IRANIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY RESEARCH (IJVR)
Year:2009 | Volume:10 | Issue:2 (27)|Papers Count:17

Antioxidant properties of ghrelin have been demonstrated in recent studies. In the present study, the effects of chronic administration of ghrelin on the motility and plasma membrane integrity of rat spermatozoa during incubation at 37°C were investigated. Thirty 45-day-old male Wistar rats were divided into control and treatment groups. Rats in the treatment group were daily injected subcutaneously with 1 nmol of ghrelin for 10 consecutive days and the control rats received normal saline. Sperm was collected after killing of rats on days 5, 15 and 40 after the last injection, and sperm characteristics were examined at 0, 3 and 5 h after incubation at 37°C. Mass motility and forward progressive movement of spermatozoa were significantly higher in ghrelin-treated animals at 3 and 5 h of incubation on day 5 (P<0.05). After 3 h of incubation on day 15, only mass motility was greater than that of the control group. Plasma membrane integrity was assessed by hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) “water test”. The mean value of HOS reacted spermatozoa was higher in the treatment group on days 5 and 15 during 0, 3 and 5 h of incubation (P<0.05). However, the percentage of HOS-positive spermatozoa was not significantly different on day 40 between groups. There was a high correlation at 3 and 5 h of day 5 between the forward progressive movement (r = 0.92 and 0.94, P<0.0001) as well as overall sperm motility (r = 0.78 and 0.81, P<0.01) with HOS test in the ghrelin-treated animals. These results can be attributed to the antioxidative effects of ghrelin on the rat sperm especially on its plasma membrane which probably protects the sperm plasma membrane against oxidative damage during incubation and causes subsequent significant increase in the HOS test results. This may result in higher sperm motility index during 5 h of incubation.

The effects of a microbial inoculant (containing propionic and lactic acid bacteria) and formic acid on chemical composition, ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM) and nutrient digestibility of corn silage were examined. Whole-plant corn was ensiled for 60 days in plastic polyethylene bags, and three treatments were compared, 1: control (no additive), 2: Propionibacterium acidipropionici plus Lactobacillus plantarum at 3 × 1010 cfu/g of fresh forage, and 3: formic acid (98%) at 2.41/t fresh forage. The silages were subjected to chemical analysis, DM degradability and nutrients digestibility in sheep. At the end of ensiling period, treatment 3 had significantly higher (P<0.05) content of crude protein (CP), lactic acid, total acids, DM recovery and pH values than other treatments. Treatment 2 had the lowest pH value, the highest level of propionic acid, and the lowest level of butyric and total acids (P<0.05). No traces of ethanol were detected for neither of silages. CP digestibility was higher (P<0.05) for treatment 1 compared with others, while ether extract (EE) digestibility was higher (P<0.05) for treatments 1 and 3 compared with treatment 2. Effective DM degradability was higher for treatment 3. All silages went under rapid fermentation and were wellpreserved and treatment 2 was more stable after opening. The degree of improvement in fermentation using microbial inoculant was lower than formic acid but expected to improve the aerobic stability by inhibition of yeast activity, especially in warm climates.

The objective of this study was to investigate aspartate-amino-transferase (AST), γ-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate-dehydrogenase (LDH) and acid phosphatase (AcP) activities and semen parameters (volume, pH, concentration, total sperm number (TSN), progressive motility, dead sperm, total morphological defect (TMD) and hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST)) in seminal plasma of Arabian horses. Furthermore, correlations between enzyme activities and semen parameters were examined. The study was performed using seven healthy Arabian stallions of proven fertility, between 11 and 17 years of age, from the Karacabey Stud Farm in Bursa, Turkey. Overall, 21 semen samples were collected from stallions during the breeding season from March to May. A significant negative correlation was observed between semen volume and concentration of TMD, AST, ALP (P<0.05) and LDH (P<0.01). pH showed a significant correlation with live:dead ratio, GGT activity (P<0.05) and progressive motility (P<0.01). All semen concentrations correlated significantly with TSN, TMD, ALP, AcP (P<0.01). Furthermore, significant correlations were found between live:dead ratio and TSN, HOST (P<0.05); TSN and ALP, AcP (P<0.01); progressive motility and HOST (P<0.01), GGT (P<0.001); AST and ALP, LDH, AcP (P<0.001); GGT and LDH (P<0.05); ALP and LDH, AcP (P<0.01) and LDH and AcP (P<0.001). No significant correlation was found between enzyme activities in stallion seminal plasma and semen parameters in different months, except for pH and HOST.

In this study, immunohistochemistry was used to clarify the early stages of viral kinetics and cyclic course of IBDV, IR499, which has been described earlier as a very virulent strain (vvIBDV). Fifteen, 4- week-old SPF chickens were inoculated with 10³ EID50 of vvIBDV, IR499, via oculo/nasal route. Five birds served as controls, and inoculated with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). The birds were then bled, and tissue samples from bursa of Fabricius, cecal tonsils, liver, spleen, and thymus and thigh muscle were harvested at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h post-inoculation (p.i.). Typical positive signals were first observed as early as 3 h p.i. in lymphoid cells of cecal tonsils (the organ of primary affinity) and Kupfer cells of liver. Viral antigens in bursa were first found at 6 h p.i. which represents the occurrence of primary viraemia. After secondary viraemia, the virus appeared in spleen and thymus at 12 h p.i. These findings at early stages of viral infection, represented IBDV, IR499, as a very virulent strain with a rapid and generalized course, at in vivo level.

Yoghurt is a unique fermented dairy product, consumed throughout the world and the trend of consumption is increasing due to its unique health benefits. Yoghurt mix is often supplemented with MSNF (milk solids-non-fat), it may contain as much as 5.7% unhydrolysed lactose. Lactose can be hydrolysed with an enzyme lactase. Deficiency of lactase in lactose-intolerant persons leads to gastrointestinal disorders; such consumers may find it difficult to consume lactose unhydrolysed yoghurt. The production of lactose hydrolysed yoghurt by pre-hydrolysing of lactose in the yoghurt mix by enzymatic hydrolysis of lactose was studied using standard materials and methods. Among the different levels of enzyme examined (0.12 to 0.56% of yoghurt mix with increment of 0.04% at each level), 0.16, 0.32 and 0.52% were found suitable to hydrolyse 50, 70 and 90% lactose in the yoghurt mix, respectively. Lactose hydrolysed yoghurt (LHY) prepared from 70% followed by 50% lactose hydrolysed mix (LHM) had significantly higher scores for body and texture, flavour and overall acceptability than control (P<0.05). However, 90% LHY secured significantly lower scores for sensory scores (P<0.05) and lactose hydrolysis in mix had no effect on colour and appearance of yoghurt at all levels of hydrolysis. Lactose hydrolysis reduced the setting time by 30-45 min over control (210 min) (P<0.05). The curd strength was checked by measuring penetration (mm/5sec) using a cone penetrometer. The yoghurt from 50, 70 and 90% LHM had shown significantly increased penetration of 280, 325 and 395 mm/5sec as compared to control (195 mm/5sec) and the amount of whey separation increased as the degree of lactose hydrolysis increased (P<0.05).

Food anticipatory activity (FAA) was assessed in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in two small raceways using demand-feeding (T2) and hand-feeding (t2). The fish of both raceways were subjected to restricted feeding (RF) at two times in two places and the fish distribution and/or trigger actuation, total agonistic behaviour between fish, and swimming speed were measured. Food anticipatory activity did not appear clearly when using the usual measures. The present study suggests that the expression of FAA is not limited to trigger actuations, fish positioning or swimming activity but may also be described by swimming speed and agonistic behaviour.

Gastric endoscopy was performed in the 24 Persian Arab horses from several race training in Tehran and Tabriz for detection of gastric ulcer. Gastric ulcer was evident in 14 Persian Arab horses (58.3%). Ten out of 14 ulcers were in nonglandular region of the stomach. The horses with the history of long term treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) had high prevalence of the gastric ulcer in the glandular mucosa. In this study the prevalence of gastric ulceration was higher in horses with active training program than others. Twelve out of 14 (71%) horses with gastric ulcers had a history of active training. The difference of two groups in respect to training was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The number of monocytes was significantly lower and concentrations of potassium were significantly higher in horses with gastric ulcer (P<0.05). The results of this study showed that the frequency of gastric ulceration in the training Persian Arab horses was relatively high. Further studies are required to evaluate the clinical importance of ulcer in these horses.

Lactic acid bacteria are characterized as gram-positive, usually non-motile, non-sporulating bacteria that produce lactic acid as a major or sole product of their fermentative metabolism. In this study, the presence of lactobacilli was investigated in the intestines of beluga (Huso huso) and Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus), inhabiting Caspian sea. The obtained data showed that various species of lactobacilli populations were found at high levels in the intestines of fishes. Total number of lactobacilli was about 105.3 and 106.4 cfu/g of intestinal content for beluga and Persian sturgeon, respectively. Physiological and biochemical characteristics of 84 strains isolated from intestines of beluga and Persian sturgeon revealed that these strains can be categorized into 2 metabolic groups; facultative and obligate heterofermentatives. The most common presumptive lactobacilli species were Lactobacillus sakei and Lactobacillus plantarum. The current study is the first report on the isolation of lactobacilli from the intestine of beluga and Persian sturgeon.

A 42-day study was conducted to evaluate the influence of full-fat flaxseed (FS) and canola seed (CS) on broiler performance, fatty acid (FA) profile of meat, serum lipid content and antibody response to sheep red blood cells antigen (SRBC). A total of 324 one-day-old chicks were attributed to 6 experimental groups. C: control (soybean-corn); CS1:7.5% CS; CS2:15% CS; CS-FS:10% FS + 10% CS; FS1:7.5% FS; FS2:15% FS. The diets containing FS and CS had a significant negative effect on performance parameters (P<0.01), however, feed consumption was not significantly (P>0.05) different among treatments. Inclusion of FS and CS significantly increased (P<0.01) the concentration of omega-3 FA and decreased the content of the arachidonic acid and n-6:n-3 polyunsaturated FA ratio. The serum lipid content and antibody titre against SRBC were not affected by dietary oil seeds (P>0.05).

Definitive hosts of the Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) parasite are carnivores such as dogs, wolves and foxes. Detection of this parasite through faecal examination is not possible. In this study, dotblotting test for E. granulosus-specific coproantigens has been evaluated in dog. Three 2–3-month-old puppies were treated with piperazine and then faecal samples were collected as pre-infection samples. Seven days later, hydatid cysts from livers and lungs of sheep were fed to the puppies. Faecal samples were collected weekly for five weeks as post-infection samples. Soluble protein of pre- and post-infection faecal samples was prepared and dot-blotting test was conducted. In parallel experiments, the presence of E. granulosus eggs and also dot-blotting test were evaluated in 15 faecal samples of dogs collected from Razi Veterinary Hospital in Mashhad. For the detection of protein bands in pre-infection and fifth-week postinfection samples, polypeptide profile was analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The results showed that incremental spot colours was observed in samples of experimentally infected dogs collected from the first to fifth post-infection weeks. In dot-blot analysis of faecal samples in 15 dogs, 4 samples were positive, and also these four samples were positive for E. granulosus eggs. In SDS-PAGE, one band in pre-infection and four bands in fifth-week post-infection samples were observed. The molecular weight of pre-infection sample of experimentally infected dogs was 16 kDa and the molecular weights of the samples collected five weeks post-infection were 14, 22, 36 and 45 kDa, respectively. In conclusion, the results of this experiment showed that the dot-blotting method does not produce a reliable outcome. For evaluation of the specific coproantigens of E. granulosus in dogs, coproantigen-ELISA test is needed.

The aim of this investigation was to study macroscopic and microscopic structures of ovaries in Barbus grypus of Karoon river and their changes during annual maturation cycle. For this purpose, 120 adult B. grypus with a mean weight of 835.0 to 1012.0 g, were caught from Karoon river and transferred alive to the laboratory. After biometrical studies, the weights and morphological appearances of gonads were recorded. Then, tissue samples from the anterior, middle and posterior portions of the gonad were excised and fixed in Bouin’s solution. For microscopical studies, 5 mm paraffin sections were prepared and stained with haematoxylin and eosin and periodic acid Schiff (PAS). Gonado-somatic indices, macroscopical and microscopical changes of ovaries were studied during different months of the year. The results showed that gonado-somatic index ranged from 0.35±0.080% in September to 2.25 ± 0.321% in June, and the maximum values were seen in June. Cyclic changes of ovarian maturation were divided into seven stages histologically. Ovarian maturation cycle in B. grypus began in late summer. Spawning period of B. grypus continued approximately from late April to early August, which indicated that B. grypus has a prolonged spawning season. Ovarian type of B. grypus was group synchronous with a capacity for multiple ovulations within a reproductive season.

Lizardfish is one of the economically important fishes of Persian Gulf. In recent years, white, ellipsoid, round or elongated nodules were found in body cavity of this fish species which in preliminary microscopic examination were recognized as microsporidia. To determine the approximate prevalence rate of microsporidian infection and to establish its taxonomic position, 50 lizardfish were bought from the local markets of Ahvaz city (the center of Khozestan province – Iran) and transferred to the laboratory for parasitological examination. In the laboratory, internal organs including liver, kidneys, spleen, intestines, gonads and muscles were examined grossly and microscopically for the microsporidian infection using wet and dry smear (stained with Giemsa). Histopathological sections were prepared from the cysts of infected fishes and stained with haematoxylin and eosin to see the arrangement of the spores within the cysts. Some of these small cysts were sampled and fixed in 3% glutaraldehyde for electron microscopic study. According to the results, the total infection rate was 44%. The infection rate in the peritoneum, stomach, gonads, intestine, spleen, muscles and liver were 16, 2, 4, 8, 2, 10 and 2%, respectively. The cysts were mostly ovoid in shape with mean size of 4.3 ± 1.8 mm (0.8 to 10 mm). The spores were ovoid and uninucleate with mean diameter of 2.4 × 1.3 μm. Polar tube coiled between six and eight time, in one row. According to the histopathology and light and electron microscopic studies, the parasite was recognized as Glugea sp.

In the present study, eight specimens of sheep (>1 year) of both sexes were dissected to provide a comprehensive description of the weight, allocation and nerve branches of the cranial cervical ganglion. The cranial cervical ganglion was found beneath the mandibular salivary gland. It was located ventromedial to tympanic bulla and ventrally to atlantic fossa. In three out of eight animals it was at the dorsal region of the base of epiglottic cartilage, medial to paramastoid process and medial of the external carotid and occipital arteries. The cranial cervical ganglion was fusiform and reddish in colour. The weight, length, width and thickness (Mean ± SE) of the cranial cervical ganglion in sheep were 0.12 ± 0.01 g, 8.52 ± 0.34 mm, 2.31 ± 0.03 mm and 2.00 ± 0.03 mm, respectively. It was found that the branches of the cranial cervical ganglion were internal carotid, external carotid and jugular nerves.

A 3-month-old male red fox that was in contact with a Persian cat referred to the small animal hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran with multi-focal circular non-pruritic skin lesions and hair loss mainly on the head and extremities. A complete series of dermatologic tests such as Wood’s light examination, direct microscopic examination, and fungal culture were performed. The isolated pathogen was identified as Microsporum canis. The animal was treated using topical and systemic ketoconazole for 4 weeks. After treatment, the lesions were completely disappeared, and there was no recurrence of skin lesions during the follow-up period. It should be noted that asymptomatic cats may carry M. canis, thus may increase the risk of fungal infections for their owners and other pets as well. This is the first documented report of M. canis infection and its treatment in a red fox.

In human several kinds of electrocardiographic findings have been reported in association with pneumothorax such as decreased and/or alternating QRS amplitude (electrical alternans). However, electrocardiographic changes concurrent with pneumothorax have rarely been discussed in veterinary literature. A 3-year-old male crossbreed dog was presented with a history of car accident. Thoracic auscultation revealed decreased lung sounds. Heart sounds were also markedly muffled bilaterally. An electrocardiogram revealed sinus arrest in association with first degree atrioventricular block. Pneumothorax was the main finding in thoracic radiographs. Seven days after initial admission, thoracic radiographs revealed that pnuemothorax was resolved and all electrocardiographic abnormalities returned to normal limits.