The conjunctival crypt of the equine third eyelid

The purpose of this study is to characterise the gross anatomy of a relatively large, cryptic structure within the bulbar conjunctival surface of the equine third eyelid that has commonly been observed by the authors during equine ophthalmic examinations. In this study, cadaveric eyes and adnexa were obtained from 13 Quarter Horses without history of ocular disease. The gross anatomy of the bulbar surface of the third eyelid was characterised by digital macrophotography and with an image capture system using an operating microscope. A well-defined cryptic structure was readily identified in the majority of eyes (17/26). The location of the crypt varied but was most commonly observed within the central aspect of the bulbar surface of the third eyelid, often in close proximity to prominent blood vessels oriented perpendicular to the leading edge of the third eyelid. A patch of lymphoid follicles was often observed surrounding the crypt. The rectangular shape and upward facing orientation of the crypt was akin to a shirt's breast pocket. Width and depth were variable but ranged between 1 and 8 mm in either dimension. Some crypts were complex, with multiple channels observed within the primary opening. In conclusion, this study confirms the presence of a well-organised mucosal crypt within the bulbar surface of the equine third eyelid capable of harbouring foreign material and ocular irritants. Additional anatomical characterisation of the macro-crypt by light microscopy, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy is underway. Evaluation of this structure by equine practitioners and veterinary ophthalmologists should be performed during the routine ophthalmic examination to better understand its role in ocular disease.     

姜黄素对乳腺炎模型小鼠细胞免疫的影响

探讨姜黄素(curcumin)对致病性金黄色葡萄球菌(Staphylococcus aureus,S.aureus)所诱导的乳腺炎模型小鼠血液中T淋巴细胞亚群及脾脏中NK细胞活性的影响。构建小鼠乳腺炎模型,分别通过流式细胞术、ELISA法、MTT法和平板计数法检测空白对照组、模型组、阳性对照组、姜黄素组及姜黄乳炎散组血液中CD4^+T、CD8^+T活性和血清中IL-1、IL-2、IL-10的水平,脾脏中NK细胞活性及S.aureus数量的变化差异来监测各组药物抗炎效果。结果显示,相比于模型组,姜黄素组、姜黄乳炎散组和阳性对照组可显著增加乳腺炎小鼠血清中IL-2、IL-10的水平以及脾脏中NK细胞和血液中CD4^+T的活性,显著降低小鼠血清中IL-1的水平以及血液中CD8^+T活性(P<0.05),以姜黄素组效果最佳。结果表明,姜黄素对小鼠乳腺炎具有保护作用,并且姜黄素对S.aureus所诱导的小鼠乳腺炎的抗炎机制可能通过抑制IL-1和CD8^+T水平,增强IL-10、NK、CD4^+T和减少S.aureus的数量而发挥作用。姜黄素可能成为潜在的乳房炎治疗药物。     

Effects of different stocking densities on growth performance,antioxidant ability,and immunity of finishing broilers

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different stocking densities on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and immunity of broilers. One thousand four hundred and forty 22‐day‐old Lingnan Yellow broilers were randomly allotted to five different stocking density groups (8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 birds per m²). Each group consisted of three replicates. The results showed that 8 and 10 birds/m² groups had higher average daily feed intake (ADFI) than the others (p < 0.05). Heat shock protein 70 (HSP₇₀) in the group of 16 birds/m² had the highest levels (p < 0.05). The group of 16 birds/m² had the lowest total antioxidant capability (T‐AOC) and total superoxide dismutase (T‐SOD) activities in blood serum (p < 0.05), and significantly increased interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) concentration compared to the groups of 8 and 10 birds/m² (p < 0.05). In liver, the group of eight birds/m² had higher T‐AOC levels than that of 12, 14, and 16 birds/m² (p < 0.05) and also higher catalase (CAT) activities than that of 14 and 16 birds/m² (p < 0.05); the group of 10 birds/m² had the highest T‐SOD activities among all groups (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the above results suggest that stocking density of broilers up to 8 or 10 birds/m² can prevent the negative effects on growth performance and welfare parameters in broilers.     

Addition of Wakame seaweed (Undaria pinnatifida) stalk to animal feed enhances immune response and improves intestinal microflora in pigs

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementation of Wakame seaweed stalks on the immunity and intestinal microflora of pigs. Three separate experiments were performed: Relatively young (start at 20–30 kg; Experiments 1 and 2) and fattening period (70 kg; Experiment 3). All pigs (including the control group) were fed the same commercial feed, free from antibiotic additives, but in the feed for the treatment groups, 1% seaweed powder was added. There were no group differences observed in daily weight gain and feed intake in Experiments 1 and 2 between groups; however, daily weight gain was significantly higher in the treatment group compared to the control group in Experiment 3. The percentage of peripheral blood natural killer cells of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group in all experiments. Although addition of seaweed changed the gene expression of cytokine and toll‐like receptors of the small intestinal Peyer's patches slightly, seaweed seems to alter intestinal microflora preferentially, for instance, there was an increase in Lactobacillus and a decrease of Escherichia coli observed. These results suggest that Wakame seaweed can be used as supplement for pig feed to improve the gut health and immunity of pigs.     

猪支原体肺炎活疫苗（168株）气溶胶免疫后呼吸道sIgA分泌及抗原存留规律

猪支原体肺炎是由猪肺炎支原体(Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae ,Mhp)引起的猪的一种慢性呼吸道疾病,严重影响养猪业发展,活疫苗气溶胶免疫是防治该病的新措施。为研究猪肺炎支原体活疫苗(168株)经气溶胶免疫后,疫苗株在免疫猪肺内的占位存留规律,选用3周龄不吃初乳猪27头,随机分为3组,G1气溶胶免疫组12头,G2肺内免疫组12头,同时设立阴性对照3头。分别于免疫后第2 h、7 d、14 d及28 d进行鼻拭子Mhp sIgA检测以及血清抗体检测。另外在上述时间点分别宰杀G1和G2组各3头,对照组在实验组免疫后第28 d宰杀,采集肺泡灌洗液,分别进行Mhp sIgA检测及Mhp疫苗株含量检测。结果显示:(1)所有试验猪至实验结束,Mhp血清抗体未出现转阳现象;(2)鼻拭子sIgA水平G1组在免疫后第14 d与对照组相比上升,差异具有显著统计学意义(p <0.05);G2组在免疫后第7 d和14 d与相应的对照组相比上升,差异具有显著统计学意义(p <0.05),各时间点G1组与G2组sIgA水平差异不具备统计学意义(p >0.05);(3)G1组肺泡灌洗液中的 sIgA在免疫后14 d部分转阳(阳性率33.33%),28 d全部转阳(阳性率100%);G2组在免疫14 d时已全部转阳(阳性率100%),各时间点G1组与G2组sIgA水平差异不具备统计学意义(p >0.05);(4)气溶胶免疫组肺泡灌洗液内Mhp疫苗株浓度在免疫后第2 h、7 d、14 d和28 d分别是相应肺内免疫组的0.37倍、1.01倍、0.88倍以及0.52倍。猪支原体肺炎活疫苗(168株)经气溶胶免疫后,和肺内免疫一样可以诱导免疫猪的局部黏膜免疫以及具有同等的占位效应,且经气溶胶免疫的疫苗株在免疫仔猪体内的增殖水平可能与其诱导的黏膜免疫水平相关。     

地塞米松对仔猪十二指肠黏膜免疫的影响

为了探讨地塞米松对仔猪肠道黏膜的影响,选用福州周边某猪场30日龄仔猪30头,随机分为6组,3组为试验组,3组为对照组,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组分别肌肉注射1 mL、2 mL、3 m L地塞米松,对照组Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组分别肌肉注射1 mL、2 m L、3 mL生理盐水;药物试验7 d后,取十二指肠固定、脱水、包埋、切片,经HE染色、阿利新蓝-过碘雪夫(AB-PAS)染色,检测地塞米松对肠道绒毛高度、隐窝深度、绒毛高度和隐窝深度比值、黏液细胞、上皮内淋巴细胞数量的影响。结果表明:长时间过量注射地塞米松抑制肠绒毛生长,显著降低肠绒毛长度和隐窝深度比值,显著性降低仔猪十二指肠上皮酸性黏多糖阳性细胞和上皮内淋巴细胞数量。可见,持续过量注射地塞米松将影响十二指肠黏膜免疫功能。     

In vitro immunomodulatory effect of nisin on porcine leucocytes

Nisin, a lantibiotic bacteriocin, has been used for years as a natural food preservative. In addition to its antimicrobial activity, nisin also shows immunomodulatory properties, and the nisin‐producing Lactococcus lactis strain has been successfully tested as a probiotic in weaned piglets. However, the impact of nisin on porcine immune cells has not yet been explored. The objective of the present study was to examine the in vitro immunomodulatory effect of nisin on porcine peripheral blood leucocytes. The whole heparinized blood samples or freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were incubated with different nisin concentrations (0, 1.56, 3.125, 6.25, 12.5, 25 or 50 µg/ml) for 1, 24, 48 or 72 hr. Escherichia coli bacteria were used to stimulate blood phagocytes, while concanavalin A and lipopolysaccharide from E. coli were used as mitogens. Control cells remained unstimulated. MTT colorimetric assay was used to evaluate PBMCs viability and mitogenic response. Phagocyte activity and T‐cell proliferation were measured by flow cytometry. Flow cytometer was also used for immunophenotyping of T cells. Cytokine levels in the culture media were determined using commercial immunoassay (ELISA) kits. The highest concentration of nisin exhibited proliferative activity (p ? 0.05), stimulated interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) production (both at p ? 0.001), and increased the percentage of CD4⁺CD8⁺ T cells (p ? 0.001) among unstimulated leucocytes. After cell stimulation, however, the highest nisin concentration showed antiproliferative activity (p ? 0.05), decreased phagocytic functions (p ? 0.05) and inhibited the synthesis of IL‐6 (time‐ and concentration‐dependent effect). As a typical bacterial product, nisin had a stronger impact on innate immune cells, and its effect on T cells was likely a consequence of the modulation of the activity of antigen‐presenting cells. Nisin may be a good candidate as an immunomodulator in pig breeding.     

The effects of dietary tomato powder (Solanum lycopersicum L.) supplementation on the haematological,immunological, serum biochemical and antioxidant parameters of growing rabbits

Using nutritional antioxidants in livestock systems is considered the key in improving animal production. The current study assumes that dietary tomato powder (TP) supplementation positively affects haemato‐immunological, biochemical, and antioxidant parameters for New Zealand rabbits. A total of 30 rabbits (45 days old) were assigned to three groups, including a diet with no additives (control), and two dietary treatments with the providing of 1% or 2% TP. Mass spectrometric study for TP methanolic extract showed some phenolic compounds. Consumption of TP supplemented diets significantly (p < 0.001) affected body weight gain and feed efficiency. Red blood cells and white blood cells count exhibited a significant increase (p < 0.001) in both TP groups compared with the control. In addition to, feeding rabbits on TP enhanced cell‐mediated and humoral immune responses through a significant increase in phagocytosis, chemotaxis, and levels of immunoglobulins (TIg, IgG, IgM and IgA). Supplementation of TP significantly (p < 0.01) reduced lipid profile induces except high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol values. A remarkable significant (p < 0.001) effect on serum and hepatic oxidative stress responses were observed with TP addition. Ultimately, TP supplementation could play a potential role as a growth and health enhancer for fattening rabbits.     

Effect of dietary manipulation and vaccination of turkey breeder hens on immunoglobulin levels of yolk,yolk sac and neonate poults

Two hundred turkey breeder hens and 24 viable toms of 30–35 weeks age of small white variety were distributed into two treatment groups having four replicates of 25 hens and three toms in each treatment. First four replicates were offered a turkey breeder diet (Diet A) (Nutrient requirements of poultry, 1994, National Academic Press, Washington, DC) and the rest four replicates were maintained on a higher plane of nutrition (Diet B) for 8‐week duration. After 6 weeks of experimental feeding, two replicates from each treatment groups were vaccinated with ND (R₂B) vaccine. Yolk sac of embryo from birds fed Diet B had a significantly higher (p < .05) IgG, IgM level and HI titre (log 2) than those fed Diet A. HI titre values of embryonic yolk sac from the vaccinated birds fed Diet B were significantly higher (p < .05) than that of the control groups. In addition, HI titre values were significantly higher (p < .05) in the day‐old poults of the birds fed Diet B than that of those fed Diet A. There was significantly (p < .01) positive correlation between serum IgG and IgM of the breeder birds and day‐old chicks. Similarly, there was significantly (p < .05) positive correlation between yolk IgG and IgM after 1‐month experimental feeding and yolk sac IgG and IgM. Positive correlation (p < .05) also existed between yolk sac IgM and day‐old chick serum IgM. Furthermore, the HI titres of breeder birds' serum at 14 days post‐vaccination were positively correlated with their egg yolk after 10 and 15 days post‐vaccination, yolk sac and day‐old chicks. Thus, the study envisaged that a higher immunity in neonate poults from turkey breeders maintained on a higher plane of nutrition may be elicited as there was maternal transfer of antibodies from the serum of breeder birds to their offsprings through their yolk sac.     

青海省绵羊品种与引进品种先天性免疫研究

为研究青海本地绵羊品种与引进品种的先天性免疫水平和品种特性,本研究选取青海省不同海拔地区的2个本地品种（欧拉羊、白藏羊）和1个引进品种（无角道赛特羊）共186只绵羊,采集新鲜血样,进行血常规检测（白细胞数（WBC）、红细胞数（RBC）、平均红细胞血红蛋白（HGB）、红细胞压积（HCT）、平均红细胞体积（MCV）、平均红细胞血红蛋白浓度（MCH）、血红蛋白浓度（MCHC）、血小板（PLT）、红细胞分布宽度（RDW-CV）、淋巴细胞百分比（LYM%））;制备血清,用绵羊ELISA试剂盒测定白介素-1（IL-1）、白介素-2（IL-2）、白介素-6（IL-6）、白介素-18（IL-18）、γ-干扰素（IFN-γ）、免疫球蛋白G （IgG）和主要组织相容性复合体（MHC）等免疫指标;分别以品种和品种来源地为因变量对检测结果进行比较分析。结果发现,以品种为因变量,无角道赛特羊的免疫水平最高,白藏羊的抗病性稍高于欧拉羊;以品种来源地为因变量时,本地绵羊品种的先天性免疫水平低于引进绵羊品种,对疾病的抵抗力较弱,除MCH、MCHC和RDW-CV外,无角道赛特羊在血液生化水平上均高于青海本地品种,说明无角道赛特羊是具有高抗病能力的优良品种。本试验为不同绵羊品种机体先天性免疫水平的研究提供了参考数据,对青海藏羊的选育工作和品种改良具有指导意义。