Veterinary Research Forum

Abstract The calculation of the cranial cavity volume is important for brain development, pathologies, and health status. In recent years, advancements in clinical applications have made volume calculation methods from radiological images more consistent. In this context, it was aimed to calculate the intracranial volume of the Koçeri sheep's skulls using 3D models based on computed tomography scan (CT scan) sections and stereology. In the study, 7 adult female and 7 male Koçeri sheep were used. The skulls used were scanned with a 64-detector Multi-Detector Computed Tomography device with a section thickness of 0.625 mm, 80 kV, 200 mA, and 639 mGy specifications. Using the MIMICS 20.1 software, three-dimensional models of the skull region were created and intracranial volumes were measured. The same reference points were measured using the Cavalieri principle. As a result of the study, measurements taken using CT scan showed that the cranial volume in females was 133.09 ± 7.81 cm³ and in males was 148.68 ± 16.25 cm³. The intracranial volume calculated using the Cavalieri principle was found to be 133.87 ± 8.43 cm³ in females and 149.77 ± 16.74 cm³ in males. The data were statistically analyzed in terms of two methods and sexual dimorphism. While no difference was found between the methods, a significant statistical difference was determined between the genders. In this context, our study is believed to make significant contributions to clinical sciences through accurate management of cranial disease diagnosis and processes, and to taxonomy through identification of interspecies differences.

Abstract Vertebrate skeletons can be considered as a combination of apparently separate units, which has attracted the attention of comparative anatomists. The Luristan newt (Neurergus kaiseri) is one of the newt species native to Iran, inhabiting a limited area in the southern Zagros Mountain range. The present study investigated the typical morphometrical characteristics of the normal, mature, and healthy Luristan newt vertebral column using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). For this study, five female and five male specimens of Luristan newt were utilized. The typical morphological characteristics of the vertebral column were then examined. To facilitate the description of different regions of the vertebral column, abbreviations were employed: "T" for trunk vertebrae, "S" for sacral vertebrae, "Cd-S" for caudosacral vertebrae, and "Cd" for caudal vertebrae. All parameters, including vertebral body height, vertebral body length, spinous process height, spinal canal width, and spinal canal height, exhibited significant differences throughout the vertebral column. The highest vertebral body height in both sexes was recorded in T10. The highest vertebral body length in both sexes was observed in T12. The highest spinous process height in both sexes was recorded in Cd3. The highest spinal canal width in both sexes was recorded in the atlas. The maximum spinal canal height in both sexes was also recorded in the atlas. The lowest values in all parameters were observed in the last caudal vertebra. This study presents a comprehensive description and morphometric evaluation of the vertebral column in Luristan newt with micro-CT. 

Abstract Medical imaging methods (magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, X-ray, and ultrasound) are used to guide physicians when diagnosing diseases and planning their treatment. Thorax radiography is frequently preferred for the detection of diseases related to the respiratory system and the heart. When the thorax anatomy is known, this facilitates the detection of diseases in these regions. The vertebral heart score (VHS) is a parameter used for the detection of cardiac anomalies. In cases such as cardiomyopathy and chronic pneumonia, the heart silhouette changes and cardiac enlargement is ensued. Knowing the normal VHS parameter is important in the detection of anomalies. In the present study, 15 male and 30 female adult Awassi sheep were used. The thorax region was imaged with an X-ray device in the right lateral position. Each animal was measured for nine parameters in the region. In the measurements, the female and male VHS scores were found to be 9.77 ± 0.48 and 9.69 ± 0.52, respectively, using one method and 10.11 ± 1.64 and 9.96 ± 0.73, respectively, using the other method. No statistical difference was found between the two methods. The cardiodiaphragmatic contact parameter was observed to be statistically significant between males and females. No statistical difference was found in other parameters. Consequently, this study was carried out to determine the VHS values in Awassi sheep, and the thorax measurements were evaluated. This study is considered to contribute to veterinary surgeons and the field of veterinary surgery.

Abstract Bone structure has been widely studied in mammals, however, osteon structure in sheep has received relatively little attention, especially in terms of its location on the forelimbs and hindlimbs. The aim of this study was to investigate the histometric characteristics and mineral composition of the metacarpus and metatarsus of adult Sanjabi sheep. Metacarpal and metatarsal bones were collected from five adult Sanjabi sheep (n = 10). Morphometric measurements were performed on computed tomographic scan images. Histometric parameters were measured on histological sections. The mineral composition of the bone samples was detected using the X-ray fluorescence method. The diameter of the Haversian canal in the right metatarsus was significantly greater than that in the other bones. The smallest diameter of the Haversian canal was observed for the right metacarpus. The diameter and area of the osteons in the right metacarpal were significantly greater than those in the other bones. The amount of essential mineral elements was not significantly different among bones. Aluminum and lead were significantly greater in the left metatarsus. The highest amount of copper was observed in the left metacarpus. These results indicated that there was a greater load on the right limb. This compensatory mechanism might be used to put more weight on the right forelimb and reduce the pressure caused by the weight of the rumen on the left forelimb. However, to prove this hypothesis, more detailed and extensive studies are needed in the future.

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the effects of heat stress (HS) on the pituitary-adrenal axis and whether the treatments with early-age thermal conditioning (ETC) and vitamin C, alone and in combination, could have a beneficial effect in alleviating these effects. For the experiment, 400 one day-old broilers (both sexes) were used, being divided into four groups. The first group was the control (K), the second group (C) consisted of broilers which received vitamin C from the 22^nd to the 42^nd day via water in the amount of 2.00 g L^-1, in the third group (T), broilers were exposed to ETC for a period of 24 hr at a temperature of 38.00 ± 1.00 ˚C and the fourth group (T + C) was the combination of T and C groups. Immunohistochemically positive adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) cells of broilers in all groups were irregular or stellate and distributed in the periphery and central parts of the pituitary gland, as solitary cells or in clusters. In the T + C group of broilers, a significant increase in the area of ACTH cells (18.91%) and their cores (22.75%), and cortisol level in serum compared to the control group was observed. This reaction of broilers in the T + C group facilitated their adaptation to unfavorable consequences of HS. These results suggest that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is stimulated after the exposure to chronic HS, enabling successful adaptation of broilers to adverse conditions.

Abstract The aim of the study was to establish the ultrastructural organization features of the gallbladder mucous membrane of an Anglo-Nubian goat. The material for the study was the gallbladder wall’s fragments of an adult Anglo-Nubian goat. Further processing of the obtained samples was carried out according to generally accepted methods. Ultrathin sections were photographed in a Jem-1011 electron microscope at magnifications of 2500-3000. It was found that the gallbladder mucous membrane of an Anglo-Nubian goat is formed by the epithelial layer and its own lamina. The epithelial layer is represented by a single-layer prismatic epithelium, which cells lie on a dense basement membrane. Their nuclei are light, with clear contours. The cytoplasm contains many small mitochondria, vesicles, a small Golgi complex, short cisterns of the granular endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, polyribosomes, and rare lysosomes. The apical surface of epithelial cells forms microvilli, and the cytoplasm of the apical pole of cells contains many electron-dense secretory granules. The secret of the latter is excreted into the lumen of the gallbladder, forming a thin layer of glycocalyx on the surface of the epithelium. The lateral surfaces of the cells in their apical part are interconnected by tight contacts. The lamina propria is formed by loose connective tissue containing many blood vessels and nerve fibers.

Abstract Osteoporosis is determined by decreased bone strength that increases the threat of fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of pentoxifylline (PTX) and alendronate (ALN), on the stereological parameters, and gene expression in callus of fracture in an experimental rat model of ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis (OVX). The OVX was induced in 90 female rats. Fourteen weeks later, a complete fracture on the right femur was made. Rats were divided into five groups: 1) control: no treatment; 2) sham: received daily distilled water; 3) daily 3.00 mg kg^-1 ALN subcutaneously (SC); 4) daily 200 mg kg^-1 PTX (SC) and 5) daily PTX (SC) + ALN (same doses). The osteoclast count was significantly lower in all treatment groups, at 21 and 56 days post-surgery, compared to the control and sham groups. The PTX significantly increased total callus volume at 21 and 56 days post-surgery, compared to the other groups. The PTX+ALN treatment significantly increased both cortical bone volume on day 21, and osteocyte and osteoblast numbers on day 56, compared to the control and sham groups. It can be concluded that PTX and ALN have antiresorptive effects, in OVX rats. Also, PTX has increased the extracellular matrix on both 21 and 56 days after surgery, compared to the other groups. PTX+ALN elevated cortical bone volume on day 21, and osteocyte and osteoblast numbers compared to the control and sham groups on day 56.

Abstract The ossification centers onset of the quail vertebrae, ribs, and sternum in embryos and hatchling birds was studied. Specimens were cleared, stained with Alcian Blue and Alizarin Red S and examined using stereomicroscope. The chondral rudiments of the vertebrae were observed at the 6^th day of incubation (E6). The osteogenesis of the vertebrae was accomplished with both perichondral and endochondral ossifications. The cervical vertebrae began to ossify at E9-E10, whereas the thoracic ones began at E10-E11. The synsacral vertebrae began to ossify at E11-E13. In the caudal vertebrae, ossification was observed at E14 and in the pygostylous ones, at E15. The true ribs began to ossify at E7, whereas the 1^st and the 2^nd ribs began to ossify at E9 and E8, respectively. The uncinate processes were ossified late at E15. At E13, ossification was observed in the caudo-lateral process of the sternum. At E14, the cranio-lateral process of the sternum began to ossify, whereas late at and after hatching ossification was observed in the carina and the sternal body, respectively. The data presented here provide useful baseline information on the normal sequential pattern of ossification in the vertebral column and thoracic cage in quail.

Abstract This study evaluated the possible protective effect of royal jelly (RJ) on sperm parameters and sperm malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and in vitro fertilizing potential in nicotine (NIC) exposed male mice. Thrtiy-six male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6). Group 1 received normal saline, group 2 received 100 mg kg^-1 per day RJ, groups 3 and 4 received NIC at doses of 0.50 and 1.00 mg kg^-1 per day, respectively and groups 5 and 6 received NIC at doses of 0.50 and 1.00 mg kg^-1 per day, respectively plus RJ. Caudal epididymal sperm characteristics, lipid peroxidation and in vitro fertilizing capacity and embryo development were evaluated after 35 days. The NIC treatment caused a significant decrease in sperm motility and viability and fertilization rate along with poor blastocyst formation and increased sperm DNA damage and MDA levels. Moreover, the incidences of chromatin abnormality in spermatozoa were significantly higher in NIC-exposed mice than those of control. Nevertheless, RJ treatment improved sperm parameters and in vitro fertilization outcome as well as sperm lipid peroxidation level. Data from the current study suggest that RJ has a potential repro-protective action against NIC-induced sperm abnormalities and embryotoxicity in mice.

Abstract This study was carried out to assess the different ovarian transplantation sites after short-time autografting. Female rats were randomized into five groups, with six rats in each group, including control (intact), cervical subcutaneous transplanted (CST), back subcutaneous transplanted (BST), subfascial transplanted (SFT) and intramuscular transplanted (IMT) groups. In all experimental groups, the right ovary was removed and transplanted into different sites. After three weeks, ovaries were removed for morphology assessment, follicular counting and the rates of corpus luteum (CL) and cyst formation. Transplanted ovaries in BST and SFT groups were full of cysts and did not have sufficient numbers of intact follicles and were excluded from experiments. In IMT and CST groups, re-anastomosis, follicular development and good homogeneity of the stromal tissue were seen. However, the difference in intact antral follicles between CST (7.92 ± 0.02%) and CST-Op (opposite ovary of CST group) (30.99 ± 0.03%) was significant as well as the difference between CST (7.92 ± 0.02%) and control (10.08 ± 0.01%) groups. In addition, the number of intact primordial follicles in the CST-Op (16.58 ± 0.02%) group was significantly less than that of the control (40.40 ± 0.03%) group. Interestingly, the number of CL was significantly increased in the CST-Op (11.71 ± 0.01%) and IMT-Op (9.16 ± 0.02%) groups compared to the control and experimental groups. Although both intramuscular and subcutaneous sites effectively preserved ovarian follicles after three weeks, cervical subcutaneous site was better suited for auto-transplantation in rat.

Abstract The middle ear ossicles are important due to transmission of sound to the inner ear leading to sound understanding. The aim of present study was to determine the anatomical and morphometrical aspects of middle ear ossicles in Makouei sheep fetuses. For this experimental study, eight sheep fetuses at the age of 2 to 3 months were provided from public slaughterhouse; their middle ear ossicles were removed from tympanic cavity subsequently and assessed anatomically using stereomicroscope. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test were used. The results showed that rostral process of malleus doesn’t exist, but an osseous lamina extending to the tympanic bulla and tympanic ring is located in this place. Moreover, lenticular bone and muscular process of stapes weren’t found. These findings were similar to the other animal’s ossicles anatomical features, but there were also some differences that can be useful for study of these ossicles developmental evolution.

Abstract Developing supernumerary limbs is a rare congenital condition that only a few cases have been documented. Depending on the cause and developmental conditions, they may be single, multiple or complicated, and occur as a syndrome or associated with other anomalies. Polymelia is defined as the presence of extra limb(s) which have been reported in human, mouse, chicken, calf and lamb. It seems that the precise mechanism regulating this type of congenital malformations is not yet clearly understood. While hereditary trait of some limb anomalies was proven in human and the responsible genetic impairments were found, this has not been confirmed in the other animals especially the birds. Regarding the different susceptibilities of various vertebrate species to the environmental and genetic factors in embryonic period, the probable cause of an embryonic defect in one species cannot be generalized to the all other species class. The present study reports a case of polymelia in an Iranian indigenous young fowl and discusses its possible causes.