达乌尔黄鼠入眠准备期的体温、代谢率及能量特征

贮脂类动物在冬眠前大量积累脂肪来准备冬眠,并在入眠时迅速降低体温和代谢率。为探究入眠准备期达乌尔黄鼠体温、代谢率、呼吸商及能量代谢的变化,将其入眠准备期分为育肥期、体重高峰期、育肥后期和冬眠前的试降期,使用植入式半导体温度记录元件iButton、开放式代谢仪和改进的代谢笼,监测其体温、代谢率及呼吸商和能量摄入的变化。结果显示:(1)达乌尔黄鼠体温在冬眠前13 - 34 d 开始下降,远早于冬眠但晚于体重高峰期;体重高峰期体温有降低的趋势,持续时间为1 - 3 d;育肥后期体温显著下降,体温日波动幅度增加。(2)体重高峰期的静止代谢率高于育肥期,育肥后期有降低的趋势,试降期最低。(3)呼吸商在体重高峰期先升高,之后迅速衰减;入眠准备期的能量摄入在体重达高峰期前达到最大值。结果表明,达乌尔黄鼠在入眠准备期,其体温和代谢率已开始降低,能源物质已开始转变;体重高峰期可能是达乌尔黄鼠入眠的一个转折点或启动入眠的开关。     

达乌尔黄鼠冬眠期间体温的变化和冬眠模式

用植入式半导体温度记录元件iButton 记录了达乌尔黄鼠冬眠季节及其前后的体温,分析了其冬眠模式和体温调节特点。结果显示:1)实验室条件下,达乌尔黄鼠冬眠季节长短的个体差异较大,可以分成深冬眠型、
少冬眠型和不冬眠型三种类型;2)达乌尔黄鼠在冬季表现出深冬眠阵(最低体温Tbm in <20℃ ,冬眠阵的持续时间BD >24 h)、短冬眠阵(T_bmin < 20℃ , BD≤24h)和日眠阵(T_bmin ≥20℃ , BD≤24 h)3 种类型,最低体温分别
为2.54℃ ± 0.35℃ 、10.05℃ ± 1.97℃ 和23.09℃ ± 0.40℃ ,彼此之间差异显著。日眠阵阵间产热阶段的最高体温为38.09℃ ±0.17℃ ,高于深冬眠阵(37.31℃ ±0.15℃ )和短冬眠阵(37.22℃ ±0.31℃ ); 3)深冬眠阵和日
眠阵中最低体温均与环境温度显著相关,冬眠过程中的最低体温为-2.43℃ ;4)深冬眠过程中,多数个体可以短时(≤3 h)耐受- 2℃ ～ 0℃ 的低温,激醒或继续维持深冬眠,无致死效应,但长时间(15 h)或过度低温
(- 5℃ 以下)的条件下,深冬眠的达乌尔黄鼠被激醒(70% )或死亡(30% ),不能持续冬眠; 5)入眠前10 d体温日波动幅度显著增加,高于出眠后的日体温波动,且多数个体入眠前出现体温的“试降”。表明,冬眠前
入眠的准备阶段,动物的体温调节已开始发生变化;冬季日眠的调节机制可能与冬眠不同;短时- 2℃ ～ 0℃ 的体温对深冬眠的达乌尔黄鼠无致死效应。     

冬眠和非冬眠状态达乌尔黄鼠肾单位及相关功能因子的比较

冬眠是动物应对冬季低温和食物匮乏的一种生存策略。达乌尔黄鼠 (Spermophilus dauricus) 是典型的贮脂类冬眠动物。为研究冬眠动物肾脏的适应机制,本实验采用组织学、血液生化分析及酶联免疫方法检测了夏季活动期 (7月) 、冬眠期 (12月) 和早春出眠后 (3月) 达乌尔黄鼠肾单位形态学及血清肌酐、尿素和抗利尿激素 (ADH) 的变化,并用qPCR方法检测了肾脏水通道蛋白基因 (AQP1、AQP2和AQP3)、ADH受体 (V2R) 及内皮型一氧化氮合酶基因 (eNOS) 的表达。结果发现,冬眠期和早春出眠期的达乌尔黄鼠肾小球密度、近曲小管和远曲小管的相对管径、皮质部近曲小管数与远曲小管数比值均低于夏季活动期;冬眠期血清肌酐和尿素浓度高于夏季活动期和早春出眠期,ADH浓度及其受体V2R基因表达低于夏季活动期;冬眠期AQP1基因表达高于早春出眠期,AQP3基因表达低于夏季活动期,AQP2基因表达无显著差异;冬眠期eNOS基因表达低于早春出眠期。这些结果表明冬眠的达乌尔黄鼠表现出较低的肾功能;不同时期的水通道蛋白,eNOS及ADH表现出适应性的功能调节。该实验结果丰富了对冬眠动物肾脏适应机制的认识。     

达乌尔黄鼠冷暴露、冬眠及激醒时的外周甲状腺激素水平变化

探讨了达乌尔黄鼠在冷暴露、冬眠及激醒时的外周甲状腺激素水平变化和激素代谢。达乌尔黄鼠在非冬眠季节 ( 7～ 8月 )冷暴露 ( 4℃± 2℃ ) 1天 ,导致血清T3和T4浓度迅速增加 ,T3/T4不变 ;经 4周冷驯化后 ,T3维持在高水平上 ,T4降低 ,T3/T4增加 ,外周组织中的T4脱碘酶活性升高。表明冬眠动物与非冬眠动物的甲状腺机能及其激素代谢的冷适应性调节一致。在冬眠季 ( 12～ 1月 )的冬眠和激醒过程中 ,外周组织的T4脱碘酶活性、血清T3和T4水平比常温达乌尔黄鼠的高 ,显著高于夏季的水平 ,T3/T4不变。表明达乌尔黄鼠甲状腺机能及其激素水平存在季节性变化。     

基于16S rRNA基因测序比较分析不同抗生素干预对小鼠肠道菌群动态变化的影响

目的探讨不同种类抗生素对小鼠肠道菌群多样性和组成动态变化的影响。方法采用健康SPF级雌性C57BL/6小鼠20只随机分为对照组(CON组)6只、万古霉素组(VAN组)6只和多黏菌素组(PMB组)8只,通过饮用抗生素方式连续处理5周,于3周、5周采集小鼠粪便样本进行16S rRNA基因的V4-V5区测序。结果与CON组相比,VAN组处理3周和5周菌群多样性显著降低,以疣微菌门(阿克曼菌科)、变形菌门(肠杆菌科)及无胆支原体科相对丰度显著增加,拟杆菌门(Muribaculaceae菌科、普雷沃菌科)和毛螺菌科显著减少为特征(P均0.05)。PMB组处理3周后,菌群多样性显著增加,以普雷沃菌科和毛螺菌科相对丰度显著增加,疣微菌门(阿克曼菌科)和Muribaculaceae菌科显著减少为特征。PMB处理5周后,菌群多样性显著降低,以疣微菌门(阿克曼菌科)相对丰度显著增加,而厚壁菌门(毛螺菌科)显著减少为特征(P均0.05)。结论用不同种类的抗生素处理不同时间后小鼠肠道菌群组成不同,但多样性均显著降低,且抗生素处理时间越长菌群多样性降低幅度越大,菌群种类越少。     

中国达乌尔黄鼠的夏季诱发冬眠——对有否冬眠触发物质的探讨

用中国北方草原地区的季节性冬眠动物达乌尔黄鼠,经1981和1984两年的工作,重复了Dawe(1969)注射冷藏的冬眠动物血清,诱发夏季活泼黄鼠冬眠的原始实验。实验成功地实现了在非冬眠季节诱发达乌尔黄鼠冬眠,发现禁食在人工诱发冬眠中起重要作用,却不能证实血源性冬眠触发物(HIT)的存在。     

不同生长性能苏姜猪保育猪肠道菌群差异分析

【背景】苏姜猪是优质瘦肉型新品种猪,断奶仔猪受到多方面应激影响会出现生长性能差异。【目的】研究不同生长性能的苏姜猪保育猪肠道菌群结构的异同。【方法】试验选取了同日龄、体重相近、健康情况良好的的保育仔猪100头,在相同的饲养条件下饲养42 d,试验结束选取体重较轻的为弱仔猪,3头弱仔猪体重为18.43±2.37 kg;体重较大的为健康仔猪,3头健康仔猪体重为27.37±1.36 kg。屠宰后,采集其空肠和盲肠内容物,提取微生物基因组DNA进行高通量测序分析其菌群结构。【结果】苏姜猪仔猪空肠和盲肠在菌群丰度、多样性上有极显著的差异(P<0.01)。苏姜猪仔猪空肠菌群优势菌群为变形菌门(Proteobacteria)假单胞菌属(Pseudomonas)的非致病性菌株,占比超过90%。苏姜猪仔猪盲肠优势菌门依次为拟杆菌门(Bacteroidetes)、厚壁菌门(Firmicutes)、变形菌门(Proteobacteria)。门水平组成结构存在差异,弱仔猪厚壁菌门丰度低于健康仔猪、变形菌门丰度高于健康仔猪。苏姜猪盲肠中普雷沃氏菌属(Prevotella)、疣微菌科UCG-005 (Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005)、拟普雷沃菌属(Alloprevotella)等与纤维消化有关的菌属丰度较高。弱仔猪与健康仔猪盲肠菌群在属水平结构存在显著差异(P<0.05),弱仔猪盲肠中普雷沃氏菌-9 (Prevotella_9)、埃希菌-志贺菌属(Escherichia-shigella)、疣微菌科UCG-005 (Ruminococcaceae_UCG-005)、Norank_f_普雷沃氏菌(norank_f_ Prevotellaceae)高于健康仔猪,健康仔猪盲肠中乳酸杆菌属(Lactobacillus)、普雷沃氏菌-2 (Prevotella_2)、土孢杆菌属(Terrisporobacter)、狭义梭菌属1 (Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1)高于弱仔猪。其中乳酸杆菌属和土孢杆菌属与仔猪健康相关,埃希菌-志贺菌属与疾病相关。【结论】不同生长性能仔猪肠道菌群构成存在显著差异,研究结果为进一步研究苏姜猪肠道菌群的功能提供依据。     

不同性别和生长阶段对克氏原螯虾肠道菌群多样性的影响

为研究性别和生长阶段对克氏原螯虾(Procambarus clarkii)肠道菌群的影响, 实验对来自虾塘的雌雄成虾肠道样品及来自实验室养殖的幼虾和成虾的肠道样品进行了16S rRNA高通量测序分析。结果表明, 不同性别间克氏原螯虾肠道菌群的多样性和功能均没有显著性差异(独立样本t检验: P>0.05), 其优势菌群在门水平上均包括厚壁菌门(Firmicutes)、变形菌门(Proteobacteria)和拟杆菌门(Bacteroidetes)等; 属水平上包括拟杆菌属(Bacteroidia)、希瓦氏菌属(Shewanella)、梭菌属(Clostridium)和柠檬酸杆菌属(Citrobacter)等; 但各优势菌群在个体间的丰度差异较大, 且在成虾阶段趋于保守, 属肠道常驻菌群。幼虾肠道菌群的Alpha多样性显著高于成虾(独立样本t检验: P<0.05)。在门水平上, 优势菌群较为一致, 包括变形菌门、拟杆菌门、厚壁菌门和放线菌门(Actinobacteria)。成虾厚壁菌门与拟杆菌门的比例高于幼虾, 表明成虾分解食物和吸收营养的潜力更强。在属水平上, 成虾和幼虾肠道中均存在大量的黄杆菌属(Flavobacterium)、拟杆菌属和氢噬胞菌属(Hydrogenophaga), 这些菌属可以帮助机体进行多种营养代谢, 成虾肠道中与碳水化合物代谢相关的菌群多于幼虾。PICRUSt功能预测显示, 在克氏原螯虾肠道中, 营养代谢功能相关的菌群相对丰度最高, 而成虾肠道菌群代谢碳水化合物的功能显著高于幼虾。实验表明, 在野外虾塘养殖下的克氏原螯虾的肠道菌群不论是在群落多样性、物种丰度还是菌群功能预测上, 都未体现出性别间的差异, 且肠道菌群的个体差异较大; 但在不同生长阶段间, 克氏原螯虾肠道微生物的群落多样性、丰度及功能都有显著差异, 相比于幼虾, 成虾肠道菌群多样性降低, 多种代谢功能升高。     

光照黑暗循环条件下达乌尔黄鼠的冬眠模式和能量消耗

为研究冬眠季节的光照条件对贮脂类冬眠动物入眠的影响,在达乌尔黄鼠腹腔埋植体温记录元件iButton,在体重高峰后的下降阶段置于5℃和12L:12D的光照条件下,观察测定其冬眠模式和能量消耗。达乌尔黄鼠冬眠模式出现深冬眠型、少冬眠型和不冬眠型,蛰眠阵包括深冬眠阵、短冬眠阵和日眠阵。不同冬眠阵中最低体温、冬眠阵的持续时间、阵间产热的持续时间、冷却速率和复温速率差异显著;阵间产热的最高体温基本相同。平均每日能量消耗在日眠阵中最高、短冬眠阵中居中、深冬眠阵中最低。入眠时间多集中于黑暗时相,觉醒时间多集中于光照时相。本实验结果提示,在冬眠季节施加光照黑暗循环条件可减少达乌尔黄鼠冬眠的时间,升高阵间最低体温,缩短冬眠阵与阵间产热的持续时间,降低复温速率;增加冬眠期间能量消耗。入眠与觉醒受光照条件影响,具有明显的光暗节律。     

瘦素在育肥后达乌尔黄鼠能量平衡及体温调节中的作用

育肥完成后到冬眠前的阶段被认为是贮脂类冬眠动物从体温常态到冬眠之间的过渡阶段。为研究此阶段瘦素对能量平衡和体温调节的作用,将完成育肥的达乌尔黄鼠随机分成3组,分别在侧脑室植入微渗透泵,持续灌注瘦素（0.5μg/day）、瘦素拮抗剂（0.5μg/day瘦素+5μg/day瘦素拮抗剂）以及人工脑脊液（对照组）,为期4周。为了检测瘦素对动物入眠的影响,我们在药物处理最后一周将动物移入低温（5 ^oC±1^oC）、恒黑条件下诱导蛰眠。药物处理过程中测定动物体重、能量摄入、代谢率和体温,药物处理结束后测定身体脂肪重量、褐色脂肪组织中解偶联蛋白1（UCP1）含量以及血清中与能量平衡相关的激素水平。结果发现：育肥后达乌尔黄鼠能量摄入、体重和每日体温自发降低。低温条件下,对照组中50%个体自发进入冬眠状态。瘦素处理和瘦素拮抗剂处理对能量摄入和体重变化没有显著影响。瘦素处理对入眠率没有影响,瘦素拮抗剂处理减少蛰眠表达。瘦素拮抗剂组血清中T₄水平高于瘦素处理组。育肥后期瘦素以及瘦素拮抗剂处理对脂肪重量、代谢率以及UCP1含量没有显著影响。结果表明,瘦素对育肥结束后达乌尔黄鼠的冬眠表达具有一定调节作用。     

Hibernation alters the diversity and composition of mucosa‐associated bacteria while enhancing antimicrobial defence in the gut of 13‐lined ground squirrels

The gut microbiota plays important roles in animal nutrition and health. This relationship is particularly dynamic in hibernating mammals where fasting drives the gut community to rely on host‐derived nutrients instead of exogenous substrates. We used 16S rRNA pyrosequencing and caecal tissue protein analysis to investigate the effects of hibernation on the mucosa‐associated bacterial microbiota and host responses in 13‐lined ground squirrels. The mucosal microbiota was less diverse in winter hibernators than in actively feeding spring and summer squirrels. UniFrac analysis revealed distinct summer and late winter microbiota clusters, while spring and early winter clusters overlapped slightly, consistent with their transitional structures. Communities in all seasons were dominated by Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, with lesser contributions from Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Tenericutes and Actinobacteria. Hibernators had lower relative abundances of Firmicutes, which include genera that prefer plant polysaccharides, and higher abundances of Bacteroidetes and Verrucomicrobia, some of which can survive solely on host‐derived mucins. A core mucosal assemblage of nine operational taxonomic units shared among all individuals was identified with an average total sequence abundance of 60.2%. This core community, together with moderate shifts in specific taxa, indicates that the mucosal microbiota remains relatively stable over the annual cycle yet responds to substrate changes while potentially serving as a pool for ‘seeding’ the microbiota once exogenous substrates return in spring. Relative to summer, hibernation reduced caecal crypt length and increased MUC2 expression in early winter and spring. Hibernation also decreased caecal TLR4 and increased TLR5 expression, suggesting a protective response that minimizes inflammation.     

Metagenomic analysis reveals a functional signature for biomass degradation by cecal microbiota in the leaf-eating flying squirrel (Petaurista alborufus lena)

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Animals co-evolve with their gut microbiota; the latter can perform complex metabolic reactions that cannot be done independently by the host. Although the importance of gut microbiota has been well demonstrated, there is a paucity of research regarding its role in foliage-foraging mammals with a specialized digestive system. RESULTS: In this study, a 16S rRNA gene survey and metagenomic sequencing were used to characterize genetic diversity and functional capability of cecal microbiota of the folivorous flying squirrel (Petaurista alborufus lena). Phylogenetic compositions of the cecal microbiota derived from 3 flying squirrels were dominated by Firmicutes. Based on end-sequences of fosmid clones from 1 flying squirrel, we inferred that microbial metabolism greatly contributed to intestinal functions, including degradation of carbohydrates, metabolism of proteins, and synthesis of vitamins. Moreover, 33 polysaccharide-degrading enzymes and 2 large genomic fragments containing a series of carbohydrate-associated genes were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Cecal microbiota of the leaf-eating flying squirrel have great metabolic potential for converting diverse plant materials into absorbable nutrients. The present study should serve as the basis for future investigations, using metagenomic approaches to elucidate the intricate mechanisms and interactions between host and gut microbiota of the flying squirrel digestive system, as well as other mammals with similar adaptations.     

Effects of Season and Host Physiological State on the Diversity,Density, and Activity of the Arctic Ground Squirrel Cecal Microbiota

We examined the seasonal changes of the cecal microbiota of captive arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii) by measuring microbial diversity and composition, total bacterial density and viability, and short-chain fatty acid concentrations at four sample periods (summer, torpor, interbout arousal, and posthibernation). Abundance of Firmicutes was lower, whereas abundances of Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia, and Proteobacteria were higher during torpor and interbout arousal than in summer. Bacterial densities and percentages of live bacteria were significantly higher in summer than during torpor and interbout arousal. Likewise, total short-chain fatty acid concentrations were significantly greater during summer than during torpor and interbout arousal. Concentrations of individual short-chain fatty acids varied across sample periods, with butyrate concentrations higher and acetate concentrations lower during summer than at all other sample periods. Characteristics of the gut community posthibernation were more similar to those during torpor and interbout arousal than to those during summer. However, higher abundances of the genera Bacteroides and Akkermansia occurred during posthibernation than during interbout arousal and torpor. Collectively, our results clearly demonstrate that seasonal changes in physiology associated with hibernation and activity affect the gut microbial community in the arctic ground squirrel. Importantly, similarities between the gut microbiota of arctic ground squirrels and thirteen-lined ground squirrels suggest the potential for a core microbiota during hibernation.     

达乌尔黄鼠产热的季节性变化

达乌尔黄鼠（Ｃｉｔｅｌｌｕｓｄａｕｒｉｃｕｓ）的产热表现出明显的季节性变化。在非冬眠期,静止代谢率（ＲＭＲ）和非颤抖性产热（ＮＳＴ）于春季最高,秋季次之,夏季最低。冬眠期,ＲＭＲ降到极低水平,只为春季的３．０％。肝脏的线粒体蛋白含量、线粒体呼吸和细胞色素Ｃ氧化酶活力在秋季显著高于其它各季。褐色脂肪组织（ＢＡＴ）的重量、线粒体蛋白含量、细胞色素Ｃ氧化酶活力和α－磷酸甘油氧化酶活力,在夏季处于一年中的最低水平,到了冬季这些指标达到一年中的最高水平。在非冬眠季节ＢＡＴ产热能力升高时,ＮＳＴ能力也相应升高,这表明ＢＡＴ产热能力的增强是ＮＳＴ能力提高的部分机制。达乌尔黄鼠血清Ｔ＿４含量在年周期中没有明显改变,冬眠时血清Ｔ＿３含量显著高于其它各季。     

Better living through microbial action: the benefits of the mammalian gastrointestinal microbiota on the host

Mammals live in a homeostatic symbiosis with their gastrointestinal microbiota. The mammalian host provides the microbiota with nutrients and a stable environment; whereas the microbiota helps shaping the host's gut mucosa and provides nutritional contributions. Microorganisms start colonizing the gut immediately after birth followed by a succession of populations until a stable, adult microbiota has been established. However, physiological conditions differ substantially among locations in the gut and determine bacterial density and diversity. While Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes dominate the gut microbiota in all mammals, the bacterial genera and species diversity is huge and reflects mammalian phylogeny. The main function of the gastrointestinal epithelium is to absorb nutrients and to retain water and electrolytes, yet at the same time it is an efficient barrier against harmful compounds and microorganisms, and is able to neutralize antagonists coincidentally breaching the barrier. These processes are influenced by the microbiota, which modify epithelial expression of genes involved in nutrient uptake and metabolism, mucosal barrier function, xenobiotic metabolism, enteric nervous system and motility, hormonal and maturational responses, angiogenesis, cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix, signal transduction, and general cellular functions. Whereas such effects are local at the gut epithelium they may eventually have systemic consequences, e.g. on body weight and composition.     

沙颍河下游城市黑臭内河沉积物微生物群落季节变化特征

为了研究沙颍河下游城市黑臭内河不同季节沉积物微生物群落特征,对安徽省阜阳市黑臭内河中清河、七渔河表层沉积物进行16S rDNA高通量测序。结果发现:黑臭河流中沉积物的微生物多样性指数均不高,但是表现出一定的变化规律,即春季>冬季≥夏季>秋季;通过冗余性分析发现微生物多样性受季节与沉积物pH影响较显著。分析沉积物门水平上的微生物群落结构发现,季节、温度、TN及SOM对微生物影响较大。变形杆菌、厚壁菌门、绿弯菌门、疣微菌门、拟杆菌门和放线菌门等优势菌门的相对丰度在季节水平上存在差异,春季厚壁菌门、绿弯菌门、放线菌门和酸杆菌门相对丰度较高,其中绿弯菌门和酸杆菌门是已知指示污染的微生物,变形杆菌门相对较少。秋季疣微菌门与拟杆菌门相对丰度显著减小,变形杆菌门相对其他季节显著增加。样品中共发现16个硫酸盐还原菌(SRB)菌属,其中Desulfoprunum是丰度最高的菌属。春季沉积物中SRB的类群最多,相对丰度最大;硫酸盐还原菌群与SO42-、TN、SOM、Cl–等呈显著正相关。上述结果为营养盐控制时机的选择从而有效避免河流中黑臭物质的产生提供了一定参考。     

Characterization of the rumen microbiota of pre-ruminant calves using metagenomic tools

The temporal sequence of microbial establishment in the rumen of the neonatal ruminant has important ecological and pathophysiological implications. In this study, we characterized the rumen microbiota of pre-ruminant calves fed milk replacer using two approaches, pyrosequencing of hypervariable V3-V5 regions of the 16S rRNA gene and whole-genome shotgun approach. Fifteen bacterial phyla were identified in the microbiota of pre-ruminant calves. Bacteroidetes was the predominant phylum in the rumen microbiota of 42-day-old calves, representing 74.8% of the 16S sequences, followed by Firmicutes (12.0%), Proteobacteria (10.4%), Verrucomicrobia (1.2%) and Synergistetes (1.1%). However, the phylum-level composition of 14-day-old calves was distinctly different. A total of 170 bacterial genera were identified while the core microbiome of pre-ruminant calves included 45 genera. Rumen development seemingly had a significant impact on microbial diversity. The dazzling functional diversity of the rumen microbiota was reflected by identification of 8298 Pfam and 3670 COG protein families. The rumen microbiota of pre-ruminant calves displayed a considerable compositional heterogeneity during early development. This is evidenced by a profound difference in rumen microbial composition between the two age groups. However, all functional classes between the two age groups had a remarkably similar assignment, suggesting that rumen microbial communities of pre-ruminant calves maintained a stable function and metabolic potentials while their phylogenetic composition fluctuated greatly. The presence of all major types of rumen microorganisms suggests that the rumen of pre-ruminant calves may not be rudimentary. Our results provide insight into rumen microbiota dynamics and will facilitate efforts in formulating optimal early-weaning strategies.     

达乌尔黄鼠犁鼻器和副嗅球的组织结构及嗅球c-Fos表达的季节变化

啮齿动物的犁鼻器和副嗅球与社会通讯和生殖行为有关,主嗅球影响其觅食行为。达乌尔黄鼠（Spermophilus dauricus）是一种具有较低社会行为的储脂类冬眠动物。本研究用组织学和免疫组织化学方法探究了其犁鼻器和副嗅球的结构特点及嗅球神经元活动对季节变化的适应。结果发现,达乌尔黄鼠犁鼻器具有较大的血管,犁鼻器管腔外侧为非感觉性的呼吸上皮（Respiratory epithelium,RE）,内侧为感觉上皮（Sensory epithelium,SE）,RE较SE薄,靠近管腔处为假复层柱状上皮。选取犁鼻器中间部位比较,发现SE的厚度、长度及感觉细胞密度均无性别差异。副嗅球位于主嗅球后方背内侧,由6层细胞构成。侧嗅束穿过副嗅球,位于颗粒细胞层之上。雄性达乌尔黄鼠较雌性有更长的僧帽细胞层和颗粒细胞层。春季（3月）和冬季（1月）达乌尔黄鼠主嗅球的嗅小球层、僧帽细胞层和颗粒细胞层的c-Fos-ir神经元密度显著低于夏季（7月）和秋季（10月）,且冬季外网织层的c-Fos-ir神经元密度显著低于夏季和秋季,说明达乌尔黄鼠在冬季和春季的嗅觉神经活动较弱,呈现出对冬眠的生理性适应。这些结果丰富了动物犁鼻器和副嗅球的形态学资料,并有助于理解冬眠动物嗅觉系统对季节变化和冬眠的适应。     

达乌尔黄鼠实验室饲养、繁殖及其冬眠阵

为探索实验室条件下达乌尔黄鼠饲养与繁殖的方法及冬眠阵的发生规律,参照野生黄鼠冬眠洞穴的主要生态环境参数,建立人工冬眠屋,采用传统锯末技术记录冬眠阵。结果显示: (1) 处于春季繁殖期的黄鼠应以大鼠饲料为主,辅以少量黄瓜等,夏季活跃期交叉饲喂大鼠饲料与兔饲料,辅以多水的瓜果蔬菜,秋季育肥期以大鼠饲料为主,辅以高脂肪高蛋白的花生、豆类等。(2)雌鼠怀孕期为28 d 左右,哺乳期约一个月,雌鼠每窝产仔4 ～ 8 只,平均5.52 只;初生幼鼠两周内忌换垫料,并避免将异味带入鼠房。(3)黄鼠冬眠期从当年11月下旬至次年3 月上旬,平均93.95 d;冬眠阵睡眠时长平均7. 44 d,阵间激醒时长平均1.36 d,睡眠天数占整个冬眠期的89.9% ;整个冬眠期,黄鼠冬眠阵平均7. 55 个。(4)2009 年秋至2011 年春季,自野外共捕回黄鼠185 只, 存活146 只,存活率78. 9% 。在2006、2009 和2011 年的黄鼠繁殖期,共配对25 对,产仔138 只,成活92 只,成活率为66.7% 。结果表明,野生达乌尔黄鼠可在人工饲养条件下实现繁殖,并可在人工冬眠屋成功冬眠。