Hematological and anthelminthic responses of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) supplemented with Artrhospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris.

The present study evaluated the hematological, antiparasitic and growth responses in tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fed with diets supplemented with the microalgae Arthrospira platensis and Chlorella vulgaris (0%; 10% A. platensis; 10% C. vulgaris; and 5% A. platensis+5% C. vulgaris). Tambaqui (n=60, 62.57 ± 8.76 g) were fed for 20 days with experimental diets. Blood samples collection was done to determine hematological parameters, and gills were removed to identify and count monogenetic parasites. Supplementation with A. platensis 10% reduced red blood cells count, in consequence mean corpuscular volume and mean hemoglobin concentration increased. Total leukocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and basophil counts reduced with the use of A. platensis. Higher monocytes, eosinophil, and basophil numbers in tambaqui fed with diet supplemented with 10% C. vulgaris were observed and may have been due to the presence of immunostimulants in this microalga composition. Reduction on total cholesterol in tambaqui that received both microalgae (A. platensis 5%+C. vulgaris 5%) may indicate that combined supplementation presented greater benefits to the health for C. macropomum than separately. Both microalgae were efficient against monogenetic parasites of tambaqui. Thus, the dietary use of the microalgae A. platensis and C. vulgaris provided immunostimulant and antiparasitic efficacy in C. macropomum.

Inheritance of genomic regions and genes associated with number of oocytes and embryos in Gir cattle through daughter design.

Over the past decades, daughter designs, including genotyped sires and their genotyped daughters, have been used as an approach to identify QTL related to economic traits. The aim of this study was to identify genomic regions inherited by Gir sire families and genes associated with number of viable oocytes (VO), total number of oocytes (TO), and number of embryos (EMBR) based on a daughter design approach. In total, 15 Gir sire families were selected. The number of daughters per family ranged from 26 to 395, which were genotyped with different SNP panels and imputed to the Illumina BovineHD BeadChip (777K) and had phenotypes for oocyte and embryo production. Daughters had phenotypic data for VO, TO, and EMBR. The search for QTL was performed through GWAS based on GBLUP. The QTL were found for each trait among and within families based on the top 10 genomic windows with the greatest genetic variance. For EMBR, genomic windows identified among families were located on BTA4, BTA5, BTA6, BTA7, BTA8, BTA13, BTA16, and BTA17, and they were most frequent on BTA7 within families. For VO, genomic windows were located on BTA2, BTA4, BTA5, BTA7, BTA17, BTA21, BTA22, BTA23, and BTA27 among families, being most frequent on BTA8 within families. For TO, the top 10 genomic windows were identified on BTA2, BTA4, BTA5, BTA7, BTA17, BTA21, BTA22, BTA26, and BTA27, being most frequent on BTA7 and BTA8 within families. Considering all results, the greatest number of genomic windows was found on BTA7, where the VCAN, XRCC4, TRNAC-ACA, HAPLN1, and EDIL3 genes were identified in the common regions. In conclusion, 15 Gir sire families with 26 to 395 daughters per family with phenotypes for oocyte and embryo production helped to identify the inheritance of several genomic regions, especially on BTA7, where the EDIL3, HAPLN1, and VCAN candidate genes were associated with number of oocytes and embryos in Gir cattle families.

Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Chauhanellus Bychowsky & Nagibina, 1969 (Monogenoidea) parasitizing marine catfish (Ariidae) from the Atlantic coast of South America: a new species, supplementary taxonomic information and new insights.

In this study, a new dactylogyrid species is described from the gills of two ariid fish species of the Brazilian coast, Genidens barbus and Genidens genidens, by combining morphological characters with partial 18S rDNA sequences. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following morphological characteristics: a male copulatory organ (MCO), a coiled tubular shaft of around one counterclockwise ring, base with a sclerotized cap; MCO with tapered distal region; a T-shaped accessory piece; a vagina, a cup-shaped vaginal vestibule, slightly sclerotized; and a pharynx comprising a muscular, glandular bulb. Supplementary taxonomic data for Chauhanellus velum from Sciades couma (type-host) are also presented and new 18S rDNA sequences of Chauhanellus spp. from other ariid fish from South America are provided. Phylogenetic analyses based on partial 18S rDNA gene sequences placed Chauhanellus riograndinensis n. sp. and Chauhanellus velum as two early divergent lineages within Chauhanellus from South America. Finally, a way to test the monophyly of Chauhanellus and Hamatopeduncularia is also discussed, which may be useful for future studies.

Benzodiazepine partially reverses tonic-clonic seizures induced by thiocolchicoside.

Seizures are a disorder caused by structural brain lesions, life-threatening metabolic derangements, or drug toxicity. The present study describes the behavior related to proconvulsant activity induced by thiocolchicoside (TCC) in rats and investigates the electrocorticographic patterns of this behavior and the effectiveness of classic antiepileptic drugs used to control these seizures. Forty-nine adult male Wistar rats were used and divided into two phases of our experimental design: 1) evaluation of seizure-related behavior and electrocorticographic patterns induced by TCC and 2) evaluation of the efficacy of classical antiepileptic drugs to control the proconvulsive activity caused by TCC. Our results showed that TCC induced tonic-clonic seizures that caused changes in electrocorticographic readings, characteristic of convulsive activity, with average amplitude greater than that induced by pentylenetetrazole. Treatment with anticonvulsants, especially diazepam, reduced the electrocorticographic outbreaks induced by TCC. The results suggested that TCC caused seizures with increased power in brain oscillations up to 40 Hz and that diazepam may partially reverse the effects.

Benzodiazepine partially reverses tonic-clonic seizures induced by thiocolchicoside

Seizures are a disorder caused by structural brain lesions, life-threatening metabolic derangements, or drug toxicity. The present study describes the behavior related to proconvulsant activity induced by thiocolchicoside (TCC) in rats and investigates the electrocorticographic patterns of this behavior and the effectiveness of classic antiepileptic drugs used to control these seizures. Forty-nine adult male Wistar rats were used and divided into two phases of our experimental design: 1) evaluation of seizure-related behavior and electrocorticographic patterns induced by TCC and 2) evaluation of the efficacy of classical antiepileptic drugs to control the proconvulsive activity caused by TCC. Our results showed that TCC induced tonic-clonic seizures that caused changes in electrocorticographic readings, characteristic of convulsive activity, with average amplitude greater than that induced by pentylenetetrazole. Treatment with anticonvulsants, especially diazepam, reduced the electrocorticographic outbreaks induced by TCC. The results suggested that TCC caused seizures with increased power in brain oscillations up to 40 Hz and that diazepam may partially reverse the effects.

Behavioral and morphological effects of resveratrol and curcumin in rats submitted to doxorubicin-induced cognitive impairment.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is known to cause cognitive impairments in patients submitted to long-term chemotherapy (deficits also known as chemobrain). Therefore, there is an urgent need for therapeutic strategies capable of returning cancer survivors back to their previous quality of life. The present study investigated whether resveratrol (RSV) or curcumin (CUR) administration could affect mnemonic function and brain morphological changes following DOX administration in rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: DOX group (2.5 mg/kg/week for 4 weeks, i.p., plus distilled water for 28 days, oral gavage - OG), DOX + RSV group (DOX, 2.5 mg/kg/week for 4 weeks, i.p., plus RSV, 10 mg/kg/day for 28 days, OG), DOX + CUR group (DOX, 2.5 mg/kg/week for 4 weeks, i.p., plus CUR, 100 mg/kg/day for 28 days, OG) and control (CTR) group (0.9% saline solution weekly for 4 weeks, i.p., plus distilled water for 28 days, OG). Behavioral analyses (open field - OF - and the novel object recognition test - NORT) were performed. Brains were collected and analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin and luxol fast blue staining techniques and by immunohistochemistry for GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein) expression in astrocytes and Iba1 (ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1) expression in microglia. DOX-injected rats presented short-term and long-term memory impairments as seen in the NORT at 3 and 24 h after habituation and increased GFAP and Iba1 expression, respectively, in astrocytes and microglia of the frontal cortex, hypothalamus and hippocampus. Such cognitive deficits were prevented by CUR at both periods and by RSV at 24 h. DOX-induced astrogliosis and microgliosis were avoided by RSV and CUR. No signs of demyelination or neuronal loss were found in any group. Thus, CUR and RSV prevented memory loss, astrogliosis and microgliosis induced by DOX monotherapy.

Short-term systemic methotrexate administration in rats induces astrogliosis and microgliosis.

Methotrexate (MTX), an antifolate drug, is widely used in chemotherapeutic protocols for metastatic and primary brain tumors and some autoimmune diseases. Its efficacy for brain tumors is limited by the high incidence of central nervous system (CNS) complications. This investigation aimed to observe the morphological effects, including astroglial and microglial responses, following systemic short-term MTX administration in adult rats. Male Wistar rats received 5 or 10 mg/kg/day of MTX by intraperitoneal route for 4 consecutive days (respectively, MTX5 and MTX10 groups) or the same volume of 0.9% saline solution (control group). On the 5th day, brain samples were collected for hematoxylin-eosin and luxol fast blue staining techniques, as well as for immunohistochemical staining for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in astrocytes and Iba1 (ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1) for microglia in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus and molecular/granular layers of the cerebellum. Morphometric analyses were performed using Image Pro-Plus software. Brain levels of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1ß were determined by ELISA. No signs of neuronal loss or demyelination were observed in all groups. Increased GFAP and Iba1 expression was found in all areas from the MTX groups, although it was slightly higher in the MTX10 group compared to the MTX5. Both TNF-α and IL-1ß levels were decreased in the MTX5 group compared to controls. In the MTX10 group, TNF-α decreased, although IL-1ß was increased relative to controls. MTX administration induced microglial reaction and astrogliosis in several CNS areas. In the MTX5 group, it apparently occurred in the presence of decreased proinflammatory cytokines.

Development of tetra-primer ARMS-PCR protocol to genotype the prolactin receptor SNP 39136666 and assessment of this SNP in Brazilian locally adapted cattle breeds / [Desenvolvimento de protocolo de tetra-primer ARMS- PCR para genotipagem do SNP 39136666 do receptor da prolactina e avaliação desse SNP em raças bovinas brasileiras localmente adaptadas]

As raças taurinas de origem ibérica Limonero e Carora (Bos primigenius taurus) possuem o fenótipo de pelo curto, liso e com baixa densidade folicular, o que confere a esses animais maior tolerância térmica e melhor produtividade em regiões quentes. Diferentes mutações associadas a esse fenótipo foram descritas no gene do receptor de prolactina PRLR, localizado no cromossomo bovino BTA20. Uma mutação recentemente encontrada é a substituição do nucleotídeo C por T, SNP 39136666 (p. R497*), no exon 11, que gera um códon de parada e, consequentemente, uma menor isoforma desse receptor. Neste trabalho, desenvolveu-se um protocolo rápido e de baixo custo para detecção desse SNP, utilizando-se a técnica de tetra-primer ARMS-PCR. Assim, foi possível detectar essa mutação nas raças brasileiras de origem ibérica localmente adaptadas: Caracu, Crioulo Lageano, Mocho Nacional e Pantaneiro. O alelo T foi mais frequente na raça Caracu (80%), enquanto o alelo C foi mais frequente na raça Crioulo Lageano (84%). Essa simples metodologia pode ser usada para genotipar esse SNP e ajudar na aplicação dessas informações moleculares em programas de melhoramento focados na tolerância térmica em bovinos taurinos e seus mestiços.(AU)

Prenatal LPS induces sickness behaviour and decreases maternal and predatory behaviours after an LPS challenge.

Purpose: The influence of a challenge dose of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the behavioural selection between maternal (MB) and predatory behaviours (PB) of female rats prenatally treated with the same endotoxin or saline solution (F1 generation) were studied.Material and methods: Thus, in adult age, these female rats were mated and, at lactation days 5 or 6, the following groups were formed: (1) LPS + LPS group-female rats prenatally treated with LPS and received an LPS challenge dose; (2) S + LPS group-female rats prenatally treated with saline solution and received a challenge LPS dose (3) S + S group-females rats prenatally treated with saline which received a saline injection. MB, PB to cockroaches, exploratory behaviour, periaqueductal grey (PAG) expression of the astrocytic biomarker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and corticosterone and TNF-alpha serum levels were evaluated.Results: Showed that: (1) relative to the S + S group, the LPS + S group showed decreased MB and slightly increased PB, without inducing sickness behaviour; (2) the LPS + LPS group showed decreased MB but few effects on PB; (3) there was increased sickness behaviour associated with increased TNF-alpha serum levels in the LPS + LPS group; (4) a significant increase in GFAP expression was observed in both LPS groups, which was greater in the LPS + LPS group and (5) no differences in the corticosterone of all groups.Conclusions: Prenatal LPS impaired the switch from MB to PB in female rats of the LPS + LPS group by increased sickness behaviour as well as an increase in plasmatic TNF-alpha levels inducing PAG astrogliosis.

Prevalence of Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Angiostrongylus costaricensis in Achatina fulica snails in the municipality of São Bernardo do Campo (SP, Brazil) / Prevalência de Angiostrongylus cantonensis e Angiostrongylus costaricensis em caramujos Achatina fulica na cidade de São Bernardo do Campo (SP, Brasil)

Angiostrongylus cantonensis e Angiostrongylus costaricensis são nematoides parasitas que residem em roedores e usam gastrópodes como hospedeiros intermediários. Achatina fulica, conhecida como caramujo-gigante-africano, é um hospedeiro intermediário que desempenha importante papel na dispersão de A. cantonensis e A. costaricensis, patógenos zoonóticos que causam, respectivamente, meningoencefalite eosinofílica e angiostrongilíase abdominal em humanos. O objetivo deste estudo foi o de coletar caramujos (A. fulica, n=90) de oito regiões diferentes (Rudge Ramos, Baeta Neves, Planalto, Demarchi, Dos Alvarengas, Batistini, Montanhão, Rio Grande) da cidade de São Bernardo do Campo (SP) para detecção molecular de A. cantonensis ou A. costaricensis pela técnica de reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). As amostras foram processadas em pools (n=25) segundo a região de coleta. Com exceção da região de Baeta Neves, as demais apresentaram caramujos infectados com larvas de nematoides. Seis regiões apresentaram amostras positivas para A. cantonensis. Quatorze (56%) das 25 amostras em pool apresentaram larvas de nematoides, e 52% delas (13/25) foram positivas para A. cantonensis. Nenhuma amostra positiva para A. costaricensis foi encontrada. A presença de A. fulica naturalmente infectada por A. cantonensis deve servir como um alerta para as autoridades de saúde pública sobre o risco potencial de infecção para humanos.(AU)

RNA sequencing differential gene expression analysis of isolated perfused bovine udders experimentally inoculated with Streptococcus agalactiae.

The aim of this study was to elucidate the differential gene expression in the RNA sequencing transcriptome of isolated perfused udders collected from 4 slaughtered Holstein × Zebu crossbred dairy cows experimentally inoculated with Streptococcus agalactiae. We studied 3 different statistical tools (edgeR, baySeq, and Cuffdiff 2). In summary, 2 quarters of each udder were experimentally inoculated with Strep. agalactiae and the other 2 were used as a control. Mammary tissue biopsies were collected at times 0 and 3 h after infection. The total RNA was extracted and sequenced on an Illumina HiSeq 2000 (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA). Transcripts were assembled from the reads aligned to the bovine UMD 3.1 reference genome, and the statistical analyses were performed using the previously mentioned tools (edgeR, baySeq, and Cuffdiff 2). Finally, the identified genes were submitted to pathway enrichment analysis. A total of 1,756, 1,161, and 3,389 genes with differential gene expression were identified when using edgeR, baySeq, and Cuffdiff 2, respectively. A total of 122 genes were identified by the overlapping of the 3 methods; however, only the platelet activation presented a significantly enriched pathway. From the results, we suggest the FCER1G, GNAI2, ORAI1, and VASP genes shared among the 3 methods in this pathway for posterior biological validation.

Food deprivation in F0 generation and hypercaloric diet in F1 generation reduce F2 generation astrogliosis in several brain areas after immune challenge.

AIMS: The effects of maternal food restriction during gestation in F0 generation followed by hypercaloric diet (HD) during puberty in F1 generation (F1HD) were investigated on astrocyte behavior of F2 generation. Also, the astrocyte behavior, after an immune challenge, was examined by the immunohistochemical expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in several brain areas. METHODS: The body weight gain (BW) during development and in postnatal day (PND) 90-95, the retroperitoneal fat weight (RPF), and the size of larger and smaller adipocytes in the F1 generation were assessed to observe the effects of HD in female rats. The BW, RPF weight and size of smaller and larger adipocytes was also measured to evaluate the transgenerational effects of F0 and F1 diets on F2 generation, treated or not with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). KEY FINDINGS: The F1HD group exhibited a higher BW gain than the F1 treated with normocaloric diet (ND, group F1ND), from weaning to PND65. In the frontal/parietal cortex, nucleus accumbens, hypothalamic arcuate/periventricular nuclei, molecular/granular layers of the cerebellum areas, excepting the pons, GFAP expression was greater in F1HD group relative to F1ND group. A reduced GFAP expression was observed in both groups born from F1 generation fed with HD (groups F2HDS and F2HDLPS) in relation to F2 generation born from dams fed with ND (groups F2NDS and F2NDLPS), independently of LPS challenge. SIGNIFICANCE: These data show an attenuation of LPS effect on GFAP expression, probably by a transgenerational effect of both maternal food deprivation in F0 generation and HD in F1 generation.

Haematological reference of snakes: Amazon tree boa (Corallus hortulanus, Linnaeus, 1758) and Burmenese Python (Python bivittatus, Kuhl, 1820) in captive / Parâmetros hematológicos das serpentes: suaçuboia (Corallus hortulanus, Linnaeus, 1758) e píton birmanesa (Python bivittatus, Kuhl, 1820) em cativeiro

Hematology has become important for making clinical diagnoses in snakes because maintenance techniques in captivity have been improving and increasing their life expectancy. The emergence of diseases in captivity requires the creation of parameters to understand the species in their healthy state. The possible association between the onset of neoplasia, immunosuppression, and viral infection are also important factors to consider. Thus, hematology is a fundamental tool for observing the responses of animals to diseases and treatments. The present study aims to study hematology between two species of snakes and compare the profiles observed with published results. Blood samples were collected from 16 male and female snakes: seven Corallus hortulanus from the family Boidae and nine Python bivittatus from the family Pythonidae belonging to the Biological Museum of the Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil. Complete blood count results including blood smear, total erythrocyte count, leukocytes, and differential leukocyte count were evaluated. The data obtained in this study could help with the diagnosis, the treatment of snakes in captive conditions and in of nature conservation programs.(AU)

A hematologia das serpentes tem se tornado algo de grande importância para o diagnóstico clínico, visto que as técnicas de manutenção em cativeiro vêm aumentando a expectativa de vida. O surgimento de doenças em cativeiro leva à necessidade de criar parâmetros para conhecer as espécies em seu estado hígido. A possível associação entre o surgimento de neoplasias, imunossupressão e infecção viral também é um importante fator a ser considerado. Assim, a hematologia é uma ferramenta fundamental para se observarem as respostas dos animais diante das doenças e dos tratamentos. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo tem como objetivo o estudo hematológico entre duas espécies de serpentes e a comparação dos perfis encontrados com a literatura atual. Foi coletado sangue de 16 serpentes de ambos os sexos da família Boidae: sete Corallus hortulanus, e da família Pythonidae: nove Python bivittatus, pertencentes ao Museu Biológico do Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, Brasil. Foram avaliados o hemograma completo com esfregaço sanguíneo, a contagem total de eritrócitos, os leucócitos e a contagem diferencial de leucócitos. Os dados obtidos neste estudo poderão auxiliar no diagnóstico e no tratamento de serpentes em cativeiro e em programas de conservação da natureza.(AU)

Haematological reference of snakes: Amazon tree boa (Corallus hortulanus, Linnaeus, 1758) and Burmenese Python (Python bivittatus, Kuhl, 1820) in captive

Hematology has become important for making clinical diagnoses in snakes because maintenance techniques in captivity have been improving and increasing their life expectancy. The emergence of diseases in captivity requires the creation of parameters to understand the species in their healthy state. The possible association between the onset of neoplasia, immunosuppression, and viral infection are also important factors to consider. Thus, hematology is a fundamental tool for observing the responses of animals to diseases and treatments. The present study aims to study hematology between two species of snakes and compare the profiles observed with published results. Blood samples were collected from 16 male and female snakes: seven Corallus hortulanus from the family Boidae and nine Python bivittatus from the family Pythonidae belonging to the Biological Museum of the Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Complete blood count results including blood smear, total erythrocyte count, leukocytes, and differential leukocyte count were evaluated. The data obtained in this study could help with the diagnosis, the treatment of snakes in captive conditions and in of nature conservation programs.

Haematological reference of snakes: Amazon tree boa (Corallus hortulanus, Linnaeus, 1758) and Burmenese Python (Python bivittatus, Kuhl, 1820) in captive

Hematology has become important for making clinical diagnoses in snakes because maintenance techniques in captivity have been improving and increasing their life expectancy. The emergence of diseases in captivity requires the creation of parameters to understand the species in their healthy state. The possible association between the onset of neoplasia, immunosuppression, and viral infection are also important factors to consider. Thus, hematology is a fundamental tool for observing the responses of animals to diseases and treatments. The present study aims to study hematology between two species of snakes and compare the profiles observed with published results. Blood samples were collected from 16 male and female snakes: seven Corallus hortulanus from the family Boidae and nine Python bivittatus from the family Pythonidae belonging to the Biological Museum of the Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil. Complete blood count results including blood smear, total erythrocyte count, leukocytes, and differential leukocyte count were evaluated. The data obtained in this study could help with the diagnosis, the treatment of snakes in captive conditions and in of nature conservation programs.

Reproductive biology of Psammobatis rutrum (Chondrichthyes: Arhynchobatidae) in south Brazil, south-west Atlantic.

This study presents information on the reproductive biology of Psammobatis rutrum based on 55 males and 53 females obtained as by-catch from bottom trawlers off southern Brazil during July 2013 and September 2014 and includes a detailed description of the egg capsule. Total lengths (LT ) ranged from 22·3 to 31·6 cm and most of the sample comprised larger individuals, although there were no sexual differences in length-frequency distributions. Significant sexual differences were found for total length-disc width, LT -body mass and LT -eviscerated body mass relationships, with females being heavier and larger. Males started to mature at 25·5 cm LT and females, at 25·9 cm LT , while LT at maturity was calculated in 26·67 and 26·81 cm, respectively. Attaining larger sizes and mass may represent a reproductive investment for females, as observed in other rajoid species. Egg bearing females were first observed over 27·1 cm LT and ovarian fecundity was 1-12 vitellogenic follicles. The egg capsules were 2·22-2·62 cm length and had attaching fibrils on both lateral sides. Microscopically, the ventral face of the egg capsule was rougher than the dorsal face.

SHORT-COMMUNICATION Evaluation of perfused bovine udder for gene expression studies in dairy cows.

Intramammary infections are one of the main causes of productivity loss in dairy cows. To better understand the immune system response and to avoid the use of live animals, we validated the use of isolated bovine udder as an ex situ model. Six mammary glands were collected from cows ready for culling. Three udders were perfused with Tyrode's solution and three were not-perfused. During six hours, we collected perfusate samples for biochemical analysis. We also collected alveolar and teat canal tissue to evaluate gene expression. The biochemical parameters indicated that the perfused udders remained viable for the entire period of the experiment. A real-time polymerase chain reaction showed an increase in 18S rRNA gene expression in the alveolar tissue at 3 and 4 h after perfusion. There was also an increase in the Ubiquitin gene in the teat canal from not-perfused udders at 1, 3, and 4 h after slaughter. In general, gene expression was stable during the experiment. Our results indicated that the isolated perfused bovine udder model is appropriate for genetic studies, opening a new perspective in animal experimentation methods.

Transgenerational effects of a hypercaloric diet.

The effects of a maternal hypercaloric diet (HD) during puberty and early adulthood on neuroimmune aspects in offspring were investigated. In female rats of the F0 generation and male rats of the F1 generation, bodyweight (BW) gain, retroperitoneal fat (RPF) weight, the number of hypodermic adipocytes (HAs) and expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were measured in hypothalamic astrocytes. On Postnatal Day 50, the F1 pups were challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 100µgkg-1, s.c.) or an equal volume of saline (S), and behaviour in the open field test was evaluated, as were plasma neuropeptide and cytokine concentrations. The maternal HD caused the female F0 rats to become overweight. The F1 offspring of dams fed the HD and challenged with saline (HDS group) exhibited increases in BW gain, RPF weight and in the number of large HAs and a decrease in GFAP immunoreactivity. F1 offspring of dams fed the HD and challenged with LPS (HDLPS group) exhibited decreases in BW gain, RPF weight and GFAP immunoreactivity, but no differences were observed in the number of larger and small HAs. Plasma tumour necrosis factor-α concentrations were high in the HDS and HDLPS groups. Thus, the maternal HD during puberty and early adulthood caused the F1 generation to become overweight despite the fact that they received a normocaloric diet. These results indicate a transgenerational effect of the HD that may occur, in part, through permanent changes in immune system programming. The attenuation of neuroinflammation biomarkers after LPS administration may have resulted in a decrease in the number of adipocytes, which, in turn, reduced cytokine, adipokine and chemokine levels, which are able to recruit inflammatory cells in adipose tissue.

Maternal food restriction in rats of the F0 generation increases retroperitoneal fat, the number and size of adipocytes and induces periventricular astrogliosis in female F1 and male F2 generations.

The present study investigated whether male offspring (F2 generation) from female rats (F1 generation) whose mothers (F0 generation) were food restricted during gestation inherit a phenotypic transgenerational tendency towards being overweight and obese in the juvenile period, in the absence of food restriction in the F1/F2 generations. Dams of the F0 generation were 40% food restricted during pregnancy. Bodyweight, the number and size of larger and small hypodermal adipocytes (HAs), total retroperitoneal fat (RPF) weight and the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in periventricular hypothalamic astrocytes (PHAs), as determined by immunohistochemistry, were evaluated in both generations. In the female F1 generation, there was low bodyweight gain only during the juvenile period (30-65 days of age), a decrease in the size of small adipocytes, an increase in the number of small adipocytes, an increase in RPF weight and an increase in GFAP expression in PHAs at 90-95 days of age. In males of the F2 generation at 50 days of age, there was increased bodyweight and RPF weight, and a small number of adipocytes and GFAP expression in PHAs. These data indicate that the phenotypic transgenerational tendency towards being overweight and obese was observed in females (F1) from mothers (F0) that were prenatally food restricted was transmitted to their male offspring.

Effect of inclusion or non-inclusion of short lactations and cow and/or dam genetic group on genetic evaluation of Girolando dairy cattle.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of inclusion or non-inclusion of short lactations and cow (CGG) and/or dam (DGG) genetic group on the genetic evaluation of 305-day milk yield (MY305), age at first calving (AFC), and first calving interval (FCI) of Girolando cows. Covariance components were estimated by the restricted maximum likelihood method in an animal model of single trait analyses. The heritability estimates for MY305, AFC, and FCI ranged from 0.23 to 0.29, 0.40 to 0.44, and 0.13 to 0.14, respectively, when short lactations were not included, and from 0.23 to 0.28, 0.39 to 0.43, and 0.13 to 0.14, respectively, when short lactations were included. The inclusion of short lactations caused little variation in the variance components and heritability estimates of traits, but their non-inclusion resulted in the re-ranking of animals. Models with CGG or DGG fixed effects had higher heritability estimates for all traits compared with models that consider these two effects simultaneously. We recommend using the model with fixed effects of CGG and inclusion of short lactations for the genetic evaluation of Girolando cattle.