Anemia associated with anestrus in beef heifers inoculated with Anaplasmamarginale: Endocrinology and ovarian changes

Eleven cyclic Hereford heifers were synchronized to estrus with a commercial luteolytic agent. Eight heifers had been inoculated with $\text{Anaplasma}$$\text{marginale}$. Six of the eight inoculated heifers became anemic, i.e. packed cell volume, red blood cell counts and hemoglobin decreased. White blood cell counts were elevated during severe anemia. Anemic heifers did not show behavioral estrus or ovulate, and during this stage, serum concentrations of progesterone and estradiol-17β were significantly depressed. Mature beef heifers that have acute anaplasmosis suffer from inhibited ovarian function and anestrus.     

Anestrus in cycling beef heifers experimentally inoculated with

Normal estrous cycles were established for twenty beef heifers. Ten heifers were inoculated with blood from a known carrier. The inoculated heifers experienced anemia, anorexia, and positive complement-fixing antibody titers, and . was observed on the erythrocytes while uninoculated control heifers remained normal. Further observation following inoculation revealed that five of ten inoculated heifers experienced anestrus while controls continued to cycle normally. Anestrus coincided with clinical signs of acute anaplasmosis. Normal estrus patterns returned following treatment and recovery. This study provides evidence that acute anaplasmosis in beef heifers may cause anestrus and therefore lead to reproductive inefficiency.     

Effects of experimental Trypanosomavivax on fertility of heifers

Six heifers were used in a series of experiments to study the effects of experimental $\text{Trypanosoma}$$\text{vivax}$ infection on bovine reproduction. Four three-year-old Zebu heifers were intravenously inoculated with T. vivax-strain Y58 — on days 14 and 16 of their estrous cycle and two control heifers in the same phase of estrus were not infected. All the heifers were bred in the research pens with a proven bull. The four infected heifers were bred at the first wave of parasitemia and the onset of pyrexia which characterised the infection. All the heifers were examined rectally 40 days after breeding. The four infected heifers were not pregnant but the two controls were. The infected heifers later became anestrous during the experimental period of more than five months. It is concluded that trypanosomiasis may contribute to high infertility rates in cattle kept in endemic areas.     

An attempt to isolate Brucellaabortus from uterine flushings of brucellosis-reactor donor cattle

Two experiments were conducted to test for the recovery of brucella organisms from uterine flushings and harvested embryos of sero-positive embryo donor females. In Experiment I, 16 sero-positive cows were superovulated with FSH treatments and artificially inseminated at 12, 24 and 36 hours following the onset of estrus with brucella-free semen. At 48 hours after the onset of estrus, one half the potential donor females were administered an intrauterine inoculation of 3.3 to 4.6 × 10⁴$\text{Brucella}$$\text{abortus}$ (strain 2308) organisms while the remainder received a control inoculation. In Experiment II, the same 16 cows were similarly administered superovulatory treatments and inseminated following estrus. The uterine inoculation was increased to 1.5 to 2.5 × 10⁸ organisms administered 48 hours following estrus. Samples of recovered flushing medium and homogenized embryo residues were placed into a validated $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ culture system to detect the presence of brucella bacteria. Uterine flushings and embryos recovered from 31 females exhibiting estrus following FSH treatments were free from either field strain or the inoculated $\text{B.}$$\text{abortus}$ (strain 2308) contamination. The flushings obtained from a single female, which did not respond with estrus following FSH treatment but was inoculated at appointment, did contain $\text{B.}$$\text{abortus}$ which was identified as the inoculated strain 2308 and not field strain organisms. These results indicate that brucella contamination of flushing media and harvested embryos will not likely be incurred when collecting embryos from sero-positive donor females. These findings offer further encouragement for the use of embryo transplantation as a method to produce brucella-free offspring from infected cows.     

Effect of removing the zona pellucida on development of hamster and bovine embryos invitro and invivo

Uterine stage embryos collected from the hamster (8-cell) and cow (morula, early blastocyst) were monitored for development $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ (embryo culture) and $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ (embryo transfer) following premature removal of the zona pellucida.Removal of the zona pellucida did not significantly affect $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ development to the blastocyst stage of (1) 8-cell hamster embryos (zonae removed by a combined enzymic-mechanical procedure), (2) bovine morulae (zonae removed by mechanical means only) (3) early bovine blastocysts (zonae removed by the enzymic-mechanical technique).Zona-free hamster embryos formed significantly fewer viable fetuses than did zona-intact embryos. The lower incidence of fetal development observed following transfer of zona-free 8-cell hamster embryos may have resulted in part from the formation of chimeras by fusion of these embryos $\text{in}$$\text{utero}$. Such fusion was observed to occur $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ between zona-free embryos placed in close proximity. The proportion of pregnancies resulting from transfer of bovine blastocysts cultured from zona-free morulae was similar to that of zona-intact embryos.In this study we have demonstrated that (1) enzymic and mechanical procedures used to remove zonae pellucidae from uterine-stage hamster and bovine embryos do not adversely affect subsequent development of these embryos $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ and $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ and (2) zonae pellucidae are not required for normal development of these embryos. These findings have implications for microsurgery of mammalian embryos and for embryo transfer.     

OKY-1581: A selective inhibitor of thromboxane synthesis invivo and invitro

OKY-1581 is an effective inhibitor of thromboxane synthesis $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ and $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$. The generation of thromboxane B₂ (TxB₂), prostaglandin E (PGE) and prostaglandin F (PGF) was measured following clotting and during platelet aggregation induced by collagen. The presence of OKY 1581 either $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ or $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ caused a reduction in TxB₂ generation during clotting and platelet aggregation with a concomitant increase in PGE and PGF. The effect could be observed two hours after oral or subcutaneous administration of 5 to 100 mg per rabbit and lasted for 24 to 48 hours. The reduction in TxB₂ was not accompanied by an inhibition of clotting or platelet aggregation. OKY-1581 appears to be a suitable agent for studying the role of TxB₂ in atherosclerosis.     

Effect of Brucellaabortus infection on spermatogenesis in three Zebu bulls (Bosindicus). A case report

This case report addresses the occurrence of Brucellosis and its effect on the cattle in developing countries. Three Zebu bulls ($\text{Bos}$$\text{indicus}$) are presented and the clinical and pathologic signs are described. Conception rates declined following an abortion storm in one herd and without prior abortions in another herd. Semen collected by electro-ejaculation was found to be azoospermic or with very few spermatozoa. $\text{B. abortus}$ was isolated from seminal vesicles, testes and epididymides. Organs affected and showing microscopic lesions were testes, epididymides and seminal vesicles. The latter were not consistently affected. None of the bulls showed impairment of libido or breeding capacity.     

The argECBH-bearing EcoRI segment of the Escherichia coli chromosome

The transducing phage λd$\text{arg}\text{14}$, carrying a portion of the $\text{E. coli}$ chromosome including $\text{argECBH}$, is derived from the heat-inducible, lysis-defective strain λy199, which has the $\text{b}\text{519}$ and $\text{b}\text{515}$ deletions. Cleavage of λy199 DNA by $\text{Eco}$RI endonuclease, followed by agarose slab gel electrophoresis, results in bands corresponding to the known C, D, E, and F segments of λ, and a segment A′ (A plus B minus $\text{b}\text{519}$ minus $\text{b}\text{515}$, the cleavage site between A and B being eliminated). Cleavage of λd$\text{arg}\text{14}$ DNA by $\text{Eco}$RI yields the expected D, E, and F segments of λ and four other segments, termed 14-1 through 14-4, whose length is 17.5, 6.2, 3.0, and 2.0 kilobases, respectively, as determined by electron microscopy and corroborated by electrophoretic mobility. Heteroduplex analysis shows that the $\text{E. coli argECBH}$ cluster is on the 14-1 segment.     

Syntheses of E- and Z-pseudodiethylstilbestrol and Z-1-hydroxypseudodiethylstilbestrol

The synthesis and characterization of $\text{E}$- and $\text{Z}$-3,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-hexene ($\text{E}$- and $\text{Z}$-pseudo-DES) and of $\text{Z}$-3,4-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-hexen-1-ol ($\text{Z}$-1-hydroxypseudo-DES) are described. These compounds are useful as probes in the study of hormone action.     

The synthesis of 13-cis-dl-erythro-15, 16-dihydroxyprostaglandins

Both pairs of $\text{dl}$-ll-desoxy- and $\text{dl}$-13-$\text{cis}$-$\text{erythro}$-15, 16-dihydroxyprostaglandins have been synthesized via 1,4-conjugate additions of an appropriately functionalized $\text{cis}$-vinyl cuprate to the requisite cyclopentenone. These prostaglandin analogs are considerably less potent than PGE₂ as gastric secretion inhibitors or as bronchodilators.     

Cloning and expression in Streptomyces lividans of a paromomycin phosphotransferase from Streptomyces rimosusforma paromomycinus

The paromomycin producing organism $\text{Streptomyces}$$\text{rimosus}$$\text{forma paromomycinus}$ is resistant to this antibiotic and contains a phosphotransferase which inactivates paromomycin. The gene encoding this enzyme has been inserted in the $\text{Streptomyces}$ vector pIJ702 and then cloned in $\text{Streptomyces}$$\text{lividans}$, selecting for paromomycin-resistance. Three plasmids have been isolated and one of them, pMJ1, contains a 2.2 kb insert with a single HindIII restriction site. Insertion of foreign DNA in this site blocks the expression of the phosphotransferase enzyme indicating that it is within the cloned gene. These findings provide a new dominant selective marker for $\text{Streptomyces}$ cloning vectors with the versatility of insertional inactivation.     

A soybean lectin having 4-O-Methyl-D-Glucuronic acid specificity

Evidence is presented for the presence of a new lectin activity in soybean seeds [$\text{Glycine}\text{max}$ (L.) Merrill] that has specificity towards the 4-O-methyl-$\text{D}$-glucurono-$\text{L}$-rhamnan exopolysaccharide produced by certain strains of $\text{Rhizobium}\text{japonicum}$. Bacterial agglutination and precipitin reactions revealed the lectin activity in phosphate-buffered saline extracts of seeds of all cultivars tested, including the “lectinless” varieties. Reaction of such extracts with carbohydrate haptens demonstrated that the specificity of the binding was towards 4-$\text{O}$-methyl-$\text{D}$-glucuronic acid, $\text{D}$-glucuronic acid and their methyl glycosides.     

Metabolites of mating pheromone,rhodotorucine A, by a cells of Rhodosporidiumtoruloides

Rhodotorucine $\text{A}$ which induces mating tube formation of $\text{a}$ cells in $\text{Rhodosporidium}\text{toruloides}$ is metabolized rapidly by $\text{a}$ cells. By use of labeled rhodotorucine $\text{A}$, the degradation was found to be proteolytic. Two peptide fragments Tyr-Pro-Glu-Ile-Ser-Trp-Thr-Arg and Asn-Gly-Cys(S-farnesyl) were identified as the metabolites. Proteolysis of the pheromone mainly occurred on the cell surface. Culture filtrate of $\text{a}$ cells at log phase did not metabolize rhodotorucine $\text{A}$.     

Effect of Dermatophiluscongolensis infection on reproductive performance of dairy cattle

The effect of $\text{Dermatophilus}$$\text{congolensis}$ on reproductive performance and milk production of dairy cattle was investigated using a prospective cohort study design. The following results were obtained: the calving to conception interval was 122 vs 104 days (P<0.05) for cows with lesions (cases) and those without lesions (non-cases), respectively; the 180-day pregnancy rate was 70.3% vs 84.3% (P<0.02) for cases and non-cases, respectively; the interval to first service was 69 days for cases and 64 days for non-cases (P<0.05) and the interval from first to second service was 32.7 days for cases and 49.4 days (P<0.01) for non-cases. The prevalence of cows with lesions was 33% ($\text{66}\text{200}$). Lesions were most commonly found on the skin covering the coccygeal and sacral vertebrae and the gluteal muscles. White skin had a greater prevalence of lesions than did black skin (P<0.05).     

Prostaglandin levels in preovulatory follicles from rabbit ovaries perfused invitro

Prostaglandin (PG) levels in follicular fluid from preovulatory follicles of rabbit ovaries perfused $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ were measured in order to compare PG changes in this model system with those that occur $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ and in isolated, LH-treated follicles $\text{in}$$\text{barvitro}$. One ovary from each rabbit was perfused without further treatment (control). The other ovary was exposed to LH (0.1 or 1 ug/ml) beginning 1 hour (h) after initiation of perfusion. Samples of perfusion medium were taken at frequent intervals for measurement of PGE, PGF, progesterone and estradiol 17β. The perfusions were terminated when the first ovulation occurred or appeared imminent as judged by changes in the size and shape of the follicles. Follicular fluid was then rapidly aspirated from all large follicles on both ovaries for PGE and PGF measurement.Ovulations occurred only in the LH-treated ovaries. Progesterone and estradiol levels were significantly elevated in the perfusion medium within 1 h of LH treatment in comparison to controls. PG levels in perfusion medium from the control and LH-treated ovaries were not different throughout perfusion and increased in both groups. In contrast, PG levels measured in follicular fluid from LH-treated ovaries were 4- to 5-fold greater than in fluid from control ovaries. It is concluded that ovulation induced by LH in this experimental model is accompanied by an increase in follicular PG levels similar to that seen in other $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$ and $\text{in}$$\text{vitro}$ models. This difference in follicular PG levels between the LH-treated and control ovaries is, however, not reflected in the perfusion medium.     

An endodextranase inhibitor from batch cultures of Streptococcus,mutans

An inhibitor of $\text{Streptococcus}$,$\text{mutans}$ endodextranase was detected in proteins prepared from batch cultures of $\text{S.}$,$\text{mutans}$ strains representing serotypes $\text{a}$ through $\text{g}$. Affinity chromatography of strain 6715-49 proteins, which apparently were free of endodextranase activity, yielded an active endodextranase and, in a separate peak, the endodextranase inhibitor. The presence of the inhibitor in culture fluids accounts for the absence of endodextranase activity in batch-grown cultures of $\text{S.}$,$\text{mutans}$ known to produce this enzyme.     

Evidence for phospholipid in plasma membrane penicillinase of Bacilluslicheniformis749C

The plasma membrane-bound penicillinase of $\text{Bacillus}$$\text{licheniformis}$$\text{749}\text{C}$ has been purified. Amino acid analysis showed no significant differences in composition between the enzyme and exopenicillinase. Enzyme purified from cultures containing H₃³³PO₄ or [³H]-glycerol contained ³³P or [³H]-glycerol activity and treatment with 8 M urea, 0.2% sodium dodecyl sulfate at 80° C did not remove the ³H-activity from the enzyme protein. Trypsin readily cleaved the glycerol-containing moiety from the enzyme protein, forming enzyme with molecular weight and heat stability like that of the exoenzyme. Phospholipase D and C also produced enzyme resembling the exo-form.     

The occurrence of ethanolamine and galactofuranosyl residues attached to Penicilliumcharlesii cell wall saccharides

$\text{Penicillium}$$\text{charlesii}$ incorporates ³H or ¹⁴C from ³H- or ¹⁴C-labeled ethanolamine into an -alkali soluble, alcohol -insoluble fraction obtained from cell walls. Dansyl ethanolamine was isolated from this alcohol-insoluble fraction following dansylation and hydrolysis. The alcohol-insoluble material was non-dialyzable and contained galactofuranosyl, glucosyl, phosphoryl, amino acyl and variable quantities of uronosyl residues. The lack of detectable quantities of mannosyl residues in this material suggests that the galactofuranosyl-containing cell wall polymer is distinct from the peptidophosphogalactomannan which is obtained from culture filtrates of $\text{P}$. $\text{charlesii}$ (Gander $\text{et}$$\text{al}$., (1974) J. Biol. Chem. $\text{249}$, 2063).     

Regulation of argF mRNA synthesis,performed in vitro

The specific synthesis of $\text{arg}$F mRNA directed by the $\text{arg}$F gene carried on the specialized transducing bacteriophage $\text{λh80C}{}_1\text{857darg}$F, performed $\text{in vitro}$, is described with the use of an S180 extract from a strain carrying $\text{arg}$R^?. Synthesis of $\text{arg}$F mRNA is biphasic at approximately 7 minutes. The regulation of $\text{arg}$F mRNA synthesis by the specific arginine holorepressor present in an S180 extract prepared from a strain carrying the $\text{arg}$R⁺ allele is described.     

Effect of indomethacin invivo on prostaglandin content of several rabbit tissues

The prostaglandin (PG) content of several tissues and fluids from 6 day pregnant rabbits was evaluated following treatment with indomethacin or vehicle $\text{in}$$\text{vivo}$. PGE and PGF were measured by radioimmunoassay. More complete depletion of PGE and PGF was accomplished by 3 injections of indomethacin (s.c.) given during the 18 h before sacrifice at a dose of 10 mg indomethacin per kg body weight than was accomplished by 1 injection of the same amount of indomethacin (i.v.) 1.5 h before sacrifice. Levels of PGF were more easily depressed by indomethacin than were those of PGE. PG levels in the kidney and blastocysts were depressed to a greater extent by indomethacin than were those in the uterus, uterine fluid or peritoneal fluid. Evaluation of the effect of indomethacin on a particular physiological function should be interpreted with caution unless the extent of PG depletion in that tissue is also measured.