Effect of prostaglandin E1 on the periosteal regional acceleratory phenomenon in fractured ribs: histomorphometric study in beagles

Transverse fractures were made surgically in the midshaft of the left 9th and 10th ribs in adult Beagles. A buffer vehicle (n = 4) or 0.2 mg of prostaglandin (PG) E1/day (n = 6) was injected into the fracture sites twice a day for 10 days, and dogs were euthanatized on day 30. Double-pulsed fluorescent labels were given with each of 2 fluorochrome markers--calcein before surgical treatment and oxytetracycline HCl before euthanasia. Histomorphometric analysis was carried out on specimens collected in adjacent regions of the healing defects. The surface extent and width of the osteoid on fractured (P less than 0.01, P less than 0.05, respectively) and nonfractured (P less than 0.05) sites in the treated group were greater than those in the nontreated group. The net loss of mineralizing surfaces was noticed on both ribs of both groups. Of 11 samples on the fractured side in the treated group, 4 contained periosteal new bone proliferation. There was increased osteoid formation and decreased mineralizing surfaces in the PGE1-treated group. Seemingly, administration of PGE1 induced bone matrix formation on periosteal envelope adjacent to a fracture site and its contralateral matching site.     

Influence of prostaglandin E2 on parturition in cattle

A double-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled field study of the influence of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on cattle at parturition was carried out. The extent of cervical opening and the intensity of labour were scored before administration of the compound and 10 minutes later; routine birth assistance was then continued by the veterinarian. Successful birth occurred more quickly in the cows treated with PGE2. The extent of cervical opening before the administration of the drug had a significant effect on the time to delivery, but the intensity of labour and a concomitant infusion of calcium did not have significant effects on this period. The less open the cervix before administration of the drug, the more the duration of parturition differed between the two groups, with the placebo group taking longer. A telephone follow-up inquiry found no significant differences between the cows postpartum; there were cases of mastitis and hypocalcaemia in both groups. The incidence of retained fetal membranes and the mortality of the calves were higher in the placebo group, but in neither case was the difference significant.     

Fibrosarcoma adjacent to the site of microchip implantation in a cat

A 14-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat presented with an interscapular mass. A computed tomography scan, biopsy, and histological examination revealed a fibrosarcoma adjacent to a pet identification microchip. Because the cat was previously vaccinated at this site, it is not possible to establish definitive causation of the fibrosarcoma, but this is the first report of a tumor in the vicinity of a microchip in a cat. Microchip-associated tumors have been reported in rodents and dogs. Veterinarians should be aware that because inflammation may predispose felines to tumor formation, separation and observation of vaccination and implantation sites are indicated. Adherence to American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) vaccination guidelines and monitoring of microchip implantation sites are recommended.     

The influence of the injection site on the bioavailability of ampicillin and amoxycillin in beagles

Influence of the injection site on bioavailability in dogs was investigated for injections with ampicillin anhydrate or amoxycillin trihydrate suspensions. Firstly, pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated after IV administration of the sodium salts. Then the dogs were injected in the neck (SC), in the lateral thorax region (SC), in the back (IM) and in the thigh (IM), respectively. The most obvious depot effect was seen after subcutaneous injection of ampicillin in the thorax region, though bioavailability seemed to be low. No differences were seen between the injection sites with amoxycillin. For ampicillin SC injection in the neck seems most favourable; for amoxycillin SC injection may be preferred because it is less burdening. Serum concentrations with amoxycillin were higher and persisted longer than with ampicillin. Further investigation is necessary to determine whether this also counts for tissues or focus of infection.     

Adverse conditions in vitro stimulate chondrocytes to produce prostaglandin E2 and stromelysin

Chondrocytes subjected to adverse culture conditions in vitro are stimulated to produce the eicosanoid prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and the neutral metalloproteinase stromelysin (proteoglycanase). This indicates the potential role of the chondrocyte in cartilage degeneration in equine clinical joint disease and suggests a mechanism which may be involved in the potentiation of the effects of other inflammatory mediators. Therefore, adverse conditions within the joint, such as decreased pH in an inflammatory focus and decreased access of nutrients to deeper layers of cartilage, might contribute to the activation of chondrocytes which leads to cartilage degradation.     

Effect of diet and tylosin on chronic diarrhea in beagles

Seven beagles in a colony of dogs had chronic diarrhea for at least 30 days. The dogs were subsequently treated with tylosin 20 mg/kg BW q24h PO for 10 days. During the treatment period, the feces became firmer but remained loose. When the treatment was discontinued, the diarrhea reappeared in 3 weeks. The feces remained abnormally loose in all dogs treated with metronidazole, trimethoprim-sulfadiazine, or doxycycline and prednisone. The diet was then changed for 10 days from a highly digestible moist pet food to a dry food developed for normal adult dogs. The feces again became firmer, although still loose in some dogs. The period was then extended to 3 month, but the fecal consistency continued to fluctuate from ideal to diarrhea. The dogs were treated a 2nd time with tylosin 20 mg/kg BW q24h PO for 10 days. The feces then became significantly firmer and remained so throughout a 3-month follow-up. We conclude that the combination of diet and tylosin was more effective than either agent alone in control of chronic diarrhea.     

Role of ovarian progesterone and potential role of prostaglandin F2alpha and prostaglandin E2 in modulating the uterine response to infectious bacteria in postpartum ewes

In sheep and cattle, the postpartum uterus is resistant to bacterial challenge until after corpora lutea develop. A 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used to determine whether prostaglandins may mediate the effects of progesterone in transforming the postpartum uterus from resistant to susceptible. On d 14 postpartum, ewes (n = 6/group) were ovariectomized or sham ovariectomized, and the vena cava was catheterized for daily collection of uteroovarian-enriched blood. From d 15 to 20, ewes received twice daily intramuscular injections of progesterone in sesame oil or plain sesame oil. On d 20, each uterus received 75 x 10(7) cfu of Arcanobacterium pyogenes and 35 x 10(7) cfu of Escherichia coli. Uteri were collected on d 25 and examined for signs of infection. For each blood sample, unstimulated and mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation was measured as [3H]thymidine incorporation, smears were prepared for differential white blood cell (WBC) counts, and progesterone, prostaglandin F2alpha, (PGF2alpha), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were quantified. All 12 progesterone-treated, but only two of the 12 oil-treated, ewes developed uterine infections (P < 0.001). Progesterone treatment increased (P < 0.001; 3.1 vs 1.5 ng/mL) and ovariectomy decreased (P < 0.001; 3.7 vs 0.9 ng/mL) vena caval progesterone. Progesterone treatment reduced (P < 0.01) PGF2alpha, (303.9 vs 801.3 pg/mL), and PGF2alpha was greater (P < 0.05) before than after inoculation (626.4 vs 478.8 pg/mL). The PGE2 concentration was greater in progesterone-treated, ovary-intact ewes than in ewes in the other groups (ovariectomy x progesterone treatment; P < 0.01). Ovariectomy increased (P < 0.005; 4.4 vs 2.9 pmol) and progesterone treatment decreased (P < 0.05; 3.2 vs 4.1 pmol) concanavalin A-stimulated lymphocyte proliferation. Ovariectomy increased lipopolysaccharides-stimulated proliferation (P < 0.05; 2.4 vs 1.9 pmol). For neutrophils per 100 WBC, the ovariectomy x progesterone and progesterone x period interactions were significant (P < 0.01). The ovariectomy x progesterone interaction was significant (P < 0.01) for lymphocytes per 100 WBC. Ovariectomy decreased monocytes (P < 0.001; 10 vs 13) and increased eosinophils (P < 0.001; 10 vs 5) per 100 WBC. Progesterone makes the postpartum uterus in ewes susceptible to infection, but ovariectomy allows ewes to remain resistant; uterine prostaglandins may mediate this change. This model creates opportunities to determine the mechanisms responsible for the shift from resistance to susceptible.     

In vitro effects of prostaglandin E1, prostaglandin E2, indomethacin, histamine, and tuftsin on chemiluminescence response of bovine polymorphonuclear leukocytes

The in vitro effects of prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), indomethacin, histamine, and tuftsin on the chemiluminescence response of bovine polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) were determined. Addition of PGE1, PGE2, indomethacin, and histamine in vitro significantly suppressed the chemiluminescence response of bovine PMN's, whereas tuftsin had no effect. Suppression was dependent upon the continued presence of PGE1, PGE2, and histamine in the culture media. However, indomethacin's suppressive effect remained even after it was removed from the culture media. Hydrogen peroxide generated chemiluminescence was suppressed by high concentrations of indomethacin and histamine. Results of this study suggest possible pharmacologic or regulatory mechanisms for certain of these immune modulators in the control of the oxidative burst reaction of bovine PMN's.     

Effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha on adrenal-produced steroid hormones in cows

Ovariectomized, nonlactating cows were treated with IM injections of either physiologic saline solution or prostaglandin F2 alpha. Plasma concentrations of cortisol increased significantly by 30 to 60 minutes after injection of prostaglandin F2 alpha, but there were no significant increases in plasma concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, or testosterone. After saline solution treatment, there were no increases in any of the hormones measured.     

Effect of prostaglandin F2 alpha administration on early pregnancy in ewes

Two trials were conducted with ewes to determine the effects of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF) administration during the first week of gestation. In trial 1, ewes (n = 134) were checked for breeding activity once daily and half of them received 10 mg PGF im at either 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120 or 144 h after detection of a breeding mark. The other half served as uninjected controls. In trial 2, ewes (n = 153) were checked for breeding activity twice daily. Two-thirds of the ewes received 10 mg PGF at either 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, 84, 96, 108, 120 and 132 h following detection of a breeding mark. The other one-third of the ewes served as uninjected controls corresponding to treatment times of 24, 48, 72, 96 or 120 h. In trial 1, the percentage of ewes lambing as a result of first service decreased as time of administration of PGF increased. The first-service pregnancy rate was 87.5% for ewes given PGF at 0 h and 0% for ewes given PGF at 144 h. Fewer (P less than .05) ewes given PGF at 96, 120 or 144 h after first mating lambed than control ewes. Similarly in trial 2, fewer (P less than .05) ewes given PGF at 96, 108, 120 or 132 h after first mating lambed than did controls. The total number of ewes lambing as a result of the entire breeding season did not differ (P greater than .05) between treated and control ewes in trial 1 (88.2 vs 87.3%) or trial 2 (85.7 vs 83.3%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effect of multiple oral dosing of fluconazole on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine in healthy beagles

Fluconazole (Fcz) is successfully used in human organ transplant patients as an antifungal therapy. However, Fcz can increase the cyclosporine (CsA) trough level and lead to CsA nephrotoxicity. In canine renal transplantation, CsA has been used as a major immunosuppressant, and it is important to control its trough level. However, the interaction of Fcz with CsA has not yet been reported in dogs. In this study, the effect of Fcz treatment on the pharmacokinetics of CsA in four healthy beagles was investigated using a four-period crossover design. The treatments included CsA alone (A), CsA + multiple-dose Fcz 50 mg (B), CsA + multiple-dose Fcz 25 mg (C) and CsA + single-dose Fcz 50 mg (D). Blood CsA concentrations were measured at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 24 hr after CsA administration. The AUC(0-12) and C(max) values for treatment B were significantly higher than those for the other treatments. In particular, the AUC(0-12) of treatment B was about two times higher than that of treatment A. Fcz administration did not significantly prolong the half-life or mean residence time of CsA. The results of our study show that administration of multiple therapeutic doses of Fcz can significantly increase the CsA blood concentration, which might partially depend upon the Fcz blood concentration. When Fcz is used in CsA-based canine renal transplantation, it may be necessary to adjust the CsA trough level by decreasing the dose.     

Effect of a hydrocolloid dressing on first intention healing surgical wounds in the dog: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of a hydrocolloid dressing for the treatment of surgical wounds in dogs. METHODS: Six healthy young female dogs of medium size and different breed underwent ovariohysterectomy. Histological evaluation was performed on biopsies taken from the edges of the wounds at day 7. The dressing was applied on one half of the wound according to manufacturer's instructions; the second half served as control. Biopsy specimens were fixed in a 10% formalin buffered solution pH 7.4, paraffin embedded and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. For clinical assessment, the presence and quality of exudate, erythema of the surrounding area, swelling and correct apposition of the wound margins were evaluated. RESULTS: The hydrocolloid dressing was easy to use. The clinical quality of the treated skin wounds was superior to the non-treated ones. Comparison of histological features between treated and untreated wounds showed a more regular organisation of the granulation tissue in the treated wounds, with fibroblasts being aligned parallel to the overlying epidermis. The number of inflammatory cells and the extension of granulation tissue were less prominent and less widespread in treated compared to untreated wounds. CONCLUSION: The dressing performed very well in terms of adhesiveness and flexibility. It was useful in the management of surgical wounds to avoid contamination and ameliorate the epithelialisation rate and granulation tissue morphology of the surgical scar.     

Experimentally induced phenylbutazone toxicosis in ponies: description of the syndrome and its prevention with synthetic prostaglandin E2

Phenylbutazone (PBZ) toxicosis was induced in 9 ponies to further define the clinical and pathologic changes occurring with this syndrome. Six additional ponies were treated with PBZ and a synthetic prostaglandin E2 to determine the role of prostaglandins in the pathogenesis of PBZ toxicosis. Ponies given only PBZ exhibited CNS depression, anorexia, weight loss, diarrhea, cyanotic mucous membranes, and oral ulcers. Total serum protein concentration gradually decreased during the 10-day treatment period. Marked mucosal atrophy, focal erosions, and ulcers characterized the lesions in the alimentary tract. Ponies given PBZ and prostaglandin E2 remained clinically healthy and did not develop hypoproteinemia or mucosal atrophy. A few erosions were seen, but ulcers were not observed. The results of the present study indicate that mucosal atrophy is a characteristic lesion of PBZ toxicosis. It is also evident that inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis has an important role in the development of this syndrome.     

Evaluation of prostaglandin E2 as a regulator of lipolysis in bovine adipose tissue

Effects of exogenous prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on rates of lipolysis in sections of subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsied from fed and fasted Holstein steers were determined. The interaction of PGE2 with several exogenous effectors of lipolysis and of the adenylate cyclase-cAMP system also was measured. Epinephrine increased basal (nonstimulated) lipolysis approximately one-fold. Prostaglandin E2 had no effect on either basal or epinephrine-stimulated lipolysis. Dibutyryl cAMP increased rate of lipolysis .4-fold, whereas theophylline increased lipolysis more than one-fold. Theophylline had an additive effect on epinephrine-stimulated lipolysis. Dibutyryl cAMP increased theophylline-stimulated lipolysis but not epinephrine-stimulated lipolysis. Prostaglandin E2 had no effect on epinephrine-, dibutyryl cAMP- or theophylline-stimulated lipolysis. Fasting decreased basal lipolysis by 40%. Furthermore, lipolysis in tissue incubated with PGE2, epinephrine or PGE2 plus epinephrine decreased from 30 to 50% upon fasting. As also shown with tissue from fed steers, PGE2 did not alter basal or epinephrine-stimulated lipolysis in tissue from fasted steers. Influences of exogenous effectors on lipolysis in adipose tissue from fed and fasted steers indicate that PGE2 does not control the adenylate cyclase-cAMP system that regulates lipolysis in bovine adipose tissue.     

Effects of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol on disuse osteoporosis in the dog: a histomorphometric study.

Disuse osteoporosis was produced in dogs by immobilization of the left rear limb in a plaster cast. The trabecular bone volume of the calcaneus was then determined following treatment with 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol for 4 weeks with oral dosages of 60 to 240 ng/kg of body weight. The trabecular bone volume percentage of the immobilized calcaneus was in direct relation to the dosage of 1 alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol.