洞庭湖景观格局变化及其对水文调蓄功能的影响

景观格局影响并决定着湿地水文调蓄过程和功能。基于洞庭湖区1980、1990、2000和2005年的景观格局数据和相应4年的水文实测数据,利用灰色关联分析,探讨了洞庭湖景观格局变化对水文调蓄功能的影响及其作用机制。结果表明,洞庭湖区景观格局指数与调蓄功能存在不同程度的相关性,其中调蓄量与最大斑块指数和聚合度指数关联度最大,分别为0.77和0.75,说明景观中的优势斑块大小以及同质斑块间的连通性有利于湖区调蓄能力的增加。泥沙沉积率与斑块数、形状指数、多样性指数和均匀度指数关联度也较大,变化于0.7—0.78之间,说明景观的破碎化程度,多样性,形状复杂度的增大会加大湖区泥沙沉积率。分流比、分沙比与景观格局指数的关联度均较小。景观类型指数与调蓄量的关联度分析表明,水田、林地和水体的最大斑块指数和聚合度指数与调蓄量关联度均较高,说明水田、林地和水体最大斑块面积和聚合度的增大有效增大了湖区调蓄能力。     

Sources of the adventitious microflora of a smear-ripened cheese

AIMS: To determine the relationships between the major organisms from the cheese-making personnel and environment and the surface of a smear cheese. METHODS AND RESULTS: 360 yeast and 593 bacteria from the cheese surface, the dairy environment and the hands and arms of personnel were collected. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, repetitive sequence-based polymerase chain reaction and 16S rDNA sequencing were used for typing and identifying the bacteria, and mitochondrial DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for typing and identifying the yeast. The three most dominant bacteria were Corynebacterium casei, Corynebacterium variabile and Staphylococcus saprophyticus, which were divided into three, five and seven clusters, respectively, by macrorestriction analysis. The same clones from these organisms were isolated on the cheese surface, the dairy environment and the skin of the cheese personnel. Debaryomyces hansenii was the most dominant yeast. CONCLUSIONS: A 'house' microflora exists in the cheese plant. Although the original source of the micro-organisms was not identified, the brines were an important source of S. saprophyticus and D. hansenii and, additionally, the arms and hands of the workers the sources of C. casei and C. variabile. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first time that the major contribution of the house microflora to the ripening of a smear-ripened cheese has been demonstrated.     

马铃薯'转心乌'块茎色素的组成和含量

马铃薯转心乌块茎的内、外韧皮部和髓为淡黄色,周皮和木质部为紫色;木质部的紫色形成一个不规则的环",并向内韧皮部蔓延.系列特征颜色反应和紫外可见光谱分析表明:‘转心乌’块茎紫色素属于黄酮类化合物,可能含有酚性邻位二羟基,并被肉桂酸酰化,不含类胡萝卜素、查耳酮、噢哢、异黄酮、儿茶素;花色苷和/或其苷元花色素奠定了‘转心乌’块茎着色的基础,其它的非红色的黄酮类化合物发挥共色素的作用.块茎的皮"紫色最浓","环"其次,"肉"最淡,这与"皮"、"环"和"肉"的色价、花色苷含量和总黄酮类化合物含量的变化趋势呈正相关.     

Functional morphology of the hindleg in two kangaroos Macropus giganteus and Aepyprymnus rufescens

In this study the structures in the hindleg of the kangaroo which are potentially available for jumping were examined. Specimens of two species, Macropus giganteus and Aepyprymnus rufescens, were examined and are described and compared. The basic pattern of the jump of the two species is similar. This is reflected anatomically by the fact that in both species the extensors of the hip, knee and ankle as a percentage of the total weight of the hindleg are greater than the flexors of the same joints. An additional similarity is that the biceps femoris and adductor magnus have the greatest share in the weight of the hip extensors. Furthermore the estimated total force of the hip, knee and ankle extensors and total moment of the hip and ankle extensors are always greater than the flexors of the same joints. However, the percentage of the hip and knee extensors, the absolute forces and moments of both the extensors and flexors and the range of movement especially of the hip and knee are always greater in M. giganteus than in A. rufescens. As well as these differences, the long tibia and the position of the knee in view of the hip may be important factors for the longer jump achieved by M. giganteus. In comparison A. rufescens has a anatomical construction which seems to be a compromise between walking and jumping.     

Melanin and dopa-positive cells in the skin of tropical cattle.

Various histochemical and histological techniques were used to study the melanin and dopa-positive cell distribution in the skin of some tropical and temperate breeds of cattle in Nigeria. Melanin pigments were concentrated in the basal and lower spinous layers of the epidermis and in the hair cortex, follicle sheaths and papillae of the various breeds. In the White Fulani and N'Dama breeds, melanin pigments were however found in all layers of the epidermis. Dopa-positive cells (melanocytes) were observed in the epidermis, dermis and hair follicles; the distribution pattern varied among breeds, being copiously disposed in the basal epidermis and papillary dermis in the White Fulani and Muturu and, except in areas of thick epidermal ridges, scanty in the epidermis and dermis of the Friesian and N'Dama. Mast cell distribution pattern in the various breeds was similar to that of the dopa-positive cells. Peroxidase-positive cells were present in the basal epidermis and upper dermis of the Muturu, widespread in the subepidermal layer of the N'Dama and very scanty in the dermis of the White Fulani and Friesian. Acid phosphatase activity was intense in the granular layer of the Muturu and N'Dama breeds and also in the papillary dermis and hair follicles, whereas alkaline phosphatase-positive dendritic cells, and 'clear' cells were also observed in the basal and upper epidermis.     

不同生态地理区域杉木人工林土壤微生物及生化活性的研究

 本文研究了广西龙胜县里骆林区、宜山县庆远林区、岑溪县七坪林区和田林县老山林区四种不同生态地理区域杉木人工林土壤微生物及其生化活性。研究结果表明：1．土壤微生物的总数及各类群数量均以龙胜县里骆林区和田林县老山林区杉木人工林土壤最高,岑溪县七坪林区次之,宜山县庆远林区最低。2．土壤生化活性包括土壤氮的转化强度,土壤碳的氧化代谢能力和土壤酶活性,也均以龙胜县里骆林区和田林县老山林区杉木人工林土壤最强,岑溪县七坪林区次之,宜山县庆远林区最弱。3．四种不同生态地理区域杉木人工林生长状况与土壤微生物的数量分布和生化活性表现相似规律,龙胜县里骆林区和田林县老山林区杉木人工林林木生长最好,岑溪县七坪林区次之,宜山县庆远林区最差。     

银州柴胡根的发育解剖学研究

本研究采用常规石蜡切片结合荧光显微镜技术对银州柴胡根的发育解剖学进行了研究。结果表明:（1）银州柴胡根顶端分生组织由原分生组织及其衍生的初生分生组织组成。原生分生组织细胞体积小、排列紧密、细胞质浓厚、细胞核大而明显,具有典型的分生组织的特点;（2）初生分生组织由根冠原、表皮原、皮层原和中柱原组成。在根发育过程中,表皮、皮层和维管柱共同组成其初生结构。银州柴胡根初生木质部为二原型或三原型,外始式;同时在根表皮细胞的径向壁观察到径向壁的细胞壁加厚;（3）在根次生生长过程中,位于初生木质部和初生韧皮部之间的原形成层恢复分裂能力产生维管形成层,维管形成层不断地向外产生次生韧皮部,向内产生次生木质部;同时位于根内皮层内方的中柱鞘细胞恢复分裂能力产生木栓形成层,木栓形成层向外形成木栓层,向内形成栓内层。在维管形成层和木栓形成层分裂的过程中,在次生韧皮部和中柱鞘组织中产生形态大小不同的分泌道,均为次生的裂生型分泌道。研究认为,银州柴胡根的结构类似于药典收录的北柴胡和红柴胡根的结构特点,但其根表皮细胞径向壁加厚、木纤维的分布、分泌道的大小和数量等有别于柴胡属其它植物,可作为柴胡属植物重要的分类鉴定依据。     

Position and position variations of the canal system of the temporal bone in frontal section

Estimated are: 1. The axis of the internal acoustic meatus to the horizontal plane in adults and postnatal changes. 2. Eight coronal sections of the temporal bone have been selected to localize the canal systems and structures in the petrous part of the temporal bone and their variations. 3. Described are the different parts of the facial canal, the carotic canal, the auditive tube, the tensor tympani muscle, the major petrosal nerve, and its distances to the carotic canal, the cochlea, the internal acoustic meatus, the supra- and infracochlear cells, the fenestra vestibuli, the fossa jugularis, the canaliculus cochleae, the vestibulum and the semicircular canals. This report includes the development of the supravestibular and other mastoideal cells in the neighbourhood of the canal systems of the petrous bone and the vestibular aqueduct and sac. Estimated are also the distances between the different canal systems. 4. The investigations are discussed with our earlier researches and the results of other researchers and its diagnostic in clinical importance.     

云南松居群内雄球花多态性

本文观察和统计了滇中地区云南松居群内雄球花多态性。 分别统计了当年生新梢上雄球花出现百分率、每个新梢下部聚生的雄球花数、雄球花的色彩、长度和直径。试图揭示云南松居群间和居群内雄球花的变异式样及其分布频率,探讨其变异形成的原因、保持机制和适应意义。研究表明,云南松居群内雄球花多态性显著,居群间多型性也较明显。云南松居群内雄球花多态性是国产松属中最丰富的,也是松属植物中所少见的。雄球花出现百分率、新梢下部聚生的雄球花数、雄球花的大小和色彩等性状,均受多基因控制,呈现连续性变异;云南松居群具有较高的遗传多样性和杂合度是其雄球花多态性和多型性丰富的遗传基础。杂合有利性是造成云南松多态性,特别是平衡多态性的重要原因,同时也使多态性得以保持。云南松林木分布生态环境条件的异质性本身也能导致平衡多态现象。云南松雄球花的变异性与生态环境和林木的年龄相关联,更与居群和林木的遗传结构密切相关。在云南松林木育种和造林过程中,应重视杂种优势和杂合有利性的利用。     

四川盆地多重生态系统服务景观指数评价与服务簇识别

明确多重生态系统服务与生态系统服务簇的空间格局对于维持区域生态安全格局与可持续发展至关重要。在评估四川盆地2015年6种生态系统服务的基础上,计算了表征综合水平的多重生态系统服务景观指数;进而分析了生态系统服务间权衡与协同关系;并基于K-均值聚类法识别了研究区内生态系统服务簇的空间格局。研究结果表明：（1）研究区的多重生态系统服务景观指数平均值达到3.12,同时具有明显的空间分异性,整体上呈现出东南高西北低的空间分布格局,高值区主要分布于川东平行岭谷区,以林、草地为主的区域最高,城市建成区及其邻近地区最低。（2）6种生态系统服务空间异质性显著,且不同服务间协同与权衡关系并存,其中碳汇、生境质量和水土保持服务三者间的协同关系显著,碳汇、生境质量和水土保持服务与娱乐和粮食供给服务间的权衡关系均较强;产水服务与其他各项服务间的权衡与协同关系均较弱。（3）四川盆地可划分为文化旅游、食物供给、生态保育和多功能复合均衡型4种服务簇,其空间布局与内部结构分异明显。文化旅游型服务簇面积最小,面积占比为3.11%,主要分布于成都和重庆城镇及其周边地区,其提供多重生态系统服务功能的能力最弱;食物供给型服务簇主要位于成都平原、浅丘及部分河谷区域,面积约占36.23%;生态保育型服务簇主要分布于盆周山地,以林地为主导,其提供多重生态系统服务功能的能力最强,面积占比达22.61%;多功能复合均衡型服务簇分布最广,面积占比为38.04%,集中于川中、川东丘陵及平行岭谷槽谷区域。采取差异化优化措施有利于整体提升四川盆地生态系统服务能力,维护区域生态安全格局。     

Development and evolution of the carotid circulation in geomyoid rodents in relationship to their craniomorphology

The diversity in cranial morphology of living geomyoids, including pocket gophers (Thomomys), spiny pocket mice (Heteromys and Liomys), desert pocket mice (Chaetodipus and Perognathus), and kangaroo rats and mice (Dipodomys and Microdipodops) is accompanied by only a few differences in their cephalic arterial circulation. The principal difference is the origin of the pterygopalatine artery, which serves the orbit and rostrum. In dipodomyines and perognathines it originates as a stapedial branch of the internal carotid artery and passes through the middle ear en route to the braincase. In geomyines and heteromyines it originates as an internal maxillary branch of the external carotid artery and enters the braincase directly. Either geomyines and heteromyines are convergent in this respect, or the currently recognized family Heteromyidae is paraphyletic. The stapedial artery is the same size in early embryos of T. bottae and D. merriami, but in the former species it fails to grow and disappears in juveniles. Comparison of developmental series of D. merriami and T. bottae revealed that the decline of the artery in the latter species is preceded by a greater degree of arterial coarctation, or narrowing, as it passes though the developing stapes. The loss of the stapedial artery is correlated with an enlarged masseter profundus muscle in T. bottae and with an unusually small stapes in T. bottae, H. desmarestianus, and L. salvini. I hypothesize that the primitive condition for geomyoids is the presence of both stapedial and internal maxillary arteries, that the stapedial artery was lost in geomyines and heteromyines because of the constraint on its size posed by the stapes, and that the stapedial artery was retained in dipodomyines because enlargement of the stapes accompanied bullar inflation in these taxa and lifted the constraint on the size of the stapedial artery.     

5种野牡丹属植物花色素成分及影响花色呈色因子分析

为明确野牡丹属(Melastoma L.)植物花瓣的色素成分和呈色机理,为花色育种提供参考。以野牡丹(M.candidum)、白花野牡丹(M.candidum f.albiflorum)、印度野牡丹(M.malabathiricum)、白花印度野牡丹(M. malabathricumvar.alba)、毛稔(M.sanguinrum)5种野牡丹属植物材料,采用目测法、RHSCC比色法和色差仪测定花瓣表型,应用化学显色法、紫外分光光度法对花色素成分及含量进行初步分析与测定,通过徒手切片组织切片法观察花瓣表皮细胞的显微结构和分布特点,测定花瓣pH值、可溶性糖及可溶性蛋白含量等生理指标分析对花色的影响。结果显示,野牡丹属植物花瓣不含叶绿素和类胡萝卜素,紫罗兰色系主要含花青素苷和黄酮类化合物,白色系主要含黄酮类化合物。野牡丹和毛稔花色素分布于上、下表皮,印度野牡丹花色素分布于上、下表皮和栅栏组织,白花野牡丹和白花印度野牡丹花瓣没有发现色素积累;紫罗兰色系野牡丹上表皮细胞呈圆锥形突起,白色系野牡丹上表皮细胞呈不规则的扁平状,它们下表皮细胞全呈不规则的扁平状。野牡丹属植物花色明度L*随花瓣颜色变深而降低,明度L*与红度a*呈极显著负相关、与蓝度b*呈极显著的正相关。花瓣中花青素苷含量与其明度L*和蓝度b*呈显著负相关,pH值与花瓣红度a*呈现显著的负相关。研究表明,野牡丹属植物花色主要由花青素苷决定,花青素苷含量、色素分布、上表皮细胞形状等是引起花色呈现多样的主要因子。     

Mechanisms of premating isolation between Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Helicoverpa assulta (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Helicoverpa armigera and Helicoverpa assulta are sympatric sibling species, and in the laboratory they can interbreed and produce viable offspring. To assess the contributions of temporal barriers and sexual barriers to premating isolation, we investigated both the temporal rhythms of calling behavior and pheromone titers of H. armigera and H. assulta females and the behavioral responses of males to conspecific and heterospecific calling females in a wind tunnel. Both H. armigera and H. assulta females called throughout the scotophase, and there was more calling during the second half of the scotophase than during the first half. Maximal pheromone titer and maximal calling activity in H. armigera synchronously occurred at the sixth hour into the scotophase, whereas, in H. assulta, the maximal pheromone titer occurred 2 h before the peak of calling. Pheromone blend ratios of the two species were opposite and, within each species, changes in the ratio within the scotophase and at different ages were relatively small. Males of both H. armigera and H. assulta responded strongly to their conspecific calling females in the wind tunnel and completed the whole courtship sequence. In contrast, they did not land and had no copulation attempts in response to heterospecific calling females. These results show that the two species do not have obvious temporal differences in calling behavior and pheromone production, and the specificity of sex pheromone blend emitted by females plays a key role in their premating isolation. In addition, we summarized the potential isolation mechanisms of H. armigera and H. assulta.     

Development of the mouthparts in embryos of Haplothrips verbasci (Osborn) (Insecta,Thysanoptera, Phlaeothripidae)

The asymmetric “punch and suck” mouthparts of larval Haplothrips verbasci develop from paired appendages in the late, post-anatrepsis embryo similar to those of other insects. Later, the labrum flexes ventrally over the stomodaeum, the right mandibular appendage degenerates, the maxillary appendages divide into inner (lacinial) and outer (stipital) lobes, and the hypopharynx arises from the venters of the mandibular and maxillary segments. All cephalic segments consolidate anteriorly prior to katatrepsis, their appendages flex ventrally, and the labial appendages fuse medially to form the labium and the primordia of the salivary glands and valve. The left mandible and the lacinial lobes of the maxillae invaginate into the head during and after katatrepsis to form the mandibular and maxillary stylet-secreting organs and these later deposit the cuticle of their respective stylets. Cuticle of the mandibular lever is deposited by labral cells at the apex of the mandibular sheath during and after hatching. That of each maxillary lever is secreted simultaneously into the lumen of a ventrally-directed diverticulum developing from stipital cells at the apex of each maxillary sheath. Shortly after katatrepsis, the maxillary and labial palpi originate respectively from cells in the outer wall of each stipital lobe and at the apex of the labium. Muscles of the mouthparts arise after katatrepsis from cephalic mesoderm and are fully-differentiated before cuticle of the mandibular and maxillary levers has been deposited. Gnathal morphogenesis in embryos of H. verbasci resembles that occurring in bug embryos and provides additional evidence that Thysanoptera and Hemiptera evolved from a common psocopteroid stem species having small, paired, biting and chewing mandibles and well developed lacinial stylets.     

基于投入产出的中国省际农业水-土-碳足迹流动分析

水-土-碳多要素耦合研究是近年来资源环境领域的热点之一。开展农业水-土-碳足迹流动分析有助于揭示农业生产和贸易带来的跨区域环境影响,对不同区域资源可持续管理和协同减排具有重要意义。以中国30个省级行政区为研究对象,基于投入产出方法科学识别不同省区农业水、土、碳足迹的空间格局、流动特征及关联状况。主要结论如下：（1）省域尺度农业水、土、碳足迹具有较大的空间差异,这归因于自然条件、社会经济、产业结构、耕作方式及种植结构等的区域差异;（2）农业水、土、碳足迹流动主要从西部和北部流向东部和东南部地区,这与农产品市场供需关系密切相关,表明东部和东南部地区农产品消费导致了西部和北部地区资源的虚拟占用和隐含碳排放;（3）农业水、土、碳足迹及其强度之间存在一定程度的关联关系,经济发展状况、地区产业结构、自然条件状况等因素均会影响某一要素或几种要素的消耗强度,进而影响其关联作用;农业水、土、碳足迹流动表现出明显的关联性特征,空间关联网络存在不均衡性,关联渠道有待丰富;（4）建议未来加强农业技术革新,提高机械化、智能化生产水平;通过土地规模化经营实现水土资源的节约集约利用;开展基于水-土-碳跨区域影响的横向农业生态补偿,实现中国省际协同减排和资源优化。     

Serial homology of the mandible and maxilla in the jumping bristletail Pedetontus unimaculatus Machida, based on external embryology (Hexapoda: Archaeognatha, Machilidae)

The development of the mandible and maxilla is examined with the scanning electron microscope in the Archaeognatha. Serial homology is discussed to elucidate the general construction of the hexapod mandible. The part comparable to the maxillary palp does not develop in the mandible. Thus, the mandible is coxopodal in origin, and not telognathic but coxognathic. The mandible proper is subdivided into two in late embryonic development, and the smaller proximal and larger distal parts are homologized with the maxillary cardo and stipes, respectively, being subcoxal and coxal in nature. The partition into the "mandibular cardo" in which the mandibular monocondyle is formed and the "mandibular stipes" is recognized as a cuticular ridge or the "mandibular basal ridge" in the postembryonic stages including the imaginal. The molar and incisor are comparable in position and homologized with the maxillary lacinia and galea, respectively. The lacinia and galea could be morphologically interpreted as being the endites of the maxillary coxae I and II, respectively, and the molar and incisor might represent the mandibular coxae I and II as their constituents or endites.     

Distribution and potential eco-risk of chromium and nickel in sediments after impoundment of Three Gorges Reservoir,China

The impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) altered the hydrodynamic conditions and modulated the accumulation and behaviors of heavy metals in the sediments. In this study, the sediments from the riparian and submerged areas of the entire TGR mainstream were collected in 2014 to investigate the spatial distribution of chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni), and to assess their contamination state and potential eco-risk to aquatic environment by multiple indices. Results showed that the concentrations of Cr and Ni in the sediments increased toward the dam. The concentrations of Cr were significantly higher in the riparian sediments than in the submerged sediments, whereas the Ni concentrations were comparable. The relatively high storages of Cr and Ni in the sediments existed near the dam. The physiochemical properties of sediments and local human activities controlled the spatial variations of Cr and Ni in the sediments. Currently, the TGR sediments are not heavily contaminated by Cr and Ni and show low eco-risk. Nevertheless, considering the decrease in sediment loads from the upper Yangtze River and the rapid urbanization in the TGR catchment, much more attentions should be paid to the geochemical behaviors and the eco-risk of Cr and Ni in the sediments.     

Lignification and cell wall thickening in nodes of Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens and Phyllostachys nigra

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bamboos are among the most important plants in the world. The anatomical structure and mechanical properties of the culm internode are well documented. Fewer details are available of the culm node. The aim of this study was a topochemical investigation on lignification and cell wall thickening in developing and maturing bamboo nodes. The deposition sequence and distribution of lignin structural units and cell wall thickening in different anatomical regions of the node of Phyllostachys viridiglaucescens and Phyllostachys nigra are discussed. METHODS: Cell wall thickening and lignification are investigated in the outer part of the nodal region and in the diaphragm of developing and maturing P. nigra culms and in maturing culms of P. viridiglaucescens of different age classes. The lignification during ageing was studied topochemically by means of cellular UV microspectrophotometry. A combination of light microscopy and image analysis techniques were used to measure cell wall thickness. KEY RESULTS: The fibre and parenchyma cell wall thickness does not significantly increase during ageing. In the diaphragm, the cell walls are thinner and the cell diameter is larger than in the outer part of the node. In shoots, the lignin content in the epidermis, hypodermis and in both fibre and parenchyma cells of the diaphragm is relatively low compared with older culms. The fibre and parenchyma cells of the diaphragm have higher values of p-coumaric and ferulic acids than fibre and parenchyma cells of the outer part of the node. CONCLUSIONS: It was hypothesized that the combination of more hydroxycinnamic acids and of thinner cell walls in combination with higher cell diameters (lower density and lower stiffness) in the diaphragm than in the outer part of the node may play an important role in the biomechanical function of the node by acting as a spring-like joint to support the culm by bending forces.     

国家大型煤电基地生态环境监测技术体系研究——以内蒙古锡林郭勒盟煤电基地为例

随着我国煤电基地建设进程的不断加快,煤电基地建设与开发活动引起的环境问题也日趋严重。了解生态环境质量现状,评估其对生态系统与人民健康水平的影响,制定合理的保护、治理、恢复策略是煤电基地环境保护工作的重中之重,而生态环境监测是解决上述问题的基础。然而,现有的监测技术体系普遍存在自动化水平较低、成本较高、时空覆盖面较低等问题。鉴于物联网技术在提高信息采集效率和改善信息获取方式方面的作用日益显著,所以将物联网技术应用于煤电基地生态环境监测,从感知层、传输层、支撑层、应用层、用户层的角度明确生态环境监测技术体系,为解决上述问题提供有效途径。     

The autonomous innervation of the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) testis. An immunohistochemical study

The innervation pattern in the buffalo testis was determined by using histochemical and immunohistochemical methods. Nerves were concentrated in the tunica albuginea and septula testis, and did not show an uniform distribution. The tunica albuginea at the lateral and medial sides and at the free border of the testis is most densely innervated than at the epididymal border. At the cranial pole thick nerve bundles were observed between albugineal vessels and muscle bundles. Rare parenchymal nerves were found in perivascular position between seminiferous tubules and their occurrence is confined to lobules at the cranial and caudal testicular poles. An intense NPY immunoreactivity occurred in nerve bundles and in solitary varicose fibres. Nerves were concentrated in the tunica albuginea at the lateral and medial side and at the free border of the testis, and in the lobules at the cranial and caudal testicular poles. Sub P immunoreactivity was occasionally detected in some thicker nerve bundles and solitary fibers, in the tunica albuginea and in the wall of blood vessels, showing a similar distribution but less intensity and density than NPY immunoreactivity. TH immunoreactivity stained nerve fibers in the buffalo testis with a distribution pattern similar to that obtained with general neuronal markers. The histochemical reaction for AchE was negative, so cholinergic fibers cannot be detected in the buffalo testis. The histochemical NADPHd reaction stained rare nitrergic nerve bundles and solitary fibers. The majority of NADPHd activity was confined to the vascular endothelium, and rarely to the interstitial Leydig cells, whereas the Sertoli and germ cells did not show any reaction.