An in vitro testicular organoid model for the study of testis morphogenesis, somatic cell maturation, endocrine function, and toxicological assessment of endocrine disruptors.

Male reproductive capacity has fallen considerably in recent decades; in addition, the incidence of testicular cancer has increased in many developed countries. The cause of this phenomenon is unknown, but environmental toxicants are considered a major contributing factor. To study potential reproductive toxicants, robust in vitro testis models are needed.

The C-8-S-isomers of ergot alkaloids - a review of biological and analytical aspects.

Ergot alkaloids are secondary metabolites that are produced by fungi and contaminate cereal crops and grasses. The ergot alkaloids produced by Claviceps purpurea are the most abundant worldwide. The metabolites exist in two configurations, the C-8-R-isomer (R-epimer) and the C-8-S-isomer (S-epimer).

Examining the subchronic (28-day) effects of aqueous Cd-BaP co-exposure on detoxification capacity and cardiac function in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio).

The present study aimed to examine the effects of environmentally relevant concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and Benzo[a]Pyrene (BaP) in the adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). To this end, fish were exposed to either 1 or 10 μg/L Cd or 0.1 or 1 μg/L BaP in isolation, or a co-exposure containing a mixture of the two toxicants.

The Impact of Storage Temperature and Time on Ergot Alkaloid Concentrations.

Ergot sclerotia produce toxic secondary metabolites, ergot alkaloids, that infect cereal crops and grasses. Ergot alkaloids have two isomeric configurations: the C-8--isomer (-epimer), and the C-8--isomer (-epimer). Ergot contaminated matrices, such as cereal grains or grasses, may be stored for extended periods at various temperatures before being analyzed, utilized, or consumed.

Correlation between E-cadherin expression and tumor grade, proliferation, microvascular density, and apoptosis in canine cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

E-cadherin is an adhesion molecule expressed on epithelial surfaces. Loss of its expression is described in cancerous tissues. Here, we examined the expression of E-cadherin in canine cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and determined its association with tumor grade (TG), proliferation index (PI), apoptosis index (AI), and intra-tumoral microvascular density (iMVD) in archived samples.

Correlation of hepatic copper levels, rhodanine scores and histological diagnosis in archived canine liver samples.

The liver is the main storage site for copper. Excess copper accumulation, however, is a risk factor for the development of chronic hepatitis in dogs. Mass spectrometry or rhodanine staining are frequently used methods to assess copper levels in the liver.

Ammonization of the - and -Epimers of Ergot Alkaloids to Assess Detoxification Potential.

Detoxification of ergot-contaminated feed by ammonia would be a practical application, given that ammonia is routinely used in the agriculture industry. To assess the effects of ammonia on ergot alkaloids, natural ergot-contaminated wheat was ammoniated. The total concentration of ergot alkaloids ( and -epimers) decreased after exposure to ammonia (8-29%).

Sustained vascular contractile response induced by an R- and S-epimer of the ergot alkaloid ergocristine and attenuation by a noncompetitive antagonist.

Vasoconstriction is a known effect associated with ergot alkaloid consumption. The vascular contractile responses are often sustained for an extended period after exposure. Ergot alkaloids exist in two molecular configurations, the C-8-(R)-isomer (R-epimer) and the C-8-(S)-isomer (S-epimer).

Prolonged absorption and susceptibility to enterohepatic circulation after oral administration of ergot alkaloids in ewes.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics profile of ergot alkaloids when administered to sheep orally. Although ergot alkaloids frequently contaminate animal feed, current understanding of their pharmacokinetics in animals cannot adequately predict toxicity. Blood samples were collected from ewes at 0.

Vasoactive Effects of Acute Ergot Exposure in Sheep.

Ergotism is a common and increasing problem in Saskatchewan's livestock. Chronic exposure to low concentrations of ergot alkaloids is known to cause severe arterial vasoconstriction and gangrene through the activation of adrenergic and serotonergic receptors on vascular smooth muscles. The acute vascular effects of a single oral dose with high-level exposure to ergot alkaloids remain unknown and are examined in this study.

Evaluation of La(XT), a novel lanthanide compound, in an OVX rat model of osteoporosis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a novel lanthanum compound, La(XT), in an ovariectomized (OVX) rat model of osteoporosis.

Methods: Twenty-four ovariectomized female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 3 groups receiving a research diet with/without treatment compounds (alendronate: 3 mg/kg; La(XT) 100 mg/kg) for three months. At the time of sacrifice, the kidney, liver, brain, lung and spleen were collected for histological examination.

Evaluation of metallothionein and Ki-67 expression in chronic cholangiohepatitis in cats.

Chronic cholangiohepatitis (CCH) is a common pathological condition in cats with a guarded prognosis and unknown etiology. Recently, in human medicine, there has been increased interest in enhancing liver defense mechanisms as an effective treatment strategy to control liver diseases that have a poor prognosis. Metallothionein (MT) is a ubiquitous protein, which has been widely researched for its role in liver defense through heavy metal detoxification, neutralization of reactive oxygen species, and liver regeneration.

Assessment of the vasoactive effects of the (S)-epimers of ergot alkaloids in vitro.

Ergot alkaloids are produced by the fungus Claviceps purpurea and their levels are carefully monitored in animal and human diets due to their harmful effects and widespread contamination of cereal crops. Ergot alkaloids exist in two forms known as the (R)- and (S)-epimers with only the former being monitored in diets in North America. The (S)-epimers of ergot alkaloids are thought to be biologically inactive and, therefore, harmless.

Feline infectious peritonitis in a cat presented because of papular skin lesions.

A 19-week-old neutered male domestic shorthair cat was examined because of multiple raised pruritic skin lesions along the dorsal head and back. Histopathology of biopsies of the lesions detected nodular pyogranulomatous dermatitis with vasculitis and necrosis, leading to a suspicion of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Postmortem examination revealed gross lesions consistent with FIP.

Metallothionein Expression in Horses With Chronic Liver Disease and Its Correlation With Ki-67 Immunoreactivity.

Chronic liver disease is an important cause of illness in horses, and treatment is mainly supportive. Research into new treatment modalities for humans has shown promising data regarding metallothionein (MT), which has been shown to possess regenerative, antifibrotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to examine the relationship between hepatic MT expression and the histopathologic markers of hepatic inflammation, fibrosis and bile duct proliferation, as well as cellular regeneration in 77 selected cases of chronic liver disease in horses.

Accidental selenium toxicosis in lambs.

Acute selenium toxicosis occurred in 3-week-old lambs after accidental over-supplementation by intramuscular injection and caused dyspnea, cyanosis, and sudden death. Pathological lesions included myocardial necrosis, skeletal muscle necrosis, pulmonary edema, hydrothorax, and hydropericardium.

Type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection increases apoptosis at the maternal-fetal interface in late gestation pregnant gilts.

The pathogenesis of fetal death associated with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is hypothesized to be a consequence of PRRS virus-induced apoptosis at the maternal-fetal interface (MFI). The objectives of this study were to evaluate distribution and degree of apoptosis in the uterine and fetal placental tissues during the experimental type 2 PRRS virus (PRRSV) infection and determine associations between apoptosis at the MFI, PRRSV RNA concentration and antigen staining intensity, PRRSV-induced microscopic lesions, and fetal preservation status. A total of 114 naïve, high-health pregnant gilts were inoculated with type 2 PRRSV on gestation day 85±1 with euthanasia 21 days later; 19 sham-inoculated gilts served as controls.

Relationships of CD163 and CD169 positive cell numbers in the endometrium and fetal placenta with type 2 PRRSV RNA concentration in fetal thymus.

Several routes of porcine reproductive and respiratory virus PRRSV transmission across the porcine diffuse epitheliochorial placentation have been proposed, but none have been proven. The objectives of this study were to investigate associations between numbers of CD163 and CD169 positive macrophages, cathepsin positive areolae, and type 2 PRRSV load at the maternal-fetal interface in order to examine important factors related to transplacental infection. On gestation day 85 ± 1, naïve pregnant gilts were inoculated with PRRSV (n = 114) or were sham inoculated (n = 19).