Serologic and cross-protection studies with several infectious bronchitis virus isolates from Delmarva-reared broiler chickens

Five isolates, from broiler-type chickens, capable of causing acute respiratory disease were identified as infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). The agar-gel precipitin (AGP) test was effective in identifying the isolates as IBV. Virus-neutralization (VN) and cross-challenge tests indicated two of the isolates to be Massachusetts types and one to be a JMK type. The remaining isolates were different from strains normally encountered in chickens reared on the Delmarva Peninsula. One isolate, although serologically similar to the Connecticut strain, was able to infect Connecticut-virus-immune chickens. Another isolate was similar to Arkansas 99, a strain not previously reported in Delmarva.     

Modulation of Ovarian Function in Female Dogs Immunized with Bovine Luteinizing Hormone Receptor

Adult female dogs were immunized with 0.5 mg bovine luteinizing hormone receptor (LH-R) encapsulated in a silastic subdermal implant and subsequently with four intramuscular booster injections of 0.1 mg LH-R each. Circulating LH-R antibody was detected in the sera 3 weeks post-implant. The appearance of LH-R antibody was associated with a decline in the serum progesterone concentrations to a range of 0–0.5 ng/ml until day 365 in the immunized dogs in comparison with a range of 5–10 ng in the control animals, suggesting a lack of ovulation and corpus luteum function in immunized dogs. The immunized dogs did not show signs of `standing heat' and failed to ovulate when induced by LH-RH challenge. Serum oestradiol levels, however, remained in the range of 30–40 pg/ml in both the immunized and the control dogs. With the decline in the antibody titres, the hormonal profile and vaginal cytology returned to a fertile state and the dogs exhibited signs of `standing heat', as well as vaginal bleeding. Dogs immunized with LH-R did not show any serious metabolic, local or systemic adverse effects. The hypothalamic–pituitary gonadal axis remained intact as indicated by little difference in pituitary LH levels between control and immunized animals, and by the release of LH by LH-RH challenge. These studies demonstrate that active immunization of female dogs with LH-R could immunomodulate ovarian function to cause a reversible state of infertility. It may be postulated that, due to extensive interspecies homology, a recombinant LH receptor-based immunocontraceptive vaccine may also be effective in other vertebrates.     

Comparisons of Uptake and Depuration of 2-Methylisoborneol in Male, Female, Juvenile, and 3MC-induced Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus

The occurrence of off-flavors in farm-raised channel catfish is a major burden to the catfish culture industry, causing millions of dollars worth of market-ready fish to be rejected each year. Off-flavors are believed to be the result of exposure and subsequent accumulation of certain volatile microbial metabolites such as 2-methylisoborneol. In this study, the uptake and elimination of [¹⁴C]-2-methylisoborneol equivalents were examined in juvenile and mature channel catfish. The described method is presented as a simple and inexpensive procedure for comparing treatment effects on off-flavor elimination rates. In addition, the effects of the cytochrome P4501A inducing agent 3-methylcholanthrene on 2-methylisoborneol depuration was studied in juvenile fish. Uptake was determined during a 24–h static exposure to waterborne 2-methylisoborneol (7.6 ± 3.7 μg/L). Uptake equilibrium had been established in all groups by 12 h, with total uptake higher in juvenile fish. Depuration rates were not different between untreated groups (t_½ a = 12.r122.4 h; t_½β= 91.3–143.7 h); however, the depuration half-lives for 3-methylcholanthrene treated juveniles were significantly longer than those of controls.     

Effect of radiographic positioning on the heart shadow in dogs

Dorsoventral thoracic radiographs of 9 dogs were taken from 0 degree to 20 degrees to the right and to the left of a vertical line from mid-sternum to the mid-thoracic vertebrae. Certain measurements indicated that angles greater than 5 degrees from the vertical introduced significant distortions of the heart shadow and thoracic wall in some instances. A method is proposed for determining from a DV thoracic radiograph when improper positioning has produced an angulation greater than 5 degrees.     

Comparative Development of Embryonic Age by Organogenesis in Domestic Dogs and Cats

The precise determination of the embryonic chronology is very important in reproductive biotechnologies, especially in estimating embryonic age. Thus, there is a need for greater knowledge and standardization for determining the chronology of embryonic development and functional morphology. We describe aspects of embryonic development in two domestic carnivores to add knowledge about organ peculiarities and for application in veterinary practice, in prenatal development and in the biotechnology fields. We found that the development of differential characteristics of embryonic organs occurs in the first trimester of pregnancy for both species. Thus, using the combination of the crown‐rump length, macroscopic analysis and optical microscopy, it is possible to predict gestational age more precisely in animals that lack a defined breed and establish an embryonic pattern.     

Sequence of the envelope glycoprotein gene of type II human T lymphotropic virus

The sequence of the envelope glycoprotein gene of type II human T lymphotropic virus (HTLV) is presented. The predicted amino acid sequence is similar to that of the corresponding protein of HTLV type I, in that the proteins share the same amino acids at 336 of 488 residues, and 68 of the 152 differences are of a conservative nature. The overall structural similarity of these proteins provides an explanation for the antigenic cross-reactivity observed among diverse members of the HTLV retrovirus family by procedures that assay for the viral envelope glycoprotein, for example, membrane immunofluorescence.     

Probability distribution of enantiomorphous forms in spontaneous generation of optically active substances

The crystallization of 1, l'-binaphthyl from its racemic melt is an example of spontaneous generation of optical activity. The distribution of specific rotations in 200 individual samples varied from [alpha](D) = -218 degrees to [alpha](D) = +206 degrees with a mean of +0.14 degree and standard deviation of 86.4 degrees. This resolution into enantiomers is determined by chance development, with equal probability, of right- or left-handed crystallites; it can be controlled and made stereospecific by addition of dissymmetric compounds at low concentrations.