Lipid metabolism homeostasis and low-level glycogen metabolism in the Harderian gland of hibernating Daurian ground squirrels.

Recombinant truncated gD glycoprotein from E.coli as a thermostable and protective subunit vaccine candidate against ILTV in chickens.

The naso-palatal complex of squamates incorporates developmentally associated structures and contains elements of the main and vomeronasal olfactory systems. These structures include the nasal cavity, vomeronasal organ (VNO), choanal groove, lacrimal duct, and the associated parts of the superficial palate. One of the most distinctive features of the squamate naso-palatal complex is the separation of the VNO from the nasal cavity. The VNO establishes a direct connection with the oral cavity, enabling tongue-mediated vomerolfaction. In all squamates, the rostral part of the lacrimal duct reaches the VNO duct or is in close proximity to it, delivering a secretion from the Harderian gland, which acts as an additional solvent for odor molecules. More posteriorly, the lacrimal duct in most nonophidian squamates connects to the choanal groove, which is a ventral remnant of the embryonic nasal cavity. In lacertid lizards and Scincomorpha, the choanal groove and the lacrimal duct are so closely associated that they form a lacrimo-choanal gutter, making these two components difficult to distinguish. Here, we analyzed the embryonic development of the naso-palatal complex of the lacertid lizard Lacerta agilis (Squamata: Episquamata: Lacertidae) using histological serial sections and X-ray microtomography. We found that the general pattern of naso-palatal complex development in L. agilis is similar to that observed in other studied nonophidian squamates, with the exception of some noticeable differences related to the timing of developmental characters. Delayed development of the lacrimal duct and choanal groove (heterochrony), along with their initial contact extent (heterotopy), may influence lacrimo-choanal gutter formation. Our findings provide additional support for previous investigations that the anterior part of the lacrimo-choanal gutter is exclusively composed of the lacrimal duct. Therefore, the "complete" gekkotan-like choanal groove, confluent with the VNO duct, is only present in L. agilis embryos at the time of its formation and is likely recapitulated in all autarchoglossans. The embryonic VNO at stage 36 is well developed and contains a distinctive mushroom body as well as a dilated ventral channel. Scattered blood vessels were observed at the level of the vomeronasal sensory epithelium in late developmental stages. This suggests the presence of undulations in the basal lamina and the intrusion of connective tissue in the form of an irregular network, as was previously proposed to occur in lacertids, but also in varanid lizards. Additionally, we describe the formation of a distinctive vomerine raphe that separates two laterally located depressions called here palatine tongue tine recesses. We propose that the choanal groove, a structure seemingly overlooked in many recent studies on squamate chemoreception, is, on the one hand, important during embryonic development by allowing the lacrimal duct to establish its final destination on the medial aspect of the VNO duct. On the other hand, it is incorporated into the structure of the lacrimo-choanal gutter in adult anatomy and may be functionally linked to the delivery of chemicals to the VNO. We also discuss the potential link between this structure and the noteworthy morphology of the superficial palate to tropotaxis and the sensitivity of the vomeronasal sensory epithelium.

Long photoperiod induces porphyrin accumulation while maintaining lipid peroxidation stability in Harderian glands of female striped dwarf hamsters.

TRPA1inhibition reduces ocular pain and corneal neurogenic inflammation in a mouse model of dry eye disease.

The rasH2TM mouse model has become the primary alternative to a 2-year mouse carcinogenicity study in safety testing of human pharmaceuticals. In this publication, we present the neoplastic incidence for 2291 control males, 2191 control females, 575 MNU-treated males, 559 MNU-treated females, and 210 urethane-treated males and females in rasH2TM carcinogenicity studies conducted from 2012 to 2024 as well as survival, body weights, and selected non-neoplastic microscopic findings for control and positive control mice. Inclusion of a positive control group is recommended to ensure regulatory acceptance. Survival of controls at the end of 26 weeks was approximately 96% with similar percentages of survivors in the 13-week urethane-treated positive controls in contrast to a survival percentage of approximately 17% in MNU-treated positive controls. Malignant neoplasms accounted for most early deaths in control and positive control mice. Major neoplasms in control mice included Harderian gland adenomas, bronchioloalveolar adenomas and carcinomas, and splenic hemangiosarcomas, while the predominant neoplasms in MNU-treated mice included squamous cell papillomas and carcinomas of the nonglandular stomach and malignant lymphomas. The percentage of urethane-treated mice developing bronchioloalveolar neoplasms was over 98% in both sexes. When compared to control mice, MNU-treated mice had lower mean body weights while urethane-treated mice had higher mean body weights. Major non-neoplastic findings in control mice were subcapsular cell hyperplasia (51.78% to 89.41%) and skeletal muscle myopathy (77.17% to 80.71%). Other non-neoplastic findings included retinal degeneration in MNU-treated mice (∼87% in both sexes) and bronchioloalveolar hyperplasia in urethane-treated mice (≥53% in both sexes).

In 2016, an outbreak of Rattus norvegicus polyomavirus 2 (RatPyV2) infection was reported in a colony of X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency (XSCID) rats in the United States. While RatPyV2 infection persists asymptomatically in immunocompetent rats, immunodeficient XSCID rats develop variable respiratory symptoms, emaciation, impaired breeding performance, and systemic deteriorating condition. RatPyV2 is an epitheliotropic virus targeting epithelial cells of the salivary glands, Harderian glands, extraorbital lacrimal glands, respiratory system, and reproductive or accessory reproductive organs. Histopathologically, the formation of large basophilic nuclear inclusion bodies in the infected epithelial cells is a characteristic feature, along with hyperplasia or dysplasia. Glandular atrophy and loss, accompanied by fibrosis and mononuclear cell infiltration, are also observed in the salivary glands, Harderian glands, and extraocular lacrimal glands. In particular, the parotid salivary glands are prone to be severely and extensively affected with relatively severe and diffuse lesions even at one month of age. Severely affected animals also develop interstitial pneumonia. Among target tissues, the parotid salivary glands appear to be higher susceptible to RatPyV2, therefore pathological examination and PCR examination of the salivary glands, including the parotid salivary glands, are essential for the diagnosis of RatPyV2 infection. This review paper provides a comprehensive summary of the features (clinical signs, pathological findings, and transmission), diagnostic methods, and prevalence of RatPyV2 infection, based on our research and reports from research groups in the United States.

Photoperiod and melatonin regulate reproduction in mammals. The rice rat (Oryzomys palustris) is reproductively photoperiodic and on a long photoperiod responds to melatonin administration with inhibited reproduction. I examined whether photoperiod, melatonin, and the removal of gonadal steroids via castration affected growth, reproduction, pelage, and swimming ability. Juvenile males were housed on 14L:10D or 11L:13D and at 68 days of age rice rats were weighed, allowed to swim for 10 minutes while being videotaped to quantify swimming and floating times, and then reweighed. One day later, these rice rats were euthanized and the testes, seminal vesicles (SV), Harderian glands (HG), and spleen were weighed. The shorter photoperiod significantly decreased body, testes, SV, and HG masses only. The pelage of rice rats absorbed more water on 14L:10D than on 11L:13D, despite no difference in pelage lengths. Melatonin implants decreased body mass, the masses of the testes, SV, and HG, and pelage water absorption, but increased pelage length. Lastly, castration decreased SV and HG masses, but increased body and spleen masses. Swimming and floating times were not affected by any treatment. Taken together, these results show that all treatments affected growth and reproduction in rice rats, but did not affect swimming ability. Thus, the physiological changes characteristic of winter are not sufficient to alter aspects of swimming ability as swimming ability appears to be independent of reproductive condition.

A multilevel probabilistic dose response model for radiation-induced Harderian gland tumor prevalence–single beam and mixed field effects

Aims: Neuroinflammation is described as an inflammatory response within the nervous system. The study aimed to investigate the behavior of rats in the corner turning test and the distribution of proinflammatory cytokines between the right/left hemispheres in the neuroinflammation model induced by lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, locomotor activity, anxiety-like behaviors, and stress-related harderian gland secretion were also analyzed. Methods: 12 adults male Wistar albino rats were divided into control (n=6) and neuroinflammation animals (n=6). The neuroinflammation group received a single dose of 2 mg/kg intraperitoneally LPS, and 1 ml/kg physiological saline was administered to the control group. Six hours after LPS administration, open field test was performed for 5 minutes. The corner rotation test protocol was performed 6 and 24 hours after LPS administration. Subjects were sacrificed 24 hours after LPS administration. TNF-a and IL-1beta were analyzed in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and serum. All procedures were conducted with the approval of the Balıkesir University Experimental Animals Ethics Committee (Date: 22.11.2023, Decision No: 2023/10-5). Results were analyzed using the students’ T test. Results: In the open field test, locomotor activity decreased (p

The radiation environment in space consists of a complex mixture of particles and energies that are characteristically different from any natural Earth radiation source. Projections of space radiation cancer risk are obtained by scaling or adjusting epidemiological models derived from terrestrially exposed cohorts to account for differences in radiation quality, dose rate, and other factors. Radiation quality and dose-rate effects introduce significant uncertainty, thereby obfuscating risk communication and hindering the ability to evaluate the efficacy of mitigation strategies such as medical countermeasures. Space radiation quality factors are developed through a multi-step process that requires computational models and experimental data. The first step in this process involves developing dose-response models and fitting them to data from ground-based experiments involving acute irradiation of animals or cells. There is limited ground-based data compared to the range of ions and energies found in space; thus, dose-response models must be able to reproduce available data and predict responses where no data exist. This work focuses on developing a microdosimetric (μD) dose-response model applicable to experimental datasets relevant to space radiation cancer induction. Three experimental datasets, encompassing murine Harderian gland tumorigenesis and chromosome aberrations in human skin fibroblasts and blood lymphocytes, are utilized to demonstrate key features and overall performance of the μD model. The model generates non-linear dose-responses and can predict charge and energy dependence observed in experimental data without the use of empirical functions or corrections. Additionally, the μD model identifies the critical microscopic target population and target size that drive the observed biological effects.

Sjögren's syndrome-related dry eye disease (SS-DED) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by ocular surface inflammation and lacrimal gland dysfunction, with limited clinical treatment options currently available. Based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory of "the liver opens into the eyes" and the modern "gut-eye axis" hypothesis. This study investigated the therapeutic effects and immunomodulatory mechanisms of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) using a NOD mouse model. The results showed that TGP significantly increased tear secretion in SS mice, alleviated corneal and conjunctival damage, improved pathological changes in the Harderian gland, reduced inflammatory infiltration, and restored glandular secretory function. At the molecular level, TGP markedly downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-17 while upregulating anti-inflammatory factors like IL-10 and TGF-β, effectively modulating the Th17/Treg immune balance. Additionally, TGP enhanced the expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-3) in SS mice, repairing intestinal barrier function. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed that TGP intervention regulated gut microbiota composition in SS mice, reducing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus. Functional prediction analysis indicated that TGP-modulated gut microbiota primarily participated in key metabolic pathways, including carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism. In conclusion, TGP can ameliorate ocular surface damage in SS mice by regulating gut microecology and immune homeostasis via the "gut-eye axis" pathway. Our study not only provides a novel therapeutic strategy for SS-DED but also offers scientific evidence for the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine theories.

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is a hormone associated with the regulation of biological rhythms. The indoleamine is secreted by the pineal gland during the night, following a circadian rhythm. The highest plasmatic levels are reached during the night, whereas the lowest levels are achieved during the day. In addition to the pineal gland, other organs and tissues also produce melatonin, like, for example, the retina, Harderian glands, gut, ovaries, testes, skin, leukocytes, or bone marrow. The list of organs is extensive, including the cerebellum, airway epithelium, liver, kidney, adrenals, thymus, thyroid, pancreas, carotid body, placenta, and endometrium. At all these locations, the availability of melatonin is intended for local use. Interestingly, a decline of the circadian amplitude of the melatonin secretion occurs in old subjects in comparison to that found in younger subjects. Moreover, genetic and environmental factors are the primary causes of diseases, and oxidative stress is a key contributor to most pathologies. Numerous studies exist that show interesting effects of melatonin in different models of disease. Impairment in its secretion might have deleterious consequences for cellular physiology. In this regard, melatonin is a natural compound that is a carrier of a not yet completely known potential that deserves consideration. Thus, melatonin has emerged as a helpful ally that could be considered as a guard with powerful tools to orchestrate homeostasis in the body, majorly based on its antioxidant effects. In this review, we provide an overview of the widespread actions of melatonin against diseases preferentially affecting the elderly.

This study aims to investigate the presence, microanatomical localization, and immunohistochemical subtypes of mast cells in the lacrimal glands (LGs) of rats. A total of ten female Sprague-Dawley rats' LGs were evaluated in this study. The experimental animals were euthanized. LG samples were collected and fixed in 10% neutral formaldehyde for 48 h. Sections were taken from the paraffin-embedded samples and stained for microscopic examination. The histochemical properties of lacrimal gland epithelium and the composition of tears were examined by Periodic acid-Schiff and Alcian blue staining and evaluated microscopically. Toluidine blue staining and tryptase and chymase immunohistochemically demonstrated localization and phenotypes of mast cells. The existence and varying numbers of mast cells were successfully demonstrated in all three LGs by Toluidine blue staining, and the highest number of mast cells was observed in the extraorbital lacrimal gland, while their numbers were almost the same in the intraorbital lacrimal gland and Harderian gland. Immunohistochemically, chymase-positive mast cells were more numerous than tryptase-positive cells. This study is the first documentation of the presence of mast cells with different phenotypes in rat LGs.

ABSTRACT The present study aims to evaluate the effects of Gallus epidermal growth factor (gEGF) on growth performance, immune function, intestinal barrier, and the inflammatory response in broilers. A total of 192 one-day-old Xianju broilers were randomly divided into 4 groups, each consisting of 8 replicates with 6 broilers per replicate. The control group was fed a basal diet, while the experimental groups received the basal diet supplemented with 4, 8, and 12 ng/kg gEGF, respectively. The results demonstrated that 8 ng/kg gEGF significantly improved the average daily body weight gain of the broilers, increased intestinal goblet cell density, and ameliorated intestinal morphology. Supplementation with gEGF promoted serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgM, IgG, and lysozyme secretion, as well as increased immune organ indices, including the thymus, spleen, and bursa. Additionally, dietary supplementation with gEGF significantly upregulated the mRNA expression levels of MUC2, TRAF6, and TGF-β1 in the trachea, Harderian gland, and cecal tonsil. Furthermore, gEGF enhanced the jejunal mucosa mRNA expression levels of MUC2, IL-13, and TCR, while downregulating the mRNA expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with gEGF promoted growth performance in broilers by ameliorating intestinal morphology, enhancing immune function, strengthening gut barrier, and inhibiting inflammatory response.

Acrylamide content in popcorn from Spanish market: risk assessment

The poultry industry faces a constant threat from the mutation and transmission of avian influenza viruses (AIVs). While waterfowl and wild birds are natural hosts of H3N3 AIV, reports of H3N3 infections in chickens are limited. However, in 2023, a decline in egg production among laying hens in the Yancheng Region of Jiangsu Province prompted a study. This research aimed to diagnose the aetiology in laying hens through molecular virological methods and characterise the biological properties of the causative pathogens. An H3N3 AIV subtype strain, A/chicken/China/YC01/2023(H3N3), was isolated from chickens exhibiting lesions. Genome sequencing and analysis revealed a novel genetic makeup: the HA gene originated from an H3N8 AIV, the NA gene from an H10N3 AIV, and the internal genes from an H9N2 AIV, all circulating in China. Chickens experimentally infected with the isolate showed signs of Harderian gland haemorrhage, nasal mucus, tracheal circumferential bleeding, and lung bleeding and localised necrosis. Histopathological examination confirmed nasal mucosal and tracheal inflammation, lung capillary congestion, liver cell damage, and sparse splenic lymphocytes. Viral shedding was significantly higher in the oropharyngeal cavity, peaking 2-6 days post-infection, compared to the cloaca. For the first time, the immunogenicity of a novel chicken-derived H3N3 subtype AIV was assessed in specific pathogen-free chickens. An inactivated vaccine, prepared from the isolated strain, resulted in antibody titres peaking at 9.6 log2 four weeks after immunization. Furthermore, challenges with either the isolated strain or a duck-origin BZ01/2023(H3N3) strain after immunisation did not cause clinical signs or viral shedding on day 4. In conclusion, the isolate H3N3 AIV can replicate in chickens, leading to organ damage and pathogenicity. Crucially, the inactivated vaccine derived from this isolate is highly immunogenic and provides cross-protection against the duck-derived strain.

Changes in leukocyte populations and immune gene expression associated with attenuated vaccine (SA2) or field (Class 9) strains of infectious laryngotracheitis virus in chicken pullets were observed primarily in the trachea and conjunctiva, while no substantial changes were detected in the Harderian gland. Although there were no significant differences in cellular infiltration in the tissues exposed to Class 9 and SA2, Class 9 induced greater changes in immune gene expression than SA2 in the trachea and conjunctiva and significantly upregulated CD4, CD8A, IRF1, STAT4 and downregulated CXCL12 expression in the trachea. Meanwhile, SA2 significantly upregulated CD14 and downregulated MPO, CCR6 and RAG1 expression in the conjunctiva. In conclusion, gene expression in pullets infected with SA2 and Class 9 were mostly related to inflammatory and tissue-repairing responses in the trachea and conjunctiva. Compared to SA2, Class 9 inoculation was associated with a more robust gene expression of immune markers; however, a larger infiltration of Kul01+, Bu1+ and CD8a+ cells was observed in trachea and conjunctiva after SA2 inoculation.

AimsWe aimed to investigate the anxiolytic effect of darbepoetin alpha (DEPO), an erythropoietin derivative, in a neuroinflammation model regarding different behaviors and biological pathways.MethodsForty adult male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (control, LPS, DEPO, and DEPO + LPS). The rats were treated with 5 µg /kg DEPO once a week for four weeks, after which neuroinflammation was induced with 2 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The elevated plus maze, open-field, and light‒dark box tests were conducted to assess anxiety levels. Harderian gland secretions were scored via observation. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-1-beta (IL-1β), brain-derived growth factor (BDNF), serotonin, cortisol, total antioxidant/oxidant (TAS/TOS), and total/free thiol levels were measured in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, and serum.ResultsDEPO had a potent anxiolytic effect on both DEPO and DEPO + LPS groups. Compared to the control group, DEPO administration caused an increase in serotonin and BDNF levels and decreased basal cortisol and TNF-α levels in naive rats. IL-1β did not alter after DEPO administration in naive rats. Prophylactic DEPO treatment remarkably downregulated cortisol, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the DEPO + LPS group. In addition, prophylactic DEPO administration significantly attenuated the decrease in serotonin and BDNF levels in the DEPO + LPS group. Furthermore, DEPO ameliorated excessive harderian gland secretion in the DEPO + LPS group. Compared with those in the control group, the free thiol content in the serum increased after DEPO administration. No similar effect was seen in the DEPO + LPS group receiving prophylactic DEPO. TAS showed no difference among all experimental groups. DEPO administration increased TOS and OSI in the serum and prefrontal cortex but not in the striatum. This effect was not seen in the DEPO + LPS group.ConclusionDarbepoetin alpha had an anxiolytic effect on many physiological mechanisms in a neuroinflammation model and naive rats.

Oxidative stress levels and antioxidant defense mechanisms (Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway) in the Harderian glands of hibernating Daurian ground squirrels