The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) plays an important role in regulation of melanin pigment synthesis within mammalian melanocytes. Mutations within the gene encoding MC1R have been shown to explain coat color variations within several mammalian species including cattle. To develope a rapid and accurate method for the identification of Hanwoo, we performed a modified PCR-RFLP analysis of MC1R gene using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within MC1R as a target. A size of 538 bp (537 bp for Hanwoo) was amplified by PCR, digested with Hpa Ⅱ, and electrophoresed on a 1.5% agarose gel. A PCR product from Hanwoo showed a single band of 537 bp, whereas two fragments of 328 bp and 210 bp were detected in both Holstein and Black angus.

Here I describe a multiplex allele specific PCR-based approach for the rapid detection between Hanwoo and Holstein meat associated with Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene. Specific and universal oligonucleotide primers were used in combination to detect the presence of a single nucleotide polymorphism within the bovine MC1R DNA sequence. The presence of the bovine MC1R gene is indicated by the production of a single control PCR product, whilst positive samples generate an alternative smaller specific product over the same region. The mutations in MC1R104 codon revealed depending on the presence or absence of an indicative fragment amplified from the wild-type allele of this codon.

A male mixed breed dog with unknown age (case 1) and 5-year-old female golden retriever (case 2) were admitted to the Department of Veterinary Pathology at College of Veterinary Medicine, Seoul National University after sudden death. At necropsy, stifle region of case 1 was replaced by coalescing firm tan nodules approximately 1-3 cm in diameter. Neoplastic nodules were also presented in the lung. In case 2, the spleen was enlarged 3-5 times its normal size and numerous firm tan nodules were noted in the kidney, pericardium, diaphragm and lymph nodes. Histopathologically, the neoplastic masses of case 1 consisted of plump spindle cells having abundant cytoplasm and indistinct cell borders that formed interlacing bundle.

To analyze and identify selected risk factors for infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infection in the growing and laying period of laying-hen flocks, a longitudinal field study was conducted with 27 commercial flocks reared in three provinces of Korea during the period from May 2003 to April 2004. Using monitored data for IBV infection status among study flocks we computed the multivariate odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding confidence intervals (CIs), and population attributable risks (PARs). Multivariate logistic regression showed significant risk increments for: continuous entry of chick (OR=1.9, 95% CI, 0.7-69.1) and operation years of the layer house greater than or equal to 5 years (OR=3.2, 95%CI, 1.6-389.9).

This study was carried out to investigate the skeletal measurement of the sternum and ribs at 60-, 90-, 120-day-old fetuses and neonates of Korean native goats. The total length and width of the ossified part of the sternebrae and ribs were observed at 60-, 90-, 120-day-old fetuses and neonates. The ossification of the ribs from the 1st to the 8th rib was observed in 60-day-old fetuses, but not observed from the 9th to the last rib. In the 90-day-old fetuses, all ribs were observed having ossified parts. In the 60-day-old fetuses, all sternebrae were not observed having ossified parts.

The nucleoside analogue gemcitabine (2', 2-difluorideoxycytide) is potential against a wide variety of solid tumors and considered to be one of the most active drugs in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we investigated the signals of gemcitabine-induced apoptosis, especially in point of caspase pathway in A549. We exposed A549 cells to gemcitabine for dose/time dependent manner and the results showed that gemcitabine induced apoptotic cell death in a time/dose-dependent manner. We also treated to gemcitabine and Z-VAD-fmk as a pan-caspase inhibitor for 24 hours.

Immu-Forte composed of chitosan, β-glucan, manno-oligosaccharide and pangamic acid was evaluated for its effectiveness as a nonspedific immunostimulator in mice. The effects of Immu-Forte were determined by analysis of cytokines using ELISA and phenotype of leukocyte subpopulations using monoclonal antibodies specific to mouse leukocyte differentiation antigens and flow cytometry. All T cells, all B cells, CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, macrophages, IL-2, IL-4, IL-12 and IFN-r in Immu-Forte A-treated group increased in 1 months posttreatment and were significantly higher (p less than 0.05) than that of control at 1 months posttreatment.

This study was performed to evaluate using wild-type (WT) and C×32 knockout (KO) mice if lack of cell to cell communication by connexin 32 gap junction enhances the benzene-induced hematotoxicity and hemopoietic tumor development. The WT and C×32 KO mice were exposed to 300 ppm of benzene for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week for a total of 26 weeks by inhalation, and then sacrificed to evaluate the toxicities of hemopoietic organs or allowed to live out their life span to evaluate the hemopoietic tumor incidence. The significant increase and decrease of organ weight were respectively noted in spleen and thymus of both WT and C×32 KO mice without significant difference between the genotypes.

The major protocol features of the rodent uterotrophic assay have been evaluated using a range of reference chemicals. The protocol variables considered include the selection of the test species and route of chemical administration, the age of the test animals, the maintenance diet used, and the specificity of the assay for estrogens. The rodents were ovarjectomized under general anesthesia via bilateral flank incisions and randomly assigned to groups of 5 animals. Chemicals were DEHP, DBP, BPA and NP, were injected sc once daily with combinations of chemicals treatments for 3 days.

The present study was conducted to investigate biochemical characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility of Aeromonas hydrophilia isolated from Jackass penguins (Spheniscus demersus) of zoo and capelins (Mallotus villosus). Seven of Jackass penguins showed anorexia, depression with seriously greenish vomiting for a few days, but resulted in 4 deaths although extensive treatment was carried out by zoo veterinarians. From the 18 samples composed of organs of feces from dead or live Jackass penguins and capelins, 4 (22.2%) Aeromonas hydrophilia were isolated and Bacillus spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus auricularis, Staphylococcus cohnii and Enterobacter aminigenus were also identified.