Transient expression of phospholipase D1 during heart development in rats

The expression of phospholipase D (PLD) isozymes was examined in the hearts of rats at different stages of development. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot analysis revealed weak PLD1 expression in the hearts of day 17 embryos. The level of PLD1 protein increased transiently 0 and 3 days postpartum, and declined gradually beginning 7 days after birth. Immunohistochemistry revealed weak PLD1 immunostaining in some cells at embryonic day 17. In contrast, some vascular endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes were immunostained typically at days 0, 3, and 7 after birth. After postnatal day 21, weak PLD1 expression was immunodetected in some vascular endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes. This suggests that the PLD1 protein in the heart is strongly associated with the early postnatal development of the heart in rats.     

Isolation and identification of Chlamydia psittaci from pet birds

Culturing of Chlamydia psittaci from pet birds requires the inoculation of a susceptible living host system with suspensions of various tissues from dead birds or with tracheal and/or cloacal swabs and fresh feces from live birds. Cell cultures have been used as the host system. The most commonly used cell cultures for isolation of C psittaci from pet birds are McCoy and mouse L cells. The sensitivity and specificity of cell culture equals or surpasses embryonating chicken eggs and mice, and results can be obtained in less than 7 days. To obtain satisfactory results, the inoculum must be centrifuged onto the cell cultures at 37 C, and the cells must be treated with a metabolic inhibitor such as colchicine or cycloheximide. Chlamydia psitaci can be detected in infected cells by use of fluorescent antibody, Giemsa, or Gimenez staining.     

宫内生长迟缓仔猪T细胞的发育研究

研究旨在探讨从出生到断奶不同日龄宫内生长迟缓(IUGR)猪T细胞的发育变化情况。选用体重相近和配种期相同的达兰初产妊娠母猪30头,分娩时从每窝仔猪中挑选1头正常体重猪和1头IUGR猪,分别在1、7、14、21、28日龄时屠宰取胸腺,分离T细胞,通过流式细胞仪测定CD3、CD4、CD8T细胞的数量,每个日龄6个重复。结果表明:出生后第1天IUGR仔猪与正常仔猪的CD4+CD8+细胞(双阳性T细胞)占总T细胞的百分比差异显著(P<0.05);出生后第7天IUGR仔猪与正常仔猪的CD4细胞占总T细胞的百分比差异极显著(P<0.01);后期各细胞亚群之间没有差异。结果提示,子宫内各种因素的综合影响能造成出生后早期IUGR仔猪T细胞亚群发育不完善,这就从T细胞亚群的发育方面解释了IUGR仔猪免疫力低的原因。     

Psychiatric investigation of 18 bereaved pet owners

This survey explores the grief associated with the loss of a pet, and was carried out using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaires were handed out to 50 bereaved pet owners attending a public animal cremation service, and we received 18 responses. Participants responded within 0 to 44 (median 4) days of the death of their pet. Although most mental health problems immediately following mourning are presumed to be normal grief reactions, on the basis of several psychiatric scales, 8 of the 16 valid responses indicated depression and/or neurosis. Statistical analyses showed that the following factors were significantly associated with grief reactions: age of owner, other stressful life events, family size, age of deceased animal, rearing place, and preliminary veterinary consultation.     

Nutritional stress as a cause of thymic atrophy in broiler chickens

A study was conducted to examine the effect of nutritional stress on the development of the thymus, bursa, and pancreas of 7-to-14-day-old commercial meat-type chickens. One group of 7-day-old chickens was given access to food for only 30 minutes daily for 7 days. The birds were necropsied, and the thymus, pancreas, and bursa were compared with those of the control chickens fed ad libitum and necropsied at 7 and 14 days of age. The thymuses from birds on the restricted diet were atrophied (0.45 +/- 0.08 g) and congested compared with the thymuses from chickens fed ad libitum (1.32 +/- 0.31 g). The bursae from chickens on a restricted diet were also smaller (0.26 +/- 0.08 g) than the bursae from birds with free access to food (0.74 +/- 0.11 g). The restricted diet did not appear to cause any gross or histological pancreatic changes. The thymic lesions produced by nutritional stress were similar to those observed in the runting/stunting syndrome.     

Morphometric analysis of progressive changes in hereditary cerebellar cortical degenerative disease (abiotrophy) in rabbits caused by abnormal synaptogenesis

We previously investigated rabbit hereditary cerebellar cortical degenerative disease, called cerebellar cortical abiotrophy in the veterinary field, and determined that the pathogenesis of this disease is the result of failed synaptogenesis between parallel fibers and Purkinje cells. In this study, longitudinal changes in the development and atrophy of the cerebellum of rabbits with hereditary abiotrophy after birth were morphometrically examined (postnatal day [PD] 15 and 42) using image analysis. Although development of the cerebellum in rabbits with abiotrophy was observed from PD 15 to PD 42, the growth rate of the cerebellum was less than that in normal rabbits. In rabbits with abiotrophy, the number of granular cells undergoing apoptosis was significantly higher at PD 15 and dramatically decreased at PD 42. The number of granular cells did not increase from PD 15 to 42. The synaptogenesis peak at PD 15 occurred when the largest number of apoptotic granular cells in rabbits with abiotrophy was observed. Although 26% to 36% of parallel fiber terminals formed synaptic junctions with Purkinje cell spines, the remainder did not at PD 15 and 42. The rate of failure of synaptogenesis in the present study might be specific to this case of abiotrophy. Morphometric analysis revealed detailed changes in development and atrophy in animals with postnatal cerebellar disease occurring soon after birth.     

Growth kinetics of porcine lymphatic organs during early postnatal life

During the critical early postnatal period, the development of lymphatic organs, being the major structural components of the immune system, progresses rapidly. In this context, the growth kinetics and growth rates of Peyer's patches, tonsilla veli palatini, lymphnodes (lc. mesentericum craniale and lc. bronchale), spleen and thymus were investigated in German landrace piglets from birth until 2 weeks of age. The weight of all these organs increased faster than body weight but regression analysis revealed remarkable differences in growth kinetics and growth rates. The lymphoepithelial organs (Peyer's patches, tonsilla veli palatini) had low growth rates at birth ( approximately 10%/day) that increased continuously until 2 weeks, while lymphnodes and spleen exhibited constant high growth rates ( approximately 40%/day). Small intestinal lymphnodes alone showed biphasic growth kinetics which could be attributed to colostrum absorption. The growth kinetics of the thymus included a point of inflexion at the end of the first week. The differences in growth kinetics and growth rates are discussed with regard to their immunobiological relevance.     

Perinatal development of lymphoid tissue and its associated epithelium in the ovine pharyngeal tonsil: A morphological study

The perinatal development of lymphoid tissue and its associated epithelium in the pharyngeal tonsil of sheep was investigated by light and electron microscopy. The lymphoid cells first appeared in the subepithelium in a scattered form at about 92 days gestation. These cells proliferated rapidly during the last trimester of gestation, and had formed many dense aggregates at the time of parturition. At birth, the epithelium overlying the aggregates was extensively infiltrated with lymphocytes and showed early transformation of follicle-associated epithelium. The lymphoid tissue and its associated epithelium did not, however., fully develop until after birth, when well-differentiated follicle-associated epithelium and lymphoid follicles with vigorous lymphopoiesis were present. In l–2 week old lambs, these structures were ultrastructurally similar to those seen in adult sheep although their size was smaller. The results of this study suggest that the lymphoid tissue of the ovine pharyngeal tonsil and its associated epithelium are morphologically ready to cope with antigens in the extra-uterine environment at birth, but that their full development and maturation are dependent on postnatal antigen stimulation.     

Perinatal development of lymphoid tissue and its associated epithelium in the ovine pharyngeal tonsil: a morphological study

The perinatal development of lymphoid tissue and its associated epithelium in the pharyngeal tonsil of sheep was investigated by light and electron microscopy. The lymphoid cells first appeared in the subepithelium in a scattered form at about 92 days gestation. These cells proliferated rapidly during the last trimester of gestation, and had formed many dense aggregates at the time of parturition. At birth, the epithelium overlying the aggregates was extensively infiltrated with lymphocytes and showed early transformation of follicle-associated epithelium. The lymphoid tissue and its associated epithelium did not, however, fully develop until after birth, when well-differentiated follicle-associated epithelium and lymphoid follicles with vigorous lymphopoiesis were present. In 1-2 week old lambs, these structures were ultrastructurally similar to those seen in adult sheep although their size was smaller. The results of this study suggest that the lymphoid tissue of the ovine pharyngeal tonsil and its associated epithelium are morphologically ready to cope with antigens in the extra-uterine environment at birth, but that their full development and maturation are dependent postnatal antigen stimulation.     

Evaluation and use of pet foods: general considerations in using pet foods for adult maintenance

Questions regarding pet animal nutrition are probably among the most frequent queries encountered by companion animal veterinarians. Given the plethora of pet food products available and the amount of advertising used to promote them, it is not surprising that pet owners have concerns as to what they should feed their pets. This "practical" review of pet foods and feeding is designed to assist veterinarians in making nutritional recommendations to their clients, with respect to feeding normal adult pets at maintenance.     

The histamine content of commercial pet foods

The histamine contents of a range of North American commercial pet foods and pet food ingredients were determined by a spectrofluorometric technique. The change in histamine content of open cans of pet food stored in a refrigerator or at room temperature was also investigated. The histamine content of the pet foods examined ranged from a low of 0.16 microg/g in a liquid critical care diet to a high of 65.5 microg/g in a canned fish diet. The amount of histamine in the foods tested was insufficient to cause histamine toxicosis but it cannot be excluded that some of the foods contained sufficient histamine to cause idiosyncratic reactions in histamine-sensitive cats. Storage of opened cans of pet food, either under refrigeration or at room temperature, did not significantly increase the histamine content of most pet foods.     

The histamine content of commercial pet foods

The histamine contents of a range of North American commercial pet foods and pet food ingredients were determined by a spectrofluorometric technique. The change in histamine content of open cans of pet food stored in a refrigerator or at room temperature was also investigated. The histamine content of the pet foods examined ranged from a low of 0.16 𝛍g/g in a liquid critical care diet to a high of 65.5 𝛍g/g in a canned fish diet. The amount of histamine in the foods tested was insufficient to cause histamine toxicosis but it cannot be excluded that some of the foods contained sufficient histamine to cause idiosyncratic reactions in histamine-sensitive cats. Storage of opened cans of pet food, either under refrigeration or at room temperature, did not significantly increase the histamine content of most pet foods.     

羊驼睾丸细胞凋亡及凋亡相关蛋白的定位

本研究旨在观察羊驼睾丸的出生后发育和精子发生过程中的细胞凋亡及凋亡相关蛋白Bcl2和Caspase3 的定位.取材新生、12月龄和24月龄羊驼的睾丸,用TUNEL法检测睾丸发育和精子发生过程的细胞凋亡,用免疫组织化学技术检测凋亡相关蛋白Bcl2和Caspase3在羊驼出生后发育和精子发生过程中的定位.结果显示在新生羊驼睾丸未检测到TUNEL阳性细胞,Caspase3和Bcl2表达于间质细胞,提示在新生期凋亡蛋白参与间质细胞凋亡的调节,为曲精小管的发育提供空间;12月龄羊驼睾丸TUNEL阳性细胞定位于曲精小管中央部分,Caspase3 和Bcl2定位于间质细胞和曲精小管中央生殖细胞,提示在青春期(12月龄)羊驼睾丸,细胞凋亡和凋亡相关蛋白参与曲精小管管腔形成的调节;24月龄羊驼睾丸TUNEL阳性细胞定位于精原细胞、精母细胞和精子细胞,Caspase3 和Bcl2定位于间质细胞和各个发育阶段的生精细胞,Caspase3阳性细胞在精原细胞最高,向精母细胞和精子细胞逐渐减少,Bcl2在精原细胞弱阳性表达,在血睾屏障以内的曲精小管近腔室部分呈弥散性强阳性表达,提示在性成熟(24月龄)羊驼睾丸精子发生过程中,细胞凋亡主要发生于精原细胞和早期精母细胞,Bcl2可能抑制精母细胞之后生殖细胞的凋亡.结果提示在羊驼睾丸出生后发育和精子发生过程中存在细胞凋亡现象;凋亡蛋白Caspase3和Bcl2参与羊驼睾丸发育和精子发生过程中细胞凋亡的调节.     

Inductively coupled plasma mass‐spectrometric determination of platinum in excretion products of client‐owned pet dogs

Residues of antineoplastic drugs in canine excretion products may represent exposure risks to veterinary personnel, owners of pet dogs and other animal care‐takers. The aim of this study was to measure the extent and duration of platinum (Pt) excretion in pet dogs treated with carboplatin. Samples were collected before and up to 21 days after administration of carboplatin. We used validated, ultra‐sensitive, inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry assays to measure Pt in canine urine, faeces, saliva, sebum and cerumen. Results showed that urine is the major route of elimination of Pt in dogs. In addition, excretion occurs via faeces and saliva, with the highest amounts eliminated during the first 5 days. The amount of excreted Pt decreased over time but was still quantifiable at 21 days after administration of carboplatin. In conclusion, increased Pt levels were found in all measured excretion products up to 21 days after administration of carboplatin to pet dogs, with urine as the main route of excretion. These findings may be used to further adapt current veterinary guidelines on safe handling of antineoplastic drugs and treated animals.     

固始鸡免疫器官内T淋巴细胞亚群动态变化

应用流式细胞仪结合免疫荧光抗体技术对固始鸡和固始鸡胚胎免疫器官内T淋巴细胞亚群的动态变化和发育分化规律进行了研究.结果发现,(1)胚胎时期,胸腺内T淋巴细胞发育分化低,表现为成熟的T淋巴细胞(CD3~+)和不成熟的胸腺细胞均较少;出壳后,固始鸡胸腺内成熟T淋巴细胞增多,占胸腺细胞的30%左右,但大部分仍是未成熟的胸腺细胞.(2)脾脏内T淋巴细胞为成熟的T淋巴细胞(CD3~+),占淋巴细胞的60%左右.胚胎时期脾脏内CD3~+水平低,出壳后2周已达脾脏内正常水平(60%左右).(3)法氏囊内有少量的成熟T淋巴细胞(10%左右).结果表明,T淋巴细胞在固始鸡胸腺内增殖分化和成熟,脾脏和法氏囊内的成熟T淋巴细胞均来源于胸腺.     

Cryptosporidium infection in juvenile pet rabbits

Cryptosporidium infection was confirmed by fecal examination for the first time in pet rabbits in a wholesale store located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Fecal samples were obtained postmortem from juvenile rabbits (n=66), which had died after developing diarrhea. Feces from healthy rabbits (n=30) were also collected and examined as controls. Two types of Cryptosporidium oocysts distinctive in size and shape were found (Type A and B). Types A and B oocysts were detected from 16.7% and 13.6% of the diarrheic, and 3.3% and 0% of the normal feces, respectively. Since Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected at a higher rate in the diarrheic rabbits than in the healthy rabbits, special caution should be taken when handling a pet rabbit presenting with diarrhea.     

Improvement to the subjective well-being of pet ownership may have positive psychological influence during COVID-19 epidemic

The COVID-19 epidemic and government intervention measures may have adverse effects on people's mental health. To explore the influence of pets on the intervention of people's psychological problems during the COVID-19 epidemic, an online survey was carried out between April 9 and April 29, 2020. A total of 756 participants replied to this questionnaire. Mental health variables were assessed, and the comparison of behavior changes among pet owners and pets on positive mental well-being during COVID-19 epidemic. Comparative analysis was performed; compared with individuals without pets (n = 575), pet owners (n = 181) had a higher prevalence of insomnia (p = 0.006). Living in Wuhan city was a risk factor for people with psychological stress (p < 0.05). Dog owners exhibited lower than average scores of insomnia and uncertainty of infection than cat owners (p = 0.004). People with more than one pet exhibited lower than average scores of depression than having one pet (p = 0.040). For analysis of psychological effects of pets on people, the role of pets in subjective feeling and positive psychological changes of pet owner was significantly different. Pet owners relieve that psychological pressure through behavioral changes towards their pets in early stage. Pets provided positive subjective well-being and psychological effects for their owners.     

Postnatal development of the mouse volatile papilla taste bud cells

In the present study, we examined specific markers for taste bud cells in the mouse and the postnatal development of volatile papilla taste bud cells in ddY mice. We examined the immunoreactivity of 4 types of carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes, CA I, CA II, CA III and CA VI, as specific markers for taste bud cells, and K8.13 cytokeratin antibody as a specific marker for the lingual epithelial cells. Of the carbonic anhydrase isoenzymes, only CA III immunoreactivity was clearly detected in the spindle shaped gustatory cells. CA VI immunoreactivity was detectable in suspentacular cells. CA I and CA II antibodies did not recognize any taste bud cell specifically. K8.13 cytokeratin immunoreactivity was detected in the lingual epithelial cells, but not in taste bud cells. At 7 days after birth, the suckling phase, very small taste buds developed from the anaplastic gustatory cells. At 14 days after birth, the taste buds showed larger size than those at 7 days after birth. At 21 days birth, after the weaning phase, taste bud structure approximated the mature structure. These results demonstrate the specificity of anti-CA III and anti-CA VI for gustatory cells and suspentacular cells, respectively. These markers should be useful for an analysis of taste bud development in mice.     

Radiation exposure of the pet owner during standardised X-ray diagnostic examinations of dogs and cats

In Germany pet owners are present during X-ray examinations of dogs and cats. Due to a change in the German X-ray Ordinance and the directive "Radiation Protection in Veterinary Medicine" it is necessary to determine the body dose of the pet owners.This study in the Clinic for Small Animals includes at least ten measurements for each of thirteen X-ray examinations of a dog and four of a cat. The equivalent doses of eye lens, thyroid, chest, hands, gonads, and lower leg were measured using TLD (LiF:Mg,Cu,P).The maximum value of 52 microSv was measured on the right hand.The 99 % -quantiles amount to 13 microSv for eye lens, 9 microSv for thyroid, 2.3 microSv for chest (under lead apron), 14 microSv for both hands, 2.1 microSv for gonads (under lead apron), and 2.0 microSv for lower leg. In every case the median and mean values at the seven measuring positions are lower than 2.5 microSv per radiograph. In view of the constant measured equivalent doses under the lead apron of less than 5 microSv for the trunk and gonads per X-ray examination the measurement of the personal dose of the pet owner during every X-ray examination of small animals is not justified. Alternatively, with reference to up-to-date measurements and the presented paper a certificate of exemption from the dose determination for pet owners could be applied for from the local authority.