bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pathological and Radiological Investigations on Osteochondrosis in Pigs, Associated with Leg Weakness
Authors: Jørgensen B. , Arnbjerg J. , Aaslyng M.
Published: May 2010

Two‐hundred and seventy‐eight Danish Landrace boars were examined radiologically and pathologically for osteochondrosis and other joint lesions on the left legs at slaughter (95 kg). The joint changes were scored on a scale from 1 (normal) to 5 (very severe changes/osteochondritis dissecans).

The correlations between radiological and pathological scores were highly significant in the humeral condyles (r = 0.66, P < 0.001), the distal ulna growth plate (r = 0.51, P < 0.001), the femoral condyles (r = 0.33, P < 0.001) and hock (distal tibia (r = 0.17, P < 0.01) and the medial trochlear ridge of the talus (r = 0.17, P < 0.01), indicating that radiographical examination is a useful method for diagnosing osteochondrosis in live pigs.

Thickening of cartilage was strongly associated with subchondral lesions in the three predilection sites: the humeral condyle, the femoral condyles and the distal ulna growth plate. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in the humeral condyles was significantly associated with subchondral lesions (O̊ = 1.86; P < 0.001), but not with cartilage thickness when analysed simultaneously.

There were no associations between lesions in the distal ulna growth plate, the humeral condyles, the femoral condyles or the anconeal process. There was no significant correlation between OCD in the humeral condyles and the anconeal process. Osteochondrosis could therefore not be stated to be a generalized disorder.

Regression coefficients between joint changes and leg weakness symptoms judged before slaughter were very small and showed no clear trends. OCD in the humeral condyles was, however, significantly associated with 'legs turned out on fore (O̊ = 2.48; P < 0.001) and hind (O̊ = 1.62; P < 0.05) legs', and OCD in the anconeal process with 'stiff movement in front' (O̊ = 2.01; P < 0.05). Osteochondrosis is thus comparable with a threshold trait, where the threshold is the development of an OCD in an osteochondrosis injured joint.
Ciprofloxacin Pharmacokinetics in Dogs Following Oral Administration
Authors: Abadia A. R. , Aramayona J. J. , Muńoz M. J. , Delfina J. M. Pla , Bregante M. A.
Published: May 2010

This paper reports the variation of the pharmacokinetic parameters of ciprofloxacin (CIP) following oral administration of three single doses (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) to dogs. Plasma and urine samples were assayed by HPLC. The plasma vs. time data were submitted to classical compartmental kinetic analysis (one‐compartment open model with a lag time) and to non‐compartmental data analysis. The maximal plasma concentrations attained after administration of 10 and 20 mg/kg were 1.55 and 3.08 mg/1, respectively, and agree with results reported in the literature for this species. The absorption was slower and showed a longer and more variable lag time when the dose increased. The elimination rate was significantly smaller after administration of the 40 mg/kg (0.0014/min) than 10 and 20 mg/kg doses (near 0.0024/ min). AUC/D also showed significant differences. The non‐linearity of CIP pharmacokinetics after oral administration was demonstrated by fitting the data AUG vs. dose to a quadratic equation.
An Improved Radioimmunoassay for the Determination of Canine Growth Hormone Based on Commercially Available Reagents
Authors: Høier R. , Jensen A. L. , Iversen L.
Published: May 2010

Determination of canine growth hormone (cGH) is of importance when evaluating the growth hormone status in dogs, for instance when diagnosing pituitary dwarfism and acromegaly. At present, analysis for the cGH content in canine blood has mainly been restricted to specialized laboratories which have had the capacity to develop suitable methods. We therefore formulated the objective of the present study to be the development of a generally accessible method utilizing commercially available reagents.

We describe a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for the determination of cGH which was based on reagents developed for the determination of porcine growth hormone (pGH), thereby drawing benefit from the similarity between growth hormones from the two species. The RIA method was characterized by satisfying precision and accuracy parameters: intra‐ and inter‐assay coefficients of variation (CV%) were 4–27% and 4–20%, respectively, depending on the cGH concentration of the samples. Recovery of added cGH and parallelism between standard curve and sample dilutions were acceptable, thus indicating identity between the calibrator system and the material under investigation (i.e. plasma samples). When measuring individual plasma samples or samples taken during clonidin response tests from normal dogs, dogs suffering from pituitary dwarfism and from dogs suffering from acromegaly, the results were comparable with previous findings.
Pathophysiological and Functional Aspects of the Megacolon‐Syndrome of Homozygous Spotted Rabbits
Authors: Bödeker D. , Türck O. , Lovén E. , Wieberneit D. , Wegner W.
Published: May 2010

The Megacolon‐Syndrome is a hereditary disease of homozygous spotted rabbits (En En). Investigations have been performed on some special traits related to functional aspects of the gut in comparison to vital heterozygous spotted rabbits (En en). It was found that En En rabbits showed significantly reduced sodium absorption rates across the wall of the cecum. Consequently, the dry matter content of the ingesta was reduced at this location, whereas the content of the ashes was increased. These results indicate that a further important pathogenetic aspect of this hereditary disease is an undue liquification of ingesta in proximal parts of the large intestine. Severe clinical problems, however, resulted from obstipation. This is concluded to be a late complication due to and modified by different stressors of endogenic and exogenic origin. Thus there are some indications that an early site of spot‐gene related effects might be the small intestine. This segment of the bowel was shorter and had an increased dry matter proportion of its wall when compared with heterozygous spotted rabbits. But a decreased proportion of dry matter within the wall of the large intestine was found. The latter could be an effect of the hypothyreotic state of metabolism in En En rabbits.
Distribution and Morphology of Skeletal Muscle Lesions after Experimental Restraint Stress in Normal and Stress‐susceptible Pigs
Authors: Bjurström S. , Carlsten J. , Thorén‐Tolling K. , Jönsson L.
Published: May 2010

Six normal and 22 stress‐susceptible (SS) pigs were subjected to experimental restraint stress to test the hypothesis that SS pigs are more affected by stress‐induced skeletal muscle lesions than normal pigs. The stress was provoked by a 12 min intravenous infusion of the myorelaxant succinylcholine at a dose which induced leg paralysis. At necropsy 2–3 days after the stress, 24 muscles were examined macro‐ and microscopically. The plasma levels of noradrenaline and adrenaline increased significantly during the stress, especially in SS pigs. Significantly higher scores of acute muscle lesions (degeneration and phagocytosis) were recorded in the SS pigs than in the normal pigs. The antebrachial flexor muscles, m. gastrocnemius, crural flexor muscles, m. serratus and m. intercostalis were most affected, while m. semitendinosus, m. masseter, crural extensor muscles, m. quadriceps and antebrachial extensor muscles were the least affected. The muscle regeneration of SS pigs was greater than that of normal pigs indicating more active rhabdomyolysis in SS pigs than in normal pigs. The muscle lesions were also reflected in increased serum levels of creatine kinase (CK), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), potassium and creatinine in SS pigs. It is concluded that the restraint stress induced skeletal muscle lesions and increased sympathetic activity, predominantly in SS pigs. It was also shown that certain skeletal muscles are more affected by rhabdomyolysis than others.
Evaluation of a Prothrombin Time Optimized for the Dog on Plasmas with Defined Coagulation Factor Deficiency Due to Coumarin Intoxication
Authors: Mischke R.
Published: May 2010

The sensitivity of the standard prothrombin time (PT) was low when measured on 56 plasmas with a reduced activity of the coagulation factors mainly of the prothrombin complex (factors II, VII and/or X) taken from eight dogs at different times of vitamin therapy after coumarin intoxication. This was demonstrable by use of three different Ca‐thromboplastins. With the standard test only plasmas with an excessive decrease of coagulation factor activity (sum of activity decrease of the single factors in relation to the respective reference range [SAD >100 %) were detectable with sufficient reliability. In contrast, by using a method optimized for dogs (1:20 sample predilution, fibrinogen substitution) and respecting the species specific features of coagulation physiology, pathological PT‐values were measured in up to 70 % of the samples (dependent on the Ca‐thromboplastin) with slight reductions of single factor activity (SAD: 11–25 %). Significant differences concerning the sensitivity were seen additionally between the different Ca‐thromboplastins. Human placenta thromboplastin in particular, but also rabbit brain thromboplastin, were more sensitive than a preparation of recombinant human tissue factor. The correlation between the PT and the SAD was closer when using the optimized method (r = 0.919–0.954) compared to the standard test (r = 0.771–0.862). In contrast to the standard test, the PT optimized for dogs is, therefore, a reliable screening test to recognize a slight reduction in prothrombin complex. It is especially suitable for monitoring of vitamin K1therapy after coumarin intoxication.
Effects of Postoperative Periods on Glucose Absorption and Electrolyte Secretion in the Intestinal Loop of Sheep
Authors: Hyun H. S. , Onaga T. , Mined H. , Kato S.
Published: May 2010

This study was designed to determine the effect of postoperative periods on intestinal absorptive and secretory functions in the jejunal Thiry‐Vella loop of sheep. The lumen was perfused with isotonic saline solution for 120 min at 1 ml/min. The secretory function was assessed by measuring the secretory response of water and electrolytes to PGE2, which was applied intraluminally at 100 μM during the second 30 min period. To measure glucose absorption, 10 mM isotonic glucose solution with its osmolality adjusted by adding NaCl was perfused. Measurements were taken at 1 week intervals for 3 months after surgery. Under basal conditions, water, sodium and chloride were absorbed, while potassium and bicarbonate were secreted. These net basal movements did not change throughout the 3 month period. PGE2 reversed the net absorptions of water, sodium and chloride to the net secretions, and significantly augmented bicarbonate secretion. Potassium secretion was not changed significantly by PGE2. These responses to PGE2 were not affected by the postoperative periods. Glucose absorption decreased gradually for 8 weeks after construction of the jejunal loop with a significant negative correlation to the postoperative period, and subsequently remained at a steady state of nearly 65 % of the first week. This decrease in glucose absorption was prevented by regular perfusion of glucose. The results show that the Thiry‐Vella loop of the ovine jejunum can be used to measure secretory function for 3 months or more after its construction, but it is essential to regularly perfuse the loop with glucose solution when this loop is used for absorptive experiments of glucose for a long time.
Drugs Coordinating and Restoring Gastrointestinal Motility and their Effect on Selected Hypodynamic Gastrointestinal Disorders in Horses and Cattle
Authors: Steiner A. , Roussel A. J.
Published: May 2010

Hypodynamic gastrointestinal disorders in horses and cattle that are thought to benefit from treatment with drugs restoring and coordinating gastrointestinal motility include postoperative ileus and large colon impaction in the horse and displacement of the abomasum and dilatation of the cecum in cattle. Important physiologic, pathophysiologic and pharmacologic mechanisms involved in the intrinsic control of gastrointestinal motility include cholinergic, adrenergic, dopaminergic, serotoninergic, and opioid‐mediated pathways. Preliminary results suggest that cisapride, acting on 5‐Hydroxytryptamine receptors, might be useful for treatment of idiopathic postoperative ileus and the α2‐adrenoceptor blocking agent yohimbine for endotoxic postoperative ileus. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, and neostigmine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, are thought to restore motility of the large colon in cases of large colon impaction in the horse. Bethanechol and neostigmine significantly increase myoelectric activity of the cecum and proximal loop of the ascending colon in healthy cows. Investigations of the effects of prokinetic drugs on displacement of the abomasum of cattle do not allow any conclusions because no results derived from controlled experimental disease models are available.
Experimental Aujeszky's Disease in Blue Foxes (Alopex lagopus
Authors: Quiroga M. I. , Vázquez S. , López‐Peña M. , Guerrero F. , Nieto J. M.
Published: May 2010

Blue foxes were inoculated orally with Aujeszky's disease virus. Several foxes were killed at the onset of clinical signs and other animals spontaneously died. The incubation period ranged from 3 to 6 days and was followed by a short illness characterized by anorexia, depression and coma. At autopsy, no specific gross findings were observed. Microscopically, lesions included a non‐suppurative meningoencephalitis with neuronal necrosis, gliosis, neuronophagia and mononuclear cell cuffing. Viral antigen was detected by immunoperoxidase technique.
Compositional Analysis Surveillance of Eleven Brands of Enrofloxacin Including Baytril® for Veterinary Use
Authors: Sumano H. , Ocampo L.
Published: May 2010

Lack of consistency in clinical effectiveness of various commercial preparations of enrofloxacin prompted a compositional analysis surveillance of 11 trade marks of this fluoroquinolone using various physicochemical properties and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Only one preparation resembled Baytril (Bayer of Mexico), the original brand of enrofloxacin. Variations in the concentration of enrofloxacin, use of different vehicles, substitution of this fluoroquinolone by ciprofloxacin and variations in pH were found. The use of ciprofloxacin in veterinary medicine is discussed.
Evaluation of Seven Microsatellite Loci in Simmental Cattle
Authors: Hussein A. A. , Schmoll F. , Führer F. , Brem G. , Schellander K.
Published: May 2010

Seven microsatellite loci were evaluated for their suitability for parentage control. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the short tandem repeat (STR) loci in separate reactions. The microsatellite polymorphisms were visualized by radioisotopic autoradiographic detection. The microsatellite loci showed extensive polymorphism with allele numbers ranging from 4–23 and polymorphism information content (PIC) values in the range of 0.57–0.87. The analysis of these loci also revealed that they have a 99.9% combined probability of exclusion (PE) of erroneous parentage. The results of this study revealed that a very high probability of exclusion could be reached with only four microsatellite loci.
Systemic, Metastatic, Eu‐ and Heterotope Tumours of the Heart in Necropsied Dogs
Authors: Walter J. H. , Rudolph R.
Published: May 2010

10 090 dissections of dogs exhibited 2631 neoplastic processes of which 309 involved the heart in the form of eu‐ and heteropic tumours. The most common primary and/or secondary heart tumour type was hemangiosarcoma (n = 187), followed by paraganglioma (n = 46), carcinoma (n = 33), malignant lymphoma (n = 12), thyroid heart base tumour (n = 9), melanoma (n = 7), mast cell tumour (n = 3) and blastoma (n = 2). The tumour diagnoses were immunohistochemically proved by various antibodies to cytokeratins, vimentin, GFAP, NSE, von Willebrand factor, CD3, CD45RA, S100, thyroglobulin as well as histochemically with argyrophilic, Fontana‐Masson and heterochromatic reactions. The odds ratio (OR) for breed and tumour prevalences were determined: German shepherds showed the highest OR for hemangiosarcomas and boxers for paragangliomas.
The Sequelae of Fragmented Anconeal Process (FAP) Lesion in Pigs: A Radiologic, Macroscopic and Histopathological Investigation
Authors: Bittegeko S. B. P. , Arnbjerg J.
Published: May 2010

The development of the anconeal process its lesions and their sequelae were scrutinized during the follow‐up radiographic study (every 5 months) of porcine osteochondrosis of elbow joint bones done in 80 Danish Landrace pigs from day 42 of age to 38 months of age. The anconeal process was observed radiologically to be ossified at the age of between 6 to 7 months. Normally it ossifies by pyramidal extension from the proximal ulna. However, fragmented/separated anconeal process lesion was demonstrated in 15 pigs (the process was ‘ununited’ with the rest of the proximal ulna). The diagnosis was confirmed in nine pigs at gross post‐mortem and microscopically when the pigs were slaughtered due to other reasons than lameness of the front leg. These cases were interpreted as ‘fragmented/separated anconeal process’ (FAP/SAP). This lesion showed a tendency to heal with increasing age. The lesions were healed in all surviving pigs at the age of 25–26 months.
Total Blood Volume in the Normally Performing Standardbred Trotter: Age and Sex Variations
Authors: Persson S. G. B. , Funkquist P. , Nyman G.
Published: May 2010

The purposes of this study were to elucidate the influences of age and sex on the mass specific blood volume parameters: total blood volume (TBV/BW, ml/kg), plasma volume (PV/BW, ml/kg), total red cell volume (CV/BW, ml/kg) and maximal packed cell volume (PCV, l/l, i.e. after total mobilisation of the splenic red cell reservoir) and to establish reference values for these in normally performing Standardbred trotting race horses.

In total 205 horses were studied. They were all, according to their owners and/or trainers, performing satisfactorily in racing or training for shortly impending racing. Blood volume determination was done with the Evans blue dye dilution technique after exercise induced emptying of the spleen.

Both age and sex were found to influence variation of these parameters significantly, with the possible exception of PV/BW, whereas the primary variation appeared to be in CV/BW. It was concluded that taking age and sex dependent variations into consideration will render prediction of normal values for the blood volume parameters in the athletic Standardbred trotter more reliable and the detection of abnormal deviations more precise if five age and sex groups are used for comparisons.
Determination of Canine Prolactin by Use of A Commercial Heterologous Enzymeimmunoassay Kit
Authors: Høier R. , Jensen A. L.
Published: May 2010

The present study evaluated a commercial heterologous enzymeimmunoassay (EIA) method for the determination of prolactin (PRL) in canine blood plasma and compared the results found with this heterologous method to the PRL concentrations measured by use of a commercial homologous PRL EIA.

The heterologous PRL EIA was characterized by intra‐assay coefficients of variation (CV %) of 3–5% for replicate determinations, and inter‐assay CV%'s of 5–7% between means of duplicate determinations. The least detectable concentration was 0.1 μg/L. A satisfying accuracy was settled by a recovery of added PRL not different from 100 % at varying PRL levels. The cross‐reactivity (CR) to canine growth hormone (GH) was 5 %.

Both methods outlined equally well the changes in PRL concentrations induced by administration of metoclopramid and bromocriptin; the specificity of both methods was further confirmed by a lack of response to clonidin GH stimulation test. The results achieved with the two methods were not identical despite of identical dose response relations. This difference in test results was, however, considered to be of minor practical importance if locally established reference ranges are used for evaluation of test results.
Effects of Dietary Soybean and Cowpea on Gut Morphology and Faecal Composition in Creep and Noncreep‐fed Pigs
Authors: Makinde M. O. , Umapathy E. , Akingbemi B. T. , Mandisodza K. T. , Skadhauge E.
Published: May 2010

The effects of creep feeding and different levels of soybean meal (SBM) and cowpea meal on the intestinal morphology and faecal characteristics were investigated in weaners. Prior to the feeding trial, one group of piglets was creep‐fed and the other noncreep‐fed. The two groups of piglets were weaned at 28 days and randomly assigned to four different diets whose main sources of protein were: T1–‐skimmed milk powder (control); T2–‐31 % soybean meal; T3–‐ 15 % soybean meal and 12 % skimmed milk powder; and T4–‐100 % raw cowpea meal. Live weight gain was highest in the T1group, and least in the T4group. At weaning only the noncreepfed weaners showed villus atrophy and crypt hyperplasia, but at 7 days postweaning these changes were evident in all groups except the control and were more severe in the noncreep (T2, T3) and cowpea‐fed groups. At 21 days postweaning, only noncreep cowpea‐fed pigs showed a reduced villus height when compared to the T1group. A mild diarrhoea was generally observed in all noncreep‐fed weaners but its onset was more rapid (P < 0.01) and the duration longer (P < 0.05) in the T2and T4pigs than in T3andT1groups. A lower faecal pH was observed in weaners that had diarrhoea when compared with a pH of 7.1 in pigs with normal moisture. The glucose content of the faeces was found to be significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the T2and T4groups. The observations of enteropathology and low growth performance in the T4group suggest that feeding raw cowpea to weaners is capable of inducing considerable antigenicity in the intestinal mucosa, causing damage and a consequent decrease in productivity. However, the introduction of creepfeeding before weaning appears to have some ameliorative effects.
Schätzung der Erblichkeit von Labmagenverlagerung bei Deutsch‐Schwarzbunten Rindern in Hessen
Authors: Geishauser T. , Diederichs M. , Beuing R.
Published: May 2010

Estimation of the Heritability of Displacement of the Abomasum in Hessian Black Pied Cattle

The degree of heritability of displacement of the abomasum was estimated in 30 Hessian herds breeding German Black Pied cattle in which displacement of the abomasum occurred more frequently than normal. Estimation was made by investigating the similarity between mothers and daughters. A total of 2626 pairs were used for this investigation, based on the absence or occurrence of abomasal displacement in the mothers and daughters. The fourpoint correlation coefficient was determined for each herd using a quadrant square. The arithmetic means were then calculated from the correlation coefficients. The number of herds examined was limited by assuming the correlation coefficient to be stable when it varied by less than 0.02 units during the investigation of more than 15 herds. Heritability was then calculated using the correlation coefficient. The correlation coefficient was stable after examining 15 herds; for the examination of the last six herds, it was 0.12 (0.117‐0.124) units. Based on this, the heritability of displacement of the abomasum in the herds was taken to be h2= 0.24.

In 30 hessischen Zuchtherden für Deutsche Schwarzbunte Rinder, in welchen Labmagenver lagerung vermehrt vorkam, wurde der Grad der Erblichkeit von Labmagenverlagerung geschätzt. Die Schätzung erfolgte durch Untersuchung der Mutter‐Tochter‐Ähnlichkeit. Hierzu wurden 2626 Mutter‐Tochter‐Paare gebildet, unter Berücksichtigung des Nicht‐Vorkommens bzw. des Vorkommens von Labmagenverlagerung bei Mutter bzw. Tochter. Für jede Herde wurde mit Hilfe einer Vierfeldertafel der Vierpunkt‐Korrelationskoeffizient ermittelt. Aus den Korrelationskoeffizienten der untersuchten Herden wurden nacheinander arithmetische Mittelwerte errechnet. Die Anzahl untersuchter Herden wurde begrenzt, indem der Korrelationskoeffizient dann als stabil angenommen wurde, wenn er sich während der Untersuchung von mehr als 15 Herden um weniger als 0,02 Einheiten veränderte. Aus dem Korrelationskoeffizienten wurde die Heritabilität berechnet. Der Korrelationskoeffizient war nach Untersuchung von 15 Herden stabil; er betrug während der Untersuchung der letzten sechs Herden 0,12 (0,117–0,124) Einheiten. Demnach wird die Heritabilität von Labmagenverlagerung in den untersuchten Herden mit h2= 0.24 angenommen.
Studies onin vivoEndotoxin Plasma Disappearance Times in Cattle
Authors: Andersen P. Haubro , Jarløv N. , Hesselholt M. , Bæk L.
Published: May 2010

Endotoxin plasma disappearance (EPDT) times were determined by a modifiedLimulusamoebocyte lysate (LAL) assay technique after the intravenous administration of 25 μgE. coli055:B5 endotoxin per kg b.w. to 22 Jersey cows. Clinically healthy cows (n = 6) cleared endotoxin from the plasma within 30 min. Cows pretreated with flunixin meglumine (n = 6) had 2–3 times longer plasma disappearance times, while cows pretreated with phenylbutazone (n = 6) had plasma disappearance times which were 6–12 times longer than the healthy control group. A fourth group comprised clinical cases of spontaneously developed hepatic lipidosis (n = 4). None of these cows were able to clear the injected endotoxin dose and one died before the end of the experiment. The acute phase response, described by leukocyte and thrombocyte counts and plasma glucose and zinc concentrations, was not statistically different between the four groups.
Characterization of Camel Leukocytes by Flow Cytometry and Microscopic Evaluation of Granulocyte Phagocytosis of Fluorescent Bacteria
Authors: Abdurahman Omar A. Sh. , Saad Alaa M.
Published: May 2010

Peripheral blood was obtained from four lactating camels (Camelus bactrianus) and flow cytometry was used to characterize cell populations. The ability of the granulocytes to engulf fluorescent bacteria was studiedin vitrousing fluorescence microscopy.

Three clusters of blood cells (mononuclear cells, neutrophils and eosinophils) were identified by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy. Milk, on the other hand, was dominated by cell fragments and no distinct cluster formation was found. The mean yield of blood granulocytes and monocytes isolated on Ficoll gradient was 92.2 ± 5.4 % and 7.9 ± 5.7 %, respectively. Cell viability was 95 %. The mean percentage of phagocytic cells was 71.8 ± 5.9 % at 10 min and increased to 97.3 ± 0.5 % at 60 min when observation was terminated. The average number of bacteria per phagocyte was 8.7 ± 2.1 and 13.1 ± 0.9 at 10 and 60 min incubation time.
Exercise‐induced Changes in the Activities of β‐Glucuronidase and N‐Acetyl‐β‐D‐Glucosaminidase in Plasma and Muscle of Standardbred Trotters
Authors: Raulo S. M. , Hyyppä S. , Räsänen L. A. , Pösö A. R.
Published: May 2010

The activities of lysosomal enzymes, such as β‐glucuronidase and N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glu‐cosaminidase, have been shown to increase in muscle after endurance exercise. We examined whether measurable activities of lysosomal enzymes are present in equine plasma and whether the exercise‐induced changes in the muscle are reflected in plasma. Six trained Standardbred trotters performed three exercise bouts with 1 h intervals and the same procedure was repeated 3 days later. Venous blood samples and muscle biopsies from the middle gluteal muscle were taken before and after exercise. The activities of β‐glucuronidase and N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase were measured both from plasma and muscle specimens. Cell infiltration into the muscle after exercise was evaluated by the DNA content and histochemically by haematoxylin stain. The activity of N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase in plasma was increased immediately after exercise, but had returned to the basal level at 4 h. N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase in muscle and β‐glucuronidase in muscle and plasma increased 2 days after exercise and returned to the basal level on day 3. A similar pattern was seen when the exercise protocol was repeated 3 days later, except that the activities continued to increase during the 3 days after exercise. The DNA content in muscle correlated with β‐glucuronidase in muscle and plasma and with the N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase in muscle indicating that the activities reflect the infiltration of phagocytes into the exercise‐injured muscle. It can be concluded that the activities of the lysosomal enzymes in plasma increase after exercise and that the changes are mainly due to a simultaneous increase in the number of neutrophils. Therefore, plasma activities of the lysosomal enzymes are poor indicators of exercise‐induced muscle damage.
Endogenous Opioids May Modulate the Activity of the Hypothalamus‐Pituitary‐Adrenocortical Axis in Domestic Fowl
Authors: Pierzchala‐Koziec K. , Niezgoda J. , Bobek S. , Przewlocki R.
Published: May 2010

The activity of the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenocortical (HPA) axis is under complex neuronal, hormonal and peptidergic control. In order to determine the role of the endogenous opioids in the modulation of the HPA axis in hens we have examined the changes of the plasma levels of Met‐enkephalin, α‐neo‐endorphin, catecholamines and corticosterone during rest, stress (30 min of overcrowding) and after naltrexone pretreatment. Short overcrowding induced an increase of all parameters, but the time of response and duration of elevation was different. Plasma Met‐enkephalin showed a biphasic response: decrease followed by increase at the end of stress. Catecholamines and corticosterone peaked at 30 min of overcrowding and the highest level of α‐neo‐endorphin has been noticed at 20 min after the experiment was started. Naltrexone (2 mg/kg b.w., i.v.) diminished the responses to stress of all parameters and did not change their basal levels, except for corticosterone. These results indicate that the endogenous opioids may take part in the mediation of HPA activity in hens during resting and stressful situations.
PCR Screening for Carriers of Bovine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (BLAD) and Uridine Monophosphate Synthase (DUMPS) in Argentine Holstein Cattle
Authors: Poli M. A. , Dewey R. , Semorile L. , Lozano M. E. , Albarino C. G. , Romanowski V. , Grau O.
Published: May 2010

BLAD (Bovine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency) and DUMPS (Deficiency of Uridine Monophosphate Synthase) are monogenic autosomal, recessive inherited diseases of Holstein cattle. Single nucleotide changes (point mutations) responsible for the genetic disorders were detected by polymerase chain reaction coupled with restriction fragment length polymorphism assays (PCR‐RFLP). Using oligonucleotide primers, DNA fragments of predicted sizes were amplified, and the products' specificity was assessed by nucleotide sequencing. Mutations were detected in DNA samples from bovine blood and semen by the presence or absence of restriction sites within the PCR amplification products (TaqI,HaeIII for BLAD,AvaI for DUMPS). The test included 104 bulls and 950 cows of Argentinean Holstein breed. Defective alleles frequencies were as follows: 2.88 % BLAD in bulls used in artificial insemination, 1.79 % in cows; 0.96 % DUMPS in bulls and 0.11 % in cows.
Attainment of Spermatogenesis in Swedish Cross‐bred Boars
Authors: Malmgren L. , Rodriguez‐Martinez H. , Einarsson S.
Published: May 2010

Twenty peripubertal Swedish cross‐bred boars were used to study the testicular differentiation and the maturation of spermatozoa (epididymal) between 100 and 180 days of age. In all animals the sex cords were small and solid at 100 days of age. Spermatogenesis started at approximately 115 days of age and was completed, i.e. the cellular organization of the seminiferous tubules indicated a sexually mature testis with normal spermatogenesis, at 180 days of age. By 125 days of age only a few spermatozoa were found in the cauda epididymidis. Furthermore, a high frequency of sperm morphological alterations were seen. The sperm concentration in the cauda increased with increasing age, and simultaneously the frequency of abnormal spermatozoa decreased. However, not all boars had a ‘mature’ semen picture in the cauda epididymis at 180 days of age.
Evaluation of Additional Acetone and Urea Analyses, and of the Fat‐Lactose‐Quotient in Cow Milk Samples in the Herd Recording System in Norway
Authors: Steen A. , ØSterås O. , Grønstøl H.
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of additional acetone and urea analyses to the established herd recording system (protein, fat, lactose, and somatic cell count) in cow milk samples every second month. Samples were obtained from 43/82 herds (800/1368 cows) in a lowland/highland area. Acetone concentrations (mmol/1) were classified into acetone classes 1 (<0.7); 2 (0.7‐1.4); and 3 (>1.4). There was an association between increasing acetone class and increasing ketosis incidence in herd (Kendall's Tau‐b = 0.13). The highest percentage frequencies of acetone classes 2 and 3 were in weeks 4–6 postpartum. Milk yield, urea, and lactose were significantly lower; milk protein not different, and milk fat was significantly higher in herds with high ketosis incidence and in cows in acetone classes 2 and 3. General linear models, obtained by backward elimination of non‐significant variables, showed that milk protein was negatively associated to milk yield and positively associated to milk fat. Milk yield decreased, and milk fat concentration increased with increasing acetone level. Milk fat and milk lactose were negatively associated, and a fat‐lactose‐quotient might be promising in a model to rule out subclinical ketosis cows.
Stable Expression and Functional Characterization of the Cloned Rat μ‐opioid Receptor in Human Epidermoid Carcinoma (A431) Cells*
Authors: Ammer H. , Schulz R.
Published: May 2010

Regulation of intracellular cAMP levels serves as a cellular model for chronic drug action. Since the adenylate cyclase effector system is under dual control of both stimulatory as well as inhibitory receptor systems, a permanent cell line was created in order to allow evaluation of acute and chronic opioid effects on stimulatory receptor function. For this purpose, the cloned rat μ‐opioid receptor was stably expressed in human epidermoid carcinoma (A431) cells, which carries high levels of endogenous β2‐adrenoceptors. Four out of 16 cell clones were found to express considerable amounts of [3H]diprenorphine binding sites and were further characterized. Scatchard analysis of saturation binding data revealed maximal binding capacities (Bmax) between 242.2 ± 11 and 1,271.8 ± 221 fmol/mg of membrane protein, whereas drug affinity was found similar among all cell clones tested (Kd= 1.4 ± 0.2 nM). The expressed μ‐receptors also mediated agonist inhibition of adenylate cyclase, indicating that these receptors are functionally coupled to intracellular signalling pathways. Long‐term exposure of the cells to morphine (10 μM; 2 days) produced cellular correlates of chronic opioid action as displayed by both a decrease in the maximal degree of adenylate cyclase inhibition (tolerance) as well as an increase in overall effector activity (dependence). Thus, based on these parameters, μ‐opioid receptor expressing A431 cells provide a promising tool to investigate cellular mechanisms of chronic drug action.
Prophylaktische Wirkung von spezifischen Dotterantikörpern beiEscherichia coliK88 (F4)‐bedingten Durchfallerkrankungen von Absatzferkeln*
Authors: Erhard M. H. , Bergmann J. , Renner M. , Hofmann A. , Heinritzi K.
Published: May 2010

Prophylactic effect of specific egg yolk antibodies in diarrhea of weaned piglets caused by Escherichia coli K88 (F4)

In this study, the protective effect of specific egg yolk antibodies on diarrhea caused byEscherichia coliK88 (F4) was investigated with 179 weaning piglets in a double‐blind field trial. The piglets were divided into three groups. The antibody group received egg powder with specific antibodies toE. coliK88, K99, 987P, and rotavirus, while one control group was fed with egg powder without specific antibodies and a second control group received no egg powder at all. The piglets were fedad libitum.The egg powder was offered in a 5% feed ration. Compared with the control groups, the piglets of the antibody group showed significant differences (P < 0.05,X2‐test) in the parameters rate of diarrhea (17.2%) (antibody group) to 60.7% (control egg group) or 56.7% (control group without egg powder), severity of symptoms (5.2–39.3% or 26.7%) and frequency of additional treatments (8.6–55.7% or 51.7%). Because of the additional treatments, no difference could be found in body‐weight gain. In control groups, three piglets died, while no pigs died in the antibody group.

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde bei 179 Absatzferkeln die prophylaktische Wirkung von spezifischen Dotterantikörpern aufEscherichia coliK88‐bedingte Durchfallerkrankungen in einem Doppelblindversuch überprüft. Die Absatzferkel wurden in drei Gruppen eingeteilt. Die Ak‐Pulver‐Gruppe erhielt Volleipulver mit spezifischen Antikörpern gegenE. coliK88, K99 und 987P sowie Rotaviren, während eine Kontrollgruppe Volleipulver ohne spezifische Antikörper (Ko‐Pulver‐Gruppe) und eine weitere Kontrollgruppe (Kontroll‐Gruppe) kein Eipulver bekam. Die Eipulver wurden jeweils in einer 5%igen Zumischung den Ferkelnad libitumangeboten. Im Vergleich zu den Kontrollgruppen zeigten die Ferkel der Ak‐Pulver‐Gruppe signifikante Unterschiede (P < 0,05,X2‐Test) bei den Parametern Durchfallinzidenz (17,2% (Ak‐Pulver‐Gruppe) zu 60,7% (Ko‐Pulver‐Gruppe) bzw. 56,7% (Kontroll‐Gruppe), Auftreten von Störungen des Allgemeinbefindens (5,2–39,3% bzw. 26,7%) und Anzahl der zusätzlich notwendigen Therapiemaßnahmen (8,6–55,7% bzw. 51,7%). Aufgrund der zusätzlichen Behandlungen war die Körpergewichtsentwicklung unbeeinflußt. In den Kontrollgruppen starben drei Ferkel, während in der Antikörper‐Gruppe keine Verluste zu verzeichnen waren.
Freundsches komplettes Adjuvans beim Huhn: effiziente Immunstimulation bei gravierender lokaler inflammatorischer Reaktion*
Authors: Wanke R. , Schmidt P. , Erhard M. H. , Messing A. Sprick‐Sanjose , Stangassinger M. , Schmahl M. , Hermanns W.
Published: May 2010

Freund's Complete Adjuvant in the Chicken: Efficient Immunostimulation but Severe Local Inflammation

To quantify the enhancing activity of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA), the humoral immune response of hens to the antigen human serum albumin (HSA) injected intramuscularly combined with FCA was measured. Local tissue reaction was examined on macroscopic and microscopic level. Other hens were injected with HSA in physiological sodium‐chloride solution and served as controls. The immunization of hens without using FCA resulted in a short‐term rise in immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titres, while the hens injected with HSA and FCA developed a long‐term response (plateau‐form of antibody titres). Local tissue reaction after injection of HSA in sodium‐chloride solution was a mild and transient form of interstitial myositis. The immunization with HSA combined with FCA regularly resulted in a persisting granulomatous myositis. It is therefore a matter of animal protection to demand restricted use of FCA and to promote adjuvants of comparable efficiency, but better tolerance.

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden die humorale Immunantwort von Hühnern gegenüber dem intramuskulär in Kombination mit Freundschem komplettem Adjuvans (FCA) verabreichten Antigen humanes Serumalbumin (HSA) quantifiziert und lokale Gewebereaktionen auf makroskopischer und lichtmikroskopischer Ebene untersucht. Zum Vergleich wurde HSA in physiologischer Kochsalzlösung appliziert. Die Immunisierung von Hühnern ohne FCA führte zu zeitlich sehr begrenzten IgG‐Antikörpertitern. Die Verwendung von FCA bei der Immunisierung mit HSA resultierte in der Ausbildung eines langanhaltenden, hohen Antikörpertiter‐Plateaus. Die lokale Gewebereaktion nach Immunisierung mit HSA in physiologischer Kochsalzlösung war durch eine vorübergehende geringgradige interstitielle Myositis gekennzeichnet. Die Immunisierung unter Verwendung von FCA hatte regelmäßig die Entwicklung einer persistierenden granulomatösen Myositis zur Folge. Uinter dem Aspekt des Tierschutzes ist deshalb zu fordern, auf die Verwendung von FCA soweit als möglich zu verzichten und stattdessen besser verträgliche aber vergleichbar effiziente Adjuvantien zu entwickeln und einzusetzen.
Antinuclear Antibodies in Dogs with Leishmaniasis
Authors: Lucena R. , Ginel P. J. , Lopez R. , Novales M. , Martin E. , Molleda J. M.
Published: May 2010

An indirect immunofluorescence method using rat liver as material was developed to determine the incidence of antinuclear antibodies in serum from 44 adult dogs naturally infected with leishmaniasis and, for comparative purposes, in a control group of 30 healthy dogs. Animals in both groups were of different breeds with a similar age distribution. Antinuclear antibodies were not detected in the healthy dogs and only 15.9% of the diseased dogs, 12.0% males and 21.1% females, were positive. The results indicate that in contrast to previously reported figures, the incidence of antinuclear antibodies is low in canine leishmaniasis at least when diagnosis is first made.

In order to investigate whether antinuclear antibodies may play a role in the development of the renal damage observed in canine leishmaniasis, the concentrations of serum creatinine were related to the presence of antinuclear antibodies. Only 28.5% of the antinuclear antibodies positive infected dogs showed hypercreatininemia as did 32.4% of the antinuclear antibodies negative infected dogs. Thus, antinuclear antibodies are not significantly cause‐effect related to the development of the renal lesions seen in canine leishmaniasis.
Evaluation of Bulk Milk Analyses of Acetone, Urea, and the Fat‐Lactose‐Quotient as Diagnostic Aids in Preventive Veterinary Medicine
Authors: Steen A. , østerås O. , Grønstøl H.
Published: May 2010

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of additional acetone and urea analyses to the established milk quality system (protein, fat, lactose, and somatic cell count) in bulk milk samples twice a month. Samples were obtained from 44/93 herds in a lowland/highland area. When ranging herds with most acetone values over 0.24 mmol/1 (90th percentile), only two out of 10 herds would be on a corresponding list when ranged for highest ketosis treatment incidence. Most high acetone values occur after periods with concentrated calvings, but also in periods without calvings, presumably because of feeding with inferior silage high in butyric acid.

Milk fat concentration, milk lactose concentration and the interaction term between these, the fat‐lactose‐quotient, show the largest absolute values in all three models with ketosis treatment incidence, milk protein concentration, and milk yield as dependent variables in general linear analyses on standardized variables. Acetone and urea concentrations in bulk milk show only small absolute values or are omitted from the models.

The practical conclusion from these analyses on bulk milk samples to be used by advisory personnel is small, but it seems that high bulk milk fat concentrations and low lactose concentrations are unfavourable when it comes to ketosis treatment incidence, but favourable when it comes to milk protein concentration. Bulk milk acetone concentrations as a measure of the energy supply in herds must only be interpreted after calving intensity and silage quality are assessed.
Prevalence of Antibodies to Lipid A in Danish Cattle
Authors: Andersen P. H. , Houe H. , Fomsgaard A. , Høier R.
Published: May 2010

A cross‐sectional study was performed on the occurrence of IgG antibodies to lipid A of the Gram‐negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) on serum of 2272 cattle distributed on 19 Danish dairy herds. The relationship between the concentration of antibodies to lipid A (ALI) and age, herd, pregnancy rate and occurrence of mastitis, bovine virus diarrhoea (BVD), reproductive and digestive disorders, diarrhoea, pneumonia, foot disorders, various infections and traumatic udder lesions was investigated. ALI generally was low in calves and increased during their first 1.5 years of life to a steady state, which could be altered by the occurrence of disease. There were significant differences in the mean ALI among the herds (P < 0.001). High ALI was associated with a low herd pregnancy rate, to preceding occurrence of mastitis (P < 0.048), BVD (P < 0.010), reproduction diseases (P < 0.041) and digestion disorders (P < 0.064) in animals older than 2 years. The calf mortality rate was not associated to ALI and there was no correlation between the ALI in calves and their dams. The occurrence of high ALI levels on a herd basis may be an indication of increased challenge or enhanced immunological defense to Gram‐negative bacteria or endotoxin.
M‐mode Echocardiographic Diagnosis of Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Giant Breed Dogs
Authors: Koch J. , Pedersen H. D. , Jensen A. L. , Flagstad A.
Published: May 2010

M‐mode echocardiograms were recorded from 62 giant breed dogs without historical, clinical, electrocardiographic and roentgenologic signs of heart disease, from six dogs with asymptomatic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM, NYHA class I), and 13 dogs with symptomatic DCM (NYHA class III‐IV). There was a general trend that several echocardiographic parameters were significantly different in control Great Danes as compared to Newfoundlands and Irish Wolfhounds. There were substantial differences in left ventricular size both in systole and diastole and in systolic indices of the left ventricle between the control group, the asymptomatic dogs and symptomatic dogs with DCM (P = 0.0001).

There was also a significant decrease in the interventricular septum thickness (P = 0.0001) and left ventricular free wall thickness in systole (P = 0.002) and diastole (P = 0.005) between the three groups. Furthermore, the left atrial/aortic ratio was significantly different between the three groups (P = 0.0001).

It was concluded that this study established echocardiographic reference values in giant breed dogs which may be useful in the study of heart diseases in giant breed dogs.