Genital organ-associated lymphoid tissues arranged in a ring in the mucosa of cow vaginal vestibules

Morphological Characteristics of Genital Organ-Associated Lymphoid Tissue in the Vaginal Vestibule of Goats and Pigs

“…In the center of the modified GOALTs surface, a hole was observed beneath the epithelium, which contained abundant connective tissue fibers that created a net-like structure ( Figure 7 e,f) and, in goat lymphocytes, were attached to the fibers ( Figure 7 e); however, lymphocytes were not clearly observed in the SEM specimens of pigs ( Figure 7 e). Finally, all these ultrastructural features are consistent with previously reported SEM data for cow VV tissue [ 21 ].…”

“…All the animals were deeply anesthetized with injections of pentobarbital sodium (500 mg/kg body weight) administered via the intravascular route. The method of sacrifice of the animals, tissue fixation, and tissue sampling were carried out as previously described [ 21 ].…”

“…The collected EPGOs of each animal were flattened with pins, with the mucosa on the upper side, soaked in Mayer’s hematoxylin for 8–10 min to visualize LTs, and examined at 3–4 min intervals, as described previously [ 21 ].…”

“…Neutral buffered formalin-fixed paraffin blocks were cut, and IHC and IF were performed to calculate the positive percentage of B cells (CD20), T cells (CD3), macrophages (IBA1), dendritic cells (Langerin), plasma cells (IgA and IgG), and high endothelial venules (HEVs; PNAd). Staining was performed as previously described [ 21 ]. IHC and IF staining conditions were described in Supplementary Tables S1 and S2 .…”

“…Several studies have been conducted on GOALTs to assess the effects of medicine delivery and mucosal vaccines on the female genital tract of human or non-human primates, cows, and pigs [ 18 , 19 , 20 ]. Interestingly, Holstein Friesian cows showed abundant LTs in their mucosae of the VV and clitoris, which consist of LN and diffuse lymphoid tissue (DLT) [ 21 ]. Additionally, the Guiana dolphin ( Sotalia guianensis ) is a representative aquatic vertebrate that exhibits LT aggregation in the lamina propria (LP) of the uterus [ 22 ].…”