Adult Rabbits Research Articles

Silymarin attenuates oxidative stress and pathological changes induced by salinomycin in adult male rabbits

AbstractFeed additives are used in animal husbandry to prevent diseases and enhance growth rates. Salinomycin sodium (SAL) is an approved feed additive for rabbit fattening diets, typically administered at a dosage of 20–25 mg/kg feed with a 5-day withdrawal period. However, the misuse or abuse of SAL can result in toxicity in rabbits. This study aimed to evaluate the adverse effects of SAL administration in different organs for the first time and the protective role of silymarin in rabbits. Seven groups of rabbits were randomly allocated. The control group received no additives. The second and third groups received rations with 20 mg SAL/kg and 40 mg SAL/kg, respectively. The fourth and fifth groups received the same SAL doses with silymarin at 6.5 mg/kg body weight (bw) and 13 mg/kg bw, respectively. The sixth and seventh groups were administered silymarin alone at 6.5 mg/kg bw and 13 mg/kg bw, respectively. Rabbits were euthanized and slaughtered on day 29 following the Halal method. SAL at 20 mg/kg ration caused mild to moderate pathological changes compared to the control group, while 40 mg SAL/kg ration induced severe pathological changes. However, silymarin supplementation, alone or with SAL, improved organs histology. Both silymarin doses (6.5 mg/kg bw and 13 mg/kg bw) mitigated SAL's harmful effects. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential detrimental effects of SAL toxicity on different organs in rabbits. The supplementation of silymarin reduced and prevented these hazardous effects. These findings emphasize the promising role of silymarin as a protective agent against SAL-induced toxicity in rabbits.

Nintedanib alleviates polypropylene mesh-induced adhesion in rabbit ventral herniorrhaphy

Abstract BACKGROUND: Nintedanib (previously known as BBIF 1120) was approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and European Medical Agency to treat idiopathic lung fibrosis in the year 2014 and 2015, respectively. It is now gaining interest for its anti-fibrotic activity in other organs and disease conditions. Although a surgical mesh is used as a mainstay therapy for herniorrhaphy, postoperative peritoneal adhesion with a polypropylene mesh is a significant drawback. This study aims to assess the efficacy of nintedanib in preventing postoperative adhesion incited with a polypropylene mesh in a rabbit model of ventral hernia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ventral hernia was induced surgically in ten adult healthy New Zealand White rabbits of either sex. Hernioplasty was performed with a polypropylene mesh, and the rabbits were randomly allocated into two groups to receive either oral 1 ml sterile water or 100 mg nintedanib in 1 ml of sterile water for 7 days. The adhesion of the implanted mesh with the intra-abdominal organs was assessed clinically, by histological and ultrastructural studies with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at 30 days postoperatively. RESULTS: All rabbits were clinically healthy for 30 days post-surgery with no complication at the site of surgery. The incidence of peritoneal adhesion and tenacity was less in the nintedanib group versus the control group (P = 0.00105). Histopathological and SEM evaluations also indicated less fibrosis and adhesion in the nintedanib-treated group versus control. CONCLUSION: Our results show successful prevention of mesh-associated adhesion with nintedanib, but further studies on the mechanistic pathway, pharmacokinetics, dose standardization, and evaluation of systemic side effects are warranted.

Smartphone Aided Funduscopy in Albino Rabbits

Aims: The methodology, utility and clinical feasibility of using a smartphone camera to obtain images of ocular fundus of albino rabbits with ocular hypertension and normotension were studied. A comparative analysis of fundus images obtained from two popularly used smartphone models, android and iOS device was performed on 36 adult albino rabbits. Study Design: A cross-sectional study involving two cohorts of ocular hypertensive and normotensive albino rabbits. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy for an eight-week period (2023). Methodology: A total of 36 adult albino rabbits (18 males and 18 females; age range 6- 8 months of age) with ocular normotensive eyes and unilateral ocular hypertension-induced models were used. The conscious animals were gently restrained in an acrylic restrainer. Instillation of topical mydriatic solution (tropicamide 0.8% and phenylephrine 5%) facilitated visual examination and enhanced field of view along with auxiliary condensing lenses of 20 and 40 Diopters. A comparison of fundus images obtained from two popularly used smartphone models, android and iOS devices was performed on 36 adult albino rabbits. Results: Fundus images comprising the optic nerve head and peripapillary retina were obtained with adequate spatial resolution and detail. The variation between optic disc of ocular hypertensive eye revealed mild edema and cupping of optic disc. Normal merangiotic retina and optic disc were clearly obtained in normotensive rabbit eyes. The iOS device used in this case yielded better images in resolution and field of view compared to the android version used in this case. Conclusion: Smart phone funduscopy offered good detail in contrast and resolution even in amelanotic eyes of albino rabbits using inbuilt technology without the need for an external adapter or sophisticated additional software. It is an animal-friendly futuristic solution for digital documentation, telemedicine, teaching and clinical prognosis formulation.

Morphological characteristics of rabbits’ carpal tunnel: Evaluation of its potential for carpal tunnel research

This study aimed to define the main anatomic components and describe the normal size and form of the carpal tunnel in rabbits using imaging techniques. It was also aimed to evaluate the potential of rabbits as an animal model for carpal tunnel research. The forelimbs of eight adult New Zealand rabbits were investigated using histology, magnetic resonance, and computed tomography. Two cadavers were used for anatomical dissection to support the findings. The carpal tunnel was examined at proximal and distal levels, and it was found that the flexor retinaculum is two-layered in rabbits. Both vascular nerve bundles, including the median nerve and the ramus palmaris of the ulnar nerve, were within two layers of it and passed through the carpal tunnel. The deep digital flexor, superficial digital flexor, and radial carpal flexor tendons were observed within the carpal tunnel. The flexor pollicis longus tendon is not found in rabbits. The area of the carpal tunnel narrowed towards the distal end in three methods, and its depth decreased in CT and MRI. The length of the accessory carpal bone determined this depth. The study found that rabbits' carpal tunnels are morphologically similar to those of humans compared to dogs. This situation is thought to pave the way for more accurate approaches to carpal tunnel research in rabbits.

Histological Determination of Cinnamon and Olive Oil Extract on Traumatic Oral Ulcer in Laboratory Rabbit

Background: The mucosa of oral cavity is the mucous membrane which covers the tissues of the mouth cavity. In order to repair damage from a local aggressor, many cell strains and their byproducts work together throughout the vital physiological process of wound healing. This process culminates in tissue repair and starts relatively early in the inflammatory phase. . The supplements of cinnamon and olive oil can dramatically raise blood levels of antioxidants while lowering those of inflammatory indicators like C-reactive protein. Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the local histological effect of topical application of cinnamon and olive oil extract on the rabbit oral mucosa Patients and Methods: 20 adult male rabbits that weight about 700-900 Kg and age about (6-8) months where used in this experimental study. Ulcer induction: Prior to the creation of the ulcers, rats were fixed on their backs and all animals were anaesthetized and induction the ulcer with round filter papers 5.5 mm in diameter were soaked in 15 ml of 50% acetic acid. In order to create round ulcer, an acid-soaked filter paper was pressed onto the right buccal mucosa for 60 seconds. Then divided the groups according to the healing time with 10 rabbits as a control group left healed normally and 10 rabbits as an experimental group that daily used mixture of cinnamon extract and olive oil ready extract topically applied on the traumatic ulcer. The animals were sacrificed along three- and seven-days healing periods and then prepared H&E stain for analyzed the results. Results: In comparison to the control group, the histological results of oral ulcers that were created and treated with a daily application of a herbal mixture consisting of cinnamon extract and olive oil extract showed greater epithelization, reduced inflammation, and increased angiogenesis, all of which sped up the healing process. Furthermore, there was a noteworthy distinction in the formation of extracellular matrix and collagen fiber synthesis between the experimental and control groups. Conclusion: Topical treatment using ready herbal extracts of olive oil and cinnamon was more successful in facilitating the recovery of traumatic ulcers.

Establishment of rabbit knee osteoarthritis model by simple anterior cruciate ligament disruption

The rabbit knee osteoarthritis(KOA) model was established by simple anterior cruciate ligament disruption. The selected 40 adult white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups, blank group with 6 rabbits and model group with 34 rabbits. The rabbits in model group were given the disruption of anterior cruciate ligament of right knee joint. In the fourth, eighth and the twelfth weeks of modeling, different degrees of degenerative changes have been observed on the rabbits articular cartilages from both macroscopic and microscopic aspects. At 4, 8 and 12 weeks after modeling, the articular cartilage of the rabbits in the model group showed degenerative changes in different degrees. At 8 and 12 weeks, the typical pathological manifestations of KOA in the middle and late stages were found in the infrapatellar fat pad and synovium, respectively. There were no changes in articular cartilage, infrapatellar fat pad and synovial membrane in the blank group at the same time. There were significant differences in the gross score between the model group and the blank group at 4 weeks [(1.300±0.674) vs 0.000], 8 weeks [(2.400±0.516) vs 0.000] and 12 weeks [(3.583±0.668) vs 0.000] (P<0.05), the histopathological scores were significantly different, at 4 weeks [(2.900±0.567) vs 0.000], 8 weeks [(7.500±1.178) vs (0.500±0.707)], 12 weeks[(11.833±1.337) vs (1.500±0.707)], (P<0.05). The establishment of rabbit knee arthritis model by simply cutting the anterior cruciate ligament is simple and feasible, with good stability, high success rate, small trauma, short modeling cycle and less changes in animal physiological structure. The rabbit knee arthritis model established by simply cutting the anterior cruciate ligament has good modeling effect on different stages and grades of knee osteoarthritis, and the postoperative infection and trauma can be controlled, which can meet the test requirements.

Effect of Ethyl-Cyanoacrylate and Platelet-Rich Fibrin on Fresh Sockets of Rabbits Subjected to Anticoagulant Therapy.

Objectives: There are no studies related to the use of PRF associated with cyanoacrylates in fresh post-extraction sockets. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the effect of ethyl-cyanoacrylate combined with PRF in fresh sockets of rabbits subjected to anticoagulant therapy. Methods: Twelve adults rabbits were selected and premedicated with heparin 1 week before surgery to induce and simulate anticoagulant therapy. Upper and lower first premolars on the right side were extracted and then were divided into four groups of three animals each, with the groups distributed according to the type of intervention in the sockets (n = 6): (1) clot and suture (control); (2) PRF and suture; (3) clot and ethyl-cyanoacrylate; (4) PRF and ethyl-cyanoacrylate. At 12 weeks, the animals were sacrificed and the sockets were analyzed histologically and quantitatively. Total bone area, inflammation infiltrate, and adhesive remnants were assessed. Results: No remnants of adhesive were found in the samples. Groups 1 and 2 showed the highest bone area (G1 = 37.87% ± 17.86; G2 = 30.31 ± 9.36) with significant differences to those treated with ethyl-cyanoacrylate adhesive (G3 = 26.6% ± 11.82; G4 = 24.29% ± 6.25). Conclusions: The groups that used ethyl-cyanoacrylate as a closure method in sockets exhibited less bone area than the groups that used sutures. Both groups that used PRF as therapy did not show a significant improvement in bone healing at 12 weeks compared with the clot groups.

Pancreatic inflammation induced by hypothyroidism in female rabbits is associated with cholesterol accumulation and a reduced expression of CYP51A1, FXRβ, and PPARβ/δ.

In women and animal models, hypothyroidism induces hypercholesterolemia, pancreatitis, and insulitis. We investigated whether lipids are involved in the effects of hypothyroidism in the pancreas. Control (n = 6) and hypothyroid (n = 6) adult female rabbits were used. We quantified serum and pancreatic triacylglycerol and total cholesterol levels, the oxidative and antioxidant status, and the expression of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol receptor (LDLR) in the pancreas. Inflammation of the pancreas was evaluated by infiltration of immune cells positive to CD163 and α-farnesoid receptor (FXRα). Other lipid players involved in both inflammation and insulin secretion of the pancreas, such as lanosterol 14-α-demethylase (CYP51A1), β-farnesoid receptor (FXRβ), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor β (PPARβ/δ), were quantified. Groups were compared by t-Student or U-Mann-Whitney tests (p ≤ 0.05). Hypothyroidism induced hypercholesterolemia and a high cholesterol accumulation in the pancreas of female rabbits, without affecting oxidative or antioxidative status nor the expression of LDLR. The pancreas of hypothyroid females showed inflammation identified by a great infiltration of immune cells, macrophages CD163+, and loss of expression of FXRα+ in immune cells. Moreover, a reduced expression of CYP51A1, FXRβ, and PPARβ/δ, but not 3β-HSD, in the hypothyroid pancreas was found. Pancreatitis and insulitis promoted by hypothyroidism may be related to the accumulation of cholesterol, lanosterol actions, and the activation of PPARβ/δ. All inflammatory markers evaluated in this study are related to glucose regulation, suggesting the link between hypothyroidism and diabetes.

Interleukin-1 Beta (IL1B) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF): Key Players in Rabbit Reproductive Regulation.

Several seminal plasma components, besides NGF, are implicated as ovulation-inducing factors in mammals. This study investigated the IL1B and its receptor IL1R1 in the testis (T), male accessory glands, prostate (P) and seminal vesicles (SV), and uterus (U) of adult rabbits using immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). We also assessed the presence of IL1B in seminal plasma through Western blotting (WB) and examined the interaction between IL1B and NGF in vitro by measuring their production with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in the presence of NGF and IL1B alone or with their respective receptor antagonists. IHC revealed IL1B system expression in all reproductive organs studied, with IL1B and IL1R1 localized to the germinative epithelium of the T and the epithelial cells of the accessory glands and U. IL1B gene transcript levels were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the P and SV compared to the T, while IL1R1 levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the P compared to the other tissues, while IL1R1 levels were three times higher (p < 0.001) in the P. WB confirmed the presence of IL1B in seminal plasma with a 30-35 kDa band. The in vitro study demonstrated that IL1B increased (p < 0.05) basal NGF production in the U, whereas NGF had no effect on IL1B production. These findings provide evidence of the expression of the IL1B/IL1R1 system in both male and female rabbit reproductive tracts and suggest that IL1B in seminal plasma may influence uterine endocrine activity. The results propose a potential role for IL1B in ovulation, in conjunction with NGF, supporting that ovulation may involve inflammatory-like processes.

Induction of Controllable Vortical Flow in a Dual-Stenosis Aorta Model: A Replication of Disordered Eddies Flow in Aneurysms.

This paper presents a two-stenosis aorta model mimicking vortical flow in vascular aneurysms. More specifically, we propose to virtually induce two adjacent stenoses in the abdominal aorta to develop various vortical flow zones post stenoses. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted for the virtual two-stenosis model based on physiological and anatomical data (i.e., diameters, flow rate waveforms) from adult rabbits. The virtual model includes adult rabbits' infra-renal portion of the aorta and iliac arteries. 3D CFD simulations in five different dual-stenosis configurations were performed using a commercial CFD package (FLUENT). In-house software assessed the evolution of flow vortices. Notably, spatial-temporally averaged wall shear stress (STA-WSS) and oscillatory shear index (OSI), the total volume of vortex flow, the number of vortices, and the phase-to-phase overlap of vortex flow within each region were evaluated. In all models, we found consistent patterns of the vortex flow parameters, indicating that the adjacent stenoses induced three different hemodynamic zones, namely, stable vortical flow (after the first stenosis), transient vortical flow (after the second stenosis), and unstable vortical flow (further distal to the second stenosis). Also, different degrees of flow disturbance can be achieved in these three zones. It is significant to note that, although the 'dual-stenosis' geometry is completely hypothetical, it allows us to create various vortical flows in consecutive vessel segments for the first time. As a result, if implemented as a pre-clinical model, the proposed two-stenosis model offers an attractive, tunable environment to investigate the interplays between subject-specific hemodynamics and vascular remodeling. This aspect remains in our future directions.

Effect of long-term oral administration of the flavonoid quercetin on the antioxidant profile of young and adult reproductive rabbit does.

In industrialized farms, rabbit does undergo intensive production rhythms which overlap lactation and gestation, leading to a high energy mobilization and increasing oxidative stress. Accordingly, we hypothesize that administration of the flavonoid quercetin (QUR) may improve the antioxidant status of young and adult rabbit reproductive females. In this study, the effect of daily oral administration of 300 mg/kg QUR for 8 weeks was assessed on the antioxidant profile of 24 New Zealand × Californian rabbit does, assigned to 4 experimental groups: rearing young (8-16 weeks old) and adult does at the end of their reproductive life (12-14 months old, with at least 3-4 reproductive cycles) treated (YQ and AQ) or not (YC and AC) with QUR, respectively. Plasma glutathione (GSH), as well as serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured during the experimental period. To assess the health status of the animals, a physical examination was also performed. GSH plasma concentrations were significantly higher in young does at weeks 1 and 4, but not at week 8 of the experiment, irrespectively of QUR administration. An increase in GSH plasma concentration was observed during the 8-week experiment in both AQ and AC groups. Furthermore, QUR administration did not alter either SOD or MDA serum activity and concentration in any group during the experimental period. Physical examination revealed no differences between the experimental groups. In conclusion, under our experimental conditions, QUR did not modify the general clinical or the antioxidant profile of young and adult reproductive rabbit females.

The Ocular Penetration and Intraocular Pressure Lowering Effect of Topical Acetaminophen in the New Zealand White Rabbit.

Purpose: Emerging data suggest that acetaminophen lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) and has the potential to be repurposed as pharmacotherapy to treat open-angle glaucoma. However, pharmacokinetic data are lacking. This study aims to describe the pharmacokinetics of topical acetaminophen and its metabolite [N-arachidonoylaminophenol (AM404)] when administered individually and in combination, and to determine its effect on IOP in the ocular normotensive adult New Zealand White Rabbit (NZWR). Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted using topical 1% acetaminophen and 1% AM404. The study was divided into two sub-studies using both paired-eye and two-eye designs. Results: The mean [95% confidence interval of the mean (95% CI)] concentration of acetaminophen detected in the aqueous humor (AH) was 4.09 ppm (3.18-5.00) at 2 h and 0.92 ppm (0.60-1.24) at 4 h after an immediate dose of topical acetaminophen. The integral IOP, defined as the integral of IOP change from baseline over time, was -5.1 mmHg⋅h (95% CI: -10 to 0.41) for control,-7.5 mmHg⋅h (95% CI: -14 to -1.1) for half-hourly acetaminophen, and -4.4 mmHg⋅h (95% CI: -14 to 5.5) for hourly acetaminophen over a 4-h period. When comparing topical acetaminophen with AM404 dosed half-hourly over a 4-h period, the integral IOP was -2.3 mmHg⋅h (95% CI: -5.9 to 1.3) for control,-2.0 mmHg⋅h (95% CI: -5.6 to 1.7) for AM404, -1.7 mmHg⋅h (95% CI: -4.5 to 1.2) for acetaminophen, and -3.2 mmHg⋅h (95% CI: -5.4 to -0.96) for acetaminophen/AM404 combined. Conclusions: Acetaminophen, but not its metabolite AM404, penetrated the multilayered cornea via passive diffusion in a dose-dependent fashion. There was a nonsignificant tendency to cause a lowering of IOP over the 4-h dosing period with higher AH concentrations of acetaminophen. Topical AM404 did not show a significant IOP-lowering effect.

Testing a new micro-osteoperforation modality on the rate of orthodontic tooth movement in a rabbit model

Objectives. The current study objective was to test and compare the impact of a new micro-osteoperforation (MOP) modality with 2 other modalities on the rate of tooth movement (RTM) in rabbits. Methods. The sample comprises 45 adult male albino rabbits aged 24 weeks and divided equally into 3 groups regarding MOP modalities; a single vertical MOP (1V-MOP), a single vertical MOP + 2 horizontal MOPs (1V+2H-MOP), as the new MOP design; and 3 horizontal MOPs (3H-MOP). The first right mandibular premolar (RMP1) received MOP(s) + orthodontic force 50g by traction spring. The contralateral tooth on left (LMP1), as positive (+ve) control, received only 50g orthodontic force by another spring. Both springs were fixed by a mini-screw between the 2 lower incisors. Evaluations of the clinical RTM and histopathology with H and E stain of the compressed PDL at the cervical, middle, and apical thirds of MP1 root were performed for comparing after 1, 2, and 3 weeks of OTM respectively. Results. The RTM (P&lt;0.001) and number of osteoclasts, osteoblasts, blood vessels and PDL width (P&lt;0.001 to P=0.039) significantly increased in the MOP groups; the 1V+2H-MOP was in between the higher 1V-MO P and the lower 3H-MOP. Conclusion. All MOP modalities could efficiently accelerate RTM and increase the activity of the compressed PDL, but with a variant rate. The new 1V+2H-MOP modality can be chosen as the best modality for faster RTM, because it showed moderate RTM after the 1V-MOP.

Association of Encephalitozoon cuniculi with Clinical Signs and Abnormal Hematologic/Biochemical Changes in Pet Rabbits in Thailand.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi can cause serious disease and subclinical infection in rabbits and requires active surveillance to control the infection. This study investigated the association between anti-Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibody status and various health parameters in pet rabbits. A total of 90 rabbits were divided into healthy (N = 30), subclinical (N = 30), and clinical (N = 30) groups based on their anti-Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibody status and clinical presentations. The mean ages of the control (37 ± 40 months) and subclinical groups (38 ± 34 months) were notably lower compared to that of the clinical group (63 ± 38 months, p < 0.01). Serum titers for anti-Encephalitozoon cuniculi antibodies were significantly elevated in rabbits with subclinical and clinical infections compared to those of healthy rabbits (p < 0.05). Neurological signs were predominant in rabbits with active E. cuniculi infection (80.0%), with additional pathological features including urinary dysfunction (10.0%) and cataracts (10.0%). The source of rabbits was not associated with E. cuniculi infection (p = 0.159). Anemia was significantly linked to E. cuniculi infection (p = 0.026); however, no significant associations were found with leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, or serum biochemistry parameters. Mature adult rabbits were more likely to be infected with E. cuniculi. Recognizing anemia and neurological signs facilitates in early diagnosis of E. cuniculi infection.

Regulatory effects of vitamin E nano-emulsion on blood metabolites, immunological variables, testicular architecture, and sperm ultrastructure of heat-stressed V-line rabbit bucks

The study investigated the beneficial effects of vitamin E-loaded nano-emulsion (NEVE) on hemato-biochemical changes, oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, immunological variables, and semen quality in heat-stressed rabbit bucks. Forty adult V-line rabbit bucks were randomly assigned to four groups and fed diets containing NEVE at 0 (NEVE0), 50 (NEVE50), 100 (NEVE100), and 200 (NEVE200) mg/kg for 12 weeks. The NEVE had a mean particle diameter of 32.6 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.6, and a zeta potential of −31.1 mV. The dietary NEVE significantly improved the hematological, blood protein, lipid profile, and liver functions of rabbit bucks (p < 0.05). The NEVE200 treated group showed higher levels of nitric oxide, TAC, and SOD in blood serum and seminal plasma compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, levels of MDA, IL-4, and TNF-α were significantly shrunken in response to the dietary treatment (p < 0.0001), while the IgA and IgG were improved in the NEVE100 and NEVE200 groups. The NEVE200 exhibited higher progressive motility, ejaculate volume, viability, and better libido (lower reaction time) than the untreated group (p < 0.05). TEM images illustrated that NEVE200 exhibited higher sperm cells with a normal structure, intact plasma membranes, and acrosomes than the other groups. Moreover, testicular architecture was improved with NEVE supplementation. Overall, the dietary addition of NEVE at 100 or 200 mg/kg could be an effective strategy to improve the health and semen quality of rabbit bucks during hot climates.

Caecal villi? A comparative histological and morphometric study of caecal and jejunal mucosa in adult rabbits

BackgroundRabbits are herbivores with a distinctive digestive strategy that differs significantly from other caecal fermenters (e.g., horses, guinea pigs) and ruminants. In view of this, the current study aimed to highlight distinctive histological and morphometric features of the caecal mucosa in adult rabbits that accentuate its major role in digestion. The caecal and jejunal samples were harvested from five 1-year-old domestic rabbits and processed by regular paraffin-embedding histological technique followed by Goldner’s trichrome staining. A comprehensive morphological and morphometrical analysis of the jejunal mucosa vs. caecal mucosa was performed.ResultsMicroscopically, as in the case of the jejunal mucosa, the caecal mucosa presents long and often branched finger-like villi covered by a simple columnar epithelium mostly made of enterocytes with a prominent microvillous brush border. Besides, the caecal villi include a lacteal along with the villous muscle. Statistically, except for villus length, all the parameters assessed in the caecal mucosa, including villus width, villus count, thickness of the brush border and enterocyte/goblet cells ratio, revealed a high grade of similarities with the jejunal villi.ConclusionsAccording to the obtained results, the caecal mucosa in adult domestic rabbits includes unique features, namely caecal villi, structures infrequently presented in the large intestine of other adult mammals. Those structures once more emphasize the major role of the caecum not only in fermentation but also subliminally in local absorption. To our knowledge, this is the first reliable microanatomical and morphometric report of caecal villi in adult domestic rabbits.

Evaluation of comparative effect between aluminum hydroxide gel and montanide (ISA 70) in potency and protection of locally prepared rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus 2 (RHDV2) vaccines in rabbits

BackgroundRabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is an acute infectious disease that damages the rabbit industry by producing significant mortality rates in young and adult rabbits. RHD is better controlled by vaccination.ObjectiveThe current study's goal was to prepare and evaluate the immuno-enhancing effect of montanide ISA70 and aluminum hydroxide (Al(OH)3) gel incorporated within the inactivated RHDV2 vaccine and assess the vaccine's protective efficacy against the homologous and heterologous local RHDV2 strains in rabbits.MethodsInactivated RHDV vaccines were prepared using Montanide ISA70 oil or Al(OH)3 gel adjuvants and submitted to sterility, safety, and potency tests. 200 rabbits were equally divided into 4 groups: G1 (control), G2 (vaccinated with gel-incorporated vaccine), G3 (vaccinated with montanide-incorporated vaccine), and G4 (vaccinated with gel- and montanide-incorporated vaccines). Individual blood samples were collected from one week to six months from all groups. The vaccine's potency was measured by the HI test and protection percentage post challenge.ResultsData revealed slightly increasing HI titer means reaching the 1st peak at 4 weeks post-vaccination (7.33, 7.67, and 7.33 log2 in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th groups, respectively), then slightly decreasing and peaked again, giving 9.33 log2 for the2nd group at 3 months post-vaccination (MPV), 10.67 log2 for 3rd the group, and 10.33 log2 for the 4th group at 5 months post-vaccination. Titer gradually decreased but remained protective. The protection rate ranged from 80–100% and 80–90% for homologous and heterologous local RHDV2 vaccines, respectively, within 3 weeks and 6 months post-challenge. The montanide oil RHDV2 vaccine induced better protection than the aluminum gel RHDV2 vaccine.ConclusionThe results demonstrated evidence of cross-protection between RHDV2 strains. The oil emulsion vaccine induced higher and longer-lasting antibody titers than those obtained with the RHDV2 aluminum gel vaccine.

Sosialisasi Dan Pelatihan Cara Beternak Kelinci Bagi Peternak Kelinci Di Kabupaten Soppeng

Rabbits are livestock that are easy to breed in Indonesia. Rabbits are one of the sources of livelihood for the "Mandiri" rabbit farming group under the guidance of TP PKK, Salokaraja Village, Lalabata District, Soppeng Regency. The rabbit farming business is used as income for business sustainability and development, as well as to meet daily needs. However, this potential is hampered by the large number of deaths and the decline in the quality of adult rabbit production. The cause of this problem is the farmer's low knowledge of rabbit diseases and the success of pregnancy after mating. The methods used in this activity are counseling, pre-test, and post-test, mentoring and training for group members and final evaluation. The results of the activity are that the rabbit farming group is still developing a business based on raising rabbits as pets or ornamental rabbits for sale and has not yet made meat rabbits for sale for consumption and there is no meat processing for processed products. The main problem that is also the topic of counseling and training is health problems such as skin disease (scabies) and sometimes mothers who have been mated also do not give birth, after checking it turns out that the mating was not successful or failed to get pregnant. There is still a lack of education about the health benefits of consuming rabbit meat compared to other livestock, so interest in raising meat rabbits for consumption and as processed products is still low. So, through this outreach it can be a forum for education for breeders who do not yet know the advantages and benefits of rabbit farming. So that this rabbit farm can become a business unit that is able to expand employment opportunities for the community, especially breeders, towards potential new entrepreneurs.

Effects of Short-Term Treatment of Rabbit Extraocular Muscle With Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor.

Little is known about the effect of ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) on extraocular muscles, but microarray studies suggested CNTF might play a role in the development and/or maintenance of strabismus. The effect of short-term treatment of adult rabbit extraocular muscle with injected CNTF was examined for its ability to alter muscle characteristics. Eight adult New Zealand white rabbits received an injection into one superior rectus muscle of 2 µg/100 µL CNTF on 3 consecutive days. One week after the first injection, the rabbits were euthanized, and the treated and contralateral superior rectus muscles were assessed for force generation capacity and contraction characteristics using an in vitro stimulation protocol and compared to naïve control superior rectus muscles. All muscles were analyzed to determine mean cross-sectional areas and expression of slow twitch myosin heavy chain isoform. Short-term treatment of rabbit superior rectus muscles with CNTF resulted in a significant decrease in muscle force generation, but only at the higher stimulation frequencies. Significantly decreased myofiber cross-sectional areas of the treated muscles correlated with the decreased generated force. In addition, there were significant changes to contractile properties of the treated muscles, as well as a decrease in the number of myofibers expressing slow twitch myosin heavy chain. We show that short-term treatment of a single rabbit superior rectus muscle results in decreased myofiber size, decreased force, and altered contractile characteristics. Further studies are needed to determine if it can play a role in improving alignment in animal models of strabismus.

The protective effects of L-Carnitine against oxidative toxicity in adult male New Zealand Rabbits

The protective effects of L-Carnitine against oxidative toxicity in adult male New Zealand Rabbits