Novel chicken two-dimensional intestinal model comprising all key epithelial cell types and a mesenchymal sub-layer.

The intestinal epithelium plays a variety of roles including providing an effective physical barrier and innate immune protection against infection. Two-dimensional models of the intestinal epithelium, 2D enteroids, are a valuable resource to investigate intestinal cell biology and innate immune functions and are suitable for high throughput studies of paracellular transport and epithelial integrity. We have developed a chicken 2D enteroid model that recapitulates all major differentiated cell lineages, including enterocytes, Paneth cells, Goblet cells, enteroendocrine cells and leukocytes, and self-organises into an epithelial and mesenchymal sub-layer.

Assessment of the effects of intramuscular administration of alfaxalone with and without medetomidine in Horsfield's tortoises (Agrionemys horsfieldii).

Objective: To characterise four different intramuscular (IM) anaesthetic protocols, two with alfaxalone and two with alfaxalone in combination with medetomidine in terrestrial tortoises.

Study Design: Blinded, randomized, cross-over experimental study.

Animals: Nine healthy adult male Horsfield's tortoises (Agrionemys horsfieldii).