Oxytocin synthesis and secretion from bovine corpora lutea exposed in vitro to cycloheximide and colchicine

Two experiments were conducted to study the effects of cycloheximide and colchicine on prostaglandin F₂ (PGF₂)-induced secretion and synthesis of oxytocin in bovine luteal tissue in vitro. Corpora lutea were collected from beef heifers on Day 8 of the estrous cycle. In Experiment 1, incorporation of [¹⁴C]-leucine into oxytocin synthesized and secreted by luteal slices after exposure to PGF₂, cycloheximide and cycloheximide plus PGF₂ was examined. In Experiment 2, synthesis and secretion of oxytocin were evaluated in luteal slices incubated with colchicine and PGF₂ alone and in combination. Cycloheximide inhibited incorporation of labeled leucine into luteal proteins by more than 90% and no labeled oxytocin was detected in the media or tissue. Prostaglandin F₂ induced significant secretion of oxytocin that was not inhibited by cycloheximide. Tissue levels of oxytocin after incubation with cycloheximide and/or PGF₂ did not differ and were similar to those of the incubated control. Colchicine alone did not suppress oxytocin secretion and did not alter the ability of PGF₂ to induce significant secretion of this nonapeptide. Tissue concentrations of oxytocin after incubation with colchicine and/or PGF₂ did not differ. These studies indicate that secretion and replenishment of luteal oxytocin in vitro is not contingent upon de novo protein synthesis. Inability of colchicine to suppress oxytocin secretion and synthesis may have been due to the short duration of exposure of luteal tissue to the drug.     

A study on the survival of Taenia saginata eggs on soil in Denmark

The infectivity of Taenia saginata eggs exposed to environmental conditions on a natural soil surface in Denmark was studied by feeding the eggs to susceptible calves, followed by determination of the number of cysts developed. The results indicated that a small proportion of the eggs remained infective for 6 1/2 months, but not for 9 1/2 months when deposited in May 1986, and for 5 1/2 months but not for 8 1/2 months when deposited in September 1987. Viability of eggs was tested in vitro and compared with infectivity obtained in calves.     

Metabolism of naturally occurring [13C]glucose given orally to horses

In 5 horses, 13CO2/12CO2 ratios in expired air were determined using isotope mass spectroscopy to investigate metabolism of naturally occurring [13C]glucose. Oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTT) were performed using maize or beet glucose. Maize has a higher 13C concentration than that of most plants. The 13CO2/12CO2 ratios after OGTT was performed using maize glucose were compared with 13CO2/12CO2 ratios in expired air after OGTT was performed using beet glucose. The ratio also was determined during the period horses were not fed. Using OGTT, all horses were glucose tolerant. The OGTT performed using beet glucose led to minimal changes in 13CO2/12CO2 ratios. The 13CO2/12CO2 ratios decreased significantly (P less than 0.01) when horses were not fed. After oral dosing with maize glucose, 13CO2/12CO2 ratios reached maximal increases 5 hours after dosing and reached baseline values 15 hours after dosing.     

Characterization of bradykinin-induced endothelium-independent contraction in equine basilar artery

We investigated the effect of bradykinin (BK) on isolated equine basilar arterial rings with and without endothelium. BK induced concentration-dependent contraction of resting arterial rings and no relaxation when the rings were precontracted by prostaglandin F_2α. The maximal response and pD₂ value were 161.2 ± 28.1% (to 60 m m KCl-induced contraction) and 8.24 ± 0.25 respectively. The cumulative concentration–response curve for BK was not shifted to the right by des-Arg⁹-[Leu⁸]-BK (a B₁-receptor antagonist), HOE140 (a B₂-receptor antagonist) or NPC567 (another B₂-receptor antagonist). In four of six basilar arteries, NPC567 induced concentration-dependent contraction. Indomethacin (a cyclooxygenase inhibitor), nordihydroguaiaretic acid (a lipoxygenase inhibitor), quinacrine (a phospholipase A₂ inhibitor), tetrodotoxin (a selective blocker of Na⁺ channels), guanethidine (a nor-adrenergic neuron blocking drug), phentolamine (an α-adrenoceptor antagonist), Nω-nitro- l -arginine ( l -NNA, a nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor) and endothelial denudation did not affect the BK-induced contraction. l -NNA and indomethacin induced contraction and relaxation under resting vascular tone respectively. These results suggest that endothelial cells are not involved in BK-induced contraction and that the contraction is not mediated via activation of known B₁ and B₂ receptors. Arachidonic acid metabolites and neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and NO might not play a role in BK-induced contraction in equine basilar artery.     

亚抑菌浓度黏菌素对大肠杆菌外膜蛋白表达量及氧氟沙星摄入量的影响

亚抑菌浓度黏菌素(Sub-Colistin)处理质控菌(ATCC25922)及氧氟沙星(OF)耐药大肠杆菌(29-2),分析处理前后外膜蛋白(OMP)表达量、OF摄入量及敏感性的差异。结果:菌株29-2的OMP缺失,Sub-Colistin处理后:质控菌外膜蛋白表达量由50.92mg/mL降至20.45mg/mL,29-2由0.0397mg/mL增至25.52mg/mL;受试菌株OF摄入量随测定时间不同升高约0.5ng/mg～1.6ng/mg;对OF敏感性升高1倍。说明Sub-Colistin可使29-2外膜蛋白表达量显著增加,OF摄入量及敏感性变化均不明显,OMP表达量不是导致29-2对OF耐药的决定原因。     

Effect of 5 cm of Water Positive End-Expiratory Pressure on Arterial Oxygen Tension in Dogs During and After Thoracotomy

Thoracotomy in dogs often is associated with lower than expected arterial oxygen tensions (PaO₂). Pulmonary collapse from opening the thoracic cavity is likely to be responsible for decreased PaO₂ during thoracotomy. To examine whether positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is beneficial to dogs undergoing thoracotomy, PaO₂ and hemoglobin saturation (SaO₂) were measured in dogs randomly assigned to receive 5 cm of H₂O PEEP (n = 7) or no PEEP (n = 9). During surgery in both groups of dogs, PaO₂ progressively decreased ( P < .001), but the decrease in PaO₂ was significantly less in the PEEP group ( P = .027). In both groups, PaO₂ did not decrease enough to have a substantial effect on SaO₂. Furthermore, application of PEEP during thoracotomy did not prevent moderate hypoxemia after surgery and discontinuation of PEEP. Application of 5 cm of H₂O PEEP seems to attenuate the decrease in PaO₂ observed in dogs undergoing thoracotomy, but routine application of PEEP does not seem justified. ©     

青藏高原纳木错高寒草原温室气体通量及与环境因子关系研究

青藏高原广泛分布着以高寒草甸和高寒草原为主的陆地生态系统。由于高寒草地生态系统异质性较大,对高寒草地主要温室气体通量的估算具有较大的不确定性。为研究高寒草原温室气体通量规律及其驱动因子,并为动态碳-氮耦合模式在高寒生态系统的参数化与检验提供数据支持,于2008年7-9月,使用静态箱-气相色谱法在位于青藏高原腹地的纳木错高寒草原开展了主要温室气体通量(CO₂,CH₄,N₂O)及环境因子的同步观测。结果表明:纳木错高寒草原生态系统CH₄,N₂O通量和CO₂排放分别为:-0.047 mg·m^-2·h^-1,0.49μg·m^-2·h^-1和208.2 mg·m^-2·h^-1;在季节尺度上,土壤温度与CO₂排放呈显著正相关,与N₂O和CH₄通量线性关系不显著;土壤含水量与CH₄和N₂O通量呈正相关关系,但与CO₂通量无显著相关。在日变化尺度上,土壤湿度稳定,土壤温度变化与N₂O和CO₂通量成正相关,对CH₄通量影响不显著。     

GI PiCO2: Tissue Specific Monitoring For Improving Patient Outcomes

Improvements in human patient monitoring despite their development in animals, do not always find their way into veterinary clinical use due to financial constraints. Gastrointestinal intraluminal CO₂ partial pressure (Gip₁CO₂) monitoring, however, is not only proving very beneficial in human trauma and critical patient care but is also very likely to become relatively inexpensive. By providing information on the perfusion adequacy of a high risk, critically important tissue, the GI mucosa, GI P₁CO₂ monitoring offers an easily accesible indicator of the efficacy and adequacy of resuscitative interventions. The potential for decreasing morbidity and mortality is enormous. Therefore, the practicing veterinarian should become familiar with GI P₁CO₂ monitoring theory and technology so he or she can be better prepared to incorporate it into practice when in becomes available.     

播种量对秋播苜蓿越年草产量的影响

苜蓿播种量从10.0～45.0 kg/hm2设8个处理,研究不同播种量对越年草产量影响.结果表明:不同播种量对苜蓿越年草产量有显著影响,播种量10.0～35.0 kg/hm2,苜蓿越年草产量随播种量增加而提高,播种量超过35.0 kg/hm2,苜蓿越年草产量不再随播种量增加而提高;陕西关中农区苜蓿播种量控制在15.0～35.0 kg/hm2,有利于提高其越年草产量.     

播种量对秋播苜蓿越年草产量的影响

苜蓿播种量从10.0～45.0kg/hm~2设8个处理,研究不同播种量对越年草产量影响。结果表明:不同播种量对苜蓿越年草产量有显著影响,播种量10.0～35.0 kg/hm~2,苜蓿越年草产量随播种量增加而提高,播种量超过35.0 kg/hm~2,苜蓿越年草产量不再随播种量增加而提高;陕西关中农区苜蓿播种量控制在15.0～35.0 kg/hm~2,有利于提高其越年草产量。     

Induction of a cross-reactive antibody response to influenza virus M2 antigen in pigs by using a Sendai virus vector

Protecting pigs from simultaneous infection with avian, swine, and human influenza viruses would be an effective strategy to prevent the emergence of reassortants with pandemic potential. M2 protein is a candidate antigen for so-called 'universal vaccines,' which confer cross-protection to different influenza viruses in a strain- and subtype-independent manner. We tested whether a recombinant F gene-deleted Sendai virus vector that contained an M2 gene derived from an H5N1 avian influenza virus (SeV/ΔF/H5N1M2) could induce a cross-reactive antibody response to the extracellular domain of M2 protein (M2e) in pigs. SeV/ΔF/H5N1M2 induced an antibody response to M2e when the vector was inoculated intramuscularly. The antibodies induced by SeV/ΔF/H5N1M2 cross-reacted with M2e derived from different avian, swine, and human influenza viruses. In mice, however, SeV/ΔF/H5N1M2 did not confer cross-protection to challenge with a heterologous H3N2 influenza virus. Our results confirm those of other groups indicating that antibodies to M2e do not mediate protection to influenza viruses in pigs.     

施肥对无芒雀麦+杂花苜蓿混播草地组分种产量的影响

探讨了科尔沁沙地Carton无芒雀麦+草原2号杂花苜蓿混播草地建植时,基肥中N,P和K配比对当年草地群落组分种产量及总产量的影响。结果表明,N,P和K合理配比均有利于杂花苜蓿和无芒雀麦早期生长。在施肥效应中,杂花苜蓿与P肥效应最显著,无芒雀麦与N肥效应最显著。高K组合(K2O180kg/hm2、P2O5572kg/hm2、、N90kg/hm2)可显著提高无芒雀麦产量及其在草群中的比例(P<0.01),而高K组合与高N组合(N135kg/hm2、K2O120kg/hm2、P2O572kg/hm2、)显著降低了杂花苜蓿头茬草的产量(P<0.05)。基肥中N对2茬草产量影响已不显著,P肥仍有利于2茬草中苜蓿生长,但产量差异不显著,只有高K组合对无芒雀麦产量影响仍然显著(P<0.01)。在混播草地中,播种时适宜的施肥量为纯N90kg/hm2,K2O120kg/hm2和P2O572kg/hm2、。     

2株弱血凝活性H9N2亚型禽流感病毒特性的研究

试验旨在对2株血凝活性较弱的H9N2亚型禽流感病毒(avian influenza virus,AIV)进行病毒特性的研究。采用HA/HI、电镜观察、HA和NA测序等方法对2株分离株进行了病毒的鉴定;采用形态学、化学和生物学方法对这2株分离株进行研究。2株病毒被确定为A型H9N2亚型AIV;病毒粒子在透射电镜下为圆形、椭圆形、杆状并呈多型性,大小为80~120 nm;血凝素(HA)均为中等耐热型;病毒50 ℃均耐热;均能凝集公鸡和人O型红细胞,但凝集作用开始并未出现,而是随着病毒的传代逐渐恢复;均不凝集猪、牛、羊、兔和马红细胞;2株病毒均对乙醚、氯仿不敏感,只有1株病毒对酸敏感;病毒对鸡胚无致死性,EID₅₀均为1×10^-7/0.2 mL;经鼻腔途径感染小白鼠,均未导致小鼠出现症状和死亡,接种后第14天在小鼠血清中可检出相应病毒的抗体。研究结果表明,上海地区活禽交易市场存在对环境条件具有较强耐受性的H9N2亚型AIV。     

Study on the Characteristics of Two Low Hemagglutinating Activity H9N2 AIV Strains

To study the characteristics of 2 low hemagglutinating activity H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) strains.2 strains were identified by HA/HI,electron microscope observation,HA and NA sequencing.The virus characteristics were studied by morphology,chemistry and biology.2 isolates were identified as H9N2 AIV.The observations demonstrated that the virions expressed various shapes of spherical,oval,elongated forms and polymorphism with diameters in a range of 80 to 120 nm.Hemagglutinin(HA) of the 2 strains was medium-stable to heat,and they were heat-resistant under 50 ℃.2 isolates could agglutinate cock and human O type red blood cells.The agglutination did not appear on the original isolates,but recovered with the passage of virus gradually.2 isolates did not agglutinate pig,cattle,sheep,rabbit and horse red blood cells.2 strains were not sensitive to the ether and chloroform,and only one isolate was sensitive to acids.2 strains were not fatal to the chicken embryo,and the EID₅₀ were both 1×10^-7/0.2 mL.The small White mice showed no clinical symptoms and no deaths after being inoculated with the viruses via respiratory route in our experiment.Serum antibody HI titers of the survived mice were measured after inoculated 14 d,and the antibody of H9N2 AIV were positive.Some tolerant H9N2 strains existed in live animal markets of Shanghai area.     

The role of thromboxane A2 in regulating porcine basilar arterial tone

The aim of the present study was to clarify the participation of endogenous arachidonic acid (AA) metabolites in regulating porcine basilar, coronary, pulmonary and mesenteric arterial tones in vitro . A cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin, relaxed basilar artery but not other arteries examined. Quinacrine (a phospholipase A₂ inhibitor), OKY-046 (a thromboxane (TX) A₂ synthetase inhibitor) and ONO-3708 (a TXA₂/prostaglandin H₂ receptor antagonist) produced relaxation in basilar arteries with intact endothelium. Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (a lipoxygenase inhibitor) had no effect on the tone. The amount of TXB₂ (a stable metabolite of TXA₂) spontaneously released from porcine basilar arteries was 6–10 fold more than those from other arteries. Indomethacin and OKY-046 mostly inhibited the production of TXB₂. Endothelial denudation decreased indomethacin-induced relaxation and the amount of TXB₂. These results suggest that a vasoconstricting substance(s) is released from endothelial cells and possibly smooth muscle cells in porcine basilar arteries in vitro . The main constricting substance is proposed to be TXA₂. On the other hand, several arteries from peripheral vascular beds did not release this vasoconstricting substance.     

Serum amylase and lipase activities after exploratory laparotomy in dogs

Serum amylase and lipase activities and creatinine concentration were determined before surgery, and at 1 and 2 days after exploratory laparotomy in 24 dogs. Examination of all viscera was done during each laparotomy, but a surgical procedure was not performed. The mean serum activities for lipase were: before surgery, 0.71 (0.0 to 2.0) Cherry Crandall units (CCU)/L; 1 day after surgery, 2.1 (0.0 to 4.5) CCU/L; and 2 days after surgery, 1.19 (0.0 to 3.9) CCU/L. The mean serum activities for amylase were: before surgery, 1,958 (1,027 to 3,426) IU/L; 1 day after surgery, 1,538 (937 to 2,659) IU/L; and 2 days after surgery, 1,663 (1,066 to 2,274) IU/L. Serum creatinine concentrations before surgery, 1 day after surgery, and 2 days after surgery were 0.88 (0.2 to 1.7) mg/dl, 0.78 (0.4 to 1.3) mg/dl, and 0.78 (0.3 to 1.3) mg/dl, respectively. Mean preoperative, day-1, and day-2 serum amylase activities and serum creatinine concentrations did not differ significantly from each other. Mean preoperative and day-2 serum lipase activities did not differ significantly; however, mean serum lipase activity was significantly greater when day 1 activities were compared with preoperative activities (P = 0.0002). Post-mortem examinations revealed no gross or histologic evidence of pancreatitis in any dog. The results of this study show that a 3 or more fold increase in serum lipase activity may occur after routine exploratory laparotomy in dogs without clinical signs or gross evidence of pancreatitis. Histologic evidence of pancreatitis was not found in the right pancreatic lobes in any dog.     

Evaluation of intraocular and partial CO2 pressure in dogs anesthetized with propofol

The effects of propofol on intraocular pressure (IOP) and end tidal CO₂ (ETCO₂) were studied because an elevation in the latter may alter IOP. Twenty dogs were divided into two groups (G1 and G2). G1 dogs were induced with 10 mg/kg (IV) of propofol followed by a 0.4 mg/kg/min continuous infusion of the same agent diluted in a 0.2% dextrose solution for 1 h. G(CAPS) 2 dogs served as the control group, where only dextrose solution was administered, under the same time intervals as in G1. Applanation tonometry (Tono-Pen) was used to determine IOP and ETCO₂ as a method to determine partial CO₂ pressure. Measurements were taken every 15 min for 1 h, with M1 occurring immediately before IV administration. IOP and ETCO₂ were not statistically significant in either groups. Based on the results, it may be concluded that propofol does not alter IOP and ETCO₂.     

Effect of Hypercapnia or Xylazine on Lateral Ventricle and Lumbosacral Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressures in Pentobarbital-anesthetized Horses

Facial artery pressure, central venous pressure, heart rate, and lateral ventricle cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure (LV-CSFP) were measured in 10 pentobarbital-anesthetized horses at arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) values of 40,60, and 80 mm Hg, produced by varying the inspired carbon dioxide concentration. Variables were recorded at 5-minute intervals for 15 minutes at each level of PaCO₂. Arterial blood gas analysis was performed at the end of the 15-minute time period for each level of PaCO₂. Lateral ventricle CSF pressure was significantly increased (p < .05) at a PaCO₂ of 80 mm Hg. Cardiovascular variables were not significantly changed by changing PaCO₂. The PaCO₂ was returned to 40 mm Hg; 1.1 mg xylazine/kg body weight was injected intravenously in eight horses, and data were collected for 60 minutes. No significant changes were observed. No changes were observed in two control horses not receiving xylazine. Subsequently, placement of a lumbosacral subarachnoid catheter allowed simultaneous measurement of LV-CSFP and lumbosacral CSF pressure (LS-CSFP) at PaCO₂ values of 40,60, and 80 mm Hg. The Pearson Correlation Coefficient between LV-CSFP and LS-CSFP was 0.94 (p < .0001) It was concluded that changes in CSF pressure could be detected at the lateral ventricle and the lumbosacral space; increasing PaCO₂ to 80 mm Hg resulted in significant increases in LV-CSFP; xylazine does not increase LV-CSFP in pentobarbital-anesthetized, normocapnic horses; and under the conditions of this experiment, LV-CSFP and LS-CSFP were closely correlated.     

Oral intubation of dogs with combinations of fertilizer, herbicide, and insecticide chemicals commonly used on lawns

Six Beagle dogs were orally intubated with mixtures of a urea-based fertilizer, 2,4-D, mecoprop (MCPP), dicamba, and either bensulide or chlorpyrifos. The mixtures were formulated as they are used in liquid application to lawns. The dogs were given volumes of 10 ml/kg of body weight, delivering the following quantities of each ingredient: urea--623 mg/kg, inorganic phosphorus (P2O5)--24 mg/kg, potassium (K2O)--66 mg/kg, 2,4-D--6.5 mg/kg, MCPP--3.26 mg/kg, dicamba--0.55 mg/kg, and either bensulide--60.93 mg/kg or chlorpyrifos--6.77 mg/kg. The dogs were given 3 consecutive daily doses of the mixture containing bensulide (round 1) or the mixture containing chlorpyrifos (round 2). The dogs did not exhibit any clinical signs of illness associated with the treatments. Effects on hematologic values or routine clinical chemical analyses did not occur with the round 2 mixture. Serum lactic dehydrogenase activity decreased by approximately 50% after a single dose of the round 1 mixture was given. Plasma cholinesterase decreased to approximately 50% of control values following either the round 1 or the round 2 mixture; this decrease was not accompanied by cholinergic signs of intoxication.     

Methionine as a methyl group donor in growing cattle

Holstein steers were used in two 5 x 5 Latin square experiments to evaluate the sparing of methionine by alternative sources of methyl groups (betaine and choline). Steers were housed in metabolism crates and limit-fed a soybean hull-based diet high in rumen degradable protein. To increase energy supply, ruminal infusions of volatile fatty acids and abomasal infusions of glucose were provided. An amino acid mixture, limiting in methionine, was infused abomasally to ensure that nonsulfur amino acids did not limit protein synthesis. Treatments for Exp. 1 were abomasal infusion of 1) water, 2) 2 g/d L-methionine, 3) 1.7 g/d L-cysteine, 4) 1.6 g/d betaine, and 5) 1.7 g/d L-cysteine + 1.6 g/d betaine. Treatments for Exp. 2 were abomasal infusion of 1) water, 2) 2 g/d L-methionine, 3) 8 g/d betaine, 4) 16 g/d betaine, and 5) 8 g/d choline. In both experiments, nitrogen retention increased in response to methionine (P < 0.05), demonstrating a deficiency of sulfur amino acids. Responses to cysteine, betaine, and choline were all small and not significant. The lack of response to cysteine indicates that the response to methionine was not due to transsulfuration to cysteine or that cysteine supply did not alter the flux of methionine through transsulfuration. The lack of response to betaine suggests that the steers' needs for methyl groups were met by the dietary conditions or that betaine was relatively inefficient in increasing the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine and, thereby, reducing the synthesis of cysteine from homocysteine. Under our experimental conditions, responses to methionine were likely due to a correction of a deficiency of methionine per se rather than of methyl group donors.