Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) has potent hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, genotoxic, immunotoxic and other adverse effects in human and animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanism of G2/M cell cycle arrest induced by AFB1 in the jejunum of broilers. Broilers, as experimental animals, were fed 0.6 mg/kg AFB1 diet for 3 weeks. Our results showed that AFB1 reduced the jejunal villus height, villus height/crypt ratio and caused G2/M cell cycle arrest. The G2/M cell cycle was accompanied by the increase of ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM), p53, Chk2, p21 protein and mRNA expression, and the decrease of Mdm2, cdc25C, cdc2, cyclin B and proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein and mRNA expression. In conclusion, AFB1 blocked G2/M cell cycle by ATM pathway in the jejunum of broilers.

The ultrastructural and cytochemical properties of peripheral blood cells of Gymnocypris eckloni were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and a range of cytochemical techniques to provide clear insight into the structure and function of blood cells from this fish. Ultrastructurally, erythrocytes, leucocytes (neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes), thrombocytes and plasma cells were identified in the peripheral blood of G. eckloni. The most special ultrastructural characteristics of blood cells in this fish were that neutrophils exhibited only one type of cytoplasmic granules containing an eccentric, spherical or oval electron-dense core, and eosinophils presented two types of granules with non-uniform electronic density and without crystalloids in their cytoplasm. Neutrophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and thrombocytes were positive for periodic acid-Schiff and α-naphthyl acetate esterase staining. Intense peroxidase positive staining was observed in neutrophils and monocytes, but not in eosinophils, lymphocytes and thrombocytes. Neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes were stained positively for acid phosphatase, whereas lymphocytes and thrombocytes did not stain. Leucocytes and thrombocytes were negative for alkaline phosphatase and Sudan black B staining. Erythrocytes were negative for all cytochemical staining. The cytochemical and ultrastructural features of peripheral blood cells of G. eckloni were similar to those of other fish species. However, some important differences were identified in G. eckloni.

The aim of this study was to obtain a basic knowledge of the hematology of Schizothorax (Racoma) davidi (Sauvage). The results showed that red blood cell and white blood cell counts as well as mean cellular hemoglobin concentration were significantly higher in females than in males, while mean cell volumes were significantly lower in females than in males. No significant differences were seen in other hematological parameters in relation with gender. Under light microscope, erythrocytes (mature and immature), leukocytes (neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes), and thrombocytes were distinguished. Mature erythrocytes were ellipsoidal cells with oval, central nucleus. Neutrophils contained banded or segmented nuclei. Small lymphocytes had a very thin rim of basophilic cytoplasm. Monocytes often possessed vacuoles in their cytoplasm. Thrombocytes existed in several forms with relatively large nucleus surrounded by a pink-stained or hyaline cytoplasm. The percentage of the different leukocytes revealed predominance of neutrophils and small lymphocytes, followed by monocytes and large lymphocytes. The neutrophil percentages of each stage showed that metamyelocyte accounted for the most, followed by banded neutrophils. This investigation could be used for evaluation of the health status of cultured male and female S. davidi and will provide early detection of clinical pathology.

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