Cages For Collection Research Articles

L-proline supplementation improves nitric oxide bioavailability and counteracts the blood pressure rise induced by angiotensin II in rats

We evaluated whether l-proline (Pro) supplementation improves redox status and nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and prevents or delays angiotensin II (AngII)-induced hypertension.Male Sprague-Dawley rats were distributed to four experimental groups: Pro + AngII (Pro-Ang), Pro + Saline (Pro-Sal), Vehicle + AngII (Veh-Ang) and Veh + Saline (Veh-Sal). Pro solution (2 g.kg−1·day−1) or water (vehicle) were orally administered, from day 0 to day 21. AngII (200 ng.kg−1.min−1) or saline were infused (s.c.) from day 7 to day 21. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by the tail-cuff method. From day 20–21, animals were kept on metabolic cages for 24h-urine collection. On day 21, urine and blood were collected for further quantification of redox status biomarkers, NO-related markers (urinary nitrates and nitrites, U-NOx; plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine, P-ADMA), metabolic and renal parameters.Pro prevented the AngII-induced SBP rise [mean (95% CI), Day 19: Pro-AngII, 137 (131; 143) vs. Veh-AngII, 157 (151; 163) mm Hg, P < 0.001]. Pro-AngII rats also had increased values of U-NOx, systemic and urinary total antioxidant status (TAS), urinary H2O2 and plasma urea, as well as reduced P-ADMA and unaltered urinary isoprostanes. Plasma Pro was inversely correlated with P-ADMA (r = −0.52, p = 0.0009) and positively correlated with urinary TAS (r = 0.55, p = 0.0005) which, in turn, was inversely correlated with P-ADMA (r = −0.56, p = 0.0004). Furthermore, urinary H2O2 values decreased across P-ADMA tertiles (p for linear trend = 0.023).These results suggest that Pro reduces P-ADMA levels and improves redox status, thereby increasing NO bioavailability and counteracting the AngII-induced SBP rise. H2O2 and TAS modulation by Pro may contribute to the reduced P-ADMA concentration.

The effects of sucrose on urine collection in metabolic cages.

Representative urine collection that respects the standards of animal welfare is still an issue in experimental nephrology. The commonly used metabolic cages induce stress in rodents. In mice, the volume of collected urine is sometimes insufficient for further analysis. The aim of this experiment was to analyse the effects of time of day, temperature and 2%, 5% or 10% sucrose solutions on diuresis, weight change and liquid intake of adult mice placed in metabolic cages for urine collection. Mice were placed in metabolic cages for 12 h during the day or night at standard ambient (22℃) and thermoneutral (28℃) temperatures. To determine the effect of acclimatisation, mice were placed in metabolic cages for five consecutive days. Diuresis increased with concentrations of sucrose. Body weight reduction was most rapid in the group given tap water and decreased with increasing sucrose concentrations. A drastic drop in body weight was observed in mice placed in metabolic cages for four consecutive days with access to tap water and food, indicating that time spent in metabolic cages should be kept to a minimum, as prolonged confinement in metabolic cages can be harmful to mice. The administration of concentrated sucrose solutions can potentially aid in mouse urine collection by reducing the time spent in metabolic cages. Sucrose supplementation increased the albumin/creatinine ratio. However, without showing estimates of glomerular filtration rate, renal haemodynamics, plasma electrolytes and urinary electrolyte excretions, the results of this study do not provide any conclusion about the effect of sucrose on renal function.

Effect of Fructose Overconsumption since Early Age on Renal Function and Sympathetic Nerve Activity

Increased consumption of ready‐to‐eat foods and beverages that contain high fructose content may contribute to the onset of cardiovascular and renal diseases. Moreover, fructose overload in diet since prenatal period may increase the risk of the offspring to diseases later in life. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of increased consumption of fructose since prenatal period until adulthood on: blood pressure, renal function and renal sympathetic nerve activity of the offspring at adulthood.MethodsFemales Wistar rats were randomly assigned to groups: Control (C) and Fructose (F). The C group received food and drinking water ad libitum, and F group received food and D‐fructose solution (20%) for drinking ad libitum. In F, the offer of D‐fructose solution begun 1 week before mating and continued during pregnancy and lactation. After birth, the progeny was limited to 8 offspring and designated as Control Offspring (CO) and Fructose Offspring (FO). At 21st day of life, male offspring were placed in collective cages and received the same treatment of the dams. The experiments were performed at 4 months old rats. Direct measurement of systolic arterial blood pressure and mean arterial blood pressure (SAP and MAP), and the registration of the renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) were performed in 6 animals of each group (CO and FO). The renal function parameters were evaluated in other 6 rats of each group. Renal parameters evaluated: glomerular filtration rate (GFR ‐ inulin clearance), renal plasma flow (RPF ‐ PAH clearance), protein excretion (EProt), urine osmolarity (Uosm), urinary excretion/24 h (V), sodium (ENa+) and potassium (EK+) excretion. The study was approved by the Ethical Research Committee of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo (protocol: 2757270117).ResultsCompared with CO group, FO presented higher values of SAP (FO: 165 ± 5 vs CO: 141 ± 6 mmHg) and MAP (FO: 130 ± 5; CO: 110 ± 4 mmHg). FO had decreased GFR (FO: 5.1 ± 0.7; CO: 8.4 ± 0.5 ml/min/kg), Uosm (FO: 305 ± 60; CO: 1522 ± 81 mosm/l) and potassium excretion (FO: 182 ± 18; CO: 302 ± 28 mM/24 h). The urine excretion and protein excretion were increased in FO compared with CO group (V: FO: 52 ± 1; CO: 14 ± 0.7 ml/24 h; EProt: FO: 10.3 ± 1; CO: 6.4 ± 1 mg/24 h). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding the baseline RSNA (FO: 59 ± 4; CO: 71 ± 14 spikes/s), RPF (FO: 15.0 ± 2; CO: 16.2 ± 1 ml/min/kg) and sodium excretion (FO: 91.2 ± 15; CO: 85.7 ± 15 mM/24 h). Values are presented as mean ± sem, p ≤ 0.05.ConclusionsOur data show that increased consumption of fructose since early age leads to increase in blood pressure and alterations in renal function in the offspring (reduced: GFR, urine osmolarity and potassium excretion; and increased protein excretion).Support or Funding InformationCAPESThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

ELP‐VEGF Treatment Improves the Maternal Syndrome of Preeclampsia in the Dahl Salt Sensitive (S) Rat

Preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, is detrimental to both mother and fetus; however, there is currently no effective treatment for preeclampsia. The anti‐angiogenic protein sFlt‐1 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia through both clinical and experimental studies, leading us and others to propose that antagonism of sFlt‐1 via administration of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) will reduce the maternal symptoms of hypertension and proteinuria in preeclamptic pregnancy. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that VEGF fused to the synthetic carrier elastin like polypeptide (ELP) will improve the maternal syndrome in the Dahl S rat model of superimposed preeclampsia. Female Dahl S rats (16–18 weeks of age) were placed in metabolic cages for 24‐hour urine collection, mated with Dahl S male rats, and randomly divided into control and ELP‐VEGF treated groups. ELP‐VEGF was administered via osmotic pump (5 mg/kg/day, Alzet 2ML1) beginning on day 10 of pregnancy, and pumps were replaced on day 17 of pregnancy. Urine was collected again on day 19, and blood and tissues were harvested on day 20. Urinary protein excretion (Bradford assay) did not differ between groups at baseline (87±11 vs 99±21 mg/d), but was significantly lower during late pregnancy in the ELP‐VEGF treated rats (* p=0.004, table). A subset of ELP‐VEGF‐treated rats (n=4) was implanted with telemetry transmitters (DSI) before mating. While previous studies have shown that blood pressure increases during pregnancy in the Dahl S rat, ELP‐VEGF treatment resulted in a fall in mean arterial pressure of 27±5 mmHg from day 9 to day 18 of pregnancy. No significant differences in fetal growth or litter size were observed following treatment. These data suggest that ELP‐VEGF treatment improves the maternal syndrome of preeclampsia without impairing fetal outcomes.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Nutrient Intake and Digestibility in Merino Sheep Fed Peanut Straw

This study aimed to compare nutrient intake and digestibility between male and female Merino fed peanut straw as sole feed. Four male and five female Merino sheep ages 10 to 12 month with average weight of 40 kg were used in this study. All animals were confined in individual metabolism cages and nylon nets were fitted bellow the cages for faecal collection. This experiment was done with 14 d adaptation period and 7 d collection period. Representative sample of feed, refusal feed, and faeces were analysed proximate including dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), and extract-free nitrogen (EFN). Data collected were used to calculate nutrient intake and digestibility. All nutrient intake in male Merino was higher (P<0.05) than female one, whereas digestibility of DM, CP, and CF in male Merino sheep were higher (P<0.05) than female sheep. It could be concluded male Merino sheep consumed feed more than female, but they had similar value of digestibility.

Effect of Phyllanthus buxifolius Leaf as a Feed Supplement on Liver Function and Haematological Response of Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) Challenged with Infectious Newcastle Disease Virus

Abstract: Background and Objective: Quail breeders are continuously facing high mortality rates due to Newcastle disease virus infection. Administration of 4-6% Phyllanthus buxifolius leaf powder in the diet can decrease fat and cholesterol levels in egg yolk and increase the immunity of unchallenged quail against Newcastle disease virus. This study examines the effects of P. buxifolius leaf powder on liver function and the haematological responses of quail challenged with Newcastle disease virus. Materials and Methods: One day old quail were acclimatized for 14 days in collective bamboo cages. Seventy-five female quail with similar weights were transferred to individual cages and randomized into five groups, each group being fed a commercial diet containing either 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8% P. buxifolius leaf powder. At the age of 47 days, all quail were infected with velogenic Newcastle disease virus. Haemogglutination inhibition tests were conducted on quail at the ages of 45, 65 and 80 days. Liver function tests and white blood cell and platelet counts were evaluated on quail at the ages of 45 and 75 days. Results: Supplementation with P. buxifolius leaf powder significantly increased antibody titers in 75 and 90 days old quail, significantly decreased aspartate amino transferase and alanine amino transferase levels and decreased total leucocyte, thrombocyte, lymphocyte and monocyte counts. Leaf powders of P. buxifolius have a high potential to protect poultry from infection with Newcastle disease virus and reduce spread of the disease. Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with 4-6% P. buxifolius leaf powder does not cause liver damage or inflammation in quail and may protect against infection. Key words : Liver function, haematological, C. coturnix japonica, Phyllanthus buxifolius, Newcastle disease

Hens can ingest extruded polystyrene in rearing buildings and lay eggs contaminated with hexabromocyclododecane

The overall concentration of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) in eggs is low although abnormally high concentrations exceeding 3000 ng g−1 lw have been reported. In order to test whether these contaminations may originate from the ingestion of insulating materials in rearing buildings, a group of 55 hens raised in a collective cage was provided with a 64-g piece of extruded polystyrene (XPS, 2.59% HBCDD of which 75, 15 and 10% as α-, β- and γ-HBCDD, respectively). Hens entirely consumed the piece within 3 days, leading to a mean daily exposure of 4.7 mg HBCDD per kg body weight. Whole egg HBCDD concentration reached a maximum of 1037 ng HBCDD g−1 fresh weight (fw), recorded 2 days after the piece had disappeared, and decreased down to 86 ng g−1 fw within the 19 following days. In all these samples, HBCDD was made of 98.7 ± 0.7 and 1.3 ± 0.6% α- and β-HBCDD, respectively, and 0.1% γ-HBCDD when quantified; it was enriched in (−)α- and (+)β-HBCDD with enantiomeric fractions of 0.438 ± 0.009 and 0.579 ± 0.030, respectively. HBCDD was quantified in all the individual eggs collected the last day of experiment at concentrations ranging between 0.47 and 1361 ng g−1 fw, according to a lognormal distribution. The ingestion of XPS in degraded rearing buildings is thus a plausible cause of on-farm egg contamination by HBCDD which should be strictly avoided.

Apparent digestibility and rumen protozoal profile of sheep fed cassava wastewater

SUMMARY The effects of cassava wastewater on nutrient digestibility and rumen protozoa were evaluated in 32 Santa Inês sheep fed a diet with Tifton hay, ground corn cob, and concentrate, containing 0, 500, 1000, or 1500 mL cassava wastewater. Uncastrated sheep at an average age of 167 days and average weight of 25.3 kg were housed in individual stalls and distributed in a randomized complete design with four treatments and eight replicates. The experimental period was 70 days: 15 days for adaptation to the diets and 60 days to collect the ingredients and diets supplied. Prior to this stage, the animals were adapted to the consumption of cassava wastewater, in collective cages, for seven days. Apparent digestibility was determined by partial feces collection and by using the LIPE® external marker in 250-mg capsules. The apparent digestibility of nutrients did not differ (P&gt;0.05) in relation to the cassava wastewater levels tested. Eleven genera of rumen protozoa were identified, and they formed a community that, except for Ophryoscolex, did not differ among the cassava wastewater treatments with respect to composition. However, Entodinium species were observed at a higher density (P&lt;0.05) in sheep that received 1500 mL of cassava wastewater. The use of cassava wastewater in the sheep diet does not affect the digestibility of nutrients or composition of rumen protozoa; however, it causes a significant increase in Entodinium density.

Fatty acid composition of meat and genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci in 3 generations of Japanese quail populations

The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different lines and generations of adult males and females of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) on total lipid, fatty acid (FA) composition and cholesterol content of breast muscle, as well as the identification of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling the above mentioned meat quality traits. Forty-four quails (generation F0), 22 Pharaoh (F-33) meat-type males and 22 Standard (S-22) laying-type females, were crossed to produce the F1 hybrids generation. F2 generation was created by mating one F1 male with one F1 female, full siblings. The birds, randomly chosen from F0 (22 males and 22 females), F1 (22 males and 22 females) and F2 (84 males and 152 females), were raised to 20 weeks of age in collective cages. After slaughter the carcasses were dissected and the breast muscle was removed for the chemical analysis. Genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood and 30 microsatellite markers located on two quail chromosomes were genotyped. S-22 quails exhibited higher amounts of total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), while F-33 quails had a greater content of total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). F-33 quails supplied meat with lower atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes. A partial effect of sex on the FA composition of quail meat was found in the F1 generation; while in the F2 generation a sex-effect was more evident. F2 females exhibited a higher PUFA content and PUFA/SFA ratio, and a lower muscle cholesterol content compared to F2 males. In conclusion, total lipid, FA composition and cholesterol content were affected by first- and second-generation crosses. For the cholesterol content a QTL showing additive effect has been detected on CJA02 at 85 cM; no QTLs were found for total SFA, MUFA and PUFA. To current knowledge, this is the first study of a QTL associated with muscle cholesterol in quails.

20 Defective placental bed vascular remodeling precedes manifestations of superimposed preeclampsia in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats

Introduction Pregnant women suffering from chronic hypertension are at increased risk of developing superimposed preeclampsia (SPE), often associated with poor fetal and maternal outcomes. Most animal models available to date reproduce ‘de novo' PE-like features through different experimental approaches, but the development of a SPE syndrome in pregnant animals with pre-existing arterial hypertension has been greatly overlooked in basic research pertaining hypertensive pregnancies. Objectives To characterize timed pregnancies in the Stroke Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHRSP) strain, a well-known model for essential hypertension, focusing on the development of clinical, fetal and placental manifestations of SPE. Methods SHRSP and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) females (10–12weeks old, N =5animals/day analyzed) were mated to congenic males and checked daily for vaginal plugs, denoted as gestation day (GD) 1. Blood pressure (BP) was determined by the tail-cuff method pre-mating and on the morning of GD1, 7, 9, 13, 17 and 19. On the selected dates, females were housed in metabolic cages for collection of 24h urine samples. Following collection of blood samples, animals were euthanized and implantation sites isolated for morphological analyzes. Fetal and placental weights were recorded on GD 18 and GD20. Results Compared to WKY, the SHRSP exhibited a significant elevation of baseline hypertension towards the last third of pregnancy (i.e, from GD13 to GD20) together with increased protein excretion, considered diagnostic hallmarks for SPE. Renal compromise was also evident as a progressive decrease of urinary output and histopathological changes in the glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments of SHRSP kidneys. The SHRSP offspring were growth restricted and morphometrical analyzes showed underlying abnormal placentation, including signs of placental insufficiency such as decreased fetal to placental weight ratio and hypertrophy of the labyrinth layer linked to defective vascularization. Notably, our analysis also showed that the onset of the maternal syndrome was preceded by incomplete remodeling of the placental bed spiral arteries, which showed luminal narrowing and decreased densities of perivascular uterine NK cells at GD14 followed by defective infiltration of endovascular trophoblasts at GD18. Conclusion Our data confirms the characterization of pregnant SHRSP as a model reproducing clinical diagnostic traits and the underlying placental pathology observed in preeclampsia superimposed on chronic hypertension. This novel model provides an attractive system for interventional studies and dissection of the multifactorial origins of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Effect of environmental enrichment and composition of the social group on the behavior, welfare, and relative brain weight of growing rabbits

The objective of the study was to investigate if environmental enrichment and the composition of the social group would affect the behavior and relative brain weight of growing rabbits. Rabbits (72 males and 72 females) were assigned to cages with or without enrichment and one of three social groups (males, females, or mixed-gender). Two eucalyptus sticks suspended from the cage ceiling were provided in the enriched cages based on the results of a preliminary trial conducted on growing rabbits (n=48) showing that pieces of wood (Eucalyptus sp, Pinus sp) or bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus) were preferred over PVC pipe (P<0.05). Rabbits were exposed to the experimental conditions between six and 11 weeks of age. Behavioral activities were video recorded for 24h, at 7, 10 and 11 weeks of age. Growth performance was recorded from 42 to 77days of age, whereas skin wounds and brain weight were recorded at 77days. At 70days of age, rabbits in non-enriched cages showed a higher proportion of self-grooming (P=0.012) than those in enriched cages. Enrichment decreased the number of social interactions among rabbits (P=0.012), but increased aggressive behavior (P=0.007). The number of animals showing skin wounds on day 77 was lower (P=0.006) in enriched than in non-enriched cages. The incidence of social interactions was higher (P<0.05) and of stereotypes was lower (P<0.05) in mixed-gender groups than in same-sex groups. Female groups showed the lowest incidence of aggressive behavior (P<0.05). The number of individuals with skin injuries was higher in mixed-gender groups (P<0.05) than in female groups; male groups were intermediate. Growth performance was unaffected by enrichment or by the composition of social group. Males in enriched cages had heavier brains (P<0.05) than those in non-enriched cages. Although aggressive behaviors were more frequent, the number of skin wounds on day 77 was lower in rabbits from enriched cages, suggesting improved welfare. Based on the increased frequency of social interactions and decreased incidence of stereotyped behavior, mixed-gender groups should be housed in collective cages from weaning up to 11 weeks of age. However, if the incidence of skin wounds is considered, only females can be housed in same-sex groups. For males, individual cages should be preferred. Whether environmental enrichment induces morphologic changes in male rabbits’ brains should be further investigated.

Uncoupling Protein‐2 Deficiency Protects Kidney Function in Ageing Mice

Increased kidney oxygen consumption due to increased mitochondrial leak respiration contributes to chronic kidney disease. Physiological leak respiration in the kidney is mainly mediated by uncoupling protein‐2 (UCP‐2) since it is the only UCP expressed in this tissue. However, it is not known how UCP‐2 affects long term kidney function in the ageing kidney although we hypothesize that UCP‐2 deficiency protects kidney function in aged mice.In this study, 2 year old wild‐type and UCP‐2 deficient mice (B6.129S.UCP2&lt;tm1Low&gt;lJ, Jackson Lab) were placed in metabolic cages for 24h urine collection followed by determination of conscious arterial blood pressure using the tail cuff method and glomerular filtration rate using a single bolus injection of FITC‐inulin.UCP‐2 deficient mice had similar water and food intake as well as body and kidney weights compared to wild‐type mice. However, systolic blood pressure was higher in UCP‐2 deficient mice (systolic 95±5 versus 88±3 mmHg) whereas diastolic pressure was similar in the two groups (62±4 versus 61±2 mmHg). Interestingly, urinary protein excretion was approximately 30% lower in UCP‐2 deficient mice and glomerular filtration rate significantly higher (307±30 versus 228±30 μl/min) compared to corresponding wild‐type animals.In conclusion, these results demonstrate that UCP‐2 deficiency protects long‐term kidney function in ageing mice by reducing urinary protein leakage and maintaining normal glomerular filtration rate. Thus, treatment options aiming to reduce the age‐related activation of UCP‐2 may improve kidney status in the ever growing population of older people.Support or Funding InformationSwedish Research Council and Swedish Diabetes Foundation

NEUROTROPIC AND DIURETIC ACTIVITY OF THICK EXTRACT OF THE BLOOD-RED HAWTHORN’S FRUITS

Blood-red hawthorn (Crataegi fructus) are a popular cardiotonic herbal materials, which widely used in medical practice in our country and abroad. In order to prevent diseases of the cardiovascular system is appropriate to prescribe herbal medicines, because they combine the breadth and softness of therapeutic action, along with the absence of a significant number of side effects and contraindications.The purpose was to study diuretic and antidepressant activity of thick fruit extract of blood-red hawthorn.Material and methods. Under laboratory conditions we obtained a thick extract of blood-red hawthorn fruits. This phytopharmaceutical was studied by us for any diuretic and antidepressant activity. Investiga- tions were carried out on white rats of both sexes weighing 200–220 g. Each experimental group consist- ed of ten animals. Study drug was administered intragastrically by stomach tube. Control in both cases served as purified water. For determination of diuretic activity, we used a thick extract of hawthorn fruits in a dose of 20 mg/kg against the background of the water load in the amount of 3% of body weight of the animal. Reference preparation was chosen dichlorthiazid 20 mg/kg. It was administered once. After ad- ministration the animals were placed in metabolic cages for urine collection for 24 hours. The study de- termined diuresis, natriuresis, kaliuresis, and kreatininuresis for 4 h and 24 h of the experiment. On the day of the experiment the animals of the control group was administered water load of 3%, and experi- enced – intragastrically drug in an identical amount. Animals were placed in a metabolic cage for a day. Collected 4 h and 24-h urine sample. Determined by renal excretion of water was recorded concentration of sodium and potassium by flame photometry in the fiery liquid analyzer PAG-1, creatinine – colorimet- ric method for photocolorimeter CFC-3. For determining antidepressant activity we used a thick hawthorn extract in a dose of 25 mg/kg of animal body weight. As a synthetic drug comparisons, we used amitriptilin 5 mg/g.Results. It was found that the thick extract of fruits of blood red hawthorn in a dose of 20 mg/kg for 24 hours increases the diuresis experiment, both by increasing the glomerular filtration rate and by lowering tubular reabsorption. For thick extract of fruits of hawthorn blood-red characteristic expression antide- pressant activity.Conclusion. The studied preparation of blood-red hawthorn’s fruits have properties to provide complex nephrotropic and neurotropic activity on the living organism.

PP.24.21

Objective: Arterial hypertension (HT) affects 1–5% of pregnant women worldwide, with a rising prevalence due to increasing maternal age, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Pregnancies complicated by HT increase the risk of superimposed preeclampsia, fetal growth restriction (FGR), preterm delivery, and perinatal death. So far, there is scarce information available on placental development and function in severe HT animal models such as the Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat (SHRSP) strain. Thus, the present study was conducted in order to characterize pregnancy in the SHRSP focusing on the impact of blood pressure changes on placental development and fetal growth. Design and method: SHRSP and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) females (10–12 weeks old, N = 5animals/day analysed) were mated to congenic males and checked daily for vaginal plugs, denoted as gestation day (GD) 1. Blood pressure (BP) was determined by the tail-cuff method pre-mating and on the morning of GD1, 7, 9, 13, 17 and 19. On the selected dates, females were housed in metabolic cages for collection of 24 h urine samples. Following collection of blood samples, animals were euthanized and implantation sites isolated for morphological analyses. Fetal and placental weights were recorded on GD 18 and GD 20. Results: Pregnant SHRSP remained hypertensive throughout the course of the experiment. While BP in WKY females showed slight variations, both SBP and DBP rose in SHRSP, peaking on GD13 and returning to pre-pregnancy levels at term (GD19, results shown in Table 1). Compared to WKY, SHRSP displayed an impaired fertility (noted by decreased pregnancy rates) and signs of placental insufficiency (i.e., decreased F/P weight ratios) and FGR on GD18 and 20. Morphological alterations were evident in SHRSP term placentas, including a decreased fractional area occupied by the junctional zone layer and thickened walls of the maternal vessels irrigating the labyrinth.Conclusions: SHRSP presented significant alterations in fetal growth probably due to defective placental development and function linked to the hypertensive scenario. Moreover, SHRSP showed signs of altered renal function near term. These findings together suggest that SHRSP may be a useful model for further studies on pathogenic mechanisms in hypertensive pregnancies.

Species composition and flight periods of horntail wasps (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) within Basque Country pine forests, with the confirmation of establishment of the exotic species &lt;em&gt;Urocerus albicornis&lt;/em&gt;

Species composition and flight periods of horntails wasps in Basque Country pine forests in northern Spain are studied in order to determine if alien invasive species have been introduced and established. Panel traps baited with Contech Inc. Sirex noctilio lures were erected at sites in six distinct Basque Country forest regions (Menagarai and Gordoa forests in Alava Province, Orio and Zegama forests in Gipuzkoa province and Carranza and Muxika forests in Bizkaia province). Traps were monitored throughout 2011 and 2012. At the same time in January, ten dead logs with oviposition holes from the same localities were collected and reared in emergence cages for wasp collection. In the pheromone traps three autochthonous, Palaearctic species were found: Sirex noctilio Fabricius, 1773, and Urocerus gigas (Linnaeus, 1758), and one exotic species Urocerus albicornis (Fabricius, 1781) was detected. From logs, the same three species plus U. augur (Klug, 1803) were obtained with a collection of parasitoids. Sirex noctilio, Urocerus gigas and Urocerus albicornis were found in all provinces of the Basque Country. Trapping results show flight occurs from late June to September. The establishment of U. albicornis, an exotic species from North America, is confirmed in northern Spain.

Diuretic effects and urinary electrolyte excretion induced by Aspidosperma subincanum Mart. and the involvement of prostaglandins in such effects

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAspidosperma subincanum Mart. is a medicinal herb known for its diuretic properties and used for the treatment of cardiovascular-related illnesses. Although our earlier study has shown that the ethanol extract of Aspidosperma subincanum (EEAS) induces hypotension and vasodilation, no scientific data have been recorded to evaluate the diuretic effects of this Brazilian medicinal plant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diuretic activity of EEAS, and possible mechanism of action, using Wistar rats. Material and methodsEEAS (60 and 120mg/kg), furosemide (20mg/kg) or saline (control) were orally administered to rats individually held in metabolic cages for urine collection 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24h after treatment. In order to evaluate the involvement of prostaglandins in the diuretic action of EEAS, the animals received piroxicam (5mg/kgi.p.), a nonselective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase, before treatment with EEAS at 120mg/kg. The control groups received only saline (NaCl, 0.9%), or saline and piroxicam. Urinary volume, electrolyte excretion and pH were measured. ResultsOral administration of EEAS 60 and 120mg/kg significantly increased diuresis and electrolyte excretion of Na+ and K+ on a continuous basis throughout the study period. Both EEAS 60 and 120mg/kg caused a relative increase of around 77% and 142%, respectively, in cumulative diuresis compared with the control group. From 4th hour until the end of the experiment, the group treated with EEAS 120mg/kg provided a greater excretion of Na+ than the furosemide group. The diuretic effects of EEAS were neutralized by piroxicam between 4 and 8h after treatment. ConclusionThe results suggest that EEAS could present compound(s) responsible for diuretic activities, and the mechanism could involve the prostaglandin system.

Increasing the digestible energy intake under a restriction strategy improves the feed conversion ratio of the growing rabbit without negatively impacting the health status

Post-weaning feed restriction strategies have proved to reduce mortality and morbidity, but result in decreased growth and lower slaughter yield. To compensate for those deleterious effects without negatively impacting the health parameters, we have studied the possibility of increasing the dietary energy level of the feed. Four treatments differing in dietary digestible energy content (“low” energy content, LE=9.08MJ/kg vs “high” energy content, HE=10.13MJ/kg), and feeding level (ad libitum or restricted at 75%) were formed in a 2×2 factorial arrangement. Animals were fed the experimental diets from weaning (32–36 days of age) to slaughter age (70–74 days of age), and feed restriction was applied from weaning to 63–64 days of age. Digestive efficiency was assessed during feed restriction and after one week of ad libitum feeding in 48 animals housed in individual cages. A performance experiment was carried out in four different sites involving a total of 1888 animals housed in collective cages, including carcass and meat quality measurements in 400 animals. Feed restriction and the HE diet improved the faecal digestibility of organic matter (+0.04 and +0.06 respectively; P<0.001), crude protein (+0.05 and +0.05; P<0.001) and NDF (+0.06 and +0.07; P<0.001). When returning to an ad libitum feeding, no effect of the previous feeding level was observed while the effect of the diet was similar to that observed during feed restriction. Restricted feeding reduced the growth by 7% during the whole fattening period (P<0.001), and the slaughter yield by 1.1% (P<0.001). It improved the feed conversion ratio by 9% (P<0.001), while the HE diet improved it by 11% (P<0.001). A 25% reduction in feed intake reduced the health risk index (HRi) in both good and poor health conditions (2.7% vs 7.1%, P<0.01 and 36.2% vs 44.3%, P<0.05 respectively). The use of a high energy diet increased the morbidity (4.6% vs 2.5%, P<0.05) in good health conditions and had the opposite effect in poor health conditions (17.5% vs 22.4%). Calculations of the gross margin confirmed the economic advantage of feed restriction in growing rabbits (+0.06€/kg), while the use of a restricted fed high energy diet was profitable only when mortality and morbidity was low.

Efeitos da remobilização por meio de exercício físico sobre a densidade óssea de ratos adultos e idosos

This study aimed to analyze the effects of remobilization by means of physical exercise on bone tissue in rats and elderly adults. A total of 80 male Wistar rats were split into two groups, aged five months to 15 months for adults and elderly; each one was further split into 4 subgroups: control (G1 and G5), immobilized groups (G2 and G6), remobilized groups free (G3 and G7), remobilized groups through exercise (G4 and G8). The immobilized groups were euthanized immediately after removal of immobilization, which lasted for 14 days. The remobilized groups remained free for seven days in collective cages after removal immobilization, followed by euthanasia. The exercise groups underwent swimming for 25 min/day during 7 days and then were euthanized. It was observed that groups remobilized G3/G7 and G4/G8, had an increase in bone mass compared to the G1/G5 and G2/G6. With respect to mechanical analysis, in the adult group was statistically significance when compared G2 and G3. The immobilization process caused a reduction in the bone mineral density, likewise reducing their mechanical properties.

&lt;b&gt;Effect of administering a diet contamined with fumonisins on the kidneys of wistar rats

Fumonisins (FBs) are mycotoxins produced by Fusarium molds. Several works have shown contamination of maize by this toxin. Fumonisin B1 (FB-1) is found in greatest proportion (about 70%), resistant to several industrialization processes. In that context, the objective of this work was to analyze the effect of administering a diet contaminated with FB-1 on the morphophysiology of the kidneys of 21-day old male Wistar rats. The animals were divided into 2 groups: G0 (with animals receiving feed free of FBs) and G6 (6mg of FB1 kg-1 of feed). The diet was administered during 42 days. After that period, the animals were placed in metabolic cages for urine collection, blood was collected for analysis of plasma creatinine, and the kidneys were fixed and stained with Masson's trichrome. We observed that FB1 administration did not affect feed intake, body weight gain and animal growth. The normal levels of plasma creatinine suggest that the toxin did not lead to glomerular lesion. There was also no change in water intake, osmolarity and excretion of sodium in urine. However, there was a significant increase in urine volume and potassium excretion in urine, with mild tubulointerstitial changes in the outer cortex for the group receiving the mycotoxin.

Growth performance, meat quality traits, and genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci in 3 generations of Japanese quail populations (Coturnix japonica)

The current research was conducted to compare growth, carcass traits, pH, intramuscular collagen (IMC) properties, and genetic bases of IMC and carcasses (breast-muscle weight) of different lines and generations of adult males and females of Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Forty-four quails (generation F0), 22 Pharaoh (F-33) meat-type males and 22 Standard (S-22) laying-type females, were crossed to produce the F1 hybrids generation. The F2 generation was created by mating one F1 male with one F1 female, full siblings. The birds, randomly chosen from F0 (22 males and 22 females), F1 (22 males and 22 females), and F2 (84 males and 152 females) were raised to 20 wk of age in collective cages. Quails were fed ad libitum commercial diets. At slaughter, all birds were individually weighed (after a fasting period of 12 h) and dressing yield (without giblets) was calculated. The carcasses were then dissected. Genomic DNA was extracted from all of the blood, and 30 microsatellite markers located on 2 quail chromosomes were genotyped. The F- 33 quails had higher in vivo and postmortem performances and a higher abdominal fat percentage than those of the egg line. Meat from S- 22 quails had a slower collagen maturation (hydroxylysylpyridinoline crosslink/collagen) and a higher ultimate pH. The F1 and F2 generations showed an evident sexual dimorphism, and an additional effect could be due to hybrid heterosis evident in F2. Meat from quails of F1 and F2 generations had a lower IMC amount with a higher degree of collagen maturation compared with parental lines. Two statistically significant QTL have been detected on quail chromosome 2 (CJA02): a QTL with an additive effect (0.50) for IMC in the marker bracket GUJ0037 and GUJ0093; a second QTL with additive (1.32) and dominant (1.91) effects for breast-muscle weight in the marker bracket GUJ0084 and GUJ0073. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a QTL associated with breast-muscle weight and IMC in quail and poultry species, respectively.