Changes in some factors of the innate immunity and serum zinc and iron concentrations in pigs following intravenous administration of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide

The changes in some factors of the innate immunity (phagocytosis, complement, lysozyme); haematological parameters-leukocytes, erythrocytes, differential white blood cell counts, haemoglobin, haematocrit and the serum concentrations of the microelements zinc and iron in six 2- to 3-months-old female piglets after the intravenous administration of lipopolysaccharide from Escherichia coli 0111:B4 were determined. It was found out that 1 h after the administration of lipopolysaccharide at the dosage rate of 10 microg/kg body weight resulted in a decrease in the phagocytic parameters, i.e. the phagocytic number and the index of phagocytic activity, which was followed by an increase in their values between post treatment hours 2 and 4. The leukocyte counts had decreased by hour 2 after the injection, but thereafter increased, and at post treatment hour 72, a leukocytosis was observed. The differential white blood cell counts were characterized by a shift to the left between hours 2 and 4 and a statistically significant increase in lymphocyte counts at hour 48 of the experiment. The serum zinc concentrations were increased an hour after the lipopolysaccharide application; after which their average values were lower. The haemolytic activities (CH50) of the classical and the alternative pathways of complement activation decreased. The haemolytic activity (CH50) for the classical pathway began to increase at hour 48 following the treatment. Significant changes were not observed in lysozyme activity, serum iron concentrations or the related haematological parameters (erythrocytes and haemoglobin).     

Effects of dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate on hematological values in normal horses

In several horses referred for evaluation of colic, we observed marked leukopenia (attributable to neutrophil counts <2,000/μl) which was inconsistent with the mild nature of abdominal pain, absence of fever, or lack of signs of endotoxemia. In all cases, large bowel impaction has been diagnosed via rectal palpation prior to admission and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DSS) had been one of the medications administered. To investigate the hypothesis that DSS administration may lead to bowel irritation, margination of neutrophils, and development of leukopenia (neutropenia), the effects of DSS administration (20 mg/kg via a nasogastric tube) on clinical and hematologic values were studied in eight clinically normal horses. No changes were detected in any of the clinical values assessed in these horses and neither leukopenia nor neutropenia was observed following DSS administration. A trend for plasma total protein concentration to increase four hours after DSS administration (in comparison to control data) suggested that DSS may enhance secretion of fluid into the bowel in treated horses. In conclusion, the results did not support the hypothesis that the leukopenia observed in horses with colic could be attributed to DSS administration. Whether DSS has more significant effects in horses with altered bowel motility and mucosal integrity during colic episodes is not known.     

The effect of acupuncture on hematologic and biochemical values in dogs with endoparasitic infections

Selected hematological and biochemical indicators in blood were studied in seven dogs for 57 days. Six dogs were exposed to long-term, pre-experimental, natural invasion of the endoparasite Trichuris vulpis, one dog to Toxascaris leonina. In both cases the invasion of parasites was only weak, without any clinical symptoms. Acupuncture was performed on the first to fourth experimental days by steel acupuncture needles used in human medicine by introducing them into Gv-14, ST-36 and SP-6 points for twenty minutes. The results were evaluated statistically and compared with the samples taken from individual animals prior to acupuncture application. The changes in blood serum protein fractions in six dogs suffering from trichuriasis were compared with the control group of animals invaded in a similar way and with physiological standard. The results confirmed a statistically highly significant difference in the values of blood sedimentation (increase at four samplings from the 9th to 38th experimental days). At two samplings performed on the 35th and 57th experimental days a statistically highly significant difference was observed in the dogs suffering from trichuriasis as compared with the control group: in the relative values of globulin beta-fraction (increase), globulin gamma-fraction (decrease) and albumin (decrease) of the blood serum. In these dogs the A/G quotient decreased statistically highly significantly. There were no substantial changes in the level of total protein during the experiment, however, there was a trend of eosinophilia. These findings suggest the activation of the immunity system, but the invasion of Trichuris vulpis was not markedly influenced. The above-mentioned changes in blood values were not observed in the dog invaded with Toxascaris leonina, the parasite invasion remained at the pre-experimental level. No marked changes of the long-term duration were observed in the values of the other hematological and biochemical tests in any of the experimental animals. The control group consisting of four dogs without endoparasitic invasion, clinically in good condition, was also subjected to acupuncture at Gv-14, ST-36, SP-6 points. In the course of this study, the originally lower values of hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocyte number, leucocyte number and number of the segmented neutrophilic granulocytes increased and reached the physiological standard. Towards the end of this experiment all values of hematological and biochemical blood examinations were similar like those of the experimental group.     

Influence of progesterone and pregnancy on canine fibrinogen values

Progesterone alone or in combination with oestrogen was given to male dogs and nonoestrous bitches by intramuscular injection. Progesterone produced a marked increase in plasma fibrinogen values. The fibrinogen response appeared to be independent of oestrogen administration. No alteration in haematocrit values, platelet count, APTT and OSPT results or the activities of coagulation factors VII, VIII and IX was observed following hormone administration. It is suggested that increased plasma progesterone concentrations may be partly responsible for the two- to three-fold increase in fibrinogen which occurs during gestation in the bitch.     

Serum protein changes in chickens with experimental Marek's disease

Serum protein alterations in chickens contact-exposed to Marek's Disease Virus (MDV) were studied by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. Total protein values of infected chickens were initially, i.e. in the 4th week, low and later not significantly changed from those of the controls. In all infected chickens a significant increase was seen in the IgG components. Three of 6 infected chickens showing a prolonged period of clinical illness presented the most pronounced changes in other serum proteins, moderate or drastic decrease of albumin and alpha-1 lipoproptein and marked increase of arc 24 glycoprotein. Ceruloplasmin and C3 complement beta-1-C and beta-1-A were also increased in infected chickens. No such changes were seen in sera from control chickens. The significance of these changes with reference to previous work and induced pathology is discussed.     

Electrocardiographic values in Spanish-bred horses of different ages

SUMMARY The duration of electrocardiograph wave forms and intervals were determined in 179 Spanish-bred (Andalusian) horses aged from 1 month to 17 years. The values were compared with those of other breeds, and the relationship between electrocardiographic data and age was examined. High correlation coefficients were found between PR, ST and QT intervals and the age of the horses, and an inverted relation between heart rate and age was found. A multiple range analysis was made and the results suggest that significant changes in duration values and heart rate ocurred at the age of 6 months and in the second year of life.     

Adrenocorticotrophic hormone fails to alter plasma fibrinogen and fibronectin values in calves but does so in rabbits

The intramuscular administration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) to calves, in either a short-acting form (cosyntrophin) or a longer-acting form (ACTHAR Gel), failed to induce any alteration in circulating fibrinogen or fibronectin values, despite marked elevations in plasma cortisol concentrations. With the longer-acting ACTH, plasma cortisol was elevated for at least 12 h following treatment and induced the expected physiological response of an elevation in blood glucose. In contrast, both forms of ACTH induced marked increases (p<0.01) in plasma fibrinogen and fibronectin when administered to rabbits. The elevation in the circulating levels of these proteins was first observed 24 h after ACTH administration, by which time plasma corticosteroid values had returned to pre-treatment values. With both ACTH preparations the increases in the circulating levels of these proteins were sustained for at least 96 h. The results suggest that, in cattle, the well-recognized increases in plasma fibrinogen values following stress are not associated with the concomitant increase in plasma cortisol. Further, the results clearly illustrate the marked species differences in the response of acute-phase reactant proteins to elevated glucocorticoids.     

In vitro measurement of internal hoof strain

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Strains during stance on the hoof wall surface have been measured by a number of authors in vitro and in vivo. Histological structure and mechanical properties vary through the wall thickness (radially); radial strain measurements may therefore aid the understanding of mechanical function of the capsule and adjacent tissues. OBJECTIVES: To develop instrumentation capable of measuring internal hoof strain, and to carry out a preliminary comparison of normal and laminitic hooves. METHODS: Six forelimbs from 4 horses, including 2 with laminitis from the same horse, were tested using an Instron test rig designed to simulate the walk at impact, midstance and breakover. Internal strains were measured at a dorsal site using strain gauges moulded into a plug made of 007 fast-set structural adhesive. In addition, kinetic and kinematic data were collected from each specimen. RESULTS: When simulating the walk, a significant (P<0.0001) increase in gradient of radial tensile strain was found in a normal hoof wall, from 5.6 +/- 73.9 microepsilon at the outer gauge to 418.5 +/- 170.6 microepsilon at the inner gauge. However, radial strains measured at the inner gauge site in limbs with laminitis were found to be significantly (P<0.0001) compressive, with values of -406.7 +/- 156.3 and -109.9 +/- 72.4 microepsilon for Specimens 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: These preliminary data indicate that a marked redistribution may well occur in the wall of laminitic hooves. With a larger sample size, the results should have relevance to the treatment and management of laminitis.     

商品长白杂交猪IgA H链CH1-CH3区基因的克隆与表达

在猪IgA重链CH1-CH3区设计一对引物,用RT-PCR方法从地方杂交品种长白猪肠系膜淋巴结组织中扩增出预期大小的片断,插入pGEM-Teasy载体,测序并与约克夏猪、人及其他动物的IgA进行序列比较。随后,将该序列酶切后引入到pQE-30表达载体相应位点,转化JM109大肠杆菌,经IPTG诱导表达后,进行SDS-PAGE分析。结果显示,本研究克隆了猪IgA重链恒定区部分CH1亚区及完整的CH2-CH3亚区基因序列,全长822bp,编码274个氨基酸,该序列与GenBank上登录的约克夏猪参考序列核苷酸序列同源率为99.8%,有2处核苷酸变异,氨基酸序列的同源率为100%。但与人及其他动物显示从84%～51%不等的同源性;在大肠杆菌表达出约31ku的蛋白条带,表达量约占菌体总蛋白的32.3%。本试验为今后的IgA免疫功能研究及基因工程化检测试剂开发打下了基础。     

Effects of racing on hematologic and serum biochemical values in greyhounds

Blood samples were collected on nonracing days from 57 racing Greyhounds at 2 weeks, 8 weeks, 13 weeks, and 16 weeks after the beginning of the racing season. Hematologic and biochemical tests were performed to detect marked changes induced by stress of racing. In general, these Greyhounds were healthy. Rhabdomyolysis was detected in one dog. In several other dogs, possible subclinical muscle injury was identified by increased serum creatine kinase activities. Mean serum Ca concentrations tended to decrease during the racing season. None of the tests was a good predictor of racing performance. Mean values for several hematologic and biochemical tests were different from those of other breeds of dogs.     

Electrocardiographic reference values in whippets

The aim of this study was to determine the electrocardiographic characteristics of whippets and to compare the results with published reference values for a general dog population. Electrocardiographic parameters from 105 healthy whippets were used to establish reference values for the breed.The most important differences compared to published reference values were the higher median R-wave amplitudes in leads II, CV₆LL and CV₆LU. For some parameters (P-wave amplitude, ST-segment deflection and T-wave amplitude in lead II; R-wave amplitude in CV₅RL), a marked percentage of the whippet values were above the published maximum reference data. The results confirmed that whippets have electrocardiographic characteristics similar to those reported in athletic heart syndrome in humans. Some of these characteristics could be erroneously taken as evidence of cardiac disease and clinicians should be aware of these factors to prevent unnecessary investigations in healthy dogs.     

Origin of abomasum gas in the cows with displaced abomasum

The gas composition of the rumen and the abomasum were investigated in 71 cows including 25 cows with displaced abomasum. The ratio of methane (CH4) to CO2 in the abomasum gas was higher than that in the rumen. In the incubated mixtures of fresh rumen fluid, CH4 was detected at a high concentration, while a small amount of CO2 and CH4 was found in incubated mixtures of fresh abomasum fluids. Hence, it was suggested that the gas in the abomasum originated not from the abomasum itself but from the rumen. In cows fed with mixed roughages and concentrates, the rumen CO2:CH4 ratio was higher compared with cows fed with roughages alone. Marked changes in rumen gas composition were presumed to be associated with changes in abomasum gas composition. Consequently, it is possible that feeding a large quantity of concentrates may increase the flow rate of the ingesta through the forestomach, so that the return rate of gas separated from the ingesta in the abomasum to the forestomach may also increase. Therefore, the frequent accumulation of a large amount of gas with concomitant changes in the total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration in the abomasum caused abomasal atony and subsequently displaced abomasum.     

Direct measurements of methane emissions from grazing and feedlot cattle.

Methane (CH4) emissions from animals represent a significant contribution to anthropogenically produced radiatively active trace gases. Global and national CH4 budgets currently use predictive models based on emission data from laboratory experiments to estimate the magnitude of the animal source. This paper presents a method for measuring CH4 from animals under undisturbed field conditions and examines the performance of common models used to simulate field conditions. A micrometeorological mass difference technique was developed to measure CH4 production by cattle in pasture and feedlot conditions. Measurements were made continuously under field conditions, semiautomatically for several days, and the technique was virtually nonintrusive. The method permits a relatively large number of cattle to be sampled. Limitations include light winds (less than approximately 2 m/s), rapid wind direction changes, and high-precision CH4 gas concentration measurement. Methane production showed a marked periodicity, with greater emissions during periods of rumination as opposed to grazing. When the cattle were grazed on pasture, they produced .23 kg CH4 x animal(-1) x d(-1), which corresponded to the conversion of 7.7 to 8.4% of gross energy into CH4. When the same cattle were fed a highly digestible, high-grain diet, they produced .07 kg CH4 x animal(-1) x d(-1), corresponding to a conversion of only 1.9 to 2.2% of the feed energy to CH4. These measurements clearly document higher CH4 production (about four times) for cattle receiving low-quality, high-fiber diets than for cattle fed high-grain diets. The mass difference method provides a useful tool for "undisturbed" measurements on the influence of feedstuffs and nutritional management practices on CH4 production from animals and for developing improved management practice for enhanced environmental quality.     

Ultrastructure of the testis of Pekin ducks fed methyl mercury chloride: seminiferous epithelium

Testicular cells of Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) fed with 0 (control), 0.5 (group 1), 5 (group 2), or 15 (group 3) mg of methyl mercury chloride (CH3HgCl)/kg of basal feed for 12 weeks were examined by electron microscope. Sertoli's cells from ducks in group 2 had dilated smooth endoplasm reticulum, increased lysosomes, and large vacuoles, some with lipid droplets. Degenerative changes were more advanced in group 3 ducks. There were increases in lysosomes, myelinoid figures, vacuolations, cytoplasmic and nuclear debris, cristolyses of mitochondria, and distended Golgi's complexes, and a reduction in smooth endoplasm reticulum and microtubules when compared with those of the controls. Spermatogonia were resistant to CH3HgCl exposure, except in 2 ducks from group 3 which had cells that showed electron-lucent cytoplasm, abnormal mitochondria, and membrane-bound vacuoles. In primary spermatocytes, degenerative changes were evident in ducks fed the larger dose levels. In nuclei, synaptonemal complexes showed unpaired elements. In cytoplasm, cellular debris and vacuoles predominated. There was an increase in synchronized meiosis and apparent incomplete cell division. In ducks from group 3, the cellular damage was more severe and was present throughout the germinal epithelium. Spermatids differentiation was affected variably in groups 2 and 3. Severity of damage increased with the increased dosage of mercury. Where there was spermiogenic activity, the electron-dense acrosome granules, manchette, and midpiece were rarely found. Since the seminiferous tubules from 2 ducks in group 3 had severe destruction of spermatocytes and spermatids, the spermiogenic activity was negligible. Ingestion of CH3HgCl caused toxic injury to seminiferous tubules in groups 2 and 3 ducks. The degree of damage was related to the dietary amount of mercury.     

The effects of aging on hematology and serum chemistry values in the beagle dog

To distinguish age-related changes in hematology and clinical chemistry values from those resulting from disease, hematology, and clinical chemistry values of healthy, age-matched Beagle dogs 3 to 14 years of age were analyzed. Serum potassium, total protein and globulin concentration, and lactic dehydrogenase activity increased with age, while urea nitrogen, creatinine and albumin concentration, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity decreased. The 12-year-old group had some distinct differences from the other age groups: glucose concentration was lower, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activity and triglyceride concentration were higher. No significant age-related differences were found in the hematology parameters analyzed. This report extends the documented, age-related changes in normal Beagle dogs to 14 years of age. The age-related changes in organ-specific serum chemistries such as urea nitrogen and creatinine (kidney), and alanine aminotransferase (liver) noted here suggest that 12 years may be a pivotal age for determining longevity in the Beagle dog.     

Serum ferritin, serum iron, and erythrocyte values in foals

Twenty-one healthy Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse foals were studied from birth until 1 year of age. Foals had access to an iron-supplemented creep feed before weaning and were fed an iron-supplemented concentrate as part of their diet after weaning at 4 months of age. Initial blood samples were taken before foals were allowed to nurse. Serum iron concentration, total iron-binding capacity, and PCV decreased during the foal's first 24 hours of life. Serum iron concentration decreased rapidly from 446 +/- 16 micrograms/dl (mean +/- SE) at birth to 105 +/- 11 micrograms/dl at 3 days of age. Serum ferritin concentration increased from a mean of 85 +/- 8 ng/ml at birth to 159 +/- 11 ng/ml at 1 day of age. Thereafter, ferritin concentration decreased gradually to a minimum of 61 +/- 6 ng/ml at 3 weeks of age, and then at 6 months increased to values similar to those from reference adult horses. The ferritin concentration in colostrum at birth was 354 +/- 42 ng/ml, compared with 25 +/- 2 ng/ml in milk 1 day later. The decrease and then increase in serum ferritin concentration occurred concomitantly with opposite changes in serum total iron-binding capacity. The mean PCV decreased gradually to a minimum at 3 months of age. This decrease was associated with an increasing number of microcytes, as determined with a cell-size distribution analyzer.     

Comparison of three models to estimate breeding values for percentage of loin intramuscular fat in Duroc swine

Three selection models were evaluated to compare selection candidate rankings based on EBV and to evaluate subsequent effects of model-derived EBV on the selection differential and expected genetic response in the population. Data were collected from carcass- and ultrasound-derived estimates of loin i.m. fat percent (IMF) in a population of Duroc swine under selection to increase IMF. The models compared were Model 1, a two-trait animal model used in the selection experiment that included ultrasound IMF from all pigs scanned and carcass IMF from pigs slaughtered to estimate breeding values for both carcass (C1) and ultrasound IMF (U1); Model 2, a single-trait animal model that included ultrasound IMF values on all pigs scanned to estimate breeding values for ultrasound IMF (U2); and Model 3, a multiple-trait animal model including carcass IMF from slaughtered pigs and the first three principal components from a total of 10 image parameters averaged across four longitudinal ultrasound images to estimate breeding values for carcass IMF (C3). Rank correlations between breeding value estimates for U1 and C1, U1 and U2, and C1 and C3 were 0.95, 0.97, and 0.92, respectively. Other rank correlations were 0.86 or less. In the selection experiment, approximately the top 10% of boars and 50% of gilts were selected. Selection differentials for pigs in Generation 3 were greatest when ranking pigs based on C1, followed by U1, U2, and C3. In addition, selection differential and estimated response were evaluated when simulating selection of the top 1, 5, and 10% of sires and 50% of dams. Results of this analysis indicated the greatest selection differential was for selection based on C1. The greatest loss in selection differential was found for selection based on C3 when selecting the top 10 and 1% of boars and 50% of gilts. The loss in estimated response when selecting varying percentages of boars and the top 50% of gilts was greatest when selection was based on C3 (16.0 to 25.8%) and least for selection based on U1 (1.3 to 10.9%). Estimated genetic change from selection based on carcass IMF was greater than selection based on ultrasound IMF. Results show that selection based on a combination of ultrasonically predicted IMF and sib carcass IMF produced the greatest selection differentials and should lead to the greatest genetic change.     

Anatid herpesvirus 1 CH virulent strain induces syncytium and apoptosis in duck embryo fibroblast cultures

Anatid herpesvirus 1 (AHV-1) CH virulent strain was first isolated from an infected duck and it was found that this virus strain could induce cytopathic effect (CPE) in duck embryo fibroblast (DEF). Following AHV-1 infection, DEF showed morphological changes such as cell rounding, improved refractivity and detachment from the culture surface. However, its pathological characteristics were not adequately known. Related studies were performed and the results showed that syncytium formation could be observed as the other type of CPE in AHV-1 infection. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and 4’, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining of infected DEF were each used to visualize the shape and distribution of chromatin within nuclei and nuclear fragmentation was observed. Chromatin condensation and margination, as well as formation of apoptotic bodies were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). DNA ladder formation was detected in AHV-1 infected cells and apoptosis of the infected DEF was also detected by flow cytometry analysis of Annexin V-FITC/PI staining method. Therefore, it was suggested that AHV-1 virulent strain can induce syncytium and apoptosis in DEF. Syncytium formation and apoptosis observed in this study may contribute to the elucidation of AHV-1 pathogenesis.     

Hematologic and biochemical abnormalities associated with induced extrahepatic bile duct obstruction in the cat

Bile duct obstruction was induced in 6 cats by surgical ligation and transection of the common bile duct. Clinical and laboratory changes were monitored weekly for 25 to 54 days. Clinical signs of obstruction were similar in all cats and included anorexia, pyrexia, lethargy, intermittent vomiting, weight loss, palpable gallbladder, hepatomegaly, and bleeding tendencies. Tissue jaundice and acholic feces were evident grossly as early as postsurgical day (PSD) 4 with a mean onset of jaundice at PSD 5.3 +/- 0.4. Hematologic changes were initially characterized by a mild neutrophilic leukocytosis that increased with the chronicity of bile duct obstruction. Regenerative anemia developed in 4 cats associated with gastrointestinal blood loss. Acute serum biochemical changes were characterized by a marked increase in the mean values of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, and copper. Comparatively, only moderate increases in mean serum alkaline phosphatase activity were observed. Mean total bilirubin values increased remarkably at postsurgical week (PSW) 1, reaching a maximal value of 23.1 +/- 4.4 mg/dl at PSW 3 with 71.6 +/- 2.7% direct bilirubin. With chronicity of bile duct obstruction ranging from PSW 3 to PSW 7, the mean serum values of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total cholesterol, serum alkaline phosphatase, and total and direct bilirubin stabilized and then declined, whereas the increased mean serum copper values persisted. At PSD 25 to 54, hepatic copper values and serum bile acids were markedly increased. Seemingly, clinicopathologic changes of induced cholestatic hepatic injury depended largely on the duration of biliary obstruction.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Economic values for resistance to gastrointestinal helminths in meat sheep in Kenya

Economic values for resistance to gastrointestinal (GI) helminths in meat sheep were estimated based on previously published genetic and phenotypic parameters in a selection index objectively optimizing gains on yearling weight (YW). A two‐trait index of YW and faecal egg count (FEC) were considered when accounting only for tangible roles of sheep production using individual records for index calculation (scheme 1) or including individual, sire, dam and male paternal half‐sib information (scheme 2). Schemes 3 and 4 were similar to schemes 1 and 2, respectively, but accounted for both tangible and intangible roles of sheep production. Economic values within each scheme were estimated for five breeding objectives as follows: (i) index response in YW equals response from single trait selection, (ii) index response in YW is maximum, (iii) the level of FEC was held constant, (iv) A predetermined response of ?0.22 (×1000) eggs per gram was assumed and (v) Monetary value of response in FEC is minimum. All estimated economic values were negative, and were Kenya Shillings (KSh) ?34.90 (US$?0.50), 0.00, ?92.20 (US$?1.32), ?153.31 (US$?2.19) and ?47.90 (US$?0.68), respectively, for options 1–5 in scheme 1. In all schemes the breeding options ranked 4, 3, 5 and 1 in descending order; however, options 1 and 5 exchanged positions in schemes 2 and 4. Economic values were responsive to changes in heritability of FEC and genetic correlation between the two traits. The magnitude of the economic values reflects the importance of including resistance to GI helminths in the breeding objectives for meat sheep in different production systems.