Gross and histological examination of Wharton’s Jelly in the equine umbilical cord.
Abstract: Wharton's jelly (WJ) is fundamental for the well-being of the fetus, binding to the umbilical vessels and protecting them from twisting and compression. Gross and microscopic studies have been undertaken on the umbilical cord (UC) of human placentae in both normal and high-risk pregnancies, however there is limited research on equine UC. The aim of this study was to describe microscopically and immunohistochemically the equine UC in normal pregnancies, with particular attention to WJ. Forty-seven healthy mares, with no complications during pregnancy, admitted to the hospital for attending delivery were enrolled. Clinical data was collected at foaling on foal health and placental characteristics. UC samples were collected from three sites (amniotic, allantoic and in the region of vein anastomosis) for histology. The thickness of different layers of arteries and veins and WJ in different UC portions were measured (μm). Wharton's Jelly was weighted (g) and its sections were stained with Masson's trichrome, orcein technique and silver impregnation. Immunohistochemistry was undertaken using antibodies raised-against collagen type I, V, VI and fibrillin. Forty-seven UCs, from 19 colt and 28 filly foals, were analyzed for WJ weight and 8/47 UCs were examined histologically. Warton's jelly was only found in the amniotic portion of the UC closest to the foal's abdomen. The weight of WJ (4.0 ± 3.3 g) did not vary between colts and fillies and it was not correlated with any of the clinical or UC parameters measured. The tunica media of arteries and veins was thicker in the amniotic portion of the UC, as described in human UCs in late pregnancy. This finding could be an adaptation to aid in resisting compression because of fetal movements and UC twisting. The umbilical vein was thicker than the umbilical arteries in the tunica media and tunica adventitia in the sections examined throughout the length of the cord. This preliminary study describes gross and histological WJ's structure in the equine species. However, further studies are required to better characterize UC's changes throughout pregnancy and in the presence of mare's or fetal disease.
Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2023-06-30 PubMed ID: 37421877DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.032Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This research article focuses on analyzing and describing the structure of Wharton’s Jelly (WJ), a substance within the umbilical cord, in horses through detailed microscopic and immunohistochemical studies. The study found that WJ was present in the amniotic section of umbilical cord and its weight did not vary between male and female foals, but more extensive research is needed to fully understand the changes in the umbilical cord throughout pregnancy and disease.
Objective of the Research
- The primary objective of the research was to microscopically and immunohistochemically describe the equine umbilical cord (UC) in normal pregnancies, with a specific focus on Wharton’s Jelly (WJ).
- Since earlier studies mostly focused on human UCs in both healthy and high-risk pregnancies, there was a knowledge gap regarding equine UC. This study aimed to bridge this gap.
Research Methodology
- The research team studied 47 healthy mares admitted to the hospital for delivery.
- Clinical data was collected regarding infant health and placental characteristics.
- UC samples were collected from three distinct locations: amniotic, allantoic, and the vein anastomosis region.
- The collected samples underwent histological analysis in which the thickness of different layers of arteries and veins and WJ in the different UC portions were measured.
- The weight of WJ was also measured and stained sections of the substance were examined using several techniques.
Findings of the Study
- According to the data collected from 19 colt and 28 filly foals, the weight of WJ was found to be consistent between the two sexes.
- WJ was present only in the amniotic section of the UC that is nearest to the foal’s abdomen.
- Sigificantly, the presence or the weight of WJ was not correlated with any measured clinical or UC parameters.
- Likewise, the tunica media, the middle layer of the arterial wall, was found to be thicker in the amniotic section of the UC, a trait also seen in human UCs in late pregnancy. This adaptation may function to resist compression from fetal movements and UC twisting.’
Conclusions and Future Directions
- This preliminary research describes both gross and histological structure of WJ in horses, a previously under-studied subject.
- However, the researchers believe that future studies are essential to further define changes in the UC through pregnancy and in disease conditions that affect either the mare or the foal.
Cite This Article
APA
Lanci A, Merlo B, Grandis A, Mariella J, Castagnetti C, Iacono E.
(2023).
Gross and histological examination of Wharton’s Jelly in the equine umbilical cord.
Theriogenology, 209, 184-192.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.032 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy. Electronic address: aliai.lanci2@unibo.it.
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy; Health Science and Technologies Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (CIRI-SDV), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. Electronic address: barbara.merlo@unibo.it.
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy. Electronic address: annamaria.grandis@unibo.it.
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy. Electronic address: jole.mariella2@unibo.it.
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy; Health Science and Technologies Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (CIRI-SDV), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. Electronic address: carolina.castagnetti@unibo.it.
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra 50, 40064, Ozzano Emilia, Bologna, Italy; Health Science and Technologies Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (CIRI-SDV), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. Electronic address: eleonora.iacono2@unibo.it.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Female
- Male
- Humans
- Pregnancy
- Wharton Jelly
- Placenta
- Umbilical Cord
- Umbilical Arteries
- Umbilical Veins
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