日粮铜源及其水平对猪下丘脑生长抑素分泌的影响

选用军牧 1号断乳仔猪 75头 ,随机分为 5组 ,采用完全随机化设计进行生长试验 ,研究了 2种铜源 (硫酸铜、蛋氨酸铜 )、3个添加水平 (5、12 5、2 5 0 mg/ kg)的日粮对猪生长及生长抑素分泌的影响 ,同时研究了下丘脑儿茶酚胺的变化与生长抑素的关系。结果表明 :日粮中添加 12 5 m g/ kg(P <0 .0 1)、2 5 0 mg/ kg(P<0 .0 5 )硫酸铜 ,12 5 mg/ kg(P<0 .0 1)、2 5 0 mg/ kg(P<0 .0 5 )蛋氨酸铜 ,可显著提高仔猪增重 ;而上述添加 5 mg/ kg硫酸铜组猪下丘脑生长抑素含量为 2 2 5 .74 ng/ g组织 ,显著高于 12 5 mg/ kg(P<0 .0 5 )、2 5 0 mg/ kg(P<0 .0 5 )硫酸铜组和 12 5 mg/ kg(P<0 .0 1)、2 5 0mg/ kg(P<0 .0 1)蛋氨酸铜组。下丘脑生长抑素含量与去甲肾上腺素、多巴胺含量呈负相关关系 (P<0 .0 5 )。据此认为 ,高剂量铜通过调节儿茶酚胺代谢抑制下丘脑生长抑素分泌 ,是其促生长调控的途径之一     

Catecholamine and cortisol responses of horses to incremental exertion

The responses of the plasma concentrations of catecholamines and cortisol in horses to varied relative intensities of exertion were examined. The plasma concentrations of cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine increased significantly (p<0.05) with exertion. The plasma cortisol concentrations at relative work intensities of 48.3%±1.4%, 82.3%±2.0% and 99.6%±0.4% of VO_2max were 114%, 124%, and 126%, respectively, of those at rest, whereas the plasma epinephrine concentrations were 239%, 772% and 3483%, and the norepinephrine concentrations were 138%, 255%, and 1121% of the values at rest. There was a significant (p<0.0001) relationship between the plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations. The blood lactate concentration and the plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations were significantly (p<0.0001) related, as were the relative work intensity (%VO_2max) and the plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations. The relationships between the plasma cortisol concentration and work intensity or blood lactate concentration were not significant (p>0.05). This study demonstrates a relationship between relative work intensity and indicators of adrenal medullary and sympathetic activity during brief exertion in horses.     

Centrally administered PD 140.548 N-methyl-D-glucamine prevents the autonomic responses to duodenal pain in sheep

Cholecystokinin (CCK) released in the CNS inhibits the analgesic action of exogenous opioids and may antagonize analgesia resulting from the activation of an endogenous pain inhibitory system. The aim of this study was to analyse the central action of PD 140.548 N-methyl-D-glucamine--a peptide antagonist of a specific peripheral type CCK receptor--on animal behaviour, catecholamines (CA) and cortisol concentration, as well as clinical symptoms of visceral pain induced by duodenal distension (DD). A 5 min distension of the duodenum wall, using a 10 cm long balloon filled with 40 and/or 80 ml of water (DD 40 and/or DD 80) at animal body temperature, produced a significant increase in plasma CA and cortisol levels, an increase in the heart rate, hyperventilation and other clinical symptoms (inhibition of rumen motility, bleating, teeth grinding, prostration, urination, defecation) that may be related to pain, proportionally to the degree of intestinal distension. Intracerebroventricular administration of PD 140.548 at the dose of 1 or/and 2 mg in toto 10 min before applying DD 40 completely blocked the increase in blood plasma cortisol, epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) concentration. It is suggested that the central inhibitory action of CCK antagonist on the cortisol and catecholamine release produced by visceral pain is due to the inhibition of peripheral CCK1 type receptors in the central centrifugal descending pain facilitatory system in sheep perhaps via the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.     

Quality evaluation of indoor‐ and outdoor‐cultured sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus) seedlings: Insight from survival and immune performance in response to combined stress of hyperthermia and hyposalinity

The mass mortalities of sea cucumber Apostichpous japonicus have prevailed in northern China, mainly attributing to the emergence of extreme environmental conditions, that is hyperthermia and hyposalinity. The high‐quality sea cucumber seedlings appear to possess more robust resistance to adverse conditions. There are usually indoor‐ and outdoor‐cultured seedlings in industrial production of sea cucumbers. Although the outdoor‐cultured sea cucumbers are practically considered to be more strong and robust, the effective evaluation approach to distinguish these seedlings has been scarce. The current study compared survival and immune performances of indoor‐ and outdoor‐cultured A. japonicus under combined exogenous stressors, that is hyperthermia and hyposalinity. Results based on secondary stress induction revealed that the activities of immune enzymes and levels of catecholamines in body wall of outdoor‐cultured seedlings were prominently higher than those of indoor‐cultured seedlings recovered for 0–72 hr following sublethal stress (30°C and 25 psu of salinity). The opposite case occurred on immune enzymes in coelomic fluid of the two sources of seedlings except for myeloperoxidase. Importantly, the outdoor‐cultured seedlings, which were recovered for 72 hr after sublethal stress, exhibited a 93% of cumulative survival rate following 7 days of recovery after lethal stress (33°C and 20 psu of salinity), 27% higher than the indoor‐cultured seedlings. Collectively, the outdoor‐cultured A. japonicus seedlings showed more superior quality than the hatchery‐produced seedlings in terms of survival and immune performance. These findings provide practically useful information towards quality distinction of the indoor‐ and outdoor‐cultured sea cucumbers, which could benefit the aquaculture industry to obtain high‐quality seedlings.     

Epinephrine and norepinephrine elevate 5′-monodeiodinase activity in rainbow trout liver slices

The 5′-monodeiodinase (5′-MDA) activity was measured in liver slices that were incubated for 3 hours with epinephrine (E) or norepinephrine (NE) in order to examine the influence of these catecholamine hormones on the regulation of hepatic monodeiodination of thyroxine (T₄) in rainbow trout. Both E and NE induced a dose-dependent increase in 5′-MDA activity and in addition, E stimulated the release of T₃ into the medium. In liver slices taken from trout that had been treated with the β-adrenoceptor inhibitor propranolol, the response to both E and NE was attenuated. The findings provide evidence of an action of these catecholamine hormones on the peripheral regulation of T₃ production, and suggest that the control operatesvia the β-adrenoceptors. Corresponding author.     

Quantification of normetanephrine in canine urine using ELISA: evaluation of factors affecting results

Catecholamine release increases in dogs with pheochromocytomas and in situations of stress. Although plasma catecholamines degrade rapidly, their metabolites, normetanephrine (NME) and metanephrine (ME), are stable in acidified urine. Our aim was to verify a human urine ELISA kit for the quantification of NME and ME in canine urine and to determine the effects on metabolite stability of sampling time (morning or midday) and day (ordinary or day spent in a clinic). We analyzed 179 urine samples from 17 healthy dogs. For NME, the mean intra-assay CV was 6.0% for all samples and 4.3% for the canine control; inter-assay CVs were 3.3, 3.8, and 12% for high and low concentration human urine positive controls supplied in the ELISA kit and a positive canine control, respectively; spike-recovery was 90–101%. For ME, mean intra-assay CV was 6.5% for samples and 9.0% for the canine control; inter-assay CVs were 12.7, 7.2, and 22.5% for high and low concentration human urine positive controls supplied in the ELISA kit and a positive canine control, respectively; spike-recovery was 85–89%. Dilution recovery was unsatisfactory for both metabolites. Based on our verification results, NME was selected for remaining analyses. We found no effect on NME concentrations of acidification or room temperature storage for up to 24 h. The NME:creatinine ratio was higher after the first of 3 clinic days compared to the same morning (111.2 ± 5.5 vs. 82.9 ± 5.3; p < 0.0001), but not on the other days. NME verification results were generally superior to ME. Dilution studies were unsatisfactory for both metabolites. Given that NME was stable without acidification at room temperature, urine samples can be collected at home. The clinic environment can cause higher NME:creatinine ratios, especially in unaccustomed dogs.     

Tetrodotoxin as a tool to elucidate sensory transduction mechanisms: the case for the arterial chemoreceptors of the carotid body

Carotid bodies (CBs) are secondary sensory receptors in which the sensing elements, chemoreceptor cells, are activated by decreases in arterial PO(2) (hypoxic hypoxia). Upon activation, chemoreceptor cells (also known as Type I and glomus cells) increase their rate of release of neurotransmitters that drive the sensory activity in the carotid sinus nerve (CSN) which ends in the brain stem where reflex responses are coordinated. When challenged with hypoxic hypoxia, the physiopathologically most relevant stimulus to the CBs, they are activated and initiate ventilatory and cardiocirculatory reflexes. Reflex increase in minute volume ventilation promotes CO(2) removal from alveoli and a decrease in alveolar PCO(2) ensues. Reduced alveolar PCO(2) makes possible alveolar and arterial PO(2) to increase minimizing the intensity of hypoxia. The ventilatory effect, in conjunction the cardiocirculatory components of the CB chemoreflex, tend to maintain an adequate supply of oxygen to the tissues. The CB has been the focus of attention since the discovery of its nature as a sensory organ by de Castro (1928) and the discovery of its function as the origin of ventilatory reflexes by Heymans' group (1930). A great deal of effort has been focused on the study of the mechanisms involved in O(2) detection. This review is devoted to this topic, mechanisms of oxygen sensing. Starting from a summary of the main theories evolving through the years, we will emphasize the nature and significance of the findings obtained with veratridine and tetrodotoxin (TTX) in the genesis of current models of O(2)-sensing.     

The inhibition of experimentally induced visceral hyperalgesia by nifedipine - a voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels blocker (VGCCs) in sheep

Present study examined the effect of VGCC L-type blocker - nifedipine given i.c.v. (0.25, 0.5, 1 and/or 2 mg in toto) on the development of nociceptive behavior, clinical symptoms, plasma catecholamin concentration and reticulo-rumen motility following 5 min lasting mechanical duodenal distension (DD) in sheep. After 24 h of fasting, all animals received i.m. ketamine analgesia (20 mg kg⁻¹ B.W) and anesthetized with pentobarbital (20 mg kg⁻¹ B.W., i.v. infusion) The permanent stainless steel cannula 29 mm in length and 2 mm in diameter was inserted into the lateral cerebral ventricle (controlled by cerebro-spinal efflux) 10 mm above the bregma and 5 mm laterally from the midline sutures using stereotaxic method.Under the same general anesthesia/analgesia a T-shaped silicon cannula (inside diameter of 21 mm), was inserted into the duodenum (12 cm from pylorus). Second identical cannule was inserted into the dorsal sac of the rumen, a previously described. After surgery each animal was kept in individual boxes for 10 days prior to experiment and was treated i.m. with benzyl procaine penicillin 30,000 I.U kg⁻¹ B.W.) + dihydrostreptomycine sulfate (10 g kg⁻¹ B.W.) + prednisolone acetate (1.2 mg kg⁻¹ B.W.) combination and i.m. ketamine (20 mg kg⁻¹ B.W.) every day by seven consecutive days.Experimental DD was conducted by insertion and then distension of rubber balloon (containing 40 ml of warm water) inserted into sheep duodenum. Duodenal distension produced a significant increase in behavioral pain manifestations, tachycardia, hyperventilation, inhibition of reticulo-ruminal contractions rate (from 87.2 to 38.0% during 15-20 min), an increase of plasma catecholamine concentration (over 6.4-fold increase of epinephrine during 2 h following DD, 2-times norepinephrine and 84% increase of dopamine). Nifedipine infusion administered 10 min prior to DD decreased intensity of visceral pain manifestations such as: behavioral changes, hyperventilation, reticulo-rumen motility and efficiently prevent appearance of catecholamine release. These data demonstrated that the development and persistence of duodenal hyperalgesia depends on the activation of Ca²⁺ ion flux leading to neurotransmitters release and modulation of membrane excitability. It seems that nifedipine given i.c.v. 10 min prior to DD (as a source of visceral pain), inhibited specific receptors 1 subunits of VGCCs in target tissues, prevented depolarization of cell membranes and release of neurotransmitters responsible for pain sensitivity in sheep. The observed antinociceptive action of VGCCs type L blockers suggest that these channels play a crucial role in the modulation of acute visceral hyperalgesia in sheep.     

Analysis of cat retina for dopamine,dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 3-methoxytyramine and homovanillic acid

Twenty retinas from 10 cats were evaluted for dopamine (DA) and its metabolites dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT) and homovanillic acid (HVA) by high pressure liquid chromatography and electrochemical detection. Dopamine was present in all 20 retinas at a mean concentration of 3.00±0.54 ng/mg protein. Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid, 3-MT and HVA were detected in 16, 14 and 9 retinas respectively.In retinas in which these metabolites were detectable, they were present in the following mean concentrations: DOPAC, 1.07±0.21 ng/mg protein; 3-MT, 3.44±0.97 ng/mg protein and HVA, 4.54±1.05 ng/mg protein. Significantly higher concentrations of 3-MT (p=0.0108, paired t test) and HVA (p=0.0166, paired t test) than DOPAC were present in cat retina. Linear correlation analysis between DA and its metabolites indicated that the 3-MT and DOPAC concentrations correlated well with each other and with the amount of DA in cat retina. The concentrations of the end product metabolite, HVA, had poor correlations with the concentrations of 3-MT, DOPAC or DA. These data indicated that once DA is released in cat retina it can be metabolized to 3-MT, DOPAC and HVA.     

Anti-melanogenic effects of black,green, and white tea extracts on immortalized melanocytes

Tea contains polyphenols and is one of the most popular beverages consumed worldwide. Because most tyrosinase inhibitors that regulate melanogenesis are phenol/catechol derivatives, this study investigated the inhibitory effects of Camellia sinensis water extracts (CSWEs), including black tea, green tea, and white tea extracts, on melanogenesis using immortalized melanocytes. CSWEs inhibited melanin accumulation and melanin synthesis along with tyrosinase activity in a concentration-dependent manner. These inhibitory effects were superior to those of arbutin, a well-known depigmenting agent. The anti-melanogenic activity of black (fermented) tea was higher than that of a predominant tea catecholamine, epigallocatechin gallate. CSWEs, especially black tea extract, decreased tyrosinase protein levels in a concentration-dependent manner. These results suggest that the anti-melanogenic effect of CSWEs is mediated by a decrease in both tyrosinase activity and protein expression, and may be augmented by fermentation. Thus, CSWEs could be useful skin-whitening agents in the cosmetic industry.