Summer season induced rhythmic alterations in metabolic activities to adapt to heat stress in three indigenous (Osmanabadi,Malabari and Salem Black) goat breeds

A study was conducted to assess the adaptive capability of three indigenous goat breeds to heat stress. Thirty six 10 months to one-year-old female goats of Osmanabadi, Malabari and Salem Black breeds were randomly divided into six groups, OC (n = 6; Osmanabadi control), OHS (n = 6; Osmanabadi heat stress), MC (n = 6; Malabari control), MHS (n = 6; Malabari heat stress), SBC (n = 6; Salem Black control) and SBHS (n = 6; Salem Black heat stress). Among the metabolic activity controlling hormones, the breed factor significantly (P < 0.05) influenced only plasma triiodothyronine (T3). However, heat stress significantly (P < 0.05) decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in both MHS and SHS groups while significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the plasma T3 in MHS. The rumen metabolites such as acetate, propionate, butyrate and total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) showed significant (P < 0.05) variation for both breed and treatment effect. The Salem Black breed did not show any significant variation for most of the rumen metabolites as compared to both Osmanabadi and Malabari breeds for the heat stress treatment. The study indicated the importance of the metabolic alterations in indigenous goat breeds to cope to the seasonal rhythms. The results indicated that on comparative basis, Salem Black breed adapted better to the heat stress challenges.     

Seasonal variations in physio-biochemical profiles of Indian goats in the paradigm of hot and cold climate

To explore the heat and cold adaptation in Indian goats by the physiological, haematological, blood biochemical parameters and their seasonal variations, this study was conducted on heat- and cold-adapted Indian goats maintained in their natural habitat. Study was carried out in three different phases coincide with the three seasons (winter, spring and summer). The levels of physiological responses, that is rectal temperature, respiration rate and pulse rate, were observed to be significantly (p < 0.01) lower in heat-adapted breeds and higher in cold-adapted breeds, whereas the levels of Hb, PCV and TEC were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in cold-adapted goats. Significantly (p < 0.01) higher levels of plasma thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) and plasma stress enzyme (AST and ALT) were also observed in cold-adapted goats. Significant (p < 0.01) seasonal variations in physiological responses, haematological and blood biochemical parameters in both heat- and cold-adapted breeds were reported in this study. Physiological responses, plasma enzymes and plasma cortisol levels significantly (p < 0.01) increased during summer in all the goat breeds. The levels of haematological parameters (Hb, PCV, TEC and TLC) and plasma thyroid hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) decreased during summer. The changes in physiological parameters during summer due to heat stress were higher in cold-adapted goats whereas the levels of changes in these parameters during winter due to cold were higher in heat-adapted goats. High neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio during summer in cold-adapted breeds is an indicator of higher level of stress. Decrease in plasma electrolytes (Na and K) during summer also observed in cold-adapted breeds during summer. The variations in physiological, haematological, blood biochemical parameters in heat- and cold-adapted goats may be due to their adaptation to different environmental and geographical conditions essential for their survival.     

Summer season related heat and nutritional stresses on the adaptive capability of goats based on blood biochemical response and hepatic HSP70 gene expression

A study was conducted to assess the impact of summer season-related heat stress and nutritional stress individually as well as simultaneously on the adaptive capability of goats. Twenty four adult Osmanabadi bucks (average body weight (BW) 16.0 kg) were divided into four groups, C (n = 6; control), HS (n = 6; heat stress), NS (n = 6; nutritional stress) and CS (n = 6; combined stress). The study was conducted for a period of 45 days. The NS and CS bucks were under restricted feed to induce nutritional stress. The HS and CS bucks were exposed to summer heat stress. The animals exhibited different physiological adaptive behavior in the morning and afternoon. Further, the higher plasma cortisol (p < 0.01) and aldosterone (p < 0.05) was recorded in CS group as compared to other groups. The highest degree of degenerative changes and hyperactivity of endocrine cells was recorded in CS group liver and adrenal gland respectively. The higher expression of adrenal and hepatic Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70)messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) was reported in CS and HS goats respectively. It can be concluded from this study that plasma cortisol and adrenal HSP70 gene expression may be considered as ideal biological markers for combined stresses in Osmanabadi bucks.     

Seasonal changes in blood biochemical and endocrine responses of different indigenous goat breeds of tropical island agro-ecological environment

The objective of the current study was to observe the impact of two seasons viz. summer (February–May) and monsoon (June–August) on the blood biochemical and hormonal responses in different indigenous goats of tropical island agro-ecological environment maintained under extensive management system. Sixty animals of three different indigenous goat breeds were included in the study: Andaman local goat (AL, n = 20), Andaman local?×?Malabari (AL?×?M, n = 20), and Teressa goat (n = 20). Sixty serum samples (n = 10/season/breed) from the three groups of animals were analyzed. Study revealed that there was a significant increase (p ≤ 0.05) in serum total protein in Teressa goats during summer than monsoon. Serum albumin showed significant variation (p ≤ 0.05) between AL and AL?×?M during summer whereas significant variation of albumin (p ≤ 0.05) was observed between AL and Teressa, AL?×?M and Teressa during monsoon season. Significant differences in serum albumin (p ≤ 0.05) were also observed in AL and AL?×?M during summer and monsoon seasons, respectively. The serum cortisol levels were significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in AL goats during summer than in monsoon season. Thus, the study could able to establish the seasonal variation in biochemical and hormonal values of indigenous goat breeds in hot and humid tropical island environment.     

Evaluation of adaptability to different seasons in goat breeds of semi-arid region in India through differential expression pattern of heat shock protein genes

The present study was conducted to examine differential expression pattern of HSP genes and adaptability in Indian goat breeds of semi-arid region. The study was conducted in five animals from each breed viz. Barbari, Sirohi, and Jhakrana during winter, thermo-neutral and summer seasons. The respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) of the goats were recorded at 09:00 h during the study period. The blood samples were collected for RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis, and quantitative analysis of HSP genes expression by quantitative RT-PCR. The RR increased significantly (p < 0.01) during summer as compared to winter and thermo-neutral season however, RT did not change (p > 0.05) during different seasons. The expression of HSP genes was significantly (p < 0.01) increased during summer (high THI) as compared to thermo-neutral season in all the goat breeds. Among HSPs, only HSP90 was upregulated (p < 0.01) in Jhakrana goats during winter as compared to thermo-neutral season. The deviation in expression of HSP genes during summer and winter with respect to thermo-neutral season was minimum in Barbari goats. Therefore, it can be concluded that Barbari goats possessed better adaptability during summer and winter as compared to Sirohi and Jhakrana goats in semi-arid climatic conditions of India.     

Alteration in the in vitro activity of milk leukocytes during different parity in high yielding cross-bred cows

In vitro activity of milk leukocytes (viz. neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages) was evaluated in forty-eight (48) clinically healthy high-yielding cross-bred cows of mid-lactation stage (100–200 days of lactation), divided into four groups namely 1st parity (n = 12), 2nd parity (n = 12), 3rd parity (n = 12) and 4th and above parity (n = 12). Milk samples were taken (250 ml/cow) were taken. Milk somatic cell counts (SCC) and differential leukocyte counts (DLC) were performed microscopically. In vitro phagocytic index (PI) of milk neutrophils and macrophages was evaluated by colorimetric nitro blue tetrazolium reductive assay. Mitogen-induced milk lymphocyte blastogenic response was measured by colorimetric MTT (tetrazolium) assay after isolation of the milk leukocytes by density gradient centrifugation. Milk SCC differed significantly (p < 0.01) between different parity. Cows of 4 and above parity showed significantly (p < 0.01) higher milk SCC compared to primiparous cows. There was no significant difference in milk DLC during different parities in high-yielding cross-bred cows. There was a significant (p < 0.01) variation in lymphocyte blastogenesis amongst parity. The highest value of lymphocyte blastogenesis was seen at 3rd parity, whereas lowest value was obtained in the cows of both 1st and 4th or above parity. PI of milk neutrophils did not differ significantly between parity. PI of milk macrophages was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in 3rd parity and lower (p < 0.01) in 1st and 4th parities. The study indicated that depressed activity of milk lymphocytes and macropages was lower and SCC was higher in the cows of 4th and above parity indicating more mammary stress and hence susceptible to udder infection and mastitis. Therefore, better care and managemental interventions should be taken around these periods.     

Differential Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) mRNA Expression Patterns during Chicken Embryological Development

Toll-like receptors (TLRs), important components of innate immune response, play a pivotal role in early recognition of pathogen as well as in the initiation of robust and specific adaptive immune response. In the present study, the expression profile of chicken TLRs (TLR2A, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR7, TLR15, and TLR21) in various chicken embryonic tissues during embryo development was examined by real-time PCR assay. All the TLR mRNAs were expressed in whole embryonic tissue as early as 3rd embryonic day (ED). Four of the seven TLRs (TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, and TLR7) mRNA expressions were significantly (P < 0.01) higher at 12ED relative to expression at 3 ED, whereas TLR15 mRNA expression was significantly (P < 0.01) higher on 7ED and TLR5 and 21 were highly expressed on 18 ED. Among all the TLRs investigated TLR4 mRNA was the highest expressed and TLR15 mRNA expression was the lowest in all tissues during chicken embryo development. Tissue wise analysis of mRNA expression of TLRs showed that liver expressed significantly (P < 0.01) higher levels of most of the genes (TLR2, TLR4, and TLR21). However no significant difference was found in TLR15 mRNA expression among the tissues during development. Our results suggest the innate preparedness of chicken embryos and also a possible role for TLRs in the regulation of chicken embryo development that needs to be further evaluated.     

Permanent night workers´ sleep and psychosocial factors in hospital work. A comparison to day and shift work

ABSTRACT

We aimed to study whether permanent night workers sleep and psychosocial factors differ from day workers and shift workers. The participants (n = 9 312, 92% females, average age 45 years, most commonly nurses and departmental secretaries) were day workers (DW, n = 2 672), shift workers (SW, n = 6 486) and permanent night workers (PNW, n = 154). The Finnish Public Sector survey responses from six hospital districts from 2012 were combined to payroll data from 91 days preceding the survey. The data were analyzed using Pearson χ²-test, one-way ANOVA and multinomial logistic regression analysis. The PNWs reported slightly longer average sleep length than the SWs or the DWs (7:27 vs. 7:13 and 7:10 h, p < 0.001). The PNWs reported least often difficulties in maintaining sleep (p < 0.001) compared to the SWs and the DWs. The PNWs reported most often difficulties to fall asleep and fatigue during free-time (p-values <0.001). The DWs and PNWs experienced less often work-life conflict than the SWs (25 and 26 vs. 38%, p < 0.001). The PNWs were more often satisfied with autonomy at work and appreciation and fair treatment by colleagues than the DWs or the SWs (p < 0.001). The SWs and PNWs reported remarkably higher occurrence of verbal (p < 0.001, OR 3.71, 95% CI 3.23–4.27 and OR 7.67, 95% CI 5.35–10.99, respectively) and physical workplace violence (p < 0.001, OR 9.24, 95% CI 7.17–11.90 and OR 28.34, 95% CI 16.64–43.06, respectively) compared to DWs. Conclusively, PNWs reported contradictory differences in sleep quality compared to DWs and SWs. PNWs are more often satisfied with their colleagues and autonomy at work than DWs or SWs but face workplace violence remarkably more often.     

The functional dynamics of neutrophils during different seasons in zebu cattle

The present study was conducted in Hariana and Sahiwal cows to study neutrophil functional dynamics during different seasons (summer, rainy and winter) in terms of expression of toll like receptor 2 & 4, neutrophils’ apoptosis in terms of caspase 3, 7 activities, and transmembrane mitochondrial potential. Blood samples were collected from Hariana (n = 10) and Sahiwal cows (n = 10) throughout the year to evaluate the effects of season on neutrophil dynamics. In each season, eight blood samples were collected from each animal (twice in each month). Toll-like receptor 2 and 4 expressions were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in neutrophils during summer season as compared to rainy and winter seasons. Significantly, (p < 0.05) higher caspase 3 & 7 activities and significantly higher per cent of neutrophils with low transmembrane mitochondrial potential indicating its enhanced apoptosis were found during extreme summer and lowest during winter. Both Sahiwal and Hariana breeds exhibited similar trends in neutrophil apoptosis. The results of the study evidently indicate that neutrophil competence varies from season to season in zebu cattle and could determine the possible incidences of infections in these cows. Hot-humid season could be conducive for microbial infections owing to accelerated apoptosis of neutrophils and down regulation of TLR2 and TLR4 of immune cells of zebu cattle.     

Effects of supplementing two levels of magnesium aspartate and transportation stress on pork quality and gene expression of 𝛍-calpain and calpastatin of finishing pigs

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementing swine finishing diets with two levels of magnesium aspartate (MgAsp) and short-term transportation stress on blood parameters, pork quality and the mRNA abundance of μ-calpain and calpastatin in muscles of finishing pigs. Thirty-six crossbred finishing pigs (mean BW 90 kg) were assigned randomly to 0, 1000, or 2000 mg supplemental Mg from MgAsp per kg of diet for five days before slaughter. Then six pigs from each dietary treatment were subjected either to no transportation stress (NTS) or 2 h of transportation stress (TS). Transportation stress resulted in higher concentrations (p < 0.01) of serum calcium, glucose and cortisol, lower pH (p < 0.01), higher Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) (p < 0.05) and higher calpastatin mRNA abundance (p = 0.05) of longissimus muscle (LM) compared with NTS treatments. Supplementation of MgAsp in TS treatments increased serum Mg concentration (p < 0.05) at 2000 mg of Mg/kg, reduced drip loss (p < 0.05) and improved pork quality colour (p < 0.05) at 2000 mg of Mg/kg, and decreased 1-day and 3-day WBSF (p < 0.05) at 1000 mg of Mg/kg compared with TS treatments fed the control diet. It is concluded that supplementation of MgAsp improves water-holding capacity and pork colour, and alleviates the negative effects of transportation stress on meat tenderness.     

Downregulation of TLR4 and 7 mRNA Expression Levels in Broiler’s Spleen Caused by Diets Supplemented with Nickel Chloride

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important immune receptors in discriminating self from nonself and in initiating the innate and adaptive immune response. TLR4 and TLR7 have been proven to be highly expressed in chicken’s spleen. Thus, this study was to evaluate the TLR4 and TLR7 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels in the spleen of broilers fed diets supplemented with nickel chloride (NiCl₂) using the methods of quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Two hundred forty-one-day-old avian broilers were equally divided into 4 groups and fed on a corn-soybean basal diet as control diet or the same basal diet supplemented with 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg of NiCl₂ for 42 days. Results showed that TLR4 and TLR7 mRNA expression levels in the spleen were lower (P?<?0.05 or P?<?0.01) in the 300, 600, and 900 mg/kg groups than those in the control group. It was concluded that dietary NiCl₂ in excess of 300 mg/kg could lower TLR4 and TLR7 mRNA expression levels in the spleen of broilers, implying that NiCl₂ could impair the innate and adaptive immunity in spleen by injuring immunocytes and/or decreasing the content of cytokines through TLRs.     

Effects of a plant product consisting of green tea and curcuma extract on milk production and the expression of hepatic genes involved in endoplasmic stress response and inflammation in dairy cows

During the periparturient phase, cows are typically in an inflammation-like condition, and it has been proposed that inflammation associated with the induction of stress of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in the liver contributes to the development of fatty liver syndrome and ketosis. In the present study, the hypothesis that supplementation of dairy cows with a plant product consisting of green tea (95%) and curcuma extract (5%) rich in polyphenols attenuates inflammation and ER stress in the liver during early lactation was investigated. Twenty-seven cows were assigned to two groups, either a control group (n = 14) or a treatment group (n = 13). Both groups of cows received a total mixed ration, and the ration of the treatment group was supplemented with 0.175 g of the plant product per kg dry matter from week 3 prepartum to week 9 postpartum. Dry matter intake and energy balance during week 2 to week 9 postpartum were not different between the two groups. However, cows supplemented with the plant product had a greater amount of energy-corrected milk during week 2 to week 9 postpartum and lower concentrations of triacylglycerols and cholesterol in the liver in week 1 and week 3 postpartum than cows of the control group (p < 0.05). Cows supplemented with the plant product showed a trend towards a reduced mRNA concentration of haptoglobin (p < 0.10), while relative mRNA concentrations of eight genes of the unfolded protein response considered in the liver were not different between the two groups of cows. Relative hepatic mRNA concentration of fibroblast growth factor, a stress hormone induced by various stress conditions, was reduced at week 1 and week 3 postpartum in cows supplemented with the plant product (p < 0.05). Overall, the data of this study suggest that – although there were only minor effects on the occurrence of ER stress and inflammation – a supplementation of polyphenols might be useful to improve milk yield and prevent fatty liver syndrome in dairy cows.     

Seasonal alteration in prevalence and intensity of naturally occurring gastrointestinal helminth infection in goats of New Alluvial zone of West Bengal,India

Parasitic gastroenteritis is one of the major limiting factors for optimum productivity in small ruminants. The present study was carried out to determine the seasonal alteration in prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths (GIH) and intensity of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection in goats of New Alluvial zone (NAZ) of West Bengal. A total of 4320 faecal samples of goats from six different places of NAZ were examined by the standard coprological techniques for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites during January 2014 to December 2015. The meteorological data of the study area were also collected from the Regional Meteorological Station, Kolkata. The prevalence of GIH was recorded as 70.52% and Strongyle (65.18%) group of nematodes was found significantly (p < 0.05) higher than other helminths. Highest (p < 0.05) prevalence (85.11%) as well as intensity of GIN infection (EPG = 640) was observed in monsoon and lowest (p < 0.05) prevalence (60.55%) and intensity (EPG = 340) was recorded in summer. Haemonchus contortus was found to be the predominant GIN species. The observations of the present study both in terms of parasite epidemiology and meteorological data should be utilised for planning strategic control measures against GI helminths in goats of NAZ of West Bengal.     

Intestinal concentrations of free and encapsulated dietary medium-chain fatty acids and effects on gastric microbial ecology and bacterial metabolic products in the digestive tract of piglets

The influence of low dietary levels of free and encapsulated medium-chain fatty acids on their concentrations in the digesta, the gastric microbial ecology and bacterial metabolic products in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in weaned piglets was studied. Starting after weaning, 36 piglets were fed a diet without (Control) or with medium-chain fatty acids uncoated (MCFA) or coated with vegetable fat and lecithin (MCFAc). After 4 weeks, the animals were killed, and digesta from the stomach and different sections of the GIT were collected. The concentrations of caprylic (p < 0.001) and capric (p = 0.001) acids were higher in the stomachs of piglets fed diets MCFA and MCFAc compared to the Control group. The concentrations dropped rapidly along the GIT, regardless of encapsulation, and tended to be higher in groups MCFA and MCFAc compared to the Control. Compared to the Control group, ingestion of diet MCFAc led to an increase in the number of eubacteria (p = 0.001), enterobacteriaceae (p < 0.001), clostridial clusters I (p = 0.001) and IV (p = 0.019), Lactobacillus johnsonii (p < 0.001) and Lactobacillus amylovorus (p = 0.001) in gastric contents. A similar trend was seen with diet MCFA. Relative concentrations of short-chain fatty acids were characterised by lower propionic acid levels (p = 0.045), numerically (p < 0.1) higher acetic, lower n-butyric and i-valeric acid concentrations in the small intestine. Lactic acid concentrations were not significantly changed in the GIT, but ammonia concentrations increased (p < 0.001) in the distal small intestine in the MCFA and MCFAc groups. In conclusion, medium-chain fatty acids affected microbial ecology parameters in the gastric contents and bacterial metabolites in the small intestine. At low dietary levels, medium-chain fatty acids may be regarded as modulators of the gastric microbiota in weaned piglets.     

Nutritional and physiological responses of finishing pigs exposed to a permanent heat exposure during three weeks

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of a permanent heat exposure during 21 days on pig performance, nutrient digestibility, physiological response and key enzyme of skeletal muscle energy metabolism. Twenty-four male finishing pigs (crossbreed castrates, 79.0 ± 1.50 kg body weight) were allocated to three groups (n = 8): (1) Control (ambient temperature (AT) 22°C, ad libitum feeding), (2) Group HE (AT 30°C, ad libitum feeding) and (3) Group PF (AT 22°C, pair-fed to Group HE). The permanent heat exposure decreased feed intake (p < 0.01), daily body weight gain (p < 0.05) and the digestibility of gross energy, dry matter, crude protein and ash (p < 0.05); rectal temperature and respiration rate were significantly increased (p < 0.01). The levels of plasma cortisol, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were also significantly increased in Group HE (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the heat exposure changed intracellular energy metabolism, where the AMP-activated protein kinase was activated (p = 0.02). This was combined with changes in parameters of glycolysis such as an accumulation of lactic acid (p = 0.02) and a drop of pH_24?h (p = 0.02), an increase of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase activity (p < 0.01) and, finally, the maturation process of post mortem muscle was influenced. Due to pair-feeding it was possible to evaluate the effects of heat exposure, which were not dependent on reduced feed intake. Such effects were, e.g., reduced nutrient digestibility and changed activities of several enzymes in muscle and blood serum.     

Toll-like receptor polymorphisms and vasculitis susceptibility: meta-analysis and systematic review

The aim of this study was to determine whether toll-like receptor (TLR) polymorphisms confers susceptibility to vasculitis. A literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Embase. A meta-analysis on the associations between the TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphisms and vasculitis was carried out using allele contrast, dominant, and codominant models and a systematic review of other TLR polymorphisms. Fourteen studies involving 2,064 patients and 2,481 controls were included in this systematic review, which comprised nine on Behcet’s disease (BD), three on giant cell arteritis (GCA), and one on Henoch–Schenlein purpura (HSP). Meta-analysis of six studies showed a significant association between the Gly/Gly+Gly/Asp genotype of the TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphism and vasculitis and GCA (Odds ratio [OR] = 1.368, 95 % confidence interval [CI] = 1.300–1.815, p = 0.030; OR = 1.523, 95 % CI = 1.099–2.112, p = 0.012). Under a random effects model, the adjusted ORs calculated using the trim and fill technique revealed an association between the Gly/Gly+Gly/Asp genotype of the TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphism and vasculitis (OR = 1.544, 95 % CI = 1.091–2.185, p < 0.05). Stratification by vasculitis type using the codominant model showed the trend for the association with GCA (OR = 1.569, 95 % CI = 0.970–2.538, p = 0.066). There were three studies on the TLR2 Arg753Gln polymorphism and two on the TLR4 Thr399Ile polymorphism; no association with vasculitis was evident. Among the TLR2, TLR7, and TLR9 polymorphisms included in this review, one Asian study revealed a significant association between the TLR7 rs5743733 and rs3853839 with BD (p = 0.002, 0.036) and one Asian study showed an association of TLR9 rs352140 with BD (p = 0.009). This meta-analysis demonstrates that the TLR4 Asp299Gly polymorphism may confer susceptibility to GCA. The review of published data suggests that other TLR polymorphisms such as TLR7 and TLR9 may play a role in vasculitis.     

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.     

Seasonal variation in in vitro immune activity of milk leukocytes in elite and non-elite crossbred cows of Indian sub-tropical semi-arid climate

Immunity of mammary gland in terms of in vitro activity of milk leukocytes has been evaluated during hot-humid, summer, and winter season in elite (n = 10) and non-elite (n = 10) crossbred cows. Milk samples were collected from all the cows throughout the year at 15-day interval. Milk somatic cell counts (SCC) and differential leukocyte counts (DLC) were evaluated microscopically. Milk neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes were isolated and cultured in vitro. In vitro PI of milk neutrophils and macrophages was evaluated by colorimetric NBT (nitro-blue tetrazolium) reductive assay. Mitogen-induced milk lymphocyte blastogenic response was measured by colorimetric MTT (thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide) assay. Milk SCC was found to be significantly (p < 0.01) higher in elite cows compared to non-elite cows irrespective of season. There was significant (p < 0.05) increase in milk SCC during hot-humid season compared to winter season in both the group of the cows. There was no significant difference between group and season in terms of DLC. In vitro phagocytic index of elite cows was significantly (p < 0.01) higher than non-elite cows. The phagocytic index was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased in summer and hot-humid season compared to winter season in both the group of animals. Macrophages isolated from elite cows having significantly (p < 0.01) lower phagocytic index than non-elite cows which significantly (p < 0.01) decreased during summer and hot-humid season compared to winter. In vitro milk lymphocyte proliferative response was significantly (p < 0.01) lower in elite cows. Activity of B-lymphocytes decreased significantly (p < 0.01) during summer and hot-humid season than winter, but activity of T-lymphocytes remains unaltered during different seasons. In conclusion, the mammary immunity in terms of in vitro activity of milk leukocytes is compromised during summer and hot-humid season in elite crossbred cows; therefore, better care and management should be taken in high-yielding cows during summer and hot-humid season to minimize intramammary infections.     

Protective effects of the nuclear factor kappa B inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate in bladder ischemia–reperfusion injury in rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of the NF-кB inhibition with pyrrolidine-dithiocarbamate (PDTC) in ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) injury in the rat bladder. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into three groups. Group I; (n = 8) control, group II; (n = 8) I/R group; group III (n = 8) I/R and PDTC treatment. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and gluatathione-S-transferase (GST) enzymes was studied in bladder tissue. Lipid peroxidation (as TBARS) levels in tissue homogenate were measured with thiobarbituric acid reaction. All the slides were stained with NF-кB, p53 and HSP60 immunohistochemistry for detection genome destruction and tissue stress, respectively. Our results show that the mean TBARS levels were significantly higher in group II (p < 0.05). The TBARS levels were significantly decreased in group III compared with the group II (p < 0.05). CAT, SOD and GST activities were decreased in group II, but these enzymes levels were significantly increased in group III according to the group II (p < 0.05). Under microscopic evaluation NF-кB expression increased significantly in group II compared to the group I (p < 0.05) and then decreased in group III (p < 0.05). HSP60 and p53 expression in group II was increased significantly compared with group I. Under microscopic evaluation we detected that HSP60 and p53 expression was increased significantly in group II compared with group I. In group III PDTC administration was decreased the HSP60 and p53 expression, this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The results of the present study have demonstrated that NF-кB inhibition with PDTC protects and provides beneficial effects on ischemia/reperfusion stress related bladder tissue destruction.