Effects of Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM13241 as a probiotic in healthy adult cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with the probiotic strain Lactobacillus acidophilus DSM13241 in healthy adult cats. ANIMALS: 15 adult cats. PROCEDURES: Cats were fed a nutritionally complete dry food for 5 weeks. Fecal character was assessed daily, and a single fecal sample and 3-mL blood sample were collected for bacterial enumeration and hematologic analysis, respectively. Cats were then fed the same diet supplemented with L acidophilus DSM13241 (2 x 10(8) CFU/d) for 4.5 weeks. Repeat fecal and hematologic measurements were taken prior to the return to control diet for a 4-week period. RESULTS: The probiotic species was recovered from feces, demonstrating survival through the feline gastrointestinal tract. Probiotic supplementation was associated with increased numbers of beneficial Lactobacillus and L acidophilus groups in feces and decreased numbers of Clostridium spp and Enterococcus faecalis, indicating an altered bacterial balance in the gastrointestinal tract microflora. Fecal pH was also decreased suggesting a colonic environment selective for the beneficial lactic acid bacterial population. Systemic and immunomodulatory effects were associated with administration of L acidophilus DSM13241 including altered cell numbers within WBC subsets and enhanced phagocytic capacity in the peripheral granulocyte population. In addition, plasma endotoxin concentrations were decreased during probiotic feeding, and RBCs had a decreased susceptibility to osmotic pressure. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Probiotic strain L acidophilus DSM13241 fed at 2 x 10(8) CFU/d can alter the balance of gastrointestinal microflora in healthy cats. Furthermore, administration of this probiotic results in beneficial systemic and immunomodulatory effects in cats.     

Effects of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus strain DSM13241 in healthy adult dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate viability of a probiotic strain of Lactobacillus acidophilus in a dry dog food, determine its ability to survive transit through the gastrointestinal tract and populate the colon, and assess its effects on intestinal and systemic parameters. ANIMALS: 15 adult dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs were sequentially fed a dry control food for 2 weeks, the same food supplemented with > 10(9) L. acidophilus for 4 weeks, and the control food again for 2 weeks. Fecal score was assessed daily, and fecal and blood samples were collected for enumeration of bacterial populations and measurement of hematologic variables. RESULTS: Recovery of L. acidophilus from the supplemented food was 71% and 63% at the start and end of the study, respectively, indicating that the bacteria were able to survive manufacture and storage. The probiotic bacterium was detected in feces via ribotyping and RNA gene sequencing during the probiotic administration phase but not 2 weeks after cessation of administration. Administration of the probiotic-supplemented food was associated with increased numbers of fecal lactobacilli and decreased numbers of clostridial organisms. There were significant increases in RBCs, Hct, hemoglobin concentration, neutrophils, monocytes, and serum immunoglobin G concentration and reductions in RBC fragility and serum NO concentration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These data indicate that L. acidophilus can be successfully incorporated into a dry dog food, survive transit through the canine gastrointestinal tract, and populate the colon and are associated with local and systemic changes. This probiotic bacterium may have the potential to enhance intestinal health and improve immune function in dogs.     

Survival and persistence of Lactobacillus plantarum 4.1 and Lactobacillus reuteri 3S7 in the gastrointestinal tract of pigs

Lactobacillus sp. are important inhabitants of the intestines of animals. They are also largely used as probiotics for both humans and animals. To exert beneficial effects, lactobacilli have to survive through the gastrointestinal transit. Based on bile-salt resistance, pH tolerance, antimicrobial activity and heat resistance, Lactobacillus plantarum 4.1 and Lactobacillus reuteri 3S7 were previously selected and used as probiotic additives in pelleted feeding trials. Both strains were fed to pigs (sows and piglets) at a cell number of ca. 10(10) viable cells per day. A polyphasic approach, comprising growth on selective media, Biolog System analysis, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and RAPD-PCR typing, was used to identify and differentiate L. plantarum 4.1 and L. reuteri 3S7 from other faecal Lactobacillus sp., L. plantarum 4.1 and L. reuteri 3S7 had the capacity to survive during the gastrointestinal transit and were found in the feaces at a cell number of 6-8 log cfu/g. Their persistence was shown after 6 days from the administration. Compared to untreated pigs, the administration of L. plantarum 4.1 and L. reuteri 3S7 significantly (P<0.05) decreased the population of Enterobacteriaceae. Besides, the beta-glucuronidase activity of all pigs decreased of ca. 23.0% during administration. The findings of this study showed that L. plantarum 4.1 and L. reuteri 3S7 have the potential to be used as probiotic additives in pelleted feed for pigs.     

Growth behaviour of a spore forming probiotic strain in the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chicken and piglets.

The growth behaviour of the probiotic strain Bacillus cereus var. toyoi in the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chicken and suckling piglets was evaluated. The strain germinated rapidly in intestinal samples from both animal species. Less than 10% of spores were recovered from the chicken crop and piglet stomach, respectively. Lumen samples and mucosal tissues from the hind gut of piglets displayed increasing colonization of the probiotic strain throughout the trial period. After oral administration of vegetative cells to broiler chicken and weaned piglets, sporulation was detected in all intestinal samples. The distribution of spore CFU indicated repeated germination and sporulation during the intestinal passage in piglets. B. cereus var. toyoi was not able to colonize the intestinal tract of both animal species. However, the probiotic strain was detected in suckling piglets before uptake of B. cereus var. toyoi supplemented feed. It is concluded that B. cereus var. toyoi germinates rapidly in broiler chicken and piglets, which is a necessary prerequisite for its possible probiotic effects. Germination and in vivo sporulation of vegetative cells indicated that the probiotic strain was metabolically active in the intestine of both animal species.     

Fucosidosis in an English Springer Spaniel presenting as a malabsorption syndrome

A case of alpha-fucosidosis in a 2-year-old male English Springer Spaniel presented as a malabsorption syndrome without any clinical neurological abnormalities. The dog had a history of chronic weight loss, diarrhoea, mild anaemia, hypoproteinemia and reduced jejunal absorption of D-xylose. A diagnosis of fucosidosis with intestinal malabsorption was based on these findings, markedly reduced plasma fucosidase levels and the diffuse infiltration of the lamina propria and submucosa of the stomach, small intestine, Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes by macrophages with finely vacuolated cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic vacuolation was also a feature of cells of the pancreas, thryroid, parathyroid and adenohypophysis and the epithelia lining respiratory airways and the urogenital tract. Neurons of the autonomic plexuses of the gastrointestinal tract and the urinary bladder as well as those of the brain, spinal cord, spinal ganglia and retina were also vacuolated. The profound decrease in sigma-fucosidase activity in the brain, liver and kidney was accompanied by a marked increase in 6 other lysosomal enzymes, especially beta-n-acetyl glucosaminidase.     

益生素预防畜禽腹泻机理的研究

用革兰氏阳性的嗜酸乳杆菌和枯草杆菌的活菌和死菌喂饲了８０只雏鸡，用嗜酸乳杆菌的活菌和死菌喂饲了３７头仔猪和２４头犊牛，观察这些细菌防畜禽腹泻的效果。结果证明这两种细菌的活菌与死菌都有预防腹泻的功能，嗜酸乳杆菌的效果好于枯草杆菌。两种菌的活菌和死菌都有预防作用说明是菌体成分或代谢产物可能是预防腹泻的主要有效成分。     

Epitheliotropic T-cell gastrointestinal tract lymphosarcoma with metastases to lung and skeletal muscle in a cat

An Abyssinian cat examined because of hypoproteinemia and weight loss was found to have epitheliotropic T-cell lymphosarcoma of the gastrointestinal tract. Neoplastic lymphocytes infiltrated the epithelium and lamina propria of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Metastatic foci were found in the lungs and the musculature of the right hind limb. Chemotherapy resulted in transient shrinkage of the lung and limb masses; however, these masses grew to approximately their original size within 2 weeks after initiation of treatment, and the cat was euthanatized.     

Immunohistochemical distribution of glucagon-like peptide 1 in the digestive system of different aquatic vertebrates

The distribution of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)-positive cells in digestive tracts and pancreases of aquatic vertebrates was investigated by immunohistochemical staining method. The results suggested that GLP-1-positive cells were distributed in the columnar mucous epithelium and tubular glands of lamina propria in the digestive system. However, GLP-1-positive cells were also found in subepithelial lamina propria of the mucosae and muscularis in each segment of the digestive tract of Rana nigromaculata. The distribution densities of these cells reached peaks in the stomachs, and the middle or end segments of small intestines of Chinese softshell turtle, Bufo gargarizans, R. nigromaculata and catfish, and there was the third distribution density peak in the rectum of catfish. The total amount or overall density of GLP-1-positive cells varied a lot in the digestive tracts of different animal species. The distribution density was relatively low in the digestive tract of chub and reached the maximum in the digestive tracts of snakehead and catfish, but no GLP-1-positive cells were found in the digestive tract of bighead carp. GLP-1-positive cells were densely distributed in the pancreases of Chinese softshell turtle, B. gargarizans and R. nigromaculata. These cells spread over the superficial layers of islets or scattered in exocrine pancreas in the pancreas of B. gargarizans, spread in the endocrine cells or scattered in the pancreas of Chinese softshell turtle, scattered in the pancreas of R. nigromaculata and distributed in the superficial layers of islets in the pancreas of catfish.     

CD8+T细胞在不同年龄家兔胃肠道的分布规律

探讨不同年龄组家兔胃肠道各段CD8⁺T细胞的分布特征,为进一步研究CD8⁺T细胞的作用奠定形态学基础。采用免疫组织化学技术对不同年龄组(幼年组、青年组、老年组)家兔胃肠道内CD8⁺T细胞进行染色、观察及统计分析。结果显示,家兔的CD8⁺T细胞多呈圆形、椭圆形或呈不规则形。在不同年龄组家兔,胃肠不同部位的分布有如下特点:家兔的CD8⁺T细胞主要分布于胃肠道的固有层中;青年组CD8⁺T细胞的分布数量显著高于幼年组和老年组;各肠段之间CD8⁺T细胞分布的数量差异不显著,但其分布的总量按照小肠、大肠、胃的顺序依次降低。研究结果显示,CD8⁺T细胞在家兔小肠的分布最多,并且其数量随着年龄的增长呈现先上升后下降的趋势,青年家兔胃肠的分布最为丰富。     

瑞士乳酸杆菌HZ521株的分子鉴定及其部分生物学特性研究

根据GenBank中乳酸杆菌16 S～23 S rRNA基因间沉默区序列设计引物,进一步鏊定猪源乳酸杆菌分离株HZ521;并通过体外试验,以嗜酸乳酸杆菌ATCC 4356为参考菌株,探讨HZ521株的益生素作用.部分16 S～23 S rRNA基因序列同源性分析结果表明,该分离株属于瑞士乳酸杆菌.HZ521株具有较强的产酸能力,能耐受强酸,对Hela细胞的黏附率为87.2%,显著高于ATCC 4356株(P<0.01).表明瑞士乳酸杆菌HZ521株具有益生素特性,可作为肠道益生素的候选菌株.     

余干乌骨鸡胃和小肠肥大细胞的分布特点

通过石蜡切片、改良甲苯胺蓝染色的方法对余干乌骨鸡主要胃肠道内的肥大细胞进行鉴定和分布特点分析。结果显示,在余干乌骨鸡的腺胃、肌胃、十二指肠、空肠和回肠管壁内皆有肥大细胞的分布,尤其是腺胃和肌胃内肥大细胞尤为丰富。肥大细胞主要位于胃肠道管壁内的黏膜固有层和肌层中,有些围绕着血管周围分布。黏膜下层极少有肥大细胞分布。外膜内无肥大细胞,但空肠外膜外附有的结缔组织中,脂肪细胞周围有肥大细胞分布。肥大细胞体积较大,多数呈卵圆形,有的细胞形态不规则,甚至有突起。胞质中含有紫红色颗粒。结果表明,余干乌骨鸡胃肠道管壁内具有丰富的肥大细胞,余干乌骨鸡胃肠道具有较强的抗病原微生物和抗寄生虫功能,肠道免疫屏障较为完善。同时,大量的肥大细胞在胃肠道内的分布可能与黑色素的生成具有相关性。     

植物乳杆菌的益生特性及其在乳制品中的应用

植物乳杆菌（Lactobacillusplanrarum）能通过胃并定植于肠道,发挥调节肠道菌群、免疫调节、降低血清胆固醇、降血压和抗氧化等益生作用。此外,由于植物乳杆菌的益生特性,国内学者申请了诸多关于植物乳杆菌菌株专利。同时,近年来有关植物乳杆菌分子多样性的研究也充分开展。另外,植物乳杆菌还被广泛应用于乳制品生产,包括功能性酸乳、发酵豆乳、干酪、功能性乳酸菌饮料等乳制品中。     

一株仔猪肠道益生菌抗TGEV作用初探

为了分离并筛选出1株抗传染性胃肠炎病毒(TGEV)的益生菌菌株,研究采用形态观察、生化反应和16S rRNA鉴定等试验,并运用TCID50和MTT比色方法,在PK-15细胞水平上分别检测益生菌活菌、灭活菌体、菌体碎片及培养上清液在不同作用时间上对TGEV感染力和抑制率的影响。结果表明:从健康仔猪肠道内容物分离、鉴定出1株益生菌,属于德氏乳杆菌德氏亚种(暂命名为L1菌株),此菌株的活菌、灭活菌体、菌体碎片及培养上清液均有降低TGEV感染力和活性的作用,其中活菌降低TGEV感染力及对TGEV的抑制效果最明显,灭活菌体和培养上清液次之,菌体碎片最差。     

Stimulation by colostrum or mature milk of gastrointestinal tissue development in newborn pigs

Porcine colostrum and milk were orally administered to newborn pigs to evaluate their gastrointestinal growth-promoting activity. Five piglets per treatment group were gavage-fed 5% lactose (L), defatted colostrum (C) or defatted mature milk (d 16 of lactation) (M) at 3-h intervals over a 24-h period. Colostrum and milk were administered on equivalent dry matter basis and all piglets received 1 mCi of [3H]thymidine per kg BW at the onset of feeding. Small intestines of C- and M-fed pigs were 1.6-and 1.3-fold, respectively, the weight of small intestines of those fed L (P less than .01). Total DNA content of intact small intestines were not different among groups; however, cpm [3H]thymidine/mg intestinal DNA of C and M piglets exceeded (P less than .05) that for L piglets. DNA content and cpm [3H]thymidine of intestinal mucosa did not differ among groups. Total protein in the intestines and intestinal mucosa of C pigs exceeded (P less than .01) that for L and M pigs. Total RNA in the small intestine and intestinal mucosa were similar for C and M groups but less (P less than .01) for L piglets. Stomach and pancreas weights among all pigs were similar, although C and M pigs exceeded L pigs in stomach (P less than .01) and pancreas (P less than .01) RNA content. In contrast, no differences in stomach DNA, protein and cpm [3H]thymidine or in pancreatic DNA, protein and cpm [3H]thymidine were detected. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was used to identify qualitative and quantitative differences in the protein compositions of porcine colostrum and mature milk.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

二甲酸钾对仔猪生长性能和肠道微生物菌群的影响

试验旨在研究二甲酸钾和黄霉素对仔猪生产性能和肠道微生物菌群的影响。试验采用2×2因子设计,二甲酸钾(0和0.6%)与黄霉素(0和25 m g/kg)为2个主效应。试验结果表明:在基础日粮中分别添加二甲酸钾和黄霉素时,仔猪断奶后0-28 d的平均日增重从345 g分别增加到383 g和392 g。日粮中添加0.6%的二甲酸钾,显著降低了胃中乳酸杆菌的数量(P=0.005),以及胃、空肠和结肠中大肠杆菌的数量(P<0.05)。添加黄霉素显著减少了胃、回肠和结肠乳酸杆菌的数量(P<0.05)。添加二甲酸钾使胃中食糜的pH值大幅降低。本研究表明二甲酸钾的促生长效果和黄霉素相当,并且可以和黄霉素有效配伍;二甲酸钾抑制了肠道微生物的生长和代谢活性,降低了胃中食糜的pH值。     

In vitro studies of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) foregut: tissue responses and evidence of protection against Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida epithelial damage

Probiotic bacteria increase the host health status and protect mucosal tissue against pathogen-caused damage in mammalian models. Using an in vitro (intestinal sac) method this study aimed to address (a) the in vitro ability of Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis to remain in the gastrointestinal tract of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) and (b) its ability to prevent cellular damage caused by successive incubation with Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida the causative agent of furunculosis. Short in vitro incubation of salmon foregut with (TRITC)-labelled L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis showed that the probiont was able to colonize the enterocyte surface as studied by confocal microscopy. Furthermore, foregut incubated with the probiotic bacteria only, resulted in a healthy intestinal barrier whereas exposure to A. salmonicida disrupted its integrity. However, pre-treatment of salmon intestine with L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis prevented Aeromonas damaging effects. These results are promising in the context of the use of non-autochthonous probiotic bacteria as prophylactic agents against fish bacterial infections in the gastrointestinal tract.     

Effect of benzoic acid on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, gastrointestinal microflora and parameters of microbial metabolism in piglets

In order to investigate the effects of benzoic acid on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and gastrointestinal microflora of piglets, we conducted a performance experiment and a separate balance study. The performance experiment involved four different dietary treatments: (1) basal diet (negative control); (2) basal diet supplemented with benzoic acid at 5 g/kg; (3) basal diet supplemented with benzoic acid at 10 g/kg; (4) basal diet supplemented with potassium diformate at 12 g/kg. Each dietary treatment was assigned to nine replicate groups, each consisting of two piglets. Live weight, daily weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were monitored as performance parameters over a 35-day period. Supplementation of the diet with benzoic acid resulted in a dose-dependent increase in feed intake and body weight gain and an improved feed conversion ratio. Piglets fed the diet supplemented with benzoic acid at 10 g/kg outperformed the control piglets in mean feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio by 9%, 15% and 6% respectively. Growth performance of the piglets fed the diet with benzoic acid at 10 g/kg was similar to that of piglets fed the diet supplemented with potassium diformate. In the balance experiment three groups of six piglets each were fed either a control diet or diets supplemented with benzoic acid at 5 or 10 g/kg respectively. Benzoic acid did not significantly affect nutrient digestibility but increased nitrogen retention. Piglets fed the diets supplemented with benzoic acid at 5 or 10 g/kg retained 5% and 6% more nitrogen, respectively, than control piglets. Supplementation of benzoic acid did not influence the pH value or the concentration of ammonia in the gastrointestinal tract but reduced the number of bacteria in the digesta. In the stomach the number of total aerobic, total anaerobic, lactic acid forming and gram-negative bacteria was reduced; in the duodenum the presence of benzoic acid reduced the number of gram-negative bacteria and in the ileum the number of total aerobic bacteria in a dose-dependent manner. Benzoic acid also considerably reduced the concentration of acetic acid in the duodenum. In conclusion, the data of this study suggest that benzoic acid exerts strong antimicrobial effects in the gastrointestinal tract of piglets and therefore enhances growth performance and nitrogen retention.     

The influence of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 pufa) on lactobacilli adhesion to the intestinal mucosa and on immunity in gnotobiotic piglets

The effect of application of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFA) on intestinal colonization by Lactobacillus paracasei and on cellular immunity has been investigated in gnotobiotic pigs. The administration of polyunsaturated fatty acids positively affected the adhesion of Lactobacillus paracasei to the jejunal mucosa of gnotobiotic piglets. When compared to the control group, the number of Lactobacillus paracasei adhering to the jejunal mucosa was by 12% higher in piglets of the experimental group (5.10 log 10/cm2 vs. 4.55 log 10/cm2). The respective counts of Lactobacillus paracasei adhering to the ileal and colonic mucosa of 28 day old gnotobiotic piglets reached 4.45 and 5.05 log 10/cm2 in group C and 4.44 and 4.95 log 10/cm2 in group E. Omega-3 PUFA supplementation increased the phagocytic activity of neutrophils by almost 100% on day 28 of life as well as the subpopulations of lymphocytes (CD8) in the peripheral blood of germ-free piglets on day 21 of life. Our results indicate that the action of probiotics in the gut may be modulated by dietary PUFA. The stimulatory effect of PUFA upon adhesion of lactobacilli could be used for enhancing the effectiveness of probiotics in inhibiting digestive tract pathogens.     

Health-beneficial effects of probiotics: Its mode of action

It is now widely recognized that probiotics have health-beneficial effects on humans and animals. Probiotics should survive in the intestinal tract to exert beneficial effects on the host's health. To keep a sufficient level of probiotic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, a shorter interval between doses may be required. Although adherence to the intestinal epithelial cell and mucus is not a universal property of probiotics, high ability to adhere to the intestinal surface might strongly interfere with infection of pathogenic bacteria and regulate the immune system. The administration of probiotic Lactobacillus stimulated indigenous Lactobacilli and the production of short-chain fatty acids. This alteration of the intestinal environment should contribute to maintain the host's health. The immunomodulatory effects of probiotics are related to important parts of their beneficial effects. Probiotics may modulate the intestinal immune response through the stimulation of certain cytokine and IgA secretion in intestinal mucosa. The health-beneficial effects, in particular the immunomodulation effect, of probiotics depend on the strain used. Differences in indigenous intestinal microflora significantly alter the magnitude of the effects of a probiotic. Specific probiotic strains suitable for each animal species and their life stage as well as each individual should be found.     

Modulatory effects of calf thymus extract on the subset of T lymphocytes in Trichinella spiralis-infected mice

The immunotropic properties of calf thymus extract (TFX-Jelfa) is connected with the mimic action of the thymus to modulate the differentiation, maturation and function of prothymocytes and mature thymus dependent (T) cells. The studies were carried out on CFW male mice aged 3 months. The animals were infected per os with 200 larvae of Trichinella spiralis. TFX-Jelfa was administered i.p. at a dose of 10 mg/kg seven times at 24 hour intervals prior to infection. The percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ in suspension of splenocytes and mesenteric lymphonode cells by flow cytometry using monoclonal antibodies coupled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) or phycoerythrin (PE) were determined. At the same time, cryostat preparations, made from jejunum and muscle samples, were examined by the direct immunofluorescence method using FITC-labeled antibody to mouse CD4+ and CD8+. It has been found that infection with T. spiralis in mice decreases the percentage of CD8+ splenocytes, while the percentage of CD8+ mesenteric lymphonode cells does not change. However, in infected mice the percentage of CD4+ spleen cells and mesenteric lymphonode cells is increased. It has been also found that during the course of infection an increase in the number of CD8+ and CD4+ cells in the basal lamina propria of the intestines was observed. In infected mice, CD4+ lymphocytes were visible in the inflammatory infiltrates of the muscle tissue on the 14th day, whereas CD8+ lymphocytes were first observed a week later. Pretreatment with TFX does not change the inhibitory effect of infection on the percentage of CD8+ splenocytes, but potentiates the percentage of CD4+ spleen cells and mesenteric lymphonode cells increased by infection. Furthermore, administration of TFX prior to infection also potentiates the stimulatory effect of T. spiralis on the number of CD8+ and CD4+ in the basal lamina propria of the jejunum, and on the number of CD8+ cells in the inflammatory infiltrates of the muscle tissue.