The porcine erythropoietin gene: cDNA sequence, genomic sequence and expression analyses in piglets

The porcine erythropoietin (EPO) gene and its cDNA have been cloned and characterized. The cDNA encodes a protein of 194 amino acids. The gene structure and sequence show a high degree of homology to the corresponding human and murine gene. Steroid hormone receptor binding sites are present both in the promoter and in the 3' flanking region of the gene, which also contains an oxygen-sensing sequence. The promoter lacks classical promoter elements such as TATA and CAAT boxes. Expression analyses using a competitive RT-PCR assay showed that the kidneys contain about ten times more erythropoietin mRNA than the liver in five-week-old piglets, thus indicating that the shift from mainly hepatic to mainly renal EPO production has taken place at this age. The testes showed a higher ratio of EPO mRNA to total RNA than the liver. Spleen showed very low levels of expression, while no expression of erythropoietin mRNA was detected in brain tissue, bone marrow, lung, lymph nodes, and ovaries.     

Morphological study of the transition of haematopoietic sites in the developing mouse during the peri-natal period

The transition of fetal haematopoietic sites in mice was examined histologically from 12.5-day embryos (E12.5) until 10 days of age (D10), and the expression of the adhesive molecules VCAM-1 and fibronectin was examined immunohistologically. Erythropoiesis occurred in the liver (E12.5-18.5), spleen (E18.5-D4) and bone marrow (D6-10), in that sequence. Even at D10, some erythropoiesis occurred in the liver, and more so in the spleen, although the active haematopoietic site was the bone marrow. Similarly, granulopoiesis of neutrophils occurred in the liver, spleen and bone marrow in turn. Granulopoiesis still occurred in the spleen at D10, but no neutrophils were found in the liver after D4. VCAM-1 appeared in the liver, spleen and bone marrow in parallel with active erythropoiesis and granulopoiesis. The co-expression of VCAM-1 and fibronectin was recognized in the endothelial cells of the sinus at the onset of haematopoiesis. This study showed that haematopoiesis in the liver, spleen and bone marrow overlapped peri-natally, although it shifted sequentially. VCAM-1 appears to be closely associated with erythropoiesis and granulopoiesis, and the co-expression of VCAM-1 and fibronectin plays a role in inducing haematopoietic stem cells to move to the tissues.     

Iron stores of liver, spleen and bone marrow, and serum iron concentrations in female dairy cattle in relationship to age.

Storage iron in spleen, liver and bone marrow of cattle significantly increased after three years of age, reached mximal concentrations at five years and remained constant until nine years of age. Storage iron concentrations were always highest in the spleen. In liver and bone marrow much lower concentrations were found. In contrast to storage iron, serum iron remained relatively constant between one and eight years of age.     

Erythropoietin receptor expression in canine mammary tumor: an immunohistochemical study

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a cytokine primarily involved in the regulation of the erythropoiesis. Recently, it has been demonstrated that EPO and its receptor (EPOR) are expressed in several neoplastic cell lines and solid tumors. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that EPO could promote human breast carcinoma growth by means of the binding with its receptor, although a clear function for EPO in this setting has not been yet established. While the human medical literature has been accumulating strong evidence on EPO's role in oncogenesis, to date, there are no veterinary reports focusing on such an issue. The aim of the present study was to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of EPOR in canine mammary gland dysplastic and neoplastic lesions. Our results show a weak to moderate EPOR expression in dysplastic glands, being immunoreactivity enhanced as the lesion shows an increasing malignant pattern. On the basis of these findings, this study describes, for the first time, the evidence for EPOR expression in canine mammary gland tumor and suggests a feasible EPO's role for canine mammary tumor progression.     

Mast cells in canine mammary gland tumour: number, distribution and EPOR positivity

Erythropoietin (EPO)-mediated mitogenic and anti-apoptotic effects involve all the cells expressing functional receptors for EPO (EPOR), as demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo studies. EPO shows pleiotropic effects and acts as an endogenous mediator of adaptive tissue response to metabolic stress protecting tissues from different injuries. Recently, the EPO/EPOR complex has been identified in several neoplastic cell lines and solid tumours. In this study, the authors investigated the mast cells (MCs) number, distribution and their immunoreactivity for EPOR in normal, dysplastic and neoplastic canine mammary gland. The results showed that MCs were more numerous in displastic glands compared with normal and neoplastic glands. As far as the EPOR immunoreactivity is concerned, we did not observe MCs reaction on cancer, in contrast with previously published data where epithelium of neoplastic gland showed an increase in EPOR expression along with the neoplastic progression. Overall, our results might be suggestive for MCs role in oncogenesis and offer new insight regarding to the expression of EPOR in mammary gland cancer in dog.     

Expression of Connexin 43 in the Porcine Foetal Gonads During Development

This study was designed to reveal connexin 43 (Cx43) mRNA and protein expression in porcine foetal gonads using RT‐PCR, immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Expression of Cx43 was investigated in porcine foetal ovaries and testes on days 50, 70 and 90 post coitum (p.c.). RT‐PCR results indicated that Cx43 mRNA was expressed in both foetal ovaries and testes at all gestational ages examined. Cx43 protein was found in the foetal ovary but its distribution varied across ovarian compartments and changed during development. In foetal ovaries, Cx43 was localized between the interstitial cells surrounding egg nests on all investigated days of prenatal period. Moreover, Cx43 expression was observed between germ cells on day 50 p.c. as well as between pre‐granulosa and granulosa cells of primordial and primary follicles on days 70 and 90 p.c. In the foetal testes, Cx43 protein was detected between neighbouring Leydig cells on all examined days of prenatal period and between adjacent Sertoli cells exclusively on day 90 p.c. The presence of Cx43 protein in all investigated foetal gonads was confirmed by Western blot analysis. Cx43 protein detection between pre‐granulosa cells of primordial follicles suggests its role in regulation of the initial stages of follicle development. The Cx43 immunoexpression between neighbouring Leydig and between Sertoli cells indicates its involvement in controlling their functions. We propose that Cx43‐mediated gap junctional communication is involved in the regulation of porcine foetal gonadal development.     

Molecular cloning of the canine c-Met/HGF receptor and its expression in normal and regenerated liver

The c-Met proto-oncogene is the receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which is a member of the tyrosine kinase family. Activation of the HGF/c-Met signal pathway leads to cell proliferation, motility, regeneration, and morphogenesis. In this study, the complete nucleotide sequence of complementary DNA (cDNA) of canine c-Met was cloned, and its distribution was determined in tissues. The canine c-Met cDNA clone had an open reading frame of 4419 bp that encoded a putative polypeptide of 1383 amino acids. The c-Met mRNA was expressed in a variety of canine tissues including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), bone marrow, liver, kidney, lung, stomach, uterus, testis, thymus, lymph node, small intestine, colon, adrenal gland, thyroid gland, heart, muscle, skin, pancreas, ovary, prostate, spleen, fat, cerebrum, and cerebellum. In addition, the c-Met mRNA expression in normal and regenerated liver was examined. The levels of the mRNA increased 2-fold in regenerated liver compared to that found in normal liver, indicating that c-Met is involved in various functions including remodeling of canine hepatocytes.     

蛋鸡中发现J亚群白血病与网状内皮增生症自然混合感染

发病蛋鸡经组织学、免疫组化检测确诊为J亚群白血病与网状内皮增生症混合感染。与人工接种病例不同的是，在肿瘤组织内还发现一种特殊的细胞——淋巴-巨噬细胞；在骨髓和肿瘤组织中检测到部分髓细胞胞浆内有ALV—J抗原表达。从发病情况、各器官病变程度及免疫组化结果来看，2种病原存在明显的相互协同作用，脾可能是网状内皮增生症的原发器官。但其发病的时间可能不如J亚群白血病早。此次在蛋种鸡发现此混合感染提示，病毒在环境选择压及免疫选择压的作用下，其生物特性、致病作用以及宿主范围均可发生改变。应警惕J亚群白血病和网状内皮增生症混合感染在蛋鸡中的大面积暴发。     

Idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome in 3 Rottweilers

Three Rottweilers with marked peripheral eosinophilia and infiltration of the liver, spleen, lungs, and bone marrow with eosinophils were diagnosed with idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome (IHES). Mean serum immunoglobulin E concentrations were markedly high. On cytogenetic analysis, no evidence of karyotypic abnormalities was found in bone marrow aspirates. Despite an extensive search, no underlying cause for the eosinophilia could be identified. In this study, cytogenetic analysis and measurement of serum IgE concentrations were used to differentiate IHES and eosinophilic leukemia.     

鸭β-防御素-2基因的克隆测序与组织表达分析

利用RT-PCR技术,从肝脏组织中扩增到鸭AvBD2基因.经测序表明,扩增到的鸭AvBD2大小为350 bp,含有1个大小为195 bp的开放阅读框,编码64个氨基酸残基.组织表达分析表明,鸭AvBD2基因在鸭脾脏和肾脏中大量表达;心脏和肝脏中有少量表达;肺脏和骨髓有中等水平表达;在胸腺、腔上囊、小肠、胰腺、腺胃、食管、气管、舌头、胸肌、卵巢、皮肤中未见表达.     

GPxs家族基因在山羊不同组织和睾丸不同发育时期的表达特性研究

为了研究谷胱甘肽过氧化酶家族(GPxs)在山羊不同组织表达的特异性及在睾丸不同发育时期的表达特性.采用SYBR Green荧光定量PCR的方法对太行青山羊公羊各组织和不同发育时期睾丸GPxs mRNA的表达进行了定量分析.结果表明:GPxl、GPx3、GPx4和GPx7在各组织广泛表达,其表达量由高到低的顺序:GPx1是肝脏＞肺脏＞心脏＞睾丸、脾脏＞肾脏＞背最长肌,肝脏GPxl mRNA表达量是肌肉组织的6.7倍;GPx3是肾脏＞心脏＞肝脏、睾丸＞脾脏、肺脏、背最长肌,肾脏GPx3 mRNA表达量分别是肝脏和肺脏表达量的12和24倍;GPx4是睾丸＞心脏＞肾脏、肝脏、肺脏＞脾脏、背最长肌,睾丸GPx4 mRNA表达量分别是肝脏和肌肉的21和137倍;GPx7是肝脏＞脾脏、肺脏、背最长肌＞心脏＞肾脏、睾丸.GPx5和GPx6仅在睾丸和附睾中表达,且GPx5在附睾头中的表达是睾丸的114倍;睾丸中GPx3表达量随日龄增加而降低,GPxl和GPx4表达量随日龄增加而增加,GPx5在90 d开始表达且直接到达高峰平台,GPx6和GPx7在60 d开始表达,90 d到高峰平台,而后其表达量降低.山羊GPxs mRNA表达具有明显的组织特异性,山羊睾丸中GPxs mRNA表达具有时间依赖性.     

Erythropoietin-producing cells in the liver of ICR-derived glomerulonephritis (ICGN) mice

The ICR-derived glomerulonephritis (ICGN) mouse is an appropriate model for anemia associated with chronic renal disorder (CRD). Insufficient renal production of erythropoietin (EPO) induces the anemia associated with CRD. EPO mRNA is expressed in both kidneys and liver of progressing-stage ICGN mice. Hypoxic stimulation induced the EPO mRNA expression in the liver as well as in the kidneys of ICGN mice. The localization of EPO-producing cells in the liver remains controversial. Present study using an amplified in situ hybridization technique identified that nonparenchymal cells were the source of hepatic EPO production in ICGN mice under both normoxia and hypoxia.     

Comparative Expression Analysis of Gametogenesis‐Associated Genes in Foetal and Adult Bubaline (Bubalus bubalis) Ovaries and Testes

This study was conducted to identify and analyse the expression of gametogenesis‐associated genes and proteins in foetal and adult buffalo gonads of both the sexes. Relative quantification of the genes was determined by qPCR and Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry was also performed for various gametogenesis‐associated proteins in foetal and adult gonads of both the sexes. We observed significantly (p < 0.05) increased expression of primordial germ cell‐specific, meiotic as well as genes associated with oocyte maturation and development in foetal ovaries as compared to the adult ones. However, significantly (p < 0.05) increased expression of proteins associated with oocyte maturation like GDF9 and ZP4 was found in adult ovaries, indicating temporal regulation of mRNA translation during oogenesis. Meiotic genes showed significantly (p < 0.05) increased expression in adult testes as compared to foetal testes and ovaries, indicating onset of meiosis at a later stage in spermatogenesis. In general, the expression of primordial germ cell‐associated as well as meiotic genes was higher in adult testes, indicating the increased biological activity in the organ. Immunohistochemistry revealed localized expression of gametogenesis‐associated proteins in ovarian follicles and seminiferous tubules of testes, while the surrounding somatic tissues were devoid of these proteins. The study gives an understanding of the sequential and temporal events of gene expression as well as mRNA translation during male and female gametogenesis. It could also be concluded that follicles and seminiferous tubules are the functional units of the female and male gonads, respectively, and their function could be enhanced by appropriate chemical and genetic intervention of the somatic tissue immediately surrounding them. This assumes importance in the context that buffalo attains sexual maturity at an older age of 2–3 years and have smaller ovaries with lesser number of primordial follicles in comparison with cattle, which is suggested to be the main reason of their poor breeding performance.     

Distribution of Trypanosoma congolense in infected multimammate rats (Mastomys coucha): light and electron microscopical studies

In an attempt to determine whether Trypanosoma congolense occurs both within and outside the blood vessels in an infected animal host, multimammate rats (Mastomys coucha) were infected with T. congolense and samples from spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, liver, kidney, lungs, brain, heart, intestines, ovaries and testes were collected. The tissue samples were fixed and processed for light and electron microscopical examination. In all the tissues examined, trypanosomes were found only within the lumen of large and small blood vessels, capillaries and sinuses. It is concluded that following entry into the blood circulation after intra-peritoneal infection of M. coucha, T. congolense remains restricted to the bloodstream.     

Effects of mycophenolic acid on inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase I and II mRNA expression in white blood cells and various tissues in sheep

Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is a mycotoxin commonly found as Penicillium genus secondary metabolite in feedstuffs and silages. Feeding with MPA contaminated silages may modulate the immune system in the farm animals and can cause appetite lost, ketosis, paralysis and abortion. The aim of the present study was to characterize the long-term MPA effect on both the inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) isoforms I and II mRNA expression in white blood cells (WBC) and various tissue of healthy sheep. In treated animals 300 mg MPA/day/sheep was applied. In all investigated tissues the IMPDH I and II mRNA was abundant: WBC, spleen, thymus, ileum, jejunum, kidney, liver, pharyngeal and mesenterial lymph node. An efficiency-corrected relative quantification of the IMPDH types I and II isoforms mRNA were performed by normalizing with the constant reference gene expression of beta-actin. High IMPDH I mRNA expression levels were seen in kidney > mesenterial lymph node > jejunum > spleen > pharyngeal lymph node. Medium and low abundance was found in ileum > WBC > liver > thymus. Type II mRNA was highly expressed in liver > thymus > jejunum. In pharyngeal lymph node > spleen > ileum > mesenterial lymph node > kidney > WBC medium to low IMPDH II mRNA concentrations were detected. Under MPA treatment the IMPDH I mRNA expression was not significantly regulated in WBC, only trends of down- and upregulation were observed. Surprisingly in jejunum an upregulation could be observed (P < 0.05). In pharyngeal lymph node a tendency to downregulation was shown. This may be due to frequent ruminant activities and frequent exposition of MPA to the pharyngeal lymph nodes. In contrast to type I mRNA expression, IMPDH II mRNA was significantly downregulated in ileum (3.4-fold, P < 0.01) and tendencies in downregulation could be seen in jejunum (5.1-fold, P = 0.14). In addition, significant downregulation of IMPDH II gene expression over the entire feeding experiment could be shown in WBC of MPA-treated animals compared with untreated animals (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the recent study demonstrates that feeding sheep with MPA-contaminated silage did not induce IMPDH I mRNA expression in various tissues and blood, except in jejunum, but has suppressive effects on IMPDH II mRNA expression in WBC and ileum.     

鸡感染J亚群禽白血病病毒的免疫抑制机理

通过人工接种建立了雏鸡感染J亚群禽白血病病毒（ALV-J）后发生免疫抑制的病理模型。对免疫抑制的机理进行了初步研究。结果表明：ALV-J感染早期可诱导胸腺、法氏囊的淋巴细胞凋亡，这种早期的淋巴细胞凋亡是胸腺和法氏囊萎缩的重要原因之一。病理组织学动态观察表明。ALV-J主要引起骨髓的髓系细胞灶状或弥漫性增生，病变导致骨髓机能受损，使机体免疫机能下降。是引起免疫抑制的根本原因。病毒感染组免疫器官均发生了严重的实质萎缩性病变．这种病变的发生除与骨髓的病变及淋巴细胞凋亡有关外。还与中后期淋巴细胞的坏死有关．从而导致严重的免疫抑制。ALV-J感染可引起免疫器官及部分内脏器官中嗜酸性粒细胞样的瘤细胞浸润增生，这可以作为病毒感染早期的病理诊断指标。     

草原红牛CAPN1基因mRNA表达特性分析

为了进一步揭示CAPN1的功能,本研究采用实时荧光定量PCR技术对草原红牛初生牛与成年牛心脏、肝脏、脾脏、肺脏、肾脏、瘤胃、十二指肠、背最长肌8种组织中的CAPN1mRNA表达水平进行了分析。结果表明：CAPN1基因在组织中普遍表达,但表达量存在差异。且成年牛的CAPN1基因在肺脏和瘤胃组织中的表达显著高于初生牛（P〈0.05）,成年牛在肝脏、脾脏、肾脏和背最长肌组织中CAPN1基因的表达水平极显著高于初生牛（P〈0.01）。     

The Expression of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) and its Receptor (EGFR) During Post‐Natal Testes Development in the Yak

Growth factors play critical role in cell proliferation, regulate tissue differentiation and modulate organogenesis. Several growth factors have been identified in the testes of various mammalian species in last few years. In present investigation, the objective was to determine the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in yak testicular tissue by relative quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) from mRNA and protein levels. The testicular tissues were collected from male yak at 6 and 24 months old. Results of RT‐PCR and WB showed that the expression quantity of EGF and EGFR at 24 months of age was higher than at 6 months, and the increase rate of EGFR on mRNA and protein levels was higher than the increase rate EGF during post‐natal testes development. Positive staining for EGF and EGFR was very low and mainly localized to Leydig cells testes at 6 months of age with immunohistochemistry, and seminiferous tubules were not observed. At 24 month of age, both the EGF and EGFR could be detected in Leydig cells, peritubular myoid cells, sertoli cells and germ cells of the yak testes. However, EGF and EGFR were localized to preferential adluminal compartment and basal compartment in the seminiferous tubules, respectively. In conclusion, the findings in present studies suggest that EGF and EGFR as important paracrine and/or autocrine regulators in yak testes development and spermatogenesis.     

Incorporation of bovine bone marrow stromal cells into porcine foetal tissues after xenotransplantation

Bovine bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) were injected into the liver of foetal pigs at about 40 days of gestation to test whether these cells could populate developing tissue, and if so, which ones. Approximately 40 days after injection, the foetuses were harvested and tissue sections from many areas of the body were analysed for the presence of bovine cells using two different methods. First, using PCR, bovine repetitive DNA was found to be present in DNA extracted from foetal pig tissues. Secondly, using oligonucleotide primed in situ synthesis (PRINS), the in situ presence of bovine cells was found within porcine tissue sections. PRINS-labelled cells were found within cartilage, perichondrium, connective tissue and smooth muscle. These data suggest that bovine BMSCs integrate throughout the foetal pig.