We established an in vitro experimental system using the following procedure. We first introduced tritium-labeled norepinephrine ([³H]-NE) into PC12 cells. The [³H]-NE incorporated into PC12 cells were then stimulated by a high concentration (60 mM) of K+ buffer during 12 minutes. Then, we collected 100 μl supernatant and counted the amount of [³H]-NE release from PC12 cells with a scintillation counter. After screening fungal, Streptomyces spp. or bacterial product using this experimental sytem, we obtained FS11052 from Streptomyces spp. which inhibited [³H]-NE release from PC12 cells.

All-trans retinoic acid (AtRA) induces growth inhibition and apoptosis in a variety of tumer cells, including MCF-7 cells. Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) system has been reported to be associated with the development of cancer. Although MCF-7 cell with AtRA is to be the major stimulus for the cell growth and apoptosis, the mechanism of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I)/insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) system remains to be elucidated. Thus, this study was conducted to the effect of AtRA on the gene expression and level of IGF-I and IGFBP-3.

Pasteurella multocida is a terrible veterinary pathogen that causes widespread infections in husbandry. To induce homologous and/or heterologous immunity against the infections, outer membrane protein Hs (OmpH) in the envelope of different strains of P. multocida are thought to be attractive vaccine candidates. Previously we cloned and characterized a gene for OmpH from pathogenic P. multocida (A:3) (In Press, Korean J. Microbiol. Biotechnol. 2005, 33, December).

Shiga toxin (stx) producing Escherichia coli (STEC) causes various clinical signs in animal and himan. In this study, 255 fecal samples from samples from calves showing diarrhea were collected from cattle farms in Chonnam province during the period from January 2005 to July 2005. Twenty six STEC (10%) were isolated from 255 fecal samples by PCR. The isolates displayed three different stx combinations (stx1[69%], stx1 and stx2 [15%], and stx2 [38%]). The isolates were further studied for virulence associated genes and antimicrobial resistance to define the virulence properties.

A stochastic simulation model incorporated with Reed-Frost approach was derived for evaluating diagnostic performance of a test used for a screening program of an infectious disease. The Reed-Frost model was used to characterize the within-herd spread of the disease using a hypothetical example. Specifically, simulation model was aimed to estimate the number infected animals in an infected herd, in which imperfect serologic tests are performed on samples taken from herds and to illustrate better interpreting survey results at herd-level when uncertainty inevitably exists.

A 6-year-old female Jindo dog weighing 20 kg was presented to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital of Seoul National University for the formation of crust and erosion of the nasal bridge and planum, and for alopecia of ear margin. Erythema, crusts, alopecia and erosions were present in the nasal planum and the bridge of the nose on physical examination. There were no abnormalities on CBC, serum chemistry, and basic dermatologic examination which included skin scraping, bacterial cultures, and fungal cultures.

Serological analysis was performed to detect morbillivirus infection in Kuril harbor seals in Hokkaido, Japan. Serum samples were collected from the seals at Nosappu (231 sera), Akkeshi (16), and Erimo (75) between 1998 and 2005. Antibodies to phocine distemper virus (PDV) were detected by ELISA in seals from Nosappu and Erimo. Antibodies to PDV were found in 56% (5/9) of the sampled seals from Nosappu in 1998, versus only 5% (3/66) for 2003, 1% (1/79) for 2004, and 1% (1/77) for 2005. These suggest epidemic caused by the virus in or before 1998. As antibody-positive seals included juvenile seals in 2003 and 2005, sporadic infections of the virus are thought to have occurred in recent years. In Erimo, antibodies to PDV were found in 50% (14/28) of sampled seals in 2004, versus only 13% (1/8) for 1999, 7% (1/15) for 2003, and 0% (0/24) for 2005. These suggest sporadic infection by the virus before 2003 and the epizootic between after autumn in 2003, when samples of 2003 were collected, and 2004. Since antibodies to canine distemper virus (CDV) were detected in one adult seal from Nosappu in each year from 2003 to 2005, sporadic infections of the virus, were suggested. There were no difference in incidence of seals with antibodies to the viruses between males and females and between juveniles and adults.

The study determined the types of pesticide/herbicide pollutants in water, sediment and fish from the Kafue River. A preliminary investigation of the oxidative stress from these pesticides/herbicides was also assessed by measurement of catalase activity. Water, sediment and fish samples were collected upstream, midstream and downstream the Kafue river in Chingola, Kitwe, Kafue National Park and Kafue Town. Water, sediment and fish muscle were sampled and analysed for pesticides using Gas chromatography. For catalase activity fish liver samples only were examined. The pesticides/herbicides detected in all samples collectively included: Heptachlor, pp'-DDE, Cypermethrin, Chlordane, Toxaphene, Terbufos, Kelthane, Endosulfan, Dieldrin, pp'-DDD, pp'-DDT, Atrazine, Disulfoton, d-trans-Allethrin and Endrin. On the other hand, catalase activity was detected in all fish liver samples from all sites. Its levels increased significantly from Chingola upstream to sites down-stream with highest being in Kafue town. This study therefore, demonstrates that there is widespread contamination of the Kafue River with pesticides/herbicides. It also demonstrates that organochlorides are found throughout the river especially in fish samples. The spectrum of pesticides/herbicides was much wider in fish probably due to bioaccumulation. It was also observed that fish are subjected to oxidative stress as determined by catalase levels. The stress is more pronounced downstream where the catalase levels were significantly higher than Chingola. The observation that more pesticide varieties are also found downstream may suggest a likely causative effect of the pesticides on oxidative stress although this needs further investigation. This study further tentatively highlights the potential dangers of these agro-related substances to dependants of the Kafue River water body and the need to carry out risk assessments and thereafter institute corrective measures to help reduce contamination and adverse effects.

Anthrax is endemic in Western and North-western Provinces of Zambia. The disease occurs throughout the year and impacts negatively on the economy of the livestock industry and public health in Zambia. During 1989-1995, there were 1,626 suspected cases of anthrax in cattle in Western province and of these 51 were confirmed. There were 220 cases of human anthrax cases in 1990 alone and 248 cases during 1991-1998 with 19.1% and 7.7% case fatality rates, respectively. Interplay of the ecology of affected areas and anthropogenic factors seem to trigger anthrax epidemics. Anthrax has drawn considerable attention in recent years due to its potential use as a biological weapon. In this paper, the history, current status and approaches towards the control of the disease in Zambia are discussed. Quarantine measures restrict trade of livestock and exchange of animals for draught power resulting in poor food security at household levels. Challenges of anthrax control are complex and comprise of socio-political, economical, environmental and cultural factors. Inadequate funding, lack of innovative disease control strategies and lack of cooperation from stakeholders are the major constraints to the control of the disease.

Bovine bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) cultured in condensate culture, spontaneous and independent for any external biostimulants, undergo chondrogenic differentiation. In the present study, the bovine MSC chondrogenesis pathway was studied by analyzing stage-specific gene expression using quantitative 'Real Time' reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results showed that bovine MSCs underwent complete chondrogenesis; the initial stage was characterized by expression of sox 9 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), followed by high transcription of chondrocyte specific genes, collagen type II and IX, biglycan and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, and the final prehypertrophic and/or hypertrophic stage was distinguished by increased expression of collagen type X. From day 7 to day 14 of differentiation increased mRNA expression of the transforming growth factors beta1 and beta2, basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF 2), bone morphogenic protein 6 (BMP 6), insulin-like growth factors 1, parathyroid hormone related peptide and indian hedgehog (Ihh) were detected. These results suggest that these well know chondrogenic growth factors may play a role in bovine chondrogenesis in autocrine and/or paracrine manner. On day 21 of the culture, FGF 2, BMP 6 and Ihh were highly expressed, compared to cells cultured in monolayer manner, which suggests a possible function in maintaining the terminal stage of differentiation. This data extends our knowledge about the unusual species-specific bovine MSC chondrogenesis, allowing us to define the phenotype of the differentiated cells. Furthermore, this study contributes to our in understanding of known chondrogenic-growth factors in autocrine and/or paracrine manner playing a role in the spontaneous differentiation.