Mineralised deposits in the uterine glands of mares with chronic endometrial degeneration

Chronic degenerative disease of the mare's endometrium is characterised by changes in the uterine glands, including cystic dilation, hyperplasia and periglandular fibrosis. Endometrial biopsies were taken from 23 mares with different grades of endometrial degeneration. Solid structures were identified within the lumina of the uterine glands and shown to be calcified by histochemical staining. Most of them were not homogenous but composed of a mixture of mineral and organic substances. Further examinations of these mineralised structures by immunohistochemical methods revealed the presence of the non-collagenous matrix proteins osteopontin, osteonectin and bone sialoprotein, which are known to be involved in calcification processes such as urolithiosis. Osteopontin and bone sialoprotein were identified within the calculi, frequently arranged in concentric layers. Osteonectin was the only matrix protein that was also present in the glandular epithelium. Osteocalcin was not found in either the calculi or the glandular epithelial cells.     

Comparative assessment of bone among wild-type, restricted ovulator and out-of-production hens

1. The aim of this study was to assess bone characteristics in restricted ovulator (RO) hens. These hens generally are unable to ovulate due to a point mutation in the oocyte VLDL receptor gene whose protein product mediates the uptake of yolk precursors. Because these hens do not have the cyclic calcium (Ca) metabolism associated with egg formation, they could be a useful model for studying bone metabolism. 2. RO hens had greater humerus, femur and tibia ash concentrations than wild-type (WT) and out-of-production (OP) hens. Bone mineral content and density obtained with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were highly correlated with the results of conventional bone assays. 3. Gross and histological examination of the femurs confirmed the presence of extremely dense medullary bone deposition in the RO hens. However, the composition of non-collagenous protein extracts of medullary bone was similar for the two genotypes. 4. Analysis of medullary bone extracts for glycosaminoglycans (GAG) confirmed the presence of large amounts of keratan sulphate (KS) in the matrix of medullary bone. 5. Plasma Ca, total GAG and KS concentrations of RO hens were markedly higher than WT and OP hens. The changes in plasma calcium and keratan sulphate are probably a reflection of elevated Ca-binding yolk precursor molecules and intensive medullary bone formation in response to increased plasma oestrogen observed by others in RO hens.     

Effects of thermal stimulation on intracellular sodium, potassium and chlorine in the sweat glands of the cow, sheep and goat

The intracellular concentrations of electrolyte elements in the sweat glands of the cow, sheep and goat provide evidence of altered secretory activity upon thermal stimulation in the cow but give no indication of such change in the sheep and goat. The results support the view that increased secretory function contributes to the pattern of sweat output in the cow.     

Interaction of enrofloxacin with breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP/ABCG2): influence of flavonoids and role in milk secretion in sheep

The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP)/ABCG2 is a high-capacity efflux transporter with wide substrate specificity located in apical membranes of epithelia, which is involved in drug availability. BCRP is responsible for the active secretion of clinically and toxicologically important substrates to milk. The present study shows BCRP expression in sheep and cow by immunoblotting with MAb (BXP-53). Vanadate-sensitive ATPase activity with specific BCRP substrates and inhibitors was measured in bovine mammary gland homogenates. To assess the role of BCRP in ruminant mammary gland we tested the fluoroquinolone enrofloxacin (ENRO). In polarized cell lines, ENRO was transported by Bcrp1/BCRP with secretory/absorptive ratios of 6.5 and 2 respectively. The efflux was blocked by the BCRP inhibitor Ko143. ENRO pharmacokinetics in plasma and milk was studied in sheep after co-administration of drug (2.5 mg/kg, i.v.) and genistein (0.8 mg/kg, i.m.) or albendazole sulfoxide (2 mg/kg, i.v) as BCRP inhibitors. Concomitant administration of BCRP inhibitors with ENRO had no significant effect on the plasma disposition kinetics of ENRO but decreased ENRO concentrations in milk.     

Intramammary infusion of an Enterococcus faecium SF68 preparation promoted the involution of drying off Holstein cows partly related to neutrophil‐associated matrix metalloproteinase 9

A problem for dairy cows following milk stasis is to cope with a high risk of intramammary infection and there is a need to initiate an extensive renewal of secretory modules in mammary glands so that milk production in next lactation may be optimized. We recently reported that ultrasonicated Enterococcus faecium SF68 (SF68) is compatible with cow mammary glands and an enhancer of innate immunity during the immediate post‐milk stasis period. The current study further examines the concomitant effect of ultrasonicated SF68 on mammary tissue remodeling. Four Holstein cows each received intramammary infusions of regular antibiotic dry‐cow formula (positive control) and two different doses of SF68 in different quarters. Analyses of individual quarter secretion samples showed faster neutrophil infiltration, earlier modifications in protein composition, including caseins and lactoferrins, as well as more prompt elevation of the specific unit of 92‐kDa matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) in SF68‐infused quarters compared to the positive controls. Intramammary infusion of ultrasonicated SF68 seems able to accelerate the regression of mammary synthetic capacity and potentiate the breakdown of glandular extracellular matrix, indicating a more efficient mammary gland involution. Correlation analyses imply that the ability of ultrasonicated SF68 to induce faster neutrophil chemotaxis and the associated MMP9 release is partly responsible.     

脾源性酪氨酸激酶基因在奶牛乳腺中的表达研究

为探讨脾源性酪氨酸激酶(spleen tyrosine kinase,SYK)的表达与奶牛乳腺发育和泌乳功能之间的关系,试验采用Western blotting和激光共聚焦显微技术对泌乳期高乳品质、低乳品质及干乳期的中国荷斯坦奶牛乳腺组织中SYK的表达含量和表达部位的变化进行研究。结果表明,干乳期奶牛乳腺组织中SYK的表达显著高于泌乳期奶牛乳腺组织(P<0.05),泌乳期高乳品质、低乳品质奶牛乳腺组织中SYK的表达差异不显著(P>0.05);在干乳期SYK主要在乳腺导管上皮细胞的胞质中表达,而在泌乳期SYK在腺泡上皮细胞中表达。结果提示SYK是乳腺上皮细胞增殖与分化的调节因子,主要参与干乳期乳腺组织的重建过程。     

Study on Expression of SYK in Dairy Cow Mammary Gland

To investigate the relationship between the expression of SYK and dairy cow mammary gland development and lactation, the expression of SYK in lactating dairy cow mammary gland with high or low quality milk and dry period Holstein dairy cow mammary gland was detected by Western blotting and laser confocal microscope.The results showed that SYK expression in dry period mammary gland was significant higher than that in lactating mammary gland (P<0.05).There was no SYK differential expression detected between lactating mammary gland with high quality milk and low quality milk (P>0.05).SYK was mainly located in the cytoplasm of ductal epithelial cells in dry period mammary gland.In lactating mammary gland, SYK was existed in acinar epithelial cells.All these results revealed that SYK was a regulator in mammary epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation.It participated in mammary gland reconstitution in dry period.     

蛋氨酸对奶牛乳腺上皮细胞亚细胞蛋白质组的影响研究

为寻找奶牛乳腺上皮细胞亚细胞结构中与泌乳相关的重要蛋白质、从蛋白质水平揭示乳蛋白合成的调控机制,应用双向凝胶电泳技术分离体外培养的蛋氨酸处理组与正常组奶牛乳腺上皮细胞蛋白质,利用Image Maser 2D软件对图谱进行对比分析,基质辅助激光解析电离飞行时间质谱(MALDI-TOF-MS)和数据库检索鉴定,并采用实时荧光定量PCR技术在mRNA水平上验证2-DE结果。质谱鉴定出8个表达上调的差异蛋白质,大多数差异蛋白质的功能涉及细胞骨架构成、能量代谢等过程。这些差异点的发现为研究奶牛泌乳机理提供了有益的线索。     

Comparison of Milk Fat Globule Membrane Proteins in Milk Samples of Dairy Cow and Goat

In order to compare the difference of milk fat globule membrane（MFGM）proteins between dairy cow and goat milk,30 milk samples were collected in a dairy farm and a goat farm from Anhui area,respectively.Extracted proteins from the MFGM-enriched fractions were identified and quantified by LC/MS approach.The results showed that 284 and 334 proteins of MFGM from dairy cow and goat were identified,the biological processes of MFGM proteins were similar between dairy cow and goat which were mainly related to biological regulation,localization,transport,signal transduction and response to stimulus.Meanwhile,there were some differences in molecular functions,and protein binding and nucleotide binding were the most prevalent molecular functions in dairy cow MFGM proteins,while protein binding and structural molecule activity were the most prevalent molecular functions in goat MFGM proteins.And structural molecule activity was the main molecular functions among the difference proteins.Pathway analysis revealed that tight junction,axon guidance,antigen processing and presentation,complement and coagulation cascades were enrichment in dairy cow MFGM proteins,and regulation of actin cytoskeleton was enrichment in goat MFGM proteins.Those results revealed the protein expression pattern difference between MFGM protein of dairy cow and goat milk,and provide reference data for further exploring the molecular mechanism of synthetic milk fat globule.     

牛奶和山羊奶中乳脂球膜蛋白的比较研究

试验旨在分析牛奶与山羊奶中乳脂肪球膜（milk fat globule membrane,MFGM）蛋白组成及潜在的生物学功能。采集牛奶和山羊奶各30份,离心分离牛奶和山羊奶中脂肪,提取MFGM蛋白,液相色谱串联质谱分析结合数据库搜索鉴定,比较了奶牛和山羊MFGM蛋白的差异,分析了MFGM蛋白参与的生物过程、分子功能及相关代谢通路。结果显示,奶牛和山羊MFGM中分别鉴定了284和334个蛋白,奶牛和山羊中蛋白参与的生物学过程的模式非常相似,主要涉及生物调控、定位、转运、信号转导和应激反应等。分子功能方面二者存在一定的差异,奶牛MFGM蛋白主要涉及蛋白结合和核苷酸结合,而山羊MFGM蛋白主要涉及蛋白结合和结构分子活性。奶牛和山羊中差异表达的MFGM蛋白主要涉及结构分子活性。通路分析发现,奶牛和山羊MFGM蛋白涉及的生物学通路稍有差异,其中紧密接头、轴突导向、抗原加工与递呈、补体和凝血级联反应通路在奶牛MFGM蛋白中得到富集,而调节肌动蛋白细胞骨架通路在山羊奶中得到富集。研究结果展示了奶牛和山羊MFGM蛋白的表达模式及差异,为进一步探索两种奶畜乳腺合成脂肪球的分子机制的异同提供科学依据。     

Uterine secretions of the cow contain proteins that are immunochemically related to the major progesterone-induced proteins of the sheep uterus

Proteins that cross-react with antiserum to the major progesterone-induced proteins found in the pregnant sheep uterus, the uterine milk proteins (UTM-proteins), were detected as radiolabelled secretory products of endometrium from pregnant cows. Cross-reactive proteins included a form at 57,000 molecular weight as well as other lower-molecular-weight variants found in lower amounts. Similar proteins were also detected in uterine fluid from a cow at day 270 of gestation. Using immunohistochemical procedures, proteins that cross-reacted with antiserum to sheep UTM-proteins could be localized to the epithelial cells of endometrial glands in the cow. Results indicate that UTM-protein-like molecules are secreted by the endometrium of the cow during pregnancy.     

Modifications of the defense and remodeling functionalities of bovine neutrophils inside the mammary gland of milk stasis cows received a commercial dry-cow treatment

An appropriate length of milk stasis between two consecutive lactations of dairy cows is crucial for sustainable milk production. This dry period of cows allows extensive remodeling and sufficient cell renewal in mammary gland. Nevertheless, early dry period is one of the most risky stages in cow lactation cycle to intramammary infection. Dry-cow treatment through teats is, therefore, widely practiced at the commencement of milk stasis. Neutrophils are the most abundant cellular components in cow mammary secretion during early dry period, which in turn attribute to the meanwhile elevation of somatic cell counts and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) level. This study used bovine peripheral neutrophils as a cell model to examine the mode of modifications in their defense and remodeling functionalities after infiltration into mammary gland during early dry period. Results indicate a dose-dependent suppression of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-stimulated free radical production and induction of MMP 9 degranulation in bovine peripheral neutrophils exposure to the d 7-dry secretion of cows received dry cow treatment at d 0 in milk stasis. Meanwhile, an enhancement of plasminogen activation and TNF-α shedding on bovine peripheral neutrophils were also observed. These two cellular events might be involved in the functional modifications on infiltrated neutrophils during early dry period. In conclusion, the opposite trend of modifications in the defense and matrix remodeling functionalities of neutrophils inside the mammary gland of cows at early dry period reflect the collaboration of infiltrated neutrophils for promoting extensive glandular remodeling at minimum compromise of local defense during the acute involution period without apparent disturbance by dry cow treatment.     

内蒙古鄂尔多斯地区传统发酵乳制品中乳酸菌优势菌群q-PCR定量分析

采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(real-time quantitive polymerase chain reaction,q-PCR)技术对从内蒙古鄂尔多斯地区采集的28份传统发酵乳制品(7份酸绵羊乳、8份酸山羊乳以及13份酸牛乳)样品中分离到的乳酸菌优势菌群L.helveticus、Leu.mesenteroides及ac.lactis subsp.lactis的数量进行比较分析.结果表明:酸山羊乳和酸牛乳中,3种优势菌属的数量关系为Leu.mesenteroides＞L.helveticus＞ Lac.lactis subsp.lactis;酸绵羊乳中,3种优势菌属数量关系为L.helveticus＞ Leu.mesenteroides＞ Lac.lactis subsp.lactis.     

Feeding 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan during the transition from pregnancy to lactation increases calcium mobilization from bone in rats

An increasing demand for calcium during pregnancy and lactation can result in both clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia during the early lactation period in several mammalian species, in particular the dairy cow. Serotonin (5-HT) was recently identified as a regulator of lactation and bone turnover. The purpose of this study was to determine whether supplementation of the maternal diet with a 5-HT precursor would increase maternal bone turnover and calcium mobilization to maintain appropriate circulating maternal concentrations of ionized calcium during lactation. Female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 30) were fed either a control diet (n = 15) or a diet supplemented with the 5-HT precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP, 0.2%; n = 15) from day 13 of pregnancy through day 9 of lactation. Maternal serum and plasma (day 1 and day 9 of lactation), milk and pup weight (daily), mammary gland and bone tissue (day 9 of lactation) were collected for analysis. The 5-HTP diet elevated circulating maternal concentrations of 5-HT on day 1 and day 9 of lactation and parathyroid hormone related-protein (PTHrP) on day 9 of lactation (P < 0.033). In addition, 5-HTP supplementation increased total serum calcium concentrations on day 1 of lactation and total milk calcium concentration on day 9 of lactation (P < 0.032). Supplemental 5-HTP did not alter milk yield, maternal body weight, mammary gland structure, or pup litter weights (P > 0.05). Supplemental 5-HTP also resulted in increased concentrations of mammary 5-HT and PTHrP, as well as increased mRNA expression of rate-limiting enzyme in 5-HT synthesis, tryptophan hydroxylase 1, and Pthrp mRNA on day 9 of lactation (P < 0.028). In addition, supplementation of 5-HTP resulted in increased mRNA expression of maternal mammary calcium transporters and resorption of bone in the femur, indicated by increase osteoclast number and diameter as well as mRNA expression of classical markers of bone resorption on day 9 of lactation (P < 0.048). These results show that increasing 5-HT biosynthesis during the transition from pregnancy to lactation could be a potential therapeutic target to explore for prevention of subclinical and clinical hypocalcemia.     

Expression of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) mRNA in mammary gland of periparturient cows

The expression of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) mRNA was examined in mammary gland with or without lactation, and during periparturient period in a Holstein cow and a Jersey cow. In the lactating mammary gland, PTHrP was detected in alveolar epithelial cells and the lumen by immunohistochemical analysis. The relative expression levels of PTHrP mRNA in mammary gland from lactating cows were significantly higher than those from non-lactating cows (P<0.05). During periparturient period, relative PTHrP mRNA level was remarkably low before the parturition in a Jersey and a Holstein cow, however, both levels were gradually increased and reached a peak level at 5-6 weeks after the parturition. In addition, the peak level in a Jersey cow was approximately 3-fold higher than that in a Holstein cow. From these results, PTHrP was synthesized and secreted in alveolar epithelial cells in mammary gland and increased subsequently with the lactation, suggesting a possible mechanism for the regulation of local calcium homeostasis.     

基于蛋白质组学分析羊乳、牛乳和人乳的蛋白质功能特性

为进一步了解羊乳、牛乳和人乳3种乳样蛋白质相关信息,对其基本成分进行测定,并通过蛋白质组学技术对所含蛋白质进行生物信息学分析.结果表明:羊乳和牛乳的蛋白质含量高于人乳,人乳的脂肪和乳糖含量较高;3种乳中共鉴定出3370种蛋白质,乳中蛋白质的生物过程主要集中在细胞和代谢过程,细胞定位主要分布在腔体和细胞器上,分子功能表现...     

Elimination kinetics of ceftiofur hydrochloride after intramammary administration in lactating dairy cows

OBJECTIVE: To determine the elimination kinetics of ceftiofur hydrochloride in milk after intramammary administration in lactating dairy cows. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 5 lactating dairy cows. PROCEDURE: After collection of baseline milk samples, 300 mg (6 mL) of ceftiofur was infused into the left front and right rear mammary gland quarters of each cow. Approximately 12 hours later, an additional 300 mg of ceftiofur was administered into the same mammary gland quarters after milking. Milk samples were collected from each mammary gland quarter every 12 hours for 10 days. Concentrations of ceftiofur and its metabolites in each milk sample were determined to assess the rate of ceftiofur elimination. RESULTS: Although there were considerable variations among mammary gland quarters and individual cows, ceftiofur concentrations in milk from all treated mammary gland quarters were less than the tolerance (0.1 microg/mL) set by the FDA by 168 hours (7 days) after the last intramammary administration of ceftiofur. No drug concentrations were detected in milk samples beyond this period. Ceftiofur was not detected in any milk samples from nontreated mammary gland quarters throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ceftiofur administered by the intramammary route as an extra-label treatment for mastitis in dairy cows reaches concentrations in milk greater than the tolerance set by the FDA. Results indicated that milk from treated mammary gland quarters should be discarded for a minimum of 7 days after intramammary administration of ceftiofur. Elimination of ceftiofur may be correlated with milk production, and cows producing smaller volumes of milk may have prolonged withdrawal times.     

高体细胞数低乳糖含量时牛乳清蛋白组分变化的研究

旨在分析奶牛牛乳中体细胞数升高乳糖含量降低的同时乳清蛋白的表达变化.依据牛乳中体细胞数和乳糖含量,分为高体细胞数低乳糖含量组和正常牛奶组,超速离心分离乳清,采用二维凝胶电泳技术分离了高体细胞数低乳糖和正常牛乳清蛋白,考马斯亮蓝G-250溶液染色,基质辅助激光解析飞行时间质谱检测表达变化的蛋白点.高体细胞数低乳糖含量的牛乳中β酪蛋白含量降低,而白蛋白、结合珠蛋白、乳铁蛋白、转铁蛋白和抗菌肽1等乳清蛋白表达量增加.表明随着牛乳中乳糖含量的降低,乳清蛋白组分表达量增加,这可能是奶牛乳腺在乳糖合成降低时乳腺上皮细胞完整性破坏引起的防御应答.     

Physiology of the periparturient period and its relation to severity of clinical mastitis

Incidence of clinical mastitis is highest at drying off and during the periparturient period. Intramammary Escherichia coli infection in high-yielding cows can show a severe clinical response during the early post-partum period. Severe clinical mastitis is mainly determined by cow factors, in particular the functionality of the circulating polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) which are recruited to the mammary gland during the inflammatory reaction. There is a co-incidence between the periods of highest incidence of clinical mastitis and specific structural changes in the mammary gland. During the periparturient period, marked changes in various systemic and local hormones are related to the secretory state of the mammary gland epithelium (lactogenesis). Estrogen and progesterone induce proliferation of the mammary epithelium throughout gestation and act as survival factors in different tissues, although conflicting data have been reported on their effect on PMN oxidative burst. Somatotropin (STH), responsible for maintenance of lactation in ruminants, has been shown to positively influence innate immunity and a more rapid recovery in milk production of severely affected animals. The concentration of STH, and as a result also IGF-I levels is, however, quite low during early lactation. IGF-I and its regulating binding proteins are associated with cell survival, modulation of apoptosis and functionality of PMN in humans. During early lactation, bio-availability of IGF-I is decreased, which might reduce its stimulating effects on PMN quality and functionality. PRL, concomitantly known as a lactogenic hormone and an immunoregulatory cytokine, has also been associated with modulation of the immune system. It is expected that in periparturient animals, hormone changes could interfere with the immune response and the clinical response of mastitis.