In this investigation, testes of 20 donkeys ranging from birth to maturity were studied. The postnatal morphologic and morphometric characteristics of donkey’s seminiferous epithelium during the postnatal period were studied. The volume percentage of the tubular compartment (Seminiferous tubules) was about 12.76% in neonates, progressively increased with postnatal age, reaching about 78.42% of the testicular parenchyma in mature donkeys. The seminiferous tubules measured about 205 μm in diameter, and their lining epithelium was about 73.7 μm in height in mature animals. The supporting (Sertoli) and germ cells (gonocytes) were the main components of the seminiferous cord or (tubules). The supporting type gradually decreased in number from neonates through suckling to the premature and mature stages, while they started to acquire the morphological characteristics of mature cells in late suckling period. The gonocytes maintained the same morphological characteristics during the neonatal and suckling periods; however, they showed a slight increase in number during the latter stage. In addition, dividing germ cells were frequently observed. The germ cells were mostly demonstrated in a central position within the testicular cords of neonatal donkeys. In suckling animals, some gonocytes started to contact the basement membrane, whereas in late suckling period, most of germ cells in contact with basement membrane. In premature donkeys, the gonocytes arranged in 2-3 layers between the supporting cells. In addition, the lumination of the seminiferous cords occurred in 1.5 year. The germ cells could be distinguished to spermatogonia, and primary, as well as secondary spermatocytes. Spermatids, at different stages of transformation, were also detected within some seminiferous tubules. In adults, the semniferous cords became more coiled and were totally luminated. All kinds of germ cells could be observed within the seminiferous epithelium, representing the complete seminiferous cycle and spermatogenesis is completed by 2 years of age. The present study provides baseline information for further experiment or quantitative studies exploring normal development of the testis and hormonal regulation of Sertoli cells, spermatogonial stem cells and spermatogenesis in donkey and other related species

Fifteen adult Soay rams were used in this experiment. Eight animals were given subcutaneous implants containing melatonin, while the other seven animals were used as control. After 11 weeks, the rams were killed and the seminal vesicles were examined by light and electron microscope. In contrast to the control grouped animals, the melatonin treated rams showed morphological, morphometrical, and ultrastructural changes as a result of reactivation of the glandular tissues of the seminal glands. The ratio of interstitial connective tissues to glandular tissues was reduced in the treated group. Melatonin induced an evident significant increase in number and height of principal cells that showed signs of increased secretory activity; apical cytoplasmic protrusions became well developed and covering the inner surface of the glandular end-pieces, also, the basal cells were significantly increased in number. The main cytological alteration in the principal cells of the seminal vesicles in treated animals was prominent increase in the concentrically arranged membranes of sER, secretory vacuoles and glycogen granules and appearance of numerous lysosomes and multivesicular bodies. Interstitial Cajal- like cells were significantly increased in number and formed a network around the epithelium and between smooth muscle cells in the treated group. The main components of these cells were mitochondria, rER, sER, and many caveolae. The cytological alterations were accompanied by subepithelial and intraepithelial nonmyelinated nerve terminals in the treated animals. The results support the view that melatonin activates and increases the secretory activity of seminal gland in sheep.

Fifteen adult Soay rams were used in this experiment. Eight animals were given subcutaneous implants containing melatonin, while the other seven animals were used as control. After 11 weeks, the rams were killed and the seminal vesicles were examined by light and electron microscope. In contrast to the control grouped animals, the melatonin treated rams showed morphological, morphometrical, and ultrastructural changes as a result of reactivation of the glandular tissues of the seminal glands. The ratio of interstitial connective tissues to glandular tissues was reduced in the treated group. Melatonin induced an evident significant increase in number and height of principal cells that showed signs of increased secretory activity; apical cytoplasmic protrusions became well developed and covering the inner surface of the glandular end-pieces, also, the basal cells were significantly increased in number. The main cytological alteration in the principal cells of the seminal vesicles in treated animals was prominent increase in the concentrically arranged membranes of sER, secretory vacuoles and glycogen granules and appearance of numerous lysosomes and multivesicular bodies. Interstitial Cajal- like cells were significantly increased in number and formed a network around the epithelium and between smooth muscle cells in the treated group. The main components of these cells were mitochondria, rER, sER, and many caveolae. The cytological alterations were accompanied by subepithelial and intraepithelial nonmyelinated nerve terminals in the treated animals. The results support the view that melatonin activates and increases the secretory activity of seminal gland in sheep.

Fifteen adult Soay rams were used in this experiment. Eight animals were given subcutaneous implants containing melatonin, while the other seven animals were used as control. After 11 weeks, the rams were killed and the seminal vesicles were examined by light and electron microscope. In contrast to the control grouped animals, the melatonin treated rams showed morphological, morphometrical, and ultrastructural changes as a result of reactivation of the glandular tissues of the seminal glands. The ratio of interstitial connective tissues to glandular tissues was reduced in the treated group. Melatonin induced an evident significant increase in number and height of principal cells that showed signs of increased secretory activity; apical cytoplasmic protrusions became well developed and covering the inner surface of the glandular end-pieces, also, the basal cells were significantly increased in number. The main cytological alteration in the principal cells of the seminal vesicles in treated animals was prominent increase in the concentrically arranged membranes of sER, secretory vacuoles and glycogen granules and appearance of numerous lysosomes and multivesicular bodies. Interstitial Cajal- like cells were significantly increased in number and formed a network around the epithelium and between smooth muscle cells in the treated group. The main components of these cells were mitochondria, rER, sER, and many caveolae. The cytological alterations were accompanied by subepithelial and intraepithelial nonmyelinated nerve terminals in the treated animals. The results support the view that melatonin activates and increases the secretory activity of seminal gland in sheep.

Fifteen adult Soay rams were used in this experiment. Eight animals were given subcutaneous implants containing melatonin, while the other seven animals were used as control. After 11 weeks, the rams were killed and the seminal vesicles were examined by light and electron microscope. In contrast to the control grouped animals, the melatonin treated rams showed morphological, morphometrical, and ultrastructural changes as a result of reactivation of the glandular tissues of the seminal glands. The ratio of interstitial connective tissues to glandular tissues was reduced in the treated group. Melatonin induced an evident significant increase in number and height of principal cells that showed signs of increased secretory activity; apical cytoplasmic protrusions became well developed and covering the inner surface of the glandular end-pieces, also, the basal cells were significantly increased in number. The main cytological alteration in the principal cells of the seminal vesicles in treated animals was prominent increase in the concentrically arranged membranes of sER, secretory vacuoles and glycogen granules and appearance of numerous lysosomes and multivesicular bodies. Interstitial Cajal- like cells were significantly increased in number and formed a network around the epithelium and between smooth muscle cells in the treated group. The main components of these cells were mitochondria, rER, sER, and many caveolae. The cytological alterations were accompanied by subepithelial and intraepithelial nonmyelinated nerve terminals in the treated animals. The results support the view that melatonin activates and increases the secretory activity of seminal gland in sheep.

To improve the reproductive performance of water buffalo to level can satisfy our needs, the mechanisms controlling ovarian follicular growth and development should be thoroughly investigated. Therefore, in this study, the expressions of growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) in buffalo ovaries were examined by immunohistochemistry, and the effects of GDF-9 treatment on follicle progression were investigated using a buffalo ovary organ culture system. Frozen–thawed buffalo ovarian follicles within slices of ovarian cortical tissue were cultured for 14 days in the presence or absence of GDF-9. After culture, ovarian slices were fixed, sectioned and stained. The follicles were morphologically analysed and counted. Expression pattern of GDF-9 was detected in oocytes from primordial follicles onwards, besides, also presented in granulosa cells. Moreover, GDF-9 was detected in mural granulosa cells and theca cells of pre-antral follicles. In antral follicles, cumulus cells and theca cells displayed positive expression of GDF-9. In corpora lutea, GDF-9 was expressed in both granulosa and theca lutein cells. After in vitro culture, there was no difference in the number of primordial follicles between cultured plus GDF-9 and cultured control that indicated the GDF-9 treatment has no effect on the primordial to primary follicle transition. GDF-9 treatment caused a significant decrease in the number of primary and secondary follicles compared with controls accompanied with a significant increase in pre-antral and antral follicles. These results suggest that a larger number of primary and secondary follicles were stimulated to progress to later developmental stages when treated with GDF-9. Vitrification/warming of buffalo ovarian tissue had a little remarkable effect, in contrast to culturing for 14 days, on the expression of GDF-9. In conclusion, treatment with GDF-9 was found to promote progression of primary follicle that could provide an alternative approach to stimulate early follicle development and toimprove therapies for the most common infertility problem in buffaloes (ovarian inactivity). improve

To improve the reproductive performance of water buffalo to level can satisfy our needs, the mechanisms controlling ovarian follicular growth and development should be thoroughly investigated. Therefore, in this study, the expressions of growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) in buffalo ovaries were examined by immunohistochemistry, and the effects of GDF-9 treatment on follicle progression were investigated using a buffalo ovary organ culture system. Frozen–thawed buffalo ovarian follicles within slices of ovarian cortical tissue were cultured for 14 days in the presence or absence of GDF-9. After culture, ovarian slices were fixed, sectioned and stained. The follicles were morphologically analysed and counted. Expression pattern of GDF-9 was detected in oocytes from primordial follicles onwards, besides, also presented in granulosa cells. Moreover, GDF-9 was detected in mural granulosa cells and theca cells of pre-antral follicles. In antral follicles, cumulus cells and theca cells displayed positive expression of GDF-9. In corpora lutea, GDF-9 was expressed in both granulosa and theca lutein cells. After in vitro culture, there was no difference in the number of primordial follicles between cultured plus GDF-9 and cultured control that indicated the GDF-9 treatment has no effect on the primordial to primary follicle transition. GDF-9 treatment caused a significant decrease in the number of primary and secondary follicles compared with controls accompanied with a significant increase in pre-antral and antral follicles. These results suggest that a larger number of primary and secondary follicles were stimulated to progress to later developmental stages when treated with GDF-9. Vitrification/warming of buffalo ovarian tissue had a little remarkable effect, in contrast to culturing for 14 days, on the expression of GDF-9. In conclusion, treatment with GDF-9 was found to promote progression of primary follicle that could provide an alternative approach to stimulate early follicle development and toimprove therapies for the most common infertility problem in buffaloes (ovarian inactivity). improve

To improve the reproductive performance of water buffalo to level can satisfy our needs, the mechanisms controlling ovarian follicular growth and development should be thoroughly investigated. Therefore, in this study, the expressions of growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9) in buffalo ovaries were examined by immunohistochemistry, and the effects of GDF-9 treatment on follicle progression were investigated using a buffalo ovary organ culture system. Frozen–thawed buffalo ovarian follicles within slices of ovarian cortical tissue were cultured for 14 days in the presence or absence of GDF-9. After culture, ovarian slices were fixed, sectioned and stained. The follicles were morphologically analysed and counted. Expression pattern of GDF-9 was detected in oocytes from primordial follicles onwards, besides, also presented in granulosa cells. Moreover, GDF-9 was detected in mural granulosa cells and theca cells of pre-antral follicles. In antral follicles, cumulus cells and theca cells displayed positive expression of GDF-9. In corpora lutea, GDF-9 was expressed in both granulosa and theca lutein cells. After in vitro culture, there was no difference in the number of primordial follicles between cultured plus GDF-9 and cultured control that indicated the GDF-9 treatment has no effect on the primordial to primary follicle transition. GDF-9 treatment caused a significant decrease in the number of primary and secondary follicles compared with controls accompanied with a significant increase in pre-antral and antral follicles. These results suggest that a larger number of primary and secondary follicles were stimulated to progress to later developmental stages when treated with GDF-9. Vitrification/warming of buffalo ovarian tissue had a little remarkable effect, in contrast to culturing for 14 days, on the expression of GDF-9. In conclusion, treatment with GDF-9 was found to promote progression of primary follicle that could provide an alternative approach to stimulate early follicle development and toimprove therapies for the most common infertility problem in buffaloes (ovarian inactivity). improve

The surface architectures of lips and associated structures of red-tail shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) and suckermouth catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus) are studied, focusing mainly on the type and distribution of the taste buds, with remarks on the distribution of the uniculi, mucous cells and microridges. In suckermouth catfish, the mouth is extensively protrusive to form a sucking disc. It possesses one pair of maxillary barbel located in the mouth corners. In red-tail shark, upper lip is associated with enlarged rostral cap. It possessed one pair of mandibular barbels and one pair of maxillary barbels. Differences between the two species are found in shape and organization of the epithelial papillae, uniculi, distribution of taste buds, mucous cells and microridge patterns, which are considered as adaptation in relation to mode of life exhibited by fish. Types I taste bud is present in rostral cap of red-tail shark, while type II and III are found in upper and lower lips of suckermouth catfish. A firm rigidity of the epithelial surface of upper and lower lip of suckermouth catfish may be attributed to web-like pattern microridges. While that of rostral cap of red-tail shark are covered by fingerprint-like pattern microridges. These structures protect the free surfaces against mechanical abrasions caused during food swallowing. Moreover, protection and lubrication of the epithelium is enhanced by mucous cell secretions, which distributed in lips and associated structures of both species. Observations of the surface architecture of lips of both species are discussed in relation to suggested function and ecomorphological adaptation.

The surface architectures of lips and associated structures of red-tail shark (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor) and suckermouth catfish (Hypostomus plecostomus) are studied, focusing mainly on the type and distribution of the taste buds, with remarks on the distribution of the uniculi, mucous cells and microridges. In suckermouth catfish, the mouth is extensively protrusive to form a sucking disc. It possesses one pair of maxillary barbel located in the mouth corners. In red-tail shark, upper lip is associated with enlarged rostral cap. It possessed one pair of mandibular barbels and one pair of maxillary barbels. Differences between the two species are found in shape and organization of the epithelial papillae, uniculi, distribution of taste buds, mucous cells and microridge patterns, which are considered as adaptation in relation to mode of life exhibited by fish. Types I taste bud is present in rostral cap of red-tail shark, while type II and III are found in upper and lower lips of suckermouth catfish. A firm rigidity of the epithelial surface of upper and lower lip of suckermouth catfish may be attributed to web-like pattern microridges. While that of rostral cap of red-tail shark are covered by fingerprint-like pattern microridges. These structures protect the free surfaces against mechanical abrasions caused during food swallowing. Moreover, protection and lubrication of the epithelium is enhanced by mucous cell secretions, which distributed in lips and associated structures of both species. Observations of the surface architecture of lips of both species are discussed in relation to suggested function and ecomorphological adaptation.