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Biomedical subjects

J Lefaivre

Publications and source records attributed to J Lefaivre.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Technical note: measuring portal blood flow in sheep using an ultrasonic transit time flow probe.

Our objective was to validate the use of an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter for the measurement of portal blood flow (PBF) in sheep. Data recorded with this technique were compared with those obtained with an indicator dilution method, and probes were calibrated in vivo. Wethers were fitted with catheters in the portal, jejunal, and ruminal veins and in a mesenteric artery. Ultrasonic flow probes were implanted around the portal vein: S-series probes in three wethers, and A-series probes in four wethers. The PBF measured with A-series probes was within 10% of that measured by indicator dilution, but PBF measured with S-series probes were 52 to 77% of that determined by indicator dilution. In vivo calibration indicated that A-series probes provided accurate measurement of PBF (absolute accuracy: 5%+/-zero flow error). In conclusion, an ultrasonic transit-time flowmeter, with an A-series probe, can be used to reliably measure PBF in sheep.

Animals↗

Resorption kinetics of osseous substitute: natural coral and synthetic hydroxyapatite.

Coral and hydroxyapatite may be used as substitution biomaterials for bone grafts. In this work, we extracted the implants from the femora to study the kinetics of elementary mineral transformation of the osseous substitutes. The use of physical analysis methods such as PIXE (particle-induced X-ray emission) shows that coral and hydroxyapatite, after their implantation in vivo, reach a mineral composition comparable with that of bone. For the first time we have measured the concentration of mineral elements, at different time intervals after implantation, along a cross-section. The distribution according to mineral elements (Ca, P, Sr, Zn, Fe) in the implant, in the receiver site and also at the interface, showed that the kinetics of coral resorption was faster than that of hydroxyapatite; in the same way, the osseous attack was not global but, rather, centripetal.

Animals↗

Influence of lasalocid, cationomycin and feeding frequency on the postprandial kinetics of some plasma parameters in the rumen vein, portal vein and mesenteric artery of sheep.

Two adult sheep, A and B, received successively during three experimental periods a forage-based pelleted feed, then the same diet supplemented with 33 mg/kg of lasalocid (L) or cationomycin (C). The feed was given in either eight (sheep A) or two (sheep B) daily meals. After four weeks of adaptation, 11 blood samples were taken through catheters in the rumen vein (RVA) and the mesenteric artery (MAA) in sheep A and in the rumen vein (RVB) and portal vein (PVB) in sheep B over a 5-hour period after the morning meal. Because of a blockage in the catheter it was not possible to measure the effect of C in MAA. Food intake had no immediate effect on the plasma levels measured: the distribution of eight daily meals stabilized plasma levels and made it easier to determine the effect of the ionophores. This effect varied according to the sampling site, the animal and the antibiotic, sometimes contradictorily. All the plasma parameters monitored in RVA were significantly modified by either one of the ionophores. A decrease in plasma albumin concentration (P < 0.05) was observed with L in MAA and with C in RVA and MAA. Aceto-acetate concentration decreased (P < 0.05) with L in MAA but increased with L and C in RVB. A decrease in glycaemia and uraemia (P < 0.05) was observed with L in MAA, RVA and RVB and with C in RVA. Total amino acid concentration decreased (P < 0.05) with C in RVA or increased (P < 0.05) with L in PVB and RVB. These variations in results may be due to different mechanisms of action of L and C on digestion, particularly in the rumen. While the changes undergone by the ketone bodies in the blood suggested a decrease in hepatic ketogenesis with L, there was no evidence that the ionophores had a direct postprandial effect.

Acetoacetates↗

Short communication: parathyroid hormone-related peptide does not stimulate phosphate placental transport.

It has been demonstrated that parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP) stimulates calcium (Ca) placental transport. Ca and inorganic phosphorous (P) metabolisms are intimately linked. Thus we have studied the influence of PTHrP on P placental transport in ewes. In our experimental paradigm, synthetic human PTHrP (1-86) fragment intravenously injected in six single chronically catheterized fetuses (3 x 1 micrograms/fetus/day, from day 129 to day 140 of gestation) had no significant effect upon P placental transport which was 131 +/- 6 and 129 +/- 9 mg/kg fetal weight/day in treated and control fetuses, respectively.

Animals↗

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide may increase mammary blood flow.

Amino-terminal fragments of PTHrP were previously shown to increase regional blood flow in laboratory animals. Since PTHrP is produced in the lactating mammary gland and associated nutrient vessels, we examined the effects of peptide fragments of PTHrP on the hemodynamics of the mammary gland of dried sheep. The left arterial mammary blood flow measured using ultrasonic flow probes in four dried Lacaune ewes was 233 +/- 11 ml/minute. It was significantly increased when synthetic human PTHrP-(1-34) or (1-86) fragments were injected into the mammary artery. The effect was dose dependent for PTHrP-(1-34), varying between 0.0075 and 0.3 nmol/kg body weight. PTHrP-(140-173) fragment lacked any vasorelaxant activity. Synthetic human endothelin (ET1) decreased arterial blood flow in a dose-dependent manner. This decrease was inhibited by PTHrP-(1-34), and this inhibition was PTHrP dose related. When ET1 (10 pmol/kg body weight) was injected together with PTHrP-(1-86) (100 pmol/kg body weight), only a significant increase in mammary blood flow was observed. Thus, PTHrP produced by the lactating mammary gland may be involved in the regulation of mammary blood flow.

Animals↗

Technical note: ruminal vein catheterization and continuous blood flow measurement in ruminal arteries of sheep.

Eight wethers were used to test the technique. Silicone rubber catheters were introduced into both ruminal veins so that their tips lay a few centimeters from the splenic vein. Arterial blood flow to the rumen was measured by an ultrasonic transit-time flow meter with 3-mm probes implanted around the left and right ruminal arteries. No loss of patency of the venous catheters was observed before slaughter (2 to 6 mo after surgery). There was no evidence of extensive vascular trauma due to catheterization at postmortem examination. In vivo calibration of the flow probes showed that reliable measurements could be made until at least 6 mo after implantation. With an accurate method of blood flow measurement in ruminal arteries and guaranteed long-term catheter patency, it would be possible to make reliable estimates of nutrient uptake across the ruminal wall of sheep over an experimental period of several months.

Animals↗

Parathyroid hormone-related peptide increases urinary phosphate excretion in fetal lambs.

The effect of synthetic human parathyroid hormone-related peptide fragment 1-34 (hPTHrP) on plasma concentration and urinary excretion of inorganic phosphorus (P) was compared to that of synthetic bovine PTH fragment 1-34 (bPTH) in four 120- to 130-day-old fetal lambs chronically catheterized in utero. They received by I.V. infusion according to a Latin square design either bPTH (6 nmol per fetus) or hPTHrp (6 nmol per fetus) alone, or after the synthetic analogue [Tyr34]bPTH(7-34)NH2 (12 nmol per fetus). Control fetuses received the same volume of solvent alone. Both bPTH and hPTHrP stimulated diuresis. They induced hypercalcaemia, hyperphosphaturia and hypophosphataemia. The effects of hPTHrP were inhibited by [Tyr34]bPTH(7-34)NH2, indicating that PTHrP might work through the PTH receptor.

Animals↗

The influence of parathyroid hormone-related protein on hepatic IGF-1 production.

Four young milk-fed calves were fitted with catheters chronically implanted in the mesenteric, portal and hepatic veins and in the hepatic artery. Electromagnetic blood flow probes in the portal vein and hepatic artery allowed continuous measurement of hepatic IGF-1 production. In accordance with a latin square design these calves received iv mesenteric infusion (for 60 min) of calcium (Ca, 0.125 mmol.kg body wt-1), the synthetic human parathyroid hormone-related protein (1-34) fragment (PTHrP, 1 nmol.kg body wt-1), the synthetic analogue [tyr]34-bovine PTH-(7-34) NH2 (2 nmol.kg body wt-1) and PTHrP (1 nmol.kg body wt-1) or solvent alone (1.2 ml.kg body wt-1). Hypercalcaemia observed following Ca infusion had no significant effect on hepatic IGF-1 production. PTHrP induced a slight but significant increase in plasma Ca and IGF-1 concentrations measured in the hepatic vein, without changing blood flows measured in the hepatic artery and portal vein. Thus PTHrP increased hepatic IGF-1 production (15.1 +/- 2.7 nmol.6 h-1.kg body wt-1 vs 4 +/- 1.3 nmol.6 h-1.kg body wt-1 in controls; p less than 0.05). These effects induced by PTHrP were inhibited by the synthetic analogue [tyr]34-bPTH-(7-34) NH2.

Animals↗

Duodenal rapeseed oil infusion in early and midlactation cows. 5. Milk fatty acids and adipose tissue lipogenic activities.

Lipogenic activities of perirenal adipose tissue were investigated in early (wk 3) and midlactation (wk 19 to 26) cows that received a duodenal rapeseed oil infusion (1.0 to 1.1 kg/d). In midlactation, oil infusion resulted in a decreased rate of fatty acid synthesis from acetate and a decreased rate of the activities of fatty acid synthetase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, whereas lipoprotein lipase activity tended to increase. The rate of glucose incorporation into glyceride-glycerol and the activities of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme were not significantly affected. Fatty acid C14:0 content of perirenal adipose tissue was decreased, and fatty acid C18:2 and C18:3 contents were increased in oil-infused cows. In early lactation, rates of acetate incorporation into fatty acids and activities of fatty acid synthetase and lipoprotein lipase were very low. Activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase were lower in the early than in the midlactation trial. Oil infusion did not change the measured parameters. In both trials, percentages and yields of milk fatty acids C18:1, C18:2, and C18:3 were increased, whereas those of C14:0 and C16:0 were decreased by oil. Calculated transfer rates of absorbed fatty acid C18:2 from oil to milk fat were 16 to 26%. Results suggested that oil fatty acids affected adipose and mammary de novo lipogenesis in a direct way without affecting fatty acid esterification in adipose tissue or total fat secretion in mammary tissue.

Acetates↗

[Transport of amino acids in the splanchnic bed by blood plasma and blood in the preruminant calf].

Three preruminant calves were fitted with catheters in portal and hepatic veins and in a mesenteric artery. Two electromagnetic flowmeter probes were clipped around the portal vein and the hepatic artery. The calves were fed either a diet with a low (L) or a high (R) abomasal emptying rate for dietary proteins. Blood flow and free amino acid levels in plasma (P) and blood (S) were determined before the morning meal and during the following 7 h. In the portal vein, for most amino acids P/S ratios were correlated to the net amino acid balance of the digestive tract measured in plasma. By contrast in the hepatic vein, these ratios were mainly correlated to hepatic balance measured in whole blood. Correlations between digestive tract and hepatic balance calculated using either plasma or whole blood pool were different for some amino acids. This suggests that amino acid exchange between plasma and blood cells is low and absorbed amino acids are mainly transported to the liver by plasma, whereas whole blood rather than plasma is concerned in amino acid exchanges in the liver.

Amino Acids↗

Regulation of growth hormone release in fetal calves.

Plasma GH and IGF1 concentrations were measured during the last 2 months of gestation in 9 chronically catheterized fetal calves under basal conditions or following growth-hormone-releasing factor (GRF), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) or SRIF intravenous cotyledonnary injections. Plasma GH concentrations were higher in fetuses (1.40 +/- 0.10 nmol/l) than in dams (0.14 +/- 0.01 nmol/l). Plasma GH secretory profile was pulsatile. The number of secretory pulses, as well as their magnitude and mean baseline values decreased from 220 to 270 days of gestation. Synthetic 1-29 GRF or TRH increased fetal plasma GH concentration at 250 and 270 days of gestation but was devoid of any significant effect at 220 days. SRIF injection decreased plasma GH concentration in 270-day-old fetuses. Plasma IGF1 concentrations were lower in fetuses than in dams. No treatment had a significant effect on fetal and maternal IGF1 levels.

Animals↗

Method for continuous measurement of blood metabolite hepatic balance in conscious preruminant calves.

A method of continuous in vivo flow measurement of plasma metabolites through the liver in calves was described. Five 2-wk old male calves were fitted with chronic catheters in the hepatic and portal veins and in the hepatic artery and with electromagnetic blood flow probes in the portal vein and in the hepatic artery. The reliability of measurements was tested during a 3-wk period in which calves were fed milk diets that curdled or did not curdle (uncurdled) in the abomasum. In comparison with a conventional curdled milk diet, the intake of uncurdled milk diet did not modify mean portal vein (47 to 49 ml.mn-1.kg live weight-1) or hepatic arterial (5.6 to 5.7 ml.mn-1.kg live weight-1) blood flows but did influence nycthemeral variations in portal blood flow rates, especially during the second part of the night.

Animals↗

1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol regulates salivary phosphate secretion in cattle.

The influence of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25-(OH)2D3) on salivary inorganic phosphorus (Pi) concentration and secretion was studied in two groups of four heifers, the right parotid ducts of which were chronically fitted with a re-entrant cannula. In four heifers i.v. Pi loading (5 mmol/min for 2 h) induced hyperphosphataemia associated with a decrease in plasma 1,25-(OH)2D concentration and an increase in salivary Pi concentration and secretion. In four other heifers, daily 1 alpha-hydroxycholecalciferol injections (1 microgram/kg body wt per day for 3 days) induced hyperphosphataemia associated with an increase in plasma 1,25-(OH)2D concentration and a decrease in salivary Pi concentration and secretion. These treatments had no significant effect on salivary calcium concentration and secretion. Our results indicate that plasma 1,25-(OH)2D concentrations rather than phosphataemia regulate salivary Pi concentration and secretion in cattle.

Animals↗

Aldosterone regulates salivary sodium secretion in cattle.

Intravenous infusion of aldosterone (10 microgram/kg body wt per h for 5 h) in four 2-month-old calves decreased salivary and urinary sodium (Na+) concentration and increased salivary potassium (K+) concentration without modifying salivary flow or urinary K+ concentration. Intravenous angiotensin II infusion (0.3 microgram/kg body wt per min for 1 h) in four Na+-replete 16-month-old bulls decreased salivary Na+ concentration and increased that of K+. It also increased plasma cortisol and plasma aldosterone concentrations, and decreased plasma renin activity (PRA). In four 16-month-old bulls Na+ deficiency (induced by chronic cannulation of the right parotid duct and loss of saliva for 5 days) had similar effects to those observed following aldosterone infusion in calves: a decrease in salivary Na+/K+ ratio. This decrease was associated with an increase in PRA and an increase in plasma aldosterone concentration. In these animals a close positive relationship was observed between PRA and plasma aldosterone concentration (r = 0.91; n = 20; P less than 0.01). Thus in cattle, during Na+ deficiency, the effect of aldosterone on parotid glands participates in the regulation of Na+ metabolism.

Aldosterone↗

Plasma ACTH, cortisol and aldosterone concentrations in chronically cannulated ovine fetuses and in lambs injected with ovine corticotropin releasing factor.

Synthetic oCRF was intravenously injected into 3 groups of 5 chronically cannulated ovine fetuses in utero on days 120, 130 and 137 of gestation (10 micrograms/fetus). The respective twin fetuses were used as controls. Ovine CRF was also intravenously injected into 4 groups of 6 lambs on days 1, 3, 7 and 20 after birth (5 micrograms/kg bw). Fetal plasma ACTH and cortisol concentrations increased significantly following oCRF as early as 120 days of gestation without changing maternal plasma cortisol concentrations. The ACTH and cortisol response to CRF increased gradually on stages 130 and 137 of gestation, but on the other hand, plasma aldosterone did not change. In newborns, after oCRF, the pituitary response gave peak values at 10 min for plasma ACTH and adrenal response gave peak values at 15 min for plasma cortisol. Between 1 and 20 days, plasma ACTH and cortisol changes after oCRF decreased in older animals while aldosterone level remained unchanged. In animals receiving both treatments on days 1 and 20, plasma cortisol levels were increased for longer than in animals treated once.

Adrenal Glands↗

Intestinal K99+ escherichia coli adhesion and absorption of colostral IgG1 in the newborn lamb: effect of fetal infusion of thyroid hormones.

Continuous infusion of thyroid hormones during the last 12 days of gestation in ovine fetuses was associated with: a reduction of the rate of appearance of blood IgG1 after colostrum feeding in the newborn lambs; an important reduction of the number of jejunal cells filled with IgG1, 12 hours post partum, suggesting a premature closure of the intestinal permeability to IgG1; and a significant reduction of the K99+ Escherichia coli adhesion on the intestinal villi. These results could partly explain relationships observed previously between perinatal thyroid function abnormalities and the occurrence of neonatal diseases.

Adhesiveness↗

Plasma iodothyronine levels in lambs during the perinatal period: influence of thyrotropin injection.

Plasma thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) levels were measured in 7 pregnant ewes and their 9 chronically cannulated foetuses during the last 37 days of gestation and the first 5 days after parturition. The highest plasma T4 and T3 levels were measured in lambs during the hours following parturition. In 7 chronically cannulated 139-day old foetal lambs, the intravenous injection of ovine thyrotropin (oTSH; 7 mU per foetus) induced a significantly more intense increase in plasma T4 and T3 levels than that observed after the same dose of oTSH in seven 130-day old foetuses. In newborn lambs, the increase in plasma T4 levels after oTSH injection (3.5 mU per kg body weight) was not different in 8-hour old and 36-hour old animals, but was more intense at 120 h after birth than at 8 or 36 h after birth. The rise in plasma T3 levels after oTSH increased with age at 8, 36 and 120 h following birth. Plasma T4 and T3 measurements made in the same lambs before and after birth confirmed the fragmentary values obtained in foetal and newborn lambs in other previous studies. The rise in plasma iodothyronine levels after TSH injection in lambs increased at the end of gestation and the beginning of neonatal life, except during the first hours after delivery when these levels were high.

Animals↗