Elarab, Samar M. Ez, Alsafy, Mohamed A.M., El‐Gendy, Samir A.A., El‐Bakary, Neveen E.R., Elsayed Noreldin, Ahmed, and Rashwan, Ahmed M.
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. Highlights: The donkey's remarkable ability to endure substantial loads over long distances while maintaining equilibrium suggests the presence of a specialized cerebellar architecture dedicated to balance regulation.The objective of this study is to investigate the intricate histophysiology of the donkey's cerebellum using advanced ultrastructural and immunohistochemical methodologies, aiming to comprehend the mechanisms governing this exceptional balancing ability.This study pioneers the comprehensive description of the ultrastructure and immunohistochemistry within the donkey cerebellum, representing a groundbreaking investigation in the field.Five adult donkeys' cerebella were utilized in this study, employing staining techniques such as hematoxylin, eosin, and toluidine blue to facilitate a comprehensive histological examination.Immunohistochemical investigation involved synaptophysin, calretinin, and glial fibrillary acidic protein, evaluated using Image J software, providing valuable insights into their potential roles in regulating neuronal activity and synaptic connectivity.Double immunofluorescence staining of synaptophysin and neuron‐specific enolase highlighted their co‐localization and potential contribution to synaptic function within the donkey cerebellum.Scanning electron microscopy revealed that Purkinje cells had a triangular or oval shape with a meandering outer surface, and the dendrites appeared to have small spines.Transmission electron microscopy showed that the cytoplasm of Purkinje cells contained various organelles, including mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, Golgi apparatus, multivesicular bodies, and lysosomes.In conclusion, this study sheds light on the anatomical and cellular characteristics underlying the donkey's exceptional balance‐maintaining abilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]