Ultrastructural investigation of the pneumocytes in piglets that live in a trashed environment.

The present study provides the ultrastructure of the pneumocytes types II and I in piglets living in the trash environment. Samples of the lungs of twelve piglets two months old were used. By light microscopy, the pneumocytes type I were squamous and somewhat flattened cells, while pneumocytes type II was cuboidal to spherical projected within the alveolar lumen and characterized by a spherical nucleus and foamy cytoplasm, it contained vacuolated bodies that were polygonal with variable size manly at the poles of the cell. The electron microscopy investigation showed blood air barrier between the endothelial lining of pneumocytes type I and therefore the endothelial lining of blood capillary and their nucleus were irregular in shape varied from nearly irregular triangular to polygon rough endoplasmic reticulum represented at their cytoplasm. The pneumocytes type II were frequently covered by pneumocytes type I extensions and united to them by a tight junction. It had been characterized by a high number of mitochondria within the cytoplasm and vacuolated bodies encircled the nucleus and at the two extremities of the cell. The lamellar vacuolated bodies were connected to the endoplasmic reticulum membranes and therefore the intravascular macrophages were attached to the endothelial cells within the pulmonary capillaries until two months old piglets. The occurrence of the intravascular macrophages could be attributed to the higher resistance to the respiratory diseases of the piglets.

Computed tomography and sectional anatomy of the head cavities in donkey (Equus asinus).

The purpose of this study was to describe the computed tomographic (CT) anatomy of normal donkey head cavities to be used as a basis for interpretation of CT images of donkey. Six adult donkeys' heads of undetermined sex were used in this study. The donkey heads were divided into three regions-nasal, orbital, and cranial-to show the morphology of the following cavities: nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, orbital cavity, oral cavity, pharyngeal cavity, especially the guttural pouch, cranial cavity and temporomandibular joint. The donkey head had six pairs of sinuses: three paranasal (the frontal, maxillary and sphenopalatine sinuses) and three nasal (dorsal, middle and ventral conchal) sinuses. The maxillary sinus was subdivided into rostral and caudal compartments by a thin incomplete bony septum that was identified and labeled according to cheek teeth landmarks. The topographic description and relationship between the nasal, oral, orbital, cranial, temporomandibular joint, pharyngeal cavities and paranasal sinuses were demonstrated. The articular disc, articular surface and joint capsule of the temporomandibular joint were indicated easily in our CT and cross sectional images.

Anatomic reference for computed tomography of paranasal sinuses and their communication in the Egyptian buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

The purpose of this work was to present an anatomic reference for computed tomography (CT) for the paranasal sinuses of adult buffalo fit the use of anatomists, radiologists, clinicians and veterinary students. CT images with the most closely corresponding cross sections of the head were selected and studied serially in a rostral to caudal progression from the level of the interdental space to the level of the nuchal line. The anatomical features were compared with the dissected heads and skulls. The paranasal sinuses of buffalo comprise dorsal conchal, middle conchal, maxillary, frontal, palatine, sphenoidal (inconstant, small and shallow when present), lacrimal and ethmoidal that were identified and labelled according to the premolar and molar teeth as landmarks. The topographic description of all the compartments, diverticula, septa and communication of the paranasal sinuses in buffalo has been presented. The relationship between the various air cavities and paranasal sinuses was easily visualized.

Morphological characteristics of the vallate papillae of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius).

In this study, the morphology of the vallate papillae of camel was investigated using gross, light and scanning electron microscopy as well as immunohistochemistry. Vallate papillae were arranged along an identical line on each side of the lingual torus and revealed remarkable individual differences. However, each papilla - round or flat, small or large, single or paired - was surrounded by a prominent groove and an annular pad. Based on our findings, postnatal development and formation of new papillae occur in camel. Microscopically, taste buds were constantly observed along the medial wall epithelium, and in the papillary wall epithelium on both sides of the secondary groove apparently separating the vallate papillae. In addition, an aggregation of taste buds was occasionally observed at the bottom of the lateral wall epithelium. Using SEM, we observed several pits and microplicae on the surface of papillae as well as distinct taste pores on the peripheral parts of the dorsal surface. We demonstrated immunoreactivity of α-gustducin only in mature taste buds. We conclude that the morphological features and microstructure of vallate papillae are a characteristic feature in camel compared to other ruminants. These features might have evolved to assist the camel in the manipulation and tasting of thin organic stiff plants that grow in its environment and therefore might have related to the feeding habits of the animal.

Macro-microscopic study on the toepad of ostrich (Struthio camelus).

The ostrich foot has four toepads, two on the 3rd digit, one on the 4th digit and one at metatarso-phalangeal joint. Previous studies have not detailed the histo-morphological structure of these toepads. In this study, we have described the macroscopic and microscopic structures of the toepad of ostrich (Struthio camelus). Numerous papillae with different direction, length and thickness have been observed grossly on the ventral surface of each toepad. Histological examinations have revealed that the epidermis of the ostrich toepad, similar to other digitigrades, consists of an outer stratum corneum and an inner stratum germinativum (which is subdivided into basal, intermediate and transitional layers). The stratum corneum has several layers of flattened horny cells. The nuclei of basal cells have several mitotic figures. The cytoplasm of the stratum germinativum cells has multiple lipid droplets and multigranular bodies (in transitional cells only). Scanning electron microscopic examination revealed presence of collagen fibers in mid and deep dermis of each toepad. These fibers run parallel and connect to each other by very thin fibrils which are branched, crossed with each other in an oblique direction. Such arrangement of these collagen fibers, thin fibrils and presence of digital cushion are likely to be responsible for the protection of the underlying soft tissues and absorption of concussion.

Gastroesophageal junction of Anatolian shepherd dog; a study by topographic anatomy, scanning electron and light microscopy.

The aim of this study was to cast a spotlight on the topography and to point out the clinical importance of the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) in Anatolian Shepherd dogs. Nine Anatolian Shepherd dogs were used to study the morphology of the GEJ. The esophagus was appeared has a portion within the thoracic cavity while no portion of the esophagus presented within the abdominal cavity that documented the absence of the intra-abdominal portion in all studied dogs. The topographic anatomy, scanning electron and light microscopic examinations revealed that the gastroesophageal junction was located at the level of the phrenico-esophageal ligament (PEL) inside the esophageal hiatus. Our results were distinguished the morphology of the esophageal and gastric cardiac mucosa at the level of the gastroesophageal junction by the scanning electron micrographs. The light microscopical examination was explained the PEL attached to the esophageal side in one dog and to the gastric cardiac side in three dogs.

Laparoscopic anatomy of caprine abdomen and laparoscopic liver biopsy.

This study was carried out on apparently healthy adult non pregnant female Baladi goats to provide normal laparoscopic anatomy of the abdomen and to assess feasibility of laparoscopy for liver biopsy. Following preparation of animals, equipment and instruments, the primary port and laparoscope was placed on the umbilicus and 360° scan was performed for orientation and exploration of the abdominal cavity. Secondary ports were placed under direct laparoscopic observation to allow insertion of accessory instruments for tissue grasping, coagulation and severing. The obtained results cleared that ventral laparoscopic approach and tilting and rotating the animal during laparoscopic procedures provided better exposure of internal abdomen. Laparoscopy provided a comprehensive description of cranial and caudal abdominal regions. Laparoscopic liver biopsy required two secondary ports; one assisting port inserted in right subcostal area and one operating port inserted subxiphoid. The procedure was safe, practical and easily performed.