Adult Vervet Monkeys Research Articles

HISTOMORPHOLOGICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL STUDY ON THE TONGUE OF THE SOUTHERN AFRICAN VERVET MONKEY (CERCOPITHECUS PYGERYTHRUS)

Summary A histomorphological study was carried out using tongues from healthy adult southern African vervet monkeys sacrificed to obtain fresh kidney material for virological studies. The tongue was spatulate in dorsal profile and ovoid in cross-section, and the portion anterior to the four symmetrically positioned circumvallate papillae constituted 80% of its total length. There was no foramen caecum. Histological examination revealed collections of intra-cytoplasmic eosinophilic bodies in the prickle cells between the filiform papillae. These stained metachromatically with toluidine blue and positively for phospholipids using the acid haematin method with pyridine extraction as a control. Electron microscopy of the bodies showed them to be relatively homogeneous electron dense structures of varying size. No similar structures were found in specimens from human, chacma baboon, duiker and pigeon tongue fixed and processed in the same manner for light microscopy.

Social isolation and other behavioral changes in groups of adult vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) produced by low, nonchronic doses of d-amphetamine.

Doses (0.1--0.7 mg/kg body weight) d-amphetamine were administered to three independent groups of green vervet monkeys (Cerecopithecus aethiops). Each group formed a triad with one male and two females. Amphetamine changed both the individual and the social behavior patterns significantly. Stereotypy and social isolation (withdrawal) were characteristic features of the amphetaminized animals. Also stereotyped social grooming was observed. The results are discussed in relation to behavior changes seen in amphetamine psychoses and in naturally occurring endogenous psychoses. It is emphasized that the study of patterns of behavior is an important object of research and relevant line in future investigations on psychopathology.

The cephalometric analysis of Cercopithecus aethiops.

A Steiner-based cephalometric study of 46 adult Vervet monkeys was undertaken using craniometric points as closely correlated to those in the human as possible. On tracings of each cephalogram 13 measurements were recorded. The results were statistically analysed. Whilst the monkey face does vary individually this variation is apparently much less than is that of the human face. It is possible that the positions of the monkey incisor crowns bear a relatively constant relationship to the soft tissue profile. The establishment of some cephalometric norms for the Vervet monkey may be useful for future growth studies.

Surface characteristics of cells from different layers of keratinized and non-keratinized oral epithelia.

Portions of clinically healthy non-keratinized and keratinized oral epithelia were removed from adult vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). The epithelium was separated from the underlying lamina propria by trypsin digestion, following which the epithelial cells were separated from the various epithelial layers. These were examined with the light and scanning electron microscope. Cells from non-keratinized epithelia have surface microplications while those from keratinized epithelia show microvilli and pits. Two distinct types of cell are therefore present. It is suggested that the different surface appearances are related to different types of mechanical adhesion between the cells.