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Biomedical subjects

H Kindahl

Publications and source records attributed to H Kindahl.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMed1996

Effect of Toxoplasma gondii infection on the development of pregnancy and on endocrine foetal-placental function in the goat.

The effect of Toxoplasma gondii inoculation on pregnancy and on endocrine foetal-placental function in pregnant goats was studied. Five susceptible goats were inoculated subcutaneously with T. gondii bradyzoites at 71 +/- 2 days of gestation. Another five goats were used as controls. Plasma was analysed for progesterone, oestrone sulphate and 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha. The condition of the foetuses was monitored by real-time ultrasonography. All inoculated goats aborted or delivered stillborn or weak kids 54-73 days after inoculation. None of the goats showed signs of general disease. In cases of foetal death, the ultrasound examination revealed that death occurred between day 1 and 12 before abortion or birth. The appearance of the foetuses varied from fresh to mummified, depending on the number of days between foetal death and expulsion. All five goats became serologically positive to T. gondii after inoculation. None of the goats used as controls aborted, but one goat delivered one mummified and one weak kid for unknown reasons. In inoculated animals an increase in 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha levels in plasma and a subsequent tendency to a decrease in oestrone sulphate levels were observed from about day 40 after inoculation and until abortion or birth. High levels of 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha were seen after foetal death. High levels of 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha were not always followed by a drop in progesterone levels. The mean level of progesterone was slightly decreased after inoculation and onwards. The pattern of progesterone levels around abortion in the inoculated goats was very similar to the pattern around parturition in the control goats. However, 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha levels were higher both before and after abortion in inoculated goats than in control goats. The level of oestrone sulphate did not increase in the inoculated group before abortion in contrast to the level in goats which delivered healthy kids. The patterns of changes in levels of 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha and oestrone sulphate in inoculated animals indicate that the endocrine foetal-placental function was disturbed in most of the inoculated goats, probably due to the injury caused by the establishment and development of T. gondii infection in the placenta and foetus.

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed1996

Prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite and progesterone profiles in post-partum cows with retained foetal membranes.

Post-partum prostaglandin release and resumption of cyclical ovarian activities were studied in 11 Swedish dairy cows with retained foetal membranes (RFM), leaving the RFM untreated. The main PGF2 alpha metabolite, 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha, was measured in blood plasma collected twice daily during the first 50-60 days after delivery. Progesterone was monitored from all morning samples to evaluate the resumption of ovarian activity. The plasma levels of 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha were arbitrarily considered to be significantly elevated between 6-24 days when they exceeded the mean basal value + 2 standard deviations. Comparison between this duration in days of the post-partum PGF2 alpha release and the time required for the completion of uterine involution, placental shedding and last day of post-partum clinical signs showed no significant relations. However, prior to a final decrease below a line of significance of 233-590 pmol/l, pronounced sustained and pulsatile release of PGF2 alpha occurred in relation to the increased frequency of the bacteriological findings. These additional periods of PGF2 alpha release were described as the "total" duration of post-partum release, and were found to be positively correlated with the time required for uterine involution from the stand point of rectal palpation (p < 0.05), while a tendency towards a positive relationship existed for the last day post-partum of clinical signs (p = 0.11). Progesterone analysis revealed resumption of ovarian activity and the first ovulation occurred between 19-29 days in 70% of the cows. The levels of the PGF2 alpha metabolite were again high at the time of luteolysis, thus terminating the luteal phase in the ovulating animals. Thus, it is seen that non-removal of the RFM or the resultant intrauterine infection do not prolong the duration of the immediate post-partum release of PGF2 alpha as compared to normal animals. However, a second release is associated with the increased frequency of uterine infections, indicating that PGF2 alpha may play a role for the early elimination of the infections.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Effect of progesterone on prostaglandin F2 alpha secretion and outcome of pregnancy during cloprostenol-induced abortion in mares.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the role of progesterone in the regulation of endogenous prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) secretion during cloprostenol-induced abortion and to investigate use of progestins to prevent prostaglandin-associated abortion. ANIMALS: 16 pregnant mares. PROCEDURE: To induce abortion, cloprostenol (250 micrograms/d) was administered daily until fetal expulsion or for up to 5 days. In experiment 1, 8 mares, 98 to 153 days' pregnant, received progesterone (300 mg/d) at 24-hour intervals for 5 days, starting 18 hours after the first cloprostenol administration. In experiment 2, 8 mares, 93 to 115 days' pregnant, received altrenogest (44 mg/d) at 24-hour intervals, starting 12 hours after the first cloprostenol administration. Historic control mares, 82 to 102 days' pregnant, received cloprostenol (250 micrograms/d) daily until fetal expulsion. RESULTS: In control mares, fetal expulsion occurred after 2 to 3 cloprostenol administrations and was associated with significant increases in PGF2 alpha secretion. Abortion did not occur in 5 of 8 progesterone-treated mares and 8 of 8 altrenogest-treated mares, and endogenous PGF2 alpha secretion was inhibited, compared with values in aborting mares. CONCLUSION: Circulating progestogen concentrations may have a role in the outcome of pregnancy during prostaglandin-induced abortion. Altered prostaglandin secretion may be a reflection of a direct effect of progesterone or may be caused by the abortion process. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Progestogens might be useful for prevention of abortion in mares in which pregnancy is at risk owing to diseases that are associated with excess prostaglandin secretion.

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed1996

Intrauterine bacterial findings and hormonal profiles in post-partum cows with normal puerperium.

The post-partum intrauterine bacterial flora, prostaglandin release, uterine involution and resumption of ovarian activity were studied in 9 Swedish dairy cows during the first 8-week period. Uterine involution was monitored by transrectal examinations of the reproductive tract 3 times weekly. Bacteriological examination was performed from twice weekly uterine biopsies. The main PGF2 alpha metabolite (15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha) was monitored from twice daily blood plasma samples, while morning samples were used for progesterone determinations. The cows were assigned to 2 groups: Group I (n = 7) with an uncomplicated puerperal period and Group II (n = 2) with signs of intrauterine infections. A total of 143 biopsies were collected, of which 129 (90.2%) were found to be bacteriologically negative. Thirteen (9.1%) of the remaining 14 biopsies were bacteriologically positive, while one (0.7%) was probably a contamination on a single occasion. The 13 bacteriologically positive biopsies belonged to the Group II cows from which 31 isolates contained 6 different genera of facultative and obligate anaerobic bacteria. Actinomyces pyogenes along with Bacteroides sp. and Fusobacterium necrophorum were found to predominate in a mixed flora. The bacteria were rapidly eliminated and disappeared completely from the uteri towards the end of the third week post-partum. The average number of days required for completion of uterine involution was 21.8 +/- 3.0 for all animals. The plasma levels of the PGF2 alpha metabolite were significantly elevated for the first 12-18, and 18 and 27 days in Group I and Group II, respectively. There was no significant relationship between the duration of PGF2 alpha release and the time required for completion of uterine involution (p > 0.05). Progesterone analysis showed resumption of ovarian activity and subsequent ovulation in 4 of the 9 cows 44-55 days post-partum. Thus, intrauterine infections are not commonly seen in cows with normal calving and comparison between the duration of PGF2 alpha release and the time required for completion of uterine involution showed insignificant correlation. However, the longer duration of PGF2 alpha release recorded in the 2 cows with intrauterine infections are related to the increased frequency of infections.

Actinomyces↗
PubMed1996

Endocrine changes during group housing of primiparous sows in early pregnancy.

The effect of group housing sows during early pregnancy on maternal endocrine changes and on embryonic survival was studied. Twenty crossbred (Swedish Yorkshire x Swedish Landrace) primiparous sows were used. On day 11 +/- 1 of pregnancy 3 unacquainted sows were randomly assigned to a single pen measuring 3 m x 3 m in area. A fourth sow in each group was housed in an individual pen and used as a control. This procedure was repeated 5 times to collect data from 5 animals in each rank as well as in a control group. Blood samples were collected from the day before grouping to day 5 after grouping for cortisol, corticosteroid-binding globulin (CBG), progesterone (P4), oestradiol-17 beta (E2) and prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite (PG-metabolite) analysis. A rank-order test and an ACTH test were performed on day 4 and day 5 of grouping respectively. The sows were slaughtered on day 17 +/- 1 of pregnancy and embryos recovered. Aggression accompanied by elevations (p < 0.05) in cortisol concentrations occurred in all grouped sows on the first day of grouping. The cortisol increase was greater (p < 0.01) in the subordinate than in the other ranked sows. Cortisol concentrations and the level of aggression decreased on subsequent days during grouping, but the cortisol levels were still higher than on the pre-grouping day except for the intermediate ranked sows. Cortisol concentrations after the ACTH test were similar in the grouped as well as the control sows. The dominance hierarchy was confirmed during the rank order test. Concentrations of P4, E2, PG-metabolite and CBG were similar between the group-housed sows and with the controls. Mean embryonic recovery was 66.8% +/- 11.5%, 71.3% +/- 6.0%, 70.0% +/- 16.0%, and 69.9% +/- 5.8% for the dominant, intermediate, subordinate, and control sows respectively. Hence, group housing during early pregnancy did not influence reproductive hormones or embryonic survival.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed1995

Interaction between oxytocin and prostaglandin F2 alpha in human corpus luteum?

The effect of a single injection of oxytocin into the corpus luteum, with or without pretreatment with a prostaglandin synthetase inhibitor, was studied in order to investigate possible local interactions between prostaglandin (PG)F2 alpha and oxytocin in the regulation of the human corpus luteum. Oxytocin (4 IU) was injected through the abdominal wall into the corpus luteum in women undergoing laparoscopy for legal sterilization. In the control cases, saline was injected into the corpus luteum, or oxytocin was injected into the contralateral ovary. Oxytocin injected into the corpus luteum caused a fall in serum progesterone and shortened the luteal phase. These effects were not seen following injection of saline into the corpus luteum, or following injection of oxytocin into the contralateral ovary. After the injection of oxytocin into the corpus luteum a rise in 15-keto-dihydro-PGF2 alpha, a PGF2 alpha metabolite, was seen. The changes in serum progesterone caused by injection of oxytocin into the corpus luteum could be prevented if a PG synthetase inhibitor was given before the injection. These findings suggest that local interaction between oxytocin and PGF2 alpha plays a role in the regulation of the human corpus luteum.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Modulation of endotoxin-induced andrological alterations by flunixin meglumine in the boar.

Flunixin meglumine (FM), an inhibitor of the cyclo-oxygenase pathway of the prostaglandin synthesis, was used to evaluate the andrological changes following an endotoxin (ET) administration in the boar. FM was injected as a single dose 10 min prior to an ET injection. Blood plasma was analysed for the contents of 15-ketodihydroprostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha LH, testosterone and cortisol. Twelve h after the ET administration, the boars were castrated and the testes examined by light and electron microscopy. The results were compared between controls, ET-, FM- and FM+ET-treated boars. An increase in 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha levels was seen following ET administration. Pretreatment with FM decreased the levels of 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha during 2 h. Following the ET administration a voluminous increase in testosterone levels as well as changed LH levels were seen. Similar alterations in hormonal levels were observed also after pretreatment with FM, however, delayed about 2 h, and during this time a marked decrease in testosterone levels was seen. In the testes an infiltration of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in the interstitium and histological changes among the Leydig cells were seen after ET injection. Pretreatment with FM reduced the number of invading PMN and the Leydig cells appeared less affected. The results show that FM modulated the negative effects of ET on the testicular function in the boar, indicating that the initiation of the arachidonic acid cascade was of importance for the induction of the alterations following an ET injection.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Plasma concentrations of progesterone, oestradiol, LH and 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha in Norwegian semi-domestic reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus) during their first reproductive season.

Blood samples were collected from eleven 1.5 year old female reindeer three times a week from September 1992 until February 1993 and daily in October and November 1992. Blood samples were collected every third hour for a period of three weeks from two females that showed regular oestrous cycles. Plasma progesterone, oestradiol, LH and 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha were analysed to characterize variations in ovarian function. Reindeer are seasonally polyoestrous. Average duration of oestrous cycles was 19.4 days (range: 13-33 days). Short periods of high progesterone concentrations (4-8 days duration) occurred in five animals before the onset of regular oestrous cycles. The first regular cycle had a significantly longer luteal phase than did the following cycles. During luteolysis 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha was released in a pulsatile pattern. Maximal oestradiol concentrations preceded preovulatory LH peaks by about 3 h in the two frequently sampled animals. The duration of LH surges was 12 and 15 h, respectively.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Effects of calf removal at parturition on postpartum ovarian activity in Zebu (Bos indicus) cows in the humid tropics.

To assess endocrine and morphological responses of ovaries to total weaning at parturition, 6 Zebu (Bos indicus) cows 5 years or older were investigated. Following parturition, blood samples were collected daily during the first month and twice weekly thereafter until day 60 to determine concentrations of progesterone (P4) and prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite. It took between 25 to 32 days to complete uterine involution. The prostaglandin metabolite remained elevated for a mean period of 14.2 days (range, 4-21) postpartum. Five of the animals resumed cyclicity with a short estrous cycle starting between days 7 to 34 and lasting between 7 and 14 days. No estrous behavior was recorded prior to the short estrous cycles, but subsequent normal-length estrous cycles were all preceded by signs of estrus. In the 1 animal that resumed cyclicity with an estrous cycle of normal length on day 37 (length 20 days), the cycle was preceded by estrous behavior. Progesterone concentrations reached a mean maximum of 4.8 nmol liter-1 during the short estrous cycles, and prostaglandin metabolite concentrations peaked while P4 concentrations were decreasing. P4 concentrations reached a mean maximum of 12.2 nmol liter-1 during the estrous cycles of normal length. The interval from parturition to the first estrous cycle of normal length varied between 16 and 48 days, and the length of the cycle was 18 to 22 days. Starting 2 days postpartum, ovaries from 5 of the cows were scanned by ultrasonography every second day until day 30 postpartum. Medium-sized follicles were detected between days 4 to 7 postpartum in 4 of the scanned cows that later had short estrous cycles. The time between parturition and the appearance of the first dominant follicle was 7.6 days (range 6-10 days). The interval between parturition and the appearance of the first ovulatory-sized follicle was 10.2 days (range 8-13 days). In 3 of the scanned cows this ovulatory-sized follicle ovulated. We conclude that cyclic ovarian activity in Zebu cows can start early in the postpartum period in the absence of offspring, and that short luteal phases, not preceded by estrous behavior, may play an important role in establishing normal postpartum ovarian activity.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Effect of flunixin meglumine on endogenous prostaglandin F2 alpha secretion during cloprostenol-induced abortion in mares.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative role of endogenous prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) secretion in cloprostenol-induced abortion in mares that no longer require luteal progesterone secretion for maintenance of pregnancy, and to evaluate the ability of a prostaglandin cyclooxygenase inhibitor (flunixin meglumine) to prevent cloprostenol-induced abortion. DESIGN: The effect of flunixin meglumine on PGF2 alpha secretion and outcome of pregnancy was compared between mares treated with cloprostenol only and mares treated with cloprostenol plus flunixin meglumine. ANIMALS: Five pregnant mares, aged 4 to 15 years, of light-horse type. PROCEDURE: Cloprostenol (250 micrograms) was administered at 24-hour intervals to 5 pregnant mares. Flunixin meglumine (500 mg, IV) was administered at 8-hour intervals starting 15 minutes before the first cloprostenol administration. Hourly blood samples were analyzed for 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha, progesterone, and estrogen concentrations. Previously reported data on cloprostenol-induced abortion in 6 pregnant mares treated daily with cloprostenol only were used as historic controls. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SEM) interval from first cloprostenol administration to fetal expulsion 56.4 (+/- 13.7) hours and number of cloprostenol administrations 3.2 (+/- 0.6) in the 5 flunixin meglumine-treated mares were not significantly different, compared with values for 6 pregnant mares treated daily with cloprostenol only, 48.6 (+/- 5.6) hours and 2.8 (+/- 0.2) cloprostenol administrations. Flunixin meglumine did not inhibit endogenous PGF2 alpha secretion. Prostaglandin F2 alpha secretion rates on the day before and day of fetal expulsion were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: Flunixin meglumine at a dosage of 500 mg/animal, administered IV every 8 hours, is ineffective in modulating uterine PGF2 alpha secretion during cloprostenol-induced abortion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Flunixin meglumine is ineffective in the modulation of prostaglandin-induced uterine PGF2 alpha secretion and, therefore, does not offer a viable alternative for the prevention of abortion in mares at risk of abortion because of systemic illness.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed1995

Endocrine changes after mating in pregnant and non-pregnant llamas and alpacas.

Plasma concentrations of oestradiol-17 beta, progesterone, 15-keto-dihydro-PGF2 alpha and luteinizing hormone (LH) were monitored in llamas and alpacas after mating with an intact male. Concentrations of LH and PGF2 alpha metabolite were high immediately after copulation. Ovulation occurred in 92% of the animals. The first significant increases in progesterone were recorded on day 4 after mating. In non-pregnant animals the lifespan of the corpus luteum was estimated to be 8-9 days. Luteolysis occurred in association with the release of PGF2 alpha. In pregnant animals, a transient decrease in progesterone concentrations was observed between days 8 and 18 in both species. No significant changes in PGF2 alpha secretion were registered during this period. Oestradiol-17 beta concentrations were high on the day of mating, declined to low values on day 4, and started to increase again on day 8. Peak values after luteolysis in non-pregnant animals were significantly higher than those registered in pregnant ones. Furthermore, concentrations of oestradiol-17 beta were elevated for a longer period in non-pregnant than in pregnant animals. The results suggest that progesterone from the corpus luteum exerts a negative influence on follicular activity in pregnant animals by reducing oestradiol-17 beta secretion.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Hematological and blood biochemical effects of fasting and subsequent oral administration of endotoxin in prepubertal gifts.

The main objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of short-term fasting in gilts on endocrinological and blood biochemical parameters and, further, the effects of subsequent oral endotoxin (ET) administration. Group 1 was fasted for 30 h and then received feed with ET added. Group 2 was fasted for 30 h but received standard feed at refeeding. In group 3, gilts were fed every 6 h for 30 h. The major effects of fasting were: gradually increased concentration of plasma prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite, serum total bilirubin, serum free fatty acids, and decreased serum glucose. The values were normalized within 1-4 h of refeeding. Twelve hours after refeeding, the ET-refed gilts showed higher levels of serum total bile acids and polymorphonuclear leukocytes than those in group 2. It is possible that the observed changes during fasting reflect either an increased intestinal uptake of naturally present endotoxin or a reduced endotoxin detoxifying capacity of the liver. The increased bile acid concentration and polymorphonuclear leukocyte count following refeeding with ET-feed may indicate that orally administered ET is to some extent absorbed from the gut.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1994

Hematological, blood biochemical, and cytological bronchoalveolar lavage studies in prepubertal gilts after endotoxin inhalation and ingestion.

The effect of oral intake of endotoxin (ET) combined with inhalation of ET-contaminated feed-dust was studied in 6 prepubertal gilts. The animals were given 100 mg of ET each in their ordinary feed ration and meanwhile stayed for 4 h in a continuous flow exposure chamber where the endotoxin concentration was approximately 9 micrograms/m3. Blood samples were collected during the exposure and for 8 h afterwards. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed 24-26 h after the exposure. Six additional animals received ordinary feed and were exposed to feed-dust without added ET. Blood samples were analysed for total white blood cell count (B-WBC) and differential count: polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear (MN); total red blood cell count (B-RBC); platelets (B-PLT); total serum bile acids (S-BA); glutamate dehydrogenase (S-GLDH); and a blood plasma prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite (15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha; P-PG). The major findings were decreased numbers of MN, PMN and B-RBC 3 to 6 h after the start of the ET exposure and increased numbers of neutrophilic granulocytes in the BAL fluid of the ET-exposed animals. It is concluded that a combined oral and airborne ET challenge induces hematological and cytological changes that may contribute to the development of respiratory disorders.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1994

Blood levels of the prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite during the postpartum period in Bos indicus cows in the humid tropics.

Plasma levels of the prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite (15-ketodihydroprostaglandin F2 alpha) were determined by radioimmunoassay in 26 postpartum multiparous Brahman cows. Variation in the concentrations of the metabolite was high among animals. 15-Ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha concentrations on day 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 postpartum ranged from 402 to > or = 1000, from 251 to > or = 1000, from 237 to > or = 1000, from 75 to 608 and from 75 to 267 pmol l-1, respectively. The prostaglandin metabolite levels were elevated at parturition and remained elevated thereafter for periods varying up to 10 to 23 days postpartum (16.7 +/- 0.7 days, mean +/- SEM). Uterine involution (UI) was completed by 28.0 +/- 0.8 days (ranging from 20 to 36 days). A markedly linear decrease of 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha levels (P < 0.001) occurred from parturition until Day 23 postpartum. A significant correlation between the duration of the elevated PGF2 alpha metabolite and the time required for completion of UI was observed (r = -0.05, P < 0.01). The effect of parity (PT) on 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha levels was not significant, however the relationship between UI and PT was affected (r = -0.59, P < 0.001). Both PGF2 alpha release and PT had effects on the variability of UI (R2 = 0.62, P < 0.001). No significant relationship was found between elevated levels of 15-ketodihydro-PGF2 alpha UI and PT with postpartum anoestrous interval (PPAI).

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Ultrasonography of the bovine postpartum uterus with retained fetal membranes.

The aim of this study was to describe the potential application of ultrasound in combination with the rectal palpation method and to compare the results to determine the involution period in 11 Swedish dairy cows with retained fetal membranes (RFM). The animals were examined three times a week during the first 8-week postpartum (PP) period. Significant quantity of abnormal vaginal discharges with concomitant accumulation of snowy fluid and thickening of the endometrial and uterine walls were interpreted as evidence of endometritis. The discharges decreased most markedly during the third week PP concomitantly with a marked decrease in the cervical and uterine size. Resumption of cyclical ovarian activity occurred within a month in 7 animals. Five of these cows had 2 ovulations and two animals had 1 and 3 ovulations, respectively. A slight increase of the cervix and uterine size was observed in all ovulating animals in relation to the oestrous periods. Several different calculation methods of the ultrasonographic results were evaluated to describe the completion of uterine involution and compared with findings at rectal palpation. The best congruency with rectal palpation was found to use a 0.5 cm difference for comparison of the previous pregnant and non-pregnant uterine horns in singleton cows and an 80% reduction of the uterine size in all studied animals.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Intrauterine bacterial findings in postpartum cows with retained fetal membranes.

Eleven Swedish postpartum cows with retained fetal membranes (RFM) were studied to determine the intrauterine bacterial flora. Bacteriological examination was performed from twice weekly uterine biopsies. A total of 161 biopsies were collected during the first 8 weeks postpartum of which 82 (50.9%) were found with bacterial growth. Seventy-one of the 82 bacteria-positive biopsies (86.6%) showed mixed infections whereas the remaining 11 (13.4%) were pure cultures. Generally, a total of 322 isolates belonging to 12 different genera of bacteria, 6 facultative and 6 obligate anaerobic pathogens were identified. Mixed infections were most frequent for Actinomyces pyogenes together with obligate anaerobic bacteria, especially Bacteroides levii/spp. and Fusobacterium necrophorum. All of the studied cows had an infection that involved the first two genera of bacteria, whereas F. necrophorum was found in 8 of the 11 animals. The present work suggests that a possible pathogenic synergism between A. pyogenes and the two main Gram-negative anaerobes might have caused early endometritis and/or persistent infection.

Actinomyces↗
PubMed1994

Effect of mimicking prepartum concentration of estradiol-17 beta on the inflammatory response to endotoxin in gilts.

The effect of mimicking prepartum concentration of estradiol-17 beta on the inflammatory response to endotoxin in gilts was studied. The study was performed in a split-litter design and comprised 5 pairs of littermates. A catheter was inserted into the jugular vein 2 days prior to the start of the study. In each pair, 1 littermate was treated IM with 2.5 mg of estradiol-17 beta/75 kg of body weight, and the other littermate was given peanut oil IM as a control. The day after treatment, all gilts were challenge-exposed with a Salmonella typhimurium-derived endotoxin (1 microgram/kg, IV) and the inflammatory response to challenge exposure was monitored. There was no effect of estradiol treatment on the transient clinical signs of endotoxemia or on the increase in rectal temperature. The increase in blood concentrations of prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite and cortisol after endotoxin challenge exposure was not affected by estradiol. Decrease in number of circulating blood mononuclear cells and polymorphonuclear leukocytes was not changed by estradiol treatment. Taken together, mimicking prepartum concentration of estradiol did not affect either the magnitude or the kinetics of the inflammatory response to endotoxin in gilts. Relevance of these findings to development of endotoxin-mediated diseases, such as the postpartum agalactia syndrome, needs further study.

Animals↗