Glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurons mediate anxiogenic and anxiolytic effects of CRHR1

The corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) critically controls behavioral adaptation to stress and is causally linked to emotional disorders. Using neurochemical and genetic tools, we determined that CRHR1 is expressed in forebrain glutamatergic and γ-aminobutyric acid-containing (GABAergic) neurons as well as in midbrain dopaminergic neurons. Via specific CRHR1 deletions in glutamatergic, GABAergic, dopaminergic, and serotonergic cells, we found that the lack of CRHR1 in forebrain glutamatergic circuits reduces anxiety and impairs neurotransmission in the amygdala and hippocampus. Selective deletion of CRHR1 in midbrain dopaminergic neurons increases anxiety-like behavior and reduces dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex. These results define a bidirectional model for the role of CRHR1 in anxiety and suggest that an imbalance between CRHR1-controlled anxiogenic glutamatergic and anxiolytic dopaminergic systems might lead to emotional disorders.     

Dorsal spinous process impingement syndrome ('kissing spine') in a cat: imaging appearance and surgical management

Spinal pain is an important clinical presentation in feline patients, but the underlying causes can often be difficult to elucidate. Dorsal spinous process impingement syndrome ('kissing spine' or in human patients 'Baastrup syndrome') is a significant cause of spinal pain in equine and human patients and radiographically is characterised by a close approximation of adjacent spinous processes with reactive bone sclerosis affecting these spinous processes. In this report we describe the first reported case of dorsal spinous process impingement syndrome in a cat causing spinal pain, and successful surgical management of the syndrome. The affected cat presented at 5 years of age for evaluation of a 7-month history of progressive thoracolumbar pain. Radiographs revealed close approximation of the dorsal spinous processes of the seventh, eighth and ninth thoracic vertebrae (T7, T8 and T9), with associated reactive bone sclerosis. Surgical resection of the T8 dorsal spinous process resulted in complete resolution of the clinical signs with no evidence of recurrence 9 months after surgery.     

Respiratory function and pulmonary lesions in pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus

Pulmonary dysfunction was evaluated in pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV, isolate VR-2332) and compared to clinical and pathological findings. Infected pigs developed fever, reduced appetite, respiratory distress and dullness at 9 days post-inoculation (dpi). Non-invasive pulmonary function tests using impulse oscillometry and rebreathing of test gases (He, CO) revealed peripheral airway obstruction, reduced lung compliance and reduced lung CO-transfer factor. PRRSV-induced pulmonary dysfunction was most marked at 9–18 dpi and was accompanied by a significantly increased respiratory rate and decreased tidal volume. Expiration was affected more than inspiration. On histopathological examination, multifocal areas of interstitial pneumonia (more severe and extensive at 10 dpi than 21 dpi) were identified as a possible structural basis for reduced lung compliance and gas exchange disturbances.     

Simultaneous and sensitive analysis of Cu, Ni, Zn, Co, Mn, and Fe in food and biological samples by ion chromatography.

A sensitive and simple method for the simultaneous determination of nutritionally important minerals in food samples is in great demand. Ion chromatography coupled with UV-vis detection is shown to be an appropriate technique for this objective. The method is based on the formation of mineral complexes by pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid in the mobile phase. The complexes are then postcolumn derivatized with 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol (PAR), resulting in mineral-PAR complexes that are detected by UV-vis absorption at 500 nm. This facilitates the simultaneous separation and quantification of minerals in one chromatographic run. Within 16 min, Cu, Ni, Zn, Co, Mn, and Fe are analyzed. When a 50 microL injection volume is used, the average detection limit is 5 ppb in the injection liquid. The detection limit makes it a superior alternative to AAS and, in several applications, also an alternative to ICP-MS techniques. Different sample treatments were evaluated. The concentration of acid in the treated sample varied with the sample treatment, which may cause a limitation for the injection volume. A crucial prerequisite to achieve the reported detection limits and to obtain reliable results is to completely exclude all contamination from instruments and materials.     

Survey of cattle in northeast Colorado for evidence of chronic wasting disease: geographical and high-risk targeted sample.

A geographically targeted survey of potentially high-risk, adult cattle in chronic wasting disease (CWD)-endemic areas in Colorado was initiated to assess the possibility of the spread of CWD from deer to cattle under natural conditions. Surveyed cattle were sympatric with free-roaming deer in geographically defined areas where CWD occurs and where CWD prevalence has been estimated. To qualify for inclusion in the survey, cattle had to be at least 4 years old and had to have spent a minimum of 4 years in surveyed areas. Brains from culled cattle were examined microscopically and immunohistochemically for tissue alterations indicative of a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE). Two hundred sixty-two brains were suitable for evaluation and were found to lack changes indicative of a TSE infection. Prion deposition was not demonstrable using a method involving formic acid and proteinase-K treatment before application of monoclonal antibody to bovine prion protein (F99/97.6.1). Some incidental neuropathologic changes unrelated to those of TSEs were detected. Findings from this study suggest that large-scale spread of CWD from deer to cattle under natural range conditions in CWD-endemic areas of northeast Colorado is unlikely.     

PERCUTANEOUS NEPHROPYELOCENTESIS AND ANTEGRADE URETEROGRAPHY: A FLUOROSCOPICALLY ASSISTED DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIC IN CANINE UROLOGY

Fluoroscopically assisted percutaneous nephropyelocentesis and/or antegrade ureterography was performed on six dogs. These technics were useful for obtaining renal pelvic urine specimens for culture. Percutaneous nephropyelocentesis confirmed diagnoses of pyelonephritis. Injection of a radiopaque contrast medium into the ureter or renal pelvis was useful in evaluating the ureter in those dogs in which excretory urography provided insufficient detail. No complication was associated with the technics.     

Echinococcus multilocularis in red foxes in Saxony-Anhalt: identification of areas of increased risk of infestation and association of the infestation probability with the average annual maximum temperature

Between 1998 and 2004 1341 Red Foxes from 611 locations were examined parasitologically for Echinococcus multilocularis at the State Office of Consumer Protection Saxony-Anhalt. Examination was carried out in parallel to rabies monitoring. A period-prevalence of 9.2% of infestation was found. Employing a Scan Statistic a large area in the southwest of the federal state and two smaller areas of increased risk with respect to infestation with Echinococcus multilocularis were identified. The hypothesis of a negative association of the probability of infestation with the average annual maximum temperature of the location where the foxes were shot was supported by logistic regression analysis. A decreased probability of inactivation of Echinococcus multilocularis-oncospheres through heat and desiccation in areas of lower average annual maximum temperature seems to be likely.Thus, the infection pressure increases with reduced temperatures.     

Towards sustainable control of Lepidopterous pests in olive cultivation

Zusammenfassung Traditionelle, extensiv bearbeitete Olivenhaine, aber auch moderne Intensiv-Plantagen mit künstlicher Bewässerung und hohem Einsatz von Düngern bzw. chemischen Pflanzenschutzmitteln kennzeichnen die derzeitigen verschiedenen Anbauformen der Olive im Mittelmeerraum. Schadlepidopteren wie die Olivenmotte (Prays oleae, Lep.: Yponomeutidae) und die Jasminmotte (Palpita unionalis, Lep.: Pyralidae) werden durch regelmässigen Insektizideinsatz bekämpft. Das von der EU geförderte internationale Forschungsprojekt TRIPHELIO zielte auf die Entwicklung insektizidfreier Alternativmethoden durch (1) die Optimierung der pheromongestützten Überwachung und Verwirrtechnik, (2) der Anwendung von Habitatmanagement-Strategien zur Förderung natürlicher Gegenspieler, und (3) dem Einsatz von Trichogramma-Schlupfwespen. Zusätzlich wurden Module für eine optimale Anwendung biotechnischer und biologischer Methoden bezüglich der Phänologie der Schadinsekten und möglicher Nebenwirkungen von Pestiziden erarbeitet. Die intensive Kooperation zwischen Wissenschaftlern und Praktikern aus mehreren Ländern Europas und Nordafrikas erlaubte den Entwurf möglicher Lösungsansätze für verschiedene Anbaubedingungen und klimatische Regionen des Mittelmeerraumes. Die wichtigsten Ergebnisse und Ausblicke für eine zukünftige praktische Umsetzung werden in dieser Veröffentlichung beschrieben.     

Serum 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone and corticosterone concentrations in dogs with nonadrenal neoplasia and dogs with suspected hyperadrenocorticism

OBJECTIVE: To assess serum 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) and corticosterone concentrations in dogs with nonadrenal neoplasia and dogs being screened for hyperadrenocorticism. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 16 clinically normal dogs, 35 dogs with nonadrenal neoplasia, and 127 dogs with suspected hyperadrenocorticism. PROCEDURE: ACTH stimulation tests were performed in all dogs. Baseline serum cortisol and corticosterone concentrations were measured in the healthy dogs; baseline serum cortisol concentration and ACTH-stimulated cortisol, corticosterone, and 17OHP concentrations were measured in all dogs. Endogenous plasma ACTH concentration was also measured before administration of ACTH in dogs with neoplasia. RESULTS: In 35 dogs with neoplasia, 31.4% had high serum 17OHP concentration and 22.9% had high serum corticosterone concentration. Of the 127 dogs with suspected hyperadrenocorticism, 59 (46.5%) had high ACTH-stimulated cortisol concentrations; of those, 42 of 59 (71.2%) and 32 of 53 (60.4%) had high serum 17OHP and corticosterone concentrations, respectively. Of dogs with serum cortisol concentration within reference range after ACTH administration, 9 of 68 (13.2%) and 7 of 67 (10.4%) had high serum 17OHP and corticosterone concentrations, respectively. In the dogs with neoplasia and dogs suspected of having hyperadrenocorticism, post-ACTH serum hormone concentrations were significantly correlated. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Serum concentrations of 17OHP or corticosterone after administration of ACTH may be high in dogs with nonadrenal neoplasia and no evidence of hyperadrenocorticism. Changes in serum 17OHP or corticosterone concentrations after administration of ACTH are proportionate with changes in cortisol concentration.