Immunostaining of the androgen receptor and sequence analysis of its DNA-binding domain in canine prostate cancer

Prostate cancer in the dog (cPC) has many features in common with hormone refractory human prostate cancer. As cPC is seen more often in castrated dogs, the contribution of the androgen receptor (AR) to the development of prostate cancer remains questionable. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of the AR by immunohistochemistry in cPC. AR staining was observed in most tumors from intact and castrated dogs, but the proportion of positive cells and the staining intensity were much lower than in the prostate of healthy, non-castrated dogs. Most of the positive staining was seen in the cytoplasm rather than in the nuclei of the tumor cells. The predominant cytoplasmic localization was not related to mutations in exon 3 of the DNA-binding domain of the AR, as shown by sequence analysis of microdissected AR positive tumor cells. Other mechanisms that lead to an impaired androgen-AR signaling or a basal/stem cell like origin may explain the low cytoplasmic AR staining in cPC.     

Effects of Carolina rinse solution, dimethyl sulfoxide, and the 21-aminosteroid, U-74389G, on microvascular permeability and morphology of the equine jejunum after low-flow ischemia and reperfusion

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of Carolina rinse solution, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and 21-aminosteroid, U-74389G, on microvascular permeability and morphology of the equine jejunum after low-flow ischemia and reperfusion. ANIMALS: 20 healthy adult horses. PROCEDURE: Under anesthesia, full-thickness biopsy specimens of a distal portion of the jejunum were obtained for baseline measurements. In addition to a control segment, 2 jejunal segments were identified as sham-operated or experimental segments. Experimental segments underwent 60 minutes of low-flow ischemia and 3.5 hours of reperfusion. Treatments were as follows: U-74389G (3 mg/kg, IV; 6 horses), DMSO (20 mg/kg, IV; 6) diluted in 1 L of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution, local perfusion (via jejunal artery) of Carolina rinse solution (0.5 mL/kg; 4), and local perfusion of lactated Ringer's solution (0.5 mL/kg; 4). RESULTS: Jejunal microvascular permeability was significantly lower after treatment with Carolina rinse solution or DMSO, compared with U-74389G or lactated Ringer's solution treatments. After DMSO treatment, serosal- and submucosal-layer edema was significantly increased in experimental segments, compared with control or sham-operated segments; however, edema increases were significantly less than for lactated Ringer's solution or U-74389G treatments. Significant decreases in intestinal wet weight-to-dry weight ratio were found following Carolina rinse solution or DMSO treatments, compared with lactated Ringer's solution or U-74389G treatments. Edema formation and leukocyte infiltration in jejunal segments of horses treated with lactated Ringer's solution or U-74389G were increased, compared with Carolina rinse solution or DMSO treatments. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Carolina rinse solution and DMSO may be protective against ischemia-reperfusion injury in the equine jejunum.     

Autochthonous canine babesiosis in The Netherlands

Outbreaks of autochthonous babesiosis, caused by Babesia canis, occurred in The Netherlands in the spring and autumn of 2004 affecting 23 dogs. Nineteen animals recovered after treatment, whereas four dogs died. Adult Dermacentor reticulatus ticks collected from these dogs indicate that canine babesiosis could become endemic in The Netherlands.     

Effects of enteral and intravenous fluid therapy, magnesium sulfate, and sodium sulfate on colonic contents and feces in horses

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in systemic hydration, concentrations of electrolytes in plasma, hydration of colonic contents and feces, and gastrointestinal transit in horses treated with IV fluid therapy or enteral administration of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), sodium sulfate (NaSO4), water, or a balanced electrolyte solution. ANIMALS: 7 horses with fistulas in the right dorsal colon (RDC). PROCEDURE: In a crossover design, horses alternately received 1 of 6 treatments: no treatment (control); IV fluid therapy with lactated Ringer's solution; or enteral administration of MgSO4, Na2SO4, water, or a balanced electrolyte solution via nasogastric intubation. Physical examinations were performed and samples of blood, RDC contents, and feces were collected every 6 hours during the 48 hour-observation period. Horses were muzzled for the initial 24 hours but had access to water ad libitum. Horses had access to hay, salt, and water ad libitum for the last 24 hours. RESULTS: Enteral administration of a balanced electrolyte solution and Na2SO4 were the best treatments for promoting hydration of RDC contents, followed by water. Sodium sulfate was the best treatment for promoting fecal hydration, followed by MgSO4 and the balanced electrolyte solution. Sodium sulfate caused hypocalcemia and hypernatremia, and water caused hyponatremia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Enteral administration of a balanced electrolyte solution promoted hydration of RDC contents and may be useful in horses with large colon impactions. Enteral administration of either Na2SO4 or water may promote hydration of RDC contents but can cause severe electrolyte imbalances.     

Effect of Clerodane-Type Diterpenoids Isolated from Salvia spp. on the Feeding Behaviour of Spodoptera littoralis

Twenty-nine clerodane-type diterpenoids isolated from species of Salvia growing in Mexico, or analogues of them, were tested for antifeedant activity against Spodoptera littoralis larvae using behavioural and electrophysiological bioassays. Eight of the compounds showed potent antifeedant activity in choice and no-choice bioassays and these compounds also stimulated dose-dependent responses from neurones in the lateral styloconic sensilla of S. littoralis.