Age-specific learning ability in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The main question of our investigation is: Do there exist age-specific learning abilities in animals? 120 QUAILS (Coturnix coturnix japonica) of 12 different age groups (between one day and 20 weeks) were tested in a combination apparatus 0y using two training methods. 60 quails were trained with decreasing (1), 60 other quails with increasing learning assistance (2). In each case the learning period lasted 5 days after which the animals were tested in a two-way choice apparatus and in a simple maze. Retention was tested 3 weeks later. - The 2 methods led to different results. In general the younger animals learnt better than the other ones when trained by method 1. No differences in learning performance between the 12 age groups were obtained by method 2.     

Induction of parental behavior in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The Japanese quail is a precocial species, and because of its relatively rapid development, sexual maturation in about 40 days after hatching, and prolific breeding capacity, it promises to become an organism well suited for avian research. One stumbling block has been the inability to induce, with any consistency, parental behavior in laboratory stocks. The study reported herein demonstrates a method for establishing a self-perpetuating population under seminaturalistic conditions. In addition, given the limitions of finite space, chick mortality appears to have been mostly density dependent, thus indicating that the increase in the size of the population is circumscribed in part by population density.     

Fungus-fermented soybeans benefit the life cycle of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Feeding quail chicks diets containing soybeans fermented with two cultures of Aspergilli (A. oryzae N.R.R.L. 451 and A. oryzae N.R.R.L. 506) resulted in significantly superior weight gains (p less than 0.05) through a 4-week growth period and confirmed previous observations made with identical cultures in broiler studies. Subsequent hen-day egg production and egg size were changed little by diets containing fermented soybeans. The numerical increases in fertility and hatchability were not significant. Progeny also responded to the fermented soybean diets, some carry-over effects were evident.     

Effect of ECS on imprinting in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

Imprinted 64 quail to a moving illuminated light bulb at 12 hr. after hatching. Either prior to imprinting or immediately subsequent to it an ECS of 12 ma. for .40 sec. was administered to each S in 2 ECS groups. Strength of imprinting was measured 24 hr. after training by recording the amount of following in a 30-min. test period. Results show that ECS administered subsequent to imprinting impaired retention of imprinting. No impairment of following was found when ECS was administered prior to imprinting. Results are interpreted as questioning the permanent and irreversible nature of imprinting. (22 ref.) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Paired pineals in the developing quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) embryos

Paired pineals were observed as an anomaly in embryonic quail brains between 7 and 9 days of incubation. The size of each pineal was almost the same as that of the normal pineal and it was located slightly lateral of the midline. Histological examination of these paired pineals revealed that both had similar cytological features in comparison with the normal pineal of the same developmental stage. No abnormal features were detected in brains and eyes of the embryos with paired pineals. Since the presumptive pineal rudiments are considered to exist in the neural folds and to fuse in the midline during the formation of the neural tube, the paired pineals may be interpreted as a result of incomplete fusion of the pineal anlagen. This report describes for the first time the symmetrical occurrence of pineal glands in the developing avian brain.     

Effect of dieldrin and calcium on the performance of adult Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of dieldrin and calcium on reproductive performance of quail. At 25% egg production the quail received diets containing 0,10 or 25 p.p.m. of dieldrin for 6, 28-day periods in experiment 1 and 0, 5, or 25 p.p.m. of dieldrin for 4, 28-day periods in experiment 2. Pesticide treatments were employed with diets containing 0.5% and 3.0% calcium. The results show that egg shell thickness, cracked eggs, egg production, feed consumption, egg weights, fertility, hatchability and body weights were not affected by dieldrin treatments. However, egg shell thickness, cracked eggs, egg production and hatchability were adversely affected by the lower calcium level. Female body weights were consistently heavier for the low calcium diet. Mortality increased in the presence of 10 and especially 25 p.p.m. of dieldrin. Livability of chicks from hens receiving rations with 10 and 25 p.p.m. of dieldrin was significantly lower than those fed no dieldrin. In summary, dieldrin was without effect on egg shell quality or other reproductive factors but did exert a detrimental effect on adult mortality and livability of progeny.     

Sexual imprinting: A sensitive period in Japanese quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica ).

Investigated the effects of varying age levels at which male Japanese quail were exposed to an adult female albino conspecific for 10 days. Six groups of 10 Ss each were exposed to albinos for 1-10, 6-15, 11-20, 16-25, and 21-30 days posthatch or were reared with normal age mates for 10 days. Experimental males were tested in a simultaneous choice test between an albino and a normal female. Ss that selected albinos in at least 8 of 10 trials were considered to be imprinted to albinos. With that criterion, a sensitive period for sexual imprinting was demonstrated. Data do not support an association-learning view of the imprinting process, and they describe a sensitive period of considerably greater length than K. Lorenz's (1935) original view of the imprinting process. (23 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Vitamin A uptake cells in the endocrine organs of Japanese quails, Coturnix coturnix japonica

The vitamin A uptake cells in the anterior pituitary, thyroid gland, and pancreas of Japanese quails, coturnix coturnix japonica, were examined by the use of Sudan III staining, toluidine blue staining, fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy. After excess vitamin A administration, most of interstitial cells, corresponding to fibroblasts, increased markedly the size and number of lipid droplets in the cytoplasm which emitted vitamin A fluorescence intensively. The reactions to vitamin A administration were in parallel with the vitamin A dosage. In particular, the cells of the thyroid gland and pancreas were comparable to the Ito cells of the liver in their vitamin A uptake capacity. The present study demonstrates that interstitial cells either identical with or closely related to the Ito cells of the liver are widely distributed in the connective tissue of these endocrine organs. The possible physiological roles of the vitamin A uptake cells and also the species difference in the vitamin A uptake capacity of these cells are discussed.     

Serum concentrations of thyroid hormones during egg laying in two types of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

In the present investigation a lighter white egg-type (L) and a heavier wild meat-type (M) of female Japanese quails were compared with respect to egg production, body growth, abdominal fat pad, serum thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) concentrations, TRH sensitivity and T4 5'-monodeiodinase activity in liver homogenates. During the investigation period L type layed considerably more eggs and M type was heavier in body weight. Abdominal fat pad in L type quails was significantly higher than in M type ones. L type quails had lower serum T4 and T3 concentrations than M type ones and the liver T4 5'-monodeiodinase activity was higher in M type than in L type quails. Following TRH administration serum T4 and T3 concentrations increase was higher in L type quails than in M type ones. Our results suggest that lower T4 and T3 observed in L type quails reflect a possible metabolic adaptation to egg production. Different activities of 5'-monodeiodinase and of response to TRH may be inherent to these two types of quail.     

Transport characteristics of the colonic epithelium of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix)

The colon of the domestic fowl sustains a reabsorptive Na+ current on both high- and low-sodium diets. However, there is a marked shift in the apical transport step under these two extreme conditions, from amino acid/hexose cotransport on high-salt diets to amiloride-sensitive Na+ channels on low-salt diets. The present experiments were performed to study colonic Na+ transport in another galliform species, the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix). Birds were maintained on a commercial game feed containing 0.18% Na+ (78 mumoles/g), an intermediate level of salt intake. Experiments were performed on unstripped colons in standard Ussing chambers with bicarbonate/CO2 buffer solution on both sides. Baseline values (n = 11) for PD (3.13 +/- 0.68 mV) and short circuit current (SCC, 30.87 +/- 7.79 microA/cm2) were lower than those reported for chickens on a similar diet, whereas tissue resistance (76.06 +/- 4.19 omega.cm2) was similar. Addition of amino acids (4 mM leucine + lysine) increased SCC by 10.85 +/- 1.97 microA/cm2. Both phloridzin (1 mM) and amiloride (10(-5) M) decreased SCC, by 7.05 +/- 1.26 and 9.64 +/- 2.68 microA/cm2, respectively. Thus, on this diet the quail colonic epithelium maintains both amino acid/hexose cotransporter activity and amiloride sensitive channel activity. Arginine vasotocin (10(-6) M) caused a small, but consistent decrease in SCC, while acetazolamide increased SCC. Aldosterone (128 micrograms/kg), given 4 hr prior to the experiment (n = 4) significantly reduced the amino acid stimulated SCC. These results confirm, for the Japanese quail, the presence of multiple apical Na+ entry mechanisms in colonic epithelium. Amino acid cotransporter activity, in particular, appears to be highly sensitive to aldosterone suppression.     

Effect of accelerations, additional weight load and hypokinesia on protein catabolism in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Activities of glutamate and xanthine dehydrogenases were measured in four groups of quails (coturnix coturnix japonica): 1) hypodynamic birds which were kept in an area which made 1/4 of the control, 2) birds exposed to an increased weight load, 3) birds exposed to 3g. and 4) control birds. The experimental birds were exposed to the above treatment for 1 to 6 hours a day during 8 days. The birds were fed on a forced basis to eliminate differences in food intake. The activity of glutamate dehydrogenase was measured in the liver and that of xanthine dehydrogenase was assayed in the liver, kidneys and femoral muscle. It was found that increased gravity, weight load and hypodynamics affected the first and last stages in protein catabolism.     

Ultrastructure of the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis of the Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix japonica

The structure of the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis (OVLT) of the Japanese quail has been studied by light and electron microscopy. The OVLT has a palisade arrangement. It forms a part of the terminal plate extending from the optic chiasma to the anterior commissure and is characterized by a special vascular arrangement. The organ consists of ependymal, internal and external zones. The ventricular surface of the organ is covered by non-ciliated ependymal cells characterized by the presence of raspberry-like ventricular protrusions. The ependymal zone is composed of two types of ependymal cells, one being a large, cuboidal cell with columinous cytoplasmic protrusions suggesting secretion into ventricle, and the other a slender tanycyte with long balar plexus of the external surface. The internal zone contains two types of secretory neurons, parvocellular neurons containing a few dense-cored granules 1,000 A in diameter, and mediocellular neurons containing in their perikarya many larger granules 1,300-1,500 A in diameter and well developed granular endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus. The granular formations are usually observed in the Golgi area of both types of cells, thus indicating of their secretory activities. There are three types of nerve terminals in the neuropil: (1) nerve endings containing spherical, dense-cored granules 800 A in diameter, which display axosomatic synapses with perikarya of the neurons, (2) nerve endings containing dense-cored granules 1,000 A in diameter and clear vesicles 400 A in diameter, and (3) nerve endings containing dense granules 1,300 A in diameter and clear vesicles. Types 2 and 3 do not display axo-xomatic synapses but often show axo-dendritic synaptic contacts with dendrites in the neuropil; thus they are probably axons originating from the parvocellular and mediocellular neurons of this organ. The functional significance of the neurons and axons of the OVLT is discussed and it is suggested that two kinds of neurohormones may be secreted from the OVLT of the Japanese quail.     

Vagal preganglionic neurons innervating the different gastric regions in the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

The cytoarchitecture and distribution patterns of the vagal preganglionic neurons within the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMNX) innervating the proventriculus and the gizzard of the Japanese quail were examined by Nissl staining and the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) method. A 30% solution of HRP was injected into nine different gastric regions: the ventral and dorsal parts of the proventriculus, the caudodorsal and cranioventral thick muscles, the craniodorsal and caudoventral thin muscles, and the pylorus, and the ventral and dorsal tendons of the gizzard. Nissl preparations showed that the DMNX is composed of two cell groups, the dorsal magnocellular and mediocellular subnucleus (Xd) and the ventral parvicellular subnucleus (Xv). After injection of HRP into the ventral and dorsal parts of the proventriculus, HRP-labeled cells were predominantly observed in the left and right DMNX, respectively. The rostrocaudal distribution patterns of HRP-labeled cells in the Xd and Xv were symmetric on the left and right sides. The distribution patterns of labeled cells following the injection of HRP into each region of the gizzard showed that there was very little difference in the number of neurons between the left and right DMNX, and no topographic localization was found in the Xd and Xv. The vagal preganglionic neurons projecting to the gizzard lay more caudal than the ones for the proventriculus. This study suggested topographic localization in the distribution patterns of the vagal preganglionic neurons innervating the proventriculus and the gizzard.     

The effect of the herbicide Dinoseb-acetate (Aretit) on transaminase (GOT, GPT) activity in the blood serum and muscles of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

An experiment was undertaken to study the effect of the dinoseb-acetate (Aretit) herbicide, administered in drinking water at a concentration of 100 and 200 mg x 1(-1) for four days, on the activity of transaminases (GOT and GPT) in the blood serum and muscle of the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). GOT had higher activity values in the blood serum and muscle of the control and test birds, as compared with GPT. The herbicide increases GOT activity in the blood serum, whereas the GPT value remains unchanged. In muscle, the activity of GOT decreases as a result of the action of dinoseb-acetate and GPT activity remains unchanged. Under in vitro conditions, dinoseb-acetate (concentrated 0.01 to 1000 mg x 1(-1)) increases GOT activity in the blood serum and muscle, GPT activity remaining the same. It is assumed that transaminases are specifically involved in the adaptation mechanisms of the animals to dinoseb-acetate intoxication.     

Comparative study of the effect of glucocorticoids on nitrogen metabolism in adult male and non-laying female quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The effects of glucocorticoids on nitrogen metabolism have been studied in three different groups of quail: a) control animals; b) quail treated with cortisol; c) quail treated with corticosterone. All the experiments were carried out in adult male and non-laying female animals. During the 7 day period that the experiments lasted, hormones were administered daily by via oral at 4 mg/100 g body weight/7 day doses. While body weight, food intake, nitrogen balance and liver weight, in the treated animals stayed under the values of the control group, in both males and females, their uric acid excretion and hepatic glycogen were always higher. Values, in general, were similar for both males and females.     

Extinction of conditioned sexual responses in male Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica): role of species-typical cues.

The authors examined how a conditioned stimulus (CS) that included species-typical cues affected the acquisition and extinction of conditioned sexual responses in male quail (Coturnix japonica). Some subjects were conditioned with a CS that supported sexual responses and included a taxidermic head of a female quail. Others were conditioned with a similar CS that lacked species-typical cues. Pairing the CSs with access to live females increased CS-directed behavior, with the head CS eliciting significantly more responding than the no-head CS. Responding to the head CS persisted during the 42-day, 126-trial extinction phase; responses to the no-head CS extinguished. Responding declined when the cues were removed or the subjects were sexually satiated. Possible functions and mechanisms of these effects are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Molecular species analysis of glycosphingolipids from small intestine of Japanese quail, Coturnix coturnix Japonica by HPLC/FAB/MS

Neutral glycosphingolipids were isolated from quail small intestine and their structures were analysed. They contained: Gal beta 1-4GlcCer(LacCer), Gal alpha 1-4GalCer(Ga2Cer), Gal alpha 1-4Gal beta 1-4GlcCer(Gb3Cer), GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4GlcCer(Lc3Cer), GalNAc beta 1-4Gal beta 1-4GlcCer(Gg3Cer), GalNAc beta 1-4[GalNAc beta 1-3] Gal beta 1-4GlcCer(LcGg4Cer), and GalNAc alpha 1-3GalNAc beta 1-3Gal alpha 1-4Gal beta 1-4GlcCer (Forssman glycolipid) as well as glucosylceramide, galactosylceramide (Nishimura K et al. 1984) Biochim Biophys Acta 796:269-76) and the LeX glycolipid, III3 Fuc alpha-nLc4Cer (Nishimura K et al. (1989) J. Biochem (Tokyo) 101:1315-18). The molecular species compositions of these glycosphingolipids were examined using fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry linked with reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. By such analysis, we could classify the quail glycosphingolipids into at least three classes: glycolipids rich in species having four hydroxyl groups in the ceramides (GalCer, Gg3Cer, LcGg4Cer and LeX), those rich in the ceramides of N-acyl trihydroxysphinganine with normal fatty acids (Lc3Cer), and glycolipids rich in the ceramides of N-acyl sphingenine with normal fatty acids (LacCer, Gb3Cer and Forssman glycolipid). Immunohistochemical observation implies that the differences in the hydrophobic moieties specified the localization of glycosphingolipids in the tissue.     

Adenovirus-mediated transfer of human acid maltase gene reduces glycogen accumulation in skeletal muscle of Japanese quail with acid maltase deficiency

Acid maltase deficiency (AMD) causes a lysosomal glycogenosis inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. The infantile type of AMD (Pompe disease) leads to early death due to severe dysfunction of cardiac and respiratory muscles and no effective therapy is available. Replication-defective adenovirus vectors offer a promising tool for in vivo gene delivery and gene therapy. We constructed a recombinant adenovirus containing the human acid maltase (AM) cDNA downstream of the CAG promoter, composed of modified chicken beta-actin promoter and CMV IE enhancer (AxCANAM). Japanese quail with AMD was used for this study as an animal model for human AMD. When cultured fibroblasts from AMD quail were infected with AxCANAM, AM activity in the cells increased in proportion to the multiplicity of infection (MOI). When AxCANAM (4.5 x 10(8) PFU) was injected into unilateral superficial pectoral muscle of AMD quail, PAS staining showed that glycogenosomes disappeared and stainability of acid phosphatase was reduced in the injected area as compared with the contralateral muscle of the same birds. Biochemically, AM activity increased and glycogen content decreased in the injected muscle. Western blot analysis showed that AMD quail muscle injected with AxCANAM expressed human AM protein processed to active forms. These results suggest that the human AM cDNA transferred by an adenovirus vector was sufficiently expressed, leading to a marked reduction of the glycogen accumulation in the skeletal muscle of AMD quail.     

Molecular cloning of quail thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) beta subunit

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) beta subunit cDNA was obtained from Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) by PCR and its nucleotide sequence was determined. The cDNA encodes a putative signal peptide and a mature protein consisting of 20 and 114 amino acids, respectively. The amino acid sequence of quail TSHbeta subunit shows homologies of 67-69% in mammalian species, 58% in amphibian and 43-49% in teleost fish. Comparison of the amino acid sequence with TSHbeta subunits of other species reveals some differences in several regions responsible for its biological functions and characteristic features of the avian TSHbeta subunit, suggesting that the functional domains have diverged cooperatively between the hormone and its receptor during evolution.     

Molecular cDNA cloning and tissue distribution of mRNA encoding a novel ATP-binding cassette (ABC) half-transporter

After feeding a commercial rodent chow for 8 weeks, tissues from male and female rats were collected and examined for selenium content, glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities and selenoprotein W (Se-W) levels. There were no differences (P > 0.05) between plasma selenium content, plasma GPX activity, whole blood selenium content, or whole blood GPX activity between male and female rats. There was also no gender effect on selenium concentration in muscle, brain, spleen, and skin, but selenium concentration in liver was higher (P < 0.05) in female than in male rats. Western blots indicated that the tissue distribution of Se-W was similar in male and female rats. Se-W protein level was high in testes of male rats but very low in ovaries of female rats. Muscle and skin from female rats had significantly higher (P < 0.05) Se-W levels than from male rats. Consistent with Se-W content, the Se-W mRNA levels from female skins were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than from male rats. The expression of Se-W was different in various tissues and gender influenced this regulation in some tissues.