Protective effect of Radix Astragali injection on immune organs of rats with obstructive jaundice and its mechanism

AIM: To observe the protective effect of Radix Astragali injection on immune organs (lymph nodes, spleen and thymus) of rats with obstructive jaundice (OJ) and its mechanism. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operation group, model control group and Radix Astragali treatment group. On days 7, 14, 21 and 28 after operation, mortality rate of rats, pathological changes in immune organs, expression levels of Bax and nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 proteins, apoptosis indexes and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α level in spleen and thymus were observed, respectively.RESULTS: Compared to model control group, the number of dead OJ rats in Radix Astragali treatment group decreased (P > 0.05). The TNF-α level (27.62 ± 12.61 vs 29.55 ± 18.02, 24.61 ± 9.09 vs 31.52 ± 10.95) on days 7 and 21, the pathological severity score for spleen [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (2.0) on days 7 and 14 and for lymph nodes [0.0 (1.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 1.0 (0.0) vs 2.0 (1.0)] on days 21 and 28, the product staining intensity and positive rate of Bax protein in spleen [0.0 (0.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 0.0 (1.0) vs 2.0 (1.5) and thymus [0.0 (0.0) vs 1.0 (2.0), 0.0 (1.0) vs 2.0 (1.5)] on days 14 and 28, the apoptotic indexes [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (0.01)] in spleen and thymus [0.0 (0.0) vs 0.0 (0.01) on days 14 and 21 were significantly lower in Radix Astragali treatment group than in model control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Radix Astragali has protective effects on immune organs of OJ rats by relieving the pathological changes in immune organs, reducing TNF-α level and inhibiting Bax expression and apoptosis in spleen and thymus.

The Influence of Chinese Medicinal Herb on Chicken Immune Organs and Small Intestinal Mucosa Immune Organization

[Objective] The aim was to explore the mechanism of Chinese medicinal herb to enhance the body＇s immune. [Method] The quantitative distribution of immunocytes in chicken small intestinal mucosa lymphoid tissue-secretory type immune globulin cell A were dynamic observed to research chicken immune organ growth with histology conventional slice technology and immunohistochemistry dye. 1 day age healthy roosters were divided into 3 groups： the group 3 was control group. 1% and 0.5% concentration of Chinese herbal medicine immunopotentiator drinking water were added in the group 1 and 2 in continuous 60 d. The immune organ index was determined every 12 d and the histotomy of chicken small intes- tine in group control and 1% were taken for histological observation on day 24, 36 and 48. [ Result] Treatment group immune organ index was significantly higher than that of the control group and 1% group of small intestinal villus inherent intraformational immune cells number significantly increased （P〈0.01） compared with controls. Day 36 age group and day 48 group immune cells were higher than day 24 group of cell number （P〈 0.01 ）. [ Conclusionl Chinese medicinal herb had obvious role in promoting chicken immune organ growth and obvious influence on the quantity change of the intestinal mucosal immune cells.

Effects of aspartame on hsp70,bcl-2 and bax expression in immune organs of Wistar albino rats

Aspartame, a ＂first generation sweetener＂, is widely used in a variety of foods, beverages, and medicine. The FDA has determined the acceptable daily intake （ADI） value of aspartame to be 50 mg/kg, day, while the JECFA （Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives） has set this value at 40 mg/kg of body weight/day. Safety issues have been raised about aspartame due to its metabolites, specifically toxicity from methanol and/or its systemic metabolites formaldehyde and formic acid. The immune system is now recognized as a target organ for many xenobiotics, such as drugs and chemicals, which are able to trigger unwanted apoptosis or to alter the regulation of apoptosis. Our previous studies has shown that oral administration of aspartame [40 mg/（kg, day）] or its metabolites for 90 days increased oxidative stress in immune organs of Wistar albino rats. In this present study, we aimed to clarify whether aspartame consumption over a longer period （90-days） has any effect on the expression ofhsp70, bcl- 2 and bax at both mRNA transcript and protein expression levels in immune organs. We observed that oral administration of aspartame for 90 days did not cause any apparent DNA fragmentation in immune organs of aspartame treated animals; however, there was a significant increase in hsp70 expression, apart from significant alteration in bcl-2 and bax at both mRNA transcript and protein expression level in the immune organs of aspartame treated animals compared to controls. Hence, the results indicated that hsp70 levels increased in response to oxidative injury induced by aspartame metabolites; however, these metabolites did not induce apoptosis in the immune organs. Furthermore, detailed analyses are needed to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms involved in these changes.

Investigation of the immune effects of Scutellaria baicalensis on blood leukocytes and selected organs of the chicken＇s lymphatic system

Background： The health of chickens and the welfare of poultry industry are central to the efforts of addressing global food security. Therefore, it is essential to study chicken immunology to maintain and improve its health and to find novel and sustainable solutions. This paper presents a study on investigation of the effect of Scutellaria baicalensis root（SBR） on the immune response of broiler chicken, especially on lymphocytes and heterophils reactivity, regarding their contribution to the development of immunity of the chickens.Methods： The 121-day-old Hubbard Hi-Y male broiler hybrids were randomly assigned to four treatment groups,three SBR supplemented groups（0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% of SBR） and one control group. Each treatment was replicated five times with six birds per replicate pen in a battery brooder. Blood was collected after 3-（rd） and 6-（th）wk of the experiment, and hemoglobin and hematocrit values were determined, as well as total leukocyte count and differential count were performed. Nitroblue tetrazolium test and phagocytosis assay as nonspecific immune parameters and humoral immune responses to the antigenic challenge by sheep red blood cells were performed.Moreover, the ability of peripheral blood lymphocytes to form radial segmentation（RS） of their nuclei was analyzed.Body weight and relative weight of spleen, liver, and bursa of Fabricius were recorded.Results： Results showed that mean heterophile/lymphocyte ratio increased in the SBR groups compared to the control group and the blood of the chickens showed lymphocytic depletion. The results also demonstrated that the relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and spleen in groups fed with SBR significantly decreased compared to the control group. This study also showed that the addition of SBR significantly inhibited the formation of RS of nuclei compared to some cytotoxic substances.Conclusion： We found that SBR supplementation should be carefully evaluated when given to poultry. The excess intake of SBR supplementation may cause immunologic inhibition and may negatively affect the development of immune organs. SBR has inhibited the formation of radial segmentation nuclei showing antimetastatic properties and also the phagocytosis of chicken heterophils.

Effects of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine on Immune Organ Indexes and Macrophages Phagocytic Indexes in Chickens Infected by Infectious Bronchitis Virus

[ Objective] To study the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions on infectious bronchitis （IB） and find a novel avenue for prevention and treatment of viral diseases in poultry. [Method] A total of 160 cockerels at the age of 15 d were divided into four groups randomly, including traditional Chinese medicine group, moroxydine control group, challenge control group and healthy control group. Except the healthy control group, other groups were challenged with infectious bronchitis virus （IBV） on Day 15. After 48 h post challenge, the traditional Chinese medicine groupand moroxydine control group were respectively administrated with Chinese herbal medicine prescription and moroxydine, continuously for 5 d. The immune organ indexes and macrephage phagocytic indexes were detected on Day 18, 24 and 30, respectively. [ Result] The immune organ indexes and macrophage phagocytic indexes were not significantly different between traditional Chinese medicine group and moroxydine control group on Day 18. But all the indexes of the traditional Chinese medicine groups were increased significantly （ P 〈 0.05） on Day 24 and 30, and showed extremely significant difference （ P 〈 0.01 ） with those of challenge control group on Day 30. [ Conclusion] The traditional Chinese herbal medicine can enhance macrophage phagocytic indexes and immune organs indexes of chickens infected by IBV.

Ontogeny of immune organs during early development stage of P. crocea

A histological and ultrastructural study was performed on the development of the head kidney, thymus, and spleen in Pseudosciaena crocea aging in range from just hatching to the 60th day after hatching （DAH）. Head kidney was first present on the 3rd DAH. Primordial haemopoietic stem cells were first observed in the head kidney which rapidly differentiate into different cellular types. Progenitor spleen was present on the 4th DAH, located close to the gut, which soon became rich in blood capillaries, red blood cells and thrombocytes. The thymus was obvious on the 4th DAH, and was located on either side of the upper comer of the opercular cavity, closely under the membrance of the opercuhr cavity. The thymus was the last lymphoid organ to appear but showed a quick development. This organ seemed to originate from haemopoietic stem cells migrating from the head region of the kidney. The thymus consisted of outer thymocytic and inner epithelioid zones. There was no obvious demarcation between them, but both zones were visible. Small lymphocytes appeared, or lymphoid organs become lymphoid, in the sequence thymus, head kidney and spleen. Only a small number of lymphocytes appeared in the later stages. Non-specific systems may play an important role in the immunocompetence mechanisms of P. crocea during its early development stage.

Effect of Different Oligosaccharides on Immunity, and Cecal Microflora in Broilers

One hundred and forty-four Avin broilers (1 d old) were randomly divided into six treatments, with three replicates of eight birds each to investigate the effect of different oligosaccharides on index of immune organ, cecal weight and microflora in broilers. The control group (Group I) was fed with corn-soybean meal as basal diet, and the trial groups (group Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ, Ⅴ and Ⅵ) were fed with basal diet plus 0.1% manoligosaccharides (MOS), 0.3% soybean-oligosaccharides (SBOS), 0.3% fructooligosaccharides (FOS), 0.3% α-glucooligosaccharides(α-GOS) and 0.03% chlortetracycline (CTC), respectively. The results showed that oligosaccharides supplementation significantly (P< 0.05) increased bifidobacteria concentration of young broilers and did not affect on bifidobacteria or escherichia coli concentration of the birds ( P >0.05). Cecal weights of 21 d old broilers fed with FOS and α-GOS were significantly(P <0.05) increased, higher than those with MOS and SBOS, but addition of oligosaccharides had no effect on the birds. The effect of oligosaccharides on the cecal length was the same as on the cecal weights. Oligosaccharides supplement did not affect on indexes of immune organs.

Effects of Dangguibuxue Decoction on Immune Organs and Erythrocyte Immune in Broilers

[ Objective] To study the effects of Dangguibuxue decoction on immune organ and erythrocyte immune in broilers. [ Method] One hun- dred 1 -day-old healthy Sanhuang chickens were randomly divided into five groups, 20 in each group. They were immunized with Newcastle disease vaccine via intranasal inoculation at 7 days old. The chickens in group I, II and III drank water added the Danggguibuxue decoction at proportion of 2%, 5% and 10% （ V/V）, respectively. The chickens in the group IV drank water added Astragalus polysaccharide at proportion of 2% （V/V）. And those in the group V drank water without addition of any drug. Blood was collected via jugular vein at 14, 21 and 28 days old, respectively, and then they were dissected. The immune organ indexes, erythrocyte C3b receptor rosette rate （E-C3b RR） and erythrocyte immune complex rosette rate （E-ICRR） were measured. [ Result] The Dangguibuxue decoction had no significant effect on thymus index but significantly increased spleen index and bursa of Fabricius index. The best peripheral and humoral immunity was observed in the broilers drinking water added the Dangguibuxue decoction at proportion of 10% （ V/ V）, and its immune enhancement was better than that of Astragalus polysaccharide added at proportion of 2% （V/V）. [ Coaclusion] Dangguibuxue decoction can promote maturation of immune organs and enhance erythrocyte immune functions; thus, it can be used as immunolootentiator.

Effect of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch polysaccharide on growth performance and immunologic function in mice in Ural City,Xinjiang

Objective:To discuss the effect of Glycyrrhiza uralensis(G.uralensis) Fisch polysaccharide on growth performance and immunologic function in mice in Ural City,Xinjiang and to provide important data supporting the application of Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide.Methods:A total of100 Kunming mice aged 3 weeks old were randomly divided into 5 groups with 20 mice in each group(10 were females and 10 were males).About 0.5 mL normal saline was given to the mice of control group every day and 0.5 mL G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide was given to the mice of other groups at the concentration of 1,20,50 and 100 mg/mL respectively.The growth performance(average body weight,average daily feed intake and feed efficiency),immune organ indexes(spleen index and thymus index) and immunologic function(serum IL-2,CD4^+/CD8^+ and the activity of NK cells) of mice in each group were detected continuously.Results:The average body weight,feed efficiency,serum IL-2,CD4^+/CD8^+ and the activity of NK cells of mice were increased with the increase of administrated time after administrating G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide and were reached up the largest level on Day 28.At the same time,each index was proportional to the given dose and was significantly higher than those of control group and reached up the largest level at the administrated dose of 100 mg/mL.After administrating G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide,the spleen index and thymus index of mice were increased with the increase of administrated dose and the spleen index and thymus index of mice administrated with the dose of 100 mg/mL were maximum which was more than 1.51 times and 1.43 times of that in control group respectively and the comparative differences showed statistical significance(P<0.05).The average daily feed intake of mice in each group was increased with the passage of lime and at the same time,the comparison of average daily feed intake of mice in each group was not significantly different(P>0.05).Conclusions:G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide can significantly improve the growth performance and immunologic function of mice and laid a research basis for the clinical application of G.uralensis Fisch polysaccharide.

Effects of Chinese Medicinal Herb on Growth and Immunization of Laying Chicks

In order to evaluate effects of Chinese medicinal herb (CMH) on growth and immunization of laying male chicks,eleven CMHs were used in this study,which are Astragalus membranacens (AM),Schisandra chinensis (SC),Ligustrum Lucidum(LL),Codonopsis,Scutellaria baicalensis (SB),Atractylodes macrocephala(AMA),Haw,Ginger,Acanthopanax scenticosns (AS),Angelica and Lycium,added to basal diet as 1%,respectively,with the basal diet supplemented with 50 mg·kg^(-1) bacitracin zinc(BZ) as the control.The body weight (BW) of birds were recorded at 1,21 and 42 days after birth,individually.The birds were vaccinated 0.50 mL against Newcastle disease (ND) with La sota vaccinel (containing mineral oil as adjuvant) by i.m.inoculation at 21 d of age.All of birds was vaccinated with F48E9 NDV by i.m.inoculation at 49 day of age.Blood samples were taken via wing vein from each bird on the day receiving the vaccination (Day-1) and on 14,21,28,30 and 34 d after vaccination (Days 14,21,28,30 and 34). Results showed that bodyweight (BW) and bodyweight gain(BWG) of the trial groups are similar to the control group.No significant differences of relative weight (RW) of bursa and spleen were observed among trial groups except for AS (P<0.05).Serum antibody titers of SC,LL,Codonopsis,SB,AMA and Lycium groups were significantly increased (P<0.05) in contrast to these control group on day-21 or 28 after immunized ND La sota vaccinel,which suggested that SC,LL,Codonopsis,SB,AMA and Lycium could augment antibody formulation.Furthermore,Compared with the control,antibody titers in SC,Codonopsis,AS,Lycium,SB and AMA group were higher (P<0.05) after vaccinated with F48E9 NDV,which suggested that SC,Codonopsis,AS,Lycium,SB and AMA have activity of antivirus.In conclusion,CMH used in the present study have similar effect on BW and BWG of chicks compared with the control.Moreover,these eleven CMH have little influence on RW of immunized organ except AS.However,SC,Codonopsis,LL,Lycium,SB and AMA could augment antibody formulation.Furthermore,SC,Codonopsis,AS,Lycium,SB and AMA have activity of antivirus compared with the control.

Research progress of tonic Chinese medicine on the immune system

The immune system as an important defense system of the body,bear the resistance to foreign pathogens invasion,removal of foreign heterogeneity,and protect the body′s safety.Modern research shows that tonic Chinese medicine,including single herband compound formula,has the function of improving immune organ index,enhancing immune cellfunction and affecting the immune molecule production and secretion.This article will review the effects of traditional Chinese medicine on immune organs,immune cells and immune molecules,and provide reference for the clinical research of traditional Chinese medicine.

Effect of Fuzheng Jiedu granule on immunological function and level of immune-related cytokines in immune-suppressed mice

Fuzheng Jiedu granule exhibits a number of health benefits and it is thought that the mechanisms involved in these effects are due to the modulation of immunity. In this article, we studied the effect of Fuzheng Jiedu granule on immunological function and the expression of immune-related cytokines in immune-suppressed mice. 72 mice were randomly divided into six groups, with 12 in each group. The control groups included an untreated group, a negative control group（Cyclophosphamide） and a positive control group（Astragalus polysaccharide）. There were three treated groups, which were given different doses of Fuzheng Jiedu granule： a low dose（100 mg kg^（–1））, a medium dose（400 mg kg^（–1）） and a high dose（600 mg kg^（–1））. With the exception of the untreated control animals, each group received an intraperitoneal injection of Cyclophosphamide（100 mg kg^（–1）） for 3 days to establish the immune-suppressed model. Mice were then treated for 19 consecutive days and, 24 h after the last treatment, blood was taken for the eyeballs and serum separation was performed. Analysis was made of the levels of related cytokines（IgA, IgG, IgM, IL-6, IFN-γ, C3, C4 and TNF-α）, the transformation of lymphocytes and the immune organ indexes. The results showed that Fuzheng Jiedu granule can improve the levels of cytokines, the rate of proliferation of lymphocytes and the immune organ indexes of immune-suppressed mice.

MEFV,IRF8,ADA,PEPD,and NBAS gene variants and elevated serum cytokines in a patient with unilateral sporadic Meniere's disease and vascular congestion over the endolymphatic sac

The etiology and underlying mechanism of Meniere's disease(MD)development are still unknown,although inflammation and autoimmunity have been implicated as underlying mechanisms.The human endolymphatic sac(ES)has been reported to have innate and adaptive immune capacity in local immune reactions.In vivo demonstration of inflammation of the ES in patients with MD is missing in the literature.We report the case of a 47-year-old female patient diagnosed with unilateral MD with genetic variants and cytokine markers indicating inflammation and vascular congestion of the ES.Endolymphatic hydrops in the right cochlea(grade 2)and vestibulum(grade 3)were detected using MRI.She carried heterozygous variants in MEFV(c.442G>C),IRF8(c.1157G>T),ADA(c.445C>T),PEPD(c.151G>A),NBAS(c.4049T>C),CSF2RB(c.2222C>T),HPS6(c.277G>T),IL2RB(c.1109C>T),IL12RB1(c.1384G>T),IL17RC(c.260_271del GCAAGAGC TGGG),LIG1(c.746G>A),RAG1(c.650C>A),and SLX4(c.1258G>C,c.5072A>G).In the serum,the levels of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF),macrophage inflammatory protein 1a,and IL7 were significantly elevated,and the level of IL2Ra was reduced.Intratympanic administration of dexamethasone temporarily alleviated her hearing loss.Her vertigo was significantly relieved but remained slight after ES administration of corticosteroids.

Enhancement of Humoral Immune Response of Newcastle Disease Vaccine by ATRA

[ Objective] The paper was to study the immune enhancement of ATRA on Newcastle Disease （ND） vaccine. [ Method ] The 1-day-old AA broilers were treated with ATRA at the doses of I and 5 p.mol/kg, respectively. At 7 and 28 days of age, broilers in drug control group, low dose group and high dose group were immunized with ND vaccine by intranasal and eye immunization approach. At 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 and 49 clays of age, seven chickens were randomly se- lected from each group and weighed. The thymus, spleen, bursa of fabrieius and serum were collected for calculating immune organ index of thymus, spleen and bursa of fabricius. The ND specific antibody titers in serum were determined with HI test. [Result] ATRA promoted the growth of thymus, spleen and bursa of fabricius, and improved the immune organ index and ND specific antibody titers of chicks. [ Conclusion] ATRA enhanced the humoral immune response of chicks, and ATRT at the dose of 5 μmol/kg presented more prominent immune enhancement effect on ND vaccine.

Effect of Shuanghuanglian Propolis Oral Liquid on Immune Function of Broilers

The effects on immune function of broilers was studied by adding different doses of Shuanghuanglian propolis oral liquid in drinking water, to provide a theoretical basis for application and promotion of Shuanghuanglian propolis oral liquid. Ninety one-day-old broilers were randomly divided into three groups ： group I was designed as control; groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ were added with 0.5 and 1.0 mL/L Shuanghuanglian propolis oral liquid in drinking water, respectively. Compared with group I, all tested indicators in groups Ⅱ and Ⅲ were increased at varying degrees as follows ： bursa of fabricius index increased by 5.74% （P 〈 0.05 ） and 7.66% （P 〈 0.05 ） ; thymus index increased by 1.47% （P 〉 0.05 ） and 2.06% （P 〈 0.05 ） ; spleen index increased by 5.88% （P 〉 0.05 ） and 7.84% （ P 〈 0.05 ） ; Newcastle disease virus （NDV） antibody titer increased by 11.99% （P 〈 0.05 ） and 16.94% （P 〈 0.05 ） ; IL-2 content increased by 2.71% （P 〉 0.05） and 4.52% （P 〈 0.05 ） ; IL -6 content increased by 4.04% （P 〉 0.05 ） and 7.26% （ P 〈 0.05 ）, respectively. The results showed that adding 0.5 and 1.0 mL/L Shuanghuangllan propolis oral liquid in drinking water could improve the immune function of broiler and immune effect of ND vaccine.

Effects of All-trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA) against Bacterial Infection in Chickens

In order to investigate the effects of all-trans retinoic acid （ATRA） against bacterial infection in chickens, 35 3-day-old AA broiler chickens were fed adaptively for two days and randomly divided into five groups, including Escherichia coli experimental group （ group 1 ）, Escherichia coli control group （group 2）, blank control group （ group 3 ）, PasteureUa experimental group （ group 4）, and PasteureUa control group （ group 5 ）. At 5 days of age, the chickens in group 1 and group 4 were drenched with 5 p.mol/kg ATRA for seven consecutive days according to their weight; the chickens in group 2, group 3 and group 5 were drenched with an equal volume of dimethyl sulfoxlde （DMSO）. The clinical symptoms and weight changes in each group were observed and recorded. Seven days later, the chickens were euthanized and dissected to determine the immune organ indexes. The results showed that there were significant differences in body weight between ATRA-administrated chickens and non-administrated chickens after bacterial infection （P 〈 0.05 ） ; moreover, the immune organ indexes of ATRA-administrated chickens exhibited significant differences compared with control group （P 〈 0.05 ）, indicating that ATRA could promote the development of immune organs of poultry, thereby enhancing the body immunity against bacterial infection.

Study on Anti-infection Effect of Polysaccharide from Agaricus blazei Murrill on Chickens

In order to study the anti-bacterial infection effect of polysaccharide from Agaricus blazei Murrill on chickens, the experimental groups were orally administrated A. blazei polysaccharide at low dose and high dose, respectively, for 14 d continuously, and then, the chickens in various groups were infected with Escherichia coli or Pasteurella pneumotropica , so as to observe the clinical symptoms of chickens and record the change in body weight. Anatomy was performed 14 d later, and the organ indices were determined, so as to study the anti-bacterial infection effect of A. blazei polysaccharide on chickens. The results showed that after bacterial infection, the high-dose A. blazei polysaccharide group was significantly differed from other groups in changes of body weight and organ indices. It indicates that oral administration of high concentration of A. blazei polysaccharide could promote the development of poultry organs, thereby improving the immunity of organisms.

3D anatomy of autonomic innervations in immune organs of a non-human primate and the human

Direct neural inputs to immune organs have been observed for decades,with their functions in neuroimmune regulation being increasingly appreciated.However,the current knowledge of such neural structures,particularly those in primate immune organs,remains incomplete.In this study,we comprehensively assessed the 3D anatomy of autonomic(i.e.,sympathetic and parasympathetic)innervations in the immune organs of the rhesus macaque monkey and the human for the first time.Aided with the advanced technique of whole-tissue immunolabeling and lightsheet fluorescence imaging,we revealed the densely organized sympathetic architecture in the parenchyma of the adult monkey and human spleens.On the other hand,only sparse,if any,sympathetic inputs were observed inside the lymph nodes,Peyer's patches,or thymus.In contrast,there were minimal parasympathetic innervations in the parenchyma of these examined immune organs.Together,this work has documented the unique patterns of autonomic innervations in different immune organs of a non-human primate and the human,serving as an essential reference for future research on neuroimmune regulation in the field.

Effects of dynamic segmentation of nutrient supply on growth performance and intestinal development of broilers

This experiment was to investigate the effects of dynamic segmentation of interval nutrient supply phase feeding on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, immune organs indexes and intestinal morphology of broilers. A total of 320 one-day-old broilers were randomly assigned into 4 feeding treatments, which included 4 interval nutrient supply phases as follows. Treatment A: a nutrient supply standard was used for every 14 d. Treatment B: a nutrient supply standard was used for every 7 d. Treatment C: a nutrient supply standard was used for every 3.5 d except that one nutrient supply standard was used for d 1 to 7. Treatment D: a nutrient supply standard was used for every 3.5 d including d 1 to 7. Each treatment was represented by 8 replicates with 10 broilers per replicate. The trial lasted for 42 days. Throughout the 42 d trial period, treatment A showed significantly higher average daily gain than treatments B and C(P < 0.05). The feed:gain ratio of treatment A was significantly lower than those of treatments C and D(P < 0.05). On d 28 and 42, body weight of broilers in treatment A was much higher than those of treatments B and C(P < 0.05). The slaughter rate of treatment A was significantly higher than that of treatment B(P < 0.05). Eviscerated percentage of treatment A was significantly higher than those of treatment B and D(P < 0.05). There were no significant differences among 4 treatments in immune organs indexes(P > 0.05). The crypt depth of duodenum was significantly greater in treatments A and B than in treatment C on day 42(P < 0.05).Meanwhile, the ratio of villus height to crypt depth(V:C ratio) of treatment D was significantly higher than that of treatment A(P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between treatments C and D in growth performance, carcass performance, immune organs indexes and intestinal structure(P> 0.05). In conclusion, this study revealed that the growth and carcass performance of broilers is the best for 14 days segmentation phase feeding, and 3.5 days segmentation interval phase feeding can promote small intestinal development of broilers. Dynamic segmentation of dietary supply fails to affect the immune function of broilers.