Invasive aspergillosis in a putty-nosed monkey (Cercopithecus nictitans) with adrenocortical Cushing's syndrome

Background  An 18‐year‐old captive female putty‐nosed‐monkey (Cercopithecus nictitans) with a history of long‐term infertility and hyperglucocorticism was euthanized because of perforating thoracic trauma induced by group members and subsequent development of neurological signs. Methods  Complete necropsy and histopathological examination of formalin‐fixed tissue samples was carried out. Results  The monkey showed invasive pulmonary and cerebral infection with Aspergillus fumigatus together with adrenocortical neoplasia and signs of Cushing’s syndrome, such as alopecia with atrophic skin changes, evidence for diabetes mellitus and marked immunosuppression. Conclusions  Spontaneous endocrinopathies are rarely described in non‐human primates. Here we report the first case of spontaneous adrenocortical hyperglucocorticism predisposing to systemic aspergillosis in a putty‐nosed monkey.     

Comparative study of major lipid constituents in human and monkey aorta

The contents of total lipids, phospholipids, cholesterol, triglyceride and free fatty acid in intima and media of thoracic and abdominal segments of aorta from normal human subjects and rhesus monkeys were determined. An increase in total lipids in intima as compared to that of media was noted in both species. A comparison of lipid contents of thoracic and abdominal segments from both species revealed that abdominal segment contained significantly greater lipid. Further, human thoracic and abdominal aortic intima and media had higher content of cholesterol as compared to that of monkey aorta. The differences in lipid profile in aorta of these two species have been highlighted to provide a clue with respect to the differences in the prevalence and morphology of atherosclerosis as seen in monkey and man.     

Thymus development in Macaca fascicularis (Cynomolgus monkey): an approach for toxicology and embryology

Thymus development was studied in the cynomolgus monkey from day 35 of gestation (gd 35) to the stage of advanced involution in a 21-year-old monkey. Special emphasis was placed on thymus cell generation and cellular pattern formation. At gd 35, the epithelial bud of the thymus was visible in a sagittal position at the level of the thoracic aperture. At gd 50, first lymphocyte-like cells and few Human Leukocyte Antigen-D Region (HLA-DR) immunoreactive cells appeared. The cortico-medullary differentiation, Hassall’s body precursors and faint immunoreactivity for T-lymphocytes (CD 3-positive) were detected from gd 60 onwards. First macrophages (CD 68 positive) were apparent at day 70, first CD 20 immunoreactive cells (B-lymphocyte-like cells) at gd 85, and natural killer cells (M1014 immunoreactive) at gd 100. At gd 100 all evaluated cell populations present in the adult cynomolgus monkey thymus were in place, whereas no B- and T-cell precursors or (CD 34 and CD 117, respectively) dendritic cells (CD 35 positive cells) were present. All these immunopositive cells persisted, partly with changing distribution patterns, until the advanced age of 21 years with the exception of natural killer cells, which were present only until adult ages (evaluation at 4–7 years). The rationale of this study was to analyse thymic development in the cynomolgus monkey and to evaluate the relevance of the development of thymus in non-human primate as a model for corresponding human targeted toxicological research.     

Dilative cardiomyopathy leading to congestive heart failure in a male squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus)

A 17-year-old, 1-kg, colony-housed, male squirrel monkey (Samiri sciureus) developed clinical signs of congestive heart failure. The monkey presented with lethargy, increased heart and respiratory rates, and mild abdominal distention. The clinical history, laboratory analysis, and radiographic findings were consistent with heart failure due to dilative cardiomyopathy. Gross and microscopic examination of the heart confirmed a dilative cardiomyopathy. This is the first report describing congestive heart failure caused by dilative cardiomyopathy in a squirrel monkey. Spontaneous dilative cardiomyopathy may be infrequently observed in the squirrel monkeys because they are not routinely housed in the research environment during their advancing years.     

Thoracic duct cannulation of the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) for lymphocyte collection: thoracic approach.

The thoracic duct of the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) was cannulated with medical grade tubing through a thoracatomy at right interspace 9-10. In 42 monkeys successfully cannulated, a mean of 1.194 x 10(9) lymphocytes was collected in the 70-hour period after surgery. A second collection, 1-3 weeks later, was possible for a shorter period (up to 60 hours) in a portion of these monkeys (15) with a smaller mean yield of lymphocytes (1.076 x 10(9). A third, but still shorter, collection period of up to 48 hours was possible in only five monkeys from which a mean yield of 0.698 x 10(9) lymphocytes was collected. A temporary postoperative weight loss in the monkeys was followed by a return to normal weight several months later.     

A herpesvirus of rhesus monkeys related to the human Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus.

A herpesvirus that is related to but distinct from the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV, or human herpesvirus 8) was isolated from rhesus monkeys. The sequence of 10.6 kbp from virion DNA revealed the presence of an interleukin-6 homolog similar to what is present in KSHV and a closer relatedness of the DNA polymerase and glycoprotein B reading frames to those of KSHV than to those of any other herpesvirus. This rhesus monkey herpesvirus replicated lytically and to high titers in cultured rhesus monkey fibroblasts. Antibody testing revealed a high prevalence for at least 10 years in our rhesus monkey colony and a high prevalence in two other colonies that were tested. Thus, rhesus monkeys naturally harbor a virus related to KSHV, which we have called RRV, for rhesus monkey rhadinovirus.     

Normal Thoracic Radiographic Appearance of the Cynomolgus Monkey (Macaca fascicularis)

Background

The cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) has been increasingly used as a non-human primate model in biomedical research. As establishing baseline thoracic radiography for the cynomolgus monkey is essential, we tested the hypothesis that age and sex may affect the thoracic radiography parameters of this species.

Methods

Here, 697 healthy cynomolgus monkeys were segregated by sex and age (three age groups: 25–36 months, 37–48 months, 49–60 months). The lung length (LL), maximal interior thoracic depth (TD), maximal interior thoracic breadth (TBr), cardiac silhouette breadth (CBr), cardiothoracic ratio (CR), right and left costophrenic angles (RCA and LCA), and right hilar height ratio (R-HHR) were assessed by chest film. Statistical analysis was applied to examine the effect of age, sex, and age × sex interactions.

Results

Significant effects by age were shown for LL, TD, TBr, CBr, and CR. Significant effects by sex were found for TD, TBr, CBr, CR, and R-HHR. Significant effects by age × sex were observed for TD, TBr, CBr, and CR. Both TD and TBr increased with age in both sexes, and both were significantly higher in males than in females in the group aged 49–60 months. CBr increased with age and was significantly higher in males than in females across all age groups. CR declined with age and was significantly higher in males than females across all age groups, and CR was similar or slightly higher relative to those previously found in other non-human primate species. As to the other parameters with no significant sex nor age-related differences, the R-HHR was greater than 1.00, and the angulation of bilateral costophrenic angles were sharp.

Conclusions

The thoracic radiographic parameters for the healthy cynomolgus monkey presented here should prove useful in veterinary practice, research involving non-human primate models of respiratory or cardiovascular disorders, and morphological studies on cynomolgus monkeys.     

Lead poisoning in zoo-dwelling primates

Lead intoxication was diagnosed in 42 primates at the National Zoological Park. Diagnoses were made clinically by the observation of signs of encephalopathy and the finding of 200 μg lead or more/100 ml blood, or postmortem by the presence of renal acid-fast intranuclear inclusion bodies and excess lead in liver specimens. Twenty-five of the primates had signs or lesions of lead encephalopathy. Lead poisoning was most common in the Cercopithecidae, and in the summer months. Lead encephalopathy was most frequent in juveniles. Leaded paint on the monkey cages was determined to be the source of poisoning. Blood studies revealed slight hypochromic anemia and immature and stippled erythrocytes. Postmortem lesions included acid-fast intranuclear inclusions in renal tubular and other epithelial cells; metaphyseal bone changes (lead lines); necrosis of striated muscle fibers; and other lesions. Treatment of one monkey for encephalopathy was attempted and proved successful.     

Melioidosis in imported non-human primates

In 1969, five cases of melioidosis in three separate outbreaks were diagnosed in nonhuman primates in the United States. In the first outbreak, two stump-tailed macaque monkeys (Macaca arctoides) developed signs of the disease approximately 6 months after purchase. A third animal, a chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), probably acquired its infection from one of these monkeys. Two other unrelated cases involving a pig-tailed monkey (Macaca nemestrina) and a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) were diagnosed. These monkeys had been imported 3 years and 6 months, respectively, prior to the recognized onset of their disease. These cases represent the first known occurrences of spontaneous melioidosis in nonhuman primates in the United States.     

Different distribution of two types of angiotensin II-generating enzymes in the aortic wall

Dog, monkey and human aortic tissues contained two distinct types of angiotensin II-generating enzymes; angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and chymostatin-sensitive angiotensin II-generating enzyme (CAGE). Endothelium, media and adventitia of canine thoracic aortae were separated using collagenase digestion, and determined for their ACE and CAGE activity. ACE activity was assayed by hippuryl-His-Leu cleavage. CAGE activity was estimated with ANG I as substrate in the presence of inhibitors of ACE and angiotensinases. His-Leu, the common product of both enzyme reactions, was fluorimetrically quantified after o-phthalaldehyde condensation. ACE localized mainly in endothelium, while CAGE distributed predominantly in adventitia. Similar results were obtained with human and monkey aortae. Such a contrasting distribution may indicate the distinct functional role of these two enzymes.     

Spontaneous cryptococcosis of a squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) in French Guyana

An old female squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus) with a tumor-like growth of the lower jaw died in shock after 2 months of illness. Histological studies of different tissue samples demonstrated that the pathological agent was Cryptococcus. Multiple foci of fungus existed in the thoracic cavity with essentially pulmonary and glandular localizations.     

Vitellogenesis stimulated by thoracic ganglion implants into destalked immature spider crabs, Libinia emarginata.

Since destalked immature female Libinia emarginata fail to molt to maturity (Hinsch, 1972) and implants of thoracic ganglion of adult females into young females of Potamon dehaani caused a doubling of ovarian weight and differentiation of yolk granules (Otsu, 1963), the effects of the thoracic ganglion implantation on sexual maturation in Libinia was investigated. Destalked immature Libinia with a maximum carapace length of 4-5 cm received two implants of adult female thoracic ganglion at 10-day intervals. All of the surviving experimental animals and destalked controls molted to immaturity. Most of the experimental animals failed to complete a successful molt and few survived longer than 3-4 days. The experimental animals that survived for over a week showed signs of yolk deposition not observed in the destalked controls. Eggs in several stages of vitellogenesis were scattered throughout the gonad in the animal showing the most pronounced effect. This was not observed in any of the destalked controls.     

Radiographic Evaluation of Appendicular Skeletal Maturation in the Common Marmoset (Callithrix jacchus)

The thoracic appendicular skeletal development of five common marmosets was monitored radiographically at weekly intervals from 1 day to 94 weeks of age and the times of appearance and fusion of 47 ossification centers were recorded. A range and average age for the appearance and fusion of each ossification center were calculated and compared to data available for the rhesus monkey and man.     

Campylobacter jejuni isolated from patas monkeys with diarrhea

Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 11 (46%) of 24 patas monkeys with chronic diarrhea. Eight of these 11 (73%) monkey were characterized clinically by mucohemorrhagic diarrhea for periods up to a month followed by loose, semi-formed feces for a 12-month period. Half of the monkeys were treated with erythromycin for 10 days and the other half with tetracycline for 10 days, with all responding to treatment. Despite treatment, all monkeys again had an outbreak of mucohemorrhagic diarrhea. Biopsy specimens were taken from all eight monkeys over a period of 3 months. The clinical signs, treatment, and the gross and microscopic lesions seen in these monkeys were similar to those reported in humans and animals infected with Campylobacter jejuni.     

Ameloblastic odontoma in a cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis)

An ameloblastic odontoma occurred in an adult cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis). The neoplasm involved the upper left maxilla as a disfiguring, fleshy growth. The tissue and cellular changes were consistent with an ameloblastic odontoma which is rare in man, nonhuman primates (NHP), and other vertebrate animals. The monkey was one of 50 adult, single-caged housed cynomolgus monkeys. No additional clinical signs of disease were present. Hematology and serum chemistries were within normal limits. There have been three reports in the literature of ameloblastic odontomas in NHP; however, this is the first reported case of an ameloblastic odontoma in a cynomolgus monkey.     

Glioblastoma multiforme arising in the irradiated spinal cord of a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

Abstract: An adult female rhesus monkey that had received 44.0 Gy of cobalt 60 radiation to 8 cm of the cervical and upper thoracic spinal cord approximately 2.8 years postirradiation developed a sudden onset of self-mutilation and loss of function of the right arm followed progressively by loss of function of the left arm and terminally bilateral paresis of the legs. Histopathologic examination of the cervical spinal cord revealed a glioblastoma multiforme that extended from the cervical medullary junction to the sixth cervical vertebrae. Because of the infrequent occurrence of spontaneous neoplasia in rhesus monkeys and the location in the radiation field, the glioblastoma is believed to be radiation induced.     

Retrospective analysis of an outbreak of B virus infection in a colony of DeBrazza's monkeys (Cercopithecus neglectus)

In 1981, an outbreak of herpetic disease developed in a colony of DeBrazza's monkeys (Cercopithecus neglectus). In seven of eight infected animals, clinical signs of infection included vesicular and ulcerative lesions on the lips, tongue, and/or palate. Histologic examination of lesions revealed intranuclear inclusion bodies, and electron microscopy revealed nucleocapsids and virions with typical herpesvirus morphology. Although a virus was isolated that appeared similar to monkey B virus, techniques available at the time did not allow precise identification of the virus. Analysis of serum from one surviving monkey collected 12 years after the outbreak revealed a pattern of reactivity characteristic of B virus-positive serum on the basis of results of ELISA and western immunoblot analysis. Polymerase chain reaction analysis of archived paraffin-embedded tissue specimens and molecular analysis of the one viral isolate obtained from a DeBrazza's monkey indicated that the virus responsible for the outbreak was a new genotype of B virus. Testing of sera from lion-tailed macaques (Macaca silenus) housed in an adjacent cage at the same zoo indicated that these animals harbored this virus and, thus, were the likely source of the virus that infected the DeBrazza's monkeys. This study documents usefulness of archiving samples from disease outbreaks for later analysis. In addition, this incident underscores the importance of considering herpes B virus infection when outbreaks of disease having characteristics of herpetic infections develop in nonhuman primates kept at institutions that also house macaques.     

A case of diverticular disease of the colon in a Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata)

Diverticular disease of the colon was detected in a female Japanese monkey by X-ray examination. The monkey was 15 years old and had been kept under captive conditions for nine years. Lack of appetite and activity, and constipation were observed. The monkey was given fiber-rich vegetables and wild plants, and its appetite and activity then improved. Based on a consideration of various factors, it is suggested that one possible cause of the diverticulosis in this case was a low dietary fiber intake.     

On the anatomical organization of the vagal nuclei

The neurons of origin of the right vagus and its components in both the monkey (Macaca fascicularis) and albino rats were localized by the retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) applied to the stomach wall, the vagal trunk and its recurrent laryngeal branch. An attempt was also made to localize the neurons forming the superior laryngeal nerve and those supplying the thoracic organs by a combination of operative procedures. The results showed that the stomach was innervated by neurons distributed throughout the entire rostrocaudal extent of the dorsal motor nucleus (DMN) on both sides of the brain stem. Neurons scattered throughout the entire extent of the DMN and nucleus ambiguus (NA) supplied the thoracic viscera. There did not appear to be any topographic arrangement in the DMN neurons supplying the abdominal and thoracic viscera as reported by other workers, and there was no clear evidence of crossing of vagal fibers in the monkey brain stem, though such crossing was seen in the rat brain stem. Both the superior and inferior ganglia of the vagus nerve were labeled following application of HRP to the vagal trunk. Neurons in the caudal part of the NA gave rise to fibers in the ipsilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve, at least on the right side. The neurons giving rise to the superior laryngeal nerve could not be delineated in this study. In all the experimental procedures described, the hypoglossal nucleus was labeled only after applying HRP to the hypoglossal nerve.