Schirmer Tear Test in Clinically Normal Asian Elephants

Veterinary Research Communications -     

Langerhans cells within the follicular epithelium and the intradermal sweat duct in equine insect hypersensitivity "Kasen"

Histopathologic and electron microscopic observations were given on Langerhans cells (LCs) within the follicular epithelium (FE) and intradermal sweat duct (ISD) of equine "Kasen". By light microscopy, LCs were present in the greatest numbers within the FE and ISD than within the epidermal layer and the normal skin, with an occasional formation of several aggregated foci. By electron microscopy, LCs within the FE and ISD widely extended their dendritic processes between the keratinocytes and contained Birbeck granules (Bgs), mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticula and ribosomes in the cytoplasm. Numerous Type 2 LCs, with a number of Bgs and endocytosis, and Type 3 LCs, with multivesicular bodies and endosomes of various sizes, were recognized within the FE and ISD, although inactive Type 1 LCs, with a narrow and lucid cytoplasm, were rarely seen. LCs observed within the FE and ISD in the "Kasen" skin lesions might express the particular stage corresponded to recognize, intake and process the antigens which permeate them.     

Concentrations of toxic metals and essential minerals in the mane hair of healthy racing horses and their relation to age

Concentrations of trace elements (As, Al, Pb, Cd, Hg, Se, Si, P, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Ni and Mn) in the mane hair obtained from 9 female and 15 male healthy racing Thoroughbred horses aged 2-5 years were analyzed by the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) method. No significant differences between the female and male horses were observed in the mean concentrations of those minerals. Significantly positive correlations with age were observed in Cd (r=0.546, p<0.01) and Mo (r=0.733, p<0.001). Significantly negative correlations with age were observed in Hg (r= -0.726, p<0.001), Mn (r= -0.450, p<0.05) and Fe (r=-0.642, p<0.01). This reference range of trace elements in the mane hair of racing horses should be used to assess disease and the nutritional status in equine practice.     

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a mixed breed cat family

A spayed female mixed cat (case 1) and its female offspring, the result of a pairing between case 1 and its male sibling, were diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). A pedigree survey revealed that the prevalence of HCM was at least 12.5% in the family, which was considered to be significantly higher than that in a hospital-based population (approximately 1.6%). Thus, this finding seems to support the suspected occurrence of familial HCM in this group of related cats.     

The detection of the meq gene in chicken infected with Marek's disease virus serotype 1

In the genome of strains of very virulent Marek's disease virus serotype 1(vvMDV1), such as Md5 and RB1B, the meq open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 339-amino-acid bZIP protein, is present, while a slightly longer meq ORF, termed as L-meq, in which a 180-bp sequence is inserted into the meq ORF is found in other strains of MDV1, such as CV1988/R6 and attenuated JM. When chickens were infected with vvMDV1 strains and the meq gene was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the meq gene was detected throughout the experimental period for 7 weeks post inoculation (pi). However, the L-meq gene was also detected at 3 to 5 weeks and 3 to 4 weeks pi. in Md5-infected and RB1B-infected chickens, respectively. In the case of chickens infected with an attenuated MDV1, the JM strain, the L-meq gene was detected at 2 to 7 weeks pi., and the meq gene was also detected at 2 to 6 weeks pi. Both L-meq and meq genes were detected in chickens infected with an attenuated nononcogenic vaccine strain of MDV1 (CVI988/R6), throughout the experimental period. Though quantitative PCR was not performed, a larger amount of the PCR products corresponding to the L-meq than the meq gene was amplified from chickens infected with JM or CVI988/R6. These results suggest that a dynamic population shift between the MDV subpopulations displaying meq and L-meq genes occurs in chickens during the course of MDV infection. Since the MDV subpopulation that displays the L-meq gene only displays it during the latent phase, the L-meq and its gene product, if any, might contribute to the maintenance of the MDV latency.     

Uterine disorders diagnosed by ventrotomy in 47 rabbits

The type, ages of occurrence, primary complaints, clinical signs and mortality in forty-seven cases of uterine disorders diagnosed by ventrotomy in rabbits were analyzed retrospectively. Endometrial hyperplasia (29.8%) was most frequently observed, followed by uterine adenocarcinoma (21.3%). Tumorous lesions were seen in 46.8% of the cases. The age of occurrence ranged from two years and two months to seven years and six months, with a peak at four to five years of age. The most common primary complaint was bleeding (62.2%), followed by mammary gland abnormality (12.8%) and increased abdominal circumference (10.6%). Physical examinations revealed mammary gland disorders such as mammary cysts in 31.9% of the cases. Uterine disorders were detected by palpation in 15 out of 32 cases with a primary complaint of bleeding. Ultrasonography showed uterine disorders in 21 out of 24 cases, suggesting that ultrasonography could be useful in the diagnosis of uterine disorders. The outcome seemed to be influenced by physical status rather than malignancy of lesions. The mortality was higher in cases with symptoms such as anorexia, emaciation, severe anemia, and dehydration.     

Effects of milrinone on hemodynamics and regional blood flow in the hypoxic dog

Milrinone, a therapeutic agent for acute congestive heart failure, has both inotropic and vasodilatory effects, but investigations of these effects of milrinone were almost all conducted under normoxia, and few reports have investigated how milrinone affects the hemodynamics and redistribution of regional blood flow under severe hypoxia. By using colored microspheres, we investigated how milrinone affects hemodynamics and the redistribution of regional blood flow under severe hypoxia. Twelve healthy mongrel dogs were divided into 2 groups. The milrinone group was infused with milrinone cumulatively at 25, 75 and 250 microg/kg for 5 min each. The intact group was infused with saline instead of milrinone. We measured the hemodynamics and cerebrum, cerebellum and kidney blood flow in both groups. Both groups were inspired with 10% oxygen. Milrinone induced significant decrease in mean pulmonary artery and pulmonary vascular resistance, compared with the intact group. In both groups slight decreases in mean arterial pressure, systemic vascular resistance and double-product were seen. In regional blood flow, milrinone-induced increases in blood flow were seen in the cerebrum, cerebellum, and especially in the kidneys. Milrinone's vasodilatory effects were sufficient even under hypoxia. And milrinone increased regional blood flow slightly in the cerebrum and cerebellum, and significantly in the kidneys. These results suggested that milrinone protects against hypoxia-induced organ damage especially in the kidneys. In addition, milrinone is very potent in improving severe congested hemodynamics which complicates hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction.     

Evaluation of cytokine messenger RNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from dogs with canine demodicosis

Using RT-PCR and semi-quantitative PCR, mRNA expression for canine interferon (IFN)-gamma, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was examined in dogs with or without demodicosis. mRNA expression for IFN-gamma as well as TNF-alpha in dogs with demodicosis (localized (LD) and generalized (GD)) was slightly lower than those in dogs without demodicosis (healthy controls). Expression of IL-5 mRNA in dogs with demodicosis was higher than that in control dogs, but there were no significant differences in IL-4 and IL-10 mRNA expression levels among the three groups. On the other hand, expression levels of TGF-beta mRNA in dogs with GD were higher than those in control dogs and dogs with LD. The expression levels of IL-5 and TGF-beta mRNA decreased in all three dogs with GD which showed resolution of the clinical signs. Taken together, these results suggest that the Th2-like response in PBMCs from dogs with demodicosis is up-regulated, and that subsequent increased expression of IL-5 and TGF-beta mRNA in dogs with GD is reversible after treatment. Therefore, these cytokines, particularly IL-5, might be a useful clinical index of the clinical course in demodicosis. Also, increased TGF-beta mRNA expression might be a key factor for revealing the difference in the mechanism of onset between LD and GD.     

Electrocorticographic and histological findings in a Shetland sheepdog with intractable epilepsy

A Shetland sheepdog with epilepsy refractory to antiepileptic drugs was brought to the division of Veterinary Radiology at Nippon Veterinary and Animal Science University. Scalp electroencephalography and computed tomography was performed, but no abnormality was detected in either examination. To obtain detailed information, electrodes were implanted on the dura mater, and the electrocorticogram (ECoG) was recorded. In the ECoG, sporadic spikes were detected in the left parietal region, suggesting the presence of the epileptic focus in this region. After the dog's death, abnormalities of gyri were found in the region where spikes were detected in the ECoG. On histopathological examination, laminar malacia of the cingulate gyrus was observed. Furthermore, in the hippocampus, neuronal loss of pyramidal cells was observed.     

Age-related changes of genital systems in the female Crj:CD (SD) IGS rats during sexual maturation

The age-related changes of vaginal opening, body weight, the weights of the uterus and ovary, together with histological examination, serum 17beta-estradiol (E2) and progesterone levels were examined in intact female Crj:CD (SD) IGS rats between 21 and 36 days of age to understand the basic biological profile of changes of the female genital system during sexual maturation in the rat for female pubertal assays. With the beginning of the elevation of serum E2 level from 28 days of age, all parameters except body weight started to show drastic change until 31 days of age. The highest incidence of vaginal opening was recorded at 34 days of age. On macroscopic examinations, a number of rats showed uterine imbibition but vaginal opening. Immediately after the confirmation of the vaginal opening, the genital systems of three rats were observed microscopically. Both ovaries already had multiple corpora lutea, and degeneration of endometrial epithelial cells was observed. In conclusion, we obtained essential data on genital tract development of female Crj:CD (SD) IGS rats for in vivo screening assays that will contribute to detect potential endocrine active chemicals. In addition, it is assumed that the first ovulation precedes or occurs simultaneously with vaginal opening.