The study was conducted on 20 Holstein X Sahiwal cross bred dairy cows, with an average milk production of 2,752±113.79 liters in 284±5.75 days during a single lactation, that were divided in to two groups of 10 animals. We investigated the oxidative stress and antioxidant status during the transition period in dairy cows. In this study, plasma level of MDA was considered as an indicator of lipid peroxidation and SOD, catalase, GSH and GSHPx as antioxidants. The lipid peroxidation was significantly (p<0.001) higher in cows during early lactation as compared to the cows in advanced pregnancy. A significant positive correlation (r = +0.831, p<0.01) was determined between MDA and catalase in early lactating cows. In early lactating cows, blood glutathione was significantly lower than in advanced pregnant cows. However, early lactating cows showed non-significant negative correlation for all antioxidant enzymes with lipid peroxidation. In conclusion, dairy cows seemed to have more oxidative stress and low antioxidant defense during early lactation or just after parturition than advanced pregnant cows, and this appears to be the reason for their increased susceptibility to production diseases (e.g. mastitis, metritis, retention of fetal membranes etc.) and other health problems.

Ofloxacin, a quinolone, is an extensively used, well-tolerated antibacterial agent but has been reported to induce photosensitivity at low incidences. In the present investigation, the possible role of oxidative stress in ofloxacin-induced retinopathy in rabbits was evaluated. It was observed that ofloxacin at a dose rate of 10 and 20 mg/rabbit, twice daily for 21 consecutive days, resulted in significant elevation in the extent of lipid peroxidation and depletion of the blood glutathione levels. Marked alterations were also observed in various parameters of the glutathione-redox cycle. There was significant increase in the enzymic activity of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase, whereas a significant decrease was observed in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase enzymes. Histopathological studies revealed retinal damage especially in the pigmented cell layer. Degenerative changes in liver and kidneys were also observed. Liver showed focal areas of necrosis, dilation of sinusoids, and cellular infiltration, whereas in kidneys, there was glomerular and tubular degeneration, suggesting impaired renal functioning.

Aim: The present study was aimed at elucidating the distribution of various enzymes in the submandibular salivary gland of buffalo during prenatal development and correlation of these enzyme systems with the secretory activity of the gland. Materials and Methods:The study was carried out on submandibular salivary gland of 15 buffalo fetuses ranging from 11 cm curved crown-rump length (CVRL) (78 days) to 100 cm CVRL (full term). The fetuses were categorized into three groups based on their CVRL.Results: A weak activity of phosphatases and oxidoreductases was observed in the acinar cells and ductular epithelium at 11-19 cm CVRL (78-114 days). From 28 to 37 cm CVRL (136-157 days), a weak to moderate diffused granular alkaline phosphatase (AKPase) activity was observed in the seromucous acini whereas oxidoreductases showed moderate activity. The enzyme activity showed progressively increased with the advancement of the gestation period. The AKPase activity was more in the lumen of acini and along the intercellular canaliculi at 42-100 cm of CVRL (168 days -full term). Large ducts exhibited strong activity for oxidoreductases indicating increased metabolic activity of the cells. Conclusion:The fetuses of Group I showed a uniform weak activity in the acinar cells and ductular epithelium of the gland. In Group II, the enzymes showed a weak to moderate activity which progressively increased with the advancement of gestation period. The enzymes related to Group III showed a strong positive activity for enzymes which reflected higher secretory activity of the gland.

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The study was conducted on the adrenal glands of 29 buffaloes ranging from day old to one year of age. The adrenal gland was fully differentiated into cortex and medulla in the day old buffalo calf and was completely surrounded by a dense fibrous capsule at this stage. The capsule consisted of outer layer of loose connective tissue and inner layer of thick collagen fibres. The connective tissue trabeculae made up of collagen and reticular fibres arose from the inner aspect of capsule and infiltrated the cortical parenchyma of the gland. The reticular fibres dominated in the inner aspect of the capsule and the proportion of reticular fibres was more in the zona glomerulosa and outer zone of medulla, however, elastic fibres were not observed in any part of the gland up to one year of age. The average thickness of the capsule increased with progression of age which was due to increase in the density of collagen fibres especially in the inner zone of capsule.

The histoenzymic studies on sublingual salivary gland of 15 buffalo foetuses ranging from 11 cm CVRL (78 days) to 100 cm CVRL (full term) were conducted. The foetuses were categorized into three groups based on their curved crown rump length (CVRL). At 11-19 cm CVRL (78-114 days), a weak activity of phosphatases and oxidoreductases was observed in the acinar cells and ductular epithelium. Between 28-37 cm CVRL (136-157 days), a weak to moderate diffused granular alkaline phosphatase (AKPase) activity was observed in the mucous acini whereas oxidoreductases showed moderate activity. The enzyme activity was progressively increased with advancement of the gestation period. AKPase activity was more in the lumen of acini and along the intercellular canaliculi at 42-100 cm of CVRL (168 days- full term). Large ducts exhibited strong activity for oxidoreductases indicating increased metabolic activity of cells.

Aim:The present study was aimed to elucidate ultrastructural changes in the development of sublingual salivary gland of buffalo during prenatal life.Materials and Methods:The study was carried out on sublingual salivary gland of 36 buffalo fetuses ranging from 13.2 cm curved crown-rump length (CVRL) (88th day) to full term. The fetuses were categorized into three groups based on their CVRL.Results:The cells lining the terminal tubules were undifferentiated with poorly developed cytoplasmic organelles but lacked secretory granules (SGs) at 13.2 cm CVRL (88th day). The SGs appeared first in the form of membrane-bound secretory vesicles with homogeneous electron-dense as well as electron-lucent contents at 21.2 cm CVRL (122nd day); however, mucous acinar cells contained electron-lucent granules, while serous secretory cells as well as serous demilunes showed electron-dense granules at 34 cm CVRL (150th day) of prenatal life. At 53.5 cm CVRL (194th day), both mucous and serous acini were differentiated by the density of SGs.Conclusion:The cytoplasm of acinar cells was filled with mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi profiles in mid and late fetal age groups. The SGs were increased in number during the late fetal age group. The myoepithelial cells (MECs) were located at the base of the acinar cells as well as intercalated and striated ducts and were stellate in shape. The ultrastructure of MEC revealed a parallel stream of myofilaments in the cytoplasm and its processes. The mucous cells were predominantly present in the sublingual salivary gland and were pyramidal in shape.