Early detection and treatment of vesicular adenitis in bulls

The objective of this study was to determine whether early detection and treatment with tilmicosin would reduce the number of yearling bulls culled due to vesicular gland disease at the time of their first semen test. Bulls (n=2207) of 15 breeds at 17 performance test stations were examined by transrectal palpation at 9-12 months of age and assigned to three treatment groups: (1) positive treated group, receiving subcutaneous injections of tilmicosin every second day for three treatments (2) positive untreated control group, (3) negative untreated control group. Transrectal palpation of the glands was done again at a pre-sale semen test 28-70 d (mean=42.8 d) after the first examination. Semen was evaluated for the presence of pus and/or leukocytes by light microscopy. The proportion of bulls with vesiculitis was 4.4% (97/2207). At the pre-sale semen test the number of bulls with vesiculitis had decreased to 1.3% (29/2207); however, seven of these were new cases that developed after the first examination. Therefore, there was a recovery rate of 75/97 (77.3%) in the original group of bulls positive for vesiculitis. At the pre-sale test, there was no difference in the proportion of bulls with enlarged glands in the positive treated group (15/66) versus the positive untreated group (7/31) and no difference in the proportion of bulls with leukocytes or pus in their semen samples. The results of this experiment did not indicate any advantage in detection and treatment of vesiculitis before a year on age due to a high rate of spontaneous recovery.     

Intraglandular injection of antibiotics for the treatment of vesicular adenitis in bulls

Two experiments were designed to determine the efficacy of intraglandular antibiotic treatment in beef bulls. Experiment 1 was designed to evaluate the glandular tissue reaction to intraglandular antibiotic treatment. Experiment 2 was conducted to determine the efficacy intraglandular injection of antibiotics for the treatment of naturally occurring cases of vesicular adenitis. Healthy beef bulls (n=15), 2 and 3 years of age, were randomly allocated to three equal treatment groups to receive 10% of the daily recommended parenteral dose of penicillin, ceftiofur, or oxytetracycline in a volume of 6 mL injected directly into one of the vesicular glands. Ultrasonography was performed before, immediately after, and at 24, 48 and 168 h after intraglandular injection. The size and hardness of vesicular glands injected with oxytetracycline was greater (P<0.01) than those injected with ceftiofur. Ultrasonographic pixel intensity increased (P<0.01) after treatment with antibiotics, especially after treatment with oxytetracycline or penicillin. In Experiment 2, yearling beef bulls with clinical vesicular adenitis (n=14) were referred to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine for treatment. Eight bulls had unilateral and six had bilateral vesicular adenitis. The most common isolate was Arcanobacterium pyogenes. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis was isolated from one bull. Bulls were subjected to rectal palpation and ultrasonography of the vesicular glands, semen collection by electroejaculation, and intraglandular treatment with ceftiofur (n=13) and if necessary, a second intraglandular treatment of penicillin (n=6). One bull was treated only with an initial intraglandular injection of penicillin. Bulls were evaluated once a week over 6 weeks by palpation of the glands, and evaluation of semen. All bulls recovered from vesicular adenitis after 3-6 weeks. There was a difference in the amount of pus (P=0.042), leukocytes (P<0.001) and blood (P=0.003) present in ejaculates from before treatment to 3 weeks after treatment. Pixel intensities in ultrasonographic images of healthy or affected vesicular glands, whether treated or untreated, did not change over time. Intraglandular injection of ceftiofur in yearling bulls via the ischiorectal fossa was effective for treating vesicular adenitis.     

Vesicular Phospholipid Gels: A Technology Platform

Vesicular phospholipid gels (VPGs) represent semi-solid phospholipid dispersions. Their morphology is truly vesicular with aqueous compartments both within the core of the vesicles and in-between the vesicles. VPGs are suited to carry both hydrophilic, amphiphilic and lipophilic drugs. Their drug load is stable since there is no concentration gradient between the vesicles' core and the surrounding water phase. VPGs are suited to release drugs in a controlled manner, and thus may serve as depot implants. When blended with excess aqueous medium VPGs are easily converted into small-sized liposome (SUV) dispersions showing high encapsulation efficiencies for all kinds of drugs. VPG-formulations with various cytostatic drugs have been tested successfully in human xenografts. Obviously, the vesicles protect the drugs from premature metabolic inactivation and/or elimination and guide them to solid tumors with enhanced vascular permeability (passive targeting).

Furthermore, when mounted on a filter support, VPGs represent a tight diffusion barrier suitable for screening of oral drug permeability, as demonstrated by a set of 21 drug compounds. Permeability values were shown to fit well with human absorption in vivo, indicating that the model is suited for rapid screening of passive transport properties of new chemical entities.     

Libido and mating behavior in bulls, boars and rams. A review

In this restricted review of the literature on libido and mating behavior in bulls, boars and rams it is assumed that libido and mating ability are important traits which can affect production significantly in food and fibre producing animals. These traits are strongly influenced by genetic factors, they vary widely in their expression among individuals and they can be reliably assessed or measured. Rearing young post-puberal males in all-bachelor groups can delay or inhibit the subsequent expression of heterosexual mating behavior. In the species reviewed, females adopt the major role in seeking sexual partners. Visual cues are of greater importance than olfactory cues in eliciting male sexual response. Bulls and rams rend to distribute their services among receptive females within their genetic limitations with females newly in estrus being most attractive to the males. Social interactions among males in multi-sire groups can markedly influence the reproductive performance of both individual males and the female herd or flock. Single sire breeding, while potentially more efficient than multi-sire breeding, is dependent upon the reproductive capabilities of the sire. Proper assessment of factors such as libido and mating ability before breeding can greatly reduce the possibility of poor reproductive performance from single sires.     

A method for kappa-casein genotyping of bulls

A method for kappa-casein genotyping in bulls has been developed. By analysis of DNA polymorphisms we are able to discriminate between the kappa-casein variant A and B in the bulls. This method will be an efficient tool in selection for the most desirable kappa-casein variant.     

A method for K-casein genotyping of bulls

Summary. A method for K-casein genotyping in bulls has been developed. By analysis of DNA polymorphisms we are able to discriminate between the K-casein variant A and B in the bulls. This method will be an efficient tool in selection for the most desirable K-casein variant.     

Vesicular stomatitis virus induced membrane changes: A spin label study

Synchronized entry of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) into spin labeled cultured human cells resulted in an increase in the rigidity of cell membranes as measured by Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy. Treatment of spin labeled cells with homologous interferon alpha did not influence the membrane fluidity, neither did it significantly prevent the VSV induced membrane changes despite its anti-viral protection.     

Ion fluxes inAcetabularia: Vesicular shuttle

Summary Ion flux relations in the unicellular marine algaAcetabularia have been investigated by uptake and washout kinetics of radioactive tracers (²²Na⁺,⁴²K⁺,³⁶Cl^– and⁸⁶Rb⁺) in normal cells and in cell segments with altered compartmentation (depleted of vacuole or of cytoplasm). Some flux experiments were supplemented by simultaneous electrophysiological recordings. The main results and conclusions about the steady-state relations are: the plasmalemma is the dominating barrier for translocation of K⁺ with influx and efflux of about 100 nmol·m^–2·sec^–1×K⁺ passes three- to sevenfold more easily than Rb⁺ does. Under normal conditions, Cl^– (the substrate of the electrogenic pump, which dominates the electrical properties of the plasmalemma in the resting state) shows two efflux components of about 17 and 2 mol·m^–2·sec^–1, and a cytoplasmic as well as vacuolar [Cl^–] of about 420mm ([Cl^–] _o =529mm). At 4°C, when the pump is inhibited, both influx and efflux, as well as the cellular [Cl^–], are significantly reduced. Na⁺ ([Na⁺] _i : about 70mm, [Na⁺] _o : 461mm), which is of minor electrophysiological relevance compared to K⁺, exhibits rapid and virtually temperature-insensitive (electroneutral) exchange (two components with about 2 and 0.2 mol·m^–2·sec^–1 for influx and efflux). Some results with Na⁺ and Cl^– are inconsistent with conventional (noncyclic) compartmentation models: (i) equilibration of the vacuole (with the external medium) can be faster than equilibration of the cytoplasm, (ii) absurd concentration values result when calculated by conventional compartmental analysis, and (iii) large amounts of ions can be released from the cell without changes in the electrical potential of the cytoplasm. These observations can be explained by the particular compartmentation of normalAcetabularia cells (as known by electron micrographs) with about 1 part cytoplasm, 5 parts central vacuole, and 5 parts vacuolar vesicles. These vesicles communicate directly with the central vacuole, with the cytoplasm and with the external medium.     

Vesicular stomatitis virus: re-inventing the bullet

As our understanding of the molecular aspects of human disease increases, it is becoming possible to create designer therapeutics that are exquisitely targeted and have greater efficacy and fewer side effects. One class of targeted biological agents that has benefited from recent advances in molecular biology is designer viruses. Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is normally relatively innocuous but can be engineered to target cancer cells or to stimulate immunity against diseases such as AIDS or influenza. Strains of VSV that induce or direct the production of interferon are superior to wild-type strains of the virus for inducing oncolysis. These strains might also make better vaccine vectors. In this review, some of the features that make VSV an excellent platform for the development of a range of viral therapeutics are discussed.     

Vesicular phospholipid gels: a technology platform

Vesicular phospholipid gels (VPGs) represent semi-solid phospholipid dispersions. Their morphology is truly vesicular with aqueous compartments both within the core of the vesicles and in-between the vesicles. VPGs are suited to carry both hydrophilic, amphiphilic and lipophilic drugs. Their drug load is stable since there is no concentration gradient between the vesicles' core and the surrounding water phase. VPGs are suited to release drugs in a controlled manner, and thus may serve as depot implants. When blended with excess aqueous medium VPGs are easily converted into small-sized liposome (SUV) dispersions showing high encapsulation efficiencies for all kinds of drugs. VPG-formulations with various cytostatic drugs have been tested successfully in human xenografts. Obviously, the vesicles protect the drugs from premature metabolic inactivation and/or elimination and guide them to solid tumors with enhanced vascular permeability (passive targeting). Furthermore, when mounted on a filter support, VPGs represent a tight diffusion barrier suitable for screening of oral drug permeability, as demonstrated by a set of 21 drug compounds. Permeability values were shown to fit well with human absorption in vivo, indicating that the model is suited for rapid screening of passive transport properties of new chemical entities.     

Vesicular secretion of auxin: Evidences and implications

The plant hormone auxin is secreted in root apices via phospholipase Dζ2 (PLDζ2) activity which produces specific population of phosphatidic acid that stimulates secretion of vesicles enriched with auxin. These vesicles were reported to be localized at plant synapses which are active in auxin secretion, especially at the transition zone of the root apex. There are several implications of this vesicular secretion of auxin. In root apices, auxin emerges as plant neurotransmitter-like signal molecule which coordinates activities of adjacent cells via electric and chemical signaling. Putative quantal release of auxin after electrical stimulation, if confirmed, would be part of neuronal communication between plant cells. As auxin transport across plant synapses is tightly linked with integrated sensory perception of environment, especially of omnipresent gravity and light, this process is proposed to mediate the plant perception of environment. These neuronal features allow sessile plants to integrate multitude of sensory signals into the adaptive behavior of whole plants and the animal-like exploratory behavior of growing roots.Key words: auxin, phospholipase Dζ2, plant development, root apex, secretion, vesicles     

Purification of Regucalcin from the Seminal Vesicular Fluid: A Calcium Binding Multi-Functional Protein

Regucalcin is a multi-functional protein having roles in calcium homeostasis as well as in anti-apoptotic, anti-prolific and anti-oxidative functions. Recently, it has been reported from the male reproductive tract, but its role in male reproduction needs further investigation; for which the native regucalcin of reproductive origin will be more appropriate. The gel exclusion chromatography followed by diethyl aminoethane cellulose chromatography and two-dimentional cellulose acetate membrane electrophoresis used for its purification are time consuming and less specific. Here, the regucalcin gene from buffalo testis has been cloned, expressed and purified in recombinant form, and subsequently used for raising hyper-immune serum. The Western blot of seminal vesicular fluid probed with anti-regucalcin polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies showed the presence of 28 and 34 kDa bands specific to regucalcin. Further, an affinity matrix has been prepared using anti-regucalcin polyclonal antibodies. An immuno-affinity chromatography method has been standardized to isolate regucalcin from seminal vesicular fluid. The initial complexity of the protein mixture in the seminal vesicular fluid has been reduced by a heat coagulation step. The purified protein on sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a single band at 68 kDa that has been further confirmed as regucalcin by Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. The RGN purified from seminal vesicular fluid will be more appropriate for studying its possible role in male reproduction, especially sperm cell capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction and cryopreservation. The study can be applied in purifying regucalcin from different tissues or species with minor modifications in the methodology.     

Vesicular traffic: an integral part of plant life

Extensive studies on the molecular mechanisms of vesicular traffic have revealed that plants use similar machinery to mammals and fungi for the formation, transport, docking and fusion of vesicles. In addition to conserved components, plant-unique molecules also regulate these phenomena. Recent research has begun to show that the vesicular traffic controlled by these various molecules plays amazing roles in higher-order plant functions, such as tropisms.