Smaller Number Of Goblet Cells Research Articles

Comprehensive characteristics of rectal morphology in chickens with different types of autonomous regulation

The influence of typological features of autonomous regulation on the dimensions, structure, and blood supply of the rectum in chickens has been studied. The experimental group consisted of clinically healthy adult chickens of the Isa-Brown breed, divided into two groups using electrocardiography and variation pulsometry methods: chickens with sympathetic-tonic regulation and chickens with sympathetic-normotonic regulation. In each group, the length and diameter of the rectum, the branching of its arterial vessels, and the microscopic structure of the intestinal wall were examined. The corresponding artery provides the blood supply to the rectum, the branching of which showed no significant differences between the poultry groups. The peculiarities of autonomous regulation significantly influence the morphological structure of the intestinal wall’s mucous and muscular membranes. The serous membrane does not respond to these features. Chickens with sympathetic-tonic regulation (ST chickens) are characterized by a greater thickness of all indicated membranes and, consequently, the entire intestinal wall. Chickens with sympathetic-normotonic regulation (ST-NT chickens) have a greater thickness only in the muscular plate of the mucous membrane and its longitudinal layer. Regarding the quantity of collagen and elastic fibers, ST chickens dominate the mucous membrane’s crypt area, while ST-NT chickens dominate the muscular membrane. However, the density of connective tissue fibers in the mucous membrane is much lower than in the muscular one. The quantity and distribution of plasma cells have similar patterns in both groups. Specific morphometric compensation between two functionally related indicators is also an important aspect. In this case, larger values of one indicator are combined with smaller values of another. For example, a smaller diameter of the rectum in ST chickens is associated with its greater length; a smaller number of goblet cells on one villus corresponds to a larger area of their secretory section; a larger area of the nerve node of the intramuscular nerve plexus is combined with a smaller number of these nodes per 1 cm² of the intestinal wall. Thus, the structure of the rectum in chickens, adapting to the corresponding type of autonomous regulation, maintains the balance at the level of individual membranes and the entire intestinal wall.

Anatomical, Histological and Histochemical Features of the Guinea Pig (Cavia porcellus) Caecum

In this study, the caecum of five guinea pigs was anatomically, histologically, and histochemically analyzed. From an anatomical point of view, it has been proved that the caecum in guinea pigs occupies the caudal segment of the abdominal cavity and consists of three parts: the ampullary portion, the body of the caecum, and the apex of the caecum, without a caecal appendix. In our histological analysis, we observed that the caecum has a simple structure, and the cecal mucosal glands are rare and contain, in addition to enterocytes, a small number of goblet cells, which are better represented in the deep part of the glands. Histochemically it has been observed that goblet cells are PAS and Alcian blue positive, which shows that they secrete both neutral and acidic mucins. The intensity of these two histochemical reactions is similar to that of goblet cells from other intestinal segments, proving that they are typical goblet cells. The large volume of the caecum suggests that this is an important section for the digestion process, although the relatively simple structure of the caecal mucosa suggests that the digestion here is not preponderant, but only complements the intestinal one.

A Detailed Study of Rainbow Trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) Intestine Revealed That Digestive and Absorptive Functions Are Not Linearly Distributed along Its Length.

Simple SummaryAquaculture is the fastest growing food-producing sector due to the increase of fish intended for human consumption. However, aquaculture growth generates concerns, since carnivorous fish are extensively fed using fish-meal and fish-oil. This constitutes a severe limit to the aquaculture industry, questioning its sustainability. Consequently, alternative feeds are continuously searched through extensive in vivo feeding trials. Undoubtedly, to evaluate their impact on the gastrointestinal tract health, detailed knowledge of the intestine morphology and physiology is required. To date, extensive studies have been performed in several livestock species; however, available information on fish is limited nowadays, most importantly because their alimentary canal is able to easily adapt to external stimuli, and their intestinal morphology is affected by external factors. Therefore, it is essential to establish accurate reference values, especially along the productive cycle of animals raised in standardized conditions. Here, we performed a detailed characterization of the epithelial cells lining the intestinal mucosa in rainbow trout along the first year of development. We studied the absorptive and secretory activity as well as its ability to self-renewal. Our results indicate that, in this species, both digestive and absorptive functions are not linearly distributed along the intestinal length.To increase the sustainability of trout farming, the industry requires alternatives to fish-based meals that do not compromise animal health and growth performances. To develop new feeds, detailed knowledge of intestinal morphology and physiology is required. We performed histological, histochemical, immunohistochemical and morphometric analysis at typical time points of in vivo feeding trials (50, 150 and 500 g). Only minor changes occurred during growth whereas differences characterized two compartments, not linearly distributed along the intestine. The first included the pyloric caeca, the basal part of the complex folds and the villi of the distal intestine. This was characterized by a significantly smaller number of goblet cells with smaller mucus vacuoles, higher proliferation and higher apoptotic rate but a smaller extension of fully differentiated epithelial cells and by the presence of numerous pinocytotic vacuolization. The second compartment was formed by the proximal intestine and the apical part of the posterior intestine complex folds. Here we observed more abundant goblet cells with bigger vacuoles, low proliferation rate, few round apoptotic cells, a more extended area of fully differentiated cells and no pinocytotic vacuoles. Our results suggest that rainbow trout intestine is physiologically arranged to mingle digestive and absorptive functions along its length.

Immunohistochemical study on the distribution of β-defensin 1 and β-defensin 2 throughout the respiratory tract of healthy rats.

The distributions of β-defensin 1 and 2 in secretory host defense system throughout respiratory tract of healthy rats were immunohistochemically investigated. In the nasal epithelium, a large number of non-ciliated and non-microvillous cells (NCs) were immunopositive for both β-defensin 1 and 2, whereas a small number of goblet cells (GCs) were immunopositive only for β-defensin 1. Beta-defensin 2-immunopositive GCs were few. In the nasal glands, a small number of acinar cells and a large number of ductal epithelial cells were immunopositive for both β-defensins. In the laryngeal and tracheal epithelia, a very few NCs and GCs were immunopositive for both β-defensins. In laryngeal and tracheal glands, a very few acinar cells and a large number of ductal epithelial cells were immunopositive for both β-defensins. In the extra-pulmonary bronchus, a small number of NCs were immunopositive for both β-defensins. A small number of GCs were immunopositive for β-defensin 1, whereas few GCs were immunopositive for β-defensin 2. From the intra-pulmonary bronchus to alveoli, a very few or no epithelial cells were immunopositive for both β-defensins. In the mucus and periciliary layers, β-defensin 1 was detected from the nose to the extra-pulmonary bronchus, whereas β-defensin 2 was weakly detected only in the nose and the larynx. These findings suggest that the secretory sources of β-defensin 1 and 2 are mainly distributed in the nasal mucosa and gradually decrease toward the caudal airway in healthy rats.

Immunohistochemical study on the secretory host defense system with lysozyme and secretory phospholipase A2 throughout rat respiratory tract.

The host defense system with lysozyme and secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) was immunohistochemically investigated in rat respiratory tract under healthy conditions. In the nasal epithelium, a large number of non-ciliated and non-microvillous cells (NC) and a small number of goblet cells (GC) were immunopositive for lysozyme and sPLA2. A few acinar cells and almost all epithelial cells of intercalated ducts were immunopositive for both bactericidal substances in the nasal glands. In the laryngeal and tracheal epithelia, few NC and GC were immunopositive for both bactericidal substances. In the laryngeal and tracheal glands, a few acinar cells and most ductal epithelial cells were immunopositive for both bactericidal substances. In extra-pulmonary bronchus, small numbers of NC and GC were immunopositive for lysozyme and sPLA2, whereas few NC and no GC were immunopositive in the intra-pulmonary bronchus. No secretory source of either bactericidal substance was located in the bronchioles. In the alveolus, many glandular epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages were immunopositive for lysozyme but immunonegative for sPLA2. Moreover, lysozyme and sPLA2 were detected in the mucus layer and in the periciliary layer from the nose to the extra-pulmonary bronchus. These findings suggest that secretory sources of lysozyme and sPLA2 are distributed in almost all the respiratory tract. Their secretory products are probably transported to the pharynx and contribute to form the first line of defense against inhaled bacteria throughout the respiratory tract.

Potential use of high levels of vegetal proteins in diets for market-sized gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata)

ABSTRACTThe effect of partial or total dietary substitution of fishmeal (FM) by vegetal protein sources on growth and feed efficiency was carried out in on-growing gilthead sea bream (mean initial weight 131 g). The Control diet (FM 100) contained FM as the primary protein source, while in Diets FM 25 and FM 0 the FM protein was replaced at 75% and 100%, respectively, by a vegetable protein mixture consisting of wheat gluten, soybean meal, rapeseed meal and crystalline amino acids. Diets FM 25 and FM 0 also contained krill meal at 47 g/kg in order to improve palatability. At the end of the trial (after 158 d), fish survival was above 90%. Final weight and the specific growth rate were statistically lower in fish fed the Control diet (361 g and 0.64%/d), compared with 390–396 g and 0.69–0.70%/d after feeding vegetal diets. No significant differences were found regarding feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The digestibility of protein and amino acids (determined with chromium oxide as indicator) was similar in all diets. The blood parameters were not significantly affected by treatments. The activity of trypsin and pepsin was significantly reduced after feeding Diet FM 0. In the distal intestine, the villi length in fish fed Diet FM 25 was significantly longer and the intestine of the fish fed the FM 100 diet showed a smaller number of goblet cells. In conclusion, a total FM substitution by a vegetal mix supplemented with synthetic amino acids in on-growing sea bream is feasible.

Efeitos do espaço de alojamento e da idade sobre desenvolvimento, integridade e proteção da mucosa intestinal de frangos de corte

Foi avaliado se o espaço de alojamento influencia o desenvolvimento da mucosa do intestino delgado de frangos, sendo usado um esquema fatorial 4 x 2 (14, 28, 42, 55 dias de idade e alojamento pequeno: 0,11m²/ave e grande: 0,525m²/ave). Foram analisadas: altura, perímetro e número dos vilos, profundidade das criptas, número de células caliciformes e número de vilos sem e com perda de epitélio e exposição do conjuntivo. Em ambos os espaços de alojamento, o número de vilos diminuiu e a profundidade das criptas aumentou com a idade nas três regiões intestinais. A altura e o perímetro dos vilos aumentaram de 14 para 28 dias no jejuno e íleo, e o número de células caliciformes foi maior no duodeno e íleo a partir dos 42 dias. A perda de epitélio pelos vilos do íleo aumentou com a idade. Nas aves do alojamento grande, ocorreu aumento na altura e no perímetro dos vilos duodenais com a idade, possibilitado pelo aumento na profundidade das criptas, que resultou em vilos maiores nessas aves do que nas do alojamento pequeno aos 55 dias de idade. O número de células caliciformes diminuiu nas aves do alojamento pequeno aos 42 dias de idade. Os dados mostram que o tamanho do alojamento interferiu no modelo de desenvolvimento temporal da mucosa intestinal e que frangos apresentaram maior tamanho de vilo duodenal quando alojados em espaço maior.

Carob seed germ meal as a partial substitute in gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) diets: Amino acid retention, digestibility, gut and liver histology

The use of carob seed germ meal (CG) as a substitute for fish meal was evaluated in fingerlings (average weight 10g) of gilthead sea bream fed isonitrogenous (46% Crude Protein, CP) and isolipidic (19.5% Crude Lipid, CL) diets containing four CG levels (0, 17, 34 and 52%). The duration of the trial was 83days. The diets were tested in triplicate, and the fish were fed to satiation twice daily. The apparent protein and energy digestibility coefficients decreased in response to the dietary inclusion of CG. The decreases in the values of the ADC ranged from 93% for the 0 diet to 80% for the 52 diet. The amount of digestible Arg in the diets increased with the inclusion of CG, from 3.2g Arg 100g−1 in the 0 diet to 4.81g Arg 100g−1 in the 52 diet. The digestible Arg content increased in the diets because the amounts of the remaining digestible amino acids decreased.The fish reached weights of 72, 72, 69 and 53g on the 0, 17, 34 and 52 diets, respectively. The 52 diet gave the lowest specific growth rate (SGR, 1.95%day−1) relative to those found for the other three diets (2.32%day−1). The 52 diet produced the least satisfactory results for feed intake (FI) and the food conversion ratio (FCR) (2.23g 100gfish−1day−1 and 1.38, respectively). The efficiency of retention of His, Phe and Leu in the fish fed the 52 diet showed the lowest values (17.3, 25.5 and 28.5%, respectively), but the efficiency of retention of Met in the fish fed the 52 diet showed the highest value (48.2%).In the distal intestine and liver, histological alterations were found in the fish fed the 34 and the 52 diets. In fish fed the 52 diet, the mucosal fold was significantly shorter and thinner and exhibited a smaller number of goblet cells. These changes could affect nutrient uptake by modifying the digestibility of the diet. The histology of the liver did not show severe degradation in any treatment.The results of the present experiment demonstrated that CG can be included at levels up to 34% in diets for short term feeding of gilthead sea bream without any adverse effects on fish growth and nutritive parameters.

Anatomical Features and Histology of the Nasal Cavity of One Humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)

This study was conducted on nine heads of normal adult one‐humped camels. The specimens were collected from Cairo slaughterhouse. The nasal cavity in the freshly collected samples were dissected and photographed. The specimens for microscopic studies were fixed in different fixatives and prepared to examine by light and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The nasal cavity of the camel was studied grossly and by using of light and scanning electron microscope. Specimens from different regions of this cavity were subjected to different histological stains and also demonstrated by the acid and alkaline phosphatases. Gross morphological examination of this cavity showed its three parts: rostral part (the nasal vestibule) covered with skin of usual structure then it lined with smooth mucosa. The middle part (respiratory) had dorsal, middle and ventral nasal conchae, but the caudal part (olfactory) contained the ethmoidal concha. The lining mucosa of the camel nasal cavity was similar to that of other mammals, but there were some differences: the respiratory epithelium showed a small number of goblet cells and there were a mixture of acidic and neutral mucins inside the epithelial and glandular mucous cells. Strong acid and alkaline phosphatase reaction was observed in the lining epithelium of the nasal cavity. By SEM, it showed the surface epithelial layer of the nasal cavity mucosa in three regions (vestibule, respiratory and olfactory) and resulted that it was stratified cuboidal to columnar epithelium, ciliated pseudostratified columnar epithelium with few goblet cells or olfactory mucosa containing neurosensory olfactory cells. This study aimed to investigate the anatomical features, the histological and histochemical structures of the nasal cavity in one humped camel. The findings of this study were discussed with the previous works in this field with the other domestic animals.

Platelet-activating factor receptor deficiency delays elimination of adult worms but reduces fecundity in Strongyloides venezuelensis-infected mice.

We describe the parasitological kinetics and histopathological and immunological alterations in platelet-activating factor receptor-deficient (PAFR(-/-)) and wild-type mice after a single Strongyloides venezuelensis infection (subcutaneous inoculation of 500 L3 larvae). There was no difference in the numbers of worms that reached and became established in the small intestines of PAFR(-/-) and wild-type mice. However, at 12 days after infection, significantly more worms were recovered from PAFR(-/-) mice. Although PAFR(-/-) infected mice showed a delay in elimination of adult worms, worms established in the small intestine of these mice produced a significantly lower number of eggs due to a reduction in worm fecundity. There were also significant reductions in the number of circulating and tissue eosinophils and tumor necrosis factor levels in the small intestines of PAFR(-/-) mice infected for 7 days compared to the number and level in wild-type mice. Histological analysis confirmed the reduced inflammatory process and revealed that the PAFR(-/-) mice had a smaller number of goblet cells. The concentrations of the type 2 cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, and IL-10 were lower in small intestine homogenates and in supernatants of antigen-stimulated lymphocytes from spleens or mesenteric lymph nodes of PAFR(-/-) mice than in the corresponding preparations from wild-type mice. Thus, in S. venezuelensis-infected PAFR(-/-) mice, decreased intestinal inflammation is associated with enhanced worm survival but decreased fecundity. We suggest that although a Th2-predominant inflammatory response decreases worm survival, the worm may use factors produced during this response to facilitate egg output and reproduction. PAFR-mediated responses appear to modulate these host-derived signals that are important for worm fecundity.

Isolation of proliferative epithelial cells from the rat cecum and proximal colon

A two-step technique, resulting in an enriched subpopulation of viable proliferative epithelial cells from the rat cecum and proximal colon is reported. Chelation of divalent cations combined with mild mechanical dissociation was initially used to obtain a single-cell suspension of heterogeneous cell types. Subsequent velocity sedimentation, using a linear isokinetic gradient, yielded a subpopulation of homogeneous viable epithelial cells with only a small number of goblet cells. These cells were mitotically active, as assessed by thymidine kinase and [ 3H]thymidine incorporation, and appeared to originate from the proliferative region of rat colonic crypts.

Studies on the difference of background mucosa among single advanced carcinoma and benign diseases of the large intestine, and familial polyposis coli.

The entire lengths of fixed specimens from 17 single advanced carcinomas of the colon (Cancer Group), four benign lesions (Benign Group), and four familial polyposis coli (Polyposis Group) were step-sectioned. It was found that the tubules of the basal cells were densely packed with rather a small number of goblet cells in the cancer and benign lesion specimens, but clear and loose with completely differentiated goblet cells in the polyposis coli specimens. Microscopic adenomas that were macroscopically unrecognizable and only microscopically detectable were found in 16 lesions in the Cancer Group, one lesion in the Benign Group, and in numerous lesions in the Polyposis Group. All of them developed from the basal cells. These findings indicate that the colonic mucosa of patients in the Cancer and Benign Groups is similar, but differs from that of the Polyposisis Group, and that microscopic adenomas are not uncommon in the Non-Polyposis Groups (Cancer and Benign Groups), findings which were not previously known.

Longitudinal differentiation of the small intestine.

THE inner surface of the small intestine is covered by a “monolayer” consisting of simple epithelium and a smaller number of goblet cells. The epithelial cells differ in the various parts of the small intestine. Their vertical differentiation was suspected1 and confirmed by Dahlquist and Nordstrom2. This differentiation arises from the fact that in the crypts of Lieberkuhn the cells can undergo mitosis, but are incapable of digesting and absorbing nutrients. According to Grobstein's terminology3, this state corresponds to covert differentiation. Towards the apex of the intestinal villi, the cells gradually develop the enzyme pattern necessary for digestion and absorption, but lose their ability to undergo mitosis. This state would, according to Grobstein, correspond to overt differentiation.