The effects of ACTH,prednisolone and Escherichia coli endotoxin on some clinical haematological and blood biochemical parameters in dwarf goats

Summary

ACTH (μg kg ^‐1 i.v.) and prednisolone (1 μg^‐1 i.v.) caused a moderate but statistically significant inhibition of rumen contractions, whereas no effects on heart rate and body temperature were observed. Both hormones induced hyperglycaemia and leucocytosis, characterised by moderate lymphopenia and a profound increase in the number of circulating neutrophils. A significant decrease in plasma iron and increase in plasma zinc concentrations were observed.

After 3 daily i.m. injections of ACTH (10 μg ^‐1 day ^‐1) decreases were seen in both serum Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and plasma trace metal concentrations; heart rate was significantly higher. Intraveneous injection of E. coli endotoxin (0.1 μg kg ^‐1) caused shivering, fever, inhibition of rumen contractions, changes in heart rate, lymphopenia, neutropenia followed by neutrophilic leucocytosis, hypoferraemia, hypozincaemia, hypoglycaemia and a decline in serum ALP activity. ACTH, given for 3 days, reduced the febrile responses to E. coli endotoxin, modified the changes in heart rate, intensified the inhibition of rumen contractions, and induced a more marked decrease in the number of circulating neutrophils. ACTH pretreatment did not affect the endotoxin‐induced decrease in blood glucose concentrations nor the drop in plasma zinc and iron values.

These results suggest that (1) glucocorticosteroids are not primarily involved in the fall in plasma iron and zinc concentrations during E. coli endotoxin‐induced fever, (2) the effects of endotoxin released glucocorticosteroids on white blood cells and blood glucose are masked by some other effect(s) of endotoxin, and (3) in dwarf goats, ACTH has antipyretic properties without influencing normal body temperature. This effect is probably not dependent on adrenal cortical activity.     

The effect of furazolidone on some clinical and biochemical parameters in goats

Furazolidone (FZ) administered to goats orally at the recommended therapeutic dose (10 mg/kg body weight for 5 days) resulted in significant decreases in heart rate, pulse rate, and rectal temperature. No change was observed in respiratory rate or body weight, although a tendency towards a decrease in the latter was observed. An increase in the number of the erythrocytes was found. FZ also produced significant decreases in the pseudocholinesterase activity and plasma concentrations of total protein and ascorbic acid. A significant increase in the adrenal cholesterol concentration was observed while the weight of adrenal glands and their ascorbic acid concentration and content were unaffected. No significant histopathological changes were observed in treated goats.     

The effect of furazolidone on some clinical and biochemical parameters in goats

Summary

Furazolidone (FZ) administered to goats orally at the recommended therapeutic dose (10 mg/kg body weight for 5 days) resulted in significant decreases in heart rate, pulse rate, and rectal temperature. No change was observed in respiratory rate or body weight, although a tendency towards a decrease in the latter was observed. An increase in the number of the erythrocytes was found. FZ also produced significant decreases in the pseudocholinesterase activity and plasma concentrations of total protein and ascorbic acid. A significant increase in the adrenal cholesterol concentration was observed while the weight of adrenal glands and their ascorbic acid concentration and content were unaffected. No significant histopathological changes were observed in treated goats.     

Comparative observations of fever and associated clinical, haematological and blood biochemical changes after parenteral administration of poly I: poly C, interferon-alpha 2a and Escherichia coli endotoxin in goats

The present report describes a comparative study in dwarf goats on human IFN-alpha 2a (0.5 x 10(6) IU kg-1 body weight IM), poly I: poly C (an interferon inducer; 30 micrograms kg-1 b.w. IV), and Escherichia coli endotoxin (an I1-1 inducer; 0.1 micrograms kg-1 b.w. IV). Although IFNs are considered to be species specific, human IFN-alpha 2a was very potent in dwarf goats. All 3 stimuli induced the 'acute phase response'. Among the varied physiological alterations, which together produce this response, are fever and depression, inhibition of gastric function, tachycardia, a decrease in serum alkaline phosphatase activity, leukopenia, lymphopenia and neutropenia followed by neutrophilic leukocytosis, hypoferraemia and hypozincaemia. The results suggest that, apart from I1-1, IFN-alpha also seems to mediate the systemic 'acute phase response' to certain exogenous stimuli.     

Effects of pentoxifylline and polymyxin B on the acute-phase-response to Escherichia coli endotoxin in dwarf goats

The purpose of this study was to assess whether polymyxin B together with pentoxifylline, had beneficial effects on the acute-phase-response to E. coli endotoxin in the dwarf goat ( n  = 6). Polymyxin B partly neutralizes E. coli endotoxin by forming inactive polymyxin B-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) complexes; pentoxifylline has been reported to suppress the LPS-induced production of tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α). E. coli LPS (0.0067 μg/kg/min over 30 min) induced fever, tachycardia, inhibition of rumen motility, a decline in WBC, lymphopenia, and decreases in plasma zinc and iron concentrations. Most of the haematological, blood biochemical and clinical effects of E. coli LPS were significantly reduced by polymyxin B pretreatment (0.1 mg/kg/min over 30 min, i.v.). Pentoxifylline (0.3 mg/kg/min over 30 min, i.v.) did not reduce the clinical and blood biochemical effects of E. coli LPS, however, it modulated the number of circulating neutrophils. No synergistic effects were observed after i.v. infusion of polymyxin B with pentoxifylline. The lack of synergy may be due to the production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines other than TNF-α.     

The effects of “holding” on some blood parameters in goats

One young male and five female goats aged from four months to mature fullmouthed were handled by stroking and raising the jugular vein intermittently for one minute each day for four days. A control group was kept in a similar pen out of sight of the test group for the four days and approached only when attended for pen cleaning and feeding. On the fifth day, heparinised blood samples were taken once hourly for a period of three hours by jugular venepuncture from both groups. After processing, the samples were examined for packed cell volumes, plasma and erythrocyte potassium and sodium concentrations. Analysis of variance of the data showed a significant (P<0.01) reduction in erythrocyte potassium concentration in the unhandled group (76.3 mmol/l to 74.2 mmol/l) from Time 0 to Time 1, and a similarly significant increase in levels in the handled group (73.7 mmol/l to 78.0 mmol/l) from Time 0 to Time 1. There was also a significant difference (P<0.05) in packed cell volumes between the unhandled and handled groups at Time 0 and Time 1 (28.6% v 25.2% and 27.6% v 25.0% respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in plasma sodium, plasma potassium or erythrocyte sodium.     

The effects of "holding" on some blood parameters in goats

One young male and five female goats aged from four months to mature full-mouthed were handled by stroking and raising the jugular vein intermittently for one minute each day for four days. A control group was kept in a similar pen out of sight of the test group for the four days and approached only when attended for pen cleaning and feeding. On the fifth day, heparinised blood samples were taken once hourly for a period of three hours by jugular venepuncture from both groups. After processing, the samples were examined for packed cell volumes, plasma and erythrocyte potassium and sodium concentrations. Analysis of variance of the data showed a significant (P less than 0.01) reduction in erythrocyte potassium concentration in the unhandled group (76.3 mmol/l to 74.2 mmol/l) from Time 0 to Time 1, and a similarly significant increase in levels in the handled group (73.7 mmol/l to 78.0 mmol/l) from Time 0 to Time 1. There was also a significant difference (P less than 0.05) in packed cell volumes between the unhandled and handled groups at Time 0 and Time 1 (28.6% v 25.2% and 27.6% v 25.0% respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in plasma sodium, plasma potassium or erythrocyte sodium.     

The clinical,biochemical, haematological and pathological effects of long-term administration of Ipomoea carnea to growing goats

Ipomoea carnea has been held responsible for several poisoning episodes, mainly in goats. This plant contains swainsonine, which inhibits acid or lysosomal -mannosidase enzyme, causing cellular vacuolization. The objective of this study was to evaluate I. carnea toxicosis when four different doses of this plant were fed to growing goats. Twenty-five male goats were divided into five groups, one control group and four experimental groups that received 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 and 30.0 g of the plant per kg of live weight per day for 4 months. Blood samples were collected for haematological and biochemical determinations and fragments from some tissues were collected for histopathological study. All the experimental goats ingested the plant throughout the trial, presenting nystagmus, muscle tremors, weakness of the hind limbs and ataxia. They also had a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) from the sixth week of the experiment compared to the goats in the control group. There was a significant reduction in haemoglobin concentration in the goats treated with I. carnea. Histopathology revealed degenerative vacuolar alterations in the liver, pancreas, thyroid and kidney cells, and in the neurons of the central nervous system in the animals that received the plant. All these alterations occurred in a dose-dependent manner.     

The effects of levamisole poisoning on the haematological and biochemical parameters in dogs

This study was designed to evaluate possible organ and system disorders associated with experimentally induced levamisole poisoning in dogs. For this purpose, twelve clinically healthy dogs of different ages, sexes and breeds were used. They were divided into two equal groups (Group A and Group B) and given levamisole orally at a dose of 25 mg/kg of body weight daily for three days. The dogs in Group B were also injected with atropin sulphate (0.04 mg/kg of body weight) subcutaneously (sc) 1 hour after each administration of levamisole. Routine clinical examinations were made and some haematological, biochemical and blood gas parameters were established at various times after administration of levamisole. The dogs in Group A developed severe neurological signs, gastric haemorrhage, bloody vomiting, colic, anaemia and four dogs died. In Group B these signs were mild and only one dog died. Levamisole poisoning was characterised by a significant reduction in the total number of red blood cells (RBCs), concentration of haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV), and by anaemia. Peripheral blood pH, actual bicarbonate of plasma (HCO3), actual base excess (BE), partial pressure of oxygen (pO2) and saturated oxygen (O2SAT) increased in both groups of animals and these dogs developed metabolic alkalosis 48 hours after the first administration of levamisole. The results of the study also show that levamisole poisoning in dogs causes a significant increase in the activity of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and of alkaline phosphatase (AP) and in the concentration of urea in both Group A and Group B. In the study, atropin sulphate reduced the severity of the clinical signs and the number of deaths, but it was not alone sufficient to remedy levamisole poisoning in dogs.     

Clinical, haematological and blood biochemical changes in goats after experimental infection with tick-borne fever

Tick-borne fever in goats caused by Ehrlichia (Cytoecetes) phagocytophila was characterised by high fever, dullness, anorexia, tachycardia and a slight to moderate inhibition of rumen motility. The animals developed a gradual decline in the total number of circulating white blood cells. There was a decrease in lymphocytes over a short period, followed by an increase. The number of neutrophils was higher on the 3rd day, causing considerable change in the lymphocyte:neutrophil ratios. The number of eosinophils increased slightly. Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) decreased during the febrile episodes, and a marked decline was observed in both plasma zinc and iron concentrations. Furthermore, there was a small but progressive decrease of haemoglobin and haematocrit values. Circulating endogenous pyrogen/leucocyte endogenous mediator could not be detected in plasma from febrile goats. Tick-borne fever was passively transmitted to kids with plasma obtained from these febrile animals.     

The effects of automated plasmapheresis on clinical, haematological, biochemical and coagulation variables in horses

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of plasmapheresis on the behaviour, general condition, haematological, biochemical and coagulation variables of donor horses for 32 days following the procedure. Twenty millilitres of plasma/kg body weight were collected via plasmapheresis in six clinically healthy horses. The general behaviour and condition of the horses was not affected by the procedure. During plasmapheresis, there was a mild increase in the haematocrit, haemoglobin concentration and total erythrocyte and leucocyte counts (P < 0.01). The mean concentrations of total protein and albumin decreased significantly (P < 0.01) and total protein did not normalise for about three weeks. Several other biochemical variables also decreased significantly during plasmapheresis, but mostly remained within reference ranges. After plasmapheresis, the mean value of the activated partial thromboplastin time and the thrombin time were mildly but significantly increased (P < 0.01), and the mean activities of factor V, factor VIII and antithrombin decreased significantly (P < 0.01), although all coagulation values remained within reference ranges. Our results indicate that, in horses, the collection of 20 mL of plasma/kg body weight via plasmapheresis results in mild changes in several haematological, biochemical and coagulation variables, although these were of no clinical relevance for the donors.     

The effects of probiotic and mannanoligosaccharide on some haematological and immunological parameters in turkeys

The study was conducted to investigate the effects of mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) and probiotic supplementation on haematological and immunological parameters in turkeys. A total of 72, 15-day-old white hybrid converter turkey poults were used in this study. Poults were assigned into three groups, each group consisted of six poults and the trial was repeated four times. The control group was fed a basal diet without supplemented probiotic and MOS, and treatment groups were fed either 1 g/kg MOS or probiotic added diets. At the end of the 15-week treatment period, samples of blood were collected to determine immunological and haematological values. The comparison among the groups showed that both the probiotic and MOS supplementation resulted in significant increases (P < 0.05) in the serum IgG and IgM levels, and significant decreases (P < 0.05) in the peripheral blood T lymphocyte percentage compared with those of the control group. Mean serum IgG level (7.06 g/l) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in poults supplemented with probiotic compared with MOS (6.76 g/l). It was observed that the probiotic supplementation caused statistically significant increases (P < 0.05) in the erythrocyte count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit values, but MOS supplementation did not have a significant effect (P > 0.05) on these parameters. Total leucocyte and differential leucocyte counts were not affected by dietary MOS and probiotic supplementation. These results show that MOS or probiotic may elevate IgG and IgM levels in turkey. The MOS and probiotic that enhance immunoglobulin levels will have a more positive effect on growth performance, production and turkeys' ability to resist disease.     

The effects of Escherichia coli and its endotoxin on amyloidogenesis in ducks.

To compare the effects of two inocula on the induction of amyloidosis in normal and thymectomized ducks, 180 normal and 50 thymectomized ducks were injected intravenously weekly for up to 16 weeks with either crude endotoxin or crude whole cell extract of a virulent strain of Escherichia coli (O78), and another 60 ducks were injected with normal saline as study control. During the first 5 weekly injections, the initial doses of inducing agents were the smallest and then adjusted upward to the maximum study doses (1 or 2 mg/bird of crude endotoxin and 15-18 x 10(8) bacteria/bird of crude whole cell extract), which were then maintained over the course of the study. The incidence of amyloid deposition were: 50.00% (25/50) for thymectomized ducks that received 1 mg/bird/week of crude endotoxin, 61.67% (37/60) for intact ducks that received 15 x 10(8)-18 x 10(8) bacteria (crude whole cell extract)/bird/week, 53.33% (32/60) for intact ducks received 2 mg/bird/week of crude endotoxin, and 63.33% (38/60) for intact ducks received 1 mg/bird/week of crude endotoxin. The results suggest that crude whole cell extract and crude endotoxin induced amyloidosis in ducks at similar rates and that, in ducks, thymectomy has no appreciable effect on the occurrence of amyloidosis.     

Effect of pesticide water pollution on some haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters in Tilapia nilotica fish

Nine groups of Tilapia nilotica fish each consisting of 50 fish were used to assess the effect of pesticides on the haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters in fish. Four groups were injected with 0.05 ml of Staphylococcus aureus antigen plus complete Freund's adjuvant, the first group (G1) was exposed to lindane treatment, the second (G2) was exposed to dialdrin, the third (G3) was exposed to diazinon and the forth group (G4) was exposed to malathion. Four other groups were not immunized, but injected with the adjuvant and exposed to the pesticides, the fifth group (G5) was exposed to lindane, the sixth (G6) was exposed to dialdrin, the seventh (G7) was exposed to diazinon and the eighth group (G8) was exposed to malathion. The ninth group (G9) was exposed to water without any pesticide treatment and served as controls. Both vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups were exposed to 1/10 LC50 of the tested pesticides for 30 days. The results revealed that the mean total RBCs, WBCs counts, PCV, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC values were lower in vaccinated groups than in the groups exposed to the tested pesticides. The total protein, globulin and serum enzymes ALAT; ASAT values as well as macrophage phagocytic index and antibody titer were lower in vaccinated as compared to the non-vaccinated groups.     

Prevalence of mange among West African Dwarf sheep and goats and associated haematological and biochemical parameters

This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of mange in sheep and goats in five local government areas (LGAs) of Ogun State in South Western Nigeria. A total of 4,973 sheep and 7,902 goats of West African Dwarf breeds were sampled of which only 4 (0.08%) of sheep and 42 (0.53%) of goats were confirmed positive for mange infestation. In all the LGAs sampled, Odeda LGA had the highest concentration of sheep (39%) and goats (51%) while Abeokuta South had the least percentage of sheep (1%) and goats (1%). All the mange-infested cases in sheep were recorded in just one LGA (Ewekoro) which constituted 0.24% of the population within the location. For goats, three out of five LGAs namely: Obafemi Owode, Ewekoro and Abeokuta North had prevalence of 1.46%, 0.53% and 0.72% respectively. There was no significant (P > 0.05) difference between non-infested and infested animals in terms of packed cell volume (31.79 ± 0.87% vs. 31.41 ± 1.13%), haemoglobin (10.51 ± 0.21 g/100 ml vs. 10.28 ± 0.37 g/100 ml) and red blood cells (8.71 ± 0.29 × 10(12)/l vs. 9.40 ± 0.37 × 10(12)/l). The infested group however showed significantly (P < 0.01) higher white blood cells count (7.60 ± 0.22 × 10(9)/l) than the non-infested animals (6.81 ± 0.17 × 10(9)/l). Neutrophil, eosinophil, basophil and monocyte as well as chloride were not significantly affected by the health status of the animals. There existed significant (P < 0.01) difference between non-infested and infested animals in terms of total protein (5.42 ± 0.16 vs. 4.75 ± 0.20 g/dl), sodium (137.98 ± 1.53 vs. 128.92 ± 1.92 mEq/l) and potassium (4.04 ± 0.14 vs. 3.46 ± 0.18 mEq/l). It can be concluded from this study that the prevalence of mange mite infestation varied with location and was generally low or absent in some of the LGAs considered. Goats were particularly more susceptible to mange infestation than sheep. More concerted effort is needed to control mange in order to avoid spread since it is a contagious disease.     

Interaction of parasitism and nutrition in goats: effects on haematological parameters, correlations, and other statistical associations.

Weaned wether goats (n = 144) approximately 6 months of age were placed in a 2 x 3 factorial experiment to test the effects and interaction of two levels of nutrition (growth+maintenance, NUT1; and twice growth+maintenance, NUT2) and three levels of Haemonchus contortus burden (0, 500, and 2000 larvae administered every 2 weeks; W0, W500, and W2000, respectively) on packed cell volume, red blood cell count, total serum protein and leukocytes. The statistical analysis revealed clear and proportionate differences among levels of infection for all variables. A significant (P < 0.05) nutritional effect was also found associated with all the variables except leukocytes. Nutrition by worm load interactions were found for packed cell volume and leukocytes. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was higher in the NUT1-infected animals, leading to the nutrition by worm load interaction for leukocytes. An analysis for the different leukocyte types revealed significant (P < 0.05) differences among infection levels for lymphocytes, while nutrition level was found to be a significant effect for basophil count and immature white cells. Several significant correlations were observed between pairs of variables. Faecal egg output could be predicted from actual worm count in three of the four necropsy periods. The clear differences observed for blood parameters were not present in production traits, suggesting that physiological thresholds may play an important role in framing the metabolic activity of biological organisms. Total serum protein was the best indicator of these effects on production parameters.     

Effect of recombinant interleukin-10 on some haematological and biochemical parameters in a rat endotoxaemic model

Recombinant interleukin-10 (rIL10) has been found to suppress the synthesis of tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tissue factor and to improve survival from experimental sepsis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of rIL-10 on lipopolysaccharide-(LPS-) induced haematological and biochemical disturbances in rats. In the present study, 40 rats were used and divided equally into four groups. Group 1 (control group, C) was treated with 0.9% saline. Group 2: LPS was injected intravenously (1.6 mg/100 g), Group 3 received rIL10 treatment (125 μg/kg) 2 min before 0.9% saline injection, Group 4 received rIL10 treatment 2 min before endotoxin treatment. When compared with the controls, platelet count, leukocyte count (with a marked neutrophilia and lymphopenia) and fibrinogen were decreased, while activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and prothrombin time (PT) were prolonged in the endotoxaemic rats. In addition, LPS caused statistically significant increases in plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities as well as creatinine, cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations, while it caused a statistically significant decrease in glucose, total protein and albumin levels as compared to the control group. On the other hand, rIL10 significantly suppressed disturbances in the haematological and biochemical parameters associated with endotoxaemia. As a result, rIL10 may be efficacious in preventing haematological disorders, tissue damage and changes in lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism in endotoxaemia.