@article{3414,
  author = {N Simsek and L Ergün and E Ergün and B Alabay and A Özen},
  title = {Ultrastructure of pancreatic alpha and beta cells in young quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) fed aflatoxin},
  abstract = {The present investigation was undertaken to assess the effects of aflatoxin (AF)containing diets on alpha and beta cells of the endocrine pancreas in youngquails by means of light and electron microscopy. A total of thirty quails weredivided into 3 groups, each comprising 10 animals. Total AF was incorporatedinto the diet of these groups, at dosages of 0 (control, group 1), 2.5 (group 2), and5.0 (group 3) mg AF/kg feed. The chicks were housed in electrically heated batterycages and exposed to light for 24 h from hatching to 3 weeks of age. Quailsconsumed the diets and water ad libitum. Electron microscopic examinationsdemonstrated degranulation of alpha cells, decrease in the size and number ofsecreting granules, and increase in the number of free ribosomes and polisomesin the animals of group 2 and 3. In beta cells, the numbers of free ribosomes andpolisomes decreased, whereas the number of mature granules increased in theanimals of group 3. Mononuclear cell infiltrates were observed in the periphery ofcapillaries and around endocrine islets in the experimental groups. Furthermore,capillaries of the animals in group 2 and 3 were dilated at all sides of both alphaand beta islets. According to the results of this study, the addition of aflatoxin tothe diets of quails at dosage of 2.5 and 5 mg AF/kg leads to significant changes inpancreatic alpha and beta cells. These changes may exhibit adverse effect on themetabolism of carbohydrates in poultry.},
  year = {2007},
  journal = {Berliner und Münchener Tierärztliche Wochenschrift},
  volume = {114},
  pages = {465-469},
  month = {12/2007},
  publisher = {M. & H. Schaper GmbH},
  address = {Hannover},
  issn = {0341-6593},
  doi = {10.2377/0341-6593-114-465},
  language = {English},
}