八珍汤对乳牛产后免疫状态的影响

为了探索提高乳牛产后期免疫状态的新方法，对试验乳牛分4组（产前第30d至产前第1d灌喂组、产前第15d至产后第15d灌喂组、产后第1d至第30d灌喂组、不灌喂中药对照组）灌喂中药八珍汤，检测产后期淋巴细胞及其亚群数量和淋巴细胞增殖活化功能。结果发现，产前组CD3细胞数量在产后第1d升高；产前产后组CD3、CD4和CD8细胞数量在产后第1d和第15d升高；产后组CD3细胞数量在产后第15d和第30d升高，CD4细胞数量也在产后第30d升高。淋巴细胞对ConA的反应能力，产前产后组在产后第1～30d明显提高，产后组在产后第15d和第30d明显提高。各组乳牛产后期CD21细胞数量的变化相近。结果表明，从产前第15d开始到产后第15d每日喂八珍汤，能明显提高乳牛产后期T细胞及其亚群数量和增加淋巴细胞增殖活化功能，而对B细胞数量增加的作用不明显。     

乳牛产后期生理性免疫状态的研究

为了研究乳牛在产后期的生理性免疫状态，检测了产后期乳牛淋巴细胞及其亚群数量和淋巴细胞增殖活化功能及其变化。结果发现，乳牛淋巴细胞及其亚群数量和淋巴细胞增殖活化功能在分娩后第1d最低，然后表现出缓慢上升的总体趋势。CD3细胞数在产后第15d低于产后第1d，到产后第30d时达到最高值；CD4细胞数一直多于CD8细胞数；CD21细胞数在产后第15d时达到最高值，以后缓慢下降；淋巴细胞的增殖活化能力在产后第30d最高，未观察到淋巴细胞有明显的凋亡和增生现象。结果表明，乳牛免疫状态在产后第1d最低，以后逐渐升高，第15d时细胞免疫最低而体液免疫最高，第30d时细胞免疫最强。     

分娩应激对围产期奶牛免疫机能的影响

本文分析了围产期奶牛的分娩应激对其免疫机能的影响,并从宏观和微观上进行了详细的阐述,为围产期奶牛的饲养管理提供了理论依据。     

Plasma malonaldehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant status (TAS) during lactation in dairy cows

Metabolic profiles are widely used to monitor health, reproductive status and nutritional status. In the last few years, the evaluation of oxidative stress has contributed increasingly to our knowledge of the fundamental mechanisms involved in metabolic disorders, especially important in dairy cows, in which lactation imposes great physiological demands on the body's homeostatic mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to evaluate oxidative status in healthy cows during lactation (from lactation onset to peak lactation) using two parameters: (i) plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and (ii) total antioxidant status (TAS). Our results confirm that nutrition can influence the characteristic metabolic changes occurring between lactation onset and peak lactation. In addition, the combination of MDA and TAS can provide complementary information about the metabolic status of the cow. Thus, the proper metabolic adaptation to the onset of lactation, showed by metabolic profiles, contrasts with the high levels of free radicals which cause lipid peroxidation and high MDA values (68.99+/-33.64 microm/L) which is maintained only for a short period of time. In this moment, the antioxidant system can cope efficiently with lipoperoxide production. The most remarkable fact was the great inter-individual variations observed in MDA that might be studied in further investigations. When the animal reaches peak lactation, metabolic status is stabilized, and this is reflected by antioxidant status with mean values of 28.87+/-5.33 microm/L for MDA and 0.154+/-0.002 mmol/L for TAS values.     

Influence of a marine algae supplementation on the oxidative status of plasma in dairy cows during the periparturient period

This study was part of a larger study that addressed the effects of marine algae (ALG) supplementation in the ration of high yielding periparturient dairy cows. The objectives were to induce milk fat depression (MFD) in early lactation by feeding docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from ALG and to determine the effects on milk production, milk components and metabolic status early post partum. This study focuses on the oxidative status in the plasma during the ALG supplementation. Plasma samples were collected from 16 Holstein Friesian cows at the day of parturition and at −1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks relative to calving with half of the cows receiving the ALG supplement (44 g DHA/d) from 3 weeks pre partum on. The following parameters were measured in plasma: ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), α-tocopherol level, glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH-Px) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentration. There was a significant effect of time for FRAP and α-tocopherol indicating changes in the plasma oxidative status around parturition. The ALG supplementation was successful in creating a milk fat depression (MFD) but could not improve the energy balance. Feeding of ALG significantly increased lipid peroxidation as measured by TBARS, probably through their high content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.     

Association of intrauterine presence of Lactobacillus spp. with inflammation and pathogenic bacteria in the uterus in postpartum dairy cows

The aim of this study was to clarify the influence of Lactobacillus spp. on the degree of endometrial inflammation in the postpartum period and the relationship between Lactobacillus spp. and pathogenic bacteria in the endometrium of postpartum dairy cows. Endometrial samples were collected from 41 Holstein-Friesian cows at 4 and 8 weeks postpartum using cytobrushes for polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) count and bacterial culture to isolate Lactobacillus spp., Escherichiacoli, and Trueperella pyogenes. The 4-week samples were divided into four groups (E+L+), (E+L−), (E−L+), (E−L−) according to whether endometritis was diagnosed (E+) and Lactobacillus spp. was isolated (L+). The diagnostic criterion for cytological endometritis was > 18% PMN. The average PMN% in the E+L+ group was lower than that in the E+L-group (P < 0.05) at 8 weeks postpartum. There were no significant correlations between the number of colonies of Lactobacillus spp. and E. coli or between that of Lactobacillus spp. and T. pyogenes. Lactobacillus spp. could reduce PMN% in dairy cows with endometritis during the puerperal period. In conclusion, the intrauterine presence of Lactobacillus spp. may have a positive effect on uterine involution in postpartum dairy cows.     

Characterization of immune response in Staphylococcus aureus chronically infected bovine mammary glands during active involution

The aim of this study was to characterize the immune response in Staphylococcus aureus chronically infected bovine mammary glands during active involution. Twenty-one Holstein non-pregnant cows in late lactation either uninfected or with chronic naturally acquired S. aureus intramammary infections (IMI) were included in this study. Cows were slaughtered at 7, 14 and 21 d after cessation of milking and samples for immunohistochemical analysis were taken. Protein expression of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR4 was significantly higher in S. aureus-infected quarters than in uninfected controls at the three involution stages studied. Protein expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1α and IL-17 was significantly affected by IMI; being higher in S. aureus-infected than uninfected quarters during all evaluated stages. In S. aureus-infected and uninfected quarters protein expression of lactoferrin increased from day 7–14 of involution, decreasing significantly to day 21 in mammary quarters with chronic infections. The number of monocytes-macrophages was significantly higher in S. aureus-infected than in uninfected control quarters at 7 and 21 d of involution. The number of T lymphocytes was significantly higher in S. aureus-infected than in uninfected quarters at 7 and 14 d of involution while the number of B lymphocytes was significantly higher in S. aureus-infected than in uninfected quarters during all evaluated stages, showing a progressive increase as involution advanced. These results demonstrated a sustained and exacerbated innate and adaptive immune response during chronic S. aureus IMI, playing a critical role in the infection control during active involution.     

The evaluation of non-specific immune status of heifers in field conditions during the periparturient period

During the periparturient period, some impairment of immune defences were observed. Reference values for the different non-specific immune parameters in cows are not generally available, thus limiting the application of these parameters in dairy practice. This paper reports the data on the measurements of different parameters in the blood, and explores the possible influence of the herd on the non-specific immune status of the cow. Five herds located in Northern Italy were selected and overall 39 heifers were enrolled in the trial. Blood samples were taken 14 and 7 days before the expected date of calving, then at 7, 14, 21, 28, 45, 60, and 75 days after calving. The parameters assessed were N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase (NAGase), lysozyme, nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, haptoglobin, respiratory burst, and serum protein profile. After calving, a significant decrease of respiratory burst and nitric oxide concentration were observed in comparison with the pre-calving values but not with the post-calving samplings. Total proteins, beta- and gamma-globulins showed a progressive and significant increase in concentration after calving, in comparison with pre-calving values. The results of the study confirmed that a decrease of immune functions can be observed in commercial dairy herds in the first four weeks after calving. The amplitude of this phenomenon is not common to all animals and all herds, suggesting the possibility to reduce the impairment by improved management and genetic selection.     

Relationship between parity and mineral status in dairy cows during the periparturient period

Data from 65 cows were collected to clarify the relationship between parity and mineral status in Holstein cows during the periparturient period. Milk fever occurred in a second‐ and a fourth‐lactation cow at parturition. Bodyweight of cows decreased immediately after parturition, and the decreased weights of cows from 1 to 6 days after parturition ranged from 11 to 27 kg. Milk yield of multiparous cows was higher than that of primiparous cows, but Ca and P concentrations in colostrum were not affected by the parity. Plasma glucose of primiparous cows was higher than that of multiparous cows, and plasma nonesterified fatty acids of fourth‐and‐more‐lactation cows at parturition was highest. Plasma Ca concentration of cows at parturition decreased with advancing parity, and plasma inorganic P concentration of third‐and‐more‐lactation cows was lowest at parturition. Plasma parathyroid hormone of fourth‐and‐more‐lactation cows at parturition was highest, but plasma hydroxyproline and alkaline phosphatase was lowest. These results suggest that the large transfer of Ca and P to colostrum is a factor in the development of milk fever in third‐and‐more‐lactation cows.     

Evaluation of a bulk-milk ELISA test for the classification of herd-level bovine leukemia virus status

The results of a commercial bulk-milk enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test for herd-level bovine leukemia virus (BLV) status were compared to results obtained from individual agar-gel immunodiffussion (AGID) testing on sampled cattle. A positive herd was defined as a herd having one or more AGID-positive animals. The estimated true herd status was based on the sensitivity and specificity of the AGID test and the number of cattle sampled per herd. Ninety-seven herds were used, with a mean of 13 cows sampled per herd. The AGID test indicated an apparent herd prevalence of 70.1%. After accounting for the number of cows sampled and the sensitivity and specificity of the AGID test, the estimated true herd prevalence of BLV was 52.3%. The ELISA test identified 79.4% of herds as positive for BLV, and had an apparent sensitivity and specificity of 0.97 and 0.62, respectively. However, after accounting for the sensitivity and specificity of the AGID test in individual animals, the specificity of the ELISA test was 0.44. The ELISA test was useful for identifying BLV-negative herds (i.e., ruling out the presence of BLV infection in test negative herds). With the moderately low specificity, herds identified as positive by the ELISA test would require further testing at the individual or herd level to definitively establish their BLV status.     

Expression and regulation of Enpp2 in rat uterus during the estrous cycle

Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiestrase 2 (Enpp2) isolated from the supernatant of human melanoma cells is a lysophospholipase D that transforms lysophosphatidylcholine into lysophospatidic acid. Although multiple analyses have investigated the function of Enpp2 in the hypothalamus, its role in the uterus during the estrous cycle is not well understood. In the present study, rat uterine Enpp2 was analyzed by RT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated that uterine Enpp2 mRNA was decreased during estrus compared to proestrus and diestrus. To determine whether uterine Enpp2 expression is affected by sex steroid hormones, immature rats were treated with 17β-estradiol (E2), progesterone, or both on postnatal days 14 to 16. Interestingly, the expression of Enpp2 mRNA and protein were down-regulated by E2 in the uterus during estrus but not during proestrus or diestrus, suggesting that Enpp2 may play a role in uterine function during estrus. Enpp2 is primarily localized in the stromal cells of the endometrium during proestrus and estrus. During diestrus, Enpp2 was highly expressed in the epithelial cells of the endometrium. Taken together, these results suggest that uterine Enpp2 may be regulated by E2 and plays a role in reproductive functions during female rat development.     

Ultrasonographic appearance of the bovine uterus during the estrous cycle

The uteri of 22 Holstein heifers were monitored during 58 interovulatory intervals by transrectal ultrasonographic imaging. The ultrasonographic appearance of the uterus was influenced by the stage of the estrous cycle. Profound changes in characteristics visualized by ultrasonography included thickness of the uterine body, ultrasonographic evidence of edema, and accumulation of intravaginal and intrauterine fluids. Scores representing intravaginal fluid, intrauterine fluid, ultrasonographic texture, and number of gray-scale zones (comprising the image of the uterus) increased before ovulation, then decreased until approximately day 3 to day 6 (ovulation = day 0). The scores for uterine shape and number of cross sections of a uterine horn in one 5-MHz field began to increase before ovulation, reached a high plateau during the period associated with maximal progesterone production, and decreased before the time associated with estrus and ovulation.     

The mRNA expression of the members of the IGF-system in bovine corpus luteum during induced luteolysis

The components of the IGF-system were shown to be differentially regulated in bovine antral follicles and corpora lutea (CL) during different stages of the estrous cycle, and to have important functions for specific stages. The aim of this study was to investigate the detailed pattern of mRNA expression of most constituents of the IGF-system and their possible involvement in prostaglandin (PG)F2-induced luteolysis in the bovine CL. Therefore, cows in the mid-luteal phase (days 8–12) were injected with the PGF2-analogue Cloprostenol, and CL were collected by transvaginal ovariectomy at 2, 4, 12, 48 and 64 h after PGF2-injection. Real-time RT-PCR using SYBR Green I detection was employed to determine mRNA expressions of the following factors: ubiquitin (UBQ), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF I), IGF II, IGF-receptor type 1 (IGFR-1), growth hormone receptor (GH-R) and IGF-binding proteins-1–6 (IGFBP-1–6). Total extractable RNA decreased with ongoing luteolysis. IGFBP-1 mRNA was significantly up-regulated at 2 h after PGF2 and maximal at 4 h with a 34-fold increase. IGFBP-5 mRNA was significantly up-regulated after 12 h with a maximum of an 11-fold increase at 64 h. For GH-R, IGFR-1, IGF II, IGFBP-3 and -4 mRNA expression, we found a significant down-regulation in certain stages. There was a significant up-regulation for IGFBP-2 and -6 mRNA at 64 h after induced luteolysis. There were no significant changes in IGF I mRNA expression. In conclusion, the IGF-system with all its components seems to play an important role in the very complex process of PGF2-induced luteolysis in bovine CL.     

Biological activity of LH during the peripartum period and the estrous cycle of the ewe

Biological activity of luteinizing hormone (LH) is related to the degree of glycosylation of the glycoprotein hormone. The objectives of this study were to determine changes in biologically (BLH) and immunologically (ILH) active LH concentrations in plasma (in vitro bioassay and radioimmunoassay, respectively) and in the ratio of BLH to ILH (B:I) during the peripartum period and during the estrous cycle of the ewe. Blood samples were collected daily 4 days before through 4 days after parturition and during one estrous cycle. Also, samples were collected at 15-min intervals for 6 hr on Days 3 and 12 of the estrous cycle to quantify the influence of an elevated plasma concentration of progesterone (P) on the episodic secretion profiles of BLH. Progesterone concentration was determined on the 4th days pre- and post-partum, on each day of the estrous cycle and at hourly intervals on Days 3 and 12 of the cycle to investigate the hypothesis of an inverse relationship between P and BLH. The BLH and ILH concentrations were low during the peripartum period, and the B:I ratio did not increase by the 4th day postpartum. Mean ILH concentration was greater (P less than .05) in the postpartum than during the prepartum period. During the estrous cycle, mean daily B:I ratio was consistently above unity except for the day of estrus. The pre-ovulatory LH surge (BLH and ILH) was associated with a decrease (P less than .05) in the mean B:I ratio to 0.0065. Mean concentrations of BLH and ILH in plasma samples collected every 15 min on Day 12 were similar to Day 3 of the cycle.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

神经元特异性烯醇化酶在大鼠动情周期子宫中的分布

选择健康、未产、体重220-250g成年雌性SD大鼠，采用阴道涂片方法鉴定其动情周期，并采用免疫组织化学SP法研究了神经元特异性烯醇化酶（NSE）在大鼠动情周期子宫内分布的变化规律。结果显示，子宫各层均有不同程度NSE免疫阳性产物分布，并随动情周期的变化表现出一定的规律：各期子宫内膜黏膜上皮细胞、腺上皮细胞、基质细胞、血管内皮细胞及肥大细胞等NSE免疫阳性细胞数量变化不大，但着色深浅有一定差别，动情期着色最深，动情后期、动情间期、动情前期着色依次减弱；肌层和子宫外膜中，动情期着色最深，动情后期着色最浅，动情间期表达量明显回升，动情前期比动情期着色稍浅。表明，NSE在子宫中的分布可能受性类固醇激素的调节。     

Characterization of bovine ileal epithelial cell line for lectin binding,susceptibility to enteric pathogens,and TLR mediated immune responses

In this study, primary and immortalized bovine intestinal epithelial cells (BIECs) were characterized for the expression of surface carbohydrate moieties. Primary BIEC-c4 cells showed staining greater than 90 % for 16 lectins but less than 50 % staining for four lectins. Immortalized BIECs showed significantly different lectin binding profile for few lectins compared to BIEC-c4 cells. BIEC-c4 cells were studied for infectivity to E. coli, Salmonella enterica, bovine rotavirus, bovine coronavirus, and bovine viral diarrhea virus. Bovine strain E. coli B41 adhered to BIEC-c4 cells and Salmonella strains S. Dublin and S. Mbandaka showed strong cell invasion. BIEC-c4 cells were susceptible to bovine rotavirus. LPS stimulation upregulated IL-10, IL-8, and IL-6 expression and Poly I:C upregulated TLR 8 and TLR 9 expression. This study provides important knowledge on the glycoconjugate expression profile of primary and immortalized BIECs and infectivity and immune responses of primary BIECs to bacterial and viral pathogens or ligands.     

The impact of probiotics on gut health via alternation of immune status of monogastric animals

The intestinal immune system is affected by various factors during its development, such as maternal antibodies, host genes, intestinal microbial composition and activity, and various stresses (such as weaning stress). Intestinal microbes may have an important impact on the development of the host immune system. Appropriate interventions such as probiotics may have a positive effect on intestinal immunity by regulating the composition and activity of intestinal microbes. Moreover, probiotics participate in the regulation of host health in many ways; for instance, by improving digestion and the absorption of nutrients, immune response, increasing the content of intestinal-beneficial microorganisms, and inhibiting intestinal-pathogenic bacteria, and they participate in regulating intestinal diseases in various ways. Probiotics are widely used as additives in livestock and the poultry industry and bring health benefits to hosts by improving intestinal microbes and growth performance, which provides more choices for promoting strong and efficient productivity.     

The uterus and early pregnancy failure in the mare

The environment the equine conceptus finds itself in when it arrives in the uterus some 6 days after ovulation will determine if it will thrive or die. The uterus will be its home for approximately the next 11 months and as such it needs to both coordinate the growth of the placenta and ensure there is enough nourishment passing to this organ for the fetus to develop normally. The trophoblast, endometrium, maternal ovaries and, later in pregnancy, the fetal gonads, all play roles in the hormonal changes that orchestrate these events. Although failures of these processes later in pregnancy can have catastrophic effects for the fetus, it is in early gestation that the foundations for a successful pregnancy are laid. This paper therefore concentrates on some of the noninfectious influences the uterus may have on survival of the young conceptus.