Zoonoses of rabbits and rodents.

PubMed

Hill, William Allen; Brown, Julie Paige

2011-09-01

Millions of households in the US own rabbits or rodents, including hamsters, guinea pigs, and gerbils. Activities such as hunting and camping also involve human interactions with wild rabbits and rodents. In many environments, feral rabbits and rodents live in close proximity to humans, domesticated animals, and other wildlife. Education of rodent and rabbit owners and individuals with occupational or recreational exposures to these species is paramount to reduce the prevalence of zoonoses associated with rabbit and rodent exposure.

Efficacy of Blunt Force Trauma, a Novel Mechanical Cervical Dislocation Device, and a Non-Penetrating Captive Bolt Device for On-Farm Euthanasia of Pre-Weaned Kits, Growers, and Adult Commercial Meat Rabbits.

PubMed

Walsh, Jessica L; Percival, Aaron; Turner, Patricia V

2017-12-15

The commercial meat rabbit industry is without validated on-farm euthanasia methods, potentially resulting in inadequate euthanasia protocols. We evaluated blunt force trauma (BFT), a mechanical cervical dislocation device (MCD), and a non-penetrating captive bolt device (NPCB) for euthanasia of pre-weaned kits, growers, and adult rabbits. Trials were conducted on three commercial meat rabbit farms using 170 cull rabbits. Insensibility was assessed by evaluating absence of brainstem and spinal reflexes, rhythmic breathing, and vocalizations. Survey radiographs on a subsample of rabbits ( n = 12) confirmed tissue damage prior to gross dissection and microscopic evaluation. All 63 rabbits euthanized by the NPCB device were rendered immediately and irreversibly insensible. The MCD device was effective in 46 of 49 (94%) rabbits. Method failure was highest for BFT with euthanasia failures in 13 of 58 (22%) rabbits. Microscopically, brain sections from rabbits killed with the NPCB device had significantly more damage than those from rabbits killed with BFT ( p = 0.001). We conclude that BFT is neither consistently humane nor effective as a euthanasia method. MCD is an accurate and reliable euthanasia method generally causing clean dislocation and immediate and irreversible insensibility, and the NPCB device was 100% effective and reliable in rabbits >150 g.

Epidemiology of viral haemorrhagic disease and myxomatosis in a free-living population of wild rabbits.

PubMed

Calvete, C; Estrada, R; Villafuerte, R; Osácar, J J; Lucientes, J

2002-06-22

From January 1993 to June 1996, the epidemiology of myxomatosis and viral haemorrhagic disease (VHD) was studied in a free-living population of wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Spain by means of serological surveys and radiotracking. Myxomatosis was endemic and associated with the breeding period. Its serological pattern was characterised by a 100 per cent prevalence of antibodies in adult rabbits and a rapid increase in antibodies in young rabbits in their first year. No mortality from myxomatosis was detected in adults, and mortality in young rabbits could not be estimated because of interference by predators and scavengers and the deaths of many radiotagged rabbits inside their burrows. VHD was also an endemic disease associated with the breeding period. Adults had a higher prevalence of antibodies against VHD than young rabbits, reaching values of 80 to 90 per cent. During the study, there was an increase in rabbit numbers as a result of a decrease in mortality from predation which was associated with an increase in mortality due to VHD and in the prevalence of antibodies to VHD. Mortality from VHD was lower in rabbits with VHD antibodies than in seronegative rabbits, but some mortality from the disease was also detected in seropositive rabbits. The annual mean mortality rate due to VHD in adult rabbits was estimated to be 21.8 per cent.

7 CFR 70.52 - Prerequisites to packaging ready-to-cook poultry or rabbits identified with consumer grademarks.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... rabbits identified with consumer grademarks. 70.52 Section 70.52 Agriculture Regulations of the Department... RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products Identifying and Marking Products § 70.52 Prerequisites to packaging ready-to-cook poultry or rabbits identified with consumer grademarks. The official...

7 CFR 70.105 - Procedures for appeal gradings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products Appeal of A Grading Or... sample size for the lot shall consist of double the samples required in § 70.80. (c) Poultry or rabbits... is performed. (d) Overwraps on frozen poultry or rabbits shall be removed from all birds or rabbits...

Adverse effects of the anabolic steroid, boldenone undecylenate, on reproductive functions of male rabbits.

PubMed

Oda, Samah S; El-Ashmawy, Ibrahim M

2012-06-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the adverse effects of the anabolic steroid, boldenone undecylenate (BOL) on reproductive functions of male rabbits. Thirty white New Zealand mature male rabbits were divided into three groups (10 rabbits each). Group A rabbits served as a control group. Group B rabbits received 4.4 mg/kg body weight (bwt) BOL 5% oily solution. Group C rabbits received 8.8 mg/kg bwt BOL. Rabbits were injected intramuscularly twice weekly for two months. BOL had no significant effect on the bwt and bwt gain. Testes and epididymis weights were decreased significantly in the BOL-treated groups. BOL caused significant reduction in serum testosterone level, seminal volume, sperm motility, and sperm count. No abnormalities were detected in the sperm morphology of the BOL-treated groups. Histopathological alterations in the testes and epididymis were marked in the group C rabbits. These results indicate that administration of BOL exerts a significant harmful effect on the reproductive functions of male rabbits. © 2012 The Authors. International Journal of Experimental Pathology © 2012 International Journal of Experimental Pathology.

A survey of fur mites in domestic rabbits.

PubMed

Flatt, R E; Wiemers, J

1976-10-01

A survey of six commercial rabbit colonies was conducted to determine the prevalence of the mite Cheyletiella parasitvorax. This mite was present in all six colonies, and 43.2% of 220 rabbits examined were infested. Listrophorus gibbus, reported only once previously in domestic rabbits in the United States, was found in four of the six colonies, and in 7.3% of the 220 rabbits examined. Non-parasitic mites were found in 3.2% of the samples. Over 50% of the rabbits examined had inapparent mite infestations.

Innate resistance to myxomatosis in wild rabbits in England*

PubMed Central

Ross, J.; Sanders, M. F.

1977-01-01

Wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) from one study area in England have been used over a period of 11 years to investigate the possible appearance of innate resistance to myxomatosis. Rabbits of 4-6 weeks old were captured alive, retained in the laboratory until at least 4 months old, and then infected with a type of myxoma virus which kills 90-95% of laboratory rabbits. Observations were made of symptoms, mortality rate and survival times. In the first 4 years of the study (1966-9), mortality rates were not significantly different from those of laboratory rabbits, although survival times of wild rabbits were appreciably longer. In 1970, the mortality rate amongst wild rabbits was 59%, in 1974 it was 17%, and in 1976 it was 20%, thus showing that a considerable degree of inherited resistance to myxomatosis has developed. The types of myxoma virus most commonly isolated from wild rabbits in Great Britain in recent years have been those which cause 70-95% mortality in laboratory rabbits. Therefore, if the degree of innate resistance demonstrated is widespread in Great Britain, there are serious implications regarding the size of the rabbit population, because myxomatosis has been an important factor in holding rabbit numbers at a relatively low level. PMID:270526

A case of low success of blind vaccination campaigns against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease on survival of adult European wild rabbits.

PubMed

Rouco, Carlos; Moreno, Sacramento; Santoro, Simone

2016-10-01

Vaccination campaigns against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) are commonly used in translocation programs conducted for the purpose of recovering wild European rabbit populations in Iberian Mediterranean ecosystems. In most cases rabbits are vaccinated 'blind' (i.e. without assessing their prior immunological status) for economic and logistic reasons. However, there is conflicting evidence on the effectiveness of such an approach. We tested whether blind vaccination against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease improved rabbit survival in a rabbit translocation program where wild rabbits were kept in semi-natural conditions in three enclosures. We conducted nine capture sessions over two years (2008-2010) and used the information collected to compare the survival of vaccinated (n=511) versus unvaccinated (n=161) adult wild rabbits using capture-mark-recapture analysis. Average monthly survival was no different for vaccinated versus unvaccinated individuals, both in the period between release and first capture (short-term) and after the first capture onward (long-term). Rabbit survival was lower in the short term than in the long term regardless of whether rabbits were vaccinated or not. Lower survival in the short-term could be due to the stress induced by the translocation process itself (e.g. handling stress). However, we did not find any overall effect of vaccination on survival which could be explained by two non-exclusive reasons. First, interference of the vaccine with the natural antibodies in the donor population. Due to donor populations have high density of rabbits with, likely, high prevalence of antibodies as a result of previous natural exposure to these diseases. Second, the lack of severe outbreaks during the study period. Based on our findings we argue that blind vaccination of adult rabbits in translocation programs may be often mostly ineffective and unnecessarily costly. In particular, since outbreaks are hard to predict and vaccination of rabbits with natural antibodies is ineffective, it is crucial to assess the immunological status of the donor population before translocating adult rabbits. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

7 CFR 70.13 - Ready-to-cook poultry and rabbits and specified poultry food products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Ready-to-cook poultry and rabbits and specified... PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products General § 70.13 Ready-to-cook poultry and rabbits and specified...

Molecular basis of the allelic inheritance of rabbit immunoglobulin VH allotypes: implications for the generation of antibody diversity.

PubMed

Knight, K L; Becker, R S

1990-03-23

Rabbits are unique in that their immunoglobulin VH regions bear allotypic markers encoded by allelic genes. The presence of these markers on most serum immunoglobulins is difficult to explain, as the germline contains several hundred VH genes. We cloned VH genes from normal rabbits of the VHa allotypes a1, a2, and a3 and from a mutant a2 rabbit, Alicia, which expresses almost no a2 allotype. The D-proximal VH gene VH1 of normal rabbits encoded prototype a1, a2, or a3 allotype VH regions in a1, a2, or a3 rabbits, respectively; VH1 was shown to be preferentially utilized in leukemic rabbit B cells. This VH1 gene was deleted from the germline of the Alicia rabbit. These data suggest that the allelic inheritance of a allotypes results from preferential utilization of VH1 in VDJ rearrangements. We suggest that antibody diversity in rabbit primarily results from somatic hypermutation and gene conversion.

Mining Naïve Rabbit Antibody Repertoires by Phage Display for Monoclonal Antibodies of Therapeutic Utility.

PubMed

Peng, Haiyong; Nerreter, Thomas; Chang, Jing; Qi, Junpeng; Li, Xiuling; Karunadharma, Pabalu; Martinez, Gustavo J; Fallahi, Mohammad; Soden, Jo; Freeth, Jim; Beerli, Roger R; Grawunder, Ulf; Hudecek, Michael; Rader, Christoph

2017-09-15

Owing to their high affinities and specificities, rabbit monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have demonstrated value and potential primarily as basic research and diagnostic reagents, but, in some cases, also as therapeutics. To accelerate access to rabbit mAbs bypassing immunization, we generated a large naïve rabbit antibody repertoire represented by a phage display library encompassing >10 billion independent antibodies in chimeric rabbit/human Fab format and validated it by next-generation sequencing. Panels of rabbit mAbs selected from this library against two emerging cancer targets, ROR1 and ROR2, revealed high diversity, affinity, and specificity. Moreover, ROR1- and ROR2-targeting rabbit mAbs demonstrated therapeutic utility as components of chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T cells, further corroborating the value of the naïve rabbit antibody library as a rich and virtually unlimited source of rabbit mAbs. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Impaired receptor-mediated catabolism of low density lipoprotein in the WHHL rabbit, an animal model of familial hypercholesterolemia

PubMed Central

Bilheimer, David W.; Watanabe, Yoshio; Kita, Toru

1982-01-01

The homozygous WHHL (Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic) rabbit displays either no or only minimal low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor activity on cultured fibroblasts and liver membranes and has therefore been proposed as an animal model for human familial hypercholesterolemia. To assess the impact of this mutation on LDL metabolism in vivo, we performed lipoprotein turnover studies in normal and WHHL rabbits using both native rabbit LDL and chemically modified LDL (i.e., methyl-LDL) that does not bind to LDL receptors. The total fractional catabolic rate (FCR) for LDL in the normal rabbit was 3.5-fold greater than in the WHHL rabbit. Sixty-seven percent of the total FCR for LDL in the normal rabbit was due to LDL receptor-mediated clearance and 33% was attributable to receptor-independent processes; in the WHHL rabbit, essentially all of the LDL was catabolized via receptor-independent processes. Despite a 17.5-fold elevated plasma pool size of LDL apoprotein (apo-LDL) in WHHL as compared to normal rabbits, the receptor-independent FCR—as judged by the turnover of methyl-LDL—was similar in the two strains. Thus, the receptor-independent catabolic processes are not influenced by the mutation affecting the LDL receptor. The WHHL rabbits also exhibited a 5.6-fold increase in the absolute rate of apo-LDL synthesis and catabolism. In absolute terms, the WHHL rabbit cleared 19-fold more apo-LDL via receptor-independent processes than did the normal rabbit and cleared virtually none by the receptor-dependent pathway. These results indicate that the homozygous WHHL rabbit shares a number of metabolic features in common with human familial hypercholesterolemia and should serve as a useful model for the study of altered lipoprotein metabolism associated with receptor abnormalities. We also noted that the in vivo metabolic behavior of human and rabbit LDL in the normal rabbit differed such that the mean total FCR for human LDL was only 64% of the mean total FCR for rabbit LDL, whereas human and rabbit methyl-LDL were cleared at identical rates. Thus, if human LDL and methyl-LDL had been used in these studies, the magnitude of both the total and receptor-dependent FCR would have been underestimated. PMID:6285345

Effects of myxoma virus and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus on the physiological condition of wild European rabbits: Is blood biochemistry a useful monitoring tool?

PubMed

Pacios-Palma, Isabel; Santoro, Simone; Bertó-Moran, Alejandro; Moreno, Sacramento; Rouco, Carlos

2016-12-01

Myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) are the major viral diseases that affect the wild European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). These diseases arrived in Europe within the last decades and have caused wild rabbit populations to decline dramatically. Both viruses are currently considered to be endemic in the Iberian Peninsula; periodic outbreaks that strongly impact wild populations regularly occur. Myxoma virus (MV) and rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) alter the physiology of infected rabbits, resulting in physical deterioration. Consequently, the persistence and viability of natural populations are affected. The main goal of our study was to determine if blood biochemistry is correlated with serostatus in wild European rabbits. We carried out seven live-trapping sessions in three wild rabbit populations over a two-year period. Blood samples were collected to measure anti-MV and anti-RHDV antibody concentrations and to measure biochemical parameters related to organ function, protein metabolism, and nutritional status. Overall, we found no significant relationships between rabbit serostatus and biochemistry. Our main result was that rabbits that were seropositive for both MV and RHDV had low gamma glutamyltransferase concentrations. Given the robustness of our analyses, the lack of significant relationships may indicate that the biochemical parameters measured are poor proxies for serostatus. Another explanation is that wild rabbits might be producing attenuated physiological responses to these viruses because the latter are now enzootic in the study area. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Human Handling Promotes Compliant Behavior in Adult Laboratory Rabbits

PubMed Central

Swennes, Alton G; Alworth, Leanne C; Harvey, Stephen B; Jones, Carolyn A; King, Christopher S; Crowell-Davis, Sharon L

2011-01-01

Routine laboratory procedures can be stressful for laboratory animals. We wanted to determine whether human handling of adult rabbits could induce a degree of habituation, reducing stress and facilitating research-related manipulation. To this end, adult New Zealand white rabbits were handled either frequently or minimally. After being handled over 3 wk, these rabbits were evaluated by novel personnel and compared with minimally handled controls. Evaluators subjectively scored the rabbits for their relative compliance or resistance to being scruffed and removed from their cages, being transported to a treatment room, and their behavior at all stages of the exercise. Upon evaluation, handled rabbits scored significantly more compliant than nontreated controls. During evaluation, behaviors that the rabbits displayed when they were approached in their cages and while being handled outside their cages were recorded and compared between study groups. Handled rabbits displayed behavior consistent with a reduction in human-directed fear. This study illustrates the potential for handling to improve compliance in laboratory procedures and reduce fear-related behavior in laboratory rabbits. Such handling could be used to improve rabbit welfare through the reduction of stress and exposure to novel stimuli. PMID:21333162

Mortality in rabbits transported for slaughter.

PubMed

Voslarova, Eva; Vecerek, Vladimir; Bedanova, Iveta; Vecerkova, Lenka

2018-06-01

During transport rabbits may be exposed to various stressors which can compromise both their welfare and meat quality. Mortality related to the commercial transport of rabbits for slaughter was analyzed in the Czech Republic in the period from 2009 to 2016. The overall transport-related mortality of rabbits was 0.19%. Transport distance was found to have an impact on rabbit mortality; significantly (p < .001) greater losses were found in rabbits transported over longer distances. Mortality rates ranged from 0.02% in rabbits transported over distances of less than 50 km to 0.29% in rabbits transported over distances exceeding 400 km. A significantly (p < .001) increased risk was also associated with shipments in which 500 and more rabbits were delivered per batch. No effect of season was found. Our results show that rabbits can be transported within a wide range of temperatures (from -5 to 19.9°C) with no negative impact on mortality in transit. However, journeys carried out at temperatures below -5°C and above 20°C were associated with increased death losses (0.17% and 0.15%, respectively). © 2018 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Performance of weaner rabbits fed a concentrate diet supplemented with pawpaw leaves.

PubMed

Aderinboye, Ronke Yemisi; Oladeji, Olayinka Timothy; Abaire, Michael Adebayo; Sobayo, Richard Abayomi; Oso, Abimbola Oladele; Oni, Adebayo Olusoji; Yusuf, Kafayat Omowumi; Osho, Saheed Oladipupo; Bamgbose, Adeyemi Mustapha

2015-02-01

This experiment investigated the performance of weaner rabbits fed concentrate diets supplemented with pawpaw leaves (PPL). Twenty-four male weaner rabbits aged 5 weeks, weighing between 350 and 450 g were used. Concentrate diet was supplemented with PPL in ratios 100:0, 70:30, 50:50 and 30:70. Rabbits were randomly allotted to the four diets in a completely randomised design for 8 weeks, with six rabbits per diet. Results showed that rabbits supplemented with 30 and 50 % PPL had higher (P < 0.05) dry matter intake to sole concentrate. At 70 % PPL, dry matter intake did not vary with other treatments. Weight gain was higher (P < 0.05) in rabbits fed 30 and 50 % PPL than sole concentrate. Rabbits fed 70 % PPL had lower (P < 0.05) weight gain to animals fed 30 % PPL but gained similarly (P > 0.05) to those fed on 50 % PPL and sole concentrate. Feed conversion ratio improved (P < 0.05) in animals fed 30, 50 and 70 % PPL. Rabbits fed 30 % PPL had the highest (P < 0.05) protein efficiency ratio. Rabbits had higher dry matter digestibility (P < 0.05) with PPL supplementation than sole concentrate while crude protein and fibre digestibility was higher with 30 and 50 % PPL. Haematological and serum parameters in rabbits were unaltered with feeding PPL. It is concluded that weaner rabbits can utilise PPL as supplement to concentrate diet at 30 to 70 % dry matter with positive responses in performance and nutrient digestibility without deleterious effect on the physiological status of the rabbits.

Skin diseases in pet rabbits: a retrospective study of 334 cases seen at the University of California at Davis, USA (1984-2004).

PubMed

Snook, Tara S; White, Stephen D; Hawkins, Michelle G; Tell, Lisa A; Wilson, Laura S; Outerbridge, Catherine A; Ihrke, Peter J

2013-12-01

Rabbits are growing in popularity as companion animals, and dermatology problems are often the presenting complaint when seeing a veterinarian. To document skin diseases and their prevalence in pet domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in northern California, USA; to investigate predilections for breed, age or sex for the most common conditions over a 20 year period. Three hundred and thirty-four pet rabbits from the overall hospital population met inclusion criteria. A retrospective study was carried out by searching the computerized medical records of rabbits seen at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) from 1 January 1984 to 31 December 2004 using key words relevant to dermatology. Twenty-nine per cent of pet rabbits seen at the VMTH had skin disease. Lop-eared rabbits were over-represented, whereas mixed-breed rabbits and castrated males were under-represented in the dermatology caseload compared with the hospital population. Pododermatitis was the most common skin disease; abscesses, alopecia, otitis externa and ectoparasites also were common. Several species of bacteria other than Pasteurella spp. were isolated from abscesses. Despite the frequent mention of myxomatosis and venereal spirochetosis in the rabbit literature, few cases (three and two, respectively) were diagnosed. Castrated males were 3.7 times more likely to present with alopecia than intact males; rabbits <1 year of age were 3.6 times more likely to present with Psoroptes infestation/otitis than adult rabbits. Cutaneous conditions in pet rabbits in the USA are common. Bacterial culture should be performed and antibiotic susceptibility determined in all rabbits with abscesses, particularly those not responding to typical anti-Pasteurella antibiotics. © 2013 ESVD and ACVD.

Mechanisms involved in the relaxant action of testosterone in the renal artery from male normoglycemic and diabetic rabbits.

PubMed

Marrachelli, Vannina G; Miranda, Francisco J; Centeno, José M; Burguete, María C; Castelló-Ruiz, María; Jover-Mengual, Teresa; Pérez, Antonio M; Salom, Juan B; Torregrosa, Germán; Alborch, Enrique

2010-02-01

Kidney disease is a frequent complication in diabetes, and significant differences have been reported between male and female patients. Our working hypothesis was that diabetes might modify the vascular actions of testosterone in isolated rabbit renal arteries and the mechanisms involved in these actions. Testosterone (10(-8) to 10(-4)M) induced relaxation of precontracted arteries, without significant differences between control and diabetic rabbits. Both in control and diabetic rabbits endothelium removal inhibited testosterone relaxant action. In arteries with endothelium, incubation with indomethacin (10(-5)M), N(G)-nitro-l-arginine (10(-5)M) or tetraethylammonium (10(-5)M) did not modify relaxations to testosterone neither in control nor in diabetic rabbits. In endothelium-denuded arteries indomethacin enhanced the relaxant action of testosterone, both in control and diabetic rabbits. In arteries from diabetic rabbits, eNOS, iNOS and COX-1 expression and testosterone-induced release of thromboxane A(2) and prostacyclin were not significantly different from those observed in control rabbits. However, COX-2 expression was significantly lower in diabetic rabbits that in control rabbits. In nominally Ca(2+)-free medium, cumulative addition of CaCl2 (10(-5) to 3x10(-2)M) contracted previously depolarized arteries. Testosterone (10(-4)M) inhibited CaCl2 contractions of the renal artery both in control and diabetic rabbits. These results show that testosterone relaxes the renal artery both in control and diabetic rabbits. This relaxation is modulated by muscular thromboxane A(2), it is partially mediated by endothelial prostacyclin, and it involves the blocking of extracellular Ca2+ entry. Diabetes does not modify the mechanisms involved in the relaxant action of testosterone in the rabbit renal artery. Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Efficacy of Blunt Force Trauma, a Novel Mechanical Cervical Dislocation Device, and a Non-Penetrating Captive Bolt Device for On-Farm Euthanasia of Pre-Weaned Kits, Growers, and Adult Commercial Meat Rabbits

PubMed Central

Walsh, Jessica L.; Percival, Aaron

2017-01-01

Simple Summary Developing effective and humane on-farm euthanasia methods is essential for all livestock industries to ensure that animals do not suffer and are killed humanely. Approved methods are lacking for commercial meat rabbits, potentially leading to poor welfare. We assessed several methods of on-farm killing of cull rabbits of different ages to determine which methods were most effective and humane. These included blunt force trauma (the most commonly used method on rabbit farms), a novel mechanical cervical dislocation device, and a non-penetrating captive bolt device. We evaluated method effectiveness by examining animal reflexes and behaviours after applying the method as well as by examining radiographs of rabbit heads for signs of skull damage, and by assessing the degree of trauma to the brain through dissection and microscopy, because more trauma is generally correlated with enhanced method effectiveness and irreversibility. We found that blunt force trauma resulted in an unacceptably high failure rate, particularly in mature rabbits, whereas the mechanical cervical dislocation and non-penetrating captive bolt devices were both highly effective for killing rabbits humanely and irreversibly. The non-penetrating captive bolt device was the most effective with a 100% success rate and could be used on all rabbits weighing more than 150 g. Abstract The commercial meat rabbit industry is without validated on-farm euthanasia methods, potentially resulting in inadequate euthanasia protocols. We evaluated blunt force trauma (BFT), a mechanical cervical dislocation device (MCD), and a non-penetrating captive bolt device (NPCB) for euthanasia of pre-weaned kits, growers, and adult rabbits. Trials were conducted on three commercial meat rabbit farms using 170 cull rabbits. Insensibility was assessed by evaluating absence of brainstem and spinal reflexes, rhythmic breathing, and vocalizations. Survey radiographs on a subsample of rabbits (n = 12) confirmed tissue damage prior to gross dissection and microscopic evaluation. All 63 rabbits euthanized by the NPCB device were rendered immediately and irreversibly insensible. The MCD device was effective in 46 of 49 (94%) rabbits. Method failure was highest for BFT with euthanasia failures in 13 of 58 (22%) rabbits. Microscopically, brain sections from rabbits killed with the NPCB device had significantly more damage than those from rabbits killed with BFT (p = 0.001). We conclude that BFT is neither consistently humane nor effective as a euthanasia method. MCD is an accurate and reliable euthanasia method generally causing clean dislocation and immediate and irreversible insensibility, and the NPCB device was 100% effective and reliable in rabbits >150 g. PMID:29244782

Novel bivalent vectored vaccine for control of myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease.

PubMed

Spibey, N; McCabe, V J; Greenwood, N M; Jack, S C; Sutton, D; van der Waart, L

2012-03-24

A novel, recombinant myxoma virus-rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) vaccine has been developed for the prevention of myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD). A number of laboratory studies are described illustrating the safety and efficacy of the vaccine following subcutaneous administration in laboratory rabbits from four weeks of age onwards. In these studies, both vaccinated and unvaccinated control rabbits were challenged using pathogenic strains of RHD and myxoma viruses, and 100 per cent of the vaccinated rabbits were protected against both myxomatosis and RHD.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in domestic rabbits in Durango State, Mexico.

PubMed

Alvarado-Esquivel, Cosme; Alvarado-Esquivel, Domingo; Villena, I; Dubey, J P

2013-09-01

There is a lack of information concerning the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in rabbits in northern Mexico. Through a cross sectional study, antibodies to T. gondii were determined in 429 domestic rabbits in Durango State, Mexico using the modified agglutination test. Rabbits were raised in 29 properties in 6 municipalities. Overall, antibodies to T. gondii were found in 70 (16.3%) of 429 rabbits, with titers of 1:25 in 42, 1:50 in 19, 1:100 in 5, 1:200 in 3, and 1:800 in 1. Seropositive rabbits were found in 21 (72.4%) of 29 properties, including 16 of 21 homes, 4 of 5 farms, and 1 of 3 pet shops. This is the first study of T. gondii infection in rabbits in Durango, Mexico. Results indicate that infected rabbits are a potential source of T. gondii infection in humans in Durango State. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Detection and Circulation of a Novel Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus in Australia

PubMed Central

Mahar, Jackie E.; Read, Andrew J.; Gu, Xingnian; Urakova, Nadya; Mourant, Roslyn; Piper, Melissa; Haboury, Stéphanie; Holmes, Edward C.; Strive, Tanja

2018-01-01

The highly virulent rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) has been widely used in Australia and New Zealand since the mid-1990s to control wild rabbits, an invasive vertebrate pest in these countries. In January 2014, an exotic RHDV was detected in Australia, and 8 additional outbreaks were reported in both domestic and wild rabbits in the 15 months following its detection. Full-length genomic analysis revealed that this virus is a recombinant containing an RHDVa capsid gene and nonstructural genes most closely related to nonpathogenic rabbit caliciviruses. Nationwide monitoring efforts need to be expanded to assess if the increasing number of different RHDV variants circulating in the Australian environment will affect biological control of rabbits. At the same time, updated vaccines and vaccination protocols are urgently needed to protect pet and farmed rabbits from these novel rabbit caliciviruses. PMID:29260677

Molecular cloning and biochemical characterization of rabbit factor XI.

PubMed Central

Sinha, Dipali; Marcinkiewicz, Mariola; Gailani, David; Walsh, Peter N

2002-01-01

Human factor XI, a plasma glycoprotein required for normal haemostasis, is a homodimer (160 kDa) formed by a single interchain disulphide bond linking the Cys-321 of each Apple 4 domain. Bovine, porcine and murine factor XI are also disulphide-linked homodimers. Rabbit factor XI, however, is an 80 kDa polypeptide on non-reducing SDS/PAGE, suggesting that rabbit factor XI exists and functions physiologically either as a monomer, as does prekallikrein, a structural homologue to factor XI, or as a non-covalent homodimer. We have investigated the structure and function of rabbit factor XI to gain insight into the relation between homodimeric structure and factor XI function. Characterization of the cDNA sequence of rabbit factor XI and its amino acid translation revealed that in the rabbit protein a His residue replaces the Cys-321 that forms the interchain disulphide linkage in human factor XI, explaining why rabbit factor XI is a monomer in non-reducing SDS/PAGE. On size-exclusion chromatography, however, purified plasma rabbit factor XI, like the human protein and unlike prekallikrein, eluted as a dimer, demonstrating that rabbit factor XI circulates as a non-covalent dimer. In functional assays rabbit factor XI and human factor XI behaved similarly. Both monomeric and dimeric factor XI were detected in extracts of cells expressing rabbit factor XI. We conclude that the failure of rabbit factor XI to form a covalent homodimer due to the replacement of Cys-321 with His does not impair its functional activity because it exists in plasma as a non-covalent homodimer and homodimerization is an intracellular process. PMID:12084014

Herbage intake regulation and growth of rabbits raised on grasslands: back to basics and looking forward.

PubMed

Martin, G; Duprat, A; Goby, J-P; Theau, J-P; Roinsard, A; Descombes, M; Legendre, H; Gidenne, T

2016-10-01

Organic agriculture is developing worldwide, and organic rabbit production has developed within this context. It entails raising rabbits in moving cages or paddocks, which enables them to graze grasslands. As organic farmers currently lack basic technical information, the objective of this article is to characterize herbage intake, feed intake and the growth rate of rabbits raised on grasslands in different environmental and management contexts (weather conditions, grassland type and complete feed supplementation). Three experiments were performed with moving cages at an experimental station. From weaning, rabbits grazed a natural grassland, a tall fescue grassland and a sainfoin grassland in experiments 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Rabbit diets were supplemented with a complete pelleted feed limited to 69 g dry matter (DM)/rabbit per day in experiment 1 and 52 g DM/rabbit per day in experiments 2 and 3. Herbage allowance and fiber, DM and protein contents, as well as rabbit intake and live weight, were measured weekly. Mean herbage DM intake per rabbit per day differed significantly (P<0.001) between experiments. It was highest in experiment 1 (78.5 g DM/day) and was 43.9 and 51.2 g DM/day in experiments 2 and 3, respectively. Herbage allowance was the most significant determinant of herbage DM intake during grazing, followed by rabbit metabolic weight (live weight0.75) and herbage protein and fiber contents. Across experiments, a 10 g DM increase in herbage allowance and a 100 g increase in rabbit metabolic weight corresponded to a mean increase of 6.8 and 9.6 g of herbage DM intake, respectively. When including complete feed, daily mean DM intakes differed significantly among experiments (P<0.001), ranging from 96.1 g DM/rabbit per day in experiment 2 to 163.6 g DM/rabbit per day in experiment 1. Metabolic weight of rabbits raised on grasslands increased linearly over time in all three experiments, yielding daily mean growth rates of 26.2, 19.2 and 28.5 g/day in experiments 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The highest growth rate was obtained on the sainfoin grassland despite lower concentrate supplementation. Thus, it seems possible to reduce complete feed supplementation without reducing animal performance. This possibility requires improving our knowledge about organic rabbit production systems and especially grazing and animal health management.

A Complete Handbook on Backyward and Commercial Rabbit Production = Sa Kalusugan ng Bayan Rabbit Ang Alagaan. Appropriate Technologies for Development. Reprint R-41.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sicwaten, Juan B.; Stahl, Diane

This handbook on rabbit raising, prepared for use by Peace Corps volunteers, attempts to share information gained by rabbit raisers in the Philippines along with information gathered from academic sources. The manual provides step-by-step information on how to begin and carry out a program of rabbit production. The 15 sections of the guide cover…

Effect of hypothyroidism on the purinergic responses of corpus cavernosal smooth muscle in rabbits.

PubMed

Yildirim, M K; Bagcivan, I; Sarac, B; Kilicarslan, H; Yildirim, S; Kaya, T

2008-01-01

Several studies have reported evidence of hormonal abnormalities in 25-35% of impotent men. Hypothyroidism has been reported to occur in 6% of impotent men. In the present study, we examined purinergic relaxation responses in hypothyroidism in an experimental rabbit model and compared them with controls to evaluate the possible involvement of the purinergic pathway. The study comprised 20 male New Zealand white rabbits. The rabbits were divided into two equal groups. We tested the effects of ATP, alpha beta ATP, and adenosine precontracted with phenylephrine on the isolated corpus cavernosum preparations from control and hypothyroid rabbits. We also evaluated the effects of ATP, alpha beta ATP, and adenosine on the cGMP levels in the isolated corpus cavernosum preparations from control and hypothyroid rabbits. T3, T4, and testosterone levels were significantly lower in hypothyroid rabbits. ATP, alpha beta ATP, carbachol, and electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced frequency-dependent relaxation responses in the isolated rabbit corpus cavernosum strips precontracted with phenylephrine reduced significantly (P<0.05). Adenosine-induced relaxation responses did not change significantly in hypothyroid rabbits. Reduction of relaxation response in hypothyroid rabbits corpus cavernosum can depend on a decreased release of nitric oxide (NO) from nitrergic nerves and endothelium.

Assessing Anticalcification Treatments in Bioprosthetic Tissue by Using the New Zealand Rabbit Intramuscular Model

PubMed Central

Wright, Gregory A; Faught, Joelle M; Olin, Jane M

2009-01-01

The objective of this work was to demonstrate that the New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit intramuscular model can be used for detecting calcification in bioprosthetic tissue and to compare the calcification in the rabbit to that of native human valves. The rabbit model was compared with the commonly used Sprague–Dawley rat subcutaneous model. Eighteen rabbits and 18 rats were used to assess calcification in bioprosthetic tissue over time (7, 14, 30, and 90 d). The explanted rabbit and rat tissue discs were measured for calcium by using atomic absorption and Raman spectroscopy. Calcium deposits on the human valve explants were assessed by using Raman spectroscopy. The results showed that the NZW rabbit model is robust for detecting calcification in a shorter duration (14 d), with less infection complications, more space to implant tissue groups (thereby reducing animal use numbers), and a more metabolically and mechanically dynamic environment than the rat subcutaneous model . The human explanted valves and rabbit explanted tissue both showed Raman peaks at 960 cm−1 which is representative of hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite is the final calcium and phosphate species in the calcification of bioprosthetic heart valves and rabbit intramuscular implants. The NZW rabbit intramuscular model is an effective model for assessing calcification in bioprosthetic tissue. PMID:19619417

Anaemia in pet rabbits: causes, severity and reticulocyte response.

PubMed

Dettweiler, Alexandra; Klopfleisch, Robert; Müller, Kerstin

2017-12-16

The objective of the study was to determine the causes and the severity of anaemia in pet rabbits ( Oryctolagus cuniculus ), to classify anaemia and to compare the reticulocyte counts from healthy and anaemic rabbits. Over a time period of 11 years (2000-2011) a retrospective and prospective study of 223 pet rabbits was performed. Based on the clinic's own reference range for healthy pet rabbits (packed cell volume [PCV] levels 0.33-0.45 l/l), animals with a PCV level below 0.33 l/l were considered anaemic. Anaemia was mostly caused by inflammation (65/223, 29 per cent) and bleeding (54/223, 24 per cent). Seven per cent (15/223) of the rabbits suffered from renal diseases and one rabbit got diagnosed with haemolysis caused by liver lobe torsion. In 14 per cent (32/223) of the rabbits more than one underlying pathomechanism, like inflammation and bleeding, was diagnosed as possible cause of anaemia. In 25 per cent (56/223) of the anaemic rabbits no cause was found. Most anaemias were mild (156/223, 70 per cent). Moderate (43/223, 19 per cent) or severe (24/223, 11 per cent) anaemia was diagnosed more rarely. Anaemic rabbits showed similar reticulocyte counts to healthy rabbits with no significant difference. Therefore, a differentiation of regenerative and non-regenerative anaemia was not possible. © British Veterinary Association (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

NICOTINE METABOLISM IN PREGNANT AND NON-PREGNANT RABBITS

PubMed Central

Tutka, Piotr; Dempsey, Delia A.; Jacob, Peyton; Benowitz, Neal L.; Kroetz, Deanna L.

2010-01-01

Smoking remains a major public health concern during pregnancy and is associated with numerous adverse effects. Recently the clearance of nicotine (NIC) and cotinine (COT) was shown to be substantially increased in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant controls. The present study investigated the usefulness of the rabbit for studying the molecular basis for the observed changes in NIC and COT disposition during pregnancy. NIC was largely metabolized to COT in rabbit liver microsomes (approximately 50% of total metabolism) with significant amounts of nicotine-N’-oxide and nornicotine also being detected. The conversion of NIC to COT was also detected in rabbit placental and fetal liver microsomes albeit at only a fraction of the rate in adult rabbit liver microsomes. The major products of COT metabolism in rabbit liver microsomes were 5’-hydroxycotinine, cotinine-N’-oxide and norcotinine. Differences between human and rabbit liver were most apparent for COT, with the major human metabolite 3’-hydroxycotinine, being formed at only low levels in rabbit liver microsomes. Pregnancy had no effect on the metabolism of NIC or on the expression of CYP2A6 immunoreactive proteins in rabbit liver microsomes. These studies provide a complete quantitative assessment of NIC metabolism in rabbit liver microsomes and suggest that the rabbit may not be an appropriate animal model to study the effects of pregnancy on NIC and COT metabolism. However, a molecular understanding of these effects is essential for prediction of the pharmacological and toxicological consequences of smoking during pregnancy. PMID:18686186

Rabbits with naturally occurring cataracts referred for phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation: a preliminary study of 12 cases.

PubMed

Sanchez, Rick F; Everson, Richard; Hedley, Joanna; Dawson, Charlotte; Lam, Richard; Priestnall, Simon L; Garcia de Carellan, Alejandra; de Miguel, Cristina; Seymour, Christopher

2017-12-04

To describe the presentation of 15 rabbits with naturally occurring cataracts referred for phacoemulsification surgery, the procedure in 13 cases and the follow-up in 12. Fifteen rabbits (30 eyes), nine of which stopped following visual cues in association with cataract progression. Rabbits underwent preoperative ophthalmic and ocular ultrasound examination. Thirteen rabbits (22 eyes) had mature cataracts. Ten were bilateral and three unilateral. Two rabbits had an anterior chamber abscess. The cataract in one of these was incipient. One rabbit had bilateral immature cataracts. One rabbit had a subluxated lens, and one had a retinal detachment. Thirteen rabbits (22 eyes) underwent phacoemulsification. Eighteen, 13.5-mm capsular tension rings (CTRs) and seventeen, 13-mm IOLs (Acrivet ® , Berlin, Germany) were fitted including one 41D 60V-model, and three 49D and thirteen 58D 20S-models. Intraoperative complications included one unilateral posterior-capsular tear, one lens subluxation, and one expulsive choroidal hemorrhage. One rabbit died during anesthetic recovery. Nine cases were PCR-tested for Encephalitozoon cuniculi, and only three were positive. The median follow-up time was 12 months (4-24 months). Rabbits that were not following visual cues preoperatively did so postoperatively, and surgery resulted in a clear visual axis for the follow-up period in every case except in two, due to reasons other than the surgery. Phacoemulsification with CTR and IOL implantation offers good long-term results and can improve the quality of life of pet rabbits. Retinal detachment, lens luxation, expulsive choroidal hemorrhage, and anesthetic death are potential complications. © 2017 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

In vivo imaging in the rabbit as a model for the study of ovulation-inducing factors.

PubMed

Cervantes, M P; Palomino, J M; Adams, G P

2015-01-01

The study of factors responsible for eliciting ovulation in rabbits has been hampered by the lack of a suitable method of monitoring the ovaries in vivo. Ovarian imaging by ultrasound biomicroscopy was used in two experiments designed to determine the effects of seminal plasma on the ovulatory response in rabbits. In Experiment 1, female rabbits were group-housed and treated intramuscularly with saline, gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), or seminal plasma of llamas or rabbits (n = 4 to 6 per group). Rabbits were euthanized eight days later to evaluate the ovarian response by ultrasound biomicroscopy ex situ. No differences among groups were detected in the proportion of rabbits that ovulated or in the number and size of corpora lutea. The high incidence of ovulation in the negative control group was unexpected, and confounded determination of an ovulation-inducing effect of seminal plasma. In Experiment 2, female rabbits were caged individually, and treated as in Experiment 1 (n = 5 to 7 per group). The ovarian response was evaluated in vivo by transcutaneous ultrasound biomicroscopy. Ovulation and formation of corpora lutea were detected only in rabbits given GnRH. A preovulatory surge in plasma luteinizing hormone concentration and a post-ovulatory rise in plasma progesterone concentration were detected only in rabbits treated with GnRH. Surgical translocation of the ovaries to a subcutaneous position enabled longitudinal assessment of the ovulatory response by ultrasound biomicroscopy. Results clearly documented the effect of physical/social interaction on ovulation in rabbits, and did not support the hypothesis that seminal plasma elicits ovulation in rabbits. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Myxomatosis in farmland rabbit populations in England and Wales.

PubMed

Ross, J; Tittensor, A M; Fox, A P; Sanders, M F

1989-10-01

The overall pattern and consequences of myxomatosis in wild rabbit populations were studied at three farmland sites in lowland southern England and upland central Wales between 1971 and 1978. When results from all years were combined, the disease showed a clear two-peaked annual cycle, with a main autumn peak between August and January, and a subsidiary spring peak during February to April. Rabbit fleas, the main vectors of myxomatosis in Britain, were present on full-grown rabbits in sufficient numbers for transmission to occur throughout the year, but the observed seasonal pattern of the disease appeared to be influenced by seasonal mass movements of these fleas. However other factors were also important including the timing and success of the main rabbit breeding season, the proportion of rabbits which had recovered from the disease and the timing and extent of autumn rabbit mortality from other causes. Significantly more males than females, and more adults and immatures than juveniles, were observed to be infected by myxomatosis. Only 25-27% of the total populations were seen to be infected during outbreaks. Using two independent methods of calculation, it was estimated that between 47 and 69% of infected rabbits died from the disease (much lower than the expected 90-95% for fully susceptible rabbits with the partly attenuated virus strains that predominated). Thus it was estimated that 12-19% of the total rabbit populations were known to have died directly or indirectly from myxomatosis. Although the effects of myxomatosis were much less than during the 1950s and 1960s, it continued to be an important mortality factor. It may still have a regulatory effect on rabbit numbers, with autumn/winter peaks of disease reducing the numbers of rabbits present at the start of the breeding season.

Myxomatosis in farmland rabbit populations in England and Wales.

PubMed Central

Ross, J.; Tittensor, A. M.; Fox, A. P.; Sanders, M. F.

1989-01-01

The overall pattern and consequences of myxomatosis in wild rabbit populations were studied at three farmland sites in lowland southern England and upland central Wales between 1971 and 1978. When results from all years were combined, the disease showed a clear two-peaked annual cycle, with a main autumn peak between August and January, and a subsidiary spring peak during February to April. Rabbit fleas, the main vectors of myxomatosis in Britain, were present on full-grown rabbits in sufficient numbers for transmission to occur throughout the year, but the observed seasonal pattern of the disease appeared to be influenced by seasonal mass movements of these fleas. However other factors were also important including the timing and success of the main rabbit breeding season, the proportion of rabbits which had recovered from the disease and the timing and extent of autumn rabbit mortality from other causes. Significantly more males than females, and more adults and immatures than juveniles, were observed to be infected by myxomatosis. Only 25-27% of the total populations were seen to be infected during outbreaks. Using two independent methods of calculation, it was estimated that between 47 and 69% of infected rabbits died from the disease (much lower than the expected 90-95% for fully susceptible rabbits with the partly attenuated virus strains that predominated). Thus it was estimated that 12-19% of the total rabbit populations were known to have died directly or indirectly from myxomatosis. Although the effects of myxomatosis were much less than during the 1950s and 1960s, it continued to be an important mortality factor. It may still have a regulatory effect on rabbit numbers, with autumn/winter peaks of disease reducing the numbers of rabbits present at the start of the breeding season. PMID:2806418

Diabetes impairs the atrial natriuretic peptide relaxant action mediated by potassium channels and prostacyclin in the rabbit renal artery.

PubMed

Marrachelli, Vannina G; Centeno, José M; Miranda, Ignacio; Castelló-Ruiz, María; Burguete, María C; Jover-Mengual, Teresa; Salom, Juan B; Torregrosa, Germán; Miranda, Francisco J; Alborch, Enrique

2012-11-01

Diabetes is associated with increased prevalence of hypertension, cardiovascular and renal disease. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) plays an important role in cardiovascular pathophysiology and is claimed to have cardioprotective and renoprotective effect in diabetic patients. The working hypothesis was that alloxan-induced diabetes might modify the vascular effects of ANP in isolated rabbit renal arteries and the mechanisms involved in such actions. Plasma ANP levels were higher in diabetic rabbits than in control rabbits. ANP (10(-12)-10(-7)M) induced a relaxation of precontracted renal arteries, which was lower in diabetic than in control rabbits. In arteries from both groups of animals, endothelium removal decreased the ANP-induced relaxation but inhibition of NO-synthesis did not modify ANP-induced relaxations. In KCl-depolarised arteries, relaxation to ANP was almost abolished both in control and diabetic rabbits. Tetraethylammonium (TEA) partly inhibited the relaxation to ANP in control rabbits but did not modify it in diabetic rabbits. Glibenclamide and 4-aminopyridine inhibited the relaxation to ANP, and these inhibitions were lower in diabetic than in control rabbits. Indomethacin potentiated the relaxation to ANP, more in control than in diabetic rabbits. In the presence of ANP the renal artery released thromboxane A(2) and prostacyclin, and the release of prostacyclin resulted decreased in diabetic rabbits. The present results suggest that diabetes produces hyporeactivity of the rabbit renal artery to ANP by mechanisms that at least include the reduced modulation by prostacyclin and a lower participation of ATP-sensitive K(+) channel (K(ATP)), voltage-sensitive K(+) channels (K(V)) and TEA-sensitive K(+) channels (K(Ca)). Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Induction of antibodies to nuclear antigens in rabbits by immunization with hydralazine-human serum albumin conjugates.

PubMed Central

Yamauchi, Y; Litwin, A; Adams, L; Zimmer, H; Hess, E V

1975-01-01

The antihypertensive drug hydralazine can induce in man a syndrome similar to spontaneous systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The pathogenesis of this drug-induced syndrome is not understood. In this investigation, five groups of rabbits were studied: group I, 10 rabbits hyperimmunized with hydralazine conjugated to human serum albumin (HSA) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA); group II, four rabbits with HSA in CFA; group III, four rabbits with CFA alone; group IV, five rabbits with hydralazine conjugated to rabbit serum albumin (RSA); and group V, four rabbits with a major metabolite of hydralazine conjugated to HSA. The rabbits immunized with hydralazine-HSA developed rising titers of antibodies to hydralazine and progressively increasing amounts of antibodies to both single-stranded and native DNA. The antibodies to DNA were cross-reactive with hydralazine as determined by inhibition of DNA binding and DNA hemagglutination tests. Similar results were obtained in rabbits immunized with the metabolite-HSA compound except the major hapten antibody response was to the metabolite. The DNA antibodies in this group were also capable of being absorbed by metabolite-HSA as well as hydralazine-HSA, indicative of the cross-reactivity between hydralazine and its metabolite. Immunization with hydralazine-RSA caused rabbits to produce antibodies to hydralazine but not to DNA, indicating the requirement for an immune response to the carrier protein in order for antibodies reactive with DNA to be produced. Thus, hyperimmunization of rabbits with hydralazine-protein conjugates may provide a useful animal model of SLE. The data suggests that an immune response to hydralazine may be important in human hydralazine-induced SLE. Images PMID:808562

Prevalence of fur mites in pet rabbits in South Korea.

PubMed

Kim, Sang-Hun; Jun, Hyung-Kyou; Song, Kun-Ho; Gram, Dunbar; Kim, Duck-Hwan

2008-06-01

The prevalence of fur mites, Cheyletiella parasitovorax and Leporacarus gibbus, in pet rabbits in South Korea was investigated by a diagnostic evaluation of skin surface tape strips and hair coat combings. C. parasitovorax was found in 80 of 140 rabbits (57.1%) and L. gibbus in six of 140 rabbits (4.3%). Clinical signs of pruritus and scaling were observed in 17 of 80 and 76 of 80 infested rabbits, respectively.

7 CFR 70.4 - Services available.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products General § 70.4 Services... of ready-to-cook poultry and rabbits in an official plant or at other locations with adequate... assurance and value added standards for production, processing, and distribution of poultry and rabbits...

Safety evaluation of a recombinant myxoma-RHDV virus inducing horizontal transmissible protection against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease.

PubMed

Torres, J M; Ramírez, M A; Morales, M; Bárcena, J; Vázquez, B; Espuña, E; Pagès-Manté, A; Sánchez-Vizcaíno, J M

2000-09-15

We have recently developed a transmissible vaccine to immunize rabbits against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease based on a recombinant myxoma virus (MV) expressing the rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) capsid protein [Bárcena et al. Horizontal transmissible protection against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorragic disease using a recombinant myxoma virus. J. Virol. 2000;74:1114-23]. Administration of the recombinant virus protects rabbits against lethal RHDV and MV challenges. Furthermore, the recombinant virus is capable of horizontal spreading promoting protection of contact animals, thus providing the opportunity to immunize wild rabbit populations. However, potential risks must be extensively evaluated before considering its field use. In this study several safety issues concerning the proposed vaccine have been evaluated under laboratory conditions. Results indicated that vaccine administration is safe even at a 100-fold overdose. No undesirable effects were detected upon administration to immunosuppressed or pregnant rabbits. The recombinant virus maintained its attenuated phenotype after 10 passages in vivo.

Expression of rabbit IL-4 by recombinant myxoma viruses enhances virulence and overcomes genetic resistance to myxomatosis.

PubMed

Kerr, P J; Perkins, H D; Inglis, B; Stagg, R; McLaughlin, E; Collins, S V; Van Leeuwen, B H

2004-06-20

Rabbit IL-4 was expressed in the virulent standard laboratory strain (SLS) and the attenuated Uriarra (Ur) strain of myxoma virus with the aim of creating a Th2 cytokine environment and inhibiting the development of an antiviral cell-mediated response to myxomatosis in infected rabbits. This allowed testing of a model for genetic resistance to myxomatosis in wild rabbits that have undergone 50 years of natural selection for resistance to myxomatosis. Expression of IL-4 significantly enhanced virulence of both virulent and attenuated virus strains in susceptible (laboratory) and resistant (wild) rabbits. SLS-IL-4 completely overcame genetic resistance in wild rabbits. The pathogenesis of SLS-IL-4 was compared in susceptible and resistant rabbits. The results support a model for resistance to myxomatosis of an enhanced innate immune response controlling virus replication and allowing an effective antiviral cell-mediated immune response to develop in resistant rabbits. Expression of IL-4 did not overcome immunity to myxomatosis induced by immunization.

Ca(2+)-related signaling and protein phosphorylation abnormalities play central roles in a new experimental model of electrical storm.

PubMed

Tsuji, Yukiomi; Hojo, Mayumi; Voigt, Niels; El-Armouche, Ali; Inden, Yasuya; Murohara, Toyoaki; Dobrev, Dobromir; Nattel, Stanley; Kodama, Itsuo; Kamiya, Kaichiro

2011-05-24

Electrical storm (ES), characterized by recurrent ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, typically occurs in implantable cardioverter-defibrillator patients and adversely affects prognosis. However, the underlying molecular basis is poorly understood. In the present study, we report a new experimental model featuring repetitive episodes of implantable cardioverter-defibrillator firing for recurrent ventricular fibrillation (VF), in which we assessed involvement of Ca(2+)-related protein alterations in ES. We studied 37 rabbits with complete atrioventricular block for ≈80 days, all with implantable cardioverter-defibrillator implantation. All rabbits showed long-QT and VF episodes. Fifty-three percent of rabbits developed ES (≥3 VF episodes per 24-hour period; 103±23 VF episodes per rabbit). Expression/phosphorylation of Ca(2+)-handling proteins was assessed in left ventricular tissues from rabbits with the following: ES; VF episodes but not ES (non-ES); and controls. Left ventricular end-diastolic diameter increased comparably in ES and non-ES rabbits, but contractile dysfunction was significantly greater in ES than in non-ES rabbits. ES rabbits showed striking hyperphosphorylation of Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, prominent phospholamban dephosphorylation, and increased protein phosphatase 1 and 2A expression versus control and non-ES rabbits. Ryanodine receptors were similarly hyperphosphorylated at Ser2815 in ES and non-ES rabbits, but ryanodine receptor Ser2809 and L-type Ca(2+) channel α-subunit hyperphosphorylation were significantly greater in ES versus non-ES rabbits. To examine direct effects of repeated VF/defibrillation, VF was induced 10 times in control rabbits. Repeated VF tissues showed autophosphorylated Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II upregulation and phospholamban dephosphorylation like those of ES rabbit hearts. Continuous infusion of a calmodulin antagonist (W-7) to ES rabbits reduced Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II hyperphosphorylation, suppressed ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, and rescued left ventricular dysfunction. ES causes Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activation and phospholamban dephosphorylation, which can explain the vicious cycle of arrhythmia promotion and mechanical dysfunction that characterizes ES.

The KIT gene is associated with the english spotting coat color locus and congenital megacolon in Checkered Giant rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

PubMed

Fontanesi, Luca; Vargiolu, Manuela; Scotti, Emilio; Latorre, Rocco; Faussone Pellegrini, Maria Simonetta; Mazzoni, Maurizio; Asti, Martina; Chiocchetti, Roberto; Romeo, Giovanni; Clavenzani, Paolo; De Giorgio, Roberto

2014-01-01

The English spotting coat color locus in rabbits, also known as Dominant white spotting locus, is determined by an incompletely dominant allele (En). Rabbits homozygous for the recessive wild-type allele (en/en) are self-colored, heterozygous En/en rabbits are normally spotted, and homozygous En/En animals are almost completely white. Compared to vital en/en and En/en rabbits, En/En animals are subvital because of a dilated ("mega") cecum and ascending colon. In this study, we investigated the role of the KIT gene as a candidate for the English spotting locus in Checkered Giant rabbits and characterized the abnormalities affecting enteric neurons and c-kit positive interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the megacolon of En/En rabbits. Twenty-one litters were obtained by crossing three Checkered Giant bucks (En/en) with nine Checkered Giant (En/en) and two en/en does, producing a total of 138 F1 and backcrossed rabbits. Resequencing all coding exons and portions of non-coding regions of the KIT gene in 28 rabbits of different breeds identified 98 polymorphisms. A single nucleotide polymorphism genotyped in all F1 families showed complete cosegregation with the English spotting coat color phenotype (θ=0.00 LOD  =75.56). KIT gene expression in cecum and colon specimens of En/En (pathological) rabbits was 5-10% of that of en/en (control) rabbits. En/En rabbits showed reduced and altered c-kit immunolabelled ICC compared to en/en controls. Morphometric data on whole mounts of the ascending colon showed a significant decrease of HuC/D (P<0.05) and substance P (P<0.01) immunoreactive neurons in En/En vs. en/en. Electron microscopy analysis showed neuronal and ICC abnormalities in En/En tissues. The En/En rabbit model shows neuro-ICC changes reminiscent of the human non-aganglionic megacolon. This rabbit model may provide a better understanding of the molecular abnormalities underlying conditions associated with non-aganglionic megacolon.

The KIT Gene Is Associated with the English Spotting Coat Color Locus and Congenital Megacolon in Checkered Giant Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

PubMed Central

Fontanesi, Luca; Vargiolu, Manuela; Scotti, Emilio; Latorre, Rocco; Faussone Pellegrini, Maria Simonetta; Mazzoni, Maurizio; Asti, Martina; Chiocchetti, Roberto; Romeo, Giovanni; Clavenzani, Paolo; De Giorgio, Roberto

2014-01-01

The English spotting coat color locus in rabbits, also known as Dominant white spotting locus, is determined by an incompletely dominant allele (En). Rabbits homozygous for the recessive wild-type allele (en/en) are self-colored, heterozygous En/en rabbits are normally spotted, and homozygous En/En animals are almost completely white. Compared to vital en/en and En/en rabbits, En/En animals are subvital because of a dilated (“mega”) cecum and ascending colon. In this study, we investigated the role of the KIT gene as a candidate for the English spotting locus in Checkered Giant rabbits and characterized the abnormalities affecting enteric neurons and c-kit positive interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the megacolon of En/En rabbits. Twenty-one litters were obtained by crossing three Checkered Giant bucks (En/en) with nine Checkered Giant (En/en) and two en/en does, producing a total of 138 F1 and backcrossed rabbits. Resequencing all coding exons and portions of non-coding regions of the KIT gene in 28 rabbits of different breeds identified 98 polymorphisms. A single nucleotide polymorphism genotyped in all F1 families showed complete cosegregation with the English spotting coat color phenotype (θ = 0.00 LOD  = 75.56). KIT gene expression in cecum and colon specimens of En/En (pathological) rabbits was 5–10% of that of en/en (control) rabbits. En/En rabbits showed reduced and altered c-kit immunolabelled ICC compared to en/en controls. Morphometric data on whole mounts of the ascending colon showed a significant decrease of HuC/D (P<0.05) and substance P (P<0.01) immunoreactive neurons in En/En vs. en/en. Electron microscopy analysis showed neuronal and ICC abnormalities in En/En tissues. The En/En rabbit model shows neuro-ICC changes reminiscent of the human non-aganglionic megacolon. This rabbit model may provide a better understanding of the molecular abnormalities underlying conditions associated with non-aganglionic megacolon. PMID:24736498

Protection against myxomatosis and rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease with recombinant myxoma viruses expressing rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus capsid protein.

PubMed

Bertagnoli, S; Gelfi, J; Le Gall, G; Boilletot, E; Vautherot, J F; Rasschaert, D; Laurent, S; Petit, F; Boucraut-Baralon, C; Milon, A

1996-08-01

Two myxoma virus-rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) recombinant viruses were constructed with the SG33 strain of myxoma virus to protect rabbits against myxomatosis and rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease. These recombinant viruses expressed the RHDV capsid protein (VP60). The recombinant protein, which is 60 kDa in size, was antigenic, as revealed by its reaction in immunoprecipitation with antibodies raised against RHDV. Both recombinant viruses induced high levels of RHDV- and myxoma virus-specific antibodies in rabbits after immunization. Inoculations by the intradermal route protected animals against virulent RHDV and myxoma virus challenges.

Protection against myxomatosis and rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease with recombinant myxoma viruses expressing rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus capsid protein.

PubMed Central

Bertagnoli, S; Gelfi, J; Le Gall, G; Boilletot, E; Vautherot, J F; Rasschaert, D; Laurent, S; Petit, F; Boucraut-Baralon, C; Milon, A

1996-01-01

Two myxoma virus-rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) recombinant viruses were constructed with the SG33 strain of myxoma virus to protect rabbits against myxomatosis and rabbit viral hemorrhagic disease. These recombinant viruses expressed the RHDV capsid protein (VP60). The recombinant protein, which is 60 kDa in size, was antigenic, as revealed by its reaction in immunoprecipitation with antibodies raised against RHDV. Both recombinant viruses induced high levels of RHDV- and myxoma virus-specific antibodies in rabbits after immunization. Inoculations by the intradermal route protected animals against virulent RHDV and myxoma virus challenges. PMID:8764013

Seroprevalence and Risk Factors of Chlamydia Infection in Domestic Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in China.

PubMed

Ni, Xiaoting; Qin, Siyuan; Lou, Zhilong; Ning, Hongrui; Sun, Xiaolin

2015-01-01

Chlamydia spp. are obligate intracellular bacteria distributed all over the world, known to cause various forms of diseases in animals and humans. In the present study, a serological survey was conducted to detect the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with rabbit chlamydiosis in northeast China, including Liaoning province, Jilin province, Heilongjiang province, and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Antibodies to Chlamydia were determined by indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA). The overall seroprevalence was estimated at 17.88% in total of 800 blood samples. The Chlamydia seroprevalence varied in domestic rabbits from different factors, and genders of domestic rabbits were considered as major risk factors associated with Chlamydia infection. Our study revealed a widespread and high prevalence of Chlamydia infection in domestic rabbits in northeast China, with higher exposure risk in female domestic rabbits. These findings suggested the potential importance of domestic rabbits in the transmission of zoonotic Chlamydia infection, and thus Chlamydia should be taken into consideration in diagnosing rabbit diseases. To our knowledge, there is no report of Chlamydia infection in domestic rabbits in China and the results extend the host range for Chlamydia, which has important implications for public health and the local economy.

THE INHERITANCE OF INDIVIDUAL ANTIGENIC SPECIFICITIES OF RABBIT ANTIBODIES TO STREPTOCOCCAL CARBOHYDRATES

PubMed Central

Eichmann, Klaus; Kindt, Thomas J.

1971-01-01

The inheritance of individual antigenic specificities (IAS) of rabbit antibodies to the Group C streptococcal carbohydrate was demonstrated in a selectively bred rabbit family. The IAS of the antibodies from 3 proband rabbits were also observed in the Group C antibodies in as many as 7 out of 42 related rabbits, but in none of the Group C antibodies from 48 unrelated rabbits, Immunodiffusion analyses and quantitative radioprecipitin experiments revealed that this cross-specificity may be either partial or complete. Quantitative inhibition of the precipitin reaction between the proband antibody and its antiserum by preimmune IgG revealed 30-fold differences in the proportion of molecules with cross-specificity for the proband antibody. This proportion is higher in the preimmune IgG of the proband rabbit and of those relatives which produced cross-precipitating antibodies than it is in the IgG of rabbits which had the same group a allotype, but did not produce cross-precipitating antibodies. The proportion is much lower in the IgG of rabbits with a group a allotype different from that of the proband antibody. These data suggest that serologically detected individual antigenic specificities are inherited markers of immunoglobulins. PMID:4104426

Monitoring the spread of myxoma virus in rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus populations on the southern tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. I. Natural occurrence of myxomatosis.

PubMed Central

Merchant, J. C.; Kerr, P. J.; Simms, N. G.; Robinson, A. J.

2003-01-01

A survey of rabbit populations in the southern tablelands of New South Wales, Australia, was carried out to establish the pattern of occurrence of myxomatosis in preparation for a deliberate release of myxoma virus. Myxomatosis was first detected in December and cases were found on most sites through to May. The serological profiles of rabbit populations suggested that their susceptibility to myxoma virus was generally low in winter and highest in spring and summer reflecting the presence of increasing numbers of susceptible young rabbits. This was consistent with the pattern of rabbit breeding, as determined from the distribution of births and reproductive activity in females and males, which occurred maximally in spring and early summer. The serology and age structure of rabbit populations on sites suggested that some rabbit populations can escape an annual myxomatosis epizootic. Although fleas were present on rabbits throughout the year and therefore not considered to be a limiting factor in the spread of myxomatosis, their numbers peaked at times coincident with peak rabbit breeding. It was concluded that mid to late spring was an optimal time for a deliberate release. PMID:12613753

Monitoring the spread of myxoma virus in rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus populations on the southern tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. I. Natural occurrence of myxomatosis.

PubMed

Merchant, J C; Kerr, P J; Simms, N G; Robinson, A J

2003-02-01

A survey of rabbit populations in the southern tablelands of New South Wales, Australia, was carried out to establish the pattern of occurrence of myxomatosis in preparation for a deliberate release of myxoma virus. Myxomatosis was first detected in December and cases were found on most sites through to May. The serological profiles of rabbit populations suggested that their susceptibility to myxoma virus was generally low in winter and highest in spring and summer reflecting the presence of increasing numbers of susceptible young rabbits. This was consistent with the pattern of rabbit breeding, as determined from the distribution of births and reproductive activity in females and males, which occurred maximally in spring and early summer. The serology and age structure of rabbit populations on sites suggested that some rabbit populations can escape an annual myxomatosis epizootic. Although fleas were present on rabbits throughout the year and therefore not considered to be a limiting factor in the spread of myxomatosis, their numbers peaked at times coincident with peak rabbit breeding. It was concluded that mid to late spring was an optimal time for a deliberate release.

Retinitis-pigmentosa-like tapetoretinal degeneration in a rabbit breed.

PubMed

Reichenbach, A; Baar, U

1985-08-15

By chance, we found a rabbit strain with retinal dystrophy. The eyes of these rabbits were examined by ophthalmoscopy, electroretinography, histology, and cytology--the latter after retina dissociation with papaine. The results suggest this rabbit strain to be a possible animal model for human retinitis pigmentosa.

[Listrophorus gibbus, a fur mite in domestic rabbits (author's transl)].

PubMed

de Vos, J P; Dorrestein, G M

1978-07-01

A case of infection with the fur mite of domestic rabbits, Listrophorus gibbus, is reported. Possible methods of treatment of individual rabbits as well as of colonies of rabbits are reviewed. The presence of Listrophorus gibbus in conjunction with Cheyletiella parasitivorax is also discussed.

9 CFR 354.141 - Issuance and disposition of rabbits inspection certificates.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Issuance and disposition of rabbits... PRODUCTS INSPECTION AND VOLUNTARY INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF RABBITS AND EDIBLE PRODUCTS THEREOF Inspection Certificates § 354.141 Issuance and disposition of rabbits inspection...

9 CFR 354.141 - Issuance and disposition of rabbits inspection certificates.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Issuance and disposition of rabbits... PRODUCTS INSPECTION AND VOLUNTARY INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF RABBITS AND EDIBLE PRODUCTS THEREOF Inspection Certificates § 354.141 Issuance and disposition of rabbits inspection...

Fatal toxoplasmosis in brown hares (Lepus europaeus): possible reasons of their high susceptibility to the infection.

PubMed

Sedlák, K; Literák, I; Faldyna, M; Toman, M; Benák, J

2000-11-01

Brown hares (Lepus europaeus) trapped in the countryside and domestic rabbits were experimentally infected with Toxoplasma gondii (K7 strain) oocysts. Hares (n=12) were divided into groups of 4 and infected with 10, 10(3) and 10(5) oocysts. Rabbits (n=12) were infected in the same way. The experimentally infected animals were monitored for 33 days after infection (p.i.). Most of the infected hares demonstrated behavioural changes, and all of them died between 8 and 19 days p.i. Three of the rabbits demonstrated only clinical changes related to the concurrent pasteurellosis. The typical pathological finding in the hares were haemorrhagic enteritis, enlargement and hyperaemia of mesenteric lymph nodes, splenomegaly and multiple miliary necrotic lesions in the parenchyma of the liver and other organs. Pathological changes in the rabbits were less pronounced than in the hares. In rabbit brains, tissue cysts of the T. gondii were found. The incidence of T. gondii antibodies both in the hares and the rabbits was first ascertained on day 7 p.i. On day 12 p.i., antibodies were already found in all the animals infected. Antibody titres in indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) using the anti-rabbit conjugate were markedly higher in rabbits than in hares. In all hares, T. gondii was isolated post mortem from the liver, brain, spleen, kidney, lung, heart and skeletal muscles. Although T. gondii was also isolated in all rabbits, it was not always isolated in all their organs. In all hares, parasitemia was demonstrated on days 7 and 12 p.i. The percentage of rabbits with detected parasitemia was lower. In hares, a decrease in the numbers of leukocytes during the infection was observed. No such decrease was observed in the rabbits. The lymphocyte activity after the stimulation with non-specific mitogens showed significant differences between the hares and the rabbits even before the infection. After the infection, the hares infected with 10(3) and 10(5) doses and in rabbits infected with a 10(5) dose showed a decrease of lymphocyte activity. Rabbits infected with a 10(3) dose showed an increase of the lymphocyte activity. While in hares toxoplasmosis was an acute and fatal disease, the infection in rabbits had subclinical manifestations only and easily passed to a latent stage. The different courses of toxoplasmosis in the hare and the rabbit may be due to the differences in the natural sensitivity of the two species to the T. gondii infection or a negative impact of stress to the immune status of hares.

From rabbit antibody repertoires to rabbit monoclonal antibodies.

PubMed

Weber, Justus; Peng, Haiyong; Rader, Christoph

2017-03-24

In this review, we explain why and how rabbit monoclonal antibodies have become outstanding reagents for laboratory research and increasingly for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Starting with the unique ontogeny of rabbit B cells that affords highly distinctive antibody repertoires rich in in vivo pruned binders of high diversity, affinity and specificity, we describe the generation of rabbit monoclonal antibodies by hybridoma technology, phage display and alternative methods, along with an account of successful humanization strategies.

Ghrelin inhibits atherosclerotic plaque angiogenesis and promotes plaque stability in a rabbit atherosclerotic model.

PubMed

Wang, Li; Chen, Qingwei; Ke, Dazhi; Li, Guiqiong

2017-04-01

Intraplaque angiogenesis associates with the instability of atherosclerotic plaques. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ghrelin on intraplaque angiogenesis and plaque instability in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis. The rabbits were randomly divided into three groups, namely, the control group, atherosclerotic model group, and ghrelin-treated group, with treatments lasting for 4 weeks. We found that the thickness ratio of the intima to media in rabbits of the ghrelin-treated group was significantly lower than that in rabbits of the atherosclerotic model group. The number of neovessels and the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) decreased dramatically in rabbits of the ghrelin-treated group compared to those of the atherosclerotic model group. Ghrelin significantly decreased the plaque content of macrophages, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, and MMP-9, in a rabbit model of atherosclerosis. In addition, the level of the pro-inflammatory factor monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 was significantly lower in rabbits of the ghrelin-treated group than in rabbits of the atherosclerotic model group. In summary, ghrelin can inhibit intraplaque angiogenesis and promote plaque stability by down-regulating VEGF and VEGFR2 expression, inhibiting the plaque content of macrophages, and reducing MCP-1 expression at an advanced stage of atherosclerosis in rabbits. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Lipid metabolism abnormalities in alcohol-treated rabbits: a morphometric and haematologic study comparing high and low alcohol doses.

PubMed

Ikemura, Satoshi; Yamamoto, Takuaki; Motomura, Goro; Iwasaki, Kenyu; Yamaguchi, Ryosuke; Zhao, Garida; Iwamoto, Yukihide

2011-08-01

The pathogenesis of alcohol-induced osteonecrosis remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the morphological changes in bone marrow fat cells and the changes in the serum lipid levels in alcohol-treated rabbits. Fifteen rabbits were randomly assigned into three groups: Four rabbits intragastrically received low-dose alcohol (LDA) (15 ml/kg per day) containing 15% ethanol for 4 weeks, five rabbits received high-dose alcohol (HDA) (30 ml/kg per day) for 4 weeks and six rabbits received physiologic saline for 4 weeks as a control group. Six weeks after the initial alcohol administration, all rabbits were sacrificed. The mean size of the bone marrow fat cells in rabbits treated with HDA was significantly larger than that in the control group (P = 0.0001). Haematologically, the levels of triglycerides and free fatty acids in the rabbits treated with both low-dose and HDA were significantly higher than those in the control group (P = 0.001 for both comparisons). The results of this study are that there are lipid metabolism abnormalities, both morphologically and haematologically, after alcohol administration. Also these findings were more apparent in rabbits treated with HDA than those treated with LDA. © 2011 The Authors. International Journal of Experimental Pathology © 2011 International Journal of Experimental Pathology.

Therapeutic trials for a rabbit model of EBV-associated Hemophagocytic Syndrome (HPS): effects of vidarabine or CHOP, and development of Herpesvirus papio (HVP)-negative lymphomas surrounded by HVP-infected lymphoproliferative disease.

PubMed

Hayashi, K; Joko, H; Koirala, T R; Onoda, S; Jin, Z-S; Munemasa, M; Ohara, N; Oda, W; Tanaka, T; Oka, T; Kondo, E; Yoshino, T; Takahashi, K; Yamada, M; Akagi, T

2003-10-01

Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (EBV-AHS), which is often associated with fatal infectious mononucleosis or T-cell lymphoproliferative diseases (LPD), is a distinct disease characterized by high mortality. Treatment of patients with EBV-AHS has proved challenging. To develop some therapeutic interventions for EBV-AHS, we examined the effectiveness of an antiviral agent (vidarabine) or chemotherapy (CHOP), using a rabbit model for EBV-AHS. Fourteen untreated rabbits were inoculated intravenously with cell-free virions of the EBV-like virus Herpesvirus papio (HVP). All of the rabbits died of HVP-associated (LPD) and hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) between 21 and 31 days after inoculation. Furthermore, three HVP-infected rabbits treated with vidarabine died between days 23 and 28 after inoculation, and their clinicopathological features were no different from those of untreated rabbits, indicating that this drug is not effective at all to treat HVP-induced rabbit LPD and HPS. Three of the infected rabbits that were treated with one course, with an incomplete set of three courses, or with three full courses of CHOP treatment died of HVP-induced LPD and HPS with a bleeding tendency and/or with opportunistic infections. They died on the 26th, 62nd and 105th day after virus inoculation, respectively. CHOP treatment transiently suppressed the HVP-induced LPD and contributed to the prolonged survival time of two infected rabbits. However, it did not remove all of the HVP-infected cells from the infected rabbits, and residual HVP-infected lymphocytes caused recurrences of rabbit LPD and HPS. The most interesting finding of this experiment was observed in the infected rabbit with the longest survival time of 105 days: HVP-negative lymphomas surrounded by HVP-induced LPD developed in the larynx and ileum of this rabbit, causing an obstruction of the lumen. We concluded that these were not secondary lymphomas caused by CHOP treatment, because no suspicious lesions were detected in three uninfected rabbits that were treated with three courses of CHOP for 120 days. It is therefore necessary to clarify the mechanism by which HVP-negative lymphomas associated with HVP-induced LPD can develop. Our data from therapeutic trials using EBV-AHS animal models indicate that vidarabine is not effective as an agent to treat HVP-infected rabbits, and even the cytotoxic chemotherapy of CHOP is not sufficient to cure the HVP-infected rabbits or to prolong the survival time of infected rabbits. Further studies will therefore be required to develop better therapies to treat EBV-AHS.

Cystoscopic diagnosis of polypoid cystitis in two pet rabbits.

PubMed

Di Girolamo, Nicola; Bongiovanni, Laura; Ferro, Silvia; Melidone, Raffaele; Nicoletti, Annalisa; Duca, Valeria Del; Donnelly, Thomas M; Selleri, Paolo

2017-07-01

CASE DESCRIPTION AS-year-old male Dwarf rabbit and 4-year-old female Mini-Rex rabbit were evaluated because of anorexia and urine scalding of the perineum. CLINICAL FINDINGS Abdominal radiography revealed a diffuse increase in the opacity of the urinary bladder attributable to urinary sludge. In 1 rabbit, abdominal ultrasonography revealed several mass-like lesions protruding from the mucosal surface into the lumen of the urinary bladder. Rabbits were anesthetized, and cystoscopy was performed with a rigid 2.7-mm, 30° endoscope. Histologic analysis of tissue samples obtained through the cystoscope operating channel revealed findings consistent with polypoid cystitis. TREATMENT AND OUTCOME To remove the urinary sludge from each rabbit, the urinary bladder was filled with sterile saline (0.9% NaCl) solution and emptied with a gentle massage several times until the ejected fluid was transparent. Rabbits were treated with NSAIDs, antimicrobials (chosen following microbial culture of urine and antimicrobial susceptibility testing), bathing of the perineum, and a low-calcium diet. The male rabbit died of unrelated causes 18 months later; postmortem examination findings confirmed the polypoid cystitis. The female rabbit remained disease free through to last follow-up (12 months after initial evaluation). CLINICAL RELEVANCE This was the first report of polypoid cystitis in pet rabbits. Although ultrasonographic findings supported this diagnosis, a definitive diagnosis was achieved through cystoscopy and lesion biopsy. Treatments administered were intended to reduce the potential sources of irritation. Research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of the applied interventions and the association between excessive urinary calcium excretion and polyploid cystitis in rabbits.

Large-scale assessment of myxomatosis prevalence in European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) 60years after first outbreak in Spain.

PubMed

Villafuerte, Rafael; Castro, Francisca; Ramírez, Esther; Cotilla, Irene; Parra, Francisco; Delibes-Mateos, Miguel; Recuerda, Pilar; Rouco, Carlos

2017-10-01

Myxomatosis is a viral disease that affects European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) worldwide. In Spain, populations of wild rabbits drastically decreased in the 1950s after the first outbreak of myxomatosis. Since that first appearance, it seems to be an annual epizootic in Spain with periodic outbreaks, predominantly in summer and autumn. Taking into account rabbit population structure, abundance, and genetic lineage, this paper attempts to make a large-scale characterization of myxomatosis seroprevalence based on the immune status of 29 rabbit populations distributed throughout Spain, where O. cuniculus cuniculus and O. c. algirus, the two known rabbit subspecies, naturally inhabit. A total of 654 samples were collected between 2003 and 2009, and seroprevalence of antibodies against Myxoma virus (MYXV) was determined. Overall, our results revealed that 53% of the rabbit samples were positive to antibodies against MYXV. Newborn and juvenile rabbits were the most susceptible animals to the virus, with 19% and 16% seropositivity for newborn and juveniles, respectively, while adult rabbits were the most protected, with 65% of seropositive samples. This suggests that prevalence is negatively related to the proportion of newborn and juvenile rabbits in a population. Our results also showed that seroprevalence against MYXV tended to be higher in high-abundance populations. In contrast, no differences were detected in seroprevalence between rabbit subspecies. This study confirms that >60years since first outbreak, myxomatosis is an endemic disease in Spain. Based on the results, the establishment of a myxomatosis surveillance protocol is proposed. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Direct comparison of progenitor cells derived from adipose, muscle, and bone marrow from wild-type or craniosynostotic rabbits

PubMed Central

GM, Cooper; EL, Lensie; JJ, Cray; MR, Bykowski; GE, DeCesare; MA, Smalley; MP, Mooney; PG, Campbell; JE, Losee

2010-01-01

Background Reports have identified cells capable of osteogenic differentiation in bone marrow, muscle, and adipose tissues, but there are few direct comparisons of these different cell-types. Also, few have investigated the potential connection between a tissue-specific pathology and cells derived from seemingly unrelated tissues. Here, we compare cells isolated from wild-type rabbits or rabbits with nonsyndromic craniosynostosis, defined as the premature fusion of one or more of the cranial sutures. Methods Cells were derived from bone marrow, adipose, and muscle of 10 day-old wild-type rabbits (WT; n=17) or from age-matched rabbits with familial nonsyndromic craniosynostosis (CS; n=18). Cells were stimulated with bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) and alkaline phosphatase expression and cell proliferation were assessed. Results In WT rabbits, cells derived from muscle had more alkaline phosphatase activity than cells derived from either adipose or bone marrow. The cells derived from CS rabbit bone marrow and muscle were significantly more osteogenic than WT. Adipose-derived cells demonstrated no significant differences. While muscle-derived cells were most osteogenic in WT rabbits, bone marrow-derived cells were most osteogenic in CS rabbits. Conclusions Results suggest that cells from different tissues have different potentials for differentiation. Furthermore, cells derived from rabbits with craniosynostosis were different from wild-type derived cells. Interestingly, cells derived from the craniosynostotic rabbits were not uniformly more responsive compared with wild-type cells, suggesting that specific tissue-derived cells may react differently in individuals with craniosynostosis. PMID:20871482

9 CFR 354.124 - Quarantine of diseased rabbits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Quarantine of diseased rabbits. 354.124 Section 354.124 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF... Procedures; Ante-Mortem Inspections § 354.124 Quarantine of diseased rabbits. If live rabbits, which are...

9 CFR 354.124 - Quarantine of diseased rabbits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Quarantine of diseased rabbits. 354.124 Section 354.124 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF... Procedures; Ante-Mortem Inspections § 354.124 Quarantine of diseased rabbits. If live rabbits, which are...

9 CFR 354.124 - Quarantine of diseased rabbits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 2 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Quarantine of diseased rabbits. 354.124 Section 354.124 Animals and Animal Products FOOD SAFETY AND INSPECTION SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF... Procedures; Ante-Mortem Inspections § 354.124 Quarantine of diseased rabbits. If live rabbits, which are...

7 CFR 70.10 - Basis of grading service.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products General § 70.10 Basis of... Poultry and Rabbits. However, grading service may be rendered with respect to products which are bought... the poultry and rabbits in each representative sample shall be examined except for individual ready-to...

7 CFR 70.51 - Form of grademark and information required.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit... any manner in connection with poultry or rabbits, shall be deemed prima facia to constitute a... authorized, the grademark permitted to be used to officially identify USDA consumer-graded poultry and rabbit...

9 CFR 3.54 - Feeding.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... STANDARDS Specifications for the Humane Handling, Care, Treatment and Transportation of Rabbits Animal Health and Husbandry Standards § 3.54 Feeding. (a) Rabbits shall be fed at least once each day except as... for the condition and size of the rabbit. (b) Food receptacles shall be accessible to all rabbits in a...

The febrile responses in rabbits and rats to leucocyte pyrogens of different species.

PubMed Central

Borsook, D; Laburn, H; Mitchell, D

1978-01-01

1. We have investigated the effects on body temperature of rats and rabbits of leucocyte pyrogen derived from the blood of rat, rabbit, ox, pig and baboon. 2. In the rabbit intravenous injections (3.5 ml.) of solutions containing leucocyte pyrogen derived from ox, pig and rabbit blood produced fevers with short latencies; no fevers resulted from injections of similar solutions derived from rat or baboon blood. 3. In the rat intraperitoneal injections (2.0 ml.) of solutions containing leucocyte pyrogen derived from ox blood caused a fever, while pig leucocyte pyrogen produced a marked hypothermia. Neither rabbit, baboon, nor rat leucocyte pyrogen had any significant effect on rectal temperature of the rats. 4. Our results show that there is a variability of response in the rat and the rabbit to injection of leucocyte pyrogen of different species; leucocyte pyrogen may be species specific. PMID:671345

Myxomatosis: changes in the epidemiology of myxomatosis coincident with the establishment of the European rabbit flea Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale) in the Mallee region of Victoria

PubMed Central

Shepherd, Rosamond C. H.; Edmonds, J. W.

1978-01-01

Outbreaks of myxomatosis during the winter or spring have coincided with the establishment of the European rabbit flea in the Mallee region. The severity of these outbreaks has varied from causing complete suppression of the normal spring increase in rabbit numbers to being completely ineffective in a year in which late spring rains allowed rabbit breeding to extend into the early summer. In 1973 and 1974 effective spring myxomatosis caused heavy mortality in kittens before they emerged from the warrens. The age of the population increased as the result of few young rabbits coming into the population and of the lessened stress on old rabbits in a low summer—autumn population. This effect was reversed in the late-breeding year, 1976, when flea numbers were apparently too low to maintain a spring outbreak and rabbit numbers increased rapidly. PMID:569676

Myxomatosis: changes in the epidemiology of myxomatosis coincident with the establishment of the European rabbit flea Spilopsyllus cuniculi (Dale) in the Mallee region of Victoria.

PubMed

Shepherd, R C; Edmonds, J W

1978-12-01

Outbreaks of myxomatosis during the winter or spring have coincided with the establishment of the European rabbit flea in the Mallee region. The severity of these outbreaks has varied from causing complete suppression of the normal spring increase in rabbit numbers to being completely ineffective in a year in which late spring rains allowed rabbit breeding to extend into the early summer.In 1973 and 1974 effective spring myxomatosis caused heavy mortality in kittens before they emerged from the warrens. The age of the population increased as the result of few young rabbits coming into the population and of the lessened stress on old rabbits in a low summer-autumn population. This effect was reversed in the late-breeding year, 1976, when flea numbers were apparently too low to maintain a spring outbreak and rabbit numbers increased rapidly.

First field trial of a transmissible recombinant vaccine against myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease.

PubMed

Torres, J M; Sánchez, C; Ramírez, M A; Morales, M; Bárcena, J; Ferrer, J; Espuña, E; Pagès-Manté, A; Sánchez-Vizcaíno, J M

2001-08-14

As a novel approach for immunisation of wild rabbits, we have recently developed a transmissible vaccine against myxomatosis and rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) based on a recombinant myxoma virus (MV) expressing the RHDV capsid protein [J. Virol. 74 (2000) 1114]. The efficacy and safety of the vaccine have been extensively evaluated under laboratory conditions. In this study, we report the first limited field trial of the candidate vaccine that was undertaken in an island of 34 Has containing a population of around 300 rabbits. Following administration by the subcutaneous route to 76 rabbits, the vaccine induced specific antibody responses against both myxomatosis and RHDV in all the inoculated rabbits. Furthermore, the recombinant virus exhibited a limited horizontal transmission capacity, promoting seroconversion of around 50% of the uninoculated rabbit population. No evidence of undesirable effects due to the recombinant virus field release was detected.

Disposable rabbit

DOEpatents

Lewis, Leroy C.; Trammell, David R.

1986-01-01

A disposable rabbit for transferring radioactive samples in a pneumatic transfer system comprises aerated plastic shaped in such a manner as to hold a radioactive sample and aerated such that dissolution of the rabbit in a solvent followed by evaporation of the solid yields solid waste material having a volume significantly smaller than the original volume of the rabbit.

Disposal rabbit

DOEpatents

Lewis, L.C.; Trammell, D.R.

1983-10-12

A disposable rabbit for transferring radioactive samples in a pneumatic transfer system comprises aerated plastic shaped in such a manner as to hold a radioactive sample and aerated such that dissolution of the rabbit in a solvent followed by evaporation of the solid yields solid waste material having a volume significantly smaller than the original volume of the rabbit.

7 CFR 70.56 - Grading requirements of poultry and rabbits identified with official identification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 3 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Grading requirements of poultry and rabbits identified... AND THE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products Identifying and Marking Products § 70.56 Grading...

7 CFR 70.56 - Grading requirements of poultry and rabbits identified with official identification.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Grading requirements of poultry and rabbits identified... AND THE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products Identifying and Marking Products § 70.56 Grading...

Evaluation of low-level laser therapy in rabbit oral mucosa after soft tissue graft application: A pilot study.

PubMed

Kara, Cankat; Demir, Turgut; Ozbek, Elvan

2013-12-01

The aim of the present study was to assess the histopathological effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on healing of the oral mucosa after soft tissue graft operations. The alterations at the end of healing in normal and LLLT-applied oral mucosa were studied in two healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits by taking specimens for light microscopic inspection. There was no adverse event reported in the study and no post-operative complications, such as swelling, bleeding, or edema, were observed in the rabbits. Complete wound healing was faster in the LLLT-applied rabbit. Compared to the normal rabbit oral mucosa, thickening of the stratum corneum (hyperkeratosis) was found in the epithelia of the rabbits. A significant increase in the epithelial thickness was found in the samples of rabbits, suggesting increased scar tissue following the wound repair. Additionally, many mitotic figures were present in the epithelia of the LLLT-applied rabbit, indicating epithelial cell hyperplasia. Long and irregular connective tissue protrusions projecting into the undersurface of the epithelium and mononuclear cell infiltrations were noted in the rabbits. The results suggest that LLLT used for soft tissue operations provides better and faster wound healing and that LLLT enhances epithelization.

Evaluation of antiviral efficacy of Chinese traditional medicine Babao Dan in rabbits infected with hepatitis E virus.

PubMed

Gong, Wanyun; Liu, Lin; Li, Manyu; Wang, Lin; Zhang, Mingyu; Luo, Zhengxin; Sridhar, Siddharth; Woo, Patrick C Y; Wang, Ling

2018-06-20

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis. Patients with chronic hepatitis B superinfected with HEV may progress to liver failure. Babao Dan (BD) is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used as an auxiliary option for the treatment of chronic hepatitis and liver cancer in China. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of BD on the management of HEV infection in a rabbit model. Sixty-two specific-pathogen-free (SPF) rabbits were divided randomly into five groups and treated with BD or placebo for 2 weeks. All rabbits were inoculated intravenously with rabbit HEV after initial administration. Then, rabbits were administered BD or ribavirin or placebo at 2 weeks post-inoculation (wpi) until faecal virus shedding showed negative. The duration of faecal virus shedding and levels of HEV RNA in faeces were reduced, and anti-HEV antibodies were detected in all rabbits in groups treated with BD before or after inoculation. Ribavirin treatment rapidly cleared HEV infection in SPF rabbits, but anti-HEV antibodies remained negative in 50 % of rabbits treated with ribavirin. These results indicate that ribavirin treatment was more effective in clearing HEV infection, while administration of BD before or after inoculation was effective in clearing HEV infection. Further clinical studies are warranted.

Impact of diet on incisor growth and attrition and the development of dental disease in pet rabbits.

PubMed

Meredith, A L; Prebble, J L; Shaw, D J

2015-06-01

To assess the impact of four rabbit diets (hay only; extruded diet with hay; muesli with hay; muesli only) on length and curvature of cheek teeth and eruption and attrition rates of incisors. Thirty-two Dutch rabbits, randomly divided into four diet groups, had length and saggital plane curvature of the first cheek teeth measured radiographically at 1, 9 and 17 months. Eruption/attrition of the left upper incisor was directly measured at weeks 30, 32 and 35. Eruption rates matched attrition rates in all groups, but were higher in the hay only group than in both groups fed muesli. By month 9, a greater degree of tooth curvature was present in rabbits fed muesli only than in those fed hay only and extruded diet with hay. After 17 months, rabbits fed muesli only and muesli with hay had longer lower first cheek teeth and larger interdental spaces between the first two molars than rabbits fed extruded diet and hay and hay only. Three rabbits fed muesli only developed evidence of dental disease. Presence of increased tooth length, curvature and interdental spaces indicated early dental pathology in rabbits fed muesli. Muesli diets cannot be recommended for pet rabbits. © 2015 British Small Animal Veterinary Association.

Key role of European rabbits in the conservation of the Western Mediterranean basin hotspot.

PubMed

Delibes-Mateos, Miguel; Delibes, Miguel; Ferreras, Pablo; Villafuerte, Rafael

2008-10-01

The Mediterranean Basin is a global hotspot of biodiversity. Hotspots are said to be experiencing a major loss of habitat, but an added risk could be the decline of some species having a special role in ecological relationships of the system. We reviewed the role of European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) as a keystone species in the Iberian Peninsula portion of the Mediterranean hotspot. Rabbits conspicuously alter plant species composition and vegetation structure through grazing and seed dispersal, which creates open areas and preserves plant species diversity. Moreover, rabbit latrines have a demonstrable effect on soil fertility and plant growth and provide new feeding resources for many invertebrate species. Rabbit burrows provide nest sites and shelter for vertebrates and invertebrates. In addition, rabbits serve as prey for a number of predators, including the critically endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) and Spanish Imperial Eagle (Aquila adalberti). Thus, the Mediterranean ecosystem of the Iberian Peninsula should be termed "the rabbit's ecosystem." To our knowledge, this is the first empirical support for existence of a multifunctional keystone species in a global hotspot of biodiversity. Rabbit populations have declined drastically on the Iberian Peninsula, with potential cascading effects and serious ecological and economic consequences. From this perspective, rabbit recovery is one of the biggest challenges for conservation of the Mediterranean Basin hotspot.

Feed intake limitation strategies for the growing rabbit: effect on feeding behaviour, welfare, performance, digestive physiology and health: a review.

PubMed

Gidenne, T; Combes, S; Fortun-Lamothe, L

2012-09-01

This review aims to present the different effects produced by a post-weaning intake limitation strategy on the growing rabbit, now largely used by French professional rabbit breeders. Although a quantitative feed restriction leads to slower growth, feed conversion (FC) is improved, particularly when the rabbits are again fed freely, as compensatory growth occurs. This better FC or the healthy rabbit is because of better digestion resulting from slower passage through the intestine, whereas the digestive physiology is slightly modified (morphometry of the intestinal mucosa, fermentation pattern, microbiota). Meat quality and carcass characteristics are not greatly affected by feed restriction, except for a lower dressing-out percentage. One of the main advantages of limiting post-weaning intake of the rabbit is to reduce the mortality and morbidity rate due to digestive disorders (particularly epizootic rabbit enteropathy syndrome). The consequences for animal welfare are debatable, as feed restriction probably leads to hunger, but it reduces the incidence of digestive troubles after weaning. However, the growing rabbit adapts very well to an intake limitation strategy, without any aggressive behaviour for congener. In conclusion, restriction strategies could improve profitability of rabbit breeding, but they should be adapted to any specific breeding situation, according to the national market, feed prices, etc.

Context-dependent responses to neighbours and strangers in wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

PubMed

Monclús, Raquel; Saavedra, Irene; de Miguel, Javier

2014-07-01

Territorial animals defend their territories against intruders. The level of aggression directed to intruders depends on the familiarity and/or the relative threat they pose, and it could be modified by the context of the interaction. We explored in a wild social mammal, the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), whether residents responded more aggressively to strangers or to neighbours (dear enemy or nasty neighbour effects, respectively). We simulated the intrusion of neighbours or strangers in different parts of the territory of wild European rabbits in a suburban area in central Spain. For that, we placed faecal pellets of neighbouring or stranger rabbits in the territory of 5 rabbit colonies. Resident rabbits counter-marked preferably the odour stations with stranger odour, compared to the ones with neighbour odour, and they did not make a difference between neighbour and a non-odour control stimuli. The results suggest that rabbits show a dear enemy effect. However, repeated intrusions escalated the responses of rabbits towards neighbours. The location within the territory or the sex of the stranger did not affect the level of response. We conclude that in rabbits the relative threat posed by the intruder triggers the intensity of the interaction. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Virulence and pathogenesis of the MSW and MSD strains of Californian myxoma virus in European rabbits with genetic resistance to myxomatosis compared to rabbits with no genetic resistance.

PubMed

Silvers, L; Inglis, B; Labudovic, A; Janssens, P A; van Leeuwen, B H; Kerr, P J

2006-04-25

The pathogenesis of two Californian strains of myxoma virus (MSW and MSD) was examined in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that were either susceptible to myxomatosis (laboratory rabbits) or had undergone natural selection for genetic resistance to myxomatosis (Australian wild rabbits). MSW was highly lethal for both types of rabbits with average survival times of 7.3 and 9.4 days, respectively, and 100% mortality. Classical clinical signs of myxomatosis were not present except in one rabbit that survived for 13 days following infection. Previously described clinical signs of trembling and shaking were observed in laboratory but not wild rabbits. Despite the high resistance of wild rabbits to myxomatosis caused by South American strains of myxoma virus, the MSW strain was of such high virulence that it was able to overcome resistance. The acute nature of the infection, relatively low viral titers in the tissues and destruction of lymphoid tissues, suggested that death was probably due to an acute and overwhelming immunopathological response to the virus. No virus was found in the brain. The MSD strain was attenuated compared to previously published descriptions and therefore was only characterized in laboratory rabbits. It is concluded that Californian MSW strain of myxoma virus is at the extreme end of a continuum of myxoma virus virulence but that the basic pathophysiology of the disease induced is not broadly different to other strains of myxoma virus.

Species differences in methanol and formic acid pharmacokinetics in mice, rabbits and primates

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sweeting, J. Nicole; Siu, Michelle; McCallum, Gordon P.

2010-08-15

Methanol (MeOH) is metabolized primarily by alcohol dehydrogenase in humans, but by catalase in rodents, with species variations in the pharmacokinetics of its formic acid (FA) metabolite. The teratogenic potential of MeOH in humans is unknown, and its teratogenicity in rodents may not accurately reflect human developmental risk due to differential species metabolism, as for some other teratogens. To determine if human MeOH metabolism might be better reflected in rabbits than rodents, the plasma pharmacokinetics of MeOH and FA were compared in male CD-1 mice, New Zealand white rabbits and cynomolgus monkeys over time (24, 48 and 6 h, respectively)more » following a single intraperitoneal injection of 0.5 or 2 g/kg MeOH or its saline vehicle. Following the high dose, MeOH exhibited saturated elimination kinetics in all 3 species, with similar peak concentrations and a 2.5-fold higher clearance in mice than rabbits. FA accumulation within 6 h in primates was 5-fold and 43-fold higher than in rabbits and mice respectively, with accumulation being 10-fold higher in rabbits than mice. Over 48 h, FA accumulation was nearly 5-fold higher in rabbits than mice. Low-dose MeOH in mice and rabbits resulted in similarly saturated MeOH elimination in both species, but with approximately 2-fold higher clearance rates in mice. FA accumulation was 3.8-fold higher in rabbits than mice. Rabbits more closely than mice reflected primates for in vivo MeOH metabolism, and particularly FA accumulation, suggesting that developmental studies in rabbits may be useful for assessing potential human teratological risk.« less

Safety and clinical effectiveness of a compounded sustained-release formulation of buprenorphine for postoperative analgesia in New Zealand White rabbits.

PubMed

DiVincenti, Louis; Meirelles, Luiz A D; Westcott, Robin A

2016-04-01

To determine the clinical effectiveness and safety of a compounded sustained-release formulation of buprenorphine, compared with effects of regular buprenorphine, for postoperative analgesia in rabbits. Blinded randomized controlled clinical trial. 24 purpose-bred adult male New Zealand White rabbits. Rabbits received titanium implants in each tibia as part of another study. Immediately prior to surgery, each rabbit received regular buprenorphine hydrochloride (0.02 mg/kg [0.009 mg/lb], SC, q 12 h for 3 days) or 1 dose of a compounded sustained-release formulation of buprenorphine (0.12 mg/kg [0.055 mg/lb], SC) followed by an equal volume of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (SC, q 12 h for 3 days) after surgery. For 7 days after surgery, rabbits were evaluated for signs of pain by means of rabbit grimace and activity scoring and for adverse effects. No significant differences were identified between treatment groups in grimace and activity scores at any point. No major adverse effects were detected for either drug. However, 3 rabbits that received regular buprenorphine had pain scores suggestive of moderate to severe pain by the time dose administration was due (ie, within the 12-hour administration interval). No clinically important differences were detected in intraoperative anesthetic or postoperative recovery variables. Sustained-release buprenorphine administered SC at 0.12 mg/kg was at least as effective as regular buprenorphine in providing analgesia for rabbits following orthopedic surgery without any major adverse effects. This sustained-release formulation represents an important alternative for rabbit analgesia with potential to improve rabbit welfare over existing analgesic standards.

Oral Transmucosal Detomidine Gel in New Zealand White Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

PubMed

Williams, Morika D; Long, C Tyler; Durrant, Jessica R; McKeon, Gabriel P; Shive, Heather R; Griffith, Emily H; Messenger, Kristen M; Fish, Richard E

2017-07-01

Handling and restraining rabbits for routine procedures may be impossible without prior sedation, result in unnecessary stress or injury to the rabbit or handler, and increase experimental variability. Parenteral administration of sedatives can cause stress also, as well as localized pain and tissue damage, especially in fractious animals. Detomidine hydrochloride, an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is commercially available in an oral transmucosal (OTM) gel formulation that is FDA-approved for sedation and restraint in horses. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of detomidine gel as an alternative to injectable sedation in rabbits. Eight adult male New Zealand White rabbits each received 0.6, 1.2, or 1.8 mg/kg OTM detomidine gel. Physiologic parameters and sedation scores (SS) were assessed at 10-min intervals from before administration until 100 min afterward. Histopathology of cardiac tissue was scored through 12 d after dosing. Gel administration increased the SS in all rabbits, but none of the animals developed clinically effective sedation (SS of 10 or greater, based on 5 reflex responses on a 3- or 4-point scale). The SS did not differ among dosage groups, and the time-dose interaction was not statistically significant. Heart rate decreased rapidly in all rabbits, with no difference among dosage groups, and there was no effect of time or dosage on peripheral capillary oxygen saturation. Minimal to mild degenerative changes were seen in the myocardium of all treated rabbits, but myocyte necrosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and mural thrombi-reported previously in rabbits that had received parenteral detomidine-did not occur. OTM detomidine gel was safely and easily administered to rabbits, but the duration and level of sedation were unpredictable. The use of OTM detomidine as a sole agent to facilitate handling and restraint of rabbits does not offer advantages over existing parenteral regimens.

Vertebral formula and congenital abnormalities of the vertebral column in rabbits.

PubMed

Proks, P; Stehlik, L; Nyvltova, I; Necas, A; Vignoli, M; Jekl, V

2018-06-01

The aim of this retrospective study of 330 rabbits (164 males, 166 females) was to determine different vertebral formulas and prevalence of congenital vertebral anomalies in rabbits from radiographs of the cervical (C), thoracic (Th), lumbar (L) and sacral (S) segments of the vertebral column. The number of vertebrae in each segment of vertebral column, position of anticlinal vertebra and localisation and type of congenital abnormalities were recorded. In 280/330 rabbits (84.8%) with normal vertebral morphology, seven vertebral formulas were identified: C7/Th12/L7/S4 (252/330, 76.4%), C7/Th12/L6/S4 (11/330, 3.3%), C7/Th13/L7/S4 (8/330, 2.4%), C7/Th12/L7/S5 (4/330, 1.2%), C7/Th12/L8/S4 (3/330, 0.9%), C7/Th12/L7/S6 (1/330, 0.3%) and C7/Th11/L7/S4 (1/330, 0.3%). The anticlinal vertebra was identified as Th10 in 56.4% of rabbits and Th11 in 42.4% of rabbits. Congenital spinal abnormalities were identified in 50/330 (15.2%) rabbits, predominantly as a single pathology (n=44). Transitional vertebrae represented the most common abnormalities (n=41 rabbits) in the thoracolumbar (n=35) and lumbosacral segments (n=6). Five variants of thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae were identified. Cervical butterfly vertebrae were detected in three rabbits. One rabbit exhibited three congenital vertebral anomalies: cervical block vertebra, thoracic hemivertebra and thoracolumbar transitional vertebra. Five rabbits exhibited congenital vertebral abnormalities with concurrent malalignment, specifically cervical kyphosis/short vertebra (n=1), thoracic lordoscoliosis/thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae (n=1), thoracic kyphoscoliosis/wedge vertebrae (n=2) and thoracolumbar lordoscoliosis/thoracolumbar transitional vertebrae/lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (n=1). These findings suggest that vertebral columns in rabbits display a wide range of morphologies, with occasional congenital malformations. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Protection by scoparone against the alterations of plasma lipoproteins, vascular morphology and vascular reactivity in hyperlipidaemic diabetic rabbit.

PubMed

Huang, H C; Weng, Y I; Lee, C R; Jan, T R; Chen, Y L; Lee, Y T

1993-12-01

1. The in vivo pharmacological effects of scoparone (6,7-dimethoxycoumarin) in a hyperlipidaemic diabetic rabbit model were investigated. 2. Three groups of rabbits were studied: (1) normal, (2) hyperlipidaemic and diabetic-untreated and (3) hyperlipidaemic and diabetic-scoparone treated. The hyperlipidaemic diabetic rabbits were fed with 1% cholesterol and treated with alloxan, a diabetogenic agent. The plasma levels of total cholesterol, total triglyceride, very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were markedly increased as soon as the rabbit became diabetic at the second week. Scoparone-treatment (5 mg kg-1 day-1, s.c.) significantly reduced the plasma lipid and lipoprotein cholesterol levels of the hyperlipidaemic diabetic rabbit to 73.3% of total cholesterol, 48.3% of total triglyceride, 66.0% of VLDL cholesterol, 55.7% of LDL cholesterol and 79.5% of HDL cholesterol. 3. Six weeks after cholesterol-feeding, the aortic arch and thoracic aorta were dissected for morphological and functional studies. In vascular rings from the untreated hyperlipidaemic diabetic rabbit, there was intimal thickening with accumulation of fatty streaks, foam cells and migration of smooth muscle cells to the intima. In the rabbits treated with scoparone, there were fewer pathological morphology changes found in vascular segments than in the untreated hyperlipidaemic diabetic rabbits. 4. In the vascular reactivity experiments, the phenylephrine-induced contraction and nitroprusside induced dilatation did not differ significantly among the three rabbit groups, except that the contraction was enhanced in the thoracic aorta of hyperlipidaemic diabetic rabbits either untreated or treated withscoparone, as compared to the normal group, and the sensitivity to nitroprusside was increased in the thoracic aorta of the scoparone-treated group as compared to the untreated group.5. The endothelium-dependent dilatation induced by acetylcholine was significantly attenuated in both the aortic arch and thoracic aorta from the hyperlipidaemic diabetic rabbits as compared to the normal rabbits. This attenuation was partially prevented, when scoparone (5 mg kg-1) was administered daily.6. These results suggest that scoparone protects against some alterations of plasma lipoproteins,vascular morphology and vascular reactivity in the hyperlipidaemic diabetic rabbit. These protective effects of scoparone may be partly related to its free radical scavenging property.

Active Immunization with Pneumolysin versus 23-Valent Polysaccharide Vaccine for Streptococcus pneumoniae Keratitis

PubMed Central

Norcross, Erin W.; Sanders, Melissa E.; Moore, Quincy C.; Taylor, Sidney D.; Tullos, Nathan A.; Caston, Rhonda R.; Dixon, Sherrina N.; Nahm, Moon H.; Burton, Robert L.; Thompson, Hilary; McDaniel, Larry S.

2011-01-01

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine whether active immunization against pneumolysin (PLY), or polysaccharide capsule, protects against the corneal damage associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae keratitis. Methods. New Zealand White rabbits were actively immunized with Freund's adjuvant mixed with pneumolysin toxoid (ψPLY), Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23; Merck, Whitehouse Station, NJ), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), before corneal infection with 105 colony-forming units (CFU) of S. pneumoniae. Serotype-specific rabbit polyclonal antisera or mock antisera were passively administered to rabbits before either intravenous infection with 1011 CFU S. pneumoniae or corneal infection with 105 CFU of S. pneumoniae. Results. After active immunization, clinical scores of corneas of the rabbits immunized with ψPLY and Freund's adjuvant were significantly lower than scores of the rabbits that were mock immunized with PBS and Freund's adjuvant or with PPSV23 and Freund's adjuvant at 48 hours after infection (P ≤ 0.0010), whereas rabbits immunized with PPSV23 and Freund's adjuvant failed to show differences in clinical scores compared with those in mock-immunized rabbits (P = 1.00) at 24 and 48 hours after infection. Antisera from rabbits actively immunized with PPSV23 and Freund's adjuvant were nonopsonizing. Bacterial loads recovered from infected corneas were higher for the ψPLY- and PPSV23-immunized rabbits after infection with WU2, when compared with the mock-immunized rabbits (P ≤ 0.007). Conversely, after infection with K1443, the ψPLY-immunized rabbits had lower bacterial loads than the control rabbits (P = 0.0008). Quantitation of IgG, IgA, and IgM in the sera of ψPLY-immunized rabbits showed high concentrations of PLY-specific IgG. Furthermore, anti-PLY IgG purified from ψPLY-immunized rabbits neutralized the cytolytic effects of PLY on human corneal epithelial cells. Passive administration of serotype-specific antisera capable of opsonizing and killing S. pneumoniae protected against pneumococcal bacteremia (P ≤ 0.05), but not against keratitis (P ≥ 0.476). Conclusions. Active immunization with pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide and Freund's adjuvant fails to produce opsonizing antibodies, and passive administration of serotype specific opsonizing antibodies offers no protection against pneumococcal keratitis in the rabbit, whereas active immunization with the conserved protein virulence factor PLY and Freund's adjuvant is able to reduce corneal inflammation associated with pneumococcal keratitis, but has variable effects on bacterial loads in the cornea. PMID:22039231

7 CFR 70.13 - Ready-to-cook poultry and rabbits and specified poultry food products.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Ready-to-cook poultry and rabbits and specified... AGRICULTURE (CONTINUED) REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL MARKETING ACT OF 1946 AND THE EGG... Poultry Products and Rabbit Products General § 70.13 Ready-to-cook poultry and rabbits and specified...

75 FR 32357 - Gallatin National Forest; Montana; Jack Rabbit to Big Sky Meadow Village 161 kV Transmission Line...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-06-08

... DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Gallatin National Forest; Montana; Jack Rabbit to Big Sky... electric transmission line. The upgraded 161-kV transmission line would connect the existing Jack Rabbit... with eight regional entities to improve the reliability of the bulk power system. The Jack Rabbit to...

9 CFR 354.131 - Decomposition.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... CERTIFICATION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF RABBITS AND EDIBLE PRODUCTS THEREOF Disposition of Diseased Rabbit Carcasses and Parts § 354.131 Decomposition. Carcasses of rabbits deleteriously affected by post-mortem...

Prevalence of lapine rotavirus, astrovirus, and hepatitis E virus in Canadian domestic rabbit populations.

PubMed

Xie, XiaoTing; Bil, Joanna; Shantz, Emily; Hammermueller, Jutta; Nagy, Eva; Turner, Patricia V

2017-09-01

Lapine rotavirus and astrovirus have been associated with disease in rabbits, and there is strong evidence of zoonotic transmission of lapine hepatitis E virus (HEV). Outbreaks of enteritis are common on commercial meat farms, resulting in poor welfare, high rabbit mortality, and significant financial losses for rabbit producers. Currently, none of these viruses are routinely tested by diagnostic laboratories. In this study, we assessed the prevalence of rotavirus, astrovirus, and HEV RNA in 205 pooled and individual fecal samples from healthy Canadian laboratory, companion, shelter and commercial meat rabbit populations. Viral RNA were extracted and amplified via RT-PCR using virus-specific primers. Positive samples from the first cohort of samples tested were sequenced and aligned to previously identified viruses to confirm the products. Almost 45% (13/29) of the surveyed commercial rabbit farms were astrovirus-positive. Three commercial meat rabbit samples were positive for rotavirus, and either astrovirus or HEV RNA was also detected. Three companion rabbit samples also tested positive for lapine HEV. Samples from specific pathogen-free laboratory animals were negative for all viruses. Sequencing results showed highest identity to rotavirus A strain 30-96, lapine astrovirus strain 2208 and lapine HEV strain CMC-1. These results permit a better understanding of the prevalence of rotavirus, astrovirus, and hepatitis E virus in Canadian domestic rabbit populations, and continued screening for viruses may help to reduce risk of zoonotic agent transmission as well as providing a better understanding of potential causative agents of rabbit enteritis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Divalent cations in tears, and their influence on tear film stability in humans and rabbits.

PubMed

Wei, Xiaojia Eric; Markoulli, Maria; Millar, Thomas J; Willcox, Mark D P; Zhao, Zhenjun

2012-06-05

Reduced tear film stability is reported to contribute to dry eye. Rabbits are known to have a more stable tear film than humans. Thus, we sought to examine the tears of rabbits and humans for metal cations, and to test how they influence tear film stability. Tears were collected from 10 healthy humans and 6 rabbits. Tear osmolality was measured by vapor pressure osmometer, and metals analyzed using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry or ICP atomic emission spectroscopy. The influence of divalent cations on tears was analyzed by measuring surface tension using the Langmuir trough in vitro, using different concentrations of cations in the subphase, and grading the tear break-up in rabbits in vivo after instillation of chelating agents. Rabbit tears had a higher osmolality compared to humans. Major metals did not differ between species; however, rabbits had higher levels of Mg(2+) (1.13 vs. 0.39 mM) and Ca(2+) (0.75 vs. 0.36 mM). In rabbit tears in vitro, diminishing divalent cations resulted in a decrease in the maximum surface pressure from 37 to 30 mN/m. In vivo, an increase in the amount of tear film that was broken-up was found. In contrast, when changing divalent cation concentrations in human tears, the maximum surface pressure remained at 26 mN/m. The normal osmolality of rabbit tears is significantly higher than that in humans. While divalent cations had little influence on human tears, they appear to have an important role in maintaining tear film stability in rabbits.

Renal nerves dynamically regulate renal blood flow in conscious, healthy rabbits.

PubMed

Schiller, Alicia M; Pellegrino, Peter R; Zucker, Irving H

2016-01-15

Despite significant clinical interest in renal denervation as a therapy, the role of the renal nerves in the physiological regulation of renal blood flow (RBF) remains debated. We hypothesized that the renal nerves physiologically regulate beat-to-beat RBF variability (RBFV). This was tested in chronically instrumented, healthy rabbits that underwent either bilateral surgical renal denervation (DDNx) or a sham denervation procedure (INV). Artifact-free segments of RBF and arterial pressure (AP) from calmly resting, conscious rabbits were used to extract RBFV and AP variability for time-domain, frequency-domain, and nonlinear analysis. Whereas steady-state measures of RBF, AP, and heart rate did not statistically differ between groups, DDNx rabbits had greater RBFV than INV rabbits. AP-RBF transfer function analysis showed greater admittance gain in DDNx rabbits than in INV rabbits, particularly in the low-frequency (LF) range where systemic sympathetic vasomotion gives rise to AP oscillations. In the LF range, INV rabbits exhibited a negative AP-RBF phase shift and low coherence, consistent with the presence of an active control system. Neither of these features were present in the LF range of DDNx rabbits, which showed no phase shift and high coherence, consistent with a passive, Ohm's law pressure-flow relationship. Renal denervation did not significantly affect nonlinear RBFV measures of chaos, self-affinity, or complexity, nor did it significantly affect glomerular filtration rate or extracellular fluid volume. Cumulatively, these data suggest that the renal nerves mediate LF renal sympathetic vasomotion, which buffers RBF from LF AP oscillations in conscious, healthy rabbits. Copyright © 2016 the American Physiological Society.

Rabbit N-acetyltransferase 2 genotyping method to investigate role of acetylation polymorphism on N- and O-acetylation of aromatic and heterocyclic amine carcinogens.

PubMed

Hein, David W; Doll, Mark A

2017-09-01

The rabbit was the initial animal model to investigate the acetylation polymorphism expressed in humans. Use of the rabbit model is compromised by lack of a rapid non-invasive method for determining acetylator phenotype. Slow acetylator phenotype in the rabbit results from deletion of the N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) gene. A relatively quick and non-invasive method for identifying the gene deletion was developed and acetylator phenotypes confirmed by measurement of N- and O-acetyltransferase activities in hepatic cytosols. Rabbit liver cytosols catalyzed the N-acetylation of sulfamethazine (p = 0.0014), benzidine (p = 0.0257), 4-aminobiphenyl (p = 0.0012), and the O-acetylation of N-hydroxy-2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5-b]pyridine (N-OH-PhIP; p = 0.002) at rates significantly higher in rabbits possessing NAT2 gene than rabbits with NAT2 gene deleted. In contrast, hepatic cytosols catalyzed the N-acetylation of p-aminobenzoic acid (an N-acetyltransferase 1 selective substrate) at rates that did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) between rabbits positive and negative for NAT2. The new NAT2 genotyping method facilitates use of the rabbit model to investigate the role of acetylator polymorphism in the metabolism of aromatic and heterocyclic amine drugs and carcinogens.

Gene Targeting in Rabbits: Single-Step Generation of Knock-out Rabbits by Microinjection of CRISPR/Cas9 Plasmids.

PubMed

Kawano, Yoshihiro; Honda, Arata

2017-01-01

The development of genome editing technology has allowed gene disruptions to be achieved in various animal species and has been beneficial to many mammals. Gene disruption using pluripotent stem cells is difficult to achieve in rabbits, but thanks to advances in genome editing technology, a number of gene disruptions have been conducted. This paper describes a simple and easy method for carrying out gene disruptions in rabbits using CRISPR/Cas9 in which the gene to be disrupted is marked, the presence or absence of off-target candidates is checked, and a plasmid allowing simultaneous expression of Cas9 and sgRNA is constructed. Next, the cleaving activity of candidate sequences is investigated, and assessments are carried out to determine whether the target sequences can be cut. Female rabbits subjected to superovulation treatment are mated with male rabbits and fertilized eggs are collected, and then pronuclear injection of plasmid DNA is performed. The next day, the two-cell stage embryos are transplanted into pseudopregnant rabbits, and offspring are born within approximately 29-30 days. The genomic DNA of the offspring is then examined to check what types of genetic modifications have occurred. With the advent of CRISPR/Cas9, the accessibility of gene disruptions in rabbits has improved remarkably. This paper summarizes specifically how to carry out gene disruptions in rabbits.

Diabetes modifies the role of prostanoids and potassium channels which regulate the hypereactivity of the rabbit renal artery to BNP.

PubMed

Centeno, José M; Miranda-Gómez, Luis; López-Morales, Mikahela A; Jover-Mengual, Teresa; Burguete, María C; Marrachelli, Vannina G; Castelló-Ruiz, María; Aliena-Valero, Alicia; Alborch, Enrique; Miranda, Francisco J

2018-05-01

Diabetic nephropathy is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) plays an important role in cardiovascular pathophysiology and therapeutics. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of experimental diabetes on the mechanisms that regulate the relaxant response of the rabbit renal artery to BNP. Arterial relaxations to BNP were enhanced in diabetic rabbits. Indomethacin enhanced BNP-induced relaxation in control rabbits but showed no effect in diabetic rabbits. BNP-induced release of thromboxane A 2 or prostacyclin was not different in both groups of animals. Iberiotoxin had no effect on relaxations to BNP in both groups of animals. Charybdotoxin displaced to the right the concentration-response curve to BNP in both group of animals, and inhibited BNP-induced relaxation only in diabetic rabbits. Glibenclamide did not modify the BNP-induced relaxations in control rabbits, but inhibited it in diabetic rabbits. These results suggest that diabetes induces hypereactivity of the rabbit renal artery to BNP by mechanisms that at least include (1) a reduced vasoconstrictor influence of arachidonic acid metabolites via cyclooxygenase 2, which is not related with changes in thromboxane A 2 and prostacyclin release from the arterial wall and (2) a selectively increased modulatory activity of K ATP and endothelial IK Ca channels.

Isolation of viable Toxoplasma gondii from guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) and rabbits from Brazil

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from a feral guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) and domestic rabbits from Brazil for the first time. Serum and brains from 10 guinea fowl and 21 rabbits from Brazil were examined for T. gondii infection. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 2 of 10 fowl and 2 of 21 rabbit...

Does myxomatosis still regulate numbers of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus Linnaeus, 1758) in the United Kingdom?

PubMed

Trout, R C; Ross, J; Fox, A P

1993-03-01

Myxomatosis now kills a much smaller proportion of rabbit populations than in the past, while remaining an important regulatory factor, as shown experimentally. On two separate occasions, experimental reduction of the prevalence of the disease (by reducing infestations of the main vector, the rabbit flea) led to significant increases in numbers of rabbits surviving the winter.

Health survey of 167 pet rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Finland.

PubMed

Mäkitaipale, J; Harcourt-Brown, F M; Laitinen-Vapaavuori, O

2015-10-24

Only a limited amount of information is available about health status of pet rabbits. The aim of this study was to obtain data about the health status of pet rabbits considered healthy by the owners in Finland. Physical examination and lateral abdominal and lateral skull radiography were performed on 167 pet rabbits of which 118 (70.7 per cent) had abnormal findings in at least one examination. The most common findings were acquired dental disease (n=67, 40.1 per cent), vertebral column deformities and degenerative lesions (n=52, 31.1 per cent), skin disorders (n=28, 16.8 per cent) and eye disorders (n=12, 7.2 per cent). Vertebral column angulating deformities were significantly more common in dwarf lop rabbits (P≤0.001). The prevalence of health disorders was significantly higher in rabbits over three years of age of which 51 (82.3 per cent) had findings in at least one examination (P<0.05). Rabbits as prey animals hide their illness, which cause difficulties to owners to recognise health problems. Because of the high prevalence of clinical and radiological findings in apparently healthy pet rabbits, regular physical examinations are advised, especially for animals over three years old. British Veterinary Association.

Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Detected in Pico, Azores, Portugal, Revealed a Unique Endemic Strain with More Than 17 Years of Independent Evolution

PubMed Central

Esteves, Pedro J.; Lopes, Ana M.; Magalhães, Maria J.; Pinheiro, Ana; Gonçalves, David; Abrantes, Joana

2014-01-01

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is caused by a calicivirus, rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), which is responsible for high mortality in domestic and wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). RHDV strains were sequenced from wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus algirus) collected in the Azorean island of Pico, Portugal. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the Pico RHDV strains diverge from all of the others described so far, but cluster with the genogroups 1–5 (G1–G5). The genetic distance between the Pico RHDV sequences and each G1, G2 and G3–G5 genogroup (~0.08) is compatible with an RHDV introduction at least 17 years ago. Our results show that in Pico, RHDV is the outcome of an independent evolution from the original RHDV strain that appeared in its European rabbit population. These are the first sequences of RHDV obtained in the subspecies O. c. algirus, outside of its original region, the Iberian Peninsula. Furthermore, we discuss the risk of rabbit translocations from the Azores to the Iberian Peninsula, where the rabbit wild populations are suffering high mortalities. PMID:25025834

Increased virulence of Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus associated with genetic resistance in wild Australian rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

PubMed Central

Elsworth, Peter; Cooke, Brian D.; Kovaliski, John; Sinclair, Ronald; Holmes, Edward C.; Strive, Tanja

2015-01-01

The release of myxoma virus (MYXV) and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV) in Australia with the aim of controlling overabundant rabbits has provided a unique opportunity to study the initial spread and establishment of emerging pathogens, as well as their co-evolution with their mammalian hosts. In contrast to MYXV, which attenuated shortly after its introduction, rapid attenuation of RHDV has not been observed. By studying the change in virulence of recent field isolates at a single field site we show, for the first time, that RHDV virulence has increased through time, likely because of selection to overcome developing genetic resistance in Australian wild rabbits. High virulence also appears to be favoured as rabbit carcasses, rather than diseased animals, are the likely source of mechanical insect transmission. These findings not only help elucidate the co-evolutionary interaction between rabbits and RHDV, but reveal some of the key factors shaping virulence evolution. PMID:25146599

Effect of cephalosporins on organic ion transport in renal membrane vesicles from rat and rabbit kidney cortex.

PubMed

Williams, P D; Hitchcock, M J; Hottendorf, G H

1985-03-01

The effects of cephaloridine and cephalothin on prototypical organic anion (p-aminohippurate, PAH) and cation (N-methylnicotinamide, NMN) transport were observed in brush border and basolateral membrane vesicles prepared from rat and rabbit renal cortex. The cephalosporins interacted with both the cationic and anionic transport systems. Cephalothin inhibited PAH transport in basolateral and brush border membrane in both rats and rabbits. Cephaloridine on the other hand inhibited PAH and NMN transport across rabbit basolateral membranes while it showed a lack of interaction with transport systems in rat basolateral membranes. Conversely, cephaloridine inhibited brush border transport of PAH and NMN in the rat but not in the rabbit. These results provide indirect evidence that cephalothin may be secreted across the renal tubule cell in rats and rabbits while cephaloridine may not accumulate in the rat kidney and becomes trapped in rabbit renal tubule cells. The differences in transport effects observed may explain intra- and interspecies differences in susceptibility to cephalosporin nephrotoxicity.

Arylesterase activities in the plasma of rats, rabbits and humans on low- and high-cholesterol diets.

PubMed

Beynen, A C; Weinans, G J; Katan, M B

1984-01-01

Arylesterase activities were measured with beta-naphthylpropionate and/or alpha-naphthylacetate as substrate in the plasma of rats, rabbits and humans on low- and high-cholesterol diets. The plasma esterase activities measured with alpha-naphthylacetate were similar in rats, rabbits and humans. With beta-naphthylpropionate as a substrate, rabbits were found to have a markedly higher esterase activity than rats and humans. Basal plasma esterase activity was significantly higher in an inbred rat strain which is hyporesponsive to dietary cholesterol than in a hyperresponsive strain. In rats, but not in humans and rabbits, plasma esterase activity was significantly increased by a high-cholesterol diet. In individual humans and random-bred rabbits and rats there was no association between initial plasma total esterase activity and the subsequent plasma cholesterol response to cholesterol feeding. We suggest that arylesterases are associated with cholesterol metabolism and with the response to dietary cholesterol in rats; evidence for such a role in rabbits and humans is, however, inconclusive.

Vaccination of free-living juvenile wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) against myxomatosis improved their survival.

PubMed

Guitton, Jean-Sébastien; Devillard, Sébastien; Guénézan, Michel; Fouchet, David; Pontier, Dominique; Marchandeau, Stéphane

2008-04-17

For several decades, the populations of the European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) have declined, which is partly due to myxomatosis. Vaccination against this disease is expected to contribute to restoration of rabbit populations but the actual impact of myxomatosis is not well known and vaccination might have some negative effects. We analyzed the capture-mark-recapture data obtained in a 4-year field experiment (1991-1994) in a park near Paris, France wherein 300 out of 565 seronegative juvenile rabbits were vaccinated at first capture against myxomatosis with the nontransmissible Dervaximyxo SG33 vaccine. After accounting for weight at first capture, age-class (juvenile/adult), "trap-happiness" and season (spring/autumn) of the capture event, vaccinated rabbits had 1.8-fold greater odds of surviving than the unvaccinated rabbits. The average summer survival risk for vaccinated juveniles was 0.63 (+/-0.08 S.E.) whereas it was 0.48 (+/-0.08 S.E.) for unvaccinated juvenile rabbits.

Proliferative Enterocolitis Associated with Dual Infection with Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli and Lawsonia intracellularis in Rabbits

PubMed Central

Schauer, David B.; McCathey, Sonya N.; Daft, Barbara M.; Jha, Sharda S.; Tatterson, Lisa E.; Taylor, Nancy S.; Fox, James G.

1998-01-01

Both enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and an obligate intracellular bacterium, previously referred to as an intracellular Campylobacter-like organism and now designated Lawsonia intracellularis, have been reported as causes of enterocolitis in rabbits. An outbreak of enterocolitis in a group of rabbits, characterized by an unusually high rate of mortality, was found to be associated with dual infection with EPEC and L. intracellularis. The EPEC strain was found to have eaeA gene homology but was negative for afrA homology. The absence of the afrA gene, which encodes the structural subunit for the AF/R1 pilus, indicates that this rabbit EPEC strain is distinct from the prototypic RDEC-1 strain. This finding suggests that rabbit EPEC strains widely reported in Western Europe, which lack AF/R1 pili, are also present in rabbits in the United States. Dual infection with these two pathogens in rabbits has not been previously reported and may have contributed to the unusually high mortality observed in this outbreak. PMID:9620403

7 CFR 70.54 - Retention authorities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products Identifying and Marking... approved by the Administrator for the identification and control of poultry or rabbit products which are...

7 CFR 70.54 - Retention authorities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products Identifying and Marking... approved by the Administrator for the identification and control of poultry or rabbit products which are...

Prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in fecal Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica in Canadian commercial meat, companion, laboratory, and shelter rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and its association with routine antimicrobial use in commercial meat rabbits.

PubMed

Kylie, Jennifer; McEwen, Scott A; Boerlin, Patrick; Reid-Smith, Richard J; Weese, J Scott; Turner, Patricia V

2017-11-01

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in zoonotic (e.g. Salmonella spp.), pathogenic, and opportunistic (e.g. E. coli) bacteria in animals represents a potential reservoir of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and resistance genes to bacteria infecting humans and other animals. This study evaluated the prevalence of E. coli and Salmonella enterica, and the presence of associated AMR in commercial meat, companion, research, and shelter rabbits in Canada. Associations between antimicrobial usage and prevalence of AMR in bacterial isolates were also examined in commercial meat rabbits. Culture and susceptibility testing was conducted on pooled fecal samples from weanling and adult commercial meat rabbits taken during both summer and winter months (n=100, 27 farms), and from pooled laboratory (n=14, 8 laboratory facilities), companion (n=53), and shelter (n=15, 4 shelters) rabbit fecal samples. At the facility level, E. coli was identified in samples from each commercial rabbit farm, laboratory facility, and 3 of 4 shelters, and in 6 of 53 companion rabbit fecal samples. Seventy-nine of 314 (25.2%; CI: 20.7-30.2%) E. coli isolates demonstrated resistance to >1 antimicrobial agent. At least one E. coli isolate resistant to at least one antimicrobial agent was present in samples from 55.6% of commercial farms, and from 25% of each laboratory and shelter facilities, with resistance to tetracycline being most common; no resistance was identified in companion animal samples. Salmonella enterica subsp. was identified exclusively in pooled fecal samples from commercial rabbit farms; Salmonella enterica serovar London from one farm and Salmonella enterica serovar Kentucky from another. The S. Kentucky isolate was resistant to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, ampicillin, cefoxitin, ceftiofur, ceftriaxone, streptomycin, and tetracycline, whereas the S. London isolate was pansusceptible. Routine use of antimicrobials on commercial meat rabbit farms was not significantly associated with the presence of antimicrobial resistant E. coli or S. enterica on farms; trends towards resistance were present when resistance to specific antimicrobial classes was examined. E. coli was widely prevalent in many Canadian domestic rabbit populations, while S. enterica was rare. The prevalence of AMR in isolated bacteria was variable and most common in isolates from commercial meat rabbits (96% of the AMR isolates were from commercial meat rabbit fecal samples). Our results highlight that domestic rabbits, and particularly meat rabbits, may be carriers of phenotypically antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and AMR genes, possibly contributing to transmission of these bacteria and their genes to bacteria in humans through food or direct contact, as well as to other co-housed animal species. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optic nerve head axonal transport in rabbits with hereditary glaucoma.

PubMed

Bunt-Milam, A H; Dennis, M B; Bensinger, R E

1987-04-01

Rabbits with hereditary glaucoma develop ocular changes that resemble human congenital glaucoma and buphthalmia. The inheritance is autosomal recessive (bu). Previous research was performed primarily on albino bu/bu rabbits that were unhealthy and bred poorly. We have bred pigmented bu/bu rabbits to determine if this would improve hardiness and provide a better model for the disease in humans. First-generation offspring from matings of bu/bu albino with bu/bu pigmented rabbits were all affected, indicating that the bu gene is found at the same locus in both strains. The pigmented bu/bu offspring had a high degree of mortality, as reported previously for albino bu/bu rabbits. Newborn bu/bu rabbits initially had normal intraocular pressure (IOP; 15-23 mmHg); after 1- to 3 months, the IOP increased to 26-48 mmHg. The eyes became buphthalmic and the IOP returned to normal or sub-normal levels after 6-10 months. Since the lamina cribrosa is absent or poorly formed in the rabbit optic nerve head (ONH), this model was used to test the role of mechanical factors in the etiology of ONH pathology caused by increased IOP. Orthograde axonal transport was evaluated in both eyes from eight normal and 24 bu/bu rabbits of different ages, using intravitreal injections of [3H]leucine to mark orthograde axonal transport, followed by light- and electron-microscopic radioautography of the ONHs and superior colliculi. Normal rabbits of all ages showed no blockage of axonal transport in the ONH. All optic axons from young bu/bu rabbits with normal IOP and most axons from older buphthalmic rabbits that previously had elevated IOP were normal morphologically. Small zones of transport blockage occurred in bu/bu eyes while IOP was elevated; most affected axons lay immediately adjacent to ONH connective tissue beams that radiate outward from the central retinal vessels to the optic-nerve sheath. Thus, the rabbit, which lacks a true lamina cribrosa, does not show marked blockage of axonal transport as occurs in the LS of the monkey and cat ONH when IOP is elevated acutely. This anatomic difference appears to be protective against axonal damage, since bu/bu rabbits with chronic IOP elevation did not show significant loss of optic axons. These results are consistent with the proposed 'mechanical' theory of ONH damage resulting from increased IOP. Electron-microscopic radioautography revealed that chronically elevated IOP in bu/bu rabbits, which caused small foci of blocked ONH axonal transport against ONH beams, also caused degeneration of a few optic nerve terminals in the superior colliculi as the disease progressed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

9 CFR 354.129 - General.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... CERTIFICATION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF RABBITS AND EDIBLE PRODUCTS THEREOF Disposition of Diseased Rabbit Carcasses and Parts § 354.129 General. The carcasses or parts of carcasses of all rabbits inspected at an...

Analysis of Host Range Restriction Determinants in the Rabbit Model: Comparison of Homologous and Heterologous Rotavirus Infections

PubMed Central

Ciarlet, Max; Estes, Mary K.; Barone, Christopher; Ramig, Robert F.; Conner, Margaret E.

1998-01-01

The main limitation of both the rabbit and mouse models of rotavirus infection is that human rotavirus (HRV) strains do not replicate efficiently in either animal. The identification of individual genes necessary for conferring replication competence in a heterologous host is important to an understanding of the host range restriction of rotavirus infections. We recently reported the identification of the P type of the spike protein VP4 of four lapine rotavirus strains as being P[14]. To determine whether VP4 is involved in host range restriction in rabbits, we evaluated infection in rotavirus antibody-free rabbits inoculated orally with two P[14] HRVs, PA169 (G6) and HAL1166 (G8), and with several other HRV strains and animal rotavirus strains of different P and G types. We also evaluated whether the parental rhesus rotavirus (RRV) (P5B[3], G3) and the derived RRV-HRV reassortant candidate vaccine strains RRV × D (G1), RRV × DS-1 (G2), and RRV × ST3 (G4) would productively infect rabbits. Based on virus shedding, limited replication was observed with the P[14] HRV strains and with the SA11 Cl3 (P[2], G3) and SA11 4F (P6[1], G3) animal rotavirus strains, compared to the homologous ALA strain (P[14], G3). However, even limited infection provided complete protection from rotavirus infection when rabbits were challenged orally 28 days postinoculation (DPI) with 103 50% infective doses of ALA rabbit rotavirus. Other HRVs did not productively infect rabbits and provided no significant protection from challenge, in spite of occasional seroconversion. Simian RRV replicated as efficiently as lapine ALA rotavirus in rabbits and provided complete protection from ALA challenge. Live attenuated RRV reassortant vaccine strains resulted in no, limited, or productive infection of rabbits, but all rabbits were completely protected from heterotypic ALA challenge. The altered replication efficiency of the reassortants in rabbits suggests a role for VP7 in host range restriction. Also, our results suggest that VP4 may be involved in, but is not exclusively responsible for, host range restriction in the rabbit model. The replication efficiency of rotavirus in rabbits also is not controlled by the product of gene 5 (NSP1) alone, since a reassortant rotavirus with ALA gene 5 and all other genes from SA11 was more severely replication restricted than either parental rotavirus strain. PMID:9499095

VENEREAL SPIROCHETOSIS IN AMERICAN RABBITS

PubMed Central

Noguchi, Hideyo

1922-01-01

Of 50 rabbits, otherwise regarded as normal, three adult females and two adult males (10 per cent) have been found to have in their genitoperineal region certain papulosquamous, often ulcerating, lesions. A recently purchased group of twenty rabbits contained six females (30 per cent) with similar lesions. This condition runs a chronic course and is characterized by the presence of a spiral organism closely resembling Treponema pallidum. The rabbit spirochete has the same morphological features as Treponema pallidum; it is possibly a trifle thicker and longer than the average pallidum. Long specimens measuring 30 µ are frequently encountered, and they show a tendency to form loosely entangled knots. A stellate arrangement of several organisms in a mass is frequently observed. In the lesion of one rabbit there were two types of spirochete, one of the variety just described, the other a somewhat coarser organism, closely resembling Treponema calligyrum found in a human condyloma, but a trifle thinner and longer. This organism is perhaps merely a variant type of the rabbit spirochete. The histological reactions are similar to, but considerably less cellular, than those occurring in typical primary syphilitic lesions. There is a marked hyperkeratosis and interpapillary infiltration not observed in scrotal chancre. The disease is transmissible to normal rabbits, in which the usual papular lesions can be readily reproduced in the genitoperineal region. In the first passages the incubation period varied from 20 to 88 days; subsequently one of the strains produced a lesion in 20 days on the second, and in 5 days on the third passage. No typical orchitis or keratitis was produced in the rabbits of the present series, although in one of the original rabbits (No. 4) scaly, papular lesions have developed on the nose, lips, eyelid, and paws. Monkeys (Macacus rhesus) failed to show any lesions within a period of 4 months after inoculation. In one instance transmission was accomplished through the mating of an infected female with a normal male. The Wassermann reaction was uniformly negative in the five rabbits with spontaneous lesions and in eighteen rabbits experimentally infected. Salvarsan had the same therapeutic effect on the lesions produced by the rabbit spirochete as on the experimental pallidum lesion of the rabbit. The organism belongs to the genus Treponema, and may be designated Treponema cuniculi. PMID:19868615

Transgenic rabbit that expresses a functional human lipoprotein (a)

DOEpatents

Rouy, Didier; Duverger, Nicolas; Emmanuel, Florence; Denefle, Patrice; Houdebine, Louis-Marie; Viglietta, Celine; Rubin, Edward M.; Hughes, Steven D.

2003-01-01

A transgenic rabbit which has in its genomic DNA sequences that encode apolipoprotein (a) and apolipoprotein B polypeptides which are capable of combining to produce lipoprotein (a), a process for creating such a rabbit, and the use of the rabbit to identify compounds which are effective in the treatment of human diseases which are associated with, induced and/or exacerbated by Lp(a) expression.

Healthy rabbits are susceptible to Epstein-Barr virus infection and infected cells proliferate in immunosuppressed animals.

PubMed

Khan, Gulfaraz; Ahmed, Waqar; Philip, Pretty S; Ali, Mahmoud H; Adem, Abdu

2015-02-18

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic virus implicated in the pathogenesis of several human malignancies. However, due to the lack of a suitable animal model, a number of fundamental questions pertaining to the biology of EBV remain poorly understood. Here, we explore the potential of rabbits as a model for EBV infection and investigate the impact of immunosuppression on viral proliferation and gene expression. Six healthy New Zealand white rabbits were inoculated intravenously with EBV and blood samples collected prior to infection and for 7 weeks post-infection. Three weeks after the last blood collection, animals were immunosuppressed with daily intramuscular injections of cyclosporin A at doses of 20 mg/kg for 15 days and blood collected twice a week from each rabbit. The animals were subsequently sacrificed and tissues from all major organs were collected for subsequent analysis. Following intravenous inoculation, all 6 rabbits seroconverted with raised IgG and IgM titres to EBV, but viral DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) could only be detected intermittently. Following immunosuppression however, EBV DNA could be readily detected in PBMCs from all 4 rabbits that survived the treatment. Quantitative PCR indicated an increase in EBV viral load in PBMCs as the duration of immunosuppression increased. At autopsy, splenomegaly was seen in 3/4 rabbits, but spleens from all 4 rabbit were EBV PCR positive. EBER-in situ hybridization and immunoshistochemistry revealed the presence of a large number of EBER-positive and LMP-1 positive lymphoblasts in the spleens of 3/4 rabbits. To a lesser extent, EBER-positive cells were also seen in the portal tract regions of the liver of these rabbits. Western blotting indicated that EBNA-1 and EBNA-2 were also expressed in the liver and spleen of infected animals. EBV can infect healthy rabbits and the infected cells proliferate when the animals are immunocompromised. The infected cells expressed several EBV-latent gene products which are probably driving the proliferation, reminiscent of what is seen in immunocompromised individuals. Further work is required to explore the potential of rabbits as an animal model for studying EBV biology and tumorigenesis.

Pygmy rabbit surveys on state lands in Oregon

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hagar, Joan; Lienkaemper, George

2007-01-01

The pygmy rabbit (Brachylagus idahoensis) is classified by the federal government as a species of concern (i.e., under review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for consideration as a candidate for listing as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act) because of its specialized habitat requirements and evidence of declining populations. The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) lists pygmy rabbits as “sensitive-vulnerable,” meaning that protective measures are needed if sustainable populations are to be maintained over time (Oregon Natural Heritage Program, 2001). The Oregon Natural Heritage Program considers this species to be threatened with extirpation from Oregon. Pygmy rabbits also are a species of concern in all the other states where they occur (NatureServe, 2004). The Washington population, known as the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit, was listed as endangered by the federal government in 2003. Historically, pygmy rabbits have been collected from Deschutes, Klamath, Crook, Lake, Grant, Harney, Baker, and Malheur Counties in Oregon. However, the geographic range of pygmy rabbit in Oregon may have decreased in historic times (Verts and Carraway, 1998), and boundaries of the current distribution are not known. Not all potentially suitable sites appear to be occupied, and populations are susceptible to rapid declines and local extirpation (Weiss and Verts, 1984). In order to protect and manage remaining populations on State of Oregon lands, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife needs to identify areas currently occupied by pygmy rabbits, as well as suitable habitats. The main objective of this survey was document to presence or absence of pygmy rabbits on state lands in Malheur, Harney, Lake, and Deschutes counties. Knowledge of the location and extent of pygmy rabbit populations can provide a foundation for the conservation and management of this species in Oregon. The pygmy rabbit is just one of a suite of species of concern associated with sagebrush habitats in the Great Basin. Because information on habitat and distribution of many species is scarce, a secondary goal of the rabbit surveys was to list all other vertebrate species encountered on surveyed sites. This information may be useful in directing future studies aimed at specific taxa.

Comparison of the fecal microbiota of domestic commercial meat, laboratory, companion, and shelter rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculi).

PubMed

Kylie, Jennifer; Weese, J Scott; Turner, Patricia V

2018-04-27

Rabbits are cecotrophic, hindgut-fermenters that rely heavily on their gastrointestinal microbiota for optimal digestion of plant-based diets. Dysbiosis, caused by disruption of the gastrointestinal microbiota, is known to predispose rabbits to rabbit enteritis complex (REC), a major cause of morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study were to describe the fecal microbiota of domestic rabbits from a variety of settings (commercial meat, companion, laboratory, and shelter) and to identify how factors such as age, season, and routine antimicrobial use affect the fecal microbiota composition. A total of 86 pooled commercial meat, 54 companion, 14 pooled laboratory, and 14 shelter rabbit fecal samples were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the V4 region. In all sample types, the predominant bacterial phylum was Firmicutes. Other commonly identified phyla (composing ≥ 1% of the total microbiota composition) were Verrucomicrobia, Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. Significant differences in composition were noted between commercial, companion, laboratory, and shelter rabbit samples for proportions of Verrucomicrobia (P < 0.01), Proteobacteria (P < 0.01), and Lentisphaerae (P = 0.01) within the total microbiota. Within the commercial meat rabbit samples, significant differences between the microbiota composition of growers (n = 42) and does (n = 44) were limited to one unclassified Firmicutes (P = 0.03) and no differences were identified at the phylum level. Significant differences were present between fecal samples taken from rabbits during the summer (n = 44) compared to the winter (n = 42), with Firmicutes (P = 0.04), Verrucomicrobia (P = 0.03), Proteobacteria (P = 0.02), Deinococcus-Thermus (P = 0.04), Armatimonadates (P = 0.003), and Actinobacteria (P = 0.03) forming significantly different proportions of the microbiota. The only significant difference in composition between those farms that routinely reported antimicrobial use and those that did not was in one unclassified Bacteroidetes (P < 0.05) and no differences were identified at the phylum level. Rabbit husbandry and diet, in addition to season, significantly influence the fecal microbiota composition of domestic rabbits, while age of the rabbit post-weaning has minimal impact.

Modelling Landscape-Level Numerical Responses of Predators to Prey: The Case of Cats and Rabbits

PubMed Central

Cruz, Jennyffer; Glen, Alistair S.; Pech, Roger P.

2013-01-01

Predator-prey systems can extend over large geographical areas but empirical modelling of predator-prey dynamics has been largely limited to localised scales. This is due partly to difficulties in estimating predator and prey abundances over large areas. Collection of data at suitably large scales has been a major problem in previous studies of European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and their predators. This applies in Western Europe, where conserving rabbits and predators such as Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) is important, and in other parts of the world where rabbits are an invasive species supporting populations of introduced, and sometimes native, predators. In pastoral regions of New Zealand, rabbits are the primary prey of feral cats (Felis catus) that threaten native fauna. We estimate the seasonal numerical response of cats to fluctuations in rabbit numbers in grassland–shrubland habitat across the Otago and Mackenzie regions of the South Island of New Zealand. We use spotlight counts over 1645 km of transects to estimate rabbit and cat abundances with a novel modelling approach that accounts simultaneously for environmental stochasticity, density dependence and varying detection probability. Our model suggests that cat abundance is related consistently to rabbit abundance in spring and summer, possibly through increased rabbit numbers improving the fecundity and juvenile survival of cats. Maintaining rabbits at low abundance should therefore suppress cat numbers, relieving predation pressure on native prey. Our approach provided estimates of the abundance of cats and rabbits over a large geographical area. This was made possible by repeated sampling within each season, which allows estimation of detection probabilities. A similar approach could be applied to predator-prey systems elsewhere, and could be adapted to any method of direct observation in which there is no double-counting of individuals. Reliable estimates of numerical responses are essential for managing both invasive and threatened predators and prey. PMID:24039978

Co-occurrence dynamics of endangered Lower Keys marsh rabbits and free-ranging domestic cats: Prey responses to an exotic predator removal program.

PubMed

Cove, Michael V; Gardner, Beth; Simons, Theodore R; O'Connell, Allan F

2018-04-01

The Lower Keys marsh rabbit ( Sylvilagus palustris hefneri ) is one of many endangered endemic species of the Florida Keys. The main threats are habitat loss and fragmentation from sea-level rise, development, and habitat succession. Exotic predators such as free-ranging domestic cats ( Felis catus ) pose an additional threat to these endangered small mammals. Management strategies have focused on habitat restoration and exotic predator control. However, the effectiveness of predator removal and the effects of anthropogenic habitat modifications and restoration have not been evaluated. Between 2013 and 2015, we used camera traps to survey marsh rabbits and free-ranging cats at 84 sites in the National Key Deer Refuge, Big Pine Key, Florida, USA. We used dynamic occupancy models to determine factors associated with marsh rabbit occurrence, colonization, extinction, and the co-occurrence of marsh rabbits and cats during a period of predator removal. Rabbit occurrence was positively related to freshwater habitat and patch size, but was negatively related to the number of individual cats detected at each site. Furthermore, marsh rabbit colonization was negatively associated with relative increases in the number of individual cats at each site between survey years. Cat occurrence was negatively associated with increasing distance from human developments. The probability of cat site extinction was positively related to a 2-year trapping effort, indicating that predator removal reduced the cat population. Dynamic co-occurrence models suggested that cats and marsh rabbits co-occur less frequently than expected under random conditions, whereas co-detections were site and survey-specific. Rabbit site extinction and colonization were not strongly conditional on cat presence, but corresponded with a negative association. Our results suggest that while rabbits can colonize and persist at sites where cats occur, it is the number of individual cats at a site that more strongly influences rabbit occupancy and colonization. These findings indicate that continued predator management would likely benefit endangered small mammals as they recolonize restored habitats.

Oral Transmucosal Detomidine Gel in New Zealand White Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

PubMed Central

Williams, Morika D; Long, C Tyler; Durrant, Jessica R; McKeon, Gabriel P; Shive, Heather R; Griffith, Emily H; Messenger, Kristen M; Fish, Richard E

2017-01-01

Handling and restraining rabbits for routine procedures may be impossible without prior sedation, result in unnecessary stress or injury to the rabbit or handler, and increase experimental variability. Parenteral administration of sedatives can cause stress also, as well as localized pain and tissue damage, especially in fractious animals. Detomidine hydrochloride, an α2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is commercially available in an oral transmucosal (OTM) gel formulation that is FDA-approved for sedation and restraint in horses. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of detomidine gel as an alternative to injectable sedation in rabbits. Eight adult male New Zealand White rabbits each received 0.6, 1.2, or 1.8 mg/kg OTM detomidine gel. Physiologic parameters and sedation scores (SS) were assessed at 10-min intervals from before administration until 100 min afterward. Histopathology of cardiac tissue was scored through 12 d after dosing. Gel administration increased the SS in all rabbits, but none of the animals developed clinically effective sedation (SS of 10 or greater, based on 5 reflex responses on a 3- or 4-point scale). The SS did not differ among dosage groups, and the time–dose interaction was not statistically significant. Heart rate decreased rapidly in all rabbits, with no difference among dosage groups, and there was no effect of time or dosage on peripheral capillary oxygen saturation. Minimal to mild degenerative changes were seen in the myocardium of all treated rabbits, but myocyte necrosis, inflammation, fibrosis, and mural thrombi—reported previously in rabbits that had received parenteral detomidine—did not occur. OTM detomidine gel was safely and easily administered to rabbits, but the duration and level of sedation were unpredictable. The use of OTM detomidine as a sole agent to facilitate handling and restraint of rabbits does not offer advantages over existing parenteral regimens. PMID:28724493

Replacement of berseem hay by Salix tetrasperma on physiological performance of New Zealand White rabbits under subtropical conditions of Egypt.

PubMed

AbuHafsa, Salma H; Hassan, Ayman A; Camacho, Luis M; Salem, Abdelfattah Z M

2014-10-01

Forty-eight growing New Zealand White male rabbits aged 6 weeks (874 ± 1.3 g initial body weight (BW)) were used to study effects of partial replacement of berseem hay (BH) with Salix tetrasperma hay (ST) on growth and physiological responses. Rabbits were allotted to one of four diets of 12 rabbits each for 75 days in a completely randomized design. The treatments were as follows: control (30 % BH), ST25 (7.5 % ST + 22.5 % BH), ST50 (15 % ST + 15 % BH), ST75 (22.5 % ST + 7.5 % BH). Nutrient digestibility coefficients, nutritive value and N utilization of rabbits fed with the ST50 rations were higher (P < 0.05) than the other groups. Final live BW, average daily gain, feed intake and feed efficiency of rabbits fed ST25 and ST50 were higher (P < 0.05) than those fed ST75 and the control. Serum biochemical metabolites of urea, creatinine, aspartate amino transferase and alanine amino transferase concentrations varied among diets, with the rank order (P < 0.05) ST75 > ST25 and ST50 > control. Glucose level was higher (P < 0.05) for the control than the other diets. Rabbits fed with the mixed diets of ST had lower (P < 0.05) total lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides levels than those fed with control. Haematological indices of packed cell volume, haemoglobin, red blood cells, white blood cells and lymphocyte counts were lower (P < 0.05), but monocyte was higher, in rabbits fed with the ST75 than the other groups. However, other haematological parameters were similar among diets. Since all the performance and blood parameters were within normal ranges for healthy rabbits, and there were no signs of toxicity, we conclude that partial replacement of BH by ST improves rabbit growth performance, and did not impact rabbit health.

Animal in vivo models of EBV-associated lymphoproliferative diseases: special references to rabbit models.

PubMed

Hayashi, K; Teramoto, N; Akagi, T

2002-10-01

Animal models of human EBV-associated diseases are essential to elucidate the pathogenesis of EBV-associated diseases. Here we review those previous models using EBV or EBV-like herpesviruses and describe the details on our two newly-developed rabbit models of lymphoproliferative diseases (LPD) induced by simian EBV-like viruses. The first is Cynomolgus-EBV-induced T-cell lymphomas in rabbits inoculated intravenously (77-90%) and orally (82-89%) during 2-5 months. EBV-DNA was detected in peripheral blood by PCR from 2 days after oral inoculation, while anti-EBV-VCA IgG was raised 3 weeks later. Rabbit lymphomas and their cell lines contained EBV-DNA and expressed EBV-encoded RNA-1 (EBER-1). Rabbit lymphoma cell lines, most of which have specific chromosomal abnormality, showed tumorigenicity in nude mice. The second is the first animal model for EBV-infected T-cell LPD with virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (VAHS), using rabbits infected with an EBV-like herpesvirus, Herpesvirus papio (HVP). Rabbits inoculated intravenously with HVP-producing cells showed increased anti-EBV-VCA-IgG titers, and most (85%) subsequently died of fatal LPD and VAHS, with bleeding and hepatosplenomegaly, during 22-105 days. Peroral spray of cell-free HVP induced viral infection with seroconversion in 3 out of 5 rabbits, with 2 of the 3 infected rabbits dying of LPD with VAHS. Atypical T lymphocytes containing HVP-DNA and expressing EBER-1 were observed in many organs. Hemophagocytic histiocytosis was observed in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and thymus. These rabbit models are also useful and inexpensive alternative experimental model systems for studying the biology and pathogenesis of EBV, and prophylactic and therapeutic regimens.

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease: advantages of cELISA in assessing immunity in wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

PubMed

Zheng, Tao; Parkes, John P

2011-12-15

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is an acute fatal disease of domestic and wild European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) caused by RHD virus (RHDV). Accurate assessment of immunity is of great importance for the conservation and control of wild rabbits. We evaluated a competitive ELISA (cELISA) against isotype ELISAs for assessing the protective immunity against the disease by challenging 50 wild-caught rabbits with a lethal dose of RHDV. Death or survival to the challenge was used as a criterion to determine the performance characteristics of the assay for the assessment of immunity in rabbits. At 1:10 dilution, a serum exhibiting ≥ 25% inhibition (1:10(25)) was regarded as the presence of RHDV-specific antibodies. Eleven of 16 (68.8%) rabbits with antibodies at 1:10(25) (<1:40) died of RHD. When the cut-off was moved from 25% to 50% inhibition (1:10(50)) at 1:10 serum dilution, the assay sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for the protective immunity were improved from 84%, 54.2% and 69.4% to 84%, 100% and 91.8%, respectively. We also demonstrated at the epitope amino acid sequence level why the presence of the RHDV-cross reactive benign rabbit calicivirus, which interfered with isotype ELISAs, had little impact on the specificity of the cELISA for the diagnosis of RHDV infection. The presence of RHDV-specific antibody at 1:10(50) by the cELISA is a reliable indicator for the protective immunity. In contrast to isotype ELISAs, the cELISA is a valuable specific tool for monitoring the herd immunity to RHD for the conservation and management of wild rabbits in the field. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rabbit as an animal model for intravitreal pharmacokinetics: Clinical predictability and quality of the published data.

PubMed

Del Amo, Eva M; Urtti, Arto

2015-08-01

Intravitreal administration is the method of choice in drug delivery to the retina and/or choroid. Rabbit is the most commonly used animal species in intravitreal pharmacokinetics, but it has been criticized as being a poor model of human eye. The critique is based on some anatomical differences, properties of the vitreous humor, and observed differences in drug concentrations in the anterior chamber after intravitreal injections. We have systematically analyzed all published information on intravitreal pharmacokinetics in the rabbit and human eye. The analysis revealed major problems in the design of the pharmacokinetic studies. In this review we provide advice for study design. Overall, the pharmacokinetic parameters (clearance, volume of distribution, half-life) in the human and rabbit eye have good correlation and comparable absolute values. Therefore, reliable rabbit-to-man translation of intravitreal pharmacokinetics should be feasible. The relevant anatomical and physiological parameters in rabbit and man show only small differences. Furthermore, the claimed discrepancy between drug concentrations in the human and rabbit aqueous humor is not supported by the data analysis. Based on the available and properly conducted pharmacokinetic studies, the differences in the vitreous structure in rabbits and human patients do not lead to significant pharmacokinetic differences. This review is the first step towards inter-species translation of intravitreal pharmacokinetics. More information is still needed to dissect the roles of drug delivery systems, disease states, age and ocular manipulation on the intravitreal pharmacokinetics in rabbit and man. Anyway, the published data and the derived pharmacokinetic parameters indicate that the rabbit is a useful animal model in intravitreal pharmacokinetics. Copyright © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Baccaurea angulata fruit juice reduces atherosclerotic lesions in diet-induced Hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

PubMed

Ibrahim, Muhammad; Ahmed, Idris Adewale; Mikail, Maryam Abimbola; Ishola, Afeez Adekunle; Draman, Samsul; Isa, Muhammad Lokman Md; Yusof, Afzan Mat

2017-07-07

Atherosclerosis is the most common disease of large and medium-sized arteries linked to oxidative stress, dyslipidemia as well as chronic inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential health benefits of Baccaurea angulata (BA) fruit juice on the aorta of diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rabbits, to detect an accumulation of fatty streak and evaluate the percentage of atherosclerotic lesion accrued. Thirty-five healthy male adults New Zealand White rabbits were assigned to seven different groups. Four groups were fed 1% cholesterol diet and 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mL of BA fruit juice per kg of rabbit daily (atherogenic groups), while the other three groups were fed commercial rabbit pellet and 0, 0.5, and 1.0 mL of juice per kg of rabbit daily (normocholesterolemic groups) for 90 days. The thoracic and abdominal aorta between the heart origin and bifurcation into iliac arteries of all the rabbits were carefully removed and analyzed accordingly. The supplementation of the high-cholesterol diet of hypercholesterolemic rabbits with only 0.5 mL BA/kg rabbit per day significantly (p < 0.001) improved aortic lipid profile, attenuated aortic fatty streak development and reduced intima thickening. Higher BA doses used (1.0 and 1.5 mL/kg rabbit per day) also significantly (p < 0.001) decreased further the development of aortic fatty streaks, reduced the thickening of the tunica intima layer and preserved endothelial healing following arterial injury. Therefore, BA fruit is a potential novel functional food with effective anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic and hypocholesterolemic activities.

Transiently enhanced LPS-induced fever following hyperthermic stress in rabbits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shibata, Masaaki; Uno, Tadashi; Riedel, Walter; Nishimaki, Michiyo; Watanabe, Kaori

2005-11-01

Hyperthermia has been shown to induce an enhanced febrile response to the bacterial-derived endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The aim of the present study was to test the hypothesis that the enhanced LPS-induced fever seen in heat stressed (HS) animals is caused by leakage of intestinal bacterial LPS into the circulation. Male rabbits were rendered transiently hyperthermic (a maximum rectal temperature of 43°C) and divided into three groups. They were then allowed to recover in a room at 24°C for 1, 2 or 3 days post-HS. One day after injection with LPS, the post-HS rabbits exhibited significantly higher fevers than the controls, though this was not seen in rabbits at either 2 or 3 days post-HS. The plasma levels of endogenous LPS were significantly increased during the HS as compared to those seen in normothermic rabbits prior to HS. LPS fevers were not induced in these animals. One day post-HS, rabbits that had been pretreated with oral antibiotics exhibited significantly attenuated LPS levels. When challenged with human recombinant interleukin-1β instead of LPS, the 1-day post-HS rabbits did not respond with enhanced fevers. The plasma levels of TNFα increased similarly during LPS-induced fevers in both the control and 1-day post-HS rabbits, while the plasma levels of corticosterone and the osmolality of the 1-day post-HS rabbits showed no significant differences to those seen prior to the HS. These results suggest that the enhanced fever in the 1-day post-HS rabbits is LPS specific, and may be caused by increased leakage of intestinal endotoxin into blood circulation.

Identification and characterization of a Na+-dependent neutral amino acid transporter, ASCT1, in rabbit corneal epithelial cell culture and rabbit cornea.

PubMed

Katragadda, Suresh; Talluri, Ravi Sankar; Pal, Dhananjay; Mitra, Ashim K

2005-11-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of a Na+-dependent neutral amino acid transporter, ASCT1, in rabbit primary corneal epithelial cell culture and rabbit cornea. Uptake studies were carried out on rabbit primary corneal epithelial culture (rPCEC) cells using 12-well plates. Transport studies were conducted with isolated rabbit corneas at 34 degrees C. Uptake and transport of L-alanine was determined at various concentrations. Inhibition studies were conducted in presence of various L- and D-amino acids, metabolic inhibitors like ouabain and sodium azide, and in the absence of sodium to delineate the functional characteristics of L-alanine uptake and transport. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed on total RNA harvested from rabbit cornea and rPCEC cells for identification of ASCT1. Uptake of L-Ala was found to be saturable with a Km of 0.71 mM and a Vmax value of 0.84 micromoles min(-1) mg(-1) protein. Uptake was independent of pH and energy but depends on sodium. It was inhibited by serine, threonine, cysteine, and glutamine but did not respond to BCH (2-aminobicyclo [2,2,1] heptane-2-carboxylic acid) and MeAIB (alpha -methylaminoisobutyric acid). Transport of L-Ala across rabbit cornea was also saturable (Km 6.52 mM and Vmax 1.09 x 10(-2) micromoles min(-1) cm(-2)), energy independent, and subject to similar competitive inhibition. Presence of ASCT1 on rPCEC and on rabbit cornea was identified by RT-PCR. L-Alanine, the chosen model substrate, was actively transported by Na+-dependent, neutral amino acid exchanger ASCT1, which was identified and functionally characterized on rPCEC cells and rabbit cornea.

7 CFR 70.55 - Check grading officially identified product.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit... identified poultry or rabbit products may be subject to final check grading prior to their shipment. Such...

7 CFR 70.55 - Check grading officially identified product.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit... identified poultry or rabbit products may be subject to final check grading prior to their shipment. Such...

Possible interaction between myxomatosis and calicivirosis related to rabbit haemorrhagic disease affecting the European rabbit.

PubMed

Marchandeau, S; Bertagnoli, S; Peralta, B; Boucraut-Baralon, C; Letty, J; Reitz, F

2004-11-06

Serological data on myxoma virus, rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) virus and RHD-like viruses in juvenile rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) trapped in 1995, 1996 and 1997 in two areas of France were analysed. For each disease, the effects of bodyweight, year, month and seropositivity for the other disease were modelled by using logistic regressions. In one area, a model including RHD seropositivity was selected to explain the myxoma virus seropositivity. Models including myxoma virus seropositivity were selected to explain the RHD seropositivity in both areas, and the odds of a rabbit being seropositive to both viruses were 5.1 and 8.4 times higher than the odds of a rabbit being seronegative to myxoma virus and seropositive to RHD. The year and bodyweight had significant effects for myxomatosis in one area and for RHD in both areas.

An Upgrade on the Rabbit Model of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiomyopathy: Shorter Protocol, Reduced Mortality, and Higher Incidence of Overt Dilated Cardiomyopathy

PubMed Central

Talavera, Jesús; Fernández-Del-Palacio, María Josefa; García-Nicolás, Obdulio; Seva, Juan; Brooks, Gavin; Moraleda, Jose M.

2015-01-01

Current protocols of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy in rabbits present with high premature mortality and nephrotoxicity, thus rendering them unsuitable for studies requiring long-term functional evaluation of myocardial function (e.g., stem cell therapy). We compared two previously described protocols to an in-house developed protocol in three groups: Group DOX2 received doxorubicin 2 mg/kg/week (8 weeks); Group DAU3 received daunorubicin 3 mg/kg/week (10 weeks); and Group DAU4 received daunorubicin 4 mg/kg/week (6 weeks). A cohort of rabbits received saline (control). Results of blood tests, cardiac troponin I, echocardiography, and histopathology were analysed. Whilst DOX2 and DAU3 rabbits showed high premature mortality (50% and 33%, resp.), DAU4 rabbits showed 7.6% premature mortality. None of DOX2 rabbits developed overt dilated cardiomyopathy; 66% of DAU3 rabbits developed overt dilated cardiomyopathy and quickly progressed to severe congestive heart failure. Interestingly, 92% of DAU4 rabbits showed overt dilated cardiomyopathy and 67% developed congestive heart failure exhibiting stable disease. DOX2 and DAU3 rabbits showed alterations of renal function, with DAU3 also exhibiting hepatic function compromise. Thus, a shortened protocol of anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy as in DAU4 group results in high incidence of overt dilated cardiomyopathy, which insidiously progressed to congestive heart failure, associated to reduced systemic compromise and very low premature mortality. PMID:26788502

Prevention and treatment of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in immunosuppressed rabbits with fenbendazole

PubMed Central

Abu-Akkada, S. S.; Oda, S. S.

2016-01-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of oral administration of fenbendazole (20 mg/kg body weight) prior to and after experimental infection of immunosuppressed rabbits with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. A total of thirty rabbits were divided into five groups: NN (non-immunosuppressed; non-infected), IN (immunosuppressed; non-infected), IPI (immunosuppressed; protected-infected), ITI (immunosuppressed; treated-infected), and II (immunosuppressed; infected) groups. Fenbendazole was administered as a prophylactic for seven successive days before infection with E. cuniculi and as a treatment for four weeks initiated on the 28th day post-challenge (PC). Experimental rabbits were infected with intraperitoneal injection of 2 × 105 E. cuniculi spores. Parameters evaluated were body weight, detection of spores in urine, serum antibody assay, hematological, biochemical and histopathological changes. The IPI and ITI groups showed a significant better final bwt than the II group. Spores were detected in urine of all infected rabbits from the 28th day PC until the end of the study. The IPI group showed the least values of antibodies (IgG) compared to the ITI and II groups. Concerning histopathological changes, the intensity of the lesions was marked particularly in the II rabbits and to a lesser extent in the ITI rabbits. Noticeable improvement was found in the IPI rabbits. It could be concluded that fenbendazole was effective to some extent in protection of rabbits against E. cuniculi infection, while when administered as a therapeutic no significant effects were observed. PMID:27822234

Prevention and treatment of Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection in immunosuppressed rabbits with fenbendazole.

PubMed

Abu-Akkada, S S; Oda, S S

2016-01-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of oral administration of fenbendazole (20 mg/kg body weight) prior to and after experimental infection of immunosuppressed rabbits with Encephalitozoon cuniculi . A total of thirty rabbits were divided into five groups: NN (non-immunosuppressed; non-infected), IN (immunosuppressed; non-infected), IPI (immunosuppressed; protected-infected), ITI (immunosuppressed; treated-infected), and II (immunosuppressed; infected) groups. Fenbendazole was administered as a prophylactic for seven successive days before infection with E. cuniculi and as a treatment for four weeks initiated on the 28th day post-challenge (PC). Experimental rabbits were infected with intraperitoneal injection of 2 × 10 5 E. cuniculi spores. Parameters evaluated were body weight, detection of spores in urine, serum antibody assay, hematological, biochemical and histopathological changes. The IPI and ITI groups showed a significant better final bwt than the II group. Spores were detected in urine of all infected rabbits from the 28th day PC until the end of the study. The IPI group showed the least values of antibodies (IgG) compared to the ITI and II groups. Concerning histopathological changes, the intensity of the lesions was marked particularly in the II rabbits and to a lesser extent in the ITI rabbits. Noticeable improvement was found in the IPI rabbits. It could be concluded that fenbendazole was effective to some extent in protection of rabbits against E. cuniculi infection, while when administered as a therapeutic no significant effects were observed.

Hepatoprotective and toxicological studies of Salvia bucharica methanolic extract in rabbits.

PubMed

Ahmad, Mansoor; Muhammed, Shafi; Mehjabeen, -; Jahan, Noor

2014-11-01

Most of the species of genus Salvia are famous for having medicinal properties due to their chemical constituents. Salvia bucharica (Lamiacea) is found in Balochistan near Quetta in Hannaurak and Kalat. It is used in traditional system of medicine and claims to cure liver ailments. In current study crude methanolic extract (CME) of Salvia bucharica was obtained from the leaves and tested for hepatoprotective activity and possible toxicity in rabbits. Liver toxicity was induced in rabbits by administration of carbon tetra chloride (CCl4) and evaluated by biochemical tests and histopathology of tissues. In this study rabbits were divided in to 3 groups (5 rabbit in each group). Rabbits of group I (control) were administered only vehicle (0.9% sodium chloride) orally. Rabbits of group II were given CCl4 and group III were treated with CCl4 and S. bucharica CME orally. For hepatoprotective effect serum enzyme level and total protein level were calculated. Histopathology of liver sections of rabbits was also carried out to observe protective effect. Biochemical, hematological and histoptahological parameters were studied on rabbits for toxicological studies. S. bucharica CME showed significant liver protection with reduction in total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT). And decrease in Albumin and globulin. In toxicological studies, biochemical and histoptahological parameters showed no significant toxicity in liver, heart and kidneys. It is concluded that S. bucharica CME showed hepatoprotective effects with nontoxic profile.

[Effect of vascular endothelial growth factor and tumor necrosis factor receptor for treatment of avascular necrosis of the femoral head in rabbits].

PubMed

Hu, Zhi-ming; Zhou, Ming-qian; Gao, Ji-min

2008-12-01

To evaluate the therapeutic effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) on avascular necrosis of the femoral head in rabbits. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head was induced in 26 New Zealand white rabbits by injections of horse serum and prednisolone. The rabbits were then divided into VEGF/TNFR treatment group, VEGF treatment group, and untreated model group, with another 4 normal rabbits as the normal control group. In the two treatment groups, the therapeutic agents were injected percutaneously into the femoral head. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to determine the concentration of TNF-alpha in rabbit serum followed by pathological examination of the changes in the bone tissues, bone marrow hematopoietic tissue and the blood vessels in the femoral head. Compared with the model group, the rabbits with both VEGF and TNFR treatment showed decreased serum concentration of TNF-alpha with obvious new vessel formation, decreased empty bone lacunae in the femoral head and hematopoietic tissue proliferation in the bone marrow cavity. Percutaneous injection of VEGF and TNFR into the femoral head can significantly enhance bone tissue angiogenesis and ameliorate osteonecrosis in rabbits with experimental femoral head necrosis.

The bacterial communities associated with fecal types and body weight of rex rabbits

PubMed Central

Zeng, Bo; Han, Shushu; Wang, Ping; Wen, Bin; Jian, Wensu; Guo, Wei; Yu, Zhiju; Du, Dan; Fu, Xiangchao; Kong, Fanli; Yang, Mingyao; Si, Xiaohui; Zhao, Jiangchao; Li, Ying

2015-01-01

Rex rabbit is an important small herbivore for fur and meat production. However, little is known about the gut microbiota in rex rabbit, especially regarding their relationship with different fecal types and growth of the hosts. We characterized the microbiota of both hard and soft feces from rex rabbits with high and low body weight by using the Illumina MiSeq platform targeting the V4 region of the 16S rDNA. High weight rex rabbits possess distinctive microbiota in hard feces, but not in soft feces, from the low weight group. We detected the overrepresentation of several genera such as YS2/Cyanobacteria, and Bacteroidales and underrepresentation of genera such as Anaeroplasma spp. and Clostridiaceae in high weight hard feces. Between fecal types, several bacterial taxa such as Ruminococcaceae, and Akkermansia spp. were enriched in soft feces. PICRUSt analysis revealed that metabolic pathways such as “stilbenoid, diarylheptanoid, gingerol biosynthesis” were enriched in high weight rabbits, and pathways related to “xenobiotics biodegradation” and “various types of N-glycan biosynthesis” were overrepresented in rabbit soft feces. Our study provides foundation to generate hypothesis aiming to test the roles that different bacterial taxa play in the growth and caecotrophy of rex rabbits. PMID:25791609

Comparison of febrile responsiveness of rats and rabbits to endogenous pyrogen.

PubMed

Stitt, J T; Shimada, S G; Bernheim, H A

1985-12-01

The fever responses of rats and rabbits were compared in detail using a single common source of semipurified endogenous pyrogen prepared from human monocytes. The characteristics and dynamics of the fever-response curves for each species were examined and their dose-response curves were determined and compared. The fevers displayed by rats were qualitatively similar to those of rabbits, but, typically, they developed and terminated more rapidly than those of rabbits. Rabbits were much more sensitive to the endogenous pyrogen than rats. The threshold dose of pyrogen required to elicit a fever was 5 times lower in the rabbit, and the slope of the rabbit's dose-response curve was 1.5 times steeper than that of the rat. The maximum fevers attainable in rabbits were approximately twice those attainable in rats. It was also shown that the more rapid febrile responses of the rat were not due to the 10-fold smaller mass of the rat; instead, we proposed that this difference was more likely due to a closer diffusional proximity of the pyrogen receptor sites to the circulation in rats. The lower sensitivity of the rat to endogenous pyrogen was attributed to a relative insensitivity of the pyrogen receptor sites in rats in the translation of the endogenous pyrogen stimulus into fever.

Meta-analysis of treatment with rabbit and horse antithymocyte globulin for aplastic anemia.

PubMed

Hayakawa, Jin; Kanda, Junya; Akahoshi, Yu; Harada, Naonori; Kameda, Kazuaki; Ugai, Tomotaka; Wada, Hidenori; Ishihara, Yuko; Kawamura, Koji; Sakamoto, Kana; Ashizawa, Masahiro; Sato, Miki; Terasako-Saito, Kiriko; Kimura, Shun-Ichi; Kikuchi, Misato; Yamazaki, Rie; Kako, Shinichi; Kanda, Yoshinobu

2017-05-01

Aplastic anemia patients who received rabbit antithymocyte globulin exhibited response and survival rates inferior to those who received horse antithymocyte globulin in several studies. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to compare rabbit and horse antithymocyte globulin as immunosuppressive therapy for aplastic anemia. We searched online databases for studies that compared antithymocyte globulin regimens as first-line treatment for aplastic anemia, including both randomized and non-randomized controlled trials. The early mortality rate at 3 months and overall response rate at 6 months were evaluated. Thirteen studies were included in the analysis. The risk ratio (RR) of early mortality for rabbit vs. horse antithymocyte globulin was 1.33 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.69-2.57; P = 0.39], with significant heterogeneity. A sensitivity analysis suggested higher early mortality rate in patients who received rabbit antithymocyte globulin. The overall response rate was significantly higher in patients who received horse antithymocyte globulin (RR 1.27; 95% CI 1.05-1.54; P = 0.015). In conclusion, in aplastic anemia patients treated with ATG, early mortality rate was not significantly different in patients receiving horse or rabbit ATG, although a sensitivity analysis showed higher early mortality in the rabbit ATG group. Horse ATG was associated with significantly higher response rate than rabbit ATG.

Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic Potential of a High Fiber Diet in Healthy versus Diabetic Rabbits

PubMed Central

Díez, Raquel; García, Juan J.; Diez, M. José; Sierra, Matilde; Sahagún, Ana M.; Calle, Ángela P.; Fernández, Nélida

2013-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate potential hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects of Plantago ovata husk included in the diet, in healthy and diabetic rabbits. We also examined the effects of this fiber in other biochemical parameters. Two groups of 18 rabbits were used. The first group was fed with standard chow and the second with chow supplemented with Plantago ovata husk (3.5 mg/kg/day). On day 14 diabetes mellitus was induced by the intravenous administration of alloxan (80 mg/kg). After an oral glucose load (3 g), glucose, insulin, and other biochemical parameters were determined on day 14 (healthy rabbits) and on day 28 (diabetic rabbits). In healthy rabbits, fiber did not modify glucose or insulin levels but decreased significantly total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, atherogenic index, and glycosylated hemoglobin. In diabetic rabbits, fiber was more beneficial in mild diabetics than in severe diabetics with significant decreases in glucose levels and increases in insulin concentrations. In these animals fiber caused an important reduction in cholesterol, indicating a beneficial effect of Plantago ovata husk in diabetic rabbits. Although further studies in patients are necessary, we think that Plantago ovata husk offers interesting perspectives to be administered to patients with diabetes mellitus. PMID:23762869

An individual-based model of rabbit viral haemorrhagic disease on European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

USGS Publications Warehouse

Fa, John E.; Sharples, Colin M.; Bell, Diana J.; DeAngelis, Donald L.

2001-01-01

We developed an individual-based model of Rabbit Viral Hemorrhagic Disease (RVHD) for European wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.), representing up to 1000 rabbits in four hectares. Model output for productivity and recruitment matched published values. The disease was density-dependent and virulence affected outcome. Strains that caused death after several days produced greater overall mortality than strains in which rabbits either died or recovered very quickly. Disease effect also depended on time of year. We also elaborated a larger scale model representing 25 km2 and 100,000+ rabbits, split into a number of grid-squares. This was a more traditional model that did not represent individual rabbits, but employed a system of dynamic equations for each grid-square. Disease spread depended on probability of transmission between neighboring grid-squares. Potential recovery from a major population crash caused by the disease relied on disease virulence and frequency of recurrence. The model's dependence on probability of disease transmission between grid-squares suggests the way that the model represents the spatial distribution of the population affects simulation. Although data on RVHD in Europe are lacking, our models provide a basis for describing the disease in realistic detail and for assessing influence of various social and spatial factors on spread.

The development of genetic resistance to myxomatosis in wild rabbits in Britain.

PubMed

Ross, J; Sanders, M F

1984-06-01

The presence of genetic resistance to myxomatosis in a sample of wild rabbits from one area in England was reported in 1977. Rabbits from three other areas in Great Britain have been tested subsequently, and all cases showed similar resistance to a moderately virulent strain of myxoma virus. Rabbits from one area also showed a significant degree of resistance to a fully virulent strain of virus. It is concluded that genetic resistance to myxomatosis is widespread in wild rabbit populations in Britain. The implications of the results are discussed in relation to the co-evolution of the disease and its host.

The development of genetic resistance to myxomatosis in wild rabbits in Britain.

PubMed Central

Ross, J.; Sanders, M. F.

1984-01-01

The presence of genetic resistance to myxomatosis in a sample of wild rabbits from one area in England was reported in 1977. Rabbits from three other areas in Great Britain have been tested subsequently, and all cases showed similar resistance to a moderately virulent strain of myxoma virus. Rabbits from one area also showed a significant degree of resistance to a fully virulent strain of virus. It is concluded that genetic resistance to myxomatosis is widespread in wild rabbit populations in Britain. The implications of the results are discussed in relation to the co-evolution of the disease and its host. PMID:6736637

Preliminary assessment of the relative toxicity of 1,5-diazido-3-nitrazapentane 90-day dermal application male and female rabbits study number 75-51-y809-90, May 1990 - June 1992. Phase 2. Final report, May 1990-June 1992

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Haight, E.A.; Harvey, J.G.; Beall, P.

1992-06-01

A 90-day application of DANPE has the potential to cause testicular hypospermatogenesis in male rabbits and an apparent inhibition of mature ovarian follicles formation in female rabbits. A no-observed-adverse-effect-level was not achieved in the male rabbits but was achieved in female rabbits at 27.3 mg/kg dose level.... 1,5-Diazido-3-Nitrazapentane, Dermal, Approximate Lethal Dose (ALD), Testicular hypospermatogenesis, Ovarian follicle No-observed-adverse-effect-level (NOAEL).

7 CFR 70.20 - Who may be licensed and authorized.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit... grade poultry and/or rabbits on the basis of the U.S. classes, standards, and grades under the...

7 CFR 70.20 - Who may be licensed and authorized.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit... grade poultry and/or rabbits on the basis of the U.S. classes, standards, and grades under the...

[The quantitative changes of bioelements (Ca, Zn, Mg, Cu, Mn) in crystalline lenses under the influence of hypodynamic stress and zinc].

PubMed

Kusleika, Saulius

2002-01-01

The aim of the study was to investigate and estimate quantitative changes of bioelements (Ca, Zn, Mg, Cu, Mn) in the lenses on the influence of hypodynamic stress and zinc (Zn). Hypodynamic stress of 48 days duration was provoked for Chinchilla rabbits (n = 20) by placing them in metal hutches. Every day (48 days) 10 rabbits, which had intervention received 0.3 mg/kg body wt. doses of Zn (in form of Zn acetate). The rabbits (n = 10) of the control group, which had no intervention were kept in vivarium conditions. Concentration of bioelements in the lenses of rabbits was detected by atomic absorption spectrophotometry 503 "Perkin-Elmer" (USA). The investigation revealed that hypodynamic stress of 48 days duration caused the increase in amount of Ca, Zn, Mn in lenses as compared with that in control rabbits and in rabbits receiving Zn. The concentration of bioelements (Ca, Zn, Mg, Cu, Mn) in lenses of rabbits receiving Zn in case of hypodynamic stress did not change significantly.

[Correlation analysis between single nucleotide polymorphism of FGF5 gene and wool yield in rabbits].

PubMed

Li, Chun-Xiao; Jiang, Mei-Shan; Chen, Shi-Yi; Lai, Song-Jia

2008-07-01

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 1 and 3 of fibroblast growth factor (FGF5) gene was studied by DNA sequencing in Yingjing angora rabbit, Tianfu black rabbit and California rabbit. A frameshift mutation (TCT insert) at base position 217 (site A) of exon 1 and a T/C missense mutation at base position 59 (site B) of exon 3 were found in Yingjing angora rabbit with a high frequency; a T/C same-sense mutation at base position 3 (site C) of exon 3 was found with similar frequency in three rabbit breeds. Least square analysis showed that different genotypes had no significant association with wool yield in site A, and had high significant association with wool yield in site B (P<0.01) and significant association with wool yield in site C (P<0.05). It was concluded from the results that FGF5 gene could be the potential major gene affecting wool yield or link with the major gene, and polymorphic loci B and C may be used as molecular markers for im-proving wool yield in angora rabbits.

Effect of pre- and post-weaning dietary supplementation with Digestarom® herbal formulation on rabbit carcass traits and meat quality.

PubMed

Celia, C; Cullere, M; Gerencsér, Zs; Matics, Zs; Tasoniero, G; Dal Bosco, A; Giaccone, V; Szendrő, Zs; Dalle Zotte, A

2016-08-01

This study evaluated effects of Digestarom® (D) dietary inclusion before weaning (0-5weeks old; BW) and/or after weaning (5-12weeks old; AW) on growing rabbit carcass traits and meat quality. During BW, Pannon-Ka rabbits (does, kits) received two diets: a control diet (C) and one supplemented with 300mg Digestarom®/kg (D). At weaning, each group was divided into 3 dietary sub-groups: CC and DD received C and D diets from 5 to 12weeks of age, whereas DC was fed D from 5 to 8weeks and C from 8 to 12weeks of age (54 rabbits/group; AW). Rabbits were slaughtered at 12weeks of age. Digestarom® supplementation improved carcass yield and body mid part proportion only when administered BW. Rabbits fed D BW had higher hind leg meat cooking losses. Loin meat spiciness and rancidity increased with D both BW and AW. In conclusion, Digestarom(®) herbal formulation was ineffective in improving growing rabbit carcass traits or meat quality. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Deliberate introduction of the European rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus, into Australia.

PubMed

Fenner, F

2010-04-01

The European rabbit was brought to Australia as a companion animal by early settlers. It sometimes escaped, but failed to survive in the Australian bush. In 1879 wild rabbits were deliberately sent to Victoria to provide game for wealthy settlers to shoot. They soon spread all over Australia, except in the tropics, and became Australia's major animal pest. After careful testing in Australian wildlife and in humans, control by myxoma virus was introduced at various sites between 1937 and 1950, spreading all over the Murray-Darling Basin in 1950. Within one year mutations in the virus had led to slightly less virulence, and these continued for the next 50 years. In the early 21st Century testing viruses obtained from wild rabbits showed that the majority of these viruses were more virulent than the virus used to initiate the epidemic. In 1995 another virus specific for European rabbits, rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus, escaped from areas in which field trials were being carried out and spread around Australia. It was more successful than myxomatosis for rabbit control in arid regions.

Effect of genotype, housing system and hay supplementation on carcass traits and meat quality of growing rabbits.

PubMed

Dalle Zotte, A; Szendrő, K; Gerencsér, Zs; Szendrő, Zs; Cullere, M; Odermatt, M; Radnai, I; Matics, Zs

2015-12-01

The aim of the study was to examine the effects of genotype (Pannon Large × Pannon Ka/Large/or Hungarian Giant × Pannon Ka/Hung), housing system (Cage or small Pen) and hay supplementation (Pellet without or with Hay/P+Hay/) on carcass and meat (Longissimus dorsi/LD/ and hind leg/HL/) quality of growing rabbits. Large rabbits showed higher carcass weights, as well as higher fatness and meatiness compared to Hung rabbits. Caged rabbits were heavier, with higher prevalence of the mid part of the carcass, and showed higher fatness and lower meat toughness than Penned rabbits. Caged rabbits meat was richer in MUFA, but poorer in PUFA and Σ n-6 FA. Hay supplementation impaired carcass weight, carcass fatness, L* and a* color, and lipids content. P+Hay increased the HL meat content of C18:3 n-6 and C20:5 n-3 FA. Overall results offer further information on how alternative breeds, housing systems and feeding strategies can affect carcass traits and meat quality. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effect of dietary Digestarom® herbal supplementation on rabbit meat fatty acid profile, lipid oxidation and antioxidant content.

PubMed

Mattioli, S; Dal Bosco, A; Szendrő, Zs; Cullere, M; Gerencsér, Zs; Matics, Zs; Castellini, C; Dalle Zotte, A

2016-11-01

The experiment tested the effect of Digestarom® herbal supplementation on the antioxidant content, lipid oxidation and fatty acid profile of rabbit meat. At kindling, rabbit does and litters were divided into two dietary groups (N=162 kits/dietary group) and fed either a control diet (C) or the C diet supplemented with Digestarom® (D: 300mg/kg). At weaning (35days) four experimental fattening groups (54 rabbits each) were considered: CC, CD, DC and DD. After slaughtering (12weeks of age), Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscles were dissected from 20 rabbits/group and analyzed. Rabbit meat of DD group was enriched in essential C18:3 n-3 fatty acid and in other long-chain PUFA of n-3 series. Despite meat of DD group displayed the highest peroxidability index, TBARs value was the lowest. Meat antioxidant content followed the rank order: DD>CD>DC>CC. Digestarom® improved fatty acid composition and oxidative status of rabbit meat, particularly when administered from weaning throughout the growing period. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

[Influence of high-voltage electric burn on the microcirculation of heart in rabbit].

PubMed

Zhang, Qing-fu; Zhou, Hui-min; Wang, Che-jiang; Shao, Hong-bo

2012-06-01

To study the influence of high-voltage electric burn on the microcirculation of heart in rabbit. One-hundred and twenty New Zealand rabbits of clean grade were divided into control group (C) and electric burn group (EB) according to the random number table, with 60 rabbits in each group. Rabbits in EB group were subjected to high-voltage electric burn (the electrical current flow into the left foreleg at the lateral side of proximal end and out from the corresponding site of the right hind leg) with voltage regulator and experimental transformer. Rabbits in C group were sham injured with the same devices without electrification. At 15 minutes before injury, and 5 minutes, 1, 2, 4, 8 hour (s) post injury (PIM or PIH), ten rabbits in each group were chosen to examine the cardiac apex microcirculation hemoperfusion (CAMH) with laser Doppler hemoperfusion image instrument. The morphologic changes of microvessels of left ventricular wall tissues of 2 rabbits from each of the 10 rabbits collected at above-mentioned time points were observed with light microscope and transmission electron microscope. Auricular vein blood of rabbit was harvested at above-mentioned time points for the determination of aspartate amino transferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBDH), creatine kinase (CK), and creatine kinase isozyme MB (CK-MB) by full-automatic biochemical analyzer. Data were processed with two-factor analysis of variance and LSD test. (1) The differences between C group and EB group in detection results were statistically significant, with F values from 425.991 to 3046.834, P values all below 0.01. Only the data within EB group were comparable. (2) At PIM 5, the CAMH value of rabbits in EB group was (1.96 ± 0.09) V, which was lower than that at 15 minutes before injury [(4.34 ± 0.35) V, P < 0.01]. The CAMH value of rabbits in EB group was increased at PIH 1 [(3.43 ± 0.30) V], and then it showed a tendency of decrease. (3) Bleeding and microthrombus formation were observed in venule and capillary vessel of rabbits in EB group at PIH 8. Breakage of basement membrane of capillary endothelial cells, mitochondrial swelling, and severe degranulation from damaged endoplasmic reticulum were observed in rabbits of EB group at PIH 8. (4) Levels of AST, LDH, HBDH, CK, and CK-MB in rabbits of EB group were significantly higher at PIH 1, 2, 4, 8 than at 15 minutes before injury (with P values all below 0.01). The AST level peaked at PIH 2 [(164 ± 39) U/L]. Levels of LDH and HBDH peaked at PIH 4, which were respectively (1016 ± 246) U/L and (487 ± 54) U/L. The CK level peaked at PIH 8 [(7799 ± 738) U/L]. The CK-MB level peaked at PIH 2 [(1848 ± 65) U/L]. High-voltage electric burn can bring damage to the microvessels of heart in rabbits and change blood flow of microcirculation, which should be given adequate attention during the treatment.

9 CFR 354.124 - Quarantine of diseased rabbits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... shall be dealt with in one of the following ways: (a) If it is determined by a veterinary inspector that... veterinary inspector that further handling of the rabbits will not create a health hazard, such rabbits may...

9 CFR 354.124 - Quarantine of diseased rabbits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... shall be dealt with in one of the following ways: (a) If it is determined by a veterinary inspector that... veterinary inspector that further handling of the rabbits will not create a health hazard, such rabbits may...

Cardiovascular physiology and diseases of the rabbit.

PubMed

Pariaut, Romain

2009-01-01

This article reviews what is known about the diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases in the pet rabbit. Current knowledge is based on anecdotal reports, derived from research data using the rabbit as an animal model of human cardiovascular diseases, but most importantly canine and feline cardiology. It is likely that, as cardiovascular diseases are more often recognized, more specific information will soon become available for the treatment of the pet rabbit with cardiac disease.

Is the New Variant RHDV Replacing Genogroup 1 in Portuguese Wild Rabbit Populations?

PubMed Central

Lopes, Ana M.; Correia, Jorge; Abrantes, Joana; Melo, Pedro; Ramada, Margarida; Magalhães, Maria J.; Alves, Paulo C.; Esteves, Pedro J.

2014-01-01

The Lagovirus rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), a member of the family Caliciviridae, severely affects European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) populations by causing rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD). RHDV is subdivided in six genogroups but, more recently, a new RHDV variant with a unique genetic and antigenic profile emerged. We performed a study in rabbits found dead in the field during 2013 and 2014 in Portugal to determine the prevalence of this new variant versus the classical RHDV. Fifty-seven liver samples were screened for the presence of RHDV and positive samples were genotyped. All cases of RHDV infection were caused by the new variant. The only former genogroup circulating in Portugal, G1, was not detected. We hence conclude that the new RHDV variant is replacing G1 in Portugal, probably due to a selective advantage. This sudden and rapid replacement emphasizes the necessity of continued monitoring of wild rabbit populations. PMID:25559218

Rabbit genome analysis reveals a polygenic basis for phenotypic change during domestication.

PubMed

Carneiro, Miguel; Rubin, Carl-Johan; Di Palma, Federica; Albert, Frank W; Alföldi, Jessica; Martinez Barrio, Alvaro; Pielberg, Gerli; Rafati, Nima; Sayyab, Shumaila; Turner-Maier, Jason; Younis, Shady; Afonso, Sandra; Aken, Bronwen; Alves, Joel M; Barrell, Daniel; Bolet, Gerard; Boucher, Samuel; Burbano, Hernán A; Campos, Rita; Chang, Jean L; Duranthon, Veronique; Fontanesi, Luca; Garreau, Hervé; Heiman, David; Johnson, Jeremy; Mage, Rose G; Peng, Ze; Queney, Guillaume; Rogel-Gaillard, Claire; Ruffier, Magali; Searle, Steve; Villafuerte, Rafael; Xiong, Anqi; Young, Sarah; Forsberg-Nilsson, Karin; Good, Jeffrey M; Lander, Eric S; Ferrand, Nuno; Lindblad-Toh, Kerstin; Andersson, Leif

2014-08-29

The genetic changes underlying the initial steps of animal domestication are still poorly understood. We generated a high-quality reference genome for the rabbit and compared it to resequencing data from populations of wild and domestic rabbits. We identified more than 100 selective sweeps specific to domestic rabbits but only a relatively small number of fixed (or nearly fixed) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for derived alleles. SNPs with marked allele frequency differences between wild and domestic rabbits were enriched for conserved noncoding sites. Enrichment analyses suggest that genes affecting brain and neuronal development have often been targeted during domestication. We propose that because of a truly complex genetic background, tame behavior in rabbits and other domestic animals evolved by shifts in allele frequencies at many loci, rather than by critical changes at only a few domestication loci. Copyright © 2014, American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Bactericidal Action of Fresh Rabbit Blood Against Brucella abortus

PubMed Central

Joos, Richard W.; Hall, Wendell H.

1968-01-01

A photometric method was used to measure the bactericidal kinetics for Brucella abortus of freshly drawn rabbit blood during the time before clotting. This antibrucellar activity varied between rabbits in different immunologic states. Nonimmunized rabbits had moderate bactericidal activity after a lag of about 2 min. The blood of some immunized rabbits gave an immediate and strong kill, but in certain other immunized rabbits, especially when hyperimmunized, the bactericidal activity was inhibited. It appeared that serum bactericidins and complement are sometimes as active in unclotted blood as they are in serum. However, this bactericidal activity can be either increased or neutralized by immunization. The prozone bactericidal inhibition phenomenon (Neisser-Wechsberg) found in immune serum may, in fact, reflect inhibition taking place in vivo. Inhibition of the bactericidal activity in blood can contribute to the persistence of chronic infections and individual variations in resistance. PMID:4971893

Incidence of diarrhea with antibiotics and the increase of clostridia in rabbits.

PubMed

Hara-Kudo, Y; Morishita, Y; Nagaoka, Y; Kasuga, F; Kumagai, S

1996-12-01

Rabbits were treated with a single intravenous injection of various antibiotics. More than 40 per cent of the animals showed diarrhea after being treated with sulbactam/cefoperazone, cefmetazole, clindamycin, piperacillin or aspoxicillin. Clostridium difficile was isolated from sulbactam/cefoperazone-treated diarrheic rabbits, with their cecal contents showing positive reaction in a latex agglutination test for C. difficile enterotoxin. However, 27 cefmetazole-induced diarrheic cases were not associated with C. difficile. Other enteropathogenic bacteria, such as Campylobacter spp., Bacillus cereus, enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp., Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium spiroforme, were not isolated from either of diarrheic rabbit. However, the counts of clostridia remarkably increased in the intestine of cefmetazole-associated diarrheic rabbits. This was ascribed to the overgrowth of Clostridium innocuum and Clostridium sporogenes. There were no remarkable differences in changes in other bacterial population between diarrheic and non-diarrheic rabbits.

DETECTION OF IDIOTYPIC CROSS-REACTIONS AMONG STREPTOCOCCAL ANTISERA FROM RELATED RABBITS

PubMed Central

Kindt, Thomas J.; Seide, Rochelle K.; Bokisch, Viktor A.; Krause, Richard M.

1973-01-01

Idiotypic cross-reactions among antibodies to Group C streptococcal carbohydrate were studied using idiotypic antisera prepared in allotypically matched rabbits. Antibodies with idiotypic cross-specificity to one proband antibody were detected in 58% of the antisera from related rabbits, while approximately 1% of nonrelated rabbits produced antibody with this specificity. The cross-specificity was related to the group a (VH) allotype of 133 rabbits tested with only one exception. Studies utilizing antisera against a second proband antibody failed to detect antibodies with idiotypic cross-reactivity among the same group of related rabbits. This result emphasizes the variation in expression of idiotypic determinants of antibodies. It was further shown that the presence of anti-IgG's in the streptococcal antisera interfere with the detection of idiotypic cross-reactions. These anti-IgG's masked the presence of antibodies with idiotypic cross-specificity when inhibition of precipitation tests were used for their detection. PMID:4727913

The rabbit as a model for studying lung disease and stem cell therapy.

PubMed

Kamaruzaman, Nurfatin Asyikhin; Kardia, Egi; Kamaldin, Nurulain 'Atikah; Latahir, Ahmad Zaeri; Yahaya, Badrul Hisham

2013-01-01

No single animal model can reproduce all of the human features of both acute and chronic lung diseases. However, the rabbit is a reliable model and clinically relevant facsimile of human disease. The similarities between rabbits and humans in terms of airway anatomy and responses to inflammatory mediators highlight the value of this species in the investigation of lung disease pathophysiology and in the development of therapeutic agents. The inflammatory responses shown by the rabbit model, especially in the case of asthma, are comparable with those that occur in humans. The allergic rabbit model has been used extensively in drug screening tests, and this model and humans appear to be sensitive to similar drugs. In addition, recent studies have shown that the rabbit serves as a good platform for cell delivery for the purpose of stem-cell-based therapy.

The Rabbit as a Model for Studying Lung Disease and Stem Cell Therapy

PubMed Central

Kamaruzaman, Nurfatin Asyikhin; Kamaldin, Nurulain ‘Atikah; Latahir, Ahmad Zaeri; Yahaya, Badrul Hisham

2013-01-01

No single animal model can reproduce all of the human features of both acute and chronic lung diseases. However, the rabbit is a reliable model and clinically relevant facsimile of human disease. The similarities between rabbits and humans in terms of airway anatomy and responses to inflammatory mediators highlight the value of this species in the investigation of lung disease pathophysiology and in the development of therapeutic agents. The inflammatory responses shown by the rabbit model, especially in the case of asthma, are comparable with those that occur in humans. The allergic rabbit model has been used extensively in drug screening tests, and this model and humans appear to be sensitive to similar drugs. In addition, recent studies have shown that the rabbit serves as a good platform for cell delivery for the purpose of stem-cell-based therapy. PMID:23653896

Biosecurity practices and causes of enteritis on Ontario meat rabbit farms

PubMed Central

Kylie, Jennifer; Brash, Marina; Whiteman, Ashley; Tapscott, Brian; Slavic, Durda; Weese, J. Scott; Turner, Patricia V.

2017-01-01

Infectious enterocolitis is a significant cause of mortality in meat rabbits. Disease risk is enhanced by intensive rearing practices and poor on-farm biosecurity. This investigation was undertaken in farmed meat rabbits during an Ontario-wide outbreak of enteritis with high mortality to determine the prevalence of causative agents. A survey evaluating on-farm biosecurity practices was also conducted to identify potential means of pathogen contamination and zoonotic risks. Gross and microscopic pathology evaluations combined with microbiologic testing were conducted on 95 rabbits over spring and winter months. Escherichia coli and Clostridium spiroforme were most commonly associated with enteritis in rabbits regardless of age or season and lesions were significantly more severe in mature does (P < 0.0001). The survey results demonstrated a lack of consistent on-farm biosecurity practices. The infectious nature of enteric disease of rabbits combined with poor biosecurity practices may contribute to disease transmission within and between farms. PMID:28588327

Biosecurity practices and causes of enteritis on Ontario meat rabbit farms.

PubMed

Kylie, Jennifer; Brash, Marina; Whiteman, Ashley; Tapscott, Brian; Slavic, Durda; Weese, J Scott; Turner, Patricia V

2017-06-01

Infectious enterocolitis is a significant cause of mortality in meat rabbits. Disease risk is enhanced by intensive rearing practices and poor on-farm biosecurity. This investigation was undertaken in farmed meat rabbits during an Ontario-wide outbreak of enteritis with high mortality to determine the prevalence of causative agents. A survey evaluating on-farm biosecurity practices was also conducted to identify potential means of pathogen contamination and zoonotic risks. Gross and microscopic pathology evaluations combined with microbiologic testing were conducted on 95 rabbits over spring and winter months. Escherichia coli and Clostridium spiroforme were most commonly associated with enteritis in rabbits regardless of age or season and lesions were significantly more severe in mature does ( P < 0.0001). The survey results demonstrated a lack of consistent on-farm biosecurity practices. The infectious nature of enteric disease of rabbits combined with poor biosecurity practices may contribute to disease transmission within and between farms.

Anatomy and Surgical Approaches to the Rabbit Nasal Septum.

PubMed

Badran, Karam W; Chang, John C; Kuan, Edward C; Wong, Brian J F

2017-09-01

The rabbit is the primary animal model used to investigate aspects of nasal surgery. Although several studies have used this model, none has provided a comprehensive analysis of the surgical anatomy and techniques used to gain access to the rabbit nasal fossae and septum. To describe and optimize the surgical anatomy and approach to the rabbit nasal vault and septal cartilage. In an ex vivo animal study conducted at an academic medical center, preliminary cadaveric dissections were performed on rabbit head specimens to establish familiarity with relevant anatomy and rehearse various approaches. Live Pasteurella-free New Zealand white rabbits (3.5-4.0 kg) were used to further develop this surgical technique developed here. Access of the nasal vault was gained through a midline nasal dorsum incision and creation of an osteoplastic flap with a drill. Submucosal resection was performed with preservation of the mucoperichondrium. All rabbits were monitored daily for 4 weeks in the postoperative period for signs of infection, pain, and complications. The study was conducted from June 1, 2014, to December 1, 2014. Surgical anatomy and techniques used to gain access to the rabbit nasal vault and harvest septal cartilage. Four Pasteurella-free New Zealand white rabbits (Western Organ Rabbit Co), ranging in age from 9 to 12 months and weighing between 3.5 and 4.0 kg, were used in this study. Initial dissections demonstrated the feasibility of harvesting septal cartilage while preserving the mucoperichondrial envelope. Access to the nasal vault through this 3-osteotomy approach allowed for maximal exposure to the nasal cavity bilaterally while maintaining the integrity of the mucoperichondrium following septal cartilage harvest. The maximum amount of bulk, en bloc, cartilage harvested was 1.0 × 2.5 cm. Following surgical dissection, all animals maintained adequate airway patency and support to midface structures. Furthermore, all specimens preserved the integrity of the mucoperichondrium, septum, vascular anatomy, and airway dynamics. No operative complications, postoperative airway compromise, or infections were observed. Access to the rabbit nasal vault and septal cartilage is feasible through a variety of surgical approaches and techniques. To date, this is the first study to meticulously document and review the surgical approaches to the rabbit nasal cavity. This approach describes a novel, 3-osteotomy method of accessing the nasal cavity bilaterally and successfully harvesting rabbit septal cartilage in a submucoperichondrial plane. The ability to preserve native anatomy and function allows for improved outcomes in translational and animal guided clinical research. NA.

Comparison of behaviour, performance and mortality in restricted and ad libitum-fed growing rabbits.

PubMed

Dalmau, A; Abdel-Khalek, A M; Ramon, J; Piles, M; Sanchez, J P; Velarde, A; Rafel, O

2015-07-01

The objective of this study was to determine whether rabbits fed in a restricted regimen (75%) showed increased competition for feeding, drinking and use of specific areas of the cages as compared with those provided feed ad libitum. This evaluation was carried out by measuring their space utilisation in the cage, the incidence of agonistic behaviour and rates of mortality. In total, 504 rabbits between 31 and 66 days of age were used in this study. A total of 200 heavy-weight rabbits and 56 light-weight rabbits were randomly housed in 32 cages, each cage containing eight rabbits: 25 cages housing heavy rabbits and seven cages housing the light-weight ones. They were all fed ad libitum (AD). In addition, a total of 208 heavy-weight rabbits and 40 light-weight rabbits were randomly housed in 31 cages, each of them containing eight rabbits: 26 cages housing heavy weight rabbits and five cages housing light-weight ones. They were all fed a restricted diet (R) regimen. The restriction was calculated to be 75% of the feed consumed by the AD group. The total space available in the cage was 3252 cm(2), with a stocking density of 24.6 animals/m(2). Animals between 32 and 60 days of age from 20 different cages were observed nine times per week (morning or afternoon) by means of scan and focal sampling by one observer. During each period, cages were assessed for 5 min, registering every minute the position of all the animals in relation to Area A (feeder), Area B (central part) or Area C (back and drinker area). The incidence of agonistic behaviour such as displacement, biting and jumping on each other was also assessed. Performance variables such as daily gain and feed conversion ratio, in addition to general health status and mortality rates, were recorded for all rabbits. When the rabbits were under restricted feeding, the competition for feed and drink increased with clear signs of agonistic behaviour such as biting, displacement and animals jumping on top of each other. Although this competition was maintained during the entire growing period, the BW homogeneity between animals in the same cage was similar in both cases, suggesting that all animals could consume similar quantities of feed. The possible advantages of a restricted diet, such as better feed conversion ratio, were observed in this study only in the last few weeks of the growing period.

Risk factors for cutaneous myiasis (blowfly strike) in pet rabbits in Great Britain based on text-mining veterinary electronic health records.

PubMed

Turner, Rachel; Arsevska, Elena; Brant, Beth; Singleton, David A; Newman, Jenny; Noble, Pj-M; Jones, Philip H; Radford, Alan D

2018-05-01

Blowfly strike is a devastating and often rapidly fatal disease in rabbits. In Great Britain (GB), Lucilia sericata is the primary causative species. Despite its severity, there has been minimal investigatory work into the disease in rabbits. Here we used text mining to screen electronic health records (EHRs) from a large sentinel network of 389 veterinary practices in GB between March 2014 and April 2017 for confirmed cases of blowfly strike in rabbits. Blowfly strike was identified in 243 of 42,226 rabbit consultations (0.6%), affecting 205 individual rabbits. The anatomical site of recorded blowfly strike lesions was overwhelmingly the perineal area (n = 109, 52.4%). Less commonly lesions were observed affecting other areas of the body (n = 9, 4.3%) and head (n = 8, 3.8%); in 83 consultations (39.9%), the affected area was not specified. Of the rabbits presenting with blowfly strike, 44.7% were recorded as being euthanized or died. A case control study was used to identify risk factors for blowfly strike in this population. Whilst sex and neuter status in isolation were not significantly associated with blowfly strike, entire female rabbits showed a 3.3 times greater odds of being a case than neutered female rabbits. Rabbits five years of age and over were more than 3.8 times likely to present for blowfly strike. For every 1 °C rise in environmental temperature between 4.67 °C and 17.68 °C, there was a 33% increase risk of blowfly strike, with cases peaking in July or August. Overall blowfly strike cases started earlier and peaked higher in the south of Great Britain. The most northerly latitude studied was at lower risk of blowfly strike than the most southerly (OR = 0.50, p < 0.001). There appeared to be no significant relationship between blowfly strike in rabbits and either the sheep density or rural and urban land coverage types. The results presented here can be used for targeted health messaging to reduce the impact of this deadly disease for rabbits. We propose that real-time temporal and spatial surveillance of the rabbit disease may also help inform sheep control, where the seasonal profile is very similar, and where routine surveillance data is also not available. Our results highlight the value of sentinel databases based on EHRs for research and surveillance. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental transmission of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) from rabbit to wild mice (Mus spretus and Apodemus sylvaticus) under laboratory conditions.

PubMed

Rocha, Gregorio; Alda, Fernando; Pagés, Albert; Merchán, Tomás

2017-01-01

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease (RHD) is a highly lethal and contagious viral disease that produces haemorrhagic lesions in liver and lungs of domestic and wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). This study investigates the transmission of RHDV from infected rabbits to mice, based on the detection of viral RNA. Sixteen wild mice (Mus spretus, n=12 and Apodemus sylvaticus, n=4) were put in contact with nine rabbits inoculated with RHDV. No mice died following exposure to RHDV-infected rabbits or developed macroscopic haemorrhagic lesions. On the fourth day of contact, RHDV was detected by RT-PCR in the faeces of three of the four mice killed and in the livers of two of them. Three days after contact period with the inoculated rabbits (7th day of the experiment), RHDV was detected by RT-PCR in 100% (n=4) of the faeces and 50% (n=2) of the livers of euthanized animals. Ten days after contact period (14th day of the experiment), RHDV was not detected in the faeces or liver from any of the mice euthanized. However, 64days after contact period, RHDV was detected in the faeces of one mouse (1 of 4). We demonstrate cross-species transmission of RHDV-RNA from rabbit to rodent and the capability of RHDV-RNA to persist in mice for at least 10days after contact, and potentially up to two months, although viral replication within the rodent and/or infectivity was not evaluated in the present study. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evaluation of developmental toxicity of coniine to rats and rabbits.

PubMed

Forsyth, C S; Frank, A A

1993-07-01

Conium maculatum (poison hemlock, CM) is teratogenic in several domestic species, presumably due to its piperidine alkaloids, including coniine, which has been verified to be teratogenic in cattle. Coniine/CM teratogenicity culminates in production of arthrogryposis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate coniine-induced teratogenicity in two laboratory animal species, Sprague-Dawley rats and New Zealand white rabbits. Pregnant rats were given coniine (25 mg/kg body weight) by oral gavage at 8-hour intervals on gestation days 16-18. Pregnant rabbits were given coniine (40 mg/kg body weight) by oral gavage at 8-hour intervals on gestation days 20-24. Rats were killed on day 19 and rabbits on day 29. Fetuses were immediately removed, weighed, and examined for external abnormalities. Alternate fetuses were either stained for skeletal examinations with alizarin red-S or fixed in Bouin's solution for visceral examination. Symptoms of maternal intoxication due to coniine administration were observed in both the rat and the rabbit, and higher doses were uniformly lethal. Rabbits treated with coniine appeared to lose more weight and eat less than controls, but there was no statistically significant difference between groups. Fetal weights were significantly lower in coniine-exposed rat and rabbit fetuses indicating fetotoxicity. The only statistically significant treatment-related visceral or skeletal malformation was a reduction of cranial ossification of rabbit fetuses, probably related to maternal toxicity. Coniine-exposed rabbit litters tended to be affected by arthrogryposis (no bony deformities noted on skeletal exam) more than controls (2/6 vs. 0/9).

Influence of sex and age on febrile responses to peripheral and central administration of pyrogens in the rabbit

PubMed Central

Lipton, J. M.; Ticknor, C. B.

1979-01-01

1. Intravenous injections of leucocytic pyrogen in doses of 15, 30 and 60 μl./kg caused febrile reactions in male rabbits that were related to age of the animal: rabbits under 2 yr of age developed fevers that were related to dose of pyrogen, while rabbits 2-3 yr old showed large febrile responses which were not dose-related. 2. Female rabbits of comparable ages generally showed smaller febrile reactions to I.V. leucocytic pyrogen, and still older females (3-5 yr) developed fever only after the largest dose. 3. Dose-related febrile responses to 2·5, 5 and 10 μl. leucocytic pyrogen given intracerebroventricularly (I.C.V.) were greater in male rabbits 1-3 yr old than in females of comparable age. Female rabbits 3-5 yr old showed dose-related fevers that were smaller than those of younger animals of both sexes. 4. There were no major differences in response to 125, 250 and 500 ng PGE2, given I.C.V., between male and female rabbits under 2 yr of age. Females 2-3 yr of age had greater responses to PGE2 than males of comparable age whilst the oldest females showed smaller responses. 5. It is concluded that the febrile response of the rabbit to peripheral and central leucocytic pyrogen varies with both age and sex. Differences in sensitivity of central fever controls to endogenous pyrogen in animals of different ages and sexes may account for the different responses to peripheral pyrogen. PMID:521933

Influence of sex and age on febrile responses to peripheral and central administration of pyrogens in the rabbit.

PubMed

Lipton, J M; Ticknor, C B

1979-10-01

1. Intravenous injections of leucocytic pyrogen in doses of 15, 30 and 60 mul./kg caused febrile reactions in male rabbits that were related to age of the animal: rabbits under 2 yr of age developed fevers that were related to dose of pyrogen, while rabbits 2-3 yr old showed large febrile responses which were not dose-related.2. Female rabbits of comparable ages generally showed smaller febrile reactions to I.V. leucocytic pyrogen, and still older females (3-5 yr) developed fever only after the largest dose.3. Dose-related febrile responses to 2.5, 5 and 10 mul. leucocytic pyrogen given intracerebroventricularly (I.C.V.) were greater in male rabbits 1-3 yr old than in females of comparable age. Female rabbits 3-5 yr old showed dose-related fevers that were smaller than those of younger animals of both sexes.4. There were no major differences in response to 125, 250 and 500 ng PGE(2), given I.C.V., between male and female rabbits under 2 yr of age. Females 2-3 yr of age had greater responses to PGE(2) than males of comparable age whilst the oldest females showed smaller responses.5. It is concluded that the febrile response of the rabbit to peripheral and central leucocytic pyrogen varies with both age and sex. Differences in sensitivity of central fever controls to endogenous pyrogen in animals of different ages and sexes may account for the different responses to peripheral pyrogen.

Responses of a top and a meso predator and their prey to moon phases.

PubMed

Penteriani, Vincenzo; Kuparinen, Anna; del Mar Delgado, Maria; Palomares, Francisco; López-Bao, José Vicente; Fedriani, José María; Calzada, Javier; Moreno, Sacramento; Villafuerte, Rafael; Campioni, Letizia; Lourenço, Rui

2013-11-01

We compared movement patterns and rhythms of activity of a top predator, the Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus, a mesopredator, the red fox Vulpes vulpes, and their shared principal prey, the rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus, in relation to moon phases. Because the three species are mostly nocturnal and crepuscular, we hypothesized that the shared prey would reduce its activity at most risky moon phases (i.e. during the brightest nights), but that fox, an intraguild prey of lynx, would avoid lynx activity peaks at the same time. Rabbits generally moved further from their core areas on darkest nights (i.e. new moon), using direct movements which minimize predation risk. Though rabbits responded to the increased predation risk by reducing their activity during the full moon, this response may require several days, and the moon effect we observed on the rabbits had, therefore, a temporal gap. Lynx activity patterns may be at least partially mirroring rabbit activity: around new moons, when rabbits moved furthest and were more active, lynxes reduced their travelling distances and their movements were concentrated in the core areas of their home ranges, which generally correspond to areas of high density of rabbits. Red foxes were more active during the darkest nights, when both the conditions for rabbit hunting were the best and lynxes moved less. On the one hand, foxes increased their activity when rabbits were further from their core areas and moved with more discrete displacements; on the other hand, fox activity in relation to the moon seemed to reduce dangerous encounters with its intraguild predator.

The current state of welfare, housing and husbandry of the English pet rabbit population.

PubMed

Rooney, Nicola J; Blackwell, Emily J; Mullan, Siobhan M; Saunders, Richard; Baker, Paula E; Hill, Jenna M; Sealey, Clare E; Turner, Matthew J; Held, Suzanne D E

2014-12-22

The welfare of pet rabbits is an area of growing interest in Europe and the UK. This study analyses questionnaire results from a diverse population of 1254 rabbit owners from three different geographical areas in England with the aim of providing an accurate representation of how pet rabbits are currently housed and cared for and key aspects of their health and welfare. Rabbits were kept in a variety of different housing types, the most common being a traditional hutch/cage (59%). Although the majority had additional exercise areas, access was often unpredictable, or ill-timed, which may compromise welfare. Only 41.9% of owners kept their rabbit with conspecifics, limiting their ability to engage in social behaviour. Of those rabbits housed with a companion, although many were reported to be amicable and to engage in positive interactions, over a quarter were reported to fight at least occasionally (25.3%), whilst 22.7% guarded resources and 27.1% avoided one another. Whilst low levels of some of these behaviours may be a normal part of social interaction, the relatively high levels reported here suggest that not all cohabiting pairs of rabbits are compatible, which is potentially a significant welfare issue.Although the vast majority of owners fed hay for over 10% this was less than daily. Pelleted foods were very popular (71.4% at least daily) compared to commercial muesli mixes (32.6%). As in previous studies, dental problems were commonly reported (12.2% of rabbits); however, so were eye problems (12.9%), digestive problems (11.5%) and parasites (11.3%). A large proportion of rabbits (58%) were thought to be fearful of loud noises, and 61% were not reported as calm when handled by their owner, which may be a significant concern for this species. This study has confirmed and expanded on previous findings: many pet rabbits were found to be in good health, had compatible companions and were provided with enriched living areas. However, it also found numerous welfare issues that affect large numbers of pet rabbits. We suggest further studies are required exploring the accuracy of owner reports (which possibly under-report many problems) and prioritising the issues raised here.

In Vitro Approach To Identify Key Amino Acids in Low Susceptibility of Rabbit Prion Protein to Misfolding

PubMed Central

Eraña, Hasier; Fernández-Borges, Natalia; Elezgarai, Saioa R.; Harrathi, Chafik; Charco, Jorge M.; Chianini, Francesca; Dagleish, Mark P.; Ortega, Gabriel; Millet, Óscar

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Prion diseases, or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), are a group of rare progressive neurodegenerative disorders caused by an abnormally folded prion protein (PrPSc). This is capable of transforming the normal cellular prion protein (PrPC) into new infectious PrPSc. Interspecies prion transmissibility studies performed by experimental challenge and the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy that occurred in the late 1980s and 1990s showed that while some species (sheep, mice, and cats) are readily susceptible to TSEs, others are apparently resistant (rabbits, dogs, and horses) to the same agent. To study the mechanisms of low susceptibility to TSEs of certain species, the mouse-rabbit transmission barrier was used as a model. To identify which specific amino acid residues determine high or low susceptibility to PrPSc propagation, protein misfolding cyclic amplification (PMCA), which mimics PrPC-to-PrPSc conversion with accelerated kinetics, was used. This allowed amino acid substitutions in rabbit PrP and accurate analysis of misfolding propensities. Wild-type rabbit recombinant PrP could not be misfolded into a protease-resistant self-propagating isoform in vitro despite seeding with at least 12 different infectious prions from diverse origins. Therefore, rabbit recombinant PrP mutants were designed to contain every single amino acid substitution that distinguishes rabbit recombinant PrP from mouse recombinant PrP. Key amino acid residue substitutions were identified that make rabbit recombinant PrP susceptible to misfolding, and using these, protease-resistant misfolded recombinant rabbit PrP was generated. Additional studies characterized the mechanisms by which these critical amino acid residue substitutions increased the misfolding susceptibility of rabbit PrP. IMPORTANCE Prion disorders are invariably fatal, untreatable diseases typically associated with long incubation periods and characteristic spongiform changes associated with neuronal loss in the brain. Development of any treatment or preventative measure is dependent upon a detailed understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases, and understanding the mechanism by which certain species appear to be resistant to TSEs is critical. Rabbits are highly resistant to naturally acquired TSEs, and even under experimental conditions, induction of clinical disease is not easy. Using recombinant rabbit PrP as a model, this study describes critical molecular determinants that confer this high resistance to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. PMID:28978705

Suppression of atherosclerotic changes in cholesterol-fed rabbits treated with an oral inhibitor of neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (EC 3.4.24.11).

PubMed

Kugiyama, K; Sugiyama, S; Matsumura, T; Ohta, Y; Doi, H; Yasue, H

1996-08-01

Neutral endopeptidase 24.11 (NEP), widely distributed in the body, hydrolyzes and inactivates a number of endogenous vasoactive peptides, some of which could alter various functions of cells present in the arterial wall. Recently NEP has been found to exist in the vascular endothelium. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of chronic NEP inhibition by daily administration of UK79300 (candoxatril), an orally active NEP inhibitor (NEPI), on the development of atherosclerotic changes in high-cholesterol-fed rabbits. Male New Zealand White rabbits were fed for 8 weeks as follows: normal rabbit diet (Normal, n = 15), 1.5% cholesterol diet (Cholesterol, n = 15), or 1.5% cholesterol diet containing NEPI (20 mg.kg-1.d-1) (Cholesterol+NEPI, n = 15). At the end of the dietary period, NEPI treatment was found to suppress the surface area of the aorta covered by plaques (% surface area: Cholesterol, 59 +/- 6 versus Cholesterol+NEPI, 36 +/- 7, P < .01) and decreased contents of cholesterol and cholesterol esters in the aortas. NEPI also reduced plasma total cholesterol by 27% of Cholesterol rabbits (1781 +/- 130 mg/dL). The endothelial function, estimated by the endothelium-dependent relaxation of the isolated aortas in response to acetylcholine, was preserved in Cholesterol+NEPI rabbits compared with that in Cholesterol rabbits. NEP enzymatic activities in plasma and the particulate fraction of the homogenates from the aortas in Cholesterol rabbits were both increased, 3.1- and 3.9-fold, respectively, above those in Normal rabbits, but the activities in Cholesterol+NEPI rabbits were significantly lower than those in Cholesterol rabbits. UK73967, an active form of UK79300, or phosphoramidon partly reversed the atherosclerotic impairment of relaxation of the isolated thoracic aortic rings from Cholesterol rabbits in response to exogenous additions of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) and substance P, which are NEP substrates known to exist endogenously in the vascular endothelium. The results suggest that the increased NEP activity plays a significant role in atherogenesis, and NEPIs might be therapeutically useful in the prevention of atherosclerosis. Reduction of plasma cholesterol and suppression of degradations in the arteries of endogenously released CNP, substance P, or possibly other kinins known to have anti-atherosclerotic actions may at least partially contribute to the inhibitory effects of NEPIs on atherosclerotic changes.

Effects of oral administration of energy drinks on blood chemistry, tissue histology and brain acetylcholine in rabbits.

PubMed

Ebuehi, O A T; Ajayl, O E; Onyeulor, A L; Awelimobor, D

2011-01-01

Energy drinks are canned or bottled carbonated beverages that contain large amounts of caffeine and sugar with additional ingredients, such as B-Vitamins, amino acids and herbal stimulants. Previous reports have shown that consumption of large amounts of these energy drinks may result in adverse health consequences. The present study is to ascertain if oral administration of energy drinks, such as "power horse" and "red bull", may affect blood chemistry, tissue histology and acetyl choline levels in rabbits. Five ml of power horse and red bull energy drinks, caffeine and saline (control) were orally administered daily for 36 days to rabbits. Body weight, feed and water intake were measured every other day. The blood samples were taken by cardiac puncture for blood chemistry measurement and their liver, heart and brain tissues were used for histological assay. The plasma, liver, brain and heart acetylcholine levels were also determined. There were no significant differences in the body weight, feed intake and organ weights of rabbits administered energy drinks or caffeine as compared to the control. The blood chemistry results showed that the activities of the aspartate and alanine amino transferase, concentrations of plasma creatinine, uric acid and albumin were increased in the control as compared to the red bull and caffeine administered rabbits. The concentrations of total protein, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) and glucose concentrations were increased in power horse and red bull administered rabbits as compared to caffeine administered rabbits and control rabbits. The concentrations of plasma and brain acetylcholine of rabbits administered power horse and red bull were significantly higher than in the control, while it was lower in liver and heart acetyl choline levels. The histopathological findings of the brain and liver show that there were no obvious histopathological abnormalities in the brain, liver and heart of rabbits administered power horse or red bull and caffeine as compared to the control rabbits. Data of the present study indicate that oral administration of the energy drinks, specifically power horse and red bull, affected blood chemistry, liver enzymes activities, but do not significantly affect the histopathology of the brain, heart and liver of the rabbits. This findings suggest that energy drinks may alter cholinergic neurotransmission and neural functions mediated by acetylcholine.

Rabbit analgesia.

PubMed

Barter, Linda S

2011-01-01

With the increasing popularity of rabbits as household pets, the complexity of diagnostic and surgical procedures performed on rabbits is increasing, along with the frequency of routine surgical procedures. More practitioners are faced with the need to provide adequate analgesia for this species. Preemptive analgesia prior to planned surgical interventions may reduce nervous system changes in response to noxious input, as well as reduce postoperative pain levels and analgesic drug requirements. Concurrent administration of analgesic drugs to anesthetized rabbits undergoing painful procedures is warranted both pre- and intraoperatively as well as postoperatively. This article discusses the neuropharmacologic and pharmacologic aspects of pain in rabbits, and reviews current protocols for the use of analgesic drugs. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Effect of dietary inclusion of sorghum milling waste on growth response, nutrient utilisation, gut characteristics and cecal microflora of weaner rabbits.

PubMed

Oso, Oladele A; Sobayo, Richard; Jegede, Vincent; Fafiolu, Adeboye; Iyasere, Oluwaseun Serah; Dele, Peter; Bamgbose, Adeyemi; Cecilia, Adesida

2011-06-01

Growth response, nutrient digestibility and cecal microflora of 80 male, mixed breed weaner rabbits fed with varying dietary inclusions of sorghum milling waste (SMW) was investigated. Four experimental diets were formulated such that SMW was included at 0 (control), 100, 200 and 300 g/kg, respectively. Each dietary treatment was performed on 20 rabbits. Feed intake increased (P < 0.05) while final live weight and feed conversion ratio of rabbits decreased (P < 0.05) following increased dietary inclusion of SMW. Rabbits fed with 100 and 200 g/kg SMW had similar feed conversion ratios, weight gain, crude fiber, dry matter and crude protein digestibility values. Rabbits fed with 300 g/kg SMW recorded the lowest (P < 0.05) hot carcass weight, dressing percentage and rack weight. Similar dressing percentage and rack weight were recorded for rabbits fed with control diet, 100 and 200 g/kg SMW. The weight of cecal content increased (P < 0.05) with increased dietary inclusion levels of SMW. Rabbits fed with 300 g/kg SMW recorded the lowest (P < 0.05) coliform and lactobaccillus counts. Dietary inclusion of up to 200 g/kg SMW supported improved growth response and carcass yield without imposing any detrimental effect on cecal microflora. © 2011 The Authors; Animal Science Journal © 2011 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Evaluation of objects and food for environmental enrichment of NZW rabbits.

PubMed

Harris, L D; Custer, L B; Soranaka, E T; Burge, J R; Ruble, G R

2001-01-01

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals states that both structural and social environments should be considered when addressing the husbandry needs of laboratory animals. The purpose of this study was to investigate environmental enrichment strategies that could potentially enhance the well-being of rabbits. Male and female 6-week old New Zealand White rabbits were divided into three groups: food-enriched (Bunny Stix, Bunny Blocks, or celery), non-food enriched (Jingle Ball, Kong toy, or Nylabone), and not enriched. Animals were given a particular enrichment for 1 h daily for 15 days. Home cages were fitted with specially designed plexiglass doors, which allowed the animals' interactions with the objects to be videotaped. The amount of time the animal interacted with each object and the total activity during the 1-h taped session were recorded for each rabbit. Rabbits were weighed weekly. Rabbits spent significantly more time interacting with the Bunny Stix than any other food item or non-food object. In addition, total activity time was significantly greater for all rabbits enriched with food versus any of the non-food items. Weight gains after 15 days did not differ significantly, but there was a trend towards increased weight gains in food-enriched rabbits. In this study, food was a stronger, more sustained enrichment device than were non-food objects.

Development of a Three-Dimensional (3D) Printed Biodegradable Cage to Convert Morselized Corticocancellous Bone Chips into a Structured Cortical Bone Graft.

PubMed

Chou, Ying-Chao; Lee, Demei; Chang, Tzu-Min; Hsu, Yung-Heng; Yu, Yi-Hsun; Liu, Shih-Jung; Ueng, Steve Wen-Neng

2016-04-20

This study aimed to develop a new biodegradable polymeric cage to convert corticocancellous bone chips into a structured strut graft for treating segmental bone defects. A total of 24 adult New Zealand white rabbits underwent a left femoral segmental bone defect creation. Twelve rabbits in group A underwent three-dimensional (3D) printed cage insertion, corticocancellous chips implantation, and Kirschner-wire (K-wire) fixation, while the other 12 rabbits in group B received bone chips implantation and K-wire fixation only. All rabbits received a one-week activity assessment and the initial image study at postoperative 1 week. The final image study was repeated at postoperative 12 or 24 weeks before the rabbit scarification procedure on schedule. After the animals were sacrificed, both femurs of all the rabbits were prepared for leg length ratios and 3-point bending tests. The rabbits in group A showed an increase of activities during the first week postoperatively and decreased anterior cortical disruptions in the postoperative image assessments. Additionally, higher leg length ratios and 3-point bending strengths demonstrated improved final bony ingrowths within the bone defects for rabbits in group A. In conclusion, through this bone graft converting technique, orthopedic surgeons can treat segmental bone defects by using bone chips but with imitate characters of structured cortical bone graft.

Development of a Three-Dimensional (3D) Printed Biodegradable Cage to Convert Morselized Corticocancellous Bone Chips into a Structured Cortical Bone Graft

PubMed Central

Chou, Ying-Chao; Lee, Demei; Chang, Tzu-Min; Hsu, Yung-Heng; Yu, Yi-Hsun; Liu, Shih-Jung; Ueng, Steve Wen-Neng

2016-01-01

This study aimed to develop a new biodegradable polymeric cage to convert corticocancellous bone chips into a structured strut graft for treating segmental bone defects. A total of 24 adult New Zealand white rabbits underwent a left femoral segmental bone defect creation. Twelve rabbits in group A underwent three-dimensional (3D) printed cage insertion, corticocancellous chips implantation, and Kirschner-wire (K-wire) fixation, while the other 12 rabbits in group B received bone chips implantation and K-wire fixation only. All rabbits received a one-week activity assessment and the initial image study at postoperative 1 week. The final image study was repeated at postoperative 12 or 24 weeks before the rabbit scarification procedure on schedule. After the animals were sacrificed, both femurs of all the rabbits were prepared for leg length ratios and 3-point bending tests. The rabbits in group A showed an increase of activities during the first week postoperatively and decreased anterior cortical disruptions in the postoperative image assessments. Additionally, higher leg length ratios and 3-point bending strengths demonstrated improved final bony ingrowths within the bone defects for rabbits in group A. In conclusion, through this bone graft converting technique, orthopedic surgeons can treat segmental bone defects by using bone chips but with imitate characters of structured cortical bone graft. PMID:27104525

Outcome of limb fracture repair in rabbits: 139 cases (2007-2015).

PubMed

Sasai, Hiroshi; Fujita, Daisuke; Seto, Eiko; Denda, Yuki; Imai, Yutaro; Okamoto, Kanako; Okamura, Kensaku; Furuya, Masaru; Tani, Hiroyuki; Sasai, Kazumi

2018-02-15

OBJECTIVE To evaluate outcome of limb fracture repair in rabbits. DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS 139 client-owned rabbits with limb fractures treated between 2007 and 2015. PROCEDURES Medical records were reviewed for information on fracture location, fracture treatment, and time to fracture healing. RESULTS 25 rabbits had fractures involving the distal aspects of the limbs (ie, metacarpal or metatarsal bones, phalanges, and calcaneus or talus). Fractures were treated in 23 of these 25 rabbits (external coaptation, n = 17; external skeletal fixation, 4; and intramedullary pinning, 2) and healed in all 23, with a median healing time of 28 days (range, 20 to 45 days). One hundred ten rabbits had long bone fractures, and fractures were treated in 100 of the 110 (external skeletal fixation, n = 89; bone plating, 1; intramedullary pinning, 3; and external coaptation, 7). The percentage of fractures that healed was significantly lower for open (14/18) than for closed (26/26) tibial fractures and was significantly lower for femoral (19/26) and treated humeral (4/6) fractures than for radial (23/24) or closed tibial (26/26) fractures. Micro-CT was used to assess fracture realignment during external skeletal fixator application and to evaluate fracture healing. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The prognosis for rabbits with limb fractures was good, with fractures healing in most rabbits following fracture repair (109/123). Micro-CT was useful in assessing fracture realignment and evaluating fracture healing.

Co‐occurrence dynamics of endangered Lower Keys marsh rabbits and free‐ranging domestic cats: Prey responses to an exotic predator removal program

USGS Publications Warehouse

Cove, Michael V.; Gardner, Beth; Simons, Theodore R.; O'Connell, Allan F.

2018-01-01

The Lower Keys marsh rabbit (Sylvilagus palustris hefneri) is one of many endangered endemic species of the Florida Keys. The main threats are habitat loss and fragmentation from sea‐level rise, development, and habitat succession. Exotic predators such as free‐ranging domestic cats (Felis catus) pose an additional threat to these endangered small mammals. Management strategies have focused on habitat restoration and exotic predator control. However, the effectiveness of predator removal and the effects of anthropogenic habitat modifications and restoration have not been evaluated. Between 2013 and 2015, we used camera traps to survey marsh rabbits and free‐ranging cats at 84 sites in the National Key Deer Refuge, Big Pine Key, Florida, USA. We used dynamic occupancy models to determine factors associated with marsh rabbit occurrence, colonization, extinction, and the co‐occurrence of marsh rabbits and cats during a period of predator removal. Rabbit occurrence was positively related to freshwater habitat and patch size, but was negatively related to the number of individual cats detected at each site. Furthermore, marsh rabbit colonization was negatively associated with relative increases in the number of individual cats at each site between survey years. Cat occurrence was negatively associated with increasing distance from human developments. The probability of cat site extinction was positively related to a 2‐year trapping effort, indicating that predator removal reduced the cat population. Dynamic co‐occurrence models suggested that cats and marsh rabbits co‐occur less frequently than expected under random conditions, whereas co‐detections were site and survey‐specific. Rabbit site extinction and colonization were not strongly conditional on cat presence, but corresponded with a negative association. Our results suggest that while rabbits can colonize and persist at sites where cats occur, it is the number of individual cats at a site that more strongly influences rabbit occupancy and colonization. These findings indicate that continued predator management would likely benefit endangered small mammals as they recolonize restored habitats.

Spatial correlation of action potential duration and diastolic dysfunction in transgenic and drug-induced LQT2 rabbits.

PubMed

Odening, Katja E; Jung, Bernd A; Lang, Corinna N; Cabrera Lozoya, Rocio; Ziupa, David; Menza, Marius; Relan, Jatin; Franke, Gerlind; Perez Feliz, Stefanie; Koren, Gideon; Zehender, Manfred; Bode, Christoph; Brunner, Michael; Sermesant, Maxime; Föll, Daniela

2013-10-01

Enhanced dispersion of action potential duration (APD) is a major contributor to long QT syndrome (LQTS)-related arrhythmias. To investigate spatial correlations of regional heterogeneities in cardiac repolarization and mechanical function in LQTS. Female transgenic LQTS type 2 (LQT2; n = 11) and wild-type littermate control (LMC) rabbits (n = 9 without E4031 and n = 10 with E4031) were subjected to phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging to assess regional myocardial velocities. In the same rabbits' hearts, monophasic APDs were assessed in corresponding segments. In LQT2 and E4031-treated rabbits, APD was longer in all left ventricular segments (P < .01) and APD dispersion was greater than that in LMC rabbits (P < .01). In diastole, peak radial velocities (Vr) were reduced in LQT2 and E4031-treated compared to LMC rabbits in LV base and mid (LQT2: -3.36 ± 0.4 cm/s, P < .01; E4031-treated: -3.24 ± 0.6 cm/s, P < .0001; LMC: -4.42 ± 0.5 cm/s), indicating an impaired diastolic function. Regionally heterogeneous diastolic Vr correlated with APD (LQT2: correlation coefficient [CC] 0.38, P = .01; E4031-treated: CC 0.42, P < .05). Time-to-diastolic peak Vr were prolonged in LQT2 rabbits (LQT2: 196.8 ± 2.9 ms, P < .001; E4031-treated: 199.5 ± 2.2 ms, P < .0001, LMC 183.1 ± 1.5), indicating a prolonged contraction duration. Moreover, in transgenic LQT2 rabbits, diastolic time-to-diastolic peak Vr correlated with APD (CC 0.47, P = .001). In systole, peak Vr were reduced in LQT2 and E4031-treated rabbits (P < .01) but longitudinal velocities or ejection fraction did not differ. Finally, random forest machine learning algorithms enabled a differentiation between LQT2, E4031-treated, and LMC rabbits solely based on "mechanical" magnetic resonance imaging data. The prolongation of APD led to impaired diastolic and systolic function in transgenic and drug-induced LQT2 rabbits. APD correlated with regional diastolic dysfunction, indicating that LQTS is not purely an electrical but an electromechanical disorder. © 2013 Heart Rhythm Society. All rights reserved.

Sclera-Choroid-RPE Transport of Eight β-Blockers in Human, Bovine, Porcine, Rabbit, and Rat Models

PubMed Central

Kadam, Rajendra S.; Cheruvu, Narayan P. S.; Edelhauser, Henry F.

2011-01-01

Purpose. To determine the influence of drug lipophilicity, ocular pigmentation, and species differences on transscleral solute transport. Methods. The transport of eight β-blockers across excised sclera/sclera-choroid-RPE (SCRPE) of albino rabbit, pigmented rabbit, human, porcine, and bovine eyes was determined over 6 hours. The ex vivo transscleral β-blocker transport to the vitreous at the end of 6 hours was determined in euthanatized, pigmented Brown Norway rats. The thicknesses of the sclera and SCRPE and the melanin content in choroid-RPE (CRPE) were measured to determine whether species differences in drug transport can be explained on this basis. Results. Solute lipophilicity inversely correlated with the SCRPE cumulative percentage of transport in all species (R2 ≥ 0.80). The CRPE impeded the SCRPE transport of all β-blockers (51%–64% resistance in the rabbits; 84%–99.8% in the bovine and porcine eyes) more than the sclera, with the impedance increasing with lipophilicity. SCRPE transport followed the trend albino rabbit > pigmented rabbit > human > porcine > bovine, and a cross-species comparison showed good Spearman's rho correlation (R2 ≥ 0.85). Bovine (R2 = 0.84), porcine (R2 = 0.84), and human (R2 = 0.71) SCRPE transport was more predictive than that in the rabbit models (R2 = 0.60–0.61) of transscleral solute transport to the vitreous in rats. The CRPE concentrations were higher in pigmented rabbits than in albino rabbits. The melanin content of the CRPE exhibited the trend albino rabbit ≪ pigmented rabbit < porcine ∼ bovine < rat. Normalization to scleral thickness abolished the species differences in scleral transport. Normalization to SCRPE thickness and melanin content significantly reduced species differences in SCRPE transport. Conclusions. Owing to the presence of pigment and drug binding, choroid-RPE is the principal barrier to transscleral β-blocker transport, with the barrier being more significant for lipophilic β-blockers. Although different in magnitude between species, sclera/SCRPE transport can be correlated between species. Tissue thickness accounts for the species differences in scleral transport. Differences in tissue thickness and melanin content largely account for the species differences in SCRPE transport. PMID:21282583

Effects of raw material extrusion and steam conditioning on feed pellet quality and nutrient digestibility of growing meat rabbits.

PubMed

Liao, Kuoyao; Cai, Jingyi; Shi, Zhujun; Tian, Gang; Yan, Dong; Chen, Delin

2017-06-01

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of raw material extrusion and steam conditioning on feed pellet quality and nutrient digestibility of growing meat rabbits, in order to determine appropriate rabbit feed processing methods and processing parameters. In Exp. 1, an orthogonal design was adopted. Barrel temperature, material moisture content and feed rate were selected as test factors, and acid detergent fiber (ADF) content was selected as an evaluation index to research the optimum extrusion parameters. In Exp. 2, a two-factor design was adopted. Four kinds of rabbit feeds were processed and raw material extrusion adopted optimum extrusion parameters of Exp. 1. A total of 40 healthy and 42-day-old rabbits with similar weight were used in a randomized design, which consisted of 4 groups and 10 replicates in each group (1 rabbits in each replicate). The adaptation period lasted for 7 d, and the digestion trial lasted for 4 d. The results showed as follows: 1) ADF was significantly affected by barrel temperature ( P  < 0.05); the optimum extrusion parameters were barrel temperature 125 °C, moisture content 16% and feed rate 9 Hz. 2) Raw material extrusion and steam conditioning both significantly decreased powder percentage, pulverization ratio and protein solubility ( P  < 0.05), significantly improved hardness and starch gelatinization degree of rabbit feed ( P  < 0.05). They both had significant interaction effects on the processing quality of rabbit feed ( P  < 0.05). 3) Extrusion significantly improved the apparent digestibility of dry matter and total energy ( P  < 0.05). Extrusion and steam conditioning both significantly improved the apparent digestibility of crude fiber (CF), ADF and NDF ( P  < 0.05), but they had no interaction effects on the apparent digestibility of rabbit feed. Thus, using extrusion and steam conditioning technology at the same time in the weaning rabbits feed processing can improve the pellet quality and nutrient apparent digestibility of rabbit feed.

Assessment of gastrointestinal pH, fluid and lymphoid tissue in the guinea pig, rabbit and pig, and implications for their use in drug development.

PubMed

Merchant, Hamid A; McConnell, Emma L; Liu, Fang; Ramaswamy, Chandrasekaran; Kulkarni, Rucha P; Basit, Abdul W; Murdan, Sudaxshina

2011-01-18

Laboratory animals are often used in drug delivery and research. However, basic information about their gastrointestinal pH, fluid volume, and lymphoid tissue is not completely known. We have investigated these post-mortem in healthy guinea pigs, rabbits and pigs, to assess their suitability for pre-clinical studies by comparing the results with reported human literature. The mean gastric pH (fed ad libitum) was 2.9 and 4.4 in guinea pig and pig, respectively. In contrast, a very low pH (1.6) was recorded in the rabbits. The small intestinal pH was found in the range of 6.4-7.4 in the guinea pigs and rabbits, whereas lower pH (6.1-6.7) was recorded in the pig, which may have consequences for ionisable or pH responsive systems when tested in pig. A relatively lower pH than in the small intestine was found in the caecum (6.0-6.4) and colon (6.1-6.6) of the guinea pig, rabbit and the pig. The water content in the gastrointestinal tract of guinea pig, rabbit and pig was 51g, 153g and 1546g, respectively. When normalized to the body weight, the guinea pig, had larger amounts of water compared to the rabbit and the pig (guinea pig>rabbit>pig); in contrast, a reverse order was found when normalized to per unit length of the gut (guinea pig

Respiratory and thermoregulatory responses of rabbits breathing carbon dioxide during heat exposure.

PubMed Central

Maskrey, M; Nicol, S C

1976-01-01

1. Rabbits were clipped and exposed in turn to three environmental conditions: control (C), cold exposure (CE) and water deprivation (WD). Following each type of treatment, the rabbits were exposed to an ambient temperature (Ta) of 35 degrees C for 1 hr. Throughout this period they breathed either normal atmospheric air or 6% CO2 in air. 2.During heat exposure, measurements were made of the respiratory responses and of the O2 consumption (Vo2) of the rabbits. Rectal temperature (Tre) was measured immediately before and again immediately after heat exposure. 3. When subjected to cold exposure or water deprivation the rabbits showed an initial decrease in respiratory frequency (RF) and an initial increase in VT when compared with controls. There was no difference in VE. Rabbits breathing 6% CO2 showed an increase in VT and VE and a decrease in RF when compared with rabbits breathing atmospheric air. In all cases a change in VT or RF was associated with a reciprocal change in the other parameter. 4. The respiratory responses to breathing 6% CO2 were essentially similar in treated and control rabbits, from which it is concluded that neither cold exposure nor water deprivation alter the sensitivity of the medullary respiratory centre to the respiratory drive from the central chemosensors. 5. The increase in Tre during heat exposure was significantly less in rabbits breathing 6% CO2 than in rabbits breathing atmospheric air. However, there was no significant over-all difference in VO2 between rabbits breathing CO2 and those breathing air. From this it is concluded that increased ventilation induced by CO2 causes a greater dissipation of heat than does thermally-induced panting. 6. It is concluded that VT is controlled by the level of blood PCO2 whereas RF is controlled by thermoregulatory requirements. It is further concluded that the reciprocal relationship between VT and RF is regulated in such a way as to maintain VE at the appropriate level for effecting gaseous exchange and evaporative heat loss. PMID:978578

Journey length and high temperatures: effects on rabbit welfare and meat quality.

PubMed

Liste, G; María, G A; Buil, T; García-Belenguer, S; Chacón, G; Olleta, J L; Sañudo, C; Villarroel, M

2006-02-01

The transport of domestic animals by road can increase levels of stress and decrease meat quality, especially in unfavourable climates. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of journey duration and vertical position on the transport truck on some physiological indicators of stress and on instrumental meat quality parameters in commercial rabbits. In the summer months (June and July, 2003), 78 rabbits were subjected to either long (7 h) (LJ) or short (1 h) (SJ) journeys (3 replicates each, n = 6) between the farm and an abattoir in northern Spain. The position (top, middle, or bottom) occupied by the rabbits on the Multi-Floor cage Rolling Stand (MFRS) of the transport truck was recorded. Blood samples were collected at sticking and meat pH was measured at 24 h post-mortem (pH24). At 48 h post-mortem, samples of the M. longissimus dorsi were used to determine water-holding capacity (WHC) and instrumental tenderness using an INSTRON machine. The levels of corticosterone, glucose, lactate, and creatine kinase were slightly higher in LJ than in SJ samples, but the difference was not statistically significant (p < or = 0.10). Independent of journey length, rabbits in the middle and bottom of the MFRS showed higher levels (p < or = 0.05) of glucose and creatine kinase (middle), and corticosterone (bottom) than the rabbits located at the top floor. The pH 24 and WHC values of the SJ and LJ rabbits did not differ significantly. Journey length had a significant effect (p < or = 0.01) on meat tenderness. The meat from rabbits subjected to LJ had higher values of maximum stress and total toughness than did the SJ rabbits (p < or = 0.05). There were similar differences (p < or = 0.05) between LJ and SJ rabbits in their stress values of compression at 20% and 40% (measures of the tenderness of raw meat). In hot weather, the position on the transport truck appeared to have a greater effect on rabbit welfare than the duration of the journey.

Listeria monocytogenes Circulating in Rabbit Meat Products and Slaughterhouses in Italy: Prevalence Data and Comparison Among Typing Results.

PubMed

De Cesare, Alessandra; Parisi, Antonio; Mioni, Renzo; Comin, Damiano; Lucchi, Alex; Manfreda, Gerardo

2017-03-01

Rabbit meat has outstanding dietetic and nutritional properties. However, few data on microbiological hazards associated with rabbit productions are available. In this study, the presence of Listeria monocytogenes was determined in 430 rabbit carcasses, 256 rabbit meat cuts and products, and 599 environmental sponges collected from four Italian rabbit slaughterhouses over a period of 1 year. Prevalence of L. monocytogenes among the 1285 rabbit meat and environmental samples was 11%, with statistically significant differences between slaughterhouses. The highest prevalence (33.6%) was observed in rabbit meat cuts and products; the majority of positive environmental samples were collected from conveyor belts. Overall, 27.9% and 14.3% of rabbit cuts and carcasses, respectively, had L. monocytogenes counts higher than 1 colony-forming unit (CFU)/10 g. A selection of 123 isolates from positive samples was genotyped and serotyped to determine genetic profiles and diversity among L. monocytogenes isolates contaminating different slaughterhouses and classes of products investigated. Discriminatory power and concordance among the results obtained using multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA), multilocus sequence typing (MLST), pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), automated EcoRI ribotyping, and serotyping were assessed. The isolates selected for typing were classified into serotypes 1/2a (52.8%), 1/2c (32.5%), and 1/2b (14.6%). The majority of the isolates were classified as ST14 (34.1%), ST9 (35.5%), ST121 (17.9%), and ST224 (14.6%). The greatest discriminatory power was observed with the MLVA typing, followed by MLST, PFGE, and ribotyping. The best bidirectional concordance was achieved between PFGE and MLST. There was 100% correlation between both MLST and MLVA with serotype. Moreover, a high unidirectional correspondence was observed between MLVA and both MLST and PFGE, as well as between PFGE and both MLST and serotyping. The results of this study show for the first time in Italy prevalence and genetic profiles of L. monocytogenes isolated in rabbit products and slaughterhouses.

Hepatitis E virus in wild rabbits and European brown hares in Germany.

PubMed

Hammerschmidt, F; Schwaiger, K; Dähnert, L; Vina-Rodriguez, A; Höper, D; Gareis, M; Groschup, M H; Eiden, M

2017-12-01

Recently, a change of hepatitis E from being a typical travel-associated disease to an autochthonous zoonosis in Germany was observed. An increasing number of autochthonous infections with the hepatitis E Virus (HEV) have been recognized in developed countries. Venison from wild boar is already known to be a potential source of infection, if not prepared properly by the consumer. In Germany, certain wild animals are known to be a reservoir for HEV. However, current information is missing about European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) and wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Thus, a total of 833 hunting-harvested animals (European brown hares n = 669; wild rabbits n = 164) were tested for the occurrence of HEV RNA and HEV antibodies. For this, liver and blood specimens were taken after hunts in six German federal states. HEV antibodies were found by ELISA in 2.2% (624/14) of European brown hares, but no HEV RNA was detectable by nested real-time RT-PCR. In contrast, a seroprevalence of 37.3% (126/47) was observed for wild rabbits, and 17.1% (164/28) of the samples were HEV RNA positive. Genomic analysis revealed that these partial sequences clustered within the rabbit clade of HEV-3 genotype. In addition, one rabbit sequence segregated into subtype 3g of HEV-3. Highest seroprevalences for hares and rabbits were detected in the federal states of Bavaria and of Schleswig-Holstein, respectively. Comparing urban, rural and insular areas, the highest seroprevalence was shown for wild rabbits in rural areas and for European brown hares on the northern island Fehmarn. This study provides evidence that European brown hares and wild rabbits from Germany can be infected with HEV. The different prevalences indicate that wild rabbits are a potential reservoir for HEV in Germany, whereas European brown hares seem to be only of minor importance for the epidemiology of HEV. © 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Dwarfism and Altered Craniofacial Development in Rabbits Is Caused by a 12.1 kb Deletion at the HMGA2 Locus.

PubMed

Carneiro, Miguel; Hu, Dou; Archer, John; Feng, Chungang; Afonso, Sandra; Chen, Congying; Blanco-Aguiar, José A; Garreau, Hervé; Boucher, Samuel; Ferreira, Paula G; Ferrand, Nuno; Rubin, Carl-Johan; Andersson, Leif

2017-02-01

The dwarf phenotype characterizes the smallest of rabbit breeds and is governed largely by the effects of a single dwarfing allele with an incompletely dominant effect on growth. Dwarf rabbits typically weigh under 1 kg and have altered craniofacial morphology. The dwarf allele is recessive lethal and dwarf homozygotes die within a few days of birth. The dwarf phenotype is expressed in heterozygous individuals and rabbits from dwarf breeds homozygous for the wild-type allele are normal, although smaller when compared to other breeds. Here, we show that the dwarf allele constitutes a ∼12.1 kb deletion overlapping the promoter region and first three exons of the HMGA2 gene leading to inactivation of this gene. HMGA2 has been frequently associated with variation in body size across species. Homozygotes for null alleles are viable in mice but not in rabbits and probably not in humans. RNA-sequencing analysis of rabbit embryos showed that very few genes (4-29 genes) were differentially expressed among the three HMGA2/dwarf genotypes, suggesting that dwarfism and inviability in rabbits are caused by modest changes in gene expression. Our results show that HMGA2 is critical for normal expression of IGF2BP2, which encodes an RNA-binding protein. Finally, we report a catalog of regions of elevated genetic differentiation between dwarf and normal-size rabbits, including LCORL-NCAPG, STC2, HOXD cluster, and IGF2BP2 Levels and patterns of genetic diversity at the LCORL-NCAPG locus further suggest that small size in dwarf breeds was enhanced by crosses with wild rabbits. Overall, our results imply that small size in dwarf rabbits results from a large effect, loss-of-function (LOF) mutation in HMGA2 combined with polygenic selection. Copyright © 2017 by the Genetics Society of America.

Dwarfism and Altered Craniofacial Development in Rabbits Is Caused by a 12.1 kb Deletion at the HMGA2 Locus

PubMed Central

Hu, Dou; Archer, John; Feng, Chungang; Afonso, Sandra; Chen, Congying; Blanco-Aguiar, José A.; Garreau, Hervé; Boucher, Samuel; Ferreira, Paula G.; Ferrand, Nuno; Rubin, Carl-Johan

2017-01-01

The dwarf phenotype characterizes the smallest of rabbit breeds and is governed largely by the effects of a single dwarfing allele with an incompletely dominant effect on growth. Dwarf rabbits typically weigh under 1 kg and have altered craniofacial morphology. The dwarf allele is recessive lethal and dwarf homozygotes die within a few days of birth. The dwarf phenotype is expressed in heterozygous individuals and rabbits from dwarf breeds homozygous for the wild-type allele are normal, although smaller when compared to other breeds. Here, we show that the dwarf allele constitutes a ∼12.1 kb deletion overlapping the promoter region and first three exons of the HMGA2 gene leading to inactivation of this gene. HMGA2 has been frequently associated with variation in body size across species. Homozygotes for null alleles are viable in mice but not in rabbits and probably not in humans. RNA-sequencing analysis of rabbit embryos showed that very few genes (4–29 genes) were differentially expressed among the three HMGA2/dwarf genotypes, suggesting that dwarfism and inviability in rabbits are caused by modest changes in gene expression. Our results show that HMGA2 is critical for normal expression of IGF2BP2, which encodes an RNA-binding protein. Finally, we report a catalog of regions of elevated genetic differentiation between dwarf and normal-size rabbits, including LCORL-NCAPG, STC2, HOXD cluster, and IGF2BP2. Levels and patterns of genetic diversity at the LCORL-NCAPG locus further suggest that small size in dwarf breeds was enhanced by crosses with wild rabbits. Overall, our results imply that small size in dwarf rabbits results from a large effect, loss-of-function (LOF) mutation in HMGA2 combined with polygenic selection. PMID:27986804

Effect of feed restriction on intake of Moringa oleifera and Leucaena leucocephala and growth performance of rabbits.

PubMed

Santos-Ricalde, R; Gutiérrez-Ruiz, E; Novelo-Ucan, W; Martinez-Romero, P; Segura-Correa, J

2017-12-01

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of feed restriction on intake of Moringa oleifera (MO) or Leucaena leucocephala (LL) and growth of rabbits. In experiment one, 45 rabbits (male and female) weighing 1.18 ± 0.15 kg were used. They were randomly distributed to three feed restriction treatments (20, 30, and 40%) with 15 rabbits each (9 females and 6 males) and they were offered M. oleifera (MO) ad libitum. In experiment two, 45 growing male rabbits weighing 0.63 ± 0.113 kg were used. They were randomly assigned to 0, 20, and 30% feed restriction diets, and they have free access to L. leucocephala (LL). Intake of MO increased (P < 0.05) conforming feed restriction increased (40.6, 52.9, and 55.2 g/day of MO for 20, 30, and 40%, respectively). Daily liveweight gain and feed conversion did not differ (P > 0.05), and economic efficiency was similar among treatments. Consumption of LL increased (P < 0.05) in rabbits under the 30% restriction treatment in comparison to that of rabbits restricted 20% (46.0 and 44.4 g/day, respectively). Total feed intake (LL + feed) was highest in 20% restricted rabbits (108.0, 100.8, and 93.2 g/day for 20, 30, and 0%, respectively). Daily liveweight gain and feed conversion were not affected by feed restriction (P > 0.05). Economic efficiency improved twice in feed-restricted rabbits (2.0 and 2.3 for 20 and 30%, respectively) in contrast to that of the control 0% group (1.1). The results suggest that rabbits restricted up to 30% and supplemented with either MO or LL did not affect growth performance and reduced feed cost.

COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF PAPAIN AND VITAMIN A ON CARTILAGE

PubMed Central

Thomas, Lewis; McCluskey, Robert T.; Potter, Jacobus L.; Weissmann, Gerald

1960-01-01

The administration of large amounts of vitamin A to rabbits has been shown to result in depletion of cartilage matrix. The normal basophilic, metachromatic, and Alcian blue staining properties of the matrix are lost, especially in articular and epiphyseal cartilage. The cartilage cells remain intact, but are reduced in size. These changes sometimes appeared as early as 48 hours after the initiation of daily injection of 1 million units of vitamin A, and were usually well established by 5 days. Some rabbits failed to show changes in cartilage, even after 5 daily injections. Increased amounts of material presumed to be chondroitin sulfate were present in the sera of vitamin A-treated rabbits, usually by 72 hours after the first injection. This was demonstrated by a turbidimetric procedure using hexamminecobaltic chloride. In rabbits given sulfur-35 (Na2S35O4) 5 days before the initiation of vitamin A treatment, it was shown that sulfur-35 was lost from articular and epiphyseal cartilage. This was associated with an increase in the non-dialyzable sulfur-35 in both serum and in the cobalt-precipitable material. These rabbits also excreted more sulfur-35 than rabbits not given vitamin A. There was a reduction in sulfur-35 activity in chondromucoprotein extracted from the ear cartilage of vitamin A-treated rabbits. The changes are interpreted as indicating that the administration of large amounts of vitamin A to rabbits results in removal of chondroitin sulfate from cartilage matrix. The administration of small amounts of crude papain causes histologic changes in cartilage that are remarkably similar to those seen in vitamin A-treated rabbits. The possibility is suggested that the changes in cartilage produced by administration of vitamin A to rabbits may be the result of activation of a proteolytic enzyme or enzymes, with properties similar to those of papain. PMID:13776507

Effects of Khaya senegalensis leaves on performance, carcass traits, hemtological and biochemical parameters in rabbits

PubMed Central

Abdel-Wareth, A. A. A.; Hammad, Seddik; Ahmed, Hassan

2014-01-01

One of the challenges facing farmers today is to ensure adequate integration of natural resources into animal feeds. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of Khaya senegalensis (KS) leaves on the performance of growing male rabbits, carcass traits and biochemical as well as hematological parameters. Thirty New Zealand White male growing rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups (10 rabbits per group). Group I (control) received standard rabbit diet. Rabbits in group II and group III were fed standard rabbit diet supplemented with 35 % and 65 % KS leaves, respectively. All rabbits were fed daily for 25 days. The performance parameters and carcass criteria, including daily body weight gain, final body weight, and the percentage of dressing, were increased in rabbits fed 35 % KS when compared to the control group. Kidney and liver weight ratios increased significantly in group II but dropped in group III. Furthermore, liver enzymes - alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase and kidney function parameters - urea, and creatinine - increased in both group II (significant P<0.05) and in group III (significant P<0.01) when compared to the control group. Moreover, KS leaves induced a significant increase (P<0.05) in the total white blood cell count, the percentage of granulocytes and the platelet count; whereas, the percentage of lymphocytes, red blood cell count, hemoglobin content, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were not statistically significantly changed. This study demonstrates that the performance parameters and carcass traits are improved by the replacement of rabbit's diet with KS leaves. However, KS leaves may adversely affect liver and kidney function in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, further studies are required to elucidate the maximum tolerable and toxic, as well as lethal doses, and to isolate the pharmacologically active components from KS leaves. PMID:26417277

Cloning and pharmacological characterization of the rabbit bradykinin B2 receptor.

PubMed

Bachvarov, D R; Saint-Jacques, E; Larrivée, J F; Levesque, L; Rioux, F; Drapeau, G; Marceau, F

1995-12-01

Degenerate primers, corresponding to consensus sequences of third and sixth transmembrane domains of G protein-coupled receptor superfamily, were used for the polymerase chain reaction amplification and consecutive characterization of G protein-coupled receptors present in cultured rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells. One of the isolated resulting fragments was highly homologous to the corresponding region of the bradykinin (BK) B2 receptor cloned in other species. The polymerase chain reaction fragment was used to screen a rabbit genomic library, which allowed the identification of an intronless 1101-nucleotide open reading frame which codes for a 367-amino acid receptor protein. The rabbit B2 receptor sequence is more than 80% identical to the ones determined in three other species and retain putative glycosylation, palmitoylation and phosphorylation sites. In the rabbit genomic sequence, an acceptor splice sequence was found 8 base pairs upstream of the start codon. Northern blot analysis showed a high expression of a major transcript (4.2 kilobases) in the rabbit kidney and duodenum, and a less abundant expression in other tissues. Southern blot experiments suggest that a single copy of this gene exists in the rabbit genome. The cloned rabbit B2 receptor expressed in COS-1 cells binds [3H]BK in a saturable manner (KD 2.1 nM) and this ligand competes with a series of kinin agonists and antagonist with a rank order consistent with the B2 receptor identity. The insurmountable character of the antagonism exerted by Hoe 140 against BK on the rabbit B2 receptor, previously shown in pharmacological experiments, was confirmed in binding experiments with the cloned receptor expressed in a controlled manner. By contrast, Hoe 140 competed with [3H]BK in a surmountable manner for the human B2 receptor expressed in COS-1 cells. The cloning of the rabbit B2 receptor will be useful notably for the study of the structural basis of antagonist binding and for studies on receptor regulation in a relatively large animal.

Beneficial Effects of Pentanema vestitum Linn. Whole Plant on the Glucose and Other Biochemical Parameters of Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rabbits

PubMed Central

Ilahi, Ikram; Asghar, Ali; Ali, Shujat; Khan, Murad; Khan, Nasrullah

2012-01-01

The residents of Lower Dir and Malakand agency, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, use the dry powder of whole plant of Pentanema vestitum for the treatment of asthma and diabetes. No documented reports are available about the therapeutic action of Pentanema vestitum. The present study was aimed to explore the antihyperglycemic effect of 70% methanol extract of Pentanema vestitum whole plant in glucose-induced nondiabetic hyperglycemic and alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits. During this study, the effects of plant extract on the serum lipid profile, GPT, ALP, bilirubin and creatinine of diabetic rabbits were also studied. The extract of Pentanema vestitum whole plant exhibited significant (P < 0.05) antihyperglycemic activity in glucose-induced hyperglycemic rabbits. Treatment of alloxan-induced diabetic rabbits with extract significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the elevated levels of serum glucose, GPT, ALP, bilirubin and creatinine. During the study of lipid profile, the extract proved to be antihyperlipidemic and HDL boosting in diabetic rabbit models. From the finding of the present research, it was concluded that the 70% methanol extract of Pentanema vestitum whole plant has beneficial effects on serum levels of glucose, lipid profile, GPT, ALP, bilirubin, and creatinine of diabetic rabbits. PMID:23316385

Measurement of Tear Production in English Angora and Dutch Rabbits

PubMed Central

Rajaei, Seyed Mehdi; Rafiee, Siamak Mashhady; Ghaffari, Masoud Selk; Masouleh, Mohammad N; Jamshidian, Mahmoud

2016-01-01

The purpose of this study was to establish normal values for tear production tests in different breeds of domestic rabbits. Healthy adult rabbits (n = 60; 120 eyes) of 2 different breeds (English angora and Dutch; n = 15 of each sex and breed) were used in this study. Tear production was measured by using the 1-min Schirmer tear test (STT), phenol red thread test (PRTT), and endodontic absorbent paper point tear test (EAPTT). In addition, horizontal palpebral fissure length was evaluated as a measure of ocular adnexal dimensions. Tear production (mean ± 1 SD) in English angora rabbits was 5.4 ± 1.6 mm/min according to the STT, 25.0 ± 2.7 mm in 15 s for the PRTT, and 18.8 ± 2.1 mm/min by the EAPTT; in Dutch rabbits, these values were 4.6 ± 1.2 mm/min, 23.6 ± 2.3 mm in 15 s, and 16.9 ± 1.7 mm/min, respectively. Only the EAPTT revealed a significant difference in tear production between English Angora and Dutch rabbits. These results provide reference values for tear production in English Angora and Dutch rabbits according to 3 different quantitative tear film assessment methods. PMID:27025815

Evaluation of the effect of cigarette smoking on the olfactory neuroepithelium of New Zealand white rabbit, using scanning electron microscope.

PubMed

Iskander, Nagi M; El-Hennawi, Diaa M; Yousef, Tarek F; El-Tabbakh, Mohammed T; Elnahriry, Tarek A

2017-06-01

To detect ultra-structural changes of Rabbit's olfactory neuro-epithelium using scanning electron microscope after exposure to cigarette smoking. Sixty six rabbits (Pathogen free New Zealand white rabbits weighing 1-1.5 kg included in the study were randomly assigned into one of three groups: control group did not expose to cigarette smoking, study group 1 was exposed to cigarette smoking for 3 months and study group 2 was exposed to cigarette smoking 3 months and then stopped for 2 months. Olfactory neuro-epithelium from all rabbits were dissected and examined under Philips XL-30 scanning electron microscope. Changes that were found in the rabbits of study group 1 in comparison to control group were loss of microvilli of sustentacular cells (p = 0.016) and decreases in distribution of specialized cilia of olfactory receptor cells (p = 0.046). Also respiratory metaplasia was detected. These changes were reversible in study group 2. Cigarette smoking causes ultra-structural changes in olfactory neuro-epithelium which may explain why smell was affected in cigarette smokers. Most of these changes were reversible after 45 days of cessation of cigarette smoking to the rabbits.

A reappraisal of the role of mosquitoes in the transmission of myxomatosis in Britain.

PubMed

Service, M W

1971-03-01

Field experiments were made in southern England to re-examine the possibility that mosquitoes in Britain might feed on wild rabbits and hence be vectors of myxomatosis. Mosquitoes of several species were attracted to rabbits enclosed in cylindrical traps and in a trap in which the animal was placed in a wire mesh cage. Substantial numbers of mosquitoes were also caught biting, or attempting to bite, tethered rabbits which were not in cages or traps. Evidence that mosquitoes fed on wild rabbits under natural conditions was obtained from results of precipitin tests made on blood-smears collected from mosquitoes caught resting amongst vegetation. On a few evenings mosquitoes were seen to be attracted to healthy wild rabbits and apparently attempting to feed on them. Batches of two mosquito species collected from the field were infected with myxoma virus.It was concluded that contrary to previous beliefs mosquitoes in Britain feed to a certain extent on wild rabbits, and therefore are potential vectors of myxomatosis. No attempts were made to assess their relative importance in the transmission of the disease, which in Britain is transmitted mainly by the rabbit flea.

A reappraisal of the role of mosquitoes in the transmission of myxomatosis in Britain

PubMed Central

Service, M. W.

1971-01-01

Field experiments were made in southern England to re-examine the possibility that mosquitoes in Britain might feed on wild rabbits and hence be vectors of myxomatosis. Mosquitoes of several species were attracted to rabbits enclosed in cylindrical traps and in a trap in which the animal was placed in a wire mesh cage. Substantial numbers of mosquitoes were also caught biting, or attempting to bite, tethered rabbits which were not in cages or traps. Evidence that mosquitoes fed on wild rabbits under natural conditions was obtained from results of precipitin tests made on blood-smears collected from mosquitoes caught resting amongst vegetation. On a few evenings mosquitoes were seen to be attracted to healthy wild rabbits and apparently attempting to feed on them. Batches of two mosquito species collected from the field were infected with myxoma virus. It was concluded that contrary to previous beliefs mosquitoes in Britain feed to a certain extent on wild rabbits, and therefore are potential vectors of myxomatosis. No attempts were made to assess their relative importance in the transmission of the disease, which in Britain is transmitted mainly by the rabbit flea. ImagesPlate 1 PMID:4401995

A novel experimental animal model of arterial stenosis based on endovascular radiofrequency energy application.

PubMed

Lazoura, Olga; Zacharoulis, Dimitris; Kanavou, Theodora; Rountas, Christos; Katsimboulas, Michael; Tzovaras, George; Habib, Nagy

2011-01-01

To develop a new rabbit model of arterial stenosis using endovascular radiofrequency (RF) energy. Ten rabbits were used for multiple endovascular RF applications to the aorta and left common carotid artery through the Habib™ VesCoag™ catheter. Angiography and color Doppler ultrasound were used to assess vessel patency immediately following the procedure and six weeks later. One rabbit was sacrificed following the procedure for histopathologic analysis of the vessel wall. Two rabbits died of aortic and carotid rupture, respectively, immediately after the procedure. The remaining seven rabbits were sacrificed after six-week follow-up for histopathological analysis. Optimal RF generator settings to induce significant arterial stenosis (>50%) without complications were standardized at 24-26 watts (W) for 1.5 min for the aorta and 6 W for 1 min for the common carotid artery. The six-week follow-up showed permanent results in all surviving rabbits. Histopathology revealed intima and medial smooth muscle layer necrosis. We have developed a novel rabbit model of arterial stenosis using endovascular RF energy. Our model is fast, safe, inexpensive, and reproducible. It would be useful for experimental investigations and new therapeutic devices.

[Infrared radiation and magnetic field therapy ameliorates cartilage damage in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis].

PubMed

Sun, Jia-li; Fan, Jian-zhong; Song, Gui-zhi; Tan, Xiao-ming; Peng, Nan

2007-12-01

To evaluate the effect of infrared radiation and magnetic field therapy on cartilage damage in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis. Knee osteoarthritis was induced in 24 adult New Zealand rabbits by prolonged fixation of the knee joint in extension for 6 weeks. The rabbits were subsequently randomized into control group (without treatment), infrared therapy group, magnetic field therapy group and the combined infrared and magnetic field therapy group. At the end of the first, second and third weeks of the therapy, respectively, 2 rabbits from each group were sacrificed to observe the general changes and histopathology of the condylar cartilage of the femur, and the findings were assessed using Mankin scores. Compared with other groups, the rabbits in the combined therapy group showed significantly milder cartilage damage (including injury of the cartilage surface and chondrocyte's proliferation and disarrangement) with significantly lower Mankin scores (P<0.05). No significant differences were found in the findings between the two groups with exclusive infrared or magnetic field therapy (P>0.1). Combined infrared and magnetic field therapy can effectively alleviate cartilage destruction, shortens the disease course and enhance the therapeutic effects in rabbits with knee osteoarthritis.

Psoroptes cuniculi induced oxidative imbalance in rabbits and its alleviation by using vitamins A, D3, E, and H as adjunctive remedial.

PubMed

Singh, Shanker Kumar; Dimri, Umesh; Sharma, Mahesh Chandra; Swarup, Devendra; Kumar, Mritunjay; Tiwary, Ramesh

2012-01-01

The oxidant/antioxidant balance of rabbits naturally infected with Psoroptes cuniculi and treated with ivermectin +/- vitamins A, D(3), E, and H supplementation was investigated. Two groups of seven mixed ♂ and ♀, 6-to-8 month-old New Zealand White rabbits, diagnosed Psoroptes mites-positive by skin scraping examination and seven clinically healthy control rabbits were examined. Blood samples were obtained on day 0 and at 28 days post-therapy to determine oxidative stress indices. On day 0, the levels of lipid peroxides were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) in the Psoroptes-infected rabbits compared with the healthy controls while those of reduced glutathione and the activities of the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.01). Vitamin supplementation of the ivermectin-treated rabbits revealed both faster clinical (14 days) and parasitological (10 days) recovery. It was concluded that significant alteration of oxidant/antioxidant balance is a factor in the pathogenesis of P. cuniculi infestation of rabbits, and recovery can be enhanced by combining ivermectin treatment with vitamin A, D(3,) E, and H supplementation.

50 CFR 32.34 - Iowa.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-10-01

..., bobwhite quail, gray partridge, rabbit (cottontail and jack), squirrel (fox and gray), groundhog, raccoon... pheasant, gray partridge, rabbit (cottontail and jack), squirrel (fox and gray), groundhog, raccoon... rabbit, gray and fox squirrel, and fall wild turkey (2 weeks within the season) on designated areas of...

Is Limited Prehospital Resuscitation with Plasma More Beneficial than Using a Synthetic Colloid? An Experimental Study in Rabbits with Parenchymal Bleeding

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-01

pediatric TBI patients.36,37 The albumin solution used in this rabbit study was a 5% human albumin (Albminar) in an isotonic solution ( normal saline ... reconstituted easily at the point of injury and injected . Hemostatic properties and bene- fits of FDP or sprayed-dried plasma have been demonstrated...rabbit albumin solution appro- priate for intravenous injection is not commercially available. Rabbit albumin is sold by chemical companies as

A Method for Immobilizing the Forelimbs of Rabbits.

PubMed

Thunder, Richard M.; Chang, James; Broome, Rosemary L.; Most, Daniel

1998-09-01

Immobilizing the forelimbs of rabbits after surgical procedures is necessary to allow healing, yet it often can be difficult, because rabbits are often able to pull the repaired limb from its cast soon after surgery and well before adequate tissue repair has taken place. We describe here a method of immobilization that uses 3 layers of cast material combined with flexion of the radiocarpal and radiohumeral joints. This method resulted in successful immobilization in 97% of the rabbits on which it was used.

Acute Dermal Toxicity Potential of 1-Acetyloctahydro-3,5,7-Trinitro-1,3,5,7-Tetrazocine (SEX) in Male and Female Rabbits.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-11-01

the control group and folliculitis with furunculosis was present in I female rabbit in the exposed group. Microscopic findings in each skin section, by...ulceration was present in 1/5 female control rabbits and folliculitis with furunculosis was present in 1/5 female rabbits exposed to SEX. Normal skin...dermatitis with ulceration and the folliculitis with furunculosis are either incidental findings or are due to the abrasion of the skin and/or

Laser Raman Spectroscopy of Ultraviolet-Induced Cataracts in Rabbits and Monkeys.

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-12-01

ILTRAVIOLETINHUCED CATARACTS SIN RABBITS AND MONKEYS Dwaine M. Thomas, Ph.D. ,KennethL. Schepler, Captain, USAF December 1979 Final Report for Period...3AMAN VECTROSCOPY OF .JLTRAV IOLET;NDUCED) POR U77 -FbR7 WATARACTS IN RABBITS AND MONKEYS .0 R. O,;4MIE V 111___ 2= _ 7. AUTHOR(*) S. CONTRACT OR GRANT...cataracts ABSTRACT (Continue on rev’erse side if necessary art# identify hV block numb~er) he Raman spectrl .of aormal rabbit’ana monkey lenses have been

[Effects of intra-arterial infusion of 3-bromopyruvate on metastases and survival benefit of hepatic VX2 tumor in rabbits].

PubMed

Jiang, Xiong-ying; Zhang, Xiao-ping; Huang, Jin-hua; Luo, Rong-guang; Miao, Bi-jian; Wang, Yan

2013-10-22

To evaluate the metastasis and survival of an intra-arterial infusion of 3-bromopyruvate (3-BrPA) on hepatic VX2 tumor in rabbits. VX2 tumor was implanted in left lateral lobe of liver of 18 white New Zealand rabbits. The animals were randomized into 3 groups (n = 6 each) and underwent an intra-arterial infusion of phosphate-buffered saline or 3-BrPA via hepatic artery at 14 days post-implantation. At 28 days post-implantation, 3 rabbits in each group were sacrificed. The abdomen of these rabbits was opened and inspected for metastases. Then the survival of the remaining rabbits was observed. At 28 days post-implantation, in PBS group, there were intrahepatic metastasis and abdominal cavity dissemination (n = 3), renal metastases (n = 2) and lung metastases (n = 2); in early 3-BrPA infusion group, intrahepatic metastasis (n = 2), abdominal cavity dissemination (n = 1) and lung metastases (n = 1); in late 3-BrPA infusion group, intrahepatic metastasis (n = 1) and lung metastases (n = 1). The survival of the remaining animals was observed. Rabbits in early 3-BrPA infusion group survived significantly longer than those in PBS group [(27 ± 5) vs (17 ± 3) days, P = 0.041]; rabbits in late 3-BrPA infusion group [(42 ± 6) days] survived significantly longer than those in early 3-BrPA infusion group (P = 0.007). An intra-arterial infusion of 3-BrPA could reduce metastasis and prolong survival in rabbits with hepatic VX2 tumor. The earlier the infusion, the better the outcome.

Pulmonary Bovine-Type Tuberculosis in Rabbits: Bacillary Virulence, Inhaled Dose Effects, Tuberculin Sensitivity, and Mycobacterium vaccae Immunotherapy

PubMed Central

Converse, P. J.; Dannenberg, A. M.; Shigenaga, T.; McMurray, D. N.; Phalen, S. W.; Stanford, J. L.; Rook, G. A. W.; Koru-Sengul, T.; Abbey, Helen; Estep, J. E.; Pitt, M. L. M.

1998-01-01

This report elucidates four aspects of the immunology of pulmonary tuberculosis produced in rabbits: (i) the virulence of bovine-type tubercle bacilli, strain Ravenel S, (ii) systemic factors influencing the generation of visible primary pulmonary tubercles, (iii) differences in tuberculin sensitivity of rabbits and humans, and (iv) the effect of Mycobacterium vaccae immunotherapy on cavitary tuberculosis. Laboratory strain Ravenel S (ATCC 35720) was not fully virulent. Fully virulent strains produce one visible primary pulmonary tubercle for each three bacillary units inhaled. Strain ATCC 35720 produced one such tubercle for each 18 to 107 bacillary units inhaled, indicating that its virulence was reduced by 6- to 36-fold. When a low dose of this Ravenel S strain was inhaled, the host resistance (measured by the number of inhaled bacilli needed to generate one visible primary pulmonary tubercle) was increased at least 3.5-fold compared to the host resistance when a high dose was inhaled. Rabbits and humans differ in the degree and in the maintenance of their dermal sensitivities to tuberculin. Compared to rabbits, humans are 100 times more sensitive to tuberculin. Also, at 33 weeks rabbits with well-controlled cavitary tuberculosis usually showed a decrease in their tuberculin reactions of about 50% from peak values, whereas humans with such well-controlled tuberculosis are thought to maintain strong reactions for many years. These species differences may be due to desensitization to group II mycobacterial antigens in the rabbits because they have a different diet and a different type of digestive tract. M. vaccae immunotherapy of rabbits with cavitary tuberculosis produced no statistically significant effects. Experiments with many more rabbits would be required to prove whether or not such immunotherapy is beneficial. PMID:9801350

Comparative Analysis of the Microbiota Between Sheep Rumen and Rabbit Cecum Provides New Insight Into Their Differential Methane Production

PubMed Central

Mi, Lan; Yang, Bin; Hu, Xialu; Luo, Yang; Liu, Jianxin; Yu, Zhongtang; Wang, Jiakun

2018-01-01

The rumen and the hindgut represent two different fermentation organs in herbivorous mammals, with the former producing much more methane than the latter. The objective of this study was to elucidate the microbial underpinning of such differential methane outputs between these two digestive organs. Methane production was measured from 5 adult sheep and 15 adult rabbits, both of which were placed in open-circuit respiratory chambers and fed the same diet (alfalfa hay). The sheep produced more methane than the rabbits per unit of metabolic body weight, digestible neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. pH in the sheep rumen was more than 1 unit higher than that in the rabbit cecum. The acetate to propionate ratio in the rabbit cecum was more than threefold greater than that in the sheep rumen. Comparative analysis of 16S rRNA gene amplicon libraries revealed distinct microbiota between the rumen of sheep and the cecum of rabbits. Hydrogen-producing fibrolytic bacteria, especially Butyrivibrio, Succiniclastium, Mogibacterium, Prevotella, and Christensenellaceae, were more predominant in the sheep rumen, whereas non-hydrogen producing fibrolytic bacteria, such as Bacteroides, were more predominant in the rabbit cecum. The rabbit cecum had a greater predominance of acetogens, such as those in the genus Blautia, order Clostridiales, and family Ruminococcaceae. The differences in the occurrence of hydrogen-metabolizing bacteria probably explain much of the differential methane outputs from the rumen and the cecum. Future research using metatranscriptomics and metabolomics shall help confirm this premise and understand the factors that shape the differential microbiota between the two digestive organs. Furthermore, our present study strongly suggests the presence of new fibrolytic bacteria in the rabbit cecum, which may explain the stronger fibrolytic activities therein. PMID:29662480

Reducing the time rabbit sperm are held at 5 °C negatively affects their fertilizing ability after cryopreservation.

PubMed

Mocé, E; Blanch, E; Talaván, A; Viudes de Castro, M P

2014-10-15

Cooling sperm to and equilibrating the sperm at 5 °C require the most time in any sperm cryopreservation protocol. Reducing the time required for these phases would simplify sperm freezing protocols and allow greater number of ejaculates to be processed and frozen in a given time. This study determined how holding rabbit sperm at 5 °C for different lengths of time (0, 10, 15, 20, 30, or 45 minutes) affected the quality of rabbit sperm, measured by in vitro assays, and if reducing the cooling time to only 10 minutes affected the fertilizing ability of the sperm. Reducing the time sperm were held at 5 °C to 10 minutes did not affect the in vitro quality of the sperm (percent motile and with intact plasma membranes), although eliminating the cooling phase completely (directly freezing the sperm from room temperature) decreased in vitro assessed sperm quality (P<0.01). However, reducing the time sperm were held at 5 °C, from 45 to 10 minutes, negatively affected the fertilizing ability of sperm in vivo (P<0.05). In conclusion, completely eliminating cooling rabbit sperm to 5 °C before freezing is detrimental for rabbit sperm cryosurvival, and although shortening the time sperm are held at 5 °C to 10 minutes does not reduce in vitro sperm quality, it does reduce the fertility of rabbit sperm. Therefore, the length of time rabbit sperm equilibrate at 5 °C is crucial to the fertilizing ability of rabbit sperm and must be longer than 10 minutes. Currently, it is not known if holding rabbit sperm at 5 °C for less than 45 minutes will affect sperm fertilizing ability. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A synthetic peptide vaccine directed against the 2ß2-2ß3 loop of domain 2 of protective antigen protects rabbits from inhalation anthrax.

PubMed

Oscherwitz, Jon; Yu, Fen; Cease, Kemp B

2010-09-15

The current vaccines for anthrax in the United States and United Kingdom are efficacious in the two most accepted animal models of inhalation anthrax, nonhuman primates and rabbits, but require extensive immunization protocols. We previously demonstrated that a linear determinant in domain 2 of Bacillus anthracis protective Ag (PA) is a potentially important target for an epitope-specific vaccine for anthrax, as Abs specific for this site, referred to as the loop-neutralizing determinant (LND), neutralize lethal toxin in vitro, yet are virtually absent in PA-immunized rabbits. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy in rabbits of multiple antigenic peptides (MAPs) consisting of aa 304-319 from the LND of PA colinearly synthesized at the C terminus (T-B MAP) or N terminus (B-T MAP) with a heterologous T cell epitope from Plasmodium falciparum. Immunogenicity studies demonstrated that both MAPs elicited toxin-neutralizing Ab in rabbits. To evaluate the MAPs as potential anthrax vaccines, we immunized groups of rabbits (n = 7) with each MAP in Freund's adjuvant and then exposed all rabbits to a 200-LD(50) challenge with aerosolized spores of B. anthracis Ames strain. All seven rabbits immunized with the B-T MAP and 89% (six of seven) of rabbits immunized with the T-B MAP survived the spore challenge. Corollary studies with reference sera from human vaccinees immunized with rPA or anthrax vaccine absorbed and nonhuman primates immunized with PA revealed no detectable Ab with specificity for the LND. We conclude that a synthetic peptide vaccine targeting the LND would be a potentially efficacious vaccine for anthrax.

Effects of pre-germinated fenugreek seeds inclusion in low-fiber diets on post-weaned rabbits' health status, growth performances, carcass characteristics, and meat chemical composition.

PubMed

Mabrouki, Sabah; Chalghoumi, Raja; Abdouli, Hedi

2017-03-01

Newly weaned rabbits frequently suffer from digestive disorders particularly when fed low-fiber diets. Fenugreek seeds are rich in dietary fiber and would be suited to moderate such disorders. This study investigated the effect of pre-germinated fenugreek seeds (PGFS) on rabbits' health, digestibility, growth performance, and carcass parameters. Fourteen weaned rabbits were fed one of the following diets: (1) low fiber as negative control (NC), (2) low fiber containing 5% PGFS (F5), (3) low fiber containing 10% PGFS (F10), and (4) adequate fiber as positive control (PC). Each rabbit was reared in an individual cage for 7 weeks. Morbidity and sanitary risk indexes were not different (P > 0.05) between the four diets. Only 20% of the rabbits had a detectable caecal Escherichia Coli (E. coli) count (<10 5  cfu/g), and all rabbits did not show Eimeria oocysts in their feces. Compared to NC, PC gave a lower (P < 0.05) weight gain and a higher (P < 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR). It was associated with a lighter (P < 0.05) chilled carcass weight, and its meat had slightly more moisture and ether extract with less protein. Inclusion of PGFS decreased (P < 0.05) feed intake at the 10% level and, consequently, tended to improve FCR, while no effect was detected on carcass characteristics and meat composition. This study suggested that (1) the low-fiber diet was adequate for both health and growth aspects of post-weaned rabbits, and (2) the inclusion of PGFS was without consequence on rabbits' health status and growth performance.

Effect of chocolate and Propolfenol on rabbit spermatogenesis and sperm quality following bacterial lipopolysaccharide treatment.

PubMed

Collodel, Giulia; Moretti, Elena; Del Vecchio, Maria Teresa; Biagi, Marco; Cardinali, Raffaella; Mazzi, Lucia; Brecchia, Gabriele; Maranesi, Margherita; Manca, Daniela; Castellini, Cesare

2014-08-01

The aims of the study were to evaluate the effects of chocolate and propolis-enriched diets on rabbit spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and ultrastructure following bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. Thirty-two New Zealand White rabbits were divided into four groups. The LPS-Propolfenol(®) group received propolis (500 mg/kg/day) in their diet for 15 days, while the LPS-chocolate group was fed 70% cacao chocolate (1 g/1 kg/day) for the same period. Following the diet treatments, rabbits in the LPS-Propolfenol(®) and LPS-chocolate groups, and an LPS group received a single intraperitoneal dose of 50 μg/kg LPS, and the control group received only saline. Kinematic sperm traits were evaluated with a computer assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) system, and ultrastructural characteristics were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Testicular and epididymal tissues were observed by light microscopy and TEM and multiplex real time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was used to detect and quantify toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) gene expression. The values of the analyzed semen parameters of rabbits treated with LPS-Propolfenol(®) and LPS-chocolate did not show any variations compared with the control group, but they were lower in rabbits treated only with LPS. Alterations observed in the testicular tissue of LPS treated-rabbits were not detected in specimens from the LPS-chocolate and LPS-Propolfenol(®) groups, which showed normal spermatogenesis. The TLR-4 mRNA expression was similar in controls, in LPS treated, and in LPS-chocolate groups, but it was significantly (p < 0.01) decreased in LPS-Propolfenol(®) rabbits. In conclusion, a chocolate and propolis-enriched diet showed a protective effect on the spermatogenetic process of buck rabbits following LPS treatment.

Central proopiomelanocortin but not neuropeptide Y mediates sympathoexcitation and hypertension in fat fed conscious rabbits.

PubMed

Barzel, Benjamin; Lim, Kyungjoon; Davern, Pamela J; Burke, Sandra L; Armitage, James A; Head, Geoffrey A

2016-03-01

High-fat diet (HFD)-induced hypertension in rabbits is neurogenic because of the central sympathoexcitatory actions of leptin. Hypothalamic melanocortin and neuropeptide Y (NPY) neurons are recognized as the major signalling pathways through which leptin exerts its central effects. In this study, we assessed the effects of specific antagonists and agonists to melanocortin and NPY receptors on HFD-induced sympathoexcitation and hypertension. Rabbits were instrumented with intracerebroventricular cannula, renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) electrode, and blood pressure telemetry transmitter. After 3 weeks HFD (13.5% fat, n = 12) conscious rabbits had higher RSNA (+3.8  nu, P = 0.02), blood pressure (+8.6  mmHg, P < 0.001) and heart rate (+15  b/min, P = 0.01), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in the hypothalamus compared with rabbits fed a control diet (4.2% fat, n = 11). Intracerebroventricular administration of the melanocortin receptor antagonist SHU9119 reduced RSNA (-2.7  nu) and blood pressure (-8.5  mmHg) in HFD but not control rabbits, thus reversing 100% of the hypertension and 70% of the sympathoexcitation induced by a HFD. By contrast, blocking central NPY Y1 receptors with BVD10 increased RSNA only in HFD rabbits. Intracerebroventricular α-melanocortin stimulating hormone increased RSNA and heart rate (P < 0.001) in HFD rabbits but had no effect in control rabbits. These findings suggest that obesity-induced hypertension and increased RSNA are dependent on the balance between greater activation of melanocortin signalling through melanocortin receptors and lesser activation of NPY sympathoinhibitory signalling. The amplification of the sympathoexcitatory effects of α-melanocortin stimulating hormone also indicates that the underlying mechanism is related to facilitation of leptin-melanocortin signalling, possibly involving chronic activation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

First reporting of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ST398 in an industrial rabbit holding and in farm-related people.

PubMed

Agnoletti, Fabrizio; Mazzolini, Elena; Bacchin, Cosetta; Bano, Luca; Berto, Giacomo; Rigoli, Roberto; Muffato, Giovanna; Coato, Paola; Tonon, Elena; Drigo, Ilenia

2014-05-14

Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) has been described in food-producing animals and farm or slaughterhouse workers involved in the primary industrial production of swine, bovine and poultry. This communication describes the first case of LA-MRSA (ST398, spa types t034 and t5210) occurring in rabbits raised intensively for meat production and involving farm workers or their family members. In 2012-2013, in a study involving 40 rabbit industrial holdings in Italy, one farm was found to have rabbits colonized or infected with MRSA. Four farm workers and one of their relatives were found to be carrying MRSA. In this case holding, rabbits, people and the holding environment were further investigated and followed up by a second sampling five months later. MRSA was found in 48% (11/23) and 25% (15/59) of the rabbits carrying S. aureus at first and second samplings, respectively. Five months after first detection, some farm workers or family members were still MRSA carriers. Surface samples (2/10) and air samples (2/3) were contaminated with MRSA. Air samples yielded MRSA counts of 5 and 15CFU/m(3). MRSA from rabbits and people collected at first sampling were spa types t034 and t5210 belonging to ST398. The MRSA isolates from rabbits and persons tested at second sampling were t034 and t5210, but spa types t1190 and t2970 were also detected in MRSA isolates from rabbits. Tracing the epidemiological pattern earlier may prevent further spread of LA-MRSA in these food producing animals. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Modeling low-dose mortality and disease incubation period of inhalational anthrax in the rabbit.

PubMed

Gutting, Bradford W; Marchette, David; Sherwood, Robert; Andrews, George A; Director-Myska, Alison; Channel, Stephen R; Wolfe, Daniel; Berger, Alan E; Mackie, Ryan S; Watson, Brent J; Rukhin, Andrey

2013-07-21

There is a need to advance our ability to conduct credible human risk assessments for inhalational anthrax associated with exposure to a low number of bacteria. Combining animal data with computational models of disease will be central in the low-dose and cross-species extrapolations required in achieving this goal. The objective of the current work was to apply and advance the competing risks (CR) computational model of inhalational anthrax where data was collected from NZW rabbits exposed to aerosols of Ames strain Bacillus anthracis. An initial aim was to parameterize the CR model using high-dose rabbit data and then conduct a low-dose extrapolation. The CR low-dose attack rate was then compared against known low-dose rabbit data as well as the low-dose curve obtained when the entire rabbit dose-response data set was fitted to an exponential dose-response (EDR) model. The CR model predictions demonstrated excellent agreement with actual low-dose rabbit data. We next used a modified CR model (MCR) to examine disease incubation period (the time to reach a fever >40 °C). The MCR model predicted a germination period of 14.5h following exposure to a low spore dose, which was confirmed by monitoring spore germination in the rabbit lung using PCR, and predicted a low-dose disease incubation period in the rabbit between 14.7 and 16.8 days. Overall, the CR and MCR model appeared to describe rabbit inhalational anthrax well. These results are discussed in the context of conducting laboratory studies in other relevant animal models, combining the CR/MCR model with other computation models of inhalational anthrax, and using the resulting information towards extrapolating a low-dose response prediction for man. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Baccaurea angulata fruit juice ameliorates altered hematological and biochemical biomarkers in diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

PubMed

Ahmed, Idris Adewale; Mikail, Maryam Abimbola; Ibrahim, Muhammad

2017-06-01

Hypercholesterolemia is an important risk factor linked to the alteration of blood hematology and clinical chemistry associated with the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Previous studies have demonstrated the safety and potential health benefits of Baccaurea angulata (BA) fruit. We hypothesized that the oral administration of BA fruit juice could ameliorate the alteration in the hematological and biochemical biomarkers of diet-induced hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different doses of BA juice on the hematological and biochemical biomarkers in normo- and hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Thirty-five healthy adult New Zealand White rabbits were assigned to seven different groups for 90days of diet intervention. Four atherogenic groups were fed a 1% cholesterol diet and 0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5mL of BA juice per kg of rabbit daily. The other three normal groups were fed a commercial rabbit pellet diet and 0, 0.5, and 1.0mL of BA juice per kg of rabbit daily. Baseline and final blood samples after 90days of repeated administration BA juice were analyzed for hematological parameters while serum, aortic and hepatic lysates were analyzed for lipid profiles and other biochemical biomarkers. The alteration of the hemopoietic system, physiological changes in serum and tissues lipid profiles and other biochemicals resulting from the consumption of a high-cholesterol diet were significantly (P<.05) ameliorated by the administration of BA juice. Improvements of the biomarkers in rabbits were dose-dependent, markedly enhanced at the highest dose of juice (1.5mL/kg/day). The results suggest potential health benefits of the antioxidant-rich BA fruit juice against hypercholesterolemia-associated hematological and biochemical alterations in the rabbit. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Effects of intratracheal budesonide during early postnatal life on lung maturity of premature fetal rabbits.

PubMed

Li, Ling; Yang, Chen; Feng, Xiuliang; Du, Yongping; Zhang, Zhihong; Zhang, Yueping

2018-01-01

This study aimed to study the effects of intratracheal instillation of budesonide on lung maturity of premature fetal rabbits. The developmental pattern of pulmonary alveoli in rabbits is similar to that in humans. Fetal rabbits were taken out from female rabbits on the 28th day of pregnancy (full term = 31 days) by cesarean section (c-section). The fetal rabbits were divided into four groups: control (normal saline, NS), budesonide (budesonide, BUD), calf pulmonary surfactant for injection (pulmonary surfactant, PS), and calf pulmonary surfactant + budesonide for injection (pulmonary surfactant + budesonide, PS + BUD). All premature rabbits were kept warm after c-section. After 15-min autonomous respiration, a tracheal cannula was implemented for instilling NS, BUD, PS, and PS + BUD. The morphology of lung tissues of premature fetal rabbits was analyzed using optical and electron microscopes. Surfactant protein B (SP-B) mRNA and protein levels in lung tissues were determined using polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Intratracheal instillation of BUD could increase the alveolar area of the fetal rabbits (P < 0.01), decrease the alveolar wall thickness (P < 0.01), and increase the mean density of lamellar bodies (P < 0.05) and SP-B protein levels in type II epithelial cells of pulmonary alveoli (P < 0.05). Intratracheal instillation of BUD during early postnatal life is effective in promoting alveolarization and increasing SP-B expression, the pro-pulmonary maturity of BUD combined with PS is superior to that of BUD or PS alone. However, the long-term effect of BUD on lung development needs further exploration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Boron enhances strength and alters mineral composition of bone in rabbits fed a high energy diet.

PubMed

Hakki, Sema S; Dundar, Niyazi; Kayis, Seyit Ali; Hakki, Erdogan E; Hamurcu, Mehmet; Kerimoglu, Ulku; Baspinar, Nuri; Basoglu, Abdullah; Nielsen, Forrest H

2013-04-01

An experiment was performed to determine whether boron had a beneficial effect on bone strength and composition in rabbits with apparent adiposity induced by a high energy diet. Sixty female New Zealand rabbits, aged 8 months, were randomly divided into five groups with the following treatments for seven months: control 1, fed alfalfa hay only (5.91 MJ/kg); control 2, high energy diet (11.76 MJ and 3.88 mg boron/kg); B10, high energy diet+10 mg/kg body weight boron gavage/96 h; B30, high energy diet+30 mg/kg body weight boron gavage/96 h; B50, high energy diet+50mg/kg body weight boron gavage/96 h. Bone boron concentrations were lowest in rabbits fed the high energy diet without boron supplementation, which suggested an inferior boron status. Femur maximum breaking force was highest in the B50 rabbits. Tibia compression strength was highest in B30 and B50 rabbits. All boron treatments significantly increased calcium and magnesium concentrations, and the B30 and B50 treatments increased the phosphorus concentration in tibia of rabbits fed the high energy diet. The B30 treatment significantly increased calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations in femur of rabbits fed the high energy diet. Principal component analysis of the tibia minerals showed that the three boron treatments formed a separate cluster from controls. Discriminant analysis suggested that the concentrations of the minerals in femur could predict boron treatment. The findings indicate boron has beneficial effects on bone strength and mineral composition in rabbits fed a high energy diet. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Influence of chronic exposure to cold environment on thyroid gland function in rabbits.

PubMed

Mustafa, S; Elgazzar, A

2014-07-01

Chronic exposure to cold can affect the thyroid gland. However, the effect on thyroid gland perfusion images and the ratio between thyroid hormones secretion were not addressed in any previous study. The present study investigates the effects of chronic cold exposure on thyroid gland function using radionuclide tracer and thyroid hormones secretion concentration. New Zealand white rabbits weighing approximately 1.8-2 kg were kept in a cold room (4°C) for 7 weeks. Thyroid scintigraphy was performed for cold exposed rabbits and a control rabbit group. Each rabbit was injected with 115 MBq (3.1 mCi) technetium-99m pertechnetate (99mTc pertechnetate). Studies were performed using Gamma camera equipped with a low energy, high resolution, pinhole collimator interfaced with a computer. Static images were acquired 20 min after administration of the radiotracer. Rabbits chronically exposed to cold had less body weights than control. Thyroid gland uptake is higher in rabbits chronically exposed to cold than controls using radionuclide perfusion study. The increase was proportional to the time period, so the increase after 7 weeks was greater than 5 weeks. There is also an increase in free triiodothyronine (FT3) and a decrease in free thyroxine (FT4) values. Our results indicate that thyroid gland uptake is higher in rabbits chronically exposed to cold than control and the increase was proportional to the duration. The decrease in rabbit body weights may be related to the increase in metabolism due to the increase of thyroid hormones. Chronic cold exposure also increased the conversion of T4 to T3, which is more potent in thermogenic effect. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Enhanced inflammation in New Zealand white rabbits when MERS-CoV reinfection occurs in the absence of neutralizing antibody

PubMed Central

Houser, Katherine V.; Gretebeck, Lisa; Vogel, Leatrice; Sutton, Troy; Orandle, Marlene; Moore, Ian N.

2017-01-01

The Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a zoonotic betacoronavirus that was first detected in humans in 2012 as a cause of severe acute respiratory disease. As of July 28, 2017, there have been 2,040 confirmed cases with 712 reported deaths. While many infections have been fatal, there have also been a large number of mild or asymptomatic cases discovered through monitoring and contact tracing. New Zealand white rabbits are a possible model for asymptomatic infection with MERS-CoV. In order to discover more about non-lethal infections and to learn whether a single infection with MERS-CoV would protect against reinfection, we inoculated rabbits with MERS-CoV and monitored the antibody and inflammatory response. Following intranasal infection, rabbits developed a transient dose-dependent pulmonary infection with moderately high levels of viral RNA, viral antigen, and perivascular inflammation in multiple lung lobes that was not associated with clinical signs. The rabbits developed antibodies against viral proteins that lacked neutralizing activity and the animals were not protected from reinfection. In fact, reinfection resulted in enhanced pulmonary inflammation, without an associated increase in viral RNA titers. Interestingly, passive transfer of serum from previously infected rabbits to naïve rabbits was associated with enhanced inflammation upon infection. We further found this inflammation was accompanied by increased recruitment of complement proteins compared to primary infection. However, reinfection elicited neutralizing antibodies that protected rabbits from subsequent viral challenge. Our data from the rabbit model suggests that people exposed to MERS-CoV who fail to develop a neutralizing antibody response, or persons whose neutralizing antibody titers have waned, may be at risk for severe lung disease on re-exposure to MERS-CoV. PMID:28817732

Adverse reactions in a population of Sydney pet rabbits vaccinated against rabbit calicivirus.

PubMed

Tung, T; Phalen, D; Toribio, J-Alml

2015-11-01

To determine the general clinical presentation and incidence of adverse reactions to Cylap® RCD vaccinations, of a nature serious enough for veterinary attention, in a Sydney population of pet rabbits. A retrospective survey using hospital databases. Nine veterinary hospitals in Sydney participated in a database search for the number of rabbits vaccinated within a 2-year period. The hospitals involved had an identified interest in rabbit medicine and included general, specialist and teaching hospitals. Details of the rabbit, vaccination event and any possible reaction were collected and analysed. Of 933 events recorded in 705 rabbits, 17 (1.8%) adverse reactions were observed. Of the adverse events, local injection site reactions (alopecia, abrasions and scabbing) were most common. Other reactions, including systemic signs of gastrointestinal tract stasis, lethargy and forelimb lameness, were also documented. Overall, rabbits presented for vaccination were mostly male (57.7%) and desexed (71.3%), with an average age of 28.1 months (median 19.0, range 1.4-149.8 months) and an average weight at first vaccination of 2.12 kg (median 2.08 kg, range 0.18-5.6 kg). A significant association between increasing age and decreased incidence of adverse events was demonstrated (P value, 0.038). The benefits of vaccination against RCV outweigh the risks of an adverse reaction occurring. Data from this study show that adverse reactions occur infrequently, are generally mild and self-resolving, and decrease in incidence with increasing age. These results are similar to previous field research on wild rabbit colonies and reports from government and industry. © 2015 Australian Veterinary Association.

Mechanisms determining cholinergic neural responses in airways of young and mature rabbits.

PubMed

Larsen, Gary L; Loader, Joan; Nguyen, Dee Dee; Fratelli, Cori; Dakhama, Azzeddine; Colasurdo, Giuseppe N

2004-08-01

Neural pathways help control airway caliber and responsiveness. Yet little is known of how neural control changes as a function of development. In rabbits, we found electrical field stimulation (EFS) of airway nerves led to more marked contractile responses in 2- vs. 13-week-old animals. This enhanced response to EFS may be due to prejunctional, junctional, and/or postjunctional neural mechanisms. We assessed these mechanisms in airways of 2- and 13-week-old rabbits. The contractile responses to methacholine did not differ in the groups, suggesting postjunctional neural events are not primarily responsible for differing responses to EFS. To address junctional events, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was measured (spectrophotometry). AChE was elevated in 2-week-olds. However, this should lead to less and not greater responses. Prejunctionally, EFS-induced acetylcholine (ACh) release was assessed by HPLC. Airways of 2-week-old rabbits released significantly more ACh than airways from mature rabbits. Choline acetyltransferase, a marker of cholinergic nerves, was not different between groups, suggesting that more ACh release in young rabbits was not due to increased nerve density. ACh release in the presence of polyarginine increased significantly in both groups, supporting the presence of functional muscarinic autoreceptors (M2) at both ages. Because substance P (SP) increases release of ACh, SP was measured by ELISA. This neuropeptide was significantly elevated in airways of younger rabbits. Nerve growth factor (NGF) increased SP and was also significantly increased in airways from younger rabbits. This work suggests that increases in EFS-induced responsiveness in young rabbits are likely due to prejunctional events with enhanced release of ACh. Increases in NGF and SP early in life may contribute to this increased responsiveness. Copyright 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

[Dynamic change in microcirculation of pancreas after experimental high-voltage electric burn].

PubMed

Zhang, Qing-fu; Bai, Yong-qiang

2009-10-01

To observe the changes in surface microcirculation of pancreas after high-voltage electric burn (HEB). Thirty rabbits were divided into electrical injury (E) group and control (C) group in a simple random method, with 15 rabbits in each group. Rabbit model of HEB was reproduced from E group with TC-30-20KVA type voltage regulator and YDJ-10KVA type experimental transformer. Rabbits in C group were shamly burned with the same equipment as in E group but not electrified. Intravenous blood of rabbits in both groups was drawn 15 mins before HEB and 0, 1, 2, 4, 8 h after to determine the levels of serum amylase and blood glucose. The morphology of the pancreas microvessels and its surrounding tissues, and the dynamic changes in microvascular blood flow were observed with WX-9 microscope and its image analytical system. The level of serum amylase of rabbits in E group increased gradually and peaked (849 +/- 39) U/L at 8 post HEB h (PHH), which decreased gradually reaching the nadir (153 +/- 21) U/L at 8 PHH in C group (P < 0.05). The blood glucose levels of rabbits in E group and C group increased gradually, with the former level obviously higher than the latter (P < 0.05). Arteriole, venule and capillary network on the surface of pancreatic lobules of rabbits in both groups were clearly seen and well-distributed in the natural way before HEB. In E group, arterioles of rabbits contracted at 0 PHH, and increased gradually in caliber size at 1 PHH; venules of rabbits were unevenly thickened at 2 PHH, and dilated at 8 PHH; the capillaries were contracted or with interrupted flow or completely obstructed at 0 PHH, and their thickness were uneven at 2 PHH, showing exudation at 8 PHH. There was no obvious change of microvessels in rabbits in C group at each time point. There was no exudation and bleeding around the microvessels on the pancreas surface of rabbits in both groups before HEB. In E group exudation was observed around microvessels at 1 PHH, bleeding was observed at 2 PHH and became obvious at 4 PHH; exudation and diffuse bleeding from capillaries were observed at 8 PHH. There was no exudation and bleeding in rabbits in C group as observed at each time point. Before HEB, blood flow speed in microvessels of rabbits in 2 groups was similar to each other (P > 0.05), and no erythrocyte aggregation or microthrombus was found in both groups. In E group, blood flow speed slowed down at 0 PHH as compared with that before HEB, it accelerated at 1 h and slowed down later; erythrocyte aggregation in venules and capillaries was found at 0 PHH, and it aggregated gradually. No above-mentioned change was found in C group. HEB produces microcirculation disturbance and functional disturbance of pancreas.

Substantial numerical decline in South Australian rabbit populations following the detection of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2.

PubMed

Mutze, Greg; De Preu, Nicki; Mooney, Trish; Koerner, Dylan; McKenzie, Darren; Sinclair, Ron; Kovaliskli, John; Peacock, David

2018-05-19

Lagovirus europaeus GI.2, also commonly known as rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus 2, was first detected at two long-term monitoring sites for European rabbits, Oryctolagus cuniculus , in South Australia, in mid-2016. Numbers of rabbits in the following 12-18 months were reduced to approximately 20 per cent of average numbers in the preceding 10 years. The impact recorded at the two South Australian sites, if widespread in Australia and persistent for several years, is likely to be of enormous economic and environmental benefit. © British Veterinary Association (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Stability of the Rabbit Immunogenic Marker of RA 27/3 Rubella Vaccine Virus After Human Passage

PubMed Central

Linnemann, Calvin C.; Hutchinson, Leslie; Rotte, Thomas C.; Hegg, Marion E.; Schiff, Gilbert M.

1974-01-01

Rabbits were inoculated intravenously with “wild” rubella virus, RA 27/3 rubella vaccine virus, or rubella virus isolated from recipients of RA 27/3 vaccine. Rabbits receiving “wild” virus developed rubella hemagglutination inhibition antibody, and those receiving vaccine virus did not. One of the five reisolates tested produced a low transient antibody response in two of the five rabbits inoculated with this strain. The study indicates that the rabbit immunogenic marker after intravenous injection can be used to determine if a rubella virus isolated from a patient is of “wild” or vaccine origin. There was no significant change in the reduced immunogenicity characteristics of the RA 27/3 vaccine virus after human passage. PMID:4206028

Basic investigation of vascular interventional radiology (IR) using large rabbits.

PubMed

Nitta, Norihisa; Sonoda, Akinaga; Nitta-Seko, Ayumi; Ohta, Shinichi; Tsuchiya, Keiko; Tanaka, Toyohiko; Kanasaki, Shuzo; Mukaisho, Kenichi; Takahashi, Masashi; Murata, Kiyoshi

2009-10-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the usefulness of large rabbits for basic vascular interventional radiology (IR) experiments. We used 5 Akita large rabbits (Akita) and 5 Japanese white rabbits (JW). We conducted measurements of vessel diameters such as the aorta, and the iliac, renal, superior mesenteric, celiac, and proper hepatic arteries, and of the growth rates of VX2 liver tumors. There were significant differences between Akita and JW in the diameters of the thoracic aorta, lower abdominal aorta, and celiac artery. In other blood vessels, no significant differences were found. There was no difference in the growth rates of the VX2 tumors between Akita and JW. The possibility that Akita large rabbits could be utilized for vascular IR was demonstrated.

Marsh rabbit mortalities tie pythons to the precipitous decline of mammals in the Everglades

USGS Publications Warehouse

McCleery, Robert A.; Sovie, Adia; Reed, Robert N.; Cunningham, Mark W.; Hunter, Margaret E.; Hart, Kristen M.

2015-01-01

To address the ongoing debate over the impact of invasive species on native terrestrial wildlife, we conducted a large-scale experiment to test the hypothesis that invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) were a cause of the precipitous decline of mammals in Everglades National Park (ENP). Evidence linking pythons to mammal declines has been indirect and there are reasons to question whether pythons, or any predator, could have caused the precipitous declines seen across a range of mammalian functional groups. Experimentally manipulating marsh rabbits, we found that pythons accounted for 77% of rabbit mortalities within 11 months of their translocation to ENP and that python predation appeared to preclude the persistence of rabbit populations in ENP. On control sites, outside of the park, no rabbits were killed by pythons and 71% of attributable marsh rabbit mortalities were classified as mammal predations. Burmese pythons pose a serious threat to the faunal communities and ecological functioning of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, which will probably spread as python populations expand their range.

The non-pathogenic Australian rabbit calicivirus RCV-A1 provides temporal and partial cross protection to lethal Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus infection which is not dependent on antibody titres

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

The endemic non-pathogenic Australian rabbit calicivirus RCV-A1 is known to provide some cross protection to lethal infection with the closely related Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV). Despite its obvious negative impacts on viral biocontrol of introduced European rabbits in Australia, little is known about the extent and mechanisms of this cross protection. In this study 46 rabbits from a colony naturally infected with RCV-A1 were exposed to RHDV. Survival rates and survival times did not correlate with titres of serum antibodies specific to RCV-A1 or cross reacting to RHDV, but were instead influenced by the time between infection with the two viruses, demonstrating for the first time that the cross protection to lethal RHDV infection is transient. These findings are an important step towards a better understanding of the complex interactions of co-occurring pathogenic and non-pathogenic lagoviruses. PMID:23834204

Myxoma virus M130R is a novel virulence factor required for lethal myxomatosis in rabbits.

PubMed

Barrett, John W; Werden, Steven J; Wang, Fuan; McKillop, William M; Jimenez, June; Villeneuve, Danielle; McFadden, Grant; Dekaban, Gregory A

2009-09-01

Myxoma virus (MV) is a highly lethal, rabbit-specific poxvirus that induces a disease called myxomatosis in European rabbits. In an effort to understand the function of predicted immunomodulatory genes we have deleted various viral genes from MV and tested the ability of these knockout viruses to induce lethal myxomatosis. MV encodes a unique 15 kD cytoplasmic protein (M130R) that is expressed late (12h post infection) during infection. M130R is a non-essential gene for MV replication in rabbit, monkey or human cell lines. Construction of a targeted gene knockout virus (vMyx130KO) and infection of susceptible rabbits demonstrate that the M130R knockout virus is attenuated and that loss of M130R expression allows the rabbit host immune system to effectively respond to and control the lethal effects of MV. M130R expression is a bona fide poxviral virulence factor necessary for full and lethal development of myxomatosis.

Joint distraction and movement for repair of articular cartilage in a rabbit model with subsequent weight-bearing.

PubMed

Nishino, T; Chang, F; Ishii, T; Yanai, T; Mishima, H; Ochiai, N

2010-07-01

We have previously shown that joint distraction and movement with a hinged external fixation device for 12 weeks was useful for repairing a large articular cartilage defect in a rabbit model. We have now investigated the results after six months and one year. The device was applied to 16 rabbits who underwent resection of the articular cartilage and subchondral bone from the entire tibial plateau. In group A (nine rabbits) the device was applied for six months. In group B (seven rabbits) it was in place for six months, after which it was removed and the animals were allowed to move freely for an additional six months. The cartilage remained sound in all rabbits. The areas of type II collagen-positive staining and repaired soft tissue were larger in group B than in group A. These findings provide evidence of long-term persistence of repaired cartilage with this technique and that weight-bearing has a positive effect on the quality of the cartilage.

Malignant neoplasms of decidual origin (deciduosarcomas) induced by estrogen-progestin-releasing intravaginal devices in rabbits.

PubMed

Zook, B C; Spiro, I; Hertz, R

1987-08-01

A combination of estrogen and levonorgestrel was continuously delivered to 23 adult rabbits for up to 2 years via a Silastic ring device sutured into the vagina. Twenty-one control rabbits were given similar rings devoid of drugs. A marked decidual reaction of the endometrium occurred in 16 of 23 test rabbits. In 14 test rabbits (61%) malignant tumors developed of decidual type cells not heretofore described. The deciduosarcomas were composed of anaplastic cells that invaded the uterine walls, uterine lymphatics, and in 4 of 13 (31%) rabbits that survived 2 years of treatment, the tumors metastasized to the lungs. Several deciduosarcomas appeared to arise within the spleen or other abdominal organs. Other drug-related lesions included uterine or vaginal polyps, endometrial atrophy, and focal necrosis and mineralization of the uterine wall. Cells from several deciduosarcomas failed to produce tumors in nude mice or to colonize on soft agar. No decidualization or decidual neoplasms were seen in the controls.

CELLS INVOLVED IN THE IMMUNE RESPONSE

PubMed Central

Abdou, Nabih I.; Richter, Maxwell

1969-01-01

Rabbits were made immunologically tolerant to either human serum albumin or bovine gamma globulin by the neonatal administration of antigen. At 10 wk of age, they were challenged with the tolerogenic antigen and found to be non-responsive. However, these tolerant rabbits could respond with humoral antibody formation directed toward the tolerogenic antigen if they were treated with normal, allogeneic bone marrow or bone marrow obtained from a rabbit made tolerant toward a different antigen. They were incapable of responding if they were given bone marrow obtained from a rabbit previously made tolerant to the tolerogenic antigen. Irradiated rabbits were unable to respond if treated with tolerant bone marrow, but could respond well if given normal bone marrow. Since it has previously been demonstrated that the antibody-forming cell, in an irradiated recipient of allogeneic bone marrow, is of recipient and not donor origin, the data presented strongly indicate that the unresponsive cell in the immunologically tolerant rabbit is the antigen-reactive cell. PMID:4183777

Hypolipidemic effect of arborium plus in experimentally induced hypercholestermic rabbits.

PubMed

Murty, Devarakonda; Rajesh, Enjamoori; Raghava, Doonaboina; Raghavan, Tangaraj Vijaya; Surulivel, Mukanthan Karupiah Munirajan

2010-06-01

Hypercholesteremia is one of the risk factors for coronary artery disease. The present study highlights the efficacy of the ayurvedic herbal formulation Arborium Plus [Hyppophae ramnoides L. fruit juice (S) and Rhododendron arboreum Sm. Linn flower juice (R) in a 1:4 ratio] on triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), atherogenic index (AI), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs CRP) in experimentally induced hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Four groups of rabbits were subjected to different treatments for 8 weeks: control group, CHOL group (1% w/w cholesterol for 8 weeks), S+R group (1% w/w cholesterol and Arborium Plus for 8 weeks), and A group (1% w/w cholesterol and atorvastatin for 8 weeks). The results showed significant increases in TG, TC, LDL, AI, and hs CRP in hypercholesterolemic rabbits which was significantly reduced in Arborium Plus-treated hypercholesterolemic rabbits. The data demonstrated that the Arborium Plus formulation was associated with hypolipidemic effects in experimentally induced hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

rhBMP-2 (ACS and CRM formulations) overcomes pseudarthrosis in a New Zealand white rabbit posterolateral fusion model.

PubMed

Lawrence, James P; Waked, Walid; Gillon, Thomas J; White, Andrew P; Spock, Christopher R; Biswas, Debdut; Rosenberger, Patricia; Troiano, Nancy; Albert, Todd J; Grauer, Jonathan N

2007-05-15

The study design consisted of a New Zealand white rabbit model of pseudarthrosis repair. Study groups consisting of no graft, autograft, or recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) with absorbable collagen sponge (ACS) or compression resistant matrix (CRM) were evaluated. To evaluate the relative efficacy of bone graft materials (autograft, ACS, and CRM). rhBMP-2 has been shown to have a 100% fusion rate in a primary rabbit fusion model, even in the presence of nicotine, which is known to inhibit fusion. Seventy-two New Zealand white rabbits underwent posterolateral lumbar fusion with iliac crest autograft. To establish pseudarthroses, nicotine was administered to all animals. At 5 weeks, the spines were explored and all pseudarthroses were redecorticated and implanted with no graft, autograft, rhBMP-2/ACS, or rhBMP-2/CRM. At 10 weeks, fusions were assessed by manual palpation and histology. Eight rabbits (11%) were lost to complications. At 5 weeks, 66 (97%) had pseudarthroses. At 10 weeks, attempted pseudarthrosis repairs were fused in 1 of 16 of no graft rabbits (6%), 5 of 17 autograft rabbits (29%), and 31 of 31 rhBMP-2 rabbits (with ACS or CRM) (100%). Histologic analysis demonstrated more mature bone formation in the rhBMP-2 groups. The 2 rhBMP-2 formulations led to significantly higher fusion rates and histologic bone formation than no graft and autograft controls in this pseudarthrosis repair model.

An animal model for human EBV-associated hemophagocytic syndrome: herpesvirus papio frequently induces fatal lymphoproliferative disorders with hemophagocytic syndrome in rabbits.

PubMed

Hayashi, K; Ohara, N; Teramoto, N; Onoda, S; Chen, H L; Oka, T; Kondo, E; Yoshino, T; Takahashi, K; Yates, J; Akagi, T

2001-04-01

Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (EBV-AHS) is often associated with fatal infectious mononucleosis. However, the animal model for EBV-AHS has not been developed. We reported the first animal model for EBV-AHS using rabbits infected with EBV-related herpesvirus of baboon (HVP). Eleven of 13 (85%) rabbits inoculated intravenously with HVP-producing cells developed fatal lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) between 22 and 105 days after inoculation. LPD was also accompanied by hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) in nine of these 11 rabbits. The peroral spray of cell-free HVP induced the virus infection with increased anti-EBV-viral capsid antigen-IgG titers in three of five rabbits, and two of these three infected rabbits died of LPD with HPS. Autopsy revealed hepatosplenomegaly and swollen lymph nodes. Atypical lymphoid T cells expressing EBV-encoded small RNA-1 infiltrated diffusely in many organs, frequently involving the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver. Hemophagocytic histiocytosis was observed in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and thymus. HVP-DNA was detected in the tissues and peripheral blood from the infected rabbits by polymerase chain reaction or Southern blot analysis. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction revealed both HVP-EBNA1 and HVP-EBNA2 transcripts, suggesting latency type III infection. These data indicate that the high rate of rabbit LPD with HPS induction is caused by HVP. This system is useful for studying the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of human EBV-AHS.

The effect of cyclosporin A on the primary immune response to allogeneic red cells in rabbits.

PubMed Central

Smith, G N

1982-01-01

Cyclosporin A (CSA) has been used in an attempt to suppress the primary immune response of HgA(A)-negative rabbits to A-positive red cells. The immune response was assessed by measuring the survival of a small intravenous (i.v.) dose of 51Cr-labelled A-positive cells and by testing the serum of the immunized rabbits for anti-A. In one experiment, eight A-negative rabbits were given a first i.v. injection of A-positive red cells, and CSA (25 mg/kg/day) in olive oil was given by mouth for 17-34 days. There was no evidence of impaired alloimmunization compared with the responses in control animals treated with olive oil alone. In a second experiment, eight A-negative rabbits were given a first injection of A-positive muscularly (i.m.), and CSA (25 mg/kg/day) in miglyol was given by im.m. injection for 10 days. Six of these rabbits were rendered unresponsive, and the remaining two, who showed impaired survival of the monitoring red cells, produced only low anit-A titres. Seven out of eight controls given i.m. miglyol without CSA responded with good anti-A production. Rabbits that were unresponsive to A-positive red cells responded normally to sheep red blood cells 15 weeks after CSA treatment. Higher serum levels of CSA were found following i.m. administration of the drug but treatment by this route as associated with severe toxicity in some rabbits. PMID:7056563

Sequelae of Occult Aggression Disqualifying Young, Socially Housed, Female New Zealand White Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) from Participation in Dermal Toxicology Studies.

PubMed

Wyatt, Jeffrey D; Moorman-White, Diane M; Ventura, Donnalee; Schneider, Brett W; Bittner, Thomas W

2017-10-01

International animal welfare organizations and federal, regional, and institutional oversight bodies encourage social housing of gregarious species, such as New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), to promote animal wellbeing in research, teaching, testing and farming settings. At our institution, 2 groups of female New Zealand white rabbits (approximate age, 11 wk; mean weight, 2.35 kg), compatibly paired at the vendor for 5 wk, were paired in caging or group-housed in a floor pen. The rabbits appeared compatible, demonstrating primarily affiliative behaviors throughout 6 wk of daily observations. However, occult aggression that occurred between daily observations or nocturnally resulted in skin wounding. The skin injuries, first identified during prestudy clipping of fur from the back of each rabbit 6 wk after arrival, disqualified every animal from participation in skin toxicology and muscle implantation studies. Success meeting scientific research requirements while promoting animal welfare and health when socially housing New Zealand white rabbits requires examining the behavioral repertoire of their wild counterparts, European rabbits. Factors including age, sex, and housing density influence territoriality, dominance hierarchy, social ranking, and natural, agonistic, injurious, behavioral tendencies. IACUC and other relevant oversight bodies, researchers, and animal care staff should consider this case study and the species-specific natural history of New Zealand white rabbits when assessing the harm and benefit of social housing in regard to research utility and animal welfare.

Prevalence and zoonotic risks of Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Cheyletiella spp. in guinea pigs and rabbits in Dutch pet shops.

PubMed

Overgaauw, P A M; Avermaete, K H A van; Mertens, C A R M; Meijer, M; Schoemaker, N J

2017-06-01

Young rabbits and guinea pigs are often purchased as pets for children and may be infected with zoonotic skin infections. To assess the risk of acquiring such an infection from rabbits or guinea pigs, this study investigated the prevalence of the fungus Trichophyton mentagrophytes and the fur mite Cheyletiella parasitovorax in asymptomatic rabbits and guinea pigs in Dutch pet shops. In 91 pet shops a total of 213 rabbits and 179 guinea pigs were sampled using the Mackenzie technique and cultured. Clean cultures were examined microscopically and a PCR was performed on at least one sample from each pet shop. All animals were investigated for fur mite using a flea comb, a magnifying glass and white paper. From the fur of 3.8% (8/213) of the rabbits and 16.8% (30/179) of the guinea pigs, T. mentagrophytes was isolated. From 1 guinea pig (0,6%) Chrysosporium keratinophilum was isolated. Dermatophyte-positive rabbits and guinea pigs originated from 5.6% (5/90) and 27.3% (24/88) of the investigated pet shops, respectively. Fur mites were not found. Pet shops can play an important role in preventing transmission of zoonotic ringworm infections (dermatophytosis) and educating their customers. Specific preventive measures such as routine screening examinations and (prophylactic) treatment of rabbits and guinea pigs are recommended next to regular hygiene when handling animals. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Treatment of rabbit cheyletiellosis with selamectin or ivermectin: a retrospective case study.

PubMed

Mellgren, Marianne; Bergvall, Kerstin

2008-01-02

A retrospective study of rabbits treated against cheyletiellosis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of selamectin or ivermectin in clinical practice. Medical records from 53 rabbits with microscopically confirmed Cheyletiella infestation were collected from two small animal clinics. The rabbits were divided into three groups, based on treatment protocols. Group 1 included 11 rabbits treated with ivermectin injections at 200-476 microg kg-1 subcutaneously 2-3 times, with a mean interval of 11 days. In Group 2, 27 rabbits were treated with a combination of subcutaneous ivermectin injections (range 618-2185 microgkg-1) and oral ivermectin (range 616-2732 microgkg-1) administered by the owners, 3-6 times at 10 days interval. The last group (Group 3) included 15 rabbits treated with selamectin spot-on applications of 6.2-20,0 mgkg-1, 1-3 times with an interval of 2-4 weeks. Follow-up time was 4 months-4.5 years. Rabbits in remission were 9/11 (81,8%), 14/27 (51,9%) and 12/15 (80,8%) in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. All treatment protocols seemed to be sufficiently effective and safe for practice use. Though very high doses were used in Group 2 (ivermectin injections followed by oral administration), the protocol seemed less efficacious compared to ivermectin injections (Group 1) and selamectin spot on (Group 3), respectively, although not statistically significant. Controlled prospective studies including larger groups are needed to further evaluate efficacy of the treatment protocols.

Comparing rat and rabbit embryo-fetal developmental toxicity ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

A database of embryo-fetal developmental toxicity (EFDT) studies of 379 pharmaceutical compounds in rat and rabbit was analyzed for species differences based on toxicokinetic parameters of area under the curve (AUC) and maximum concentration (Cmax) at the developmental adverse effect level (dLOAEL). For the vast majority of cases (83% based on AUC of n=283), dLOAELs in rats and rabbits were within the same order of magnitude (less than 10-fold different) when compared based on available data on AUC and Cmax exposures. For 13.5% of the compounds the rabbit was more sensitive and for 3.5% of compounds the rat was more sensitive when compared based on AUC exposures. For 12% of the compounds the rabbit was more sensitive and for 1.3% of compounds the rat was more sensitive based on Cmax exposures. When evaluated based on human equivalent dose (HED) conversion using standard factors, the rat and rabbit were equally sensitive. The relative extent of embryo-fetal toxicity in the presence of maternal toxicity was not different between species. Overall effect severity incidences were distributed similarly in rat and rabbit studies. Individual rat and rabbit strains did not show a different general distribution of systemic exposure LOAELs as compared to all strains combined for each species. There were no apparent species differences in the occurrence of embryo-fetal variations. Based on power of detection and given differences in the nature of developmental effects betwe

Effect of nano-silver hydrogel coating film on deep partial thickness scald model of rabbit.

PubMed

Xi, Peng; Li, Yan; Ge, Xiaojin; Liu, Dandan; Miao, Mingsan

2018-05-01

Observing the effect of nano-silver hydrogel coating film on deep partial thickness scald model of rabbit. We prepared boiling water scalded rabbits with deep II degree scald models and applied high, medium and low doses of nano-silver hydrogel coating film for different time and area. Then we compared the difference of burned paper weight before administration and after administration model burns, burn local skin irritation points infection, skin crusting and scabs from the time, and the impact of local skin tissue morphology. Rabbits deep II degree burn model successful modeling; on day 12, 18, high, medium and low doses of nano-silver hydrogel coating film significantly reduced skin irritation of rabbits infected with the integral value ( P  < 0.01, P  < 0.05); high, medium and low doses of nano-silver hydrogel coating film group significantly decreased skin irritation, infection integral value ( P  < 0.01, P  < 0.05); high, medium and low doses of nano-silver hydrogel coating film significantly reduced film rabbits' scalded skin crusting time ( P  < 0.01), significantly shortened the rabbit skin burns from the scab time ( P  < 0.01), and significantly improved the treatment of skin diseases in rabbits scald model change ( P  < 0.01, P  < 0.05). The nano-silver hydrogel coating film on the deep partial thickness burns has a significant therapeutic effect; external use has a significant role in wound healing.

Growth performance and meat quality of rabbits under different feeding regimes.

PubMed

Khan, Kamran; Khan, Sarzamin; Khan, Rajwali; Sultan, Asad; Khan, Nazir Ahmad; Ahmad, Naseer

2016-12-01

This study evaluated the growth, carcass characteristics and meat quality of indigenous rabbits in northern Pakistan. Weaned rabbits (age 35 days, weight 323 g) of four distinct phenotypes (white, black and white, brown and black) were fed four experimental diets: alfalfa hay (AH), berseem fodder (BF), BF supplemented with low-level concentrate (50 %; LLC) and high-level concentrate (75 %; HLC). Each experimental diet was fed to 48 rabbits, 12 of each phenotype, in a randomized complete block design. The duration of the experiment was 55 days, including 1 week of adaptation. Rabbits fed the BF and AH diets had poor body weight gain (P < 0.05) compared to rabbits fed the LLC and HLC diets. Feed conversion efficiency was best in the LLC (4.47) and HLC (4.58) groups. Average carcass yield (743 g) and carcass dressing percentage (56.2) were higher (P < 0.05) in LLC. Growth rate was not improved significantly by feeding HLC. Fat deposition in animals was higher (P < 0.05) in the groups supplemented with concentrate. Cost per kilogram of rabbit meat was lowest (P < 0.05) for BF, followed by AH, LLC and HLC. Brown phenotypes had the best (P < 0.05) feed conversion efficiency, body weight gain, carcass yield and carcass dressing. It was concluded that local rabbits do not necessarily need high levels of concentrates but can be well fattened with low-level concentrates along with forages.

Tissue-Engineered Vocal Fold Mucosa Implantation in Rabbits.

PubMed

Shiba, Travis L; Hardy, Jordan; Luegmair, Georg; Zhang, Zhaoyan; Long, Jennifer L

2016-04-01

To assess phonatory function and wound healing of a tissue-engineered vocal fold mucosa (TE-VFM) in rabbits. An "artificial" vocal fold would be valuable for reconstructing refractory scars and resection defects, particularly one that uses readily available autologous cells and scaffold. This work implants a candidate TE-VFM after resecting native epithelium and lamina propria in rabbits. Prospective animal study. Research laboratory. Rabbit adipose-derived stem cells were isolated and cultured in three-dimensional fibrin scaffolds to form TE-VFM. Eight rabbits underwent laryngofissure, unilateral European Laryngologic Society type 2 cordectomy, and immediate reconstruction with TE-VFM. After 4 weeks, larynges were excised, phonated, and examined by histology. Uniform TE-VFM implants were created, with rabbit mesenchymal cells populated throughout fibrin hydrogels. Rabbits recovered uneventfully after implantation. Phonation was achieved in all, with mucosal waves evident at the implant site. Histology after 4 weeks showed resorbed fibrin matrix, continuous epithelium, and mildly increased collagen relative to contralateral unoperated vocal folds. Elastic fiber appearance was highly variable. Inflammatory cell infiltrate was limited to animals receiving sex-mismatched implants. TE-VFMs were successfully implanted into 8 rabbits, with minor evidence of scar formation and immune reaction. Vibration was preserved 4 weeks after resecting and reconstructing the complete vocal fold cover layer. Further studies will investigate the mechanism and durability of improvement. TE-VFM with autologous cells is a promising new approach for vocal fold reconstruction. © American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery Foundation 2016.

Extensive intragenic recombination and patterns of linkage disequilibrium at the CSN3 locus in European rabbit

PubMed Central

Carneiro, Miguel; Ferrand, Nuno

2007-01-01

Kappa-casein (CSN3) plays an important role in stabilising the Ca-sensitive caseins in the micelle. The European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) CSN3 has previously been shown to possess two alleles (A and B), which differ deeply in their intronic regions (indels of 100 and 1550 nucleotides in introns 1 and 4, respectively). Furthermore, a correlation between several reproductive performance traits and the different alleles was described. However, all these data were exclusively collected in rabbit domestic breeds, preventing a deeper understanding of the extensive polymorphism observed in the CSN3 gene. Additionally, the techniques available for the typing of both indel polymorphisms were until now not suitable for large-scale studies. In this report, we describe a simple, PCR-based typing method to distinguish rabbit CSN3 alleles. We analyse both ancient wild rabbit populations from the Iberian Peninsula and France, and the more recently derived English wild rabbits and domestic stocks. A new allele (C) showing another major indel (250 bp) in intron 1 was found, but exclusively detected in Iberian wild rabbits. In addition, our survey revealed the occurrence of new haplotypes in wild populations, suggesting that intragenic recombination is important in creating genetic diversity at this locus. This easy and low cost single-step PCR-based method results in an improvement over previous described techniques, can be easily set up in a routine molecular laboratory and would probably be a valuable tool in the management of rabbit domestic breeds. PMID:17433245

Anterior segment parameters of rabbits with rotating Scheimpflug camera.

PubMed

Yüksel, Harun; Türkcü, Fatih M; Ari, Şeyhmus; Çinar, Yasin; Cingü, Abdullah K; Şahin, Muhammed; Şahin, Alparslan; Özkurt, Zeynep; Çaça, İhsan

2015-05-01

Rabbit is one of the most commonly used experimental animals for corneal studies due to similarity of size to human cornea and ease of manipulation. In this study, we assessed anterior segment parameters of the healthy rabbit eyes with Pentacam HR (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). Six-month-old, approximately 2.5-3 kg weighted, 30 female New Zealand rabbits were used in the study. Right eye of the each rabbit was imaged with Pentacam HR under intramuscular ketamine hydrochloride (Ketalar; Eczacibasi, Turkey) anesthesia (50 mg/kg). After the imaging, the rabbits with blinking errors, which results in low-quality images, were excluded from the study. Keratometric readings, central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and anterior and posterior elevation values, and lens density were noted. In this study, the flattest and the steepest keratometric values were found as 43.34 ± 1.86, 42.7 ± 2.0, and 43.9 ± 1.9 diopters, respectively. The mean CCT and ACD of rabbits were found as 388 ± 39 μm and 2.08 ± 0.16 mm, respectively. Mean of the anterior and posterior elevation at thinnest point was found as 1.29 ± 4.28 and 3.91 ± 6.17 μm, respectively. Keratometric readings and anterior and posterior elevation values of rabbits were similar to human; however, corneal thickness and anterior chamber depth (ACD) values were lower than humans. © 2014 American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists.

Epstein-Barr virus (HHV-4) inoculation to rabbits by intranasal and oral routes results in subacute and/or persistent infection dissimilar to human disease.

PubMed

Rajčáni, Julius; Szenthe, Kalman; Durmanová, Vladimira; Tóth, Agnes; Asványi, Balazs; Pitlik, Ervin; Stipkovits, Laszlo; Szathmary, Susan

2014-01-01

We report the infection of New Zealand white rabbits with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV prepared in B95-8 (producer) cells was inoculated to rabbits by combined intranasal and oral routes. Blood and white blood cell (WBC) samples were taken before infection, then on days 8, 28 and 98 post-infection (p.i.). Administration of either 3 × 10(8) (group A, 11 rabbits) or 1 × 10(9) (group B, 10 rabbits) EBV DNA copies per animal induced subacute and/or persistent infection. The IgG antibodies in plasma were detected by ELISA as well as by immunoblot (IB). The IB bands showed mainly antibodies to the BZRF1/Zta transactivation polypeptide (69.2%), the p54 early protein (53.4%) and to the p23 capsid protein (35.8%). No anti-EBNA1 antibody was detected throughout. Viral DNA could be detected by PCR in WBCs and/or spleen of 7 out of 21 infected rabbits (30%), while 60-80% of them showed serologic response. The transiently present EBV DNA was accompanied by LMP1 antigen. Rabbits developed persistent EBV infection in the absence of EBNA1 antibodies and by the lack of typical infectious mononucleosis-like syndrome. The absence of EBNA1 antibody may reflect the lack of EBNA1 in B cells of EBV-inoculated rabbits. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel

Lack of desensitization of the cough reflex in ovalbumin-sensitized rabbits during exercise.

PubMed

Tiotiu, Angelica; Chenuel, Bruno; Foucaud, Laurent; Demoulin, Bruno; Demoulin-Alexikova, Silvia; Christov, Christo; Poussel, Mathias

2017-01-01

Cough is a major symptom of asthma frequently experienced during exercise but little is known about interactions between cough and exercise. The goal of our study was to clarify the potential modulation of the cough reflex (CR) by exercise in a spontaneously breathing anaesthetized animal model of airway eosinophilic inflammation. Ten ovalbumin (OVA) sensitized adult rabbits and 8 controls were studied. The ventilatory response to direct tracheal stimulation, performed both at rest and during exercise was determined to quantify the incidence and the sensitivity of the CR. Broncho-alveolar lavages (BAL) and cell counts were performed to assess the level of the airway inflammation following OVA-induced sensitization. Exercise was mimicked by Electrically induced hindlimb Muscular Contractions (EMC). Among 494 tracheal stimulations, 261 were performed at rest and 233 at exercise. OVA challenges in sensitized rabbits caused a significant increase in the percentage of eosinophils (p = 0.008) in BAL. EMC increased minute ventilation by 36% and 35% in OVA and control rabbits respectively, compared to rest values. The sensitivity of the CR decreased during exercise compared to baseline in control rabbits (p = 0.0313) while it remained unchanged in OVA rabbits. The desensitization of the CR during exercise in control rabbits was abolished in OVA rabbits. The precise role of airway inflammation in this lack of CR desensitization needs to be further investigated but it might contribute to the exercise-induced cough in asthmatics.

Comparison of rat and rabbit embryo-fetal developmental ...

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

Regulatory non-clinical safety testing of human pharmaceutical compounds typically requires embryo fetal developmental toxicity (EFDT) testing in two species, (one rodent and one non-rodent, usually the rat and the rabbit). The question has been raised whether under some conditions EFDT testing could be limited to one species, or whether the need for testing in a second species could be decided on a case by case basis. As part of an RIVM/CBG-MEB/HESI/US EPA consortium initiative, we built and queried a database of 379 EFDT studies conducted for marketed and non-marketed pharmaceutical compounds. The animal models (rat and rabbit) were assessed for their potential for adverse developmental and maternal outcomes. The database was analyzed for the prevalence of EFDT incidence and the nature and severity of adverse findings in the two species. Some manifestation of EFDT in either one or both species (rat and rabbit) was demonstrated for 282 compounds (74%), and EFDT was detected in only one species (rat or rabbit) in almost a third (31%, 118 compounds), with approximately 58% rat and 42% rabbit studies identifying an EFDT signal among the 379 compounds tested. For 24 compounds (6%), fetal malformations were observed in one species (rat or rabbit) in the absence of any EFDT in the second species. In general, growth retardation, fetal variations, and malformations were more prominent in the rat, whereas embryo-fetal death was observed more often in the rabbit. Discor

[Effects of simulated weightlessness on pressure-volume relationships of femoral vein of New Zealand Rabbits].

PubMed

Yue, Yong; Yao, Yong-jie; Xie, Xiao-ping; Wang, Bing; Zhu, Qing-sheng; Wu, Xing-yu

2002-12-01

Objective. To observe the changes of pressure-volume relationships of rabbit femoral veins and their structural changes caused by simulated weightlessness. Method. Head-Down Tilt (HDT) -20 degrees rabbit model was used to simulate weightlessness. Twenty four healthy male New Zealand Rabbits were randomly divided into 21 d HDT group,10 d HDT group and control group, (8 in each group). Pressure-volume (P-V) relationship of rabbits femoral veins was measured and the microstructure of the veins was observed. Result. The femoral vein P-V relationship curves of HDT groups showed a larger volume change ratio than that of control group. This change was that 21 d HDT group was even more obvious than that of HDT-10 d group. B1 and B2 in quadratic equations of 21 d HDT group were significantly higher than the values of both 10 d HDT group and control group during expansion (inflow) and collapse (outflow) (P<0.01). The result of histological examination showed that the contents and structure of femoral vein wall of HDT-rabbits changed significantly. Endothelial cells of femoral vein became short and columnar or cubic, some of which fell off. Smooth muscle layer became thinner. Conclusion. Femoral venous compliance increased after weightlessness-simulation and the femoral venous compliance in 21 d-HDT rabbits increased more obviously than that in 10 d-HDT rabbits. The structure of femoral vein wall had changed obviously.

7 CFR 70.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... MARKETING ACT OF 1946 AND THE EGG PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS... product means any ready-to-cook poultry carcass or part therefrom or any specified poultry food product... excellence. Rabbit means any domesticated rabbit whether live or dead. Rabbit product means any ready-to-cook...

9 CFR 354.121 - Ante-mortem inspection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... he may issue from time to time, be made of rabbits on the day of slaughter in any official plant... INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF RABBITS AND EDIBLE PRODUCTS THEREOF Inspection Procedures; Ante-Mortem Inspections § 354.121 Ante-mortem inspection. An ante-mortem inspection of rabbits...

9 CFR 354.121 - Ante-mortem inspection.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... he may issue from time to time, be made of rabbits on the day of slaughter in any official plant... INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION VOLUNTARY INSPECTION OF RABBITS AND EDIBLE PRODUCTS THEREOF Inspection Procedures; Ante-Mortem Inspections § 354.121 Ante-mortem inspection. An ante-mortem inspection of rabbits...

9 CFR 3.58 - Classification and separation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... Transportation of Rabbits Animal Health and Husbandry Standards § 3.58 Classification and separation. Animals... additional restrictions: (a) Rabbits shall not be housed in the same primary enclosure with any other species of animals unless required for scientific reasons. (b) Rabbits under quarantine or treatment for a...

7 CFR 70.50 - Approval of official identification and wording on labels.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products Identifying and Marking Products § 70.50 Approval of official identification... CFR part 381. Poultry Products Inspection Regulations. Labeling requirements for ready-to-cook rabbits...

9 CFR 3.65 - Terminal facilities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... WELFARE STANDARDS Specifications for the Humane Handling, Care, Treatment and Transportation of Rabbits... commingle shipments of live rabbits with inanimate cargo. All animal holding areas of a terminal facility where shipments of rabbits are maintained shall be cleaned and sanitized as prescribed in § 3.56 of the...

9 CFR 3.56 - Sanitation.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... WELFARE STANDARDS Specifications for the Humane Handling, Care, Treatment and Transportation of Rabbits.... Measures shall be taken to prevent the wetting of rabbits in such enclosures if a washing process is used... primary enclosures. (1) Primary enclosures for rabbits shall be sanitized at least once every 30 days in...

Experimental and finite element analysis of tibial stress fractures using a rabbit model.

PubMed

Franklyn, Melanie; Field, Bruce

2013-01-01

To determine if rabbit models can be used to quantify the mechanical behaviour involved in tibial stress fracture (TSF) development. Fresh rabbit tibiae were loaded under compression using a specifically-designed test apparatus. Weights were incrementally added up to a load of 30 kg and the mechanical behaviour of the tibia was analysed using tests for buckling, bone strain and hysteresis. Structural mechanics equations were subsequently employed to verify that the results were within the range of values predicted by theory. A finite element (FE) model was developed using cross-sectional computer tomography (CT) images scanned from one of the rabbit bones, and a static load of 6 kg (1.5 times the rabbit's body weight) was applied to represent running. The model was validated using the experimental strain gauge data, then geometric and elemental convergence tests were performed in order to find the minimum number of cross-sectional scans and elements respectively required for convergence. The analysis was then performed using both the model and the experimental results to investigate the mechanical behaviour of the rabbit tibia under compressive load and to examine crack initiation. The experimental tests showed that under a compressive load of up to 12 kg, the rabbit tibia demonstrates linear behaviour with little hysteresis. Up to 30 kg, the bone does not fail by elastic buckling; however, there are low levels of tensile stress which predominately occur at and adjacent to the anterior border of the tibial midshaft: this suggests that fatigue failure occurs in these regions, since bone under cyclic loading initially fails in tension. The FE model predictions were consistent with both mechanics theory and the strain gauge results. The model was highly sensitive to small changes in the position of the applied load due to the high slenderness ratio of the rabbit's tibia. The modelling technique used in the current study could have applications in the development of human FE models of bone, where, unlike rabbit tibia, the model would be relatively insensitive to very small changes in load position. However, the rabbit model itself is less beneficial as a tool to understand the mechanical behaviour of TSFs in humans due to the small size of the rabbit bone and the limitations of human-scale CT scanning equipment. The current modelling technique could be used to develop human FE models. However, the rabbit model itself has significant limitations in understanding human TSF mechanics.

The cottontail rabbits of Virginia

USGS Publications Warehouse

Llewellyn, L.M.; Handley, C.O.

1945-01-01

Five races of cottontail rabbits belonging to three species occur in Virginia. One of them, the Mearns cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus mearnsi), is reported here for the first time. It occurs in six southwestern counties of the state, while the eastern cottontail (S. f. mallurus) occurs in the remainder of the state with the exception of Smith and Fishermans islands off the eastern coast of Cape Charles, where it is replaced by Hitchens cottontail (S. f. hitchensi). The New England cottontail (S. transitionalis) is found on the higher mountain peaks, above 3000 feet, and the swamp rabbit (S. palustris) occurs in the Dismal Swamp region of southeastern Virginia.....The height of the breeding season for the eastern cottontail in Virginia is March and April, but breeding continues through the entire year except in December and January. The average litter size based on embryo counts was 4.7. The sex ratio of 234 specimens from all parts of the state, taken mostly in the December to February period, was 53 males to 47 females. That of a group of 145 rabbits live-trapped at Blacksburg during February and Marchwas 58 males to 42 females. The figures show that males are more active than females during the winter months, and therefore are more easily taken then....In transplanting cottontails from one section of the state to another, it is recommended that only cottontails of the same race as those originally present in the region being restocked be released there....Tularemia is not a common disease among rabbits in Virginia, but the rabbit ticks are often carriers of the disease and may transmit it to rabbits. Rabbit ticks are also found to be carriers of Rocky Mountain fever and American Q. fever. After the ticks drop off the rabbits to hibernate in the ground, which is likely to occur during mid-winter in Virginia, there is relatively little danger of humans contracting tularemia by contact with rabbits. Present laws in Virginia which prohibit rabbit hunting until the opening of the general hunting season, November 15and November 20--west and east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, respectively--protect the licensed hunters to which these regulations apply, but landowners or tenants are still allowed to take rabbits for their own use on their own land at any time. It is recommended that as a public health measure the taking of cottontails be completely prohibited to all until the opening of the general hunting season.

7 CFR 70.105 - Procedures for appeal gradings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... conducting the appeal grading. Whether defrosting poultry or rabbit carcasses for other types of appeals will... 7 Agriculture 3 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Procedures for appeal gradings. 70.105 Section 70.105... PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products Appeal of A Grading Or...

Multiphoton Imaging of Rabbit Cornea Treated with Mitomycin C after Photorefractive Keratectomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsueh, Chiu-Mei; Lo, Wen; Wang, Tsung-Jen; Hu, Fung-Rong; Dong, Chen-Yuan

2007-07-01

In this work we use multiphoton microscopy to observe the post surgery structure variation of rabbit cornea after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). In addition, we added mitomycin C (MMC) to the post surgery rabbit cornea in order to investigate the effect of MMC treatment on the postoperative regeneration.

7 CFR 70.110 - Requirements for sanitation, facilities, and operating procedures in official plants.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products Sanitary Requirements, Facilities, and Operating Procedures § 70.110... in 9 CFR part 381 for poultry, and for rabbits the requirements shall be the applicable provisions...

7 CFR 70.110 - Requirements for sanitation, facilities, and operating procedures in official plants.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... PRODUCTS INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products Sanitary Requirements, Facilities, and Operating Procedures § 70.110... in 9 CFR part 381 for poultry, and for rabbits the requirements shall be the applicable provisions...

9 CFR 3.60 - Consignments to carriers and intermediate handlers.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... and Transportation of Rabbits Transportation Standards § 3.60 Consignments to carriers and intermediate handlers. (a) Carriers and intermediate handlers shall not accept any live rabbit presented by any... commerce, any live rabbit in a primary enclosure which conforms to the requirements set forth in § 3.61 of...

7 CFR 70.34 - Application for grading service in official plants; approval.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products Application for Grading Service § 70.34 Application for grading service in... plant survey for poultry or rabbit grading has been completed and approved in accordance with the...

7 CFR 70.34 - Application for grading service in official plants; approval.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... INSPECTION ACT (CONTINUED) VOLUNTARY GRADING OF POULTRY PRODUCTS AND RABBIT PRODUCTS Grading of Poultry Products and Rabbit Products Application for Grading Service § 70.34 Application for grading service in... plant survey for poultry or rabbit grading has been completed and approved in accordance with the...

"This Delightfull Garden": "Rabbit Hill" and the Pastoral Tradition.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jordan, Anne Devereaux

1997-01-01

Contends that Robert Lawson's children's book "Rabbit Hill" (1944) falls within the genre of pastoral literature, in the tradition of Edmund Spenser's "Faerie Queen." Examines the history of the genre and finds reasons for classifying Lawson's book as pastoral. Cites classic elements in "Rabbit Hill." Gives five…

Unexpected extent of immunochemical cross-reactions between rabbit and human serum proteins

PubMed Central

Johnson, P. K.; Yoder, J. M.

1970-01-01

Precipitin experiments indicated an unexpected extent of immunochemical cross-reactions between rabbit and human serum proteins. Commerical goat or horse antisera to human or rabbit serum were used. Two of the proteins involved in the cross-reactions were lipoproteins. Imagesp294-ap296-a PMID:4991121

9 CFR 1.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... means any live or dead dog, cat, nonhuman primate, guinea pig, hamster, rabbit, or any other warmblooded... a pet in family households in the United States, such as dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits, and... are sold or offered for sale, at retail, for use as pets: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters...

77 FR 28799 - Animal Welfare; Retail Pet Stores and Licensing Exemptions

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2012-05-16

... as pets are considered retail pet stores: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, rats... following animals are sold or offered for sale, at retail, for use as pets: Dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs... dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs, gophers, domestic ferrets, chinchilla, rats, and...

The Social Nature of European Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

PubMed Central

Rehrig, Angelika N

2016-01-01

Increasing concerns regarding the wellbeing of laboratory animals have caused biomedical research stakeholders to reconsider traditional housing of laboratory species and to provide social companionship for social species. European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are commonly individually housed in research facilities despite the occurrence of social groups in the wild. Here we review the current literature to provide a comprehensive description of the social behaviors and preferences of rabbits in the wild and in captivity. The implications of these studies regarding social housing of laboratory rabbits are discussed. PMID:27931309

STUDIES ON VARICELLA

PubMed Central

Rivers, Thomas M.; Tillett, William S.

1923-01-01

1. The localization of the virus of varicella in the human skin is influenced by irritation. This is indirect evidence that the virus is in the blood. 2. Rabbits are susceptible to a virus recovered from the blood of varicella patients. 3. Testicular emulsions containing the virus are free from ordinary aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and produce lesions in the cornea, skin, and testicles of rabbits. 4. The virus can be transmitted indefinitely from rabbit to rabbit by means of testicular inoculation, and can be preserved 29 days in 50 per cent glycerol at a low temperature. PMID:19868818

Bobcat attack on a cottontail rabbit

USGS Publications Warehouse

Biggins, D.E.; Biggins, D.M.

2006-01-01

We observed an attack by a bobcat (Lynx rufus) on a cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus) that involved stealthy approach by the cat for >1 h, followed by a 12.3-s chase covering 116.0 m for the cat and 128.4 m for the rabbit. During the chase, the route of the cat from starting point to kill site was more direct than the semi-circular route of the rabbit. Stride lengths for the cat and total distance covered by the chase were longer than those previously reported for bobcats.

Myxoma virus in the European rabbit: interactions between the virus and its susceptible host.

PubMed

Stanford, Marianne M; Werden, Steven J; McFadden, Grant

2007-01-01

Myxoma virus (MV) is a poxvirus that evolved in Sylvilagus lagomorphs, and is the causative agent of myxomatosis in European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). This virus is not a natural pathogen of O. cuniculus, yet is able to subvert the host rabbit immune system defenses and cause a highly lethal systemic infection. The interaction of MV proteins and the rabbit immune system has been an ideal model to help elucidate host/poxvirus interactions, and has led to a greater understanding of how other poxvirus pathogens are able to cause disease in their respective hosts. This review will examine how MV causes myxomatosis, by examining a selection of the identified immunomodulatory proteins that this virus expresses to subvert the immune and inflammatory pathways of infected rabbit hosts.

Epidemiological Study of Paratuberculosis in Wild Rabbits in Scotland

PubMed Central

Greig, Alastair; Stevenson, Karen; Henderson, Dennis; Perez, Valentin; Hughes, Valerie; Pavlik, Ivo; Hines, Murray E.; McKendrick, Iain; Sharp, J. Michael

1999-01-01

A survey of 22 farms confirmed the presence of paratuberculosis in wild rabbits in Scotland. Regional differences were apparent in the prevalence of the disease in rabbits, with a significantly higher incidence occurring in the Tayside region. Statistical analysis showed a significant relationship between a previous history or current problem of paratuberculosis in cattle and the presence of paratuberculosis in rabbits on the farms. Molecular genetic typing techniques could not discriminate between selected rabbit and cattle isolates from the same or different farms, suggesting that the same strain may infect and cause disease in both species and that interspecies transmission may occur. The possibility of interspecies transmission and the involvement of wildlife in the epidemiology of paratuberculosis have important implications for the control of the disease. PMID:10325318

Ultrastructural studies of human and rabbit alpha-M-globulins.

PubMed

Bloth, B; Chesebro, B; Svehag, S E

1968-04-01

Electron micrographs of isolated human alpha(2)M-molecules, obtained by the negative contrast technique, revealed morphologically homogenous structures resembling a graceful monogram of the two letters H and I. The modal values for the length and width of the alpha(2)M particles were 170 A and 100 A, respectively. Purified rabbit alphamacroglobulins contained about 80% alpha(1)M- and 20% alpha(2)M-globulins. The isolated rabbit alpha(1)M- and alpha(2)M-molecules were morphologically indistinguishable from one another and from human alpha(2)M-molecules. Preliminary immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that the two rabbit alphaM-globulins were antigenically different. Sedimentation constant determinations gave s(20, w) values of 18.8 and 18.2 for rabbit alpha(1)M and alpha(2)M, respectively.

Vasodilatory effect of L-arginine on isolated rabbit and human posterior ciliary arteries in vitro and increased optic disc blood flow in vivo.

PubMed

Chuman, Hideki; Sugimoto, Takako; Nao-I, Nobuhisa

2017-12-01

This study aimed to clarify the vasodilatory effect of L-arginine on isolated rabbit and human posterior ciliary arteries (PCAs) and to investigate changes in optic disc blood flow after an infusion of L-arginine in vivo. Vascular ring segments were mounted on a double myograph system. After obtaining maximal contraction following administration of high-K solution, L-arginine was administrated. Six volunteers received an intravenous drip infusion of 100 ml of L-arginine or saline. Changes in optic disc blood flow were measured by laser speckle flowgraphy. L-arginine relaxed high-K solution-induced contracted rabbit PCAs. Carboxy-PTIO (nitric oxide scavenger) and L-NAME (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) inhibited L-arginine-induced relaxation in rabbit PCAs. After removal of the endothelium of the rabbit PCAs, L-arginine still relaxed rabbit PCAs. L-arginine relaxed human PCAs, despite the lack of nitric oxide production. In the L-arginine infusion group, the mean blur rate was significantly greater than that of the control group in vivo. L-arginine has both nitric oxide-dependent and independent vasodilatory effect on high K- induced contractions in isolated rabbit and human PCAs. L-arginine increased optic disc blood flow in vivo.

Distribution of thyroid hormone and thyrotropin receptors in reproductive tissues of adult female rabbits.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Castelán, Julia; Anaya-Hernández, Arely; Méndez-Tepepa, Maribel; Martínez-Gómez, Margarita; Castelán, Francisco; Cuevas-Romero, Estela

2017-02-01

Thyroid dysfunctions are related to anovulation, miscarriages, and infertility in women and laboratory animals. Mechanisms associated with these effects are unknown, although indirect or direct actions of thyroid hormones and thyrotropin could be assumed. The present study aimed to identify the distribution of thyroid hormones (TRs) and thyrotropin (TSHR) receptors in reproductive organs of female rabbits. Ovary of virgin and pregnant rabbits, as well as the oviduct, uterus, and vagina of virgin rabbits were excised, histologically processed, and cut. Slices from these organs were used for immunohistochemical studies for TRα1-2, TRß1, and TSHR. The presence of TRs and TSHR was found in the primordial, primary, secondary, tertiary, and Graafian follicles of virgin rabbits, as well as in the corpora lutea, corpora albicans, and wall of hemorrhagic cysts of pregnant rabbits. Oviductal regions (fimbria-infundibulum, ampulla, isthmus, and utero-tubal junction), uterus (endometrium and myometrium), and vagina (abdominal, pelvic, and perineal portions) of virgin rabbits showed anti-TRs and anti-TSHR immunoreactivity. Additionally, the distal urethra, paravaginal ganglia, levator ani and iliococcygeus muscles, dorsal nerve and body of the clitoris, perigenital skin, and prostate had TRs and TSHR. The wide presence of TRs and TSHR in female reproductive organs suggests varied effects of thyroid hormones and thyrotropin in reproduction.

Rumours about wildlife pest introductions: European rabbits in Spain.

PubMed

Delibes-Mateos, Miguel

2017-03-01

Rumours associated with wildlife are frequent, although they have received little attention in the scientific literature. Studying rumours is important because of their relevance not only in a broad theoretical sense but also in environmental management. The goal of this study is to explore the complexity of the relationships between humans and wildlife through a thematic analysis of rumours associated with allegedly introduced European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that cause crop damage in Spain. For this purpose, potential rumours were identified using the Google search engine. Data analysis consisted of reading and re-reading Web-based texts to identify main themes, ideas and topics with the assistance of NVivo 10 software. The analysis identified three main themes: (1) the reviewed websites referred to allegedly introduced rabbits which differed from native rabbits; (2) differences were based on alleged observations of unnatural behaviour, physiology or physical appearance of introduced rabbits; (3) rumours were frequently used in the context of the rabbit management conflict; e.g. farmers accused hunters of releasing harmful rabbits. This study suggests that the analysis of wildlife-release rumours sheds light on the position of parties involved in conflicts associated with the (alleged) introduction of wildlife species. It stresses the importance of rumours in conservation and environmental management, and opens the door to future research.

Cutaneous lesions in pet rabbits following subcutaneous administration of a novel bivalent vaccine against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease.

PubMed

Selleri, Paolo; Di Girolamo, Nicola; Vögtlin, Andrea; Fileccia, Ivan; Hoop, Richard; Bongiovanni, Laura

2014-12-01

A novel bivalent vaccine to protect against myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease is commercially available for pet rabbits. To describe the appearance of cutaneous lesions arising in pet rabbits positive for myxoma virus (MV) by RT-PCR evaluation shortly after vaccination. Four pet rabbits presenting with papular, crusting skin lesions ~10 days after vaccination. Histological evaluation of formalin-fixed skin biopsies obtained from lesional skin (case 1). Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) evaluation of paraffin-embedded tissue from skin biopsies (case 1) and crusts obtained from the lesion surface (cases 2-4) for myxoma virus are reported as cycle threshold (Ct ) values. Lesions affecting the ear pinna, dorsal aspect of the nose, vulva and/or conjunctiva are reported. Histopathological findings included severe ulcerative, necrotizing dermatitis and intralesional cytoplasmic inclusion bodies in myxoma cells. DNA was amplified from all the paraffin-embedded skin biopsies (Ct  = 34-35) and crusts (Ct  = 20-24). Although a wild virus challenge cannot be definitively excluded, veterinarians and pet-owners should be aware that cutaneous lesions have been observed after vaccination with this novel vaccine in low numbers of rabbits. © 2014 ESVD and ACVD.

Clostridium perfringens Type A Food Poisoning II. Response of the Rabbit Ileum as an Indication of Enteropathogenicity of Strains of Clostridium perfringens in Human Beings

PubMed Central

Strong, Dorothy H.; Duncan, Charles L.; Perna, Giuseppe

1971-01-01

The effect of feeding human beings individual strains of Clostridium perfringens or culture filtrates thereof was examined. The strains selected for challenge included both those which had previously been shown to produce fluid accumulation in the ligated ileum or overt diarrhea when injected into the nonligated ileum of the rabbit, or had produced both, and those which did not regularly produce these responses. Challenge doses prepared by allowing each strain to grow in beef stew for 3 hr at 46 C resulted in a 61% incidence of diarrhea when rabbit-positive cells were used. No diarrhea occurred among the subjects fed rabbit-negative strains prepared in a similar manner. The procedures employed in preparing the challenge dose appeared to influence the results obtained. When cell-free filtrates were fed, 4 of 15 persons consuming filtrates from rabbit-positive strains developed diarrhea. All subjects fed filtrates from rabbit-negative strains remained free from diarrhea. Serological tests were carried out to compare the identity of the strains of C. perfringens consumed by the subjects and those excreted in the feces. Heat resistance measured as D100 values varied greatly among the rabbit-positive strains. PMID:16557937

Ocular toxicity of beta-blockers and benzalkonium chloride in pigmented rabbits: electrophysiological and morphological studies.

PubMed

Chou, A; Hori, S; Takase, M

1985-01-01

Subconjunctival injection of 0.2 ml of the following solutions was carried out once a day for two weeks in the albino and pigmented rabbit: commercial 0.5% timolol or 1% befunolol ophthalmic solutions, both containing benzalkonium chloride, and also these drug solutions containing no preservative, ophthalmic base solutions containing benzalkonium chloride, physiological saline solution or phosphate buffer solution. One week after daily injections of the commercial drug solutions or base solutions with benzalkonium chloride, the electroretinogram (ERG) showed a marked reduction in the a- and b-wave amplitudes in the pigmented rabbit, but the ERG changes were slight in the albino rabbit. After two weeks of injections, histological studies of the pigmented rabbit eyes revealed retinal detachment, visual cell loss and atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid; the changes in the albino rabbit eyes were minimal. Injections of the beta-blockers containing no benzalkonium resulted in no significant changes in the ERG or in the tissue structures of all rabbits. Injections of only physiological saline or phosphate buffer had no deleterious effects. Therefore, the ocular toxicity of the beta-blockers was thought to be minor and the toxic effects seen in this study were thought to be due to benzalkonium chloride, which possibly accumulates in the ocular pigments.

Acute Radiation Hypotension in the Rabbit: a Model for the Human Radiation Shock Syndrome.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Makale, Milan Theodore

This study has shown that total body irradiation (TBI) of immature (40 to 100 day old) rabbits leads to an acute fall in mean arterial pressure (MAP) 30 to 90 minutes after exposure, which takes no more than about three minutes, and often results in pressures which are less than 50% of the lowest pre-exposure MAP. This is termed acute cardiovascular collapse (ACC). ACC is often accompanied by ECG T-wave elevation, a sharp rise in ear temperature, labored breathing, pupillary constriction, bladder emptying, and loss of abdominal muscle tone. About 73% of 40 to 100 day rabbits exhibit ACC; the others and most older rabbits display gradual pressure reductions (deliberate hypotension) which may be profound, and which may be accompanied by the same changes associated with ACC. ACC and deliberate hypotension occurred in rabbits cannulated in the dorsal aorta, and in non-operated animals. The decline in MAP for all 40 to 100 day cannulated rabbits (deliberate and ACC responders) is 55.4%. The experiments described below only involved 40 to 100 day cannulated TBI rabbits. Heart region irradiation resulted in an average MAP decline of 29.1%, with 1/15 rabbits showing ACC. Heart shielding during TBI reduced the decline in MAP to 19%, with 1/10 rabbits experiencing ACC. These results imply that the heart region, which includes the heart, part of the lungs, neural receptors, roots of the systemic vessels, and the blood, is a sensitive target. Bilateral vagotomy reduced the decline in MAP to 24.9%, and abolished ACC. Atropine (6 mg/kg) reduced the frequency of ACC to 26%, and the decline in MAP to 41.4%. In 11/13 rabbits the voltage generated by left vagal transmission rose after TBI. The vagi appear to participate in radiation hypotension. Heart shielding together with bilateral vagotomy reduced the decline in MAP to only 9.9%, with no ACC responders. The mean right ventricular pressure (MRVP) rose after TBI in 8/10 rabbits. In animals which displayed either ACC or steep deliberate hypotension, the MRVP rose sharply prior to the rapid decline in MAP. This suggests that the pulmonary blood flow was impeded, possibly causing right heart failure (cor pulmonale), and consequent cardiovascular collapse.

Inhalational anthrax (Ames aerosol) in naïve and vaccinated New Zealand rabbits: characterizing the spread of bacteria from lung deposition to bacteremia

PubMed Central

Gutting, Bradford W.; Nichols, Tonya L.; Channel, Stephen R.; Gearhart, Jeffery M.; Andrews, George A.; Berger, Alan E.; Mackie, Ryan S.; Watson, Brent J.; Taft, Sarah C.; Overheim, Katie A.; Sherwood, Robert L.

2012-01-01

There is a need to better understand inhalational anthrax in relevant animal models. This understanding could aid risk assessment, help define therapeutic windows, and provide a better understanding of disease. The aim here was to characterize and quantify bacterial deposition and dissemination in rabbits following exposure to single high aerosol dose (> 100 LD50) of Bacillus anthracis (Ames) spores immediately following exposure through 36 h. The primary goal of collecting the data was to support investigators in developing computational models of inhalational anthrax disease. Rabbits were vaccinated prior to exposure with the human vaccine (Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed, AVA) or were sham-vaccinated, and were then exposed in pairs (one sham and one AVA) so disease kinetics could be characterized in equally-dosed hosts where one group is fully protected and is able to clear the infection (AVA-vaccinated), while the other is susceptible to disease, in which case the bacteria are able to escape containment and replicate uncontrolled (sham-vaccinated rabbits). Between 4–5% of the presented aerosol dose was retained in the lung of sham- and AVA-vaccinated rabbits as measured by dilution plate analysis of homogenized lung tissue or bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. After 6 and 36 h, >80% and >96%, respectively, of the deposited spores were no longer detected in BAL, with no detectable difference between sham- or AVA-vaccinated rabbits. Thereafter, differences between the two groups became noticeable. In sham-vaccinated rabbits the bacteria were detected in the tracheobronchial lymph nodes (TBLN) 12 h post-exposure and in the circulation at 24 h, a time point which was also associated with dramatic increases in vegetative CFU in the lung tissue of some animals. In all sham-vaccinated rabbits, bacteria increased in both TBLN and blood through 36 h at which point in time some rabbits succumbed to disease. In contrast, AVA-vaccinated rabbits showed small numbers of CFU in TBLN between 24 and 36 h post-exposure with small numbers of bacteria in the circulation only at 24 h post-exposure. These results characterize and quantify disease progression in naïve rabbits following aerosol administration of Ames spores which may be useful in a number of different research applications, including developing quantitative models of infection for use in human inhalational anthrax risk assessment. PMID:22919678

The Effect of Feed Form on Diet Digestibility and Cecal Parameters in Rabbits

PubMed Central

Alvarenga, Isabella Corsato; Aldrich, Charles Gregory; Kohles, Micah

2017-01-01

Simple Summary In addition to hay or forage in the diet pet rabbits are commonly fed a supplementary food as a muesli (granular mix), pellets, or extruded croquettes. This study aimed to determine if form of this supplementary diet (pelleted vs. extruded) or composition (muesli) had an effect on the diets total tract digestibility and cecal fermentation patterns. Rabbits had slightly higher intake when fed extruded and pelleted diets compared to muesli. Digestibility results were inconsistent between estimation methods. The extruded diet was more digestible than pelleted according to the total collection digestibility method, but according to internal marker acid insoluble ash the pelleted diet was the most digestible. Both the extruded and pelleted diet had similar fermentation patterns, with lower cecal pH and greater proportions of butyrate. Our findings suggest that diet composition, rather than form, may have a greater impact on nutrient utilization by rabbits. Abstract Fifteen New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to one of 3 dietary treatment groups of 5 animals each and fed pelleted, extruded, or muesli diets in a completely randomized design experiment. Rabbits were placed in individual cages with ad libitum access to water and food for 45 days acclimation followed by 30 days experimental period. Feed intake of rabbits fed pelleted and extruded diets was greater (p < 0.05) than rabbits fed the muesli diet (125.6 and 130.4 vs. 91.9 g/d), but weight change and feed efficiency were not affected by treatment. Diet digestibility among the treatments was inconsistent when comparing results obtained from total fecal collection and AIA (please define) as an internal marker. Rabbits fed extruded and pelleted diets had lower (p < 0.05) cecal pH (6.42 and 6.38 vs. 7.02, respectively), and higher (p < 0.05) production of SCFA (18.5 and 19.0 vs. 11.7 mM, respectively) than those fed muesli. The fermentation products from rabbits fed pelleted and extruded diets had a greater proportion of butyrate and less propionate than rabbits fed muesli. The results of this study indicate that the basal dietary composition had a greater impact on diet utilization and cecal fermentation than food form. PMID:29215569

Preferrential rearrangement in normal rabbits of the 3' VHa allotype gene that is deleted in Alicia mutants; somatic hypermutation/conversion may play a major role in generating the heterogeneity of rabbit heavy chain variable region sequences.

PubMed

Allegrucci, M; Young-Cooper, G O; Alexander, C B; Newman, B A; Mage, R G

1991-02-01

The rabbit is unique in having well-defined allotypes in the variable region of the heavy chain. Products of the VHa locus, (with alleles a1, a2, and a3), account for the majority of the serum immunoglobulins. A small percentage of the serum immunoglobulins are a-negative. In 1986, Kelus and Weiss described a mutation that depressed the expression of the Ig VH a2 genes in an a1/a2 rabbit. From this animal the Alicia rabbit strain was developed and the mutation was termed ali. We previously showed, using Southern analysis and the transverse alternating field electrophoresis technique, that the difference between the ali rabbit and normal is a relatively small deletion including some of the most 3' VH genes. The most JH proximal 3' VH1 genes in DNA from normal rabbits of a1, a2 and a3 haplotypes encode a1, a2 and a3 molecules respectively, and it has been suggested that these genes are responsible for allelic inheritance of VHa allotypes. The present study suggests that the 3' end of the VH locus probably plays a key role in regulation of VH gene expression in rabbits because VH gene(s) in this region are the target(s) of preferential VDJ rearrangements. This raises the possibility that mechanisms such as somatic gene conversion and hypermutation are at work to generate the antibody repertoire in this species. Our data support the view that the 3' VH1 gene may be the preferred target for rearrangement in normal rabbits, and for the normal chromosome in heterozygous ali animals. However, homozygous ali rabbits with a deletion that removed the a2-encoding VH1 on both chromosomes do survive, rearrange other VH genes and produce normal levels of immunoglobulins as well as a significant percentage of B cells which bear the a2 allotype. This challenges the view that one VH gene, VH1, is solely responsible for the inheritance pattern of VHa allotypes.

Role of Tir and Intimin in the Virulence of Rabbit Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli Serotype O103:H2

PubMed Central

Marchès, Olivier; Nougayrède, Jean-Philippe; Boullier, Séverine; Mainil, Jacques; Charlier, Gérard; Raymond, Isabelle; Pohl, Pierre; Boury, Michèle; De Rycke, Jean; Milon, Alain; Oswald, Eric

2000-01-01

Attaching and effacing (A/E) rabbit enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (REPEC) strains belonging to serogroup O103 are an important cause of diarrhea in weaned rabbits. Like human EPEC strains, they possess the locus of enterocyte effacement clustering the genes involved in the formation of the A/E lesions. In addition, pathogenic REPEC O103 strains produce an Esp-dependent but Eae (intimin)-independent alteration of the host cell cytoskeleton characterized by the formation of focal adhesion complexes and the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton into bundles of stress fibers. To investigate the role of intimin and its translocated coreceptor (Tir) in the pathogenicity of REPEC, we have used a newly constructed isogenic tir null mutant together with a previously described eae null mutant. When human HeLa epithelial cells were infected, the tir mutant was still able to induce the formation of stress fibers as previously reported for the eae null mutant. When the rabbit epithelial cell line RK13 was used, REPEC O103 produced a classical fluorescent actin staining (FAS) effect, whereas both the eae and tir mutants were FAS negative. In a rabbit ligated ileal loop model, neither mutant was able to induce A/E lesions. In contrast to the parental strain, which intimately adhered to the enterocytes and destroyed the brush border microvilli, bacteria of both mutants were clustered in the mucus without reaching and damaging the microvilli. The role of intimin and Tir was then analyzed in vivo by oral inoculation of weaned rabbits. Although both mutants were still present in the intestinal flora of the rabbits 3 weeks after oral inoculation, neither mutant strain induced any clinical signs or significant weight loss in the inoculated rabbits whereas the parental strain caused the death of 90% of the inoculated rabbits. Nevertheless, an inflammatory infiltrate was present in the lamina propria of the rabbits infected with both mutants, with an inflammatory response greater for the eae null mutant. In conclusion, we have confirmed the role of intimin in virulence, and we have shown, for the first time, that Tir is also a key factor in vivo for pathogenicity. PMID:10722617

Role of tir and intimin in the virulence of rabbit enteropathogenic Escherichia coli serotype O103:H2.

PubMed

Marchès, O; Nougayrède, J P; Boullier, S; Mainil, J; Charlier, G; Raymond, I; Pohl, P; Boury, M; De Rycke, J; Milon, A; Oswald, E

2000-04-01

Attaching and effacing (A/E) rabbit enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (REPEC) strains belonging to serogroup O103 are an important cause of diarrhea in weaned rabbits. Like human EPEC strains, they possess the locus of enterocyte effacement clustering the genes involved in the formation of the A/E lesions. In addition, pathogenic REPEC O103 strains produce an Esp-dependent but Eae (intimin)-independent alteration of the host cell cytoskeleton characterized by the formation of focal adhesion complexes and the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton into bundles of stress fibers. To investigate the role of intimin and its translocated coreceptor (Tir) in the pathogenicity of REPEC, we have used a newly constructed isogenic tir null mutant together with a previously described eae null mutant. When human HeLa epithelial cells were infected, the tir mutant was still able to induce the formation of stress fibers as previously reported for the eae null mutant. When the rabbit epithelial cell line RK13 was used, REPEC O103 produced a classical fluorescent actin staining (FAS) effect, whereas both the eae and tir mutants were FAS negative. In a rabbit ligated ileal loop model, neither mutant was able to induce A/E lesions. In contrast to the parental strain, which intimately adhered to the enterocytes and destroyed the brush border microvilli, bacteria of both mutants were clustered in the mucus without reaching and damaging the microvilli. The role of intimin and Tir was then analyzed in vivo by oral inoculation of weaned rabbits. Although both mutants were still present in the intestinal flora of the rabbits 3 weeks after oral inoculation, neither mutant strain induced any clinical signs or significant weight loss in the inoculated rabbits whereas the parental strain caused the death of 90% of the inoculated rabbits. Nevertheless, an inflammatory infiltrate was present in the lamina propria of the rabbits infected with both mutants, with an inflammatory response greater for the eae null mutant. In conclusion, we have confirmed the role of intimin in virulence, and we have shown, for the first time, that Tir is also a key factor in vivo for pathogenicity.

Gonadal and extra-gonadal sperm reserves and sperm production of pubertal rabbits fed dietary fumonisin B1.

PubMed

Ewuola, E O; Egbunike, G N

2010-06-01

The influence of fumonisin B(1) (a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium verticillioides) on sperm reserves and production of crossbred pubertal rabbits was studied using an experimental model that lasted 28 weeks. Forty-eight male rabbits, 7 weeks old and with average weight of 757.50+/-0.50 g, were allotted to four dietary fumonisin B(1) concentrations of 0.13, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 mg kg(-1) constituting diets 1 (control), 2, 3 and 4, respectively. The paired testes weight of rabbits fed diet 3 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed diet 2 and the control. However, the epididymal weight was significantly (P<0.05) lower in rabbits fed the control diet as compared to others on test diets. The gonadal sperm reserves of the animals were significantly (P<0.05) reduced by the toxin with increased concentrations of the toxin in the diets. The sperm reserves per testis and per gram testis were significantly (P<0.05) higher in the control rabbits than those fed diets 3 and 4. The sperm reserves in caput, corpus and caudal epididymis declined significantly with each increase in the fumonisin concentration in the diets. The number of spermatozoa in total caput, corpus and cauda was significantly (P<0.05) higher in rabbits fed the control diet and the least in rabbits fed diet 4 containing 10.0mg fumonisin B(1)/kg. Extra-gonadal sperm reserves significantly decreased (P<0.05) in rabbits fed diets 3 and 4 compared to the control. The daily sperm production of the animals fed diets 2, 3 and 4 declined significantly to 67, 59 and 36% relative to those animals fed the control diet. This study suggests that exposure of breeding male rabbits to diets contaminated with fumonisin B(1) up to 7.5 mg fumonisin B(1)/kg will depress testicular and epididymal sperm reserves and sperm production and potentially impair reproduction in the animals. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Proanthocyanidin-rich extract from grape seeds attenuates the development of aortic atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits.

PubMed

Yamakoshi, J; Kataoka, S; Koga, T; Ariga, T

1999-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiatherosclerotic effect of proanthocyanidin-rich extracts from grape seeds in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Proanthocyanidin-rich extracts (0.1% and 1% in diets [w/w]) did not appreciably affect the changes in serum lipid profile of cholesterol-fed rabbits. The level of cholesteryl ester hydroperoxides (ChE-OOH) induced by 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane-dihydrochloride (AAPH) were lower in the plasma of rabbits fed proanthocyanidin-rich extract plus cholesterol than in the plasma of rabbits fed cholesterol alone, but not in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Aortic malondialdehyde (MDA) content decreased in rabbits fed proanthocyanidin-rich extract. Feeding proanthocyanidin-rich extracts (0.1 and 1% in the diet) to rabbits significantly reduced severe atherosclerosis in the aorta. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a decrease in the number of oxidized LDL-positive macrophage-derived foam cells in atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta of rabbits fed proanthocyanidin-rich extract. When proanthocyanidin-rich extract was administered orally to rats, proanthocyanidin was detected in the plasma by Porters method but not in the lipoproteins (LDL plus VLDL). In an in vitro experiment using human plasma, proanthocyanidin-rich extract added to the plasma inhibited the oxidation of cholesteryl linoleate in LDL, but not in the LDL isolated after the plasma and the extract were incubated in advance. These results suggested that proanthocyanidins, the major polyphenols in red wine, might trap reactive oxygen species in aqueous series such as plasma and interstitial fluid of the arterial wall, thereby inhibiting oxidation of LDL and showing an antiatherosclerotic activity.

Effect of corticosteroids on orthodontic tooth movement in a rabbit model.

PubMed

Abtahi, M; Shafaee, H; Saghravania, N; Peel, S; Giddon, D; Sohrabi, K

2014-01-01

While there are a growing number of studies on the effects of medications on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), only few studies have investigated the role of corticosteroids, despite their widespread use. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of triamcinolone acetonide injection on OTM in a rabbit model. Sixteen one-month old rabbits were randomly divided into two groups: Eight rabbits had triamcinolone acetonide (1 mg/kg/day) administered IM daily for 21 days (test group) while the remaining eight rabbits received no drug (control group). The rabbits in both groups had a tube bonded to the upper central incisors and a stainless steel helical spring was inserted in tube slot to apply 50 cN distal force. After 3 weeks, the rabbits were sacrificed and the distance between mesial corners of incisors was measured The incisors are associated tissue was processed for histology and the apical and cervical area of the roots evaluated. An observer who was blind to the study groups evaluated the specimens. All appliance-treated incisors in test and control groups showed evidence of tooth movement. The distance between the incisors was significantly greater in the triamcinolone acetonide treated group compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Histological examination revealed an increased number of resorption lacunae and decreased number of cuboidal osteoblastic cells around the apical and cervical area of the Incisor roots in the test compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Treatment with triamcinolone acetonide is associated with increased tooth movement in rabbits via increased resorptive activity in the alveolar bone.

Treatment of rabbit cheyletiellosis with selamectin or ivermectin: a retrospective case study

PubMed Central

Mellgren, Marianne; Bergvall, Kerstin

2008-01-01

Background A retrospective study of rabbits treated against cheyletiellosis was performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of selamectin or ivermectin in clinical practice. Methods Medical records from 53 rabbits with microscopically confirmed Cheyletiella infestation were collected from two small animal clinics. The rabbits were divided into three groups, based on treatment protocols. Group 1 included 11 rabbits treated with ivermectin injections at 200–476 μg kg-1 subcutaneously 2–3 times, with a mean interval of 11 days. In Group 2, 27 rabbits were treated with a combination of subcutaneous ivermectin injections (range 618–2185 μgkg-1) and oral ivermectin (range 616–2732 μgkg-1) administered by the owners, 3–6 times at 10 days interval. The last group (Group 3) included 15 rabbits treated with selamectin spot-on applications of 6.2–20,0 mgkg-1, 1–3 times with an interval of 2–4 weeks. Follow-up time was 4 months–4.5 years. Results Rabbits in remission were 9/11 (81,8%), 14/27 (51,9%) and 12/15 (80,8%) in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Conclusion All treatment protocols seemed to be sufficiently effective and safe for practice use. Though very high doses were used in Group 2 (ivermectin injections followed by oral administration), the protocol seemed less efficacious compared to ivermectin injections (Group 1) and selamectin spot on (Group 3), respectively, although not statistically significant. Controlled prospective studies including larger groups are needed to further evaluate efficacy of the treatment protocols. PMID:18171479

Determination of Tropical Forage Preferences Using Two Offering Methods in Rabbits

PubMed Central

Safwat, A. M.; Sarmiento-Franco, L.; Santos-Ricalde, R. H.; Nieves, D.

2014-01-01

Two methods of feed preference trials were compared to evaluate the acceptability of 5 fresh foliages: Leucaena leucocephala, Moringa oleifera, Portulaca oleracea, Guazuma ulmifolia, and Brosimum alicastrum that was included as control. The evaluation included chemical analyses and forage intake by rabbits. The first method was a cafeteria trial; 12 California growing rabbits aged 8 wk, allocated in individual cages, were offered the five forage plants at the same time inside the cage, while in the second trial 60 California growing rabbits aged 8 wk, allocated individually, were randomly distributed into 5 experimental groups (n = 12/group); for each group just one forage species was offered at a time. The testing period for each method lasted for 7 d, preceded by one week of adaptation. The results showed that B. alicastrum and L. lecocephala were the most preferred forages while on the contrary G. ulmifolia was the least preferred one by rabbits. The results also revealed that the CV% value for the 2nd method (16.32%), which the tested forages were presented separately to rabbits, was lower and methodologically more acceptable than such value for the 1st method (34.28%), which all forages were presented together at the same time. It can be concluded that a range of tropical forages were consumed in acceptable quantities by rabbits, suggesting that diets based on such forages with a concentrate supplement could be used successfully for rabbit production. However, growth performance studies are still needed before recommendations could be made on appropriate ration formulations for commercial use. PMID:25049983

Vascular reactivity of rabbit isolated renal and femoral resistance arteries in renal wrap hypertension.

PubMed

Khammy, Makhala M; Angus, James A; Wright, Christine E

2016-02-15

In rabbits with cellophane renal wrap hypertension, hindquarter and total vascular resistance changes to pressor and depressor agents are amplified compared to those of normotensive rabbits. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro pharmacodynamics of hypertensive and normotensive rabbit small artery segments isolated from the renal and hindquarter vascular beds. Using wire myography, the full range (Emax) and sensitivity (EC50) to a range of agonists of segments of renal interlobar (≈ 600 µm i.d.), renal arcuate (≈ 250 µm i.d.) and deep femoral branch (≈ 250 µm i.d.) arteries were assessed under normalised conditions of passive tension. Interlobar arteries from hypertensive rabbits were more sensitive (EC50) than those from normotensive rabbits to noradrenaline (6-fold), methoxamine (3-fold) and angiotensin II (3-fold). Arcuate artery reactivity was largely unaffected by hypertension. Deep femoral arteries from hypertensive rabbits had enhanced sensitivity only to noradrenaline (2-fold) and methoxamine (4-fold). Sensitivity to relaxation by acetylcholine was unaffected by hypertension in all arteries. Deep femoral arteries from hypertensive rabbits were more sensitive to sodium nitroprusside than normotensive counterparts. Adenosine caused little relaxation in renal arteries, but full relaxation in deep femoral arteries, unaltered by hypertension. This study found substantial heterogeneity in the pharmacodynamic profile of vessels isolated from different vascular beds and between arterial segments within the kidney. These profiles were differentially affected by hypertension suggesting that hypertension per se is not a resultant of general vascular dysfunction. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Histologic Evaluation of Micronized AlloDerm After Injection Laryngoplasty in a Rabbit Model.

PubMed

Oldenburg, Michael S; Janus, Jeff; Voss, Steve; San Marina, Serban; Chen, Tiffany; Garcia, Joaquin; Ekbom, Dale

2017-05-01

Micronized AlloDerm is a commonly used injectable material for injection laryngoplasty; however, the histologic response to laryngeal implantation and resorption rate over time have not been elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo response of micronized AlloDerm over time after laryngeal implantation using a rabbit model. Animal model. The left recurrent laryngeal nerve was sectioned in five New Zealand White rabbits to create a vocal cord paralysis. Two weeks later, injection laryngoplasty was performed with 100 μL of micronized AlloDerm. Animals were sacrificed 4 (two rabbits) and 12 (three rabbits) weeks after injection. Histologic sections were stained and evaluated by a single pathologist. Volume estimates were made by assuming the implant took an ellipsoid shape using dimensions calculated from histologic slides. In all cases, histological analysis revealed a lymphocytic inflammatory response infiltrating the peripheral margins of injection. After 4 weeks, the volume of injected material remaining in two rabbits was 404 and 278 mm 3 (average 341 mm 3 ). After 12 weeks, the volume of injected material remaining in three rabbits was 0, 61, and 124 mm 3 (average 62 mm 3 ), an 82% difference in volume of material between animals sacrificed at 4 weeks versus 12 weeks. Injection laryngoplasty using micronized AlloDerm induces a lymphocytic inflammatory response after injection in a rabbit model. Though a significant amount of material remains after 4 weeks, by 12 weeks the majority has been reabsorbed. NA Laryngoscope, 127:E166-E169, 2017. © 2016 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological Society, Inc.

Semen Quality and Sperm Function Loss by Hypercholesterolemic Diet Was Recovered by Addition of Olive Oil to Diet in Rabbit

PubMed Central

Romero, Aida A.; Funes, Abi K.; Cid-Barria, Macarena; Cabrillana, María E.; Monclus, María A.; Simón, Layla; Vicenti, Amanda E.; Fornés, Miguel W.

2013-01-01

Fat increment (0.05% cholesterol, chol) in standard diet promoted a significant increase in serum and sperm membrane chol, which ultimately altered membrane-coupled sperm specific functions: osmotic resistance, acrosomal reaction, and sperm capacitation in White New Zealand rabbits. These changes were also associated with a reduction in motility percentage and appearance of abnormal sperm morphology. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effect of dietary olive oil (OO, 7% v/w) administration to several male hypercholesterolemic rabbits (hypercholesterolemic rabbits, HCR) with altered fertility parameters. These HCR males were achieved by feeding normal rabbits with a high-fat diet (0.05% chol). HCR were associated with a modest non-significant increase in body weight (standard diet, 4.08±0.17 Kg, versus high-fat diet, 4.37±0.24 Kg). Hypercholesterolemic rabbits presented a marked decrease in semen volume, sperm cell count, and percentage of sperm motility, associated with a significant increase in sperm cell abnormalities. Moreover, sperm capacitation measured by the characteristic phosphorylated protein pattern in and induced acrosomal reaction were also altered suggesting sperm dysfunction. However, the administration of OO (for 16 weeks) to rabbits that were fed with 50% of the high-fat diet normalized serum chol. Curiously, OO supply succeeded to attenuate the seminal and sperm alterations observed in HCR group. Administration of OO alone did not cause any significant changes in above mentioned parameters. These data suggest that OO administration to HCR male rabbits recovers the loss of semen quality and sperm functionality. PMID:23326331

A new species of Eimeria (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from Californian rabbits in Hebei Province, China.

PubMed

Cui, Ping; Liu, Hongbin; Fang, Sufang; Gu, Xiaolong; Wang, Peng; Liu, Chunling; Tao, Geru; Liu, Xianyong; Suo, Xun

2017-10-01

Rabbit coccidiosis is caused by infection with one or usually several Eimeria species, parasitizing in hepatobiliary ducts or intestinal epithelium of rabbits. To date, 11 species of rabbit coccidia have been well documented. Here we report a new species of Eimeria from rabbits. Sporulated oocysts were ellipsoidal to slightly ovoidal, 37.4 (32.6-41.2) μm in length, 23.5 (20.9-25.5) μm in width, with a shape index (length/width) 1.6 (1.43-1.91) and smooth, bilayered, homogeneously thick wall. The micropyle was obvious and with an inner diameter of 6.2 (5.0-7.5) μm. Both oocyst residuum and polar granule were absent. Sporocysts were ellipsoidal to elongate, 17.2 (13.2-20.0) μm long and 8.4 (7.5-9.1) μm wide, with a shape index (length/width) of 2.1 (1.74-2.21) and the presence of Stieda body and sporocyst residuum. The prepatent period was 132h. Phylogenetic analysis showed that 18S rDNA sequence of the new species clustered together with the 11 rabbit Eimeria species into a clade. However, ITS-1 sequence of the new species shared low similarities (27.1%-30%) with those of 11 rabbit Eimeria species. As the data above supported the erection of a new species, we named it as Eimeria kongi n. sp., in honor of Fanyao Kong, a Chinese parasitologist. The finding of the new species has important implications for the diagnosis and prevention of rabbit coccidiosis. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Counterintuitive increase in observed Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis prevalence in sympatric rabbits following the introduction of paratuberculosis control measures in cattle.

PubMed

Fox, Naomi J; Caldow, George L; Liebeschuetz, Hilary; Stevenson, Karen; Hutchings, Michael R

2018-06-02

Paratuberculosis (Johne's disease) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis ( Map ). Achieving herd-level control of mycobacterial infection is notoriously difficult, despite widespread adoption of test-and-cull-based control strategies. The presence of infection in wildlife populations could be contributing to this difficulty. Rabbits are naturally infected with the same Map strain as cattle, and can excrete high levels in their faeces. The aim of this study is to determine if implementation of paratuberculosis control in cattle leads to a decline in Map infection levels in rabbits. An island-wide, test-and-cull-based paratuberculosis control programme was initiated on a Scottish island in 2008. In this study annual tests were obtained from 15 cattle farms, from 2008 to 2011, totalling 2609 tests. Rabbits (1564) were sampled from the 15 participating farms, from 2008 to 2011, and Map was detected by faecal culture. Map seroprevalence in cattle decreased from 16 to 7.2 per cent, while Map prevalence in rabbits increased from 10.3 to 20.3 per cent. Results indicate that efforts to control paratuberculosis in cattle do not reduce Map levels in sympatric rabbits. This adds to mounting evidence that if Map becomes established in wild rabbit populations, rabbits represent a persistent and widespread source of infection, potentially impeding livestock control strategies. © British Veterinary Association (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

Evaluation of Inhaled Versus Deposited Dose Using the Exponential Dose-Response Model for Inhalational Anthrax in Nonhuman Primate, Rabbit, and Guinea Pig.

PubMed

Gutting, Bradford W; Rukhin, Andrey; Mackie, Ryan S; Marchette, David; Thran, Brandolyn

2015-05-01

The application of the exponential model is extended by the inclusion of new nonhuman primate (NHP), rabbit, and guinea pig dose-lethality data for inhalation anthrax. Because deposition is a critical step in the initiation of inhalation anthrax, inhaled doses may not provide the most accurate cross-species comparison. For this reason, species-specific deposition factors were derived to translate inhaled dose to deposited dose. Four NHP, three rabbit, and two guinea pig data sets were utilized. Results from species-specific pooling analysis suggested all four NHP data sets could be pooled into a single NHP data set, which was also true for the rabbit and guinea pig data sets. The three species-specific pooled data sets could not be combined into a single generic mammalian data set. For inhaled dose, NHPs were the most sensitive (relative lowest LD50) species and rabbits the least. Improved inhaled LD50 s proposed for use in risk assessment are 50,600, 102,600, and 70,800 inhaled spores for NHP, rabbit, and guinea pig, respectively. Lung deposition factors were estimated for each species using published deposition data from Bacillus spore exposures, particle deposition studies, and computer modeling. Deposition was estimated at 22%, 9%, and 30% of the inhaled dose for NHP, rabbit, and guinea pig, respectively. When the inhaled dose was adjusted to reflect deposited dose, the rabbit animal model appears the most sensitive with the guinea pig the least sensitive species. © 2014 Society for Risk Analysis.

Rabbits in the grave! Consequences of bioturbation on the Neandertal "burial" at Regourdou (Montignac-sur-Vézère, Dordogne).

PubMed

Pelletier, Maxime; Royer, Aurélien; Holliday, Trenton W; Discamps, Emmanuel; Madelaine, Stéphane; Maureille, Bruno

2017-09-01

The understanding of Neanderthal societies, both with regard to their funerary behaviors and their subsistence activities, is hotly debated. Old excavations and a lack of taphonomic context are often factors that limit our ability to address these questions. To better appreciate the exact nature of what is potentially the oldest burial in Western Europe, Regourdou (Montignac-sur-Vézère, Dordogne), and to better understand the taphonomy of this site excavated more than 50 years ago, we report in this contribution a study of the most abundant animals throughout its stratigraphy: the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). In addition to questions surrounding the potential bioturbation of the site's stratigraphy, analysis of the Regourdou rabbits could provide new information on Neandertal subsistence behavior. The mortality profile, skeletal-part representation, breakage patterns, surface modification, and comparison with modern reference collections supports the hypothesis that the Regourdou rabbit remains were primarily accumulated due to natural (attritional) mortality. Radiocarbon dates performed directly on the rabbit remains give ages ranging within the second half of Marine Isotope Stage 3, notably younger than the regional Mousterian period. We posit that rabbits dug their burrows within Regourdou's sedimentological filling, likely inhabiting the site after it was filled. The impact of rabbit activity now brings into question both the reliability of the archaeostratigraphy of the site and the paleoenvironmental reconstructions previously proposed for it, and suggests rabbits may have played a role in the distribution of the Neandertal skeletal remains. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Diphenyl diselenide decreases serum levels of total cholesterol and tissue oxidative stress in cholesterol-fed rabbits.

PubMed

de Bem, Andreza Fabro; Portella, Rafael de Lima; Colpo, Elisângela; Duarte, Marta Maria Medeiros Frescura; Frediane, Andressa; Taube, Paulo Sergio; Nogueira, Cristina Wayne; Farina, Marcelo; da Silva, Edson Luiz; Teixeira Rocha, João Batista

2009-07-01

Hypercholesterolaemia and oxidative stress are well-known risk factors in coronary artery diseases. Diphenyl diselenide is a synthetic organoselenium compound that has been shown to have in vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties. In this study, we investigated whether diphenyl diselenide could reduce the hypercholesterolaemia and diminish the tissue oxidative stress in cholesterol-fed rabbits. Twenty-four New Zealand white male rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. Each group was fed a different diet as follows: Control group--regular chow; Cholesterol group--1% cholesterol-enriched diet; diphenyl diselenide group--regular diet supplemented with 10 ppm diphenyl diselenide; and Chol/diphenyl diselenide group--the same cholesterol-rich supplemented with 10 ppm diphenyl diselenide. After 45 days of treatment, the rabbits were killed and the blood, liver, and brain were used for laboratory analysis. The results showed that the serum levels of total cholesterol were markedly increased in cholesterol-fed rabbits and the consumption of diphenyl diselenide decreased these levels approximately twofold in Chol/diphenyl diselenide rabbits (P < 0.05). The intake of diphenyl diselenide by hypercholesterolaemic rabbits diminished the serum and hepatic thiobarbituric acid reactive substances levels as well as the production of reactive oxygen species in the blood and brain (P < 0.05) when compared to the cholesterol group. In addition, diphenyl diselenide supplementation increased hepatic and cerebral delta-aminolevulinic dehydratase activity and hepatic non-protein thiol groups levels despite hypercholesterolaemia (P < 0.05). In summary, the results showed that diphenyl diselenide reduced the hypercholesterolaemia and the oxidative stress in cholesterol-fed rabbits.

Epitope-focused peptide immunogens in human use adjuvants protect rabbits from experimental inhalation anthrax.

PubMed

Oscherwitz, Jon; Feldman, Daniel; Yu, Fen; Cease, Kemp B

2015-01-09

Anthrax represents a formidable bioterrorism threat for which new, optimized vaccines are required. We previously demonstrated that epitope-focused multiple antigenic peptides or a recombinant protein in Freund's adjuvant can elicit Ab against the loop neutralizing determinant (LND), a cryptic linear neutralizing epitope in the 2ß2-2ß3 loop of protective antigen from Bacillus anthracis, which mediated protection of rabbits from inhalation challenge with B. anthracis Ames strain. However, demonstration of efficacy using human-use adjuvants is required before proceeding with further development of an LND vaccine for testing in non-human primates and humans. To optimize the LND immunogen, we first evaluated the protective efficacy and immune correlates associated with immunization of rabbits with mixtures containing two molecular variants of multiple antigenic peptides in Freunds adjuvant, termed BT-LND(2) and TB-LND(2). TB-LND(2) was then further evaluated for protective efficacy in rabbits employing human-use adjuvants. Immunization of rabbits with TB-LND(2) in human-use adjuvants elicited protection from Ames strain spore challenge which was statistically indistinguishable from that elicited through immunization with protective antigen. All TB-LND(2) rabbits with any detectable serum neutralization prior to challenge were protected from aerosolized spore exposure. Remarkably, rabbits immunized with TB-LND(2) in Alhydrogel/CpG had significant anamnestic increases in post-challenge LND-specific Ab and neutralization titers despite little evidence of spore germination in these rabbits. An LND-specific epitope-focused vaccine may complement PA-based vaccines and may represent a complementary stand-alone vaccine for anthrax. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microhabitat Characteristics of sites used by swamp rabbits

Treesearch

Patrick A. Zollner; Winston P. Smith; Leonard A. Brennan

2000-01-01

The swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus) is one of the least studied North American lagomorphs; a better understanding of the habitat types it uses will improve management of this species. We studied microhabitat characteristics of sites associated with specific behaviors of the swamp rabbit. During spring-summer (15 April-1 October) and fall-winter (...

Acute Dermal Toxicity of Ballpowder in Rabbits.

DTIC Science & Technology

1986-01-01

No lesions 36946 85F00033 F Otitis media , purulent, bilateral 36947 85F00034 F Pin worms, cecum 36948 85F00035 F Pin worms, cecum 36949 85F00036 F No...rabbits (84F00033) had bilateral purulent otitis media . Thiscondition is very common in rabbits from commercial sources. It is most likelydue to

9 CFR 3.61 - Primary enclosures used to transport live rabbits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Primary enclosures used to transport... and Transportation of Rabbits Transportation Standards § 3.61 Primary enclosures used to transport... transport in commerce any live rabbit in a primary enclosure that does not conform to the following...

9 CFR 3.61 - Primary enclosures used to transport live rabbits.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 9 Animals and Animal Products 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Primary enclosures used to transport... and Transportation of Rabbits Transportation Standards § 3.61 Primary enclosures used to transport... transport in commerce any live rabbit in a primary enclosure that does not conform to the following...

Host Response in Rabbits to Infection with Pasteurella multocida Serogroup F Strains Originating from Fowl Cholera

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The ability of two avian Pasteurella multocida serogroup F strains to induce disease in rabbits was investigated in this study. Two groups of 18 Pasteurella-free rabbits each were intranasally challenged with strains isolated from chicken and turkey, respectively. Half the animals in each challenge ...

Grand Coulee Dam Wildlife Mitigation Program : Pygmy Rabbit Programmatic Management Plan, Douglas County, Washington.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ashley, Paul

1992-06-01

The Northwest Power Planning Council and the Bonneville Power Administration approved the pygmy rabbit project as partial mitigation for impacts caused by the construction of Grand Coulee Dam. The focus of this project is the protection and enhancement of shrub-steppe/pygmy rabbit habitat in northeastern Washington.

Changes in the quality of superchilled rabbit meat stored at different temperatures.

PubMed

Lan, Yang; Shang, Yongbiao; Song, Ying; Dong, Quan

2016-07-01

This work studied the effects of a superchilling process at two different temperatures on the shelf life and selected quality parameters of rabbit meat. As the storage time increased, the rates at which the total aerobic count, total volatile basic nitrogen, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and pH value increased were significantly lower in superchilled rabbit meat stored at -4°C compared to those in rabbit meat stored at -2.5°C and 4°C. SDS-PAGE analysis indicated that the decrease in storage temperature could significantly reduce the degree of protein degradation. The lightness, redness, shear force, the integrity of muscle microstructure and water holding capacity decreased with increasing storage time. Compared with the samples frozen at -18°C, superchilled rabbit meat shows a marked reduction in microstructure deterioration. These results suggest that shelf life of good-quality rabbit meat was 20d under superchilling at -2.5°C and at least 36d under superchilling at -4°C, compared with less than 6d under traditional chilled storage. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transplantation of rib cartilage reshaped with 1.56 μm laser radiation in rabbits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sobol, E.; Baum, O.; Alexandrovskaya, Yu.; Shekhter, A.; Selezneva, L.; Svistuskin, V.

2017-02-01

As cartilage is an ideal natural material for transplantation, its use in the ENT surgery is limited by a difficulty to get proper shape of cartilage implants. Aim of the work is to make ring-shaped cartilage implants, to check their stability after laser reshaping and to perform transplantation into rabbits in vivo. We experimented with costal cartilages of 1-2 mm in thickness obtained from 3rd and 4rd ribs of a rabbit. 1.56 μm laser (Arcuo Medical Inc.) was used for cartilage reshaping. The laser settings were established taking into account anisotropy of cartilage structure for different orientation of the implants. The reshaped cartilage implants were surgically sewn to rib cartilages of the other rabbits. The rabbits were slaughtered in 3.5-4 months after surgery. The results have shown that (1) all reshaped implants kept circular form, and (2) the implants were adhered to the native rabbit cartilage sites (3) pronounced signs of regeneration in the intermediate zones were observed. The prospects of the cartilage implants use in larynx stenosis surgery are discussed.

Intrastromal Injection of China Painting Ink in Corneas of Male Rabbits: Clinical and Histological Study.

PubMed

Alsmman Hassan, Alahmady Hamad; Abd Elhaliem Soliman, Nesreen Gamal-Eldeen

2016-01-01

Background. Many patients with corneal opacity or complicated cataract in blind eye ask for cosmoses. In this study we tried to investigate the staining of corneas of male rabbits by Rotring China painting ink and to study the histological changes. Method. 10 eyes of 10 male Baladi Egyptian rabbits were injected (0.1 mL) intrastromally in the cornea by the use of China painting ink (Rotring Tinta China) through insulin syringe (27-gauge needle) by single injection; clinical follow-up is for 6 months and lastly the rabbits were scarified and the stained eyes were enucleated for histological analysis. Results. Clinically the stain was stable in color and distribution in corneas with no major complications. Histological results of the stained rabbit corneas showed blackish pigmentation in the corneal stroma without any inflammatory cellular infiltration. Some fibroblast cells had pigment granules in their cytoplasm in the adjacent layers. Conclusion. Corneal staining by China painting ink is effective and safe in staining of male rabbits cornea; however further study in human corneas with longer follow-up period is advisable.

GM2 gangliosidosis in an adult pet rabbit.

PubMed

Rickmeyer, T; Schöniger, S; Petermann, A; Harzer, K; Kustermann-Kuhn, B; Fuhrmann, H; Schoon, H-A

2013-02-01

A 1.5-year-old neutered male rabbit was presented with chronic nasal discharge and ataxia. Rapid progression of neurological signs was noted subsequent to general anaesthesia and the rabbit was humanely destroyed due to the poor prognosis. At necropsy examination there were no gross changes affecting the brain or spinal cord. Microscopical examination revealed that the perikarya of numerous neurons in the brain and spinal cord were distended by the intracytoplasmic accumulation of pale, finely granular to vacuolar material. Transmission electron microscopy showed this to be composed of concentric membranous cytoplasmic bodies. Thin layer chromatography revealed elevation of GM2 ganglioside in the brain of this rabbit compared with that of an unaffected control rabbit. Enzymatically, there was markedly reduced activity of tissue β-hexosaminidase A in brain and liver tissue from the rabbit. This was a result of an almost complete absence of the enzymatic activity of the α-subunit of that enzyme. These findings are consistent with sphingolipidosis comparable with human GM2 gangliosidosis variant B1. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Myxomatosis: population dynamics of rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus Linnaeus, 1758) and ecological effects in the United Kingdom.

PubMed

Flowerdew, J R; Trout, R C; Ross, J

1992-12-01

In 1953-1955, myxomatosis spread among rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in the United Kingdom, causing 99% mortality. Subsequently, there was a gradual increase in rabbit numbers. By 1955, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) had already found attenuated strains of myxoma virus. By 1970, genetic resistance had appeared. In the 1970s, mortality declined to 47-69% with only approximately 25% of rabbits infected, giving a field mortality of 12-19%. However, myxomatosis is persistent, generally showing a major prevalence peak in autumn and often a minor peak in spring. An eight-year MAFF experiment in which prevalence of the disease was artificially reduced indicates that myxomatosis remains a significant factor in population regulation. After rabbit numbers fell in the 1950s, important ecological changes took place: vegetation altered due to reduced grazing pressure, predators were affected by the reduction of a major prey species and these changes also affected many other animals. Currently, rabbit numbers have returned to approximately one-third of pre-myxomatosis levels and this is causing damage to farm and conservation habitats.

Influence of chestnut tannins on welfare, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and lipid oxidation in rabbits under high ambient temperature.

PubMed

Liu, Huawei; Zhou, Daowei; Tong, Jianming; Vaddella, Venkata

2012-01-01

A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of chestnut tannins (CT) on welfare, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and lipid oxidation in rabbits under high ambient temperature. Rabbits in one group were raised at 20°C and fed with basal diet (N) and other three groups (33°C) were fed basal diet with 0 (C), 5 (CT5), and 10 g (CT10) of CT/kg of diet. Compared with the C group, rabbits in CT10 had higher pH(24) and lower cooking loss and thiobarbituric acid reacting substance values at 0, 30, and 60 min of forced oxidation. Rabbits in C group had higher cortisol levels, creatine kinase activities, white blood cell counts, neutrophil percentage, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio and lower T(3), T(4) levels, lymphocyte percentage than N and CT10 groups. Supplementation of CT seemed to have a positive effect on growth performance, welfare, and meat quality of rabbits under high ambient temperature. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Changes in Blood Constituents of Rabbits Subjected to Transportation under Hot, Humid Tropical Conditions.

PubMed

Nakyinsige, K; Sazili, A Q; Aghwan, Z A; Zulkifli, I; Goh, Y M; Fatimah, A B

2013-06-01

Unlike Europe (particularly, Italy and Spain), where a number of studies have been conducted on the stressful effects of transport on rabbit welfare, few studies have been conducted on transportation of rabbits under hot, humid tropical conditions experienced in countries like Malaysia. We studied the effects of transportation in hot humid tropical conditions of Malaysia on physiometabolic changes in New Zealand white rabbits. Eighty experimental animals were divided into two groups of 40 bucks each and transported for either 3 or 1 h. Transportation caused a significant upsurge of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase activities (p<0.001) though did not significantly affect lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity (p = 0.0706). Both transportation periods caused elevation in plasma glucose levels, lactic acidosis and dehydration as evidenced through elevated packed cell volume and plasma protein concentration. It was concluded that regardless of the duration, transport of rabbits under hot humid tropical conditions, resulted in heat distress since the rabbits showed hyperglycemia, hypercalcemia, lactacidemia, lymphocytopenia, dehydration and increase in blood enzyme activities.

Relation of dietary carbohydrates to lipid metabolism and the status of zinc and chromium in rabbits.

PubMed

Moersen, T J; Borgman, R F

1984-06-01

Rabbits were fed a purified ration known to produce alterations in lipid metabolism and cholelithiasis. During a 14-week period, group 1 was fed sucrose as the sole dietary carbohydrate, whereas group 2 was fed corn starch; the rations were equicaloric and the carbohydrate provided 43% of the calories. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations increased when the purified rations were fed, and these concentrations were often greater (toward the end of the trial) in rabbits fed the sucrose than in rabbits fed corn starch. Liver weight was increased by the sucrose feeding, but there were no differences as to concentrations of lipid, cholesterol, Cr, or Zn between treatments. The aortas of the sucrose group contained more lipid, and the cholesterol concentrations tended to be greater; but dietary carbohydrate had no effect on concentrations of Cr or Zn. A reduction in hair Cr concentration was noticed over time in the rabbits fed sucrose, but changes were not noticed in the Zn concentrations. Cholelithiasis tended to be more severe in rabbits fed sucrose.

Marsh rabbit mortalities tie pythons to the precipitous decline of mammals in the Everglades.

PubMed

McCleery, Robert A; Sovie, Adia; Reed, Robert N; Cunningham, Mark W; Hunter, Margaret E; Hart, Kristen M

2015-04-22

To address the ongoing debate over the impact of invasive species on native terrestrial wildlife, we conducted a large-scale experiment to test the hypothesis that invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) were a cause of the precipitous decline of mammals in Everglades National Park (ENP). Evidence linking pythons to mammal declines has been indirect and there are reasons to question whether pythons, or any predator, could have caused the precipitous declines seen across a range of mammalian functional groups. Experimentally manipulating marsh rabbits, we found that pythons accounted for 77% of rabbit mortalities within 11 months of their translocation to ENP and that python predation appeared to preclude the persistence of rabbit populations in ENP. On control sites, outside of the park, no rabbits were killed by pythons and 71% of attributable marsh rabbit mortalities were classified as mammal predations. Burmese pythons pose a serious threat to the faunal communities and ecological functioning of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, which will probably spread as python populations expand their range. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

Marsh rabbit mortalities tie pythons to the precipitous decline of mammals in the Everglades

PubMed Central

McCleery, Robert A.; Sovie, Adia; Reed, Robert N.; Cunningham, Mark W.; Hunter, Margaret E.; Hart, Kristen M.

2015-01-01

To address the ongoing debate over the impact of invasive species on native terrestrial wildlife, we conducted a large-scale experiment to test the hypothesis that invasive Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) were a cause of the precipitous decline of mammals in Everglades National Park (ENP). Evidence linking pythons to mammal declines has been indirect and there are reasons to question whether pythons, or any predator, could have caused the precipitous declines seen across a range of mammalian functional groups. Experimentally manipulating marsh rabbits, we found that pythons accounted for 77% of rabbit mortalities within 11 months of their translocation to ENP and that python predation appeared to preclude the persistence of rabbit populations in ENP. On control sites, outside of the park, no rabbits were killed by pythons and 71% of attributable marsh rabbit mortalities were classified as mammal predations. Burmese pythons pose a serious threat to the faunal communities and ecological functioning of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem, which will probably spread as python populations expand their range. PMID:25788598

Retinal Remodeling in the Tg P347L Rabbit, a Large-Eye Model of Retinal Degeneration

PubMed Central

Jones, Bryan William; Kondo, Mineo; Terasaki, Hiroko; Watt, Carl Brock; Rapp, Kevin; Anderson, James; Lin, Yanhua; Shaw, Marguerite Victoria; Yang, Jia-Hui; Marc, Robert Edward

2013-01-01

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited blinding disease characterized by progressive loss of retinal photo-receptors. There are numerous rodent models of retinal degeneration, but most are poor platforms for interventions that will translate into clinical practice. The rabbit possesses a number of desirable qualities for a model of retinal disease including a large eye and an existing and substantial knowledge base in retinal circuitry, anatomy, and ophthalmology. We have analyzed degeneration, remodeling, and reprogramming in a rabbit model of retinal degeneration, expressing a rhodopsin proline 347 to leucine transgene in a TgP347L rabbit as a powerful model to study the pathophysiology and treatment of retinal degeneration. We show that disease progression in the TgP347L rabbit closely tracks human cone-sparing RP, including the cone-associated preservation of bipolar cell signaling and triggering of reprogramming. The relatively fast disease progression makes the TgP347L rabbit an excellent model for gene therapy, cell biological intervention, progenitor cell transplantation, surgical interventions, and bionic prosthetic studies. PMID:21681749

Bioeffect of lipohemia rabbits irradiated in oral mucosa with 650-nm diode-laser-accompanied oxygen inspiration and clinical application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Fu-Shou; Tang, Jin-Xian; Liu, Cheng; Yang, Xi-Cheng; Pang, Hi-Xiu

1998-11-01

The study on irradiating in oral mucosa of rabbits with 650 nm diode laser and clinical application has been reported in this paper. The result of animal experiment showed: the obvious decrease of cholesterin and triglyceride has been found among those highly lipohemia rabbits in the experiments of 650nm diode laser irradiating accompanying with oxygen, as well as the parameters of hemorheology obviously being improved, as compared with highly lipohemia rabbits un-irradiating, the statistical analysis showing P < 0.01. In the meantime, the observation of histopathology shows, the lipide decreasing in aorta wall, intramyocardinal membranous layer,and renal interstitial in the group of rabbits which are irradiated with laser and accompanying with oxygen inspiration, and even the perfectly recovered tissue in some rabbits has been seen. This experimental result is significantly for clinical application. The results of clinic application showed, that the patients employed this method which treatment cerebral infarction, lipohemia, the total effective ratio achieved 91.7 percent, perfect effect 30.6 percent.

[Immunobiological blood parameters in rabbits after addition to the diet suspensions of chlorella, sodium sulfate, citrate and chromium chloride].

PubMed

Lesyk, Ia V; Fedoruk, R S; Dolaĭchuk, O P

2013-01-01

We studied the content of glycoproteins and their individual carbohydrate components, the phagocyte activity of neutrophils, phagocyte index, phagocyte number lizotsym and bactericidal activity of the serum concentration of circulating immune complexes and middle mass molecules in the blood of rabbits following administration into the diet chlorella suspension, sodium sulfate, chromium citrate and chromium chloride. The studies were conducted on rabbits weighing 3.7-3.9 kg with altered diet from the first day of life to 118 days old. Rabbits were divided into five groups: the control one and four experimental groups. We found that in the blood of rabbits of experimental groups recieved sodium sulphate, chromium chloride and chromium citrate, the content of glycoprotein's and their carbohydrate components was significantly higher during the 118 days of the study compared with the control group. Feeding rabbits with mineral supplements likely reflected the differences compared with the control parameters of nonspecific resistance in the blood for the study period, which was more pronounced in the first two months of life.

EXPERIMENTAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN THE RABBIT

PubMed Central

Dominguez, R.

1927-01-01

1. Van Leersum's range for the normal blood pressure in the rabbit, as recorded by his method, is confirmed. 2. Van Leersum's conclusion concerning the influence of a liver diet on the blood pressure of the rabbit is not substantiated by his data, since the fluctuations of blood pressure he obtained do not surpass his own recorded figures for normal animals. 3. Fluctuations of systolic blood pressure beyond the "normal" range are not necessary for the production of experimental atherosclerosis of the aorta in rabbits. Inversely, egg yolk feeding experiments in rabbits in which atherosclerosis of varying degree, even extreme, is obtained, are not accompanied by an elevation of blood pressure outside the "normal" range. 4. The fluctuations of blood pressure observed during experimental atherosclerosis do not simulate the condition of essential hypertension in man. PMID:19869349

Derivation of Rabbit Embryonic Stem Cells from Vitrified–Thawed Embryos

PubMed Central

Chen, Chien-Hong; Li, Yi; Hu, Yeshu; An, Li-You; Yang, Lan; Zhang, Jifeng; Chen, Y. Eugene

2015-01-01

Abstract The rabbit is a useful animal model for regenerative medicine. We previously developed pluripotent rabbit embryonic stem cell (rbESC) lines using fresh embryos. We also successfully cryopreserved rabbit embryos by vitrification. In the present work, we combined these two technologies to derive rbESCs using vitrified–thawed (V/T) embryos. We demonstrate that V/T blastocysts (BLs) can be used to derive pluripotent rbESCs with efficiencies comparable to those using fresh BLs. These ESCs are undistinguishable from the ones derived from fresh embryos. We tested the developmental capacity of rbESCs derived from V/T embryos by BL injection experiments and produced chimeric kits. Our work adds cryopreservation to the toolbox of rabbit stem cell research and applications and will greatly expand the available research materials for regenerative medicine in a clinically relevant animal model. PMID:26579970

PATHOGENESIS OF FEVER: EFFECTS OF VARIOUS ENDOGENOUS PYROGENS UPON THE LEVEL OF CIRCULATING GRANULOCYTES IN NORMAL RABBITS

PubMed Central

King, M. K.

1960-01-01

The endogenous pyrogen in the serum or plasma of rabbits 2 hours after the intravenous injection of typhoid vaccine had a marked effect on the circulating leucocytes of normal rabbits. Immediately following intravenous injection there was a brief, but marked, granulocytopenia which was quickly followed by a granulocytosis. Under the same circumstances pooled heterologous serum or plasma from normal rabbits produced no fever or significant change in the level of circulating leucocytes. The cell-free fluid of sterile peritoneal exudates produced a marked leucocytosis without a preceding leucopenia when injected intravenously into normal rabbits. When comparably pyrogenic doses of typhoid vaccine were injected in the same manner no significant change in the level of circulating leucocytes occurred. The relevance of these findings to the pathogenesis of fever is discussed. PMID:13756095

Pathogenesis of fever: effects of various endogenous pyrogens upon the level of circulating granulocytes in normal rabbits.

PubMed

KING, M K

1960-11-01

The endogenous pyrogen in the serum or plasma of rabbits 2 hours after the intravenous injection of typhoid vaccine had a marked effect on the circulating leucocytes of normal rabbits. Immediately following intravenous injection there was a brief, but marked, granulocytopenia which was quickly followed by a granulocytosis. Under the same circumstances pooled heterologous serum or plasma from normal rabbits produced no fever or significant change in the level of circulating leucocytes. The cell-free fluid of sterile peritoneal exudates produced a marked leucocytosis without a preceding leucopenia when injected intravenously into normal rabbits. When comparably pyrogenic doses of typhoid vaccine were injected in the same manner no significant change in the level of circulating leucocytes occurred. The relevance of these findings to the pathogenesis of fever is discussed.

In vitro stimulation of rabbit T lymphocytes by cells expressing herpes simplex antigens.

PubMed

Kapoor, A K; Ling, N R; Nash, A A; Bachan, A; Wildy, P

1982-04-01

Lymphocyte stimulation responses to herpes antigens were studied using virus-infected X-irradiated cells. Rabbits were immunized with herpes simplex virus type 1 (strain HFEM) grown in RK 13 cells. For in vitro stimulation assay BHK21 cells were X-irradiated (15 000 rad) and infected with a high m.o.i. of a temperature-sensitive (ts) mutant (N102) of HFEM strain at the non-permissive temperature (38.5 degrees C) of virus. Virus antigens were expressed on the infected cells and there was no leakage of infectious virus into the medium at 38.5 degrees C. T lymphocytes from rabbits immunized with herpes simplex virus were specifically activated by herpesvirus-infected X-irradiated cells; lymph node cells from rabbits immunized with RK13 cells and from non-immune rabbits showed no proliferative response.

Spillover Events of Infection of Brown Hares (Lepus europaeus) with Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Type 2 Virus (RHDV2) Caused Sporadic Cases of an European Brown Hare Syndrome-Like Disease in Italy and Spain.

PubMed

Velarde, R; Cavadini, P; Neimanis, A; Cabezón, O; Chiari, M; Gaffuri, A; Lavín, S; Grilli, G; Gavier-Widén, D; Lavazza, A; Capucci, L

2017-12-01

Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) is a lagovirus that can cause fatal hepatitis (rabbit haemorrhagic disease, RHD) with mortality of 80-90% in farmed and wild rabbits. Since 1986, RHDV has caused outbreaks in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in Europe, but never in European brown hares (Lepus europaeus, EBH). In 2010, a new RHDV-related virus, called RHDV2, emerged in Europe, causing extended epidemics because it largely overcame the immunity to RHDV present in most rabbit populations. RHDV2 also was identified in Cape hare (Lepus capensis subsp. mediterraneus) and in Italian hare (Lepus corsicanus). Here, we describe two distinct incidents of RHDV2 infection in EBH that occurred in Italy (2012) and Spain (2014). The two RHDV2 strains caused macroscopic and microscopic lesions similar to European brown hare syndrome (EBHS) in hares, and they were genetically related to other RHDV2 strains in Europe. EBHs are common in Europe, often sharing habitat with rabbits. They likely have been exposed to high levels of RHDV2 during outbreaks in rabbits in recent years, yet only two incidents of RHDV2 in EBHs have been found in Italy and Spain, suggesting that EBHs are not a primary host. Instead, they may act as spillover hosts in situations when infection pressure is high and barriers between rabbits and hares are limited, resulting in occasional infections causing EBHS-like lesions. The serological survey of stocked hare sera taken from Italian and Spanish hare populations provided an understanding of naturally occurring RHDV2 infection in the field confirming its sporadic occurrence in EBH. Our findings increase the knowledge on distribution, host range and epidemiology of RHDV2. © 2016 The Authors. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases Published by Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Recombinant rabbit leukemia inhibitory factor and rabbit embryonic fibroblasts support the derivation and maintenance of rabbit embryonic stem cells.

PubMed

Xue, Fei; Ma, Yinghong; Chen, Y Eugene; Zhang, Jifeng; Lin, Tzu-An; Chen, Chien-Hong; Lin, Wei-Wen; Roach, Marsha; Ju, Jyh-Cherng; Yang, Lan; Du, Fuliang; Xu, Jie

2012-08-01

The rabbit is a classical experimental animal species. A major limitation in using rabbits for biomedical research is the lack of germ-line-competent rabbit embryonic stem cells (rbESCs). We hypothesized that the use of homologous feeder cells and recombinant rabbit leukemia inhibitory factor (rbLIF) might improve the chance in deriving germ-line-competent rbES cells. In the present study, we established rabbit embryonic fibroblast (REF) feeder layers and synthesized recombinant rbLIF. We derived a total of seven putative rbESC lines, of which two lines (M5 and M23) were from culture Condition I using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) as feeders supplemented with human LIF (hLIF) (MEF+hLIF). Another five lines (R4, R9, R15, R21, and R31) were derived from Condition II using REFs as feeder cells supplemented with rbLIF (REF+rbLIF). Similar derivation efficiency was observed between these two conditions (8.7% vs. 10.2%). In a separate experiment with 2×3 factorial design, we examined the effects of feeder cells (MEF vs. REF) and LIFs (mLIF, hLIF vs. rbLIF) on rbESC culture. Both Conditions I and II supported satisfactory rbESC culture, with similar or better population doubling time and colony-forming efficiency than other combinations of feeder cells with LIFs. Rabbit ESCs derived and maintained on both conditions displayed typical ESC characteristics, including ESC pluripotency marker expression (AP, Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, and SSEA4) and gene expression (Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, c-Myc, Klf4, and Dppa5), and the capacity to differentiate into three primary germ layers in vitro. The present work is the first attempt to establish rbESC lines using homologous feeder cells and recombinant rbLIF, by which the rbESCs were derived and maintained normally. These cell lines are unique resources and may facilitate the derivation of germ-line-competent rbESCs.

Effect of chondroitin sulfate on turpentine-induced down-regulation of CYP1A2 and CYP3A6.

PubMed

Iovu, Mirela-Onita; Héroux, Lucie; Vergés, Josep; Montell, Eulália; Paiement, Jacques; du Souich, Patrick

2012-07-01

This study aimed to assess whether chronic administration of chondroitin sulfate (CS) affects baseline expression of cytochrome P450 isoforms and impedes the decrease in expression and activity of CYP1A2 and CYP3A6 in rabbits with a turpentine-induced inflammatory reaction (TIIR). Seven groups of 5 rabbits, 3 control groups and 4 receiving 20 mg/kg/day of CS for 20 and 30 days, were used. The rabbits of 1 control group and 2 groups receiving CS had a TIIR; finally, the rabbits of one of the control groups remained in the animal facilities for 30 days to assess the effect of time and environment on cytochrome P450. In control rabbits, intake of CS for 20 and 30 days did not affect CYP3A6, CYP1A2 and NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) mRNA, protein expression and activity. Compared with control rabbits, the TIIR not only reduced mRNA, protein expression and activity of CYP3A6 and CYP1A2 but also that of CPR. In rabbits with TIIR, CS prevented the decrease of CYP3A6 expression but not the reduction in activity. CS did not impede TIIR-induced down-regulation of CYP1A2. Hepatic NO() concentrations and NF-κB nuclear translocation were increased by the TIIR, effect reversed by CS. In vitro, in hepatocytes, CS did not alter the expression and activity of CYP3A6, CYP1A2, and CPR. In conclusion, oral CS elicits a systemic effect but does not affect CYP1A2, CYP3A6, and CPR in control rabbits, although in rabbits with TIIR, CS prevents CYP3A6 protein down-regulation but not that of CYP1A2. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Rabbit model for human EBV-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS): sequential autopsy analysis and characterization of IL-2-dependent cell lines established from herpesvirus papio-induced fatal rabbit lymphoproliferative diseases with HPS.

PubMed

Hayashi, Kazuhiko; Jin, Zaishun; Onoda, Sachiyo; Joko, Hiromasa; Teramoto, Norihiro; Ohara, Nobuya; Oda, Wakako; Tanaka, Takehiro; Liu, Yi-Xuan; Koirala, Tirtha Raj; Oka, Takashi; Kondo, Eisaku; Yoshino, Tadashi; Takahashi, Kiyoshi; Akagi, Tadaatsu

2003-05-01

Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (EBV-AHS) is often associated with fatal infectious mononucleosis or T-cell lymphoproliferative diseases (LPD). To elucidate the true nature of fatal LPD observed in Herpesvirus papio (HVP)-induced rabbit hemophagocytosis, reactive or neoplastic, we analyzed sequential development of HVP-induced rabbit LPD and their cell lines. All of the seven Japanese White rabbits inoculated intravenously with HVP died of fatal LPD 18 to 27 days after inoculation. LPD was also accompanied by hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) in five of these seven rabbits. Sequential autopsy revealed splenomegaly and swollen lymph nodes, often accompanied by bleeding, which developed in the last week. Atypical lymphoid cells infiltrated many organs with a "starry sky" pattern, frequently involving the spleen, lymph nodes, and liver. HVP-small RNA-1 expression in these lymphoid cells was clearly demonstrated by a newly developed in situ hybridization (ISH) system. HVP-ISH of immunomagnetically purified lymphoid cells from spleen or lymph nodes revealed HVP-EBER1+ cells in each CD4+, CD8+, or CD79a+ fraction. Hemophagocytic histiocytosis was observed in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and thymus. HVP-DNA was detected in the tissues and peripheral blood from the infected rabbits by PCR or Southern blot analysis. Clonality analysis of HVP-induced LPD by Southern blotting with TCR gene probe revealed polyclonal bands, suggesting polyclonal proliferation. Six IL-2-dependent rabbit T-cell lines were established from transplanted scid mouse tumors from LPD. These showed latency type I/II HVP infection and had normal karyotypes except for one line, and three of them showed tumorigenicity in nude mice. These data suggest that HVP-induced fatal LPD in rabbits is reactive polyclonally in nature.

Oxidative Damage and Mitochondrial Injuries Are Induced by Various Irrigation Pressures in Rabbit Models of Mild and Severe Hydronephrosis

PubMed Central

Cao, Zhixiu; Yu, Weimin; Li, Wei; Cheng, Fan; Rao, Ting; Yao, Xiaobing; Zhang, Xiaobin; Larré, Stéphane

2015-01-01

Objective We aimed to study whether tolerance to irrigation pressure could be modified by evaluating the oxidative damage of obstructed kidneys based on rabbit models experiencing different degrees of hydronephrosis. Methods A total of 66 rabbits were randomly divided into two experimental groups and a control group. In the experimental groups, the rabbits underwent a surgical procedure inducing mild (group M, n=24) or severe (group S, n=24) hydronephrosis. In each experimental group, the rabbits were then randomly divided into 4 subgroups (M0-M3 and S0-S3) consisting of 6 rabbits each. Group 0 received no perfusion. Groups 1 through 3 were perfused with 20, 60 and 100 mmHg fluid, respectively. For the control group, after a sham operation was performed, the rabbits were divided into 4 subgroups and were perfused with fluid at 0, 20, 60 or 100 mmHg of pressure. Kidney injuries was evaluated by neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL). Oxidative damage was assessed by analyzing superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, glutathione reductase (GR), catalase (CAT) and peroxide (H2O2) levels, mitochondrial injuries was assessed by mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), the mitochondrial ultrastructure and tubular cell apoptosis. Results In the experimental groups, all results were similar for groups 0 and 1. In group 2, abnormalities were observed in the S group only, and the kidneys of rabbits in group 3 suffered oxidative damage and mitochondrial injuries with increased NGAL, decreased Mn-SOD, GR and CAT,increased MDA and H2O2, lower levels of MMP, mitochondrial vacuolization and an increased apoptotic index. Conclusion In rabbits, severely obstructed kidneys were more susceptible to oxidative damage and mitochondrial injury than mildly obstructed kidneys when subjected to higher degrees of kidney perfusion pressure. PMID:26090815

Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Priming plus Papillomavirus E6 DNA Vaccination: Effects on Papilloma Formation and Regression in the Cottontail Rabbit Papillomavirus-Rabbit Model

PubMed Central

Leachman, Sancy A.; Tigelaar, Robert E.; Shlyankevich, Mark; Slade, Martin D.; Irwin, Michele; Chang, Ed; Wu, T. C.; Xiao, Wei; Pazhani, Sundaram; Zelterman, Daniel; Brandsma, Janet L.

2000-01-01

A cottontail rabbit papillomavirus (CRPV) E6 DNA vaccine that induces significant protection against CRPV challenge was used in a superior vaccination regimen in which the cutaneous sites of vaccination were primed with an expression vector encoding granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), a cytokine that induces differentiation and local recruitment of professional antigen-presenting cells. This treatment induced a massive influx of major histocompatibility complex class II-positive cells. In a vaccination-challenge experiment, rabbit groups were treated by E6 DNA vaccination, GM-CSF DNA inoculation, or a combination of both treatments. After two immunizations, rabbits were challenged with CRPV at low, moderate, and high stringencies and monitored for papilloma formation. As expected, all clinical outcomes were monotonically related to the stringency of the viral challenge. The results demonstrate that GM-CSF priming greatly augmented the effects of CRPV E6 vaccination. First, challenge sites in control rabbits (at the moderate challenge stringency) had a 0% probability of remaining disease free, versus a 50% probability in E6-vaccinated rabbits, and whereas GM-CSF alone had no effect, the interaction between GM-CSF priming and E6 vaccination increased disease-free survival to 67%. Second, the incubation period before papilloma onset was lengthened by E6 DNA vaccination alone or to some extent by GM-CSF DNA inoculation alone, and the combination of treatments induced additive effects. Third, the rate of papilloma growth was reduced by E6 vaccination and, to a lesser extent, by GM-CSF treatment. In addition, the interaction between the E6 and GM-CSF treatments was synergistic and yielded more than a 99% reduction in papilloma volume. Finally, regression occurred among the papillomas that formed in rabbits treated with the E6 vaccine and/or with GM-CSF, with the highest regression frequency occurring in rabbits that received the combination treatment. PMID:10954571

Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 Open Reading Frame II-Encoded p30II Is Required for In Vivo Replication: Evidence of In Vivo Reversion

PubMed Central

Silverman, Lee R.; Phipps, Andrew J.; Montgomery, Andrew; Ratner, Lee; Lairmore, Michael D.

2004-01-01

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) causes adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and exhibits high genetic stability in vivo. HTLV-1 contains four open reading frames (ORFs) in its pX region. ORF II encodes two proteins, p30II and p13II, both of which are incompletely characterized. p30II localizes to the nucleus or nucleolus and has distant homology to the transcription factors Oct-1, Pit-1, and POU-M1. In vitro studies have demonstrated that at low concentrations, p30II differentially regulates cellular and viral promoters through an interaction with CREB binding protein/p300. To determine the in vivo significance of p30II, we inoculated rabbits with cell lines expressing either a wild-type clone of HTLV-1 (ACH.1) or a clone containing a mutation in ORF II, which eliminated wild-type p30II expression (ACH.30.1). ACH.1-inoculated rabbits maintained higher HTLV-1-specific antibody titers than ACH.30.1-inoculated rabbits, and all ACH.1-inoculated rabbits were seropositive for HTLV-1, whereas only two of six ACH.30.1-inoculated rabbits were seropositive. Provirus could be consistently PCR amplified from peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) DNA in all ACH.1-inoculated rabbits but in only three of six ACH.30.1-inoculated rabbits. Quantitative competitive PCR indicated higher PBMC proviral loads in ACH.1-inoculated rabbits. Interestingly, sequencing of ORF II from PBMC of provirus-positive ACH.30.1-inoculated rabbits revealed a reversion to wild-type sequence with evidence of early coexistence of mutant and wild-type sequence. Our data provide evidence that HTLV-1 must maintain its key accessory genes to survive in vivo and that in vivo pressures select for maintenance of wild-type ORF II gene products during the early course of infection. PMID:15047799

Effects of Moringa oleifera leaves as a substitute for alfalfa meal on nutrient digestibility, growth performance, carcass trait, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters of rabbits.

PubMed

Sun, B; Zhang, Y; Ding, M; Xi, Q; Liu, G; Li, Y; Liu, D; Chen, X

2018-02-01

This contribution reports the effects of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOLs) meal on the growth performances, nutrient digestibility, carcass trait, meat quality, antioxidant capacity and biochemical parameters of growing New Zealand white rabbits. The MOL was substituted for alfalfa meal at levels of 0, 10%, 20% and 30% to obtain respective diets MOL0, MOL10, MOL20 and MOL30. Each treatment was replicated five times with 10 rabbits per replicate. Results showed the average daily weight gain (ADWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of rabbits fed MOL20 diet were significantly better (p < 0.05) than those of other three dietary groups. Liver and spleen index of rabbits fed MOL20 and MOL30 diets was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that of the groups fed with lower M. oleifera leaves (MOL0, MOL10). The meat drip loss of rabbits fed with diet MOL10 was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that of rabbits fed other diets. All rabbits fed MOL dietary groups had lower (p < 0.05) shear force of longissimus dorsi than the group without M. oleifera leaves. No significant differences were found in the digestibility of crude fibre (CF), crude fat (EE), ash, crude protein (CP) and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) among the dietary groups. Moringa oleifera leaves also have a significant impact on serum albumin (ALB), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC), triiodothyroxine (T 3 ) and tetraiodothyroxine (T 4 ) values and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in serum and liver. The results indicated that M. oleifera leaves could be developed as a good feed source, and it not only could substitute for alfalfa meal well but also has a significant effect on growth performance, meat quality, antioxidant and biochemical parameters of rabbits. © 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Isolation of an attenuated myxoma virus field strain that can confer protection against myxomatosis on contacts of vaccinates.

PubMed

Bárcena, J; Pagès-Manté, A; March, R; Morales, M; Ramírez, M A; Sánchez-Vizcaíno, J M; Torres, J M

2000-01-01

Twenty MV strains obtained from a survey of field strains currently circulating throughout Spain were analyzed for their virulence and horizontal spreading among rabbits by contact transmission. A virus strain with suitable characteristics to be used as a potential vaccine against myxomatosis in wild rabbit populations was selected. Following inoculation, the selected MV strain elicited high levels of MV specific antibodies and induced protection of rabbits against a virulent MV challenge. Furthermore, the attenuated MV was transmitted to 9 out of 16 uninoculated rabbits by contact, inducing protection against myxomatosis.

The establishment and spread of myxomatosis and its effect on rabbit populations.

PubMed

Ross, J; Tittensor, A M

1986-12-15

The establishment of myxomatosis, the spread of the disease and its effects on rabbit populations in Australia and in Britain are briefly reviewed. Though the disease is endemic, with regular outbreaks in most rabbit populations, its effect is now much less dramatic than previously. Recent epidemiological studies have shown that the rate of spread of infection, the proportion of rabbits infected and the proportion dying from the disease are very much smaller than recorded in earlier outbreaks. The reasons for these changes are discussed, and the epidemiology of the disease in Britain is compared with that in Australia.

A Literature Review - Problem Definition Studies on Selected Toxic Chemicals. Volume 4. Occupational Health and Safety Aspects of the Fog Oils SGF No. 1 and SGF No. 2 and Smoke Screens Generated from Them

DTIC Science & Technology

1978-04-01

deaths, no weight losses, and no abnormal hematological findings (8). b. Rabbits In groups of rabbits intermittently exposed to diesel fumes, Samal et al...lymphocyto- penia; watery bone marrow; dermatitis rabbits diesel fuel and motor reduced antibody produc- Samal I_ ,., oil fumes (100:6 mix- tion to...Laboratory Report No. 46, 1945. 91. Samal , U. C., R. Saran, R. K. Sanyal: Effects of inhaled fumes on immunological response of rabbits. Indian J Physiol

Different thermostabilities of sarcoplasmic reticulum (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPases from rabbit and trout muscles.

PubMed

de Toledo, F G; Albuquerque, M C; Goulart, B H; Chini, E N

1995-05-01

Trout and rabbit (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPases from sarcoplasmic reticulum were compared for differences in thermal inactivation and susceptibility to trypsin digestion. The trout ATPase is more heat-sensitive than the rabbit ATPase and is stabilized by Ca2+, Na+, K+ and nucleotides. Solubilization of both ATPases shows that the two ATPases have different protein-intrinsic inactivation kinetics. When digested by trypsin, the two ATPases display different cleavage patterns. The present results indicate that the trout and rabbit ATPases have dissimilarities in protein structure that may explain the differences in thermal inactivation kinetics.

Validation of ethnopharmacological uses of Heliotropium strigosum Willd. as spasmolytic, bronchodilator and vasorelaxant remedy.

PubMed

Janbaz, Khalid H; Javed, Sana; Saqib, Fatima; Imran, Imran; Zia-Ul-Haq, Muhammad; De Feo, Vincenzo

2015-06-06

Heliotropium strigosum is used in traditional medicine to manage gastrointestinal pain, respiratory distress and vascular disorders. The present study was undertaken to provide scientific evidences for these folkloric uses by in vitro experimental settings. A crude methanol extract of the Heliotropium strigosum (Hs.Cr) was tested in vitro on isolated rabbit jejunum preparations to detect the possible presence of spasmolytic activity. Moreover, isolated rabbit tracheal and aorta preparations were used to ascertain the relaxant effects of the extract. The Hs.Cr exhibited relaxant effects in rabbit jejunum in a concentration dependent manner (0.01-3.0 mg/ml). The Hs.Cr also relaxed K(+) (80 mM)-induced spastic contractions in rabbit jejunum and shifted the Ca(2+) concentration response curves towards right. The extract relaxed carbachol (1 μM)- as well as K(+) (80 mM)-induced contractions in rabbit trachea at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 10 mg/ml. Moreover, Hs.Cr. also relaxed (0.01-3.0 mg/ml) the phenylephrine (1 μM)- and K(+) (80 mM)-induced contractions in isolated rabbit aorta. The Hs.Cr was found to exhibit spasmolytic, bronchodilator and vasorelaxant activities on isolated rabbit jejunum, trachea and aorta preparations, likely mediated through Ca(2+) channel blockade. This finding may provide a scientific basis for the folkloric uses of the plant.

An increasing electromechanical window is a predictive marker of ventricular fibrillation in anesthetized rabbit with ischemic heart.

PubMed

Limprasutr, Vudhiporn; Pirintr, Prapawadee; Kijtawornrat, Anusak; Hamlin, Robert L

2018-05-10

The QTc interval is widely used in Safety Pharmacological studies to predict arrhythmia risk, and the electromechanical window (EMW) and short-term variability of QT intervals (STV QT ) have been studied as new biomarkers for drug-induced Torsades de Pointes (TdP). However, the use of EMW and STV QT to predict ventricular fibrillation (VF) has not been elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate EMW and STV QT to predict VF in anesthetized rabbit model of VF. VF was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending and a descending branch of the left circumflex coronary arteries in a sample population of rabbits (n=18). VF was developed 55.6% (10/18). In rabbit with VF, the EMW was significantly higher than in rabbits without VF (96.3 ± 15.6 ms and 49.5 ± 5.6 ms, respectively, P<0.05). STV QT had significantly increased before the onset of VF in rabbits that experienced VF, but not in rabbits that did not experience VF (11.7 ± 1.8 ms and 3.7 ± 0.4 ms, respectively, P<0.05). The EMW and STV QT had better predictive power for VF with higher sensitivity and specificity than the QTc measure. The result suggested that the increasing of EMW, as well as the elevation of STV QT , can potentially be used as biomarkers for predicting of VF.

Two-Exon Skipping within MLPH Is Associated with Coat Color Dilution in Rabbits

PubMed Central

Lehner, Stefanie; Gähle, Marion; Dierks, Claudia; Stelter, Ricarda; Gerber, Jonathan; Brehm, Ralph; Distl, Ottmar

2013-01-01

Coat color dilution turns black coat color to blue and red color to cream and is a characteristic in many mammalian species. Matings among Netherland Dwarf, Loh, and Lionhead Dwarf rabbits over two generations gave evidence for a monogenic autosomal recessive inheritance of coat colour dilution. Histological analyses showed non-uniformly distributed, large, agglomerating melanin granules in the hair bulbs of coat color diluted rabbits. We sequenced the cDNA of MLPH in two dilute and one black rabbit for polymorphism detection. In both color diluted rabbits, skipping of exons 3 and 4 was present resulting in altered amino acids at p.QGL[37-39]QWA and a premature stop codon at p.K40*. Sequencing of genomic DNA revealed a c.111-5C>A splice acceptor mutation within the polypyrimidine tract of intron 2 within MLPH. This mutation presumably causes skipping of exons 3 and 4. In 14/15 dilute rabbits, the c.111-5C>A mutation was homozygous and in a further dilute rabbit, heterozygous and in combination with a homozygous frame shift mutation within exon 6 (c.585delG). In conclusion, our results demonstrated a colour dilution associated MLPH splice variant causing a strongly truncated protein (p.Q37QfsX4). An involvement of further MLPH-associated mutations needs further investigations. PMID:24376820

Limited number of immunoglobulin VH regions expressed in the mutant rabbit "Alicia".

PubMed

DiPietro, L A; Short, J A; Zhai, S K; Kelus, A S; Meier, D; Knight, K L

1990-06-01

A unique feature of rabbit Ig is the presence of VH region allotypic specificities. In normal rabbits, more than 80% of circulating immunoglobulin molecules bear the VHa allotypic specificities, al, a2 or a3; the remaining 10% to 20% of immunoglobulin molecules lack VHa allotypic specificities and are designated VHa-. A mutant rabbit designated Alicia, in contrast, has predominantly serum immunoglobulin molecules that lack the VHa allotypic specificities (Kelus and Weiss, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 1986. 83: 4883). To study the nature and molecular complexity of VHa- molecules, we cloned and determined the nucleotide sequence of seven cDNA prepared from splenic RNA of an Alicia rabbit. Six of the clones appeared to encode VHa- molecules; the framework regions encoded by these clones were remarkably similar to each other, each having an unusual insertion of four amino acids at position 10. This insertion of four amino acids has been seen in only 2 of 54 sequenced rabbit VH genes. The similarity of the sequences of the six VHa- clones to each other and their dissimilarity to most other VH genes leads us to suggest that the VHa- molecules in Alicia rabbits are derived predominantly from one or a small number of very similar VH genes. Such preferential utilization of a small number of VH genes may explain the allelic inheritance of VH allotypes.

A large-scale assessment of European rabbit damage to agriculture in Spain.

PubMed

Delibes-Mateos, Miguel; Farfán, Miguel Ángel; Rouco, Carlos; Olivero, Jesús; Márquez, Ana Luz; Fa, John E; Vargas, Juan Mario; Villafuerte, Rafael

2018-01-01

Numerous small and medium-sized mammal pests cause widespread and economically significant damage to crops all over the globe. However, most research on pest species has focused on accounts of the level of damage. There are fewer studies concentrating on the description of crop damage caused by pests at large geographical scales, or on analysis of the ecological and anthropogenic factors correlated with these observed patterns. We investigated the relationship between agricultural damage by the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and environmental and anthropogenic variables throughout Spain. Rabbit damage was mainly concentrated within the central-southern regions of Spain. We found that rabbit damage increased significantly between the early 2000s and 2013. Greater losses were typical of those areas where farming dominated and natural vegetation was scarce, where main railways and highways were present, and where environmental conditions were generally favourable for rabbit populations to proliferate. From our analysis, we suggest that roads and railway lines act as potential corridors along which rabbits can spread. The recent increase in Spain of such infrastructure may explain the rise in rabbit damage reported in this study. Our approach is valuable as a method for assessing drivers of wildlife pest damage at large spatial scales, and can be used to propose methods to reduce human - wildlife conflict. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor and endothelial cells promote self-renewal of rabbit germ cells with spermatogonial stem cell properties.

PubMed

Kubota, Hiroshi; Wu, Xin; Goodyear, Shaun M; Avarbock, Mary R; Brinster, Ralph L

2011-08-01

Previous studies suggest that exogenous factors crucial for spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) self-renewal are conserved among several mammalian species. Since glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) are critical for rodent SSC self-renewal, we hypothesized that they might promote self-renewal of nonrodent SSCs. Therefore, we cultured testicular germ cells from prepubertal rabbits in the presence of GDNF and FGF2 and found they proliferated indefinitely as cellular clumps that displayed characteristics previously identified for rodent SSCs. The rabbit germ cells could not be maintained on mouse embryonic fibroblast (STO) feeders that support rodent SSC self-renewal in vitro but were rather supported on mouse yolk sac-derived endothelial cell (C166) feeder layers. Proliferation of rabbit germ cells was dependent on GDNF. Of critical importance was that clump-forming rabbit germ cells colonized seminiferous tubules of immunodeficient mice, proliferated for at least 6 mo, while retaining an SSC phenotype in the testes of recipient mice, indicating that they were rabbit SSCs. This study demonstrates that GDNF is a mitogenic factor promoting self-renewal that is conserved between rodent and rabbit SSCs; with an evolutionary separation of ∼ 60 million years. These findings provide a foundation to study the mechanisms governing SSC self-renewal in nonrodent species.

Optimization of HIV-1 Envelope DNA Vaccine Candidates within Three Different Animal Models, Guinea Pigs, Rabbits and Cynomolgus Macaques.

PubMed

Borggren, Marie; Vinner, Lasse; Andresen, Betina Skovgaard; Grevstad, Berit; Repits, Johanna; Melchers, Mark; Elvang, Tara Laura; Sanders, Rogier W; Martinon, Frédéric; Dereuddre-Bosquet, Nathalie; Bowles, Emma Joanne; Stewart-Jones, Guillaume; Biswas, Priscilla; Scarlatti, Gabriella; Jansson, Marianne; Heyndrickx, Leo; Grand, Roger Le; Fomsgaard, Anders

2013-07-19

HIV-1 DNA vaccines have many advantageous features. Evaluation of HIV-1 vaccine candidates often starts in small animal models before macaque and human trials. Here, we selected and optimized DNA vaccine candidates through systematic testing in rabbits for the induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAb). We compared three different animal models: guinea pigs, rabbits and cynomolgus macaques. Envelope genes from the prototype isolate HIV-1 Bx08 and two elite neutralizers were included. Codon-optimized genes, encoded secreted gp140 or membrane bound gp150, were modified for expression of stabilized soluble trimer gene products, and delivered individually or mixed. Specific IgG after repeated i.d. inoculations with electroporation confirmed in vivo expression and immunogenicity. Evaluations of rabbits and guinea pigs displayed similar results. The superior DNA construct in rabbits was a trivalent mix of non-modified codon-optimized gp140 envelope genes. Despite NAb responses with some potency and breadth in guinea pigs and rabbits, the DNA vaccinated macaques displayed less bNAb activity. It was concluded that a trivalent mix of non-modified gp140 genes from rationally selected clinical isolates was, in this study, the best option to induce high and broad NAb in the rabbit model, but this optimization does not directly translate into similar responses in cynomolgus macaques.

Optimization of HIV-1 Envelope DNA Vaccine Candidates within Three Different Animal Models, Guinea Pigs, Rabbits and Cynomolgus Macaques

PubMed Central

Borggren, Marie; Vinner, Lasse; Andresen, Betina Skovgaard; Grevstad, Berit; Repits, Johanna; Melchers, Mark; Elvang, Tara Laura; Sanders, Rogier W; Martinon, Frédéric; Dereuddre-Bosquet, Nathalie; Bowles, Emma Joanne; Stewart-Jones, Guillaume; Biswas, Priscilla; Scarlatti, Gabriella; Jansson, Marianne; Heyndrickx, Leo; Le Grand, Roger; Fomsgaard, Anders

2013-01-01

HIV-1 DNA vaccines have many advantageous features. Evaluation of HIV-1 vaccine candidates often starts in small animal models before macaque and human trials. Here, we selected and optimized DNA vaccine candidates through systematic testing in rabbits for the induction of broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAb). We compared three different animal models: guinea pigs, rabbits and cynomolgus macaques. Envelope genes from the prototype isolate HIV-1 Bx08 and two elite neutralizers were included. Codon-optimized genes, encoded secreted gp140 or membrane bound gp150, were modified for expression of stabilized soluble trimer gene products, and delivered individually or mixed. Specific IgG after repeated i.d. inoculations with electroporation confirmed in vivo expression and immunogenicity. Evaluations of rabbits and guinea pigs displayed similar results. The superior DNA construct in rabbits was a trivalent mix of non-modified codon-optimized gp140 envelope genes. Despite NAb responses with some potency and breadth in guinea pigs and rabbits, the DNA vaccinated macaques displayed less bNAb activity. It was concluded that a trivalent mix of non-modified gp140 genes from rationally selected clinical isolates was, in this study, the best option to induce high and broad NAb in the rabbit model, but this optimization does not directly translate into similar responses in cynomolgus macaques. PMID:26344115

Efficacy of topotecan treatment on antioxidant enzymes and TBA-RS levels in submandibular glands of rabbits: an experimental study.

PubMed

Muluk, Nuray Bayar; Kisa, Uçler; Kaçmaz, Murat; Apan, Alpaslan; Koç, Can

2005-01-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of topotecan (Hycamtin), a topoisomerase I inhibiting anticancer agent, on antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px) and TBA-RS values of the submandibular glands of the rabbits. The study was conveyed in two groups (Group I, II) and control with a total of 24 rabbits. Eight rabbits in group I received intravenous (i.v.) topotecan (0.25 mg/kg once daily) for 3 days. Eight rabbits in group II received i.v. topotecan (0.5 mg/kg once daily) for 3 days. On the 15th day after administration of topotecan, submandibular glands were removed and levels of the SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px and the TBA-RS in the submandibular glands of the rabbits were examined. SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px values were significantly higher in high-dose topotecan group compared to control group (P < 0.05). SOD and TBA-RS values were significantly higher in high-dose topotecan group compared to low-dose topotecan group (P < 0.05). It was concluded that, to prevent the hazardous effects of oxygen free radicals due to topotecan, antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px were increased. The higher levels of the TBA-RS values in group II showed that permanent damage was present because of high-dose topotecan administration in the submandibular glands of the rabbits.

Clinical and economic analysis of delayed administration of antithymocyte globulin for induction therapy in kidney transplantation.

PubMed

McGillicuddy, John W; Taber, David J; Pilch, Nicole A; Kohout, Ryan K; Bratton, Charles F; Chavin, Kenneth D; Baliga, Prabhakar K

2013-03-01

The increasing number of marginal deceased kidney donors and an aging recipient population, prolonged hospitalization, and increased costs have destabilized the economic viability of kidney transplants. To determine if a delay in the administration of the day-of-discharge dose of rabbit antithymocyte globulin would result in equivalent clinical outcomes with cost savings. Single-center, prospective, observational before-and-after study of adult kidney transplant recipients who received induction with rabbit antithymocyte globulin.Intervention-Patients who received a transplant between June 2006 and February 2009 and received rabbit antithymocyte globulin served as the control group. Patients who received a transplant between March 2009 and August 2010 and received rabbit antithymocyte globulin had the day-of-discharge dose delayed to the following day and administered in the clinic. A total of 231 patients (146 in the control group, 85 in the study group) were included. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar in the 2 groups. Patients who had delayed administration of rabbit antithymocyte globulin had shorter stays (3.9 vs 3.1 days, P< .001) and reduced inpatient costs for rabbit antithymocyte globulin (mean $860/patient); these changes were achieved without affecting acute rejection rates (5% vs 5%, P> .99) or readmission rates. In conclusion, delayed inpatient administration of rabbit antithymocyte globulin provided identical clinical outcomes while helping to reduce inpatient costs and increase timely discharges.

Heterogeneity of NK-2 tachykinin receptors in hamster and rabbit smooth muscles.

PubMed

Maggi, C A; Eglezos, A; Quartara, L; Patacchini, R; Giachetti, A

1992-01-23

The possible existence of NK-2 receptor subtypes in peripheral smooth muscle preparations from rabbit and hamster was investigated by studying the effect of neurokinin A, the selective NK-2 receptor agonist [beta Ala8] neurokinin A (4-10), the selective NK-2 tachykinin receptor antagonists, MEN 10,376, L 659,877 and R 396, and the pseudopeptide derivative of neurokinin A (4-10), MDL 28,564. All experiments were performed in the presence of peptidase inhibitors (captopril, bestatin and thiorphan, 1 microM each). Both neurokinin A and [beta Ala8] neurokinin A (4-10) produced concentration-dependent contractions of the rabbit isolated bronchus and hamster isolated stomach and colon, as well as enhancement of the nerve-mediated twitches of rabbit isolated vas deferens (pars prostatica). MEN 10,376, L 659,877 and R 396 antagonized the effect of the NK-2 receptor selective agonist in all four tissues under study, although marked differences in antagonist potency were evident for the three antagonists. Thus MEN 10,376 was distinctly more potent (about 100 times) in rabbit than in hamster preparations while L 659,877 and R 396 were more potent in hamster than rabbit preparations. MDL 28,564 showed a distinct agonist character in rabbit preparations while it was virtually inactive in hamster preparations, where it antagonized the effect of the NK-2 receptor selective agonist.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Veterinarian Nominated Common Conditions of Rabbits and Guinea Pigs Compared with Published Literature

PubMed Central

Robinson, Natalie J.; Lyons, Emma; Grindlay, Douglas

2017-01-01

Rabbits and guinea pigs are increasingly popular pets in the UK, yet little is known about their common ailments, or how these relate to what appears in the published literature. The aim of this study was to characterise the common conditions of rabbits and guinea pigs, and to compare these with the topics found in the published literature. Information about the common conditions seen in rabbits and guinea pigs in clinical practice was obtained from a survey of UK veterinarians. The common conditions seen were compared with results from a structured literature search. Conditions relating to the dental (29.9%), and skin (37.6%) body systems were commonly nominated by veterinarians for rabbits and guinea pigs, respectively. A total of 655 rabbit and 1086 guinea pig citations were examined and there appeared to be a mismatch between the conditions nominated in the veterinary questionnaire, and those found in the literature. This is the first time that the published literature has been compared to the nominated caseload of veterinarians in practice, and there is concern that the literature about rabbits and guinea pigs may not be representative of, or relevant to the caseload seen in clinical practice. This is of importance for clinicians being able to apply an objective, evidence-based approach. The publishing of clinically-relevant, research-based evidence should be prioritised. PMID:29165371

Respiratory and oral vaccination improves protection conferred by the live vaccine strain against pneumonic tularemia in the rabbit model

PubMed Central

Stinson, Elizabeth; Smith, Le'Kneitah P.; Cole, Kelly Stefano; Barry, Eileen M.; Reed, Douglas S.

2016-01-01

Tularemia is a severe, zoonotic disease caused by a gram-negative bacterium, Francisella tularensis. We have previously shown that rabbits are a good model of human pneumonic tularemia when exposed to aerosols containing a virulent, type A strain, SCHU S4. We further demonstrated that the live vaccine strain (LVS), an attenuated type B strain, extended time to death when given by scarification. Oral or aerosol vaccination has been previously shown in humans to offer superior protection to parenteral vaccination against respiratory tularemia challenge. Both oral and aerosol vaccination with LVS were well tolerated in the rabbit with only minimal fever and no weight loss after inoculation. Plasma antibody titers against F. tularensis were higher in rabbits that were vaccinated by either oral or aerosol routes compared to scarification. Thirty days after vaccination, all rabbits were challenged with aerosolized SCHU S4. LVS given by scarification extended time to death compared to mock-vaccinated controls. One orally vaccinated rabbit did survive aerosol challenge, however, only aerosol vaccination extended time to death significantly compared to scarification. These results further demonstrate the utility of the rabbit model of pneumonic tularemia in replicating what has been reported in humans and macaques as well as demonstrating the utility of vaccination by oral and respiratory routes against an aerosol tularemia challenge. PMID:27511964

Anti-fibrin antibody binding in valvular vegetations and kidney lesions during experimental endocarditis.

PubMed

Yokota, M; Basi, D L; Herzberg, M C; Meyer, M W

2001-01-01

In Streptococcus sanguinis (sanguis) induced experimental endocarditis, we sought evidence that the development of aortic valvular vegetation depends on the availability of fibrin. Endocarditis was induced in New Zealand white rabbits by catheter placement into the left ventricle and inoculation of the bacteria. Fibrin was localized in the developing vegetation with 99mTechnetium (Tc)-labeled anti-fibrin antibody one or three days later. When rabbit anti-fibrin antibody was given intravenously on day 1, the mass of aortic valvular vegetation was significantly reduced at day 3; infusion of non-specific rabbit IgG showed no effect. The 99mTc-labeled anti-fibrin antibody also labeled kidneys that showed macroscopic subcapsular hemorrhage. To learn if the deposition of fibrin in the kidneys was a consequence of endocarditis required a comparison of farm-bred and specific pathogen-free rabbits before and after the induction of endocarditis. Before induction, the kidneys of farm-bred rabbits were labeled, but specific pathogen-free rabbits were free of labeling and signs of macroscopic hemorrhage. After 3 days of endocarditis, kidneys of 10 of 14 specific pathogen-free rabbits labeled with 99mTc-labeled anti-fibrin antibody and showed hemorrhage. Kidney lesions were suggested to be a frequent sequellae of S. sanguinis infective endocarditis. For the first time, fibrin was shown to be required for the continued development of aortic valvular vegetations.

The effects of hydrolyzed sorghum on growth performance and meat quality of rabbits

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The effect of sorghum hydrolyzed by Trametes maxima CU1 and Pycnoporus sanguineus CS2 was evaluated on growth performance parameters and rabbit meat quality. A total of 24 unsexed New Zealand rabbits, weaned at 20 d of age, were allocated in two treatments: T1 (non-hydrolyzed sorghum) and T2 (hydr...

Wildlife of southern forests habitat & management (Chapter 15): Rabbits

Treesearch

James G. Dickson

2003-01-01

Rabbits, or lagomorphs, resemble rodents. But unlike rodents they have relatively large hind legs, large ears, a short fluffy tail, and 2 sets of upper incisors. Like rodents their incisors grow continually. They can either walk or hop, and are fleet and elusive when evading predators. They normally are silent but are capable of several different vocalizations. Rabbits...

Technique Development Results for the Study of a Novel Dexamethasone Impregnated Bandage Contact Lens in a Rabbit Model After Photorefractive Keratectomy

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-10-22

PRK Inflammation in a Rabbit Model Timothy A. Soekenl, Michael Merkley!, Wesley Brundridgel, Gary Legaultl, Matthew Caldwelll, Joseph Ciolino2...7 .0 Dexamethasone Impregnated Contact Lenses in the Treatment of Post- PRK Inflammation · in a Rabbit Model Timothy A. Soeken 1, Michael Merkley1

Word Frequency, Function Words and the Second Gavagai Problem

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hochmann, Jean-Remy

2013-01-01

The classic gavagai problem exemplifies the difficulty to identify the referent of a novel word uttered in a foreign language. Here, we consider the reverse problem: identifying the referential part of a label. Assuming "gavagai" indicates a rabbit in a foreign language, it may very well mean ""a" rabbit" or ""that" rabbit". How can a learner know…

Viral skin diseases of the rabbit.

PubMed

Meredith, Anna L

2013-09-01

This article describes the viral skin diseases affecting the domestic rabbit, the most important being myxomatosis. Transmission and pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and control are described and the article will be of interest to veterinary practitioners who treat rabbits. Shope fibroma virus, Shope papilloma virus, and rabbitpox are also discussed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Rabbits and Grasshoppers: Vectors of Endomycorrhizal Fungi on New Coal Mine Spoil

Treesearch

Felix Jr. Ponder

1980-01-01

Rabbit droppings and grasshoppers were collected on recently graded coal mine spoil to determine if they were vectors of endomycorrhizal fingi. After 6 weeks of growth, roots of rye grass and sudan grass grown in mixtures of sterilized sand containing either unsterilized rabbit droppings or grasshoppers were endomycorrhizal, while the roots of plants grown in...

[Influence of different inner dressings in negative-pressure wound therapy on escharectomy wound of full-thickness burn rabbits].

PubMed

Lin, J H; Chen, J; Xue, D J; Huang, W X; Su, G L

2017-07-20

Objective: To explore the influence of different inner dressings in negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on escharectomy wound of full-thickness burn rabbits. Methods: Eighteen Japanese white rabbits were inflicted with full-thickness burn on unilateral back. They were divided into polymer dressing group (PD), biological dressing group (BD), and silver biological dressing group (SBD), according to the random number table, with 6 rabbits in each group. On 3 days post burn, the wounds were performed with escharectomy, and then wounds of rabbits in group PD were covered with polyurethane foam. Wounds of rabbits in group BD were covered with porcine acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and wounds of rabbits in group SBD were covered with silver porcine ADM. Then continuous NPWT was performed on rabbits of the three groups for 7 days. Immediately after surgery and on post surgery day (PSD) 7, general observation of wound was conducted and tissue around the wound was harvested for determination of dry to wet weight ratio. The content of bacteria was counted and the content of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 in wound was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Fibroblasts in wound were counted after Masson staining and number of microvessels was counted after CD31 antibody immunohistochemical staining. Data were processed with analysis of variance for repeated measurement, LSD- t test, paired samples t test, and Bonferroni correction. Results: (1) Immediately after surgery, there was no granulation tissue in basal wound of rabbits in the three groups, with rich blood supply and obvious edema. On PSD 7, much granulation tissue was found in basal wound of rabbits in the three groups, with no or mild edema and no obvious redness and swelling in wound edge. (2) There were no significant differences in dry to wet weight ratios of tissue around the wound among and within the three groups immediately after surgery and on PSD 7 (with F values respectively 0.70 and 0.09, t values from 0.17 to 0.52, P values above 0.05). (3) Immediately after surgery, the content of bacteria in wounds of rabbits in groups PD, BD, and SBD was respectively (603.0±146.0) ×10(4,) (573.0±63.0) ×10(4,) and (590.0±100.0)×10(4) colony-forming unit (CFU)/g, with no significant difference among them ( F =0.13, P >0.05). On PSD 7, the content of bacteria in wounds of rabbits in groups PD, BD, and SBD were respectively (5.4±0.8) ×10(4,) (4.6±0.9) ×10(4,) and (3.5±0.9)×10(4) CFU/g. Among them, the content of bacteria in wounds of rabbits in group SBD was lower than that in groups PD and BD, respectively (with t values respectively 3.78 and 2.29, P <0.05 or P <0.01). The content of bacteria in wounds of rabbits in the three groups on PSD 7 was decreased compared with that immediately after surgery (with t values from 10.05 to 21.81, P values below 0.01). (4) There was no significant difference in content of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in wounds of rabbits in the three groups immediately after surgery and on PSD 7 (with F values from 0.10 to 1.89, P values above 0.05). The content of TNF-α in wounds of rabbits in the three groups on PSD 7 was significantly higher than that immediately after surgery (with t values from 2.93 to 5.01, P <0.05 or P <0.01). (5) There was no significant difference in amount of fibroblasts in wounds of rabbits in the three groups immediately after surgery and on PSD 7 (with F values respectively 0.01 and 0.81, P values above 0.05). The amount of fibroblasts in wounds of rabbits in the three groups on PSD 7 was larger than that immediately after surgery (with t values from 4.78 to 11.58, P values below 0.01). (6) There was no significant difference in number of microvessels in wounds of rabbits in the three groups immediately after surgery and on PSD 7 (with F values respectively 2.42 and 2.49, P values above 0.05). The number of microvessels in wounds of rabbits in the three groups on PSD 7 was larger than that immediately after surgery (with t values from 7.17 to 11.14, P values below 0.01). Conclusions: SBD is better at inhibiting the growth of bacteria. PD, BD, and SBD have almost the same effects on reducing tissue edema and inflammatory reaction, and on promoting the accumulation of collagen fibers and tissue vascularization.

The acaricidal efficacy of aqueous neem extract and ivermectin against Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi in experimentally infested rabbits.

PubMed

Seddiek, Shaker A; Khater, Hanem F; El-Shorbagy, Mohamed M; Ali, Ali M

2013-06-01

Sarcoptes scabiei var. cuniculi is one of the most important veterinary ectoparasites in rabbits and results in considerable loss of weight, productivity, and wool quality. The acaricidal activity of aqueous leaf extract of neem (CAN) and ivermectin (IVR) were evaluated in vitro and in vivo against S. scabiei var. cuniculi. Rabbits were classified into four groups (ten rabbits each). The first group (group 1) was designated as the negative control group. Each rabbit of the other groups was experimentally infested with 50 mites. One month post-infestation, the second group (group 2) was not treated and taken into account as the positive control group. The third group (group 3) was subcutaneously injected with 1 % IVR (200 μg/kg body weight, three times within a week interval). The fourth group (group 4) was treated topically with CAN (25 %) every 3 days for three consecutive weeks. Index scoring of lesions was described weekly. The number of live mites (larvae, nymphs, and adults) on each rabbit was counted on the 14th, 28th, and 42th day post-treatment (PT). Blood samples were taken 28 and 42 days PT for estimation of some chemical parameters. The body weight and cumulative body weight gain were recoded 14, 28, and 42 days PT. CAN (40 %) was highly efficacious against larvae of S. scabiei var. cuniculi as 100 % mortality was reached 24 h PT. On the other hand, all treated mites with CAN (20 %) and IVR died 48 h PT. The lethal values of CAN (LC50, LC90, LC95, and LC99) were 7.496, 14.67, 17.75, and 25.37 %, respectively, 48 h PT. Lesion scoring in groups 3 and 4 were significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05), reaching 0.20 and 0.40, respectively, when compared with that of group 2 (4.00), 42 days PT. Twenty-eight days PT, the reduction percentages of mites infesting rabbits were 93.38 and 93.09 % for IVR and CAN, respectively. However, complete mite reduction was reached 42 days PT. Rabbits treated with CAN did not show signs of restlessness or irritation, respiratory signs, or inflammation on the eye and/or skin at the time of application or afterwards. Regarding biochemical analysis, the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, and total cholesterol in rabbits treated with CAN were decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05) than those of rabbits of the positive control group and those treated with IVR. On the other hand, the levels of total protein, albumin, and globulin of rabbits in group 4 were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased when compared with the corresponding values of groups 2 and 3. The body weight and cumulative body weight gain of rabbits treated with CAN were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) when compared with such values of groups 2 and 3, 28 and 42 days PT. The present data indicated that CAN had in vitro and in vivo acaricidal efficiency similar to that of IVR and improved the performance of rabbits without inducing adverse effects on treated rabbits; consequently, CAN could be suitable as a promising alternative acaricide for veterinary use.

Marine reserve design for conservation and fisheries management: a case study from the California Channel Islands

USGS Publications Warehouse

Airame, S.J.; Dugan, E.; Lafferty, K.D.; Leslie, H.M.; McArdle, D.A.; Warner, R.R.

2003-01-01

Five races of cottontail rabbits belonging to three species occur in Virginia. One of them, the Mearns cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus mearnsi), is reported here for the first time. It occurs in six southwestern counties of the state, while the eastern cottontail (S. f. mallurus) occurs in the remainder of the state with the exception of Smith and Fishermans islands off the eastern coast of Cape Charles, where it is replaced by Hitchens cottontail (S. f. hitchensi). The New England cottontail (S. transitionalis) is found on the higher mountain peaks, above 3000 feet, and the swamp rabbit (S. palustris) occurs in the Dismal Swamp region of southeastern Virginia.....The height of the breeding season for the eastern cottontail in Virginia is March and April, but breeding continues through the entire year except in December and January. The average litter size based on embryo counts was 4.7. The sex ratio of 234 specimens from all parts of the state, taken mostly in the December to February period, was 53 males to 47 females. That of a group of 145 rabbits live-trapped at Blacksburg during February and Marchwas 58 males to 42 females. The figures show that males are more active than females during the winter months, and therefore are more easily taken then....In transplanting cottontails from one section of the state to another, it is recommended that only cottontails of the same race as those originally present in the region being restocked be released there....Tularemia is not a common disease among rabbits in Virginia, but the rabbit ticks are often carriers of the disease and may transmit it to rabbits. Rabbit ticks are also found to be carriers of Rocky Mountain fever and American Q. fever. After the ticks drop off the rabbits to hibernate in the ground, which is likely to occur during mid-winter in Virginia, there is relatively little danger of humans contracting tularemia by contact with rabbits. Present laws in Virginia which prohibit rabbit hunting until the opening of the general hunting season, November 15and November 20--west and east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, respectively--protect the licensed hunters to which these regulations apply, but landowners or tenants are still allowed to take rabbits for their own use on their own land at any time. It is recommended that as a public health measure the taking of cottontails be completely prohibited to all until the opening of the general hunting season.

Michigan's commercial fisheries of the Great Lakes

USGS Publications Warehouse

Van Oosten, John

1938-01-01

Five races of cottontail rabbits belonging to three species occur in Virginia. One of them, the Mearns cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus mearnsi), is reported here for the first time. It occurs in six southwestern counties of the state, while the eastern cottontail (S. f. mallurus) occurs in the remainder of the state with the exception of Smith and Fishermans islands off the eastern coast of Cape Charles, where it is replaced by Hitchens cottontail (S. f. hitchensi). The New England cottontail (S. transitionalis) is found on the higher mountain peaks, above 3000 feet, and the swamp rabbit (S. palustris) occurs in the Dismal Swamp region of southeastern Virginia.....The height of the breeding season for the eastern cottontail in Virginia is March and April, but breeding continues through the entire year except in December and January. The average litter size based on embryo counts was 4.7. The sex ratio of 234 specimens from all parts of the state, taken mostly in the December to February period, was 53 males to 47 females. That of a group of 145 rabbits live-trapped at Blacksburg during February and Marchwas 58 males to 42 females. The figures show that males are more active than females during the winter months, and therefore are more easily taken then....In transplanting cottontails from one section of the state to another, it is recommended that only cottontails of the same race as those originally present in the region being restocked be released there....Tularemia is not a common disease among rabbits in Virginia, but the rabbit ticks are often carriers of the disease and may transmit it to rabbits. Rabbit ticks are also found to be carriers of Rocky Mountain fever and American Q. fever. After the ticks drop off the rabbits to hibernate in the ground, which is likely to occur during mid-winter in Virginia, there is relatively little danger of humans contracting tularemia by contact with rabbits. Present laws in Virginia which prohibit rabbit hunting until the opening of the general hunting season, November 15and November 20--west and east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, respectively--protect the licensed hunters to which these regulations apply, but landowners or tenants are still allowed to take rabbits for their own use on their own land at any time. It is recommended that as a public health measure the taking of cottontails be completely prohibited to all until the opening of the general hunting season.

Posterior Vitreous Detachment With Microplasmin Alters the Retinal Penetration of Intravitreal Bevacizumab (Avastin) in Rabbit Eyes

PubMed Central

Goldenberg, David T.; Giblin, Frank J.; Cheng, Mei; Chintala, Shravan K.; Trese, Michael T.; Drenser, Kimberly A.; Ruby, Alan J.

2010-01-01

Purpose Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) is frequently used for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Previous studies have demonstrated full thickness retinal penetration. Intravitreal recombinant microplasmin (MP) has been shown to successfully induce a posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) and vitreous liquefaction in animals. It has been suggested that a PVD may alter the retinal penetration of molecules in the vitreous cavity. The aim of this study was to compare bevacizumab (BV) retinal penetration in rabbit eyes with and without a MP-induced PVD. Methods Twelve adult rabbits were injected with 0.1 ml (0.4 mg) of MP into the vitreous cavity of one eye. One week later, the rabbits were injected with 0.05 ml (1.25 mg) of BV into both eyes. Both eyes of three rabbits each were harvested at 6, 12, 24, and 72 hours after the BV injection. Frozen retinal cross sections were prepared, and BV retinal penetration was evaluated with immunohistochemistry using a fluorescence-labeled antibody against BV. Two eyes from one rabbit were not injected with either agent and used as controls to compare the background autofluorescence. Peripapillary retinal sections were recorded with a digital camera, and intra-retinal BV fluorescence-labeled antibody was measured by qualitative photographic interpretation. Two additional rabbits received an intravitreal injection of 0.1 ml of MP in one eye. One week later, both eyes from each rabbit were enucleated and frozen retinal sections were prepared and analyzed with light microscopy to evaluate for histologic damage. Results Full thickness BV retinal penetration was observed throughout the retina in both eyes of each rabbit. All of the MP-injected eyes exhibited increased antibody labeling in retinas evaluated 6, 12, and 24 hours after BV injection when compared with the contralateral non-MP-injected eyes. By three days after BV injection, all eyes demonstrated decreased antibody labeling compared to earlier time periods. At three days, one rabbit showed increased antibody labeling in the retina of the non-MP-injected eye compared with the contralateral MP-injected eye, and two rabbits exhibited similar antibody labeling in both eyes. When compared with control eyes, light microscopy demonstrated normal retinal histologic findings in eyes injected only with microplasmin. Conclusions Increased BV retinal penetration is observed initially in eyes with a MP-induced PVD, and the mechanism is likely multifactorial. By three days, retinal penetration is similar in eyes with and without a PVD. Although it is difficult to directly extrapolate to humans, our study suggests a PVD may alter the retinal penetration of BV. PMID:21099453

Inhibition of cartilage degradation and suppression of PGE2 and MMPs expression by Pomegranate Fruit Extract in a model of Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis

PubMed Central

Akhtar, Nahid; Khan, Nazir M.; Ashruf, Omer; Haqqi, Tariq M.

2016-01-01

Background Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by cartilage degradation in the affected joints. Pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) inhibits cartilage degradation in vitro. Here we determined whether oral consumption of PFE inhibits disease progression in rabbits with surgically-induced OA. Methods OA was surgically induced in the tibiofemoral joints of adult NZW rabbits. In one group animals were fed PFE in water for 8 weeks post-surgery. In the second group, animals were fed PFE for 2 weeks before surgery andfor 8 weeks post-surgery.Histological assessment and scoring of the cartilage was per OARSI guidelines. Gene expression and MMPs activity were determined using qRT-PCR and fluorometric assay, respectively. IL-1β, MMP-13, IL-6, PGE2 and COL2A1 levels in synovial fluid/plasma/culture mediawere quantified using ELISA. Expression of active Caspase-3 and PARP p85 was determined by immunohistochemistry. Effect of PFE and inhibitors of MMP-13, MAPK and NF-κB was studied in IL-1β-stimulated rabbit articular chondrocytes. Results Safranin-O-staining and chondrocyte cluster formation was significantly reduced in the ACLT+PFE fed groups. Expression of MMP-3, MMP-9 and MMP-13 mRNAwas higher in the cartilage of rabbits given water alone but was significantly lower in the animals fed PFE. PFE-fed rabbits had lowerIL-6, MMP-13 and PGE2 levels in the synovial fluid and plasma respectively and showed higher expression of ACAN and COL2A1 mRNA. Significantly higher numbers of chondrocytes were positive for markers of apoptosisin the joints of rabbits with OA given water only compared to rabbits in the PFE-fed groups. PFE pretreatment significantly reduced IL-1β induced IL-6 and MMPs expression in rabbit articular chondrocytes. These effects were also mimicked using MMP-13, MAPK and NF-κB inhibitors in IL-1β-stimulated rabbit chondrocytes. In an in vitro activity assay, PFE blocked the activity of MMP-13.Like MAPK and NF-κB inhibitors, PFE was also effective in inhibiting IL-1β-induced PGE2 production in rabbit chondrocytes. PFE also reversed the inhibitory effect of IL-1β on COL2A1 mRNA and protein expression in IL-1β-stimulated rabbit chondrocytes. Conclusion Our data highlighted the chondroprotective effects of PFE oral consumption in a model of post-traumatic OA and suggests that PFE derived compounds may have potential value in the management of OA. PMID:27908544

Organic Selenium, Probiotics, and Prebiotics Effects on Growth, Blood Biochemistry, and Carcass Traits of Growing Rabbits During Summer and Winter Seasons.

PubMed

Ayyat, Mohamed S; Al-Sagheer, Adham A; Abd El-Latif, Khaled M; Khalil, Bakry A

2018-03-07

The effect of organic selenium, prebiotics, or probiotics on productive performances, blood biochemistry, and carcass characteristics of growing rabbits was studied throughout summer and winter seasons. In an 8-week feeding trial, a total of 100 New Zealand White rabbits were randomly distributed to 10 groups. Two seasons (winter and summer) and five diets fortified with 0 (control), 0.03 mg selenium, 3 g Bio-Mos®, 1 g Bactocell® (1 × 10 10  CFU) or 3 g yeast/kg diet were used in 2 × 5 factorial design. Results indicated that growth performance, feed intake (FI), and blood components (red blood cells [RBCs], serum total protein [TP], globulin [GLOB], albumin [ALB]) decreased significantly in rabbits reared during summer than in those during winter. In contrast, white blood cells, urea-N, creatinine, alanine transaminase [ALT], and aspartate transaminase [AST] increased significantly in summer. However, growth performance indices, FI, blood hemoglobin, RBCs, TP, ALB, and GLOB increased significantly in rabbits when fed the tested feed additives. The respiration rate, rectal temperature, and heart rate of the animals were significantly decreased with all feed additives. Adjusted weight of carcass, liver, kidney fat, and carcass cuts were not affected by feed additives. Final margin and margin efficiency increased in rabbit fed diets supplemented with feed additives than those fed the basal diet without any supplementation. Results of the current study concluded that a supplementation of rabbit diets with organic selenium, probiotics, and prebiotics can promote rabbit performance during mild weather and also alleviate the adverse impact of heat stress during summer season.

Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility and Excitability Score in Rabbit fed Hibiscus Sabdariffa in Graded Level.

PubMed

Adenkola, A Y; Oluremi, O I A

2014-12-29

This study was conducted for 10 weeks with the aim of investigating the erythrocyte membrane integrity as measured by erythrocyte osmotic fragility and excitability scores of rabbits fed graded level of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyx (HSC). Twenty weaners' rabbit of both sexes were used for the study and were placed on four experimental diets which contain the following percentages of HSC 0 %, 25 %, 50 %, 75 %, as feed additive and were added at 0 g, 62.5 g, 125 g, 187.5 g designated as T1, T2, T3 and T4 experimental diets. Excitability scores were measured weekly as described by Voisnet et al. (1997). At the end of the experiment, the rabbits were slaughtered by severing the jugular vein. A Blood sample (2 ml) was collected from each rabbit into sampled bottles, containing the Na EDTA as anticoagulant for hematological analysis. Packed cell volume (PCV) Haemoglobin concentration (Hb), Total red blood cell (RBC) count, Total leukocyte count as well as differential leukocyte was determined using standard method. The percentage haemolysis recorded at 0.3 % to 0.8 % was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in rabbits in T1 compared to the remaining 3 diets. The result of excitability score shows that rabbit on diet 1 and 2 had a lower value which was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than rabbits on diets 3 and 4 with a value of 65.5 ± 5.0 and 70.00 ± 5.50 % respectively. In conclusion this study demonstrated for the first time that chronic administration of HSC improves haematological parameters, brain mood and function as well as maintaining erythrocyte membrane integrity.

VH mutant rabbits lacking the VH1a2 gene develop a2+ B cells in the appendix by gene conversion-like alteration of a rearranged VH4 gene.

PubMed

Sehgal, D; Mage, R G; Schiaffella, E

1998-02-01

We investigated the molecular basis for the appearance of V(H)a2 allotype-bearing B cells in mutant Alicia rabbits. The mutation arose in an a2 rabbit; mutants exhibit altered expression of V(H) genes because of a small deletion encompassing V(H)1a2, the 3'-most gene in the V(H) locus. The V(H)1 gene is the major source of V(H)a allotype because this gene is preferentially rearranged in normal rabbits. In young homozygous ali/ali animals, the levels of a2 molecules found in the serum increase with age. In adult ali/ali rabbits, 20 to 50% of serum Igs and B cells bear a2 allotypic determinants. Previous studies suggested that positive selection results in expansion of a2 allotype-bearing B cells in the appendix of young mutant ali/ali rabbits. We separated appendix cells from a 6-wk-old Alicia rabbit by FACS based on the expression of surface IgM and a2 allotype. The VDJ portion of the expressed Ig mRNA was amplified from the IgM+ a2+ and IgM+ a2- populations by reverse transcriptase-PCR. The cDNAs from both populations were cloned and sequenced. Analysis of these sequences suggested that, in a2+ B cells, the first D proximal functional gene in Alicia rabbits, V(H)4a2, rearranged and was altered further by a gene conversion-like mechanism. Upstream V(H) genes were identified as potential gene sequence donors; V(H)9 was found to be the most frequently used gene donor. Among the a2- B cells, y33 was the most frequently rearranged gene.

Characterization of a rabbit germ-line VH gene that is a candidate donor for VH gene conversion in mutant Alicia rabbits.

PubMed

Chen, H T; Alexander, C B; Mage, R G

1995-06-15

Normal rabbits preferentially rearrange the 3'-most VH gene, VH1, to encode Igs with VHa allotypes, which constitute the majority of rabbit serum Igs. A gene conversion-like mechanism is employed to diversify the primary Ab repertoire. In mutant Alicia rabbits that derived from a rabbit with VHa2 allotype, the VH1 gene was deleted. Our previous studies showed that the first functional gene (VH4) or VH4-like genes were rearranged in 2- to 8-wk-old homozygous Alicia. The VH1a2-like sequences that were found in splenic mRNA from 6-wk and older Alicia rabbits still had some residues that were typical of VH4. The appearances of sequences resembling that of VH1a2 may have been caused by gene conversions that altered the sequences of the rearranged VH or there may have been rearrangement of upstream VH1a2-like genes later in development. To investigate this further, we constructed a cosmid library and isolated a VH1a2-like gene, VH12-1-6, with a sequence almost identical to VH1a2. This gene had a deleted base in the heptamer of its recombination signal sequence. However, even if this defect diminished or eliminated its ability to rearrange, the a2-like gene could have acted as a donor for gene-conversion-like alteration of rearranged VH genes. Sequence comparisons suggested that this gene or a gene like it could have acted as a donor for gene conversion in mutant Alicia and in normal rabbits.

Reducing variation in a rabbit vaccine safety study with particular emphasis on housing conditions and handling.

PubMed

Verwer, Cynthia M; van der Ark, Arno; van Amerongen, Geert; van den Bos, Ruud; Hendriksen, Coenraad F M

2009-04-01

This paper describes the results of a study of the effects of modified housing conditions, conditioning and habituation on humans using a rabbit model for monitoring whole-cell pertussis vaccine (pWCV)-induced adverse effects. The study has been performed with reference to previous vaccine safety studies of pWCV in rabbits in which results were difficult to interpret due to the large variation in experimental outcome, especially in the key parameter deep-body temperature (T(b)). Certain stressful laboratory conditions, as well as procedures involving humans, e.g. blood sampling, inoculation and cage-cleaning, were hypothesized to cause this large variation. The results of this study show that under modified housing conditions rabbits have normal circadian body temperatures. This allowed discrimination of pWCV-induced adverse effects in which handled rabbits tended to show a dose-related increase in temperature after inoculation with little variance, whereas non-handled rabbits did not. Effects of experimental and routine procedures on body temperature were significantly reduced under modified conditions and were within the normal T(b) range. Handled animals reacted less strongly and with less variance to experimental procedures, such as blood sampling, injection and cage-cleaning, than non-handled rabbits. Overall, handling had a positive effect on the behaviour of the animals. Data show that the housing modifications have provided a more robust model for monitoring pWCV adverse effects. Furthermore, conditioning and habituation of rabbits to humans reduce the variation in experimental outcome, which might allow for a reduction in the number of animals used. In addition, this also reduces distress and thus contributes to refining this animal model.

Effect of Sedation with Xylazine and Ketamine on Intraocular Pressure in New Zealand White Rabbits

PubMed Central

Holve, Dana L; Gum, Glenwood G; Pritt, Stacy L

2013-01-01

To determine the effects of intravenous and intramuscular xylazine–ketamine on intraocular pressure (IOP) in laboratory rabbits, 10 New Zealand white rabbits received xylazine (0.46 mg/kg) and ketamine (1.5 mg/kg) intravenously whereas another 10 rabbits received intramuscular xylazine (10 mg/kg) and ketamine (50 mg/kg). IOP was measured at baseline and 5, 10, 20, and 25 min after administration in rabbits that were injected intravenously and at baseline and 10, 20, 30, and 45 min in rabbits injected intramuscularly. Baseline IOP (mean ± 1 SD; intravenous group, 20.15 ± 2.24 mm Hg; intramuscular group, 19.03 ± 1.77 mm Hg) did not differ between groups. Compared with baseline values, IOP decreased significantly after intravenous administration at 10, 20, and 25 min (decreases of 2.73, 4.10, and 4.55 mm Hg, respectively) but not at 5 min (decrease of 1.40 mm Hg). IOP in intramuscularly dosed rabbits showed significant differences from baseline at 10, 20, 30, and 45 min (decreases of 2.88, 3.30, 3.95, and 4.60 mm Hg, respectively). In the intravenous group, IOP differed at 10 min compared with 25 min (1.83 mm Hg, P = 0.0143) but not at 20 min compared with 25 min (0.450 mm Hg). In the intramuscular group, differences in IOP at 10 min compared with 20 min, 20 min compared with 30 min, and 30 min compared with 45 min were nonsignificant. Intravenous and intramuscular xylazine–ketamine decreased IOP in laboratory rabbits and may be used safely during ocular procedures for which increased IOP is a concern. PMID:23849448

Evaluation of clinical and paraclinical effects of intraosseous vs intravenous administration of propofol on general anesthesia in rabbits

PubMed Central

Mazaheri-Khameneh, Ramin; Sarrafzadeh-Rezaei, Farshid; Asri-Rezaei, Siamak; Dalir-Naghadeh, Bahram

2012-01-01

This prospective study aimed to compare the intraosseous (IO) and intravenous (IV) effects of propofol on selected blood parameters and physiological variables during general anesthesia in rabbits. Thirty New Zealand White rabbits were studied. Six rabbits received IV propofol (group 1) and another 6 rabbits, were injected propofol intraosseously (Group 2) for 30 minutes (experimental groups). Rabbits of the third and fourth groups received IV and IO normal saline at the same volume given to the experimental groups, respectively. In the fifth group IO cannulation was performed but neither propofol nor normal saline were administered. Blood profiles were assayed before induction and after recovery of anesthesia. Heart and respiratory rates, rectal temperature, saturation of peripheral oxygen and mean arterial blood pressure were recorded. Heart rate increased significantly 1 to 5 minutes after induction of anesthesia in experimental groups (P < 0.05). Although mean arterial blood pressure decreased significantly from baseline, values remained above 60 mm Hg (P < 0.05). Respiratory rate decreased significantly in experimental groups, but remained higher in group 2 (P < 0.05). The lymphocyte count decreased significantly in group 1 (P < 0.05). The concentration of alkaline phosphatase in all rabbits, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase in the first group and gamma-glutamyl transferase in the third group increased significantly (P < 0.05). Total bilirubin decreased significantly in group 2 (P < 0.05). All measured values remained within normal limits. Based on the least significant physiological, hematological and biochemical effects, the IO injection of propofol appears to be safe and suitable method of anesthesia in rabbits with limited vascular access. PMID:25653755

Evaluation of clinical and paraclinical effects of intraosseous vs intravenous administration of propofol on general anesthesia in rabbits.

PubMed

Mazaheri-Khameneh, Ramin; Sarrafzadeh-Rezaei, Farshid; Asri-Rezaei, Siamak; Dalir-Naghadeh, Bahram

2012-01-01

This prospective study aimed to compare the intraosseous (IO) and intravenous (IV) effects of propofol on selected blood parameters and physiological variables during general anesthesia in rabbits. Thirty New Zealand White rabbits were studied. Six rabbits received IV propofol (group 1) and another 6 rabbits, were injected propofol intraosseously (Group 2) for 30 minutes (experimental groups). Rabbits of the third and fourth groups received IV and IO normal saline at the same volume given to the experimental groups, respectively. In the fifth group IO cannulation was performed but neither propofol nor normal saline were administered. Blood profiles were assayed before induction and after recovery of anesthesia. Heart and respiratory rates, rectal temperature, saturation of peripheral oxygen and mean arterial blood pressure were recorded. Heart rate increased significantly 1 to 5 minutes after induction of anesthesia in experimental groups (P < 0.05). Although mean arterial blood pressure decreased significantly from baseline, values remained above 60 mm Hg (P < 0.05). Respiratory rate decreased significantly in experimental groups, but remained higher in group 2 (P < 0.05). The lymphocyte count decreased significantly in group 1 (P < 0.05). The concentration of alkaline phosphatase in all rabbits, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase in the first group and gamma-glutamyl transferase in the third group increased significantly (P < 0.05). Total bilirubin decreased significantly in group 2 (P < 0.05). All measured values remained within normal limits. Based on the least significant physiological, hematological and biochemical effects, the IO injection of propofol appears to be safe and suitable method of anesthesia in rabbits with limited vascular access.

Local hyperthermia for esophageal cancer in a rabbit tumor model: Magnetic stent hyperthermia versus magnetic fluid hyperthermia

PubMed Central

LIU, JIAYI; LI, NING; LI, LI; LI, DANYE; LIU, KAI; ZHAO, LINGYUN; TANG, JINTIAN; LI, LIYA

2013-01-01

Magnetic-mediated hyperthermia (MMH) is a promising local thermotherapy approach for cancer treatment. The present study investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of MMH in esophageal cancer using a rabbit tumor model. The therapeutic effect of two hyperthermia approaches, magnetic stent hyperthermia (MSH), in which heat is induced by the clinical stent that is placed inside the esophagus, and magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH), where magnetic nanoparticles are applied as the agent, was systematically evaluated. A rabbit esophageal tumor model was established by injecting VX2 carcinoma cells into the esophageal submucosa. The esophageal stent was deployed perorally into the tumor segment of the esophagus. For the MFH, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were administered to the rabbits by intratumoral injection. The rabbits were exposed under a benchtop applicator using an alternative magnetic field (AMF) with 300 kHz frequency for the hyperthermia treatment. The results demonstrated that esophageal stents and MNPs had ideal inductive heating properties upon exposure under an AMF of 300 kHz. MSH, using a thermal dose of 46°C with a 10-min treatment time, demonstrated antitumor effects on the rabbit esophageal cancer. However, the rabbit esophageal wall is not heat-resistant. Therefore, a higher temperature or longer treatment time may lead to necrosis of the rabbit esophagus. MFH has a significant antitumor effect by confining the heat within the tumor site without damaging the adjacent normal tissues. The present study indicates that the two hyperthermia procedures have therapeutic effects on esophageal cancer, and that MFH may be more specific than MSH in terms of temperature control during the treatment. PMID:24260045

Rabbit Model for Human EBV-Associated Hemophagocytic Syndrome (HPS)

PubMed Central

Hayashi, Kazuhiko; Jin, Zaishun; Onoda, Sachiyo; Joko, Hiromasa; Teramoto, Norihiro; Ohara, Nobuya; Oda, Wakako; Tanaka, Takehiro; Liu, Yi-Xuan; Koirala, Tirtha Raj; Oka, Takashi; Kondo, Eisaku; Yoshino, Tadashi; Takahashi, Kiyoshi; Akagi, Tadaatsu

2003-01-01

Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (EBV-AHS) is often associated with fatal infectious mononucleosis or T-cell lymphoproliferative diseases (LPD). To elucidate the true nature of fatal LPD observed in Herpesvirus papio (HVP)-induced rabbit hemophagocytosis, reactive or neoplastic, we analyzed sequential development of HVP-induced rabbit LPD and their cell lines. All of the seven Japanese White rabbits inoculated intravenously with HVP died of fatal LPD 18 to 27 days after inoculation. LPD was also accompanied by hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) in five of these seven rabbits. Sequential autopsy revealed splenomegaly and swollen lymph nodes, often accompanied by bleeding, which developed in the last week. Atypical lymphoid cells infiltrated many organs with a “starry sky” pattern, frequently involving the spleen, lymph nodes, and liver. HVP-small RNA-1 expression in these lymphoid cells was clearly demonstrated by a newly developed in situ hybridization (ISH) system. HVP-ISH of immunomagnetically purified lymphoid cells from spleen or lymph nodes revealed HVP-EBER1+ cells in each CD4+, CD8+, or CD79a+ fraction. Hemophagocytic histiocytosis was observed in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and thymus. HVP-DNA was detected in the tissues and peripheral blood from the infected rabbits by PCR or Southern blot analysis. Clonality analysis of HVP-induced LPD by Southern blotting with TCR gene probe revealed polyclonal bands, suggesting polyclonal proliferation. Six IL-2-dependent rabbit T-cell lines were established from transplanted scid mouse tumors from LPD. These showed latency type I/II HVP infection and had normal karyotypes except for one line, and three of them showed tumorigenicity in nude mice. These data suggest that HVP-induced fatal LPD in rabbits is reactive polyclonally in nature. PMID:12707056

Ultraviolet-Visible and Fluorescence Spectroscopy Techniques Are Important Diagnostic Tools during the Progression of Atherosclerosis: Diet Zinc Supplementation Retarded or Delayed Atherosclerosis

PubMed Central

Abdelhalim, Mohamed Anwar K.; Moussa, Sherif A. Abdelmottaleb; AL-Mohy, Yanallah Hussain

2013-01-01

Background. In this study, we examined whether UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques detect the progression of atherosclerosis in serum of rabbits fed on high-cholesterol diet (HCD) and HCD supplemented with zinc (HCD + Zn) compared with the control. Methods. The control rabbits group was fed on 100 g/day of normal diet. The HCD group was fed on Purina Certified Rabbit Chow supplemented with 1.0% cholesterol plus 1.0% olive oil (100 g/day) for the same period. The HCD + Zn group was fed on normal Purina Certified Rabbit Chow plus 1.0% cholesterol and 1.0% olive oil supplemented with 470 ppm Zn for the same feeding period. UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy and biochemistry in Rabbit's blood serum and blood hematology were measured in Rabbit's blood. Results. We found that the fluorescent peak of HCD shifted toward UV-visible wavelength compared with the control using fluorescent excitation of serum at 192 nm. In addition, they showed that supplementation of zinc (350 ppm) restored the fluorescent peak closely to the control. By using UV-visible spectroscopy approach, we found that the peak absorbance of HCD (about 280 nm) was higher than that of control and that zinc supplementation seemed to decrease the absorbance. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that ultraviolet-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy techniques can be applied as noninvasive techniques on a sample blood serum for diagnosing or detecting the progression of atherosclerosis. The Zn supplementation to rabbits fed on HCD delays or retards the progression of atherosclerosis. Inducing anemia in rabbits fed on HCD delays the progression of atherosclerosis. PMID:24350281

Repair of articular cartilage defects by tissue-engineered cartilage constructed with adipose-derived stem cells and acellular cartilaginous matrix in rabbits.

PubMed

Wang, Z J; An, R Z; Zhao, J Y; Zhang, Q; Yang, J; Wang, J B; Wen, G Y; Yuan, X H; Qi, X W; Li, S J; Ye, X C

2014-06-18

After injury, inflammation, or degeneration, articular cartilage has limited self-repair ability. We aimed to explore the feasibility of repair of articular cartilage defects with tissue-engineered cartilage constructed by acellular cartilage matrices (ACMs) seeded with adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). The ADSCs were isolated from 3-month-old New Zealand albino rabbit by using collagenase and cultured and amplified in vitro. Fresh cartilage isolated from adult New Zealand albino rabbit were freeze-dried for 12 h and treated with Triton X-100, DNase, and RNase to obtain ACMs. ADSCs were seeded in the acellular cartilaginous matrix at 2x10(7)/mL, and cultured in chondrogenic differentiation medium for 2 weeks to construct tissue-engineered cartilage. Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into A, B, and C groups. Engineered cartilage was transplanted into cartilage defect position of rabbits in group A, group B obtained ACMs, and group C did not receive any transplants. The rabbits were sacrificed in week 12. The restored tissue was evaluated using macroscopy, histology, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the tissue-engineered cartilage group (group A), articular cartilage defects of the rabbits were filled with chondrocyte-like tissue with smooth surface. Immunohistochemistry showed type II-collagen expression and Alcian blue staining was positive. TEM showed chondrocytes in the recesses, with plenty of secretary matrix particles. In the scaffold group (group B), the defect was filled with fibrous tissue. No repaired tissue was found in the blank group (group C). Tissue-engineered cartilage using ACM seeded with ADSCs can help repair articular cartilage defects in rabbits.

Assessment of the influence of whole body vibration on Cochlear function

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Whole body vibration (WBV) is a potentially harmful consequence resulting from the dissipation of energy by industrial machineries. The result of WBV exposure on the auditory system remains unknown. The objective of the present research was to evaluate the influence of WBV on cochlear function, in particular outer hair cell function. It is hypothesized that WBV impairs cochlear function resulting in decreased Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAE) levels (Ldp) in rabbits subjected to WBV. Methods Twelve rabbits were equally divided into vibration and control groups. Animals in vibration group were exposed to 1.0 ms-2 r.m.s vertical WBV at 4–8 Hz for 8 h/day during 5 consecutive days. Outer hair cell function was assessed by comparing repeated-measurements of DPOAE levels (Ldp) across a range of f2 frequencies in rabbits both exposed and unexposed to WBV. DPOAE level shifts (LSdp) were compared across ears, frequencies, groups, and times. Results No differences were seen over time in DPOAE levels in the non-exposed rabbits (p = 0.082). Post-exposure Ldp in rabbits exposed to WBV were significantly increased at all test frequencies in both ears compared to baseline measures (p = 0.021). The greatest increase in Ldp following exposure was seen at 5888.5 Hz (mean shift = 13.25 dB). Post-exposure Ldp in rabbits exposed to WBV were not significantly different between the right and left ears (p = 0.083). Conclusion WBV impairs cochlear function resulting in increased DPOAE responses in rabbits exposed to WBV. DPOAE level shifts occurred over a wide range of frequencies following prolonged WBV in rabbits. PMID:22720724

Infrastructure features outperform environmental variables explaining rabbit abundance around motorways.

PubMed

Planillo, Aimara; Malo, Juan E

2018-01-01

Human disturbance is widespread across landscapes in the form of roads that alter wildlife populations. Knowing which road features are responsible for the species response and their relevance in comparison with environmental variables will provide useful information for effective conservation measures. We sampled relative abundance of European rabbits, a very widespread species, in motorway verges at regional scale, in an area with large variability in environmental and infrastructure conditions. Environmental variables included vegetation structure, plant productivity, distance to water sources, and altitude. Infrastructure characteristics were the type of vegetation in verges, verge width, traffic volume, and the presence of embankments. We performed a variance partitioning analysis to determine the relative importance of two sets of variables on rabbit abundance. Additionally, we identified the most important variables and their effects model averaging after model selection by AICc on hypothesis-based models. As a group, infrastructure features explained four times more variability in rabbit abundance than environmental variables, being the effects of the former critical in motorway stretches located in altered landscapes with no available habitat for rabbits, such as agricultural fields. Model selection and Akaike weights showed that verge width and traffic volume are the most important variables explaining rabbit abundance index, with positive and negative effects, respectively. In the light of these results, the response of species to the infrastructure can be modulated through the modification of motorway features, being some of them manageable in the design phase. The identification of such features leads to suggestions for improvement through low-cost corrective measures and conservation plans. As a general indication, keeping motorway verges less than 10 m wide will prevent high densities of rabbits and avoid the unwanted effects that rabbit populations can generate in some areas.

Maternal Diabetes Leads to Adaptation in Embryonic Amino Acid Metabolism during Early Pregnancy.

PubMed

Gürke, Jacqueline; Hirche, Frank; Thieme, René; Haucke, Elisa; Schindler, Maria; Stangl, Gabriele I; Fischer, Bernd; Navarrete Santos, Anne

2015-01-01

During pregnancy an adequate amino acid supply is essential for embryo development and fetal growth. We have studied amino acid composition and branched chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism at day 6 p.c. in diabetic rabbits and blastocysts. In the plasma of diabetic rabbits the concentrations of 12 amino acids were altered in comparison to the controls. Notably, the concentrations of the BCAA leucine, isoleucine and valine were approximately three-fold higher in diabetic rabbits than in the control. In the cavity fluid of blastocysts from diabetic rabbits BCAA concentrations were twice as high as those from controls, indicating a close link between maternal diabetes and embryonic BCAA metabolism. The expression of BCAA oxidizing enzymes and BCAA transporter was analysed in maternal tissues and in blastocysts. The RNA amounts of three oxidizing enzymes, i.e. branched chain aminotransferase 2 (Bcat2), branched chain ketoacid dehydrogenase (Bckdha) and dehydrolipoyl dehydrogenase (Dld), were markedly increased in maternal adipose tissue and decreased in liver and skeletal muscle of diabetic rabbits than in those of controls. Blastocysts of diabetic rabbits revealed a higher Bcat2 mRNA and protein abundance in comparison to control blastocysts. The expression of BCAA transporter LAT1 and LAT2 were unaltered in endometrium of diabetic and healthy rabbits, whereas LAT2 transcripts were increased in blastocysts of diabetic rabbits. In correlation to high embryonic BCAA levels the phosphorylation amount of the nutrient sensor mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) was enhanced in blastocysts caused by maternal diabetes. These results demonstrate a direct impact of maternal diabetes on BCAA concentrations and degradation in mammalian blastocysts with influence on embryonic mTOR signalling.

Comparison of sarcolemmal calcium channel current in rabbit and rat ventricular myocytes.

PubMed Central

Yuan, W; Ginsburg, K S; Bers, D M

1996-01-01

1. Fundamental properties of Ca2+ channel currents in rat and rabbit ventricular myocytes were measured using whole cell voltage clamp. 2. In rat, as compared with rabbit myocytes, Ca2+ channel current (ICa) was half-activated at about 10 mV more negative potential, decayed slower, was half-inactivated (in steady state) at about 5 mV more positive potential, and recovered faster from inactivation. 3. These features result in a larger steady-state window current in rat, and also suggest that under comparable voltage clamp conditions, including action potential (AP) clamp, more Ca2+ influx would be expected in rat myocytes. 4. Ca2+ channel current carried by Na+ and Cs+ in the absence of divalent ions (Ins) also activated at more negative potential and decayed more slowly in rat. 5. The reversal potential for Ins was 6 mV more positive in rabbit, consistent with a larger permeability ratio (PNa/PCs) in rabbit than in rat. ICa also reversed at slightly more positive potentials in rabbit (such that PCa/PCs might also be higher). 6. Ca2+ influx was calculated by integration of ICa evoked by voltage clamp pulses (either square pulses or pulses based on recorded rabbit or rat APs). For a given clamp waveform, the Ca2+ influx was up to 25% greater in rat, as predicted from the fundamental properties of ICa and Ins. 7. However, the longer duration of the AP in rabbit myocytes compensated for the difference in influx, such that the integrated Ca2+ influx via ICa in response to the species-appropriate waveform was about twice as large as that seen in rat. PMID:8799895

Solexa-Sequencing Based Transcriptome Study of Plaice Skin Phenotype in Rex Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

PubMed Central

Pan, Lei; Liu, Yan; Wei, Qiang; Xiao, Chenwen; Ji, Quanan; Bao, Guolian; Wu, Xinsheng

2015-01-01

Background Fur is an important genetically-determined characteristic of domestic rabbits; rabbit furs are of great economic value. We used the Solexa sequencing technology to assess gene expression in skin tissues from full-sib Rex rabbits of different phenotypes in order to explore the molecular mechanisms associated with fur determination. Methodology/Principal Findings Transcriptome analysis included de novo assembly, gene function identification, and gene function classification and enrichment. We obtained 74,032,912 and 71,126,891 short reads of 100 nt, which were assembled into 377,618 unique sequences by Trinity strategy (N50=680 nt). Based on BLAST results with known proteins, 50,228 sequences were identified at a cut-off E-value ≥ 10-5. Using Blast to Gene Ontology (GO), Clusters of Orthologous Groups (KOG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), we obtained several genes with important protein functions. A total of 308 differentially expressed genes were obtained by transcriptome analysis of plaice and un-plaice phenotype animals; 209 additional differentially expressed genes were not found in any database. These genes included 49 that were only expressed in plaice skin rabbits. The novel genes may play important roles during skin growth and development. In addition, 99 known differentially expressed genes were assigned to PI3K-Akt signaling, focal adhesion, and ECM-receptor interactin, among others. Growth factors play a role in skin growth and development by regulating these signaling pathways. We confirmed the altered expression levels of seven target genes by qRT-PCR. And chosen a key gene for SNP to found the differentially between plaice and un-plaice phenotypes rabbit. Conclusions/Significance The rabbit transcriptome profiling data provide new insights in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying rabbit skin growth and development. PMID:25955442

Histopathological and biomechanical evaluation of bone healing properties of DBM and DBM-G90 in a rabbit model.

PubMed

Meimandi Parizi, Abdolhamid; Oryan, Ahmad; Haddadi, Shahram; Bigham Sadegh, Amin

2015-01-01

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of DBM and DBM-G90 on bone healing in a rabbit model. Thirty male white albino rabbits were used in this study. An incision was made in all rabbits under general anesthesia directly over the radius in order to expose it. A 10-mm segmental defect was created on the middle portion of each radius. The defects of 10 rabbits (Group I) were filled with DBM Block and Strip (Zimmer, Inc., Warsaw, IN, USA), the defects of 10 rabbits (Group II) were filled with DBM soaked in G90, and the defects of 10 rabbits (Group III/control) were left empty. The rabbits were euthanized at 60 days postoperatively for histopathological and biomechanical evaluation. At the histopathologic level, the defects of the animals in the DBM and DBM-G90 groups showed more advanced healing criteria than those of the control group. In biomechanical findings, there was a statistically significant difference between the injured bones and contralateral normal bones of the control group in terms of measured strength. There was not a statistically significant difference between the treated bones of the DBM and DBM-G90 groups with contralateral normal bones, nor was there a statistically significant difference between the treated bones of the DBM and DBM-G90 groups with the treated bones of the control group, in terms of other biomechanical tests. Based on the histopathological and biomechanical findings, the DBM and DBM-G90 groups demonstrated superior osteogenic potential; however, G90 shows no superiority over DBM on bone healing.

Predictors of early mortality after rabbit antithymocyte globulin as first-line treatment in severe aplastic anemia.

PubMed

Atta, Elias H; Lima, Carlos B L; Dias, Danielle S P; Clé, Diego V; Bonduel, Mariana M; Sciuccati, Gabriela B; Medeiros, Larissa A; Oliveira, Michel M; Salvino, Marco A; Garanito, Marlene P; Blum Fonseca, Patricia B; Saad, Sara Teresinha O; Calado, Rodrigo T; Scheinberg, Phillip

2017-11-01

Despite being recommended as first-line immunosuppressive therapy in severe aplastic anemia (SAA), horse antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is still unavailable in many countries outside the USA. Rabbit ATG is more lymphocytoxic than horse ATG, and this might result in a higher incidence of severe infections and early mortality. This study was designed to identify the risk factors for early mortality and overall survival (OS) after rabbit ATG in patients with SAA. We retrospectively reviewed 185 patients with SAA who underwent rabbit ATG and cyclosporine. The incidence of death in 3 months following rabbit ATG therapy was 15.1% (28/185). Early mortality was mainly related to infectious complications, despite adequate antibiotic and/or antifungal treatment. Age > 35 years (odds ratio [OR] 5.06, P = 0.001) and baseline absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≤ 0.1 × 10 9 /L (OR 7.64, P < 0.001) were independent risk factors for early mortality after immunosuppressive therapy with this agent. Hematological response at 6 months was observed in only 29.7% of all patients. OS at 1 year after rabbit ATG was 75.3%; and age > 35 years (OR 1.88, P = 0.03), baseline ANC ≤ 0.1 × 10 9 /L (OR 2.65, P < 0.001), and lack of response to rabbit ATG (OR 11.40, P < 0.001) were independently associated with mortality. Alternative strategies are needed for the treatment of SAA patients in countries were horse ATG is unavailable, particularly for those at high risk for early mortality after rabbit ATG due to a higher age and very low pre-treatment neutrophil count.

Maternal Diabetes Leads to Adaptation in Embryonic Amino Acid Metabolism during Early Pregnancy

PubMed Central

Gürke, Jacqueline; Hirche, Frank; Thieme, René; Haucke, Elisa; Schindler, Maria; Stangl, Gabriele I.; Fischer, Bernd; Navarrete Santos, Anne

2015-01-01

During pregnancy an adequate amino acid supply is essential for embryo development and fetal growth. We have studied amino acid composition and branched chain amino acid (BCAA) metabolism at day 6 p.c. in diabetic rabbits and blastocysts. In the plasma of diabetic rabbits the concentrations of 12 amino acids were altered in comparison to the controls. Notably, the concentrations of the BCAA leucine, isoleucine and valine were approximately three-fold higher in diabetic rabbits than in the control. In the cavity fluid of blastocysts from diabetic rabbits BCAA concentrations were twice as high as those from controls, indicating a close link between maternal diabetes and embryonic BCAA metabolism. The expression of BCAA oxidizing enzymes and BCAA transporter was analysed in maternal tissues and in blastocysts. The RNA amounts of three oxidizing enzymes, i.e. branched chain aminotransferase 2 (Bcat2), branched chain ketoacid dehydrogenase (Bckdha) and dehydrolipoyl dehydrogenase (Dld), were markedly increased in maternal adipose tissue and decreased in liver and skeletal muscle of diabetic rabbits than in those of controls. Blastocysts of diabetic rabbits revealed a higher Bcat2 mRNA and protein abundance in comparison to control blastocysts. The expression of BCAA transporter LAT1 and LAT2 were unaltered in endometrium of diabetic and healthy rabbits, whereas LAT2 transcripts were increased in blastocysts of diabetic rabbits. In correlation to high embryonic BCAA levels the phosphorylation amount of the nutrient sensor mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) was enhanced in blastocysts caused by maternal diabetes. These results demonstrate a direct impact of maternal diabetes on BCAA concentrations and degradation in mammalian blastocysts with influence on embryonic mTOR signalling. PMID:26020623

Augmentation of Chemotherapeutic Infusion Effect by TSU-68, an Oral Targeted Antiangiogenic Agent, in a Rabbit VX2 Liver Tumor Model

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Hyo-Cheol; Chung, Jin Wook, E-mail: chungjw@snu.ac.kr; Choi, Seung Hong

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the in vivo effects of combination therapy with TSU-68 and chemotherapeutic infusion in a rabbit VX2 liver tumor model. Methods: This study was approved by the animal care committee at our institute. Three weeks before chemotherapeutic infusion, VX2 carcinoma was implanted into the livers of 32 rabbits. One week after chemotherapeutic infusion, vehicle was administered orally for 3 weeks in the control group (n = 16), and TSU-68 was administered orally at a daily dose of 200 mg/kg for 3 weeks in the treated group (n = 16). Computed tomography (CT) was performedmore » before and 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after chemotherapeutic infusion. Tumor response was assessed according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) on CT scan. The maximum thickness of viable tumor was measured on microscopic sections. Results: According to the RECIST, stable disease was observed in 9 (56%) rabbits and progressive disease in 7 (44%) in the control group, whereas partial response was observed in 1 (6%) rabbit and stable disease in 15 (94%) in the treated group. On pathologic examination, a viable lesion was present in 12 (75%) rabbits in the control group and in 6 (38%) rabbits in the treated group (P = 0.073). The mean maximum thickness of viable tumor in the treated group was significantly smaller than that in the control group (0.74 mm vs. 3.39 mm; P = 0.02). Conclusions: Oral administration of TSU-68 augmented the effect of chemotherapeutic infusion in a rabbit VX2 liver tumor model.« less

Protective effect of exercise and alpha tocopherol on atherosclerosis promotion in hypercholesterolemic domestic rabbits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shekh, Mudhir S.; Mahmud, Almas M. R.

2017-09-01

This study was designed to determine effects of exercise training (Moderate and severe) and alpha tocopherol on lipid profiles and organ weights in hypercholesterolemic domestic rabbits. Hypercholesterolemia (HC) and atherosclerotic lesions were induced by feeding the male rabbits the standard chow supplemented with 1% cholesterol (atherogenic diet) for 36 days. Experimental rabbits were divided into seven groups: normal (T1), HC control (T2), HC plus alpha tocopherol (0.5mg /animal/day) (T3), HC plus moderate exercise 40 minutes/day (0.5km/day) 5 days/week (T4), HC plus severe exercise 40 minutes/day (1km/day) 5 days/week (T5), HC plus alpha tocopherol plus moderate exercise (T6) and HC plus alpha tocopherol plus severe exercise (T7). After the treatment period of 36th day, blood samples were collected and total cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol, High-density lipoproteins (HDL)-cholesterol, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, serum glucose, body and organ weights were assayed and compared with hypercholesterolemic control. Combination of moderate exercise with alpha tocopherol produced significant reduction (P<0.01) in TG and high significant decrement (P<0.001), in VLDL-cholesterol, TC and LDL-cholesterol compared with hypercholesterolemic rabbits. Serum TC, LDL and VLDL (P<0.001) and TG (P<0.01) significantly increased when compared with normal rabbits diet, while, HDL decreased (P<0.05) significantly. Severe exercise group showed no significant change in all lipid profiles. However, the decrement in the above parameters was comparable with hypercholesterolemic rabbits in combination of severe exercise with alpha tocopherol. The results suggest that the combination of moderate exercise with alpha tocopherol can be exploited for prevention of atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Anterior Segment Alterations and Comparative Aqueous Humor Proteomics in the Buphthalmic Rabbit (An American Ophthalmological Society Thesis)

PubMed Central

Edward, Deepak P.; Bouhenni, Rachida

2011-01-01

Purpose To use an integrated proteohistologic approach to gain insight into the anterior segment alterations in the buphthalmic rabbit. Methods Eyes from 2- and 5-year-old buphthalmic and normal rabbits (n=20) were studied histologically. Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) of aqueous humor (AH) was used to determine differential protein expression between animal groups. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were performed on selected differentially expressed proteins identified by LC-MS/MS. Results The buphthalmic rabbits manifested a mild clinical phenotype with typical angle anomalies that appeared progressive by histology. Significantly thickened Descemet’s membrane (DM) and anterior lens capsule in all buphthalmic rabbits showed increased fibronectin and collagen-IV immunolabeling. LC-MS/MS applying stringent filtering criteria revealed significant differential expression of several AH proteins in these rabbits. The protein of interest in the 2-year-old group was histidine-rich glycoprotein, and those in the 5-year-old group included alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, clusterin, apolipoprotein E, interphotoreceptor retinoid-binding protein, transthyretin, cochlin, gelsolin, haptoglobin, hemopexin, and beta-2 microglobulin. The proteomic data for selected proteins was validated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. A wide range of functional groups were affected by the altered AH proteins. These included extracellular matrix modulation, regulation of apoptosis, oxidative stress, and protein transport. Conclusions Multiple anterior segment alterations were histologically identified in the buphthalmic rabbits that showed progressive changes with age. The differentially expressed AH proteins in these rabbits suggest a multifunctional role for AH in modulating pathologic changes in DM, anterior lens capsule, and the angular meshwork in these animals. PMID:22253484

Effects of feed-borne Fusarium mycotoxins on performance, serum chemistry, and intestinal histology of New Zealand White fryer rabbits.

PubMed

Hewitt, M A; Girgis, G N; Brash, M; Smith, T K

2012-12-01

The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of feeding diets containing grains naturally contaminated with Fusarium mycotoxins to fryer rabbits. The efficacy of a glucomannan mycotoxin adsorbent (GMA) was also examined. Thirty 5-wk-old male New Zealand White rabbits were fed a control diet, a contaminated diet, or a contaminated diet + 0.2% GMA for 21 d. Experimental diets contained deoxynivalenol (DON; vomitoxin) at a concentration of 0.25, 4.3, and 4.9 μg/g, respectively. Feed intake was measured daily and water intake was measured every 3 d. At the end of the feeding period, blood was collected for evaluation of serum chemistry and hematology. Visceral organs were excised, weighed, and processed for histopathological examination. Body weight gain and water intake were greater in rabbits fed the contaminated diet (P = 0.075 and 0.020, respectively) and those fed the contaminated + GMA diet (P = 0.026 and 0.002, respectively) compared with controls. Rabbits fed the contaminated + GMA diet had significantly increased serum urea concentrations (P = 0.023) and decreased serum alkaline phosphatase activity (P = 0.020) compared with controls. Increase in BW gain of rabbits fed the contaminated diets was caused by increased water consumption. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of diet on relative organ weights, but decreased infiltrations with eosinophilic granulocytes were observed in different regions of the intestine in rabbits fed the contaminated or the contaminated + GMA diet. It was concluded that rabbits could be adversely affected by feed-borne Fusarium mycotoxins but appear to be less sensitive than other mammalian species. Supplementation with GMA did not reduce many of the effects of feed-borne mycotoxins.

[Pathological changes of the blood vessels in rabbit femoral head with glucocorticoid-induced necrosis].

PubMed

Hu, Zhi-ming; Wang, Hai-bin; Zhou, Ming-qian; Yao, Xin-sheng; Ma, Li; Wang, Xiao-ning

2006-06-01

To observe the pathological changes in the blood vessels in rabbit femoral head with glucocorticoid-induced necrosis and investigate the pathogenesis of glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups, namely group A. which was injected with horse serum and prednisone and group B as the control group. Chinese ink was injected into the femoral cavity of the rabbits to observe the blood vessels in the femoral head under optical microscope and the femoral head was examined histopathologically. Compared with the normal control group, the rabbits in group A had significantly decreased number of perfused vessels, which was featured by defective perfusion, osteocytie pyknosis or necrosis, increase of empty ostoocyte lacunae and fat cells, decrease of hematopoietic tissue, and blood vessel occlusion. Vascular occlusion and vasculitis due to glucocorticoid treatment may cause avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

Medium-chain fatty acid synthesis in lactating-rabbit mammary gland. Intracellular concentration and specificity of medium-chain acyl thioester hydrolase.

PubMed Central

Knudsen, J

1979-01-01

The concentration of medium-chain acyl thioester hydrolase and of fatty acid synthetase was determined by rocket immunoelectrophoresis in nine different particle-free supernatant fractions from lactating-rabbit mammary gland. The molar ratio of the hydrolase to fatty acid synthetase was 1.99 +/- 0.66 (mean +/- S.D.). A rate-limiting concentration of malonyl-CoA was required to ensure the predominant synthesis of medium-chain fatty acids when 2 mol of the hydrolase was added per mol of fatty acid synthetase. The interaction of the hydrolase with fatty acid synthetase was concentration-dependent, though an optimum concentration of hydrolase to synthetase could not be obtained. The lactating-rabbit mammary gland hydrolase altered the pattern of fatty acids synthesized by fatty acid synthetases prepared from cow, goat, sheep and rabbit lactating mammary glands, rabbit liver and cow adipose tissue. PMID:574008

Eyeblink conditioning in the developing rabbit

PubMed Central

Brown, Kevin L.; Woodruff-Pak, Diana S.

2011-01-01

Eyeblink classical conditioning in pre-weanling rabbits was examined in the present study. Using a custom lightweight headpiece and restrainer, New Zealand white littermates were trained once daily in 400 ms delay eyeblink classical conditioning from postnatal days (PD) 17–21 or PD 24–28. These ages were chosen because eyeblink conditioning emerges gradually over PD 17–24 in rats (Stanton, Freeman, & Skelton, 1992), another altricial species with neurodevelopmental features similar to those of rabbits. Consistent with well-established findings in rats, rabbits trained from PD 24–28 showed greater conditioning relative to littermates trained from PD 17–21. Both age groups displayed poor retention of eyeblink conditioning at retraining one month after acquisition. These findings are the first to demonstrate eyeblink conditioning in the developing rabbit. With further characterization of optimal conditioning parameters, this preparation may have applications to neurodevelopmental disease models as well as research exploring the ontogeny of memory. PMID:21953433

Pyrogenicity of polyadenylic.polyuridylic acid in rabbits.

PubMed

Won, S J; Lin, M T

1991-05-01

Polyadenylic.polyuridylic acid injected intravenously into rabbits produced a rapid-onset, monophasic fever. Pyrogenic tolerance occurred in rabbits following daily injections of polyadenylic.polyuridylic acid. However, direct injection of the agent into the preoptic anterior hypothalamic region of rabbit's brain produced a markedly different fever. After an intrahypothalamic injection of polyadenylic.polyuridylic acid, fever was delayed in onset and persisted for a longer period. At room temperature, the fever was due to both increased metabolism and cutaneous vasoconstriction. In a colder atmosphere the fever was due solely to increased metabolism, whereas in the heat the fever was due to reduction in cutaneous blood flow and respiratory evaporative heat loss. In addition, the fever induced by intravenous polyadenylic.polyuridylic acid injection was reversed by a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, but not by a protein synthesis inhibitor. Polyadenylic.polyuridylic acid was shown to stimulate PGE2 production from rabbit's hypothalamus in vitro. The results reveal that this agent is a prostaglandin-dependent pyrogen.

In vitro cell response of Treponema pallidum-infected rabbits. III. Impairment in production of lymphocyte mitogenic factor.

PubMed Central

Wicher, V; Wicher, K

1977-01-01

Production of mitogenic factor was examined in rabbits infected intratesticularly with T. pallidum and in control animals injected with saline or saline extract of normal rabbits' testes. Lymph nodes and spleen from animals killed 2, 6 and 12 weeks after injection were used as the source of lymphocytes, cultured in serum-free medium in the presence of Reiter antigen. The active supernatants of lymph node cells (LNAS) and spleen cells (SPAS) were examined for the presence of mitogenic factor using normal rabbit peripheral lymphocytes. The LNAS of control animals showed a mitogenic index (MI) between 4 and 6 and the infected animals less than 2. The SPAS of infected and control rabbits showed an MI of less than 2. The lower mitogenicity in LNAS of infected and that of SPAS of infected and control animals seems to be due to the presence of inhibitors of DNA synthesis. PMID:303968

The role of rabbit meat as functional food.

PubMed

Dalle Zotte, Antonella; Szendro, Zsolt

2011-07-01

Increasing consumer knowledge of the link between diet and health has raised the awareness and demand for functional food ingredients. Meat and its derivatives may be considered functional foods to the extent that they contain numerous compounds thought to be functional. This review will attempt to outline the excellent nutritional and dietetic properties of rabbit meat and offer an overview of the studies performed on the strategies adopted to improve the functional value of rabbit meat. Dietary manipulation has been seen to be very effective in increasing the levels of essential FA, EPA, DHA, CLA, branched chain FA, vitamin E, and selenium in rabbit meat. Dietary fortification with vitamin E or natural products such as oregano essential oil, chia seed oil, and Spirulina platensis microalga seem promising in improving the oxidative stability of rabbit meat while also adding functional ingredients. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Infectious nature of Clostridium spiroforme-mediated rabbit enterotoxaemia.

PubMed

Carman, R J; Borriello, S P

1984-09-01

Newly weaned rabbits had diarrhoea only if they were infected with Clostridium spiroforme. In adult rabbits exposure to both clindamycin and C. spiroforme was necessary to induce disease. All diseased animals harboured C. spiroforme and its toxin. Adult rabbits given a course of clindamycin survived when held in a protected environment as did those challenged with C. spiroforme alone. At necropsy none of these apparently healthy animals showed signs of diarrhoea or caecitis. These findings suggest that, in the development of enterotoxaemia, weaning or clindamycin treatment and infection with C. spiroforme are separate events and that disease follows infection with this organism from the environment, as opposed to overgrowth by undetectable levels of C. spiroforme resident in the gut. Our data indicate that C. spiroforme is not a normal component of the rabbit gut flora and that the normal bowel ecology of the adult must be disrupted before C. spiroforme will colonize.

Localization of human coagulation factor VIII (hFVIII) in transgenic rabbit by FISH-TSA: identification of transgene copy number and transmission to the next generation.

PubMed

Krylov, V; Tlapáková, T; Mácha, J; Curlej, J; Ryban, L; Chrenek, P

2008-01-01

For chromosomal localization of the hFVIII human transgene in F2 and F3 generation of transgenic rabbits, FISH-TSA was applied. A short cDNA probe (1250 bp) targeted chromosomes 3, 7, 8, 9 and 18 of an F2 male (animal 1-3-8). Two transgenic offspring (F3) revealed signal positions in chromosome 3 and chromosomes 3 and 7, respectively. Sequencing and structure analysis of the rabbit orthologous gene revealed high similarity to its human counterpart. Part of the sequenced cDNA (1310 bp) served as a probe for FISH-TSA analysis. The rabbit gene was localized in the q arm terminus of the X chromosome. This result is in agreement with reciprocal chromosome painting between the rabbit and the human. The presented FISH-TSA method provides strong signals without any interspecies reactivity.

[Effect of protopine on rabbit platelet function].

PubMed

Ma, G Y; Zhang, Z Z; Chen, Z H

1994-07-01

Protopine (Pro) inhibited dose-dependently rabbit platelet aggregation induced by ADP, arachidonic acid (AA), collagen, or aggregoserpentin of Trimeresurus mucrosquamatus venom (TMVA) in vitro. Their IC50 were 25.3, 30.5, 46.9, 33.4 mumol.L-1, respectively. Pro 10, 20 mg.kg-1 iv also inhibited the platelet aggregation induced by these inducers. The effects (maximal at 5 min) lasted 1 h. By using fluorophotometry and RIA, it was seen that Pro suppressed the release of 5-HT from platelets during aggregation induced by collagen, AA, or TMVM in vitro. Pro did not block the formation of thromboxane A2 during aggregation induced by AA and did not increase the content of cAMP in rabbit platelet, but increased the content of cGMP in rabbit platelets. The antiplatelet effect of Pro may be related to an increase cGMP in rabbit platelets and the suppression of the release of the active substances from platelets.

Results of a conservation agreement and strategy for Rabbit Valley gilia (Gilia caespitosa)

Treesearch

L. A. Armstrong; T. O. Clark; R. B. Campbell

2001-01-01

Gilia caespitosa Gray (Rabbit Valley gilia) is a rare species restricted to scattered occurrences from the northern Waterpocket Fold to Thousand Lakes Mountain and Rabbit Valley in Wayne County, Utah. This species is a very narrow endemic, known only from unstable and faulting soils of detrital Navajo Sandstone. Species occurrences are often found with limited numbers...

Hepatitis E Virus in 3 Types of Laboratory Animals, China, 2012-2015.

PubMed

Wang, Lin; Zhang, Yulin; Gong, Wanyun; Song, William Tianshi; Wang, Ling

2016-12-01

We found seroprevalences for hepatitis E virus (HEV) of 7.5%, 18.5%, and 83.3% in specific pathogen-free (SPF) laboratory rabbits, monkeys, and pigs, respectively, in China. HEV RNA was detected in 4.8% of SPF rabbits, and 11 rabbits had latent infections. Screening for HEV in SPF animals before relevant experiments are conducted is recommended.

Effects of total body irradiation and cyclosporin a on the lethality of toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 in a rabbit model of toxic shock syndrome.

PubMed

Dinges, Martin M; Gregerson, Dale S; Tripp, Timothy J; McCormick, John K; Schlievert, Patrick M

2003-10-15

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) may be mediated by superantigen-activated T cells, a theory we tested in rabbits, which are more susceptible to the lethal effects of superantigens, such as TSS toxin-1 (TSST-1), than are mice. Rabbits exposed to 10 cGy of total body irradiation exhibited T cell deficiency, with profound depletion of splenic lymphocytes and circulating CD4(+) lymphocytes, as well as an inability to manifest delayed-type hypersensitivity. Nevertheless, these rabbits remained completely susceptible to TSST-1, indicating that TSS can occur in the setting of marked immunosuppression.

Factors influencing the immune response. III. The blocking effect of Corynebacterium parvum upon the induction of acquired immunological unresponsiveness to bovine serum albumin in the adult rabbit

PubMed Central

Pinckard, R. N.; Weir, D. M.; McBride, W. H.

1968-01-01

The intravenous injection of 10 mg aggregate-free, centrifuged bovine albumin into adult rabbits has been shown to induce an unresponsive state to bovine serum albumin (BSA) in the majority of rabbits. An intravenous injection of 15 mg of a heat-killed suspension of Corynebacterium parvum either 6 days prior to or simultaneously with centrifuged bovine albumin has been shown to significantly block the induction of unresponsiveness to BSA. Some effects of C. parvum upon the lymphoreticular tissues in the rabbit are reported. ImagesFig. 1Fig. 2 PMID:5301938

Powassan viral encephalitis: a review and experimental studies in the horse and rabbit.

PubMed

Little, P B; Thorsen, J; Moore, W; Weninger, N

1985-09-01

Powassan virus strain M794, a member of the Flavivirus genus known to infect man and animals in Canada, was inoculated intracerebrally into rabbits and horses. No clinical signs were observed in rabbits, but widespread encephalitis resulted, characterized by lymphoid perivascular cuffing, lymphocytic meningitis, and lymphocytic choroiditis. In horses, eight days after inoculation, prominent neurological signs occurred and lesions were those of non-suppurative encephalomyelitis, neuronal necrosis, and focal parenchymal necrosis. The virus could not be reisolated from the rabbit or horse brains. Pathologic features, useful in separating some of the common North American equine neurological diseases, are discussed.

Type 5 and 8 capsular polysaccharides are expressed by Staphylococcus aureus isolates from rabbits, poultry, pigs, and horses.

PubMed Central

Poutrel, B; Sutra, L

1993-01-01

A total of 103 Staphylococcus aureus isolates from rabbits (n = 37), poultry (n = 33), pigs (n = 27), and horses (n = 6) and 14 Staphylococcus intermedius isolates from wild animals were serotyped for capsular polysaccharide types 5 and 8 by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using polyclonal rabbit antibodies. About 98% of the S. aureus isolates were typeable. Type 5 was predominant in the poultry (75.8%) and pig (66.7%) isolates, whereas type 8 was more frequent among the isolates from rabbits (59.5%) and horses (83.3%). By contrast, none of the 14 S. intermedius isolates was typeable. PMID:8432841

Effect of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) or Olea europaea (olive) leaves on oxidative stability of rabbit meat fortified with n-3 fatty acids.

PubMed

Trebušak, Tina; Levart, Alenka; Salobir, Janez; Pirman, Tatjana

2014-03-01

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom) or Olea europaea (olive tree) leaves on oxidative stability of rabbit meat fortified with n-3 fatty acids. Forty-eight slovenska kunka (SIKA) rabbits were divided into four homogeneous groups. The control group (CONT-) received diet with 6% palm fat; other groups received diet with 6% linseed oil and were either unsupplemented (CONT+) or supplemented with 1% of G. lucidum (REISHI) or O. europaea leaves (OLIVE). Rabbits were slaughtered and fatty acid composition, concentration of vitamin E and malondialdehyde (MDA) in back muscle were analyzed. The results showed that linseed oil addition improved fatty acid composition by increasing polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) proportion, decreasing proportion of saturated fatty acid (SFA) and reducing n-6/n-3 ratio in rabbit meat. Groups that were supplemented with linseed oil had lower content of α-tocopherol and higher content of γ-tocopherol, compared to the CONT- group. The addition of potential antioxidants did not effectively prevent oxidation of rabbit meat. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Electroacupuncture analgesia in a rabbit ovariohysterectomy.

PubMed

Parmen, Valentin

2014-02-01

This study investigated the effectiveness of electroacupuncture analgesia (EAA) at local and paravertebral acupoints for a rabbit undergoing an ovariohysterectomy. Twelve clinically healthy New Zealand white rabbits were chosen and divided into two groups: the control group (5 rabbits) and the experimental group (7 rabbits). A neuroleptanalgesic (ketamine + xylazine) was administered to the control group (NLA group); the experimental group received EAA treatment (EAA group). The EAA treatment includes one acupuncture formula for local stimulation at the incision site and systemic stimulation. Results of clinical research have shown postoperative analgesia using EAA treatment to be superior to that using NLA. The average postoperative recovery time was 5.2 times longer in the NLA group than in the EAA group. Because consciousness was maintained, EAA presented an advantage in thermoregulation. Animals administered NLA had prolonged thermal homeostasis because of neurovegetative disconnection. For the EAA group, the operative times were characterized as excellent (28%, p = 0.28) or good (72%, p = 0.72). Local stimulation at the incision site provided excellent analgesia of the abdominal wall (100%). In conclusion, EA can provide general analgesia with a considerable analgesic effect for a rabbit undergoing an ovariohysterectomy, resulting in a short postoperative recovery time. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

Metabolism of tilmicosin by rabbit liver microsomes and hepatocytes.

PubMed

Montesissa, C; Capolongo, F; Santi, A; Biancotto, G; Dacasto, M

2004-01-01

We investigated tilmicosin (TIM) metabolism, at 25, 50 or 100 microM, in cultures of primary hepatocytes from rabbits bred commercially for food and in liver microsomes prepared from both untreated and rifampicin (RIF)-treated rabbits. RIF is a well-known cytochrome P4503A (CYP 3A) inducer in rabbits and most macrolides are known to be substrates of CYP 3A. No peaks in addition to those of the cis and trans forms of TIM were observed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in extracts of microsomes from untreated rabbits. When TIM was incubated with induced microsomes, at least two peaks were found by HPLC and an additional peak, eluting at shorter retention time was isolated from hepatocytes incubated for 24h with the macrolide. The structures of the metabolites were then estimated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) in concentrated extracts from induced microsomes. Five metabolites were separated and putatively identified: cis and trans demethylated tilmicosin, tilmicosin N-oxide and cis and trans tilmicosin epoxide. The overall amount of metabolites produced in vitro using livers of untreated and RIF treated rabbits was very low, has also been observed in vivo and in vitro in cattle, chickens and pigs.

Does platelet-rich plasma have a favorable effect in the early stages of steroid-associated femoral head osteonecrosis in a rabbit model?

PubMed

Karakaplan, Mustafa; Gülabi, Deniz; Topgül, Haldun; Elmalı, Nurzat

2017-08-01

This study aims to investigate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on femoral head osteonecrosis and compare it with bone marrow injection and core decompression. A total of 30 healthy, adult, male New Zealand white rabbits (mean weight 2.25±0.15 kg; range 2.0 to 2.5 kg) were used in the study. To create experimental osteonecrosis in all rabbits, 40 mg/kg methylprednisolone acetate was applied intramuscularly. Rabbits were randomly allocated into three groups with 10 rabbits in each: drilling group, PRP group, and bone marrow group. The non-drilled hips of the drilling group were identified as the control group. Rate of necrotic bone was lower in the PRP group compared to other groups. Highest rate of necrotic bone was detected in the control group. New bone formation rate was higher in the PRP group compared to other groups. Lowest new bone formation rate was determined in the control group. Inflammatory reaction rate was higher in the PRP group compared to other groups. Platelet-rich plasma injection may play a positive role in the treatment of steroid-associated osteonecrosis in a rabbit model.

[Study on the sense neuropeptides of nasal mucosa in the allergic rhinitis animal model].

PubMed

Shi, Song; Zhou, Shuimiao

2006-06-01

To explore the roles of the sense neuropeptides in allergic rhinitis by observing their changes in the nasal mucosa after cutting the nasal autonomic nervous. (1) Twelve rabbits were divided into two groups: group A (sensitized) and group B (control). Four rabbits were killed respectively in one and four weeks in group A after being sensitized . Two rabbits were killed respectively at the same time in group B. Their nasal mucosa were collected for detecting substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) by immunohistochemistry. (2) Twenty-four rabbits were divided into two groups: group A (sphenopalatine nerve was cut), group B (sympathetic nerve was cut). Four rabbits were killed respectively in one, two, and four weeks in group A and B. Their nasal mucosa were collected for immunohistochemistry examination. (1) SP and CGRP were apparently higher in allergic rabbits than non-allergic ones. (2) SP and CGRP decreased apparently in one and two weeks in group A and appeared no difference in four weeks. There were no apparently difference in group B among four weeks. SP and CGRP are correlative with the occurring and developing of all allergic rhinitis.

Intrinsic connectivity of neural networks in the awake rabbit.

PubMed

Schroeder, Matthew P; Weiss, Craig; Procissi, Daniel; Disterhoft, John F; Wang, Lei

2016-04-01

The way in which the brain is functionally connected into different networks has emerged as an important research topic in order to understand normal neural processing and signaling. Since some experimental manipulations are difficult or unethical to perform in humans, animal models are better suited to investigate this topic. Rabbits are a species that can undergo MRI scanning in an awake and conscious state with minimal preparation and habituation. In this study, we characterized the intrinsic functional networks of the resting New Zealand White rabbit brain using BOLD fMRI data. Group independent component analysis revealed seven networks similar to those previously found in humans, non-human primates and/or rodents including the hippocampus, default mode, cerebellum, thalamus, and visual, somatosensory, and parietal cortices. For the first time, the intrinsic functional networks of the resting rabbit brain have been elucidated demonstrating the rabbit's applicability as a translational animal model. Without the confounding effects of anesthetics or sedatives, future experiments may employ rabbits to understand changes in neural connectivity and brain functioning as a result of experimental manipulation (e.g., temporary or permanent network disruption, learning-related changes, and drug administration). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Vaccine breaks: Outbreaks of myxomatosis on Spanish commercial rabbit farms.

PubMed

Dalton, K P; Nicieza, I; de Llano, D; Gullón, J; Inza, M; Petralanda, M; Arroita, Z; Parra, F

2015-08-05

Despite the success of vaccination against myxoma virus, myxomatosis remains a problem on rabbit farms throughout Spain and Europe. In this study we set out to evaluate possible causes of myxoma virus (MYXV) vaccine failures addressing key issues with regard to pathogen, vaccine and vaccination strategies. This was done by genetically characterising MYXV field isolates from farm outbreaks, selecting a representative strain for which to assay its virulence and measuring the protective capability of a commercial vaccine against this strain. Finally, we compare methods (route) of vaccine administration under farm conditions and evaluate immune response in vaccinated rabbits. The data presented here show that the vaccine tested is capable of eliciting protection in rabbits that show high levels of seroconversion. However, the number of animals failing to seroconvert following subcutaneous vaccination may leave a large number of rabbits unprotected following vaccine administration. Successful vaccination requires the strict implication of workable, planned, on farm programs. Following this, analysis to confirm seroconversion rates may be advisable. Factors such as the wild rabbit reservoir, control of biting insects and good hygienic practices must be taken into consideration to prevent vaccine failures from occurring. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Experimental infection of human body lice with Acinetobacter baumannii.

PubMed

Houhamdi, Linda; Raoult, Didier

2006-04-01

The human body louse is currently recognized as a vector of Rickettsia prowazekii, Borrelia recurrentis, and Bartonella quintana. Previous studies have reported the isolation of Acinetobacter baumannii from the body lice of homeless patients. To study how the body louse acquires A. baumannii, we infected a rabbit by infusing 2 x 10(6) colony-forming units of the louse strain of A. baumannii. Two hundred body lice were infected by feeding on the bacteremic rabbit and compared with 200 uninfected lice and two groups of 200 lice feeding on rabbits infected either with another strain of A. baumannii or A. lwoffii. Each louse group received maintenance feedings once a day on another seronegative rabbit. Body lice that fed on rabbits infused with each Acinetobacter species demonstrated a generalized infection. The body lice did not transmit their infection to the nurse rabbit by bite while feeding or to their progeny (eggs and larvae). The lice excreted living Acinetobacter species within their feces. Only the louse strain of A. baumannii was pathogenic for the body louse. An increased mortality rate was observed between the second and third days post-infection; however, they remained infected for their lifespan.

Evaluation of the effects of the powder of Capsicum frutescens on glycemia in growing rabbits

PubMed Central

Dougnon, Tossou Jacques; Gbeassor, Messanvi

2016-01-01

Aim: The present study aims to evaluate zootechnic parameters and blood sugar in rabbits submitted to diets containing different levels of pepper (Capsicum frutescens). Materials and Methods: To this end, 30 rabbits weighing on average 1252±35 g at the beginning of the experiment were subjected to five rations with three repetitions for 56 days: The food R0 (or control) which is floury provender contains 0% of C. frutescens; R5, R10, R15, and R20 provender containing, respectively, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% of C. frutescens fruits’ powder. Rabbits consumed on average from 75.47 to 80.97 g dry matter. Results: Digestibility ranged from 52.39% to 61.01%. The average daily gain and feed consumption index were similar for all diets. Blood glucose was amended by the various servings is 0.98 g/L and 0.88 g/L, respectively, for doses. Conclusion: It appears from this study that rabbits consumed well diets containing C. frutescens. However, C. frutescens’ effect on the growth performances of rabbits is not noticeable. Furthers experiments will be useful to evaluate C. frutescens’ mechanism of action on blood sugar. PMID:27057112

Prostaglandin E2 Levels of Aqueous and Vitreous Humor in Ketorolac 0.4% and Nepafenac 0.1% Administered Healthy Rabbits.

PubMed

Acar, Ugur; Acar, Damla Erginturk; Tanriverdi, Cafer; Acar, Mutlu; Ozdemir, Ozdemir; Erikci, Acelya; Ornek, Firdevs

2017-06-01

To compare the lowering effects of ketorolac 0.4% and nepafenac 0.1% on aqueous and vitreous humor prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ) levels in rabbits. Ketorolac and nepafenac ophthalmic solutions were administered to the right eyes of 24 healthy rabbits after randomized division into two groups. The left eyes of these rabbits were considered as controls for the two groups. On the 4th day of the experiment, the samples were taken from the aqueous and vitreous humors of the rabbits bilaterally, and PGE 2 levels were measured by an enzyme immune assay kit. Ketorolac and nepafenac achieved a statistically significant decrease (p<0.001, for each) in PGE 2 levels in the aqueous (11.75 ± 6.15 and 14.75 ± 7.60 pg/mL, respectively) and the vitreous humor (6.58 ± 4.62 and 9.83 ± 4.55 pg/mL, respectively). Both ketorolac and nepafenac inhibited PGE 2 levels in both the aqueous and vitreous humors of rabbits. Although PGE 2 -lowering effects were similar in the aqueous humor, nepafenac seemed to be more potent than ketorolac in the vitreous humor.

The evaluation of the local tolerance of vaginal formulations containing dapivirine using the Slug Mucosal Irritation test and the rabbit vaginal irritation test.

PubMed

Dhondt, Marijke M M; Adriaens, Els; Roey, Jens Van; Remon, Jean Paul

2005-08-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the local tolerance of vaginal gels (three gels containing dapivirine, the placebo gel, and Conceptrol) with the Slug Mucosal Irritation test and to compare the results with those of the rabbit vaginal irritation test. The irritation potential on the slug mucosa was assessed by the mucus production caused by a repeated treatment for 5 successive days. Additionally, membrane damage was estimated by the protein and enzyme release. By means of a classification prediction model the formulations were classified into four irritation classes. The effect of a 10-day intravaginal application of the gels on the rabbit vaginal and cervical mucosa was evaluated by means of macroscopic and microscopic examination. The placebo and dapivirine gels induced no irritation of the slug mucosa (low mucus production and protein release, no enzyme release) and no vaginal or cervical irritation in rabbits. Conceptrol caused severe irritation of the slug mucosa (increased mucus production, protein release, and enzyme release) and irritation of the rabbit vagina and cervix. The results obtained with the Slug Mucosal Irritation test were comparable to those of the rabbit vaginal irritation test.

Effect of dietary supplementation of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) and Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) on rabbit meat appearance, oxidative stability and fatty acid profile during retail display.

PubMed

Dal Bosco, A; Gerencsér, Zs; Szendrő, Zs; Mugnai, C; Cullere, M; Kovàcs, M; Ruggeri, S; Mattioli, S; Castellini, C; Dalle Zotte, A

2014-01-01

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Spirulina and Thyme supplementation on rabbit meat during retail display. At weaning 294 rabbits were allocated to 7 different treatments (42 rabbits/treatment). Rabbits of the control group (C) received a diet without any supplementation throughout the experiment (5-11 weeks of age). The other groups were fed diets containing 5% Spirulina (S), 3% Thyme (T) or both supplements (ST) for the whole trial (5-11 weeks; treatments S, T and ST), or for a part of the growing period (8-11 weeks; treatments C-S, C-T and C-ST). Colour parameters, pH, water holding capacity and drip loss were determined on fresh and stored Longissimus dorsi muscle of 5 rabbits/treatment. Spirulina- and Thyme-supplemented diets had a significant effect on redness and yellowness of Longissimus dorsi. Drip loss was significantly reduced in C-T and T groups that also showed the highest content of α-tocopherol and n-3 fatty acids content and the lower lipid oxidation. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A citrus flavonoid, nobiletin, suppresses production and gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9/gelatinase B in rabbit synovial fibroblasts.

PubMed

Ishiwa, J; Sato, T; Mimaki, Y; Sashida, Y; Yano, M; Ito, A

2000-01-01

Flavonoids including nobiletin are known to exert many biological actions in vitro. We investigated the chondroprotective effect of citrus flavonoids, especially nobiletin, using cultured rabbit synovial fibroblasts and articular chondrocytes. We examined the effects of citrus flavonoids on the production and gene expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)production in rabbit synovial fibroblasts. Six flavonoids isolated from Citrus depressa Rutaceae including tangeretin, 6-demethoxytangeretin, nobiletin, 5-demethylnobiletin, 6-demethoxynobiletin, and sinensetin suppressed the interleukin 1 (IL-1) induced production of proMMP-9/progelatinase B in rabbit synovial cells in a dose dependent manner (<64 microM); nobiletin most effectively suppressed proMMP-9 production along with the decrease in its mRNA. Nobiletin also reduced IL-1 induced production of PGE2 in the synovial cells, but did not modify the synthesis of total protein. These suppressive effects of nobiletin were also observed in rabbit articular chondrocytes. Nobiletin inhibited proliferation of rabbit synovial fibroblasts in the growth phase. These results suggest nobiletin is a novel antiinflammatory candidate that has the potential to inhibit PGE2 production, matrix degradation of the articular cartilage, and pannus formation in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Validation of serum IGF-I as a biomarker to monitor the bioactivity of exogenous growth hormone agonists and antagonists in rabbits

PubMed Central

Bielohuby, Maximilian; Zarkesh-Esfahani, Sayyed Hamid; Manolopoulou, Jenny; Wirthgen, Elisa; Walpurgis, Katja; Toghiany Khorasgani, Mohaddeseh; Aghili, Zahra Sadat; Wilkinson, Ian Robert; Hoeflich, Andreas; Thevis, Mario; Ross, Richard J.; Bidlingmaier, Martin

2014-01-01

The development of new growth hormone (GH) agonists and growth hormone antagonists (GHAs) requires animal models for pre-clinical testing. Ideally, the effects of treatment are monitored using the same pharmacodynamic marker that is later used in clinical practice. However, intact rodents are of limited value for this purpose because serum IGF-I, the most sensitive pharmacodynamic marker for the action of GH in humans, shows no response to treatment with recombinant human GH and there is little evidence for the effects of GHAs, except when administered at very high doses or when overexpressed. As an alternative, more suitable model, we explored pharmacodynamic markers of GH action in intact rabbits. We performed the first validation of an IGF-I assay for the analysis of rabbit serum and tested precision, sensitivity, linearity and recovery using an automated human IGF-I assay (IDS-iSYS). Furthermore, IGF-I was measured in rabbits of different strains, age groups and sexes, and we monitored IGF-I response to treatment with recombinant human GH or the GHA Pegvisomant. For a subset of samples, we used LC-MS/MS to measure IGF-I, and quantitative western ligand blot to analyze IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). Although recovery of recombinant rabbit IGF-I was only 50% in the human IGF-I assay, our results show that the sensitivity, precision (1.7–3.3% coefficient of variation) and linearity (90.4–105.6%) were excellent in rabbit samples. As expected, sex, age and genetic background were major determinants of IGF-I concentration in rabbits. IGF-I and IGFBP-2 levels increased after single and multiple injections of recombinant human GH (IGF-I: 286±22 versus 434±26 ng/ml; P<0.01) and were highly correlated (P<0.0001). Treatment with the GHA lowered IGF-I levels from the fourth injection onwards (P<0.01). In summary, we demonstrated that the IDS-iSYS IGF-I immunoassay can be used in rabbits. Similar to rodents, rabbits display variations in IGF-I depending on sex, age and genetic background. Unlike in rodents, the IGF-I response to treatment with recombinant human GH or a GHA closely mimics the pharmacodynamics seen in humans, suggesting that rabbits are a suitable new model to test human GH agonists and antagonists. PMID:25239917

Three Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Latency-Associated Transcript Mutants with Distinct and Asymmetric Effects on Virulence in Mice Compared with Rabbits

PubMed Central

Perng, Guey-Chuen; Esmaili, Daniel; Slanina, Susan M.; Yukht, Ada; Ghiasi, Homayon; Osorio, Nelson; Mott, Kevin R.; Maguen, Barak; Jin, Ling; Nesburn, Anthony B.; Wechsler, Steven L.

2001-01-01

Herpes simplex virus type 1 latency-associated transcript (LAT)-null mutants have decreased reactivation but normal virulence in rabbits and mice. We report here on dLAT1.5, a mutant with LAT nucleotides 76 to 1667 deleted. Following ocular infection of rabbits, dLAT1.5 reactivated at a lower rate than its wild-type parent McKrae (6.1 versus 11.8%; P = 0.0025 [chi-square test]). Reactivation was restored in the marker-rescued virus dLAT1.5R (12.6%; P = 0.53 versus wild type), confirming the importance of the deleted region in spontaneous reactivation. Compared with wild-type or marker-rescued virus, dLAT1.5 had similar or slightly reduced virulence in rabbits (based on survival following ocular infection). In contrast, in mice, dLAT1.5 had increased virulence (P < 0.0001). Thus, deletion of LAT nucleotides 76 to 1667 increased viral virulence in mice but not in rabbits. In contrast, we also report here that LAT2.9A, a LAT mutant that we previously reported to have increased virulence in rabbits (G. C. Perng, S. M. Slanina, A. Yuhkt, B. S. Drolet, W. J. Keleher, H. Ghiasi, A. B. Nesburn, and S. L. Wechsler, J. Virol. 73:920–929, 1999), had decreased virulence in mice (P = 0.03). In addition, we also found that dLAT371, a LAT mutant that we previously reported to have wild-type virulence in rabbits (G. C. Perng, S. M. Slanina, H. Ghiasi, A. B. Nesburn, and S. L. Wechsler, J. Virol. 70:2014–2018, 1996), had decreased virulence in mice (P < 0.05). Thus, these three mutants, each of which encodes a different LAT RNA, have different virulence phenotypes. dLAT1.5 had wild-type virulence in rabbits but increased virulence in mice. In contrast, LAT2.9A had increased virulence in rabbits but decreased virulence in mice, and dLAT371 had wild-type virulence in rabbits but decreased virulence in mice. Taken together, these results suggest that (i) the 5′ end of LAT and/or a gene that overlaps part of this region is involved in viral virulence, (ii) this virulence appears to have species-specific effects, and (iii) regulation of this virulence may be complex. PMID:11533165

Ventricular tachyarrhythmia-related basal cardiomyopathy in rabbits with vagal stimulation--a novel experimental model for inverted Takotsubo-like cardiomyopathy.

PubMed

Takato, Tetsuya; Ashida, Terunao; Seko, Yoshinori; Fujii, Jun; Kawai, Sachio

2010-07-01

Electrical stimulation of the intact (unsectioned) cervical vagus in rabbits frequently provokes ventricular tachyarrhythmias that are often accompanied by mitral regurgitation. Unique pathological lesions often arise on the mitral valve, papillary muscles, and mitral annulus (mitral complex), the latter two of which become swollen and stiffened. These lesions are reversible in nature. Previous studies have essentially ignored the basal portion except for the mitral annulus. Therefore, the present study examined pathological lesions on the left ventricular basal portion in rabbits. The intact right vagal nerves of 20 anesthetized rabbits were repeatedly electrically stimulated under electrocardiographic monitoring. Colloidal carbon (lml) was injected intravenously immediately after the end of the stimulation and all animals were killed 1 week later. Pathological lesions were identified as carbon deposits visible at gross examination. Ventricular bigeminy was induced after vagal stimulation in 15 (75%) of the 20 rabbits. Pathological lesions were evident on the basal portion in 16 (80%) and on the mitral valve and papillary muscles of 15 (75%) of the 20 rabbits. Ventricular bigeminy was closely associated with the development of the pathological lesions, which were rarely observed on the ventricular apex. Cardiomyopathic lesions involving the basal portion and mitral complex were frequently induced in rabbits by vagal stimulation. These lesions bear a close similarity in distribution and reversibility to inverted Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Copyright 2010 Japanese College of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The effects of magnesium sulphate and EDTA in the hypercholesterolaemic rabbit.

PubMed

Evans, D A; Tariq, M; Sujata, B; McCann, G; Sobki, S

2001-12-01

Numerous clinical reports suggest the beneficial effects of chelation therapy for the treatment of atherosclerosis. However, the results of these studies are inconclusive and controversial. The purpose of this present study was to examine the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of chelation liquid (CHL) in experimental atherosclerosis. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits were fed a 1% cholesterol-supplemented diet for 45 days. In the prophylactic phase of the study subcutaneous 300 mg EDTA + 500 mg magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) injections (five rabbits) and isotonic saline (five rabbits) were given to test and control groups, respectively, along with cholesterol rich diet. The CHL treatment ameliorated the rise of serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride concentrations, lowered serum calcium concentrations and reduced the aortic atheroma. In the therapeutic phase of the experiment the cholesterol diet was stopped and the remaining 10 animals were returned to normal diet. Five of these rabbits were given CHL injections and other five animals were given isotonic saline injections for 121 days. Although the level of cholesterol and triglyceride were not significantly different in the two groups, the serum calcium concentration and the percentage of the area of flate aortic specimen occupied by atheroma were significantly lower in the CHL treated rabbits as compared to controls. It is concluded that CHL injections have a definite prophylactic effect on atherogenesis in the cholesterol-fed rabbit, and may have some therapeutic value in the regression phase. Further confirmatory studies are suggested.

Hunting behaviour and breeding performance of northern goshawks Accipiter gentilis, in relation to resource availability, sex, age and morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Penteriani, Vincenzo; Rutz, Christian; Kenward, Robert

2013-10-01

Animal territories that differ in the availability of food resources will require (all other things being equal) different levels of effort for successful reproduction. As a consequence, breeding performance may become most strongly dependent on factors that affect individual foraging where resources are poor. We investigated potential links between foraging behaviour, reproductive performance and morphology in a goshawk Accipiter gentilis population, which experienced markedly different resource levels in two different parts of the study area (rabbit-rich vs. rabbit-poor areas). Our analyses revealed (1) that rabbit abundance positively affected male reproductive output; (2) that age, size and rabbit abundance (during winter) positively affected different components of female reproductive output; (3) that foraging movements were inversely affected by rabbit abundance for both sexes (for females, this may mainly have reflected poor provisioning by males in the rabbit-poor area); (4) that younger breeders (both in males and females) tended to move over larger distances than older individuals (which may have reflected both a lack of hunting experience and mate searching); and (5) that male body size (wing length) showed some covariation with resource conditions (suggesting possible adaptations to hunting agile avian prey in the rabbit-poor area). Although we are unable to establish firm causal relationships with our observational data set, our results provide an example of how territory quality (here, food abundance) and individual features (here, age and morphology) may combine to shape a predator's foraging behaviour and, ultimately, its breeding performance.

An Animal Model for Human EBV-Associated Hemophagocytic Syndrome

PubMed Central

Hayashi, Kazuhiko; Ohara, Nobuya; Teramoto, Norihiro; Onoda, Sachiyo; Chen, Hong-Li; Oka, Takashi; Kondo, Eisaku; Yoshino, Tadashi; Takahashi, Kiyoshi; Yates, John; Akagi, Tadaatsu

2001-01-01

Epstein-Barr virus-associated hemophagocytic syndrome (EBV-AHS) is often associated with fatal infectious mononucleosis. However, the animal model for EBV-AHS has not been developed. We reported the first animal model for EBV-AHS using rabbits infected with EBV-related herpesvirus of baboon (HVP). Eleven of 13 (85%) rabbits inoculated intravenously with HVP-producing cells developed fatal lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) between 22 and 105 days after inoculation. LPD was also accompanied by hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) in nine of these 11 rabbits. The peroral spray of cell-free HVP induced the virus infection with increased anti-EBV-viral capsid antigen-IgG titers in three of five rabbits, and two of these three infected rabbits died of LPD with HPS. Autopsy revealed hepatosplenomegaly and swollen lymph nodes. Atypical lymphoid T cells expressing EBV-encoded small RNA-1 infiltrated diffusely in many organs, frequently involving the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver. Hemophagocytic histiocytosis was observed in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and thymus. HVP-DNA was detected in the tissues and peripheral blood from the infected rabbits by polymerase chain reaction or Southern blot analysis. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction revealed both HVP-EBNA1 and HVP-EBNA2 transcripts, suggesting latency type III infection. These data indicate that the high rate of rabbit LPD with HPS induction is caused by HVP. This system is useful for studying the pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment of human EBV-AHS. PMID:11290571

Biodegradable nanofiber-membrane for sustainable release of lidocaine at the femoral fracture site as a periosteal block: In vitro and in vivo studies in a rabbit model.

PubMed

Chou, Ying-Chao; Cheng, Yi-Shiun; Hsu, Yung-Heng; Yu, Yi-Hsun; Liu, Shih-Jung

2016-04-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a biodegradable, lidocaine-embedded, nanofibrous membrane for the sustainable analgesic release onto fragments of a segmental femoral fracture site. Membranes of three different lidocaine concentrations (10%, 30%, and 50%) were produced via an electrospinning technique. In vitro lidocaine release was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography. A femoral segmental fracture, with intramedullary Kirschner-wire fixation and polycaprolactone stent enveloping the fracture site, was set-up in a rabbit model for in vivo assessment of post-operative recovery of activity. Eighteen rabbits were randomly assigned to three groups (six rabbits per group): group A comprised of rabbits with femoral fractures and underwent fixation; group B comprised of a comparable fracture model to that of group A with the implantation of lidocaine-loaded nanofibers; and group C, the control group, received only anesthesia. The following variables were measured: change in body weight, food and water intake before and after surgery, and total activity count post-surgery. All membranes eluted effective levels of lidocaine for more than 3 weeks post-surgery. Rabbits in group B showed faster recovery of activity post-operatively, compared with those in group A, which confirmed the pain relief efficacy of the lidocaine-embedded nanofibers. Nanofibers with sustainable lidocaine release have adequate efficacy and durability for pain relief in rabbits with segmental long bone fractures. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Proarrhythmic potential of halofantrine, terfenadine and clofilium in a modified in vivo model of torsade de pointes

PubMed Central

Batey, Andrew J; Coker, Susan J

2002-01-01

This study was designed to compare the proarrhythmic activity of the antimalarial drug, halofantrine and the antihistamine, terfenadine, with that of clofilium a K+ channel blocking drug that can induce torsade de pointes. Experiments were performed in pentobarbitone-anaesthetized, open-chest rabbits. Each rabbit received intermittent, rising dose i.v. infusions of the α-adrenoceptor agonist phenylephrine. During these infusions rabbits also received increasing i.v. doses of clofilium (20, 60 and 200 nmol kg−1 min−1), terfenadine (75, 250 and 750 nmol kg−1 min−1), halofantrine (6, 20 and 60 μmol kg−1) or vehicle. Clofilium and halofantrine caused dose-dependent increases in the rate-corrected QT interval (QTc), whereas terfenadine prolonged PR and QRS intervals rather than prolonging cardiac repolarization. Progressive bradycardia occurred in all groups. After administration of the highest dose of each drug halofantrine caused a modest decrease in blood pressure, but terfenadine had profound hypotensive effects resulting in death of most rabbits. The total number of ventricular premature beats was highest in the clofilium group. Torsade de pointes occurred in 6 out of 8 clofilium-treated rabbits and 4 out of 6 of those which received halofantrine, but was not seen in any of the seven terfenadine-treated rabbits. These results show that, like clofilium, halofantrine can cause torsade de pointes in a modified anaesthetized rabbit model whereas the primary adverse effect of terfenadine was cardiac contractile failure. PMID:11861329

Introduction of Lens-angle Reconstruction Surgery in Rabbit Eyes

PubMed Central

Kim, Min Hee; Hwang, Ho Sik; Park, Kyoung Jin; Hwang, Je Hyung

2014-01-01

Purpose In this study, we examined the stability of the lens-angle supporter (LAS) for accommodation restoration by comparing intraocular lens (IOL) location, after-cataract and ciliary body damage after cataract surgery in rabbits. Methods Eight rabbits were divided into experimental and control groups of four rabbits each. Phacoemulsification and irrigation and aspiration were performed in all rabbits. This was followed by an LAS and IOL insertion in the four experimental rabbits. In the four control rabbits, only an IOL insertion was performed. Six months after the surgery, the location of the IOL, the conditions of the lens capsule and ciliary body were evaluated using a slitl-amp examination and Miyake-Apple view. Results For the experimental group, the ultrasound biomicroscope results showed normal LAS and IOL positioning in all four cases. According to the slitlamp examination and Miyake-Apple view, the IOL was positioned at the center, with less after-cataract and damage to the ciliary body. For the control group, ultrasound biomicroscope results indicated a higher IOL position than normal, as well as a single case of IOL decentering. According to the slit-lamp examination and Miyake-Apple view, the IOL was decentered with more severe after-cataract and ciliary body damage. Conclusions The LAS has the potential to maintain a stable IOL position while producing less after-cataract when used in lens-angle reconstruction for correction of presbyopia. Moreover, LAS implantation incurs less damage to the ciliary body. PMID:25435752

The aerosol rabbit model of TB latency, reactivation and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome

PubMed Central

Manabe, Yukari C.; Kesavan, Anup K.; Lopez-Molina, Javier; Hatem, Christine L.; Brooks, Megan; Fujiwara, Ricardo; Hochstein, Karl; Pitt, M. Louise M.; Tufariello, JoAnn; Chan, John; McMurray, David N.; Bishai, William R.; Dannenberg, Arthur M.; Mendez, Susana

2015-01-01

The large reservoir of human latent tuberculosis (TB) contributes to the global success of the pathogen, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). We sought to test whether aerosol infection of rabbits with Mtb H37Rv could model paucibacillary human latent TB. The lung burden of infection peaked at 5 weeks after aerosol infection followed by host containment of infection that was achieved in all rabbits. One-third of rabbits had at least one caseous granuloma with culturable bacilli at 36 weeks after infection suggesting persistent paucibacillary infection. Corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression initiated after disease containment resulted in reactivation of disease. Seventy-two percent of rabbits had culturable bacilli in the right upper lung lobe homogenates compared to none of the untreated controls. Discontinuation of dexamethasone led to predictable lymphoid recovery, with a proportion of rabbits developing multicentric large caseous granuloma. The development and severity of the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) was dependent on the antigen load at the time of immunosuppression and subsequent bacillary replication during corticosteroid-induced immunosuppression. Clinically, many aspects were similar to IRIS in severely immunosuppressed HIV-infected patients who have functional restoration of T cells in response to effective (highly active) antiretroviral therapy. This corticosteroid model is the only animal model of the IRIS. Further study of the rabbit model of TB latency, reactivation and IRIS may be important in understanding the immunopathogenesis of these poorly modeled states as well as for improved diagnostics for specific stages of disease. PMID:18068491

Impairment of Postural Control in Rabbits With Extensive Spinal Lesions

PubMed Central

Lyalka, V. F.; Orlovsky, G. N.; Deliagina, T. G.

2009-01-01

Our previous studies on rabbits demonstrated that the ventral spinal pathways are of primary importance for postural control in the hindquarters. After ventral hemisection, postural control did not recover, whereas after dorsal or lateral hemisection it did. The aim of this study was to examine postural capacity of rabbits after more extensive lesion (3/4 section of the spinal cord at T12 level), that is, with only one ventral quadrant spared (VQ animals). They were tested before (control) and after lesion on the platform periodically tilted in the frontal plane. In control animals, tilts of the platform regularly elicited coordinated electromyographic (EMG) responses in the hindlimbs, which resulted in generation of postural corrections and in maintenance of balance. In VQ rabbits, the EMG responses appeared only in a part of tilt cycles, and they could be either correctly or incorrectly phased in relation to tilts. Because of a reduced value and incorrect phasing of EMG responses on both sides, this muscle activity did not cause postural corrective movements in the majority of rabbits, and the body swayed together with the platform. In these rabbits, the ability to perform postural corrections did not recover during the whole period of observation (≤30 days). Low probability of correct EMG responses to tilts in most rabbits as well as an appearance of incorrect responses to tilts suggest that the spinal reflex chains, necessary for postural control, have not been specifically selected by a reduced supraspinal drive transmitted via a single ventral quadrant. PMID:19164112

Precocious development of lectin (Ulex europaeus agglutinin I) receptors in dome epithelium of gut-associated lymphoid tissues.

PubMed

Roy, M J

1987-06-01

Dome epithelium (DE), the tissue covering lymphoid domes of gut-associated lymphoid tissues, was examined in both adult and neonatal rabbit appendix or sacculus rotundus to determine if dome epithelial cells matured earlier than epithelial cells covering adjacent villi. The localization of well-differentiated epithelial cells in rabbit gut-associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) was accomplished histochemically by use of molecular probes: fluorescein isothiocyanate or horseradish peroxidase conjugates of Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA), a lectin specific for terminal L-fucose molecules on certain glycoconjugates. The villus epithelial cells of newborn and 2-, 5-, or 10-day-old rabbits did not bind UEA, but between the twelfth and fifteenth days of postnatal life, UEA receptors were expressed by well-differentiated villus epithelial cells. In contrast to villus epithelium, DE in appendix and sacculus rotundus of neonatal rabbits expressed UEA receptors two days after birth, a feature that distinguished the DE of neonatal GALT for the next two weeks. In adult rabbits, UEA receptors were associated with dome epithelial cells extending from the mouths of glandular crypts to the upper domes; in contrast to the domes, UEA receptors were only present on well-differentiated epithelial cells at the villus tips. Results suggested that in neonatal rabbits most dome epithelial cells developed UEA receptors shortly after birth, reflecting precocious development of DE as compared to villus epithelium. In adult rabbit dome epithelium UEA receptors appeared on dome epithelial cells as they left the glandular crypts, representing accelerated epithelial maturation.

Effects of genipin corneal crosslinking in rabbit corneas.

PubMed

Avila, Marcel Y; Narvaez, Mauricio; Castañeda, Juan P

2016-07-01

To evaluate the effect of genipin, a natural crosslinking agent, in rabbit eyes. Department of Ophthalmology, Universidad Nacional de Colombia Centro de Tecnologia Oftalmica, Bogotá, Colombia. Experimental study. Ex vivo rabbit eyes (16; 8 rabbits) were treated with genipin 1.00%, 0.50%, and 0.25% for 5 minutes with a vacuum device to increase corneal permeability. Penetration was evaluated using Scheimpflug pachymetry (Pentacam). In the in vivo model (20 rabbits; 1 eye treated, 1 eye with vehicle), corneas were crosslinked with genipin as described. Corneal curvature, corneal pachymetry, and intraocular pressure (IOP) assessments as well as slitlamp examinations were performed 0, 7, 30, and 60 days after treatment. In the ex vivo model, Scheimpflug pachymetry showed deep penetration in the rabbit corneas with an increase in corneal density and a dose-dependent relationship. Corneal flattening was observed in treated eyes (mean 4.4 diopters ± 0.5 [SD]) compared with the control eyes. Pachymetry and IOP were stable in all evaluations. No eye showed toxicity in the anterior chamber or in the lens. Corneal crosslinking induced by genipin produced significant flattening of the cornea with no toxicity in rabbit eyes. This crosslinking could be useful in the treatment of corneal ectasia and in the modification of corneal curvature. None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Copyright © 2016 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The effect of transport on the quality of rabbit meat.

PubMed

Składanowska-Baryza, Joanna; Ludwiczak, Agnieszka; Pruszyńska-Oszmałek, Ewa; Kołodziejski, Paweł; Bykowska, Marta; Stanisz, Marek

2018-04-01

The analyzed material included 40 hybrid rabbits slaughtered at the age of 90 days. The control group was transported directly after weaning, while the transport group was transported directly prior to slaughter. The experiment was designed to assess the transport stress, carcass and meat quality implications, taking into account the muscle type and sex. The transported animals were characterized by a higher level of blood cortisol, glucose and triglycerides (P < 0.0001), and a lower level of insulin (P < 0.0001) compared to the control group. In the presented study the time post-mortem affected the pH decline in both rabbit groups (P < 0.0001). The lightness, redness and yellowness of rabbit meat were affected by the transport (P < 0.0001, P = 0.001 and P < 0.0001). The percentage of free water and its share in the total water was higher for the non-transported rabbits compared to the transported ones (P < 0.0001). Moreover, the meat from the control group was characterized by greater plasticity compared to the transport group (P = 0.003). The chemical composition of rabbit meat was not changed by the effect of transport (P = 0.643-0.979). To conclude, the quality traits of meat from the transported hybrid rabbits clearly indicated the development of dark firm and dry-like lower quality of meat. © 2018 Japanese Society of Animal Science.

Respiratory and oral vaccination improves protection conferred by the live vaccine strain against pneumonic tularemia in the rabbit model.

PubMed

Stinson, Elizabeth; Smith, Le'Kneitah P; Cole, Kelly Stefano; Barry, Eileen M; Reed, Douglas S

2016-10-01

Tularemia is a severe, zoonotic disease caused by a gram-negative bacterium, Francisella tularensis We have previously shown that rabbits are a good model of human pneumonic tularemia when exposed to aerosols containing a virulent, type A strain, SCHU S4. We further demonstrated that the live vaccine strain (LVS), an attenuated type B strain, extended time to death when given by scarification. Oral or aerosol vaccination has been previously shown in humans to offer superior protection to parenteral vaccination against respiratory tularemia challenge. Both oral and aerosol vaccination with LVS were well tolerated in the rabbit with only minimal fever and no weight loss after inoculation. Plasma antibody titers against F. tularensis were higher in rabbits that were vaccinated by either oral or aerosol routes compared to scarification. Thirty days after vaccination, all rabbits were challenged with aerosolized SCHU S4. LVS given by scarification extended time to death compared to mock-vaccinated controls. One orally vaccinated rabbit did survive aerosol challenge, however, only aerosol vaccination extended time to death significantly compared to scarification. These results further demonstrate the utility of the rabbit model of pneumonic tularemia in replicating what has been reported in humans and macaques as well as demonstrating the utility of vaccination by oral and respiratory routes against an aerosol tularemia challenge. © FEMS 2016. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Rabbitpox virus and vaccinia virus infection of rabbits as a model for human smallpox.

PubMed

Adams, Mathew M; Rice, Amanda D; Moyer, R W

2007-10-01

The threat of smallpox release and use as a bioweapon has encouraged the search for new vaccines and antiviral drugs, as well as development of new small-animal models in which their efficacy can be determined. Here, we reinvestigate a rabbit model in which the intradermal infection of rabbits with very low doses of either rabbitpox virus (RPV) or vaccinia virus Western Reserve (VV-WR) recapitulates many of the clinical features of human smallpox. Following intradermal inoculation with RPV, rabbits develop systemic disease characterized by extensive viremia, numerous secondary lesions on the skin and mucocutaneous tissues, severe respiratory disease, death by 9 days postinfection, and, importantly, natural aerosol transmission between animals. Contrary to previous reports, intradermal infection with VV-WR also resulted in a very similar lethal systemic disease in rabbits, again with natural aerosol transmission between animals. When sentinel and index animals were cohoused, transmission rates approached 100% with either virus, with sentinel animals exhibiting a similar, severe disease. Lower rates of transmission were observed when index and sentinel animals were housed in separate cages. Sentinel animals infected with RPV with one exception succumbed to the disease. However, the majority of VV-WR-infected sentinel animals, while becoming seriously ill, survived. Finally, we tested the efficacy of the drug 1-O-hexadecyloxypropyl-cidofovir in the RPV/rabbit model and found that an oral dose of 5 mg/kg twice a day for 5 days beginning 1 day before infection was able to completely protect rabbits from lethal disease.

Effect of divergent selection for intramuscular fat on sensory traits and instrumental texture in rabbit meat.

PubMed

Martínez-Álvaroi, M; Penalba, V; Blasco, A; Hernández, P

2016-12-01

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is one of the main parameters affecting meat quality. This work analyzes the effect of selection for IMF on sensory attributes and instrumental texture parameters in rabbit meat. A total of 115 rabbits after 6 generations of divergent selection for IMF were slaughtered at 9 or 13 wk (57 and 58 animals, respectively). For each animal, the left longissimus dorsi muscle (LD) was analyzed by near-infrared spectroscopy to measure IMF whereas the right LD was used for the sensory or instrumental texture analysis. Sensory attributes measured were rabbit odor, liver odor, rabbit flavor, liver flavor, aniseed flavor, hardness, juiciness, and fibrousness. The instrumental texture parameters maximum shear force, shear firmness, and total work to cut the sample were measured by a Warner-Bratzler shear test. The line selected for high IMF showed 58% greater IMF than the line selected for low IMF. This divergence affected firmness that was 9.9% greater in the low-IMF line, although no effect was found for the other instrumental texture traits. No effect of selection was observed in any odor or flavor, except for aniseed flavor, which was greater in the high-IMF line than in the low-IMF line. Age had an effect on IMF, instrumental texture parameters, and sensory attributes. Rabbits at 13 wk showed greater IMF and instrumental and sensory hardness and more intense odor and flavor and lower juiciness than rabbits at 9 wk.

Rabbits and men: relating their ages.

PubMed

Dutta, Sulagna; Sengupta, Pallav

2018-04-19

Rabbit, a member of the Lagomorpha order, is the closest phylogenetic relative to humans, next to primates. It possesses greater acceptability as a laboratory mammal than primates in terms of husbandry, breeding ease, cost effectiveness, and legal ethical conveniences. Moreover, as a laboratory animal, the rabbit also owns its advantages over mice or rats, in terms of phylogenetic resemblance to human, size, blood volume, responsiveness, and other congruences enabling them to better imitate human physiological characteristics in biomedical research. A specific research aspires to effectuate its outcome on a particular human age group, for which it is pivotal to select a laboratory rabbit of exact age, which will correlate with that specific age of a human, which is currently based on mere approximation. This article is the first ever scientific venture, focused to swap this approximation of laboratory rabbit age with accuracy by relating it with that of humans analyzing different phases of life individually. Considering the diminutive lifespan of rabbits compared to humans, the correlation of their age with respect to the entire lifespan, which we found out to be 45.625 days compared to one human year, is not enough. Thereby, like our previous articles that formulated concise relation of age of laboratory rats and mice with human age, in this article also, we aim to aid biomedical research specificity in the selection of laboratory model age, separately correlating different life phases of humans with that of rabbits, the second mostly used mammal in 2016 in the United States.

A 3-week feed restriction after weaning as an alternative to a medicated diet: effects on growth, health, carcass and meat traits of rabbits of two genotypes.

PubMed

Alabiso, M; Di Grigoli, A; Mazza, F; Maniaci, G; Vitale, F; Bonanno, A

2017-09-01

Feed restriction after weaning is widely used in meat rabbit farms to promote health and reduce mortality, but this practice impacts negatively on rabbit growth and slaughter performance. This study compared a 3-week post-weaning feed restriction with ad libitum medicated feeding, evaluating effects on feed intake, growth, health, carcass and meat quality of rabbits of two genotypes: Italian White pure breed and Hycole hybrid×Italian White crossbred. A total of 512 rabbits at 36 days of age, of both sexes and two genotypes, were divided into four homogeneous groups assigned, from 36 to 57 days of age, to different feeding programmes (FP): restricted non-medicated (R-N), ad libitum non-medicated (L-N), restricted medicated (R-M) and ad libitum medicated (L-M). The diets were medicated with oxytetracycline (1540 mg/kg) and colistin sulphate (240 mg/kg). The restriction, performed by giving 70, 80 and 90 g/day of feed for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd week, was followed by ad libitum feeding in the successive 5 weeks, up to slaughter at 92 days of age. Restricted feeds were ingested at a level of 64% of the feed intake recorded in the ad libitum fed rabbits; it was significantly associated, regardless of medication and rabbit genotype, with a lower feed intake (-22 to -24 g dry matter/day) during the entire experiment, compensatory growth and a lower feed conversion ratio in the ad libitum period, and a lower final live weight (-150 g) than ad libitum feeding (P<0.001). During restriction, mortality was lower in the restricted rabbits (6.25%, 5.47% v. 12.5%, 14.8% for R-N, R-M, L-N and L-M; P<0.05), whereas in the ad libitum period mortality did not differ among the groups (9.23%, 9.90%, 11.0% and 4.59% for R-N, R-M, L-N and L-M). Dressing out percentage was not affected by FP or genotype; heavier carcasses were produced by rabbits fed ad libitum (+100 g; P<0.001) and crossbred rabbits (+122 g; P<0.001). Restriction did not alter meat quality, except for a tendency towards a higher cooking loss and less fat; crossbred meat was higher in L* (+1.3; P<0.01) and b* (+0.51; P<0.05) colour indexes and tenderness (-0.14 kg/cm2; P<0.05) than pure breed meat. Under the conditions of this study, a 3-week restricted feeding after weaning resulted to be a suitable alternative, also for high growth potential genotypes, to the antibiotics to preserve rabbit health. The production of lighter carcasses could be compensated partly by the lower feed conversion ratio showed by restricted rabbits.

Production of Polyclonal Antibodies in Rabbits

DTIC Science & Technology

1995-10-01

injections of bovine fetal serum acetylcholinesterase and horse serum butyrylcholinesterase in rabbits. Concentrations of these enzymes became...13 2. Horse Serum Butyrylcholinesterase (E-BChE) 14 3. Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and Rabbit Serum Al4umin (RSA) 14 4. Suppocire-D 14 5. Triglyceride...Extraction from Calcium Sulfate Microspheres 16 c. Removal of Sealant and Polymer Overcoat from Calcium 17 Sulfate Microspheres 5. Size Distribution 17 6. In

Home range use by swamp rabbits (Sylvilagus aquaticus) in a frequently inundated bottomland forest

Treesearch

Patrick A. Zollner; Winston P. Smith; Leonard A. Brennan

2000-01-01

Home range size of six swamp rabbits in south-central Arkansas was estilnated by radio-telemetry from February 1991 through March 1992. The average home range size was significantly larger than previously reported estimates. This difference is partly attributable to the large number of observations per rabbit in our study, but may also be explained by our inclusion of...

Sealing Penetrating Eye Injuries Using Photoactivated Bonding

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-10-01

treatment parameters that produce strong, immediate water- tight sealing of penetrating cornea and scleral wounds using rabbit eye models. The seal...conventional, bare fiber system using ex vivo rabbit eyes and the standard treatment protocol (Appendix 1). The bonding strength produced by two...wounds in rabbit eyes . Initial studies demonstrated that thermal damage to the iris are not a concern during the 7 treatment . A prototype light delivery

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis from free-ranging deer and rabbits surrounding Minnesota dairy herds

PubMed Central

2005-01-01

Abstract The objectives of this study were to estimate the prevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) among deer and rabbits surrounding infected and noninfected Minnesota dairy farms using fecal culture, and to describe the frequency that farm management practices were used that could potentially lead to transmission of infection between these species. Fecal samples from cows and the cow environment were collected from 108 Minnesota dairy herds, and fecal pellets from free-ranging white-tailed deer and eastern cottontail rabbits were collected from locations surrounding 114 farms; all samples were tested using bacterial culture. In addition, a questionnaire was administered to 114 herd owners. Sixty-two percent of the dairy herds had at least 1 positive fecal pool or environmental sample. A total of 218 rabbit samples were collected from 90% of the herds, and 309 deer samples were collected from 47% of the herds. On 2 (4%) of the farms sampled, 1 deer fecal sample was MAP positive. Both farms had samples from the cow fecal pool and cow environment that were positive by culture. On 2 (2%) other farms, 1 rabbit fecal sample was positive by culture to MAP, with one of these farms having positive cow fecal pools and cow environmental samples. Pasture was used on 79% of the study farms as a grazing area for cattle, mainly for dry cows (75%) and bred or prebred heifers (87%). Of the 114 farms, 88 (77%) provided access to drylot for their cattle, mainly for milking cows (77/88; 88%) and bred heifers (87%). Of all study farms, 90 (79%) used some solid manure broadcasting on their crop fields. Of all 114 farms, the estimated probability of daily physical contact between cattle manure and deer or rabbits was 20% and 25%, respectively. Possible contact between cattle manure and deer or rabbits was estimated to occur primarily from March through December. The frequency of pasture or drylot use and manure spreading on crop fields may be important risk factors for transmission of MAP among dairy cattle, deer, and rabbits. Although the MAP prevalence among rabbits and deer is low, their role as MAP reservoirs should be considered. PMID:15745220

Recombinant Rabbit Leukemia Inhibitory Factor and Rabbit Embryonic Fibroblasts Support the Derivation and Maintenance of Rabbit Embryonic Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Xue, Fei; Ma, Yinghong; Chen, Y. Eugene; Zhang, Jifeng; Lin, Tzu-An; Chen, Chien-Hong; Lin, Wei-Wen; Roach, Marsha; Ju, Jyh-Cherng; Yang, Lan; Du, Fuliang

2012-01-01

Abstract The rabbit is a classical experimental animal species. A major limitation in using rabbits for biomedical research is the lack of germ-line-competent rabbit embryonic stem cells (rbESCs). We hypothesized that the use of homologous feeder cells and recombinant rabbit leukemia inhibitory factor (rbLIF) might improve the chance in deriving germ-line-competent rbES cells. In the present study, we established rabbit embryonic fibroblast (REF) feeder layers and synthesized recombinant rbLIF. We derived a total of seven putative rbESC lines, of which two lines (M5 and M23) were from culture Condition I using mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) as feeders supplemented with human LIF (hLIF) (MEF+hLIF). Another five lines (R4, R9, R15, R21, and R31) were derived from Condition II using REFs as feeder cells supplemented with rbLIF (REF+rbLIF). Similar derivation efficiency was observed between these two conditions (8.7% vs. 10.2%). In a separate experiment with 2×3 factorial design, we examined the effects of feeder cells (MEF vs. REF) and LIFs (mLIF, hLIF vs. rbLIF) on rbESC culture. Both Conditions I and II supported satisfactory rbESC culture, with similar or better population doubling time and colony-forming efficiency than other combinations of feeder cells with LIFs. Rabbit ESCs derived and maintained on both conditions displayed typical ESC characteristics, including ESC pluripotency marker expression (AP, Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, and SSEA4) and gene expression (Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, c-Myc, Klf4, and Dppa5), and the capacity to differentiate into three primary germ layers in vitro. The present work is the first attempt to establish rbESC lines using homologous feeder cells and recombinant rbLIF, by which the rbESCs were derived and maintained normally. These cell lines are unique resources and may facilitate the derivation of germ-line-competent rbESCs. PMID:22775411

Relationships between gas field development and the presence and abundance of pygmy rabbits in southwestern Wyoming

USGS Publications Warehouse

Germaine, Stephen; Carter, Sarah; Ignizio, Drew A.; Freeman, Aaron T.

2017-01-01

More than 5957 km2 in southwestern Wyoming is currently covered by operational gas fields, and further development is projected through 2030. Gas fields fragment landscapes through conversion of native vegetation to roads, well pads, pipeline corridors, and other infrastructure elements. The sagebrush steppe landscape where most of this development is occurring harbors 24 sagebrush-associated species of greatest conservation need, but the effects of gas energy development on most of these species are unknown. Pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis) are one such species. In 2011, we began collecting three years of survey data to examine the relationship between gas field development density and pygmy rabbit site occupancy patterns on four major Wyoming gas fields (Continental Divide–Creston–Blue Gap, Jonah, Moxa Arch, Pinedale Anticline Project Area). We surveyed 120 plots across four gas fields, with plots distributed across the density gradient of gas well pads on each field. In a 1 km radius around the center of each plot, we measured the area covered by each of 10 gas field infrastructure elements and by shrub cover using 2012 National Agriculture Imagery Program imagery. We then modeled the relationship between gas field elements, pygmy rabbit presence, and two indices of pygmy rabbit abundance. Gas field infrastructure elements—specifically buried utility corridors and a complex of gas well pads, adjacent disturbed areas, and well pad access roads—were negatively correlated with pygmy rabbit presence and abundance indices, with sharp declines apparent after approximately 2% of the area consisted of gas field infrastructure. We conclude that pygmy rabbits in southwestern Wyoming may be sensitive to gas field development at levels similar to those observed for greater sage-grouse, and may suffer local population declines at lower levels of development than are allowed in existing plans and policies designed to conserve greater sage-grouse by limiting the surface footprint of energy development. Buried utilities, gas well pads, areas adjacent to well pads, and well pad access roads had the strongest negative correlation with pygmy rabbit presence and abundance. Minimizing the surface footprint of these elements may reduce negative impacts of gas energy development on pygmy rabbits.

7A.06: MATERNAL OBESITY AND THE DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMMING OF HYPERTENSION: ALTERED LEPTIN SIGNALLING PATHWAY IN THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.

PubMed

Lim, J; Burke, S; Head, G A

2015-06-01

The prevalence of obesity in women among child baring age is increasing and this has been parallel to the increase in obesity in general population around the world. We investigated the trans-generational 'programming' of leptin signalling in the central nervous system (CNS) to increase blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) following a high fat diet (HFD)feeding in mothers. Female New Zealand White rabbits were fed a high fat (13%) diet (mHFD) or a control diet (mCD) prior mating and during pregnancy. Kittens from mCD rabbits were subdivided and fed HFD for 10days (mCD10dHFD) at 15 weeks of age. All rabbits received an intracerebroventricular (ICV) catheter into the lateral ventricle and a recording electrode on the left renal nerve. Experiments were conducted in conscious rabbits and BP, HR and RSNA was measured. Rabbits received an increasing doses of ICV Melanocortin receptor antagonist (SHU9119),alpha-Melanocortin stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and a single dose of Leptin antagonist. ICV SHU9119 reduced BP (-5.8 ± 0.7mmHg and -4.1 ± 0.9mmHg) and RSNA (-2.4 ± 0.3 nu and -0.7 ± 0.3 nu) in mHFD and mCD10dHFD rabbits (P < 0.001). Leptin antagonist reduced BP and RSNA only in mHFD rabbits (-2.1 ± 0.5mmHg and -2.7nu, respectively). alpha-MSH injection increased BP, HR and RSNA in both mHFD and mNFD10dHFD rabbits (P < 0.05). Total % fat was increased (50%) in all rabbits that had HFD. Obesity during pregnancy 'programs' leptin signalling pathway in the CNS of the offspring during development. Leptin via activation of melanocirtin pathway plays a key role in the CNS contributing to the pressor and tachycardic effects as well as renal sympathetic nerve activity in the pathophysiology of obesity.

The induction of hyperthermia in rabbit liver by means of duplex stainless steel thermoseeds.

PubMed

Park, Byeong Ho; Koo, Bong Sig; Kim, Young Kon; Kim, Moon Kon

2002-01-01

To determine the heating characteristics of needle-shaped duplex stainless steel thermoseeds, and to evaluate their effectiveness in the induction of hyperthermia in rabbit liver. Thermoseeds of the two different shapes, L-shaped for single doses of hyperthermia and I-shaped for in-vitro study and repeated hyperthermic induction, were prepared. For the in-vitro study, an I-shaped thermoseed 0.23 mm in diameter and 25 mm long was placed inside a plastic tube filled with water. Heat was applied for 30 minutes within an induction magnetic field, and during this time changes in temperature were recorded using three thermocouples. For the in-vivo study, fifteen New Zealand white rabbits were divided into five equal groups. An I-shaped or L-shaped thermoseed was inserted in each rabbit's liver, and then placed within the center of the magnetic induction coil during a 30-minute period of hyperthermia. The rabbits in the first group were sacrificed immediately after hyperthermia was induced once, while those in the other groups were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 7 days, respectively, also after one induction. The remaining three rabbits were sacrificed 4 days after three consecutive daily treatment sessions. The resected segments of liver were subsequently evaluated histopathologically for the extent of coagulation necrosis caused by heating of the thermoseed. The in-vitro study demonstrated that the temperature in the thermoseed, which was 25.9 degrees C before heating and 54.8 degrees C after heating, rose rapidly at first but progressively less rapidly as time elapsed. Light microscopic examination of the rabbits' livers revealed coagulation necrosis and infiltration by inflammatory cells around the insertion site of the thermoseed. The maximum diameter of coagulation necrosis was 2.81+/-1.68 mm, and this occurred in the rabbits that were sacrificed 7 days after heat induction. Needle-shaped duplex stainless steel thermoseeds show temperature-dependent-type heating characteristics, and in rabbit liver, induced coagulation necrosis of surrounding tissues after heat is applied for 30 minutes. These thermoseeds may thus be useful for the induction of interstitial hyperthermia.

The Induction of Hyperthermia in Rabbit Liver by means of Duplex Stainless Steel Thermoseeds

PubMed Central

Koo, Bong Sig; Kim, Young Kon; Kim, Moon Kon

2002-01-01

Objective To determine the heating characteristics of needle-shaped duplex stainless steel thermoseeds, and to evaluate their effectiveness in the induction of hyperthermia in rabbit liver. Materials and Methods Thermoseeds of the two different shapes, L-shaped for single doses of hyperthermia and I-shaped for in-vitro study and repeated hyperthermic induction, were prepared. For the in-vitro study, an I-shaped thermoseed 0.23 mm in diameter and 25 mm long was placed inside a plastic tube filled with water. Heat was applied for 30 minutes within an induction magnetic field, and during this time changes in temperature were recorded using three thermocouples. For the in-vivo study, fifteen New Zealand white rabbits were divided into five equal groups. An I-shaped or L-shaped thermoseed was inserted in each rabbit's liver, and then placed within the center of the magnetic induction coil during a 30-minute period of hyperthermia. The rabbits in the first group were sacrificed immediately after hyperthermia was induced once, while those in the other groups were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 7 days, respectively, also after one induction. The remaining three rabbits were sacrificed 4 days after three consecutive daily treatment sessions. The resected segments of liver were subsequently evaluated histopathologically for the extent of coagulation necrosis caused by heating of the thermoseed. Results The in-vitro study demonstrated that the temperature in the thermoseed, which was 25.9℃ before heating and 54.8℃ after heating, rose rapidly at first but progressively less rapidly as time elapsed. Light microscopic examination of the rabbits' livers revealed coagulation necrosis and infiltration by inflammatory cells around the insertion site of the thermoseed. The maximum diameter of coagulation necrosis was 2.81 ± 1.68 mm, and this occurred in the rabbits that were sacrificed 7 days after heat induction. Conclusion Needle-shaped duplex stainless steel thermoseeds show temperature-dependent-type heating characteristics, and in rabbit liver, induced coagulation necrosis of surrounding tissues after heat is applied for 30 minutes. These thermoseeds may thus be useful for the induction of interstitial hyperthermia. PMID:12087199

Absence of diamine oxidase activity from rabbit and rat lungs.

PubMed Central

Rao, S B; Rao, K S; Mehendale, H M

1986-01-01

To study the presence of diamine oxidase (DAO) activity in any tissue with putrescine as the substrate, it is necessary to use inhibitors to block all pathways that could further metabolize gamma-aminobutyraldehyde, which is the product of enzyme reaction. It is also necessary to inhibit any enzyme that may convert putrescine into higher polyamines. By this approach it was observed that lung tissue of both rat and rabbit exhibited no DAO activity. DAO activity was observed in the rat and rabbit intestine, the former showing 3 times as much activity as the latter. The other potential pathways of putrescine metabolism are of no consequence in the rat and rabbit intestine and lungs. PMID:3087348

[Correction of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant system disorders by bioflavonoids during modeling of cholesterol atherosclerosis in rabbits].

PubMed

Shysh, A M; Pashevin, D O; Dosenko, V Ie; Moĭbenko, O O

2011-01-01

We have studied the influence of bioflavonoids (quercetin, corvitin) on lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes in the modeling of cholesterol atherosclerosis in rabbits. It has been shown that simultaneous administration of the quercetin derivative corvitin suppressed lipid peroxidation. We showed that under hypercholesterolemia, the concentration of malone dialdehyde in myocardial tissue in rabbits is significantly increased, while administration of bioflavonoids decreased the concentration of malone dialdehyde by 38.3%. Furthermore, corvitin caused activating effects on antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase in cardiac tissue. Our data suggest that bioflavonoids are able to suppress lipid peroxidation and prevent the decrease ofantioxidant enzymes activity in rabbits with cholesterol-rich diet induced atherosclerosis.

Comparative analysis of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) and new RHDV2 virus antigenicity, using specific virus-like particles.

PubMed

Bárcena, Juan; Guerra, Beatriz; Angulo, Iván; González, Julia; Valcárcel, Félix; Mata, Carlos P; Castón, José R; Blanco, Esther; Alejo, Alí

2015-09-24

In 2010 a new Lagovirus related to rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) emerged in France and has since rapidly spread throughout domestic and wild rabbit populations of several European countries. The new virus, termed RHDV2, exhibits distinctive genetic, antigenic and pathogenic features. Notably, RHDV2 kills rabbits previously vaccinated with RHDV vaccines. Here we report for the first time the generation and characterization of RHDV2-specific virus-like particles (VLPs). Our results further confirmed the differential antigenic properties exhibited by RHDV and RHDV2, highlighting the need of using RHDV2-specific diagnostic assays to monitor the spread of this new virus.

Construction of an in vitro primary lung co-culture platform derived from New Zealand white rabbits

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Powell, Joshua D.; Hess, Becky M.; Hutchison, Janine R.

2015-05-01

We report the construction of an in vitro three dimensional (3D) co-culture platform consisting of differentiated lung epithelial cells and monocytes from New Zealand white rabbits. Rabbit lung epithelial cells were successfully grown at air-liquid interface, produced mucus, and expressed both sialic acid alpha-2,3 and alpha-2,6. Blood-derived CD14+ monocytes were deposited above the epithelial layer resulting in the differentiation of a subset of monocytes into CD11c+ cells within the co-culture. These proof-of-concept findings provide a convenient means to comparatively study in vitro versus in vivo rabbit lung responses as they relate to inhalation or lung-challenge studies.

Hyperostotic polyarthropathy in a rabbit--a suspected case of chronic hypervitaminosis A from a diet of carrots.

PubMed

Frater, J

2001-09-01

Chronic hypervitaminosis A can occur in many species after excessive dietary intake of Vitamin A (retinol). The most common presentation of chronic hypervitaminosis A is a polyarthropathy with hyperostosis and ankylosis of various joints. This case report describes a probable case of naturally occurring hypervitaminosis A-induced polyarthropathy in a rabbit after chronic ingestion of a diet made up almost exclusively of carrots. Carrots do not contain retinol, but are rich in provitamin A (or beta-carotene). Rabbits are unique in that they can convert 100% of dietary beta-carotene into retinol. A syndrome of naturally occurring hypervitaminosis A-induced polyarthropathy has not been described in a rabbit before.

Rabbit tissue model (RTM) harvesting technique.

PubMed

Medina, Marelyn

2002-01-01

A method for creating a tissue model using a female rabbit for laparoscopic simulation exercises is described. The specimen is called a Rabbit Tissue Model (RTM). Dissection techniques are described for transforming the rabbit carcass into a small, compact unit that can be used for multiple training sessions. Preservation is accomplished by using saline and refrigeration. Only the animal trunk is used, with the rest of the animal carcass being discarded. Practice exercises are provided for using the preserved organs. Basic surgical skills, such as dissection, suturing, and knot tying, can be practiced on this model. In addition, the RTM can be used with any pelvic trainer that permits placement of larger practice specimens within its confines.

Neonatal Treatment with Antiserum to Prolactin Lowers Blood Pressure in Rats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mills, David E.; Buckman, Maire T.; Peake, Glenn T.

1982-07-01

Prolactin administration reportedly increases blood pressure in rats and rabbits. To study the effects of prolactiin deficiency on blood pressure, rats were given saline, normal rabbit serum, or rabbit antiserum to rat prolactin on postnatal days 2 to 5. Both males and females given antiserum had significantly lower blood pressure at 14 weeks than rats given saline or normal rabbit serum. Blood pressure differences between females given antiserum and females given saline disappeared during and following pregnancy. The antiserum also lowered the concentration of prolactin in plasma 49 percent in males and decreased the prolactin response to ether stress in both sexes. These results suggest that endogenous prolactin is involved in blood pressure regulation.

The remnant of the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) IgD gene

PubMed Central

Esteves, Pedro J.; Knight, Katherine L.

2017-01-01

Although IgD first appeared, along with IgM, in the cartilaginous fishes and has been retained throughout subsequent vertebrate evolution, it has been lost in a diverse group of vertebrate species. We previously showed that, unlike vertebrates that express IgD, the rabbit lacks an IgD (Cδ) gene within 13.5 kb downstream of the IgM gene. We report here that, by conducting BLAST searches of rabbit Ig heavy chain genomic DNA with known mammalian IgD exons, we identified the remnant of the rabbit Cδ gene approximately 21 kb downstream of the IgM gene. The remnant Cδ locus lacks the δCH1 and hinge exons, but contains truncated δCH2 and δCH3 exons, as well as largely intact, but non-functional, secretory and transmembrane exons. In addition, we report that the Cδ gene probably became non-functional in leporids at least prior to the divergence of rabbits and hares ~12 million years ago. PMID:28832642

Systematic Characterization and Comparative Analysis of the Rabbit Immunoglobulin Repertoire

PubMed Central

Lavinder, Jason J.; Hoi, Kam Hon; Reddy, Sai T.; Wine, Yariv; Georgiou, George

2014-01-01

Rabbits have been used extensively as a model system for the elucidation of the mechanism of immunoglobulin diversification and for the production of antibodies. We employed Next Generation Sequencing to analyze Ig germline V and J gene usage, CDR3 length and amino acid composition, and gene conversion frequencies within the functional (transcribed) IgG repertoire of the New Zealand white rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Several previously unannotated rabbit heavy chain variable (VH) and light chain variable (VL) germline elements were deduced bioinformatically using multidimensional scaling and k-means clustering methods. We estimated the gene conversion frequency in the rabbit at 23% of IgG sequences with a mean gene conversion tract length of 59±36 bp. Sequencing and gene conversion analysis of the chicken, human, and mouse repertoires revealed that gene conversion occurs much more extensively in the chicken (frequency 70%, tract length 79±57 bp), was observed to a small, yet statistically significant extent in humans, but was virtually absent in mice. PMID:24978027

Island osteoperiosteal flap vitality when isolated from basal bone by silicone interposition: an experimental study in rabbit tibia.

PubMed

Laviv, Amir; Ringeman, Jason; Debecco, Meir; Jensen, Ole T; Casap, Nardy

2014-01-01

This study sought to confirm, through histologic evaluation, the vitality and viability of the island osteoperiosteal flap (i-flap) in a rabbit tibia model. In four rabbits, an osteotomy was performed on the tibial aspect of the right leg. A bone flap was raised, but the periosteal attachment was kept intact. The free-floating i-flap was separated from the rest of the bone by a silicone sheet. The rabbits were to be sacrificed after 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks and histologic samples examined. All surgeries were accomplished successfully; however, three animals showed fractured tibiae within a few days after surgery and were sacrificed immediately after the fractures were discovered. The fourth rabbit was sacrificed at 4 weeks. Histologic specimens showed vital new bone in the i-flap area and signs of remodeling in the transition zone and the original basal bone. The i-flap remained vital. This suggests potential for use in bone augmentation strategies, particularly for the alveolar split procedure.

A rabbit model of non-typhoidal Salmonella bacteremia.

PubMed

Panda, Aruna; Tatarov, Ivan; Masek, Billie Jo; Hardick, Justin; Crusan, Annabelle; Wakefield, Teresa; Carroll, Karen; Yang, Samuel; Hsieh, Yu-Hsiang; Lipsky, Michael M; McLeod, Charles G; Levine, Myron M; Rothman, Richard E; Gaydos, Charlotte A; DeTolla, Louis J

2014-09-01

Bacteremia is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in humans. In this study, we focused on the development of an animal model of bacteremia induced by non-typhoidal Salmonella. New Zealand White rabbits were inoculated with a human isolate of non-typhoidal Salmonella strain CVD J73 via the intra-peritoneal route. Blood samples were collected at specific time points and at euthanasia from infected rabbits. Additionally, tissue samples from the heart, lungs, spleen, gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidneys were obtained at euthanasia. All experimentally infected rabbits displayed clinical signs of disease (fever, dehydration, weight loss and lethargy). Tissues collected at necropsy from the animals exhibited histopathological changes indicative of bacteremia. Non-typhoidal Salmonella bacteria were detected in the blood and tissue samples of infected rabbits by microbiological culture and real-time PCR assays. The development of this animal model of bacteremia could prove to be a useful tool for studying how non-typhoidal Salmonella infections disseminate and spread in humans. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Protective effect of Helianthus annuus (sunflower) on myocardial infarction in New Zealand rabbit].

PubMed

Guardia-Espinoza, Edith; Herrera-Hurtado, Gianina Liseth del Carmen; Garrido-Jacobi, Saúl; Cárdenas-Peralta, Danitza; Martínez-Romero, Christian; Hernández-Figueroa, Pedro; Condori-Calizaya, Mary; La Barrera-Llacchua, Juan; Flores-Ángeles, Miguel

2015-01-01

Determine the protective effect of oil Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) on myocardial infarction induced by epinephrine in New Zealand rabbits. The rabbits were randomized into five groups (8 per group): blank, negative control, experimental 1 (10 mg / kg), experimental 2 (20 mg / kg) and three experimental (40 mg/ kg). Experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 received Helianthus annuus oil for two weeks. Epinephrine (2 mg/Kg) to the negative, Experimental Control 1, 2 and 3 groups was given over two consecutive days with an interval of 24 h after pretreatment with oil. Twenty four hours after the last administration, the rabbits were anesthetized and sacrificed. Serum troponin I and polymorphonuclear evaluated by .mu.m.sup.2. Significant difference between the negative control group and the experimental groups 1, 2 and 3 was found in the serum variables troponin I and polymorphonuclear by .mu.m.sup.2. Helianthus annuus oil at doses of 20 mg/kg has protective effect on myocardial infarction induced by epinephrine in New Zealand rabbits.

Effect of hypothyroidism on the nitrergic relaxant responses of corpus cavernosal smooth muscle in rabbits.

PubMed

Sarac, Bulent; Yildirim, Mustafa K; Bagcivan, Ihsan; Kaya, Kemal; Kilicarslan, Hakan; Yildirim, Sahin

2006-01-01

The incidence of hormonal dysfunction as a cause of impotence remains controversial. However, several recent studies have reported evidence of hormonal abnormalities in 25-35% of impotent men. Hypothyroidism has been reported to occur in 6% of impotent men. In the present study, we examined nitrergic responses in hypothyroidism in rabbit corpus cavernosum and compared them with controls. Carbachol-induced relaxation responses and electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced frequency-dependent relaxations decreased significantly in hypothyroid rabbits. Papaverine and sodium nitroprusside (SNP)-induced relaxation responses did not change significantly in hypothyroid rabbits. The contraction responses of phenylephrine and EFS-induced frequency-dependent contractions were significantly decreased in the hypothyroid group. We can speculate that the reduction of relaxant responses to EFS and carbachol in hypothyroid rabbits can depend on a decreased release of nitric oxide (NO) from nitrergic nerves and endothelium or a reduction of muscarinic receptor density. Also, decreases in contraction responses may depend on diminished adrenoceptor density.

Neuromotor development in relation to birth weight in rabbits.

PubMed

Harel, S; Shapira, Y; Hartzler, J; Teng, E L; Quiligan, E; Van Der Meulen, J P

1978-01-01

The development of neuromotor patterns in relation to birth weight was studied in the rabbit, a perinatal brain developer. In order to induce intrauterine growth retardation and to increase the number of low birth weight rabbits, experimental ischemia to half the fetuses in each doe was achieved by total ligation of approximately 30% of spiral vessels to the placenta, during the last trimester of gestation. Following natural delivery, the rabbit pups were periodically observed for the appearance of eye-opening and righting reflex, and for the cessations of falling, circling and dragging of hind limbs. An index of neuromotor development was assigned to each rabbit by summing up the age (in days) of appearance of each of the neuromotor milestones. An association was found between low birth weight and delayed neuromotor development at 2 weeks of age. The most significant correlation was found between low birth weight and delayed disappearance of falling. The latter may represent incoordination as an expression of cerebellar dysfunction.

Oral administration of myostatin-specific recombinant Saccharomyces cerevisiae vaccine in rabbit.

PubMed

Liu, Zhongtian; Zhou, Gang; Ren, Chonghua; Xu, Kun; Yan, Qiang; Li, Xinyi; Zhang, Tingting; Zhang, Zhiying

2016-04-29

Yeast is considered as a simple and cost-effective host for protein expression, and our previous studies have proved that Saccharomyces cerevisiae can deliver recombinant protein and DNA into mouse dendritic cells and can further induce immune responses as novel vaccines. In order to know whether similar immune responses can be induced in rabbit by oral administration of such recombinant S. cerevisiae vaccine, we orally fed the rabbits with heat-inactivated myostatin-recombinant S. cerevisiae for 5 weeks, and then myostatin-specific antibody in serum was detected successfully by western blotting and ELISA assay. The rabbits treated with myostatin-recombinant S. cerevisiae vaccine grew faster and their muscles were much heavier than that of the control group. As a common experimental animal and a meat livestock with great economic value, rabbit was proved to be the second animal species that have been successfully orally immunized by recombinant S. cerevisiae vaccine after mice. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Transmission failure in sympathetic nerves produced by hemicholinium

PubMed Central

Chang, V.; Rand, M. J.

1960-01-01

It has been shown by others that hemicholinium (α,α'-dimethylethanolamino-4,4'-biacetophenone) inhibits the synthesis of acetylcholine, an effect which is reversed by choline. Hemicholinium produces a failure of response to nerve stimulation in the following sympathetically innervated preparations: guinea-pig isolated vas deferens, rabbit isolated uterus, rabbit isolated colon, perfused rabbit ear, cat isolated atria and the piloerector muscles in the cat's tail. The blocking action of hemicholinium on the responses to postganglionic sympathetic stimulation resembles its blocking action against cholinergic nerve stimulation observed on rabbit isolated atria with vagus nerves, rabbit isolated vagina with pelvic nerves, and guinea-pig isolated diaphragm with phrenic nerve. The failure of transmission produced by hemicholinium in sympathetic nerves and in cholinergic nerves can be reversed by choline. It is suggested that if there were a cholinergic junction at sympathetic nerve endings the mechanism of the blocking action of hemicholinium at these endings could be explained by inhibition of acetylcholine synthesis. ImagesFIG. 13FIG. 14 PMID:13692344

Fixation of osteochondral fractures in rabbit knees. A comparison of Kirschner wires, fibrin sealant, and polydioxanone pins.

PubMed

Plaga, B R; Royster, R M; Donigian, A M; Wright, G B; Caskey, P M

1992-03-01

We compared fibrin sealant, polydioxanone (PDS) pins and Kirschner wires in the fixation of osteochondral fractures in rabbit knees. Standardised osteochondral fractures of the right medial femoral condyle were made in 56 adult New Zealand white rabbits. There were equal groups of control knees, and those which had Kirschner-wire, fibrin-sealant or PDS-pin fixation. No external immobilisation was used. One animal from each group was killed at two, three and four weeks. The remaining rabbits were killed at six weeks. A fracture which healed with less than 1 mm of displacement was considered a success. There was successful healing in 29% of the control group, in all of the Kirschner-wire group, in 50% of the fibrin-sealant group, and in 86% of the PDS-pin group. The use of PDS pins appears to be a reliable alternative to the use of metal in the fixation of osteochondral fractures in rabbits.

A new rabbit model of implant-related biofilm infection: development and evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Cheng-Bing; Zeng, Hong; Shen, Ding-Xia; Wang, Hui; Wang, Ji-Fang; Cui, Fu-Zhai

2016-03-01

This study is to establish a rabbit model for human prosthetic joint infection and biofilm formation. Thirty-two healthy adult rabbits were randomly divided into four groups and implanted with stainless steel screws and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) washers in the non-articular surface of the femoral lateral condyle of the right hind knees. The rabbit knee joints were inoculated with 1 mL saline containing 0, 102, 103, 104 CFU of Staphylococcus epidermidis ( S. epidermidis) isolated from the patient with total knee arthroplasty (TKA) infection, respectively. On the 14th postoperative day, the UHMWPE washers from the optimal 103 CFU group were further examined. The SEM examination showed a typical biofilm construction that circular S. epidermidis were embedded in a mucous-like matrix. In addition, the LCSM examination showed that the biofilm consisted of the polysaccharide stained bright green fluorescence and S. epidermidis radiating red fluorescence. Thus, we successfully create a rabbit model for prosthetic joint infection and biofilm formation, which should be valuable for biofilm studies.

DNA from lake sediments reveals long-term ecosystem changes after a biological invasion.

PubMed

Ficetola, Gentile Francesco; Poulenard, Jérôme; Sabatier, Pierre; Messager, Erwan; Gielly, Ludovic; Leloup, Anouk; Etienne, David; Bakke, Jostein; Malet, Emmanuel; Fanget, Bernard; Støren, Eivind; Reyss, Jean-Louis; Taberlet, Pierre; Arnaud, Fabien

2018-05-01

What are the long-term consequences of invasive species? After invasion, how long do ecosystems require to reach a new equilibrium? Answering these questions requires long-term, high-resolution data that are vanishingly rare. We combined the analysis of environmental DNA extracted from a lake sediment core, coprophilous fungi, and sedimentological analyses to reconstruct 600 years of ecosystem dynamics on a sub-Antarctic island and to identify the impact of invasive rabbits. Plant communities remained stable from AD 1400 until the 1940s, when the DNA of invasive rabbits was detected in sediments. Rabbit detection corresponded to abrupt changes of plant communities, with a continuous decline of a dominant plant species. Furthermore, erosion rate abruptly increased with rabbit abundance. Rabbit impacts were very fast and were stronger than the effects of climate change during the 20th century. Lake sediments can allow an integrated temporal analysis of ecosystems, revealing the impact of invasive species over time and improving our understanding of underlying mechanisms.

Effect of simvastatin versus low level laser therapy (LLLT) on bone regeneration in rabbit's tibia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gheith, Mostafa E.; Khairy, Maggie A.

2014-02-01

Simvastatin is a cholesterol lowering drug which proved effective on promoting bone healing. Recently low level laser therapy (LLLT) proved its effect as a biostimulator promoting bone regeneration. This study aims to compare the effect of both Simvastatin versus low level laser on bone healing in surgically created bone defects in rabbit's tibia. Material and methods: The study included 12 New Zealand white rabbits. Three successive 3mm defects were created in rabbits tibia first defect was left as control, second defect was filled with Simvastatin while the third defect was acted on with Low Level Laser (optical fiber 320micrometer). Rabbits were sacrificed after 48 hours, 1 week and 2 weeks intervals. Histopathology was conducted on the three defects Results: The histopathologic studies showed that the bony defects treated with the Low Level Laser showed superior healing patterns and bone regeneration than those treated with Simvastatin. While the control defect showed the least healing pattern.

Lactoperoxidase catalyzed radioiodination of cell surface immunoglobulin: incorporated radioactivity may not reflect relative cell surface Ig density. [/sup 125/I

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wilder, R.L.; Yuen, C.C.; Mage, R.G.

1979-02-01

Rabbit and mouse splenic lymphocytes were radioiodinated by the lactoperoxidase technique, extracted with non-ionic detergent, immunoprecipitated with high titered rabbit anti-kappa antisera, and compared by SDS-PAGE. Mouse sIg peaks were reproducibly larger in size than rabbit sIg peaks (often greater than 10 times). Neither differences in incorporation of label into the rabbit cell surface, nor differences in average sIg density explain this result. Total TCA-precipitable radioactivity was similar in each species. Estimation of the relative amounts of sIg in the mouse and rabbit showed similar average sIg densities. Differences in detergent solubility, proteolytic lability, or antisera used also do notmore » adequately account for this difference. Thus, these data indicate that radioactivity incorporated after lactoperoxidase catalyzed cell surface radioiodination may not reflect cell surface Ig density. Conclusions about cell surface density based upon relative incorporation of radioactivity should be confirmed by other approaches.« less

Antibody production in rabbits administered Freund's complete adjuvant and carprofen concurrently.

PubMed

Fishback, Joanna E; Stronsky, Sabrina M; Green, Catherine A; Bean, Krystal D; Froude, Jeffrey W

2016-02-01

Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) is a commonly used immunopotentiator that can boost polyclonal antibody production in animal models such as rabbits, but FCA is also known to cause inflammation and pain. It is important to balance the welfare of animals with the goal of efficiently producing antibodies, but little is known about how common treatments for pain and inflammation, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), affect the production of polyclonal antibodies. The purpose of this study was to measure polyclonal antibody production in rabbits that were administered FCA either with or without a concurrent treatment of a NSAID, carprofen. Rabbits were divided into two groups and were administered identical treatments of an antigen with adjuvant, and the treatment group also received carprofen injections at different stages of the study. Carprofen treatment did not significantly affect polyclonal antibody production, which suggests that carprofen and other NSAIDs can be used alongside FCA in rabbits to achieve desired levels of antibody production while minimizing pain and distress associated with the use of FCA.

Determination of the toxicity of intravitreal minocycline in rabbit eyes.

PubMed

Falavarjani, Khalil Ghasemi; Pourhabibi, Arash; Aghdam, Kaveh Abri; Hosseini, Seyed Bagher; Modarres, Mehdi; Pazouki, Abdolreza; Khanamiri, Hossein Nazari

2016-09-01

To evaluate the retinal toxicity of intravitreal minocycline in rabbit eyes. Intravitreal injection of minocycline with concentrations of 1000, 500, 250, 125 and 62.5 μg in 0.1 ml was performed in 10 New Zealand albino rabbits. Each concentration was injected into two rabbit eyes. For each dose, normal saline was injected in one contralateral eye and the other fellow eye remained non-injected. Electrophysiologic testing was performed before and 4 weeks after injections. The eyes were enucleated 4 weeks after injections and examined using light microscopy. The clinical examination was unremarkable after injections. Electroretinography recordings were significantly affected at all doses in at least one of the a- or b-waves of photopic or scotopic responses. Histopathologic examination revealed marked atrophy and loss of integrity in all retinal layers in all minocycline injected eyes. Contralateral eyes were normal. In our study, intravitreal minocycline was toxic to the retina in albino rabbits even at a concentration of 62.5 µg/0.1 ml.

Effect of premedication with subcutaneous adrenaline on the pharmacokinetics and immunogenicity of equine whole IgG antivenom in a rabbit model.

PubMed

Herrera, María; Sánchez, Melvin; Machado, Anderson; Ramírez, Nils; Vargas, Mariángela; Villalta, Mauren; Sánchez, Andrés; Segura, Álvaro; Gómez, Aarón; Solano, Gabriela; Gutiérrez, José María; León, Guillermo

2017-06-01

Subcutaneous administration of a low dose of adrenaline is used to prevent the early adverse reactions (EARs) induced by snake antivenoms. We used a rabbit model to study the effect of premedication with adrenaline on the potential of antivenoms to exert therapeutic effects and to induce late adverse reactions. We found that premedication with adrenaline did not change the heart rate or blood pressure of normal rabbits, but reduced the rise in temperature in rabbits previously sensitized with antivenom. Pharmacokinetic studies suggest that premedication with adrenaline does not affect the ability of the antivenom to exert the initial control of envenomation nor the susceptibility of rabbits to develop recurrence of antigenemia and envenomation. Our results also indicate that it is unlikely that premedication with adrenaline decreases the incidence of late reactions induced by the antivenom administration, although it reduces the extent of early reactions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

THE INFLUENCE OF INTRAVENOUSLY ADMINISTERED SURFACE-ACTIVE AGENTS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF EXPERIMENTAL ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN RABBITS

PubMed Central

Kellner, Aaron; Correll, James W.; Ladd, Anthony T.

1951-01-01

A study was made of the relationship of blood lipids to the development of experimental atherosclerosis. Rabbits fed a diet containing cholesterol were found to develop hyperlipemia characterized by a great increase in blood cholesterol and a much lesser increase in blood phospholipids; after several weeks they manifested conspicuous atherosclerosis of the aorta, as has often been observed by others. Comparable rabbits fed the same diets containing added cholesterol were given in addition repeated intravenous injections of the surface-active agents Tween 80 and Triton A20; these animals developed hyperlipemia which was characterized by a great increase in blood cholesterol and an equivalent or even greater increase in phospholipids, and they had much less atherosclerosis than did the control rabbits fed cholesterol alone. In further experiments it was observed that repeated intravenous injections of Tween 80 did not result in resorption of previously induced atherosclerosis in rabbits. The findings are discussed in relation to the pathogenesis of natural and experimental atherosclerosis. PMID:14824410

Ventral rhinotomy in a pet rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) with an odontogenic abscess and sub-obstructive rhinitis

PubMed Central

Brown, Tamara; Beaufrère, Hugues; Brisson, Brigitte; Laniesse, Delphine; zur Linden, Alex

2016-01-01

A rabbit was presented for severe dyspnea and was diagnosed with an odontogenic abscess obstructing the rostral nasopharynx using CT scan and oral endoscopy. The offending tooth was extracted intraorally, but due to persistent dyspnea, an endoscopic-guided ventral rhinotomy was performed. The dyspnea subsequently resolved, but the rabbit died 5 weeks later from a seemingly unrelated cause. PMID:27493289

75 FR 60515 - Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; 12-Month Finding on a Petition to List the Pygmy...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-09-30

... rabbit is one of only two rabbits in North America that digs its own burrows (Nelson 1909, p. 22; Bailey... predators and inclement weather (Bailey 1936, p. 111; Bradfield 1974, pp. 26-27). Some burrows have only one.... 44; Gahr 1993, pp. 66, 68; Heady 1998, p. 25). Pygmy rabbits may also be using more than one burrow...

THE COURSE OF EXPERIMENTAL HEMOTHORAX IN RADIATION SICKNESS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lin, C.C.

1957-05-01

Experimental hemothorax induced by injecting 10 to 12 ml of autogenous blood into the pleural cavity of healthy rabbits was borne well without any marked general reaction. Rabbits irradiated with 600 r were more affected by experimental hemothorax. Instead of absorption, exudation accumulated in the pleural cavity. In rabbits irradiated with 600 r, experimental hemothorax markediy shortened the latent period of radiation sickness and hastened its climax. (C.H.)

Effects of Paradigm and Inter-Stimulus Interval on Age Differences in Eyeblink Classical Conditioning in Rabbits

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Woodruff-Pak, Diana S.; Seta, Susan E.; Roker, LaToya A.; Lehr, Melissa A.

2007-01-01

The aim of this study was to examine parameters affecting age differences in eyeblink classical conditioning in a large sample of young and middle-aged rabbits. A total of 122 rabbits of mean ages of 4 or 26 mo were tested at inter-stimulus intervals (ISIs) of 600 or 750 msec in the delay or trace paradigms. Paradigm affected both age groups…

Histotripsy and metastasis: Assessment in a renal VX-2 rabbit tumor model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Styn, Nicholas R.; Hall, Timothy L.; Fowlkes, J. Brian; Cain, Charles A.; Roberts, William W.

2012-10-01

Histotripsy is a non-invasive, pulsed ultrasound technology where controlled cavitation is used to homogenize targeted tissue. We sought to assess the possibility that histotripsy may increase metastatic spread of tumor by quantifying the number of lung metastasis apparent after histotripsy treatment of aggressive renal VX-2 tumor compared to nontreated controls. VX-2 tumor was implanted in the left kidneys of 28 New Zealand White rabbits. Twenty rabbits were treated with histotripsy (day 13 after implantation) while 8 served as controls. All rabbits underwent left nephrectomy (day 14) and then were euthanized (day 19). This study was powered to detect a doubling in metastatic rate. Homogenized tumor was seen in all treated nephrectomy specimens. Whole-mount, coronal lung sections were viewed to calculate number and density of metastases. Viable tumor was present in all 28 lungs examined. Histology confirmed fractionation of tumor in all treatment rabbits. There was not a statistical difference in total lung metastases (88.7 vs. 72.5; p=0.29) or metastatic density (8.9 vs. 7.0 mets/cm2; p=0.22) between treated and control rabbits. Further investigation is planned to validate these results in the VX-2 model and to assess metastatic rates in less aggressive tumors treated with histotripsy.

Localization of S-100 proteins in the testis and epididymis of poultry and rabbits

PubMed Central

Abd-Elmaksoud, Ahmed; Marei, Hany E. S.

2014-01-01

The present investigation was conducted to demonstrate S-100 protein in the testis and epididymis of adult chickens, Sudani ducks, pigeons, and rabbits. This study may represent the first indication for the presence of S-100 in the male reproductive organs of these species and might therefore serve as a milestone for further reports. In the testis of chickens, pigeons and rabbits, intense S-100 was seen in Sertoli cells. S-100 was also seen in the endothelial lining of blood vessels in rabbit testis. On the contrary, no S-100 reaction was detected in the Sertoli cells of Sudani ducks. In epididymis, the localization of S-100 had varied according to species studied; it was seen in the basal cells (BC) of epididymal duct in duck, non-ciliated cells of the distal efferent ductules in pigeons and ciliated cells of the efferent ductules and BC of rabbit epididymis. Conversely, S-100 specific staining was not detected in the epithelial lining of the rooster and pigeon epididymal duct as well as the principal cells of the rabbit epididymis. In conclusion, the distribution of the S-100 proteins in the testis and epididymis might point out to its roles in the male reproduction. PMID:25276477

INFLUENCE OF GENETIC FACTORS ON THE MAGNITUDE AND THE HETEROGENEITY OF THE IMMUNE RESPONSE IN THE RABBIT

PubMed Central

Eichmann, Klaus; Braun, Dietmar G.; Krause, Richard M.

1971-01-01

Selective breeding of rabbits immunized with Group C and Group A streptococcal vaccines was employed to reveal genetic influences on the magnitude and on the restriction in heterogeneity of the immune response to the group-specific carbohydrates. After two generations of selective breeding, complete segregation was achieved between a high-response population (>18 mg precipitins/ml serum, average 33 mg/ml) and a low-response population (<13 mg precipitins/ml serum, average 7.5 mg/ml) to Group C carbohydrate. This suggests that a limited number of genes controls the magnitude of the immune response to this antigen. Selective breeding of rabbits which were representative of heterogeneous, restricted, and monoclonal responses revealed that the degree of antibody heterogeneity in the parental rabbits is reflected in the offspring. More than 95% of the offspring derived from rabbits which had a heterogeneous immune response developed heterogeneous antibodies. 33% of the offspring derived from rabbits which had restricted and monoclonal immune responses developed monoclonal antibodies. This suggests that the degree of heterogeneity of the antibody response to the streptococcal carbohydrates is under genetic control. The degree of heterogeneity and the magnitude of the immune response appear to be independent variables. PMID:5558071