Molecular cloning and sequences of interleukin-10 in the Djungarian (Phodopus sungorus), Chinese (Cricetulus griseus), and Syrian (Mesocricetus auratus) hamster

Interleukin 10 (IL-10) genes of Djungarian, Chinese, and Syrian hamsters were cloned. The clones of IL-10 consisted of 537 bp nucleotides and 178 amino acids in full length, and the nucleotide and amino acid sequences exhibited a high degree of homology with those of the mouse and human. Since the number and position of signal sequences, N-glycosylations and cysteine sites in the IL-10 amino acid sequences of the hamsters were the same as those of the mouse, we suggest that the IL-10 molecular structures of the hamster are closer to that of the mouse than human.     

Sequence of the canine c-yes proto-oncogene

Cloning of the canine yes oncogene was attempted from a c library derived from a healthy canine spleen using a human c-yes-1 probe. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences revealed that the canine yes gene contained an open reading frame consisting of 539 amino acids. Its product had a molecular mass of 60,368 Daltons and showed 95·9 per cent and 90·4 per cent homology with human and chick p61^c-yes, respectively. Moreover, the product had a myristylation signal, src homology region (SH) 3, SH2, and tyrosine kinase domains showing 98·8 per cent and 96·0 per cent homology with those of human beings and chickens, respectively. These findings indicate that the products of the canine yes gene may have non-receptor-type tyrosine kinase activity on the cell membrane, as is the case in human and chick p61^c-yes     

A retrospective study of inflammatory colorectal polyps in miniature dachshunds

Medical records of dogs with colorectal polyps were retrospectively reviewed, and clinical presentation of inflammatory colorectal polyps in miniature dachshunds was evaluated. Of 33 dogs found to have colorectal polyps, miniature dachshunds were markedly over-represented with 16 dogs (48%), of which 12 (75%) were found to have inflammatory polyps. Multiple polyps localized between the rectum and the descending colon was the most common finding in miniature dachshunds with inflammatory polyps. Twenty dogs (80%) out of 25 miniature dachshunds with inflammatory colorectal polyps responded to immunosuppressive therapy using prednisolone and cyclosporine. The results of this study indicate that miniature dachshunds are predisposed to develop inflammatory colorectal multiple polyps, for which immunosuppressive therapy may be a treatment option.     

Retrospective diagnosis of feline GM2 gangliosidosis variant 0 (Sandhoff-like disease) in Japan: possible spread of the mutant allele in the Japanese domestic cat population

GM2 gangliosidosis variant 0 (human Sandhoff disease) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by simultaneous deficiencies of acid beta-hexosaminidase (Hex) A and Hex B due to an abnormality of beta-subunit, a common component in these enzyme molecules, which is coded by the HEXB gene. In the present study, a retrospective diagnosis was performed in 2 previous suspected cases of feline Sandhoff-like disease using a DNA test to detect the causative mutation identified previously in 4 cats in 2 other families of Japanese domestic cats. Enzymic analysis was also performed using stored leukocytes and plasma collected from the subject families in order to investigate the usefulness of enzymic diagnosis and genotyping of carriers. The DNA test suggested that the 2 cases were homozygous recessive for the mutation. Consequently, 6 cats homozygous for the same mutation have been found in 4 separate locations of Japan, suggesting that this mutant allele may be spread widely in the Japanese domestic cat populations. In enzymic analysis, Hex A and Hex B activities in leukocytes and plasma measured using 4-methylumbelliferyl N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminide as a substrate were negligible in affected cats, compared with those in normal and carrier cats. However, there was a wide overlap in enzyme activity between normal and carrier cats. Therefore, it was concluded that enzymic analysis is useful for diagnosis of affected cats, but is not acceptable for genotyping of carriers.