Distribution and Heterogeneity of Mast Cells in Female Reproductive Tract and Ovary on Different Days of the Oestrus Cycle in Angora Goats

The physiological distribution of mast cells (MCs) in the reproductive tract and ovary of 12 Angora goats was determined using light microscopic histochemical techniques. Uterus (corpus uteri and cornu uteri), uterine cervix, uterine tubes (isthmus and ampulla) and ovary samples were obtained by laparatomy from groups of animals during metoestrus, dioestrus and proestrus (days 5, 10 and 16 of the oestrous cycle). Tissues were fixed in Mota's fixative (basic lead acetate) for 48 h and embedded in paraffin. Six-micrometre-thick sections were stained with toluidine blue in 1% aqueous solution at pH 1.0 for 5 min and alcian blue-Safranin at pH 1.0 for 30 min. MCs were generally associated with blood vessels in all reproductive organs. In the uterus, they were concentrated mainly in the close of the uterine gland and deep stroma in the endometrium. Higher MC numbers were observed by toluidine blue staining in the uterus, uterine cervix and uterine tubes on days 10 (corpus uterine: 4.7 ± 3.8 and cornu uterine: 4.9 ± 3.5) and 16 (corpus uterine: 5.9 ± 4.5 and cornu uterine: 5.4 ± 2.4) of the oestrous cycle compared with day 5 (p < 0.05). Mast cells were not observed in the follicles, the corpus luteum and the underside of the surface epithelium of the ovarian cortex, but were observed in the interstitial cortical stroma and the ovarian medulla. In the ovary, MC numbers were significantly higher on day 16 of the oestrous cycle (cortex: 3.4 ± 2.4 and medulla: 5.7 ± 4.5, p < 0.05). Safranin-positive connective tissue MCs were not observed in the uterine tube on any occasion. These results indicate oestrous cycle-related changes in the number and location of MCs in goat reproductive organs.     

Subclinical endometritis in Zebu x Friesian crossbred dairy cows: its risk factors,association with subclinical mastitis and effect on reproductive performance

A study was carried out on 59 clinically healthy Zebu x Friesian crossbred cows to determine the prevalence of subclinical endometritis, associated factors and its effect on the reproductive performance. Subclinical endometritis was diagnosed by endometrial cytology using uterine lavege technique and subclinical mastitis using CMT. The clinical, management and reproductive data were obtained from a weekly follow up visit of each cow for a period of 6 months after calving. The prevalence of subclinical endometritis, with ≥5% neutrophil count, was 47.5% and 30.5% at week 4 and 8, significantly decreasing (P = 0.002) as postpartum period advanced. Body condition score at week 4 postpartum (OR = 4.5, P = 0.017) and regular cow exercise (OR = 4.8, P = 0.026) were the significant risk factors while post-calving hygiene (P = 0.06) was poorly associated. Subclinical endometritis was also directly associated with subclinical mastitis at both week 4 (OR = 4.5, P = 0.012) and 8 (OR = 3.6, P = 0.031) postpartum. The risk of first service pregnancy (OR = 5.1, P = 0.004) was higher in cows negative for subclinical endometritis at week 8 postpartum and the proportion of cows that required more than 3 services was higher in cows with uterine inflammation. Also the proportion of cows diagnosed pregnant within 180 DIM was higher in cows with normal uterus at both week 4 (OR = 10.3, P = 0.001) and week 8(OR = 21.8, P = 0.001). These results indicated that subclinical endometritis was directly associated with poor body condition and subclinical mastitis and that it had negative effect on reproductive traits of dairy cows. This association may also reflect the possibility of translocation of bacteria/bacterial products from the uterus to the udder or vic-versa or else the presence of common cause for both endometritis and mastitis.     

Epithelial surface changes and spermatozoa storage in the reproductive tract of the bitch

Spermatozoa are known to bind to the epithelial cells lining the uterine tube in various species, but information in canids is conflicting and sparse. The first aim of this study was to measure the epithelial surface outline (ESO) of different regions of the canine uterine tube in the four stages of the oestrous cycle as an indicator of a changing potential reservoir for spermatozoa. The second aim was to identify the site of sperm storage in the bitch after natural mating. Reproductive tracts were collected from bitches undergoing routine ovariohysterectomy.Histological analysis showed that, when corrected for uterine tube size, the ESO of pro-oestrus (P < 0.005) and oestrus (P < 0.05) tubes were larger than anoestrus, but not metoestrus, tubes. The second study examined reproductive tracts from 12 Beagle bitches at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h after mating. Light and electron microscopy revealed large numbers of spermatozoa in the proximal regions of the uterus and particularly the distal utero-tubal junction (UTJ), with few present in the proximal UTJ or uterine tubes. Spermatozoa were bound by their heads to microvilli on the epithelial surface of the uterine lumen and to ciliated cells in the distal UTJ. This is the first report to measure and document differences in potential epithelial attachment sites of the uterine tubes at different stages of the oestrous cycle and to provide compelling evidence that the main spermatozoal storage site in the reproductive tract of the bitch is the distal UTJ.     

Changes in the mast cell distribution in the canine ovary and uterus throughout the oestrous cycle

This is the first study describing the relation between the phase of the oestrous cycle and the number of mast cells (MCs) in the canine ovaries and uterine horns. The total number of MCs was counted in cortex ovarii, medulla ovarii, endometrium and myometrium. The number of MCs was compared in all of these areas among the bitches in the early follicular phase, luteal phase and anoestrus. MCs were the most numerous in the early follicular phase and in the luteal phase; however, they were significantly less numerous during anoestrus. Based on the results, it was concluded that the number of MCs in ovaries and uterine horns fluctuates during the oestrous cycle. The results of this study may contribute to clarifying the role of MCs in the reproductive organs of bitches.     

The effects of short-term recombinant bovine somatotropin treatment on fattening performance,carcass composition and visceral organ weights in karayaka lambs in Turkey

Recombinant bovine somatotropin (bST) was administered s.c. to lambs for 6 weeks to evaluate its effects on fattening performance, carcass composition and visceral organ weights. Twenty male Karayaka lambs were injected with 250 mg bST every two weeks. Body weight, live weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion rate were not affected by treatment. Head, feet, skin, liver, spleen, kidneys, filled and empty gastrointestinal tract, penis, testis, pelvic fat and internal fat weights were similar for the two groups. Lung weight increased by 17.4% (P < 0.01) and weight of heart decreased 22.7% (P < 0.05) in bST treated lambs. The only carcass characteristics that were affected by bST administration were limb muscle which increased from 1331 g to 1417 g (P < 0.05), loin fat which decreased from 275 g to 174 g (P < 0.01), shoulder fat which decreased from 26 g to 13 g (P < 0.01) and total fat/final weight percentage which decreased from 9.8% to 7.6% (P < 0.05). The results of this study show that prolonged release formulation of bST treatment reduces fat tissue, but does not significantly affect fattening performance or weights of visceral organs, muscle and bone.     

Phytoestrogen treatment induces testis alterations in dogs. Potential use in population control

Dog overpopulation is considered a human health risk; they are the terrestrial vector of rabies and reservoirs for other human diseases. Surgical neutering and intratesticular injections have been used in male dogs. Physiological and morphological alterations in reproductive organs can be induced by phytoestrogens. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of oral coumestrol on dog ejaculates and testis histology. Two groups of 5 healthy adult dogs were used. One coumestrolcontaining biscuit was given once a week for a 4 week period to the experimental group. Ejaculates were obtained and evaluated. After treatment, testis were obtained and processed for histology. Compared to controls, treated dogs have reduced tubules (462 ± 1.4 vs 336 ± 2 μ²), spermatogenic epithelium (49.1 ± 0.01 vs 13.3 ± 0.01 μ²), and lumen opening (891 ± 1.4 vs 530 ± 26.9 μ). Ejaculates from treated animals have increased numbers of abnormal spermatozoa and reduced sperm concentration.     

Oxidative stress indices in the erythrocytes from lactating cows after treatment for subclinical ketosis with antioxidant incorporated in the therapeutic regime

The present investigation was carried out to assess the erythrocytic oxidative stress indices such as lipid peroxides level and activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase, and some hematological parameters after treatment of subclinically ketotic lactating cows with antioxidants, vitamin E and selenium, incorporated in conventional treatment regimen. The study was carried out using lactating cows reared in small dairy herds in and around Bhubaneswar. Out of 250 urine samples examined, 42 cows were diagnosed positive for subclinical ketosis with an overall incidence of 16.8%. Blood samples were collected on day 0 (before treatment) and treatment was initiated on day 1 and the second sampling was carried out on day 7. The hematological parameters improved significantly following treatment as compared to pre-treatment level (day 0). A significant (P < 0.05) improvement was observed on day 7 with respect to hemoglobin level (8.66 ± 0.23 vs. 9.12 ± 0.14 gm/dl) and packed cell volume (29.7 ± 0.56 vs. 31.1 ± 0.50%) in the group given routine treatment along with antioxidants. The comparison of mean lipid peroxides level before (day 0) and after treatment (day 7) revealed a significant difference in group I (routine treatment, P < 0.05) and group II (routine treatment plus antioxidants, P < 0.01). The maximum reduction in SOD activity was recorded in group II animals after treatment with conventional regimes along with supplemented antioxidants (1.29 ± 0.08 against 1.89 ± 0.15 units/ mg of Hb, P < 0.01). The mean value of SOD activity recorded in group III animals kept as non-treated positive control (PC) on day 7 (2.59 ± 0.14 units/mg of Hb) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the mean level recorded on day 0 (1.91 ± 0.31 units/mg of Hb). An almost similar trend was observed in erythrocytic catalase activity where there was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in catalase activity in the group II (RT+A) but there was no significant increase in catalase activity in non-treated positive control (PC) animals.     

Comparison of artificial insemination with natural mating on smallholder farms in Thailand,and the effects of boar stimulation and distance of semen delivery on sow reproductive performance

Following the implementation of artificial insemination (AI) services for smallholder pig farms, we investigated the reproductive performance after AI and its influencing factors. A small-scale boar station with an AI lab was established with two active boars having good genetics and free from reproductive diseases. Individual sow cards were used for reproductive data recording. A total of 171 sows on 92 farms situated within a radius of 50 km from the AI center were included in this study. Sows bred by AI (n = 121) were inseminated twice per estrus by two trained inseminators. A further 50 sows were mated by natural services using local rental boars. The impact of boar stimulation and distance from the AI center to the farm were also determined. Non-return (P = 0.02) and farrowing rates (P = 0.03) were higher for AI than for naturally bred sows (84.0% and 76.0% vs. 74.0% and 70.0% for AI and naturally bred, respectively). For sows bred by AI, boar stimulation increased non-return rate (84.1% vs. 70.0%; P = 0.09), farrowing rate (83.7% vs. 69.2%; P = 0.01) and litter size (11.2 ± 2.3 vs. 9.7 ± 1.7; P < 0.01). There was no effect on performance due to distance of semen transport. These results clearly indicate that sow performance on smallholder farms will improve if AI is utilized and boar stimulation is employed.     

支配子宫的植物神经和肥大细胞与子宫免疫调节的关系

本文概述了近年来子宫的植物性神经支配、子宫肥大细胞（ＭＣ）的最新研究概况，阐述了植物性神经通过子宫肥大细胞对子宫免疫的影响及Ｐ物质对子宫免疫的调节。植物性神经可通过抑制子宫ＭＣ的增殖和组织胺释放来抑制子宫局部免疫水平，神经肽Ｐ物质能刺激子宫ＭＣ组织胺和细胞因子的释放来调节子宫免疫，但组织胺的释放与子宫的生殖状态有关。神经肽对ＭＣ功能的调节是免疫－神经－分分泌网络相互作用的一个侧面，深入研究神经肽对ＭＣ作用的机理，将有助于推动神经免疫的发展。     

Distribution patterns of mast cells in the uterus of pregnant Meishan pigs

The present study was performed to investigate the numerical distribution of mast cells (MCs) in the uteri of pregnant Meishan pigs to explore the functions of MCs in pig pregnancy. The uterine samples from pregnant (on days 15, 26 and 50 of gestation) pigs were obtained respectively and stained with toluidine blue. The results were as follows: MCs were constitutively located in the uterus of the Meishan pig, with the distribution varying with gestational stages. On days 15 and 26 of gestation, MCs were mainly distributed around the blood vessels and uterine glands within the endometrium. On day 50 of gestation, MCs were mostly distributed in the myometrium. These results indicated that uterine MCs possibly have versatile functions in pig pregnancy.     

Effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on the development of preimplantation rabbit embryos <Emphasis Type="Italic">in vitro</Emphasis>

This study aimed to investigate the effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) on the development of preimplantation rabbit embryos in vitro. Zygotes were collected from superovulated New Zealand rabbits 19 h after injection of hCG and immediately mating and cultured in TCM-199 plus fatty-acid free BSA with different concentrations of NGF. Zygotes not treated with NGF served as control. At 24 h, 48 h, 72 h and 96 h of the culture, the numbers of the early cleavage stage, morulae, blastocysts and hatching blastocysts were determined. The intrazonal diameter of the blastocyst and the total cell numbers per blastocyst were measured after 96 h of culture. The results showed: (1) NGF at 100 ng/mL and 1000 ng/mL could improve the numbers of the hatching blastocysts which developed compared to the control treatment (p < 0.05); (2) All concentrations of NGF increased the total cell numbers in the blastocysts compared to the control treatment (p < 0.05); (3) NGF had no significant effect on the blastocyst intrazonal diameter of the blastocysts at 96 h of culture (p = 0.493); (4) The proportion in the early cleavage stage at 24 h of culture (p = 0.635), of morulae at 48 h of culture (p = 0.812) and of blastocysts at 72 h of culture (p = 0.812) in all treatments were not significantly different.     

Effect of ruminally protected Methionine on the productive and reproductive performance of grazing <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bos indicus</Emphasis> heifers raised in the humid tropics of Costa Rica

With the objective of evaluating the effect of methionine supplementation prior to a breeding program, thirty one heifers (Bos taurus x Bos indicus) were used averaging 386  ±  29 days of age and a mean body weight of 402.6  ±  28 kg. Fifteen of the animals received a supplement (SG) during 45 days with molasses-urea mixture (2 kg molasses + 407 g urea/head/day), plus 10 g of ruminally protected methionine. The other sixteen heifers did not receive supplement (CG). Fecal and pastures samples were collected to assess dry herbage intake and digestibility. Serial ultrasound measurements from the ovary were performed in both groups to evaluate follicular dynamics. The heifers were categorized according to their follicular size and presence of a CL. Forage intake and dry matter digestibility were reduced (P  <  0.05) and body condition tended to improve (P  =  0.07) in the supplemented heifers, however, total intake, final weight, daily gain and dorsal back fat were not affected. After the supplementation period, the percentage of females in the categories < 3 mm and 3 to < 6 mm, was greater (P  <  0.05) in CG (25% and 43.7%) that in SG (0% and 26.6%) but in the follicle category of ≥  9 mm, the percentage of animals was 60% in SG and 18.8% in CG (P  <  0.05). The percentage of ovulation for the SG and CG was 86.7% and 62.5%, respectively (P  <  0.05). The combination of supplementation with methionine-urea and molasses at the end of the dry season and the anticipated onset of the rainy season favored the establishment of ovarian activity and follicular dynamics.     

Effect of bypass fat supplementation on productive and reproductive performance in crossbred cows

Objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of supplementation of bypass fat on milk production and reproductive performance of crossbred cows. Nineteen multiparous crossbred cows (2–4 lactation) were divided in two groups on the basis of most probable production ability (MPPA). The animals in group 1 (nine cows, MPPA 3,441.32 kg, control group G1) were fed chaffed wheat straw, chopped green maize, and concentrate mixture as per requirements while the animals in group 2 (10 cows, MPPA 3,457.2 kg, treatment group G2) were fed the same ration supplemented with 2.5% bypass fat (on DMI basis). The cows of G2 were supplemented bypass fat 40 days prepartum to 90 days postpartum and carry over effect of supplementation on milk production and reproductive parameters was monitored up to 210 days of lactation. Average birth weights of the calves were 24.94 and 27.95 kg in G1 and G2, respectively. The calving per cent in G1 (88.88%) was lower than that of G2 (100%). The time taken for expulsion of fetal membranes was decreased (P < 0.05) by 5.4 h in G2 compared to G1. Days required for involution of uterus was less (P < 0.05) in G2 (35.40 days) than that of G1 (49.44 days). Less number of cases of retention of fetal membranes (RFM) and metritis were observed in G2 as compared to that of G1. The average milk yield (210 days) in G2 was higher (P < 0.05) than that of G1 (18.65 vs 17.57 kg/day). Similarly, the milk yield during the carry over period (90 days) was higher (P < 0.05) in G2 than that of G1 (14.81 vs 13.79 kg/day). The time required for onset of cyclicity was reduced (P < 0.05) by 6.5 days in G2 as compared to that of G1. The service period and AI per conception were also reduced (P < 0.05) in G2 while bypass fat feeding showed no effect on conception rate (P < 0.80). There were no differences between the two groups in plasma cholesterol, progesterone and insulin concentrations. Hence, it was concluded that bypass fat supplementation at 2.5% of DMI increased the milk production and reduced the time required for involution of uterus and commencement of cyclicity. AI per conception, incidences of metritis and RFM were also reduced on supplementing bypass fat.     

Nutritional evaluation of transgenic cottonseed in the ration of lactating dairy cows

The effects of feeding transgenic (Bt) whole cottonseed (WCS) were studied in lactating cows. Twenty multiparous crossbred cows (Karan Swiss × Karan Fries) in early lactation were given a concentrate mixture containing 40% crushed delinted non-transgenic (non-Bt) WCS, 2 kg wheat straw and green fodder ad lib for a 15-day adaptation period. Thereafter, the cows were divided in two similar groups of 10 each on the basis of milk yield, body weight (BW) and date of calving. The non-Bt control group continued on same ration, while for the Bt group the non-Bt WCS was replaced by transgenic WCS, in a feeding trial of four weeks. The diets provided a minimum of 2 kg cottonseed/cow/d. Mean DMI/100 kg BW and milk yield of non-Bt and Bt groups was 3.48 and 3.45 kg and 11.4 and 12.0 kg/d, respectively. Intake of nutrients, digestibility, milk production and body condition score (BCS) did not differ between the groups (P > 0.05), but BW gain was higher (P < 0.05) in the Bt group than the non-Bt group, probably as a result of hoof problem in two cows of non-Bt group, which when compared excluding two animals from each group did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). Transgenic protein (Cry1C) was not detected in the weekly milk samples or in blood plasma at the end of the experiment, showing that delinted WCS containing Cry1C protein can safely be fed to lactating cows.     

Comparative therapeutic effect of moxidectin,doramectin and ivermectin on psoroptes mites infestation in buffalo (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bubalus bubalis</Emphasis>)

The aim of the present study was to carry out comparative therapeutic effect of moxidectin pour on, doramectin and ivermectin on psoroptes infestation in buffalo. A total of 318 buffalo in 77 small scale herds suspected to have mange mites were examined clinically and parasitologically. Fifty-three (16.66%) buffalo in 25 herds were recorded to be infested; 51 (16.35%) with psoroptic mites, and two (0.31%) with chorioptic mites. Buffalo with psoroptic mites were randomly allocated into three groups (17 buffalo each). First group was treated with moxidectin pour on at a dose rate of 0.5 mg kg^-1. The second group received doramectin (200 μg kg^-1 twice subcutaneously, 14 days apart). The third group received ivermectin (200 μg kg^-1 twice subcutaneously, 14 days apart). Adjunct to each drug, deltamethrin was applied to the surrounding environment twice at a two week interval. Treatment outcomes of 51 buffalo with psoroptic mites showed that moxidectin pour on and doramectin had a significant higher effect on mite count reduction (MANOVA, P < 0.01; Walks^, Lambda, P < 0.01) and clinical sum scores (MANOVA, P < 0.05; Walks^, Lambda, P < 0.05) compared with injectible ivermectin. On clinical level, the number of clinically recovered buffalo in moxidectin and doramectin treated groups was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than that of ivermectin treated group. The result of the present study indicated that psoroptic mites are the main cause of mange in buffalo in Lower Egypt. This is the first report that describes the effect of moxidectin in buffalo. Moxidectin is a good alternative and easily applied drug for treatment of psoroptes infestation in buffalo.     

Age-related changes in the number of mast cells in the avian lymphoid organs

The distribution of mast cells (MCs) was studied in the lymphoid organs (thymus, bursa of Fabricius and spleen) of 0-, 7-, 21-, 30- and 120-day-old chickens, using light microscopic histochemical techniques. Tissues samples were obtained under deep anaesthesia from animals in five groups. Tissues were fixed in Mota's fixative (basic lead acetate) for 24 h and embedded in paraffin. Six-micrometre-thick sections were stained with toluidine blue in 0.5% aqueous solution at pH 1.0 for 5 min and Alcian blue/Safranine at pH 1.42 for 30 min. MCs were found in the organs, mostly associated with sinuses and blood vessels. A large increase in MCs was observed in both thymus and spleen of 21-day-old chickens compared with 0-, 7-, 30- and 120-day-old chickens. However, in the bursa of Fabricius, numbers of MCs were significantly higher in the 7-day-old group compared with other age groups. Safranine-positive MCs were not observed in all organs and age groups. These results showed age-related changes in the number of MCs in avian lymphoid tissues.     

Silage from maize (Zea mays), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) or their mixture in the dry season feeding of grazing dairy cows in small-scale dairy production systems in the Highlands of Mexico

Small-scale dairy systems based on grazing have dry-season herbage shortages. A repeated 3 × 3 Latin Square experiment evaluated grazing with silage from maize (MS), annual ryegrass (ARG) or a mixture (MIX) with 9 cows with 3 week periods; continuously grazed at 3.6 cows/ha with 3.6 kg DM/day of concentrate. Treatments were 7 kg DM of MS, ARG or a 2 MS:1 ARG mixture. Milk yield (MY), milk composition, live-weight, body condition, silage and concentrate intake were recorded. Herbage DM intake was estimated indirectly. Activity budgets were done for economic analysis. MY on MS (21.5 kg/cow/d) was 0.06 higher than on ARG (P < 0.09) with no differences on MIX. There were no differences for milk fat, milk protein, or body condition score. Live-weight on ARG was higher (P < 0.01) than on MS or MIX. Silage intake was higher (P < 0.01) on ARG and MS than on MIX. Herbage intake was lower (P < 0.05) on MS, compared with MIX and ARG. Total DM intake on ARG was higher than MS (P < 0.01), and MIX in between. MS resulted in 0.12 higher economic returns over ARG which had highest costs. Annual ryegrass may have a place in small-scale systems, but not as silage due to higher costs.     

Serum protein pattern in ewe with pregnancy toxemia

Pregnancy toxemia is a metabolic disease of pregnant ewes which causes significant economic losses in sheep industry. The pathophysiology and metabolic changes of this disorder remain poorly understood. We conducted this study to describe the serum protein pattern associated with the pregnancy toxemia in ewes. In this study, the electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins of 15 ewes with naturally occuring pregnancy toxemia and 12 ewes with uncomplicated pregnant were investigated by Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Serum protein patterns were mainly characterized by four bands and located in the 76 kDa, 66 kDa, 55 kDa and 29 kDa both diseased and control groups. The percent of the 66 kDa, 55 kDa and 29 kDa proteins were decreased (P < 0.001 for 66 kDa; P < 0.01 for 55 kDa and P < 0.05 for 29 kDa) while 76 kDa (P < 0.05) protein was significantly increased (P < 0.001) in ewes with pregnancy toxemia relative to controls. Positive correlations were found between activities of liver enzymes and percentage of the distribution in 76 kDa, 55 kDa proteins. In contrast, there was a negative correlation between the 66 kDa protein and liver enzymes. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate that the percentages of the 76 kDa, 66 kDa, 55 kDa and 29 kDa proteins are significantly altered in ewes with pregnancy toxemia. However, further studies are needed to explore the potential role of these alterations in the pathophysiology in ewe with pregnancy toxemia.     

Immunolocalization of INSL3 in dog foetal Leydig cells and the LGR8 receptor in the gubernaculum testis

Oxidative stress parameters; thiobarbituric acid reaction substances (RBC-TBARS), catalase (RBC-CAT) and reduced glutathione (RBC-GSH)) and the intraerythrocytic concentrations of electrolytes; sodium and potassium (RBC-Na and RBC-K) were determined in 18 well- controlled (WC) and 22 poorly-controlled diabetic mellitus (DM). Dogs with DM had significant higher blood glucose concentration (P < 0.001), haemoglobin A1c (P < 0.01) and fructosamine (P < 0.001) compared to normal healthy dogs (n = 19). Diabetic dogs in both groups had higher RBC-CAT (P < 0.05) while RBC-TBARS were higher significantly only in poorly-controlled DM group (P < 0.05). The RBC-K was significantly higher in both DM groups (P < 0.001). No changes in RBC-GSH and RBC-Na were found between DM and control healthy dogs. By linear regression analysis, the relationship were found between degree of diabetic mellitus and RBC-CAT, RBC-TBARS, RBC-Na and RBC-K. The relationship was also found between oxidative stress parameters and intraerythrocytic K⁺. The results suggest that in diabetic dogs, oxidative stress occurs which related to the severity of disease and may affect potassium homeostasis.     

雌性空怀双峰驼生殖道的形态结构

应用组织学方法观察了雌性空怀双峰驼生殖道的形态结构。结果显示，双峰驼生殖道的基本结构与其他哺乳动物相似，但微细结构有差异。双峰驼输卵管粘膜皱襞极其发达，分支多而呈复杂的网状迷路。皱襞基部的迷路酷似固有膜而存在腺体，迷路网格内常见细胞团块。虽然双峰驼怀孕时胎儿位于左侧子宫角，但左、右子宫角以及子宫体的组织结构基本相同。子宫内膜无肉阜，上皮下陷于固有膜内，形成大量长而弯曲的单管状腺。子宫颈固有膜浅层分布有许多小腺体，深层分布有成群的较大腺体。这些腺体为分支管状腺，腺上皮PAS强阳性。阴道粘膜上皮为复层上皮。从输卵管到阴道，粘膜上皮主要为单层柱状上皮，由纤毛细胞和分泌细胞组成，局部可见假复层柱状纤毛上皮。纤毛细胞由前向后逐渐减少，但在子宫颈仍可见到。粘膜上皮和腺上皮内夹有许多淋巴细胞或中性粒细胞，后段局部甚至见到这些免疫细胞浸润于上皮细胞间。固有膜内分布有大量淋巴细胞、中性粒细胞、肥大细胞、浆细胞和巨噬细胞，有时出现淋巴滤泡。