Influence of the dominant white/KIT genotypes on the reproductive organs of pigs

Based on earlier studies with mice and pigs, the possible pleiotropic effects of the individual porcine Dominant White/KIT genotypes on the size, histological parameters, and surface features of the ovaries; on the size, histological characteristics, and volume of the testes; and on the occurrence of abnormal epididymal sperm cells were studied in two F2 generations of an intercross between Hampshire boars and Hungarian Large White sows. The KIT genotypes were determined by a PCR-RFLP method. The ovarian diameters of gilts of various KIT genotypes did not differ significantly (P=0.292), and the II pigs had the smallest diameters. The proportion of the investigated follicular types among the different KIT genotypes did not differ significantly (P=0.329-0.919), and the highest numbers of degenerated and atretic follicles were found in the ovaries of II genotype pigs, which also exhibited the highest proportion of primary follicles. The testis volume in the II homozygote white genotype boars (249.5 cm(3)) was significantly (P<0.01) larger than in the Ii (205.4 cm(3)) and ii (197.5 cm(3)) boars. Bodyweight and age significantly (P<0.01) affected testicular volume. KIT genotypes had no profound effect on the proportion of the various epididymal sperm abnormalities, and ii type boars showed the highest (nonsignificant) numbers of primary abnormalities. The changes in abnormal sperm cell frequency were linear to the changes in bodyweight and testis volume. We were unable to demonstrate disadvantageous effects of the KIT genotypes on the investigated ovarian, testicular, and epididymal sperm characteristics. Therefore the reproductive traits of white colored pigs examined in this study are no worse than those of pigmented breeds.     

Lipophilicity of aminopyridazinone regioisomers

Ten pairs of pyridazinone regioisomers were prepared, and their lipophilicity was described by the logarithm of the octanol/water partition coefficient (log P) determined experimentally and calculated with prediction methods. The 4- and 5-(substituted amino)-3(2H)-pyridazinone regioisomers were synthesized by nucleophilic substitution of one of the chloro atoms of 4,5-dichloro-2-methyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone or its 6-nitro derivative. Structures of new compounds were proven by spectroscopic methods. The experimental log P values were obtained by a shake flask method in octanol and a S?rensen buffer (pH 7.4) solvent system. A consequent difference was found in the lipophilicity of regioisomers. For each isomer pair, the log P value of the 4-isomer was significantly (average by 0.75 log unit) higher than that of the 5-isomer. Some quantum chemical calculations as well as X-ray analysis of two pairs of regioisomers were also carried out to gain insight into the structural differences of regioisomers. The log P values were calculated by the fragmental approach KOWWIN and a QSPR analysis (3DNET). The a priori KOWWIN gave poor agreement, but with the programs KOWWIN with EVA (experimental value adjusted) and 3DNET, the results were generally in agreement with experiment.     

Comparison of protein quality and mineral element concentrations in grain of spelt (Triticum spelta L.) and common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The cultivation of Triticum spelta (spelt) has no tradition in Hungary. In recent years the interest towards this old species renewed in many countries. This high‐nutritional cereal, which has a high ash and fibre content, can be used in many health‐oriented grain‐based food products. Therefore, field experiments have been conducted for some years to test the performance of this species under home growing conditions. Here we report the results of analyses for some important quality parameters of grain samples from the 1996/97 season in comparison with those of older and new home‐grown bread wheat cultivars. Three common wheat cultivars and one advanced spelt line were grown on small plots fertilised with an NPK dose necessary to reach the highest yield and quality. Spikes were sampled weekly from the time of 70–77% grain moisture to full ripening. The grains were analysed for ash, N, P and K content and amino acid composition. Concentrations of 16 other macro + micro elements and in the ripe grains, baking quality parameters were also assessed. The grain development of spelt showed a remarkable time‐lag compared to that of the common wheat cultivars. However, the highest thousand‐grain‐masses, ash, N, and P concentrations were measured in this cultivar after milk ripening. The grains of spelt contained the macro‐nutrient Mg and four micro‐nutrients (Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu) in higher concentrations compared to those of the common wheat varieties. The total and essential amino acid concentrations measured in the ripe grains of spelt were also remarkably higher.

Although its wet gluten content (47.5%) was considerably higher than that of the bread wheat cultivars, its breadmaking quality was poor.     

Hardwiring the brain: endocannabinoids shape neuronal connectivity

The roles of endocannabinoid signaling during central nervous system development are unknown. We report that CB(1) cannabinoid receptors (CB(1)Rs) are enriched in the axonal growth cones of gamma-aminobutyric acid-containing (GABAergic) interneurons in the rodent cortex during late gestation. Endocannabinoids trigger CB(1)R internalization and elimination from filopodia and induce chemorepulsion and collapse of axonal growth cones of these GABAergic interneurons by activating RhoA. Similarly, endocannabinoids diminish the galvanotropism of Xenopus laevis spinal neurons. These findings, together with the impaired target selection of cortical GABAergic interneurons lacking CB(1)Rs, identify endocannabinoids as axon guidance cues and demonstrate that endocannabinoid signaling regulates synaptogenesis and target selection in vivo.     

Novel male-specific molecular markers (MADC5, MADC6) in hemp

Decamer RAPD primers were tested on dioecious and monoecious hemp cultivars to identify sex-specific molecular markers. Two primers (OPD05 and UBC354) generated specific bands in male plants. These two DNA fragments were isolated, cloned and sequenced. Both markers proved to be unique, since no sequence with significant homology to OPD05₉₆₁ and UBC354₁₅₁ markers were found in databases. These markers were named MADC3 (OPD05₉₆₁) and MADC4 (UBC354₁₅₁) (Male-Associated DNA from Cannabis sativa). The markers were converted into sequence-characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers. The SCAR markers correlated with the sex of the segregating F₂ population and proved the tight linkage to the male phenotype. Results of F₂ plant population analysis suggest these markers are to be linked to the Y chromosome. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Metabolism of fatty acids in fish. II. Biosynthesis of fatty acids in relation to diet in the carp, Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus 1758

Carp, weighing 15–25 g, were maintained in the laboratory on a control diet, or on diets prepared from wheat or corn, and the incorporation of sodium (1?¹⁴C)-acetate into their liver total fatty acids as well as into liver triglycerides and phospholipids was followed. The control diet was characterized by a high concentration of total lipids and linolenic acid, and the other two feeds by a low concentration of total lipids including linolenic acid and high concentration of carbohydrates. The highest rate of fatty acid biosynthesis was observed in fish given the corn diet, and the lowest rate was found in the carp on the control diet. Levels of radioactivity became very high in triglycerides of corn-fed fish. The major products of fatty acid biosynthesis were palmitic and oleic acids, in the corn-fed fish, while in the control fish almost 50% of the total radioactivity was in the long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids. The degree of labeling of oleic and palmitic acids appeared to depend on the level of linolenic acid in the diet. The results suggest that about 1% of linolenic acid in the diet is required to keep lipogenesis at a low level as well as to prevent hyperproduction of oleic acid. Linoleic acid seems to play a subordinate role in regulating lipogenesis in carp liver.     

Effect of dietary electrolyte balance on production, immune response and mineral concentrations of the femur in broilers

The aim of this study was to assess the age-related effects of dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) on the performance, immune response (from day 0 to 42) and macromineral content of femur ash of broilers. The DEB values of the purchased commercial broiler diets were modified with the addition of NH4Cl or NaHCO3 to formulate the diets (DEB 325, 250, 175, 100, 25 and -50 mmol/kg) for this investigation. A total of 396 chickens were divided into 6 treatment groups and fed with the experimental diets for 6 weeks. During the first two weeks of life, DEB did not influence feed intake and body weight gain; however, by the 21st day of age DEB 175 and between 22 and 42 days of age DEB 250 mmol/kg gave significantly better results than the control. DEB did not affect the macromineral concentrations of bone ash. The immune response of broilers on low DEB (< 175 mmol/kg) was faster and more intensive than that of chickens on diets with medium or high DEB (> 175 mmol/kg). It can be concluded that the optimal DEB value required for the best body weight gain is significantly influenced by the age of broilers. Our results call attention to the discrepancy between the decreasing DEB level of commercial broiler diets and the age-related increase of 'electrolyte requirements' of broilers. It is also interesting that DEB may influence not only the performance but also the immune response of broilers.     

First molecular identification of Mycoplasma ovis and 'Candidatus M. haemoovis' from goat, with lack of haemoplasma PCR-positivity in lice

In order to investigate haemotropic Mycoplasma (formerly Eperythrozoon) infection of goats, blood samples and blood-sucking lice (Linognathus stenopsis) were collected in two goat herds. DNA was extracted from 20 blood samples and from 49 lice allocated to six pools according to host individuals. Haemoplasma infection was detected in four goats by real-time PCR. From the sample with the highest bacterial load the simultaneous presence of M. ovis and 'Candidatus M. haemoovis' was demonstrated by cloning and sequencing. Louse pools were haemoplasma negative, including those from bacteraemic animals. However, not only were Anaplasma inclusion bodies seen in blood smears from goats, but relevant PCR-positivity was also detected among lice. This is the first report of a molecular investigation on caprine haemoplasmas, including analysis of their bloodsucking lice. In summary, goats are susceptible to both molecularly characterised ovine haemoplasmas. On the other hand, goat sucking lice (L. stenopsis) do not appear to be potential vectors of these agents.     

Isolation and characterisation of Rhodococcus equi from submaxillary lymph nodes of wild boars (Sus scrofa)

Rhodococcus equi has been isolated from the submaxillary lymph nodes of domesticated pigs, but little is known about the presence of R. equi in wild boars. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the incidence of R. equi in wild boars and the characterisation of them. Of 482 submaxillary lymph nodes of wild boars shot in 39 settlements throughout Hungary, R. equi was isolated from 60 specimens, and plasmid types of 82 isolates were examined. The isolates were tested for the presence of 15-17-kDa (VapA) and 20-kDa virulence-associated protein antigen (VapB) genes by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Plasmid DNAs were isolated and analysed by digestion with restriction endonucleases to estimate size and compare their polymorphisms. None of the 82 isolates contained vapA gene but 21 isolates (25.6%) were positive for vapB gene showing 827bp product of the expected size in the PCR amplification. Sixty-one strains (74.4%) did not contain plasmid. The 21 isolates of intermediate virulence contained virulence plasmids that were identified as types 1 (1 isolate), 5 (16 isolates), 21 (1 isolate), and three new distinct plasmid variants (1-1-1 isolate), respectively. On the basis of restriction digestion patterns of plasmid DNAs, we tentatively designated the new variants as types 25-27, respectively. The prevalence of R. equi strains of intermediate virulence among the isolates originated from the submaxillary lymph nodes of wild boars (25.6%) is very similar to those of domestic pigs (26.8%) in Hungary, and plasmid type 5 is the predominating one in both groups. This is the first report of isolation of VapB-positive R. equi from wild boars in the world.