Metabolic rate and body temperature of an African sunbird,Nectarinia Chalybea: daily rhythm and the effect of ambient temperature

The oxygen consumption (VO₂) of the lesser double-collared sunbird, Nectarinia chalybea. was measured at ambient temperatures (Ta) from 7 to 35°C. The diel variation in body temperature (Tb) and wet thermal conductance (C) was also determined. The sunbirds (mean mass 8,36 g ± S.E. 0.21 g) showed a pronounced diel cycle of VO₂, with a mean reduction of 50% at night. Basal metabolic rate was estimated to be 3.23 ml O₂/g.h, which is 88% of the predicted value for a passerine bird of this size. There was a mean reduction in Tb of 3.6°C at night. Both day and night values of Tb decreased with decreasing Ta, as did individual values of C. Winter breeding in the south-west Cape is energetically stressful for lesser double-collared sunbirds, but they have the physiological capacity to reduce their energy expenditure substantially at night.     

Ouabain-sensitive respiration and protein synthesis in duodenal mucosa and liver in rats fed increasing levels of pea fibre or protein and housed in 18 or 28°C environments

Seventy‐two Wistar rats were used in two studies to investigate the effect of environmental temperature (18 or 28°C), and increasing levels of dietary fibre (low, 68 g/kg dry matter (DM); medium 110 g/kg DM; high, 157 g/kg DM) and protein (low, 91 g/kg DM; medium, 171 g/kg DM; high, 262 g/kg DM) on respiration attributable to Na⁺,K⁺‐ATPase activity and protein synthesis in duodenal mucosa and liver of rats. In vitro O₂ consumption in tissues was measured polarographically using a Clark‐style YSI biological O₂ monitor. Whole‐body O₂ consumption was measured with two open‐circuit respiration chambers. Whole‐body O₂ consumption was higher (p < 0.05) at 18°C than at 28°C. Rats fed the low protein diet had significantly higher (p < 0.05) whole‐body O₂ consumption than those fed the medium or high protein diet. Compared with 28°C, the environmental temperature of 18°C caused an increase (p < 0.05) in total O₂ consumption and O₂ consumption attributable to Na⁺,K⁺‐ATPase activity in duodenal mucosa. There was no effect (p > 0.05) of environmental temperature on total O₂ consumption, Na⁺,K⁺‐ATPase activity attributable to protein synthesis dependent on O₂ consumption in the liver. Total O₂ consumption and O₂ consumption attributable to Na⁺,K⁺‐ATPase activity increased (p < 0.05) in duodenal mucosa in rats fed the low level of dietary fibre compared with rats fed the medium level of dietary fibre. In vitro O₂ consumption determined in duodenal mucosa and in liver did not always correspond to whole‐body O₂ consumption. This may indicate that respiration in the duodenum and liver adapts differently and may not reflect changes in whole‐body respiration in response to dietary modification and changes in thermal environment.     

Effects of temperature and hypoxic stress on the oxygen consumption rates of the mudsucker fish Labeo capensis (Smith)

The specific oxygen consumption rate (VO ₂ IMb) of Labeo capensis, the freshwater mudsucker, was determined for small and large fish at winter (8°C) and summer (23°C) temperatures. VO JMb was also determined during hypoxic conditions of the experimental water. It was found that VO JMb does not differ substantially compared with other active fish. The VO 4Mb for a fish with a body mass of 250 g is 0,053 ml 0 ₂ per gram wet body mass per hour for fish acclimated at 8°C and 0,127 ml 0 ₂ per gram per hour for fish acclimated at 23°C. The calculated mass exponent, b, is 0,71 at 23°C and 0,68 at 8°C. Hypoxic conditions are relatively well tolerated especially by 23°C- adapted fish.     

Heat production and dissipation in a South African diurnal murid Lemniscomys griselda

Heat production measured as oxygen consumption (V_O2 and heat dissipation calculated as the means of the overall thermal conductance were studied in a South African diurnal murid Lemniscomys griselda. This species maintains its body temperature (T_b) well at around 36,5 ± 1,0 °C over ambient temperatures (T_a) ranging between 5 and 34 °C. The thermoneutral zone lies between T _a = 30-34 °C. When exposed to temperatures below the low critical point L. griselda at rest conforms to Newton's law of cooling. Non-shivering thermo- genesis (NST) was studied as a response to an injection of noradrenaline (sc). Following the administration of 1,5 mg noradrenaline per kg body mass to an anaesthetized animal, an increase of 329% in VO₂ was recorded. The distribution pattern of L. griselda in comparison with that of Rhabdomys pumilio, the more common diurnal murid species in South Africa, is discussed.     

Temperature and mass scaling affect cutaneous and pulmonary respiratory performance in a diving frog

Global climate change is altering patterns of temperature variation, with unpredictable consequences for species and ecosystems. The Metabolic Theory of Ecology (MTE) provides a powerful framework for predicting climate change impacts on ectotherm metabolic performance. MTE postulates that physiological and ecological processes are limited by organism metabolic rates, which scale predictably with body mass and temperature. The purpose of this study was to determine if different metabolic proxies generate different empirical estimates of key MTE model parameters for the aquatic frog Xenopus laevis when allowed to exhibit normal diving behavior. We used a novel methodological approach in combining a flow-through respirometry setup with the open-source Arduino platform to measure mass and temperature effects on 4 different proxies for whole-body metabolism (total O₂ consumption, cutaneous O₂ consumption, pulmonary O₂ consumption, and ventilation frequency), following thermal acclimation to one of 3 temperatures (8°C, 17°C, or 26°C). Different metabolic proxies generated different mass-scaling exponents (b) and activation energy (E_A) estimates, highlighting the importance of metabolic proxy selection when parameterizing MTE-derived models. Animals acclimated to 17°C had higher O₂ consumption across all temperatures, but thermal acclimation did not influence estimates of key MTE parameters E_A and b. Cutaneous respiration generated lower MTE parameters than pulmonary respiration, consistent with temperature and mass constraints on dissolved oxygen availability, SA:V ratios, and diffusion distances across skin. Our results show that the choice of metabolic proxy can have a big impact on empirical estimates for key MTE model parameters.     

The hairy lizard: heterothermia affects anaesthetic requirements in the Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx)

Objective

To study the effect of heterothermia on anaesthetic drug requirements in semi-free ranging Arabian oryx and to assess the temperature quotient (Q₁₀) of oxygen consumption.

Germination Ecology of Cenchrus biflorus Roxb.: Effects of Environmental Factors on Seed Germination

Better understanding related to germination and seedling emergence of plant species assists in predicting the potential distribution and provides insight for efficient management. Cenchrus biflorus Roxb. has been considered as potential forage species in arid environment due to its high nutritive values, prolific seed production, and tolerance to extreme temperature and prolonged drought conditions. A series of laboratory and greenhouse assays were conducted to determine the effect of different environmental factors, such as temperature, light, pH, salinity, osmotic potential, and seed burial depth on the germination and seedling emergence of C. biflorus. The maximum germination (95%) was recorded at 35°C/25°C, followed by 40°C/30°C; however, minimum germination was observed at 45°C/35°C (17.5%). Light significantly promoted the germination with maximum percentage (97.5%) when seeds were exposed to altering light and dark conditions (12/12 h). The osmotic potential for the 50% inhibition of C. biflorus germination was –0.4 MPa, although some seed germinated at –0.8 MPa (12.5%). Germination decreased from 97.5% to 12.5% as salinity stress increased from 0 mM to 200 mM sodium chloride (NaCl) with no germination > 200 mM. Seed germination was significantly affected by pH levels and was between 27.5% and 92.5% at 5–8 pH, respectively. No seedling emerged when seeds were placed on the soil surface; maximum seedling emergence (90%) at 2-cm burial depth and emergence decreased considerably as seeding depth increased above 2 cm. Its tolerance to drought and salinity make C. biflorus a potential candidate to be used as an alternative source during periods of forage scarcity under harsh climatic conditions, and it could possibly be used for rangeland rehabilitation purposes in arid environments.     

Pharmacokinetics of difloxacin in olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus at two water temperatures

In this study, the pharmacokinetics profiles of difloxacin in the olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) were investigated following intravenous and oral administration (10 mg/kg BW) at 14 and 22 °C water temperatures. Plasma and tissue samples (muscle, liver, and kidney) were analyzed using an HPLC method. The results showed that the plasma concentration–time data for difloxacin were described commendably by two‐compartment open model at the two water temperatures. The absorption half‐life (t_1/2ka) of difloxacin after oral administration were 2.08 and 1.10 h at 14 and 22 °C, respectively; whereas the elimination half‐life (t_1/2β) was 4.41 and 2.38 h, respectively. The muscle concentration of 1.35 ± 0.19 μg/g was observed at 9 h at 14 °C, and 2.11 ± 0.33 μg/g at 6 h at 22 °C, respectively. For liver, the peak concentration of difloxacin 2.43 ± 0.30 μg/g occurred at 6 h at 14 °C, which was lower than the 3.34 ± 0.24 μg/g peak that occurred at 4 h at 22 °C. The calculated bioavailability of difloxacin was 68.07% at 22 °C, which was higher than the 53.43% calculated for 14 °C. After intravenous administration, the t_1/2β were 4.79 and 2.81 h at 14 and 22 °C, respectively. The results indicate that the peak concentrations in muscle and liver at 14 °C are approximately half of those achieved at 22 °C. However, the C_max in kidney at 14 and 22 °C were similar. The V_d values were 1.20 and 1.75 L/kg at 14 and 22 °C, respectively. These data indicated that both temperature and drug administration had significant effects on the elimination of difloxacin, and lower temperature or oral administration resulted in lower elimination.     

The Effect of Temperature and Salinity on the Elimination of Enrofloxacin in the Manila Clam Ruditapes philippinarum

Abstract

The effect of temperature and salinity on the elimination of enrofloxacin (EF) in Manila clams Ruditapes philippinarum was investigated. The clams, cultured under different temperatures and salinities (16°C and 30‰, 22°C and 30‰, or 22°C and 20‰), were exposed to EF at 5 μg/mL of water in a medicated bath. After a 24-h exposure, the concentration of EF in various tissues was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography and the elimination rate of EF in those tissues was investigated by regression analysis. After the treatment, the initial concentrations of EF among tissues were (in decreasing order) plasma > gill > visceral mass > foot > adductor muscle. In all tissues the elimination half-life (t _1/2) of EF in the clams cultured at 22°C and 20‰ and 16°C and 30‰ were markedly longer than in those cultured at 22°C and 30‰, and the t _1/2 at 16°C and 30‰ was slightly longer than that at 22°C and 20‰. Slight differences were also observed in t _1/2 values among various tissues. These data indicate that both temperature and salinity had significant effects on the elimination of EF in the Manila clams and that lower temperature or salinity could result in slower elimination.

Received January 21, 2011; accepted December 2, 2011.     

Metabolism and thermoregulation of individual and clustered long-fingered bats,Miniopterus schreibersii,and the implications for roosting

Oxygen consumption of individual long-fingered bats, Miniopterus schreibersii, was measured at air temperatures (T_r) between 2 and 42°C and that of clusters of four and six bats between 5 and 30°C. BMR of individuals was estimated to be 2.29 ml O₂ g ¹ h^-1 between 34 and about 38°C. M. schreibersii showed two different responses to T_a, either maintaining body temperature (T_b) by increasing metabolic rate, or allowing T_b to fall close to ambient temperature and conserving energy (torpor). Euthermic clusters of four and six bats had lower rates of mass-specific oxygen consumption and lower thermal conductances than individuals at equivalent temperatures and torpid clusters maintained a greater temperature differential between T_b and T_a. Lowest rates of metabolism were measured for euthermic bats at air temperatures higher than those available to them in their natural roost in summer, so typical roost temperatures result in metabolic rates that are about 2 4–3.1 times estimated BMR. Roost temperatures of M. schreibersii in South Africa are substantially higher in winter than are generally accepted as being suitable for hibernation but these do not substantially affect torpid metabolic rates, which are low and independent of ambient temperature below 22°C. Clearly at least some species of insectivorous bats are capable of hibernating at temperatures generally considered to be too warm for this activity.     

The persistence of foot-and-mouth disease virus on wool

SUMMARY Five Suffolk sheep, held in a high-security isolation room, were exposed for 2 hours to the aerosol of 3 mature pigs that had been infected with foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), strain O₁-BFS. The fleeces of 3 of the sheep were contaminated with FMDV at 2 days post exposure (dpe), while at 5 dpe the fleeces of all 5 sheep were more extensively, and more heavily, contaminated. The persistence of FMDV on contaminated wool was examined in vitro using multiple 0.5 g samples of Merino wool that were each contaminated with one of 3 strains of FMDV in tissue-culture medium: O₁-BFS, O-Morocco (O-MOR 9/91) or an Asia 1 strain (TAI 1/90). Wool samples were held at either 4°C, 18°C or 37°C, and decay curves were established for each virus at each temperature. These curves predicted that O₁-BFS, O-MOR 9/91 and TAI 1/90 would fall below detect-able levels at 72, 70 and 48 days post contamination (pc), respectively, for wool stored at 4°C; at 11, 12 and 12 days pc, respectively, for wool stored at 18°C; and at 57, 68 and 33 hours pc, respectively, for wool stored at 37°C. For wool contaminated with O₁-BFS-infected sheep faeces, urine or blood, or with O₁-BFS-infected cattle saliva, decay curves predicted virus to persist for 5 to 11 days pc at 18°C. We demonstrated that the simulated scouring of FMDV-contaminated wool at 60° to 70°C would usually reduce virus to below detectable levels. The detergent component of the scouring process had little, if any, antiviral activity, and scouring at 20°C or 50°C had limited impact on FMDV titres . We recommend that either (1) simple storage of FMDV-contaminated wool for 4 weeks at temperatures of 18°C or higher, or (2) scouring of contaminated wool at 60° to 70°C would be sufficient to remove the threat of FMDV-contaminated wool being infectious to other animals .     

Temperature and salinity tolerance of adult hermit crabs,Diogenes brevirostris,Stimpson (Crustacea: Decapoda: Anomura)

Diogenes brevirostris was found to be tolerant to low salinities (0,5 - 4,0 %) at a wide range of temperatures (12 to 27°C). Tolerance to temperature and salinity were inversely related. At low salinities (0,5 and 1,0 %) the rate of mortality increased with temperature throughout the range, whereas at higher salinities (1,5 and 4,0 0/00) temperature had no effect on mortality. These results are discussed in relation to the distribution of D. brevirostris in estuaries. It appears that temperature and salinity tolerance are not solely responsible for limiting distribution of these crabs to estuary mouths.     

The effects of different levels of superoxide dismutase in Modena on boar semen quality during liquid preservation at 17°C

This study was conducted to investigate the influence of superoxide dismutase (SOD) on the quality of boar semen during liquid preservation at 17°C. Semen samples from 10 Duroc boars were collected and pooled, divided into five equal parts and diluted with Modena containing different concentrations (0, 100, 200, 300 and 400 U/mL) of SOD. During the process of liquid preservation at 17°C, sperm motility, acrosome integrity, membrane integrity, total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) content were measured and analyzed every 24 h. Meanwhile, effective survival time of boar semen during preservation was evaluated and analyzed. The results indicated that different concentrations of SOD in Modena showed different protective effects on boar sperm quality. Modena supplemented with SOD decreased the effects on reactive oxygen species on boar sperm quality during liquid preservation compared with that of the control group. The added 200 U/mL SOD group showed higher sperm motility, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, effective survival time and T‐AOC activity. Meanwhile, the added 200 U/mL SOD group showed lower MDA content and H₂O₂content. In conclusion, addition of SOD to Modena improved the boar sperm quality by reducing oxidative stress during liquid preservation at 17°C and the optimum concentration was 200 U/mL.     

Pharmacokinetics and tissue residues of moroxydine hydrochloride in gibel carp,Carassius gibelio after oral administration

The pharmacokinetics and tissue residues of moroxydine hydrochloride were studied in gibel carp at water temperature of 15 and 25 °C. Samples (blood, skin, muscle, liver, and kidney) were collected over 10 days after the treatment and analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with an ultraviolet detector. The results indicated that the influence of water temperature on the metabolism of the drug was significant. The plasma concentration–time data of moroxydine hydrochloride conformed to single‐compartment open model at the two water temperatures. There were higher absorption rate (t_1/2ka) and longer elimination half‐lives (t_1/2ke) at 15 °C (4.29 and 15.87 h, respectively) compared with those at 25 °C (3.02 and 4.22 h, respectively). The maximum plasma concentration (C_max) and the time‐point of maximum plasma concentration (T_p) were 2.98 μg/mL and 10.35 h at 15 °C and 3.12 μg/mL and 4.03 h at 25 °C, respectively. The distribution volume (V_d/F) of moroxydine hydrochloride was estimated to be 4.55 L/kg at 15 °C and 2.89 L/kg at 25 °C. The total body clearance (CL_b) of moroxydine hydrochloride was determined to be 0.25 and 0.49 L/(h·kg) at 15 °C and 25 °C, respectively; the areas under the concentration–time curve were 75.89 μg·h/mL at 15 °C and 42.33 μg·h/mL at 25 °C. The depletion of moroxydine hydrochloride in gibel carp was slower with a longer half‐life period, especially at lower water temperature that was tested.     

Cholesterol Protects <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acholeplasma laidlawii</Emphasis> Against Oxidative Damage Caused by Hydrogen Peroxide

The aim of this study was to determine whether cholesterol, added to the cell growth medium or to cell suspension buffer, could protect Acholeplasma laidlawii cells against the toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Variable concentrations of cholesterol (0.05–1.0 mg/ml) were added to the A. laidlawii suspension buffer and to the growth medium. Cells were then washed carefully and incubated with 0.001% (v/v) H₂O₂ at 37°C for 30 min and the viability was determined. The results indicated that cells were more viable in the presence of cholesterol than were cells grown in the absence of cholesterol. In addition, the oxygen uptake rate resulting from the oxidation of 5.5 mmol/L glucose was 2-fold and 4-fold higher for cells grown in medium supplemented with 0.05 and 0.50 mg/ml cholesterol, respectively, compared to cells grown in a medium with no added cholesterol. These findings indicate that cholesterol might play a role in protecting Mollicutes against the oxidative damage caused by H₂O₂. Deceased October 25, 2001     

The effects of hyperoxia on the biosynthesis of cyclooxygenase products and haemodynamic response to nitric oxide synthase inhibition with L-NAME in endotoxaemic pigs

The interaction between constitutive nitric oxide and oxygen may depend on the degree of tissue oxygenation and may play a critical role in the pathophysiological response to endotoxaemia. We investigated if hyperoxia (100% O₂) attenuated the systemic and pulmonary vasoconstriction and increased biosynthesis of thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) and 6-keto-prostaglandin (PG) F_1α induced by inhibition of nitric oxide synthase with N^G-nitro-l -arginine-methyl-ester (L-NAME) in a porcine model of endotoxaemia. Twenty-two domestic, random source pigs, weighing 15.4 ± 2.7 kg (mean ± standard deviation) were the subjects of this study. Pigs were anaesthetized with isoflurane in 100% O₂, orotracheally intubated and ventilated to maintain normocapnia, and then instrumented for haemodynamic monitoring. Following instrumentation, pigs were maintained at an end-tidal isoflurane concentration of 2%. Pigs were randomly assigned to treatment groups: saline + 30% O₂ (Control, n = 6); Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (5 μg/kg/h from 1 to 2 h followed by 2 μg/kg/h from 2 to 5 h) + 30% O₂ (LPS, n = 4); L-NAME (0.5 mg/kg/h, from 0 to 5 h) + LPS + 100% O₂ (n = 6); and L-NAME + LPS + 30% O₂ (n = 6). L-NAME and endotoxin significantly (P < 0.05) increased mean arterial pressure, mean pulmonary arterial pressure, and systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance index beginning at 90 min. When results were pooled across all time periods, mean arterial pressure and mean pulmonary arterial pressure were significantly higher in the L-NAME + LPS + 30% O₂ group than all other groups, reflecting pulmonary and systemic vasoconstriction. Hyperoxia attenuated the L-NAME + LPS-induced increases in TXB₂ and 6-keto-PGF_1α concentrations at 90 and 120 min and 120 min, respectively, although the differences were not statistically significant. These results support the observation that nitric oxide synthase inhibition with L-NAME has deleterious haemodynamic effects in this model of endotoxaemia. The temporal attenuation of L-NAME-induced pulmonary and systemic vasoconstriction by hyperoxia suggested that the haemodynamic effects of acute endotoxaemia were in part influenced by the relative amounts of nitric oxide and oxygen present.     

Growth,Consumption and Respiration by Larvae of the Kelp-Fly Fucellia Capensis (Diptera:Anthomyiidae)

At 18 °C the eggs of the kelp-fly, Fucellia capensis, hatch in 24 – 32 h and the larval and pupal stages last 10 – 12 and 9 – 14 days respectively. The growth curve is discontinuous, with declining relative growth rates in successive larval instars. Food consumption is relatively independent of size, at 0,25 mg dry kelp mg^-1 wet larva day^-1. Respiration rate is related to larval mass by the equation: Respiration rate (μl O₂ h^-1) = 2,75 (wet mass larva)^0,66. In terms of energy an individual larva consumes 245,5 J over its lifespan, grows to the equivalent of 43,9 J and respires 51,6 J, indicating an assimilation efficiency of 30% and a gross growth efficiency of 17%. Kelp-fly larvae are probably less significant consumers of drift kelp than amphipods or isopods, but they promote the decay of wrack beds and are favoured as food by sea-shore birds.     

Influence of kanamycin on the rumen bacteria and ammonia production in supplemented sheep rumen liquor in vitro

Bacteriological studies were made with in vitro sheep ruminal fluids supplemented with synthetic fodder containing different amounts of kanamycin (0.125, 2.50, and 60 mg/ml), during anaerobic incubation at 38–39°C for 6 h.Changes in the bacterial population occurred in the presence of large amounts (60 mg/ml) of kanamycin, and the B₁-type strain of Eubacterium became predominant.The marked increase in the concentration of ammonia in the supplemented rumen liquor, obtained after anaerobic incubation with high dosages of this antibiotic, is discussed.     

Effects of nutrient restriction and melatonin supplementation on maternal and foetal hepatic and small intestinal energy utilization

To determine how nutrient restriction and melatonin supplementation influence ewe and foetal hepatic and small intestinal energy use, 32 primiparous ewes on d 50 of gestation were fed 60% (RES) or 100% (ADQ) of NRC recommendations with 0 (CON) or 5 mg/d (MEL) of dietary melatonin. On d 130 of gestation, small intestine and liver were weighed and collected. Data were analysed as a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Liver weight (g/kg EBW) decreased (p = 0.02) in RES ewes. Jejunum weight (g/kg BW) increased (interaction p = 0.04) in ADQ‐MEL ewes compared with all other treatments. Total in vitro O₂ consumption (mol/min/tissue) and total citrate synthase activity (mol/min/tissue and mol/min/kg EBW) in liver decreased (p ≤ 0.03) in RES ewes. Oxygen consumption (mol/min/kg EBW) increased (interaction p = 0.02) in jejunum of ADQ‐CON versus RES‐MEL and ADQ‐CON. Citrate synthase activity (mol/min/kg of EBW) increased (interaction p = 0.03) in jejunum of ADQ‐MEL compared with RES‐MEL and ADQ‐CON. Foetal liver weight (g/kg BW) decreased (p = 0.02) in RES versus ADQ. Foetal small intestine weight (g/kg BW) decreased (interaction p = 0.05) in RES‐MEL versus ADQ‐MEL. Total O₂ consumption (mol/min/tissue) and total citrate synthase activity (mol/min/kg of BW) in foetal liver decreased (p ≤ 0.05) in RES versus ADQ. Foetal small intestinal O₂ consumption (mol/min/kg of BW) was greater (interaction p = 0.03) in RES‐CON and ADQ‐MEL than RES‐MEL and ADQ‐CON. Maternal nutrient restriction had a greater effect than melatonin supplementation on liver and jejunum mass and energy utilization in dams and foetuses. Because intestinal mass and energy utilization were more responsive to melatonin supplementation in ewes fed adequate nutrition compared with restricted ewes, melatonin may have limited use as a therapeutic supplement to help overcome potential negative effects of nutrient restriction.     

In vitro antimicrobial efficacy of β‐defensin 3 against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates from healthy and atopic canine skin

β‐Defensins (BDs) are highly conserved antimicrobial peptides important in innate defence against bacteria. β‐Defensin 3 has a specific role in protecting the skin. This study quantified the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of human (h)BD3 against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates from atopic and healthy dogs. Single colony isolates (1 × 10⁵ colony‐forming units/mL log phase) were cultured with doubling dilutions of hBD3 in sodium phosphate buffer from 0.8 to 50 μg/mL at 37 °C for 2 h, before adding 100 μL of tryptone soy broth and incubating for a further 20 h. Bacterial growth was assessed as the mean optical density at 540 nm corrected for background. The median MIC was 12.5 μg hBD3/mL (range 3.125–25 μg/mL; n = 22). Forty‐five percent of the isolates were inhibited at ≤6.25 μg hBD3/mL, and 90% were inhibited at ≤12.5 μg hBD3/mL. Bacterial growth was not inhibited at ≤1.6 μg hBD3/mL. There were no significant differences in the inhibition by hBD3 of isolates from atopic (median MIC 12.5 μg/mL, range 6.25–25 μg/mL, n = 14) and healthy dogs (median MIC 9.4 μg/mL, range 3.125–12.5 μg/mL, n = 8); from noninfected colonized sites (median MIC 12.5 μg/mL, range 3.125–25 μg/mL, n = 16) and infected lesions (median MIC 9.4 μg/mL, range 6.25–12.5 μg/mL, n = 6); or between sample sites (nose median MIC 12.5 μg/mL, range 6.25–25 μg/mL, n = 5; perineum median MIC 12.5 μg/mL, range 3.125–25 μg/mL, n = 7; ear median MIC 6.25 μg/mL, range 6.25–12.5 μg/mL, n = 4; lesions median MIC 9.4 μg/mL, range 6.25–12.5 μg/mL, n = 6). In conclusion, hBD3 inhibited the growth of canine S. pseudintermedius isolates in vitro irrespective of origin.