bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation of Endotoxin‐induced Andrological Alterations by Flunixin Meglumine in the Boar
Authors: Wallgren M. , Kindahl H. , Rodriguez‐Martinez H.
Published: May 2010

Flunixin meglumine (FM), an inhibitor of the cyclo‐oxygenase pathway of the prostaglandin synthesis, was used to evaluate the andrological changes following an endotoxin (ET) administration in the boar. FM was injected as a single dose 10 min prior to an ET injection. Blood plasma was analysed for the contents of 15‐ketodihydroprostaglandin (PG) F2αLH, testosterone and Cortisol. Twelve h after the ET administration, the boars were castrated and the testes examined by light and electron microscopy. The results were compared between controls, ET‐, FM‐ and FM + ET‐treated boars.

An increase in 15‐ketodihydro‐PGF2αlevels was seen following ET administration. Pre treatment with FM decreased the levels of 15‐ketodihydro‐PGF2αduring 2 h. Following the ET administration a voluminous increase in testosterone levels as well as changed LH levels were seen. Similar alterations in hormonal levels were observed also after pretreatment with FM, however, delayed about 2 h, and during this time a marked decrease in testosterone levels was seen. In the testes an infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in the interstitium and histological changes among the Leydig cells were seen after ET injection. Pretreatment with FM reduced the number of invading PMN and the Leydig cells appeared less affected.

The results show that FM modulated the negative effects of ET on the testicular function in the boar, indicating that the initiation of the arachidonic acid cascade was of importance for the induction of the alterations following an ET injection.
Age‐related Morphometrical Changes of Arteries of Uterine Wall in Mares
Authors: Nambo Yasuo , Oikawa Masa‐Aki , Yoshihara Toyohiko , Kuwano Atsutoshi , Katayama Yoshinari
Published: May 2010

To investigate the morphological changes of uterine wall arteries associated with the progression of age in Thoroughbred broodmares, uterine wall arteries from 13 mares, aged 2 to 31 years, were studied by routine histomorphometry. The ratio of intimai thickness to external diameter increased due to hyperplasia of elastic fibers and was significantly correlated with age (r = 0.95, P < 0.001). The ratio of medial thickness to external diameter decreased and was also significantly correlated with age (r = −0.84, P < 0.001). Using electron microscopy, it was determined that the cross‐sectional area of the tunica media occupied by smooth muscle cells gradually decreased with increasing age. These results demonstrate that in arteries of the uterine wall in mares, hyperplasia of intimai elastic fiber and thinning of the medial smooth muscular layer is associated with aging, suggesting that aging may influence endometrial pathology.
Incidence and Pathomorphology of Uterine Tumours in the Cow
Authors: Garcia‐Iglesias M. J. , Bravo‐Moral A. M. , Perez‐Martinez C. , Ferreras‐Estrada M. C. , Martinez‐Rodriguez J. M. , Escudero‐Diez A.
Published: May 2010

A statistical and pathological study on uterine tumours during the examination of 1489 female bovines at slaughter was carried out. A 0.4% (n = 6) incidence of uterine neoplasms, being 50% adenocarcinomas and the other 50% leiomyomas, was diagnosed. With regard to age groups, tumours were more frequent in the 11–15‐year‐old group. Two animals affected by adenocarcinoma were not fertile and they had ovarian metastasis that, to the authors' knowledge, has been cited as extremely rare in cows. An ultrastructural study of these carcinomas and their metastasis was also made. Two leiomyomas were intramural and another one was pedunculated and subserous located. All leiomyomas showed the features of old tumours.
The Effects of Intracoeliac Injections of Alpha‐adrenergic Agonists and Veratridine on Reticuloruminal Motility and the Evocation of Rumination in Sheep
Authors: Campion D. P. , Leek B. F.
Published: May 2010

The ability of alpha‐2 adrenoreceptor agonists and veratridine to evoke rumination and to modify reticular motility in adult Suffolk‐cross sheep when injected by close‐arterial injection into the forestomach was investigated. The specific alpha‐2 adrenoreceptor agonists, xylazine and medetomidine, evoked rumination and increased reticular motility. The Na+channel activator veratridine also evoked rumination and dramatically increased reticular motility. In contrast, injection of the alpha‐1 adrenoreceptor agonist, phenylephrine, was ineffectual in evoking rumination and resulted in reduced reticular motility. It is concluded that the evocation of rumination by alpha‐2 adrenergic agonists and veratridine is probably due to the activation of sensory nervous receptors (epithelial receptors) located in the reticulorumen.
Veränderungen des Kalziumgehalts im bovinen Eutersekret während des Vorbereitungsstadiums der Geburt mit Berücksichtigung der Vorhersage des Abkalbetermins
Authors: Grunert E. , Birgel E. H.
Published: May 2010

Changes in Concentration of Calcium in Bovine Udder Secretions Related to Predicting Parturition

Nine heifers and 10 cows of the breed 'German Black Pied' were used in order to evaluate the practicability of measurement of changes in concentration of calcium in udder secretions during the preparatory stage of labour for the prediction of the time of calving. A gradual increase in the concentration of calcium in udder secretions ante partum (a.p.) was determined. Eleven days a.p., the average concentration of calcium was 14.2 mmol/l. Thereafter, the calcium content gradually increased and reached a mean value of 52.1 mmol/l sub partu (secretions of all udder quarters), and 52.4 mmol/l and 51.8 mmol/l in secretions of fore and hind quarters, respectively. Despite the increase in calcium, the time of calving in individual animals could not be predicted reliably, or with a high probability, because the increase in calcium content did not occur in all cows, the variation of the values was high, and the differences between values during the last 48 h a.p. were only small.

Zur Beurteilung der Veränderungen des Kalziumgehalts im Eutersekret während des Vorbereitungsstadiums der Geburt in Bezug auf dessen Verwendbarkeit für eine Vorhersage des Geburtstermins wurden neun Färsen und 10 Kühe der Rasse 'Deutsches Schwarzbuntes Rind' untersucht. Es konnte ein allmählicher Anstieg der Kalziumkonzentration im Eutersekret ante partum (a.p.) ermittelt werden. Elf Tage a.p. betrug der Wert durchschnittlich 14,2 mmol/l. Danach stieg der Kalziumgehalt kontinuierlich an und erreichte sub partu durchschnittlich einen Wert von 52,1 mmol/l (Sekret aller Euterviertel) sowie 52,4 mmol/l und 51,8 mmol/l (Sekret der Vorder‐ bzw. Hinterviertel). Trotz dieses Kalziumanstiegs kann der Abkalbetermin beim einzelnen Tier nicht mit hoher Wahrscheinlichkeit vorhergesagt werden, da ein deutlicher Anstieg der Kalziumkonzentration im Eutersekret speziell in den letzten 71‐48 Stunden a.p. nicht nachweisbar und die Streuung der Werte sehr groß ist. Zudem erfolgt nicht bei allen Kühen eine Erhöhung des Kalziumgehalts im Milchsekret zum Partus hin.
Messung der Aktivität der Gerinnungsfaktoren VIII:C, IX, XI und XII bei der Katze
Authors: Mischke R. , Deniz A. , Nolte I.
Published: May 2010

Measurements of the Activity of the Coagulation Factors VIII:C, IX, XI and XII in Cats: Using an optimized test, reference ranges were established for the activity of the coagulation factors VIII:C (72–124 %), IX (81–130 %), XI (69–134 %) and XII (51–142 %) in the cat (n = 58 cats, 2.5–97.5 % quantile).

Compared to a reference curve prepared by using a cat‐pool plasma (n = 50), the factor VIII:C activity in humans (commercial human reference plasma) was 7.6%, i.e. the factor VIII:C activity in cats was 13 fold higher than in humans. The values for the factors IX, XI and XII depended distinctly on the dilution step of the human plasma. The activity of the cat in relation to humans was approximately 90 % (factor IX), 170 % (factor XI) and 135 % (factor XII).

Two clinically healthy cats who were conspicuous pre‐operative because of a distinctly prolonged, activated partial thromboplastin time showed a decreased factor XII activity.

Mit einem optimierten Test wurden bei der Katze Referenzbereiche (n = 58 Katzen, 2,5–97,5 %‐Quantil) für die Aktivität der Gerinnungsfaktoren VIII: C (71–124 %), IX (81–130 %), XI (69–134 %) und XII (51–142 %) erstellt.

Im Vergleich zu einer mit Katzenpoolplasma (n = 50) erstellten Referenzkurve wies der Mensch (kommerzielles Humanreferenzplasma) eine Faktor VIII: C‐Aktivität von 7,6 % auf, d.h. die Katze verfügt über eine etwa 13fach höhere Faktor VIII:C‐Aktivität als der Mensch. Bei den Faktoren IX, XI und XII ergaben sich hier deutlich unterschiediiche Werte in Abhängigkeit von der Verdünnung des Humanplasmas. Näherungsweise war bei der Katze die Aktivität des Faktors IX 90%, des Faktors XI 170% und des Faktors XII 135% im Vergleich zum Menschen.

Zwei klinisch gesunde Katzen, die präoperativ wegen einer deutlich verlängerten aktivierten partiellen Thromboplastinzeit auffällig waren, wiesen eine verminderte Faktor XII‐Aktivität auf.
Pulmonary Ventilation, Mechanics, Gas Exchange and Haemodynamics in Calves Following Intratracheal Inoculation ofPasteurella haemolytica
Authors: Linden A. , Desmecht D. , Amory H. , Daube G. , Lecomte S. , Lekeux P.
Published: May 2010

APasteurella haemolyticaA1 broth was injected intratracheally in eight calves and measurements of pulmonary function values (PFV) were made once before and hourly post inoculation (p.i.).

Changes in PFVs, included increased respiratory rate and minute ventilation (up to 158 % of baseline 2 h p.i.) and decreased tidal volume and lung dynamic compliance (up to 33 % of baseline 3 h p.i.). Total pulmonary resistance was not affected. At and after 3 h p.i. there was a progressive impairement of gas exchange, as judged from arterial O2tension which decreased up to 65 % of baseline. In contrast, arterial CO2tension was not affected. Pulmonary hypertension was observed during the 3 last h of the study and was attributable to an increased pulmonary vascular resistance. Severe neutropenia was observed at 3h p.i. and post‐mortem histological findings were consistent with an acute fibrinohemorragic bronchopneumonia.

In conclusion,P. haemolyticaairway challenge unequivocally resulted in acute pneumonia, providing a reproducible pathophysiological model for investigations regarding new therapeutic strategies.
Copper‐Zinc Superoxide Dismutase (CuZnSOD) in Antioxidant Deficient Pigs
Authors: De Gritz B. G.
Published: May 2010

Six piglets, aged 4 weeks (weaning) at the beginning of the experiment, were fed a diet lacking antioxidants (vitamin E and selenium) and enriched with oxidated cod liver oil (the peroxide value of which was 112.54 meqv/kg). Four of the experimental pigs were killed for necropsy at the age of 2 months and the remaining two pigs at the age of 3 months. Two piglets from the same litter served as controls.

Myodegeneration of the skeletal muscles was induced in the experimental group. Macroscopically, the condition of nutritional myodegeneration ('white muscle disease') was characterized by a pale, yellowish colour and translucence of the skeletal muscles. The livers were pale and mottled. Light microscopy revealed degenerative alterations in the heart and skeletal muscle and infiltrations by lipidic substances. The ultrastructure of some lipidic droplets was analogous to those of ceroid and lipofuscin. Peroxisomes were frequent in degenerating hepatocytes.

In order to elucidate the lysosomal involvement in the residual formation, light and electron microscopical immunocytochemistry using copper‐zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) was applied. Degradation of mitochondria in the skeletal muscles appeared to be due to the direct coalescence of mitochondria with primary lysosomes. Probably zinc was recruited into the antioxidant protection upon conclusion of the increased erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (E‐SOD) activity.
Non‐purulent Arthritis in Danish Slaughter Pigs. I. A Study of Field Cases
Authors: Buttenschon J. , Svensmark B. , Kyrval J.
Published: May 2010

The pathology and microbiology of non‐purulent arthritis in Danish slaughter pigs were studied in order to draw up an updated picture of the disease. Samples of one or more joints, their regional lymph nodes and the heart were collected from 101 arthritic pigs, totalling 137 joints, 86 lymph nodes and 96 hearts (group I).

For another selected group including 25 pigs (group II), the preliminary diagnosis of mycoplasmic arthritis, based on the appearance of the corresponding regional lymph node, was assessed versus the appearance of the joint fluid. A total of 44 samples were examined.

More than 70 % of all joint samples in both groups were sterile.Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiaewas isolated from 7 % of the joints andMycoplasma hyosynoviaefrom 9 %. A contamination flora was isolated in 17 % of the samples. Very few of the lymph nodes (5 %) were infected, and none of the hearts were. In group‐IIM. hyosynoviaewas isolated from 8 % of the joints. From the remainder the isolates were contamination flora or low numbers of non‐specific bacteria.

The gross pathological changes of the lymph nodes and joints of theE. rhusiopathiaecases differed notably from those of theM. hyosynoviaecases. The pathological features of the lymph nodes, in particular, were type specific. This suggests that these features may be used to differentiate between the two types of arthritis. Considering the high number of sterile samples, it is necessary to test this hypothesis in greater detail.

A programme is outlined to elucidate the zoonotic and hygienic consequences of a proposed alternative handling and removal procedures for the two types of arthritis at slaughter.
Milk N‐acetyl‐B‐D‐glucosaminidase and Serum Albumin as Indicators of Subclinical Mastitis in the Camel
Authors: Abdurahman O. A. Sh.
Published: May 2010

NAGase activity (NAGase) and serum albumin concentrations were determined in milk from 101 traditionally managed camels in the Sudan. NAGase, a lysosomal enzyme released from damaged epithelial cells as well as other somatic cells in milk, was recorded for quarter milk samples from camels (n = 353) using the fluoroscan method. NAGase activity in major pathogen‐infected quarters was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than in minor pathogen‐infected and non‐infected quarters. Means for minor pathogen‐infected quarters were also significantly higher than non‐infected quarters. Concentrations of serum albumin, resulting from increased vascular permeability, in quarter milk samples (n = 320) were measured by the radial immunodiffusion test. Serum albumin content in milk was not affected by infection status of the quarter. There were, however, large variations in serum albumin levels and, to a lesser extent, NAGase values between samples in both infected and non‐infected quarters. NAGase was more effective in predicting bacteriological status of the quarter than serum albumin.
The Reduction of Skeletal Muscle Lesions after Experimental Stress in Stress‐susceptible Pigs Protected with Dantrolene
Authors: Bjurström S. , Carlsten J. , Jönsson L.
Published: May 2010

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a naturally occurring disease of stress‐susceptible (SS) pigs subjected to triggering agents or stress. MH is characterized by accelerated muscle metabolism and hyperthermia due to abnormally increased myoplasmic Ca2+ levels. Dantrolene is used for the treatment of MH and acts by reducing the myoplasmic Ca2+ levels. Muscle lesions can be induced by experimental restraint stress in SS pigs and are suspected to be caused by increased myoplasmic Ca2+ levels. This experiment was performed in order to study if stress induced muscle lesions could be reduced by dantrolene. Nine SS pigs were exposed to experimental restraint stress provoked by a 12 min intravenous (i.v.) infusion of the depolarizing myorelaxant succinylcholine. Five pigs were orally dosed with dantrolene (5 mg/kg), twice, about 24 and 5 h before the stress (group A). The other four pigs were treated with a single i.v. infusion of dantrolene (5 mg/kg), 30 min before stress (group B). The animals were necropsied approximately 48 h after the stress and 24 skeletal muscles were examined macro‐ and microscopically. No clinical signs of MH occurred during the experiment. The required dose of succinylcholine was higher in group B (0.08 mg/kg/min) than in group A (0.03 mg/kg/min) indicating decreased sensitivity to succinylcholine in SS pigs after i.v. treatment with dantrolene The pigs in group A, but not in group B showed slightly increased serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) at time of necropsy. A significant reduction in acute muscle lesions was observed in both groups, especially in group B, when compared with SS pigs subjected to restraint stress, but not treated with dantrolene. The muscle lesions induced by the stress model are considered to be induced by increased myoplasmic Ca2+ levels since they can be reduced by dantrolene treatment.
Neuronal Degeneration in Brain Stem Nuclei in Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy
Authors: Fatzer R. , Graber H. U. , Meyer R. K. , Cardozo C. , Vandevelde M. , Zurbriggen A.
Published: May 2010

In 57% of 151 BSE positive brains of Swiss cattle, degenerating neurons were found in BSE predilection sites, either single scattered (34%) or involving large parts of brain stem nuclei (23%). The lesion consisted of central chromatolysis, shrinkage, karyolysis or nuclear pyknosis. In 43% of the BSE positive brains no neuronal changes besides vacuolation were present. Neuronal degeneration other than vacuolation alone is not pathognomonic for BSE but, according to our findings, seems to be of some importance together with the typical vacuolation of neuropil and neurons. There is no correlation between extent of these degenerative changes and accumulation of PrPSc protein, determined by immunohistochemistry. The significance remains obscure, yet as it had not been seen in cattle brains before the outbreak of BSE in Switzerland in 1990 it certainly is linked to the disease. Possible pathogenetic mechanisms are discussed.
Echocardiographic Study of Mitral Valve Prolapse in Dachshunds
Authors: Pedersen H. D. , Kristensen B. ø. , Nørby B. , Lorentzen K. A.
Published: May 2010

In this prospective echocardiographic study, we investigated the occurrence of mitral valve prolapse (MVP) in 60 dachshunds: 30 with mitral regurgitation (MR), 15 age‐matched and 15 3‐year‐old controls without heart murmurs. To assess the MVP, video recorded sequences from the right parasternal long axis 4‐chamber view were blindly evaluated by three observers. Of the 30 dogs with MR, 12 (40 %) had severe MVP, 10 (33 %) had mild MVP, and eight (27 %) had a normal mitral valve. The clinical status of the dogs with MR correlated significantly with the severity of MVP, and these dogs had significantly worse MVP than age‐matched controls, among which seven (47 %) had mild MVP and eight (53 %) had a normal mitral valve (P < 0.01). In the group of 15 young dachshunds without heart murmurs, seven (47 %) had mild MVP and eight (53 %) had a normal mitral valve. The degree of MVP correlated significantly with the occurrence of arrhythmias, particularly severe sinus arrhythmia.

We conclude that dachshunds with MR have a higher prevalence of MVP than controls, and that the severity of MVP is correlated with clinical status. The dogs with MVP and marked sinus arrhythmia might have autonomic dysfunction, analogous to findings in humans. Whether young dachshunds with MVP are predisposed to MR later in life must await the results of a longitudinal study.
Absence of Skeletal Muscle Lesions after Experimental Restraint Stress Induced by Pancuronium in Normal and Stress‐susceptible Pigs
Authors: Bjurström S. , Carlsten J. , Jönsson L.
Published: May 2010

Stress‐susceptible (SS) pigs develop rhabdomyolysis and increased serum levels of muscle enzymes after a 12min experimental stress induced by the depolarizing myorelaxant succinylcholine. It is suspected that not only the stress situation but also succinylcholine itself contributes to the skeletal muscle lesions. This experiment was performed to study whether rhabdomyolysis occurs after restraint stress when succinylcholine was replaced by the nondepolarizing myorelaxant pancuronium. Four normal and four SS pigs were subjected to restraint stress by intravenous injection of pancuronium. The neuromuscular block was reversed after 12 min by neostigmine. The animals were necropsied approximately 48 h after stress and 24 skeletal muscle groups were examined pathologically. The severity of acute myofibre lesions were graded, and the results were compared with the results from normal and SS pigs which had been subjected to restraint stress induced by succinylcholine. The serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) stayed at the base line level after the stress. The scores for muscle lesions were significantly lower, both in normal and SS pigs, than after restraint stress induced by succinylcholine indicating no rhabdomyolysis after restraint stress induced by pancuronium. Thus succinylcholine is synergistic with stress, exacerbating its effect on skeletal muscle in SS pigs.
Intra‐articular Morphine and Saline Injections Induce Release of Large Molecular Weight Proteoglycans into Equine Synovial Fluid
Authors: Tulamo R.‐M. , Raekallio M. , Taylor P. , Johnson C. B. , Salonen M.
Published: May 2010

Both morphine and physiologic saline injected intra‐articularly into healthy equine tarsocrural joints induced a release of large molecular size proteoglycan (PG) subunits into the synovial fluid (SF) analysed 24 h postinjection. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a size‐exclusion column was used to assess the high molecular weight proteoglycans in equine synovial fluid (SF). The PG peaks of SF samples eluated separately from SF hyaluronate and other molecular components of the SF in the HPLC chromatographies indicating no interaction between hyaluronate and PG in the SF.

Individual elution profiles varied between joints and horses. The amount of PG release was measured by relative area index from the HPLC chromatograms. The synovial fluid PG content was significantly increased (P < 0.05) after morphine but not in saline injected joints compared with pretreatment but there were no significant differences between the two groups.

It was concluded that intra‐articular injections of both morphine and physiologic saline are able to elicit a marked PG release into the SF from articular cartilage within 24 h of injection.
Influence of Sample Predilution on the Sensitivity of Prothrombin Time in Feline Plasma
Authors: Mischke R. , Deniz A. , Nolte I.
Published: May 2010

The prothrombin time (PT) is measured in feline plasma usually by means of a method that has been optimized for measurements in human plasma (standard test). In the present study the sensitivity of this test was investigated in comparison to a modified PT using a human placental thromboplastin. In the modified test, 100 μl sample predilution (1:5, 1:10, and 1:20) were incubated with 100 μl of a human fibrinogen solution (2 g/l) until 100 μl Ca‐thromboplastin was added. When measured in 31 samples with a reduced, and 22 samples with an increased activity of the coagulation factors II, V, VII and/or X the modified test showed an increased sensitivity as well as a correlation between PT and the changes in single factor activity which was distinctly closer compared to the standard test. The highest sensitivity was produced by a 1:10 or 1:20 sample dilution. A test procedure modified in this way, is thus, a more reliable screening test for the extrinsic system in cats and should be used for routine diagnostics.
Studies and Comparison of Pterin Patterns in the Plasma of Dogs and Cats and their Alteration in Various Neoplasias and Virus Infections‘*
Authors: Goldberg M. , Fuchs C.
Published: May 2010

Physiological pterin levels were evaluated in plasma samples of healthy dogs and cats. Biopterin and 7‐xanthopterin were determined quantitatively by HPLC after partial purification by ion exchange chromatography. Neopterin, pterin and 6‐hydroxymethylpterin were not detectable in plasma samples. Pterin levels in plasma of dogs with neoplasias and cats with neoplasias or viral infections (FeLV, FIV, FIP) were determined.

Dogs with various tumours did not show qualitative but distinct quantitative alterations in the pterin concentration in plasma. Biopterin concentrations in plasma of dogs after tumour exstirpation significantly decreased compared to the levels before surgery.

There was only a moderate increase of the biopterin levels in plasma of cats with neoplasias in comparison to healthy animals of this species. Cats suffering from viral infections, however, showed a significant rise in biopterin concentrations.

The results underscore the importance of pterins as sensitive indicators for the presence of activation of cell mediated immune response. With emphasis on biopterin the role of pterins as helpful parameters for the preventation and the monitoring of diseases is pointed out.
Prevention of Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis in the Obese Strain (OS) Chickens by Treatment with a Monoclonal Anti‐CD4 Antibody*
Authors: Cihak J. , Hoffmann‐Fezer G. , Wasl M. , Merkle H. , Kaspers B. , Hàla K. , Plachy J. , Wick G.
Published: May 2010

Untreated control OS chickens develop spontaneous autoimmune thyroiditis (SAT). In contrast, OS chickens treated with a monoclonal anti‐CD4 antibody failed to develop SAT. The preventive effect of anti‐CD4 antibody on SAT was associated with the marked depletion of CD4+ T‐cells by anti‐CD4 treatment. These results indicate that CD4+ T‐cells play a crucial role in SAT of OS chickens.
Transfer of IgA from Albumen into the Yolk sac during Embryonic Development in the Chicken*
Authors: Kaspers B. , Bondl H. , Göbel T. W. F.
Published: May 2010

In the chicken, maternal antibodies are transferred into the egg and subsequently transported into the developing embryo. IgG is the primary immunoglobulin isotype of the egg yolk, while IgM and IgA are mainly found in the albumen. However, considerable amounts of IgM and IgA of unknown origin are found one day prior to hatching in the yolk sac. These antibodies are not synthesized de novo by the embryo proper, thus pointing to a transfer from the albumen into the egg yolk during development.

To further address this question, 125I labelled chicken IgA was injected into the albumen of freshly laid eggs. On day 21 of embryonic development, 125I‐IgA was found in the yolk sac content. On average (n = 6) 36.2 ± 7.2 % of the injected radioactivity was recovered from this compartment and shown to be associated with IgA. Comparison of total IgA in the albumen of freshly laid eggs with the amounts of IgA in yolk sac content showed similar results with a 44% transfer rate. An increase of the IgA concentration in the yolk sac was first detectable between days 14 and 16 of embryonic development.

These data clearly show that IgA is transferred from the albumen into the yolk sac, most likely by a transport across the yolk sac membrane.
Depression of the Somatotropic Cells in the Bovine Pituitary Gland due to Application of Recombinant Bovine Somatotropin–‐an Immunohistochemical and Morphometric Study*
Authors: Schmidt P. , Hafner A. , Schams D. , Weis S. , Dahme E. , Schmahl W.
Published: May 2010

The morphological alterations in the bovine pituitary gland resulting from the administration of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rBST) are described. Three groups of German Simmental heifers (12 animals for each group) were treated. Group 1 received a placebo (vehicle), group 2320 mg and group 3640 mg of a prolonged‐release formulation of rBST at 2 week intervals. Treatments were started with an average body weight of 286 ± 2.5 kg and continued until one week before the animals were slaughtered with an average body weight of 520 ± 3.2 kg. Double immunohistochemical labelling using rabbit anti‐prolactin (PRL) and chicken anti‐BST antibodies was performed on paraffin serial sections of the pituitary glands. Morphometric analyses revealed a dose‐dependent decrease of the volume fraction of the somatotropic cells due to a reduction in number and a diminution of the mean cellular volume. No significant differences in the volume fraction of the mammotropic cells were seen. The recorded reduction of the somatotropic cells is thought to be the result of a negative feedback upon the secretory activity as a result of long‐term rBST treatment.
Estimation of Sperm Viability in Frozen‐Thawed Semen from Swedish A.I. Bulls
Authors: Januskauskas A. , Håård M. G. , Håård M. Ch. , Söderquist L. , Lundeheim N. , Rodriguez‐Martinez H.
Published: May 2010

From a total of 40 Swedish dairy A.I. bulls, the number of viable spermatozoa in frozenthawed semen was estimated using a commercial luminometer (SVT®) to determine ATP contents and by fluorescence microscopic examination of samples stained with the combined fluorophore probes Calcein AM and Ethidium homodimer (CAM/EthD‐1). The bulls were of two breeds (24 Swedish Red and White and 16 Holstein) and two age classes (1–2 and 6–10 years old, prior to and after progeny testing, respectively). The SVT®‐instrument was able to estimate a frequency of viable spermatozoa (47.0 ± 14.4%; means ± SD) close to that recorded by the fluorophore probes (spermatozoa with intact plasmalemma and progressively motile, 53.6 ± 11.5%) and by subjective visual assessment of sperm motility (53.4 ± 6.0%). The percentage of motile spermatozoa assessed under phase‐contrast was positively (r = 0.33, P < 0.01) correlated with both the total ATP content, the percentage of viable spermatozoa recalculated from the SVT® reading (r = 0.26, P < 0.05) as well as with the frequency of spermatozoa having intact membranes as assessed by CAM/EthD‐1 (r = 0.45, P < 0.001). The latter was also significantly correlated (r = 0.59, P < 0.001) with the total ATP contents. No significant variation in ATP contents was present between bulls, breeds or age. A significant difference, however, was seen between bulls for sperm membrane integrity. The results indicate that the SVT® instrument seems to provide a quick and easy estimation of the number of viable spermatozoa in frozenthawed bull semen. The assessment of membrane integrity with fluorophore probes allows the estimation of sperm subpopulations within the sample and seems therefore to be more useful and objective to determine sperm viability than visual assessment of sperm motility.
Augmentative Effects of Phytohemagglutinin‐P on Proliferation and Cytotoxicity of Interleukin‐2‐activated Canine Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes
Authors: Mizuno S. , Fujinaga T. , Kurosawa T.
Published: May 2010

Canine peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were stimulated with recombinant human interleukin‐2 (rhIL‐2) alone, or with phytohemagglutinin‐P (PHA) and subsequent rhIL‐2 in order to obtain large numbers of lymphokine‐activated killer (LAK) cells. Incubation of PBL with rhIL‐2 alone allowed proliferation of large granular lymphocyte (LGL)‐like lymphocytes, and the cytotoxic activity of the lymphocytes against canine transmissible venereal sarcoma cells was detected 5–7 days after the culture onset. However, the lymphocytes died within 2 weeks of culture, resulting in limited generation of functional LAK cells. Thus, PBL pretreated with PHA were subjected to rhIL‐2‐dependent culture. Small‐ or middle‐sized lymphocytes predominantly proliferated in response to rhIL‐2, and proliferation of the lymphocytes was sustained for longer than 30 days by repeated stimulations with PHA and subsequent rhIL‐2. Cytotoxicity reached significant levels from 2 weeks after the culture onset and thereafter remained almost constant for at least 2 weeks, leading to large‐scale production of the LAK cells. Pretreatment of PBL with PHA seems to enhance the LAK cell functions through modification of the precursors of the effector LAK cells.
The Effect of Persistent Chlorinated Hydrocarbons on the Secretion of Estradiol and Progesterone by Bovine Granulosa Cells in Vitro
Authors: Faundez R. , Sitarska E. , Kluciński W. , Duszewska A. M.
Published: May 2010

The role of persistent chlorinated hydrocarbons (PCH) in the reproductive disorders in ruminants is not well documented. In the present study we have examined the effect of these compounds and their metabolites on the secretion of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) by bovine granulosa cells in vitro. Granulosa cells were isolated from large follicles (≥8 mm diameter) by gently washing the internal follicle wall. Aliquots of approximately 4 times 105 viable granulosa cells in 0.5 ml medium were cultured at 37 °C in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 and 95% air. Granulosa cells were cultured for 96 h in medium containing different concentrations (10−1‐10−4 ng/ml) of a PCH combination. Estradiol and progesterone were measured in unextracted granulosa cell culture medium by Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA). The exposure of granulosa cells to a combination of these organochlorine compounds in vitro results in a slight decrease of estradiol secretion only at the highest studied concentration of the PCH combination. However, the secretion of progesterone by these cells was seriously decreased, even by concentrations found in ovaries from animals kept under natural environmental conditions. The in vitro culture system of granulosa cells from preovulatory follicles may be useful in screening toxic effect of pesticides in animal reproduction.
The Anti‐inflammatory Drugs Phenylbutazone and Dipyrone in the Treatment of Field Cases of Bovine Mastitis
Authors: Shpigel N. Y. , Winkler M. , Saran A. , Zrv G.
Published: May 2010

The efficacy of phenylbutazone vs. dipyrone for the treatment of acute clinical mastitis were compared in a clinical trial. All cows were treated with 20 g sulfadiazine and 4 g trimethoprim i.m. upon diagnosis and half dosage once daily thereafter. In addition, the NSAIDs treated cows received once daily either 4 g phenylbutazone or 20 g dipyrone i.m. for the duration of the antimicrobial therapy. In all treatment groups the major causative organisms were coliforms. Recovery rates for the controls, the phenylbutazone and dipyrone treatment groups were 81.8%, 89.4% and 86.6%, respectively. Recovery was evaluated by the logistic regression analysis, the odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) of treatment success for phenylbutazone and dipyrone treatments relative to the control treatment were calculated. Odds ratio of recovery was high for phenylbutazone (OR = 2.42; CI = 0.98‐5.96; P = 0.054) as well as for dipyrone (OR = 1.71; CI = 0.98‐3.00; P = 0.060), demonstrating a strong trend towards improved recovery in NSAID groups. The odds of treatment failure for the phenylbutazone group relative to the dipyrone group was 0.71 with 95% CI of 0.28‐1.78. Clearly no significant difference could be demonstrated between phenylbutazone and dipyrone in this field trial.
Veränderungen von Serumenzymen, Lactat‐, und Hämoglobinkonzentrationen im Blut junger Trabrennpferde durch Trainingsbelastung
Authors: Krzywanek H. , Mohr E. , Mill J. , Scharpenack M.
Published: May 2010

Strain‐by‐exercise Variations in the Activities of Selected Serumenzymes and the Blood Concentrations of I actate and Hemoglobine in Young Trotters

Until the age of about 2 years, trotters normally grow up on pasture without any kind of training. In the stud farm Lindenhof (Templin, Germany), however, these first 2 years are used for a special fitness training for the young animals: 2–3 times a week, a group of the yearlings is forced to run a distance of about 1700 m on a track at an average speed of up to 10 m/s. Until now, little was known about changes of blood parameters which may occur during such special exercise. This study therefore investigated the activity of selected serumenzymes (aspartat‐amino‐transferase (AST), alanin‐amino‐transferase (ALT), γ‐glutamyl‐transferase (γ‐GT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP), creatine kinase (CK)) and the variations of hematocrit, hemoglobin, lactate, protein, and urea concentration before and after exercise.

Except for activity of AP and CK and concentration of urea, all parameters showed a distinct increase after exercise. In particular, the rise in lactic‐acid concentration with values up to 23.08 mmol/l was remarkable, however, none of the parameters reached a pathological level. It is therefore concluded that exercise for young trotters over a medium distance–‐even at high speed–‐does not cause any injury of myocard, skeletal muscles or livercells.

Zusammenfassend ist zu sagen, daß es bei den untersuchten Parametern mit wenigen Ausnahmen (AP und CK beim Maitermin, Harnstoff) zwar durch die Belastung zu Erhöhungen der Aktivitäten bzw. Konzentrationen gekommen ist, daß sich die Belastungswerte jedoch in keinem Falle in einen Bereich erstrecken, der als pathologisch anzusehen ist. Trainingsläufe mit hoher Geschwindigkeit über mittlere Distanzen bewirken bei Trabern im Jährlingsalter somit ausgeprägte Lactacidosen; Schädigungen von Herz‐ und Skelettmuskulatur sowie von Leberzellen sind bei gesunden Tieren jedoch nicht zu befürchten.
Histopathological Findings in Pigs of Various Ages Suffering from Spontaneous Infection with the Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV)
Authors: Darbès J. , Hafner A. , Breuer W. , Hänichen T. , Banholzer E. , Hermanns W.
Published: May 2010

A retrospective study was carried out to investigate the morphology of 29 routinely necropsied German Landrace pigs of various ages, namely five fetuses, eight neonates, five suckling piglets and 11 weaners, being either serologically PRRSV‐positive or born or aborted from PRRSV positive sows. Virus antigen was immunohistochemically demonstrated in 12 out of 27 (44%) lungs tested. The distinguishing histopathological features of PRRSV‐induced spontaneous disease are interstitial pneumonia accompanied by secondary inflammatory alterations that become more and more pronounced with increasing age, and vascular alterations hitherto not described in animals of these age groups. The latter consist of vasculitis of the medium‐sized arteries and occasionally of the veins, mainly in the lungs but also in other organs, and of perivascular lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates of various degrees of frequency and organ distribution, but present above all in the CNS–‐including the meninges and in the lungs. These findings, which suggest vasculotropism on the part of the PRRSV, may facilitate the histopathological diagnosis of PRRSV infections in routinely examined material.
Characterization of Na+/H+ Exchange in Sheep Rumen Epithelial Cells Kept in Primary Culture
Authors: Gǎbel G. , Gálfi P. , Neogrády S. , Martens H.
Published: May 2010

The study aimed at testing whether Na+/H+ exchange activity is maintained during isolation and cultivation of rumen epithelial cells (REC) and whether Na+/H+ exchange is altered during proliferation and differentiation. REC were isolated from sheep rumen epithelium by fractional trypsinization and further cultivated for up to 21 days. Characteristics of Na+ uptake into cultured REC were the same as previously described for the Na+/H+ exchange in the intact rumen epithelium. Na+ uptake was increased by intracellular acidification and was inhibited by high doses of amiloride. Amiloride inhibited 3H‐thymidine incorporation into REC at concentrations similar to those found for the inhibition of Na+ uptake. Fetal calf serum, a growth factor, stimulated amiloride‐sensitive Na+ uptake. We therefore conclude that cultured rumen epithelial cells express Na+/H+ exchange and that the activity of the exchange is at least correlated to the intensity of proliferation.
Disposition of Enrofloxacin (Baytril®) into the Udder after Intravenous and Intra‐Arterial Injections into Dairy Cows
Authors: Malbe M. , Salonen M. , Fang W. , ööpik T. , Jalakas M. , Klaassen M. , Sandholm M.
Published: May 2010

Enrofloxacin (Baytril®) was injected into arteries supplying the udder of dairy cows. The idea was to avoid primary distribution, metabolism and elimination and thus to deliver the drug to the target organ at higher concentration. Enrofloxacin injected into the abdominal aorta or the external iliac artery resulted in high initial enrofloxacin retention by the udder and high milk concentrations. Injection of enrofloxacin into the abdominal aorta resulted in 2.2 times higher milk peak concentration of the drug than intravenous injection into the jugular vein. Injection of the drug into one of the two external iliac arteries allowed drug concentrations of milk from the udder halves to be compared: when enrofloxacin was injected into the right external iliac artery, the peak milk enrofloxacin concentration from the right udder half was 4.8 times that of the left udder half. The bulk of enrofloxacin was absorbed from the milk compartment of the udder before the next regular milking 6.5 h later. By this time, the metabolite ciprofloxacin had accumulated in milk. Pharmacokinetic values for enrofloxacin and its metabolite ciprofloxacin are given separately for serum and milk whey following three intravascular dosing routes
Pharmacokinetics of Ketoprofen in the Donkey (Equus asinus)
Authors: Oukessou M. , Bouljihad M. , Van Gool F. , Alvinerie M.
Published: May 2010

The pharmacokinetic parameters of ketoprofen were determined in four donkeys after a single intravenous injection of a dose of 2.2 mg/kg body weight. The total body clearance (Clb) was 414.0 ± 98.70 ml/h/kg (mean ± SD), the volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) 263.10 ± 55.43 ml/kg and the elimination half‐life 1.30 ± 0.75 h. These values were compared to those obtained in horses.
Effects of Different Energy Levels, Concentrate/Forage Ratios and Lipid Supplementation to the Diet on the Adaptation of the Energy Metabolism at Calving in Dairy Cows
Authors: Holtenius P. , Olsson G. , Emanuelson M. , Wiktorsson H.
Published: May 2010

A low level of energy (110 MJ ME) and a low concentrate/forage ratio (10/90) at calving resulted in low basal concentrations of glucose and insulin, but the cows had the capacity to increase the glucose level after glucagon injections. No signs of disturbances in the metabolic adaptation were observed. High intensity feeding (200 MJ ME and 50% concentrates) resulted in high basal serum insulin levels. The increase in the insulin concentrations after glucagon injections and the changes in insulin levels around calving varied widely between individual cows. The metabolic adaptation period was longer than in cows in the former group.

An energy level of 170 MJ ME and variations of concentrate/forage ratios (5/95, 30/70 and 60/40) resulted in small differences in basal glucose and insulin concentrations and in response to glucagon injections. But the cows fed 60% concentrates showed signs of prolonged metabolic adaptation.

Increased lipid concentrations in diets containing equal levels of energy and protein resulted in a fall in basal glucose and insulin levels and the metabolism seemed to be directed towards catabolism. Because of these metabolic effects, more needs to be known on fat supplementation if it is used in practical feeding. It is also necessary to take more interest in the effects of protein feeding on the periparturient metabolism.
Infusion of Various Short Chain Fatty Acids Causes Different Changes in the Blood Glucose and Insulin Concentrations in Growing Lambs Deprived of Food Overnight
Authors: Husveth F. , Szegleti C. , Neogrady Z.
Published: May 2010

Glucose and insulin concentrations of jugular blood plasma were monitored in growing lambs over 8 h, following a 2 h infusion of acetate, propionate, n‐butyrate, n‐valerate and physiological saline into the ruminal vein. Propionate and especially n‐valerate infusion significantly increased blood glucose concentration. n‐Butyrate induced only a small increase of shorter duration, while acetate failed to exert a pronounced effect on the blood glucose level. SCFA infusion, except for acetate, raised the insulin level in the blood. Relative rise was closely correlated with the length of carbon chain of the SCFA, that is, n‐valerate caused the largest elevation of the insulin level, followed by n‐butyrate and propionate. At the same time, acetate failed to cause a marked influence on the insulin level. These results of insulin showed agreement with glucose concentration changes, with the exception of n‐butyrate treatment, where the increase of plasma insulin concentrations after the infusion proved to be much larger than that of glucose, relative to the preinfusion value.
Role of Inosine in Prevention of Methaemoglobinaemia in the pig:in vitrostudies
Authors: Sartorelli P. , Paltrinieri S. , Agnes F. , Baglioni T.
Published: May 2010

Methaemoglobin reductase activity was studied in pig, human and cattle erythrocytes incubated in a medium containing glucose or inosine as NADH generator. With glucose, methaemoglobin reduction was very fast in human, less so in cattle and slowest in pig erythrocytes. With inosine, pig red cells reduced methaemoglobin more rapidly than human red cells and in bovine erythrocytes the enzyme activity was undetectable. In intact red cells the ability to reduce methaemoglobin depends on the amount of NADH the cell can produce with glucose or inosine utilization. The results show that pig red blood cells utilize inosine as the NADH generator for enzymatic reduction of methaemoglobin. The greater efficiency of pig red cells could be due to several factors: better inosine transport, more active metabolic pathway for inosine utilization (so that more NADH is produced), or greater MR activity when NADH is in excess. In any case, the high rate of methaemoglobin reduction could explain the lower prevalence of methaemoglobinaemia in pigs than in cattle.
Effect of the Inhalation of Nitric Oxide on 5‐Hydroxytryptamine‐Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Calves
Authors: Sustronck B. , Van Loon G. , Gasthuys F. , Foubert L. , Deprez P. , Muylle E.
Published: May 2010

In healthy anaesthetized Friesian‐Holstein calves, pulmonary hypertension was induced by means of a continuous intravenous administration of serotonin (0.025 mg/kg body/weight/min). Afterwards, the anaesthetized calves inhaled 40 and 80 ppm of nitric oxide using an open system. The influences of the administration of serotonin and the inhalation of nitric oxide on the haemodynamic and blood gas parameters were investigated. The inhalation of 40 and 80 ppm of nitric oxide during serotonin‐induced pulmonary hypertension in calves resulted in a significant fall of the mean pulmonary artery pressure. The inhalation of nitric oxide also induced an amelioration of intrapulmonary oxygen transport. The intravenous administration of serotonin in calves resulted in severe systemic hypotension. Hence, the influence of the inhalation of nitric oxide on the systemic arterial pressure could not be evaluated.
Ovarian Sex Cord‐Stromal Tumours in Cattle, with Particular Reference to the Lamination of Basal Laminae
Authors: Kitano Y. , Iwabuchi I. , Keruma T. , Ishikawa Y. , Kadota K.
Published: May 2010

Three cases of bovine sex cord‐stromal tumours, including a sex cord tumour with annular tubules and two granulosa cell tumours, are described. These tumours had tubular structures and hyaline or eosinophilic bodies, composed of multilayered basal laminae. The present study suggests that bovine granulosa cell tumours of the ovary are able to show morphology similar to that of Sertoli cell tumours of the testis and that sex cord tumours with annular tubules arise from granulosa cells but indicate Sertoli cell differentiation.