Kidney kallikrein and phospholipase activities in Milan spontaneously hypertensive rats

Renal kallikrein and phospholipase activities were evaluated in a strain of spontaneously hypertensive rats developed by Dr. Bianchi in Milan (MHR). MHR showed lower than normal kallikrein and phospholipase activities before, at 3 weeks of age and following the development of hypertension. Kallikrein and phospholipase activities were directly correlated both in normotensive and spontenously hypertensive rats. The data suggest that MHR have a genetic defect in kallikrein and phospholipase activities, which may play a pathogenetic role in the development of high blood pressure.     

Genbank accession #: 133708

Plant Molecular Biology -     

Screening of Feral Pigeon (Colomba livia), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and Graylag Goose (Anser anser) Populations for Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Avian Influenza Virus and Avian Paramyxovirus

A total of 119 fresh faecal samples were collected from graylag geese migrating northwards in April. Also, cloacal swabs were taken from 100 carcasses of graylag geese shot during the hunting season in August. In addition, samples were taken from 200 feral pigeons and five mallards. The cultivation of bacteria detected Campylobacter jejuni jejuni in six of the pigeons, and in one of the mallards. Salmonella diarizona 14:k:z53 was detected in one graylag goose, while all pigeons and mallards were negative for salmonellae. No avian paramyxovirus was found in any of the samples tested. One mallard, from an Oslo river, was influenza A virus positive, confirmed by RT-PCR and by inoculation of embryonated eggs. The isolate termed A/Duck/Norway/1/03 was found to be of H3N8 type based on sequence analyses of the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase segments, and serological tests. This is the first time an avian influenza virus has been isolated in Norway. The study demonstrates that the wild bird species examined may constitute a reservoir for important bird pathogens and zoonotic agents in Norway.