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.

Mammals of Gaoligong Mountain in China:Diversity,distribution,and conservation

Gaoligong Mountain(hereafter,GLGM)is located at the intersection of Myanmar and China’s Yunnan Province and Xizang Zizhiqu,and spans three globally significant biodiversity hotspots:the Himalayas,Indo-Burma,and the Mountains of Southwest China.Although surveys of mammals in this ecologically important region have a long history,there is no comprehensive systematic checklist and distribution account of the mammals of GLGM.Here,we compiled a mammal species checklist of GLGM based on thorough field investigations and literature reviews.We also examined specimen collections and applied camera trapping surveys to explore the region’s mammal diversity and distribution patterns.We recorded 212 mammal species in nine orders,33 families,and 119 genera,which accounts for 30.5%of China’s mammal species,and a high proportion of nationally protected(50)and globally threatened(29)species.Mammal species richness showed a symmetrical unimodal curve along the elevation gradient,peaking at intermediate elevations(2000 to 2500 m above sea level(asl)),and increasing generally from south to north,slightly higher in the east slope than in the west.Cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed three distinct elevational assemblages(<900 m asl.,900-3500 m asl.,and>3500 m asl)and significant south-to-north variation,but no substantial differences between the east and west slopes.The GLGM present a unique conservation value due to the high proportions of rare and endangered mammal species,complex faunal composition,high endemism,and being the distribution boundary for many species.This study is an important phased account of mammal diversity in GLGM and makes a prospect for future research.

Clinicopathological alterations in wild mammals from the reservoir system of Trypanosoma cruzi:a scoping review

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease.This flagellated protozoan is transmitted to humans as well as different species of domestic and wild animals via vectors from the Reduviidae family(known as"kissing bugs").Despite the fact that hundreds of species of wild mammals are part of the reservoir system,the morphologi-cal changes and clinical manifestations resulting from the pathogenesis of the infection have been largely neglected.The aim of this review is to systematically compile the available information regarding clinicopathological altera-tions in wild mammals due to natural infection by T.cruzi.Information was obtained from six online bibliographic data search platforms,resulting in the identification of 29 publications that met the inclusion criteria.Mortality was the most common clinical manifestation,cardiac damage was the main finding at necropsy,and lymphoplas-macytic inflammation was the most frequent microscopic injury.Thus,regardless of its role as a reservoir,T.cruzi has the potential to affect the health status of wild mammals,a situation that highlights the need for further research to analyze,measure,and compare its effects at both the individual and population levels.

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.

Evaluating the Impacts of Human Activities on Diversity, Abundance, and Distribution of Large Mammals in Nimule National Park, South Sudan

Globally, human activities have a significant impact on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Protected Areas (PAs). These disturbances increase human pressure on biodiversity and species habitats, highlighting the need for conservation. This study aimed to assess the abundance and distribution of large mammals in different habitat types within Nimule National Park (NNP) and understand the impacts of human activities on them. Data on the abundance and distribution of large mammals and their respective habitat types were collected through line transect surveys. Human activity signs were observed and recorded along the transect lines. To estimate the impacts of human activities on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammal species, as well as to identify any significant differences between them and their habitat types, the study utilized the Kruskal Wallis test, Polynomial multiple regressions, and diversity indices. The findings from the Shannon-Weiner and Simpson indices indicated that large mammal species were more diverse inside the park (H’ = 1.136;D = 0.570) compared to the buffer zone (H’ = 0.413;D = 0.171), with 85% (443 out of 510 samples) recorded within Nimule National Park. The species abundance showed a semi-balanced status (0.58). The diversity results among different habitat types revealed that large mammals were more diverse and highly distributed in both open woodlands (244) and dense woodlands (192), while riverine vegetation had the lowest diversity (8). Statistical tests demonstrated a highly significant difference at a 99% confidence interval (p-value = 0.01) between habitat types and identified species of large mammals. Additionally, the results highlighted the high abundance of Uganda kob (274), baboons (141), and warthog (57) across most habitat types, accounting for at least 75% of their distribution. The most prevalent human activities observed were cattle footprints (27%) and cattle dung (14%). Human footprints and tree cutting combined accounted for 9%, indicating the practice of livestock grazing, poaching, encroachment, and fuelwood collection by local communities. However, these activities did not appear to significantly impact the diversity, abundance, and distribution of large mammals in Nimule National Park. Therefore, it is crucial to foster shared responsibilities and engage relevant stakeholders in the management and conservation of large wildlife species. Regular community awareness programs should be implemented to cultivate a sense of ownership. Moreover, it is recommended that a comprehensive survey be conducted on the population status of all mammal species in Nimule National Park, including its surrounding Buffer Zone. Monitoring the impact of human activities on their behavior and habitats using satellite images should also be carried out at least every five to ten years.

Regulation of circadian physiology and behavior by light in mammals:entrainment and masking

manifestation of circadian rhythms.The modern use of electric lights alters environmental lighting,leading to light exposure at inappropriate times to disturb circadian homeostasis for both human and wildlife.The light“pollution”and voluntary activities such as night shift work and transmeridian travelling have adverse consequences such as mood and metabolic disorders in humans.On the other hand,insufficient light exposure decreases neurotransmission from the locus ceruleus and dorsal raphe,leading to seasonal and nonseasonal affective disorders,while properly timed bright light is beneficial to mood and cognition.Given the critical and complex roles of light in mammalian physiology and behavior,it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms.In this review,we discuss the neural mechanisms through which light regulates and dysregulates circadian rhythms in mammals.

Acute Toxicity of Methyl Isocyanate in Mammals. Ⅳ Biochemical and Hematological Changes in Rabbits

Subcutaneous administration of methyl isocyanate (MIC) in 0.5 LDso and 1.0 LD50 to female rabbits resulted in significant increases of hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit and leukocyte count in blood, as well as plasma total proteins, urea and cholesterol. A significant decrease in plasma albumin level was only observed in the 1.0 LD50 group. Urine of MIC intoxicated animals showed presence of protein, bilirubin, elevated urea and urobilinogen, while urine volume was reduced. The hematological and biochemical changes induced by MIC are perhaps the result of fluid loss from the vascular compartment as evidenced by the histopathological observations. This study further substantiates the view that acute toxicity of MIC is mediated in vivo by its effects on vascular beds.

Applying zeta diversity to understand species turnover patterns of small mammals in the Mountains of Southwest China

DEAR EDITOR,Mountainous regions are generally characterized by high species turnover,yet studies applying novel conceptual frameworks to analyze the spatial structure and organization of montane biota along elevational gradients remain scarce.Based on the zeta diversity framework—a novel turnover metric that focuses on average number of species shared across sites—and a comprehensive presence-absence dataset of small mammals collected from 22 elevational gradients in the Mountains of Southwest China(MSC).

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.

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.

An Inventory of Some Relatively Large Marine Mammals, Reptiles, and Fishes Sighted, Caught, By-Caught, or Stranded in the Mediterranean Coast of the Gaza Strip-Palestine

The Mediterranean Sea is home to an interesting biodiversity. The current cumulative and descriptive study aims to enumerate some relatively large marine mammals, reptiles, and fishes that have been spotted, caught, by-caught, or stranded on the coast of the Gaza Strip, Palestine, which extends about 42 km along the Mediterranean Sea. This 20-year study from 2003 to 2022 relied much on frequent field visits, meetings, and discussions with stakeholders, following local media sites and social media pages, and photography. The study recorded at least 26 giants or relatively large marine organisms on the Mediterranean coast of the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Certainly, the coming years may bring other marine organisms of relatively large sizes. Marine mammals included three species of cetaceans with the Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) being the largest mammal and even the largest animal ever recorded in this study. Marine reptiles included three species of sea turtles, the largest of which is the Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea), which is in fact the world’s largest sea turtle. The bony fishes were represented by ten species, the largest of which was the Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola), which is the largest bony fish in the world. The cartilaginous fishes included ten species with the largest specimens encountered were the Shortfin Shark (Isurus oxyrinchus), Bluntnose Sixgill Shark (Hexanchus griseus), Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini), and Giant Devil Ray (Mobula mobular). Seabirds were not included in the study. The Alexandria Pompano (Alectis alexandrinus) and the Silver-Cheeked Toadfish (Lagocephalus sceleratus), which are bony fishes, appear to be the relatively smallest marine organisms recorded here. In conclusion, the role of the various parties must be coordinated to ensure the sustainability of human activities and their compatibility with the task of conserving local marine biota, including the gigantic or relatively large ones.

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.

燕麦干草饲喂肉兔的营养价值评定

本试验旨在评定燕麦干草对肉兔的营养价值,为燕麦干草在肉兔配合饲料中的应用提供营养消化参数。试验分为2部分,燕麦干草营养成分分析和饲喂肉兔的消化参数测定。燕麦干草营养成分分析选择产自甘肃省的34个批次的燕麦干草样品进行,消化试验选择上述34个批次中代表性强(营养组成与测定均值差异较小)的燕麦干草。消化试验采用全收粪法进行:选取40只平均体重为(2.2±0.2)kg的70日龄新西兰白兔,随机分成2组,每组20只(公母各占1/2),代谢笼内单笼饲养。对照组饲喂基础饲粮,试验组饲喂试验饲粮(85%基础饲粮+15%燕麦干草)。预试期10 d,正试期7 d。结果显示:1)燕麦干草总能以及干物质、粗蛋白质、粗脂肪、粗灰分、钙、磷、无氮浸出物、粗纤维、中性洗涤纤维、酸性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤木质素含量分别为15.33 MJ/kg、89.60%、9.71%、2.02%、12.54%、1.13%、0.21%、34.50%、30.83%、48.25%、38.87%和5.58%;肉兔对其表观消化率分别为42.51%、50.15%、56.58%、83.56%、25.12%、27.86%、20.36%、65.23%、28.87%、45.25%、30.87%和-5.86%。2)燕麦干草总氨基酸、赖氨酸、苏氨酸、蛋氨酸、精氨酸、半胱氨酸、组氨酸、缬氨酸、亮氨酸、异亮氨酸、苯丙氨酸和酪氨酸含量分别为8.67%、0.53%、0.45%、0.09%、0.49%、0.12%、0.22%、0.54%、0.09%、0.43%、0.46%和0.26%;肉兔对其表观消化率分别为58.23%、60.23%、62.52%、70.12%、68.25%、65.23%、58.23%、55.24%、62.35%、54.23%、59.68%和63.25%。综上可知,与苜蓿干草相比,燕麦干草粗蛋白质、粗脂肪含量偏低,粗纤维、中性洗涤纤维和酸性洗涤纤维含量较高,酸性洗涤木质素含量较低,粗灰分含量偏高,钙多磷少;肉兔对燕麦干草中各营养成分的消化率存在较大差异,其中总能、干物质、粗蛋白质、粗脂肪、无氮浸出物和限制性氨基酸消化率较高,纤维组分消化率一般,粗灰分、钙、磷和非限制性氨基酸消化率偏低。

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.

泥河湾盆地第四纪哺乳动物群概览及若干新认识

泥河湾盆地最初以其广泛分布的含化石河湖相地层而受关注,并以其丰富的哺乳动物化石而著称于世,而今,泥河湾盆地已成为世界著名旧石器考古重地和研究第四纪地质古生物的重要场所。狭义泥河湾动物群(或下沙沟动物群)是我国北方早更新世的标准动物群,其古地磁年龄是2.2-1.7 MaBP。随着地层古生物工作的深入开展,盆地内也发现了若干中-晚更新世化石点;丁家堡水库全新统中发现的象颊齿,之前被鉴定为亚洲象,新的测年数据表明其时代大于5万年,依据牙齿测量数据和形态特征,本研究将其归入诺氏古菱齿象。目前已在泥河湾盆地发现百余个化石地点,鉴定出236种(包括未定属种)哺乳动物,分属于8目、32科和121属,其中38个属种(包括亚种)最初是以泥河湾化石材料而建立。总而言之,泥河湾盆地哺乳动物化石以早更新世者居多,并且化石材料保存完好;有些属种在欧亚大陆古北区第四纪哺乳动物群形成过程中发挥过重要作用,例如早期猛犸象、披毛犀、野牛及真枝角鹿等,还有直隶狼、貉及各种真马。泥河湾盆地由于河流和断层切割以及沉积相变等原因,导致各个化石点及史前考古遗址地层难以直接对比,更难全窥盆地内动物群演化的整体脉络;新的生物地层对比研究表明,桑干河南岸的岑家湾台地周缘的早更新世化石点,其主化石层位与下沙沟地区经典泥河湾动物群的层位大致相当。泥河湾盆地哺乳动物化石主要产自细砂、粉砂及黏土地层;化石成堆产出或者呈条带状及凸镜状分布的特点,多数与水流搬运有关。除过1枚豪猪牙齿和少量麂类化石之外,泥河湾盆地第四纪哺乳动物群中几乎不含东洋界动物,总体反映了干冷草原为主的古环境背景。

温针灸对兔膝骨性关节炎模型滑膜组织中TLR4/NF-κB信号通路诱导下滑膜修复作用机制的实验研究

目的通过观察温针灸对兔右膝骨性关节炎模型关节软骨滑膜组织中TLR4、NF-κB表达量的影响,探讨温针灸治疗膝骨性关节炎的机制。方法随机将40只兔分为空白组、模型组、双氯芬酸钠组、温针灸组,每组10只,采用右后肢石膏管型固定法制作膝骨性关节炎模型,于造模成功后第3 d开始进行干预治疗。空白组不做任何处理,常规饲养;模型组不治疗,每天以石膏固定1次,时间15 min。温针灸组给予患侧鹤顶、后三里、内外膝眼、阳陵泉5个穴位行温针灸治疗,15 min/1次,1次/d。双氯芬酸钠组将药品研末、溶解在纯净水中,并以15 mg/kg体重的浓度灌胃。6 d为1个疗程,观察2个疗程,治疗结束后取材。通过HE染色法观察各组膝关节软骨的病理变化,并进行Mankin′s评分;采用ELISA法检测各组兔膝关节滑膜组织中NF-κB、TLR4的表达水平。结果与空白组兔比较,各组兔膝关节Mankin′s评分、NF-κB、TLR4的含量均增高(P<0.05),与模型组兔相比,温针灸组和双氯芬酸钠组兔膝关节Mankin′s评分和NF-κB、TLR4的含量均有所下降(P<0.05)。结论温针灸可改善兔膝关节软骨退行性变,减轻炎症反应,其机制可能与改善兔膝关节软骨形态,降低滑膜组织中NF-κB、TLR4的表达量相关。

哺乳动物性别决定与性别控制研究进展

哺乳动物性别决定是一个由许多基因参与的级联调控过程。研究发现,参与哺乳动物性别决定的基因很多,比如Sry、Sox9、MIS、SF-1、Zfy等。通过研究哺乳动物的性别决定相关基因,结合现代分子生物学技术,如RNA干扰技术和基因工程技术等,有望从基因层面实现人为控制动物后代性别的目标。本文主要对哺乳动物性别决定相关基因和性别控制技术进行了综述,以期为畜牧生产中家畜的性别控制提供参考。

TLR7和TLR8在家畜性控技术中的研究进展

哺乳动物性别控制(sex control)技术在畜牧生产中有着重要的意义,在畜牧生产实践中,通过性别控制技术人类可以获得预想性别的优秀家畜后代,从而使家畜的泌乳性能、繁殖性能和生产性能发挥到最大。目前,传统的哺乳动物性别控制技术主要分为两类:受精前X/Y精子分离技术和受精后早期胚胎性别鉴定。这些方法都有各自的特点和局限性,如处理时间长、分离效率低、对精子活力和胚胎发育有损伤等,因此,这些技术有待进一步优化和完善。本文总结并分析了哺乳动物的传统性控技术,简述其各自特点及存在的问题。此外,利用激活Toll样受体7和Toll样受体8分离X/Y精子的新技术引起了广泛关注,与传统方法相比,该方法无需添加外源药物,具有高效、快速、无毒副作用等优点。尽管该技术已经成功应用于小鼠、羊、牛等动物的性别控制中,但在大规模应用上仍有一些问题需要进一步解决。本文总结了该技术的研究进展,分析了目前将该方法应用于实际生产中的可行性,并对该技术未来的发展趋势进行展望。

电针风池穴对颈性高血压家兔血压和椎动脉、颈动脉血流动力学的影响

目的:探讨电针风池穴对颈性高血压模型兔血压、颈动脉和椎动脉血流动力学指标的影响。方法:建立颈性高血压模型,将造模成功的12只家兔按随机数字表法分为模型组和电针组,每组6只,另选取6只健康家兔作为正常组。对电针组家兔给予电针风池穴治疗,模型组和正常组家兔仅给予相同时间的固定。观察各组家兔椎动脉及颈动脉收缩期最大流速(peak systolic velocity, PSV)、舒张期最大流速(end-diastolic volume, EDV)、阻力指数(resistance index, RI)、股动脉收缩压(systolic blood pressure, SBP)变化。结果:与正常组比较,电针组家兔颈动脉收缩期血流速度[(61.30±9.62)cm/s]显著改善(P<0.05);与治疗前比较,电针组家兔股动脉收缩血压[(109.60±4.56)mm Hg]显著降低(P<0.05),模型组家兔股动脉收缩血压[(112.00±6.07)mm Hg]无明显变化。结论:电针风池穴可有效降低颈性高血压家兔血压,其降压作用可能与改善颈区血管血流动力学指标相关。