Animal Physiology

Staff

	Prof. Dr. Noboru SAITO E-mail： nsaito＠（@okayama-u.ac.jp） Specialty： Animal Physiology 1) Studies on the development of the gonads and the brain and the sexual differentiation of birds 2) Studies on the water-electrolyte metabolism regulatory mechanism of birds
	Assoc. Prof. Dr. Toshimitsu HATABU E-mail： hatabu＠（@okayama-u.ac.jp） Specialty： Animal Physiology (Immunology, Parasitology, Pathophysiology) 1) Studies on the pathophysiological mechanisms of parasitic diseases 2) Studies on the bursal secretory dendritic cell in the bursa of fabricius 3) Studies on the physiological effects of food ingredients

Research Topics

Inside an animal’s body, all the functions work very delicately with the involvement of each other. This system maintains animal health. Towards the elucidation of the physiological mechanism of these animals, we have conducted research using model animals or birds.

Studies on the sexual differentiation of birds

　The sex of animals, including birds, has been determined by the genes. However, with respect to sexual differentiation of the brain and the gonads, it is determined by steroid hormones. Because the sex chromosomes of birds (ZW type) are different from mammals (XY type), the sexual differentiation mechanism of birds is different in many ways, such as the participation of these hormones are known but the details are still unknown. Therefore, regarding the reproductive glands and sexual differentiation and development of the brain, we are conducting research on the role of steroid hormones in particular.

Study of the water-electrolyte metabolism regulatory mechanism of birds

　Water-electrolyte metabolism regulation is a homeostatic regulatory mechanism and basically important in an animal. The water and electrolyte metabolism regulation of birds is similar to mammals, although there are also several different points. We are conducting research focused on renal function in particular.

Studies on the pathophysiological mechanisms of parasitic diseases

　We are exposed to infectious diseases. We need to develop cheaper, more effective, and safer ways to control infectious diseases because these incur a heavy economic loss. One of the problems is that we have a little information on the diseases. We are conducting research on the pathophysiological and immunological mechanisms of both avian coccidia and zoonotic parasites such as leishmaniasis.

Studies on the bursal secretory dendritic cell in bursa of fabricius

　The bursal secretory dendritic cell (BSDC) was observed in the bursa of fabricius of poultry. Nobody knows the character and function of BSDC in the bursa. Our research is to determine the function and cell markers of BSDC.

Studies on the physiological effects of food ingredients

　Food ingredients have important impact on our health. However, we have a limited knowledge of them scientifically. We are conducting research on the physiological effects of food ingredients on human and animal health.

Publication List

• Nanieh H, Gerilechaogetu, K Narabara, Z Gu, A Abe and Y Kondo: In vivo immunomodulatory effects of dietary purple sweet potate after immunization in chicken. Anim Sci. J., 81, 116-121 (2010)
• Narabara K., A Abe, Gerilechaogetu, H Nanieh and Y Kondo: B cell differentiation in the bursa of Fabricius and spleen of embryos and chicks immediately after hatching. Anim Sci. J., 80, 669-677 (2009)
• Gerilechaogetu, H Nanieh, A Abe and Y Kondo: Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in chicken heterophils stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), Formyl-methionylleucyl-phenylalanine (fMLP) and lipoplysaccharide (LPS). Anim. Sci. J., 80, 577-584 (2009)
• Yonezawa Y., Y-H Shin, Abe A and Y Kondo: Estrogen receptor alpha expression in the thymus of chick embryos during late stages of embryogenesis. Anim. Sci. J., 79, 270-273 (2008)
• Shin Y-H, Y Yonezawa, A Abe and Y Kondo: Changes in estrogen receptor alpha expression in the bursa of Fabricius during chick embryonic development. Anim. Sci. J., 79, 97-103 (2008)
• Yong S., A Abe and Y Kondo: Mechanisms involved in the cytosolic calcium ion elevation induced by activating factors in chicken and rat phagocytes. Anim.Sci J., 78, 70-76 (2007)
• Shindo M, T Kasai, A Abe and Y Kondo: Effects of dietary administration of plant-drived anthocyanin-rich colors to spontaneously hypertensive rats. J.Nutr Sci. Vitaminol., 53, 90-93 (2006)