玉米赤霉烯酮中毒大鼠卵巢组织Caspase-3和Caspase-8的表达

10周龄SD大鼠单剂量腹腔注射5 mg/kg玉米赤霉烯酮玉米油溶液,分别于3、6、12、24、48、72、96 h时剖杀取卵巢组织,检测不同时间卵巢组织Caspase-3和Caspase-8的表达.病理组织学观察发现,卵巢组织出现不同程度损伤,卵泡颗粒细胞发生凋亡.免疫组织化学超敏PV法结果表明,试验组与对照组卵巢组织中均有Caspase-3和Caspase-8的表达,并且随着时间的推进呈现动态变化.Caspase-3和Caspase-8试验组表达量均高于对照组.试验组卵巢组织中Caspase-3在3～96 h时表达量均比较高,与对照组相比较差异显著(P＜0.05),且3、6、12、24、48 h的表达量均高于72 h和96 h的表达量.6、12、72、96 h卵巢组织中Caspase-8表达量与对照组相比较差异显著(P＜0.05),3、24、48 h时与对照组相比差异不显著(P＞0.05),且3、6、12、24、48 h的表达量均高于72 h和96 h的表达量.结果表明,大鼠玉米赤霉烯酮中毒可引起卵巢组织的病变及颗粒细胞凋亡,且Caspase-3和Caspase-8在玉米赤霉烯酮中毒大鼠卵巢颗粒细胞凋亡中起着重要作用,进一步证明本试验中死亡受体途径的激活可能参与凋亡的发生.Caspase-8表达量在个别时间段与对照组差异不显著还有待于进一步深入研究.     

辽宁绒山羊卵泡闭锁与颗粒细胞凋亡的研究

采用TUNEL原位法和DNA梯度电泳法等方法对卵巢上闭锁卵泡中凋亡的颗粒细胞类型和分布状况等进行研究.结果表明,辽宁绒山羊闭锁卵泡是细胞凋亡引起的.DNA梯状电泳表明,不同健康程度卵泡颗粒细胞凋亡程度不同;而颗粒细胞TUNEL原位标记表明,健康卵泡、轻度闭锁卵泡及闭锁卵泡中颗粒细胞凋亡比例分别为13.21%±1.23%、32.13%±2.13%、51.31%±3.02%;不同健康程度卵泡中类固醇激素水平不同,健康卵泡中E2水平较高,孕酮浓度较低;闭锁卵泡中E2浓度较低,P4浓度较高,健康、轻度闭锁和闭锁三类卵泡中E2/P4比值分别是2.62±0.03、0.074±0.000 3、0.028±0.000 4.     

镉对小鼠生精细胞凋亡及bax和bcl-2基因表达的影响

将150只小鼠随机分成4个处理组和1个对照组，每组30只。给4个处理组小鼠分别一次性注射氯化镉1、2、4、6mg／kg（按体重给药），对照组小鼠注射等体积的生理盐水。于注射后第3、6和9d用原位末端标记法（TUNEL）测定睾丸内生精细胞的凋亡率，并用免疫组织化学方法检测bax和bcl-2基因的表达水平。结果显示，各染毒组小鼠的生精细胞凋亡率明显升高，与对照组相比差异显著（P〈0．05），并具有剂量-反应关系和时间-反应关系。bax基因的表达水平明显上升，而bel-2基因的表达水平明显下降。表明，镉可以诱导小鼠生精细胞凋亡，其机制可能与bax基因上调和bcl-2基因下调有关。     

醋酸铅对小鼠卵巢颗粒细胞凋亡基因p53、Bax、Bc1-2表达的影响

将40只未成年雌性昆明系小鼠随机分成3个处理组和1个对照组,每组10只.处理组小鼠分别连续2 d腹腔注射铅10、20、40 mg/kg(按体质量给药),对照组小鼠注射等体积的生理盐水.于注射后24、72 h分离卵巢,用原位末端标记法(TUNEL)测定卵巢颗粒细胞的凋亡率,同时用半定量RT-PCR方法检测凋亡基因p53、Bax、Bc1-2mRNA表达.结果表明,铅可促进颗粒细胞凋亡,且随剂量的增加和作用时间的延长,颗粒细胞中p53、Bax基因表达量逐渐增加,与对照组相比差异显著或极显著(P<0.05或P<0.01);而Bc1-2基因表达量则逐渐减少(P<0.05或P<0.01);表明铅可通过上调促细胞凋亡基因p53、Bax基因表达量,下调Bc1-2基因表达量,诱导卵巢颗粒细胞的凋亡.     

T-2毒素对大鼠离体培养卵巢颗粒细胞凋亡的影响

将未成熟的Wistar大鼠卵巢颗粒细胞进行原代培养,用不同浓度的T-2毒素染毒细胞24 h.染毒结束后,采用MTT法检测细胞相对活力,荧光染料Hoechst 33258检测卵巢颗粒细胞的凋亡变化,RT-PCR检测凋亡调控基因Bcl-2、Bax和P53 mRNA的表达.结果显示,随着T-2毒素染毒剂量的增加,颗粒细胞的细胞活力逐渐下降;而细胞凋亡率、Bcb2、Bax、P53 mRNA表达水平、Bax mRNA/Bcl-2 mRNA比值则逐渐上升;除1 nmol/L剂量组外,其余各剂量组与对照组比较差异显著(P＜0.05).结果表明,T-2毒素可显著抑制大鼠卵巢颗粒细胞活力,诱导颗粒细胞凋亡,并呈浓度依赖关系.     

醋酸铅对小鼠卵巢组织结构和卵巢颗粒细胞凋亡的影响

将40只20日龄雌性昆明系小鼠随机分成3个处理组和1个对照组,每组10只。给3个处理组小鼠分别连续2d腹腔按体质量注射醋酸铅10,20,40mg/kg,对照组小鼠注射等体积的生理盐水。于注射后24,72h分离卵巢,用原位末端标记法(TUNEL)测定卵巢颗粒细胞的凋亡率,研究卵巢组织结构及卵巢颗粒细胞凋亡的变化。结果显示,醋酸铅可使小鼠卵巢组织结构发生病变,加速卵巢颗粒细胞的凋亡,且凋亡率随着攻毒剂量的增加和时间的延长而升高,与对照组相比,差异极显著(P0.01);表明醋酸铅对小鼠卵巢具有毒性作用,可诱导卵巢颗粒细胞发生凋亡,并呈现一定的剂量-时间依赖关系。     

玉米赤霉烯酮对体外培养猪卵巢颗粒细胞的影响

以原代培养的猪卵巢颗粒细胞为模型,设立玉米赤霉烯酮(ZEA)对照组(0.0 mg/L)及高(80.0 mg/L)、中(20.0,40.0mg/L)、低(0.2,2.0mg/L)剂量组,比较不同质量浓度ZEA对体外培养猪卵巢颗粒细胞的影响。形态学观察发现,随着ZEA质量浓度的增加,颗粒细胞呈散在生长,体积缩小变圆,数量减少;高剂量组(80.0mg/L)中,76.96%细胞均已脱壁死亡。MTT法表明,ZEA对卵巢颗粒细胞具有生长抑制作用;免疫荧光结果显示随ZEA质量浓度的增加,细胞凋亡率逐渐升高,高质量浓度组细胞增殖率仅为1.01%;Western blot检测结果显示经ZEA处理,Fas、FasL、FADD、Caspase-10的表达量均明显上调,且存在质量浓度-效应关系。结果表明,ZEA能诱导卵巢颗粒细胞凋亡,并显著上调Fas、FasL、FADD、Caspase-10的表达,可通过死亡受体通路介导卵巢颗粒细胞发生凋亡。     

玉米赤霉烯酮对雌性大鼠卵巢颗粒细胞凋亡相关蛋白Fas及FasL表达的影响

为了研究玉米赤霉烯酮(ZEA)对大鼠卵巢颗粒细胞Fas和FasL蛋白表达的影响。将36只8周龄雌性SD大鼠随机分为试验组和对照组,处理组腹腔注射5mg/kg ZEA玉米油溶液,对照组注射等剂量玉米油溶液。2组在注射后6、12、18、24、36、48h各处死3只,取出卵巢组织,4%多聚甲醛固定,免疫组化方法检测不同时间卵巢颗粒细胞Fas和FasL蛋白的表达情况。结果显示:试验组卵巢颗粒细胞Fas和FasL蛋白表达量均明显高于对照组(P<0.05),且随着时间的推进呈现动态变化。试验组Fas在各时间点表达量均显著高于对照组,且在18h时表达量最高,之后逐渐下降;试验组FasL表达量显著升高,在18和24h表达量显著上调。ZEA诱导大鼠卵巢颗粒细胞凋亡过程中,可能激活Fas和FasL相关的死亡受体信号通路。     

miR-10b对牛卵巢颗粒细胞凋亡的影响

颗粒细胞是卵巢中必需的体细胞,在卵泡发育过程中起重要作用。为探究miR-10b对牛卵巢颗粒细胞凋亡的影响,本实验中2个处理组分别转染miR-10b模拟物(miR-10b mimics)和miRNA模拟物(mimics NC),转染48h后,通过Quantitativereal-timePCR(qRT-PCR)检测内源miR-10b表达量,明确miR-10b mimics转染成功。利用qRT-PCR和Western Blot检测凋亡相关蛋白Caspase-3、Bcl-2和Bax表达量的变化;利用流式细胞术检测颗粒细胞凋亡率。结果显示:与mimics NC组相比,miR-10b mimics组Bcl-2 mRNA和蛋白表达水平显著降低,Bax和Caspase-3 mRNA和蛋白表达水平显著升高;同时miR-10b mimics组的细胞凋亡率较mimics NC组显著升高。结果表明,miR-10b可促进牛卵巢颗粒细胞凋亡。     

醋酸铅对小鼠卵巢颗粒细胞凋亡基因p53、Bax、Bcl-2表达的影响

将40只未成年雌性昆明系小鼠随机分成3个处理组和1个对照组,每组10只。处理组小鼠分别连续2 d腹腔注射铅10、20、40 mg/kg（按体质量给药）,对照组小鼠注射等体积的生理盐水。于注射后24、72 h分离卵巢,用原位末端标记法（TUNEL）测定卵巢颗粒细胞的凋亡率,同时用半定量RT-PCR方法检测凋亡基因p53、Bax、Bcl-2mRNA表达。结果表明,铅可促进颗粒细胞凋亡,且随剂量的增加和作用时间的延长,颗粒细胞中p53、Bax基因表达量逐渐增加,与对照组相比差异显著或极显著（P〈0.05或P〈0.01）;而Bcl-2基因表达量则逐渐减少（P〈0.05或P〈0.01）;表明铅可通过上调促细胞凋亡基因p53、Bax基因表达量,下调Bcl-2基因表达量,诱导卵巢颗粒细胞的凋亡。     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

Prevalence of gastric lesions in racing Alaskan sled dogs

Human and equine athletes are reported to have a high prevalence of gastric disease, and anecdotal evidence suggests a similar phenomenon applies to racing sled dogs. To investigate the prevalence of gastric disease in racing sled dogs, we conducted 2 gastroscopy studies on dogs competing in the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race. A pilot study of dogs that were either dropped from the 2000 Iditarod Sled Dog Race because of illness or that finished the race indicated that, approximately 5 days after competing, 10 of 28 dogs (35%) had endoscopic evidence of gastric ulceration, erosion, or hemorrhage. The next year, an endoscopic study of 73 dogs participating in the 2001 Iditarod race was performed in order to evaluate a larger population of dogs. Data from 70 of these dogs could be used; 34 (48.5%) had ulceration, erosion, gastric hemorrhage, or some combination of these findings. When this group of 70 dogs was compared retrospectively to a control group of 87 dogs presented to the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the Iditarod sled dogs had a significantly higher prevalence (P = .049) of gastric lesions. These findings suggest that, similar to athletes of other species, elite canine athletes have an increased prevalence of gastric disease compared to the canine population at large.     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.     

Evaluation of biohydrogenation rate of canola vs. soya bean seeds as unsaturated fatty acids sources for ruminants in situ

An experiment was conducted to study disappearance of C14 to C18 fatty acids, lag times and biohydrogenation (BH) rates of C18 fatty acids of ground soya bean and canola seeds in situ. Three ruminally fistulated Dallagh sheep were used to determine ruminal BH of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Differences in the disappearance of fatty acids through the bags and lag times were observed between the oilseeds. We saw that the longer the incubation time of the oilseeds in the rumen, the lower the content of C18:2 and C18:3. Significantly higher lag times for both C18:2 and C18:3 were observed in ground canola compared to ground soya bean. BH rates of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids in soya bean were three times higher than those of canola. These results suggest that the fatty acid profile of fat source can affect the BH of UFAs by rumen micro‐organisms. So that UFAs of canola had higher ability to escape from ruminal BH. It seems that fatty acid profile of ruminant products is more affected by canola seed compared to soya bean seed.     

Serum biochemical values and mineral element contents of tissues in yaks

Serum biochemical values and the wet weight to dry weight ratios of tissues were determined in yaks in Shandan county of Gansu province. The liver, kidney, heart and muscle contents of seven elements in yaks were also analysed. Most serum biochemical values were similar to those of cattle, camels and sheep, but the calcium concentration was considerably above the normal range for other ruminants. The liver contained the highest concentrations of copper, manganese and cobalt and the kidney of selenium, iron and calcium.Abbreviations Alb albumin - ALT alanine aminotransferase - AST aspartate aminotransferase - BUN blood urea nitrogen - Chol cholesterol - Glob globulin - -GT -glutamyl transpeptidase - IP inorganic phosphorus - TP total protein     

Avian brood parasitism — a growing research area in behavioral ecology (part Ⅱ)

正We are pleased to publish the second special issue on avian brood parasitism and to be responsible guest editors for the two special issues of Chinese Birds (Vol. 3, No. 4, 2012 and Vol. 4, No. 1, 2013), entitled "Avian Brood Parasitism - A Growing Research Area in Behavioral Ecology". The first issue was published in December 2012. The goal of the two special issues is to publish accumulated knowledge and some of the recent developments in     

Internal Parasites and Haematological Values in Cattle Slaughtered in Buea Subdivision of Cameroon

Tropical Animal Health and Production -