Intestinal IgG uptake by small intestine of goat kid fed goat or lyophilized bovine colostrum

The immunoglobulin G (IgG) uptake and enterocyte nucleus position in the villous were studied in newborn goat kids fed goat or lyophilized bovine colostrum. Two groups of 15 newborn goat kids, each received 5% of body weight of goat colostrum (GC) or lyophilized bovine colostrum (LBC) containing 55 mg/mL of immunoglobulin G (IgG) at 0, 7 and 14 h of life. Three animals were sampled just after birth, receiving no colostrum intake, to be used as control. Samples of duodenum, medium jejunum and ileum were collected at 0, 18, 36 and 96 h of life. IgG vacuoles were not observed in the duodenum throughout the experiment regardless of all the experimental time points. In this segment, at 0, 18 and 36 h of life, nuclei were found in the apical, medial and basal positions in the enterocytes, and localized in the upper, medial and lower parts in the villous, respectively. At 96 h, a basal nuclei position was observed in the enterocytes, throughout the villous. In jejunum, IgG vacuoles were distributed along the villous at 18 and 36 h. In this segment at Oh the nuclei were positioned predominantly apically in the enterocytes, throughout the villous. At 18 and 36 h, no consistent nuclei pattern was verified: however at 96 h, the nuclei were positioned basally in the enterocytes, throughout the jejunal villous. In the ileum at 0, 18 and 36 h, a great number of vacuoles without IgG were verified in the medial-apical part of the villous. In this segment, at Oh of life and 96 h of life, the predominance of basal nuclei was observed. Nuclei were positioned in medial-apically part of the ileal enterocytes in the upper part of the villous at 18 and 36 h. It was found that the jejunal epithelium was the most important segment related to absorption process. The IgG absorption and nucleus position in the newborn goats were dependent on the small intestine segments and experimental time points, regardless of the colostrum source. GC or LCB. Considering the IgG uptake mechanism observed in the present study, the lyophilized bovine colostrum might be used instead of goat colostrum. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Goat kids' intestinal absorptive mucosa in period of passive immunity acquisition

Colostrum intake in newborn goat kids is essential for the acquisition of immunoglobulins (Ig) and influencing development of gastrointestinal mucosa. The present study investigated small intestine structure in the postnatal goat kid fed lyophilized bovine colostrum, an alternative source of antibodies to small ruminants, or goat colostrum using scanning electron microscopy technique. At 0,7 and 14 h of life 15 male newborns received 5% of body weight of lyophilized bovine colostrum (LBC) and 14 goat colostrum (GC), both with 55 mg/mL of IgG. Samples of duodenum, medium jejunum and ileum were collected at 18, 36 and 96 h of life. Three animals were sampled at birth without colostrum intake (0 h). The enteric tissues were analyzed for villi density (villi/cm(2)) and morphological characteristics. The villi density did not differ between treatment, sampling time and intestinal segments (P>0.05). The morphological characteristics were not different between LBC and GC in all segments. Duodenal villi were fingerlike, thick and short, and with different heights. Duodenal folds could also be verified. Frequent anastomoses in all sampling times were observed in this segment. In the jejunum, fingerlike villi, thin and thick, of different heights were observed in all sampling times as well as leaf-shaped villi. Vacuoles with colostrum were observed in the jejunum of goats sampled at 18 h of life. In ileum, fingerlike villi were observed in all sampling times. At 0 and 96 h of life, thick and low villi were verified while at 18 and 36 h the villi showed different heights and widths. At all sampling times, regularly cell extrusion processes were observed with grouped cells at the apex of the ileum villi and with isolated cells along the villi. In the first 4 days of goat kids' life the small intestine structure was unaffected by different sources of colostrum, goat or lyophilized bovine, and by the replacement of fetal enterocytes, which are able to absorb macromolecules, by adult-type ones. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Surgical Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in Patients with BMI Below 35: Mid-term Outcomes of the Laparoscopic Ileal Interposition Associated with a Sleeve Gastrectomy in 202 Consecutive Cases

The objective of this study was to evaluate the mid-term outcomes of the laparoscopic ileal interposition into the jejunum (JII-SG) or into the duodenum (DII-SG) associated with sleeve gastrectomy for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with BMI below 35. The procedures were performed on 202 consecutive patients. Mean age was 52.2 +/- 7.5. Mean duration of T2DM was 9.8 +/- 5.2 years. Insulin therapy was used by 41.1%. Dyslipidemia was observed in 78.2%, hypertension in 67.3%, nephropathy in 49.5%, retinopathy in 31.2%, coronary heart disease in 11.9%, and other cardiovascular events in 12.9%. Mean follow-up was 39.1 months (range, 25-61). Early and late mortality was 0.99% and 1.0%, respectively. Early reoperation was performed in 2.5%. Early and late major complications were 8.4% and 3.5%. Early most frequent complications were pneumonia and ileus. Intestinal obstruction was diagnosed in 1.5%. Mean BMI decreased from 29.7 to 23.5 kg/m(2), mean fasting glucose from 202.1 to 112.2 mg/dl, and mean postprandial glucose from 263.3 to 130 mg/dl. Triglycerides diminished from a mean of 273.4 to 110.3 mg/dl and cholesterol from a mean of 204.7 to 160.1 mg/dl. Hypertension was resolved in 87.5%. Mean hemoglobin A(1c) (HbA(1c)) decreased from 8.7 to 6.2% after the JII-SG and to 5.9% following the DII-SG. HbA(1c) below 7% was seen in 89.9% of the patients and below 6.5% in 78.3%. Overall, 86.4% of patients were off antidiabetic medications. Both JII-SG and DII-SG demonstrated to be safe, effective, and long-lasting alternatives for the treatment of T2DM patients with BMI < 35. Beyond glycemic control, other benefits were achieved.

Gastric Torsion from an Intestinal Hernia Through a Rent in the Gastrosplenic Ligament in a Horse

The present report describes an 8-year-old gelding presenting with signs of severe abdominal pain. After performing a thorough physical examination, including rectal palpation and additional diagnostic tests, an exploratory laparotomy was recommended. The jejunum was found herniated through the gastrosplenic ligament, and the stomach was severely distended with gas. Given a poor prognosis, the horse was euthanized on the table. At necropsy, the stomach appeared dilated, with an 180 horizontal gastric torsion, from left (lateral) to right (medial), dividing the organ into dorsal and ventral compartments. We believe that the chronic traction exerted by an incarcerated and distended loop of jejunum, in the dorsal aspect of the gastrosplenic ligament, associated with trauma during episodes of intense rolling, enlarged the rent until it ruptured. Because of this rupture, the lateral dorsal aspect of the stomach became unattached, predisposing it to the torsion. (C) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Morfologia e topografia do fígado e pâncreas de emas Rhea americana

As emas são aves ratitas nativas do continente sul americano, são consideradas aves primitivas do ponto de vista filogenético que constituem um grupo altamente especializado. Este estudo buscou caracterizar macro e microscopicamente o fígado e pâncreas de emas. O material foi coletado no Centro de Multiplicação de Animais Silvestres (CEMAS), na cidade de Mossoró-RN, Brasil, (Registro IBAMA n° 14.78912). Utilizaram-se 20 animais jovens com idade entre dois e seis meses independente do sexo. Em emas, o fígado se relacionava cranialmente com o ápice do coração, dorsalmente com os pulmões, esôfago e o proventrículo gástrico, caudalmente, com o ventrículo gástrico, o baço, o duodeno e parte do jejuno. Apresentava coloração vermelha escura e possuía apenas dois lobos, sendo o direito ligeiramente menor que o esquerdo. Histologicamente, era revestido por uma cápsula de tecido conjuntivo delgada e cada lóbulo hepático pôde ser identificado pela presença evidente de veias centrais, com muitos sinusoides comunicando-se com elas. O pâncreas, ventralmente, apresentava-se como uma fita fina, formado por um lobo dorsal e um lobo ventral. Longitudinalmente o pâncreas em emas localiza-se no mesentério dorsal desde o fígado até a flexura cranial do duodeno, mantendo-se preso às alças duodenais por ligamentos. Histologicamente, era composto por uma cápsula delgada de tecido conjuntivo denso, com discretos lóbulos separados por tecido conjuntivo capsular, compostos por estruturas tubuloalveolares e ductos. O fígado e pâncreas de emas apresentam padrão morfológico similar ao descrito para aves domésticas.

Disseminated histoplasmosis in a juvenile lupus erythematosus patient

Introduction: Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by dimorphic fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum, and it has not been reported in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) patients, particularly progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH) subtype. Case report: We reported herein a 14-year old girl who was diagnosed with JSLE. Six months later, she had abdominal distension and received prednisone, hydroxychloroquine and azathioprine. Computer tomography evidenced hepatosplenomegaly and multiple mesenteric, mediastinal and retroperitoneal enlarged lymph nodes, forming large conglomerates at the mesentery, suggestive of lymphoproliferative disorder. After 10 days, she had acute surgical abdominal, and underwent a laparotomy and intestinal perforation and conglomerates of lymph nodes were observed. The jejunum biopsy showed perforated acute enteritis with hemorrhage and necrosis, and Grocott staining identified Histoplasma sp. and the culture showed a heavy growth of Histoplasma capsulatum. At that moment liposomal amphotericin B (1.0 mg/Kg/day) was introduced. Despite this treatment she died due to septic shock eight days later. Diffuse Histoplasma capsulatum was evidenced at autopsy. Conclusion: We reported a severe opportunistic infection in JSLE patient with adenopathy and multiple intestinal perforations. This study reinforces the importance of early diagnosis and antifungal therapy, especially in patients with these uncommon clinical manifestations.

Enzyme activity in the small intestine of goat kids during the period of passive immunity acquisition

Enzyme activity of protein and carbohydrate degradation in small intestinal mucosa was investigated in goat kids fed with lyophilized bovine and goat colostrum. At 0,7 and 14 h of life 15 male newborns received 5% of body weight of lyophilized bovine colostrum and 14 goat colostrum, both with 55 mg/mL of IgG. Duodenum, jejunum and ileum samples were collected at 18,36 and 96 h of life. Three animals were sampled at birth, without colostrum intake. Activity of aminopeptidase N and A, dipeptidil peptidase IV, lactase, maltase and sucrase was determined as one international unit per gram of tissue. Intracellular enzymatic activity of acid phosphatase was observed by histochemistry in tissue section. Only the activity of aminopeptidase A in the ileum was affected by treatment, with a greater value for LBC than for GC (P < 0.05). The aminopeptidase N activity was the highest at 36 h in the duodenum (P < 0.05) and lowest at 96 h in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Dipeptidil peptidase IV activity was highest at 36 h in the duodenum (P < 0.05), lowest at 96 h in the jejunum (P < 0.05) and higher at 36 h than at 96 h in the ileum (P < 0.05). Aminopeptidase A activity in the ileum was highest at 36 h (P < 0.05), followed by 18 and 96 h of life (P < 0.05). Lactase activity in the duodenum increased from 18 to 36 h and from 36 to 96 h in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Maltase activity increased only in the duodenum from 18 to 96 h (P < 0.05). Sucrase activity in the jejunum decreased from 18 to 36 h and from 36 to 96 h in the ileum (P < 0.05). At birth, activity of most enzymes was similar to that at later times (P < 0.05). Histochemistry analyses showed a higher frequency of lysosomes with acid phosphatase activity in the duodenum, especially at 36 h of life. In the jejunum, the presence of lysosomes with acid phosphatase activity was the highest at 96 h, followed by 36 and 18 h of life. In the ileum, all samples showed low presence of lysosomes with acid phosphatase activity. These results indicate that lyophilized bovine colostrum, as a heterologous source of antibodies or nutrients, is a possible alternative management tool for goats. The present work also suggests that in the first 4 days of life, enzyme activity in the intestinal epithelium of goats is still not fully stimulated, which is an important characteristic for these animals that depend on macromolecule absorption to acquire passive protection after birth. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Titanium dioxide induced inflammation in the small intestine

AIM: To investigate the effects of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPTiO2) and microparticles (MPTiO2) on the inflammatory response in the small intestine of mice. METHODS: BI 57/6 male mice received distilled water suspensions containing TiO2 (100 mg/kg body weight) as NPTiO2 (66 nm), or MPTiO2 (260 nm) by gavage for 10 d, once a day; the control group received only distilled water. At the end of the treatment the duodenum, jejunum and ileum were extracted for assessment of cytokines, inflammatory cells and titanium content. The cytokines interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17, IL-23, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), intracellular interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in segments of jejunum and ileum (mucosa and underlying muscular tissue). CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells were evaluated in duodenum, jejunum and ileum samples fixed in 10% formalin by immunohistochemistry. The titanium content was determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. RESULTS: We found increased levels of T CD4(+) cells (cells/mm(2)) in duodenum: NP 1240 +/- 139.4, MP 1070 +/- 154.7 vs 458 +/- 50.39 (P < 0.01); jejunum: NP 908.4 +/- 130.3, MP 813.8 +/- 103.8 vs 526.6 +/- 61.43 (P < 0.05); and ileum: NP 818.60 +/- 123.0, MP 640.1 +/- 32.75 vs 466.9 +/- 22.4 (P < 0.05). In comparison to the control group, the groups receiving TiO2 showed a statistically significant increase in the levels of the inflammatory cytokines IL-12, IL-4, IL-23, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and TGF-beta. The cytokine production was more pronounced in the ileum (mean SE): IL-12: NP 33.98 +/- 11.76, MP 74.11 +/- 25.65 vs 19.06 +/- 3.92 (P < 0.05); IL-4: NP 17.36 +/- 9.96, MP 22.94 +/- 7.47 vs 2.19 +/- 0.65 (P < 0.05); IL-23: NP 157.20 +/- 75.80, MP 134.50 +/- 38.31 vs 22.34 +/- 5.81 (P < 0.05); TNF alpha: NP 3.71 +/- 1.33, MP 5.44 +/- 1.67 vs 0.99 +/- 019 (P < 0.05); IFN gamma: NP 15.85 +/- 9.99, MP 34.08 +/- 11.44 vs 2.81 +/- 0.69 (P < 0.05); and TGF-alpha: NP 780.70 +/- 318.50, MP 1409.00 +/- 502.20 vs 205.50 +/- 63.93 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that TiO2 particles induce a Th1-mediated inflammatory response in the small bowel in mice. (C) 2012 Baishideng. All rights reserved.

Acute heat stress impairs performance parameters and induces mild intestinal enteritis in broiler chickens: Role of acute hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation

Studies on the environmental consequences of stress are relevant for economic and animal welfare reasons. We recently reported that long-term heat stressors (31 +/- 1 degrees C and 36 +/- 1 degrees C for 10 h/d) applied to broiler chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) from d 35 to 42 of life increased serum corticosterone concentrations, decreased performance variables and the macrophage oxidative burst, and produced mild, multifocal acute enteritis. Being cognizant of the relevance of acute heat stress on tropical and subtropical poultry production, we designed the current experiment to analyze, from a neuroimmune perspective, the effects of an acute heat stress (31 +/- 1 degrees C for 10 h on d 35 of life) on serum corticosterone, performance variables, intestinal histology, and peritoneal macrophage activity in chickens. We demonstrated that the acute heat stress increased serum corticosterone concentrations and mortality and decreased food intake, BW gain, and feed conversion (P < 0.05). We did not find changes in the relative weights of the spleen, thymus, and bursa of Fabricius (P > 0.05). Increases in the basal and the Staphylococcus aureus-induced macrophage oxidative bursts and a decrease in the percentage of macrophages performing phagocytosis were also observed. Finally, mild, multifocal acute enteritis, characterized by the increased presence of lymphocytes and plasmocytes within the lamina propria of the jejunum, was also observed. We found that the stress-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation was responsible for the negative effects observed on chicken performance and immune function as well as for the changes in the intestinal mucosa. The data presented here corroborate with those presented in other studies in the field of neuroimmunomodulation and open new avenues for the improvement of broiler chicken welfare and production performance.

Gross morphology and topography of the digestive apparatus in rheas (Rhea americana americana)

Rodrigues M.N., Oliveira G.B., Silva R.S.S, Tivane C.T., Albuquerque J.F.G., Miglino M.A. & Oliveira M.F. 2012. [Gross morphology and topography of the digestive apparatus in rheas (Rhea americana americana).] Macroscopia e topografia do aparelho digestorio de emas (Rhea americana americana). Pesquisa Veterinaria Brasileira 32(7):681-686. Departamento de Cirurgia, Faculdade de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Cidade Universitaria, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Sao Paulo, SP 05508270, Brazil. E-mail: marcio_medvet@hotmail.com Rheas are birds belonging to the ratites group and, among ostriches and emus, are the largest birds currently alive. In this work we studied the macroscopic aspects of rheas' digestive tract in order to provide important information to a better understanding of these birds' eating habits as well their anatomy. Twenty young animals aging between two and six months from the Centre for Wild Animals Multiplication (Cemas, scientific breeding license form Ibama no.1478912) were used. After dissection it was observed that their tongue was small and presented a rhomboid form, being disposed on the oral cavity floor, and inserted in its base by a frenulum. The esophagus was a rectilinear tube with elastic aspect and longitudinal elastic fibers, without dilation, which gives it an absence of crop. The proventriculus presented a fusiform form and the gastric ventricle showed and slightly oval form when filled, and was internally coated with a thick gastric cuticle. The small intestine was composed of three distinct regions: duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The duodenum had a light gray color and showed a "U" curved shaped. The jejunum was dark green, long and composed of several short loops arranged above each other. The ileum had a gray color and was connected with the jejunum. In ventral line to the rectum and cloaca, the ileum extended cranially, dorsally to the ascending duodenum. The large intestine was composed of two caeca, one right and one left, and colon-rectum and ileum were continuous with the cloaca. The structures of the rhea digestive tract resemble those described in the literature regarding to its shape and topography, even though rhea's caeca are well developed and relatively long.

Heat stress impairs performance and induces intestinal inflammation in broiler chickens infected with Salmonella Enteritidis

Stressful situations reduce the welfare, production indices and immune status of chickens. Salmonella spp. are a major zoonotic pathogens that annually cause over 1 billion infections worldwide. We therefore designed the current experiment to analyse the effects of 31 +/- 1 degrees C heat stress (HS) (from 35 to 41 days) on performance parameters, Salmonella invasion and small intestine integrity in broiler chickens infected with Salmonella Enteritidis. We observed that HS decreased body weight gain and feed intake. However, feed conversion was only increased when HS was combined with Salmonella Enteritidis infection. In addition, we observed an increase in serum corticosterone levels in all of the birds that were subjected to HS, showing a hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis activation. Furthermore, mild acute multifocal lymphoplasmacytic enteritis, characterized by foci of heterophil infiltration in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum, was observed in the HS group. In contrast, similar but more evident enteritis was noted in the heat-stressed and Salmonella-infected group. In this group, moderate enteritis was observed in all parts of the small intestine. Lastly, we observed an increase in Salmonella counts in the spleens of the stressed and Salmonella-infected chickens. The combination of HS and Salmonella Enteritidis infection may therefore disrupt the intestinal barrier, which would allow pathogenic bacteria to migrate through the intestinal mucosa to the spleen and generate an inflammatory infiltrate in the gut, decreasing performance parameters.

Evaluation of the probiotic potential and effect of encapsulation on survival for Lactobacillus plantarum ST16Pa isolated from papaya

Capability to produce antilisterial bacteriocins by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can be explored by the food industry as a tool to increase the safety of foods. Furthermore, probiotic activity of bacteriogenic LAB brings extra advantages to these strains, as they can confer health benefits to the consumer. Beneficial effects depend on the ability of the probiotic strains to maintain viability in the food during shelf-life and to survive the natural defenses of the host and multiply in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). This study evaluated the probiotic potential of a bacteriocinogenic Lactobacillus plantarum strain (Lb. plantarum ST16Pa) isolated from papaya fruit and studied the effect of encapsulation in alginate on survival in conditions simulating the human GIT. Good growth of Lb. plantarum ST16Pa was recorded in MRS broth with initial pH values between 5.0 and 9.0 and good capability to survive in pH 4.0, 11.0 and 13.0. Lb. plantarum ST16Pa grew well in the presence of oxbile at concentrations ranging from 0.2 to 3.0%. The level of auto-aggregation was 37%, and various degrees of co-aggregation were observed with different strains of Lb. plantarum, Enterococcus spp., Lb. sakei and Listeria, which are important features for probiotic activity. Growth was affected negatively by several medicaments used for human therapy, mainly anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. Adhesion to Caco-2 cells was within the range reported for other probiotic strains, and PCR analysis indicated that the strain harbored the adhesion genes mapA, mub and EF-Tu. Encapsulation in 2, 3 and 4% alginate protected the cells from exposure to 1 or 2% oxbile added to MRS broth. Studies in a model simulating the transit through the GIT indicated that encapsulated cells were protected from the acidic conditions in the stomach but were less resistant when in conditions simulating the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and first section of the colon. To our knowledge, this is the first report on a bacteriocinogenic LAB isolated from papaya that presents application in food biopreservation and may be beneficial to the consumer health due to its potential probiotic characteristics.