Journal of Veterinary Research
Year:2011 | Volume:66 | Issue:4|Papers Count:13

Heat shock proteins (HSPs) have been shown to act as an adjuvant when co-administered with different antigens, especially tumor antigens or antigens from infectious agents. C-terminal domain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), when fused to peptide antigens, provides a unique structure that is able to induce potent immune responses. In this study, aneukaryotic expression vector pEGFP-N1, containing C-terminal domain of Mycobacterium paratuberculosis HSP 70, Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) gene in the plasmid construct, was designed for use as a reporter. With GFP system, expression of the target protein was evaluated in the cell culture. The nucleotide sequence of the cloned gene was revealed by sequencing. The protein expression of designed plasmid was also proved by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Our eukaryotic expression vector (pEGFP-N1 -hsp70 c-terminal) was successfully constructed and HSP70 c-terminal domain protein was expressed effectively. The current experiment, as a basis for a new DNAvaccine design, can be used for the future studies on reverse vaccinology.

Negative energy balance and mineral deficiency are the most important metabolic disorders in fresh dairy cows. In order to evaluate the effect of the feeding of solution (LICVITEÒ) containing minerals (calcium, phosphorus and magnesium) and organic substances (propylene glycol and niacin) in parturient dairy cows, 30 cows were examined in a dairy farm with 500 milking dairy cows. 500 ml of Licvite syrup was fed to 15 dairy cows one hour post partum, and once again 14 hours after calving (treatment group). Fifteen parturient dairy cows, almost at the same physical situation as the treatment group, did not receive any substances after calving and were chosen as the control group. Jugular blood samples were taken from two groups as follow: 12- 15 days before parturition; 14 and 24 hours after calving; and, 10 days after parturition. Analysis of sera showed that the mean serum concentration of calcium in the treatment group at 24 hours after parturition, and mean serum concentration of phosphorous in all the measured times after parturition, were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05). After parturition it was noticed that there was a decreased level of BHBA and NEFAin the cows in the treatment group. The differences, however, were not statistically significant. The results of present study showed that oral administration of a solution containing mineral and organic substances, to dairy cows during the first day after parturition, had a very significant effect on the prevention of subclinical mineral deficiency and the negative energy balance.

Nanotechnology offers numerous opportunities for invention of new and reformed applicable products for the benefit of human society. In spite of a vast application of nanomaterials there is little information about their impact on human health. This study examines the biological activity of nanosilver on mesenchymal, natural fibroblast (HF2), and osteoblast (G292) cells. The effects of nanosilver on the cells were observed by a light microscope and the amplification of the cells was assayed by using a standard cell toxicity test. The results show that the cytotoxicity depends on nanosilver concentration. The amount of IC50 on mesenchymal stem was 6.33; and on HF2 was 6.68; and on G292 cells was 3.42 mg/L. The results show that nanosilver has two times more of an inhibition effect on cancerous cells' growth as compared to the normal cells. This phenomenon is due to the direct effect of nanosilver on the cell oxidation system. Due to the extraordinary activation of the mitochondorial respiration system in cancer cells, when compared to the normal cells, it can provide suitable opportunity for nanosilver to cause cell disruption.

Although donkeys play an important role as pack and draught animals, there is sparse information available on the histological and anatomical data for their respiratory tract. This study examined the larynxes of 4 healthy donkeys to provide data using histological techniques and anatomical dissection. The histological specimens were taken after fixation in 10% formalin and tissue passages were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and then studied under a light microscope. The laryngeal muscles and mucosa, for anatomically studying the saccules, were dissected and photographed. Compared with the horse, the donkey epiglottis is relatively shorter and more sharply pointed. A shallow, thumb shaped depression on the rostral of each vocal fold corresponds in position to the laryngeal ventricle in the horse. In the donkey, large paired laryngeal saccules, interposed between the thyroarytenoideus M. and the thyroid cartilage, open into the laryngeal cavity through a small circular orifice. There is a pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium lined saccule. Sero-Mucus secreting glands, subepithelial lympho-venous plexuses and lymph follicles were present in its orifice wall. Furthermore, the large thyroarytenoideus M. is subdivided into ventricular and vocal parts, which are thought to control the expression of secretion from the laryngeal saccule. It seems that unusual characteristics of vocalization in the donkey may be related to the shape and orientation of these larynx resonance chambers. Further investigations are needed to clarify this point.

The Thyroid gland with two symmetrical lobes has an important role in metabolism of the body and regulating of calcium. Any factor making structural and hormonal changes in this gland can produce metabolic disorders. To investigate the functional changes of the thyroid gland following co-administration of soy extract and Vitamin D3, 42 mature female mice in 7 groups were studied for 35 days. Two doses of soy extract (5 and 10 g/kgBW/day); two doses of Vitamin D3 (100 and 200 mg/kgBW/day); and, a combination of both soy extract and Vitamin D3 with two doses were fed to each mouse by gavage. At the end of the feeding trial, following anesthetizing by diethyl ether, mice were bled. Serum levels of calcium were determined by method Colorimetry, and serum concentrations of T3, T4, TSH were determined by method Radio Immuno Assay. Data was statistically analyzed by the one way ANOVAtest and significant differences were observed between groups (p<0.001). Results showed the occurrence of a dose-dependent hypothyroidism in mice receiving only soy extract. In mice receiving only vitamin D3, significant and dose dependent increases of calcium levels, significant and dose-dependent decreases of TSH levels and, insignificant decreases in serum concentrations of T3 and T4 were observed. Finally, groups receiving a combination of high doses of soy extract and Vitamin D3, showed hypothyroidism. In conclusion, this study suggests that co-administration of soy extract and Vitamin D3, only in low doses, can balance the effects of individual use of these components on thyroid function and calcium homeostasis.

BVDV is one of the commonest infectious agents causing significant economical losses in the worldwide dairy cow industry. Serious control measures have been adopted against the infection in many countries, particularly in the developed ones. Investigation of the presence and prevalence of the infection is the first step, and an important one, for efficient control. This survey is aimed at these aspects of BVD in Qazvin Province. A total of 2, 205 serum samples were gathered, almost randomly, from cows over 1-year old residing in 59 industrial dairy farms of Qazvin Province. The samples were taken from the cities of Abyek, Alborz and Buinzahra in the autumn of 2007 and the summer of 2008. A standard ELISA kit was applied for detecting antibodies against BVDV, using SPSS software (version 17) for corresponding analyses. The results indicated that 1, 644 serum samples had positive reaction. Consequently, overall seroprevalence of infection in animals during the period surveyed was estimated at about 74.5%. Prevalence of the infection at herd level was 100%. Alborz with 83.2%, Abyek with 76.2%, and Buinzahra with 59.6% stood in order of seroprevalence. In the cases with an exact recorded history of parity and abortion, statistically significant relations were found between both variables and the test results (chi-square test with p=0.0005 & p=0.03, respectively). This high seroprevalence of BVD infection in Qazvin Province, as in other parts of Iran, suggests that more and more emphasizes needs to be placed on the application of emergency measures for controlling the problem as soon as possible. In this regard, the detecting and elimination of PI calves must be considered as the first and essential action.

Lead poisoning in aquatic animals is of special importance, as is also true for all living creatures. Alicin, one of the main active components of garlic, is expected to play a protective role against lead poisoning, due to its abundant sulfur amino acids. This research studied the toxic effects of lead in Common Carp focusing on blood serum enzyme activities. The study focused on five groups each including 46 Common Carp (100±10g). The groups 2-5 received lead acetate at 7 mg/L for 10 days. Group 3 received 5 mg allicin/KgBwt; and Group 4 received daily amounts of 10 mg allicin/KgBwt, beginning 5 days before lead acetate was added. Group 5 received the same as Group 4, but received allicin for the same period as it received lead acetate. At the end of the experimental period a measurement was made of serum enzymes including GGT, ALT, AST, LDH and ALP. The studied parameters in Group 2, which was exposed to lead, were significantly higher when compared to the Control Group (p<0.001). The enzyme activities in groups receiving allicin (Groups 3-5) were significantly, and dose dependently, less than those of Group 2. However, no significant differences were observed between Groups 4 and 5. The results of the present research suggest a potent effect for allicin in alleviating tissue injuries following lead poisoning.

Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli is one the most important bacteria within Bacteriacae. The bacteria infect humans and a wide spectrum of animals, resulting in dangerous consequences such as hemolytic uremic syndrome and hemorrhagic colitis. In the current study, the prevalence of hemolysin (ehxA) and Shiga toxin (stx1 and stx2) virulence genes in non-O157 Escherichia coli, isolated from cattle stool samples, was evaluated by Multiplex PCR. The animals were referred to the Large Animal Teaching Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran. The antibiotic resistance profiles of the isolates were assessed against seven usual antibiotics used in veterinary medicine. In the PCR study of 39 non-O157 Escherichia coli strains isolated from cattle stool samples, 10 samples were found positive for stx1 or stx2 genes. The prevalence of ehxA gene was zero, which is significantly lower than that mentioned in papers reporting on this issue. As expected, the prevalence rate of stx genes in cattle isolates was usual (nearly 25%). The prevalence of stx2 was greater than the prevalence of stx1. All isolates were multiple resistant to two or more antibiotics, including ampicillin, erythromycin, polymixin-B, tetracycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin and/or cephalotin.

Microencapsulation of probiotic cells is the newest method for increasing probiotics' survival in probiotic food products in gastrointestinal conditions and safely transferring them to the large intestine. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of microencapsulation with calcium alginate and resistant starch on the lactobacillus acidophilus (La5), and the survival rate in simulated gastrointestinal juice conditions. Survivability of this bacteria was conducted in 0.6% bile salt solution and simulated gastric juice (PH1.55), followed by incubation in simulated intestinal juice with and without 0.6% bile salt. In this study the extrusion method was performed for the microencapsulation process. Data were analyzed using an independent t-test. Our results showed that survivability of microencapsulated cells in a simulated gastric juice condition, and also in simulated intestinal juice with and without 0.6% bile salt, is significantly more than free cells (p<0.05).

Clinical observations and studies have confirmed copper deficiency in Khuzestan Province, Iran. This study evaluates the efficacy of copper preparations in the treatment of copper deficiency in sheep. The study was carried out on 180 ewes in a flock with records of enzootic ataxia in their lambs in Ramhormoz. The ewes were randomly divided into 3 groups of sixty: The control group (Group 1); the oral treatment group (Group 2); and, the injection treatment group (Group 3). The ewes in Group 2 received a 4 g capsule of copper oxide orally and the ewes in Group 3 received 50 mg of calcium copper edentate by subcutaneous injection. The copper compounds were given before the release of ram into the flock. Blood samples were taken at the start and 2.5 months after the start of the study; and, during lambing time. Blood copper and ceruloplasmin content were measured. In all groups, at the start of experiment, the mean blood copper was near 3 mmol/L. This measurement indicates functional copper deficiency or hypocuprosis and the mean blood ceruloplasmin was at the lowest level of the normal range. The blood copper and ceruloplasmin levels in the second and third sampling times in Groups 2 and 3 showed significant elevations (p<0.05). No significant differences were seen in the blood concentrations of copper and ceruloplasmin between the second and third sampling times for Groups 2 and 3. This study showed that a hypocuprosis presents among sheep raised in the area and there was a partial response to a single dose of copper compounds. Therefore, repeated doses of copper compounds are recommended if hypocuprosis is diagnosed in any flock of sheep in the Khuzestan Province area.

Nowadays, methods are used to assure that fish will be alive after obtaining eggs in sturgeon brood stocks. This study examines the extraction of eggs from Sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus) females and their survival after the extraction which was made through a small surgery. In this study, after sexing and maturity staging, 3 of 16 fish which were in maturity stage IV and were injected with pituitary extract after sexing and maturity staging and after ovulation. Ripe oocytes were collected through a 2.5 cm abdominal incision. Then, the wounds were closed with two simple sutures and disinfected. Individual reproduction indices on each fish were recorded. Results of this study showed that most of the ripe oocytes were collected easily and in a short time by using this method, and no mortality occurred from surgical manipulation or secondary infections. After 30 days, wounds had thoroughly improved. This study shows that using surgery in small-sized Sturgeon, less than one kilogram, is easy and possible. To protect the brood fish in culture conditions, this method would be advisable.

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is one of the most important viral poultry diseases. To prevent the disease it is required that there be maternal and active immunity prior to and after three weeks of age. Live vaccines are usually used to immunize the broiler flocks. In addition to the type of vaccine, the route of vaccination, also, has effects on mounting an immune response. In this study, we administered a single dose vaccination of an intermediate IBD vaccine strain at 21 days of age via five routes including subcutaneous (SC), intramuscular (IM), drinking water, eye drop, and course spray. The impact of the vaccination route on mounting antibody response was evaluated by a commercial ELISAkit (IDEXX). Antibody response was mounted by all routes. The highest antibody titer in the last two sampling turns belonged to birds in the group vaccinated by the SC route, but this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05) when compared to those of other vaccinated groups. In addition to the highest antibody titer, the highest bursal/body weight ratio and body weight were observed in birds of the SC-vaccinated group. It was found that the groups vaccinated by injection, SC or IM, were the only groups that achieved to a protective level of antibody titer in the last turn of sampling. It was concluded that a single dose injection of an intermediate IBD vaccine, via SC route, is able to induce higher antibody response, and improve bursal health and performance of chickens as compared with those vaccinated via drinking water.

This study examined the effect of different starvation periods on hematological parameters including hemoglobin(MCV), hematocrit (MCH), red and white blood cells count and corpuscle indices (MCHC), of cultured juvenile Beluga (Huso huso), with an initial body weight of 45±0.91g. After adaptation to a dry diet for 10 days groups, with 15 fish in each group, were used for this experiment. Each group was randomly distributed to twelve 500L fiberglass tanks. Each tank had a flow-through system. The fish were exposed to 4 different feeding regimes; Control Group (fed four times daily); Group 1 (given 2 days of starvation); Group 2 (given 4 days of starvation); and, Group 3 (given 8 days of starvation). Analysis was done at the end of each starvation period by collecting blood from the caudal vein and immediately transporting the samples to the laboratory. The results of the analysis indicated that the different starvation periods did not affect the red blood cell count. The hematocrit value in the Control Group was significantly lower (p<0.05) than the fish group starved for 8 days. MCHC value in the control group was significantly lower (p<0.05) than the fish group starved for 2 days. The hemoglobin concentration, MCV and MCH, did not show any significant difference between the treated groups and the Control Group. Those groups with longer starvation periods showed that the white blood cell count decreased significantly (p<0.05). It could be concluded that short-term starvation periods weaken the immunological system of cultured juvenile Beluga.