Analysis of serum and lymphocyte surface IgM of healthy and immunodeficient horses with monoclonal antibodies

Nine monoclonal antibodies which reacted with equine immunoglobulin (Ig)M and not other equine Ig and serum proteins were prepared. Cells producing antibodies (C 1.9) which precipitated with IgM and bound to staphylococcal protein A were triple-cloned (C 1.9/3.2) and the antibodies further characterized. Monoclonal antibody C 1.9/3.2 reacted with an IgM determinant present on serum IgM from horses of several breeds. Studies with 125I-labeled IgM revealed the presence of this determinant on all IgM molecules. The monoclonal antibody enabled quantitation of IgM in presuckling foal and adult horse sera, using rocket electrophoresis. This procedure was used because presumably it gives a positive precipitation reaction over a wide range of antigen-antibody ratios. The C 1.9/3.2 monoclonal antibody recognized an exposed mu-chain determinant on live B lymphocytes, as determined by immunofluorescence. Also, IgM-containing cells could be identified in acetone-fixed frozen sections of lymphoid tissue. Sera from several other species carry the determinant identified by C 1.9/3.2, suggesting that the reagent may be useful for IgM studies in other species.     

A Quantitative Flurometric Assay for the Measurement of Antibody to Pasteurella haemolytica in Cattle

A rapid, simple fluorometric method is described for measuring antibody to Pasteurella haemolytica in sera of cattle. Various antigen preparations were compared for the test including live, formalin-killed and phenol-killed P. haemolytica. A preparation composed of formalin-killed organisms from a 22 hour culture gave consistent results and was used in the studies. The test was reproduciable with percent coefficients of variation for fluorescent signal unit values on ten or more replicate samples ranging from 5.7 to 28.0. Sera from calves vaccinated by aerosol exposure to live P. haemolytica had up to a five-fold increase in antibody titer as measured by the flurometric method test during a 21 day period. Fluorometric method titers were comparable to those obtained by the indirect bacterial agglutination test. There was no seroconversion to P. haemolytica in calves vaccinated by aerosol exposure of P. multocida. The major advantages of the fluorometric method test over conventional methods are that the assay does not require serial dilutions of serum samples and thus limits time and effort to determine antibody titers.     

Some helminth and arthropod parasites of the grey duiker, Sylvicapra grimmia

Sixteen grey duikers were culled on the farm Riekert 's Laager in the central Transvaal at irregular intervals from May 1979-March 1981. One trematode species, 3 cestode species and 16 nematode species were recovered from these animals. Of these the following are new helminth records for this antelope: Cooperia hungi , Cooperia neitzi , Cooperia pectinata , Trichostrongylus axei, Trichostrongylus colubriformis, Trichostrongylus falculatus , Trichostrongylus instabilis , Impalaia tuberculata , Nematodirus sp. and Paramphistomum sp. In addition, 6 species of ixodid ticks were collected. These, in order of abundance, were Amblyomma hebraeum (55,9%), Rhipicephalus appendiculatus (36,6%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (5,1%), Boophilus decoloratus (2,3%), Boophilus microplus (0,05%) and Haemaphysalis sp. (0,05%). Only 60 (2,8%) of the 2 118 ticks that were collected were adults. Of the 3 species of lice that were recovered, Linognathus zumpti zumpti was most abundant (58,9%), but, out of a total of 1 498 collected, 1 496 occurred on 1 animal only. Linognathus breviceps constituted 29,5% and Damalinia lerouxi 11,6% of the total. A total of 277 specimens of the hippoboscid fly Lipoptena paradoxa were collected from 12 of the 16 animals examined. Trends in the seasonal fluctuation of Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Impalaia , Lipoptena and the immature stages of Amblyomma and R. appendiculatus are graphically illustrated.     

Differential responses in anterior pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) content and LHβ- and α-subunit MRNA, and plasma concentrations of LH and testosterone, in bulls treated with the LH-releasing hormone agonist deslorelin

Anterior pituitary gland contents of LH and LHß- and α-subunit mRNAs, and circulating concentrations of LH and testosterone, were determined in bulls treated with the LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist deslorelin. Brahman (Bos indicus) bulls (14-month-old) were allocated to two groups and received the following: Control (n = 5), no treatment; Deslorelin (n = 4), four deslorelin implants (approximately 200 μg total deslorelin/day) for 36 d. Plasma concentrations of LH were higher in bulls treated with deslorelin on Day 1, had returned to typical levels by Day 8, and did not differ for control bulls and bulls treated with deslorelin from Day 8 to Day 29. Pituitary content of LH on Day 36 was reduced (P < 0.001) in bulls treated with deslorelin (33 ± 4 ng/mg) compared with control bulls (553 ± 142 ng/mg). Relative pituitary content of LHß-subunit mRNA was also reduced on Day 36 in bulls treated with deslorelin (Control, 0.65 ± 0.10; Deslorelin, 0.22 ± 0.04; P = 0.003). However, α-subunit mRNA relative content did not differ (Control, 0.73 ± 0.15; Deslorelin, 1.06 ± 0.12; P > 0.05). Plasma concentrations of testosterone were increased over the period of the experiment in the bulls treated with deslorelin compared with control bulls. This is the first demonstration of reduced pituitary content of LHß-subunit mRNA and LH, and unaltered content of α-subunit mRNA, in bulls treated with LHRH agonist. This was associated with apparently typical plasma concentrations of LH and elevated plasma testosterone. The anterior pituitary in bulls treated with LHRH agonist, therefore, undergoes classical desensitization and downregulation, but plasma LH and testosterone are not suppressed.     

First identification of reciprocal translocations in Polish pigs

SUMMARY: Two different reciprocal translocations, rcp (8;14) (p21;q25) and rcp (7;13) (q13;q46), were described for the first time in Poland in the Polish Landrace and Duroc pigs. Observation of synaptonemal complexes showed the presence of a quadrivalent composed of translocational chromosomes and their homologues. Individuals carrying translocations were characterized by normal external appearance and correct semen parameters. Analysis of fertility made on the basis of litter size demonstrated that fertility decreased by 25% in the carrier of translocation rcp (8;14) and by 52% in the carrier of translocation rcp (7;13). ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Zum erste mal festgestelte gegenseitige Translokationen bei Schweine in Polen Bein Polnischen Landras und Duroc Schweinen wurden zum erstenmal in Polen, zwei verschiedene reciproke Translokationen-rcp (8;14) (p21;q25) und rcp (7;13) (q13;q46)-festgestellt. Anhand der Beobachtungen des Synaptonemal Complex wurde die Anwesenheit eines Tetravalent nachgewiesen, welches aus Translokationschromosomen und seinen Homologen zusammengesetzt ist. Die Translokationstiere hatten normale Exterieur und Spermaparameter. Aufgrund der Fortpflanzungsergebmissen wurden verminderte Fruchtbarkeit bei Translokationstieren rcp (8;14)-um 25% und bei Translokationstieren rcp (7;13)-um 52% festgestellt. RéSUMé: Les translocations réciproques identifiées pour la prèmière fois chez les porcs levés en Pologne Chez les porcs des races Landrace et Duroc on a constaté, pour la première fois en Pologne deux translocations réciproques différentes-rcp (8;14) (p21;q25) ainsi que rcp (7;13) (q13;q46). L'observation des complexes synaptonémals a manifesté la présence du quadrivalent composé de chromosomes de translocation et de leurs homologes. Les animaux-les porteurs de la translocation ont se caractérisé par l'extérieur normal et par les paramètres réguliers du sperme. L'analyse de la fertilité expérimenté selon de la taille des portées a démontré la réduction de la fertilité pour le porteur de la translocation rcp (8;14) à 25% cependant pour les porteurs de la translocation rcp (7;13) à 52%.     

Effect of natural zeolite on yolk: Albumen ratio in hen eggs

1. The egg yolk: albumen (Y:A) ratio during the laying year was investigated in a commercial strain (Hisex) when natural zeolite was added to a layer's diet. 2. Dietary natural zeolite (NZ) increased both egg weight and albumen weight, while yolk weight was not significantly affected. 3. The Y:A ratio was less (more albumen) in eggs laid by hens on zeolite treatments. It was concluded that by feeding NZ it is possible to alter the Y:A ratio.     

Influence of high dietary vitamin E supplementation on egg production and plasma characteristics in hens subjected to heat stress

1. The effects of different dietary concentrations of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol acetate) were investigated in 2 experiments on laying hens exposed to chronic heat stress at 32C. 2. In the first experiment, egg production and plasma concentrations of calcium and egg yolk precursors were measured in 24 hens before, during and after a stress period of one week and fed on diets containing 10 or 500 mg vitamin E/kg. 3. In the second, larger experiment, egg production and food intake were measured in 300 hens housed in 2 temperature-controlled rooms and fed on diets containing 10, 125 or 500 mg vitamin E/kg. Birds in room 1 were stressed from 24 to 28 weeks of age and those in room 2 from 32 to 36 weeks. 4. In experiment 1, egg production and egg weight were significantly higher (72.6 vs 51.2%, P < 0.05 and 66.6 vs 63.1 g, P < 0.005 respectively) during and after the period of stress in the group given 500 mg vitamin E/kg. Plasma concentrations of calcium, vitellogenin (zinc) and VLDL (triglyceride) were also higher in this group. 5. In experiment 2, egg production was significantly higher (65.4 vs 56.2%, P < 0.05) during and after the period of heat stress in birds in room 1 fed on the diet containing 500 mg vitamin E/kg. Egg production was also higher (49.9% vs 44.7%) on this treatment during the stress period in room 2, though the difference was not significant (P < 0.10). Egg weight and food intake were unaffected by treatment in either room. 6. It is concluded that dietary supplementation with extra vitamin E can, at least in part, alleviate the adverse effects of chronic heat stress in laying hens, perhaps by maintaining the supply of egg precursors in plasma.     

In Vitro Evaluation of the Antibiotic Activity of Combinations of Ophthalmic Drugs Against Common Equine Ocular Pathogens

A subpalpebral lavage catheter is commonly used to administer medications in the treatment of infectious keratitis in horses. Drugs may mix in the subpalpebral lavage catheter, potentially affecting antimicrobial efficacy. The objective of this study was to determine the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of combinations of commonly used ophthalmic preparations. An agar gel diffusion bioassay was used to determine the antibiotic activity of a number of antimicrobial, antifungal, mydriatic, and antiproteinase drug combinations. Drug mixtures were allowed to sit in a syringe at ambient temperatures and room lighting, for 1 (T1) and 6 hours (T2). The antibacterial efficacy was determined by measuring the zone of inhibition around wells containing the drug combinations after overnight incubation at 37°C and comparing them with the zone of inhibition around the antimicrobial alone. Combinations were tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus zooepidemicus. There was no significant decrease in the zone of inhibition, compared with controls, for the majority of combinations tested. Significantly smaller zones of inhibition were identified for the following combinations: (1) tobramycin, cefazolin, natamycin, and serum (T1) and (2) tobramycin, cefazolin, natamycin, serum, and atropine (T1) compared with tobramycin alone; (3) ciprofloxacin, cefazolin, natamycin (T1) compared with ciprofloxacin alone; (4) triple antibiotic ophthalmic solution (TAB) and natamycin (T6); (5) TAB, natamycin, and serum (T6); and (6) TAB, natamycin, serum, and atropine (T6) compared with TAB alone. Admixture does not affect in vitro antibacterial efficacy for the majority of ophthalmic preparations, although efficacy of TAB may be decreased compared with the drug alone.     

SHORT COMMUNICATION: Neutrophil oxidative metabolism and haemogram of sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and supplemented with selenium and vitamin E

The objective of this study was to evaluate neutrophil oxidative metabolism and haemogram in sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus and supplemented with selenium and vitamin E. Twenty male Corriedale sheep were utilised and distributed into four experimental groups each with five animals infected with larvae: G1‐ supplemented with sodium selenite, 0.2 mg/kg body weight (bw) given intramuscularly (IM); G2‐ supplemented with sodium selenite and vitamin E, 0.2 mg/kg bw and 2000 IU per animal, respectively, both IM; G3‐ supplemented with vitamin E, 2000 IU per animal IM; G4‐ not supplemented. A haemogram and the number of parasite eggs were determined in samples of blood and faeces, respectively, on days zero (T0), 20 (T1), 40 (T2) and 60 (T3) and nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) assays were performed on heparinized blood samples taken on days zero, 30 and 60. A lower total leucocyte count was detected in G1 in relation to G4 at T4. Lymphocytes were reduced in G1 in relation to G3 and G4 at T3. In both non‐stimulated (NBT‐NS) and stimulated (NBT‐S) dye reduction assays, there was reduced activity at 60 days, in relation to other times in the groups treated with selenium (G1 and G2). On the basis of results obtained, we conclude that supplementation with selenium provides better antioxidant protection to neutrophils.     

Molecular detection of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae in clinical samples of pet cats from Southern Italy

Bartonella henselae is considered an emerging pathogen of veterinary and medical interest that can be occasionally transmitted to humans. Cats are considered to be the only reservoir host for B. henselae. In this study, we used a nested-PCR assay to investigate the prevalence of B. henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae DNA in peripheral blood samples, fine needle lymph node aspirate specimens and oral swabs from 85 cats in order to develop an easy diagnostic strategy for the selection of infection-free cats that are being considered as pets, especially for immunocompromised patients. Overall, molecular analysis showed that 71 cats (83.5%) tested PCR positive for the presence of B. henselae DNA. PCR amplification of DNA B. henselae produced positive products from lymph node aspirate specimens (62/85; 72.9%) similar to those obtained from blood samples (60/85; 70.6%) and higher than those from oral swabs (51/85; 60%) of cats. No PCR product was obtained for B. clarridgeiae. The simultaneous analysis of three different clinical samples in our study increased the diagnostic possibilities for B. henselae infection in the examined cats from 60–72.9% to 83.5%. Lymph node aspirates were found to be the most effective clinical samples for the detection of B. henselae and blood samples were the next best. Oral swab samples were used in this study with good results when considered in combination with blood and/or lymph node aspiration. The use of nested-PCR assay on these three clinical samples may enhance the diagnostic sensitivity for bartonellosis in cats irrespective of the clinical status of animals.