Renal responses during a dry saturation dive to 450 msw.

Four subjects were compressed to a simulated depth of 450 msw (46 bar) for 37 days in the main research chamber of the German underwater simulator diving facility at the GKSS Research Center, Geesthacht. The ambient gas was trimix. Urine was collected at 0700, 1300, and 1900 h each day for analysis of Na+, K+, volume, osmolality, and creatinine. Urine, antidiuretic hormone (ADH), and aldosterone were analyzed separately. Daily fluid, Na+, and K+ intake were analyzed throughout the dive. The aim of the investigation was to confirm the existence of a diuresis and natriuresis which had been observed in earlier saturation dives to 31 atm abs using He-O2. A significant diuresis was observed during compression despite a decrease in fluid intake. After compression the diuresis decreased somewhat but remained significantly above precompression control levels during the entire hyperbaric exposure. No significant change in fluid intake was observed. Daily Na+ and K+ excretion increased significantly during compression, which was accompanied by a significant increase in nocturnal excretion of Na+ and K+. Daily intake of Na+ and K+ decreased throughout the dive. Daily urine ADH decreased immediately upon compression and was associated with a parallel decrease in urine osmolality. In contrast, urinary aldosterone excretion exhibited no change during the dive despite the increase in Na+ and K+ excretion and decrease in Na+ intake.


Evaluation of an atrophic rhinitis vaccine under controlled conditions.

A vaccine containing inactivated cultures of Bordetella bronchiseptica, toxigenic Pasteurella multocida type D and dermonecrotic P multocida type D toxoid in an oil-in-water adjuvant was given to seven sows, with seven others acting as controls. Half the piglets in each litter were exposed intranasally when four days old to B bronchiseptica and when eight days old to toxigenic P multocida type D. There was considerably less sneezing in the litters of the vaccinated sows and when the piglets were 10 weeks old, only 18 per cent had deformed snouts compared with 74 per cent in the litters of the control sows. The average liveweight gain of the piglets born to vaccinated sows was significantly better (P less than 0.05) between two and 10 weeks of age than that of the piglets born to unvaccinated sows, although there were no significant lower respiratory tract lesions in either group. The conchal atrophy scores were significantly lower (P less than 0.001) in the piglets from the vaccinated sows and were negatively correlated (r = -0.37) with increasing liveweight gain. In the liters of the vaccinated sows, P multocida was not isolated from the nasal passages of the in-contact piglets and from only 7 per cent of those deliberately exposed compared with 65 per cent and 79 per cent, respectively, in the litters of the control sows. P multocida was isolated post mortem from the tonsils of 23 per cent of the piglets of vaccinated sows and from 87 per cent of those from unvaccinated sows.


Causes of mortality and parasites and incidental lesions in dolphins and whales from British waters.

Detailed post mortem examinations were carried out on 18 dolphins and whales found dead on the coast of the United Kingdom. The commonest causes of death were pneumonia and entanglement in fishing gear. Of the non-fatal conditions, parasitoses of various organs were common and there was a wide variety of other conditions. In total 124 diseases and other lesions were found, giving an average of 6.9 conditions per animal.


Treatment and control of sheep scab (Psoroptes ovis) with ivermectin under field conditions in South Africa.

Four trials including 11,266 sheep were conducted in South Africa to evaluate the efficacy of the systemic parasiticide ivermectin against field outbreaks of sheep scab (Psoroptes ovis) when two doses of approximately 200 micrograms/kg were administered subcutaneously seven days apart (days 0 and 7). As sheep scab is a notifiable disease in South Africa, it was not possible to include an untreated control group. The prevalence of clinically affected animals in the four treated flocks varied from 0.4 per cent to 99 per cent before the two treatments. After the treatments, there were no signs of active clinical infection in any of the sheep between days 28 and 30, or at subsequent examinations. P ovis mites were recovered from scrapings from 114 of 127 indicator sheep before the treatment but no mites were recovered from them between days 28 and 30 or 42 and 58 after the treatments.


Thoracic spinal calcinosis circumscripta causing cord compression in two German shepherd dog littermates.

Two young German shepherd dog littermates had progressive, painless, hindlimb ataxia. In both dogs plain radiography of the vertebral column revealed a solitary mineralised lesion on the dorsal laminae between the dorsal spines of the second and third thoracic vertebrae, and myelography with iopamidol demonstrated cord compression at the level of the lesions. The first dog died 18 hours after the myelography. A dorsal laminectomy performed in the second dog resulted in neurological improvement. A histopathological examination confirmed that both lesions were calcinosis circumscripta. The cause of the death of the first dog was meningitis.


Preliminary development of a live drug-controlled vaccine against bovine babesiosis using the Mongolian gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus.

This study investigated the practicality and potential of the gerbil, Meriones unguiculatus, as a source of live Babesia divergens vaccine and also as a model for the use of the vaccine in cattle. A series of experiments with gerbils concerning vaccine infectivity, immunogenicity and safety were carried out. It was concluded that the use of RPMI medium/40% foetal calf serum as a diluent improved vaccine infectivity, but that the parasitaemia of the blood obtained from donor gerbils had little or no effect. The immunostimulants levamisole and killed Corynebacterium parvum improved vaccine immunogenicity and it was also shown that the subcutaneous route of infection resulted in the greatest host response. Control of vaccine virulence with drugs was only possible when drugs with prophylactic properties, such as imidocarb and long-acting oxytetracycline, were used. More studies are required on all these topics, particularly with regard to their applicability to cattle, and also concerning the possible attenuation of the parasite by manipulation in the gerbil host.


A specific DNA probe which identifies Babesia bovis in whole blood.

A genomic library of Babesia bovis DNA from the Mexican strain M was constructed in plasmid pUN121 and cloned in Escherichia coli. Several recombinants which hybridized strongly to radioactively labeled B. bovis genomic DNA in an in situ screening were selected and further analyzed for those which specifically hybridized to B. bovis DNA. It was found that pMU-B1 had the highest sensitivity, detecting 25 pg of purified B. bovis DNA, and 300 parasites in 10 microliters of whole infected blood, or 0.00025% parasitemia. pMU-B1 contained a 6.0 kb B. bovis DNA insert which did not cross-hybridize to Babesia bigemina, Trypanosoma evansi, Plasmodium falciparum, Anaplasma marginale, Boophilus microplus and cow DNA. In the Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA, pMU-B1 could differentiate between two B. bovis geographic isolates, Mexican strain M and Thai isolate TS4. Thus, the pMU-B1 probe will be useful in the diagnosis of Babesia infection in cattle and ticks, and in the differentiation of B. bovis strains.


The epidemiology of toxoplasmosis on Iowa swine farms with an emphasis on the roles of free-living mammals.

Multiparous sows from 19 central Iowa swine farms were tested for antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii by the modified direct agglutination test. Antibody titers of 1:32 or greater were considered positive. Rodents, domestic cats, opossums (Didelphis virginiana), raccoons (Procyon lotor) and striped skunks (Mephitis mephitis) were live-trapped on each farm and similarly tested for antibodies. The overall prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in the species tested was 39/273 (14.3%) swine, 31/74 (41.9%) cats, 2/588 (0.3%) house mice (Mus musculus), 0/21 mice of the genus Peromyscus, 0/9 Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), 1/34 (2.9%) opossums, 4/14 (28.6%) raccoons and 2/7 (28.6%) striped skunks. The overall prevalence was significantly greater in adult cats versus juvenile cats, adult male cats versus adult female cats, and adult raccoons versus juvenile raccoons. The prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in sows was compared with the prevalence in each non-swine species on a farm basis in order to identify existing associations. The prevalence in sows (and each of the non-swine species) was also analyzed on a farm basis for association with farm characteristics or swine management practices, including the degree of confinement of swine, population size and average parity of breeding female swine, estimated cat population size, and estimated mouse and rat abundance. Average titers of seropositive animals were compared on a species basis. The prevalence in sows which were totally and continuously confined was lower than that in sows which were not totally and continuously confined. The prevalence in sows from farms with an average parity of less than 2.0 was significantly lower than that in sows from farms with an average parity of 2.0 or greater. These results suggested that the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in swine increased with age and that prevalence in swine could be reduced through total confinement. No associations could be established between prevalence in sows and prevalence in non-swine species or other farm characteristics/swine management practices. However, the high prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in cats suggested that fecal contamination of the environment by cats may be the most significant source of toxoplasmosis for swine. The extremely low prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in house mice suggested that this species was not an important source of T. gondii for swine in Iowa.


Relationships between trypanosome infection measured by antigen detection enzyme immunoassays, anaemia and growth in trypanotolerant N'Dama cattle.

Relationships were evaluated between trypanosome infection as measured by antigen detection enzyme immunoassays (antigen ELISA), anaemia as determined by average packed red cell volume (PCV), and animal performance as assessed by daily weight gain in 99 N'Dama cattle in Gabon exposed to natural tsetse challenge at 11.5 months of age and recorded 14 times over a 13 week period. Approximately half the animals were found to be infected for an average of five of the 14 times that they were examined: 38% with Trypanosoma congolense, 13% with Trypanosoma vivax and 49% with a mixed infection. Trypanosoma congolense infections had significant deleterious effects on animal growth, while T. vivax infections did not. Animals found on several occasions to be infected with T. congolense had significantly lower PCV values than those demonstrated to be infected on fewer occasions. No relationship was found between mean optical density (OD) values in antigen ELISA and PCV values. Animals capable of maintaining PCV values, even when antigen ELISA positive on a high number of occasions, grew at the same rate as uninfected animals. Animals that could not maintain PCV values when infected had poorer growth. Antigen ELISA has the potential to increase the efficiency of selection of trypanotolerant N'Dama cattle under tsetse challenge in the field, in three main ways. (1) Accurate identification of trypanosome species, especially in mixed species infections, clarifies relations between infection, anaemia and animal performance. (2) Detection of animals antigenaemic without patent parasitaemia could allow individuals with superior ability to control trypanosome infection to be identified. (3) More accurate measurement of the proportion of time an animal is infected allows more accurate evaluation of its anaemia control capability.


Immunisation of cattle against theileriosis in Nakuru District of Kenya by infection and treatment and the introduction of unconventional tick control.

One hundred and one cross European-Boran cattle (50 cows and 51 calves), on a farm in Nakuru District, Kenya, were immunised against theileriosis using Theileria parva lawrencei and Theileria parva parva stocks from another district of Kenya. The stabilates used were T.p.lawrencei (Mara III) used at 10(-1.7) dilution and T.p.parva (Kilae) used at 10(-1.0) dilution. The stabilates were combined and inoculated simultaneously with a short-acting formulation of oxytetracycline hydrochloride given intramuscularly at 10 mg kg-1 body weight and was repeated on Day 4 after inoculation of the stabilate. Most of the theileriosis challenge on the farm was thought to be derived directly from the African buffalo (Syncerus caffer). Nine percent of the cattle had significant indirect fluorescent antibody (IFA) titres before the immunisation and 99% after immunisation. The immunised cattle were exposed to tick-borne disease challenge on the farm by withdrawal of acaricide cover. The immunised cattle were divided into five groups plus two susceptible control cows and two calves for each group. Cattle in four of the groups had acaricidal ear tags, each group having a different type, applied to both ears and the fifth group remained untagged. The animals remained without conventional acaricide application for 134 days. Ten out of 20 (50%) non-immunised control cattle became T.p.lawrencei reactors which only one out of 97 (1%) of the immunised cattle reacted. A frequent complication noted was mild infections due to unidentified Theileria sp. which required expert differentiation from T.parva infections. An additional group of ten steers whose tick load was removed by hand at weekly intervals was introduced 79 days after exposure; these had no tick control and four became T.p.lawrencei reactors. Of 12 calves born during the exposure period and without tick control, four became theilerial reactors and one died. The application of acaricidal tags however, reduced tick infestation levels considerably compared with untagged controls but did not prevent transmission of theileriosis with the possible exception of tags on Group 4. A number of transient low grade fevers were noted and attributed to Theileria sp., Ehrlichia bovis, Ehrlichia (Cytoecetes) ondiri and Borrelia theileri infections, none of which were fatal. One immunised animal died of acute dual infection of Babesia bigemina and Borrelia theileri after acaricide control by spraying was re-introduced but no Anaplasma infections were detected. An analysis of the economic effects of immunisation was made.


Epizootiology of fascioliasis in Montana.

During 1989-1990, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) meat inspection records were used to determine the distribution and incidence of liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica and Fascioloides magna) in Montana cattle. Of the cows and bulls slaughtered in USDA-inspected packing plants during a 12 month time period, 17.24% had livers that were condemned because of liver flukes. This was a 12% increase over USDA liver condemnations reported for 1973. Infected animals have been reported from 26 counties in Montana, mostly located in the south-central and western half of the state. Forty-nine percent of the 2.4 million cattle in Montana are raised in these counties. Lymnaeid snail species that may serve as intermediate hosts for Fasciola hepatica were found in most of the counties where liver flukes were reported. The principal vectors believed to be responsible for the transmission of Fasciola hepatica in Montana are species of the genus Fossaria. Stagnicola montanensis and Lymnaea stagnalis, which may serve as intermediate hosts for this parasite have also been collected. A known intermediate host for Fascioloides magna, Stagnicola caperata, was also found in several locations.


Sudden death of calves by experimental infection with Strongyloides papillosus. I. Parasitological observations.

Recently, an unknown disease, 'sudden death', in calves has been found in Japanese beef production farms. A previous study conducted by Taira and Ura indicated that sudden death can be effected in calves by hyperinfection of Strongyloides papillosus (SPL) and that the disease is possibly caused by SPL infection. In the present work, an experimental infection of SPL in calves was conducted to confirm the field occurrence. Fifteen Holstein Friesian calves, ranging from 45.5 to 85.6 kg in body weight, were divided into six groups. Calves of Groups A, B, C, D, E and F were infected once at the rate of 100,000, 320,000, 1,000,000, 3,200,000, 10,000,000 and 32,000,000 SPL larvae per 100 kg of body weight, respectively. Five calves were assigned to Group B, while two calves were assigned to the other groups. After showing no premonitory signs, sudden death of ten calves took place. The survival time of these calves was 27.4 and 16.8 days (Group B), 14.8 and 14.8 days (Group C), 13.3 and 14.2 days (Group D), 11.0 and 11.1 days (Group E) and 11.6 and 10.8 days (Group F). Three calves of Group B did not exhibit sudden death. The results of this study demonstrate that strongyloidiasis was the cause of sudden death.


Evaluation of ivermectin against experimental infections of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis in goats.

Fourteen nematode parasite-naïve kids were given a mixed larval inoculum (approximately 17,250 infective larvae) via stomach tube. Twenty-two days after infection, the kids were randomly assigned to control and treatment groups of seven animals each. Mean eggs per gram for control and treatment groups were 4304 and 5315, respectively. Kids in the treatment group were given ivermectin (0.2 mg kg-1) administered by subcutaneous injection. At necropsy, the mean numbers of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis for control and treatment groups were 2259 and 0, and 3033 and 773, respectively. This reduction was significant (P less than 0.05) for both species, resulting in an efficacy of 100.0% and 74.5%, respectively. The lower efficacy against T. colubriformis may be a sign of resistance, a reduced effectiveness due to route of administration, or a higher dose may be required with subcutaneous administration, as has been observed previously.


Renal involvement in mice experimentally infected with Toxocara canis embryonated eggs.

Histological examination of kidneys from mice experimentally infected with Toxocara canis embryonated eggs demonstrated the presence of a segmental or diffuse mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis. Immunohistochemical studies established that renal alterations were associated with glomerular deposits of IgG, IgM and third component of complement (C3). These findings suggest that an immunomediated mechanism might possibly be involved in the genesis of kidney damage observed in mice infected with T. canis embryonated eggs.


A new anthelmintic assay using rats infected with Trichostrongylus colubriformis.

A new anthelmintic assay is described which uses immunosuppressed (60 ppm hydrocortisone acetate in diet) rats infected with the nematode Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Immunosuppressed rats were infected with 1500 T. colubriformis larvae, treated either orally or subcutaneously on Day 14 post-infection and necropsied 4 days after treatment. The worm counts in immunosuppressed control animals averaged 775 worms per rat. A range of benzimidazoles, levamisole hydrochloride, morantel tartrate, 22,23-dihydroavermectin B1a and alpha-milbemycin have been evaluated in the assay. The ED95 values obtained indicate that rats infected with T. colubriformis provide a highly predictive model for assaying the activity of experimental drugs in vivo prior to studies in ruminants.


Epidemiological study of parasite infection in a cow-calf beef herd in Quebec.

The patterns of gastrointestinal and pulmonary nematode infections in a previously untreated Aberdeen Angus cow-calf herd were observed between May 1988 and December 1990. The cow-calf herd and replacement heifers were on separate pastures. The relatively high mean faecal egg counts of cows and heifers at the time of turnout were mainly owing to the maturation of hypobiotic worms. The strongyle egg counts of calves began to rise soon after turnout onto pasture and reached peak levels at the end of the grazing season. The number of infective larvae on pasture was highest during September/October. Ostertagia, Cooperia and Nematodirus were the most prevalent genera found at necropsy and on pasture. Larvae of these nematodes were able to overwinter on pasture and Ostertagia larvae, additionally, were able to overwinter in the host as arrested early fourth stage larvae. The high egg output of cows at the time of turnout may serve as a source of infection for their calves and be responsible for the late-season rise in pasture larval counts.


The effect of ivermectin treatment against inhibited early third stage, late third stage and fourth stage larvae and adult stages of the cyathostomes in Shetland ponies and spontaneous expulsion of these helminths.

A controlled and critical test on the efficacy of ivermectin against larval and adult stages of the cyathostomes was carried out in six yearling castrated male Shetland ponies. The ponies grazed together as one group from 3 May to 4 October 1990, after which they were housed. Three ponies were treated with ivermectin on 29 October while the others served as controls. The shedding of helminths in the faeces was followed in all ponies until necropsy on 14 November. Comparison of worm counts of both groups before and after necropsy showed no evidence for an effect of ivermectin against inhibited early third stage larvae (EL3) and mucosal late third stage (LL3) and fourth stage larvae (L4). However, a high, but not 100%, efficacy was observed against adults and lumenal L4. A remarkable observation was the high incidence of spontaneous expulsion of L4 and adult populations of some species in two of the untreated ponies.


Observations on the New World screwworm fly in Libya and the risk of its entrance into Egypt.

Data on traumatic myiasis caused by Cochliomyia hominivorax in Libya were reported from August 1988 until February 1989. A total of 468 cases of screwworm myiasis were recorded in seven species of livestock and 229 humans, mainly children, were also found to be infested. Cattle and sheep were the most common hosts in livestock. In cattle, the principal infestation site was the umbilicus of neonates; in sheep, it was mainly the fatty tail. Animal myiasis reached its peak in October and November, but disappeared abruptly in winter on the onset of cold weather. Screwworm distribution was confined to the northwest of Libya. The potential dispersion of the fly from this area and the possibility of infestation of other countries, particularly Egypt, are discussed. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) efforts to confront the New World screwworm problem in Africa are mentioned.


Fasciola hepatica: comparison of flukes from Korea and the United States by isoelectric focusing banding patterns of whole-body protein.

Comparisons were made between the flukes from Chonnam, Korea and Oregon, USA by isoelectric focusing (IEF) of whole-body protein. Adult Fasciola hepatica were recovered from bile ducts of Korean native cattle. Whole-body protein of the flukes was subjected to IEF, and the banding patterns of the fluke protein were compared with those of North American F. hepatica recovered from experimentally infected calves. The overall banding pattern of F. hepatica from Korea was essentially identical to that of F. hepatica from the United States. These results provide further support for the usefulness of this technique in differentiating Fasciola species in other geographical areas.


Transformation of Theileria parva derived from African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) by tick passage in cattle and its use in infection and treatment immunization.

A sporozoite stabilate (St. 199) of Theileria parva was obtained by feeding nymphal Rhipicephalus appendiculatus on an African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and was used to immunize cattle by the infection and treatment method. Nymphal ticks were applied to one of the steers 90 days later and it was shown that the resultant adult tick had become infected. Using tick/cattle passage, two passage lines of T. parva were established. By the fifth tick/cattle passage, the parasite stocks had changed their behaviour to that of T. parva derived from cattle as the parasite produced relatively high schizont parasitosis and piroplasm parasitaemia in cattle, and had become highly infective to ticks. At various passage levels the parasite populations were characterized by behaviour and by monoclonal antibodies against T. parva schizonts using infected cell culture isolates from cattle during acute infections. The monoclonal antibody profile showed little evidence of antigen change of the parasite during passage through cattle, which was confirmed in a two-way cross-immunity experiment using sporozoite stabilate derived from ticks obtained from the buffalo and fourth passage in cattle. The implication of these results, particularly in relationship to immunization of cattle against T. parva derived from buffalo, is discussed.


Ascaris suum--vaccination of mice with liposome encapsulated antigen.

Vaccination with liposome encapsulated adult crude antigen with and without coencapsulated immunomodulator (levamisole) in a mice/larval Ascaris suum model provided protection against a challenge infection (2000 eggs) in mice immunised by immobilised antigen. The best results (88.9% protection) were obtained with a combination of two doses of liposome entrapped antigen with leamisole. Vaccination with liposome vaccine without modulator was slightly less effective (78.7% protection). A single dose of vaccine was ineffective (14.3% protection). Application of the soluble antigen without any adjuvants led to the enhancement of worm yield in lungs and liver.


Acquired immune response of cattle exposed to buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua).

Naturally acquired immunity to buffalo fly (Haematobia irritans exigua) infestation was examined in cattle. Animals exposed to flies had serum antibodies to buffalo fly antigens at levels that correlated with the intensity of exposure. Two weeks of intense exposure to buffalo fly induced an increase in peripheral blood eosinophil numbers and a concomitant rise in serum antibody levels in exposed animals. Antigens specific for antibody induced by natural exposure were identified using antisera from exposed cattle to probe Western blots of whole fly homogenate separated using SDS-PAGE. Similar immunoreactive bands were found with buffalo fly saliva. Immunoreactive proteins were partially purified from whole fly homogenates by anion-exchange chromatography. Fractions eluted from columns were screened using Western blots probed with serum from exposed animals. Exposed animals showed immediate hypersensitivity to partially purified antigens and to buffalo fly saliva. Flies which fed on exposed animals with high serum levels of antibody to fly antigens did not show greater mortality than flies fed on unexposed animals.


Concurrent Hepatozoon canis and Toxoplasma gondii infections in a dog.

A female 1-year-old dog died suddenly and was submitted for necropsy. Numerous grey-tan-colored nodules were seen in the lungs, brain and lymph nodes. Microscopically, the predominant lesion was necrosis associated with numerous Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. The parasites reacted positively with anti-T. gondii serum in an immunohistochemical test. Schizonts of Hepatozoon canis were seen in sections of lymph nodes and the spleen.


Clinical neosporosis in a 4-week-old Hereford calf.

Most reports of neosporosis associated with abortion in cattle are in dairy cattle and infected calves do not survive beyond 7 days of age. This paper reports neosporosis in a 4-week-old Hereford calf. The calf was full term and appeared clinically normal at birth. At 2 weeks of age, the calf had weakened and was unable to nurse unassisted. The calf was killed at 4 weeks because of paralysis. The primary lesions were in the brain and were associated with Neospora caninum tachyzoites. The diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining with anti-Neospora rabbit serum.


Biometrical observations on different strains of Trypanosoma evansi.

Biometrical studies on buffalo, bovine and canine strains of Trypanosoma evansi isolated from species in Madras, India, were carried out. The buffalo, bovine and canine trypanosomes varied significantly in total length and width. The buffalo strain had a greater free flagellum, total length and width compared with the canine strain.


Further evaluation of the use of buparvaquone in the infection and treatment method of immunizing cattle against Theileria parva derived from African buffalo (Syncerus caffer).

Three experiments were undertaken to determine the efficacy of different doses of buparvaquone in the infection and treatment immunization of cattle against Theileria parva derived from African buffalo (Syncerus caffer). Two of these experiments also compared buparvaquone with standard doses of long- and short-acting formulations of oxytetracycline. In addition, different dilutions of stabilates were used in the experiments. In the first experiment, a 10(-1.0) dilution of stabilate was used to infect groups of cattle treated with buparvaquone at doses of between 5 and 0.625 mg kg-1 body weight (bwt) on Day 0 after infection. All control cattle developed severe theileriosis and none of the treatment regimes (including those utilizing long-acting oxytetracycline) prevented the development of theileriosis. Treatment with buparvaquone at 2.5 mg kg-1 bwt or oxytetracycline gave the most satisfactory results. In the second experiment when the sporozoite dose was reduced to 10(-2.0) dilution, buparvaquone treatment at 5 and 2.5 mg kg-1 bwt and short- and long-acting formulations of oxytetracycline reduced reactions greatly. While all the oxytetracycline treated animals produced a serological response and were immune to a 50-fold higher challenge with the immunizing stabilate, several animals in the buparvaquone groups did not show a serological response and were not immune to challenge. In the third experiment, groups of cattle were infected with 10(-1.2), 10(-1.4) and 10(-1.6) dilutions of stabilate and were treated with 2.5 mg kg-1 bwt of buparvaquone. No animals developed severe theileriosis and all seroconverted. On homologous challenge, however, two out of 14 cattle showed severe reactions. It was concluded that further work on immunization using buparvaquone treatment at 2.5 mg kg-1 bwt and 10(-1.6) dilution of the stabilate would have to be carried out before such a system could be used in the field.


Pathogenesis of intestinal cryptosporidiosis in conventional and gnotobiotic piglets.

The pathogenesis of intestinal cryptosporidiosis was studied in 52 conventionally reared and 20 gnotobiotically reared piglets by inoculation with different doses of Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts. The prepatent period of C. parvum in both groups of animals were variable, depending on the number of oocysts administered. The patent period of C. parvum in conventionally reared piglets was 8 or 9 days; in gnotobiotic piglets cryptosporidia were found in feces until Day post infection (DPI) 16, when the last piglet was necropsied. Cryptosporidiosis in conventionally reared piglets is a self-limited diarrheal disease associated with morphological changes within the intestine. The most severe lesion was seen in the posterior jejunum and ileum from DPI 3 to DPI 7, and consisted of villous atrophy, crypt hyperplasia and inflammatory infiltration in the lamina propria. In gnotobiotic piglets cryptosporidia induced severe enterocolitis which occurred at least until DPI 16. The characteristics of enteric lesions were similar to those found in conventionally reared piglets. Intestinal cryptosporidiosis in both groups of animals shifted in the course of infection in the caudal direction and terminated in the large intestine. Examination by scanning electron microscope showed that infected absorptive cells had thicker and longer microvilli than those on non-infected cells; neighboring non-infected cells were hypertrophic, bulbously protuberant with minute microvilli with no distinct intercellular borders. Numerous cryptosporidia in the heterotopic glandular epithelium in the submucosa of cecum and colon on DPI 9 and 10 were found. No differences in the location and degree of cryptosporidial infection between colostrum-fed and colostrum-deprived conventionally reared piglets were found. Sow's colostrum does not appear to protect piglets from C. parvum infection. The role of intestinal microflora in the pathogenesis of cryptosporidiosis in piglets is discussed.


Camel (Camelus dromedarius) and sheep (Ovis aries) meat as a source of dog infection with some coccidian parasites.

Experimental infection of dogs with camel (Camelus dromedarius) meat resulted in infection of the dogs with Isospora canis, Hammondia heydorni and Sarcocystis cameli. The dogs fed sheep (Ovis aries) meat passed oocysts of Isospora canis, Isospora ohioensis and sporocyts of Sarcocystis spp. Extraintestinal stages were detected in the intestinal lymph node of a rabbit killed 4 days following inoculation with Isospora ohioensis oocysts. Dogs fed the rabbit (killed 4 days after inoculation with I. ohioensis) passed I. ohioensis oocysts in their faeces 8 days post-infection.


Investigations of breakdowns in protection provided by living Babesia bovis vaccine.

Field investigations of protection afforded by live Babesia bovis vaccine in Australia revealed that a ninefold increase in vaccine failures occurred in the period from 1985 to 1990. Laboratory trials using 189 experimental cattle were conducted to evaluate the protection afforded by the Babesia bovis strain used in the commercial vaccine during this time. Four isolates from clinical cases of babesiosis in vaccinated cattle were assessed. The results showed that the strain used in the vaccine during the 5 year period was poorly protective against three isolates while a recently isolated and prepared vaccine strain was strongly protective. Circumstantial evidence is provided that indicates the vaccine failures were due to change in the field populations of Babesia bovis, rather than change in the strain used in the vaccine. Implications of the results for the future of Babesia bovis vaccines are discussed.


Prevalence of antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella spiralis in 509 pigs from 31 farms in Oahu, Hawaii.

Serum samples from 509 pigs from 31 farms in Oahu, Hawaii were examined for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii using the agglutination test in dilutions of 1:25, 1:50, and 1:500 and for Trichinella spiralis using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Toxoplasma gondii antibodies were found in 48.5% of pigs. Antibody titers were: 5.1% positive at 1:25 dilution, 28.6% positive at 1:50 dilution and 14.7% positive at 1:500 dilution. The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in garbage-fed pigs (67.3% of 199 pigs) was higher than in grain-fed pigs (33.8% of 180 pigs). Antibodies to Trichinella spiralis were found on seven of 31 farms. On five of these farms only a single serum was positive for Trichinella spiralis antibodies. The two remaining farms each had three positive sera (three of ten and three of 25 pigs tested); both of these farms fed garbage to pigs.


Autoradiographic quantification of the efficacy of niridazole in mice infected with 75Se-labelled cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni.

The effects of the anti-schistosomal drug, niridazole, on the migration of Schistosoma mansoni larvae, biosynthetically radioisotope-labelled with 75[Se]-selenomethionine, was evaluated by autoradiography of compressed tissues of mice treated daily from Days 6 to 10 post-infection with 200 mg kg-1 niridazole. The results were compared with the migration of schistosomula in untreated controls. The distribution of schistosomula was altered in niridazole-treated mice, where there was a delayed migration from the lungs relative to the controls and significantly fewer schistosomula in total appeared to reach the liver. The total percentage of schistosomula detected as autoradiographic foci was significantly lower in treated mice than in the untreated controls. Niridazole-treated mice were free of any foci 10 days after the last treatment and no adult worms were recovered on perfusion of the hepatic portal system relative to control mice from which 5.8% of the infective cercariae were recovered as adult worms at Day 42 post-infection.


An association of faecal egg counts and prolactin concentrations in sera of periparturient Angora goats.

Faecal egg counts and serum prolactin concentrations in 13 pregnant and five non-pregnant Angora goats were monitored over a period of 20 weeks. The mean weekly egg counts of pregnant goats were significantly higher (P less than 0.01) than those of non-pregnant goats. In pregnant goats the mean egg counts in the 6 week post-partum period were significantly higher (P less than 0.01) than those of 6 weeks prepartum. The mean prolactin concentration of pregnant goats during the 6 week post-partum period was significantly higher (P less than 0.01) than that of 6 weeks pre-partum. During the 6 to 3 weeks before parturition, the prolactin values generally remained low (below 100 ng ml-1). The rise in prolactin concentration started between 3 weeks and 1 week before parturition. Only in pregnant goats was there a positive linear regression between prolactin levels and faecal egg counts.


Antioxidant system of Litomosoides carinii and Setaria cervi: effect of a macrofilaricidal agent.

Filarial parasites, Litomosoides carinii and Setaria cervi, showed great susceptibility to the oxidants generated in vitro by the xanthine/xanthine-oxidase system. In order to counteract such injurious effects, both the filariids possessed an active antioxidant enzymes system. Superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase were detected in appreciable amounts but glutathione reductase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in very low quantities. The former three enzymes were also found to be released by the parasites into the ambient medium. The released enzymes may be responsible for scavenging the host-generated oxidants present in the immediate surroundings of the parasites and thereby enabling them to live comfortably in the host. This Institute-based antifilarial agent namely Compound 82/437 which is 2,2'-dicarbomethoxylamino-5,5'-dibenzimidazolylketone, markedly inhibited catalase and glutathione peroxidase of both L. carinii and S. cervi. The compound, therefore, appears to render the filariids prone to H2O2 toxicity leading to penultimate damage.


Restriction enzyme maps for equine adenovirus 1 genome.

Physical maps were constructed for the genome of equine adenovirus 1 (EAV1) using the restriction enzymes; DraI, EcoRV, NotI and SfiI. The total size of the EAV1 genome was 34.4 kb estimated by comparison with known DNA standards and the polarity of the fragment order, with respect to the left and right molecular ends, was determined by hybridization with known regions of the human adenovirus 2 (HAV2) genome.


Serotype specificity of immunological assays for the capsular polymer of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1 and 9.

The cross-reactivity of the purified polysaccharides of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae serotypes 1 and 9 were examined using a variety of highly sensitive assays, such as radioimmunoassay, latex agglutination, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and immunoblotting. In addition, conventional immunodiffusion was included for comparison. Latex agglutination, utilizing affinity-purified IgG to capsule, was also used to serotype whole cells. Agglutination or precipitation tests (radioimmunoassay, latex agglutination, and immunodiffusion) indicated no cross-reactivity between the capsules of serotypes 1 and 9, and no cross-reactivity between whole cells by latex agglutination. Assays that required binding of the capsule to a solid support (ELISA and immunoblotting) did demonstrate cross-reactions between serotypes 1 and 9 capsules, although reactions with the heterologous serotype were weaker than with the homologous serotype. The cross-reactivity could not be attributed solely to nonspecific factors because similar cross-reactivity did not occur with serotype 5 or 7 capsules by any assay. Reactivity of antisera with homologous or heterologous capsule was reduced, but not completely eliminated, by adsorption with washed, live bacteria of the heterologous serotype. Thus, the assay, as well as the antigen or specificity of the antibody reagent used, may influence the results of A. pleuropneumoniae serotyping or serological tests.


Occurrence of V-factor (NAD) independent strains of Haemophilus paragallinarum.

Strains of Bisgaard taxon 31, isolated from chickens in South Africa suffering from a respiratory disease with clinical symptoms and gross lesions similar to infectious coryza, showed great phenotypical similarities with Haemophilus paragallinarum infection except for NAD requirement, beta-galactosidase activity and maltose fermentation. Deoxyribonucleic acid-deoxyribonucleic acid hybridization confirmed a high level of genetic relatedness (DNA binding value, 89%) with Haemophilus paragallinarum. Guanine + cytosine content and genome size data also support the classification of taxon 31 strains within the species Haemophilus paragallinarum.


Factors affecting endotoxin release from the cell surface of avian strains of Pasteurella multocida.

Two avian strains of Pasteurella multocida, a vaccine strain and a virulent field isolate, were investigated to determine their propensity to release endotoxin from the cell surface. Both organisms released comparable amounts of endotoxin when plasma complement proteins were present, however the virulent strain did so without the loss of viability that occurred in the vaccine strain. Blocking complement activity decreased the ability of plasma to elicit endotoxin release from the bacteria. When the cells were treated with divalent metal chelators such as trans-1, 2-diaminocyclohexane-N,N,N1,N1-tetraacetic acid (CDTA), more endotoxin was released from the vaccine strain than from the virulent isolate. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of purified lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from both strains revealed virtually identical patterns. Both had patterns considered typical of rough LPS. Challenge studies in 8 weeks old turkeys showed that the field strain induced endotoxemia of longer duration than the vaccine strain and produced greater mortality.


Salmonella cytotonic and cytolytic factors: their detection in Chinese hamster ovary cells and antigenic relatedness.

Thirty nine strains of Salmonella belonging to 14 different serotypes were screened for the production of cytotonic and cytolytic factors by assayed Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The cell-free culture supernatants (CFCS) of 32 isolates caused elongation and increase in size of CHO cells while the CFCSs completely lysed the cells. The cytotonic effect in CHO cells correlated precisely with fluid the CFCSs completely lysed the cells. The cytotonic effect in CHO cells correlated precisely with fluid accumulation in the rabbit ligated ileal assay in that 24 isolates yielded positive results in both assays and 13 were found negative in both. Antiserum to S. typhimurium enterotoxin, but not that to cholera toxin or Shiga toxin, neutralized the cytotonic activity present in the CFCS and reacted with the latter in immunodiffusion and coagglutination tests. The cytolytic factor produced by two strains reacted neither with antiserum to Salmonella enterotoxin nor with that the Shiga toxin.


Evaluation of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for diagnosis of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxemias.

Two double sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) for Clostridium perfringens beta and epsilon toxins were assessed for routine diagnosis of enterotoxemias on intestinal contents of 151 sheep that died suddenly. Conventional tests (mouse assay and culture of organism) showed that 21 specimens were positive for Clostridium perfringens type C (beta toxin) and 39 were positive for Clostridium perfringens type D (epsilon toxin) enterotoxemias. Comparison of the ELISA results with conventional assays gave sensitivity and specificity rates respectively of 90.5% and 89.2% for beta toxin assay and 97.4% and 94.6% for epsilon toxin assay. With further refinement to improve the performance of the assay for beta toxin these tests could serve as a substitute for conventional tests in the laboratory diagnosis of Clostridium perfringens types B, C and D enterotoxemias.


Fungi on Narthecium ossifragum leaves and their possible involvement in alveld disease of Norwegian lambs.

Spores of Pithomyces chartarum (Berk. & Curt.) M.B. Ellis were only rarely seen on leaves of Narthecium ossifragum (L.) Hudson collected in summer from five areas in western Norway in which alveld, a photosensitization disease of lambs, is endemic. Cladosporium magnusianum (Jaap) M.B. Ellis was found on all 118 leaf samples collected in the summers of 1990 and 1991. The hypothesis that P. chartarum contributes to the aetiology of alveld could not be supported, but it is possible that C. magnusianum may have a role in the causation of the disease.


Bioavailability of ivermectin administered orally to dogs.

The bioavailability of three formulations of ivermectin was determined following oral administration to dogs. The average peak plasma level (Cmax) of ivermectin administered in the standard tablet formulation at 6 and 100 micrograms/kg of body weight was 2.97 and 44.31 ng/g, respectively. This suggest dose-dependent pharmacokinetics. Cmax and total ivermectin bioavailability, as assessed from the area under the plasma curve (AUC), were similar between two tablet formulations of ivermectin administered at 100 micrograms/kg. Furthermore, Cmax was similar following administration of radiolabelled ivermectin at 6 micrograms/kg in either a beef-based chewable formulation or in the standard tablet formulation.


The pharmacokinetics of a slow-release theophylline preparation in horses after intravenous and oral administration.

The pharmacokinetics of a slow-release theophylline formulation was investigated following intravenous and oral administration at 10 mg/kg in horses. A tricompartmental model was selected to describe the intravenous plasma profile. The elimination half-life (t1/2 beta) was 16.91 +/- 0.93 h, the apparent volume of distribution (Vd) was 1.35 +/- 0.18 L/kg and the body clearance (ClB) was 0.061 +/- 0.009 L kg-1 h. After oral administration the half-life of absorption was 1.24 +/- 0.30 h, and the calculated bioavailability was above 100%. The t1/2 beta after oral administration was 18.51 +/- 1.75 h, only a little longer than that after intravenous administration. The slow release formulation did not exhibit any advantage in prolonging the t1/2 beta of theophylline in the horse.


The distribution and some pharmacokinetic parameters of ivermectin in pigs.

Ivermectin was injected subcutaneously into five pigs at the usual dose rate of 300 micrograms/kg and found to distribute well to all tissues and body fluids which were sampled 24 h post-injection. Ivermectin was detected in the contents and mucus at all levels of the gastrointestinal tract. The drug was excreted in bile, with high concentrations of the drug in the intestines and faeces. High concentrations of ivermectin were measured in skin, ears and ear wax, suggesting that the drug should be effective in the treatment of ectoparasitic infestations, particularly ear mites. The high lipid solubility of the drug may explain the high concentrations found in ear wax and skin. Ivermectin was also detected in the body fluids and tissues of an untreated pig penned with the treated animals. Direct contact appeared to be necessary for transfer of ivermectin from the treated to the untreated pig but coprophagia or urine drinking is a possible explanation. The pharmacokinetics of ivermectin administered subcutaneously at a dose rate of 300 micrograms/kg to six pigs were studied. There was marked individual variation in the pharmacokinetics of ivermectin. In one pig the area under the plasma concentration-time curve was particularly high. This may reflect individual variation in uptake and excretion of the drug. The mean elimination half-life of the drug was 35.2 h, suggesting that the drug is cleared slowly from pigs with drug detectable in plasma for 6-10 days. This persistence should allow a short period of protection before re-infection with parasites.


Adherence and colonization by bacterial pathogens in explant cultures of bovine mammary tissue.

Explant cultures of bovine mammary tissue taken from virgin heifers were used to examine adherence, colonization and cytopathogenesis of Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in the putative target tissue. None of the five bacteria was able to adhere to healthy ductular epithelium but all showed a marked tropism for exposed connective tissue. S. aureus and E. coli induced a marked cytopathic effect in ductular epithelium after 6 hours in culture but the bacteria were not in close association with the affected tissue. No evidence could be found to support the hypothesis that adherence to epithelium might be the first stage in the pathogenesis of mastitis caused by these organisms.


Passive protection of mice with antiserum to neuraminidase from Pasteurella multocida serotype A:3.

Antiserum to a partially purified neuraminidase from Pasteurella multocida, type A:3, was adsorbed with protease-digested P. multocida type 3 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to remove LPS immunoreactivity. The LPS-adsorbed antineuraminidase caused a 77% reduction in the neuraminidase activity of homologous P. multocida in an in vitro enzyme neutralization test. All 14 mice passively immunized with the adsorbed antineuraminidase were protected against challenge infection with homologous P. multocida in a mouse protection test. Ten out of 14 mice in one group that received antisera containing antibodies to both neuraminidase and LPS were protected. In contrast, only 1 out of 14 mice that were immunized with pre-immune serum survived the challenge. These results suggest that antiserum to P. multocida neuraminidase was, at least partly, responsible for the protection observed in this study. Neuraminidase may be one of the immunogenic protective proteins present in aqueous extracts of Pasteurella multocida.


Enzymic hydrolysis of nicotinate esters: comparison between plasma and liver catalysis.

1. The enzymic hydrolysis of a wide series of nicotinic acid esters was investigated using human and rat plasma, and purified hog liver carboxylesterase, and compared with previously published data from rat liver microsomes. Esterase activities were always found to obey Michaelis-Menten kinetics. 2. Rat liver microsomal and plasma enzyme velocities were six orders of magnitude smaller than those of purified hog liver carboxylesterase, and three orders smaller than human plasma activities, but the Km values were of the same magnitude. 3. The binding of nicotinate esters to human plasma esterases, and purified hog liver carboxylesterase, appears to depend mainly on hydrophobic and steric factors.


The profile of rat liver enzyme induction produced by prochloraz and its major metabolites.

1. The profile of the hepatic mixed-function oxidase system of male rats has been examined following treatment with prochloraz (I) and three of its major metabolites (II, III and IV). 2. The overall induction profile of prochloraz reflected the contribution of the individual metabolites. There was a slight increase of lauric acid hydroxylase, but by far the major induction was seen in the activity of aldrin epoxidase and 7-pentoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase (7- and 14-fold respectively). 3. N-Propyl-N-[2-(2,4,6-trichlorophenoxy)ethyl]urea (II), a primary intermediate in the metabolism of prochloraz, was a phenobarbitone-type inducer, increasing the activity of aldrin epoxidase and 7-pentoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase by 120% and 8-fold respectively. 4. The prochloraz metabolites, trichlorophenoxyethanol (III) and trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (IV) were both inducers of the clofibrate type, increasing the activity of lauric acid 12-hydroxylase. 5. The induction profile of prochloraz was of a mixed type, but the predominant characteristics were those of phenobarbitone induction.


Bioavailability and toxicological potential of wheat-bound pirimiphos-methyl residues in rats.

1. Wheat-bound residues of 14C-pirimiphos-methyl were fed to albino rats at 1.17 and 7.5 ppm in the diet for 3.5 months. 2. In toxicological tests, 1.17 ppm of bound residues caused an increase of rat alkaline phosphatase activity and blood urea nitrogen, and reduction in lymphocyte and monocyte counts. A dietary level of 7.5 ppm showed a significant decrease in serum cholinesterase activity and in lymphocytes and monocytes, and an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity and of urea nitrogen. 3. Bioavailability data indicate that wheat-bound pirimiphos-methyl residues are absorbed by rat.


Stereoselective conjugation of a uricosuric diuretic with glutathione by glutathione transferase 3-3.

1. The activity of glutathione (GSH) transferases in rat liver cytosol was inhibited by the (-) enantiomer of a uricosuric diuretic (6,7-dichloro-5[N,N-dimethylsulphamoyl]-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-2-ca rboxylic acid, DBCA) in a concentration-dependent manner. Although the DBCA (+) enantiomer inhibited the activity of liver cytosol GSH transferases, it was less effective. 2. Among four purified GSH transferase isozymes obtained from rat liver cytosol, isozyme 3-3 showed stereoselective interactions with the enantiomers of DBCA. This isozyme most actively and preferentially catalysed the transfer of GSH to DBCA (-) enantiomer.


Conjugation of polychlorinated agrochemical sulphoxides and sulphones by glutathione.

1. Pentachlorophenyl methyl sulphoxide and pentachlorophenyl methyl sulphone were found to be substrates for microsomal and cytosolic glutathione-S-transferase of rabbit, monkey, chicken and human liver, covalently immobilized on beaded sepharose. 2. Protein was immobilized with greater than 95% transferase activity, measured by dinitrochlorobenzene. Immobilized rabbit liver microsomal transferase activity was more stable than immobilized cytosolic activity. 3. The sulphoxide moiety was displayed by glutathione in the presence of chicken liver microsomal protein. The sulphone moiety was displayed by glutathione in the formation of a diglutathione under catalysis by rhesus monkey liver cytosolic and microsomal protein. 4. Chlorine was displaced by transferases from all species to form regioisomeric monoglutathiones. 5. Qualitative and quantitative differences were observed in product distributions between species and between microsomal and cytosolic protein.


Biotransformation of diethenylbenzenes. III: Identification of metabolites of 1,3-diethenylbenzene in rat.

1. Biotransformation of 1,3-diethenylbenzene (1) in rat gave four major metabolites, namely, 3-ethenylphenylglyoxylic acid (2), 3-ethenylmandelic acid (3), N-acetyl-S-[2-(3-ethenylphenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]-L-cysteine (4) and N-acetyl-S-[1-(3-ethenylphenyl)-2-hydroxyethyl]-L-cysteine (5) were isolated from urine and identified by n.m.r. and mass spectrometry. 2. Four minor metabolites, 3-ethenylbenzoic acid (6), 3-ethenylphenylacetic acid (7), 3-ethenylbenzoylglycine (8) and 2-(3-ethenylphenyl)ethanol (9) were identified by g.l.c.-mass spectrometric analysis of urine extract derivatized in two different ways. 3. All identified metabolites are derived from 3-ethenylphenyloxirane (10), a reactive metabolic intermediate. No product of any metabolic transformation of second ethenyl group has been identified. However, several minor unidentified metabolites were detected by g.l.c.-mass spectrometry. 4. Total thioether excretion in 24 h urine after a single i.p. dose of 1 amounted to 28.3 +/- 3.5 dose (mean +/- SD). No significant differences in the thioether fraction were observed in the dose range 100-300 mg/kg. 5. Thioether metabolites consisted mainly of mercapturic acids 4 and 5. The ratio of metabolites 5 to 4 was 62:38. Each mercapturic acid consisted of two diastereomers. Their ratio, as determined by quantitative 13C-n.m.r. measurement was 95:5 and 79:21 for mercapturic acids 4 and 5, respectively.


Metabolism of coumarin by rat, gerbil and human liver microsomes.

1. o-Hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde was the major metabolite of coumarin (1 mM) in rat, gerbil and human liver microsomes. 2. Treatment of rats with phenobarbitone (PB) or beta-naphthoflavone increased the o-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde formed. 3-Hydroxycoumarin was the other main metabolite produced by rat liver microsomes. 3. Liver microsomal metabolism of coumarin in gerbil was extensive with 3-, 5-, 6-, 7- and 8-hydroxycoumarins, and 3,7- and 6,7-dihydroxycoumarins produced, in addition to o-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde. The profile of the hydroxy metabolites was altered by in vivo treatment of gerbils with cytochrome P-450 inducers, but there was no increase of coumarin metabolism. 4. Coumarin was metabolized by human liver microsomes to o-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde, 7-hydroxycoumarin, 3-hydroxycoumarin, and trace amounts of 5-, 6- and 8-hydroxycoumarins. 5. At low substrate concentrations (0-10 microM) hepatic microsomal metabolism of coumarin in gerbil resembled that in man, with 7-hydroxycoumarin being a major metabolite. However, the production of o-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde was greater in gerbil than human liver microsomes. 6. At higher substrate concentrations (1 mM) metabolism of coumarin by liver microsomes from PB-treated gerbils most closely resembled that by human liver microsomes. 7. The gerbil would appear to be a more appropriate animal model than rat for studies to assess the toxicological hazard of coumarin for man.


The pharmacokinetics of propofol in laboratory animals.

1. The pharmacokinetics of propofol in an emulsion formulation ('Diprivan') have been studied after single bolus doses to rats, dogs, rabbits and pigs, and after single and multiple infusions to dogs. Venous blood propofol concentrations were determined by h.p.l.c. with u.v. or fluorescence detection. Curve fitting was performed using ELSFIT. 2. The distribution of propofol in blood and its plasma protein binding have been studied in rat, dog, rabbit and man. Protein binding was high (96-98%), and in most species propofol showed appreciable association with the formed elements of blood. 3. Where an adequate sampling period was employed the pharmacokinetics of propofol were best described by a three-compartment open 'mammillary' model. Propofol was distributed into a large initial volume (1-21/kg) and extensively redistributed (Vss = 2-10 x body weight) in all species. Clearance of propofol by all species was rapid, ranging from about 30-80 ml/kg per min in rats, dogs and pigs to about 340 ml/kg per min in rabbits.


Plasma and urinary concentrations of methamphetamine after oral administration of famprofazone to man.

1. To obtain further evidence for the metabolic formation of methamphetamine from famprofazone in man, concentrations of methamphetamine in plasma, as well as in urine, were measured by g.l.c. In addition, intact famprofazone and famprofazone N-oxide were analysed in the urine. 2. Methamphetamine appeared in plasma 1 h after a single 100 mg dose of the drug to two male subjects, and the concentration maintained between 24 and 44 ng/ml over 2-12 h, declining to 10 ng/ml and an undetectable level respectively after 24 h. 3. Total urinary excretion of methamphetamine over 72 h was 1.9 mg for a 25 mg dose and 2.2 mg for a 50 mg dose. After a 100 mg dose, 4.6 mg of methamphetamine was excreted over 36 h. Neither intact famprofazone nor famprofazone N-oxide were detected when the urine samples after the 100 mg dose were examined. 4. The results provide further evidence that methamphetamine is a bona fide human metabolite of famprofazone and suggest that at least 20% dose may be broken down via the pathways leading to the formation of methamphetamine. This could have significant clinical implications as the result of pharmacological activity of this metabolite.


Hepatic lipid peroxidation and trace elements--nutritional status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The aim of this experiment was to study the interrelationships between nutritional status of chosen trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe) and hepatic lipid peroxidation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Both copper accumulation and disruption of iron storage were observed in livers of diabetic rats. MDA 0' (baseline) and MDA 30' (produced) levels measured in the liver were negatively correlated with blood glucose levels. MDA 30' levels correlated positively with iron concentration in the liver. It is supposed that the hormonal lability during experimental diabetes caused changes in metabolism of trace elements, and subsequently influenced the rate of lipid peroxidation.


[Vitamins during high dose chemo- and radiotherapy].

Plasma from 22 patients was examined for alpha- and gamma-tocopherol (vitamin E), the carotenoids beta-carotene (provitamin A) and lycopene, retinol (vitamin A), and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) before, during and after conditioning chemotherapy for bone marrow transplantation, 18 of these received total body irradiation as well. In addition, alpha-tocopherol in red blood cell membranes was measured. Retinol and ascorbic acid have been applied in multiple of the recommended doses (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Ernährung and Recommended Dietary Allowance, respectively). The chosen doses were sufficient to maintain the initial plasma concentrations of these vitamins. However, alpha-tocopherol (in RDA doses) and beta-carotene (no RDA established) concentrations deteriorated after the conditioning therapy (20 and 50% loss, respectively). The loss of these lipid-soluble antioxidants has been considered to result from lipid peroxidation. On the basis of the presented results we propose intervention studies to investigate the effect of high dose antioxidant administration on the toxicity (mainly of liver and lung) of intensive antineoplastic therapy protocols.


Retrospective approach to explain growth retardation and urolithiasis in a child with long-term nutritional acid loading.

An infant with phenylketonuria unintentionally received a highly acidic low phenylalanine diet for 29 months. Temporary growth retardation and urolithiasis were observed, probably as direct effects of chronic acid loading. Caries at the age of 6 years may be a late consequence. This case report shows that chronic dietary acid load may cause serious side effects.


The fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat in German adults.

The fatty acid (FA) composition of subcutaneous fat (SCF) was analyzed in 47 German adults. No influences of sex or age on the FA status of the probands could be detected. SCF consisted mainly of monoenoic fatty acids. Linoleic acid was the major polyunsaturated fatty acid. Linoleic acid metabolites were found in small quantities only. In comparison to the results of studies in the USA and the Netherlands the FA composition of SCF in German probands was characterized by lower levels of linoleic acid and higher contents of palmitic acid. The trans-FA content was similar to that in Dutch women, but lower than in American male probands. However, in evaluating the differences in the FA composition of SCF in different countries, it has to be noted that there are wide ranges in the proportions of the major FA in all populations studied.


Mn-content of total parenteral and enteral nutrition.

Manganese has been proven to be an essential trace element in animals since 1931. Today, it is known that manganese deficiency results in a wide variety of structural and physiological defects in animals. For humans, the safe and adequate range of intakes for manganese by enteral nutrition is 2.0 to 5 mg per day; for parenteral nutrition a range of 0.15 to 0.8 mg per day is proposed. The manganese content of components of enteral nutrition (EN) and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) solutions is determined using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Comparison is made between calculated and measured values. The manganese present in supplementary nutrition and flavor stuffs is also measured. The intake of manganese by EN is calculated based on the daily administration, and is found to vary from 192 to 7373 micrograms per day. In prepared TPN-solutions, the manganese contribution of all components before adding the Oligo Complex is found to be less than 0.2% of the total manganese content. After addition of the Oligo Complex mixture, a mean daily intake of 5.02 +/- 0.16 mg per day is found.


Quantitation of carbohydrate sweeteners and organic acids in human oral fluid using HPLC analysis.

A sensitive high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay was developed for the qualitative and quantitative determination of carbohydrate sweeteners and organic acids in oral fluid. To separate these compounds, an ion-moderated partition resin HPLC column (Aminex HPX-87H) was used. All components of the HPLC system were interconnected using stainless steel capillary tubing. Isocratic elution with 0.01N sulfuric acid provided the profile of both compound classes. The compounds were detected using a refractive index detector. The method employed computerized data collection and integration (Omega-2 system) with a detection sensitivity of 0.1 micrograms compound per HPLC assay (80 microliters). This method is useful in caries research, because it detects minute amounts of sugars and organic acids in oral fluid during clearance studies of various foods in the mouth.


[The determination of free and bound methylated nucleobases in food].

The following method was developed for the qualitative and quantitative determination of methylated purine and pyrimidine bases in food; some RNA-rich food was also investigated. The bases were liberated from nucleic acids, nucleotides, and nucleosides by acid hydrolysis with trifluoroacetic and formic acid (1/1, V/V) at 240 degrees C in a pressure-digestion system. Purification and fractionation of hydrolysates were achieved by sorbent extraction with an RP 18 column and a cation exchange column. The major and methylated nucleobases were determined by ion-exchange chromatography and reversed-phase-HPLC.


[Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy of gallstones. Retrospective view and perspectives].

Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive technique in gallstone management, which has been in clinical use since many years now. Exact patient selection provides considerable stone-free rates within a year. Side effects and complications are rare. The stone-recurrence rate is about 15% after two years, and thus lower compared to that after oral dissolution therapy alone. Until now, there is no reasonable medical therapy to prevent stone recurrence. Furthermore, ESWL is a suitable therapy for retained common bile duct stones. Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become established as a new, minimally invasive surgical method, ESWL will continue to be a successful technique for the treatment of thoroughly selected gallstone patients, who are looking for a non-invasive way to get rid of their biliary pain, but not of their gall bladder.


[Densitometry determination of coronary flow rates using digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Methods, multiple examinations and interobserver comparison].

In invasive diagnostics of coronary heart disease (CHD), three each DSA examinations of the left coronary artery were performed at 2-minute intervals in ten patients subsequent to conventional examination by means of a left-side cardiac catheter and coronary angiography. While placing the patient in left anterior oblique (60 degrees) position, 6 ml each of ionic contrast medium were injected mechanically with a flow of 4 ml/sec at a pacemaker-induced heart rate of 100/min. Examinations were performed according to a standard mode and were evaluated via the image analysing computer APU of the Philips DVI-DSA system. The purpose of this approach was to analyse the examination conditions and a new improved evaluation algorithm in respect of stability, feasibility and sensitivity. 17 series were evaluated by two examiners who were independent of each other. The interobserver differences obtained were between 5% at the time of maximum density (Tmax) and 25% with exponential downward slope of the curve (lambda), with reference to the median value in each case. Scatter of the individual examinations around the median value of all the three DSA runs is 11 to 17% with the exception of lambda. A significant rise can be proven in the RCX region for the curve slope rise parameters "slope" and "RFL2". We interpret this as a genuine 1.2 to 1.3 fold regional flow increase due to the residual effect of the contrast medium. At the same time, this can be interpreted as an indicator for the good sensitivity of the method.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[The effect of health resort therapy on cardio-regulation following heart transplantation with special reference to CO2 balneotherapy].

It is being reported about the influence of a CO2-bathing series with 12 patients after heart-transplantation in connection with a light-motion therapy on blood pressure and haemodynamics. The comparative group was a group of 12 heart-transplantation patients of the same age without cure during the comparative time. It was shown that the balneotherapy after HTPL has positive effect on the development of the systolic blood pressure under rest and exercise. The peripheric microcirculation (musculus tibialis anterior) improved significantly. The left ventricular ejections fraction (LVEF) kept without change. Generally, the balneotherapy is well tolerated by heart-transplantation patients. There is no danger of a cardiac overcharge of the left ventricle.


[Effect of desmopressin (DDAVP) on blood platelet parameters in vivo and in vitro].

Coagulation assays including DDAVP test were carried out in 15 patients preoperatively, evaluating several parameters of platelets during the assays. After DDAVP infusion we observed a decreased spontaneous aggregation in whole blood, an increased retention to glass beads, and in a number of cases a raised in vitro-formation of thromboxane. By application of DDAVP, a significant enhancement of spontaneous aggregation in whole blood and left shift to smaller volumes of the platelet volume distribution were demonstrated in vitro. It is concluded that DDAVP has an indirect inducing effect on aggregation, probably by release of ADP from red blood cells.


[Superoxide dismutase activity of Ginkgo biloba extract].

The Ginkgo biloba extract is obtained from green leaves of the Ginkgo biloba tree. Preparations with this active substance are among others used for the treatment of disturbances of the cerebral function and arteriosclerotic diseases. In in-vitro and in-vivo studies antagonistic effects of radical scavenger and PAF (platelet activating factor) were described. In this study a concentration-depending superoxide dismutase activity of the Ginkgo biloba extract rökan liquid could be made evident.


[Importance of left ventricular function for active early ambulation following acute myocardial infarct].

On the 4th postmyocardial infarction day a risk group determination among n = 80 patients was undergone on the base of LDH-isoenzyme-monitoring. The active early mobilization was carried out following corresponding risk groups: less risk (38%) until the 14th, middle risk (23%) until the 21st and high risk (38%) until the 28th postmyocardial infarction day or longer. The average period of hospitalization was 21.1 day. The exercise load test was done successful in 97% by patients with low risk and in 40% by patients with high risk. The ejection fraction was 51.3% for patients with low risk and 38.5% (p less than 0.01) for patients with high risk. The exercise test at discharge is usefull for check of the risk from the acute phase and for the determination of high-risk patients for physical conditioning.


[In memory of Hermann Jastrowitz (1882-1943)].

The 50th anniversary of the infamous "Wannsee Conference" that was held on 20 January 1942 at Berlin prompts us to recall the memory of the life and achievements of physicians who were the victims of the measures that had been decreed during that conference-physicians who made medical history both during their lifetime and by the fate they endured. One of these was the Jewish physician Hermann Jastrowitz, whose meritorious achievements for the benefit of the Outpatient Division and Hospital of the Department of Medicine of the University of Halle have been practically completely documented and reconstructed from university and other records.


[Combined monitoring of labor: maternal and neonatal results].

The purpose of this study was to prove, whether intrapartum fetal monitoring by cardiotocography and fetal blood analysis brings advantages for mother and child. The data of 10,234 patients, delivered in 5 different hospitals in 1988 and 1989, were analyzed by a computer. The results show that nonpermanent in comparison to permanent monitoring lead to a significant increase in cesarean section rate, neonatal morbidity and perinatal mortality. Furthermore we found a negative correlation between cesarean section rate and frequency of fetal blood analysis (r = -0.54). The use of fetal blood analysis in cases with pathological fetal heart patterns lead to a significant reduction in cesarean section rate, neonatal morbidity and perinatal mortality. In summary the study shows that a combined intrapartum monitoring improve the results.


[Imaging of premature uterine contraction in vaginal sonography].

A collective of 60 patients with clinical diagnosed contractions was vaginosonographically examined. During the ultrasound examination preterm labour was seen in 42 patients. In a control group (n = 50) preterm contractions were not detectable. The average time of the contractions was 88 seconds in the primipara group and 90 seconds in the multipara group and showed no statistical significance. In the group of the primipara a shortening of the cervical length of 17 (+/- 6) mm, in the multipara group 15 (+/- 5) mm was seen under contractions, furthermore a thickening of 8 +/- 4 mm respectively 10 +/- 5 mm. The internal os of the primipara opened 11 +/- 6 mm, of the multipara group 13 +/- 6 mm. The highest incidence of uterine contractions was found in the 32nd week. The paired students t-test showed a significance of p less than 0.001 for the cervical length, thickness and internal os and for the thinning of the dorsal uterine wall, subdividing the parity did not show statistical significance. The vaginosonography is able to help detecting preterm labour.


[Prostacyclin in hypertension].

Prostacyclin (PGI2) is known to cause vasorelaxation and inhibit platelet aggregation by receptor-mediated mechanisms. While cyclic (c) AMP is known to act as a second messenger for inhibition of platelet aggregation, vasorelaxation by hyperpolarization has been described only recently and may provide an explanation, in addition to stimulation of cAMP for the PGI2 mechanism of action on blood vessels. When PGI2 is infused into healthy volunteers it reduces blood pressure only at infusion rates that also cause significant side-effects, primarily, nausea, emesis, flushing, diaphoresis, and restlessness. In hypertensive patients blood-pressure responses are complex and are influenced to some extent by renin secretion. PGI2 stimulates renin secretion by a direct effect on the juxtaglomerular apparatus, and it also has an indirect effect by activating the sympathetic nervous system. Thus, it is useless as an antihypertensive agent even apart from its debilitating side-effects. Vascular PGI2 is synthesized endogenously by both the endothelial cells and the muscularis of arteries. While the endothelial cells undoubtedly synthesize large amounts of PGI2, the muscularis comprises a much larger tissue mass so that the overall synthesis is about equally distributed between the endothelial and muscle cells. In patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension and some patients with essential hypertension endogenous synthesis of PGI2 has been evaluated by measuring 2,3-dinor-6-keto-PGF1 alpha and has proved to be greatly reduced. Some drugs (thiazides, propranolol) have been shown to stimulate PGI2 synthesis, and inhibition of cyclooxygenase has been shown to reduce their antihypertensive effects. The effects of low- and high-dose aspirin on prostacyclin and thromboxane synthesis are discussed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


[The value of adjuvant ampicillin therapy in idiopathic premature labor].

Evidence suggests that subclinical intrauterine infection may play an etiologic role in preterm labour. To test the hypothesis, that treatment with antibiotics might delay delivery, we retrospectively have investigated 104 women in idiopathic preterm labour who were given ampicillin additional to tocolysis and 90 comparable women without antibiotic treatment. There were no significant differences between the two groups in regard to prolongation of gestation, gestational age at delivery, fetal weight, fetal well-being or connatal infections. Adjuvant ampicillin treatment of women in idiopathic premature labour without other signs or indicators of subclinical intrauterine infection seems not beneficial.


[Correlation between risk profile and severity and age at manifestation of coronary heart disease--findings in 3,715 patients].

In 3715 survivors (pts) of an acute myocardial infarction (3343 males and 372 females), of ages between 20 and 80 years (mean 52.9 +/- 7.7 years), lipid-metabolism, amount of cigarette-smoking, severity of coronary artery disease (CHD) by selective coronary arteriography, and age at first manifestation of CHD documented by myocardial infarction were investigated. In contrast to normals, there is a significant reduction of disorders of lipid-metabolism with increasing age. The rate of cigarette-smoking is lower in the elderly. Females are affected by MI 3.6 to 5.3 years later than are males. There was a strong correlation between the degree of lipid-disorders and the severity of CHD, whereas the lipid-disturbances were mostly marked in the younger pts. Dependent on the degree of the underlying lipid-disorder, CHD strikes pts at a younger age, whereby the Chol/HDL-Chol-ratio is most sensitive. In a similar manner, cigarette-smoking transfers the manifestation-date of CHD "dose-dependent" to a younger age. Smokers with a daily consumption of more than 40 cigarettes are 9.2 years younger at the time of first myocardial infarction than are non-smokers. In older pts the influence of lipid-disorders and smoking becomes smaller, compared with the risk-factor "age", but it is also significant. The proven correlation between the risk-profile and the age at first myocardial event stresses the need for preventive and educative strategies.


[Increase in creatine kinase and its MM isoforms after successful and uncomplicated coronary angioplasty].

During successful and uncomplicated angioplasty (PTCA), we studied the effect of a short lasting myocardial ischemia on plasma creatine kinase, creatine kinase MB-activity, and creatine kinase MM-isoforms (MM1, MM2, MM3) in 23 patients. Eleven patients, in whom diagnostic coronary angiography was performed, served as the control group. Blood was sampled after PTCA and every 2 h for the next 12 h, and after 24 h. CK- and CK-MB activities were determined enzymatically, the MM-isoforms by isoelectric focussing. After PTCA total CK and CK-MM3 increased significantly from 23 +/- 10 to 40 +/- 31 U/I (p less than 0.01) and from 18 +/- 5 to 32 +/- 10% (p less than 0.0005), respectively. The ratio MM3:MM1 also increased significantly from 0.4 +/- 0.1 to 1.2 +/- 0.7 (p less than 0.0005). Enzyme maxima for CK-MM3 and the ratio MM3:MM1 were reached 6 h after PTCA, for total CK 10 h after PTCA. This increase was independent of changes in the ECG, of symptoms during PTCA, as well as of the number and duration of balloon inflations. In the control group no changes in enzyme activity were found. Thus, after uncomplicated PTCA a significant increase of total CK and CK-MM-isoforms can be found, which may be due to the short-lasting myocardial ischemia following coronary occlusion.


[Internal urinary diversion in complicated pregnancy-induced hydronephrosis].

In 14 women with sympthomatic hydronephrosis of pregnancy (calix diameter 1-2.6 cm) an internal urinary drainage was carried out during the second half of pregnancy. Retrograde stenting was performed following cystoscopy in all cases. Follow up examinations were taken weekly for the first two weeks and further on biweekly. Primary stenting was possible in 12 out of 14 cases and in 2 patients dilatation of the ureteral orifice was necessary. 11 out of 14 patients suffered from complications consisting of severe dysuria (9x), urinary tract infection (7x), persisting lumbar pain plus catheter lumen obstruction (6x each) as well as catheter dislocation (3x). Long term follow up showed that urinary tract obstruction was relieved by stenting in only 6 out of 14 patients. Sufficient urinary drainage by so called double-J-ureteral stents was achieved in less than half of the cases. Moreover, there was a complication rate of more than 75%. Taking these results into consideration, internal drainage of complicated pregnancy hydronephrosis needs careful evaluation.


[Initial studies of the possibility of selective ablation of arteriosclerotic vascular changes using laser-induced shock waves].

We studied the effect of laser-induced shock waves in 94 arterial segments from freshly obtained autopsy material. In analogy to the well-established method of shock-wave based lithotripsy, the new principle of our treatment depends on an indirect interaction of the laser energy with the arterial wall via laser-induced mechanical shock waves (angiotripsy). We used a Nd:YAG laser, 1064 nm, 8-20 ns pulse-length to create shock waves that effected smooth craters in arteriosclerotically affected arteries. The histological examination found no thermal damage. Shock waves applied to the healthy and normal arterial wall only resulted in focal intimal ablation and in a minor loosening of the medial structures. The examination of the irrigation solution by means of a laser-guided, high-resolution analysis of the particles revealed that, in 97%, the particles created by our shock wave angiotripsy showed a diameter of less than 5 mm and an area of less than 25 mm2. Based on these first in vitro results, it seems possible to ablate arteriosclerotically affected tissue without significant damage to normal wall segments. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to evaluate the clinical implications of this new therapeutic approach.


[Inpatient psychotherapy of hyperemesis gravidarum--a case report].

Although now there is no doubt about the role of psychosocial factors in hyperemesis gravidarum, remarkably little literature can be found on the subject of psychotherapy and hyperemesis. This may be due to the decreasing number of severe cases, light cases generally do not require treatment. In the past, mostly hypnosis and several different types of supportive psychotherapy were propagated. We are reporting about the trial attempt of treating a patient with hyperemesis gravidarum with in-patient psychotherapy on an internal medicine-psychosomatics ward in tight cooperation with the referring gynaecological clinic. We suggest in-patient psychotherapy as one possibility of treating protracted vomiting in pregnancy.


[Increased spontaneous uterine motility with serotonin].

The influence of serotonine, a vasoactive neurotransmitter, on the spontaneous motility of uterine strips was investigated. A highly significant (p less than 0.001) increase of uterine activity was observed when serotonine 10(-6) M was added to the perfusing medium.


[The effect of Belzer and Bretschneider cardioplegia solutions on myocardial energy metabolism. A study with 31phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy in an animal model].

The aim of our study was to test the effectiveness of two cardioplegic solutions and to compare the level of high energy phosphates in the myocardium. We investigated 18 hearts of pigs (obtained from a slaughter-house) with 31phosphorusmagnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) In this experiment coronary arteries were cannulated and reperfused with arterial blood to revitalize the heart. When the heart showed regular pulsations coronary arteries were perfused for cardioplegia either with the UW-(Belzer-) or with the HTK-(Bretschneider-)solution. For 31P-MRS, a magnet with a magnetic flux density of 4.7 Tesla (T) was available. Relative concentrations from phosphocreatine (PCr/beta-ATP; high-energy phosphate) and inorganic phosphate (Pi/MDP; MDP = methylendiphosphonat = reference solution; low-energy phosphate) were calculated from the spectra. As a result of this study, the HTK-solution showed a significantly higher PCr/beta-ATP-ratio in the myocardium than the UW-solution during the examination time of 3 h. After plegia of the myocardial area from the right coronary artery PCr/beta-ATP-ratios were lower in comparison with the left coronary artery distribution area. The calculation of Pi/MDP-ratios proved that Pi was higher in the myocardium after application of the UW-solution compared to HTK-solution. The kinetics of the metabolites showed an approximately linear and parallel decrease of PCr/beta-ATP-ratios after cardioplegia with both solutions during the examination time.


[Emergency Cesarean section--basic data].

Performing a computerized multicenter-study of 66 clinics in the state of North-Rhine-Westfalia concerning the management of emergency caesarean-section (ECS), the resulting basic data were calculated as follows: In 207 cases of ECS studied, the time period needed from the decision for operation on to the beginning of surgery (DFOS) is on the average 20.4 +/- 12.3 minutes (Median 17 min., 90th Percentile 37 min.). The mere duration of surgery until delivery of the baby averaged to 4.4 +/- 2.1 min. (Median 4.0 min., 90th Percentile 7 min.). In an emergency case, on the average 24.8 +/- 12.9 minutes (Median 22 min., 90th Centile 43 min.) pass by from the decision for the operation until delivery. The median actual pH-value in umbilical artery blood of these neonates was 7.169 +/- 0.160 (N = 168). 25.0% of these neonates had pH-values below 7.1, 16.0% below 7.0 and 3.0% below 6.900. 20.1% of these babies had an Apgar-score of less than or equal to 3 after 1 min., 4 newborns received a score of 0, but recovered, whereas 4 other demised. The unpurified perinatal mortality amounted to 53.1/1000, the purified one to 48.3/1000. From these data we conclude for the time being, that 1. efforts have to be made to shorten the time factors (especially the first one (DFOS)), although there is still no evidence, that severe neonatal acidosis is significantly associated with undue long time factors in ECS; 2. further thorough analysis is need to evaluate the medical profile and the organizational background of these highest risk-deliveries.


[Hypotonic symptoms and pregnancy].

To our knowledge there is no study that answers the question, whether low blood pressure itself or the fall of blood pressure during standing have a negative effect on pregnant women. These patients suffer from signs of reduced central and/or peripheral blood flow like fatigue, headache, cold extremities, paresthesia, flickering, black outs and dizziness. In addition, it is of interest whether frequency, occurrence and intensity of these hypotensive symptoms alter during pregnancy. In a longitudinal study 12 hypotensive pregnant women were compared with 13 normotensive and later on in a randomized study 102 clinical healthy pregnant women were tested with a modified orthostatic test over defined time periods during pregnancy. Blood pressure and heart rate were registered in one minute intervals over 30 minute period with an automatic Dinamap measuring device. This period was subdivided in a 10 minutes lying period, 10 minutes standing period followed by a 10 minutes lying period. In addition, the pregnant women were asked about frequency, occurrence and intensity of typical hypotensive symptoms. The frequency of subjective symptoms were related to low blood pressure (p less than 0.001) but not to the fall in blood pressure during standing. The occurrence of different hypotensive symptoms (p less than 0.05) and their intensity (p less than 0.01) were most often in early pregnancy and decreased until term. We conclude that the subjective symptoms were twice as much during early pregnancy than during late pregnancy and were more often in patients with low blood pressure. Furthermore, fatigue, headache and cold extremities occur frequently during pregnancy.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Analysis of acesulfame-K, saccharin and preservatives in beverages and jams by HPLC.

A method is described that permits the simultaneous determination of acesulfame-K, saccharin and benzoic and sorbic acid in beverages and jams. The results of the HPLC analysis, using an RP-C 18 separation system with UV detection at 227 nm are reported.


[Sensitive and selective HPLC methods with prechromatographic derivatization for the determination of cyclamate in foods].

A sensitive and selective high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) procedure for the determination of sodium cyclamate in juices and preserves is presented. The method depends on the oxidation of cyclamate to cyclohexylamine, which then is converted prechromatographically into a fluorescent derivative. It is analyzed by HPLC on a C18:reversed-phase column and determined with fluorescence detection (excitation at 350 nm, emission at 440-650 nm). The detection limit of sodium cyclamate was 0.5-5 mg/kg, depending on the nature and dilution of the samples. The relative standard deviations thus obtained were +/- 1.0 to +/- 2.6%. The average recovery was 90%.


Equilibrium kinetics of D-glucose to D-fructose isomerization catalyzed by glucose isomerase enzyme from Streptomyces phaeochromogenus.

The time course of the glucose isomerization was investigated. At equilibrium the fructose content in the reaction mixture was 52% of the initial glucose concentration. The equilibrium constants K1 and K-1 for the isomerization reaction were determined at 60 degrees C. Two graphical plots were developed to reduce the problems of determining the individual constant. These plot methods for chemical reaction kinetics were applied with equal validity to the kinetics of glucose isomerization process.


Histochemical and morphometric studies of peripheral muscle in bovine progressive degenerative myeloencephalopathy of brown Swiss cattle.

Histochemical and morphometric analysis of selected skeletal muscles was performed on 14 pure bred, Brown Swiss cattle. Nine cattle were clinically affected with bovine progressive degenerative myeloencephalopathy (BPDME) while five served as controls. Statistically significant trend differences were not observed for the parameters of mean cross sectional area, and mean fiber type percentages for types, I, IIA, and IIB fibers between affected and control test groups. In general, patterns of hypertrophy or atrophy, fiber type grouping, fiber type predominance, or fiber cross sectional profile alteration were not observed in the muscles examined from affected cattle. The findings suggest that BPDME, or weaver syndrome, is not a muscular dystrophy and that muscle pathology is not a primary part of the syndrome nor would muscle pathology be expected to contribute significantly to the clinical signs of the disease.


[The frequency of neoplasms in dogs dissected in Berlin].

A retrospective study of relative frequencies and relative risks of cancer of 7,169 dogs which were necropsied between 1981 and 1990 at the Institute of Veterinary Pathology of the FU Berlin was performed. In the sample cancer as cause of death accounted for 24.08% of all necropsied dogs. The mean age of dogs with cancer was 10.2 years while dogs without cancer died at a mean age of 5.3 years. Relative risks of cancer were 1.16 for females and 0.86 for males. Cancer was found in 41.9% of all necropsied boxers, which showed the highest relative risk (1.81) of all breeds. Lymphatic and hematopoietic organs and mammary glands were the most frequent site for tumors. Altogether it could be shown that the most frequent tumors were of epithelial origin (43.91%).


Preliminary experience with the diagnostic value of the canine corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme in hypercorticism and diabetes mellitus.

The present study communicates the interim experience with the diagnostic value of the canine corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme (CIAP), qualitatively assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis, for the diagnosis of Hypercorticism (prolonged exposure to increased concentrations of exogenous or endogenous corticosteroids) and Diabetes mellitus. A total of 106 canine serum samples with a total alkaline phosphatase activity greater than 2.90 mu kat/l were included. CIAP was identified in 28 out of 29 cases of Hypercorticism, in 7 out of 9 cases of Diabetes mellitus, and in 33 out of 68 cases of various other diseases. Sensitivity and specificity with respect to Hypercorticism were 0.97 and 0.48, respectively, while for Diabetes mellitus sensitivity and specificity were 0.78 and 0.37. From this, the positive and the negative predictive values were calculated using standard formulas. The main conclusion may be summarized as follows: In the dog, only the negative finding of CIAP seems to be of diagnostic value in ruling out Hypercorticism as a cause for an increased total alkaline phosphatase activity.


The effect of regional nerve blocks on the lameness caused by collagenase induced tendonitis in the midmetacarpal region of the horse: a study using gait analysis, and ultrasonography to determine tendon healing.

The influence of regional nerve blocks on lameness resulting from tendon injury was studied in six horses. Tendonitis was induced in the midmetacarpal region of the Superficial Digital Flexor Tendon (SDF), Deep Digital Flexor Tendon (DDF) and the Suspensory Ligament (SL) through collagenase injections. The results were evaluated through sequential clinical examinations, ultrasonographic imaging and kinetic gait analysis (force plate) during a period of 144 days post injury and subsequently compared with gross and microscopic findings. The lameness corresponding to the SDF and DDF tendon lesions was completely abolished by a high palmar nerve block. The SL desmitis was partly abolished by high palmar nerve block and completely blocked with an additional ulnar nerve block. The ultrasonic evaluations showed the lesions, expanding until approximately 30 days post injection (p.i.) and subsequently decreasing. The texture of the lesion also improved markedly after 30 days p.i. The post-mortem macro- and microscopic evaluation revealed still considerable abnormalities at 145 days p.i. At that time the tendon lesions were no longer detectable ultrasonographically.


Instrumentation for simultaneous recording of compound muscle action potentials and related force in the dog.

An examination apparatus for the study of both compound muscle action potentials and related isometric force of the target muscle after supramaximum electrical stimulation of the respective nerve is described. Force transducers were used to record forces from the forelimb paws and the jaws of the dog. The unit is suitable for the clinical examination of neuromuscular transmission disturbances and for testing the effect of relaxant agents.


Testicular ultrastructure of Zebu bulls in Costa Rica.

The testicular ultrastructure of sexually mature Zebu (Bos indicus) bulls from Costa Rica was studied in relation to their classification based on andrological examinations undertaken in the field. Based on the testicular consistency at palpation, each bull was assigned to one of three groups, ranging from normal (Group A) to markedly reduced testicular consistency (Group C). The ultrastructure of the clinically normal testicle (Group A) in the Zebu bull resembled that of Bos taurus. In testicles with a slight to moderate reduction of testicular consistency (Group B) degenerated primary spermatocytes and spermatids were common at all stages of the seminiferous cycle. Abnormalities in the condensation of the chromatin, acrosomal defects, and the presence of degenerated cells and cellular debris were the most common of disturbances found. In testicles from bulls with a marked reduction of testicular consistency (Group C) the seminiferous epithelium of most tubules showed degenerative changes, thereby making it impossible to classify the stage of the cycle. The changes were mainly restricted to spermatocytes and spermatids, whose relative numbers were reduced. The number of cells undergoing meiotic divisions was also greatly reduced. Changes in the spermatids were also found including the appearance of severe acrosomal defects, such as acrosomal pouches, the failure of nuclear elongation and clear defects in chromatin condensation. The present ultrastructural findings in Bos indicus do not differ from the picture of normal testicular structure and of testicular degeneration usually found in Bos taurus bulls.


Obstructive hydrocephalus produced by parasitic granulomas in a dog.

We present a case of a young dog exhibiting internal hydrocephalus, associated with parasitic granulomas within the ventricular system, inflammatory changes in the periventricular brain tissue and stenosis of the mesencephalic aqueduct. Reference is made to possible causes of these lesions in animals and man.