Demonstration of calcium transport markers in the ceca of owls (Aves: Strigiformes), with remarks on basic ceca structure

  • Wilfried Meyer
  • Anna Nora Hellmann
  • Norbert Kummerfeld
Original Paper
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Abstract

Based on sensitive immunohistochemical methods, the ceca of three owl species (Tyto alba, Strix aluco, Asio otus) were studied for the presence of important Ca-transport proteins [Ca-channel (α2-subunit), calbindin D-28K, vitamin D3 receptor) and one mitochondrial energy marker (succinate dehydrogenase (subunit A)]. Additionally, some information is given on basic ceca morphology, general histology, and goblet cells. The results obtained demonstrated that the enterocytes of the ceca are regularly involved in calcium transport and that this phenomenon is generally associated with high energy demands. The positive reactions for Ca-transport proteins were normally located in the apical cell membrane and/or cytoplasm but sometimes also in the basal cell membrane of the enterocytes. In the crypts, this cell type generally reacted weaker for the Ca-transport markers than in the epithelial layer of the intestinal villi; however, there were no differences between the cecal localizations (basis, corpus, apex) studied.

Keywords

Owls Calcium transport Ceca Enterocytes 
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Notes

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the skillful technical assistance of M. Gähle, the help of the Clinic for Poultry, and the advice given by Prof. Dr. B. Schroeder, Institute of Physiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, Hannover, Germany. The study was supported by a grant of Bingo-Lotto, Lower Saxony, Germany.

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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 2008

Authors and Affiliations

  • Wilfried Meyer
    • 1
  • Anna Nora Hellmann
    • 1
  • Norbert Kummerfeld
    • 2
  1. 1.Institute of AnatomyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine FoundationHannoverGermany
  2. 2.Clinic for Exotic Pets, Reptiles and BirdsUniversity of Veterinary Medicine FoundationHannoverGermany

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