Effect of benazepril and pimobendan on serum angiotensin‐converting enzyme activity in dogs

To support their combined use, the objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of benazepril and pimobendan on serum angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) activity in dogs. A total of 48 healthy beagle dogs were randomized into four groups (n = 12 per group) in a parallel‐group design study: A (control, placebo twice daily (BID)); B (0.5–1.0 mg/kg benazepril once daily (SID) in the morning, placebo in the evening); C (0.25–0.5 mg/kg benazepril BID); D (0.25–0.5 mg/kg benazepril and 0.125–0.25 mg/kg pimobendan, both BID). The test items were administered orally for 15 days. Serum ACE activity was measured on days 1 and 15. Groups B, C and D had significantly lower average serum ACE activity compared to baseline and to the control group, on both days 1 and 15. There were no significant differences in average ACE activity between groups B, C and D. Noninferiority of group C to B was demonstrated. In conclusion, 0.25–0.5 mg/kg benazepril administered BID produced noninferior inhibition of serum ACE activity compared to 0.5–1.0 mg/kg benazepril dosed SID. Pimobendan had no significant effect on benazepril's action on serum ACE activity. The results support the use of benazepril BID in dogs and in combination with pimobendan.     

Expression of feline angiotensin converting enzyme 2 and its interaction with SARS-CoV S1 protein

Feline angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (fACE2) gene was amplified from domestic cat lung with RT-PCR, cloned and sequenced. The complete coding region is 2418 bp in length and is the closest to human ACE2 among known ACE2 homologs of non-primate animals. The N terminal fragment 19– 367 aa was expressed in Escherishia coli. Both Western blotting and ELISA demonstrated that fACE2 could react with SARS-CoV S1 protein as efficiently as ACE2 of Vero E6 cells did.     

Diurnal and seasonal variations of serum enzyme activity in cattle and sheep

In order to test the variation of enzyme activity in serum of cattle and sheep during the day, blood samples were taken at three hrs. interval from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. The following enzymes were assayed: Aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT = GOT), alanine aminotransferase (AlAT = GPT), total lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and a-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (HBD). The variation between animals contributed by far to the greatest part of the total variation in clinical healthy animals. The time-of-day-dependant variation was less than 3 %, except for alanine aminotransferase.During the first two weeks of spring pasture serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly raised in both cows and ewes, compared with serum levels of the same animals on indoor feeding. No such increase occurred in total lactate dehydrogenase.     

Effects of two training protocols on Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) activity in horses

Reasons for performing study: Studies in man have shown a correlation between Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) genetic polymorphisms, ACE activity in the blood and superior athletic performance in sports requiring endurance. It has been hypothesised that the same correlation occurs in horses. There is no information in the literature concerning the effects of training on ACE activity in equine plasma. Hypothesis: Exercise training influences the activity of circulating ACE and the response observed is dependent on the exercise protocol. Methods: Thirteen horses of mixed breeds were randomly allocated 2 different training protocols to be carried out for a period of 15 weeks. Blood samples were collected from each horse before the beginning of training to determine baseline values. Subsequent sampling took place every 15 days throughout the training phase and for 8 weeks of paddock rest. Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme activity was determined by automated spectrophotometry. Results: Training for 15 weeks significantly increased plasma ACE activity, irrespective of training protocol. Differences observed in ACE activity pattern between the 2 training protocols were not statistically significant. Increase in ACE activity peaked with maximum workload. As soon as training was interrupted, ACE levels significantly decreased. Conclusions and discussion: Exercise training affects levels of ACE activity in equine plasma. The mechanism for this is not yet elucidated, but cardiovascular adaptation to exercise and blood pressure changes might be involved in this regulation. Potential relevance: Exercise training produced a gradual increase in enzymatic activity and might warrant the use of ACE as a tool for fitness monitoring. Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme enzymatic activity in the plasma might be directly correlated to a change in genetic expression and that variability must be taken into account when evaluating results from horses undergoing a physical training programme.     

Thyroid function and serum hepatic enzyme activity in dogs after phenobarbital administration

Phenobarbital is the drug of choice for control of canine epilepsy. Phenobarbital induces hepatic enzyme activity, can be hepatotoxic, and decreases serum thyroxine (T4) concentrations in some dogs. The duration of liver enzyme induction and T4 concentration decreases after discontinuation of phenobarbital is unknown. The purpose of this study was to characterize the changes in serum total T4 (TT4), free T4 (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), cholesterol and albumin concentrations, and activities in serum of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) after discontinuation of long-term phenobarbital administration in normal dogs. Twelve normal dogs were administered phenobarbital at a dosage of approximately 4.4-6.6 mg/kg PO q12h for 27 weeks. Blood was collected for analysis before and after 27 weeks of phenobarbital administration and then weekly for 10 weeks after discontinuation of the drug. The dogs were clinically normal throughout the study period. Serum ALT and ALP activity and TSH and cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher than baseline at week 27. Serum T4 and FT4 were significantly lower. Serum albumin and GGT were not changed from baseline at week 27. Changes in estimate of thyroid function (TT4, FT4, TSH) persisted for 1-4 weeks after discontinuation of phenobarbital, whereas changes in hepatic enzyme activity (ALT, ALP) and cholesterol concentration resolved in 3-5 weeks. To avoid false positive results, it is recommended that thyroid testing be performed at least 4 weeks after discontinuation of phenobarbital administration. Elevated serum activity of hepatic enzymes 6-8 weeks after discontinuation of phenobarbital may indicate hepatic disease.     

高效液相色谱法测定珠蛋白肽对血管紧张素转化酶的抑制活性

建立了测定珠蛋白肽对血管紧张素转化酶抑制活性的高效液相色谱分析方法。以马尿酰-组胺酰-亮氨酸为底物,血管紧张素转化酶为催化剂,反应产物马尿酸为检测指标,未加珠蛋白肽的反应为空白对照。最佳色谱条件为:ZorbaxSB-C18(4.6mm×260mm,粒径5μm),柱温25℃,流动相为乙腈/水=25/75[体积比,各含0.05%三氟乙酸(体积分数)],流速1.0mL/min,紫外检测器,检测波长为228nm,进样量10μL。马尿酸浓度为0.005～1mmol/L,线性相关系数为0.9998,最低检测浓度为1μmol/L,回收率在96.66%～101.34%之间,相对标准偏差为1.34%之间。该方法操作简单、分析时间短、准确性和精密度高,利于对珠蛋白肽生产进行质量控制。     

Interferon-gamma in the serum and effusions of cats with feline coronavirus infection

The aim of this study was to quantify and compare interferon-γ (IFN-γ) concentrations in the serum of clinically normal cats infected with feline coronavirus (FCoV) with its concentration in the sera and effusions of cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a disease associated with infection with a mutated form of FCoV.Clinically normal FCoV-infected cats living in catteries with a high prevalence of FIP had the highest serum IFN-γ concentrations. The serum concentration of IFN-γ was not significantly different in cats with FIP compared with clinically normal FCoV-infected animals living in catteries with a low prevalence of the disease. Moreover, the concentration of IFN-γ was significantly higher in the effusions than in the serum of cats with FIP, probably due to IFN-γ production within lesions. These findings support the hypothesis that there is a strong, ‘systemic’ cell mediated immune response in clinically normal, FCoV-infected cats and that a similar process, albeit at a tissue level, is involved in the pathogenesis of FIP.     

Use of pimobendan in feline congenital heart failure

A 6-month-old domestic shorthair cat was referred for evaluation of sudden lethargy and tachypnea following ovariohysterectomy. Upon failure of improvement with supportive care, a cardiologist identified congenital tricuspid dysplasia with signs of heart failure. Furosemide, enalapril, and pimobendan were used to reduce clinical signs and improve length and quality of life.     

Dose-dependent inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme by enalapril in cats

Although heart failure in cats is treated with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, data on the effects of different doses of enalapril on hemodynamics and the inhibition of ACE activity have not been published. To evaluate the effect of enalapril, 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0 mg/kg was given once (s.i.d., p.o.) or twice (b.i.d., p.o.) a day, and plasma ACE activity, indirect blood pressure, and heart rate were measured. Plasma ACE activity and blood pressure fell dose-dependently. There was a biphasic effect on blood pressure with twice daily administration. Enalapril 0.25 mg/kg b.i.d. inhibited plasma ACE activity by 40% after 24 hr, which was almost the same as the effect of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg s.i.d., and 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg b.i.d., while 0.25 mg/kg s.i.d. inhibited it by 23%. Thus, enalapril with a daily dose exceeding 0.5 mg/kg may provide similar efficacy of ACE inhibition in cats.     

中药饲料添加剂对断奶仔猪血清酶活性的影响

选取胎次相近（3-5胎）、日龄相同的杜-长-大吮乳仔猪16窝（每窝8-10头）,随机分为4组,分别为中药Ⅰ组、中药Ⅱ组、抗生素组、对照组,前3个处理组在相同的基础日粮中分别添加中药饲料添加剂Ⅰ（4 kg/t）、中药饲料添加剂Ⅱ（4 kg/t）、金霉素（70 g/t）和杆菌肽锌（30 g/t）,每组4窝.各处理组所有仔猪从7日龄开始诱食试验饲粮,直至断奶后28日龄.25日龄断奶时从每窝中选取体重相近的仔猪4-5头,组内合并,每组各18头,于仔猪断奶前3 d,断奶后1、4、7、14、28 d采血,对血清酶指标进行分析,研究中药饲料添加剂对断奶仔猪血清酶活性的影响.结果表明,中药饲料添加剂能通过提高断奶仔猪血清AKP活性,降低CK活性,缓解断奶应激,促进仔猪生长.     

Prevalence of feline leukemia virus infection and serum antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus in unowned free-roaming cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of FeLV infection and serum antibodies against feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in unowned free-roaming cats. DESIGN: Cross-sectional serologic survey. ANIMALS: 733 unowned free-roaming cats in Raleigh, NC, and 1,143 unowned free-roaming cats in Gainesville, Fla. RESULTS: In Raleigh, overall prevalence of FeLV infection was 5.3%, and overall seroprevalence for FIV was 2.3%. In Gainesville, overall prevalence of FeLV infection was 3.7%, and overall seroprevalence for FIV was 4.3%. Overall, FeLV prevalence was 4.3%, and seroprevalence for FIV was 3.5%. Prevalence of FeLV infection was not significantly different between males (4.9%) and females (3.8%), although seroprevalence for FIV was significantly higher in male cats (6.3%) than in female cats (1.5%). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Prevalence of FeLV infection and seroprevalence for FIV in unowned free-roaming cats in Raleigh and Gainesville are similar to prevalence rates reported for owned cats in the United States. Male cats are at increased risk for exposure to FIV, compared with female cats.     

酵母硒对蛋鸡血清酶活性及抗氧化能力的影响

为研究酵母硒对蛋鸡血清酶活性及抗氧化能力的影响,试验选用1 000只280日龄的海兰褐壳蛋鸡,随机分为5组,每组5个重复,每个重复40只,分别为基础饲粮组,以及0.1,0.2,0.3和0.4mg/kg酵母硒添加水平组,试验期40d。结果表明:与对照组相比,各试验组均可显著提高血清ALP和LDH活性(P<0.05),并显著降低CK活性(P<0.05);与对照组相比,饲粮添加0.2,0.4mg/kg酵母硒均可显著提高血清SOD活性(P<0.05),其他试验组SOD活性与对照组无显著性差异(P>0.05);各试验组GSH-Px和T-AOC水平均显著高于对照组(P<0.05),而血清MDA含量均显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。试验结果提示,酵母硒可提高蛋鸡抗氧化能力,且以添加0.3,0.4mg/kg为宜。     

Electrophoretic and immunoelectrophoretic analysis of feline serum proteins.

Serum from 28 clinically healthy cats was subjected to agarose gel electrophoresis and the migration distance relative to albumin was determined. The reference values for the relative and absolute concentrations of each protein fraction were determined and compared to previous reports. The immunoelectrophoretic, crossed immunoelectrophoretic and crossed line immunoelectrophoretic pattern, of a pooled sample of serum from clinically normal cats was determined. The cross-reactivity between goat and/or rabbit monospecific antisera to human proteins and feline serum was determined using immunoelectrophoresis and crossed-line absorption immunoelectrophoresis. Feline alpha-2-macroglobulin, haptoglobin, B1C-globulin, IgG, albumin and ceruloplasmin cross reacted strongly with the monospecific antisera. Alpha-2-macroglobulin migrated anodal to haptoglobin. Lipoproteins and ceruloplasmin were studied using staining procedures described in man. Feline transferrin was precipitated with Rivanol.     

Ionized and total serum magnesium concentrations in feline renal transplant recipients

OBJECTIVE: To measure the blood concentrations of total and ionized serum magnesium in feline renal transplant recipients and to determine if there was a correlation between these concentrations and the development of neurological disorders after renal transplantation. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. ANIMALS: Fourteen client-owned cats undergoing renal transplantation as a treatment for renal failure. Ten healthy adult cats were used to establish normal electrolyte concentrations. METHODS: Total and ionized serum magnesium as well as potassium and ionized calcium concentrations were measured in 14 renal transplant recipients at five intervals: preoperatively; immediately postoperatively; and 24, 48, and 120 hours postoperatively. The mean values from all 14 cats over each time interval were compared with the normal range. The serum concentration of these electrolytes, particularly magnesium, was evaluated in relation to the occurrence of neurological complications. RESULTS: Ninety-four percent of all ionized serum magnesium concentrations measured in clinical patients were below normal. Ninety percent of all total serum magnesium concentrations were within the normal range, and no cats had abnormally low total serum magnesium concentrations at any time. All clinical patients were hypocalcemic at all intervals. Sixty-six percent of all serum potassium concentrations were below normal. One cat in the study group experienced neurological problems, including seizures, in the immediate postoperative period. The signs appeared to be related to hypertension and responded to appropriate therapy. All electrolyte concentrations in this cat, including ionized magnesium, were within the same range of values as other clinical patients. CONCLUSIONS: Ionized serum magnesium concentrations are decreased in feline renal transplant recipients in the perioperative period; however, hypomagnesemia would not appear to be directly related to the development of neurological disorders. None of the study patients were hypomagnesemic when total serum magnesium concentrations were measured over the same intervals. In addition, ionized serum calcium concentrations and serum potassium concentrations are below normal in the perioperative period. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The specific clinical significance of these abnormalities is unknown. It is possible that the profound weakness and depression that is commonly seen in feline renal transplant recipients in the immediate postoperative period may be improved by supplementation with these electrolytes. Further work is needed to understand the implications of these abnormalities.     

Prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus in submissions of feline serum to a diagnostic laboratory in Atlantic Canada

The purpose of this project was to identify the prevalence of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) in the Atlantic region of Canada, and to determine possible associations between FIV serological status and breed, sex, and age. Feline serum samples (671) submitted to the Prince Edward Island Diagnostic Services — Atlantic Veterinary College laboratory between January 1, 1988 and July 30, 1989 were considered eligible for this study. The majority of samples originated from Prince Edward Island (607). Testing was performed in duplicate using commercial 96-well enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test kits for FIV antibody. Results included a seropositive rate of 7.6% for all submissions. Mean age of FIV-seropositive cats was eight years. There was an increasing risk of FIV-seropositive status associated with age. Prevalence of FIV among intact males was significantly higher (odds ratio = 2.59) than other gender categories. The principal conclusion of this study was that FIV is present in cats of the Atlantic provinces, and that its associations and prevalence are consistent with those found in other North American epidemiological studies.