Wound Healing: The Role of Platelet-Derived Growth Factor and Transforming Growth Factor Beta

Recent investigation into the mechanisms of wound healing has indicated the interaction of many substances, including several growth factors. The activity of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), are best defined. Both factors are secreted primarily from the alpha granules of platelets, but also from activated macro-phages and fibroblasts. Investigation implicates the platelet as the initiator of wound healing, secreting PDGF, TGF-β, and other factors that are chemotactic for monocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts. Although their mode of action and degree of effect are different, both PDGF and TGF-β increase the collagen content and early rate of gain of strength in wounds in normal and compromised tissue. In normal tissue, however, there is no long-term effect on wound outcome. The use of exogenous growth factors offers potential for chemical manipulation of the healing wound, particularly in tissues that are compromised, or where healing is abnormal.     

不同猪种TGF-β1基因单核苷酸多态性分析

以二花脸猪、大白猪、长白猪、皮特兰猪和圣特西猪共计861 头为研究材料,采用PCR-SSCP技术,对猪TGF β1基因6 7外显子区的1156 bp序列进行多态性分析,发现一个多态位点。经克隆测序分析,位于第6内含子区内存在C→T突变,该突变位点为第7外显子上游的第9位碱基(序列:AJ621785中的第1043位点)。对不同猪群的基因型和基因频率统计结果表明,二花脸猪以等位基因T为主,而大白猪、长白猪、皮特兰猪和圣特西猪则以等位基因C为主,且各猪群均处于Hardy Weinberg平衡。     

神经生长因子(NGF)在母牛性腺及性腺外生殖器官中的表达研究

本研究旨在探讨神经生长因子(nerve growth factor,NGF)在母牛卵泡期及黄体期子宫、卵巢、输卵管3种组织中的表达情况。采用FQ-PCR方法和Western blotting技术对成年母牛卵泡期及黄体期的子宫、卵巢、输卵管中的NGF mRNA和蛋白质表达进行了检测。结果表明,NGF mRNA和蛋白质在卵泡期和黄体期的子宫、卵巢、输卵管中均有表达,且卵泡期子宫中NGF mRNA表达量显著高于卵泡期卵巢和黄体期输卵管中NGF mRNA表达量(P0.05),其它组织间无显著差异。     

Postnatal Changes in Testicular Concentrations of Transforming Growth Factors‐Alpha and‐Beta 1, 2 and 3 and Serum Concentrations of Insulin Like Growth Factor I in Bulls

Based on work largely in laboratory animals, transforming growth factors (TGF) and insulin like growth factors (IGF) could be regulators of testicular development. The aim of this study was to see if TGF‐alpha and ‐beta 1, 2 and 3 are present in the bovine testis and to monitor concentrations of these factors in the testis and IGF‐I in serum during reproductive development. Separate groups of Hereford × Charolais calves (n = 6) were castrated every 4 weeks from 5 to 33 weeks of age and at 56 weeks of age. A week prior to castration, from 5 to 33 weeks of age, blood was collected every 15 min for 10 h. Serum IGF‐I concentrations increased from 8 to 12 weeks of age, decreased from 24 to 28 weeks and increased to 32 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Testicular TGF‐alpha concentrations increased from 13 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks and from 33 to 56 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Testicular TGF‐beta 1 concentrations decreased from 17 to 21 weeks of age, increased to 25 weeks and decreased from 25 to 33 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Testicular TGF‐beta 2 concentrations increased from 5 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks, increased to 25 weeks and decreased at 29 weeks of age (p < 0.05). Testicular TGF‐beta 3 concentrations increased from 13 to 17 weeks of age, decreased to 21 weeks and from 25 to 29 weeks of age (p < 0.05). We concluded that TGF‐alpha and TGF‐beta 1, 2 and 3 are present in the testis of the bull calf, and changes in concentrations with age suggest a functional role in the development of the testis.     

TGF-β1在羊驼睾丸的表达与定位

研究TGF-β1在羊驼睾丸的表达与定位,探索TGF-β1在羊驼睾丸发育及精子发生中的作用.以12和24月龄的羊驼睾丸为研究对象,采用Western blotting技术,对TGF-β1在羊驼睾丸蛋白水平的表达进行研究;采用免疫组织化学SABC法对TGF-β1在羊驼睾丸的表达进行组织学定位.Western blotting结果显示羊驼睾丸组织粗蛋白提取物中存在分子量约为25 ku且与多克隆兔抗TGF-β1抗体发生免疫阳性反应的蛋白条带;免疫组化结果显示TGF-β1在12和24月龄羊驼睾丸的间质细胞、支持细胞和各级生精细胞均有不同程度的表达.光密度测定结果显示TGF-β1在12、24月龄羊驼睾丸间质细胞的光密度分别为0.730 5±0.011 5、0.562 6±0.012 2;在支持细胞分别为0.420 7±0.013 0、0.325 7±0.008 2;在精原细胞分别为0.457 9±0.009 2、0.374 3±0.015 8(P＜0.01);在管周肌样细胞分别为0.645 5±0.082 0、0.656 9±0.023 0(P＞0.05);TGF-β1在同一年龄阶段不同细胞的表达差异显著(P＜0.01,P＜0.05).结果表明羊驼睾丸有TGF-β1的表达;TGF-β1参与羊驼睾丸发育与精子发生的调控.     

表皮生长因子家族及其受体在月经周期猕猴输卵管内的表达

EGF、TGFα、HB-EGF和AR均属EGF家族，与同一受体EGFR结合。本试验应用免疫细胞化学方法对EGF、TGFα、HB-EGF、AR和EGFR在月经周期猕猴输卵管内的表达进行了研究。结果表明：EGF、TGFα、HB-EGF、AR和EGFR主要在输卵管上皮细胞内表达．而在固有层、肌层及浆膜内的表达量较少。EGF、TGFα、HB-EGF、AR和EGFR在输卵管内的表达量随月经周期的不同时期而变化。EGF、TGFα、HB-EGF、AR和EGFR在增殖中期到分泌早期的输卵管内的表达量较高．在增殖早期及分泌晚期的表达量较低。EGF家族及其受体在猕猴榆卵管内的表达可能受卵巢分泌的类固醇激素所调控。EGF可能在猕猴排卵及早期胚胎发育过程中起重要的调节作用。     

Cholangiocarcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Stratified Epithelial Portion of the Stomach in a Horse: A Case Report

Both cholangiocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach stratified squamous epithelial portion are rarely found in equine medicine despite being more common in human beings, dogs, and cats. The objective of the present article was to report the simultaneous occurrences of these two types of neoplasias in an 11-year-old mare. Numerous firm, whitish nodules were distributed throughout the liver parenchyma and those protruding over its surface were umbilicated in their appearance. It was verified that the nodules adhered to the peritoneum and omentum, diaphragm, spleen, and stomach serosa compressed the adjacent structures. The stomach stratified squamous epithelial portion, particularly originating in the margo plicatus toward the cardia, was covered by numerous smooth, whitish spherules. Microscopic examination allowed the liver, tumor, and the abdominal implants to be identified as a cholangiocarcinoma, and the stomach neoplasia as a carcinoma of its stratified squamous epithelial portion. Considering this as an uncommon finding, although when considered individually, the presence of a cholangiocarcinoma and a squamous cell carcinoma of the stratified squamous epithelial portion of the equine stomach in the same specimen is worthy of reporting.     

Altered Expression of Transforming Growth Factor‐Beta Isoforms in Bovine Cystic Ovarian Disease

Cystic ovarian disease (COD) is one of the main causes of infertility in dairy cattle. It has been shown that intra‐ovarian factors may contribute to follicular persistence. Transforming growth factor‐beta (TGFB) isoforms are important paracrine and autocrine signalling molecules that regulate ovarian follicle growth and physiology. Considering the importance of these factors in the ovarian physiology, in this study, we examined the expression of TGFB isoforms (TGFB1, TGFB2 and TGFB3) in the ovary of healthy cows and animals with spontaneous and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)‐induced COD. In the oestrous‐synchronized control group, the expression of TGFB1 in granulosa and theca cells was higher in spontaneous cysts than in atretic or tertiary follicles. When we compared TGFB2 expression in granulosa cells from atretic or tertiary follicles from the oestrous‐synchronized control group with that in ACTH‐induced or spontaneous follicular cysts, we found a higher expression in the latter. The expression of the TGFB isoforms studied was also altered during folliculogenesis in both the spontaneous and ACTH‐induced COD groups. As it has been previously shown that TGFB influences steroidogenesis, ovarian follicular proliferation and apoptosis, an alteration in its expression may contribute to the pathogenesis of this disease.     

Localization of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 in the Ovary of the Ostrich (Struthio camelus)

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) play a paramount role in the regulation of normal and pathologic angiogenesis in the ovary of mammals. Very little is known on the expression of these two growth factors in the avian ovary. The aim of this study was to determine for the first time the localization of VEGF and FGF‐2 in the ovary of the ostrich using immunohistochemical techniques to investigate the vascularization of the rapidly growing huge ostrich oocyte. At the oocyte periphery, distinct VEGF‐positive granules are visible. In our opinion, the expression of VEGF in the growing oocytes, which does not occur in mammals such as bovines, does not significantly contribute to angiogenesis in the theca interna and externa, where all the original and developing vessels are located, but may contribute to the mitoses and survival of granulosa cells during folliculogenesis. A different immunostaining can be demonstrated for FGF‐2: from late pre‐vitellogenic follicles, FGF‐2 immunopositivity can be observed at the inner perivitelline layer area. In the stroma, the smooth muscle cells of small arteries and the endothelial cells of venules and veins are positively stained for FGF‐2. Another interesting finding of this study is the occurrence of a significant number of VEGF‐ and FGF‐2 positive heterophilic granulocytes within the ovarian stroma, which migrate from the periphery of the ovary towards the growing follicles. We assume that the growth factors of the heterophilic granulocytes contribute significantly to the angiogenesis seen in both theca layers.     

Effect of hCG and eCG Treatments on Prostaglandins Synthesis in the Porcine Oviduct

The oviduct plays a crucial role in fertilization, gamete maturation and embryo transport. Prostaglandins are some of the main factors determining its roles. The present study investigated the influence of oestrus synchronization and superovulation on prostaglandins synthesis in the porcine oviduct. Mature cross‐bred gilts after exhibiting oestrous cycles were divided into four groups: I, cyclic; II, inseminated; III, synchronized and inseminated; and IV, superovulated and inseminated. Oviducts were collected on the third day of the oestrous cycle or after insemination and divided into isthmus and ampullary parts. This study demonstrated lower mRNA (in the isthmus and ampulla; p < 0.05, p < 0.001, respectively) and protein prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 expression (in the isthmus; p < 0.001) in gilts treated with human chorionic gonadotrophin/equine chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG/eCG) compared with Group II that were inseminated only. In addition, hCG and eCG treatment decreased mPGES‐1 mRNA levels in Groups III and IV, in both the isthmus (p < 0.01 in III, p < 0.001 in IV) and ampulla (p < 0.001). The prostaglandin E₂ content of oviductal tissues was significantly lower in Groups III (p < 0.05) and IV (p < 0.01 in isthmus, p < 0.0001 in ampulla) compared with Group II. mRNA and protein levels of PGFS in Group IV in the oviductal isthmus were higher (p < 0.01) compared with the non‐treated Group II. In effect, the amount of prostaglandin F_2α in oviductal tissues of gilts treated with hCG/eCG was significantly elevated (p < 0.001 in isthmus of Groups III and IV; p < 0.05 in ampulla of Group IV). Differential expression of the factors analysed in gilts treated with exogenous gonadotrophins suggests that hCG/eCG stimulation affects prostaglandins synthesis pathway. These changes can alter oviduct functions and in turn affect gamete maturation and fertilization as well as development of embryos and their transport to the uterus.     

猪表皮生长因子真核表达产物的体外活性试验

为建立一种快速检测猪表皮生长因子(pEGF)活性的方法,用本实验室构建的pEGF酵母表达载体进行摇瓶培养,通过鉴定为所需要的目的蛋白,用pEGF为添加物培养Balbc/3T3细胞,以pEGF浓度为横坐标,吸光度为纵坐标建立曲线。结果表明,理想的接种细胞的个数为5 000个/孔,细胞计数试剂盒(CCK-8)孵育的最佳时间为1.5 h,pEGF和人表皮生长因子(hEGF)标准品,在1 ng/mL~100 ng/mL范围内对细胞的增值作用相当,表明pEGF和hEGF有相同的生物学活性。建立了用CCK-8快速测定pEGF活性的方法。     

猪TGFβ1基因及其受体组织表达特性的研究

以妊娠母猪为研究材料,采用RT-PCR半定量方法对猪转化生长因子β1(TGFβ1)及其3种受体组织表达特点进行研究。结果表明:TGFβ1在11种组织中的表达量,由高到低依次为肾上腺、下丘脑、肌肉、卵巢、脾、大脑、肾、子宫、肺、肝和心脏。3种受体的表达,总体上来说在子宫中相对较高。TGFβ1及其受体在肾上腺和子宫等组织中有相对较高的表达量,提示其在繁殖过程中可能发挥作用。     

猪表皮生长因子基因的遗传变异及其与产仔性状的相关性分析

本研究通过建立两次PCR扩增分型法,分析猪表皮生长因子(epidermal growth factor,EGF)基因第3内含子上的875bp插入片段在13个中外不同繁殖性能的猪种中的遗传变异,以及EGF基因在白色杜洛克×二花脸资源家系180头F2母猪中与繁殖性状的相关性。结果表明,不同类型中国地方猪种与西方商业猪种在EGF基因位点上存在偏态分布。在资源家系中该位点对总产仔数、产活仔数和断奶活仔数无显著影响(P0.05);尽管BB基因型的产活仔数和断奶活仔数分别比AA型多1.74和0.46头,但BB型的个体太少,各基因型间的均值差异不显著(P0.05);虽然产活仔数的a值和d值分别达到0.87和1.24头,但该基因位点的加性效应和显性效应并不明显。因此,需要利用更多的SNP位点和更多样本进一步了解EGF基因与繁殖性状的关联性。     

Dermoid Cyst in the Intermandibular Space of a 3-Year-Old Thoroughbred Gelding: A Case Report

Soft tissue swelling located in the intermandibular space is very common in horses and presents a significant diagnostic challenge. Although the possible etiologies of intermandibular swelling are many, dermoid cysts are rarely included within the differential diagnoses list. This may be due to their low prevalence and to the lack of English written literature reporting dermoid cysts in this location in horses. This is the first report describing the clinical signs, diagnosis, and management of a dermoid cyst arising in the intermandibular space of a Thoroughbred horse. In this case, an enlarging soft tissue mass located in the intermandibular space was diagnosed as a dermoid cyst following complete subcutaneous surgical excision and histopathology.     

Cystic Rete Testis in a 3-Year-Old Gypsy Vanner Colt: A Case Report

A 3-year-old Gypsy Vanner colt was presented at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine for castration. The left testicle of the horse was present within the scrotum, but neither the right testicle nor the epididymis was found during external palpation of the right inguinal ring. Removal of the retained testicle by a routine inguinal approach by traction on the gubernaculum and dilation of the internal inguinal ring was not possible. During a parainguinal approach to the abdomen, an enlarged cystic testicle was discovered. Histopathologic diagnosis was cystic rete testis. This case report stresses the importance of preoperative ultrasonographic assessment of cryptorchid testicles to decrease surgical time.     

一例猪繁殖与呼吸综合症病毒变异株感染的实验室诊断报告

本实验通过免疫学和分子生物学的方法,对湖南省浏阳市某疫区猪场是否存在猪繁殖与呼吸综合症病毒(PRRSV)变异株感染进行了确诊,并对该病的诊断和防控做出了讨论。