Serum biochemistry and hematology values and hemoglobin electrophoresis in Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus)

BACKGROUND: Serum biochemical and hematologic parameters are important in the management of game species in Iran, such as Persian squirrels. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish baseline serum chemistry and hematology values in Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus) and describe blood cell morphology and the electrophoretic pattern of hemoglobin. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 30 Persian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus) maintained in captivity in the Tehran Zoo. Blood was placed into EDTA and serum clot tubes and analyzed using standard manual hematology and biochemical techniques. Hemoglobin electrophoresis was done on cellulose acetate paper strips. RESULTS: Minimum, maximum, and median values were obtained for 11 hematologic and 12 serum chemistry parameters. Hypersegmented neutrophils were observed frequently. We did not find basophils or band neutrophils. Hemoglobin electophoresis resulted in a band slightly anodal to that of human hemoglobin A. CONCLUSION: Biochemical and hematologic values in Persian squirrels were comparable to those of related species, and may be used as a standard profile for healthy Persian squirrels kept in captivity.     

Semi‐synthetic diet versus diet using natural ingredients—Comparative study in female Golden Syrian hamsters

Semi‐synthetic diets (SSD) are recommended and are widely used to carry out experiments in rodents. However, in our experiments planned to carry out generation studies in female Golden Syrian hamsters using semi‐synthetic diets, it was observed that the hamsters did not conceive as a result of decreased food intake. In this paper, we present the effects of both semi‐synthetic diets and natural source diets (NSD) on food intake, body weight and reproductive performance of this species. Four‐week‐old female hamsters were equally divided into 3 groups and initially acclimatized for 2 weeks on natural chow diet (NCD). Thereafter, they were fed either control diet, high fat diet (HFD) or low protein diet (LPD) based on semi‐synthetic/natural source ingredients until 12 weeks. Daily food intake and weekly body weights were monitored. Hamsters were kept for mating for about 2 weeks from 10th week onwards, during which the pregnancy confirmation test was done using standard vaginal smear examination. In all the groups fed SSD, the food intake was very poor, hamsters lost body weight and did not conceive, thus preventing us from carrying out further experiments. Hamsters fed NCD/NSD ingested more than twice as much as hamsters fed SSD (7–8 g/day/hamster against 3 g/day/hamster on average respectively). Based on the results of the current research, we conclude that the routinely used semi‐synthetic diet is not suitable for carrying out studies in female hamsters. We suggest that scientists must also consider the unusual biological characteristics of a given species besides other biological factors. It is therefore critical to select appropriate biological models and diets that provide optimal sensitivity and specificity to accomplish the research objectives.     

Rearing of Culicoides nubeculosus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) by natural or artificial feeding in the laboratory

A technique for the mass rearing of Culicoides nubeculosus in the laboratory is described. Female midges were fed either on fresh or deep-frozen, defibrinated cattle blood (-70 degrees C) through latex membranes, or on anesthetized white mice. Feeding rates of up to 90% were obtained on the latex membrane, whereas only 41% of the midges fed on mice. The best oviposition rates of greater than 50% were achieved after feeding either on the latex membrane with fresh cattle blood or on mice. An average of greater than 100 eggs per female were deposited. The highest larval hatching rate was observed after feeding with fresh blood; about half of the larvae developed to the adult stage. A reproduction index was defined for the colony based on the feeding rate, oviposition rate, larval hatching rate and development to the adult stage. The highest reproduction index was obtained when the midges were fed on fresh cattle blood through the membrane.     

Hematology of experimental acute Sarcocystis bovicanis infection in calves. II. Serum biochemistry and hemostasis studies

Of four Holstein-Friesian calves infected with 200,000 sporocysts of Sarcocystis bovicanis, three become ill and died on days 35, 55, and 59 of a 63-day experiment. No control calves became ill or died. Serum biochemicals and hematologic indicators of hemostasis from both groups were measured throughout the experiment. Creatine phosphokinase values for both groups increased markedly during acute infection. Lactic dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase values were high in infected calves on days 25 to 35 and days 24 to 63, respectively, indicating injury of muscle, liver, or other tissues. Sorbitol dehydrogenase values were significantly higher for infected than for control calves on days 25 and 35, indicating liver injury. Serum bilirubin and blood urea nitrogen values were significantly increased in three anemic infected calves from day 25 or 26 to day 35, probably reflecting destruction of erythrocytes. The fourth infected calf was not anemic and had no hyperbilirubinemia and only minimal azotemia. Serum protein and albumin values decreased in infected calves on days 21 to 30 or 35, when, although hypoalbuminemia persisted, total protein concentration increased. Glucose, calcium, sodium, and chloride values decreased in infected calves slightly before onset of illness and remained low throughout the experiment. Potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus values did not differ between infected and control calves. Activated partial thromboplastin time and Russell's viper venom time were normal; prothrombin time was significantly higher from day 27 to day 49 in infected calves. This pattern was interpreted as evidence for acquired factor VII deficiency. Abnormal retraction of blood clots and enlarged platelets in blood smears, which indicate platelet dysfunction and increased platelet turnover, respectively, were seen on days 27 through 35 in anemic infected calves. Values for thrombin time (three calves) and fibrin degradation product concentration (one calf) increased just before death of the infected calves.     

Population pharmacokinetics of itraconazole solution after a single oral administration in captive lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor)

Aspergillosis is an infectious, non‐contagious fungal disease of clinical importance in flamingo collections. Itraconazole is an antifungal drug commonly used in the treatment and prophylaxis of avian aspergillosis. Studies have shown that dosage regimes in birds vary based on different itraconazole presentation and administration methods. This investigation used a population pharmacokinetic approach to study itraconazole in lesser flamingos. Itraconazole was administered orally at 10 mg/kg to 17 flamingos. A sparse blood sampling was performed on the subjects, and samples were collected at 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, 16, 21, and 24 hr post‐drug administration. Twelve flamingos were sampled three times, three birds bled twice and two sampled once. Itraconazole in plasma was quantified using high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). A one‐compartment pharmacokinetic model with first order absorption was fitted to the data using nonlinear mixed effects modeling (NLME) to determine values for population parameters. We identified a long half‐life (T½) of more than 75 hr and a maximum plasma concentration (C_MAX) of 1.69 µg/ml, which is above the minimal inhibitory concentrations for different aspergillus isolates. We concluded that plasma drug concentrations of itraconazole were maintained in a population of flamingos above 0.5 ug/ml for at least 24 hr after a single oral dose of 10 mg/kg of itraconazole solution.     

Plasma biochemistry and hematologic values for wild-caught flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus) in India.

Although bats of the genus Pteropus are important ecologically as pollinators and natural hosts for zoonotic pathogens, little is known about their basic physiology. Hematology and plasma biochemistries were determined from wild-caught flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus) in northern India (n=41). Mean lymphocyte differential count was higher for juveniles than adults. Mean platelet count was lower than previously reported. No hemoparasites were observed. No differences were observed between plasma biochemistry values of male and female bats, juveniles and adults, or lactating and nonlactating females. Variation in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was seen based on body condition score. Blood urea nitrogen and cholesterol concentrations were lower in P. giganteus than other mammalian groups, but were consistent with those reported from other Pteropus species. Alanine aminotransferase and AST concentrations were higher than those reported for Pteropus vampyrus, a closely related species. This study provides basic physiologic information that can be used in future health and disease studies of Indian flying foxes.     

Adrenal gland function in the horse: effects of cosyntropin (synthetic) and corticotropin (natural) stimulation.

The plasma concentration of hydrocortisone was determined in mares given either cosyntropin (100 IU, given IV) or corticotropin (200 IU, given IM). Plasma hydrocortisone concentrations of the mares treated with cosyntropin increased by 46%, 57% and 80% at 30, 60, and 120 minutes, respectively, when compared with base-line values; these values returned to base line at 240 minutes. In mares treated with corticotropin, mean plasma hydrocortisone concentrations increased by 42%, 143%, 101% and 155% at 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes, respectively, when compared with base-line values. Differences in total leukocyte count, total eosinophil count, and plasma concentrations of electrolytes (calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium) of cosyntropin- and corticotropin-treated mares, and these values in control animals were not significant. Results of the present study indicated that the horse responds to small dosages of cosyntropin (IV) in a prompt and reproducible manner as determined by plasma hydrocortisone values. Response to corticotropin was slow and less consistent. Thus, administration of cosyntropin to the horse, according to test results with paired samples collected (before administration and again at 2 hours after injection), was found to be a prompt and meaningful test of adrenal gland function.     

Toxoplasma gondii infection in adult llamas (Lama glama) and vicunas (Vicugnavicugna) in the Peruvian Andean region

The present study was designed to investigate Toxoplasma gondii infection in adult llamas (Lama glama) and vicunas (Vicugna vicugna) in the Peruvian Andean region, for which to date no information has been available. Serum samples from 43 llamas (L. glama) and 200 vicunas were tested by IFAT detecting titres of 1:50 or higher in 55.8% (33.9-70.9%) and 5.5% (2.8-9.6%), respectively. IFAT titres ranged from 1:50 to 1:6400. In order to avoid cross reactions with closely related coccidian parasites and to confirm the existence of T. gondii specific antibodies, IFAT positive sera from both ruminant species were also analysed by western blot. T. gondii specific antigens were recognised by IFAT positive sera, although different IFAT cut-off points could be selected for llamas (1:200) and vicunas (1:50) meaning seroprevalence of 44.2% (29.1-60.1%) and 5.5% (2.8-9.6%), respectively. Based on the frequency and intensity of tachyzoite antigen recognition, at least three immunodominant antigens with apparent molecular weights of 22-24, 30, and 38-40 kDa were detected, together with other minor protein fractions located in the 18-73 kDa range. This study documents for the first time the presence of T. gondii infection and reports the target T. gondii antigens in adult llamas and vicunas in Peru.     

Notes on the diet of Pterogymnus laniarius (Cuvier) (Pisces: Sparidae)

Stomach contents of fish taken between Mossel Bay and Algoa Bay were analysed. Prey associated with both hard and soft substrates were present in the diet although the latter were more Important. The mouth structure Is shown to be well adapted to feeding over soft substrates.     

Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy: serial, clinical and laboratory (urine, serum biochemistry and hematology) studies.

Human hereditary nephritis refers to familial glomerular diseases which may progress to renal failure. Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy has been shown previously to be a model for hereditary nephritis. Clinical and laboratory studies were performed to follow progression to renal failure in 44 dogs in a family with Samoyed hereditary glomerulopathy. Affected males appeared healthy for their first three months but then became progressively wasted. Proteinuria was detected between two to three months of age; after five months, urine protein electrophoresis showed pre-albumin, albumin and alpha and beta globulin peaks. From three months onward, a reduced glomerular filtration rate was detected. Serum albumin decreased while amylase, urea, creatinine and phosphate increased from four to five months of age. Death from renal failure occurred by 15 months. Carrier females also became thinner and developed proteinuria between two and three months of age, but neither renal failure nor death ensured. Hence, SHG progressed rapidly in affected males but not in carrier females.     

An evaluation of natural (RRR-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) and synthetic (all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) vitamin E fortification in the diet or drinking water of weanling pigs

Three experiments conducted with weanling pigs evaluated the effects of vitamin E added to the drinking water or diet on plasma and tissue alpha-tocopherol concentrations. When natural or synthetic vitamin E was used, it was added at an IU-equivalent basis, but natural vitamin E was 73.5% (mg basis) of the synthetic vitamin E. Experiment 1 used 18-d-old weanling pigs (n = 120) in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. The first factor evaluated the dietary levels of natural vitamin E (RRR-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) added at 0, 50, or 300 IU/kg, whereas the second factor was the natural vitamin E added to the drinking water at 0 or 100 IU/L. Pigs were bled at periodic intervals, and 1 pig per pen was killed at the end of the 21-d trial and tissues (liver, heart, lung, and loin) were collected for alpha-tocopherol analysis. When vitamin E was not added to the diet or water, plasma alpha-tocopherol declined over the 21-d period. Although there were some interactions (P < 0.01), tissue and plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations increased linearly when vitamin E was added to the diet or water. Experiment 2 was a 3 x 2 factorial in a randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. A total of 96 pigs weaned at 18 d of age, with an initial BW of 6.2 kg, were fed a nonvitamin E fortified diet, but natural or synthetic (all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) vitamin E was added to their drinking water at 50, 100, or 150 IU/L. Pigs were bled at 0, 3, 7, 10, 14, and 21 d postweaning, with tissues (liver, lung, heart, and loin) collected for alpha-tocopherol analysis at d 21. The results indicated that plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations increased (P < 0.01) as vitamin E increased, with greater tissue alpha-tocopherol concentrations (P < 0.01) when natural vitamin E was provided. Experiment 3 was conducted in 2 replicates, but pigs (n = 60) were not provided vitamin E in the diet or water for 7 d postweaning, and then natural or synthetic vitamin E was added to the drinking water as in Exp. 2 (50, 100, or 150 IU/L). Pigs were bled at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 24 h after being provided vitamin E to evaluate the absorption from each vitamin E source and level. Plasma alpha-tocopherol increased quadratically (P < 0.01) and plateaued at 8 to 10 h for each treatment group. These results indicate that adding vitamin E to the pig's water supply at weaning was more effective in increasing plasma alpha-tocopherol than when it was added to the diet during the initial 14 d postweaning, and that natural vitamin E was a superior source compared with synthetic vitamin E.     

全龄人工饲料育与全龄桑叶育的蚕蛹和蚕沙营养成分检测

检测全龄人工饲料育与全龄桑叶育家蚕蛹及蚕沙的蛋白质、脂肪、脂肪酸等营养成分含量,为蚕蛹及蚕沙的多元化开发利用提供参考.分别收集全龄以人工饲料和以桑叶饲喂家蚕的蚕蛹及5龄期蚕沙样品,按照营养成分测定的相关国家标准规定方法测定其主要营养物质含量.结果表明全龄人工饲料育与桑叶育的蚕蛹、5龄期蚕沙样品中蛋白质、脂肪、灰分、粗纤...     

Serum and urinary biochemistry and enzyme changes in ponies with acute renal failure

Serum and urinary biochemical changes were recorded in 5 ponies in which acute tubular nephrosis had been induced over 5 days with mercuric chloride and potassium dichromate. Serum osmolality, the serum concentrations of urea nitrogen, creatinine, sodium, potassium and chloride, and blood pH and blood gases were measured daily for 14 days or until humane euthanasia was performed. Levels of the same substances were quantitated daily in urine. In addition, routine urinalyses and determination of urinary gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity were performed on each sample. Changes in the values of the urinary variables preceded alterations in the serum value of the same substance by at least one day. The first notable abnormality detected was in urinary GGT activities. These changes occurred up to 6 days before the detection of azotemia. It was concluded that acute equine renal injury could be diagnosed earliest with biochemical testing of urine. Measurement of urinary GGT levels represents a means by which proximal tubular disease in equidae could be diagnosed in its developmental stages.     

Influence of a vegetarian diet versus a diet with fishmeal on bone in growing pigs

This study was conducted to examine if substantial bone loss occurs in growing pigs fed a vegetarian diet in comparison with a diet containing fishmeal. Twelve 6-week-old weaned pigs were assigned to two groups: group V [vegetarian diet; 0.61% phosphorus (P) in dry matter until 25 kg and 0.46% P until the end of the experiment] and group F (fishmeal diet; 0.61% P in dry matter until 25 kg and 0.46% P until the end of the experiment). Phytase was added to both diets. These two diets were fed to the two groups for a period of 6 weeks. Blood samples were collected weekly, faeces were collected three times a week. Concentrations of osteocalcin (OC) and carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) were measured in serum, using a radioimmunoassay, and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (bAP) was measured using an enzyme immunoassay. Bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC) were determined by peripheral quantitative computer tomography (pQCT) in the tibia and phalanx. In addition, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (VitD) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured in serum. The digestibility of P was significantly decreased in group V. Significant changes in bAP activities and OC concentrations occurred with time during the 6 weeks. ICTP concentrations were significantly higher in group V. Total BMC and BMD in the tibia and BMD in the phalanx significantly decreased in group V. The results show that a vegetarian diet induces a significant loss of bone and a higher bone formation in group V compared with group F, although phytase was added to both diets. The dietary requirements for P in pigs, especially in the context of feeding vegetarian diets and adding an appropriate amount of phytase, should be investigated further.     

First report of thelaziosis (Thelazia anolabiata) in an Andean Cock of the Rock (Rupicola peruviana) from Peru

Thelazia anolabiata is a spirurid nematode living in the orbits of birds which can cause lacrimation, keratitis, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers. This species is reported for the first time from an Andean Cock of the Rock, Rupicola peruviana (Passeriformes: Cotingidae), from a zoo in Lima, Peru. Clinical signs of keratoconjunctivitis were resolved with the treatment of ivermectin, ciprofloxacin, and an epithelium regenerator, and the host is presently in good health. The nematodes were identified using the primary characteristics used to differentiate the species of this genus as lengths of spicules and other morphologic characteristics.     

Fertility in zebu cattle (Bos indicus) after prostaglandin administration and artificial insemination.

A total of 137 cycling zebu cows, each receiving a single dose of prostaglandin PGF(2alpha)were used in an oestrus synchronization programme on three different farms. Of the cows on the three farms, 60.6 and 90.5% showed overt oestrus and luteolysis, respectively. Pregnancy rate to fixed time inseminations following single injection of PGF(2alpha)was 61.4% for farm 1, significantly higher than the values of 45.7 and 46.9% for farms 2 and 3, respectively. The pregnancy rates to second service of rebred cows were 53.3, 50.0 and 50.0% for the three farms, respectively, with no significant differences between each.Fertility classification of the cows based on progesterone (P(4)) concentration showed that 6.6% of cows on the three farms were incorrectly diagnosed as having corpora lutea; 2.9% of them had incomplete luteolysis and 5.1% may have lost their embryos between days 21 and 45 post-insemination. The pregnancy rate was 10% higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. Cows with body condition scores of 3 and 4 had a higher overall pregnancy rates than those with a body condition score of 2. The findings of this study further confirm the luteolytic efficacy of prostaglandin in inducing oestrus in zebu cattle and indicate that the nutritional status of the cows must be satisfactory before embarking on oestrus synchronization programmes.     

脱氢表雄酮对大鼠机体糖代谢的调节及其生化机制

为了探讨灌喂不同剂量的脱氢表雄酮(DHEA)对大鼠糖代谢的影响及生物化学其机制,采用60只雄性SD大鼠随机分为对照组、低剂量、中剂量和高剂量组,各处理组大鼠分别灌胃每天0、25、50、100mg/kg的DHEA,连续灌胃8周,测定大鼠血糖、肝糖原、肌糖原、相关激素水平、糖代谢关键酶的活性及相关基因表达量。结果表明,中剂量DHEA灌胃组大鼠的体增重相比对照组显著降低,而料重比显著升高。与对照组相比,中、高剂量的DHEA可显著增加肝糖原和肌糖原的含量,中剂量的DHEA则可显著降低血糖含量。糖代谢相关酶的活性结果表明:与对照组相比,高剂量的DHEA处理可显著提高6-磷酸果糖激酶2(PFK-2)和苹果酸脱氢酶(MDH)的活性;中剂量的DHEA处理可显著提高丙酮酸激酶(PK)和琥珀酸脱氢酶(SDH)的活性;低剂量的DHEA处理可显著提高MDH、PK和丙酮酸脱氢酶系E1的活性。糖代谢相关基因表达的结果分析表明:与对照组相比,高剂量的DHEA可显著降低磷酸烯醇式丙酮酸羧激酶(PEPCK)的mRNA表达水平,低剂量的DHEA可显著提高6-磷酸果糖激酶1(PFK1)的mRNA的表达水平。与对照组相比,低、高剂量的DHEA处理可显著提高胰岛素受体(INSR)的mRNA表达水平;低、中剂量的DHEA可显著提高胰岛素受体底物1(IRS-1)的mRNA表达水平,而中、高剂量的DHEA处理可显著提高胰岛素受体底物2(IRS-2)的mRNA表达水平。高剂量的DHEA处理可显著提高葡萄糖转运蛋白2(GLUT-2)的mRNA表达水平,而中剂量的DHEA处理可显著提高葡萄糖转运蛋白4(GLUT-4)的mRNA表达水平。说明DHEA处理主要通过促进肝脏对葡萄糖的转运、提高肝脏中糖代谢途径关键酶的活性,从而调节大鼠血糖的水平,且此种效应可能主要是能过调节胰岛素受体及胰岛素受体底物的表达而实现的。