The current investigation was planned utilizing SEM, histological, and furthermore cytokeratin immunohistochemical to give a full depiction of skin of three reptiles species; Chalcides ocellatus (Scincidae), Uromastyx aegyptia aegyptia (Agamidae), and Psammophis schokari aegyptia (Colubridae) captured from Egypt with various ecological environment. Our SEM results showed different scales covered epidermis of three reptile's species with diverse surface microstructure. Overlapped rhomboid scales with numerous lenticular sense organs with numerous pores and oberhäutchen layer with microridges in C. ocellatus. In U. aegyptia, scales were overlapped elliptical‐shaped possess lens‐like sense structure with several scattered pits and oberhäutchen layer with polygonal outlined cells. While in P. schokari aegyptia, smooth scales flattened with two large dome‐shaped scale receptors/sensilla and lens‐like sense structure, moreover polygonal‐shaped micro‐ornamentation in scale hinge joints were observed. Histologically, skin of three species had outer epidermis with stratum germinativum, stratum corneum (α‐keratin, β‐keratin layer) capped by surface Oberhäutchen and inner dermis. Osteoderms were observed with dermis of C. ocellatus. There are marked variation within pigment cells types among examined species. Melanophores observed in dermal layer of C. ocellatus, while in U. aegyptia, three pigment cells in tegument dermis; melanophores, xanthophores, and iridophores whereas, P. schokari aegyptia had two forms of chromatophore cells (melanophores and iridophores) in dermis and few melanophores scattered between stratum germinativum cells. The highest cytokeratin immunostaining observed in epidermal cell layer of U. aegyptia aegyptia than two other species. Conclusion, dry scaly skin of reptiles reflects a great range of functional aspects and success to adapt with terrestrial life.
Background:
The sea cucumber,
Bohadschia marmorata
, is a marine echinoderm consumed and used as a medication. Extract of this species displays a broad spectrum of bioactivity, such as antifungal, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, and cytotoxic properties. This investigation explored sea cucumber extract for hepatorenal protection against the toxicity of methotrexate (MTX).
Methods:
Four groups of mice were divided into G1: control, G2: MTX treated, G3: B. marmorata extract-treated daily for 14 days, and G4: B. marmorata extract and MTX treated.
Results and Conclusions:
Biochemical analysis and histopathological examination of liver tissue showed that administration of MTX increased serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lowered levels of serum albumin, total protein, Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). Administration of B. marmorata extract to MTX- injected mice significantly reversed the increase in serum levels of liver enzymes and induced a significant elevation in serum albumin and total protein levels. SOD, CAT, and GSH levels returned to nearly normal levels. Histopathological examination indicated fewer signs of toxicity in liver and kidney tissues of mice treated with both extract and MTX compared to MTX treatment alone. An extract of B. marmorata will protect mice from hepatorenal toxicity induced by MTX.
The immunocytochemical and the ultrastructure identification of the pituitary gland of many species of herbivorous mammals were few in Egypt and may be in the world, so the present study is carried out on some herbivorous mammals such as Oryctolagus cunniculus in order to elucidate the similarities and the differences of the pituitary cells in rabbits and some mammals of the world and those of Egypt. The results indicate that, the gland is pyramidal in shape and its apex is long, directed posterior and its base interiorly directed. The acidophilic and the basophilic cells distributed heterogeneous in the body of the gland. The identification of the cells based on specific morphological characterizes, staining reaction and immnuocytochemistry. (STH) Somatotropin: Numerous, the nucleus is central, irregular or lobed with chromatin granules. The secretary granules are very enormous and more denser. Luteotropic Hormone (LTH): The nucleus is eccentrically near the plasma membrane, the mitochondria are spherical or elongated. Rough ER is poor and the granules are light and mostly collected at the periphery of some cells. (ACTH) Adrenocorticotropic: These cells are found singly, round with eccentric nucleus. Secretary granules are small and spherical shaped, while the (TSH) Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: with very small secretary granules but the (FSH and LH) Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone: are found singly, angular in shape with eccentric nucleus and the secretary granules are spherical or ovoid in shaped and exhibit variation in electron density than STH cells. We can differentiate between them by immune reactivity.
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