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At least 415 records · Page 23Linked to original sources
PubMed1980

Gonosome-autosome translocations in fowl: meiotic configurations and chiasma counts from singly and doubly heterozygous cockerels.

Many X-ray or chemical mutagen-induced chromosome translocations in domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus) are thought to involve microchromosomes as centromere donors to acentric macrochromosomal fragments. In order to study the involvement of microchromosomes in such translocations, and to investigate the possibility that such translocations are reciprocal, meiotic chromosomes from cockerels singly or doubly heterozygous for two different Z-autosome translocations were analyzed. Ring multivalents were observed in 74.94% of cells from cockerels bearing the different translocations, and the presence of microchromosomes in certain multivalents was apparent after C-banding. The results indicate that both Z-autosome translocations involve reciprocal exchange and that a microchromosome is indeed involved in one translocation. Chain multivalents at frequencies of 6% to 26% do not inferfere with spermatogenesis in domestic fowl.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Benzodiazepine receptors and seizure susceptibility in epileptic fowl.

Benzodiazepine binding to brain membrane preparations obtained from epileptic and nonepileptic carrier fowl was compared. [3H]Flunitrazepam binding to whole brain homogenates from 2-day-old chicks and [3H]diazepam binding to synaptosomal membranes and homogenates from adult chickens were determined. Scatchard analysis revealed no differences in either the number of receptors or their affinity for the ligands when the epileptics were sacrificed in the interictal state. Evoked seizures in adult epileptics had no effect on the number or affinity of binding sites using [3H]diazepam as the ligand. Moreover, the ability of gamma-aminobutyric acid to facilitate benzodiazepine binding was not different in epileptic fowl when compared with carriers.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

Vasopressor and depressor actions of angiotensin in the anesthetized fowl.

Vasopressor and depressor properties of angiotensins (ANG) were characterized in the anesthetized, adult female chicken Gallus gallus. [Asp1,Val5,Ser9]ANG I and [Asp1,Val5]ANG II (native fowl angiotensins) increased blood pressure, and removal or replacement of the amino acid in position 1 decreased pressor potency. The pressor effect of [Asp1,Val5]ANG II was inhibited nearly completely with [Sar1,Ile8]ANG II (5 micrograms.kg-1.min-1) and partially with [Sar1,Thr8]ANG II, [Ile8]ANG III, and [Ile8]ANG I. Phenoxybenzamine, reserpine, or 6-hydroxydopamine reduced the pressor action to one-third. After administration of these compounds [Asp1,Val5]ANG II caused biphasic responses, a depressor followed by a small pressor response. [Sar1,Ile8]ANG II completely, and meclofenamate partially, blocked the depressor response, whereas propranolol, methysergide, vasopressin antagonists, or atropine did not. These results suggest that in fowl 1) the first (Asp) and eighth (Phe) amino acids are important for receptor binding and action, 2) vasopressor action of angiotensin may be primarily caused by release of catecholamines, and 3) angiotensin may exert depressor action possibly by acting directly on the vascular smooth muscle.

Anesthesia↗
PubMed1986

Osmotic and volemic regulation of plasma arginine vasotocin in conscious domestic fowl.

Recently developed radioimmunoassay methods were utilized to quantitatively characterize secretion of the avian antidiuretic hormone [arginine vasotocin (AVT)] by the hypothalamo-neurohypophyseal system (HNS) of the conscious domestic fowl. The functional characteristics of the osmoreceptor-HNS were evaluated during independent experimental manipulations of extracellular osmolality or volume. Simultaneous measurements of plasma AVT (PAVT) and either plasma osmolality (Posm) or blood volume (BV) in these experiments permitted determination of osmoreceptor sensitivity to independent osmotic or volemic stimuli and set point of the AVT secretory system under conditions of normal hydration. In normally hydrated birds, PAVT and Posm averaged 2.7 +/- 0.2 microU/ml (12.9 +/- 1.0 pg/ml) and 308.1 +/- 0.6 mosmol/kg H2O, respectively (means +/- SE). Characterization of AVT secretion revealed that Posm is a primary determinant of AVT secretion by the HNS of the domestic fowl. Highly correlated and significant relationships between Posm and PAVT exist both above and below the observed basal Posm of normally hydrated birds, with an apparent osmotic threshold for AVT secretion at a Posm of 288.8 mosmol/kg H2O. Analysis of the data also suggested that the HNS is insensitive to changes in BV less than or equal to 10%, because neither isotonic expansion nor reduction of BV altered PAVT. Comparison of past and present avian data with that of the mammalian HNS indicates that 1) the osmotic regulation of antidiuretic hormone secretion is qualitatively and quantitatively similar in birds and mammals, and 2) the volemic regulation of antidiuretic hormone secretion is substantially more important in mammals than in birds.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Thermoregulation and acid-base status in the panting dehydrated fowl.

This is the first study to report on thermoregulation and acid-base regulation in dehydrated and heat-exposed fowls. The dehydrated fowls (ca. 15% weight loss) panted at lower-than-normal panting frequencies, resulting in a reduced evaporative water loss and a relative hyperthermy. However, body temperature was effectively regulated below lethal levels, and heart rate remained stable. Oxygen consumption was slightly increased compared with normal hydration, when related to ambient temperature. However, when related to body temperature, a lower metabolism was evident at the higher range. Tidal and minute volumes were closely regulated, contributing to the avoidance of extreme acid-base disturbances. Arterial pH level indicated a relative metabolic acidosis compared with normal hydration. However, acid-base regulation during heat exposure had not deteriorated despite the lower arterial PCO2, due to a compensatory decrease in HCO-3 concentration. The inhibited evaporative cooling and the relative hyperthermy suggest a reduced responsiveness of the central regulatory system, possibly through an elevated hypothalamic set point. In spite of these changes, regulation of body temperature and acid-base status were not impaired.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗
PubMed1978

Autoradiographic localization of androgen-concentrating cells in the brain of the male domestic fowl.

Cells in the male fowl brain which accumulate radioactivity following 3H testosterone (T) administration were identified by autoradiography. Labelled cells were found principally in hypothalamic, limbic and midbrain structures. Marked uptake was observed in the preoptic area (POA) and in the anterior and posterior hypothalamus. There was also a significant amount of labelling in the archistriatum (ARCH), particularly in the nucleus taeniae (Tn), and in the lateral septum. In the midbrain, substantial uptake of labelled hormone was found in the nucleus intercollicularis (ICo). The pattern of accumulation of T in the male fowl was comparable to that for sex hormone uptake in vertebrates in general. Furthermore, accumulation was generally found in areas known to be concerned with sex hormone-dependent functions.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

TRH stimulation of in vivo GH release in the domestic fowl. Influence of TRH metabolites and effect of age on in vitro degradation of TRH.

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulated in vivo growth hormone (GH) release in conscious and anesthetized young domestic fowl. The administration of the presumed metabolites of TRH, deamido-TRH (TRH-OH) and histidyl-proline diketopiperazine (HPD), was followed by small but significant (p less than 0.05) increases in the plasma concentrations of GH in both conscious and anesthetized chicks. However, the ability of TRH-OH or HPD to stimulate GH secretion was less than that observed with a 100-fold lower dose of TRH. The administration of either TRH-OH or HPD with TRH increased the GH response over that observed with TRH alone. The ability of chicken plasma to degrade exogenous TRH in vitro was determined by measuring immunoreactive TRH (IR-TRH) content and by assessing the ability of the incubated samples to increase the plasma concentration of GH when administered to young fowl. The in vitro half-life of TRH was estimated to be 9.8 (by immunoassay) and 9.6 (by a biological index) min for plasma from adult male chickens and 23.9 (by immunoassay) and 20.2 (by biological index) min for plasma from 6-week-old chicks. This difference in degradation may account, at least in part, for the observed age-related decrease in the plasma concentration of GH in birds and for the diminished GH responsiveness of adult birds to exogenous TRH.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1987

The hypothalamic magnocellular system in the domestic fowl. Study on semithin sections.

Neuronal characteristics and location of the neurosecretory, magnocellular, fuchsin-paraldehyde-positive (FA+) system of the fowl are described at the light-microscopic level on serial semithin sections. Three nuclei make up this system, the nucleus supraopticus, n. magnocellularis interstitialis and n. paraventricularis. These nuclei display magnocellular neurons, not showing a parvocellular component. The neurons of the three nuclei showed a scattered pattern of distribution and a dense surrounding neuropil. Groups formed by magnocellular neurons were found in the three nuclei and groups formed by one magnocellular and a parvocellular neurons were only found in the n. magnocellularis interstitialis and in the n. paraventricularis. The presence of neurons in apposition to blood vessels was frequent in the magnocellular FA+ system of the domestic fowl.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Renin-angiotensin and adrenergic mechanisms in control of blood pressure in fowl.

Many avian species demonstrate atherosclerosis and high blood pressure (BP) that are influenced by age, sex, diet, and environment, but show no arteriosclerosis in small vessels. Thus, we aimed to define neural and humoral control of BP in conscious, 32-wk-old female chickens, Gallus gallus. Mean aortic pressure (determined by chronically implanted catheter) was 137.6 +/- 2.0 mm Hg; heart rate was 295 +/- 4 beats/min. Plasma renin activity (PRA), measured by radioimmunoassay of fowl angiotensin I ([Asp1, Val5, Ser9]AI), and plasma angiotensinogen levels were 3.55 +/- 0.31 ng/ml/hr and 1229 +/- 66 ng/ml respectively. Repeated injection of propranolol (4 to 8 mg/kg/day, i.m.) decreased (p less than 0.01) the BP 19.1 +/- 3.0 mm Hg and heart rate 76 +/- 6 beats/min. Acute infusion of propranolol also markedly reduced BP and heart rate, and increased plasma levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine. SQ 14,225 (20 mg/kg/day) reduced BP (p less than 0.01), but BP returned towards original levels unless a higher dose was given. PRA increased 2- to 6-fold. BP also decreased 31.0 +/- 2.1 mm Hg after reserpine treatment, but not after [Sar1, Ile8]AII. These results suggest that in maintaining BP in fowl the beta-adrenergic function is important, whereas the renin-angiotensin system may not have a primary role.

1-Sarcosine-8-Isoleucine Angiotensin II↗
PubMed1998

Ca2+ signaling in fowl aortic smooth muscle increases during maturation but is impaired in neointimal plaques.

Many bird species show the spontaneous development of high arterial pressure and vascular lesions in the aorta and other large arteries. In chickens, arterial pressure tends to increase with age/maturation (particularly in males), and subendothelial hyperplasia (neointima) in the abdominal aorta is often seen prior to sexual maturation. The mechanisms involved, however, are not known. Our aim, therefore, was to determine (1) whether cytosolic Ca2+ signaling (CCS) responses to vasoactive substances in fowl aortic smooth muscle differ among chickens at different maturation stages and (2) whether CCS responses to Ca2+ channel agonists in neointimal plaques differ from those in normal aortic smooth muscle. K+ increased CCS in a dose-dependent manner in isolated and superfused abdominal aortic smooth muscle tissue from chicks (5-9 weeks old), pullets (11-18 weeks old) and adult hens (20 weeks and older); CCS responses increased as chickens matured. The addition of Bay K 8644 (10(-6)mol l-1) to Ringer's solution containing 50 mmol l-1 K+ further increased CCS, and this response was reduced to half by nifedipine (10(-6)mol l-1). Norepinephrine did not alter CCS in chicks, whereas marked dose-dependent increases in CCS were noted in pullets. In contrast to the CCS responses to K+, the norepinephrine-induced CCS responses became smaller in adult hens. Isolated neointimal plaques showed only slight increases in CCS in response to 50 mmol l-1 K+ plus Bay K 8644, whereas clear responses were noted in aortic smooth muscle tissue underlying the plaques. These results suggest (1) that CCS responses to Ca2+ channel agonists increased with sexual maturation in fowl, but (2) that CCS responses to norepinephrine were low in mature hens and to K+ plus Bay K 8644 were low in spontaneously developed neointima, suggesting that phenotypic modulation of Ca2+ channel/norepinephrine receptors may have occurred during maturation/aging and in neointima.

3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethy↗
PubMed2004

Thermal behavior of fowl feather keratin.

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was applied to elucidate the thermal behavior of fowl feather keratins (barbs, rachis, and calamus) with different morphological features. The DSC curves exhibited a clear and relatively large endothermic peak at about 110-160 degrees C in the wet condition. A considerable decrease in transition temperature with urea and its helical structure content estimated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and the disappearance of one of the diffraction peaks with heating at 160 degrees C for 30 min, indicated that DSC could be used to evaluate the thermal behavior of keratin. Barbs showed a lower denaturation temperature than rachis and calamus. The pulverized samples showed a slightly higher denaturation temperature than the native samples. In the dry condition, thermal transition occurred in a markedly higher temperature region close to 170-200 degrees C. It is hence concluded that fowl feather keratins have very high thermal stability, and that the elimination of water brings about even greater thermal stability.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Antimicrobial effects of amikacin therapy on experimentally induced Salmonella typhimurium infection in fowls.

The antimicrobial effects of amikacin on Salmonella Typhimurium were investigated in fowls using pharmacokinetic parameters of amikacin and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the drug for the bacteria. Pharmacokinetic parameters of amikacin after the intramuscular administration into the fowls were measured using the fluorescence polarization immunoassay. As there was no protein binding amikacin, the total concentration was identical to the free concentration. After inoculation of the bacteria, the following intramuscular dosage regimens were carried out to test the antimicrobial effects: injection with 20 mg/kg of amikacin sulfate every 9 hr for 72 hr, injection with 20 mg/kg every 18 hr for 72 hr, injection with 20 mg/kg every 36 hr for 72 hr, and injection with 10 mg/kg every 12 hr for 72 hr. The control birds were not injected with amikacin. Abdominal organs were collected from each bird after the treatment ended. The organs were cultured and the number of colonies on each plate was calculated. No significant differences were detected among the four amikacin-treated groups, whereas the number of colonies in the control group was significantly higher than that in the amikacin-treated groups. An antimicrobial drug concentration exceeding the bacterium's MIC for at least 1/4 of the administration interval might be effective for the treatment of the infection, and the degree of peak drug concentration had no effect on antibacterial activity as long as the duration of the drug concentration above the MIC value remained the same.

Amikacin↗
PubMed1989

Effects of ligation of the ductus deferens on the fowl epididymal region.

The effects of ligation of the ductus deferens on the epididymis in the fowl were studied histochemically and immunohistochemically to reveal the mechanisms of sperm disposal. At one week post-ligation, the lumina of the rete testes (RT) and the efferent ductules (ED) were distended and filled with densely accumulated spermatozoa. Macrophages and foreign-body giant cells were aggregated in and around the accumulations. The epithelium regressed in the initial portion of the RT with the invasion of fibroblasts and heterophiles into the lumen. The other part of the epithelium was penetrated by many spermatozoa. Numerous lymphocytes and plasma cells infiltrated into the interstitium. At 4 weeks, larger number of spermatozoa agglutinated in the lumen, and large masses of foamy cells and proliferated connective tissue protruded into the lumen. At 8 weeks, large masses of foamy cells were noted. The connecting ductules or the epididymal duct showed no marked changes after ligation. The epithelium of the ED showed weaker or no acid phosphatase activity after ligation. Immunoglobulin G-containing cells increased in number in the interstitium. These results showed that ligation of the ductus deferens in the fowl causes granuloma in the RT and ED, and that epithelial cells, macrophages and granuloma are engaged in the removal of spermatozoa. The participation of antibody is suggested in the sperm disposal processes.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Effect of gamma-radiation on fowl sperm function in vitro and in vivo.

Doses of up to 300 Gy of ionizing radiation had little effect on fowl sperm morphology, ATP content and motility when measured in vitro. Fertility of eggs from hens inseminated with spermatozoa receiving 50 Gy, in terms of post-oviducal development, was less than 4%. However, 35% appeared 'fertile' by macroscopic examination of the germinal disc of unincubated eggs. These contained few embryonic cells, although the vitelline membrane contained many trapped spermatozoa. After doses of 100 Gy or more, inseminated spermatozoa were not found in the vitelline membrane and no fertile or apparently fertile eggs were produced; nor did such spermatozoa enter the utero-vaginal sperm-host glands. Genetic transformation using fowl spermatozoa irradiated with doses in excess of 100 Gy appears to be an unlikely prospect.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Studies of ovulation in the perfused ovary of the fowl (Gallus domesticus).

A system was developed for the in-vitro perfusion of the fowl ovary. The ovaries were isolated 16-18 h before expected ovulation of the first follicle of a clutch sequence and perfused at 41 degrees C with Eagle's culture medium containing L-thyroxine and insulin. The efferent perfusion pressure was maintained at 30-40 mmHg. This model was used to investigate the mechanism of ovulation. Addition of LH (1 U) to the perfusate induced ovulation (46%) but LH (1 U) + FSH (1 U) was more effective (88%; P less than 0.05). Progesterone at 100 micrograms alone also induced ovulation (80%). Clomiphene prevented gonadotrophin-induced ovulation. These results suggest that progesterone may act directly on the ovary as a final hormone to induce ovulation in the domestic fowl.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

The mechanisms of reversible immobilization of fowl spermatozoa at body temperature.

Intact fowl spermatozoa became almost immotile at 40 degrees C, but motility increased significantly at 30 degrees C. The oxygen consumption at both temperatures was 8-11 microliters O2/10(10) spermatozoa.min-1. The ATP concentration at 40 degrees C was higher than that at 30 degrees C but ADP concentration at 30 degrees C was higher than that at 40 degrees C. Consequently, the ATP/ADP ratio at 30 degrees C (1.9-2.2) increased to 3.5-3.7 at 40 degrees C. The motility of intact spermatozoa at 40 degrees C was effectively restored by 2 mM-Ca2+, 10% seminal plasma and 10% peritoneal fluid taken at the time of ovulation. In contrast, these effectors did not restore the motility of demembranated spermatozoa at 40 degrees C. Motility of demembranated spermatozoa was restored at 30 degrees C. These results suggest that the immobilization of fowl spermatozoa at 40 degrees C occurs due to a decrease in flagellar dynein ATPase activity. Furthermore, the action of effectors for motility such as Ca2+ may not be directly on the axoneme, but mediated by solubilized substances which have been removed by demembranation of the spermatozoa.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗
PubMed1992

Effect of different fractions of seminal plasma on the fertilizing ability of fowl spermatozoa stored in vitro.

This paper describes the effects of whole seminal plasma and of dialysed seminal plasma on the fertilizing ability of fowl spermatozoa stored for 24 h at 4 degrees C. The fertilizing ability of fowl semen diluted 1:1 with Beltsville Poultry Semen Extender and stored for 24 h at 4 degrees C was enhanced after replacement of the homologous seminal plasma by the diluent (89 versus 77% fertilization rate). Better results were obtained with seminal plasma dialysed against water before sperm storage to discard the less than 1 kDa or the less than 50 kDa fractions. It was concluded that low molecular weight seminal plasma fractions could damage the fertilizing ability of spermatozoa during storage at 4 degrees C, whereas high molecular weight fractions appeared to enhance fertilizing ability.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Intracellular free Ca2+ concentration in fowl spermatozoa and its relationship to motility and respiration in spermatozoa.

The ability of fowl spermatozoa to accumulate and de-esterify the intracellular fluorescent Ca2+ indicator fura-2 was established. The cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations, measured by this technique, did not change after the addition of 1 mmol EGTA l-1. Subsequently, addition of the calcium ionophore A23187 caused a reduction in cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations, presumably by efflux of Ca2+ from the spermatozoa. Intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations were then significantly increased by the addition of 1 mmol CaCl2 l-1. The motility of demembranated spermatozoa gradually decreased after the addition of EGTA alone or EGTA with A23187, but was instantly restored by the addition of CaCl2 in the presence of both EGTA and A23187. Unlike demembranated spermatozoa, intact spermatozoa maintained their motility, even after the addition of EGTA, but their motility was reduced by the addition of A23187 in the presence of EGTA. The addition of A23187 also reduced the rate of oxygen consumption, but not the ATP concentrations in intact spermatozoa. These results demonstrate that the motility and respiration of fowl spermatozoa are strongly influenced by their intracellular Ca2+ concentrations.

Animals↗