NationalLibraryOfScotland/medical-history-of-british-india huggingface dataset:
OXYHEMOGLOBIN CRYSTALS OF EGYPTIAN BUFFALO
AND CATTLE
By E. S. E. HAFEZ * and A. Anwar, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University,
Cairo, Egypt
(Received for publication on June 8, 1955)
(With Plate VI)
I T has been reported in an earlier paper [Hafez and Anwar, 1954] that the com-
parative studies of normal haematological values are of great significance in
investigating the origin and evolutionary trends of species and breeds. Genera
and species differences in the crystalography of haemoglobin have been extensively
studied by Richard and Brown [1909] from the view points of the axial ratio,
prism angle, angle B, extinction angle, optical character and the crystallographic
system. In this respect, a study of the oxyhaemoglobin crystals of the Egyptian
buffalo Bos (Bubalus) bubalis L., and cattle has been carried out.
Oxyhaemoglobin crystals were prepared from the blood of adult Egyptian
buffaloes and cattle. Fresh blood samples were centrifuged and the plsama-free
corpuscles laked with ether. The solutions were saturated with ammonium oxalate
and recentrifuged. A drop of the laked blood was allowed to evaporate on a slide
and examined microscopically as well as by a " Reichert Wien " microprojector.
Oxyhaemoglobin crystals of the buffalo were orthorhombic with 90° angle B.
They were relatively very long, lath-shaped and (1 : 9.46) elongated on the vertical
axis. The formed crystals ranged from 50 µ to 120 µ in length. In the cattle, the
crystals were prismatic (1 : 6.72), orthorhombic with angle 90° B. The formed
crystals ranged from 50µ to 170µ in length (Plate VI). The rate of formation of
crystals was found to depend on the concentration of haemoglobin and of other ions
in the solution, surface tension as well as temperature.
The oxyhaemoglobin crystals of the Egyptian buffalo Bos (Bubalus) bubalis,
L. are similar to those of ' Bos bison ', reported by Reichart and Brown [1909].
It does not seem that domestication has any effect on the crystallography of oxy-
haemoglobin and it would appear that the picture of oxyhaemoglobin crystals is
similar in both domesticable buffalo and non-domesticable buffalo 'Bos, caffer'
of South Africa. This is an experimental evidence that the haemoglobin molecule
in both the animals, (buffalo and bison) is identical. The oxyhaemoglobin crystals
of the Egyptian cattle are similar to those of Bos, taurus [Reichert and Brown, 1909]
being prismatic, orthorhombic with 90° angle B. (Table I).
* Present address. The Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, Shrewsbury,
Massachusetts, U.S.A.
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OXYHEMOGLOBIN CRYSTALS OF EGYPTIAN BUFFALO
TABLE I
Oxyhaemoglobin crystals in Egyptian buffalo and cattle
Characteristics of crystals
Shape
Anglo B
Length (Range)
Buffalo
Orthorhombie (1 : 9.46)
90°
50-120 u
Cattle
Orthorhombic (1 : 6 72)
90°
50-170 u
Further comparative studies are required to find out the crystallographic cha-
racters of oxyhaemoglobin in the Indian buffalo, which is considered to be the origin
of improved breeds of buffaloes in many parts of the continent. The different pictures
of oxyhaemoglobin crystals in the cattle and buffalo denote different positions
along the evolutionary scale, this may explain the sterile matings between the two
animals [Hafez, 1955]. Whether the matings between the buffalo and American
bison are fertile or sterile is still an open question.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This work has been carried out in the Animal Production Research Farm,
Faculty of Agriculture, Giza, Egypt. Thanks are due to Prof. A. L. Badreldin,
Faculty of Agriculture and to Dr M. H. Maghraby of the Ministry of Agriculture for
providing facilities and help.
REFERENCES
Hafez, E.S.E. and Anwar, A. (1954). Nature, 174, 611
Reichert, E. T. and Brown, A. P. (1909). The Crystallography of Haemoglobins. Carnegie Inst.
Washington
Hafez, E. S. E. (1955). Unpublished data.
Indian J. vet. Sci., Vol. XXVI, PART I ]
PLATE VI
Oxyhaeraoglobin crystals (X 200)
Top : Buffalo, bottom : Cow.
ABSTRACTS
Johne's disease in sheep. STAMP, J. T. and WATT, J. A. (1954), J. Comp. Path
& Therap 64 (1), 26-40.
O N the basis of histological changes the authors divided Johne's disease in
sheep, as it occurs in Scotland, into four groups.
In group I the mucous membrane of jejunum and ileum was thickened, granular
and yellowish in colour, and the associated lymph modes were oedematous. Islands
of epithelioid cell infiltration were found in the mucosa and submucosa of the intes-
tines as well as in the subcapsular sinus of the lymph nodes. Pigmented variety of
M. johnei was isolated and a large number of the organisms could be detected in
the smears and sections of the intestines and lymph nodes.
The intestinal mucous membrane in group II, showed no yellow discolouration
and its thickness and granulation was frequently slight. The mucous membrane,
the submucosa and the associated mesenteric lymph nodes showed varying degrees
of epithelioid cell infiltration. Number of M. johnei in the smears and sections of the
intestine was not as great as in group I.
In group III, in the thickened lamina propria of the intestine was detected focal
infiltration with epithelioid cells, many of which were multinucleated. Giant cells
of Langhans or foreign-body types were seen distributed individually or in groups.
The lymphoid follicles in the submucosa and the cortex of the enlarged and oedema-
tous lymph nodes showed epithelioid cell infiltration with evidence of necrotic changes.
In majority of the cases, smears and sections of the intestine and the associated
lymph nodes failed to show M. johnei ; on cultural examination, however, 14 out of
21 cases proved positive for non-chromogenic type of the organism.
In group IV, hard and calcified nodules were detected in the bowels and the swollen
lymph nodes. The lesions showed definite encapsulation, necrosis, caseation and
calcification. Similar lesions were also detected in the mesenteric lymph nodes.
In eight out of nine cases smears and sections were negative for M. johnei, whereas
from four of the cases, which proved positive on cultural examination, non-pigmented
variety of the organism was isolated.
Discussing the character of lesions in different groups with reference to the viru-
lence and host resistance, the authors assumed that the pigmented variety of M.
johnei was more virulent to sheep than the classical non-pigmented variety.
(G. L. S.)
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ABSTRACTS
[Vol. XXVI, Part I,
Lipid deficiency in the calf. M. R. LAMBERT, N. L. JACOBSON, R. S. ALLEN
and J. H. ZALETEL (1954), J. Nutrit. 52, 259-270
INVESTIGATIONS in the role of lipid in the nutrition were made by feeding
20 young dairy calves a lipid-free semi-synthetic milk diet which contained casein
(lipid-free) 3.5 per cent, fat 0.0-3.0 per cent, salt 0.2 per cent, lecithin variable, lactose
5.0 per cent and vitamins. In addition, each calf received 80 mg. of crystalline
auryomycin hydrochloride per day. Responses to various lipid supplements, such
as hydrogenated soybean oil plus lecithin, crude soybean oil, butter oil, methyl-
estres of fatty acids (Oleate 50 per cent, linoleate 50 per cent), lecithin, pork-liver
fat and free fatty acids, were also evaluated.
Prior to feeding, the semi-synthetic milk diet was warmed to about 100°F. and
vitamins were added. When lipids were used, they were added to the milk diet and
the mixture was homogenized at 2500 lb. pressure.
Calves which received fat-free diet had retarded growth. They had long dry
hair, excessive loss of hair from tail, back and neck, and diarrhoea. These symptoms
disappeared when various lipids were included in the diet. Prompt recovery was
brought by the addition of butter oil, hydrogenated soybean oil plus lecithin, and
mixed methyl esters of oleic and linoleic acids.
Blood plasma 'Allen fat', total fatty acids, phospholipids and linoleic acid were
significantly lower in the calves receiving lipid-free milk than in calves receiving
lipids. Differences among the various dietary groups in blood plasma, linoleic
acid and arachidonic acid contents were small. (B. S. G.)
Seasonal variation in quality of eggs as measured by physical and func-
tional properties. E. A. SAUTER, J. V. HARNS, W. J. STADELMAN and B. A.
MCLAREN, Poult. Sci. 33(3), 519-524
T HIS experiment was undertaken to study the effect of season of production
on the physical measurements of eggs and the cooked products prepared from
them.
White Leghorn and New Hampshire pullets hatched within two weeks of each
other were used for the experiment. Two different diets, one producing light yolk
and the other producing dark yolk, were fed to each breed. The eggs were stored at
72°F at 65-70 per cent relative humidity and the samples were removed from storage
for experiment at weekly intervals for five weeks, the following measurements were
made (i) albumen index, (ii) albumen score, (iii) yolk index, (iv) yolk colour and
(v) pH (using glass electrode). After the above measurements, cakes were made of
the eggs and the quality of the cakes was evaluated by measuring the volume,
penetration, flavour, texture and grain.
March, 1956]
ABSTRACTS
47
basic roughage, was also studied. The concentrates used were shelled corn and
linseed meal, the latter being varied from group to group to give the required protein
percentages.
The lambs fed rations with about 11.8 per cent total protein made significantly
more rapid gains but the carcasses were not, however, as fat as those fed rations
containing 10.0 and 11.0 per cent protein. Between the last two groups, there was
practically no difference.
Supplementing the various rations with either 0.75 lb. or 0.5 lb. of alfalfa hay
daily per animal did not significantly affect the rate of gain. The feed cost per cwt.
gain in weight was lowest with the 'silage alone' group and highest in the 0.75 lb.
'hay supplemented' group. However, as the dry matter intake was very high in the
'silage alone' group, and as the lambs offered 0.5 lb. alfalfa hay had slightly better
degree of finish, the authors advocate that a small amount of hay may be fed when
corn silage is the only roughage. (S. N. R.)
An investigation of antibody response in cattle vaccinated with the rabbit-
passaged LA rinderpest virus in Korea. NAKAMURA, J., KISHI, S., KIUCHI, J.
and REISINGER, R. (1955). Amer J. vet Res., 16 (58), 71-75
I N this paper the authors briefly describe the results of serological investiga-
tions carried out in 1952 and 1953 on the animals that were vaccinated against
rinderpest with LA (Lapinised-avianised) virus. In November and December 1952,
15,000 head of cattle were vaccinated and about the same number during the same
period in 1953. Immunisation was done in South Korea for maintaining the immune
zone below the 38th parallel.
In the 1952 investigation, serum samples were collected before vaccination from
151 animals, and from 91 out of these, after vaccination ; antibody response shown
by each of these animals was then investigated by means of complement fixation
and virus neutralization tests.
Among 151 pre-vaccination serums, 146 (96.7 per cent) were negative, four
(2.6 per cent) doubtful and only one (0.7 per cent) was positive in a low titre. In
contrast, among 92 post-vaccination serums, the development of the complement
fixing antibody was demonstrated in 57 (62.6 per cent) of the vaccinated animals,
7 (7.7 per cent ) proving doubtful and 27 (22.7 per cent) negative. The virus neutrali-
zation antibody was found in all the 10 animals positive by the complement fixa-
tion test, in 5 of the 6 giving a doubtful C.F. reaction, and in 20 of the 27 animal
proving negative by the C.F. test.
In the 1953 trials, all the serums from 100 animals from which pre-vaccination
samples were collected gave negative C.F. titre. Forty-eight animals whose post-
vaccination serums were collected gave positive C.F. test in 30 animals (64.5 per
cent).
Immune response, following vaccination with LA virus as indicated by the
development of virus neutralization and complement fixation antibodies, was proved
48
ABSTRACTS
[Vol. XXVI, Part I,
in the serum of 82 out of 91 (90.1 per cent) animals in 1952 while the complement
fixation antibody was demonstrated in 64.5 per cent of the 48 vaccinated animals
in 1953. Development of the virus neutralization antibody was far more regularly
demonstrated than that of the complement fixing antibody. For indicating the
immune response the virus neutralization test can be said to be more reliable than
the complement fixation test, although neither of them is a correct indicator of
true immunity. The complement fixation test, however, has a great advantage in
application for mass study in a short time of the evidence of development of
immunity. (M.S.M.)
Use of rabbit-passaged strain of the Nakamura LA rinderpest virus for
immunising Korean cattle. REISINGER, C., MUN, C. P. and LEE, N. S. (1954).
Amer J. vet. Res. 15 (57), 554-60
T HE authors have described about the utility of Lapinised-avianised (LA) vaccine
for immunising Korean cattle against rinderpest. Lapinised virus Nakamura
III strain was found very pathogenic for the hypersusceptible Korean calves. There-
fore, the authors have used LA virus which was found quite suitable for immunising
Japanese calves that have a susceptibility to the Lapinised virus comparable to
that evidenced by Korean calves. Their experiments have proved that LA virus
is less pathogenic to rabbits than the Lapinised virus. But on serial passage in
rabbits the pathogenicity increased and mortality rate exceeded 85 per cent which
is comparable to that observed in rabbits infected with the original Lapinised virus.
In two preliminary experiments, four Korean calves were inoculated with the
original LA virus received from Tokyo ; 5 c.c. of a 1:500 suspension of embryo spleen
produced only a slight thermal reaction and the animals were found to have acquired
solid immunity on challenge by the bovine rinderpest virus. It was thought that
LA virus would regain its original pathogenicity for calves on serial passages in
rabbits but there was no indication of this as it was found quite non-pathogenic to
120 calves that had been inoculated in the laboratory with rabbit-passaged virus
of high concentration, and they survived the inoculation without any untoward
reaction and revealed complete resistance to the challenge.
More than 30,000 cattle were safely vaccinated in Korea during 1952 and 1953
with LA virus. No adverse reaction was observed in any of the vaccinated animals
and more than 90 per cent revealed the immune response by production of com-
plement fixation and virus neutralizing antibodies. The authors are of the opinion
that the Nakamura LA strain of rinderpest virus gives a safe and effective immunity
to Korean cattle and will be quite effective in immunising all species of hypersus-
ceptible animals against rinderpest. (M.S.M.)
March, 1956]
ABSTRACTS
49
On the invasion of the central nervous system by nematodes. I. The incidence
and pathological significance of nematodes in the central nervous system. (1955)
J. F. A. SORENT, Parasitology. 45, 1 and 2, 31-40.
T HE paper reviews the available literature on the incidence and pathological
significance of nematodes in the central nervous system. It has been observed that
a large number of nematodes invade the central nervous system and cause a variety
of nervous symptoms. Living specimens of different nematodes have been recovered
from the meningeal spaces and tissues of the brain and spinal cord by various workers.
These nematodes belong to the orders : Ascaridoidea, Filariodea, Trichuroidea,
Strongyloidea, Matastronygloides, Rhabditoidea and Dioctophymatidae.
The pathological effect caused by these nematodes vary to a great extent depend-
ing upon the size, mobility and the activity of the parasite. The pathological changes
observed are haemorrhagic, degenerative or proliferative. These are all the direct
effects of nematodes on the central nervous system and are mainly due to the trau-
matic effect of the parasite on the central nervous system depending upon its size.
Several parasites and their involvement in causing the pathological changes
have been mentioned. It has been stated that Setaria spp. (Filariodea), in cattle
and horses, cause the disease known as Kumree where in the parasites cause softening
and congestion of the spinal cord. Similarly lumbar paralysis in goats, has been
attributed to the invasion of central nervous system by the larvae of Setaria digitata.
The symptoms vary according to the degree of invasion of the parasite on the
central nervous system. There are nervous symptoms such as epilepsy. Nervous
symptoms have also been described in somatic nematode infections. But no ex-
planation could be given as to the occurrence of these symptoms and it remains
rather obscure, though one school of thought considers that these symptoms are,
probably, of allergic origin.
This argument is based on the evidence that certain toxins are elaborated by
some parasites such as Trichinella. It has also been experimentally proved that
infection of the larvae of Ascaris suum induces a state of hypersensitivity, with
allergic symptoms. The injection of ascaris extracts in animals already sensitised
caused certain changes in the central nervous system. So, in all probability, these
changes in the nervous system may be due to the allergic reactions brought about
by ascaris antigen.
It has been proved that these nematodes also transport viruses to the different
parts of the central nervous system and thus act as a carrier of virus. It has been
observed that Ascaris suum transmits a virus which causes infectious paralysis in
pigs. However, there is no possiblity of poliomyelitis being transmitted by these
nematodes, as observed by many workers. It is also doubtful whether there is
any possibility of Setaria digitata transmitting the virus of Japanese B. encephalitis.
(V.V.S.)
50
ABSTRACTS
[Vol. XXVI, Part I.
The dilution of semen with yolk of different breeds of poultry. (Zur Sperma
verdunnung unter Verwendung Von Eidottern Verschiedener Hühnerrassen,)
AEHNELT E. AND BROCKMANN, P. (1955). Dtsch. Tierarzt. Wschr., Beil. Fortpfl.
U. Bes. der. Haustiere. V (6), 69-72
R ESULTS are presented of 'in vitro' and 'in v' trials carried out on goat semen
using yolks of different poultry breeds in the dilutor. The breeds tried were,
New Hampshire, Sussex, Leghorn, and Italians. The sperm dilutor employed was
the Spermasol, a German proprietary preparation containing 30 per cent fresh egg
yolk. A dilution rate of 1:4 was kept throughout. From three adults and one
young buck, 15 ejaculates per buck were taken for trial. Evaluation was done on
the basis of average percentage of progressively motile and live sperms found when
kept in the dilutors containing different yolks.
A distinct overall buck to buck difference was noticed in the first instance.
Semen kept in dilutor containing yolk of New Hampshire gave the best results (70
per cent progressive motility upto 96 hours and longevity upto 185 hours) while
the same in Italians, the worst (70 per cent progressive motility upto 67 hours and
longevity upto 139 hours only).
Out of the 209 first inseminations carried out with semen preserved in the
New Hampshire yolk dilutor, the percentage of non-returns was 85 as opposed to
76 per cent in the case of 205 like inseminations with the Italians yolk dilutor. The
respective percentages of kiddings in the two dilutors were 85 and 74 with 205 and
199 inseminations. In the former, the rate decreased from 91 to 75 per cent while
in the latter, from 85 to 60 per cent with the ageing of sperm from 0-48 hours. The
authors, though unable to throw light on their results, suggest that the yolk of
New Hampshire may be tried with profit in dilution and preservation of bovine
semen. (S.S.P.)
REVIEW
GAIGER AND DAVIES VETERINARY PATHOLOGY AND BACTERIOLOGY
BY G. G. O. DAVIES (Published by Bailliere, Tindall and Cox
Price 42 s.)
T HE fourth edition of this well-known book has appeared some nine years after
the third edition, which was reprinted twice. The present edition retains the get-
up and the general format of the previous edition. As before, it is divided into three
parts—general pathology, bacteriology and. pathology of specific diseases, and special
pathology and includes an appendix of over 40 pages on technique. The part
dealing with specific diseases includes, inter alia, chapters on spirochaetes, pathogenic
fungi, and protozoon parasites. The text material as well as the 200 illustrations
of the previous edition have been retained, but changes have been made in the text
to bring it up-to-date. The two chapters on protozoal diseases have been exhaustively
revised.
Since it became available in India, 'Gaiger and. Davies' has been increasingly used
as a text-book for veterinary pathology and bacteriology. It covers more or less
completely, in a single volume of reasonable size, the syllabus prescribed for these
subjects by Indian Universities and its style and simple language have added to
its popularity with the students. However, it is disappointing to note that certain
diseases and disease conditions which are of specific interest to this country, and the
knowledge acquired in respect of them in comparatively recent years, have received
scant attention in this book ; and so our teachers and students have to seek the
required information from other sources.
Dr. Davies has promised to recast the book completely in the next edition to
make it still more suitable for the needs of veterinary students. It is hoped he will
take necessary steps to incorporate in the new edition as much practical, laboratory
and field experiences from tropical and sub-tropical countries as possible. (R.N.M.)
51
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MIGIPC—M-59AR/55-3.5-56-780.
52
AN ANNOUNCEMENT
JOHN MURRARY TRAVELLING
STUDENTSHIP IN OCEANO-
GRAPHY AND
LIMNOLOGY
The Council of the Royal Society is prepared
to receive applications for the John Murrary Travel-
ling Studentship in Oceanography and Limnology.
Particulars and application forms may be obtained
from The Assistant Secretary, Royal Society, Burlington
House, Piccadilly, London, WI.