Orexin‐B‐like immunoreactivity in pituitary αMSH‐producing cells and median eminence GnRH‐containing fibres of the flat‐tailed house gecko

We examined the distribution of the orexin‐like peptides in the pituitary and median eminence of the flat‐tailed house gecko (Hemidactylus platyurus) using immunohistochemistry. Orexin‐B‐like, but not orexin‐A‐like, immunoreactivity was detected in the pituitary, specifically in the pars intermedia, and these cells corresponded to alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (αMSH)‐producing cells. Orexin‐B and αMSH secreted from pars intermedia may modulate secretion of adenohypophyseal cells in the pars distalis. In the median eminence, orexin‐B‐immunoreactive puncta and fibres were observed, and these structures corresponded to gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH)‐immunoreactive puncta and fibres. Orexin‐B secreted from GnRH‐containing neurons in the hypothalamus may affect thyrotropin‐releasing hormone‐containing neurons resulting in modulation of αMSH secretion of melanotrophs in the pars intermedia.     

鸡胰腺交感传入神经元的定位研究

用霍乱毒素结合辣根过氧化物酶（CT—HRP）逆行追踪法对鸡胰腺的交感传入神经元的定位进行了研究。结果表明：支配鸡胰腺的交感传入神经元胞体分别位于T3-T7脊神经节，峰值位于T5、T6脊神经节。     

CXCL14-like immunoreactivity in somatostatin-producing cells of the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) pancreas

This study examines chemokine CXCL14-like peptide distribution in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) pancreas using a specific anti-human CXCL14 antibody. CXCL14-immunoreactive cells were observed in the pancreatic islet peripheral region. The staining was abolished after pre-absorbing the antibody with recombinant human CXCL14. CXCL14-immunoreactive cells were immuno-positive for somatostatin, but not glucagon and insulin. CXCL14 secreted from somatostatin-producing cells might participate in insulin secretion modulation together with somatostatin. In addition, CXCL14 might participate in glucose homeostasis in co-operation with somatostatin and growth hormone.     

Feline pancreatic ducts are consistently identified on CT and more likely to be dilated in the body of pancreas in cats with elevated feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity

Feline pancreatitis is a challenge to diagnose and no previously published study has described the CT characteristics of the pancreatic duct (PD) in cats. The current prospective analytical study was performed to identify and describe the CT characteristics of the PD in normal cats and to compare that to those cats with an elevated feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI). Contrast‐enhanced CT was performed in 16 normal cats and 13 cats with an elevated fPLI. Two ACVR‐certified radiologists blinded to the fPLI status assessed whether or not the PD could be identified, contrast phase during which the PD was most conspicuous, and PD shape in the body, right and left lobes. A second‐year radiology resident blinded to the fPLI status measured maximum PD diameter and PD:parenchyma. The PD was identified in 84 of 87 pancreatic segments, which was most conspicuous in the portal phase in 28 of 29 cats. The PD shape was tubular (48/84), tapered (34/84), or beaded (2/84) with no significant difference (P = 1.0 to .1615) between groups. Mean maximal PD diameters of normal cats were 1.5‐1.7 mm, which was significantly larger in the body of the pancreas in cats with an elevated fPLI (2.4 mm, P = .0313). Mean PD:parenchyma was not significantly different between groups (P = .2001 to .949). In conclusion, the feline PD can be consistently identified on CT, for which the portal phase is preferred. Cats with an elevated fPLI are more likely to exhibit dilation of the PD in the body of the pancreas on CT.     

Dimensional ultrasonographic relationship of the right lobe of pancreas with associated anatomic landmarks in clinically normal dogs

The purpose of this prospective study was to establish the ultrasonographic characteristics of the dimension of the right pancreatic lobe with that of the associated anatomic landmarks in healthy dogs. Ultrasonographic examinations were performed on 25 dogs. The thickness of the right pancreatic lobe was compared with that of mural thickness of duodenum, diameter of duodenum, pancreatic duct, abdominal aorta, portal vein, caudal vena cava, and length and width of the right kidney and right adrenal gland. The correlation between each pancreatic parameter and the dimensions of the anatomical landmarks were assessed using linear regression analysis and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) test. Significant, but weak linear correlations were observed between thickness of right pancreatic lobe with that of duodenum mural thickness (r=0.605, R²=0.339, P=0.001); duodenum diameter (r=0.573, R²=0.299, P=0.003); and right adrenal gland length (r=0.508, R²=0.052, P=0.01). There was no significant dimensional relationship with other selected anatomic landmarks. The ratio between the thickness of right pancreatic lobe and the mural thickness of duodenum, diameter of duodenum and length of right adrenal gland were 2.88 ± 0.53, 1.27 ± 0.27 and 0.81 ± 0.15, respectively. Calculating the ratio of thickness of the right pancreatic lobe with the dimension of significantly correlated anatomic landmarks is a useful and simple method for evaluating the size of the right pancreatic lobe in dogs in clinical practice.     

Intramuscular administration of alfaxalone in red‐eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans) – effects of dose and body temperature

ObjectiveTo characterise the effects of alfaxalone by intramuscular (IM) injection in red-eared slider turtles and the influence of body temperature on anaesthetic duration and depth.Study designProspective, randomised part-blinded experimental trial.AnimalsTen healthy adult female red-eared sliders.MethodsEach turtle was anaesthetized four times with 10 and 20 mg kg^?1 alfaxalone at 20 and 35 °C respectively. Time to maximal effect and plateau and recovery periods were recorded. Skeletal muscle tone, presence of various reflexes, response to noxious stimuli, and heart rate were assessed.ResultsResults are given for protocols 10 mg kg^?1 20 °C; 20 mg kg^?1 20 °C; 10 mg kg^?1 35 °C and 20 mg kg^?1 35 °C, respectively: mean time (±SD) to maximal effect was 16 ± 8, 19 ± 6, 5 ± 2 and 7 ± 5 minutes; duration of the plateau phase was 13 ± 12, 28 ± 13, 8 ± 5 and 8 ± 5 minutes and recovery time was 76 ± 20, 126 ± 17, 28 ± 9 and 41 ± 20 minutes. Endotracheal intubation was successful in 80%, 100%, 0% and 30% of turtles, respectively. At 35 °C, all animals retained nociceptive sensation in the front limbs, hind limbs and vent, whereas at 20 °C a few turtles lost peripheral nociceptive sensation. Corneal and tap reflexes were retained in all trials. Mean heart rates were 30 ± 2 and 66 ± 4 beats minute^?1 at 20 and 35 °C, respectively.Conclusions and clinical relevanceAlfaxalone administered IM in red-eared sliders provided smooth, rapid induction and uneventful recovery. At 35 °C either dosage provided only short (5–10 minutes) and light sedation. At 20 °C, 10 mg kg^?1 provided sedation suitable for short non-invasive procedures. About 20 mg kg^?1 provided anaesthesia of approximately 20 minutes duration, appropriate for induction of inhalational anaesthesia or for brief surgical procedures with supplemental analgesia.     

Establishment of optimal scan delay for multi-phase computed tomography using bolus-tracking technique in canine pancreas

To establish a protocol for a multi-phase computed tomography (CT) of the canine pancreas using the bolus-tracking technique, dynamic scan and multi-phase CT were performed in six normal beagle dogs. The dynamic scan was performed for 60 sec at 1-sec intervals after the injection (4 ml/sec) of a contrast medium, and intervals from aortic enhancement appearance to aortic, pancreatic parenchymal and portal vein peaks were measured. The multi-phase CT with 3 phases was performed three times using a bolus-tracking technique. Scan delays were 0, 15 and 30 in first multi-phase scan; 5, 20 and 35 in second multi-phase scan; and 10, 25 and 40 sec in third multi-phase scan, respectively. Attenuation values and contrast enhancement pattern were analyzed from the aorta, pancreas and portal vein. The intervals from aortic enhancement appearance to aortic, pancreatic parenchymal and portal vein peaks were 3.8 ± 0.7, 8.7 ± 0.9 and 13.3 ± 1.5 sec, respectively. The maximum attenuation values of the aorta, pancreatic parenchyma and portal vein were present at scan sections with no scan delay, a 5-sec delay and a 10-sec delay, respectively. When a multi-phase CT of the canine pancreas is triggered at aortic enhancement appearance using a bolus-tracking technique, the recommended optimal delay times of the arterial and pancreatic parenchymal phases are no scan delay and 5 sec, respectively.     

Strategic Localization of Toll‐like Receptor 4 in the Digestive Tract of Blunt Snout Bream (Megalobrama amblycephala)

This study was performed to determine the localization strategies of Toll‐like Receptor 4 (TLR4) in digestive tract (oesophagus, bulbodium, foregut, midgut and hindgut) of Blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) using immunohistochemical staining method. TLR4 positive cells were observed throughout the digestive tract. In the oesophagus, some positive reactions in lamina propria were found around small blood vessels and there were also some positive cells within the stratified squamous epithelium. Lots of positive cells were observed in the muscular layer of the oesophagus. In bulbodium, foregut and hindgut, the expression of TLR4 was mainly restricted to the apical surface of epithelial cells located at the bottom of the mucosal folds and the mesenchymal cells in lamina propria. It was very interesting that epithelial cells in the midgut, but none in other parts, had many TLR4 positive cytoplasmic granular structures which were also periodic acid Schiff positive. These findings suggested that TLR4 was expressed in a compartmentalized manner in the Blunt snout bream (M. amblycephala) digestive tract and provided novel information about the in vivo localization of pattern recognition receptors.     

鸡胰腺交感传出神经元的分布研究

用霍乱毒素结合辣根过氧化物酶逆行追踪法对鸡胰腺的交感传出神经元的定位进行了研究.结果表明,鸡胰腺的交感传出神经元位于双侧的肾上腺神经节、内脏神经节和T3-T7交感干神经节,在交感干神经节中集中分布节段在T5交感干神经节.     

Insulin‐independent actions of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 in wethers

Insulin‐independent actions of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) are not yet clear in ruminants. Four Suffolk mature wethers (60.0 ± 6.7 kg body weight (BW)) were intravenously infused with insulin (0.5 mU/kg BW/min; from 0 to 90 min) and GLP‐1 (0.5 μg/kg BW/min; from 60 to 150 min) with both hormones co‐administered from 60 to 90 min, in a repeated‐measure design under euglycemic clamp for 150 min, to investigate whether GLP‐1 has insulin‐independent actions. Jugular blood samples were taken at 15‐min intervals for plasma hormones and metabolites analysis. Compared to baseline concentrations (at 0 min), insulin infusion decreased (P < 0.05) plasma concentrations of glucagon, non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA), lactate, nonessential amino acids (NEAA), branched‐chain amino acids (BCAA), total amino acids (TAA) and urea nitrogen (UN). Insulin plus GLP‐1 infusion induced a greater increase (P < 0.05) in plasma concentrations of insulin and triglyceride (TG), but decreased (P < 0.05) glucagon, total cholesterol (T‐Cho), NEAA and UN plasma concentrations. GLP‐1 infusion increased (P < 0.05) NEFA, β‐hydroxybutyrate and TG, but decreased (P < 0.05) glucagon, T‐Cho, NEAA, BCAA and UN plasma concentrations. In conclusion, GLP‐1 exerts extrapancreatic roles in ruminants not only insulin‐independent but probably, in contrast to non‐ruminants, antagonistic to insulin effects.     

新生仔猪肝脏胰腺和胃发育的初步研究

试验研究了1～7日龄仔猪肝脏、胰腺和胃的生长发育。结果表明,自然哺乳仔猪3日龄的肝脏、胰腺和胃的绝对重量分别较初生时增加了94.09%P<0.01、101.53%P<0.01和74.25%P<0.01,而同期体重才增加了24.3%P<0.05,而4～7日龄其绝对重量的增加有所降低,分别为64.86%P<0.01、52.75%P<0.01和55.85%P<0.01,同期体重增加了63.8%P<0.01因此,1～3日龄肝、胰腺和胃的发育较4～7日龄的迅速。     

Expression of the PACAP‐immunoreactivity in the Lymphoid Organs of the Duck

Introduction: The interactions occurring between nervous and immune systems are well documented. These interactions involve several types of chemical messengers including hormones, cytokines, classic neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. It has been observed that the lymphoid organs receive a dense peptidergic innervation and immune cells produce neuropeptides. Neuropeptides, in turn, are involved in the regulation of the inflammatory processes and in the maturation of the lymphoid organs. Several studies have demonstrated that the immunomodulatory neuropeptides and their receptors are expressed in the thymus and bursa of fabricius. PACAP is a glucagon/VIP/secretin family peptide. It was originally isolated from the ovine hypothalamus and then it was found in the autonomic nervous system. PACAP is involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary function, neurotransmission and neuromodulation. In the immune system, PACAP is expressed in lymphoid tissues of the rat and in the lymphocytes of the duck GALT. PACAP, therefore, could be a messenger of the dialogue between nervous and immune system. It may have a role in the regulation of the inflammatory processes by stimulating histamine and serotonin and modulating the production of the cytokines in immune cells. Methods: Immunohistochemistry on paraffin‐embedded sections of thymus and bursa of fabricius of the duck of different ages by using an antibody anti‐PACAP38. Results and Discussion: In the thymus, PACAP‐immunoreactivity was found in lymphoid cells and, with a lesser extent, in epithelial reticular cells. The immunoreactive lymphocytes were primarily observed in the interlobular septa in close vicinity to the interlobular veins. The number of positive lymphocytes increased with ageing. In the bursa of fabricius, PACAP‐IR was found in nerve fibres and in a few lymphoid cells. These results suggest that PACAP could play a role in the maturation and involution of these organs and in the immune functions.     

Subchondral cyst‐like lesions in the talus of four horses

Subchondral cyst‐like lesions (SCLs) of horses have been found in various locations, but SCLs of the talus have been reported rarely. In this report, we describe 4 horses affected with a SCL of the talus. Each SCL was identified using digital radiography, and each horse was treated by intralesional injection of triamcinolone acetonide. Case details, history, findings during clinical and radiographic examination, treatment, and outcome of each horse are discussed.     

The trophic effect of cholecystokinin on the pancreas declines in rats on total parenteral nutrition

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) results in atrophy of the pancreas, while cholecystokinin (CCK) can significantly stimulate the exocrine pancreas in rodents. This study was designed to examine whether CCK may improve the atrophy of the pancreas in rats on TPN treatment. Forty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into orally fed and TPN groups and were infused with CCK at a dose of 5 μg/kg/h or the CCK-receptor antagonist devazepide at a dose of 200 μg/kg/h for 10 days. Infusion of CCK caused hypercholecystokininemia (hyperCCKemia) and decreased the atrophy of the pancreas resulting from TPN. The hyperplastic response to CCK in orally fed rats was decreased in the rats given TPN. Devazepide did not influence the pancreatic variables. This study further confirmed that CCK stimulates the exocrine pancreas and decreases the atrophy of the exocrine pancreas resulting from TPN. Our present findings suggest that the trophic effect of CCK on the exocrine pancreas declines in TPN.     

Hyperglycaemia but not hyperlipidaemia decreases serum amylase and increases neutrophils in the exocrine pancreas of cats

The goal of the study was to determine whether hyperglycaemia or hyperlipidaemia causes pancreatitis in cats and to assess the effect of excess serum glucose and lipids on amylase and lipase activity. Ten-day hyperglycaemic and hyperlipidaemic clamps were carried out in five and six healthy cats, respectively. Ten healthy cats received saline and served as controls. The activity of amylase was below the normal range in 4 of 5 hyperglycaemic cats by day 10. The activity of lipase did not vary in any of the cats. Samples of exocrine pancreas were normal on histological examination, but the number of tissue neutrophils was increased in hyperglycaemic cats (P < 0.05). In a retrospective study 14 of 40 (35%) cats with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus had amylase activities below the reference range at the time of admission. Amylase activities normalised within 1 week of insulin therapy and subsequent glycaemic control. Lipase activity was increased in 26 of 40 (65%) diabetic cats and remained elevated despite glycaemic control. In conclusion, hyperglycaemia, but not hyperlipidaemia, increases pancreatic neutrophils in cats. However, because the histological morphology of the exocrine pancreas was normal, hyperglycaemia may play only a minor role in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis. Low amylase activities in diabetic cats may reflect an imbalance in glucose metabolism rather than pancreatitis.     

Determination of plasma albumin concentration in healthy and diseased turtles: a comparison of protein electrophoresis and the bromcresol green dye‐binding method

Background: In reptile medicine, plasma chemistry analysis is widely used for the evaluation of an individual's health status. The standard method for the determination of plasma albumin concentration is protein electrophoresis combined with the determination of total protein concentration, but the bromcresol green (BCG) dye‐binding method is also used. The reliability of the BCG method for the measurement of albumin concentration in reptiles is unknown. Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the plasma albumin values of turtles obtained by protein electrophoresis and the BCG method. Methods: Between March 2008 and September 2008, heparinized plasma samples from 16 clinically healthy and 10 diseased turtles of different species were collected. Plasma albumin concentrations were measured by protein electrophoresis and by the BCG method. The results of the 2 methods were compared using Passing–Bablok regression and Bland–Altman plots. Results: Albumin concentration measured by BCG was weakly correlated with the corresponding protein electrophoretic values in all turtles (r_s=.610, P<.001) and in healthy turtles evaluated separately (r_s=.700, P=.003), whereas in diseased turtles no such correlation was found (r_s=.374, P=.287). The albumin concentration measured with the 2 different methods differed significantly in all turtles (P=.009; Wilcoxon's test) and in healthy turtles (P=.005) but not in diseased animals (P=.241). In the Bland–Altman plot a systematic error was found between the 2 methods in diseased turtles. Conclusion: Measurement of albumin by the BCG dye‐binding method may lead to inaccurate results for plasma albumin concentration, especially in ill turtles. Therefore, for health assessment in turtles, albumin should be measured by protein electrophoresis.