Histochemical studies on the dependence of secretory function of the major vestibular gland (Bartholin's gland) on ovarian steroid hormones in the cat.

The dependency of the secretory function of the feline major vestibular gland (Bartholin's gland) on the ovarian steroid hormones was studied histochemically. After estrogen (estradiol-17 beta or diethylstilbestrol), progesterone or a combination of these was administered to cats which were previously ovariohysterectomized, the major vestibular glands were removed, embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and stained by alcian blue, periodic acid-Schiff or peroxidase-labeled lectin (peanut agglutinin and wheat germ agglutinin). The vividly positive reactions to the stainings applied were observed in the secretory epithelial cells of the major vestibular glands in the estrogen treated animals. The dependency of the secretory function of the major vestibular glands on the estrogen was demonstrated in this study.     

Apoptosis in the porcine uterine endometrium during the estrous cycle, early pregnancy and post partum

The mammalian uterus changes dramatically during the estrous cycle, pregnancy, and involution post partum. Dynamic changes in the uterine endometrium are a type of homeostasis and proceed with proliferation and exclusion of cells. Homeostasis of the uterus is closely related to apoptosis involving various hormones and cytokines. The objective of the present study was to determine the morphological features and occurrence of apoptosis in the porcine endometrium during the estrous cycle, early pregnancy, and post partum. Cyclic changes in the morphology of the surface epithelium were observed during the estrous cycle. The heights of surface epithelia were significantly high on day 4 of the estrous cycle and the early pregnancy. The heights of the surface epithelium remained low from days 1 to 31 post partum. We then used terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) of the 3'-terminal of fragmented DNA, which is effective for detection of apoptosis in various tissues. We found that apoptosis in the porcine endometrium contributed to homeostasis of the endometrium during the estrous cycle through control of cell proliferation and exclusion. Conversely, apoptosis on days 4 and 8 of gestation before the implantation window depended on the plasma estrogen and progesterone levels; however, suppressive homeostasis of apoptosis occurred at the time of implantation on days 15, 18 and 21 of gestation. Our study is the first to demonstrate apoptotic cell death in the porcine endometrium directly by TUNEL method. The results strongly suggest that uterine homeostasis is mainly controlled by apoptosis during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy.     

International harmonisation of anthelmintic efficacy guidelines

The "International Co-operation on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Veterinary Medicinal Products (VICH)" is an international programme of co-operation between regulatory authorities and the animal health industries of the European Union, Japan, and the United States of America which aims to harmonise the technical requirements for the registration of veterinary medicinal products. Australia and New Zealand participate as active observers. The objective of the present paper is to present the guidelines established by the working group on Anthelmintic Efficacy Guidelines: (1) efficacy of anthelmintics: general requirements (VICH GL7); (2) efficacy of anthelmintics: specific recommendations for bovines (VICH GL12); (3) efficacy of anthelmintics: specific recommendations for ovines (VICH GL13); (4) efficacy of anthelmintics: specific recommendations for caprines (VICH GL14). These guidelines do not consist of rigid stipulations, but make clear recommendations on the minimal standards needed. To the veterinary profession, livestock producers and animal owners, harmonisation should mean quicker access to safer and more effective veterinary anthelmintics. In general, products should be relatively more affordable because of the reduction in registration costs and efficient use of resources by the regulatory authorities.     

Trophinin is expressed in the porcine endometrium during the estrous cycle

We investigated endometrial expression of trophinin mRNA and protein, homophilic cell adhesion molecules, during the estrous cycle of gilts. An immunopositive reaction for trophinin was observed in the luminal and glandular epithelia of the endometrium at all stages of the estrous cycle, but not in endometrial stromal cells or the myometrium. A partial coding sequence of porcine trophinin was similar to sequences in humans and mice, with homologies of 75% and 70%, respectively. As in humans and mice, the trophinin gene is expressed in the endometrium. Trophinin, however, is expressed in the endometrium of the pig throughout the estrous cycle, higher expression levels were observed at some points of the luteal phase, as in humans. These findings suggest that regulation of trophinin gene expression in the pig is different from that in mice, but similar to that in humans. Furthermore, the present results suggest that the pig might be a suitable model for studying the physiological importance of trophinin in early pregnancy in humans.     

Three dogs under 2 years of age with heartworm caval syndrome

Heartworm caval syndrome (CS) occurred in three dogs under 2 years of age. A 23-month-old dog was recovered by surgical and medical treatments, but the other 2 dogs (15 and 21 months old) died. Necropsy demonstrated 12 heartworms in the 15-month-old dog and 8 worms in the 21-month-old dog. Histopathologically, pulmonary arterial embolism caused by dead worms and thrombi were observed in these cases. The findings suggested that CS could develop regardless of canine age and worm burden if pulmonary arterial embolism related to worm death or thrombus formation were induced.     

Age-related changes of genital systems in the female Crj:CD (SD) IGS rats during sexual maturation

The age-related changes of vaginal opening, body weight, the weights of the uterus and ovary, together with histological examination, serum 17beta-estradiol (E2) and progesterone levels were examined in intact female Crj:CD (SD) IGS rats between 21 and 36 days of age to understand the basic biological profile of changes of the female genital system during sexual maturation in the rat for female pubertal assays. With the beginning of the elevation of serum E2 level from 28 days of age, all parameters except body weight started to show drastic change until 31 days of age. The highest incidence of vaginal opening was recorded at 34 days of age. On macroscopic examinations, a number of rats showed uterine imbibition but vaginal opening. Immediately after the confirmation of the vaginal opening, the genital systems of three rats were observed microscopically. Both ovaries already had multiple corpora lutea, and degeneration of endometrial epithelial cells was observed. In conclusion, we obtained essential data on genital tract development of female Crj:CD (SD) IGS rats for in vivo screening assays that will contribute to detect potential endocrine active chemicals. In addition, it is assumed that the first ovulation precedes or occurs simultaneously with vaginal opening.     

International harmonisation of anthelmintic efficacy guidelines (Part 2).

The "International Co-operation on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Veterinary Medicinal Products (VICH)" is an international programme of co-operation between regulatory authorities and the animal health industries of the European Union, Japan and the United States of America which aims to harmonise the technical requirements for the registration of veterinary medicinal products. Australia and New Zealand participate as active observers. The objective of this second paper is to present additional guidelines established by the Working Group on anthelmintic guidelines: (1) efficacy of anthelmintics: specific recommendations for equine (VICH GL15), (2) efficacy of anthelmintics: specific recommendations for porcine (VICH GL16), (3) efficacy of anthelmintics: specific recommendations for canine (VICH GL19), (4) efficacy of anthelmintics: specific recommendations for feline (VICH GL20) and (5) efficacy of anthelmintics: specific recommendations for poultry (VICH GL21). These guidelines do not consist of rigid stipulations, but make clear recommendations on the minimal standards needed. To the veterinary profession, livestock producers and animal owners, harmonisation should mean quicker access to safer and more effective veterinary anthelmintics. In general, products should be relatively more affordable because of the reduction in registration costs and efficient use of resources by the regulatory authorities.     

Evaluation of intracranial pressure by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography in dogs with intracranial hypertension

Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) has been used to confirm changes in cerebral hemodynamics. In this study, we investigated whether the parameters for the basilar artery measured by TCD were correlated with the intracranial and cerebral perfusion pressures in extreme intracranial hypertension. An intracranial hypertension model was produced in seven dogs by inflating a balloon inserted into the epidural space. The resistance index was compared with the corresponding intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure values during intracranial hypertension. A significant correlation was recognized between the resistance index and cerebral perfusion pressure. Therefore, measurement of the basilar artery by TCD in the dog with intracranial hypertension is useful in estimating the intracranial circulation in cases where the measurement of intracranial pressure is not available or not indicated.     

Effects of utilization of local food by‐products as total mixed ration silage materials on fermentation quality and intake,digestibility, rumen condition and nitrogen availability in sheep

Four wethers were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design experiment to evaluate in vivo digestibility of total mixed ration (TMR) silage with food by‐products for dairy cows, and the ruminal condition and nitrogen (N) balance were examined. Five by‐products (i.e. potato waste, noodle waste, soybean curd residue, soy sauce cake and green tea waste) were obtained. Four types of TMR silage were used: control (C) containing roughage and commercial concentrate, T1:20% and T1:40% containing the five by‐products replacing 20% and 40% of the commercial concentrate on a dry matter (DM) basis, respectively, and T2:40% containing three by‐products (potato waste, noodle waste and soybean curd residue) replacing 40% of the commercial concentrate on a DM basis. The ingredients were mixed and preserved in oil drum silos for 4 months. The TMR silages showed 4.02–4.44% and 1.75–2.19% for pH and lactic acid contents, respectively. The digestibility of DM and neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrient content were higher (P < 0.05) for T2:40% feeding than for C feeding. Urinary nitrogen excretion tended to be lower (P = 0.07) for T2:40% than for C. The results suggested 40% replacing of commercial concentrate by using the three food by‐products can be most suitable for TMR silage.