BACKGROUND: Estrus synchronization is a valuable tool in ewe reproductive management. OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to evaluate the efficiency and determine the best time of eCG injection in short-term synchronization program based on GnRH-PGF 2α in Shal ewes during the breeding season. METHODS: One hundred and sixty non-pregnant Shal ewes, aged 2-6 years old were selected and randomly stratified to four equal groups. 25µg Alarelin acetate (GnRH analogue) and 75µg D-cloprostenol (PGF 2α analogue) were injected to all ewes, on days 0 and 5, respectively. The first group (control) did not receive any other treatment. Groups 2 to 4 received 400 IU of eCG, 48 hours before, 24 hours before and concurrent with PGF2α, respectively. Ewes were exposed to fertile rams during 96 hours post PGF2α injection. Blood serum progesterone concentrations were measured just before PGF2α injection and 10 days later. RESULTS: No difference was observed in the first serum progesterone evaluation among experimental groups (P>0.05). However, progesterone had significantly higher concentrations 10 days after PGF 2α injection in groups 2 and 3 in comparison with groups 1 and 4 (P<0.05). Simultaneous use of eCG with PGF2α led to a higher estrus response in comparison with other groups (P<0.05). During the first day after PGF2α, a higher percentage of ewes in group 2 and 3 exhibited estrus compared with groups 1 and 4 (P<0.05). Conversely, estrus expression was higher 24-48 hours after prostaglandin injection in groups 1 and 4 than the other two (P<0.05). Thus, the interval to estrus was earlier in group 2 and 3 than groups 1 and 4 (P<0.05). No significant differences were detected in terms of conception rate, lambing rate, prolificacy and fecundity among study groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Use of eCG in different times (48 and 24 hours before and concurrent with PGF2α) in short-term synchronization program based on GnRH-PGF2α during the breeding season can be effective on estrus indices. Regarding the diversity of sheep's masses in Iran, it seems that acceptable results may be achieved when eCG is used concurrently with PGF2α in short-term protocol.

BACKGROUND: Heavy metals and metalloids are among the most stable and resistant to decomposition elements that, in the presence of high concentrations in aquatic tissues, threaten their own and human health. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the composition and order of the elements accumulation in the edible muscle tissue of pike from Siah Darvishan River as one of the most valuable and economical fish and also to evaluate its health for human nutrition. METHODS: In the present study, concentration of eleven elements (As, Fe, Hg, Zn, Pb, Se, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni) in the muscle tissue of 25 pike (Esox lucius) collected with the Cast net in the summer of 2016 from Siah Darvishan River, Guilan province, Iran were surveyed by Varian Atomic absorption spectroscopy. RESULTS: The lowest and highest mean accumulation of elements were obtained as follows: Zinc 25.89 - 28.80, Iron 21.85 - 24.26, Copper 6.78 - 8.15, Manganese 1.77 - 2.12, Lead 0.68 - 0.73, Selenium 0.59 - 0.62, Arsenic 0.53 - 0.62, Cadmium 0.38 - 0.41, Nickel 0.24 - 0.28, Chromium 0.17 - 0.19 and Mercury 0.087 - 0.098 microgram per gram dry weight, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, mean concentrations of all elements in the muscle tissue of pike, except the four elements Manganese (1.956 ± 0.178), Lead (0.698 ± 0.028), Arsenic (0.572 ± 0.044) and Cadmium (0.393 ± 0.018) were observed to be lower than explained threshold limit value (TLV) of FAO/WHO international standard.

BACKGROUND: There is paucity of information about Anaplasma marginale (A. marginale) infection in water buffaloes and there have not been any reports of clinical anaplasmosis in the buffaloes in Iran. OBJECTIVES: Molecular and hematologic survey on A. marginale infection in apparently healthy buffaloes referring to Ahvaz abattoir. METHODS: Samples of blood and spleen tissue were obtained from 103 healthy buffaloes referring to the slaughterhouse. Blood samples were subjected to microscopic examination and PCR assay while spleen specimens were only analyzed by PCR. In this study, a nested-PCR method was used to amplify a fragment of the groEL gene of the bacterium. RESULTS: According to PCR, 31.1% and 1.9% of examined blood and spleen samples were found positive for A. marginale, respectively. The buffaloes which were positive in spleen tissue PCR test were positive in blood PCR, as well. Microscopically, Anaplasma-like organisms were found in 15.5% of stained blood smears. There was a slight Kappa agreement between stained blood smears and PCR. No significant difference was found in hematologic values between the infected and non-infected buffaloes based on PCR results. CONCLUSIONS: Significant occurrence of infection with A. marginale in the studied buffaloes can indicate the probable role of buffalo as a reservoir of the disease agent and its transmission to the cattle.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to characterize two fowlpox viruses isolated in Iran and study their phylogenic relationship. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the identity of two pox viruses recovered from a tissue sample with typical lesions of fowl pox and red mites from a laying farm. Fowl pox in poultry industry causes significant economic losses associated with decreased egg production, reduced growth, blindness and increased mortality. The pox virus, by direct or indirect contact, may also be transmitted through vectors such as mites and fleas. Dermanyssus gallinae also known as the poultry red mite is the most important blood feeder ectoparasite affecting poultry, in particular, laying hens. In addition to its significant economic losses, it is considered as a potential vector for a number of important avian pathogens. METHODS: Both isolates were inoculated to chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of embryonated chicken eggs, detected by specific PCR for pox virus 4b gene and characterized by sequencing and phylogentic analysis. RESULTS: Both isolates developed pock lesions in CAM of embryonated eggs. A 578 bp fragment of the poxvirus 4b gene was amplified in both isolates by PCR. The sequence analyses revealed that the two isolates were 100% identical and placed in the same branch. The nucleotide sequence of these two isolates showed a similarity of 73 to 100% to the other selected avian pox sequences available in the GenBank. CONCLUSIONS: These results confirmed that Dermanyssus gallinae are considered to be an important vector for the spread of fowl pox virus in the flocks. Therefore, controlling the red mites in poultry farms will not only inhibit problems such as blood feeding, decreased production and reduced growth rate, it can reduce the transmission of diseases and pathogenic agents in the farms.

BACKGROUND: The importance of digestive accessory glands and spleen in human, domestic animals and birds has been studied for many years. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the structural features of these organs in see-see. METHODS: Regarding the present study, 14 male and female see-see were randomly selected, from which, tissue samples of three males and three females were obtained. After preparation in the usual way, the samples were stained using hematoxylin and eosin methods. RESULTS: Liver involves two lobes, including right and left ones. Posterior border of the left lobe has a short cut which results in division of the left one into two sections. Gallbladder is extended in visceral level of the right lobe, from middle to posterior edge of it. Due to the lack of full penetration of capsule blades into the liver's parenchyma, lobulated tissues are unknown. Epithelium of the gallbladder is of simple cylindrical type; however, some areas there have very few goblet cells. See-see's spleen is red-brownish, pear-shaped, and is located in the posterior part of visceral level of the liver's left lobe. Spleen is embedded by muscle connective capsule. There are no splits of spleen capsule into parenchyma of the gland. Pancreas is an elongated organ in the situation between two arms of duodenum which is divided into three lobes including dorsal, ventral and splenic. Very delicate and short blades of the capsule are penetrated into the gland and it is divided to lobules. The endocrine part of pancreas consists of alpha and beta islets of Langerhans in large and small sizes. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that the structure and tissues of the liver, spleen and pancreas, despite the slight differences in morphological aspects, are similar to other birds.

BACKGROUND: Opioids and nitric oxide (NO) are functionally linked in the regulation of intestinal motility. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the role of NO in the opium induced bowel dysfunction in mice. METHODS: Sixty-six male mice received incrementally doses of the following treatments in six groups for 5 consecutive days: 1) Opium (0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5 and 0.6mg/30g/day), 2) N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 5,7.5,10,15 and 20mg/kg/day), 3) L-arginine (5-20mg/kg/day), 4) Opium+L-NAME, 5) Opium+L-arginine and 6) distilled water. At the end of the treatment, the abdomen was opened; some pieces of duodenal and proximal colon were taken to determine NO synthase (NOS) expression and nitrite levels, and some isolated rings from those parts of small and large intestine were prepared and transferred to the organ bath system to study intestinal motility. RT-PCR was used to determine the NOS gene expression. To determine the small intestinal transit, 30 mice in six groups, were used for oral administration of charcoal+gum in vivo. RESULTS: Opium decreased amplitude of the duodenum and ileum contractions, but increased frequency of duodenal and mid colon contractions (P<0.05). While the gene expression of inducible, neuronal and endothelial NOS was increased in colon (P<0.05), a reduced neuronal and endothelial NOS gene expression was shown in duodenum. The charcoal+gum transit was decreased in opium-treated animals compared to the control group (19.9%). However, L-arginine increased this transit while L-NAME decreased it. CONCLUSIONS: Opium induced intestinal smooth muscle spasms, which result in the decreased intestinal movements. The alterations in NOS gene expression may be a compensation mechanism against opium-induced intestinal dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide spread, which is very important from two aspects, health concerns in human societies and economic losses due to abortion, stillbirth, birth of weak calves,  Milk-drop syndrome and mastitis and death. The prevalence of an infection at the herd or animal level is a key issue that determines whether the infection should be considered important and which measures and policies should be made and applied. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this search is a meta-analysis study of  the prevalence of leptospirosis and serovars of leptospira interrogans in Iran. METHODS: The search was carried out by relevant literature search from 1997 to 2017 and by keywords: Iran, leptospira, cattle, sheep, goats, buffaloes, camel, and their combination in data banks of Magiran, SID, Iranmedex, PubMed and Google scholar. In this study, 39 articles were finally accepted. For statistical analysis, prevalence rates were entered in the Comprehensive Meta Analysis (CMA) software. RESULTS: The prevalence of leptospirosis in apparently healthy ruminants was 21.5% (95% CI: 17.8-25.8) and Grippotyphosa, Pomona and Canicola were the most prevalent. CONCLUSIONS: According to the high prevalence of pomona in our results, using this serovar in produced vaccines inside the country, applying preventive methods to control infection in herd dogs and gaining a share of the health system budget can have a good effect on for leptospira control program.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial agents can alter physiological status and immunity system of the host, and use of hematological indices are the appropriate marker for monitoring them. OBJECTIVES: The present study intended assessment of changed hematological indices of rainbow trout challenged with streptococcosis/lactococcosis agents following oral administration of florfenicol. METHODS: The purchased fish (55±7.5 g) were examined through a randomized blocks design in the replicated 6 treatments consisting of without/with the infectious challenge of each pathogen separately and without/with medicated feeding in 15 mg/kg-1 BW for 10 consecutive days. Doses of Streptococcus iniae (2.87×107 CFU/ml) and Lactococcus garvieae (6.8×105 CFU/ml) equal to 30% of LD50 values were applied in the main experiment. At the end of trial, blood was sampled via caudal vein. Measurement of hematocrit and hemoglobin has been accomplished according to standard methods, and the number of blood cells was counted by hematocytometer. RESULTS: Findings pointed out PVC%, Hb value and RBCs count of groups that received the drug were reduced significantly than control (p < /em><0.05). 10-day administration of flornfeicol in the mentioned dosage could cut down lymphocytes statistically (p < /em><0.05). On the other hand, monocytes, neutrophils, and other blood cells were enhanced following administration of therapeutical dosage (p < /em><0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that oral consumption of florfenicol could improve innate immunity, especially through enhancement of hematocytes. However, due to reduced frequency of blood lymphocytes, and as the problem of anemia in fish following drug consumption is still observed, it is recommended that in case of reduction of losses and improvement of clinical symptoms, the lowest FDA-suggested levels of the antibiotic for treatment should be used.

BACKGROUND: The use of natural immune stimulants is one of the most effective methods for strengthening immunity and preventing diseases in fish. OBJECTIVES: Due to the abundance of red algae (Laurencia caspica) in the Caspian Sea, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of this algae on growth performance and blood indices of rainbow trout. METHODS: The present study was performed on 750 randomly selected rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in 5 experimental treatments including an algal extract-free diet (control), and diets supplemented with 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2% of algal hydroalcoholic extract. During the experimental period, fish were sampled to measure growth performance and blood indices every two week for 8 weeks. RESULTS: Growth indices were not affected by the algal extract at the end of eight weeks of feeding. There were no significant differences in fish survival at different treatments. Total counts of red blood cells, white blood cells, hematocrit percentage, hemoglobin concentration and neutrophil and monocyte percentages were affected by algal extract with significant increases compared to the control group (p < /em><0.05). Results of serum biochemistry showed that significantly increased total protein, albumin and globulin and also significantly reduced ALT, AST and ALP compared to the control in rainbow trout. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study oral use of red algae (L. caspica) as an immune stimulant in rainbow trout (O. mykiss) was recommended.

BACKGROUND: Doxorubicin is one of the most widely used anticancer chemotherapeutic agents in small animal practice. The use of doxorubicin can cause cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of ascorbic acid on doxorubicin hepatotoxicity in mice. METHODS: Twenty-four Balb/c mice were randomly divided into four groups. Group one received normal saline, group two received 100 mg/kg ascorbic acid, group three received 8 mg/kg doxorubicin and group four received ascorbic acid and doxorubicin intraperitoneally, with the same doses of groups 2 and 3. Twenty-one days after injection, the mice were euthanized. The activities of ALP, ALT, AST enzymes and total bilirubin levels in the serum samples were measured. Liver samples were evaluated histopathologically. RESULTS: The activities of ALP, ALT, AST, and total bilirubin levels and histopathologic scores of hepatotoxicity were significantly lower in the group that received ascorbic acid + doxorubicin in comparison to those of the doxorubicin group. CONCLUSIONS: Ascorbic acid may be useful in the prevention of doxorubicin hepatotoxicity in mice. Further studies are recommended for evaluation of the use of ascorbic acid in small animals.