Constant velocity off-vertical axis rotation (OVAR) provides dynamic linear acceleration stimuli that can be used to assess otolith function. Eight astronauts were rotated in darkness about their longitudinal axis 20° off vertical at low (0.125 Hz) and high (0.5 Hz) frequencies and their responses were compared before and after spaceflight. Eye movements were recorded using infrared videography...

Highly polymorphic genes with central roles in lymphocyte mediated immune surveillance are grouped together in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in higher vertebrates. Generally, across vertebrate species the class II MHC DRA gene is highly conserved with only limited allelic variation. Here however, we provide evidence of trans-species polymorphism at the DRA locus in domestic sheep (...

This study was designed to identify genetically resistant animals to gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections using microsatellite polymorphisms of Ovar-DRB1 gene in Iranian Ghezel sheep breed lambs. In the present study 120 male Ghezel lambs were at 4 to 6 months of age randomly selected from six different sheep flocks in East Azerbaijan province (n=20 per flock). These lambs were naturally ...

several studies have focused on polymorphisms of major histocompatibility complex (mhc) in sheep, ovar-mhc. this molecule plays a pivotal role in antigen presentation for eliciting immune responses against invading pathogens. the best-characterized genetic control of disease resistance and immune response in animals is associated with mhc. numerous molecular genetic investigations have been und...

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays a central role in the control of disease resistance and immune response. Extensive genetic diversity in MHC genes provides a valuable source for genetic improvement, via selection, in many domestic animals. Exon 2 of the class II MHC, termed Ovar-DRB1 in domestic sheep (Ovis aries), has been suggested as important disease resistance and immune re...

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis whereby eye movements as such may be an important factor in the development of motion sickness (MS). The horizontal eye movements of 27 subjects were measured during earth vertical axis rotation (EVAR) and during off vertical axis rotation (OVAR). Two groups were set up, one including subjects who suffered severe MS during the test, and the o...

Background Nauseogenicity is determined by exposure time, frequency and acceleration of real motion. Our aim was to determine the nauseogenicity of these parameters for the optokinetic equivalent of OVAR (Off Vertical Axis Rotation). Methods The visual stimulus was a computerised scene of coastline as seen by a 'pilot' at moderate altitude. The scene could be rotated at different frequencies an...

Constant velocity Off-Vertical Axis Rotation (OVAR) imposes a continuously varying orientation of the head and body relative to gravity, which generates a modulation of horizontal (conjugate and vergence), vertical, and torsional eye movements. We introduced the head-turn-on-trunk paradigm during OVAR to examine the extent to whether the modulation of these ocular reflexes is mediated by gravic...