Tyrosine Hydroxylase-Immunopositive Cells and Melanin in the Mesencephalon of Yugan Black-Bone Fowl.

BACKGROUND

The Yugan blackbone fowl (YBF) is a special poultry with hyperpigmentation in various organs, including feather. However, the mechanism of hyperpigmentation is limited, and the melanic information of other organs except skin is rare.

AIMS AND

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we attempt to get an insight of the mechanism of melanogenesis of birds.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The mesencephalon of YBF was observed by light microscopy with hematoxylineosin and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The TH immunopositive cells were found in the mesencephalon. Moreover, the melanin was also observed in the connective tissue of the mesencephalon.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirmed the existence of melanin andTH immunopositive cells in the mesencephalon of YBF. These results provide a reference for further study on the mechanism of melanogenesis/hyperpigmentation in birds.