Common Variable Immunodeficiency in Elderly Patients: A Long-Term Clinical Experience

Background: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is a complex, predominantly antibody deficiency usually diagnosed between 20−40 years. Few data about elderly patients are reported in the literature. Our aim was to evaluate the clinical phenotypes of elderly patients with CVID. Method: A retrospective analysis of adult patients with CVID was performed in our Referral Centre, focusing on the main differences between “older” patients (≥65 years at the diagnosis) and “younger” patients (<65 years). Results: The data from 65 younger and 13 older patients followed up for a median period of 8.5 years were available. At diagnosis, recurrent infections represented the only clinical manifestation in 61% and 69% of younger and older patients, respectively. The incidence of autoimmune diseases was higher in elderly patients compared with younger ones (30 vs. 18%, respectively). During the follow-up, the incidence of autoimmune disorders and enteropathy increased in the younger patients whereas neoplasia became the most prevalent complication in the elderly (38%). All patients received a replacement therapy with immunoglobulin, with good compliance. Conclusion: CVID occurrence in elderly patients is rarely described; therefore, the clinical characteristics are not completely known. In our series, neoplasia became the most prevalent complication in the elderly during the follow-up. In elderly patients, 20% SCIg was as safe as in the younger ones, with good compliance. A genetic analysis is important to confirm the diagnosis, identify specific presentations in the different ages, clarify the prognosis and guide the treatment. Future clinical research in this field may potentially help to guide their care.

Incidence of malignancy in patients with common variable immunodeficiency according to therapeutic delay: an Italian retrospective, monocentric cohort study

Background

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common symptomatic primary immunodeficiency and has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations. Among non-infectious complications, an increased incidence of malignancies may have a special relevance for survival, but little is known about treatment efficacy on malignant complications.

Methods

This was a monocenter retrospective study on CVID patients, designed to provide preliminary data for the investigation of the possible link between therapeutic delay and tumor incidence.

Results

A total of 67 CVID subjects were included. The median diagnostic delay was 7.5 years (range: 0–63 years), and the median therapeutic delay was 8.5 years (range: 0–67 years). Malignancies were diagnosed in 18 (27%) patients. Eight out of 18 (44%) patients with a malignancy had lymphoma. Patients who developed a malignancy showed a longer therapeutic delay in comparison to patients with no malignancy, although no statistical significance was achieved (11 years vs 8 years, respectively, p = 0.424). We observed a lower frequency of malignancy in CVID patients with reduced therapeutic delay compared with patients with therapeutic delay ≥ 10 years. With a therapeutic delay of > 1 year, 74% had no tumor, and 25% had a tumor; with a therapeutic delay of > 10 years, 65% had no tumor and 35% had a malignancy. Among patients who had no malignancy, 64% had a therapeutic delay of < 10 years, and 36% had a therapeutic delay of ≥ 10 years. Among patients with malignancy, 47% of subjects had a therapeutic delay < 10 years, and 53% a therapeutic delay ≥ 10 years.

Conclusions

The observation of clinical characteristics of our patients with CVID may suggest that an early institution of IgG replacement therapy could be of benefit for the prevention of malignant complications.

Name of the registry: Comitato Etico Regionale delle Marche. Trial registration number: 1505. Date of registration: 27/10/2016, Retrospectively registered URL of trial registry record: http://www.ospedaliriuniti.marche.it/portale/archivio13_cerm-ancona_0_446_1.html. The trial was not registered before the first participant was enrolled

Facilitated Subcutaneous Immunoglobulin (fSCIg) in Autoimmune Cytopenias Associated with Common Variable Immunodeficiency

BACKGROUND

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is the most common symptomatic primary immune deficiency of adulthood. Besides recurrent infections, autoimmune disorders-mainly cytopenias-affect 30% of patients with CVID.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the efficacy and safety of facilitated subcutaneous immunoglobulin (fSCIg), which is a combination of 10% [human] SCIg with recombinant human hyaluronidase for the treatment of CVID-linked cytopenias.

METHODS

We describe four women (mean age 54 years) with CVID associated with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) (n=3) and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) (n=1). Diagnosis of CVID was made according to the European Society of Immune Deficiencies / Pan-American Group for Immune Deficiency criteria. All were treated with fSCIg (bi-monthly, 20 g).

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 22 months, all patients achieved a stable remission from the cytopenias, characterized by increased platelet values in ITP (mean values 93000/mmc), and resolution of anemia. A reduction of the daily prednisone dose was documented in the patient with AIHA. No systemic adverse drug reactions were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary data documented the efficacy and safety of fSCIg in the treatment of CVID associated with autoimmune cytopenias, with a good tolerability. We also noted the role of fSCIg as a steroid sparing agent. It is thus possible to suppose an immunomodulatory role for fSCIg, but linked to different mechanisms than IVIg, due to the peculiar pharmacokinetic and administration route of fSCIg.

Subcutaneous IgG in the Myositis Spectrum Disorders

The efficacy of subcutaneous immunoglobulin is reported in several neurological disorders and, more recently, its use has been extended to other inflammatory diseases, such as the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies, including polymyositis and dermatomyositis. Due to the rarity of these disorders, the role of immunoglobulin, administered intravenously or subcutaneously, remains unclear and poorly investigated. We report our experience about the use of subcutaneous immunoglobulin in myositis spectrum disorders, from idiopathic inflammatory myopathies to more complex conditions, such as overlap and cancer-associated myositis or pregnancy.

Immunohistochemical localization of CB1 receptor in canine salivary glands

CB1 is a member of the G-protein-linked receptor superfamily that is present in the central nervous system as well as in certain peripheral neuronal and non-neuronal tissues. Recently, the presence of CB1 was found in the ductal system of the major salivary glands of laboratory animals, but no data are available for domestic mammals. Thus, in the present study, we examined the presence and distribution of CB1 in the major salivary glands of dogs using immunohistochemical techniques. CB1 was found in the parotid and mandibular glands of adult dogs; positive immunoreaction was localized to the cells of the striated ducts, with a peculiar localization on or near the apical membrane. This particular localization may be explained by the characteristics of this receptor as membrane-associated. The acinar structures were completely negative for CB1. We conclude that CB1 is involved in the control of dog salivary secretion via endogenous substances, likely endocannabinoids. The localization of CB1 highlights that endocannabinoids promote qualitative and/or quantitative changes of the primary saliva in the ductal system.

Equine mandibular gland: in situ characterisation of sialoderivatives

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Sialic acids modulate the metabolite transport across membranes and may be involved in protection against pathogenic agents. The presence of sialoderivatives in the equine mandibular gland requires further study.

OBJECTIVE

To biochemically visualise in situ the presence of sialoderivatives, by means of mild and strong periodate oxidation and alcoholic saponification, combined with lectin histochemistry and sialidase digestion in order to hypothesise roles for detached sialoderivatives.

METHODS

Mandibular glands were removed from 8 mature horses of both sexes and subjected to histochemical procedures, including periodate oxidation, saponfication and lectin staining. Controls were based upon the omission of peroxidase-conjugated lectins and respective enzyme-free buffers.

RESULTS

The reactivities of PNA and RCA I lectins were affected by sialidase treatment, whether preceded by saponification or not, showing that the dimer N-acetyl-sialic acid-beta-Gal was linked (1-3)GalNAc and (1-4)GlcNAc. In acinar cells the sequence sialic acid-beta-Gal(1-3)GalNAc showed sialic residues acetylated at C4 only and at C4 and C7 and/or C8 and/or C9(alpha2-6Gal) in both sexes, while in female mandibular gland also C4 and C9(alpha2-3Gal) acetylated residues were present. Sialic acid linked to beta-Gal(1-4)GlcNAc was prevalently C4 and C7 and/or C8 and/or C9(alpha2-6Gal and alpha2-3Gal) acetylated, whereas only a minor quantity showed acetyl groups at C7 and/or C8 and/or C9(alpha2-6Gal) in the acinar cells of both sexes.

CONCLUSIONS

The great variety of sialic acid residues expressed by equine mandibular gland could assume an important role in the defensive mechanisms towards pathogen agents and, compared with those of cattle, probably represents an example of molecular species-specificity related to different alimentary habits.

Expression of mesenchymal stem cell marker CD90 on dermal sheath cells of the anagen hair follicle in canine species

The dermal sheath (DS) of the hair follicle is comprised by fibroblast-like cells and extends along the follicular epithelium, from the bulb up to the infundibulum. From this structure, cells with stem characteristics were isolated: they have a mesenchymal origin and express CD90 protein, a typical marker of mesenchymal stem cells. It is not yet really clear in which region of hair follicle these cells are located but some experimental evidence suggests that dermal stem cells are localized prevalently in the lower part of the anagen hair follicle.

As there are no data available regarding DS stem cells in dog species, we carried out a morphological analysis of the hair follicle DS and performed both an immunohistochemical and an immunocytochemical investigation to identify CD90⁺ cells. We immunohistochemically evidenced a clear and abundant positivity to CD90 protein in the DS cells located in the lower part of anagen hair follicle. The positive cells showed a typical fibroblast-like morphology. They were flat and elongated and inserted among bundles of collagen fibres.The whole structure formed a close and continuous sleeve around the anagen hair follicle. Our immunocytochemical study allowed us to localize CD90 protein at the cytoplasmic membrane level.

Expression of mesenchymal stem cell marker CD90 on dermal sheath cells of the anagen hair follicle in canine species

The dermal sheath (DS) of the hair follicle is comprised by fibroblast-like cells and extends along the follicular epithelium, from the bulb up to the infundibulum. From this structure, cells with stem characteristics were isolated: they have a mesenchymal origin and express CD90 protein, a typical marker of mesenchymal stem cells. It is not yet really clear in which region of hair follicle these cells are located but some experimental evidence suggests that dermal stem cells are localized prevalently in the lower part of the anagen hair follicle. As there are no data available regarding DS stem cells in dog species, we carried out a morphological analysis of the hair follicle DS and performed both an immunohistochemical and an immunocytochemical investigation to identify CD90+ cells. We immunohistochemically evidenced a clear and abundant positivity to CD90 protein in the DS cells located in the lower part of anagen hair follicle. The positive cells showed a typical fibroblast-like morphology. They were flat and elongated and inserted among bundles of collagen fibres. The whole structure formed a close and continuous sleeve around the anagen hair follicle. Our immunocytochemical study allowed us to localize CD90 protein at the cytoplasmic membrane level.

Identification of orexin A- and orexin type 2 receptor-positive cells in the gastrointestinal tract of neonatal dogs

The presence and distribution of cells positive to orexin A (OXA) and to orexin type 2 receptor (OX2R) were investigated in the gastrointestinal tract of neonatal dogs by means of immunohistochemical techniques. The orexin A-positive cells were identified with some of the endocrine cells in the stomach and in the duodenum; they were both of the open and closed type and were lacking in the large intestine. In the stomach, a large subset of orexin A-positive cells also showed gastrin-like immunoreactivity while, in the duodenum, many of them seemed to store serotonin. The orexin type 2 receptor-positive cells were evidenced all along the gastrointestinal tract examined, also in the large intestine, and they showed the same morphological characteristics as those positive to orexin A. Moreover, the immunohistochemical techniques revealed intense positivity for both orexin A and orexin type 2 receptor in the neurons and fibers of the enteric nervous system. A large subset of orexin A-positive neurons seemed to store substance P.

Apoptotic cell death in canine hair follicle

Apoptotic cell death is an essential homeostatic mechanism involved in the control of cellular turnover in a variety of adult tissues. Cytoplasmic and nuclear condensation morphologically define this process whose biochemical hallmark is extensive DNA fragmentation into discrete oligonucleosomic units. Hair follicle growth and regression has been shown to be correlated with apoptosis in humans, mice, rats and guinea pigs. The present study was carried out to evaluate its implication in canine hair biology in order to define the spatio-temporal relationship between apoptosis and the hair cycle in dogs. As assessed by terminal deoxy-nucleotidyl transferase-mediated d-UTP nick-end-labelling (TUNEL) and by basic histological and ultrastructural assays, apoptotic cells appeared both in the growing and in the regressing follicle epithelium showing the well characterized morphological features described in the previous relevant literature.

Carbohydrate histochemistry of the alimentary canal of the shi drum, Umbrina cirrosa L

Histochemical staining techniques, which differentiate the main categories of carbohydrates, were applied to sections from different segments of the alimentary canal of the shi drum Umbrina cirrosa L. to study patterns of distribution of epithelial glycoconjugates. In the oesophagus, mucous cells contained sulphomucins, together with a small amount of sialomucins. Stomach epithelial cells secreted neutral and acidic glycoconjugates, while gastric glands only produced small quantities of sialomucins. Goblet cells showed the presence of sialo and sulphomucins in the pyloric caeca, whereas intestinal mucous cells secreted sulphated glycoconjugates. This work serves as a baseline for further studies on carbohydrate composition of the mucosa of the shi drum digestive system.

Carbohydrate histochemistry of lamb duodenum

In order to elucidate the carbohydrate profile of the mucosa of lamb duodenum, conventional histochemical methods and a panel of 7 labelled lectins were used. In some cases, treatment with sialidase preceeded lectin staining. Carbohydrate histochemistry revealed the presence of sugar residues in the brush border of enterocytes, goblet cells and duodenal glands. All sites contained neutral and acid glycoconjugates. The presence of sulphomucins in goblet and duodenal gland cells was age-dependent. Enterocytes and duodenal gland cells contained abundant amounts of oligosaccharides with terminal sialic acid-galactosyl(beta1 --> 3)N-acetylgalactosamine, whereas goblet cells contained the penultimate N-acetylgalactosamine residue linked to sialic acid. These findings were not age-dependent, whereas scarce amounts of fucose were found in all sites especially in young animals. The findings obtained in the present study serve as a basis for future pathological studies in lamb and sheep.

Glycoconjugate histochemistry in the duodenum of fetal and adult fallow deer

This work aimed to characterize the complex carbohydrates in the duodenum of fetal and adult fallow deer. The proximal parts of the duodenum were removed from the intestine of 12- and 16-week-old fetuses and of adult fallow deer. Sections were assessed by conventional carbohydrate histochemistry combined with glycosidase digestions and treatment with KOH. During development, there was an increase in the acid carboxylated components of the glycoconjugates in goblet cells, while the duodenal glands expressed high quantities of sulphated glycoconjugates at the beginning of development but, in the adult. mainly secreted neutral and carboxylated glycoconjugates containing sialic acid. Sulphated components, probably represented by chondroitin sulphate B-like and heparan sulphate-like glycosaminoglycans may play a role in the morphofunctional differentiation of the duodenum.

Characterisation of sugar residues in glycoconjugates of pig mandibular gland by traditional and lectin histochemistry

Sugar residues are important components of salivary gland secretion. Traditional histochemical methods and lectin histochemistry were used to characterise glycoconjugates present in the mandibular gland of normal adult pigs. Acinar cells contained abundant quantities of glycoconjugates with the terminal trisaccharide sialic acid - (alpha 2-->3, 6) galactosyl (beta 1-->3) N -acetylgalactosamine. Mandibular acinar cells also contained alpha and beta N -acetylgalactosamine and N -acetylglucosamine residues, whereas the demilunar cells contained glycoconjugates with fucose, mannose and N -acetylglucosamine residues. In the duct system a range of sugar residues were localised throughout the cell cytoplasm or limited to the apical surface. These results provide new knowledge concerning the structure of salivary glycoconjugates in normal adult pig and a basis for future pathological studies.

Complex carbohydrate histochemistry and ultracytochemistry of the sheep lacrimal gland

The chemical content of the secretion of the sheep lacrimal gland was analysed at the light and electron microscope levels by applying histochemical techniques and an ultrastructural histochemical method (periodic acid, thiocarbohydrazide and silver proteinate). Mucosubstance histochemistry demonstrated acidic glycoconjugates, mainly sulphated, in the mucous and seromucous glandular cells and in the apical portion of the cells lining the terminal ducts. Moreover, secretory granules, stained with PA-TCH-SP, showed a different localization of the reaction product. The presence of lysozyme was also found in the glandular serous cells. These histochemical studies demonstrate that the secretion of sheep lacrimal glands is mixed, having serous, mucous and seromucous components, and that an excellent correlation exists between the secretory granule substructure and glycoprotein localization.

Presence and distribution of neuroendocrine cells in the gastroenteropancreatic endocrine system of fallow deer foetuses

The gastroenteropancreatic endocrine system was studied in 11- and 17-week-old fallow deer foetuses using an immunocytochemical technique. In the gastrointestinal tract, gastrin-, serotonin-, somatostatin- and cholecystokinin-containing cells were found: their frequency and distribution were also determined. Anti-glucagon and anti-insulin antibodies did not stain any cells along the gut. In the pancreas, somatostatin-, pancreatic polypeptide-, insulin- and glucagon-immunoreactive cells were detected. The different distribution and number of neuroendocrine cells, in the two investigated stages of foetal life, are discussed. Data obtained in this study were compared with those published in a previous study on the gastrointestinal system of the adult fallow deer.

Immunohistochemical localization of endometrial oestrogen and progesterone receptors in the cow

The presence and distribution of oestrogen and progesterone receptors have been investigated by means of immunohistochemical procedures in the uterus of two groups of cows: the first group underwent superovulatory hormonal treatment while the second group was used as a control group. After the immunohistochemical study no differences regarding the presence and distribution of hormone receptors seemed to be apparent between the two groups, so it was concluded that the topographical distribution and staining intensity of hormone receptors seem to be unaffected by hormonal superovulatory treatment.

Ultrastructural study of sheep lacrimal glands

Sheep lacrimal glands are mixed glands, consisting of tubulo-acinar units succeeded by ducts of simple morphology. The secretory portions consist of three cell types: mucous, seromucous and serous, which may be intermingled in the same acinus or may form acini wholly made of only serous or mucous cells. Mucous cells show a rough endoplasmic reticulum that is reduced to a few cisternae located near the cell base and among the interstices of the secretory droplets. Mucous granules appear uniformly electron-lucent. Serous cells display a typical structure; serous granules can be uniformly electron-dense or composed of dense inclusions dispersed in an electron-lucent matrix. The seromucous granules have a bizonal substructure: a dense core is embedded in a highter matrix. Secretory acini are succeeded by intercalated ducts; the epithelium of these ducts gradually increases in height to form a kind of excretory duct, without the intervention of striated ducts.

Lectin histochemistry and identification of O-acetylated sialoderivatives in the horse sublingual gland

This study was aimed at characterizing the glycoconjugates produced by the horse sublingual gland and, in particular, at discriminating between the sialoderivatives by means of differential oxidation and saponification combined with lectin histochemistry and enzymatic degradation. The results showed a predominance of sialoglycoconjugates with beta-galactose as acceptor sugar in the salivary mucins produced by the sublingual gland. Besides being the most represented terminal residue, sialic acid was also expressed in a great variety of derivatives distinguishable on the basis of acceptor sugars to the penultimate beta-galactose as well as linkage and acetylation degree of the pyranose ring and the polyhydroxyl side chain. A role in the protection of mucous membranes from physical, chemical and pathogenic agents can be hypothesized for the horse sublingual mucins.

Detection of glycosidic residues in carpal glands of wild and domestic pig revealed by basic and lectin histochemistry

Carpal glands are compound tubuloalveolar glands, located on the medial surface of the carpus. This study was carried out on samples from carpal glands of adult wild and domestic pigs of both sexes. We elucidated the glycosidic composition of carpal gland secretion in situ using traditional histochemical methods and lectin histochemistry. Some secretory cells exhibited an intense reaction with PAS in both wild and domestic pigs. Lectin histochemistry showed differences in the localization and composition of glycoconjugates secreted by carpal glands. A cytoplasmic positivity was revealed in the wild pig by the sequence sialidase-PNA and WGA, whereas in the domestic pig the reactivity was localized at the apical surface of some cells. LTA positive cells were found only in the carpal glands of the domestic pig.

Neuroendocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of wild boar

The presence and the distribution of neuroendocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract of adult wild boar were investigated. The endocrine cells have been identified by means of immunocytochemical techniques using antibodies against serotonin, gastrin, somatostatin, cholecystokinin (CCK), met-enkephalin (MET-ENK), gastric-inhibitory peptide (GIP) and glucagon. The number of positive cells for each antiserum in each region was evaluated. Results were compared with data present in the literature and obtained previously by us and other authors in swine and domestic mammals (Ceccarelli et al., 1985, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1995; Capella and Solcia, 1972; Domeneghini and Castaldo, 1981; Peranzi and Lehy, 1984; Krause et al., 1985).

Histology and ultrastructure of the gut of the tilapia (Tilapia spp.), a hybrid teleost

The morphology of the intestine has been studied in a species of warm water fish, Tilapia spp., a hybrid teleost of notable economic importance. Light and electron microscope results show that the intestine is a relatively undifferentiated muscular tube lined with a simple columnar epithelium interspersed with goblet cells. The proximal region has a greater surface area, manifested by elongated mucosal ridges. The enterocytes are covered apically with uniform microvilli and exhibit the typical ultrastructural features of pinocytosis, namely extensive invaginations of the luminal plasma membrane and massive accumulation of vesicles in the apical cytoplasm. The distal intestine mucosa is thinner and less elaborately folded and consists of columnar cells with shorter and sparser microvilli. Their supranuclear cytoplasm contains abundant clear vacuoles. Numerous endocrine cells can also be seen. Regional cellular ultrastructural features are correlated with digestive functions.

Ultrastructural study on the stomach of Tilapia spp (Teleostei)

An ultrastructural study has been made of gastric mucosa of a teleostean fish, Tilapia spp. The cytological features of the surface mucous cells, mucous neck cells, glandular cells and endocrine cells are described. The surface mucous cells, identified by their superficial localization, are characterized by apical granules. The mucous neck cells are distinguished by the appearance of their mucous granules and their localization between surface mucous cells and glandular cells. The gastric glands contain only one form of cell whose fine structure is similar to cells that secrete hydrochloric acid. Physiological implications of some ultrastructural features are also discussed.

Basic and lectin histochemical characterization of bovine gustatory (von Ebner's) glands

The Bovine tongue possesses numerous circumvallate papillae (8-16 each side). The troughs around the papillae are the openings of the ducts of the gustatory (von Ebner's) glands. In this study, we have characterized in situ the glycosidic composition of the secretion of bovine gustatory glands using traditional histochemical methods and lectin histochemistry with and without prior neuraminidase (sialidase) digestion. The lectin-horseradish peroxidase conjugates employed were: PNA, DBA, SBA, WGA, LTA, UEA I and ConA. Acinar cells show a diffuse positivity towards PAS and Alcian blue at pH 2.5 and the most intense and homogeneous lectin staining was obtained with PNA. This indicates that bovine gustatory glands secrete glycoproteins with 1,2-glycol containing hexoses and carboxyl-rich glycoconjugates and that galactosyl (beta 1-->3) Nacetylgalactosamine is the most frequent sugar residue present in these glycoproteins. Results were compared with data reported in the literature on the same glands of other species.

Histochemical study of lectin binding in the major salivary glands of adult fallow-deer (Dama dama L.)

The sugar residues in glycoconjugates present in the parotid and mandibular glands of the adult fallow-deer were detected and characterized by using a battery of eight different lectin-horseradish peroxidase conjugates. In some cases a treatment with sialidase preceded the lectin staining. Parotid secretory cells produced glycoconjugates with N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine and mannose residues. Mucous acinar cells were the most reactive sites of the mandibular gland and contained conspicuous quantities of oligosaccharides with terminal sialic acid radicals. Galactosil-(beta 1-->3)N-acetylgalactosamine was the most abundant penultimate sugar linked to N-acetylneuraminic acid. Mandibular mucous cells also presented N-acetylglucosamine and sialylated components with the terminal dimer sialic acid-N-acetylgalactosamine. Demilunar cells contained glycoconjugates with fucose and mannose residues. The apical surface of duct cells was stained by all the lectins.

The presence of granular excretory ducts in the rabbit zygomatic gland

The proximal and interlobular ducts of rabbit zygomatic glands show a particular morphological feature consisting of numerous secretory granules localized in the apical cytoplasm of the cells. It is suggested that there is a similarity between these ducts and the granular ducts of submandibular glands in rodents.

A lectin histochemical study of the zygomatic salivary gland of adult dogs

Seven lectins (PNA, DBA, SBA, UEA I, LTA, WGA and ConA), conjugated with horseradish peroxidase, were used to characterize the glycosidic residues in the zygomatic gland of adult dogs. In some cases (PNA and DBA), lectin staining was preceded by neuraminidase digestion. The acinar and tubular cells produced glycoconjugates with different sugar residues, presenting binding sits for all of the lectins used. The apical surfaces of the cells lining the intra- and interlobular ducts were also stained by all the lectins. In contrast, the demilunar cells only reacted with the Neu-PNA sequence and Con A.

The endocrine cells in the gastro-enteric tract of adult fallow deer (Dama dama L.)

Endocrine cells were detected in the gastro-enteric tract of the fallow deer by means of immunohistochemical procedures, using antibodies against serotonin, somatostatin, gastrin, glucagon and cholecystokinin. The number of cells positive for each antiserum in each region was evaluated. Serotonin-containing enterochromaffin (Ec) cells were present in every region investigated and were most numerous in the proximal duodenum. Cells positive for somatostatin were present in all the regions studied, with the exception of the colon, and were especially numerous in the proper gastric-gland region. Cells that were stained by the anti-gastrin antibody were very numerous in the pyloric-gland region but only rare in the duodenum. Glucagon-immunoreactive cells were only detected in the large intestine and their frequency was always less than 10/0.5 mm2. Cholecystokinin-containing cells were scarce and restricted to the pyloric-gland region and duodenum.

A lectin histochemical study of gustatory (von Ebner's) glands of the horse tongue

In the present work, gustatory glands (von Ebner's glands) of the horse tongue were examined by means of five peroxidase-conjugated lectins (PNA, DBA, SBA, UEA I, WGA), with and without prior sialidase digestion, in order to investigate the presence and distribution of carbohydrate residues in secretory cells and duct cells. The most intense staining of secretory cells was observed with PNA after pre-treatment with neuraminidase. This indicates that the terminal trisaccharide sequence sialic acid- (alpha 2-->3, 6) galactosyl (beta 1-->3) N-acetylgalactosamine is the most frequent oligosaccharide chain present in glycoproteins secreted by horse gustatory glands. Secretory cells also contained oligosaccharides with terminal alpha-N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylglucosamine, whereas fucose was found in only a few glandular cells. The apical cytoplasm of duct lining cells reacted with all the lectins except WGA.

Serotonin-containing cells in the horse gastrointestinal tract

The presence and distribution of serotonin-containing cells in the gastroenteric tract of horses have been investigated. The enterochromaffin (EC) cells have been identified using immunostaining procedures at both light and electron microscopic level. The EC cells were very numerous in the pyloric gland region, were only few in the duodenum but were absolutely lacking from the more distal portions of the intestine.

Ultrastructure of bovine von Ebner's salivary glands

Bovine von Ebner's glands were studied by electron microscopy. The gland consists of tubulo-alveolar adenomeres which open into an abbreviated duct system. The cells of the secretory acini show many morphological features typical of serous cells and contain numerous granules with a complex substructure. Short intercalated ducts connect the acini with excretory ducts which are lined with bistratified epithelium. The striated ducts are absent. The von Ebner's gland morphology was compared with that of the same gland in other species of mammals and with the ultrastructure of the major bovine salivary glands.

Glycoconjugates in the mandibular salivary gland of adult dogs revealed by lectin histochemistry

The glycosidic residues in the mandibular glands of five adult dogs were studied by using seven different lectin-horseradish peroxidase conjugates. In some cases a treatment with sialidase preceded the lectin staining. The mucous acinar cells contained oligosaccharides with alpha- and beta-N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine and fucose residues, whereas the demilunar cells contained glycoconjugates rich in sialic acid linked to the penultimate disaccharide galactosyl-(beta 1-->3) N-acetylgalactosamine.

Localization of glycoconjugates in dog parotid gland by lectin histochemistry

Parotid glands from adult dogs were stained with a battery of seven horseradish peroxidase-conjugated lectins (PNA, UEA, LTA, DBA, SBA, WGA and ConA). In some cases (PNA and DBA) neuraminidase digestion was followed by lectin staining. Acinar cells contained conspicuous quantities of oligosaccharides with terminal sialic acid radicals. Galactosil-(beta 1-->3) N-acetylgalactosamine was the most abundant penultimate sugar linked to N-acetylneuraminic acid. Sialylated components having the terminal dimer sialic acid-N-acetylgalactosamine were found in the acinar cells. Secretory cells presented a heterogeneous distribution of glycoconjugates with terminal fucose and beta-N-acetylgalactosamine. Fucose, N-acetylglucosamine and alpha-N-acetylgalactosamine were present on the apical cytoplasm and surface of the striated and interlobular duct cells. This glycosidic composition was unaffected by extensive selective breeding. The role of abundant amounts of sialic acid radicals in the oral mucosa was considered.

Lectin histochemical study of bovine lingual glands

Bovine lingual glands consist of mucous acini capped by demilunes. Information on the chemical structure of their secretory glycoconjugates was obtained by means of a battery of peroxidase-conjugated lectins with affinity for specific terminal sugars. Sialidase procedures followed by lectin staining were also used to visualize the sugar sequences. Stored secretions in mucous acinar cells contained fucose, N-acetylglucosamine, alpha and beta-N-acetylgalactosamine as terminal sugar residues and beta-galactose as penultimate sugar in a heterogeneous distribution. Demilunar cells failed to react with any of the lectins examined except that of Dolichos biflorus.

Lectin histochemistry of glycoconjugates in horse salivary glands

The glycoconjugate content of major horse salivary glands was investigated by means of horseradish peroxidase-conjugated lectins. Qualitative differences were observed in the terminal sugar residues of secretory glycoproteins and glycoconjugates linked to the apical surface of excretory duct epithelial cells. Mucous acinar cells in mandibular and sublingual glands contained oligosaccharides with D-galactose, alpha- and beta-N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine and fucose residues, whereas mandibular, sublingual and parotid serous cells contained only oligosaccharides with terminal alpha- and beta-N-acetylgalactosamine residues. The apical portion of striated and interlobular duct lining cells of mandibular and sublingual glands stained for alpha- and beta-N-acetylgalactosamine and for N-acetylglucosamine. In parotid gland the cytoplasm of intercalated duct cells and the apical surface of striated duct epithelial cells stained for alpha-N-acetylgalactosamine.

The chicken anterior lingual glands: structural study of carbohydrate chains by lectins and glycosidases

Lectin histochemistry combined with glycosidase digestion was used to investigate the presence of glucidic residues and identify the terminal residues and their acceptor sugars in these glands. Quantitative evaluation of lectin-positive sites was made by histophotometrical scanning. Lectin histochemistry demonstrated that the anteromedial portion contains disaccharides sialic acid-D-Gal, sialic acid-D-GalNAc and Fuc-D-Gal, and that the anterolateral portion contains the terminal dimer sialic acid-D-Gal only. These findings have hypothetical significance in terms of the known functions of chicken anterior lingual glands.

Histological and histochemical studies on the chicken lingual glands

1. Morphological and histochemical observations were done on the chicken anterior and posterior lingual glands. Histology, ultrastructure and glycoconjugate histochemistry were investigated by means of light and electron microscopy using staining specific for complex carbohydrates. 2. In the anterior lingual glands there are lateral and medial zones showing different morphological and tinctorial features. The secretory cells are typical mucous cells. 3. Histochemical reactions revealed the presence of acidic glycoconjugates with terminal sialic acid residues, and glycoconjugates vicinal diol and sulphate groupings in the secretory granules. 4. It is suggested that the main functions of lingual glands are the lubrication of boli and protection from micro-organisms.

The process of secretion in swine apocrine sweat glands

The secretory process in swine apocrine sweat glands were studied by electron microscope. The sweat appeared to result from three different mechanisms: (a) fluid transport, probably involving a region of complex cellular interdigitations adjacent to the basement membrane, (b) exocytosis of vesicles, which in this species seem to be derived from the Golgi apparatus and finally (c) apocrine secretion.

Histology, ultrastructure and carbohydrate histochemistry of pig carpal glands

The morphological differences between two types of secretory cells (clear and dark) from pig carpal glands were examined. The main difference is the presence in the dark cells of secretory granules of moderate electron density, made up of acidic and neutral glycoproteins. The possible functional purposes of the carpal glands and of glycogen present in both cell types are also discussed.

Histochemical localization of prostaglandin dehydrogenase activity for PGF-2 alpha in some bovine tissues

Prostaglandin dehydrogenase activity is histochemically detected in various bovine tissues (kidney, liver, lung, parotid and naso-labial glands) using as substrate prostaglandin F-2 alpha. Kidney, liver and lung showed the highest intensity of the reaction, but parotid and naso-labial glands also displayed enzymatic activity at the level of the ductal cells.