Equine laminitis: Induced by 48 h hyperinsulinaemia in Standardbred horses

Reasons for performing study: Hyperinsulinaemia is known to induce laminitis experimentally in healthy ponies with no history of the condition. Horses are more insulin sensitive than ponies and whether prolonged hyperinsulinaemia and euglycaemia would have a similar laminitogenic effect requires study. Objectives: To determine if laminitis results when the prolonged euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp technique (p‐EHC) is applied to clinically normal Standardbred horses, and to monitor hoof wall temperature seeking an association between vascular activity and laminitis development. Methods: Eight young, clinically normal Standardbred horses were assigned into 4 pairs and within each pair, one was assigned randomly to either treatment (n = 4) or control (n = 4) groups. Treated horses received continuous infusions of insulin and glucose until clinical signs of laminitis developed, at which point the horses were subjected to euthanasia. Control horses received an equivalent volume of a balanced electrolyte infusion for the same period. Hoof wall surface temperature (HWST) was monitored continuously throughout the experimental period. Results: All horses in the treatment group were calculated to have normal insulin sensitivity. All treated horses, and none in the control group, developed laminitis (P = 0.01). Pronounced digital pulses were a feature of the treatment group, while insignificant digital pulses occurred in control horses. HWST was higher and less variable in treated horses once hyperinsulinaemia was established. Conclusions: Healthy Standardbred horses subjected to prolonged hyperinsulinaemia develop laminitis within 48 h, demonstrating that laminitis in horses can be triggered by insulin. Potential relevance: Insulin resistance and the associated hyperinsulinaemia place horses and ponies at risk of developing laminitis. This study demonstrates a need for prompt management of the persistent hyperinsulinaemia seen in some endocrinopathies.     

Inflammatory Cytokine Gene Expression in Blood During the Development of Oligofructose-Induced Laminitis in Horses

Systemic inflammation is a risk factor for laminitis in horses and precedes the onset of lameness in experimental models. We therefore hypothesized that whole-blood inflammatory cytokine expression would increase during the development of laminitis in a carbohydrate overload model. Blood samples were obtained from 14 horses undergoing laminitis induction with 10 g/kg oligofructose as part of another study. Samples were collected at 0, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 hours, and lameness evaluations were performed every 4 hours. Expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-α were measured in whole blood by using real-time PCR. IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-10 expression increased above baseline from 8 to 24 hours (P < .001), and IL-6 expression increased at 16 and 20 hours (P = .005). Expression of tumor necrosis factor-α did not change over time. All horses developed clinical laminitis between 12 and 24 hours. Increased mean IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-10 expression detected at 8 hours therefore preceded the onset of lameness. We conclude that peripheral leukocyte cytokine expression increases as systemic inflammation develops in an alimentary carbohydrate overload model of laminitis, and this precedes detection of lameness. Results support current recommendations to control the systemic inflammatory response in order to lower the risk of laminitis in horses.     

牛支原体P48蛋白诱导EBL细胞增殖和凋亡的研究

试验旨在研究牛支原体P48蛋白对胎牛肺（embryonic bovine lung,EBL）细胞增殖和凋亡的影响。收集不同时间段、不同浓度P48蛋白与EBL细胞共孵育的样品,通过MTT法检测细胞增殖率;DAPI染核法观察EBL细胞核形态变化;流式细胞技术检测该蛋白诱导EBL细胞的凋亡率;实时荧光定量PCR检测凋亡标志物的mRNA相对表达变化;Western blotting方法检测Bax和Beclin-1蛋白表达水平。结果显示：当作用时间为72 h,P48蛋白浓度在10 μg/mL时,对EBL细胞增殖有极显著的抑制作用（P<0.01）,在0.1和0.5 μg/mL时对EBL细胞的增殖的抑制作用不显著（P>0.05）;经蛋白诱导12 h细胞核形态未有明显变化,24 h细胞核形态发生皱缩和凝聚,48和72 h细胞核发生碎裂;凋亡标志基因mRNA表达在2和12 h没有明显提高,在24、48、72 h有显著提高,与作用时间呈正相关,同时凋亡相关蛋白Bax和Beclin-1的表达随之显著提高。流式细胞技术结果显示P48蛋白诱导EBL细胞凋亡率为48.44%。综上表明,牛支原体P48重组蛋白能够抑制EBL细胞的增殖,促进细胞凋亡,为进一步揭示牛支原体的致病机制提供参考依据。     

Study on Proliferation and Apoptosis of EBL Cells Induced by P48 Protein of Mycoplasma bovis

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of P48 protein on proliferation and apoptosis of embryonic bovine lung (EBL) cells.In this study,samples which co-incubated with P48 protein and EBL cells in different concentrations at different time points were collected,the proliferation rate of the cells was detected by MTT method,and the changes in the nuclear morphology of EBL cells were observed by DAPI staining method.Meanwhile,flow cytometry was used to detect the apoptosis rate of EBL cells induced by P48 protein.Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the changes in mRNA level of apoptotic marker genes,and Western blotting tested the Bax and Beclin-1 protein expressions.The results showed that under the condition of 72 h and 10 μg/mL of protein concentration treatment,P48 extremely significantly inhibited EBL cells proliferation (P<0.01),while 0.1 and 0.5 μg/mL protein concentration had no inhibitory effect (P>0.05).The nuclear morphology showed no significant change after protein induction for 12 h,but wrinkled and condensed at 24 h.The nucleus was fragmented,and a sprouted apoptotic body was appeared at 48 and 72 h.Apoptosis related genes expression showed no obvious increase at 2 and 12 h at mRNA level,but gradually increased at 24,48 and 72 h,and it showed a time-dependent manner.Accordingly,the expression of apoptosis marker proteins Bax and Beclin-1 significantly increased.Flow cytometry analysis showed that the apoptosis rate of EBL cells induced by P48 protein was 48.44%.In conclusion,P48 recombinant protein of Mycoplasmas bovis inhibited the proliferation of EBL cells and promoted their apoptosis,which provided reference for revealing the pathogenic mechanism of Mycoplasmas bovis.     

谷氨酰胺诱导热休克蛋白70表达的研究

选取24只8周龄健康的雌性昆明小白鼠并随机分成4组,Ⅰ组为对照组.尾静脉注射生理盐水,Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组分别注射不同剂量的Gln,注射后4h处死,取肝脏、子宫和卵巢.采用RT-PCR和Western Blot法检测HSP70 mRNA和HSP70的表达.试验结果表明.Gln注射组鼠组织中HSP70表达量均高于对照组,且HSP70表达量随着Gln注射量的增加而增加.Ⅱ组鼠肝脏、子宫和卵巢组织中HSP70蛋白表达量比对照组分别增加了9.49%、5.49%和4.84%(P>0.05);Ⅲ组鼠各组织中HSP70比对照组分别显著(P<0.05)增加了23.56%、21.10%和14.30%:Ⅳ组肝脏组织中HSP70比对照组显著增加了35.33%(P<0.05),子宫和卵巢比对照组分别极显著(P<0.01)增加了33.74%和33.77%.因此.Gln能诱导小鼠肝脏、子宫、卵巢组织细胞HSP70的表达,并且HSP70表达量随着Gln剂量的加大而增加.     

Effect of Continuous Digital Hypothermia on Lamellar Inflammatory Signaling When Applied at a Clinically‐Relevant Timepoint in the Oligofructose Laminitis Model

Background

Although continuous digital hypothermia (CDH) protects lamellae from injury in the oligofructose (OF) model of sepsis‐related laminitis (SRL), conflicting results exist from these studies regarding effects of CDH on lamellar inflammatory events.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To determine the effect of CDH on lamellar inflammatory events in normal and OF‐treated horses when instituted at a clinically relevant time point (onset of clinical signs of sepsis in this model).

Animals

Standardbred geldings (n = 15) aged 3–11 years were used.

Methods

In a randomized, controlled discovery study, animals were administered either OF (OF group, n = 8) or water (CON group, n = 8) by nasogastric tube and CDH was initiated in one forelimb (ICE) 12 hours later. Lamellar tissue samples were collected 24 hours after initiation of CDH (ICE and ambient [AMB] forelimbs). Lamellar mRNA concentrations of inflammatory mediators and lamellar leukocyte numbers were assessed using qPCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively; values from four sample groups (CON AMB, OF AMB, CON ICE, and OF ICE) were analyzed using mixed model linear regression.

Results

Although lamellar mRNA concentrations of multiple inflammatory mediators (IL‐1β, IL‐6, CXCL1, MCP2, COX‐2) were increased after OF administration (OF AMB group versus CON AMB; P < 0.05), only 2 inflammatory mediators (IL‐6 and COX‐2) and lamellar leukocyte numbers were decreased with CDH (OF ICE versus OF AMB; P < 0.05).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Continuous digital hypothermia initiated at a time point similar to that commonly used clinically (clinical onset of sepsis) resulted in a more focused inhibition of inflammatory signaling.     

Persistent digital hyperthermia over a 48 h period does not induce laminitis in horses

Persistent digital hyperthermia, presumably due to vasodilation, occurs during the developmental and acute stages of insulin-induced laminitis. The objectives of this study were to determine if persistent digital hyperthermia is the principal pathogenic mechanism responsible for the development of laminitis. The potent vasodilator, ATP-MgCl(2) was infused continuously into the distal phalanx of the left forefoot of six Standardbred racehorses for 48 h via intra-osseous infusion to promote persistent digital hyperthermia. The right forefoot was infused with saline solution and acted as an internal control. Clinical signs of lameness at the walk were not detected at 0 h, 24h or 48 h post-infusion. Mean ± SE hoof wall temperatures of the left forefoot (29.4 ± 0.25°C) were higher (P<0.05) than those on the right (27.5 ± 0.38°C). Serum insulin (15.0 ± 2.89 μIU/mL) and blood glucose (5.4 ± 0.22 mM) concentrations remained unchanged during the experiment. Histopathological evidence of laminitis was not detected in any horse. The results demonstrated that digital vasodilation up to 30°C for a period of 48 h does not trigger laminitis in the absence of hyperinsulinaemia. Thus, although digital hyperthermia may play a role in the pathogenesis of laminitis, it is not the sole mechanism involved.     

家蚕经菊酯类农药诱导后脂肪体蛋白的表达谱及烯醇酶基因的组织转录活性

为了从蛋白质水平探讨家蚕对菊酯类农药的抗性机制,采用双向电泳结合基质辅助质量飞行时间质谱(MALDI-TOF-MS)技术,分析家蚕5龄幼虫经氯氰菊酯诱导前后脂肪体蛋白的表达特征。采用ImageMaster6.0软件分析表明,对照组共检测到432个蛋白点,诱导实验组检测到369个蛋白点,其中能匹配的蛋白点有342对,匹配率为76.68%。对特征蛋白进行MALDI-TOF-MS分析鉴定的蛋白包括烯醇酶、线粒体醛脱氢酶、伴侣素、肌动蛋白、gag-like蛋白。烯醇酶(enolase)是糖酵解过程中极为重要的酶类。采用半定量RT-PCR对经氯氰菊酯诱导后的家蚕脑、中肠、丝腺、脂肪体、精巢、马氏管、血液等7个组织器官的烯醇酶基因进行表达分析,结果表明,烯醇酶基因转录水平在7个组织器官中都呈现下调趋势,分别下调了13.79%、10.71%、22.48%、7.40%、27.00%、11.50%、14.52%,其中脂肪体的烯醇酶基因表达和蛋白的表达下调一致。受菊酯类农药诱导的影响,家蚕5龄幼虫脂肪体蛋白的数目减少,烯醇酶基因在各组织器官减量表达,提示可能与蚕体的基础生理代谢受到抑制有关。     

杀虫剂辛硫磷诱导家蚕脂肪体蛋白的表达特征及SerB基因的组织转录活性分析

为了从蛋白质水平探讨家蚕对有机磷杀虫剂的抗性机制,采用双向电泳结合基质辅助激光解析电离飞行时间质谱技术,分析家蚕5龄中期幼虫在添食杀虫剂辛硫磷前后脂肪体蛋白的表达特征。经ImageMaster6.0软件分析表明,对照组共检测到465个蛋白点,实验组检测到396个蛋白点,其中能匹配的蛋白点有348对,匹配率为73.54%。对特征蛋白进行质谱分析,已鉴定的蛋白包括磷酸丝氨酸转氨酶(SerB)和5'-甲硫腺苷磷酸化酶(MTAP)。采用半定量RT-PCR分析家蚕5龄幼虫添食辛硫磷后脑、中肠、丝腺、脂肪体、精巢、马氏管等6个组织器官中SerB基因mRNA的转录水平,结果与对照组相比均呈现上调趋势,其中在脑组织的转录水平上调尤为明显,在脂肪体中的转录水平上调与其蛋白的表达上调一致。受辛硫磷诱导的影响,家蚕5龄中期幼虫脂肪体的蛋白数目减少,SerB基因在各组织器官增量表达,推测可能与蚕体对农药的代谢解毒作用有关。     

低聚果糖诱导的奶牛急性蹄叶炎肝和骨骼肌中AMPK和GLUT及相关基因的变化

旨在探究奶牛急性蹄叶炎能量代谢的变化,本研究选用12头健康中国荷斯坦奶牛,随机分为两组(n=6): 试验组(OF组)用17 g·kg^-1体重的低聚果糖溶解在2 L·100 kg^-1体重的清水中灌服,对照组(CON组)灌服等量清水,72 h之后对奶牛进行安乐死,采集肝、肌肉组织,进行Western blot试验和实时荧光定量PCR试验,检测肝、肌肉组织的能量变化和葡萄糖转运情况,指标：葡糖糖转运蛋白1和4(GLUT-1、GLUT-4),三磷酸腺苷激酶(AMPK)以及相关因子(PPAR-γ、PGC1-α、PEPCK)。结果表明：在肝组织中,OF组AMPK和蛋白的表达量显著增加,但P-AMPK/AMPK的比值极显著下降,而GLUT-1的蛋白和基因、PPAR-γ、PGC1-α和PEPCK基因的表达量无显著变化;在肌肉组织中,OF组AMPK基因和蛋白表达量无显著的变化,但P-AMPK/AMPK的比值显著下降,GLUT-4基因和蛋白表达量显著下降,同时PPAR-γ、PEPCK基因的表达量极显著升高,但PGC-1-α的基因表达量无显著的变化。综上：奶牛急性蹄叶炎可能会抑制肌肉组织的能量代谢和葡萄糖转运的能力,但对肝的影响不大。     

阿替美唑对小型猪特异性麻醉剂诱导大鼠大脑皮质内Fos蛋白表达的影响

研究阿替美唑对小型猪特异性麻醉剂(XFM)麻醉下大鼠大脑皮质Fos蛋白表达的影响,探讨阿替美唑颉颃XFM催醒大鼠与大脑皮质c-fos基因的关系。将72只SD纯种大鼠随机分为XFM对照组、XFM+阿替美唑组、XFM+生理盐水组,每组又按采脑时间点分成4个亚组。采用蛋白质印迹法检测大脑皮质内Fos蛋白表达量。结果表明:XFM麻醉大鼠大脑皮质内Fos蛋白表达量逐渐增加,与给药后10min比较差异显著(P<0.01或P<0.05);XFM麻醉大鼠腹腔注射生理盐水,各时间点Fos蛋白表达量与对照组间比较无显著差异(P>0.05);阿替美唑注射后引起XFM麻醉大鼠大脑皮质Fos蛋白表达量减少,与XFM对照组比较差异显著(P<0.01或P<0.05)。结果提示,大脑皮质c-fos基因参与了阿替美唑颉颃XFM麻醉作用。阿替美唑抑制XFM诱导大鼠大脑皮质Fos蛋白表达,可能是阿替美唑催醒XFM麻醉大鼠的重要机理之一。     

Calponin Expression in Renal Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis Induced in Rats by Cisplatin

Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the common feature of chronic renal failure, regardless of its etiology. Myofibroblasts play important roles in progression of the fibrosis and are characterized by expressions of various cytoskeletons such as vimentin, desmin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). To pursue the characteristics of the cells, we immunohistochemically investigated the relationship between calponin (a marker of terminal smooth muscles) expression and myofibroblasts in cisplatin-induced rat renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Calponin-expressing interstitial cells increased with fibrosis and reacted simultaneously to vimentin or α-SMA (a marker of well-differentiated myofibroblasts) but not desmin or Thy-1 (a marker of myofibroblasts at the early stage). The present study shows that calponin may be expressed transiently in relatively well-developed myofibroblasts in rat renal fibrosis. Calponin could become a marker for myofibroblast development in chronic renal toxicity in rats.     

Leptin Gene and Protein Expression in the Ovary During the Oestrous Cycle and Early Pregnancy in Pigs

Leptin, the product of the obese gene, is the hormone originally identified in adipocytes. It is involved in the control of satiety and energy metabolism. More recent observations suggest that leptin plays an important role in reproduction. Leptin mRNA and protein have been found in the human and the murine ovary. However, the expression of leptin in the porcine ovary has not been examined. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to compare the expression levels of porcine leptin mRNA by semiquantitative RT‐PCR and in situ hybridization, as well as leptin protein by Western blotting in the corpus luteum (CL) and ovarian stroma (OS) during mid‐ and late‐luteal phase of the oestrous cycle as well as during days 14–16 and 30–32 of pregnancy. Leptin gene and protein expression in CL was increased on days 14–16 of the cycle compared with pregnant animals. Leptin gene expression in OS was higher during the late‐luteal phase of the cycle than on days 30–32 after conception. However, comparison of leptin protein expression in OS between days 14–16 of the cycle and days 30–32 of pregnancy indicates a higher protein expression during pregnancy. Moreover, leptin gene expression was higher in porcine CL and OS on days 14–16 of pregnancy in comparison to days 30–32. Contrary to leptin mRNA expression, a higher leptin protein expression was observed on days 30–32 compared with days 14–16 after conception. In summary, the present study provides the first evidence that leptin mRNA and protein occur in porcine ovary and vary during the oestrous cycle and pregnancy. Moreover, the obtained results indicate that also locally synthesized leptin may participate in the control of pig reproduction by exercising its action at the ovarian level.     

家蚕中肠组织在变态发育不同时期的蛋白表达差异分析

分析了家蚕在变态期不同发育时段中肠组织蛋白表达差异的信息。SDS-PAGE电泳分析显示,从家蚕吐丝前1 d到化蛹72 h的中肠蛋白分离到相对明显的16条泳带,其中分子量约为30、45、70 kD的蛋白组分含量较大,且比较稳定,分子量约为50、60、62 kD的蛋白组分在不同时期存在着显著的表达差异。进而通过聚丙烯酰胺双向凝胶电泳分析,发现家蚕中肠组织蛋白的表达种类和差异蛋白数目的变化在化蛹1～3 d非常明显:蛋白表达种类的变化呈现2个高峰,分别为化蛹0 h和化蛹41 h;差异蛋白数目的变化呈现3个波峰,分别在吐丝98 h至化蛹0 h、化蛹30～41 h和化蛹41～58 h。在化蛹1～3 d,这种显著峰值变化的时期刚好与家蚕中肠组织发生旧肠壁细胞退化死亡和新生肠壁细胞分化增殖的盛期相吻合,从一个侧面反映了家蚕中肠组织在变态期活跃的发育进程。     

外源物质诱导家蚕小分子热激蛋白基因HSP19.9的组织表达活性分析

小分子热激蛋白(sHSP)参与生物体细胞内多种生理生化反应,并保护细胞在外界不良环境胁迫下免于受损或降低受损程度。为了探讨家蚕小分子热激蛋白在家蚕组织对外源物质代谢中的作用,分别给家蚕添食蜕皮激素(MH)和芸香苷(rutin)后,采用双跟踪标定定量PCR(dual spike-in qPCR)方法,分析家蚕sHSP19.9基因(BmHSP19.9)的组织应急表达特征。结果表明,家蚕5龄幼虫食下2×10-3μg/μL蜕皮激素溶液或5×10-2 ng/μL芸香苷溶液浸泡的桑叶2 h后,BmHSP19.9基因在中肠、脂肪体和马氏管组织中的转录水平均有上升,尤其是在脂肪体中的转录水平非常高,在中肠组织的转录水平出现2个峰值,推测与中肠组织存在不同的应激系统有关。     

鼻咽癌来源潜伏膜蛋白1的表达诱发转基因小鼠鼻咽不典型增生

为建立鼻咽癌来源潜伏膜蛋白1（N－LMP1）转基因小鼠模型，从整体的角度研究N－LMP1的功能，进一步阐明EB病毒在鼻咽癌变过程中的作用，应用DNA重组技术将角质细胞特异性启动子EDL2与N－LMP1连接，构建转基因EDL2－N－LMP1；并用显微注射技术，将转基因EDL2－N－LMP1注射入小鼠受精卵前核，再将注射后的受精卵植入假孕母鼠，获得转基因鼠，然后观察目的的基因在鼻咽部的表达和病理变化。本实验共获得53只转基因鼠，PCR法证明其中6只小鼠有N－LMP1基因扩增带，Suothern杂交显示PCR阳性小鼠有特异的杂交信号，整合率为11．3％，1只4月龄的转基因鼠出现了鼻咽部不典型增生，说明N－LMP1单独就能诱发小鼠鼻咽部发生癌前病变，为EB病毒可能是鼻咽癌的主要病因提供了有力的证据。     

鼠源重组UBC13蛋白对脂多糖诱导的小鼠急性炎症的影响

试验旨在探讨鼠源重组UBC13蛋白对脂多糖(lipopolysaccharide,LPS)诱导的小鼠急性炎症的影响。将24只SPF雌性小鼠随机分成4组:PBS组,LPS模型组,重组UBC13蛋白高、低剂量组(分别为100和25μg/只),每组6只。LPS模型组与各蛋白剂量组腹腔注射20 mg/kg LPS,PBS组腹腔注射等体积PBS;注射结束1 h后,各蛋白组按相应剂量背部皮下多点注射重组UBC13蛋白,PBS组与LPS模型组注射等体积PBS。给予蛋白24 h后处死小鼠。收集小鼠肺脏、脾脏、胸腺及肝脏组织,计算脏器指数,HE染色观察组织病理学变化,实时荧光定量PCR检测肺脏、脾脏、胸腺和肝脏中IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6 mRNA的相对表达量,以及肺脏中iNOS mRNA的相对表达量,综合评价鼠源重组UBC13蛋白对LPS诱导小鼠急性炎症的影响。结果显示,与PBS组相比,LPS模型组小鼠肺脏、脾脏及肝脏指数均显著或极显著升高(P<0.05;P<0.01),且肺脏、脾脏和肝脏组织均出现病理变化。实时荧光定量PCR结果显示,与PBS组相比,LPS模型组肺脏、脾脏、胸腺和肝脏中IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6 mRNA相对表达量均极显著升高(P<0.01),肺脏中iNOS mRNA相对表达量也极显著升高(P<0.01);与LPS模型组相比,UBC13蛋白高剂量组肺脏、脾脏和肝脏中病理变化明显改善,肺脏、肝脏、脾脏中IL-1β、TNF-α、IL-6及肺脏中iNOS mRNA表达量均极显著降低(P<0.01);胸腺中TNF-αmRNA表达量显著降低(P<0.05),IL-6 mRNA和IL-1β表达量极显著降低(P<0.01)。表明鼠源重组UBC13蛋白可下调炎性因子的表达,从而改善LPS诱导的小鼠急性炎症反应。