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.     

Effect of Acute Hyperglycaemia on the Serum Fructosamine and Blood Glycated Haemoglobin Concentrations in Canine Samples

The effect was studied of an acute and non-persistent hyperglycaemia on the serum fructosamine and blood glycated haemoglobin concentrations in canine samples. Five dogs were given glucose solution intravenously and blood samples were taken from each dog before and at 5, 15, 30, 60 and 120 min and 24 h after the infusion. There was an intense hyperglycaemia 5 min after the injection was given, but no statistically significant differences in the serum fructosamine and glycated haemoglobin were observed. It was concluded that an acute and transient hyperglycaemia does not cause significant changes in the glycated haemoglobin and fructosamine concentrations in healthy dogs.     

Determination of Canine Factor VIII-related Antigen Using Commercial Antihuman F VIII Serum

Factor VIII-related antigen (F VIII:AGN) in 21 canine plasma samples was assayed by immunoelectrophoresis using a rabbit anticanine F VIII serum prepared from a canine F VIII concentrate and a commercial rabbit antihuman F VIII serum. A good correlation existed (r value 0.916) between the antigen levels obtained using the two sera. In normal dogs the plasma F VIII:AGN level was 95 +/- 39% (Mean +/- SD) compared to 175 +/- 40% in dogs with severe hemophilia A and 17 +/- 15% in dogs with von Willebrand's disease. It was concluded that there was sufficient cross reactivity between canine F VIII and commercial rabbit antihuman F VIII serum to make the latter useful in the differential diagnosis of F VIII deficiencies in the dog.     

High Urine Concentrations of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor in Dogs With Bladder Cancer

Because dogs with bladder cancer often have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis, the identification and use of a tumor marker that could facilitate earlier diagnosis is a valid approach to improve prognosis. The objective of this study was to determine if urine concentrations of the proan-giogenic peptide, basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), are high in dogs with bladder cancer compared with normal dogs and dogs with urinary tract infection. We used a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test kit to quantitate bFGF in the urine of 17 normal dogs, 10 dogs with urinary tract infection, and 7 dogs with locally active transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. In normal dogs, the median urine bFGF concentration was 2.23 ng/g creatinine (quartile range, 1.53 to 5.12 ng/g creatinine). The median urine bFGF concentration in dogs with urinary tract infection did not differ significantly from normal dogs. Dogs with bladder cancer had significantly higher urine bFGF concentrations than normal dogs ( P < .002) and dogs with infection ( P < .02). The median urine bFGF concentration in dogs with transitional cell carcinoma was 9.86 ng/g creatinine (quartile range, 7.40 to 21.63 ng/g creatinine). Six of 7 dogs with bladder cancer had urine bFGF concentrations that were up to 7.4 times the 90th percentile value for normal dogs. Only 1 of 10 dogs with infection had a urine bFGF concentration that exceeded the 90th percentile of normal. These data suggest that canine bladder cancers export bFGF, and that urine bFGF may be useful as a diagnostic tumor marker or noninvasive indicator of treatment response. J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:231–234. Copyright © 1996 by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine .     

Serum and Plasma Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Levels in Various Cat Populations

Introduction:  Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most important mediators of angiogenesis. Elevated levels within tumors, and in serum, plasma, and tumor effusion have been correlated with the development of metastatic disease, recurrence, and poor prognosis in many tumors in humans. Canine VEGF has been sequenced as homologous with the human form, and elevated serum and plasma VEGF have been found in dogs with hemangiosarcoma. Feline VEGF has also been sequenced, and shares homology with the human and canine forms.
Materials and Methods:  Stored serum and plasma samples from normal cats, cats with various neoplasms, and cats with non‐neoplastic disease were evaluated with a commercial ELISA kit (R&D Systems, Minneapolis MN). Samples were run in duplicate, and a standard curve was performed for each plate. The data were analyzed for differences between populations, and between serum and plasma levels in the same patient to determine the optimal sample for evaluating VEGF in cats.
Results:  In seven apparently healthy cats mean plasma VEGF was 95.6 pg/mL. In non‐neoplastic disease (7 cases), mean plasma VEGF was 117.3 pg/mL and mean serum VEGF level was 219.7 pg/mL. In ten tumor‐bearing patients mean plasma VEGF was 247.1 pg/mL, and mean serum VEGF was 322.3 pg/mL. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between mean serum and plasma VEGF concentrations within each group or between groups (p > 0.05).
Discussion:  Serum and plasma VEGF levels could not be used to distinguish between healthy cats and cats with neoplastic or non‐neoplastic disease.     

不同浓度表皮生长因子(EGF)对鸡胚盲肠上皮细胞生长的影响

为了研究不同浓度表皮生长因子(EGF)对鸡胚盲肠上皮细胞生长的影响,通过体外培养鸡胚盲肠上皮细胞,添加不同浓度表皮生长因子(EGF,0、10、20、30、40 ng/mL)对鸡胚盲肠上皮细胞生长的影响,并对体外培养的鸡胚盲肠上皮细胞进行了碱性磷酸酶鉴定,细胞形态学观察贴壁率,测定生长曲线。结果显示:加入20 ng/mL的EGF,对鸡胚盲肠上皮细胞增殖的促进作用是极显著的(P0.01)。表明EGF作为重要的细胞因子之一,参与调节并促进鸡胚盲肠上皮细胞体外生长。     

复合抗菌肽对断奶仔猪生长性能及血清细胞因子含量的影响

本试验旨在研究饲粮复合抗菌肽水平对断奶仔猪生长性能及血清细胞因子含量的影响。将90头26日龄的健康杜×长×大三元杂交断奶仔猪按体重相近、公母各占1/2的原则随机分成5组,每组3个重复,每个重复6头。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组分别在基础饲粮中添加400 mg/kg黄芪多糖,250、500和1 000 mg/kg的复合抗菌肽,试验期28 d。结果表明:1)与对照组相比,饲粮中添加250、500和1 000 mg/kg复合抗菌肽和400 mg/kg黄芪多糖均能提高断奶仔猪的平均日增重,降低料重比,且1 000 mg/kg复合抗菌肽的效果均优于400 mg/kg黄芪多糖。2)与对照组相比,饲粮中添加250 mg/kg复合抗菌肽显著或极显著提高断奶仔猪血清白介素-2(IL-2)(46和53日龄)、白介素-4(IL-4)(39、46和53日龄)、白介素-6(IL-6)(39、46和53日龄)、干扰素-γ(IFN-γ)(32、39、46和53日龄)和肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)(53日龄)的含量(P0.05或P0.01);在整个试验期间,除饲粮中添加500 mg/kg复合抗菌肽对32日龄断奶仔猪血清IL-2、IL-4含量和饲粮中添加1 000 mg/kg复合抗菌肽对32日龄断奶仔猪血清IL-4含量无显著影响(P0.05)外,饲粮中添加500和1 000 mg/kg复合抗菌肽均显著或极显著提高断奶仔猪血清中IL-2、IL-4、IL-6、IFN-γ和TNF-α含量(P0.05或P0.01),且效果均优于400 mg/kg黄芪多糖。由此可见,饲粮中添加复合抗菌肽能够提高断奶仔猪的生长性能及免疫功能,以添加量为1 000 mg/kg时效果较好。     

Serum Leptin Concentrations in Lipizzan Fillies

To determine seasonal changes in circulating leptin concentrations, as well as leptin fluctuations in various patterns of seasonal ovarian activity, blood samples were taken in 107 Lipizzan fillies aged 1–4 years over the whole year from January to December. Serum concentrations were measured in samples obtained once a month (leptin) or twice a month (progesterone), and evaluated with respect to the age of animals (yearlings, 2-, 3- and 4-year olds) and the pattern of ovarian activity (anoestrous, seasonal cycle, prolonged cyclicity, continuous cyclicity). The mean and monthly leptin concentrations in 3- and 4-year olds were significantly higher than in yearlings and 2-year olds (p < 0.001). Circulating leptin levels in 3- and 4-year olds increased significantly in summer, to peak in August and then decline significantly (p < 0.001) in autumn. The fluctuations in younger fillies were less evident. The highest mean serum leptin concentrations were observed in fillies exhibiting continuous cyclicity and the lowest in those, exhibiting seasonal cyclicity (p < 0.001). In anoestrous fillies, leptin concentrations were lower than in fillies with prolonged or continuous cyclicity but higher than in fillies with seasonal cyclic activity (p > 0.05).     

百里香精油对麻花鸡生长性能、血清蛋白和细胞因子的影响

本试验旨在研究日粮中添加不同水平百里香精油对麻花鸡生长性能、血清蛋白和细胞因子的影响。选取1日龄麻花鸡768只,采用单因子试验设计,随机分为8组,每组4个重复,每个重复24只鸡。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验Ⅰ~Ⅶ组在基础日粮中分别添加0.05、0.10、0.15、0.20、0.25、0.30和0.35 mg/kg百里香精油。试验期42 d,分1~21日龄(前期)、22~42日龄(后期)2个阶段。结果表明,与对照组相比,日粮中添加百里香精油对1~21日龄麻花鸡生长性能无显著影响(P>0.05),但试验Ⅱ~Ⅵ组可极显著提高22~42日龄麻花鸡平均日增重(P<0.01),试验Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅵ组可显著降低22~42日龄麻花鸡料重比(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,试验Ⅱ组可显著降低42日龄麻花鸡血清中白蛋白含量(P<0.05),试验Ⅱ~Ⅴ、Ⅶ组可显著提高21日龄麻花鸡血清中球蛋白含量(P<0.05),试验Ⅱ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ组可显著降低21和42日龄麻花鸡血清中白蛋白/球蛋白比值(P<0.05)。与对照组相比,日粮中添加百里香精油对21和42日龄麻花鸡血清中白介素-4、肿瘤坏死因子-α和γ-干扰素含量均无显著影响(P>0.05),但试验Ⅶ组可显著提高42日龄麻花鸡血清中白介素-1含量(P<0.05)。综上所述,日粮中添加百里香精油可显著促进麻花鸡体内蛋白沉积,提高生长性能和增强γ-球蛋白和白介素-1细胞因子参与介导的免疫调节作用,建议生产中麻花鸡日粮中百里香精油的适宜添加量为0.10~0.25 mg/kg。     

Thrombokinetic Studies in Normal and Factor VIII-deficient Canine Plasmas

Thrombokinetograms are graphic depictions of the optical changes occurring in plasma during the clotting process and provide information, not only on the time required for clotting to begin, but also on the way in which the clot forms. We studied thrombokinetic profiles in plasmas from normal dogs, and dogs with varying degrees of factor VIII deficiency. Clotting was induced through intrinsic, extrinsic and common coagulation pathways [activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time and thrombin time, respectively].

The thrombokinetograms for the various clotting tests were qualitatively similar in normal canine plasmas. After activation of the clotting system there was a period in which no change in optical density occurred. This period was represented by the left base line and corresponded to the duration of the clotting time. When fibrin production commenced there was a rapid increase in the rate of optical density change (ΔOD) to a maximum (V_maxΔOD) in time t₁. This was followed by a more gradual reduction in ΔOD in time t₂.

The activated partial thromboplastin time thrombokinetograms for von Willebrand's disease plasmas were characterized by a reduced V_maxΔOD and prolonged t₁. In severe hemophilic plasma [factor VIII coagulant (F VIII:C)<1% of normal] there was a very slow increase in ΔOD following a prolonged left baseline. The V_maxΔOD, t₁ and t₂ could not be determined since a peak was not attained in one minute. The prothrombin and thrombin time thrombokinetograms for von Willebrand's disease plasmas were normal. The prothrombin time thrombokinetogram for hemophilic plasma had a 2X normal V_maxΔOD possibly related to the relatively high fibrinogen concentration of this plasma compared to the normal.

Changes in thrombokinetogram profiles may be of value in studying mild to moderate clotting factor deficiencies particularly where the clotting times are not markedly prolonged.

     

纤维蛋白粘合剂在犬小肠端端吻合术中对吻合口Hyp、VEGF与bFGF含量的影响

为探讨纤维蛋白粘合剂(FG)在犬小肠端端吻合术中对吻合口处羟脯氨酸(Hyp)、血管内皮生长因子(VEGF)与碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(bFGF)含量的影响,将30只试验犬随机分为试验组和对照组两组,试验组采用简易缝合配合纤维蛋白粘合剂,对照组采用常规手术肠线缝合;分别于术后第3、5、7、14和28天每组随机选取3只测定吻合口处Hyp、VEGF与bFGF的含量。术后试验组Hyp含量在第5天显著高于对照组(P0.05),bFGF的含量在第3天、第5天、第7天显著高于对照组(P0.05),VEGF含量在第3天和第5天高于对照组(P0.01),在第14天和第28天显著低于对照组(P0.01)。结果表明,应用简易缝合配合纤维蛋白粘合剂吻合肠管,可促进吻合口处小肠组织内羟脯氨酸、血管内皮因子和碱性成纤维细胞生长因子的分泌,从而加速吻合口的愈合。     

Epidermal Tissue-Derived T-cell Growth Factor,Colony Stimulating Factor and Nerve Growth Factor in Chickens

The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanism of the local cytokine-mediated immune response in the skin of chickens. The incorporation of 3H-thymidine into spleen T lymphocytes from 9- to 10-week-old chickens was augmented by the addition of epidermal tissue culture supernatant (ESN) from 11-day-old embryos. The colony formation of neonatal chicken bone marrow cells in the methylcellulose medium was also significantly increased by addition of ESN. When axonal outgrowth in matrigel was investigated, the embryonal sympathetic ganglion was found to grow axons outwards towards the epidermal tissue specimens. The above results suggest that chicken epidermal cells (probably keratinocytes) produce T-cell growth factor (corresponding to IL-1), colony-stimulating factor for macrophages (M-CSF) and granulocytes (G-CSF), and nerve growth factor (NGF).     

Expression Pattern of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Canine Folliculogenesis and its Effect on the Growth and Development of Follicles after Ovarian Organ Culture

In this study, the expressions of VEGF in dog follicles were detected by immunohistochemistry and the effects of VEGF treatment on the primordial to primary follicle transition and on subsequent follicle progression were examined using a dog ovary organ culture system. The frozen‐thawed canine ovarian follicles within slices of ovarian cortical tissue were cultured for 7 and 14 days in presence or absence of VEGF. After culture, the ovaries were fixed, sectioned, stained and counted for morphologic analysis. The results showed that VEGF was expressed in the theca cells of antral follicles and in the granulosa cells nearest the oocyte in preantral follicle but not in granulosa cells of primordial and primary follicles; however, the VEGF protein was expressed in CL. After in vitro culture, VEGF caused a decrease in the number of primordial follicles and concomitant increase in the number of primary follicles that showed growth initiation and reached the secondary and preantral stages of development after 7 and 14 days. Follicular viability was also improved in the presence of VEGF after 7 and 14 days in culture. In conclusion, treatment with VEGF was found to promote the activation of primordial follicle development that could provide an alternative approach to stimulate early follicle development in dogs.     

Serum Fructosamine Concentrations in Dogs with Hypothyroidism

Serum fructosamine concentrations were measured in 11 untreated hypothyroid dogs with normal serum glucose and serum protein concentrations. The fructosamine level ranged between 276 and 441 mol/L (median 376 mol/L; reference range 207–340 mol/L). Nine of the 11 dogs had fructosamine levels above the reference range. The fructosamine levels decreased significantly during treatment with levothyroxine. It is suggested that serum fructosamine concentrations may be high in hypothyroid dogs because of decelerated protein turnover, independent of the blood glucose concentration.     

Serum Phospholipase A2 in Canine Acute Pancreatitis

During 3 years 28 cases of acute pancreatitis were diagnosed in dogs. In 26 of these dogs, the disease was fatal. The most frequent symptoms were vomiting, anorexia and lethargy. Two thirds showed tenderness upon abdominal palpation. Ascites was found in 3 cases. Of the blood, parameters, serum amylase level was elevated in 86 % and lipase in 89 % of the cases. Sixteen dogs were uremic and half of the dogs were hyperglycemic. Two thirds of the dogs had leukocytosis. Using stepwise multiple regression the best blood parameters explaining acute pancreatitis were leukocytes together with lipase and glucose.In an attempt to find a more specific serum test for dogs to diagnose acute pancreatitis serum phospholipase A2 (PLA₂) activity was measured. In sixteen out of the 28 dogs with acute pancreatitis, serum PLA₂ activity was increased. The ascites fluids were rich in PLA2. Serum PLA₂ is more often increased in the severe necrotizing pancreatitis (80 %) than in the milder forms of acute pancreatitis (44 %). All dogs with increased serum PLA₂ had also increased serum amylase and lipase activities. The dogs with an increased serum PLA₂ and dogs with ascites had fat necrosis in the vicinity of the pancreas. Experimental pancreatitis was induced in 4 dogs by injecting Na-taurocholate and trypsin into the pancreas. In these cases, very high PLA₂ activities in the serum and ascites fluids were detected, but none seemed to be present in the urine samples.Key words: dog, acute pancreatitis, phospholipase A2     

梅花鹿、马鹿血清IGF-1及GH浓度年周期变化规律研究

选用8只雄性成年梅花鹿,6只雄性成年东北马鹿,在我国传统饲养模式下,每月采集鹿血液样品,进行鹿血清胰岛素样生长因子(IGF-1)及生长激素(GH)浓度年周期变化规律研究。试验结果表明,①梅花鹿血清IGF-1质量浓度4月份上升较高,5月份略有下降,到6月份达到一年周期变化的最高值,7月份开始逐渐下降,7～10月份均保持在一个稳定的水平,从11月至翌年3月,梅花鹿血清IGF-1质量浓度为全年最低水平,从翌年4月开始,IGF-1水平又开始回升。梅花鹿血清GH质量浓度在夏季的4～7月份相对处于较高状态,2月份梅花鹿血清GH质量浓度为一年中的最低水平。梅花鹿血清GH质量浓度相对比IGF-1质量浓度水平高,且变化趋势具有同步性。②马鹿血清IGF-1质量浓度4月份较高,5月份略有下降,到6月份达到一年周期变化的最高值,7月份开始逐渐下降,7～10月份均保持在一个稳定的水平,11月份略有上升,从12月至翌年3月,马鹿血清IGF-1质量浓度为全年最低水平,从翌年4月开始,IGF-1水平又开始回升,5月份同上一年的变化规律,又有一个下降的水平。马鹿血清GH质量浓度全年均较为平稳,但在夏季的4～8月份相对处于较高状态。③梅花鹿与马鹿血清IGF-1及GH质量浓度变化同步,在一年的大部分时间点,梅花鹿血清IGF-1及GH水平均高于马鹿血清IGF-1和GH水平,梅花鹿IG