Spermiogenesis and spermiation in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The ultrastructure of 12 steps of spermatid development and the process of spermiation are described for the Japanese quail in order to clarify the classification proposed for determining the stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium (Lin et al. 1990) and to assess disagreements in the literature about sperm development in birds. It was concluded that acrosomal development involves the formation of proacrosomal granules which do not contain dense granules like the mammalian acrosome. Material which forms the perforatorium initially accumulates as a nuclear granule before appearing in the subacrosomal space. A circular and longitudinal manchette develop sequentially during nuclear elongation. Microtubules of the circular manchette initially form around several parts of the spherical nucleus of step 4 spermatids and subsequently occur most frequently around the narrowest regions of the elongating nucleus. Fibrous sheath development starts in step 2 spermatids indicating that it forms much earlier in the quail than in mammals. Spermiation differs from the process described in mammals in that the residual body is released from near the rostral end of the sperm nucleus leaving no cytoplasmic droplet in quail spermatozoa.

Isolation of infectious laryngotracheitis virus from proximal femora of lame broiler chickens

Two herpesviruses previously isolated from seven of 19 affected joint/bone samples in an earlier survey of lameness in broilers were identified. They were characterised as infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) virus using serum neutralisation, immunofluorescence, restriction enzyme analysis and polymerase chain reaction techniques. In experimentally infected chicks, one of the isolates caused mild ILT and intranuclear inclusion bodies were present in the tracheal epithelium after four days. It is considered unlikely that these viruses were involved in the pathological changes in the affected legs. The possibility that ILT pathogenesis and epidemiology are more complex than currently understood is discussed.

Eosinophils expressing heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor mRNA localize around lung microvessels in pulmonary hypertension

In pulmonary hypertension, induced in rats breathing high oxygen at normobaric pressure, vascular cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia thicken the walls of lung microvessels (15-100 microns in diameter). Over a 28-day time course, new contractile cells develop from intimal precursor smooth muscle cells, which include intermediate cells and interstitial fibroblasts. Cell labeling studies in vivo have shown that these cells proliferate more than other vascular cells and that most of this activity occurs between 4 and 7 days of hyperoxia. The growth factors responsible for this proliferation are unknown. In the present study, we investigate the expression of mRNA for the epidermal growth factor (EGF)-related protein, heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF), a newly discovered mitogen for fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells. Northern analysis shows HB-EGF mRNA levels to be low in normal lung but increased 100-fold by day 7 of hyperoxia. In situ hybridization identifies a select group of cells expressing HB-EGF mRNA. In normal lung, hybridizing cells are randomly distributed in the alveolar wall and space. By day 7, they increase in number and cluster around the microvessels. Histochemical techniques identify cells expressing HB-EGF mRNA as eosinophils.

Major hepatic trauma

The intraoperative management of complex liver injuries can be extremely challenging. During the past two decades, there have been some changes in philosophy regarding the optimal techniques for controlling hemorrhage and decreasing mortality and morbidity rates. An overview of these techniques is presented.

Studies on the epizootiology of canine coronavirus

The seroprevalence and, or, incidence of canine coronavirus infection was determined in several dog populations in the UK. Seroprevalence ranged from 76 per cent for a rescue kennel to 100 per cent in a commercial breeding colony. In the rescue kennel there was no difference in seroprevalence of the virus between dogs less than or more than four months of age. In the breeding colony, subclinical seroconversion occurred between six and 10 weeks of age. The virus was isolated from faecal samples from 45 of 100 dogs in the rescue kennel; it was isolated from 73 per cent of the dogs with diarrhoea and from 43 per cent of those which did not have diarrhoea. In field cases of acute, mainly haemorrhagic diarrhoea in pet dogs, eight of 32 were positive for canine coronavirus. No canine coronavirus was isolated from either clinically healthy pet dogs in a boarding kennel or from non-diarrhoeic pet dogs examined at the University of Liverpool Small Animal Hospital. It would appear that although canine coronavirus is widespread, the role of the virus in canine enteritis is still equivocal.

Effects of information on adaptation to cesarean birth

The effects of cesarean birth information given in childbirth preparation classes on maternal postpartum reactions to unplanned cesarean delivery were examined. An experimental group received comprehensive cesarean birth information as part of standard childbirth preparation classes. The control group received a standard childbirth preparation class curriculum that included limited cesarean birth information. The control group reported a slight decline in pain intensity from 1-2 days to 6 weeks postpartum, whereas the experimental group showed no change over time. No differences between the two groups were found in perception of the birth experience, physical distress, self-esteem, functional status, feelings about the baby, or quality of the marital relationship. The lack of substantial differences between the groups may be due to the normalizing effect of the high cesarean birth rate and greater attention given to this method of childbirth by expectant parents and childbirth educators.

Demonstration of sites of latency of infectious laryngotracheitis virus using the polymerase chain reaction

Mature laying chickens were inoculated intratracheally with a field strain of infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) virus. Tracheal swabs were collected regularly from all birds for virus culture. At various times post-inoculation, pairs of birds were killed and tissues removed for detection of virus products using conventional tissue homogenization and culture, organ culture, indirect immunofluorescence (IF) and also the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The latter was used to detect a DNA sequence from the ILT virus thymidine kinase gene. Following inoculation the birds developed mild respiratory disease with clinical signs characteristic of ILT from 3 to 10 days post-inoculation. Trachea and turbinate tissues were virus-positive as determined by virus isolation, organ culture, IF and PCR on day 4 post-inoculation. After recovery from the acute phase, virus shedding initially ceased, then intermittent, low level shedding was recorded for five of the six remaining birds. In an attempt to locate sites of latency, pairs of birds were sampled at 31, 46 and 61 days post-inoculation. Virus was not detected in upper respiratory tract or ocular tissues by conventional techniques, or in the trigeminal, proximal and distal ganglia. All tissues were also negative by PCR, except for the trigeminal ganglia of five of the six birds. All PCR-positive birds had previously shed ILT virus intermittently between days 19 and 59 post-inoculation. As we did not detect viral DNA in any of the other tissues sampled from clinically recovered birds, we conclude that the trigeminal ganglion is the main site of latency of ILT virus.

Effect of cyclophosphamide immunosuppression on the immunity of turkeys to viral rhinotracheitis

Turkey poults, free of antibodies to turkey rhinotracheitis (TRT) virus were treated with cyclophosphamide on days 1, 2 and 3 after hatching and vaccinated by eyedrop when 10 days old with a Vero cell-attenuated preparation of TRT virus. No ELISA antibodies to TRT virus developed in the sera of these poults but they were as resistant to virulent virus challenge 21 days later as vaccinated groups which were not cyclophosphamide-treated but produced humoral antibodies. Following challenge with virulent virus at 31 days old cyclophosphamide-treated unvaccinated poults developed a more severe clinical response than untreated birds and had higher virus titres in tracheal swabs. The findings show that the respiratory tract of turkeys may be resistant to TRT despite the absence of ELISA antibodies in the serum.

Role of androgens in survival of spermatozoa in epididymis of tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii)

Studies of undiluted micropuncture samples of luminal fluid from the cauda epididymidis of the tammar indicated that spermatozoa are immotile in situ and spontaneously activate during collection or subsequent incubation in vitro. The suppression of sperm motility was related to the androgen status of the tammars and when this was increased by the use of Silastic implants of testosterone propionate, the spontaneous activation of samples was delayed for up to 2 h during incubation in vitro. Spermatozoa survived for up to 9 weeks when isolated in the cauda epididymidis between ligatures around the ductus. However, even after isolation for 3 weeks their viability was reduced compared with samples from the contralateral, unligated duct. Isolation of a length of ductus between ligatures also reduced the concentration of spermatozoa in the lumen of the duct and reduced the concentration of some proteins in the epididymal plasma. However, it did not affect the electrophoretic pattern of detergent extracts of spermatozoa. A study of the effects of orchidectomy and testosterone therapy indicated that sperm survival in the epididymis is androgen dependent. Orchidectomy reduced the concentration of spermatozoa in the luminal fluid and the volume of luminal fluid, and resulted in an increase in the concentration and a change in the electrophoretic pattern of protein in the fluid. The effects of orchidectomy were reduced or prevented by testosterone therapy. It is concluded that the cauda epididymidis of the tammar is at least as well adapted for sperm storage as it is in the eutherian mammals that have been studied.

Single dose cephalosporin prophylaxis in high-risk patients undergoing surgical treatment of the biliary tract

During June 1985 through October 1986, 292 patients considered to be at high risk for having postoperative complications develop underwent cholecystectomy and were evaluated in a multicenter, randomized, prospective, double-blind study. Risk factors included age greater than 70 years, acute cholecystitis within the previous six months, obstructive jaundice, obesity and diabetes mellitus. One gram of cefamandole was administered intravenously to 144 patients and 148 patients received 1 gram of cefotaxime intravenously 30 minutes prior to skin incision. Culture-proved bactibilia was found in 55 patients and 11 of the patients had choledocholithiasis. Of the risk factors considered to place patients at high risk for postoperative infectious complications, obesity and acute cholecystitis proved to be the more common. However, age greater than 70 years, diabetes mellitus and obstructive jaundice were more significant risk factors predisposing to bactibilia. The most common organisms isolated from the bile and gallbladder intraoperatively were Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Klebsiella species along with enterococcus, Escherichia coli and diphtheroids. Clinically significant postoperative infections occurred in eight patients, including six patients in the cefamandole group and two patients in the cefotaxime group. Antibiotic concentrations were measured in the serum, muscle, subcutaneous fat, gallbladder and bile, with cefamandole showing statistically significant greater concentrations in bile, gallbladder and muscle tissue. There was no statistical significance between the postoperative infection rates, total period of hospitalization or total hospital charges for each group. Therefore, there is no significant advantage between a single prophylactic dose of cefamandole versus cefotaxime for high-risk patients undergoing biliary tract operation.

Recurrent episodes of gram-negative bacteremia or endotoxemia change reactivity of pre- and post-capillary pulmonary segments to angiotensin or free radicals

OBJECTIVE

Recurrent episodes of Gram-negative bacteremia (from intraperitoneal abscesses) or endotoxemia cause lung microvascular injury in the rat. Change in vascular reactivity was assessed in response to challenge.

DESIGN

In the isolated lung preparation, resistance was partitioned between pre-(PVRa) and post-capillary (PRVv) segments: vasoreactivity was assessed by challenge with Angiotensin II (AII) or reactive oxygen metabolites. Animals received 4 weekly intra-abdominal implants of live E. coli and B. fragilis in a carrier of sterile cecal content and barium sulfate (SEPSIS) or carrier alone (SHAM SEPSIS): or 4 weekly intravenous infusion of E. coli endotoxin (ENDO) or of saline (SHAM ENDO). A fifth group were untreated controls (CONTROL).

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

In the SEPSIS and ENDO lungs, PVRa and PVRv before challenge were normal. In the SEPSIS lung, AII increased PVRa more than in the control lung, PVRv to a similar degree in both. In the ENDO lung it increased PVRa compared with its effect on the SHAM ENDO lung: In both it also increased PVRv, to a similar degree and well above the baseline. Always tachyphylaxis developed with increases in dosage (to 25 microns and 50 microns, respectively). Oxygen free radical challenge in the SEPSIS and ENDO lung caused significant vasoconstriction, particularly PVRv, whereas no response was observed in the CONTROL or SHAM-treated lung from either group.

CONCLUSION

Abnormal lung vascular reactivity after SEPSIS or ENDOTOXIN is evident on challenge, the two agents used here detecting site specific changes.

Maturation and regulation of the motility of spermatozoa in the epididymis of the tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii)

Demembranated spermatozoa from the rete testis developed vigorous flagellation when reactivated with ATP, but showed no forward progression such as that seen in samples from the cauda epididymidis. The proportion of spermatozoa that were reactivated was smaller for samples from the rete testis than from the cauda epididymidis. Studies in vitro of undiluted micropuncture samples from the epididymis indicated that the activity of spermatozoa is suppressed as they develop the capacity for motility. However, as spermatozoa spontaneously became activated during the collection or subsequent incubation of undiluted samples, it was concluded that the suppressive action is labile. The activity of spermatozoa in vitro was examined in diluted samples from the cauda epididymidis. A concentration of 2.5 mmol extracellular calcium/l was better than lower concentrations. Diluents at pH 5.5 completely inhibited sperm motility when they contained 20 mmol lactate/l (but not glutamate) and the effect was reversed by readjusting the diluent to pH 7.4. However, lactate was not considered to suppress sperm motility in situ, as the plasma from the cauda epididymidis contained only 2.7 +/- 0.5 mmol lactate/l. There was no effect of sodium concentration (1 and 115 mmol/l), pH (5.5 and 7.4) or amiloride (0 and 1 mmol/l) on sperm motility, indicating that motility is not dependent on the concentration of sodium above 1 mmol/l or on a sodium-proton exchange system. The relative viscosity of plasma from the cauda epididymidis did not affect the motility of spermatozoa.

Renewal and proliferation of spermatogonia during spermatogenesis in the Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica

Four different types of spermatogonia were identified in the seminiferous tubules of the Japanese quail: a dark type A (Ad), 2 pale A types (Ap1 and Ap2), and a type B. A model is proposed describing the process of spermatogonial development in the quail. The Ad spermatogonia are considered to be the stem cells. Each divides to produce a new Ad spermatogonium and a Ap1 spermatogonium during Stage IX of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. An Ap1 spermatogonium produces two Ap2 spermatogonia during Stage II of the cycle, Ap2 spermatogonia produce four type B spermatogonia during Stage VI of the cycle, and type B spermatogonia produce eight primary spermatocytes during Stage III of the cycle. Consequently, 32 spermatids can result from each division of an Ad spermatogonium. Spermatogonial development in the quail differs from the process described in mammals in that there are fewer mitotic divisions and they are all synchronized with the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. It is suggested that the fewer mitotic divisions explain why a smaller area of the seminiferous tubule is occupied by a cellular association in the quail than in mammals like the rat, ram and bull. The duration of spermatogenesis from the division of the Ad spermatogonia to sperm release from the seminiferous epithelium was estimated to be 12.77 days.

Ultrastructure of the Genital Duct Epithelium of the Male Port Jackson Shark, Heterodontus-Portusjacksoni

The genital ducts of Heterodontus portusjacksoni are lined by a ciliated epithelium. In the ductuli efferentes the epithelium is low and contains numerous intraepithelial leucocytes which often contain large dense bodies. All epithelial cells are ciliated and are characterised by apical vesicles, vacuoles and glycogen granules, some rough endoplasmic reticulum, dense bodies and lipid droplets, and a Golgi apparatus. The initial segment of the ductus epididymidis is lined by a very tall epithelium of ciliated and non-ciliated cells. The non-ciliated cells contain numerous apical vesicles, a large Golgi apparatus and numerous mitochondria and secretory granules in close association with an extensive endoplasmic reticulum. The terminal segment of the ductus epididymidis is lined by a low columnar epithelium. A proximal region, occupying part of the head of the epididymis, is similar to the epithelium in the ductuli efferentes. Distally, all the epithelial cells are ciliated. They are characterised by considerable dilated endoplasmic reticulum, a Golgi apparatus, apical vesicles, and numerous mitochondria and secretory granules. The secretory tubules of Leydig's glands are lined by a very tall epithelium with non-ciliated cells containing extensive, dilated, rough endoplasmic reticulum, a large Golgi apparatus, and numerous mitochondria and secretory granules. The significance of the structural differentiation of the duct is discussed in relation to the evolution of the mammalian epididymis.

Protein synthesis and secretion by the epididymis of the tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii (Macropodidae: Marsupialia)

The objectives were to assess the following in a marsupial: which proteins are synthesized by the different regions of the epididymis and secreted into the lumen of the ductus; the effect of the experimental method on the detection of protein secretion; the role of the testis in regulating the protein synthesis and secretion; and whether any of the secreted proteins may associate with spermatozoa. Samples from untreated animals were collected for examination by perfusing Krebs-bicarbonate through the ductus epididymidis in vivo (microperfusion), and after incorporation of [35S]methionine during incubation of minced duct in vitro. Electrophoresis of the samples showed that the caput and corpus epididymidis (initial segments) secreted most of the proteins that were synthesized and secreted by the epididymal mucosa, and that the cauda epididymidis secreted mainly blood proteins. Also, many more proteins were secreted in vitro than into the microperfusates in vivo, or were found by Jones (1987) in micropuncture samples of epididymal plasma. The synthesis and secretion of five proteins was androgen dependent (M(r) 75,700, 30,000, 18,700, 17,400 and 12,800). Also, the luminal fluids from the testis stimulated the secretion of two proteins (M(r) 46,300 and 36,100) and inhibited the secretion of three proteins (M(r) 43,000, 32,300 and 21,400). Examination of detergent extracts of spermatozoa indicated that they lose three proteins (M(r) 28,000, 30,000 and 47,000) and gain one (M(r) 30,400) during passage through the epididymis. The method of determining protein secretion affected the findings. Protein secretion, its control and its association with spermatozoa are broadly similar in the tammar wallaby to the processes described in eutherian mammals.

Survey of field outbreaks of avian infectious laryngotracheitis in England and Wales

Field outbreaks of infectious laryngotracheitis in commercial chicken flocks in England and Wales between 1985 and 1988 were investigated. Material from 49 outbreaks was submitted to Liverpool University, and virus was isolated from 17 of them. The results of a questionnaire on each outbreak are described. Generally, the disease was of moderate severity, and mainly affected laying flocks; it occurred in birds of a wide age range but most of the outbreaks were in birds between 10 and 20 weeks of age. The disease was not seen more frequently at any particular time of the year, and there was no evidence of a common source of infection. Three of the affected flocks had recently been moved and were beginning to lay; these stresses may have caused the re-excretion of latent virus.

Latency and reactivation of infectious laryngotracheitis vaccine virus

Latency and reactivation of a commercial infectious laryngotracheitis virus vaccine were demonstrated in live chickens. Virus was re-isolated at intervals between seven and fourteen weeks post-vaccination and this may be of epizootiological significance.

[3H]thymidine uptake by the epididymis, seminal vesicles and prostate gland during postnatal development of the rat

The uptake of [3H]thymidine by the epididymis, ventral prostate gland and seminal vesicles was determined in vivo for rats aged 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 45 and 55 days. The pattern of uptake varied considerably between organs and generally was different from patterns of growth measured as mass or ratio of mass of DNA:tissue. The 'initial segment' of the epididymis and caput and corpus epididymidis showed a similar pattern of [3H]thymidine uptake, being greatest in 15-day-old animals and declining thereafter. On Day 15 the cauda epididymidis had a lower uptake than more proximal regions of the epididymis, but it subsequently showed two significant peaks of increased uptake on Days 25-30 and Day 45. The uptake by the seminal vesicles was high on Day 15, fell to low levels on Day 20, increased considerably from Days 20 to 35, then gradually decreased from Day 35 to 55. The uptake by the prostate gland was a little lower than by the seminal vesicles on Days 15 and 20, then reduced to about the same level as non-reproductive tissues.

Morphometry of the epididymis of the tammar wallaby, Macropus eugenii, and estimation of some physiological parameters

About 14 ductuli efferentes (mean length 48 cm) leave the testis of the tammar. The caput, corpus and cauda epididymidis constitute 37%, 42% and 21% respectively of the total length of the ductus epididymidis (estimated to be 34.9 m long). The initial segments of the ductus epididymidis are longer, relative to body or testis mass, in the tammar than in eutherian mammals such as the rat. The main morphometric features of the male excurrent duct system of the tammar are a high ratio of surface area of luminal border:luminal volume of the ductuli efferentes (which reabsorb most of the fluid leaving the testis), a high ratio of epithelial volume:luminal volume in the caput and corpus epididymidis (which are involved in sperm maturation) and a low ratio of epithelial volume:luminal volume in the cauda epididymidis (which is involved in sperm storage). Estimates of fluid reabsorption by the ductuli efferentes and protein secretion by the caput epididymidis were respectively 8.9 microL cm-2h-1 and 2.8 micrograms cm-2h-1. Other estimates for the ductuli efferentes, caput, corpus and cauda epididymidis respectively were: sperm velocity (4.5, 4.8, 2.2, and 0.9 mm min-1), duration of sperm transit (107 min, 1.9 days, 4.7 days, and 6.3 days), total number of spermatozoa (4950 x 10(6)) and distribution of extragonadal spermatozoa (0.6, 14, 36 and 49% of the total). The values are within the ranges estimated for eutherian mammals.

Spatial arrangement of the stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium in the Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica

The spatial arrangement of the stages of the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium of the Japanese quail was investigated by preparing three-dimensional reconstructions of a seminiferous tubule from each of 3 quails. It was found that the stages were not distributed at random, but were arranged in a wave which spiralled helically along a seminiferous tubule. Adjacent stages in space were always adjacent numbers in the cycle of the seminiferous epithelium. Complete spermatogenetic waves were found in which all 10 stages of the cycle were in sequential order. However, in most waves the sequential order of stages was disturbed by the occurrence of modulations. The area of a cellular association varied from 4600 to 41,600 microns 2 with a mean +/- s.e.m. (3 animals) of 17,902 +/- 2614 microns 2. The number of Sertoli cells involved in an association ranged from 4 to 35, with a mean +/- s.e.m. (3 animals) of 13.5 +/- 2.8. The findings support our earlier suggestion that the kinetics of spermatogenesis in the quail are fundamentally similar to the pattern which has been described for mammals.

Early pathogenesis in chicks of infection with an enterotropic strain of infectious bronchitis virus

One-day-old specific-pathogen-free chicks were inoculated intranasally and intraocularly with infectious bronchitis virus (strain G). At days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 postinfection, three birds were euthanatized, and the virus contents of both enteric tissues and some non-enteric tissues were assayed. Immunofluorescence and histopathological studies were also conducted. Six of 30 chicks died of nephritis between days 5-10 postinfection. Gross kidney lesions were the major pathological abnormalities. Inflammation was observed histologically in trachea, kidney, and rectum. High virus titers were found at various times in trachea, kidney, and all enteric tissues except for the jejunum. Relatively high titers of virus were still detectable at day 14 postinfection in the kidney, proventriculus, cecal tonsil, ileum, rectum, and bursa of Fabricius. Immunofluorescence staining showed viral antigens in enterocytes at the tips of villi in the ileum and rectum, and in the bursa. Viral antigens were also demonstrated in the epithelial cells of the trachea and in kidney tubules.