IGF-1和IGF-1R基因在辽宁绒山羊皮肤组织中的表达

为了研究类胰岛素生长因子1(IGF-1)和类胰岛素生长因子1受体(IGF-1R)基因在绒山羊绒毛生长不同阶段皮肤组织中的表达差异,试验采用实时荧光定量PCR技术对非产绒期和产绒期辽宁绒山羊皮肤中IGF-1和IGF-1R基因的表达进行了测定。结果表明:辽宁绒山羊皮肤中IGF-1和IGF-1R mRNA的表达量在产绒期均极显著高于非产绒期(P<0.01),产绒期IGF-1、IGF-1RmRNA的表达水平分别是非产绒期的8.30倍和7.49倍。说明IGF-1和IGF-1R基因可能与山羊绒周期性生长有关。     

皮肤组织脱碘酶活性与山羊绒毛生长关系的研究

试验选用8只平均(15±2)月龄、平均体重(32.08±3.12)kg半同胞内蒙古白绒山羊羯羊,研究自然条件下绒山羊生绒期皮肤脱碘酶(MD)活性与绒毛生长的关系,从酶活性途径探讨绒山羊绒毛生长机理。结果表明:绒毛开始萌发到绒毛生长旺盛期,羊绒生长速度与粗毛生长速度呈高度负相关(r=-0.92,P<0.05);羊绒生长速度与皮肤二型脱碘酶(MDⅡ)活性呈正相关(r=0.95,P<0.05);羊绒生长速度与皮肤三型脱碘酶(MDШ)活性(r=-0.90,P<0.05)及MDШ/MDⅡ比值(r=-0.91,P<0.05)呈负相关;粗毛生长速度与MDⅡ活性存在高度负相关(r=-0.98,P<0.01),与MDШ活性(r=0.90,P<0.05)及MDШ/MDⅡ比值(r=0.97,P<0.01)呈现正相关。因此,皮肤组织中MD活性与绒山羊绒毛生长的生理过程具有相关关系。     

Histological Studies of Growing and Mature Antlers of Red Deer Stags (Cervus elaphus)

This study aims at presenting histology of growing and mature antlers in red deer stag ( Cervus elaphus ). Growing antlers constitute a model organ for examining regeneration processes of tissues because they are the only mammalian appendages capable of regeneration. Histological study revealed that the tip of a growing antler consists of hairy skin, perichondrium, mesenchyme and chondroprogenitors area. By performing immunochistochemistry, we found that cell expressing Ki-67 and PCNA antigens were localized in basal layer of epidermis, skin glands and beneath their secretory sections, mesenchyme as well as within and in the vicinity of central blood vessels. Ultrastructurally, cells from chondroprogenitors zone have chondroblast-like morphology and take part in producing of collagen fibres followed by the process of cartilage mineralization. However, mature antlers also consist of lamellar osseous tissue.     

Ulcerated and nonulcerated nontuberculous cutaneous mycobacterial granulomas in cats and dogs

Background –  Mycobacterial granulomas of the skin and subcutis can be caused by one of a number of pathogens. This review concentrates on noncultivable species that cause diseases characterized by focal granuloma(s), namely leproid granuloma (in dogs) and feline leprosy (in cats). Clinically indistinguishable lesions can be caused by tuberculous organisms (Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium microti) and members of the Mycobacterium avium complex. Rapidly growing mycobacterial species that cause infection of the subcutaneous panniculus associated with draining tracts are not discussed. Disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans is an important emerging differential diagnosis for ulcerated cutaneous nodules in certain localized regions. Clinical lesions –  Lesions comprise one or multiple nodules in the skin/subcutis. These are generally firm and well circumscribed, and typically become denuded of hair. They may or may not ulcerate, depending on the virulence of the causal organisms and the immune response of the host. Diagnosis –  The most inexpensive, noninvasive means of diagnosis is by submission of methanol‐fixed, Romanowsky‐stained smears to a Mycobacterium Reference Laboratory after detecting negatively stained or acid‐fast bacilli on cytological smears. Scrapings of material from slides usually provide sufficient mycobacterial DNA to enable identification of the causal organism using sequence analysis of amplicons after PCR using specific mycobacterial primers. Therapy –  Therapy relies upon a combination of marginal resection of easily accessible lesions and treatment using two or three drugs effective against slowly growing mycobacteria, choosing amongst rifampicin, clarithromycin, clofazimine and pradofloxacin/moxifloxacin.     

Induction of photosensitivity in sheep with Erodium moschatum (L.) L'Hérit

Erodium moschatum is an exotic weed in the southern and southwestern coastal areas of the Western Cape Province (WCP), South Africa. It has been suspected as the cause of photosensitivity in sheep. However, attempts to induce photosensitivity by dosing it to sheep have thus far been unsuccessful. During August 1999, 2 sheep suffering from severe photosensitivity were presented for clinical examination to the Western Cape Provincial Veterinary Laboratory (WCPVL). One sheep was sacrificed for autopsy. Except for skin lesions associated with photosensitivity, no icterus or other lesions were present. Histopathological examination of affected skin revealed epidermal necrosis while the liver had no microscopic lesions. It was therefore concluded that the sheep might have been suffering from primary photosensitivity. The farm from which the sheep came, situated in the Malmesbury district, WCP, was visited to determine the source of the photodynamic agent. The flock from which the sheep originated had been grazing in a camp where E. moschatum was growing abundantly and had been heavily grazed. Some remaining Erodium in the camp was collected, pulped and dosed over a period of 7 days to an adult sheep. Another sheep was dosed simultaneously with Erodium growing on the premises of the WCPVL. Both sheep developed mild photosensitivity, which was confirmed by histopathological examination of skin biopsies. It was concluded that E. moschatum can induce photosensitivity (probably the primary type) in sheep if ingested in large quantities.     

增茸素对塔里木马鹿茸形态组织的影响

塔里木马鹿鹿茸组织的形态学是研究鹿茸生长发育机制的基础.本研究以增茸素处理和自然生长的生长期为30和60 d的塔里木马鹿二茬鲜茸为材料,采用常规石蜡切片和HE染色等方法,对其茸皮层、未分化的间充质细胞层、成软骨细胞层和软骨细胞层进行组织形态学研究.结果显示:自然生长60 d的鲜茸茸皮组织切片中除了静脉数(8.56士2....     

Oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of canine zinc‐responsive dermatosis

Zinc deficiency causes skin diseases both in humans and in animals. The underlying pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear, but a growing body of evidence indicates a role for zinc in skin protection against free radical‐induced oxidative damage. The immunohistochemical expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs; Hsp27, Hsp72, Hsp73 and Hsp90), Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD), metallothionein (MT), Ki‐67 antigen and active caspase‐3 were evaluated in normal canine skin and in samples from eight dogs with zinc‐responsive dermatosis. All investigated HSPs showed intense cytoplasmic immunostaining in the affected epidermis. Focal nuclear positivity of Hsp72 was also detected in keratinocytes. Although Cu/Zn SOD expression was similar to that observed in normal skin, MT immunoreactivity occurred in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of basal cells in normal skin but was absent from the affected epidermis. Caspase‐3 activation was also absent in the involved epidermis, which revealed a high Ki‐67 index (a 3.5‐ to 9‐fold increase compared with normal skin). These results support the hypothesis that cellular response to stress, particularly oxidative stress, is involved in the pathogenesis of skin lesions in canine zinc‐responsive dermatosis. The lack of MT immunoreactivity in the affected epidermis may be indicative of low zinc levels, thus resulting in vulnerability to oxidative damage. In contrast, high expression levels of HSPs in skin during zinc deficiency may confer protection against a variety of dangerous stimuli, contributing to inhibition of apoptosis and to cell cycle regulation of proliferating keratinocytes.     

生产性能测定站对生长猪生产性能和行为的影响

本试验旨在研究生产性能测定站对猪生产性能和行为的影响。选用平均体重为28.2 kg的大白猪122头,公、母各半,按圈随机分成3组,分别为试验1组(普通料槽15头组)、试验2组(测定站15头组)及试验3组(测定站8头组),试验1、2组各3个重复,试验3组4个重复,试验期44 d。试验前对测定站精准性进行评价;试验期间测定猪生产性能和皮肤损伤,并对猪行为进行录像。结果表明,测定站料槽和体重称量秤精准性符合其技术参数;3组之间猪生产性能均无显著差异(P>0.05),试验3组猪的末重变异系数呈下降趋势(44.48%),试验1组猪的末重、平均日增重和平均日采食量略高于试验2组;测定站极显著增加了猪的皮肤损伤评分(P<0.01),极显著增加了试验2组第1天时的攻击行为(P<0.01),极显著降低了第7天的攻击行为(P<0.01),但采食猪所占比例相对较低,试验2组显著(P<0.05)或极显著(P<0.01)提高了猪的圈友操纵行为。     

Mycobacterium fortuitum abortion in a sow

Two aborted Chester White pig fetuses were presented to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Illinois. Postmortem examination identified no gross abnormalities. Histologic evaluation revealed multifocal necrosis of chorionic epithelial cells, coalescing areas of mineralization in the placenta, and focal accumulations of viable and degenerate neutrophils in the lung. Intra- and extracellular acid-fast bacilli were identified in the lesions in both the placenta and lungs. Bacterial culture of stomach contents yielded heavy growth of Mycobacterium fortuitum, a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM), which was further confirmed through whole-genome sequencing. NTM are opportunistic pathogens commonly found in the soil and in contaminated water supplies. In animals, M. fortuitum is typically introduced through cutaneous wounds leading to infections limited to the skin, with systemic infection being uncommon. To our knowledge, abortion caused by M. fortuitum has not been reported previously.     

Localised pyogranulomatous dermatitis due to Mycobacterium abscessus in a cat: a case report

A case of pyogranulomatous dermatitis, caused by Mycobacterium abscessus, an unusual opportunistic Mycobacterium spp., is described in a cat. Histopathological examination of the affected skin confirmed the diagnosis and Ziehl-Neelsen staining revealed acid-fast rods. A rapidly growing mycobacterium was found after culture on a Löwenstein–Jensen medium. Real-time polymerase chain reaction for the 16S rDNA (434 bp) sequence and the sequence of the rpoB gene (359 bp) revealed 99% and 100% matches, respectively, with M. abscessus. This is the first report of a feline infection caused by this organism in Europe.     

Cytotoxic effect of acyclovir on cultured mammalian cells to which herpesvirus thymidine kinase gene was introduced

The cytotoxic effects of acyclovir, which is a purine nucleoside analogue and is known as an antibiotic substance, were examined on three lines of rat skin fibroblast FR cells; normal FR cells, FRtk- cells which are deficient in the activity of thymidine kinase (tk) and FRtk-HSVtk+ cells which were prepared by introducing herpes simplex virus' tk gene to FRtk- cells. When FRtk-HSVtk+ cells growing exponentially were incubated in the presence of acyclovir for 4 h, the surviving fractions of the cells decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. Whereas, decrease of the surviving fractions was almost indiscernible in both FR cells and FRtk- cells at the whole ranges of drug-concentrations tested. These results indicate that acyclovir is phosphorylated by the herpes simplex virus' tk and becomes toxic to FRtk-HSVtk+ cells. This also means that FRtk-HSVtk+ cells are useful for the investigation of the biological activity of nucleoside analogues.     

Seasonal Moulting in Adult Male Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)

Abstract

Seasonal moulting was studied by quantitative histology and external observations in adult male raccoon dogs. Moulting of the underfur hairs is characterized by a heavy loss of old winter hair in spring and an intensive growth of new winter hair in autumn. Only few mature and growing underfur hairs were found in the hair cover in summer. The new intermediate and large guard hairs started to develop in April and May. All the new guard hairs had developed by the end of June. About 7 and 3.5 months were needed for the growth of new winter guard and underfur hairs respectively. At the end of November the winter fur was mature. The bundles with an intermediate guard hair contained more underfur hairs than the bundles with a large guard hair in the mature winter fur. The thickness of dermis and the grade of skin colour peaked in the autumn moult, indicating a close relation to the activity of hair follicles.     

Use of dried papaya skin in the diet of growing pullets.

1. The chemical composition of dried papaya (Carica papaya) skin (DPS) was determined and the effect of diets containing different concentrations of this ingredient (0, 30, 60 and 90 g/kg) was studied using growing pullets as experimental animals. 2. Crude protein concentration was determined to be 229 g/kg and metabolisable energy content was estimated to be 6.4 MJ/kg. 3. Use of DPS in the diet up to 90 g/kg did not produce any significant difference in weight gain, food intake, food conversion and protein efficiency when compared with birds that received the control diet. 4. Survivability of growing pullets fed on DPS was 100%, as in the control group. 5. It was concluded that DPS can safely be used up to 90 g/kg in the diet of growing pullets.     

The effects of thyroid hormones on the skin of beagle dogs

The effects of hypothyroidism on canine skin were determined by comparing morphologic, morphometric, and hair cycle differences in skin biopsy samples from 3 groups of age- and gender-matched Beagle dogs: (1) euthyroid dogs; (2) dogs made hypothyroid by administration of 131I; and (3) dogs made hypothyroid and maintained in a euthyroid state by treatment with synthetic thyroxine. After 10 months of observation, there was slower regrowth of hair 2 months after clipping in the untreated-hypothyroid dogs. Untreated-hypothyroid dogs had a greater number of follicles in telogen and fewer hair shafts (ie, a greater number of hairless telogen follicles) than did the control group. The control dogs had a greater number of telogen follicles but the same number of hair shafts as the treated-hypothyroid group. Treated-hypothyroid dogs had the greatest number of follicles in the growing stage of the hair cycle (anagen). This study suggests that, at least in Beagles, induced hypothyroidism does not affect the pelage as dramatically as has been described in naturally occurring disease. This is because normal Beagles retain hair shafts in follicles for long periods, and the alopecia of hypothyroidism appears to evolve slowly because of the prolongation of this haired telogen stage. The evaluation of thyroxine-treated hypothyroid dogs demonstrates that thyroid hormone supplementation of Beagle dogs with induced hypothyroidism stimulates hair growth.     

Primary teat neoplasia in two yearling heifers

Two yearling heifers developed rapidly growing soft tissue masses attached to the base of the right hind teat. In each heifer, the solitary mass was raised, firm, and attached to the overlying skin. En bloc removal was accomplished in each by positioning the heifer in dorsal recumbency and by using local infiltration analgesia. Histologic examination revealed one of the masses to be fibroma and the other, fibrosarcoma. Neither tumor has recurred, and normal function of the teat was retained.     

补饲粗蛋白对陇东绒山羊皮肤毛囊生长发育的影响

山羊绒生长期对陇东绒山羊母羊补饲不同水平的粗蛋白,试验期内每月中旬切取皮肤样品,实验室制作切片、观测研究。结果表明：试验组羊的次级毛囊直径、毛囊深度、毛囊密度、S/P及毛囊活性与对照组差异均不显著（P〉0.05）,毛囊深度、毛囊直径试验组略大于对照组;初级毛囊深度、毛囊直径差异显著（P〈0.05）,试验组间差异不显著（P〉0.05）,毛囊密度、S/P及毛囊活性与对照组差异均不显著（P〉0.05）。     

Intralesional bovine papillomavirus DNA loads reflect severity of equine sarcoid disease

Reasons for performing study: Sarcoids are nonmetastasising, yet locally aggressive skin tumours that constitute the most frequent neoplasm in equids. Infection by bovine papillomaviruses types 1 and 2 (BPV‐1, BPV‐2) has been recognised as major causative factor in sarcoid pathogenesis, but a possible correlation of intralesional virus load with disease severity has not been established thus far. Hypothesis: Given the pathogenic role of BPV‐1 and BPV‐2 in sarcoid disease, we suggest that intralesional viral DNA concentration may reflect the degree of affection. Methods: Severity of disease was addressed by recording the tumour growth kinetics, lesion number and tumour type for 37 sarcoid‐bearing horses and one donkey. Viral load was estimated via quantitative real‐time PCR (qPCR) of the E2, E5, L1 and L2 genes from the BPV‐1/‐2 genome for one randomly selected lesion per horse and correlated with disease severity. Results: Quantitative PCR against E2 identified viral DNA concentrations ranging from 0–556 copies/tumour cell. Of 16 horses affected by quiescent, slowly growing single tumours or multiple mild‐type lesions, 15 showed a viral load up to 1.4 copies per cell. In stark contrast, all equids (22/22) bearing rapidly growing and/or multiple aggressive sarcoids had a viral load between 3 and 569 copies per cell. Consistent results were obtained with qPCR against E5, L1 and L2. Conclusions: While tumours of the same clinical type carried variable virus load, confirming that viral titre does not determine clinical appearance, we identified a highly significant correlation between intralesional viral load and disease severity. Potential relevance: The rapid determination of BPV viral load will give a reliable marker for disease severity and may also be considered when establishing a therapeutic strategy.     

Evaluation of Locally Injected Mycobacterium Cell Wall Fraction in Horses with Sarcoids

A reformulation of Mycobacterium cell wall fraction immunotherapeutic can be used to successfully treat sarcoids in horses. Sarcoids are reported to be the most common equine skin tumors with tumor type and location influencing the choice of treatment. Wide surgical excision is curative for many tumors, but may not always be feasible. Previous studies have reported sarcoid regression after injection with mycobacterial cell wall immunotherapeutics. A new formulation of the Mycobacterium phlei cell wall fraction immunostimulant (Immunocidin Equine) was used to treat cutaneous tumors in horses. Equids with skin tumors diagnosed as sarcoids were enrolled in the study. Sarcoids were injected at the initial visit with Immunocidin Equine and subsequently at approximately 2-week intervals. Of 17 cases, nine cases were completely resolved at the end of the study period evaluation or at the time of final follow-up (52.9%). Three cases were reported as improved (smaller), but not resolved (17.6%). Three cases were discontinued from the study as the respective masses were growing larger or not resolving (17.6%). One case (5.8%) with two masses had resolution of one mass, whereas the other tumor had a small regrowth 5 months after the last treatment. One case (5.8%) was lost to follow-up. All cases had mild to moderate swelling of the injection site, and some cases had discharge after the second, third, or fourth injections. No serious systemic side effects or complications were encountered during the study.     

Effect of slaughter age and sex on the production output of South African Black ostriches

1. The effects of different slaughter ages and sex on the yield and quality of economically important end-products of slaughtered ostriches was examined to determine the most economic slaughter age for growing/finishing ostriches. Two batches of 4- and 6-month-old ostriches were assigned to 10 treatment groups and fed ad libitum up to slaughter ages of 8·5, 10·5, 12·5, 14·5 and 16·5 months. Slaughter weight, cold carcase yield, skin surface area, dry skin grade, feather yield and feed intake of ostriches were measured for each age. 2. Cold carcase yields and total feather yields of males were higher than females but yields of other products were similar. 3. Slaughter weight, cold carcase yield, skin surface area, dry skin grade, feather yield and feed intake increased with age with significant differences between most age groups. Cold carcase weight increased by approximately 2·2 kg and skin surface area increased by 3·1 dm3 with each additional month of growth but the quality (grade) of skins and the proportion of first grade skins decreased with increasing age. This, together with an increase in feed intake associated with age to slaughtering should be taken into account when determining the optimal slaughter age. 4. The set of biological variables established in this study can be used to determine the most economical slaughter age under varying market conditions.     

Canine cutaneous neosporosis in Brazil

The clinical signs of infection in dogs with Neospora caninum are usually associated with neurological disorders and are seen in young dogs. In this brief case report we observed multifocal ulcerative and exudative skin nodules on the neck and pelvic limbs of a 10‐year‐old cocker spaniel dog. Infection with N. caninum was diagnosed on the basis of cytology and examination of skin tissues by PCR. The dog initially responded to treatment with clindamycin and then relapsed; the dog died. Infection with N. caninum may have been due in part to immune suppression due to hyperadrenocorticism; which either allowed for the development of a primary infection or reactivation of a latent infection by N. caninum with the occurrence of skin lesions.