Influence of ectomycorrhization and cesium/potassium ratio on uptake and localization of cesium in Norway spruce seedlings

Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) seedlings growing in a growth pouch system were used to investigate the effects of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Hebeloma crustuliniforme (Bull. ex St. Amans) Quél. and various Cs/K ratios on the uptake of (134)Cs, expressed as a percentage of the total amount of (134)Cs supplied. The amount of (134)Cs taken up by seedlings increased with increasing Cs/K ratio. At a Cs/K ratio of 0.1, uptake of (134)Cs ranged between 7.2 and 7.3% and was independent of ectomycorrhizal status, whereas at Cs/K ratios >/= 1 uptake of (134)Cs varied from 8.1 to 11.1% for ectomycorrhizal and from 10.4 to 14.4% for non-inoculated plants. Ectomycorrhizal seedlings contained a lower concentration of (134)Cs than non-inoculated seedlings. Among plant parts, the amount of (134)Cs was significantly lower in needles and lateral roots of ectomycorrhizal seedlings compared with non-inoculated seedlings. Among fungal and seedling tissues, highest X-ray net counts of (133)Cs were measured in fungal hyphae of ectomycorrhizal mantles. X-Ray net counts of (133)Cs in lateral roots of ectomycorrhizal and non-inoculated plants were similar, but 5 to 10 times higher than in main roots and needles, suggesting an accumulation of (133)Cs in lateral roots and slow translocation to other plant parts. In contrast, X-ray net counts of K indicated that K was readily mobilized from lateral roots to main roots and needles. Elemental mapping showed a relatively homogeneous distribution of (133)Cs within the root.     

The change of acute phase protein haptoglobin in cattle during spontaneous labor and Caesarean section with or without torsio uteri intrapartum

The change of haptoglobin concentration in cattle with dystocia after torsio uteri which lead to Caesarean section is regarded in contrast to haptoglobin concentrations in cattle at parturitions with undisturbed puerperium and Caesarean section without torsio uteri intra partum. Animals with natural parturition had low haptoglobin concentrations with slight changes, for a slightly increased haptoglobin concentration was seen as physiologic. Also surgical treatment such as Caesarean section did not result in changes of haptoglobin concentration. Thus, the curve of animal patients with anomalies concerning position or with a too large fetus (relatively or absolutly) was nearly identical to the curve of animals with regular parturitions over the first four days after surgery. Not before the fifth day after surgery, a moderate increase of haptoglobin could be observed. Animals with dystocia after torsio uteri intra partum showed significantly higher haptoglobin concentrations in contrast to controls over the time of investigation. The correlation of haptoglobin concentrations in animal patients with torsio uteri bin concentration shortly after surgery an additionally significant increase of haptoglobin concentration could be observed in later fertile cattles but not in later infertile cattle with torsio uteri. In two cows with torsio uteri and ovariohysterectomy haptoglobin concentrations decreased rapidly. Haptoglobin concentration may serve as an indicator for the degree of impairment of the uterus during a parturition as well as a predictor for regenerative potential.     

Establishment of proliferative cell nuclear antigen gene as an internal reference gene for polymerase chain reaction of a wide range of archival and fresh mammalian tissues.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from paraffin-embedded tissues provides a powerful tool to amplify DNA from a variety of recent and archival material. Because DNA from paraffin-embedded samples is more degraded than from fresh material, the amplification of reference genes is essential to exclude false-negative results. This study describes the use of the proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene as a reference gene in a range of animal species and in humans. The PCNA-PCR to amplify a fragment extending from exon 5 through exon 6 and including the intervening intron 6 gave a reproducible pattern, with a 280-base pair (bp) band from canine, equine, bovine, ovine, and caprine samples showing high sequence homology. Porcine, guinea pig, tiger, and lion samples, however, gave an additional fragment of approximately 197 bp. The whole intron 6 from these fragments is missing, possibly representing a pseudogene. In feline samples only the 197-bp fragment could be detected. This study shows that the PCNA gene is highly conserved across a broad range of animal species and is well suited as an internal control for PCR analysis in veterinary medicine.     

Transient receptor proteins illuminated: Current views on TRPs and disease

The transient receptor potential proteins (TRPs) make up a very important family of ion channels responsible for a wide array of cellular functions. Originally identified in the visual system of Drosophila melanogaster, these channels are ubiquitously distributed throughout the mammalian system. The TRP family is divided into seven subfamilies in two groups: the first group comprises TRPC (canonical), TRPV (vanilloid), TRPM (melastatin), TRPN (Drosophila NOMPC) and TRPA (ankyrin). The second group contains TRPML (mucolipin) and TRPP (polycystin).The biophysical characterization of TRPs has revealed significantly different activation mechanisms and selectivity between channels. Functional studies have demonstrated that TRPs are necessary for a number of physiological processes, including sensation (such as taste, smell and temperature), hormone secretion and development. TRPs mediate these effects mainly by controlling the intracellular Ca²⁺ concentration, which acts as a second messenger. Recent research has linked TRPs to different diseases. This review considers the impact of TRPs on cell physiology and the abnormalities observed with channel dysfunction.     

Simple prediction of the survival of follicles in cryopreserved human ovarian tissue

This study examines the possible predictive value of the LIVE/DEAD fluorescence viability assay for evaluation of survival of cryopreserved human ovarian tissue. Ovarian tissue from ten patients was examined by LIVE/DEAD viability staining before and after cryopreservation and after freezing in a -20 C freezer (negative control). After cryopreservation with a slow freezing protocol and cryoprotectant the LIVE/DEAD assay showed 86% viable follicles (an intact oocyte and at least more than 50% of the granulosa cells alive), whereas after freezing at -20 C the survival rate was 67%. The healthy follicular loss after cryopreservation was 4%, whereas with freezing at -20 C, it was 25%. Although this assay overestimates the survival rate of cryopreserved primordial follicles, if the LIVE/DEAD assay yields greater than approximately 85% viable follicles, it can be assumed that the follicles in the cryopreserved tissue have maintained their developmental potential and that the tissue is suitable for retransplantation.     

Nonregenerative immune‐mediated anemia associated with a diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in a captive jaguar (Panthera onca)

An 18‐year‐old male castrated jaguar (Panthera onca) was presented with anorexia and continuous bleeding from the oral cavity after a history of fighting with the partner animal. Clinical evaluation revealed ulcerating lesions on the gingiva and hard palate and a hematoma on the tongue. Computed tomography of the head and endoscopic examination of the esophagus and stomach were unremarkable. Hematology and clinical chemistry revealed severe nonregenerative anemia, mild thrombocytopenia, and moderate azotemia. Several PCRs for feline hemotropic mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma haemofelis, M heamominutium, M turicensis), Babesia felis, and Bartonella spp., as well as an FeLV antigen test were negative. The cytologic examination of a bone marrow aspirate was consistent with ineffective erythropoiesis, most likely due to immune‐mediated destruction of the erythroid precursor cells. Prednisolone therapy was initiated (1.25 mg/kg/day), and the CBC returned to normal 16 days after the initiation of the therapy. Anemia relapsed after 4 months and severe splenomegaly was noted. A repeat bone marrow aspirate revealed active erythropoiesis in the presence of erythroid precursor phagocytosis suggesting an immune‐mediated process. Splenic fine‐needle aspiration and tissue biopsies were taken, and all findings including histology and immunohistochemistry were consistent with a diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Five days later, the clinical condition deteriorated and the jaguar died. Histopathology following necropsy showed infiltration with neoplastic lymphoblasts in the spleen, liver, and abdominal lymph nodes. This case report describes a nonregenerative immune‐mediated anemia associated with a DLBCL in a jaguar.     

Detection, quantification, and pharmacokinetics of furosemide and its effects on urinary specific gravity following IV administration to horses

Furosemide is a potent loop diuretic used for the prevention of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage in horses. This drug may interfere with the detection of other substances by reducing urinary concentrations, so its use is strictly regulated. The regulation of furosemide in many racing jurisdictions is based on paired limits of urinary SG (<1.010) and serum furosemide concentrations (>100 ng/ml). To validate this regulatory mechanism, a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry method employing a solid-phase extraction procedure and furosemide-d5 as an internal standard was developed. The method was used to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of furosemide in equine serum samples and its effects on urinary SG after IV administration (250 mg) to 10 horses. Pharmacokinetic analysis showed that serum concentrations of furosemide were well described by a two-compartmental open model. Based on results in this study, it is very unlikely for horses to have serum furosemide concentrations greater than 100 ng/ml or urine SG less than 1.010 at 4 hours after administration (250 mg IV). However, it should be remembered that urine SG is a highly variable measurement in horses, and even without furosemide administration, some horses might naturally have urine SG values less than 1.010.     

Unusual systemic signs in a dog with sterile neutrophilic-macrophagic lymphadenitis and nodular panniculitis

A 7 mo old female English springer spaniel was presented with diarrhea, vomiting, apathy, and hyperthermia. Further examinations revealed generalized lymphadenomegaly consistent with sterile neutrophilic-macrophagic lymphadenitis and pulmonary involvement. Subcutaneous nodules developed one day after presentation. Histology was consistent with sterile idiopathic nodular panniculitis and vasculitis. No infectious organism was isolated. The dog responded to prednisolone, but relapsed during medication tapering. Cyclosporine had to be added to control the disease. No further relapse had occurred 98 wk after the first presentation. This is an unusual presentation of a systemic sterile neutrophilic-macrophagic lymphadenitis with nodular panniculitis and vasculitis associated with gastrointestinal and pulmonary signs.     

A minor role of CD4+ T lymphocytes in the control of a primary infection of cattle with Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides

ABSTRACT: Contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides, is an important livestock disease in Africa. The current control measures rely on a vaccine with limited efficacy and occasional severe side effects. Knowledge of the protective arms of immunity involved in this disease will be beneficial for the development of an improved vaccine. In previous studies on cattle infected with M. mycoides subsp. mycoides, a correlation was detected between the levels of mycoplasma-specific IFN-γ-secreting CD4+ T lymphocytes and reduced clinical signs. However, no cause and effect has been established, and the role of such cells and of protective responses acquired during a primary infection is not known.We investigated the role of CD4+ T lymphocytes in CBPP by comparing disease patterns and post mortem findings between CD4+ T cell depleted and non-depleted cattle. The depletion was carried out using several injections of BoCD4 specific murine monoclonal antibody on day 6 after experimental endotracheal infection with the strain Afadé. All cattle were monitored clinically daily and sacrificed 28-30 days post-infection. Statistically significant but small differences were observed in the mortality rate between the depleted and non-depleted animals. However, no differences in clinical parameters (fever, signs of respiratory distress) and pathological lesions were observed, despite elimination of CD4+ T cells for more than a week. The slightly higher mortality in the depleted group suggests a minor role of CD4+ T cells in control of CBPP.