Variations of Some Physiological and Immunological Parameters in Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii,Brandt, 1869) Subjected to an Acute Stressor

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of an acute stressor on the variation of some physiological and immunological parameters of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) juveniles. Fish, reared in 3 tanks for 10 weeks, were used for this study. The acute stress of fish consisted of 2 min of air exposure stress. Plasma levels of cortisol, glucose, and lactate as well as lysozyme activity in plasma were measured before stress and 1 hr, 3 hr, 6 hr, 9 hr, 12 hr, and 24 hr after stress. The plasma cortisol significantly increased in the highest level 1 hr after stress, yet it gradually declined after 3 hr. The glucose significantly increased only 1 hr after stress. There was no significant difference between plasma lactate prestress and poststress. Moreover, lysozyme activity was enhanced by stress, thus reaching the highest level 9 hr after stress. The results of this study indicate that Siberian sturgeon not only have a rapid response to acute stress, but also a great capacity for recovery from stress, thus returning physiological parameters to prestress levels after 6 hr.     

Effects of training on glucose metabolism of gluconeogenesis-inhibited short-term-fasted rats

To evaluate the effects of endurance training on gluconeogenesis and blood glucose homeostasis, trained as well as untrained short-term-fasted rats were injected with mercaptopicolinic acid (MPA), a gluconeogenic inhibitor, or the injection vehicle. Glucose kinetics were assessed by primed-continuous venous infusion of [U-14C]- and [6-3H]glucose at rest and during submaximal exercise at 13.4 m/min on level grade. Arterial blood was sampled for the determination of blood glucose and lactate concentrations and specific activities. In resting untrained sham-injected rats, blood glucose and lactate were 7.6 +/- 0.2 and 1.3 +/- 0.1 mM, respectively; glucose rate of appearance (Ra) was 71.1 +/- 12.1 mumol.kg-1.min-1. MPA treatment lowered blood glucose, raised lactate, and decreased glucose Ra. Trained animals had significantly higher glucose Ra at rest and during exercise. At rest, trained MPA-treated rats had lower blood glucose, higher blood lactate, and similar glucose Ra and disappearance rates (Rd) than trained sham-injected animals. Exercising sham-injected untrained animals had increased blood glucose and glucose Ra compared with rest. Exercising trained sham-injected rats had increased blood glucose and glucose Ra and Rd but no change in blood lactate compared with untrained sham-injected animals. In the trained animals during exercise, MPA treatment increased blood lactate and decreased blood glucose and glucose Ra and Rd. There was no measurable glucose recycling in trained or untrained MPA-treated animals either at rest or during submaximal exercise. There was no difference in running time to exhaustion between trained and untrained MPA-treated rats.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Glucose and lactate turnover and gluconeogenesis in chronic metabolic acidosis and alkalosis in normal and diabetic dogs

The turnover rate of glucose, the irreversible disposal rate of lactate, and the rate of gluconeogenesis from lactate were calculated by tracer methods in four normal and four alloxan-diabetic dogs under control conditions as well as in chronic, stable metabolic acidosis and alkalosis. Acidosis was produced by feeding dogs 0.8-1 g.kg-1.day-1NH4Cl over 1 week, alkalosis was produced by feeding dogs a chloride-free diet and injections of furosemide. Mean plasma pH in the three states were 7.28 +/- 0.013, 7.40 +/- 0.024, and 7.51 +/- 0.015 in normal dogs, and 7.22 +/- 0.025, 7.42 +/- 0.009, and 7.49 +/- 0.002 in the diabetic dogs. Respective mean plasma bicarbonate levels were 14.6 +/- 0.88, 22.0 +/- 0.80, and 32.4 +/- 1.88 mequiv. in normal dogs, and 12.3 +/- 1.30, 22.6 +/- 0.66, and 35.0 +/- 1.14 mequiv. in diabetic animals. In normal dogs shifts in acid-base balance had no effect on the level of plasma glucose or the turnover rate of glucose. In diabetic dogs plasma glucose level was significantly elevated by alkalosis. Plasma lactate was positively correlated with plasma pH (r = 0.69, p less than 0.01) and was in general higher in diabetic than in normal animals. The increment in concentration was due to a decreased clearance of lactate from the plasma. The irreversible disposal rate was not changed by the acid-base status. Whereas a larger fraction of lactate removed from the plasma appeared in glucose in diabetic animals, this fraction was not changed significantly by shifts in the acid-base status.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Differential action of methylselenocysteine in control and alloxan-diabetic rabbits

Antidiabetic action of inorganic selenium compounds is commonly accepted. Since in diet selenium mainly exists as selenoamino acids, potential hypoglycemic properties of methylselenocysteine (MSC) were investigated in four groups of rabbits: untreated and MSC-treated control animals as well as alloxan-diabetic and MSC-treated diabetic rabbits. MSC (at a dose of 1 mg/kg body weight) was administered daily for 3 weeks via intraperitoneal injection. The data show, that in MSC-treated control animals plasma glucose concentration was diminished, while plasma urea and creatinine levels as well as urine albumin content were elevated and necrotic changes occurred in kidney-cortex. Decreased GSH/GSSG ratios in blood, liver and kidney-cortex were accompanied by increased glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities and a diminished renal γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase activity. Death of 50% of control animals was preceded by a dramatic decline in blood glucose concentration. Surprisingly, in MSC-treated diabetic rabbits, plasma glucose levels were either normalized or significantly decreased. Blood and liver GSH/GSSG ratios were increased and renal functions were markedly improved, as indicated by a diminished albuminuria and attenuated histological changes characteristic of diabetes. However, after administration of MSC to diabetic rabbits plasma urea and creatinine levels as well as renal GSH/GSSG ratios were not altered. In view of MSC-induced marked accumulation of selenium in kidneys and liver of control rabbits, accompanied by a decline in blood glucose level, disturbance of glutathione homeostasis and kidney-injury, application of MSC in chemotherapy needs a careful evaluation. On the contrary, MSC supplementation might be beneficial for diabetes therapy due to an improvement of both glycemia and renal function.     

Relationships between handling,behaviour and stress in lambs at abattoirs

There is community concern about the treatment of farm animals post-farm gate, particularly animal transport and slaughter. Relationships between lamb behavioural and physiological variables on farm, stockperson, dog and lamb behavioural variables pre-slaughter and plasma cortisol, glucose and lactate in lambs post-slaughter were studied in 400 lambs. The lambs were observed in three behavioural tests, novel arena, flight distance to a human and temperament tests, before transport for slaughter. Closed-circuit television video footage was used to record stockperson, dog and lamb behaviour immediately before slaughter. Blood samples for cortisol, glucose and lactate analyses were collected on farm following the three behavioural tests and immediately post-slaughter. The regression models that best predicted plasma cortisol, glucose and lactate concentrations post-slaughter included a mixture of stockperson and dog behavioural variables as well as lamb variables both on-farm and pre-slaughter. These regression models accounted for 33%, 34% and 44% of the variance in plasma cortisol, glucose and lactate concentrations post-slaughter, respectively. Some of the stockperson and dog behaviours pre-slaughter that were predictive of the stress and metabolic variables post-slaughter included the duration of negative stockperson behaviours such as fast locomotion and lifting/pulling lambs, and the duration of dog behaviours such as lunging and barking at the lamb, while some of the predictive lamb behaviour variables included the durations of jumping and fleeing. Some of the physiological and behavioural responses to the behavioural tests on farm were also predictive of the stress and metabolic variables post-slaughter. These relationships support the well-demonstrated effect of handling on fear and stress responses in livestock, and although not direct evidence of causal relationships, highlight the potential benefits of training stockpeople to reduce fear and stress in sheep at abattoirs.     

Comparison of stress induced by manual restraint and immobilisation in the estuarine crocodile,Crocodylus porosus

This study compared the stress induced in captive estuarine crocodiles, Crocodylus porosus, by two different handling methods: manual restraint (noosing with ropes) and immobilization by electro-stunning. To stun, a short charge (approx. 6 s) at 110 V was delivered to the back of the necks of C. porosus using a custom-built device, which immobilized the animals for 5-10 min. Immobilized and restrained animals were measured and sexed, and the condition of the skin assessed. Blood samples were taken from some animals immediately after restraint or immobilization. Other animals were returned to their pens to recover for periods of 30 min, 1, 4, 12, 24 or 48 hours after which they were stunned and blood samples taken. Individual animals (mean body length 1.96 m, N=99) were bled only once. Haematocrit and haemoglobin concentrations were measured and plasma samples were analysed for corticosterone, glucose and lactate levels. Following restraint, there were significant increases in haematocrit, haemoglobin, glucose, lactate and corticosterone concentrations in C. porosus. For restrained animals, recovery to baseline levels occurred after approximately 8 hours. The stress response of stunned animals was significantly reduced compared to manually captured and restrained crocodiles. Both groups showed a significant increase in haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration and lactate levels, however the magnitude of change was significantly reduced, and recovery was faster in stunned animals. No increase in either glucose or corticosterone levels occurred with immobilisation. The results imply that immobilization by electro-stunning is much less stressful.     

Effect of hyperthermia on blood constituents in the domestic rabbit (Lepus cuniculus)

1. 1. Effects of exposing rabbits to temperatures 37–50°C on body-core temperature and some blood constituents were investigated.

2. 2. Heat stroke death occurred at or above a critical core-temperature of 43.0°C.

3. 3. Plasma osmolality and levels of glucose, urea and lactate were significantly elevated in hyperthermia.

4. 4. Widespread tissue damage was indicated by increases in plasma activities of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT) and creatinine phosphokinase (CPK).

5. 5. The most sensitive indicators of impending heat stroke in heat stressed rabbits were plasma levels or urea, lactate and CPK.

The effect of prolonged exercise and in vivo treatment with ACTH and norepinephrine on plasma cortisol and on the levels of energy metabolites in liver, muscle and blood of the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus).

1. Exercise and in vivo treatment with adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) showed a marked tendency to increase in vivo plasma cortisol levels in the guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). 2. However, in vivo norepinephrine (NE) treatment did not have any notable effect on plasma cortisol levels. 3. Metabolite levels (glycogen, glycerol and lactate) in liver and plantaris and soleus muscle, and the levels of glucose, glycerol and lactate in blood, were determined in response to the same treatments. 4. A number of statistically significant changes, as well as certain trends, in metabolite levels were observed in response to the treatments and are discussed.     

Time-course of changes in blood glucose and ketone bodies, plasma lipids and liver fatty acid composition in streptozotocin-diabetic male rats.

Male rats were given streptozotocin (100 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection. Groups of control and streptozotocin-treated animals were sacrificed at daily intervals for 4 days after injection. Over this period, treated rats lost weight continuously while control animals progressively gained weight. Within 24 h of treatment blood glucose and plasma free fatty acids were raised to levels which were sustained for the remainder of the experiment. After 48 h blood ketone bodies, plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were maximally raised and liver glycogen and blood lactate similarly lowered. The percentage composition of major fatty acids in liver lipids was unchanged until 4 days after treatment when there were significant increases in the proportion of oleate and linoleate and reductions in stearate and arachidonate. The data confirm that streptozotocin induces a rapid and sustained diabetes. It is suggested that metabolic experiments, in streptozotocin-diabetic rats, may be performed 48 h after treatment.     

Lactate levels in the brain are elevated upon exposure to volatile anesthetics: A microdialysis study

Anesthetic agents have well-defined pharmacological targets but their effects on energy metabolism in the brain are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of different anesthetics on extracellular lactate and glucose levels in blood, CSF and brain of the mouse. In vivo-microdialysis was used to monitor extracellular energy metabolites in the brain of awake mice and during anesthesia with seven different anesthetic drugs. In separate groups, lactate and glucose concentrations in blood and CSF were measured for each anesthetic. We found that anesthesia with isoflurane caused a large increase of extracellular lactate levels in mouse striatum and hippocampus (300–400%). Pyruvate levels also increased while glucose and glutamate levels were unchanged. This effect was dose-dependent and was mimicked by other gaseous anesthetics such as halothane and sevoflurane but not by intravenous anesthetics. Ketamine/xylazine and chloral hydrate caused 2-fold increases of glucose levels in mouse blood and brain while lactate levels were only moderately increased. Propofol caused a minor increase of extracellular glucose levels while pentobarbital had no effect on either lactate or glucose. Volatile anesthetics also increased lactate levels in blood and CSF by 2–3-fold but had no effect on plasma glucose. Further experiments demonstrated that lactate formation by isoflurane in mouse brain was independent of neuronal impulse flow and did not involve ATP-dependent potassium channels. We conclude that volatile anesthetics, but not intravenous anesthetics, cause a specific, dose-dependent increase in extracellular lactate levels in mouse brain. This effect occurs in the absence of ischemia, is independent of peripheral actions and is reflected in strongly increased CSF lactate levels.     

Lactate levels in the brain are elevated upon exposure to volatile anesthetics: a microdialysis study

Anesthetic agents have well-defined pharmacological targets but their effects on energy metabolism in the brain are poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of different anesthetics on extracellular lactate and glucose levels in blood, CSF and brain of the mouse. In vivo-microdialysis was used to monitor extracellular energy metabolites in the brain of awake mice and during anesthesia with seven different anesthetic drugs. In separate groups, lactate and glucose concentrations in blood and CSF were measured for each anesthetic. We found that anesthesia with isoflurane caused a large increase of extracellular lactate levels in mouse striatum and hippocampus (300-400%). Pyruvate levels also increased while glucose and glutamate levels were unchanged. This effect was dose-dependent and was mimicked by other gaseous anesthetics such as halothane and sevoflurane but not by intravenous anesthetics. Ketamine/xylazine and chloral hydrate caused 2-fold increases of glucose levels in mouse blood and brain while lactate levels were only moderately increased. Propofol caused a minor increase of extracellular glucose levels while pentobarbital had no effect on either lactate or glucose. Volatile anesthetics also increased lactate levels in blood and CSF by 2-3-fold but had no effect on plasma glucose. Further experiments demonstrated that lactate formation by isoflurane in mouse brain was independent of neuronal impulse flow and did not involve ATP-dependent potassium channels. We conclude that volatile anesthetics, but not intravenous anesthetics, cause a specific, dose-dependent increase in extracellular lactate levels in mouse brain. This effect occurs in the absence of ischemia, is independent of peripheral actions and is reflected in strongly increased CSF lactate levels.     

Effect of acepromazine and haloperidol in male Iberian Ibex (Capra pyrenaica) captured by box-trap

Short-acting neuroleptic drugs are used to prevent adverse effects of stress in wildlife. We compared the effect of acepromazine and haloperidol in Iberian ibex (Capra pyrenaica) captured with box-traps. We captured 23 male Iberian ibex at the National Game Reserve of Ports de Tortosa i Beseit, northeastern Spain, March 2003-June 2005. Seven animals received 0.1 mg/kg of acepromazine maleate, eight received 0.33 mg/kg of haloperidol and eight animals acted as controls. Clinical, hematologic, and serum biochemical parameters were analyzed. Both treatments decreased rectal temperature, white blood cells, lymphocytes, and concentrations of creatinine, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase. Acepromazine also decreased red blood cells, packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, neutrophils, and concentrations of glucose and cholesterol. Haloperidol also decreased heart rate and concentrations of urea and potassium. Our results demonstrate the suitability of using acepromazine and haloperidol in capture operations to reduce stress and prevent its adverse effects.     

Influence of Stress on Some Blood Constituents in Reindeer (Rangiferi Tarandus L)

In reindeer, subjected to stress, marked changes were found in some blood constituents when compared with unstressed animals, i.e. the white blood cell composition, Cortisol and urea values. Mental stress, due to handling appears to be of great importance in reindeer. Elevated urea values in stressed animals may cause a decreased meat quality.     

Plasma insulin and glucagon concentrations and biochemical variables in regularly menstruating females with ovulatory and anovulatory menstrual cycles.

Ovarian hormones are known to affect endocrine pancreas function. However, data concerning the effects of anovulatory menstrual cycles in regularly menstruating women on endocrine pancreas and blood metabolites are lacking. We examined plasma insulin, glucagon, glucose, lactate, urea and glycerol concentrations in reproductive-age, regularly menstruating females classified as ovulating or non-ovulating on the basis of basal body temperature measurements and plasma 17beta-estradiol and progesterone determinations. All measurements were performed twice--in the follicular and again in the luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. There were no differences in plasma lactate and glycerol concentrations between the two groups of subjects. Plasma insulin concentrations tended to be lower in non-ovulating than in ovulating women. In addition, plasma glucagon did not differ in the follicular (33.2 pmol/l) or luteal phase of the menstrual cycle in females with disturbed ovarian hormone secretion (34.1 pmol/l). In contrast, plasma glucagon concentrations in the luteal phase (32.8 pmol/l) were significantly higher than in the follicular phase (24.9 pmol/l) of the menstrual cycle in ovulating women. Plasma glucose concentrations in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle in non-ovulating women (4.1 mmol/l) were slightly but significantly lower than in their ovulating counterparts (5.3 mmol/l). Furthermore, no correlations were noted between plasma glucose and insulin-to-glucagon molar ratio in non-ovulating subjects. Plasma urea concentrations in non-ovulating women were markedly lower than in ovulating women in both follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle (4.1 and 3.9 mmol/l vs. 5.3 and 5.4 mmol/l in non-ovulating and ovulating women, respectively). In ovulating women, plasma urea levels in both cycle phases were significantly correlated with plasma glucagon concentrations, but no such correlation was found in non-ovulating women. In conclusion, anovulatory menstrual cycles in premenopausal females slightly altered pancreatic hormone plasma levels but markedly impaired their action on plasma glucose and urea concentrations.     

Interference by ethanol of coupling between gluconeogenesis and ureagenesis from proline in isolated hepatocytes

Proline stimulated equally the production of glucose and urea by isolated hepatocytes. Ethanol suppressed glucose production much more strongly than urea synthesis. The proline-derived carbon not reaching glucose was found as lactate. Inhibition of phosphoenolpyruvate synthesis with 3-mercaptopicolinate blocked gluconeogenesis, but was without effect on lactate production. Acetate was formed from endogenous sources, as well as from ethanol. Its accumulation from ethanol was enhanced both by proline and lactate. The differential effect of ethanol on gluconeogenesis and ureagenesis appears to be related to its effect on the redox state of the cell.     

Glucagon stimulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis in neonatal pigs.

The effect of an infusion of glucagon on gluconeogenesis was studied in 5-day-old piglets. Glucagon stimulated hepatic new glucose formation from lactate, but did not significantly change blood glucose or plasma free fatty acid levels. The data suggest that glucagon enhances substrate flow in the gluconeogenic pathway in neonatal animals.     

Tissue glycogen and lactate handling by the developing domestic fowl

The levels of glycogen and lactate in liver, intestine, yolk sac membrane and leg and breast muscle of domestic fowl from day 10 of "in ovo" development to day 5 after hatching compared with adults have been measured and compared with the circulating concentrations in blood of glucose and lactate. Glycogen stores in most tissues increased before hatching to attain a minimum around the eclosion and then increased to adult values in muscle and liver. Lactate maintained its plasma concentrations with higher effectiveness than plasma glucose, which increased steadily up to adult levels from hatching. The study of tissue vs plasma lactate concentration ratios suggests a general activation of lactate metabolism from hatching, coinciding with the ingestion of carbohydrate-based food. Both muscles studied, as well as intestine, seem to be net lactate producers; blood cells can speculatively be considered as lactate users and liver maintains its concentration of lactate very close to that of plasma, suggesting a fast utilization of this material as well as liver being the main site for control of circulating lactate.     

Kinetic analysis of the shift of aerobic to anaerobic metabolism in rats during acute cyanide poisoning

Blood concentrations of cyanide, lactate, glucose, oxypurines and allantoin were determined in rats sampled at 10 min after the intraperitoneal administration of various concentrations of potassium cyanide. Lactate and oxypurines in plasma increased biquadratically with increase in the cyanide concentration in blood. The concentrations of cyanide for half maximal effect were 1.63 μg/ml for lactate and 2.09 μg/ml for oxypurines. Plasma glucose increased quadratically with increase in the cyanide concentration, and the marked increase was observed where plasma lactate concentration became near maximal. Plasma allantoin concentrations were not significantly changed throughout the experiments. The present results indicate that determination of plasma oxypurines as well as lactate is an excellent parameter for tissue hypoxia.     

Tissue glycogen and lactate handling by the developing domestic fowl

The levels of glycogen and lactate in liver, intestine, yolk sac membrane and leg and breast muscle of domestic fowl from day 10 of "in ovo" development to day 5 after hatching compared with adults have been measured and compared with the circulating concentrations in blood of glucose and lactate. Glycogen stores in most tissues increased before hatching to attain a minimum around the eclosion and then increased to adult values in muscle and liver. Lactate maintained its plasma concentrations with higher effectiveness than plasma glucose, which increased steadily up to adult levels from hatching. The study of tissue vs plasma lactate concentration ratios suggests a general activation of lactate metabolism from hatching, coinciding with the ingestion of carbohydrate-based food. Both muscles studied, as well as intestine, seem to be net lactate producers; blood cells can speculatively be considered as lactate users and liver maintains its concentration of lactate very close to that plasma, suggesting a fast utilization of this material as well as liver being the main site for control of circulating lactate.     

Coping strategies in a strongly schooling fish,the common carp Cyprinus carpio

Individual common carp Cyprinus carpio were screened repeatedly for risk taking (rate of exploration of a novel, potentially dangerous environment) and for competitive ability (success in gaining access to a spatially restricted food source). Marked differences in behaviour were evident, and significant consistency in individual responses across trials was found for both risk taking and competitive ability. In addition, there was a significant positive relationship between individual performance in these two contexts, with fish that explored more quickly in the novel environment tending to be among the first to gain access to restricted food. In two follow‐up studies, resting metabolic rate, blood lactate and glucose and the expression of the cortisol receptor gene in the head kidney and brain were compared in fish from the two extremes of the risk‐taking spectrum. Mass‐specific metabolic rate was significantly higher in risk‐taking than in risk‐avoiding fish, while plasma lactate and glucose concentrations and expression of the cortisol receptor gene were lower. It was concluded that a behavioural syndrome based on boldness and aggression exists in C. carpio, as it does in many other animals, and that this is associated with differences in metabolic and stress physiology (down to the genomic level) similar to those described in animals with different coping strategies.