Topochemistry of blood cells of the Gallus domesticus (Aves, Galliforme).

Blood smears of both male and female chicken Gallus domesticus were analysed by using the following topochemical methods: a) Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) for glycogen. b) Mercury-bromophenol blue for protein. c) O-Toluidine for myeloperoxidase. d) Sudan black B for lipid. The PAS reaction revealed glycogen in the cytoplasm of all thrombocytes and in a few heterophils. The presence of proteins was evidenced in all types of cells. However variation in the intensity of staining of protein granules was observed in the fusiform structures of the heterophils. A negative reaction for myeloperoxidase was found in all cells. Although some evidence of myeloperoxidase activity was show in the polymorphonuclears it was not enough to ascertain a positive reaction. Lipids were detected in the cytoplasm of few heterophils, eosinophils and monocytes.     

A non-invasive micronucleus assay in the rat liver

The potent rat-liver mitogen 4-acetylaminofluorene (4AAF) is shown here to provide an effective replacement for the surgical procedure of 2/3 partial hepatectomy (2/3PH) in the in vivo rat-liver micronucleus assay described by Tates and his colleagues. This protocol modification enables the assay to be conducted on a routine basis. Control observations for both 2/3PH and 4AAF-treated rats are presented, together with evidence indicating 4AAF itself to be without activity in the assay, irrespective of the mitogenic stimulus. The activities of the rat carcinogens DMN, 2AAF, DMH and 6BT, and of the non-carcinogens 4AAF and 4N are demonstrated. Recommendations for the conduct of the modified assay are made.