Experimental infection with the Toxoplasma gondii ME-49 strain in the Brazilian BR-1 mini pig is a suitable animal model for human toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis, a worldwide disease. Experimentation with pigs is necessary for the development of new therapeutic approaches to human diseases. BR-1 mini pigs were intramuscularly infected with T. gondii with tachyzoites (RH strain) or orally infected with cysts (ME-49 strain). Haematology and serum biochemistry were analysed and buffy coat cells were inoculated in mice to determine tachyzoite circulation. No alterations were observed in erythrocyte and platelet values; however, band neutrophils increased seven days after infection with ME-49. Serology of the mice inoculated with pig blood leucocytes revealed circulating ME-49 or RH strain tachyzoites in the pigs'' peripheral blood at two and seven or nine days post-infection. The tachyzoites were also directly observed in blood smears from the infected pigs outside and inside leucocytes for longer periods. Alanine-aminotransferase was high at days 21 and 32 in the RH infected pigs. After 90 days, the pigs were euthanised and their tissue samples were processed and inoculated into mice. The mice serology revealed the presence of parasites in the hearts, ileums and mesenteric lymph nodes of the pigs. Additionally, cysts in the mice were only observed after pig heart tissue inoculation. The infected pigs presented similar human outcomes with relatively low pathogenicity and the BR-1 mini pig model infected with ME-49 is suitable to monitor experimental toxoplasmosis.     

小型猪冠脉支架模型中即刻OCT检查评价支架贴壁不良的安全性和有效性

目的评价中华小型猪冠状动脉支架植入术后即刻行光学相干断层成像扫描（OCT）的安全性和有效性。方法健康中华小型猪22只,经股动脉途径行右冠状动脉西罗莫司药物洗脱支架植入术,术后即刻行OCT检查评价支架贴壁不良情况,同时记录OCT检查时间和相关并发症。结果 OCT共检查25段支架,失败3例（1例指引导丝断裂于支架内,2例发生冠脉痉挛导致阻断球囊送入困难未能成像）,OCT检查并发症包括一过性ST段抬高（5例）和室颤（3例）,死亡1例,平均手术时间49.7±12.9 min,其中OCT检查耗时17.9±4.9 min,OCT共检测522 mm支架,定量测量4514个支架丝,其中66个存在贴壁不良,即刻支架贴壁不良率1.46%。结论利用冠脉内OCT技术可以有效评价支架术后即刻贴壁不良情况,安全性良好。     

Pregnancy interrupting effects of some bacterial toxins.

Embryotoxic properties of Shigella dysenteriae and Clostridium perfringens toxins, of E. coli endotoxin, V. cholerase and E. coli enterotoxins were compared in mice. E. coli endotoxin has embryotoxic effects at all stages of pregnancy. E. coli enterotoxin V. cholerae enterotoxin and Shigella dysenteriae toxin are most effective mainly at earlier stages of pregnancy. Clostridium perfringens toxin has no embryotoxic effect.     

Alcohol-drug interaction in rat embryogenesis: the effect of separate and combined action of sodium salicylate and ethanol

A combined administration of sodium salicylate and ethanol to female rats in threshold embryotoxic doses on the 9th, 10th, 12th and 13th days of pregnancy results in a sharp increase of embryolethal and teratogenic effects. The embryotoxic effect of sodium salicylate and ethanol at their combined injection exceeds the summational embryotoxic effect at the separate action of the preparations. The spectrum of malformations after their combined effect does not differ from that induced with sodium salicylate.     

The ECVAM international validation study on in vitro embryotoxicity tests: results of the definitive phase and evaluation of prediction models. European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods

From 1996 to 2000, ZEBET (Centre for Documentation and Evaluation of Alternative Methods to Animal Experiments at the BgVV, Berlin, Germany) coordinated the European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM) prevalidation and validation study on three embryotoxicity tests: a) a test employing embryonic stem cell lines (EST); b) the micromass (MM) test; and c) the postimplantation rat whole-embryo culture assay (WEC test). The main objectives of the study were to assess the performance of these three in vitro tests in discriminating between non- embryotoxic, weakly embryotoxic and strongly embryotoxic compounds. Phase I of the study (1997) was designed as a prevalidation phase, for test protocol optimisation, and for the establishment of a comprehensive database of in vivo and in vitro data on embryotoxic compounds. Phase II (1998-2000) involved a formal validation trial, conducted under blind conditions on 20 test compounds selected from the database, which were coded and distributed to the participating laboratories. In the preliminary phase of the validation study, six chemicals out of the 20, which showed embryotoxic potential, were tested. These results were used to define new biostatistically based prediction models (PMs) for the MM and WEC tests, and to evaluate those developed previously for the EST. As a next step, the PMs were evaluated by using the results for the remaining 14 chemicals of the definitive phase of the validation study. The three in vitro embryotoxicity tests proved to be applicable to testing a diverse group of chemicals with different embryotoxic potentials (non-embryotoxic, weakly embryotoxic, and strongly embryotoxic). The reproducibility of the three in vitro embryotoxicity tests were acceptable according to the acceptance criteria defined by the Management Team. The concordances between the embryotoxic potentials derived from the in vitro data and from the in vivo data were good for the EST and the WEC (PM2) test, and sufficient for the MM test and the WEC (PM1) tests according to the performance criteria defined by the Management Team before the formal validation study. When applying the PM of the EST to the in vitro data obtained in the definitive phase of the formal validation study, chemicals were classified correctly in 78% of the experiments. For the MM and the WEC tests, the PMs provided 70% and 80% (PM2) correct classifications, respectively. And, very importantly, an excellent predictivity (100%, except for PM1 of the WEC test, with 79%, considered as good) was obtained with strong embryotoxic chemicals in each of the three in vitro tests.     

Biologic activity and tolerance of a preparation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, obtained by a microbiological route ["biopolyene"]]

Biopolyene is a mixture of ethyl ethers of polyunsaturated fatty acids isolated from biomass of Entomophthora virulenta, a mycelial fungus. Its acute and chronic toxicity was studied on rats and guinea pigs. After oral administration of the preparation in single doses exceeding 50 g/kg there were no disorders in the general state of the rats. In chronic experiments with oral biopolyene in doses of 100 and 500 mg/kg and its local application to the intact skin of the animals in a dose of 1 g/kg there were no significant changes in the functional state of the liver and kidneys as well as the peripheral blood count. Insignificant changes in the serum levels of liver enzymes and coagulation were transient. The preparation showed no allergenic or immunomodulating effects. It had neither embryotoxic, teratogenic nor mutagenic action.     

Preclinical toxicological study of the new antibiotic eremomycin. Chronic toxicity and effect on intrauterine development of rats

Toxicity of eremomycin was studied after its multiple parenteral administration to albino rats, guinea pigs and dogs in doses equivalent by the body surface to the daily doses for humans i. e. 1 and 3 g. The antibiotic was administered for 1 to 6 months. Tolerance of the antibiotic by the dogs after intravenous and intramuscular administration was satisfactory. In some animals there were observed an insignificant increase in the activity of alanine aminotransferase and a rise in the level of urea in blood serum. Pathomorphological examination of the internal organs of the albino rats and dogs showed that in high doses the antibiotic could have a damaging effect on the kidneys and epithelium of the gastrointestinal tract. The level of the damages depended on the dose of the antibiotic and duration of its use. The damages induced by eremomycin were reversible. It had no marked effect on the peripheral blood count, coagulation system and erythrocyte resistance. In the tested doses the antibiotic had no unfavourable effect on the hearing function in the experiments with guinea pigs. Studies with rats revealed that eremomycin had no teratogenic effect. A slightly pronounced embryotoxic action was observed only after using the antibiotic in doses exceeding more than 12 times the approximate therapeutic dose.     

The embryotoxic effects of monohydric alcohols]

We have compared the embryotoxic effect of aliphatic alcohols on antenatal embryogenesis of rats and the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase (EC.1.1.1.1) in embryonic hepatocytes. The embryotoxic activity of the used alcohols in equitoxic doses (assessed as the lethal effect) showed some dependence on their chemical structure. Earlier it has been demonstrated that there is a similar dependence for the mutagenic effects of the alcohols at the chromosomal level. All tested compounds, with the exception of decanol, distinctly retarded the development, but did not exert any teratogenic action. The administration of aliphatic alcohols also led to a significant decrease in the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase in fetal hepatocytes.     

Validation of the postimplantation rat whole-embryo culture test in the international ECVAM validation study on three in vitro embryotoxicity tests

A detailed report is presented on the performance of the postimplantation rat whole-embryo culture (WEC) test in a European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM)-sponsored formal validation study on three in vitro tests for embryotoxicity. Twenty coded test chemicals, classified as non-embryotoxic, weakly embryotoxic or strongly embryotoxic on the basis of their in vivo effects in animals and/or humans, were tested in four laboratories. The outcome showed that the WEC test can be considered to be a scientifically validated test, which is ready for consideration for use in assessing the embryotoxic potentials of chemicals for regulatory purposes.     

Validation of the embryonic stem cell test in the international ECVAM validation study on three in vitro embryotoxicity tests

A detailed report is presented on the performance of the embryonic stem cell test (EST) in a European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM)-sponsored formal validation study on three in vitro tests for embryotoxicity. Twenty coded test chemicals, classified as non-embryotoxic, weakly embryotoxic or strongly embryotoxic on the basis of their in vivo effects in animals and/or humans, were tested in four laboratories. The outcome showed that the EST can be considered to be a scientifically validated test, which is ready for consideration for use in assessing the embryotoxic potentials of chemicals for regulatory purposes.     

Validation of the rat limb bud micromass test in the international ECVAM validation study on three in vitro embryotoxicity tests

A detailed report is presented on the performance of the rat limb bud micromass (MM) test in a European Centre for the Evaluation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM)-sponsored formal validation study on three in vitro tests for embryotoxicity. Twenty coded test chemicals, classified as non-embryotoxic, weakly embryotoxic or strongly embryotoxic on the basis of their in vivo effects on animals and/or humans, were tested in four laboratories. The outcome showed that the MM test is an experimentally validated test, which holds promise for use for identifying strongly embryotoxic chemicals, but which needs to be improved before it can be recommended for use for regulatory purposes.     

Embryotoxicity of the intercalating agents m-AMSA and o-AMSA and the epipodophyllotoxin VP-16 in postimplantation rat embryos in vitro

The intercalating agent, m-AMSA, and the epipodophyllotoxin, VP-16, both topoisomerase II-reactive anticancer agents, are also embryotoxic agents in rat embryos cultured in vitro. Quantifying the embryotoxic effects of these drugs revealed that the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) for m-AMSA is 10 nM, the embryotoxic concentration range is 50-500 nM, and complete lethality is observed at 1 microM. In contrast, the NOAEL for o-AMSA, an inactive isomer of m-AMSA, is 1.0 microM, the embryotoxic concentration range is 10-100 microM, and complete lethality occurs at 200 microM. Based upon the concentrations of drugs required to produce 50% embryotoxicity or 50% malformed embryos, m-AMSA exhibits a 200-500-fold-higher embryotoxicity compared to o-AMSA. VP-16 exhibits a NOAEL of 1.0 microM, an embryotoxic concentration range of 2-5 microM, and complete lethality at 10 microM. Compared to m-AMSA, VP-16 is approximately 10-fold less embryotoxic. At appropriate concentrations, all three drugs were dysmorphogenic resulting in embryos that were characterized by hypoplasia of the prosencephalon with associated microopthalmia and dilation of the rhombencephalon. and dilation of the rhombencephalon. As a prelude to future studies focusing on the mechanism of drug-induced embryotoxicity, we have used established biochemical and immunologic methods to identify and quantify topoisomerase II in rat embryos. In addition, we have demonstrated that the embryo topoisomerase II can be inhibited by both m-AMSA and VP-16. Finally, we have used a human cDNA probe to detect topoisomerase II mRNA in the rat embryo. Thus, the combination of the in vitro whole embryo culture and these biochemical/molecular assays should allow us to explore the role of a specific nuclear target, i.e., topoisomerase II, in the teratogenic effects of some commonly employed chemotherapeutic agents.     

Reduced 125I-hGH binding by serum of dwarf pigs but not by serum of dwarfed poodles

1. Normal and growth-deficient poodle and swine strains were characterized for serum growth hormone-binding protein (GH-BP) content as well as other growth-related hormones, and the relationship between these factors and body size was examined. 2. GH-BPs were found in all strains of pigs and poodles. Concentrations of GH-BPs (as expressed by specific bindings) did not vary among the poodle breeds, but did correlate with body size in pigs. 3. Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) I and II were decreased 71 and 44% respectively in miniature compared to standard size poodles. 4. Only the Yucatan micro pig strain had reduced serum IGF-I concentrations compared to normal controls. 5. Growth hormone concentrations however were normal to elevated in all micro and miniature pig strains. 6. Serum triiodothyronine concentrations were reduced in Yucatan mini and micro pigs in spite of normal circulating levels of thyroxine. 7. Body size reductions in the swine and dog strains are probably attributable to different primary defects of various growth related hormones or hormone receptors. 8. Each species breed therefore could serve as a model for a different human growth-deficient condition.     

A novel embryotoxic estimation method of VPA using ES cells differentiation system

Valproic acid (VPA), which has a wide range of therapeutic applications, is known as a potent teratogen that induces neural tube defects in vertebrates. Here, we have characterized the tissue-specific, embryotoxic effects of VPA on developmental processes using a novel system with differentiating mouse ES cells. Under our cultivating condition, ES cells differentiated into cardiomyocytes, although various cell types can be differentiated. VPA affected cell viability and differentiation from undifferentiated ES cells to cardiomyocytes in a dose-dependent manner. The analysis of tissue-specific markers also revealed that VPA potently inhibited mesodermal and endodermal development but promoted neuronal differentiation in a lineage-specific manner. Taking the in vivo teratogenicity of VPA into account, this assay system could be useful in predicting the degree of embryotoxicity of VPA. We, thus, propose that the in vivo embryotoxic effects of various medicines can be estimated fast and accurately using this in vitro cell differentiation system.     

实验动物CAR杆菌16SrRNA基因PCR监测方法的建立

目的建立CAR杆菌的PCR监测方法 ,筛查国内部分实验动物样本中CAR杆菌携带状况。方法利用CAR杆菌的特有16SrRNA基因序列片段267bp设计引物,通过从日本实验动物中央研究所获取的CAR标准株DNA,建立实验动物CAR杆菌16SrRNA基因PCR监测方法。结果利用建立的CAR杆菌16SrRNA基因PCR监测方法对国内455份实验动物样本进行筛查,未检出CAR杆菌感染。结论建立了敏感性好,特异性高的实验动物CAR杆菌PCR监测方法 ,未见动物携带CAR杆菌。     

Developmental variations of plasma gamma-glutamyltransferase fractions in humans and in laboratory mammalians

Plasma samples from human cord blood, and fetuses, newborns, and adults of different mammalians species were analyzed by gel-filtration chromatography, to ascertain whether gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) fractions reflect liver maturation. Human cord blood plasma showed higher b-, m-, and s-GGT fraction as compared to adult women. In rat and mouse fetuses and in newborns, b-GGT was the most abundant fraction. As in adult humans, in adult rats, mice, rabbits, sheep, and mini pigs, f-GGT was the most abundant fraction. GGT fractions are a common feature of all mammalian species tested. Their pattern changes seem to reflect liver postnatal maturation, function.     

A comparison of sodium arsenite- and hyperthermia-induced stress responses and abnormal development in cultured postimplantation rat embryos.

Acute exposures to sodium arsenite (50 microM) were embryotoxic in day 10 rat embryos exposed in vitro. Sodium arsenite-induced embryotoxicity was characterized by decreased growth (crown-rump length, somite number, and embryo protein content) and abnormal development (hypoplastic prosencephalon, abnormal somites, and abnormal flexion of the tail). At embryotoxic exposures, sodium arsenite also induced the synthesis of three heat shock proteins (hsps), one of which is recognized by a monoclonal antibody specific for the heat-inducible hsp 72. In addition, sodium arsenite induced the accumulation of heat-inducible hsp 70 mRNA. Although the abnormal morphologies induced by sodium arsenite and hyperthermia appear to be different, the stress response as measured by the synthesis of hsps, the accumulation of hsp 72 protein, and the accumulation of hsp 70 mRNA is similar in embryos exposed to these two embryotoxic agents. Thus, sodium arsenite and hyperthermia both induce a stress response; however, the relationship between the induction of a stress response and the subsequent abnormal development that ensues is unclear.     

Effects of 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-OOH-CP) and 4-hydroperoxydechlorocyclophosphamide (4-OOH-deCICP) on the cell cycle of post implantation rat embryos.

In this study, we used preactivated forms of cyclophosphamide (CP) and dechlorocyclophosphamide (deClCP) to examine the effects of phosphoramide mustard (PM) and acrolein, respectively, on the cell cycle of postimplantation rat embryos. The percentage distribution of cells in the G1/G0, S, and G2/M phases of the cell cycle was determined by flow-cytometric analysis. At embryotoxic concentrations, 4-OOH-CP (PM) induced major cell cycle perturbations whereas 4-OOH-deClCP (acrolein) caused no major perturbation of the cell cycle. These data support the hypothesis that the mechanism of the embryotoxic action of PM involves alkylation of DNA, whereas the mechanism of action of acrolein does not. The primary effect of PM on the cell cycle was an initial delay in the S phase followed by a G2/M arrest. At low embryotoxic concentrations of 4-OOH-CP, there was apparent reversal of the G2/M arrest; at higher embryotoxic concentrations there was little recovery from the G2/M arrest. The high level of cell death found at higher drug concentrations suggests that prolonged G2/M arrest leads to cell death. Using radiolabeled CP and cell sorting, it was determined that PM predominantly alkylated DNA in the S phase of the cell cycle. Overall, the data from this study support the hypothesis that DNA cross-links, induced by the alkylation of DNA by PM, induce cell cycle perturbations. Furthermore, these cell cycle alterations may be one of the early steps in the mechanism leading to the embryotoxicity of PM.     

Progesterone inhibits embryotoxic effect of the complement system

The complement system of normal human serum (NHS) manifests a strong, dose dependent embryotoxic potential when administered to chick embryos inducing, among others, also malformations of the brain. We have demonstrated, however, that the degree of complement-induced embryotoxicity varied remarkably in the course of the menstrual cycle of fertile healthy women, although the complement serum activity (CH100) exhibited no significant fluctuation. On the other hand, the variation of embryotoxicity appeared negatively associated with progesterone levels. Following our results high progesterone levels occurring physiologically in luteal phase of the menstrual cycle suppress the embryotoxic action of the complement system.     

An embryotoxicity study of the fungicide tridemorph and its commercial formulation Calixin

Tridemorph (N-tridecyl-2,6-dimethylmorpholine), the active ingredient of the commercially formulated fungicide Calixin, is a teratogen in rats and mice. The no-effect level for embryotoxic effects was 27.5 mg/kg for mice and 20.6 mg/kg for rats. By contrast, when Calixin, which contains 83% tridemorph, was administered orally at dose levels of 0.156, 0.722, and 3.909 mg/kg, no embryotoxic effects were observed in two strains of rats. Our extensive investigations, carried out under exposure conditions resembling as closely as possible those reported in another study, did not reproduce the previous findings of teratogenicity of Calixin.