Natural pathology of the Baboon (Papio spp.)

Background Baboons are useful animal models for biomedical research, but the natural pathology of the baboon is not as well defined as other non‐human primates. Methods A computer search for all morphologic diagnoses from baboon necropsies at the Southwest National Primate Research Center was performed and included all the natural deaths and animals euthanized for natural causes. Results A total of 10,883 macroscopic or microscopic morphologic diagnoses in 4297 baboons were documented and are presented by total incidence, relative incidence by sex and age‐group, and mean age of occurrence. The most common diagnoses in descending order of occurrence were hemorrhage, stillborn, amyloidosis, colitis, spondylosis, and pneumonia. The systems with the most diagnoses were the digestive, urogenital, musculoskeletal, and respiratory. Conclusion This extensive evaluation of the natural pathology of the baboon should be an invaluable biomedical research resource.     

Characterization of Baboon (Papio hamadryas) Milk Proteins

The major proteins of baboon milk were identified as -lactoglobulin (LG), -lactalbumin (LA), lysozyme, lactoferrin, casein, and albumin by immobiline isoelectric focusing, SDS-PAGE, immunoblotting of gels with rabbit antisera to human LA, lysozyme, and albumin and bovine LG and casein, and N-terminal sequencing of proteins blotted from gels. The first 30 N-terminal residues of baboon LG are identical to those of macaque (Macaca fasicularis) LG except for a (D/N) polymorphism at residue 2. The complete cDNA sequence and derived amino acid composition of LG were elucidated using RT-PCR amplification of poly(A)⁺ mRNA purified from lactating mammary gland. Baboon LG consists of 168 amino acid residues (M_r 20,750) and is the longest LG identified to date. LG and LA polymorphisms with three (A, B, and C) and two (A and B) variants, respectively, were detected by immobiline IEF, pH 4–6, of individual baboon milk samples at varying stages of lactation.     

Baboon (Papio anubis) social complexity--a network approach

Although many studies have analyzed the causes and consequences of social relationships, few studies have explicitly assessed how measures of social relationships are affected by the choice of behaviors used to quantify them. The use of many behaviors to measure social relationships in primates has long been advocated, but it was analytically difficult to implement this framework into primatological work. However, recent advances in social network analysis (SNA) now allow the comparison of multiple networks created from different behaviors. Here we use our database of baboon social behavior (Papio anubis, Gashaka Gumti National Park, Nigeria) to investigate (i) to what extent social networks created from different behaviors overlap, (ii) to what extent individuals occupy similar social positions in these networks and (iii) how sex affects social network position in this population of baboons. We used data on grooming, aggression, displacement, mounting and presenting, which were collected over a 15-month period. We calculated network parameters separately for each behavior. Networks based on displacement, mounting and presenting were very similar to each other, whereas grooming and aggression networks differed both from each other and from mounting, displacement and presenting networks. Overall, individual network positions were strongly affected by sex. Individuals central in one network tended to be central in most other networks as well, whereas other measures such as clustering coefficient were found to vary depending on the behavior analyzed. Thus, our results suggest that a baboon's social environment is best described by a multiplex network based on affiliative, aggressive and sexual behavior. Modern SNA provides a number of useful tools that will help us to better understand animals' social environment. We also discuss potential caveats related to their use.     

A frameshift addition causes silencing of the delta-globin gene in an old world monkey, an anubis (Papio doguera).

A delta-globin gene of an anubis, Papio doguera, was cloned, and the nucleotide sequence of a region of about 2,000 bp including the gene was determined. In comparison with that of pSP3, a delta-globin clone from the gene library of a normal Japanese, the anubis delta-globin gene showed one base addition in the second exon at the codon for amino acid 55, generating a termination codon at the new 59th codon. The other differences found in the region analyzed were not considered to affect expression of the delta-globin gene. Therefore, it was concluded that this frameshift addition was at least one of the causes of silencing of the delta-globin gene in the anubis. In addition, from the sequence divergence in the delta-globin gene, the period of this silencing was estimated to be at most 4 million years, and the divergence of anubis occurred at most 30 million years ago.     

Presence of Platelet-Activating Factor and Its Receptor in Baboon (Papio spp) Spermatozoa

Platelet-activating factor [1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine; PAF] is a novel potent signaling phospholipid which has unique pleiotropic biological properties in addition to platelet activation. PAF has been detected in the spermatozoa in several species. The concentration of PAF is inversely related to human spermatozoal quality. PAF is present in squirrel monkey (a seasonal breeder) spermatozoa and is significantly higher during the breeding season. PAFs mechanism of action is a receptor-mediated event. There is no report on the presence of PAF or the PAF-receptor in nonhuman Old World primate spermatozoa. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to determine if PAF is present in the spermatozoa from baboons, which are year-round breeders. A secondary objective was to determine the presence and localization of the PAF-receptor in spermatozoa. We extracted endogenous lipids from mature hybrid baboon (Papio spp) epididymal spermatozoa and assayed them for the presence of PAF by [ ¹²⁵ I]-radioimmunoassay. We also exposed baboon spermatozoa to PAF-receptor antibody followed by FITC-conjugated antibody. PAF was in all samples assayed (mean: 2.29 (±0.63) pmol/10 ⁶ spermatozoa). Baboon spermatozoa possess PAF-receptors most prevalently along the neck and midpiece regions. The data demonstrates that PAF and its receptor are present in baboon spermatozoa. Additional studies will elucidate the role of PAF in spermatozoal function.     

Phosphorylated Thiamine Derivatives and Cortical Activity in the Baboon Papio papio: Effect of Intermittent Light Stimulation

The effect of intermittent light stimulation (ILS) on the distribution of thiamine derivatives in three brain areas (occipital, motor, and premotor) was compared in photosensitive and nonphotosensitive baboons. ILS induces paroxysmal discharges in the motor and premotor areas of photosensitive animals only. In baboons submitted to ILS, thiamine triphosphate (TTP) decreases in both photosensitive and nonphotosensitive animals; thiamine monophosphate (TMP) increases in photosensitive animals, which present ILS-induced paroxysmal discharges, whereas it is unaffected in nonphotosensitive animals. The variations are the most significant in the occipital (visual) cortex. A consumption of TTP may result from electrical activity induced by light stimulation in the occipital area. No correlation between ILS-induced paroxysmal activity and a decrease in TTP contents was found. However, photosensitive animals are affected differently from nonphotosensitive animals, as their content of TMP in the cerebral cortex increases on stimulation. However, as long as the exact role of thiamine compounds in relation to membrane excitability in the nervous system remains unknown, it is impossible to conclude whether the differences observed in the metabolism of thiamine compounds are the cause or the consequence of the photosensitivity in the baboon Papio papio.     

A Single solution iron-hematoxylin Stain for Intestinal Protozoa

A single solution iron-hematoxylin stain is described for staining fecal smears rapidly and simply. The stain is prepared from the following solutions: Solution A: 1% hematoxylin in 95% alcohol, prepared by diluting a stock solution of 10% hematoxylin in 95% alcohol. Solution B: Ferric ammonium sulfate (violet crystals), 4.0 g.; glacial acetic acid, 1.0 ml.; concentrated sulfuric acid (sp. gr. 1.8),0.12 ml.; distilled water, 100 ml. Mix equal parts of Solution A and Solution B; allow to stand overnight, filter and use. For maximum length of staining life, store in full, air-tight bottles. To stain fecal smears, fix in Schaudinn's, pass through iodine alcohol to 50% alcohol, stain for three minutes, wash in running tap water 5 to 15 minutes, dehydrate and mount.     

A Single solution iron-hematoxylin Stain for Intestinal Protozoa

A single solution iron-hematoxylin stain is described for staining fecal smears rapidly and simply. The stain is prepared from the following solutions: Solution A: 1% hematoxylin in 95% alcohol, prepared by diluting a stock solution of 10% hematoxylin in 95% alcohol. Solution B: Ferric ammonium sulfate (violet crystals), 4.0 g.; glacial acetic acid, 1.0 ml.; concentrated sulfuric acid (sp. gr. 1.8),0.12 ml.; distilled water, 100 ml. Mix equal parts of Solution A and Solution B; allow to stand overnight, filter and use. For maximum length of staining life, store in full, air-tight bottles. To stain fecal smears, fix in Schaudinn's, pass through iodine alcohol to 50% alcohol, stain for three minutes, wash in running tap water 5 to 15 minutes, dehydrate and mount.     

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.     

Baboon diet: a five-year study of stability and variability in the plant feeding and habitat of the yellow baboons (Papio cynocephalus) of Mikumi National Park, Tanzania

The habitat and plant feeding of 64 well-habituated, individually identified adult male and female yellow baboons was studied for 5 years at Mikumi National Park, Tanzania. Variation across the years showed that a study of only one or two years would have been incomplete and misleading. The list of baboon food species obtained from Mikumi is considerably larger and more diverse than any previously reported. One to six plant parts were eaten from each of more than 180 species. The 25 most common tree genera all contained species used for food. Of the 50 most common grass, shrub and herb genera, 93% included plant foods. Using months in which a species was eaten during at least one year of the study, 21 staple species were eaten during a mean of 8.86 months and 7 were eaten in all 12 months. Although many foods were from commonly available plant species, 15 such species were only rarely eaten. The number of parts of a species eaten per month and an estimate of the amounts eaten per month both varied with temperature and rainfall, being lowest near the end of the cool, dry season. There were substantial differences from year to year in the timing and amount of food production of many species; nevertheless, the same broad feeding pattern was repeated in each of the 5 years of the study. Despite yearly variation in food availability, 14 or more staples and other common foods were eaten in any given month. If crops of many of these foods were to fail, a large number of less commonly eaten species could be substituted. Baboons are eclectic feeders that appear to be optimizing their diet by selective feeding from among a wide array of available foods in an ever-changing floristic environment.     

Papio Cranium from the Hominin-Bearing Site of Malapa: Implications for the Evolution of Modern Baboon Cranial Morphology and South African Plio-Pleistocene Biochronology

A new partial cranium (UW 88-886) of the Plio-Pleistocene baboon Papio angusticeps from Malapa is identified, described and discussed. UW 88-886 represents the only non-hominin primate yet recovered from Malapa and is important both in the context of baboon evolution as well as South African hominin site biochronology. The new specimen may represent the first appearance of modern baboon anatomy and coincides almost perfectly with molecular divergence date estimates for the origin of the modern P. hamadryas radiation. The fact that the Malapa specimen is dated between ~2.026–2.36 million years ago (Ma) also has implications for the biochronology of other South African Plio-Pleistocene sites where P. angusticeps is found.