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Bovine pancreatic trypsin was crystallized, in‐complex with Lima bean trypsin inhibitor (LBTI) (Phaseolus lunatus L.), in the form of a ternary complex. LBTI is a Bowman–Birk‐type bifunctional serine protease inhibitor, which has two independent inhibitory loops. Both of the loops can inhibit trypsin, however, only the hydrophobic loop is specific for inhibiting chymotrypsin. The structure of trypsin incomplex with the LBTI has been solved and refined at 2.25 Å resolution, in the space group P41, with Rwork/Rfree values of 18.1/23.3. The two binding sites of LBTI differ in only two amino acids. Lysine and leucine are the key residues of the two different binding loops positioned at the P1, and involved in binding the S1 binding site of trypsin. The asymmetric unit cell contains two molecules of trypsin and one molecule of LBTI. The key interactions include hydrogen bonds between LBTI and active site residues of trypsin. The 3D structure of the enzyme–inhibitor complex provided details insight into the trypsin inhibition by LBTI. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the structure of trypsin incomplex with LBTI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite many reported cases of carpal lameness associated with intercarpal ligament injuries in horses, the morphometry, movement pattern and general intrinsic biomechanics of the carpus are largely unknown. Using osteoligamentous preparation of the carpus prepared from 14 equine cadaver forelimbs (aged 9.62 ± 4.25 years), locomotory simulations of flexion and extension movements of the carpal joint were carried out to observed carpal biomechanics and, thereafter, the limbs were further dissected to obtain morphometric measurements of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments (MLC and LCL); medial and lateral palmar intercarpal ligaments (MPICL and LPICL); intercarpal ligaments between radial (Cr) and intermediate (Ci) carpal bones (Cr‐Ci ICL); and intercarpal ligaments between Ci and ulnar (Cu) carpal bones (Ci‐Cu ICL). The Cr, Ci, Cu and Ca are held together by a series of intercarpal ligaments and move in unison lateropalmarly during flexion, and mediodorsally during extension with a distinguishable proximo‐distal sliding movement (gliding) of Cr and Ci against each other during movement. The mean length of MCL (108.82 ± 9.64 mm) was significantly longer (p = 0.042) than LCL (104.43 ± 7.65 mm). The Cr‐Ci ICL has a dorsopalmar depth of 37.58 ± 4.14 mm and a midpoint width of 12.05 ± 3.09 mm and its fibres ran diagonally from the medial side of the Ci in a proximo‐palmar disto‐dorsal direction (i.e. palmarodistally) to the lateral side of the Cr. The specialized movement of the Cr‐Ci ICL, which appeared to be further facilitated by a longer MCL suggest a biomechanical function by which carpal damage may be minimized in the equine carpus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigates the influence of seasonal variations on testicular histomorphometric parameters of 15 adult male Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) and testosterone concentrations over a year. The gross anatomical and histomorphometric study of both left and right testes was conducted. Serum testosterone concentration was measured by RIA technique. Statistical analysis revealed that the testicular weight and morphological parameters of testes including volume, length, width, thickness, and circumference were significantly (P<0.01) higher during peak breeding season (June-July). In contrast, all morphologic and histomorphometric parameters were significantly (P<0.01) lower during low breeding (Sept.-Oct.) and non-breeding season (Jan.-Feb). A significantly (P<0.01) higher serum testosterone concentration was recorded during peak breeding season which showed a gradual decline during regressive breeding season and finally reached to minimum during non-breeding season. Serum testosterone concentration showed a strongly significant positive correlation (r=0.855) with all studied testicular parameters, however a strongly negative correlation (r=-0.819) was ascertained between the relative humidity and serum testosterone concentration throughout the study period. It is concluded that Japanese quails demonstrate an annular reproductive cycle. The testosterone secretion clearly elevates and stimulates gonadal function to its peak in Japanese quails during summer season which gradually declines to bottom during harsh season of winter. It is conceivable that the pineal gland (melatonin hormone) responds to environmental influences, particularly changes in length of the daily photoperiod, and in turn exerts regulatory effects on the activity of the testis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was designed to compare the therapeutic effectiveness of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) alone and in combination with enrofloxacin for the treatment of sub-clinical mastitis in dairy buffaloes. Out of 152 lactating buffaloes, 45 suffering from sub-clinical mastitis were selected on the basis of positive Surf Field Mastitis Test (SFMT). These buffaloes were randomly divided into five equal groups (A-E). Buffaloes of group A were supplemented with ZnS04 @ 1 g per animal per day, Group B CuS04 @ 1 g per animal per day for 14 days. Group C was injected with enrofloxacin @ 2.5 mg/kg B.W through intramuscular route for 5 consecutive days. Buffaloes of group D were administered with intramuscular injection of enrofloxacin @ 2.5 mg/kg B.W for five consecutive days along with the supplementation of ZnS04 (1 g per day) and CuS04 (1 g per day) for 14 days. Group E was kept as untreated control. Milk and blood samples were collected at day 0, 7 and 14 post treatment for various tests like somatic cell count (SCC), SFMT based and bacteriological based cure rates, total leukocyte count (TLC), lymphocyte percentage, serum zinc and copper concentration. The SCC in milk decreased significantly (PO.Ol) in combined therapy group D at day 14 post treatment. Serum zinc and copper concentrations increased significantly (PO.Ol) in supplemented groups at day 7 and 14 post treatment. TLC and lymphocytes percentage was significantly higher (P<0.0l) in combined therapy at day 7 and 14 post treatment. Percent cure rate on the basis of SFMT and bacteriological based cure rate was higher in group D. Milk yield of affected quarter was improved significantly (P<0.0l) in the group D and other groups showed non-significant (P>0.05) improvement at day 14 post treatment. It may be concluded that the combined therapy was better than alone therapy of zinc sulphate, copper sulphate and enrofloxacin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study effects of seasonal variation on the cellular response of bursa and testes in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) have been studied. Thirty mature male Japanese quail, 10 birds in each reproductive phase, namely reproductive active phase, regressive phase and non-active phase were sacrificed. Total leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were performed and serum testosterone levels were measured. The macroscopic and microscopic dimensions of testes and bursa of Fabricius were measured. Automated computer software Image J® was used for histometric analysis. The results revealed that morphometrical parameters such as the length, circumference, thickness, and width of the testis showed a variable pattern in different seasonal phases e.g. in the active phase they were significantly (P<0.01) larger and decreased at regular pattern in the regressive and the non active phase. In contrast the immune parameters were significantly (P<0.01) at higher levels during the non active phase and the regressive phase and decreased at regular pattern in the active phase. The serum testosterone levels were also high during the active phase and decreased at regular pattern in the regressive and the non active phase. The histometric analysis revealed similar results such as diameters of seminiferous tubules showing a significant (P<0.01) rise during the active phase as compared with the regressive and the non active phase, and a significant declined was record during the regressive and the non active phase. In conclusion, the increased reproductive activity in Japanese quail coincided with enhanced steroid hormone production during summer which suppressed the immune response. Moreover, during the winter decreased gonadal activity resulted in elevated immune function that helped to combat the harsh environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]