The cannabinoid receptors system in horses: Tissue distribution and cellular identification in skin

BackgroundThe endocannabinoid system (ECS) is composed of cannabinoid receptors type 1 (CBR1) and type 2 (CBR2), cannabinoid‐based ligands (endogenous chemically synthesized phytocannabinoids), and endogenous enzymes controlling their concentrations. Cannabinoid receptors (CBRs) have been identified in invertebrates and in almost all vertebrate species in the central and peripheral nervous system as well as in immune cells, where they control neuroimmune homeostasis. In humans, rodents, dogs, and cats, CBRs expression has been confirmed in the skin, and their expression and tissue distribution become disordered in pathological conditions. Cannabinoid receptors may be a possible therapeutic target in skin diseases.ObjectivesTo characterize the distribution and cellular expression of CBRs in the skin of horses under normal conditions.AnimalsFifteen healthy horses.MethodsUsing full‐thickness skin punch biopsy samples, skin‐derived primary epidermal keratinocytes and dermal‐derived cells, we performed analysis of Cnr1 and Cnr2 genes using real‐time PCR and CBR1 and CBR2 protein expression by confocal microscopy and Western blotting.ResultsNormal equine skin, including equine epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblast‐like cells, all exhibited constant gene and protein expression of CBRs.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceOur results represent a starting point for developing and translating new veterinary medicine‐based pharmacotherapies using ECS as a possible target.     

Expression of GPR30 and GPR43 in oral tissues: deriving new hypotheses on the role of diet in animal physiology and the development of oral cancers

Food components and salivary hormones modulate the function of various tissues in the oral cavity. However, the mechanisms underlying such interactions are poorly understood. This study aimed at the detection of GPR30 and GPR43 in oral epithelia. Although unknown yet, the expression of these receptors is hypothesized to be fundamental for the actions of salivary oestrogens, dietary isoflavones and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the oral environment. Either immunoblotting or RT-PCR techniques were used for receptor detection in bovine and primate oral tissues. Here we show for the first time that mRNA of the G-protein-coupled oestrogen receptor, GPR30, and the short chain fatty acid receptor, GPR43, are expressed in bovine parotid glands. Furthermore, GPR30 protein is expressed in bovine parotid gland and the tongue of the primate Theropithecus gelada. With GPR30 being a target for dietary isoflavones and GPR43 being a suggested target for short chain fatty acids, we propose new hypotheses concerning the receptors' roles in salivary gland physiology and pathology. Our findings may trigger more detailed studies on GPRs to unravel their role in regulatory mechanisms in the oral cavity as well as in cancer development in relation to diets or biologically active compounds like soy isoflavones.     

不同日粮对鹅生长性能及部分激素含量的影响

本试验选取相同日龄的3周龄扬州鹅216只,随机分成6组,每组36只,公母各半,饲喂营养水平基本一致的日粮,研究不同日粮对鹅生长性能及部分激素含量的影响,结果表明:(1)不同日粮组鹅的体重在第4、9、10周龄虽存在一定差异,但差异不显著(P>0.05),在第5、6、7周龄时,部分组之间存在显著差异(P<0.05)或极显著差异(P<0.01);(2)不同日粮对鹅的胸宽、胸深、胸骨长等影响较小,但对体斜长、胫长及部分组织器官的生长有一定影响;(3)随着日粮中苜蓿、黑麦草和小麦麸含量的增加,T3浓度不断升高,当含量超过18%后T3浓度逐渐下降,T3/T4比值的变化与T3浓度的变化趋势一致。     

Bioavailability of the calcium salt of dl-methionine hydroxy analog compared with dl-methionine for nitrogen retention and the preference of nursery pigs for diets based on the 2 forms of methionine

Experiments were conducted to determine the relative bioavailability (RBV) of the calcium salt of the hydroxy analog of dl-methionine (MHA-Ca, 84%) to dl-methionine (dl-Met, 99%) as Met sources fed to pigs. In experiment 1, 42 crossbred barrows (initial BW of 15.0 ± 0.7 kg) were allotted to 7 treatments in an N-balance study. The basal diet (BD) was formulated to contain 15.4% CP and 0.22% Met (70% of requirement). Diets included (1) BD, (2) BD + 0.025% dl-Met, (3) BD + 0.050% dl-Met, (4) BD + 0.075% dl-Met, (5) BD + 0.038% MHA-Ca, (6) BD + 0.077% MHA-Ca, and (7) BD + 0.115% MHA-Ca. An increase in dietary inclusion rates of both Met sources linearly increased (P < 0.01) N retained (g/d) and N retention (% of intake). Using linear slope-ratio regression, the RBV value of MHA-Ca to dl-Met for N retained (g/d) was 63.0% on a product-to-product basis (75.0% on an equimolar basis). In experiment 2, 40 crossbred barrows (initial BW of 15.5 ± 1.5 kg) were allotted to 5 treatments in another N-balance study. The BD was formulated to contain 17.0% CP and 0.22% Met (70% of requirement). Diets included (1) BD, (2) BD + 0.030% dl-Met, (3) BD + 0.060% dl-Met, (4) BD + 0.046% MHA-Ca, and (5) BD + 0.092% MHA-Ca. Increasing levels of dl-Met or MHA-Ca increased N retained (g/d) and N retention (% of intake) linearly (P < 0.001) and quadratically (P < 0.05). Using linear slope-ratio regression, a product-to-product RBV value of MHA-Ca to dl-Met was 68.4% (81.4% on an equimolar basis) for N retained (g/d). In experiment 3, 276 pigs (12 barrow and 11 gilt replicates; initial BW of 7.09 ± 1.1 kg) were used in 3 diet preference studies. Pigs were randomly allotted to 1 of 3 treatment comparisons of feed choice: (1) BD (0.23% Met) or BD + 0.07% dl-Met; (2) BD or BD + 0.0825% MHA-Ca, and (3) BD + 0.07% dl-Met or BD + 0.0825% MHA-Ca. Pigs consumed a higher percentage (55 vs. 45%; P = 0.008) of their total feed intake from the diet supplemented with 0.07% dl-Met in Comparison 1, but a lower percentage (45 vs. 55%; P = 0.003) of their total feed intake from the diet supplemented with 0.0825% MHA-Ca in Comparison 2. There was no diet preference for dl-Met or MHA-Ca in Comparison 3. The observed Met source preference differences occurred in the barrow replicates but not in the gilt replicates. These results demonstrated the mean RBV of MHA-Ca to dl-Met of 65.7% on a product-to-product (wt/wt) basis or 78.2% on an equimolar basis and that a preference for Met sources was observed in barrows but not in gilts.     

Consequence of dopamine D2 receptor blockade on the hyperphagic effect induced by cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors in layers

1. Endocannabinoids (ECBs) and their receptors play a regulatory function on several physiological processes such as feed-intake behaviour, mainly in the brain. This study was carried out in order to investigate the effects of the dopaminergic D1 and D2 receptors on CB1/CB2 ECB receptor-induced hyperphagia in 3-h feed-deprived neonatal layer chickens.

2. A total of 8 experiments were designed to explore the interplay of these two modulatory systems on feed intake in neonatal chickens. In Experiment 1, chickens were intracerebroventricular (ICV) injected with control solution, l-DOPA (levo-dihydroxyphenylalanine as precursor of dopamine; 125 nmol), 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol as CB₁ receptor agonist; 2 µg) and co-administration of l-DOPA (125 nmol) plus 2-AG (2 µg). Experiments 2–4 were similar to Experiment 1 except birds were injected with either 6-OHDA (6-hydroxydopamine as dopamine synthesis inhibitor; 150 nmol), SCH23390 (D1 receptor antagonist; 5 nmol) and AMI-193 (D2 receptor antagonist; 5 nmol) instead of l-DOPA, respectively. Additionally, Experiments 5–8 followed the previous ones using the same dose of l-DOPA, 6-OHDA and dopamine antagonists except that birds were injected with CB65 (CB2 receptor agonist; 5 µg) instead of 2-AG. Coadministrations were at the same dose for each experiment. Cumulative feed intakes were measured until 120 min after each injection.

3. ICV administration of 6-OHDA and AMI-193 significantly attenuated 2-AG-induced hyperphagia. Interestingly, the hyperphagic effect of CB65 was significantly attenuated by administration of l-DOPA, whereas the administration of 6-OHDA and AMI-193 together amplified the hyperphagic effect of CB65.

4. It was concluded that cannabinoid-induced feeding behaviour is probably modulated by dopamine receptors in neonatal layer-type chickens. It seems that their interaction may be mediated by the D2-dopamine receptor.     

Gene expression of endothelin-1 and its receptors in the heart of broiler chickens with T(3)-induced pulmonary hypertension

To investigate the effect of T₃-induced pulmonary hypertension on endothelin (ET) production and genes expression of ET-1, ET_A and ET_B receptors (ET_AR and ET_BR) during rearing, semiquantitative RT-PCR and enzyme immunometric assay were performed in the heart ventricles and serum, respectively. The ET-1 and its receptor genes were expressed in the right and left ventricles of control and T₃-treated broilers at 12, 28 and 49 days of age. There were significant (P < 0.05) reductions of the relative amounts of ET-1 (in both ventricles) and ET_AR (in the right ventricle) mRNAs at 28 and 49 days of age, in T₃-treated broilers compared to controls. The relative amounts of ET_BR mRNA in the right and left ventricles did not significantly differ between control and T₃-treated broilers at any age. The serum level of ET was significantly (P < 0.05) increased in T₃-treated chickens at 28 and 49 days of age when compared with that of the control. It is concluded that ET-1, ET_AR and ET_BR genes are normally expressed in the heart ventricles of broilers. It is likely that increased serum level of ET and decreased ET-1/ET_AR genes expression in the ventricles are involved in the heart dysfunction of broiler chickens with developmental pulmonary hypertension.     

The presence of EGF- and IGF-1-receptors in the small intestine of fetal, neonatal and weaned piglets

During development, gut morphology and functions change. Some of these are mediated by milk-borne factors, e.g. insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), of which the effects are in part dictated by the distribution of their receptors (R).

EGFR- and IGF-1R-immunoreactivity (IR) was evaluated in samples of the fetal, neonatal and weaned porcine small intestine.

EGFR-IR first appeared in the neonatal duodenum and was located basolaterally in villar and to a lesser extent in cryptal enterocytes. In weaned pigs, EGFR appeared apically in enterocytes with a region-dependent distribution along the villus–crypt axis. IGF-1R-IR was observed in smooth muscle cells in each age group. From the last trimester of gestation onward IGF-1R-IR was seen at the apical and basolateral side of villar enterocytes and in submucosal arterioles.

Thus, the age- and region-dependent presence of EGFR and IGF-1R has to be taken into account when evaluating effects of EGF and IGF-1 on growth or repair.     

The influence of different forms and concentrations of nitrogen on total nonstructural carbohydrate allocation and growth in Digitaria eriantha

Abstract

Digitaria eriantha plants were grown under controlled conditions for a period of three months, during which time they were supplied with the following forms and concentrations of nitrogen: 50 mg/1 NO₃ ^?‐N, 200 mg/1 NO₃ ^?‐N, 200 mg/1 NH₄ ⁺‐N and a combined form containing both NO₃ ^?‐N and NH₄ ⁺‐N with a nitrogen concentration of 200 mg/1. Control plants received no nitrogen.

At monthly intervals both above and below ground components were assayed for soluble and insoluble carbohydrate contents. Dry mass and leaf areas were also measured.

The nitrogen treatments were found to influence the allocation of photosynthates into either soluble or insoluble carbohydrates. In above ground tissue, the soluble carbohydrate component decreased with time, while the insoluble component increased with time. In root tissue the reverse trends were observed. Both dry mass and leaf area development were enhanced in plants supplied with nitrogen in any form. It was suggested that growth of D. eriantha was influenced by carbohydrate fluctuations.     

Orexin and orexin receptor like peptides in the gastroenteric tract of Gallus domesticus: An immunohistochemical survey on presence and distribution

This study reports the immunohistochemical localization and distribution of orexin A and B-like and their receptors-like peptides in the gastroenteric tract of chicken. The immunoreactivity is distributed in endocrine cells, nerve fibers and neurons, both in the stomach and intestine, and shows a discrete conformity with the data till now reported for Mammals. Our study suggests a possible participation of orexin-like peptides in the modulation of chicken gastroenteric activities and the preservation of their main distribution compared to Mammals. Western blot analysis has confirmed the presence of prepro-orexin and both receptors in the examined tissues.     

The effect of dietary vitamin D supplementation on sodium-dependent phosphate uptake and expression of NaPi-IIb in the small intestine of weanling pigs

Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of 1,25(OH)₂D₃ to stimulate Na⁺-dependent phosphate uptake in Caco-2 cells, and the effects of dietary vitamin D supplementation to vitamin D-deficient nursery pigs on Na⁺-dependent nutrient uptake and mRNA expression of NaPi-IIb cotransporter and calbindin D9k in the jejunum. In Exp. 1, 250,000 Caco-2 cells were seeded on Costar 12 mm Snapwell inserts with a 0.40 µm polycarbonate filter and a seeding density of 0.25 × 10⁶ and studied at 15 d postconfluence. Cells were treated with 10 nM of either 1,25(OH)₂D₃ or vehicle for 48 h and then mounted in modified Ussing chambers for transepithelial measurements. In Exp. 2, pigs (n = 32) were removed from sows at 3 d of age, placed on a vitamin D-deficient milk replacer diet and housed in a room devoid of sunlight and UV light in the range of 280 to 300 nm. On day 28, serum 25(OH)D₃ concentrations were measured to verify low vitamin D status. Pigs (BW 10.10 ± 0.38 kg) were then individually housed day 28 postweaning and allotted to 1 of 2 dietary treatments. Dietary treatments consisted of corn-soybean-based diets with vitamin D supplementations of 0 or 1,500 IU/kg diet for 12 d. Blood samples were taken from the brachiocephalic vein on the initial (day 0) and final day (day 10, 11, or 12) of the study for analysis of serum 25(OH)D₃, P, and Ca. Pigs were euthanized and jejunal segments were harvested and used in modified Ussing chambers and for RNA isolation and subsequent quantitative RT-PCR analysis. In Exp. 1, treating Caco-2 cells with 10 nM 1,25(OH)₂D₃ resulted in a 52% increase (P < 0.005) in Na⁺-dependent phosphate uptake compared with cells treated with a vehicle. In Exp. 2, Na⁺-dependent phosphate and glucose transport did not differ (P > 0.10) among treatment groups. Additionally, NaPi-IIb and calbindin D9k mRNA expression were not different (P > 0.10) between treatment groups. No differences (P > 0.10) were detected in final serum P or 25(OH)D₃ concentrations between treatments. However, serum Ca linearly increased (P < 0.05) as the concentration of supplemental vitamin D increased in the diet. Overall, while 1,25(OH)₂D₃ stimulated Na⁺-dependent phosphate uptake in Caco-2 cells, supplementing diets with 1,500 IU/kg vitamin D₃ from cholecalciferol did not increase jejunal Na⁺-dependent phosphate uptake or NaPi-IIb mRNA expression over that of pigs fed diets with no supplemental cholecalciferol.     

Research progress on the role of melatonin and its receptors in animal reproduction: A comprehensive review

Melatonin and its receptors play a crucial role in the regulation of the animal reproductive process, primarily in follicular development. However, the role that melatonin performs in regulating hormones related with reproduction remains unclear. Melatonin and its receptors are present both in female and male animals’ organs, such as ovaries, heart, brain and liver. Melatonin regulates ovarian actions and is a key mediator of reproductive actions. Melatonin has numerous effects on animal reproduction, such as protection of gametes and embryos, response to clock genes, immune‐neuroendocrine, reconciliation of seasonal variations in immune function, and silence or blockage of genes. The growth ratio of reproductive illnesses in animals has raised a remarkable concern for the government, animal caretakers and farm managers. In order to resolve this challenging issue, it is very necessary to conduct state‐of‐the‐art research on melatonin and its receptors because melatonin has considerable physiognomies. This review article presents a current contemporary research conducted by numerous researchers from the entire world on the role of melatonin and its receptors in animal reproduction, from the year 1985 to the year 2017. Furthermore, this review shows scientific research challenges related to melatonin receptors and their explanations based on the findings of 172 numerous research articles, and also represents significant proficiencies of melatonin in order to show enthusiastic study direction for animal reproduction researchers.     

The detection of 3 leptin receptor isoforms in crucian carp gill and the influence of fasting and hypoxia on their expression

To understand leptin signaling pathway in the crucian carp (Carassius carassius), we cloned 3 leptin receptor isoform complementary DNAs (ie, the long form [cclpr-L], the short form [cclpr-s1], and the secreted form [cclpr-s2]). Variant cclpr-L had a 3,255-bp open reading frame and a complete intracellular domain with box 1 and box 2 consensus sequences. By contrast, cclpr-s1 contained only 4 amino acids in its intracellular domain, without the “box 1” motif, which is conserved among membrane-bound leptin receptor short isoforms in mammals. Variant cclpr-s2 had no transmembrane domain, suggesting that it is a soluble form of the receptor, and alternative splicing of cclpr-s2 mRNA employs a different mechanism for the generation of soluble leptin receptor by intron retention. The fasting-treated fish showed significantly lower cclpr-L mRNA levels in gill tissue than the control group, whereas cclpr-s2 mRNA levels did not vary significantly among the groups. Treatment with hypoxia significantly increased mRNA levels of both cclpr-L and cclpr-s2 in gill tissue. To our knowledge, this is the first study of leptin receptor isoforms expression in teleosts.     

The influence of different forms and concentrations of nitrogen on the growth and metabolism of digitaria eriantha and chloris Gayana grown under saline conditions

Abstract

Chloris gayana and Digitaria eriantha plants were watered with nutrient media containing a high concentration of sodium chloride (150 mM) and either high (200 mg/l) or low (25 mg/l) concentrations of nitrate nitrogen and ammonium nitrogen. Dry mass and leaf area production as well as the total reduced nitrogen content of the above ground components were promoted when higher levels of nitrogen, particularly the nitrate form, were applied. As expected the halophytic grass Chloris gayana was able to produce higher levels of dry matter when it was grown in saline conditions compared to Digitaria eriantha under equally saline conditions.     

Effects of low-protein diets supplemented with crystalline amino acids on performance and intestinal development in piglets over the first 2 weeks after weaning

This study was conducted to determine the effects of low-protein diets supplemented with crystalline amino acids (AA) on performance and intestinal development in barrows (n = 32) over 2 weeks after weaning at 18 ± 1 day. Four maize-soybean meal based diets providing 0.93 g standardized ileal digestible lysine/MJ ME were prepared. The treatments were a control diet containing 23.1% CP (crude protein) and three low-protein diets (21.2, 18.9, and 17.2% CP, respectively), which were supplemented with crystalline AA to achieve an ideal AA pattern. Piglets were raised individually and had free access to feed and water. Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were measured weekly. Severity of diarrhea was monitored twice per day. Blood from all piglets was taken for determining serum urea nitrogen on d 0, 7, and 14 and serum free AA concentration on d 14. At the end of the experiment, all piglets were killed to measure morphology of the small intestine and disaccharidase activities. Reducing CP level did not affect ADFI (P > 0.10) but resulted in poorer (linear, P < 0.05; quadratic, P < 0.05) ADG and feed:gain ratio (F:G) over the 2-week study period. However, most of the effect of dietary CP was due to the significant deterioration of performance with the 17.2% CP diet. Faecal consistency was improved linearly (P < 0.01) with dietary CP decrease. Reducing dietary CP from 23.1 to 17.2% resulted in a linear (P < 0.001) and quadratic (P < 0.001) decrease in serum urea nitrogen levels on d 7 and 14. Serum arginine (P < 0.001), glutamine (P < 0.05), and proline (P < 0.05) concentrations were decreased in pigs fed the 17.2% CP diet compared with those fed the control diet on d 14. Villous height was decreased (P < 0.05) in the duodenum and jejunum by the reduction of dietary CP. As dietary CP declined, lactase and sucrase activities were reduced (P < 0.01) in the proximal jejunum. In conclusion, reducing CP concentration from 23.1 to 17.2% led to decreased growth performance associated with morphological changes of the gut and reduced disaccharidase activities in the small intestine. But reducing dietary CP from 23.1 to 18.9% did not affect intestinal morphology and disaccharidase activities.     

不同载畜率对短花针茅荒漠草原优势物种间关系及其空间分布特征的影响

为探究不同载畜率对荒漠草原群落建群种与优势物种间的关系及其空间分布的影响,于2020年7-9月在内蒙古四子王旗短花针茅荒漠草原进行野外调查,以建群种短花针茅及优势种无芒隐子草和冷蒿为研究对象,设置不放牧对照（CK）、轻度（LG）、中度（MG）和重度放牧（HG）载畜率水平（分别放牧0、4、8和12只羊）,结合常规方法与地统计学方法分析建群种及优势种出现频率、多度、种间关系强度及空间分布特征。结果表明：1）与CK相比,LG下冷蒿出现频率仅在7月显著降低了50.55%（P<0.05）,而MG和HG在7-9月均显著降低（P<0.05）,7-9月平均降低77.76%和97.53%;而不同处理及月份下短花针茅和无芒隐子草出现频率无显著差异（P>0.05）。 2）与CK相比,各处理在7-9月时短花针茅种群多度均显著增加（P<0.05）,LG、MG和HG分别在7-9月平均增加37.34%、75.72%和99.32%;冷蒿种群多度均显著降低（P<0.05）,分别降低61.26%、66.32%和99.31%;无芒隐子草除LG在9月无显著变化外,各处理在7-9月时种群多度均显著增加（P<0.05）。3）短花针茅与无芒隐子草主要表现为亲和关系,而在9月时从CK的亲和关系转化为HG的竞争关系;短花针茅与冷蒿主要表现为竞争关系,放牧未改变其种间关系。4）短花针茅与无芒隐子草对冷蒿的作用强度较大,而冷蒿对短花针茅和无芒隐子草的作用强度较小。5）模拟9月物种间空间分布发现,CK中短花针茅种群多度随无芒隐子草种群多度增加而增加,随冷蒿种群多度增加而呈降低的趋势;HG中冷蒿种群多度不随短花针茅与无芒隐子草的变化而变化,但随着无芒隐子草种群多度增加,短花针茅种群多度整体上呈波动下降的趋势,表明短花针茅与无芒隐子草之间的关系由CK中的亲和关系转变为HG下的竞争关系。综上,放牧会改变物种的种群多度及物种间的关系。     

Evaluation of the influence of prostaglandin E2 on recombinant equine interleukin-1beta-stimulated matrix metalloproteinases 1, 3, and 13 and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 expression in equine chondrocyte cultures

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on recombinant equine interleukin (IL)-1beta-stimulated expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP 1, MMP 3, MMP 13) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP 1) in vitro. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cultured equine chondrocytes. PROCEDURE: Stationary monolayers of first-passage chondrocytes were exposed to graduated concentrations of PGE2 with or without a subsaturating dose (50 pg/ml) of recombinant equine IL-1beta (reIL-1beta) to induce expression of MMP 1, MMP 3, MMP 13, and TIMP 1, followed by RNA isolation and northern blotting. In subsequent experiments, gene expression was similarly quantified from mRNA isolated from cultures pretreated with phenylbutazone to quench endogenous PGE2 synthesis, followed by exposure to reIL-1beta and exogenous PGE2 (5 mg/ml) with appropriate controls. RESULTS: Exogenous PGE2 (10 mg/ml) significantly reduced reIL-1beta-induced expression of MMP 1, MMP 3, MMP 13, and TIMP 1. Abrogation of cytokine induction with this dose of PGE2 was comparable to that for dexamethasone (10(-5) M) control. Similarly, pretreatment with phenylbutazone, followed by exposure to relL-1beta and PGE2 (5 mg/ml), was associated with a reduced expression of the genes of interest, an effect that was significant for MMP 1, MMP 13, and TIMP 1. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The MMP and TIMP 1 are important mediators in the pathophysiologic events in osteoarthritis. The potential for physiologically relevant regulation of expression of these genes by PGE2 is a consideration in the use of drugs that inhibit prostanoid synthesis in the treatment of equine arthropathies.     

The effect of different concentrations of linseed oil or fish oil in the maternal diet on the fatty acid composition and oxidative status of sows and piglets

N‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are essential for foetal development. Hence, including n‐3 PUFA in the sow diet can be beneficial for reproduction. Both the amount and form (precursor fatty acids vs. long chain PUFA) of supplementation are important in this respect. Furthermore, including n‐3 PUFA in the diet can have negative effects, such as decreased arachidonic acid (ARA) concentration and increased oxidative stress. This study aimed to compare the efficacy to increase eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) concentrations in the piglet, when different concentrations of linseed oil (LO, source of precursor α‐linolenic acid) or fish oil (FO, source of EPA and DHA) were included in the maternal diet. Sows were fed a palm oil diet or a diet including 0.5% or 2% LO or FO from day 45 of gestation until weaning. Linoleic acid (LA) was kept constant in the diets to prevent a decrease in ARA, and all diets were supplemented with α‐tocopherol acetate (150 mg/kg) and organic selenium (0.4 mg/kg) to prevent oxidative stress. Feeding 0.5% LO or 0.5% FO to the sows resulted in comparable EPA concentrations in the 5‐day old piglet liver, but both diets resulted in lower EPA concentrations than when 2% LO was fed. The highest EPA concentration was obtained when 2% FO was fed. The DHA level in the piglet liver could only be increased when FO, but not LO, was fed to the sows. The 2% FO diet had no advantage over the 0.5% FO diet to increase DHA in the piglet. Despite the constant LA concentration in the sow diet, a decrease in ARA could not be avoided when LO or FO were included in the diet. Feeding 2% FO to the sows increased the malondialdehyde concentration (marker for lipid peroxidation) in sow plasma, but not in piglets.     

The effect of Nesfatin-1 on food intake in neonatal chicks: role of CRF<Subscript>1</Subscript> /CRF2 and H1/ H3 receptors

The present study was designed to determine the effect of central injection of Nesfatin-1 and corticotropin and histaminergic systems on food intake in neonatal meat-type chicks. In this study, 7 experiments were designed, each with 4 treatment groups. In experiment 1, four groups of chicks received the ICV injection of (A) phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), (B) Nesfatin-1 (10 ng), (C) Nesfatin-1 (20 ng) and (D) Nesfatin-1 (40 ng). In experiment 2, (A) PBS, (B) Astressin-B (CRF₁/CRF₂ receptors antagonist; 30 µg), (C) Nesfatin-1 (40 ng) and (D) Nesfatin-1?+?Astressin-B were injected. In experiments 3–6, chicken received ICV injection of the Astressin2-B (CRF₂ receptor antagonist; 30 µg), α-FMH (alpha fluoromethyl histidine; as inhibitor of histidine decarboxylase, 250 nmol), Chlorpheniramine (histamine H₁ receptors antagonist, 300 nmol), Famotidine (histamine H₂ receptors antagonist, 82 nmol) and Thioperamide (histamine H₃ receptors antagonist, 300 nmol) instead of the Astressin-B. Then the cumulative food intake measured until 120 min post-injection. According to the results, ICV injection of Nesfatin-1 dose dependently decreased food intake in neonatal chicks (P?<?0.05). Co-injection of the Nesfatin-1 and Astressin-B (CRF₁/CRF₂) inhibited Nesfatin-1 induced hypophagia (P?<?0.05). ICV inejction of the Nesfatin-1?+?Astressin-B significantly inhibited the effect of Nesfatin-1 on food intake (P?<?0.05). In addition, α-FMH and chlorpheniramine attenuated Nesfatin-1-induced hypophagia in chicks (P?<?0.05); while thioperamide significantly amplified the effect of Nesfatin-1 on food intake in chicks (P?<?0.05). These results suggested Nesfatin-1 has an anorectic effect in 3-hour food deprived neonatal meat-type chicks and this effect was mediated by corticotropin CRF₁/CRF₂ as well as histamine H₁ and H₃ receptors.