Michele Panzera

Activation of the Ahr signalling pathway by polychlorobiphenyls causes a marked induction of cytochrome P450 only after depletion of vitellogenin in Sparus aurata

The effects of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners 126 and 153 (PCB-126 and PCB-153) on vitellogenin (Vtg) and cytochrome (CYP1A1) expression were evaluated in 60 juvenile Sparus aurata. Fish were divided into four groups and the control group (Group A) was compared to fish exposed to PCB-126 (10-8M) (Group B), PCB-153 (10-6M) (Group C) singly and also in combination (Group D) for 12, 24 and 72 h. Hepatic expression of Vtg and CYP1A1 were analyzed using histological examinations and by immunochemical (Western blotting and immunohistochemistry) methods. Vtg increased in juvenile fishes of Groups B, C and D after 12h respect to Group A and decreased after 24 and 72 h respect to 12h in each group. CYP1A1 increased after 12 and 24h in all groups vs control group and increased in Group B only at 72 h vs in control group. The results showed that chemical interaction and endocrine disruption in fish might produce deleterious consequences not only for fish but also for human.

Comparison of cortisol and rectal temperature circadian rhythms in horses: the role of light/dark cycle and constant darkness

To investigate the daily rhythm of cortisol in horse and to establish whether this rhythm is endogenously generated, we assessed serum cortisol concentrations in five clinically healthy Italian Saddle horses housed in individual boxes under natural light/dark (L/D) cycle followed by constant darkness, and we compared our results with the good established body temperature circadian rhythm. Blood samples and rectal temperature were collected every 3 h during all the experimental period. Two-way for repeated measure analysis of variance showed statistically significant effect of time and no effect of experimental conditions on both studied parameters. In the two experimental conditions, both parameters showed robust circadian rhythmicity, with diurnal acrophase for cortisol and nocturnal acrophase for rectal temperature. In conclusion, serum cortisol daily fluctuation showed oppose trend respect to daily fluctuation of rectal temperature, and its rhythm is endogenously generated.

Influence of short-term storage on electrophoretic profile of bovine serum proteins

Storage represents a basic step of the pre-analytical phase for the accuracy of screening tests both in human and veterinary diagnostic laboratories. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of short-term storage on electrophoretic profile of serum proteins in dairy cows. Blood was collected from 18 clinically healthy cows and serum was divided into four aliquots. The first aliquot was immediately analysed (time 0). The second and the third aliquots were stored at +4°C for 24 and 48 h, respectively. The fourth aliquot was frozen at −20° C for 48 hours. A statistical analysis was performed on the obtained data. Albumin and α-globulins relative concentration and A/G ratio showed significant changes after 48 h storage. The results obtained in the current study showed that short-term storage influenced electrophoretic pattern of bovine serum proteins and the A/G ratio. Therefore, the refrigeration of bovine sera for 24 h at the most should be suggested to practitioners in order to obtain reliable serum protein concentrations as useful screening test in veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Glycosaminoglycan concentrations in horse plasma and serum. Differences with other animal species and identification of affecting factors

1. The measured values of acid glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentration in plasma or in serum show significant differences between trained and untrained horses and among sedentary horses and other animal species (cattle, rabbit, sheep). 2. Diurnal variations in serum GAG levels are reported (cattle), and changes in plasma GAG concentrations after road transport (horses) and in late pregnancy (mares, cows), while sex, age and breed do not affect them.

The effect of the season on some blood metabolites and haptoglobin in dairy cows during postpartum period

Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the season (ambient temperature and relative humidity) on some blood metabolites in dairy cows during postpartum period. Blood samples were collected from 195 clinically healthy dairy cows of 8 Italian dairy herds in spring (April–May 15.5±4 °C and 69.5±0.7 %), summer (June–July 23±1.5 °C and 69±1.3 %) and autumn (September–October 17±2 °C and 72.5±2 %). Total proteins, albumin, globulins, urea, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids, β-hydroxybutyrate and haptoglobin were analysed. One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a significant effect of the season (P

Lipid and lipoprotein profile changes in newborn calves in response to the perinatal period

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamic changes of serum lipid and lipoprotein profiles in 6 newborn calves during the first five days of life. From each calve blood sampling was performed daily starting from day 1 (after colostrum intake) until day 5 of life. Blood samples collected from each animal were tested for serum total lipids, phospholipids, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), triglycerides, very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs), total cholesterol (Total-Chol), high density lipoproteins (HDLs) and low density lipoproteins (LDLs). One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied to determine the effect of days of life on the studied parameters in calves. A statistically significant effect of days of life was found on all serum lipid and lipoprotein indices measured in calves with the exception of NEFAs that showed unchanged values throughout the monitoring period. The changes observed in calves during the early postnatal period are most likely due to the transition in energy sources, from a maternal nutrient supply comprising mainly carbohydrates and amino acids to the colostrum and milk diet rich in fat.

Effect of housing conditions and owner’s schedule on daily total locomotor activity in dogs (Canis familiaris)

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of housing conditions on daily rhythm of total locomotor activity in dogs. Seven clinically healthy dogs (Canis familiaris) were used and divided into two groups: Group A lived with its owner in indoor environment, Group B housed in individual box of 140 × 200 cm. Each dog was equipped by means of collar on the neck with an actigraphy-based data logger (Actiwatch-Mini®, Cambridge Neurotechnology Ltd, UK), that record a digitally integrated measure of motor activity. In both groups, a daily rhythm of locomotor activity was observed. In Group A, acrophase and robustness changed during the 10 days of monitoring. In Group B, no changes were observed, and robustness was lower than Group A. Our findings underline the high influence of human presence and care on the amount of activity and on daily rhythm in companion dogs.

An exploratory study about the association between serum serotonin concentrations and canine-human social interactions in shelter dogs (Canis familiaris)

ABSTRACT The monoamine neurotransmitter serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine [5‐HT]) is involved in neuronal excitability, regulates mood and cognition, and is implicated in the regulation of a wide range of social behavior. Understanding its role in social behavior would be useful in understanding and improving human‐animal interactions, in particular, the human‐dog interaction. Examination of canine social behavior is crucial for screening shelter dogs to be placed for adoption or for identifying dogs that need behavioral intervention. Behavior problems in dogs can arise because of long‐term stays in shelters. The aim of this study was to determine whether serum 5‐HT is related to behavioral responses in shelter dogs. Fourteen mixed‐breed castrated male dogs, with no signs of aggressive behavior toward humans, were selected for exploring the relationship between 5‐HT and social behavior in dogs. These dogs were individually observed by an operator during a sociability toward humans test, and their behavioral responses toward the operator were evaluated using a simple test constituted by 7 episodes: Operator approaches the door of the pen, coaxes the dog, attempts to sit the dog and ask for its forelimb, attempts to put a collar on the dog, walks with the dog on a leash, throws a tennis ball against a wall and plays alone, and throws the tennis ball and invites the dog to play with him once. Each episode was scored from 2 to 8, with low scores representing the most fearful dogs. Blood samples were drawn from the cephalic vein during routine health checks, and some serum was retained for 5‐HT analysis. A weak linear correlation between the behavioral scores from operator‐dog interactions and 5‐HT levels (r2 = 0.31, P < 0.05) was found. According to these preliminary data, markers of the serotoninergic system could be related to the sociability of dogs toward humans.

Rhythmic function of body temperature, breathing and heart rates in newborn goats and sheep during the first hours of life

ABSTRACT Rectal temperature, breathing and heart rates were recorded in kids and lambs starting an hour after birth. Kids and lambs were divided into 2 groups, singleton (5 kids and 5 lambs) and twin (8 kids and 8 lambs), born at term in spring at the same hour (08:00 ± 1 hour) and clinically healthy. They were housed in a common stall and were fed only with colostrum and maternal milk. Each profile was analyzed individually by the Cosinor method. No rhythmicity as a group could be identifying. Our data showed that the maturation of the circadian system is almost complete in newborn, but there is subject variability in its manifestation in the early hours after birth.

Different behavior of body temperature and total locomotor activity daily rhythms during light/dark cycle in stabled Oryctolagus cuniculus

In order to investigate the potential causal link between the rhythm of activity and body temperature, we simultaneously recorded rectal temperature and total locomotor activity in five clinically healthy female rabbits (blue Vienna breed), 12 week old and mean body weight 2.7 ± 0.3. Animals were housed in individual cages (90 × 50 × 35 cm) under natural 12/12 light/dark cycle. Total locomotor activity was monitored for 15 days by an activity data logger. On day 1, 5, 10, and 15 rectal temperature was recorded every 2 h for a 24-h period. Application of single cosinor method showed a nocturnal daily rhythm of rectal temperature with a range of oscillation of about 1 °C, acrophase after dusk and low robustness value. The daily rhythm of locomotor activity showed its acrophase in the middle of the scotophase and a high robustness value. This information improves the knowledge available on the circadian biology of rabbits useful in the evaluation of physiology of this species.