阴道涂片法确定绵羊情期的研究

实验用阴道涂片法确定绵羊发情时期。在发情季节,把经试情确定发情周期正常的母羊于发情前期、发情期、发情后期和发情间期分别进行阴道涂片,观察各种细胞成分及其变化。结果说明,绵羊阴道涂片中主要可见到白细胞、有核上皮细胞、角化上皮细胞和细胞碎片等4种细胞成分。白细胞在发情间期数目最多,显著(P<0.01)多于其它各期;各时期有核上皮细胞的数目无显著差异;角化上皮细胞在发情期数目最多,明显(P<0.01)高于其它各期;发情间期和前期的细胞碎片明显(P<0.01)多于发情期和发情后期。因此,有可能以角化上皮细胞和白细胞的数目作为指标,确定绵羊的发情时期。     

甘加型藏羊发情周期阴道细胞变化规律

采用阴道涂片法,观察了8只甘加型藏羊连续2个发情周期阴道细胞涂片,统计分析了发情周期不同时期阴道细胞种类、形态变化特点及其所占比例。结果显示:甘加型藏羊发情周期阴道涂片中主要有副基底层上皮细胞、中间层上皮细胞、表层上皮细胞、不完全角化上皮细胞、完全角化上皮细胞、白细胞和细胞碎片。发情期角化细胞所占比例最高,显著高于发情前期、发情后期和间情期(P0.05);发情前期表层上皮细胞所占比例显著高于其他三个时期(P0.05);间情期和发情后期白细胞所占比例显著高于发情前期和发情期;中间层上皮细胞在各时期所占比例差异不显著(P0.05)。结果表明:根据涂片中阴道细胞种类和各类细胞所占比例的变化特点可以简便、快速准确地鉴定和区分甘加母羊发情周期的不同阶段,阴道凃片是高效、准确的发情鉴定方法。     

牦牛发情周期中卵巢卵泡发育状况的组织学观察

运用组织学技术对36头处于发情周期的健康成年母牦牛卵巢卵泡的结构与发育状况进行了观察。结果表明，牦牛发情周期中卵巢卵泡发育的组织结构与其他牛基本相似。每对卵巢中原始卵泡数和生长卵泡数在发情前期、发情期、发情后期和发情间期之间差异不显著（P〉0．05）；发情前期的囊状卵泡数与发情期、发情后期和发情间期之间差异不显著（P〉0．05），发情期和发情后期均与发情间期差异显著（P〈0．05）。闭锁生长卵泡数在4个时期之间差异不显著（P〉0．05）；发情期的闭锁囊状卵泡数与其他3期之间差异极显著（P〈0．01），发情前期和发情间期均与发情后期差异显著（P〈0．05）。各级卵泡的闭锁形式各有特点。在生长卵泡、囊状卵泡及相应闭锁卵泡的卵泡膜中均见到了胶原纤维和网状纤维。     

阴道电阻值测定法与阴道角化细胞涂片法检测蓝狐发情的比较研究

为了比较阴道电阻值测定法和阴道角化细胞涂片法对蓝狐发情鉴定的准确率和实用性,试验选取60只青年雌种狐,随机分为2组,每组30只。Ⅰ组使用阴道电阻值测定法,Ⅱ组使用阴道角化细胞涂片法对繁殖期雌蓝狐进行发情鉴定。结果表明:Ⅰ组鉴定准确率为86. 7%,Ⅱ组鉴定准确率为56. 7%,阴道电阻值测定法鉴定蓝狐发情的准确率极显著高于阴道角化细胞涂片法(P0. 01);阴道角化细胞涂片在蓝狐排卵±3 d内变化不明显。说明使用阴道电阻值测定法对蓝狐进行发情鉴定,其准确率优于阴道角化细胞涂片法,且快速、简便。     

发情母犬阴道上皮细胞变化与最佳配种时间

采用“阴道涂片法”观察母犬在发情期不同阶段的细胞形态变化 ,并比较角化细胞率分别为 70 %～ 80 %、 80 %～ 90 %和 90 %～ 1 0 0 %时发情母犬的接受交配情况、受孕率和产仔数。结果表明 ,在角化程度较低时配种 ,受孕率和产仔数均降低 ,角化细胞率达到 90 %～ 1 0 0 %时为最佳配种时间     

阴道涂片法鉴定乌苏里貉发情周期的研究

乌苏里貉是一种季节性每年一次发情的珍贵毛皮兽,漏配会对养殖业造成很大的经济损失,因此准确鉴定发情和判断配种时间显得尤为重要.对乌苏里貉进行阴道涂片,经伊红染色后显微镜下观察细胞学成分和细胞含量变化,主要有白细胞和圆形上皮细胞存在表明处于休情期,角化上皮细胞的出现标志进入了发情前期,无核角化上皮细胞的激增是发情前期向发情期过渡的标志.应用阴道涂片法进行发情鉴定,配种成功率可高达90%以上.     

五子衍宗丸加味对种公驴精液品质的影响

6匹种公驴随机分成两组，试验组3匹每日灌服五子衍宗丸加味1剂，连服5剂，对照组不潦服。结果表明试后21天的精子活力比试前提高0．24级。差异极显著（p〈0．01），射精量在用药后第三周增至高峰，分别达到80ml，与试前相比有极显著差异（p〈0．01），而精子密度用药前后相比差异不显著，精子畸形率在用药后21天由试前18．03％下降到13．10％，差异显著（p〈0．05），精子存活时间由96h增至144h，差异极显著（p〈0．01）。对照组3匹种公驴各项指标试前试后略有波动，但均无显著差异（p〉0．05）。     

KAP1．3基因与绵羊产毛性能的相关分析

本实验采用PCR—SSCP的标记技术,对羊毛纤维组成蛋白中的KAP1.3的部分序列进行多态性的研究。结果表明,在引物1中,BB基因型的产毛量性状极显著高于其他基因型（p〈0．01）,在拉伸长度性状上,AB基因型与BB基因型差异极显著（p〈0．01）,AA基因型与BB基因型差异显著（0．01〈p〈0．05）。在引物2中,各基因型不存在显著差异。     

小鼠发情周期阴道上皮细胞形态变化的研究

为了区分小鼠发情周期各阶段阴道内部细胞组织形态学变化,利用阴道组织涂片法,对6只成年实验小白鼠连续6 d进行阴道涂片、镜检,观察阴道涂片中细胞的变化规律。结果表明,在小鼠发情周期各阶段阴道涂片特征明显,其中在发情前期,阴道涂片特征为形状不规则或蝌蚪状的有核上皮细胞占绝大多数,白细胞和角质化上皮细胞很少。在发情期,阴道涂片特征几乎全是片状的无核角质化细胞。在发情后期,阴道涂片特征为少量无核角质化上皮细胞,白细胞占大多数。在发情间期,阴道涂片特征为上皮细胞少而皱缩,涂片中有大量白细胞。试验结果表明,小鼠在整个发情周期过程中阴道内部细胞组织形态会发生一系列变化,特征显著,可以作为区分小鼠发情周期阶段的一个简便方法。     

年龄对苏尼特肉羊肌肉矿物质及维生素含量的影响

用3个年龄段，即当年羯羊、1．5岁羯羊及成年羯羊各30只，经过对其肌肉矿物质及维生素含量的分析发现：（1）随着其年龄和体重的增加，苏尼特肉羊的肌肉锌、碘含量明显下降（p〈0．01或p〈0．05），与此相反铁含量显著提高（p〈0．05），而铜、锰及硒含量不显著（p〉0．05）；（2）随着年龄和体重的增加．其肌肉钙、钾及氯含量极显著地下降（p〈0．01），磷含量显著下降（p〈0．05），而镁含量下降，钠含量则提高，但其差异均不显著（P〉0．05）；（3）随着年龄的增加，其肌肉VA和VE的含量均在显著下降（p〈0．05）。其矿物质和维生素含量的变化与生长羊肌肉的物质代谢以及体组织随年龄的变化规律一致。同时。从肌肉矿物质及维生素的营养特征看．当年羯羊的肌肉优于1．5岁羯羊，而1．5岁羯羊的肌肉又优于成年羯羊。     

Cyclical changes of vaginal cytology in the cat

Vaginal smears from seven cats were examined at two-day intervals for 32 days in order to describe the cyclical pattern of epithelial cells exfoliated throughout the stages of the estrus cycle. Vaginal epithelial cells were classified as parabasal, intermediate and superficial (nucleate and anucleate) cells, and their dimensions were measured for the purpose of definition. The percentages of the epithelial cell populations (i.e. Maturation Index) from Wright's stained smears, were determined at all stages of the estrus cycle. The Eosinophilic Index was estimated on Papanicolaou stained smears.Smears of cats in estrus were populated almost entirely with nucleate and anucleate superficial epithelial cells. Proestrus was characterized by intermediate epithelial cells with increasing eosinophilia, and rare neutrophils. Metestrus was associated with desquamation of intermediate and parabasal epithelial cells, neutrophils and debris. In the anestrus period, groups of intermediate cells and some parabasal epithelial cells were exfoliated.Two cats in the study did not cycle and exhibited anestrus. Of the five cats cycling, eight estrus periods were observed of two to five days duration. The cycles were of 15 to 17 days interval in three normal cats. Two cats did not show a second estrus within 30 days, and were subsequently found to have bacterial growth on the culture of vaginal swabs, however the presence of an initial ovular estrus cannot be ruled out. The rare presence of erythrocytes was associated with vaginal bacterial infections and discharge in two cats.     

Studies on Some Aspects of Neutrophil Functions and Uterine Defenses in Cows during the Estrous Cycle

Some aspects of the bovine uterine defense mechanisms were evaluated over two successive estrous cycles in five adult nonpregnant Friesian cows. Uterine flushings and blood samples were taken from each cow during the estrus and diestrus phases of each estrous cycle. A significant higher percentage of Candida albicans (C. albicans) were phagocytosed (P < 0.01) and killed (P < 0.05) by blood neutrophils during estrus than during diestrus. N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activity of uterine flushings, blood neutrophil alkaline phosphatase activity scores, and serum progesterone concentrations during diestrus increased significantly (P < 0.01) compared to those at estrus. Mean total blood leucocyte and monocyte counts increased significantly (P < 0.05) during estrus compared to diestrus .
It is concluded, that the different hormonal status has at each stage of the estrous cycle a definite effect on uterine resistance against bacterial infection and a fall in serum progesterone concentrations is associated with an increased ability of blood neutrophils to phagocytose and kill C. albicans .     

Changes of receptor mRNAs for oxytocin and estrogen during the estrous cycle in rat uterus

Oxytocin receptor (OTR) mRNA levels increase dramatically near term and is potently stimulated by estrogen because increased OTR mRNA levels result from estrogen treatment in ovariectomized rat uterus. In this study, OTR, estrogen receptor (ER) alpha and ERbeta mRNA levels in the rat uterus during the estrous cycle were examined by quantitative RT-PCR. OTR mRNA levels during the estrous cycle began to increase on diestrus (P<0.05, vs value on estrus), reached maximal increase both in the morning (1000-1130 hr) and afternoon (1600-1630 hr) on proestrus (P<0.01, vs metestrus, diestrus and estrus) and then declined on estrus. In contrast ER alpha mRNA levels began to decrease on diestrus, reached statistical significance both in the morning and the afternoon on proestrus (P<0.01, vs metestrus, diestrus and estrus) and returned to the value of metestrus on estrus. ERbeta mRNA levels were low in the morning and the afternoon on proestrus (P<0.01, vs metestrus and estrus) and also returned to metestrus values on estrus. Treatments with estrogen for 3 days significantly decreased both ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA levels. It can be concluded from these results that during the estrous cycle, OTR mRNA levels in rat uterus predominantly increase at proestrus with a decrease in ERalpha and ERbeta mRNA levels, which is probably due to the increased estrogen levels in circulation before ovulation.     

Influence of the estrous cycle on urodynamic and morphometric measurements of the lower portion of the urogenital tract in dogs

OBJECTIVES: To compare the values of the urodynamic parameters of the lower portion of the urinary tract and vaginourethral measurements obtained during the phases of the estrous cycle in dogs and determine possible functional or anatomic modifications of the lower portion of the urinary tract associated with those phases. ANIMALS: 7 adult female Beagles. PROCEDURE: Urethral pressure profilometry, diuresis cystometry, and vaginourethrography were performed in each dog during proestrus; estrus; early, mid, and late diestrus; and early and late anestrus. The maximum urethral pressure (MUP), maximum urethral closure pressure (MUCP), urethral functional and anatomic profile lengths (UFPL and UAPL, respectively), integrated pressure, threshold pressure, threshold volume, compliance, urethral length, and vaginal length and width were measured. RESULTS: For all measurements, significant interindividual variation was detected. Integrated and threshold pressures, APL, and each morphometric value significantly increased from late anestrus to proestrus. Compared with other phases, MUP, MUCP, and integrated pressure values were significantly lower in estrus and early diestrus; UAPL and UFPL values were significantly lower in late diestrus. At each cycle phase in old dogs, MUP, MUCP, threshold pressure, and vaginal length and width were significantly lower (except in proestrus for vaginal measurements) and threshold volume and compliance values were significantly higher, compared with middle-aged dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Urodynamic and morphometric measurements of the lower portion of the urogenital tract are affected by the changes in hormonal balance that occur during the estrous cycle. In sexually intact female dogs, estrous phase determination is important for the interpretation of urodynamic data.     

Intercellular communication in mare endometrial epithelium isolated during estrus and diestrus

A primary culture system of equine uterine epithelial cells was developed to study interactions between these cells in vitro. Cultures were prepared by combined mechanical and collagenase separation of cells from endometrial biopsies taken from mares during estrus and diestrus. Cells were maintained in DME/F12 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. The purity of the epithelial cell population was estimated to be greater than 95% based upon the cobblestone morphology of cells and a uniform indirect immunofluorescence labelling of cells with an antibody directed against cytokeratin intermediate filament proteins. Radiating cytoplasmic cytokeratin filaments were characteristic of cells labelled after 3 days in culture. Preliminary analysis of the incidence and rate of cell-to-cell communication between epithelial cell populations was conducted using a fluorescence recovery after photobleaching assay. Recovery of carboxyfluorescein fluorescence in cells which were laser photobleached and in contact with other cells was monitored at one-minute intervals over 5 minutes. The incidence of communication among cells isolated during estrus and diestrus was 100%. The mean rates of fluorescence recovery at one minute (8.25% ± SEM 0.91 and 10.94% ± SEM 1.20 for cells obtained from estrous and diestrous mares, respectively) were not significantly different. These studies indicate that cells isolated from the endometrium of the mare are capable of intercellular diffusion of regulatory and informational molecules between cells in contact.     

Acute phase protein levels in pregnancy and oestrus cycle in bitches

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the acute phase protein (serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen) profiles in pregnant dogs as well as bitches at various stages of the estrus cycle and to verify possible relationship(s) among the APPs profile and hormonal status. A total of 60 bitches of various breeds were enrolled. The animals were divided into six groups. B-mode ultrasonographic scanner (concept M/C) was used for pregnancy diagnosis, involving the first and second halves of pregnancy. Proestrus, estrus, diestrus and anestrus stages of sexual cycles were differentiated by use of vaginal cytology and blood progesterone and estradiol 17-β levels. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen levels were determined. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups with regard to the serum SAA and CRP concentrations. Haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen concentrations were elevated in pregnant dogs compared to non-pregnant groups’, independently from the pregnancy stage. No statistically significant differences in acute phase protein concentrations in dogs at various stages of estrus could be detected. Results of this study indicated that ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen levels may have potential importance in the diagnosis of pregnancy, and acute phase proteins may be used for monitoring the health status of the pregnant dogs.     

Temporal sequence of events in the estrous cycle of the bitch.

Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol-17 beta, and progesteron were compared with the onset of diestrus in Beagle bitches. The LH peak occurred 8.0 (standard error (SE), 0.3) days before the onset of diestrus. Vaginal cytologic characteristics during proestrus were studied, and vaginal cornification was complete 12.1 (SE,0.2) days before the onset of diestrus. A time sequence of hormonal, vaginal cytologic, and developmental events was outlined during proestrus, estrus, and early diestrus.