Hematuria in rabbits

A nine year retrospective study of hematuria in 14 New Zealand White rabbits was conducted to classify possible etiologies of this clinical finding. Physical examination, laboratory tests, radiography and postmortem examination were utilized in most cases to verify the presence of hematuria and to determine its etiology. Uterine adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in two rabbits. Three rabbits had uterine polyps with hemorrhage. Renal infarction with hemorrhage was diagnosed in three rabbits. Urolithiasis with secondary urethral obstruction and hemorrhagic cystitis was identified as the cause of hematuria in four rabbits. Other causes of hematuria included chronic cystitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, bladder polyps and pyelonephritis. Hematuria of undetermined origin was observed in one rabbit. This last [corrected] case was negative for both blood and porphyrin in the urine, but positive for excess levels of urobilin, the oxidative product of urobilinogen. This case illustrates that hyperpigmented urine should be a rule out in all cases of suspected hematuria in rabbits.     

束状刺盘孢角膜炎的实验研究

目的初步研究束状刺盘孢感染兔角膜的临床表现和组织病理学特征。方法选择15只新西兰白兔,应用基质内直接注射法建立模型。肉眼观察角膜变化,并在接种后第5 d、14 d、21 d处死家兔,对角膜行HE染色和PAS染色,观察其组织病理学改变。结果兔束状刺盘孢角膜炎动物模型成功建立,肉眼可以见到典型的真菌性角膜炎的表现。组织病理学检查,在感染早期即可看到大量真菌病原体生长,菌丝垂直于角膜基质,后期出现新生血管和瘢痕。结论角膜基质内直接注射法复制真菌性角膜炎动物模型成功率高、稳定。兔束状刺盘孢角膜炎有典型的真菌性角膜炎的表现,组织学中菌丝垂直于角膜基质生长。     

介绍一种兔VX2肿瘤的传代和接种方法及其应用经验和体会

目的:介绍一种兔VX2肿瘤的传代和接种方法及其应用经验和体会,从而更好的利用此模型进行生物医学研究。方法:从荷瘤新西兰大白兔取活性良好的肿瘤组织块,制备肿瘤细胞悬液,过滤后接种于健康成年新西兰兔左后肢肌肉内。通过一般观察、MRI和大体及病理学切片对肿瘤进行验证。结果:肿瘤传代和接种后生长良好,MRI、大体及组织学验证保持了VX2的肿瘤特点。结论:本研究介绍的兔VX2肿瘤的传代与接种方法稳定、可靠,值得大家推广和应用。     

Decreased arterial responses in WHHL rabbits, an animal model of spontaneous hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis.

We examined changes in blood pressure and blood flow of the arteries of WHHL and Japanese white rabbits after intravenous bolus injections of acetylcholine (3.0 micrograms/kg), bradykinin (0.5 microgram/kg), and sodium nitroprusside (3.0 micrograms/kg) under a condition of anesthesia. These vasodilators lowered the blood pressure and increased the blood flow in WHHL and Japanese white rabbits. The changes in the hemodynamic parameters of WHHL rabbits after injection of sodium nitroprusside were similar to those of Japanese white rabbits. This suggests that the relaxation response of the tunica media was not diminished in WHHL rabbits. In contrast, the changes in the hemodynamic parameters of WHHL rabbits after injection of acetylcholine or bradykinin were significantly lower than those in Japanese white rabbits. In the histopathological and immunohistological examination, atherosclerotic lesions were observed in the ascending aortas of WHHL rabbits. In the surface of the atheromatous plaques, CD31-positive endothelial cells disappeared partly and the accumulation of RAM-11-positive macrophages was observed in these regions. In addition, plasma NO2- and NO3- levels of WHHL rabbits were significantly lower than those of Japanese white rabbits. These findings suggest that relaxation responses derived from arterial endothelial cells were probably depressed in WHHL rabbits due to dysfunction or denudation of the arterial endothelial cells.     

Intravenous miconazole therapy for experimental keratomycosis in rabbits

Intravenous miconazole (90 mg daily for 3 weeks) reduced the intensity of experimental fungal keratitis due to Candida albicans in a group of 10 rabbits. Clinical scores of affected eyes were statistically significantly lower in the treated group than in a control group of 10 untreated rabbits. All cultures of corneal scrapings were negative on 18th day after inoculation in the treated group, but four cultures were still positive on the 21st day in the control animals. Histopathological examination of eyes from treated and untreated rabbits showed great differences in the severity of inflammatory changes in the two groups.     

须癣毛癣菌致人兔共患体癣3例

报道须癣毛癣菌引起的人兔共患体癣3例.患者皮损均为环状红斑丘疹,上覆鳞屑,炎症明显,伴瘙痒,均与兔子有密切接触史,且兔子均有明显皮损.取患者及兔子的皮屑真菌镜检及培养,鉴定为须癣毛癣菌,经口服及外用抗真菌药物后治愈.     

Seroprevalence of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in Pet Rabbits in Korea

Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a microsporidian parasite commonly found in rabbits that can infect humans, causing encephalitozoonosis. The prevalence of encephalitozoonosis is not well documented, even when many clinics suspect pet rabbits as being highly infected. This study investigated the seropositivity of E. cuniculi using ELISA. The examination of 186 rabbits using ELISA showed that 22.6% (42/186) were seropositive against E. cuniculi. In analysis with healthy status, all 42 seropositive sera were collected from clinically normal rabbits. Moreover, the gender and age of pet rabbits did not have anysignificant effect on E. cuniculi infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the seroprevalence of E. cuniculi in pet rabbits and suggests that pet rabbits could act as an important reservoir of encephalitozoonosis for both pet animals and humans in Korea.     

不同手术方式对VX2肿瘤侵犯兔下腔静脉预后的影响

目的建立VX2肿瘤侵犯下腔静脉（inferior vena cava,IVC）的动物模型,观察3种不同手术方式对实验动物预后的影响。方法成功建立VX2肿瘤侵犯IVC的动物模型,彩超下证实;将实验动物随机均分为A、B、C三组,分别予以彻底切除IVC和肿瘤、不予重建、彻底切除后人工血管进行重建处理,切下的IVC均送病检。分别于手术后每周彩超观察IVC,出现闭塞的IVC在DSA（digtal subtraction angiography,DSA）下观察侧枝循环建立情况。观察实验动物自然死亡时间,并解剖。结果超声发现3周时所有实验动物均有肿瘤生长（2.75±0.91cm2）,IVC管腔无明显狭窄（2.53±0.23 mm）;DSA显示,人工血管中长期通畅率低,随时间变化实验组可见侧支循环建立和腹壁浅静脉增粗逆流;A、B两实验组生存时间显著高于对照组C组（P1〈0.05;P2=0.036〈0.05）;两实验组中A组生存时间显著高于B组（P3=0.04〈0.05）。两实验组远处转移无差异,均显著低于对照组。结论彻底切除肿瘤可以提高实验动物的术后生存时间和生存率;兔IVC人工血管重建中长期通畅率低,且围手术期死亡率高,生存时间也较不重建组低。     

Acute toxicity of samorin (isometamidium chloride) in rabbits

Oral administration of samorin (isometamidium chloride) to rabbits in single oral doses of 6.25, 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg produced signs of toxicity which were dose-dependent. These were restlessness, hyperaesthesia, tremors, convulsions and finally death. Post mortem examination revealed fatty change, congestion and haemorrhage in many organs. Histopathological examination of liver, brain, kidneys and lungs showed severe circulatory changes and cellular damage. Measurement of serum constituents confirmed the presence of hepatic and renal damage. Samorin produced a marked fall in the erythrocyte count and the haematocrit values of all the treated rabbits, and in doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg it also increased the osmotic fragility of the erythrocytes.     

Influence of hypothermia on the generalized Shwartzman reaction.

In normothermic rabbits the generalized Shwartzman reaction can usually be elicited by two intravenous injections of endotoxin spaced 24 hr apart. The reaction could be prevented by cooling the rabbits. Hypothermia is effective only at the time of the second injection. The protective effect can clearly be demonstrated by gross and histologic examination. The possible mechanism of the protective action of hypothermia is discussed.     

5％阿莫罗芬甲涂剂治疗兔甲真菌病的疗效观察

目的 建立甲真菌病动物模型,观察局部使用5％阿莫罗芬甲涂剂治疗模型甲的疗效.方法 我们将须癣毛癣菌接种在新西兰白兔的后肢趾甲上,构建兔甲真菌病模型,感染成功后予组织病理学检查观察真菌在甲内的生长形态和方式,并外用5％阿莫罗芬甲涂剂治疗模型甲4周,用真菌学半定量培养评估其疗效.结果 在免疫抑制的情况下,须癣毛癣菌感染新西兰白兔的甲真菌病模型构建成功,接种1周后趾甲近端即出现白色、淡黄色云雾状的改变,与人甲真菌病的临床改变相似.组织学可以看到有隔分支菌丝穿入甲板,到达甲床.接种后2、4、6周,模型甲总体感染率分别为52.78％、77.78％和83.33％.外用5％阿莫罗芬甲涂剂治疗2、4周时真菌学有效率分别是22.22％和66.67％.结论 成功建立了甲真菌病的动物模型,并用此模型评估了外用抗真菌药的疗效,5％阿莫罗芬甲涂剂治疗兔甲真菌病4周的真菌学有效率为66.67％.     

An attempt at embryo transfer as a means of controlling Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in the rabbit

Embryo transfer was attempted in order to control disease in rabbits. Embryos were collected by flushing of the oviducts of donor rabbits on Day 2 of gestation, into small tubes containing the medium, transported within the body warmth of the person carrying the tubes and transferred into the oviducts of SPF pseudopregnant recipients. The time between embryo collection and transfer was 7-8 hours. Ten of 56 embryos derived from Bordetella bronchiseptica infected animals developed into newborns. As a result of bacteriological examination of intranasal exudate in six weanlings, no pathogens were detected. We suggest that embryo transfer is an effective and simple alternative to caesarean operation in Bordetella bronchiseptica infected rabbits.     

Endometrial venous aneurysms in three New Zealand white rabbits.

Hematuria in rabbits has been associated with uterine adenocarcinoma, uterine polyps, renal infarction, urolithiasis, cystitis, bladder polyps, and pyelonephritis. Three adult female New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) developed apparent hematuria, as suggested by blood in their excreta pans. They had been immunized with antigen-adjuvant emulsions, but had uneventful clinical histories. Physical examination disclosed no abnormalities, and laboratory tests, including hematology, serum chemistries, urinalyses, urine cultures, ultrasonography, and intravenous pyelography disclosed mild anemia, hematuria, and proteinuria in two of the rabbits. Antibiotic therapy failed to alleviate clinical signs. Two rabbits were euthanized because of persistent urogenital bleeding and the third rabbit underwent exploratory laparotomy and ovariohysterectomy. Multiple endometrial venous aneurysms were present in the uteri of all rabbits and urogenital bleeding was attributed to episodic bleeding from these lesions. Varices and aneurysms of uterine subserosal and myometrial venous plexuses, but not of endometrial vessels in women have been reported. To our knowledge, endometrial venous aneurysms have not been reported in animals previously. Our findings indicate that the differential diagnoses for sporadic apparent hematuria in female rabbits should include endometrial aneurysms.     

Serology and tissue lesions in rabbits immunized with Streptococcus mutans

Rabbits were immunized i.v. or i.d. with sterile suspensions of disrupted Streptococcus mutans strain MT703 or K1R. Indirect immunofluorescence assays indicated that sera from four of 10 rabbits immunized i.d. contained antibodies reactive with monkey and human heart and kidney components; 19 of 24 rabbits immunized i.v. had antibodies reactive with these tissues. Heart-reactive antibodies were also detected by immunoelectrophoresis and indirect radioimmunoassay. These antibodies were absorbed well by cytoplasmic membranes, a whole cell extract, and an alkali extract of S. mutans but only weakly by intact bacteria. Between 6 and 8 weeks after the first i.v. administration of S. mutans vaccines, rabbits developed proteinuria and hematuria with subsequent weight loss and lethargy. Approximately 25% of the animals died from illness between the fifth and sixth month of immunization. In 13 of 15 rabbits, immune deposits of C3 and IgG, IgM, or IgA and fibrinogen were seen in kidneys within the glomeruli, basement membranes of the peritubular capillaries, and in the interstitium. In the heart, deposits were seen along the capillaries of the myocardium. In 8 of 14 rabbits, focal deposits of S. mutans antigen were detected in glomeruli and in the kidney interstitium. The kidneys showed gross pathologic and histopathologic changes. Most kidneys were pale and enlarged. Microscopic examination revealed hypercellularity of the glomeruli, presence of neutrophils, thickening of glomerular and tubular basement membranes, tubular atrophy, edema, and fibrosis of the interstitium. The kidney disease presented features of poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis. Microscopic examination of heart sections revealed mild perivascular infiltration by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and plasma cells in some of the rabbits.     

Studies of the Toxicity of Helminthosporium maydis

Isolates of Helminthosporium maydis from blighted corn were tested for toxicity in mice, rats, swine, rabbits, microorganisms, and tissue culture. Extracts of grains, mycelia, and culture supernatant fluids killed mice on intraperitoneal (ip) injection, but were nontoxic on administration by mouth to swine. The toxin was partially purified and appears to be a glycophospholipid. Histopathological examination revealed that the toxin acted as a severe irritant on ip injection, causing death in laboratory animals. In skin tests with rabbits, considerable exudation occurred, rather than necrosis.     

Experimental model of atherosclerosis induced by administration of acetylcholine into the reticular formation of the midbrain

Acetylcholine injections into the mesencephalon reticular system of rabbits every second day during a month induced atherosclerosis of the aorta. The microscopic examination of aortic intima showed lipomatosis, liposclerosis, atheromatosis, atherocalcinosis.     

兔下颌骨慢性化脓性骨髓炎动物模型的建立

目的 探讨下颌骨慢性化脓性骨髓炎的造模方法.方法 成年新西兰兔22只,于下颌骨体外侧近正中联合处开骨窗注入0.1 mL5％鱼肝油酸钠和0.1 mL5.0×108 CFU/mL金黄色葡萄球菌悬液,术后常规回笼饲养.于6周开始采用以下方法检测:①肉眼大体观察;②双能X线骨密度检测;③CBCT(锥束CT)放射学形态观察;④局部细菌培养;⑤组织病理学评价.结果 所有新西兰兔早期精神状况较差,手术区域肉眼观有瘘管并有脓性分泌物.双能X线骨密度检测发现手术区骨密度(BMD)值变化不具有统计学意义(P＞0.05).CBCT显示骨缺损区边缘模糊,有骨破坏迹象.局部取材细菌培养有金黄色葡萄球菌生长.病理切片显示有不同程度的淋巴细胞、中性粒细胞、桨细胞浸润,死骨形成.结论 采用兔下颌骨体外侧近正中联合处造骨缺损并注射一定量细菌悬液的方法能够获得理想的慢性化脓性骨髓炎模型.     

Macrophage-derived MMP-9 enhances the progression of atherosclerotic lesions and vascular calcification in transgenic rabbits

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), or gelatinase B, has been hypothesized to be involved in the progression of atherosclerosis. In the arterial wall, accumulated macrophages secrete considerable amounts of MMP-9 but its pathophysiological functions in atherosclerosis have not been fully elucidated. To examine the hypothesis that macrophage-derived MMP-9 may affect atherosclerosis, we created MMP-9 transgenic (Tg) rabbits to overexpress the rabbit MMP-9 gene under the control of the scavenger receptor A enhancer/promoter and examined their susceptibility to cholesterol diet-induced atherosclerosis. Tg rabbits along with non-Tg rabbits were fed a cholesterol diet for 16 and 28 weeks, and their aortic and coronary atherosclerosis was compared. Gross aortic lesion areas were significantly increased in female Tg rabbits at 28 weeks; however, pathological examination revealed that all the lesions of Tg rabbits fed a cholesterol diet for either 16 or 28 weeks were characterized by increased monocyte/macrophage accumulation and prominent lipid core formation compared with those of non-Tg rabbits. Macrophages isolated from Tg rabbits exhibited higher infiltrative activity towards a chemoattractant, MCP-1 in vitro and augmented capability of hydrolysing extracellular matrix in granulomatous tissue. Surprisingly, the lesions of Tg rabbits showed more advanced lesions with remarkable calcification in both aortas and coronary arteries. In conclusion, macrophage-derived MMP-9 facilitates the infiltration of monocyte/macrophages into the lesions thereby enhancing the progression of atherosclerosis. Increased accumulation of lesional macrophages may promote vascular calcification.     

Lipid keratopathy and atheromatosis in an SPF laboratory rabbit colony attributable to diet

Sporadic cases of corneal opacity occurred in an SPF rabbit colony fed on a diet containing 10% white fish-meal. Routine histological monitoring also revealed atheromatous lesions involving the intima of the aorta, coronary arteries and the arteries of other organs in 29 rabbits examined. Serum cholesterol levels above 10 mmol/l were found in 7 rabbits, including 4 affected with corneal lesions, which proved to be lipid keratopathy on histochemical and electron microscopical examination. The serum cholesterol level was found to be within normal range (below 2.27 mmol/l) in 10 rabbits reared entirely on a modified version of the diet, where the 10% fish-meal content was replaced with 10% grass-meal. No more ocular or atheromatous lesions have been found since the adoption of the new diet for the colony.     

Humoral immune response to natural infection with Encephalitozoon cuniculi in rabbits

Sera from 4 generations of a family of rabbits having a natural Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection were investigated. Antibodies were demonstrated in a litter of newborn rabbits and in another litter 11 days old. Histoloigcal examination of the brains and kidneys of these animals failed to reveal lesions attributable to the disease. Sera from a further litter of 2 rabbits, taken at weekly intervals from 4 to 42 weeks of age, revealed a low initial antibody titre which regressed to an undetectable level. After an interval, titres rose and then plateaued to the end of the period of observation. Encephalitozoon cuniculi infections in the dams of all the litters were confirmed by antibody assay and by histology. Parallel titration of samples treated and not treated with 2-mercaptoethanol showed that the india-ink immunoreaction demonstrates only immunoglobulin G.