The changes in sperm lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-lactate: NAD oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.27) activity and the relative occurrence of LDH isoenzymes during sperm maturation were studied using pubertal German improved Landrace boars. The LDH of spermatozoa liberated from the testis, caput epididymis, proximal and distal corpus epididymidis and cauda epididymidis was spectrophotometrically quantified while the LDH isoenzymes were separated on fine cellulose acetate membrane strips with the Sartorius Sartophor system. The LDH content of sperm dropped drastically as they moved from the testis to the caput epididymidis. Thereafter, only little and insignificant changes were observed. Testicular sperm was composed more of the fastest anodically-migrating isoenzyme (LDH1) while with sperm maturation, the least or slowest migrating isoenzymes (LDH4 and 5) became progressively more dominant. This loss in LDH content in sperm and the shifts in the LDH isoenzyme patterns indicate that the development of sperm during maturation is dependent on a delicate balance between lactate and pyruvate, such that the cathodic isoenzymes involved in the anaerobic energy-supplying metabolic processes are sufficiently available for sperm activity and survival.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Hanging: suicide or homicide?].

Death by Hanging: Suicide or Homicide. Six cases of homicidal hanging and murder presented as suicidal hanging are recorded. Suspension followed strangulation by ligature or throttling and head injuries in 4 cases. Distinction between homicide and suicide was easy in 5 cases: two of the perpetrators gave themselves up to the police, one committed suicide immediately after he had hanged his 15 year old daughter; in two cases tracks of blood, heavy injuries of the victims, and traces of robbery were obvious. Unless the victim is an infant or an adult person incapacitated by drink, disease, or drugs, or unless there are several assailants murder is difficult to accomplish. Distinction between murder and suicide may be impossible by an examination of the body alone. Detailed investigation of the scene, reconstruction of the position of the suspended body, examination of the rope, the knots, the direction of the fibres on the rope may serve to discover homicidal hanging. - Compared to suicidal hanging homicide has a frequency of about 1% in our autopsy material. However, we cannot estimate the number of obscure cases.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[Embryo transfer in the goat--a review].

The available techniques for the control of the estrous cycle and superovulation in goats are covered. Most commonly the estrous cycle is controlled by means of progestagen pessaries or s.c. implants. To superovulate goats, FSH is more suitable than PMSG. As an alternative, goats may be immunized against inhibin. Premature regression of corpora lutea is a common complication in superovulated goats. Collection and transfer of embryos is usually accomplished via laparotomy. Occasionally endoscopic techniques are utilized. A recently invented technique for transcervical embryo collection is touched upon. Methods of in vitro culture and preservation of embryos resemble those commonly applied in cattle. Satisfactory success rates are achieved with the transfer of frozen-thawed blastocysts. Vitrification of goat embryos is feasible. There are reports on successful splitting and fusion (chimaera formation) of goat embryos and on in vitro fertilization (IVF). The goat may serve as a suitable model for the invention of new approaches in biotechnology in ruminants.

Animals↗