Systematisation of the arteries in the splenic hilus

156 abdominal preparations were explored by arteriography, corrosion and dissection. Within the meanders of the splenic artery a basic pattern can be traced. The division of the artery can easily be summarized by introducing the term of a truncus lienogastroepiploicus. The short gastric arteries are always present, and usually they are longer and more important than may appear from their name. In nearly half of the preparations (52%) an artery for the extremitas lienalis posterior is found; an artery for the extremitas lienalis anterior is very exceptional. A posterior gastric artery can be identified (36%) but it must be distinguished from several other vessels. The arteria colli pancreatis (for the neck of the pancreas) is a constant vessel that may have a superior (usually arteria lienalis) or an inferior origin (arteria mesenterica superior). It commonly supplies the transverse pancreatic artery and often the prepancreatic arcade. The arteria corporis pancreatis, too, is a constant artery. The pancreatic tail is thoroughly irrigated by usually more than one arteria caudae pancreatis. An important part of the greater curvature is not accompanied by the left gastroepiploic artery, but is supplied by the arteriae gastricae breves.     

Anatomical description of the renal arteries and veins in the European rabbit

The aim of this study was to describe origin, localisation and variations of renal arteries and veins in the rabbit. The study was carried out on 40 adult European rabbits. We prepared corrosion casts of the rabbit arterial and venous system. Spofacryl was used as the casting medium. In 75% of cases the origin of arteriae renales was located at the level of the third lumbar vertebra and in remaining 25% of cases arteria renalis dextra branched off at the level of the second lumbar vertebra. In 10% of cases we observed that the number of arteria renalis sinistra was doubled. We recorded also in one case the presence of arteria renalis accessoria for ren dexter. In 10% of cases we observed that the number of vena renalis sinistra was doubled. In 5% of cases two venae renales sinistrae arose from the kidney and subsequently, about 1 cm from opening to vena cava caudalis, they united to form a single vein. In 5% of cases two venae renales sinistrae arose from the kidney and subsequently, approximately 1 cm away from hilus renalis, they united. The obtained variations of the number of renal arteries were partially homologous to the human, but variations of renal veins were localized on the other side as in human.     

Age-related and seasonal variations in plasma uncarboxylated osteocalcin in male Murrah buffaloes

The present study aims to investigate the age-related and seasonal variations in plasma uncarboxylated osteocalcin (UcOCN) in male Murrah buffaloes. In experiment 1, body weight, body dimensions and plasma UcOCN levels were estimated in 120 male Murrah buffaloes aged between 18 days and 8 years. We observed a significant (p < 0.0001) decrease in plasma UcOCN with age and their levels ranged between 0.25 and 9.25 ng/ml. In experiment 2, the plasma UcOCN, cortisol, triiodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄) and prolactin levels were determined during spring and summer in 6–34 months (n = 24) old male Murrah buffaloes. Significant (p < 0.0001) higher plasma UcOCN levels were observed in spring than in summer. The plasma T₃ and T₄ levels were positively correlated with plasma UcOCN, whereas the plasma cortisol and prolactin were negatively correlated. Further, to observe the effect of season on temporal variations of UcOCN, Murrah buffaloes aged between 4–6 (n = 5), 14–16 (n = 5) and 28–30 (n = 5) months were bled at an interval of 30 min, between 0700 and 01030 h, during both the seasons. We observed significant effects of season (p < 0.0001), age (p < 0.0001) and season-by-age interaction (p < 0.01) on plasma UcOCN. The reasons for variations in plasma UcOCN with age and season will be discussed.     

Circadian variations in peripheral levels of growth hormone and testosterone in male Murrah buffaloes

The aim of this study was to investigate the endocrine profiles of growth hormone (GH), testosterone and their interrelationship in prepubertal, pubertal and orchiectomised male Murrah buffaloes under starving conditions. The prepubertal and pubertal buffaloes were subjected to frequent blood sampling over 24 h at an interval of 1 h, whereas in orchiectomised buffaloes, the blood samples were collected over 18 h. Irrespective of group, the GH concentrations fluctuated in an episodic manner over 24 h and the fluctuations did not exhibit a consistent pattern between the animals of each group. The mean basal and peak concentrations of GH did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) among the groups. A significant (p > 0.0001) difference in testosterone concentrations was observed between prepubertal and pubertal groups. The differences in mean basal and peak testosterone concentrations between the prepubertal and pubertal groups were also significant (p < 0.01). The associations between testosterone and GH levels in both prepubertal (r = 0.15; p > 0.05) and pubertal (r = ?0.37; p > 0.05) buffaloes were non-significant. The possible reasons for erratic episodic pattern of GH secretion will be discussed.     

Age-related changes and circadian variations in peripheral levels of thyroid hormones in Murrah buffaloes

The aim of this study was to investigate the variations in plasma triiodothyronine (T₃) and thyroxine (T₄) with the advancement of age and to determine their circadian patterns in prepubertal and pubertal Murrah buffaloes. The variations in plasma T₃ and T₄ with the advancement of age were observed from day 1 to 24 months of age. Significant higher levels of T₃ and T₄ were observed after birth and a gradual decrease in their concentrations occurred until 15 days of age. The mean plasma T₃ and T₄ ranged between 1.26–3.79 and 60.7–166 ng/ml, respectively, during 1–30 days of age. During 1–24 months of age, the variations in plasma T₃ did not differ (p > 0.05) with the advancement of age, whereas significant (p < 0.0001) changes were observed in plasma T₄. The circadian patterns of T₃ and T₄ were evaluated in prepubertal Murrah buffaloes (n = 8) aged between 14 and 16 months. The mean plasma T₃ and T₄ ranged between 1.04–1.85 and 43.0–76.1 ng/ml, respectively. Significant (p > 0.0001) changes in the secretory pattern of T₃ were observed, whereas the secretory pattern of T₄ did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). In addition, the circadian patterns of T₃ and T₄ in pubertal buffaloes (n = 4) aged between 28 and 30 months were observed and compared to that of prepubertal group (n = 4). The prepubertal group showed significant (p < 0.001) higher plasma T₃ concentrations over 24 h than the pubertal group.     

Acoustic features of vocalization as a tool for estrus detection in Murrah buffaloes

Twelve Murrah buffaloes were selected from the institute herd and acoustic features like call duration, amplitude, total energy, mean pitch, mean intensity, formants (F1, F2, F3, F4, and F5), and N/H (Noise to Harmonic) ratio were analyzed. Call duration was significantly higher on day of estrus (1.52 ± 0.07 s) and proestrus (1.44 ± 0.07 s) than in metestrus (1.241 ± 0.04 s) and diestrus stages (0.981 ± 0.05 s). Total energy (0.121 ± 0.01 P²s), mean pitch (226.67 ± 14.11 Hz), maximum amplitude (0.959 ± 0.01 P), and mean intensity (85.05 ± 0.26 dB) was more (p < 0.05) in proestrus than in other stages. F1 (1131.94 ± 11.85 Hz) and F5 formants (6567.74 ± 12.62 Hz) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) during estrus, while F2 (2238.46 ± 26.53 Hz), F3 (3435.00 ± 19.33 Hz), and F4 formants (5127.71 ± 25.90 Hz) were higher (p < 0.05) in proestrus in comparison to other stages of estrous cycle. The identified acoustic features of voice in Murrah buffaloes were signficantly different in various stages of estrous cycle. These could be used as a tool for estrus detection management in buffaloes which have probems of silent estrus.     

Serum LH levels during pre- and post-puberty, pregnancy and lactation in Murrah buffaloes

The concentration of luteinizing hormone (LH) was measured in the serum of pre- and post-pubertal Murrah buffaloes, in addition to during pregnancy and lactation. The mean values varied between 0.6 +/- 0.11 (S.E.) and 1.4 +/- 0.18 ng/ml, but the differences observed were not significant (P>0.05).     

Dominance of Methanomicrobium phylotype in methanogen population present in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Aims:  To study the diversity of rumen methanogens in Murrah buffaloes ( Bubalus bubalis ) from North India by using 16S rRNA gene libraries obtained from the pooled rumen content from four animals and using suitable software analysis.
Methods and Results:  Genomic DNA was isolated and PCR was set up by using specific primers. Amplified product was cloned into a suitable vector and the positive clones were selected on the basis of blue–white screening and sequenced. The resulting nucleotide sequences were arranged in the phylogenetic tree. A total of 108 clones were examined, revealing 17 different 16S rRNA gene sequences or phylotypes. Of the 17 phylotypes, 15 (102 of 108 clones) belonged to the genus Methanomicrobium , indicating that the genus Methanomicrobium is the most dominant component of methanogen populations in Murrah buffaloes ( Bubalus bubalis ) from North India. The largest group of clones (102 clones) was more than 98% similar to Methanomicrobium mobile . BLAST analysis of the rumen contents from individual animals also revealed 17 different phylotypes with a range of 3–10 phylotypes per animal.
Conclusion:  Methanomicrobium phylotype is the most dominant phylotype of methanogens present in Murrah buffaloes ( Bubalus bubalis ).
Significance and Impact of the Study:  Effective strategies can be made to inhibit the growth of Methanomicrobium phylotype to reduce the methane emission from rumen contents and thus help in preventing global warming.     

Effect of Bromocryptine on hormones and milk secretion in Murrah buffaloes ( Bubalus bubalis)

An experiment was carried out on 10 advance pregnant Murrah buffaloes to determine the role of hormones in milk secretion around parturition. Experimental animals were administered with a single injection of bromocryptine, @ 100 μg/kg BW, for 5 days before expected calving, whereas control group buffaloes were injected with placebo injections. Blood samples collected before parturition (-5,-4,-3,-2,-1 days), on day of parturition (day-0) and on day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 and 15 post partum were analyzed for growth hormone (GH), insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and prolactin (PRL) by radioimmunassay methods. Milk samples were collected daily for 5 days and on day 10 and 15 after parturition. Milk fat, protein, lactose, citric acid, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and somatic cell counts (SCCs) were determined in milk samples. Bromocryptine treatment significantly (P < 0.01) decreased pre partum PRL and increased GH levels (P < 0.01) on day of parturition in experimental buffaloes without influencing plasma IGF-I level. Milk yield was significantly lower (P < 0.01) in experimental than in control group. Further, effect of bromocryptine on milk yield was only for a week. Milk yield increased (P < 0.01) gradually and was similar to control group on day 15 post partum. Bromocryptine treatment significantly increased milk SCC (P < 0.01) and protein content (P < 0.01) but there was no effect of treatment on fat, lactose, citric acid, glucose, milk and plasma NEFA concentration. It was concluded that prepartum suppression of PRL by bromocryptine impairs milk secretion temporarily in ensuing lactation. The significant rise in GH level before parturition and on day of parturition suggests a role of it in milk secretion of buffaloes.     

Molecular distinction between arteries and veins

The vertebrate vascular system is essential for the delivery and exchange of gases, hormones, metabolic wastes and immunity factors. These essential functions are carried out in large part by two types of anatomically distinct blood vessels, namely arteries and veins. Previously, circulatory dynamics were thought to play a major role in establishing this dichotomy, but recently it has become clear that arterial and venous endothelial cells are molecularly distinct even before the output of the first embryonic heartbeat, thus revealing the existence of genetic programs coordinating arterial-venous differentiation. Here we review some of the molecular mechanisms involved in this process.The first two authors contributed equally to this work     

Fibromuscular dysplasia of the renal arteries.

Two cases of severe fibromuscular dysplasia of the renal arteries are described in which the diagnosis was made 12 and 11 years after renal angiography had shown the arteries to be normal. The discovery of hypertension preceded the diagnosis by two and 11 years respectively, and in one case hypertension was present at the time of the normal renal angiogram. The report suggests that fibromuscular dysplasia of the renal arteries is acquired and may not be present from birth. The importance of regular review in cases of severe hypertension is emphasised.     

Efficacy of the Ovsynch protocol for synchronization of ovulation and fixed-time artificial insemination in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

Two experiments were conducted to assess the timing and synchrony of ovulation, plasma LH concentrations, and pregnancy rate in Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) treated with the Ovsynch (GnRH-PGF(2 alpha)-GnRH) protocol. In Experiment 1, 10 non-lactating cycling buffaloes received 10 microg of a GnRH analogue i.m. (buserelin acetate) without regard to the stage of the estrous cycle (day of treatment, day 0), followed by 25mg of PGF(2 alpha) i.m. (dinoprost thromethamine) 7 days later. A second-treatment of the same GnRH analogue (10 microg, i.m.) was given 48 h after PGF(2 alpha). Ovulation was confirmed by transrectal palpation (at 2-h intervals) from the second-GnRH treatment to detection of ovulation or up to 96 h after the second-GnRH treatment. Plasma LH concentrations were determined in blood samples collected at 15-min intervals for 6h, starting at the second-GnRH treatment, and thereafter at 2-h intervals until 2h after detection of ovulation. Ovulation occurred in 9/10 buffalo (90%) 23.3+/-1.3h (mean+/-S.E.M.; range 20--32 h) after the second-GnRH treatment. Peak LH concentrations 13.5+/-3.5 ng/mL (range 3.9--40.0 ng/mL) occurred 2.1+/-0.1h (range 1.2-3.0 h) after the second-GnRH treatment. In Experiment 2, 15 lactating, cycling buffaloes were subjected to the Ovsynch protocol, with fixed-time AI 12 and 24h after the second-GnRH treatment and 75 lactating buffaloes were inseminated, approximately 12h after detection of spontaneous estrus. Pregnancy rates were 33.3% for TAI and were 30.7% for buffaloes inseminated following spontaneous estrus (P=0.84). In conclusion, the Ovsynch protocol effectively synchronized ovulation in Murrah buffaloes and resulted in conception rates (to two fixed-time inseminations) that were comparable to those achieved with a single AI after detection of spontaneous estrus.     

Seasonal effect in expression of AQP1, AQP3 and AQP5 in skin of Murrah buffaloes

Aquaporins are transmembrane protein channels which are known to help the passage of water and solutes across the cell membranes. AQP1, AQP3 and AQP5 are isoforms of aquaporin known to aid in transepithelial water movement. AQP3 is also known to aid in glycerol transport. The present study was conducted to investigate the role of AQP1, AQP3 and AQP5 in thermoregulation of buffaloes by probing the expression of the genes in skin of buffaloes during different season viz. winter, spring and summer. The skin tissue samples were collected from the neck region of Murrah buffaloes (n = 12) and analyzed for gene expression by RT-PCR and immunolocalization. The physiological responses including respiration rate, rectal temperature and neck skin temperature observed during summer were significantly higher than winter and spring seasons. The study revealed the expression of AQP1, AQP3 and AQP5 genes in skin samples. The relative mRNA expressions of AQP1, AQP3 and AQP5 in skin relative to spring season were 1.41 ± 0.47, 1.95 ± 0.22 and 6.77 ± 1.02 folds during summer which were significantly higher than other seasons. The up-regulation of the expression of the studied AQPs were concomitant with the increase in physiological responses including skin temperature and sweating rate during summer. During summer season, AQP1 were mostly immunolocalized in the walls of skin blood capillaries, while AQP3 were observed mostly in the epidermal layer of the skin. The immunolocalization of AQP5 were mostly observed in the secretory glands of skin. The up-regulation of AQP1, AQP3 and AQP5 in skin during summer season indicates their role in thermoregulation of buffaloes.     

Differential expression of neuropilin-1 and neuropilin-2 in arteries and veins.

Neuropilin-1 (np1) and neuropilin-2 (np2) are receptors for class-3 semaphorins and for several isoforms of VEGF. We have cloned and characterized two chick isoforms of np2 cDNA. Expression patterns of np1, np2, and ephrin-B2 were compared in the developing vascular system of 24-72 h old chick embryos. We show for the first time that np2 is expressed in blood vessels in vivo from the earliest stages of their formation. In contrast to ephrin-B2, both np1 and np2 are expressed in blood islands of 24 h old chick embryos. At 48-72 h, np1 expression is localized preferentially in arteries with an expression pattern that resembles that of ephrin-B2. In contrast, np2 is expressed preferentially in veins. Thus, neuropilins may play a role in determining the arterial or venous identity of blood vessels.     

Luteinizing hormone and oestradiol-17β in blood plasma and milk during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy in Murrah buffaloes

Immunoreactive luteinizing hormone and oestradiol-17β were measured by radioimmunoassay in 28 Murrah buffaloes. The concentration peaked sharply in blood plasma (plasma) coincident with the onset of oestrus (range 0 to +6 h), whereas the oestradiol-17β concentration increased before the onset of oestrus (range ?8 to ?17 h). There were erratic fluctuations in the LH concentration in milk which did not correlate with the concentration in the plasma. However, the basal concentration of LH in milk was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than in plasma. The oestradiol-17β concentration in milk mimicked that in plasma and was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than in plasma. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) of these hormones in primiparous and multiparous animals.     

Zero-stress states of human pulmonary arteries and veins

The zero-stressstates of the pulmonary arteries and veins fromorder3 toorder9 were determined in six normal humanlungs within 15 h postmortem. The zero-stress state of each vessel was obtained by cutting the vessel transversely into a series of short rings, then cutting each ring radially, which caused the ring to springopen into a sector. Each sector was characterized by its opening angle.The mean opening angle varied between 92 and 163° in the arterialtree and between 89 and 128° in the venous tree. There was atendency for opening angles to increase as the sizes of the arteriesand veins increased. We computed the residual strains based on theexperimental measurements and estimated the residual stresses accordingto Hooke's law. We found that the inner wall of a vessel at the statein which the internal pressure, external pressure, and longitudinalstress are all zero was under compression and the outer wall was intension, and that the magnitude of compressive stress was greater thanthe magnitude of tensile stress.