Showing papers on "Coturnix published in 1996"

Imitative learning in male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) using the two-action method.

Abstract: The study of imitative learning in animals has suffered from the presence of a number of confounding motivational and attentional factors (e.g., social facilitation and stimulus enhancement). The two-action method avoids these problems by exposing observers to demonstrators performing a response (e.g., operating a treadle) using 1 of 2 distinctive topographies (e.g., by pecking or by stepping). Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) observers exposed to conspecific demonstrators showed a high correlation between the topography of the response they observed and the response they performed. These data provide strong evidence for the existence of true imitative learning in an active, precocious bird under conditions that control for alternative accounts.

Evidence for Altered Structure and Impaired Mitochondrial Electron Transport Function in Selenium Deficiency

Abstract: Selenium (Se) deficiency in the experimental models, Coturnix coturnix japonica and Corcyra cephalonica, resulted in impaired mitochondrial substrate oxidations and lowered thiol levels. Studies with respiratory inhibitors confirmed reduced mitochondrial electron transport enzyme activities, especially at cytochrome c oxidase (COX), the terminal segment. Enhanced mitochondrial lipid peroxidation in Se deficiency was more pronounced in the heart tissue of the quail compared to other tissues. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity toward H2O2 and cumene hydroperoxide were generally low in the insect muscle tissue and activity toward H2O2 was maximal in the quail heart mitochondria that was not very sensitive to Se status. Lowered COX activity in Se deficiency was more directly correlated with the increased level of lipid peroxidation than with the GSH-Px activity measured, suggestive of Se mediated protective mechanisms independent of GSH-Px. Electron microscopic observations revealed structural changes such as loss of cristae with proliferative and degenerative changes of the mitochondria in Se deficiency. Involvement of Se in maintaining structure and functional efficiency of mitochondria is evident from the present study.

Changes in retinal dopaminergic cells and dopamine rhythmic metabolism during the development of a glaucoma-like disorder in quails.

Abstract: Purpose. To examine the possible correlation between a dysfunction of the daily rhythm of retinal dopamine (DA) and the development of a glaucoma-like disorder in an animal model, the al mutant quail (Coturnix roturnix japonica). Methods. The morphology and density of DA-containing cells labeled immunohistochemically with an anti-tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) antibody were correlated with the diurnal and nocturnal contents of DA and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Results. The number of TH-immunoreactive cells was lower than normal in mutant quails suffering from the disorder. There were considerably fewer cells in the central retina, and the DA metabolism was reduced in parallel. The nocturnal DA content was lower than the diurnal level in normal quails, but there was no such circadian fluctuation in mutant quails. Conclusions. This glaucoma-like disorder in quails is correlated with the degeneration of DA-containing amacrine cells and a dysfunction of the circadian rhythmicity of DA synthesis.

Experimental hepatitis induced by Campylobacter jejuni infection in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

Abstract: To establish an experimental model for vibrionic hepatitis caused by Campylobacter jejuni, Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) were inoculated with C. jejuni strains isolated from chicken hepatitis (BL107) and human diarrhea (HP5113). Necrotic liver lesions were formed by intra-pancreaticoduodenal vein injection by which the bacteria reached the liver directly via the portal vein, but not by intra-gastric infection. These liver lesions were observed from day 1 to 7 after the infection. The pathological changes were weak and no clinical signs were observed throughout the experimental period. By immunohistochemistry, the bacterial antigens were detected in the hepatocytes, and intercellular spaces between the hepatocytes, and in the macrophages during the early stage of the infection. When focal hepatocyte necrosis was formed, the antigen was detected more frequently in the intact hepatocytes at the periphery of the lesions than within necrotic foci. The bacteria were not detected from the liver, spleen or blood according to raising the serum agglutination titer. In contrast, the bacteria immediately invaded the bile in 5 min post-infection and were retained in the gallbladder for long periods. The present study showed that necrotizing hepatitis was formed by intra-pancreaticoduodenal vein infection of the quail with C. jejuni.

Development of pericyte-like cells during angiogenesis in quail chick chimeras as detected by combined Feulgen reaction and immunohistochemistry

Abstract: Perivascular fibroblasts have been proposed as possible precursor cells for microvascular pericytes. To investigate the development of pericytes during angiogenesis we examined interspecific grafts between chick and quail embryos. Limb buds of three-day old quail embryos were transferred to the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of ten to fourteen day-old chick embryos. Six days after grafting, the limb buds were explanted and histologically examined by combined Feulgen reaction and immunohistochemistry using an antibody to quail endothelial and hemopoietic cells (QH-1). Limb buds were found to be vascularized by a network of capillaries which were partially derived from sprouts of the chick CAM microvasculature. Numerous hybrid capillaries were detected, consisting of host endothelial cells (chick) and graft pericytes (quail). These results provide further support for the idea that microvascular pericytes can evolve from perivascular fibroblasts.

Effects of PCBs on Liver Ultrastructure and Monooxygenase Activities in Japanese Quail

Abstract: The effect of environmental pollutants such as PCBs and DDT on avian species is well documented. It is proven that chronic high level PCB intoxication perturbs calcium metabolism in birds, affecting eggshell thickness. PCBs have an impact on the liver. which accumulates high levels of toxicants. These induce drug-metabolizing enzyme activities in quail (Coturnix coturnix), herring gull (larus argentatus), and partridge (Prdix perdix). As these enzymes can degrade endogeneous molecules such as steroids, xenobiotics like PCBs can severely hinder birds` reproductive performance. PCBs induce damage such as regression of the testes, decreased sperm concentration, and altered embryonic development resulting in death or malformation of chicks. More ever, ultrastructural alterations linked with induction of these enzymes have been observed in the livers of PCB-contaminated chickens and ducks. This study examines the effects of Aroclor 1254 on liver morphology and glycogen content in quail, and related morphological modification to liver monoxygenase activities. 26 refs., 6 figs., 1 tab.

Effect of Dietary Cholesterol on the Activities of Key Enzymes of Cholesterol Metabolism in Hyperlipidemia- and Atherosclerosis-Prone Japanese Quail

Abstract: The hyperlipidemia- and atherosclerosis-prone (HAP) Japanese quail is a strain developed for the study of atherosclerosis by genetic selection from the commercially available (CA) Japanese quail. To delineate the characteristics of cholesterol metabolism in this strain, concentrations of serum lipids as well as hepatic enzyme activities were compared between HAP and CA quail. The hepatic enzymes studied are involved in the key step reaction in cholesterol metabolism: HMG-CoA reductase, ACAT, and cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase. The animals were fed ad libitum with either 1% cholesterol or cholesterol-free semipurified diet for 28 days. Although a significant increase (p < 0.01) in serum cholesterol was observed in both strains on elapse of cholesterol feeding, formation of atheroma was seen exclusively in HAP quail of the cholesterol-fed group. The serum and liver cholesterol levels of HAP quail fed the cholesterol diet were significantly higher (p < 0.01) than those of CA quail. No significant differences were seen in the rate of cholesterol biosynthesis (HMG-CoA reductase activity), cholesterol ester formation (ACAT activity) and cholesterol catabolism (7 alpha-hydroxylase activity) between CA and HAP quail. Furthermore, the fecal excretions of acidic and neutral sterol showed no significant difference between strains. Although the formation of atheroma in HAP quail may be presumably due to the contribution of the marked increase in serum cholesterol level, the rate of cholesterol catabolism and synthesis in HAP quail compared well with those of CA quail. These observations suggest that the retarded rate of cholesterol biosynthesis or catabolism is not responsible for hypercholesterolemia in HAP quail.

Seasonal variation in the diet of common quail Coturnix coturnix in the Eastern Cape

Abstract: Crops were analysed and dietary components identified from a total of 175 quails (Coturnix catumix) sampled on several farms in the Alexandria district (Eastern Cape) during Sept 1994-Sept 1995. Quail were found to feed primarily on forb seeds and insects. Diet did not vary between male and female quail, but varied seasonally, with a decrease in seed consumption during the period of peak quail abundance and breeding (October-November), when insect consumption increased. Overall, seed was the dominant food type (both in frequency and quantity). Quail have a seasonally varied diet, relying on seeds of forbs characteristic of cultivated and fallow fields.