Kisspeptin stimulates sheep ovarian follicular development in vitro through homologous receptors.

The present study was conducted to elucidate (1) the influence of kisspeptin (KP) on the in vitro development of preantral follicles (PFs) and (2) evolution of KP receptor gene (KISS1R) expression during ovarian follicular development in sheep. Kisspeptin was supplemented (0-100 µg/ml) in the culture medium of PFs for 6 days. The cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) from cultured PFs were subsequently matured to metaphase II (MII) for an additional 24 h. The proportions of PFs exhibiting growth, antrum formation, average increase in diameter, and maturation of oocytes to MII stage were the indicators of follicular development in vitro. The expression of the kisspeptin receptor gene at each development stages of in vivo developed (preantral, early antral, antral, large antral and COCs from Graafian follicles) and in vitro cultured PFs supplemented with KP was assessed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction. The best development in all the parameters under study was elicited with 10 µg/ml of KP. Supplementation of KP (10 µg/ml) in a medium containing other growth factors (insulin-like growth factor-I) and hormones (growth hormone, thyroxine, follicle-stimulating hormone) resulted in better PF development. The KISS1R gene was expressed in follicular cells and oocytes at all the development stages of both in vivo developed and in vitro cultured follicles. Higher KISS1R gene expression was supported by culture medium containing KP along with other hormones and growth factors. Accordingly, it is suggested that one of the mechanisms through which KP and other growth factors and hormones influence the ovarian follicular development in mammals is through the upregulation of expression of the KP receptor gene.

Clinical and laboratory findings of Babesia infection in dogs.

Canine babesiosis is a worldwide tick borne disease. Dogs with fever, in appetence and enlarged lymph nodes were screened for the presence of haemoprotozoan parasites during the one year period of study at T.V.C.C., C.V.Sc., Proddatur. Based on the stained peripheral blood smears examination, six dogs were found to be affected with babesiosis. Clinical examination of the dogs revealed ticks over the body, congested conjunctival mucus membranes, dullness, fever, tachycardia, tachypnoea in all the dogs. Some of the dogs had icterus, lymphadenopathy, haemoglobinuria. Laboratory examination of the clinical samples revealed reduction in haemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte count, platelet count, serum total protein, serum albumin and glucose levels. Increased serum SGPT, creatinine, BUN levels were recorded. Dogs were treated with inj. Diminazene aceturate (Berenil RTU) @ 5 mg/kg body weight, single dose along with supportive and symptomatic therapy in individual cases.