Notes on the health status of free-living, non-native American mink, Neovison vison, in southern England

Haematological and serum biochemistry values were determined for 13 adult, free-living American mink, Neovison vison, in southern England live trapped as part of a longer term research project. Serum samples were tested for the presence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii, Aleutian disease virus (ADV) and canine distemper virus (CDV). Animals were examined to assess ectoparasite burden; faecal samples were examined for the presence of gut parasites and bacteria (identified via culture). Post-mortem examinations were carried out on four individuals shot during on-going control operations. Haematological and serum biochemistry values for most individuals were similar to published values for captive mink. Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios were high in two animals (possibly due to trap-associated stress). Three individuals had high levels of creatinine, urea and the liver enzymes, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatise and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. Six of 12 mink tested positive for antibodies to T. gondii and 8 of 12 tested positive for antibodies to ADV; none tested positive for antibodies to CDV. No significant bacteria or parasites were detected in faecal samples. Post-mortem examinations in three cases showed no significant lesions but the fourth animal had Skrjabingylus nasicola nematodes in the nasal passages, lung lesions suggestive of adiaspiromycosis, cholangiohepatitis possibly indicative of Pseudamphistomum truncatum infection and tubulointerstitial nephritis associated with renal calculi.     

Impaired osteoclast differentiation in subcutaneous implants of bone particles in osteopetrotic mutants

Because of its synchrony and relative homogeneity, the subcutaneous model of the resorption of mineral-containing, devitalized bone particles (BPs) is useful to evaluate the recruitment, differentiation, and activity of bone-resorbing, osteoclastic cells. Bone particles were prepared from normal rats or mice and were implanted in normal and osteopetrotic rats (ia, tl, op strains) or mice (mi strain). In addition, particles of microcrystalline hydroxyapatite or polymethylmethacrylate were implanted into tl and op mutants and their unaffected littermates.Non-decalcified histomorphometry of elicited tissues after 12 days revealed significantly less resorption in in each mutant. Enzyme histochemical assays revealed that only normal animals showed tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cells around the BPs. In agreement with this, only normal animals showed ruffled borders against the BPs. op and tl strains were tested for generation of foreign body giant cells in response to particulate hydroxyapatite or polymethylmethacrylate and no differences were found between mutant and normal animals. These mutants appear to have intact fusion of mononuclear progenitors.These data show impaired recruitment of osteoclasts by BP implants in several rodent strains of osteopetrotic mutants.     

Cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus oedipus): Hematologic reference values and hemopathologic responses

Hematologic reference values have been established for captive adult cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus oedipus) by carrying out full blood counts and fibrinogen estimation on 43 clinically normal animals. Females were shown to have significantly lower hemoglobin levels, red cell counts and packed cell volumes, and higher reticulocyte counts than males. The reference values were used to identify abnormal changes in the blood of 13 clinical cases. Marked neutrophilia was found in animals with localized bacterial infections, and a degenerative left shift was recorded in an individual with streptococcal septicemia. Three cases of unexplained progressive muscle wasting showed Heinz body anemia and abnormal white cell changes. These hematologic responses have been compared where possible with those recorded in other species of Callithricidae.     

Seasonal thermal tolerance in marine Crustacea

Seasonal values of the critical thermal maximum (CTMax) of eight species of adult marine Crustacea from temperate latitudes were measured and found to range between 20 and 34 °C. The extent to which CTMax was dependent on acclimatization varied with species but for most of the species studied, summer-captured animals had significantly higher CTMax values than winter-captured animals. Heat shock resulted in an increase in thermotolerance in most species in winter-captured animals, but a different pattern was found for summer-captured animals. Then, only Cancer pagurus and Pagurus bernhardus showed a positive increment of CTMax on heat shock. Test for Serial Independence analysis indicated no significant phylogenetic autocorrelation between CTMax values in winter or summer-captured animals. Temperature measurements taken by remote data loggers in the intertidal zone of the North-East coast of England are reported. These suggest that several species, whose distribution extends into the intertidal zone, may experience temperatures close to their CTMax in summer.     

Allosteric transitions and membrane-bound ATPase from rat tissues: The effect of fat deprivation on the allosteric inhibition by fluoride

In rats red a fat-sufficient diet, ATPases (ATP phosphohydrolase, EC 3.6.1.3) from heart, kidney and brain microsomes showed allosteric kinetics for the inhibition by F^?, with values ofn = ?2.0. In rats fed a far-free diet, the values ofn for the ATPases changed from ?2.0 to ?1.0 in heart and kidney microsomes. When these animals were then fed a fat-sufficient diet the values ofn reached the control values. In brain microsomal ATPases no modification of the values ofn were found between both groups of animals. The regulatory properties of the membrane on bound ATPases are discussed.     

Red-bellied tamarins (Saguinus labiatus): Hematologic reference values and hemopathologic responses

Hematologic reference values have been established for captive adult red-bellied tamarins (Saguinus labiatus) by carrying out full blood counts and fibrinogen estimations on 25 clinically normal animals. The only significant sex difference detected was in the reticulocyte count which was higher in females than in males. The reference values were used to identify abnormal changes in the blood of nine clinical cases. Hypochromic anemia, neutrophilia, and raised fibrinogen levels were found in animals with self-inflicted injuries, dermatitis, and ileocecal intussusception. Target cells and jaundiced plasma were noted in a case of yersiniosis. Two animals in which generalized muscle wasting was the main abnormal clinical sign were severely anemic, and in one of these cases a significant number of Heinz bodies was present. The findings in these two animals were compared with those in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) with possible wasting marmoset syndrome.     

Relationship of trace element,immunological markers,and HIV1 infection progression

Trace elements (selenium, zinc, copper) \gb₂ microglobulin levels, CD₄, and CD₈ cell counts have been determined in 80 HIV₁ seropositive patients. The study group consisted of 19 females and 61 males with age mean of 35±10 yr, at stage IV of infection (CDC—Atlanta classification) and treated by AZT. No severe renal or liver diseases or hypoalbuminemia were observed in this group. Se values were significantly lower than in normal adults, 48.3±17 μg/L vs 71±12 μg/L; Zn was moderately diminished, 1±0.2 mg/L vs 1.2±0.2 mg/L, whereas copper values were in the normal range, 1.2±0.3 mg/L vs 1.1±0.5 mg/L. Se or Zn deficiency was found in 60 and 30 subjects, respectively. Blood Se and Zn decreases were associated in 23 patients. Moreover, all patients showed higher \gb₂ microglobulin values than the upper normal limit of 2.4 mg/L. Negative correlations were found between Zn and \gb₂ microglobulin (p<0.005) and between Se and \gb₂ microglobulin (p<0.05). Moreover, there was a positive correlation between Se and Zn values (p<0.05). Nineteen subjects died 1 yr later (group I), and 61 remained alive (group II). With respect to the clinical evolution, a significant difference between both groups was found in Se and \gb₂ microglobulin levels as well as in CD₄ cell counts. The correlations previously observed persisted in group II, whereas no correlation was noted in group I. In addition, the patients of group I had significantly lower Se values, which were below 30 μg/L in 10 cases. These results confirm the prevalence of abnormalities in Se and Zn levels and their relationships with nonspecific markers of immune system activity in more advanced HIV disease. Impairment of trace element status and mainly Se status appeared, at least partially, to reflect the disease activity/progression and subsequently the immune dysregulation.     

A 90-Day Toxicology Study of Meat from Genetically Modified Sheep Overexpressing TLR4 in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Genetic modification offers alternative strategies to traditional animal breeding. However, the food safety of genetically modified (GM) animals has attracted increasing levels of concern. In this study, we produced GM sheep overexpressing TLR4, and the transgene-positive offsprings (F1) were confirmed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Southern blot. The expression of TLR4 was 2.5-fold compared with that of the wild-type (WT) sheep samples. During the 90-day safety study, Sprague-Dawley rats were fed with three different dietary concentrations (3.75%, 7.5%, and 15% wt/wt) of GM sheep meat, WT sheep meat or a commercial diet (CD). Blood samples from the rats were collected and analyzed for hematological and biochemical parameters, and then compared with hematological and biochemical reference ranges. Despite a few significant differences among the three groups in some parameters, all other values remained within the normal reference intervals and thus were not considered to be affected by the treatment. No adverse diet-related differences in body weights or relative organ weights were observed. Furthermore, no differences were observed in the gross necropsy findings or microscopic pathology of the rats whose diets contained the GM sheep meat compared with rats whose diets contained the WT sheep meat. Therefore, the present 90-day rat feeding study suggested that the meat of GM sheep overexpressing TLR4 had no adverse effect on Sprague-Dawley rats in comparison with WT sheep meat. These results provide valuable information regarding the safety assessment of meat derived from GM animals.     

46,XX SRY-Positive Male Syndrome Presenting with Primary Hypogonadism in the Setting of Scleroderma

ObjectiveTo describe a case of SRY gene translocation in a man with scleroderma presenting with primary hypogonadism.MethodsWe present the clinical, physical, laboratory, and pathologic findings of the study patient and discuss the cytogenetic analysis and the cause of the sexual dysfunction. Relevant literature is reviewed.ResultsA 35-year-old man with a recent diagnosis of diffuse cutaneous sclerosis was referred by his rheumatologist because of a low testosterone level. His medical history was notable for right cryptorchidism corrected after birth. He had no history of sexual activity, but reported normal erectile function before his current presentation. Physical examination findings were remarkable for a height of 157.5 cm; weight of 72.7 kg; extensive, diffuse thickening of the skin; mild gynecomastia; little axillary and pubic hair; and soft testes (1-2 mL bilaterally). Initial laboratory testing revealed the following values: follicle-stimulating hormone, 22.1 mIU/mL (reference range, 1.4-18.1 mIU/mL); luteinizing hormone, 19.7 mIU/mL (reference range, 1.5-9.3 mIU/mL); total testosterone, 25 ng/dL (reference range, 241-827 ng/dL); and free direct testosterone, 0.8 pg/mL (reference range, 8.7-25.1 pg/mL). Laboratory test results were consistent with primary hypogonadism. A urologist performed testicular biopsy, which showed severe testicular atrophy with absent spermatogenesis. Primary hypogonadism due to Klinefelter syndrome or testicular fibrosis secondary to scleroderma was suspected. Karyotype analysis showed a 46,XX karyotype, and fluorescence in situ hybridization was consistent with a 46,XX,Xp22.3(SRY +) gene translocation. After a normal prostate-specific antigen level was documented, testosterone replacement therapy was initiated, and he was referred for genetic counseling.ConclusionsThe 46,XX SRY-positive male syndrome is rare. Adult diagnosis can be challenging because of normal sexual development. Scleroderma, which rarely can occur in Klinefelter-type syndromes, further complicated the diagnosis in this case. (Endocr Pract. 2011;17:95-98)     

Prevalence of ectoparasitic arthropods on wild animals and cattle in the Las Merindades area (Burgos, Spain)

This paper reports the prevalence of ectoparasitic arthropods in sampled groups of wild (n = 128; 16 species) and domestic (n = 69; 3 species) animals in the Las Merindades area of the Province of Burgos, Spain. The study revealed that wild animals were more infested and with a wider variety of ectoparasites than domestic animals. The parasitic prevalence was 67% for wild animals and 48% for livestock. In this way, 39% of animals were infected by ticks. Ixodes ricinus and Ixodes hexagonus were the most prevalent species whereas Dermacentor reticulatus showed affinity for the fox and wolf. The overall prevalence of parasitisation by fleas was 27%. Ctenophthalmus spp. showed the wider range host in wild animals, while Pulex irritans was the most frequent specie found. The parasitic prevalences by lice (Trichodectes melis, Trichodectes canis and Trichodectes mustelae) and by mite (Neotrombicula spp., Laelaps agilis and Sarcoptes scabiei) were 4% and 12%, respectively. In both cases only wild animals were found parasited.     

Structural alterations in the male reproductive system of the freshwater crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus (Decapoda, Parastacidae)

No diseases affecting reproductive performance have been previously reported in freshwater crayfishes. This study aims to characterise one reproductive system abnormality found in males of Cherax quadricarinatus reared in captivity. Fifteen adult males of C. quadricarinatus (70-110 g) were purchased from San Mateo S.A. farm (Entre Ríos, Argentina) each season during 2007. Macroscopic analysis showed that 26.6% of the animals sacrificed in winter presented brownish distal vasa deferentia. Histological analysis showed different levels of structural abnormality in the epithelium of the vasa deferentia and spermatophore. Granular and hyaline haemocytes were identified within the vasa deferentia but no significant differences were found in the sperm count between normal and brownish vas deferens. Histological analysis of the crayfishes sacrificed in autumn also showed these modifications in 22% of the animals, however, they did not show the brownish colour under macroscopic analysis. The similarities between the male reproductive system syndrome in shrimps and the abnormalities found in C. quadricarinatus are notable. An unspecific response to thermic stress is a possible explanation of these structural alterations.     

Brain polyamines and aggressive behavior of isolated mice

Brain polyamine levels of male Swiss albino mice which had developed aggressive behavior during isolation, did not differ significantly from those of isolated animals which had not developed aggressivity during isolation, or from those of control animals which were housed in groups. Thus we were unable to confirm the results of Tadano (Folia Pharmac. Jap.70, 457–464, 1974) and Tadano et al. (Folia Pharmac. Jap.70, 9–18, 1974) who had reported that mice made aggressive showed an increase of brain spermidine concentration, which paralleled aggressivity, and which returned to normal values when the aggressive behavior was reversed by grouped housing.     

Biochemistry and haematology values for the baboon (Papio hamadryas): the effects of sex, growth, development and age.

A retrospective study evaluated the influence of sex and age on plasma biochemistry and haematology parameters in a captive-bred colony of baboons. Over 1,140 ETDA and heparin blood samples were obtained from 160 clinically normal baboons between the ages of 11 months and 11 years. Data for these blood tests were analysed for the effects of sex, age and sex age interactions. Sex, age and sex age interactions were detected for many plasma biochemistry and haematological parameters. The reference range values for platelets, white-blood cells and mean corpuscular volume and plasma chloride, glucose, total protein and iron were higher (P < 0.01) and red blood cell, plasma sodium, potassium, total CO2, creatinine, urea, total bilirubin, albumin, alkaline phosphate, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and phosphate were lower (P < 0.01) in the female compared to the male population. Sex age interactions (P < 0.05) were seen with haemoglobin, white blood cells, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, sodium, creatinine, urea, calcium, phosphate, total bilirubin, total protein alkaline phosphatase, the liver enzymes and triglycerides. Plasma alkaline phosphatase was highest ( > 800 micro/l) in young juveniles of both sexes; creatinine was higher in older ( > 4 years) compared to younger baboons of the same sex (P < 0.05). Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were greater (P < 0.01) in young baboons compared to older animals.     

Radioprotective activity of Polyalthia longifolia standardized extract against X-ray radiation injury in mice

The radioprotective effect of Polyalthia longifolia was studied in mice. P. longifolia treatment showed improvement in mice survival compared to 100% mortality in the irradiated mice. Significant increases in hemoglobin concentration, and red blood cell, white blood cell and platelet counts were observed in the animals pretreated with leaf extract. Pre-irradiation administration of P. longifolia leaf extract also increased the CFU counts of the spleen colony and increased the relative spleen size. A dose-dependent decrease in lipid peroxidation levels was observed in the animals pretreated with P. longifolia. However, although the animals pretreated with P. longifolia exhibited a significant increase in superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, the values remained below normal in both liver and the intestine. Pre-irradiation administration of P. longifolia also resulted in the regeneration of the mucosal crypts and villi of the intestine. Moreover, pretreatment with P. longifolia leaf extract also showed restoration of the normal liver cell structure and a significant reduction in the elevated levels of ALT, AST and bilirubin. These results suggested the radioprotective ability of P. longifolia leaf extract, which is significant for future investigation for human applications in developing efficient, economically viable, non-toxic natural and clinically acceptable novel radioprotectors.     

Short-term low-salinity response in lead-exposed lobsters, Homarus americanus (Milne Edwards)

The only effect attributable solely to lead exposure (50μg·l^?1, 30 days) in lobsters, Homarusamericanus (Milne Edwards), was decreased pentose shunt activity (G6PDH) in the antennal gland, which contained the greatest concentration of lead taken up by the tissues analyzed. Similarly-exposed lobsters were subsequently held for 2 days in clean, aerated sea water at either ambient or low salinity (27 or 17%., respectively), after which time the lead concentration in the antennal gland had dropped by one-third and G6PDH had returned to control values. Low-salinity effects far outnumbered lead-induced effects and were found primarily in the tail muscle, corroborating findings in an earlier study with cadmium. In that earlier study, cadmium produced more metabolic disturbance than did the lead exposure reported here. Lead exposure at low salinity abolished several normal hyposaline reactions seen in control animals.     

Organic pollution induces domestication-like characteristics in feral populations of brown trout (Salmo trutta)

Sewage pollutants may impair growth or survival of the freshwater biota, though animals might benefit from the extra food availability as production increases. We examined biochemical (muscle glycogen), morphological (condition factor and hepatosomatic index), and diet biomarkers in brown trout for evaluating the effects of chronic exposure to organic pollution. Trout were collected at three locations: ST1 downstream of a trout farm, ST2 affected by the effluents of a wastewater treatment plant and ST3, the reference site. Individuals at polluted sites showed high hepatosomatic index, although no differences were found between ST2 and ST3 for the condition factor. A significant reduction was detected in the levels of muscle glycogen of individuals captured at polluted sites. Moreover, trout diet in these rivers was dominated quantitatively by Chironomidae and Simuliidae, in contrast with the diverse diet of individuals at ST3. Remarkably, individuals at polluted sites showed high stomach fullness and energy gut values, which might be considered as a case of hyperphagia. Our findings suggest that food surplus in organic enriched sites, in the form of high densities of macroinvertebrates, provide an environment similar to that of domesticated animals, where individuals might adopt less energetically costly behavioural strategies to ingest more food.     

Blood vitamin values of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)

The blood vitamin analyses of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) were determined to provide baseline reference values for the normal animal. Ascorbic acid, riboflavin (erythrocyte glutathione reductase) [ECR], measurement, thiamin (erythrocyte transketolase) measurement and vitamin A (retinol) were determined for Texas A&M colony-born animals and those obtained from the wild. The analyses were completed on the animals, three times each, for a total of 93 analyses, which included 51 colony-born and 60 wild-born marmosets. A mean value of 0.98 mg/dl for ascorbic acid was found for the colony with a range from 0.06 to 4.1 mg/dl. The normal range for the marmosets appeared to be 0.5 to 1.5 mg/dl. The mean activity coefficient (AC) for the marmosets was 1.0 indicating that the animals had adequate riboflavin in the diet. The mean transketolase activities were (ribose remaining ?30.1 IU/L) and (sedoheptulose appearance ?7.9 IU/L). The mean and range for serum vitamin A (retinol) were 20.4 mg/dl and 6.96–57.44 mg/dl, respectively. None of the animals (colony-born or wild-born) exhibited any clinical signs of vitamin deficiencies as a result of being maintained in an indoor-outdoor environment over a three-year period.     

Trypanosoma congolense: thrombocytopenia in experimentally infected cattle

Hereford cattle infected with Trypanosoma congolense developed a thrombocytopenia which was most severe early in the course of infection when parasite levels in peripheral blood were highest. As the disease progressed, parasite levels gradually decreased and a corresponding increase in the number of thrombocytes occurred. In chronically infected animals, the number of thrombocytes was reduced during and shortly after periods of patency. However, during extended remission, thrombocyte values rose to normal or higher levels. Thrombocytes in surviving animals returned to within normal limits. When acutely ill, thrombocytopenic animals were treated with Berenil, a thrombo-cytosis developed rapidly. Accompanying the thrombocytopenia in infected animals was a consistent prolongation of partial thromboplastin times between the 6th and 14th weeks of infection. Plasma protamine paracoagulation tests were positive and fibrinogen levels were decreased in infected animals. No difference were found however in prothrombin times between infected and control animals.     

Haematological and biochemical blood reference values for Canary Island camels (Camelus dromedarius), an endangered dromedary species

The purpose of this research was to develop reference values for haematological and biochemical variables in the Canary camel breed (Camelus dromedarius). 114 clinically healthy dromedary camels were assessed. Age, sex, and pregnancy status was also recorded. The reference range for red blood cells (RBCs) was 8.45 – 13.65 X10⁶/µL, haemoglobin (HGB) was 10.61 – 15.29 g/dL, packed cell volume (PCV) was 19.93 – 32.51 %, and white blood cells (WBCs) 7.35 – 18.36 X10³/µL. A correlation was established between the haemoglobin concentration (HGB) (g/dl) and packed cell volume (PCV) obtaining a linear regression (HGB = 0.31 PCV + 4.67). Young animals had higher RBC and WBC values than adult animals. Additionally, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), phosphorus, calcium, albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, and lipase were higher in young animals compared with adults. Female dromedary camels showed higher values for the three main variables: RBC, HGB and PCV, but no differences between sexes were detected in the biochemical variables results. The WBC count was higher in non-pregnant females than in pregnant animals. These results provide references values for the Canary camel breed and may contribute to the understanding of differences in 18 haematological and biochemical parameters in dromedary camels with a potential impact in health and welfare for this species.     

Parasitological,Hematological and Biochemical Characteristics of a Model of Hyper-microfilariaemic Loiasis (Loa loa) in the Baboon (Papio anubis)

Background

Loiasis, a filarial infection caused by Loa loa usually thought to cause relatively minor morbidity, can cause serious and often fatal reactions in patients carrying very high levels of circulating Loa loa microfilariae (mf) following administration of microfilaricidal drugs. An experimental model of this condition would greatly aid the definition of the optimal management of this important clinical presentation.

Methodology/Principle Findings

Fifteen baboons (Papio anubis) were infected with 600 infective larvae (L3) isolated from Chrysops vector flies. Animals were observed for any clinical changes; blood samples were collected every 1–2 months for 22 months, and analysed for parasitological, hematological and biochemical profiles using standard techniques. All animals became patent but remained clinically normal throughout the study. The parasitological pre-patent period was between 4–8 months, with a majority (60%) of animals becoming patent by 5 months post infection (MPI); all animals were patent by 8 MPI. Microfilarial loads increased steadily in all animals and reached a peak at 18 MPI. By 10 MPI >70% of animals had mf >8,000 mf/mL, and at 18 MPI >70% of animals had mf >30,000mf/mL with 50% of these animals with mf >50,000mf/mL. Absolute eosinophil, creatinine, Ca²⁺ and K⁺ levels were generally above normal values (NV). Positive associations were seen between microfilariaemia and eosinophilia, Hb, Ca²⁺, and gamma-GT values, whilst significant negative associations were seen between microfilariaemia and potassium, glucose and mononuclear leukocyte levels.

Conclusions

Infection of splenectomised baboons with L. loa can induce levels of circulating microfilariae, and corresponding haematological profiles, which parallel those seen in those humans in danger of the severe post-microfilariacide clinical responses. Utilization of this experimental model could contribute to the improved management of the loiasis related adverse responses in humans.