催产素受体在雌性山羊腹腔肠系膜前神经节的分布

本研究旨在探讨催产素(OT)是否可以影响雌性山羊腹腔肠系膜前神经节的活动。采用免疫组化SP法观察催产素受体(OTR)在雌性山羊腹腔肠系膜前神经节的分布特点。结果显示,催产素受体在腹腔肠系膜前神经节分布广泛,节内的神经细胞、支持细胞和过路纤维均有OTR免疫阳性产物分布;OTR主要在神经细胞中表达,相对表达量与其他非神经结构相比差异性极显著(P<0.01);在神经细胞中,OTR免疫阳性产物主要存在于胞膜和胞质,核不着色。雌性山羊腹腔肠系膜前神经节神经元对OT具有反应性,提示OT可能通过影响腹腔肠系膜前神经节神经元的活动,从而经其发出的交感节后神经这一途径调节胃肠的生理活动。     

催产素受体在山羊颈中神经节的定位研究

为了研究山羊颈中神经节(middle cervical ganglion, MCG)的神经细胞内是否具备接受催产素(oxytocin, OT)调节的条件。取成年羊山颈中神经节,采用免疫组化SP法检测催产素受体(oxytocin receptor, OTR)在颈中神经节内各种结构上的分布特点,用Image-pro plus 6.0分析颈中神经节神经细胞和非神经细胞结构的催产素受体表达差异性。结果表明,颈中神经节内OTR免疫阳性产物分布广泛,神经细胞、过路神经纤维、血管内皮细胞、支持细胞和雪旺细胞均有不同程度的着色。OTR免疫阳性产物在神经细胞的胞质和细胞核核膜着色最深,为棕褐色,呈强阳性。大部分神经细胞胞质着色为黄褐色,呈中等阳性,这部分神经细胞胞质约占神经细胞总数的91%。血管内皮细胞、细胞膜,以及一小部分神经细胞胞质和少量神经纤维着色较浅,为淡黄色,呈弱阳性。大部分的过路神经纤维着色极浅或不着色,为阴性。图像分析表明神经细胞胞体的相对表达量与其他非神经细胞结构相比差异性极显著。OTR免疫阳性产物在山羊颈中神经节中广泛表达分布,且主要分布在颈中神经节交感节后神经细胞内。     

催产素受体在雌性山羊颈动脉体的分布

研究催产素受体(OTR)在雌性山羊颈动脉体(CB)中是否存在及其分布特点,为催产素(OT)是否对CB起调节作用提供形态学基础。用免疫组织化学SP法对雌性山羊的CB进行OTR免疫组织化学染色,观察CB中OTR的分布特点。结果显示,在雌性山羊CB的实质细胞群和间质组织中均有不同程度的OTR阳性反应产物存在。OTR强阳性产物分布在Ⅰ型细胞、Ⅱ型细胞的细胞质和细胞膜,在Ⅰ型细胞的细胞核呈弱阳性表达,在Ⅱ型细胞的细胞核呈强阳性表达。在间质组织中,血管内皮细胞和神经纤维中有中等阳性反应产物存在,并且实质细胞群和间质组织的OTR相对表达量差异性极显著(P0.01)。结果表明,OTR主要分布于CB的实质细胞群中,CB具备接受OT调控的条件。因此,催产素可以通过激活CB中的OTR来影响CB的功能活动。     

孕激素受体在雌性山羊颈前神经节的分布

为研究雌性山羊颈前神经节(SCG)是否具备接受孕激素作用的条件,从而推测孕激素是否参与靶器官内分泌过程的神经调控,本试验采用免疫组织化学SP法研究雌性山羊SCG中孕激素受体(PR)的分布特点。结果显示在雌性山羊的SCG中,PR免疫反应阳性产物广泛分布,在神经元胞体、施万细胞、卫星细胞、神经纤维中均有不同程度的着色。其中神经元均为PR阳性,细胞膜和细胞质呈黄褐色,PR为中等阳性,而细胞核呈棕褐色为强阳性。另外施万细胞、支持细胞和神经纤维中也有淡黄色、弱阳性的PR阳性产物。图像分析表明,神经元胞体PR的相对表达量极显著(P<0.01)高于其他非神经成分。以上结果表明雌性山羊颈前神经节是孕激素作用的主要靶器官之一,提示孕激素可能作用于SCG交感节后神经元,从而参与SCG支配的靶器官的功能活动,而SCG内神经元上的PR有可能作为一个节点协调孕激素对内脏器官的内分泌调节和自主神经对内脏器官的神经调节。     

雌激素受体α,β在雌性山羊肠系膜后神经节的表达

为探究雌激素是否通过交感神经调节雌性生殖系统的生理状态,试验选取雌山羊肠系膜后神经节,采用免疫组织化学SP法,检测雌激素受体α,β在肠系膜后神经节中的表达及分布。结果显示,雌激素受体α,β阳性产物在雌性山羊肠系膜后神经节广泛存在,强阳性产物存在于神经元胞膜和核中,阳性产物存在于整个神经元胞体以及核仁中。在神经节其他组成结构中也出现了阳性产物。表明在雌山羊肠系膜后神经元中存在雌激素受体,说明神经元对雌激素具有反应性;在神经节其他组成结构中出现阳性产物,说明雌激素可以经交感神经通路影响雌性生殖系统的生理机能,为研究雌性生殖系统的免疫神经调节提供了形态学证据。     

GnRH受体在山羊结状神经节的分布

取山羊结状神经节5对,采用免疫组织化学SP法观察促性腺激素释放激素(Gonadotropin releasing hormon,GnRH)受体在结状神经节的分布特点。结果显示,GnRH受体在结状神经节上广泛分布,神经元、卫星细胞、神经纤维、血管内皮细胞均有不同程度的免疫阳性染色。在神经元胞体中,细胞膜和细胞质有GnRH受体强阳性产物分布,核不着色;卫星细胞、血管内皮细胞也有强阳性产物分布;神经纤维存在弱阳性产物分布。图像分析结果表明,神经元中GnRH受体的相对表达量与其他非神经结构相比差异性显著(P<0.05)。结果表明,山羊结状神经节中的GnRH受体主要存在于神经元中,山羊结状神经节中的内脏感觉传入神经元对GnRH具有反应性,提示GnRH结状神经节内脏感觉传入神经元的GnRH受体可能作为GnRH对内脏器官的内分泌调节和自主神经对内脏器官的神经调节这2种途径协调作用的节点。     

GnRH受体在山羊结状神经节的分布

取山羊结状神经节5对,采用免疫组织化学SP法观察促性腺激素释放激素（Gonadotropin releasing hormon,GnRH）受体在结状神经节的分布特点。结果显示,GnRH受体在结状神经节上广泛分布,神经元、卫星细胞、神经纤维、血管肉皮细胞均有不同程度的免疫阳性染色。在神经元胞体中,细胞膜和细胞质有GnRH受体强阳性产物分布,核不着色;卫星细胞、血管内皮细胞也有强阳性产物分布;神经纤维存在弱阳性产物分布。图像分析结果表明,神经元中GnRH受体的相对表达量与其他非神经结构相比差异性显著（P〈0．05）。结果表明,山羊结状神经节中的GnRH受体主要存在于神经元中,山羊结状神经节中的内脏感觉传入神经元对GnRH具有反应性,提示GnRH结状神经节内脏感觉传入神经元的GnRH受体可能作为GnRH对内脏器官的内分泌调节和自主神经对内脏器官的神经调节这2种途径协调作用的节点。     

GnRH受体在山羊腹腔肠系膜前神经节的分布及其意义

本研究旨在观察促性腺激素释放激素受体(Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor,GnRHR)在山羊腹腔肠系膜前神经节的分布特点,以探讨GnRH是否可以影响腹腔肠系膜前神经节(Celiac-superior mesenteric ganglia,CSMG)的活动。取雄性和雌性成年山羊的腹腔肠系膜前神经节各5个,经免疫组织化学SP法染色后,观察GnRHR在肠系膜前神经节的分布特点,并用Image-Pro Plus 6.0(IPP 6.0)软件图像半定量分析技术,分析腹腔肠系膜前神经节中的神经元和非神经元的GnRHR分布差异。结果表明:GnRHR强阳性产物主要分布神经元的胞膜和胞质中;血管内皮细胞、神经纤维和卫星细胞中只有GnRHR弱阳性产物;GnRHR在神经细胞和非神经细胞中的表达量呈极显著性差异(P<0.01)。上述结果表明,腹腔肠系膜前神经节对GnRH具有反应性,且神经元为其作用的靶细胞,提示GnRH可能通过影响腹腔肠系膜前神经节神经元的活动,进而影响其发出的交感节后神经纤维所支配的靶器官功能这一途径来调节胃肠的生理活动。     

卵泡刺激素受体在雌性山羊颈动脉体的分布

为了检测雌性山羊颈动脉体中是否存在卵泡刺激素受体(FSHR),探讨卵泡刺激素(FSH)是否可以影响雌性山羊颈动脉体的活动,本试验采用免疫组织化学SP法观察卵泡刺激素受体(FSHR)在山羊颈动脉体内的分布特点,利用IPP 6.0图像半定量分析系统分析FSHR在颈动脉体中实质细胞和非实质细胞上的表达量差异。结果显示,FSHR主要分布在颈动脉体的实质细胞(Ⅰ型细胞和Ⅱ型细胞)。Ⅰ型细胞中FSHR强阳性产物分布于细胞核,中等阳性产物分布于细胞膜,弱阳性或阴性产物分布于细胞质;Ⅱ型细胞中有强阳性产物;血管内皮细胞中有中等阳性或强阳性产物。FSHR在颈动脉体的实质细胞与非实质细胞中相对表达量呈显著性差异(P<0.05)。结果表明,证实FSHR在雌性非妊娠山羊颈动脉体内广泛表达,提示颈动脉体可能接受FSH的调节,这为研究FSH作用于非生殖系统及颈动脉体神经内分泌调节机制提供形态学依据。     

雌激素受体α、β在雌性山羊颈动脉体的分布

为探索雌性山羊颈动脉体(CB)是否具有接受雌激素作用的条件,本试验采用免疫组织化学SP法检测雌性山羊CB中ERα、ERβ的分布特点。结果表明,雌性山羊CB中ERα与ERβ的免疫阳性产物分布广泛,在球细胞、支持细胞、血管内皮细胞及周围结缔组织均有不同程度的阳性产物分布,但主要分布于球细胞。以上结果表明CB的球细胞是雌激素作用的主要靶点,提示雌激素可能通过作用于分布在CB球细胞上的ER对心血管系统的功能活动产生神经途径的调节作用。     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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