Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of normal chicken tracheal epithelia

The ultrastructure of normal chicken tracheal epithelia was studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Scanning electron microscopy revealed only two cell types on the surface of the tracheal epithelium; ciliated and nonciliated with microvilli. Three cell types were observed with the transmission electron microscope: ciliated, goblet, and basal cells. The ciliated cells were the most numerous.

Scanning electron microscopy of tracheal epithelium of chickens infected with velogenic viscerotropic Newcastle disease virus

Ultrastructural changes in the tracheal epithelium of chickens infected intranasally with velogenic viscerotropic Newcastle disease virus were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Hypertrophy of the mucus-secreting, or goblet, cells was the first sign of change, followed by disoriented and deformed cilia, hemorrhage, and hyperplasia of goblet cells accompanied by an increase in mucus. By day 7 postinfection, there was a marked decrease in the number of ciliated cells. Submucosal glands and some collagen fibers were exposed to the surface, an indication of loss of the epithelial cells. Macrophages and cell debris were abundant, and hyperplasia of the basal cells was evident in the later stages of infection, probably in an attempt to regenerate the lost epithelium. However, all chickens died 10 days postinfection, before any further work could be done.

Double heterozygosity for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency

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