Anterior Vena Cava Research Articles

子豚の鉄欠乏性貧血に対するグレプトフェロンとデキストラン鉄の効果の比較

The therapeutic efficiency of gleptoferron and irno dextran for iron deficient anemic piglets was investigated using 24 animals weighning approximetly 9 kg.An iron-deficient diet (33 ppm) was given to 18 experimental piglets. Six control piglets were fed this diet with addition of 200 ppm ferrous fumarate. On the 21st day of experiment, the experimental piglets were divided equally into three groups, an untreated, a gleptoferron (Fe-200mg)-added and an iron dextran (Fe-200mg)-added.Blood samples were obtained from the anterior vena cava at one-week intervals. Red blood cell conut (RBC), hematocrit (Ht), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), serum iron concentration (SI) and serum ferritin concentration (Fr) decreased linearly and the clinical signs of iron deficiency appeared in the experimental animals, but not in the controls.After the gleptoferron administration, RBC, Hb and Fr increased rapidly. RBC, Hb, SI and Fr were remarkable higher in value in the gleptoferron than in the untreated group. After the iron dextran administration, RBC and Hb increased, but the elevation of Ht and SI was not so evident as after the gleptoferron administration.It was demonstrated that gleptoferron was more efficient than iron dextran in iron absorption and utilization.

豚の尾採血法の検討

This technique enabled to collect porcine blood easily and safely from the coccygeal vein, without an assistant to control and restrain a pig. Pigs suffered from little stress. It was more useful than the conventional techniques to collect blood from the auricular vein and the anterior vena cava.

Influence of elevated ambient temperature after breeding on plasma corticoids, estradiol and progesterone in gilts

Thirty Yorkshire gilts were used to determine the influence of elevated ambient temperature during days 8 to 16 after breeding on concentrations of progesterone, corticoids and estradiol in plasma. Gilts were mated to a boar between 0800 and 1000 hr of the first day (day 0) and each subsequent day of estrus. On day 5 or 6, 22 gilts were anesthetized and a cannula was placed in the anterior vena cava. Gilts were randomly allotted to either control (23±1 C) or hot (35±1 C for 12 hr and 32±1 C for 12 hr daily) environmental chambers on day 8. Gilts were bled twice daily (0800 and 2000 hr) on days 9 through 16, then once daily until day 28. A third group of noncannulated gilts was bred and assigned to the control chamber. All cannulated gilts were injected intravenously with 25 IU of ACTH on day 16, and frequent blood samples were collected. Concentrations of progesterone in plasma were similar for heat-stressed and control gilts that were pregant. However, progesterone in plasma was reduced during days 13 to 19 in nonpregnant heat-stressed gilts compared to the pregnant and nonpregnant control gilts. Concentrations of estradiol in plasma were greater in nonpregnant heat-stressed gilts than in nonpregnant control and all pregnant gilts on days 10, 11 and 12 after estrus. Concentrations of corticoids and progesterone in plasma after infusion of ACTH on day 16 after breeding were reduced in heat-stressed nonpregnant gilts compared to heat-stressed pregnant, control pregnant and control nonpregnant gilts. These data indicate that reduced reproductive performance which occurs after exposure of gilts to increased ambient temperature during days 8 to 16 after breeding may be related to altered endocrine function.

Techniques for collecting blood from collared peccaries, Dicotyles tajacu (L.).

Four methods are described for obtaining blood samples from the collared peccary. This animal lacks prominent superficial veins which makes the procedure of taking blood difficult for inexperienced persons. Large volumes of blood (greater than 20 ml) can be obtained easily via anterior vena cava venipuncture. Moderate amounts of blood (less than 20 ml) can be obtained from the orbital sinus. Lesser volumes of blood can be obtained from superficial veins located on the ear and the hind limb. The saphenous vein is distended easily due to its unique location across the cranial face of the tibia.

Prolactin secretion after hypophysial stalk transection in pigs.

Hypothalamic regulation PRL secretion was investigated in 13 7-month-old Yorkshire gilts by comparing the effects of hypophysial stalk transection and sham operation. Ovariectomized gilts were fitted with an indwelling cannula in the anterior vena cava to determine sequential serum profiles of PRL secretion before, during, and 190 h after cranial surgery. A nylon disc was inserted between severed ends of the hypophysial stalk to prevent vascular and tissue regeneration; sham operations included all surgical procedures with exception of stalk transection and insertion of the disc. During a preoperative period of 120 min, PRL concentrations in peripheral serum remained consistently low [2.3 +/- 0.3 ng/ml (mean +/- SEM)] in all gilts. During 105 min of anesthesia (induced by thiamylal sodium and maintained by halothane and oxygen), PRL increased (8.2 +/- 1.9 ng/ml) in all gilts. Peak PRL values averaged 10.7 ng/ml at hypophysial stalk transection or sham operation and then declined steadily in both groups during the last 105 min of surgery. PRL remained elevated (P less than 0.002) in hypophysial stalk-transected gilts compared with sham-operated controls throughout a postoperative period from 6-190 h (3.7 +/- 0.4 vs. 1.9 +/- 0.2 ng/ml). These results indicate that basal secretion of PRL in the pig is inhibited by the hypothalamus.

The Contribution of the Branchial Heart to the Accessory Branchial Pump in the Octopoda

ABSTRACT Experimental and anatomical observations upon the Octopoda suggest that the branchial hearts are not the sole contributors to the increase in venous blood pressure between the anterior vena cava and the afferent branchial vessel. The lateral venae cavae are proposed as an additional source of pressure generation, thus contributing to the octopod accessory branchial pump.

Porcine LH levels during the estrous cycle, gestation, parturition and early lactation.

Thirty-five sows were used in a study of plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations during the estrous cycle, including first and second estrus postweaning, during gestation, at parturition and during the first 5 d of lactation. After cannulation of the anterior vena cava via the cephalic vein, blood samples were collected four times daily for 2 d before estrus, during estrus and for 3 d after estrus and once daily at 1100 h throughout the rest of the estrous cycle. One sample was collected from each sow on alternate days (1100 h) during the gestation period. Four daily samples were obtained on d 60 through 68 of gestation and for 5 d after parturition. Preovulatory surges of LH occurred 8 to 32 h before standing estrus in four of seven sows during first estrus and in three of seven sows during second estrus. The mean preovulatory LH surge during the first estrus postweaning (3.00 +/- .46 ng/ml) was lower than that during second estrus (4.24 +/- .60 ng/ml). Throughout the first 12 d of gestation, LH concentrations were relatively high and variable, ranging from 1.2 to 2 ng/ml. They then decreased to a range of .42 to .62 ng/ml after d 24. Similar LH concentrations were noted throughout the remainder of gestation except for some slight fluctuations. Higher concentrations (P less than .05) were noted with evening collections (1900 h, 1:17 +/- .09 ng/ml) than in daytime collections (0700 h, .64 +/- .08: 1100 h, .61 +/- .06; 1500 h, .72 +/- .06 ng/ml) during d 60 to 68 of gestation. Low plasma concentrations of LH (.3 to .5 ng/ml) were observed for the 5 d before and during parturition. After parturition, considerable variation of LH occurred, with rising concentrations observed on d 5 postpartum. Results of this study illustrate the occurrence of LH surges before behavioral estrus with increased plasma LH during implantation.

Peripheral testosterone in boars after administration of hCG, ACTH and testosterone at three ages

Forty-four purebred Yorkshire boars, reared outdoors on concrete, were randomly assigned to one of three age groups (150 ± 7, 200 ± or 250 ± 7 days of age) for the purpose of examining endogenous testosterone concentration in response to one of four exogenously administered treatments. Four boars from each age group were administered either human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG; 1000 U.S.P. units intravenous), adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH; 100 IU intravenous), or testosterone proprionate (TP; 25 mg intramuscular). The remaining boars served as controls and were given saline (S; 5 ml IV). Blood samples were collected from each boar at −120, −90, −60, −30, and 0 min pre-treatment and at 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 330, and 360 min post-treatment via an indwelling anterior vena cava catheter. Plasma testosterone was quantified by radioimmunoassay. Within treatment, boars receiving hCG, ACTH or S responded similarly (P>.10) across the three age groups for measured testosterone. Plasma testosterone was elevated (P<.05) by 30 min (4.7 ± .5 ng/ml; X ± SEM) and 15 min (5.5 ± 1.1 ng/ml) post-treatment in boars administered hCG and ACTH, respectively, when compared with the S (1.0 ± .3 ng/ml) group. Testosterone in hCG treated boars peaked by 90 min (21.8 ± 1.8 ng/ml) post-treatment, declined slightly until 210 min (18.8 ± 1.8 ng/ml) post-treatment and increased thereafter. Hormone levels in ACTH treated boars plateaued by 45 min (7.5 ± 1.4 ng/ml) post-treatment and began to decline by 90 min post-treatment. Plasma testosterone for TP treated boars differed (P<.05) over time among the three age groups. Boars 150 ± 7 and 200 ± 7 days of age had an increase in plasma testosterone at 150 and 240 min post-treatment with TP, respectively. Results suggest that the testosterone biosynthetic and secretory capabilities of the boar testes are fully operational by 150 days of age.

Blood pressure in the squid, Loligo pealei

1. 1. Blood pressure and heart rates were measured in unrestrained Loligo pealei. 2. 2. At minimal activity levels systolic and diastolic pressures in the anterior aorta were 7.18 and 2.72 kPa respectively and heart rates were 102 beats per minute. 3. 3. Peak and low pressures in the afferent branchial vessel were 0.92 and 0.04 kPa while mean pressures in the anterior vena cava and efferent branchial vessel were 0.32 and 0.18 kPa. 4. 4. These blood pressures at rest are the highest reported to date for any cephalopod and are probably indicative of the active pelagic existence of these squid.

A simplified procedure for long-term catheterisation of the anterior vena cava in adult pigs.

A new technique for the placement and use of a catheter in the anterior vena cava via the cephalic vein in the sow is described. The procedure involves simple superficial surgery, catheter life is long and blood samples can be collected with minimal disturbance to the animal.

The sinuatrial node of the avian heart (author's transl)

Comparative histologic observations were made of the sinuatrial nodes of avian hearts from a short-tailed shearwater (Puffinus tenuirostris), a black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), two ducks (Anas platyrhycha domestica), eight Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica), a pigeon (Columba livia domestica), a macaw (Ara macao), three budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) and a jungle crow (Corvus macrorhynchos). The node lies between the right atrial myocardium and epicardium at the right caudal region of the orifice of right anterior vena cava, where the right and left sinuatrial valves come close each and fuse with the right atrial wall. The sinuatrial node is well developed in the duck, black-crowned night heron and budgerigar and enters into the both sinuatrial valves and, in the budgerigar, further into the sinus septum. In the duck and black-crowned night heron, the node is composed of two types of cells; the one is atrial muscle-like cells and the other has morphologic characteristics intermediate between atrial muscle fiber and the Purkinje fiber. The node cells of the budgerigar are of the intermediate cells, while the nodal cells in the jungle crow, macaw, short-tailed shearwater, pigeon and Japanese quail are totally atrial muscle-like cells. The nodal cells of these birds are continuous with the adjacent ordinary cardiac muscle fibers and subendocardial Purkinje fibers of the right atrium, but do not reach to the atrioventricular node. There is an extensive network of Purkinje fibers beneath the endocardium and around arteries in both atrial walls, though not as far as to the atrioventricular node, nor to the ventricle.

Luteinizing hormone, total estrogens and progesterone secretion during lactation and after weaning in sows

Two experiments were conducted to determine changes in serum concentrations of LH, total free estrogens and progesterone before and after weaning in sows. Blood was collected either via indwelling anterior vena cava cannula or by venipuncture and serum hormones were measured by radioimmunoassay. In Exp. I, blood was collected at 15-min intervals for 4 hr on day 7 and day 21 postpartum from three sows on each day. In addition, individual samples were collected from 10 sows on days 4 and 14 postpartum and from 11 sows on days 1, 3 and 5 after weaning (day 23 postpartum). Serum LH ranged from .2 to .8 ng/ml during lactation and averaged 1.1 ± .7, 1.1 ± .7 and 2.7 ± .7 on days 1, 3 and 5 after weaning, respectively. Progesterone was low (< 1 ng/ml) during lactation and averaged 1.9 ± .3, .6 ± .3 and 1.2 ± .3 on days 1, 3 and 5 after weaning. Estrogens were variable during lactation, averaged 121 ± 36 pg/ml on day 1 after weaning and decreased thereafter. Estrus began on day 3 after weaning in 1 sow and on day 5 in the remaining 10 sows. In Exp. II, blood was collected from seven sows at 12 to 24 hr intervals from 2 days before until 5 days after weaning (day 26 postpartum). Mean serum LH was .7 ± .1 ng/ml during 48 hr before weaning and remained unchanged after weaning until day 3 when LH increased to 6.1 ± .8 ng/ml. Serum LH concentrations then declined to 1.3 ± .8 and .9 ± .8 ng/ml on days 4 and 5 after weaning. Total estrogens averaged 31 ± 4 pg/ml during 48 hr prior to weaning and 32 ± 4, 43 ± 17, 28 ± 1, 30 ± 2, 16 ± 2 and 18 ± 2 on days 0 to 5 after weaning. Progesterone increased from 1.0 ± .3 ng/ml 24 hr before weaning to 3.0 ± .3 at weaning and then remained low (< 1 ng/ml) until after ovulation when progesterone increased. Estrus began on day 4 after weaning in all seven sows. Results from these two experiments indicate that in sows: (1) LH is suppressed during early lactation (day 7), gradually increases during late lactation (day 21) and then reaches peak concentrations after weaning near the onset of estrus, (2) estrogens increase between weaning and estrus and decline thereafter, and (3) progesterone rises transiently at weaning and then increases after estrus and ovulation.

Glucocorticoid concentrations, corticosteroid binding protein characteristics and reproduction performance of sows and gilts subjected to applied stress during mid-gestation.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of applied heat (greater than or equal to 28 C) and crowding (less than or equal to .9 m2 floor space/animal) stress for 50 days during mid-gestation on glucocorticoid concentrations, corticosteroid binding globulin (CBG) characteristics and reproductive performance of 20 sows (Exp. 1) and 23 gilts (Exp. 2). Blood as collected via puncture of the anterior vena cava on days -1 and 0 before initiation of treatment and on days 1, 2, 12, 13, 48, 29 and 1, 5, 9 +/- l, 19 +/- 1, 50, 63 +/- 3, 90 +/- 1 after initiation of treatment for sows and gilts. respectively. Plasma glucocorticoids and CBG characteristics were determined by competitive protein binding techniques. Overall mean glucocorticoid concentrations for eight sows and 12 gilts subjected to stress were lower (P less than .05) than those of control animals, CBG binding capacities (CBC) were lower (P less than .05) in treated sows and gilts bled on days 12 and 9 +/- 1 after initiation of stress, respectively. Overall mean CBC and affinity (Ka) of cortisol to bind to the CBG molecule were lowered (P less than .05) in stressed gilts. Other than a reduction (P less than .05) in gestation length observed in stressed crossbred sows, reproductive performance was not affected by stress. When infrequent blood samplings are employed, measurement of CBC may serve as a more precise indicator of a physiological stress response than glucocorticoid concentration.

The effects of extracts from neurosecretory cells in the anterior vena cava and pharyngo-ophthalmic vein upon the hearts of intact free-moving octopuses.

Recordings of pressure and frequency were made from the hearts of free-moving Octopus vulgaris. The effects of extracts from neurosecretory endings in the anterior vena cava (AVC) and the pharyngo-ophthalmic vein (POV), injected through fine cannulae into a branchial heart, efferent branchial vessel or the dorsal aorta, were studied and compared with the effects of acetylcholine, 5-hydroxytryptamine, adrenaline, histamine and tyramine. AVC and POV extracts each produce a different spectrum of effects, unlike those of any of the drugs tested. AVC extract is effective at doses of less than 2% of the material extractable from a single vein per kg, increasing the force and amplitude of the heartbeats. With a natural release point just upstream of the branchial hearts the AVC material must be relevant to the normal performance of the hearts. POV extract is effective only at doses equivalent to several veins per kg, and is unlikely to have a role in cardiac regulation. Section of the visceral nerves did not affect the action of drugs or extracts, indicating that effects were not indirectly mediated via the CNA. Further experiments were made with hearts and the aorta in vitro with effects that did not always parallel those found in vivo. Reasons for these differences are discussed.

Hepatic vein catheterization in the rat.

A procedure for catheterization of a right hepatic vein is described in the rat. The procedure is based on the observation that, when the posterior half of the body is bent to the left, a right hepatic vein is aligned with the axis of anterior vena cava and posterior vena cava. A catheter, inserted in the right jugular vein and fitted with a rectilinear mandrel, is guided into the right auricle, the suprahepatic segment of posterior vena cava and a right hepatic vein. Successful catheterization of a right hepatic vein has been obtained in 47 out of 50 animals in which the procedure has been performed.

Peripheral plasma testosterone concentration and sexual behavior in young prenatally stressed boars

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of stress induced physiological changes in the gestating sow on postnatal sexual and endocrine development of male offspring. Ten boars, ranging from 160 to 185 days of age, were randomly chosen from sows which had been maintained under either stress or control conditions during mid-gestation. Blood samples were collected weekly from each boar (minimum of four weeks) at 30 min intervals over a common six-hour period via an indwelling anterior vena cava cannula. Plasma testosterone concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. In order to ascertain degree of sexual behavior, boars were exposed weekly to gilts in estrus and a subjective score assigned. No differences (P>.10) were found between prenatally stressed and control boars in overall mean testosterone concentration or libido score. A significant (P<.05) decrease in plasma testosterone concentration was detected in boars over age. Results suggest that mid-gestational stress of gestating sows does not affect the testosterone concentration or sexual behavior of boar off-spring.

Responsiveness of Isolated Dog Veins to Bradykinin and other Bioactive Peptides: Distribution of Sensitivity to Bradykinin and Possible Correlation with Genesis of the Venous System

Contractile responses of isolated dog veins to bradykinin were studied. Responses to norepinephrine were taken as standards. According to their sensitivity to bradykinin, the veins obtained from 14 sites of the venous system were divided into two groups, while all the veins were almost uniform in their sensitivity to norepinephrine. One group has high sensitivity to bradykinin and the other has low sensitivity. The former includes the pulmonary, hepatic, splenic, and portal veins, the anterior vena cava, and the upper and the middle divisions of the posterior vena cava. The latter includes the external jugular, cephalic, azygos, femoral, and saphenous veins, and the lower division of the posterior vena cava. The responses of the renal vein were intermediate. A striking correlation was noted between the distribution of bradykinin sensitivity and the genesis of the venous system. Five bioactive peptides other than bradykinin were also studied. Only angiotensin induced contraction in some preparation, but, as a whole, caerulein, eledoisin-related peptide, oxytocin and vasopressin rarely showed contractile activity.

RAPESEED, PEANUT AND SOYBEAN MEALS AS PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS: DIETARY AMINO ACID COMPOSITION AND POSTPRANDIAL PLASMA AMINO ACID PATTERN AS INDICES OF PERFORMANCE OF PIGS

Postprandial plasma amino acid concentration and chemical score were compared with average daily gain to assess the supplemental values of prepress solvent-extracted rapeseed (RSM), solvent-extracted peanut (PNM) and solvent-extracted soybean meals (SBM) by identifying the limiting amino acids in each of the supplements. Eight diets utilizing these supplements as sole or combined supplements were involved, and to one of these diets lysine was added. Blood was sampled by anterior vena cava puncture at 13–14 wk of age following 8–9 wk on test. Preprandial samples were taken after a 24-h fast followed by other samples at 1, 2, 3 and 4 h postprandial, respectively. A quadratic equation was used to estimate the peak and peaking time for each replicate by treatment combination. Chemical score based on National Academy of Sciences–National Research Council (NAS–NRC (1973)) requirement identified lysine as the first limiting amino acid. The deficiency was most acute with PNM, followed by RSM, which was consistent with dietary lysine analysis. Postprandial plasma amino acid levels corresponded with dietary levels, but in diets containing RSM, relatively high plasma lysine values were not reflected in high average daily gain, suggesting that plasma lysine levels are doubtful indicators of expected performance for pigs fed different protein supplements. Significant (P &lt; 0.01) variation in peaking time between plasma amino acids within each diet could explain some of the discrepancies in the relationship of plasma lysine levels to average daily gain.

Performance and blood plasma amino acid and urea concentrations in growing pigs given diets of cereals and groundnut meal and supplemented with graded amounts of L-lysine

The addition of graded amounts of L-lysine to a basal diet of cereals and groundnut meal given to growing pigs caused the expected improvements in rate of growth, N retention and carcass quality. Best responses were obtained when the diet contained 9 g lysine/kg; above that level there were no significant additional responses. Blood samples were taken from the anterior vena cava before and at intervals after a meal of each diet, and the concentration of amino acids and urea in the plasma determined. The concentrations of most amino acids in blood plasma increased after a meal, reaching maxima about 2 h after feeding. At all times of sampling the concentrations in plasma of essential amino acids other than lysine were largely unaffected by the lysine content of the diet, but the concentration of lysine increased linearly over a wide range of lysine intake. The concentration of urea in blood plasma fell as the lysine content of the diet increased. Lowest concentrations were found with diets containing 9 g or more lysine/kg. It was concluded that measurement of the concentrations of urea in blood plasma of growing pigs fed twice daily may be of more value in assessing the amino acid requirements and efficiency of protein utilization than determination of changes in concentration of blood plasma amino acids.

EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL TEMPERATURE AND DIETARY COPPER ON GROWTH AND LIPID METABOLISM IN PIGS. III. CONCENTRATION AND COMPOSITION OF PLASMA FREE FATTY ACIDS

Individual fatty acid concentrations were measured in the blood plasma of pigs fed diets with and without 250 ppm supplemental copper. The pigs were kept in winter either with colony houses for shelter or in a heated barn. Blood samples were taken from the anterior vena cava before feeding and after 24 h starvation during the 1st wk of the experiment and 6 wk after the start of the experiment. There were significant (P &lt; 0.01) differences due to feeding state with fasting free fatty acid levels being higher than those in the fed state. There were also significant interactions of copper with feeding state and environment, suggesting that copper affects the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids in a different manner from that of the saturated acids. The results are discussed in relation to possible mechanisms by which dietary copper affects fat deposition and fatty acid composition of adipose tissue lipids.