Journal of Animal Research
Year:2020 | Volume:33 | Issue:1|Papers Count:8

Squirrels of the genus Sciurus are tree squirrels adapted to subarctic climatic conditions. They inhabit temperate forests and are widely distributed in the Northern hemisphere. Red squirrel, Japanese squirrel and Persian squirrel are the specific species from Sciurus in Europe and Asia. Of the Palearctic species, the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) has the broadest distribution, ranging from Europe to China. In contrast, the other two Palearctic species have much narrower ranges; the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) is limited to the Iranian-Anatolian region while the Japanese squirrel (Sciurus lis) is limited to the Japanese Islands. The evolutionary history and phylogenetic status of the Persian squirrel are ambiguous and genetic information about this species is currently limited. Furthermore, although there are only three species of tree squirrel in the Palearctic region, it remains unclear whether they are monophyletic or polyphyletic. Mitochondrial genes are frequently used for taxonomic and phylogenetic studies, and the mitochondrial control region (d-loop) has sufficient variability for assessing relationships among congeneric species. Here, we describe for the first time the variability in mitochondrial d-loop sequences within and among the three Palearctic Sciurus species. Result of d-loop and Cyt b compared for phylogeny and they have similar result. Our results show that the Persian squirrel has higher variability than the other two species, while the red squirrel has lowest variability. The red squirrel and Japanese squirrel are genetically similar to each other and form a single clade, while the Persian squirrel is more genetically distant from these other two species and is placed in a separate clade.

It seems that vitamin A has a role in improving the reproductive performance of bird. The aim of this study was to investigate the dietary effect of five levels of 0, 4000, 8000, 16000 and 32000 IU/kg of vitamin A on ages of embryonic mortality, levels of steroidal hormones and reproductive organs of male and female Japanese quail. 320 adult Japanese quails were used in randomized complete block design with 5 treatments, 4 replicates and 16 birds per replicate with 12 of females and 4 males for 42 days. During experiment, birds had free access to water and feed and the lighting schedule or photoperiod was 16 hours of light. The embryonic death stage was not affected by treatments. In male quail, weight percentage of right testis was affected by experimental treatments. Weight percentage of right testis in the treatment containing 8000 IU/kg of vitamin was lower and the highest percentage was belong to 16000 IU/kg of vitamin A (P<0. 05). The highest and least relative oviduct weight was observed in diet containing 16000 and 4000 IU/Kg of vitamin A, respectively (P<0. 05). The weight of F3 follicle in the diet containing 16000 IU/kg of vitamin A was highest (P<0. 05). The diameter of F1 follicle was highest in the diet containing zero IU/Kg of vitamin A (P<0. 05). It seems that with the increase in the length of the trial period and the completion of body stores, the effects of vitamin A on reproductive parameters of the bird can be observed.

The role of hemocytes and the phenoloxidase system is well established in insect cell defense. The number of hemocytes could be affected by some sort of tension against insects or entry of any foreign agent to hemolymph. Insects with a strong immune system can sometimes alter the pathogenicity of a pathogenic agent or could even make them ineffective. In the current research, effect of tensions like starvation and thermal as well as the efficacy of entomopathogenic bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis were considered on cell defense of fifth instar larvae of the apple ermine moth, Yponomeuta malinellus Zeller. Starvation experiments incited a significant difference in total hemocyte counts, prohemocytes, granulocytes, plasmatocytes, and oenocytoids of 48 hours starved. Larve. The phenoloxidase activity was also significantly reduced 24 and 48 hours post starvation. Starvation showed an increasing trend. The effect of different thermal stresses on total number of cells was quite significant. The total number of hemocytes, granulocytes, plasmatocytes and oenocytoids in larvae which were exposed to 35 ° C for 24 hours, significantly increased compared to the control and 4 ° C, significantly reduced total number of hemocytes, granulocytes and plasmatocytes. In addition, thermal stresses reduced the phenoloxidase enzyme activity. Feeding on B. thuringiensis infested leaves significantly increased total number of hemocytes and phenoloxidase enzyme activity. These factors decreased significantly over time for up to 24 hours indicating a positive reaction of the blood cells against the foreign agent during the initial hours of entering the hemolymph. These results can be considered as a starting point for recognition of physiological defense characteristics in apple ermine moth and to be considered in microbial control programs.

Considering of damage to the choroid plexus and increasing expression of AQP-1 canals after induction of cholestatic model in male Wistar rat. Cholestasis is a model for creating Cirrhosis of the liver. The flux of water in the brain through membrane-anchored water channels, known as aquaporins (AQPs). Aquaporin-1 is a member of the family. There is in the central nervous system, it is possible that these proteins contribute to water transport across the blood-brain barrier. Mechanism of regulation of expression AQP1 is a complex and disruption of it can lead to cerebral edema, hydrocephalus, and other brain problems. The purpose of this study is evaluating the AQP-1 in cholestatic Wistar male rats’ choroid plexus and considering of choroid plexus tissue compared with the other groups. This study was performed via bilateral bile duct ligation in rats. The animals were divided in to three groups, Control, Sham, with surgery but without bile duct ligation and cholestasis with surgery and cut the bile duct. After two weeks rats were sacrificed. Brain tissue and the amount of AQP-1 were determined by immunohistochemistry method and H & E staining. In the central nervous system, AQP-1 was expressed only in the epithelium of the lateral ventricle’ s choroid plexus. Rats with cholestasis showed increased AQP-1 protein in choroid plexus, also in histological observation by H & E staining, choroid plexus tissue damage in cholestatic samples was observed. This study was conducted to investigate changes in the amount of AQP-1 protein. Also, it shows increased levels of AQP-1 in the choroid plexus of cholestatic rats which may cause brain damage and edema have been observed in cholestasis.

Morphine has adverse effects on the female reproductive system. The aim of this study was to investigate the interference effects of MgSO4 (intra ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and naloxone in the rat with polycystic ovaries induced by morphine. 80 female rats (200-250 g) kept under standard conditions were surgically coordinated (Anterior-Posterior:-1/92, Ventral: 9, Lateral: 0. 5) using a stereotactic device. After recovery they were microinjected morphine (0. 1-0. 4 µ g/rat, intra-VMH) and pre-injected naloxone hydrochloride (0. 1-0. 4 µ g/rat, intra-VMH) and also MgSO4 (1-5 µ g/rat) prior to the naloxone. The control group received physiological saline (1 µ L/rat, intra-VMH). 3 days after the experiment, uterus, ovary and brain samples were collected and studied histopathologically using hematoxylin & eosin. The ovaries in group in which morphine was injected showed polycystic features as compared to the control group. This effect was reversed by the naloxone pre-injection, but, prior treatment with MgSO4 returned the aspect. However, this substance alone did not have a significant effect on the ovaries. In addition, the inflammatory effect of morphine on the ovary and the uterus was reversed with pre-injection of naloxone, but it was also returned by the MgSO4. These materials did not have significant effect on neurons of VMH. These results indicate that the effect of morphine is mediated by mu opioid receptor which is dependent to the calcium ion signalling mechanism.

The present study aimed to assess the tissue structure and secretions of the male gonads in Arabian carpet shark, Chiloscyllium arabicum Gubanov, 1980 from the Persian Gulf during the spring and autumn. For this purpose, the tissue structure of the testis and the plasma level of testosterone were evaluated during autumn (August-November) and spring (April-June) seasons in C. arabicum. For this purpose, a total of 30 specimen of C. arabicum were caught at the Bahrakan Port, located at the Hendijan in the north of the Persian Gulf, seasonally. Fish were euthanized and blood samples were taken from caudal vein after biometrical tests and then, centrifuged for 10 min. Fish were dissected after bleeding and samples were taken from the testis and fixed in Bouin solution for 48h. Tissue sections were prepared using routine histological techniques and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Stained tissue sections were studied under light microscope. The amount of testosterone was also measured in plasma samples. The results showed that, the testis of C. arabicum was lobulated and each lobol consisted of golobolar units called spermatocyst with various spermatogenic cells in different developmental stages such as spermatogonia, spermaytocytes and spermatids. Spermatocysts in seven developmental stages were observed in fish testis during spring season. Only spermatocysts in the first five stages of development were detected in the male fish during autumn. The plasma level of testosterone was also higher in fish during spring season. In conclusion, according to the results of the present study the spring is the reproductive season of C. arabicum of the Persian Gulf.

Study on ecology and biology of scorpions is very limited and the basis of this information the country, Iran, is the identification of habitats, and morphology of scorpions in different regions of Orthochirus species are widely distributed in the world. So far, 17 species have been identified throughout the world, of which 7 species have been found in different regions of Iran. In this study, Orthochirus specimens were collected from different regions of Khuzestan province and evaluated based on 27 morphometric values and 18 morphometric ratios. Four species, O. iranis, O. zagrosensis, O. farzanpay, and O. stackwelli were identified from different regions of Khuzestan province. Orthochirus. iranis and O. stackwelli had the most (41. 6%) and the least (13. 8%) frequencies, respectively, in the various regions of the province. The results of morphological studies and statistical analyzes on morphometric showed the complete separation of four types. Differences of species were confirmed based on the characteristics and ratios of the fourth segment of metasoma, carapace and telson sizes, the position of the median eyes, and pedipalp chela length and movable finger. The result of cluster analysis indicated that O. stackwell is morphologically distinct from other groups and had the most similarities between O. iranis and O. zagrosensis.

Kangavar township is Located in the east of Kermanshah. It is mainly a mountainous and high-plain region. A various habitat types (such as grasslands, mountains, rocky and shrubbery areas) support reptiles of this region. Uncovering the lizard fauna of Kangavar region in Kermanshah province is the main aim of this study. Morphometric characters and valid keys were used to identify the lizard fauna. A distribution map was created for each species. A total number of 92 lizard specimens were collected from 11 stations. Then the specimens were transferred to the laboratory and were fixed and preserved in 70% ethanol and then their metric and meristic features were examined. Nine identified species belonging to nine genera and five families include Laudakia nupta and Trapelus lessonae (Agamidae); Cyrtopodion scabrum and Mediodactylus heterocercum (Gekkonidae); Eremias montanus and Ophisops elegans (Lacertidae), Ablepharus pannonicus and Heremites aurata (Scincidae) and Varanus griseus (Varanidae).