The morphology of healthy and atretic follicles in the ovary of the sexually immature ostrich was described in the present study. In addition, the distribution of the intermediate filaments desmin, vimentin and smooth muscle actin, in these ovarian follicles, was demonstrated. Healthy and atretic primordial, pre-vitellogenic and vitellogenic follicles were present in the ovaries of the sexually immature ostrich. Atresia occurred during all stages of follicular development. Atretic primordial and pre-vitellogenic follicles were characterized by the presence of a shrunken oocyte surrounded by a multilayered granulosa cell layer. Two forms of atresia (types 1 and 2) were identified in vitellogenic follicles. In the advanced stages of type 1 atresia the follicle was dominated by a hyalinized mass. In contrast, in type 2 atresia the granulosa and theca interna cells differentiated into interstitial gland cells. Positive immunostaining for desmin was observed in the granulosa cells of only healthy primordial and pre-vitellogenic follicles. Atretic primordial and pre-vitellogenic follicles were immunonegative for desmin. Vimentin immunoreactivity was demonstrated in the granulosa cells of all follicles except the vitellogenic atretic follicles. The results of the present study indicate that ovarian follicles in the sexually immature ostrich undergo a cycle of growth and regression, which is similar to that reported in other avian species. Furthermore, based on the results of the immunohistochemical study, it would appear that the distribution and immunostaining of intermediate filaments changes during follicular development and atresia.

Keywords:Di-(n-butyl) phthalate Leydig cell Steroidogenesis Male Japanese quails Endocrine disruptionIn the present study, we have investigated the effects of 30-day dietary (pre-pubertal) exposure to different doses (0 (control), 1, 10, 50, 200 and 400 mg/kg bodyweight/day) of di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP) on Leydig cells of adult male Japanese quails by quantifying the transcript levels for P450 side-chain cleavage (p450scc), P450c17 (CYP17), and 3β-and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (hsd) using quantitative (real-time) poly-merase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In addition, the plasma testosterone levels were analysed using radioimmuno-assay (RIA) and testis was examined for evidence of gross pathology and histopathology. Our data showed that pre-pubertal exposure to DBP produced alterations in testicular architecture as evident by poorly developed or misshaped testis, and altered spermatogenesis due to tubular degeneration and atrophy of seminiferous tubules especially in the high DBP dose (200 and 400 mg/ kg) treated groups. In addition, DBP altered several key en-zymes involved in testicular steroidogenesis pathways in an apparent dose-dependent manner. For example, bi-phasic effects of DBP were observed for P450scc and 3β-hsd mRNA, that were generally increasing at low dose 10 mg/kg, and thereafter, an apparent dose-dependent decrease between 50 and 400 mg/kg. The steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein was at the lowest detectable limits and therefore not quantifiable. These effects did not parallel the non-significant changes observed for plasma testosterone levels. The present data is consis-tent with previous reports showing that DBP modulates Leydig cell steroidogenesis in several species, with a po-tential negative effect on reproduction in those avian species that are vulnerable to endocrine disrupting chemicals.

SummaryThis study describes the distribution of vimentin, desmin, smooth muscle actin (SMA) and laminin in the oviduct of the laying domestic fowl. Vimentin immunostaining was The results of the study indicate that the immunolocalization of desmin, SMA and laminin in the oviduct of the domestic fowl is similar to that in the mammalian uterus.The immunolocalization of vimentin in the domestic fowl varies depending on the oviductal region.