利用TSPY基因鉴定奶牛早期胚胎性别的研究

TSPY（testis—specific protein）是Y染色体上特异的基因。公牛Y染色体上的TSPY基因的拷贝数达200个。本研究主要探讨利用TPSY基因鉴定胚胎性别的可能性。利用TSPY特异引物,通过PCR技术扩增牛血样DNA的结果为公牛血样均为阳性,母牛为阴性。结果表明,TSPY基因是一个很好的雄性特异标记。PCR扩增TSPY特异序列鉴定牛性别的灵敏度试验表明,DNA的最低需要量为20pg/μL,提示,TSPY特异基因具有鉴定牛早期胚胎性别的可能。     

PCR扩增牙釉基因X和Y染色体不同序列鉴定牛早期胚胎性别

本实验利用牛牙釉基因特异性引物扩增牛血液、成纤维细胞和胚胎DNA,旨在优化牛早期胚胎性别鉴定的方法。结果表明:实验利用两温度PCR扩增母牛DNA样品获得1条来自X染色体458 bp产物,PCR扩增公牛DNA样品获得2条产物,其中395 bp扩增产物来自Y染色体,458 bp扩增产物来自X染色体,60头已知性别牛样品鉴定的准确率为100%。实验优化了一种两温度PCR快速鉴别奶牛及其早期胚胎性别的方法。     

牙釉质基因巢式扩增鉴定牛早期胚胎性别的研究

根据牙釉质基因在牛X染色体和Y染色体上存在的差异设计巢式引物,对牛静脉血基因组DNA样本以及10枚牛早期胚胎DNA样本进行巢式扩增和电泳分析,以鉴定性别。结果表明:利用此方法能够对牛10 pg量血液基因组DNA进行扩增鉴定性别,雌性产生1条片段长度为311 bp的源于X染色体的条带,雄性产生1条源于X染色体的条带(311 bp)和1条片段长度为251 bp的源于Y染色体的条带,对10枚胚胎进行鉴定,6枚为雄性,4枚为雌性。说明牙釉质基因巢式PCR扩增鉴定牛早期胚胎性别方法可靠,准确性和敏感性较高。     

应用PCR技术鉴定牛早期胚胎性别方法优化的研究

研究的目的是优化胚胎PCR性别鉴定方法的条件，建立实用的鉴定方法。试验设计获得了牛种属和公牛特异的引物，利用聚合酶链反应（PCR）对模板DNA进行扩增，通过常规双重PCR法和巢式PCR法的比较研究，结果表明巢式PCR法大大提高了鉴定牛早期胚胎性别的灵敏度。对组织DNA样品、血样、颗粒细胞和公牛冷冻精子进行检测，结果全部与实际性别一致；对于胚胎样品，判定结果与产犊性别一致。通过批量胚胎现场的检测，证明建立的胚胎性别鉴定方法可用于生产。     

鉴别牛早期胚胎性别PCR方法引物的设计与筛选

根据牛Y-染色体特异重复序列、睾丸特异蛋白基因以及性别决定基因序列设计合成5对公牛Y-染色体特异引物，依据牛骨胳肌α肌动蛋白前体基因和微卫星DNA序列设计合成4对牛DNA特异引物(内标引物)。单重PcR扩增牛基因组DNA，筛选出4对牛Y-染色体特异引物和1对牛DNA特异内标引物。将不同的Y-染色体特异引物与内标引物组合，多重PCR扩增牛基因组DNA、已知性别的牛成纤维细胞和克隆胚胎，筛选出2个可用于牛早期胚胎性别鉴别的PCR引物组合：B34／A12和B78／A12。     

Sry基因和Y染色体重复序列在牛早期胚胎性别鉴定中应用效果的比较

本试验以牛Sty基因和Y染色体重复序列作为雄性特异性基因,分别设计引物,建立多重巢式PCR体系,比较二者在牛早期胚胎性别鉴定中的应用效果。试验结果表明,当扩增体系中的模板量为一个胚胎细胞的DNA量时,以Y染色体重复序列构建的扩增体系比Sry基因具有更高的灵敏度和稳定性,更适合用于牛早期胚胎性别鉴定。     

牛早期胚胎的性别鉴定PCR技术的研究

根据牛SRY(Y-染色体性别决定基因)基因序列自行设计合成3对常规PCR引物作为牛性别鉴定特异性引物,对15头公牛、20头母牛的样品进行检测.结果表明,第2对引物可清晰扩增出公牛基因组DNA750 bp左右条带,而母牛基因组DNA无此扩增条带,证明这条引物可以应用于牛的早期胚胎性别鉴定研究与应用.     

PCR扩增妊娠奶牛牙釉蛋白基因进行胚胎性别鉴定的研究

牙釉蛋白（amelogenin,简写为AML）基因是牙齿发育过程中丰富表达的多拷贝基因,AML基因的同源基因分别定位在XY染色体上。本试验利用x—Y同源的牙釉蛋白基因序列设计一对特异性引物（牛AML基因序列的扩增片段长度：雌性为只有467bp的特异性扩增片段：雄性为同时具有341bp和467bp的两条特异性扩增片段）,应用PCR技术同时扩增X和Y染色体上的特异性片段,扩增产物用PAGE电泳分离技术,经硝酸银溶液染色及扫描分析进行妊娠奶牛早期胚胎的性别鉴定。结果显示,从X染色体上扩增出467bp的片段．从Y染色体上扩增出341bp的特异性片段。由此可知,PCR扩增妊娠奶牛牙釉蛋白基因可以进行胚胎的性别鉴定。     

牛早期胚胎性别鉴定PCR反应体系的优化研究

根据牛SRY基因序列设计合成2对巢式PCR引物作为性别鉴定引物，根据牛酪蛋白基因序列设计了一对引物作为内标引物建立了牛胚胎性别鉴定的PCR反应体系。同时对常规PCR和巢式PCR在牛早期胚胎性别鉴定中的实用性进行比较。15头公牛、13头母牛的DNA样品检测结果表明：使用巢式PCR公牛可以扩增出205bp的SRY基因片段和403bp的酪蛋白基因片段，母牛只能扩增出403bp的酪蛋白基因片段；而使用常规PCR时公牛扩增出255bp的SRY基因片段和403bp的酪蛋白基因片段，母牛只能扩增出403bp的酪蛋白基因片段，其性别鉴定结果和实际完全一致。由于巢式PCR只需10个细胞就可以在紫外透射分析仪下看到扩增结果，而常规PCR则需要20～30个细胞，所以胚胎性别鉴定时使用巢式PCR效果更好。试验采用巢式PCR鉴定了10个奶牛胚胎的性别，同时还对血清是否会对试验结果产生影响进行了研究。     

SRY基因和MCM158、MAF45鉴定哺乳动物性别

为了研究SRY基因和Y染色体上微卫星标记对性别鉴定的影响,试验以哺乳动物为研究对象,采用多重PCR技术扩增绵羊和牛基因组中Y染色体上的2个微卫星标记和SRY基因,根据其基因型进行性别鉴定,试图通过一次DNA扩增同时提供性别鉴定和基因分型的信息。结果表明:所设计的SRY基因引物具有高度特异性,是性别鉴定的主要依据;Y染色体上的MCM158、MAF45两标记由于特异性不好而不适用于性别鉴定。     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Prevalence of gastric lesions in racing Alaskan sled dogs

Human and equine athletes are reported to have a high prevalence of gastric disease, and anecdotal evidence suggests a similar phenomenon applies to racing sled dogs. To investigate the prevalence of gastric disease in racing sled dogs, we conducted 2 gastroscopy studies on dogs competing in the annual Iditarod Sled Dog Race. A pilot study of dogs that were either dropped from the 2000 Iditarod Sled Dog Race because of illness or that finished the race indicated that, approximately 5 days after competing, 10 of 28 dogs (35%) had endoscopic evidence of gastric ulceration, erosion, or hemorrhage. The next year, an endoscopic study of 73 dogs participating in the 2001 Iditarod race was performed in order to evaluate a larger population of dogs. Data from 70 of these dogs could be used; 34 (48.5%) had ulceration, erosion, gastric hemorrhage, or some combination of these findings. When this group of 70 dogs was compared retrospectively to a control group of 87 dogs presented to the Texas A&M University (TAMU) Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, the Iditarod sled dogs had a significantly higher prevalence (P = .049) of gastric lesions. These findings suggest that, similar to athletes of other species, elite canine athletes have an increased prevalence of gastric disease compared to the canine population at large.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

Internal Parasites and Haematological Values in Cattle Slaughtered in Buea Subdivision of Cameroon

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.     

Chemotaxis of macrophage in inflammation

Our particular attention in this article was given to natural mediators for macrophages isolated from the sites of tissue injury. A number of chemotactic factors, which may satisfy many criteria making them acceptable as inflammatory leucocyte chemotactic factors, has been separated. Among them, our laboratory has isolated three macrophage (monocyte) chemotactic factors (MCF-a, -b and -c). Their purification, characterization and functional specificity are discussed.     

Evaluation of biohydrogenation rate of canola vs. soya bean seeds as unsaturated fatty acids sources for ruminants in situ

An experiment was conducted to study disappearance of C14 to C18 fatty acids, lag times and biohydrogenation (BH) rates of C18 fatty acids of ground soya bean and canola seeds in situ. Three ruminally fistulated Dallagh sheep were used to determine ruminal BH of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Differences in the disappearance of fatty acids through the bags and lag times were observed between the oilseeds. We saw that the longer the incubation time of the oilseeds in the rumen, the lower the content of C18:2 and C18:3. Significantly higher lag times for both C18:2 and C18:3 were observed in ground canola compared to ground soya bean. BH rates of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids in soya bean were three times higher than those of canola. These results suggest that the fatty acid profile of fat source can affect the BH of UFAs by rumen micro‐organisms. So that UFAs of canola had higher ability to escape from ruminal BH. It seems that fatty acid profile of ruminant products is more affected by canola seed compared to soya bean seed.     

Serum biochemical values and mineral element contents of tissues in yaks

Serum biochemical values and the wet weight to dry weight ratios of tissues were determined in yaks in Shandan county of Gansu province. The liver, kidney, heart and muscle contents of seven elements in yaks were also analysed. Most serum biochemical values were similar to those of cattle, camels and sheep, but the calcium concentration was considerably above the normal range for other ruminants. The liver contained the highest concentrations of copper, manganese and cobalt and the kidney of selenium, iron and calcium.Abbreviations Alb albumin - ALT alanine aminotransferase - AST aspartate aminotransferase - BUN blood urea nitrogen - Chol cholesterol - Glob globulin - -GT -glutamyl transpeptidase - IP inorganic phosphorus - TP total protein