Ubiquinone systems of the genus Cladosporium and morphologically similar taxa

Abstract We measured adenosine deaminase (ADA) activity in a guinea pig model of Legionella pneumophila infection. Female Hartley guinea pigs were inoculated intraperitoneally with one-quarter of the LD₅₀ dose of L. pneumophila Philadelphia-1 strain. Control groups were inoculated with clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae or Klebsiella pneumoniae . Each group consisted of 5 animals. ADA activity in plasma was assayed calorimetrically before and at various intervals after infection by measuring the amount of ammonia produced after adnosine was added to plasma samples. ADA activity before inoculation was 25.6±6.0 IU/1, it reached 174.4±60.0 IU/1 on day 3 after inoculation of L. pneumophila . ADA activity returned to normal levels on day 14. ADA activity did not increase significantly in guinea pigs infected with the other types of bacteria. These findings suggest that measurement of plasma ADA activity may be useful for the diagnosis of Legionella infection.     

Guinea pig model of Mycobacterium tuberculosis latent/dormant infection

Although guinea pigs are considered one of the best animal models of tuberculosis, little data exist describing latent or dormant tuberculosis infection in these animals. Here we address this issue using a streptomycin auxotrophic mutant of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This mutant grows unimpaired in the presence of streptomycin but in its absence shifts to latency/dormancy (lack growth and over-expression of alpha-crystallin). To establish infection animals are inoculated with the mutant followed by daily administration of streptomycin (three weeks), which allows initial microbial multiplication in the animal's tissues. Withdrawal of streptomycin establishes latency/dormancy and few viable organisms are recovered from the animals' lungs and spleen six months later. During the infectious process guinea pigs steadily gained weight and presented no clinical signs (scuff fur and lethargy) of disease. Histopathology of organs mimicked tuberculous lesions in humans and PBMC from infected animals strongly responded to stimulation with PPD. Finally, tuberculin skin test (a hallmark of latent infection diagnosis) performed in infected animals was strongly positive (>or=15 mm induration). These results point to an interesting and reliable model of latent/dormant tuberculosis infection in guinea pigs.     

豚鼠甲流H1N1感染模型的建立及激素甲强龙对感染干预作用的探讨

目的建立豚鼠的甲流感染模型并评价激素甲强龙对感染的干预作用。方法将4～6周龄雌性SPF级豚鼠（200～300）g分为4组：正常对照组,模型组,甲强龙1组和甲强龙2组,除对照组外,豚鼠经乙醚麻醉后进行滴鼻接种A/California/7/2009（CA7）病毒,分别于攻毒后3 d和5 d给予激素甲强龙,大剂量3 d后1/4剂量给3 d,检测豚鼠感染的多项指标,观察期为14 d。结果成功建立了豚鼠的甲流感模型;甲强龙1组豚鼠肺部炎症减轻较模型组和甲强龙2组明显,存活率较这两组均降低,甲强龙2组肺部炎症较模型组减轻,而较甲强龙1组重,豚鼠的存活率较这两组均无差异。结论豚鼠能感染A/California/7/2009（CA7）病毒,感染后5 d比感染后3 d开始给予激素的干预效果好。     

Evaluation of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for serodiagnosis of Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in guinea pigs]

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for serodiagnosis of Bordetella bronchiseptica (B. bronchiseptica) infection in guinea pigs was evaluated. An isolate of B. bronchiseptica from lung lesion of a guinea pig was used as antigen after ultrasonication. In the experimental infection, specific pathogen-free guinea pigs inoculated with the bacterium intranasally were examined every 5 or 10 days. The organism was recovered from all animals between 5 and 30 days post-inoculation (p.i.). Only one animal was sero-positive by agglutination test 30 and 50 days p.i.; whereas, by ELISA, one animal was positive 5 days p.i., and all the animals showed strong reaction 20 to 50 (end of experiment) days p.i. Field samples obtained from 1983 to 1989 were tested by ELISA. The results corresponded to those of macroscopic observations and bacterial isolation. The ELISA proved to be useful method for detection of B. bronchiseptica infection in guinea pigs.     

Role of primary and secondary maternal viremia in transplacental guinea pig cytomegalovirus transfer.

The modulation of the outcome of intrauterine guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) infection by maternal viremia was investigated in the guinea pig model. Virus assay and in situ hybridization were used to study GPCMV infection of maternal blood, placentas, and fetuses following inoculation of pregnant guinea pigs by the subcutaneous, intracardiac, or intranasal route. Animals were inoculated in early gestation and were evaluated every 7 to 10 days throughout pregnancy. Although placental and fetal infections occurred in all groups examined, transfer of GPCMV to placentas and fetuses was most efficient in mothers inoculated subcutaneously. Primary viremia was followed by virus clearance from blood and by an episode of secondary viremia in the three groups of mothers examined. Placental and fetal infections in animals infected subcutaneously or intracardially were first detected at the time of primary viremia, persisted throughout gestation, and increased during secondary viremia. In contrast, placental and fetal infections in animals inoculated intranasally were demonstrated primarily during secondary viremia. Fetal infection was detected in all mothers with detectable primary and secondary viremia but in only 33% of mothers that experienced only primary viremia. These results suggest that secondary maternal viremia is associated with increased placental and fetal GPCMV infections.     

Passive transfer of tumor immunity with spleen cells from guinea pigs cured of hepatocarcinoma by nonspecific immunotherapy

Summary The purpose of this study was to evaluate cell-mediated tumor immunity in strain-2 guinea pigs cured of line-10 hepatocarcinoma by oil-in-water emulsions containing phenol-water extracts from either BCG or the Re mutant of Salmonella typhimurium (Re ET) admixed with mycobacteria glycolipid (P3). Treatment with these emulsions produced complete regression of established tumor nodules and prevented the growth of lymph node metastases in 25 of the 28 animals inoculated intradermally (ID) with 10⁶ line-10 cells and given intralesional immunotherapy 6 days later. No tumor regression was observed in animals given phenol-water extracts alone. Spleen cells, taken from guinea pigs cured of line-10 by BCG extract + P3 or Re ET + P3, were tested for their influence on tumor growth by means of an in vivo adoptive neutralization test (Winn test). Cell transfer was accomplished by the subcutanous injection of various concentrations of spleen cells admixed with 10⁵ viable line-10 cells. The results showed that as few as 10⁷ immune spleen cells completely inhibited the growth of 10⁵ tumor cells in 46–54% of the animals. The best tumor growth inhibition (77–85%) was observed in animals given 5 × 10⁷ immune cells admixed with 10⁵ tumor cells. The onset of transferrable tumor immunity was earlier in animals treated with the BCG extract + P3 than in those given the Re ET + P3. However, the duration of detectable tumor immunity was longer in the latter group. In contrast, no inhibition of tumor growth was observed in animals given spleen cells from normal or tumor-bearing guinea pigs. Moreover, spleen cells obtained from guinea pigs immunized with BCG extract + P3 or Re ET + P3 emulsions only and admixed with line-10 cells failed to transfer tumor immunity to normal animals. Thus, results from this study clearly demonstrated that cell-mediated tumor immunity was elicited in animals cured of line-10 tumor with combinations of P3 and phenol-water extracts of either BCG or Re mutant of S. typhimurium and that sensitized spleen cells effectively transferred systemic tumor immunity to normal recipients.     

增加环境丰富化模具对实验豚鼠生长及行为的影响

目的在实验豚鼠饲养盒内增加梯形和管形两种不同的模具,进行环境丰富化模具对豚鼠生长及行为影响的研究。方法每组豚鼠饲养4周,每周称1次体重,记录体重变化趋势,并观察豚鼠行为变化。结果放入模具的豚鼠生长情况优越于对照组,管形模具优于其他实验组。结论增加环境丰富化模具有利于豚鼠生长,且管形模具更接近豚鼠自然洞穴状态,更加有利于豚鼠实现自然躲藏行为和良好的生长、生活。     

Adenovirus-mediated RNA interference against foot-and-mouth disease virus infection both in vitro and in vivo

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) infection is responsible for the heavy economic losses in stockbreeding each year. Because of the limited effectiveness of existing vaccines and antiviral drugs, the development of new strategies is needed. RNA interference (RNAi) is an effective means of suppressing virus replication in vitro. Here we demonstrate that treatment with recombinant, replication-defective human adenovirus type 5 (Ad5) expressing short-hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) directed against either structural protein 1D (Ad5-NT21) or polymerase 3D (Ad5-POL) of FMDV totally protects swine IBRS-2 cells from homologous FMDV infection, whereas only Ad5-POL inhibits heterologous FMDV replication. Moreover, delivery of these shRNAs significantly reduces the susceptibility of guinea pigs and swine to FMDV infection. Three of five guinea pigs inoculated with 10(6) PFU of Ad5-POL and challenged 24 h later with 50 50% infectious doses (ID50) of homologous virus were protected from the major clinical manifestation of disease: the appearance of vesicles on the feet. Two of three swine inoculated with an Ad5-NT21-Ad5-POL mixture containing 2 x 10(9) PFU each and challenged 24 h later with 100 ID50 of homologous virus were protected from the major clinical disease, but treatment with a higher dose of adenovirus mixture cannot promote protection of animals. The inhibition was rapid and specific because treatment with a control adenovirus construct (Ad5-LacZ) expressing Escherichia coli galactosidase-specific shRNA showed no marked antiviral activity. Our data highlight the in vivo potential of RNAi technology in the case of FMD.     

Genetic mapping of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus pathogenicity: virulence in guinea pigs is associated with the L RNA segment.

The Armstrong CA 1371 (ARM) and WE strains of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) differ in the ability to produce disease in adult guinea pigs. Infection with the ARM strain is not lethal, even at high virus doses (greater than 10,000 PFU), whereas the WE strain causes 100% mortality even at low doses (less than 10 PFU). To determine the genetic basis of this virulence, intertypic reassortants were made between the ARM and WE strains of LCMV. The two reassortants with the genotypes WE/ARM (L segment of WE and S segment of ARM) and ARM/WE (L segment of ARM and S segment of WE) were tested for their pathogenicity in guinea pigs. The ARM/WE reassortant was avirulent like the ARM/ARM parental strain. Minimal viral replication was observed in organs of guinea pigs inoculated with 10(2) or 10(5) PFU of ARM/ARM or ARM/WE, and all animals survived. In contrast, the WE/ARM reassortant was highly virulent like the WE/WE parental strain and killed all of the infected animals. High levels of viral replication were observed in guinea pigs infected with the latter two strains. In contrast to these in vivo observations, both the parental strains and the ARM/WE or WE/ARM reassortants had similar growth potential in cultured guinea pig fibroblasts. Thus, the L RNA segment of LCMV WE is important for viral replication in vivo and is associated with fatal acute disease after infection of adult guinea pigs.     

Lack of correlation between neutralizing antibody production and suppression of coxsackievirus B-3 replication in target organs: evidence for involvement of mononuclear inflammatory cells in host defense.

CD-1 mice inoculated with coxsackievirus B-3 i.p. developed a generalized infection involving the heart, pancreas, and liver. The disease was nonlethal and viral growth in the target organs was terminated in about a week. Administration of cortisone acetate 30 min to 2 hr before infection markedly enhanced the severity of disesae. Abnormally high titers of virus were found in the target organs between days 3 and 7 with persistence of infectious virus in the heart for at least 2 weeks. In addition the extent of necrosis of myofibers, pancreatic acini, and hepatic parenchyma was increased and a high percentage of the animals died. There was no evidence that the anti-viral antibody response was impaired in steroid-treated mice since concentrations of neutralizing antibody in the circulation were normal. In contrast, immigration of mononuclear inflammatory cells into the hearts of these animals was depressed and when present, foci of inflammation contained some polymorphonuclear leukocytes. The data indicate that inhibition of coxsackieviral growth cannot be attributed to the sole effects of neutralizing antibody and suggest that mononuclear inflammatory cells infiltrating the heart play a role in primary host defense.     

Epizootiological studies of Salmonella typhimurium infection in guinea pigs

In two natural outbreaks of S. typhimurium infection in guinea pigs, frequent isolations of the organism from the conjunctiva and cervical lymph nodes and high incidences of the conjunctivitis and abscess formation in the cervical lymph nodes were shown, suggesting more importance of the conjunctiva as infection route than oral route. These features in salmonellosis of guinea pigs were tried to reproduce in experimental infections by conjunctival and oral inoculations of 10(2) and 10(6) cells of 4 different strains of S. typhimurium and also by contact infection simulating natural conditions. As the results, it was demonstrated that guinea pigs were more susceptible to the conjunctival infection than the oral infection, because higher infection rates and more frequent incidence of abscess formation in the cervical lymph nodes as well as conjunctivitis were produced by the conjunctival inoculation than the oral inoculation of the organism. Main localization sites of the organism were the cervical lymph nodes, conjunctiva and upper respiratory tract in conjunctivally inoculated guinea pigs but more widely distributed in orally infected ones. These findings were common in animals infected with 4 different strains of S. typhimurium and also in contact infection. Thus the conjunctiva was regarded as an important route of S. typhimurium in guinea pigs.     

Pathogenesis of guinea pig adenovirus infection

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The existence of guinea pig adenovirus (GPAdV) has been suspected on the basis of histopathologic findings, but the virus has not yet been isolated. In susceptible animals, it may cause severe bronchopneumonia and death. Adenovirus-like inclusion bodies have been observed in the lungs of animals with clinical disease. Prevalence of the infection is unknown. Recently, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was described that was able to selectively detect GPAdV. METHODS: To investigate the pathogenesis of GPAdV, we inoculated eight guinea pigs with GPAdV; eight control animals were sham inoculated. The PCR assay was used to trace the infection. In a second experiment, transmission of GPAdV from an experimentally infected animal to five immune-naive cohorts was examined. RESULTS: None of the infected animals developed clinical disease. The GPAdV could be detected by PCR analysis of nasal-swab specimens on days 6 through 15 after infection. Infective virus could be recovered from the nasal mucosa during this period (as determined by inoculation of immune-naive animals). The virus was transmitted from an experimentally infected animal to two of five immune-naive cage mates. CONCLUSION: The GPAdV may cause transient subclinical upper respiratory tract infection that may descend to the lungs.     

Bronchoalveolar eosinophilia in guinea pigs harboring inapparent infections of Paraspidodera uncinata

During the course of experiments examining the changes in cell populations in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid in 3-11-wk-old guinea pigs, a marked increase in the numbers of eosinophils was observed in BAL fluid in untreated control animals from historical levels (observations made over the previous 2 yr) of 8.8 +/- 1.5% to levels greater than 16% and up to 44%. Repeated occurrence of this phenomenon in several different groups of guinea pigs that appeared clinically normal and the impact on our experimental studies led us to attempt to identify the cause of increased inflammatory cell numbers in these guinea pigs. Examination in 2 groups of animals of whole blood and lung tissue for the presence of bacteria or fungi revealed minor bacterial infections in one group but not the other, whereas both exhibited elevated eosinophil numbers. At necropsy, 41.7% and 60% of the animals in the 2 groups harbored the nematode Paraspidodera uncinata. Guinea pigs exhibiting eosinophil numbers in BAL fluid comparable to our historical levels were then inoculated with approximately 100 embryonated eggs of P. uncinata and developed elevated eosinophilia in BAL fluid compared to sham-inoculated animals (significant at 2 of the 3 examination times postinoculation). These findings suggest that P. uncinata is capable of causing changes in inflammatory cell populations in the lungs of guinea pigs and illustrate the importance of subclinical or inapparent infections in experimental design and interpretation.     

Haloprogin: a Topical Antifungal Agent

Haloprogin was shown to be a highly effective agent for the treatment of experimentally induced topical mycotic infections in guinea pigs. Its in vitro spectrum of activity also includes yeasts, yeastlike fungi (Candida species), and certain gram-positive bacteria. The in vitro and in vivo antifungal activity of haloprogin against dermatophytes was equal to that observed with tolnaftate. The striking differences between the two agents were the marked antimonilial and selective antibacterial activities shown by haloprogin, contrasted with the negligible activities found with tolnaftate. Addition of serum decreased the in vitro antifungal activity of haloprogin to a greater extent than that of tolnaftate; however, diminished antifungal activity was not observed when haloprogin was applied topically to experimental dermatophytic infections. Based on its broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, haloprogin may prove to be a superior topical agent in the treatment of dermatophytic and monilial infections in man.     

Comparative study of Helicobacter pylori infection in guinea pigs and mice - elevation of acute-phase protein C3 in infected guinea pigs

Eighteen Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs and 50 NMRI mice were inoculated with Helicobacter pylori and the infection followed by culture, histopathology, antibody response, and plasma levels of the acute-phase proteins albumin, C3, and transferrin for up to 7 weeks. The immune response to H. pylori surface proteins was studied by an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and Western immunoblot and the plasma levels of albumin, C3, and transferrin were analyzed by single radial immunodiffusion. Guinea pigs had a more severe gastritis and a higher EIA immune response than NMRI mice. Serum C3 levels were elevated in infected guinea pigs after 3 and 7 weeks indicating a systemic inflammatory response and a possible link between H. pylori infection and extragastric manifestations such as vasculitis associated with atherosclerosis. Serum cholesterol levels were analyzed in guinea pigs at 7 weeks and indicated a higher level in H. pylori-infected than in control animals, but this difference was not statistically significant.     

Study of Delayed Hypersensitivity to Myxoviruses Induced by Vaccines

The delayed hypersensitivity response of guinea pigs to Bacillus Calmette-Gúerin (BCG) and myxovirus vaccines was investigated by use of the techniques of skin testing and inhibition of macrophage migration. A serum antibody response to the injected vaccines was readily demonstrable. Parainfluenza type 2 virus consistently failed to induce a delayed hypersensitivity state in 15 animals, even with the use of a virus adjuvant emulsion. Respiratory syncytial virus occupied an intermediate position in that positive delayed type skin tests of an erythematous nature were elicited following inoculation, but only two of seven guinea pigs yielded a positive migration inhibition test. In mumps-inoculated animals, skin testing gave rise to erythematous delayed skin reactions which varied from 0 to 20 mm in size. Migration inhibition could be demonstrated in 7 of 21 animals. In almost all guinea pigs inoculated with BCG, large, indurated, erythematous skin reactions were elicited, and inhibition of macrophage migration was readily demonstrated. The degree of skin reactivity was positively correlated with inhibition of macrophage migration. If the skin reaction to a specific antigen exceeded 9 mm of erythema, that antigen also inhibited macrophage migration. Skin testing proved to be the most sensitive indicator of viral hypersensitivity. Migration inhibition was demonstrated only when a greater than 8-mm skin reaction was evoked. This cellular hypersensitivity appeared to be a qualitative phenomenon, the expression of which could be heightened by the use of adjuvant. The applicability and sensitivity of the migration inhibition technique is considered relative to its use for in vitro monitoring of effects of viral vaccine inoculations.     

Topical treatment with eberconazole of the experimental guinea pig cutaneous candidosis.

Eberconazole is a new azole antifungal drug for topical treatment of superficial mycoses. The usefulness of this drug was evaluated in an experimental model of cutaneous candidosis in guinea pigs comparing with the classical clotrimazole in a single blind trial. Twenty-five animals were inoculated in two symmetrical areas of the back with Candida albicans developing skin infection. One group of 10 animals were treated once per day with clotrimazole 1% cream in one side and with excipient in the other. Other group of 10 guinea pigs received eberconazole 1% cream and excipient. Five animals did not receive any treatment and were used as controls. After five days of treatment most lesions cured or improved and cultures were negative when clotrimazole or eberconazole were applied. Seventy per cent of lesions treated with excipient were clinically improved and 10% cured, but 85% of cultures remained positive for C. albicans. The therapeutic efficacy of eberconazole 1% cream was similar to clotrimazole 1% cream in the guinea ping model of cutaneous candidosis. Tolerance of both drugs was excellent. These results suggest the usefulness of eberconazole in human cutaneous infections due to C. albicans.     

Alveolar macrophages in pulmonary immune responses. I. Role in the initiation of primary immune responses and in the selective recruitment of T lymphocytes to the lung

Antigen inoculated intratracheally (IT) into animals can induce primary immune responses and selectively recruit specific T cells to the lung. In the current study, the role of alveolar macrophages (AM) in these two responses was investigated. Antigen-pulsed bronchoalveolar cells (BAC) inoculated IT into guinea pigs generated a population of immune T cells that proliferated in vitro on reexposure to antigen-pulsed macrophages (M?). The possibility that antigen-pulsed donor BAC shed antigen that was subsequently processed and presented by host M? was ruled out by genetic experiments. Thus, peritoneal exudate lymphocytes (PEL) from (2 X 13)F1 guinea pigs primed with antigen-pulsed BAC from strain 2 animals responded preferentially to antigen-pulsed strain 2 M? rather than to antigen-pulsed strain 13 M?. In a second set of studies, antigen-pulsed BAC inoculated IT into guinea pigs selectively recruited antigen-specific T cells to the lung. Genetic experiments verified that inoculated BAC were the source of the antigen-presenting cells responsible for selective recruitment. Thus, antigen-pulsed strain 2 BAC inoculated IT recruited a greater proportion of (2 X 13)F1 T cells that recognized antigen in the context of strain 2 M? than F1 T cells that recognized antigen on strain 13 M?. Taken together, these studies suggest that AM contribute to the regulation of pulmonary immunity by both inducing T lymphocyte immunity and selectively recruiting specific T cells to the lung.     

Recombinant IgA Is Sufficient To Prevent Influenza Virus Transmission in Guinea Pigs

A serum hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titer of 40 or greater is thought to be associated with reduced influenza virus pathogenesis in humans and is often used as a correlate of protection in influenza vaccine studies. We have previously demonstrated that intramuscular vaccination of guinea pigs with inactivated influenza virus generates HAI titers greater than 300 but does not protect vaccinated animals from becoming infected with influenza virus by transmission from an infected cage mate. Only guinea pigs intranasally inoculated with a live influenza virus or a live attenuated virus vaccine, prior to challenge, were protected from transmission (A. C. Lowen et al., J. Virol. 83:2803–2818, 2009.). Because the serum HAI titer is mostly determined by IgG content, these results led us to speculate that prevention of viral transmission may require IgA antibodies or cellular immune responses. To evaluate this hypothesis, guinea pigs and ferrets were administered a potent, neutralizing mouse IgG monoclonal antibody, 30D1 (Ms 30D1 IgG), against the A/California/04/2009 (H1N1) virus hemagglutinin and exposed to respiratory droplets from animals infected with this virus. Even though HAI titers were greater than 160 1 day postadministration, Ms 30D1 IgG did not prevent airborne transmission to passively immunized recipient animals. In contrast, intramuscular administration of recombinant 30D1 IgA (Ms 30D1 IgA) prevented transmission to 88% of recipient guinea pigs, and Ms 30D1 IgA was detected in animal nasal washes. Ms 30D1 IgG administered intranasally also prevented transmission, suggesting the importance of mucosal immunity in preventing influenza virus transmission. Collectively, our data indicate that IgG antibodies may prevent pathogenesis associated with influenza virus infection but do not protect from virus infection by airborne transmission, while IgA antibodies are more important for preventing transmission of influenza viruses.     

Fascioloides magna: development in selected nonruminant mammalian hosts.

Metacercariae of Fascioloides magna were inoculated per os into selected nonruminant animals to evaluate them as laboratory hosts for this trematode. Immature F. magna were recovered from 36 of 52 guinea pigs, 6 of 15 mice, 2 of 3 rabbits, and 16 of 25 domestic swine. The parasite was not recovered from two beavers (Castor canadensis), two ferrets (Mustela putorius), one red fox (Vulpes fulva), one Shetland pony (Equus caballus) and two Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Mortality in guinea pigs inoculated with 10 metacercariae each, occurred 56 to 116 (mean of 80) days after inoculation. Trematodes were in the liver up to 69 days after inoculation and usually free in the peritoneal cavity after 69 days after inoculation. Swine 2 weeks of age when inoculated were more susceptible to infection (5.6% trematode recovery rate) than were those inoculated at 4 weeks of age (1.9% trematode recovery rate) or 10 weeks of age (0.4% trematode recovery rate), indicating an age resistance to infection.