Comparative studies on serum arginase and transaminases in hepatic necrosis in various species of domestic animals

Serum concentrations of arginase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) in dogs, cats, horses, cattle, sheep and pigs were determined before and after oral administration of CCl(4) at doses known to cause hepatic necrosis. Following CCl(4) administration, serum concentration of arginase and SGOT increased to a level of diagnostic significance in all animals. SGPT increased markedly in dogs and cats and marginally in 1 of 3 cattle and 2 of 3 pigs. In the surviving animals, the serum concentration of arginase returned to normal range much earlier than SGPT or SGOT. Based on the CCl(4) experimental toxicity results of this study, an elevated level of serum arginase would appear to be a reliable indicator of hepatic necrosis in both small and large animals whereas SGPT would be a reliable indicator of hepatic necrosis only in dogs and cats.     

Enzymes Sériques pour le Diagnostic de la Nécrose Hépatique Aigüe Expérimentale

The activity of certain serum enzymes ornithine carbamyl transferase (OCT), serum isocitric dehydrogenase (SIC-D), total serum lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and its isoenzymes (LD₁ and LD₅) was evaluated as a mean of assessing experimental hepatic necrosis on dogs treated with CCl₄. Measurement of activity levels of these enzymes, seldom carried out in veterinary clinical pathology, was made together with tests commonly used in our laboratories: serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP), cholesterol, bilirubin and prothrombin time. Measurement of the level of OCT was useful in the diagnosis of liver necrosis. The SIC-D level was important during the first four days of the experiment, but on subsequent days, the enzymatic activity was practically normal. Because of the wide variations of LDH serum levels in normal animals and since many factors influence its activity, the measurement of this enzyme and its isoenzymes was not a good index in the diagnosis of canine liver necrosis. The evaluation of cholesterol and bilirubin was judged of secondary importance because these metabolites are not specific to hepatic problems.     

Experimentally induced canine toxocariasis: laboratory examinations and pathologic changes, with emphasis on the gastrointestinal tract.

Eght dogs were orally superinfected for 1 month with 50,000 embryonated Toxocara canis ova. Results of laboratory examinations during inoculation and for 2 weeks postinoculation revealed moderate leukocytosis, marked absolute eosinophilia, hypoalbuminemia, increased concentrations of serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase, and in 2 dogs, precipitating humoral antibodies. Other changes were moderate ascites, hepatomegaly, lymphadenopathy, and focal lesions (0.5 to 3.0 mm) in liver, lung, kidney, intestine, abdominal lymph node, heart, diaphragm, and spleen. Microscopically, focal eosinophilic gastroenteritis was produced. Eosinophils and globule leukocytes were increased throughout the intestinal mucosa. Eosinophil-infiltrated and granulomatous lesions were in the same organs listed as having focal lesions, as well as in the pancreas. The importance of serum beta-globulin content as a potential diagnostic tool was emphasized, and the experimentally induced infection was compared with naturally occurring eosinophilic gastroenteritis in the dog.     

Haematological and biochemical changes in buffalo calves inoculated with Sarcocystis fusiformis from cats

Two groups of buffalo calves were infected with Sarcocystis fusiformis sporocysts. Animals of the first group received each 5 X 10(5) sporocysts, those of the second group 5 million sporocysts. All calves were clinically normal during 6 weeks after infection. Minor changes were observed in the blood cytology, serum alkaline phosphatase, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, total proteins, urea and glucose of infected buffalo calves.     

CERTAIN HEMATOLOGIC AND BLOOD CHEMICAL VALUES IN JUVENILE RHESUS MONKEYS (MACACA MULATTA)

Certain hematologic and clinical chemistry values of 148 rhesus monkeys were determined. Mean values, standard deviations and minimal-maximal values were determined for hemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume; total erythrocyte, total leukocyte and differential leukocyte count; cellular indices; prothrombin time; serum concentrations of glucose, urea nitrogen, uric acid, bilirubin, creatinine, sodium, potassium and chloride, and serum enzyme activities of alkaline phosphatase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, and lactic dehydrogenase. Calculations were made separately for males and females and the data were compared to published values for the species.     

Effect of otic medications containing glucocorticoids on liver function test results in healthy dogs

Otic medications containing triamcinolone or dexamethasone were administered twice daily for 21 days to 2 groups of 4 healthy dogs each. Serum alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase activities, and serum bile acid and lipoprotein-X concentrations were assayed for 35 days. Increased serum activities for gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine transaminase were detected by day 7 and peaked at day 21. Increases were greater in dogs given the dexamethasone-containing medication. Enzyme activity returned to baseline by day 35. Serum aspartate transaminase activity and bile acid and lipoprotein-X concentrations did not increase.     

Serological changes in goats experimentally infected with Fasciola gigantica in Buea sub-division of S.W.P. Cameroon

Based on the recent increase in the rearing of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats in this environment, a study of biochemical parameters was carried out in healthy and infected goats to obtain baseline data for monitoring the health and productive indices in breeding programmes for the goats. The results revealed variations in some of the parameters studied. The serum minerals potassium, chlorine and bicarbonate did not show any significant differences (P>0.05) between the infected and control groups of goats, but there was a significant difference (P<0.0001) in sodium, calcium and urea levels. For serum lipids cholesterol and triglyceride, there were significant (P<0.0001) differences between the infected and control group. This goes same for serum proteins, albumin and total proteins. However, serum enzymes, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were not significantly different (P>0.05) between the infected and control groups. There was a significant difference (P<0.0001) in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) between the infected and control groups.     

Serum Electrolyte, Acid-Base Balance, and Enzyme Changes in Acute Halogeton Glomeratus Poisoning in Sheep

Fourteen sheep were used on an acute halogeton toxicity feeding experiment. Seven sheep were fed a lethal dose of Halogeton glomeratus, an oxalate-producing plant, 7 served as controls. Various serum and tissue electrolytes and enzymes were measured. Sesum calcium decreased while magnesium and phosphorus increased. Although a severe hypocalcemia resulted from the feeding of halogeton tetany was not observed.

Blood pH, pCO₂ and pO₂ measurements demonstrated that alkalosis did not develop.

Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, and lactic dehydrogenase all increased. Succinic dehydrogenase was inhibited in the rumen wall but not in other tissues according to the methods used. This finding, as well as other work cited, indicates a possible interference with carbohydrate metabolism.

     

The influence of exercise on serum enzyme levels in the horse.

A group of clinically normal horses was subjected to controlled strenuous exercise. Elevated serum concentrations of lactic dehydrogenase, aldolase and creatine kinase were observed after exercise but no significant change in serum glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase was noted. These changes were reduced by repeated exposure to exercise suggesting that measurement of serum enzyme elevations, particularly creatine kinase, might be a useful index of fitness in the horse. Administration of prednisolone prior to exercise also reduced these changes. Since the serum enzyme concentrations had returned to normal within 72 hours of exercise, and since the cytoplasmic enzyme glutamic oxalacetic transaminase was not released from the tissues this supported the hypothesis that efflux of intracellular enzymes into the circulation was due to a temporary selective change in cell membrane permeability rather than to tissue necrosis.     

Therapeutic Trials in Dogs with Experimental Hepatitis Contagiosa Canis

The effect of some substances on the temperature, total leucocyte count, and plasma levels of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, and ornithine carbamyl transferase has been studied in dogs with experimentally produced Hepatitis contagiosa canis. Neither the hyperimmune serum Serasix (Pitman-Moore), nor 1 % prednisolone (AGO), nor 6 % Macrodex® (Pharmacia), nor 10 % Rheomacrodex® (Pharmacia) had any beneficial effect on the course of the disease. Opacity of the cornea arose in all the surviving prednisolone-treated dogs. In a group of normal dogs, treatment with Macrodex and Rheomacrodex led to a rise of the glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase levels within 24 hours but caused no rise of the ornithine carbamyl transferase levels.     

A comparison of parameters used to assess liver damage in sheep treated with carbon tetrachloride.

Changes in serum enzyme levels, liver histology and liver function tests have been correlated to determine the usefulness of these tests in assessing liver status. The effects of carbon tetrachloride administration on these parameters has been determined in a group of 20 sheep. Normal levels, elevated levels after injury and the effect of elapsed time after injury are reported for serum glutamic dehydrogenase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, fructose-1-phosphate adlolase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol and proteins. Variation in the time of elevation of enzyme activities may be useful in determining the elapsed time between acute injury and serum sampling. In comparison to sheep fed an adequate diet, a diet with a restricted protein intake was associated with increased severity of histological lesions and decreased liver function.     

Serum biochemical and electrophoretic values from four deer species and from pronghorn antelope.

Serums from 4 species of deer and 1 species of antelope were analyzed for various components in order to define an animal disease model for sickle cell disease in people. Animal species included black-tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), sika deer (Cervus nippon nippon), fallow deer (Dama dama), and pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana). The mean serum values for total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and electrolytes were similar in all species and were in the normal range for human beings. Cholesterol and uric acid values for all animals were lower than those for people. Alkaline phosphatase values in the 4 cervid species were higher than in the pronghorn antelope. Values for glutamic oxalacetic transaminase were lower in the cervids than in the pronghorn antelope. Lactic dehydrogenase values were similar in the 5 species. High activities for glutamic oxalacetic transaminase and lactic dehydrogenase in the 5 species probably related to muscle mass and great muscular activity.     

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF SERUM ENZYME DETERMINATIONS

This study determined the normal enzyme levels in horses, cattle, and dogs for a group of 10 enzymes. The enzyme tests were then evaluated under clinical conditions, and case histories are presented to illustrate the useful applications of these tests. Following clinical evaluations, the tests were grouped into profiles for the study of disease syndromes. Each profile contained the tests of greatest value in evaluating a specific organ or tissue. Sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) and glutamic dehydrogenase (GLDH) are enzymes found primarily in the liver and are combined with the less tissue specific glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT) to monitor hepatocellular degeneration. Aldolase (ALD) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) are enzymes found primarily in skeletal muscle. Elevations of ALD, CPK, and GOT can assist in the diagnosis of skeletal muscle degeneration. Not only are the newer enzyme tests relatively organ specific but also offer greater sensitivity than has previously been obtained.     

连翘颗粒剂的急性亚急性毒性试验研究

为了评价连翘颗粒剂的安全性,对其进行了急性、亚急性毒性试验研究。首先,急性毒性试验确定最大给药剂量为100g／kg;亚急性毒性试验选用昆明小鼠80只随机分为四组：对照组及连翘各剂量组（100g／kg、33．3g/kg、10g／kg）,分别在给药的第7日和第14日时,对各组小鼠进行一般症状观察并分别检测血液中的血红蛋白、红细胞数、白细胞数和血清中的谷草转氨酶（GOT）、谷丙转氨酶（GPT）、肌酐（CR）、尿素氮（BUN）和碱性磷酸酶（AKP）。结果表明,各项指标与正常组相比无显著差异,连翘颗粒剂的毒性较低,临床用药安全可靠。     

Long-term biochemical and physiologic effects of surgically placed portacaval shunts in dogs

After surgical placement of end-to-side portacaval shunts (PCS), 4 adult mongrel dogs (11.8 to 18.2 kg) were fed purified diets and monitored for approximately 50 weeks for changes in body weight, neurologic status, and an array of clinically important biochemical variables. Two healthy dogs, fed the same diets and maintained in the same environment, were also observed (controls). Body weights were relatively stable over the period of observation. The branched-chain ratio ([valine] + [leucine] + [isoleucine]/[phenylalanine] + [tyrosine]), an index of the degree of change in plasma amino acid concentrations, was significantly lower in dogs with PCS than in controls. Despite this depression in branched-chain ratio, the principals (dogs with PCS) were essentially free of neurologic symptoms. Statistically significant decreases due to portacaval shunting were seen in the serum concentrations of glucose, calcium, urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, and albumin. Total protein, globulin, and triglyceride concentrations tended to be lower in the serum of principals than in serum of controls, but the differences were not statistically significant. Statistically significant increases due to portacaval shunting were seen in plasma concentrations of total conjugated bile acids and sulfobromophthalein retention. Concentrations of the following compounds tended to be higher in serum of principals than in serum of controls: phosphorus, chloride, uric acid, total bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase. Liver biopsy at 7 months after operation showed mild-to-extensive atrophy of hepatocytes, mild-to-extensive fibrosis, and collapsed portal veins in all principals examined.     

Intrahepatic cholestasis in a dog: a clinicopathological study.

The paper describes a case of jaundice in a three-year-old bassett hound. The illness was accompanied by hyperbilirubinaemia and raised serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase, indicating the presence of both biliary obstruction and hepatocellular damage. Examination of liver biopsies on two occasions showed intrahepatic cholestasis and mild inflammatory change. The dog was treated with corticosteroid. The jaundice regressed after three months, hepatic functions returned to normal and the dog recovered. The cause of the jaundice was not determined.     

Effects of long-term phenobarbital treatment on the liver in dogs

Long-term administration of phenobarbital has been reported to cause hepatic injury in dogs. Phenobarbital induces hepatic enzymes, and it may be difficult to distinguish the effect of enzyme induction on serum liver enzyme activities from actual hepatic damage. The hepatotoxicity of phenobarbital and the impact of enzyme induction on serum liver enzyme activity were investigated prospectively in 12 normal dogs. Phenobarbital was administered for 29 weeks at 5 mg per kilogram of body weight (range, 4.8— 6.6 mg/kg) PO q12h, resulting in therapeutic serum phenobarbital concentrations (20–40 μg/mL). Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), fasted bile acids (fBA), total bilirubin, and albumin were determined before and during treatment. Lateral abdominal radiographs, abdominal ultrasounds, and histopathologic examinations of liver tissue obtained by ultrasound-guided biopsy were performed before and during treatment. Radiographs revealed a moderate increase in liver size in most dogs. Ultrasonographic examination revealed no change in liver echogenicity or architecture. No evidence of morphologic liver damage was observed histopathologically. ALP and ALT increased significantly ( P < .05), GGT increased transiently, and albumin decreased transiently during the study. There were no significant changes in AST, bilirubin, and fBA. These results suggest that increases in serum ALP, ALT, and GGT may reflect enzyme induction rather than hepatic injury during phenobarbital treatment in dogs. Serum AST, fBA, and bilirubin, and ultrasonographic evaluation of the liver are not affected by the enzyme-inducing effect of phenobarbital and can therefore be helpful to assess liver disease in dogs treated with the drug.     

Detection of serum alpha-fetoprotein in dogs with hepatic tumors.

Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) concentration was detected by use of 2 commercially available kits containing antibodies to human AFP--a radioimmunoassay and an enzymetric test. Using neonatal canine serum (a source high in AFP), it was determined that reagents from both kits were able to bind to canine AFP, but a significant difference was detected in AFP concentration. The enzymetric test was superior in detecting canine AFP. Sera from dogs were classified into 6 groups: from dogs with primary hepatic tumors only (group 1); from dogs with primary hepatic tumors and other tumors (group 2); from dogs with normal liver but with other types of neoplasia (group 3); from dogs with nonneoplastic hepatic disease and tumors originating in other organs (group 4); from dogs with nonneoplastic hepatic disease only (group 5); and from clinically normal dogs (group 6). Serum biochemical determinations (alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, albumin, total protein, total bilirubin, and serum bile acids) and values from the 2 AFP assays were obtained for all dogs. Serum AFP concentration detected by the enzymetric test was significantly higher in dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Values greater than 250 ng/ml were detected in 5 of 9 dogs with cholangiocarcinoma and in 3 of 4 dogs with hepatocellular carcinoma. High serum AFP concentration also was indicative of liver involvement in 2 of 3 dogs with primary hepatic lymphosarcoma; 2 dogs had values greater than 225 ng/ml. Serum AFP concentration in dogs with other types of hepatic tumors was less than 250 ng/ml, and serum AFP concentration could not be correlated with such tumors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

笼养白腹锦鸡血液生理生化指标的检测

为给白腹锦鸡的人工饲养繁育、健康状况检测等提供科学参考数据和理论依据,本实验选择20只健康成年白腹锦鸡,体重为0. 597～0. 890 kg,于晨时饲喂前经翼静脉采集全血,采用自动干式生化分析仪和兽用全自动血液细胞分析仪测定18项血液生理生化指标。结果表明:白腹锦鸡的红细胞个体数目雌雄间无显著性差异(P> 0. 05);血小板数目雌雄间无显著性差异(P> 0. 05);葡萄糖雌雄无显著性差异(P> 0. 05);尿素氮雌雄无显著性差异(P> 0. 05);谷草转氨酶、谷丙转氨酶雌雄无显著性差异(P> 0. 05),但大大低于野生白腹锦鸡;以上说明所测白腹锦鸡生理生化指标雌雄之间差异不显著(P> 0. 05),白腹锦鸡血液生理生化指标具有相对稳定性,这一结果能为白腹锦鸡人工繁育、健康状况、饲养管理和疾病防治提供科学依据。     

A Comparison of Serum Creatine Phosphokinase and Serum Glutamic Oxalacetic Transaminase in Skeletal Muscle Necrosis

Rabbits were poisoned by the intraperitoneal injection of plasmocid dihydroiodide at a dosage of 80 mg. per kg. body weight. Animals were euthanatized 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 24 and 48 hours after plasmocid injection and serum and diaphragmatic muscle collected. The serum was examined for its serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (SGOT) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK) concentrations. The diaphragm was sectioned and examined for the progression of morphologic alterations. It was found that SGOT and CPK concentrations were similar in their time and duration of elevation and that the serum CPK elevations closely paralleled the occurrence and degree of morphologic muscle degeneration. It appears that CPK is the most specific clinical biochemical test for the detection of muscle necrosis available at this time.