Mesangioproliferative Glomerulonephritis in Mink with Encephalitozoonosis

Renal specimens from 6 mink with encephalitozoonosis were studied by light and electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry. The glomeruli of affected kidneys had a mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis which was characterized by an increase in mesangial cells and matrix in most glomeruli. Some glomeruli were partially or completely sclerosed. There were protein or granular casts in the cortical and medullary tubules. Interstitial nephritis, vasculitis and tubular cysts were found. Electron microscopy demonstrated extensive matrix and increased cellularity in the mesangial areas. Glomeruli showed segmentally thickened or wrinkled capillary basement membranes. Electron dense deposits were found in the glomerular basement membranes and mesangium. Peroxidase-anti-peroxidase immunohistochemistry demonstrated that IgG and IgM positive material was present as granular deposits in the glomerular basement membrane and occasionally in the mesangium.     

The Effect of Season on Spermatozoa Motility,Plasma Membrane and Acrosome Integrity in Fresh and Frozen–Thawed Semen from Xinong Saanen Bucks

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the season of ejaculate collection influences seminal quality parameters of pre‐ and post‐freeze–thawing in Xinong Saanen bucks. Ejaculates were collected from eight bucks throughout the four seasons (spring, summer, autumn and winter) in a 12 months’ time period, identified in the Northern Hemisphere. Semen samples were evaluated by the combinations of conventional and Computer‐Assisted Sperm Analysis (CASA) when fresh and after frozen–thawed, respectively. The results clearly demonstrated that season of ejaculate collection influenced (p < 0.05) fresh semen quality. Highest semen quality was observed during autumn. On the contrary, undesirable indices (significantly lower, p < 0.05) were observed in winter as compared with the other remaining seasons. CASA has clearly shown the influences of seasonal variations on semen motility parameters. Furthermore, season of ejaculate collection was also found to influence sperm freezability. Semen characteristics after frozen–thawed followed a similar pattern with that of fresh ejaculate except in spring. The results revealed that sperm quality was higher (p < 0.01) in summer and autumn than in spring and winter. In conclusion, seasonal variation influences semen quality in Xinong Saanen bucks. In addition to summer and autumn, fresh ejaculates in spring can also be successfully used for AI. Sperm from ejaculates collected during summer and autumn are more suitable for cryopreservation. Hence, it is possible to increase the efficiency of goat breeding by manipulating the seasonal variations of semen quality for immediate AI and/or cryopreservation.     

Liquoid-induced arterial lesions and the generalized Shartzman reaction.

Mural necrotic lesions were produced in renal afferent arteries in rabbits, pigs and blue foxes, by intravenous injections of Liquoid. These lesions were frequently accompanied by thrombosis in the affected arterial segments and invariably by “microthrombosis” in glomerular capillaries. Mural arterial lesions were always present in cases with evident macroscopic necrotic changes of the renal cortex. Necrotic arterial lesions, with thrombosis, were also observed in pulmonary arteries in all the animal species used in these experiments, i.e. rabbit, pig, blue fox, mouse and ferret.     

Electrophoretic patterns of serum proteins in blue foxes with special reference to changes associated with nosematosis.

The serum proteins in 1 group of healthy breeders, 1 group of healthy pups and 4 groups of foxes suffering from various diseases were separated electrophoretically on cellulose acetate membranes. In most of the sera, the proteins were separated into 1 albumin fraction and 5 globulin fractions designated alpha₁, alpha₂, alpha₃, beta and gamma. The mean concentrations of the total proteins and the various serum fractions in the disease groups were compared statistically with the mean values of the normal groups.A nosematosis group was characterized by a distinct hypergammaglobulinaemia together with an increase in the total protein — and a decrease in the albumin concentrations. However, in 2 cubs recovering from nosematosis the hypergammaglobulinaemia was shown to be reversible.In a feed intoxication group the concentration of albumin was found to be lower and the alpha₃-globulin higher than the corresponding values in the healthy group. A virus hepatitis group was characterized by a decrease in the concentrations of albumin and beta-globulin and an increase in the alpha₁- and alpha₃-globulins. In the toxoplasmosis group the total protein and alpha₁- and alpha₃-globulins showed concentrations below the normal values.     

RADIOGRAPHIC CHANGES IN TESTES OF BULLS INFECTED WITH BESNOITIOSIS

Ten beef bulls infected with Besnoitiosis were examined radiographically and pathologically. Eight of these were slaughtered soon after diagnosis; two were left for a six-month observation period. The radiographic findings were focal and branching-tree calcification of the testes. Histopathologic examination proved these calcifications to be necrotic sections of the seminiferous tubules. Radiography of the testes as a means of evaluating the fertility status of the infected bull is recommended.     

Porcine salmonellosis. 3. Production of fibrinous colitis by intravenous injections of a mixture of viable cells of salmonella cholerae-suis and disintegrated cells of the same agent, or hemolytic Escherichia coli

Hemorrhagic necrosis of the gastric and colonic mucosa with capillary thrombosis were induced in pigs experimentally infected with Salmonella cholerae-suis when an additional intravenous supply of disintegrated cells of Salmonella cholerae suis or hemolytic Escherichia coli was administered. Except for the gastrointestinal lesions, the necropsy findings were almost identical with the picture found in acute septicemic salmonellosis. The gastrointestinal changes were interpreted as a special gastroenteric effect of endotoxins of Gramnegative bacteria during the development of septicemic salmonellosis.