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Retinal Structure of Poecilia sphenops: Photoreceptor Mosaics, Synaptic Ribbon Patterns, and Glial Cell Expressions

Research Abstract

The specific arrangement and distribution of photoreceptors in the retina can vary among
different fish species, with each species exhibiting adaptations related to its habitat, behavior, and
visual requirements. Poecilia sphenops, a diurnal fish, was the focus of this study. The retinas of a
total of eighteen Molly fish were investigated utilizing light and electron microscopy. The retina
exhibited a square mosaic pattern of the inner segments of cones. This pattern comprised double
cones positioned along the sides of a square, with two types of single cones situated at the center and
corners of the square arrangement across the entire retina. The corner cones were slightly shorter
than the central ones. Additionally, the outer plexiform layer contained both cone pedicles and rod
spherules. The rod spherule consisted of a single synaptic ribbon arranged in a triad or quadrat
junctional arrangement within the invaginating free ends of the horizontal and bipolar cell processes.
On the other hand, cone pedicles have more than one synaptic ribbon in their junctional complex.
The inner nuclear layer consisted of the amacrine, bipolar, Müller, and horizontal cell bodies. Müller
cell processes, expressing GFAP, extended across all retinal layers, segmenting the deeper retina into
alternating fascicles of optic axons and ganglion cells. The outer and inner plexiform layers showed
many astrocyte cell processes expressing GFAP. In conclusion, the current study is the first record of
the retinal structures of Molly fish. This study illustrated the mosaic arrangement of photoreceptors
and GFAP expression patterns of astrocytes and Müller cells. The presence of three cone types,
coupled with a sufficient number of rods, likely facilitates motion awareness for tasks like finding
food and performing elaborate mating ceremonies
 

Research Authors
Doaa M. Mokhtar 1,2 , Marco Albano , Rasha Alonaizan 4 and Abdelraheim Attaai
Research Date
Research Journal
Animals
Research Publisher
MDPI
Research Rank
Q1
Research Vol
14
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060939
Research Year
2024

From Proliferation to Protection: Immunohistochemical Profiling of Cardiomyocytes and Immune Cells in Molly Fish Hearts

Research Abstract

Unlike adult mammalian cardiomyocytes, cardiomyocytes in teleosts display high proliferative capacity throughout adulthood. This study aimed to identify the immunohistochemical profiles
of cardiomyocytes and immune cells in the hearts of Molly fish by assessing the immunolabelling
expression of key proteins involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue protection. The
cardiac anatomy of Molly fish includes the atrium, ventricle, and bulbus arteriosus. The expression of
SOX9, NF-κB, myostatin, and S100 proteins in myocardial cells indicates the proliferative features of
the heart in Molly fish. The bulbus arteriosus is characterized by collagenous chambers and smooth
muscle cells that express Ach and iba1. The atrium of Molly fish serves as a storage unit for rodlet
cells and immune cells. Rodlet cells displayed immunoreactivity to NF-κB, iba1, Olig2, Ach, and
S100 proteins, suggesting their roles in the immune response within the heart. Furthermore, telocytes
(TCs) have emerged as a significant component of the atrium of Molly fish, expressing Ach, CD68,
S100 protein, and iba1. These expressions indicate the involvement of TCs in multiple signaling pathways that contribute to heart architecture. This study delineates the intricate relationship between
cardiomyocytes and innate immune cells in Molly fish.
 

Research Authors
Giacomo Zaccone 1,*,† , Doaa M. Mokhtar 2,3,† , Alessio Alesci 4 , Gioele Capillo 4,5 , Marco Albano 1 , Manal T. Hussein 2, Marialuisa Aragona , Antonino Germanà , Eugenia R. Lauriano and Ramy K. A. Sayed
Research Date
Research Journal
Fishes
Research Publisher
MDPI
Research Rank
Q1
Research Vol
9
Research Website
https://doi.org/10.3390/ fishes9070283
Research Year
2024

Neuron mapping in the Molly fish optic tectum: An emphasis on the adult neurogenesis process

Research Abstract

Teleost fish exhibit the most pronounced and widespread adult neurogenesis.
Recently, functional development and the fate of newborn neurons have been
reported in the optic tectum (OT) of fish. To determine the role of neurogenesis in
the OT, this study used histological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic
investigations on 18 adult Molly fish specimens (Poecilia sphenops). The OT of the
Molly fish was a bilateral lobed structure located in the dorsal part of the mesencephalon. It exhibited a laminated structure made up of alternating fiber and cellular layers,
which were organized into six main layers. The stratum opticum (SO) was supplied by
optic nerve fibers, in which the neuropil was the main component. Radial bipolar neurons that possessed bundles of microtubules were observed in the stratum fibrosum
et griseum superficiale (SFGS). Furthermore, oligodendrocytes with their processes
wrapped around the nerve fibers could be observed. The stratum album centrale
(SAC) consisted mainly of the axons of the stratum griseum centrale (SGC) and the
large tectal, pyriform, and horizontal neurons. The neuronal cells of the SO and large
tectal cells of the SAC expressed autophagy-related protein-5 (APG5). Interleukin-1β
(IL-1β) was expressed in both neurons and glia cells of SGC. Additionally, inducible
nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was expressed in the neuropil of the SAC synaptic layer
and granule cells of the stratum periventriculare (SPV). Also, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9), and myostatin were clearly
expressed in the proliferative neurons. In all strata, S100 protein and Oligodendrocyte
Lineage Transcription Factor 2 (Olig2) were expressed by microglia, oligodendrocytes,
and astrocytes. In conclusion, it was possible to identify different varieties of neurons
in the optic tectum, each with a distinct role. The existence of astrocytes, proliferative
neurons, and stem cells highlights the regenerative capacity of OT
 

Research Authors
Manal T. Hussein 1 | Ramy K. A. Sayed2 | Doaa M. Mokhtar1,3
Research Date
Research Journal
Microscopy research and techniques
Research Year
2024

Exploring Cellular Dynamics in the Goldfish Bulbus Arteriosus: A Multifaceted Perspective

Research Abstract

The bulbus arteriosus of goldfish, Carassius auratus, possesses unique structural features.
The wall of the bulbus arteriosus is exceptionally thick, with an inner surface characterized by
longitudinally arranged finger-like ridges, resulting in an uneven luminal appearance. These ridges
are covered by endocardium and encased in an amorphous extracellular matrix. The inner surface
of the bulbus arteriosus also contains rodlet cells at different developmental stages, often clustered
beneath the endothelium lining the bulbar lumen. Ruptured rodlet cells release their contents via
a holocrine secretion process. The high abundance of rodlet cells in the bulbus arteriosus suggests
that this is the site of origin for these cells. Within the middle layer of the bulbus arteriosus, smooth
muscle cells, branched telocytes (TCs), and collagen bundles coexist. TCs and their telopodes form
complex connections within a dense collagen matrix, extending to rodlet cells and macrophages.
Moreover, the endothelium makes direct contact with telopodes. The endocardial cells within the
bulbus arteriosus display irregular, stellate shapes and numerous cell processes that establish direct
contact with TCs. TEM reveals that they contain moderately dense bodies and membrane-bound
vacuoles, suggesting a secretory activity. TCs exhibit robust secretory activity, evident from their
telopodes containing numerous secretory vesicles. Furthermore, TCs release excretory vesicles
containing bioactive molecules into the extracellular matrix, which strengthens evidence for telocytes
as promising candidates for cellular therapies and regeneration in various heart pathologies.

 

Research Authors
Doaa M. Mokhtar 1,2 , Enas A. Abd-Elhafez 1, Marco Albano 3,* , Giacomo Zaccone 3 and Manal T. Hussein 1
Research Date
Research Journal
fishes
Research Publisher
Fishes
Research Year
2024

Efficacy of xenogeneic fresh and lyophilized amniotic membranes on the healing of experimentally induced full-thickness skin wounds in dogs

Research Abstract

Wound healing is a complex process involving multiple phases aimed at repairing damaged tissues.
Disruptions in this process can lead to chronic wounds and infections. Effective treatments that
maintain cellular bioactivity while being cost-effective and easy to manufacture and store are needed.
The amniotic membrane (AM) is highly biocompatible and rich in bioactive factors, making it valuable
for regenerative medicine. Bovine AM is noteworthy for its large size, which facilitates its use in
medical settings. However, preserving its bioactivity during storage is a challenge. Therefore, this
study aimed to evaluate the effect of bovine lyophilized AM on full-thickness skin wound healing
in dogs, compared to that of fresh AM. Bovine AM was collected, lyophilized, and characterized by
quantifying growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast
growth factor (bFGF), as well as collagen, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), elastin, and DNA. Additionally,
the surface morphology was imaged using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of
conditioned media from fresh and lyophilized AM on fibroblast and endothelial cell proliferation were
compared. In vivo, three full-thickness skin wounds were created on the back in twelve dogs and
treated with saline (control), fresh AM, or lyophilized AM, and monitored for healing over 1, 3, and 5
weeks. The fresh AM contained 57.3 ± 6.21 µg/mg collagen, 5.62 ± 1.1 µg/mg GAGs, 11.6 ± 4.52 µg/mg
elastin, and 46.3 ± 12.8 ng/mg DNA, with VEGF and bFGF levels of 5.43 ± 2.485 and 1.97 ± 0.482 ng/
mg, respectively. The lyophilized AM contained 217.74 ± 8.78 µg/mg collagen, 14.4 ± 1.56 µg/mg GAGs,
43.2 ± 6.8 µg/mg elastin, and 234.6 ± 21.5 ng/mg DNA, with VEGF and bFGF levels of 28.12 ± 7.6 and
13.3 ± 6.89 ng/mg, respectively. SEM revealed a monolayer with poorly defined borders in fresh AM,
whereas lyophilized AM displayed a well-defined apical border with few microvilli. Lyophilized AMconditioned media promoted greater endothelial cell and fibroblast proliferation. Compared with those
in the fresh AM and control groups, wounds treated with lyophilized AM healed faster, with narrower
edges and more pronounced re-epithelization and collagen remodeling at 1-, 3-, and 5-weeks postwounding. Histopathology revealed quicker granulation and inflammatory cell infiltration in the first
week for lyophilized AM, and better re-epithelization and collagen remodeling in subsequent stages. In
conclusion, the amniotic membrane, particularly in its lyophilized form, offers significant benefits for
skin wound healing due to its bioactivity, availability, and cost-effectiveness.
 

Research Authors
Kamal H. Hussein 1,2, Esraa Motiea1 & Manal T. Hussein3
Research Date
Research Journal
Scientific report
Research Member

Developmental Dynamics of the Rabbit Cerebellum During Fetal Maturation With Insights into the Role of Radial Glia in Neuronal Development

Research Abstract

This study examines the development of the rabbit cerebellum from the 10th day postconception to full-term fetal age, with a particular focus on
the role of radial glial cells in the differentiation of cerebellar neurons. A total of 35 embryonic samples were meticulously dissected and
microscopically analyzed. On embryonic day (ED) 12, cerebellar primordia, consisting of the ventricular neuroepithelium and rhombic lip, were
observed. By ED16, significant neuronal cell proliferation and migration in both the radial and tangential directions were noted. On ED 20,
lamination processes began, forming the external granular layer (EGL) and Purkinje cell plate (PCP) with the support of radial glial cells. By ED
25, the cerebellar cortex had developed three distinct layers: the EGL, PCP, and the prospective molecular layer (PML), with radial glial cells
localized in the PCP. Differentiation continued, and upon ED30, a new cortical layer, the internal granular layer, was evident. Additionally, the
gradual replacement of nestin by glial fibrillary acidic protein marked the differentiation of radial glia into Bergmann glia at ED 25 and ED 30.
β-III tubulin, a marker of differentiated neurons, was detected in the inner layer of EGL and PCP during these stages. In conclusion, this study
highlights the pivotal role of radial glial cells in the layered organization and neuronal differentiation of the developing rabbit cerebellum. The
developmental trajectory observed provides valuable insights into cerebellar morphogenesis and supports the relevance of the rabbit model
for exploring neurodevelopmental processes
 

Research Authors
Manal T. Hussein1 , Norhan M. Kotb1, Doaa M. Mokhtar1,2,* , and Marwa M. Hussein1
Research Date
Research Journal
Microscopy and microanalysis
Research Member

Ultrasound measurements of croup fat thickness and liver echogenicity as indicators for lipomobilization in donkeys (Equus Africanus asinus) with fasting-induced hyperlipidemia

Research Abstract

Background Disturbances in lipid metabolism are usually associated with hyperlipidemia, which is commonly
observed in donkeys with inappetence or anorexia. The diagnostic utility of ultrasound measurements of croup fat
thickness (CFT) and relative liver echogenicity for lipomobilization in donkeys with fasting-induced hyperlipidemia
was investigated. A prospective observational control study involving 25 donkeys was conducted, and the animals
were randomly assigned to a fasting group (FG, n = 20) and a control group (CG, n = 5). In the FG, the experiment
period (10 days) consisted of two stages, the fasting stage (4 days) and the post-fasting stage (6 days).
Results On six occasions, the following were evaluated: body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), ultrasound
subcutaneous CFT, ultrasound gluteal muscle thickness, liver ultrasonography, and blood metabolites. The ultrasound
CFT was significantly reduced at 4 days of fasting (P < 0.05). Donkeys with ≥ 7 mm of CFT before fasting were 6 times
more likely to develop hyperlipidemia post-fasting (P < 0.01). Hepatic ultrasonography showed no hepatomegaly.
Decrements of the portal vein (PV) diameter were noticed during fasting. The hepatic relative echogenicity (RE)
significantly increased after 4 days of fasting, and then decreased after fasting (P < 0.05). The RE of ≥ 78 is a critical
threshold for diagnosing hyperlipidemia (P < 0.001). The serum concentrations of triglycerides, total cholesterol, very
low-density lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins, and low-density lipoproteins peaked at 4 days of fasting (P < 0.05).
The serum concentrations of FFA increased during fasting (P < 0.05) and then dropped after fasting.
Conclusion Fasting-induced hyperlipidemia is associated with reductions in CFT with concurrent increased RE,
suggesting lipomobilization. CFT and RE could be used as diagnostic tools for hyperlipidemia. Reversible variations
in serum metabolites could be noticed in donkeys as complications of fasting-induced hyperlipidemia; therefore,
therapy may be unnecessary especially in less severe cases.

Research Authors
Abeer Abd El-Wares Mahmoud, Hanan Kamal Elsayed and Hussein Awad Hussein
Research Date
Research Department
Research File
Research Journal
BMC Veterinary Research
Research Pages
534
Research Publisher
Hussein Awad Hussein Mohamed
Research Rank
Q1
Research Vol
21
Research Website
https://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12917-025-04999-z
Research Year
2025

Lithium Chloride Rescues Dopaminergic Neurons in a Parkinson’s Disease Rat Model Challenged with Rotenone

Research Authors
Eman Allam, Sary Khalil Abdel-Ghafar, Manal Hussein, Ahmed Al-Emam, Khaled Radad
Research Date
Research Department
Research Journal
CNS & Neurological Disorders-Drug Targets
Research Year
2025

Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in milk samples from sheep and goats in Assiut Governorate, Egypt.

Research Abstract

Toxoplasmosis is a global zoonotic disease that poses a threat to both animal and human, therefore the present investigation's aims were to detect T. gondii antibodies and T. gondii DNA in sheep and goat milk samples, and the relationship between epidemiological aspects and T. gondii infection. The current study was carried out on lactating sheep and goats (50 of each) from farmers’ houses (El-Fateh and Abnoub) in Assiut Governorate. CMT was performed on milk samples to detect subclinical mastitis, while LAT and PCR were utilized to diagnose T. gondii. Among the 100 examined animals, 2 (2%) were classified as CMT (++), 9 (9%) as CMT (+), 13 (13%) as suspicious and 76 (76%) as negative. According to LAT, 26% (13/50) of sheep milk samples and 44% (22/50) of goat milk samples contained T. gondii antibodies. By using PCR, it was discovered that 86% (43/50) of dairy sheep and 94% (47/50) of dairy goats had T. gondii DNA in their milk. The T. gondii infection in PCR-examined dairy sheep varied significantly by location (P<0.01), but there was no discernible change based on age (P<0.05). The percentages of molecularly testing dairy goats infected with T. gondii did not significantly differ (P<0.05) based on their locality and age. In order to stop and limit the spread of toxoplasmosis in Assiut Governorate, surveillance and sufficient biosecurity measures must be implemented

Research Authors
FATMA S. MAHMOUD 1 ; KHALED A. ABD EL-RAZIK 2 ; MARWA G. ABD EL-KADER 3 ; HEBA A. NASR 4 AND ZAINAB M.A. YOUSSEF
Research Date
Research Department
Research File
Research Journal
Assiut Veterinary Medical Journal
Research Pages
477-486
Research Publisher
Zeinab Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed (3199)
Research Rank
Assiut university
Research Vol
71
Research Website
https://avmj.journals.ekb.eg/article_444720.html
Research Year
2025

Histological, immunohistochemical assessment and DNA fingerprint species identification of some meat products in Egypt

Research Abstract

A total of sixty commercial beef products, represented by minced meat, sausage, kofta, and burger, with fifteen samples per product, were collected randomly from different markets in Assiut city, Egypt. Samples were examined histologically, immunohistochemically and molecularly to investigate tissue composition and species substitution. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was applied to confirm the beef origin of different marketed beef products and determine if there are any adulteration and/ or contamination with rodents and canine species. The histological investigation finds significant differences in skeletal muscle content, with the highest proportion in minced meat, whereas the lowest detected in kofta. Several animal tissues were detected, including adipose tissue, collagen, cartilage, and bone, where kofta showed the highest levels. We also detected plant tissues, predominantly found in burger samples. Expression Bcl2 indicated the maximum intensity in sausage, while burger showed the lowest expression. PCR results revealed that 89.13% were pure beef products, 10.87% were with rat meat contamination, and 100% of examined samples were negative for canine species. These results highlight the efficacy of histology, Bcl2 immunohistochemistry and PCR in assessing meat quality and distinguishing adulteration.

Research Authors
Heba F. Kamaly, Abeer M. Hassan, Zainab M.A. Youssef and Fatma El-Zahraa A. Mustafa
Research Date
Research Department
Research File
Research Journal
Scientific Reports
Research Pages
14978
Research Publisher
Fatma El-zahraa Ahmed Mustafa
Research Rank
Assiut University
Research Vol
15
Research Website
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-97633-9
Research Year
2025
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