Gastrin and somatostatin enteroendocrine cells in the small intestines of ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) during pre -and post-hatching period

Studies on localization and distribution of enteroendocrine cells (EECs) are important for better understanding of their role in the ontogenetic development of intestines. Information about the distribution of the most important endocrine cells in the digestive tract of the ostrich is very limited; therefore, the aim of the present study was to identify gastrin and somatostatin EECs in the small intestine of the ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus) chicks at different ages. Six embryos along with 42 ostriches of both sexes from hatching up to 60 days post-hatching, including six embryos, were obtained from an ostrich farm in Latvia. Duodenum, jejunum and ileum were investigated using routine histology and immunohistochemistry methods. Gastrin and somatostatin EECs were examined in 10 microscopic fields of the intestinal mucosa in each tissue sample. The cells were detected in all age groups as well as the embryos. The number of both types of EEC in the mucosa of the ileum was significantly lower (p < .01–.05) than in the duodenum. The present study suggested that the EEC may have a role in the development of the mucosa of the intestinal tract of ostriches with possible involvement in the development of the digestive functions.     

The isoflavone daidzein directly affects porcine ovarian cell functions and modifies the effect of follicle‐stimulating hormone

The key biological active molecule of soya is the isoflavone daidzein, which possesses phytoestrogenic activity. The direct effect of soya and daidzein on ovarian cell functions is not known. This study examined the effect of daidzein on basic porcine ovarian granulosa cell functions and the response to follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH). We studied the effects of daidzein (0, 1, 10 and 100 μm ), FSH (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 IU/ml) and combinations of FSH (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1 IU/ml) + daidzein (50 μm ) on proliferation, apoptosis and hormone release from cultured porcine ovarian granulosa cells and ovarian follicles. The expression of a proliferation‐related peptide (PCNA) and an apoptosis‐related peptide (Bax) was analysed using immunocytochemistry. The release of progesterone (P4) and testosterone (T) was detected using EIA. Leptin output was analysed using RIA. Daidzein administration increased granulosa cell proliferation, apoptosis and T and leptin release but inhibited P4 output. Daidzein also increased T release and decreased P4 release from cultured ovarian follicles. Follicle‐stimulating hormone stimulated granulosa cell proliferation, apoptosis and P4, T and leptin release. The addition of daidzein promoted FSH‐stimulated apoptosis (but not proliferation) but suppressed FSH‐stimulated P4, T and leptin release. Our observations of FSH action confirm previous data on the stimulatory effect of FSH on ovarian cell proliferation, apoptosis and steroidogenesis and demonstrate for the first time the involvement of FSH in the upregulation of ovarian leptin release. Our observations of daidzein effects demonstrated for the first time that this soya isoflavone affected basic ovarian cell functions (proliferation, apoptosis and hormones release) and modified the effects of FSH. Daidzein promoted FSH action on ovarian cell proliferation and apoptosis and suppressed, and even inverted, FSH action on hormone release. The direct action of daidzein on basic ovarian cell functions and the ability of these cells to respond to FSH indicate the potential influence of soya‐containing diets on female reproductive processes via direct action on the ovary.     

Gene expression in the chicken caecum in response to infections with non-typhoid Salmonella

Chickens can be infected with Salmonella enterica at any time during their life. However, infections within the first hours and days of their life are epidemiologically the most important, as newly hatched chickens are highly sensitive to Salmonella infection. Salmonella is initially recognized in the chicken caecum by TLR receptors and this recognition is followed by induction of chemokines, cytokines and many effector genes. This results in infiltration of heterophils, macrophages, B- and T-lymphocytes and changes in total gene expression in the caecal lamina propria. The highest induction in expression is observed for matrix metalloproteinase 7 (MMP7). Expression of this gene is increased in the chicken caecum over 4000 fold during the first 10 days after the infection of newly hatched chickens. Additional highly inducible genes in the caecum following S. Enteritidis infection include immune responsive gene 1 (IRG1), serum amyloid A (SAA), extracellular fatty acid binding protein (ExFABP), serine protease inhibitor (SERPINB10), trappin 6-like (TRAP6), calprotectin (MRP126), mitochondrial ES1 protein homolog (ES1), interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 5 (IFIT5), avidin (AVD) and transglutaminase 4 (TGM4). The induction of expression of these proteins exceeds a factor of 50. Similar induction rates are also observed for chemokines and cytokines such as IL1β, IL6, IL8, IL17, IL18, IL22, IFNγ, AH221 or iNOS. Once the infection is under control, which happens approx. 2 weeks after infection, expression of IgY and IgA increases to facilitate Salmonella elimination from the gut lumen. This review outlines the function of individual proteins expressed in chickens after infection with non-typhoid Salmonella serovars.     

Polypoid cystitis in 17 dogs (1978-2001)

Polypoid cystitis is a rare disease of the urinary bladder in dogs characterized by inflammation, epithelial proliferation, and development of a polypoid mass or masses without histopathologic evidence of neoplasia. Medical records of 17 dogs with polypoid cystitis were reviewed to determine the clinical and laboratory features of this disorder and to assess treatment and outcome. Most affected dogs (15/17) were female and presented for evaluation of hematuria or recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI). Proteus spp were the most common bacterial isolates (12/52 or 23.1%) identified when all urine samples obtained for culture at any time during the course study were considered. Other commonly isolated organisms included Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus spp, and Enterococcus spp. Several dogs (7/17) also had cystic calculi at some time during the course of their disease. Most of the masses (11/14) were located cranioventrally in the bladder as opposed to transitional cell carcinoma, which has a predilection for the bladder neck or trigone area. It is unknown whether persistent or recurrent UTI predisposes to polyp formation or if polyps predispose to UTI. Surgery and removal of all polyps was the most efficacious treatment in dogs of this study. The question of whether or not polyps represent preneoplastic lesions remains unanswered and constitutes an area for future investigation.     

Pharmacokinetics of tobramycin in ducks and sex-related differences

The aims of the present study were to determine the disposition of tobramycin after single intravenous (IV) and intramuscular (IM) injections in ducks, and to establish any sex-related differences. Tobramycin sulfate was administered as a 2.5% water solution in a cross-over design at a dose of 5 mg/kg to 12 healthy ducks (six males and six females). Concentrations of the drug in serum were determined by a microbiological assay. The serum pharmacokinetic values for tobramycin were best represented using a one- or two-compartment open model, depending on the method of administration. Non-compartment analysis was also performed after IV administration. Tobramycin had a low degree of distribution and a relatively fast elimination. The mean volume of distribution in ducks (males and females) was higher than that reported in pigeons but lower than in chickens, with a slower rate of elimination. The IM injection resulted in a fast and complete absorption. The rate of elimination after IM administration was about twice as slow as in other avian species. Sex-related variations in tobramycin pharmacokinetics were similar to those reported for kanamycin and apramycin in hens and roosters.     

平衡艺术--肠道菌群的最佳化

可通过抗生素、生菌剂和有机酸的综合应用而建立和保持家禽胃肠道格兰氏阳性菌和格兰氏阴性菌之间的最佳平衡。这些物质在饲料中和饮水中的综合应用，有助于避免其中每一种单独应用时的缺点，从而改善家禽的健康状况。     

Phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli isolated from symbovine flies, cattle and sympatric insectivorous house martins from a farm in the Czech Republic (2006-2007)

The prevalence of antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli was tested in symbovine flies and sympatric house martins (Delichon urbica) at a dairy farm. Antimicrobial resistant E. coli was detected in 89% (n = 147) of isolates from flies within a calf barn. Isolates with the same antimicrobial resistance phenotypes, genes, and pulsotypes were found between both fly and calf E. coli isolates, suggesting that the calves were the initial source of the antimicrobial resistant strains in fly isolates. Symbovine flies were considered as important reservoirs of antimicrobial resistant E. coli strains at a dairy farm, due to their intensive contact with cattle feces and manure. House martin fecal samples from the same farm contained 4.5% (n = 393) of antimicrobial resistant E. coli. House martin isolates displayed different macrorestriction profiles than fly isolates and the significance of house martins as a reservoir and vector of antimicrobial resistant E. coli appears low.     

Distribution of porcine circovirus 2 cap antigen in the lymphoid tissue of pigs affected by postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome

The lymphatic organs of 50 pigs from a total of eight farms located at different sites in the epizootiological region of North Ba?ka County were studied to obtain data on the prevalence of circoviral infections in Serbia. All of the pigs examined had clinical signs suggestive of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). All pigs underwent necropsy and tissue samples were taken for histopathological, immunohistochemical (IHC) and PCR analysis. The presence of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) was established by PCR analysis in the organs of the pigs tested. The most frequent histopathological lesions of lymphoid tissue linked with the presence of positive immunostaining for PCV2 Cap antigen confirmed the existence of PMWS in all farms tested in North Ba?ka County. Using PCR, histopathological and IHC techniques, the presence of PMWS was proved in the Republic of Serbia. During necropsy, generalised enlargement of the lymph nodes was evident. The most common histopathological finding was lymphocyte depletion in the follicular and perifollicular areas of lymph nodes. Infiltration by macrophages was also recorded. By IHC analysis, the cytoplasm of macrophages was shown to contain a large amount of the ORF2-coded Cap antigen of PCV2. Lymphocyte depletion and large numbers of macrophages were recorded in the tonsils, spleen, intestinal lymphatic tissue, Peyer's patches and ileocaecal valve. The presence of typical granulomatous lesions with multinuclear giant cells (MGCs) was also recorded in the lymphatic tissue. Cap antigen was shown to be present in macrophages and less often in lymphocytes.