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Meniscal repair in the goat model. The use of healing adjuncts on central tears and the role of magnetic resonance arthrography in repair evaluation.

We evaluated the effect of adjunctive healing measures on central tears of the adult goat medial meniscus and the role of magnetic resonance arthrography in the assessment of menisci that have undergone a repair. Peripheral tears were made unilaterally in the medial menisci of seven goats in Group I and repaired with nonabsorbable suture. Six Group II goats had central medial meniscal tears repaired as in Group I plus an exogenous fibrin clot. Eight Group III goats had central tears plus abrasion of the parameniscal synovium and tear edges. Six months after surgery, a magnetic resonance imaging scan and a magnetic resonance arthrogram were obtained and the menisci were examined grossly. Group I goats showed healing in all seven knees. Central tears repaired with a fibrin clot (Group II) showed healing in one of six knees (17%). Central tears repaired with abrasion (Group III) showed healing in seven of eight knees (87.5%). Magnetic resonance arthrography was 100% accurate in detecting the presence or absence of complete residual tears. This study supports the current trend of using adjunctive measures for repair of central tears. Furthermore, abrasion of the parameniscal synovium and the tear edges appears to be more effective than the use of an exogenous fibrin clot. Magnetic resonance arthrography is useful in the evaluation of menisci that have undergone repair.

Animals↗

Plasma vasopressin in conscious goats after cerebroventricular infusions of angiotensins, sodium chloride, and fructose.

Using a sensitive RIA, the levels of plasma arginine vasopressin (pAVP) were determined from jugular venous blood of conscious goats given cerebroventricular (c.v.) infusions of angiotensins, saralasin, NaCl, and fructose. In hydrated goats, c.v. angiotensin II (0.1--1.0 microgram) caused a dose-dependent rise of pAVP, drinking, and antidiuresis. The same responses were obtained after angiotensin III (1.8 microgram) and hypertonic NaCl (0.5 M), but the effect on water intake was less striking. [des1,2]Angiotensin II hexapeptide and isotonic NaCl (0.15 M) failed to affect these variables. In nonhydrated goats, there were no changes in drinking, diuresis, or pAVP after c.v. infusions of saralasin (5.0 microgram) and isotonic NaCl (0.15 M). Fructose (0.3 M) infusions lowered the pAVP, apparently by reducing the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Na+ concentration, while the renal free water clearance turned positive. Angiotensin III thus carries the minimal structural requirements for pAVP release via central nervous receptors in the goat. Lack of a saralasin effect suggests that, in the nonhydrated goat, angiotensin II may not regulate pAVP via receptors accessible to the CSF. Sodium-sensitive cells monitoring the Na+ concentration of the CSF seem to control the pAVP.

Angiotensin II↗

Molecular basis of the thyroglobulin synthesis defect in Dutch goats.

A thyroglobulin (Tg) synthesis defect in Dutch goats causes congenital goiter and hypothyroidism. The disease is inherited in an autosomal recessive way and is linked to restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) in the Tg gene. Previous studies showed that Tg mRNA isolated from the goiters was of normal size (8.4 kilobases). Translation of high mol wt polysomal Tg mRNA isolated from goiter in a cell-free rabbit reticulocyte lysate resulted in a single 35,000 mol wt Tg polypeptide. Tg antigens analyzed in T4-arrested goiters were glycosylated and had mol wt of 40,000 and 32,000. The aim of this study was to identify the molecular lesion responsible for this disease. Polysomal Tg mRNA, therefore, was isolated, and cDNA was made using oligonucleotides as primers. This cDNA was multiplied by the polymerase chain reaction and cloned. In comparing the normal and abnormal sequences, we found a C-->G point mutation in exon 8 causing a change from TAC (Tyr)-->TAG (termination signal) at amino acid position 296. This mutation resulted in the appearance of a KpnI restriction site in the goiter DNA. The sequence of Tg mRNA preceding the stop codon was equal for normal and goitrous goats, except for one C-->T mutation in exon 5 which gave a Ser-->Leu transition. The KpnI site introduced by the C-->G point mutation was present in chromosomal DNA of the goitrous goats, making it possible to distinguish goats heterozygous for the defect from normal and goitrous animals. We calculated that the stop codon in exon 8 would result in a Tg polypeptide chain with a mol wt of 39,000, in good agreement with the mol wt of the in vitro and in vivo translation products. In conclusion, the C-->G mutation causing a stop codon in exon 8 is responsible for the Tg synthesis defect in Dutch goats.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Simultaneous observation of the GnRH pulse generator activity and plasma concentrations of metabolites and insulin during fasting and subsequent refeeding periods in Shiba goats.

The time course of GnRH pulse generator activity and plasma concentrations of energy substrates and insulin were simultaneously observed in female goats during 4-day fasting and subsequent refeeding in the presence or absence of estrogen for a better understanding of the mechanism of energetic control of gonadotropin secretion in ruminants. The GnRH pulse generator activity was electrophysiologically assessed with the intervals of characteristic increases in multiple-unit activity (MUA volleys) in the mediobasal hypothalamus. In estradiol-treated ovariectomized (OVX+E2) goats, the MUA volley intervals increased as fasting progressed. Plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acid and ketone body increased, while those of acetic acid and insulin decreased during fasting. The MUA volley intervals and plasma concentrations of those metabolites and insulin were restored to pre-fasting levels after subsequent refeeding. In ovariectomized (OVX) goats, changes in plasma metabolites and insulin concentrations were similar to those in OVX+E2 goats, but the MUA volley intervals were not altered. The present results demonstrated that fasting suppressed GnRH pulse generator activity in an estrogen-dependent manner. Changes in plasma concentrations of energy substrates and insulin during fasting were associated with the GnRH pulse generator activity in the presence of estrogen, but not in the absence of the steroid in female goats.

Acetic Acid↗

A cytogenetic study of Korean native goat bred in the nuclear power plant using the micronucleus assay.

Cytogenetic and hematological analysis was performed on the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) obtained from Korean native goats bred in two nuclear power plants (Wolsong and Uljin) and a control area. The frequencies of gamma-ray-induced micronuclei (MN) in the cytokinesis-blocked (CB) lymphocytes at several doses were measured in three Korean native goats. The measurements performed after irradiation showed dose-related increases in the MN frequency in each of the donors. The results were analyzed using a linear-quadratic model with a line of best fit of y=0.1019D+0.0045D2+0.0093 (y=number of MN/CB cells and D=irradiation dose in Gy). The MN rates in the goats from the Wolsong and Uljin nuclear power plant, and the control area were 9.60+/-2.88, 6.83+/-1.47 and 9.88+/-4.32 per 1,000 CB lymphocytes, respectively. The apparent difference is not statistically significant. The MN frequencies of PBLs from goats bred in three areas means that the values are within the background variation in this experiment. The MN frequencies and hematological values were similar regardless of whether the goats were bred in the nuclear power plant or the control area.

Animals↗

Regional differences of pheromone production in the sebaceous glands of castrated goats treated with testosterone.

The primer pheromone is responsible for the "male effects" in goats and produced in the sebaceous glands testosterone-dependently. In the present study, the responses of sebaceous glands obtained from the head and rump regions of castrated goats were examined by our bioassay system after testosterone treatment to demonstrate the presence of regional differences in the pheromone production in male goats. The testosterone treatment resulted in the marked development of sebaceous glands and the induction of pheromone bioactivity in the head region of the goats. On the contrary, this treatment brought neither development of the sebaceous glands nor induction of pheromone bioactivity in the rump region. The treatment increased immunoreactivities to androgen receptors (AR) and 5alpha-reductase in the sebaceous glands of both regions, although the activities were more apparent in the head region than the rump region. These findings suggest that the primer pheromone of male goats is produced specifically in the sebaceous glands of the head region due partly to regional differences in the expression of AR and 5alpha-reductase mediating testosterone bioactivities.

3-Oxo-5-alpha-Steroid 4-Dehydrogenase↗

Comparative macroanatomic investigations on the formation of the external iliac vein in akkaraman sheep and Angora goat.

To evaluate the formation of the external iliac vein in Akkaraman sheep and Angora goats, 8 adult healthy Akkaraman sheep and 8 Angora goats of both sexes, 3 to 4 years of age, were examined. The external iliac vein was formed by the deep femoral and femoral veins in 6 Akkaraman sheep and 7 Angora goats and by the medial circumflex femoral and femoral veins in 2 Akkaraman sheep and I Angora goat. Results from this study are thought to throw light on the future studies on the venous system, and to contribute considerably to the present anatomical knowledge concerning the external iliac vein of sheep and goats.

Animals↗

Intrahypothalamic perfusion of KP102 stimulates growth hormone release in goats.

The hypothalamic actions of KP102 (also called GHRP-2) on the release of GH were studied in female goats. KP102 (10(-5) M) was perfused into the goat hypothalamus through a microdialysis probe (CMA/10 probe with a 4 mm membrane length) at a rate of 4 microl/min for 90 min, and plasma GH concentrations before and after perfusion were measured. The intrahypothalamic perfusion of 10(-5) M KP102 significantly stimulated GH release in goats (P<0.05). The GH levels began to rise after commencement of perfusion, and reached a maximum mean value at 180 min. The concentrations of GH at 165, 180, 195, 210, 225 and 240 min after commencement of perfusion of KP102 were significantly higher than the corresponding values for control animals (P<0.05). KP102 had no effect on GH pulse frequency, but it significantly increased the GH pulse amplitude after the perfusion (P<0.05). In contrast to KP102, intrahypothalamic perfusion of 10(-5) M GHRH had no effect on the stimulation of GH release in goats even if intravenous injection of 10(-5) M GHRH significantly stimulated GH release (P<0.05). These results suggest that KP102 may act partly on the hypothalamus to stimulate GH release in goats.

Animals↗

Trypanosome-induced depression of plasma thyroxine. Levels in prepubertal and adult female goats.

Changes in plasma T4 levels were investigated in prepubertal and adult female goats during the course of an experimental Trypanosoma congolense infection. A significant decline in the T4 levels was observed within 1 week of trypanosome challenge. The levels remained low up to the end of the 7th weeks when prepubertal goats received a trypanocidal treatment, whereafter the values started to rise to normal pre-infection values. The post-infection plasma T4 values in the untreated adult goats did not return to normal except in one resistant goat which recovered naturally after 16 weeks of the infection. The thyroid glands of chronically infected and untreated adult goats revealed marked atrophy, fibrosis and colloidopathy. It is concluded that trypanosomiasis rapidly impairs thyroid gland function in susceptible animals, but these changes can be reversed by early trypanocidal treatment before marked degenerative changes become evident or following self cure in resistant animals.

Animals↗

Evidence for prostaglandin involvement in early luteal regression of the superovulated nanny goat (Capra hircus).

Feral does of various ages were treated with intravaginal progestagen sponges for 16 days to synchronize oestrus. On Day 2 before sponge removal the goats were given 1200 i.u. PMSG to induce superovulation: 6 of the goats were also injected every 12 h with flunixin meglumine, a prostaglandin (PG) synthetase inhibitor, from Day 3 to 7 of the synchronized oestrous cycle. Jugular blood samples were collected from all females into heparinized syringes at daily intervals over the 2 days before sponge removal, twice daily for the next 2 days, then at hourly intervals from 09:00 to 17:00 h for 2 days and then twice daily for a further 2 days, for measurement of plasma progesterone and the PGF metabolite 13,14-dihydro-15-keto-PGF (PGFM) by radioimmunoassay. Intermittent surges in plasma PGFM concentrations were observed in hourly samples collected from 4/4 untreated females but in only 2/6 of the inhibitor-treated females (P less than 0.05), and the peak plasma PGFM concentrations were reduced in these 2 inhibitor-treated goats compared with the control goats. The corpora lutea (CL) of the inhibitor-treated females appeared to be functional as indicated by the plasma progesterone profile and endoscopic examination of CL. In the control females, however, there was evidence of premature regression of CL. These results suggest that the premature release of PGF-2 alpha may be the cause of premature regression of CL in nanny goats induced to superovulate.

Animals↗

Partial cloning and polymorphism of the melatonin1a (Mel1a) receptor gene in two breeds of goat with different reproductive seasonality.

The melatonin1a (Mel1a) receptor gene was cloned in two breeds of goat, one with marked seasonal ovarian activity (Alpine breed) and the other with low seasonal variations in ovulatory activity (Creole breed), to determine whether reproductive seasonality is related to the structure of the Mel1a gene. The main part of exon II was amplified by PCR using sheep sense and antisense primers in 17 Alpine and 13 Creole goats, and cDNAs were subcloned and sequenced in both directions. The results indicate the presence of an identical sequence in 12 of the 30 animals, that is, six Alpine and six Creole goats. The greatest similarity in the 784 nucleotides of exon II (primers excluded) that was obtained was found with ovine Mel1a receptor sequence (98.4%) and the differences consisted of 12 nucleotide and four amino acid changes. The presence of seven mutations compared with the previous reference sequence was observed and their combinations indicated the presence of at least five other alleles; one mutation resulted in a change in one amino acid in three Alpine goats. No difference in allelic distribution was observed between the two breeds. The results indicate that no relationship could be established between the Mel1a receptor gene structure and the expression of seasonality of reproduction in goats.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in goats by the indirect haemagglutination, immunofluorescence and immunoenzymatic tests in the region of Uberlândia, Brazil.

A comparative study of the indirect haemagglutination (IHA), immunofluorescence (IFAT) and immunoenzymatic (ELISA) tests was carried out to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in goats. One hundred seventy-four serum samples were obtained from four goat herds from the region of Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais. The distribution of the animals, according to their origin, was as follow: 71 from herd I; 39 from herd II; 37 from herd III; and 27 from herd IV. Serum samples were analyzed by IHA, IFAT and ELISA, considering the reactivity of the serum samples at dilution > or = 1:64 as cut off titer for the three tests. A global seroprevalence of 18.4% was observed, with significantly higher positivity rate in the herd II (66.7%) and older animals (> 36 months). A high and significant positive correlation was found between the titers obtained by the IHA versus IFAT, IHA versus ELISA, and ELISA versus IFAT. Therefore, it can be concluded that the three analyzed tests have shown to be highly concordant and appropriate for epidemiological surveys of Toxoplasma infection in goats. Although the seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in goats is relatively low in this region as compared to other regions of the country, adequate management might be useful and essential to control the infection in the goat herds.

Animals↗

An analysis of specific stimuli causing the release of prolactin and growth hormone at milking in the goat.

Experiments to investigate the relative importance of the tactile, conditioned and possible metabolic components of the milking stimulus on the release of prolactin and growth hormone (GH) from the anterior pituitary of the goat are described. A comparison of the hormonal responses to milking the auto-transplanted mammary gland (i.e. denervated gland) with that obtained by milking the intact mammary gland of the same goat showed that the concentration of prolactin in the plasma increased only after milking the intact gland, whereas in two out of four goats an increase in plasma GH was detected several minutes after milking the transplanted gland. In the intact animal significantly more prolactin (P less than 0-01) was released in response to milking both teats for 6 min as compared with that released by milking only one teat for the same time. No significant difference (P less than 0-1) was found for GH. Similar quantities of prolactin and GH were released by goats milked when conscious or under anaesthesia. A comparison of the hormonal responses to teat stimulation in the same anaesthetized goats with and without the removal of milk from the mammary gland showed a significant reduction (P less than 0-001) in the quantity of prolactin and GH released in the absence of milk removal. The significance of these results is discussed.

Animals↗

Placental lactogen in the goat in relation to stage of gestation, number of fetuses, metabolites, progesterone and time of day.

Placental lactogen has been measured in goats throughout pregnancy by radioreceptor assay of prolactin-like activity. Lactogenic activity, which is not prolactin, increased from less than 5 nmol/l in week 8 to 27 nmol/l by week 16. There was no further change until term. Plateau concentrations (week 16 to term) were highest in animals carrying triplets, 49.5 nmol/l. There were marked functuations in placental lactogen over a 24 h period. These short-term fluctuations were not related to changes in glucose, non-esterified fatty acids or, in two animals, progesterone. However, there was a negative correlation between mean concentrations of placental lactogen and glucose in plasma of 20 goats sampled over a 24 h period between weeks 15 and 20 of gestation. There was no difference in placental lactogen concentration from week 16 to term between goats in their first and second pregnancies although the normal period of increase in placental lactogen was delayed by some 3 weeks in goats in their second pregnancy. In hemimastectomized goats, hypophysectomy on day 60 did not affect placental lactogen but daily treatment with bromocriptine (5 mg/day) from day 60 to day 120 blocked the normal rise in concentration.

Animals↗

Fatty acid synthesis by explant cultures from the mammary glands of goats on days 60 and 120 of pregnancy.

Explants of mammary glands from 60-day pregnant goats showed a mean fourfold increase in fatty acid synthesis from acetate when cultured with insulin+ cortisol. Epithelial cells increased their area by 60% but no secretory activity was induced. In 120-day pregnant goats, fatty acid synthesis and epithelial cell area were greater than at day 60 of pregnancy and were unaffected by hypophysectomy or by daily treatment with bromocriptine from day 60. Neither increased further on culture of mammary explants in insulin + cortisol. Ovine prolactin increased fatty acid synthesis two-fold when added to insulin + cortisol in cultures of mammary tissue from goats on day 60 of pregnancy and secretory activity was induced. On day 120 of pregnancy insulin + cortisol + prolactin sustained or slightly stimulated both fatty acid synthesis and the extensive secretion present in the tissue at the start of culture. Synthesis of medium-chain fatty acids of milk-fat was also sustained by prolactin in one goat. An atmosphere of air was found to maintain normal histological structure of the mammary gland. By contrast, in 95% oxygen, explants from goats which were 60 days pregnant showed epithelial cells filling the lumina of ducts and alveoli in 60% of explants and a poor response to prolactin.

Acetates↗

Inhibition of growth hormone release by rumen distension in female goats.

Six rumen-fistulated, overnight-fasted, female British Saanen goats were used. In preliminary experiments on two of the goats, evidence was obtained that inflation of a balloon with water in the cranial sac of the rumen was accompanied by inhibition of GH release. In a definitive series of experiments on the other four goats (one goat on 1 day = one experiment), a total of 96 experiments were carried out, 48 of which were balloon inflations with 2.5 litres water at 37 degrees C in the cranial sac of the rumen for 40 min and 48 were control experiments on alternate days. It was found that the mean plasma GH concentration of the samples taken at the end of the 40-min inflation period was significantly (P less than 0.05) lower than the mean value of the samples taken at the start of inflation. Mean control values at the start and finish of inflation were not significantly different. There were no significant differences between mean plasma insulin concentrations at the start and finish of inflation in experimental and control groups. It is concluded that distension of the cranial rumen in the goat is a signal which can inhibit the release of GH.

Animals↗

The localisation and characterisation of insulin-like growth factor-I receptors and the investigation of melatonin receptors on the hair follicles of seasonal and non-seasonal fibre-producing goats.

To define the hormonal influences that are directly involved in the hair follicle cycles of animals with differing patterns of fibre growth and moulting, we have investigated the possible presence of IGF-I and melatonin receptors on the dermis and hair follicles of cashmere and Angora goats, sampled in February. March and June, using quantitative in vitro autoradiography. The presence of IGF-I receptors in the dermis of both breeds of goat was determined using cryostat sections incubated with 50 pM 125I-labelled IGF-I in the presence or absence of 50 nM IGF-I. Sections of the growing tip of deep antlers concerning the cartilaginous zone, a tissue known to contain high concentrations of specific IGF-I receptors, were used as a positive control. As the production of antler velvet uniquely involves the generation of hair follicles de novo, the presence of IGF-I receptors in the velvet-producing region was also investigated. In both breeds of goat, specific 125I-IGF-I binding was localised over the inner and outer root sheath, the matrix, the germinal matrix, the dermal papilla and the sebaceous glands and satisfied the basic kinetic criteria considered to be representative of a specific IGF-I receptor. Analysis of saturation isotherms using a one-site binding model revealed dissociation constants (Kd) in the range 0.1-0.9 nM and theoretical maximal numbers of binding sites (Bmax) between 21.4 and 45.6 fmol/mg tissue. Kd and Bmax values derived from cashmere and Angora goats sampled at different times of the year did not differ significantly between breeds or sampling times. Specific 125I-IGF-I binding was also localised to the developing follicles on the deer antler dermis. The presence of melatonin receptors within the goat dermis was also investigated. Sections were incubated with 100 pM 2-[125I]iodomelatonin with or without 0.1 microM melatonin, along with sections of sheep pars tuberalis which are known to contain high levels of high-affinity melatonin receptors. No displaceable 2-[125I]iodomelatonin binding was found on any sections of the cashmere or Angora skin analysed. It is therefore concluded that melatonin receptors are not present on the hair follicles or associated structures. IGF-I receptors are present on the hair follicle and sebaceous gland and may be involved in the growth of both seasonally and non-seasonally produced fibre and in the development of antler velvet.

Animals↗

Public health and the safety of milk and milk products from sheep and goats.

Goats and sheep rank third and fourth in terms of global milk production from different species, but unlike cow milk, which has stringent hygiene and quality regulations, microbiological standards for the production and distribution of goat milk and sheep milk are more relaxed. Difficulties in managing the sanitary quality of sheep and goat milk derive from a series of factors including the low level of production per head, the milking system, the difficulty involved in machine milking, the conditions under which the herds or flocks are raised, adverse climatic conditions and the spread of production over a wide geographic area. Fresh goat milk is consumed by infants and others with allergies to cow milk and is also used for on-farm manufactured cheese, with or without thermal treatment. The high fat content and peculiar taste of cheeses made from ewe milk are also very popular. These cheese varieties, which are mostly still of 'artisan-type', are not covered by regulatory definitions and the dispute over the use of raw versus pasteurised milk is still alive. However, in documented intoxications recorded after the consumption of cheese, there has always been evidence of incorrect temperature control during pasteurisation, the deliberate addition of raw milk, or contamination during storage. Compositional differences between the milk from cows, ewes and goats (chemical composition of lipids, phosphatase level, freezing point, natural bacterial inhibitor levels, somatic cell count, etc.) preclude the nondiscriminatory use of bovine standards for regulatory purposes. Quality standards adjusted for the specifics of ewe/goat milk should be considered. The production of safe cheese is linked to a series of conditions which ensure consumer health, primarily pasteurisation. In the absence of pasteurisation, all cheeses made from raw milk should be subjected to strict periodic controls.

Animals↗