Supplementary corpora lutea monitoring allows progestin treatment interruption on day 70 of pregnancy in non-cyclic recipient mares

The present study evaluated the effect of altrenogest treatment during 70 or 120 days of gestation on pregnancy maintenance in non-cyclic recipient mares and correlated the hormonal interruption findings with number, supplementary corpora lutea (SCL) formation period, and plasma progesterone (P4). Twenty five mares were used as recipients during anestrus, transitional or ovulatory phase and were assigned into groups according to altrenogest treatment period (70ALT, 120ALT or Control groups) or reproductive status at beginning of treatment (Anestrus, Transition or Cyclic/Control groups). Mares were evaluated by ultrasonography and quantification of plasma progesterone to monitor pregnancy status, SCL formation and P4 profile. After hormonal withdrawal, abortion was only observed on group 70ALT. The days of first SCL formation were similar (p = 0.32) in the 70ALT and 120ALT groups and greater (p < 0.01) than the Control group. In addition, the first SCL formation period occurred later during gestation in the anestrus group than in the transitional or cyclic mares. Progesterone synthesis in non-cyclic mares occurred in more advanced gestational period and showed lower concentration during the 120 days in relation to cyclic mares. It is suggested that progestin treatment interruption in non-cyclic recipient mares at 70 days of gestation allows pregnancy maintenance when SCL are observed and at 120 days enables maintenance in all recipient mares. In addition, the first SCL development period occurs in different gestational phases during pregnancy among anestrus, transitional and cyclic mares. This study improves the understanding of pregnancy physiology and enables progestins treatment interruption on day 70 of pregnancy in non-cyclic pregnant recipient mares.     

类胡萝卜素产生菌№5205的分类鉴定

从江苏省如东沿海滩涂淤泥中分离到 1株产类胡萝卜素的诺卡氏菌形放线菌№ 5 2 0 5 ,其基丝形成横隔并断裂成短杆状 ,细胞壁化学组分IV型 ,糖类型A ,含枝菌酸 ,磷酸类脂类型PII(PE) ,甲基萘醌主要成分为MK 8(H4 ) ,属于诺卡氏菌属 (Nocardia)。经形态、生理生化、化学分类特性等鉴定为藤黄诺卡氏菌桔橙变种 (Nocardialuteavar.aurantiacan .var .)。     

II gruppo Aristolochia pallida nell'Italia nordorientale

Abstract

The Aristolochia pallida group in the north-eastern Italy. The Aristolochia pallida group includes two closely related species: A. pallida Willd. and A. lutea Desf. For each species, a biometrical-morphological analysis on selected characters and critical notes are given. The distribution of both species in the north-eastern Italy is also defined.     

Development of macrophytic vegetation in the Agmon Wetland of Israel by spontaneous colonization and reintroduction

The draining of the Lake Hula and swamps, northern Israel, during the late 1950s resulted in the loss of a very diverse and rare ecosystem. Oxidation of the peat soil resulted in ground surface subsidence, while heavy autumn winds have eroded the dry peat. Moreover, agriculture on the peat soils is restricted, because of a nitrate surplus. Predictions that the sinking would continue and that more areas would go out of agricultural production led authorities to re-flood a portion of the Hula Valley in 1994. The aim of the present study was to monitor the spontaneous establishment of vegetation in the re-flooded area, the Agmon wetlands, and to reestablish some of the major plant species lost from the valley when Lake Hula was drained. Within the first two years, 74 plant species colonized the wetland spontaneously. Five out of 11 species designated for reintroduction were successfully established. Cyperus papyrus and Cynodon dactylon demonstrated sustainable potential for lake-shore stabilization. Cyperus papyrus was reintroduced from seedlings and rapidly became the dominant riparian species, while Cynodon dactylon established spontaneously. Re-introduced Nymphaea alba clones were established only in enclosures protected from grazing by the semi-aquatic mammal Myocastor coypu. Nuphar lutea and Iris pseudacorus showed better resistance to grazing. These results demonstrate a high potential for successful re-establishment of much of the original Hula swamp macrophytic vegetation by either spontaneous colonization by extant species from the surrounding areas or by introduction of locally extinct species. As such, there is a good chance that the associated faunal components of the former Lake Hula and swamps that have returned to the region since the Hula rehabilitation project commenced will continue to flourish.     

A scanning electron microscopic study of the luteo-follicular complex

Summary As observed by SEM, the repair of an ovulated mammalian follicle is accompanied by a sequence of morphogenetic processes. In the initial phase, a mass of cells and coagulated fluids forms at the site of rupture. Shortly thereafter, connective cells, recruited from the adjacent and subjacent connective tissue stroma begin to proliferate and to migrate over this mass such that in the rabbit, the entire site of disruption is covered by a layer of connective cells by approximately 2 days following ovulation. Coincident with the migration of the connective tissue, superficial cells from undisturbed lateral and basal areas of an ovulated follicle also proliferate and begin to migrate over the newly established connective tissue matrix. By approximately 4 days following ovulation in the rabbit, the surface of an ovulated follicle is repopulated by elements of the superficial epithelium. The formation of the underlying corpus luteum (corpora luted) involves characteristic morphological changes as granulosa cells transform into steroid secreting luteal cells. The luteal cells become organized into cords of cells which usually surround capillary vessels. When examined by SEM, the smooth-surfaced endoplasmic reticulum of the luteal cell is quite apparent and is observed to form a three-dimension network of anastomosing tubules which are continuous with the nuclear membrane. Variations in the appearance of the surface of the ovary which directly overlies corpora lutea were observed when the mouse, rat and rabbit were compared. The regression of corpora lutea involves the infiltration of the luteal mass by connective tissue and both degeneration and vacuolization of the luteal cells. The regressing corpus luteum is a honey-comb-like structure in which each space is occupied by a degenerating luteal cell.This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health, Public Health Service (to J.V.B., no. HD-04274), and from Consiglio Nationale delle Ricerche (C.N.R., contracts nos. CT 76.01288.04 and CT 77.01921.4)     

Micropropagation of four Gentiana species (G. lutea, G. cruciata, G. purpurea and G. acaulis)

The growth of axillary shoots was initiated on nodal stem segments, excised from aseptically grown seedlings of Gentiana acaulis L., G. cruciata L., G. lutea L. and G. purpurea L. In later subcultures, a basal callus tissue developed on the shoots, giving rise to de novo formed buds. Optimum benzyladenine and indoleacetic acid combinations for shoot development were established. They were slightly different in the four species. From 35-70% of shoots rooted spontaneously, except in G. lutea, in which adventitious roots were induced by applying naphthaleneacetic acid. It was conduded that the four Gentiana species were amenable to propagation in vitro. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Transfer of selected mineral nutrients and trace elements in the host–hemiparasite association, Cistus–Odontites lutea, growing on and off metal-polluted sites

The role of a hemiparasitic life-style in plant resistance to toxic trace elements in polluted soils is unclear. Restriction of metal uptake by the host, restriction of metal transfer from host to parasite, or transformation of metals into a less toxic form may play a role. This study analysed the transfer of selected mineral elements from soil to host ( Cistus spp . ) and from host to hemiparasite ( Odontites lutea) at locations with different metal burdens: a Cu-rich serpentine site, Pb–Ba mine spoil and an unpolluted soil. Highest soil-to-host transfer factors for K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu and Pb were observed on the unpolluted soil. Statistically significant differences among locations of host-to-parasite transfer factors were only found for Ca and Pb. Restriction of transfer of unfavourable Ca/Mg ratios, characteristic at the serpentine site, and of high Pb and Zn concentrations at the Pb–Ba mine occurred mainly at the soil–host, and not at the host–parasite, level. Odontites lutea was able to withstand enhanced Zn and Pb concentrations and low Fe/Cu ratios in shoot tissue without developing toxicity symptoms. This could be caused by specific metal resistance mechanisms in this hemiparasite and/or the transformation and transfer of these metals into a less toxic form by the metal-tolerant host.