Identification of feline blood B and T lymphocytes by cell electrophoresis.

The electrokinetic properties of feline blood lymphocytes isolated by centrifugation over Ficoll-Isopaque gradient were investigated. A biphasic electrophoretic mobility (EPM) distribution was regularly observed with a low-mobility (LM) population (mean EPM: 0.82) accounting for 32% of blood lymphocytes and a high-mobility (HM) population (mean EPM: 1.09) representing 68% of blood lymphocytes. Following fractionation on nylon-wool columns, lymphocytes with B-cell properties (64% sIg⁺; 9% guinea pig erythrocytes (GPE)-rosette⁺, PHA and Con A unresponsive) were enriched in the adherent fraction and belonged mainly (78%) to the LM population. In contrast, lymphocytes with T properties (5% sIg⁺, 42% GPE-rosette⁺, PHA and Con A responsive) were recovered in the effluent fraction and comprised 84% of HM elements.Thus, in cat blood, LM lymphocytes are likely to represent in majority B cells and HM lymphocytes T cells. This indicates that cell electrophoresis provides an interesting mean for differentiating B and T cells in the cat.     

Detection of the K99 antigen of Escherichia coli in calf faeces by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)

Summary An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is presented for the detection of the K99 antigen of Escherichia coli in calf faeces. False-positive reactions were not observed with K99-negative strains and with several viral antigens. Only bovine coronavirus caused slight positive reactions which could be eliminated by a blocking test. As compared with the conventional procedure for the detection of the K99 antigen, ELISA seemed to be at least as sensitive and had the advantage that samples could be stored at -20° C before testing. In addition many samples could be handled at the same time and the results became available quickly. By carrying out the assay as a blocking test, specific antibody against K99 in serum or colostrum could be detected and titrated.     

The activity of albendazole against adult and larval gastrointestinal nematodes in naturally infected calves in the Netherlands

Summary The activity of albendazole against gastrointestinal helminths in naturally infected calves in the Netherlands was tested. The calves were in their fist grazing season and kept in two groups of ten. One of these groups was grazed alternately with sheep. Five out of each group were drenched with albendazole (7.5 mg/kg) on the day they were housed (November 1). Before and 2, 14, and 28 days after treatment individual faecal samples were taken from all calves and larval cultures were made. Ten calves, six treated and four untreated, were killed for post mortem studies 14 days after treatment The remaining calves were slaughtered 14 days later. The drug was highly effective in reducing the egg output, measured as the number of larvae cultured per gram of faeces. Compared with the untreated calves, the reduction was more than 99% two days after treatment, 100% at 14 days, and 99% after 28 days. It was shown that egg output 28 days after treatment came from worms which had developed from arrested larvae of Ostertagia ostertagi that had survived treatment. Post mortem results showed an efficacy of 100% against adult O. ostertagi, of almost 100% against Trichostrongylus axei, and 100% against adult and larval Cooperia oncophora. Twenty-eight days after treatment, the reduction of arrested early fourth stages of O. ostertagi was 85% in comparison with the untreated calves. Apparently less effect was found against Trichuris ovis at the given dose rate.     

Scanning electron microscopic studies on males of trichinella species

Ultrastructure of the cuticle and pseudobursa of adult males of four species of Trichinella has been studied by SEM. T. nativa differs markedly from T. spiralis, T. nelsoni and Trichinella sp. in the form of the pseudobursa. Trichinella sp. differs only slightly from T. spiralis and T. nelsoni. The ultrastructure of the cuticle revealed no characters suitable for the differentiation of the taxons under study.     

Prevalence of antibodies to equine viruses in the Netherlands

Summary The prevalence of antibodies to various viruses was investigated in a series of serum samples collected from horses in the Netherlands between 1963 and 1966 and from 1972 onwards. Neutralizing antibodies to equine rhinopneumonitis virus, equine arteritis virus and to equine rhinovirus types 1 and 2 were detected in respectively 76%, 14%, 66% and 59% of the equine serum samples tested. The observed incidence of serum samples positive to equine adenovirus in the complement fixation test was 39%. Precipitating antibodies to equine infectious anaemia virus were detected only in serum samples from two horses imported from abroad. Haemagglutination inhibiting antibodies to Myxovirus influenzae A / equi-1, M. Influenzae A / equi-2, and Reovirus types 1, 2, and 3 were present in respectively 82%, 50%, 10%, 33% and 3.6% of the serum samples tested. The most frequently observed incidence of antibodies to the various equine respiratory viruses occurred in the groups of horses having repeatedly contact with other horses.     

The immune response of the pig following oral immunisation with soluble protein

The immune response of pigs fed 200 mg per day of dinitrophenylated bovine gamma globulin has been evaluated in terms of the antibody and lymphocyte responses and of the induction of tolerance and immune exclusion. Although dosing for ten days resulted in a small IgA response as indicated by splenic plaque forming cells, serum antibody could only be detected when dosing was continued for 42 days. secretory antibody was detected at any time. Antigen feeding for two weeks rendered the animals hyporesponsive to subsequent parenteral antigenic challenge but had little effect upon their ability to exclude an oral dose of antigen from the circulation.     

Plasma concentration of sulphadimethoxine in pigs after multiple dosing and during injections of Escherichia coli endotoxin

The effect of endotoxin induced fever on the steady state concentration of sulphadimethoxine in pigs has been studied.Sulphadimethoxine 20 mg/kg b.wt. was injected at 9 a.m. in an ear vein each day for eleven days. From day 6 until the end of the experiment, endotoxin fromEscherichia coli 1.5 g/kg b.wt. was injected at 9 a.m. and at 3 p.m. The plasma concentration versus time curves were calculated by means of a computer program, assuming a two-compartment model. During the endotoxin injections the plasma concentrations were simulated and compared with those calculated.It was not possible to show any clinically significant changes in pharmacokinetics of sulphadimethoxine after the start of endotoxin injections.     

Tom-cat odour and other pheromones in feline reproduction

The function and suppression of urine spraying by cats is discussed as also is the source of tom-cat odour. It seems unlikely that tom-cat odour is derived from the lipid in the proximal convoluted tubule of the kidney, however its production by the anal glands has not yet been proven. Although male cats show a flehmen response when sniffing urine, smell seems to play a more important role in reproduction in the female than the male. The available data suggests that valeric acid may function as a female/female pheromone in cats by inducing or facilitating oestrus. Nepetalactone, the active ingredient of catnip, is probably not related to any naturally occurring pheromone in the cat but simply acts as an hallucinogenic drug.     

Activated coagulation times of normal cows

The Activated Coagulation Time (ACT) was determined on 10 normal cows. Duplicate samples were taken from each cow. The mean ACT was 145 seconds with a range of 120-180 seconds. Standard deviations were 18 and 13 for the first and second sampling, respectively. Repeatability of the ACT was acceptable.