Histamine inhalation challenge in normal horses and in horses with small airway disease

A histamine inhalation challenge (HIC) procedure was developed to assess hyperreactive states in horses. Following clinical evaluation, percutaneous lung biopsies were performed on nine light breed mares aged 6 to 15 years. Five horses, with normal small airways, were classified as group A and four subjects with small airway disease (SAD) lesions formed group B. Pulmonary mechanics parameters were monitored following an aerosol of 0.9% saline and every 5 min for up to 30 min after HIC with 0.5% w/v of histamine diphosphate, administered through a face mask for 2.5 min. Tidal volume (VT) and airflow (V) values were obtained with a pneumotachograph. Transpulmonary pressure (delta Ppl) was measured by the esophageal balloon catheter method. Dynamic compliance (Cdyn), total pulmonary resistance (RL), end expiratory work of breathing (EEW) and respiratory rate (f) were calculated by a pulmonary mechanics computer. Group A horses had increases in RL, and decreases in Cdyn whereas horses in group B were hyperreactive and showed greater changes in EEW, Cdyn, and delta Ppl but with a relatively lower variation of RL. One horse in clinical remission from SAD, but with a high biopsy score (group B), and one clinically normal horse belonging to group A showed marked hyperreactivity as shown by increases in EEW, maximum change in delta Ppl and RL and decreases in Cdyn. These results suggest that the HIC described can be used as a method to investigate airway hyperreactivity and SAD in horses.     

Comparison of forced oscillation with the conventional method for histamine bronchoprovocation testing in horses

OBJECTIVE: To compare response of horses to histamine bronchoprovocation (HBP), using total respiratory resistance (Rrs) measured by forced oscillatory mechanics (FOM) with dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and pulmonary resistance (RL) measured by the esophageal balloon method. ANIMALS: 10 horses with various degrees of airway reactivity. PROCEDURE: The 2 methods for measuring airway responses to HBP were performed on separate days. Endpoints compared were increase of 150 or 200% of baseline Rrs (PC150Rrs, PC200Rrs) and to 150% of baseline RL (PC150RL) or decrease to 65% of baseline Cdyn (PC65Cdyn). Frequency dependence of respiratory mechanics, using FOM, was evaluated, using the slope of Rrs over 1 to 3 Hz and the ratios of Rrs at 1 Hz to Rrs at 2 and 3 Hz (Rrs1Hz/Rrs2Hz, Rrs1Hz/Rrs3Hz) and of Rrs at 2 Hz to Rrs at 3 Hz (Rrs2Hz/Rrs3Hz). Effect of histamine on frequency dependence was assessed. RESULTS: Correlation with PC65Cdyn was high for PC150Rrs (rs = 0.93) and PC200Rrs (rs = 0.96). Correlation between PC65Cdyn and PC150RL was weakly positive (rs = 0.61). The slope of Rrs over 1 to 3 Hz changed significantly between baseline (-0.07+/-0.09 cm H2O/L/s/Hz) and final histamine dose (-0.28+/-0.10 cm H2O/L/s/Hz). The Rrs1Hz/Rrs3Hz and Rrs2Hz/Rrs3Hz differed significantly (P < 0.05 between baseline [1.27+/-0.36 and 0.96+/-0.11, respectively] and final histamine dose [1.62+/-0.37 and 1.09+/-0.14, respectively]). CONCLUSIONS: Correlation between histamine-induced changes in respiratory mechanics, as measured by FOM and the pneumotachograph-esophageal balloon method, was good. The FOM results indicated frequency dependence of respiratory mechanics during HBP. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: A noninvasive method of measuring airway reactivity will facilitate routine evaluation of horses with suspected small airway disease and may be suitable for field studies.     

Comparison of barometric whole body plethysmography and its derived parameter enhanced pause (PENH) with conventional respiratory mechanics in healthy Beagle dogs

The purpose of the study was to compare barometric whole body plethysmography (BWBP) and its derived parameter, enhanced pause (PENH), with conventional respiratory mechanics measurements. Resistance (RL), dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and pleural pressure changes were measured in six healthy anaesthetised Beagle dogs using a pneumotachograph and oesophageal balloon technique consecutive to BWBP-derived variables. Upper airway airflow limitation was established (1) by a filter or (2) by insertion of a narrow endotracheal tube. Bronchoconstriction was induced by nebulisation of carbachol at increasing concentrations until PENH exceeded 300% baseline. Upper airway narrowing significantly increased resistance (baseline RL 2.0+/-0.3, RL filter 11.8+/-3.2, RL luminal narrowing 21.1+/-2.3cm H(2)O/L/s; P <0.03), whereas PENH did not change significantly (baseline PENH 0.55+/-0.17, PENH filter 0.49+/-0.10; PENH luminal narrowing 0.50+/-0.18; P >0.05). Carbachol-induced bronchoconstriction caused a significant increase in PENH (baseline PENH 0.43+/-0.14, PENH carbachol 2.62+/-2.14; P <0.02) and resistance (baseline RL 2.1+/-0.3, RL carbachol 28.8+/-13.0 cm H2O/L/s; P <0.01), and a pronounced drop in compliance (baseline Cdyn 163.3+/-73.9, Cdyn carbachol 9.7+/-2.9mL/cmH2O; P <0.02). It was concluded that BWBP detects airflow limitation due to bronchoconstriction but not due to upper airway obstruction in healthy dogs. BWBP represents a valid, although not very sensitive screening tool for respiratory function testing.     

Growth-related changes in the pulmonary function of goats

Growth-related changes in pulmonary function values were investigated in 20 healthy French Alpine goats, aged between 20 and 550 days, weighing 7–55 kg. Pulmonary ventilation, mechanics of breathing and arterial oxyten tension were measured using standardized techniques and methods adapted for goats of different body sizes. The Ppl values and the tI/tTOT ratio showed no significant changes with age and body size. The ventilation values (Vt, Ve, mVI and mVE) increased linearly with growth. There was a significant correlation of age and body weight with dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), total pulmonary resistance (RL), viscous work of breathing (Wvis tot) and minute viscous work (Wvis min) throughout the age range studied. Cdyn, Wvis tot and Wvis min increased and RL decreased with age and body weight. Arterial blood gases (PaO₂ and PaCO₂) did not show significant changes over the age range studied. Regression equations for each pulmonary function parameter are given with body weight as the independent variable. Data for the mechanics of breathing were compared with those elsewhere for cattle, horses, man and dogs.     

Cardiopulmonary function in horses during anesthetic recovery in a hydropool.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the cardiovascular and respiratory effects of water immersion in horses recovering from general anesthesia. ANIMALS: 6 healthy adult horses. PROCEDURE: Horses were anesthetized 3 times with halothane and recovered from anesthesia while positioned in lateral or sternal recumbency in a padded recovery stall or while immersed in a hydropool. Cardiovascular and pulmonary functions were monitored before and during anesthesia and during recovery until horses were standing. Measurements and calculated variables included carotid and pulmonary arterial blood pressures (ABP and PAP respectively), cardiac output, heart and respiratory rates, arterial and mixed venous blood gases, minute ventilation, end expiratory transpulmonary pressure (P(endXes)), maximal change in transpulmonary pressure (deltaP(tp)max), total pulmonary resistance (RL), dynamic compliance (Cdyn), and work of breathing (W). RESULTS: Immersion in water during recovery from general anesthesia resulted in values of ABP, PAP P(endXes), deltaP(tp)max, R(L), and W that were significantly greater and values of Cdyn that were significantly less, compared with values obtained during recovery in a padded stall. Mode of recovery had no significant effect on any other measured or calculated variable. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Differences in pulmonary and cardiovascular function between horses during recovery from anesthesia while immersed in water and in a padded recovery stall were attributed to the increased effort needed to overcome the extrathoracic hydrostatic effects of immersion. The combined effect of increased extrathoracic pressure and PAP may contribute to an increased incidence of pulmonary edema in horses during anesthetic recovery in a hydropool.     

Comparative pulmonary mechanics in the horse and the cow

Pulmonary mechanics and lung volumes were measured in horses and cows to determine if differences in breathing pattern between the two species were due to differences in the mechanical properties of the lungs. Tidal volume (VT) was larger in the horses, while the respiratory rate (fR) and minute ventilation (VE) were higher in the cows. The horses often had a double peak in airflow during inspiration and, or, expiration, while the cows had a single peak during expiration. Measured lung volumes were larger in the horses and they had a higher dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn,L), although the static compliance of the lung, chest wall and respiratory system (Cst,L,Cst,w and Cst,rs respectively) did not appear to differ between the two species. The cows had a greater change in maximum transpulmonary pressure (delta PLmax) and an increased nonelastic work of breathing (Wb). However, the pulmonary resistance (RL) did not differ between the two species, thus the higher delta PLmax and Wb in the cows were most likely a function of their higher flow rates. Calculations of the rate of work of breathing (W) indicate that both species breathed at an fR above the minimum W. The fR in the horses was close to the fR predicted for the average minimum muscle force, but the fR in the cows was higher. As the differences in the mechanical properties of the lung do not explain the differences in flow pattern, nor adequately account for the higher fR in the cows, it is suggested that the differences in breathing pattern between the two species is due to differences in the chest wall, particularly the size and shape of the abdomen.     

Comparison of bronchodilators in alleviating clinical signs in horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A representative of each of 3 types of bronchodilators was given iv to horses with clinical signs of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We used atropine (0.01 mg/kg of body weight) as an anticholinergic, isoproterenol HCl as a beta-adrenergic, and aminophylline, the soluble salt of theophylline, as a methylxanthine. Response to these drugs was evaluated by measuring maximal change in intrathoracic pressures (delta Ppl) and observing clinical signs. Atropine caused a significant (P less than 0.01) reduction in delta Ppl, compared with that caused by aminophylline. Atropine caused the delta Ppl to decrease an average of 83 +/- 15% toward normal. Clinical improvement was noticed in 87% of the cases. Maximal changes in pleural pressures were reduced by an average of 21 +/- 14 mm of Hg, with 27% returning completely to normal. Isoproterenol helped 77% of horses clinically, and caused delta Ppl to decrease an average of 68 +/- 31% toward normal. The average reduction in delta Ppl was 16 +/- 10 mm of Hg. Aminophylline helped alleviate clinical signs of 50% of the horses and caused delta Ppl to decrease an average of 41 +/- 36% toward normal. The average reduction in delta Ppl was 10 +/- 11 mm of Hg.     

Improved pulmonary adaptation in newborn calves with postnatal acidosis.

The adaptation of newborn calves to extra-uterine life was evaluated by measuring arterial blood gases, acid-base values, blood ions and lung mechanical function parameters in normal and acidotic calves during the first 24 h. Twenty-seven Holstein Friesian newborn calves were divided into two groups according to their immediate post partum arterial blood pH values (Group A blood pH > or = 7.2: normal group; Group B blood pH between 7.2 and 7.0: acidotic group). Pulmonary function parameters were measured and arterial blood samples were analysed for blood gases, acid-base variables and ion content immediately post partum (within 2 min) and then 6 and 24 h after calving.Lung resistance and maximal difference between pressure maximum and pressure minimum (max delta Ppl) decreased, while dynamic lung compliance increased significantly in both groups. Immediately post partum the lung resistance and max delta Ppl were significantly higher in the acidotic group than in the normal group. The arterial blood pH progressively compensated with time in both groups during the first 24 h and there was no difference in arterial blood pH values between the two groups 6 h after birth. These results showed that the compensation of acidosis was associated with the improvement in lung mechanics and these changes occurred mainly during the first 6 h of life. Moderate to pronounced acidosis did not affect the pulmonary adaptation negatively, although some respiratory mechanics parameters (max delta Ppl), blood pH and Ca(2+)ion concentrations remained significantly different between the normal and acidotic groups at 24 h. This might be the result of overcompensation of acidosis and the interdependence between blood pH and Ca(2+)concentrations.     

Efficacy of salmeterol xinafoate in horses with recurrent airway obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the onset, magnitude, and duration of bronchodilation after administration of aerosolized salmeterol xinafoate in horses with recurrent airway obstruction. DESIGN: Randomized controlled study ANIMALS: 6 horses with recurrent airway obstruction. Procedure Horses received aerosolized salmeterol (210 microg) or no treatment, using a crossover design. Salmeterol was administered, using a mask designed for aerosol delivery in horses. Subjective rating of airway obstruction (RAO), maximal change in pleural pressure (deltaPplmax), and pulmonary resistance (RL) were determined at baseline; 5, 15, and 30 minutes; and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 hours after administration of salmeterol and in horses that did not receive treatment. RESULTS: The deltaPpl and RL were improved 15 minutes through 6 hours after administration of salmeterol, compared with values obtained from horses receiving no treatment. The RAO was improved 15 minutes through 2 hours after administration of salmeterol. The maximal response to salmeterol was evident 30 to 60 minutes after administration and was characterized by a 59 + 19% decrease in deltaPpl and a 56 +/- 13% decrease in RL. The deltaPpl and RL were not different from baseline values 8 hours after salmeterol administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Duration of action of salmeterol in these horses was approximately 6 hours. Maximal bronchodilation was somewhat delayed (30 to 60 minutes), and the magnitude of response was similar to that of short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists. Salmeterol provides moderately sustained bronchodilation in horses with recurrent airway obstruction and may be an effective drug for long-term control of this condition.     

Bronchoconstrictive properties of inhaled 8-epi-PGF2alpha in healthy and heaves-susceptible horses

The 8-epi-PGF2alpha is a marker of oxidative stress which is increased in lungs of asthmatic humans and heaves-susceptible horses. 8-Epi-PGF2alpha has also been demonstrated to be an in vitro and in vivo bronchoconstrictor in humans and rodents. We hypothesised that inhaled 8-epi-PGF2alpha was a bronchoconstrictor in healthy and heaves-susceptible horses in clinical remission. The effect on ventilatory mechanics of nebulised 8-epi-PGF2alpha was compared to that of PGF2alpha and U46619, a thromboxane A2 agonist. Pulmonary resistance (R(L)) and dynamic compliance (Cdyn) were assessed in six healthy horses and in six heaves-susceptible horses in clinical remission before (baseline) and immediately after a single inhalation challenge of 1 mg 8-epi-PGF2alpha PGF2alpha, or U46619 and placebo. R(L) and Cdyn were unchanged after inhalation of 8-epi-PGF2alpha in healthy horses. In heaves-susceptible horses, 8-epi-PGF2alpha induced a significant increase of R(L) and a significant decrease of Cdyn when compared to baseline values. Differences between R(L) and Cdyn values after 8-epi-PGF2alpha inhalation and those of placebo inhalation were not significant. Differences with healthy horses were not significant. PGF2alpha and U46619 induced a significant bronchoconstriction in healthy (R(L) and Cdyn versus baseline) and heaves-susceptible horses (R(L) and Cdyn, versus baseline and placebo), the R(L) increase in heaves-susceptible horses after PGF2alpha inhalation was significantly higher than that in healthy horses. Our results suggest that 8-epi-PGF2alpha is not a bronchoconstrictor in healthy horses, and a bronchoconstrictor far less efficient than PGF2alpha and U46619 at the same dose in heaves-susceptible horses.     

Beta-adrenergic receptor activity in ponies with recurrent obstructive pulmonary disease.

Pulmonary function measurements were made in control ponies and in ponies with recurrent obstructive pulmonary disease (principals) during clinical remission and during an attack of acute airway obstruction. The ponies were given beta-adrenergic antagonists and agonists to determine the role of beta receptors in recurrent obstructive pulmonary disease, and to determine the subtypes of beta receptors mediating bronchodilation in ponies. Aerosol administration of the beta antagonists, propranolol (beta 1 and beta 2), atenolol (beta 1), and butoxamine (beta 2) decreased dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and increased pulmonary resistance (RL) in the principal ponies during airway obstruction, but were without effect when the ponies were in clinical remission. Intravenous administration of atropine reversed the effect of atenolol on Cdyn and RL, but was without effect on the decrease in Cdyn and increase in RL observed after butoxamine administration. The beta antagonists did not affect airway function in the control ponies. The effect of beta blockade on Cdyn and RL suggests beta-adrenergic activation in the central and peripheral airways of principal ponies, mediated through both beta 2- and beta 1-adrenergic receptors. The aerosol beta agonists, isoproterenol (beta 1 and beta 2), and clenbuterol (beta 2) attenuated histamine-induced airway obstruction to a similar extent in control ponies that were given histamine IV. In addition, the beta 1 antagonist, atenolol, did not attenuate the bronchodilation observed with isoproterenol. We concluded that, although beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors exist in pony airways and are activated during acute airway obstruction, bronchodilation in response to beta agonists in ponies seems to be mediated primarily by beta 2-adrenergic receptors.     

Mechanics of breathing in goats

Common pulmonary function tests used in man and domestic mammals were adapted to the goat. Requirements for intrathoracic pressure record and pulmonary function investigation were determined. The elastance of the mid-thoracic portion of the oesophagus was measured in 17 healthy goats. The calculated percentage error in identifying the endoesophageal intrathoracic pressure decreased with somatic growth, and was found to be smaller than 2 per cent for adult goats. The location of the oesophageal balloon catheter used to measure the intrathoracic pressure was standardised. The following regression equation calculated between the length of catheter (Lcat) and the thoracic circumference (TC) was found: Lcat (cm) = 6.19 +/- 0.7163 X TC (cm) (R2 = 0.96). The influence of the dead space of a face mask on respiration pattern and arterial blood gas were studied. There were no significant changes in arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) and carbon dioxide (PaCO2), pHa, breathing frequency and intrathoracic pressures. The influence of head and neck position was investigated. Upper airway resistance (Ruaw), measured with the head in a normal position did not significantly differ from values obtained with the head in a horizontal position. Ruaw measured with the head in a vertical position was considerably increased. Arterial blood gas tension and pulmonary mechanics were measured to assess the reproducibility of pulmonary function measurements. Variability in blood gas tension, tidal volume and minute volume is small. The variability of peak to peak intrathoracic pressure change (max delta Plp), dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), total pulmonary resistance (RL) and Rt were relatively large.     

Effects of bovine respiratory syncytial virus on airway function in neonatal calves

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection causes severe lower respiratory tract disease in infants and calves. Neonatal respiratory tract infection in children often produces persistent changes in lung function. The specific objective of this study was to determine whether neonatal calves have transient or persistent alterations in pulmonary function and airway reactivity following RSV infection. Six 2- to 3-day-old Holstein bull calves were inoculated with 10 ml of bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) inoculum (10(2.7) to 10(3.8) cell culture infective doses/ml) intranasally and 10 ml of BRSV inoculum (10(4.8) to 10(5.9) cell culture infective doses/ml) intratracheally for 4 consecutive days, and 5 other calves were sham-inoculated. Prior to inoculation (day 0) and on days 4, 14, and 30 after the last inoculation, body weight (kg), dynamic compliance (Cdyn), pulmonary resistance (RL), and 2 indices of airway reactivity (effective dose [ED] 65Cdyn and ED200RL) were measured. Control calves gained weight progressively throughout the study, whereas RSV-inoculated calves failed to gain weight for 14 days, but equaled control calf weight by 30 days after inoculation. The Cdyn of control calves increased significantly by 30 days, but did not in the RSV-infected calves. Pulmonary resistance was increased significantly at 4, 14, and 30 days, but was unaffected by sham inoculation. The ED65Cdyn and ED200RL indicated an age-dependent increase in reactivity to histamine and an increase in responsiveness in the infected group beginning at 14 days and persisting until the end of the study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of inhaled ipratropium bromide on breathing mechanics and gas exchange in exercising horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Six Warmblood horses suffering an acute exacerbation of COPD were tested to investigate whether inhalation of ipratropium bromide (IB) dry powder (2,400 microg) 30 min preexercise would improve their exercise capacity. A cross-over protocol with an inert powder placebo (P) was used. Mechanics of breathing and arterial blood gases were determined before treatment, after treatment but pre-exercise, and during an incremental exercise test. Oxygen consumption (VO2) was also measured before and during exercise, and the time to fatigue recorded. Inhalation of IB reduced total pulmonary resistance (RL) and maximum intrapleural pressure changes (deltaPpl(max)) and increased dynamic compliance before exercise. The onset of exercise was associated with a marked decrease in RL in P-treated horses but not those receiving IB, so that RL during exercise was not affected by treatment. Although deltaPpl(max) was lower at 8,9 and 10 m/s with IB, there were no treatment-related changes in VO2, blood gases, time to fatigue or any other measurement of breathing mechanics. Therefore, although inhalation of IB prior to exercise may have improved deltaPpl(max), it had no apparent impact on the horses' capacity for exercise.     

Mechanical properties of excised calf lungs: effects of airway obstruction with beads

Isolated lungs of five calves were suspended in an airtight box used as a ventilator. Lungs were ventilated from the outside at different levels of transpulmonary pressure. Dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and total pulmonary resistance (RL) were measured. These pulmonary function values were also measured during central and peripheral airway obstructions. It was demonstrated that both central and peripheral obstructions induced significant variations of Cdyn and RL. However, decrease of Cdyn was greater and increase of RL was smaller during a peripheral obstruction than during a central one.     

Mechanical properties of excised calf lungs

Five isolated calf lungs were suspended in an airtight box used as a ventilator. Lungs were ventilated from the outside at different levels of transpulmonary pressure (Ptp). The static pressure-volume curve characteristics of the lungs were measured. Static compliance (Cstat) was 1.9 +/- 0.37 litres kPa-1 or 25 +/- 5 per cent of total lung capacity kPa-1. At a Ptp of 0.7 kPa, dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and lung resistance (RL) were 1.1 +/- 0.1 litres kPa-1 and 0.126 +/- 0.02 kPa litres sec-1, respectively. Both an increase and a decrease of this level of Ptp induced an increase of RL and a decrease of Cdyn. The ratio Cdyn/Cstat averaged 57 +/- 0.8 per cent. It was concluded that in excised lungs, Cdyn is lower in the calf than in a number of other species and that pulmonary function values measured in vitro are optimum at values of Ptp close to values recorded in vivo in healthy cattle.     

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in horses: aetiological studies: responses to intradermal and inhalation antigenic challenge.

Micropolyspora faeni and Aspergillus fumigatus were identified as common causes of respiratory hypersensitivity in horses affected with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Rye grass pollen and an Actinomycete evoked respiratory allergy in a few horses. Not infrequently, individual horses were found to have respiratory hypersensitivity to two or more antigens. The methods used to examine for allergy were intradermal testing and inhalation challenge with environmental antigens. An intradermal test using an M faeni extract was demonstrated to be suitable for diagnostic use in horses previously accurately diagnosed as suffering from COPD. In contrast, the A fumigatus antigen used proved unsatisfactory for such a purpose. Skin reaction to M faeni and A fumigatus extracts by horses affected with COPD indicated that the hypersensitivity was a dual one--a weak response shortly after injection followed by an Arthus-like response 4 to 8 hours later. As a parameter for monitoring responses to inhalation challenge, maximum intrathoracic pressure change (max delta Ppl) proved satisfactory, whereas changes in partial pressure of arterial oxygen (PaO2) did not.     

Airway responses to histamine aerosol in clinically normal foods.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the spectrum of nonspecific airway reactivity in a group of clinically normal foals. ANIMALS: 12 clinically normal mixed-breed foals, 48 to 92 days old, without history of clinical lung disease. PROCEDURE: Nonspecific airway reactivity was determined by measuring the extent of changes in dynamic compliance during nebulization of incrementally increasing concentrations of histamine aerosol. Degree of airway reactivity was expressed as the dose of histamine that evoked a decrease in dynamic compliance (Cdyn) to 65% of the after saline nebulization value (PC65Cdyn) or increase in pulmonary resistance (R(L)) to 135% of baseline (PC135R(L)). RESULTS: In all foals, it was possible to induce a decrease in Cdyn in dose-dependent manner to < or = 65% of baseline. Response of foals in terms of R(L) was more erratic, and, in 1 foal, R(L) decreased after histamine exposure. Mean+/-SD PC65Cdyn was 5.43+/-1.74 (range, 0.77 to 19.56) mg/ml, and mean PC135R(L) was 3.34+/-1.52 (range, -0.749 to 17.35) mg/ml. Body weight was not correlated to baseline Cdyn, R(L), PC65Cdyn, or PC135R(L). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinically normal foals had a wide range of airway reactivity, which may contribute to variation in clinical responses of foals to otherwise similar stimuli, such as infection, inflammation, and challenge exposure with environmental irritants.     

Intravenous histamine administration in ponies with recurrent airway obstruction (heaves)

Pulmonary function and airway reactivity to IV histamine were measured in a group of ponies with a history of recurrent airway obstruction (heaves) and their age-, weight-, and gender-matched controls. Ponies were studied during a period of clinical remission (period A), after exposure to a barn environment (period B), and twice during a 2-week recovery phase (periods C and D). At periods A, C, and D, PaO2, dynamic compliance (Cdyn), pulmonary resistance, tidal volume, respiratory frequency, and the log dose of histamine required to reduce Cdyn to 65% of base-line value (log ED65Cdyn) of principals and controls did not differ. Barn exposure (period B) decreased Cdyn, PaO2, and ED65Cdyn and increased pulmonary resistance in principals but not controls. The slope of the histamine dose-Cdyn response curves was not different between principal and control groups of ponies and was unaffected by barn exposure or return to pasture. There was a poor correlation between ED65Cdyn and indices of airway caliber. During acute airway obstruction, ponies with a history of heaves were hyperreactive to IV histamine, but during disease remission, airway response to histamine was not different from that of control ponies. Seemingly, hyperreactivity in principal ponies after exposure to a barn environment cannot be explained solely by alterations in base-line airway caliber.     

Effects of feeding sunflower oil or seal blubber oil to horses with recurrent airway obstruction

A crossover feeding trial was performed with 9 horses suffering from recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). The study aimed to determine whether ingestion of sunflower oil (SFO), rich in linoleic acid, or seal blubber oil (SBO), a source of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs), changes the fatty acid (FA) ratios in plasma and leukocyte membrane phospholipids (PLs) or the leukocyte numbers or proportions of cell types in the airways. We also investigated diet-related changes in respiratory rate, maximum change in pleural pressure (deltaPpl(max)), dynamic compliance (C(dyn)), and pulmonary resistance (RL). Each animal was fed hay and oats supplemented with 320 mg/kg body weight (BW) of either SFO or SBO for 10 wk. Before and after the feeding periods, we performed FA analyses, cytologic testing of the pulmonary epithelial lining fluid (PELF), clinical scoring, and pulmonary function testing. The results demonstrated that supplementary FAs were readily ingested and incorporated into leukocyte cell membranes. The n-6:n-3 FA ratios in plasma and leukocyte PLs were reduced after SBO supplementation, as were the PELF leukocyte counts (P < 0.05). On the other hand, pulmonary function and clinical signs were not markedly changed by the different dietary FAs. These results indicate a possible influence of dietary n-3 PUFAs on the pulmonary inflammation of horses with RAO. Further studies are warranted to address effects on inflammatory mediators and clinical outcome.