Immunohistochemical evaluation of the goat forestomach during prenatal development

Prenatal development of the stomach in the goat (Capra hircus)

<b> During organogenesis in the developing goat embryo, a four-chamber stomach is formed from an extension of the primary intestine. Due to histological and morphological changes, each chamber of the stomach takes on characteristic features associated with its function. The histological structure of the stomach wall consists of four layers, the mucosa, submucosa, tunica muscularis and serosa. This work presents the current state of knowledge of the changes observed in each layer of the developing stomach and its morphogenesis in the prenatal period. Practical applications of this information in prenatal ultrasound diagnostics in goats are suggested as well. </b>

Distinct Pattern of NPY in Gastro-Entero-Pancreatic System of Goat Kids Fed with a New Standardized Red Orange and Lemon Extract (RLE)

Simple Summary

In the last decades the European ban towards antibiotics resulted in an increase of the number of studies on the effects of natural feed additives, that can enhance the health of farm animals intended for human consumption. Polyphenols such as flavanones and anthocyanins (responsible of the red, purple or blue colors) are bioactive compounds found in fruits and vegetables. Polyphenols possess multiple pharmacological characteristics, like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunostimulant properties. Although many of the biological effects of polyphenols are known, only a limited number of studies has been focused on the effects of their supplementation in ruminant diet. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of a diet supplemented with a standardized powder extract, red (blood) orange and lemon extract (RLE), rich in flavanones, anthocyanins and other polyphenols on the neuropeptide Y (NPY) distribution in the gastro–entero–pancreatic system of goat kids. In mammals, NPY occurs in both the central and peripheral nervous systems and it is involved in the control of different physiological processes, including food intake regulation. For the first time, we document that NPY is widely distributed in the abomasum, duodenum and pancreas of goat kids and that significantly increases in the abomasum and pancreas of RLE supplemented feed animals.

Abstract

The use of natural compounds as feed additive is also increasing in farm animals, thanks to the beneficial effect on both animals and consumers health. Here, we questioned whether natural extracts, such as red orange and lemon extract (RLE) rich in flavanones, anthocyanins, and other polyphenols, used as feed additives could display an effect on the neuropeptide Y (NPY) in the gastro–entero–pancreatic tract of goat kids. NPY is one of the most abundant neuropeptides in mammals, known for its orexigenic role although it is involved in many central and peripheral functions. We carried out immunohistochemical analyses on samples of abomasum, duodenum and pancreas collected from two experimental groups: one fed with standard diet and one with standard diet + RLE. For the first time we document NPY distribution in the abomasum, duodenum and pancreas of goats and observe the highest number of NPY positive cells in neuroendocrine cells of duodenum. Remarkably, upon RLE feed supplementation, NPY immunoreactive cells increased significantly in abomasal epithelium and pancreatic islets but not in duodenum, likely due to pH variation of abomasum and duodenum. Our observations represent a baseline for future studies on the interaction between neuropeptides and polyphenols, used as feed additive.

Prenatal histomorphological development of the reticulum in fallow deer (Dama dama)

The histomorphological changes occurring in the Dama dama reticulum during prenatal development have been investigated. Twenty-five Dama dama embryos were used, from the first stages of prenatal life until birth. Differentiation of the reticulum was observed at 23% gestation. By 25% gestation the reticular wall comprised three layers: an internal epithelial layer, a middle layer of pluripotential blastemic tissue and an external layer or serosa. Primary reticular crests were visible at 38% gestation. Secondary reticular crests were observed at 61% gestation. Neuroendocrine cells were detected by synaptophysin (SYP) at 35% gestation, in the lamina propria-submucosa, tunica muscularis, and serosa. Epithelial Cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) cells were observed at 35% gestation extended throughout the epithelial layers. The glial cells (vimentin -VIM- and glial fibrillary acidic protein-GFAP-markers) were discerned at 25% and 43% gestation, respectively, in myenteric and submucosal plexuses, lamina propria, muscularis mucosae, tunica muscularis, and perivascular connective tissue. The neuropeptide Y (NPY) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) markers were immunodetected at 75% and 80 gestation, respectively, in the lamina propria-submucosa, muscularis mucosae, tunica muscularis, serosa, and myenteric plexuses. The prenatal development of the fallow deer reticular mucosa evidenced a considerable precocity similar to that previously reported in goat and red deer.

Immunohistochemical analysis of protective effects of maternal fingolimod on the placenta and fetal lung and brain in chorioamnionitis-induced preterm birth rat model

OBJECTIVES

Fingolimod (FIN) is used for multiple sclerosis treatment and has potential antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects. We aimed at expanding our knowledge on various immunohistochemical markers for elucidating the possible mechanisms of action of fingolimod in the placenta and fetal lung and brain.

METHODS

Sixteen pregnant rats were divided into four groups. On gestational day 17, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected intraperitoneally to induce preterm fetal injury followed by intraperitoneal injection of fingolimod. Hysterotomy for preterm delivery was performed 6 h after fingolimod was injected. The study groups included (1) control, (2) LPS (1 mg/kg), (3) FIN (4 mg/kg), and (4) FIN + LPS. Fetal brain and lung and placenta samples were collected for histopathological examination. Moreover, fetal lungs (surfactant protein-A (SP-A), SP-B, SP-D, caspase-3, and caspase-8), fetal brains (interleukin-10, interleukin-1β, TNF-α, caspase-8, glial fibrillary acidic protein, vimentin, myelin basic protein, and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa), and placenta tissues (interleukin-10, interleukin-1β, TNF-α, caspase-3, and caspase-8) were immunohistochemically evaluated.

RESULTS

Maternal fingolimod treatment led to attenuation of LPS-induced fetal brain, lung, and placental injury, as indicated by lower immunoexpression of inflammatory markers compared to LPS group (p < .0001 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study confirm the neuroprotective effects of antenatally administered fingolimod, which also significantly improved preterm fetal lung injury and placental inflammation in LPS-exposed preterm pregnancies by possible antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects.

The embryonic development of the bovine stomach revisited

The adult anatomy and physiology of the bovine (Bos taurus) stomach have been investigated extensively. Despite the many studies, however, the early development of the stomach has not yet been fully elucidated. The goal of the present study, therefore, was to review the available literature, to visualize the embryonic and early foetal development of the bovine stomach and to shed light on unresolved issues. The stomachs of fifteen bovine embryos and eleven foetuses from 26 to 80 days of gestation were photographed both in situ and after exenteration and critical point drying. A series of photographs was obtained that yielded a contiguous and comprehensive view of all the developmental changes that occurred until the virtually final configuration of the stomach was attained. In addition, the serosal surface was studied by electron microscopy, thus revealing subtle regional differences in the lining of the peritoneal cavity. Our observations corroborate the contention that all the compartments evolve from the fusiform primordium and that no outgrowth at the level of the oesophagus occurs. The greater curvature as well as the attachment line of the dorsal mesogastrium shift to the left, which is similar to the process in monogastrians. The rumen and reticulum develop from separate protrusions, and further compartmentalization results from constrictions and bulges and not from folding. Between 55 and 60 days of gestation, the entire bovine stomach except for the abomasum eventually relocates to its final position. In summary, previously debated key issues were addressed and integrated with current findings.

Dermatophilus congolensis Infection in Platypus ( Ornithorhynchus anatinus ), Tasmania, Australia, 2015

We report disease due to Dermatophilus congolensis infection in three of 13 (23%) platypuses ( Ornithorhynchus anatinus ) from a catchment in Tasmania, Australia. This pathogen has not previously been reported in platypuses. Two of the three infected platypuses had extensive scab formations, but no substantial hair loss was apparent.