Fetal activity and mobility and changes in diameter of the allantoic fluid compartment in the uterine horns were studied in mares between days 69 and 81 of pregnancy by use of transrectal ultrasonography (n = 12) and transcervical videoendoscopy (n = 8). The insertion tube of the videoendoscope was positioned within the allantoic sac to permit viewing of the fetus and entrance to each uterine horn. Each uterine horn was divided ultrasonographically into 3 segments of equal length, and the horns were designated on the basis of side of umbilical attachment (cord vs noncord horns). The diameter of the allantoic fluid compartment in the cornual segments increased (P < 0.05) over the cranial (18.6 +/- 1.9 mm), middle (35.6 +/- 2.9 mm), and caudal (51.7 +/- 4.4 mm) segments, but differences between cord and noncord horns were not evident. Dynamic changes in diameter of the allantoic fluid compartment in cornual segments (ultrasonography) and at the entrance to each uterine horn (videoendoscopy) were detected (no significant difference between methods). During continuous videoendoscopic viewing (17 to 60 min/mare), extreme changes in allantoic fluid compartment diameter (76 to 100% of maximum to 0 to 25% of maximum or vice-versa) occurred an equivalent of 2.6 times/h/horn entrance; changes had an average duration of 3.4 minutes. A change from 100% (maximal diameter) to 0% (no visible lumen) or vice-versa occurred an equivalent of 1.3 times/h/horn entrance. Sometimes the uterine wall was so closely constricted around the fetal-amniotic unit that no intervening allantoic fluid was ultrasonographically detectable, whereas at other times, the uterus in the same location was widely dilated. Results indicated that extensive allantoic fluid shifts were associated with frequent diameter changes in various segments of the uterus. On the basis of 30-second activity trials every 10 minutes, the fetus was active 27% and was quiet 73% of the time (combined ultrasonographic and videoendoscopic data). Activity sometimes involved only movements of extremities, head, or mouth, whereas at other times, a sudden burst of intense whole-body activity was observed. The vigorous whole-body movements buoyed the fetus into the allantoic fluid, and movements of the extremities often caused the fetus to push away from the allantoic wall, resulting in marked changes in location, recumbency, and presentation (direction faced by fetus). Several instances were observed during videoendoscopic examination, in which the fetal-amniotic unit appeared to be forced through a constricted horn entrance into the allantoic fluid compartment at the dilated uterine body. On the basis of continuous videoendoscopic viewing, the fetus changed locations among the major portions of the uterus (body and each horn), on average, 5.0 times/h. Changes in recumbency and presentation occurred, on average, 10.5 and 5.0 times/h, respectively. The frequency of type of recumbency decreased (P < 0.005) as follows: lateral, 23 of 39 (59%); dorsal, 15 of 39 (38%); and ventral, 1 of 39 (3%). Frequency of cranial, caudal, and transverse presentation was not different between cord and noncord horn. Caudal presentation was more common (P < 0.005) when the fetus was in a uterine horn (47/70, 67%) than when it was in the uterine body (15/50, 30%; combined ultrasonographic and videoendoscopic data). Transverse presentation was more common (P < 0.005) when the fetus was in the uterine body (14/50, 28%) than when it was in a horn (4/70, 6%). Results indicated that the early stage equine fetus (days 69 to 81) is extremely mobile within the allantoic fluid, with frequent (several times per hour) changes in location, recumbency, and presentation.

Periosteal autograft were used for repair of large osteochondral defects in 10 horses aged 2 to 3 years old. In each horse, osteochondral defects measuring 1.0 X 1.0 cm2 were induced bilaterally on the distal articular surface of each radial carpal bone. Control and experimental defects were drilled. Periosteum was harvested from the proximal portion of the tibia and was glued into the principal defects, using a fibrin adhesive. Control defects were glued, but were not grafted. Sixteen weeks after the grafting procedure, the quality of the repair tissue of control and grafted defects was assessed biochemically. Total collagen content and the proportion of type-II collagen were determined. Galactosamine and glucosamine contents also were determined. From these measurements, contents of chondroitin and keratan sulfate and total glycosaminoglycan, and galactosamine-to-glucosamine ratio were calculated. All biochemical variables were compared with those of normal equine articular cartilage taken from the same site in another group of clinically normal horses. Total collagen content was determined on the basis of 4-hydroxyproline content, using a colorimetric method. The proportions of collagen types I and II in the repair tissue were assessed by electrophoresis of their cyanogen bromide-cleaved peptides on sodium dodecyl sulfate slab gels. Peptide ratios were computed and compared with those of standard mixtures of type-I and type-II collagens. Galactosamine and glucosamine contents were determined by use of ion chromatography. In general, the biochemical composition of repair tissue of grafted and nongrafted defects was similar, but clearly differed from that of normal articular cartilage. Total glycosaminoglycan content, galactosamine and glucosamine contents, and galactosamine-to-glucosamine ratio of grafted and nongrafted defects were all significantly (P < 0.05) less than corresponding values in normal equine articular cartilage. By contrast, total collagen content of neocartilaginous tissues of grafted and nongrafted defects was greater than that of normal articular cartilage, although the difference was not significant. The proportion of type-I and type-II collagens in repair tissue in grafted and nongrafted defects was 70 and 30%, respectively. The fibrous nature of the repair tissue reported in a companion morphologic and histochemical study was substantiated by the biochemical results. We concluded that use of periosteal autograft did not improve the healing of osteochondral defects.

A series of experiments was performed in vitro and in vivo to determine the influence of FK-565, a heptanoyl tripeptide, on lymphocyte and macrophage function in swine. Compared with values for control cultures, mitogen-stimulated lymphocyte blastogenesis and interleukin-2 production were unaffected in cells preincubated with 0.1, 1.0, and 10.0 microgram of FK-565/ml. Natural killer cell activity was increased by preincubation with 1.0 microgram of FK-565/ml; however, this increase was not statistically significant. In vitro treatment of porcine alveolar macrophages with FK-565 did not enhance cytolytic activity or bactericidal activity. In in vivo experiments, FK-565 given orally to pigs at concentrations of 6 or 60 microgram-kg-l.-d-1 for 5 days did not affect lymphocyte blastogenesis, interleukin-2 production, or alveolar macrophage bactericidal activity. A trend toward increased natural killer cell activity was evident in pigs treated with FK-565. In contrast, pigs treated with 6 microgram-kg-1.-d-1 had significantly (P less than 0.01) decreased alveolar macrophage cytolytic activity. These data indicate that at the dosages tested, FK-565 is not a suitable immunomodulator for enhancement of nonspecific immunity in swine.

The assessment of cutaneous microcirculation by laser-Doppler velocimetry (LDV) has been primarily limited to human studies. The purpose of this investigation was to establish normal values in various species and anatomic sites for blood flow, velocity, and volume as determined by LDV. Microcirculation was measured with a laser-Doppler velocimeter in 54 animals, 6 healthy animals from each of 9 species. The standard sites used were the buttocks, convex surface of the ear, metacarpal pad, humeroscapular junction, thoracolumbar junction, ventral portion of the abdomen, dorsal metacarpus (hooved animals), and ventral surface of the tail (horse). Significant differences in blood flow, velocity, and volume were measured between species and sites within species. The ventral portion of the abdomen consistently had the highest relative blood flow across all species except the monkey. Measurements in the canine metacarpal pad had a high SD, possibly indicating the stratum corneum and epidermis to be too thick for LDV. Our findings provide baseline data in several species, with application of LDV in comparative dermatologic research.

An ELISA was developed and tested for its ability to detect antibodies against Salmonella enteritidis in chickens. Various features of the ELISA were evaluated and optimized. The outer membrane protein antigens selected by use of the protein immunoblotting method made the assay specific and sensitive. The assay was evaluated in chickens experimentally infected with S enteritidis. Blood samples collected at weekly intervals after experimental infection with S enteritidis were analyzed by ELISA. Results of the ELISA were compared with those of conventional serum plate and microagglutination tests. The ELISA was more sensitive and specific in the detection of S enteritidis infection than the other 2 conventional tests.

The pharmacokinetic properties of indomethacin and its effects on aqueous protein values were studied in 15 clinically normal Beagles. The dogs were treated every 6 hours with 1% indomethacin suspension in 1 eye, with the other eye serving as a control. After 24 hours, the dogs were anesthetized and samples of aqueous humor (AH) were drawn by aqueocentesis at 0, 15, 30, 60, and 90 minutes after initial paracentesis. Additional samples were drawn at the time of euthanasia, 180 (6 dogs) and 360 minutes (9 dogs) minutes after initial paracentesis. Blood samples were obtained at each treatment and at each aqueocentesis. The eyes were enucleated after dogs were euthanatized. Aqueous protein concentrations and indomethacin concentrations in AH, plasma, and different ocular tissues were determined. Topical indomethacin administration had no effect on baseline protein concentrations of AH. It reduced protein concentrations in AH significantly at all times after initial aqueocentesis. This reduction was approximately 30%. Indomethacin in the AH is mostly protein-bound. Concentrations were 350 ng/ml in primary AH and 1,305 ng/ml in secondary AH, 90 minutes after initial aqueocentesis. Free-drug concentrations were relatively constant at about 220 ng/ml. Indomethacin administered topically is readily absorbed by the ocular adnexae, reaching a steady-state concentration of 25 ng/ml in blood plasma 18 hours after the start of treatment. Plasma concentrations were 50 times lower than therapeutically effective concentrations. High indomethacin concentrations were found in the cornea only. Low concentrations were found in the iris and ciliary body, the lens, and in the choroid. On the basis of our findings, we conclude that topically administered indomethacin is effective in reducing protein concentrations in secondary AH and is rapidly eliminated from the eye.

Gentamicin sulfate-induced nephrotoxicosis was compared in 2 groups of horses fed different rations. Four horses were fed only alfalfa hay, and 4 other horses were fed only whole oats. Seven days after initiation of the diet, all horses were given gentamicin IV (5 mg/kg of body weight) every 12 hours for 22 days. Urinary gamma-glutamyltransferase to urinary creatinine (UGGT:UCr) ratio was calculated daily, and serum concentration of gentamicin was measured at 1 and 12 hours after drug administration. Results indicated that horses fed oats had greater renal tubular damage than did horses fed alfalfa. Mean UGGT:UCr for horses fed alfalfa was 47.1 +/- 18.8 and was 100.0 +/- 19.0 for horses fed oats (P = 0.007). The UGGT:UCr in horses fed oats was > 100 for a total of 54 days; horses fed alfalfa had UGGT:UCr > 100 for only 7 days. Two horses not given gentamicin were fed only oats and 2 were fed only alfalfa. These horses had mean UGGT:UCr of 17.6 +/- 2.2 and 30.5 +/- 3.0, respectively. Mean peak and trough concentrations of gentamicin were statistically different for horses fed oats and those fed alfalfa (peak 23.16 +/- 1.87 and 14.07 +/- 1.79 microgram/ml, respectively [P = 0.0001], and trough, 1.81 +/- 0.69 and 0.71 +/- 0.70 microgram/ml, respectively [P = 0.02701)]. Mean half-lives of gentamicin (estimated from peak and trough concentrations) for horses fed alfalfa (2.58 +/- 0.26 hours) and horses fed oats (2.88 +/- 0.27 hours) were not significantly different. Horses fed only oats had greater degree of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicosis than did those fed only alfalfa.

The composition and structure of 48 canine cystine urinary stones were determined by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and electron dispersive X-ray analysis. The infrared analysis showed that about 45% of the specimens were composed of pure cystine. The remainder also contained calcium oxalate (mono and/or dihydrate), magnesium ammonium phosphate hexadydrate (struvite), calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (brushite) and complex urates (ammonium, ammonium potassium and/or potassium enriched ammonium urate). The infrared study of several samples heated at 620 degrees C and 750 degrees C revealed the presence of apatitic calcium phosphate. This compound was difficult to detect in the spectrum of the original samples due to the small proportion of phosphate contained in the calculi and to band overlapping. The examination of a series of selected samples by means of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis complemented the infrared results.

Musculature from 198 Canadian cattle with suspected lesions of eosinophilic myositis were examined histologically and by pepsin digestion. Sera from 51 of the 198 animals were also examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for anti-Trichinella antibodies. Viable larvae of Trichinella were not recovered from any of the cattle but one animal from Ontario tested positive for anti-Trichinella antibodies. Histologically, focal and/or diffuse eosinophilic myositis lesions were observed in 149 (75.2%) of the animals studied. Other conditions identified were sarcocystiosis, abscesses, cysticercosis, steatosis, fibrosis, granuloma, lymphosarcoma and necrosis. Sarcocystiosis was identified in 105 of the 198 animals in both normal and affected musculature. The study indicates that trichinosis is not a primary cause of eosinophilic myositis in cattle.

Effect of cold-induced changes in respiratory pattern on pulmonary particle deposition was investigated in 10 male Holstein calves between the ages of 1 and 3 months. Deposition of intranasally instilled fluorescence-enhanced Pasteurella haemolytica was significantly higher (P < 0.05) for cold-exposed calves and appears to be caused by the cold-induced respiratory pattern change. Deposition was greater in apical and mediastinal lung lobes, but the reason for this preferential deposition is uncertain. Nasal mucus velocity was measured in 4 nonanesthetized calves at ambient temperatures of 2 to 4 C and 16 to 18 C, using tantalum-paraffin off droplets and serial radiography. Nasal mucus velocity was 24% lower during cold exposure. In addition, the effect of mucosal temperature on tracheal mucus velocity was determined in excised tracheas from 7 calves. A direct relationship existed between mucosal temperature and tracheal mucus velocity within the mucosal temperature range studied (35.0 to 39.5 C). Tracheal air temperature measurements in calves at ambient temperatures of -10.4 C (n = 4) and 18.5 C (n = 5) indicated that conditioning of inspired air is not complete at the tracheal level during extreme cold exposure. Therefore, cold air may directly influence tracheal mucociliary clearance. It is speculated that cold exposure increases pulmonary deposition of pathogens, while simultaneously decreasing mucociliary clearance of the upper airways, thus predisposing cold-exposed calves to respiratory tract infection.