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Pathological conditions of a male urethra, including fibrosis, have a mechanical background along the entire length of the urethra. They may be caused by excessive deformation of the urethra locally or globally. The condition of prolonged overload causes abnormal tissue remodelling and, consequently, the formation of a thick layer of scar tissue differentiated from the connective tissue of the urethra. This tissue, which has higher mechanical properties, is not highly deformable and therefore, causes a decrease in the diameter of the urethra, which results in conditions that disturb the natural flow of urine. In this paper, it was decided to determine the deformation conditions in the proximal part of the urethra. The study was conducted in three main stages. Transverse sections of the animal urethral tissues were prepared in order to examine mechanical properties and perform histological examinations. On the basis of these examinations, material models which fitted best for the experimental results were sought. Material constants of the Mooney-Rivlin material model with the best fit ratio were determined for further research. On the basis of histological photographs, a geometrical and numerical model of the urethra was developed. The urethra was tested in a flat state of deformation. The strain and stress fields of the Caucha tensor were examined. The methodology of testing the dynamics of the urine flow in the highly deformable urethra was proposed. This is important for the analysis of the influence of at excessive pressure on pathological tissue remodelling leading to fibrosis.

Prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics, delivered in ovo influence the colonization and development of the peripheral immune system in poultry. This study aimed to investigate the influence of the host genotype (broiler chickens [Ross 308] and old native Polish breed Green-legged Partridgelike [GP] chickens) on the number of B and T cells in the spleen and cecal tonsils (CT). The solution of a bioactive compound was injected in ovo on day 12 of egg incubation: prebiotics (galactooligosaccharides [GOS]), probiotics (Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris IBB477), and synbiotics (GOS + L. lactis). The samples were collected on day 7, day 21, and day 42 after hatching (n = 8). The number of Bu-1+ (B) cells, CD4+ cells, and CD8+ cells in the spleen and CT was estimated using immunohistochemistry. The number of germinal centers (GC) was determined in the spleen. In broilers, probiotics increased (P

Simple Summary Dioxins are proinflammatory factors that may be transferred to offspring through the placenta during pregnancy. α-tocopherol and acetylsalicylic acid are popular agents that limit the spread of inflammation. A histopathological and biochemical analysis was performed to reveal possible changes in liver and blood plasma in response to dioxins, α-tocopherol, and acetylsalicylic acid. The conducted research demonstrated the presence of negative effects on the liver morphology and blood plasma proteins of offspring, due to dioxins that were derived from the mother. However, the use of both drugs can significantly reduce the negative effects on offspring whose mothers have been treated with dioxins. Abstract Dioxins are chemical compounds that may cause an inflammatory reaction. During dioxin-induced inflammation, generated reactive oxygen species lead to morphological changes in various tissues and in biochemical parameters. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the changes in the livers of rats whose mothers were exposed to dioxins and the protective role of α-tocopherol and acetylsalicylic acid in liver inflammation. The study material consisted of Buffalo rats who were the offspring of females treated with dioxin, dioxin + α-tocopherol, or dioxin + acetylsalicylic acid. Livers and blood samples were taken from the rats’ offspring, and then histopathological and biochemical analyses were performed. The histopathological analysis showed that the changes observed in the livers of neonates were the result of the dioxins derived from their mother. The biochemical analysis showed that the morphological changes in the liver affected its function, which manifested in a higher total protein concentration in the dioxin-treated group, and that the creatinine level in this group was significantly higher than that in the other groups. This effect was reduced by the protective role of α-tocopherol and acetylsalicylic acid. Based on these results, we came to the conclusion that dioxins significantly affect the structure of the liver, which negatively affects its function, mainly in the scope of the metabolism of plasma proteins and hepatic enzymes.

This study aimed to establish the effect of dietary supplementation in broiler chickens of organic and inorganic selenium on the weight and structure of the thymus, bursa of Fabricius and spleen. Three dietary regimes were studied in Flex and F15 Hubbard chickens: (i) control, (ii) diets containing 0.5 mg organic selenium/kg by selenized yeast, (iii) diets supplemented with 0.5 mg ionic selenium/kg (sodium selenite). The results showed that the feed additives did not affect the relative weight of the immune system organs, i.e. bursa of Fabricius, thymus and spleen. The organic selenium in the F15 resulted in thinning of the thymic cortex and partial depletion of the lymphoid cells. Moreover, both the organic and inorganic selenium supplementation resulted in depopulation of bursal medulla from lymphocytes in the F15 group. In contrast, in Flex chickens no significant differences in histological structure and morphometric values of lymphoid organs between chickens fed organic and inorganic selenium were found.

Introduction: The aim of this research was to provide a detailed description of the morphology, topography, and histometry of rabbit accessory genital glands. Material and Methods: Seven male New Zealand White rabbits, 3–4 months of age and weighing 2.1–3 kg were used for the study. The whole urethra from the urinary bladder to the external urethral orifice accompanied by accessory genital glands was sliced at intervals of 1 mm. The serial sections were prepared with haematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Movat–Russell modified pentachrome stain. Results: A detailed description of the morphology and morphometry was provided. The topography of the organs was explained on the basis of characteristic cross-sections on histological slides. The inconsistent nomenclature and descriptions of these glands by different authors were also discussed. Conclusion: The morphometric analysis indicated that some of the glands described have similar dimensions in different individuals, while others like paraprostates revealed high diversity in the number of lobes, their size, and their structure. The accessory glands are also good topographic markers which precisely define the segment of the urethra. The terms “proprostate”, “prostate”, and “paraprostates” as the nomenclature of the prostate complex reflect the location of these glands well and indicate their common origin and function.

Introduction The aim of our study was to optimise an existing staining procedure: haematoxylin-eosin saffron (HES). The method follows the classical haematoxylin and eosin protocol with the addition of a staining step using natural saffron to better identify the collagen fibres. Material and Methods The saffron solution was obtained by dissolving ground saffron stigmas in absolute alcohol. In order to test the HES method for its staining ability on four main types of collagen (I, II, III, and IV), specific tissues (skin, tooth, cartilage, aorta, spleen, and penis) were chosen. Results The procedure showed a sharp differentiation between muscle, stained red or pink, and connective tissue, stained bright yellow or orange. Conclusion HES allows the diagnosis of reticulin fibrosis undetected in HE and in previous saffron staining procedures. HES represents an advantageous alternative to HE staining giving highly reproducible results with high diagnostic value.

The Lemon Frost is a new colour morph of the leopard gecko, which emerged in ca. 2015 as a result of selective breeding and spontaneous mutation. According to multiple breeders observation of Lemon Frost inbreeding with wild-type leopard geckos, Lemon Frost seems to be a codominant trait. Additionally breeders observed another, presumably associated trait - tumour-like skin lesions. Three private-owned Lemon Frost morph leopard geckos with tumour-like skin lesions were admitted to our clinic for examination, which included histopathology, X-ray and ultrasonography. The histopathological investigation of the biopsies indicated malignant iridophoroma; however, no changes were observed in diagnostic imaging. This research is the first report of clinical and histopathological findings of iridophoroma in leopard geckos.

Lymphocytic infiltrations located in the extracellular matrix often accompany canine skin cancer. They can be characterised as an inflammatory infiltration and/or a second tumour - lymphoma. The aim of this study was an immunohistochemical analysis of a lymphocytic infiltration which accompanies spontaneous skin cancer. Twenty basal cell carcinoma, 20 non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma, 20 keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma and 8 sebaceous gland carcinoma samples which were accompanied by a lymphocytic infiltration and/or secondary lymphatic follicles were verified histopathologically. The expression of bcl-2, CD3, CD79α, Ki-67, MCM-3 and MCM-7 in the lymphocytic infiltration was evaluated. Four types of lymphocytic infiltrations were found: I - diffuse bcl-2+, II - diffuse bcl-2-, III - follicular bcl-2+/- where the centre was bcl-2-, and the marginal zone of the follicles and the extrafollicular area were bcl-2+ and IV - aggregated bcl-2+, where the centre and periphery were bcl-2+. The I and IV type corresponds to lymphoma, II type is non-neoplastic immune response and III type suggest reactive follicular hyperplasia. The proliferation of lymphocytes which demonstrated the expression of neoplastic markers (I and IV), suggests preneoplastic phase (pseudolymphoma) or lymphoma - the second independent tumour. A high proliferative index of the follicular blc-2+/- follicular infiltration indicates an increased immunological response of the host against skin cancer.

This paper describes the relationship between the arrangement of dermal chromatophores in tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) skin and the formation of wild-type colouration, with emphasis on the ultrastructure of chromatophores. The samples of the tokay gecko skin were collected from wild-type colouration adult specimens. Morphology and distribution of chromatophores was determined by using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The present study revealed that orange/red coloured skin of G. gecko contained erythrophores, which were located under basement membrane, and usually comprised deeper situated iridophores and melanophores which were form single layer with iridophores or were occupying the deepest region of dermis. In orange/red coloured skin, erythrophores were the predominant chromatophores. However in blue areas these cells occurred in small numbers or were not noticed at all. In blue pigmented areas predominated iridophores and melanophores. Iridophores were found just under basement membrane, but this superficial location of iridophores occured only in areas without erythrophores. Distribution of erythrophores, melanophores, and iridophores determines the characteristic blue colour of the tokay gecko skin with orange/red dots on the whole body.

The study aimed to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with high dose of inorganic chromium from a new additive (soya meal enriched with Cr (III) by biosorption) on lymphatic cells in caecal tonsil of laying hens. The feeding experiment was conducted over 4 weeks on 60 laying hens from Hy-Line Brown line, aged 18 weeks. All birds were kept in a furnished Battery Cage System, in a room with a controlled climate conditions and light regimen of 13–15L:11–9D and were fed either a basal diet – control group (n = 30) or the basal diet supplemented with chromium – Cr-treated group (n = 30). The dietary treatments for Cr-treated group consisted of the basal diet supplemented with 87.7 mg kg−1 chromium from a enriched soya meal (20.588 ± 0.212 mg of Cr(III) g−1). The samples of caecal tonsils were stained against chicken Bu-1, CD4, and CD8α antigens and the positive area fractions were counted. It was revealed that the population of CD4+ cells was significantly higher (p < 0.001) by unchanged number of the Bu-1+ and CD8α+ cells in caecal tonsils of chromium-supplemented hens. The obtained results showed that the supplementation with high dose of chromium from a enriched soya meal stimulates the adaptive immune system in the caecal tonsil what may enhance the response against potentially dangerous antigens.

Phenothiazines represent a class of compounds of potential therapeutic utility. In this report we evaluated therapeutic value of an azaphenothiazine derivative, 6-acetylaminobutyl-9-chloroquino[3,2-b]benzo[1,4]thiazine (QBT), given intragastrically, in the model of dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in C57BL/6 mice using 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) as a reference drug. Colitis symptoms such as body weight loss, diarrhea and hematochezia (blood in stool) were observed and registered and disease activity index (DAI) was calculated. In addition, weight and cell numbers in the lymphatic organs and histological parameters of the colon wall were analyzed. The effects of QBT on viability of colon epithelial cell lines were also determined. We showed that weight and cell number of draining mesenteric lymph nodes were lower in mice treated with QBT in comparison to their control counterparts. The number of thymocytes, drastically reduced in control mice, was elevated in mice treated with the compounds with a significant effect of 5-ASA. In addition, an abnormal composition of blood cell types was partially corrected in these groups. Histological analysis of the colon revealed that the pathological changes were partially normalized by QBT and even to a higher degree by 5-ASA. In conclusion we demonstrated a therapeutic efficacy of the compound in amelioration of local and systemic pathological changes associated with chemically-induced colitis in mice. A possible mechanism of action of the compound is discussed.

The Lemon Frost is a new colour morph of the leopard gecko, which emerged in ca. 2015 as a result of selective breeding and spontaneous mutation. According to multiple breeders observation of Lemon Frost inbreeding with wild-type leopard geckos, Lemon Frost seems to be a codominant trait. Additionally breeders observed another, presumably associated trait - tumour-like skin lesions. Three private-owned Lemon Frost morph leopard geckos with tumour-like skin lesions were admitted to our clinic for examination, which included histopathology, X-ray and ultrasonography. The histopathological investigation of the biopsies indicated malignant iridophoroma; however, no changes were observed in diagnostic imaging. This research is the first report of clinical and histopathological findings of iridophoroma in leopard geckos.

The effect of the in ovo application of selected prebiotics and synbiotics on the humoral immune response against T-dependent (SRBC) and T-independent (dextran) antigens and delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to phytohemagglutinin was studied. On the 12th day of incubation, 800 eggs (Ross 308) were divided into five groups and injected into the egg air chamber with prebiotic inulin (Pre1), Bi2tos (Pre2), a synbiotic composed of inulin and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis IBB SL1 (Syn1), a synbiotic composed of Bi2tos and L. lactis subsp. cremoris IBB SC1 (Syn2), and physiological saline (control group, C). The chickens were immunized twice at the 7th and 21st day of life with SRBC and dextran. A DTH test was performed on the 7th, 21st, and 35th day. The application of prebiotics and synbiotics had no significant effect on the humoral immune response. SRBC-immunized in ovo Pre1- and Pre2-treated chickens showed significantly higher serum IgG levels than the control. A significant effect on the DTH reaction was detected on the 7th (Pre1 &lt, C) and 21st (Pre2 &gt, Syn2) day. However, Bi2tos may transiently stimulate the cellular immune response on the 21st day. It may be concluded that the application of inulin in an egg air chamber on the 12th day of incubation may stimulate the secondary immune response. The inulin-treated group exhibited a lower mortality rate than the control group.

The aim of this study was to describe the ultrastructure and arrangement of pigment cells in the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) skin to explain how wild-type coloration is formed. The study also attempted to explain, on a morphological level, how skin colour changes occur. Samples of leopard gecko skin were collected from wild-type coloration adult specimens. The morphology of pigmented cells was determined using light microscopy on haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained sections and in transmission electron microscopy. These studies indicate that skin of E. macularis contains xanthophores and melanophores but lacks iridophores and that this is probably related to nocturnal activity. The number and distribution of xanthophores and melanophores determines the skin colour and pigmentation pattern. The colour changes depend on the arrangement of characteristic protrusions of melanophores and the degree of filling them with melanosomes.

Prebiotics and probiotics, either alone or together (synbiotics), can influence the intestinal microbiota and modulate the immune response. We aimed to investigate the effects of prebiotic and synbiotic administration during the early stage of development on the histological structures of central (bursa of Fabricius and thymus) and peripheral (spleen) lymphatic organs in broilers. We used 800 hatching eggs from meat-type hens (Ross 308). Prebiotics and synbiotics were administered in ovo into the air chamber of chicken eggs at d 12 incubation, as follows: prebiotic inulin (Pre1), Bi2tos (Pre2), a synbiotic composed of inulin and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis IBB SL1 (Syn1), a synbiotic composed of Bi2tos and L. lactis subsp. cremoris IBB SC1 (Syn2), or physiological saline (control group, C). In ovo delivery of prebiotics and synbiotics had no adverse effect on the development of the immune system in exposed chickens. Administration of Bi2tos with L. lactis subsp. cremoris (Syn2) decreased the cortex/medulla ratio in the thymus and slowed the development of the cortex in bursal follicles on d 21 posthatching, with consequent impacts on the primary lymphatic organs. The above treatment also stimulated germinal centers' formation in the spleens of 21- and 35-day-old chickens, indicating enhanced B-cell proliferation in secondary lymphatic organs. Syn2 also caused an age-dependent increase in the spleen/bursa of Fabricius ratio. In conclusion, the in ovo administration of pre- and synbiotics at d 12 incubation can modulate the central and peripheral lymphatic organ development in broilers. This effect is more pronounced after synbiotic treatment than in prebiotic-treated groups.

The therapeutic efficacy of topically applied azaphenothiazine derivatives: 9-chloro-6-acetylaminobutylquinobenzo[3,2-b][1,4]thiazine (compound 4) and 6-chloroethylureidoethyldiquino[3,2-b;2';3'-e][1,4]thiazine (compound 5) in the amelioration of inflammatory symptoms of imiquimod-induced psoriasis in mice was investigated. Clobederm®, containing clobetasol propioniate, served as a reference drug. The application of the compounds led to thinning of the epidermis and reduction of the cell layers. The suppressive actions of the compounds were even stronger with regard to pathological changes of the dermis. The compounds also exerted generalized, anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the number of circulating leukocytes, lowering subiliac lymph node weight and partially normalizing an altered blood cell composition. The changes in the composition of main cell types in the epidermis and dermis were less affected by the compounds. In addition, both compounds inhibited to a similar degree production of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α) in human whole blood cell culture. Whereas compound 5 strongly inhibited IL-8 and CXCL10 chemokines in human keratinocytes - KERTr cell line, transfected with poly(I:C), the suppressive action of compound 4 in this model was weak. In addition, compound 5, but not compound 4, exhibited at low doses proapoptotic properties with regard to colonic cell lines. In summary, we demonstrated the therapeutic potential of two selected azaphenotiazines in the amelioration of the skin pathology elicited in a mouse experimental model of psoriasis.

In this work we investigated the efficacy of two topically applied azaphenothiazine derivatives, 9-chloro-6-acetylaminobutylquinobenzo[3,2-b][1,4]thiazine (compound 4) and 6-chloroethylureidoethyldiquino[3,2-b;2';3'-e][1,4]thiazine (compound 5), in the amelioration of inflammatory symptoms of contact sensitivity (CS) to oxazolone in mice, in relation to the commercial ointment Protopic® (tacrolimus), the reference drug. The compounds were administered 24 h following elicitation of CS and, 24 h later, the parameters of inflammation, such as ear edema, blood composition, leukocyte level, numbers of cells in the draining lymph nodes, histological picture of the inflamed tissue, and the morphometric analysis, were analyzed. The study showed that the effectiveness of the studied azaphenothiazines applied as a 0.1% ointment was comparable to the reference drug regarding suppression of the inflammatory process, when all the investigated histological parameters are taken into account.

The study aimed to demonstrate the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) in soft tissue mesenchymal tumours (fibroma and fibrosarcoma) in dogs. An attempt was made to correlate the obtained results with density of blood vessels (expression of von Willebrand Factor, vWF), expression of Ki-67 proliferation antigen, and with intensity of apoptosis in studied tumours. The study was performed on paraffin sections of 15 fibromas and 40 fibrosarcomas sampled from 55 female dogs aged 6 to 16 years. Immunohistochemical staining against HIF-1α, vWF, and Ki-67 was performed. Apoptosis was detected with the use of TUNEL reaction. A significantly higher HIF-1α expression was noted in fibrosarcomas in comparison to fibromas (P < 0.0001). HIF-1α expression in fibromas manifested strong positive correlation with tumour vascularity (r = 0.67, P = 0.007). Moreover, HIF-1α expression in fibrosarcomas manifested a moderate positive correlation with tumour malignancy grade (r = 0.44, P = 0.004), tumour vascularity (r = 0.52, P < 0.001), Ki-67 antigen expression (r = 0.42; P = 0.007), and TUNELpositive cells (r = 0.37, P = 0.017). Expression of HIF-1α was detected in 86.7% of fibroma type tumours and in 100% of fibrosarcomas. In all studied tumours expression of HIF-1α manifested positive correlation with the density of blood vessels, and in fibrosarcomas it correlated also with malignancy grade, intensity of Ki-67 expression, and with intensity of apoptosis in tumour cells.

Marek’s disease (MD) outbreaks in poultry flocks may be associated with overriding of vaccine immune protection by very virulent (vvMDV) or very virulent plus (vv+MDV) strains. This paper presents the study on lymphoid organ morphology in the latent phase of MD caused by vv+MDV which break post-vaccinal protection in hens. We also immunohistochemically examined B and T populations as well as B/T and CD4+/CD8+ ratio of lymphocytes in lymphatic organs and, as a background, in MD lymphomas from non-lymphatic organs. The number of antigen expressed cells was evaluated as a percentage of positive cells in the one power field. Organ samples were collected from 24 dead reproductive hens (Ross 308 line) in age between 35-56 weeks, infected with vv+MDV. The hens originated from farms with MD outbreaks, despite earlier routine vaccination with CVI988/Rispens + HVT. The control organ samples originated from 15 clinically healthy hens at the same age and line, subjected to the same vaccination schedule. The number of CD3+, CD8+ and TCRγδ+ cells was significantly lower in MDV infected thymus, spleen and cecal tonsils in comparison to that found in the control organs. The proportion of CD4+ was also distinctly reduced in the thymus and limited in the spleen of MDV infected hens. This study revealed that infection with field vv+MDV isolates might break post-vaccinal protection and influence the central and peripheral immune system. The decrease in CD8+ and TCRγδ+ cell number in the thymus, spleen and cecal tonsils suggests that primarily these cells are involved in cell-mediated cytotoxicity against MDV transformed cells during latency.

The purpose of this study was to examine how pre- and synbiotic administration in ovo into the air chamber at d 12 of egg incubation influenced the specific immune cell composition and distribution in the ileum, cecal tonsils (CT) and bursa of Fabricius of broilers. The experiment was performed on 800 hatching eggs of the meat-type chickens (Ross 308). Hatching eggs were treated with: prebiotic, consisting of inulin (Pre1) or Bi(2)tos(®) (Pre2); symbiotic, composed of inulin and Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis IBB SL1 (Syn1) or Bi(2)tos and Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris IBB SC1 (Syn2); or physiological saline as a control group. Seven chickens from each treatment group were randomly selected on , 1, 7, and 21 after hatch for tissue collection. Ileum, cecal tonsil and bursa of Fabricius samples were immunohistochemically stained and the proportions of Bu-1(+), CD3(+), CD4(+), CD8α(+) and TCRγδ(+) cells were estimated. It was indicated that the pre- and synbiotics do not adversely affect the development of the GALT of the chicken. The temporary decrease in B-cell number in bursa on d 7 after hatch suggested an increased colonization rate of the peripheral lymphoid organs by these cells after Pre1, Pre2, and Syn2 treatment. In CT at d 7 after hatch more potent colonization of the GALT by T cells was observed in all pre- and synbiotic treated groups and by B cells in both synbiotic-treated groups than those in respective controls. Then, on d 21 in both synbiotic-treated groups, an increase in T-cell number in ileum was also noticed with faster colonization of the CT by B cells. In 21-day-old chickens, both synbiotics exerted stronger stimulatory effect on the GALT colonization by T cells then prebiotics respectively. Similarly, the colonization by B cells was more pronounced in the Syn2 than in the Pre2 group. The data obtained in this study indicated that prebiotics and particularly synbiotics administrated in ovo stimulated GALT development after hatch.

The bat skin shows an unusual morphology that corresponds to adaptations to flying but also performs multiple functions like thermoregulation; gas exchange and water control and provides a protective barrier against the impact of environment and parasites. Here, we compare the microscopic structure of skin collected from the wing and tail membrane with other body parts in the Common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)in relation to parasite availability. Statistical analysis of whole skin thickness revealed two main groups of body regions: the first with thin skin (wing membrane and tail membrane) and the second with thick skin (abdomen, footpad, head and dorsum), with thickness differing significantly between these groups. The stratum corneum of the footpad was thicker than that found in other body regions. We also focus on the distribution of hairs and mast cells in the bat skin as well as their scale morphology. Furthermore, we established a new exact method of hair density evaluation in bats. We found that the density of hairs in the dorsal and ventral area was similar but it was significantly higher in the head region. The highest density of hair in the area between the ears may be a factor in choosing the preferential location by parasites. The scale morphology was found variable along axis. In the first to fourth sections of a hair, the scales were long and narrow and their upper margin was wider than their lower margin. In the fifth section of a hair, the scales were smaller and square in transverse section. On other hand, hair morphology did not varied between body regions. Mast cells were numerous in the hairy areas of the dorsum and abdomen or wing trabeculae. These were mainly located around vessels and hair follicles in the skin, which are easily accessible to ectoparasites; therefore, the accumulation of mast cells is essential in this area.

Humoral immune responses in birds, contrary to mammals, depend on the normal functioning of bursa Fabricii. Recent studies have delivered new information about the structure, development and origin of cells that compose the bursa environment. Several viral infections affect bursa, causing lymphocyte depletion or excessive proliferation. This review summarizes data on the development and histology of healthy bursa and introduces some common disorders that affect this organ.

Antibiotics are commonly used to prevent and treat poultry microbial infections, but certain antibiotic families depress humoral immunity, such as antibody production. Poultry humoral immunity depends on the normal functioning of the bursa of Fabricius and the B lymphocytes that mature in that gland. In this study, recommended therapeutic doses of enrofloxacin, florfenicol, or ceftiofur were administered to 2-d-old chicks. On d 7 post-hatch, bursae were sampled for histological, immunohistochemical, and flow cytometric determination of Bu-1-positive (Bu-1+) cell number, percentage, and distribution. The bursa of Fabricius from all treatment and control groups had normal morphology. The administration of antibiotics significantly decreased the number of Bu-1+ cells in the bursal medulla, with a simultaneous increase of these cells in the cortex. Flow cytometry revealed a significant decrease in the percentage of bursal Bu-1+ cells from all of the studied antibiotics: enrofloxacin (93.91 ± 3.27), florfenicol (87.84 ± 7.14), and ceftiofur (89.16 ± 5.68) compared with that of the control (96.48 ± 2.60). The combination of reduced percentages of Bu-1+ cells and a decrease in these cells in the medullary region suggests lower B cell maturation.

Vitamin D-binding protein (also called DBP or Gc-globulin) is recognized as a multifunctional protein involved in the action scavenger system, the transport of vitamin D sterols, and the modulation of immune and inflammatory responses. This study evaluated total serum and peritoneal concentrations of vitamin D-binding protein in women with endometriosis, known as an inflammation-associated disease.The total concentration of DBP was measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a polyclonal antibody raised in a goat immunized with human DBP. Serum and peritoneal fluid were collected from women with endometriosis (n=26) and from patients with benign gynecological conditions serving as a control group (n=17).In general, the vitamin D-binding protein concentration was higher in serum than in peritoneal fluid. Women with endometriosis had higher serum but lower peritoneal levels of DBP compared with the control group; however, no significance was noted. When the endometriosis group was divided with regard to severity, an insignificantly higher serum level of DBP was observed in advanced endometriosis compared with the mild form of the disease, whereas the peritoneal concentration was not dependent on disease severity.It is concluded that serum and peritoneal DBP concentrations are not affected in women with endometriosis; however, based on the latest published data, it is possible that both the serum and peritoneal concentrations of vitamin D-binding protein may be dependent on Gc genotype, which results in differential modulation of monocyte/macrophage activity.

Malignant lymphoma is one among the most often diagnosed malignant tumors in dogs. In the course of the disease lymphatic glands become enlarged and infiltrations form in internal organs or skin. Studies on the ultrastructure of neoplastic lymphocytes were carried out on a formalin-fixed and parafin-embedded material with a Hulquist and Karlsson's method. Numerous aplastic cells with large nuclei, abundan eu- or heterochromatin and unstabilised nucleolus were observed on TEM slides. The cells differed clearly from normal lymphocytes with highly condesed heterochromatin and stabilised nucleoli.

Background The study aimed at examining hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)1α expression in adenocarcinomas and adenomas in bitches in regard to tumour malignancy grade, proliferation, apoptosis and vascularisation. Therefore, paraffin sections of 15 adenomas and 64 adenocarcinomas sampled from 79 dogs aged 6 to 16 years were analysed. Results A significantly higher HIF-1α expression was noted in adenocarcinomas in comparison to adenomas (P P P P P Conclusion Results of this study indicate a similar biological role of HIF-1α in dogs and in humans, which may confirm suitability of the animal model in investigations on progression of tumours in humans.