Characterization of recombinant human C1 inhibitor secreted in milk of transgenic rabbits.

C1 inhibitor (C1INH) is a single-chain glycoprotein that inhibits activation of the contact system of coagulation and the complement system. C1INH isolated from human blood plasma (pd-hC1INH) is used for the management of hereditary angioedema (HAE), a disease caused by heterozygous deficiency of C1INH, and is a promise for treatment of ischemia-reperfusion injuries like acute myocardial or cerebral infarction. To obtain large quantities of C1INH, recombinant human C1INH (rhC1INH) was expressed in the milk of transgenic rabbits (12 g/l) harboring genomic human C1INH sequences fused to 5' bovine αS(1) casein promoter sequences.

Sub-chronic (13-week) oral toxicity study in rats with recombinant human lactoferrin produced in the milk of transgenic cows.

The oral toxicity of recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF) produced in the milk of transgenic cows was investigated in Wistar rats by daily administration via oral gavage for 13 consecutive weeks, 7 days per week. The study used four groups of 20 rats/sex/dose. The control group received physiological saline and the three test groups received daily doses of 200, 600 and 2000 mg of rhLF per kg body weight.

Large scale production of recombinant human lactoferrin in the milk of transgenic cows.

The limited capacity of current bioreactors has led the biopharmaceutical industry to investigate alternative protein expression systems. The milk of transgenic cattle may provide an attractive vehicle for large-scale production of biopharmaceuticals, but there have been no reports on the characteristics of such recombinant proteins. Here we describe the production of recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF), an iron-binding glycoprotein involved in innate host defense, at gram per liter concentrations in bovine milk.

[Transgenic cattle constitute a breakthrough in production of innovative medicine. From milk to medicine].

The continuously increasing demand for biomolecules, e.g. human proteins, for applications in human health care, is one of the main driving forces for the development of safe, large-scale production systems.

Effect of oestrous synchronization with estradiol 17beta and progesterone on follicular wave dynamics in dairy heifers.

An experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of estradiol-17beta (E17beta) on follicular wave dynamics and ovulatory response in Holstein heifers receiving either a progestogen ear-implant (Crestar; Intervet International b.v. Boxmeer, The Netherlands) or an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device [controlled internal drug release-bovine device (Eazibreed, CIDR-B; Bodinco BV, Alkmaar, The Netherlands)].

Effects of repeated ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicular aspiration on bovine oocyte recovery and subsequent follicular development.

We wished to compare cumulus oocyte complex (COC) recovery and follicle development after single and repeated ultrasound-guided transvaginal follicle aspiration (aspiration). Aspirations were performed in Holstein-Friesian heifers every once weekly (every 7 d; n = 12) or twice weekly (every 3 or 4 d; n = 6) starting on Days 3 or 4 of the estrous cycle (estrus = Day 0) and continuing for 4 wk. During each session, all visible follicles > 2 mm were aspirated using an 7.

Bovine ultrasound-guided transvaginal amniocentesis.

Recent interest and research activities in ultrasound-guided transvaginal amniocentesis have contributed greatly to the development of a reliable technique, particularly with respect to a reduction in fetal loss after the puncture procedure. Several investigators have reported a variety of techniques for the collection of bovine fetal fluids at different stages of pregnancy; however, thus far, a high incidence of fetal loss has occurred as a consequence of the aspiration procedure. This manuscript describes the technical aspects of a safe and reliable ultrasound-guided transvaginal method of amniotic fluid collection from heifers (n = 93) with Day 79 to 90 bovine conceptuses using a very fine aspiration needle.

A comparison of two techniques for the synchronisation of oestrus in dairy heifers.

Seventy-four heifers in four separate breeding groups were allocated into two treatment groups for oestrus synchronisation. Group 1 was given a combination of an initial injection of norgestomet and oestradiol valerate together with a norgestomet ear implant left in place for nine days. Group 2 was given two injections of the synthetic prostaglandin luprostiol 10 days apart.