Adult Rabbits Research Articles

A method to estimate endogenous losses of nitrogen and amino acids at the ileal level in growing rabbits

Apparent ileal digestibility can be corrected to give the true ileal digestibility of the nitrogen and amino acids provided by the diet, by determining the flow of endogenous nitrogen and amino acids (from desquamated epithelial cells of gastrointestinal mucosa, mucins and digestive enzymes). This flow of nitrogen and amino acids has been studied in adult rabbits fitted with a T-cannula, but remains unknown for growing rabbits. The aim of this work was to propose a method to estimate endogenous nitrogen and amino acid losses in the ileum of growing rabbits slaughtered at 64 d of age from 20:00 h. For this purpose, two experiments were carried out. The first was performed with 10 weaned rabbits fed with a diet with casein as the only source of protein (whose ileal digestibility is 100%) and labelled with ytterbium. This experiment allowed us to identify the relationship between the ileal flow of endogenous nitrogen (IFEN) and the dry matter intake in the last 24 h before slaughter (DMI), which fits the equation: IFEN (mg/d)=5.99 DMI (g/d) +133; (R2=0.778, residual standard deviation=138, P<0.001, n=10). The second experiment was carried out with 36 rabbits fed the same diet but without ytterbium, with whose ileal content 9 pools were constituted to determine the amino acid profile of endogenous nitrogen, which was found to be rich in glutamic acid, serine, aspartic acid, glycine, valine and threonine (15.97±1.33; 8.00±0.80; 7.06±0.72; 6.24±0.77; 5.48±0.51 and 4.97±0.47 g/16 g of N, respectively) and poor in methionine and histidine (1.05±0.06 and 1.34±0.16 g/16 g of N, respectively). Knowing the DMI of a certain growing rabbit in the 24 h prior to slaughter, the combined use of the equation and the amino acid profile obtained makes it possible to estimate the ileal endogenous losses of each amino acid.

Neglected Spleen Transcriptional Profile Reveals Inflammatory Disorder Conferred by Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus 2 Infection.

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) is an acute fatal disease caused by the rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). Since the first outbreaks of type 2 RHDV (RHDV2) in April 2020 in China, the persistence of this virus in the rabbit population has caused substantial economic losses in rabbit husbandry. Previous failures in preventing RHDV2 prompted us to further investigate the immune mechanisms underlying the virus's pathogenicity, particularly concerning the spleen, a vital component of the mononuclear phagocyte system (MPS). For this, a previous RHDV2 isolate, CHN/SC2020, was utilized to challenge naive adult rabbits. Then, the splenic transcriptome was determined by RNA-Seq. This study showed that the infected adult rabbits had 3148 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which were associated with disease, signal transduction, cellular processes, and cytokine signaling categories. Of these, 100 upregulated DEGs were involved in inflammatory factors such as IL1α, IL-6, and IL-8. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that these DEGs were significantly enriched in the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction signaling pathway, which may play a vital role in CHN/SC2020 infection. At the same time, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines were significantly increased in the spleen at the late stages of infection. These findings suggested that RHDV2 (CHN/SC2020) might induce dysregulation of the cytokine network and compromise splenic immunity against viral infection, which expanded our understanding of RHDV2 pathogenicity.

Investigating the Clinical, Radiological and Histopathological Effects of Androgens in Bone Formation and Fracture Healing By IJISRT

Background and Purpose: How to use steroid hormones as a solution and indicator in bone fractures and healing in sterilized or unsterilized male animals and even in female animals and animals that have a deficiency and disorder of steroid hormones.  Research Method: Ten apparently healthy adult male rabbits were selected from the laboratory and were sterilized by scrotal method, and four holes with diameters of 1, 2, 3, and 4 mm were inserted on the tibia from the lateral side, and then into two The group was divided. Regarding the time evaluation of radiographs, which had a normal distribution, variance analysis tests were used at a significant level of 0.05. About the status of the steps that were in the ranking scale. Kruskal-Wallis test was used and statistical calculations were done using SPSS statistical program.  Results: The gait status of rabbits in both groups improves significantly from day one to day 60. On the other hand, there is no significant difference between the two groups at different times and between different times in each group. Except for the first and seventh day, this difference is completely normal. In relation to the amount of callus formed in the two groups, there is a significant difference at some times. From the point of view of pathology, the assessment of the first and second groups indicated the occurrence of restoration and bone callus formation in both groups, but in comparison, the first group had a wider and more voluminous callus. The whole restoration process had more advanced stages.

Histological Evaluation of Fracture Healing after Thyroidectomy

This study aimed to examine the impact of thyroidectomy on the process of fracture healing. A total of sixteen adult male rabbits of the local breed were utilized. The animals were segregated into two equivalent groups, namely the control group and the treatment group. The animals were administered atropine sulfate (1mg /Kg B.W) intramuscularly as a premedication. Ten minutes later, a combination of xylazine hydrochloride (20mg /Kg B.W) and Ketamine hydrochloride (40 mg /Kg B.W) was administered intramuscularly. The control group had the induction of a mid-shaft femoral fracture, followed by fixation with intramedullary pinning. In the treated group, the identical treatment mentioned above, which involved thyroidectomy, was performed. The clinical examination showed that the inflammatory symptoms, such as swelling, discomfort, and increased temperature in the surgical site, were more severe in the control group compared to the treated group. The indications vanished during a span of four to five days in the treatment group and five to six days in the control group. The histological analysis showed that the control group had a greater presence of granulation tissues, trabecular bone, and compact bone compared to the treated group. Ultimately, it was seen that the fracture healing process was more advanced in the control group compared to the treated group.

A histochemical study to evaluate the role of some isoindoline-1-one compounds γ-lactam compounds on the biological functions of adult laboratory rabbits

تهتم هذه الدراسة بتخليق وتوصيف مشتقات الأيزويندولين-1-ون جاما لاكتام (c-d) المحضرة بتفاعل أنهيدير الفينيل السكسينيك مع قاعدة شيف المناسبة (a-b) وبوجود مركبات جاما لاكتام. تم تحضيره من التفاعل بين 2-كلورو بنزويل كلوريد مع الإيمينات (a-b) في فينيل الليثيوم تحت (N2) atm (-5) في مذيب THF للحصول على منتج γ-lactams. تم التحقق من التفاعل بواسطة كروماتوجرافيا الطبقة الرقيقة (TLC)، وتم التعرف على المركبات المتكونة بواسطة الرنين المغناطيسي النووي، الأشعة تحت الحمراء، وأطياف الكتلة. رد الفعل المقترح لتشكيلاتهم . تم في الدراسة الحالية استخدام 30 أرنباً ذكراً أبيض اللون بمتوسط وزن 250 جرام، تم تقسيمهم عشوائياً إلى ثلاث مجموعات على النحو التالي، المجموعة (1) تضم 10 أرانب غير معاملة كمجموعة سيطرة، المجموعة (2) تتكون من 10 أرانب تعامل مع المركب الأول. أ) بتركيز 30 ملجم | كجم | يوم واحد المجموعة (3) المكونة من 10 أرانب عولجت بالمركب الثاني (B) بتركيز 30 ملغم | كجم | يوم. تم تحديد الجرعة على أساس وزن الجسم وتم إعطاء جميع الحيوانات الجرعات عن طريق الفم لمدة ثلاثين يوماً وتم أخذ عينات الدم في نهاية التجربة بواسطة طعنة قلبية مباشرة وتم طرد العينات وحفظها في أنابيب خاصة عند الساعة الرابعة. درجة مئوية حتى بدء قياس الوظائف الصناعية والإنزيمية للكلى. % من جميع الفئران حتى البدء في تحضير المقاطع النسيجية ودراسة تأثير المركبين. وتباين المركبان في تأثيرهما على بعض المعايير البيوكيميائية المتعلقة بالوظيفة التصنيعية والإنزيمية للكلية. نسجيا أشارت النتائج إلى أن العلاج بمركب A لم تظهر أي تغيرات نسجية، بينما أظهرت نتائج العلاج بمركب B تضخم بعض خلايا الكلى وضمور نوى خلايا أخرى مع حالات التليف واحتقان الدم وارتشاح الالتهابات. الخلايا مقارنة بالمجموعة الضابطة.

Moringa oleifera leaf extract promotes the healing of critical sized bone defects in the mandibles of rabbits

ObjectiveThe search for an osteopromotive material that enhances the efficacy of alloplasts in reconstructive surgeries has been going on for years. This study aimed to histologically and histomorphometrically evaluate the efficiency of Moringa oleifera leaf extract as an osteopromotive biomaterial.DesignThe study is a prospective randomized controlled animal study. 24 adult male New Zealand rabbits were equally allocated into test and control groups. Critical-sized bone defects were created in the edentulous areas of the mandibles of rabbits. The defects of the control group were filled with Beta-tricalcium Phosphate, while the defects of the test group were filled with Beta-tricalcium Phosphate combined with Moringa oleifera leaf extract. The results were evaluated histologically and histomorphometrically.ResultsHistological and histomorphometric analysis showed a significant increase in the surface area of bone and the number of osteoblasts in test groups compared to those in the control groups.ConclusionMoringa oleifera leaf extract has a positive effect on bone regeneration in critical-sized bone defects.

Biodegradable polydioxanone stents: histologic and structural effects in an experimental model of tracheal stenosis.

To evaluate the biologic impact of polydioxanone (PDO) stenting in an animal model of inflammatory tracheal stenosis (TS). Additionally, to compare these results with those obtained in the same model without a stent and after placing one PDO stent in a healthy trachea. 40 adult NZ rabbits were distributed into 3 groups: Group A, 8 animals with a healthy trachea and a PDO stent; group B, 17 rabbits with a TS and no stent; and group C, 15 animals with TS and a PDO stent. Histopathological studies included Masson's trichrome staining for submucosal fibrosis and Safranin O to assess structural integrity of cartilage. Morphometric analyses were performed in the 3 groups. Stent placement was successful in every case. Histological studies did not show a significant increase in tracheal wall collagen area and cartilage structure was not modified in those rabbits with a PDO stent, even in a TS scenario. Stent implantation permitted recovery of normal tracheal lumen levels in the TS model. PDO stenting in the normal trachea and in a model of TS neither caused increase in the collagen matrix nor modification of the cartilaginous support. Additionally, radial force exhibited by PDO stents was effective in restoring normal tracheal lumen when placed in a stenotic lesion. These findings suggest that they may be safe and useful in the setting of an acquired TS.

Radiographic cardiac indices for healthy New Zealand white rabbits: A reference interval study based on echocardiography

This research was intended to identify reference intervals for the radiographic cardiac indices (vertebral heart scale (VHS), radiographic left atrial dimension (RLAD), and vertebral left atrial size (VLAS)) of 58 healthy, adult New Zealand white rabbits based on echocardiography. VHS, VLAS, and RLAD measurements were taken from contrast right lateral (R) and ventrodorsal (VD) thoracic radiographs. The correlations between these radiographic cardiac indices and echocardiographic parameters were then evaluated. The mean values with a reference interval were 7.94±0.31 vertebrae (v) (7.2-8.6 v) for R-VHS and 8.67±0.33 v (7.8-9.2 v) for VD-VHS. The median values with a reference interval were 1.5 v (1-2 v) for VLAS and 1 v (0.7-1.4 v) for RLAD. Body weight and gender had no effect on any radiographic cardiac indices. A positive correlation was found between all radiographic indices obtained from R contrast radiographs and echocardiographic parameters (r≥0.421, P

Ocular biometry in rabbits using computed tomography.

To describe a repeatable method of measuring ocular structures and to establish ocular biometry reference ranges in adult domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) without medical history or imaging findings consistent with ophthalmic disease using a 64-slice multidetector computed tomography scanner. In this retrospective and observational anatomic study, 100 eyes from 50 rabbits without medical history or imaging findings consistent with ophthalmic disease who received a head computed tomography scan were selected for measurement of globe length, width, and height using 3D multiplanar reconstruction. Lens width and length, the anteroposterior length of the anterior and vitreous chambers, and attenuation of the lens and vitreous chamber were collected. These parameters were compared against age, sex, weight, body condition, and ear conformation. A reference guide was established, with globe width being the largest dimension (18.03 ± 0.81 mm), followed by height (17.18 ± 0.69 mm) and then length (16.64 ± 0.66 mm). Increased weight was associated with an increase in globe height (p = 2.43 × 10-5 ), length (p = 1.63 × 10-4 ), and width (p = 7.0 × 10-3 ). Increased age was associated with increased lens attenuation (p = 1.28 × 10-7 ) and increased transverse lens width (p = 1.64 × 10-3 ). Inter- and intra-observer agreement was excellent. CT is a reliable modality for measurement of ocular biometry dimensions in rabbits. These reference values can be applied to aid in identifying diseases that affect the dimensions of the ocular structures in rabbits over 18 months of age.

Downregulation of Serotonergic System Components in an Experimentally Induced Cryptorchidism in Rabbits.

Cryptorchidism (CO) or undescended testes is defined as the failure of one or both testes to be positioned inside the scrotum. Typically, cryptorchidism is detected at birth or shortly thereafter, and in humans, it is considered to be part of the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS), a complex pathology regarding the male reproductive system that apparently involves the interaction of both genetic and environmental harmful factors, mainly during embryonic development. Serotonin (5-HT) is an ancient molecule that participates in a broad range of body functions, and in recent years, its importance in reproduction has started to be elucidated. In male pathologies such as infertility, varicocele, erectile dysfunction, and primary carcinoid tumors, an increase in 5-HT concentration or its metabolites in the blood, semen, and urine has been directly related; nevertheless, the role of 5-HT in CO remains unknown. In the present work, our goal was to answer two important questions: (1) whether some serotonergic system components are present in adult male Oryctolagus cuniculus (chinchilla rabbit) and (2) if there are changes in their expression in an experimental model of CO. Using histological, molecular, and biochemical approaches, we found the presence of some serotonergic system components in the adult chinchilla rabbit, and we demonstrated that its expression is downregulated after CO was pharmacologically induced. Although we did not test the role of 5-HT in the etiology of CO, our results suggest that this indoleamine could be important for the regulation of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis processes in the chinchilla rabbit during adulthood. Finally, in parallel experimental series, we found downregulation of kynurenine concentration in COI rabbits when compared to control ones, suggesting that CO could be affecting the kynurenine pathway and probably testicular immune privilege which in turn could lead to infertility/sterility conditions in this disorder.

Superselective Arterial Hyaluronidase Thrombolysis is an Effective Treatment for Hyaluronic Acid-Induced Retinal Artery Occlusion: Study in a Rabbit Model.

There are serious complications associated with hyaluronic acid (HA) facial injections, including vision impairment due to retinal artery ischemia. In this study, we put forth a clinically relevant model of retinal ischemia and reperfusion in rabbit. We used this to verify the efficacy of hyaluronidase intra-artery thrombolysis in the treatment of hyaluronic acid-induced retinal artery occlusion. Retinal artery ischemia was induced by injecting HA into the ophthalmic artery (OA) of adult chinchilla rabbit, and reperfusion was achieved by intra-artery thrombolysis therapy with hyaluronidase following 60min and 4h of occlusion. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) were used to evaluate blood flow in the retina. Electroretinogram (ERG), hematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron microscope were used to evaluate the structure and function of the retina after ischemia and reperfusion following 60min and 4h of occlusion. DSA and FFA images confirmed occlusion of the ophthalmic and central retinal arteries, as well as reperfusion after hyaluronidase thrombolysis. ERG indicated retinal dysfunction following ischemia, and thrombolysis partially rescued its impairment following 4h of occlusion. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and TUNEL staining revealed ischemia-induced histological damages in the retina at different time windows, and hyaluronidase thrombolysis partially mitigated these damages. We report a method to establish a HA-induced retinal artery occlusion animal model. Hyaluronidase intra-artery thrombolysis was used to recanalize the embolized OA at different time points. Using our method, we achieved retinal reperfusion, and an improvement was observed in the visual function of rabbits after hyaluronidase thrombolysis following 4h of occlusion. We believe that hyaluronidase intra-artery thrombolysis is an effective method to treat HA-induced retinal artery occlusion in clinic. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Biological Evaluation of Isolated Flavonoids from Cymbopogon citratus on the Absorption of Lipids in Rabbits Infected with Giardiasis

The study involves isolation of flavonoids from Cymbopogon citratus, which included (Gallic acid, Chlorogenic, Caffeic acid, Ferulic acid, Myricetin, Tran-cinnamic acid, Kaempferol, Citral, Luteolin-7-O-neohesperidoside, Cassiaoccidentalin B, Carlinoside, Isoorientin, and Cynoaroside), and assessment of their therapeutic impact on lipid absorption in rabbits with Giardiasis. Twenty adult male rabbits were divided into four groups: Negative control (C-) received only drinking water, Positive control (C+) was orally treated with parasite cysts to induce Giardiasis, Group 1 (G1) received 30 mg/kg/day of metronidazole after inducing Giardiasis, and Group 2 (G2) received 100 mg/Kg/day of isolated flavonoids post Giardiasis induction. The results revealed varying concentrations of active flavonoids in the isolated extract, with a lower treatment response observed in G2 compared to metronidazole treatment in G1. Biochemically, microsomal triglyceride transfer protein levels significantly decreased in C+ and G1 compared to C- but returned to normal after flavonoid treatment in G2. Triglycerides levels decreased significantly in the C+ group and returned to normal post-treatment, while total cholesterol and high density lipoprotein levels remained unchanged in the C+ group. Serum cholesterol was unaffected by the infection in G+ and G2 but significantly increased in G1. Total antioxidant capacity and malodialdhyde levels significantly increased in the positive group but returned to normal after treatment in G1 and G2.. KEYWORDS :Cymbopogon citrates, Giardia lamblia, Lipid profile, Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein.

Differential Impact of Subcutaneous Neurokinin B Administration on Epididymal Proliferation in Adult New Zealand White Rabbits: A Dose-Dependent Study

Objective: To investigate the potential of variable doses of Neurokinin B on histomorphology of epididymis in adult rabbits. Study Design: Laboratory-based experimental study. Place and Duration of Study: Gomal Centre of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Pakistan, from Jun 2019 to Jun 2020. Methodology: Adult male New Zealand White rabbits with an average weight of 1.5–2 Kg were randomly assigned to three groups. Study animals were administered subcutaneously with Neurokinin B in two variable doses: 1 µg and one ηg. Control rabbits were injected with distilled water in parallel. After 12 days of continuous peptide treatment, animals (n=06) in each group were sacrificed. Epididymis were dissected and processed for light microscopy and sperm count. Results: Mean epididymis weight (mg) increased significantly (p<0.001) with the treatment of Neurokinin B 1 ηg and Neurokinin B 1 µg as compared to control. With the increase in doses of Neurokinin B (1 ηg, 1 μg), the lumen of caput, corpus and cauda of the epididymis got significantly (p<0.001) dilated dose-dependently in Neurokinin B treated animals. Sperm count increased significantly (p<0.001) in the Neurokinin B-treated rabbits compared to the control. Light microscopy revealed increased luminal diameter compared to control in all Neurokinin B treated groups as compared to control. Conclusion: Continuous administration of Neurokinin B could benefit the epididymis, as shown by increased luminal diameter and sperm count.

Characterization of rabbit corneal biomechanical properties after corneal refractive surgery based on rapid loading-unloading uniaxial tensile test

In order to understand how the biomechanical properties of rabbit cornea change over time after corneal ablation, 21 healthy adult rabbits were used in this study, with the left eye as experimental side and the right eye as the control side. Firstly, a lamellar knife was used to remove a portion of the anterior corneal surface tissue (30%~50% of the original corneal thickness) from the left eye of each rabbit, as an animal model simulating corneal refractive surgery. Secondly, postoperative experimental rabbits were kept for one, three, or six months until being euthanized. Strip specimens were produced using their corneas in vitro to perform a uniaxial tensile test with an average loading-unloading rate of approximately 0.16 mm/s. Finally, the visco-hyperelastic material constitutive model was used to fit the data. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the viscoelastic parameters of the corneas between the experimental and the control eyes at the first and third postoperative months. There was a difference in tangential modulus between the experimental and the control eyes at strain levels of 0.02 and 0.05 at the third postoperative month. There was no significant difference in biomechanical parameters between the experimental and the control eyes at the sixth postoperative month. These results indicate that compared with the control eyes, the biomechanical properties of the experimental eyes vary over postoperative time. At the third postoperative month, the ratio of corneal tangential modulus between the experimental and the control eyes significantly increased, and then decreased. This work lays a preliminary foundation for understanding the biomechanical properties of the cornea after corneal refractive surgery based on rapid testing data obtained clinically.

A novel micro-CT analysis for evaluating the regenerative potential of bone augmentation xenografts in rabbit calvarias

Guided Bone Regeneration is a common procedure, yet, as new grafting materials are being introduced into the market, a reliable evaluation method is required. Critical size defect in animal models provides an accurate simulation, followed by histological sections to evaluate the new bone formation. However, histology is destructive, two-dimensional and technique-sensitive. In this study we developed a novel volumetric Micro-CT analysis to quantify new bone formation characteristics. Eight adult female New Zealand white rabbits were subjected to calvarial critical-size defects. Four 8 mm in diameter circular defects were preformed in each animal, to allow random allocation of four treatment modalities. All calvarias were scanned using Micro-CT. Each defect was segmented into four equal parts: pristine bone, outer, middle, and inner. Amira software (v. 6.3, www.fei.com) was used to calculate the new bone volume in each region and compare it to that of the pristine bone. All grafting materials demonstrated that new bone formation decreased as it moved inward. Only the inner region differed across grafting materials (p = 0.001). The new Micro-CT analysis allowed us to divide each defect into 3D regions providing better understanding of the bone formation process. Amongst the various advantages of the Micro-CT, it enables us to quantify the graft materials and the newly formed bone independently, and to describe the defect morphology in 3D (bi- vs. uni-cortical defects). Providing an insight into the inner region of the defect can better predict the regenerative potential of the bone augmentation graft material. Therefore, the suggested Micro-CT analysis is beneficial for further developing of clinical approaches.

Evaluation of rabbit young stock grown using starter compound feed by growth intensity and functional state of the body

The possibility of improving the technology of raising suckling and weaned kits aged 18–42 days, which would involve the use of starter compound feed, was studied in the conducted research. The object of the research was the livestock of rabbits of the Poltava Silver breed. The research was conducted at the experimental rabbitry of the Cherkasy Research Station of Bioresources. The experiments were carried out in a closed capital ventilated premises using metal cages for keeping suckling does with litters measuring 95×39 cm, equipped with feeders and automatic waterers. The cages intended for feeding suckling kits with starter compound feed were slightly modified: an additional feeder was installed in the compartment for young stock, and only the kits had the possibility of free movement between different compartments of the cage. By the method of group analogs from nests of suckling 18-day-old kits, two subgroups of 25 heads each were formed. The preparatory period lasted 5 days, and the main one – 19 days (raising up to 42 days of age, with weaning at 35). Suckling does of both groups were fed a complete granulated feed PK 91 (for adult rabbits and does aged 90 days and older “Lux”) produced by LLC “KreMix”. For the animals of the experimental group, a recipe for additional complete granulated starter compound feed was developed, produced at a farm in the village of Tashlik, Smila district. Thus, both starter compound feed and feed for feeding suckling does were used for the kits of the experimental group, and for the analogs of the control group - the same feed as for the does. The conducted research revealed that the use of complete granulated starter compound feed for feeding young rabbits aged 18–42 days as an additional feed, developed according to international standards, did not lead to an increase in the total cost of feed per 1 kg of live weight gain, but on the contrary, reduced it. Due to the increase in the retention rate of the replacement young stock in the experimental group by 8.0 % provided its realization for further breeding per 100 heads, contributed to additional income of 1015.28 UAH. (market realization price – 140.00 UAH/kg of live weight). Based on the conducted research, an information database of growth and development indicators of replacement young stock of rabbits when fed starter compound feed at the age of 18–42 days has been created.

Cumin Extract Alters The Histology of Kidney and Duodenum in Adult Rabbit

Background: The current study determined the histological alterations of the kidney and duodenum due to the administration of the cumin plant. The objective of the study was how consuming cumin affects the histological structure of the kidney and duodenum. Methods: Ten healthy male rabbits were divided into two groups of five each. They were housed in the animal facility at the College of Veterinary Medicine, Kerbala University. The treatment group received an oral dose of cumin extract at 250 mg/kg body weight once daily for six weeks, while the control group was given a standard diet and water. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to examine tissue samples from the kidneys and duodenum. Results: The histological analysis revealed significant changes in the kidney and duodenum tissues of the rabbits treated with cumin extract. In the kidneys, there was an increase in the diameter of glomeruli and a narrower lumen of the proximal tubules, indicating increased activity. Similarly, the duodenum of the treated group exhibited taller villi and deeper crypts, suggesting enhanced absorption activity. Moreover, the arrangement of tall columnar epithelial cells in the duodenal villi was altered. Conclusion: In conclusion, high intake of cumin extract showed various histological alterations in the urinary and digestive systems, particularly in the kidney and duodenum. These findings provided insights into the potential effects of cumin consumption on organ structure and function, highlighting the need for further research to understand its implications for human health better.

E3 ubiquitin ligase rififylin has yin and yang effects on rabbit cardiac transient outward potassium currents (Ito) and corresponding channel proteins

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have reported a correlation between a single nucleotide polymorphism of the RING finger E3 ubiquitin protein ligase rififylin (RFFL) and QT interval variability in humans (Newton-Cheh et al., 2009). Previously, we have shown that RFFL down-regulates expression and function of the human-like ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) potassium channel and corresponding rapidly activating delayed rectifier potassium current (IKr) in adult rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes (ARbCMs). Here we report that RFFL also affects the transient outward current (Ito), but in a peculiar way. RFFL overexpression in ARbCMs significantly decreases the contribution of its fast component (Ito,f) from 35% to 21%, and increases the contribution of its slow component (Ito,s) from 65% to 79%. Since Ito,f in rabbits is mainly conducted by Kv4.3, we investigated the effect of RFFL on Kv4.3 expressed in HEK293A cells. We found that RFFL overexpression reduced Kv4.3 expression and corresponding Ito,f in a RING domain-dependent manner in the presence or absence of its accessory subunit KChIP2. On the other hand, RFFL overexpression in Kv1.4-expressing HEK cells leads to an increase in both Kv1.4 expression level and Ito,s, similarly in a RING domain-dependent manner. Our physiologically detailed rabbit ventricular myocyte computational model shows that these yin and yang effects of RFFL overexpression on Ito,f, and Ito,s affect phase 1 of the action potential waveform and slightly decrease its duration in addition to suppressing IKr. Thus, RFFL modifies cardiac repolarization reserve via ubiquitination of multiple proteins that differently affect various potassium channels and cardiac action potential duration (APD).

Comparative evaluation of mechanical injury methods for establishing stable tracheal stenosis animal models

The study aimed to assess the stability of various mechanical injury techniques in creating tracheal stenosis animal models using endoscopic assistance and investigate the viability of tracheal stoma in this process. Twenty-six healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits were randomly assigned to an experimental and control group. The experimental group underwent tracheal incision followed by steel brush scraping with endoscopic assistance, while the control group received nylon brush scraping. Within the control group, two subgroups were formed: Group A underwent scraping without tracheal stoma, and Group B underwent scraping followed by tracheal stoma. Additionally, a sham operation was performed on a separate group without subsequent scratching, resulting in no stenosis formation. Endoscopic observations were conducted at 7, 14, and 21 days post-scraping, followed by histological examinations of euthanized rabbits on the 21st day. Notably, all rabbits in the non-stoma group survived without complications, whereas Group B rabbits faced mortality post-operation. Histological assessments revealed inflammatory cell infiltration, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen fiber deposition in narrowed tracheal specimens. Steel brush scraping with endoscopic assistance proved more effective in inducing stable tracheal stenosis compared to nylon brush scraping. However, the survival challenges of rabbits with tracheal fistula require further investigation.

Effects of dietary substitution of Soybean meal by dried Azolla on blood and serum parameters, productive and reproductive traits, and economic efficiency of rabbit does as well as semen quality of bucks

An experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary substitution of dried Azolla (Azolla pinnata) in different ratios by soybean meal on productive and reproductive performances, hematological and serum traits, and economic efficiency of rabbit does as well as semen quality of males. Forty mature does and eight males of Black Balady rabbits aged seven and eight months were assigned to 1 of 4 dietary groups: 0 (control), 20, 30, and 40% of soybean protein substituted with dried Azolla protein. Data were analyzed using repeated measures of statistical software computer program package. There were no significant differences among groups in number of services per conception as well as parturition intervals (days) with a superiority of 30% group over the control and other two groups. Average litter weight was significantly (P<0.05) superior in the 30% replacement group. There were no significant differences in live body weight either at birth or at weaning among the four tested groups and the 30% replacement groups recorded the highest significant daily weight gain of bunnies during the whole experimental period. All Azolla groups recorded better results in the studied traits of bucks' semen compared to the control. Azolla diets did not show any adverse effects on the studied blood parameters. The 30% replacement of the soybean protein group showed the best economic return compared to the other two replacement groups and the control. In conclusion, Azolla can safely and economically replace soybean protein at the rate of 30% in adult female rabbits' diets. Keywords: Azolla, Body weight, Rabbit, Reproduction, Semen.