A lectin histochemical study on the testis of the babirusa, Babyroussa babyrussa (Suidae).

The distribution of lectin bindings in the testis of babirusa, Babyrousa babyrussa (Suidae) was studied histochemically using 10 biotinylated lectins, Peanut agglutinin (PNA), Ricinus communis agglutinin (RCA I), Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), Vicia villosa agglutinin (VVA), Soybean agglutinin (SBA), Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA), Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA), Concanavalin A(Con A) and Ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA I). Nine of 10 lectins showed a variety of staining patterns in the seminiferous epithelium and interstitial cells. The acrosome of Golgi-, cap- and acrosome-phase spermatids displayed various PNA, RCA I, VVA, SBA and WGA bindings, indicating the presence of glycoconjugates with D-galactose, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine sugar residues respectively. No affinity was detected in the acrosome of late spermatids. LCA, PSA and Con A which have affinity for D-mannose and D-glucose sugar residues were positive in the cytoplasm of spermatids and spermatocytes. DBA was positive only in spermatogonia. In addition to DBA, positive binding in spermatogonia was found for VVA, WGA and Con A, suggesting the distribution of glycoconjugates with N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, D-mannose and D-glucose sugar residues. Sertoli cells were stained intensely with RCA I, WGA and Con A. In Leydig cells, RCA I and Con A were strongly positive, while WGA, LCA and PSA reactions were weak to moderate. The present findings showed that the distribution pattern of lectin binding in the testis of babirusa is somewhat different from that of pig or other mammals reported previously.

Multiple breeding females in captive groups of golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas): causes and consequences.

In Callitrichidae, reproduction in subordinate females is generally inhibited but occurs in rare cases, possibly in association with the presence of an unrelated male, important food resources or low dispersal opportunities. This study investigates the occurrence of groups with multiple breeding females in captive golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas), the factors leading to their formation and the consequences for the group. Information obtained from studbook data on the world captive population during 1984-1998 revealed that polygynous groups in captivity are very rare: only 7 cases were discovered. Family groups in which daughters started breeding with a related male were larger than average, had a high number of sexually mature sons and eldest offspring that were well past the age of sexual maturity. Following a breeding attempt, severe aggression frequently occurred, especially if the infants were liveborn. Polygynous groups composed of two related females and an unrelated male tended to remain stable for a longer period than families with breeding daughters. Competition for infant care is probably an important factor determining whether the polygynous situation can persist and for how long.

Immunohistochemical study on the distribution of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the babirusa, Babyrousa babyrussa (Suidae).

The distribution and relative frequency of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of the babirusa were studied immunohistochemically using the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method. Thirteen types of gut endocrine cells were detected; they were immunoreactive for chromogranin, serotonin, somatostatin, gastrin, bovine pancreatic polypeptide (BPP), glucagon, secretin, cholecystokinin (CCK), methionine-enkephalin-Arg6-Gly7-Leu8 (MENK8), motilin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY). Cells that were immunoreactive for chromogranin, serotonin, somatostatin and glucagon were found in all portions of the gastrointestinal tract. MENK8-immunoreactive cells were observed in the stomach and small intestine. Gastrin-immunoreactive cells were detected in the pyloric region and duodenum. PYY-immunoreactive cells were found in the small and large intestine. Cells immunoreactive for motilin, CCK, GIP, and secretin were observed in the proximal small intestine and those immunoreactive for neurotensin were found only in the ileum. Although the distribution pattern of endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of babirusa was similar to those reported for pig, restricted distribution of several endocrine cells, gastrin, BPP, MENK8, motilin, CCK, GIP, secretin and neurotensin and wider distribution of glucagon and PYY were observed in the babirusa. The unexpected presence of MENK8 in all glandular regions of the stomach and PYY in the small intestine was also noted. The distribution of gut endocrine cells might be related to the regulatory characteristics of the babirusa digestive tract.

Anatomy and histology of the babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa) stomach.

Stomachs from six adult and one 12-month-old babirusa (Babyrousa babyrussa) were collected from zoological gardens. The babirusa stomach was larger than that of the domestic pig (Sus scrofa), and possessed a large diverticulum ventriculi. Its gastric glands were confined to a small, easily identifiable unit at the end of the corpus ventriculi, and the connections between the different stomach parts were wide and unrestricted, with the exception of the well-defined connection between the diverticulum ventriculi and the fundus ventriculi. Microscopically, the structure of the cardiac, gastric and pyloric glands was similar to that of Sus scrofa. However, the mucusproducing cardiac glands of babirusa occupied a larger area within the stomach (> 70% versus 33%). The pH in the lumen of the cardiac gland area lay between 5.3 and 6.4 and micro-organisms were found here. It was hypothesised that the babirusa is a nonruminant foregut-fermenting frugivore/concentrate selector.

Noninvasive reproductive monitoring in the okapi (Okapia johnstoni).

Fecal progestagen analysis in okapis (Okapia johnstoni) was used for diagnosis of pregnancy and reproductive disorders, including a comparison of urinary and fecal progestagen analysis and endocrine data on the postpartum period. Data were generated on reliability of fecal progestagen analysis in early pregnancy diagnosis, and case reports were compiled involving single animals with missing luteal activity, abortion after twin pregnancy, and abortions due to deficient placental progestagen production. There was approximately 100-200-fold higher progestagen concentration in feces than in urine, thus explaining the high reliability of fecal progestagen evaluations in diagnosing luteal function and pregnancy. The postpartum period was characterized by lactational anestrus of several months duration, and a postpartum estrous cycle about 2-3 wk after parturition was observed in two of eight animals. An animal with five abortions due to deficient placental progestagen production was treated with altrenogest in a subsequent pregnancy and carried the fetus to term.