Supplementation of rumen-protected lysine during the close-up period improves vaginal discharge clearance in Holstein dairy cows.

We aimed to evaluate the effects of rumen-protected lysine (RPL) supplementation during the close-up period on uterine involution and the resumption of ovarian function in dairy cows. Fifty-two multiparous Holstein cows were categorized based on parity and expected calving date and randomly assigned to the RPL or control (CON) groups. The RPL group received 80 g of RPL daily from day 21 before the expected calving date until parturition. Blood samples were obtained twice weekly from pre-supplementation to 6 weeks postpartum. The onset of luteal activity postpartum was determined via ultrasonography twice weekly for up to 6 weeks postpartum. Uterine involution was tracked at 3 and 5 weeks postpartum through the vaginal discharge score, percentage of polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) in endometrial cytology samples, presence of intrauterine fluid, and gravid horn diameter via ultrasonography. Before supplementation, the RPL group showed amino acid imbalance, which was improved by RPL supplementation. There were no significant differences in the onset of luteal activity, percentage of PMN, intrauterine fluid, or the diameter of the uterine horn between the two groups. The vaginal discharge score in the RPL group decreased from 3 to 5 weeks postpartum, whereas that in the CON groups did not decrease. The number of cows with clinical endometritis was lower in the RPL group. Overall, RPL supplementation during the close-up period enhanced vaginal discharge clearance, potentially averting clinical endometritis, but did not affect the first ovulation in dairy cows.

The effects of maternal supplementation of rumen-protected lysine during the close-up dry period on newborn metabolism and growth in Holstein calves.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of rumen-protected lysine (RPL) supplementation during the close-up period on blood metabolites and calf growth. Forty multiparous Holstein dams were selected based on parity, body condition score, and expected calving date, and randomly assigned to a group: with RPL (n = 22) or without (control [CON], n = 18). RPL dams were supplied daily with 80 g of RPL from Day 21 before the expected calving date to parturition. Blood samples were obtained from the dams before the start of supplementation, 1 week before calving, and immediately after calving, and from calves immediately after birth and weekly until 8 weeks of age. Body weight measurements were performed immediately after birth in all calves and at weekly intervals until 8 weeks of age in female calves. No significant difference was observed in serum metabolite levels and plasma amino acid concentrations between the RPL and CON dams before supplementation, whereas plasma lysine concentrations tended to be higher in RPL dams immediately after calving (p = 0.07). Serum total protein levels (p < 0.05) were higher, whereas plasma total amino acid, total essential amino acid, total non-essential amino acid, and other amino acid concentrations were lower in the calves of RPL dams than those of CON dams (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in calf birth weight between the two groups, although female calves of RPL dams (n = 7) had higher serum total protein (p < 0.05) and tended to have greater body weight (p = 0.09) from 1 to 8 weeks of age than those of CON dams (n = 11). Overall, RPL supplementation during the close-up period may increase placenta-mediated amino acid transfer to the foetus and enhance protein synthesis in the calf, leading to improved weight gain during the suckling period.

Prepartum measurement of serum biomarkers reflecting osteoclastic and osteoblastic bone metabolism for predicting the risk of milk fever in dairy cows.

We investigated whether prepartum levels of serum bone biomarkers are related to the degree of parturient hypocalcaemia and risk of milk fever (MF) in dairy cows with advancing parity. A total of 58 late-pregnant cattle were assigned to four groups: nulliparous, primiparous, multiparous in the 2nd lactation and multiparous in the 3rd-5th lactation. The multiparous cows were further assigned to MF and non-MF groups according to the onset of MF. Serum samples were obtained from the cows during the 3 weeks prepartum to 5 d postpartum period for the measurement of serum calcium (Ca) and three bone biomarkers: tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRAP5b), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and bone isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (ALP3). The ratios of OPG to TRAP5b (O/T ratio) and ALP3 to TRAP5b (A/T ratio) were calculated. The data from all cattle showed that the severity of hypocalcaemia at parturition increased with advancing parity/age. The MF cows had elevated serum TRAP5b activity and a decreased O/T ratio after parturition, suggesting an increased number of osteoclasts due to osteoclastogenesis, in response to severe hypocalcaemia. The MF cows showed lower serum ALP3 activity during the 3 weeks prepartum than the non-MF cows, therefore, prepartum osteoblast function was likely weak in the MF cows. During the 2-3 weeks prepartum, serum ALP3 activity and the A/T ratio had moderate associations with the serum Ca concentration at day 0 (day of calving) in the multiparous cows, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that ALP3 activity had excellent ability to predict MF. In conclusion, prepartum serum ALP3 activity is a promising biomarker to predict MF in multiparous cows.

Intestinal ganglioneuroma in a neonatal Japanese black calf - Short communication.

A 1-day-old male calf presented with clinical signs of severe progressive abdominal distension. Abdominal radiographic and ultrasonic images revealed several loop-like structures in the small intestine, which were indicative of gas retention. Experimental laparotomy was performed. However, the calf died during surgery. At necropsy, a round, well-circumscribed mass (3 × 3 × 2.5 cm) was found in the jejunal wall, and the jejunal lumen was narrowed. The mass was firm and had white to grey appearance on the cut surface. Histologically, the submucosa and the muscle layer were diffusely thickened due to abundance of neural tissues comprising several fascicles of nerve fibres and large aggregates of ganglion cells. Some ganglion cells contained basophilic Nissl substances in their cytoplasm. Immunohistochemically, these cells were positive for S-100 and synaptophysin. Ultrastructural examination revealed that the neoplastic ganglion cells contained dense core vesicles in the cytoplasm. Based on these findings, the neoplastic lesion was diagnosed as ganglioneuroma in the jejunum.

Colostral and foal serum immunoglobulin G levels and associations with perinatal abnormalities in heavy draft horses in Japan.

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the colostral and foal serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration values in heavy draft horses in Japan and to examine the effects of peripartum mare condition on colostral immunity. Colostrum was obtained 1 hr after foaling (pre-suckling; n=178). Blood was collected from the jugular vein of the foals (n=147) at 24 to 48 hr after birth. The foaling statuses of 73 mares were recorded. The average colostral IgG concentration was 10,540 ± 3,190 mg/dl (median=10,928; range 1,434-17,514 mg/dl). The average serum IgG concentration obtained from neonatal foals 24 to 48 hr after birth was 1,750 ± 919 mg/dl (median=1,890; range 0-3,510 mg/dl). Although colostral IgG did not differ between the normal foaling mare (n=59) and dystocial mare (n=14), foal serum IgG was lower in foals born in dystocia than in foals in normal foaling (P<0.05). This study demonstrates reference values for colostral and foal serum IgG specific to heavy draft horses in Japan and suggests that dystocia may interfere with the acquisition of colostral immunity in neonatal foals.

Short communication: Serum osteoprotegerin concentrations in periparturient dairy cows.

Dairy cows experience hypocalcemia at the onset of lactation; however, the contribution of bone metabolism to circulating Ca concentrations during the periparturient period is not well understood. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) protects against loss of skeletal mass by regulating osteoclastogenesis. We previously reported that the bone resorption increased around parturition in dairy cows from the perspective of bone markers in blood. The aim of this study was to explore osteoclastic bone resorption in periparturient dairy cows by measuring changes in serum OPG concentrations around calving. The OPG concentrations were evaluated in primiparous (n = 9) and multiparous (n = 9) cows at 21 d precalving and over 5 d after calving. Based on mixed model analyses, the multiparous cows had a higher serum OPG concentration than primiparous cows at precalving and exhibited a significant decline in serum OPG and Ca concentrations after calving. In contrast to multiparous cows, primiparous cows did not exhibit these changes. Therefore, we hypothesized that multiparous cows preserve their bone mineral content during late pregnancy and activate the osteoclastic bone resorption after calving. Based on our serum OPG data, we identified the different periparturient osteoclastic bone resorption patterns in healthy primiparous and multiparous dairy cows.

Polysplenia syndrome with duodenal and pancreatic dysplasia in a Holstein calf: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Laterality disorders of the abdominal organs include situs inversus totalis that mirrors the arrangements of all internal organs and heterotaxy syndrome (situs ambiguus) in which the thoracic or abdominal organs are abnormally arranged. Heterotaxy is often accompanied by multiple congenital malformations, and it generally comprises asplenia and polysplenia syndromes. To our knowledge, polysplenia syndrome has been reported in only three cattle, and computerized tomographic (CT) images of these animals were not obtained. CASE PRESENTATION: A six-month-old Holstein heifer had ruminal tympani and right abdominal distension. CT imaging showed that the rumen occupied the right side of the abdominal cavity, the omasum and abomasum occupied the left ventral side and the liver was positioned on the left. The colon and cecum were located at the left dorsum of the cavity, and the left kidney was located more cranially than the right. Postmortem findings revealed two spleens attached to the rumen. Significantly, the duodenum was too short to be divided into segments, except the cranial and descending parts, or flexures, except the cranial flexure, and the pancreas, which lacked a left lobe, was covered with mesojejunum. The liver comprised a relatively large right lobe and a small left lobe without quadrate and caudate lobes. The caudal vena cava that connected to the left azygous vein passed irregularly through the aortic hiatus of the diaphragm, and the common hepatic vein without the caudal vena cava passed through the caval foramen. Although the lungs and heart were morphologically normal, the right atrium received three major systemic veins. Polysplenia syndrome was diagnosed based on the CT and postmortem findings. CONCLUSION: We defined the positions of the abdominal organs and morphological abnormalities in various organs of a calf with polysplenia syndrome based on CT and postmortem findings. These findings will improve understanding of the malpositioning and malformations that can occur in the organs of cattle with polysplenia syndrome.

Correlation of blood metabolite concentrations and body condition scores with persistent postpartum uterine bacterial infection in dairy cows.

To analyze the relationship of blood metabolite concentrations and body condition score (BCS) with persistent bacterial uterine infection, specifically that caused by Trueperella pyogenes and anaerobic bacteria, uterine bacteriological swabs (n = 128) were collected from 64 Holstein cows at 5 (W5) and 7 (W7) weeks postpartum, and the percentage of neutrophils in the endometrium was evaluated. Blood glucose, total cholesterol (T-cho), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), and ß-hydroxybutyric acid concentrations were analyzed at 3 weeks (W-3) and 1 week (W-1) prepartum and W3, W5, and W7 postpartum. BCS were evaluated at W-3, W3, and W7. Blood glucose concentrations at W-3 and W-1 in cows with persistent bacterial infection were lower (P = 0.05) than in the rest of the cows. Total BUN concentrations in cows with persistent bacterial infection were lower (P < 0.01) than those in other cows, although the association between the pre or postpartum time and status of infection was not significant. Total NEFA concentrations in cows with persistent bacterial infection were similar to those in uninfected cows and cows positive for infection at W5 but not W7. Total BCS in cows with persistent bacterial infection were lower (P < 0.01) than those in cows positive for infection at both W5 but not W7 and W7 but not W5; however, the association between the pre or postpartum time and status of infection was not significant. Glucose concentrations at W-3 and W-1 negatively correlated with persistent bacterial infection at W5 and W7 (P < 0.01). BUN concentrations at W3 (P < 0.01), W5 (P < 0.05), and W7 (P < 0.05) and BCS at W3 (P < 0.01) negatively correlated with persistent postpartum bacterial infection. Decreased prepartum blood glucose concentrations might be an important risk factor for persistent postpartum bacterial uterine infection in dairy cows.

Molecular epidemiology and identification of a Staphylococcus aureus clone causing food poisoning outbreaks in Japan.

Molecular characterization of isolates from staphylococcal food poisoning (SFP) outbreaks in Japan showed that the dominant lineage causing SFP outbreaks is clonal complex 81 (CC81), a single-locus variant of sequence type 1, coagulase type VII, positive for sea and/or seb, and positive for seh. Among various CC lineages producing staphylococcal enterotoxin A, CC81 showed the highest toxin productivity.

Serum metabolic profiling in pregnant Holstein cows 3 weeks prior to parturition using two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry.

This preliminary study explored potential serum biomarkers for predicting the onset of milk fever (MF), a bovine parturient disease with hypocalcemia. We conducted two-dimensional gas chromatography mass spectrometry-based metabolomics in 8 and 17 pregnant Holstein cows that did and did not develop MF 3 weeks later, respectively. In principal component analysis (PCA) applied to a dataset containing 1,498 metabolites, serum metabolites exhibited highly similar chemical profiles between cows with and without MF. PCA with a limited dataset of metabolites containing fatty acids, which had significantly different values between the groups and/or correlation coefficients of >0.5 for the serum calcium concentration, distinguished the two groups. These suggest the possibility of developing serum biomarkers for predicting bovine MF.

Imaging of a subcutaneous abscessation in the back of a calf with hindlimb paralysis.

Background: Ultrasonography is not chosen as the common imaging modality to diagnose spinal cord diseases. The present report indicates good diagnostic efficacy of ultrasonography for identifying spinal cord compressed by subcutaneous mass when scanning through the defected vertebral laminae and spinous process. Case Description: A five-month-old female Holstein calf presented with progressive hindlimb paralysis following a surgical resection of a back mass conducted at 21 days of age. The mass was subsequently histopathologically diagnosed as a pulmonary choristoma. Alongside hindlimb paralysis, the calf developed a swollen back at the lumbar region where the mass was removed. This suggested regrowth of the resected mass, causing injury to the underlying spinal cord. Ultrasonography identified the subcutaneous involvement of the capsular mass, which had three anechoic cavities separated by the echogenic septal structures. The spinal cord could be ultrasonographically demonstrated as adjacent to the mass through the defected vertebral laminae and spinous process in the second and third lumbar vertebras. Ultrasound-guided centesis allowed the collection of purulent exudates in which Escherichia coli was isolated. Myelography and subsequent computed tomography (CT) revealed a partial blockage of the intradural flow of contrast media at the levels of the second and third lumbar vertebras, diagnosed as spina bifida on the CT images. When applying ultrasonography to the spinal cord within a saline pool soon after the subcutaneous abscess was successfully resected, the spinal cord was characterized by the interrupted and partly extended hyperechogenic line of the central canal within the echogenic parenchyma. The echotexture of the spinal cord showed damage due to compression from the subcutaneous abscess. The animal had a sub-optimal postoperative outcome, including limited improvement of the neurological signs. Conclusion: In the present case, combining ultrasonography, radiography (myelography), and CT was very effective for diagnosing spina bifida, with the subcutaneous abscess inducing spinal cord compression. Additionally, using intraoperative ultrasonographic scanning to evaluate the degree of spinal cord damage can contribute to predicting the postoperative outcome.

Effects of trastuzumab emtansine on canine urothelial carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo.

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is the most common malignancy of the urinary tract in dogs and has aggressive behaviour. Although human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a known therapeutic target with evidence in canine UC, the efficacy of anti-HER2 antibody drugs remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the effects of anti-HER2 antibody drugs including trastuzumab and trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) on canine UC cell lines in vitro and in vivo. Four canine UC cell lines (Nene, TCCUB, Love, and Sora) were used. In western blotting, HER2 protein expression was observed in all the cell lines. Although both trastuzumab and T-DM1 showed dose-dependent growth inhibitory activity in the cell lines, T-DM1 showed much stronger activity than that of trastuzumab. In flow cytometry analyses with the canine UC cell line (Sora), T-DM1 but not trastuzumab significantly increased the percentages of early and late apoptotic cells in annexin V apoptotic assays and the sub-G1 phase fraction in cell cycle analyses. For the in vivo experiment, the canine UC cells (Sora) were subcutaneously injected into nude mice. Four days after inoculation, trastuzumab, T-DM1, or vehicle was administered intraperitoneally once a week for three times. Tumour volumes were significantly smaller in the T-DM1 group compared to the trastuzumab and vehicle control groups. These findings indicate that T-DM1 exerts a stronger antitumour effect than that of trastuzumab on canine UC cells in vitro and in vivo, possibly by inducing apoptosis due to DM1.

Agarose gel electrophoresis pattern of serum creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes in zoo-managed Asian elephants (Elephas maximus).

Serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isoenzymes were evaluated in nine zoo-managed Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) using a commercial agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) kit. CK was separated into two major fractions, CK-BB and CK-MM, along with a small fraction of macroenzyme-CK type 2 (mCK2); CK-MM was the largest fraction. LDH was separated into five fractions (LDH1-5); LDH3 was the largest fraction. Age was negatively and positively correlated with the percentages of CK-BB and CK-MM, respectively, and negatively correlated with CK-BB and mCK2 activities. These results indicate that an AGE kit can be used to evaluate CK and LDH isoenzymes. Routine isoenzyme testing may enable early detection of disease and physiological changes.

The serum activities of alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes measured using two approved methods in zoo-managed Asian elephants (Elephas maximus).

The approved Japanese measurement method of circulating alkaline phosphatase (ALP) has changed from that of the Japan Society of Clinical Chemistry (JSCC) to that of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC). We measured the serum levels of total ALP (t-ALP) and those of the isoenzymes ALP2 and ALP3 in 50 Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) specimens using both methods. The activities determined by the IFCC method were roughly one-third lower than those determined by the JSCC method. We present conversion formulae. Our results enable comparisons of historical and current data on serum ALP activities in endangered, zoo-managed Asian elephants.

Basal levels and GnRH-induced responses of peripheral testosterone and estrogen in Holstein bulls with poor semen quality.

The present study investigated the basal levels and GnRH-induced responses of peripheral testosterone and estrogen in Holstein bulls with poor semen quality. On the basis of semen parameters, bulls (n=5) having poor semen quality were selected as experimental bulls, and good semen quality bulls (n=4) were used as control bulls. Both groups were treated intramuscularly once with GnRH (250 µg of fertirelin acetate). Blood samples were collected at -1 day (d), -30 min and 0 h (treatment) followed by every 30 min for 5 h and 1, 3 and 5 d post-GnRH treatment (PGT), and LH, testosterone and estradiol-17ß (E(2)) concentrations were measured. The pretreatment concentrations were used as basal levels. The percentage increments based on the 0-h levels were calculated per bull for each sampling time until 5 h PGT, and differences were compared between the experimental and control groups. The PGT concentrations of testosterone and basal and PGT concentrations of E(2) were significantly lower in the experimental group. The testosterone increment in the experimental group was delayed and significantly lower from 1 to 5 h PGT than those in the control group. It can be suggested that bulls with poor semen quality have delayed and lower GnRH-induced testosterone response and may also have lower estrogen levels.

Sequential measurements of glomerular filtration rate in conscious rats by a bolus injection of iodixanol and a single blood sample.

To estimate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) sequentially in conscious rats, we validated a single-blood-sample method using a bolus injection of the nonionic contrast medium iodixanol as a tracer. First, to clarify basal age-related GFR profiles, iodixanol was intravenously administered once weekly at 1500 mg kg(-1) I to clinically healthy male F344 rats from 6 to 15 weeks of age. The blood sample was collected 120 min later, and serum iodixanol concentration was measured by HPLC. GFR values decreased gradually by 9 weeks, presumably due to rapidly increased body weights, and then remained constant from 10 weeks onward. When converting the GFR from body weight to body surface area, the reference range (40-60 ml min(-1) m(-2) ) in the latter was much more stable than that (6-11 ml min(-1) kg(-1) ) in the former. For nephropathy rats induced by cisplatin (3.75-7.5 mg kg(-1) , i.v., single dose), bromoethylamine hydrobromide (BEA, 250-500 mg kg(-1) , i.v., single dose) or puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN, 15 mg kg(-1) day(-1) , s.c., 10 days), GFR decreased or tended to decrease before increasing in serum urea nitrogen (UN) and creatinine concentrations. Accordingly, serum UN and creatinine concentrations became elevated when the GFR decreased to 50-60% of the basal value. This method without urine collection contributes to the reduction of animal numbers because of repeated application to the same animals.

Effects of an oleaginous calcitriol on changes in plasma calcitriol, calcium and bone metabolic markers in dairy cows.

The present study evaluated the effects of calcitriol dissolved in an oleaginous vehicle (calcitriol-OLE) on changes in plasma calcitriol, calcium and bone metabolic markers in nonpregnant, nonlactating Holstein cows. Five cows were treated intramuscularly or subcutaneously with calcitriol-OLE and oleaginous vehicle alone using a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Additionally, cows were also treated intravenously with calcitriol dissolved in an aqueous vehicle (calcitriol-AQU) for comparison. The plasma calcitriol concentrations after intramuscular and subcutaneous calcitriol-OLE administrations peaked at 24 and 12 hr, respectively, remained significantly elevated until day 3, returned to the respective control levels on day 5 and decreased significantly on day 7. In cows given intravenous calcitriol-AQU, the calcitriol levels decreased with linearity on day 1. The plasma calcium levels rose from 12 hr post-dose and peaked on day 2 for both preparations and in all three administration routes. Significantly increased calcium levels continued until day 5 in the intramuscular and intravenous routes and day 7 in the subcutaneous route. The plasma osteocalcin concentrations significantly increased from day 3 for calcitriol-OLE and from day 5 for calcitriol-AQU, whereas the bone resorption markers, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b and hydroxyproline, decreased during this time. These results suggest that either intramuscular or subcutaneous injection of calcitriol-OLE extends and maintains supraphysiological calcitriol levels in the plasma and prolongs hypercalcemia. Moreover, exogenous calcitriol in normocalcemic cows increases the plasma osteocalcin concentration and decreases the plasma levels of bone resorption markers probably due to hypercalcemia.

Nutritional parameters in the blood of dams during late gestation and immediately after calving, in the umbilical vein at calving, and in the blood of calves immediately following birth in Holstein heifers pregnant with either Holstein or beef breed fetuses.

Dairy cattle management lacks consideration of fetal breed, the effect of which on fetal growth and nutrition are unclear. We investigated blood parameters in 12 late-pregnant Holstein heifers with similar (Holstein, n = 5) or different (Japanese Black [n = 4] or F1 cross [n = 3]; Holstein × Japanese Black) fetus breeds and in their umbilical cords and calves. Samples were obtained from dams 1 week before calving (-1 week) and immediately after calving, from the umbilical vein at calving, and from calves immediately after birth. Dams with beef fetuses had higher serum glucose levels (-1 week; p < .05) than those with Holstein fetuses. Plasma total amino acid, total essential amino acid, total nonessential amino acid, and other amino acid concentrations were lower in the umbilical veins of dams with calves of the beef breeds than in those of the Holstein breeds (p < .05). Furthermore, serum glucose and plasma amino acid levels were lower in the beef calves than in the Holstein calves (p < .05). Overall, nutrient supply from dams to beef fetuses was lower than that to Holstein fetuses. Our findings may facilitate feeding management of dairy cattle pregnant with beef breeds for appropriate fetal growth and nutrition.

Clinicopathological aspect of dysglycemia in naive and diabetic rats induced by the fluoroquinolone antibacterial gatifloxacin.

To ascertain the clinicopathological process underlying dysglycemia induced by the fluoroquinolone antibacterial gatifloxacin (GFLX), we orally administered 100 or 300 mg/kg/day to male clinically healthy (naive) or spontaneous type II (diabetic) Goto-Kakizaki rats for 15 days (days 1 to 15). Treatment of naive rats with GFLX led to decreased blood glucose concentrations at 100 mg/kg/day on day 1. In diabetic animals, markedly increased blood glucose concentrations were noted from 100 mg/kg/day on day 3, and all of the animals given 300 mg/kg/day died or were killed because of moribund conditions by day 9. In a glucose tolerance test, serum insulin concentrations decreased significantly in naive rats receiving 300 mg/kg/day. Microscopically, cytoplasmic vacuolations of the pancreatic islets were observed in naive rats receiving 300 mg/kg/day, and congestion and/or hemorrhage were additionally noted in diabetic rats given 100 mg/kg/day or more. In toxicokinetics with 100 mg/kg/day, AUC(0-8 hr) values for GFLX were higher in diabetic rats than in naive rats, and relatively high serum GFLX concentrations at 8 hr post-dose and extraordinarily high pancreatic GFLX concentrations were also observed in diabetic rats. These results demonstrate that hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia induced by GFLX is associated with higher distribution and retention of GFLX in the pancreas, leading to disturbed insulin secretion.

Changes in plasma bone metabolic markers in periparturient dairy cows.

We examined fluctuations in plasma tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRAP5b) measured using fluorometry in conjunction with those in calcium (Ca) and other bone metabolic markers from 2 weeks prepartum to 2 weeks postpartum in 7 primiparous and 18 multiparous pregnant cows. The plasma Ca concentration decreased temporarily on the day of calving in multiparous cows only. Plasma TRAP5b peaked on the day of calving in primiparous and multiparous cows and was significantly lower in multiparous cows than in primiparous cows 2 weeks before and after parturition. Plasma hydroxyproline increased 1 week postpartum in multiparous cows. Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin tended to decrease after parturition in primiparous and multiparous cows. These results suggest that bone resorption increases around parturition in healthy parturient cows from the viewpoint of the TRAP5b activity.