Body water content and distribution in nonpregnant adult female baboons

Water contents of the various body water compartments were estimated in 16 nonpregnant adult female baboons and compared to human data. Total body water, extracellular water, and plasma volumes were determined by dilution studies. Intracellular water, interstitial water, blood volume, and red cell volume were calculated. The data were compatible with the finding that baboon females probably have less body fat than their human counterparts. Our data establish a basis for longitudinal studies of the changes in body water content and distribution during normal and pathological pregnancies.     

Serial estimates of body water content and distribution during the first postnatal month in baboons

Water content of the various body compartments was estimated serially during the first postnatal month in six term baboon neonates. In absolute volumes (mL), total body water, intracellular water, and plasma volume all increased linearly with body weight and postnatal age, although the effect of weight was predominant. In proportion to body weight (mL/kg), total body water, intracellular water, and plasma volume increased linearly with postnatal age whereas extracellular water and red cell volume decreased. There was no linear relation between the proportions of any of the water volumes and body weight.     

Kinetics of stable isotope and body composition in olive baboons (Papio anubis) estimated by deuterium dilution space: a pilot study

Morphometrics and isotope-labelled water were used to determine body composition [total body water, total body fat and fat-free mass (FFM)] of three captive female olive baboons (Papio anubis). Mean mass was 16.5 kg, comparable with other captive settings but heavier than wild olive baboons. Average water content was 66%; FFM averaged 90.5%. Baboon females have less body fat than human counterparts. Compared with captive or wild baboons, these females were adequately nourished for their energy expenditure. A positive association between total mass and FFM existed, but due to the small sample no general relationship was observed for body fat or FFM and condition or size measures. The kinetics of deuterium equilibration in body fluids for baboons was determined as 3-4 hours after injection, similar to that for humans. Deuterium dilution technique appears to be an appropriate method for studying body composition in baboons, although a larger sample is needed for relationships between morphometric indices and body composition.     

Inter- and intraspecific diversity of ontogeny and fecundity patterns in relation to reproductive strategy choice in Myomorpha (Rodentia: Calomyscidae,Cricetidae, Muridae)

Studying the life history of various organisms is essential for ecological and evolutionary inferences. However, publications regarding models of evolutionary shifts to either r- or K-reproductive strategies are scarce. Here, the combined original and previously published data on reproduction and development of Goodwin’s brush-tailed mouse (Calomyscus elburzensis), golden hamster (Mesocricetus auratus), and house mouse (Mus musculus) were compared. An adult male and female in estrous state (from each species) were coupled with each other for a night and embryos were harvested at embryonic days (E) 10–17 from pregnant females. The mean gestation period in Goodwin’s brush-tailed mouse was 31.5?±?2.1 days; growth was rapid at the first half of this period and after that it was reduced by half. During the postnatal period, growth was rapid up to weaning, but after day 35, the rate of growth decreased abruptly. Growth rate of head and body length was very rapid prior to weaning (PN35) in comparison with weight but the rates of the two characters were inversed following weaning. Totally, weight gain was more dynamic in rate, as compared with head and body length, up to adultness. For golden hamster and house mouse, gestation period was 15.6?±?0.8 and 20.8?±?0.8 days, respectively. Growth was slow during approximately the first half of the gestation period in both species but increased during the second half. During postnatal period in golden hamster, growth rate of head and body length was rapid both before and after weaning as compared with that of weight. However, head and body length showed a stable rate of growth before and after weaning (around PN15), but for body weight, the growth rate was slightly faster after weaning. Similarly, changes in head and body length in house mouse were rapid both before and after weaning (PN16) as compared with that of weight. Since approximately two-fold increases were observed in the growth rates of weight and head and body length in the second stage of postnatal development (PN16-adult) compared with the rates during the first stage (PN0-PN16), both showed dynamic changes during the postnatal development in this species. Typically, r-strategic house mouse appeared to be more similar in early morphological development to comparatively K-strategic Goodwin’s brush-tailed mouse, than to comparatively r-strategic golden hamster. Nevertheless, growth rate and pattern were different in the three species after birth. Hence, results showed that peculiarities of association between an ontogenetic pattern and a tendency in reproductive strategy can differ in diverse groups of myomorph rodents.

     

Effects of training and creatine supplement on muscle strength and body mass

The purpose of this study was to test the effect of creatine supplement on the size of the extra- and intracellular compartments and on the increase of isokinetic force during a strength training-program. Twenty-five healthy male subjects (age 22.0+/-2.9 years) participated in this experiment. Seven subjects formed the control-group. They did not complete any training and did not have any dietary supplement. The eighteen other subjects were randomly divided into a creatine- (n = 8) and a placebo-group (n = 10). They were submitted to a controlled strength-training program for 42 days followed by a detraining period of 21 days. Creatine and placebo were given over a period of 9 weeks. The size of the body water compartments was assessed by bioimpedance spectroscopy and the isokinetic force was determined during a single squat by means of an isokinetic dynamometer. These measurements were completed beforehand, at the end of the training period, and after the determining period. Both placebo- and creatine-group increased the isokinetic force by about 6% after the training period, showing that creatine ingestion does not induce a higher increase of the force measured during a single movement. No change in body mass was observed in the control- and placebo-groups during the entire experiment period while the body mass of the creatine-group was increased by 2 kg (P < 0.001). This change can be attributed partially to an increase (P = 0.039) in the body water content (+1.11), and more specifically, to an increase (P < 0.001) in the volume of the inter-cellular compartment (+0.61). Nevertheless, the relative volumes of the body water compartments remained constant and therefore the gain in body mass cannot be attributed to water retention, but probably to dry matter growth accompanied with a normal water volume.     

Total body water-to-lean body mass ratio in baboons (Papio sp.) of varying adiposity

Total body water (TBW), lean body mass (LBM), and triglyceride mass were measured in 23 5-yr-old baboons (13 females and 10 males). Male baboons weighed more, had more LBM, more TBW, and contained less triglyceride mass per unit body weight than female baboons. Among all baboons, triglyceride mass per unit body weight ranged from 2.4 to 33.5%. The ratio TBW:LBM ranged from 0.70 to 0.92, increasing (r = 0.98) with increased body triglyceride content (both percent and absolute mass) in both male and female baboons. However, the water content per unit weight of tissues free of fat cells (liver, lungs, kidneys, central nervous system, eyes, tongue) was nearly constant at 0.73 +/- 0.02. The increase in TBW:LBM is more than can be expected from the water in the increased adipose tissue mass. We conclude that TBW:LBM is not constant but is influenced by body triglyceride content in baboons.     

Cross-fostering of voles demonstrates in utero effect of photoperiod

Postweaning body growth and reproductive tract weight of montane voles raised from birth in 14 h light/day are modulated by the photoperiod to which the voles' mothers were exposed while pregnant. This effect could result from factors acting in utero or during lactation, as a result of a change in photoperiod experienced by the mother on the day she gave birth. To distinguish between these hypotheses, male voles exposed to short or long photoperiods during gestation were raised by foster mothers that had been exposed to different photoperiods while pregnant. The differences in body weight, total length, and reproductive tract weight between voles at 74 days of age can be attributed to factors acting in utero. The effects of the gestational photoperiod are not manifested in the patterns of growth until after weaning.     

Plasma volumes and constituents of heat-exposed men before and after acclimatization.

Five men underwent a 2-wk exercise regimen and were then exposed to 45 degrees C db, 28 degrees C wb, wind speed 1 m/s for 12 h while at rest. Body weight was maintained with 0.1% saline. One week later the exposure was repeated without rehydration. After heat acclimatization, the 12-h experiments were repeated. Frequent body weights, rectal temperatures, and venous blood samples were obtained. Results indicated that hemodilution upon acute heat exposure is partially due to protein influx into the vascular volume and the hemodilution allowed considerable loss of body water before plasma volume returned to preexposure values. Water within the vascular volume appeared to be in equilibrium with that in other body compartments before but not after acclimatization. Acclimatization altered the rate of protein transfer (and water movement) such that hemodilution was accomplished more rapidly than before acclimatization. Early hemodilution was quite labile and depended upon subject hydration during the first hour of heat exposure.     

The Effect of Iron and Zinc Dietary Restriction of Pregnant Rats on Physical Growth of Litters

Evidence suggests that micronutrient deficiencies may be associated with problems in early growth. Iron (Fe) and Zinc (Zn) deficiency (D) are prevalent during gestation in low-income countries. For pregnant dams, adequate amount of these micronutrients are needed in the diet to ensure the capacity for increased physical growth. In this study, the role of Fe and Zn dietary restriction of pregnant rats on physical growth of litters was investigated. Pregnant rats after to mating were divided to three groups. Control group fed a standard diet and a FeD group fed a diet deficient in Fe and a ZnD group fed a diet deficient in Zn. All the diets were exposed during the last third of pregnancy. The results showed serum Fe and Zn concentration after to exert dietary compared to before to exert dietary in FeD and ZnD groups was significant. There was a significant difference in the physical growth indexes (body weight, body length, tail length, and head length) between FeD and ZnD groups compared to the Control group, but a significant difference in head width and brain weight between FeD and ZnD groups compared to the Control group was not seen. The results of this study suggest that adequate Fe and Zn affect the physical growth of litters.     

The effects of population density on fecundity and fertility in the guppy, Poecilia reticulata (Peters)

Experiments were performed to examine the influence of population density on the fecundity and fertility in the guppy, Poecilia reticulata . The frequency of females with only ova or with different combinations of reproductive units and developmental stages in the ovary was significantly different between different densities but not between females with one and two gestations from the same population density. The ovarian width of females with one gestation from the lowest density was significantly larger than in the highest population density. Gonad length and height and ovarian volume of females with two gestation periods were larger in the lowest compared with the highest density. After one gestation, females at the lowest population level had greater ovarian length, height, gonad weight, width and volume compared with those from the higher density. Ovarian length, height and volume and gonad weight were also significantly greater among females of two gestation periods in the lowest than in the second lowest density. The average gonadosomatic ratio was highest in the lowest population density. A significant correlation was found between gonad volume and total body weight and between gonad volume and ovarian weight of females at every population level. This was also the case when ovarian weight vs. total body weight was examined in each population density. Only at the lowest population level was there a significant correlation between fecundity and total body length and between fertility and body length. A significant relationship was also found between gonad volume and total body length and between gonad weight and body length at the same population level. No significant difference of fecundity and ovum size was found between females of one and two gestation periods from the same density. Fecundity and fertility were significantly higher among females of one and two gestation periods from the lowest than from the highest density.     

Fat mass deposition during pregnancy using a four-component model.

Estimates of body fat mass gained during human pregnancy are necessary to assess the composition of gestational weight gained and in studying energy requirements of reproduction. However, commonly used methods of measuring body composition are not valid during pregnancy. We used measurements of total body water (TBW), body density, and bone mineral content (BMC) to apply a four-component model to measure body fat gained in nine pregnant women. Measurements were made longitudinally from before conception; at 8-10, 24-26, and 34-36 wk gestation; and at 4-6 wk postpartum. TBW was measured by deuterium dilution, body density by hydrodensitometry, and BMC by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Body protein was estimated by subtracting TBW and BMC from fat-free mass. By 36 wk of gestation, body weight increased 11.2 +/- 4.4 kg, TBW increased 5.6 +/- 3.3 kg, fat-free mass increased 6.5 +/- 3.4 kg, and fat mass increased 4.1 +/- 3.5 kg. The estimated energy cost of fat mass gained averaged 44,608 kcal (95% confidence interval, -31, 552-120,768 kcal). The large variability in the composition of gestational weight gained among the women was not explained by prepregnancy body composition or by energy intake. This variability makes it impossible to derive a single value for the energy cost of fat deposition to use in estimating the energy requirement of pregnancy.     

Evidence for hormonal imbalance after methadone treatment in pregnant and pseudopregnant rats

The effects of methadone (METH) on the plasma estriol level and hormonal target tissues' cyclic nucleotides (cAMP and cGMP) were investigated in pregnant and pseudopregnant rats. In the pregnant animals, METH (5 mg/kg/day), given once daily from Days 6 to 15 of gestation, significantly reduced the maternal body weight gain in association with an increase in the number of dams bearing resorptions (56%) and a significant reduction in fetal body weight (33%). An inhibition of the plasma estriol level by METH was observed on Day 9 of gestation. Stimulation of the sympatho-adrenal axis and hypothalamo-pituitary axis by acute METH administration was observed and correlated with a significant increase in the levels of cyclic nucleotides in the uterus and adrenal glands of pregnant rats. However, tolerance to METH effects on cyclic nucleotide levels developed by Day 15 of gestation. METH also depressed the fetal cyclic nucleotide levels on Days 12 and 15 of gestation. These findings suggest that METH had pronounced effects on hormonal secretion during pregnancy, and hormonal transport to or hormonal production by the fetuses. In contrast, METH did not exhibit any adverse effects on the hormonal and cyclic nucleotide levels of pseudopregnant rats with deciduoma formation; a model for the maternal compartment. These latter findings may reflect METH's adverse effects on the fetal compartment, and suggest the use of pseudopregnancy as a model to distinguish adverse drug effects between these compartments.     

The effects of estrogen on cortisol metabolism in female baboons

We examined Cortisol (F) dynamics in female baboons $\text{(Papio anubis)}$ treated with diethylstilbestrol (DES) or estradiol (E₂) and compared values with those previously measured in nonpregnant and pregnant animals. Five regularly menstruating baboons (12–18 kg, BW) were administered 5 mg DES daily via fruit or 0.5 mg E₂/0.1ml oil sc for 30 days. Blood samples, obtained before and after treatment, were assayed for serum F concentrations and serum Cortisol binding capacity (CBC). The metabolic clearance (MCR) and production rate (PR) of F and the catabolism of i.v. administered [³H] F were examined 25 and 30 days after initiation of estrogen treatment. Compared with values in nonpregnant baboons, F metabolism in estrogen treated animals is significantly altered and is characterized by increased formation of unconjugated metabolites, decreased glucuronylation, increased excretion of unconjugated F, cortisone, and highly polar metabolites, and increased CBC. These changes induced by estrogen are similar to those observed in intact pregnant baboons and permit the suggestion that the pattern of F metabolism and the level of CBC in baboon pregnancy are the result of elevated estrogen production.However, estrogen also caused a significant decrease in the MCR and PR of F, parameters which, by contrast, are similar in intact pregnant and nonpregnant baboons. These findings indicate that while estrogen also influences the rate of F clearance and F production, these effects of estrogen are not apparent during pregnancy. Collectively, these findings allow the suggestion that estrogen is a major factor which alters F metabolism and increases serum CBC in baboon gestation. However, additional factors are operative in primate pregnancy which maintain PR and MCR of F at levels similar to those of nonpregnant baboons.     

Pubertal endocrinology of yellow baboon (Papio cynocephalus): Plasma testosterone,testis size,body weight,and crown-rump length in males

A cross-sectional study (n = 99) was made of male baboons (Papio cynocephalus) aged 3 weeks to > 10 years. Serum testosterone and testicular size were compared with body weight and crown-rump length. Pubertal onset in baboons occurs at 3–4 years of age; data were analyzed, therefore in three groups: 0–3 years; 3–4 years; and greater than 4 years. Testicular volume index increased minimally prior to 3 years of age. Between 3 and 4 years of age, there was an increase (P < .05) in testicular growth, which was followed after 4 years of age by a return to the prepubertal rate. Plasma testosterone decreased from birth to 3 years of age. Between 3 and 4 years of age, there was an increase (P < .05) in testosterone. The levels of which remained unchanged after 4 years of age. A linear increase in body weight was observed for the first 3 years which was followed by an increase (P < .05) in the rate of weight gain between 3 and 4 years of age. After 4 years of age, body weight continued to increase but at a rate less than those of the two earlier periods. A linear increase in crown-rump length was observed over the first 3 years. Between 3 and 4 years of age there was a slight increase (P > .06) in crown-rump length, which approached zero after 4 years of age. These data demonstrate many similarities between the pubertal development of male baboons and humans. Male baboons appear to be appropriate for the study of reproductive and endocrine development and the factors involved in the pubertal growth spurt of the human male.     

Gestational stage sensitivity to ultrasound effect on postnatal growth and development of mice

BACKGROUND: An experiment was conducted to find out whether ultrasound exposure leads to changes in postnatal growth and development in the mouse. METHODS: A total of 15 pregnant Swiss albino mice were exposed to diagnostic levels of ultrasound (3.5 MHz, 65 mW/cm2, I(SPTP) = 1 mW/cm2 Intensity(Spatial Peak-Temporal Peak), I(SATA) = 240 mW/cm2 Intensity(Spatial Average-Temporal Average)) for 30 min for a single day between days 10 and 18 of gestation (GD 10-18). Virgin female mice were placed with same age group males for mating in the ratio 2 females : 1 male and examined the next morning for the presence of vaginal plug, a sign of successful copulation. The females with vaginal plugs were separated and labeled as 0-day pregnant. Maternal vaginal temperature was also measured. A sham exposed control group of 15 pregnant mice was maintained for comparison. All exposed as well as control animals were left to complete gestation and parturition. Their offspring were used in our further studies. They were monitored during early postnatal life for standard developmental markers, postnatal mortality, body weight, body length, head length, and head width, and growth restriction was recorded up to 6 weeks of age. RESULTS: An exposure to ultrasound induced nonsignificant deviations in the maternal vaginal temperature or developmental markers. Significant low birth weight was observed in the present study, after exposure at GD 11, 12, 14, and 16. However, 14 and 16 days postcoitus during the fetal period appears to be the most sensitive to the ultrasound effect, in view of the number of different effects as well as severity of most of the observed effects when exposed on these gestation days. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that diagnostic ultrasound can induce harmful effects on mouse growth and development when given at certain critical periods of gestation.     

Conservation of blood plasma fluids in hamadryas baboons after thermal dehydration

After 2 days of water deprivation in a warm climate, Papio hamadryas baboons lost 10% of their body mass, 12.5% of their total body water (3H2O) space, but only 4% of their plasma volume [Evans blue (EB) space]. Hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration as well as blood viscosity and blood pressure were not affected by thermal dehydration. Plasma colloid osmotic pressure (COP) in the dehydrated animals was, however, 8 Torr higher than in fully hydrated baboons. Total mass and concentration of plasma albumin, and protein concentration increased after dehydration. Both half times (T 1/2) of EB and T 1/2 of 131I-serum albumin were twice as high as in the dehydrated animal than in the fully hydrated ones. Incorporation rate of L-[3H]leucine in the plasma proteins was similarly higher in the dehydrated animals. The capacity of the P. hamadryas baboon to maintain its plasma volume at the expense of losses from other body fluid compartments is related to an increase in the blood COP that is brought about by a more efficient retention of albumin and an increase in its rate of synthesis.     

Effect of Acipimox on Plasma Lipids and Glucose/Insulin in Pregnant Rats

To determine how a reduction in maternal hypertriglyceridemia during late pregnancy may affect glucose/insulin relationships, pregnant and virgin rats were orally treated with acipimox, a potent antilipolytic agent. In 20-day pregnant rats receiving 80 mg of acipimox, plasma triglycerides (TG), free fatty acids (FFA), and glycerol decreased more than in virgin rats shortly after the drug (up to 7 hours), when compared with animals treated with distilled water, whereas plasma glucose level was unaffected by the treatment in either group of rats. When acipimox was given every 12 hours from day 17 to day 20 of pregnancy, plasma TG, FFA, and glycerol levels progressively increased, whereas they either decreased or did not change in virgin rats receiving the same treatment, with no effect in plasma glucose levels in either group. Fetal body weight was lower than in controls in 20-day pregnant rats that received acipimox for 3 days. On day 20 of pregnancy, 3 hours after receiving acipimox or distilled water, rats received a 2 g glucose/kg oral load and it was found that the change in plasma glucose was similar in both groups, whereas the increase in plasma insulin was greater in pregnant rats treated with acipimox. However, no difference was found in either variable after the oral glucose load in virgin rats receiving acipimox or distilled water. No differences in plasma glucose levels were found after intravenous (IV) administration of insulin in pregnant rats treated or not treated with acipimox. In conclusion, present results show that administration of acipimox during the last days of gestation inhibited lipolysis and decreased fetal weight. Over a short period of time, in pregnant rats, reductions of plasma FFA and TG after acipimox treatment improved the glucose-induced insulin release, but did not seem to have any effect in peripheral insulin resistance.     

Triple therapy with octreotide,galanin and serotonin induces necrosis and increases apoptosis of a rat colon carcinoma

A rat colonic adenocarcinoma was implanted subcutaneously (s.c.) in nude mice. After 7 days, the animals were divided into different groups. Two groups received subcutaneous injections twice daily with 3 or 6 micro g/kg body weight octreotide, galanin and serotonin. Three groups were respectively treated with 20, 30, and 40 micro g/kg body weight of the previously mentioned bioactive substances. Control group received only saline solution in the same fashion as treated animals. The treatment lasted for 5 days. The tumour volume and weight, the relative density of blood vessels, of tumour necrotic tissue, of apoptotic nuclei and of proliferating nuclei were measured. Apoptosis was detected by in situ labelling of nuclear DNA fragmentation according to TUNEL method, and proliferation by immunocytochemistry. Morphometry was done with the classical stereological point-counting method. Food consumption, animal weight, faeces weight and its water content were measured for 3 days before and after treatment. Triple therapy with 3 and 6 micro g/kg body weight had no effect on any of the parameters measured, except in reducing the relative volume density of tumour blood vessels. Treatment with 20, 30 and 40 micro g/kg body weight of the previously mentioned bioactive substances reduced the tumour volume, the relative volume density of blood vessels and increased the relative volume density of necrotic tissue and of apoptotic nuclei (in the 20 micro g group). However, there was no difference between treated mice and controls regarding the relative volume density of proliferating nuclei. There was no statistical difference between treated animals regarding food consumption, body weight, faeces weight and its water content before and during treatment. The present study confirms that triple therapy with octreotide, galanin and serotonin causes regression of a rat colon carcinoma. It further showed that optimum treatment dose is 20 micro g/kg body weight of each bioactive substance. Moreover, this therapy regime does not show apparent side effects in the experiments carried out on mice.     

Estimates of body water content in normally grown baboons during the first postnatal month

Water contents of various body compartments were estimated within 9 h of birth in eight baboon neonates and at a mean of 29 days (27-32 days) in seven baboons. All animals were normally grown and delivered spontaneously at term. There was no difference in mean antipyrine space, corrected bromide space, intracellular water, interstitial water, and plasma and blood volumes observed on day 1 and day 29. Mean estimate of red cell volume was lower on day 29 than on day 1.     

Role of osmolality and plasma volume during rehydration in humans

To determine how the sodium content of ingested fluids affects drinking and the restoration of the body fluid compartments after dehydration, we studied six subjects during 4 h of recovery from 90-110 min of a heat [36 degrees C, less than 30% relative humidity (rh)] and exercise (40% maximal aerobic power) exposure, which caused body weight to decrease by 2.3%. During the 1st h, subjects rested seated without any fluids in a thermoneutral environment (28 degrees C, less than 30% rh) to allow the body fluid compartments to stabilize. Over the next 3 h, subjects rehydrated ad libitum using tap water and capsules containing either placebo (H2O-R) or 0.45 g NaCl (Na-R) per 100 ml water. During the 3-h rehydration period, subjects restored 68% of the lost water during H2O-R, whereas they restored 82% during Na-R (P less than 0.05). Urine volume was greater in H2O-R than in Na-R; thus only 51% of the lost water was retained during H2O-R, whereas 71% was retained during Na-R (P less than 0.05). Plasma osmolality was elevated throughout the rehydration period in Na-R, whereas it returned to the control level by 30 min in H2O-R (P less than 0.05). Changes in free water clearance followed changes in plasma osmolality. The restoration of plasma volume during Na-R was 174% of that lost. During H2O-R it was 78%, which seemed to be sufficient to diminish volume-dependent dipsogenic stimulation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)