Betaine addition to the diet alleviates intestinal injury in growing rabbits during the summer heat through the AAT/mTOR pathway

Background The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of different levels of betaine(Bet)inclusion in the diet on the intestinal health of growing rabbits under summer heat.A total of 100 weaned Qixing meat rabbits aged 35 d with body weight of 748.61±38.59 g were randomly divided into 5 treatment groups:control group(basal diet)and Bet groups(basal diet+0.75,1.0,1.5 or 2.0 g/kg Bet).The average daily temperature in the rabbitry during the experiment was 30.48°C and the relative humidity was 69.44%.Results Dietary addition of Bet had no significant effect on growth performance and health status of growing rabbits(P>0.05),but it increased ileal secretory immunoglobulin A content compared to the control under summer heat(P<0.05).Addition of 0.75 g/kg Bet up-regulated jejunal IL-4,down-regulated ileal TNF-αexpression(P<0.05).The addition of 1.0 g/kg Bet increased the villi height(VH)in the jejunum(P<0.05).Serum glucose levels were reduced,and the expression of SLC6A20 was up-regulated in jejunum and ileum of rabbits fed with 1.5 g/kg Bet(P<0.05).When added at 2.0 g/kg,Bet reduced serum HSP70 content,increased jejunal VH,and up-regulated duodenal SLC7A6,SLC38A2,mTOR and 4EBP-2 expression(P<0.05).Correlation analysis revealed that intestinal mTOR expression was significantly and positively correlated with SLC7A6,SLC38A2,SLC36A1 and IL-4 expression(P<0.05).Conclusions Dietary addition of Bet can up-regulate the expression of anti-inflammatory factors through the AAT/mTOR pathway,improve the intestinal immune function,alleviate intestinal damage in growing rabbits caused by summer heat,and improve intestinal health.

Genome-edited rabbits:Unleashing the potential of a promising experimental animal model across diverse diseases

Animal models are extensively used in all aspects of biomedical research,with substantial contributions to our understanding of diseases,the development of pharmaceuticals,and the exploration of gene functions.The field of genome modification in rabbits has progressed slowly.However,recent advancements,particularly in CRISPR/Cas9-related technologies,have catalyzed the successful development of various genome-edited rabbit models to mimic diverse diseases,including cardiovascular disorders,immunodeficiencies,agingrelated ailments,neurological diseases,and ophthalmic pathologies.These models hold great promise in advancing biomedical research due to their closer physiological and biochemical resemblance to humans compared to mice.This review aims to summarize the novel gene-editing approaches currently available for rabbits and present the applications and prospects of such models in biomedicine,underscoring their impact and future potential in translational medicine.

Intravitreal slow-release dexamethasone alleviates traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy by inhibiting persistent inflammation and Müller cell gliosis in rabbits

AIM:To evaluate the effects of intravitreal slow-release dexamethasone on traumatic proliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR)and Müller cell gliosis and preliminarily explored the possible inflammatory mechanism in a rabbit model induced by penetrating ocular trauma.METHODS:Traumatic PVR was induced in the right eyes of pigmented rabbits by performing an 8-mm circumferential scleral incision placed 2.5 mm behind the limbus,followed by treatment with a slow-release dexamethasone implant(Ozurdex)or sham injection.Left eyes were used as normal controls.The intraocular pressure(IOP)was monitored using an iCare tonometer.PVR severity was evaluated via anatomical and histopathological examinations every week for 6wk;specific inflammatory cytokine and proliferative marker levels were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,Western blot,protein chip analysis,or immunofluorescence staining.RESULTS:During the observation period,PVR severity gradually increased.Intense Müller cell gliosis was observed in the peripheral retina near the wound and in the whole retina of PVR group.Ozurdex significantly alleviated PVR development and Müller cell gliosis.Post-traumatic inflammation fluctuated and was persistent.The interleukin-1β(IL-1β)mRNA level was significantly upregulated,peaking on day 3 and increasing again on day 21 after injury.The expression of nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)showed a similar trend that began earlier than that of IL-1βexpression.Ozurdex suppressed the expression of IL-1β,NLRP3,and phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB).The average IOP after treatment was within normal limits.CONCLUSION:The present study demonstrates chronic and fluctuating inflammation in a traumatic PVR rabbit model over 6wk.Ozurdex treatment significantly inhibites inflammatory cytokines expression and Müller cell gliosis,and thus alleviates PVR severity.This study highlights the important role of IL-1β,and Ozurdex inhibites inflammation presumably via the NF-κB/NLRP3/IL-1βinflammatory axis.In summary,Ozurdex provides a potential therapeutic option for traumatic PVR.

Effect of taxifolin on cold-shock damages in spermatozoa in rabbits

Objective:To investigate the effect of taxifolin added to rabbit semen on freezing-induced cold-shock damages in spermatozoa.Methods:Semen was collected from six adult New Zealand rabbits once a week by artificial vagina.The collected semen was pooled at 38℃ and divided into four equal volumes.They were diluted with 0,50,100 and 200μM taxifolin-containing Tris+egg yolk extender at 38℃ and their temperatures were lowered to 4℃.Following equilibration,semen drawn into 0.25 mL straws were frozen in an automatic semen freezing device and stored in liquid nitrogen container at-196℃.Samples were thawed in 38℃ water for 25 s and the analyses of motility,kinematic parameters,morphological deformities,changes in membrane integrity,mitochondrial membrane potential,dead-live ratio,acrosomal damages and as well as oxidative stress analyses were performed in semen.Results:Addition of 50μM taxifolin significantly improved motility(total,progressive,rapid and static),high mitochondrial membrane potential and the ratios of spermatozoa with acrosomal damage compared to the control group.Compared to the control group,malondialdehyde(MDA)levels in the 50 and 100μM taxifolin groups were significantly lower,while the MDA level was high and viable spermatozoa ratio was low in the 200μM taxifolin group.There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of kinematic parameters,morphological deformities,membrane integrity and antioxidant levels.Conclusions:The low dose of taxifolin(50μM)has a positive effect and the high dose(200μM)has a negative effect.Therefore,it is concluded that the addition of low-dose(50μM)taxifolin to the extenders would be a useful additive in reducing cold-shock damage that occurs during freezing of rabbit semen.

A novel approach for 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy to evaluate vitreous substitutes in rabbits

AIM:To improve the standard three-port vitrectomy for establishing and evaluating an endotamponade model in rabbits.METHODS:Three ports were prepared near the third eyelid of rabbits,and the infusion port was placed at the inferior nasal quadrant with the inserted cannula linking with a self-designed handheld rigid infusion catheter.All right eyes of rabbits underwent a modified 25-gauge vitrectomy and were subsequently filled with balanced salt solution,silicone oil,and eight-arm polyethylene glycols(8-arm PEGs)hydrogel separately for comparison.Ophthalmic examinations were performed regularly to record the changes after the surgery.RESULTS:Successful vitrectomy was achieved among 44 chinchilla rabbits.The mean operation time was 4.51±1.25min.Four eyes(9.1%)presented limited lens touch and two eyes(4.5%)showed retinal touch during surgery.Incision leakage was found in three eyes(6.8%)after surgery.There was no endophthalmitis,hemorrhage,or retinal detachment during the observation period and ophthalmic examinations after the implantation of vitreous substitutes.CONCLUSION:The modified technique of the standard vitrectomy applied in the endotamponade model in rabbits shows excellent safety and practicality.

Analysis and Identification of miRNA Expression in the Skeletal Muscle of Sichuan White Rabbits

[Objectives]miRNAs play an important role in the proliferation and differentiation of different myoblasts.This study was conducted to elucidate the complex genetic mechanisms that affect the meat production performance of Sichuan white rabbits and reveal the regulatory role of miRNAs in their muscle growth and meat quality formation.[Methods]Three constructed skeletal muscle libraries of Sichuan white rabbits aged six months were sequenced by the solexa technology to identify known miRNAs,predict new miRNAs and construct an expression profile of muscle miRNAs.[Results]A total of 511 known miRNAs and 42 miRNAs were detected in 34089472 pure sequences,and the proportion of miRNAs with a length of 22 nt was the highest.The number of known miRNA sequences accounted for 71.38%of pure sequences,which was much higher than the proportion of other types of RNAs.The proportion of sequences from exons was 0.38%,indicating a low degree of mRNA degradation in the samples.Base U had the highest proportion at the first position,and the bases with the highest proportions at positions 8 and 10 were U and A,respectively.Muscle-specific miRNAs(miR-1,miR-133,and miR-206)ranked in the top 10 in terms of expression level.The number and expression levels of new miRNAs were lower than those of known miRNAs.The length distribution,base bias at different positions and expression profile characteristics of miRNAs might be related to the biological function of miRNAs in regulating muscle proliferation and differentiation and the action mechanisms with target genes.[Conclusions]The identification and expression of miRNAs in muscle tissues of Sichuan white rabbits will help to understand the complex molecular mechanisms of meat production performance and provide a theoretical basis for the functional research of miRNAs in meat rabbits.

Experimental Study on the Repair Effect of Xianlinggubao Capsule on Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture in Rabbits

[Objectives]To observe the effect of Xianlinggubao Capsule on osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture(OVCF)in rabbits and the influence mechanism of the repair of fractures.[Methods]Female June age 30 rabbits were randomly divided into control group,model control group and Xianlinggubao group.After bilateral ovariectomy,the model control group and Xianlinggubao group were injected with dexamethasone continuously for 4 weeks,and then the OVCF compound model was established by surgery.The Xianlinggubao group was treated with Xianlinggubao at a dose of 300 mg/(kg·d)for 60 d,while the blank control group and the model control group were treated with the same amount of normal saline for 60 d.The number of blood vessels and the expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2)were detected by immunohistochemical staining and the bone mineral density(BMD)in the callus of the third lumbar fracture area of rabbits was measured.The content of serum phosphorus(P),alkaline phosphatase(ALP)and total calcium(TCa)in rabbit venous blood were measured by automatic biochemical analyzer.The content of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and platelet-derived growth factor(PDGF)in rabbit venous blood were measured by ELISA kit.[Results]The number of blood vessels and the expression of BMP-2 in the callus of the third lumbar fracture area of rabbits was high in Xianlinggubao group,the content of serum P,ALP,TCa,VEGF and PDGF was obviously increased,BMD was obviously increased,the bone microstructure of the third lumbar vertebrae fracture area of rabbits was basically restored.Compared with the model control group(P<0.05),the difference was statistically significant.[Conclusions]Xianlinggubao Capsule can increase calcium and phosphorus deposition,promote the formation of blood vessels in the fracture area of OVCF in rabbits,and have a strong repair effect on OVCF in rabbits.

Pharmacokinetics of Junmie for Novel Antibacterial Medicine in Rabbits

[Objective] The paper presents the pharmacokinetics of Junmie in healthy rabbits and thus provides a basis for its rational application. [ Method] HPLC method was developed to detect the concentration of Junmie with benzoyl ciprofloxacin as internal standard. After the healthy rab bits was respectively injected Junmie intravenously and intramuscularly, plasma concentration after injection was detected with the established HPLC method so as to determine the best pharmacokinetic model. [Result] The conditions of HPLC were as follows： mobile phase was 100 ml 60% （V/V） methanol solution （pH 3.0） ; flow rate was 1.0 mVmin; column temperature was （25.0 ±0.5） ℃; detection wavelength was 278 nm. The concentration time data of the plasma, collected from intravenously and intramuscularly injected rabbits, was separately in line with the two com partments and one compartment open model with the first order absorption. The main pharmacokinetic parameters of the plasma sample （ i. v. ） were as below： T1/2= = 0.07 h, T1/2 = 0.82 h, AUC = 3.51 mg/（L . h）, CLB = 4.57 L/（kg . h） ; the plasma sample （i. m. ） ： T1/2 = 0.33 h, T1/2k = 0.33 h, Tp = 0.6 h, Cmax = 2.55 μg/ml, AUC = 4.87 mg/（L . h）. The bioavailability was approximately 110%. [Conclusion] After intra muscular administration, Junmie is absorbed and eliminated quickly with high bioavallability and extensive distribution.

Methionine Levels in the Diet for Pregnant Female Rabbits Affects Hair Follicles Development of Baby Rabbits

[ Objective] This experiment was conducted to study methionine level in diet for prepnant famale rabbits on the development of hair follicles of baby rabbits. [ Method] Fifty-four Angora female rabbits with similar body weight, parities and historicaly hair yield were randomly assigned to three groups with eighteen replicates in each group and one rabbit per replicate. Rabbits during pregnancy were fed diets with 0.5!%, 0.71% and 0.91% methionine, respectively. Hair follicle density and diameter in the back skin were determined at 18-day fetus. 26-day fetus, newborn and 2- month-old,and hair fiber diameter at 2-month-old was also determined. [ Result] The results showed as follows： （1） hair follicle density and diameter at each stage,coarse hair fiber diameter at 2-month. old showed a tendency of increasing with dietary methionine level（ P 〉0.05）, fine hair diameter in 0.91% group was significantly larger than that in 0.51% group at 2-month-old （ P 〈 0.05）. （2） With the development of baby rabbit,the ratio of secondary follicle and primary follicle increased gradually, at newborn of rabbits in group 0.51%, 0.71% and 0.91%were 5.84, 5.56 and 5.81, respectively, and at 2-month-old were 8.47, 7.97 and 8.03, respectively. （3） Baby rabbits in group 0.51%, 0.71% and 0.91% gained increases of primary follicle diameter by 0.58, 0.57 and 0.61pm/d from 26-day fetus to birth, and 0.11,0.11 and 0.12 prn/d from birth to 2-month-old, re- spectively; they also gained increases on secondary follicle diameter by 0.0018,0. 012 and 0. 011prn/d from birth to 2-months-old, respectively. [ Conclusion] These results indicate that increase of methionine level in diet for female rabbits during pregnancy is a stimulation factor for the development of hair follicle of baby rabbits, and can improve their hair fiber diameter.

Comparison of Soleus Muscle Fibers in Rats and Rabbits at Different Stages of Postnatal Development

In the present study,the effects of postnatal development on the number and distribution of skeletal muscle fibers of different types in hind leg of rat and rabbit were studied.The soleus muscles of rats aged 2 days,2,4,6,8,and 10 weeks (body weight 10,32,95,190,280,and 320 g),and rabbits aged 2 days,2,4,8,12,16,20,and 24 weeks (body weight 100,220,400,750,1 200,1 600,2 100,and 2 500 g) were stained with succinic dehydrogenase.With an image analysis system,the X-Y coordinates of fibers were used to analyze the growth-related changes.The results of present study showed that three types of fibers were found in the soleus muscles of rat and rabbit,i.e.,type Ⅰ (slow oxidative),ⅡX (fast oxidative),and ⅡA (fast oxidative glycolytic).The type Ⅰ fibers were present throughout the muscle that had a uniform distribution and tended to increase in number with aging.Type ⅡX fibers were scattered throughout the muscle and decreased markedly in number with aging.Type ⅡA fibers were located at the central and deep regions,and showed a little or no change in number and distribution with aging.While be of age,type ⅡA and ⅡX fibers became restricted to the superficial region.No type ⅡB fibers were detected.Type ⅡA fibers had the largest diameter,type Ⅰ intermediate and type ⅡX the smallest.Mean cross-sectional area of each type fibers of rabbits was larger than that of rats.The present results indicate that the number and distribution of muscle fibers of different types in hind limb of rat and rabbit change with the process of postnatal growth.

Effects of octreotide on acute necrotizing pancreatitis in rabbits

AIM:To assess the role of oxygen-derived free radicals and cytokines in the pathogenesis of taurocholic acid-induced acute pancreatitis,and to evaluate the preventive effects of octreotide towards the development of acute pancreatitis. METHODS:Acute pancreatitis was induced in male New Zealand white rabbits by retrograde injection of 0.8 mL/kg·b.m,of 50 g/L sodium taurocholate (NaTC) in the pancreatic duct.Sham- operated animals served as control.Octreotide i mg/kg·b.m. was administered subcutaneously before the induction of pancreatitis.Blood was taken from the jugular vein before and at 1,3,6,12 and 24 h after pancreatitis induction. Serum activities of amylase,IL-6 and TNF-α and levels of malonyl dialdehyde (MDA),glutathione (GSH),glutathione peroxidase (GPx),catalase and superoxide dismutase (Mn-, Cu-,and Zn-SOD) in pancreatic tissue were measured. RESULTS:Serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels increased significantly 3 h after the onset of pancreatitis,and then returned to control level.The tissue concentration of MDA was significantly elevated at 24 h,while the GSH level and GP-x,catalase,Mn-SOD,Cu-,Zn-SOD activities were all significantly decreased in animals with pancreatitis as compared to the control.Octreotide pretreatmnent significantly reversed the changes in cytokines and reactive oxygen metabolites.Octreotide treatment did not alter the serum amylase activity and did not have any beneficial effects on the development of histopathological changes. CONCLUSION:Oxygen-derived free radicals and proinflammatory cytokines are generated at an early stage of NaTc-induced acute pancreatitis in rabbits.Prophylactic octreotide treatment can prevent release of cytokines and generation of reactive oxygen metabolites,but does not have any beneficial effects on the development of necrotizing pancreatitis.

Effect of vasectomy via inguinal canal on spermatogenesis in rabbits

Aim： To determine whether vasectomy away from the epididymal tail （via the inguinal canal） in rabbits can reduce the early postoperative effects on spermatogenesis. Methods： Twenty-nine normal male Japanese white rabbits （aged 4- 6 months） were subjected to unilateral close-ended （conventional） or open-ended （the cut end of the juxta-epididymal vas deferens not ligated） vasectomy via the inguinal canal. Ten days and 3 months after operation, testes, epididymides and vasa deferentia were removed and methacrylate resin-embedded sections prepared. The histology of the testis, epididymis and vas deferens was examined under light microscope, and the volume and diameter of the seminiferous tubules were quantitatively studied using stereological methods. Results： Neither of the methods of vasectomy led to apparent damage to spermatogenesis on the vasectomized side in comparison with the contralateral shamoperated side, but the juxta-epididymal vas deferens on the vasectomized side was highly distended and contained numerous sperm 3 months after operation. Conclusion： Vasectomy away from the cauda epididymis has no significant early postoperative effects on spermatogenesis in rabbits.

Overexpression of hepatic plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 mRNA in rabbits with fatty liver

INTRODUCTIONPlasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 ( PAI-I ), an approximately Mr 50000 glycoprotein, is the major physiological inhibitor of plasminogen activators. It is not only the priming factor for atherosclerosis and coronary thrombosis[1-3] , but also participates in the genesis of chronic hepatitis and liver fibrosis[4-11] . However, there has been no available report yet about the research of hepatic PAl-1 gene expression in hyperlipidemia and fatty liver. The present study aimed to explore the change of hepatic PAl-1 mRNA and its plasma activity by means of animal model.

Blood perfusion of the contralateral testis evaluated with contrast-enhanced ultrasound in rabbits with unilateral testicular torsion

The changes of blood perfusion of contralateral testis after unilateral testicular torsion remain controversial.In this study,28 New Zealand white male rabbits were randomly divided into five groups.Group A(n=8),the control group,underwent a sham operation on the unilateral testis without inducing testicular torsion.In groups B,C,and D(n=5 each),unilateral testicular torsion was induced,and,after 3,6 or 24 h,respectively,detorsion was performed.In group E(n=5),permanent unilateral testicular torsion was applied.Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used to observe the blood perfusion of the contralateral testis at the following stages:pre-torsion(preopration),immediately post-torsion(postopration),pre-detorsion,immediately post-detorsion,and late-stage post-detorsion(6-12 h post-detorsion in groups B-D)or at a similar time point(15-21 h post-torsion in group E).Time-intensity curves were generated,and the following parameters were derived and analyzed:arrival time,time to peak intensity,peak intensity,and half-time of the descending peak intensity.The analysis revealed that blood perfusion of the contralateral testis increased immediately after testicular torsion on the opposite side(P<0.05),which increased with prolonged testicular torsion of the other testis.This research demonstrated that contrast-enhanced ultrasound was valuable in evaluating blood perfusion of the contralateral testis after unilateral testicular torsion.

Protective effect of YHI and HHI-I against experimental acute pancreatitis in rabbits

AIM To observe the protective effect of combined i.v. administration of Yuanhu injection (YHI) and Huoxuehuayu injection I (HHI I) against acute pancreatitis (AP) in rabbits. METHODS Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) was induced by retrograde infusion of artificial bile juice into biliary pancreatic duct, and treated with YHI and HHI I intravenously. The protective effect was judged by the survival time and rate, serum amylase, serum interleukin 6, pancreatic microcirculation and pathological alteration. RESULTS Combined use of YHI and HHI I could markedly increase the rabbits′ 5 day survival rate after AP (83 3% in the treatment group and 33 3% in control). The serum amylase value ( ±s ) decreased to 1596 6U/L ± 760 50U/L in the 5th day from the high level ( 6320 83U/L ± 2614 12U/L ) in the 1st day after AP in the treatment group, while in the control group the amylase activity in the 5th day was 2095 0U/L ± 1081 87U/L , being significantly different from that before AP ( 837 17U/L ± 189 12U/L ). YHI and HHI I also obviously improved the pancreatic microcirculation and lowered the serum interleukin 6 level, one of the indices of severe pancreatitis. Pathological examination indicated all the changes typical for AP in YHI and HHI I treatment group were milder than those in the control. CONCLUSION YHI and HHI I used in combination might have protective effect against acute pancreatitis in rabbits.

TRH microinjection into DVC enhances motility of rabbits gallbladder via vagus nerve

AIM To investigate the effects of TRH in DVC on motility of the gallbladder in rabbits. METHODS After fasted for 15h - 18h , rabbits were anesthetized with urethane (1 0g/kg) . Gallbladder pressure (GP) was measured by a frog bladder perfused with normal saline. RESULTS After microinjection of TRH (8 8nmol, 1μl ) into DVC, GP was raised and the frequency of phasic contraction of gallbladder (FPCGB) increased. All the doses of TRH (0 13, 0 25, 0 50, 0 80, 1 30nmol , 1μl ) injected into DVC could excite the motility of gallblader. As the dose of TRH was enlarged, the amplitude and duration of the reaction increased. Effects of TRH in DVC on motility of the gallbladder could be completely abolished by atropine ( 0 2mg/g , i.v.) or vagotomy, but could not be inhibited by phentolamine iv (1 5mg/g) or propranolol iv (1.5mg/g) or by transecting the spinal cord. CONCLUSION Thyrotropin releasing hormone in DVC can excite motility of gallbladder. This effect was mediated by vagus nerves and peripheral M receptor. Its physiological significance may be related to maintaining the phasic contraction of gallbladder in interdigestive period.

Effects of 7-methylxanthine on form-deprivation myopia in pigmented rabbits

AIM: To determine the effect of 7-methylxanthine (7-MX) on the posterior sclera of form-deprivation myopia (FDM) in pigmented rabbits. METHODS: Sixteen pigmented rabbits were monocularly deprived (MD) by suturing the right eyelids after natural eye opening (ten-day old) for a period of 30 days. Two groups of pigmented rabbits were fed either 7-MX (30 mg per kg body weight; n=8) or vehicle control (saline equal volume with 7-MX; n=8). Ocular refractions, axial lengths and body weights were measured at the start and the end of the experiment 30 days later. Electron microscopy was used to measure and determine the collagen fibril diameters in the posterior pole of sclera. RESULTS: In vehicle control MD pigmented rabbits, 30 days of MD produced -1.10D+/- 0.78D of myopia and the axial length increased 0.51mm+/- 0.09mm. In MD pigmented rabbits fed with 7-MX, 30 days of MD induced only -0.21D+/- 0.11D of myopia and the axial length increased 0.07mm+/- 0.10mm. There was significant change in axial length of vehicle control MD pigmented rabbits (13.11mm +/- 0.19mm versus 12.60mm+/- 0.06mm; P =0.03). The changes in refraction and axial length of two MD groups' contalateral eyes during the 30 days were not significantly different (2.75D+/- 0.27D versus 2.75D 0.35D, P>0.05; 12.60mm+/- 0.06mm versus 12.45mm +/- 0.14mm, P >0.05). The weights of the two groups pigmented rabbits had no significant changes (187g+/- 22.1g versus 189g+/- 19.3g, P>0.05). The diameter cif scleral collagen fibers increased in both eyes of 7-MX treated pigmented rabbits. There was significant difference in collagen fibril diameters of inner layer (111.34nm+/- 28.30nm versus 94.80nm +/- 27.52nm, P =0.002) and outer layer (167.92nm +/- 55.82nm versus 144.04nm +/- 47.02nm P =0.016) in the posterior sclera between the myopic eyes of vehicle control MD group and contralateral eyes of 7-MX treated MD group. CONCLUSION: 7-MX appears to prevent FDM in pigmented rabbits by remodeling the posterior sclera.

Effects of octreotide on gallbladder pressure and myoelectric activity of Oddi sphincter in rabbits

AIM To observe the effect of octreotide (OT) and somatostatin (SS) on gallbladder pressure and myoelectric activity of SO in rabbits. METHODS Male rabbits fasted for 15h - 18h and anesthetized with urethane. The mean gallbladder pressure (GP) and myoelectric activity of SO were simultaneously measured with a frog bladder connected to a transducer and a pair of copper electrodes. RESULTS After injection of OT (10μg/kg, iv), the GP decreased in 2min and reached the lowest value in about 60min ( P <0 01, n =19), and completely or partially returned to the normal level in 120min. The frequency of myoelectric activity of SO was reduced, even disappeared in 2min ( P <0 01, n =19) and returned to normal in about 20min . Injection of SS (10μg/kg, iv) also decreased GP and myoelectric activity of SO ( P <0 01, n =7); Before and after injection of OT or SS, injection of CCK 8 ( 100ng or 200ng ) caused similar increase in myoelectric activity of SO and GP ( P >0 05). Before and after injection of OT, there were no significant differences in increases of myoelectric activity of SO and GP caused by electric stimulation of dorsal motor nucleus of vagus ( P >0 05). CONCLUSION OT and SS decreased GP and myoelectric activity of SO, demonstrating that effects of OT were similar to those of SS. Intravenous injection of OT did not affect the increase of myoelectric activity of SO and GP caused by CCK 8 or electric stimulation of dorsal motor nucleus of vagus.

Role of MR-DWI and MR-PWI in the radiotherapy of implanted pulmonary VX-2 carcinoma in rabbits

Objective： To detect the activity of tumor cells and tumor blood flow before and after the radiotherapy of implanted pulmonary VX-2 carcinoma in rabbit models by using magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging（MR-DWI） and magnetic resonance perfusion weighted imaging（MR-PWI）, and to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the radiotherapy based on the changes in the MR-DWI and MR-PWI parameters at different treatment stages.Methods： A total of 56 rabbit models with implanted pulmonary VX-2 carcinoma were established, and then equally divided into treatment group and control group. MR-DWI and MR-PWI were separately performed using a Philips Acheiva 1.5T MRI machine（Philips, Netherland）. MRI image processing was performed using special perfusion software and the WORKSPACE advanced workstation for MRI. MRDWI was applied for the observation of tumor signals and the measurement of apparent diffusion coefficient（ADC） values; whereas MR-PWI was used for the measurement of wash in rate（WIR）, wash out rate（WOR）, and maximum enhancement rate（MER）. The radiation treatment was performed using Siemens PRIMUS linear accelerator. In the treatment group, the radiotherapy was performed 21 days later on a once weekly dosage of 1,000 c Gy to yield a total dosage of 5,000 c Gy.Results： The ADC parameters in the region of interest on DWI were as follows： on the treatment day for the implanted pulmonary VX-2 carcinoma, the t values at the center and the edge of the lesions were 1.352 and 1.461 in the treatment group and control group（P〉0.05）. During weeks 0-1 after treatment, the t values at the center and the edge of the lesions were 1.336 and 1.137（P〉0.05）. During weeks 1-2, the t values were 1.731 and 1.736（P〈0.05）. During weeks 2-3, the t values were 1.742 and 1.749（P〈0.05）. During weeks 3-4, the t values were 2.050 and 2.127（P〈0.05）. During weeks 4-5, the t values were 2.764 and 2.985（P〈0.05）. The ADC values in the treatment group were significantly higher than in the control group. After the radiotherapy（5,000 c Gy）, the tumors remarkably shrank, along with low signal on DWI, decreased signal on ADC map, and remarkably increased ADC values. As shown on PWI, on the treatment day for the implanted pulmonary VX-2 carcinoma, the t values of the WIR, WOR, and MER at the center of the lesions were 1.05, 1.31, and 1.33 in the treatment group and control group（P〉0.05）; in addition, the t values of the WIR, WOR, and MER at the edge of the lesions were 1.35, 1.07, and 1.51（P〉0.05）. During weeks 0-1 after treatment, the t values of the WIR, WOR, and MER at the center of the lesions were 1.821, 1.856, and 1.931（P〈0.05）; in addition, the t values of the WIR, WOR, and MER at the edge of the lesions were 1.799, 2.016, and 2.137（P〈0.05）. During weeks 1-1 after treatment, the t values of the WIR, WOR, and MER at the center of the lesions were 2.574, 2.156, and 2.059（P〈0.05） and the t values of the WIR, WOR, and MER at the edge of the lesions were 1.869, 2.058, and 2.057（P〈0.05）. During weeks 2-3 after treatment, the t values of the WIR, WOR, and MER at the center of the lesions were 2.461, 2.098, and 2.739（P〈0.05） and the t values of the WIR, WOR, and MER at the edge of the lesions were 2.951, 2.625, and 2.154（P〈0.05）. During weeks 3-4 after treatment, the t values of the WIR, WOR, and MER at the center of the lesions were 2.584, 2.107, and 2.869（P〈0.05） and the t values of the WIR, WOR, and MER at the edge of the lesions were 2.057, 2.637, and 2.951（P〈0.05）. During weeks 4-5 after treatment, the t values of the WIR, WOR, and MER at the center of the lesions were 2.894, 2.827, and 3.285（P〈0.05） and the t values of the WIR, WOR, andMER at the edge of the lesions were 3.45, 3.246, and 3.614（P〈0.05）. After the radiotherapy（500 c Gy）, the tumors shrank on the T1 WI, WIR, WOR, and MER; meanwhile, the PWI parameter gradually decreased and reached its minimum value.Conclusions： MR-DWI and MR-PWI can accurately and directly reflect the inactivation of tumor cells and the tumor hemodynamics in rabbit models with implanted pulmonary VX-2 carcinoma, and thus provide theoretical evidences for judging the clinical effectiveness of radiotherapy for the squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.

Dietary Supplementation of Oregano and Sage Dried Leaves on Performances and Meat Quality of Rabbits

The aim of this research was to evaluate the dietary supplementation 1% （w/w） of oregano and sage dried leaves on performances and meat quality of broiler rabbits. A feeding trial, which lasted 48 d, was carried out on 105 male Bianca Italiana rabbits randomly divided in seven groups and fed ad libitum. At the end of the trial ten animals per group were slaughtered and samples of dorsal muscle were taken in order to perform laboratory analysis. Mortality rate did not statistically differ between groups. Growth performances of animals fed diets supplemented with aromatic plants were higher （P〈0.05） than those of animals of control group, whereas carcass parameters were not affected by treatments excepting for the slaughter weight that showed the same trend as growth performances. Meat quality traits, oxidative lipid stability and fatty acid proifle were not inlfuenced by aromatic plant supplementation. In conclusion, oregano and sage in form of dried leaves can be used in rabbit without adverse effects on performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality traits.