Base Of Tail Research Articles

A new species of karst-dwelling bent-toed gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae)from Khammouane Province, central Laos.

We describe a new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus from Khammouane Province, central Laos based on morphological features and molecular data. Morphologically, Cyrtodactylus bansocensis sp. nov. is differentiated from other congeners by a unique combination of the following characters: medium size, SVL reaching 74.0 mm; dorsal pattern consisting of four light transverse bands between limb insertions; supranasals in contact with each other; dorsal tubercles at midbody in 14-15 irregular rows; lateral folds present without interspersed tubercles; ventral scales between ventrolateral folds 34-35; precloacal and femoral pores in males 34, separated by four poreless scales in the male holotype and in a continuous row in the male paratype; enlarged femoral and precloacal scales present; postcloacal tubercles 5-7 on each side; dorsal tubercles present at tail base; and subcaudal scales transversely enlarged. Molecular analyses revealed the new species to be closely related to Cyrtodactylus rufford, which is also found in Khammouane Province.

Cyrtodactylus rufford, a new cave-dwelling bent-toed gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Khammouane Province, central Laos.

We describe a new species of the gekkonid genus Cyrtodactylus from Khammouane Province, central Laos based on morphological and molecular data. Morphologically, Cyrtodactylus rufford sp. nov. differs from its congeners by a unique combination of the following characters: medium size, SVL reaching 72.5 mm; dorsal pattern with three or four light transverse bands between limb insertions; one intersupranasal; 14-16 irregular dorsal tubercle rows at midbody, weakly developed in the paravertebral region; 27-29 ventral scale rows between ventrolateral folds; 42-43 precloacal and femoral pores in a continuous row in males, enlarged femoral and precloacal scales present; 4 or 5 postcloacal tubercles on each side; dorsal tubercles present at base of tail; medial subcaudal scales enlarged. Molecular analyses show that the new species is closely related to C. khammouanensis, which was originally described from Khammouane Province.

Assessment of Factors for External Injuries and Welfare Problems of Equine in South Wollo Zone Amhara Region, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was carried out in selected districts of South Wollo zone of the Amhara Region, Ethiopia during the period between April 2013 and December, 2013 to identify the major factors associated with external injuries in equines. Moreover, 180 randomly selected farmers were interviewed to collect relevant data on equine management and welfare issues. 586 working equines (346 donkeys and 240 mules) were examined clinically for screening injuries on body parts. Among the equines, 95.9% donkeys and 80.8% mules were used as pack animals. 63%, 27% and 9.8% of donkeys and 35%, 56.7% and 8.3% of mules were in thin, medium and good body condition score, respectively. The study revealed 66.6% overall prevalence of external injuries. The incidence of external injury in these animals was independent of age and species. Injuries caused by improper harness (saddle) design and overload were more common in both donkeys and mules. Injuries were most common in the back (31.8%), brisket region (12.3%), flank (10.8%) and tail base (6.2%). Out of a total of 108 interviewed farmers, 13.8% did not provide any treatment to their equines and 33.4% used their equine continuously regardless of the presence and severity of injures. In general, improper harnessing, overloading and ill-fitted saddle design were the major causes of external injuries in working equines of the area. The study disclosed higher prevalence of external injuries and absence of proper management of working donkeys and mules in south Wollo zone. Thus, a comprehensive equine health and welfare promotion program should be taken without any delay to alleviate the existing problems in the near future.

Effect of topical gel prepared with hydroalcoholic extract of Echinacea purpurea on treatment of Leishmania major-induced cutaneous leishmaniasis in BALB/C mice

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of alcoholic extract of Echinacea purpurea as a topical gel for the treatment of Leishmania major -induced cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in BALB/c mice. Materials and Methods: Leishmania major was inoculated into the tail base of 28 BALB/c mice and the mice were then assigned into four groups, with seven mice in each group. Hydroalcoholic extract of Echinacea purpurea was prepared and 3% carboxymethylcellulose was used for the topical gels. After the development of skin lesions, the gel base without drug and 10% and 20% Echinacea gel, respectively, were applied for the treatment of skin lesions in three groups of mice for 20 days, two times per day. The forth group remained as the control without receiving any treatment. Sizes of the lesions were frequently measured and recorded. The collected data were analyzed by SPSS using the Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance test. Results: The sizes of the lesions at the tail base of BALB/c mice were found to be increasing in both the treated and untreated mice. Although there were differences in the mean size of the lesions between the control group and those that received various concentration of Echinacea gel, (10% or 20%) the differences were not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). Conclusion: The results showed that topical 10% and 20% gel of Echinacea purpurea extract is not considerably effective in the treatment or control of CL.

Effect of microclimate alteration on milk production and composition in Murrah buffaloes.

Aim:The aim of this study was to assess the effect of microclimate alteration on temperature-humidity index (THI), milk yield, and milk composition of Murrah buffaloes during summer for a period of 90-day from March to May-2014 at Buffalo Research Station, Venkataramannagudem, Andhra Pradesh, India.Materials and Methods:A total of 40 lactating Murrah buffaloes were selected having similar body weight, parity, and milk yield. They were divided into four groups of 10 each. Three groups of buffaloes were provided with microclimate alteration using supplemental cooling like foggers, fans and foggers plus fans, and the fourth group (control) was without any cooling system. The daily THI was measured using dry and wet bulb thermometer. The physiological responses viz. rectal temperature, respiration rate, and pulse rate were measured by a clinical thermometer, measuring the flank movements a minute and observing the pulsation of the middle coccygeal artery at the base of tail with the help of finger. Milk samples were analyzed for chemical composition viz., fat, solids-not-fat (SNF), total solids (TS), specific gravity.Results:In the present study, significant (p<0.001) decrease in the average THI values were observed in experimental Murrah buffalo houses of GroupII (foggers), GroupIII (fans), and GroupIV (foggers and fans) compared to GroupI (control). Significant (p<0.001) decrease in average rectal temperature (°F), respiration rate (breaths/min) and pulse rate (beats/min) values were recorded in Murrah buffaloes of Groups II, III and IV compared to Group I. Significant (p<0.001) increase in the average milk yield (kg/day) was recorded in Murrah buffaloes of Groups II, III, and IV compared with Group I. Significant (p<0.001) increase in the average milk fat, SNF, and TS percent were recorded in Murrah buffalo Groups of II, III, and IV compared with Group I.Conclusion:Microclimate alteration by the provision of foggers and air circulators in the buffalo houses increased feed intake in buffaloes resulting increased milk production, fat and SNF yield which was due to decreased heat stress in buffaloes.

Shear Bond Strength of Ceramic Brackets with Different Base Designs: An in-vitro Study

Objective: To evaluate the influence of bracket base designs on shear bond strength of ceramic brackets bonded to natural teeth and to determine the common site of bond failure.Materials &amp; Method: 120 therapeutically extracted maxillary first premolars were divided into six groups of 20 samples each and were mounted in resin blocks. Each sample was bonded with bracket of that particular group and subjected to thermocycling. The shear bond strength was measured using Universal Testing Machine. After debonding, the teeth and brackets were examined under stereo-microscope for adhesive remnant index.Result: Ceramic brackets with ball base design (Group A) yielded statistically highest shear bond strength followed by microcrystalline base (Group D), dimple base (Group E), mesh base (Group C) and dove tail base (Group B) design. Ceramic brackets yield higher bond strength than metal brackets (Group F) irrespective of base design. Insignificant difference was seen between Group A and Group D and between Group B and Group C. Bond failure between adhesive and bracket (Type 3) was seen in 80% of the brackets with ball base design and bond failure between adhesive and bracket (Type 1) was seen in 80% of brackets with dove tail base design.Conclusion: Bracket base design is an important consideration for shear bond strength. Base design with more number of undercuts offer higher shear bond strength. Ceramic brackets with more number of mechanical undercuts were less likely to bond failure at adhesive bracket base interface and vice versa

Anatomical distribution and gross pathology of wounds in necropsied farmed mink (Neovison vison) from June and October.

BackgroundWounds are regarded as an indicator of reduced welfare in mink production; however, information on the occurrence and significance of wounds is sparse. To provide a basis for assessment and classification of wounds in farmed mink, the distribution pattern and characteristics of wounds in farmed mink in June and October, respectively, is described. A total of 791 and 660 mink from 6 to 12 Danish mink farms, respectively, were examined. The mink were either found dead or were euthanized due to injury or other disease. Mink included from June were kits in the pre-weaning and weaning period (1–2 months old). Mink included from October were juveniles in the late growth period (approximately 5–6 months old) or older. Macroscopic pathology and wound location was systematically recorded.ResultsThere was considerable variation in morphology as well as location of wounds between June and October. Wounds were primarily located on the front parts of the body and in the head in June (1–2 month old kits) and mainly on the rear parts of the body and on the tail in October (5–6 month old kits and older). Moreover, there were significantly more females than males with wounds for most wound types, and significant differences in occurrence of ear and tail base wounds between certain colour types.ConclusionsWounds varied significantly from June to October with respect to morphology and anatomical location. Wounds in June were primarily located on the front parts of the body and in the head, while wounds in October were mainly present on the hind parts of the body and on the tail. The majority of the wounds were found in specific well defined skin areas and could therefore be grouped into categories according to anatomical location.

Microdialysis measurements of equine lamellar perfusion and energy metabolism in response to physical and pharmacological manipulations of blood flow.

A suitable method for evaluating lamellar perfusion changes and their metabolic consequences is currently lacking. To examine perfusion changes in lamellar tissue using serial microdialysis measurements of urea clearance and energy metabolites. Randomised, controlled (within subject) experimental trial. Nine Standardbred horses were instrumented with microdialysis probes in the foot lamellar tissue and skin (over the tail base). Urea (20 mmol/l) was added to the perfusate and its clearance was used to estimate local perfusion. Samples were collected every 15 min for a 1 h control period, then during application of a distal limb tourniquet, during periods when norepinephrine or potassium chloride (KCl) were included in both skin and lamellar perfusates, and after systemic (intravenous) acetylpromazine. Dialysate concentrations of glucose, lactate, pyruvate and urea were measured and lactate:glucose (L:G) and lactate:pyruvate (L:P) ratios calculated. Values were compared with pre-intervention baseline and also between simultaneous skin and lamellar samples using nonparametric statistical methods. Lamellar glucose decreased and lactate, urea, L:G and L:P increased significantly with tourniquet application, without significant changes in skin dialysate values. Lamellar and skin glucose decreased and L:G increased significantly during norepinephrine infusion, but mild increases in urea were not significant at either site. KCl caused significant decreases in lamellar and skin L:G, and an increase in skin glucose, but did not affect urea clearance. Acetylpromazine caused profound decreases in lamellar glucose and L:P, with increased L:G and pyruvate, but did not affect urea clearance or any skin dialysate values. Significant changes in microdialysis urea clearance only occurred with severe lamellar hypoperfusion. However, changes in dialysate metabolite concentrations reflected less profound fluctuations in perfusion. This method may be useful for examining lamellar perfusion and energy balance during laminitis development and for the evaluation of vasoactive therapeutics.

Accuracy and precision of oscillometric blood pressure in standing conscious horses.

Arterial blood pressure (BP) is a relevant clinical parameter that can be measured in standing conscious horses to assess tissue perfusion or pain. However, there are no validated oscillometric noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) devices for use in horses. Seven healthy horses from a teaching and research herd. To evaluate the accuracy and precision of systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP) in conscious horses obtained with an oscillometric NIBP device when compared to invasively measured arterial BP. An arterial catheter was placed in the facial or transverse facial artery and connected to a pressure transducer. A cuff for NIBP was placed around the tail base. The BP was recorded during normotension, dobutamine-induced hypertension, and subnormal BP induced by acepromazine administration. Agreement analysis with replicate measures was utilized to calculate bias (accuracy) and standard deviation (SD) of bias (precision). A total of 252 pairs of invasive arterial BP and NIBP measurements were analyzed. Compared to the direct BP measures, the NIBP MAP had an accuracy of -4 mm Hg and precision of 10 mm Hg. SAP had an accuracy of -8 mm Hg and a precision of 17 mm Hg and DAP had an accuracy of -7 mm Hg and a precision of 14 mm Hg. MAP from the evaluated NIBP monitor is accurate and precise in the adult horse across a range of BP, with higher variability during subnormal BP. MAP but not SAP or DAP can be used for clinical decision making in the conscious horse.

Anal sac disease in dogs

Anal sac disease (ASD) can be divided into two main categories: inflammation and neoplasia. It is relatively common in dogs, with the inflammatory form having a reported prevalence of 12.5...

Abstract 2505: Therapeutic efficacy of the ZVex™ and GLAAS™ platforms in a B16-F10/hCAIX melanoma mouse model

Abstract ZVex™ and GLAAS™ are two dendritic-cell (DC) targeting platform technologies designed to enhance immune responses through the in vivo induction of antigen specific CD8 and CD4 T-cells, respectively. ZVex™ is a lentiviral vector pseudotyped with a modified Sindbis virus envelope engineered to deliver tumor antigen-encoding nucleic acids to dendritic cells in vivo. GLAAS™(Glucopyranosyl Lipid A Adjuvant System) activates DC by binding to the TLR-4 receptor and inducing strong Th1 type CD4 responses against co-delivered recombinant proteins. Currently both platform technologies are being investigated in phase I clinical trials in cancer patients. Human carbonic anhydrase 9 (hCAIX) is a tumor-associated transmembrane antigen that is over-expressed on various cancer cell types. We mapped hCAIX specific, multi-functional CD8 and CD4 T-cell epitopes within the extracellular and transmembrane regions of the protein for the mouse haplotype H-2b by intracellular cytokine staining. Mice lethally challenged s.c. on the flank with a B16-F10 tumor cell line expressing the hCAIX protein (designated BC.12) fully controlled large tumors (&amp;gt;100 mm2) when therapeutically immunized (subcutaneously at the base of tail) with ZVex™ encoding hCAIX or the recombinant hCAIX protein with GLAAS™ (either s.c. or i.m.). In both models, tumor control was dose-dependent. Additionally, the presence of a strong transmembrane H-2b restricted CD8 T-cell epitope was required for tumor control and regression. hCAIX-specific CD8 T-cell responses were detectable as far out as day 67 post challenge in mice displaying full regression of tumor. These results demonstrate proof of concept for ZVex™ and GLAAS™ platform technologies in an aggressive murine melanoma model. Citation Format: David J. Campbell, Rebecca S. Reeves, Patrick A. Flynn, Scott H. Robbins, Peter Berglund, Jan H. ter Meulen. Therapeutic efficacy of the ZVex™ and GLAAS™ platforms in a B16-F10/hCAIX melanoma mouse model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2505. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2505

Identification of 5α-reductase isoenzymes in canine skin.

Alopecia X in dogs is a noninflammatory alopecia that may be caused by a hormonal dysfunction. It may be similar to androgenic alopecia in men that is caused by the effect of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The 5α-reductase isoenzymes, 5αR1 and 5αR2, and a recently described 5αR3, are responsible for the conversion of testosterone into DHT. However, which 5α-reductases are present in canine skin has not yet been described. The main objective of this study was to determine the pattern of expression of 5α-reductase genes in canine skin. Skin biopsies were obtained from healthy, intact young-mature beagles (three males, four females) at three anatomical sites normally affected by alopecia X (dorsal neck, back of thighs and base of tail) and two sites generally unaffected (dorsal head and ventral thorax). Prostate samples (n = 3) were collected as positive controls for 5α-reductase mRNA abundance measurement by real-time PCR. We detected mRNA encoding 5αR1 and 5αR3 but not 5αR2. There were no significant differences in 5αR1 and 5αR3 mRNA levels between the different anatomical sites, irrespective of gender (P > 0.05). Moreover, the mean mRNA abundance in each anatomical site did not differ between males and females (P > 0.05). To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating the expression of 5α-reductases in canine skin and the expression of 5αR3 in this tissue. These results may help to elucidate the pathogenesis of alopecia X and to determine more appropriate treatments for this disorder.

A New Species ofCnemaspis(Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract: We describe a new species of Cnemaspis from southern Sumatra, Indonesia. The new species is the first Cnemaspis reported from Sumatra and is a large (52.6–58.7 mm in snout–vent length [SVL]) nocturnal species. A combination of the following characters distinguishes the new species from all other Southeast Asian congeners: adults reaching 58.7 mm SVL; supralabials 13 or 14; infralabials 11 or 12; tricarinate ventrals; precloacal pores absent; moderately prominent, randomly arranged, dorsal tubercles; 20 or 21 paravertebral tubercles; no tubercles on lower flanks; caudal tubercles encircling tail; subcaudals keeled; the median row of subcaudals not enlarged; two postcloacal tubercles on each side of tail base; no enlarged femoral, subtibial, or submetatarsal scales; subtibial scales keeled; 28–34 subdigital lamellae on fourth toe; dark and light caudal bands distinct in both sexes. We tentatively assign the new species to the Cnemaspis kendallii group of the Southern Sunda clade of recent phyloge...

Treadmill Exercise Increases NGF and Skeletal Muscle Mass of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Rodents

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a T-cell mediated animal model of multiple sclerosis. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) produced in muscle have the potential for retrograde transport into the central nervous system to protect against neurodegeneration. The extent to which exercise can modulate skeletal muscle concentrations of BDNF and NGF is unknown. PURPOSE: To determine whether 10 days of forced treadmill running can increase skeletal muscle BDNF and NGF concentrations in EAE rats. METHODS: Forty female Lewis rats were randomly assigned to either EAE sedentary (EAE-Sed), EAE exercise (EAE-Ex), Control sedentary (Con-Sed) and Control exercise (Con-Ex) groups. EAE was induced with 100 μl solution of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein mixed with Freund’s complete adjuvant injected intradermally at the tail base. Control rats were injected with 100 μl saline. Exercising animals ran on motorized treadmills for 10 days (60 min on days 1 and 2; 90 min on days 3-10). First 30 min of running was at 15 m/min then 30 m/min for the remainder of time. Hind limb skeletal muscles were excised and weighed. BDNF and NGF was measured in soleus lysate using commercially available ELISA kits. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. RESULTS: All exercising animals tolerated the training protocol. No significant difference in body mass or disability was observed between the EAE groups. Exercising animals (EAE-Ex and Con-Ex) had significantly greater bilateral soleus, plantaris, gastrocnemius and EDL muscle mass compared to the sedentary groups (p=0.01). The EAE-Ex group had significantly higher soleus NGF concentration (1.98 ± 0.3 pg/mg) compared to Con-Ex (0.96 ± 0.07, p=0.003) and Con-Sed (1.2 ± 0.2; p=0.04) groups and tended to have higher NGF compared to EAE-Sed (1.48 ± 0.1, p=0.09). BDNF was significantly lower in the Con-Ex group (7.9 ± 0.2) compared to EAE-Sed (10.6± 0.8, p=0.04). No differences were observed in BDNF concentrations between EAE groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides preliminary evidence that exercise increases skeletal muscle concentrations of NGF in EAE rats. Future work is necessary to determine if this effect may be neuroprotective. Results also indicate that EAE rats engaged in daily exercise can increase muscle mass compared to their sedentary counterparts.

I–3 Effect of Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) in Rats With Healing Socket

Objective: Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) has been widely used as a potent therapeutic tool to accelerate fracture healing. In the oral environment, however, the effect of LIPUS on wound fracture healing after implant placement and dental operation has not been well explored. This study aimed to characterize the local as well as humoral effect of LIPUS treatment of tooth extraction sockets in aged rats. Methods: Right maxillary first molars were removed from retired female breeder rats in control and LIPUS groups. LIPUS was applied extrabuccally to the socket for 20 minutes every 24 hours for 2 weeks starting 1 day after the extraction. The blood flow rate was measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry at the extraction socket, the dorsum of the tail base, and the dorsum of foot prior to and 2 hours after the 20-minute LIPUS treatment on 3, 7, 11 and 14 days after the tooth extraction. Results and Discussion: On and after post-extraction day 7, the baseline flow rate in the socket of the LIPUS group rats was significantly higher than that of the control group. Increased peripheral blood vessels are confirmed with histochemical staining of the undecalcified sections prepared from the experimental and control sockets. The flow rate in the socket of the LIPUS group rats transiently dropped after the exposure and returned to the basal level in about 2 hours. LIPUS exposure also affected the blood flow rate transiently but positively at remote sites such as foot. Angiogenic effect, which may involve systemic propagation of reactive molecule(s), was suggested.

Integrated Transcriptomic, Proteomic, and MicroRNA Data Identify Key Regulators of Developmental and Repair Processes During Tail Regeneration in the Green Anole Lizard

Among amniotes, mammals and birds display only limited ability for regeneration in the adult. However, lizards retain the ability to lose their tails and regrow a functional replacement that includes newly formed hyaline cartilage, spinal cord, muscle, vasculature, and skin. These newly regenerated tails, which have an organization distinct from the original tail, are formed through a complex process that involves differential expression of hundreds of genes, including those related to wound healing, musculoskeletal development, hormonal response, embryonic morphogenesis, and Wnt pathway activation. We performed whole transcriptome, microRNA transcriptome, and proteome analysis of regenerating tail tip and base and associated tissues in order to investigate gene expression in regenerating tissue. We identified 350 novel and 196 known microRNA precursor families and over 2,000 proteins. Differentially expressed microRNAs in the regenerating tail include miR‐133a, miR‐133b, and miR‐206, which have been reported to regulate regeneration and stem cell proliferation in model systems, as well as three novel microRNAs. Additionally, we integrated microRNA and mRNA expression patterns with proteomic analysis in order to confirm the presence of predicted targets of down‐regulated microRNAs. Using a combination of whole and microRNA transcriptome with proteome data, we have identified key microRNA regulators and their targets that control the regenerative process in the green anole lizard, which has value for translation to future regenerative therapies.

Evaluation of bone targeting salmon calcitonin analogues in rats developing osteoporosis and adjuvant arthritis.

Synthetic analogues of the peptide hormone calcitonin have been used in medicine as biologic drug therapies for decades, to treat pathological conditions of excessive bone turnover, such as osteoporosis, where more bones are removed than replaced during bone remodeling. Osteoporosis and other chronic skeletal diseases, including inflammatory arthritis, exact a substantial and growing toll on aging populations worldwide however they respond poor to synthetic biologic drug therapy, due in part to the rapid half-life of elimination, which for calcitonin is 43 minutes. To address those shortcomings, we have developed and synthesized bone-targeting variants of calcitonin as a targeted drug delivery strategy, by conjugation to bisphosphonate drug bone-seeking functional groups in highly specific reaction conditions. To evaluate their in vivo efficacy, bisphosphonate-mediated bone targeting with PEGylated (polyethylene glycol conjugated) and non-PEGylated salmon calcitonin analogues were synthesized and dose escalation was performed in female rats developing Osteoporosis. The bone-targeting calcitonin analogues were also tested in a separate cohort of male rats developing adjuvant-induced arthritis. Ovariectomized female rats developing Osteoporosis were administered daily sub-cutaneous injection of analogues equivalent to 5, 10 and 20 IU/kg of calcitonin for 3 months. Adjuvant arthritis was developed in male rats by administering Mycobacterium butyricum through tail base injection. Daily sub-cutaneous injection of analogues equivalent to 20 IU/kg of calcitonin was administered and the rats were measured for visible signs of inflammation to a 21 day endpoint. In both studies, the effect of drug intervention upon bone volume and bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed by measuring the trabecular bone volume percentage and BMD at the proximal tibial metaphysis using in vivo micro-computed tomography. With dose escalation studies, only bone targeting analogue dosed groups showed a trend towards increased BMD and bone volume at 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Significant preservation of bone volume and BMD as evidenced by nonsignificant (P<0.05) loss of bone volume and BMD at the end of 3 month study endpoint was seen in animals dosed with 20 IU/kg of calcitonin compounds. Similarly, in case of adjuvant-induced arthritis rats, there was a significant increase (P<0.05) in bone volume and BMD in calcitonin-bisphosphonate and calcitonin-PEG-bisphosphonate treated groups at 21 days compared to the baseline values. Improved efficacy in terms of preserving bone volume and BMD in Osteoporosis, and in rats developing adjuvant-induced arthritis, by these analogues suggests their potential as new drug candidates for further evaluation to determine their usefulness in bone diseases characterized by excessive bone resorption.

Dopamine D2 Receptor Is Involved in Alleviation of Type II Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Mice

Human and murine lymphocytes express dopamine (DA) D2-like receptors including DRD2, DRD3, and DRD4. However, their roles in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are less clear. Here we showed that lymphocyte DRD2 activation alleviates both imbalance of T-helper (Th)17/T-regulatory (Treg) cells and inflamed symptoms in a mouse arthritis model of RA. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was prepared by intradermal injection of chicken collagen type II (CII) in tail base of DBA/1 mice or Drd2 −/− C57BL/6 mice. D2-like receptor agonist quinpirole downregulated expression of proinflammatory Th17-related cytokines interleukin- (IL-) 17 and IL-22 but further upregulated expression of anti-inflammatory Treg-related cytokines transforming growth factor- (TGF-) β and IL-10 in lymphocytes in vitro and in ankle joints in vivo in CIA mice. Quinpirole intraperitoneal administration reduced both clinical arthritis score and serum anti-CII IgG level in CIA mice. However, Drd2 −/− CIA mice manifested more severe limb inflammation and higher serum anti-CII IgG level and further upregulated IL-17 and IL-22 expression and downregulated TGF-β and IL-10 expression than wild-type CIA mice. In contrast, Drd1 −/− CIA mice did not alter limb inflammation or anti-CII IgG level compared with wild-type CIA mice. These results suggest that DRD2 activation is involved in alleviation of CIA symptoms by amelioration of Th17/Treg imbalance.

The effect of weightbearing and limb load cycling on equine lamellar perfusion and energy metabolism measured using tissue microdialysis.

Lamellar perfusion is thought to be affected by weightbearing and limb load cycling; this may be critical in the development of supporting limb laminitis. To document the effects of unilateral weightbearing and altered limb load cycling on lamellar energy metabolism and perfusion. Randomised, controlled (within subject), experimental trial. Nine Standardbred horses were instrumented with microdialysis probes in the foot lamellar tissue and skin (over the tail base). Urea (20 mmol/l) was added to the perfusate. Samples were collected every 15 min for a 1 h control period, then during periods of unilateral weightbearing (opposite limb held off the ground for 1 h); enhanced static limb load cycling (instrumented limb lifted every 10 s for 30 min); reduced limb load cycling activity (i.v. detomidine sedation) and continuous walking (30 min). Dialysate concentrations of glucose, lactate, pyruvate and urea were measured and lactate:glucose (L:G) and lactate:pyruvate (L:P) ratios were calculated. For each intervention, values were compared with baseline using nonparametric statistical testing. Lamellar dialysate glucose increased and L:G decreased significantly during enhanced static limb load cycling. Glucose and pyruvate increased, and L:G, L:P and urea decreased significantly during walking. Simultaneous skin dialysate values did not change significantly. There were no significant dialysate changes during unilateral weightbearing or after detomidine administration, but only the latter resulted in a significant decrease in limb load cycling frequency. Increases in limb load cycling frequency (particularly walking) caused dialysate changes consistent with increased lamellar perfusion. Unilateral weightbearing (1 h) and a sedation-induced reduction in limb load cycling frequency did not have a detectable effect on lamellar perfusion. More research is needed to confirm the role of hypoperfusion in supporting limb laminitis, but strategies to increase limb load cycling may be important for prevention.

Equine Bone Marrow and Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Stem Cells: Cytofluorimetric Characterization, In Vitro Differentiation, and Clinical Application

The aim of the present work was to isolate, cultivate, differentiate, and conduct cellular characterization of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from equine adipose tissue (eAT) and bone marrow (eBM). Isolated and characterized cells were used in racehorses suffering from a superficial flexor tendon injury. Equine adipose tissue collection was performed at the base of the horse tail, whereas eBM was aspirated from iliac crest. Mononuclear cell fraction was isolated and cultured. In vitro differentiation and molecular characterization at P3 of culture were performed. No statistically significant differences in the number of cell doublings were found among different culture passages (P > .05). Doubling time was greater for eBM than eAT (3.2 ± 1.5 vs. 1.3 ± 0.7; P < .05). Positive von Kossa and Alizarin Red staining confirmed osteogenesis. Alcian Blue and Oil Red O staining illustrated chondrogenesis and adipogenesis, respectively. Isolated cells resulted positive for CD90, CD44, and CD105, whereas negative for hematopoietic markers, CD14, CD45, and CD34. Using isolated cells for injured tendon therapy, no adverse reactions were observed, and all inoculated horses returned to race competitions. In vitro results revealed the immunophenotypic characterization of isolated cells similar to that observed in human MSCs from the same sources; furthermore, in the present study, their clinical use proves the safety of eBM-derived and eAT-derived MSCs and a successful outcome for the treated animals that returned to their previous level of sport activity.