Plasma,Urinary and Biliary Residues in Cattle Following Intramuscular Injection of Nortestosterone Laurate

The synthetic androgen 19-nortestosterone (-NT) has been used illegally as a growth promoter in cattle production in the European Union. Elimination of -NT and its metabolites in plasma, urine and bile was studied in three cattle with cannulated gallbladders following intramuscular injection at a single site of 500 mg of the laurate ester (NTL) containing 300.5 mg -NT. Using enzyme immunoassay quantification, plasma Cmax of free -NT was 0.5±0.15 g/L (mean±SEM). Concentrations of free -NT in plasma were consistently greater than the assay limit of quantification (0.12 g/L) for 32.7±13.42 days. Mean residence time for free -NT in plasma was 68.5±20.75 days. Following sample preparation by immunoaffinity chromatography, high-resolution GC-MS was used to quantify -NT and -NT in urine and bile. -NT was detected irregularly in urine from two of the three animals post injection. The principal metabolite present in the urine, -NT, was detected for 160.3±22.67 days post injection. Cmax for -NT in urine was 13.7±5.14 g/L. Mean urinary AUC0–183 days for -NT was 845.7±400.90 (g h)/L.In bile, -NT was the only metabolite detected for 174.3±8.67 days post treatment. Cmax for -NT in bile was 40.8±12.70 g/L and mean biliary AUC0–183 days for -NT was 1982.6±373.81 (g h)/L. Concentrations of -NT in bile samples were greater than those in urine samples taken at the same time. The mean ratio of biliary:urinary AUC0–183 days was 3.0±0.72. It is concluded that bile is a superior fluid for detection of -NT following injection of NTL, owing to the longer period during which residues may be detected after administration.     

Leukocyte and Cytokine Accumulation in the Ovine Teat and Udder during Endotoxin-Induced Inflammation

Persson Waller, K., Colditz, I.G., Flapper, P. and Seow, H.-F., 1997. Leukocyte and cytokine accumulation in the ovine teat and udder during endotoxin-induced inflammation. Veterinary Research Communications, 21 (2), 101-115The accumulation of leukocytes, ovine serum albumin and the cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumour necrosis factor- (TNF-), interleukin-8 (IL-8), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interferon- (IFN-) was studied during endotoxin-induced inflammation in lactating and dry ovine udders, and in the teat cisterns of dry ewes after surgical closure of the passage between the teat and udder cisterns. Samples were taken before infusion and hourly up to 10 h after infusion of 0.1, 1 or 10 µg of endotoxin, or infusion of pyrogen-free saline (PFS) as a control. Rectal temperatures were measured.A significant dose- and time-dependent accumulation of leukocytes, mainly neutrophils, was observed in the lactating udders and in the teat cisterns. In the dry udders, the leukocyte accumulation was significant for time but not for dose. Peak numbers of cells were reached at 3-4 h in the dry udders and in the teat cisterns, but not until 10 h after infusion in the lactating udders. The changes in the ovine serum albumin concentrations mostly paralleled changes in leukocyte numbers.A role was indicated for TNF-, IL-8 and GM-CSF, but not for IL-1 and IFN-, during endotoxin-induced inflammation in the ovine udder. Release of TNF-, IL-8 and GM-CSF was most prominent in lactating udders, peaking at 2 or 3 h after infusion, but was also detected in dry udders and teat cisterns. Detectable levels of IL-1 and IFN- were occasionally found in all three groups.     

Milk Protein Polymorphism in Kangayam Cattle

This paper reports the milk protein polymorphism, the allele frequencies of variants and the possible linkages among various combinations of milk protein phenotypes in the Kangayam cattle of south India. Milk samples from 156 Kangayam cows were typed by starch gel and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis for caseins and whey proteins, respectively. All the four milk protein components studied, _s1-casein, -casein, -lactoglobulin and -lactalbumin, exhibited polymorphism with high allele frequencies of 0.9231±0.0151 for _s1-casein C, 0.9263±0.0148 for -casein A, 0.9135±0.0159 for -lactoglobulin B and a relatively high frequency of 0.6218±0.0275 for -lactalbumin A. The mean heterozygosity estimated over all the four milk protein loci was 0.2420. Genetic equilibrium was observed among all the loci studied, except -lactalbumin. Linkage analysis confirmed the non-independence between _s1- and -caseins and between caseins and -lactalbumin phenotypes.     

Plasma concentration of sulphadimethoxine in pigs after multiple dosing and during injections of Escherichia coli endotoxin

The effect of endotoxin induced fever on the steady state concentration of sulphadimethoxine in pigs has been studied.Sulphadimethoxine 20 mg/kg b.wt. was injected at 9 a.m. in an ear vein each day for eleven days. From day 6 until the end of the experiment, endotoxin fromEscherichia coli 1.5 g/kg b.wt. was injected at 9 a.m. and at 3 p.m. The plasma concentration versus time curves were calculated by means of a computer program, assuming a two-compartment model. During the endotoxin injections the plasma concentrations were simulated and compared with those calculated.It was not possible to show any clinically significant changes in pharmacokinetics of sulphadimethoxine after the start of endotoxin injections.     

Nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in calves apparently caused by experimental feeding withNarthecium ossifragum

Seven calves were fed a mixture of bog plants containing 15 g (wet matter)Narthecium ossifragum per kg live weight for two consecutive days. Their serum creatinine, urea and magnesium concentrations increased, whereas the serum calcium concentration decreased. Histopathological examination of the kidneys of the 5 calves that were killed revealed tubular epithelial cell degeneration and necrosis. There were signs of liver dysfunction in all the calves including increased aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) and -glutamyltransferase activities.All the calves refused to ingestN. ossifragum after 2 days feeding, and their appetite for hay and concentrate was also reduced. It can be concluded thatN. ossifragum is nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic to calves.Abbreviations ALP alkaline phosphatase - ASAT aspartate aminotransferase - -HBA -hydroxybutyric acid - CK creatine kinase - d.m. dry matter - -GT -glutamyltransferase - GFR glomerular filtration rate - GLDH glutamate dehydrogenase - MCV mean cell volume - RBC red blood cells - SEM standard error of the mean - WBC white blood cells - w.m. wet matter     

Pharmacokinetics of Enrofloxacin and Its Metabolite Ciprofloxacin after Intramuscular Administration of Enrofloxacin in Goats

The pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin and its active metabolite ciprofloxacin were investigated in goats after a single intramuscular administration of enrofloxacin at 2.5 mg/kg body weight. The plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin were determined simultaneously by a HPLC method. The peak concentrations (C _max) of enrofloxacin (1.13 g/ml) and ciprofloxacin (0.24 g/ml) were observed at 0.8 and 1.2 h, respectively. The elimination half-life (t _1/2), volume of distribution (V _d(area)), total body clearance (Cl_B) and mean residence time (MRT) of enrofloxacin were 0.74 h, 1.42 L/kg, 1329 ml/h per kg and 1.54 h, respectively. The t _1/2, area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) and the MRT of ciprofloxacin were 1.38 h, 0.74 g h/ml and 2.73 h, respectively. The metabolic conversion of enrofloxacin to ciprofloxacin was appreciable (36%) and the sum of the plasma concentrations of enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin was maintained at or above 0.1 g/ml for up to 4 h. Enrofloxacin appears to be useful for the treatment of goat diseases associated with pathogens sensitive to this drug.     

Antibody Responses in Sheep Vaccinated against Staphylococcus aureus Mastitis: A Comparison of Two Experimental Vaccines Containing Different Adjuvants

A double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to compare two vaccines using different adjuvants with regard to their ability to stimulate antibody production against the - and -toxins and the exopolysaccharide of Staphylococcus aureus. The vaccines contained identical antigens, consisting of inactivated whole bacteria of two strains of S. aureus in addition to - and -toxoid. One vaccine contained mineral oil, while the other used a water-soluble acrylic acid polymer resin (Carbopol) as adjuvant. Saline served as the placebo. One hundred and forty ewes were vaccinated twice before lambing, by subcutaneous injection with vaccine or placebo in the region of the supramammary lymph node, and were observed and sampled over a period of 6 months. The vaccine containing mineral oil as adjuvant induced significantly greater immune responses to the - and -toxins than did the vaccine containing Carbopol. The latter vaccine induced higher levels of antibodies to exopolysaccharide. The degree of local adverse reactions did not differ between the two groups. The results indicate differences between the oil-adjuvanted and Carbopol-adjuvanted vaccines with regard to their ability to stimulate antibody production against S. aureus protein antigens in sheep.     

The use of cultured hepatocytes from goats and cattle to investigate xenobiotic oxidative metabolism

The oxidative metabolism of aldicarb (ALD), a carbamate pesticide, and fenbendazole (FBZ), an anthelmintic, was studied using cultured hepatocytes obtained from 4 goats and a bullock and incubated with ALD (50 mol/L) and FBZ (10 mol/L). The parent compounds and the metabolites were measured by HPLC. Both compounds are metabolized at the sulphur atom via two sequential oxidations, first to the sulphoxide (aldicarb sulphoxide and oxfendazole, respectively) and then to the sulphone. Oxfendazole and fenbendazole sulphone from FBZ, and aldicarb sulphoxide from ALD were found in both species. Aldicarb sulphone was not produced by the hepatocyte preparations from the bullock. The good correlation obtained comparing the in vitro results of FBZ metabolism with published in vivo dat obtained on FBZ kinetics in the same species confirmed the usefulness of in vitro models for predictive analysis of in vivo xenobiotic biotransformations.Abbreviations ALD aldicarb - ALDSON aldicarb sulphone - ALDSOX aldicarb sulphoxide - BSA bovine serum albumin - ID internal diameter - EGTA ethylene glycol bis(-aminoethyl ether) N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid - FBZ fenbendazole - FBZSON fenbendazole sulphone - HBSS Hanks' balanced saline solution - HPLC high-pressure liquid chromatography - LDH lactate dehydrogenase - MFO mixed function oxidase - NCS newborn calf serum - OXF oxfendazole - WME Williams' Medium E     

Disposition kinetics and distribution of demeclocycline in various biological fluids in female goats

A pharmacokinetic study of demeclocycline was carried out following intravenous administration at 5 mg/kg body weight in lactating goats. Demeclocycline appeared within 5 min in plasma, interstitial fluid (isf) and urine, while it appeared at 1 h in milk. Peak concentrations of 21.70±4.06, 2.67±0.23, 5.65±0.45 and 82.23±10.06 g/ml were attained at 5 min and at 6, 8 and 8 h in plasma, isf, milk and urine respectively. A potentially therapeutic concentration of 0.5 g/ml was maintained from 5 min–36 h, 30 min–30 h, 1–36 h and 5 min–48 h in plasma, isf, milk and urine respectively. The drug was detectable in all the above biological fluids for at least 48 h. A low distribution half life (t_1/2) of 0.44±0.04 h and a high elimination half life (t_1/2) of 19.24±1.22 h denote rapid distribution but very slow elimination of the drug in goats. A high tissue plasma concentration ratio [K₁₂:(K_2I–)] of 5.12±0.97 during the elimination phase and a Vd_area of 1.59±0.18 L/kg indicate uniform distribution of demeclocycline in the tissues and body fluids of goats. The dosage regimen for maintaining minimum plasma concentration (C min = MIC) of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/ml at selected dosage intervals of 12 and 24 h was also calculated.     

Uterine motility of the sow during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy

With electromyography and strain gauges the uterine motility of the sow during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy was studied. Special attention was paid to characterization of myometrial activity at the time of intrauterine migration of blastocysts.From recordings of 4 animals (3 became pregnant) 3 types of electrical spiking activity (each could be correlated with an elevation of the strain gauge tension) were discerned. Two of them appeared regularly and were suitable for analysis: High Voltage Slow Acticity (with relative high amplitude and low frequency of spikes) and Low Voltage Fast Activity (with relative low aplitude and high frequency of spikes).The sexual status markedly influenced myometrial activity: during prooestrus and oestrus only one type of electrical activity was present whereas the myoelectrical complex (an episode of this activity and the subsequent interval of inactivity) was shorter than 10 min. During dioestrus the myoelectrical complex was longer than 10 min and High Voltage Slow Activity (solely on the cervix and bifurcation) and Low Voltage Fast Activity occurred simultaneously in episodes which mainly appeared to originate on the bifurcation.The characteristics of uterine activity during pregnancy were similar to those of a cyclic sow until day 12. It was only on day 12 that gestation appeared from an increased frequency of myoelectrical complexes.It is concluded that Low Voltage Fast Activity as it was found on the uterine horn at days 8–9 might be involved in the process of intra-uterine migration of blastocysts. In cyclic and in pregnant animals the patterns of Low Voltage Fast Activity were similar. Therefore, the occurrence of Low Voltage Fast Activity is independent of the actual presence of blastocysts. It seems to be exhibited in dependence on the ovarian hormones.     

Feed intake and rumen motility in dwarf goats. Effects of some α-adrenergic agonists,prostaglandins and posterior pituitary hormones

The purpose of the present investigation was to test the hypothesis that drug-induced changes in rumen contractions influence feed intake in dwarf goats. Intravenous (i.v.) administration of clonidine (1 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 10 min), xylazine (1 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 10 min), and PGF-2 (10 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min) caused bradycardia and inhibition of rumen contractions. However, no appetite-stimulating effect of these drugs was observed. Other clinical changes induced by the ₂-adrenergic agonists included slight sedation and a decrease in body temperature; all clinical effects of clonidine and xylazine were partly antagonized by tolazoline pretreatment (10 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 30 min). These results suggest that the CNS control of feeding differs in ruminants and monogastric species.In dwarf goats fasted for 2 h, i.v. administration of oxytocin (0.01 IU kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min), vasopressin (0.01 IU kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min), octapressin (0.003 IU kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min) or PGE (0.8 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min) did not change feeding behaviour during the two observation periods (0–30 min and 180–210 min after drug infusion, respectively). In previous studies, similar doses of these drugs induced changes in heart rate and inhibition of rumen contraction in goats. These findings demonstrate that drug-induced changes in forestomach contractions do not simply cause changes in feeding behaviour. The i.v. infusion of the PGF₂ analogues etiproston (10 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min), luprostiol (30 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min), cloprostenol (1 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min) and tiaprost (1 g kg^-1 min^-1 for 15 min) induced hypophagic effects and stimulated intestinal propulsion.     

β-Adrenoceptors in Equine Trachea and Heart

The density and subtype pattern of -adrenoceptors in equine tracheal epithelium, tracheal smooth muscle and heart from 6–9 horses were investigated by radioligand binding studies using the non-selective -adrenoceptor antagonist 125I-cyanopindolol (ICYP). The specific binding of ICYP was 341±162 fmol/mg protein (mean±SD) for epithelium, 42±13 fmol/mg for smooth muscle and 124±39 and 101±19 fmol/mg for the cardiac atrium and ventricle, respectively. The Kd value of ICYP was 6.7–10.2 pmol/L.In competition studies, different concentrations of either the 2-selective drug ICI 118551 or the 1-selective CGP 20712A competed with 25 pmol/L ICYP for the binding sites. The competition curves for tracheal smooth muscle and epithelium were monophasic with an approximate Kd value for ICI 118551 of 1 nmol/L and for CGP 20712A of 10 000 nmol/L. This corresponds to known Kd values for these substances binding to 2-adrenoceptors. 2-Adrenoceptors were also found in the heart, most pronounced in the atrium, where the density was 29%±6% (mean±SD) of the total receptor density. CGP 20712A and ICI 118551 bound to the dominating binding site of 1-adrenoceptors in the heart with Kd values of approximately 1 nmol/L and 100 nmol/L, respectively.     

Haemophilus influenzae and the β-adrenergic system: A review

Haemophilus influenzae is a bacterium that often can be isolated from the deeper respiratory airways of patients with chronic asthmatic bronchitis. In the present study the effects ofH. influenzae vaccination on guinea pig pulmonary -adrenoceptor number and function (in vitro and in vivo) have been evaluated. Functioning of -adrenoceptors is determined by measuring the -mimetic effect of isoprenaline on the inhibition of anaphylactic mediator release and isolated tracheal strip relaxation. The number of -adrenoceptor binding sites was measured by means of a³H-dihydroalprenolol binding assay.Also the mechanism of action underlying the changes in -adrenoceptor functioning was evaluated. Furthermore, it was established that the effect on the -adrenoceptor system was not specific forH. influenzae and that other respiratory pathogens were also biologically active in this respect.     

Nephrotoxicity in lambs apparently caused by experimental feeding withNarthecium ossifragum

Seven lambs were fed a mixture of bog plants containing 15 g (wet matter)Narthecium ossifragum per kg live weight for 10 consecutive days. Their serum creatinine concentration increased from day 1 to 4 but then fell to normal by day 6 after feeding started. In the same animals, the serum magnesium concentration was increased on days 3, 4 and 5. Histopathological examination of the kidneys of 2 lambs killed after being fed 25 gN. ossifragum per kg live weight for one day revealed tubular epithelial cell degeneration and necrosis. There were no signs of disease or distress in the experimental animals and their appetite remained normal throughout the experimental period. It was concluded thatN. ossifragum is probably nephrotoxic to lambs.Abbreviations ALP alkaline phosphatase - ASAT aspartate aminotransferase - -HBA -hydroxybutyric acid - CK creatine kinase - d.m. dry matter - -GT -glutamyltransferase - GLDH glutamate dehydrogenase - MCV mean cell volume - RBC red blood cells - SEM standard error of the mean - WBC white blood cells - w.m. wet matter     

Preliminary Studies on Hepatic Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase in Dairy Cattle with or without Fatty Liver

The hepatic mitochondrial carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT) activity was measured by fluorimetric assay in dairy cows with or without fatty liver. CPT activities in 13 lactating cattle and in 6 non-lactating cows were 304.4±86.6 mol CoA/min per g protein and 169.3±84.8 mol CoA/min per g protein, respectively. This difference was significant (<0.05). CPT activities in early lactation (0–110 days after calving), mid-lactation (111–220 days after calving) and late lactation (over 220 days after calving) were 278.9±68.0, 312.4±124.1 and 320±59.3 mol CoA/min per g protein, respectively. There was no significant difference between the values at different stages of lactation. The CPT activity in 10 lactating cows with fatty liver unrelated to calving was 201.3±80.0 mol CoA/min per g protein. CPT activity in 10 cattle with fatty liver was significantly lower than that in normal lactating cattle. Based on these findings, clinical fatty liver unrelated to calving appears to be associated with a decrease in hepatic CPT activity.     

Kinetics of Interferon-Gamma Production and its Comparison with Anti-Listeriolysin O Detection in Experimental Bovine Listeriosis

The kinetics of the production of interferon gamma (IFN-) in whole blood culture and its comparison with anti-listeriolysin O (ALLO) detection by ELISA were studied during oral infection of calves with Listeria monocytogenes. Culture filtrate antigen (CFA), listeriolysin O (LLO), and sonicated antigen (SA) were used to prime the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and the plasma from orally infected calves. IFN- and ALLO appeared as early as day 7 of an oral infection. IFN- was detected earlier with LLO than with SA. The Max50 interleukin (IL-2) activity and IFN- estimated in the culture supernatant from PBMCs primed in vitro with different antigens of L. monocytogenes revealed high induction of IL-2 and IFN- by CFA, LLO and live antigen. IFN- assay and ALLO detection were used for testing cases of repeat breeding in dairy cattle. It appeared that detection of IFN- employing LLO can be used to diagnose listerial infections.     

Aspects of the Pharmacokinetics of Doxycycline Given to Healthy and Pneumonic East African Dwarf Goats by Intramuscular Injection

Ole-Mapenay, I.M., Mitema, E.S. and Maitho, T.E., 1997. Aspects of the pharmacokinetics of doxycycline given to healthy and pneumonic East African dwarf goats by intramuscular injection. Veterinary Research Communications, 21 (6), 453-462The effect of experimentally induced Pasteurella haemolytica pneumonia on the pharmacokinetics of doxycycline (Doxycen Retard) administered intramuscularly was studied in seven East African dwarf goats. The study was conducted in two consecutive phases, separated by a washout period of four weeks. The experimental infection, induced by intratracheal administration of 5 ml of 107 to 109 cfu/ml of Pasteurella haemolytica, produced a temperature rise, depression and laboured breathing within 6-12 days after inoculation.The concentrations of doxycycline in the serum were determined by a quantitative microbiological assay using an agar-gel diffusion method employing Bacillus cereus var mycoides (ATCC 11778) as the test organism, with a level of detectability of approximately 0.05 µg/ml. The concentration-time curve of doxycycline in the serum after intramuscular injection of 20 mg/kg bodyweight of the long-acting formulation before and after experimental infection was adequately described by a one-compartment open model.The maximum serum concentrations (Cmax) of doxycycline were lower in pneumonic goats than in healthy goats (3.87 ± 0.52 and 5.56 ± 0.213 µg/ml, respectively), suggesting an increased distribution volume in the peripheral compartment. The mean ± SEM absorption rate (ka) before infection (1.13 ± 0.02 h-1) was smaller than that after infection (8.23 ± 3.81 h-1), but the difference was not significant. The apparent elimination half-life (t1/2) (24.51 ± 0.02 h) after infection was significantly increased (p < 0.05), while the corresponding rate constant () was decreased (p < 0.01). The absorption half-life (t1/2) (0.137 ± 0.03 h) was significantly decreased (p < 0.01) after infection. The distribution volume (Vd()) was significantly increased after infection (p < 0.05). It is concluded that, although experimental infection had an effect on the disposition kinetics of doxycycline, this was not sufficiently pronounced to require alteration of the dosage during disease.     

Novobiocin Inhibits Both UDP-Glucuronosyltransferase and Cytochrome P450-Mediated Enzyme Activities in Pig Liver Microsomes

The effects of novobiocin (range 0.0125–2 mmol/L) on the hydroxylation of testosterone, the N-demethylation of erythromycin, and the glucuronidation of -naphthol and paracetamol were studied using pig hepatic microsomes, pooled from five animals. The final concentrations of these substrates in the incubation mixtures were selected to meet V_max conditions. Novobiocin caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of the glucuronidation of paracetamol; the formation of -naphthol-glucuronide was reduced to a lesser degree. These results confirm and extend earlier findings in laboratory animal species that novobiocin inhibits UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UDPGTs). Moreover, novobiocin strongly inhibited 6-hydroxylation of testosterone. The microsomal N-demethylation of erythromycin and hydroxylation of testosterone at the 15 position were less affected by novobiocin. These results suggest that novobiocin inhibits not only UDPGTs, but also cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme activities, probably those belonging to the CYP3A subfamily. More research is needed to reveal which CYPs and UDPGTs are affected by novobiocin in vivo, in order to improve the understanding and probably the predictability of potential drug interactions with this antibiotic.     

Food intake and rumen motility in dwarf goats. Effects of atipamezole on the inhibitory effects induced by detomidine,medetomidine and romifidine

The effects of some ₂-adrenoceptor agonists and of the ₂-adrenoceptor antagonist atipamezole on food intake and ruminal contractions were studied in dwarf goats. Detomidine, 0.2 µg/kg per min for 10 min, failed to modify food intake during either the first or second observation period (0–30 min and 180–210 min after drug infusion, respectively). Given at a higher dose rate (0.4 µg/kg per min for 10 min), the drug inhibited food consumption during the first observation period, but stimulated food intake during the second period. A similar pattern was observed after IV infusion with medetomidine (0.2 µg/kg per min for 10 min), romifidine (0.4 µg/kg per min for 10 min) or xylazine (1 µg/kg per min for 10 min). The ₂-antagonist atipamezole (2 µg/kg per min for 10 min) failed to modify food intake during either the first or second observation period. After treatment with atipamezole, the effects of ₂-agonists on feeding behaviour were completely antagonized.The ₂-agonists administered at similar dose rates to those used in the food intake experiments induced bradycardia, decreases in body temperature and inhibition of ruminal contractions. The inhibition of ruminal contractions induced by romifidine was partly antagonized by atipamezole pre-treatment. These findings demonstrate that the ₂-agonist-induced changes in ruminal contractions do not simply cause changes in feeding behaviour. The drop in body temperature induced by ₂-agonists was prevented by atipamezole pre-treatment, whereas the induced bradycardia was not modified by this ₂-antagonist.Abbreviations IV intravenous - SEM standard error of the mean     

Intestinal atresia and stenosis: A review comparing its morphology

A review of the literature on intestinal atresia of domestic animal species and humans was done. The 5 types of intestinal occlusions described in human infants are atresia type 1, atresia type 2, atresia type 3, stenosis, and the apple peel or Christmas tree deformity. The intestinal defects described in domestic animal species such as the bovine, equine and porcine are similar to those of human infants. The T-formation, an intestinal defect of the bovine resembling atresia type 3, and rectal stricture, an acquired intestinal defect of the porcine resembling stenosis, were described recently. Intestinal atresia is similar in several species and these similarities raise the questions as to whether the pathogenic mechanism and possibly etiologies of intestinal atresia are similar in these species.