Recognition of facial expressions in a Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata) and humans (Homo sapiens)

Recognition of facial expressions by a Japanese monkey and two humans was studied. The monkey subject matched 20 photographs of monkey facial expressions and 20 photographs of human facial expressions. Humans sorted the same pictures. Matching accuracy by the monkey was about 80% correct for both human and monkey facial expressions. The confusion matrices of those facial expressions were analyzed by a multi-dimensional scaling procedure (MDSCAL). The resulting MDS plots suggested that the important cues in recognizing facial expressions of monkeys were “thrusting the mouth” and ‘raising the eyebrows.” Comparison of the MDS plots by the monkey subject with those by human subjects suggested that the monkey categorized the human “happiness” faces. This may suggest that the monkey has an ability to recognize human smile face even though it is learned. However, the monkey did not differentiate the human “anger/disgust” faces from the human “sad” faces, while human subjects clearly did. This may correlate with the lack of eyebrow movement in monkeys.     

Detection of a unique genotype of monkey B virus (Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1) indigenous to native Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)

The Japanese macaque or snow monkey (Macaca fuscata) is an autochthonous monkey in Japan. It has long been assumed that the monkey population was not infected with Cercopithecine herpesvirus 1 (monkey B virus [BV]) since cases of human BV infection have never been reported in Japan. Although serologic testing of captive snow monkeys in Japan revealed antibodies to BV, it was thought that native Japanese macaques had either been infected with herpes simplex virus from humans or with BV from other imported macaque species. To clarify this issue, we performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to amplify BV sequences from trigeminal ganglia of 30 Japanese macaque monkeys that were seropositive for BV. Sequences from two BV genes, UL27 (360 bp) and UL19 (1.0 Kbp), from 3 of 30 monkeys were amplified. Results of restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing of the fragments provided evidence that native Japanese macaques are infected with BV. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that these monkeys harbor their own genotype of BV that is different from other known BV genotypes, and provided additional evidence supporting the co-evolution of BV and macaques.     

Ameloblastic odontoma in a cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis)

An ameloblastic odontoma occurred in an adult cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis). The neoplasm involved the upper left maxilla as a disfiguring, fleshy growth. The tissue and cellular changes were consistent with an ameloblastic odontoma which is rare in man, nonhuman primates (NHP), and other vertebrate animals. The monkey was one of 50 adult, single-caged housed cynomolgus monkeys. No additional clinical signs of disease were present. Hematology and serum chemistries were within normal limits. There have been three reports in the literature of ameloblastic odontomas in NHP; however, this is the first reported case of an ameloblastic odontoma in a cynomolgus monkey.     

Hemobartonellosis in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) in a domestic breeding colony: case report and preliminary study

Infection with Hemobartonella sp was diagnosed in a colony-born squirrel monkey with normocytic, normochromic anemia and pronounced punctate erythrocytic basophilic stippling on Wright's-Giemsa stained blood films. The diagnosis was confirmed using transmission electron microscopy. Two randomly selected colony-born squirrel monkeys were splenectomized in an effort to activate and detect possible latent hemobartonellosis . One monkey became parasitemic 12 days following splenectomy. The second monkey was inoculated on day 14 with 1 ml of whole blood from an infected, but nonparasitemic monkey and developed overt parasitemia 3 days later (day 17 following splenectomy). Infections in the latter two monkeys were confirmed using scanning electron microscopy.     

Blastocysts derived from adult fibroblasts of a rhesus monkey ( Macaca mulatta) using interspecies somatic cell nuclear transfer

In non-human primates, it is difficult to collect sufficient numbers of oocytes for producing identical embryos by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Because of this factor, inter-species SCNT (iSCNT) using heterospecific oocytes is an attractive alternative approach. The objective of this study was to produce iSCNT-derived blastocysts using enucleated cow (Bos taurus) metaphase II oocytes and adult rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) fibroblasts. Ear skin tissue from a 6-year-old male rhesus monkey was collected by biopsy and fibroblasts were isolated. Immature cumulus-oocyte complexes from cow ovaries were collected and matured in vitro in Medium 199. The enucleated oocytes were reconstructed with rhesus monkey fibroblasts and iSCNT embryos were cultured in modified synthetic oviduct fluid in an atmosphere of 5-5.5% CO2 under various conditions (37-39 °C and 5-20% O2) to examine the effects of in vitro culture conditions. Most embryos were arrested at the 8- or 16-cell stage and only three blastocysts were derived in this way using iSCNT from a total of 1153 cultured activated embryos (0.26% production rate). Two of the three blastocysts were used for counting nuclear numbers using bisbenzimide staining, which were 51 and 24. The other iSCNT-derived blastocyst was used to analyse mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) by PCR, and both rhesus monkey and cow mtDNA were detected. Although the development rate was extremely low, this study established that iSCNT using two phylogenetically distant species, including a primate, could produce blastocysts. With improvements in the development rate, it may be possible to produce rhesus monkey iSCNT-derived embryonic stem cell lines for studies on primate nucleus and cow mitochondria interaction mechanisms.     

Fibrinopeptides A and B of Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata) and patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas): their amino acid sequences, restricted mutations, and a molecular phylogeny for macaques, guenons, and baboons

Amino acid sequences of fibrinopeptides A and B from the macaque, Macaca fuscata (Japanese monkey) and the guenon, Erythrocebus patas (patas monkey) were established. Fibrinopeptides A of the monkeys had a sequence identical with those of baboons: Ala-Asp-Thr-Gly-Glu-Gly-Asp-Phe-Leu-Ala-Glu-Gly-Gly-Gly-Val-Arg. Fibrinopeptides B were 9-residue, "short," peptides with the sequences Asn-Glu-Glu-Ser-Leu-Phe-Ser-Gly-Arg for M. fuscata and Asn-Glu-Glu-Val-Leu-Phe-Gly-Gly-Arg for E. patas. The sequence of the B peptide of M. fuscata differed from that of a close-related species, M. mulatta (rhesus monkey), at a single site, Leu (M.f.)----Pro (M.m.). A single replacement between the B peptides of E. patas and Cercocebus aethiops (green monkey), Val (E.p.)----Gly (C.a.), was detected. A phylogenic relationship of macaques, guenons, and baboons, named Cercopithecinae (Old World monkey), was deduced from the sequence data. A selective rather than random amino acid replacement was observed in the B peptides of these Old World monkeys, suggesting a restricted mutation of their fibrinopeptides during primate evolution.     

Type-3 von willebrand's disease in a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

Severe type-3 von Willebrand's disease (vWD) was diagnosed in a young male rhesus monkey that had excessive bleeding from minor wounds. Plasma samples from the monkey had no detectable quantitative or functional von Willebrand factor (vWF), low Factor-VIII coagulant activity, and moderate prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time. Testing of the affected monkey's extended family revealed a likely hereditary basis for the vWD, in that the sire and a paternal half-sister had markedly reduced plasma vWF concentration. Fresh whole blood was transfused to control frequent bleeding episodes throughout the monkey's life. Although vWD is the most common inherited bleeding disorder in humans and dogs, this is the first report of vWD in a nonhuman primate.     

Species-Specific Responses to Tourist Interactions by White-Faced Capuchins (Cebus imitator) and Mantled Howlers (Alouatta palliata) in a Costa Rican Wildlife Refuge

Ecotourism shows great potential for primate conservation, but further investigation through an ethnoprimatological lens is vital to understanding species-specific variation in human–nonhuman primate interactions at ecotourism sites. This study measured the rates and types of human–monkey interactions, the participants in these encounters, and the association between tourist numbers and interaction rates with white-faced capuchin monkeys (Cebus imitator) and mantled howlers (Alouatta palliata) at the Curú Wildlife Refuge in western Costa Rica. I collected data through 15-min all-occurrence samples for human–monkey interactions between January 2006 and December 2007. I recorded and analyzed a total of 1949 discrete interactions, representing one tourist group and one non-tourist group for each species. For both species, tourist groups showed more varied and more intense—but not more frequent—human–monkey interactions than the non-tourist groups. White-faced capuchins differed from mantled howlers in their greater frequency and more variable forms of human–monkey interactions. White-faced capuchins also showed a more gregarious pattern of interactions than mantled howlers, with most capuchin interactions being initiated by the monkeys and involving multiple actors. Although mantled howler human interaction rates correlated positively with levels of human traffic, white-faced capuchins did not show this relationship. These findings demonstrate that the differences in human–monkey interactions across species are an important consideration for the management of primate tourism sites. This study suggests that species-specific guidelines for ecotourism would reduce visitor impact on nonhuman primates.     

Phaneropsolus macacae (Premvati, 1958) Saoud, 1964 from the Taiwanese monkey,Macaca cyclopis (Swinhoe, 1862)

In November, 1968, a single specimen ofPhaneropsolus macacae (Premvati, 1958)Saoud, 1964 was collected from the small intestine of a female Taiwanese monkey,Macaca cyclopis (Swinhoe, 1862). The Taiwanese monkey was added as a new host for this trematode.     

Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease in a Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta)

Adult polycystic kidney disease was diagnosed at necropsy in a 16-year-old rhesus monkey dead from renal failure. Both kidneys were enlarged and contained multiple cysts ranging from 0.1 to 4.0 cm in diameter. The age of onset of the clinical signs, terminal uremia, and the gross and histologic findings in this macaque were consistent with adult (type III) polycystic kidney disease of man.     

Localisation of substance P-like immunoreactivity in the ciliary ganglia of monkey (Macaca fascicularis) and cat: a light- and electron-microscopic study

The present study describes substance P-like immunoreactivity in the ciliary ganglia of monkey (Macaca fascicularis) and cat. About 60% of neurons in the monkey ciliary ganglion and 40% in the cat ciliary ganglion were substance P-like immunoreactive, ranging from faint to moderate staining. Substance P-like immunoreactivity was located in cell bodies, dendritic profiles and axons. In the monkey, substance P-like immunoreactive pericellular arborisations were associated with about 0.5%–3% of the ganglion cells, which were either negatively, faintly or moderately stained. An electron-microscopic study demonstrated the presence of either substance P-like immunoreactive positive or negative axon terminals synapsing or closely associated with positive dendritic profiles in both the monkey and cat ciliary ganglia. The results suggest that substance P plays an important role in the ciliary ganglion, perhaps as a modulator or transmitter.     

Transverse lie with prolapsed arm in a female red‐howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans – Cabrera, 1940)

This study focuses on a case of a red‐howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) which was found with a fetus in a transverse lie position with a prolapsed arm. The topic of this research is well justified as there are no data on this condition involving this type of non‐human primate in literature. In this study, a red‐howler monkey was observed by locals pulling at her pelvic region for 3 days near a farm. On the third day, the monkey was found lying on the ground at which point she offered no resistance when approached. The environmental police took the monkey to receive medical attention. During the physical examination, it was quickly observed that the monkey was pregnant; the right forelimb of the fetus was exposed from the vulva. An ultrasound revealed a non‐viable fetus, and due to the severe weakness of the mother, we opted for euthanasia. During the necropsy, not only was the fetus found macerated but it was also in a transverse lie position with a prolapsed arm and presented no external or internal injuries consistent with trauma.     

Naturally occurring melioidosis in a colonized rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

An aged wild-caught male rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta), maintained in a research facility for 10 years, developed bilateral pelvic limb paralysis without other signs of disease. Unresponsive to therapy, the monkey was killed and necropsied. Chronic inflammation with osteolysis of thoracic vertebrae 10-13 was observed. Pseudomonas pseudomallei was cultured and identified from cerebrospinal fluid obtained at the site of the thoracic lesion. This Gram-negative bacterium can cause infection in animals and man and may remain latent for years before the appearance of clinical signs.     

Mandible/basihyal relationships in red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus): A craniometrical approach

The morphological relationships between the cranium and basihyal of red howler monkeys (Alouatta seniculus) were analyzed based on measurements of 36 cranial and 3 basihyal dimensions and observations of the female specimen in spirits. In this study, 115 crania from 111 red howler monkeys and 4 mantled howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) were used. The analyses from the standpoints of the correlation coefficients, principal component analysis, discriminant function analysis, age changes and sex differences were performed and the following results were obtained: (1) The cranial measurements closely related to the basihyal measurements were mandibular length, occipital breadth, facial length, ramus height, cranial base length, bigonial breadth and pr-i length. (2) Age changes for the mandibular measurements in males of red howler monkeys were remarkable, and, in particular, the development of the gonion toward posterior and lateral directions were characteristic. (3) The largest sex differences were found in the mandibular measurements of red howler monkeys among the Anthropoidea of seven genera compared. (4) The existence of a “cline” in the cranial measurements of the red howler monkey was recognized. (5) The inter-species differences in the crania between the red howler monkey and mantled howler monkey are obvious, metrically and non-metrically. Based on the results mentioned above, the morphological relationships between the mandible and basihyal in the red howler monkey are discussed.     

秦岭川金丝猴对高海拔栖息地的某些生理适应

金丝猴是我国特有的灵长类,也是海拔分布最高(4 167m)的灵长类,从生理生态学角度研究金丝猴怎样适应高寒山区的生活,具有重要的科学意义．依据十几年的研究结果,并结合已发表的相关资料,从消化、呼吸、血液、循环、生殖几个方面探讨了金丝猴的指名亚种——川金丝猴对秦岭高海拔栖息地的适应及适应机制     

Chromosome evolution in new world monkeys (platyrrhini)

During the last decades, New World monkey (NWM, Platyrrhini, Anthropoideae) comparative cytogenetics has shed light on many fundamental aspects of genome organisation and evolution in this fascinating, but also highly endangered group of neotropical primates. In this review, we first provide an overview about the evolutionary origin of the inferred ancestral NWM karyotype of 2n = 54 chromosomes and about the lineage-specific chromosome rearrangements resulting in the highly divergent karyotypes of extant NWM species, ranging from 2n = 16 in a titi monkey to 2n = 62 in a woolly monkey. Next, we discuss the available data on the chromosome phylogeny of NWM in the context of recent molecular phylogenetic analyses. In the last part, we highlight some recent research on the molecular mechanisms responsible for the large-scale evolutionary genomic changes in platyrrhine monkeys.     

Tool use by a red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus) towards a two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus)

Among New World monkeys, spontaneous tool use and object manipulation are commonly descirbed inCebus species only. We report here an occurrence of tool manipulation by a wild male red howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus), observed using a stick to softly but repeatedly hit a two toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus) resting in the same tree. The ecological context of this unusual behavior for this quiet species generally showing very little manipulative propensity is discussed.     

Thymus development in Macaca fascicularis (Cynomolgus monkey): an approach for toxicology and embryology

Thymus development was studied in the cynomolgus monkey from day 35 of gestation (gd 35) to the stage of advanced involution in a 21-year-old monkey. Special emphasis was placed on thymus cell generation and cellular pattern formation. At gd 35, the epithelial bud of the thymus was visible in a sagittal position at the level of the thoracic aperture. At gd 50, first lymphocyte-like cells and few Human Leukocyte Antigen-D Region (HLA-DR) immunoreactive cells appeared. The cortico-medullary differentiation, Hassall’s body precursors and faint immunoreactivity for T-lymphocytes (CD 3-positive) were detected from gd 60 onwards. First macrophages (CD 68 positive) were apparent at day 70, first CD 20 immunoreactive cells (B-lymphocyte-like cells) at gd 85, and natural killer cells (M1014 immunoreactive) at gd 100. At gd 100 all evaluated cell populations present in the adult cynomolgus monkey thymus were in place, whereas no B- and T-cell precursors or (CD 34 and CD 117, respectively) dendritic cells (CD 35 positive cells) were present. All these immunopositive cells persisted, partly with changing distribution patterns, until the advanced age of 21 years with the exception of natural killer cells, which were present only until adult ages (evaluation at 4–7 years). The rationale of this study was to analyse thymic development in the cynomolgus monkey and to evaluate the relevance of the development of thymus in non-human primate as a model for corresponding human targeted toxicological research.     

Characterization of a novel vpu-harboring simian immunodeficiency virus from a Dent's Mona monkey (Cercopithecus mona denti)

We report the identification of a new simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), designated SIVden, in a naturally infected Dent's Mona monkey (Cercopithecus mona denti), which was kept as pet in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. SIVden is genetically distinct from the previously characterized primate lentiviruses. Analysis of the full-length genomic sequence revealed the presence of a vpu open reading frame. This gene is also found in the virus lineage of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and chimpanzee immunodeficiency virus (SIVcpz) and was recently described in viruses isolated from Cercopithecus nictitans, Cercopithecus mona, and Cercopithecus cephus. The SIVden vpu coding region is shorter than the HIV-1/SIVcpz and the SIVgsn, SIVmon, and SIVmus counterparts. Unlike Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii viruses (SIVcpzPts) and Cercopithecus monkey viruses (SIVgsn, SIVmon, and SIVmus), the SIVden Vpu contains the characteristic DSGXES motif which was shown to be involved in Vpu-mediated CD4 and IkappaBalpha proteolysis in HIV-1 infected cells. Although it harbors a vpu gene, SIVden is phylogenetically closer to SIVdeb isolated from De Brazza's monkeys (Cercopithecus neglectus), which lacks a vpu gene, than to Cercopithecus monkey viruses, which harbor a vpu sequence.