bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of porcine expressed sequence tags for the construction of a first genomic transcript map of the skeletal muscle in pig
Authors: Davoli R. , Fontanesi L. , Zambonelli P. , Bigi D. , Gellin J. , Yerle M. , Milc J. , Braglia S. , Cenci V. , Cagnazzo M. , Russo V.
Published: March 2003

To identify genes with effects on meat quality and production traits we developed an adult porcine skeletal muscle cDNA library. After pre‐screening this library with seven genes highly expressed in skeletal muscle, 385 non‐hybridizing clones were sequenced from both ends to yield 510 expressed sequence tags (ESTs). Together with those ESTs previously generated from this library, we have produced 701 porcine skeletal muscle ESTs. These ESTs were grouped into 306 different cDNA species and compared with the human skeletal muscle transcriptional profiles obtained from different databases. Furthermore we mapped 107 of these cDNAs using a somatic cell hybrid panel with genes mapping over all the autosomes (except on chromosome 11) and on chromosome X. The mapping of these cDNAs contributed to the construction of a first genomic transcript map of the skeletal muscle tissue in pig.
Parental assignment in fish using microsatellite genetic markers with finite numbers of parents and offspring
Authors: Villanueva B. , Verspoor E. , Visscher P. M.
Published: March 2003

Deterministic predictions for the proportion of offspring assigned to different numbers of parent‐pairs are developed in order to investigate the power of microsatellite loci for parental assignment in fish species. Comparisons with stochastic simulation results show that predictions based on exclusion probabilities are accurate, provided that the number of parents involved in the crosses is large. Accounting for sampling of parents gave very accurate predictions for a small number of parents and a single biallelic locus. For large numbers of loci or large numbers of alleles per locus stochastic simulations are, however, the only available method to predict the power of assignment of a particular set of loci when the number of parents is small. Nine 5‐allele loci or six 10‐allele loci with equifrequent alleles, are sufficient for assigning, with certainty, parents to 99% of the fish resulting from either 100 or 400 crosses. Results simulating a set of highly polymorphic microsatellites developed for Atlantic salmon show that the four most informative loci are sufficient to assign at least 99% of the offspring to the correct pair with 100 crosses involving 100 males and 100 females. An additional locus is required for correctly assigning 99% of the offspring when the 100 crosses are produced with 10 males and 10 females.
Indications of associations of the porcine FOS proto‐oncogene with skeletal muscle fibre traits
Authors: Reiner G. , Heinricy L. , Müller E. , Geldermann H. , Dzapo V.
Published: March 2003

Skeletal muscle fibre characteristics are key determinants of meat quality. High fibre diameters and shifting towards higher white fibre proportions lead to increasing R‐values (degree of desamination of adenosine) and lactate‐production, resulting in high incidences of pale, soft, exudative (PSE) meat and stress susceptibility in European and American pig breeds. Development of muscle fibres including their enzymes, is regulated by the MyoD‐gene family together with transcription factors like FOS. We report on the associations between the chromosomal region of FOS with skeletal muscle fibre and metabolism traits. The BB genotype representing the European Pietrain breed had 10.9% more white fibres with fibre diameters decreased by 6.1%, with 3.9% higher R‐values and 8.5% higher lactate levels than the AA genotype of the Chinese Meishan. Lactate levels and R‐values per μm of fibre diameter were increased to 18.4 and 11.6% in the BB genotype. The contrast between the two quantitative trait loci (QTL) alleles associated with a polymorphism in the FOS gene explained up to 5.13% of the total variance. A new TaiI‐restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) connected to a Asn258/Ser mutation, located in a transcription activator region, was used to map FOS between markers S0115 and Sw581 on SSC7. The QTLs for skeletal muscle fibre and metabolism traits have been mapped to the marker interval around FOS. The present data suggest that variability in FOS gene may underlie phenotypic variation in skeletal muscle fibre and metabolism traits in the pig.
Rapid isolation of CA microsatellites from the tilapia genome
Authors: Carleton K. L. , Streelman J. T. , Lee B.‐Y. , Garnhart N. , Kidd M. , Kocher T. D.
Published: March 2003

We have developed (CA)n microsatellite markers for the cichlid fish, Oreochromis niloticus using a variation of the hybrid capture method. The resulting genomic library was highly enriched in repetitive DNA with 96% of clones containing CA repeats. The number of repeats ranged from four to 45 with an average of 19. Two‐thirds of the sequenced clones had 12 or more repeats and sufficient flanking sequence to design primers. The resulting markers were tested in an F2 cross of O. niloticus × O. aureus. Nearly 90% of the markers amplified in this cross and 74% of these were informative. This work demonstrates the importance of minimizing the number of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification cycles before and after the enrichment steps to reduce PCR recombination and the generation of chimaeric clones.
Localization of the muscular dystrophy AM locus using a chicken linkage map constructed with the Kobe University resource family
Authors: Lee E. J. , Yoshizawa K. , Mannen H. , Kikuchi H. , Kikuchi T. , Mizutani M , Tsuji S
Published: March 2003

A chicken linkage map, constructed with the Kobe University (KU) resource family, was used to locate the genetic locus for muscular dystrophy of abnormal muscle type (AM). The KU resource family is a backcross pedigree with 55 offspring produced from the mating of a White Leghorn F‐line (WL‐F) male and a hybrid female produced from a cross between the WL‐F male and a female of the Fayoumi OPN line who was homozygous for the AM gene. In total, 872 loci were genotyped on the pedigree; 749 (86%) were informative and mapped to 38 linkage groups. These informative loci included 649 AFLPs, 93 MS, three functional genes, the AM locus, sex phenotype, and two red blood cell loci. The remaining 123 markers were unlinked. Nineteen of the 38 KU linkage groups were assigned to macrochromosomes 1–8 and 11 microchromosomes including chromosome W, while 19 linkage groups were unassigned. The total map was 3569 cM in length, with an average marker interval of 4.8 cM. The AM locus was mapped 130 cM from the distal end of chromosome 2q.
Mapping of the bovine blood group systems J, N′, R′, and Z show evidence for oligo‐genetic inheritance
Authors: Thomsen H. , Reinsch N. , Xu N. , Looft C. , Grupe S. , Kühn C. , Brockmann G. A. , Schwerin M. , Leyhe‐Horn B. , Hiendleder S. , Erhardt G. , Medjugorac I. , Russ I. , Förster M. , Brenig B. , Reinhardt F. , Reents R. , Blümel J. , Averdunk G. , Kalm E.
Published: March 2003

Genes determining the bovine erythrocyte antigens were mapped by linkage analysis. In total 9591 genotypes of 20 grandsire families with 1074 sires from a grand‐daughter design were elucidated for the genes determining the erythrocyte antigensEAA,EAB,EAC,EAF,EAJ,EAL,EAM,EAN′,EAR′,EAS,EAT′, andEAZaccording to standard paternity testing procedures in the blood typing laboratories. Linkage analyses were performed with 248 microsatellite markers, eight SSCP markers and four polymorphic proteins and enzymes covering the 29 autosomes and the pseudoautosomal region of the sex chromosomes. The number of informative meioses for the blood group systems ranged from 76 to 947. Blood group systemsEAMandEAT′ were non‐informative. Most of the erythrocyte antigen loci showed significant linkage to a single chromosome and were mapped unequivocally. The genes determining erythrocyte antigenEAA,EAB,EAC,EAL, andEASwere mapped to chromosomes 15, 12, 18, 3, and 21, respectively. Lod‐score values ranged from 11.43 to 107.83. Moreover, theEAFsystem could be mapped to chromosome 17. However, theEAN′ system previously known as part of theEAFsystem could be mapped to chromosome 5. In addition, the blood group systemsEAJ, the newEAN′,EAR′, andEAZ, showed significant linkage to microsatellite markers on various chromosomes and also to other blood groups. The appearance of a single blood group system might be therefore either dependent on the existence of other blood group systems or because of an interaction between different loci on various chromosomes as is known in humans and in pigs.
A second locus and new alleles in the major histocompatibility complex class II (ELA‐DQB) region in the horse
Authors: Hořín P. , Matiašovic J.
Published: March 2003

More than two nucleotide sequences of the second exon of the ELA‐DQB region retrieved from a single animal and two different sequences isolated from horses homozygous in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region by descent indicated the existence of at least two ELA‐DQB loci at the genomic level. New alleles detected by polymerase chain reaction single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and defined by nucleotide sequencing of the second exon of the DQB gene(s) were described. Based on the level of nucleotide sharing, at least two groups of alleles were shown to exist. The newly defined alleles belonged preferentially to one of the groups. However, their specific locus assignment was not possible from the data collected. At least one of these alleles was shown to be transcribed. No frame‐shift mutations were identified among the new alleles, although one pseudoallele containing a stop codon was identified at the genomic DNA level.
Characterization of the porcine FABGL gene
Authors: Jacobs K. , Mattheeuws M. , Van Poucke M. , Van Zeveren A. , Peelman L. J.
Published: March 2003

The porcine major histocompatibility complex, also called swine lymphocyte antigen (SLA) complex, is of particular interest not only because of its central role in the immune response, but also because of its influence on many traits such as reproduction, fatness and meat quality. The porcine FABGL (FabG (beta‐ketoacyl‐[acyl‐carrierprotein] reductase, Escherichia coli) like) gene, coding for a 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β‐HSD), is a candidate gene for these traits. The complete gene was sequenced and compared with human and mouse FABGL sequences. The deduced amino acid sequence showed 85 and 83% sequence identity to human and mouse sequences, respectively. Polymorphicic BbvI and DdeI restriction sites were found in the porcine FABGL gene. The promoter was compared with the promoter regions of human and mouse FABGL sequence in order to identify putative regulatory elements. The transcription profile of the porcine gene was determined and showed a widespread tissue distribution.
Evidence for a geographical cline of casein haplotypes in Portuguese cattle breeds
Authors: Beja‐Pereira A. , Erhardt G. , Matos C. , Gama L. , Ferrand N.
Published: March 2003

Genetic variants of bovine milk proteins have been intensively used to characterize breeds and as markers for population/QTL studies throughout the world. However, a large number of cattle breeds including those found in Portugal, remain unstudied. In this work, we have analysed the genetic variation of six milk protein loci in 10 Portuguese cattle breeds by isoelectric focusing. High genetic diversities were generally found across breeds, with the exception of Mirandesa that showed a trend to fixation of the most common alleles in five loci, as well as of the rarer CSN3B allele. The casein haplotype BA2A was often the most frequent, followed by haplotypes BA2B and BA1A. Remarkably, CA2A was found to be the second most frequent haplotype in Southern breeds, supporting a geographical cline between Central‐Northern European breeds and Bos indicus populations. Our data suggest that high genetic similarity among neighbouring Portuguese breeds is mainly caused by gene flow, and that the geographical distribution of particular casein haplotypes may indicate an influence of African cattle.
Mapping microsatellite markers identified in porcine EST sequences1
Authors: Rohrer G. A. , Fahrenkrug S. C. , Nonneman D. , Tao N. , Warren W. C.
Published: March 2003

A sequence search of swine expressed sequence tags (EST) data in GenBank identified over 100 sequence files which contained a microsatellite repeat or simple sequence repeat (SSR). Most of these repeat motifs were dinucleotide (CA/GT) repeats; however, a number of tri‐, tetra‐, penta‐ and hexa‐nucleotide repeats were also detected. An initial assessment of six dinucleotide and 14 higher‐order repeat markers indicated that only dinucleotide markers yielded a sufficient number of informative markers (100% vs. 14% for dinucleotide and higher order repeats, respectively). Primers were designed for an additional 50 di‐ and one tri‐nucleotide SSRs. Overall, 42 markers were polymorphic in the US Meat Animal Research Center (MARC) reference population, 17 markers were uninformative and 12 primer pairs failed to satisfactorily amplify genomic DNA. A comparison of di‐nucleotide repeat vs. markers with repeat motifs of three to six bases demonstrated that 72% of dinucleotide markers were informative relative to only 7% of other repeat motifs. The difference was the result of a much higher percentage of monomorphic markers in the three to six base repeat motif markers than in the dinucleotide markers (64% vs. 14%). Either higher order repeat motifs are less polymorphic in the porcine genome or our selection criteria for repeat length of more than 17 contiguous bases was too low. The mapped microsatellite markers add to the porcine genetic map and provide valuable links between the porcine and human genome.
Assignment of the horse grey coat colour gene to ECA25 using whole genome scanning
Authors: Swinburne J. E. , Hopkins A. , Binns M. M.
Published: March 2003

The dominant grey coat colour gene of horses has been mapped using a whole genome scanning approach. Samples from a large half‐sibling pedigree of Thoroughbred horses were utilized in order to map the grey coat colour locus, G. Multiplex groups of microsatellite markers were developed and used to efficiently screen the horse genome at a resolution of approximately 22 cM, based on an estimated map length for the horse genome of 2720 cM. The grey gene was assigned to chromosome 25 (ECA25), one of the smaller acrocentric horse chromosomes. Based on the current state of knowledge of conserved synteny and coat colour genetics in other mammalian species, there are no obvious candidate genes for the grey gene in the region.
Autosomal dominant retinal dystrophy (Rdy) in Abyssinian cats: exclusion of PDE6G and ROM1 and likely exclusion of Rhodopsin as candidate genes
Authors: Gould D. J. , Sargan D. R.
Published: March 2003

Retinal dystrophy (Rdy) is an autosomal dominant photoreceptor dysplasia of Abyssinian cats and a model for autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (ADRP) in man. We have pursued a candidate gene approach in the search for the causal mutation in Rdy. The genes RHO (encoding rhodopsin), ROM1 (encoding the structural retinal outer‐membrane protein‐1) and PDE6G (encoding the γ subunit of the visual transduction protein cyclic guanosine monophosphate‐phosphodiesterase) were polymerase chain reaction‐amplified from normal feline genomic DNA. Leader, coding and 3′ untranslated regions of each gene, and parts of introns were sequenced. Single‐stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of Rdy‐affected and normal cats was used to identify intragenic polymorphisms within ROM1 and PDE6G. DNA sequencing of all three genes in Rdy‐affected cats was used to confirm results from SSCP. For both ROM1 and PDE6G polymorphisms identified by SSCP and sequencing showed disconcordance between the polymorphism and the disease phenotype within an Rdy disease pedigree. SSCP analysis of RHO performed across the 5′ untranslated region, the entire coding sequence and the intron/exon boundaries in Rdy‐affected and control cats failed to identify any intragenic polymorphisms that could be used for linkage analysis. DNA sequencing of these regions showed no differences between Rdy‐affected and control cats. Mutations in ROM1 or in PDE6G are not causative of feline Rdy. The absence of potentially pathogenic polymorphisms in sequenced portions of the RHO gene makes it unlikely that a mutation in this gene is the cause of Rdy.
Within‐breed heterozygosity of canine single nucleotide polymorphisms identified by across‐breed comparison
Authors: Brouillette J. A. , Venta P. J.
Published: March 2003

Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) by DNA sequence comparison across breeds is a strategy for developing genetic markers that are useful for many breeds. However, the heterozygosity of SNPs identified in this way might be severely reduced within breeds by inbreeding or genetic drift in the small effective population size of a breed (population subdivision). The effect of inbreeding and population subdivision on heterozygosity of SNPs in dog breeds has never been investigated in a systematic way. We determined the genotypes of dogs from three divergent breeds for SNPs in four canine genes (ACTC, LMNA, SCGB, and TYMS) identified by across‐breed DNA sequence comparison, and compared the genotype frequencies to those expected under Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Although population subdivision significantly skewed allele frequencies across breeds for two of the SNPs, the deviations of observed heterozygosities compared with those expected within breeds were minimal. These results indicate that across‐breed DNA sequence comparison is a reasonable strategy for identifying SNPs that are useful within many canine breeds.
Polymorphisms in MHC‐DRAand ‐DRBalleles of water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) reveal different features from cattleDRalleles
Authors: Sena L. , Schneider M. P. C. , Brenig B. , Honeycutt R. L. , Womack J. E. , Skow L. C.
Published: March 2003

Seventy‐five individuals ofBubalus bubalisbelonging to four different breeds, three of river buffalo and one of swamp buffalo, were studied for polymorphism in MHCDRB(Bubu‐DRB) andDRA(Bubu‐DRA) loci. Eight alleles ofBubu‐DRBwere found, and all alleles in the swamp type were shared with the three river breeds. All alleles sampled from the breed of European origin (Mediterranean) were present in breeds sampled in Brazil, thus variability of this locus may have been preserved to a great extent in the more recently founded Brazilian population.Bubu‐DRBalleles contained higher proportions of synonymous vs. non‐synonymous substitutions in the non‐peptide‐binding sites (PBS) region, in contrast to the pattern of variation found inBoLA‐DRB3, the orthologous locus in cattle. This indicated that either the first domain exon (exon 2) ofBubu‐DRBhas not undergone as much recombination and/or gene conversion as in cattle alleles, orBubu‐DRBmay be more ancient thanBoLA‐DRB3alleles. Phylogenetic analysis ofDRBalleles fromBubalus,Syncerus c. caffer, the Cape buffalo, and domestic cattle demonstrated transspecies polymorphism. Water buffalo contained two alleles ofDRAthat differed from each other in two amino acid positions, including one in the PBS (α22) that was also shared withAnoa depressicornis, the anoa. Discovery of variation inDRAwas surprising as the first domain of DRA is a highly conserved polypeptide in mammals in general and especially in ruminants, where no other substitution in PBS was seen.
Genetic relationship between Mongolian and Norwegian horses?
Authors: Bjørnstad G. , Nilsen N. Ø. , Røed K. H.
Published: March 2003

Human populations of Central Asian origin have contributed genetic material to northern European populations. It is likely that migrating humans carried livestock to ensure food and ease transportation. Thus, eastern genes could also have dispersed to northern European livestock populations. Using microsatellite data, we here report that the essentially different genetic distances DA and (δμ)2 and their corresponding phylogenetic trees show close associations between the Mongolian native horse and northern European horse breeds. The genetic distances between the northern European breeds and Standardbred/Thoroughbred, representing a southern‐derived source of horses, were notably larger. We suggest that contribution of genetic material from eastern horses to northern European populations is likely to have occurred.
X/XY/XYY mosaicism as a cause of subfertility in boars: a single case study
Authors: Quilter C. R. , Wood D. , Southwood O. I. , Griffin D. K.
Published: March 2003

Sex chromosome abnormalities are common in mammals and humans and are often associated with subfertility. In this study a boar with normal sperm parameters was indicated to have reduced prolificacy from figures obtained for return rate, farrowing rate and total number of piglets born. G‐banded cytogenetic analysis of peripheral blood identified an abnormal mosaic sex chromosome constitution 39,XYY[74]/38,XY[23]/37,X[3]. Cytogenetic analysis of fibroblasts confirmed this mosaic karyotype with similar percentages of cell lines observed 39,XYY[76]/38,XY[19]/37,X[5]. External genitalia revealed a poorly developed scrotum with the right testicle being smaller than the left. To the best of our knowledge this is the first time that this chromosome constitution has been reported in the pig. It is of particular interest that this karyotype is associated with reduced boar fertility, which could lead to potential economic losses if such a boar were selected for breeding purposes.
Genetic variation in caribou and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
Authors: Cronin M. A. , Patton J. C. , Balmysheva N. , MacNeil M. D.
Published: March 2003

Genetic variation at seven microsatellite DNA loci was quantified in 19 herds of wild caribou and domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) from North America, Scandinavia and Russia. There is an average of 2.0–6.6 alleles per locus and observed individual heterozygosity of 0.33–0.50 in most herds. A herd on Svalbard Island, Scandinavia, is an exception, with relatively few alleles and low heterozygosity. The Central Arctic, Western Arctic and Porcupine River caribou herds in Alaska have similar allele frequencies and comprise one breeding population. Domestic reindeer in Alaska originated from transplants from Siberia, Russia, more than 100 years ago. Reindeer in Alaska and Siberia have different allele frequencies at several loci, but a relatively low level of genetic differentiation. Wild caribou and domestic reindeer in Alaska have significantly different allele frequencies at the seven loci, indicating that gene flow between reindeer and caribou in Alaska has been limited.
Analysis of the 5′ region of the canine PAX3 gene and exclusion as a candidate for Dalmatian deafness1
Authors: Brenig B. , Pfeiffer I. , Jaggy A. , Kathmann I. , Balzari M. , Gaillard C. , Dolf G.
Published: March 2003

Summary The causative mutation in a gene related to hearing loss in Dalmatians has been elusive. Because of its role in melanocyte migration and differentiation as integral component of the inner ear, we hypothesized that the canine PAX3 (paired box homeotic gene 3) gene could be a candidate for Dalmatian deafness. Therefore, we isolated the canine PAX3 gene and searched for causative mutations within the coding region of important regulatory domains of PAX3. However, no mutations were identified when comparing the DNA sequences of healthy and affected dogs. These results were confirmed by a two‐point linkage analysis in 203 Dalmatians transmitting deafness. Our data clearly show that the canine PAX3 gene can be excluded as candidate for Dalmatian deafness.
Relative contribution of cytochromes P‐450 and flavin‐containing monoxygenases to the metabolism of albendazole by human liver microsomes
Authors: Rawden Helen C. , Kokwaro Gilbert O. , Ward Stephen A. ,   &, Edwards Geoffrey
Published: March 2003

Aims
 Albendazole (ABZ; methyl 5‐propylthio‐1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl carbamate) is a broad spectrum anthelmintic whose activity resides both in the parent compound and its sulphoxide metabolite (ABS). There are numerous reports of ABZ metabolism in animals but relatively few in humans. We have investigated the sulphoxidation of ABZ in human liver microsomes and recombinant systems.

Methods
 The specific enzymes involved in the sulphoxidation of ABZ were determined by a combination of approaches; inhibition with an antiserum directed against cytochrome P450 reductase, the effect of selective chemical inhibitors on ABZ sulphoxidation in human liver microsomes, the capability of expressed CYP and FMO to mediate the formation of ABS, regression analysis of the rate of metabolism of ABZ to ABS in human liver microsomes against selective P450 substrates and regression analysis of the rate of ABS sulphoxidation against CYP expression measured by Western blotting.

Results
 Comparison of Vmax values obtained following heat inactivation (3min at 45°C) of flavin monoxygenases (FMO), chemical inhibition of FMO with methimazole and addition of an antiserum directed against cytochrome P450 reductase indicate that FMO and CYP contribute ≈ 30% and 70%, respectively, to ABS production in vitro. Comparison of CLint values suggests CYP is a major contributor in vivo. A significant reduction in ABZ sulphoxidation (n = 3) was seen with ketoconazole (CYP3 A4; 32–37%), ritonavir (CYP3 A4: 34–42%), methimazole (FMO: 28–49%) and thioacetamide (FMO; 32–35%). Additive inhibition with ketoconazole and methimazole was 69 ± 8% (n = 3). ABS production in heat – treated microsomes (3 min at 45 °C) correlated significantly with testosterone 6β‐hydroxylation (CYP3A4; P < 0.05) and band intensities on Western blots probed with an antibody selective for 3A4 (P < 0.05). Recombinant human CYP3 A4, CYP1A2 and FMO3 produced ABS in greater quantities than control microsomes, with those expressing CYP3A4 producing threefold more ABS than those expressing CYP1A2. Kinetic studies showed the Km values obtained with both CYP3A4 and FMO3 were similar.

Conclusions
 We conclude that the production of ABS in human liver is mediated via both FMO and CYP, principally CYP3A4, with the CYP component being the major contributor.
Über die Morphogenese der Glandulae submucosae des Rindes (Bos primigenius f. taurus)
Authors: Winkler Fr. , Wille K. H.
Published: March 2003

Morphogenesis of the bovine submucosal glands (Bos primigenius f. taurus)

In the 10th week of gestation the development of duodenal glands in the bovine intestinum starts by circumscript epithelial proliferation. Their secretory channels are in contact with the crypts. Already in the early fetal stage ultrastructurally there are an inconspicuous equipment with organelles in the apical cytoplasm and single globular granules, which demonstrate the differentiation of epithelial cells into duodenal glandular cells. Until the mid‐point of the pregnancy the granular endoplasmic reticulum strongly develops as a condition for the impressive increase in the formation of the prosecretory granules. Finally, in the second half of the pregnancy, granules varying in structure and electronic density, but mostly showing an intensively osmiophilic and fine granular material, are the predominant cytoplasmic structures. Like in goblet cells capsulated vacuoles seem to play a role in the formation of the secretory granules.

Recent, extensive studies concerning our results have been discussed.
Proportions of Various Endocrine Cells in the Pancreatic Islets of Wood Mice (Apodemus speciosus)
Authors: Yukawa M. , Takeuchi T. , Watanabe T. , KITAMURA S.
Published: March 2003

Using wood mice (Apodemus speciosus) captured in the wild in Niigata, we analysed the proportion of various endocrine cells in pancreatic islets for both immunohistochemical and microscopic characteristics. In both the dorsal and ventral portions of the pancreas, the centre of the pancreatic islets was occupied predominantly by insulin‐positive (B) cells, surrounded by glucagon‐positive (A), somatostatin‐positive (D), and pancreatic‐polypeptide‐positive (PP) cells. Although the proportions of the various endocrine cells in pancreatic islets varied from one mouse to the next, in most animals B cells accounted for more than half of all endocrine cells. Dorsal and ventral portions of the pancreas differed in the proportions of various endocrine cells, specifically, in the A‐to‐PP cell ratio: the proportion of PP cells was higher in the ventral portion. The same tendency is seen in humans, rats and mice. Microscopic examinations revealed morphologically distinct secretory granules in A, B and D cells. The morphology of these granules was similar that of secretory granules found in rats and mice.
Ultrastructure of the Thyroid Gland of the One‐humped Camel (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Atoji Y. , Yamamoto Y. , Suzuki Y. , Sayed R.
Published: March 2003

Follicular epithelium of the thyroid gland of the one‐humped camel was examined by light and electron microscopy. It consisted of a single type of epithelial cell which varied from flattened to columnar in shape. Follicular epithelial cells were characterized by the presence of markedly dilated cisternae of rough‐surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, well developed Golgi apparatus, abundant small vesicles (150 nm to 200 nm in diameter) in the apical cytoplasm, and electron‐dense colloid droplets measuring from 250 nm to 1600 nm. Follicular epithelial cells frequently showed apocrine secretion into colloidal lumens. Apocrine protrusions with smooth surface were dome‐like or balloon‐like structures and contained a fine granular matrix. These findings indicate that the morphological features of the follicular epithelial cells of the thyroid gland of the camel are essentially similar to those of mammals except for the presence of apocrine secretion, which is unique to the camel.
Further Observations on the Presence of Ganglion Cells in the Oculomotor Nerves of Mammals and Fish: Number, Origin and Probable Functions
Authors: Palmieri G. , Minelli L. Bo , Acone F. , Corriero A. , Sanna M. , Gazza F. , Zedda M. , Panu R. , De Metrio AndG.
Published: March 2003

The oculomotor nerves (3rd, 4th and 6th) of some species of fish and mammals have been studied to establish the presence, number, true topography and probable functional role of the ganglion cells located along the trunk. The finding of typical pseudo‐unipolar ganglion cells is always unpredictable and extremely variable, from an inter‐ and intra‐specific point of view, in members of the two zoological classes studied.
The Nuclei Innervating Digastric Muscle do not Project to the Hypoglossal Nucleus in the Rat
Authors: Kang T. ‐C. , Lee B. H. , Seo J. , Song S. H. , Kim J. S. , Won M. H. , Lee I. S. , Lee H. S.
Published: March 2003

We employed the retrograde neural tracing method using the pseudorabies virus bartha strain (PRV‐Ba) to investigate the projection from accessory trigeminal nucleus (Acc5) or accessary facial nucleus (Acc7) to hypoglossal nucleus (HP). After injection of PRV‐Ba into the bellies of the digastric muscle, the PRV‐Ba containing neurones were observed in Acc5 of the cranial belly injected rats and Acc7 of caudal belly injected rats ipsilaterally, but not in HP. These results suggest that Acc5 and Acc7 may not project to HP and that movements of the digastric muscle are not related to cooperation with tongue movements during mastication.
The Coexistence of Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide and Substance P in Pericellular Arborization and Satellite Cell of Goat Trigeminal and Nodose Ganglia
Authors: Kang T. ‐C. , Seo J. , Song S. H. , Kim Y. W. , Yi S. ‐J. , Kim J. S. , Won M. H. , Lee I. S. , Lee H. S.
Published: March 2003

Pericellular arborization is reported to be the self‐regulating structure in sensory ganglia. Although the calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) or substance P (SP) immunoreactive pericellular arborization appeared in the sensory ganglia, there was no available information that CGRP and SP colocalize in this structure. As the attempts to resolve the question described above, the present study was undertaken to identify the coexistence of CGRP and SP in pericellular arborizations of the goat nodose and trigeminal ganglia by double immunohistochemistry. As the results show, CGRP immunoreactivity was present in every pericellular arborization containing SP immunoreactivity in trigeminal ganglia, however, pericellular network containing CGRP or SP immunoreactivity was not present in nodose ganglia. Unexpectedly, a few small satellite elements were observed to contain intense CGRP and SP immunoreactivity at the periphery of CGRP and SP immunoreactive neurones in nodose ganglia. Therefore, these results suggest that CGRP and SP coexsit in pericellular arborizations, and that satellite cell as well as pericellular arborization may be involved in intraganglionic regulation of goat sensory ganglia.
The Distribution of Renin in the Segments of the Renal Arterial Tree in Cats: An Immunohistochemical and Ultrastructural Study
Authors: Taugner F. , Krefft G.
Published: March 2003

The intrarenal distribution of renin in the cat kidney was evaluated in a semi‐quantitative immunocytochemical study using a cross‐reacting antiserum directed against purified renin. In addition, the morphology of the juxtaglomerular apparatus was studied electron‐microscopically. The majoritiy of renin in the cat kidney was located in the distal portion of the afferent arteriole. The values for the juxtaglomerular index and the renin‐positive portion of the afferent arteriole were 30.6 ± 3.2% and 49.9 ± 8.3 μm, respectively. In addition, scattered renin‐positive cells were found far from the vascular pole and even in the interlobular artery. Also, some vasa efferentia contained renin‐positive cells. In 70% of the cats studied, renin‐positive cells were located in the glomerular mesangium. The majority of the renin‐positive mesangial cells were located in the vicinity of the glomerular stalk, but in some cases the centrilobular mesangium also contained renin‐positive cells.
Relationships between Kidney Mass and Body Size in some Anseriformes
Authors: Kalisińska E. , Dańczak A. , Pierko M. , Wysocki D.
Published: March 2003

Relationships between kidney mass (KM) and body mass (BM), body length (BL), and sternum length (SL) were studied in adults of both sexes of 4 Mergini anseriforms: Clangula hyemalis (n = 74), Melanitta fusca (n = 29), M. nigra (n = 15), and Somateria mollissima (n = 8). The following indices were established for the four species and for the Mergini tribe: KM/BM (as per cent body mass), KM/BL, and KM/SL. Additionally, allometric equations describing the relationships studied were developed for the tribe using mean kidney weights and body parameters of males and females of the species examined. The KM/BM indices for several anseriform tribes (i.e. Anserini, Anatini, Aythyini and Mergini), differing in food and feeding modes, were determined, based on the literature data and those obtained in this study. In addition, an allometric equation describing the kidney weight–body weight relationship in the Anseriformes order was developed as log KM = 0.797 log BM−1.346 (n = 22). The relative kidney size in the sea duck species studied showed significant intra‐ and interspecific differences. In addition, clear between‐tribes differences in KM/BM were revealed. The highest value (1.57 %) of the index is typical of the Mergini, grouping diving carnivorous sea ducks, while the lowest index (0.65 %) is typical of the Anserini, a tribe which groups non‐diving herbivorous birds.
Die Arteriae und Venae pulmonales des Miniaturschweins, zugleich eine grundsätzliche Betrachtung ihrer Stütz‐ und Haltefunktion für die Lunge*
Authors: Vollmerhaus B. , Roos H. , Tröger U.
Published: March 2003

Aa. and Vv. pulmonales of the miniature pig and a common view of their supportive function in the lung

With respect to distribution and flow, the Vasa pulmonalia resemble those of the normal grown domestic pig to a great extent. The present article investigates whether, like the human lung (Hayek, 1970), the arrangement of the blood vessels has a function over and above that of directing blood; that is to say, a mechanical function. The arteries through which the blood streams act as flexible supporting structures, and the veins as elastic holding structures, for the quadrupede animal also.
Das postnatale Wachstum des Skeletts und der Körpermasse beim Beagle
Authors: Salomon F. ‐V. , Schulze A. , B U. , öhme . , Arnold U. , Gericke A. , Gille U.
Published: March 2003

The postnatal skeletal and body weight growth of the beagleGrowth of beagles is described on the basis of body weight and 14 bone measures. Eighteen male and 19 female dogs were investigated at 14 different ages from birth to the 13th month of life. Characteristics of the growth curves were evaluated using the modified Janoschek growth curve. For the classification into dwarfish, low, normal, big and gigantic growth, the growth curves are presented with percentiles. The arithmetic means and standard deviations for both sexes are presented in tables. Additionally, the degrees of maturity at birth (relative proportion of final weight or bone measure), the point of inflection for the growth curve, the times to grow to 50 and 95% of the final measures, and the asymptotic measures are also presented in tables. Sex differences in growth for the body weight and bone measures are discussed. Growth differences between large and small dog breeds are considered. The conclusion is drawn that the feeding of dogs has to be adapted to the growth course.
Arteries of the Carotid Body in Rats
Authors: Unur E. , Aycan K.
Published: March 2003

The arterial blood supply of 40 carotid bodies in 20 Wistar rats of both sexes, aged 10–12 weeks (250–350 g), was examined by light microscopy. The carotid bodies of all rats were supplied by only one carotid body artery. The average diameter of the carotid body arteries was 40 μm. This artery arose either from the external carotid artery (97.5%) or the occipital artery (2.5%). There was an intimal cushion at the origin of the carotid body artery. The carotid body artery, after reaching the caudal pole of the carotid body, divided into the first‐order branch. In the carotid body, the paranchyma was divided into the second‐order branch. The carotid body artery was of the muscular type.
Die Vasa pulmonalia der Hausziege
Authors: Roos H. , Hegner K. , Vollmerhaus B.
Published: March 2003

The vasa pulmonalia of the goat

The blood vessels in the lung of the goat, which until now have received little attention, are described in detail for the first time. With regard to the segments of the lung, blood vessels are bronchovascular units in the lobi craniales, lobus medius and lobus accessorius, but bronchoartery units in the lobi caudales. We investigated the types of branches of the Aa. pulmonales dextra et sinistra, the inter‐ and intraspecific principles of the outlet of the pulmonary veins and the importance of bronchopulmonary segmentation of the lungs.
Localization of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate R1 Receptor in the Pituitary Gland of Immature Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Holloway A. C. , Lin L. , Leatherland J. F.
Published: March 2003

A study was conducted on the selective immunostaining of pituitary cells and pars nervosa of immature rainbow trout by antibody raised against the R1 subunit of the rat ionotropic N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor. In the pars distalis, the mammotrophs of the rostral pars distalis exhibited the most marked imunoreactivity, with the somatotrophs of the proximal pars distalis showing a consistently lower degree of immunoreactivity. No imunoreactivity was associated with the corticotrophs, thyrotrophs or gonadotrophs. In the pars intermedia, the melanotrophs showed no evidence of immunoreactivity, whereas the putative somatomammotrophs exhibited a wide inter‐animal range of immunoreactivity. Some imunostaining was also evident in the anterior and posterior part of the pars nervosa, at the interface of the pars distalis or pars intermedia with the pars nervosa.
Characterization and Distribution of B Cells in the Lymphoid Organs of Goats
Authors: Pallarés F. J. , Seva J. , Bernabé A. , G M. A. , ómez . , Navarro J. A.
Published: March 2003

The distribution of B cells in the lymphoid organs of the goat was studied using a panel of 13 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) developed against different markers for bovine B cells. Samples of mesenteric lymph nodes, jejunal and ileal Peyer’s patches, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, caecum and rectum were taken from four 7‐month‐old male Murciano‐granadina goats using the avidin‐biotin‐peroxidase (ABC) method on frozen sections as described by Hsu et al. (1981). The mAbs against immunoglobulins (Ig) recognized a large number of cells, particularly in the light zones of the germinative centres of the lymphoid follicles, regardless of the isotype against which they were directed. However, the greatest numbers of B cells in the germinative centres and outer coronas of the lymphoid follicles of the lymph node, spleen and Peyer’s patches were recognized by mAbs against the Lλ chain of Ig and against IgM. This was also the case in other locations where B cells were abundant, such as the medulla of the lymph node and the dome of the Peyer’s patches. These mAbs recognized not only B lymphocytes but also plasma cells, showing an intracytoplasmatic reaction (numerous in the spleen red pulp and the intestinal lamina propria when mAbs were used against the Lλ chain of the Ig, scarce in the intestinal lamina propria when used against IgM and scarce in spleen red pulp and numerous in the intestinal lamina propria when mAbs against IgA were used). The mAbs BAQ44 A, GC65 A and GB25 A are of interest because, besides marking cells in the B areas where lymphocytes show surface Ig, they give a positive reaction in areas where there are Ig− cells (the dark zone of the germinative centre) and do not immunostain plasma cells. Thus, these mAbs recognize a surface marker which is not an Ig.
Angiogenesis in the Bovine Corpus Luteum: An Immunocytochemical and Ultrastructural Study*
Authors: Amselgruber W. M. , Schäfer M. , Sinowatz F.
Published: March 2003

Immediately after ovulation a neovascular response occurs at the level of the theca interna. Pericytes and endothelial cells of post‐capillary venules locally remodel the surrounding stroma, elongate and migrate into the avascular granulosa folds of the ruptured follicle. In order to examine the composition of the extracellular matrix as well as the growth characteristics of these newly formed vessels, we used immunohistochemical and electron microscopic methods. Initial sprouts were characterized by the appearance of a fibrillary network of fibronectin along the main axis of the sprout. Type IV collagen stained weakly and extracellular deposits of laminin were amorphous and patchy around immature capillary sprouts. In advanced maturational stages of the sprouts the capillaries were surrounded by increased deposits of fibronectin, whereas laminin and type IV collagen displayed a distinct and well‐developed line around endothelial cells and pericytes. These observations indicate that the microvascular extracellular matrix undergoes a series of quantitative rather than qualitative changes during capillary development before achieving final maturation. Ultrastructural analyses showed that early capillary sprouts in the bovine corpus luteum were usually preceded by pericytes migrating at the tips of the sprouts. Endothelial cells comigrated in cohesive cylindrical projections, forming immediately a slit‐like lumen which satisfies the criteria of the intercellular canalization type. Pericytes at the tips of endothelial sprouts exhibited a slender, bipolar morphology and were regularly surrounded by fragmented basal lamina, which is well‐developed around pericytes in a more proximal position of the sprout. The regular association of pericytes with the leading front of the capillary sprouts suggests that these cell types may serve as guiding structures aiding outgrowth of endothelial cells in the bovine corpus luteum.
Structure and Vascularization of the Ventricular Myocardium of Piaractus mesopotamicus and Clarias gariepinus (Teleostei)
Authors: Simoes K. , Vicentini C. A. , Da Cruz C. , Benetti E. J.
Published: March 2003

The structural characteristics of the ventricular myocardium and the arterial distribution of the ventricular wall were studied in two freshwater teleost fish species (Piaractus mesopotamicus and Clarias gariepinus). The ventricular myocardium consists of two distinct layers, an external compact layer and an internal spongy layer. In Piaractus mesopotamicus the compact layer contains fibres with an external longitudinal arrangement and an internal circular arrangement. The arterial vascularization of the compact layer is provided by subepicardial vessels and their ramifications in both species.
The Modulation of Gonadotrophic Hormone Action on the Ovary by Paracrine and Autocrine Factors
Authors: Campbell B. K.
Published: March 2003

It has been hypothesized that the physiological basis of follicle selection is the differential expression of factors, which modulate the action of gonadotrophins on follicular cells, at key points during the process of follicle development. The aim of this research was to test this hypothesis by identifying factors that can enhance or attenuate the action of the gonadotrophins in stimulating follicle development using both in vivo and in vitro models. Experiments in vivo utilized sheep with an ovarian autotransplant to allow intra‐arterial infusion of putative local factors and exposure of the ovary to high local concentrations. Experiments in vitro utilized physiological serum‐free cell culture systems for both granulosa and theca cells that allow gonadotrophin‐induced differentiation in vitro. The putative local factors tested included insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I LR3 analogue), transforming growth factor α (TGFα) or epidermal growth factor (EGF) and inhibin A. IGF‐I stimulated both cellular proliferation and hormone production by both granulosa and theca cells in vitro and similarly stimulated ovarian follicle development and ovarian androgen and oestradiol secretion in vivo. Both TGFα and EGF stimulated granulosa and thecal cell proliferation in vitro in a dose‐responsive manner and concomitantly inhibited hormone production, whereas intra‐arterial infusion of TGFαin vivo resulted in induction of atresia in large antral follicles and an acute fall in ovarian hormone secretion. Inhibin A in vitro augmented gonadotrophin stimulated androgen and oestradiol production by thecal and granulosa cells, respectively, but had no effect on cell number. Paradoxically, intra‐arterial infusion of inhibin A resulted in an acute depression in ovarian steroid secretion. This depression, however, was also associated with an acute depression in circulating FSH concentrations. In conclusion, these data provide strong support for the hypothesis that factors can modulate the action of gonadotrophins on follicular cells to augment (IGF‐I, inhibin A) or inhibit (TGFα/EGF) granulosa and thecal cell differentiation. The challenge for the future in this area of research is to understand how these factors interact to enable one follicle to be selected from an ovulatory cohort.