Influence of phosphate-buffered sucrose solution on early graft function in feline renal autotransplantation

Graft perfusion with cold heparinized saline has known to induce ischemia and reperfusion injury in feline kidney transplantation. In this study, the effects of phosphate-buffered sucrose solution and heparinized saline solution on early kidney graft function were compared in feline kidney autotransplantation. Perfusion of grafts with or without hypothermic storage with chilled phosphate-buffered sucrose solution prevented ischemia and reperfusion injury despite a very short ischemic time. The results of our study suggest that phosphate-buffered sucrose perfusion and storage solution should be effective to reduce ischemia and reperfusion injury despite a very short ischemic time in feline kidney transplantation.     

Antiradical function of sulfhydryl residues and oxidative stress markers in dairy cattle plasma

The antiradical function of sulfhydryl (SH) residue in dairy cattle plasma and the relationship of SH residue concentrations to other oxidative stress markers, ascorbic acid and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) in plasma were investigated. The concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) in phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.6) and SH residues in dairy cattle plasma decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in vitro by the addition of peroxyradicals at 38°C, depending on incubation periods. The decrease of GSH concentration with the peroxyradical solution was partially protected by the addition of sodium ascorbate solution. A positive and significant correlation with SH residues and albumin concentration in the fresh plasma obtained from 15 dairy cattle was observed (P < 0.05). The SH residue concentration was not correlated with the TBARS concentration in plasma. The total ascorbic acid and SH residues concentration in the plasma correlated positively but not significantly (P < 0.10). These results suggested that SH residues in dairy cattle plasma play important part in the antiradical function.     

Relationships between oxidative stress markers and red blood cell characteristics in renal azotemic dogs

Oxidative stress parameters and erythrocyte characteristics were studied in 15 normal healthy dogs and 33 renal azotaemic dogs from Small Animal Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University. Dogs with renal azotaemia had reduced mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (P < 0.01), packed cell volume (PCV) (P < 0.001) and increased mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (P < 0.001). The relationship was found between degree of azotaemia and MCV, PCV and MCHC. Dogs with severe renal azotaemia had higher intraerythrocytic sodium contents (RBC-Na) (P < 0.05). The red blood cell catalase activity and glutathione and plasma malondialdehyde were unaltered while urinary malondialdehyde-creatinine ratio (U-MDA/Cr) increased significantly (P < 0.001). The U-MDA/Cr was correlated significantly with plasma creatinine concentration (P < 0.05), urinary protein-creatinine ratio (P < 0.05) and fractional excretion of sodium (P < 0.001). The results suggest some changes in RBC characteristics and urine oxidative stress marker in renal azotaemic dogs. Moreover, the U-MDA/Cr is a sensitive biochemical parameter which increased along with degree of renal dysfunction.     

Characterization of normal feline renal vascular anatomy with dual-phase CT angiography

Helical computed tomography angiography was used to evaluate the renal vascular anatomy of potential feline renal donors. One hundred and fourteen computed tomography angiograms were reviewed. The vessels were characterized as single without bifurcation, single with bifurcation, double, or triple. Multiplicity was most commonly seen for the right renal vein (45/114 vs. 3/114 multiple left renal veins, 0/114 multiple right renal arteries, and 8/114 multiple left renal arteries). The right kidney was 13.3 times more likely than the left to have multiple renal veins. Additional vascular variants included double caudal vena cava and an accessory renal artery. For the left kidney, surgery and computed tomography angiography findings were in agreement in 92% of 74 cats. For the right kidney, surgery and computed tomography angiography findings were in agreement in 6/6 cats. Our findings of renal vascular anatomy variations in cats were similar to previous reports in humans. Identifying and recognizing the pattern of distribution of these vessels is important when performing renal transplantation.     

Evaluation of the effects of nephrotomy on renal function in clinically normal cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of nephrotomy on renal function in clinically normal cats. ANIMALS: 20 specific-pathogen-free, 9- to 11-month-old female mixed-breed cats. PROCEDURE: Serum chemistry analyses, CBC determinations, urinalyses, microbiologic urine cultures, renal ultrasonography, abdominal radiography, and single-kidney and total glomerular filtration rate (GFR) determinations by use of renal scintigraphy and measurements of plasma disappearance of technetium 99m-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid were performed before surgery and at 3, 12, 26, 52, and 78 weeks after surgery in 10 cats that underwent unilateral nephrotomy and in 10 control cats that underwent a sham surgical procedure. RESULTS: Two cats (1 from each group) did not complete the study, and their data were eliminated from analyses. Unilateral nephrotomy resulted in a 10% to 20% reduction in mean single-kidney GFR, compared with that of nephrotomy contralateral control kidneys. However, mean total GFR in nephrotomy-group cats was not significantly different from that of sham-group cats. Over the 78 weeks of study, mean total GFR declined 34% and 40% in nephrotomy- and sham-group cats, respectively. Adverse events associated with nephrotomy included persistent microscopic hematuria, renal pelvis hyperechogenicity with distant shadowing on ultrasonographic evaluation, dilatation of renal pelves, and hydronephrosis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Nephrotomy in normal functioning feline kidneys results in a modest relative reduction in renal function, compared with contralateral kidney controls, but has minimal effect on total GFR when compared with sham-operated control cats. However, any detrimental effects of nephrotomy may be magnified in cats with diseased kidneys, which may have little or no capacity for repair or compensation.     

Evaluation of serum feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity for the diagnosis of pancreatitis in cats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate serum feline trypsin-like immunoreactivity (fTLI) concentration and results of abdominal ultrasonography, CBC, and serum biochemical analyses for diagnosis of pancreatitis in cats. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 28 cats with clinical signs compatible with pancreatitis. PROCEDURE: Serum fTLI concentrations were determined, and abdominal ultrasonography, CBC, and serum biochemical analyses were performed prior to histologic evaluation of pancreatic, hepatic, and intestinal specimens. On the basis of histologic results, cats were categorized as having a normal pancreas (n = 10), pancreatic fibrosis with ongoing inflammation (9), pancreatic fibrosis without inflammation (4), and acute necrotizing pancreatitis (5). Serum fTLI concentrations and results of CBC, serum biochemical analyses, and histologic evaluation of hepatic and intestinal specimens were compared among groups. RESULTS: Significant differences in serum fTLI concentrations or any hematologic or biochemical variable were not detected among the 4 groups of cats. Median serum fTLI concentrations were 51 micrograms/L (range, 18 to 200 micrograms/L) in cats with a normal pancreas, 32 micrograms/L (range, 12 to > 200 micrograms/L) in cats with pancreatic fibrosis and ongoing inflammation, 124 micrograms/L (range, 36 to > 200 micrograms/L) in cats with pancreatic fibrosis without ongoing inflammation, and 30 micrograms/L (range, 24 to 84 micrograms/L) in cats with acute necrotizing pancreatitis. We detected a high prevalence of concurrent hepatic and intestinal tract disease in cats with pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In cats with clinical signs of pancreatitis, serum fTLI concentration is poorly associated with histopathologic diagnosis.     

Evaluation of antibodies against feline coronavirus 7b protein for diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis in cats

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether expression of feline coronavirus (FCoV) 7b protein, as indicated by the presence of specific serum antibodies, consistently correlated with occurrence of feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) in cats. SAMPLE POPULATION: 95 serum samples submitted for various diagnostic assays and 20 samples from specific-pathogen-free cats tested as negative control samples. PROCEDURES: The 7b gene from a virulent strain of FCoV was cloned into a protein expression vector. The resultant recombinant protein was produced and used in antibody detection assays via western blot analysis of serum samples. Results were compared with those of an immunofluorescence assay (IFA) for FCoV-specific antibody and correlated with health status. RESULTS: Healthy IFA-seronegative cats were seronegative for antibodies against the 7b protein. Some healthy cats with detectable FCoV-specific antibodies as determined via IFA were seronegative for antibodies against the 7b protein. Serum from cats with FIP had antibodies against the 7b protein, including cats with negative results via conventional IFA. However, some healthy cats, as well as cats with conditions other than FIP that were seropositive to FCoV via IFA, were also seropositive for the 7b protein. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Expression of the 7b protein, as indicated by detection of antibodies against the protein, was found in most FCoV-infected cats. Seropositivity for this protein was not specific for the FCoV virulent biotype or a diagnosis of FIP.     

围产期奶牛氧化应激初步预警体系的建立

旨在通过对围产期奶牛能量负平衡指标与其他血液生化指标的分析,初步建立围产期奶牛氧化应激的预警体系。本试验以能量负平衡为判定标准,BHBA>1.2 mmoI/L,NEFA>0.4 mmoI/L,GLU<3 mmoI/L为发病组,BHBA<1.2 mmoI/L,NEFA<0.4 mmoI/L,GLU>3 mmoI/L为健康对照组,各采集围产期发病组和对照组各25头奶牛的血液并对血中能量代谢、矿物质代谢、微量元素代谢、氧化应激、免疫抑制指标进行独立样本T检验和spearman相关分析,并利用logistic二元逻辑回归预测疾病,最后利用ROC分析确立分界值和诊断效果。结果显示:发病组奶牛血液中的Ca、GSH-Px、CAT、Ve、Mg、Se、Cu水平小于健康组;发病组奶牛血液中的IL-1、IL-6、CRP、IL-2、HP、TNF-α的水平高于健康组,表明能量负平衡的奶牛机体存在氧化应激并伴有炎症和矿物质代谢紊乱。奶牛血液中的Ca、Mg、GSH-Px、CAT、Cu、Se、Ve与BHBA呈显著的负相关,IL-1、IL-2、IL-6、HP、TNF-α与BHBA呈显著的正相关;奶牛血液中的Ca、Mg、GSH-Px、CAT、Ve、Cu与NEFA呈显著的负相关,IL-2、HP、TNF-α与NEFA呈显著的正相关;奶牛血液中的Ca、GSH-Px与GLU呈显著的正相关,IL-6、HP与GLU呈显著的负相关。经回归分析确定Ca、Mg、GSH-Px、CAT、Cu、Se、Ve、IL-1、IL-2、IL-6、TNF-α、HP、BHBA 13项指标与围产期泌乳奶牛氧化应激相关,经ROC分析确立GSH-Px、CAT、Se、IL-6、IL-2、TNF-α、BHBA 7项指标可作为氧化应激发生的预警指标。结果表明,因此,能量负平衡、VE、Se缺乏、炎性因子增多和矿物质代谢紊乱是奶牛产后氧化应激发生的风险因素,但VE和Ca未成为氧化应激的预警指标。初步证实了围产期奶牛氧化应激发生的预警指标,为今后更有效的监控和预防奠定理论基础。     

Microemulsified cyclosporine-based immunosuppression for the prevention of acute renal allograft rejection in unrelated dogs: preliminary experimental study

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the microemulsified formulation of cyclosporine (MCsA; Neoral; Novartis A.G.), combined with azathioprine (Imuran; Glaxo Wellcome), and prednisolone (Delta-Cortef; Upjohn), would be effective in preventing acute renal allograft rejection in unrelated mongrel dogs. To document any toxic effects associated with this drug combination. STUDY DESIGN: rospective, pilot study. ANIMALS: Four healthy, adult, mongrel, canine renal allograft recipients. METHODS: Heterotopic renal transplantation, with bilateral nephrectomy, was performed in 4 dogs. Allografts were harvested from 2 unrelated dogs that were to be euthanatized for reasons unrelated to this study. The dogs were treated for 100 days or until signs of illness or allograft rejection required euthanasia. Microemulsified cyclosporine (20 mg/kg/day), azathioprine (5 mg/kg every other day), and prednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) were administered for the prevention of acute rejection. Body weight, serum biochemistry profiles, complete blood counts, and trough whole-blood cyclosporine concentrations were measured throughout the study. Cyclosporine dose was adjusted to maintain a trough concentration of 400-500 ng/mL. Azathioprine dose was decreased if evidence of hepatotoxicity developed or if the total blood white cell count was <4,000 cells/micro L. The prednisolone was tapered by 0.25 mg/kg increments every 3 weeks and discontinued 14 days before the end of the study in the surviving dogs. Complications were recorded. A complete necropsy and histopathologic examination were performed in each recipient. RESULTS: Two of the 4 dogs survived the 100-day period. One dog was euthanatized at 8 days because of an intestinal intussusception. One dog was euthanatized at 64 days because of a severe upper respiratory infection. At the time of death, these 2 dogs had plasma creatinine concentrations of 1.5 and 2.6 mg/dL, respectively, with no histopathologic evidence of allograft rejection. All dogs had transient weight loss (range, 4.6%-17.7% of preoperative body weight) between days 7 and 14. Two dogs had evidence of hepatotoxicity. The 2 dogs surviving to 100 days had normal serum creatinine concentrations and no clinical signs of rejection. One of these dogs had evidence of a grade IIa acute/active rejection based on the modified BANFF 97 histopathologic classification. The second dog had no evidence of rejection or inflammation within the allograft. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experimental study shows that immunosuppression using MCsA, combined with azathioprine and prednisolone, may be effective in preventing acute renal allograft rejection in unrelated mongrel dogs for 100 days. Complications included ileocolic intussusception, upper respiratory infection, weight loss, and transient hepatotoxicity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Immunosuppression using MCsA, azathioprine, and prednisolone may be effective in preventing acute renal allograft rejection in unrelated, mongrel dogs. This triple drug protocol is cost-effective and was easy to administer. Further investigation is warranted to minimize toxic effects and to determine the efficacy of prophylactic renal biopsies to detect and treat subclinical acute/active rejection.     

Pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus after multidose oral administration and efficacy in the prevention of allograft rejection in cats with renal transplants

OBJECTIVE: To describe pharmacokinetics of multi-dose oral administration of tacrolimus in healthy cats and evaluate the efficacy of tacrolimus in the prevention of allograft rejection in cats with renal transplants. ANIMALS: 6 healthy research cats. PROCEDURE: Cats received tacrolimus (0.375 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) for 14 days. Blood tacrolimus concentrations were measured by a high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry assay. Each cat received an immunogenically mismatched renal allograft and native kidney nephrectomy. Tacrolimus dosage was modified to maintain a target blood concentration of 5 to 10 ng/mL. Cats were euthanatized if plasma creatinine concentration exceeded 7 mg/dL, body weight loss exceeded 20%, or on day 50 after surgery. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted for 6 cats treated with tacrolimus and for 8 cats with renal transplants that did not receive immunosuppressive treatment. RESULTS: Mean (+/- SD) values of elimination half-life, time to maximum concentration, maximum blood concentration, and area under the concentration versus time curve from the last dose of tacrolimus to 12 hours later were 20.5 +/- 9.8 hours, 0.77 +/- 0.37 hours, 27.5 +/- 31.8 ng/mL, and 161 +/- 168 hours x ng/mL, respectively. Tacrolimus treated cats survived longer (median, 44 days; range, 24 to 52 days) than untreated cats (median, 23 days; range, 8 to 34 days). On histologic evaluation, 3 cats had evidence of acute-active rejection, 1 cat had necrotizing vasculitis, and 2 cats euthanatized at study termination had normal appearing allografts. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Tacrolimus may be an effective immunosuppressive agent for renal transplantation in cats.     

Identification of serum protein markers for early diagnosis of pregnancy in buffalo

Improper or delayed pregnancy diagnosis has significant impact over animal production, particularly in buffaloes which inherently suffer from several reproductive inefficiencies. Thus the present study has undertaken to identify serum protein markers pertaining to early pregnancy diagnosis in buffaloes. Serum samples were collected from 10 pregnant Murrah Buffalo heifers at weekly intervals from days 0‐35 post‐artificial insemination and from 12 inseminated non‐pregnant cyclic buffalo heifers on days 0, 7, 14 and 21. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and densitometric analysis revealed the presence of five protein spots showing average density fold change of ≥4 during early pregnancy. Mass spectrometry analysis identified these up‐regulated proteins as anti‐testosterone antibody light chain, apolipoprotein A‐II precursor, serum amyloid A, cytokeratin type II, component IV isoform 1, which are have established roles in embryogenesis, but over‐expression of the fifth identified protein immunoglobulin lambda light chain in pregnancy has been elucidated as a novel finding in the current study. Further, with bioinformatics analysis, potential antigenic B‐cell epitopes were predicted for all these five proteins. An antibody cocktail‐based approach involving antibodies against all these five up‐regulated entire proteins or their epitopes could be developed for early detection of pregnancy in buffaloes. © 2016 Japanese Society of Animal Science     

Evaluation of serum feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity and helical computed tomography versus conventional testing for the diagnosis of feline pancreatitis

Serum feline trypsinogen-like immunoreactivity (fTLI) concentrations and abdominal ultrasound have facilitated the noninvasive diagnosis of pancreatitis in cats, but low sensitivities (33% and 20–35%, respectively) have been reported. A radioimmunoassay has been validated to measure feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fPLI), but the assay's sensitivity and specificity have not been established. In human beings, the sensitivity of computed tomography (CT) is high (75–90%), but in a study of 10 cats, only 2 had CT changes suggestive of pancreatitis. We prospectively evaluated these diagnostic tests in cats with and without pancreatitis. In all cats, serum was obtained for fTLI and fPLI concentrations, and pancreatic ultrasound images and biopsies were acquired. Serum fPLI concentrations ( P <.0001) and ultrasound findings ( P = .0073) were significantly different between healthy cats and cats with pancreatitis. Serum fTLI concentrations ( P = .15) and CT measurements ( P = .18) were not significantly different between the groups. The sensitivity of fTLI in cats with moderate to severe pancreatitis was 80%, and the specificity in healthy cats was 75%. Feline PLI concentrations were both sensitive in cats with moderate to severe pancreatitis (100%) and specific in the healthy cats (100%). Abdominal ultrasound was both sensitive in cats with moderate to severe pancreatitis (80%) and specific in healthy cats (88%). The high sensitivities of fPLI and abdominal ultrasound suggest that these tests should play an important role in the noninvasive diagnosis of feline pancreatitis. As suggested by a previous study, pancreatic CT is not a useful diagnostic test for feline pancreatitis.     

Evaluation of serum biochemical markers of bone metabolism for early diagnosis of nonunion and infected nonunion fractures in rabbits

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of serum concentrations of biochemical markers of bone metabolism (osteocalcin [OC], bone-specific alkaline phosphatase [BS-ALP], and deoxypyridinoline [DPYR]) to compare healing in infected versus noninfected fractures and in fractures with normal repair versus delayed (nonunion) repair in rabbits. ANIMALS: 32 female 9- to 10-month-old New Zealand White rabbits. PROCEDURE: A femoral fracture defect was made in each rabbit. Rabbits were assigned to the following groups: the bone morphogenetic-2 gene treatment group with either noninfected nonunion or infected (ie, inoculation of defects with Staphylococcus aureus) nonunion fractures or the luciferase (control) gene treatment group with either noninfected nonunion or infected nonunion fractures. Serum samples were obtained before surgery (time 0) and 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks after surgery. Callus formation and lysis grades were evaluated radiographically at 16 weeks. RESULTS: Serum OC and BS-ALP concentrations decreased from time 0 at 4 weeks, peaked at 8 weeks, and then decreased. Serum DPYR concentration peaked at 4 weeks and then decreased, independent of gene treatment group or fracture infection status. Compared with rabbits with noninfected fractures, those with infected fractures had lower serum OC and BS-ALP concentrations at 4 weeks, higher serum OC concentrations at 16 weeks, and higher serum DPYR concentrations at 4, 8, and 16 weeks. Combined serum OC, BS-ALP, and DPYR concentrations provided an accuracy of 96% for prediction of fracture infection status at 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Measurement of multiple serum biochemical markers of bone metabolism could be useful for clinical evaluation of fracture healing and early diagnosis of osteomyelitis.     

Use of capecitabine to prevent acute renal allograft rejection in dog erythrocyte antigen-mismatched mongrel dogs

OBJECTIVE: To assess efficacy and toxicity of a capecitabine (CAP)-based regimen for preventing rejection of renal allografts in dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA)-mismatched mongrel dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, pilot study. ANIMALS: Eight healthy, unrelated, DEA mismatched, adult mongrel dogs. METHODS: All dogs received CAP, starting at 50 mg/m2 PO b.i.d. 4 days preoperatively, increasing to 200 mg/m2 PO b.i.d. by the day of surgery. All dogs received cyclosporine-A (CsA) and prednisolone starting 2 days preoperatively. Standard heterotopic renal transplantation with native nephrectomy was performed. After 90 days, surviving dogs were euthanatized and histopathologic examination was performed. RESULTS: Two of 8 dogs developed acute neurotoxicity leading to death or euthanasia within 5 days of surgery. For the 6 remaining dogs, there were no statistically significant changes in complete blood count or serum biochemical values. No opportunistic infections developed during the study period. Five of 6 dogs had no to minimal evidence of graft rejection. Two of 6 dogs developed superficial and pigmentary keratitis. Significant histopathologic findings in all dogs included mild lymphoplasmacytic gastroenteritis, steroid hepatopathy, and corneal epithelial thinning. One dog had moderate interstitial nephritis and pyelitis. CONCLUSIONS: In this experimental model, a CAP-CsA-prednisolone immunosuppressive regimen was effective in preventing rejection of allografts in DEA-mismatched dogs. Severe, unpredictable neurotoxicity and variable ocular toxicity significantly limit clinical applications at this time. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A CAP-CsA-prednisolone protocol is an effective, oral immunosuppressive regimen for prevention of allograft rejection in DEA-mismatched mongrel dogs. For clinical application, identification of patients susceptible to toxic side effects would be necessary.     

Investigation of the usability of kisspeptin and oxidative stress parameters in the early diagnosis of asymptomatic cystic endometrial hyperplasia in dogs

This study aimed to investigate the differences in oxidative stress index (OSI) and kisspeptin levels in clinically asymptomatic dogs with cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) compared to healthy and pregnant dogs, and to determine the usability of the obtained results in the diagnosis of asymptomatic CEH. The study comprised three groups; a healthy (n = 8), a pregnant (n = 10) and a CEH (n = 10). All dogs in the three groups were included in the study at the 30 ± 3th day after estrus, and blood samples were collected for analysis of kisspeptin, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), progesterone (P4), estradiol (E2) and some biochemical parameters (TSH; thyroid stimulating hormone, ALT; alanine aminotransferase, AST; aspartate aminotransferase, ALP; alkaline phosphatase, LDH; lactate dehydrogenase, CRE; creatine and BUN; blood urea nitrogen). In addition, OSI value was calculated. P4 and ALT and BUN levels were significantly lower and higher in CEH group than the pregnant group, respectively (p < .05). While kisspeptin and TAS levels were significantly lower in CEH group compared to the healthy and pregnant groups (p < .01), OSI level increased dramatically. In conclusion, it was confirmed that CEH clearly affected kisspeptin and OSI levels, and it is thought that these parameters may be an alternative diagnostic tool for the detection of CEH after further studies.     

An evaluation of combined immunosuppression with MNA 715 and microemulsified cyclosporine on renal allograft rejection in mismatched mongrel dogs

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a combination of MNA 715 and microemulsifed cyclosporine for the prevention of renal allograft rejection in mismatched mongrel dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, experimental study. ANIMALS: Fourteen female mismatched mongrel dogs. METHODS: Heterotopic renal transplantation and bilateral nephrectomy were performed in each dog. Dogs were randomly assigned to receive either MNA 715 and cyclosporine (n = 8) or cyclosporine alone (n = 6). Dogs were killed at 100 days after transplantation or when plasma creatinine exceeded 7 mg/dL. RESULTS: In the cyclosporine and MNA 715 group: 4 dogs survived to 100 days with normal plasma creatinine concentrations; 2 dogs with intestinal intussusceptions were killed at 5 and 8 days, 1 dog with a wound infection and sepsis was killed at 14 days, and 1 dog with a serum creatinine concentration >7 mg/dL was killed at 51 days postoperatively. In the cyclosporine-alone group: 3 dogs with acute rejection were killed at 6 to 9 days and 3 dogs survived to 100 days. In dogs treated with cyclosporine and MNA 715, survival to histologically confirmed acute rejection was significantly longer (P =.044) and the degree of mononuclear cell infiltration was significantly reduced (P =.040), compared with dogs treated with cyclosporine alone. CONCLUSIONS: MNA 715 combined with cyclosporine prolonged allograft survival and reduced the severity of histologic rejection in a clinically relevant renal transplant model. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An immunosuppressive regimen consisting of MNA715 and microemulsified cyclosporine may be effective in preventing allograft rejection in canine renal transplant patients.     

Evaluation of serum galactomannan detection for diagnosis of feline upper respiratory tract aspergillosis

Measurement of serum galactomannan (GM), a polysaccharide fungal cell-wall component, is a non-invasive test for early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in humans. Feline upper respiratory tract (URT) aspergillosis is an emerging infectious disease in cats. Diagnosis requires biopsy for procurement of tissue specimens for cytological or histological detection of fungal hyphae and for fungal culture. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum GM measurement as a non-invasive diagnostic test for URT aspergillosis in cats. A one-stage, immunoenzymatic sandwich ELISA was used to detect serum GM in 4 groups of cats; Group 1 (URT aspergillosis) – confirmed URT aspergillosis (n = 13, sinonasal aspergillosis (SNA) n = 6 and sino-orbital aspergillosis (SOA) n = 7), Group 2 (URT other) – other URT diseases (n = 15), Group 3 (β-lactam) – cats treated with β-lactam antibiotics for non-respiratory tract disease (n = 14), Group 4a – healthy young cats (≤1 y of age, n = 28), Group 4b – healthy adult cats (>1 y of age, n = 16). One cat with SNA and two cats with SOA caused by an Aspergillus fumigatus-mimetic species, tested positive for serum GM. For a cut-off optical density index of 1.5, the overall sensitivity and specificity of the assay was 23% and 78% respectively. False positive results occurred in 29% of cats in Group 3 and 32% of cats in Group 4a. Specificity increased to 90% when Groups 3 and 4a were excluded from the analysis. Overall, serum GM measurement has a poor sensitivity but is a moderately specific, non-invasive screening test to rule out infection in patients with suspected feline upper respiratory tract aspergillosis.