The chemotactic activity of turkey peritoneal macrophages in response to an atherosclerotic plaque extract from a hypertensive strain of turkeys was determined. Atherosclerotic plaque extract stimulated macrophage chemotaxis, whereas normal aortic extract did not stimulate macrophage chemotaxis. However, differences were not revealed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of extracts of atherosclerotic plaque and normal aorta. Chemotactic activity was diminished with pronase treatment, suggesting the chemoattractant is a protein. Seemingly, atherosclerotic plaque of turkeys contains a macrophage chemotaxin.

An aqueous extract was made from black walnut (Juglans nigra) heartwood obtained in the fall of the year. Ten hours after nasogastric administration of 5 L of the extract, a 550-kg, 13-yr-old Quarter Horse gelding experienced Obel grade-3 laminitis. The effect of aqueous extract of black walnut on vascular contractility was then tested, using isolated equine digital arteries and veins. The vessels were maintained in Krebs bicarbonate buffer with 95% oxygen at 37 C. The extract did not induce a direct contractile effect. It did, however, reversibly enhance the vasoconstriction induced in the isolated vessels by administration of epinephrine potentiated with hydrocortisone. In contrast, aqueous extracts made, using the same techniques, from the shavings of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus), eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana), and pin oak (Quercus palustrus) had no effect on epinephrine-induced digital vessel contractions.