Age-specific threats induce CRF expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and hippocampus of young rats

Young animals respond to threatening stimuli in an age-specific way. Their endocrine and behavioral responses reflect the potential threat of the situation at a given age. The aim of the present study was to determine whether corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is involved in the endocrine and behavioral responses to threat and their developmental changes in young rats. Preweaning 14-day-old and postweaning 26-day-old rats were exposed to two age-specific threats, cat odor and an adult male rat. The acute behavioral response was determined during exposure. After exposure, the time courses of the corticosterone response and of CRF expression in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) and in extrahypothalamic areas were assessed. Preweaning rats became immobile when exposed to cat odor or the male rat, whereas postweaning rats became immobile to cat odor only. Male exposure increased serum corticosterone levels in 14-day-old rats, but cat odor failed to increase levels at either age. Exposure induced elevation of CRF mRNA levels in the PVN that paralleled changes in corticosterone levels. CRF may thus play a role in endocrine regulation and its developmental changes during early life. Neither cat odor nor the adult male altered CRF mRNA levels in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) or the amygdala, but both stimuli increased levels in the hippocampus. Hippocampal CRF mRNA expression levels did not parallel cat odor or male-induced immobility, indicating that CRF is not involved in this response in young rats but may be involved in aspects of learning and memory.     

Visual scanning by common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus): Functional aspects and the specialrrole of adult males

The rates of visual scanning and vocalizations were studied in a group of captive marmosets (Callinthrix jacchus) after the presentation of five different stimuli (artificial flower, playback of long calls, female/male conspecific, stuffed wild cat) in order to assess the function of visual scanning. Only the presentation of a stuffed cat induced a significant response. The adult males in particular increased their scanning rate and all adult individuals decreased their rate of vocalizations. The results indicate that visual scanning in marmosets is an appropriate measure of vigilance which seems to serve the function of predator detection and avoidance. The strong response of adult males suggests that they play a special role in predator detection.     

Effects of the stimulus and chamber size on unlearned fear across development

Predator odors have been found to induce unconditioned fear in adult animals and provide the opportunity to study the mechanisms underlying unlearned and learned fear. Predator threats change across an animal's lifetime, as do abilities that enable the animal to learn or engage in different defensive behaviors. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the combination of factors that successfully induce unlearned fear to predator odor across development. Infant, juvenile, adolescent, and adult rats were exposed to one of the three odor stimuli (control odor, cat urine, or cat fur) in either a small or large chamber. Though all ages displayed fear-related behavior to cat odors, differences were reflected only in freezing behavior and not, as expected, risk-assessment. Infant and juvenile animals also increased freezing to cat urine compared to the control odor, possibly because these age groups possess limited defensive options to cope with threat and so may respond with freezing to all predator stimuli. Unexpectedly, chamber size had no effect on either freezing or risk-assessment in this study. Once the parameters of unconditioned fear are understood, they can be exploited to develop a learning paradigm to predator odors that could be used in early life.     

Postnatal development of vagal control of breathing in the kitten

At birth, the number of vagal myelinated fibers represents about 10% of the corresponding adult value. Their diameters range between 1 micron and 5 micron. The conduction velocities, calculated from the bimodal vagus nerve action potential, are 20 m.sec--1 (range 16--30 m.sec--1) and 6 m.sec--1 (range 1--10 m.sec--1) respectively. The discharge patterns of the vagal afferent units are similar to those described in adult cat for the various pulmonary mecano receptors. The proportion (9%) of low threshold broncho-pulmonary stretch receptors is smaller than that given by Paintal (1973) for the adult cat (50%). Nevertheless, the inhibitory action of the pulmonary stretch receptors is very potent at birth. Various experimental procedures (bivagotomy, vagal stimulation and lung deflation) which reinforce the central inspiratory activity in the adult cat provoke essentially a lengthening of expiration in the newborn. The predominance of expiratory activity can be seen as part of the general motor behaviour which in the newborn is essentially characterized by activation of flexor muscles.     

Age- and body-weight-dependent changes in the reactivity to histamine of the airways smooth muscles in cats

The relation between age and body weight and the reactivity to histamine of the tracheopulmonary contractile tissues was studied in cats in vitro. The reactivity of the tracheal smooth muscle to histamine decreased with increasing age from the newborn (100%) and one-month-old (57%) to the adult (0%) cat, whereas the amplitudes of contractions of lung strips increased. The amplitudes in adult animals also increased moderately with increasing body weight.     

Bodenfeinderkennen durch Dohlen (Corvus monedula)

Summary An eight week old handraised cat-naive Jackdaw did not respond to a caged live cat appearing behind a blind. After a combined presentation of the cat and conspecific mobbing call of adult Jackdaws the young fled. Thereafter it avoided the cat.     

Effect of temperature and the synergist piperonyl butoxide on imidacloprid toxicity to the cat flea (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae)

The toxicity of imidacloprid to cat fleas on glass was investigated at 20, 26, 30, and 35 degrees C. Imidacloprid was most toxic to adult cat fleas at 35 degrees C and to larvae at 20 degrees C. Piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a synergist, increased the relative potency of imidacloprid (1:5 imidacloprid:PBO) 16-fold at 26 degrees C against adults, but had no effect at 35 degrees C. No synergism occurred in larvae at 20 degrees C, but addition of PBO (1:5 imidacloprid:PBO) doubled toxicity at 26 degrees C. PBO (1:5 imidacloprid:PBO) could possibly be used to synergize imidacloprid premise treatments (20-30 degrees C), but it is not likely to be effective in pet treatments because no synergism occurred in adult fleas at 35 degrees C (average fur temperature of tested cats and dogs).     

Studies with Brugia pahangi 10. An attempt to demonstrate the sharing of antigenic determinants between the worm and its hosts.

Infective stage Brugia pahangi that were reared in Aedes aegypti survived equally well in cats that had previously been immunized against mosquito tissue and in a normal cat. The survival of third, fourth, juvenile, adult and microfilarial stages of B. pahangi that were recovered from cats was similar in jirds that had been immunized against cat antigens and in normal jirds. Host antigenic determinants were not detected on the surface of larvae in substantial amounts using fluorescent antibody techniques. It is unlikely that B. pahangi evades the immune response of its vertebrate hosts by masquerading as "self" behind host antigens.     

Differential expression of estrogen receptors alpha and beta in the reproductive tracts of adult male dogs and cats

Expression of estrogen receptors (ERs) in the reproductive tracts of adult male dogs and cats has not been reported. In the present study, ERalpha and ERbeta were localized by immunohistochemistry using ER-specific antibodies. ERalpha was found in interstitial cells and peritubular myoid cells in the dog testis, but only in interstitial cells of the cat. In rete testis of the dog, epithelial cells were positive for ERalpha staining, but in the cat, rete testis epithelium was only weakly positive. In efferent ductules of the dog, both ciliated and nonciliated cells stained intensely positive. In the cat, ciliated epithelial cells were less stained than nonciliated epithelial cells. Epithelial cells in dog epididymis and vas deferens were negative for ERalpha. In the cat, except for the initial region of caput epididymis, ERalpha staining was positive in the epithelial cells of epididymis and vas deferens. Multiple cell types of dog and cat testes stained positive for ERbeta. In rete testis and efferent ductules, epithelial cells were weakly positive for ERbeta. Most epithelial cells of the epididymis and vas deferens exhibited a strong positive staining in both species. In addition, double staining was used to demonstrate colocalization of both ERalpha and ERbeta in efferent ductules of both species. The specificity of antibodies was demonstrated by Western blot analysis. This study reveals a differential localization of ERalpha and ERbeta in male dog and cat reproductive tracts, demonstrating more intensive expression of ERbeta than ERalpha. However, as in other species, the efferent ductules remained the region of highest concentration of ERalpha.     

Fluorescent two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry identify age-related protein expression differences for the primary visual cortex of kitten and adult cat

The recent introduction of fluorescent two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis, combined with mass spectrometry, has greatly simplified the analysis and identification of differentially expressed proteins by eliminating intergel variability. In this report, we describe the successful application of this functional proteomics approach to compare protein expression levels in visual cortical area 17 of adult cats and 30-day-old kittens, in order to identify proteins expressed in an age-related fashion. We identified 16 proteins that were more abundantly expressed in kitten striate cortex and 12 proteins with a pronounced expression in adult cat area 17. Among those isolated from kitten area 17 were proteins related to axon growth and growth cone guidance and to the formation of cytoskeletal filaments. Glial fibrillary acidic protein, as identified in adult cat area 17, has been implicated previously in the termination of the critical period for cortical plasticity in kittens. In situ hybridization experiments for two of the identified proteins, glial fibrillary acidic protein and collapsin response mediator protein 5, confirmed and extended their differential expression to the mRNA level. Our findings show that two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis combined with mass spectrometry is a powerful approach that permits the identification of small protein expression differences correlated to different physiological conditions.     

Effect of chronic guanethidine treatment on vascular norepinephrine content in the neonatal domestic pig

Vinblastine, 6-hydroxydopamine, and antibody to nerve growth factor have been shown to destroy sympathetic neurons in neonatal rats. High doses of guanethidine produce permanent sympathectomies in the adult or newborn rat. Similar studies in the cat, rabbit, and hamster demonstrate that the sympathetic nervous systems are not destroyed with guanethidine. To produce permanent sympathectomy in a large animal model, guanethidine was administered to neonatal pigs. As with the cat, rabbit, and hamster, the sympathetic nervous system in the piglets was not destroyed by guanethidine.     

A model for the dynamics of human lymphatic filariasis

In this paper, Bryan Gren fell, Edwin Michael and David Denham review the appropriateness of feline filariasis as a model of the population dynamics of human lymphatic filarial infection and disease. Because of the longevity of infection and our inability to measure the adult parasite population in humans, research in filariasis is particularly dependent on the use of laboratory animal models. We demonstrate that Brugia pahangi infection patterns in the cat closely parallel those of Brugia and Wuchereria in humans. Although primary infections in 'susceptible' cats are long-lived, repeatedly infected animals show evidence of concomitant immunity which prevents the establishment of later cohorts of infective larvae. Furthermore, there is some evidence from macro filarial length distributions of 'stunting' of adult worms during long-term repeat infections. Cats can also show an 'acute' response that spontaneously eliminates infections, and this appears to be due to a combination of intrinsic and dynamic mechanisms. As in humans, pathology in cat filariasis develops as a sequel to the asymptomatic microfilaremic state, largely as a result of re-expression of immunity. The relationship between macro filarial burdens and microfilariae in blood is positive but portrays a high degree of variability. The cat model provides an important tool for elucidating the relationships between infection, immunity and disease dynamics in lymphatic filariasis, and we conclude by suggesting directions for further work in this area.     

Spatio-Temporal Variation in Predation by Urban Domestic Cats (Felis catus) and the Acceptability of Possible Management Actions in the UK

Urban domestic cat (Felis catus) populations can attain exceedingly high densities and are not limited by natural prey availability. This has generated concerns that they may negatively affect prey populations, leading to calls for management. We enlisted cat-owners to record prey returned home to estimate patterns of predation by free-roaming pets in different localities within the town of Reading, UK and questionnaire surveys were used to quantify attitudes to different possible management strategies. Prey return rates were highly variable: only 20% of cats returned ≥4 dead prey annually. Consequently, approximately 65% of owners received no prey in a given season, but this declined to 22% after eight seasons. The estimated mean predation rate was 18.3 prey cat⁻¹ year⁻¹ but this varied markedly both spatially and temporally: per capita predation rates declined with increasing cat density. Comparisons with estimates of the density of six common bird prey species indicated that cats killed numbers equivalent to adult density on c. 39% of occasions. Population modeling studies suggest that such predation rates could significantly reduce the size of local bird populations for common urban species. Conversely, most urban residents did not consider cat predation to be a significant problem. Collar-mounted anti-predation devices were the only management action acceptable to the majority of urban residents (65%), but were less acceptable to cat-owners because of perceived risks to their pets; only 24% of cats were fitted with such devices. Overall, cat predation did appear to be of sufficient magnitude to affect some prey populations, although further investigation of some key aspects of cat predation is warranted. Management of the predation behavior of urban cat populations in the UK is likely to be challenging and achieving this would require considerable engagement with cat owners.     

Cloning,partial purification and in vivo developmental profile of expression of the juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase of Ctenocephalides felis

cDNAs encoding two different epoxide hydrolases (nCfEH1 and nCfEH2) were cloned from a cDNA library prepared from the wandering larval stage of the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. Predicted translations of the open reading frames indicated the clones encoded proteins of 464 (CfEH1) and 465 (CfEH2) amino acids. These proteins have a predicted molecular weight of 53 kDa and a putative 22 amino acid N-terminal hydrophobic membrane anchor. The amino acid sequences are 77% identical, and both are homologous to previously isolated epoxide hydrolases from Manduca sexta, Trichoplusia ni, and Rattus norvegicus. Purification of native juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH) from unfed adult cat fleas generated a partially pure protein that hydrolyzed juvenile hormone III to juvenile hormone III-diol. The amino terminal sequence of this;50-kDa protein is identical to the deduced amino terminus of the protein encoded by the nCfEH1 clone. Affinity-purified rabbit polyclonal antibodies raised against Escherichia coli-expressed HisCfEH1 recognized a approximately 50-kDa protein present in the partially purified fraction containing JHEH activity. Immunohistochemistry experiments using the same affinity-purified rabbit polyclonal antibodies localized the epoxide hydrolase in developing oocytes, fat body, and midgut epithelium of the adult flea. The presence of JHEH in various flea life stages and tissues was assessed by Northern blot and enzymatic activity assays. JHEH mRNA expression remained relatively constant throughout the different flea larval stages and was slightly elevated in the unfed adult flea. JHEH enzymatic activity was highest in the late larval, pupal, and adult stages. In all stages and tissues examined, JHEH activity was significantly lower than juvenile hormone esterase (JHE) activity, the other enzyme responsible for JH catalysis.     

Free postsynaptic sites in the lateral geniculate nucleus of adult cats following chronic decortication

Summary Following chronic decortication, free postsynaptic sites were found in the lateral geniculate nucleus of adult cat. Quantitative electron-microscopic analysis of the free postsynaptic sites revealed that they were not identical with the original, vacant postsynaptic sites, but were newly assembled formations. The ability of both relay cells and local interneurons of the adult lateral geniculate nucleus to assemble and/or maintain postsynaptic sites indicates that these nerve cells may be involved in the formation of new synapses.     

Growth hormone-releasing hormone neurons in the anestrus cat do not express progesterone receptors

Ovarian steroids have been implicated in the regulation of growth hormone (GH) secretion in several species and increased progesterone secretion has been associated with elevated circulating GH levels in the cat. These high GH concentrations may be due, at least in part, to a direct action of progesterone on growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) neurons. Using standard immunocytochemical methods coupled to high-temperature antigen retrieval, the objective of this study was to determine whether progesterone receptors were colocalized in GHRH neurons of the anestrus cat. GHRH perikarya were restricted to the infundibular nucleus and the ventral ventromedial nucleus and although frequently surrounded by numerous progesterone receptor-immunoreactive cells, none was colocalized. This study, therefore, provides evidence that, in the adult anestrus female cat, GHRH neurons do not express nuclear progesterone receptors.     

Relation of fast and slow skeletal, and atrial and ventricular myosin in various mammals

Myosin was isolated from adult mouse, rat, rabbit and cat atrial and ventricular myocardium and fast and slow skeletal muscles and examined by measuring Ca2+-ATPase activity and by electrophoretic fractionation of chymotryptic peptides and MLCs. The myosin from mouse atrial and ventricular myocardium were very similar. The properties of cat soleus muscle myosin and ventricular myocardium were also very similar (ATPase activity and electrophoretic pattern of chymotryptic peptides of myosin). The electrophoretic pattern of MLCs, however, was distinct when comparing mouse and feline muscles. These observations are consistent with the idea that atrial and ventricular alpha MHCs are closely related and that beta MHCs from ventricular myocardium and slow skeletal muscle fibres are also closely related.     

Ejaculate-hormonal traits in the leopard cat (Felis bengalensis) and sperm function as measured by in vitro penetration of zona-free hamster ova and zona-intact domestic cat oocytes

Electroejaculate traits and circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone concentrations were analyzed in adult leopard cats (Felis bengalensis), a rare felid species indigenous to east Asia. The ability of leopard cat sperm to bind and penetrate zona-free hamster ova and zona-intact domestic cat oocytes in vitro was examined as a means of testing sperm function. The influence of culture media [Biggers, Whitten, Whittingham (BWW) vs. modified Krebs Ringer bicarbonate (mKRB)], seminal plasma removal, and swim-up separation on sperm motility, sperm morphology, and oocyte penetration also were assessed. Sperm treatments included dilution of raw semen (DR), ejaculate centrifugation, and either resuspension (NS) or swim-up processing (SU). The percentage of oocytes penetrated (penetration rate) and the number of penetrated sperm/oocyte (penetration index) were determined. Ejaculates from each male consisted of at least a 50% sperm motility rating, and hormone concentrations in individual males were unrelated to any ejaculate trait measured concurrently on the same day. The SU technique improved (P less than 0.05) percent sperm motility and the proportion of structurally normal sperm compared to DR and NS treatments. Leopard cat spermatozoa were capable of binding to and penetrating hamster ova and domestic cat oocytes; however, penetration was influenced by culture medium and seminal processing. In the hamster assay, a higher (P less than 0.05) penetration rate and penetration index were achieved when mKRB was used for gamete incubation instead of BWW. NS processing also increased (P less than 0.05) overall penetration compared to DR and SU. In the cat oocyte assay, zona penetration rate was similar (P greater than 0.05) in the DR, NS, and SU aliquots; however, the zona penetration index was increased (P less than 0.05) by the NS compared to the DR and SU treatments. This study 1) provides baseline ejaculate and endocrine norms for the leopard cat, 2) demonstrates that leopard cat sperm undergo nuclear decondensation in hamster ova and penetrate zona-intact domestic cat oocytes, 3) indicates that seminal plasma removal enhances leopard cat sperm fertilizing ability and ovum penetration, and 4) suggests that heterologous oocyte penetration is effective for assessing factors influencing fertilization and sperm function in this nondomestic felid.     

Complete tyrosine O-sulfation of gastrin in adult and neonatal cat pancreas

We have found gastrin in both the adult and neonatal cat pancreas. In contrast with the main production sites, antrum and duodenum, gastrin in the pancreas occurs in a single molecular form, tyrosine O-sulfated gastrin-17. Since tyrosine sulfation increases the pancreozymic effect of gastrin, the complete sulfation seems functionally expedient.