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

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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.

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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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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173, Hannover, Germany

    Wilfried Meyer & Anna Nora Hellmann

  2. Clinic for Exotic Pets, Reptiles and Birds, University of Veterinary Medicine Foundation, Buenteweg 9, 30559, Hannover, Germany

    Norbert Kummerfeld

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  1. Wilfried Meyer
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  2. Anna Nora Hellmann
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  3. Norbert Kummerfeld
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Correspondence to Wilfried Meyer.

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Communicated by W. Lutz

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Meyer, W., Hellmann, A.N. & Kummerfeld, N. Demonstration of calcium transport markers in the ceca of owls (Aves: Strigiformes), with remarks on basic ceca structure. Eur J Wildl Res 55, 91–96 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-008-0221-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-008-0221-8

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