The influence of long-term hypodynamy on the calcium and phosphorus levels was studied in the bones of Japanese quails. The hypodynamy evoked different changes in the calcium and phosphorus content in males and females. The calcium content in the marrow of femurs was only changed in the hens, while in cockerels it was significantly decreased in the upper part and marrow of the tibia. Furthermore, changes in the phosphorus content were observed only in the tibia of cockerels., J. Antalíková, M. Baranovská, I. Mravcová, V. Sabo, P. Škrobánek., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Potential changes in the activity of endocrine axes related to growth as a result of leptin administration during embryonic development of birds were evaluated in the Japanese quail as a model bird with fast growth and development. On day 5 of incubation, 0.1 µg or 1 µg of recombinant mice leptin in 50 µl of phosphate buffered saline were injected into the albumen of eggs. Animals from each group were killed by decapitation on day 0, 2, 5, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 of life. Plasma concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxin (T4), corticosterone, testosterone, total lipids, triacylglycerols, cholesterol, glucose and alkaline phosphatase activity were measured. Quail treated by leptin hatched earlier (5-24 hours) and had a higher body weight than the control group (P<0.05-0.001). Mean body weight across the whole observed period was higher in both treated groups as compared to the control group (P<0.05). Leptin in ovo administration was accompanied by changes of endocrine and metabolic parameters during postembryonic development. The most prominent changes appeared immediately after hatching (T3, T4, total lipids, triacylglycerols) and before sexual maturity. It is suggested that leptin acts as a general signal of low energy status to neuroendocrine systems in birds which improves utilization of nutrients., D. Lamošová, M. Máčajová, M. Zeman, Š. Mózeš, D. Ježová., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Two different isolated skeletal muscles of Japanese quail were used. The influence of branched chain amino acids on the fractional rate of protein synthesis (FSR) was evaluated using 14C-tyrosine. The addition of 0.5 mM valine, leucine or isoleucine to the incubation medium significantly decreased (P<0.05) the value of FSR in extensor metacarpalis radialis. In the ambiens muscle only the application of leucine increased the FSR significantly while valine and isoleucine were without any effect., J. Antalíková, J. Jankela, M. Baranovská., and Obsahuje bibliografii