Genetic diversity and genomic signatures of selection among cattle breeds from Siberia, eastern and northern Europe.

Domestication in the near eastern region had a major impact on the gene pool of humpless taurine cattle (Bos taurus). As a result of subsequent natural and artificial selection, hundreds of different breeds have evolved, displaying a broad range of phenotypic traits. Here, 10 Eurasian B.

Effect of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on cytoplasmic maturation of bovine oocytes and their developmental competence in vitro.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on the nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of bovine oocytes and their further developmental competence to blastocysts in vitro. We analyzed the mitochondrial activity and concentration of intracellular stored calcium ([Ca(2+)](is)) in matured oocytes and the morphology and chromatin status of produced embryos after in vitro fertilization. Cumulus-oocyte complexes were incubated in TCM 199 containing 10% fetal calf serum (control medium 1: CM 1) or 10% estrus cow serum (control medium 2: CM 2).

Behavioural asymmetry is involved in regulation of autonomic processes: Left side presentation of food improves reproduction and lactation in cows.

It is known that the right and left brain hemispheres differ in their ability to regulate autonomic processes in the organism. Direct unilateral stimulation of the brain provokes side-dependent endocrine, immune and other visceral reactions. Since brain hemispheres are mainly involved in the regulation of muscles and sensory organs on the contra lateral side of the body the activation of behavioural asymmetry stimulates the contra lateral half of the brain.

[Structural changes of the nucleolar organizing regions in rhabdomyosarcoma RA-23 tumor cells induced by okadaic acid].

It has been recently shown that okadaic acid (OA), an inhibitor of dephosphorilation, is capable of inducing changes in the nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) of some mammalian cells. Our work was focused on studying the structural changes in AgNORs of tumour cells of rat rhabdomyosarcoma RA-23 by their exposure to 100 nM OA. A standard silver staining procedure of interphase AgNORs in tumour cells was used.

Prolactin in follicular fluid and intracellular store calcium in follicular cells are related to morphological signs of ovarian follicle atresia in cows: work in progress.

It is known that prolactin (PRL) is the third pituitary hormone serving gonadotropic function in mammals. However, its role in the regulation of ovarian folliculogenesis and, in particular, its relationship to follicular atresia as well as the mechanism of its influence on follicular cells are poorly understood. We investigated PRL levels in follicular fluids (FFs) and intracellular store calcium ([Ca2+]is) in cell walls of bovine ovarian follicles with diameters of 10 to 20 mm and their relationship to follicular atresia.

Effects of prolactin on intracellular stored calcium in the course of bovine oocyte maturation in vitro.

At present there are divergent opinions as to the role of prolactin (PRL) in the mechanisms of meiotic regulation in mammals. We investigated the effects of bovine PRL (bPRL) on bovine oocyte maturation in different culture systems and varying levels of intracellular stored calcium ([Ca2+]is) in the oocytes. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COC) were incubated in TCM 199 containing either 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) in the absence (System 1) or presence (System 2) of FSH and estradiol, or 6 mg/mL bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the presence of FSH and estradiol (System 3).