• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• 제56권1호
• /
• pp.93-100
• /
• 2018

Some small mammals occur as household pests and harbour a number of parasites that could be of public health importance. This study profiled the helminth and protozoan parasites in trapped small mammals within and around human dwelling places (houses) located across 4 major towns (Auchi, Benin, Ekpoma, and Uromi) and environs in Edo state, Nigeria. Six genera (Apodemus sp., Crocidura sp., Mastomys natalensis, Mus musculus, Rattus sp., and Sorex sp.) were identified from 502 trapped small mammals. Overall, M. musculus (71.9%) and Rattus rattus (20.1%) were the most frequently trapped. In total, on examination of blood, gastrointestinal contents, and brain tissues, 12 helminth taxa (Angiostrongylus sp., Aspicularis sp., Capillaria sp., Gongylonema sp., Heterakis spumosa, Hymenolepis diminuta, Hymenolepis nana, Mastophorus muris, Moniliformis moniliformis, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, Strongyloides sp., Trichosomoides sp., and Trichuris sp.), and 6 protozoan parasites (Babesia sp., Trypanosoma lewisi, Plasmodium sp., Eimeria sp., Isospora sp., and Toxoplasma gondii) were isolated. Most prevalent helminths with relatively heavy mean intensity were Strongyloides sp. and Heterakis spumosa, while Plasmodium, Eimeria, and Isospora were the most prevalent protozoan parasites. Generally, intrinsic factors like sex and age had marginal influence on the rate and burden of infection in M. musculus and R. rattus. Although the infection rate and prevalence of zoonotic parasites were low, they were largely recovered in rodents from Ekpoma. This study elucidates the public health implication of the presence of zoonotic parasites in these small mammals.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• 제48권3호
• /
• pp.237-243
• /
• 2010

Comprehensive quarterly serosurveillance on scrub typhus in small mammals collected from military training sites located near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), northern Gyeonggi-do (Province), ROK was conducted to determine the potential rodent-borne and associated ectoparasite disease risks to military personnel. A total of 1,196 rodents and insectivores representing 8 species, Apodemus agrarius (87.3%, n = 1,044), Mus musculus (5.4%, n = 65), Crocidura lasiura (3.3%, n = 40), Microtus fortis (2.6%, n = 31), Micromys minutus (0.3%, n = 4), Tscherskia triton (0.3%, n = 4), Rattus norvegicus (0.3%, n = 4), and Myodes regulus (0.3%, n = 4) were assayed for the presence of antibodies to Orientia tsutsugamushi. O. tsutsugamushi antibodies were detected in 6 of 8 species and seroprevalence determined; A. agrarius (45.6%), M. musculus (23.1%), M. fortis (48.4%), M. minutus (50.0%), T. triton (50.0%), and R. norvegicus (25.0%). A total of 31,184 chigger mites collected from 508 rodents and insectivores were slide-mounted and 10 species belonging to 4 genera were identified. Leptotrombidium pallidum (53.4%) was the most frequently collected, followed by L. pal pale (15.7%), Neotrombicula tam/yai (14.3%), L. orientate (10.7%), L. zetum (3.1%), Walchia fragilis (2.1%), and L. gemiticutum (0.8%), while the remaining 3 species, L subintennedium, N. gardellai, and Euschoengastia koreaensis were rarely observed (prevalence < 10%). In contrast to previous surveys, higher chigger indices of the primary scrub typhus vectors, L. pallidum (165.4), L. orientale (45.0), and L. palpate (21.4), were observed during the spring season.

• Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity
• /
• 제5권1호
• /
• pp.1-12
• /
• 1989

한국 남서연안및 섬등의 8개지역에서 등줄쥐((Apodemus agraris)의 표본들을 채접하였다. 한반도의 여타지역벚 제주도의 표본틀과 같이 두골벚 외부측청치를 포함하는 형태적형질의 분석과 염색체 핵형의 비교분석을 실시하였다. 염색체 분석에 있어서 한국내의 표본들간에 핵형상의 차이는 없었다. 형태적 형질의 분석에 있어서 완도및 보걸도에서 채집된 표본들은 제주도의 표본들과 함께 large-size group (큰형)을 형성했다(Apodemus agrarius chejuensis). 반면에 진도빛 하조도의 표본들은 남서 연 안을 포함하는 한반도지 역 에 서 채 집 된 표본등 과 함께 small-size group (작은 형)을 이루였다(A. agrarius comeae). 완도및 보걸도에 큰 형의 등줄쥐플이 현재 서식하고 있는 이유는 전에 살았던 작은 행의 등줄쥐들이 전멸되고, 제주도로 부터 언간에 의해서 이주된 큰 형의 등줄쥐들로 대체되었기 때문이라고 추정하였다

• Genomics & Informatics
• /
• 제9권3호
• /
• pp.93-101
• /
• 2011

The Hairless (HR ) gene regulates the expression of several target genes as a transcriptional corepressor of nuclear receptors. The hair follicle (HF), a small independent organ of the skin, resides in the epidermis and undergoes regenerative cycling for normal hair formation. HF development requires many genes and signaling pathways to function properly in time and space, one of them being the HR gene. Various mutations of the HR gene have been reported to cause the hair loss pheno-type in rodents and humans. In recent studies, it has been suggested that the HR gene is a critical player in the regulation of the hair cycle and, thus, HF development. Furthermore, the HR gene is associated with the Wnt signaling pathway, which regulates proliferation and differentiation of cells and plays an essential role in hair and skin development. In this review, we summarize the mutations responsible for human hair disorders and discuss the roles of the HR gene in HF development.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• 제59권1호
• /
• pp.1-8
• /
• 2021

Leptotrombidium scutellare is one of the 6 main vectors of scrub typhus in China. It has been found in more than 15 provinces of China. Especially in Yunnan, it was found to be mainly distributed in some mountainous areas with high altitude, low temperature and low precipitation. Rodents and some other small mammals were the most common hosts of L. scutellare. To date, more than 40 host species of L. scutellare have been recorded with very low host specificity, and the main hosts varied in different geographical regions. L. scutellare had a strong resistance against the cold environment, and the temperature and humidity were 2 important factors affecting its growth and development. Among different individuals of their rodent hosts, L. scutellare mites often showed an aggregated distribution pattern, which reflected the interspecific cooperation of the mites. The chromosome karyotype of L. scutellare was 2n=16 and all the 8 pairs of chromosomes were short rod-shaped with metacentric or sub-metacentric types. The isozyme spectrum supported that L. scutellare, L. deliense and L. rubellum were in the same species group. Based on the natural infection, experimental transmission and epidemiological evidence, L. scutellare has been eventually confirmed as the second major vector of scrub typhus in China, which is second only to L. deliense.

• Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity
• /
• 제7권2호
• /
• pp.179-188
• /
• 1991

한국의 제주도에 서식하고 있는 등줄쥐의 한 아종인 Apodemus agrarius chejuensis의 분류학적 위치의 파악을 위하여, 아시아에 서식하는 등줄쥐중에 터키,중국,대만,만주 및 한국에서 채칩된 8아종(agrarius, ningpoensis, pallidior, chevrieri, insulaemus, manchuricus, coreae 및 chejuensis), 311마리의 표본들을 사용하였다. 4개 외부형질과 27개 두골형질들을 측정하였고 cluster, principal components 및 discriminant 분석등의 다변량분석을 수행하였다. 4개형(form)으로 나뉘어졌는데, chejuensis는 가장 큰 형이었고, 큰 형인 chevrieri는 Wang(1985)에 의하여 종으로도 기술된 바가 있다. 중간 크기의 형과 작은 크기의 형은 각각 coreae와 나머지 5개 아종(agrarius, ningpoensis, pallidior, in-sulaemus 및 manchuricus)이었으며, 연속적 변이를 나타냈다. 제주도의 chejuensis(가장 큰 형)는 등줄쥐의 다른 6개 아종(중간과 작은 크기의 형들)과 형태적 형질에 있어서 불연속적 차이를 보였으므로 신종으로 판단되지만, 신종으로서의 기재를 위해서는 연구가 더 필요하다고 결론지었다.

• 한국가축번식학회지
• /
• 제19권4호
• /
• pp.307-322
• /
• 1996

The corpus luteum (CL) is formed by the action of a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) on the pre-ovulatory follicle. Luteal cells derived from granulosa and theca interna cells continue to secrete progesterone for about two weeks. LH in domestic animals is essential for the normal secretion of progesterone at all stages of the luteal phase. For this process in the rodents, 20$\alpha$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20$\alpha$-HSD) is indispensable. 20$\alpha$-HSD is an enzyme to be a biologically inactive steroid. This enzyme plays a critical role in the regulation of the rat luteal function and reported to be present in steroid-producing tissues such as the testis and adrenal gland. We have purified 20$\alpha$-HSD and found two distinct 20$\alpha$-HSD molecules (HSD-1 and HSD-2). Their molecular weights are both estimated to be 33kd.The amino acid compositions of HSD-1 and HSD-2 are mostly similar, but there is a slight difference in the content of lysine. We demonstrated that 1) CL of previous generations contribute more to whole ovarian 20$\alpha$-HSD activity, 2) newly formed corpora lutea contain only 20$\alpha$-HSD-1 activity, and 3) old CL express activities of each HSD isozyme as shown in the luteal tissue of cycling rats on the day of diestrus where only degenerating old CL exist. The increase in 20$\alpha$-HSD activity identified seems to be related to the increase in the numbers of 20$\alpha$-HSD-positive cells. Interestingly, 20$\alpha$-HSD-1 activities were strongly found in the follicle fluids and theca interna cells by immunohistochemical study. Thus, the activity of 20$\alpha$-HSD may be related to a survival mechanism of those luteal cells and follicles remaining in the ovaries. Luteal cells arise from two sources. The small luteal cells are all of theca cell origin, while the large luteal cells are mainly of granulosa cell origin. CL of Korean Native Cattle, as those of other animal species, contains two morphologycally and functionally distinct luteal cell populations, such as small and large luteal cells as well as nonluteal cells. In all reproductive states except in the late luteal phase, the bovine CL also contained more small luteal cells than large luteal cells. Luteal tissue secretes a variety of growth factors (proteins) and the pattern of secretion changes during all stages of the luteal phase. These growth factors could be important in regulating the function of the bovine corpus luteum and may act in a potential endocrine autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. Therefore, further work has to be done to elucidate the role of growth factors in the ovary, especially in the corpus luterum. Interest should be focussed on interaction of these growth factors in the regulation of luteal cell and the localization of cytokine synthesis in differnet luteal cells.

• Animal Systematics, Evolution and Diversity
• /
• 제11권1호
• /
• pp.87-100
• /
• 1995

1994년 7월 전라남도 진도에서 위생절지동물상을 조사하였다. 모기는 8종이 채집되었는데 그중 일본뇌염 매개종인 작은빨간집모기(Culex tritaeniorhynchus)가 우점종이었다. 신종으로 보이는 Cluex sp. 유충이 채집되었는데 명명은 성충이 채집되지 않아 보류하였다. 깔따구는 모두 11속 23종이 채집되었는데 그 중 Cladopelma viridula(녹색사촌무깔따구, 신칭), Dicrotendipes septem-maculatus(여섯점갈래깔따구, 신칭) 및 Harnischia urtilamellata(혹무깔따구, 신칭)는 한국 미기록종이어서 자세히 재기재하였다. 깔따구류중 우점종은 안개무늬날개깔따구(Chironomus kiiensis)이었고(67.3%), 노란털깔따구(Ch. flaviplumus)가 그 다음이었다(15.6%), 등에모기는 모두 5종이 채집되었고 그 중 Culicoides punctatus가 88.7%로 우점종이었다. Foreipomia sp.도 채집되었는데 이 속은 한국에서 처음으로 기록되는 것이다. 들쥐 채집결과는 등줄쥐(Apodemus agrarius)가 높은 밀도를 보였고 등줄쥐에 기생하는 외부기생 절지동물로 Leptotrombidium orientale, Ixodes nipponensis, Laelaps jettmani, Eulaelaps stabularis 등이 동정되었다.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• 제19권3호
• /
• pp.329-334
• /
• 2006

Adipocyte-specific secretory factor (ADSF)/resistin, a hormone, is a small cysteine-rich protein secreted from adipose tissue and has been implicated in modulating adipogenesis in humans and rodents. The objective of this study was to clone a gene encoding ADSF/resistin and to characterize its function in Korean Native Cattle (Hanwoo). The coding sequence was 330 base pairs and it encoded a protein of 109 amino acids. An NCBI BLAST-search revealed the cloned cDNA fragment shared significant homology (82%) with the cDNA encoding the human ADSF/resistin. The nucleotide sequence homology of the Hanwoo sequence was 73% and 64% for the rat and mouse, respectively. A 654 bp ADSF/resistin gene promoter was cloned and putative binding sites of transcription factors were identified. Tissue distribution of ADSF mRNA was examined in liver, skeletal muscles (tenderloin, biceps femoris), subcutaneous fat, and perirenal fat by RT-PCR. ADSF mRNAs were detected in fat tissues but not in liver and muscles, suggesting that ADSF/resistin expression may be induced during adipogenesis. Although, the physiological function of ADSF/resistin in the cow remains to be determined, these data indicate ADSF is related to the adipocyte phenotype and may have a possibly regulatory role in adipocyte function.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• 제28권6호
• /
• pp.876-887
• /
• 2015

Dicer, an ribonuclease type III type endonuclease, is the key enzyme involved in biogenesis of microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), and thus plays a critical role in RNA interference through post transcriptional regulation of gene expression. This enzyme has not been well studied in the Indian water buffalo, an important species known for disease resistance and high milk production. In this study, the primary coding sequence (5,778 bp) of bubaline dicer (GenBank: AB969677.1) was determined and the bubaline Dicer1 biocomputationally characterized to determine the phylogenetic signature among higher eukaryotes. The evolutionary tree revealed that all the transcript variants of Dicer1 belonging to a specific species were within the same node and the sequences belonging to primates, rodents and lagomorphs, avians and reptiles formed independent clusters. The bubaline dicer1 is closely related to that of cattle and other ruminants and significantly divergent from dicer of lower species such as tapeworm, sea urchin and fruit fly. Evolutionary divergence analysis conducted using MEGA6 software indicated that dicer has undergone purifying selection over the time. Seventeen divergent sequences, representing each of the families/taxa were selected to study the specific regions of positive vis-$\grave{a}$-vis negative selection using different models like single likelihood ancestor counting, fixed effects likelihood, and random effects likelihood of Datamonkey server. Comparative analysis of the domain structure revealed that Dicer1 is conserved across mammalian species while variation both in terms of length of Dicer enzyme and presence or absence of domain is evident in the lower organisms.