ABSTRACT
To further knowledge of the physiology of opioid receptors in birds, the structure and expression of the µ-, δ-, and κ-opioid receptor genes were studied in a peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus), a snowy owl ( Bubo scandiacus), and a blue-fronted Amazon parrot ( Amazona aestiva). Tissue samples were obtained from birds that had been euthanatized for poor release prognosis or medical reasons. Samples were taken from the brain (telencephalon, thalamus, pituitary gland, cerebellum, pons, medulla oblongata, mesencephalon), the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglions, and plantar foot skin. Messenger RNA was recovered, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to generate complementary DNA (cDNA) sequences. Gene structures were documented by directly comparing cDNA sequences with recently published genomic sequences for the peregrine falcon and the blue-fronted Amazon parrot or by comparisons with genomic sequences of related species for the snowy owl. Structurally, the avian µ-opioid receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) species were complex, displaying differential splicing, alternative stop codons, and multiple polyadenylation signals. In comparison, the structure of the avian κ-receptor mRNA was relatively simple. In contrast to what is seen in humans, the avian δ-receptor mRNA structure was found to be complex, demonstrating novel 3-prime coding and noncoding exons not identified in mammals. The role of the δ-opioid receptor merits further investigation in avian species.
Subject(s)
Amazona/metabolism , Falconiformes/metabolism , Receptors, Opioid/metabolism , Strigiformes/metabolism , Amazona/genetics , Animals , Falconiformes/genetics , Female , Genetic Variation , Male , Receptors, Opioid/genetics , Species Specificity , Strigiformes/geneticsABSTRACT
A 3.5-year-old spayed female ferret, fed a diet high in refined sugar, was referred for lethargy, polyuria, polydipsia, and polyphagia. Diabetic ketoacidosis was diagnosed. Treatment included insulin therapy and a low carbohydrate diet. Diabetes mellitus resolved 54 d later, and insulin therapy was discontinued. There has been no recurrence of the diabetes mellitus.
Diabète mellitus transitoire chez un furet domestique(Mustela putorius furo). Une furette stérilisée de 3.5 ans, nourrie avec une diète riche en sucre raffiné, a été référée pour léthargie, polyuro-polydipsie et polyphagie. Un diagnostic de diabète acido-cétosique a été établi. Un traitement incluant une insulinothérapie et une diète faible en glucides a été mis en place. Le diabète s'est résolu après 54 jours et l'administration d'insuline a été arrêtée. Aucune récidive n'a été observée.(Traduit par les auteurs).
Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus/veterinary , Ferrets , Insulin/therapeutic use , Animals , Diabetes Mellitus/drug therapy , FemaleABSTRACT
A 7½-yr-old male cougar (Puma concolor) was presented with a 2-wk history of progressive hindlimb abnormalities. An abdominal mass was palpated on physical examination. Computed tomography of the abdomen showed a mass surrounding the left ureter. A postmortem diagnosis of paraganglioma was established.
