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PubMed1992

Immunocytochemical study of vasopressin-like immunoreactive material in the gastrointestinal tract of the hedgehog Erinanceus europeus.

A study was made of portions of the gastrointestinal tract including the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon and rectum, and the hypothalamus of hedgehogs using the peroxidase-antiperoxidase (PAP) method incubating paraffin embedded sections of 6-7 microns thickness in an anti-arginine-vasopressin serum at a dilution of 1:1000. Vasopressin-like immunoreactivity is present in cells of the epithelial layer of the intestinal mucosa ranging from the stomach to the rectum. In the stomach the numbers of these cells are very small although they increase in the small intestine. However, in the different portions of this latter organ no significant differences can be found. Both, in colon and rectum there are cells with vasopressin-like immunoreactive material although at higher concentrations than in the rest of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Immunoreactive material is present throughout the epithelial layer of the mucosa and in general the cells of the mucosa are of the open kind. Using the same antiserum and at similar dilution, both cells and nerve fibres containing vasopressin-like immunoreactivity were observed in hypothalamic sections of this animal species and were used as positive controls. It is concluded that in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of the hedgehog there is a population of epithelial cells that contain a immunoreactivity vasopressin-like-peptide (referred to as vasopressin-like peptide (AV-LP) whose numbers increase in the distal sense.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

[Results of parasitological examinations of faecal samples from horses, ruminants, pigs, dogs, cats, hedgehogs and rabbits between 1998 and 2002].

The results of coproscopical examinations in horses, ruminants, pigs, dogs, cats, hedgehogs and rabbits between 1998 and 2002 are presented. In 4399 samples from horses 37.4% stages of strongylids, 1.4% anoplocephalids, 1.3% Strongyloides westeri, 0.9% Parascaris equorum, 0.04% Oxyuris equi, 0.04% Eimeria sp. and 0.04% Fasciola hepatica were found. In 998 samples of cattle 22.1% stages of strongylids, 11.2% of Eimeria spp., 3.5% of cryptosporidium, 2.9% of Moniezia spp., 1.3% of Trichuris spp., 0.7% of Dictyocaulus sp., 0.6% of Fasciola hepatica, 0.6% of Strongyloides sp., 0.5% of Nematodirus spp. and 0.4% of Capillaria sp. could be detected. In 524 samples of sheep 60.7% eggs of strongylids, 43.1% oozysts of Eimeria spp., 11.1% stages of Nematodirus spp., 9.5% of Moniezia spp., 7.8% of Trichuris spp., 6.7% of Strongyloides sp., 1.7% of Fasciola hepatica, 1% of Capillaria spp., 0.4% of protostrongylidae, 0.2% of Skrjabinema sp. and 0.2% of Dictyocaulus sp. were found. 33.9% of the 118 samples of goats that were examined were positive for oocysts of Eimeria spp., 30.5% for eggs of strongylids, 6.8% for Nematodirus spp., 4.2% for Trichuris spp., 3.4% for Moniezia spp., 0.8 for protostrongylids and 0.8% for Strongyloides sp. 5.7% of 1427 samples of pigs contained stages of strongylids, 1.5% of Ascaris suum, 0.4% of Isospora, 0.3% of Eimeria spp., 0.3% of Trichuris sp., 0.1% of Giardia sp., 0.1% of cryptosproidium as well as 0.1% of metastrongylids. In 1281 of the samples of dogs 2.3% Giardia sp., 2.3% Isospora sp., 2.2% Toxocara canis, 1.4% ancylostomids, 0.8% taeniids, 0.6% larvae of Crenosoma sp., 0.2% Capillaria sp, 0.2% Trichuris vulpis and 0.2% Hammondia-like oocysts were found. In 441 samples of cats 10.7% stages of Isospora sp., 3.9% eggs of Toxocara cati, 1.6% of ancylostomids, 1.4% of taeniids, 1.1% of Giardia sp., 0.7% of Toxoplasma-like oocysts, 0.7% of Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, 0.5% of Toxascaris leonina and 0.2% of Capillaria spp. were found. Furthermore 0.2% of the samples contained proglottids of Mesocestoides and 0.2% stages of Dipylidium sp. Eggs of Capillaria sp. were found in 33% of the 106 samples of hedgehogs, larvae of Crenosoma striatum in 27.4%, oocysts of Isospora sp. in 5.7% of the cases. In 232 samples of rabbits 56.9% oocysts of Eimeria sp., 4.8% stages of Passalurus ambiguus, 1.3% of strongylids, 0.9% of Strongyloides sp., 0.4% of trematodes were found.

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Light and electron microscopy of S-antigen- and opsin-immunoreactive photoreceptors in the retina of turtle, chicken, and hedgehog.

S-antigen and opsin-immunoreactive sites were studied in the retina of turtle (Pseudemys scripta elegans), chicken (Gallus domesticus), and hedgehog, (Erinaceus roumanicus) by light-microscopic avidin-biotin-peroxidase and electron-microscopic protein A-gold and immunoglobulin-gold (immunogold) techniques. In general, S-antigen and opsin immunoreactions were exclusively localized to certain photoreceptors of the retinae studied. In turtle and chicken, strong S-antigen immunoreactivity was found in the outer and inner segments, perikarya and synaptic bases of rod photoreceptors. Some--apparently green--single cones also exhibited immunoreactive outer and inner segments. In hedgehog, the inner segments, perikarya and pedicles of rods displayed immunoreaction of varying intensities. In all three species there was an accumulation of immunogold particles on the distal portion of the inner segment, the connecting piece and the proximal portion of the outer segment. Opsin immunoreactivity was found in the outer segments of rod photoreceptors, and in those of--apparently green--single cones of turtle and chicken. The localization and significance of the S-antigen immunoreaction is discussed in connection with the occurrence of different photopigments in the retinae studied. The correlation of the presence of S-antigen and of either rhodopsin or porphyropsin in rod and--apparently green--single cone photoreceptors was emphasized.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Histoenzmological mapping of ATPase and 5-nucleotidase in the spinal cord and medulla oblongata of hedgehog (Paraechinus micropus).

The contribution presented deals with the distribution of adenosine triphosphatase (ATP-A) and 5-nucleotidase (AMP-A) in the spinal cord and medulla oblongata of hedgehog. The highlights of this study are: (1) AMP-A activity is stronger in neuropil than in neurons, in all the areas of spinal cord and medulla oblongata. In the nerve cells the enzyme is localized at the peripheries of the neurons, whereas the cytoplasm and nuclei are completely free from enzymatic activity. Reaction in blood vessels is quite high both in gray and white matter. (2) ATP-A activity is seen mainly at the peripheries of the neurons. The neuropil activity varies from mild to intense. Reaction in blood vessels is quite strong in all the areas. (3) Fibrous bundles and tracts are negative for both the enzymes. (4) In general, the activity of ATP-A and AMP-A is strongest in cranial nerve nuclei, irrespective of their sensory or motor nature. The distribution of these enzymes has been correlated with the functions of various nuclei of spinal cord and medulla oblongata in hedgehog, and compared with other mammals.

5'-Nucleotidase↗
PubMed1982

[Season variations in lipolysis activity of adipocytes from fox, badger and hedgehog].

1. We have studied the seasonal variations of the lipolytic response to a beta agonist, isoproterenol, and to theophylline of the isolated adipocyte from fox, badger and hedgehog, related to the circannual variations of testes and thyroid activities. 2. With the fox, we find a coincidence, in spring, between the maximum lipolytic sensitivity of the adipocyte, the thyroid function and the return to sexual rest. 3. With the badger, in winter, the maximum reaction of the adipocyte is contemporary with testes activity and with thyroid rest. 4. With the hedgehog, we observe two maximums in the sensitivity of the adipocyte to the lipolytic agents, one in spring, which coincides with the maximal testes and thyroid activities, the other in autumn, before the deep hibernation state. 5. In conclusion, there is, with these wild mammals, a seasonal variation in the lipolytic reaction of adipocyte which coincides with that of energy needs.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1981

Paramyxoviruses of the morbilli group in the wild hedgehog Erinaceus europeus.

Dead and sick hedgehogs (Erinaceus europeus) were examined, together with apparently healthy individuals, and paramyxo virus of the morbilli group was isolated. One animal's symptoms were similar to those caused by canine distemper and the virus isolate from faecal suspensions from this animal were antigenically related in various degrees to measles, canine distemper, rinderpest and PPRV viruses. Isolates from normal hedgehogs were found to belong to the same group. The variability and host specificity of members of paramyxo morbilli group virus are discussed and the role of natural infections of wild communities is considered in relation to disease in domestic animals and man.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

[Cyclic activity of adrenal function and seasonal variations of cortisol peripheral metabolism in a hibernating mammal, the hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus L.) (author's transl)].

In the male hedgehog we have studied the nycthemeral and seasonal variations of plasma corticosteroids (cortisol and corticosterone) and different parameters (Half-life: t 1/2; apparent volume of distribution: VAD; Metabolic clearance rate: TCM; Production rate: TP) which characterize the metabolism of cortisol, the main corticosteroid in the hedgehog, and give and accurate representation of the cortico-adrenal gland activity. This study was done on unanesthetized animals, kept under natural climatic conditions and equipped with an arterial catheter which allowed blood to be sampled without visible disturbance. Plasma corticosteroids levels were measured at 4 h intervals over a period of 24 h, each month for one year. Monthly evolution of cortisol peripheral metabolism was studied on animals treated with dexamethasone, using a single injection of 3H-cortisol as a tracer after previous comparison with the continuous infusion technique. Plasma glucocorticosteroid levels show a marked nycthemeral rhythm from February to October : maximums are before sunset or during the first hours of the night and minimums are near sunrise. This nycthemeral cycle was not evident during November, December and January when the animals present many periods of torpor. The nycthemeral mean level of plasma corticosteroids (mean of 7 plasma sample concentrations determined over a period of 24 h) fluctuates during the year : corticosteroid levels are maximum in December, then decrease rapidly at the beginning of winter, stay at relatively low levels in spring and the increase which starts in summer becomes more pronounced in autumn. Cortisol peripheral metabolism shows large seasonal variations characterized by a strong reduction in autumn during hibernation, a large increase at the end of winter when the seasonal rhythm of locomotor activity is being restored, and then a gradual decrease in spring and summer which is interrupted by a brief increase in July. The seasonal change in corticoadrenal gland cortisol production rate is polyphasic and shows a maximum rise in autumn (December) and two other peaks which occur at the end of winter and in summer. In light of this it appears that in autumn and winter, the cortisol production rate and cortisol metabolic clearance rate are in opposite phase. The important changes observed during July (increases of t 1/2, VAD, TCM and TP) are probably connected to the metabolic preparation for the autumnal and winter rest.

Activity Cycles↗
PubMed1994

Use of permethrin as a miticide in the African hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris).

The African hedgehog, Atelerix albiventris (also known as Erinaceous albiventris; 1,2) has recently undergone an increase in popularity as an exotic pet. This popularity (Beatrix Potter not withstanding) is due in part to the small size of the African hedgehog (adults are 4-6 in in length, weighing approximately 1 lb), its lack of hibernation or aestivation if reared under controlled light and temperature, and its general good nature and accommodation to handling.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

[Parasitological fecal studies of equids, dogs, cats and hedgehogs during the years 1984-1991].

The results of the coproscopical examinations in horses, dogs, cats and hedgehogs between 1984 and 1991 are presented. In 9192 samples from horses 55.5% stages of strongylids, 4.0% of Parascaris equorum, 2.2% of anoplocephalids, 1.6% Strongyloides westeri, 0.7% of Oxyuris equi, 0.6% of Eimeria leuckarti, 0.2% of Fasciola hepatica and 0.04% of Dictyocaulus arnfieldi were found. In 48.0% of the 46 samples from donkeys eggs from strongylids were detected, in 17.4% larvae from Dictyocaulus arnfieldi, in 2.2% eggs from Strongyloides westeri, Parascaris equorum and oocysts from Eimeria leuckarti, respectively. In 3329 samples of dogs 6.9% developmental stages of Toxocara canis, 6.0% of Giardia spp., 4.2% of Isospora spp., 3.0% of Sarcocystis spp., 2.5% each of ancylostomids and Trichuris vulpis, 1.1% of Toxascaris leonina and 1.1% of Dipylidium canium, up to 1.0% of taeniids, 0.6% of each Mesocestoides spp. and Metastrongylidae, 0.3% of Strongyloides stercoralis and 0.2% of Capillaria spp. and Hammondia heydorni were detected. In 9.5% of the 1147 samples of cats eggs from Toxocara mystax were found, in 4.7% eggs of taeniids, in 4.6% cysts of Isospora spp., in 2.4% of Giardia spp., in 1.4% eggs of Dipylidium caninum, in 1.0% of Capillaria spp. and Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, in 0.6% development stages of Toxoplasma gondii, in 0.5% of ancylostomids and in 0.3% of Sarcocystis spp. and Opisthorchis felineus. In 1175 samples of hedgehogs 48.8% eggs of Capillaria spp., 35.9% of Crenosoma striatum, 17.9% oocysts of Isospora spp., 2.3% eggs of Brachylaemus erinacei were found.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Sonic hedgehog: a common signal for ventral patterning along the rostrocaudal axis of the neural tube.

The vertebrate hedgehog-related gene, sonic hedgehog, is expressed in ventral domains along the entire rostrocaudal length of the neural tube, including the forebrain. Shh induces the differentiation of ventral neuronal cell types in explants derived from prospective forebrain regions of the neural plate. Neurons induced in explants derived from diencephalic and telencephalic levels of the neural plate express the LIM homeodomain protein Islet-1, but these neurons possess distinct identities that match those of the ventral neurons normally generated in these two subdivisions of the forebrain. These results, together with other studies of neuronal differentiation at caudal levels of the neural tube, suggest that a single inducing molecule, Shh, mediates the induction of distinct ventral neuronal cell types along the entire rostrocaudal extent of the embryonic central nervous system.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Heterosensory interaction in neocortical neurons of the hedgehog, Erinaceus europaeus].

Reactions of neurons in different areas have been investigated in the hedgehog cortex by means of the microelectrode technique. A wide dispersion of afferent inputs was shown over the whole neocortex, alongside with the existence of definite projection foci of appropriate modalities. In the specific projection zones the conditioning heterosensory stimulation did not influence the onset of the response of the testing specific stimulus. Blocking of responses was observed in the so-called "associative" area, irrespectively of the mode of the conditioning and testing stimulation. It is suggested that the onset of responses by the specific projection zones to other stimuli depends on the specific impulsation irradiation to the specific projection pathways. Reciprocal heterosensory blocking in the "associative" zone may indicate the existence of an integrative formation in the hedgehog thalamus, possessing its own projection to the neocortex.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

[Examination of commercial hedgehog feed for its quality (acceptance, digestibility, and nutritional composition)].

Six commercial hedgehog feedstuffs were evaluated (palatability, composition and digestibility of crude nutrients and minerals). 14 healthy adult hedgehogs were fed these products and one self mixed diet based on minced beef and egg. The composition of all commercial diets was very similar. The components used mostly were cereal products but also animals like insects and prawns were seen. Gross energy was between 1.9 and 2.3 MJ/100 g DM. The concentrations of the minerals were partly very low (Ca, P) and in some products the relation between Ca and P was unsuitable. Even with individual differences between the animals the palatability of the self mixed diet was generally higher. Contrary to the self mixed diet the digestibility of crude protein of the commercial feed was moderate (93 vs. 73-77%). Crude fat was highly digestible (80-92%). In spite of a low activity of amylase in pancreas and chyme the digestibility of the nitrogen free extracts was very high (67-86%), probably due to thermal processing of the cereals. Since crude fibre has a negative effect on total digestibility (r = -0.78) its concentration should be under 3% in the whole diet. The average net absorption rates of minerals were: Ca: +/-0%; P: 50%; Mg: 24%; K: 85% and Na: 80%. Based on this knowledge first recommendations for the composition of nutritionally balanced complete feeds are given.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2005

Megalourethra: A report of three cases associated with maternal diabetes and a review of the literature--is sonic hedgehog the common pathway?

The mechanisms by which maternal diabetes causes malformations in the offspring have yet to be elucidated. The purpose of this report is twofold: first, to describe three male infants born with multiple congenital anomalies and megalourethra, a defect which has not been previously reported in infants of women with diabetes; and second, to indicate that the defects seen in association with megalourethra in these three infants are similar to those seen as a consequence of abnormalities in sonic hedgehog, suggesting that maternal diabetes may affect sonic hedgehog expression in susceptible tissues during critical stages of development.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Desert hedgehog-patched 2 expression in peripheral nerves during Wallerian degeneration and regeneration.

Hedgehog proteins are important in the development of the nervous system. As Desert hedgehog (Dhh) is involved in the development of peripheral nerves and is expressed in adult nerves, it may play a role in the maintenance of adult nerves and degeneration and regeneration after injury. We firstly investigated the Dhh-receptors, which are expressed in mouse adult nerves. The Dhh receptor patched(ptc)2 was detected in adult sciatic nerves using RT-PCR, however, ptc1 was undetectable under the same experimental condition. Using RT-PCR in purified cultures of mouse Schwann cells and fibroblasts, we found ptc2 mRNA in Schwann cells, and at much lower levels, in fibroblasts. By immunohistochemistry, Ptc2 protein was seen on unmyelinated nerve fibers. Then we induced crush injury to the sciatic nerves of wild-type (WT) and dhh-null mice and the distal stumps of injured nerves were analyzed morphologically at different time points and expression of dhh and related receptors was also measured by RT-PCR in WT mice. In dhh-null mice, degeneration of myelinated fibers was more severe than in WT mice. Furthermore, in regenerated nerves of dhh-null mice, minifascicular formation was even more extensive than in dhh-null intact nerves. Both dhh and ptc2 mRNA levels were down-regulated during the degenerative phase postinjury in WT mice, while levels rose again during the phase of nerve regeneration. These results suggest that the Dhh-Ptc2 signaling pathway may be involved in the maintenance of adult nerves and may be one of the factors that directly or indirectly determines the response of peripheral nerves to injury.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Expression of the Sonic Hedgehog receptor "PATCHED" in basal cell carcinomas and odontogenic keratocysts.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common invasive skin lesion in Caucasians. Odontogenic keratocysts (OKs) are developmental, non-inflammatory oral cysts. They can be sporadic and/or multiple and are locally destructive. Basal cell naevus syndrome (BCNS) comprises both multiple BCCs and multiple OKs, in addition to several other systemic manifestations. The genetic defect underlying this autosomal dominant syndrome is a germ line mutation in the Sonic Hedgehog receptor PATCHED (PTCH) gene. For this study, a rabbit anti-peptide PTCH antiserum was produced. Immunohistochemistry procedures were performed using PTCH antibody and commercially produced GLI-1 antibody (downstream member in the hedgehog pathway) to stain 11 BCNS-OKs, eight sporadic OKs, two BCNS-BCCs, and six sporadic BCCs. Most of these lesions had been previously screened for PTCH mutation. Most BCCs (n=7) demonstrated moderate staining, with the heaviest staining in the outer palisading cell layer, except a BCNS-BCC which had mutation proximal to the sequence used for production of immunogenic peptide; this demonstrated only weak staining. Although moderate to heavy staining with PTCH antibody was demonstrated in the epithelium of both types of OK (n=19), a quite different pattern of staining of the basal cell layer was observed in the two patient groups. In BCNS, OK staining was heaviest in basal epithelial layers. In contrast, staining in non-BCNS odontogenic keratocysts was exclusively located in the superficial epithelial layers. Up-regulation of PTCH and GLI-1 protein was demonstrated in both BCCs and OKs. The pattern of PTCH expression matched the PTCH transcript pattern previously reported in BCCs and appeared sufficiently characteristic in OKs to allow differentiation between syndromic and non-syndromic cysts.

Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome↗
PubMed2005

Exclusive expression of hedgehog in small micromere descendants during early embryogenesis in the sea urchin, Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus.

Hedgehog (hh) is a multifunctional extracellular protein, and known as an essential signal molecule in morphogenetic movement in animal embryos. We have cloned, sequenced, and studied dynamic localization of Hphh, a hedgehog homologue of the sea urchin, Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus. The origin of Hphh transcribing cells was also verified during early embryogenesis. The amino acid sequence of Hphh shows high homology to Lvhh, an hh homologue cloned in the sea urchin, Lytechinus variegatus. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction showed that the transcription of Hphh occurred at and after 19 h post-fertilization (19 hpf) mesenchyme blastula stage until, at least, 69 hpf 4-arm pluteus stage. Whole mount in situ hybridization showed Hphh transcription sites in a few cells at the tip of archenteron in 30 hpf gastrulae. At around 45 hpf 2-arm pluteus stage, the number of Hphh transcribed cells was 8, and unequally split to two groups, 5 cells in left coelomic sac and 3 cells in right coelomic sac. A cell lineage tracing by staining the small micromeres with 5-Bromo-2-deoxyuridine showed that Hphh was transcribed exclusively in all the small micromere descendants and comprised the coelomic sacs in 69 hpf plutei.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2005

Olfactory and lens placode formation is controlled by the hedgehog-interacting protein (Xhip) in Xenopus.

The integration of multiple signaling pathways is a key issue in several aspects of embryonic development. In this context, extracellular inhibitors of secreted growth factors play an important role, which is to antagonize specifically the activity of the corresponding signaling molecule. We provide evidence that the Hedgehog-interacting protein (Hip) from Xenopus, previously described as a Hedgehog-specific antagonist in the mouse, interferes with Wnt-8 and eFgf/Fgf-8 signaling pathways as well. To address the function of Hip during early embryonic development, we performed gain- and loss-of-function studies in the frog. Overexpression of Xhip or mHip1 resulted in a dramatic increase of retinal structures and larger olfactory placodes primarily at the expense of other brain tissues. Furthermore, loss of Xhip function resulted in a suppression of olfactory and lens placode formation. Therefore, the localized expression of Xhip may counteract certain overlapping signaling activities, which inhibit the induction of distinct sensory placodes.

Amino Acid Sequence↗