Multiple in vivo passages enhance the ability of a clinical Helicobacter pylori isolate to colonize the stomach of Mongolian gerbils and to induce gastritis

The Mongolian gerbil is an excellent animal model for Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis in humans. In this study, initially low colonization rates of the H. pylori strains ATCC 43504, SS1, or HP87 inoculated into gerbils caused difficulties in establishing this model. In order to increase the colonization ability and pathogenicity, the clinical HP87 isolate was selected for adaptation to the gerbil stomach by multiple in vivo passages through gerbils. Development of gastritis was examined histologically at 4-52 weeks after infection. The proportion of gerbils which tested positive for H. pylori by culture at four weeks after inoculation gradually increased from 11.1% of gerbils inoculated with HP87 without prior in vivo passage (P0) to 100% of gerbils inoculated with HP87 with seven in vivo passages (P7). In addition, adaptation of HP87 resulted in more severe histopathological changes. Gerbils infected with adapted HP87 (P7) exhibited severe infiltration by monomorphonuclear and polymorphonuclear leukocytes in the mucosa, submucosa, and subserosa of the gastric antrum, as well as epithelial changes consisting of hyperplasia, erosion, and ulceration. Histopathological changes increased in severity from four to 52 weeks after infection. Adaptation of HP87 during its passages through gerbils could be due to genetic changes in bacterial colonization factors. Identification of these changes might be useful to understand the underlying mechanism of gastric adaptation and pathogenesis of H. pylori.     

Studies on diabetic syndrome and influences of long-term tolbutamide administration in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

Sixty-seven mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus), which seem to resemble the sand rats in the manifestation of diabetic syndrome, were used for observations on the development of diabetic process and on the effect of the long term administration of tolbutamide on it. The mean blood glucose (158.2 +/- 14.7 mg/100 ml), mean serum NEFA (0.70 +/- 0.34 mEq/l) and mean serum IRI (68.9 +/- 10.2 muU/ml) in mongolian gerbils were relatively higher than those in rats. Diabetes-like processes found in the pancreas of mongolian gerbils were roughly grouped into two main types: (1) the histopathological process in which the fibrosis, initially prominent at perivascular space, spread to the islets, finally producing the islet's cell degeneration, and (2) the process of diffuse islet's hyperplasia. These two processes were considered to differ from each other, the former being affected by tolbutamide and the latter remaining unaffected. After breeding on the diet containing 0.1 -0.2% tolbutamide for 6 months, there was a general inclination of an increase of cases of severe pathological findings, and the distribution probabilities of the cases carrying the severe fibrotic process in heart, that is, the process from endothelial cell swelling, medial fibrosis and obliterative changes in cardiac arteries which was resulting in the focal degeneration of cardiac muscle, was significantly higher than in the non-treated group. It was concluded that mongolian gerbil might be recommended as a model of experimental diabetes and that tolbutamide seemed to have some harmful effects on the diabetes-like process in mongolian gerbils.     

Hyperplasie surrénalienne par bloc en 21 hydroxylase: une cause rare d’hypofertilité masculine et de tumeur du testicule

The authors report the case of a 29-year-old man with bilateral testicular adrenal-like tumors in a context of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Inadequate suppression of ACTH secretion is a dominant etiological factor in the development of testicular masses in CAH. Destruction of the testicular tubules by the adrenal rests and longstanding suppression of the pituitary-gonadal axis can lead to infertility. The presence of testicular adrenal rests must be investigated in any man with CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency and infertility. Similarly, it is important to investigate possible 21-hydroxylase deficiency in patients with bilateral testicular tumors.     

Triple eradication therapy counteracts functional impairment associated with Helicobacter pylori infection in Mongolian gerbils.

Gastric Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection in Mongolian gerbils is an established experimental model of gastric carcinogenesis resulting from the long-term Hp infection but functional aspects accompanying this Hp-induced progression from gastritis to the cancer, especially changes in gastric acid secretion, gastric blood flow (GBF) and gastrin-somatostatin link have been little studied. It is unclear whether Hp eradication therapy alters the functional and the histopathological changes in this animal model of Hp-infection. We examined the effects of intragastric (i.g.) inoculation of Mongolian gerbils with Hp strain (cagA+ vacA+, 5 x 10(6) CFU/ml) that had been isolated from a patient with gastric ulcer as compared to those induced by vehicle (saline) in gerbils with or without gastric fistula (GF) at 1.2, 4, 6, 9, 12 and 30 wks upon gastric inoculation with this bacteria. An attempt was made to evaluate the influence of anti-Hp triple therapy with omeprazole, amoxicillin and tinidazol on gastric Hp-infection and Hp-induced functional impairment of the gastric mucosa. Gastric mucosal biopsy specimens were taken for the assessment of the morphological changes and the presence of Hp infection using rapid urease test (CLO-test) and the density of Hp-colonization were assessed by counting of the number of bacterial colonies per plate. Gastric blood flow (GBF) was measured by H2-gas clearance technique and the venous blood and the gastric content were collected for the measurement of plasma gastrin levels and the gastric luminal somatostatin level by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The Hp in gastric mucosa was detected in all animals by culture and rapid urease test at various periods upon Hp inoculation. Basal gastric acid in non-infected conscious gerbils with GF reached the level of about 28 +/- 4 micromol/h and this was reduced by over 50% immediately upon the Hp-inoculation and persisted for time intervals tested up to 30 wk. Early lesions were seen 4 wks after the Hp-inoculation and consisted of chronic gastritis with thickened gastric mucosal foldings and elongated interfoveolar ridges. Edema and congestion as well as significant mucosal inflammatory infiltration with lymphoid infiltrate in lamina propria of the mucosa occurred in all infected gerbils. Adenomatous hyperplasia with cellular atypia was observed at 12 wk upon Hp-inoculation together with increased mitotic activity and numerous apoptotic bodies formation, while lamina propria was reduced leaving dilated atypical gastric gland situated "back-to-back". This glandular atypia failed to show lamina propria or submucosa infiltration corresponding to gastric intraepithelial neoplasia. The GBF in Hp-infected gerbils was significantly lower, and a 6-7 fold increase in plasma gastrin levels combined with a significant fall in gastric luminal somatostatin contents observed at all tested periods as compared to vehicle-controls and these effects were counteracted by anti-Hp triple therapy. We conclude that: 1). Hp-infection in Mongolian gerbils in early stages before adenocarcinoma formation results in the development of typical functional and pathological changes such as suppression of gastric secretion and impairment of both, gastric mucosal microcirculation and gastrin-somatostatin link, and 2). this deleterious influence of Hp on gastric morphology and gastric functions is greatly attenuated in gerbils treated with Hp-eradication therapy.     

Polaprezinc attenuates Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis in Mongolian gerbils

Background. The ammonia‐monochloramine system plays an important role in Helicobacter pylori‐associated gastric mucosal injury. Polaprezinc, a new antiulcer agent, has a scavenging action against monochloramine. The aim of the experiment was to investigate the inhibitory effects of polaprezinc on the H. pylori‐induced gastritis in Mongolian gerbils. Materials and Methods. Mongolian gerbils fasting for 24 hours were orally given culture broth containing 2–4 × 10⁸ colony‐forming units of H. pylori ATCC 43054 per milliliter. From 4 hours after inoculation until the end of the experiment, gerbils were given chow pellets with or without 0.02% polaprezinc. All gerbils were killed 12 weeks later. The grades of H. pylori density and histologic features of gastritis were evaluated in accordance with the Updated Sydney System. The scavenging effect of polaprezinc on monochloramine was investigated spectrophotometrically. Results. Polaprezinc had little or no influence on the H. pylori density in both pyloric and fundic mucosae. However, it significantly attenuated the development of polymorphonuclear neutrophil activity, mononuclear infiltration, and surface epithelial erosion in both pyloric and fundic mucosae compared with those of the control group. H. pylori inoculation significantly increased the heights of both pyloric and fundic mucosae (mainly due to the increased height of foveolar hyperplasia), but polaprezinc inhibited the increase of mucosal thickness in both pyloric and fundic mucasae. No intestinal metaplasia was detected in this study. Spectrophotometric examination revealed that polaprezinc scavenged monochloramine. Conclusions. Polaprezinc inhibited the development of H. pylori‐induced gastritis through its scavenging action against monochloramine.     

Effects of Malva viscus conzattii Greenm flower extract on testicular function of the house rat Rattus rattus Rufescens & the gerbil Meriones hurrianae Jerdon: a biochemical study

Extract of the flower Malva viscus conzattii (M. conzattii) was administered at a dose of 25/50 mg/day/animal to 30 healthy adult male gerbils and 30 adult male house rats to determine its effect on fertility. After 25 days' treatment fin l body weight, and the weights of testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles, and adrenal glands were measured. Testis, epididymides, and seminal vesicles were prepared for histological examination and total protein, RNA, sialic acid, and alkaline phosphatase activity were determined. Quantitative estimation of cholesterol was also made. While overall body weight remained stable during treatment, testicular weight in both animals was drastically decreased. A complete spermatogenic arrest in the testes was evident in house rats treated with 50 mg/day for 20 days and in the gerbil treated with 25 mg/day for 25 days. The seminiferous tubules showed marked degeneration, lined by 1 or 2 cell layers. Epididymides showed degenerative changes as well. RNA contents of the testes, epididydmides, and seminal vesicles of treated anials were significantly lowered as was sialilc acid content. Total cholesterol was increased significantly. M. conzattii causes an effective inhibition of spermatogenesis in gerbils and house rats in 25 states and induces infertility.     

炔雌醚对内蒙古农牧交错带长爪沙鼠(Meriones unguiculatus)家群大小和巢域行为的影响

为检验施用炔雌醚对农牧交错带长爪沙鼠家群大小与巢域行为的影响,于2006年5月至9月对内蒙古锡林郭勒盟锡林浩特市农牧交错区域分布的长爪沙鼠家群使用炔雌醚进行种群不育控制实验。分设投药区和对照区两个组别,分别于5月、7月与9月份采用1/4样圆面积有效洞口计数法,随机选取24个长爪沙鼠家群,调查对照区域和投药区内沙鼠的家群洞口数量以及家群大小。另在对照区和投药区,随机测定了30个沙鼠的家群活动范围,对比使用炔雌醚前后长爪沙鼠巢域平均半径和活动面积的影响。结果为:对照区家群平均洞口数58个,投药区仅23个,在炔雌醚投药区长爪沙鼠家群受炔雌醚影响,洞口数仅为23个,表明其对长爪沙鼠家群大小控制效果显著。投药区内长爪沙鼠家群密度在投药后连续下降,最大下降幅度较对照区家群密度低70%,表明炔雌醚对长爪沙鼠的家群密度影响较大,可显著降低长爪沙鼠家群密度(P<0.05)。炔雌醚对长爪沙鼠家群平均半径和活动面积的研究结果显示,施用炔雌醚后家群巢域半径与活动面积均显著缩小(P<0.05),与对照区巢域平均面积相比缩小15%、平均活动半径缩小30%。通过以上结果可得出:单独施用炔雌醚对控制野外长爪沙鼠家群以及降低长爪沙鼠巢域、活动面积效果显著。炔雌醚可有效降低农牧交错带长爪沙鼠种群数量和有效活动范围,这对于农牧交错带的鼠害防控,同时降低鼠源性疾病,包括鼠疫的传播都有一定的意义。     

Islet organ,blood glucose and glucose tolerance of lean and obese Mongolian gerbils

Summary Gerbils were divided, on the basis of body weight, into obese (>80 gms) and lean (<80 gms) groups. Fasting blood glucose estimations on all 31 gerbils, and glucose tolerance tests on 9 lean and 6 obese animals, were carried out. All lean and some obese gerbils were normoglycaemic and other obese were hyperglycaemic. All obese gerbils exhibited glucose intolerance. General morphological studies were untertaken as follows: (i) assessment of mesenteric fat deposits, (ii) measurement of anterior abdominal wall thickness, (iii) ratio of animal length to width at specified loci (index of shape). The degree of obesity was less than previously reported in this species though blood glucose abnormality was comparable. The index of animal shape showed a strong correlation with body weight. The following kinds of histological observation were made on pancreases from 4 lean and 4 obese gerbils: (i) % islet representation, (ii) islet size distribution, (iii) -cell granularity, (iv) islet vascularity, (v) islet/duct association, (vi) proportions of - and D-cells, (vii) glycogen deposition in islet and duct cells. The pancreases of obese gerbils contained a higher proportion of islet tissue than those of lean due to generally larger islets: this hyperplasia was mainly attributable to -cell proliferation. Many obese gerbil islets exhibited hyperaemia and -cell degranulation. There was no evidence of glycogen depositon.     

Distribution and effects of a defined six-member murine-derived microflora in gnotobiotic gerbils.

The gnotobiotic gerbil was selected as a model with which to study the effects of colonization with a defined microflora on organ morphology, histology, and selected blood biochemical parameters. Gerbils were maintained germfree for 13 months but failed to reproduce, presumably because of the enlarged cecum. A colony of gnotobiotic gerbils that was associated with a bacterial flora consisting of Lactobacillus brevis, Streptococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacteroides vulgatus, Enterobacter aerogenes, and a Fusobacterium sp. was established. These gnotobiotic gerbils had smaller ceca than germfree gerbils and proved capable of reproduction. Except for the presence of large numbers of Bacteroides organisms in the stomach and greater numbers of S. epidermidis in gnotobiotic gerbils, the number and location of gastrointestinal bacteria were similar in conventional and gnotobiotic gerbils. Bacteroides sp. was the second most predominant microorganism present in gnotobiotic gerbils, whereas clostridia were reported to be the second most predominant microorganism in conventional gerbils. Microscopic examination of direct-impression smears indicated that fusobacteria were present on mucosal surfaces. Intestines of gnotobiotic gerbils weighed twice as much as the intestines of conventional gerbils. Intestinal tissue water weight values from conventional and gnotobiotic gerbils were similar. Histological examination of gerbil intestinal tissue revealed no cellular hypertrophy and no evidence of inflammation in gnotobiotic gerbil intestines. Spleens of gnotobiotic gerbils showed no germinal center stimulation. Statistical differences in total serum glucose, serum protein, and hematocrit levels were found between conventional and gnotobiotic gerbils.     

Effect of probiotics and triple eradication therapy on the cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression, apoptosis, and functional gastric mucosal impairment in Helicobacter pylori-infected Mongolian gerbils

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection in Mongolian gerbils is an established experimental model of gastric carcinogenesis that mimics H. pylori-positive patients developing gastric ulcer and gastric cancer, but the effect of probiotic therapy on functional aspects of this infection remains unknown. METHODS: We compared the effects of intragastric inoculation of gerbils with H. pylori strain (cagA+ vacA+, 5 x 10(6) colony forming units/ml) with or without triple therapy including omeprazole, amoxicillin, and tinidazol or probiotic bacteria Lacidofil. Histology of glandular mucosa, the viable H. pylori, and density of H. pylori colonization were evaluated. The gastric blood flow was measured by H2-gas clearance method; the plasma gastrin and gastric luminal somatostatin were determined by RIA and expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and apoptotic Bax and Bcl-2 proteins were evaluated by Western blot. RESULTS: The gastric H. pylori infection was detected in all animals by histology and H. pylori culture. Basal gastric acid was significantly reduced in H. pylori-infected animals but not in those with triple therapy or Lacidofil. Early lesions were seen already 4 weeks upon H. pylori inoculation and consisted of chronic gastritis and glandular atypia associated with typical regenerative hyperplasia and increased mitotic activity and formation of apoptotic bodies. The H. pylori infection was accompanied by the fall in gastric blood flow, the marked increase in plasma gastrin, the significant fall in gastric somatostatin levels and Bcl-2 protein expression, and the rise in expression of COX-2 and Bax proteins. These mucosal changes were counteracted by the triple therapy and Lacidofil. CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori infection in gerbils, associated with regenerative hyperplasia of glandular structure, results in the suppression of gastric secretion, overexpression of COX-2, and enhancement in apoptosis and impairment of both, gastric blood flow and gastrin-somatostatin link that were reversed by anti-H. pylori triple therapy and attenuated by probiotics.     

长爪沙鼠的遗传多样性分析

利用17个微卫星DNA标记对Z:ZCLA长爪沙鼠封闭群、野生群和近交系进行遗传多样性分析, 评估群体内的遗传变异和群体间的遗传分化。结果表明：在Z:ZCLA封闭群和野生群中共有9个微卫星DNA标记获得稳定的结果, 分别为AF200940、AF200941、AF200942、AF200945、AF200946、AF200947、D11Mit128、PKC和 SCN, 共检测到41个等位基因, 每个基因的等位基因数从1～7不等, 片段大小在120～283 bp之间, 所有位点的平均期望杂合度(He)和多态信息含量(PIC)值分别为0.5032和0.4656, Z:ZCLA封闭群和野生群9个微卫星位点平均有效等位基因数分别为2.78和2.89, 平均基因杂合度分别为0.3704和 0.3893, 平均多态信息含量分别为0.3256和0.3344, 两个群体都表现为中度多态, Z:ZCLA封闭群较野生群稍低; 在3个近交系中共有8个位点获得稳定的扩增结果, 分别为AF200941、AF200942、AF200945、AF200946、AF200947、D11Mit128、PKC和 SCN, 共检测到11个等位基因, 片段大小在140~241 bp之间, 其中5个位点在群体内表现为单态纯合, 3个位点在群体内表现为单态杂合, 所有位点在群体内和群体间均呈单态性, 表明这3个长爪沙鼠品系基本符合近交系的要求, 微卫星标记技术适用于近交系长爪沙鼠的遗传检测。     

Development of Taenia asiatica cysticerci to infective stage and adult stage in Mongolian gerbils

The development of metacestodes and adult worms of Taenia asiatica in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) were observed. Cysticerci were recovered from gerbils subcutaneously injected with hatched oncospheres. The recovery rate ranged from 0.1 to 3.2%. No cysticerci were recovered from the orally inoculated gerbils. The infectivity of the cysticerci recovered at 48 weeks post-infection was evaluated. Tapeworms were recovered on day 14 post-infection from the small intestine of 5 of 11 gerbils, with a recovery rate of 27% (6 worms recovered/22 worms inoculated). Three and four adult worms were recovered from two human volunteers who ingested five cysticerci after 4 months post-infection. In worms recovered from gerbils, segmentation and genital primordia in the posterior proglottids and hooklets in the residual rostellum were observed. The results indicate that gerbils can serve as an alternative intermediate host and that partial development of the adult worm stage occurs in gerbils.     

Effects of aspirin on the development of Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric inflammation and heterotopic proliferative glands in Mongolian gerbils

Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is a major cause of gastritis and gastric carcinoma. Aspirin has anti‐inflammatory and antineoplastic activity. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of aspirin on H. pylori‐induced gastritis and the development of heterotopic proliferative glands. Methods: H. pylori strain SS1 was inoculated into the stomachs of Mongolian gerbils. Two weeks after inoculation, the animals were fed with the powder diets containing 0 p.p.m. (n = 10), 150 p.p.m. (n = 10), or 500 p.p.m. (n = 10) aspirin. Mongolian gerbils were killed after 36 weeks of infection. Uninfected Mongolian gerbils (n = 10) were used as controls. Histologic changes, epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis, and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) levels of gastric tissue were determined. Results: H. pylori infection induced gastric inflammation. Administration of aspirin did not change H. pylori‐induced gastritis, but alleviated H. pylori‐induced hyperplasia and the development of heterotopic proliferative glands. Administration of aspirin accelerated H. pylori‐associated apoptosis but decreased H. pylori‐associated cell proliferation. In addition, the increased gastric PGE₂ levels due to H. pylori infection were suppressed by treatment with aspirin, especially at the dose of 500 p.p.m. Conclusions: Aspirin alleviates H. pylori‐induced hyperplasia and the development of heterotopic proliferative glands. Moreover, aspirin increases H. pylori‐induced apoptosis. We demonstrated the antineoplastic activities of aspirin in H. pylori‐related gastric carcinogenesis.     

长爪沙鼠血清雌性激素的比较研究

目的测定长爪沙鼠、NIH小鼠和SD大鼠的血清雌二醇(E2)和孕酮(P)水平,为研究长爪沙鼠的生殖和胚胎工程提供基础资料。方法用放射免疫分析法测定上述动物生产前后血清雌二醇(E2)和孕酮(P)水平,进行统计学处理和分析。结果不同阶段雌性沙鼠E2值差异无显著性(P>0.05),P值差异有显著性(P<0.01);E2值比较,处女期沙鼠与同期NIH和SD差异有显著性(P<0.01),而在经产期的动物间水平接近(P>0.05);P值比较,处女期沙鼠与NIH接近,与SD差异有显著性(P<0.01);而经产期沙鼠在三种动物中是最高的(P<0.01)。结论长爪沙鼠血清E2、P的含量具种属特异性,并随动物的生理发育时期而变化。     

长爪沙鼠脑底前后交通动脉变异类型分析

目的解剖观察成年长爪沙鼠脑底动脉前后交通支的缺失变异类型。方法选用128只成年长爪沙鼠,脑缺血死亡或乙醚麻醉处死后,解剖后在镜下对其脑底表面的动脉及前后交通支进行了观察。结果所解剖的长爪沙鼠存在7种前交通支的变异类型和5种后交通支变异类型。其中,前交通支缺失的类型占总数的46·1%,后交通支的缺失类型占总数的85·2%,两者同时缺失的概率为39·27%,与单侧结扎的方法制备脑缺血模型的成模率相近。结论长爪沙鼠的脑底动脉前后交通支存在多种变异,尤其是某些个体存在完整的后交通支。     

Glucose supplement reverses the fasting-induced suppression of cellular immunity in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

Glucose plays an important role in immunity. Three day fasting will decrease cellular immunity and blood glucose levels in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that glucose supplement can reverse the fasting-induced suppression in cellular immunity in gerbils. Twenty-eight male gerbils were selected and randomly divided into fed and fasting groups. Half of the gerbils in each group were then provided with either 10% glucose water or pure water. After 66 h, each gerbil was injected with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) solution to challenge cellular immunity. Results showed that glucose supplement restored blood glucose levels in fasted gerbils to those of the fed controls. It also recovered cellular immunity, body fat mass and serum leptin levels in fasted gerbils to the values of the fed controls. Blood glucose levels were positively correlated with body fat mass, leptin levels and cellular immune responses. Thymus and spleen masses, and white blood cells in fasted gerbils were not affected by glucose supplement. In general, our data demonstrate that glucose supplement could reverse fasting-induced suppression of cellular immunity in Mongolian gerbils.     

Susceptibility of four species of small rodents to encephalomyocarditis (EMC) virus infection

The D variant of encephalomyocarditis virus (10(1)-10(5) PFU/head) was intraperitoneally inoculated into 4 species of small rodents, rats, mice, Syrian hamsters, and Mongolian gerbils, and the susceptibility of these animals to EMC virus was examined virologically and histopathologically 3 days after infection. Viral replication was detected in the brain (mice), in the heart (mice and gerbils), and in the pancreas (mice, hamsters, and gerbils). No viral replication was detected in rats. Histopathological changes were seen in the brain (mice and hamsters), in the heart (mice and gerbils), and in the pancreas (mice, hamsters, and gerbils). No histopathological changes were seen in rats. The present results suggest that it may be quite possible to produce EMC virus-induced diabetes mellitus not only in mice but also in hamsters and gerbils.     

Ocular larva migrans caused by Toxocara cati in Mongolian gerbils and a comparison of ophthalmologic findings with those produced by T. canis

To elucidate the pathogenic potential of Toxocara cari, we observed the ophthalmologic changes of the fundi in Mongolian gerbils, Meriones unguiculatus, after oral inoculation of 17 embryonated eggs/g body weight. Ophthalmic conditions in 8 T. cati-infected gerbils were monitored using an ophthalmoscope from day 0 to day 156 and were compared with those of 57 T. canis-infected gerbils. The results showed that T. cati larvae migrated into the eye of the gerbil and then elicited ophthalmic changes, including retinal (25%) and vitreous (50%) hemorrhaging, vasculitis (37.5%), and exudative lesions (25%). Lesions were less prevalent, however, in T. cati-infected than in T. canis-infected gerbils. Unlike in T. canis-infected gerbils, the hemorrhagic lesions did not reappear in T. cati-infected gerbils after they were absorbed. These findings suggested that T. cati larvae are a potentially hazardous pathogen for ocular toxocariasis and that Mongolian gerbils infected with T. cati may be a useful model for the study of human ocular toxocariasis caused by T. cati. This is the first study to report that T. cati larvae can induce ophthalmic lesions in the retina of gerbils.     

Syphacia obvelata in the Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus): natural occurrence and experimental transmission

An adult from a research colony and a litter of 5-week-old Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) from a pet store were found to have pinworms identified as Syphacia obvelata. The infected gerbils were allowed to cohabitate with uninfected gerbils. Similarly, infected gerbils were caged with uninfected mice and infected mice with uninfected gerbils. Results of these studies showed that Syphacia obvelata can be transmitted from gerbil to gerbil, gerbil to mouse, and mouse to gerbil.     

雌雄子午沙鼠的认知行为及其神经内分泌水平的差异

本研究通过对雌雄子午沙鼠进行新物体识别和社会认知实验,运用免疫组化方法检测其相关脑区合成催产素（OT）、加压素（AVP）和多巴胺（DA）能的神经元数量,采用酶联免疫试验（ELISA）方法检测了其血清中OT、AVP的水平,探究了雌雄子午沙鼠的两性认知差异及其神经内分泌水平的差异。结果表明,雌雄子午沙鼠对新物体的探究时间均要显著高于旧物体,雌雄子午沙鼠的辨别指数无显著差异（P＞0.05）;雄性子午沙鼠随着探究次数的增加对重复刺激鼠a的探究时间不断减少,对陌生刺激鼠b的探究时间显著高于刺激鼠a（P＜0.05）;雌性子午沙鼠没有此趋势。雄性子午沙鼠OT能神经元数量在下丘脑室旁核(PVN)和视上核(SON)均要显著少于雌性（P＜0.05）;雄性个体DA能神经元数量在黑质显著高于雌性（P＜0.01）;然而雄性个体DA能神经元数量在腹侧被盖区显著少于雌性（P＜0.01）;雌雄子午沙鼠血清OT、AVP水平均无显著差异。综上所述,雌雄子午沙鼠对新物体的识别能力无显著差异,然而雄性子午沙鼠的社会认知能力强于雌性。在神经内分泌水平上,雌雄子午沙鼠PVN和SON中OT能神经元数量、黑质和腹侧背盖区的DA能神经元数量均呈现出了两性差异。