Introduction: Bovine postpartum metritis causes great losses. Mast cell (MC)-released mediators participate in uterine inflammation and immune response, but their role in postpartum metritis in cows has not been reported. This study investigated the effect of endometrial MC on the disorder.Material and Methods: Ten dairy cows, at 6 to 10 days postpartum and with acute purulent metritis made up the experimental group, and 10 comparable healthy cows the control group. Endometrial histamine and IgE levels were determined by ELISA, and the MC particle state and expression of histamine H₁ (H₁R) and H₂ (H₂R) mRNA receptors were examined by transmission electron microscope and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively.Results: Endometrial histamine and IgE levels were significantly higher in the experimental group. In the control group, homogenously distributed size-varied granules were seen in MC cytoplasm of endometrium of lamina propria. In the experimental group however, these showed degranulation with features of reduction. The level of H₁R mRNA was lower in the experimental group, but that of H₂R mRNA was higher.Conclusion: The results suggest MC type I hypersensitivity characteristics during metritis, and histamine provocation of local inflammation. High expression of H₂R and low expression of H₁R inhibited the inflammatory response and prevented excessive uterine tissue damage.

A subpopulation of purified, interepithelial lymphocytes from porcine small intestinal mucosa contained cytoplasmic granules. Toluidine blue staining revealed metachromatic granules in 13.64% (606/4,450) cells. The cells had scant organelles, a single large nucleus with obvious invagination of the nuclear membrane, and prominent chromatin. Each cell contained 1 to 10 cytoplasmic membrane-bound granules, 0.6 to 1.5 microns in diameter. These findings indicated that the granular mucosal lymphocytes are related morphologically to mucosal mast cells. The presence of serotonin in the granules, confirmed by the serotonin releasing test, provided functional evidence that granular mucosal lymphocytes are related to mucosal mast cells.

A number of studies have measured collagen fibers and collagen
deposition in wound healing process with advances imaging techniques. However, these are performed by complicated methods and need specific tools. In search of the easier ways in routine histopathological laboratory, collagen measurement and staining pattern of wound healing process were observed in wounded skin of Sprague Dawley’s rat by using two different stains which are standard haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and modified Masson’s
trichrome staining (MT). The comparison between these staining in wounded tissues was made to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of both staining in wound healing study for 21 days postwounding. Tissues which stained with MT staining was then evaluated its collagen re-organization and density by using polarized light microscope with the aid of image analyzer software. Results showed that tissues stained with standard H&E could not be used to measure and differentiate the collagen deposition which is contradictory to MT staining. Wounded tissue stained with MT staining has showed a clear view of collagen fibers deposition
and re-organisation compared to H&E staining. This finding could validate the using of modified MT staining which leads to accurate histopathological analysis and observation in wound healing study.

Anthelmintic resistance which is escalating in Malaysia and other
countries is forcing farmers worldwide to look at alternative, green technologies to improve productivity and reduce diseases caused by helminths in livestock. One such method is the use of effective microbes or Useful Microbes (UM) for worm control. Therefore, a preliminary study was conducted to evaluate the anthelmintic effect of UM on nematode parasites of goat in a government farm. Fifteen Boer goats were randomly selected and fed with UM Bokashi mix (effective microbes in the form of granules) with commercial goat
pellets and UM fluid in drinking water. UM used in this study was produced by Department of Veterinary Services Penang by fermenting UM stock culture with a fruit base and molasses. Faecal egg counts
(FEC) using the modified McMaster technique was carried out weekly for 5 weeks. The results show that the UM used for animal feeding (5% Bokashi with commercial goat pellet) and ad lib UM fluid in drinking water, fed over a period of 1 month showed Faecal Egg Count
reduction from 3240 e.p.g. to 677 e.p.g. (79% reduction). The general packed cell volume also increased in a majority of the animals indicating better general health. Further studies are necessary to establish the systematic use of UM in smallholder farms as well as large commercial establishments and to determine its mode
of action in the pathophysiological aspects in the face of common limitations such as poor nutrition and other stress factors.