Evaluation of serum concentrations of biochemical markers of bone metabolism and insulin-like growth factor I associated with treadmill exercise in young horses

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in serum concentrations of biochemical markers of bone metabolism and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) associated with treadmill exercise in young horses. ANIMALS: 12 two-year-old Thoroughbred mares. PROCEDURE: During a 20-week study period, 6 horses were exercised on a treadmill 3 times a week (exercise group) and 6 horses received walking exercise 6 days a week (controls). Serum concentrations or activity of biochemical markers and IGF-I were assessed biweekly. Bone mineral density and content of the first phalanx were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorbiometry (DEXA) on completion of the study. RESULTS: Compared with values in controls, bone mineral density and content were higher and serum concentrations of osteocalcin (a marker of bone formation) and the carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (a marker of bone resorption; ICTP) were lower in exercised horses. Serum concentration and activity of the bone formation markers carboxy-terminal propeptide of type I collagen and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP) were not different between the 2 groups. Serum IGF-I concentration was lower in the exercise group, compared with control values; there was a significant correlation between change in IGF-I values and changes in osteocalcin, ICTP, and BAP values at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Treadmill exercise over 20 weeks induced adaptive changes in bones of 2-year-old Thoroughbreds; training appears to increase bone mineral density, thereby enhancing mechanical strength of bone, but decreases bone turnover. Results indicated an association between changes in serum IGF-I concentration and bone cell activity in horses.     

Correlation Between Serum Activity of Muscle Enzymes and Stage of the Estrous Cycle in Italian Standardbred Horses Susceptible to Exertional Rhabdomyolysis

Equine exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) is a well-recognized clinical syndrome affecting racehorses. Prevalence analysis of ER showed that female sex was a significant risk factor. The aim of this research was to evaluate the differences and correlations in the serum activity of muscle enzymes and the stage of the estrous cycle in ER-susceptible and control (C) mares. Serum muscle enzyme activity before and after exercise and sex hormones were analyzed in the two groups of mares. Ten cyclic ER and 10 cyclic C mares were examined weekly for 4 weeks. During diestrus, ER horses had significantly higher resting and postexercise aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, but not creatine kinase (CK) activity, compared with controls; only postexercise AST activity was significantly higher during estrus compared with activity levels in controls. During estrus, 17β-estradiol and AST activity were significantly negatively correlated in the control but not ER mares. Based on our results, further studies should be performed to characterize the presumptive different roles played by sexual hormones in horses susceptible to ER compared with healthy mares.     

Biochemical aspects of the toxic effects of Supermethrin and the histochemical activity of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase and non-specific esterase in subchronic poisoning in sheep]

Fifteen Slovak Merino sheep were included in the experiment. The animals weighing 21-28 kg were divided into three groups per five animals. In a six-week feeding experiment the animals of group I were given 50 mg supermethrin per kg live weight per day while those of group II received 200, and from week four of the experiment 300 mg supermethrin per kg live weight per day. During the experiment changes of aspartate aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.1), alanine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.2), acetylcholine esterase (EC 3.1.1.7), urea und creatinine levels in blood serum were observed. Six weeks after supermethrin treatment the sheep were slaughtered and histochemical evaluation of alkaline phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.2), acid phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.1) and non-specific esterase (EC 3.1.1.1) was carried out in liver, kidney, duodenum, jejunum and ileum. In the course of the experiment changes of the enzymatic activities of aspartate aminotransferase observed in both experimental groups of sheep were similar to those seen in the control group of animals (Tab. I). As compared to the starting values, no significant changes in the activity of alanine aminotransferase were observed in group II of the experiment and in the controls. However, a significantly decreased alanine aminotransferase activity could be seen in the blood serum of sheep of group I (Tab. II). In both experimental groups of animals no significant changes in the acetylcholine esterase could be seen (Tab. III). As compared to the starting values, no significant changes were observed in creatinine levels of the control and the 1st experimental group of sheep (Tab. IV). In the sheep of the 2nd group a temporary significant decrease (p < 0.05) in creatinine levels was seen. The dynamics of urea levels was similar to starting values in all animals throughout the experiment Tab. V). In the control group of animals (Fig. 1) the high density of reaction product of alkaline phosphatase was determined in the microvilli of enterocytes of the small intestine. In the small intestine of the animals of both experimental groups, the activity of this enzyme was shown to be located in the same zone (Fig. 2). In all experimental animals in the parenchyma of the liver and kidney no significant changes could be observed. In both experimental and control animals the high activity of acid phosphatase was demonstrated to be located especially in the cytoplasma of enterocytes. The activity of non-specific esterase was located in the cytoplasma of enterocytes of the small intestine, in the intestinal crypts its activity was slight up to high.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

The relationship of hematology and serum chemistry parameters to treatment for respiratory disease and weight gain in Ontario feedlot calves.

In the fall of 1983, 322 western calves, in five different groups, were bled on arrival at two Ontario feedlots. Calves receiving treatment for respiratory disease, within 35 days of arrival, were denoted as cases. The hematology and serum chemistry parameters of cases were compared to those of controls. Cases had significantly (p less than 0.05) lower hematocrits, fewer platelets, and more band cells on arrival, than did controls. Cases also had lower serum phosphorous, magnesium, potassium, iron and alkaline phosphatase levels, and increased bilirubin and aspartate aminotransferase levels relative to controls. Based on the results of multivariable logistic regression, hematocrit, platelet numbers, serum phosphorous, iron and aspartate aminotransferase levels were the most significant parameters for the prediction of respiratory disease. Reference values for stressed feedlot calves were created. Most parameters were distributed in an approximately normal manner, however the group to group variation in most parameters was significant.     

Oxidant stress in sled dogs subjected to repetitive endurance exercise

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether repetitive endurance exercise in sled dogs was associated with substantial lipid peroxidation, decreases in antioxidant capacity of the serum, and skeletal muscle damage. ANIMALS: 24 lightly trained sled dogs. PROCEDURE: 16 dogs completed a 58-km run on each of 3 consecutive days; the other 8 dogs (control) did not exercise during the study. Blood samples were collected before the first exercise run and after the first and third exercise runs. Plasma isoprostane and serum vitamin E concentrations, total antioxidant status of plasma, and serum creatine kinase activity were measured. RESULTS: Plasma isoprostane concentrations in dogs in the exercise group were significantly increased after the first exercise run and further significantly increased after the third exercise run. Serum vitamin E concentration was significantly decreased after the first exercise run in dogs in the exercise group, and this change persisted after the third exercise run. There was a significant linear relationship between plasma isoprostane concentration and the logarithm of serum creatine kinase activity (adjusted ? = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results demonstrate that repetitive endurance exercise in dogs is associated with lipid peroxidation and a reduction in plasma antioxidant concentrations. We interpret these results as indicating that the antioxidant mechanisms of minimally trained dogs may, in some instances, be inadequate to meet the antioxidant requirements of repetitive endurance exercise.     

Experimental Aspergillus fumigatus infection in quails and results of treatment with itraconazole

This study was performed to investigate (i). the clinical, histopathological and biochemical changes in quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) with experimentally induced aspergillosis; and (ii). the efficiency of itraconazole treatment on these infected birds. A total of 18021-day-old male quails was randomly divided into three groups (control, infected untreated and infected treated), each containing 60. The experimental infection was set by intratracheal inoculation of 0.2 ml inoculum of Aspergillus fumigatus (CBS 113.26 strain) consisting of approximately 2.7 x 106 spores/ml. Two days after the inoculation, general clinical signs of aspergillosis in the respiratory tract were observed. In the histopathological examination, caseous foci were found in lungs, trachea and on airsacs. All quails died in the infected untreated group. Aspergillus fumigatus was isolated from the various organs of all dead quails. There was no significant change in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activities in infected untreated birds compared with controls. However, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, albumin and calcium levels, and albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio were lower while phosphorus and globulin levels were higher in the infected untreated group than in controls. Each quail in the infected treated group was given 10 mg/kg/day itraconazole via drinking water for 7 days immediately after the first clinical findings. Although all quails died in the infected untreated group, 41 quails survived in the itraconazole treatment group. Biochemical values also returned approximately to the control levels after the treatment. The conclusion was drawn that aspergillosis in the quails might cause economical losses because of high mortality. Oral itraconazole treatment of aspergillosis might lower the mortality rate in quails.     

Biocompatibility of three-dimensional chondrocyte grafts in large tibial defects of rabbits

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate biocompatibility and effects of implantation of 3-dimensional chondrocyte-agarose autografts in tibial defects in rabbits and to compare in vitro and in vivo chondrocyte-agarose constructs with respect to cell viability, differentiation, and matrix production. ANIMALS: 24 adult New Zealand White rabbits. PROCEDURE: Three-dimensional constructs with (grafted group) or without (control group) autogenous chondrocytes were implanted into tibial defects of rabbits and cultured in vitro. During an 8-week period, defects were evaluated radiographically, grossly, histologically, biochemically, and immunohistochemically. In vitro constructs were evaluated histologically, biochemically, and immunohistochemically. RESULTS: Tibial defects had significantly higher radiographic densitometry values at 4 and 6 weeks after implantation in grafted group rabbits, compared with control group rabbits. Number of observed centers of endochondral ossification was significantly greater in defects of grafted group rabbits, compared with control group rabbits. On day 14, glycosaminoglycan concentration was significantly higher in tibial defects of grafted group rabbits, compared to defects of control group rabbits or in vitro constructs. At weeks 2, 4, and 8, glycosaminoglycan concentrations were significantly lower in the in vitro control constructs, compared with other groups. Collagen type I was present in bone and bony callous in defects of grafted and control group rabbits. Collagen type II was identified in cartilaginous tissues of grafted and control group rabbits. Collagen type X was associated with hypertrophic chondrocytes. Only type II collagen was found in the in vitro chondrocyte constructs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Chondrocyte-agarose grafts are biocompatible in large tibial defects and appear to provide a cell source for augmenting endochondral ossification.     

Serum Profiles of Luteinizing Hormone,Oestradiol and Cholesterol and Ovarian Functions in Layer Poultry Birds (Gallus domesticus) Fed Diets Containing Furazolidone

This study was carried out to assess the serum profiles of luteinizing hormone (LH), oestradiol, cholesterol and ovarian functions in layer poultry birds (Rhode Island Red: Gallus domesticus) fed a diet containing various concentrations of furazolidone (FZ). A total of 40 birds were randomly assigned to receive FZ 0, 200, 400 or 800 mg/kg feed (ppm) daily during the pre-laying age, i.e. 13-18 weeks (for 5 weeks). Blood samples were collected at weekly intervals. Concentrations of LH and oestradiol in serum were estimated at alternate weeks using radioimmunoassays. Serum cholesterol levels were analysed by an enzymatic calorimetric method. Furazolidone administration was terminated at the 18th week of age. The birds were sacrificed at 22nd week of age and ovarian tissues were processed for morphometric studies. Serum LH, oestradiol and cholesterol levels were affected by age (p < 0.001) and FZ dose (p < 0.001). Serum LH and oestradiol levels were lower (p < 0.05) in birds receiving FZ 800 mg/kg feed daily compared with the controls, whereas serum cholesterol profiles were lower (p < 0.05) in all FZ-administered groups than in the control group. The mean weight of ovaries having no yolky follicles observed in the group receiving FZ 400 or 800 mg/kg feed per day was reduced (p < 0.05) compared with the control group. Dosing FZ at 800 mg/kg feed per day reduced (p < 0.05) the mean volume of ovaries having no yolky follicles compared with the control group. In birds receiving FZ 800 mg/kg feed per day, the mean length of the oviduct was reduced (p < 0.05) as compared with the control group. Morphometric studies revealed that the mean number of oocytes with diameter in the range 401-800 microm decreased (p < 0.05) in birds fed FZ 400 or 800 mg/kg feed per day. Initial egg production was affected by age (p < 0.001) and dose (p < 0.001) of FZ. The mean number of eggs laid by different groups revealed that egg production was reduced (p < 0.05) in birds receiving FZ 800 mg/kg feed per day as compared with the controls. The present data suggest that FZ causes suppression in serum profiles of LH, oestradiol, cholesterol and ovarian functions in Rhode Island Red layer poultry birds. Therefore, great care must be taken with use of FZ in layer poultry birds (Gallius domesticus) with regard to dosage and duration of administration.     

过瘤胃胆碱和有机铬对围产期奶牛干物质采食量、奶产量及血液生化指标的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮中添加过瘤胃胆碱和有机铬对围产期奶牛干物质采食量(DMI)、奶产量及血液生化指标的影响.选取40头健康、经产(平均胎次1～2胎)的中国荷斯坦奶牛,随机分为4组,每组10头牛.对照组饲喂基础饲粮,胆碱组饲喂基础饲粮+30 g/d过瘤胃胆碱,有机铬组饲喂基础饲粮+8g/d蛋氨酸铬,混合组饲喂基础饲粮+30...     

不同水平柚叶饲粮对生长肉兔血清生化指标、消化和免疫功能的影响

本试验旨在研究不同水平柚叶饲粮对生长肉兔生理机能的影响,进一步评估柚叶作为家兔饲料原料的可行性。选取120只遗传背景相同、健康的35日龄法国伊拉商品兔,适应7 d后,按体重[(1 179.25±53.74)g]相近原则随机分为4组,每组10个重复,每个重复(笼)3只。对照组饲喂不含柚叶的基础饲粮,试验组分别饲喂含6%(Ⅰ组)、12%(Ⅱ组)和18%(Ⅲ组)柚叶的试验饲粮,4种饲粮的能、氮和纤维含量基本相等。试验期28 d。结果发现:1)除Ⅲ组血清球蛋白含量显著高于对照组和Ⅱ组(P0.05),Ⅱ组血清球蛋白含量显著低于Ⅰ组(P0.05)以及Ⅲ组白球比显著低于Ⅱ组(P0.05)外,其余血清生化指标各组间无显著差异(P0.05)。2)饲粮中添加柚叶对生长肉兔消化器官发育指标无显著影响(P0.05)。除试验组后期丙酸比例及Ⅲ组中期盲肠内容物p H和氨态氮浓度显著低于对照组(P0.05)以及Ⅱ组中期p H显著高于Ⅲ组(P0.05)外,其余盲肠发酵参数各组间差异不显著(P0.05)。3)除Ⅲ组血清免疫球蛋白A水平显著低于对照组和Ⅰ组(P0.05)以及Ⅰ组血清免疫球蛋白A水平显著高于对照组和Ⅱ组(P0.05)外,其余免疫指标各组间均无显著差异(P0.05)。由此得出,生长肉兔自由采食含6%~18%柚叶的饲粮4周,不明显负面影响血清生化指标、消化及免疫功能,进一步提示柚叶可作为家兔的饲料原料使用。     

Diurnal and seasonal variations of serum enzyme activity in cattle and sheep

In order to test the variation of enzyme activity in serum of cattle and sheep during the day, blood samples were taken at three hrs. interval from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The following enzymes were assayed: Aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT = GOT), alanine aminotransferase (AlAT = GPT), total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and a-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBD). The variation between animals contributed by far to the greatest part of the total variation in clinical healthy animals. The time-of-day-dependant variation was less than 3 %, except for alanine aminotransferase.During the first two weeks of spring pasture serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly raised in both cows and ewes, compared with serum levels of the same animals on indoor feeding. No such increase occurred in total lactate dehydrogenase.     

桃金娘水提物抗肝脏纤维化作用的试验研究

本试验旨在研究桃金娘水提物对CCl₄复合因素造模法诱导的肝脏纤维化大鼠的保护作用,探讨其作用机制。取SD大鼠72只,随机分为模型组、秋水仙碱组（1×10^-4 mg/g）、桃金娘水提物低剂量（1.5 mg/g）、中剂量（3 mg/g）、高剂量（6 mg/g）组及正常组,每组12只。除正常组外,其余各组大鼠于第1~4周皮下注射40% CCl₄花生油溶液,注射剂量为0.3 mL/100 g体重,隔日1次,连续4周,同时第2~4周给予30%乙醇灌胃1 mL/只,隔日1次,连续3周。各组大鼠于第5周开始灌胃给药,灌胃体积量为1 mL/100 g体重,正常组、模型组给予等量生理盐水,桃金娘水提物组分别按照相应剂量灌胃给药,每日1次,连续给药4周,给药的同时仍继续造模。给药结束后,检测各组大鼠血清中丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶（AST）活性、总胆红素（TBil）、α-平滑肌肌动蛋白（α-SMA）、转化生长因子-β（TGF-β）等的水平、丙二醛（MDA）含量及超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶（GSH-Px）活性;观察肝脏组织HE及Masson染色的变化。试验结果显示,桃金娘水提物可显著或极显著降低肝脏纤维化大鼠AST、ALT活性、TBil、TGF-β及α-SMA水平（P<0.05;P<0.01）,提高大鼠血清SOD、GSH-Px活性（P<0.05）,降低MDA含量（P<0.01;P<0.05）,减轻肝脏纤维化大鼠肝脏病理损伤程度。以上结果表明,桃金娘水提物对CCl₄复合因素所致肝脏纤维化大鼠的肝脏功能具有明显的恢复作用,可增强其抗氧化能力,减轻肝细胞损伤,具有较好的抗肝脏纤维化作用。     

葡萄籽提取物原花青素对肉兔生长发育、血清酶活性及消化代谢的影响

本试验旨在研究葡萄籽提取物原花青素（Grape seed proanthocyanidin extracts,GSPE）对肉兔生长发育、血清酶活性及消化代谢的影响。采用单因子随机区组试验设计,选择128只60日龄、体质量相近的健康新西兰兔,随机分为4组（1个对照组和3个试验组）,每组32个重复,每个重复1只。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,3个试验组分别饲喂在基础饲粮中添加100、200、400mg/kg GSPE的试验饲粮。试验期为39d,其中预试期为6d,正试期为33d。正试期第10~15天收集试验兔排出的全部粪便和尿液。结果显示：4组试验兔死亡率和腹泻率分别为12.50%、6.25%、3.13%、3.13%和1.95%、1.52%、1.17%、0.59%;对照组试验兔日增重、日干物质进食量及血清碱性磷酸酶活性均显著（P〈0.05）或极显著（P〈0.01）低于200mg/kg组和400mg/kg组,而料重比及谷丙与谷草转氨酶活性均显著（P〈0.05）或极显著（P〈0.01）高于后者;对照组试验兔屠宰率显著（P〈0.05）或极显著（P〈0.01）低于其余3组,而400mg/kg组试验兔脾脏相对质量极显著（P〈0.01）高于其余3组;对照组试验兔十二指肠相对重量、相对长度及密度、空肠相对长度、盲肠相对质量、全肠道相对质量与相对长度及胃肠道相对质量均显著（P〈0.05）或极显著（P〈0.01）低于200mg/kg组和400mg/kg组,空肠相对质量、盲肠相对长度与密度、大肠相对长度及全肠道密度均显著（P〈0.05）或极显著（P〈0.01）低于400mg/kg组,且大肠相对质量与密度均显著（P〈0.05）或极显著（P〈0.01）低于其余3组;400mg/kg组试验兔饲粮干物质、有机物、粗纤维、钙与磷表观消化率、总能表观消化率与利用率及氮表观消化率均显著（P〈0.05）或极显著（P〈0.01）高于其余3组,氮利用率则显著（P〈0.05）高于对照组,而对照组试验兔饲粮粗脂肪表观消化率与消化能利用率均显著（P〈0.05）或极显著（P〈0.01）低于20     

Serum concentration of surfactant protein D in horses with lower airway inflammation

Reasons for performing study: Surfactant protein D (SP‐D), mainly synthesised by alveolar type II cells and nonciliated bronchiolar cells, is one important component of innate pulmonary immunity. In man, circulating concentrations of SP‐D are routinely used as biomarkers for pulmonary injury. To date, serum SP‐D levels have only been investigated in horses in an experimental model of bacterial airway infection. Objectives: To compare serum SP‐D concentrations at rest and after exercise in horses with and without inflammatory airway disease (IAD). Methods: Venous blood samples were collected from 42 Standardbred racehorses at rest and 60 min after performing a standardised treadmill exercise test. Tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were collected after exercise. Based on BALF cytology, 22 horses were defined as IAD‐affected and 20 classified as controls. Serum SP‐D concentrations were assessed using a commercially available ELISA kit and statistically compared between groups of horses and sampling times. Results: Serum concentrations of SP‐D in IAD‐affected horses were significantly higher than those of control horses, both at rest and after exercise. Within the IAD‐affected group, no significant correlation was found between serum SP‐D concentrations and BALF cytology. Within each group of horses (IAD and control), no significant influence of exercise was found on serum SP‐D levels. Conclusions: This is the first study determining serum SP‐D concentrations in a noninfectious, naturally occurring form of lower airway inflammation in horses. The results highlight that IAD is associated with a detectable, though moderate, increase of circulating SP‐D levels. Potential relevance: Serum concentration of surfactant protein D could represent a potentially valuable and readily accessible blood biomarker of equine lower airway inflammation.     

Plasma cortisol and ACTH concentrations in the warmblood horse in response to a standardized treadmill exercise test as physiological markers for evaluation of training status

Reliable physiological markers for performance evaluation in sport horses are missing. To determine the diagnostic value of plasma ACTH and cortisol measurements in the warmblood horse, 10 initially 3-yr-old geldings of the Hannovarian breed were either exposed to a training schedule or served as controls. During experimental Phase 1, horses were group-housed, and half of the horses were trained for 20 wk on a high-speed treadmill. During Phase 2, groups were switched and one group was trained for 10 wk as during Phase 1, whereas the control group was confined to boxes. During Phase 3 horses were initially schooled for riding. Thereafter, all horses were regularly schooled for dressage and jumping, and half of the horses received an additional endurance training for 24 wk. During all phases horses were exposed at regular intervals to various standardized treadmill exercise tests. During and after the tests frequent blood samples were taken from an indwelling jugular catheter for determination of ACTH and cortisol. Treadmill exercise increased both hormones. Maximum ACTH concentrations were recorded at the end of exercise, and maximum cortisol levels were recorded 20 to 30 min later. Except for one test there were no differences in ACTH levels between trained horses and controls. There was no significant effect of training on the cortisol response (net increase) to treadmill exercise in any of the tests during Phase 1. During Phase 2 higher cortisol responses were recorded in controls than in trained horses (P < .05) after 10 wk of training (controls confined to boxes). During Phase 3 plasma cortisol responses were also higher in controls than in trained horses (P < .05 after 6, 18, and 24, P < or = .07 after 12 wk of training) when the inclination of the treadmill was 5%, but not at 3%. There was no overlap in net cortisol responses at 30 min between trained and untrained horses. An ACTH application after 24 wk of training resulted in higher cortisol responses in controls than in trained horses (P < or = .05), without any overlap between the groups at 30 min after ACTH. Plasma cortisol responses to either treadmill exercise or ACTH injection may be a reliable physiological marker for performance evaluation. Prerequisites are sufficient differences in training status and sufficient intensity of exercise test conditions.     

Effects of a skullcap root supplement on haematology,serum parameters and antioxidant enzymes in rabbits on a high‐cholesterol diet

We studied the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis root on blood parameters and antioxidant enzyme activities in rabbits fed a high‐cholesterol diet. Thirty‐two New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four groups of eight animals each. They were fed a standard diet (C group), a diet with a 1% pure cholesterol supplement (CH group), a diet with a 1% pure cholesterol supplement and a 9% skullcap root supplement (CH + SR group), or a diet with a 9% skullcap root supplement (SR group). After 6 weeks, the rabbits fed the high‐cholesterol diet had significantly decreased RBC and Hb levels and significantly increased MCV, MCH and Fe levels (p ≤ 0.05). The skullcap root supplement had no adverse effects on the haematological parameters. The values for RBC, Hb, HCT, MCV, MCH and MCHC were similar in the skullcap root‐treated and control rabbits. We also observed a remarkable elevation in the serum TC, LDL and TG levels at the end of the 6‐week period. The rabbits fed the cholesterol diet showed decreased activity of the erythrocyte GSH‐Px compared with the rabbits fed the basal diet. The GSH‐Px activity was significantly higher in the rabbits fed the CH + SR diet than in those on the CH diet. The erythrocyte SOD activity was also significantly decreased in the rabbits on the CH diet. However, the CH + SR group rabbits showed significantly enhanced erythrocyte SOD activity. The SOD level in the CH + SR rabbits was 34.91 U/ml, which was a 23% increase (p ≤ 0.05) in relation to the results for the CH group and only 15% diminished in relation to the control group. These results suggest that the dietary supplementation of skullcap root may improve rabbit antioxidant systems and protect against the risks from a high‐cholesterol diet.     

Ontogeny of the immune response: effect of protein energy malnutrition in neonatal calves.

Immunocompetence of neonatal, Holstein bull calves fed for maximal growth (Control; n = 4) or protein energy malnutrition feeding (PEM; n = 4) for four weeks was assayed in vitro and in vivo. All calves exhibited elevated cortisol levels for ten days postnatally. At this time calves also were neutrophilic and lymphopenic. In addition lymphocyte function, as measured by lymphocyte proliferation and interleukin-2 activity, was reduced at this time as compared to older calves. After two weeks of protein energy malnutrition feeding, calves had significantly lower body weight, lymphocyte interleukin-2 activity and lymphocyte proliferation when compared with age-matched controls. Two weeks after protein energy malnutrition ration reversal, interleukin-2 activity and lymphocyte proliferation was comparable for both groups. There was no significant difference in serum cortisol concentration between control and protein energy malnutrition calves. The kinetics of the protein energy malnutrition group's primary humoral immune response was retarded, thus significantly lower antibody levels to K99 antigen were observed 8 to 12 days postimmunization. There was no significant difference between groups when comparing secondary response to K99 antigen.     

Effect of dietary supplements containing antioxidants on attenuation of muscle damage in exercising sled dogs

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether dietary antioxidants would attenuate exercise-induced increases in plasma creatine kinase (CK) activity in sled dogs. ANIMALS: 41 trained adult sled dogs. PROCEDURE: Dogs, randomly assigned to 2 groups, received the same base diet throughout the study. After 8 weeks on that diet, 1 group (21 dogs) received a daily supplement containing vitamins E (457 U) and C (706 mg) and beta-carotene (5.1 mg), and a control group (20 dogs) received a supplement containing minimal amounts of antioxidants. After 3 weeks, both groups performed identical endurance exercise on each of 3 days. Blood samples were collected before and 3 weeks after addition of supplements and after each day of exercise. Plasma was analyzed for vitamins E and C, retinol, uric acid, triglyceride, and cholesterol concentrations, total antioxidant status (TAS), and CK activity. RESULTS: Feeding supplements containing antioxidants caused a significant increase in vitamin E concentration but did not change retinol or vitamin C concentrations orTAS. Exercise caused significantly higher CK activity, but did not cause a significant difference in CK activity between groups. Exercise was associated with significantly lower vitamin E, retinol, and cholesterol concentrations and TAS but significantly higher vitamin C, triglyceride, and uric acid concentrations in both groups. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Use of supplements containing the doses of antioxidants used here failed to attenuate exercise-induced increases in CK activity. Muscle damage in sled dogs, as measured by plasma CK activity, may be caused by a mechanism other than oxidant stress.     

家兔体重与血清瘦素及肾功能关系研究

为探讨家兔的体重与血浆瘦素水平及肾功能的关系,将30只断奶,40日龄的健康雌性新西兰白兔按体重编号后,按随机数字表分为正常对照组(n=10),过饲组(n=10)及限饲组(n=10)3个组。分别通过不同的饲养方式,即对照组按兔子的营养标准正常饲喂,过饲组在正常对照组日饲喂量的基础上增加30%,限饲组则在正常对照组日饲喂量的基础上减少30%,饲养12周后,对各组的体重进行差异显著性检验,过饲组和限饲组的体重与对照组比较差异显著,具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。随后,分别测定血清瘦素(Lp)水平和肾功能指标尿素氮(BUN)、尿酸(UA)、肌酐(SCr)、总蛋白(TP)。结果表明,限饲组和过饲组的血清Lp水平均高于对照组,而且限饲组的血清Lp水平甚至高于过饲组(P<0.05);限饲组血清UA、SCr、BUN均高于对照组和过饲组(P<0.05),而过饲组与对照组相比无明显变化;限饲组血清TP低于对照组和过饲组(P<0.05),而过饲组与对照组相比无明显变化。由于动物限饲出现了营养不良、体重降低,会引发肾功能受损并伴随出现高瘦素血症情况;而肾功能受损和高水平的血清瘦素则加剧了机体的营养不良,从而导致体重的进一步下降。     

Effects of T-2 mycotoxin ingestion on phagocytosis of Aspergillus fumigatus conidia by rabbit alveolar macrophages and on hematologic, serum biochemical, and pathologic changes in rabbits

Rabbits were given T-2 mycotoxin orally at 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mg/kg of body weight/day for 21 days. Only rabbits in the 0.75 mg/kg/day group (4 of 5 rabbits) died. Alveolar macrophages were harvested on day 22 and used for in vitro phagocytosis of killed Aspergillus fumigatus conidia. Cultures included sera from untreated rabbits or rabbits treated with T-2. Phagocytosis was significantly (P less than 0.01) reduced in cultures that used serum from rabbits treated with 0.5 mg of T-2/kg/day and alveolar macrophages from untreated rabbits or rabbits treated with T-2. There was little reduction in phagocytosis when alveolar macrophages from rabbits treated with T-2 and normal serum were used. Ingestion of 0.5 mg of T-2 toxin/kg/day significantly (P less than 0.05) reduced weight gain, serum alkaline phosphatase activity, serum sorbitol dehydrogenase activity, and serum bacteriostasis. Similar changes were found in the 0.75 mg/kg/day group, as well as a significant (P less than 0.05) reduction in PCV, total WBC, and differential leukocyte counts. Neutrophil counts decreased, but not significantly (0.05 less than P less than 0.10). Significant changes were not detected in alanine transaminase activity, aspartate transaminase activity, blood urea nitrogen concentration, or complement hemolytic activity. Histopathologic changes consisting of centrilobular hepatocellular swelling, mild portal and periportal fibrosis and lymphocyte necrosis within secondary lymphoid tissues developed in most rabbits treated with T-2. Thymic atrophy, bile duct reduplication, and lymphocyte depletion of secondary lymphoid tissues developed in the group given 0.75 mg/kg/day.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)