There is no definite information about the tongue morphology of blind mole rats owing to spreading of these animals to only a certain habitat. For this reason, we aimed to examine the morphological structure of the tongue by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in this species. In this study, the tongues of four blind mole rats were used and the morphology of its lingual surface, different types of papillae, their characteristics and topographical distribution was described. Three types of papillae (filiform, fungiform and vallate) and lingual prominence were observed. The dorsal surface of the tongue was covered by filiform papilla; and filiform papillae demonstrated the most numerous type of lingual papilla. Fungiform papillae were rounded in shape and randomly distributed particularly on the anterior and medial region. In addition, each fairly convex fungiform papilla was surrounded by a continuous circular pad like a crown. The two oval vallate papillae were situated symmetrically on the posterior region and obliquely to the median line of the tongue. The body of vallate papillae was surrounded by a continuous trench and mucosal folds. The lingual prominence between medial and posterior region and a transversal groove just in front of it were observed. Furthermore, a limited tuber and root based diet and gnawing have together resulted in similarity of the tongue of the rodent, giving it some characteristics typical of a herbivore and an insectivore.

This study investigated whether there are adverse effects due to microwave exposure emitted by cellular phones in male rats. Eighteen Wistar Albino rats were separated into three groups, a sham group and two experimental groups. The rats were confined in Plexiglas cages and cellular phones were placed 0.5 cm under the cages. In the first experimental group, cellular phones were in standby position for 2 h. In the second experimental group, phones were turned to the speech position three times each for 1 min duration over 2 h. Rats in the first and second experimental groups were exposed to microwaves emitted by phones for 2 h/day for a duration of 1 month. After the last exposure the rats were killed. Brain, eyes, ears, liver, heart, lungs, stomach, kidneys, testes, small and large intestines and skin of the rats were observed histologically. The decrease of epididymal sperm counts in the speech groups were not found to be significant (P > 0.05). Differences in terms of normal and abnormal sperm forms were not observed (P > 0.05). Histological changes were especially observed in the testes of rats of the speech groups. Seminiferous tubular diameter of rat testes in the standby and speech groups was found to be lower than the sham group (P < 0.05). Rectal temperatures of rats in the speech group were found to be higher than the sham and standby groups (P < 0.05). The rectal temperatures of rats before and after exposure were also found to be significantly higher in the speech group (P < 0.05). Specific absorption rate (SAR) was determined as 0.141 W/kg.

The aim of our study was to determine the distribution of estrogen receptor α (ERα) and progesterone receptor B (PR-B) in the bovine oviduct during the follicular and luteal phases. Bovine oviducts from 23 animals were obtained from a local slaughterhouse. Blood samples from these animals also were taken before death to measure estrogen and progesterone levels. The serum levels of estradiol-17β and progesterone changed during the estrous cycle. Tissue distribution of ERα and PR-B was examined using immunohistochemical techniques and the results showed that ERα and PR-B were stained in nuclei of cells and could be detected in all compartments along the entire oviduct during both the follicular and luteal phases. During the follicular phase, no significant differences were found between ERα and PR-B distribution (p < 0.05), while significant differences were found between ERα and PR-B during the luteal phase (p < 0.05). We results indicated that the frequency and intensity of ERα and PR-β immunoreactivity in the oviduct of bovines varied according to the oviductal cell types and the phases of the sexual cycle.

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.

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