化脓隐秘杆菌TaqMan实时荧光定量PCR检测方法的建立

本试验旨在建立检测化脓隐秘杆菌(Arcanobacterium pyogenes,A.pyogenes)特异、灵敏的TaqMan实时荧光定量PCR检测方法。根据GenBank公布的化脓隐秘杆菌溶血素(pyolysin,PLO)基因高保守序列,设计特异性引物和探针建立检测体系,用于化脓隐秘杆菌的快速检测,并对该方法的特异性和灵敏度进行检测。结果显示,本试验建立的TaqMan实时荧光定量PCR方法仅对化脓隐秘杆菌的检测结果为阳性;该方法最低检测DNA浓度为77.6 fg,最低检测细菌浓度为63 CFU/mL。采用本研究建立的方法检测23份林麝临床病例样品,共鉴定出16株化脓隐秘杆菌,与API Coryne生化鉴定方法的结果相同。本研究为化脓隐秘杆菌的检测提供了一种灵敏、特异、快速的检测方法,其可用于化脓隐秘杆菌的诊断和流行病学调查。     

Establishment of TaqMan Real-time PCR Assay for Detection of Arcanobacterium pyogenes

The study was aimed to establish a specific and sensitive TaqMan Real-time PCR assay for detection of Arcanobacterium pyogenes (A.pyogenes).Based on the conservative sequence of pyolysin (PLO) gene of A.pyogenes published in GenBank, specific primers and TaqMan probes were designed. The TaqMan Real-time PCR assay was established, and the specificity and sensitivity were tested.The specificity test results showed that only A.pyogenes exhibited typical curves.The detection sensitivity of this assay was 77.6 fg genomic DNA per 20 μL reaction, and 63 CFU/mL for pure cultures.16 out of 23 clinical samples were positive detected by the TaqMan Real-time PCR assay, which were consistent with API Coryne identification.The TaqMan Real-time PCR assay developed in this study was specific and sensitive for detection of A.pyogenes, and it could be used for identification and epidemiological investigation of A.pyogenes.     

Endometrial biopsy in Holstein-Friesian dairy cows. II. Correlations between histological criteria.

Endometrial biopsies were taken for histological assessment from 97 cows which calved in a commercial dairy herd between April and August 1984. The main objectives of this study were to analyze the interrelationships among histological criteria and to identify a shortlist of histological parameters to be included in subsequent analysis of associations with results of bacteriological culture, clinical findings and reproductive performance. Epithelial height and segmented cell counts were highly correlated within biopsy, between horns and between days. Subjective assessment of inflammation in the epithelium and/or stratum compactum generally identified biopsies which had any inflammation present. Cows which had inflammation in a biopsy from day 26 were likely to show inflammatory changes at day 40. Quantitative and subjective assessments of gland number, dilation and fibrosis were highly correlated. There was a positive association between the number of cross sections and the diameter of glands, and both of these criteria were negatively correlated with fibrosis and inflammatory changes. There may be different functional significance of the same histological finding at a different number of days postpartum.     

Pregnancy in a cow with uterus didelphys

Uterus didelphys is a congenital defect of monotocous species. This short contribution describes the condition in a cow that had a pregnancy in the right horn and a corpus luteum on the ipsilateral ovary. This finding demonstrates that pregnancy can occur in a cow with uterus didelphys, although the fate of the pregnancy was obviously not known. The case was identified during routine collection of reproductive tracts in a New Zealand abattoir. It is believed to be the first report of uterus didelphys in a bovine abattoir specimen.     

Effect of unilateral hysterectomy and ovariectomy on puberty, uterine size and embryo development in swine

Eighty crossbred gilts were assigned randomly to treatments: 1) removal of an ovary and ipsilateral uterine horn (UHO) at 130 d of age and removal of the remaining ovary and uterine horn 12 d post-puberty; 2) UHO at 130 d of age, mated and reproductive tracts recovered when slaughtered at 30 d of gestation; 3) UHO 12 d post-puberty, mated and slaughtered at 30 d of gestation and 4) unoperated controls that were mated and slaughtered at 30 d of gestation. Age of puberty was not affected by treatments. Gilts in treatment 1 had a mean ovulation rate at the pubertal estrus comparable to gilts in treatment 3. But, gilts in treatments 2 and 3 had 16% fewer (P less than .01) corpora lutea at 30 d of gestation than control gilts. Length and weight of the remaining uterine horn at 12 d post-puberty for gilts treated at 130 d of age were similar to the averages of gilts left intact. Gilts with one uterine horn had 2.2 fewer live embryos at 30 d of gestation than control gilts (P less than .01). But, the proportion of corpora lutea represented by live embryos did not differ significantly among treatments. Gilts with one uterine horn had 1.1 fewer live embryos (P less than .15) after adjustment for number of corpora lutea, less uterine space occupied by each embryo (P less than .01) and less total placental membrane per embryo (P less than .05) than control gilts.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Ovarian activity,transuterine embryo migration and prenatal losses in Ethiopian highland ewes

A study was conducted on 1442 Ethiopian highland ewes to determine the seasonality of ovarian activity, intrauterine embryo migration and prenatal reproductive wastage. Assessment of ovarian follicular activity revealed that a higher (p < 0.01) proportion of ewes ovulated in the dry season than in the heavy and light rainy seasons. However, there was a tendency (p = 0.057) of decline in the mean number of ovulations per ewes during the light rains. The mean diameter of the largest follicle on the ipsilateral ovary was higher (p < 0.01) in both ewes with single and those with twin corpora lutea (CL) than on the contralateral ovary; and, compared to ewes with single CL, it was higher (p < 0.05) in those with twin CL. The right ovary was more active (p < 0.001) only in single-ovulating ewes. Similarly, a higher (p < 0.001) proportion of ewes were pregnant in the right horn. Embryos migrated to the opposite horn in single-, twin- and triple-ovulating ewes. There was a higher (p < 0.001) tendency for the left-to-right migration than the opposite. There was significant (p < 0.01) association between embryo loss and site and number of ovulations. Embryo loss was higher (p < 0.01) in ewes with twin ovulations on the right ovary. It is very likely that these results indicate a better chance of embryo survival in the right uterine horn.     

Effect of the previously gravid uterine horn and postpartum interval on follicular diameter and conception rate in beef cows treated with estradiol benzoate and progesterone

An experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of the side of ovulation with respect to the previously gravid uterine horn on fertility of cows inseminated at one of two periods postpartum. All cows were treated with an intravaginal progesterone insert for 7 d and received estradiol benzoate (2 mg, i.m.) at the time of device insertion, prostaglandin F2alpha (25 mg, i.m.) at the time of device removal, and estradiol benzoate (1 mg, i.m.) 30 h after device removal. All cows were inseminated 28 to 30 h after the second treatment with estradiol benzoate, regardless of observed estrus. Cows treated in Period 1 received inserts at 16 to 20 d postpartum and were inseminated at 25 to 29 d postpartum. Cows treated in Period 2 received inserts at 26 to 30 d postpartum and were inseminated at 35 to 39 d postpartum. Diameter of the largest follicle at insert removal was greater in cows treated in Period 2 (10.1 +/- 0.3; mm +/- SEM) than in cows treated in Period 1 (9.1 +/- 0.3; P < .05). Diameter did not differ with the side of ovulation in respect to the previously gravid uterine horn. Diameter was greater in cows 5 to 9 (10.3 +/- 0.3) than in cows 3 to 4 (9.0 +/- 0.3) or 10 to 13 (9.4 +/- 0.6) yr of age (P < .01). The proportion of cows that ovulated from the ovary contralateral to the previously gravid uterine horn was greater (P < .05) than of those that ovulated from the ipsilateral ovary, and the incidence of ovulation was reduced in cows 3 to 4 yr of age (P < .01). Conception rate tended to be greater for ovulation from the ipsilateral compared with the contralateral ovary, relative to the previously gravid uterine horn (P < .10) and for ovulation from the right than the left ovary (P < .06). Conception rate was less if cows ovulated a follicle that was < 9 mm than a follicle > or = 9 mm in diameter at insert removal (P < .01) and was greater in cows inseminated in June than in April or May (P < .05). In conclusion, in cows in which estrus was synchronized at 25 to 39 d postpartum, ovulation from either the ovary ipsilateral to the previously gravid uterine horn, or the right ovary, tended to increase fertility.     

绵羊INSL3基因组织表达规律与潜在功能位点分析研究

旨在对绵羊INSL3基因组织表达规律与潜在功能位点进行分析。本研究首先利用RT-PCR和实时荧光定量PCR技术对健康、角型正常、1岁的小尾寒羊成年母羊和公羊各3只的INSL3组织表达规律进行研究,随后利用10个品种重测序数据分析INSL3基因区域主成分（PCA）和功能位点。定量结果显示,INSL3基因在卵巢和睾丸中表达最高,在软角也表达,公羊睾丸表达量极显著高于母羊卵巢组织（P<0.01）,公羊软角组织表达显著高于母羊（P<0.05）,结合公母羊角的大小差异,说明该基因可能与角有关。PCA结果显示,该区域一定程度上按角的有无进行品种聚类,进一步说明该区域可能与角有关。功能位点分析发现,4个潜在SNPs位点在有角和无角群体中存在显著性差异分布,其中SNP1处于KDM1A转录因子结合位点上,SNP3位于ESR1结合位点,SNP6存在于终止子区域。同时还发现一个错义突变和同义突变。本研究表明,绵羊INSL3基因可能既与公母羊角的差异有关,也可能与绵羊角的有无有关,并找到多个潜在功能位点,为今后研究其功能机制奠定基础。     

Effects of uterus and prostaglandin F2alpha on corpora lutea in Mongolian gerbils and guinea pigs.

One or both uterine horns were removed on postpartum day 6 day 1=parturition in pseudopregnant gerbils. On dy 16, the corpora lutea (C) in unilaterally hysterectomized gerbils were smaller (P less than 0.05) in the ovary adjacent to an intact horn than in the ovary adjacent to a removed horn. The cL were smaller in uterine-intact than in completely hysterectomized gerbils. I n another experiment, the cl were smaller (P less than 0.05) in pseudopregnant gerbils given a single intrauterine injection of a 30- or 20-mug dose of prostaglandin F2alpha) (PGFalpha) on postpartum day 6 and theen necropsied on day 10 than in gerbils given 10-, 5-, 1-, and 0-mug doses; CL were smaller (P less than 0.05) on the side ipsilateral to the treated horn than on the opposite side, although the interaction of dose and side was not significant...     

Uterine morphology and function in postpartum mares

Ultrasonically detectable characteristics of the uterus and embryo and palpable uterine tone were assessed in 10 postpartum mares. A bright fern-like pattern of ultrasonic uterine echogenicity, outlining the endometrial folds, was observed for an average of 2.1 ±0.2 days following parturition (range, 1 to 3 days). Unexpectedly, the uterus was quiescent throughout the postpartum interval, based on daily one-minute contractility scans. Contractility was maximal on Days 12 to 15 of pregnancy in both postpartum (n=7) and nonparturient (n=7) mares. The mean diameter of ultrasonically detectable intrauterine fluid collections increased (P<0.05) abruptly between days 1 and 2 postpartum and gradually decreased (P<0.05) between days 4 and 7; no collections were detected after day 16. There was no effect of day on echogenicity of the intrauterine fluid collections; on all days, fluid was relatively black or nonechogenic, suggesting that puerperal endometritis was not a problem in this group. Because the increase in intraluminal fluid occurred after parturition and in temporal association with a decrease in diameter and tone of the uterus, the fluid collections apparently represented a physiologic influx from the involuting uterus rather than residual placental fluid. Involution of the horns was completed by day 27 (formerly nongravid horn) and day 31 postpartum (formerly gravid horn), based on failure to detect further significant decreases in diameter. However, the formerly gravid horn was larger (P<0.05) in diameter than the formerly nongravid horn on each of Days 1 to 35 postpartum (end of experiment), indicating residual effects on uterine size. When averaged over both horns, uterine diameters were larger on Days 0 to 24 (Day 0=day of ovulation) of pregnancy in postpartum mares than in nonparturient mares; by Day 25, diameters were similar between statuses. By approximately Day 6 of pregnancy, uterine contractility and ultrasonic endometrial exhotexture were similar between postpartum mares and nonparturient mares. Uterine tone was greater (P<0.05) in postpartum mares than in nonparturient mares on all days between Day 0 and 25. An unexpected, transient increase in uterine tone was detected on Day 5 of pregnancy in both postpartum mares and nonparturient mares. No differences were found between reproductive statuses in patterns of embryo mobility, the day of fixation of the embryonic vesicle (postpartum, Day 15.3 ±0.4; nonparturient, Day 15.0 ±0.3), and diameter of the embryonic vesicle on the day of fixation (postpartum, 22.1 ±1.4 mm; nonparturient, 19.4 ±l.6mm). However, mean uterine tone and mean horn diameters on the side of fixation were greater (cranial and middle cornual segments; P<0.05) or tended to be greater (caudal segment; P<0.1 ) on the day of fixation in postpartum mares than in nonparturient mares. In all postpartum mares, fixation occurred in the formerly nongravid horn. Enhanced uterine tone in postpartum mares may account for the occurrence of fixation on the same day for the two reproductive statuses, despite the larger uterus in postpartum mares.     

Distribution of inflammation and association between active and chronic alterations within the endometrium of dairy cows

Objectives of this study were twofold: (i) to assess the association between polymorphonuclear (PMN) counts and chronic alterations within the bovine endometrium and (ii) to determine the distribution of inflammation throughout the endometrium of clinically healthy dairy cows. Holstein‐Friesian cows (n = 32) from a single dairy farm were selected for this experiment. Before slaughtering, a complete reproductive examination was performed to discard any type of clinical disease. After slaughtering, reproductive tracts were collected, and the endometrium was sampled at 8 pre‐defined locations. At each location, endometrial biopsies (EBs) and cytology (CY) samples were harvested. Histopathology samples were stained with haematoxylin–eosin (EB‐HE) and naphthol‐AS‐D‐chloroacetate‐esterase (EB‐naphthol), while CY samples were stained with Wright–Giemsa. In the EB‐HE samples, parameters assessed were epithelium height, mononuclear cells infiltration, lymphocytic aggregates, periglandular fibrosis, angiosclerosis and haemorrhage. In EB‐naphthol and CY slides, PMNs counts were evaluated. Binomial logistic regression was used to assess the association between the number of PMNs present in both the EB‐naphthol and CY samples and alterations identified in the EB‐HE samples and to analyse the distribution of the histopathological alterations (EB‐HE). A Poisson mixed‐effect model was used to analyse the distribution of PMNs within the endometrium. A significant positive association was found between the PMN counts and the mononuclear cells infiltration. The presence of erythrocytes was associated with higher odds to detect PMNs in the stratum compactum. Significantly, higher infiltration of PMNs and mononuclear cells were detected in the uterine body and the right horn region. Concluding, CY is a technique that allows the evaluation of PMN counts and therefore only evaluates active inflammation. A complete assessment of endometrial health can only be obtained using EB. To optimize the sensitivity to diagnose endometrial inflammation in cows, adjacencies of the corpus uteri should be considered as the preferred region to harvest samples.     

Effect of homogenized embryos on IUD-induced luteal regression in the ewe

The effect of homogenized embryos on IUD-induced luteal regression in the ewe was studied. Plastic spiral IUDs were inserted in an uterine horn adjacent to an ovary containing a corpus luteum during various times of the estrous cycle. The ewes were sacrificed on Day 6 for examination of the corpus luteum. Estrous Cycle Day 3 was the last day in which the IUD insertion induced luteal regression. Corpus luteum was maintained in ewes when the IUD was inserted on Day 4, 5, or 6. Corpus luteum regression was not prevented when homogenized 14- or 15-day-old embryos were injected into the uterus at the time of IUD insertion. Ewes which received an IUD, a cannula, and an infusion of saline or homogenized embryos on Days 3, 4, and 5 maintained corpora lutea in 4 of 7 embryo-infused ewes and in none of 7 saline-infused ewes (p less than .05). It was determined that the IUD must remain in the uterine horn for longer than 1 day to induce corpus luteum regression and that embryos can sometimes prevent the IUD-induced regression.     

IGF-I Overexpression causes fetal loss during placentation in mice

To understand the role of IGF-I in murine pregnancy, we studied the reproductive performance of IGF-I overexpressed mice. Fetal loss occurred only in the transfected uterine horn during day 10-15 of pregnancy. The placenta appeared healthy until Day 10 of pregnancy. From day 12, the decidua basalis of the transfected horn increased in thickness. The vascular lumen was expanded, and most of embryos were dead. Uterine natural killer cells did not undergo apoptosis from day 10 to day 15 when they usually go through apoptosis. Thus, it is likely that IGF-I plays a role in the decidual formation through regulation of uNK cells. This is the first report to demonstrate that IGF-I overexpression can cause fetal loss during murine placentation.     

Endometrial gland surface density and hyperaemia of the endometrium during early pregnancy in the mare

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The morphology and surface density of endometrial glands responsible for the nutrition of the placenta requires further study employing computer assisted morphometric analysis. OBJECTIVES: To analyse changes in the morphology and surface density of endometrial glands situated adjacent to, and remote from, the conceptus during the first 30 days of gestation. METHODS: Endometrial biopsies were recovered, under videoendoscopic control, from both nonpregnant and pregnant mares 12 days after ovulation, as well as from pregnant mares on Days 16, 20, 25 and 30 of gestation. One biopsy was taken at the base of the nongravid uterine horn and the other from beneath the conceptus at the base of the gravid horn. The samples were evaluated by computer assisted morphometric analysis to determine the surface area per unit volume (Sv) of endometrial glands in the stratum spongiosum. RESULTS: No differences in morphology or density of the glands were discernable between pregnant and nonpregnant mares on Day 12 day after ovulation. On Day 16, however, the glands beneath the conceptus appeared to be at a significantly lower density than the clearly more tortuous glands at the base of the nongravid horn. Between Days 20 and 30 of gestation the endometrium in direct contact with the conceptus was visibly more reddened and hyperaemic than elsewhere in the uterus. However, the Sv of glands beneath the conceptus had now increased again so they appeared similar to those in the nongravid horn, due mainly to a reduction in the level of stromal oedema in the former. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The embryo-maternal interactions that are vital during early pregnancy to suppress the cyclical luteolytic cascade and support nidation of the conceptus, were characterised here with local endometrial hyperaemia, histotroph production and a decrease in endometrial gland Sv at the commencement of the stationary phase. Both the components secreted by the endometrial glands and the factors liberated by the conceptus during early pregnancy need further investigation.     

The Effect of Mycobacterium Cell Wall Fraction on Histologic,Immunologic, and Clinical Parameters of Postpartum Involution in the Mare

Maintaining yearly foal production is important for the economic success of the broodmare, and this requires breeding to occur as quickly postpartum as possible. The initial postpartum estrus occurs within 5–20 days postpartum, whereas the uterus is still undergoing repair from tissue alterations during pregnancy and parturition, a process known as involution. Attempts have been made to hasten this process, but with minimal success. Mycobacterium cell wall fraction (MCWF) is an immunomodulator that has been shown to reduce bacterial growth and alter aspects of the immune response to breeding, but it is unknown if MCWF hastens the process of involution. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (1) investigate the effect of MCWF on tissue remodeling, (2) assess the effect of MCWF on the local immune system of the uterus, and (3) determine the optimal treatment interval needed for these processes to occur. We hypothesize that repeated treatments of MCWF postpartum will hasten the process of involution. To study this, 16 pregnant mares of mixed breeds were evaluated postpartum. Control mares (n = 4) received 1.5 mL lactated Ringer’s solution intravenously on Day 1 (Day 0 = day of parturition) postpartum and again on Day 7, whereas treated mares either received 1.5 mL Settle intravenously on Day 1 and Day 7 (TX1; n = 6) or 1.5 mL Settle intravenously on Day 1 and then every 3 days until ovulation was detected (TX2; n = 6) and then evaluated until 15 days postpartum. Mares were assessed every 3 days for clinical, immunologic, and histologic parameters. Clinical parameters were assessed with transrectal ultrasonography and included ovarian activity, uterine fluid retention, and measurement of the uterine diameter, in addition to endometrial culture. Immunologic parameters included endometrial biopsies for quantitative polymerase chain reaction for expression of various cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-1RN, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor [TNF], interferon [IFN]-γ, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor) in addition to endometrial cytology. Formalin-fixed endometrial biopsies were histologically assessed for the retention of microcaruncles, dilation of endometrial glands, and inflammation of the mucosa, stratum compactum, and spongiosum. Statistics were performed using SAS 9.4, using a mixed model for repeated measures with mare and treatment as a random effect. All post-hoc analysis was done using a Tukey’s honestly significant difference test. Involution was considered complete by Day 15 postpartum in all mares, and the day postpartum had a significant effect on almost all parameters investigated, indicating the immunologic process of involution. Treatment with MCWF decreased the magnitude of bacterial growth in addition to time to negative culture. In addition, MCWF increased the expression of IL-1β, IFNγ, and TNF. Although minimal treatment effect was noted histologically, a decrease in mucosal inflammation was seen in MCWF-treated mares. In conclusion, involution appears to be influenced by the immune system. In addition, MCWF appears to have a bactericidal effect on the postpartum mare, and this may be because of an increase in proinflammatory cytokines. It is unknown if this bactericidal property will improve fertility on the first estrous cycle postpartum, and future studies are needed to determine this.     

Activity of glycosidases (beta-N-acetyloglucosaminidase, alpha-mannosidase, and beta-galactosidase) in the uterine luminal fluid of cows after multiple ovulation.

This study investigated the activity of beta-N-acetyloglucosaminidase (beta-NAGASE), alpha-mannosidase, and beta-galactosidase in the uterine luminal fluid of cows after superovulation treatment, along with the possible associations between the activity of these 3 glycosidases and the superovulatory response. Embryos and a sample of fluid flushed from each uterine horn were collected on day 7 after artificial insemination (on estrus day 0) from 32 cows in which superovulation was induced with porcine follicle-stimulating hormone. Glycosidase activity was assayed colorimetrically. The cows were classified as to superovulatory response according to the number of corpora lutea per ovary (group 1, 1 to 4; group 2, > 4) and according to the total number of embryos per horn (T1, 0; T2, 1 to 2; T3, 3 to 4; T4, > 4) and the number of transferable embryos per horn (TR1, 0; TR2, 1 to 2; TR3, 3 to 4; TR4, > 4). The mean activity of beta-NAGASE was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in group 2 than in group 1, at 95.99 (standard error 20.43) versus 226.72 (46.77) IU/L. It was also significantly lower (P < 0.01) in group T4 compared with groups T1, T2, and T3, at 50.09 (8.21) versus 129.25 (34.60), 222.27 (62.62), and 290.26 (93.77) IU/L, respectively, as well as in group T1 compared with group T3. There was a positive relationship between beta-NAGASE activity and both the total number of embryos (P = 0.047) and the number of transferable embryos per horn (P = 0.013) when 1 to 4 corpora lutea developed per ipsilateral ovary. No difference in alpha-mannosidase or beta-galactosidase activity was detected among the groups.     

Co‐existing monophasic teratoma and uterine adenocarcinoma in a female dog

Ovarian teratomas are occasionally reported in dogs; the rarest type is the monophasic teratoma, composed of tissues originating from only one germ layer. Canine endometrial adenocarcinomas are also rare in dogs and mainly affect geriatric females. This report describes the case of co‐existing ovarian teratoma and uterine adenocarcinoma in a 10‐year‐old nulliparous female Boxer presented with lethargy, anorexia and purulent vaginal discharge. Abdominal ultrasonography evidenced pyometra and a mass in the left ovary. This was composed of a uniform whitish tissue with multiple cystic structures. The histology revealed an atrophy of the ovarian parenchyma, compressed by a proliferation of well‐differentiated nervous tissue staining positively to vimentin, S100 and neuronal specific enolase (NSE), and negatively to keratin and inhibin. The left uterine horn, whose diameter was markedly increased, showed foci of endometrial cellular atypia, evident nucleoli and mitoses, at light microscopy. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of a co‐existing ovarian monophasic teratoma and endometrial adenocarcinoma, two rare reproductive neoplasia in dogs.     

The Pattern of Embryonic Fixation and its Relationship to Pregnancy Loss in Thoroughbred Mares

Ultrasonographic pregnancy records of 195 mares from six Thoroughbred stud farms, over a period of 7 years were retrospectively analysed to assess the effect of various factors on embryonic vesicle (EV) fixation pattern and pregnancy outcome. Of the total of 746 pregnancies analysed, significantly (p < 0.01) more EV fixations were evident in the right uterine horn than in the left (53.35% vs 46.65% respectively). There was no significant effect of either, the side of ovulation, or age of the mare, on the side of EV fixation. However, EV fixation, was significantly (p < 0.001) more likely to occur in the right uterine horn in maiden and barren mares (65.75% vs 57.45% respectively). The age and reproductive status of the mare as well as foal heat breeding failed to demonstrate a consistent effect on pregnancy loss relative to the side of EV fixation. In lactating and foal heat bred mares, EVs were significantly (p < 0.0001) more frequently established in the contralateral horn to the one from which the mare delivered her most recent foal. In lactating mares, significantly (p < 0.05) higher embryonic and pregnancy losses were observed in the ipsilateral horn. In conclusion, (a) side of EV fixation was (i) independent of the side of ovulation and mare age (ii) significantly (p < 0.001) affected by reproductive status, (b) neither age of mare nor reproductive status had any effect on pregnancy loss rates relative to the side of EV fixation and (c) in lactating mares the EV had a greater chance of fixation and survival in the horn contralateral to the one from which the mare delivered her most recent foal.     

Scanning electron microscope observations of hoof horn from horses with brittle feet

Two types of defect were observed when hoof clippings from horses with brittle feet were viewed in the scanning electron microscope. The first defect showed a loss of structure and horn in the stratum externum. This defect was remedied after biotin treatment. The second defect showed poor attachment of the horn squames and failed to respond to biotin treatment alone. An improvement in this case was achieved by the addition of powdered limestone to the diet.     

水分胁迫下雌雄异株植物葎草繁殖策略的可塑性调节

研究雌雄异株草本植物应对环境胁迫的繁殖策略及生殖分配可塑性,对发展雌雄异株植物的生活史进化理论和该类植物资源保护利用具有重要意义。实验以葎草为材料,通过设置轻度(LS)、中度(MS)、重度(RS)水分胁迫梯度,研究雌、雄单株的花芽分化、生物量分配、花穗性状、花药(或子房)数、花粉数及活力等与生殖生长相关的可塑性。结果表明:1)葎草通过提前花芽分化应对水分胁迫,雄株先于雌株进入生殖生长(P＜0.01)。2)雄株增加生殖分配应对LS胁迫,雌株减少花穗生物量应对水分胁迫;在RS胁迫时雄株的生殖分配为雌株的近3倍。3)葎草通过减少花穗数应对胁迫,雄株显著增加单个花穗的小花数来应对轻中度缺水(P＜0.05),雌株则减少开花频次降低水分胁迫下生殖能量消耗。4)轻中度水分胁迫对雌株子房宽度无显著影响;中重度胁迫虽使雄株显著缩短了花药长度、减少了单个花药的花粉数(P＜0.05),但花粉大小、花粉活性受影响较小。5)雄株花穗的POD和SOD活性显著高于雌株,雄株对水分胁迫更加敏感。在水分胁迫下,葎草在生存和防御功能稳定的基础上,可以通过协调分配有限资源,实现有性繁殖来完成草本植物较为短暂的生活史。