A new S. suis serotype 3 infection model in pigs: lack of effect of buprenorphine treatment to reduce distress.

Background: Streptoccocus suis (S. suis) is a major porcine pathogen causing meningitis, septicemia, arthritis and endocarditis. These diseases severely impair welfare of pigs.

Feasibility of combined upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsy in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) to evaluate gastrointestinal diseases.

Background: Chronic gastroenteropathies, including gluten sensitivity and marmoset wasting syndrome, frequently occur in captive colonies of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Early identification and diagnosis of affected animals are desirable. Endoscopic examination of the colon in marmosets is described, but the small intestine can harbor significant mucosal lesions not representing those in the colon.

Investigation of Body Development in Growing Holstein Heifers With Special Emphasis on Body Fat Development Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis.

This study analyzed skeletal development, body condition, and total body fat development of growing heifers. A total of 144 female primiparous Holstein cattle from four commercial dairy farms with different degrees of stillbirth rates were examined during the rearing period. This included measurements in body condition, fat tissue, metabolic, and endocrine factors.

[Cortisol concentration before, during and after sham foot trimming in German Holstein cows - the suitability of different matrices].

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine whether changes in cortisol concentration measured in blood serum (KoB) of cows exposed to an acute stressor shows a correlation to cortisol concentrations in saliva (KoS), tears (KoT) and milk (KoM) as well as the concentration of cortisol metabolites in feces (KoK).

Materials And Methods: In 10 healthy German Holstein cows, sham foot trimming (sKB) including the movement/fixation of the cows through/in a foot trimming chute was used as a model for acute stress. KoB, KoS, KoT, KoM and KoK were measured once a day for 10 days.

Chemical cues of female fertility states in a non-human primate.

An increasing number of studies suggest that olfaction is important for communication throughout the order of primates. Callitrichids, in particular, have well-developed olfactory systems and use anogenital glands to produce scent marks. Behavioural studies have shown that male common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) distinguish between odours from the peri-ovulatory and luteal phase of females.

Different methods for volatile sampling in mammals.

Previous studies showed that olfactory cues are important for mammalian communication. However, many specific compounds that convey information between conspecifics are still unknown. To understand mechanisms and functions of olfactory cues, olfactory signals such as volatile compounds emitted from individuals need to be assessed.

Simultaneous detection of three sex steroid hormone classes using a novel yeast-based biosensor.

A biosensor detecting estrogens, progestogens, and androgens in complex samples and in a single step is described. Three Arxula adeninivorans yeast strains were created, each strain producing a different recombinant human hormone receptor and a different fluorescent reporter protein. These strains were then mixed to create G1212/YRC102-hHR-fluo, the biological component of the biosensor.

Blood pressure as prognostic marker for body condition, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

Background: The increasing life span of Callithrix jacchus in combination with the occurrence of metabolic and age-dependent diseases requires improved health surveillance for this species.

Methods: The health status of 56 marmosets was studied using a non-invasive blood pressure (BP) device. Age-, weight-, and sex-dependent changes were analyzed.

Seasonal and urban effects on the endocrinology of a wild passerine.

In order to maximize their fitness, organisms in seasonal environments rely on external cues to optimally time their life-history stages. One of the most important zeitgeber to time reproduction is the photoperiod, but further environmental cues are assessed to fine-tune reproduction due to year-to-year variation in environmental conditions. However, in urbanized environments, the pervasive artificial light at night has altered the natural signal of light and darkness.

Insulinaemic and glycaemic responses to a second meal of a fibre- or starch-enriched compound feed in healthy horses.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a second meal of a fibre- or starch-enriched compound feed on glycaemic and insulinaemic responses in healthy horses. In a cross-over design, horses were fed either a starch-enriched compound feed (SCF) or a fibre-enriched compound feed (FCF). On days of blood collection, test diets were fed in the morning (0800 h, first meal) and a second meal was fed 510 min after the first meal was finished (second meal).

Testicular biopsy in psittacine birds (Psittaciformes): impact of endoscopy and biopsy on health, testicular morphology, and sperm parameters.

Histologic examination of a testicular biopsy sample may be required to evaluate the reproductive status of male psittacine birds. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the viability of testicular sampling from live birds by assessing the impact on the birds' health, testicular integrity, and sperm quality. Testicular biopsy samples were obtained by endoscopy 4 times during 12 months from 9 cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) and 7 rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri).

Testicular biopsy in psittacine birds (Psittaciformes): comparative evaluation of testicular reproductive status by endoscopic, histologic, and cytologic examination.

Knowledge of the reproductive cycle of male parrots is important for examining the male genital tract and for successful breeding, especially of endangered species. To evaluate different diagnostic methods and criteria concerning the classification of reproductive stages, we examined 20 testicular samples obtained at necropsy in psittacine birds of different species and testicular biopsy samples collected from 9 cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) and 7 rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri) by endoscopy 4 times over a 12-month period. The testicular reproductive status was assessed histologically and then compared with the macroscopic appearance of the testicles and cytologic results.

Relaxins enhance growth of spontaneous murine breast cancers as well as metastatic colonization of the brain.

Relaxins are known for their tissue remodeling capacity which is also a hallmark of cancer progression. However, their role in the latter context is still unclear, particularly in breast cancer. In a mouse model with spontaneously arising breast cancer due to erbB2-overexpression we show that exposure to porcine relaxin results in significantly enhanced tumour growth as compared to control animals.

Antibody selection for immunocytochemical characterization of the male reproductive system in Psittaciformes.

The success of breeding programs is limited by the sparse knowledge about endocrine regulation and biochemical reactions in the psittacine male tract. The immunocytochemical analysis of parrots' testicular tissues provides an insight into their reproductive system but is often hampered by the lack of reliable antibodies. In the present study, we tested a large panel of antibodies raised against steroid receptors, steroidogenic enzymes, relaxin peptides including their receptors, and proliferation markers on paraffin sections of testicular tissue from eight psittacine genera representing three continents.

The influence of gluten on clinical and immunological status of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus).

Background: Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are susceptible to gastrointestinal diseases. Sensitivity to nutritional elements, for example gluten, has been suggested, but a serological screening has not been performed yet.

Methods: A gluten-containing diet was offered to 24 animals, followed by a gluten-free diet.

Luteal insufficiency in bitches as a consequence of an autoimmune response against progesterone?

Shortened estrous cycles, embryonic death, and abortion might be associated with insufficient secretion of progesterone by the canine corpora lutea. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentration of progesterone, prolactin, and relaxin in hypoluteoid and control bitches during pregnancy and the nonpregnant cycle. Moreover, canine antibodies against progesterone were analyzed because of a possible connection between embryonic loss associated with hormone changes related to a hormone antibody response.

Prenatal stress programs lipid metabolism enhancing cardiovascular risk in the female F1, F2, and F3 generation in the primate model common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus).

Background: Many human diseases are modulated by intrauterine environment, which is called prenatal programming. This study investigated effects of prenatal glucocorticoids on the lipid metabolism of three filial generations of common marmosets.

Methods: Pregnant primates were treated with dexamethasone during pregnancy.

Lead optimization of 17β-HSD1 inhibitors of the (hydroxyphenyl)naphthol sulfonamide type for the treatment of endometriosis.

The reduction of estrone to estradiol, the most potent estrogen in human, is catalyzed by 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (17β-HSD1). A promising approach for the treatment of estrogen-dependent diseases is the reduction of intracellular estradiol formation by inhibition of 17β-HSD1. For the species-specific optimization of the (hydroxyphenyl)naphthols, a combinatorial approach was applied and enhanced by a focused synthesis that resulted in the aromatic-substituted (hydroxyphenyl)naphthol sulfonamides.

Evaluating the reproductive status of the male budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus).

Limited knowledge about male psittacine reproduction reduces the success of breeding programmes. Within the scope of fecundity assessment, classification of male sexual status is essential for effective conservation of the species. The aim of the present study was to investigate the testes of male budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus), as psittaciform model species to verify their reproductive status by morphological and immunocytochemical examination.

[Progesterone and pregnanediol-glucuronid concentrations in saliva, milk and urine of female alpacas and their application in pregnancy diagnosis].

The objective of the present study was the measurement of the pregnancy associated hormones progesterone (P4) and pregnanediol-glucuronide (PdG) in saliva, milk and urine of alpacas and their potential use in pregnancy diagnosis. Sample of blood, saliva, milk and urine were obtained from 36 female alpacas before mating and throughout the pregnancy. Concentrations of P4 and PdG were determined using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA).

Luteotrophic effects of relaxin, chorionic gonadotrophin and FSH in common marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus).

In early pregnant primates, relaxin (RLX) is highly upregulated within the corpus luteum (CL), suggesting that RLX may have an important role in the implantation of the blastocyst. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the local effects of RLX and gonadotrophins on the maintenance of the CL using an in vitro microdialysis system. CLs of common marmoset monkeys were collected by luteectomy during different stages of the luteal phase and early pregnancy.

Relaxin supports implantation and early pregnancy in the marmoset monkey.

To test the hypothesis that relaxin is an important factor supporting implantation, two approaches have been carried out using a human-relevant animal model, the marmoset monkey. First, uterine mRNA transcription and protein expression during the implantation phase in the conceptive and nonconceptive cycles were examined. Second, functional parameters were analyzed to assess the in vivo effects of exogenous applied relaxin throughout implantation.

The hormonal induction of cervical remodeling in the common marmoset monkey (Callithrix jacchus).

Controversy still exists regarding the involvement of relaxin (RLX) in cervical reorganization throughout parturition in the human, despite its well-known role in facilitating extensive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling in diverse organs. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the influence of RLX and estrogen (E2) on the cervical tissue of the common marmoset monkey. Two experimental designs were used: 1) in vivo analysis of the intracervical diameter under locally applied RLX and 2) ovariectomized (ov) marmosets were treated systemically with either recombinant human (rh) RLX, E2 or rhRLX+E2 to examine their action on the cervix.

Gender and gonadal status differences in zona reticularis expression in marmoset monkey adrenals: Cytochrome b5 localization with respect to cytochrome P450 17,20-lyase activity.

Neonatal marmosets express an adrenal fetal zone comparable to humans. While adult males fail to express a functional ZR, with barely detectable blood DHEA levels, females produce higher levels of DHEA than males in adulthood. We investigated the presence of a putative functional ZR in adult female marmosets.

The common marmoset monkey as a model for implantation and early pregnancy research.

This chapter describes methods used to investigate implantation in the common marmoset monkey, Callithrix jacchus. A reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction-strategy with which to detect transcripts for steroid receptors and enzymes involved in estradiol biosynthesis is described, and an immunohistochemistry approach for detecting proteins within the implantation site is presented.