Patterns of corticosteroid and pepsinogen change related to emotional stress in the monkey

In association with conditioned avoidance sessions of 72 hours' duration, monkeys showed a response pattern characterized by increased levels of 17-hydroxy-corticosteroids and decreased levels of pepsinogen during the stress period, with a marked and prolonged elevation of pepsinogen levels occurring during the recovery period.     

Pathology of gastritis and gastric ulceration in the horse. Part 1: Range of lesions present in 21 mature individuals

Reasons for performing study: Gastric ulceration is now widely recognised as an important disease in high performance horses. Little is known about gastric histopathology in healthy or diseased animals; a comprehensive assessment would enhance interpretation of gross findings through assessment of their accuracy and allow for identification of lesion variety and pathogenesis in different anatomical regions of the stomach. Objectives: To investigate the true extent and variety of gastric lesions in a mixed population of mature horses at post mortem. Methods: Stomachs were removed from a mixed population of 21 horses at post mortem. Mucosal abnormalities were recorded in photographic and written form. Representative samples from all gross lesions were taken for histopathology and processed routinely. Special stains including Gram, PAS and Warthin Starry, were used when appropriate. Pathological classification of lesion type using both gross and histological appearances was performed. Results: Classification of lesions within the squamous region included hyperkeratosis, punctate scars, diffuse erosions/ulcerations and margo injuria; and within the glandular region, hyperaemia, focal erosions and ulcerations. Glandular metaplasia was recognised for the first time in the equine stomach. No Helicobacter‐like organisms were detected in association with lesion development. Conclusions and potential relevance: This study used gross and histological examination to highlight the large variety of naturally occurring gastric lesions in a mixed population of horses. Analysis of the pathogenesis of lesion development is now possible. Further research regarding the range of pathology in larger, more diverse groups of horses is required.     

Plasma disposition of amikacin and interactions with gastrointestinal microflora in Equidae following intravenous and oral administration

Amikacin was detectable (> 0.02 μg/ml) in plasma for 12 h in horses and donkeys and for 8 h in ponies following intravenous (i.v.) administration at a dose the rate of 6 mg/kg bodyweight The elimination half-life (harmonic mean) of amikacin was 2.8, 1.6 and 1.9 h in horses, ponies and donkeys, respectively, and the mean body clearance was relatively slow (45.2, 82.4 and 58.0 ml/h.kg, respectively). A suitable dosage interval for the i.v. administration of amikacin sulphate to horses, ponies and donkeys, at a dose rate of 6 mg/kg, would be every 8 h in horses, and every 6 h in ponies and donkeys. Following i.v. administration there were no marked alterations in caecal liquor pH, the number of viable bacteria isolated, or the short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations in caecal liquor and faeces. Amikacin was not detected (< 0.02 μg/ml) in plasma following administration by nasogastric tube to ponies with cannu-lated caecal fistulae; however, there were high concentrations of amikacin measured in caecal liquor (maximum 16.2–99.4 μg/ml). Despite the high drug concentrations in caecal liquor, there were only slight alterations in the number of viable bacteria isolated. However, there was a reduction in caecal liquor pH to < 6.6, but few changes in caecal liquor SCFA concentrations. Faecal SCFA concentrations, dry matter content and consistency did not alter markedly.     

Enantioselective pharmacokinetics of racemic carprofen in New Zealand white rabbits

The enantioselective pharmacokinetics of single dose (2 mg/kg) racemic carprofen (CPF) were evaluated in adult New Zealand white rabbits after intravenous (i.v.) and subcutaneous (s.c.) dose. Six rabbits were utilized in a two‐way randomized crossover study and serial blood samples were collected. Plasma CPF concentrations were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. After i.v. and s.c. racemic CPF administration, plasma concentration–time curves were best described by a two‐compartment open model and a one‐compartment model, respectively. The S(+) CPF enantiomer predominated in plasma following both routes of administration. Mean observed clearance of R(?)‐CPF (82.17 ± 13.70 mL/h·kg) was more rapid than for S(+)‐CPF (27.92 ± 7.07 mL/h·kg; P < 0.001). T_1/2λz was shorter for R(?)‐CPF than S(+)‐CPF after both i.v. (1.03 and 2.99 h, respectively) and s.c. (1.94 and 4.14 h, respectively) dosing. Mean AUC_0→∞ ratios for R(?):S(+)‐CPF were approximately 1:3 for both routes of administration. Mean residence time of R(?)‐CPF was shorter than of S(+)‐CPF (1.06 ± 0.29 h, 3.45 ± 0.50 h; P < 0.001) and R(?)‐ and S(+)‐CPF volumes of distribution at steady state were 85.00 ± 14.42 and 94.39 ± 18.66 mL/kg, respectively after i.v. administration. The mean s.c. bioavailability [F (%)] for both R(?)‐ and S(+)‐CPF was high, 94.4 ± 22.8 and 91.0 ± 35.7%, respectively.     

SQUIRRELS IN GREAT BRITAIN

The distribution in 1953 and the habits of the two squirrelsSciurus vulgaris leucourus and S. carolinensis are discussedand their control considered.     

Influence of Site Factors on the Response of Sitka Spruce to Fertilizer at Planting in Upland Britain

Data from Forestry Commission fertilizer experiments were analysedto determine the influence of site factors on the growth responseof Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) following applicationsof phosphate and potassium at time of planting. Multiple regressionanalysis revealed that growth response was influenced by soiltype and was related to the foliar nutrient levels of untreatedcontrols. Growth response to application of phosphate was alsoinfluenced by lithology. No relationships were found betweengrowth response and elevation or annual rainfall. Received 29 January 1990.     

Surgical Correction of Strictures of the Large Colon in Three Horses

An extensive stricture of the left dorsal colon in a Thoroughbred colt was resected and the colon was anastomosed. In two horses, circumferential strictures at the pelvic flexure 2.5 to 3 cm long were corrected with a modified Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty technique. The horses were reported to be doing well at 6, 8, and 45 months, respectively.