山羊痘病毒P32蛋白的原核表达及其免疫原性研究

为表达山羊痘病毒P32蛋白并研究其免疫原性,构建了含有P32基因的重组表达质粒p ET-P32,诱导表达和纯化了P32蛋白;分别运用SDS-PAGE和Western blot,对该蛋白进行了分析和生物活性鉴定;用分析鉴定后的P32蛋白免疫BALB/c小鼠,然后采集小鼠血清,用间接ELISA进行抗体检测;用小鼠脾淋巴细胞增殖试验,检测该蛋白对机体的细胞免疫活性。结果显示:表达纯化的含有GST标签的P32重组蛋白,大小约39k Da;Western blot显示P32重组蛋白具有较好的特异性;间接ELISA抗体检测和小鼠脾淋巴细胞增殖试验表明P32重组蛋白具有良好的免疫原性。本试验结果为深入研究P32蛋白的生物学功能以及对山羊痘的诊断与防治奠定了基础。     

重组鸡α干扰素/白细胞介素-2融合蛋白体外活性评价方法研究

为建立稳定、便捷的重组鸡α干扰素/白细胞介素-2融合蛋白(rChIFN-α-Linker-ChIL-2蛋白,重组融合蛋白)体外活性评价方法,本研究分别采用ChIFN-α和ChIL-2 ELISA方法检测重组融合蛋白与抗ChIFN-α单抗和抗ChIL-2单抗发生特异性免疫反应的活性;采用细胞病变抑制法检测重组融合蛋白在DF1细胞上抑制水疱性口炎病毒(VSV)和传染性法氏囊病病毒(IBDV)增殖活性;采用MTS法分别测定重组融合蛋白促鸡外周血T淋巴细胞(PBLC)和脾淋巴细胞增殖活性。结果表明,重组融合蛋白可以与抗ChIFN-α单抗和抗ChIL-2单抗发生特异性免疫反应;重组融合蛋白在DF1细胞上具有明显抗病毒活性,其抗VSV活性高于抗IBDV活性,且均明显高于rChIFN-α蛋白对照;不同浓度的重组融合蛋白均具有明显的促鸡PBLC和脾淋巴细胞增殖活性,且其促增殖活性明显高于rChIFN-α蛋白对照。本研究成功建立了重组融合蛋白体外活性检测评价方法,为进一步探究重组融合蛋白在鸡体内协同作用奠定基础。     

3种TLR配体对猪圆环病毒2型病毒样颗粒疫苗佐剂活性的比较

为比较3种TLR配体对猪圆环病毒2型(PCV2)病毒样颗粒(VLP)疫苗的佐剂活性,本研究利用重组大肠杆菌表达脑膜炎奈瑟菌Ag473脂蛋白、创伤弧菌FlaB鞭毛蛋白和结核分枝杆菌热应激蛋白70(Hsp70),采用镍亲和柱纯化获得该3种重组蛋白;分别将相同剂量(10μg)3种重组蛋白、ISA206佐剂(100μL)和不完全弗氏佐剂(FIA)(100μL)与PCV2 VLP疫苗(50μg)混合,肌肉注射免疫小鼠,初免后14 d加强免疫1次;初免后每周采血分离血清,采用ELISA检测抗原特异抗体;加强免疫后14 d利用PCV2攻毒,攻毒后7 d和14 d采血分离血清,采用荧光定量PCR检测病毒DNA拷贝数;攻毒后14 d迫杀小鼠,制备并培养其脾细胞,经PCV2 VLP疫苗刺激后,采用试剂盒检测细胞因子的表达。SDS-PAGE分析结果显示,3种TLR配体在重组大肠杆菌中均获得正确表达,纯化重组蛋白的纯度大于90%。从初免14 d起,3个分子佐剂组中Ag473佐剂组的PCV2抗体水平最高,但低于ISA206佐剂组却高于FIA组,差异不显著(p0.05)。在PCV2攻毒前,3个分子佐剂组中Ag473佐剂组的小鼠脾细胞TNF-α和IFN-γ表达水平最高,但低于ISA206佐剂组却高于FIA组,差异显著(p0.05);Hsp70佐剂组的IL-4表达水平最高,Ag473佐剂组次之,但均高于ISA206和FIA组。在攻毒后第7 d,5个免疫组小鼠的病毒拷贝数均较对照组显著下降(p0.05),但免疫组间差异不显著;在攻毒后第14 d,5个免疫组小鼠的病毒拷贝数进一步下降,免疫组间差异不显著。研究结果表明在测试的3种分子佐剂中,Ag473脂蛋白具有较强的总体免疫佐剂活性,有望进一步开发为PCV2等病毒的亚单位疫苗佐剂。     

弓形虫重组蛋白质疫苗和DNA疫苗的试验研究

目的:研究分析弓形虫重组蛋白质疫苗和DNA疫苗的实验研究方法。方法:拟分别构建含弓形虫靶抗原SAGl和GRA2的重组蛋白质疫苗和DNA疫苗,辅以合适的佐剂,优化免疫策略,选择合适途径免疫BALB/c小鼠,检测疫苗诱导小鼠的细胞免疫和体液免疫水平,最后进行免疫鼠抗攻击感染实验,观察小鼠生存时间,评价疫苗和佐剂的免疫保护效果,探讨疫苗和佐剂的作用性质与机理。结果:重组酵母表达载体pGAP-SAGl.GRA2成功构建,经PCR、酶切和测序鉴定正确;重组蛋白SAGl-GRA2在毕赤酵母中分泌表达,经Western blotting鉴定具有免疫原活性。弓形虫重组DNA疫苗pVAXl-GRA2、pVAXl-SAGl和pVAXl-SAGl-GRA2以及基因佐剂pVAXl-SPreS2成功构建,分别在HFF细胞中瞬时表达目的蛋白,经RT-PCR鉴定mRNA正确转录,Wester boltting鉴定表达产物具有免疫活性。结论:以SAG1-GRA2作为弓形虫蛋白质疫苗能够诱导小鼠产生体液免疫,同时也能够诱导小鼠产生Th1型细胞免疫,具有一定程度的抗弓形虫感染保护作用。     

牛病毒性腹泻/粘膜病病毒核酸疫苗的构建及其免疫效果研究

为提高牛病毒性腹泻/粘膜病(BVD/MD)核酸疫苗的免疫效力,本实验应用PCR方法扩增BVD病毒(BVDV) E0基因,构建真核表达质粒pVAX1-E0,转染293T细胞,经RT-PCR和western blot分析显示,转染细胞能够瞬时表达E0蛋白.并分别将pVAX1、pVAX1-E0或将pVAX1-E0分别与一种表达细胞因子基因的重组质粒作为佐剂(pVAX1-IL-2、pVAX1-IL-4及pVAX1-IFN-γ)免疫小鼠,采用间接ELISA法检测免疫小鼠BVDV抗体效价,以MTT法检测免疫小鼠脾淋巴细胞的增殖活性.实验结果表明,与pVAX1-E0相比,接种pVAX1-E0/pVAX1-IL-2小鼠血清E0抗体水平及淋巴细胞增殖水平显著提高(p＜0.01),表明细胞因子基因佐剂IL-2能够有效提高BVDV E0核酸疫苗免疫效果,可以刺激小鼠产生良好的免疫应答.     

重组免疫融合肽Tα1-BP5的表达及其免疫佐剂特性研究

胸腺素α1(Tα1)和法氏囊活性五肽(BP5)均具有重要的免疫学功能,但二者在蛋白水平上的联合应用尚未见报道。为探究重组表达融合肽Tα1-BP5(r Tα1-BP5)是否具有免疫佐剂特性,本实验设计合成融合肽Tα1-BP5基因,将其克隆至p ET-32a中进行原核表达,并采用MTT法检测其体外活性。同时以rTα1-BP5联合H9N2型禽流感病毒(AIV)灭活疫苗免疫小鼠,检测免疫后小鼠的HI抗体、IgG抗体亚型和细胞因子(IL-4和IFN-γ)的分泌水平,并通过攻毒试验评价其对小鼠的免疫保护作用。结果显示,rTα1-BP5在大肠杆菌中获得可溶性表达;rTα1-BP5能够增强机体免疫后HI抗体、平衡IgG1和IgG2a抗体、提高Th2型(IFN-γ)和Th1(IL-4)型细胞因子的分泌水平,表明rTα1-BP5能够同时增强机体体液和细胞免疫应答。动物免疫保护试验结果显示rTα1-BP5有助于鼠肺脏中H9N2型AIV的清除。以上结果提示,rTα1-BP5具有良好的免疫佐剂的潜能。本研究为新型疫苗佐剂的研究开发奠定了基础。     

表达猪圆环病毒2型cap蛋白的重组罗伊氏乳酸杆菌在小鼠诱导的免疫应答分析

旨在构建表达猪圆环病毒2型（PCV2）cap蛋白的重组罗伊氏乳酸杆菌（Lactobacillus reuteri,L.reuteri）,并评价其在小鼠体内诱导的免疫应答效果。利用PCR扩增实验室分离保存的PCV2b型毒株的cap蛋白基因,以猪源L.reuteri为宿主菌,构建表达cap蛋白的重组菌株pPG-T7 g10-PPT-cap/L.reuteri,通过口服免疫BALB/c小鼠。采用间接ELISA方法测定免疫后小鼠血清中抗原特异性IgG抗体水平,粪便、鼻腔洗液、生殖道洗液、肠黏液中抗原特异性sIgA抗体水平,小鼠血清中各细胞因子水平;MTT法检测小鼠脾淋巴细胞增殖水平;流式细胞技术检测小鼠脾淋巴细胞中CD4⁺T细胞、CD8⁺T细胞的水平;荧光定量PCR检测免疫后攻毒的小鼠体内器官的病毒载量。结果显示,口服免疫重组乳酸菌组小鼠血清IgG抗体水平显著高于对照组（P<0.01）;小鼠粪便、鼻腔洗液、生殖道洗液、肠黏液中sIgA抗体水平显著高于对照组（P<0.01）;小鼠血清中细胞因子水平和对照组相比,IFN-γ、IL-2、IL-4、IL-12水平升高,IL-10水平降低,IFN-α无显著变化;体外孵育PCV2和小鼠脾淋巴细胞结果表明,重组乳酸菌组小鼠脾淋巴细胞增殖刺激指数显著高于对照组（P<0.01）;流式细胞技术检测结果显示,口服免疫重组乳酸菌组小鼠脾细胞中CD4⁺T细胞、CD8⁺T细胞含量高于对照组;荧光定量PCR结果显示,相比于对照组,口服免疫重组乳酸菌组小鼠体内的病毒载量明显低于对照组。综上所述,本研究成功构建了表达PCV2 cap蛋白的重组罗伊氏乳酸杆菌,经口服途径免疫动物,构建的重组乳酸杆菌能够刺激小鼠产生体液免疫和细胞免疫应答,且具有一定的免疫保护效果。     

鸡粒细胞巨噬细胞集落刺激因子-猪干扰素α1融合基因在大肠埃希菌中的可溶性表达及其生物学活性研究

为可溶性表达重组鸡粒细胞巨噬细胞集落刺激因子(ChGM-CSF)与猪干扰素α1(PoIFNα1)融合蛋白,并研究其生物学活性,本研究分别提取鸡、猪肝脏细胞总RNA,采用RT-PCR方法扩增ChGM-CSF和PoIFNα1基因,经linker连接上述两种基因后将其克隆于pET-32a原核表达载体,转化E.coliBL21(DE3)菌株进行诱导表达,SDS-PAGE和western blot检测融合蛋白表达产物。在ST细胞/VSV病毒测定系统以细胞病变抑制法滴定该融合蛋白的抗病毒活性;同时用MTT法检测其对鸡淋巴细胞增殖活性的促进作用。结果显示,PCR扩增并融合后的ChGM-CSF和PoIFNα1融合基因约为1000bp,构建重组表达载体后,诱导表达的rChGM-CSF-PoIFNα1融合蛋白分子量约55ku,主要存在于破碎菌体的上清中,表达量较高。Westernblot检测结果显示,该融合蛋白分别能够与ChGM-CSF多抗和PoIFNα单克隆抗体特异性结合,其抗病毒比活性约为1.1×10^6IU/mg,并且具有促进鸡淋巴细胞增殖的活性。本研究为rChGM-CSF-PoIFNα1重组融合蛋白的研制及其相关活性的测定提供实验依据。     

牛源犬新孢子虫AMA1基因的原核表达及免疫原性分析

为了解牛源犬新孢子虫AMA1基因蛋白特性及免疫原性,本试验以重组质粒PVAX1-NcAMA1为模板,PCR扩增NcAMA1基因,亚克隆至pGEX-4T-1表达载体;表达、纯化NcAMA1重组蛋白,并应用弗氏佐剂制备NcAMA1重组蛋白亚单位疫苗,接种BALB/c小鼠,间接ELISA方法检测小鼠血清抗体水平,用ELISA方法检测IFN-γ、IL-4表达水平。结果显示,表达的NcAMA1重组蛋白相对分子质量约为94 000(GST约为26 000、NcAMA1约为68 000),NcAMA1重组蛋白亚单位疫苗接种BALB/c小鼠后,能够诱导BALB/c小鼠产生较高的体液免疫水平和细胞免疫水平。本研究为利用该重组蛋白建立免疫学诊断方法及制备抗犬新孢子虫新型亚单位疫苗奠定了基础。     

CTA1-DD蛋白在枯草芽胞杆菌中的分泌表达

有研究证实,霍乱毒素(CT)A1亚基与葡萄球菌G蛋白的D肽偶联构建的融合蛋白CTA1-DD具有良好的佐剂效果。为了获得重组CTA1-DD蛋白在枯草芽胞杆菌中的表达,将CTA1-DD基因连接到表达载体pHT43中,构建重组枯草杆菌表达载体pHT43-CTA1-DD。将重组载体转化到枯草芽胞杆菌WB600中,用IPTG诱导重组菌表达,发酵液离心后取上清液,通过SDS-PAGE和Western blot方法分析蛋白表达情况。发酵上清液经Ni-IDA琼脂糖树脂纯化,与流感病毒HA抗原混合后共同滴鼻免疫小鼠后采集小鼠血清和支气管肺泡灌洗液检测IgG和IgA的抗体水平。结果显示：重组CTA1-DD蛋白在枯草芽胞杆菌中能够分泌表达,在发酵罐中发酵36 h情况下蛋白表达量最高,目的蛋白大小在42 kDa左右,蛋白产量最高能到700μg/mL,Western blot检测目的蛋白正确表达。重组蛋白经过Ni-IDA琼脂亲和层析纯化后与HA抗原混和滴鼻免疫小鼠,ELISA结果显示CTA1-DD蛋白组针对HA抗原能够诱导更高的血清IgG和黏膜IgA抗体水平,说明枯草芽胞杆菌表达的CTA1-DD蛋白具有佐剂活性...     

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.     

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

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

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.     

Chemotaxis of macrophage in inflammation

Our particular attention in this article was given to natural mediators for macrophages isolated from the sites of tissue injury. A number of chemotactic factors, which may satisfy many criteria making them acceptable as inflammatory leucocyte chemotactic factors, has been separated. Among them, our laboratory has isolated three macrophage (monocyte) chemotactic factors (MCF-a, -b and -c). Their purification, characterization and functional specificity are discussed.     

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