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Biomedical subjects

C M Cowan

Publications and source records attributed to C M Cowan.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Chromosome substitution effects associated with kappa-casein and beta-lactoglobulin in Holstein cattle.

Allelic variants of kappa-casein and beta-lactoglobulin were used to estimate chromosome substitution effects on transmitting abilities for yield traits among sons of two Holstein sires. Sire 1 was a heterozygote for both loci, whereas sire 2 was a heterozygote for beta-lactoglobulin only. Transmitting abilities for fat percentage and the exchange of protein and fat (protein yield minus fat yield) were influenced by kappa-casein genotype among offspring of sire 1. The B allele of kappa-casein was associated with a decrease in fat percentage, whereas fat yield was not affected; the result was 4.5 kg more transmitting ability for protein than for fat. Favorable chromosome substitution effects on transmitting abilities for fat percentage, protein yield, and the exchange of protein and fat were also observed for the A allele of beta-lactoglobulin among offspring of sire 1; there were consistent but not significant estimates for sire 2. These results suggest that different estimates could be obtained from offspring of different parents, perhaps from linkage disequilibrium between families. The chromosome substitution effects appeared to be in the direction opposite to the average correlation of milk fat and protein content; marker-assisted selection for increased yield of protein would result in decreased fat yield.

Alleles↗
PubMed1990

Validation and application of an assay for deoxyribonucleic acid to estimate concentrations of bull sperm.

Spectrophotometers are used for estimating sperm concentrations from raw ejaculates in semen processing laboratories. Unfortunately, these instruments have a limited detection spectrum and do not permit accurate quantification of sperm numbers in highly diluted or concentrated samples. The objectives of this study were to validate a DNA assay for quantification of sperm numbers in extended or undiluted semen samples and to determine precision of the assay. The principle of the assay is based upon a fluorescent dye that binds to adenine-thymine base pairs in double-stranded DNA. Semen samples and calf thymus DNA standards were sonicated in 2 M NaCl buffer with 1 mM EDTA. The DNA content of samples was compared to standards of calf thymus DNA using fluorometry. Sensitivity of the assay was determined to be 1.4 x 10(5) sperm cells. Concentrations of sperm estimated from DNA assay values did not differ from flow cytometric cell counts. Assays were performed in three different laboratories, using different equipment, to assess the assay's repeatability. Estimates of sperm concentrations determined by the DNA assay were similar, regardless of location and source of equipment used to perform the assays. This assay fulfills statistical criteria for being sensitive, accurate, and repeatable, and it can be employed in laboratories processing semen for artificial insemination as a tool for spectrophotometer calibration, a check for straw filling accuracy, or to quantify sperm numbers in extended, packaged semen.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms associated with growth hormone and prolactin genes in Holstein bulls: evidence for a novel growth hormone allele.

Sperm DNA isolated from sons of three extensively used US Holstein bulls was screened for differences associated with the primary gene structure of the bovine growth hormone (bGH) and prolactin (bPrl) genes. Southern blot analysis of DNA digested with 10 restriction enzymes revealed that offspring from two of the three bull families exhibited polymorphisms around the bGH and bPrl genes. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) around the bGH gene were detected with five enzymes, whereas three enzymes revealed RFLPs around the bPrl gene. At least three structural differences were predicted around the bGH gene. The most common variant hybridization pattern appeared to involve an insertion/deletion located downstream of the conserved 3' EcoRI site. The presence of RFLPs in the genes coding for these pituitary hormones within a familial line may provide the basis for genetic markers associated with lactation and mammary development.

Alleles↗
PubMed1980

Membrane Na+K+ATPase activity: changes using an experimental model of alcohol dependence and withdrawal.

An alcohol dependent states was induced in rats via gastric intubation. Alcohol was given three times daily for seven days in increasing doses, the final dose and concentration varying from rat to rat, being adjusted according to weight loss and state of intoxication. After seven days dosing, alcohol was withdrawn and twenty hours later an audiogenic stimulus was given to induce convulsions. Na+K+ATPase activity was measured in the hippocampus of rats during alcohol administration and during withdrawal. Animals which received twenty-one doses of alcohol showed a significant increase in Na+K+ATPase activity compared with controls. On withdrawal of alcohol, the enzyme activity fell, but remained higher than control values. In the withdrawal groups, membrane Na+K+ATPase levels were increased significantly compared to control levels in the order: no convulsion less than with convulsion less than postconvulsion. It is concluded that Na+K+ATPase activity is modified during chronic alcohol administration and during seizures induced after alcohol withdrawal by audiogenic stimulation.

Alcoholism↗
PubMed1980

Epilepsy and membrane Na+K+ATPase: changes in activity using an experimental model of epilepsy.

Electrographic and behavioral seizures were induced in rats by repeated electrical stimulation of the dorsal hippocampus for three consecutive days. Animals were killed in the following groups: Control group; group killed during the clonus phase of a convulsion in the third stimulating session; group killed 10 minutes after the termination of a convulsion in the third stimulating session. Membrane ATPase activity was shown to be significantly increased in the group killed during the clonic phase compared to that of the control group and was significantly reduced post-convulsively, compared to both the control group and the group killed during the convulsion. The results suggest a modification of enzyme activity which may be important in the initiation and maintenance of seizure activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Relationship of the estrous cycle to milk composition.

The relationship of the estrous cycle to milk composition was examined in 15 Holstein cows in first lactation which were approximately 45 days postpartum. Composite milk samples were collected twice daily and analyzed for progesterone, fat, protein, total solids, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and somatic cells. Milk progesterone was minimal (less than ng/ml) from day -1 to day 2 (day 0 = estrus) of the estrous cycle and then increased at a relatively constant rate through day 15. Milk yield and sodium and magnesium concentrations of the milk varied with days of the estrous cycle. Mean milk yield was highest and sodium and magnesium concentrations were lowest on day 1. However, sodium concentration of the milk was the only component that varied significantly during the 3 days centered on estrus (days -1, 0, and 1). No other milk component changed significantly during the estrous cycle. Although milk yield and composition varied during the estrous cycle, none of these components appeared to be a practical indicator of estrus.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

The negative potential wave evoked in cuneate nucleus by stimulation of afferent pathways: its origins and susceptibility to inhibition.

1. The negative (N)-wave evoked at various depths in the cuneate nucleus by stimulation of afferents in the ipsilateral forepaw or dorsal column has been studied in the rat. 2. Micro-iontophoretic applications of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) into the vicinity of the recording electrode markedly reduced the amplitude of the negative wave, but only when recordings were made near the base of the cuneate nucleus. Nearer the surface of the medulla, GABA was much less effective. 3. A similar depth distribution obtained for the depression of the negative wave by micro-iontophoretic Mg2+ and enhancement by Ca2+. 4. Depression of the negative wave by conditioning stimulation of the afferent pathway also showed a similar depth distribution. The conditioned depression of the negative wave was most marked during the first 30 ms after the conditioning stimulus and this early depression could be antagonized by iontophoretic (+)-bicuculline methochloride. A lesser degree of conditioned inhibition of the negative wave persisted up to 80-200 ms but this was resistant to (+)-bicuculline methochloride. Thus, conditioned depression of the negative wave appeared to be mediated only in part by a GABA-like transmitter. 5. It is concluded that the negative wave recorded near the base of the cuneate nucleus has some of the predicted properties of a post-synaptic potential. These properties are not seen when the negative wave is recorded more superficially, near the surface of the medulla.

Afferent Pathways↗
PubMed1967

Potamotrygon spp.: elasmobranchs with low urea content.

All previously reported species of Chondrichthyes, from both marine and fresh water, have contained urea at concentrations ranging from about 300 to 1300 milligrams of urea nitrogen per 100 milliliters of fluid. Body fluids from two species of Potamotrygon, permanent residents of the Amazon basin, contained only 2 to 3 milligrams of urea nitrogen per 100 milliliters. Although they have abandoned the retention of urea exhibited by other chondrichthyans, the extent to which they have lost the mechanisms of retaining and tolerating urea in a hypertonic medium has not been determined.

Animals↗