Nevin Kurtdede

Expression pattern of galectin-1 and galectin-3 in rat testes and epididymis during postnatal development

Galectins are a family of lectins-binding beta-galactosides involved in a variety of extracellular and intracellular processes, thereby contributing to homeostasis, cell adhesion, cellular turnover, and immunity. This study aimed to determine the localization and expression of galectin-1 (Gal-1) and galectin-3 (Gal-3) in the testis and epididymis of rats at postnatal [(prepubertal (day 5), pubertal (day 20), postpubertal (day 50) and mature (day 70)] periods by using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Gal-1 and Gal-3 were differentially expressed in different types of cells in the testis and epididymis during postnatal development. While we detected Gal-1 expression in some spermatogenic cells and Leydig cells in the testis, not in the epididymal epithelium, Gal-3 was expressed in Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells, Leydig cells, smooth muscles and interstitial CD68-positive macrophages. Epithelial cells of the corpus and cauda epididymis showed an intense Gal-3 expression. Gal-1 expression was higher in the testis than in the epididymis on days 50 and 70. The expression of Gal-3 in the testis increased from the prepubertal to mature period. While the expression difference of Gal-3 was not statistically significant in the testis and epididymis until puberty, Gal-3 expression in the postpubertal and mature periods was higher in the epididymis. The expression of Gal-3 in the corpus and cauda epididymis was higher than that in the caput epididymis. In conclusion, our findings suggest that puberty has potential regulatory effect on the expression of galectins in testis and epididymis of rats. Gal-1 and 3 may play a role in the development of the reproductive system and the preservation of the immune-privileged environment in the testis, due to their pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic functions. The presence of intense expression of Gal-3 in the corpus and cauda epididymis may contribute to the maturation and storage of spermatozoa.

The structure of bursa of Fabricius in the long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus): histological and histochemical study.

Abstract The bursa of Fabricius (BF) is a lymphoepithelial organ found only in birds. Differences in morphology of BF could play an important role in immune response. The objective of this study was to investigate the histological and histochemical characteristics of the bursa of Fabricius in the long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus). The material for the study comprised bursa samples obtained from three long-legged buzzards with permission of the General Directorate of Nature Protection and National Parks (Ankara, Turkey). Briefly, interfollicular epithelium (IFE) was shown to be columnar in shape and not to contain goblet cells. Reticular fibers were located in interfollicular septae. Each lymphoid follicle in the bursa of Fabricius in the long-legged buzzard was remarkably linked to the follicle associated epithelium (FAE). Namely, FAE has been reported to stimulate antibody production by transferring antigens to the medulla and have a leading role in developing of local immune response. Among the others, the species-specific differences in bursa of Fabricius morphology of long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus) also might support the continuity of this species in nature.

Köpek derisindeki mast hücreleri: dağılım, yoğunluk, heterojenite ve tespit tekniklerinin etkisi

This study was conducted with the aim of examining the location, the morphology, and numerical distribution of mast cells in the different areas of the healthy adult dog skin. Skin samples taken from the cheek, pinna, thorax and thigh areas of 10 healthy dogs were used as the study material. The results show the existence of mast cell heterogeneity in dog skin with respect to staining with alcian blue / safranin O and formaldehyde fixation sensitivity. Mast cells characterized by four combination of these parameters were observed: Mast cells containing only alcian blue-positive granules which were formalin-sensitive, mast cells containing only alcian blue-positive granules which were formalin-resistant, mast cells containing only safranin O-positive granules which were formalin resistant and mast cells containing a mixture of alcian blue-positive and safranin O-positive granules which were formalin resistant. With toluidine blue staining method, it was founded that IFAA fixed tissues were contained more mast cells than those tissues fixed with the 10% formaldehyde in all four regions. The difference in average number of mast cells per mm² between the IFAA and the 10% formaldehyde fixed tissues was statistically significant (p0.05), in the other three areas, statistically significant differences (p