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Biomedical subjects

C O'Rourke

Publications and source records attributed to C O'Rourke.

10 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2000

Fatal lymphoproliferative disease associated with a novel gammaherpesvirus in a captive population of common marmosets.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Callitrichids (marmosets and tamarins) are extremely susceptible to experimental tumor induction by herpesviruses native to other primate species. A colony of common marmosets developed a syndrome of weight loss, inappetence, diarrhea, and in several animals, palpable abdominal masses. METHODS: Marmosets in the colony were subjected to histologic examination and serologic testing for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). The DNA from tumors that developed in the marmosets was subjected to consensus primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis designed to amplify conserved regions of herpesvirus genomes. RESULTS: The mesenteric lymph nodes and intestinal mucosa were consistently infiltrated by principally B lymphocytes, which often obliterated the normal architecture. Of 84 clinically normal marmosets, 52 were seropositive for EBV. The tumor DNA contained previously unreported herpesvirus sequences closely related to but distinct from those of EBV, Herpesvirus papio, and these lymphocryptovirus, a novel gammaherpesvirus. Results of PCR analysis of circulating lymphocytes from EBV-positive, clinically normal marmosets were negative for EBV antibodies and were positive for marmoset lymphocryptovirus; PCR analysis of circulating lymphocytes from EBV-negative marmosets yielded negative results for EBV and this novel marmoset lymphocryptovirus. CONCLUSION: This novel gammaherpesvirus possibly associated with tumor development may have important management implications for captive callitrichids.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1999

Rib biopsy technique for cortical bone evaluation in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).

Old World primates are often studied to model human skeletal physiology. An important advantage of monkeys over other animal models (i.e., rodents) is the presence of cortical bone Haversian remodeling. Seventy-five female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were subjected to bone biopsy. With monkeys in lateral decubitus position, the tenth rib was surgically exposed and freed from periosteum by use of careful sharp and blunt dissection. The rib section was resected, using bone cutters, and the surgical wound was closed. This procedure was repeated for the contralateral rib at a later time point in 65 monkeys. There was no mortality or appreciable morbidity. The bone specimens were (mean +/- SD) 2.50 +/- 0.25 cm long, with 5.5 +/- 1.0 mm2 total cross-sectional area. They were adequate for histologic, immunohistochemical, and quantitative histomorphometric examinations. Prevalence of pneumothorax was approximately 8.0% for the 140 procedures. This complication was immediately and successfully corrected by insertion of a small thoracic tube, evacuation of pneumothorax, and closure of the incision. This well-tolerated, repeatable procedure yields excellent specimens for performance of cortical bone histologic examination without euthanasia, allowing longitudinal evaluation.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Orofacial pain in patients with sickle cell disease.

The potential danger of low oxygen tension to patients with sickle cell disease is widely known. However, less well known is the phenomenon of patients with sickle cell disease presenting with toothache in the absence of any dental pathology. This study investigated the experience of orofacial pain in three matched groups, comprising patients with sickle cell disease, sickle cell trait and patients with no known blood dyscrasia. There were no differences in pain experience between those groups with sickle cell trait and no known blood dyscrasia. The sickle cell disease patients experienced significantly more orofacial pain in the same 12-month period than the other groups. The pain was also more frequent and of longer duration. In two-thirds of those sickle cell disease patients who experienced toothache, no dental pathology was found, in direct contrast to patients with trait or no known blood dyscrasia. Sickling of blood cells within the dental pulp in a sickle cell crisis may result in pain within teeth. These patients may then present as experiencing toothache in the absence of any dental pathology. General dental practitioners should be aware of this phenomenon when providing care for these susceptible patients.

Adolescent↗