Necrotising fasciitis associated with Escherichia coli in a dog

CASE HISTORY: Lameness and limb pain associated with a laceration in the inner thigh of a Border Collie dog progressed over 4 days to extensive necrosis of the full-thickness of skin and subcutaneous (S/C) tissue. A successful outcome was achieved using surgical debridement and intensive supportive care, followed by limited local closure, axial pattern flap development, and free skin grafting.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: Clinical findings included severe pain, depression, pyrexia and hypoalbuminaemia, and full-thickness loss of skin from the caudal thigh to the hock. Histopathologically, debrided tissue showed extensive necrosis of the dermis, adipose and muscle tissues, and the presence of numerous Gram-negative rods. Escherichia coli was cultured from deep tissue samples.

DIAGNOSIS: Necrotising fasciitis (NF) associated with E. coli infection.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: NF associated with E. coli has not been previously reported in dogs. The importance of early diagnosis and surgical debridement is noted and the relevant medical literature is reviewed.     

Influence of zeranol implants and electrical stimulation on the palatability traits of five muscles in Angus and Limousin bulls and steers

A split-plot design was used to study effects of male status (bull vs steer), zeranol implants, breed types (Angus vs Limousin) and electrical stimulation on palatability traits of five major muscles when all animals were fed to a similar fat-thickness endpoint. Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) determinations and taste-panel evaluations were performed on the longissimus, adductor, semimembranosus, semitendinosus and biceps femoris muscles removed 24 h postmortem. Breed was the most consistent main effect difference, with Angus cattle having lower WBS values than Limousin for the longissimus and semitendinosus muscles. Angus cattle also were favored in many sensory traits. Few significant differences were noted between bulls and steers in taste-panel traits. Differences due to electrical stimulation were most evident in the longissimus muscle, with higher panel-evaluation scores, an enhancement of marbling and lean color and a lower incidence of heat ring. The implant tended to have negative effects on palatability in this trial. An overall ranking of the five muscles based on WBS from most tender to least tender was: adductor, semimembranosus, longissimus, semitendinosus and biceps femoris. Correlations of palatability traits of one muscle to other muscles within an experimental unit were found to be low.     

Variation in proteolysis, sarcomere length, collagen content, and tenderness among major pork muscles

The objectives of this experiment were to determine the extent of variation in proteolysis, sarcomere length, and collagen content among pork muscles and the association of those factors with tenderness variation among muscles at 1 d postmortem. Twenty-three white composite barrows were slaughtered and carcasses (66 kg) were chilled at 0 degrees C for 24 h. At 1 d postmortem, the longissimus lumborum, biceps femoris, semimembranosus, semitendinosus, and triceps brachii, long head were dissected from one side of each carcass and frozen. Trained sensory panelists evaluated tenderness, amount of connective tissue, juiciness, and pork flavor intensity of grilled (70 degrees C) chops on 8-point scales. Raw chops were used for total collagen content, sarcomere length, and the extent of desmin proteolysis. Tenderness ratings were highest (P < .05) for semitendinosus (7.2) and triceps brachii (7.1), followed by longissimus lumborum (6.4) and semimembranosus (5.7) and were lowest (P < .05) for biceps femorus (4.0). The simple correlations between longissimus lumborum tenderness and the tenderness of other muscles were .54 (semimembranosus), .34 (semitendinosus), .36 (triceps branchii), and .17 (biceps femorus). Total collagen was highest (P < .05) for biceps femorus (7.1 mg/g muscle), followed by triceps branchii (6.0 mg/g) and semitendinosus (5.3 mg/g), and lowest for semimembranosus (4.5 mg/g) and longissimus lumborum (4.1 mg/g). Sarcomere length was longest (P < .05) for semitendinosus (2.5 microm) and triceps branchii (2.4 microm), followed by semimembranosus (1.8 microm), longissimus lumborum (1.8 microm), and biceps femorus (1.7 microm). Proteolysis of desmin was greatest (P < .05) in longissimus lumborum (39.3%), followed by semimembranosus (21.0%) and biceps femoris (18.5%), then semitendinosus (.2%) and triceps brachii (.2%). Multiple linear regression using total collagen, sarcomere length, and proteolysis accounted for 57% of the variation in tenderness rating among all samples. Piecewise linear regression was used to account for the interaction of sarcomere length with proteolysis and collagen. This analysis accounted for 72% of the variation in tenderness rating. Variation in collagen, proteolysis, and sarcomere length and the degree of their interaction with one another determine the tenderness of individual muscles.     

Necrotising fasciitis associated with Escherichia coli in a dog

CASE HISTORY: Lameness and limb pain associated with a laceration in the inner thigh of a Border Collie dog progressed over 4 days to extensive necrosis of the full-thickness of skin and subcutaneous (S/C) tissue. A successful outcome was achieved using surgical debridement and intensive supportive care, followed by limited local closure, axial pattern flap development, and free skin grafting. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Clinical findings included severe pain, depression, pyrexia and hypoalbuminaemia, and full-thickness loss of skin from the caudal thigh to the hock. Histopathologically, debrided tissue showed extensive necrosis of the dermis, adipose and muscle tissues, and the presence of numerous Gram-negative rods. Escherichia coli was cultured from deep tissue samples. DIAGNOSIS: Necrotising fasciitis (NF) associated with E. coli infection. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: NF associated with E. coli has not been previously reported in dogs. The importance of early diagnosis and surgical debridement is noted and the relevant medical literature is reviewed.     

Increasing tenderness of beef round and sirloin muscles through prerigor skeletal separations

Crossbred steers (n = 30) were used to explore and compare tenderness improvements in beef round and sirloin muscles resulting from various methods of prerigor skeletal separations. Animals were slaughtered according to industry procedures, and at 60 min postmortem one of six treatments was applied to each side: A) control, B) saw pelvis at the sirloin-round junction, C) separate the pelvic-femur joint, D) saw femur at mid-point, E) combination of B and C, and F) combination of B and D. After 48 h, the following muscles were excised from each side: semimembranosus, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and adductor from the round; vastus lateralis and rectus femoris from the knuckle; and gluteus medius, biceps femoris and psoas major from the sirloin. Following a 10-d aging period, samples were removed from each muscle to determine the effect of treatment on sarcomere length and Warner-Bratzler shear force. Most skeletal separation treatments resulted in longer sarcomeres than controls for semimembranosus, adductor, semitendinosus, and gluteus medius muscles. All skeletal separation treatments yielded shorter sarcomeres for the psoas major as compared with controls. Warner-Bratzler shear force differed among treatments for rectus femoris, semitendinosus, and psoas major. For rectus femoris, treatments C, D, E, and F resulted in lower (P < 0.05) shear values than for controls. Treatments B, D, and F increased shear force of the semitendinosus relative to controls (P < 0.05) within muscle. Treatment F resulted in higher shear force values for the PM than controls (P < 0.05). Correlations between sarcomere length and shear force were found to be low and quite variable among muscles. In general, treatments increased sarcomere length of several muscles from the sirloin/round region, but had mixed effects on shear force values.     

Lesions in the brains of three cattle resembling the lesions of enterotoxaemia in lambs

CASE HISTORY: A 3-month-old female Angus calf was found dead, and two adult Friesian dairy cows died soon after developing nervous signs.

PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: Grossly, bilateral and mostly symmetrical areas of haemorrhage were evident that mainly involved areas of grey matter in the brainstem from the level of the caudal colliculi to the thalamus and, in one, the internal capsule and caudate nucleus. In the occipital and caudal parietal cortex, there was extensive oedema of white matter. Histologically, in addition to haemorrhage, there was protein-rich oedema around arterioles and venules in the cerebrum, hippocampus, internal capsule, thalamus, midbrain, dorsal medulla, and central cerebellar and cerebellar folial white matter. The calf's brain had bilateral and symmetrical oedema and necrosis affecting several brainstem nuclei and the occipital grey matter overlying areas of oedema of the corona radiata.

DIAGNOSIS: Although the cause was not established, the perivascular lesions resembled those produced in calves by the intravenous administration of epsilon toxin.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It is possible that epsilon toxin-induced enterotoxaemia occurs naturally in cattle, and where bilateral haemorrhage is recognised in the brains of cattle, small intestinal contents should be collected for analysis of epsilon toxin.     

Clinical findings associated with chronic ischial fracture in a gelding

An 8-year-old show-jumper gelding was referred for examination as a result of a purchase dispute for reported back pain. Clinical examination identified back pain and atrophy of the left semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles, but no lameness. Standing pelvic radiography demonstrated a chronic nonunion fracture of the left ischium, the clinical significance of which was uncertain. The apparent back pain was thought to be probably unrelated to the pelvic lesion. We conclude that chronic ischial fracture in the horse can lead to specific atrophy of the semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles, which originate from this bone.     

Nasal infection with Scedosporium apiospermum in a dog

CASE HISTORY: A 2-year-old female Siberian Husky was presented with a 6-month history of sneezing and mucous discharge from the right nostril.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: Reduced airflow through the right nostril was evident. Radiographs showed subtle loss of detail of turbinates within the right nasal chamber. Rhinoscopy revealed swollen and erythematous turbinates and a white mass within the caudal aspect of the right nasal cavity. Histopathologically, there was a heavy mixed inflammatory infiltrate in the submus- cosa of the right turbinate, and the presence of fungal hyphae and spores in the white mass. A heavy growth of Scedosporium apiospermum was cultured from the mass.

DIAGNOSIS: Chronic rhinitis of the right nasal cavity and infection with S. apiospermum.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This is the first reported case of S. apiospermum isolated from the nasal cavity of a dog in New Zealand. Fungal culture is necessary to differentiate this fungus from Aspergillus spp.     

DLK1和MSTN基因在绵羊妊娠中后期胎儿中的表达分析

本研究以2个骨骼肌表型差异明显的特克塞尔和乌珠穆沁绵羊为试验对象,研究DLK1和MSTN基因在不同妊娠阶段胎儿不同部位骨骼肌中表达的调控机制及早期肌肉发育规律。在绵羊妊娠第85、100、120和135天时,对胎儿的半腱肌、半膜肌、背最长肌、股四头肌和股二头肌肌肉质量进行方差分析以及对DLK1和MSTN基因在5种骨骼肌中的表达量进行研究。结果表明,妊娠85天时特克塞尔羊的半膜肌、背最长肌、股四头肌和股二头肌质量显著或极显著(P<0.05或P<0.01)高于乌珠穆沁羊;妊娠100天时,5种骨骼肌组织生长发育在品种间的差异达到最大(P<0.05或P<0.01)。实时荧光定量分析表明,随着胎儿日龄的增加,DLK1基因在半腱肌、半膜肌、背最长肌、股四头肌和股二头肌骨骼肌中的表达量有增加的趋势,同时在特克塞尔羊中的表达量高于乌珠穆沁绵羊。在妊娠120天的半腱肌和半膜肌、妊娠100和135天的背最长肌、妊娠85天股四头肌和妊娠135天的股二头肌中DLK1表达量在2个品种间差异显著(P<0.05)。MSTN的表达量在特克塞尔羊中高于乌珠穆沁羊,但整体较低。妊娠135天时背最长肌和股四头肌中MSTN基因的表达量在2个品种间差异显著(P<0.05)。结果显示,DLK1和MSTN基因在不同日龄不同肌肉组织中的差异表达可能与肌肉早期发育有关。     

Histopathological alterations of turkey skeletal muscle observed at the slaughterhouse

1. Six leg muscles (iliotibialis cranialis, iliotibialis lateralis, flexor cruris lateralis pars pelvica, gastrocnemius lateralis, gastrocnemius medialis and puboischiofemoralis medialis) were collected immediately after slaughter from each of 200 randomly selected male commercial turkeys.

2. Among these 1,200 samples processed for histology and examined in cross‐sections, 9–4% exhibited fibre splitting and 9% intrafascicular adipose tissue infiltration.

3. Gastrocnemius medialis muscles were more often affected than other muscles (P < 0.05), with 33% showing isolated necrotic fibres. There were rarely more than 5 necrotic cells out of roughly 4000 cells per sample.

4. Twelve percent of samples showed a high incidence of hypercontracted fibres, 63% a medium incidence (less than 8% present) and 24% none. Hypercontraction was more frequent in puboischiofemoralis medialis muscles (P < 0.05).     

Mycotic dermatitis with digital gangrene and osteomyelitis,and protozoal intestinal parasitism in Marlborough green geckos (Naultinus manukanus)

CASE HISTORY: Thirty adult Marlborough green geckos (Naultinus manukanus) were collected from Stephens Island and held over winter, prior to their translocation. Five adult geckos developed skin lesions after husbandry changes affected the humidity of their enclosures. Two geckos underwent ecdysis and recovered. One animal died and two others progressively worsened and were presented for treatment.

CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: The geckos were in poor body condition and had multiple black powdery lesions and solitary raised white nodules on their skin. Both geckos died despite topical and supportive treatment. Histopathology showed the skin nodules contained branching non-septate hyphae infiltrating necrotic epidermal tissue, and associated dermal inflammation. There was necrosis of several digits and mycotic osteomyelitis. Mucor ramosissimus was cultured from skin biopsies from each animal. Large numbers of motile protozoa, resembling Trichomonas, and another unidentifiable, were recovered from fresh faecal smears, and Nyctotherus sp protozoa were present in the lumen of the intestine of one animal post mortem.

DIAGNOSIS: Mycotic dermatitis with digital gangrene and osteomyelitis due to Mucor ramosissimus, and enteric protozoal parasitism with Trichomonas sp and Nyctotherus sp.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The clinical course and pathological findings of mycotic dermatitis in two Marlborough green geckos involved in a wildlife translocation in New Zealand are reported, and also the first record of the Marlborough green gecko as a host for the enteric protozoa Trichomonas sp and Nyctotherus sp.     

Analysis of DNA Methylation and mRNA Expression Level of MSTN Gene in Xinjiang Bashiby Sheep

In order to investigate DNA methylation and expression levels of myostatin (MSTN) gene in mscule and fat, 5 months of age of Bashiby sheep were selected, the promoter region and exon 1 methylation levels of MSTN gene was analyzed using bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP). Real-time PCR was used to detect the expression level of MSTN gene in biceps femoris, femoral triceps, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, longissimus dorsi muscle and tail fat of Bashiby sheep. The results showed that the methylation probability of muscle was higher than fat, the methylation probability of biceps femoris, femoral triceps, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, longissimus dorsi muscle and tail fat were 74.2%, 74.2%, 83.2%, 83.7%, 82.1% and 25.3%, respectively. The expression levels of MSTN gene in biceps femoris, femoral triceps, semitendinosus, semimembranosus, longissimus dorsi muscle were significantly lower than tail fat in Bashiby sheep (P < 0.05), but there were no significant difference among biceps femoris, femoral triceps, semitendinosus, semimembranosus and longissimus dorsi muscle (P > 0.05).The DNA methylation was negatively correlated with the expression levels in muscle and fat of Bashiby sheep (r=-0.886, P < 0.05).     

Spina bifida with associated malformations of the central nervous system in Dorper-cross sheep

Abstract

CASE HISTORY: In 2008, six lambs within a flock of Dorpercross sheep were born with musculoskeletal and neurological disease. Clinical signs included hindlimb weakness, and urinary incontinence.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: All lambs had focal, inverted areas of alopecic skin over the caudal sacrum, and short, often kinked tails. Four affected lambs were subject to euthanasia, and necropsied. On gross examination, the arches of sacral vertebrae were absent, and spinal nerves and meninges were adherent to the overlying subcutis. Other gross lesions included narrow, elongated skulls, herniation of the occipital lobes into the caudal fossas, hydrocephalus, and syringomyelia. One lamb had coning of the cerebellar vermis, but cerebellar herniation through the foramen magnum was not identified.

DIAGNOSIS: Spina bifida, with associated malformations of the central nervous system.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Examination of breeding records suggested either an autosomal recessive or partially penetrant autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Because of the associated tail lesions it is proposed that the pathogenesis of this syndrome involves a defect in development of the tail bud (secondary neurulation), that tethering of the spinal cord resulted in the clinical signs, and abnormal pressure of the cerebral spinal fluid resulted in the defects in the skull and brain.     

Synergistic and antagonistic hemolytic activities of bacteria of genus Arcanobacterium and CAMP-like hemolysis of Arcanobacterium phocae and Arcanobacterium haemolyticum with Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus

A total of 57 bacteria representing eight species of genus Arcanobacterium (A.) were investigated for hemolytic properties on blood agar containing sheep and rabbit blood and for CAMP-like reactions. An enhanced hemolysis on blood agar containing rabbit blood compared to sheep blood could be observed for A. haemolyticum, less pronounced for A. hippocoleae and A. pluranimalium.A synergistic hemolytic reaction with staphylococcal β-hemolysin appeared to be constantly visible for A. hippocoleae, A. pluranimalium and A. pyogenes, with Streptococcus agalactiae for A. phocae and A. haemolyticum, with Rhodococcus equi for A. phocae, A. haemolyticum, A. pluranimalium and A. pyogenes and with A. haemolyticum for A. hippocoleae, A. pluranimalium and A. pyogenes, respectively. A reverse CAMP-reaction in the zone of staphylococcal β-hemolysin could be observed for A. phocae and A. haemolyticum. In addition, a novel CAMP-like reaction could be noted between Psychrobacter phenylpyruvicus, identified by 16S rDNA sequencing, and A. phocae and A. haemolyticum. These synergistic or antagonistic hemolytic properties could possibly be used as additional criteria for identification of bacteria of genus Arcanobacterium.     

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1 α (PGC-1 α) expression and the formation of slow-twitch muscle fibers in porcine and bovine skeletal muscles

The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐γ coactivator‐1 α (PGC‐1 α) induces mitochondria biogenesis in skeletal muscles. To determine the relationships between PGC‐1 α and the muscle fiber types, the expression levels of PGC‐1 α were analyzed in porcine and bovine skeletal muscles. As a first step, the nucleotide sequences of the porcine and bovine PGC‐1 α were determined. The porcine and bovine PGC‐1 α cDNA encoded 796 amino acid sequences and showed 95.1% identity between the two species. The expression levels of the PGC‐1 α mRNA were analyzed in the same 10 skeletal muscles from four pigs and three cattle. The contents of porcine and bovine PGC‐1 α were higher in the tongue, masseter and diaphragm, and lower in the Biceps femoris, semimembranosus, Longissimus thoracis and semitendinosus muscles. The contents of myosin heavy chain slow‐type protein (MyHC‐slow) were also determined in the same muscles by ELISA. The analysis of MyHC‐slow showed results similar to those for the PGC‐1 α contents in all of the muscles except for the tongue. The content of MyHC‐slow in the tongue was the lowest among the porcine muscles, and moderate among the bovine muscles. The results suggest that PGC‐1 α relates to the development of oxidative muscle fibers, but is not the principal factor in determining type I fiber content.     

Creatine monohydrate supplementation and the quality of fresh pork in normal and halothane carrier pigs

The objective of this research was to examine the impact of supplementation with creatine monohydrate (CMH) on the quality of various muscles from normal and heterozygous halothane carrier pigs. Twenty-nine crossbred pigs, 16 normal (NN) and 13 halothane carrier (Nn) genotypes, were supplemented with 0 or 25 g x pig(-1) x d(-1) of CMH for 5 d before slaughter. Supplemented pigs gained 2.26 kg more weight (P < 0.05) during 5 d of supplementation. There were trends (P < 0.10) toward higher objective marbling scores and lower cooking loss for supplemented pigs. The 45-min pH was 0.27 units higher (P < 0.05) for supplemented pigs in the semimembranosus; CMH supplementation did not influence (P > 0.05) drip loss or muscle composition. Supplementation with CMH also resulted in lower L* values in two ham muscles, semitendinosus (5.15 units) (P < 0.05) and semimembranosus (1.95 units) (P < 0.10) for Nn carcasses. Genotype had significant effects on most quality indicators, with Nn carcasses producing lower-quality lean as evidenced by less desirable subjective and objective color and higher drip losses. Genotype also affected the composition of several muscles, with the NN carcasses having more fat and less moisture.     

Monensin toxicosis in water buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis).

The consumption of monensin-containing feed resulted in deaths of water buffaloes from a feedlot in which cattle and buffaloes were kept together. The monensin formulation was recommended only for use in cattle. Anorexia, muscular weakness, dyspnea, and recumbency were the major clinical findings. The most significant gross lesions were focal pale areas in semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles, in which segmental necrosis of myofibers was seen microscopically. To compare susceptibilities of species to monensin, 3 bovine calves and 3 buffalo calves were orally dosed. At 5, 7.5, and 10 mg/kg of monensin, only the buffaloes became ill and died. Clinical signs initiated 18-20 h postdosing and were comparable to those from field cases. Gross changes consisted of ascites, hydrothorax, hydropericardium, hepatomegaly, and focal pale areas in the myocardium and to a lesser degree in semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles. Histopathological changes also resembled those from the field cases, but were especially pronounced in the myocardial cells. The hypothesis that buffaloes could have a lower tolerance to monensin than cattle has been supported by experimental cases.     

Assessment of impulse duration thresholds for electrical stimulation of muscles (chronaxy) in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine the electrical impulse duration thresholds (chronaxy) for maximal motor contraction of various muscles without stimulation of pain fibers in dogs. ANIMALS: 10 healthy adult Beagles. PROCEDURES: The dogs were used to assess the minimal intensity (rheobase) required to elicit motor contraction of 11 muscles (5 in the forelimb [supraspinatus, infraspinatus, deltoideus, lateral head of the triceps brachii, and extensor carpi radialis], 5 in the hind limb [gluteus medius, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, vastus lateralis, and tibialis cranialis], and the erector spinae). The rheobase was used to determine the chronaxy for each of the 11 muscles in the 10 dogs; chronaxy values were compared with those reported for the corresponding muscles in humans. RESULTS: Compared with values in humans, chronaxy values for stimulation of AA motor fibers in the biceps femoris and semitendinosus muscles and muscles of the more distal portions of limbs were lower in dogs. For the other muscles evaluated, chronaxy values did not differ between dogs and humans. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Application of the dog-specific chronaxy values when performing electrical stimulation for strengthening muscles or providing pain relief is likely to minimize the pain perceived during treatment in dogs.     

The Expression Comparison Analysis of FST and FMOD Genes in Sheep Fetus during Mid and Late Pregnancy

In order to investigate skeletal muscle development mechanism,the expression of follistatin (FST) and fibromodulin (FMOD) gene were comparatively analyzed in fetus different skeletal muscles and different stages between Ujumqin sheep and Texel sheep during early stage.Two gene expression were analyzed including longissimusdorsi,semimembranosus,semitendinosus quadricepsfemoris and biceps femoris muscle were compared by variance analysis methods of four stages (85,100,120 and 135 d).The results of quantitative Real-time PCR showed that the expression of FST gene showed a tendency to increase with the addition of stage,and the expression of FST gene in Texel sheep was higher than that in Ujumqin sheep in semitendinosus (100,120 d),semimembranosus (120 d),and biceps femoris (120 d) (P<0.05).The expression of FST gene in Texel sheep was extremly higher than that of Ujumqin sheep in semitendinosus (100,135 d),longissimusdorsi (85 d),quadricepsfemoris (100 d) and biceps femoris (100 d) (P<0.01).As a whole,the expression of FMOD gene was the highest in quadriceps femoris,and was lower in other four muscles,it's expression in Ujumqin sheep was higher than that in Texel sheep.It was inferred that FST and FMOD genes might be related to muscle development during early stage.     

FST和FMOD基因在绵羊胎儿妊娠中后期的表达特征比较

本研究以骨骼肌表型差异明显的两个绵羊品种特克塞尔羊和乌珠穆沁羊为试验对象,通过对两个与生长发育相关的基因卵泡抑素(follistatin,FST)与纤维蛋白聚糖基因(fibromodulin,FMOD)在不同日龄、不同骨骼肌部位表达的比较分析,探讨绵羊骨骼肌早期发育规律;同时对绵羊胎儿的85、100、120和135日龄4个阶段,在背最长肌、半腱肌、股四头肌、半膜肌和股二头肌5个部位肌肉FST和FMOD基因的表达量进行了比较研究。实时荧光定量PCR结果表明,随着胎儿日龄的增加,FST基因在半腱肌、股四头肌中表达量有增加的趋势,同时在特克塞尔绵羊中的表达量高于乌珠穆沁羊。在100和120日龄半腱肌、120日龄半膜肌、120日龄股二头肌中FST基因表达量在两个品种间差异显著(P<0.05),在100和135日龄半膜肌、85日龄背最长肌、100日龄股四头肌、100日龄股二头肌中FST基因表达量在两个品种间差异极显著(P<0.01)。FMOD基因在股四头肌中表达量较高,而在其他4种肌肉组织中相对表达量较低,且在乌珠穆沁羊中的表达量高于特克塞尔羊中的表达量。FST和FMOD基因在绵羊早期骨骼肌发育中起着重要作用。