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The cellular composition of the testicular capsule, seminiferous peritubular tissue, the epithelia as well as periductal muscle cell layers of the excurrent ducts was studied, in sexually mature and active Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus) birds of the passerine family, Ploceidae. Ultrastructure of the contractile cells in the testicular capsule, peritubular and periductal tissues showed that these cells were smooth muscles of typical morphological characteristics. Variability in the immunohistochemical co-expression of microfilaments and intermediate filaments in the different tissues was evident. Actin and desmin proteins were co-expressed immunohistochemically in the testicular capsule and seminiferous peritubular smooth muscle layer. Actin was singly and very weakly expressed in the rete testis epithelium while cytokeratins and desmin were co-expressed in the epithelium of the excurrent ducts. The periductal muscle layer of all ducts of the epididymis, the ductus deferens as well as the seminal glomus, strongly co-expressed actin and desmin. Vimentin was absent in all cells and tissue types studied. There is clear evidence that the tissues of the male gonad and its excurrent ducts in the Masked Weaver, as has been reported for members of the Galloanserae and Ratitae, contain well-formed contractile tissues whose function would include the transportation of luminal through-flow from the testis into, and through, its excurrent ducts. The microtubule helix in the head and of the mid-piece, of elongating spermatids, as well as of the mature spermatozoa in the various excurrent ducts, including some spermatozoa in the seminal glomus, also co-expressed these three proteins.

The volumetric proportion of the various ducts of the epididymis of the emu and ostrich and the immunohistochemistry of actin microfilaments, as well as cytokeratin, desmin and vimentin intermediate filaments, were studied in the various ducts of the epididymis of the emu and ostrich. The volumetric proportions of various ducts, which are remarkably different from those of members of the Galloanserae monophyly, are as follows: the rete testis, 5.2 +/- 1.4% for the emu and 2.4 +/- 1.8% for the ostrich; efferent ducts, 14.2 +/- 2.3% (emu) and 11.8 +/- 1.8% (ostrich); epididymal duct unit, 25.8 +/- 5.8% (emu) and 26.1 +/- 4.1% (ostrich) and connective tissue and its content, 54.7 +/- 5.8% (emu) and 60.0 +/- 4.9% (ostrich). Unlike in mammals and members of the Galloanserae monophyly, only vimentin was immunohistochemically demonstrated in the rete testis epithelium of the emu, and none of the cytoskeletal protein elements in the ostrich rete testis. The epithelium of the efferent ducts of the emu co-expressed actin, cytokeratin and desmin in the non-ciliated type I cells, and vimentin in the ciliated cell component. The ostrich demonstrated only cytokeratin in this epithelium. The ratite epididymal duct unit is different from that of mammals in lacking actin (only weaky expression in the ostrich), desmin and cytokeratin, and a moderate/strong immunoexpression of vimentin in the basal cells and basal parts of the NC type III cell in the epididymal duct unit. Immunoexpression of the microfilaments and intermediate filaments varied between the two ratite birds, as has been demonstrated previously in birds of the Galloanserae monophyly, and in mammals.

The epididymal duct unit, comprising the ductus conjugens, ductus epididymidis and ductus deferens, was studied histologically, ultrastructurally and immunohistochemically in five sexually mature and active birds. The main morphological features of the pre-dominant non-ciliated (type III) cell of the epithelial lining of this duct unit include, but are not limited to, a moderately abundant smooth or sparsely granulated endoplasmic reticulum, electron-dense secretory granules and numerous mitochondria in the supranuclear zone of the cytoplasm. A single, large heterogeneous lipid droplet, of unknown function, was characteristically situated immediately proximal to the nucleus. The epithelium is obviously secretory and specifically, of the merocrine, and not apocrine, type of secretion. The epithelium of the epididymal duct unit was only focally and weakly to moderately immunopositive to both actin MF and desmin IF, while the duct unit was immunonegative to cytokeratin and vimentin intermediate filaments. The peritubular muscular layer was moderately to strongly positive to both actin and desmin, and negative to cytokeratins and vimentin.

The testicular capsule and peritubular boundary tissue of the emu and ostrich, as typical representatives of ratite birds, were studied in sexually mature and active birds. The testicular capsule was much thicker (578.1+/-73.4 microm for the free surface of the ostrich testis, and 176.2+/-57.5 microm for the emu) than those of members of the Galloanserae. The cellular composition of both testicular capsule and peritubular tissue was similar generally to that of members of the previously studied Galloanserae and of mammals. The tunica albuginea of the testicular capsule mainly comprised smooth-muscle-like or myoid cells mostly running in one direction and occurring in one main mass. Unlike the Galloanserae, the tunica albuginea contained more collagen fibres than smooth muscle cells, especially in the ostrich. Peritubular tissue was similarly composed of smooth-muscle-like cells distributed in several layers. Actin microfilaments and desmin and vimentin intermediate filaments were variably immunoexpressed in these two tissue types in both birds, with a clear dichotomy in the peritubular tissue. Thus, taken together with studies of some members of the Galloanserae, avian testes clearly contain a morphological mechanism that is represented partly by the smooth muscle cells of the testicular capsule and peritubular tissue for transporting the testicular fluid, which is usually copious in birds, and its cellular content from the testis into the excurrent duct system; this mechanism is similar to that found in mammals.

The effects protein-energy malnourishment on the kidney morphology, kidney tissue markers of oxidative stress, tissue toxicity and plasma micro-elements in carbendazim-treated adult male Wistar rats were evaluated. Forty rats were divided into 4 groups fed low (4.11%) or normal (17.78%) protein-energy diets (LP and NP, respectively) and orally administered 200 mg carbendazim/kg body weight (LPC; NPC)/day for 14 days. Control groups received oil (LPO; NPO). Carbendazim reduced the relative body weight gains of the rats relative to the NPO, independent of their protein-energy diet status. Significant elevations (ρ < 0.05) in the profiles of MDA, GSH, SOD, total bilirubin, conjugated bilirubin, urea, Ni, Se and lead were observed in the LPC group relative to the NPO group. The NPC group showed significantly decreased (ρ < 0.05) levels of MDA and Zn relative to the NPO. However, the concentrations of CAT, GSH, total bilirubin, unconjugated bilirubin, Se and As were significantly elevated in the NPC relative to the NPO groups. Although histomorphological changes were observed in the kidney of the carbendazim-treated group on normal protein diet, protein-energy malnutrition did not exacerbate lesions which were contrary to tissue MDA which was elevated in LPC. The alterations in the profiles of tissue markers of oxidative stress, kidney function tests and some micro-nutrients observed in the kidney suggest that the toxic effects of carbendazim is more pronounced in the kidney of protein-energy malnourished rats. Keywords : Carbendazim, protein-energy malnourishment, kidney toxicity, micro-elements.

This paper presents the effects of alcohol on the morphology of seminiferous tubules of testes of Wistar rat offspring exposed to alcohol during pregnancy and/or lactation. Seventy five adult female Wistar rats divided into 3 groups of 25 each and their offsprings were used. The offspring of group 1 served as control, those of group 2 were exposed to 2 g/kg body weight of 30% ethanol ( v / v ) during pregnancy and lactation (APL) while those of group 3 were exposed to the same dose of ethanol during lactation only (AL). At Day (D) 7, 14, 21, 35 and 49 of postnatal life, 5 male offspring were randomly selected from the three groups and sacrificed. After the sacrifice, the two testes were dissected out and then prepared for routine histological evaluation. The result of the study showed that the seminiferous epithelia of the testes of the alcohol-exposed groups were characterized by few adluminal as well as defoliated germ cells. The result further showed significant reduction (P

The effect of maternal alcohol consumption on the growth of the ovary and follicle- stimulating hormone were investigated in female rat offspring whose dams were exposed to alcohol during pregnancy and/or lactation. Three groups of virgin female rats comprising of 25 each and 15 male Wistar rats were used to produce 75 female offspring used in the investigation. The offspring of group 1 served as control while the offspring of group 2 was exposed to 2 g/kg body weight of 30% ethanol (v/v) in water during pregnancy and lactation (APL) while those of group 3 were exposed to the same dose of ethanol during lactation only (AL). At Day (D)7, D14, D21, D35 and D49 of postnatal life, 5 female offspring were randomly selected from each of the three groups and sacrificed. After the sacrifice, the two ovaries were dissected out, their weights determined and processed for light microscopy. The results of the investigation showed reductions in the weights and degeneration of the granulosa cells of the ovary and steady increase in the levels of folliclestimulating hormone in the alcohol-exposed groups when compared with the control. These reductions in ovarian weights may have implications on female fertility.

The fate of the proximal centriole in passeridan birds is an area of controversy and relative lack of knowledge in avian spermatogenesis and spermatology. This study examines, for the first time, spatiotemporal changes in the centriolar complex in various phases of spermiogenesis in a passerine bird, the Masked weaver (Ploceus velatus). It also describes the configuration of the centriolar complex and the relationship between it and the granular body in both intra- and extra-testicular spermatozoa. It is shown that the proximal centriole is retained and attaches, at its free end, to the granular body of spermatids in every step of spermiogenesis, as well as in mature intra-testicular and post-testicular spermatozoa, including those in the lumen of the seminal glomus. As the centriolar complex, along with its attached granular body, approaches the nucleus in the early spermatid, the proximal centriole articulates with the distal centriole at an acute angle of about 45°, and thereafter, both centrioles, still maintaining this conformation, implant, by means of their articulating proximal ends, at the implantation fossa of the nucleus. In the mature spermatid and spermatozoon, the granular body winds itself helically around the centriolar complex in the neck/midpiece region of the cell, and, thus, becomes the granular helix. The significance of this observation must await future studies, including possible phylogenetic re-evaluation and classification of birds.

One billion erythrocytes lysate samples obtained from pregnant (28-day old) and non-pregnant groups or New Zealand white Chinchilla rabbits (eight rabbits per group) were analysed to determine the influence of pregnancy on the profile of some of the intracellular electrolytes, enzymes, lipids, proteins and rnetabolites. The intracellular concentrations of sodium (Na+), Bicarbonate (HCO3), Alanine amino transferase (ALT, EC 2.6.1.1), Aspartate amino transferase (AST, EC 2.6.1.1). Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT EC 2.3.2.2) and triglycerides were significantly Increased (P < 0.01) in the pregnant group when compared to the nonpregnant group. The levels of potassium (K+), Sodium -Potassium ratio (Na+/K+ ratio), cholesterol creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) alkaline phosphatase (AP, EC 3.1.3.1), total protein and albumin were notsignificantly altered during pregnancy. Pregnancy altered the metabolism of erythrocytes in the rabbits.

No Abstract Bulletin of Animal Health and Production in Africa Vol. 54 (4) 2006: pp. 302-305

The presence, location and degree of immunoexpression of various microfilament (MF) and intermediate filament (IF) systems (actin, cytokeratins, desmin, vimentin) were studied in the excurrent ducts of the testis in sexually mature and active galliform (Japanese quail, domestic fowl, turkey) and anseriform (duck) birds. These proteins were variably expressed between the epithelia and periductal tissue (periductal smooth muscle cell layer and interductal connective tissue) types and between species. Variable heterogeneous co-expression of filament systems was also found in the various duct epithelia and periductal tissue types: co-expression of filament systems was the rule rather than the exception. In the duck, neither vimentin nor cytokeratin was present in any of the tissues, whereas actin and desmin (absent in the rete testis) were co-expressed in the efferent ducts and epididymal duct unit (comprising the ductus conjugens, ductus epididymidis and ductus deferens). Actin, desmin and vimentin were generally co-expressed in the rete testis, efferent ducts and epididymal duct unit of the quail, domestic fowl and turkey, with vimentin being more strongly immunoreactive than actin and desmin in the epididymal duct unit, but more weakly immunoexpressed in the efferent ducts. Cytokeratin was present and co-expressed with actin, desmin and vimentin in the rete testis, efferent ducts and epididymal duct unit of the domestic fowl and turkey, but not in the quail and duck. The periductal smooth muscle cell layer and interductal tissue co-expressed actin, desmin and vimentin variably in all birds. Luminal spermatozoa of both the turkey and duck were immunonegative for all protein systems, whereas those of the quail and domestic fowl co-expressed actin, desmin and vimentin moderately or strongly. The tissues of the reproductive tract of male birds thus contain cytoskeletal protein systems that are variably but mostly co-expressed and whose contractile ability appears necessary and sufficient for transportation through the various excurrent ducts of the voluminous testicular fluid and its high sperm content, characteristic features of male avian reproduction.

The testicular capsule was studied histologically, morphometrically, ultrastructurally and immunohistochemically in the Japanese quail, domestic fowl, turkey and duck (all members of the Galloanserae). The testicular capsule was, relative to mammals, thin, being 81.5 +/- 13.7 microm in the quail, 91.7 +/- 6.2 microm in the domestic fowl, 104.5 +/- 29.8 microm in the turkey and 91.8 +/- 18.9 microm in the duck. The orchido-epididymal border (hilus) of the capsule was much thicker than elsewhere in all birds (from 233.7 +/- 50.7 microm in the duck to 550.0 +/- 147.3 microm thick in the turkey). The testicular capsule, other than the tunica serosa and tunica vasculosa, comprised, in the main, smooth muscle-like or myoid cells running mainly in one direction, and disposed in one main mass. Peritubular tissue was similarly composed of smooth muscle-like cells disposed in several layers. Actin and desmin intermediate filaments were immunolocalized in the inner cellular layers of the capsule in the quail, domestic fowl and duck, but uniformly in the turkey. Vimentin intermediate filament immunoreaction in the capsule was moderately and uniformly positive in the testicular capsule of only the quail. Actin and desmin, but not vimentin (except very faintly in the turkey) or cytokeratin, were immunolocalized in the peritubular tissue of all birds. The results therefore establish, or complement, some previous observations that these birds have contractile cells in their testicular capsule and peritubular tissue, whose function probably includes the transport of testicular fluid into the excurrent duct system.

The prevalence of antibodies to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in Nigerian indigenous chickens raised in Ibadan was surveyed using the indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera from 161 chickens from 3 are as of Ibadan viz University campus, Agbowo and Oremeji were analysed. The prevalence rate obtained ranged between 52.5% and 83.4% with an overall prevalence of 73.3%. The extent and implication of NDV activity in the Nigerian indigenous chicken as well as the advantages, sensitivity and usefulness of ELISA in serological investigation were discussed. (Af. J. of Clinical and Experimental Microbiology: 2002 3(1): 38-40)

Haematological, plasma biochemical and whole blood electrolytes profiles were determined in normal live-captured and rehabilitated adult African grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck). Data obtained did not show statistical evidence of sexual dimorphism in haematological, plasma and whole blood biochemical parameters of the cane rats, excepting plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) values which were very significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the males than in the females. The haematological plasma biochemical and whole blood clinical chemistry values observed from the African grasscutter (cane rat) were compared with the data reported in the same tropical environment in humans, wild and domestic mammalian species. (Tropical Veterinarian: 2002 20(1): 27-35)