The effect of N-arachidonoylethanolamide administration on energy and fat metabolism of early lactating dairy cows

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of N-arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA), an endocannabinoid with orexigenic characteristics, on plasma endocannabinoid concentrations, feed intake, energy balance, lipomobilisation, and hepatic lipid metabolism of early-lactating dairy cows. The experiment involved 10 pairs of Holstein half-sibling cows (end of 2nd-3rd pregnancy). Half-sibs of each pair were randomly assigned to either AEA (n = 10) or control (CON) group (n = 10). From day 1 to 30 postpartum, the AEA group received 5 intraperitoneal injections per week of 3 µg/kg body weight AEA and the CON group 0.9% NaCl. In week 1-3 postpartum, AEA administration had no effect on dry matter intake, body weight, or lipomobilisation, but increased plasma triglyceride concentration on d 21 p.p. and mRNA abundances of genes related to hepatic triglyceride synthesis. In week 4 postpartum, the AEA group showed reduced feed intake and whole-body carbohydrate oxidation, but increased whole-body fat oxidation and hepatic lipid accumulation, likely as a result of a counter-regulatory leptin increase. In conclusion, the present study shows a tissue-specific AEA insensitivity and may point to a leptin-controlled regulation of the ECS in early-lactation.

Endocannabinoid administration affects taste preference and the expression of cannabinoid and opioid receptors in the amygdala of early lactating cows

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of intraperitoneal N-arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) on taste preference for feed and water, tongue taste receptor signalling (TAS1R2, GNAT3), and endocannabinoid (CNR1, CNR2, GPR55) and opioid (OPRD1, OPRK1, OPRM1, OPRL1) receptors in the amygdala and nucleus accumbens in periparturient cows. We conducted taste preference tests using unaltered, umami-tasting, and sweet-tasting water and feed, before and after calving. After calving, eight cows received AEA injections (3 µg/(kg bodyweight × day), 25 days), whereas eight control (CON) cows received saline injections. Tissue was sampled 30 days after calving. Before calving, both cow groups preferred sweet-tasting feed and umami-tasting water. After calving, only the AEA-treated group preferred sweet-tasting feed, whereas the CON group showed no clear taste preference. In the amygdala, the mRNA expression of CNR1, OPRD1 (left hemisphere) and OPRK1 (right hemisphere) was lower in AEA animals than in CON animals, whereas no differences were found in the nucleus accumbens and tongue taste receptor expression. In conclusion, AEA administration enhanced existing taste preferences and reduced the expression of specific endocannabinoid and opioid receptors in the amygdala. The results support endocannabinoid-opioid interactions in the control of taste-dependent feed preference in early lactating cows.

[Digital luminescence radiography in comparison with the conventional film-screen technique in diagnosis of fractures]

PURPOSE

The accuracy of digital luminescence radiography was compared with that of conventional film/screen techniques, using animal preparations and clinical examinations.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Fine fissures were made in 8 animal bones and these were examined radiologically. The digital examinations were carried out with and without edge enhancement. 208 patients were examined in a similar way. Film quality and assessment of the fractures were evaluated quantitatively.

RESULTS

In no instance did either of the digital methods provide inferior quality when compared with conventional films. ROC analysis for evaluation of fractures in patients, using an experienced radiologist, showed no significant difference between the various methods (ROC areas: conventional 0.947, digital 0.958, digital with edge enhancement 0.943). With a less experienced observer there were significant advantages for both digital methods (ROC areas: 0.851, 0.886, 0.908).

CONCLUSION

Our investigation has proved that fractures which are difficult to see can be reliably demonstrated by digital luminescence radiography.

[Covered uterine rupture in uterus bicornis with placenta increta. A case report]

The case of a woman patient of 30 years of age is reported in whom spontaneous rupture of the uterus occurred in the 22nd week of pregnancy due to a uterus bicornis with placenta increta. The very rare disease pattern, which is often associated with many complications, of a disturbance of implantation of the placenta, often demands immediate surgery and can mostly be diagnosed only retrospectively. Hence, an early recognition method would be desirable. Basing on the literature, the significant rôle played by sonographic diagnosis in this connection is pointed out.

[Experience of early pregnancy. Case study in 10 primiparee and their partners]

Ten couples with their first pregnancy were followed to the end of the second trimester of pregnancy by semi-standardized interviews on their coping with the pregnancy. Typical symptoms of early pregnancy such as nausea and vomiting were not always considered to be a nuisance but at times desired in view of an identification with the pregnancy and the growing infant. It was proof to be pregnant. The first six months of the pregnancy are characterized by a growing responsibility of the parents for each other but also by new conflicts in the relationship between the partners. The involvement of the male partner is higher when there is a higher desire for conception and parenthood. The quickening is a important event since the fetus is now thought of more and more as a baby and pregnancy is more openly admitted in public. Coping with the early pregnancy is easier understood if the emotions are recognized scientifically as an original and important dimension. This dimension is basically different from the technical rationality of modern medicine and requires integration of rationality and intuition.