Hemolytic complement in nonhuman primates

Hemolytic serum complement activity was quantitatively compared in baboons, squirrel monkeys, cebus monkeys, and cotton-top marmosets. Squirrel monkeys showed the highest activity, and marmosets had the lowest activity. The complement level in squirrel monkeys and tenfold greater than marmosets and almost four times higher than that of man. Cebus monkeys had levels most similar to that of man while the baboon exhibited activity almost as low as that of the marmoset.     

Genetic management of nonhuman primates

Genetic management is widely recognized as a critical component of the overall management of captive nonhuman primate colonies which produce animals for biomedical research. In this paper, we review the roles of conservation-oriented genetic management, research-oriented genetic management, genetic management at the level of taxomomic class, genetic management at the level of the population, and quantitative genetic analysis in comprehensive genetic management programs for nonhuman primate colonies. We conclude that genetic management is crucial for maintaining nonhuman primate populations suitable for genetic research on normal and disease-related phenotypes. In addition, for research programs that do not have specific genetic objectives, genetic management is essential to facilitate the selection of samples of well-matched unrelated animals for experimental purposes.     

Nephroblastomatosis and nephroblastoma in nonhuman primates

Wilms' tumors, or nephroblastomas, are renal embryonal malignancies with a high incidence in humans. Nephroblastomas are uncommon in nonhuman primates. This report describes three cases of spontaneous proliferative renal tumors in young monkeys: two cases of unilateral kidney nephroblastomas in baboons and a nephroblastomatosis in a cynomolgus macaque. Histologically, both baboon tumors were typical of Wilms' tumors found in humans, with proliferative epithelial cells forming tubules and aborted glomeruli, nephrogenic rests and proliferative fibrovascular tissue. The left kidney of the macaque was markedly enlarged and histologically similar to the baboon tumors, although normal kidney architecture was completely effaced by primitive tubules and occasional glomeruli surrounded by edematous stromal tissue. Cytogenetic analysis did not detect any macaque or baboon equivalents to human Wilms' tumor chromosomal abnormalities. By human pathology classification, the diffuse nature of the macaque tumor is more consistent with nephroblastomatosis than nephroblastoma. This differentiation is the first to be reported in a species other than human. The nephroblastomas described here are the first nephroblastomas to be reported in baboons. Our observations indicate that nonhuman primate nephroblastomatosis and nephroblastomas develop in a similar way to Wilms' tumors in humans, although no genetic marker has been associated with nephroblastomas of nonhuman primates thus far.     

Nutritional deficiency anemias in nonhuman primates

The purpose of this report is to review past studies in which anemias, occurred spontaneously in nonhuman primates due to feeding inadequate diets or were induced by feeding diets deficient in a nutrient. Included is a review of anemias induced by deficiencies of iron, niacin, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid, protein, riboflavin, cyanocobalamin, folic acid, ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol. The anemia induced by deficiency of each nutrient is discussed with emphasis on the major clinical signs as well as peripheral blood and bone marrow pathology. Results of supplementation of the diet following induction of deficiency states are discussed also. Whenever applicable, a discussion is included of the use of nonhuman primates as animal models for studies simulating parallel nutritional deficiencies in man.     

Genital Ureaplasmas in nonhuman primates.

Ureaplasmas were isolated from the genital tracts of four of 22 (18.4%) male chimpanzees and eight of 23 (34.8%) female chimpanzees. Twenty-nine female rhesus monkeys, 38 female baboons, one gibbon, and black ape and one Java monkey were shown to be free of genital Ureaplasmas. The rate of reproductive failure among the chimpanzees was high and it is suggested that Ureaplasma may be responsible in part. The chimpanzee may serve as a useful model for human Ureaplasma genital infections.     

Behavioral abnormalities in captive nonhuman primates

In this study, we dealt with 11 species of nonhuman primates across 10 zoos in India. We recorded behavior as instantaneous scans between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. In the study, we segregated behaviors for analyses into abnormal, undesirable, active, and resting. The 4 types of abnormal behavior exhibited included floating limb, self-biting, self-clasping, and stereotypic pacing. In the study, we recorded 2 types of undesirable behavior: autoerotic stimulation and begging. Langurs and group-housed macaques did not exhibit undesirable behaviors. A male lion-tailed macaque and a male gibbon exhibited begging behavior. autoerotic stimulation and self-biting occurred rarely. Males exhibited higher levels of undesirable behavior than did females. Animals confiscated from touring zoos, circuses, and animal traders exhibited higher levels of abnormal behaviors than did animals reared in larger, recognized zoos. The stump-tailed macaque was the only species to exhibit floating limb, autoerotic stimulation, self-biting, and self-clasping. Our results show that rearing experience and group composition influence the proportions of abnormal behavior exhibited by nonhuman primates in captivity. The history of early social and environmental deprivation in these species of captive nonhuman primates probably is critical in the development of behavioral pathologies. Establishing this will require further research.     

Sociophysiology of well-being in nonhuman primates.

Knowledge of neuroendocrine responsiveness can provide insights into the social and physical conditions that promote well-being in captive primates. Activity and reactivity of stress response systems provide information regarding the degree to which animals are prepared for motoric expression, the kinds of situations that lead to mobilization of resources, and susceptibility to common clinical disorders. Social relationships can alter activity and reactivity of stress response systems. In some instances, social relationships can influence well-being by increasing or decreasing stress responsiveness. Other types of social relationships can influence well-being by altering homeostatic processes that regulate activity and reactivity of neuroendocrine systems. When the breadth of social and physiologic processes is considered, sociophysiologic contributions to well-being are more pervasive than has hitherto been considered.     

Use of nonhuman primates in cancer research

A short historical review of the use of primates in cancer research is presented followed by a review of various forms of neoplasma observed in the oldest existing Primate Center. Special attention is paid to baboon lymphomas studied for the past two decades at the U.S.S.R. Primate Center at Sukhumi.     

Varicella-like herpesvirus infections of nonhuman primates

At least three distinct herpesviruses cause varicella like exanthematous diseases among nonhuman primates. Spontaneous epizootics have resulted in high morbidity and mortality rates among Cercopithecus aethiops, Erythrocebus patas and Macaca species in research colonies. Mild infections have been observed in infant chimpanzees and a gorilla. This group of diseases is of interest not only because they are a threat to primate colonies, but also because their pathologic similarity to progressive human varicella makes them a potentially valuable animal model of this disease. The nonhuman primate varicella-like exanthematous diseases are reviewed and compared to varicella in man.