Parasite populations in the brown ratRattus norvegicusfrom Doha, Qatar between years: the effect of host age, sex and density

2005 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.A. Abu-Madi ◽  
J.M. Behnke ◽  
M. Mikhail ◽  
J.W. Lewis ◽  
M.L. Al-Kaabi
Keyword(s):  
Parasite Species ◽  
Hymenolepis Diminuta ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Foraging Strategies ◽  
Host Age ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Male And Female Rats ◽  
Parasite Populations ◽  
Age And Sex

AbstractA total of 179 urban rats were sampled in the city of Doha in Qatar across the winter seasons (February–April) of 2002 and 2003. Only two parasites were identified, with overall prevalences of 35.8% and 41.3% for the cestodeHymenolepis diminutaand the fleaXenopsylla astiarespectively. The prevalence ofH. diminutawas markedly influenced by both year of study and host age, being higher in 2003 and amongst older rats. The abundance of infection ofH. diminutawas influenced by the year of study, host age and sex. Worm burdens in adult rats were almost twice as heavy in males compared with females and adults of both sexes harboured heavier infections than juveniles. The prevalence ofX. astiawas influenced by both year and host age, being higher in juvenile rats in 2002 and in adults in 2003. The abundance ofX. astiawas significantly higher in 2003 and both male and female rats showed similar abundances, but in 2003 females were more heavily infested. Reasons for this are discussed in relation to the differing foraging strategies shown by male and female rats. The prevalence and abundance profiles for bothH. diminutaandX. astiawere higher overall in 2003 due to a significant increase in the rat population density, although this did not reflect in any increase in parasite species richness. Rats that were infected withH. diminutawere almost twice as likely to be infected withX. astiathan those without the cestode, but when controlled for the effects of year, host age and sex, no quantitative interactions were detected between the two parasite species.

INDUCTION OF GOITRE BY PTU OR KClO4 IN MALE AND FEMALE RATS. EFFECT OF GONADECTOMY

1973 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. 88-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Jolín ◽  
M. J. Tarin ◽  
M. D. Garcia
Keyword(s):  
Iodine Content ◽  
High Plasma ◽  
Disc Electrophoresis ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Male And Female Rats ◽  
Tsh Levels

ABSTRACT Male and female rats of varying ages were placad on a low iodine diet (LID) plus KClO4 or 6-propyl-2-thiouracil (PTU) or on the same diet supplemented with I (control rats). Goitrogenesis was also induced with LID plus PTU in gonadectomized animals of both sexes. The weight of the control and goitrogen treated animals, and the weight and iodine content of their thyroids were determined, as well as the plasma PBI, TSH, insulin and glucose levels. The pituitary GH-like protein content was assessed by disc electrophoresis on polyacrylamide gels. If goitrogenesis was induced in young rats of both sexes starting with rats of the same age, body weight (B.W.) and pituitary growth hormone (GH) content, it was found that both the males and females developed goitres of the same size. On the contrary, when goitrogenesis was induced in adult animals, it was found that male rats, that had larger B.W. and pituitary GH content than age-paired females, developed larger goitres. However, both male and female rats were in a hypothyroid condition of comparable degree as judged by the thyroidal iodine content and the plasma PBI and TSH levels. When all the data on the PTU or KClO4-treated male and female rats of varying age and B.W. were considered together, it was observed that the weights of the thyroids increased proportionally to B.W. However, a difference in the slope of the regression of the thyroid weight over B.W. was found between male and female rats, due to the fact that adult male rats develop larger goitres than female animals. In addition, in the male rats treated with PTU, gonadectomy decreased the B.W., pituitary content of GH-like protein and, concomitantly, the size of the goitre decreased; an opposite effect was induced by ovariectomy on the female animals. However, when goitrogenesis was induced in weight-paired adult rats of both sexes, the male animals still developed larger goitres than the females. Among all the parameters studied here, the only ones which appeared to bear a consistent relationship with the size of the goitres in rats of different sexes, treated with a given goitrogen, were the rate of body growth and the amount of a pituitary GH-like protein found before the onset of the goitrogen treatment. Moreover, though the pituitary content of the GH-like protein decreased as a consequence of goitrogen treatment, it was still somewhat higher in male that in female animals. The present results suggest that GH may somehow be involved in the mechanism by which male and female rats on goitrogens develop goitres of different sizes, despite equally high plasma TSH levels.

Age Changes in Secretory Function of Male and Female Rat Parotid Glands in Response to Methoxamine and Pilocarpine

1988 ◽  
Vol 67 (3) ◽  
pp. 565-573 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Inanaga ◽  
T. Habu ◽  
E. Tanaka ◽  
T. Taniguch ◽  
T. Nishiura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Inorganic Phosphate ◽  
Amylase Activity ◽  
Salivary Flow ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Female Rat ◽  
Parotid Glands ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Male And Female Rats ◽  
Age And Sex

Saliva secreted in response to methoxamine and pilocarpine was collected from the cannulated ducts of both parotid glands of male and female rats at weekly age intervals from three to 10 weeks, and at 3.5, 8, and 15 months of age. It was analyzed for the concentrations of protein, potassium, calcium, inorganic phosphate, and for amylase activity. The types of protein were determined electrophoretically, and an amino acid analysis of the total protein was also carried out. The wet weights of the glands increased substantially up to eight weeks of age, then reached almost plateau values, and finally tended to decrease at 15 months of age in both sexes. The salivary volumes secreted in response to methoxamine and pilocarpine were positively correlated with the parotid gland weights in both sexes. The concentrations of protein, potassium, and inorganic phosphate were inversely related to the salivary flow rates only at relatively low rates of flow. The amylase activity was positively correlated with the concentration of protein, independent of the nature of the stimulus, age, and sex. With methoxamine as a stimulus, the amylase activity was positively correlated with the concentration of calcium, independent of age and sex. The types of protein and amino acid concentrations were independent of the nature of the stimulus, age, and sex up to 15 months of age. However, in parotid saliva of several rats at 8 and 15 months of age, unusual proteins were observed electrophoretically, independent of the nature of the stimulus and sex.

Variation in the size and position of Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea) within the rat intestine

1969 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 1091-1101 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. F. Mettrick ◽  
Lorna C. Dunkley
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Experimental Design ◽  
Frequency Distribution ◽  
Dry Weight ◽  
Pyloric Sphincter ◽  
Hymenolepis Diminuta ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Rat Intestine ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Male And Female Rats

Data on the dry weight of 410 worms from both male and female rats is shown not to differ significantly from the normal (Gaussian) frequency distribution. This finding justified the use of statistics based on this function.Host body weight is shown to have a highly significant (P < 0.01) effect upon worm dry weight. The heavier the rat, the smaller the worms. An experimental design taking rat body weight into consideration is shown to be up to 36% more efficient in demonstrating differences between groups than one that ignores this source of variation. The point of scolex attachment behind the pyloric sphincter also has a significant effect (P < 0.05) upon worm dry weight. The nearer the scolex is to the stomach, the smaller the worm.The distribution of worm biomass in the intestine does not follow a normal (Gaussian) frequency, but is both asymmetrical (P < 0.001) and flattened (P < 0.001). Over 50% of the parasite biomass lies within the second quarter of the intestine. The distribution of the median points of worm strobilae in the rat intestine is also asymmetrical (P < 0.01) with a peak in the zone which represents a distance of 30–35% from the stomach.The migration of H. diminuta within the rat intestine results in the greater part of the parasite body lying in the second quarter of the intestine. The median points of the strobilae are concentrated at the junction of the first and second quarters of the intestine. This region of the rat intestine appears to offer the optimum site for the growth of H. diminuta.

Immunohistochemical localization and immunoblotting of androgen receptor in spinal neurons of male and female rats

1996 ◽  
Vol 134 (5) ◽  
pp. 626-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Lumbroso ◽  
F Sandillon ◽  
V Georget ◽  
JM Lobaccaro ◽  
AO Brinkmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Androgen Receptor ◽  
Muscular Atrophy ◽  
Polyclonal Antibodies ◽  
Immunohistochemical Localization ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Spinal Neurons ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Male And Female Rats

Lumbroso S. Sandillon F, Georget V. Lobaccaro JM, Brinkmann AO, Privat A, Sultan C. Immunohistochemical localization and immunoblotting of androgen receptor in spinal neurons of male and female rats. Eur J Endocrinol 1996:134;626–32. ISSN 0804–4643 Androgen activity in the central nervous system, as in other tissues, is mediated by the androgen receptor. We performed the precise localization of the androgen receptor in spinal cord of male and female adult rats by immunohistochemistry using polyclonal antibodies. Light microscopy indicated immunoreactivity in the anterior horn with a strong staining in motoneurons, but staining was also observed in the posterior horn. Electron microscopy showed a predominant nuclear immunostaining. A weaker but significant immunoreactive androgen receptor was also noted in the perinuclear/ intracysternal position. Moreover, no differences were found between male and female rats. Immuno-blotting demonstrated that the androgen receptor is expressed in both ventral and dorsal spinal cord, with an apparent molecular mass identical to that noted in other androgen-dependent tissues. The expression of androgen receptor in motoneurons corroborates the role of androgens in motoneuron growth, development and regeneration and underlies the possibility that androgen receptor abnormality leads to the motoneuron degeneration observed in X-linked spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy. Charles Sultan, Unité BEDR, Hôpital Lapeyronie, 34295 Montpellier, France

scholarly journals Gender Differences in the Effect of Prenatal Methamphetamine Exposure and Challenge Dose of Other Drugs on Behavior of Adult Rats

2013 ◽  
pp. S99-S108 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. ŠLAMBEROVÁ ◽  
E. MACÚCHOVÁ ◽  
K. NOHEJLOVÁ-DEYKUN ◽  
B. SCHUTOVÁ ◽  
L. HRUBÁ ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Estrous Cycle ◽  
Adult Male ◽  
Gonadal Hormones ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Prenatally Exposed ◽  
Challenge Dose ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Male And Female Rats

The aim of the present study was to compare the response to acute application of several drugs in adult male and female rats prenatally exposed to methamphetamine (MA). Spontaneous locomotor activity and exploratory behavior of adult male and female rats prenatally exposed to MA (5 mg/kg) or saline were tested in a Laboras apparatus (Metris B.V., Netherlands) for 1 h. Challenge dose of the examined drug [amphetamine – 5 mg/kg; cocaine – 5mg/kg; MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine) – 5 mg/kg; morphine – 5 mg/kg; THC (delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol) – 2 mg/kg] or saline was injected prior to testing. Our data demonstrate that prenatal MA exposure did not affect behavior in male rats with cocaine or morphine treatment, but increased locomotion and exploration in females. Application of amphetamine and MDMA in adulthood increased activity in both sexes, while cocaine and THC only in female rats. Morphine, on the other hand, decreased the activity in the Laboras test in both sexes. As far as sex and estrous cycle is concerned, the present study shows that males were generally less active than females and also females in proestrus-estrus phase of the estrous cycle were more active than females in diestrus. In conclusion, the present study shows that the prenatal MA exposure does not induce general sensitization but affects the sensitivity to drugs dependently to mechanism of drug action and with respect to gonadal hormones.

Hyperplastic and Early Neoplastic Lesions of the Liver in Rats of Varying Ages with Dietary-Induced Cirrhosis

1969 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
pp. 79-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melvin D. Reuber
Keyword(s):  
Female Rats ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Chemical Carcinogens ◽  
Deficient Diet ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Low Protein ◽  
Male And Female Rats ◽  
Neoplastic Lesions ◽  
Parenchymal Cells ◽  
Age And Sex

Inbred Buffalo male and female rats, 4-, 8-, 12-, 24-, and 52-weeks old, ingested a high fat, low protein and choline deficient diet. Preneoplastic and early neoplastic lesions of the parenchymal cells, as well as cirrhosis, developed in the liver. Hyperplastic lesions generally were observed more often in male animals and in younger animals. The hyperplastic lesions, developing in the periportal regions, were similar histologically and with regard to age and sex to lesions demonstrated as precarcinogenic in animals given chemical carcinogens.

scholarly journals The Effects of Maternal Deprivation on the Hippocampal Structure in Adult Rats

2009 ◽  
Vol 36 (03) ◽  
pp. 356-362 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pınar Karakaş ◽  
Memduha Gülhal Bozkır ◽  
Fahri Dere ◽  
Enver Melik ◽  
Emine Babar Melik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Normal Structure ◽  
Maternal Deprivation ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Male And Female Rats ◽  
Axodendritic Synapses ◽  
Group Control Group

Objectives:To examine the ultrastructural effects of maternal deprivation during developmental periods of limbi-chypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal system on hippocampal dendritic structures in adult rats.Methods:The experiments were carried out with male and female wistar rats in our department. The rats were mated and, after birth, the pups were divided into four groups. The first group (control group) pups remained undisturbed with their dam until postweaning day 22. Maternal deprived groups were separated from their dams for 24 hours at postnatal day 4, 9 and 18. The subjects were provided with food and water ad libitum until 3-months-of-age. At the third month, the rats were transcardially perfused, samples were taken from CA1 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus. Tissues were prepared for electron microscopy.Results:When the data were analyzed, there were no differences between male and female rats in both ultrastructure and semiquantitative analysis of axodendritic synapses. The ultrastructure of Group 1 was seen as normal while in the second Group some neurons nuclear envelope made deep invagination into the nucleus. Additionally, axodendritic synapses were found normal. In Group 3, micrographs and axodendritic synapses were showed normal structure. However, in Group 4 in some neurons invaginations were seen similar to Group 2. Axodendritic synapses were found to be normal.Conclusion:These experiments establish that MD in rats produces slight ultrastructural changes and decreases the number of synapses in CA1 and CA3 subregions of the hippocampus.

INVOLVEMENT OF INHIBIN IN THE REGULATION OF FOLLICLE-STIMULATING HORMONE CONCENTRATIONS IN PREPUBERTAL AND ADULT, MALE AND FEMALE RATS

1980 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. P. HERMANS ◽  
E. C. M. VAN LEEUWEN ◽  
M. H. M. DEBETS ◽  
F. H. DE JONG
Keyword(s):  
Follicle Stimulating Hormone ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Intact Male ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Physiological Factor ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Male And Female Rats ◽  
Pituitary Secretion ◽  
Fast Acting

Administration of steroid-free bovine follicular fluid (bFF), containing inhibin-like activity, depressed levels of FSH measured 4 h after injection in intact adult and 35-day-old female rats, but not in younger females. Suppression of FSH was also observed in intact male rats, aged 55 days, but not in older and younger male rats. Eight hours after injection of bFF, FSH levels were depressed in 15-day-old and older immature and adult rats of both sexes. Male and female rats, gonadectomized 2 days earlier, responded similarly to bFF treatment as did the intact animals. In a second experiment it was found that the rise of FSH levels, occurring within 8 h of gonadectomy, decreased with age in male and increased with age in female rats. Steroid treatment was found to prevent the rise in FSH levels partially in 15-day-old male and completely in 25-day-old female rats, whereas treatment with bFF was fully effective in blocking the FSH rise in both immature and adult rats of both sexes. It is concluded that inhibin might be a major physiological factor in a fast-acting control of FSH concentrations from at least the age of 25 days onwards in female rats. In male rats its physiological significance might be limited to the prepubertal period, despite the fact that pituitary secretion of FSH is suppressed by exogenous inhibin-like activity at all ages studied.

Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate stimulates alveolar epithelial fluid clearance in male and female adult rats

2011 ◽  
Vol 301 (5) ◽  
pp. L804-L811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edgar E. Kooijman ◽  
Stephanie R. Kuzenko ◽  
Denghuang Gong ◽  
Michael D. Best ◽  
Hans G. Folkesson
Keyword(s):  
Female Rats ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Na Channel ◽  
Alveolar Fluid Clearance ◽  
Membrane Phospholipids ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Alveolar Epithelial ◽  
Male And Female Rats

Cell membrane phospholipids, like phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI( 4 , 5 )P2], can regulate epithelial Na channel (ENaC) activity. Gender differences in lung ENaC expression have also been demonstrated. However, the effects in vivo on alveolar fluid clearance are uncertain. Thus PI( 4 , 5 )P2 effects on alveolar fluid clearance were studied in male and female rats. An isosmolar 5% albumin solution was intrapulmonary instilled; alveolar fluid clearance was studied for 1 h. Female rats had a 37 ± 19% higher baseline alveolar fluid clearance than male rats. Bilateral ovariectomy attenuated this gender difference. Compared with controls, PI( 4 , 5 )P2 instillation (300 μM) increased alveolar fluid clearance by ∼93% in both genders. Amiloride or the specific αENaC small-interfering RNA inhibited baseline and PI( 4 , 5 )P2-stimulated alveolar fluid clearance in both genders, indicating a dependence on amiloride-sensitive pathways. The fraction of amiloride inhibition was greater in PI( 4 , 5 )P2-instilled rats (male: 64 ± 10%; female: 70 ± 11%) than in controls (male: 30 ± 6%; female: 44 ± 8%). PI( 4 , 5 )P2 instillation lacked additional alveolar fluid clearance stimulation above that of terbutaline, nor did propranolol inhibit alveolar fluid clearance after PI( 4 , 5 )P2 instillation, indicating that PI( 4 , 5 )P2 stimulation was not secondary to endogenous β-adrenoceptor activation. PI( 4 , 5 )P2 amine instillation resulted in an intermediate alveolar fluid clearance stimulation, suggesting that, to reach maximal alveolar fluid clearance stimulation, PI( 4 , 5 )P2 must reside in cell membranes. In summary, PI( 4 , 5 )P2 instillation upregulated in vivo alveolar fluid clearance similar to short-term β-adrenoceptor upregulation of alveolar fluid clearance. PI( 4 , 5 )P2 stimulation was mediated partly by increased amiloride-sensitive Na transport. There exist important gender-related effects suggesting a female advantage that may have clinical implications for resolution of acute lung injury.

scholarly journals Nucleus Accumbens Chemogenetic Inhibition Suppresses Amphetamine-Induced Ultrasonic Vocalizations in Male and Female Rats

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1255
Author(s):  
Kate A. Lawson ◽  
Abigail Y. Flores ◽  
Rachael E. Hokenson ◽  
Christina M. Ruiz ◽  
Stephen V. Mahler
Keyword(s):  
Nucleus Accumbens ◽  
Subjective Effects ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Ultrasonic Vocalizations ◽  
Designer Drugs ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Affective States ◽  
Adult Rats ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Male And Female Rats

Adult rats emit ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) related to their affective states, potentially providing information about their subjective experiences during behavioral neuroscience experiments. If so, USVs might provide an important link between invasive animal preclinical studies and human studies in which subjective states can be readily queried. Here, we induced USVs in male and female Long Evans rats using acute amphetamine (2 mg/kg), and asked how reversibly inhibiting nucleus accumbens neurons using designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) impacts USV production. We analyzed USV characteristics using “Deepsqueak” software, and manually categorized detected calls into four previously defined subtypes. We found that systemic administration of the DREADD agonist clozapine-n-oxide, relative to vehicle in the same rats, suppressed the number of frequency-modulated and trill-containing USVs without impacting high frequency, unmodulated (flat) USVs, nor the small number of low-frequency USVs observed. Using chemogenetics, these results thus confirm that nucleus accumbens neurons are essential for production of amphetamine-induced frequency-modulated USVs. They also support the premise of further investigating the characteristics and subcategories of these calls as a window into the subjective effects of neural manipulations, with potential future clinical applications.

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