Type-I hypersensitivity as a component of eosinophilic myositis (muscular sarcocystosis) in cattle

Eight bovine hearts with lesions of eosinophilic myositis (EM) and 2 bovine hearts without EM lesions were collected at slaughter. Blood samples from these 10 hearts, and the heart of a newborn calf also were collected. Histologically, Sarcocystis cruzi was identified in the 8 hearts with EM lesions and the 2 hearts without EM lesions, but not in the heart of the newborn calf. Serum was harvested from the 10 blood samples and was used in homologous, modified, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis tests. Antigen was prepared from S cruzi bradyzoites isolated from the 2 hearts without EM lesions. Serum samples from the 8 cattle with EM lesions reacted positively to S cruzi antigen. When heat-inactivated IgE in serum (56 C for 4 hours) was used, all passive cutaneous anaphylaxis responses were considered negative. Using ELISA, serum IgE concentrations from the 10 cattle with and without EM lesions were 2.2 to 9 U/ml. As determined by radial immunodiffusion, IgM concentrations were 80 to 215 mg/dl. Immunoglobulin G concentrations were 420 to 2,050 mg/dl, but most were less than or equal to 1,700 mg/dl. Immunoglobulin A concentrations were 0 to 62 mg/dl; 1 steer with EM lesions had 0 mg/dl. Double-gel immunodiffusion confirmed the presence of Sarcocystis-specific precipitating antibodies. Sera from the 10 cattle with and without EM lesions formed at least 1 precipitin band.     

The current status of avian ophthalmology]

Ocular diseases in birds are very rarely investigated. Increased keeping of often very expensive caged birds makes it necessary for veterinarians in practice to deal with the problems of ornithoophthalmology. Fundamental physiological and anatomic differences between the mammalian and the avian eye, interspecies variables and general problems in handling do not allow a simple transfer of knowledge of mammal ophthalmology to birds. Therefore, it is necessary to find differentiated, species-orientated solutions in investigation as well as suitable treatments of ocular diseases in birds. An update on ornithoophthalmology is given.     

Analysis of Growth and Productivity of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) in Relation to FYM, Nitrogen and Source of Fertilizer

A field experiment was conducted during the winter seasons of 1992–93 and 1993–94 at Anand to study the effect of FYM, nitrogen and source of fertilizer on growth and yield of mustard [ Brassica juncea (L.) Czernj & Cosson]. The results showed significant variation in leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), dry matter production and seed yield. The direct effect of farmyard manure (FYM) was conspicuous in improving the growth of mustard. FYM application at 10 tonnes ha⁻¹ significantly increased the LAI, CGR and dry matter accumulation per plant at almost all the stages during first year study (1992–93) and in pooled analysis. Similarly, nitrogen application registered maximum LAI, CGR at 75 kg level and RGR and NAR at 50 kg level at almost all the during both years. Sulphur carrying source (Ammonium sulphate plus single super phosphate) increased all stages growth characters. Maximum dry matter accumulation per plant and seed yield were recorded with highest levels of FYM (20 tonnes ha⁻¹), N (75 kg ha⁻¹) and source having S. Seed yield was strongly associated with LAI and dry matter accumulation per plant at all the stages.     

Interferon in sheep]

There is only limited information on sheep interferon available. Recent publications have reported on: 1. an interferon (IFN) alpha subtype, which is secreted by the fetal trophectoderm into the lumen of the uterus between the 10th and 21st day of gestation. It was therefore named ovine trophoblast protein (oTP-1), and is responsible for signalling pregnancy to the ewe via high affinity receptors in the endometrium. It is thought that oTP-1 acts by directly influencing prostaglandin metabolism. 2. the role of lentivirus-induced interferon (LV-IFN) in the pathogenesis of Maedi/Visna. The results indicate that LV-IFN limits viral replication and therefore contributes to virus persistence and is also responsible for a chronic inflammatory process. 3. the mitogen- or antigen-dependent induction of ovine interferon gamma (IFN gamma) and its characterization.     

Controversial issues in drug treatment during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

The goal of advanced life support in CPR must be to restore and maintain respiratory and hemodynamic effectiveness, and to correct the underlying dysrhythmia. Optimal basic life-support techniques must be continued to meet these goals. Many drugs have been suggested in the treatment of cardiac arrest, but unfortunately, drug effects are inconsistent and resuscitation rates remain low. Epinephrine, atropine, lidocaine, bretylium, and naloxone remain important drugs for consideration in CPR in most animals with cardiac arrest. The best chance of survival remains in early recognition of animals susceptible to arrest and in treatment of the underlying cause.     

A model for long-term sampling of lymph from the jejunal lymphatic trunk in pigs and sheep

Eine Methode zur langfristigen Lymphsammlung aus der jejunalen Lymphbahn bei Schweinen und Schafen Es wird eine Methode zur langfristigen Lymphsammlung im Dünndarmbereich von Schweinen und Schafen vorgestellt. Mit Hilfe eines chirurgischen Eingriffs wurde ein Silikon-Katheder im truncus lymphaticus jejunalis implantiert. Zusätzlich wurde ein zweiter Katheter in die hintere vena cava in Richtung Herz eingesetzt. Beide Katheter wurden sofort miteinander verbunden, um die Wiedereinführung der jejunalen Lymphe in den Blutkreislauf zu gewährleisten. Der negative Druck in der hinteren vena cava im Thoraxteil förderte den Lymphfluß durch das Katheter im truncus lymphaticus jejunalis. Der preprandiale Lymphfluß des Jéjunums betrug bei Schweinen 0,3 ml/h/kg Körpergewicht und stieg postprandial auf 0,78 ml/h/kg an. Beim Schaf betrug der Basiswert 0,75 ml/h/kg. Er stieg nach intraduodenaler Infusion von Rapsöl auf 4,75 ml/h/kg. Eine mechanische Stimulation der intestinalen Receptoren durch 0,9% NaCl-Lösung stimulierte ebenfalls den Lymphfluß.