First case of sterility associated with sex chromosomal abnormalities in a jenny.

Chromosomal abnormalities are one of the main causes of genetic infertility in horses. Currently, their detection rate is rising due to the use of new diagnostic tools employing molecular markers linked to the sex chromosome pair. Despite genetic similarities, there are no previous reports of sterility associated with chromosomal abnormalities in the domestic donkey (Equus asinus). Hereby, we determined the presence of a chromosomal mosaicism in a female donkey with reproductive problems using molecular methodologies developed for horses. A two-and-a-half-year-old jenny characterized by morphological abnormalities of the reproductive tract was cytogenetically analysed using conventional and fluorescent techniques and a group of microsatellite markers (short tandem repeat, STR). At the same time, five ultrasound measures of the reproductive tract were taken and compared with eight contemporary jennies of the same breed. After slaughter, morphological examinations showed that the case study had a blind vaginal vestibule defining an empty pouch that covered the entrance of the cervical os. Histopathological studies demonstrated that this abnormal structure was compatible with a remnant hymen. Molecular markers, STR and fluorescent in situ hybridization determinations revealed that the animal was a 62, XX/61,X mosaic and, therefore, the first case of chromosomal abnormalities in the sex pair reported in donkeys.

[The glomerular mesangium: a new perspective on its structure and function]. / El mesangio glomerular: una nueva perspectiva de su estructura y función.

OBJECTIVES: The present study describes a new approach to the structure and function of the renal glomeruli, distinct from the traditional concept of structural support and in relationship with the alterations detected in this area in different diseases. METHODS: The structural and ultrastructural observations in the renal glomerulus reported elsewhere were compared with our own findings in different animal experiments. Furthermore, the biochemical and functional results from these studies are presented. RESULTS: Our observations in vivo corroborate the findings reported by other authors and support their hypotheses on the possible myofibroblastic nature of the glomerular mesangial cells and the relationship of the renal mesangium with the glomerular capillaries in areas with no glomerular basement membrane. CONCLUSIONS: The glomerular mesangium is shown to be a fundamental structure for glomerular hemodynamics by regulating the different properties of the mesangial cells and the role of the mesangial matrix in plasma ultrafiltration by processing its different components and preventing their deposition in this area.

Comparative morphological studies of lamb and calf Sertoli cells treated with anabolic agents.

The morphological alterations caused by anabolic steroids (oestradiol and trenbolone acetate) on the Sertoli cells of testicles in animals for human consumption (lambs and calves) were studied. The morphopathological study of the treated lambs revealed delayed development of the seminiferous tubules, which was marked by signs of immaturity and even degeneration of Sertoli cells. The main morphopathological alterations affecting the Sertoli cells in calves occurred as hyperfunction symptoms marked by increased nuclei and smooth endoplasmic reticulum.

[Effect of anabolic hormones on the testis of calves: a morphopathologic and morphometric study]. / Acción de las hormonas anabolizantes sobre el testículo de terneros: estudio morfopatológico y morfométrico.

The present study was undertaken to determine the morphological changes in calf testicular parenchyma following implantation of anabolics. Oestradiol and trenbolone acetate were observed to delay seminiferous tubule development of the calf testis resulting in a derangement of supporting and germinal cell maturation. We also observed an edematous process that primarily involved the interstitium and subsequently involved the interior of the seminiferous epithelium, causing a chain of subsequent changes. Changes in the germinal epithelium showed profound derangement throughout spermatogenesis and was particularly more marked and manifest during spermiogenesis.

Morphological and biochemical alterations in growing rats induced by etretinate.

Etretinate is an aromatic retinoid extensively used on Dermatology. Its toxic effects, however, reduce its application from a clinical point of view. In the present paper, we study etretinate intoxication of 48 growing Wistar rats. The intoxication was for 12 weeks using etretinate doses of 0.5 and 6 (mg/kg)/day. The concentrations of etretinate in plasma and liver were determined. Total seric cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were analyzed. Structural and ultrastructural histological studies of liver samples were carried out. Continuous etretinate ingestions seem to produce an alteration in the detoxication of enzymatic complexes in the growing rats with both the concentrations, due to the increase in etretinate blood plasma observed during the study. There is a relationship between the etretinate dose and its blood plasma concentration and toxic effect, but there is not with etretinate concentration in the liver. The blood plasma concentration of cholesterol and triglycerides is not related to histological liver lesions. The histological study confirms hepatotoxicity with both doses. Nevertheless, the anatomopathological lesions observed do not seem to be related to the blood plasma and liver etretinate concentrations.

[Morphopathologic study of renal glomeruli in Wistar rats in shock experimentally induced with E. coli]. / Estudio morfopatológico del glomérulo renal en ratas Wistar en el shock provocado experimentalmente con E. coli.

The present study analyzed the structural and ultrastructural changes observed in the kidneys of Wistar rats inoculated with E. coli bacteria suspended in saline solution. For the study, we divided 64 Wistar rats into 2 groups. Two ml. of the suspension containing 9.5 X 10(10) E. coli 0 group 26 CECT, no. 351 were given to the rats in group A via the oral route. Rats in group B were inoculated with 1 ml. of the same suspension. Structurally, we observed an increased glomerular area caused by the increased number and activation of mesangial cells. These showed developed organoids, podocytes with dilated organoids of the cytoplasmic vacuolar system, and very fine, disorganized pedicels. The parietal cells revealed vacuolized cytoplasm, and the basement membranes of the glomerular capillaries were thickened and arranged in layers. In the lumen of the glomerular, vessels, we observed histiocytic elements on endothelial walls, with large amounts of lysosomal elements and residual bodies. Inoculation of the E. coli suspension causes renal shock, which is more intense when innoculation is via the intraperitoneal route, causing severe changes in organ function.