Biochemical Parameters In Sheep Research Articles

Effect of combined application of ivermectin and praziquantel on oxidative stress and selected biochemical parameters in sheep

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı sağlıklı koyunlara oral yolla ivermektin + prazikuantel kombinasyonu uygulamasının oksidatif durum, karaciğer ve böbrek fonksiyon parametrelerine etkisini belirlemektir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Araştırmada 18 adet Anadolu Merinosu ırkı koyuna önerilen dozda ivermektin + prazikuantel tablet (1 tablet/koyun) oral yolla uygulandı. Uygulamadan önce (0. gün) ve sonrasında 24 saat aralıklarla dört gün kan örnekleri alındı. Plazma 8-hidroksi-2-deoksiguanozin, malondialdehid, süperoksit dismutaz, glutasyon peroksidaz ve katalaz düzeyleri ticari kitler ile ELISA okuyucusunda belirlendi. Serum aspartat aminotransferaz, alanin aminotransferaz, alkalen fosfataz, kreatinin ve kan üre nitrojen düzeyleri otoanalizör ile ölçüldü. Bulgular: Araştırmanın ilk 2 gün plazma 8-hidroksi-2-deoksiguanozin düzeyleri, 3. ve 4. gün değerlerinden yüksek olduğu belirlenirken (P<0.05), plazma glutasyon peroksidaz düzeylerinde ise istatistiki dalgalanmalar gözlendi (P<0.05). Araştırmanın 3. gün kan üre nitrojen değerinin 0. günden yüksek olduğu belirlendi (P<0.05). Öneri: Sonuç olarak sağlıklı koyunlara önerilen dozda ivermektin + prazikuantel uygulamasının oksidatif strese neden olmadığı, karaciğer ve böbrek fonksiyon parametrelerine belirgin etkisinin olmadığı ifade edilebilir.

Stability of Some Biochemical Parameters in Sheep and Goat Serum Stored at -20℃.

In Veterinary Medicine biochemicalinvestigation of serumis widely used to aid diagnosis and treatment. However, delays usually happen between sampling and analysis. As a result, the serum is stored in refrigerators.In this regard, information on the effects of temperature and storage duration on the stability of the analyte is incomplete in general and its effect in sheep and goat serum is not described. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the stability of selected biochemical analytes from sheep and goat serum following storage at -20℃ for 2 months. Serum from 20 apparently healthy male 2-2.5 year-old sheep and goats was obtained and aliquots of serum from each sample were kept in three tubes. The first tube is for baseline (T0), which is done within an hour, while the other two (T1 and T2) are stored at -20℃ for 1 and 2 months, respectively. Total protein, albumin, urea, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were assayed. The results revealed that storage temperature and duration for up to 2 months had no significant effect on any analytes except for urea in goats. The changes in terms of total observed error (TEo) for total protein; albumin and urea were greater than the acceptable values in both animals. Thus, further studies are required to assure alteration of analyte at various storage temperatures and duration. In addition, implementation of quality systems to achieve quality targets for analytes with greater TEo as compared to the established TEa is needed.

Age-related changes in blood biochemical composition of Hu sheep

The blood biochemical composition is indicative of the animal's performance and health status. This study evaluated the interaction between age and blood metabolites, immunoglobulins, hormones in Hu sheep. In total 30 male lambs between 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months (M) old were used in this study. The lambs were kept with their dams and offered the total mixed ration at 7 days of age, while at 55 days of age; the lambs were weaned and transferred to individual pens. The data were analysed using the one-way ANOVA procedure of SPSS and the Pearson’s correlation coefficient between blood parameters was calculated. The 2M old lambs had significantly lower (p < 0.05) blood biochemical parameters than 1M old lambs. However, these parameters were higher in the adult sheep except the blood glucose (GLU). In contrast, the blood albumin/globulin ratio and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) did not show significant differences. Moreover, positive correlations were observed between blood immunoglobulins, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), globulin (GLB), and blood total protein (TP). In addition, BHBA had a positive correlation with GLB and immunoglobulins. In addition, blood albumin (ALB) had a significant positive correlation with TP, GH, and IGF-1. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was between GLU and insulin. The investigation of blood biochemical parameters in sheep of different ages from 1 to 12M could be a reliable method to detect the metabolism status and health condition through the early stage of life. HIGHLIGHTS The reduction of blood metabolites, immunoglobulins, hormones at 2 M old lambs compared with 1 M old lambs due to the dietary changes from liquid to solid could challenges ruminant health. The improvements of blood biochemical profile correspond with the development of rumen and immune functions. This study may extend our knowledge about the blood biochemical profile in Hu sheep.

Changes in serum adenosine deaminase and isoenzyme levels in addition to routine liver biochemical parameters in sheep with chronic fascioliasis

ABSTRACT: This study assessed changes in the levels of adenosine deaminase (ADA) and its isoenzymes in addition to routine liver biochemical parameters in sheep with fascioliasis. The study was conducted on 35 Akkaraman sheep. Of these, 25 sheep were diagnosed with fascioliasis based on anamnesis and clinical signs, and had endoparasites based on parasitological examinations (Fasciola-infected group). The remaining 10 sheep that were sampled from a single healthy herd (same flock) different from the infected group did not have any clinical signs or endoparasites (control group). Total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), and globulin (GLB) levels gradually increased on days after treatment compared to the values measured before treatment; the increases were statistically significant on all days for TP levels but only on day 14 after treatment for GLB levels (P &lt; 0.05). Although, the ALB levels did not increase significantly on days after treatment, the ALB level and ALB/GLB ratio on days 7 and 14 after treatment were still lower than the values of day 21 after treatment and control group (P &lt; 0.05). Total bilirubin (T-Bil) and direct bilirubin (D-Bil) levels on days 14 and 21 were significantly lower than that of day 0 (before treatment) and day 7 after treatment (P &lt; 0.05). These results indicated that the increase in adenosine deaminase (ADA) and ADA1 levels may be due to possible concomitant infection of Fasciola larvae (in the parenchyma) and adults (in the bile duct).

Haematology and Serum Biochemical Indices of Lambs Supplemented with Moringa oleifera, Jatropha curcas and Aloe vera Leaf Extract as Anti-Methanogenic Additives.

Medicinal plants have been found to be effective in a wide range of applications in ruminant animals. However, some plant extracts may be toxic to animals, depending on their seconday metabolite composition and dose, and therefore, animal trials are needed to validate their safety when used as anti-methanogenic additives. This study investigated the effect of three plant extracts used as anti-methanogenic dietary additives, on the haematology and serum biochemical parameters in sheep. Methanolic extracts of Moringa oleifera (MO), Jatropha curcas (JC) and Aloe vera (AV) were orally dosed as experimental treatments for 75 days to sheep, and their effect on the haematology and serum biochemical parameters of SA Mutton Merino (SAMM) lambs were compared with sheep on a control treatment without any additive treatment. Extracts of MO, JC and AV were extracted in 100% methanol, freeze-dried, and reconstituted in distilled water. A total of 40 lambs were ranked according to their body weight into a group of four and one sheep at a time was randomly allocated into four dietary treatments which include a control treatment, and treatment with either MO, JC or AV extract. Lambs were drenched twice daily with doses equivalent to 50 mg/kg dry matter intake (DMI) based on previous week feed consumption. Blood samples were collected via jugular vein puncture and analysed for haematology and serum biochemistry parameters, using standard procedures. The results of the haematological analysis showed that most haematological parameters were not affected by plant extract used as anti-methanogenic additives (p > 0.05), except for higher white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocytes counts recorded in control lambs and lambs in the AV treatment. All serum biochemical properties (except alkaline phosphatase) were not different (p > 0.05) between the control and lambs treated with plant extracts. Alkaline phosphatase was influenced by the plant extract (p < 0.05), with lambs receiving MO, JC and AV having lower alkaline phosphatase concentrations compared to lambs on the control diet without any additive. The result of the study showed that extracts of MO, JC and AV were not toxic to sheep when used as antimethanogenic additives at the recommended dose of 50 mg/kg dry matter feed which had proved previously to be effective in reducing enteric methane emission. Therefore, these plant extracts could be used safely as alternative dietary additives to reduce enteric methane emission and boost the productivity of SA Mutton Merino sheep.

Evaluation of serum homocysteine and nitric oxide concentrations compared with other biochemical parameters in sheep naturally infected with Fasciola hepatica

This study aims to determine the changes in serum homocysteine (Hcy) and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations in sheep naturally infected with F. hepatica. The animal material of the study consisted of a total of 50 sheep: 40 sheep with fascioliasis and 10 healthy sheep.The statistical analysis indicated that serum homocysteine concentrations, folate and vitamin B12 levels of the sheep infected with F. hepatica were higher than those of the control group (P&lt;0.001 P&lt;0.001 and P&lt;0.05, respectively), whereas the nitric oxide levels of the sheep infected with F. hepatica were significantly lower than those of healthy sheep (P&lt;0.001). In conclusion, it is thought that vitamin B12 and folate are not used sufficiently for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine in the remethylation cycle due to the damage in the liver tissue of sheep naturally infected with F. hepatica. This results in the increase of homocysteine which in turn inhibits the formation of nitric oxide.

Clinical Evaluation of General Anaesthesia using Ketamine Hydrochloride with and without Diazepam in Sheep

The study has been carried out to evaluate the clinical efficacy of ketamine with or without diazepam in sheep. Six healthy sheep were used in this study and randomly divided into two groups; Group A (atropine-diazepam-ketamine) and Group B (atropine-ketamine). Anaesthesia was induced with administration of diazepam (0.4 mg/kg b.wt) and ketamine (15 mg/kg b.wt) intramuscularly (IM) after five minutes of IM administration of atropine sulphate (0.05 mg/kg b.wt) in group A and ketamine (22 mg/kg b.wt) IM after five minutes of IM injection of atropine sulphate (0.05 mg/kg b.wt) in group B. Clinical parameters were recorded before and after (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 mins, 1h and 24h post- recovery) administration of peripheral blood was collected at the same interval for haemato-biochemical observations. The clinical, hematological and serum biochemical profile differed from the values obtained at pre-experimental control level in both groups A and B. However, in group A, the changes were smooth and steady whereas these were irregular, fluctuated and inconsistent in certain clinical and biochemical parameters in sheep of group B. The present study indicates that the use of atropine-diazepam-ketamine anaesthesia is safe and useful in sheep than atropine-ketamine anaesthesia for major invasive procedures.

Effect of ruminal plastic bags on haematological and biochemical parameters of sheep and goats

A study was carried out with the objective of determining the haematological and blood biochemical parameters in sheep and goats with plastic bags in the rumen for a period of 42 days. This was to indicate the possible influence of plastic bags in the rumen on blood parameters. 16, one-year old castrate Dorper sheep with a mean body weight of 26.8 kg (± 0.3 kg) and 16 one-year old castrate small East African goats with a mean weight of 24.5 kg (± 0.3 kg) were used for the study. The 16 sheep and 16 goats were divided into 4 groups of 4 animals each (n = 4). Three groups of each species were implanted with 129 g, 258 g and 387 g of plastic bags, respectively, in the rumen through rumenotomy and the fourth group of each species was control on which rumenotomy was done but with no implanting of plastic bags. Blood samples were obtained by jugular venipuncture from all sheep and goats every 2 weeks for analysis. The only haematological parameter that had significant change was platelets, which significantly ( p < 0.05) increased in both sheep and goats with plastic bags in the rumen. However, mean values of erythrocytes, packed cell volume, haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume decreased but not significantly in the sheep and goats with plastic bags in the rumen. The sheep and goats with plastic bags in the rumen had hyponatraemmia, hypochloridaemia and decreased aspartate aminotransferase enzyme activity. The changes observed in haematological and biochemical parameters could be an indication of adverse effects on the production and well-being of sheep and goats that ingest these plastic bags. These finding may be of diagnostic importance in cases of rumen impaction with indigestible foreign bodies, particularly, plastic bags.

Evaluation of biochemical parameters and oxidative stress in sheep naturally infected with Dicrocoelium dendriticum and hydatid cysts

The purpose of the study was to investigate the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status as well as biochemical profile in sheep naturally infected with Dicrocoelium dendriticum and hydatid cysts. Ten sheep naturally infected with D. dendriticum, 10 sheep naturally infected with hydatid cysts, and 10 healthy sheep were used. The blood and visceral organs of sheep brought to a slaughterhouse in the region of Kırıkkale were checked for D. dendriticum and hydatid cysts. Plasma total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, total cholesterol, Ca, Mg, inorganic P, Cu, Zn, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, ß-carotene, AST, ALT, GGT, ALP, erythrocyte MDA levels, and SOD and CAT activities were detected. Erythrocyte MDA, plasma total bilirubin levels, and AST and ALP activities were increased while total protein and vitamin A levels were decreased in sheep infected with parasites. Erythrocyte SOD activities were decreased in D. dendriticum group, and CAT activities were decreased in the hydatid cyst group and D. dendriticum group. Total bilirubin levels were increased and total protein levels were decreased in sheep infected with parasites. These results suggest that endoparasitic infections such as D. dendriticum and hydatid cysts cause oxidative stress and change some biochemical parameters in sheep.

The effects of the conjunctival Brucella vaccine on some biochemical parameters in sheep.

The genus Brucella causes significant economic losses due to infertility, abortion, stillbirth or weak calves, and neonatal mortality in livestock. Brucellosis is still a zoonosis of public health importance worldwide. In the past, vaccination was administered subcutaneously and nowadays, the conjunctival vaccine is administered. There is no definite information about the changes of the biochemical parameters and antibody response after conjunctival vaccination. In this study, the investigation of the changes in the levels of some biochemical parameters due to the conjunctival vaccination for brucellosis was aimed. Thirty sheep were used as an animal material. The vaccine was done single dose against Brucella melitensis and the blood was drawled from Vena jugularis during 4months. Antibody levels were determined by serum tube agglutination test. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose, total protein, and albumin levels were measured using commercial autoanalyzer in sera. The antibody titers (p < 0.001) increased significantly at first month compared to the pre-vaccination, but at the second month began to fall. There was no statistically significant changes in glucose, AST, ALT activity after vaccination (p > 0.005). The significant amount of total protein and ALP decreased after vaccination (p < 0.005). LDH levels and total protein levels were significantly increased (p < 0.005). In conclusion, conjunctival vaccine was considered to be used as a safe to protect the sheep from brucellosis and the results of the study may be used to improve the efficiency of brucellosis eradication programs within livestock management.

Effect of Gastrointestinal Parasites Infestation on Some Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Sheep

This study was done to determine the impact of gastrointestinal parasites infestation on some hematological and biochemical parameters in sheep. 25 adult sheep, of either sex aging 1-1.5 years old and average 50 kg body weight were used. Those animals were divided into two groups according to fecal examination. Group 1 contained 9 sheep were apparently healthy and free from internal parasites and they were used as control group. Group 2 contained 16 sheep and those sheep were naturally infested with gastrointestinal nematodes and clinically were suffered from emaciation, reduced growth rate, anemia, diarrhea and pale mucosa. Blood samples from both groups were collected and analyzed for hematological parameters (Hb, PCV, RBCS and total WBCs count) and some biochemical parameters ( total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, AST, ALT, BUN , creatinine , calcium, iorganic phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium and iron). Our results revealed, there was a significant decrease in Hb ,PCV and RBCS values , while total leucocytic count was significantly increased in infested group than in healthy one . Biochemical analysis showed a significant decrease in serum total protein, albumin, glucose , BUN, calcium, inorganic phosphorus , iron and a significant increase in serum AST and ALT in infested group as compared with the control group, while there were non-significant changes in values of serum globulin ,creatinine, magnesium, sodium and potassium between infested and control animals.

MONITORING OF HEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN SHEEP REARING IN NEW RECLAIMED LANDS IN EGYPT.

31Jan 2017 MONITORING OF HEMATOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN SHEEP REARING IN NEW RECLAIMED LANDS IN EGYPT. Mohamed Saied M.M. PH.D.,Veterinarian at GOVS(general organization of veterinary service) in Egypt.

Efeitos de fontes orgânicas de cobre e enxofre sobre os parâmetros bioquímicos no soro de ovinos

RESUMO: Minerais são componentes essenciais na dieta, exercendo diversas funções no organismo animal onde o uso de sais orgânicos visa aumentar a disponibilidade dos inerais no trato digestório. O perfil metabólico auxilia na avaliação de índices produtivos, para tanto, se faz análises de componentes bioquímicos do sangue. O objetivo foi estudar os efeitos que fontes orgânicas e inorgânicas de cobre e enxofre possuem nos parâmetros bioquímicos. O experimento foi realizado na FZEA/USP, para tanto 40 ovinos foram distribuídos em 10tratamentos: 1) dieta basal; 2) dieta contendo Mo; 3) dieta basal+ Cu inorg + S inorg; 4) dieta basal + Cu inorg + S org; 5) dieta basal + Cu org + S inorg; 6) dieta basal + Cu org + S org; 7) dieta com Mo + Cu inorg + S inorg; 8) dieta com Mo + Cu inorg + S org; 9) dieta com Mo + Cu org + S inorg; 10) dieta com Mo + Cu org + S org. De acordo com cada tratamento houve a inclusão de 10mgkg-1 de MS de Cu inorgânico ou orgânico ou 10 mg kg-1 de MS de Mo ou 0,2% de S inorgânico ou orgânico. Os animais receberam dieta única duas vezes ao dia com inclusão de volumoso num total de 3% do peso vivo. O experimento teve duração de 84 dias, com coletas a cada 28 dias para estudo de glicose, ureia, albumina, colesterol, triglicerídeos. Os parâmetros foram analisados com estrutura fatorial 2 x 2 x 2 (com e sem Mo, Cu orgânico e inorgânico e S orgânico e inorgânico) e uma dieta basal e uma basal mais molibdênio, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com um nível de significância de 5%. Os teores séricos de glicose, ureia, albumina e colesterol não apresentaram diferença significativa entre tratamentos e tempo, tão pouco foram influenciados (p&gt;0.05) pelos tratamentos, sendo as médias 64,8mg dl-1; 30,0mg dl-1; 2,78mg L-1; 72,2mg dl-1respectivamente, apresentando-se dentro da normalidade. Os teores de triglicerídeos nos tratamentos (28.8; 34.8; 30.8; 36.9; 34.3; 27.0; 31.6; 32.1; 34.6; 31.1mg dl-1) foram influenciados pela interação Cu x S.

Biochemical parameters in sheep fed diet in presence of mixed Salix babylonica extract and exogenous enzyme as feed additives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction impacts of Salix babylonica L. (SB) extract with exogenous enzyme (EZ) as feed additives on some serum biochemistry parameters in lambs. Suffolk lambs (20), 24±0.3 kg live weight and 6–8 months old were used during 60 days. The lambs were distributed in individual cages of 1.5×1.5 m cages into 4 treatments of 5 lambs each of completely randomized design. All animals were fed a basal diet (BD) of 70% maize silage and 30% commercial concentrate. Treatments were: (i) control; PD without any additives; (ii) EZ; PD plus 10 g of EZ; (iii) SB; BD plus 30 mL of S. babylonica (SB) extract; and (iv) EZSB; BD plus 10 g EZ and 30 mL of SB extract. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 and analyzed for total proteins, glucose, creatinine, blood urea N (BUN), alanin aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Interactions between treatment×time were occurred in creatinine, BUN and magnesium. The highest values of total proteins were obtained with control and SB animals versus EZ or EZSB. The SB treatment tend to increase the levels of creatinine versus other treatments. The ALP level was highest in SB animals. In conclusion, supplementation with S. babylonica extract, exogenous enzymes and/or their combination did not cause any major health disorders in lambs within 60 days of experiment.

Effects of amoxicillin repeated administration on the hemogram and biogram of sheep

Background: The object of the present study was to investigate the possible alterations in hematological and biochemical parameters of sheep that may occur following intramuscular injection of amoxicillin. Methods: Amoxicillin was injected to 10 sheep at a dosage regimen of 7 mg/kg of body weight for 5 successive days. Two types of blood samples (with and without ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as an anticoagulant) were collected from the jugular vein before and after the antibiotic course. Results: Amoxicillin significantly (p&lt;0.001) increased total leukocyte count and (p &lt; 0.05) absolute eosinophilic count when compared with those of the control samples. Aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and cholesterol, were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than the corresponding control values. In addition, amoxicillin significantly (p&lt;0.05) increased blood urea nitrogen and creatinine but decreased phosphorus level when compared with those of prior-administration samples. Conclusions: These data may suggest that although the side changes caused by amoxicillin are minor in sheep, yet the liver and kidney functions should be monitored during its usage in therapy and it should be used with care for treatment of sheep with renal and/or hepatic impairments; its dosage regimen should be adjusted to avoid its hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects.

Biochemical Alteration Induced After Intramuscular Administration of Long Acting Moxifloxacin in Sheep

The present study was conducted with objective to study biochemical alterations induced after single intramuscular administration of long acting moxifloxacin at the dose rate of 7.5 mg/kg body weight in six healthy male sheep. After deep intramuscular injection of moxifloxacin, blood samples in collected K3EDTA at 0, 6, 12 hour and 2, 3,4, 5,6,7th day after treatment were analyzed for biochemical Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphatase (AKP), Acid Phosphatase (ACP), plasma creatinine, plasma Creatine kinase-MB, Blood glucose and Total bilirubin) analysis. The results of the study clearly demonstrated that single intramuscular administration of long acting moxifloxacin in sheep at 7.5 mg/kg body weight did not cause any significant change in values of biochemical parameters in sheep with total absent of clinical signs of adverse reactions or toxicity.

Investigation of some blood biochemical parameters in sheep naturally infected with theileriosis

Investigation of some blood biochemical parameters in sheep naturally infected with theileriosis

Investigation of selected biochemical parameters in sheep naturally infected with theileriosis

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of sheep theileriosis on some plasma biochemical parameters. Thirty adult fat-tailed sheep suffering from theileriosis were selected on the basis of clinical examination and positive peripheral blood smears, and 20 clinically healthy animals without parasitaemia (according to the blood smears) served as control. Biochemical analysis of infected cases revealed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in blood glucose and albumin, in addition to a non-significant decrease in total protein and creatinine concentrations when compared to the uninfected group. On the other hand, a significant increase of urea, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase, in addition to a non-significant rise in triglyceride, cholesterol, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase levels were found in the infected group in comparison to the controls. This study concluded that theileriosis in sheep was associated with some alterations in blood parameters which could be useful in the diagnosis of ovine theileriosis.

Comparison of hematological and biochemical parameters in sheep naturally and persistently infected with a border disease virus

In this study, we investigated the changes occurring in the activities of determining the biochemical and hematological parameters in persistently infected sheep with border disease virus (BDV) and control sheep. While cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, high-density lipoprotein, and glucose parameters were found to be statistically different between control and BDV positive groups (p<0.01), total protein, alkaline phosphotase, creatine kinase, amylase, glucose, and high-density lipoprotein were found to be statistically different between control and persistently infected group (p<0.01). Interestingly, all groups were shown only mean corpuscular volume parameter was different (p<0.01). It was found that cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, amylase, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein parameters were different between PI and infected sheep (p<0.01). It was speculated that BDV might effect also the expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor and determination of the changes in BD and its clinical importance might contribute to the veterinarians and scientists studying in this area.

Centrally administered verapamil prevents the autonomic reaction to visceral pain in sheep

The significant role of voltage gated calcium channels (VGCC) L-type antagonists used concomitantly with opioids in attenuation of clinical pain has been confirmed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of centrally administered verapamil on behavior and biochemical parameters in sheep that have undergone experimental duodenal distension (DD) and to determine whether verapamil exerts any anti-nociceptive effects under these conditions. The study was carried out using 24 mature crossbred ewes, each weighing 38–43 kg. Verapamil, a VGCC blocker, was administered through an intracerebroventricular cannula at the following doses: 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg in toto. Ten minutes later experimental DD was conducted by insertion and the distension of rubber balloon (containing 40 ml of warm water) inserted into sheep duodenum. After 5 min of mechanical DD the following reactions were then observed: the significant increase in behavioral pain responses, i.e. tachycardia, hyperventilation, inhibition of reticulo-ruminal contractions (70% approximately, during 15 min), an increase of plasma catecholamine concentration (over 7-fold increase of epinephrine during 2 h following DD, 2-times norepinephrine and ±80% increase of dopamine). Verapamil infusion administered 10 min prior to DD decreased intensity of visceral pain responses, such as: behavioral changes, tachycardia, hyperventilation, inhibition of the reticulo-rumen motility and efficiently prevented the appearance of catecholamine release. These data demonstrated that the development and persistence of duodenal hyperalgesia depends on the activation of Ca 2+ ion flux leading to neurotransmitters release and modulation of membrane excitability. The observed antinociceptive action of VGCCs type-L blockers suggests that these channels play a crucial role in the modulation of acute visceral hyperalgesia in sheep.