Ractopamine does not rescue Halothane and Rendement Napole metabolism postmortem

The objective of this study was to determine if ractopamine (RAC) impacts postmortem muscle metabolism and subsequent pork quality in Halothane (HAL) and Rendement Napole (RN) mutant pigs. All RAC fed pigs had increased (P < 0.04) L* values. HAL and RN mutants muscle had lower (P < 0.01) pH values but RAC feeding had no effect. RN mutants had higher and lower (P < 0.05) muscle pH and temperatures, respectfully at 15 min and RN mutant pigs had greater (P < 0.0001) glycogen initially but lactate levels similar to wild type (WT) pigs at 24 h. RAC lowered (P < 0.05) glycogen in RN mutants but not in HAL mutated or WT pig muscle. These data show RAC feeding changes postmortem energy metabolism but does not change pH and pork quality hallmark of two major pig gene mutations and supports our contention that ultimate meat quality traits and their biochemical drivers may be more complex than originally reasoned.

537 Animal Growth and Development—A Scorecard and Recalibration

The ASAS Public Policy Committee (PPC) provides updates of Grand Challenges (GCs; www.asas.org/about/public-policy/asas-grand-challenges) to clearly articulate research priorities, to provide science-based information for shaping public policy, and to enhance future funding for research and education programs in animal sciences (AS). In this nexus symposium for 2021, PPC examines previous stated priorities and provides a progress report card and offers additional perspectives and recommendations for research needed to address some of the GCs continuing to face animal agriculture. Among the GC topics is growth and development, a rather broad field of inquiry focused on improving the overall growth efficiency of meat producing animals. The genesis of this discipline and its popularity grew mainly in response to heightened efforts by pharmaceutical companies to identify, develop and adopt novel new growth promotants. This included a myriad of work on the highly heralded technologies involving estrogenic and androgenic implants, somatotropin, and beta-adrenergic agonists. Because the potential application of these technologies was so broad, many disciplines within the animal sciences became involved in the process of creating knowledge around these drivers of productivity. In the process, our understanding of how tissues grow in response to these compounds, under a myriad of other conditions, and our fundamental understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms regulating growth and development, expanded significantly. Areas of significant expansion included but were not restricted to: satellite cell biology and myogenesis, whole body and tissue-specific protein synthesis and degradation, growth factor biology, adipogenesis, and repartitioning of nutrients throughout the body. In our quest to increase productivity and product quality, coupled with advances in scientific techniques, long-existing and emerging genetic mutations with desirable traits were studied and mechanisms undergirding their biology began to develop. Applying the most innovative tools for the detailed manipulation of cellular processes, great strides were made during this time. However, this eclectic area of investigation is perhaps more important than ever given the inevitable replacement of growth promotant technologies with new and emerging genomic technologies. Many biological research challenges lie ahead such as applications of gene editing, RNA control, and epigenetic regulation through fetal programming. This presentation will review some of the significant advances made in the growth and development area and explore where significant gains may be possible in the future.

Ractopamine changes in pork quality are not mediated by changes in muscle glycogen or lactate accumulation postmortem

Pork quality is a product of the rate and extent of muscle pH decline paced by carbohydrate metabolism postmortem. The beta-adrenergic agonist ractopamine (RAC) alters muscle metabolism but has little impact on pork quality. The objective of this study was to determine how feeding RAC alters postmortem carbohydrate metabolism in muscle. Muscle pH was higher early postmortem in pigs fed RAC for 2 wks compared to control, while other time points and temperatures were largely unaffected. Early postmortem, muscle lactate levels were reduced (P < 0.05) after feeding RAC for 1 and 2 wks. Similarly, pigs fed RAC for 4 wks had reduced (P < 0.05) glycogen levels early postmortem compared to control pigs, but unexpectedly, L* values (lightness) increased (P < 0.05) after inclusion of RAC in the diet for 4 wk. These data show RAC feeding reduces glycogen content and changes lactate accumulation postmortem, but raise questions about the role glycolytic flux has in driving pork quality development.

Short-term results of a new self-locking cementless femoral stem: a prospective cohort study of the Lima MasterSL

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty is a successful treatment for hip osteoarthritis. Primary and secondary implant fixation is dependent on implant design and plays an important role in the longevity of an implant. In this study, we assessed the self-locking cementless Master^SL femoral stem.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this single-centre prospective study, 50 consecutive hips with the indication for total hip arthroplasty, who met the inclusion criteria, received the Master^SL stem from LIMA Corporate. Patients had pre- and post-operative clinical and radiological assessment and completed patient-reported outcome measures [Oxford Hip Score (OHS), Harris Hip Score (HHS) and Forgotten Joint Score (FJS)] at the 6-week and 6-, 12- and 24-month mark. Post-operative X-rays were assessed for osteointegration (Engh Score), alignment and subsidence.

RESULTS

After 2 years, aseptic survival was 100%. One hip had to be explanted due to early deep infection and was excluded from the study. At 2 years, the patients reported a significant improved HHS and OHS of 95.3 ± 5.8 and 46.1 ± 3.6 (mean ± standard deviation), respectively, compared to preoperatively. The mean ± standard deviation for the FJS was 86.4 ± 18.7 with two-thirds of the patients reporting a score above 85. The mean Engh score is 15.1 ± 5.9 (mean ± standard deviation) with no patient scoring below 1 which suggests good osteointegration in all femoral stems.

CONCLUSIONS

The Master^SL femoral stem performed well in this short-term follow-up study, with high patient satisfaction and good signs of osteointegration. Long-term follow-up will be necessary to evaluate longevity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3, Prospective cohort study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered on the 30.03.2016 with Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12617000550303).

Muscle from grass- and grain-fed cattle differs energetically

Insufficient acidification results in dark, firm, and dry beef. While this defect is often indicative of a stress event antemortem, muscle tissue may change in response to feeding regime. Longissimus dorsi muscle samples from 10 grain-fed and 10 grass-fed market weight, angus-crossbred beef cattle were collected postmortem. Lower (P < .05) L* and a* values were recorded for steaks from grass-fed cattle. Higher (P < .05) ultimate pH values were noted in lean of grass-fed cattle compared to grain-fed cattle, yet differences in lactate, glycogen and glucose were not detected. Further, increased (P < .05) ultimate pH values and lower (P < .05) lactate accumulations were noted when samples from grass-fed cattle were subjected to an in vitro glycolysis system. Muscle from grass-fed beef possessed nearly two-fold more (P < .05) succinate dehydrogenase and (P < .001) myoglobin than that of grain-fed cattle. These data show lean from grass-fed beef has greater enzymes reflective of oxidative metabolism and suggest dark lean from grass-fed cattle may be a function of more oxidative metabolism rather than a stress-related event antemortem.

Muscle from grass- and grain-fed cattle differs energetically

Insufficient acidification results in dark, firm, and dry beef. While this defect is often indicative of a stress event antemortem, muscle tissue may change in response to feeding regime. Longissimus dorsi muscle samples from 10 grain-fed and 10 grass-fed market weight, angus-crossbred beef cattle were collected postmortem. Lower (P < .05) L* and a* values were recorded for steaks from grass-fed cattle. Higher (P < .05) ultimate pH values were noted in lean of grass-fed cattle compared to grain-fed cattle, yet differences in lactate, glycogen and glucose were not detected. Further, increased (P < .05) ultimate pH values and lower (P < .05) lactate accumulations were noted when samples from grass-fed cattle were subjected to an in vitro glycolysis system. Muscle from grass-fed beef possessed nearly two-fold more (P < .05) succinate dehydrogenase and (P < .001) myoglobin than that of grain-fed cattle. These data show lean from grass-fed beef has greater enzymes reflective of oxidative metabolism and suggest dark lean from grass-fed cattle may be a function of more oxidative metabolism rather than a stress-related event antemortem.

Porcine satellite cells are restricted to a phenotype resembling their muscle origin

Muscles in most domestic animals differ in function and growth potential based largely on muscle fiber type composition. Though much is known about satellite cells (SC), information is limited regarding how populations of SC differ with muscle fiber type, especially in pigs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to isolate and culture SC from red (RST) and white (WST) portions of the semitendinosus muscle of neonatal and adult pigs and determine their capacity to proliferate, differentiate, and express various myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms in vitro. Porcine satellite cells were isolated from RST and WST muscles of 6-wk-old and adult (>6-mo-old) pigs and cultured under standard conditions. Muscle from neonatal pigs yielded nearly 10 times more (P < 0.001) presumptive satellite cells as those from adult pigs, with fusion percentages close to 60% for the former. The RST yielded more (P < 0.001) SC per gram muscle compared to WST, 8.1 ± 0.2 × 10(4) cells versus 6.7 ± 0.1 × 10(4) cells/gram muscle in young pigs, and 9.7 ± 0.4 × 10(3) cells versus 5.5 ± 0.4 × 10(3) cells/gram muscle in adult pigs, respectively. Likewise, satellite cells from RST proliferated faster (P < 0.001) than those from WST across both ages, as indicated by a shorter cell doubling time, 18.6 ± 0.8 h versus 21.3 ± 0.9 h in young pigs, and 23.2 ± 0.7 h versus 26.7 ± 0.9 h in adult pigs, respectively. As a result of shorter times to confluence, satellite cells from RST also formed myotubes earlier than those SC originating from WST. Once induced, however, SC from WST differentiated and fused faster (P < 0.05) as evidenced by fusion percentage within the first 24 h, 41.6% versus 34.3%, respectively; but reached similar ultimate fusion percentages similar to WST by 48 h. Over 90% of MyHC expressed in maximally fused SC cultures from both RST and WST was restricted to the embryonic isoform. Type IIX MyHC mRNA was not detected in any culture. Myotube cultures from RST expressed more (P < 0.01) Type I MyHC isoform mRNA than those from WST, whereas those cultures from WST expressed more (P < 0.05) Type II (including Types IIA and IIB) MyHC transcripts. These data show SC cultures from porcine fast and slow muscles express MyHC profiles largely reflective of their muscle of origin and suggest satellite cells are partially restricted to a particular muscle phenotype in which they are juxtapositioned. Understanding the molecular nature of these intrinsic control mechanisms may lead to improved strategies for augmenting meat animal growth or muscle regeneration.

Sustainable sewerage servicing options for peri-urban areas with failing septic systems

The provision of water and wastewater services to peri-urban areas faces very different challenges to providing services to cities. Sustainable solutions for such areas are increasingly being sought, in order to solve the environmental and health risks posed by failing septic systems. These solutions should have the capability to reduce potable water demand, provide fit for purpose reuse options, and minimise impacts on the local and global environment. A methodology for the selection of sustainable sewerage servicing systems and technologies is presented in this paper. This paper describes the outcomes of applying this methodology to a case study in rural community near Melbourne, Australia, and describes the economic and environmental implications of various sewerage servicing options. Applying this methodology has found that it is possible to deliver environmental improvements at a lower community cost, by choosing servicing configurations not historically used by urban water utilities. The selected solution is currently being implemented, with the aim being to generate further transferable learnings for the water industry.

Molecular cloning and characterization of porcine calcineurin-alpha subunit expression in skeletal muscle

The calmodulin/Ca2+-dependent serine/threonine phophatase, calcineurin (CaN), has been implicated in controlling muscle fiber phenotype. However, little information is available concerning the expression of CaN in porcine skeletal muscle. Therefore, the porcine CaN alpha (CaN-A) was cloned by reverse transcription-PCR and its expression characterized in selected porcine skeletal muscles. We successfully cloned porcine CaN gene using semitendinosus muscle (GenBank accession number AF193515). Sequence analysis showed both the full length and a 30-bp deletion splice variant in coding region of the gene reported in other species. The deduced AA sequence showed 99.4% homology with the rat CaN-A delta isoform gene. Real-time PCR analysis showed CaN is present in all tissues. However, using primers targeting the region containing the 30-bp deletion, the full length sequence is only found in skeletal muscle and brain tissues. Using a CaN-A monoclonal antibody, we localized CaN-A in porcine LM and soleus muscle and the red and white portions of the semitendinosus muscle. The CaN-A protein was abundant in fast fibers and primarily localized in the cytoplasm, whereas slow fibers expressed reduced abundance of CaN-A. Further studies are required to understand the functions of CaN-A isoform in skeletal muscle.

Chronic activation of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase changes myosin heavy chain expression in growing pigs

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 5'-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) on energy metabolism and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform expression in growing pigs using chronic treatment with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-d-ribofuranoside (AICAR) as a model. Four-week-old pigs were given daily injections of AICAR or 0.9% saline for 10 d. Treatment with AICAR increased (P < 0.05) AMPK activity in semitendinosus muscles (STM). Expression of skeletal muscle specific glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) was also enhanced (P < 0.05) by AICAR treatment. Using real-time PCR, electrophoresis, and Western blot analyses, we confirmed that AICAR treatment caused a decrease (P < 0.05) in type IIa MyHC isoform mRNA and protein levels and a concomitant increase (P < 0.05) in type IIx MyHC containing fibers. Consistent with a MyHC isoform shift from IIa to IIx, muscles from pigs treated with AICAR had greater (P < 0.05) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. Moreover, muscle of treated pigs expressed greater (P < 0.05) message for LDH. Administration of AICAR, however, did not alter expression of PPAR-gamma coactivator-1alpha, fatty acid translocase, citrate synthase, or the activity of cytochrome c oxidase. Overall, these results indicate that activation of AMPK by AICAR causes muscle to assume a faster-contracting, more glycolytic nature. These data are in direct contrast to documented effects in rodent models, but these effects may be dependent on the time of administration and the overall growth status of the animal.

Chronic elevated calcium blocks AMPK-induced GLUT-4 expression in skeletal muscle

Muscle contraction stimulates glucose transport independent of insulin. Glucose uptake into muscle cells is positively related to skeletal muscle-specific glucose transporter (GLUT-4) expression. Therefore, our objective was to determine the effects of the contraction-mediated signals, calcium and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), on glucose uptake and GLUT-4 expression under acute and chronic conditions. To accomplish this, we used pharmacological agents, cell culture, and pigs possessing genetic mutations for increased cytosolic calcium and constitutively active AMPK. In C2C12 myotubes, caffeine, a sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium-releasing agent, had a biphasic effect on GLUT-4 expression and glucose uptake. Low-concentration (1.25 to 2 mM) or short-term (4 h) caffeine treatment together with the AMPK activator, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribonucleoside (AICAR), had an additive effect on GLUT-4 expression. However, high-concentration (2.5 to 5 mM) or long-term (4 to 30 h) caffeine treatment decreased AMPK-induced GLUT-4 expression without affecting cell viability. The negative effect of caffeine on AICAR-induced GLUT-4 expression was reduced by dantrolene, which desensitizes the ryanodine receptor. Consistent with cell culture data, increases in GLUT-4 mRNA and protein expression induced by AMPK were blunted in pigs possessing genetic mutations for both increased cytosolic calcium and constitutively active AMPK. Altogether, these data suggest that chronic exposure to elevated cytosolic calcium concentration blocks AMPK-induced GLUT-4 expression in skeletal muscle.

Myosin heavy chain isoform content and energy metabolism can be uncoupled in pig skeletal muscle

Genetic selection for improved growth and overall meatiness has resulted in the occurrence of 2 major mutations in pigs, the Rendement Napole (RN) and Halothane (Hal) gene mutations. At the tissue level, these mutations influence energy metabolism in skeletal muscle and muscle fiber type composition, yet also influence total body composition. The RN mutation affects the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase gamma subunit and results in increased glycogen deposition in the muscle, whereas the Hal mutation alters sarcoplasmic calcium release mechanisms and results in altered energy metabolism. From a meat quality standpoint, these mutations independently influence the extent and rate of muscle energy metabolism postmortem, respectively. Even though these mutations alter overall muscle energy metabolism and histochemically derived muscle fiber type independently, their effects have not been yet fully elucidated in respect to myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform content and those enzymes responsible for defining energetics of the tissue. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the collective effects of the RN and Hal genes on genes and gene products associated with different muscle fiber types in pig skeletal muscle. To overcome potential pitfalls associated with traditional muscle fiber typing, real-time PCR, gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting were used to evaluate MyHC composition and several energy-related gene expressions in muscles from wild-type, RN, Hal, and Hal-RN mutant pigs. The MyHC mRNA levels displayed sequential transitions from IIb to IIx and IIa in pigs bearing the RN mutation. In addition, our results showed MyHC protein isoform abundance is correlated with mRNA level supporting the hypothesis that MyHC genes are transcriptionally controlled. However, transcript abundance of genes involved in energy metabolism, including lactate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, glycogen synthase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, was not different between genotypes. These data show that the RN and Hal gene mutations alter muscle fiber type composition and suggest that muscle fiber energy metabolism and speed of contraction, the 2 determinants of muscle fiber type, can be uncoupled.

Ractopamine induces differential gene expression in porcine skeletal muscles1

Ractopamine (RAC) improves growth by increasing lean accretion and decreasing fat deposition through repartitioning nutrients from adipose tissue to skeletal muscle. Although the process is not completely understood, RAC alters the proportion of muscle fiber type composition toward a faster-contracting phenotype. Because one of the primary determinants of contractile speed is the relative abundance of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms and because the genes encoding these isoforms are transcriptionally regulated, RAC likely alters MyHC gene expression. Using real-time PCR, the relative abundance of transcripts of individual type I, IIA, IIX, and IIB, and total MyHC, as well as glycogen synthase, citrate synthase, lactate dehydrogenase, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor alpha, beta1-adrenergic receptor (AR), and beta2-AR were determined in the LM of 44 pigs fed RAC (20 mg/kg) for 0, 1, 2, or 4 wk. In addition, MyHC isoform expression was determined in the LM and red semitendinosus and white semitendinosus muscles of 48 pigs fed RAC (20 mg/kg) for shorter periods of 12, 24, 48, or 96 h. Type I MyHC expression was unaffected (P > 0.73) by RAC administration. Type IIA MyHC expression decreased (P < 0.0001) by 96 h, was lower (P < 0.0001) by 1 wk, and returned to normal by 4 wk. Type IIX MyHC mRNA decreased (P < 0.001) by 2 wk and continued to decrease (P < 0.0001) by 4 wk. Most interesting was an increase (P < 0.0001) in type IIB MyHC by 12 h, which was maintained at an elevated level throughout the 4-wk feeding period. Abundance of glycogen synthase transcript was increased (P < 0.05) by 12 h, but was not different from controls at 2 wk, and was lower (P < 0.01) at 4 wk. Gene expression of beta1-AR was not affected by feeding RAC, whereas beta2-AR gene expression was decreased (P < 0.05) by 2 wk. These data show MyHC genes are differentially regulated by RAC and suggest that the beta adrenergic agonist-induced repartitioning effect is, in part, mediated by changing muscle fiber type-specific gene expression, perhaps through the beta2-AR.

Contractile protein content reflects myosin heavy-chain isoform gene expression1

Muscle fiber types are classified based on contractile speed and type of metabolism. Fast-contracting fibers involve mainly glycolytic-based metabolism, whereas slow-contracting fibers involve a more oxidative type of energy metabolism. The relationship between expression of the genes controlling these functional characteristics and their relative protein abundance in porcine muscle is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the expression of adult myosin heavy-chain (MyHC) genes and their corresponding protein content in various porcine muscles. Moreover, changes in expression of 2 genes involved in energy metabolism (glycogen synthase and citrate synthase) were determined on muscles varying in MyHC. Using real-time PCR, the relative transcript abundance was determined for the adult MyHC isoforms (types I, IIA, IIX, and IIB), glycogen synthase, and citrate synthase in the masseter (MAS), diaphragm, longissimus, cutaneous trunci, and red and white semitendinosus muscles of 7 pigs. Each muscle was subjected to SDS-PAGE analyses to determine the relative abundance of each MyHC. The relative transcript abundance of type IIB MyHC was greatest (P < 0.05) in the longissimus, white semitendinosus, and cutaneous trunci muscles, whereas type I MyHC expression was greatest (P < 0.05) in the MAS, diaphragm, and red semitendinosus muscles. Glycogen synthase gene expression was least in the MAS (P < 0.01) but exhibited a pattern similar to MyHC IIB expression across muscles. Citrate synthase transcript abundance, however, varied (P < 0.05) independently of MyHC gene expression. Expression of types I and IIB MyHC was correlated with their tissue protein content (R2 = 0.76 and 0.78, respectively), whereas type IIA and X MyHC expression did not correlate with the SDS-PAGE-determined protein content. These data show differences in MyHC gene expression across various porcine muscles and suggest that expression of these genes is reflective of the type of myosin contained within the muscle. Moreover, these data show that expression of energy-specific genes differs greatly across porcine muscles with different functions.

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway is differentially involved in beta-agonist-induced hypertrophy in slow and fast muscles

The molecular mechanisms controlling beta-adrenergic receptor agonist (BA)-induced skeletal muscle hypertrophy are not well known. We presently report that BA exerts a distinct muscle- and muscle fiber type-specific hypertrophy. Moreover, we have shown that pharmacologically or genetically attenuating extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling in muscle fibers resulted in decreases (P < 0.05) in fast but not slow fiber type-specific reporter gene expressions in response to BA exposure in vitro and in vivo. Consistent with these data, forced expression of MAPK phosphatase 1, a nuclear protein that dephosphorylates ERK1/2, in fast-twitch skeletal muscle ablated (P < 0.05) the hypertrophic effects of BA feeding (clenbuterol, 20 parts per million in water) in vivo. Further analysis has shown that BA-induced phosphorylation and activation of ERK occurred to a greater (P < 0.05) extent in fast myofibers than in slow myofibers. Analysis of the basal level of ERK activity in slow and fast muscles revealed that ERK1/2 is activated to a greater extent in fast- than in slow-twitch muscles. These data indicate that ERK signaling is differentially involved in BA-induced hypertrophy in slow and fast skeletal muscles, suggesting that the increased abundance of phospho-ERK1/2 and ERK activity found in fast-twitch myofibers, compared with their slow-twitch counterparts, may account, at least in part, for the fiber type-specific hypertrophy induced by BA stimulation. These data suggest that fast myofibers are pivotal in the adaptation of muscle to environmental cues and that the mechanism underlying this change is partially mediated by the MAPK signaling cascade.

Effects of dietary vitamin E and fat supplementation on pork quality1

The effects of dietary vitamin E (VE, alpha-tocopherol acetate) and fat supplementation on growth and carcass quality characteristics, oxidative stability of fresh and cooked pork patty in storage, fatty acid profiles of muscle and adipose tissue, and VE concentrations of plasma, muscle, and adipose tissue were studied. Six hundred pigs were allocated to 1 of 6 diets and fed for 63 d in a 3 x 2 factorial design. The dietary treatments included 3 fat levels (normal corn, high oil corn, high oil corn plus added beef tallow) and 2 levels of VE supplementation (40 IU/kg, normal VE supplementation; and 200 IU/kg, high VE supplementation). At 113 kg of BW, 54 pigs were slaughtered as a subsample to evaluate dietary effects on pork quality. Growth performance and meat quality characteristics did not differ (P > 0.05) among treatment groups. The high level of VE supplementation had a beneficial effect on the oxidative stability of pork as indicated by thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) values. Lean tissue had lower (P < 0.05) TBARS in the group fed the high VE than in those fed the normal VE level. The TBARS values differed among storage periods (0 to 6 d) and also between fresh and cooked ground ham. Fat type did not significantly affect total saturated and unsaturated fatty acids proportions in the neutral and polar fraction of muscle. Adding VE acetate led to greater (P < 0.05) monounsaturated and total unsaturated fatty acid proportions in neutral lipids of muscle and adipose tissues. Increasing dietary levels of VE acetate increased the concentration of VE in plasma and muscle. These results indicate that dietary VE acetate supplementation increased (P < 0.05) lipid stability and the VE concentration of muscle.

Effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation and feeding period on pork quality

Feeding increased levels of dietary vitamin E can inhibit lipid oxidation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of levels of dietary alpha-tocopherol acetate (VE) and feeding duration on meat quality and lipid oxidation. Eighty-one pigs were allocated to 1 of 3 diets containing 40, 200, or 400 IU of VE/kg of feed, and each diet group was divided into 3 feeding periods (3, 6, or 9 wk). Carcass characteristics and meat quality were evaluated. Oxidative stability of fresh and cooked pork patties and pork chops was determined after chilled or frozen storage. Increasing dietary concentrations of VE did not affect any growth performance parameter. Drip loss, however, decreased (P < 0.05) with increased dietary VE levels. Moreover, an increased duration of VE feeding improved (P < 0.05) pH and drip loss. Less lipid oxidation (P < 0.05) was detected in fresh ground pork from pigs fed greater concentrations of VE after 4 d of storage. A greater (P < 0.05) resistance to oxidation in cooked ground pork was observed in pigs fed 200 or 400 IU of VE/kg at 2 and 6 d of storage. Fresh and cooked pork patty oxidation decreased (P < 0.05) linearly as feeding duration increased from 3 to 9 wk. After 6 mo of freezer storage, lipid oxidation of pork chops from pigs fed 200 or 400 IU of VE/kg was lower (P < 0.05) than for pigs fed 40 IU of VE/kg. Likewise, lipid oxidation of pork chops of pigs fed VE for an extended period of time (6 wk) was lower (P < 0.05) after 9 mo of storage. Fatty acid profiles of neutral lipid fraction of the LM became more unsaturated (P < 0.05) with added VE to the feed. These results indicate an increased intake of dietary VE concentration, and prolonged feeding of VE can improve drip loss and reduce lipid oxidation in ground pork and pork chops. This study suggests that supplementation with 200 IU of VE/kg of feed for 6 wk before market is beneficial in improving lipid stability and pork quality.

Exogenous somatotropin alters IGF axis in porcine endometrium and placenta

The aim of this study was to examine whether exogenous somatotropin (ST) can alter the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis in the porcine epitheliochorial placenta. Crossbred gilts were injected either 6 mg of recombinant porcine ST or vehicle from days 10 to 27 after artificial insemination (term day 116). Control and ST-treated gilts were euthanized on day 28 (8 control/5 treated), day 37 (4 control/6 treated), and day 62 (4 control/6 treated) of gestation. Endometrium and placental tissue samples were collected and subjected to mRNA analyses. In control gilts, somatotropin receptor (STR) and IGF-I mRNA abundance in the endometrium decreased with gestation. Conversely, the amounts of IGF-II mRNA and of IGF binding protein (BP)-2 and -3 mRNA, which were analyzed in endometrium and placental chorion, increased with gestation. The endometrium contained less IGF-II mRNA but more IGFBP-2 and-3 mRNA than the placental chorion. In response to pST treatment, the amounts of endometrial STR and IGF-I mRNA were lower at days 28 and 37, but higher at day 62 of gestation. The content of IGF-II mRNA was higher in the endometrium of pST-treated than control gilts on day 37. The amount of IGFBP-2 mRNA was increased on day 37 in endometrium and placenta of pST-treated gilts, whereas no changes in IGFBP-3 mRNA were observed. The IGF-II/IGFBP-2 ratio was higher in the placenta in response to pST on day 28 of gestation. Results show that pST treatment of pregnant gilts during early gestation alters IGF axis in maternal and fetal placental tissues and suggest pST may exert an effect on fetal growth by altering the relative amount of IGFBPs and IGFs at the fetal-maternal interface.

Paylean alters myosin heavy chain isoform content in pig muscle

Feeding beta-adrenergic agonists promotes muscle growth. Early histological techniques failed to show precisely how feeding ractopamine-HCl (Paylean) alters muscle growth in pigs. To understand these effects, an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the abundance of each adult skeletal muscle myosin heavy chain isoform, one means of assigning muscle fiber type, in fast and slow muscles of pigs fed Paylean. Sixty growing pigs (-85 kg) were randomly assigned to three Paylean doses (0, 20, or 60 ppm). At 3, 7, 14, 28, and 42 d of treatment, four pigs per dose were harvested and white (WST) and red (RST) semitendinosus and longissimus (LM) muscles were removed and processed, and myosin heavy chain was quantified by ELISA. Feeding Paylean enhanced (P < 0.05) pigs' average daily gain. Muscle myosin heavy chain (slow, 2A, 2AX, and 2B) composition differed (P < 0.05) across muscles. Compared with LM, RST contained approximately five times more (P < 0.0001) slow and type 2A myosin heavy chain and three times more 2AX myosin heavy chain but nearly undetectable amounts of 2B myosin heavy chain. Myosin heavy chain composition of the WST closely resembled that of the LM (i.e., greater 2AX and 2B and less slow and 2A). After 42d of 60 ppm Paylean, the amount of slow, 2A, and 2AX myosin heavy chain decreased (P < 0.05) across the three muscles whereas the amount of 2B myosin heavy chain increased (P < 0.05). In contrast, relative amounts of 2A and 2AX myosin heavy chain increased (P < 0.05) in muscle of control pigs at 42d. Changes associated with the 20-ppm dose were intermediate to and different from (P < 0.05) control and 60 ppm treatments. Correlations (P < 0.05) among various myosin heavy chain within muscles suggest that slow, type 2A, and 2X decrease with increases in 2B myosin heavy chain. These data show that administration of Paylean affects myosin heavy chain isoform composition in a time- and dose-dependent manner and provides a mechanism of action for Paylean altering animal growth.

A rapid and transient synthesis of nitric oxide (NO) by a constitutively expressed type II NO synthase in the guinea-pig suprachiasmatic nucleus

1. We have measured extracellular NO/NO(2)(-) concentrations in guinea-pig suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) brain slices using fast cyclic voltammetry. A rapid and transient signal equivalent to 2.2+/-0.2 microM NO/NO(2)(-) (mean+/-s.e.mean, n=13) was detected at 1.26 V, the peak oxidation potential for NO, following local electrical stimulation (five pulses of 0.1 ms duration at 100 Hz, delivered every 5 min). 2. The NO/NO(2)(-) signal was inhibited by the non-selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors L-NAME, L-NMMA and the highly selective type II NOS (iNOS) inhibitor 1400 W (Garvey et al., 1997) in a concentration-dependent manner. IC(50) values were 229 microM (65 - 801, n=3, geomean and 95% confidence intervals (C.I.)), 452 nM (88 - 2310, n=5), and 14.2 microM (3.6 - 54.4, n=5), with maximum inhibitions of 82.8+/-6.7, 46.0+/-8.1, and 90.6+/-3.6%, respectively. 3. Exposure of the slices to the protein synthesis inhibitor cyclohexamide or the inhibitor of type II NOS induction dexamethasone immediately following slice cutting, and for a subsequent 4 - 5 h, did not inhibit the NO/NO(2)(-) signal. 4. The evoked NO/NO(2)(-) signal was not reduced following 6 h perfusion in Ca(2+)-free media, consistent with a Ca(2+)-independent type II NOS activity. 5. PCR for type II NOS revealed the presence of this isotype in the SCN, even immediately following removal of the brain. 6. These studies provide the first evidence to suggest a functional, constitutively-active type II NOS within the brain of normal, healthy adult animals, and add type II NOS to the multiple isotypes of NO synthase playing a role within the mammalian SCN.

Rapid purification of transfected porcine muscle cells

A detailed methodology is described for fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) of porcine muscle cells that have been transfected to express green fluorescent protein (GFP). Cells are liberated from porcine skeletal muscle and primary cultures are transfected with DNA encoding GFP. Primary cultures are subjected to immunocytochemistry using a primary muscle-specific monoclonal antibody followed by incubation with a phycoerythrin-conjugated second antibody. Transfected myoblasts are sorted from fibroblasts using forward angle light scatter and ninety degree light scatter, phycoerythrin fluorescence, and GFP fluorescence. These procedures allow for isolation of genetically- engineered porcine muscle cells more rapidly than traditional clonal selection procedures. Consequently, FACS provides porcine myoblast populations that retain the majority of their replicative capacity and are not contaminated with non-myogenic cells.

Expression of the neuronal calcium sensor protein family in the rat brain

The neuronal calcium sensor proteins are members of the calcium-binding protein superfamily. They control localized calcium signalling on membranes and may make G-protein cascades sensitive to cytosolic calcium. The family members are recoverin (visinin, S-modulin), neuronal calcium sensor-1 (frequenin), hippocalcin, neuronal visinin-like protein-1 (visinin-like protein, neurocalcin-alpha), neuronal visinin-like protein-2 and neuronal visinin-like protein-3. Recoverin is expressed only in the retina and pineal gland. Using in situ hybridization, we mapped the expression of the other neuronal calcium sensor protein genes in the adult rat brain. Neuronal visinin-like protein-1 messenger RNA has a widespread distribution and is abundant in all brain areas except the caudate-putamen. Neuronal calcium sensor-1 gene expression is pan-neuronal. Neuronal calcium sensor-1 messenger RNA is present in the dendrites of hippocampal pyramidal and granule cells, suggesting a specific role in dendritic function. Hippocalcin and neuronal visinin-like protein-2 are mainly expressed in the forebrain and have similar expression patterns (neocortex, hippocampus and caudate-putamen). Neuronal visinin-like protein-3 has the most restricted expression; its highest expression level is in the cerebellum (Purkinje and granule cells). However, the neuronal visinin-like protein-3 gene is also expressed in many ventral nuclei throughout the fore- and midbrain, in the medial habenulae, and in the superior and inferior colliculi. The neuronal calcium sensor proteins are a relatively unexplored family of Ca(2+)-binding proteins. They are likely to be involved in many diverse areas of neuronal signalling. In this paper, we describe their expression in the rat brain as determined by in situ hybridization. As all five neuronal calcium sensor protein genes have distinctive expression patterns, they probably perform specific functions.

Factors affecting production of luciferase and epitope-tagged IGF-I in porcine muscle after DNA injection

Direct DNA injection into porcine skeletal muscle was investigated as an approach for studying roles of locally produced IGF-I on IGF-binding protein (IGFBP) production. To determine parameters for maximal reporter gene expression, and to investigate the effects of dose, time and weaning on exogenous DNA expression, plasmid DNA encoding firefly luciferase under control of a constitutive promoter and enhancer was injected in skeletal muscle of pigs. Results indicate that injected DNA does not migrate beyond 9 mm from injection sites and that 100 microg DNA injections resulted in optimal luciferase activity. Maximum amounts of recombinant protein were observed 3 days after injection, and were reduced by weaning. Using these data, a second DNA injection study was performed using plasmid DNA containing a cDNA insert for epitope-tagged insulin-like growth factor-I (TIGF-I). Significant quantities of TIGF-I were detected by ELISA and confirmed by western blotting. Both IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-2 mRNA were increased in treated muscle compared with controls. We conclude that increased expression of IGF-I in muscle results in increased IGFBP-2. Furthermore, these data indicate that this in vivo approach of gene transfer results in biologically active recombinant protein production in porcine skeletal muscle, and provides an excellent in vivo model for studying the autocrine and (or) paracrine effects of locally produced growth factors in skeletal muscle.

Epitope-tagged insulin-like growth factor-I expression in muscle

Development of a recombinant insulin like growth factor I (IGF-I) that is distinguishable from its endogenous counterpart would provide a powerful tool for delineating the role of IGF in myogenesis. Therefore, the objective of this study was to create an epitope-tagged IGF-I that retains biological activity and determine whether expression of this construct is possible in muscle tissue following direct DNA injection. Expression vectors were created that encoded porcine IGF-I containing a T7 (11-amino acid) epitope-tag (TIGF). Immunoreactivity of the purified recombinant TIGF was confirmed using monoclonal antibodies. Biological activity was evaluated by examining differentiation of myoblasts cultured with TIGF or transfected with TIGF plasmid DNA. Addition of purified TIGF to myoblast cultures stimulated (P < 0.05) muscle creatine kinase levels similar to insulin (10(-5) M). Likewise, transfection of L6A1 with TIGF DNA hastened (P < 0.01) differentiation compared to control pcDNA-transfected myoblasts. The integrity of the recombinant protein was confirmed using a sandwich-configured enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Finally, recombinant TIGF DNA was injected in porcine muscle and the ability to detect TIGF protein was evaluated. TIGF expression was detected in muscle fibers of injected porcine muscle. These data show that a T7 amino acid tag placed on the amino terminus of the IGF-I protein remains intact during processing and does not interfere with the biological activity of the molecule. Use of this DNA construct is an excellent tool for investigating the role of IGFs in control muscle development and provides a model to investigate other regulators of animal growth.

Plasmid transfection and retroviral transduction of porcine muscle cells for cell-mediated gene transfer

Cell-mediated gene transfer is a potential tool for studying muscle growth, but efficient genetic manipulation and implantation strategies have not been developed for pigs. The objectives of the present study were to determine methods for transient and stable incorporation of reporter genes into porcine muscle cells and to investigate their use for cell-mediated gene transfer in pigs. Porcine myoblasts and fibroblasts were isolated from muscle of 2-wk-old male pigs. Myogenic cell lines were identified using muscle-specific monoclonal antibodies, myotube fusion assays, and the presence of muscle-specific markers (MyoD and desmin). Four commercial cationic liposomes (lipofectAMINE, lipofectin, cellFECTIN, and DMRIE-C) were tested at different DNA:lipid ratios for their ability to transfect myoblasts and fibroblasts transiently with a luciferase reporter plasmid. LipofectAMINE resulted in the greatest (P < .01) transient luciferase activity for both cell types. Electroporation of cells for transient transfection resulted in less luciferase activity than cationic transfection. Stable transfections were conducted using a green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter plasmid containing the neomycin resistance gene. LipofectAMINE transfection resulted in stable GFP expression in 1:16,000 myoblasts and 1:33,000 fibroblasts. Stable electroporation resulted in efficiencies that were significantly lower than established with cationic liposomes. Porcine cells were transduced with GFP using vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein G pseudotyped retrovirus and resulted in efficiencies of 1:1.2 for myoblasts and 1:1.1 for fibroblasts. These results show that cationic liposomes are superior to electroporation for transfection, but retroviral transduction produced stable reporter gene expression in > 80% of porcine muscle cells. Transduced GFP-positive cells were separated from GFP-negative cells by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and implanted into 2-wk-old male pigs. On d 4, implanted muscles were removed and subjected to immunodetection of GFP protein. Fibroblast implantation resulted in limited GFP expression within muscle, whereas myoblast implantation resulted in GFP within muscle fibers. This suggests that cell-mediated gene transfer is possible in porcine muscle and may be useful as an approach for studying muscle growth in pigs.

Dietary conjugated linoleic acids alter serum IGF-I and IGF binding protein concentrations and reduce bone formation in rats fed (n-6) or (n-3) fatty acids

A study was designed to examine the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and IGF binding proteins (IGFBP) and the relationship of these factors to bone metabolism. Weanling male rats were fed AIN-93G diet containing 70 g/kg of added fat for 42 days. Treatments included 0 g/kg or 10 g/kg of CLA and soybean oil (SBO) or menhaden oil + safflower oil (MSO) following a 2 x 2 factorial design. Serum IGFBP was influenced by dietary polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) type ((n-6) and (n-3)) and CLA (p = 0.01 for 38-43 kDa bands corresponding to IGFBP-3). CLA increased IGFBP level in rats fed SBO (p = 0.05) but reduced it in those fed MSO (p = 0.01). Rats fed MSO had the highest serum IGFBP-3 level. Both (n-3) fatty acids and CLA lowered ex vivo prostaglandin E2 production in bone organ culture. In tibia, rats given CLA had reduced mineral apposition rate (3.69 vs. 2.79 microm/day) and bone formation rate (BFR) (0.96 vs. 0.65 microm3/microm2/day); however, the BFR tended to be higher with MSO. Dietary lipid treatments did not affect serum intact osteocalcin or bone mineral content. These results showed that dietary PUFA type and CLA modulate local factors that regulate bone metabolism.

Expression and location of IGF binding proteins-2, -4, and -5 in developing fetal tissues

Insulin-like growth factors are associated with myogenesis in vivo, and their actions are mediated by IGF binding proteins (IGFBP). Sites of IGFBP production and their location during early development are not clear. The objective of this research was to examine the developmental expression and location of IGFBP-2, -4, and -5 mRNA and peptides in developing porcine skeletal muscle and liver. Pregnant pigs were euthanatized at various times postconception (pc). Developmental expression of IGFBP was evaluated using total RNA extracted from skeletal muscle and liver of 30-, 44-, 59-, 68-, 75-, 89-, and 109-d pc fetuses and from adult and neonatal pigs. Localization of IGFBP-2, -4, and -5 mRNA and peptides was examined by in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry of muscle samples from contralateral pelvic limbs of each pig. Overall muscle IGFBP gene expression decreased (P < .05) with increasing age. Moreover, expression of liver IGFBP-2 and -5, but not of IGFBP-4, was greater (P < .05) during prenatal than during postnatal periods. The majority of immunoreactive IGFBP was located in developing muscle cells, with little localized to connective tissue, except at later stages of development. These data show that IGFBP-2, -4, and -5 expression is time- and tissue-dependent in fetal liver and muscle.

Health and growth performance of barrows reared in all-in/all-out or continuous flow facilities with or without a chlortetracycline feed additive

OBJECTIVE

To compare health and growth performance in barrows reared in all-in/all-out (AIAO) or continuous flow (CF) management systems.

ANIMALS

400 barrows.

PROCEDURE

Barrows (approx 2 months old) were allotted to 4 replications (100 barrows each); barrows were housed in AIAO or CF rooms (10 pens/room), and 50 pigs/replicate received chlortetracycline (CTC, 110 mg/kg of feed). Barrows from each pen were slaughtered at 3, 4, 5, and 6 months old.

RESULTS

Barrows in the AIAO room had greater total daily gain (TDG) and lean daily gain (LDG) than did barrows in the CF room. Addition of CTC did not improve TDG or LDG in either environment. Barrows in the AIAO room reached body weight of 104.5 kg in 169.7 days, compared with 177.3 days for barrows in the CF room. Feed-to-gain ratio was not affected by management or CTC. Lungs from barrows reared in AIAO facilities had a lower percentage of lesions than did lungs of barrows reared in CF facilities (1.74% vs 9.52%). Addition of CTC did not affect prevalence and extent of lung lesions. Extent of lung lesions was positively correlated with change in serum optical density (OD) to Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (r = 0.35), but not with change in serum OD to Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. Lean growth and serum OD to M. hyopneumoniae and A. pleuropneumoniae were not correlated.

CONCLUSIONS

Health and growth performance were better for barrows in an AIAO facility, compared with a CF facility, but addition of CTC to feed failed to enhance health or performance of barrows in either facility.

Effects of muscle pH and chilling on development of PSE-like turkey breast meat

1. Early post-mortem pH was used to identify PSE-like turkey meat, characterised by a low water-holding capacity and pale colour. In a commercial turkey processing facility, the pH value of turkey breast muscle was measured at 0, 9, 10, 14, 154, 231, and 246 min post mortem. 2. At 14 min post mortem, the carcases were separated into 3 pH classes: low (<5.70), medium (5.70 to 6.18), and high (>6.18). Low pH carcasses (<5.70) had higher drip loss(1.75%) than medium (0.81%) and high pH carcases (0.75%). Furthermore, high pH carcases (>6.18) had a lower L* value (darker) than low and medium pH carcases. 3. The effects of using CO2 'snow' on turkey breast muscle quality were also investigated. Light CO2 'snow' treatment (57 g snow/kg breast) and heavy CO2 treatment (113 g snow/kg breast) resulted in higher drip losses than the control no CO2 snow) group.

Isolation of two populations of myoblasts from porcine skeletal muscle

Studies on the effects of time and passage on porcine primary muscle cell cultures and methods to purify myoblasts were conducted using flow cytometry and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Primary muscle cells cultured on single plates revealed a small cell (<10 mm diameter) population consisting of 90% desmin-positive myoblasts and a large cell (> or = 10 mm diameter) population containing desmin-positive myoblasts and nonmyoblasts. The small myoblasts were detectable up to 28 days but after cell sorting and passage, they became indistinguishable from the large myoblast population. This indicates that pig muscle contains small self-renewing myoblasts similar to humans, that become larger when induced to proliferate. A human myoblast-specific monoclonal antibody allows FACS of both large and small myoblasts from primary cells within 2 days of culture and independent of passage. These characteristics of porcine myoblasts indicate that the pig may be a suitable large animal model for myoblast-mediated gene transfer.

Leptin expression in porcine adipose tissue is not increased by endotoxin but is reduced by growth hormone

The physiologic response to infection includes reductions in tissue concentrations of anabolic growth factors as a means of reducing growth and conserving nutrients for immunologic processes. This repartitioning of nutrients is accompanied by anorexia, which has been linked to increased leptin expression. Furthermore, leptin and growth hormone (GH) concentrations are inversely related, with leptin being required for normal GH release. The objective of this study was to determine if pretreatment with GH would influence endotoxin-induced changes in leptin expression or attenuate endotoxin-induced reductions in serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-1 expression in liver and longissimus muscle. In experiment 1, 40 pigs were assigned to four treatments (n = 10 per treatment) arranged as a 2x2 factorial with GH (s.c. injection, 2 mg 1 h before challenge and 2 mg 2 h after challenge) and endotoxin (single i.m. injection, 25 microg/kg body weight) as main effect variables. Pretreatment with GH resulted in a marked increase (p<0.001) in serum GH within 1 h that was sustained throughout the study. Endotoxin challenge reduced (p<0.003) serum IGF-1 independent of GH (GH x endotoxin, p>0.682), and reduced (p<0.05) IGF-1 expression in longissimus muscle but not liver. Leptin mRNA abundance was reduced 56% (p<0.005) by GH but was not affected by endotoxin (p>0.81). In experiment 2, 36 pigs (n = 12 per treatment) were either allowed ad libitum feed consumption with no injection or deprived of feed and injected twice with either saline or endotoxin 24 h apart. Feed deprivation reduced leptin expression (p<0.05). However, endotoxin did not change leptin expression but markedly increased (p<0.05) serum haptoglobin. These data indicate that changes in IGF-1 status in endotoxin-challenged pigs are independent of serum GH and that leptin expression is not increased by endotoxin challenge in the pig. These data also indicate a regulatory linkage between GH and leptin in vivo.

Cellular and molecular approaches for altering muscle growth and development

Understanding the cellular and molecular processes involved in the development of muscle is necessary to develop new strategies for improving the efficiency of meat-animal production. The objectives of this paper are to review some of the processes of muscle development important to meat animal production, including meat quality, and to identify potential cellular and molecular biological approaches to alter these developmental processes. Some of the processes by which muscle develops can be exploited in order to develop in vivo models for further study of muscle growth. Cell-mediated gene transfer and direct DNA injection are among the many techniques that can be used to develop in vivo animal models, and these models can be developed in meat-producing species. Many of these models will undoubtedly lead to the development of strategies to enhance meat-animal production. Key words: Myogenesis, gene transfer, DNA, muscle fiber, meat quality

Independent effects of food intake and insulin status on insulin-like growth factor-I in young pigs

The independent effects of decreased food intake and diabetic hyperglycemia on serum GH, serum IGF-I and tissue IGF-I expression were examined in young streptozotocin-diabetic pigs. Each of three treatments (control, diabetic, and insulin-treated diabetic) were represented within three levels of regulated food intake (FI) provided as three meals per day equivalent to 100, 50, and 10% of the voluntary FI consumed by the untreated diabetics. Reduction of food intake was associated with decreased body weight gains, decreased serum IGF-I concentrations, and increased serum GH concentrations. Nutrient restriction also tended to decrease the relative abundance of IGF-I mRNA in liver and skeletal muscle. Diabetic pigs with hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia had higher serum concentrations of IGF-I than pair-fed controls, but exogenous insulin treatment of these diabetic pigs increased serum IGF-I even further and also tended to increase the relative abundance of IGF-I mRNA in liver and skeletal muscle. When the statistical effects of reduced FI were eliminated, neither the present form of diabetes nor exogenous insulin affected serum GH. In summary, diabetes-induced changes in IGF-I in these pigs depended primarily on the reduced level of food intake occurring in these hypoinsulinemic, hyperglycemic subjects.

Multiple regions of the porcine alpha-skeletal actin gene modulate muscle-specific expression in cell culture and directly injected skeletal muscle

Transcriptional regulation of the porcine alpha-skeletal actin gene was investigated by comparative transient transfection assays in cultured mammalian cells and by direct DNA injection in skeletal muscle. Intron I sequences were necessary to direct high-level, cell-specific porcine alpha-skeletal actin expression in C2C12 myotubes, but they inhibited transcription in skeletal muscle. A 5' distal sequence (-1929 to -550), had enhancer-like activity in C2C12 myotubes and directly injected muscle, and inhibited transcription in Hela cells. In contrast, a central region (-550 to -388) enhanced basal transcription in directly injected muscle, but not in C2C12 myotubes. A distal regulatory element localized to the 3' untranslated region modulated SV40 promoter activity only in cell culture studies. These results suggest that the intragenic and 3' distal regulatory element may be differentially utilized during differentiation and maturation of skeletal muscle. All three regions decreased SV40 promoter activity in Hela cells, suggesting that they play a role in defining tissue-specific expression of porcine alpha-skeletal actin. Furthermore, different regulatory programs of alpha-skeletal actin expression appear to exist in these two experimental systems.

Increases in insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 accompany decreases in proliferation and differentiation when porcine muscle satellite cells undergo multiple passages

Subjecting cloned porcine myogenic satellite cells to multiple passages leads to decreased rates of cell division and myotube formation. Because IGF have been implicated in the regulation of muscle cell proliferation and differentiation, the present study was conducted to characterize secretion of IGF-I and IGF-binding proteins (IGFBP) in cultures of cloned porcine satellite cells at two stages of multiple passaging. To this end, we obtained a single porcine satellite cell clone that demonstrated relatively high capacities for cellular proliferation and differentiation into myotubes at the fifth passage but that had greatly diminished capacities for proliferation and myotube formation by the seventh passage. The predominant IGFBP secreted by this satellite cell clone was immunologically identified as IGFBP-2, and quantities of it were increased in medium from seventh-passage cultures. Quantities of IGF-I in medium were determined with a newly developed "titration" radioimmunoassay in which interference from IGFBP was minimized by adding a range of saturating quantities of IGF-II. Medium IGF-I concentrations in seventh-passage cultures were also increased relative to the fifth-passage cultures when expressed per unit of DNA. It is hypothesized that the observed increase of IGF-I in medium likely resulted from protective sequestration of IGF-I by IGFBP-2 rather than from enhanced IGF-I secretion. In summary, these data suggest that multiple passaging of cloned porcine satellite cells results in increased secretion of IGFBP-2, which is associated with depressed cell proliferation and myotube formation, perhaps because the increased IGFBP-2 sequestered IGF-I and reduced its bioactivity.

Properties of GABA(A) receptors in cultured rat oligodendrocyte progenitor cells

We have studied the properties of GABA responses in oligodendrocyte-type 2 astrocyte (O-2A) progenitor cells derived from primary cultures of the neonatal rat brain. In whole cell voltage clamp recordings, rapid application of 1-10 mM GABA elicited current responses in > 85% of the cells examined. The dose-response relationship pooled from nine progenitor cells was best fit by a logistic function of EC50=113 microM and Hill coefficient=0.9. In contrast to the rate of current deactivation, the rate of current activation exhibited marked concentration-dependence. Pharmacologically, GABA, muscimol and ZAPA ((Z)-3[(aminiiminomethyl)thio]prop-2-enoic acid sulphate) produced responses with ligand-specific kinetics, whereas glycine and the GABA(C) receptor agonist CACA were without effect; bicuculline methochloride acted as a competitive antagonist. Neither the amplitude nor the kinetics of currents produced by 100 microM GABA were affected by the benzodiazepine flunitrazepam (1 microM). Similarly the benzodiazepine receptor inverse agonist DMCM (1 microM) was also without effect. GABA-activated currents reversed polarity within 2 mV of the calculated Cl- equilibrium potential. With brief agonist pulses deactivation was monoexponential, however, unlike neurones the rate of deactivation was voltage-independent. Desensitisation of responses to 10 mM GABA was bi-exponential and accelerated at depolarised membrane potentials. Increasing the amount of GABA(A) receptor desensitisation (by increasing the duration of the agonist exposure) consistently produced a slowing of deactivation.

Developmental expression and location of IGF-I and IGF-II mRNA and protein in skeletal muscle

To investigate the role of IGF in muscle development in vivo, developmental expression and location of IGF-I and -II protein and mRNA were examined in fetal, postnatal, and adult skeletal muscle. Muscle tissue was collected from 30-, 44-, 59-, 68-, 75-, 89-, and 109-d porcine fetuses, 21-d neonatal pigs, and 6-mo-old (adult) pigs. Relative amounts of IGF-II mRNA peaked (P < .05) in 59-d fetal muscle and decreased thereafter. Inversely, muscle IGF-I expression increased (P < .05) to maximal levels around birth. For in situ hybridization, frozen muscle tissue sections (10 microm) were hybridized with a hydrolyzed form of the same riboprobes or incubated with polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies to IGF-I or -II, respectively. The majority of IGF-I and IGF-II mRNA was localized to developing muscle fibers, whereas little signal was found in the surrounding connective tissues. Immunofluorescent localization of IGF-I and -II confirmed that muscle IGF are present in developing muscle fibers. Collectively, these data show that IGF-I and -II are expressed and produced primarily in muscle cells within developing muscle tissue and support the hypothesis that IGF-I and -II modulate fetal muscle development.

DNA regions supporting hippocalcin gene expression in cell lines

The rat hippocalcin gene -3.2 to +0.6 kb region activates reporter gene expression in the NG108-15 and PC12 neuronal cell lines, but not in NIH3T3 or HEK-293 cells. Three fragments (-3.2 to -2.6, -2.6 to -2.3 and -2.3 to -1.8 kb) weakly activate transcription, and "-1.8 to -1.5" kb is a strong activator. Thus cell type-specific expression of the rat hippocalcin gene is regulated by distributed elements in the -3.2 to -1.5 kb region.

Construction of a 1.2-Mb sequence-ready contig of chromosome 11q13 encompassing the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) gene. The European Consortium on MEN1

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant familial cancer syndrome characterized by parathyroid, pancreatic, and anterior pituitary tumors. The MEN1 locus has been previously localized to chromosome 11q13, and a 2-Mb gene-rich region flanked by D11S1883 and D11S449 has been defined. We have pursued studies to facilitate identification of the MEN1 gene by narrowing this critical region to a 900-kb interval between the VRF and D11S1783 loci through melotic mapping. This was achieved by investigating 17 cosmids for microsatellite polymorphisms, which defined two novel polymorphisms at the VRF and A0138 loci, and utilizing these to characterize recombinants in MEN1 families. In addition, we have established a 1200-kb sequence-ready contig consisting of 26 cosmids, eight BACs, and eight PACs that encompass this region. The precise locations for 19 genes and three ESTs within this contig have been determined, and three gene clusters consisting of a centromeric group (VRF, FKBP2, PNG, and PLCB3), a middle group (PYGM, ZFM1, SCG1, SCG2 (which proved to be the MEN1 gene), and PPP2R5B), and a telomeric group (H4B, ANG3, ANG2, ANG1, FON, FAU, NOF, NON, and D11S2196E) were observed. These results represent a valuable transcriptional map of chromosome 11q13 that will help in the search for disease genes in this region.

Identification of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) gene. The European Consortium on MEN1

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by tumours of the parathyroids, pancreas and anterior pituitary that represents one of the familial cancer syndromes. The MEN1 locus has been previously localised to chromosome 11q13, and a <300 kb gene-rich region flanked centromerically by PYGM and telomerically by D11S1783 defined by combined meiotic and tumour deletion mapping studies. Two candidate genes, ZFM1 and PPP2R5B, from this region have been previously excluded, and in order to identify additional candidate genes we used a BAC to isolate cDNAs from a bovine parathyroid cDNA library by direct selection. One of the novel genes that we identified, SCG2, proved to be identical to the recently published MEN1 gene, which is likely to be a tumour suppressor gene. The SCG2 transcript was 2.9 kb in all tissues with an additional 4.2 kb transcript also being present in the pancreas and thymus. Mutational analysis of SCG2 in 10 unrelated MEN1 families identified one polymorphism and nine different heterozygous mutations (one missense, four non-sense, one insertional and three deletional frameshifts) that segregated with the disease, hence providing an independent confirmation for the identification of the MEN1 gene.

Characterization of the rat hippocalcin gene: the 5' flanking region directs expression to the hippocampus

Hippocalcin is an EF-hand [Persechini A. et al. (1989) Trends Neurosci. 12, 462-467] Ca2+ binding protein encoded by a neuron-specific gene. A detailed atlas of hippocalcin messenger RNA expression in the adult rat brain was complied using in situ hybridization. Highest levels of messenger RNA are found in the hippocampus, where messenger RNA is localized in proximal dendrites of CA pyramidal cells. Expression is also seen in other brain regions, including the neocortex, caudate-putamen, taenia tecti, claustrum, olfactory tubercle, anterior olfactory nucleus, and granule cell and glomerular layers of the olfactory bulb. The rat hippocalcin gene spans approximately 9 kb and consists of three exons, separated by introns of 6.7 and 0.25 kb. Sequence analysis of the putative proximal promoter region identified two clusters of multiple E-box sites which may regulate the cell-specific expression. Two lacZ fusion constructs carrying 0.9 and 3.4 kb of rat hippocalcin gene upstream region were used to create transgenic mice. With the 3.4 kb construct, transgene expression varied between founder mice, but was always found in the dentate gyrus and CA1-CA4 regions of the hippocampus, thus partly mimicking the expression of the endogenous gene. For the 0.9 kb construct, the levels of lacZ expression were weaker and more variable. Neither construct showed expression in any peripheral tissues examined. To establish an in vitro model of transcriptional regulation, the 3.4 and 0.9 kb 5' upstream regions were fused to a promoterless reporter gene encoding chloramphenicol acetyltransferase and transiently transfected into the hippocalcin-positive NG-108 cells. The 3.4 kb construct was strongly expressed, whilst the 0.9 kb construct was not expressed. In this paper, we describe the detailed expression pattern of the rat hippocalcin gene, the gene structure and its neuron-specific promoter.

Structure and regulation of the porcine skeletal alpha-actin-encoding gene

The postnatal increase in skeletal alpha-actin (Sk-alpha-Act) synthesis in pigs is due, in part, to increased transcription. To characterize the factors responsible for its transcriptional regulation, we have cloned and determined the nucleotide sequence of a 5.2-kb HindIII genomic DNA fragment which contains the complete coding region of Sk-alpha-Act distributed over seven exons, plus 1.9 kb of 5' flanking region and 0.5 kb of 3' flanking sequence. The major transcription start point (tsp) of Sk-alpha-Act was determined to be 840 bp 5' to the ATG start codon by primer extension and RNase protection analysis. To demonstrate that the Sk-alpha-Act promoter was functional, L6 myoblasts, C2C12 myoblasts and HeLa cells were transfected with a construct (pPSKAFL-CAT) linking the 5' Sk-alpha-Act promoter to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene (cat). Cell lysates from L6 myoblasts, L6 myotubes, C2C12 myoblasts, C2C12 myotubes, and HeLa cells were analyzed for CAT activity. CAT activity was detected only in C2C12 myotubes. Thus, the porcine Sk-alpha-Act promoter is regulated in a developmental and cell-type specific manner.

Characterization of a cerebellar granule cell-specific gene encoding the gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor alpha 6 subunit

The alpha 6 subunit of gamma-aminobutyric type A receptors is a marker for cerebellar granule cells and is an attractive candidate to study cell-specific gene expression in the brain. The mouse alpha 6 subunit gene has nine exons and spans approximately 14 kb. The largest intron (intron 8) is approximately 7 kb. For a minority of mRNAs, a missplice of the first exon was identified that disrupts the signal peptide and most likely results in the production of nonfunctional protein. The gene is transcribed from a TATA-less promoter that uses multiple start sites. Using transgenic mice, it was found that the proximal 0.5 kb of the rat alpha 6 gene upstream region confers expression on a beta-galactosidase reporter gene. One founder gave rise to a line with cerebellar granule cell-specific expression, although expression varied with lobule region. Other founders had ectopic but neuron-specific expression, with beta-galactosidase found in cerebellar Purkinje cells, neocortex, thalamus, hippocampus, caudate-putamen, and inferior colliculi. Thus, we have defined a region containing the basal promoter of the alpha 6 subunit gene and that confers neuron-specific expression.

Extrinsic regulation of domestic animal-derived satellite cells

Satellite cells are the postnatal myogenic cells, as they provide myonuclei to support skeletal muscle hypertrophy and are principal cells responsible for myofiber repair and regeneration. Even though research with satellite cells from meat animals is new, considerable data exist to suggest that these cells are regulated through both intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. This review covers the present status of the extrinsic factors known or postulated to modulate meat animal satellite cell growth and development.

FISH localization of the soluble thymidine kinase gene (TK1) to human 17q25, a region of chromosomal loss in sporadic breast tumors

Soluble thymidine kinase (TK1) is an important 17q marker in somatic cell genetics. Its activity is increased in many malignancies, including breast cancer. Through somatic cell hybrid and fluorescence in situ hybridization studies, we mapped TK1 to 17q25.2-->25.3, in region demonstrating loss of heterozygosity in primary breast tumors. It lies near D17S836 and is proximal to the avian erythroblastic leukemia viral oncogene homolog 2-like gene (ERBA2L).

In-vivo analysis of serum-borne growth factors in developing co-twinned fetuses

Double-muscled fetuses develop more muscle fibers than normal-muscled fetuses. To examine whether serum growth factors modulate muscle development in cattle, twin pregnancies were induced in eight Holstein heifers using embryos from Belgian Blue and Holstein genetics representing heavy (HM) and light (LM) muscled cattle, respectively. Twin combinations were 1) two pairs of Belgian Blue fetuses that were designated as HM (HM), 2) two pairs of Holstein fetuses that were designated as LM (LM), and 3) four pairs of mixed fetuses; the four Holstein fetuses were designated as LM (HM) and the four Belgian Blue fetuses were designated as HM (LM). Pregnancies were terminated at 175 +/- 5 d after conception and fetuses, with evidence of vascular anastomosis, were dissected. Carcass weights were greatest (P < .05) for HM fetuses. Total bone and individual femur weights were greatest (P < .05) for LM (LM) fetuses. Total skeletal muscle mass and mass of semitendinosus, quadriceps femoris, infraspinatus, and longissimus muscles were in the order of HM (HM) > HM (LM) > LM (HM) = LM (LM) (P < .05). Estimated apparent muscle fiber number determined from a cross-section of semitendinosus muscle was in the order of HM (LM) > HM (HM) > LM (HM) = LM (LM) (P < .05). These data show that the presence of a co-twinned fetus with a lower genetic propensity for muscle development reduces the capacity of heavily muscled fetuses to develop muscle mass by 175 d after conception and strongly support the idea that blood-borne factors regulate muscle hypertrophy in fetal cattle.

Insulin-like growth factor-II expression in developing skeletal muscle of double muscled and normal cattle

Double muscled (DM) cattle possess nearly 40% more muscle fibers than normal muscled (NM) beef or dairy cattle. Previous work showed that serum from DM fetuses stimulated proliferation of L6 myoblasts to a greater extent than serum from NM fetuses. Although the exact role of insulin-like growth factor-II (IGF-II) in the regulation of fetal myogenesis is unknown, it has been shown to serve as a autocrine-acting growth factor during terminal differentiation of myoblasts in mitogen-depleted culture media. Delay of IGF-II expression may alter the ultimate number of muscle fibers formed during fetal development. To investigate this, forty-seven skeletal muscle and twenty-nine liver samples were collected from NM fetuses representing fetuses grouped by crown-rump lengths (CRL) of < 20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70 or > 70 cm. Twelve DM fetuses representing 20, 40, 50, and 85 cm were compared to NM groups with the same CRL. Total RNA preparations from these samples were subjected to northern and dot blot analysis using rat IGF-II and beta actin cDNAs and a human 28S rRNA oligomer. IGF-II transcripts of 4.5, 3.6, 2.75, 2.5, and 1.15 kilobases (kb) were detected in liver and muscle RNA from both DM and NM fetuses. Liver IGF-II expression increased (P < 0.05) in both DM and NM fetuses with CRL. Mean concentrations of muscle IGF-II mRNA initially increased (P < 0.05), then decreased (P < 0.05) with CRL in DM and NM fetuses. Muscle IGF-II mRNA was greater (P < 0.05) for NM fetuses compared to DM fetuses at 20 cm CRL, whereas at 53 cm CRL, DM muscle IGF-II was greater (P < 0.05) than that of NM fetuses. These results show that the maximum expression of muscle IGF-II is delayed in DM fetuses compared to NM fetuses. This delayed expression may play an explicit role in controlling myogenesis in the development of double muscle cattle.

RNA transcription in porcine skeletal muscle nuclei during postnatal development

Postnatal developmental pretranslational regulation of skeletal muscle alpha-actin gene expression was investigated. Northern blot analysis of skeletal muscle alpha-actin and beta-tubulin mRNA from 1- and 28-day-old pigs indicated that there are developmental increases in alpha-actin mRNA abundance (P < 0.03) and no significant changes in beta-tubulin mRNA (P > 0.1). A system for isolation of nuclei from porcine skeletal muscle and for transcriptional "run-on" analysis was established in order to investigate the regulatory mechanism of developmental changes in porcine skeletal muscle protein. Skeletal muscle nuclei were isolated from longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of 1- and 28-day-old pigs by adapting a method to isolate nuclei from cardiac muscle. Results from a [3H]-UTP incorporation assay indicate that these nuclei preparations have the capacity to synthesize RNA and attain maximum incorporation after 40-45 min at 26 degrees C. Messenger RNA syntheses from skeletal muscle nuclei from 1- and 28-day-old pigs were not significantly different (P > 0.25). All nascent tRNA, rRNA, and mRNA in the nuclei were elongated since [3H]-UTP incorporation was reduced after addition of 0.05 micrograms/ml alpha-amanitin to the transcription mixture. Transcription "run-on" assay results indicated that more (P < 0.02) skeletal muscle alpha-actin pre-mRNA was synthesized in the 28-day-old pig skeletal muscle nuclei than in the 1-day-old pig skeletal muscle nuclei. These results indicate that the relative increase in skeletal muscle alpha-actin mRNA observed in the older animals was due, at least in part, to an increase in the transcriptional activity of the skeletal muscle alpha-actin gene.

Porcine somatotropin decreases acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene expression in porcine adipose tissue

Crossbred barrows were treated daily with porcine somatotropin (pST; 4 mg/d) from 79 to 127 kg BW to determine whether pST regulates the activity and gene expression of adipose tissue acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), the rate limiting enzyme in de novo fatty acid synthesis. Administration of pST reduced ACC enzyme activity, protein content, and mRNA abundance in adipose tissue by 40 to 50%. When comparisons were made among all pigs, ACC enzyme activity and mRNA abundance were closely associated (r2 = .94). In summary, our results indicate that pST decreases ACC enzyme activity and that this is associated with a significant reduction in ACC mRNA abundance. We speculate that decreased ACC enzyme activity results from a reduction in ACC protein and that this occurs because pST reduces the abundance of mRNA available for translation.