AbstractBACKGROUND: Beluga (Huso huso) is one of the sturgeons and currently is cultured artificially in Iran with different goals. The cardiovascular system is one of the important systems of the body, and heart is the most important organ in this system. So far, few studies have been done on the heart of sturgeons.OBJECTIVES: This study was done to determine the exact structure of beluga different parts of the heart septum using echocardiographic and histologic techniques. METHODS: Six immature male belugas (2.5 years old) were investigated in this study. For echocardiography, probe was placed on the ventral surface of body, between pectoral fins. At first, macroscopic morphologic studies of different parts of heart were done at the topographic place of them. For histological studies, usual methods of fixation and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) coloring were used. Prepared slides were studied by light microscope.RESULTS: All parts of the heart including the sinus venosus, atrium, ventricle, conus arteriosus and pericardium were clearly visible in different probe moves. The pericardium were covered surround heart`s structures having homogenous echo pattern. Sinus venosus had a very thin septum without any expansion and contraction. Atrium had a completed muscular septum with expansion and contraction. Ventricle muscular septum had two layers: an external compact layer and an internal spongy layer. Conus arteriosus was composed of obvious muscular septum and connective tissue. Histological studies showed three layers in beluga heart including epicardium, myocardium and endocardium. In overall, the histological findings were matched with the results of echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first investigation on echocardiographic feature of different parts of beluga heart. These results were coordinated with histological findings. Normal information and findings of this study can be used for investigation of various anatomic or pathologic changes in beluga heart in different research projects.

BACKGROUND: The study of animal development by a dynamic perspective on gross anatomy often provides amplified pattern to reveal the more complex anatomy of the adult. This is especially helpful in understanding system whose components drastically change their relation positions during developmental growth, such as urogenital organs. OJECTIVES: The aim of present study was to study morphologic and morphometric development of sheep kidneys during fetal period. METHODS: Sixty fetal kidneys obtained from 30 sheep fetuses were divided into three groups (70-100, 100-120, 120-145 days) according to body length. Topography, dimensions, and weight of kidneys were evaluated. RESULTS: The kidneys were located totally in the lumbar region of the sides of the median plane. The position of kidneys relative to the transvers process of lumbar vertebrae was different in the age groups. The fetal kidney was not located at the same level of adult position even at the end of fetal period. The right kidney was consistently slightly cranial to left kidney. The left kidney was in contact with dorsal sac of rumen in all age groups. The right kidney was covered by ventral surface and a small part of the lateral surface of right lobe of liver, but with advancing age, the contact are of right kidney with caudate process of liver showed tangible reduction and such a contact limited eventually to the cranial pole of kidney. Means of dimensions and weight of kidneys increased with gestational age during fetal period. There were no sex and laterality differences in any parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Topography of fetal sheep kidneys relative to the lumbar vertebrate and their contact area of the kidneys with right lobe and caudate process of liver differed extremely from that of adult sheep kidney. It seems that the emergence of positional asymmetry of kidneys and changing contact area of right kidney exhibited an intimate relationship with the cranial shift and grow rate of right lobe and caudate process of liver during fetal development. The morphmetric results of fetal sheep kidneys were in agreement with the morphometric findings of humans and bovine kidneys.

BACHGROUND: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder. Despite discovery of effective antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), more than 30% of patients are still resistant to AEDs. OBJECTIVES: Evaluation the effect of acute administration of Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in mice resistant to antiepileptic drugs in 6Hz model of epilepsy. METHODS: at first we evaluted intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v) injection and oral consumption of DHA alone and intrapritoneal (i.p.) injection of drugs in separate groups. In test groups LTG 25mg/kg or PHT 25mg/kg were injected i.p. 105 min after injection of PHT, 45 min after injection of LTG, DHA (1mM) was injected i.c.v. In control groups drugs solvent or DHA solvent was injected DHA. 15 min after injection of DHA or DHA solvent, in all groups 6 Hz stimulation was exerted and occurrence of limbic seizures was registered. In oral test groups PHT 25mg/kg or LTG 25mg/kg were injected i.p. 60 min after injection of PHT and simultaneous injection of LTG, DHA (0.1 ml) was gavaged. 60 minutes after injection of DHA 6 Hz stimulation was exerted. RESULTS: Acute administration of DHA alone via i.c.v injection or oral gavage had no protective effect on inhibiting seizures. Administration of DHA with LTG or PHT also couldn’t inhibit drug resistance. 6-Hz seizures when administered chronically. However, chronically administered DHA inhibited limbic seizures resistant to LTG and PHT. CONCLUSIONS: Acute administration of DHA couldn’t inhibits resistance to LTG and phenytoin in 6-Hz model of epilepsy. Also consumption of single dose of DHA with anticonvulsant drugs don’t have any effect on prevention of drug resistance in epileptic patients.

Backgrounds: Trueperella pyogenes is one of the most important pathogens of cattle cutaneous abscess which can cause many economic damages in livestock’s industry. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate on T.pyogenes as an opportunistic pathogen in vast ranges of domestic and wild animals. Methods and materials: 134 samples were collected from 15 cattle farms in Tehran’s province. The pathogens bacteria were isolated and were identified initially by their colony morphology and biochemical characteristics. In addition, using routine biochemical techniques and Molecular tests for detection of T. pyogenes strains. Susceptibility of T. pyogenes strains to antibiotics was evaluated using the disk diffusion method. Results: The bacterial species isolated from 314 cutaneous abscess studied were 10 geniuses of pathogen bacteria. T. pyogenes was the pioneer pathogen among other these. According to biochemical and CAMP test, nine biotypes of T. pyogenes is detected. All T. pyogenes isolates (9 biotypes) were positive for the PCR test. The highest percentage of T. pyogenes isolates was susceptible to ampicillin, penicillin G and amoxicillin and high resistance rates were observed for trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, erythromycin and tetracycline. Conclusions: Although T. pyogenes is considered normal floral bacteria in varied organs in domestic animals, it could turn into a primary and secondary pathogen and consequently cause several complications. Nevertheless, the synergistic effect between T. pyogenes and other bacteria should also be accounted for.in addition, the economic losses of this pathogen and zoonotic concerns in immunosuppressive patients are very important.

BACKGROUND: Antibacterial drugs have long been used for prevention and treatment of poultry diseases but their misuse or overuse can make adverse effects on public health including occurrence of drug residues in poultry products. OBJECTIVES: To assess the frequency and status of antibacterial drug consumption in broiler production farms in Qum province. METHODS: In the present survey, Qum province was divided into six regions (north, west, southwest, south, southeast and east) and in total 138 broiler production units (59%) were studied by direct interview using a questionnaire. RESULTS: The present study showed that the most frequently used antimicrobial drugs in broiler farms were  sulfamethoxazole+trimethoprim (93.4%) followed by enrofloxacin (60.0%), colistin (49.7 %), furazolidone (42.0 %), oxytetracycline (17.5 %), and chloramphenicol (14.6 %). Mean antibacterial consumption rate during a 42-48 day production period was 3.0± 0.37 times per farm. A notable finding in this survey was the high percentage of banned drug usage such as furazolidone and chloramphenicol, indicating the ignorance or unawareness of poultrymen regarding the potential hazards of these drugs on public health. CONCLUSIONS: Owing to widespread and frequent usage of antibacterial drugs in broiler farms, all-out actions are needed to be taken in educational, research and administrative fields of veterinary and animal production sectors for rational and responsible use of these drugs in poultry industry.

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that immune responses, influenced by dietary nutrients but feed formulation is mainly based on the productive responses, so the immunity indexes were ignored. OBJECTIVES: This was carpeted out study to determine the effects of diets formulation based on different expression systems of energy and amino acids of feeds and requirements on performance and immune responses of Arian chicks. METHODS: A total of 1440 Arian chicks were fed Eight diets that arranged in a 2×2×2 factorial design with 2 systems of energy expression (AMEn and TMEn), 2 methods of amino acids content of feeds (TAAF and DAAF) and 2 methods of amino acids requirement (TAAR and DAAR) from 1 to 42 days of age. Each treatment was replicated six times with each replicate consisting of 15 males and 15 females. RESULTS: The results showed that when the Feed formulation was based on TMEn and DAA, the productive parameters increased compared with AMEn and TAA (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Selection for increase the growth rate in poultry, improve metabolic and physiological processes in order to the use of the feed. Therefore lower proportions of nutrients will be allocated to other vital systems. However the most suitable of immune responses were belonging to treatments were fed diets which were set based on AMEn and received high level of amino acids. There is a negative correlation between immune responses and productive parameters. It is recommended that in normal conditions use of TMEn and DAA system and in stress conditions of AMEn and DAAF×TAAR to feed formulation.

BACKGROUND: Dew claws of ruminants are rudimentary of 2 and 5 digits and usually do not  have  functional action. Most studies about the dew claws were done on the diseases and shape-abnormality. OBJECTIVES: Because  no comprehensive study has been done on the normal features of dew claws, especially in the water buffalo which is an important animal in  Khouzestan, this study was performed on anatomy and radiology of the dew claws in the water buffalo and cow. METHODS: 136 dew claws from 11 water buffaloes and 6 cows were examined morphologically, morphometrically, and radiologically and their similarities and differences were clarified. RESULTS: Morphologic result showed that the dew claws were prismatic in shape; their bases were attached to skin at the level of the palmar or plantar surfaces of the fetlock joints. They had two bony ossicles in most cases as proximal and distal ones, but the ossicles in lateral dew claws of thoracic limb in the water buffalo were 3 in number. Proximal ossicles of the water buffalo were dumbbell-shaped, and were irregular or drop-shaped in the cow. Distal ossicles were nearly similar to the third phalanges of the main claws which were pyramid-shaped in water buffalo and triangle-shaped in the cow. Morphometrically, the measurements of the hoof and bony structures of the dew claws in the water buffalo were muchgreater than those of the cows. CONCLUSIONS: Although dew claws in both animals morphologically shared some similarities, there were morpho- metrically significant differences between the dew claws of the water buffalo and the cow. Being larger than the structures in the water buffalo may provide better adaption in static and dynamic of the animal in soft and swamp grounds. Radiologically, the best view for examination of dew claws and their elements was oblique view.

BACKGROUND: Wheat sprout contains a high amount of antioxidants, vitamins (especially vitamin E), minerals and phytoestrogen compounds. Use of medicinal herbs in reducing heavy metal toxicities has increased worldwide. In recent years, negative effects of lead on the male reproductive system and sperm fertility parameters have been shown broadly. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of wheat sprout extract (WSE) and vitamin E on sperm parameters and testicular oxidative stress in rats exposed to lead acetate. METHODS: Thirty-five rats were divided randomly into seven groups: G1 (control group) received 1 ml/kg/day of normal saline, G2 received 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate, G3 and G4 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of WSE respectively, G5 and G6 received 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day of WSE respectively with 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate, and G7 received 100 mg/kg/day of vitamin E with 20 mg/kg/day of lead acetate. After 35 days, rats were sacrificed and blood, sperm, liver and testicle tissue samples were collected for histomorphological and histochemical studies. RESULTS: Results showed that count, motility and viability of sperms increased following the administration of 200 mg/kg/day of WSE (p<0.01). Histomorphological studies showed a significant increase in tubular differentiation index (TDI), Repopulation index (RI), number of Sertoli cells, and epithelium of seminiferous tubules in groups receiving 200 mg/kg/day of WSE (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Results of the current study show that dose dependent WSE significantly prevents testicular toxicity and oxidative stress effects of lead acetate.

BACKGROUND: Microorganisms are responsible for development of many diseases, which directly or indirectly affect reproductive performance in mares, like various animal species. Fungi are present at mucous membranes of reproductive tract as mycoflora in warm blooded animals. ObjectiveS: The aim of this study was isolation and identification of molds of external reproductive tract in mares. Methods: Samples were collected from genital tract of 151 mares in different ages from horse breeding farms and clubs suburb of Tehran from April to December, 2014. Age, pregnancy, insemination and mating were recorded. Samples were taken by sterile cotton swabs from 3 different sites, (1) vestibule, (2) clitoral fossa and (3) vagina and transferred under cold condition to the laboratory of Mycology Research Center, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran,Iran. Samples were inoculated in Sabouraud glucose agar supplemented with antibiotic (chloramphenicol; 0.005) and kept at 30°C for 10-15 days before being considered negative. Fungal identification relied on morphologic and physiologic features. SPSS Version 20 was used for statistical analysis of the data. Results: Totally, 666 filamentous fungi colonies were isolated. Maximum colony (CFUs) were 20 and 37 colonies for each site and horse, respectively. In total, 81.5 percent of mares and 48.3 percent of different sites were positive. The most predominant isolates were Aspergillus spp 362(54.35%), Scopulariopsis 93(13.96%), Cladosporium 35(5.25%), Penicillium 31(4.65%), Alternaria 26(3.90%), Fusarium 20(3.03%). Aspergillus took high occurrence with 362 and A. fumigatus with 156 colonies followed by Scopulariopsis 93, Cladosporium 35 and Pencillium 31. A. fumigatus had significant difference among other fungi pConclusionS: Isolated filamentous fungi could be resident flora of external reproductive tract of mares. These saprophytic pathogen fungi in predisposing conditions could be causative agents of endometritis and infertility in mares.

BACKGROUND: Caseous lymphadenitis, caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, is one of the most important diseases of sheep and goats, causing considerable losses for herd owners. Phospholipase D (PLD) is a potent exotoxin produced by C. pseudotuberculosis and it has been considered as the major virulence factor for this bacterium, possibly contributing to the spread of the bacteria from the initial site of infection to secondary sites within the host. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are important candidates for the development of vaccines because they are usually able to promote both humoral and cellular immune responses in mammals. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was the cloning and expression of the PLD and HSP60 genes of C. pseudotuberculosis, used subsequently to evaluate the protectivity of these recombinant proteins for vaccine development against this bacterium. METHODS: PLD and HSP60 genes were cloned into pMAL-c2X vector and recombinant plasmids construct was transformed to DH5 strain of E. coli. Expression of the proteins was shown by SDS-PAGE and accuracy of the cloned genes was confirmed by nucleotide sequence analysis. RESULTS: The transformed E. coli strain DH5 expressed PLD and HSP60 proteins effectively. The expressed fusion protein was found almost entirely in the soluble form. CONCLUSIONS: In the following studies the immunogenicity and protectivity of these recombinant proteins against C. pseudotuberculosis infections can be assessed.