Direct effects of prolactin on adrenal steroid release in male Hatano high-avoidance (HAA) rats may be mediated through Janus kinase 2 (Jak2) activity

Prolactin (PRL) has been proposed to directly stimulate corticosterone release. However, the role of PRL on adrenocortical function in male HAA rats has not been fully clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of PRL on the secretion of corticosterone and progesterone using an in vitro cell culture system in male rats. Administration of PRL (10(-7) and 10(-6) M) resulted in dose-dependent increases in corticosterone and progesterone release. Cotreatment with PRL produced an increase in the stimulatory effects of ACTH-induced corticosterone and progesterone secretion. However, the PRL-induced corticosterone and progesterone releases were significantly reduced by treatment with AG490, a specific Janus kinase 2 (Jak2) inhibitor. In addition, administration of AG490 blunted the significant inhibition of ACTH-induced corticosterone and progesterone secretion by PRL. These results demonstrated that PRL could act directly on the adrenal gland to drive corticosterone and progesterone secretion in male rats. Additionally, the results emphasize that PRL stimulation of adrenal steroid release may be mediated through Jak2 activity.     

Heat production by the mature male turkey (Meleagris gallopavo): preliminary measurements in an automated, indirect, open-circuit multi-calorimeter system

The energy metabolism of mature male turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) was determined in a computer-controlled indirect multi-calorimeter system of which the design and operation are described. Daily heat production did not change significantly during an initial 6-d period in the calorimeter chambers. Food intake was at first sufficient to promote a rate of energy retention significantly greater than zero, but decreased to give negative energy retention on day 6; mean energy retention for the whole 6-day period was significantly greater than zero. Heat production was affected little by fasting for 72 h, although the respiratory quotient decreased to 0.72 within 48 h; the heat increment of feeding was therefore small (about 5% of metabolisable energy). Fasting heat production, scaled on metabolic body size (bodyweight in kg)0.75, was similar to that of mature male domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus). Heat production after refeeding was similar to that recorded during the 6 d before fasting. There was a pronounced circadian rhythmicity of heat production in both fed and fasted birds.     

隐性白肉鸡羽速自别雌雄系的选育(2)

本研究是在第一报的基础上,通过对扩繁的隐性白表型慢羽公鸡79只与快羽母鸡560只进行基因测交试验,结果从中发现并选出24只基因型为纯合慢羽的公鸡.从而以此为基础,建立起以24只公鸡与1196只母鸡组成的隐性白一世代纯合慢羽系,并形成了拥有1600只核心群和6000只育种群的隐性白二世代纯合慢羽系,为育成隐性白慢羽系和羽速自别雌雄系奠定了基础.     

Inheritance of reproductive traits of female common ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) in pure breeding and in inter-generic crossbreeding with muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata)

1. Genetic parameters of reproductive traits were estimated in a population of common duck, in purebreeding and crossbreeding (with Muscovies) insemination systems. A total of 989 females were studied over three generations as well as 4025 purebred offspring and 4,125 male mule offspring. 2. Traits studied were age at first egg, total number of eggs laid until the age of 48 weeks, fertility and hatchability rates in pure and crossbreds, weight at 6 and 30 weeks of age, average egg weight and body weight of the male mule ducks at 6 weeks of age. 3. Heritability estimates were found to be medium range for reproductive traits (0.15 to 0.47). Heritability value for fertility or hatchability in crossbreds was twice as high as in purebreds (0.32 vs 0.15 for fertility; 0.36 vs 0.16 for hatchability). 4. Fertility in purebreeding and in crossbreeding were two different traits (r(g) = 0.49) while hatchability displayed a high genetic correlation between breeding systems (r(g) = 0.88). 5. Genetic correlations with number of hatched mule ducks were medium or high and favourable. Genetic correlations between reproductive traits and weights were low (< 0.36), the most related trait being the body weight of the male mule duck at 6 weeks of age.     

Gross morphological features of plexus brachialis in the chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)

This study documents the detailed features of the morphological structure and the innervation areas of the plexus brachialis in the chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera). The animals (5 female and 5 male) were euthanased with ketamine hydrocloride and xylazine hydrocloride combination, 60 mg/kg and 6 mg/kg, respectively. Skin, muscles and nerves were dissected under a stereo-microscope. The brachial plexus of the chinchilla is formed by rami ventrales of C5-C8, T1 and T2, and possesses a single truncus. The subscapular nerve is formed by the rami of the spinal nerves originating from C6 (one thin ramus) and C7 (one thick and 2 thin rami). These nerves innervate the subscapular and teres minor muscles. The long thoracic nerve, before joining with the brachial plexus, obtains branches from C6 and C7 in 5 cadavers (3 male, 2 female), from C7 in 4 cadavers (2 male, 2 female) and from C6-C8 in only 1 female cadaver. These nerves disperse in variable combinations to form the extrinsic and intrinstic named, nerves of the thoracic limb. An undefined nerve branch originates from the rami ventrales of C7, C8 and T1 spinal nerves enter the coracobrachial muscle.     

A preliminary passive surveillance of clinical diseases of cart pulling camels in Faisalabad metropolis (Pakistan)

We identified clinical disorders of all 200 city-dwelling cart pulling male camels attending the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan during a 7-year period (1993–1999). Data were collected prospectively on a predesigned form and collated. Diagnoses of different diseases/disorders were based on clinical examination supplemented with relevant laboratory tests. A total of 463 entries of 34 different clinical diseases/disorders were recorded. Sarcoptic mange (35% of 200 camels) followed by anhidrosis (23%) and trypanosomosis (19%) were the three most frequently encountered disorders. The body system most often involved was the integument (31%) followed by gastrointestinal (21%), locomotory (12%), thermoregulatory (6%), blood (6%), urogenital (6%), lymphatic (3%), nervous (3%), respiratory (3%) and ocular (3%).     

桑尺蠖性信息素研究

桑尺蠖雌成虫性腺体漂洗液通过气相层析与触角电位联用（GC－EAD），测定出6种环氧类化合物具有明显的触角电位响应，大田生物测定结果表明，其中3Z，6Z－9S，10R环氧十八碳烃（SR－2）和6Z－9S，10R环氧十八碳烃（SR－1）为桑尺蠖的性信息素组分，这是一种新的性信息素结构。SR－2与SR－1的10：1混合物对桑尺蠖雄成虫具有最强的生物活性，可望用于桑尺蠖的性诱测报和防治试验。     

N-甲基-N-亚硝基脲(MNU)对家蚕毒性的半致死剂量调查

N-甲基-N-亚硝基脲(MNU)是一种能诱导生物体产生随机点突变的烷化剂。为了完善利用MNU诱导家蚕突变的实验体系,用MNU处理家蚕品种大造的5龄第3天幼虫、化蛹第5天蛹、羽化当天的雄蛾及产后4～6 h的受精卵,通过Bliss法计算MNU对家蚕的半致死剂量(LD50)。结果显示MNU对不同发育时期家蚕的LD50值存在一定的差异:MNU对家蚕5龄第3天幼虫雌雄个体的LD50分别为28.735、20.157μg/头;对化蛹第5天蛹雌雄个体的LD50分别为56.466、54.672μg/头;对羽化当天的雄蛾的LD50为273.94μg/头;对产后4～6 h的受精卵的LD50为7 288.8μg/mL。实验数据表明,家蚕幼虫对MNU的毒性耐受能力差,蛾和卵的耐受能力较强;雌性个体对MNU毒性的耐受能力比雄性个体更强。     

家蚕突变系镇江野败(szm)的遗传不育性初探

将家蚕(Bombyxmori)和野桑蚕(Bombyxmandarina)杂交培育多代后发现并分离出一个遗传不育的自然突变系统,定名为镇江野败szm(Mandarina Sterility of Zhenjiang)。该系统表现为95%不育卵、3%可育卵和2%中间型,以3%可育卵继代,后代雌、雄比例正常,性状稳定遗传。经遗传分析,该突变性状对正常表现为隐性。经组织解剖证实其产生原因可能是雄性精液分泌物失调、精荚异常、雄性外生殖器异常等。     

The reproductive performance of farmed fallow deer (Dama dama) in New South Wales

Observations on the reproductive performance of fallow deer on 47 farms in New South Wales were made over 6 consecutive years. The minimum fawning rate for does varied significantly (p less than 0.001) between years, the corresponding fawning percentages varying from 75.0% to 96.4%, with an overall mean of 88.8%. The weaning rate also varied significantly (p less than 0.001) between years, the corresponding percentages varying from 65.0% to 89.1% with a mean over 6 years of 81.4%. Weaning rates were low given the known high fertility of fallow deer. The ratio of male to female fawns at weaning varied significantly (p less than 0.05) between years, although the ratio was exactly 1:1 for all births recorded over the 6-year period. The mean birthweights for female and male fawns were 4.01 kg +/- 0.61 (n = 330) and 4.23 kg +/- 0.72 (n = 348) respectively. Mean birthweights varied significantly (p less than 0.001) between the sexes and between years. There was a greater difference between birthweights of male and female fawns in years with higher mean fawn birthweight. Fawn birthweights generally approximated 10% of the pre-rut weight of their mother. Handling of newborn fawns for tagging and weighting did not increase the chance of mismothering and rejection. The mean weaning weight for doe fawns and buck fawns over 6 years was 18.7 kg (n = 227) and 21.2 kg (n = 231) respectively, with a mean birth to weaning interval of 108.4 +/- 4.89 (n = 458). Growth rates of male fawns from birth to weaning were significantly higher (p less than 0.01) than for female fawns, and the growth rates of fawns were significantly different (p less than 0.01) between years.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Computed tomographical (CT) anatomy of the thoracoabdominal cavity of the male turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

In the present work, our goal was to match high-resolution computed tomography (CT) scans with cross-sectional anatomical pictures of the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). Two male BUT 6 (a commercial line) turkeys were used. CT scans with 1 mm slice thickness were performed. The images covered the trunk from the level of the 9th cervical vertebra to the end of the coccyx. The anatomical sections and the CT scans were matched, and the important structures were identified and labelled on the corresponding pictures. The aim of this study was to create a reference for evaluating CT scans of avian species.     

家蚕新突变型从性黑蛾(sml)的遗传分析初报

西南大学家蚕基因库保存的遗传系统18-130的蛾体色表现特殊性状,雄蛾为灰黑色,雌蛾为白色。用多个白色蛾系统与之进行杂交分析,饲养F1、F2和RF1代,分析该黑蛾的遗传规律,结果:18-130系统黑蛾由常染色体上隐性突变基因控制,且表现为从性遗传,在雌体中几乎不能表现黑蛾性状,而在雄蛾中黑体色表现明显,即性别不同是影响其表型的主要因素。研究证明该灰黑蛾是家蚕从性遗传的一个典型代表,命名为sex-controlled m ela-n ism,基因符号为sm l。同时,经过连锁分析探明sm l基因与第7连锁群的鹑斑(q)、第13连锁群的隐性赤蚁(ch)、第16连锁群的颊尾斑(cts)均为独立遗传。     

X-Chromosomal Monosomy (77, XO) in a Doberman Pinscher With Gonadal Dysgenesis

A 6-month-old stunted female Doberman Pinscher was found to have a 77,X0 chromosomal complement. The ovaries were small, consisting primarily of interstitial-type cells and solid epithelial cords. The dam, sire, and a male littermate had normal karyotypes.     

The importation of the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis) from Zimbabwe into Australia

SUMMARY The paper describes a program to import and breed black rhinoceros ex situ at Western Plains Zoo in Australia. Nine rhinoceros (7 females and 2 males) captured in 1992 in Chete National Park, Zimbabwe, were transported to Australia via Cocos Island. The veterinary treatment of the animals before and during quarantine in Zimbabwe and on Cocos (Keeling) Islands is described. Three animals died; an adult male on Cocos Islands and a juvenile male and an adult female at Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, New South Wales. The juvenile male died as a result of trauma sustained shortly after arrival and the two adults after developing a severe hepatopathy. The group of 6 females and an additional 4 males imported from the USA in 1994 have adapted well to captivity and to the climate and environment of central west New South Wales.     

胰岛素样生长因子系统对生殖影响研究进展

研究表明,胰岛素样生长因子系统(IGFs)与生殖密切相关.IGFs参与调节初情期的启动、卵泡的生长与闭锁、黄体的发育与退化、妊娠的建立、胚胎的发育与生长、分娩与泌乳等多个生殖环节,甚至还影响生殖激素的分泌.在雄性生殖系统中,IGFs与精子运动性有关.     

Radiographic anatomy of the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) axial and appendicular skeleton

Cockatiels are popular pets. Still, despite medical and surgical relevance, the radiographic anatomy of the cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) skeleton, like that of different wild and exotic bird species, has seldom been described. This study set out to describe the radiographic anatomy of the cockatiel skeleton. Twelve adult male and nine adult female specimens were radiographed using a digital X-ray system and different views. The radiographic anatomy of these birds was similar to that of other Psittacidae. However, some particularities inherent to the target species were detected, such as the presence of four flexion zones in the skull (craniofacial, nasal, jugal arch and palatine), complete bony orbit comprising a suborbital arch, 34–38 vertebrae (10 or 11 cervical, 8 or 9 thoracic, 9 or 10 lumbosacral, 5 or 6 caudal vertebrae and a pygostyle comprising 2 fused vertebrae), eight or nine pairs of ribs and a notarium made up of fused T2–T6 vertebrae. Poor radiopacity of the notarium, ribs and respective uncinate processes, and synsacral vertebrae made demarcation of these structures difficult. The appendicular skeleton of the cockatiel was very similar to that of other Psittacidae, and there were no gender-related differences.     

Disseminated Mycobacterium celatum (type 3) infection in a domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

A 4-year-old male ferret (Mustela putoriusfuro) had a 6-month history of weight loss and gradual development of depression and coughing. Necropsy findings included pale gray tissue around the distal trachea, multiple nodules in the lungs, a single nodule in the stomach wall, gray foci in the liver, and enlarged lymph nodes. Histologic examination revealed multifocal to coalescing granulomatous inflammation in the trachea, lungs, stomach, liver, and lymph nodes, with acid-fast bacteria in epithelioid cells and macrophages. The acid-fast bacteria were identified as Mycobacterium celatum (type 3) using DNA sequence analysis of the 16S ribosomal DNA gene. M. celatum is a recently described mycobacterium isolated mainly from immunocompromised humans. This is the first report of M. celatum infection in an animal.     

家蚕雄蛾交配能力及受精效果研究

以家蚕纯种“秋白”为实验材料,调查家蚕雄蛾的交配能力和受精效果.结果表明:在同等交配时间内,随着交配次数的增加,受精效果呈下降趋势.认为这与雄蛾体力的消耗、雄蛾生殖系统分泌物成分的变化以及雄蛾一次射精量的变化等有关.鲜雄蛾交配1小时和再交雄蛾交配次数在6次内、交配时间3小时的受精效果能达实用水平,交配次数为9次的受精卵率仍为90%以上,这对实际应用有较大的现实意义.     

Fatal cytauxzoonosis in a Kentucky cat (Felis domesticus)

A male domestic shorthair cat was presented with lethargy, anorexia, pyrexia and respiratory harshness. Diagnostic clinical chemistries, viral identification and tissue fluorescent antibody testing were negative or revealed no underlying system failure. Histopathology examination revealed multifocal, variable sized and shaped protozoal life forms in the brain, heart, lung, intestine, spleen, lymph node and kidney consistent with the intraleukocytic schizonts of Cytauxzoon felis.     

Detection of Human Herpesviruses (HHVs) in Semen of Human Male Infertile Patients

Recently we demonstrated an ectopic expression of the human herpesvirus 1 thymidine kinase (HHV1-TK) gene by functioning of an intrinsic endogenous promoter in the transgenic rat (TG-rat), suggesting that HHV1 infection in humans induces expression of the TK gene with the ectopic promoter in the testis and results in accumulation of HHV1-TK protein, triggering male infertility similar to that in the TG-rat. Hence, in this study, we started to investigate a relationship between infection of herpesvirus and human male infertility. Semen was donated by Chinese male infertile patients (153 men, aged 21–49 years) with informed consent, followed by DNA preparation and analysis by PCR and DNA sequencing. Semen volume, sperm number and density, and sperm motility were examined. DNAs of HHV1, HHV4, HHV5 and HHV6 were confirmed by PCR, electrophoresis and DNA sequencing. Finally, virus DNA was identified in 59 patients (39%). The number of carriers was 39 (25%) for HHV1, 6 (4%) for HHV4, 33 (22%) for HHV5 and 3 (2%) for HHV6, respectively. Moreover, double-infection was found in 22 out of 59 specimens (37%), most of which were double-infection of HHV1 and HHV5 (15 out of 22 carriers). Though slight severity was present in some of the carriers, the relationship between virus infection and sperm impairment was not conclusive. Accordingly, it is essential to examine whether the viral HHV1-TK gene is expressed in the testis of the infertile human HHV carrier.