黄芩苷对小鼠的保胎作用及其对细胞因子的影响

本试验旨在研究黄芩苷的促孕保胎作用及其对母胎界面细胞因子的影响。取怀孕小鼠分成5组,除对照组外,其它4组于孕5-7天皮下注射溴隐亭建立流产模型,孕1-7天分别灌服蒸馏水、0.1、0.51、mg黄芩苷。孕3、5、7、10、12天采样,计算流产率,酶联免疫吸附法(ELISA)测定血清及子宫匀浆中干扰素-γ(IFN-γ)、白介素-10(IL-10)、孕酮的含量。结果孕12天时1 mg黄芩苷组流产率降低,接近对照组,与模型组均有显著差异。孕5天各组血清和子宫匀浆中IFN-γ含量显著上升,其中1 mg黄芩苷组最高。孕酮含量随孕期延长而提高,以0.5和1 mg黄芩苷组最高。表明黄芩苷可剂量依赖性上调孕酮的含量,促进着床期IFN-γ分泌,胚泡附植后又降低IFN-γ的含量,调节着床和妊娠期Th1/Th2细胞因子平衡,影响内分泌-免疫网络,有利于胚胎着床和妊娠维持。     

不同黄芩成分对孕鼠免疫功能的影响

怀孕5～7d小鼠皮下注射0．075mg溴隐亭建立流产模型，于怀孕1～7d分别灌服蒸馏水、黄芩煎剂、黄芩苷、黄芩素、汉黄芩素，至怀孕10d宰杀。结果显示，血清中IFN-γ含量，以黄芩煎剂组为最低，子宫匀浆中IFN-γ含量，以黄芩苷组为最低，与对照组比较差异极显著（P〈0．01）；孕酮含量在血清及子宫匀浆中均以黄芩苷组为最高，与对照组差异显著（P〈0．05），各组间IL-10含量差异不显著。这一结果表明，黄芩成分对母体免疫功能有一定调节作用，其中黄芩苷可降低Th1型细胞因子含量，提高孕酮的含量，具有一定的保胎作用。     

黄芩白术对着床期小鼠IFN-γ、IL-10及NO含量的影响

将45只8周龄母鼠随机分为对照组和中药黄芩、白术1∶1水煎剂Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组4个组。在其未交配前,对照组每天灌服生理盐水0.5 mL,中药Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组分别每天灌服中药煎剂0.2、0.4、0.6 mL,连续10 d。检出的受孕母鼠在妊娠第4天剖杀,采集血清及子宫组织匀浆样本,酶联免疫吸附验(ELISA)法检测IFN-γ和IL-10含量,化学比色法检测一氧化氮合成酶(NOS)的含量。结果显示,中药各组IFN-γ含量显著低于对照组而IL-10含量显著高于对照组,中药Ⅰ组最为显著。各中药组NOS含量也低于对照组,各中药组之间有极显著的差异。血清中各指标变化趋势与子宫组织匀浆中相同。而中药组特别是中药Ⅰ组胚胎着床率显著高于对照组。上述结果提示,中药黄芩白术特别是低浓度的黄芩、白术能通过影响Th细胞因子的分泌及一氧化氮合成促进子宫发育提高胚胎着床率。     

四君子散与益母生化散对围产期奶牛血浆IL-2IFN-γ和TNF-α的影响

为探讨中药对围产期奶牛血浆IL-2,IFN-γ和TNF-α的影响,本试验选择年龄、胎次和预产期相近,经临床检查健康的围产期荷斯坦奶牛90头,随机分成Ⅰ组、Ⅱ组、Ⅲ组,每组30头.Ⅰ组,于预产期15 d时喂服中药加味四君子散(400 g/头),每天1次,连用5d,分娩后喂服益母生化散一剂(400 g/头);Ⅱ组,产前不添加中药,分娩后喂服益母生化散一剂(400 g/头);Ⅲ组为对照组,产前、产后均不喂服中药.在预产期15 d,7 d,产后0 d(分娩后喂服益母生化散前计为0 d)、产后7d和15d时,在各组随机抽取10头奶牛颈静脉采血,测定血浆IL-2,IFN-γ和TNF-α的含量.试验结果显示,Ⅰ组奶牛血浆IL-2含量、IFN-γ含量和TNF-α含量明显高于对照Ⅲ组(P<0.05).研究说明,中药能增强围产期奶牛的免疫水平,为中药防治奶牛围产期疾病提供一定的理论依据.     

泰山磐石散与黄体酮在奶牛疫苗副反应致流产症状中保胎效果观察

将重庆渝北区三个奶牛场有口蹄疫疫苗致流产症状的奶牛分为轻、中、重三型,三个场分别用泰山磐石散、黄体酮、泰山磐石散与黄体酮联用进行保胎,观察其疗效。结果表明三组药物对流产轻型病例奶牛的保胎效果均较明显;对中、重型病例,泰山磐石散单用或配合黄体酮的效果优于单用黄体酮组。按胎儿流出时间统计,在轻、中、重三型中单用泰山磐石散的胎儿流出时间明显少于泰山磐石散与黄体酮联用组及单用黄体酮组。     

泰山磐石散与黄体酮在奶牛疫苗副反应致流产症状中应用效果观察

在口蹄疫疫苗致流产症状奶牛中,在三个奶牛场分别按泰山磐石散、黄体酮、泰山磐石散与黄体酮配合保胎,将流产症状牛分轻、中、重三型观察疗效。结果表明三组药物对流产轻型病例牛的保胎效果均较明显;对中、重型病例,泰山磐石散单用或配合黄体酮的效果优于只用黄体酮组。从流产牛胎儿流出时间统计,轻、中、重型之间单用泰山磐石散的牛只胎儿流出时间明显少于泰山磐石散与黄体酮配合组及单用黄体酮组。     

防制胚泡着床障碍中药的筛选及药效研究

为了筛选防制胚泡着床障碍中药,本试验利用皮下注射米非司酮所致的小鼠胚泡着床障碍模型,以妊娠率、着床胚泡数、雌激素和孕激素及其比值为指标,将丹参、黄芪、川芎、黄芩、白术、菟丝子、桑寄生、续断、党参、当归等中药组成复方进行筛选和药效评价。筛选试验结果表明,方3组妊娠率显著高于方1组、菟丝子组和续断组(P＜0.05),也高于方2组和对照组,说明方3有利于小鼠胚泡的着床。方3的药效试验表明,保胎组妊娠率极显著高于对照组和高剂量组(P＜0.01),显著高于低剂量组(P＜0.05)。保胎组孕酮水平、孕酮和雌二醇比值极显著高于高、低剂量组、对照组和正常组(P＜0.01),孕酮和雌二醇比值显著高于中剂量组(P＜0.05),而保胎组、低剂量组和正常组雌二醇水平显著低于高剂量组和对照组(P＜0.05),中剂量组孕酮水平显著高于对照组(P＜0.05)。这表明方3能提高小鼠的孕酮水平及孕酮和雌二醇比值,有利于小鼠胚泡着床。     

芪加术散对免疫雏鸡外周血清γ-干扰素和IL-2含量的影响

为了探讨芪加术散对蛋用雏鸡疫苗免疫后血清中γ-干扰素(IFN-γ)和白细胞介素-2(IL-2)含量的影响,将300只7日龄雏鸡随机分5组,分别在日粮中添加1%、0.75%、0.5%的芪加术散,饲喂至42日龄,并设中药空白对照组和免疫空白对照组。除免疫空白对照组外,其余4组均用新城疫疫苗和鸡传染性法氏囊病疫苗免疫。在雏鸡的不同日龄,用酶联免疫试剂盒检测雏鸡外周血清中IFN-γ和IL-2的含量。结果发现,日粮中添加1%、0.75%芪加术散显著升高IFN-γ和IL-2的水平(P0.01或P0.05)。证实在蛋用雏鸡基础日粮中添加芪加术散可显著增加传染性法氏囊病疫苗与新城疫疫苗免疫后雏鸡外周血清中IFN-γ和IL-2的含量,为中药免疫增强剂的使用提供理论依据。     

黄芩苷对H6N6禽流感感染小鼠肺损伤的影响

为探究黄芩苷对H6N6禽流感病毒感染小鼠肺损伤的影响，选取108只昆明小鼠，随机平均分为6组(对照组、阳性组、西药组和低、中、高剂量黄芩苷组)。攻毒3 d后用不同剂量黄芩苷连续治疗9 d,各组在第3,6,9天时随机选6只小鼠，取其肺脏进行病理观察及HE染色制作切片，检测肺组织病毒含量及小鼠血清中IL-1、TNF-α、IFN-γ和5-HT含量。结果表明：攻毒3 d后，相比对照组，其余各组小鼠肺脏出现病理损伤；治疗3 d时，相比阳性组，高剂量黄芩苷组小鼠肺脏指数、病理评分和病毒含量均显著降低(P<0.05),治疗6 d时，相比阳性组，低、中、高剂量黄芩苷组小鼠血清中IL-1、TNF-α、5-HT含量均极显著降低(P<0.01),中、高剂量黄芩苷组IFN-γ均极显著升高(P<0.01);相比西药组，高剂量黄芩苷组小鼠肺脏指数、病理评分、病毒含量及血清中IL-2含量均无显著差异(P>0.05)。说明黄芩苷通过降低病毒在肺脏中的复制，调节血清中炎性因子(IL-1、TNF-α、IFN-γ和5-HT)含量，减轻H6N6禽流感患鼠肺的损伤。     

中药对围产期奶牛血浆IL-2、IL-6含量的影响

为探讨中药对围产期奶牛血浆IL-2、IL-6含量的影响,本试验选择90头年龄、胎次和预产期相近,经临床检查健康的围产期荷斯坦奶牛,随机分成A、B、C三组,每组30头。A组,于预产期15天饲喂时添加中药加味四君子散(400 g/头),每天1次,连用5 d,分娩后当天灌服益母生化散2剂(400 g/头);B组,产前不添加中药,分娩后当天灌服益母生化散2剂(400 g/头);C组为对照组,产前不添加中药,产后灌服常用水2次,每次400 mL/头。在预产期15 d、7 d,产后0 d(分娩当天灌服益母生化散前计为0 d)、7 d和15 d时,在各组随机抽取10头奶牛颈静脉采血,测定血浆IL-2、IL-6的含量。试验结果显示,A组奶牛血浆IL-2含量明显高于B组、C组(P0.05或P0.01);血浆IL-6含量A组在产前7 d时低于B组、C组,差异显著(P0.05),而产后0 d、7 d、15 d,A组高于B组、C组,差异显著(P0.05)。     

白术、微米白术和白术多糖对断奶仔猪生长性能和肠道形态及微生态区系的影响

试验选用96头平均体重14.82 kg左右的杜×长×大断奶仔猪,随机分成4组,每组3栏,每栏8头(公母各半)。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验1、2、3组分别添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖和1%微米白术。试验期30 d。结果表明:在生长性能方面,与对照组相比,1%微米白术添加组可显著提高日增重(P0.05)、降低饲料增重比和腹泻率,而且效果优于1%80目白术组和0.2%白术多糖组,在肠道形态和肠道微生态区系方面,与对照组相比,日粮添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖、1%微米白术均可不同程度的提高十二指肠和空肠的绒毛高度,加深十二指肠和空肠的隐窝深度,并且增加肠道微生态区系的多样性,其中以1%微米白术添加组的效果最佳。     

Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia

Sissay, M.M., Uggla, A. and Waller, P.J., XXXX. Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, XXXX. A 2-year abattoir survey was carried out to determine the prevalence, abundance and seasonal incidence of gastro-intestinal (GI) nematodes and trematodes (flukes) of sheep and goats in the semi-arid zone of eastern Ethiopia. During May 2003 to April 2005, viscera including liver, lungs and GI tracts were collected from 655 sheep and 632 goats slaughtered at 4 abattoirs located in the towns of Haramaya, Harar, Dire Dawa and Jijiga in eastern Ethiopia. All animals were raised in the farming areas located within the community boundaries for each town. Collected materials were transported within 24 h to the parasitology laboratory of Haramaya University for immediate processing. Thirteen species belonging to 9 genera of GI nematodes (Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, Nematodirus filicollis, N. spathiger, Oesophagostomum columbianum, O. venulosum, Strongyloides papillosus, Bunostomum trigonocephalum, Trichuris ovis, Cooperia curticei and Chabertia ovina), and 4 species belonging to 3 genera of trematodes (Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Paramphistomum {Calicohoron} microbothrium and Dicrocoelium dendriticum) were recorded in both sheep and goats. All animals in this investigation were infected with multiple species to varying degrees. The mean burdens of adult nematodes were generally moderate in both sheep and goats and showed patterns of seasonal abundance that corresponded with the bi-modal annual rainfall pattern, with highest burdens around the middle of the rainy season. In both sheep and goats there were significant differences in the mean worm burdens and abundance of the different nematode species between the four geographic locations, with worm burdens in the Haramaya and Harar areas greater than those observed in the Dire Dawa and Jijiga locations. Similar seasonal variations were also observed in the prevalence of flukes. But there were no significant differences in the prevalence of each fluke species between the four locations. Overall, the results showed that Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus, Oesophagostomum, Fasciola and Paramphistomum species were the most abundant helminth parasites of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia.     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Y‐chromosomal variation of local goat breeds of Turkey close to the domestication centre

Genetic variations in chromosome Y are enabling researchers to identify paternal lineages, which are informative for introgressions and migrations. In this study, the male‐specific region markers, sex‐determining region‐Y (SRY), amelogenin (AMELY) and zinc finger (ZFY) were analysed in seven Turkish native goat breeds, Angora, Kilis, Hair, Honaml?, Norduz, Gürcü and Abaza. A SNP in the ZFY gene defined a new haplotype Y2C. All domestic haplogroups originate from Capra aegagrus, while the finding of Y1A, Y1B, Y2A and Y2C in 32, 4, 126 and 2 Turkish domestic goats, respectively, appears to indicate a predomestic origin of the major haplotypes. The occurrence of four haplotypes in the Hair goat and, in contrast, a frequency of 96% of Y1A in the Kilis breed illustrate that Y‐chromosomal variants have a more breed‐dependent distribution than mitochondrial or autosomal DNA. This probably reflects male founder effects, but a role in adaptation cannot be excluded.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.     

Feline intracranial neoplasia: retrospective review of 160 cases (1985-2001)

The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of different tumor types within a large cohort of cats with intracranial neoplasia and to attempt to correlate signalment, tumor size and location, and survival time for each tumor. Medical records of 160 cats with confirmed intracranial neoplasia evaluated between 1985 and 2001 were reviewed. Parameters evaluated included age, sex, breed, FeLV/FIV status, clinical signs, duration of signs, number of tumors, tumor location(s), imaging results, treatment, survival times, and histopathologic diagnosis. Most of the cats were older (11.3 +/- 3.8 years). Primary tumors accounted for 70.6% of cases. Metastasis and direct extension of secondary tumors accounted for only 5.6 and 3.8% of cases, respectively. Twelve cats (7.5%) had 2 or more discrete tumors of the same type, whereas 16 cats (10.0%) had 2 different types of intracranial tumors. The most common tumor types were meningioma (n = 93, 58.1%), lymphoma (n = 23, 14.4%), pituitary tumors (n = 14, 8.8%), and gliomas (n = 12, 7.5%). The most common neurological signs were altered consciousness (n = 42, 26.2%), circling (n = 36, 22.5%), and seizures (n = 36, 22.5%). Cats without specific neurological signs were common (n = 34, 21.2%). The tumor was considered an incidental finding in 30 (18.8%) cats. In addition to expected relationships (eg, meninges and meningioma, pituitary and pituitary tumors), we found that lesion location was predictive of tumor type with diffuse cerebral or brainstem involvement predictive of lymphoma and third ventricle involvement predictive of meningioma.     

A brief history of the prevention of infectious diseases by immunisations

Infectious diseases have always been a terrible scourge for humans. The appearance of these plagues, as they were called without distinction, was generally connected to various conditions: asters, climatic changes or religious reasons. The concept of contagious, and then infectious, diseases came slowly. Variolation, i.e. transmission of ‘virulent’ matter to induce a natural disease and the immunity against it, was brought from Constantinople to England by Lady Montague, in 1721. This ‘variolation’ technique was also often performed in veterinary medicine against diseases like sheep-pox or pleuropneumonia. As ‘vaccination’ is the term generally accepted for ‘immunisation’, variolation can be the word designating such a technique. The second period of the history of immunisation began, in 1880, with the studies of Pasteur and his collaborators. A great number of bacterial vaccines were developed: dead, live but attenuated or only parts of pathogens. The viruses were produced in animals, then in eggs and at last, in tissue cultures. Second generation vaccines appeared with genetic engineering: recombinant vaccines, vector vaccines, nucleic acids vaccines, and markers vaccines, among others. These novel technologies can permit the development of new ones and improve the quality of the vaccines already existing.