Early and late analysis of postpartum stress in newborn foals / Análise do estresse no pós-parto imediato e tardio em potros neonatos

The aim of this study was to evaluate newborn foals stress in the first 48 hours of life. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and serum cortisol concentrations, blood glucose, and lactate were determined in foals (n = 20, Paint Horse). Cortisol concentrations decreased significantly between four and 48 hours, with the highest concentration at 4 hours after birth. Positive correlations between cortisol and lactate occurred between 12 and 16 hours. And there was a negative correlation between cortisol and lactate 4 hours after birth. Among the values obtained for HR, there was significantly difference between the the value obtained at twelve hours of life moment and all the other moments measured, the highest values were at birth, 24 and 48 hours of life. Among HRV indexes, there were no statistical differences between the variables analysed. The cortisol, HR and HRV alterations were consistent to neonatal stress, but might be related to extrauterine environment adaptation associated to sympathoadrenal response, since those foals were healthy.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o estresse em potros neonatos nas primeiras 48 horas de vida. FC, VFC, concentrações de cortisol sérico, glicemia e lactatemia foram determinadas em potros (n = 20; Paint Horse). As concentrações de cortisol reduziram significativamente, entre quatro e 48 horas, sendo o maior valor observado às quatro horas após o nascimento. Correlações positivas entre cortisol e lactato ocorreram entre 12 e 16 horas de vida. E ocorreu correlação negativa entre cortisol e lactato às quatro horas de vida. Os valores de FC divergiram significativamente entre os momentos ao nascimento, quatro, oito, 16, 20, 24, 36 e 48 horas quanto comparados com as 12 horas de vida, sendo os maiores valores ao nascimento, às 24 e às 48 horas. Entre os índices de VFC, não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas para as variáveis analisadas. As alterações encontradas para cortisol, FC e VFC são condizentes com um quadro de estresse neonatal, mas podem estar relacionadas com o período de adaptação à vida extrauterina, associada a uma resposta simpatoadrenal, visto que os potros apresentavam-se saudáveis.(AU)

Early and late analysis of postpartum stress in newborn foals / Análise do estresse no pós-parto imediato e tardio em potros neonatos

The aim of this study was to evaluate newborn foals stress in the first 48 hours of life. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and serum cortisol concentrations, blood glucose, and lactate were determined in foals (n = 20, Paint Horse). Cortisol concentrations decreased significantly between four and 48 hours, with the highest concentration at 4 hours after birth. Positive correlations between cortisol and lactate occurred between 12 and 16 hours. And there was a negative correlation between cortisol and lactate 4 hours after birth. Among the values obtained for HR, there was significantly difference between the the value obtained at twelve hours of life moment and all the other moments measured, the highest values were at birth, 24 and 48 hours of life. Among HRV indexes, there were no statistical differences between the variables analysed. The cortisol, HR and HRV alterations were consistent to neonatal stress, but might be related to extrauterine environment adaptation associated to sympathoadrenal response, since those foals were healthy.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o estresse em potros neonatos nas primeiras 48 horas de vida. FC, VFC, concentrações de cortisol sérico, glicemia e lactatemia foram determinadas em potros (n = 20; Paint Horse). As concentrações de cortisol reduziram significativamente, entre quatro e 48 horas, sendo o maior valor observado às quatro horas após o nascimento. Correlações positivas entre cortisol e lactato ocorreram entre 12 e 16 horas de vida. E ocorreu correlação negativa entre cortisol e lactato às quatro horas de vida. Os valores de FC divergiram significativamente entre os momentos ao nascimento, quatro, oito, 16, 20, 24, 36 e 48 horas quanto comparados com as 12 horas de vida, sendo os maiores valores ao nascimento, às 24 e às 48 horas. Entre os índices de VFC, não foram observadas diferenças estatísticas para as variáveis analisadas. As alterações encontradas para cortisol, FC e VFC são condizentes com um quadro de estresse neonatal, mas podem estar relacionadas com o período de adaptação à vida extrauterina, associada a uma resposta simpatoadrenal, visto que os potros apresentavam-se saudáveis.(AU)

Avaliação da absorção colostral em neonatos ovinos da raça Bergamácia / Evaluation of colostral absorption in neonates of Bergamacia breed

Objetivou-se determinar o período de absorção das macromoléculas colostrais e a transferência de imunidade passiva em cordeiros da raça Bergamácia. Avaliou-se o proteinograma sérico dos cordeiros antes da ingestão de colostro até 48 horas de vida e das frações colostrais ao nascimento e 12 horas pós-parto. Foi avaliada a concentração de proteína total no soro por refratometria e sua relação com a densidade e quantidade de gamaglobulinas presentes no colostro. A concentração sérica de gamaglobulina nos cordeiros variou de 0,111±0,07g/dL antes da ingestão de colostro a 1,609±0,72g/dL às 48 horas. Nas amostras de colostro, a concentração variou de 3,125±1,27g/dL, imediatamente após o parto, para 1,378±0,82g/dL, 12 horas após. A concentração de proteína sérica total teve acréscimo de 4,46±0,58g/dL para 5,61±0,75g/dL entre o nascimento e após 48 horas, apresentando correlação positiva com a densidade e a proteína total colostral. A absorção colostral pelo cordeiro foi ascendente até 24 horas subsequentes ao parto, quando, então, iniciou-se sua estabilização. A quantificação da proteína sérica, com uso de refratômetro nos cordeiros, pode ser usada como método para avaliar a transferência de imunidade passiva, pois está diretamente relacionada com a absorção de gamaglobulina colostral...

The period of absorption of colostrum macromolecules and the passive immunity transfer of Bergamacia lambs was determined. The serum proteinogram of lambs before the intake of colostrum up 48 hours of life and colostrum fractions between delivery and twelve hours after birth were measured. The total protein concentration in serum was evaluated by refractometry and also its relationship with the density and amount in colostrum. The serum concentration of gamma globulin in lambs from 0.111±0.07g/dL before the intake of colostrum was 1.609±0.72g/dL at 48 hours. In the colostrum samples, the concentration was 3.125±1.27g/dL immediately after delivery and 1.378±0.82g/dL twelve hours after birth. Serum total protein concentration increased from 4.46±0.58g/dL to 5.61±0.75g/dL between birth and after 48 hours, there was positive correlation with the density and total protein colostrum. The lamb had ascendant colostrum absorption subsequent to delivery, for twelve hours and then began its stabilization. The quantification of serum protein with the use of the refractometer in lambs can be used as a method to evaluate the transfer of passive immunity because it is directly related to the absorption of colostral gammaglobulin...

Avaliação da absorção colostral em neonatos ovinos da raça Bergamácia / Evaluation of colostral absorption in neonates of Bergamacia breed

Objetivou-se determinar o período de absorção das macromoléculas colostrais e a transferência de imunidade passiva em cordeiros da raça Bergamácia. Avaliou-se o proteinograma sérico dos cordeiros antes da ingestão de colostro até 48 horas de vida e das frações colostrais ao nascimento e 12 horas pós-parto. Foi avaliada a concentração de proteína total no soro por refratometria e sua relação com a densidade e quantidade de gamaglobulinas presentes no colostro. A concentração sérica de gamaglobulina nos cordeiros variou de 0,111±0,07g/dL antes da ingestão de colostro a 1,609±0,72g/dL às 48 horas. Nas amostras de colostro, a concentração variou de 3,125±1,27g/dL, imediatamente após o parto, para 1,378±0,82g/dL, 12 horas após. A concentração de proteína sérica total teve acréscimo de 4,46±0,58g/dL para 5,61±0,75g/dL entre o nascimento e após 48 horas, apresentando correlação positiva com a densidade e a proteína total colostral. A absorção colostral pelo cordeiro foi ascendente até 24 horas subsequentes ao parto, quando, então, iniciou-se sua estabilização. A quantificação da proteína sérica, com uso de refratômetro nos cordeiros, pode ser usada como método para avaliar a transferência de imunidade passiva, pois está diretamente relacionada com a absorção de gamaglobulina colostral.(AU)

The period of absorption of colostrum macromolecules and the passive immunity transfer of Bergamacia lambs was determined. The serum proteinogram of lambs before the intake of colostrum up 48 hours of life and colostrum fractions between delivery and twelve hours after birth were measured. The total protein concentration in serum was evaluated by refractometry and also its relationship with the density and amount in colostrum. The serum concentration of gamma globulin in lambs from 0.111±0.07g/dL before the intake of colostrum was 1.609±0.72g/dL at 48 hours. In the colostrum samples, the concentration was 3.125±1.27g/dL immediately after delivery and 1.378±0.82g/dL twelve hours after birth. Serum total protein concentration increased from 4.46±0.58g/dL to 5.61±0.75g/dL between birth and after 48 hours, there was positive correlation with the density and total protein colostrum. The lamb had ascendant colostrum absorption subsequent to delivery, for twelve hours and then began its stabilization. The quantification of serum protein with the use of the refractometer in lambs can be used as a method to evaluate the transfer of passive immunity because it is directly related to the absorption of colostral gammaglobulin.(AU)

Seasonal influence on biochemical profile and serum protein electrophoresis for Boa constrictor amarali in captivity.

Similarly to other reptiles, snakes are ectothermic animals and depend exclusively on the environment for the maintenance of their physiological, biochemical and immunological processes. Thus, changes in biochemical values can be expected due to seasonal influence. Twenty-two adult specimens of Boa constrictor amarali kept in captivity were used. Blood collections were done in two different seasons: winter (July 2004) and summer (January 2005) for the following assays: uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose, cholesterol, total protein, and serum protein electrophoresis. The mean biochemical results found in summer and winter, respectively, were: 6.3 ± 3.4 and 11.3 ± 6.2 mg/dL for uric acid; 28.7 ± 12.4 and 20.7 ± 16.2 UI/L for AST; 26.3 ± 17 and 17.4 ± 6.8 mg/dL for glucose; 67.3 ± 30.2 and 69.7 ± 38.5 mg/dL for cholesterol; and 5.9 ± 1.6 and 5.9 ± 1.4 g/dL for total protein. Results regarding electrophoresis in summer and winter, respectively, were: 1.9 ± 0.7 and 2.4 ± 0.6 g/dL for albumin; 0.7 ± 0.2 and 0.5 ± 0.2 g/dL for α-globulin; 1.5 ± 0.5 and 1.7 ± 0.6 g/dL for ß-globulin; and 1.8 ± 0.5 and 1.5 ± 0.5 g/dL for γ-globulin. In the summer, there was a significant increase in AST and a decrease in uric acid (p < 0.05). Serum protein electrophoresis showed a significant increase in α-globulin fraction (p < 0.05) in the same season. There were not significant differences between seasons for the remaining variables. Based on these results, the period of the year must be considered in the interpretation of some biochemical values for these animals.

Seasonal influence on biochemical profile and serum protein electrophoresis for Boa constrictor amarali in captivity / Influência sazonal sobre o perfil bioquímico e a eletroforese de proteínas séricas de Boa constrictor amarali criada em cativeiro

Similarly to other reptiles, snakes are ectothermic animals and depend exclusively on the environment for the maintenance of their physiological, biochemical and immunological processes. Thus, changes in biochemical values can be expected due to seasonal influence. Twenty-two adult specimens of Boa constrictor amarali kept in captivity were used. Blood collections were done in two different seasons: winter (July 2004) and summer (January 2005) for the following assays: uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose, cholesterol, total protein, and serum protein electrophoresis. The mean biochemical results found in summer and winter, respectively, were: 6.3 ± 3.4 and 11.3 ± 6.2 mg/dL for uric acid; 28.7 ± 12.4 and 20.7 ± 16.2 UI/L for AST; 26.3 ± 17 and 17.4 ± 6.8 mg/dL for glucose; 67.3 ± 30.2 and 69.7 ± 38.5 mg/dL for cholesterol; and 5.9 ± 1.6 and 5.9 ± 1.4 g/dL for total protein. Results regarding electrophoresis in summer and winter, respectively, were: 1.9 ± 0.7 and 2.4 ± 0.6 g/dL for albumin; 0.7 ± 0.2 and 0.5 ± 0.2 g/dL for α-globulin; 1.5 ± 0.5 and 1.7 ± 0.6 g/dL for β-globulin; and 1.8 ± 0.5 and 1.5 ± 0.5 g/dL for g-globulin. In the summer, there was a significant increase in AST and a decrease in uric acid (p < 0.05). Serum protein electrophoresis showed a significant increase in α-globulin fraction (p < 0.05) in the same season. There were not significant differences between seasons for the remaining variables. Based on these results, the period of the year must be considered in the interpretation of some biochemical values for these animals.(AU)

As serpentes, como outros répteis, são animais ectotérmicos e dependem exclusivamente do meio para a manutenção de seus processos fisiológicos, bioquímicos e imunológicos. Desta forma, alterações nos valores bioquímicos podem ser esperadas considerando-se a influência sazonal. Foram utilizadas vinte e duas Boa constrictor amarali adultas mantidas em cativeiro. A coleta de sangue foi realizada em duas estações diferentes: inverno (julho 2004) e verão (Janeiro 2005), para a realização dos exames: ácido úrico, aspartato aminotransferase (AST), glicose, colesterol, proteína total e eletroforese da proteína sérica. As médias dos exames bioquímicos obtidos no verão e inverno, respectivamente, foram: 6.3 ± 3.4 e 11.3 ± 6.2 mg/dL para ácido úrico; 28.7 ± 12.4 e 20.7 ± 16.2 UI/L para AST; 26.3 ± 17 e 17.4 ± 6.8 mg/dL para glicose; 67.3 ± 30.2 e 69.7 ± 38.5 mg/dL para colesterol; e 5.9 ± 1.6 e 5.9 ± 1.4 g/dL para proteína total. Os resultados da eletroforese no verão e inverno, respectivamente, foram: 1.9 ± 0.7 e 2.4 ± 0.6 g/dL para albumina; 0.7 ± 0.2 e 0.5 ± 0.2 g/dL para α globulina; 1.5 ± 0.5 e 1.7 ± 0.6 g/dL β globulina; e 1.8 ± 0.5 e 1.5 ± 0.5 g/dL para g globulina. No verão foi observado aumento significativo da AST (p < 0,05) e diminuição significativa do ácido úrico (p < 0,05). Na eletroforese de proteína sérica, houve um aumento significativo da fração a globulina (p < 0,05) na mesma estação. Para as outras variáveis não foram obtidas diferenças significativas entre as estações. De acordo com os resultados, é importante considerar o período do ano na interpretação de alguns exames bioquímicos desses animais.(AU)

Genetic diversity of two Brazilian populations of the Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus, Linnaeus 1758)

The Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) is one of the most endangered Neotropical cervid with populations that have been drastically reduced to small and isolated ones, mainly because of its habitat destruction. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to analyze population divergence and genetic variation within and between two populations corresponding to distinct subspecies. The RAPD markers displayed substantial genetic variation with all animals possessing unique RAPD phenotypes over 105 polymorphic bands produced by 15 primers. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and a neighbor-joining cluster analysis were performed to assess levels of differentiation between populations. No differentiation was recorded and about 96.0 percent (P < 0.00001) of the total variance was attributable to variation within populations. This result is quite distinct from data obtained by the analysis of the mtDNA control region, and is discussed on the basis of genetic differences between the different markers and the male-biased dispersal patterns generally observed in the mammal species. The data presented herein are potentially useful for future taxonomic and genetic studies in this species, for the monitoring of the genetic variation observed within these populations, and for the development of management guidelines for its conservation.

O Veado-campeiro (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) é uma das espécies de cervídeos neotropical mais ameaçadas devido à destruição de seu hábitat e conseqüente redução e isolamento de suas populações. Marcadores do tipo RAPD (Random amplified polymorphic DNA) foram utilizados na análise da divergência populacional e estimativa da variação genética dentro e entre duas populações correspondentes a diferentes subespécies. Os marcadores RAPD mostraram uma variação genética substancial, sendo que as 105 bandas polimórficas obtidas pelo uso de 15 primers produziram fenótipos únicos para todos os indivíduos analisados. Para avaliar o nível de diferenciação entre as populações, foi realizada uma análise da variância molecular (AMOVA) e uma análise de agrupamento utilizando o método de neighbor-joining. Nenhuma diferenciação foi observada, sendo aproximadamente 96,0 por cento da variação encontrada atribuída à variação dentro das populações estudadas. Este resultado difere do obtido através da análise da região controle do mtDNA, e é discutido levando-se em consideração as diferenças genéticas entre os diferentes marcadores utilizados e o padrão de dispersão geralmente observado nas espécies de mamíferos (realizada principalmente pelos machos). Os dados aqui apresentados poderão ser úteis para futuros estudos taxonômicos e genéticos desta espécie, para o monitoramento da variação genética observada em suas populações e para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de manejo para sua conservação.

Genetic diversity of two Brazilian populations of the Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus, Linnaeus 1758).

The Pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) is one of the most endangered Neotropical cervid with populations that have been drastically reduced to small and isolated ones, mainly because of its habitat destruction. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to analyze population divergence and genetic variation within and between two populations corresponding to distinct subspecies. The RAPD markers displayed substantial genetic variation with all animals possessing unique RAPD phenotypes over 105 polymorphic bands produced by 15 primers. An analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and a neighbor-joining cluster analysis were performed to assess levels of differentiation between populations. No differentiation was recorded and about 96.0% (P<0.00001) of the total variance was attributable to variation within populations. This result is quite distinct from data obtained by the analysis of the mtDNA control region, and is discussed on the basis of genetic differences between the different markers and the male-biased dispersal patterns generally observed in the mammal species. The data presented herein are potentially useful for future taxonomic and genetic studies in this species, for the monitoring of the genetic variation observed within these populations, and for the development of management guidelines for its conservation.

Microscopic investigation of artificially demineralized surface enamel exposed to controlled intra-oral periods.

BACKGROUND: Arrest and regression of enamel caries is generally followed by clinical surface changes in enamel. The aim of this study was to evaluate microscopic surface changes in demineralized enamel submitted to toothbrushing with a fluoridated dentifrice or to a fluoridated gel in situ. METHODS: Enamel blocks demineralized by an acidic gel, were built in plates of five volunteers during three periods of 14 days each: exposure to the oral cavity (C+); brushing with a fluoridated dentifrice three times a days (B); application of a 2 per cent sodium fluoride gel and exposure to the oral cavity (F). Eight blocks were kept in 100 per cent humidity under refrigeration as negative controls (C-). RESULTS: Stereomicroscopic examination revealed that 15, 47.4 and 30 per cent of samples from C+, B and F presented enamel cavitation after the experimental period. The demineralized enamel area in these groups decreased considerably compared to C-, both in cavitated and non-cavitated samples, although it was statistically significant only in cavitated samples from B (p=0.003; t test). Scanning electron microscopy revealed that C+ and F retained irregularities caused by the acid challenge, while B presented a more leveled profile of the enamel surface. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of demineralized enamel to intra-oral periods reduced the demineralized enamel area. Tooth brushing enhanced this reduction, because of surface abrasion.

Comparative cytogenetic studies of Bufo ictericus, B. paracnemis (Amphibia, Anura) and an intermediate form in sympatry

Specimens of Bufo ictericus, Bufo paracnemis and a third type, considered an intermediate subgroup between these species, were cytogenetically studied by conventional Giemsa staining, C-banding and staining of the nucleolus organizer region (NOR). The nuclear DNA content and seroproteins were also analyzed to characterize these species, and verify the possibility of hybridization between them. Karyotypes and cytogenetic markers were essentially equal on the basis of the methods used. The DNA nuclear content found was 6.25 ± 0.30 pg/DNA in Bufo ictericus; 7.57 ± 0.40 pg/DNA in Bufo paracnemis and 7.04 ± 0.29 pg/DNA in the intermediate subgroup. Eletrophoresis of total blood serum in Bufo ictericus, Bufo paracnemis and the intermediate specimens revealed a remarkable difference in the patterns of the protein bands whose molecular weight corresponded to that of albumin. While the parental species presented two different bands, the intermediate form presented 4. However, only three of these bands were seen in each specimen. The results obtained pointed to a high probability for natural hybridization between Bufo ictericus and Bufo paracnemis in the site and specimens studied

Concentraçäo de progesterona e de estradiol 17-Beta e características ultra-sonográficas da vesícula embrionária no início da gestaçäo em éguas Puro Sangue Inglês / Progesterone and estradiol 17-Beta concentration, and ultrasonic images of the embryonic vesicle during the early pregnancy in Throughbred mares

Associaram-se dosagens séricas de progesterona e estradiol 17-ß, realizadas durante os primeiros 36 dias de prenhez em 30 éguas PSI, com exames ultra-sonográficos, para verificar fenômenos que ocorrem com a vesícula embrionária. As éguas foram divididas em dois grupos de 15 animais, o primeiro constituído por éguas paridas e o segundo por éguas virgens ou vazias na estaçäo anterior. Por meio da ultra-sonografia foram verificados fenômenos de mobilidade, fixaçäo e orientaçäo da vesícula embrionária. As concentraçöes séricas de progesterona e estradiol 17-ß variaram (P<0,01) durante o período estudado porém näo foi possível estabelecer uma correlaçäo entre concentraçöes desses hormônios com desenvolvimento da vesícula embrionária. A concentraçäo de estradiol 17-ß circulante foi maior (P<0,01) nas éguas paridas

Concentração de progesterona e de estradiol 17-beta e características ultra-sonográficas da vesícula embrionária no início da gestação em éguas Puro Sangue Inglês

Measurements of progesterone and estradiol 17-beta concentrations within the first 36 days of pregnancy were taken in order to study the relationship between their concentrations and the ultrasound embryonic vesicle examination in 30 Thoroughbred mares. Two groups of 15 animals each were used, one consisting of maiden or barren mares from the previous breeding season, and the other one of foaling mares. The phenomena of mobility, fixation and orientation of the embryonic vesicle were studied, and no relationship between hormone concentration and the development of the concept was found. The concentration of oestrogens was higher (P 0.01) in the foaling mares.

Associaram-se dosagens séricas de progesterona e estradiol 17-beta, realizadas durante os primeiros 36 dias de prenhez em 30 éguas PSI, com exames ultra-sonográficos, para verificar fenômenos que ocorrem com a vesícula embrionária. As éguas foram divididas em dois grupos de 15 animais, o primeiro constituído por éguas paridas e o segundo por éguas virgens ou vazias na estação anterior. Por meio da ultra-sonografia foram verificados fenômenos de mobilidade, fixação e orientação da vesícula embrionária. As concentrações séricas de progesterona e estradiol 17-B variaram (P 0,01) durante o período estudado porém não foi possível estabelecer uma correlação entre concentrações desses hormônios com desenvolvimento da vesícula embrionária. A concentração de estradiol 17-betacirculante foi maior (P 0,01) nas éguas paridas.

Intraspecific variation in the venom electrophoretic profile of recently captured Crotalus durissus terrificus (Laurenti, 1768) snakes

The aim of this study was to compare individual venom samples of Crotalus durissus terrificus recently captured in the wild to evaluate possible differences in venom protein composition. Protein levels were quantified by biochemical method (Biuret) and then submitted to electrophoresis. Electrophoresis studies of native protein were performed in vertical slabs of polyacrylamide gel (PAGE), in an alkaline discontinuous buffer system, with a concentration of 10 per cent in the separation gel. SDS-PAGE was performed in PhastGel (8-25). Both gels were stained with Coomassie Blue. Gels were analyzed using the VDS-Pharmacia device. Our results indicate that all analyzed venom samples showed different protein composition, although common protein fractions were detected in some individual samples. Differences were observed between the different individual venom samples and so in the same specimen in relation to the time of collection, for both techniques used. Diet did not influence the variability of venom composition. There is a significant difference in native venom protein composition of males and females.

Polymorphic variation of hemoglobins in buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis)

No presente trabalho foi estudado o polimorfismo bioquímico das hemoglobinas de 96 búfalos indianos de diferentes cruzamentos envolvendo as raças Murrah, Jafarabadi e Mediterrâneo, criados na Fazenda Experimental Lageado - UNESP - Botucatu, Estado de Säo Paulo. As variantes de hemoglobinas foram identificadas através de eletroforese em gel de Agar-Amido em sistema de tampäo descontínuo, pH 8,6. Animais portando uma banda rápida (A1) foram considerados AA (4,4 por cento); búfalos com duas bandas (A1 e A2) foram considerados AB (31,87 por cento) quando A2 era mais fraca e BB (31,87 por cento) quando A2 era mais forte. Uma terceira banda foi encontrada, chamada N. Fenótipos com três bandas foram encontrados com as respectivas frequências; ABN (3,3 por cento) e BBN (30,77 por cento). Análises densitométricas e a falta de animais AAN levaram à conclusäo que, de alguma forma, a síntese da cadeia Beta mutante que origina a banda N esteja relacionada provavelmente ao alelo AlfaII. Provavelmente, a alta frequência de animais com banda N seja devida ao uso intenso de poucos reprodutores

Possible association between hemoglobin types and reproductive disorders in Brazilian Mangalarga mares

Foram estudadas as hemoglobinas de 100 éguas da raça Mangalarga, em idade de reproduçäo, provenientes da Fazenda Santa Fé, situada na regiäo de Botucatu. Esses animais foram divididos em 2 grupos, de acordo com o histórico reprodutivo de cada animal, sendo um formado por éguas reprodutivamente normais e o segundo por éguas portadoras de problemas reprodutivos. Foram colhidas amostras de 15 ml de sangue com anticoagulante. As hemoglobinas foram identificadas por meio de eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida em placa vertical, a 7 por cento em pH 8.6, segundo Davis11 (1964). Quanto ao sistema de hemoglobinas, foram encontrados os seguinte fenótipos para o grupo de éguas reprodutivamente normais: A1--- (2,0 por cento), A1A2m+m+ (21,0 por cento) e A1A2m+m- (27,0 por cento); para o grupo de éguas com problemas reprodutivos: A1--- (10,0 por cento), A1A2m+m+ (12,0 por cento) e A1A2m+m- (28,0 por cento). A diferença na frequência do fenótipo A1--- entre os grupos pode ter ocorrido devido à existência da ligaçäo do loco hemoglobina a outro que controlaria características de produçäo. Além disso, pode estar ocorrendo influência do tipo de clima existente nos trópicos

An improved electrophoretic method for the determination of serum milk protein variants in Gyr-Holstein cows.

Milk serum proteins such as alpha-lactalbumin (ALA) and beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) present biochemical polymorphism which is under the control of codominant autosomal alleles. In the present report, we propose modifications of traditional electrophoretic techniques such as increasing the running gel concentration from 5 to 10% and the addition of 5 M urea to the stacking gel, which permitted the detection of two variants (A and B) at the ALA and BLG loci. About 8 microliters of milk serum (6 mg/ml protein) and 10 microliters of total fresh milk were applied. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and immunolactoglobulins (ILG) could also be discriminated. Total fresh milk was as useful as the purified serum milk proteins for the discrimination of ALA and BLG serum milk protein polymorphism by alkaline vertical slab polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. However, BSA and ILG ran with caseins, which prevented their characterization in this system.

An improved electrophoretic method for the determination of serum milk protein variants in Gyr-Holstein cows

Milk serum proteins such as alpha-lactalbumin (ALA) and beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) present biochemical polymorphism which is under the control of codominant autosomal alleles. In the present report, we propose modifications of traditional electrophoretic techniques such as increasing the running gel concentration from 5 to 10% and the addition of 5 M urea to the stacking gel, which permitted the detection of two variants (A and B) at the ALA and BLG loci. About 8 microliters of milk serum (6 mg/ml protein) and 10 microliters of total fresh milk were applied. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) and immunolactoglobulins (ILG) could also be discriminated. Total fresh milk was as useful as the purified serum milk proteins for the discrimination of ALA and BLG serum milk protein polymorphism by alkaline vertical slab polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. However, BSA and ILG ran with caseins, which prevented their characterization in this system