This study is the first description of the distribution of mast cells in various phases of the oestrous cycle in the ovary of cat. Furthermore, this is the first description in species with an induced ovulation. The aim was to describe the distribution of mast cells and variability of their numbers in the feline ovaries in different phases of the oestrous cycle. The number of mast cells in medulla ovarii was affected by the estradiol and progesterone level in the blood serum because the lowest number was detected in anoestrus when the levels of hormones were basal. Nevertheless, both high and low numbers of mast cells were found in oestrus and dioestrus. To conclude, mast cells seem to be essential for the induction of spontaneous ovulation, but they do not play the same role for ovulation itself in cats with induced ovulation.

Despite the fact that numerous reptile species are widely studied by the researchers, information describing the detailed structure of particular organs in many reptiles is missing. The tongue of the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) was examined under the light and scanning electron microscope. It is divided into bifurcated apex, corpus and bifurcated radix. The tip of the lingual apex is devoid of lingual papillae. The remaining dorsal surface of the tongue bears either fused papillae in the form of caudally directed ridges or individual papillae represented by mushroom like or semilunar prominences (lingual apex) or fish scale-like papillae (lingual corpus) and horizontally laid ridges extending in the form of lobulated prominences (lingual corpus, lingual radix). Regardless of the shape, lingual papillae contain numerous muscle fibers and they are all considered to be mechanical. The lingual epithelium changes from the simple squamous into stratified squamous in the caudal direction. No salivary glands or sensory structures were recognised. This description is to be used mainly for comparative studies. It could also help to understand how different lizards capture the pray.

No abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the microstructure of the surface of the tongue and lingual glands of the vulnerable native Sulawesi bear Ailurops ursinus. The study was carried out on five tongues collected from four adult animals and one young animal. There was variation in the shape of the filiform papillae. Few conical papillae were observed on the caudo‐lateral surface of the tongue. The gustatory papillae included fungiform papillae on the entire lingual surface and three vallate papillae, with the largest papilla located centrally. The foliate papillae were present on all the studied tongues and consisted of parallel folia on the right and left caudo‐lateral side of the tongue, which were divided into five to eight sulci. Numerous openings of the lingual glands were present on surface of the root of the tongue. Histochemical studies of the cells of the lingual glands showed the differences between young and adult animals. Thus, the composition of the secretion of these glands depends on age of animals. An aggregation of lymphatic cells was observed beneath the surface of the root epithelium. Keel (enlargement of mucosa) was present on the ventral surface of the tongue medially and was composed of the connective tissue and epithelium.

This is the first study describing the relation between the phase of the oestrous cycle and the number of mast cells (MCs) in the canine ovaries and uterine horns. The total number of MCs was counted in cortex ovarii, medulla ovarii, endometrium and myometrium. The number of MCs was compared in all of these areas among the bitches in the early follicular phase, luteal phase and anoestrus. MCs were the most numerous in the early follicular phase and in the luteal phase; however, they were significantly less numerous during anoestrus. Based on the results, it was concluded that the number of MCs in ovaries and uterine horns fluctuates during the oestrous cycle. The results of this study may contribute to clarifying the role of MCs in the reproductive organs of bitches.