Hsp70 and HSF-1 expression is altered in the tissues of pigs transported for various periods of times

The aim of this study was to assess changes of Hsp70 and HSF-1 protein and mRNA expression in stress-sensitive organs of pigs during transportation for various periods of time. Twenty pigs were randomly divided into four groups (0 h, 1 h, 2 h, and 4 h of transportation). A significant increased activity of AST and CK was observed after 1 h and 2 h of transportation. Histopathological changes in the heart, liver, and stomach indicated that these organs sustained different degrees of injury. Hsp70 protein expression in the heart and liver of transported pigs did not change significantly while it increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the stomach. Hsp70 mRNA levels decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the heart after 4 h of transportation. However, mRNA expression increased significantly in the liver after 1 (p < 0.05) and 4 h (p < 0.01) of transportation, and increased significantly in the stomach of the transported pigs after 1, 4 (p < 0.01), and 2 h (p < 0.05). HSF-1 levels were reduced at 1 and 4 h (p < 0.05) only in the hearts of transported pigs. These results indicate that Hsp70 mediates distinct stress-related functions in different tissues during transportation.     

Localization of heat shock proteins and histopathological changes in the kidneys of transported pigs

To demonstrate the expression of heat shock proteins (Hsps) in the kidney, 5 kinds of Hsps, namely, Hsp70, Hsp72, Hsp86, Hsp90, and Hsp27, were examined in pigs after 6-h-transports by using western blot analysis. All 5 Hsps were detected in the kidneys of both the transported and control pigs. Hsp expression in the control pigs indicated that Hsps have some physiological functions in addition to stress-response functions. With the exception of Hsp27, a significant reduction was observed in all the levels of Hsps in the kidneys of the transport-stressed pigs after 6 h of transport, particularly in the levels of Hsp70 and Hsp72, which belong to the HSP70 family; and Hsp86 and Hsp90, which belong to the HSP90 family. The results indicate that 6-h-transports are not only related to renal pathological injury but also to a reduction in most of Hsp levels in the kidney. However, slight Hsp27 induction (P < 0.05) indicates that Hsps that undergo different changes following transportation stress are involved in different physiological functions. Whether the decreased amount of a certain Hsp may indicate damage and/or overuse and whether Hsps actually protect kidney tissue from such overuse remain to be elucidated.     

亚麻籽油对脂多糖刺激仔猪肝脏Toll样受体4和核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域信号通路关键基因表达的影响

本试验旨在研究亚麻籽油对脂多糖(LPS)刺激仔猪肝脏Toll样受体4(TLR4)和核苷酸结合寡聚化结构域(NOD)信号通路关键基因表达的影响。选取24头断奶仔猪,按体重相近原则随机分为4个组,分别为对照组、LPS组、2.5%亚麻籽油组(2.5%亚麻籽油+LPS)、5.0%亚麻籽油组(5.0%亚麻籽油+LPS),每组6个重复,每个重复1头猪,试验期21 d。试验组注射100μg/kg体重的LPS,对照组注射等量的生理盐水。注射LPS或生理盐水4 h后屠宰仔猪,取肝脏,测定TLR4和NOD信号通路关键基因及相关炎性介质的mRNA表达水平。结果表明:1)LPS刺激显著提高了肝脏肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、环氧酶2(COX2)、热休克蛋白70(HSP70)的mRNA相对表达量(P0.05),2.5%亚麻籽油可显著降低COX2、TNF-α的mRNA相对表达量(P0.05),5.0%亚麻籽油可显著降低TNF-α的mRNA相对表达量(P0.05)。2)LPS刺激显著提高了肝脏TLR4、髓样分化因子88(My D88)、白细胞介素-1受体相关激酶1(IRAK1)、NOD1、NOD2、受体互作蛋白2(RIPK2)、核因子-κB(NF-κB)的mRNA相对表达量(P0.05);2.5%亚麻籽油可显著降低NOD1、NOD2的mRNA相对表达量(P0.05),有降低RIPK2 mRNA相对表达量的趋势(0.05≤P0.10);5.0%亚麻籽油可显著降低NOD2的mRNA相对表达量(P0.05)。这表明LPS刺激导致仔猪发生炎症反应,亚麻籽油可能通过抑制NOD信号通路进而缓解肝脏炎症反应。     

Effect of acute heat stress on heat shock protein 70 messenger RNA and on heat shock protein expression in the liver of broilers

1. The synthesis of heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) mRNA and the expression of Hsp70 in the liver of broiler chickens submitted to acute heat stress (35°C for 5 h) was investigated.

2. Hsp70 expression was detected by SDS‐PAGE and Western blot analysis using a polyclonal antiserum against Hsp70 of Blastocladiella emersonii. The specific signal of Hsp70 mRNA was analysed by Northern blot using as probe a Hsp70 cDNA of B. emersonii.

3. An increase in the amount of Hsp70 was detected from the first up to the fifth hour of acute heat exposure. This increase in the amount of Hsp70 was accompanied by an increase in Hsp70 mRNA which peaked at 3 h.

4. This study shows that the heat induced increase in Hsp70 mRNA and protein in broiler liver, in vivo, are time dependent, similar to that in mammals.     

CREB-H基因在猪不同组织中表达谱及肝脏中的表达规律

本研究旨在分析环腺苷酸应答元件结合蛋白H（cyclic AMP-responsive element-binding protein 3-like 3，CREB-H）在猪不同组织中的表达谱及其在马身猪和大白猪肝脏中的发育性表达规律。采用实时荧光定量PCR和Western blotting技术检测1日龄猪12个组织（心脏、肝脏、脾脏、肺脏、肾脏、胃、小肠、小脑、下丘脑、背最长肌、股肌和腰肌）中CREB-H基因的表达谱，以及CREB-H在1、30、60、90、120、150和180日龄马身猪和大白猪肝脏中的表达规律。结果显示，CREB-H基因mRNA在马身猪的12个组织中广泛表达，其中在肝脏和小肠中高表达；CREB-H蛋白在肝脏组织中的表达量显著高于其他组织（P<0.05），在心脏、脾脏和小脑中不表达。猪肝脏CREB-H基因mRNA和蛋白的发育表达受日龄、品种、品种与日龄相互作用的影响（P<0.01）。马身猪和大白猪肝脏中CREB-H基因mRNA和蛋白的表达量均在1日龄时达到最大值。在各发育阶段，马身猪CREB-H蛋白的表达量均极显著高于大白猪（P<0.01），且CREB-H主要在猪肝脏中表达。CREB-H在两猪种肝脏中的表达存在时空差异，可能与猪在不同发育期的脂质代谢能力有关，本试验结果为研究猪的脂质代谢调控机制提供一定的理论依据。     

胰岛素受体-1在尼罗罗非鱼不同组织中的表达及其对注射葡萄糖的响应

本试验旨在研究胰岛素受体-1(IR-1)在尼罗罗非鱼不同组织中的表达及其对注射葡萄糖的响应。利用PCR扩增的方法从尼罗罗非鱼肌肉中克隆IR-1的c DNA片段,并通过半定量PCR检测,比较IR-1在肌肉、肝脏和心脏中的表达差异。选取体重约为100 g的尼罗罗非鱼160尾,随机分2组,每组4个重复,每个重复20尾。试验组腹腔注射葡萄糖(每100 g体重30 mg),对照组以相同剂量腹腔注射0.7%的无菌生理盐水。在注射前(0 h)和注射后的1、3、6和12 h分别进行采样,测定血浆葡萄糖和胰岛素含量,并通过实时荧光定量PCR检测IR-1在肌肉、心脏和肝脏中的mRNA相对表达量。结果显示:1)克隆出的IR-1 c DNA片段,其Gen Bank登陆号为JN967750,大小为1 979 bp,编码548个氨基酸。序列分析发现,尼罗罗非鱼的IR-1与其他物种比较具有很高的保守性,并具有丰富的酪氨酸激酶特征性序列。2)IR-1在尼罗罗非鱼肌肉、心脏和肝脏中均有较高的表达量,其中在肝脏和肌肉中的表达量基本一致,而在心脏中的表达量相对较低。3)试验组血浆葡萄糖含量在注射葡萄糖1 h后达到最高,并显著高于对照组(P0.05),而后开始下降,3 h后恢复到正常水平;试验组血浆胰岛素含量在葡萄糖注射3 h后达到最高,并显著高于对照组(P0.05),而后开始下降,12 h后恢复到正常水平。试验组肌肉和肝脏中IR-1 mRNA的相对表达量在注射葡萄糖后6 h时达到最高,显著高于对照组(P0.05),在12 h时恢复到正常水平;试验组心脏中IR-1 mRNA的相对表达量在注射葡萄糖后的12 h内没有发生显著变化(P0.05)。结果表明,注射葡萄糖后即刻升高了尼罗罗非鱼的血浆葡萄糖含量,相对于血浆葡萄糖含量的升高,血浆胰岛素含量的升高相对延迟,而肌肉和肝脏中IR-1 mRNA相对表达量的提高又延迟于血浆胰岛素含量的升高,从而加重了尼罗罗非鱼对葡萄糖的代谢负担。     

重组脂联素对皖南花猪脂肪细胞脂联素及其受体mRNA表达的影响

脂联素（Adp）是主要由脂肪组织分泌的细胞因子,有重要的生理作用。本试验旨在研究重组脂联素（rAdp）对皖南花猪脂肪细胞脂联素及其受体2,AMP激活蛋白激酶（AMPK）、过氧化物增殖剂活化受体α（PPARα）mR-NA表达的影响。选择10d皖南花猪皮下脂肪组织分离前体脂肪细胞,增殖培养至80%融合后换分化培养基培养,细胞分化后用0、2和10mg/L rAdp分别处理12和48h。油红O染色法鉴定脂肪细胞,MTT方法检测细胞活力;酶法测定培养液中甘油释放量,荧光定量RT-PCR方法检测脂肪细胞脂联素（Adp）、脂联素受体1（AdpR1）、脂联素受体2（AdpR2）、PPARα和AMPK mRNA表达。结果显示,rAdp处理后,脂肪细胞活力总体有降低趋势,10mg/L处理48h达到显著水平（P〈0.05）;rAdp处理对甘油释放的抑制作用未达到差异水平。rAdp处理12h后,脂肪细胞AdpR1和AdpR2mRNA表达显著升高（P〈0.01）,但无剂量依赖性;rAdp处理48h后,脂肪细胞AdpmRNA表达显著下降（P〈0.05）。rAdp处理12h后,脂肪细胞PPARαmRNA表达显著升高（P〈0.01）,且有剂量效应性;而AMP AMPK mRNA表达均无显著性变化。结果提示,重组脂联素处理猪原代脂肪细胞有降低细胞活力和抑制脂肪细胞甘油释放量的趋势,能显著上调AdpR1、AdpR2和PPARα基因的表达,从而刺激脂肪酸氧化和甘油三酯的水解作用。     

Induction of apoptotic lesions in liver and lymphoid tissues and modulation of cytokine mRNA expression by acute exposure to deoxynivalenol in piglets

Six 1-month-old piglets were intravenously injected with deoxynivalenol (DON) at the concentration of 1 mg/kg body weight, with three pigs each necropsied at 6 and 24 h post-injection (PI) for investigation of hepatotoxicity and immunotoxicity with special attention to apoptotic changes and cytokine mRNA expression. Histopathological examination of the DON-injected pigs revealed systemic apoptosis of lymphocytes in lymphoid tissues and hepatocytes. Apoptosis of lymphocytes and hepatocytes was confirmed by the TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) method and immunohistochemical staining against single-stranded DNA and cleaved caspase-3. The number of TUNEL-positive cells in the thymus and Peyer''s patches of the ileum was increased at 24 h PI compared to 6 h PI, but the peak was at 6 h PI in the liver. The mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the spleen, thymus and mesenteric lymph nodes were determined by semi-quantitative RT-PCR, and elevated expression of IL-1β mRNA at 6 h PI and a decrease of IL-18 mRNA at 24 h PI were observed in the spleen. IL-1β and IL-6 mRNA expressions increased significantly at 6 h PI in the thymus, but TNF-α decreased at 6 h PI in the mesenteric lymph nodes. These results show the apoptosis of hepatocytes suggesting the hepatotoxic potential of DON, in addition to an immunotoxic effect on the modulation of proinflammatory cytokine genes in lymphoid organs with extensive apoptosis of lymphocytes induced by acute exposure to DON in pigs.     

Effects of weaning on somatotrophic gene expression and circulating levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-2 in pigs

The present study evaluated somatotrophic gene expression in liver, muscle and adipose tissue 4 d after weaning, a time point corresponding to greatly reduced serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and IGF-2 in pigs. Two-week-old barrows were either cross-fostered to a sow (SOW, N = 8) or weaned and fed a phase 1 diet containing either 0 or 7% spray-dried plasma (NP, N = 8 and SDP, N = 8; respectively). Piglets were allocated such that two size groups were equivalently represented in each experimental group (small, 3.5–4.3 kg and large, 4.6–5.7 kg). Animals were weighed daily and sacrificed 4 d after weaning for blood and tissue collection. Daily gains of the SOW piglets were significantly greater than those of the weaned pigs for the first 3 d of the experiment (P < 0.0001). Weight gains in the SOW and SDP pigs between d 3 and 4 were equivalently elevated relative to the NP pigs (P < 0.0001). Serum IGF-1 and IGF-2 concentrations were decreased in both NP and SDP compared to SOW (P < 0.0001). Serum IGF-2 levels were significantly lower in small piglets (P = 0.006). A Weaning Group X Size interaction was noted for liver IGF-2 mRNA (P < 0.03), reflecting a higher level of expression in large SOW piglets relative to small SOW piglets. Weaning did not affect IGF-1, IGF-2, or growth hormone (GH) receptor mRNA levels in liver, muscle, or fat (P > 0.05). Liver IGF-binding protein (IGFBP)-3 and acid-labile subunit (ALS) mRNA levels also were unaffected by weaning. Small pigs had lower levels of liver ALS (P = 0.0003), muscle IGF-2 (P = 0.02), and muscle GH receptor (P = 0.006) mRNAs. In contrast, adipose tissue IGF-1 and IGF-2 mRNA levels were greatest in the small piglets (P = 0.001 and 0.029, respectively).     

冷应激对猪脂肪、肝脏、心脏与肾脏组织中PPARγ2 mRNA及蛋白表达的影响

为了研究冷应激对机体的影响及过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ2（PPARγ2）在冷应激中的作用,本试验选用30头军牧一号猪,并随机分成5组,包括常温对照组和4个冷应激组。常温组在（21±2）℃饲养,冷应激组的温度设置分别为：（-10±2）、（-5±2）、（0±2）、（5±2）℃。冷应激2h屠宰后分别采集猪腹腔脂肪、颈部皮下脂肪、胸部皮下脂肪、肝脏、心脏与肾脏组织样品提取总RNA与总蛋白。通过荧光定量PCR技术检测了PPARγ2mR-NA的表达量;通过Western blot检测PPARγ2蛋白表达量。结果显示,各温度组猪腹腔脂肪、颈部皮下脂肪、胸部皮下脂肪、肝脏、心脏PPARγ2mRNA及蛋白表达量总体上差异显著（P〈0.01）,肾脏PPARγ2mRNA表达量总体显著升高,但其蛋白表达量总体呈下降趋势。结果表明,PPARγ2对冷刺激非常敏感,它除了可以调节冷应激时的脂肪代谢平衡,还对心脏有较好的保护作用,但是对肾脏的作用有限。本试验显示了冷应激中PPARγ2在脂肪代谢与能量代谢中作用,为研究冷应激对机体的影响及畜禽品质的提高奠定了基础。     

Changes in the messenger RNA expressions of the endothelin-1 and angiotensin systems in mature follicles of the superovulated bovine ovary

The aim of the present study was to examine the messenger RNA expressions of the endothelin and angiotensin systems during the periovulatory phase in gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH)-treated cows. Ovaries were collected by transvaginal ovariectomy (n=5 cows/group), and the follicles (n=5, one follicle/cow) were classified into the following groups: before GnRH administration (control, before LH surge), 3-5 h after GnRH (during LH surge), 10 h after GnRH; 20 h after GnRH, 25 h after GnRH (peri-ovulation), and early corpus luteum (CL) (Days 2-3). Expression of mRNA was investigated using quantitative real-time PCR. The expression of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) mRNA significantly decreased immediately after onset of the LH surge and remained at low levels. The levels of angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R) and type 2 (AT2R) expression during the periovulatory period significantly decreased compared with other periods. The concentration of angiotensin II in follicular fluid began to increase 10 h after GnRH treatment and further increased as ovulation approached. The level of ET-1 mRNA significantly decreased 10 h after GnRH treatment compared with the levels before GnRH treatment and those of the early CL period. The expression of ETR-A and ETR-B mRNA during the periovulatory period were lower than in other periods. The expression of ECE-1 mRNA began to decrease in the LH surge period and significantly decrease in the periovulatory period compared with other periods. These results suggest that the vasoactive peptides angiotensin and endothelin may be associated with final maturation of follicles.     

冷应激对湖羊血清因子及热休克蛋白70 mRNA表达的影响

为研究冷应激对湖羊免疫系统及热休克蛋白70(heat stress proteins 70,Hsp70)的影响,试验分别采用实时荧光定量PCR和ELISA方法检测冷应激前后湖羊肝脏、肺脏、脾脏、淋巴结组织中Hsp70mRNA表达量及血清中白细胞介素-2(IL-2)、白细胞介素-4(IL-4)浓度。结果显示,与冷应激前相比,冷应激后湖羊肝脏、肺脏及脾脏组织中Hsp70mRNA表达量均极显著增加(P0.01),其中肝脏的表达量尤为显著;冷应激后湖羊血清中IL-2、IL-4的浓度均呈下降趋势,其中IL-4浓度下降尤为显著(P0.01)。结果表明,冷应激条件下湖羊各组织中Hsp70mRNA表达增强,可提高动物机体的自我保护机能,增强对外界不良刺激的抵抗力,但细胞因子IL-2和IL-4的浓度下降,表明冷应激抑制机体免疫系统。     

不同水平脱脂米糠部分替代玉米对苏淮猪氧化还原状态和胆固醇代谢的影响

本试验旨在探讨不同水平脱脂米糠部分替代玉米对苏淮阉公猪氧化还原状态和胆固醇代谢的影响。试验选用21头体重[(62.90±1.12)kg]相近的健康苏淮阉公猪,随机分为对照组(试验Ⅰ组)、试验Ⅱ组和试验Ⅲ组,每组7个重复,每个重复1头猪。试验Ⅰ组猪饲喂基础饲粮,试验Ⅱ组和试验Ⅲ组猪分别以14%和28%的脱脂米糠部分替代基础饲粮中的玉米,并使用豆粕、麸皮和豆油等物质调平基础饲粮与试验饲粮的消化能、粗蛋白质和氨基酸水平。预试期10 d,正试期28 d。结果表明:1)试验Ⅱ组和试验Ⅲ组苏淮猪血清丙二醛(MDA)含量均显著低于试验Ⅰ组(P<0.05);与试验Ⅰ组和试验Ⅲ组相比,试验Ⅱ组苏淮猪血清过氧化氢酶(CAT)活性显著升高(P<0.05);试验Ⅲ组苏淮猪血清铜锌超氧化物歧化酶(CuZn⁃SOD)活性最高,且与试验Ⅰ组相比差异显著(P<0.05);试验Ⅲ组苏淮猪肝脏还原型谷胱甘肽(GSH)含量以及还原型谷胱甘肽/氧化型谷胱甘肽(GSH/GSSG)显著高于试验Ⅰ组(P<0.05)。2)与试验Ⅰ组相比,试验Ⅲ组苏淮猪血清总胆固醇(TC)和低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL⁃C)含量显著升高(P<0.05);各组间肝脏TC和甘油三酯(TG)含量差异均不显著(P>0.05)。3)脱脂米糠部分替代饲粮玉米对苏淮猪肝脏胆固醇-7α-羟化酶1(CYP7α1)和胆固醇-27α-羟化酶1(CYP27α1)mRNA表达量均无显著影响(P>0.05);试验Ⅱ组和试验Ⅲ组苏淮猪肝脏3-羟-3-甲基戊二酸单酰辅酶A还原酶(HMGCR)、固醇调节原件结合蛋白-2(SREBP⁃2)和清道夫受体BI(SR⁃BI)的mRNA表达量显著低于试验Ⅰ组(P<0.05);此外,试验Ⅲ组苏淮猪肝脏低密度脂蛋白受体(LDLR)mRNA表达量最低,且与试验Ⅰ组相比差异显著(P<0.05)。4)将苏淮猪血清TC和LDL⁃C含量分别与血清和肝脏氧化标记物及抗氧化酶做相关性分析表明,同一个体血清TC含量与肝脏GSH含量以及GSH/GSSG呈显著正相关(P<0.05),而血清LDL⁃C含量与肝脏GSH含量以及GSH/GSSG极显著正相关(P<0.01)。综上所述,在本试验条件下,脱脂米糠部分替代饲粮中玉米可部分改变苏淮猪血清和肝脏氧化还原相关酶的活性,并在一定程度上影响机体胆固醇代谢和肝脏胆固醇代谢相关基因的表达。     

Transportation stress alters the expression of immunoregulatory cytokines in the porcine thymus

This study investigated the effects of transportation stress on blood concentrations of the main pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukins IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-6; tumour necrosis factor-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) and the expression of these cytokines and their receptors in the thymus. Pigs were assessed after 1, 2 and 4 h of transportation (n = 5 per group), with normal housing conditions as a control (n = 4). Serum concentrations of IL-2, IL-6 and IL-10 were highest at 1 h, whereas concentrations of IL-6 and IL-10 were significantly decreased at 4 h. Expression of these three cytokines and their receptors was also significantly altered in the thymus during transportation stress. Serum IL-10 concentrations and thymus IL-10 mRNA expression were significantly correlated. The thymus may contribute towards the regulation of cytokines in pigs during transportation.     

Effects of Ergosan on the expression of cytokine genes in the liver of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to enteric red mouth vaccine

The effects of administration of the immunomodulator Ergosan, an algal extract containing alginic acid, in juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to AquaVac vaccination, were tested. Juveniles treated with Ergosan, 95 days after the beginning of first solid feeding and control fish fed solely on commercial diet, were vaccinated by immersion in AquaVac solution. The time-course of the effects of vaccination on liver immunorelated gene modulation and on the tolerance to stress manipulation connected with the vaccination was investigated. Liver and plasma sampling was performed at the following times: T=pre-vaccination, T0=5min, T1=2h, T2=8h, T3=24h, T4=48h and T5=72h post-vaccination. Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor alpha 2 (TNF alpha 2) and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) gene expression in trout liver was monitored by real-time PCR using Acidic Ribosomal Phosphoprotein P0 (ARP) as internal standard. The evaluation of the plasma cortisol levels was performed by EIA. In AquaVac-vaccinated fish, both the gene expression of Hsp70 and the plasma cortisol levels during the time-course were significantly (P<0.05) lower in Ergosan-treated fish with respect to control, indicating the positive role of Ergosan on handling stress tolerance. This study also demonstrated the stimulatory properties of Ergosan on cytokine genes expression involved in innate immune response: liver IL-1beta, IL-8 and TNF alpha 2 gene expression was significantly (P<0.05) higher in trout fed on Ergosan compared to control, indicating a positive role of this feed additive in improving the immune responsiveness to AquaVac vaccine.     

Cytokine mRNA profiles in pigs exposed prenatally and postnatally to Schistosoma japonicum

The pig is a natural host for Schistosoma japonicum and a useful animal model of human infection. The aim of the present study was to assess the differences between the cytokine profiles in prenatally or postnatally S. japonicum exposed pigs. Seven prenatally exposed pigs, 7 postnatally exposed pigs and 4 uninfected control pigs were compared 27 weeks post exposure. Variables included worm burdens, tissue egg counts, liver pathology and mRNA levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1 and IFN-gamma in the liver and the caecum, assessed by RT-PCR. Infection intensity and level of septal fibrosis were significantly higher in the postnatal group compared to the prenatal group (P < 0.05). A significant increase of IL-4 (P < 0.01), IL-10 (P < 0.01), IL-12 (P < 0.01) and TNF-alpha (P < 0.05) mRNA level was also observed in the caecum of prenatally infected animals compared to the control group (P < 0.01). The prenatal group showed higher levels of TGF-beta1 in the liver compared with the postnatally infected group (P< 0.05) and the control group (P< 0.01). This suppressive immune response correlated with previously reported low hepatic pathogenesis in prenatally exposed pigs.     

Early post mortem expression of genes related to tenderization in two Italian Simmental young bulls' skeletal muscles differing in contractile type

The early post mortem expression of eight genes potentially involved in meat ageing process and the tenderness of two Italian Simmental young bulls' (Bos taurus) skeletal muscles differing in their contractile type were evaluated. Samples of Longissimus lumborum (LL) and Infraspinatus (IS) muscles were collected from 17 bulls. The messenger RNA (mRNA) abundances of calpain‐1, calpain‐2, calpastatin, caspase 3, caspase 9, heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), Hsp40 and Hsp70 were detected by quantitative PCR. The myosin heavy chain‐slow and ‐fast isoform content, the pH_48h and the lipid content of the muscles were in line with the contractile and metabolic type. In comparison with the fast LL, the slow IS showed a lower calpain‐1/calpastatin mRNA content ratio after slaughtering and a higher Warner‐Bratzler Initial Yield value after 7 days of ageing. Hsp27 and Hsp70 mRNA abundances were significantly lower in LL than IS, highlighting their potential role in the ageing process of bovine muscles.