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Biomedical subjects

E Gruys

Publications and source records attributed to E Gruys.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources
PubMed1990

[Acute phase proteins as diagnostic aid in veterinary medicine].

The acute phase response is the general nonspecific defence mechanism induced by noxious stimuli, which precedes the specific defence mechanism of the immune response. In addition to other changing physiological parameters, the concentration of a number of proteins changes significantly during the acute phase response. These acute phase proteins were studied in detail in human subjects. However, the knowledge of acute phase proteins in domestic animals, is limited. This knowledge is reviewed in the present paper. Attention is directed to C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid-A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp). These three proteins promise to be the most useful ones in the routine diagnosis of diseases of animals, which is discussed at the end of the paper.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗
PubMed1990

Haemorrhagic claw lesions in newborn piglets due to selenium toxicosis during pregnancy.

In a sow herd piglets were born with haemorrhagic lesions on the proximal wall and sole of the claws of all their feet due to abnormal horn formation. High concentrations of selenium were detected in the liver and kidney of the piglets and appeared to be associated with these lesions. A selenium rich premix added to the rations of the sows in the second half of gestation was the origin of this selenium intoxication.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Long-lasting epidural sensory blockade by n-butyl p-aminobenzoate in the dog: neurotoxic or local anesthetic effect?

An aqueous suspension of n-butyl p-aminobenzoate (BAB), a highly lipid-soluble congener of benzocaine, was applied epidurally and around ulnar nerves in dogs. The suspension consisted of 10% BAB and 0.025% polysorbate in 0.9% NaCl. Sensory effects were tested by electrical stimulation. Three epidural injections were given, and the dogs were killed after 21 days. The increase in stimulation threshold was comparable to the effect of lidocaine in a concentration between 0.5% and 1%. Increased sensory threshold lasted for days, whereas no long-lasting motor effects were observed. Pathomorphologic changes were found primarily in the dorsal spinal nerve roots, although slight changes were also found in the ventral spinal roots. White matter degeneration was found only in the lumbar dorsal columns. This result suggested Wallerian degeneration in the dorsal spinal nerves and was at variance with recently published data on epidural BAB. No changes were observed in the ulnar nerves. The authors demonstrated that the pathomorphologic changes were induced by the BAB suspension and not by the suspending additive polysorbate 80. It was postulated that the suspension of BAB, which contains particles of a median size of 15 microns, was mainly confined to the dorsal epidural space where neurolytic changes in axons of the dorsal spinal nerve roots and dorsal columns are induced. This may explain the long-lasting sensory effects seen in intractable cancer pain patients after epidural BAB administration. More research is necessary to define the distribution of BAB in nervous tissue after its epidural administration and to better characterize toxicity, neurolytic effects, and regeneration of nervous tissue after BAB administrations.

Analgesia, Epidural↗
PubMed1990

Amyloid enhancing factor-loaded macrophages in amyloid fibril formation.

Amyloid enhancing factor (AEF) is believed to be a key agent that triggers the second (deposition) phase of amyloidogenesis. However, the target cells of AEF activation and their function after the activation have not yet been clearly identified. We found that peritoneal resident cells from amyloidotic mice contained very high AEF activity. With a simultaneous subcutaneous injection of 1.0 ml of the casein-adjuvant emulsion, an intravenous injection of 10,000 cells was consistently capable of inducing amyloidosis in a recipient mouse in 72 hours. After 2-hour cultures, the major AEF activity was found in the adherent cells (macrophages). An intravenous injection of 5 to 10 million of the live macrophages with the casein-adjuvant injection caused amyloid deposits in the recipient not only in the spleen and the liver but also in the lung (an extremely rare site of AA amyloid deposition). We have interpreted this finding to indicate that the injected AEF-loaded macrophages, while still residing in the lung and exposed to the blood stream, processed SAA to form amyloid. We further tested this postulate in an in vitro system. In a 4-day culture of the AEF-loaded macrophages in a medium containing SAA-rich mouse serum, small masses (less than 15 microns in diameter) of Congo red positive substance were observed scattered adjacent to or surrounded by the macrophages. The present observations lend strong credence to the conclusion that AEF-loaded macrophages are fully capable of processing SAA to AA and further to amyloid fibrils, and that they indeed play a role in the second phase of amyloidogenesis in vivo.

Amyloid↗
PubMed1990

Observations on mouse-infective stocks of Cowdria ruminantium: microscopical demonstration of the Kwanyanga stock in mouse tissue and the carrier-status of the Senegal stock in mice.

The behaviour of two different stocks of Cowdria ruminantium was investigated in mice. The mouse-pathogenic Kwanyanga stock of C ruminantium was microscopically demonstrated in mice in capillary endothelial cells of the lung, spleen, kidney, liver and brain. Mice of the ninth passage of the Senegal stock, which is infective but not pathogenic to mice, were kept alive for a year. Their blood and homogenised spleens, inoculated intravenously, caused fatal heartwater in a goat. However, the Senegal stock could not be demonstrated microscopically in mice. These results indicate the possible role of rodents in the epidemiology of heartwater.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

[Bilateral pleuritis following esophageal fistula in a horse as a complication of a Gasterophilus infection].

A six-year-old pregnant Haflinger mare of 510 kilograms died from bilateral pleurisy following a hospitalisation period of ten days, during which she was treated with various antibiotics. At necropsy a bilateral fibrinopurulent pleurisy accompanied by an ulceration of the cardia of the stomach measuring once cm2 was found. In the wall of the oesophagus, close to the cardia, there was a fistula harbouring a 3rd stage Gasterophilus larva. The epithelial layer at this site was unimpaired and no gross connection between the fistula and the ulceration of the cardia was observed. The fistula was in communication with both pleural cavities. Microscopic examination showed an inflammatory infiltration as a connection between the fistula in between the oesophageal muscular layers and the bottom of the cardiac ulcer. The Gasterophilus larva as the possible cause of the bilateral pleurisy is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

[Dermatitis in slaughtering pigs. A study of the incidence, pathology and its economic significance].

The economic loss resulting from the skinning and trimming of pig carcases is estimated at from 2.5 to 3 million Netherlands guilders per annum. In addition, this dermatitis also gives rise to logistic problems. The pilot project 'Integrated Quality Control' (IQC) is concerned, among other things, with studies designed to result in an optimum method of inspection. For this purpose, the meat inspectors recorded a number of pathological findings on ante-mortem inspection, including 'dermatitis'. Living animals did not show any clinical symptoms, and the dermatitis recorded by the meat inspectors was non-specific. There was believed to be a relationship between scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei var. suis infection) on the farm and the prevalence of dermatitis on the carcases of pigs. To determine whether this dermatitis was due to scabies, pathological and histological investigations were carried out in twenty animals. The recordings of the meat inspector were also analysed. Histopathological findings suggested parasitic infection, also in view of the fact that sarcoptic infection is known to coincide with allergic reactions. Dermatitis was detected in 5,712 out of 722,273 carcases (0.79 per cent) examined in a single plant in 1987; 1,855 cases (1.27 per cent) occurring in the winter, 1,798 cases (0.96 per cent) in the spring, 1,357 cases (0.65 per cent) in the summer and 710 cases (0.39 per cent) in the autumn. With the exception of the winter and spring, the consecutive seasons differed significantly (p less than 0.01). 136,434 animals of sixty-nine pig farms which took part in the IQC programme, were examined in 1987. The prevalence of carcases showing dermatitis on these farms varied from 0 to 6.3 per cent, averaging 0.66 per cent. The pathological findings in these investigations suggest a causal relationship between scabies and 'dermatitis' as recorded by the meat inspector.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Arteriographical and pathological changes in chronic laminitis in dairy cattle.

The arteriographic appearance of 76 bovine hind digits, obtained from a slaughterhouse, was related to the macroscopic signs of chronic laminitis in the digits. There were statistically significant correlations between the macroscopic and the arteriographic appearance of the claws. Subsequent histological examination of the radiographically abnormal arteries revealed features indicative of arteriosclerosis. The results of this study indicate that chronic laminitis develops following a subclinical attack of laminitis due to a continous hypoperfusion of the digit.

Angiography↗
PubMed1989

Influence of androgens on the genital tract of cyclic heifers.

Cyclic heifers were implanted with the synthetic androgen trenbolone acetate (TBA = 17 beta-hydroxy-19-norandrosta-4, 9, 11-trien-3-on-17 beta-acetate, C2OH2403) (for formulas see Fig. 1). The influence of this androgen on the macroscopic and microscopic morphology of the genital tract was studied. The most striking result was the induction of polycystic ovaries. The clitoris was markedly enlarged and the cervix showed an increased amount of mucus. Microscopically, extensive folding of the cervical epithelium, consisting of tall swollen columnar cells with basal nuclei was seen. The vagina showed an increase of PAS-positive granules in the superficial layer of the epithelium, while there was no increase in the height of the epithelium. These effects are due to androgenic influence on the female genital tract and are in no case specific to one particular product. They could be of help in the detection of the illegal use of agents with androgenic activity.

Androgens↗
PubMed1989

Experimental amyloidosis in the hamster: correlation between hamster female protein levels and amyloid deposition.

Reactive systemic AA amyloidosis was induced in female, male and castrated male hamsters either by repeated injection of casein or by injection of amyloid enhancing factor (AEF) followed by casein. The circulating concentrations of serum amyloid A protein (SAA), the putative precursor of the AA amyloid fibril protein, and of female protein (FP), the pentraxin homologue of serum amyloid P component (SAP) of other species, were measured and correlated with the speed and extent of amyloid deposition. The SAA responses of the three groups of hamsters were indistinguishable in both experiments but, in confirmation of previous reports, castrated males had FP levels higher than those of control males though still lower than in females. No differences were seen between groups in amyloid induction by casein injection alone. However, in the accelerated model using AEF, amyloid deposition occurred sooner and was more extensive in both females and castrated males than in unoperated males. These results strengthen the association between SAP, of which FP is the hamster counterpart, and the pathogenesis of amyloidosis.

Alpha-Globulins↗
PubMed1989

Serum amyloid A concentrations in cows given endotoxin as an acute-phase stimulant.

The concentrations of serum amyloid A (SAA) in 4 cows given Escherichia coli endotoxin as an acute-phase stimulant were quantitatively evaluated by use of an indirect micro-ELISA method and compared with other clinical hematologic values. Serum amyloid A concentration changed minimally after intradermal infection of endotoxin. The concentration of SAA was increased 5 hours after IV injection of endotoxin, with maximal concentration after 17 to 20 hours. The increase in SAA concentration coincided with decreasing serum Zn and Fe concentrations; however, with decreasing serum Zn and Fe concentrations; however, Zn and Fe concentrations appeared to be restored when SAA concentration was still maximal. It was concluded that the SAA response of cattle is comparable with that of other species and can be used for monitoring the activity of clinical inflammation and tissue injury.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗
PubMed1989

[Familial nephropathy in cocker spaniels].

In 21 normal dogs of different breeds and ages the number of nephrons was calculated from paraffin sections in comparison with a maceration method. With these methods the number of glomeruli x 1000 per kidney appeared to be 502 +/- 213 and 515 +/- 230 respectively. The histological method appeared to be acceptable for the determination of the number of glomeruli in incomplete kidneys. The examined Cocker Spaniels consisted of 5 animals without renal problems for control and 21 animals with nephropathy: 12 of 1-2 years, 6 of 4-6 years and 3 of 9-10 years old dogs. As indication for the present number of nephrons the glomeruli were counted in bands of whole cortex with a width of 1 mm. The number of glomeruli per band of cortex in the nephropathic Cocker Spaniels (15.0 +/- 3.0) was not drastic lower than those of the normal Cockers (20.8 +/- 2.5) and of 7 normal adult dogs of different breeds (17.2 +/- 2.2). On pathological examination the nephropathic kidneys showed a membranoproliferative-sclerosing glomerulonephritis with extra-capillary reaction leading to glomerular obsolescence. The animals showed evident proteinuria and final renal insufficiency. It was concluded that the pathogenesis of the familial nephropathy in this breed will not be caused by cortical hypoplasia, but by a primary glomerulopathy.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

[Atrophic rhinitis: assessment of the longitudinal section of the head of pigs in the slaughter line for the determination of incidence and extent of concha atrophy].

UNLABELLED: Atrophic rhinitis (AR) is a disease which causes economic loss to the pig breeding industry in the Netherlands. Prospective studies were done to detect AR at the slaughter line. Longitudinal sections of nasal cavities, made and inspected at the slaughter line, were compared with transverse ones made at a later stage. By close visual inspection and using a 5 grade-system, atrophy of the turbinate bones, ranging from mild to severe, could be detected. However, when a speed slaughter line was used, it was hard to differentiate between normal and mild atrophy of the turbinate bones. CONCLUSION: prevalence and severity of AR as observed on inspection of the longitudinal nasal cavity section at the slaughter line could be valuable in integrated surveillance of the animal and meat production chain.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

A longitudinal study of starvation in piglets and the introduction of a modified liver biopsy technique.

The effect of starvation on blood glucose, muscle glycogen and liver glycogen concentration was measured in a group of newborn piglets. Liver biopsies were obtained by using a modified version of the Menghini technique. No difference in length of survival time was observed between piglets that received water and those that did not. Piglets with higher birth weight survived longer. No relationship was found between initial liver glycogen content and survival time. Moreover, we concluded that plasma glucose levels are not reliable indicators of length of survival time. The interrelated changes in liver glycogen, muscle glycogen, and plasmaglucose concentrations found in this study correspond with those reported elsewhere. Moreover, the number of experimental animals needed for the study was markedly reduced. We conclude that the liver biopsy technique is valuable in longitudinal hypoglycaemia studies of piglets.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Amyloid in the horse: a report of nine cases.

Out of approximately 16,000 horses referred for clinical examination, nine had amyloidosis. Six of these horses had localised amyloid deposits in the wall of the nasal meatus and ventral turbinates associated with epistaxis. Horse 1 also developed malignant histiolymphocytic lymphosarcomas. The amyloid deposits were potassium permanganate-resistant and tryptophan-positive. Gel filtration of solubilised amyloid fibrils from Horse 1 revealed a major retarded fraction with an apparent molecular weight of 20 kD. This protein had an amino acid composition similar to human AL-amyloid proteins and horse immunoglobulin light chains. On Western blot a strong cross-reaction was observed between horse 1gG2a light chains and the Horse 1 amyloid. Horses 7 to 9 had suppurative verminous aneurysm, tuberculosis and an adrenal cortical adenoma, respectively, and had generalised amyloid deposits in liver and spleen. These amyloid deposits were found to be potassium permanganate-sensitive and positive for tryptophan. Gel filtration of solubilised amyloid fibrils from Horse 8 revealed a major retarded fraction (protein AA) with an apparent molecular weight of 10 kD. Immunoperoxidase-antiperoxidase staining showed the localised deposits to be negative or only weakly positive with antisera against bovine, hamster, dog and human protein AA and to be positive with anti-horse-one amyloid protein. The generalised deposits were found to be positive with the antisera against allogenic protein AA. The results of the potassium permanganate incubation, biochemistry, immunoblotting and immunochemistry, indicate that the localised amyloid of Horse 1 and most likely the amyloid of Horses 2 to 6, is of the AL-type. The generalised amyloid deposits were found to be of the AA type.

Amyloid↗
PubMed1987

[Endocarditis and meat inspection in slaughtering pigs. 1. Clinical, pathological and microbiological aspects].

The clinical, pathomorphological and microbiological findings during meat inspection in 599 pigs with endocarditis at slaughter were studied. Clinical signs were observed in 41 per cent of the pigs on ante-mortem inspection. Lameness was the most common sign. However, this symptom is not very specific of endocarditis. This is also true of various other symptoms. Only dyspnoea and drowsiness were indicative of endocarditis to some extent, but occurred only sporadically. Extracardial lesions were observed in 66 per cent of the pigs with endocarditis on post-mortem inspection. Metastatic processes (infarction or inflammatory foci) were most frequently detected in the kidneys. These were highly specific of endocarditis. In addition, the following changes were observed in decreasing incidence: signs of sepsis (hyperplastic splenitis, petechiae and degradation of organs), inflammatory lesions of the joints and legs, metastatic pneumonia and inflammation of the tail. Bacteriological examination was positive in 62 per cent of the cases. Streptococci were the organisms most frequently isolated (36 per cent), followed by Corynebacterium pyogenes (19 per cent) and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (14 per cent). The discussion is concerned with the significance of these bacteria to meat-consumers.

Animals↗