A total of 35 Sprague-Dawley adult rats were used to investigate the effect of aluminium toxicity on behavioural patterns of adult female rats and learning ability of offspring. Rats were allotted into 4 groups, group one received 2g/l anhydrous aluminium chloride (n=10), group two received 3g/l anhydrous aluminium chloride (n=10), group three received 3.5g/l anhydrous aluminium chloride in drinking water (n=10) and control group did not receive anhydrous aluminium chloride (n=5) from 8th day of pregnancy till weaning of pups. The obtained results showed that feeding time increased significantly in 2g/l and 3.5g/l anhydrous aluminium chloride groups than control one, while, litter licking frequency and nursing time increased significantly in 2g/l anhydrous aluminium chloride than other groups. On contrarylying time decreased significantly in rats treated with 2g/l anhydrous aluminium chloride than other groups, licking and scratching decreased in 3g/l and 3.5g/l anhydrous aluminium chloride groups. In considering, the time spent in closed arms by offspring pups exhibited much times significantly than control group, while, time spent in open arms of elevated plus maze decreased significantly in all treated groups than control group. On the other hand, number of entries in open arms significantly decreased in treated groups than control one.

Objective: To evaluate agents used for delivery of small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) into feline corneal cells, toxicity of the delivery agents, and functionality of anti-feline herpesvirus 1 (FHV-1)–specific siRNA combinations. Sample: Feline primary corneal cells and 19 six-month-old colony-bred cats. Procedures: siRNA delivery into corneal cells via various delivery agents was evaluated via flow cytometric detection of labeled siRNAs. Cellular toxicity was evaluated with a proliferation assay. Functionality was tested via quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR assay, plaque assay, and flow cytometry. In vivo safety was evaluated with an ocular scoring method following topical application of delivery agents containing siRNAs into eyes. Corneal biopsy specimens were used to assess safety and uptake of siRNAs into corneal cells. Results: Use of 3 delivery agents resulted in > 95% transfection of primary corneal cells. Use of a peptide for ocular delivery yielded approximately 82% transfection of cells in vitro. In cultured corneal cells, use of the siRNA combinations resulted in approximately 76% to 89% reduction in FHV-1–specific mRNA, 63% to 67% reduction of FHV-1–specific proteins in treated cells, and 97% to 98% reduction in FHV-1 replication. The agents were nonirritating in eyes, caused no substantial clinical ocular signs, and were nontoxic. Histologically, corneal epithelium and stroma were normal in treated cats. However, none of the agents were effective in delivering siRNAs into the corneal cells in vivo. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The tested anti–FHV-1–specific siRNAs could potentially be used as a treatment for FHV-1 if a successful means of in vivo delivery can be achieved.

Two dogs were presented with melena, vomiting and depression after accidental swallowing of candy form of Strepsils (flurbiprofen), which is one of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used in human medicine for controlling a sore throat. These dogs had common signs of anemia induced by gastrointestinal ulceration and hemorrhage with azotemia and leukocytosis. The dogs were treated with blood transfusion, fluid therapy, proton-pump inhibitor, antiemetics, mucus protectant and antibiotic. Although most of clinical signs of two dogs were resolved, azotemic problem with evidence of renal injury have remained.