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Apgar scoring of 97 puppies from 18 litters delivered either by medical induction (Group I, n=9) or emergency caesarean section (Group II, n=9) was carried out. A total of 54 and 43 puppies were delivered in group I and II, respectively and their Apgar scores measured at 5min and one hour after birth. The mean ± SE Apgar scores measured at 5min of birth in group I and group II were 3.96 ± 0.38 and 4.84 ± 0.39, respectively. The mean ± SE Apgar scores of puppies at one hour of birth in group I and group II were 6.09 ± 0.31and 6.93 ± 0.33, respectively. Apgar scores at different time periods did not vary significantly between groups but varied significantly within the group. The association between Apgar score at one hour and survivability of puppies at 24 h of birth was analysed. The puppy mortality rate was significantly (p<0.01) higher (63.64 per cent) among those which scored 0-3 than other Apgar scores in group I. The puppy mortality rate and survival rate did not vary significantly (p>0.05) between different Apgar scores of puppies within group II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood lactate concentration is known to be a good prognostic indicator associated with the severity of illness and the patient's outcome both in human and veterinary medicine. It also plays a significant role in the assessment of the newborn, being a good indicator of fetal hypoxia and the ideal predictor of morbidity at term in babies. In veterinary neonatal medicine, hyperlactatemia is considered a valid prognostic marker in critically ill foals; moreover, blood lactate measurement has been proposed for the evaluation of newborn viability and the assessment of fetal distress during delivery in dogs. Unfortunately, only a few studies have been published concerning the canine species. The present work examines 67 brachycephalic newborn dogs and their mothers, with the aim to evaluate the time-dependent changes of blood lactate and glucose concentration during the first 24 h after vaginal or caesarean delivery both in puppies and bitches. To our knowledge, this is the first published study examining the time-dependent changes of these parameters in the bitch after parturition. Within the studied population of puppies, non-surviving was significantly associated with a higher lactatemia and a lower APGAR score. Blood lactate was high at birth then progressively decreased during the first 24 h of life and a lack of normalization of blood lactate levels within this time interval was suggestive for a poor prognosis for the newborn dogs; moreover, the decrease appeared to be slower after vaginal delivery. Lactatemia also showed a positive correlation with glycemia at birth. Concerning the bitches examined, blood lactate was found to be significantly higher after vaginal delivery than after caesarean section; the normalization occurred within 24 h after parturition. Blood glucose level was significantly higher at 2 h from delivery both in the group of bitches submitted to caesarean section and in those undergoing natural whelping but no statistical correlation was found between maternal glycemia and lactatemia. The results of the present study highlighted that the monitoring of lactatemia during the first 24 h of life, in association with the assessment of the APGAR score at birth, can be an useful prognostic tool helping to identify the most severely distressed puppies and to provide them an adequate support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate use of single manual alveolar recruitment maneuvers (ARMs) to eliminate atelectasis during CT of anesthetized foals. ANIMA LS: 6 neonatal Standardbred foals. PROCEDURES: Thoracic CT was performed on spontaneously breathing anesthetized foals positioned in sternal (n = 3) or dorsal (3) recumbency when foals were 24 to 36 hours old (time I), 4 days old (time 2), 7 days old (time 3), and 10 days old (time 4). The CT images were collected without ARMs (all times) and during ARMs with an internal airway pressure of 10, 20, and 30 cm H20 (times 2 and 3). Quantitative analysis of CT images measured whole lung and regional changes in attenuation or volume with ARMs. RESULTS: Increased attenuation and an alveolar pattern were most prominent in the dependent portion of the lungs. Subjectively, ARMs did not eliminate atelectasis; however, they did incrementally reduce attenuation, particularly in the nondependent portion of the lungs. Quantitative differences in lung attenuation attributable to position of foal were not identified. Lung attenuation decreased significantly (times 2 and 3) and lung volume increased significantly (times 2 and 3) after ARMs. Changes in attenuation and volume were most pronounced in the nondependent portion of the lungs and at ARMs of 20 and 30 cm H20. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Manual ARMs did not eliminate atelectasis but reduced attenuation in nondependent portions of the lungs. Positioning of foals in dorsal recumbency for CT may be appropriate when pathological changes in the ventral portion of the lungs are suspected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental exposure to BPA adversely affects reproductive function. In sheep, prenatal BPA treatment induces reproductive neuroendocrine defects, manifested as LH excess and dampened LH surge and perturbs early ovarian gene expression. In this study we hypothesized that prenatal BPA treatment will also disrupt ovarian follicular dynamics. Pregnant sheep were treated from days 30 to 90 of gestation with 3 different BPA doses (0.05, 0.5, or 5 mg/kg BW/day). All female offspring were estrus synchronized and transrectal ultrasonography was performed daily for 22 days to monitor ovarian follicular and corpora lutea dynamics. Blood samples were collected to assess preovulatory hormonal changes and luteal progesterone dynamics. Statistical analysis revealed that the time interval between the estradiol rise and the preovulatory LH surge was shortened in the BPA-treated females. None of the three BPA doses had an effect on corpora lutea, progestogenic cycles, and mean number or duration of ovulatory and non-ovulatory follicles. However, differences in follicular count trajectories were evident in all three follicular size classes (2-3 mm, 4-5 mm, and ≥ 6 mm) of prenatal BPA-treated animals compared to controls. Number of follicular waves tended also to be more variable in the prenatal BPA-treated groups ranging from 2 to 5 follicular waves per cycle, while this was restricted to 3 to 4 waves in control females. These changes in ovarian follicular dynamics coupled with defects in time interval between estradiol rise and preovulatory LH release are likely to lead to subfertility in prenatal BPA-treated females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neonatal period is the time when the foal adapts to extrauterine life. During this challenging time the client and veterinary professional need to be familiar with the normal differences and changes that happen to the healthy foal. This article will provide some insight into the physiological and physical characteristics unique to the equine neonate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In humans, a germline mutation (c.309C>G) in the TW1ST1. oncogene may predispose to breast cancer and its expression has been associated with tumour progression and metastasis. In this study, the feline TWIST1 gene was screened for sequence variations in 37 neoplastic and eight hyperplastic mammary gland lesions from cats. In addition, mRNA levels were examined in 15 mammary tumours and three cases of mammary hyperplasia by quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR. Feline mammary carcinomas had significantly lower levels of expression of TWIST1 mRNA than benign mammary tumours. No variations were identified in the TWIST1 coding region in feline mammary tumours and the mutation described in humans was not detected. However, two germline variants in the TWIST1 gene intron were identified in four and three carcinomas, respectively: GQ167299:g.535delG and GQ167299:g.460C>T. There was no association between these sequence alterations and TW1ST1 mRNA levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Early life immune challenge has been considered an adaptive defense strategy against potential pathogens when the innate immune system is not completely developed. This study assesses whether neonatal endotoxin challenge alters body temperature response in adult female rats during endotoxemic shock and also, whether ovarian hormones may participate in this response. Methods: Rats were intraperitoneally injected with lipopolysacharide (LPS) or saline at post-natal day 14, then as adults they were submitted to endotoxemic shock. Results: The LPS injection in adult neonatal Saline rats caused an initial hypothermia, followed by a febrile response. However, neonatal LPS showed an increased hypothermic response and an attenuation of fever. The bilateral ovariectomy abolished the difference in body temperature between the neonatal LPS and saline rats. To determine the dependence of ovarian hormones, ovariectomized rats treated with estradiol cypionate (ECP) restored hypothermia and the suppressed febrile response. However, the same results were not obtained when the animals were supplemented with ECP and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). The neonatal LPS rats displayed a significant reduction in TNF-α levels and an increase in IL-10 levels when compared with saline animals. The ECP injection significantly enhanced IL-10 and suppressed TNF-α in neonatal LPS, but it did not change the inflammatory response in the saline rats. The ECP + MPA regiment in the neonatal LPS rats reduced TNF-α, but eliminated IL-10 stimulation in comparison with the saline group. Conclusion: The present investigation shows that neonatal LPS challenge alters the thermoregulatory response during endotoxemic shock in adulthood and the mechanism for this difference could be mediated by sex hormones, especially estradiol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhodococcus equi is an important pathogen in equine neonatology that is ubiquitous and a normal intestinal inhabitant of equines. All foals are exposed at birth, however, some foals develop disease and others do not. This article reviews concepts of the equine immune response, both in the immune adult and susceptible neonate, with respect to this pathogen. Humoral immune responses are addressed, with a discussion on the use of hyperimmune plasma as a prophylactic tool. The role that innate immune mechanisms play in the susceptibility of some foals to R. equi infection is also highlighted. Likewise, cell-mediated immune components are reviewed, with particular attention directed towards research to develop an effective vaccine for foals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The consequences of exposure to developmental neurotoxicants are influenced by environmental factors. In the present study, we examined the role of dietary fat intake. We administered parathion to neonatal rats and then evaluated whether a high-fat diet begun in adulthood could modulate the persistent effects on 5HT and DA systems. Neonatal rats received parathion on postnatal days 1–4 at 0.1 or 0.2mg/kg/day, straddling the cholinesterase inhibition threshold. In adulthood, half the animals in each exposure group were given a high-fat diet for 8weeks. We assessed 5HT and DA concentrations and turnover in brain regions containing their respective cell bodies and projections. In addition, we monitored 5HT1A and 5HT2 receptor binding and the concentration of 5HT presynaptic transporters. Neonatal parathion exposure evoked widespread increases in neurotransmitter turnover, indicative of presynaptic hyperactivity, further augmented by 5HT receptor upregulation. In control rats, consumption of a high-fat diet recapitulated many of the changes seen with neonatal parathion exposure; the effects represented convergent mechanisms, since the high-fat diet often obtunded further increases caused by parathion. Neonatal parathion exposure causes lasting hyperactivity of 5HT and DA systems accompanied by 5HT receptor upregulation, consistent with “miswiring” of neuronal projections. A high-fat diet obtunds the effect of parathion, in part by eliciting similar changes itself. Thus, dietary factors may produce similar synaptic changes as do developmental neurotoxicants, potentially contributing to the increasing incidence of neurodevelopmental disorders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This retrospective study describes the use of and complications associated with parenteral nutrition (PN) administration to 53 equine neonates at the University of California Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Medical records were examined and information obtained on signalment, physical examination, clinical diagnosis, outcome, total hospitalization time, insulin administration, microbiology culture results, other complications (i.e. thrombophlebitis) and necropsy findings. Complete blood count and serum biochemistry analytes, venous blood gas, serum electrolyte and glucose concentrations, and blood lactate concentration results were compared before and during PN administration in all foals. Seventeen foals (32%) developed hypertriglyceridemia (>200 mg/dL). Triglyceride concentrations >200 mg/dL were significantly (P = 0.049) associated with non-survival. Forty-seven foals (89%) developed hyperglycemia (blood glucose > 120 mg/dL) and eight (15%) developed catheter-related complications (thrombosis or local sepsis). Packed cell volume, total protein, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and sorbitol dehydrogenase concentrations decreased while foals were oil PN, while serum chloride concentration increased. This study highlighted that hypertriglyceridemia during the acute phase of neonatal illness may be detrimental to outcome, and that the safety of lipid-containing solutions in foals warrants further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly hatched domestic chicks were reared with five identical objects. On days 3 or 4, chicks underwent free-choice tests in which sets of three and two of the five original objects disappeared (either simultaneously or one by one), each behind one of two opaque identical screens. Chicks spontaneously inspected the screen occluding the larger set (experiment 1). Results were confirmed under conditions controlling for continuous variables (total surface area or contour length; experiment 2). In the third experiment, after the initial disappearance of the two sets (first event, FE), some of the objects were visibly transferred, one by one, from one screen to the other (second event, SE). Thus, computation of a series of subsequent additions or subtractions of elements that appeared and disappeared, one by one, was needed in order to perform the task successfully. Chicks spontaneously chose the screen, hiding the larger number of elements at the end of the SE, irrespective of the directional cues provided by the initial (FE) and final (SE) displacements. Results suggest impressive proto-arithmetic capacities in the young and relatively inexperienced chicks of this precocial species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Aims: The identification of transcription factors that regulate the transcription of the fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) gene has facilitated the understanding of the etiology of cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study was to determine the molecular mechanism underlying the activation of FGF-2 gene transcription in cardiomyocytes from neonatal rats. Main methods: To identify the factors involved in cardiac expression of FGF-2, we used transient transfections in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes coupled with electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analyses. Key findings: Deletion analyses showed that the region between −16 and +59 was essential for maximal FGF-2 promoter activity. Three putative stimulating protein 1 (Sp1) regulatory sites located at positions −3, +14, and +27 were predicted within this region by computer analysis. EMSA showed the existence of two atypical G-rich Sp1-binding elements located at positions −3 and +14. Mutation of these two sites resulted in a significant decline in FGF-2 promoter activity compared to wild type promoter activity. Combinatorial mutation of these sites reduced the promoter activity to background levels. Mutation of the Sp1 motif at +27 did not affect promoter activity. Lastly, ChIP analyses revealed that Sp1 binds to the FGF-2 promoter region in vivo. Significance: These results indicate that expression of FGF-2 in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes is associated with Sp1 binding to the FGF-2 promoter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective--To compare cardiac output (CO) measured by lithium arterial pressure waveform analysis (PULSECO) and CO measured by transpulmonary pulse contour analysis (PICCO) in anesthetized foals, with CO measured by use of lithium dilution (LIDCO) considered the criterion-referenced standard. Sample Population--6 neonatal (1- to 4-day-old) foals that weighed 38 to 45 kg. Procedures--Foals were anesthetized and instrumented to measure direct blood pressure, heart rate, arterial blood gases, and CO. The CO was measured by use of PULSECO, PICCO, and LIDCO techniques. Measurements were converted to specific CO (sCO) values for statistical analysis. Measurements were obtained during low, intermediate, and high CO states. Results--sCO ranged from 75.5 to 310 mL/kg/min. Mean ± SD PICCO bias varied significantly among CO states and was -51.9 ± 23.1 mL/kg/min, 20.0 ± 19.5 mL/kg/min, and 87.2 ± 19.5 mL/kg/min at low, intermediate, and high CO states, respectively. Mean PULSECO bias (11.0 ± 37.5 mL/kg/min) was significantly lower than that of PICCO and did not vary among CO states. Concordance correlation coefficient between LIDCO and PULSECO was significantly greater than that between LIDCO and PICCO. The proportion of observations with a relative bias < ± 30% was significantly lower with the PULSECO method than the PICCO method. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance--Values for the PULSECO method were more reproducible and agreed better with values for the LIDCO method than did values for the PICCO method and were able to more accurately monitor changes in CO in anesthetized newborn foals. (Am J Vet Res 2009;70:334-339) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucose, lactate and cortisol concentrations in amniotic fluid were measured at birth in 95 pups and related to neonatal viability based on Apgar scoring and to neonatal mortality. Neither amniotic parameters nor neonatal mortality were associated with the Apgar score. Stillborn pups showed high lactate ( P  < 0.001) and cortisol ( P  < 0.05) but low glucose amniotic concentrations ( P  < 0.001). No amniotic fluid differences were observed between normal and malformed pups. Amniotic glucose ( P  < 0.001), lactate ( P  < 0.05) and cortisol ( P  < 0.05) concentrations were higher in pups delivered by vaginal parturition than by Caesarean section. Birth weight was higher in live pups than in pups dying within 48 h ( P  < 0.05). Although these are preliminary results, the analysis of amniotic fluid collected at birth could be a valuable predictor of neonatal outcomes in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past decade has brought great strides in our understanding of adaptive immunity in neonatal mice. Although poor immune responses are commonly observed, it is now clear that mature function can be achieved by all arms of the adaptive immune system. An ever-increasing body of evidence indicates that the neonatal period of life is a unique developmental stage in which responses are highly plastic and dependent on the conditions of antigen exposure. This review focuses on our new understanding in mice and, where it is clear that related phenomena occur, in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure of neonatal mice to antigen often results in Th2-biased responses in later life. Examples of this Th2 tendency are (a) secondary antibody responses dominated by the Th2-associated IgG1 isotype and (b) Th2-mediated tolerance to alloantigens. We previously reported that neonates develop primary Th1 and Th2 function in the lymph nodes but exclusive Th2 primary splenic responses. Here, we have tested whether the Th2 bias of adults initially immunized as neonates is due to the early, primary Th2 polarization in the spleen. Surprisingly, removal of the spleen at birth had no affect on either IgG1-dominant secondary responses or the development of tolerance to alloantigens. Thus, neonatal lymph nodes are sufficient to generate Th2-biased function following neonatal antigen exposure. To understand how this could arise, we examined the primary Th1/Th2 responses of CD4 + lymph node cells. Unlike the balanced Th1/Th2 responses seen with total lymph node cells, the primary responses of isolated CD4 + cells were skewed to IL-4 producing function. These results suggest that the early development of Th2-dominant responses by lymph node CD4 + cells contributes substantially to the subsequent development of Th2-dominant memory in neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on a study which examined the effects of prenatal nicotine exposure on sleep/wake ontogenesis and central cholinergic receptor gene expression in the neonatal rat. Methods; Results; Discussion.

Studies the effects of neonatal handling on sympathoadrenal activity and body composition in adult male rats. Influence of neonatal handling on urinary catecholamine excretion in fed and fasted animals; Changes in sympathoadrenal function and body composition with varying neonatal handling of rats.

Characterizes the uptake of [3H]choline from the cerebrospinal fluid side of the rat neonatal choroid plexus. Use of primary cultures of the choroidal epithelium grown on solid supports; Cell-to-medium concentration ratios; Depolarization of ventricular membrane potential through increased external K+ concentration.

We have previously shown that rats given medical prefrontal lesions on postnatal Day 10 show a performance deficit on spatial delayed alternation (2-s delay) when tested between Days 19 and 23, but show recovery of function by Days 27-33 (Freeman & Stanton, 1992). The present study attempted to (a) examine the effects of extending the delay interval from 2 s to 15 or 45 s on the ontogeny of spatial delayed alternation; and (b) determine whether these longer delays would after the ontogenetic profile of recovery from medial prefrontal damage. Animals were given medial prefrontal lesions (mPFC) or sham surgery on Day 10, followed by received acquisition training on delayed alternation with a 2-s delay in Day 21 or Day 28, followed by "probe" tests at delays of 15 and 45 s on the following day (Day 22 or Day 29), On Days 21-22 there was an overall effect of lesion at the 2-, 15-, and 45-s delay intervals indicating an early deficit. However, on Days 28-29 there was no effect of lesion at the end of acquisition or at the 15- or 45-s delay intervals. Recovery of memory function by mPFC animals on this task appears to occur during the weaning period regardless of delay interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk promotes activity in the kappa opioid system of the rat fetus and reduced responsiveness in a behavioral bioassay of cutaneous sensitivity. In this study, E20 rat fetuses were presented with an artificial nipple (CS) and intraoral infusions of milk (US) to condition opioid activity. Paired presentations of the CS and US resulted in conditioned changes in perioral cutaneous sensitivity, which was not evident in groups exposed to the CS alone, US alone, or explicitly unpaired presentations of US and CS. Selective opioid antagonists administered between conditioning and testing revealed that reexposure to the nipple resulted in activation of the endogenous opioid system. The nipple promoted activity at mu, not kappa, opioid receptors. Conditioned opioid activity to an artificial nipple in the fetus, which lacks experience with milk or other suckling stimuli, implies that conditioned changes in the endogenous opioid system of the newborn rat may develop quickly during the first suckling episodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nutritional and immunological importance of colostrum for the survival and development of the neonate is reviewed. A neonate is born with low body energy stores and devoid of serum immunoglobulins. Colostrum provides the neonates with both energy and maternal antibodies. Because of syndeschoroidal nature of the placenta, the neonates must acquire maternal immunoglobulins from ingested colostrum for passive immune protection until the immune system of the neonate is fully developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents the abstract 'Examination of Enzyme Activities (AP, ALT, AST, γ-GT, GGT and Electrolytes Values (Ca, Mg, Na P) in Blood Plasma of Healthy Piglets During The First Week of Life,' by A. Wehrend, J. Tschachtschal and H. Bostedt presented at the 32nd Conference on Physiology and Pathology of Reproduction.