In vitro effects of glucosamine and acetylsalicylate on canine chondrocytes in three-dimensional culture

OBJECTIVE: To determine effects of glucosamine and acetylsalicylate on canine chondrocytes in 3-dimensional culture. SAMPLE POPULATION: Chondrocytes isolated from articular cartilage of 2 adult female dogs recently euthanatized for reasons unrelated to orthopedic abnormalities. PROCEDURE: Chondrocytes were cultured in a 3-dimensional agarose-based medium alone (control), with glucosamine (100 microg/ml; GL), or with acetylsalicylate (18 microg/ml; AS). Supernatant and agarose plugs from 4 wells/group/d were collected on days 3, 6, and 12 of culture. Agarose plugs were evaluated for percentage of viable cells, percentage of cells producing pericellular or territorial matrix, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) concentration, and type-II collagen production. Prostaglandin E2 concentration in supernatants was determined. RESULTS: Chondrocytes in all groups had characteristics indicative of viability and differentiation; however, on day 12, a lower percentage of viable cells was detected in the AS group, compared with the other 2 groups. On day 6, GAG concentration in the AS group was significantly greater than concentrations in the other 2 groups. On day 12, GAG concentrations in the GL and AS groups were significantly less than in the control group. Within the GL and AS groups, cell viability was significantly less on day 12, compared with day 3. Significant differences in PGE2 concentration among or within groups and evidence of type II collagen production were not detected. CONCLUSIONS: 3-dimensional culture of canine chondrocytes allows for production of hyaline cartilage matrix constituents and growth of cells with morphologic characteristics similar to those of articular cartilage. Acetylsalicylate and glucosamine, at the single concentration evaluated, had detrimental effects on chondrocyte viability, GAG production, or both.     

Prevalence of Campylobacter spp isolated from the intestinal tract of pigs raised in an integrated swine production system

OBJECTIVE: To enumerate the prevalence of Campylobacter isolates in the intestinal tract of market-weight swine raised in an integrated swine operation in Texas. SAMPLE POPULATION: Samples of cecal contents were collected from 595 pigs (mean body weight, 110 kg [242 lb]) at time of slaughter. Pigs were off-spring of Yorkshire-Landrace sows and Duroc or Hampshire boars. Pigs originated from 4 farrow-to-finish farms. PROCEDURE: During a 9-month period, visits were made to a slaughter plant to remove cecal contents from market-weight hogs. Samples were obtained from 50 pigs/visit from designated farms so that samples were obtained 3 times from pigs of each of 4 farms. Isolation of Campylobacter spp was accomplished by use of enrichment broth and restrictive media, using microaerophilic conditions. RESULTS: Campylobacter spp were isolated from 70 to 100% of the pigs, depending on the farm and the date the samples were collected. Campylobacter coli was isolated from 20 to 100% (mean, 60%) of samples, and C jejuni was isolated from 0 to 76% (mean, 31%) of samples. Campylobacter lari was isolated from 2 pigs. Concentrations of C coli or C jejuni ranged from 10(3) to 10(7) colony-forming units/g of cecal content. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Campylobacter coli generally is accepted as a common inhabitant of the intestinal tract of swine. However, analysis of results of this study suggests that a relatively high prevalence of C jejuni may be found in pigs raised on specific farms.     

Borreliosis in equids in northeastern United States

During 1982 and 1985, blood samples from 705 equids were examined for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi. By indirect immunofluorescence staining, IgM and total immunoglobulin (IgM and IgG) antibodies were detected in 37 (5.3%) and 90 (12.8%) serum specimens, respectively. The geometric mean titer for IgM antibody (140.4) was highest during July, whereas total immunoglobulin ranged from 94.1 in October to 338 in May. Eighty-six equids with total immunoglobulin to B burgdorferi lived in areas of Connecticut where the primary tick vector, Ixodes dammini, was present. Of the 86 equids, 9 from Lyme, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York had antibodies to B burgdorferi and developed limb or joint disorders that resulted in single or recurrent episodes of lameness.