Effects of Exogenous Tumour Necrosis Factor-α on the Secretory Function of the Bovine Reproductive Tract Depend on Tumour Necrosis Factor-α Concentrations

The aim of study was to correlate tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF) infused doses used with the TNF concentrations achieved and with the secretory function of both the ovary and the uterus in cows. We evaluated the concentrations of progesterone (P4), prostaglandin (PG)F_2α, PGE₂ nitric oxide (NO) and TNF in the jugular vein and vena cava caudalis as parameters of exogenous TNF action on the female reproductive tract. Aortae abdominalis of cows (n = 18) were infused with saline or two doses of TNF (luteolytic – 1 μg or luteotrophic – 10 μg). In the peripheral blood, 1 μg TNF concentrations achieved within the range of 30–45 pg/ml, and 10 μg TNF provoked a sharp increase in achieved concentrations at a range of 250–450 pg/mL). The TNF concentrations achieved in vena cava caudalis were five to six times higher than that in peripheral blood (p < 0.001). One microgram TNF increased PGF_2α and NO (p < 0.001) and decreased P4 (p < 0.05). The higher TNF dose stimulated P4 and PGE₂ (p < 0.01). TNF infusion at luteolytic dose achieved its concentrations at the physiological range previously observed in cows. Luteotrophic TNF dose achieved the concentrations in vena cava caudalis that are much higher than physiological level and were previously noted in pathological circumstances (i.e. mastitis , metritis ).     

Histological and immunohistochemical investigations of ovarian interstitial glands during non‐breeding season in camels (Camelus dromedarius)

The aim of this was to investigate the histology and immunohistochemistry of interstitial glands during non‐breeding season in camel ovaries. A total of 21 mature, non‐pregnant and apparently healthy camels aged between 8 and 12 years were slaughtered. The ovaries were removed within 15 min, cleaned from adipose tissue, weighted and examined grossly. The histological preparation was made, and then, the blocks were cut at 3–5 microns thickness and stained by H&E for histological examinations. Moreover, some sections were stained with Sudan Black for lipid detection. Immunohistochemical analysis of paraffin‐embedded ovarian tissues was performed to detect the localization of S‐100, vimentin, progesterone receptors (PR) and oestrogen receptors (ER). Immunoreactive signals were detected using UltraVision Detection System. The results revealed that the interstitial glands were located in the cortical region and they were arranged in various arrangements either single, in couple or in groups rich in lipid droplet. All interstitial gland arrangements were enclosed by connective tissue capsules containing fibroblasts and collagenous fibres separated them from the surrounding ovarian structures. Both interstitial glands and their surrounding CT were penetrated by several blood vessels. There was a strong immunoreactive signal for S‐100 in the nuclei of interstitial cells, and no signals were detected either in cells of the interstitial glands or their connective tissue with PR. We could conclude that the interstitial gland is distinct in ovary of camel and further studies are needed to elucidate its rule in steroid synthesis.     

Site of Intrauterine Artificial Insemination in the Bitch does not Affect Sperm Distribution within the Uterus

The aim of this study was to evaluate the distribution of frozen–thawed spermatozoa within the uterine lumen and oviducts following intrauterine laparoscopic deposition at two sites. Twelve bitches of unknown reproductive history were randomly distributed into two groups. Semen (3 ml containing 300 × 10⁶ frozen–thawed spermatozoa) was infused at the uterine body (UB group) or at the cranial tip of the left uterine horn. A 22‐G catheter was used to access the uterine lumen. Sperm cell distribution was evaluated after ovariohysterectomy performed 3 h after artificial insemination (AI). There was no difference between groups in mean time to perform AI. Spermatozoa were detected in all uterine segments, including the tip of both horns, but none was detected in the oviduct. The 22‐G catheter facilitated deposition of semen in the uterine lumen, particularly at the UB site. Sperm cell distribution occurred evenly along both horns, independent of the site of semen deposition.     

Accidental Mycobacterium bovis infection in a veterinarian

CASE: A veterinarian developed tenosynovitis and secondary carpal tunnel syndrome following accidental inoculation of Mycobacterium bovis during the necropsy of a tuberculous possum from Westland, New Zealand.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: M. bovis infection is a zoonotic disease, and occupational exposure to tuberculous animals places people at risk of contracting the disease.

CONCLUSIONS: Adhering to safe work practices reviewed in this article is important to minimise the risk of infection to people handling tuberculous animals.     

Experimental infection with BCG as a model of tuberculosis in the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula)

AIMS: To study the development and progression of lesions produced following experimental inoculations of possums with Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Pasteur Strain 1173P2 and to compare these with lesions that occurred following natural Mycobacterium bovis infection.

METHODS: Possums were inoculated with 5 x 10⁶ colony forming units (cfu) of BCG via the intra-dermal (I/D) route into the dorsum of the neck (n=38) or the left brachium (n=7), orally (n=10), via the endo-bronchial (E/B) route (n=12), or intravenously (I/V) (n=10, half of which received 5 x 10⁶ cfu and half of which received 5 x 10⁷ cfu of BCG). The possums were humanely killed between 1–4 weeks post inoculation (p.i.), and the nature and distribution of lesions examined grossly and histopathologically.

RESULTS: The distribution of lesions following I/D inoculation via either route was similar to that of the natural disease, but there were few lesions in the lung. Endo-bronchial inoculation resulted in pulmonary disease but produced few lesions outside the respiratory tract. Lesions produced by I/V inoculation were similar in distribution to those seen in terminally ill tuberculous possums. No lesions were produced following oral inoculation. Regression of lesions commenced after 3 weeks p.i.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the phenomenon of lesion resolution restricts the use of BCG to the study of early lesion development, it avoids the overwhelming disease induced using M. bovis and thus allows the early phases of the development and progression of tuberculosis in this species to be observed. Intra-dermal inoculation produced evidence that infection through the skin is associated with lesions in superficial lymph nodes, whereas pulmonary disease was associated with E/B inoculation. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that both percutaneous and respiratory routes are important in natural infection of possums with M. bovis.     

Isolation and Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells From Bovine Umbilical Cord Blood

Currently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used in veterinary clinical applications. Bone marrow and adipose tissue are the most common sources of stem cells derived from adult animals. However, cord blood which is collected non‐invasively is an alternative source of stem cells other than bone marrow and adipose tissue. Moreover, high availability and lower immunogenicity of umbilical cord blood (UCB) haematopoietic stem cells compared to other sources of stem cell therapy such as bone marrow have made them a considerable source for cell therapy, but MSCs is not highly available in cord blood and their immunogenicity is poorly understood. In this study, the cells with spindle morphology from 7 of 9 bovine UCB samples were isolated and cultured. These mesenchymal stromal cells were successfully differentiated to osteocytes, chondrocytes and adipocytes. In addition, Oct‐4 and SH3 were determined by RT‐PCR assay. It is the first report of isolation, culture, characterization and differentiation of bovine umbilical stem cells.