BACKGROUND: Brain monoamines (such as histamine and dopamine) play an important role in emotions, cognition, reward and feeding behavior. The interactions between histamine and dopamine were studied in many physiological functions but this correlation is unclear in feeding behavior of chickens. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction of central histaminergic and dopaminergic systems on food intake in broiler chicken. METHODS: In this study we used from intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection for manipulating of histaminergic and dopaminergic systems. In Experiment 1, 3 h-fasted chicks were given an ICV injection of histamine, SCH23390, a D1 receptors antagonist and co-injection of histamine and SCH23390. Experiments 2-5 were similar to experiment 1 except birds were injected with AMI-193, D2 receptors antagonist; NGB2904, D3 receptors antagonist; L-741,742, D4 receptors antagonist and 6-OHDA, 6-hydroxydopamine instead of SCH 23390, respectively. In experiment 6, ICV injection of dopamine, chlorpheniramine, H1 receptors antagonist and co-administration of dopamine and chlorpheniramine were done. Experiments 7-9 were similar to experiment 6, except birds ICV injected with famotidine, H2 receptors antagonist; thioperamide, H3 receptors antagonist and α-FMH, alpha-fluoromethylhistidine in place of chlorpheniramine, respectively. Then cumulative food intake (g) was measured at 30, 60 and 120 min after the injection. RESULTS: Histamine decreased food intake compared to the control chicks indicating a inhibitory effect of histamine on food intake and SCH23390 attenuated the effect of histamine on food intake(P<0.001). In addition, hypophagic effect of histamine decreased by 6-OHDA(P<0.001). Chlorpheniramine and α-FMH significantly attenuated dopamine induced hypophagia(P<0.001). However, thioperamide amplified the inhibitory effect of dopamine on food intake(P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest, there is relationship between histaminergic and dopaminergic systems on food intake in chicken and H1, H3 and D1 receptors are involved in this interaction.

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a significant cause of abortion in sheep and goats in the world. Toxoplasmosis is caused reproduction disorders such as fetal resorption, early embryonic death, mummification, abortion, stillbirth, neonatal and fetal death in sheep . Objectives: The aim of this study was to detect T. gondii infection in ovine aborted fetuses in Khorasan Razavi province. Methods: From June 2009 to July 2013, 112 brain samples of aborted ovine fetuses were collected and examined to detect T.gondii DNA by nested- PCR. The association the frequency of T.gondii infection with age and geographical location of aborted fetuses were also studied. Results: The results showed that 18 (16.07%) of brain samples of aborted fetuses were Toxoplasm positive in PCR reaction . The frequency of T.gondii in the age group ≥120 day was more than other age groups of infected aborted fetuses (P<0.05) . All the infected fetuses belonged the sheep flocks in the northern part of province. Conclusion: The results showed the moderate T.gondii infection among ovine aborted fetuses in the northern part of Khorasan Razavi province.

BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) are the most important and pathogenic mycoplasma in chicken production. The tendency of avian mycoplasma for interaction with other pathogen is well-known. Interaction within several disease-producing factors in respiratory tract exacerbate the disease and known as multicausal respiratory disease. OBJECTIVES: In recent years, high prevalence of multicausal respiratory disease in broiler flocks cause economic loss in Iran. The aim of the current study was to find the role of avian mycoplasma in recent outbreaks of respiratory diseases in broiler flocks. METHODS: Four hundred fifty tracheal or choanal cleft swabs were collected from 30 broiler farms with sever respiratory disease. The samples subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers for MG and MS. RESULTS: One flock (3.3%) and three flocks (10%) of broiler found to be positive for MG and MS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that mycoplasma (MG and MS) are not the major part of recent respiratory diseases and anti-mycoplasma drugs administration needs precise test to evaluated mycoplasma statues.

BACKGROUND: Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a worldwide contagious bronchioalveolar carcinoma caused by infection of a beta retrovirus in sheep and less in goat. Neoplastic proliferation of type II pneumocytes and clara cells, produce papillary to acinar tumoral pattern with infiltration of macrophages, lymphocytes and plasma cells and interstitial fibrosis tissue. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the patterns of OPA and checking the expression of TTF1. METHODES: A total of 7952 ovine lungs were studied for macroscopic and microscopic pathology examination and so checking TTF1 marker. RESULTS: 25 cases were diagnosed as OPA that based on macroscopic and histopathologic lesions, two different classifications were defined. Tumoral lesions were divided to classic (68%) and atypic (32%) forms of OPA based on growth pattern and progression and two other forms of mucinous (56%) and non-mucinous (44%) of OPA based on histologic characterization of neoplastic secretory cells were descripted. In all of 8 cases, TTF1 marker were positive. CONCLUSION: we found two form of classic and atypic lesions and so mucinous and non-mucinous forms. The classic form was more than the atypic and the mucinous form was more than non-mucinous lesions. TTF1 marker expression revealed that pulmonary origin of tumors.

BACKGROUND: Packaging is one of the important aspect of food quality and safety. Unfortunately, most of food packaging materials are from oil resources that are limited resources and undegradable. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was reaching an environmentally friendly packaging with enhancement safety of food. METHODS: After obtaining Bunium persicum (BP) and Mentha pepperita (MP) essential oils (EOs) by steam distillation method, their chemical compositions were determined using GC-MS analysis. PLA films were prepared using solvent casting technique containing different concentrations of BP (0, 0.5 and1%v/v), MP (0, 0.5 and1%v/v) EOs and cellulose nanoparticle (CN) (0 and 1% w/v) and their antimicrobial effects against gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 65138, Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778) and Gram negative bacteria (Vibrio parahaemolyticus ATCC 43996, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella typhymurium ATCC 14028) were assessed by disk diffusion method. RESULTS: Major compounds of BP EO were Propanal 2-methyl-3-phenyl (34.08%), Cymene (18.23%) and Myrtenal (12.37%) and for MP EO were p-Menthan-3-ol (44.59%) and p-Menthan-3-onetrans (12.14%). The results of present study indicated that pure PLA film or PLA films containing CN showed no antimicrobial activity against any of the five tested bacteria but films containing EOs had significant antimicrobial activity and BP EO was more effective than MP EO and their combination (p<0.05). Besides, the inhibitory effect of films were concentration-dependent. In addition results of current study revealed, gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive than gram negative bacteria to PLA films containing EOs. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicated that PLA films containing MP and BP EOs may be useful for packaging of foods in order to increase their shelf life and safety.

Background: One of the major aspects of traceability in food authenticity assessment is to explore practical methods to find the origin of food. Objective: The aim of the present study was to find a DNA based method for authentication and traceability of food, which are of great importance in health management. Methods: Four different DNA extraction methods were applied to obtain high pure DNA in some oil samples including olive oil, sunflower, canola and soybean oil to improve the traceability. The isolated DNA was analyzed by PCR using common primer pair, derived from the region harboring 18S rRNA/5.8S rRNA genes. Extraction methods were developed based on specific binding of DNA molecules to the silica membrane (column) or resin. Results: Our results showed that amplifiable DNA could only be extracted from olive oil in method 1, whereas the isolated DNA from other samples needed to be purified. In method 2, by pre-treating of oil with PBS and subsequent precipitation with Isopropanol, the amplification of isolated DNA was observed in sunflower, crude canola and olive oil. To remove more effectively the contaminants, method 2 was combined with chloroform and resin/Isoporopanol precipitation as method 3. Interestingly, the extracted DNA from all examined oil samples could be amplified with mentioned primers. For elimination the disadvantages of chloroform, method 4 was set up by direct usage of lysis and binding buffer. The extracted DNA from all refined oil samples could be amplified successfully. Conclusion: Based on our findings, the major problem in DNA extraction from oils is the PCR inhibitors in extracted DNA, which can be resolved by the presented methods 3 and 4.

BACKGROUND: The growth and differentiation of skeletal pectoral limb girdle, wing and the ossification centers in these regions after hatching were investigated in some groups of quails. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the age of physical maturity and radiological and histological assessment of the ossification centers of pectoral limb in quail. METHODS: 14 quails after hatching were reared in similar and standard conditions and sampled once every 7 days to 90 days. RESULTS: According to radiological and histological results, differentiation of the wing in quail commences with the appearance of centers of undeveloped cartilages in diaphyseal humerus, radius, and ulna at the end of 7 days, and also carpal regions at the beginning of the 14 days. The growth sequence in humerus, radius, ulna, carpus, metacarpus, and digits are observed in various stages that the high growth is related to the maximum cartilaginous activity and their ossification stages and humerus keeps its growth connection constant with the length of the whole wing skeletal, although its growth scale lessens after 21th day. The histological results were evaluated based on prepared tissue sample from the proximal humeral portion. Lack of bone marrow was observed in the all 1th day`s tissue samples and bone marrow conformation was commenced after 7th day. The growth plate was not observed in the all samples and this issue is complementary to the information obtained from radiographic examination. CONCLUSIONS: According to this study, complete the ossification process and the formation of all parts of pectoral limb girdle and wings in the quails is 70 days after hatching.

Background: In order to analyze the cecum-colon ecosystem and the treatment of the cecal impaction and hindgut acidosis, cecal cannulation is needed. It is essential to select a simple, fast and inexpensive cecal cannulation method. Because of different complications in general anesthesia, the standing surgery is known as a better option for the horse emergency surgery. Objective: The objective of the present study was to design a simple, fast and inexpensive cecal cannulation method in standing horses.For the standing surgery, a new approach was designed and experimented on four horses. Materials and Methods: For this purpose, at first a cannula with approximately 7cm, 2cm and 2.6cm in length, internal and external diameters, respectively was designed. Immediately before the standing surgery, the horses were sedated with xylazine (1mg/kg) and morphine (0.3 mg/kg). After incising the subcutaneous tissue, the external abdominal oblique, internal abdominal oblique and transverse abdominis muscles were opened by grid incision. The peritoneum was bluntly perforated and the abdomen was exposed. The muscles were separated only enough to permit one hand to enter the abdomen. The cecum was readily identified by palpation of the cecal base and the dorsoventrally oriented tenia. At this stage, a purse string was secured on the serosal surface of the cecum by nylon and a stab incision was made. Then the cannula was inserted into the cecum and the suture was tightened. Results: The surgery was successfully performed for all horses, however, some complications such as increasing body temperature, transient signs of colic, ileus, pneumoperitoneum, subcutaneous emphysema and necrosis of the borders of the skin in the sutural places were detected. All complications were alleviated by proper nursing management. Conclusion: The surgical method was successfully terminated. Therefore, the method is recommended as a simple and inexpensive emergency surgical method for cecum in order to conduct different investigation, diagnosis and treatment techniques.

Background: Azathioprine is an immunosuppressive agent that is used in a variety of dermatologic, digestive and hematologic disorders in both humans and small animals. Aims: The effects of long term Azathioprine administration on complete blood count, rate of CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes, serum immunoglobulins and protein concentrations of mixed-breed dogs were evaluated in this study. Methods: 24 healthy mixed-breed dogs were divided randomly into two equal control and treatment groups. Dogs in the treatment group received the therapeutic dose of Azathioprine for four months, while the dogs in the control group didn't receive this drug. Peripheral blood samples were taken from both two groups before and after the trial to check CBC, CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes and the concentrations of total protein, albumin, serum IgM and IgG. Results: There was significant decrease in the levels of WBC, RBC, hematocrit and CD4 lymphocyte and double positive CD4/CD8 rates (all p values< 0.001), concentrations of total protein, albumin, serum IgG and IgM (P values: 0.014, 0.001, 0.007 and 0.041 respectively) in treatment group after the trial. Conclusions: Myelotoxicity induced by Azathioprine could be the probable cause of decrements in the rate of WBC and RBC. Decrease in the rate of dpCD4/CD8 might be due to decrement in dpCD4/CD8 progenitor cells and/or decrease in the activation rate of single positive T cells as the result of pharmacological effect of Azathioprine. Disrupted synthesis processes, from genes to proteins through Azathioprine might be the cause of decreases in the level of serum gamma globulins and protein.

BACKGROUND: The immunostimulating effect of Aloe vera in mammals has been documented, but few works were done on effect of A. vera on fish health and immune responses. OBJECTIVES: In this study the effect of oral administration of A. vera on growth indices, hematological parameters and immune responses of rainbow trout were investigated. METHODS: One thousand five hundred rainbow trout fingerling (20 ± 2 g, Mean ± SD) were divided into five groups, each in triplicate, in farm scale. Group 1 were adopted as control and fed with non-supplemented feed, groups 2 to 5 were fed with diet supplemented by 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2% and 0.5% A. vera extract respectivly for 60 days. Growth indices (SGR, FCR, PWG, FER, PER and CF) calculated in day 30 and 60. Blood samples were taken in day 60 and hematological parameters including: PCV, Hb, RBC, WBC, MCH, MCV, MCHC as well as immunological parameters including: Lysozyme and serum bactericidal activity, serum total protein and globulin were compared among the groups. RESULTS: Results showed that all calculated growth indices (except CF) and all mentioned immunological parameters were significantly increased in fish fed with 0.1% and 0.2% A. vera supplemented food (G3 and G4) compare to control group (P < 0.05). Hematological parameters, HB, RBC, WBC and PCV showed a significant enhancement in G3 and G4 compare to control (P<0.05), but MCV, MCH and MCHC showed no significant changes (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that oral administration of 0.1% and 0. 2% A. vera crud extract in food (G3 and G4) can improved growth indices, stimulate non-specific immune responces and affect some hematological parameters positively in rainbow trout.