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Alsafy MAM, Seif MA, El-Mansi AA, El-Beskawy M, El Dakroury M, Eldesoqui MB, Ez Elarab SM, El-Gendy SAA. Macro- and micro-morphological comparison of the detailed structure of the oral cavity roof in two different feeding habits marine fishes: Pagrus pagrus and Boops boops. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 341:783-797. [PMID: 38651589 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The feeding habits and habitats of fish influence the morphology of the oral cavity. This study used gross anatomy, light microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, in addition to morphometric analysis, to investigate the anatomical characteristics of the oral cavity roof in Pagrus pagrus and Boops boops, which have different dietary habits. The oral cavity roof appeared U-shaped and divided into the palate and upper pharyngeal regions. The upper lip of P. pagrus was broad, while B. boops' upper lip was small and thin. Both species had a stratified squamous epithelium with an irregular shape and a folded surface. P. pagrus had a horseshoe-shaped upper velum with a high middle part, and its surface resembled sea waves with obvious mucous-secreting openings with cilia and many folds and grooves between them. B. boops's upper velum was thin and appeared as a triangle pouch with a pointed cranial apex. The palate in both species was narrow in the front and increased in width backward until it ended. The upper pharyngeal teeth in P. pagrus appeared as two patches, separated by a median longitudinal ridge and an anterior V-shape separator. Meanwhile, in B. boops, they appeared as a ball patch on both sides and a separator ridge in the middle. Because P. pagrus fed on harder structures than B. boops, their feeding habits were reflected in the structure of the oral cavity roof. P. pagrus, a carnivorous species, had several rows of sharp upper jaw and upper pharyngeal teeth, thick spinous tubercles on oblique transverse ridges, and massive mucous glands. On the other hand, B. boops, an omnivorous species, had only one row of upper jaw teeth, a few upper pharyngeal teeth scattered on two oval patches, and thin filaments on the oblique transverse ridges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A M Alsafy
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Manal A Seif
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Marsa Matrouh, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A El-Mansi
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed El-Beskawy
- Animal Medicine Department (Infectious Diseases), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Marsa Matrouh, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El Dakroury
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Marsa Matrouh, Egypt
| | - Mamdouh B Eldesoqui
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Samar M Ez Elarab
- Histology and Cytology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Samir A A El-Gendy
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Alsafy MAM, El-Sharnobey NKA, El-Gendy SAA, Abumandour MA, Elarab SME, Hanafy BG. Macro- and micro-anatomical investigation of the oropharyngeal roof of landform greek tortoise (Testudo graeca graeca) and semi-aquatic red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans). BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:310. [PMID: 38992617 PMCID: PMC11238461 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04157-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The present investigation examined the oropharyngeal roof of two turtles having different feeding behaviors: the landform Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca graeca) primarily herbivores and the semi-aquatic red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) lives in freshwater that opportunistic omnivorous grossly and by scanning and light microscopes. Grossly, the Greek tortoise had a V-shaped roof consisting of the upper rhamphotheca, peri-palatine region, upper alveolar ridge, peripheral palatine ridge, median palatine ridge, vomer, choanae, caudal palatine part, and pharynx. At the same time, the red-eared slider had a semilunar roof consisting of upper rhamphotheca, two peripheral palatine ridges, core of palatine ridges, upper alveolar band, vomer, choanae, caudal palatine part, and pharynx. SEM revealed that the red-eared slider roof appeared more straightforward. The upper rhamphotheca is sharp, with a median premaxillary notch in the red-eared slider that gives a powerful bite for cutting to compensate absence of the teeth. Additionally, the red-eared slider's upper alveolar band is interrupted by a single upper alveolar ridge that appears spiky, pointed, and longer as it needs powerful chewing of prey and there are two types of teeth-like projections at its peri-palatine area for food-crushing and chewing. The Greek tortoise palatine region had numerous ridges and folds to provide roughness for food processing. Greek tortoises had small-sized choanae with two choanal folds to minimize choanal openings when eating dusty grasses. Histologically, Greek tortoise palate was rostrally thicker and more keratinized than caudally, and the caudal palatine region was characterized by a single pair of circumvallate-like papilla with multiple mucous openings and secretions, while red-eared slider palate was slightly keratinized at the peri-choanal region, and the rest of the palate was non-keratinized with few mucous openings. The current investigation found various structural oropharyngeal roof adaptations to feeding behavior in the omnivore red-eared slide compared to the herbivorous Greek turtle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A M Alsafy
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Abis 10th, P.O. 21944, Alexandria, Egypt.
| | - Nermin K A El-Sharnobey
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Abis 10th, P.O. 21944, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Samir A A El-Gendy
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Abis 10th, P.O. 21944, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Abumandour
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Abis 10th, P.O. 21944, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Samar M Ez Elarab
- Histology and Cytology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Abis 10th, P.O. 21944, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Basma G Hanafy
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Abis 10th, P.O. 21944, Alexandria, Egypt
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Alsafy MAM, El-Gendy SAA, Atkinson B, Sturrock CJ, Kamal BM, Alibhai A, Abd-Elhafeez HH, Soliman S, Rashwan AM, Roshdy K, Rutland CS. Novel Insights Into the Architecture of Macro and Microstructures in Cattle Ossa Cordis. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2024; 30:574-593. [PMID: 38838186 DOI: 10.1093/mam/ozae046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Ossa cordis, bones located within the heart trigones, are often classified as heterotopic or ectopic bones. Despite their high prevalence in cattle and some other bovids, little is known about their structure or development. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray microtomography, gross dissections, and measurements showed the anatomical locations, prevalence, shapes, and measurements of the cardiac bones in both Egyptian Baladi cattle and Holstein-Friesians. All cattle (n = 12) had an Ossa cordis dextrum (average = 50.70 × 20.91 × 5.40 mm). Additionally, 80% Egyptian Baladi and 57% Holstein-Friesian had a smaller Ossa cordis sinistrum (average = 24.94 × 12.75 × 4.12 mm). Egyptian Baladi Ossa cordis were smaller than observed in Holstein-Friesians. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis showed the elemental constitution (carbon, oxygen, calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, sodium, and magnesium) of Ossa cordis and Cartilago cordis. These imaging techniques, plus four histological stains (hematoxylin and eosin, Crossman's trichrome, Alcian blue with Van Gieson, and Sirius Red) and microscopy, demonstrated osteoblasts, osteocytes, osteoclasts, astrocytes, blood vessels, bone marrow, lamellar and woven bone, cortical bone, trabeculations with pores and canaliculi, and fibrous components including collagen in the Ossa cordis dextrum and sinistrum. Hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage (chondrocytes and cartilage matrix) were found within and surrounding the Ossa cordis. These findings were additionally compared against other cattle breeds and species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A M Alsafy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Abis 10th, Alexandria, PO 21944, Egypt
| | - Samir A A El-Gendy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Abis 10th, Alexandria, PO 21944, Egypt
| | - Brian Atkinson
- Hounsfield Facility, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, College Road, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Craig J Sturrock
- Hounsfield Facility, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, College Road, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Basma M Kamal
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City, Sadat City 6010230, Egypt
| | - Aziza Alibhai
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Nottingham, College Road, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK
| | - Hanan H Abd-Elhafeez
- Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Soha Soliman
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena 83523, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Rashwan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Al Gomhouria St, Scientic Campus, Damanhour 22511, Egypt
| | - Karam Roshdy
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Abis 10th, Alexandria, PO 21944, Egypt
| | - Catrin S Rutland
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Nottingham, College Road, Sutton Bonington, Leicestershire LE12 5RD, UK
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Rashwan AM, El-Gendy SAA, Alsafy MAM, Haddad SS. Comparative morphological analysis of telson and uropods in Penaeus canaliculatus (Olivier, 1811), Penaeus semisulcatus (De Haan, 1844), and Metapenaeus stebbingi (Nobili, 1904) using scanning electron microscopy and EDX analysis. Micron 2024; 181:103636. [PMID: 38579377 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2024.103636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
The telson and uropods collectively form the tail fan, playing crucial roles in locomotion, buoyancy, defense, and respiration. We aimed to compare telson and uropod structures in three shrimp species-Penaeus canaliculatus, Penaeus semisulcatus, and Metapenaeus stebbingi-to identify the species with the most robust telson for its environment. Our analysis involved morphological measurements and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), supplemented by a novel approach-Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, a technique not previously utilized in studies on these three species. M. stebbingi exhibited the longest telson length, whereas P. semisulcatus had the longest uropod. P. canaliculatus featured a single pair of fixed spines, while P. semisulcatus had evenly spaced small conical spines along the sides of the median elevation and groove. A distinctive feature of M. stebbingi was the telson, which had three pairs of large spines. Diverse setae on telsons included simple, unipennate, and plumose setae. Notably, specialized branched tubular setae on uropods' endopods may aid in grooming or swimming behavior. EDX spectroscopy revealed that the telson cuticle primarily consists of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, with significantly high concentrations alongside comparatively lower calcium and phosphorous concentrations. P. semisulcatus exhibited the highest calcium and phosphorus content among the three species. In conclusion, M. stebbingi's telson is structurally robust, emphasizing the importance of morphology, while P. semisulcatus demonstrated a hard telson through EDX analysis. Our study underscores not solely relying on morphology for telson strength assessment but considering telson composition. These variations among species may be attributed to diverse ecological and physiological adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Rashwan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt; Laboratory of Life science frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Samir A A El-Gendy
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A M Alsafy
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt.
| | - Seham S Haddad
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City Sadat City 32897, Egypt
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Alsafy MAM, El-Sharnobey NKA, El-Gendy SAA, Abumandour MA, Ez Elarab SM, Rashwan AM, Hanafy BG. Macroscopic, microscopic, and immunofluorescent characterization of the Greek tortoise (Testudo graeca graeca) oropharyngeal floor with concern to its feed adaptation as a herbivorous land reptile. Microsc Res Tech 2024. [PMID: 38808586 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The current investigation focuses on gross anatomy, light, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the Testudo graeca oropharyngeal floor, with particular reference to the immunofluorescence technique to examine its tongue. The T. graeca oropharyngeal floor showed many anatomical structures: the lower rhamphotheca, paralingual ridge, lower alveolar ridge, tongue, laryngeal mound, and glottis. The lower rhamphotheca appeared as a V-shaped jaw line with a highly serrated edge and a median tomium (beak). SEM observations of the lingual apex and the lingual body showed rectangular and conical filiform papillae with porous surfaces and taste pores. Meanwhile, the lingual root had two wings that carried papillae with different shapes: dagger-shaped, conical, bifurcated, and leaf-like papillae, and these papillae lacked taste pores. The laryngeal mound had openings for the laryngeal mucus gland and its secretions. Light microscopy findings showed mucous glands in the propria submucosa and near the mucosal surface of the lingual apex. The lingual root had lingual papillae and two hyaline cartilaginous skeletons between skeletal muscles, and the lingual papillae were elongated filiform, rectangular filiform papillae, and fungiform papillae. The lamina propria constituted the core of the lingual papillae and the mucous gland, they had a positive reaction with the periodic acid schiff (PAS) reagent. The apical surface of the fungiform papillae had taste pores. Under immunofluorescence, the vimentin was detected in taste bud cells, and synaptophysin reacted to the taste buds and nerve bundles. The current study of the Greek tortoise oropharyngeal floor investigated its herbivorous eating habits using its serrated lower rhamphotheca, a large tongue with differently shaped papillae, and numerous mucous glands. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The Greek tortoise (T. graeca graeca) oropharyngeal floor showed many anatomical structures: lower rhamphotheca, paralingual ridge, lower alveolar ridge, tongue, laryngeal mound, and glottis. SEM and light microscopy observations of the tongue revealed varied types and shapes of lingual papillae with a porous surface on the tongue apex (rectangular or conical filiform papillae), on the tongue body (filiform and fungiform papillae), and on the tongue root (dagger-shaped, conical, bifurcated, and leaf-like papillae). Light microscopy findings: the lamina propria constituted the core of the lingual papillae and had numerous mucous glands that had a slightly magenta-red color with PAS reagent. The apical surface of the fungiform papillae had taste pores. Vimentin and synaptophysin gave a reaction to the taste buds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A M Alsafy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nermin K A El-Sharnobey
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Samir A A El-Gendy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Abumandour
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Samar M Ez Elarab
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Rashwan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
- Laboratory of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Basma G Hanafy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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Roshdy K, Alsafy MAM, El-Gendy SAA, El-Mansi AA, Rezk S. Microscopic Focus on the Thyroid Follicles of the One-Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius). MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2024; 30:382-391. [PMID: 38442192 DOI: 10.1093/mam/ozae010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The microstructure of the thyroid gland of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius) was described using morphometric, histological, immunohistochemical staining, and ultrastructural standard techniques. The follicular secretory units of the thyroid glands displayed comparable and variable sizes where the large follicles were situated at the peripheral margins; however, the small ones were located in the central region. Semisquamous epithelium (low cuboidal) lined the large thyroid follicles, while high cuboidal (columnar) epithelium lined the small ones. Our electron microscopic findings revealed that the low-sized cuboidal follicular cells lack organelles and are hypoactive. The high cuboidal follicular cells are active cells and rich in cellular organelles such as cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, colloid droplets, scrolled Golgi apparatus, and secretory vesicles. A few degenerate follicular cells appeared on rare occasions. The parafollicular cells appeared with a more prominent and conspicuous nucleus than the follicular cells. The follicular cells were classified as active, inactive, or degenerated using transmission electron microscopy. The follicular and parafollicular cells showed calcitonin-positive immunoreactivity. Overall, the presented results showed particular convergences of the morphostructural aspects of the thyroid gland of C. dromedarius to that of other mammals with some distinctive features to cope with their physiology and harsh niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karam Roshdy
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A M Alsafy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt
| | - Samir A A El-Gendy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A El-Mansi
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shaymaa Rezk
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
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Elarab SME, Alsafy MAM, El-Gendy SAA, El-Bakary NER, Elsayed Noreldin A, Rashwan AM. Investigating the role of Purkinje fibers and synaptic connectivity in balance regulation through comprehensive ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analysis of the donkey's (Equus asinus) cerebellum. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 341:293-306. [PMID: 38229259 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The donkey's extraordinary capacity to endure substantial loads over long distances while maintaining equilibrium suggests a distinctive cerebellar architecture specialized in balance regulation. Consequently, our study aims to investigate the intricate histophysiology of the donkey's cerebellum using advanced ultrastructural and immunohistochemical methodologies to comprehend the mechanisms that govern this exceptional ability. This study represents the pioneering investigation to comprehensively describe the ultrastructure and immunohistochemistry within the donkey cerebellum. Five adult donkeys' cerebella were utilized for the study, employing stains such as hematoxylin, eosin, and toluidine blue to facilitate a comprehensive histological examination. For immunohistochemical investigation, synaptophysin (SP), calretinin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein were used and evaluated by the Image J software. Furthermore, a double immunofluorescence staining of SP and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) was performed to highlight the co-localization of these markers and explore their potential contribution to synaptic function within the donkey cerebellum. This investigation aims to understand their possible roles in regulating neuronal activity and synaptic connectivity. We observed co-expression of SP and NSE in the donkey cerebellum, which emphasizes the crucial role of efficient energy utilization for motor coordination and balance, highlighting the interdependence of synaptic function and energy metabolism. The Purkinje cells were situated in the intermediate zone of the cerebellum cortex, known as the Purkinje cell layer. Characteristically, the Purkinje cell's bodies exhibited a distinct pear-like shape. The cross-section area of the Purkinje cells was 107.7 ± 0.2 µm2 , and the Purkinje cell nucleus was 95.7 ± 0.1 µm2 . The length and diameter of the Purkinje cells were 36.4 × 23.4 µm. By scanning electron microscopy, the body of the Purkinje cell looked like a triangular or oval with a meandrous outer surface. The dendrites appeared to have small spines. The Purkinje cells' cytoplasm was rich with mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, Golgi apparatus, multivesicular bodies, and lysosomes. Purkinje cell dendrites were discovered in the molecular layer, resembling trees. This study sheds light on the anatomical and cellular characteristics underlying the donkey's exceptional balance-maintaining abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samar M Ez Elarab
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A M Alsafy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Samir A A El-Gendy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Neveen E R El-Bakary
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Damietta University, New Damietta, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Elsayed Noreldin
- Histology and Cytology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Rashwan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour, Egypt
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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Rashwan AM, El-Gendy SAA, Ez Elarab SM, Alsafy MAM. A comprehensive exploration of diverse skin cell types in the limb of the desert tortoise (Testudo graeca) through light, transmission, scanning electron microscopy, and immunofluorescence techniques. Tissue Cell 2024; 87:102335. [PMID: 38412578 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
The Greek tortoise, inhabiting harsh desert environments, provides a compelling case for investigating skin adaptations to extreme conditions. We have utilized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunofluorescence analysis to describe the structure of the arid-adapted limb skin in the Greek tortoise. Our aim was to identify the cell types that reflect the skin adaptation of this tortoise to arid conditions. Utilizing seven antibodies, we localized and elucidated the functions of various skin cells, shedding light on how the tortoise adapts to adverse environmental conditions. Our findings unveiled numerous scales on the limbs, varying in size and color, acting as protective armor against abrasions, bites, and other potential threats in their rocky habitats. The epidermis comprises four layers: stratum basalis, stratum spinosum, peri-corneous layer, and stratum corneum. Cytokeratin 14 (CK14) was explicitly detected in the basal layer of the epidermis, suggesting a role in maintaining epidermal integrity and cellular function. Langerhans cells were observed between epidermal cells filled with ribosomes and Birbeck granules. Numerous dendritic-shaped Langerhans cells revealed through E-Cadherin signify strong immunity in tortoises' skin. Melanophores were identified using the Melan-A antibody, labeling the cytoplasm, and the SOX10 antibody, labeling the nucleus, providing comprehensive insights into melanophores morphology and distribution. Two types of melanophores were found: dendritic below the stratum basalis of the epidermis and clustered oval melanophores in the deep dermal layer. Varied melanophores distribution resulted in a spotted skin pattern, potentially offering adaptive camouflage and protection against environmental challenges. Numerous myofibroblasts were discerned through alpha-smooth actin (α-SMA) expression, indicating that the Greek tortoise's skin possesses a robust tissue repair and remodeling capacity. B-cell lymphocytes detected via CD20 immunostaining exhibited sporadic distribution in the dermis, concentrating in lymphoid aggregates and around vessels, implying potential roles in local immune responses and inflammation modulation. Employing Tom20 to identify skin cells with abundant mitochondria revealed a notable presence in melanophores and the basal layer of the epidermis, suggesting high metabolic activity in these cell types and potentially influencing cellular functions. These findings contribute to our comprehension of tortoise skin anatomy and physiology, offering insights into the remarkable adaptations of this species finely tuned to their specific environmental habitats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Rashwan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511 Egypt; Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Samir A A El-Gendy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt
| | - Samar M Ez Elarab
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A M Alsafy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt.
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Rashwan AM, Alsafy MAM, El-Gendy SAA, El-Mansi AA, Ez Elarab SM. Unveiling Cellular Diversity in the Buffalo Corneal Stroma: Insights into Telocytes and Keratocytes Using Light Microscope, Transmission Electron Microscope, and Immunofluorescence Analysis. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2023; 29:2204-2217. [PMID: 37992277 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Telocytes and keratocytes are important cells that maintain the structure and function of the cornea. The buffalo cornea, known for its resilience in harsh conditions, has not been extensively studied regarding the presence and role of telocytes and keratocytes. We used light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immunofluorescence assays with platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα), CD34, and Vimentin markers to investigate their expression and localization in the cornea. TEM analysis confirmed the presence of spindle-shaped keratocytes with intercellular connections, while telocytes exhibited small spindle-shaped bodies with long, thin branches connecting to corneal keratocytes. Immunofluorescence findings showed that CD34 was more abundant near the endothelium, Vimentin was prominently expressed near the epithelium, and PDGFRα was uniformly distributed throughout the corneal stroma. Co-expression of CD34 and Vimentin, PDGFRα and Vimentin, as well as CD34 and PDGFRα, was observed in keratocytes and telocytes within the stroma, indicating the potential presence of mesenchymal cells. These results suggest the involvement of telocytes and keratocytes in corneal wound healing, transparency maintenance, and homeostasis. The co-expression of these markers highlights the critical role of telocytes and keratocytes in regulating corneal physiological functions, further enhancing our understanding of corneal biology in the buffalo model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Rashwan
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Damanhour 22511, Egypt
- Department of Life Science Frontiers, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan
| | - Mohamed A M Alsafy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt
| | - Samir A A El-Gendy
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A El-Mansi
- Biology Department, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 61413, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samar M Ez Elarab
- Department of Histology and Cytology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21944, Egypt
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