A quantitative study of the neural changes underlying pyloric stenosis in dogs

This study aimed to quantify the neural changes in congenital pyloric stenosis in dogs and to study the comparative anatomy between this condition in dogs and that in infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Eight specimens from the pylorus of dogs with pyloric stenosis and six control specimens were examined using conventional histology and immunohistochemistry for a range of neural antigens. The changes in the proportion of nerves immunoreactive for each antigen were quantified and analysed statistically. The morphology of the nerves in the diseased dogs was similar to that in controls. Only vasoactive intestinal peptide was reduced in expression in dogs (median proportion in control dogs 0.57, in diseased dogs 0.17; P = 0.065). This study demonstrates both morphological similarities and significant differences between closely related conditions in dogs, humans and other species.     

Comparison of ultrasonographic characteristics of the gastroduodenal junction during pyloroplasty performed laparoscopically or via conventional abdominal surgery in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of ultrasonography to detect morphologic changes in the pylorus during pyloroplasty performed laparoscopically or via conventional abdominal surgery in dogs. ANIMALS: 10 healthy mixed-breed dogs. PROCEDURE: Laparoscopic ultrasonography of the pylorus was performed in 5 dogs during laparoscopic pyloroplasty (LP), and ultrasonography of the pylorus was performed in 5 dogs during pyloroplasty via conventional abdominal surgery (CAP group). Appearance and dimensions of the pyloric sphincter were evaluated by use of a 7.5-MHz flexible laparoscopic linear-transducer probe. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD duration of the ultrasonographic procedure was 11 +/- 3.04 minutes (range, 6 to 18 minutes). In the CAP group, cross-sectional views of the pylorus revealed significant differences between the overall transverse external diameter, overall craniocaudal external diameter, and transverse diameter of the pyloric lumen. After surgery, the pyloric area was significantly increased. Longitudinal views of the pylorus revealed that width of the pyloric ring was significantly less after surgery. Transverse views of the pylorus for the LP group revealed a significant increase in the transverse diameter and craniocaudal diameter of the pyloric lumen after LP. The pyloric area was also significantly increased after surgery. Longitudinal views of the pylorus revealed that width of the pyloric ring was significantly less after surgery. Transverse diameter of the pyloric lumen was significantly increased after LP. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Analysis of results of this study suggests that ultrasonography is useful for detecting relevant morphologic changes in the pyloric sphincter after pyloroplasty.     

Pyloric stenosis caused by hypertrophic gastritis in three dogs

Hypertrophic gastritis of the pyloric antrum is described in an 11-year-old female poodle, a 14-year-old male Maltese terrier and a 13-year-old male mongrel. The dogs suffered from chronic vomiting. Gastroscopic examination revealed mucosal proliferations in dogs 1 and 3. Radiographic examination showed signs of pyloric obstruction in all three dogs. Contrast studies demonstrated thickenings in the region of the pylorus in dogs 1 and 2. Laparotomy was done in all three dogs: in dog 1 a gastro-duodenostomy was performed and in dogs 2 and 3 the circularly thickened mucosa was resected. The mucosa of all three dogs showed hypertrophic gastritis, chiefly due to foveolar hyperplasia, and round cell infiltration, especially in the superficial layers. Herniation of mucosal glands through the muscularis mucosae was found in dog 1. Dogs 1 and 2 recovered well and vomiting ceased. Dog 3 continued to vomit because of a pyloric stenosis, mainly due to muscular hypertrophy.     

Muscular architecture and VIP-like immunoreactive nerves in the gastroduodenal junction of the chicken

The muscular architecture and the distribution of nerves with vasoactive intestinal polypeptide-like (VIP-like) immunoreactivity were examined in the gastroduodenal junction of the chicken. Both the outer and the inner muscle layers (tunica muscularis) and the muscularis mucosae were examined. The inner muscle layer was divided into two parts, namely its inner and outer parts. The outer muscle layer was not present in the pyloric part but was found in the proventriculus and the duodenum. The muscle strands of the outer muscle layer ran longitudinally but were absent at the isthmus and the pylorus. Most of the outer part of the inner muscle layer was located in or close to the pyloric part. The muscle strands in the outer part connected the pyloric part with other regions, namely the craniodorsal muscle, the tendinous centres and the isthmus. The inner part of the inner muscle layer was widely distributed in the stomach. In the pyloric part, the muscle strands of this layer followed a circular or spiral course. The muscularis mucosae was not present in the caudodorsal and cranioventral muscles of the gizzard. In addition, VIP-like immunoreactive nerve fibres were predominantly distributed in the inner part of inner muscle layer of the pyloric part. These results suggest that the ventriculopyloric orifice and the pyloric part itself constrict with a sphincter-like action.Abbreviations VIP vasoactive intestinal polypeptide     

Effects of in utero exposure to nonsteroidal estrogens on mouse testis.

Male mice exposed in utero to alpha-zearalanol (zeranol) or diethylstilbestrol (DES) were analyzed postnatally to evaluate the possible changes on their testicular morphology as part of an examination of the effects of transplacental exposure to non-steroidal estrogens on sensitive tissues. Pregnant NMRI mice were injected subcutaneously with ethyl oleate (0.1 mL) alone (negative control) or with 150 micrograms/kg of body weight of zeranol or DES (positive control) on days 9 and 10 of gestation. Experimental and control male offspring were euthanized at days 45 (n = 47), 90 (n = 44), 180 (n = 40) and 365 (n = 26) after birth and their gonads were examined by light and electron microscopy. The results suggested that prenatal zeranol or DES exposure induced more severe and earlier (at 45 d) testicular abnormalities than in negative control (at 6 mo). These age-related alterations were characterized by regressive changes in the germinal epithelium and Sertoli's cells as well as foci of Leydig's cells around atrophied seminiferous tubules and dysplasia of the rete testis epithelium. On the contrary, the presence of Leydig's cells with immature morphology and their arrangement in sheet could be attributable exclusively to estrogen treatment. The presence of no neoplasm was confirmed.     

Morphometric and histochemical study of involution in the rat uterus after parturition

Morphological changes to and collagen loss from the rat uterus during postpartum involution were investigated. The expression patterns of collagen type III and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were also determined. Morphological changes were studied on days 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 22 and 25 postpartum. As a control, diestrus rats’ uterine were used. Specimens from the uterine horn were embedded in paraffin, cut into 8 µm coronal sections, and stained with hematoxylin‐eosin. The thickness of the longitudinal and circular smooth muscle layers and of the endometrium were measured. The collagen content was determined using hydroxyproline analysis. Immunostaining was used to examine the expression of collagen type III on days 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 postpartum; and MPO on days 1, 3, 5, 10 and 22 postpartum. The thickness of the smooth muscle layers was found to decrease rapidly postpartum: the circular smooth muscle layer returned to that of a non‐pregnant, control uterus by day 5 postpartum and the longitudinal smooth muscle layer by day 15 postpartum. Eosinophilic cells were observed in the endometrial stroma adjacent to the myometrium on days 10, 15 and 20 postpartum, and were confirmed as collagenous cells. Immunostaining identified collagen type III positive cells in the vessel‐rich layer adjacent to the placental site on days 1, 3, 5 and 10 postpartum, and these cells were confirmed to be phagocytic. Postpartum reduction in the weight of the uterus was accompanied by decreases in both the collagen content and the thickness of the longitudinal and circular smooth muscle layers. Furthermore, the phagocytic cells were shown to express MPO during postpartum involution of the uterus.     

β-丙氨酸对肉仔鸡生长性能、肉品质及胸肌中丙二醛和肌肽含量的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮中添加β-丙氨酸对肉仔鸡生长性能、肉品质及胸肌中丙二醛和肌肽含量的影响。选取1日龄爱拔益加(AA)肉仔鸡公雏180只,随机分为3个组,每组6个重复,每个重复10只鸡,对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组分别饲喂在基础饲粮中添加500(βA5组)和1 000 mg/kgβ-丙氨酸(βA10组)的饲粮。试验期为42 d,分为前期(1~21日龄)和后期(22~42日龄)2个阶段。结果表明:1)与对照组相比,βA5和βA10组21日龄平均体重均显著提高(P0.05),42日龄平均体重分别提高30、72 g(P0.05);与对照组相比,βA5组后期、全期的平均日增重(ADG)均有提高趋势(0.05P0.10);βA5组前期、后期、全期的料重比(F/G)较对照组降低,其中前期、全期差异达显著水平(P0.05)。2)与对照组相比,βA5组胸肌滴水损显著降低(P0.05),24 h红度(a*)值显著提高(P0.05)。3)与对照组相比,βA5组胸肌中丙二醛(MDA)含量在屠宰后2和4 d呈下降趋势(2 d,P=0.091;4 d,P=0.059),βA5和βA10组胸肌中丙二醛含量在屠宰后6 d均显著降低(P0.05)。4)βA5和βA10组胸肉中肌肽含量较对照组显著提高(P0.05),分别提高了19.5%和14.4%。由此可见,饲粮中添加500 mg/kgβ-丙氨酸可改善肉仔鸡的生长性能,减少胸肌滴水损失,降低胸肌丙二醛含量,增加胸肌肌肽含量,改善肉品质。     

1.8GHz微波对小鼠下丘脑组织结构的影响

旨在研究1.8 GHz的电磁辐射是否对性成熟前小鼠的下丘脑细胞产生形态学影响。试验选用90只昆白雌鼠,随机平均分为三组,从母鼠怀孕当天至小鼠出生后30 d采用1.8 GHz的电磁辐射,强度分别为0(对照组)、1(低剂量试验组)和2 mw·cm^-2(高剂量试验组)。观察仔鼠的精神状态,30、45、60日龄时取材,记录体重和脑质量,用组织学方法观察下丘脑组织结构的变化,采用高效液相色谱仪检测下丘脑中神经递质谷氨酸(Glu)、天门冬氨酸(Asp)、γ-氨基丁酸(GABA)和甘氨酸(Gly)的含量。结果显示,(1)30日龄时两试验组小鼠的体重、脑质量均显著减小(P<0.05),下丘脑细胞出现空泡化,细胞内线粒体水肿,血管间隙扩张,小鼠脑内Asp、Glu、Gly、GABA的含量均增加。(2)45日龄时,低剂量试验组细胞形态基本恢复,线粒体肿胀现象仍然存在,但脑内Asp、Gly、Glu、GABA的含量与对照组相比无明显差异(P>0.05);高剂量试验组细胞萎缩仍较多,细胞内线粒体肿胀,小鼠脑内Asp、Glu、Gly、GABA的含量显著增加(P<0.05)。(3)60日龄时,低剂量组细胞形态基本恢复,线粒体恢复正常,小鼠脑内Asp、Glu、Gly和GABA的含量与对照组相比无明显差异(P>0.05);高剂量组细胞基本恢复,细胞内线粒体肿胀基本恢复,细胞核恢复正常形态,脑内Asp、Glu、GABA的含量与对照组相比无明显差异(P>0.05),但Gly的含量与对照组相比显著增加(P<0.05)。结果表明,1.8 GHz微波辐射处理可对小鼠下丘脑的细胞形态和功能产生一定损害,但停止辐射后,下丘脑的细胞形态和功能可逐渐恢复。     

Ultrasonographic characterization of the feline cardia and pylorus in 34 healthy cats and three abnormal cats

A prospective study was performed in 34 fasted healthy cats to describe the normal ultrasonographic anatomy of the cardia and pylorus. Measurements were obtained for the caudal esophageal wall thickness (Ew), cardia wall thickness (Cw), pyloric wall thickness (Pw), thickness of the pyloric muscularis (Mp), length of the thicker part of the proximal duodenal submucosa (Dl). Among the 34 cats, 24 were examined using a linear transducer, and 10 with a microconvex transducer. Ew and Cw could be measured in 70% of the cats when a linear transducer was used, in 100% of the cats when a microconvex probe was used, Pw and Mp could be measured in 100% of the cats whatever probe was used. The submucosa of the most proximal part of the duodenum was thicker in half of the cats in longitudinal section. The muscularis layer of the pylorus was triangular in longitudinal section and thicker than the muscularis of the proximal duodenum. The mean for Ew, Cw, Pw, Mp, and DI was 4.9 mm (SD = 1.1), 5 mm (SD = 0.6), 4.4 mm (SD = 0.6), 2.5 mm (SD = 0.5), and 4.7 mm (SD = 2.38), respectively. Three cats with abnormalities of the cardia and pylorus are also described to illustrate clinical implications.     

The prevalence and distribution of gastric ulceration in 345 racehorses

OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence and distribution of gastric ulceration within a group of racehorses and to describe the endoscopic appearance of gastric antrum and pyloric ulceration. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. PROCEDURE: Medical records from gastroscopic examinations of 345 racehorses (331 Thoroughbreds and 14 Standardbreds) were reviewed. Prevalence, distribution and severity of gastric ulcers were recorded. Lesions involving the squamous mucosa and the glandular mucosa of the antrum and pylorus were graded and compared. RESULTS: Gastric ulceration was found in 86% of racehorses. The squamous mucosa around the margo plicatus was most commonly affected. The pylorus was examined in 175 horses and 47% were ulcerated. No association was found between presence of lesions of the squamous mucosa and those of the pylorus. Low correlation was found between grade and location of lesions, with the pyloric lesion score being significantly less than the squamous mucosal lesion score. CONCLUSION: Gastric ulceration was present in a large proportion of racehorses. The pylorus was also an important site of ulceration. There was no association between presence of lesion at one site and the other, although there was a low correlation between grade of lesion and location, with the pyloric ulcer grade being lower.     

Surgical Treatment of Gastric Outflow Obstruction in 40 Foals

Objective— To report short- and long-term survival and factors affecting outcome of foals after surgical correction of gastric outflow obstruction.
Study Design— Case series.
Animals— Foals (n=40) aged 5–180 days.
Methods— Clinical signs, laboratory data, diagnostic imaging, surgical findings, surgical procedures, medical treatment, and necropsy findings were retrieved from medical records. Outcome was obtained by reviewing performance, sales, and produce records or by telephone conversations with the owners.
Results— Gastric outflow obstruction was treated by gastroduodenostomy or by gastrojejunostomy with or without jejunojejunostomy. Long-term follow-up was available for 36 of 39 foals that survived to hospital discharge; 25 (69%) survived >2 years. All 8 foals with pyloric obstruction survived >2 years, whereas only 11 of 21 (52%) foals with duodenal obstruction survived >2 years. Six of 8 foals with obstruction of the duodenum and pylorus survived >2 years. Obstruction of the duodenum, adhesions to the duodenum, and postoperative ileus were significantly associated with decreased long-term survival.
Conclusions— Long-term outcome after gastric bypass procedures was substantially improved compared with previous reports. Factors that may have contributed to improved survival include better case selection and performing the gastrojejunostomy with the jejunum aligned from left to right.
Clinical Relevance— The prognosis for long-term survival after surgical bypass of pyloric obstruction is excellent. The overall prognosis for long-term survival after surgical bypass of duodenal obstruction is fair but should be considered guarded in those with pre-existing duodenal adhesions.     

橙皮苷对肉仔鸡生长性能、肌肉品质及肠道形态结构的影响

本试验旨在研究在肉仔鸡饲粮中添加不同水平的橙皮苷(HSD)对其生长性能、肌肉品质及肠道形态结构的影响。采用单因子完全随机试验设计,选取健康的、体重相近的1日龄爱拔益加(AA)肉鸡公雏288只,随机分为4组,每组6个重复,每个重复12只。饲粮中HSD的添加水平分别为0(对照组)、50(HSD 50组)、100(HSD 100组)和150 mg/kg(HSD 150组)。试验期42 d。结果表明:1)在1~21日龄时,HSD添加组与对照组的体重(BW)、平均日采食量(ADFI)、平均日增重(ADG)和料重比(F/G)均无显著差异(P>0.05)。在22~42日龄时,各HSD添加组的BW和ADG均显著高于对照组(P<0.05),F/G显著低于对照组(P<0.05),且随着HSD添加水平的增加均呈线性和二次曲线变化(P<0.05)。在1~42日龄时,各HSD添加组与对照组的ADFI无显著差异(P>0.05),ADG显著高于对照组(P<0.05),F/G显著低于对照组(P<0.05),且ADG和F/G均与HSD的添加水平存在线性和二次曲线关系(P<0.05)。2)腿肌的剪切力随HSD添加水平的增加呈线性和二次曲线变化(P<0.05),其中HSD 50组及HSD 100组剪切力显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,各HSD添加组屠宰24 h后肌肉的亮度(L*)值显著降低(P<0.05),且与HSD的添加水平存在线性和二次曲线关系(P<0.05);腿肌的红度(a*)值与HSD添加水平存在线性和二次曲线关系(P<0.05),其中HSD 50组的a*值显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。各添加HSD组肌肉的吸附水含量显著高于对照组(P<0.01),胸肌粗脂肪含量显著低于对照组(P<0.05),且均与HSD的添加水平呈线性和二次曲线变化(P<0.05);腿肌HSD 150组吸附水含量显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。3)胸肌中总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)随HSD添加水平的提高呈线性和二次曲线变化(P<0.05),其中HSD 50组的T-AOC显著高于对照组(P<0.05);HSD 100组和HSD 150组的丙二醛(MDA)含量显著低于对照组(P<0.05),且随HSD添加水平的提高有降低趋势(P=0.098)。腿肌中HSD 50组和HSD 150组的MDA含量显著低于对照组(P<0.05),且随HSD添加水平的提高有降低趋势(P=0.087)。4)在21日龄时,与对照组相比,各添加HSD组空肠的隐窝深度显著降低(P<0.05),且随HSD添加水平的提高呈线性和二次曲线变化(P<0.05)。在42日龄时,空肠绒毛高度随HSD添加水平的提高呈二次曲线变化(P<0.05),其中HSD 150组的绒毛高度显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。综上所述,在肉仔鸡饲粮中添加50 mg/kg HSD可以有效改善其肉质,提高肌肉抗氧化能力并促进肠道发育,进而提高肉仔鸡的生长性能。     

Detection of serum antibodies in Eimeria tenella-infected chickens by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with merozoite and oocyst antigens.

Soluble antigens prepared from sporulated oocytes and second generation merozoites of E. tenella were used for enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to investigate antibody in sera of two breeds of chickens, i.e. commercial broilers and SPF single comb white leghorn layers, which were experimentally infected with E. tenella. In broilers inoculated with oocysts at 15 days of age, ELISA values increased rapidly after day 19 post inoculation (PI) and reached the maximum lebel on days 29 and 32 PI against both merozoite and oocyst antigen. The values against merozoite antigen were significantly higher than those against oocyst antigen. In SPF layers infected at 15 days of age, the values increased gradually after 7 days PI. There were no significant differences between values against two antigens. Generally, the values in broilers tended to be higher than those in SPF layers, especially against merozoite antigen. In broilers inoculated with oocysts at 1 and 15 days of age, ELISA values increased rapidly and reached the maximum level on days 11 and 20 post second inoculation (PSI) against merozoite and oocyst antigens respectively and then the values against merozoite antigen decreased. The values against merozoite antigen were markedly higher than those against oocyst antigen. In SPF layers inoculated twice, the values reached the highest on day 11 PSI as in the case of broiler; however, after that day, the values against both antigens decreased. The sera reacted similarly against both antigens. The values against merozoite antigen were significantly higher in broilers than in SPF layers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Estimation of sheep carcass traits by ultrasound technology

Real-time ultrasound technology offers the possibility of estimating carcass characteristics in live animals and represents a potential method for selection of breeding stocks. A total of 745 live lambs born during 2001–2003 into two flocks was used to estimate rib muscle and fat depth by ultrasound. Lambs came from 559 ewes and 97 rams of a fat-tailed breed, known as the ‘Barbarine’ in North Africa. Ultrasound measurements of external fat thickness (UFD) and muscle (UMD), taken at the 12–13th rib and palpation of body conditions (loin and tail scores) were made for 150 days until lambs 520 days old of lamb ages. Main results showed that UMD and UFD had the same trend as live weights from 150 to 240 days old. They decreased from 150 to 200 days old, and then increased. The same trend was seen for loin and tail scores. Average differences in live weights between male and female lambs were 1, 3 and 6 kg at 30, 90 and 120 days old, respectively. The highest muscle depth for males was reached at day 180 and the lowest fat depth was recorded between 180 and 200 days. Average loin scores became greater for males than females from 240 days of age. Male lambs had greater tail scores at all ages, from 150 to 520 days old. Differences became greater for ages more than 180 days, showing that males have a tendency to store more fat in their tails than females. Phenotypic correlation was 0.70 between muscle depth and loin scores, indicating that, at 180 days old, the Barbarine breed has more muscle and less fat. The optimum slaughter age was defined between 180 and 200 days old, producing carcasses with more muscle and less fat. Regression equations estimating carcass traits (UMD, UFD) at 180 and 240 days old were computed.     

The histopathogenesis of paralytic rabies in six-week-old C57BL/6J mice following inoculation of the CVS-11 strain into the right triceps surae muscle

A fatal encephalomyelitis was developed after intracerebral and hind limb inoculation of in 6-week-old C57BL/6J mice by the inoculation of fixed rabies virus (CVS-11 strain), intracerebrally and into hind. After the intracerebral inoculation, virus antigens were detected in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus at 2 days postinoculation (PI), and later spread centrifugally to thalamus, brain stem, cerebellum, spinal cord and spinal ganglia. At 4 days PI, severe apoptosis and DNA fragmentation were observed in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. All mice infected intracerebrally were dead without limb paralysis at from 10 to 11 days PI. In contrast, mice infected with virus intramuscularly were persistently observed virus antigens in the myocytes at the site of inoculation from 2 days PI. At 4 days PI, the antigens were demonstrated in the spinal dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord and muscle spindles without their detection in the cerebrum and hippocampus. There were no apoptosis in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia, however hind limb paralysis was found in all infected mice. Hind limb paralysis was progressed to quadriparalysis, and mice were dead from 11 to 13 days PI. From 4 days PI, necrosis of neuron was observed in the the spinal and dorsal ganglia with infiltration of lymphocyte. This study suggested that the necrosis of spinal neurons was more important to cause the paralysis of hind limb rather than the severe cerebral infection and apoptosis in C57BL/6J mice infected with CVS-11 strain. The virus primarily replicated in the muscles was ascended the spinal cord via afferent fibers and retrogradely invaded the cerebrum, and with subsequent spread to muscle spindles.     

Postnatal Development of the Stomach in the Japanese Field Vole, Microtus montebelli

The postnatal development of the stomach in the Japanese field vole, Microtus montebelli , were studied with the light and scanning electron microscopes.
Three kinds of cells constituting the fundic glands, that is, mucous neck cells, parietal cells and chief cells were distinguished clearly by light microscopy to have been differentiated around 14 days old. At 4 days old, the structure of pyloric glands was similar to that of adult stage. The investigation on the development of esophageal sac, fundic stomach and pyloric stomach was made by measuring each area of the vertical section. The fundic stomach grew more rapidly than the esophageal sac and pyloric stomach. The ratio of esophageal sac to fundic stomach and pyloric stomach in the area was about 1.5: 2: 1 at 20 days old.
In the fundic glands, 5-hydroxytriptamine (5-HT)- and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells appeared first at 6 days old and at birth, respectively and in the pyloric glands, gastrin-, 5-HT- and somatostatin-immunoreactive cells appeared at 19th day fetus. Gastrin-immunoreactive cells showed a rapid increase in the pyloric glands after birth. The distribution and frequency of endocrine cells were similar to that of adult at about 20 days old.
The fimbria showed bank-like appearance at the beginning and thereafter they showed the process-like structure. The fimbria in both the appearance and the length at 60 days old was similar to that of adult stage.
As a whole, the stomach of the field vole seemed to became mature at 20 days old in the aspects of gastric endocrine cells and morphology of gastric wall, although the fimbria formation was not accomplished at the same period.     

Dynamic changes in the trypsin-inhibiting activity in cervical mucus, blood and in the histomorphological structure of the uterus in x-irradiated sheep

The effect of ionizing radiation on the reproduction organs of ewes was studied after single local irradiation of ovaries with different X-ray doses. Twenty two ewes of the Slovak Merino breed at the age of two years and at the average live weight of 30 kg were divided into four test groups to be irradiated with the following doses: Group I (n = 6) 4.78 Gy (500 R), group II (n = 6) 9.67 Gy (1000 R), group III (n = 6) 19.14 Gy (2000 R). The ewes of the fourth group were used as the control; they were only laparotomized, otherwise left intact. The trypsin-inhibiting activity of blood plasma and cervical mucus was determined from the retardation of the hydrolysis of low-molecular substrate (TAPA); the thickness of the epithelium of uterine body and cervix was measured microscopically after fixing and staining. The dynamics of changes in the TIA of cervical mucus, in percentual expression, showed differences when measured in the course of 10, 30 and 100 days (1.84 K, aver. for 1st-10th day: 1 = 2.1; 2 = 1.7; 3 = 1.7; 4 = 2.5. Aver. for 10th-30th days: 1 = 1.8; 2 = 1.7; 3 = 1.8; 4 = 1.0. Aver. for 30th-100th day: 1 = 1.7; 2 = 1.1; 3 = 1.2; 4 = 1.5). The dynamics of changes in the thickness of the epithelium of endometrium, uterine horns and uterine cervix had a different nature. A hundred days from irradiation the values showed little difference.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The Functional Structure of the Pylorus in the Ox

In spite of recent electromyographic experiments and myotomy on the pylorus, a detailed morphological study of that region is still lacking. In this study the pyloric part of the abomasum and the first 15 cm. of the duodenum have been investigated macro- and microscopically in 20 veal calves and 20 adult cattle. The circular muscle layer of the terminal part of the pars pylorica thickens into a proximal and a distal sphincter. Two U-shaped muscle loops, one on the visceral and the other on the parietal surface, are fixed by their base to the sphincter pylori. Together with longitudinal fibers of the abomasum and the duodenum, they may form a dilator pylori. A fibrous septum, which separates the muscular coat of the stomach from that of the duodenum is absent. Some longitudinal fibers of the abomasum are continuous with those of the duodenum. The loose mucosal folds in the pars pylorica and also the torus pyloricus may act as a mucosal plug in closing the pylorus. These findings are discussed in view of possible functional implications.     

饲粮中添加绿狐尾藻对临武鸭生长性能、屠宰性能和免疫器官指数的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮中添加绿狐尾藻对武鸭生长性能、屠宰性能和免疫器官指数的影响,以确定绿狐尾藻在临武鸭饲粮中适宜添加水平。选用30日龄健康、体重相近的临武鸭480只,随机分为3组,每组设4个重复,每个重复40只。1组(对照组)饲喂基础饲粮,2组、3组分别饲喂含10%、20%绿狐尾藻的试验饲粮。试验期28 d。44和58日龄时进行屠宰,测定活体重、屠体率、半净膛率、全净膛率、胸肌率、腿肌率、皮脂率和免疫器官指数。结果表明,1)30~44日龄和45~58日龄,3组的平均日增重、平均日采食量和料重比与2组、对照组相比均显著提高(P0.05),但2组与对照组之间无显著差异(P0.05)。2)44和58日龄,各组之间活体重、屠体率、半净膛率、全净膛率、腿肌率和皮脂率均无显著差异(P0.05),2组、3组胸肌率均显著高于对照组(P0.05)。3)44日龄,各组之间胸腺指数、脾脏指数和法氏囊指数均无显著差异(P0.05);58日龄,3组法氏囊指数显著高于对照组(P0.05),3组脾脏指数显著高于对照组、2组(P0.05),各组之间胸腺指数无显著差异(P0.05)。由此可见,临武鸭饲粮中添加10%的绿狐尾藻,对生长性能、屠宰性能和免疫器官指数无明显影响。     

丁酸梭菌对肉鸡腿肌脂肪代谢的影响

本试验旨在研究丁酸梭菌对肉鸡腿肌脂肪代谢的影响。试验选用1日龄爱拔益加肉公鸡192只,随机分为2个组,每个组6个重复,每个重复16只鸡。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组饲喂在基础饲粮中添加1×10~9CFU/kg丁酸梭菌的饲粮,试验期为42 d。结果表明,与对照组相比:1)饲粮中添加丁酸梭菌显著增加了21日龄肉鸡腿肌肌内脂肪含量(P0.05),但对42日龄肉鸡腿肌肌内脂肪含量无显著影响(P0.05)。2)饲粮中添加丁酸梭菌显著降低了21日龄肉鸡腿肌激素敏感脂肪酶活性(P0.05),显著提高了21日龄肉鸡腿肌脂蛋白脂酶活性(P0.05),且有增加42日龄肉鸡腿肌脂蛋白脂酶活性的趋势(0.05P0.10)。3)饲粮中添加丁酸梭菌显著降低了21日龄肉鸡血清中游离三碘甲状腺原氨酸含量(P0.05)。4)饲粮中添加丁酸梭菌显著降低了21日龄肉鸡腿肌脂肪甘油三酯脂肪酶mRNA表达量(P0.05)。由此可见,饲粮中添加丁酸梭菌可通过改变21日龄肉鸡腿肌脂肪代谢相关酶活性和基因表达来增加肉鸡腿肌肌内脂肪含量。