moderate congestion, and hemorrhage in the cortical and medulla part of the kidney were recorded. Histopathologic examination of the liver and kidney indicated a significant injury only in rats receiving 100 mg/kg FNT.

Congenital ocular dermoid cyst in a river buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calf.

Clinical and histopathological findings of a congenital ocular dermoid cyst, located at the lower eyelid of a river female buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) calf were presented. A soft, fluctuant, non-tender, hyperaemic cystic mass was detected overlaying the left eye. Fine needle aspirate revealed filamentous debris with no malignant cells. The cyst was treated surgically by orbital exenteration and subsequently subjected to histopathological examination. The histopathological study disclosed a conjunctival dermoid cyst. This report is novel, in that; such ocular cyst has not previously been described in river buffalo calves.

Congenital bovine epitheliogenesis imperfecta: a report of three cases from Iran.

Epitheliogenesis imperfecta is a recessive hereditary condition characterized by the congenital missing of epithelium on the skin and oral mucosa. These lesions vary in size and location but usually consist of irregular patches of discontinuity of hair and squamous epithelium of skin usually on the distal extremities. Affected calves may also have patchy missing epithelium in the oral mucosa and tongue. The defect is usually incompatible with life. In this report, clinical, gross and histopathogical findings of epitheliogenesis imperfecta were described in two neonatal calves and one stillborn calf. Absence of epithelium over extensive areas of limbs, muzzle, nostrils, tongue, hard palate, cheeks and esophagus were among the remarkable findings.

Mandibular pyogranulomatous osteomyelitis in a Sannen goat.

Mandibular pyogranulomatous osteomyelitis was diagnosed in a female Sannen goat. The doe presented for difficulty prehending and chewing food. The left mandible was swollen and firm on palpation. Radiographs revealed changes consistent with osteomyelitis of the affected mandible. Arcanobacterium pyogenes was isolated from aspirates of swollen mandible. Despite antimicrobial therapy, the goat died. Histopathological findings were consistent with pyogranulomatous disease of the affected mandible. The histopathological findings were similar to those reported for actinomycosis, caused by Actinomyces bovis. Mandibular osteomyelitis is a common condition in cattle and very rare in goat.

Histopathological studies on the effects of peroxynitrite on the lungs and trachea of rabbits.

Peroxynitrite (ONOO-) is the reaction product between nitric oxide and the superoxide anion. It is a biological oxidant and cytotoxic anion, produced in vivo, which might cause inflammation and damage to the lungs. This study was designed to investigate whether direct contact with peroxynitrite could cause pathological changes in the airways. Twenty New Zealand rabbits were divided into four experimental groups. They were anesthetised by intravascular injection of thiopental sodium, and peroxynitrite (0.5 mL of a 10 mM solution) was inoculated intratracheally. At 2 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h postinoculation trachea and lungs were isolated for histopathology. The histopathological observations in the lungs were congestion, serous exudation, infiltration of leukocytes and degeneration, which were found to be time-dependent. Changes were similar at 48 and 72 h. Degenerative changes were not progressive. The changes in the trachea were congestion, oedema, leukocyte infiltration, and degeneration of tracheal epithelium. This study shows that peroxynitrite formation in the respiratory tract induces lung inflammation and degenerative changes.