EXPRESSION OF MU OPIOID RECEPTOR AND PROOPIOMELANOCORTIN ON SPERM AND FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT

The aim of this study was to demonstrate that POMC and the mu opioid receptor (MOR) were expressed in swine reproductive tract and swine spermatozoa. We found that the sow female reproductive tract expresses both POMC and MOR mRNA and MOR protein but, interestingly, the semen shows the highest expression level for both genes and also the highest MOR protein expression. The presence of POMC and MOR (opioid precursor/opioid receptor) transcripts suggests a local synthesis of opioids that could have paracrine and/or autocrine influences during some crucial points of reproduction such as fertilization and pregnancy. Key words: opioid precursor, opioid receptor, reproduction, swin

Stress and mu opioid receptor in the management of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) aquaculture

The growing consumption of aquaculture products requires always new techniques to increase the production yield. Generally, the intensification of aquaculture practices is associated with a stress level rise of bred fishes. Sensitivity to stress, leading to disease, reduced growth and mortality, is higher in larvae than in adult fish. The stress induced effects can be reduced acting on opioid receptors. In this light we evaluated the efficacy of naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, directly added to the water during Sparus aurata larval development. We found that in larvae subjected to artificial induced stressors, such as overcrowding, reduced pH, increased temperature and salinity, naloxone was useful to decrease the negative effects caused. In this Research highlight we discuss the finding of our recent study and research advancements

Glycan composition of Brunner's glands of the donkey duodenum

No abstract availabl

EXPRESSION OF L-TYPE VOLTAGE CALCIUM CHANNELS IN EQUINE GRANUOSA CELLS: A MOLECULAR AND FUNCTIONAL STUDY

The ovary is dependent on pituitary gonadotropins to ensure folliculogenesis which in turn relies on intracellular calcium signalling, induced by follicular stimulating hormone to promote oocyte activation and maturation [1]. The intracellular calcium concentration [Ca2+]I rise is due in part to L-voltage-gated calcium channels (L-VOCCs). The role of L-VOCCs in the ovarian follicular dynamic has been assessed in the granulosa cells (GCs) of several animals [2] but not in the mare, whose follicular growth is primarily controlled by the changing day length that drives the reproductive seasonality. This study aims to evaluate the presence, quantification, and localization of L-VOCCs in equine GCs recovered from follicles of different diameters and their involvement in modulating [Ca2+]i during follicles development. GCs were recovered from follicles of ovaries obtained during the year from a local slaughterhouse. An average of 5±1 mares were analyzed each month. Based on the cyclic periodicity, the number of follicles varied. Follicles were categorized as small, medium, and large [3]. GCs from each type of size-follicle were pooled and processed by a) western blot, to assess the expression and quantify L-VOCCs employing a rabbit affinity-purified primary antibody against the α1 subunit of L-VOCCs and a biotinylated universal secondary antibody (Vectastain Elite ABC Universal Kit, Burlingame, USA). The positive hybridization was revealed by a DAB substrate kit (Vector-Laboratories, Burlingame, USA); b) immunohistochemistry, to localize L-VOCCs by the same primary antibody used in the western blot procedure and a FITC-conjugated secondary antibody; c) fluorescent measurement of L-VOCCs activity and cytosolic Ca2+ dynamics employing Fura-2-AM fluorescent dye and Bay k-8644 and Nifedipine, which are agonist and antagonist, respectively, of the L-VOCCs using a QuantiCell 900 integrated image system (VisiTech International, Sunderland, UK). Data were analyzed by parametric tests. Results showed that all categories of GCs expressed L-VOCCs, which, as aspected, appeared as doublet bands at different molecular weights. Fluorescence immunohistochemistry evidenced positive signals at the surface of GCs. The quantification of the L-VOCC level showed that small follicles increased their expression in February (January vs February, P<0.05), just before the beginning of the equine breeding season. Moreover, it has been found that the used agonist and antagonist of the L-VOCCs induced a significant (P<0.001) change in the [Ca2+]i in follicles of all sizes. Large follicles resulted in a greater change in [Ca2+]I after addition of Bayk K-8644 or Nifedipine when compared to the basal condition. The results obtained indicate the existence of a regulatory system of the function of the L-VOCCs associated with the functional state of the follicle during its growth and maturation

Expression of heat shock proteins 60, 70, 90 in equine granulosa cells

It is well known that heat shock proteins (HSPs) are not only mediators of heat stress but also regulators of cell proliferation (1) differentiation (2) and apoptosis (3). During the equine..

Catecholamine plasma levels, IFN-γ serum levels and antibodies production induced by rabies vaccine in dogs selected for their paw preference.

To explore the possible role of the sympathetic nervous activity in the asymmetrical cross-talk between the brain and immune system, catecholamine (E, NE) plasma levels, IFN-y serum levels and antibodies production induced by rabies vaccine in dogs selected for their paw preference were measured. The results showed an association between the direction of behavioural lateralisation and both epinephrine levels and immune response in dogs. Different kinetic of epinephrine levels after immunization was observed in left-pawed dogs respect to both right-pawed and ambidextrous dogs. The titers of anti-rabies antibodies were lower in left-pawed dogs than in right-pawed and ambidextrous dogs. Similarly, the IFN-y serum levels were lower in left-pawed dogs respect to the other two groups. Taking together, these findings showed that the left-pawed group appeared to be consistently the different group stressing the fundamental role played by the sympathetic nervous system as a mechanistic basis for the crosstalk between the brain and the immune system