Post-natal development of some lymphoid organs of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats : a histological perspective

The study evaluated the developmental changes in the mesenteric lymph nodes, thymus and spleen of West African Dwarf (WAD) goat using histological techniques. Twenty-seven WAD goats of 1 day, 2 weeks and 1 to 7 months old were used for this study. Results showed that the mesenteric lymph node of the WAD goats had poorly organized cortical and medullary areas at 1 day postnatum, and dense infiltration of lymphocytes in the cortex with a few primary lymphoid follicles at 2 and 3 months. At 1 day old, the thymus exhibited thin cortical parenchyma and extensive medullary areas. The thymic parenchyma of 3 and 4 months old showed distorted outlines of the cortex and medulla with adipose tissue deposition in the trabeculae. The number of Hassal’s corpuscles increased from the 1st day to the 7th month of birth. Furthermore, at 1 day old, the spleen demonstrated poorly defined red pulp and white pulp areas. The outlines of the red and white pulp areas were more obvious at 2 weeks of age and the red pulp areas became more expansive with increased concentration of red blood cells from 1 to 7 months old. It was concluded that the mesenteric lymph nodes of WAD goats may attain adult morphology as early as 1 month after birth, the thymus which appeared as a fully functional thymus at birth could regress at 3 months after birth and the spleen could perform limited lymphoid functions immediately after birth.https://www.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tjvmam2017Anatomy and Physiolog

Developmental features of porcine haemal nodes: a histological perspective

Histological techniques were employed to provide detailed information on the histological features of haemal nodes in piglets and adult pig. Ten pigs were used for this study. The result demonstrated progressive changes in the structure of porcine haemal nodes. The capsule and trabeculae of piglet haemal nodes exhibited dense irregular connective tissues with reticular cells and smooth muscle cells. The cortex was more central while the medulla was peripheral with poorly defined boundaries. However, the sinusoids contained less densely packed erythrocytes. In adult pigs, haemal nodes demonstrated capsules composed of loose irregular connective tissue, fat cells, and mostly reticular cells while the trabeculae showed dense irregular connective tissues with reticular cells and smooth muscle cells. The atypical cortex and medulla of adult pig haemal nodes were distinct. The paracortex of adult pig haemal node showed high endothelial venules and the sinusoids contained densely packed erythrocytes. Afferent lymphatics, efferent lymphatics, blood vessels and veins were observed in the haemal nodes of piglets and adult pigs. Finally, the present study has provided essential information on the structural features of haemal nodes in piglets and adult pigs, revealing its atypical nature, and probable roles of blood storage, erythrophagocytosis and immune functions.Keywords: Piglets, Adult pigs, Haemal nodes, High endothelial venules, Histological feature

Morphological features of the distal ileum and ceca of the common pigeon (Columba livia)

Background to the study: Common pigeon (Columba livia) is widely distributed worldwide and feeds mainly on grains or seeds and insects and small invertebrates. Some studies have demonstrated variations in the morphology and function of avian alimentary tract.Methods: Ten apparently healthy adult common pigeons were examined in this study. Following euthanasia, gross and histological techniques were used to investigate the morphology of the distal ileum and ceca of common pigeon.Results: At the ileo-ceco-rectal junction, the tunica muscularis of the distal ileum exhibited a thickened layer of oblique smooth muscle fibers positioned between the middle circular and outer longitudinal smooth muscle layers. The ceca of the common pigeon were paired, small (approximately 0.33 cm), blind-ended sacs situated at acute angles with the distal ileum. Histologically, each cecum exhibited a lamina propria-submucosa that contained aggregates of lymphocytes and few glandular acini throughout the length of the organ.Conclusion: It was suggested that the ceca of the common pigeon may be important in immunological response of the bird to invasion by antigens while playing some roles in the digestion of food materials. Moreover, the thickened oblique layer of smooth muscle fibers in the wall of the distal ileum may serve to regulate the passage of materials through the ileo-ceco-rectal orifice.Keywords: Cecum, common pigeon, distal ileum, lamina propria‑submucosa, sphincte

Distribution of Porcine Haemal Nodes and Morphological Variations in the Haemal Nodes of Cattle and West African Dwarf Goats

Apparently healthy, non-lactating, non-gravid adult large white pigs (15), adult cattle (10) and adult West African Dwarf (WAD) goats of either genders were used to investigate the morphology of haemal nodes using gross anatomical and histological techniques. The results demonstrated that the haemal nodes of pigs occurred in the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic regions along the course of blood vessels. The ranges of the longest diameters of the dark brown organs were 6.1 – 30.3 cm in pigs, 4.1 – 18.7 cm in cattle and 2.7 – 8.2 cm in WAD goats. Bovine haemal nodes showed cortical and medullary parenchymal areas, with the cortex demonstrating primary and secondary lymphoid follicles in a circumferential fashion. The medulla showed blood filled medullary sinusoids and medullary cords. In WAD goat, the reticular cells and smooth muscle cells of the capsule were oriented in different directions and the subcapsular, cortical and medullary sinusoids exhibited erythrocytes in pockets. In conclusion, the present study has provided information on the distribution of haemal nodes in pigs as well as other unique morphological features of cattle and WAD goat haemal nodes that could aid their identification and suggest their roles in the body

Testicular Morphology and Sperm Motility in Cultured African Catfish (<i>Clarias gariepinus</i>) at Different Stages of Development

Testicular morphology and sperm motility were evaluated in cultured Clarias gariepinus (n = 25) purposively assigned to five groups according to their age. The results showed that the testes were paired, elongated, dorso-ventrally flattened structures, situated in the caudal aspects of the body cavity. The mean length of both right and left testes increased linearly with age, being significantly (p < 0.05) higher at 6 months than at 4 and 5 months of age, and also significantly (p < 0.05) higher at 8 months than at 6 months of age, while the mean weight and organo-somatic index of the catfish testes increased linearly until 6 months of age, after which no significant (p > 0.05) increase in the testicular weight and organo-somatic index was observed. Unidirectional progressive movement of spermatozoa was detected in the milt of C. gariepinus at 6, 7 and 8 months of age, but sperm cells were non-motile at 4 and 5 months of age. Histological sections showed seminiferous lobules, whose germinal epithelia were characterized by many cysts enclosing clones of sperm cells. Each cyst enclosed a clone of sperm cells at an identical stage of spermatogenesis. Spermatids and spermatozoa were present in the lumen of the seminiferous lobule. The obtained results indicate that the morphology of the testes of C. gariepinus is similar to the testes of members of the order Siluriformes, but sexual maturity and production of motile spermatozoa may be achieved at 6 months of age in the African catfish

Reference Intervals for the Serum Biochemistry and Lipid Profile of Male Broodstock African Catfish (<i>Clarias gariepinus</i>: Burchell, 1822) at Varied Ages

The study established reference intervals and age variations in the serum biochemistry and lipid profile of cultured male broodstock African catfish. The evaluations were carried out on twenty-five (25) cultured male broodstock African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) of 6, 8, 9, 10 and 12 months of age. Standard biochemical procedures were carried out in all the serum biochemistry and lipid profile determinations. The overall mean ± SD values for the serum biochemistry parameters and lipid profile were as follows: alanine aminotransferase 17.49 ± 8.30 U/L; aspartate aminotransferase 125.76 ± 28.59 U/L; alkaline phosphatase 12.42 ± 2.56 U/L; total proteins 3.70 ± 1.49 g/dl; albumin 1.60 ± 0.30 g/dl; globulin 2.10 ± 1.38 g/dl; albumin/globulin 1.53 ± 1.71; total bilirubin 1.71 ± 0.51 mg/dl; direct bilirubin 0.36 ± 0.43 mg/dl; indirect bilirubin 1.35 ± 0.52 mg/dl; creatinine 1.13 ± 0.64 mg/dl; blood urea nitrogen 2.18 ± 2.47 mg/dl; total cholesterol 128.18 ± 40.22 mg/dl; HDL-C 26.36 ± 3.73 mg/dl; LDL-C 75.44 ± 9.30 mg/dl; VLDL-C 32.00 ± 2.03 mg/dl and triglyceride 160.00 ± 10.15 mg/dl. The results showed significant (P < 0.05) variations in all the serum biochemistry parameters and lipid profile of the studied fishes, across the different age groups except in the serum alkaline phosphatase activity. Therefore, the current report offers information that shall be useful to all carrying out experimental studies involving assay of these parameters in male broodstock African catfish

Semen quality parameters of cultured broodstock African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) of different ages

This study investigated the age-related variations in the semen volume, sperm count, spermatocrit, testicular and genital papillae allometric values as well as testicular histomorphologies of cultured male broodstock Clarias gariepinus at 6, 9 and 12 months of age. Each of these months constituted an age group and had 10 fish for the study which was performed in duplicate. The semen samples in all the groups were observed to be viscid and milky in colour; and had over 80% sperm motility. The means of the left testes semen volume, left testes and right testes spermatocrit of the 6 months group were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of the 9 and 12 months groups; while the 12 months group was significantly higher than those of 6 and 9 months. The means of the right testes, left testes and right testes sperm counts of the 6 months group were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of the 9 and 12 months groups. Sections of the testes of these fish at 6, 9 and 12 month of age upon histological examination showed similar features of their germinal epithelia and the lumina of their seminiferous tubules. It was concluded that 12 months old broodstock male catfish appear to be better candidates for spawning.Keywords: Clarias gariepinus, Age, Spermatozoa, Seminal vesicle, Testes, Semen, Spermatocri