Morphology of intestinal villi in African antelope (Artiodactyla: Bovidae)

Villous morphology in 16 species of African antelope varied from finger-like and leaf-like to ridge-like forms. Some species showed uniform villi whereas it was variable in others. There was a slight indication that leaf-like and finger-like forms become more frequent in the distal regions of the small intestine. The variation in morphology was not associated with body size or phylogeny, but did show a significant correlation with diet: species with high moisture content and/or high fibre levels (equivalent to low bulk values) in the digesta were more likely to have ridges, which were the lowest of the villi.

The anatomy of the omasum of some Zambian game species

The gross anatomy of the omasum of 11 different Zambian game species are described. These include Roan Antelope, Sable Antelope, Wildebeest, Kudu, Kafue Lechwe, Puku, Reedbuck, Impala, Bushbuck, Oribi and Duiker. Lamellar area and papilla density and shape are reported.

Anatomical studies on the spinal cord segments of the impala (Aepyceros melampus)

The anatomy of the spinal cord segments was studied and recorded for the impala. The root attachment lengths were greatest at C3, T10 and L3 cord segment levels in the respective regions. As to the root emergence length the greatest lengths were observed at C7, T10, L5 and S1 cord segment levels respectively. The interroot interval was longest at C2, T8 and L1 segments respectively. The longest cord segments were C2, T13, L2 and S2 segments. The widest cord segments of their respective regions were C7, T1, L5 and S1 cord segments. As to segment volume C3, T13, L2 and S1 were the most voluminous cord segments in the respective cord regions. Statistical analysis revealed a high correlation among all of the study parameters suggesting a high degree of multicolinearity. Gross anatomical relationships concerning the location of the spinal cord segments with respect to the vertebrae were studied. The cord segments C1, T1-T4 and L1-L3 were within their vertebral limits. In the impala the spinal cord terminated at the midlevel of S4 vertebra.

Apocrine secretion in the infraorbital gland of the Japanese serow, Capricornis crispus: a scanning electron-microscopic study

The infraorbital gland of the Japanese serow was examined under the scanning electron microscope to clarify the nature of apocrine secretion. The size and number of apocrine blebs on secretory cells varied markedly from cell to cell; as the size of blebs increased, their numbers decreased. After pinching off of blebs, crown-shaped structures were retained on the remaining apical surface of secretory cells. Detached free blebs in the lumen were spherical in shape with smooth surfaces. Secretory cells having blebs of similar size formed small clusters in tubules, and these clusters consisted of cells without blebs, cells with small blebs, cells with medium-sized blebs and cells with large blebs. The present evidence obtained by scanning electron microscopy is very much in harmony with results obtained at the light-microscopic level in terms of the sizes and numbers of blebs during apocrine secretion. Moreover, our evidence suggests the capacity for production of variously sized blebs in secretory cells and the presence of segmentary differences, in terms of apocrine activity, in tubules.

The stomach of the Kafue lechwe (Kobus leche kafuensis)

The Kafue lechwe is endemic to the Kafue Flats area of Zambia. It is semi-aquatic in habit, feeding upon grasses above and below the waterline. The volume of the lechwe rumen is 17 L in the male and 14 L in the female. It has strong and definite pillars. The interior of the rumen is papillated except in the roof area and on the pillars. The omasum has more than 70 laminae which are papillated on the reticular end. The anatomy of the lechwe stomach is similar to the stomachs of other water dependent grazers such as Bohor Reedbuck, Waterbuck, Uganda Kob and Puku.

Osteomorphological features of the appendicular skeleton of gazelles, genus Gazella Blainville 1816, bohor reedbuck, Redunca redunca (Pallas, 1767) and bushbuck, Tragelaphus scriptus (Pallas, 1766)

Examined the osteomorphological features of the appendicular skeleton of Grant's gazelle (Gazella granti), bohor reedbuck (Redunca redunca) and bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus). Osseous remains of these medium sized antelopes are often encountered in African late Quaternary archaeological sites, but their specific identification poses considerable problems to the archaeozoologist. A key has been developed to meet this recurrent problem and a number of diagnostic osteomorphological features, allowing a distinction between the bovids mentioned, are established. The osteomorphological characteristics, typical for Grant's gazelle have also been observed in the eight other extant African gazelles and in two Asian species, the goitred gazelle (Gazella subgutterosa) and the mountain gazelle (Gazella gazella).

[Presence of epithelial crypts in the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra L.) epididymis. Preliminary note]

The Authors refer the presence of epithelial crypts in the epididymis of chamois, previously described only in the bull by Nicander, in the camel by Singh, in the cat by Arrighi and in the roe-buck by Gentile et al. These crypts consist of cavities bored into the epithelium lining the epididymis and are rounded by the epithelial cells which are, sometimes, squamous and thin. Some crypts open into the lumen of the epididymis, some others crypt are filled with floccular, gelatinous material and, at times, with spermatozoa. The Authors think to undertake other morphological researches to find out the physiologic meaning of crypts, which could have an important role in the seasonal reproductive biology of wild ruminants.

The lamination of the masseter muscle in the Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus)

The lamination of the masseter muscle in 21 Japanese serows of different sexes and ages was studied by the method of Yoshikawa et al. who proposed a lamination theory for this muscle. The masseter muscle in the Japanese serow was found to be composed of I) the proper masseter muscle which included 1) the first superficial, 2) the second superficial, 3) the intermediate and 4) the deep masseter muscles, in which the deep masseter muscle could be subdivided into a pars anterior and pars posterior and II) the improper masseter muscle which included 5) the maxillomandibular and 6) the zygomaticomandibular muscles, in which the maxillomandibular muscle was further divided into first and second layers. These findings indicate that the lamination of the masseter muscle in the Japanese serow is the same as that in the goat and sheep.

Peripolar cells form the majority of granulated cells in the kidneys of antelopes and goats

Investigation of renal cortical tissue in 5 adult hartebeests (Alcelaphus buselaphus cokii), 3 impalas (Aepyceros melampus), 1 defassa waterbuck (Kobus defassa) and 5 goats (Capra hircus) revealed large granulated peripolar cells at the junction between the parietal and the visceral epithelial layers of the renal corpuscles. All four animal species under study contained 1 or more peripolar cells for the majority of renal corpuscles sectioned through the vascular pole. In the hartebeests, up to 3 parietal cells and the first podocyte were granulated. Peripolar cells contained intracytoplasmic electron-dense membrane-bounded granules-200-2,800 nm in diameter in the hartebeests, 200-1,740 nm in the impalas, 150-950 nm in the waterbuck and 200-2,140 nm in the goats. Epithelioid granulated juxtaglomerular cells around afferent and efferent arterioles were rarely seen. When observed, they contained smaller granules than those of the peripolar cells. This distribution suggests that peripolar cells play a role in the regulation of body electrolytes and water, probably acting in concert with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

Alteration in vomeronasal system anatomy in alcelaphine antelopes: correlation with alteration in chemosensory investigation

Ruminants typically have an incisive papilla and incisive ducts located on the hard palate just behind the dental pad which are involved in transferring fluid-borne stimulus material from the oral cavity to the vomeronasal organs (VNOs) during flehmen. This behavior in males is presumably involved in the detection of chemosensory cues in female urine which indicate sexual status. Two species of alcelaphine antelopes, topi and Coke's hartebeest, were found to lack the incisive papilla and incisive ducts constituting the oral connection to the VNOs. This distinctive anatomical feature is complemented in these species not only by lack of flehmen behavior, but also a de-emphasis on chemosensory interest in female urine during sexual encounters. The common wildebeest, which is also an alcelaphine antelope, lacks the incisive papilla, but has small incisive ducts. Wildebeest males do perform flehmen to urine from females. However, during flehmen in the wildebeest, intermittent nostril licking apparently delivers the stimulus material to the VNOs via the nasal route, possibly compensating for reduced oral access to the VNOs. These observations on alcelaphine antelopes would appear to represent a unique feature among the world's ruminants.

Ovarian morphology of the springbok, Antidorcas marsupialis

The ovarian morphology of the springbok is described, using material of 1 290 ewes collected at the De Beers farm, Benfontein. A deep longitudinal recess in foetal ovaries. The right ovary was slightly larger than the left ovary according to its linear and mass measurements. Considerable distortion of the amygdaloidal ovarian shape occurred in the presence of a protruding corpus luteum. Ovaries were much flattened during advanced pregnancy. A description of the appearance of intra-ovarian corpora observed in macroscopical sections is given. No predilection for the site of ovulation was observed.

Comparison of two subsampling methods for electron microscopic morphometry

The purpose of the present paper is twofold. Firstly, to compare the accuracy per unit cost achieved by two different methods of subsampling micrographs from sections of a material for stereology when the sections cannot be analysed as a whole at the required magnification. Secondly, to illustrate, by means of real data, the application of some of the methods and formulae proposed in the companion paper (Cruz-Orive & Weibel, 1981) for estimating ratios at the electron microscopic level. The final estimates of a same ratio obtained by either subsampling method (namely systematic (SQ) and systematic area-weighted quadrats (SAWQ)) agreed in the mean and they were about equally precise. The former fact indicates that the new SAWQ method is at least as reliable as the SQ method as far as bias is concerned. The latter result is a consequence of the well-known fact that subsampling is relatively unimportant in two-stage sampling. Yet, SAWQ subsampling enjoys definite practical advantages over other subsampling methods in certain situations.

The anatomy of the female reproductive tract of the springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis)

The anatomy of the female reproductive tract of the springbok is described, using material of 25 ewes collected at the S.A. Lombard Nature Reserve and 300 ewes collected at the De Beers farm Benfontein. No difference in the length of left and right fallopian tubes (104 +/- 24 mm) was observed, and from the funnel to the isthmus it narrows considerably from 15 mm to 1,25 mm. A distinct flexure is formed by the utero-tubal juncture. A complete ovarian bursa with a ventral orifice occurs. The reproductive tract increases in mass from 9.2 g in infants to 38,0 g in adults. The right uterine horn of the bicornuate tract is consistently longer. Caruncles are more numerous in the right (60,2 +/- 9,37) than the left (45,8 +/- 10,18) uterine horn. The intricate cervical lumen consisting of four to six valves in non-pregnant ewes becomes a simple S-shaped canal with advanced pregnancy.

Comparative aspects of muscle fibre size and succinic dehydrogenase distribution in the longissimus dorsi muscle of several species of East African mammals

The distribution of succinic dehydrogenase enzyme activity was investigated in frozen sections of longissimus dorsi muscle taken from several species of East African game animal (giraffe, hartebeest, wildebeest, oryx, gerenuk and dik-dik) as well as local zebu cattle. Muscle fibres were classified as red (high succinic dehydrogenase activity), white (low activity) or intermediate. The mean diameter and percentage distribution of each fibre type were noted as well as the overall mean muscle fibre diameter (MFD) for each species. The diameters of red muscle fibres were found to be between 54 and 62% of the diameters of the white muscle fibres for all species with MFD differences between species being up to over 100%. The variation in MFD was found to be significantly and positively correlated with live weight, when zebu values were omitted. It was found that the variation in MFD was significantly related to the diameter of muscle fibre types and not to the percent distribution of these fibre types.

The micromorphology of the glands of the infra-orbital cutaneous sinus of the steenbok (Raphicerus campestris)

The infra-orbital cutaneous sinus produces a black secretion which is the combined secretion of melanaceous, branched, alveolar, sebaceous and enlarged, coiled apocrine glands. The micromorphology of these glands is described with special emphasis on the sebaceous glands and melanin transfer. The secretion, which may be used for unintentional territorial demarcation, is possibly produced as small black granules and is most likely important for short range communication.

The micromorphology of the apocrine glands of the intermandibular region of the steenbok (Raphicerus campestris)

The histological structure of the newly-discovered intermandibular glandular region in male and female steenbok is described. This region consists of enlarged sebaceous and apocrine glands which secrete a substance used for demarcating grazing territories and for marking females. Migratory lymphoid cells in the epithelium of the apocrine glands resemble Langerhans cells of the epidermis and forestomach epithelium but do not contain Langerhans cell granules. Cells, which are probably of lymphoid origin and resemble sebaceous gland cells, sometimes occur in the apocrine glands.

Evidence of a specific nidation site in ruminants

The site of umbilical cord attachment in ruminants indicates the limited segment of the uterus where the blastocyst attachment occurs and could have potential significance for locating presumptive nidation sites. Measurements of the site of cord attachment were made on impala (Aepyceros melampus) and common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) at several stages of gestation. Both implant only in the right uterine horn although they ovulate from either ovary. Relative to uterine length, cord attachment in impala is somewhat closer to the cervix than it is in common duiker. As pregnancy advances in common duiker, the relative position of cord attachment becomes closer to the tubal end. This relationship was not seen in impala and may perhaps to be attributed inadequate data. Upon extrapolation of the data from common duiker, a presumptive attachment area is suggested for this species. This region is located at about 41% of the distance from the internal cervical os to the uterotubal junction. Similar cord attachment data could be used in any ruminant species to indicate the existence and location of a specific nidation site.

Further compounds from the pedal gland of the bontebok (Damaliscus dorcas dorcas)

The identification of four further major constituents of the pedal gland exudate of the bontebok, Damaliscus dorcas dorcas, viz. alpha-terpineol, 2-n-heptylpyridine, m-cresol and (A)-6-dodecen-4-olide and the investigation of the stereochemistry of the double bond in (Z)-6-dodecen-4-olide by means of iterative computer analysis are described. An improved synthesis of this compound is outlined.

Phylo- and -ontogenetically determined local changes in the structure of the arterial wall of vertebrates. Macroscopical findings

It has been shown, by means of comparative anatomical, phylo- and -ontogenetic studies, that the focal structural changes occuring at seven points in the wall of the aortic arch and brachiocephalic arteries of reptiles, birds, and mammals, and in human-beinmnants of certain vessels which have regressed during embryonic development. They are considered to be loci minoris resistentiae and might therefore represent a site of predilection for pathological lesions, such as atherosclerosis. The existence of these "scars" in human-beings and birds has already been described. This paper presents definitive proof of their occurrence in reptiles (sea-turtle and crocodile) and mammals (dog, calf, sheep and monkey). It is therefore concluded that the "scars" in the aortic arch and brachiocephalic arteries are of phylogenetic origin.