Hakan Sağsöz

Anatomical and histological structure of the tongue and histochemical characteristics of the lingual salivary glands in the Chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar, Gray 1830)

1. The aim of the study was to examine the morphology of the tongue and the histochemical features of the lingual salivary glands in this species. 2. The tongue was elongated, terminating in a rather sharp, dagger-like apex. On the surface of the tongue and situated between the body and root of the tongue, two rows of conical papillae, the sharp apices of which pointed towards the posterior part of the tongue, were observed. The keratinised epithelium lining the dorsal surface lacked typical gustatory papillae. However, it was observed that taste buds were present in the epithelium of the lingual body and root. The tongue was supported by a structure composed of hyaline cartilage, the paraglossum, which extended from the lingual root to the apex. Simple branched tubular glands, which were encapsulated by connective tissue, were embedded within the submucosa in the body (anterior salivary glands) and root (posterior salivary glands) of the tongue. It was observed that the secretion of the lingual glands contained neutral mucins, proteoglycans containing carboxylic acid, weak and strong sulphated groups, N-acetylated sialomucins, but lacked glycogen. 3. It was demonstrated that, the general morphological features, papillary distribution of the tongue and the histological structure of the mucosa epithelium and the supportive elements displayed similarity to those of other domestic avian species. It was also determined that, in view of the particular feeding types, in the partridge, the presence of the papillary crest was not correlated with diet.

Localization of estrogen receptor α and progesterone receptor B in bovine cervix and vagina during the follicular and luteal phases of the sexual cycle.

Abstract The localization and distribution of estrogen receptors (ERα) and progesterone receptors (PR-B) in the cervix and vagina of sexually mature bovines during the follicular and luteal phases of the sexual cycle were studied using immunohistocehmistry. The estrous cycle stage of 23 Holstein bovines was assessed by gross and histological appearance of ovaries and blood steroid hormone values. Tissue samples from cervix and vagina were fixed in 10% formaldehyde for routine histological processing. Nuclear staining for ERα and PR-B was observed in the epithelial cells of the surface epithelium, stromal cells and smooth muscle cells. Generally, in the cervix, ERα immunoreactivity was more intense in the epithelial and smooth muscle cells during the follicular phase and in the epithelial cells during the luteal phase (p < 0.05). PR-B immunoreactivity was more intense in the epithelial and smooth muscle cells than in the superficial and deep stromal cells during the follicular and luteal phases (p < 0.05). In the vagina, ERα and PR-B immunoreactivities were more intense in the epithelial cells than in the connective tissue cells and smooth muscle cells during the follicular and luteal phases (p < 0.05). These results indicated that the frequency and intensity of ERα and PR-B immunoreactivity in the cervix and vagina of bovines varied according to the cervical and vaginal cell types and the phases of the sexual cycle.

The role of estrogen receptors, erbB receptors, vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptors, and vascular endothelial growth inhibitor in the development of the rat mammary gland

We identified the localization and distribution of cell-specific epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs: erbB-1, erbB-2, erbB-3, erbB-4), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), VEGF receptors [VEGFRs: VEGF-R1 (flt-1), VEGF-R2 (flk-1/KDR), VEGF-R3 (flt-4)], vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI), and estrogen receptor (ER), and determined whether or not these growth factors in rat mammary glands are functional. Thirty-five adult female Spraque-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups, each of which were at the 7th, 14th, and 21st day of pregnancy; 7th day post-delivery; and 7th day after weaning. It was determined that erbB, VEGF and its receptors, VEGI, and ER stained at different intensities. Intense staining was observed, in particular, in erbB receptors during pregnancy and involution, and also in VEGF and its receptors during lactation, while ER stained during the last periods of pregnancy and lactation. In conclusion, the expression of erbB, VEGF and its receptors, and ER were determined at varying intensities at different sites of the mammary gland during pregnancy, lactation, and involution periods.

Immunolocalization of vascular endothelial growth factor, its receptors (flt1/fms, flk1/KDR, flt4) and vascular endothelial growth inhibitor in the bitch uterus during the sexual cycle

Angiogenesis is regulated by proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a prime proangiogenic regulator, whereas vascular endothelial growth inhibitor (VEGI) is a specific antiangiogenic cytokine. To clarify temporal changes in the localization of pro-angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors in the uterus of normal bitches during the proestrus, estrus, diestrus and anestrus phases of the estrous cycle, the expressions of VEGF and its receptors (flt1/fms, flk1/KDR and flt4) and their correlation with VEGI were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Uteruses were collected after ovariohysterectomy. Immunohistochemical staining was evaluated semi-quantitatively by an immunohistochemical total score consisting of the sum of the intensity and proportional scores. The results in the bitch uterus demonstrated that positive immunohistochemical staining was found exclusively in the cytoplasm and apical membrane of luminal and glandular epithelial, stromal and smooth muscle cells and nuclear staining was observed in the flt1/fms, flk4 and VEGI during proestrous and estrous. Semi-quantitative analyses revealed that the total score for VEGF in the glandular epithelial cells was significantly higher than that of luminal, endometrial stromal and myometrial smooth muscle cells during proestrous (p<0.05). The total score for flk1/KDR and flt4 in the glandular epithelium was also significantly higher than that of endometrial stromal cells during proestrous, whilst the total score for flt1/fms in the glandular epithelium was significantly higher than that of endometrial stromal cells during anestrus (p<0.05). We conclude that, in the bitch uterus, cyclic changes may be precisely regulated by the combined functions of VEGF family members, angiogenic VEGF and VEGF receptors, and the angiogenesis inhibitor VEGI.

Expression of the erbB/HER receptor family in the bovine uterus during the sexual cycle and the relation of this family to serum sex steroids.

Our study was designed to investigate immunohistochemically the expression of the receptors of the erbB/HER family (erbB1/HER1, erbB2/HER2, erbB3/HER3, erbB4/HER4) in the bovine uterus during the follicular and luteal phases of the sexual cycle, and the relation to ovarian sex steroids. The stage of the estrous cycle in 30 Holstein bovine was assessed based on the gross and histological appearance of the ovaries and uterus, and on blood steroid hormone levels. Tissue samples taken from the uterus were fixed in 10% formaldehyde for routine histological processing. Positive membrane and cytoplasmic staining of varying intensity were determined in the uterus during the follicular and luteal phases of the sexual cycle for erbB/HER receptors in luminal and glandular epithelial cells, connective tissue, smooth muscle and vascular endothelial and smooth muscle cells. We demonstrated that the apical and basal membranes of luminal epithelial cells and the apical membrane of glandular epithelial cells reacted with erbB1/HER1 and erbB2/HER2 during both the follicular and luteal phases. The reaction for erbB3/HER3 and erbB4/HER4 was stronger in the cytoplasm of luminal and glandular epithelial cells, but was heterogeneous. During both the follicular and luteal phases, the percentage and staining intensity of luminal and superficial glandular epithelial cells reacting positively with the receptors erbB1/HER1, erbB2/HER2, erbB3/HER3 and erbB4/HER4 were greater than those of deep glandular epithelial and connective tissue cells (p < 0.05). We demonstrated that the expression of the erbB/HER receptor family varied with different cell types in the bovine uterus during the follicular and luteal phases.

The expression of epidermal growth factor receptors and their ligands (epidermal growth factor, neuregulin, amphiregulin) in the bitch uterus during the estrus cycle

In order to study the possible role of EGFR receptors in the bitch reproductive process, we have analyzed the expression pattern and localization of EGFR receptors and some of their ligands epidermal growth factor (EGF), neuregulin (NRG), amphiregulin (AREG), in the uterus during the estrus cycle using immunohistochemistry. The immunostaining for receptors and ligands of EGFR/ligand system was confined to membrane and cytoplasm of the target cells. Variations were observed, not only at the different stages of the estrous cycle, but also in the different tissue compartments of the uterus. However, it was detected that the immunostainings for NRG and AREG in the different cells do not show important differences at stages of the estrus cycle. In the luminal epithelium, strong immunostaining for ErbB1/HER1, ErbB2/HER2, ErbB4/HER4 and EGF was found at estrus. In the glandular epithelium, strong immunostaining for ErbB4/HER4 was observed at diestrus, while strong immunostaining for EGF was detected in both of estrus and diestrus. ErbB3/HER3 immunoreactivity in the stromal cells was higher at diestrus and anestrus, while ErbB4/HER4 immunoreactivity was lower at anestrus. In the myometrium, the highest levels of immunoreactivity of ErbB2/HER2 were found at estrus, while ErbB3/HER3 immunoreactivity was higher at anestrus. EGF immunoreactivity was lower at anestrus compared to other stage of cycle. Altered EGFR/ligand system expression during the estrus cycle suggests this growth factor system is a potent regulator of proliferation and differentiation events during preparation for implantation of bitch uterus.

Functional Anatomy of the Syrinx of the Chukar Partridge (Galliformes: Alectoris chukar) as a Model for Phonation Research

The phonation process of vertebrates is influenced by the material characteristics of the participating structures, ranging from molecular to macroscopic dimensions. Good animal models for phonation research are still lacking. Due to easy availability and relatively simple structure, the syrinx of birds might serve as a good animal model for this purpose. Our aim was therefore to determine structural features of the syrinx and obtain insights into its mucus layer characteristics. Epithelium and glands were analyzed using histological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical methods and conclusions were drawn on the use of the syrinx as a model for phonation research by comparing the epithelium and its mucus characteristics to human laryngeal secretions. Ten adult partridges were analyzed. The tympanum of the syrinx developed from the last two tracheal cartilages, whereas the caudal part of the syrinx was formed from eight pieces of bronchial cartilages. The tracheal and bronchial epithelia and the pessulus of the syrinx were lined by pseudo‐stratified columnar epithelium in which goblet cells and intraepithelial glands were localized. Collagen fibers were distributed in the lamina propria of all parts of the syringeal mucosa. Elastic fibers in the membranes of the syrinx showed evident distribution. All glandular epithelial cells and goblet cells were positive for neutral, acidic and carboxylated mucins were dominant in particular. Epithelium and glands revealed positive reactivity with antibodies to the mucins MUC1, MUC2, and MUC5AC. Of these, MUC2 and MUC5AC were dominant. The syrinx of partridge can serve as a good ex vivo model for phonation research. Anat Rec, 298:602–617, 2015.

The profile of the epidermal growth factor system in rat endometrium during postpartum involution period.

The epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays a crucial role in the control of uterine cell proliferation, growth and differentiation. This study was designed to investigate the spatiotemporal expression pattern and localization of the EGF receptor/ligand system during the process of uterine involution using immunohistochemistry. Our results indicated that the expression of the ErbB/HER receptors and their ligands varied with structural changes in the uterus at different days of involution. Supranuclear punctate ErbB1 immunostaining was observed in the luminal and glandular epithelial cells and endometrial fibroblasts. Moderate ErbB2/HER2 immunoreactivity was observed in the lateral membrane and cytoplasm of the epithelial cells on the 1st, 3rd and 5th days and was decreased on the other days of involution. The amount of nuclear and cytoplasmic ErbB3/HER3 and ErbB4/HER4 immunostaining remained constant throughout the postpartum period. The EGF immunoreaction was weak in the luminal and glandular epithelium throughout the involution period. Although the cytoplasmic AREG immunoreactivity in the glandular epithelium was stronger on the 1st and 3rd days compared with the other days of involution, NRG1 immunostaining was weak on the 1st and 3rd days and was moderate in the apical cytoplasm on the 10th and 15th days of involution. The macrophages displayed strong cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for ErbB3/HER3, ErbB4/HER4, EGF, AREG and NRG. Strong, moderate and weak immunostaining for ErbB2/HER2, ErbB4/HER4 and other proteins (ErbB1, ErbB3, AREG and NRG), respectively, was present in the myometrial smooth muscle cells. These findings support the hypothesis that the EGFsystem plays a role in the development of various physiological changes associated with uterine involution.

Papillary Architecture and Functional Characterization of Mucosubstances in the Sheep Tongue: MORPHOLOGY OF LINGUAL PAPILLAE AND GLANDS

This research aimed to reveal the general morphology and topographic distribution of lingual papillae, epithelial characteristics, mucosal structure, and glands with their mucin content in the sheep tongue, with consideration of species‐specific characteristics. The tongues of ten sheep were analyzed for this purpose. Filiform and fungiform papillae existed within the borders of the ventral surface of the lingual apex. The majority of the filiform papillae had multiple secondary projections. Fungiform papillae were also seen on the lingual torus among lenticular papillae, as well as 6 to 10 circumvallate papillae arranged on its caudal border. The species‐specific details of the general anatomical structure of the tongue were determined and, in general, the papillary organization in the sheep was similar to goats, while the papillary organization also was similar to features with deer species, specifically the filiform papilla from the mechanical papillae and fungiform papilla from the gustatory papillae. Neutral and weak sulfated mucins and N‐acetyl sialomucins were located in seromucous glands, salivary duct epithelium and von Ebners glands. Carboxylated acid mucins and N‐acetyl sialomucins were not present in seromucous and von Ebners glands. In seromucous glands, MUC1, MUC5AC, and MUC6 localized only in epithelial cells of ducts, whereas MUC2 localized in both glandular and ductal epithelial cells. All MUCs were present in both von Ebners glands and salivary ducts. We showed that this mucin composition, may serve as a physical barrier in the initial section of the digestive system. Anat Rec, 2018.

Mucin profiles of the abomasum in bulls and rams: A comparative study.

Many pathogens require direct binding to mucosal cells to cause an infection. The mucosal epithelium of the digestive tract, which is covered by a mucin layer, fulfills several protective functions that are essential to maintaining the health of the digestive tract. Mucins are glycoproteins, which are found on membranes and in mucus gels and protect the underlying mucosal cells. Both membrane‐associated mucins and secreted mucins are critical components of mucosal defense. The aim of this study was to determine the localization and expression of mucin profile of the abomasum via histochemistry and immunohistochemistry. The abomasums of 20 bulls and 20 rams were evaluated. Histochemical examination showed that neutral and acidic mucins were present in the mucosa and the glands of the pars cardiaca, fundus, and pars pylorica of the abomasums of both bulls and rams. However, the expression of acidic mucins was weak in the superficial glands and strong in the deep glands of the abomasum of rams. In both bulls and rams, MUC1, MUC5AC, and MUC6 were expressed in the glandular epithelial cells in all regions of the abomasum. Interestingly, while MUC2 was not expressed in the pars cardiaca and fundus, it was weakly expressed in the parietal cells of the pars pylorica in both species. In conclusion, the presence of neutral and acidic mucins and MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6 proteins in luminal epithelial and glandular cells of abomasum in the bulls and rams support the hypothesis that mucins play a key role in the protection of the abomasal mucosa against infectious agents.