Expression and Localization of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and its Receptors in the Corpus Luteum During Oestrous Cycle in Water Buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

The aim of this study was to document the expression and localization of VEGF system comprising of VEGF isoforms (VEGF 120, VEGF 164 and VEGF 188) and their receptors (VEGFR1 and VEGFR2) in buffalo corpus luteum (CL) obtained from different stages of the oestrous cycle. Real‐time RT‐PCR (qPCR), Western blot and immunohistochemistry were applied to investigate mRNA expression, protein expression and localization of examined factors. In general, all the components of VEGF system (the VEGF isoforms and their receptors) were found in the water buffalo CL during the oestrous cycle. The mRNA as well as protein expression of VEGF system was highest during the early and mid‐luteal phase, which later steadily decreased (p < 0.05) after day 10 to reach the lowest level in regressed CL. As demonstrated by immunohistochemistry, VEGF protein was localized predominantly in luteal cells; however, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 were localized in luteal cells as well as in endothelial cells. In conclusion, the dynamics of expression and localization of VEGF system in buffalo corpora lutea during the luteal phase were demonstrated in this study, indicating the possible role of VEGF system in the regulation of luteal angiogenesis and proliferation of luteal as well as endothelial cells through their non‐angiogenic function.     

Uterine Infection Influences Size and Follicular Fluid Composition of the Largest Follicle in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis)

The effect of uterine infection on size and follicular fluid composition of the largest follicle was studied in buffalo. Reproductive tracts were collected from 102 graded Murrah buffaloes at an abattoir. Uterine infection was diagnosed by physical examination of uterine mucus, white side test and uterine cytology. Samples with pus‐containing mucus, positive reaction on white side test and/or >5% neutrophils were considered to be positive for uterine infection. Diameter of the largest follicle was measured, and follicular fluid was aspirated and assayed for nitric oxide (NO), ascorbic acid (AA), cholesterol, oestradiol (E₂) and progesterone (P₄). Infected buffaloes had smaller‐sized (p < 0.0001) largest follicles than non‐infected buffaloes. Follicular fluid collected from the largest follicle in infected buffaloes had greater (p < 0.0001) NO and P₄ concentrations coincident with lesser AA (p < 0.001), cholesterol (p < 0.0001) and E₂ (p < 0.0001) concentrations. Results indicated that uterine infection has an inhibitory effect on growth of the largest follicle in buffalo. The changes in follicular fluid composition in infected buffaloes suggest that the direct effect of uterine infection on ovarian function may be mediated through an alteration in the follicular microenvironment. Greater NO and lesser AA concentrations in the follicular fluid of infected animals are novel findings.     

Gynogenesis in the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). Optimizing the induction of polar-body gynogenesis with combined pressure and temperature shocks

The effect of a simultaneous temperature and hydrostatic pressure shock applied a few minutes after activation of the egg was evaluated by monitoring the short-term survival rate of polar-body gynogenetic embryos of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822). The aim was to evaluate the interdependence of temperature and pressure in retaining the second polar body. The temperature shock varied between 4°C and 44°C in increments of 4°C, while the pressure shock varied between 0.1 and 68.8 MPa in increments of 13.8 MPa. Highest survival rates were attained at a pressure between 40 and 55 MPa, regardless of the temperature at which the shocks were applied. Optimal survival rates of shocks applied at lower temperatures required longer durations. If reliability to induce retention of the polar body is of prime concern, hydrostatic pressure shocks of 55 MPa at room temperature are recommended.     

世行贷款FRDPP项目毛竹示范林效益初步分析

通过对宜丰县云峰尖林场毛竹示范林的经营状况进行调查，分析了其经济效益、社会效益、生态效益。     

环境因子对中条山油松人工林下物种分布的影响

【目的】量化环境要素对山西省中条山油松Pinus tabuliformis人工林下物种分布影响,为进一步揭示中条山油松人工林下物种多样性维持机制提供理论依据。【方法】基于中条山油松人工林样地植物和土壤调查数据,分析环境因子对油松人工林下物种分布的影响。【结果】环境因子对灌木、草本、藤本物种分布的解释率(校正解释率)分别为45.7%(34.5%)、37.0%(20.4%)、43.4%(30.6%);油松林下物种分布主要受非生物环境影响,海拔和土壤通气性是影响该地区物种分布的关键环境因子;灌木和藤本分布主要受海拔影响,草本分布主要受土壤通气性影响,且随着海拔、土壤通气性的升高油松人工林下物种多样性下降。【结论】地形(海拔)和土壤(土壤通气性)因子对区域群落生境的关键塑造作用所形成的环境筛是影响中条山油松人工林下物种分布的关键性因子。图1表5参39     

不同水分条件下苔藓结皮光合能力对氮素添加量的响应

[目的]探究苔藓结皮失水过程中光合能力对不同梯度氮添加的响应,为进一步研究苔藓结皮对氮沉降的响应过程以及为干旱、半干旱区荒漠生态系统的管理提供理论依据。[方法]选取毛乌素沙地的优势藓种拟双色真藓(Bryum pachytheca)为研究对象,在控制条件下采用氮添加的模拟试验手段。[结果]苔藓结皮净光合速率在低于0.2g/(m2·a)的氮添加量时受到促进,在高于0.2g/(m2·a)的氮素添加量下,低水分含量时被抑制,高水分含量时会受促进;同时,0.2g/(m2·a)是苔藓结皮能承受的最优氮添加量,此时苔藓结皮的光合固碳能力达到最大,年光合固碳量为对照条件的2倍。[结论]氮沉降引起的氮素增加对于干旱、半干旱区苔藓结皮的光合能力以及固碳潜力具有显著的影响。     

大额牛群体遗传多样性的微卫星标记分析

 利用26对黄牛微卫星引物,对分别来自云南省泸水县凤凰山大额牛保种区和贡山县独龙野牛种源保护基地的2个大额牛群体进行遗传变异分析,研究其群体内的遗传变异和群体间的遗传分化。结果共检测到105个等位基因,每个座位的等位基因数从2~6不等,所有座位平均等位基因数、平均有效等位基因数、平均期望杂合度、平均多态信息含量分别为4.0385±0.9999,3.1393±0.9507,0.6490±0.1246和0.5904±0.1334,表明大额牛群遗传多样性比较丰富。F统计量、基因流、Nei氏遗传距离和遗传相似系数等值反映出两个群体遗传差异较小,遗传分化不明显,遗传一致性较大。