Lipomatosis of axillary lymph nodes in a cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis)

Lipomatosis of lymph nodes is defined as the replacement of the lymphatic parenchyma by adipose tissue which grows in the node from the hilus toward the cortical zone. In humans, it is considered as part of the normal aging process and is common in obese patients, but there are no reports in non-human primates. In this report, we describe the first case of lymph node lipomatosis in the bilateral axillary lymph nodes of a young adult cynomolgus monkey. Macroscopically, there were no apparent abnormalities in the axillary lymph nodes on either side, and their volumes were unchanged. At the cut surface, pale yellow fat-like tissue was observed in the medullary area. Histopathologically, well differentiated adipocytes replaced a large part of the lymphatic parenchyma in the area from the hilus to the medulla without any malignant findings. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with lipomatosis of the lymph nodes.     

Estimation of terminal molting probability of snow crab <Emphasis Type="Italic">Chionoecetes opilio</Emphasis> using instar- and state-structured model in the waters off the Pacific coast of northern Japan

Terminal molting probability (TMP) of snow crab Chionoecetes opilio was estimated using instar- and state-structured model incorporating the terminal molt in the waters off the Pacific coast of northern Honshu, Japan. TMP is defined as the probability that terminal molt occurs within a year in an instar and is an important parameter for stock assessment. TMP was estimated from the model and the rate of terminal molted crabs (RTM) for instars, which means carapace widths over 30 mm. Carapace widths at RTM of 0.5 were 81 mm for males and 66 mm for females. TMP was estimated as 0.23 and 0.29 for these carapace widths, respectively. Carapace widths at TMP of 0.5 were 94 mm for males and 71 mm for females, and for these carapace widths 57% of male and 50% of female crabs were considered as old-shell which had survived 1 year or more from terminal molt. Changing the fishing or natural mortality by ±0.1, the maximum difference of TMP was less than 0.1 from default estimates.     

Synthesis and insecticidal/acaricidal activity of novel 3‐(2,4,6‐trisubstituted phenyl)uracil derivatives

A series of novel 3‐(2,4,6‐trisubstituted phenyl)uracil derivatives has been synthesised and assayed for insecticidal/acaricidal activity. The assay indicated certain requirements for optimal insecticidal activity, which can be summarised as follows: (a) the substituents on the phenyl ring should possess hydrophobicity and electron‐withdrawing properties, and the sum of their volumes determines the level of activity; (b) the substituent at the 6‐position on the uracil ring should also possess electron‐withdrawing properties and hydrophobicity, together with the correct volume; (c) the 1‐position on the uracil ring should be unsubstituted for activity against Nephotettix cincticeps and Epilachna vigintioctopunctata, but substituents with length C3 to C4 may be optimal for activity against Tetranychus urticae; (d) certain substituents at the 5‐position of the uracil ring give activity against E vigintioctopunctata and T urticae, but not against N cincticeps; (e) a thiocarbonyl group at the 2‐position of the uracil ring is less effective than a carbonyl group. Of the compounds assayed, 3‐(2,6‐dichloro‐4‐trifluoromethylphenyl)‐6‐trifluoromethyluracil showed high activity against all the species assayed. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Inhibitory effects of Ecklonia cava extract on high glucose-induced hepatic stellate cell activation

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a disease closely associated with obesity and diabetes. A prevalence of type 2 diabetes and a high body mass index in cryptogenic cirrhosis may imply that obesity leads to cirrhosis. Here, we examined the effects of an extract of Ecklonia cava, a brown algae, on the activation of high glucose-induced hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), key players in hepatic fibrosis. Isolated HSCs were incubated with or without a high glucose concentration. Ecklonia cava extract (ECE) was added to the culture simultaneously with the high glucose. Treatment with high glucose stimulated expression of type I collagen and α-smooth muscle actin, which are markers of activation in HSCs, in a dose-dependent manner. The activation of high glucose-treated HSCs was suppressed by the ECE. An increase in the formation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a decrease in intracellular glutathione levels were observed soon after treatment with high glucose, and these changes were suppressed by the simultaneous addition of ECE. High glucose levels stimulated the secretion of bioactive transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) from the cells, and the stimulation was also suppressed by treating the HSCs with ECE. These results suggest that the suppression of high glucose-induced HSC activation by ECE is mediated through the inhibition of ROS and/or GSH and the downregulation of TGF-β secretion. ECE is useful for preventing the development of diabetic liver fibrosis.     

Treatment of prostatic abscesses by aspiration of the purulent matter and injection of tea tree oil into the cavities in dogs

Ultrasonography-guided transabdominal needle aspiration was carried out to remove 3 to 14 ml of purulent matter from the cavities of prostatic abscesses in 6 dogs, and the same volume of tea tree oil was injected into the cavities to treat the abscesses. The same treatment was repeated 3 weeks later in 4 dogs, and subsequent disappearance of the purulent matter in the cavities and a marked reduction in the volume of the cavities were observed. These findings indicate that the treatment of prostatic abscesses by aspiration of the purulent matter and injection of tea tree oil into the cavities is very effective in dogs.     

Effects of administration of glucocorticoids and feeding status on plasma leptin concentrations in dogs

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of short- and long- term administration of glucocorticoids, feeding status, and serum concentrations of insulin and cortisol on plasma leptin concentrations in dogs. ANIMALS: 20 nonobese dogs. PROCEDURE: For experiment 1, plasma leptin concentrations and serum concentrations of insulin and cortisol were monitored for 24 hours in 4 dogs administered dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg, IV) or saline (0.9% NaCl) solution for fed and nonfed conditions. For experiment 2, 11 dogs were administered prednisolone (1 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h for 56 days [7 dogs] and 2 mg/kg, PO, q 24 h for 28 days [4 dogs]) and 5 dogs served as control dogs. Plasma leptin and serum insulin concentrations were monitored weekly. RESULTS: For experiment 1, dexamethasone injection with the fed condition drastically increased plasma leptin concentrations. Furthermore, injection of saline solution with the fed condition increased plasma leptin concentrations. These increases in plasma leptin concentrations correlated with increases in serum insulin concentrations. Dexamethasone injection with the nonfed condition increased plasma leptin concentrations slightly but continuously. Injection of saline solution with the nonfed condition did not alter plasma leptin concentrations. For experiment 2, prednisolone administration at either dosage and duration did not alter plasma leptin concentrations in any dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Dexamethasone injection and feeding increased plasma leptin concentrations in dogs. In addition, dexamethasone administration enhanced the effect of feeding on increases in plasma leptin concentrations. Daily oral administration of prednisolone (1 or 2 mg/kg) did not affect plasma leptin concentrations in dogs.     

Postprandial changes in leptin concentrations of cerebrospinal fluid in dogs during development of obesity

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postprandial changes in the leptin concentration of CSF in dogs during development of obesity. ANIMALS: 4 male Beagles. PROCEDURES: Weight gain was induced and assessments were made when the dogs were in thin, optimal, and obese body conditions (BCs). The fat area at the level of the L3 vertebra was measured via computed tomography to assess the degree of obesity. Dogs were evaluated in fed and unfed states. Dogs in the fed state received food at 9 AM. Blood and CSF samples were collected at 8 AM, 4 PM, and 10 PM. RESULTS: Baseline CSF leptin concentrations in the thin, optimal, and obese dogs were 24.3 +/- 2.7 pg/mL, 86.1 +/- 14.7 pg/mL, and 116.2 +/- 47.3 pg/mL, respectively. In the thin BC, CSF leptin concentration transiently increased at 4 PM. In the optimal BC, baseline CSF leptin concentration was maintained until 10 PM. In the obese BC, CSF leptin concentration increased from baseline value at 4 PM and 10 PM. Correlation between CSF leptin concentration and fat area was good at all time points. There was a significant negative correlation between the CSF leptin concentration-to-serum leptin concentration ratio and fat area at 4 PM; this correlation was not significant at 8 AM and 10 PM. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Decreased transport of leptin at the blood-brain barrier may be 1 mechanism of leptin resistance in dogs. However, leptin resistance at the blood-brain barrier may not be important in development of obesity in dogs.     

Delivery of exogenous proteins into eggs by injection into the mother’s ovary (IMO) in zebrafish

Fish Physiology and Biochemistry - Genome editing has had profound effects on biological experimentation and can now be applied to many organisms, including non-conventional models. However, the...     

Spatiotemporal distribution of Flavobacterium psychrophilum and ayu Plecoglossus altivelis in rivers revealed by environmental DNA analysis

Outbreaks of bacterial cold-water disease (BCWD), caused by Flavobacterium psychrophilum, are widespread in Japan, especially among ayu Plecoglossus altivelis. There are few investigations of F. psychrophilum in river water, and its seasonal distribution has not been clarified. We aimed to identify the spatiotemporal dynamics of F. psychrophilum and ayu to provide information that is useful for establishing a countermeasure for BCWD. Quantitative analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) was used to clarify the year-round dynamics of ayu and F. psychrophilum. We sampled river water from the Nagara and Ibi rivers in Japan, and conducted monthly water sampling and eDNA quantification. Changes in the eDNA concentration of ayu were consistent with the known life histories of the fish. There was a strong negative correlation between the eDNA concentration of F. psychrophilum and water temperature, suggesting a strong dependence of F. psychrophilum dynamics in the river on water temperature. Furthermore, relatively high eDNA concentrations were recorded for both organisms in early summer and fall, suggesting that ayu is infected with F. psychrophilum during these seasons when experiencing up- and downmigration, respectively.