Beta-endorphin inhibits the inflammatory response of bovine endometrial cells through δ opioid receptor in vitro

Postpartum uterine infections are common reproductive diseases in postpartum cows. Evidence has shown that plasma β-endorphins increase during bovine uterine inflammation. However, the effect of β-endorphins on the inflammatory response in bovine endometrium has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of β-endorphins on the inflammatory response of bovine endometrial epithelial and stromal cells, and to explore the possible mechanism. The cells were treated with E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to simulate inflammation, which was characterized by the significant activation of NF-κB signaling pathway and the increased gene expression of the downstream proinflammatory cytokines (approximately 1.2- to 15-fold increase, P < 0.05). By using Western blot and qPCR techniques, we found that β-endorphins inhibited the key protein expression of NF-κB pathway, and the gene expressions of TNF, IL1B, IL6, CXCL8, nitric oxide synthase 2, and prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (P < 0.05). The co-treatment of β-endorphins and opioid antagonists showed that the anti-inflammatory effect of β-endorphins could be blocked (P < 0.05) by non-selective opioid antagonist naloxone or δ opioid receptor antagonist ICI 154129, but not the μ opioid receptor antagonist CTAP (P > 0.05). In conclusion, β-endorphins may inhibit the inflammatory response of bovine endometrial epithelial and stromal cells through δ opioid receptor.

A study of the incidence of milk fever in Jersey and Holstein cows at a dairy farm in Beatrice, Zimbabwe

A 3-year prospective study investigated the incidence of milk fever in Jersey and Holstein cows at a commercial dairy farm in Beatrice, Zimbabwe. The overall incidence of milk fever at the farm was 7.98%. Incidence of milk fever in Jerseys (14.78%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in Holsteins (4.82%). Incidence of milk fever in Jerseys beyond their fourth parity (24.85%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in Jerseys in their second (5.90%), third (6.49%) and fourth (8.73%) parities. Incidence of milk fever in Holsteins beyond their fourth parity (8.29%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in Holsteins in their second (1.43%), third (1.82%) and fourth (2.91%) parities. No significant difference existed in milk fever incidences between the second, third and fourth parities in either Jersey or Holstein cows. Incidence of milk fever in Jersey cows producing over 6114 litres per 305-day lactation (27.07%) was significantly higher than that in Jerseys producing less than 6114 litres of milk per 305-day lactation (p < 0.05). Incidence of milk fever in Holsteins producing more than 9149 litres per 305-day lactation (10.49%) was significantly higher than that in Holsteins producing less than 9149 litres of milk per 305-day lactation (p < 0.05). No significant difference existed between incidences of milk fever between the first, second and third quartile producers (p > 0.05) in either Jersey or Holstein cows. This study confirms that the risk of developing milk fever is higher in Jerseys and also increases with increasing parity and higher levels of milk production in both breeds, thus advocating for special considerations when dairy cows fit these criteria.

Endogenous opiates and behavior: 2008

This paper is the 31st consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2008 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior (Section 2), and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia (Section 3); stress and social status (Section 4); tolerance and dependence (Section 5); learning and memory (Section 6); eating and drinking (Section 7); alcohol and drugs of abuse (Section 8); sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (Section 9); mental illness and mood (Section 10); seizures and neurologic disorders (Section 11); electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (Section 12); general activity and locomotion (Section 13); gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (Section 14); cardiovascular responses (Section 15); respiration and thermoregulation (Section 16); and immunological responses (Section 17).