Veterinární medicína, 2011 (vol. 56), issue 9

The role of beta-endorphin in horses: a review

M. Golynski, W. Krumrych, K. Lutnicki

Vet Med - Czech, 2011, 56(9):423-429 | DOI: 10.17221/3205-VETMED  

Opium alkaloids counterparts are secreted by human and animal organisms but the role of endogenous opioid peptides in horses has not yet been fully elucidated. Endogenous opioids are involved in regulating food intake, sexual and social activity, pain relief and pain threshold regulation in horses as well as in regulating the functions of the immune system. The aim of this review is to describe the endogenous opioid system in the horse and its function during stress, illness, reproduction, and its influence on immunity and on the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in horses. What is currently known concerning beta-endorphin suggests that they...

Bluetongue: a review

A. Sperlova, D. Zendulkova

Vet Med - Czech, 2011, 56(9):430-452 | DOI: 10.17221/3206-VETMED  

Bluetongue is a non-contagious disease of domestic and wild ruminants caused by a virus within the Orbivirus genus of the family Reoviridae and transmitted by Culicoides biting midges. It is a reportable disease of considerable socioeconomic concern and of major importance for the international trade of animals and animal products. In the past, bluetongue endemic areas were found between latitudes 40°N and 35°S; however, bluetongue has recently spread far beyond this traditional range. This is in accordance with the extension of areas in which the biting midge Culicoides imicola, the major vector of the virus in...

Diagnosis of tularemia using biochemical, immunochemical and molecular methods: a review

M. Pohanka, R. Chlibek, K. Kuca, H. Bandouchova, J. Pikula

Vet Med - Czech, 2011, 56(9):453-461 | DOI: 10.17221/3207-VETMED  

Tularemia, an infection caused by the intracellular gram-negative bacterium Francisella tularensis, is accompanied by high mortality and occurs throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The causative agent is also considered one of the most important biological warfare agents. As well as its taxonomy and epidemiology, the basic immunochemical, biochemical, and molecular approaches for disease diagnosis are outlined in this review. Aspects of immune responses during tularemia and damage to specific organs are discussed with regards to the predictive value of standard biomarkers. Bacterial burden is also considered as a limitation for polymerase-chain-reaction-based...

Morphometric analysis of the brain base arteries in fallow deer (Dama dama)

W. Brudnicki

Vet Med - Czech, 2011, 56(9):462-468 | DOI: 10.17221/3208-VETMED  

This paper describes the course and variation in the brain base arteries in fallow deer. The metrical features of the brain base arteries were determined with an image analysis system. The main sources of blood supply to the brain in fallow deer are internal carotid arteries; vertebral arteries rarely participate in blood supply. The brain base arteries in fallow deer show variation both in their course and in the way of descent of particular vessels. The highest variation was observed in the way of the opening of caudal cerebral arteries. The volume of the arterial circle of brain in fallow deer is similar to the volume of the basilar artery. Considering...

The arteries originating from the aortic arch and the patterns of their branches in ground squirrels (Spermophilus citellus)

A. Aydin, Z.E. Ozkan, S. Yilmaz, R. Ilgun

Vet Med - Czech, 2011, 56(9):469-472 | DOI: 10.17221/3209-VETMED  

In this study, the aim was to investigate the anatomy of the aortic arch in ground squirrels (Spermophilus citellus). Five ground squirrels were investigated. The materials were carefully dissected and the arterial patterns of arteries originating from the aortic arch were examined. The brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery were separated from the aortic arch. The brachiocephalic trunk first gave the left common carotid artery, and then the right subclavian and common carotid artery detached from it. In all the animals examined, at the cranial thoracic entrance and after leaving from this entrance, similar branches arising from...