Different fixative solutions in the detection of mast cells in the canine and feline reproductive organs.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the usability of different fixative fluids in the detection of mast cells in ovaries and uteri of female dogs and cats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples were fixed in 4% formaldehyde, Carnoy's fluid, Mota's basic lead acetate and isotonic formaldehyde-acetic acid (IFAA). RESULTS: Mast cells (MCs) were detected by acidified toluidine blue staining and counted for various parts of the ovaries and uteri. In the ovaries of both species, the numbers of MCs were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Carnoy than in formalin. No significant differences were found between Carnoy and Mota (tested only in cats). In the uterus, numbers of MCs were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in Carnoy, Mota and IFAA compared to formalin (canine endometrium, feline endometrium and feline myometrium), in Carnoy and Mota compared to formalin (canine myometrium) and in Mota compared to IFAA (feline myometrium). The majority of MCs were formalin-sensitive in the canine and feline uterus, in the canine ovary and in the feline cortex ovarii. In the feline medulla ovarii, the majority of MCs were formalin-resistant. No formalin-resistant MCs were detected in the feline tunica albuginea ovarii. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, using Mota's or Carnoy's fluid in the canine or feline female reproductive organs is recommended. This study improves methodology for all studies which clarify the role of MCs in the reproductive organs of the domestic and laboratory animals.

Light and scanning electron microscopy of the tongue of the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis).

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that numerous reptile species are widely studied by the researchers, information describing the detailed structure of particular organs in many reptiles is missing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The tongue of the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) was examined under the light and scanning electron microscope. It is divided into bifurcated apex, corpus and bifurcated radix. The tip of the lingual apex is devoid of lingual papillae. RESULTS: The remaining dorsal surface of the tongue bears either fused papillae in the form of caudally directed ridges or individual papillae represented by mu- shroom-like or semilunar prominences (lingual apex) or fish scale-like papillae (lingual corpus) and horizontally laid ridges extending in the form of lobulated prominences (lingual corpus, lingual radix). Regardless of the shape, lingual papillae contain numerous muscle fibres and they are all considered to be mechanical. The lingual epithelium changes from the simple squamous into stratified squamous in the caudal direction. No salivary glands or sensory structures were recognised. CONCLUSIONS: This description is to be used mainly for comparative studies. It could also help to understand how different lizards capture the pray.

Distribution of mast cells in the feline ovary in various phases of the oestrous cycle.

This study is the first description of the distribution of mast cells in various phases of the oestrous cycle in the ovary of cat. Furthermore, this is the first description in species with an induced ovulation. The aim was to describe the distribution of mast cells and variability of their numbers in the feline ovaries in different phases of the oestrous cycle. The number of mast cells in medulla ovarii was affected by the estradiol and progesterone level in the blood serum because the lowest number was detected in anoestrus when the levels of hormones were basal. Nevertheless, both high and low numbers of mast cells were found in oestrus and dioestrus. To conclude, mast cells seem to be essential for the induction of spontaneous ovulation, but they do not play the same role for ovulation itself in cats with induced ovulation.