Effects of tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate on epididymal sperm parameters in adult male rats

Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) is widely used as a flame retardant and is known to exhibit anti-androgenic effects in vitro and in vivo. To assess the reproductive toxicity potency of TDCIPP, we investigated the effects of 7 days of TDCIPP oral administration on epididymal sperm motion and concentration in adult male Wistar–Imamichi rats. Thirty-five days after the final administration, sperm parameters were evaluated by computer-assisted sperm analysis. Results showed that sperm swimming progression and vigor and sperm concentration in TDCIPP-treated rats were unexpectedly higher than those in control rats. TDCIPP did not significantly affect the percentage of motile sperms or sperm swimming pattern. These results contribute to the understanding of the biological effects of TDCIPP.     

Morphological development of eggs, larvae and juveniles of laboratory-reared Ryukyu-ayu Plecoglossus altivelis ryukyuensis

ABSTRACT:   The development of embryos, larvae and juveniles of the Ryukyu-ayu, Plecoglossus altivelisryukyuensis are described based on laboratory-reared specimens.The eggs were spherical, 0.98–1.18 mm (mean 1.06 mm)in diameter with an adherent membrane. The incubation period after fertilizationwas approximately 155 h at a water temperature of 19.7–22.0°C(mean 20.7°C). Newly hatched larvae were 5.0–5.9 mm(mean 5.5 mm) in body length (BL) with 59–62 myotomes.Within 5 days after hatching, the larvae had attained 6.4–8.2 mm(mean 7.8 mm) BL and had completely consumed their yolk.Notochord flexion began at 13.7 mm BL and was completedby 16.3 mm BL. The rudimental dorsal, anal, pelvic andadipose fins appeared at 14.7, 16.3, 21.8 and 21.8 mm BL, respectively.All fin rays reached the same fixed number of adult fish at about28 mm BL. The comb-like teeth began to form at approximately30 mm BL and were fully developed at about 40–50 mm BL.The proportions of P. a. ryukyuensis specimens,which were consistent with adult fish, occurred at approximately40 mm BL.     

Induction of the Expressions of Antioxidant Enzymes by Luteinizing Hormone in the Bovine Corpus Luteum

Luteoprotective mechanisms of luteinizing hormone (LH) involved in the maintenance of bovine corpus luteum (CL) function have not been completely clarified. Since antioxidant enzymes are well documented as antiapoptotic factors in the CL of many mammals, we hypothesized that the luteoprotective action of LH is mediated by stimulating the local production and action of antioxidant enzymes. To test the above hypothesis, in the present study, we examined the mechanisms involved in the luteoprotective actions of LH. Cultured bovine luteal cells obtained from the CL at the mid-luteal stage (days 8–12 of the estrous cycle) were treated with LH (10 ng/ml), onapristone (OP; a specific progesterone receptor antagonist, 100 μM) and diethyldithiocarbamate [DETC; an inhibitor of superoxide dismutase (SOD), 100 μM] for 24 h. LH in combination with or without OP significantly increased the mRNA and protein expressions of manganese SOD (Mn-SOD) and catalase (CATA) and SOD activity. While LH alone significantly increased the mRNA and protein expressions of SOD containing copper and zinc (Cu,Zn-SOD), OP in combination with or without LH significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expressions of Cu,Zn-SOD. In addition, Cu,Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD and CATA mRNA expressions were higher at the mid luteal phase than the other luteal phases. LH in combination with DETC significantly decreased LH-increased cell viability. The overall results suggest that LH increases cell viability by LH-increased antioxidant enzymes, resulting in maintenance of CL function during the luteal phase in cattle.     

Three cases of idiopathic eosinophilic enteritis with chronic obstinate diarrhea in Japanese Black fattening cattle

Eosinophilic enteritis (EOE) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease and is characterized clinically by chronic obstinate diarrhea. Three Japanese Black (JB) fattening cattle (2 males and 1 female) on different cattle farms presented with chronic episodic diarrhea without fever or dehydration. Soft reddish spherical carneous tissues (1−3 cm) were occasionally excreted within the diarrheic feces. Administration of antibiotics, antidiarrheal drugs and vermicides had no therapeutic effect, but dexamethasone improved the fecal characteristics. The symptoms persisted until the animals were slaughtered at 27–30 months of age. Histopathological examination of the intestines revealed marked eosinophilic infiltration in the lamina propria and submucosa. From these findings, we diagnosed these cattle as the first cases of EOE in JB cattle.     

Histopathological findings of the nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue of pigs co-infected with porcine circovirus 2 and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) causes porcine circovirus-associated disease, and co-infection with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) severely affects the pig breeding industry. Both viruses target the macrophages in lymphoid tissues. Various porcine pathogens enter via the nasal cavity, and the nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) acts as the mucosal immune system. However, the pathological analysis has not progressed. This study aimed to histologically examine the NALT of pigs with suspected PCV2 and PRRSV infections. Six pigs were subjected to necropsy, and their NALT, tonsils, and mesenteric lymph nodes were collected. Macrophages, lymphocytic depletion, multinucleated giant cells, intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies, and neutrophil infiltration increased in the NALT. In situ hybridization revealed positive signals for PCV2 in the NALT of all pigs and PRRSV in the NALT of three pigs. PCV2-positive macrophages were mainly identified in the follicles, whereas PRRSV-positive tissues were found primarily around the crypt and directly below the epithelium. Quantitative PCR revealed 10⁸–10¹⁰ copies of PCV2 DNA/µL and 10²–10⁴ copies of PRRSV DNA/µL in the NALT. Therefore, both PCV2 and PRRSV were detected in the NALT of pigs. In conclusion, the infection and replication of both viruses in the NALT and tonsils may suppress host immunity and promote co-infection with other pathogens.