Membrane markers of the immune cells in swine: an update

Besides their breeding value, swine are increasingly used as biomedical models. As reported in three international swine clusters of differentiation (CD) workshops and in the animal homologue section of the last workshop for the determination of human leukocyte differentiation antigens (HLDA 8), characterisation of leukocyte surface antigens by monoclonal antibodies and other molecular studies have determined the cell lineages and blood leukocyte subsets implicated in the immune response, including cell adhesion molecules involved in cell trafficking. This review focusses on the current state of knowledge of porcine leukocyte differentiation and major histocompatibility complex (SLA) molecules. Examples of porcine particularities such as the double-positive T lymphocytes with the phenotype CD(4+)CD8(low) and CD(4-)CD8(low) alphabeta T cell subsets and the persistence of SLA class II after T-lymphocyte activation are illustrated, as well as the shared characteristics of the Artiodactyla group, such as the high proportion of gammadelta TcR (T cell receptor) T cells in blood and other lymphoid tissues. Furthermore, discrepancies between swine and humans, such as CD16 expression on dendritic cells and CD11b (wCD11R1) tissue distribution are outlined. The rapidly growing information should facilitate manipulation of the swine immune system towards improving disease control, and open new avenues for biomedical research using the pig as a model.     

Analysis of cellular responses to Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colony biotype associated with control of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia

A better understanding of protective immune memory against contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is needed in order to facilitate the development of safer vaccines based on selected components of the pathogen. For this purpose, cells collected from lymph nodes draining the lungs of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides small colony biotype (MmmSC)-infected cattle were stimulated with the pathogen in vitro and evaluated concurrently for proliferation (CFSE based method), expression of activation, memory markers and cytokine production. Direct evidence is presented for a major contribution of CD4+ T cells to the vigorous proliferative and T1 biased cytokine recall responses observed in cattle that have recovered from infection but not in animals developing the acute form of the disease. Two different phenotypes of MmmSC-specific memory CD4 were observed based on CD62L expression and proliferative capacities. Furthermore, recall proliferation of B cells also occurred but was strictly dependent on the presence of CD4. The information provided in this study will facilitate the search for MmmSC antigens that have potential for the development of subunit vaccines against CBPP.     

Direct and induced phototransformation of mecoprop [2‐(4‐chloro‐2‐methylphenoxy)propionic acid] in aqueous solution

Mecoprop was irradiated under various conditions of pH, oxygenation and wavelengths in order to study the reactions involved in the phototransformation. Four main photoproducts were identified: 2‐(4‐hydroxy‐2‐methylphenoxy)propionic acid ( I ), o‐cresol ( II ), 2‐(5‐chloro‐2‐hydroxy‐3‐methylphenyl)propionic acid ( III ) and 4‐chloro‐o‐cresol ( IV ). When the anionic form of mecoprop was irradiated between 254 nm and 310 nm (UV‐C or UV‐B), I was the main photoproduct. At 254 nm its formation initially accounted for more than 80% of the transformation. It has not previously been reported in the literature. The reaction results from a heterolytic photohydrolysis. Product II accounted for only a low percentage of the transformation. The stoichiometry was different with the molecular form: the main photoproduct, III , resulted from a rearrangement after a homolytic scission. Products I, II and IV were also formed as minor photoproducts. Some other minor photoproducts were also identified. In contrast, IV was the main photoproduct under sunlight irradiation or when solutions were irradiated in near‐UV light (UV‐A). This wavelength effect is attributed to the involvement of an induced phototransformation; IV is also the main photoproduct when the phototransformation is induced by Fe( III ) perchlorate or nitrite ions. In usual environmental conditions the excitation of the molecular form is negligible and the phototransformation is mainly due to induced photoreactions. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Assessment of “discreet” vertebral abnormalities, bone mineralization and bone compactness in farmed rainbow trout

The present study aimed to evaluate the importance of “discreet” vertebral abnormalities in normally-shaped rainbow trout in relation to vertebral bone condition in French fish farms. A total of 373 trout (262 ± 2 mm in total length) from 20 fish farms sampled were studied. The fish were radiographed and the axial skeleton examined for vertebral abnormalities. Vertebrae from the middle axial region (V32-38) were selected to evaluate vertebral bone condition. Bone mineralization (BM, %) was estimated by the ratio of ash and dry weight. Bone compactness (BC,%) was measured using Bone Profiler 3.23 images software on digitized radiographs of transverse sections (125 ± 10 μm). Statistical analyses were performed to test the relationships between the occurrence of vertebral abnormalities, and BM and BC. The occurrence of affected trout ranged from 0 to 55% depending on the farm. Trout displayed vertebrae with low BM (< 54.6%) and low BC (< 28.1%) in 40% and 55% of the farm, respectively. No relationships were observed between bone condition parameters (BM, BC) and the occurrence of vertebral abnormalities. These results could be explained by a wide and variable plastic response of bone characters (i.e., vertebral abnormalities, BM and BC) to the various rearing conditions in the fish farms sampled.     

Gastrointestinal perforation in five dogs associated with the administration of meloxicam

Objective: Five canine cases of gastrointestinal (GI) perforation and septic peritonitis associated with the routine use of meloxicam are reviewed. Series summary: Selective cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are being used more extensively and routinely for acute and chronic pain as well as for perioperative management of pain. These medications are safe and effective but can be associated with known GI and renal side effects. The patients in this case series had no significant concurrent illness, were not on any concurrent medication known to potentiate the ulcerogenic effects of NSAIDs, and in most cases did not display clinical signs that were apparent to the owners until the time of perforation. New or unique information provided: Despite the preferential selectivity for COX‐2, newer NSAIDs still carry the risk of GI performation. The incidence of GI perforation may be increased with inappropriate dosing regimens, with use of non‐veterinary products and in animals that are at high risk for toxicity. Early signs of toxicity may include alteration in appetite, and subtle signs of nausea during treatment. Warning owners to monitor their pet for vomiting, melena, and hematemesis may not be sufficient to avoid the potential disastrous consequences of GI ulceration.     

Metabolic aspects of the toxicology of diazinon. I. Hepatic metabolism in the sheep,cow, pig,guinea-pig,rat, turkey,chicken and duck

The phosphorothionate insecticide diazinon was incubated with liver microsomes from the sheep, cow, pig, guinea-pig, rat, turkey, chicken and duck. Metabolism by liver slices of most of these species was also examined. Hydroxydiazinon, isohydroxydiazinon, dehydrodiazinon, their oxons and diazoxon were identified and determined quantitatively or semi-quantitatively. An eighth metabolite was tentatively identified as the 6-aldehyde analogue of diazinon. Yields and rates of production of these metabolites varied greatly between species. Production of oxons was not generally correlated with susceptibility to diazinon poisoning, although it was lowest in the least susceptible animal, the sheep. The degradation of oxons by liver slices was too slow to explain the low toxicity of diazinon to the mammals. The relative importance of hepatic and extrahepatic metabolism in determining toxicity to vertebrates is discussed.     

An easy and rapid method using microscopy to determine herbicide effects in Poaceae weed species

A new, easy, rapid and relatively inexpensive method using microscopy has been developed for the detection of herbicide effects in leaves of grass weed species displaying no visual signs of damage. The method has potential to be used as a tool to indicate future death of grass species due to herbicide exposure by observing phytochemical effects, i.e. early-warning effects. In the present study, Apera spica-venti (L.) Beauv., Bromus hordeaceus L., Alopecurus myosuroides Huds., Lolium perenne L. and Poa annua L. were exposed to lethal rates of four herbicides with different mode of action. The herbicides investigated were the thiocarbamate: prosulfocarb, the sulfonylurea: iodosulfuron, the aryloxyphenoxypropionate: fenoxaprop-P-ethyl and the organophosphate glyphosate. Autofluorescence of leaves was studied under a microscope using ultraviolet and blue light. The fluorescence of leaves treated to enhance flavonoids was also examined. To confirm the results, microspectrofluorometry was performed. Effects indicating future death of the grasses were observed in visually healthy leaves following treatment with prosulfocarb, glyphosate and iodosulfuron. No changes were detected following treatment with fenoxaprop-P-ethyl. After exposure to glyphosate or iodosulfuron, changes in the content of flavonoids and other compounds with a conjugation system and rigid structure and a decrease in the content of chlorophyll were detected in the leaves. Prosulfocarb treatment resulted in changes in the content of flavonoids and other compounds with a conjugation system and rigid structure and an increase in the content of chlorophyll in the leaves. The results obtained from microspectrofluorometry indicated that exposure to prosulfocarb caused a reduction in the flavonoids quercetin, naringenin and/or naringin.