骆驼尿液对预防CCl_4诱导小鼠肝损伤的保护作用

试验旨在研究骆驼尿液对预防四氯化碳(CCl_4)诱导小鼠肝损伤的保护作用。将40只C57BL/6小鼠随机分为正常组,模型组,骆驼尿液低剂量组(170 mg/kg)、中剂量组(340 mg/kg)和高剂量组(500 mg/kg),3组骆驼尿液组灌胃相应剂量的骆驼尿液,正常组和模型组灌胃等量的生理盐水,每日灌胃1次,连续14 d;试验末期,除正常组外(橄榄油),各组小鼠腹腔注射20%CCl_4橄榄油混合溶液,建立小鼠急性肝损伤模型;12 h后摘眼球取血和采集肝脏样本,并记录肝脏重量,计算肝脏指数;测定小鼠血清相关指标,并进行肝脏组织病理切片检查。结果显示,与模型组比较,低、中、高剂量骆驼尿液组小鼠血清中谷丙转氨酶(ALT)、谷草转氨酶(AST)活性及总胆红素(TBIL)、碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、葡萄糖(GLU)含量较模型组均明显降低,白蛋白(ALB)、总蛋白(TP)含量升高,且高剂量组效果较好;而小鼠肝脏病理学切片观察显示,骆驼尿液组均有不同程度的改善,其中高剂量骆驼尿液组小鼠肝脏组织病理学损伤明显减轻,与正常组的肝脏组织形态接近。比较低、中、高3种浓度骆驼尿液处理发现,浓度越高治疗效果越好,说明骆驼尿液治疗效果具有剂量依赖性。综上所述,骆驼尿液对CCl_4诱导小鼠肝损伤具有一定的预防保护作用,且高剂量骆驼尿液组的效果较好。     

Efficacy of Chinese Herbal Medicine Canine Acariasis Spirit on Demodex canis

In order to screen the Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of Demodex canis, canine acariasis spirit was prepared by Foeniculum vulgare, Fructus cnidii and Bauhinia by water alcohol precipitation and distillation extraction methods. To observe the effect on Demodex canis, canine acariasis spirit was set to high, medium and low concentrations, the content of crude drug were 2.0, 1.0 and 0.5 g/mL, respectively. The experiment of killing Demodex canis was carried out by drop method. On this basis, 12 dogs inoculated with Demodex canis were treated. In order to verify the therapeutic effect, 45 clinically diagnosed dogs with Demodex canis were divided into three groups. The results showed that 3 doses of the traditional Chinese medicine canine acariasis spirit all had strong inhibition effect to kill mites, the high dose group could completely kill Demodex canis only 4 h after treatment, the action of 1% ivermectin control group was 8 h after treatment; 3 weeks later, a large number of new hair grew, rash and skin nodules disappeared, the skin lesion had healed in the affected area of high dose group, in 1% ivermectin treatment group, the dog skin improved, only a small amount of new hair grew, it couldn't cure standard; In the high and middle dose group, the average number of the ratio of skin scraping mites and the recurrence rate after drug withdrawal was 0 in one month later; The average number of mites proportion and recurrence rates of skin scrapings in 1% ivermectin treatment group were 10.63% and 9.17% in one month later; After 3 weeks of treatment, the total average eggs negative rate, cure rate and average cure days were 100.00%, 93.33% and 19.56 d in high dose traditional Chinese medicine canine acariasis spirit and 1% ivermectin combined treatment group, the results were better than the traditional Chinese medicine canine acariasis spirit and 1% ivermectin alone treatment group. The results showed that the effect of the high dose group self-made Chinese medicine canine acariasis spirit on killing Demodex canis in vitro, inoculation of Demodex canis and clinical therapeutic effect of natural infection cases were significantly better than 1% ivermectin control group, canine acariasis spirit as a traditional Chinese medicine preparation would have a good market development prospects.     

中药犬螨灵对犬蠕形螨的疗效试验

为筛选具有显著治疗犬蠕形螨的中药制剂,试验将中药小茴香、蛇床子、羊蹄根采用水煮醇沉及蒸馏等提取方法制备成中药制剂犬螨灵,并观察其对犬蠕形螨的疗效。将犬螨灵设为高、中、低3个浓度,其生药含量分别为2.0、1.0和0.5 g/mL,采用点滴法进行体外抑杀蠕形螨试验,在此基础上对12只接种蠕形螨的试验犬进行治疗试验,为验证治疗效果,对临床上已确诊的45只患有蠕形螨的病犬分3组进行临床治疗试验。结果显示,中药犬螨灵3种剂量均有较强的体外抑杀螨虫作用,高剂量组作用后4 h即可完全抑杀蠕形螨,1%伊维菌素对照组则为作用后8 h;高剂量组在治疗3周后,患处有大量新毛生长,红疹结节和皮屑消失,患处皮肤已痊愈,1%伊维菌素治疗组患犬皮肤好转,仅有少量新毛生长,不能达到痊愈标准;高、中剂量组皮肤刮取物螨虫数量平均比例及停药1个月后复发率均为0,1%伊维菌素治疗组皮肤刮取物螨虫数量平均比例及停药1月后的复发率分别为10.63%和9.17%。高剂量中药犬螨灵与1%伊维菌素两种药物联合治疗组,对临床上患病犬进行3周治疗,其虫卵平均转阴率、治愈率与平均治愈天数分别为100.00%、93.33%和19.56 d,其效果均优于中药犬螨灵与1%伊维菌素单独治疗组。结果表明,高剂量自制中药制剂犬螨灵对犬蠕形螨体外抑杀作用、接种蠕形螨试验犬与临床自然感染病例均有显著的治疗效果,优于1%伊维菌素对照组,犬螨灵作为中药杀螨虫制剂具有较好的市场开发前景。     

地克珠利混悬液对鸡球虫病的疗效观察

对20 g/L地克珠利混悬液,以4、2、1 mg/kg 3种浓度饮水预防鸡艾美耳球虫人工感染,并用地克珠利溶液以2 mg/kg浓度饮水作对照.结果表明,20 g/L地克珠利混悬液以4、2、1 mg/kg 3种浓度饮水预防鸡球虫病,具有良好的效果,抗球虫指数均在180以上,效果优于地克珠利溶液以2 mg/kg饮水.田间试验有效率81.8%,治愈率71%,证实20 g/L地克珠利混悬液是地克珠利又一种高效预防鸡球虫病新剂型.     

Studies on activation and levels of haemolytic complement of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). 1. Classical complement pathway

Optimum conditions for haemolytic complement (HC) assay in buffalo serum were standardized. In all, 11 indicator systems of red blood cells (RBC) and haemolysins were investigated. Maximum HC CH50 titre was obtained with rabbit RBC sensitized with goat haemolysin. The effect of pH, Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentration, ionic strength, time and temperature were studied. Of all the variables, ionic strength influenced the HC activity most significantly. The standard system for titrating the HC consisted of rabbit RBC sensitized with goat haemolysin, sucrose-veronal buffer with pH 7.5, ionic strength 0.023 M and Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations 6 x 10(-4) and 2 x 10(-3) M, respectively. Incubation at 37 degrees C for 2 h gave highest haemolytic activity. With this protocol 5-7-fold higher HC activity was recorded than with prestandardized conditions. Levels of HC were determined in the sera of 98 buffaloes aged from 1 month to 12 years. The lowest mean CH50 units of 401 +/- 0.35 per ml were recorded in buffalo calves below 3 months of age. The mean HC levels increased with age, reaching peak values of 2349 +/- 62.25 CH50 units/ml in 2-3-year-old buffalo. Animals in the age group 5-12 years had significantly decreased (P less than 0.05) mean HC levels of 1545 +/- 68.94.     

Plasma potassium and lactate concentrations in thoroughbred horses during exercise of varying intensity.

To investigate the effect of moderate to high intensity exercise of up to 6 min duration on plasma potassium and lactate concentrations, 6 Thoroughbred horses were studied using a treadmill at a 5 degree incline. Each test consisted of an 8-min standardised warm-up followed by an exercise bout at 8, 9, 10 or 12 m/sec. The horses were galloped at each speed for up to a maximum of 6 min or until signs of fatigue were present. The horses were then walked at 0 degree incline. Carotid arterial blood samples were taken during and after the exercise. At 8, 9 and 10 m/sec there was a general pattern of an initial rise in potassium to a peak around 1.5 min of exercise with the concentration then slowly decreasing. At 12 m/sec there was a continuous rise to a peak at the end of exercise in all horses. Immediately after exercise there was a rapid return (within 3-4 min) to the potassium concentrations recorded at the end of the warm-up period. Plasma lactate peaked around the end of exercise at all speeds. At the highest intensity of exercise the mechanisms for the re-uptake of potassium did not appear to be able to match the rate of efflux. In contrast, at less intense work loads, the rate of re-uptake appeared to be similar to or slightly greater than the rate of efflux. It is possible that a disturbance in this balance between efflux and re-uptake could result in a disturbance in normal neuromuscular function during exercise.     

协同指数法筛选银翘天甘组方的最佳剂量配比

为了研究银翘天甘组方中金银花、连翘、天花粉、甘草4味中药的最佳剂量配比,利用SI测定方法设计试验,微管-平板法测定各试验药物的MIC,计算SI值,依据呈现协同作用的SI值获得组方剂量配比,以浸膏率与MIC为验证依据,确定组方的最佳剂量配比.结果表明,四味中药配伍体外抗菌活性呈现协同作用的SI值在0.625～0.750之...     

Clinical study on the effect of biotin on skin conditions in dogs

In a collaborative study with small-animal veterinary surgeons, dogs with fur and skin conditions were treated with biotin (approximately 5 mg biotin/10 kg body weight/day) for 3 to 5 weeks. In total 119 cases could be treated which were reported to show symptoms such as dull coat, brittle hair, loss of hair, scaly skin, pruritus or dermatitis. Cases requiring other treatments with e.g. glucocorticoids, were excluded from the study. In 60% of the cases all symptoms were reported to be cured after the biotin treatment and in a further 31% an improvement was noted; in only 9% no effect was recorded. All breeds responded but to a variable extent: e.g. in Poodles the response was lower (no response in 6 out of 11 cases) than in Alsatians where all improved and 14 out of 29 were completely cured. The results confirm the favourable effect of biotin for treatment of fur and skin conditions in dogs.     

Use of two virustatica (AZT, PMEA) in the treatment of FIV and of FeLV seropositive cats with clinical symptoms.

In the present study the therapeutic efficacy and the side effects of two antiretroviral compounds used in human acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) research, 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine (AZT, zidovudine, Retrovir) and 9-(2-phosphonylmethoxyethyl)adenine (PMEA), were investigated in the treatment of cats naturally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and cats naturally infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV). AZT was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 5 mg kg-1 body weight every 12 h and PMEA was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 2.5 mg kg-1 body weight every 12 h during a 3 week hospitalization. The therapeutic efficacy of both compounds was investigated. There was a stronger potency of PMEA than of AZT on the regression of stomatitis in FIV and in FeLV infected cats. In addition, in FIV infection PMEA had a stronger effect on the improvement of the general clinical status. Both antiretroviral compounds were potent agents to improve the immunologic status of FIV infected cats by raising the CD4/CD8 ratio. In FeLV infection PMEA and AZT appeared to reduce antigenemia. The hematological side effects caused by PMEA were severe and stronger than those of AZT. Therefore the advantage of PMEA in clinical and immunologic improvement was diminished by the hematologic disorders, which do not allow long term treatment with this drug in the dose used.     

Influence of Different Protocols of Urethral Catheterization after Pharmacological Induction (Ur.Ca.P.I.) on Semen Quality in the Domestic Cat

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence that different protocols of urethral catheterization after pharmacological induction (Ur.Ca.P.I.) may have on the semen quality of the domestic cat. The study has been divided into two experiments: one in which different dosages of medetomidine administrated are evaluated and the second one in which the timing of the catheterization after pharmacological induction is tested. In the first experiment, 18 cats were sedated with the recommended dosage of medetomidine (130 μg/kg i.m.) while the other 18 were sedated with a lower dose of the same drug (50 μg/kg i.m.). In the second experiment, three groups were implemented, each containing 25 subjects. In group 1, the semen collection was performed immediately once the pharmacological effect of the drug was reached; in group 2, the semen collection was performed three times every 5 min after the pharmacological effect was reached; finally, in group 3, Ur.Ca.P.I. was performed 20 min after the pharmacological effect was reached. All the different protocols permitted sperm collection, nevertheless the first experiment showed a better quality in terms of volume, concentration, total number of spermatozoa (p < 0.01) and quality of the movement (motility p < 0.05 and forward progressive motility p < 0.01), using a high medetomidine dosage rather than 50 μg/kg i.m. In the second experiment, forward motility was statistically higher (p < 0.01) in the first group and total volume was higher (p < 0.01) in the second and third group, while other parameters were statistically not different. Results suggest that a single catheterization immediately after the onset of the pharmacological effect leads to a good‐quality semen with the lowest possibility of damaging the urethra and that a sedation with 130 μg/kg of medetomidine leads to a better quality sperm collection than 50 μg/kg does.     

单次大剂量和多次小剂量环磷酰胺腹腔注射对小鼠免疫抑制模型的影响

试验旨在研究环磷酰胺不同剂量、不同给药次数对建立的小鼠免疫抑制模型免疫指标变化的影响。选择7周龄雄性昆明小鼠200只，随机均分为5组：对照组（生理盐水组，0 mg/g环磷酰胺）、环磷酰胺3次注射低剂量（0.04 mg/g）和高剂量（0.08 mg/g）组、环磷酰胺1次注射低剂量（0.10 mg/g）和高剂量（0.16 mg/g）组。3次注射组在试验第1天按照给定剂量腹腔注射环磷酰胺，连续注射3 d；对照组按照相同方法每天腹腔注射等体积生理盐水；1次注射组仅在试验第1天按照给定剂量腹腔注射环磷酰胺1次。试验期间每天对小鼠称重，在试验的第1、2、4、6、9、10、11天从各组分别选取8只小鼠采取尾静脉血检测血常规，并在试验的第1、4、6、9、11天从各组分别选取8只小鼠处死，测定股骨骨髓有核细胞、胸腺指数、脾脏指数等指标。结果表明，所有剂量环磷酰胺均可成功建立免疫抑制模型。抑制效果上，0.08 mg/g 3次注射对白细胞、骨髓有核细胞、体重增重、脾脏、胸腺的免疫抑制效果最好，0.16 mg/g 1次注射对红细胞免疫抑制效果最好。抑制周期上，环磷酰胺对白细胞、骨髓有核细胞、脾脏免疫抑制周期较短，对红细胞、胸腺的免疫抑制周期较长；1次注射均较3次注射更早且显著地出现白细胞免疫亢进，而脾脏免疫情况则刚好相反。综上，环磷酰胺不同给药剂量及给药次数对动物不同免疫部位的免疫状态及免疫抑制周期均会产生不同的影响。本研究可为药理试验中针对不同免疫指标进行观测时提供适当的检测剂量及检测时间参考。     

Relative potency of ketamine and S(+)-ketamine in dogs

The aim of this study was to determine the relative potency of racemic ketamine and S(+)-ketamine for the hypnotic effect and to evaluate the clinical anesthesia produced by equianesthetic doses of these two substances in dogs. One hundred and eight dogs were allocated in groups R2, R2.5, R3, R6, R9, R12, S2, S2.5, S3, S6, S9, and S12, to receive by intravenous route 2, 2.5, 3, 6, 9, and 12 mg/kg of ketamine or S(+)-ketamine, respectively. A dose-effect curve was drawn with the dose logarithm and the percentage of dogs that presented hypnosis in each group. The curve was used to obtain a linear regression, to determine the effective doses 100 and the potency relationship. In another experimental phase, eight groups of five dogs received 3, 6, 9 and 12 mg/kg of ketamine or S(+)-ketamine to evaluate the periods of latency, hypnosis, and total recovery. The times in which the dogs reached the sternal position, attempted to stand up for the first time, recovered the standing position, and started to walk were also recorded. The hypnotic dose for ketamine was 9.82 +/- 3.02 (6.86-16.5) mg/kg and for S(+)-ketamine was 7.76 +/- 2.17 (5.86-11.5) mg/kg. The time of hypnosis was longer in R3 and the first attempt to stand up occurred early in R6 when compared with S3 and S6 respectively. When R9 (100% of hypnosis with ketamine) and S6 [100% of hypnosis with S(+)-ketamine] were compared (1:1.5 ratio), the time to sternal position (12 +/- 2.5 and 20.2 +/- 5.6 min respectively) and the total recovery time (45 +/- 5.5 and 60.2 +/- 5.2 min respectively) were significantly shorter with S(+)-ketamine. It was concluded that the potency ratio between ketamine and S(+)-ketamine in dogs is smaller than the one reported in other species, and that the dose obtained after a reduction of 50%, as usually performed in humans, would not be enough to obtain equianesthetic effects in dogs.     

Pulmonary edema and emphysema in cattle after intraruminal and intravenous administration of 3-methylindole.

Intraruminal and intravenous administration of 3-methylindole (3MI; skatole) caused interstitial pulmonary edema and emphysema in cattle. In 3 adult heifers given the intraruminal dose of 0.2 g of 3 MI per kilogram of body weight, clinical signs of respiratory disease appeared between 6 and 12 hours after dosing, and death due to pulmonary edema and emphysema occurred at 33, 69, and 72 hours. The mean plasma concentration of 3MI became maximal (18.5 mug/ml) at 3 hours and then decreased to low concentrations by 48 hours. In 2 heifers given an intraruminal dose of 0.1 g of 3MI/kg, clinical signs developed, but they did not die during the 96-hour experiment. The mean plasma concentration of 3 MI became maximal (16.8 mug/ml) at 3 hours and decreased to 1.6 and 0.4 mug/ml at 12 and 36 hours, respectively. At necropsy of the heifers, the lung were large, firm, dark red, and heavier than normal. Diffuse pulmonary edema was the predominant change in cattle which died early, and interstitial emphysema was more severe at later stages of the disease. During the early stages, alveoli were overdistended, and a few more ruptured. Most alveolar spaces were filled with proteinaceous residue, but the alveolar septums were smooth and of normal thickness. At later stages, proliferation of alveolar cells was observed, and alveolar septums were thickened. In 3 cows given 0.06 g of 3MI/kg by jugular infusion, clinical signs appeared in all cows, and 1 cow died of pulmonary edema and emphysema 56 hours after the infusion was started. Severe pulmonary lesions seen in all of the cows given a 3MI infusion were similar to those in the cows given an intraruminal dose of 3MI. The mean plasma concentration of 3MI increased to 10.7 mug/ml at 9 hours after starting the infusion and decreased to 0.5 mug/ml at 18 hours. The results indicate that 3MI, a product of ruminal tryptophan fermentation, can cause pulmonary edema and interstitial emphysema in cattle and support the hypothesis that 3MI is the causative agent in tryptophan-induced pulmonary disease.     

Garlic and hepatic coccidiosis: prophylaxis or treatment?

A study was conducted to investigate the protective and therapeutic effects of crude garlic (Allium sativum) against experimental infection with Eimeria stiedae in rabbits. Forty rabbits were divided into four groups of ten rabbits each: a healthy control group (HC); a challenged-garlic-protected group (CGP) which received a daily dose of 0.5 g/kg body weight (bwt) crude garlic for five successive days before challenge with E. stiedae; a challenged-garlic-treated group (CGT) which was treated with a daily dose of 0.5 g/kg bwt crude garlic for five successive days post-challenge; and an infected control group (IC). The challenge dose was 5?×?10⁴ sporulated E. stiedae oocysts per rabbit. Mortality rate, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and faecal oocyst count were evaluated throughout the experiment. At the end of the experiment, all rabbits were killed and histopathological examination was performed. No mortalities were recorded in the HC and CGP groups, whilst mortality was found to be 20% and 40% in the CGT and IC groups, respectively. CGP rabbits had better body weight gain and lower numbers of oocysts than those in the CGT and IC groups. Hepatic lesions were less severe in the CGP group than in the CGT and IC groups. These results showed that oral administration of crude garlic ameliorated the adverse impacts of hepatic coccidiosis on rabbits when used as a prophylactic, but garlic was less effective as a therapeutic.     

The effect of a probiotic Enterococcus faecium product in diets of healthy dogs on bacteriological counts of Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Clostridium spp. in faeces.

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of a probiotic on selected faecal bacteria of healthy dogs under different feed and environmental conditions. For the study 12 dogs kept in households were used for an 18-day supplementation with a patented commercially available strain of E. faecium NCIB 10415 (Enteroferm). In order to minimize losses the probiotic product was orally applicated once a day before meals at a dose of 2 g per dog (9.2 x 10(9) CFU). The faeces were collected before the beginning of the supplementation and at the end of the 18-day application period. In order to exclude contamination, all faeces were taken rectally. Before and at the end of the experimental period total Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Clostridium spp. counts were determined in fresh faeces using selective media. It was demonstrated that the 18-day application of the probiotic E. faecium product induced modifications on the gastrointestinal microflora in all dogs. While Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. counts were in majority of the dogs higher than before the application. Clostridium spp. counts were significantly reduced in 10 of 12 dogs. According to the guidelines for the evaluation of the efficiency of microorganisms in dogs a relevant efficacy effect was supported by this data. However, a beneficial effect of the probiotic product on healthy dogs remains questionable.     

25%粉锈宁WP防治鸡蛋花黄锈病及其毒力研究

2013年6~7月,惠州鸡蛋花苗圃感染了黄锈病,发病率为93.33%,平均病情指数70.01;用0.140 6g/(10m2)粉锈宁WP对锈病不同梯度病情指数进行防治,试验结果显示:防治效果与病情指数呈负相关关系(r=-96.93%);用等比系列剂量进行防治试验,用几率值法的计算步骤求得ED50=0.511(g),其95%可信限为0.240~0.627g,毒力回归方程为y=5.512 9+1.757 9 x,据此,模拟了不同病情和不同防效的适宜用药量。     

Effect of dietary phosphorus and roughage levels on calcium, magnesium and potassium utilization by sheep

Three levels of dietary P (.12%, .24% and .48% of dry matter) and three levels of roughage as ground corn cobs (25% 50% and 75% of dry matter) were fed in a 3 X 3 factorial metabolism trial, utilizing 36 crossbred (Hampshire X Columbia) intact male lambs, 6 to 9 mo of age. All diets contained cane molasses (5%), blood meal (13.5%), urea (1%), corn oil (1%) and salt (.5%). Limestone supplied supplemental Ca and treatment P levels were supplied by monosodium phosphate. Equal levels of corn starch and cerelose supplied the remainder of the diet. The diet was fed ad libitum, once daily. The highest P level (.48% P) resulted in a negative (P less than .01) Ca balance (-.23 g/d vs .12 g/d for .12% P and .31 g/d for .24% P groups), and apparent digestibility (P less than .01) of Ca (1.65% vs 17.18 and 22.2% for the two respective lower P dietary levels). Blood serum concentrations of Ca and Mg decreased (P less than .01) as dietary P level was increased. Apparent digestibility of Mg was decreased (P less than .05) by the highest P level (6.9% vs 21.58% and 18.80% for the two lower levels of dietary P). Level of roughage had no effect on Ca and Mg utilization; however, the highest level (75% corn cobs) resulted in improved (P less than .05) K balance (.85 g/d vs .30 and .50 g/d for the two lower levels of roughage).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of induction of ovulation with GnRH or HCG on follicular and luteal blood flow in Holstein-Friesian heifers

The objective of this study was to compare the effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) on follicular blood flow (FBF) during the pre-ovulatory period and on luteal blood flow (LBF) during dioestrus in Holstein-Friesian heifers. Twelve animals were randomly divided into two groups and treated with either intramuscular injection of 100 μg GnRH or intravenous (IV) injection of 5000 IU hCG on Day 0 (oestrus, 48 h after administration of PGF(2α) ) to induce ovulation. Follicular size (FS), FBF and time of ovulation were recorded with colour Doppler sonography at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 h after GnRH and hCG treatment. Luteal size (LS) and LBF were investigated on Day 9 and 12 after ovulation. Plasma samples were taken to determine total oestrogens (E(tot) ) and progesterone (P(4) ) after each examination. Ovulation occurred between 24 and 48 h after treatment in all animals. No difference (p > 0.05) was observed in FS between the two treatment groups. Follicular blood flow was higher in the hCG group than that was in GnRH group at 1 h after treatment (p < 0.01). Total oestrogens were also higher (p < 0.01) in the hCG group than GnRH group; however, this difference was only obvious at 12 h after treatment. No difference (p > 0.05) was observed in LS, LBF or P(4) levels on Day 9 and 12 between treatment groups. In conclusion, the results suggest that induction of ovulation with hCG and GnRH has a temporary effect on FBF and oestrogen levels while no effect on the size of corpora lutea, LBF and P(4) levels was observed.     

The influence of dose of phenobarbital and interval to measurement on concentration of liver enzymes in barrows and gilts

The administration of xenobiotics such as phenobarbital (PB) and chlorinated hydrocarbons to rats, mice and several other species has been shown to increase the level of hepatic mixed function oxidases. Experiments were conducted to establish the effect of dose of PB, sex of animals, and effect of interval from dose to measurement on concentration of hepatic enzymes in barrows and gilts 6 to 9 mo of age and weighing 100 to 120 kg. Animals given 1 or 2 g PB for 3 d had higher concentrations of microsomal protein cytochrome b5 and P-450 and NADPH cytochrome c reductase than control animals (P less than .01). Animals given 2 g PB had 3.5 times as much cytochrome P 450 as did controls. Barrows and gilts did not differ from each other in any variables measured (P less than .20). In a study of the time course of induction all animals given PB had higher levels of microsomal protein, cytochrome P-450 and reductase in 24 h than controls; however, cytochrome b5 was depressed on d 1 and was elevated by d 3. Concentration of cytochrome P-450 reached a maximum by d 7 (P less than .01); cytochromes b5 and c reductase reached a maximum by d 9 and 3, respectively (P less than .01). Levels of cytochrome P-450 were higher in gilts than in barrows on all days following PB treatment (P less than .04). Microsomal protein, cytochrome b5, cytochrome P-450 and reductase remained elevated for 6 d after the last treatment with PB.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Comparison of 2 Doses of Recombinant Human Thyrotropin for Thyroid Function Testing in Healthy and Suspected Hypothyroid Dogs

Background: Various protocols using different doses of recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) in TSH stimulation testing have been described. However, the influence of TSH dosage on thyroxine (T4) concentration has not yet been evaluated in suspected hypothyroid dogs.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of 2 doses of rhTSH.
Animals: Fifteen dogs with clinical signs consistent with hypothyroidism and abnormal stimulation results with 75 μg rhTSH and 18 clinically healthy dogs.
Methods: All dogs were stimulated with 75 and 150 μg rhTSH IV in a 1st and 2nd stimulation test, respectively. Blood samples were taken before and 6 hours after rhTSH administration for determination of total T4 concentration.
Results: Using the higher dose led to a normal test interpretation in 9 of the 15 dogs, in which stimulation had been abnormal using the lower dose. Based on follow-up information, hypothyroidism was excluded in 7 of these 9 dogs. In all 6 dogs with a blunted response to the higher dose, hypothyroidism could be confirmed. Healthy dogs showed significantly higher post-TSH T4 concentrations with the higher compared with the lower dose. Post-TSH T4 concentrations after TSH stimulation were not related to dogs' body weight in either healthy or diseased dogs.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: TSH dose significantly influenced test interpretation in suspected hypothyroid dogs. Differentiation between primary hypothyroidism and nonthyroidal disease was improved with 150 μg rhTSH. Because this effect was independent of the dogs' body weight, the higher dose is recommended in dogs that have concurrent disease or are receiving medication.