Neurogenesis of oxytocin-containing neurons in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the female pig in 3 reproductive states: puberty gilts, adult gilts and lactating sows.

Evidence suggests that neurogenesis occurs in the adult hypothalamus, including centers containing oxytocin and vasopressin producing neurons. The present study was undertaken to look at one of these centers, the paraventricular nucleus (PVN), to describe its morphology, confirm the presence of neurogenesis and examine the effect of reproductive status on the incidence of neurogenesis. Serial sections of the paraffin-embedded hypothalamus were made from five puberty gilts, four adult gilts and four lactating sows.

Schistosomus reflexus syndrome: a heritable defect in ruminants.

Schistosomus reflexus (SR) is a rare and fatal congenital disorder. Primarily observed in ruminants, its defining features include spinal inversion, exposure of the abdominal viscera because of a fissure of the ventral abdominal wall, limb ankylosis, positioning of the limbs adjacent to the skull and, lung and diaphragm hypoplasia. Variable components of SR include scoliosis, cleft sternum, exposure of thoracic viscera, and abnormalities of the digestive and urogenital systems.

A proposed mechanism for intermediate atresia ani (AA), based on a porcine case of AA and hypospadias.

Background: Atresia Ani (AA) is one of the most common malformations of the lower gastrointestinal tract. It occurs in 1 in 1500 to 1 in 5000 human births. These patients suffer physically and psychologically from this disorder, and thus there is a research interest in the condition.

Single ventricle, total transposition, and hypoplastic aorta in a calf.

A purebred Ayrshire calf was born with multiple congenital cardiac defects. The major defects included absence of an interventricular septum (i.e.

Parapagus conjoined twin Holstein calf.

Background: Conjoined twins with a doubling of all cranial structures, having two vertebral columns along their entire body length yet with a single pelvis, have not been described in the literature. The cause of conjoined twinning is incompletely understood; however, two main theories (fission and fusion) have been proposed and disputed.

Methods: A dicephalus, tetrabrachius (parapagus) conjoined twin Holstein heifer calf was studied.