Abstract BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of Echinococcus granulosus in the definitive host particularly in dog is the significant complication in the endemic area. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is serological detection of E. granulosus in the infected dogs. METHODS: Dot-ELISA based on the copro-antigen and recombinant EPC1 antigen (rEPC1) for antibody detection was performed. Blood and fecal samples were collected from eleven treated poppies with 90000–100000 protoscoleces (90% viability) and four treated poppies with distilled water as controls, on day before challenge and 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days post challenges. Furthermore, the blood and fecal samples were collected from 35 naturally infected dogs. RESULTS: In terms of experimentally infected dogs, sensitivity and specificity of Dot- ELISA were close for both antigens (copro- antigen, rEPC1) that were determined to be 100%, 88% for copro–antigen, and 100 and 94% for rEPC1, respectively. In the context of naturally infected dogs, our findings showed similar sensitivity in Dot –ELISA based on the anti-body detection (using rEPC1), and antigen detection (using copro–antigen), (100%), while these methods provided different specificity about 75% for rEPC1 and 58% for copro–antigen. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicated that both antigens are qualified. REPC1 antigen is not capable to detect the infection during the first 15 days post-infection, whereas the antibody cannot be detectable. REPC1 protein may work for screening of E. granulosus, while copro-antigen can be useful for diagnosis of current acute infection. However, both methods are recommended for screening of sheepdog, guard dogs and police dogs.

BACKGROUND: The preliminary survey made about congenital goiter in goats in Garmsar township indicated that the disease occurs much more in Beetal-cross than native goats raised in the same area. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to compare of serum triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations in pregnant and lactating Beetal-cross and native goats in Garmsar township. METHODS: One hundred Beetal-cross (n=50) and native (n=50) does in 4 groups (25 pregnant Beetal-cross, 25 lactating Beetal-cross, 25 pregnant native and 25 lactating native) were used in this study. Blood samples were obtained via jugular venipuncture and analyzed for serum T3, T4 and TSH concentrations. RESULTS: Breed had a significant (P<0.05) effect on T4 concentration and pregnancy had a significant (P<0.05) effect on T3 and TSH concentrations. No significant differences were seen for serum T3, T4 and TSH concentrations between pregnant and lactating native does. However, in the pregnant Beetal-cross, serum T3 and T4 concentrations were lower (P<0.05) and TSH concentration was higher (P<0.05) than lactating Beetal-cross does. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study highlight the relationships between thyroid activity and breed in the goat species that may play a role in more occurrence of congenital goiter in Beetal-cross in Garmsar township.

BACKGROUND: Manipulation of rumen microbial population for improving animal performance is done by several methods including medicinal plants. Matricaria chamomille (chamomile) and Cichorium intybus (chicory) are two medicinal plant with antibacterial effect that there is little information about the effects of them on rumen microflora. OBJECTIVE: The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of chamomile and chicory powder on performance, ruminal microbial population and some blood parameters of sheep. METHODS: 9 Dallagh sheep were used in a change over design experiment at three 21-d periods (14 days as adaptation and 7 days for sample collection). Treatments were: 1) control )without additive(, 2) chamomile ( contained 10% chamomile powder) and 3) chicory (contained %10 chicory powder). Rumen fluid was collected before, 4 h and 8 h after morning feeding and a blood sample was obtained 3 h after morning feeding at last day of each period. RESULTS: Weight gain, dry matter intake, feed conversion ratio, total count of bacteria, acid lactic bacteria, rumen pH, blood glucose and total protein were not affected by treatments. Diet containing 100g chicory significantly decreased plasma triglyceride versus chamomile but the difference was not significant compared with control. Coliforms in rumen fluid at 4 hours after morning feeding were lower in chamomile treatment than control (P<0.05). Lambs received chamomile and chicory powder had significantly higher Rumen protozoa number before morning feeding. In conclusion, although Matricaria chamomille and Cichorium intybus dry powder had some significant effects on rumen microbial population but had no effect on performance, growth and blood metabolites.

BACKGROUND: Semen cryopreservation might be influenced by sperm concentration. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate three different semen concentrations [100 (C100), 50 (C50), and 25 (C25) × 106 spermatozoa/mL] on freezability of bull semen. METHODS: On each collection day, four ejaculates were collected (a total of 24 ejaculates from four bulls), pooled and divided to three equal parts. Each part was diluted to reach to one of the above mentioned final semen concentration and then frozen. After thawing, sperm motility, apoptosis status and mitochondrial activity were assessed. RESULTS: The results showed that C100 resulted in significantly higher total sperm motility compared to C50 and C25 groups. The percentage of live spermatozoa was significantly higher in C100 compared to C50 and C25 groups. Also, C25 resulted in significantly higher early and late apoptotic spermatozoa compared to C50 and C100 groups. The mitochondrial activity was significantly lower in C25 compared to C100 and C50 groups. CONCLUSIONS: It seems that low sperm concentrations (as low as 50×106) may be less advantageous for cryopreservation.

Abstract BACKGROUND: SP-A and SP-D are hydrophilic proteins which regulate the inflammatory response of the lung. Pasteurella multocida is one of the most common bacteria isolated from calves suffering from shipping fever pneumonia, one of the most problems in dairy herds. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of surfactant content may provide a valuable diagnostic tool for detection of calf pneumonia due to Pasteurella multocida and also state of treatment. METHODS: Ten Holstein-Frisian bull calves aged 4 months with body weight of 120 ± 5 kg were selected for study in two groups. The Pasteurella multocida (PMC66 Razi) was used in the present study for inducing pneumonia. The Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) process was done in selected calves. BAL fluid was collected and centrifuged and finally the sediment (crude surfactant) was reserved at -20˚C.The cytological evaluation and surfactant content was assayed by ELISA, TPL kit assay and HPLC. RESULTS: The serum levels of SP-A and SP-D in pneumonic group were significantly elevated. Although the increased Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) level of SP-A in pneumonic cases was found as compared with the control animals, but the statistical analysis didn't show any significant differences between two groups. The level of SP-D in BALF of pneumonic group significantly elevated. The amount of Dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) in pneumonic group decreased significantly in comparison control group. CONCLUSION: Pasteurella inducing pulmonary can changed the major component of lung surfactant which evaluation of these markers can be helpful as an appropriate tool in diagnostic state of pneumonia and healing.

BACKGROUND: The development of injectable sustained-release products are of great interest to veterinary pharmaceuticals and animal health business. Recently, great attention has been paid to in situ gel-forming chitosan/beta-glycerophosphate (chitosan/β-GP) solutions due to their good biodegradability and thermosensitivity. OBJECTIVES: The general aim of this study was to prepare a novel in situ gel-forming drug delivery system with a sustained release profile for enrofloxacin. METHODS: Chitosan, β-GP and enrofloxacin were used in different concentrations and six formulations of chitosan/β-GP were prepared. The properties of the hydrogels including the pattern of drug release, gelation time, syringeability, morphology, FTIR spectra, and in vitro antimicrobial activity were evaluated. RESULTS: The release rate of enrofloxacin from the hydrogels and syringeability of the final solutions were decreased by increasing in β-GP and chitosan concentrations. All formulations could release the drug up to 120 hours but formulation 1 (chitosan-2%, β-GP-5% and enrofloxacin-1%) gave the best results based on its optimal drug release profile and viscosity. The FTIR studies showed that there were no interactions between enrofloxacin and hydrogel excipients. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the formed gel had a continuous texture, while the swelled gel in phosphate buffer had a porous structure. Microbiological tests revealed high bactericidal activities for this enrofloxacin- loaded hydrogel which were comparable to those of positive control (enrofloxacin suspension) in terms of inhibition zone, MIC and MBC values. CONCLUSION: Because of simple preparation and sustained release profile of the drug, this hydrogel could be a promising delivery system for enrofloxacin in animals.

BACKGROUND: Clinical prostatic diseases occur in 80% of dogs over 5 and 95% over 9 years of age. . It seems that benign prostatic hyperplasia) BPH) affect Scottish terriers more severely than the other breeds. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the changes of biochemical and hematological parameters in BPH dogs. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 10 male dogs older than five years suffering from BPH which referred to Small Animal Hospital of the Veterinary Faculty of Tehran University. The diagnosis of BPH was based on clinical, laboratory surveys and ultrasonography. 10 normal male dogs with same age, breed and weight were selected as control group. Then serum acid phosphatase (TAP and PAP), CRP, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, globulins and hematological parameters were assayed and the results were analyzed by Independent student T-test. Also Pearson’s linear correlation test was used to determine the correlation between TAP, PAP, CRP and ESR with length and width of prostate. RESULTS: The length(p=0.008 (, width (p= 0.01)of prostates were significantly higher in dogs suffering from BPH compared to the healthy dogs .TAP and PAP levels significantly elevated in all dogs in BPH group (approximately 6 times) compared to the controls (P=0.001). Moreover, serumic CRP concentration was elevated in some of BPH dogs (approximately 6 times) (p=0.001). While there were significant ESR elevation in some of dogs in disease group compared to the normal dogs, no significant difference was observed in other biochemical and hematological parameters between two groups (p>0.05). There were a highly significant correlation btween serum TAP and PAP (p≤ 0.01) with prostate’s length and width which was more than CRP. CONCLUSIONS: The serum acid phosphatase, CRP and ESR were elevated in BPH dogs but the increase in serum acid phosphatase was more important than the others. It is recommended that each laboratory should use its own values of acid phosphatase in dogs.

Backgrounds: Neospora caninum is an Apicomplexan parasite. It causes paralysis and neuromuscular disorders in dogs and abortion in cattle. Although contamination with N. caninum is common in stray dogs, most of the dogs are infected with subclinical neosporosis. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of N. caninum in multiple tissues and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using Nested-PCR technique. Furthermore, the N. caninum specific antibody was detected in serum of examined dogs by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Methods: Forty two stray dogs of mixed breeds captured from districts of Tehran, Iran, were examined physically and euthanized. A commercially indirect ELISA kit was used to detect the anti-N. caninum antibodies in serum. Nested PCR was applied to analyze the extracted DNA from brain, skeletal muscle, CSF, liver, spleen and mandibular lymph nodes for Nc5 gene. Results: Indirect ELISA assay for N. caninum antibody was positive in a seven years old male dog (2.22%). Out of 42 stray dogs whose multiple organs were examined using Nested PCR, 15 samples (35%) were positive. The highest presence of N. caninum was found in skeletal muscle with 30% (13/42) frequency, followed by CSF (26.2%) (11/42), brain (19%) (8/42), liver (7.14%) (3/42), lymph node (4.62%) (2/42) and spleen samples (0/42). Conclusions: These results suggest that serology tests can underestimate the carrier of N. caninum in dogs compared to PCR test which directly detect the presence of the parasite. Nested-PCR might be a potential alternative for the histological methods to detect N. caninum in dog’s tissues.

BACKGROUND: Zinc (Zn) is one of the most important essential elements in the body of animals and plants. Zinc plays a significant role in the structure of more than 300 different proteins and in many life supporting biochemical and metabolic processes such as cellular respiration and protection against free radicals. Nanoparticles of zinc are the new form of Zinc used in cosmetic and personal care products and also in livestock feed and food packaging. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of several sizes and doses of Zinc nanoparticles on antioxidant defense system in rat compared to controls. METHODS: Zinc nanoparticles (10, 20 and 30 nm) at 3 doses (3, 10 and 100 mg/kg bw) were administrated orally for 28 days among 9 experimental groups (n=5). 2 control groups were treated orally with ZnCl2 (100 mg/kg bw) and normal salin (n=5). After 28 days, the rat decapitated and serum was separated from blood samples. The ferric reducing ability of Plasma (FRAP), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes in serum samples were measured as biomarkers of oxidative stress and compared with control group. RESULTS: This survey showed that zinc nanoparticles cause induction of GPx and SOD activity (P < 0.05) and also increased the level of TBARS (P < 0.05). This assay also showed zinc nanoparticles cause significant decrease in total antioxidant activity of plasma (FRAP) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Nano Zinc induced oxidative stress in a dose dependent manner in large sizes, while their effects depend on the level of ionization in small sizes.

Background: Diabetes is a metabolic disease that is associated with hyperglycemia and infertility. Previous studies indicate that aloe vera may positively affect the blood glucose and fertility. Objective: the present study was carried out to evaluate effect of aloe vera on serum oxidant/antioxidant activity and reproductive hormones following experimental diabetes. Methods: sixty adults male wistar rats were divided to 5 groups. control group(A) was kept without treatment. Group(E) only received aloe vera gel(400 mg/kg-orally). Experimental diabete mellitus was induced in 3 groups of rats by streptozotocin( 65 mg/kg-Ip). One diabetic group was kept without treatment(B). Another diabetic group received aloe vera gel(400 mg/kg-orally)(C) and another received insulin(10 units)(D). Aloe vera gel and insulin was administration for 30 days then, the rats were anesthetized and blood collected. The amount of malondialdehid(MDA), anti oxidant activity(AOA), glutathion peroxidase activity(GPX), thiol protein(TSH), testosterone, LH and FSH was determined in serum. Results: level of testosterone was significantly decreased while amount of MDA, TSH, GPX and AOA was significantly increased in non-treated diabetic rats. Aloe vera increased antioxidant defense. Conclusions: Aloe vera improves antioxidant activity and reduces diabetic complications. Key words: Diabetes, Aloe vera, Anti oxidant, pituitary – sexual hormones, rat.