Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Features of the Seasonal Changes in the Epididymal Epithelium of Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Seasonal variations of the epididymis in donkeys (Equus asinus) with special reference to blood epididymal barrier

The epididymis, a key component of the male reproductive system, controls spermatozoa's maturation, fertility, and storage. The objective of this study is to evaluate the histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical variations in the epididymis of donkeys that occur throughout the year. During the breeding season (spring) and nonbreeding seasons (summer, autumn, and winter), 20 epididymis were collected from adult, clinically healthy donkeys. Compared to non-breeding seasons, the epididymal duct displayed a more active lining epithelium and more sperm in the lumen during the breeding season. The epithelial height is the lowest and the lumen is the widest during the breeding season. Furthermore, the epididymal epithelium in the tail region exhibits undulations with polyps-like projections. The epididymal epithelium is composed mainly of the principal, basal, and dark cells. Tight junction between adjacent principal cells is more obvious in the breeding season as compared to the non-breeding seasons. However, intraepithelial lymphocytes, phagocytic, and other immune cells are more frequent in non-breeding seasons. β-catenin, which is a component of the adherent junctions between adjacent PCs, exhibits more immunoreactivity during the spring. On the other hand, iNOS, an indicator of oxidative stress, reacts positively during the summer. Additionally, during non-breeding seasons, autophagy was detected within the epididymal epithelium which may be linked to stress adaptation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the histological and ultrastructural characteristics of the epididymal epithelium are more active during spring compared to other seasons of the year. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The study aimed to evaluate the histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical variations in the blood epididymal barrier (BEB) and epididymal epithelium of donkeys that occur throughout the year. In comparison to non-breeding seasons, the epididymal duct displayed a more active lining epithelium and more sperm in the lumen during the breeding season. The epithelial height is the lowest and the lumen is the widest during the breeding season. The epididymal epithelium in the tail region exhibits undulations with polyps-like projections that increase the surface area. β-catenin, which is a component of the adherent junctions between adjacent PCs, exhibits more immunoreactivity during the spring. On the other hand, iNOS, an indicator of oxidative stress, reacts positively during the summer.

High Prevalence of Bovine Cardiac Cysticercosis in Upper Egypt: An Epidemiological and Histopathological Study

Bovine cysticercosis is categorized as a serious parasitic zoonotic infestation. The infection is mainly caused by the tapeworm Taenia saginata, which infects cattle and humans. The larval stage, Cysticercus bovis (C. bovis), is found in the skeletal and cardiac muscles of infected cattle. Despite its potential public health concern, few studies have been conducted on cardiac cysticercosis in Upper Egypt. This study investigates the prevalence, epidemiology, and impact of cardiac cysticercosis in Upper Egypt, emphasizing how histopathological changes in cardiac muscle and physiological parameters might be associated with the infection. From December 2022 to October 2023, a total of 941 animals from Assiut province, Upper Egypt, were slaughtered and their cardiac muscles were examined for the presence of C. bovis. Cysts were classified as viable or degenerated through macroscopic inspection. The overall prevalence of C. bovis infected hearts made up 10.8% of the total examined. The highest prevalence rate was in the summer season followed by spring; winter had the lowest infections. The histopathological examination of infected tissues revealed immune cell infiltration around Cysticercus-infected areas. Additionally, Bax immunostaining demonstrated the apoptotic effect of cysticercosis. Regarding the measured physiological parameters, there were non-significant changes in plasma levels of total protein and albumin in cattle infected with cysticercosis compared with control animals. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in total antioxidant capacity (TAC) combined with a significant increase in lipid peroxide (Malondialdehyde) (MDA), troponin T, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in infected animals. The present work documented a set of epidemiological and pathological findings, revealing that C. bovis is a potentially harmful parasite and can cause significant health problems in both cattle and humans.

Histological study of Bactrian camel cryptorchidism and expression of immunoglobulin λ light chain in the testicular and epididymis of cryptorchid Bactrian camel

Lambda light chains (λ-LCs) are frequently responsible for triggering the activation of inflammatory factors in autoimmune disorders, and an increase in their levels will cause various pathological changes in serum. The aim of this study was to determine the histological differences between the epididymis and testis of normal and cryptorchid Bactrian camels and the differences in λ-LC expression in the epididymis and testis of normal and cryptorchid Bactrian camels. Haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was used to examine the pathological changes in cryptorchidism. The gene and protein levels of λ-LC were determined using RT-qPCR and western blot. The distribution of λ-LCs was assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Compared with that in normal Bactrian camels, the diameter of the epididymal lumen and the thickness of the epithelium were decreased in the epididymis of cryptorchidic animals. Additionally, no sperm was detected in the cavity of the cryptorchidic epididymis. Meanwhile, the expression of λ-LC was significantly increased in the cryptorchidic epididymis at both the mRNA and protein levels (p < .05). The highest protein expression of λ-LC was found in epididymal epithelial halo cells and testicular Sertoli cells. These findings suggested that the structural changes observed in the epididymal epithelium of cryptorchidic camels affect its secretory and absorptive functions. Additionally, the high level of λ-LC expression recorded in halo cells suggested that these cells play an important role in epithelial immunity in cryptorchidic Bactrian camels. Furthermore, the high λ-LC expression levels detected in normal testicular Sertoli cells indicated that λ-LCs may be involved in spermatogenesis. The results of this study provide clues for an in-depth study of immunological sterility in cryptorchidic Bactrian camels.

Morphological, Immunohistochemical, and Ultrastructural Studies of the Donkey's Eye with Special Reference to the AFGF and ACE Expression

The donkey is mainly used as a working animal for riding and pack transport, as well as for dairy and meat production. Eye afflictions are common in donkeys, thus requiring a detailed study. A few studies had focused on the donkey's eye, and most of them had considered it, merely, a horse's eye. This study aimed to investigate the anatomy, histology, ultrastructure, and immunohistochemical features of the donkey's eye. The results were recorded and compared to those of horses in certain dimensions. Unlike horses, the donkey's eye is more circular in the contour of the cornea, has smaller lenticular thickness, and has longer anterior and vitreous chambers. Positive immunoreactivity to acidic fibroblast growth factor in the basal cell layers of the cornea was observed, indicating their role in cell differentiation and the renewal of the epithelium. Moreover, the corneal keratocytes expressed angiotensin-converting enzyme, which plays a role in corneal homeostasis and wound healing. Additionally, telocytes, hyalocytes, and other immune cells were observed within the iris and ciliary processes. Hence, this work is an updated detailed study of the morphology and ultrastructure of the donkey's eye and reveals some similarities and dissimilarities to the horse's eyes, which should be considered in clinical practice.

Morphological and histochemical changes in the dromedary camel epididymis in relation to reproductive activity

Environmental conditions such as temperature, light and food availability are known to influence the physiological status of animals. The male dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) is considered as a seasonal breeder with maximal sexual activity during certain period of the year followed by a decrease in activity during the remaining period. On the other hand, the male camel is also shown as an atypical seasonal breeder because this does not undergo sexual quiescence with complete cessation of spermatogenesis. This animal, however, shows remarkable physiological and behavioral changes during its maximal sexual activity. The annual breeding (rutting) period also influences the epididymis. In this review, an attempt has been made to present the available literature pertaining to gross anatomical, histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and molecular changes in camel epididymis during breeding and nonbreeding periods, and the changes are believed to be correlated with male sexual behavior and libido. This review may also exhibit the dromedary camel breeding period, which is still unresolved, and thus may prove helpful in determining the exact time of mating, which is important for the success of assisted reproductive outcomes. Further, the review may contribute to a better understanding of the epididymal physiology in camel and may also prove useful in improving reproductive efficiency and population of this animal.

Morph-anatomic and histochemical study of ileum of goose (Alopochen egyptiacus) with special references to immune cells, mucous and serous goblet cells, telocytes, and dark and light smooth muscle fibers

The morphological characteristics of the ileum of 20 adult male Egyptian geese were determined using LM, SEM, and TEM. The mean length of the ileum in the male goose was approximately 158.71 mm, representing nearly 10.19% of the total length of the small intestine. The ileum is composed of four layers: mucosa, submucosa, muscular layer, and serosa. The mucosal layer comprises the epithelium, lamina propria, and muscularis mucosa. The mucosa forms finger-like villi and is invaginated at the bases, forming the crypts of Lieberkühn. The ileum is lined by simple columnar epithelium that contains absorptive dark and light enterocytes with two types of goblet cells (mucous and serous varieties) microfold like cells, dendritic reticulum cells, Paneth cells, and a closed type of enteroendocrine cells. The lamina propria has diffuse lymphoid tissue containing lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells, plasma cells, and heterophils as well as telocytes. The muscularis mucosa comprises circular smooth muscle fibers extending into the core of the villi. The submucosa is a thin layer of elastic-rich connective tissue. The muscular level consists of four layers, with light and dark smooth muscle fibers. We described in detail the structure of all cellular components and histomorphometric measurements.