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This study aimed to investigate and characterize the spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in buffaloes at different stages of development, including prenatal, neonatal, prepubertal, and adult testes. We sought a comprehensive understanding of these cells through a combination of histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural analyses. Specifically, we examined changes in the expression of two potential SSC markers, OCT4 and PGP9.5, using immunohistochemistry. Additionally, we conducted a real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to assess the relative gene expression of OCT4 and PGP9.5. The relative expression of the OCT4 gene was down-regulated in the adult testes compared to its expression during prepubertal and neonatal life. The relative expression of the PGP9.5 gene was up-regulated in the neonatal testes and down-regulated in the prepubertal and adult testes. The spermatogonia were round, oval-to-ellipsoidal cells lying over the basement membrane (BM) with a round-to-oval nucleus. Based on the immunoexpression of the putative SSC markers, OCT4 and PGP9.5, we concluded that the proportion of stem cells was highest during the neonatal stage, followed by the prepubertal and prenatal stages. This finding sheds light on the dynamics of spermatogonial stem cells in buffalo testes at different developmental stages, providing valuable insights into these cells' regulation and potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gross morphological examination of native caprine heart valves revealed distinctive structural characteristics of the caprine's cardiac anatomy. Four primary orifices were identified, each protected by thin, valve‐like structures. Atrioventricular orifices featured tricuspid and bicuspid valves, while the aorta and pulmonary arteries were guarded by semilunar valves. Within the atrioventricular apparatus, distinct features were observed including the tricuspid valve's three leaflets and the bicuspid valve's anterior and posterior leaflets. Ultrasonography provided insights into valve thickness and chordae tendineae lengths. Morphometric studies compared leaflets/cusps within individual native valves, showcasing significant variations in dimensions. Comparative analysis between native and decellularized valves highlighted the effects of decellularization on leaflet thickness and chordae tendineae lengths. Decellularized valves exhibited reduced dimensions compared to native valves, indicating successful removal of cellular components. While some dimensions remained unchanged post‐decellularization, significant reductions were observed in leaflet thicknesses and chordae tendineae lengths. Notably, semilunar valve cusps displayed varying responses to decellularization, with significant reductions in cusp lengths observed in the aortic valve, while the pulmonary valve exhibited more subtle changes. These findings underscore the importance of understanding structural alterations in heart valves post‐decellularization, providing valuable insights for tissue engineering applications and regenerative medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to localize the immunoexpression of VEGF‐A (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) in corpora lutea of healthy buffaloes (24) collected from local slaughterhouses. CL collected were categorized into early (stage I, 1–5 days, n = 6), mid (stage II, 6–11 days, n = 6), late luteal phase (stage III, 12 to 16 days, n = 6) and regressing phase (stage IV, 17 to 20 days, n = 6). The percent positive immunostaining for VEGF‐A was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in mid‐luteal phase than the other three stages of CL. However, it was higher in early luteal phase as well indicated intense angiogenesis in both early and mid‐luteal phases. The number of capillary endothelium expressing vWF was significantly (p < 0.05) highest in mid‐luteal phase among all the phases. However, in late luteal phase, the percent area positive for VEGF‐A immunostaining was reduced but it was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than corpus albicans phase. Thus, in regressing phase or corpus albicans, it was lowest and reduced considerably. However, in late luteal phase, the number of capillaries with vWF immunoexpression reduced significantly (p < 0.05) but it was lowest in corpus albicans phase. Therefore, the immunotaining pattern for VEGF‐A and vWF concluded that there was a spositive linear correlation between the two, that is, as the VEGF‐A expression was increased, the number of vWF positive capillaries also increased and vice versa. The VEGF‐A expressed by the luteal parenchyma in different stages of development and regression of corpus luteum was thus observed to be involved in promoting the angiogenesis and luteal cell proliferation as supported by vWF expressed by endothelium of proliferating capillaries in buffalo corpus luteum throughout the estrous cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted on prenatal and postnatal development of lymphoglandular complexes (LGCs) in ileocaecal region of buffalo fetuses (n = 15) ranging from 11.5 cm curved crown rump length (CVRL) (80 days) to 100 cm CVRL (299 days) and neonatal buffalo calves (n = 10). The fetuses were categorized into three groups based on their CVRL. LGC formation was not evident in ileocaecal junction up to 32 cm CVRL (145 days). At 35 cm CVRL (152 days), diffuse lymphocytes were scattered around the base of glands that encircled them. At 54 cm CVRL (195 days), lymphoid aggregates were present in submucosa around deep submucosal glands and formed primordia of LGCs in ileocaeccal orifice region. At 100 cm CVRL (299 days), these complexes were completely visible grossly. The distinguished lymphoid nodules in submucosa were invaded by submucosal extensions of overlying mucosal glands to form a large clear complex of glands and lymphoid nodules called as "Lymphoglandular complex" at this stage. It is the first report of prenatal development of LGCs in large intestine of buffaloes. Abundant CD3+ T cells were observed towards periphery of LGC. In neonates, these complexes were uniform, few with demarcation into dark and light zones that is, germinal center formation. Lymphocytes interspersed in lamina propria were mainly CD3+ T lymphocytes. In conclusion, the development of LGCs in ileocaecal region started prenatally in terms of all its cellular components into completely developed and immunocompetent to generate mucosal immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Histochemical and immunohistochemical studies were conducted on spleen of 12 healthy and normal pigs. The sections were stained with various stains to study the histochemical details. The capsule and trabeculae showed moderate activity for neutral and acid mucopolysaccharides and proteins whereas white pulp showed weak activity for acidic mucopolysaccharides and moderate to strong for neutral mucopolysaccharides. The lymphocytes present in lymphoid follicle of white pulp and erythrocytes in sinuses were devoid of acid mucopolysaccharides activity but periphery showed positive reaction. The ellipsoids and lymphocytes in germinal centre showed weakly positive activity. The capsule and trabeculae showed positive reaction for phospholipids and bromophenol blue positive activity was observed throughout the spleen. Polymer based horseradish peroxidase method was used to demonstrate the presence of B-lymphocyte and T-lymphocyte in white pulp. Localization of more T-lymphocytes and macrophages in white pulp and ellipsoids implied that T-lymphocytes possibly act as major phagocytic cell in spleen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at elucidating the histogenesis of parotid gland of buffalo. The study was carried out on buffalo foetuses (n = 36), during different stages of prenatal life. The foetuses were categorised into three groups based on their curved crown rump length (CVRL). The primordial anlage of parotid salivary gland was evident at 40th day of development whereas the primary ducts, in the form of cords, were first observed at 81st day of prenatal life. The capsule formation as well as the lobulation of the gland was initiated at 127th day. At 141st day, the duct system of gland was completed. The terminal tubules attained the structure of acini at 167th day. The myoepithelial cells first appeared as flattened basal cells initially around the developing acinar cells at 167th day. The typical compound tubulo‐acinar nature of the gland was first observed at 185th day. Purely serous acinar cells were seen from 185th day onwards. The micrometrical studies revealed that the mean diameter of acinar cells, intercalated ducts, striated ducts and large ducts increased with the advancement of age. The serous acinar cells were devoid of acidic as well as neutral mucopolysaccharides in prenatal age groups; however, large ducts with goblet cells exhibited positive reaction. Combined PAS‐AB method revealed mixed reaction in acinar cells as well as in large ducts. Fine lipid droplets were observed in intralobular as well as interlobular connective tissue; however, phospholipids were observed in the cell membrane of secretory cells and ducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]