Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

H Pettersson

Publications and source records attributed to H Pettersson.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Transformation of trichothecenes in ileal digesta and faeces from pigs.

The capacity of pig gastrointestinal microflora to metabolise the trichothecenes 3-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (3-acDON) and nivalenol (NIV) was investigated. 3-acDON was deacetylated to DON in anaerobic incubations with pig faeces collected at different pig farms. Furthermore, both 3-acDON and NIV were metabolised to the corresponding deepoxy metabolite in these incubates. Five pigs, in which the gastrointestinal microflora lacked the ability to transform 3-acDON and NIV to their corresponding de-epoxidated metabolites, were given low levels of DON in the feed for seven weeks. The gastrointestinal micro-organisms did not acquire the de-epoxidation ability during the seven week long exposure period. At the end of the exposure period, faeces from pigs with a known de-epoxidation ability was spread out in the pens and left for 24 hours. One week after the faeces had been spread out in the pens, the de-epoxidation ability was found in faecal incubations from four out of five experimental pigs. This change in metabolic ability of the intestinal de-epoxidation ability was not accompanied by any detectable changes in the DNA-profiles of the bacterial community composition. The results show that the intestinal de-epoxidation ability is common at pig farms in the Uppsala area, and that the ability may be transferred between pigs in a stock.

Animal Feed↗

Impingement of the dorsal spinous processes in two hundred and fifteen horses: case selection, surgical technique and results.

The surgical treatment of impingement of dorsal spinous processes (DSPs) at 2 equine veterinary hospitals following a similar diagnostic and surgical protocol is described with special reference to the diagnosis and case selection. The diagnosis was made from clinical examination and results of radiography and diagnostic analgesia of the affected sites. Scintigraphy was also used as an aid to diagnosis at one hospital. Surgical treatment was generally recommended when conservative treatment, which included 3-9 months rest, intralesional corticosteroids and physiotherapy, had failed. The DSPs were approached through a midline incision in the skin and supraspinous ligament. They were resected using an oscillating saw. Postoperatively, horses were returned to lungeing work after 2 weeks and riding commenced at 3 months, in most cases, and by 6 months in all successful cases. From one to 6 DSPs between thoracic vertebra (T) 11 and lumbar vertebra (L) 3 were resected in individual horses. T15, 16 and 17 were the spines most commonly treated. Long-term follow-up information was obtained in 209 horses. Seventy-two percent of these horses returned to full work and a further 9% improved sufficiently to be used for some athletic work.

Analgesia↗

Kinetics of the coupled reaction catalysed by a fusion protein of beta-galactosidase and galactose dehydrogenase.

The mechanistic implications of the kinetic behaviour of a fusion protein of beta-galactosidase and galactose dehydrogenase have been analysed in view of predictions based on experimentally determined kinetic parameter values for the galactosidase and dehydrogenase activities of the protein. The results show that the time course of galactonolactone formation from lactose in the coupled reaction catalysed by the fusion protein can be most satisfactorily accounted for in terms of a free-diffusion mechanism when consideration is given to the mutarotation of the reaction intermediate galactose. It is concluded that no tenable kinetic evidence is available to support the proposal that the fusion protein catalyses galactonolactone formation from lactose by a mechanism involving channelling of galactose.

Diffusion↗

Effect of time, temperature and solvent on the stability of T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, deoxynivalenol and nivalenol calibrants.

The influence of solvent, storage time and temperature on the stability of the trichothecene mycotoxins T-2 toxin (T-2), HT-2 toxin (HT-2), deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV) was investigated. Toxins in acetonitrile, ethyl acetate or as thin film were stored in sealed glass ampoules at -18, 4, 25 and 40 degrees C for up to 24 months. Samples were analysed by HPLC with UV detection. The results should that acetonitrile was the preferred solvent and no significant (t0.95-test) decomposition occurred for any of the four trichothecenes when stored for 24 months at 25 degrees C or 3 months at 40 degrees C. T-2 and HT-2 in ethyl acetate or as thin film were also stable under the same conditions. DON and NIV in ethyl acetate or as thin film were stable for up to 24 months at -18 degrees C, but a significant decomposition of DON and NIV in ethyl acetate was observed for both toxins after 24 months of storage at 4 degrees C and after 12 months at 25 degrees C. When stored as thin film, a significant trend of decomposition of DON occurred after 24 months of storage at 4 degrees C and after 6 months of storage at 25 degrees C. A significant decrease of NIV stored as thin filmn was observed after 9 months at 25 degrees C. In conclusion, acetonitrile was the most suitable solvent for long-term storage of T-2, HT-2, DON and NIV.

Acetates↗

Effects of mould and toxin contaminated barley on laying hens performance and health.

Moulded and mycotoxin containing barley was incorporated into the diets for laying hens to study the effects on performance and health. Health indicators were different blood plasma parameters and liver vitamin A and E levels. A total of 30 hens were fed 3 diets, one supplemented with 30% of toxin-free and two with differently moulded barley from 1997 and 1998 for 7 weeks. The moulded diets contained low to moderate concentrations of ochratoxin A, zearalenone, deoxynivalenol and nivalenol. Inclusion of mouldy barley in the diets had an adverse effect on feed intake, feed conversion, digestibility of nutrients, egg production and egg quality. Plasma alkaline phosphatase was increased and certain biochemical blood parameters (bilirubin, uric acid, chlorine, protein, albumin, vitamin A) were also higher or changed compared to control. The ochratoxin A contamination although relatively low could have contributed to some of these effects as well as reduced intake of feed. The higher mould contamination and an unidentified cell-toxic constituent in the diet containing barley from 1998 can probably also explain the more marked effects from this diet.

Animal Feed↗

Determination of nitrate and other water quality parameters in groundwater from UV/Vis spectra employing partial least squares regression.

The use of UV/Vis spectroscopy in combination with partial least squares (PLS) regression for the simultaneous prediction of nitrate and non-purgeable organic carbon (NPOC) in groundwaters was evaluated. A model of high quality was obtained using first order derivative spectra in the range 200-300 nm. Inclusion of non-UV-absorbing constituents in the modeling procedure, i.e., chloride, sulfate, fluoride, total carbon (TC), inorganic carbon (IC), alkalinity, pH and conductivity was also evaluated. This model seemed to be useful for prediction of chloride, TC, IC, alkalinity and conductivity, while its ability to predict sulfate, fluoride and pH was poor. In conclusion, application of PLS regression, which requires neither filtration of samples nor addition of chemicals, is a promising alternative for fast interpretation of geochemical patterns of groundwater quality.

Fluorides↗

Kinetics of the coupled reaction catalysed by a fusion protein of yeast mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase.

The mechanistic implications of the kinetic behaviour of a fusion protein of mitochondrial malate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase have been reanalysed in view of predictions based on experimentally determined kinetic parameter values for the dehydrogenase and synthase activities of the protein. The results show that the time-course of citrate formation from malate in the coupled reaction catalysed by the fusion protein can be most satisfactorily accounted for in terms of a free-diffusion mechanism when consideration is taken to the inhibitory effects of NADH and oxaloacetate on the malate dehydrogenase activity. The effect of aspartate aminotransferase on the coupled reaction is likewise fully consistent with that expected for a free-diffusion mechanism. It is concluded that no tenable kinetic evidence is available to support the proposal that the fusion protein catalyses citrate formation from malate by a mechanism involving channelling of the intermediate oxaloacetate.

Citrate (si)-Synthase↗

Effect of dietary T-2 fusariotoxin concentrations on the health and production of white Pekin duck broilers.

The effects of different dietary levels of T-2 toxin on production, biological, immunological, and pathological parameters of growing white Pekin ducks were studied to establish the "no effect" dietary concentration of, and "no effect" exposure time to, pure T-2 toxin. Day-old white Pekin ducks were randomly allotted to nine groups of 10 ducks each. One group served as a control, and no mycotoxin was added to its feed. The feeds of the experimental groups were supplemented with 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, and 4.0 mg purified T-2 toxin/kg, respectively, from Day 1 until Day 49 of the experiment. Dermatotoxic oral lesions developed in most experimental ducks within 2 d after the start of feeding T-2 toxin-contaminated feeds. The gradual disappearance of macroscopic signs indicated the development of tolerance in groups treated with the lower T-2 toxin content. No repair was found in the 3 and 4 mg/kg groups. Dietary concentrations of T-2 toxin below 0.4 mg/kg had no effect on the average weekly weight gain in the first 6 wk, but a severe decrease was found in the last week of the experiment. The 0.6 mg/kg dietary T-2 toxin had no effect on weight gain in the first 3 wk. At Week 4 and later, the weekly weight gain was significantly reduced, and the final live weight of this group was also significantly lower than that of the control. Dietary T-2 concentrations of 1 mg/kg and greater uniformly depressed growth rate. Only the 3 and 4 mg/kg groups refused feed during the first week. From Week 3 on, the feed intakes of the 0.6 to 4 mg/kg groups were usually less than that of the control group, indicating feed refusal. Serum and plasma chemical values and hematological parameters failed to show dose-dependent effects. The blastogenic response of lymphocytes to nonspecific and specific mitogens was distinctly impaired by the T-2 toxin at all levels in the feed. In the 3 and 4 mg/kg groups, the histological examination revealed lymphocyte depletion in the spleen and bursa of Fabricius.

Administration, Oral↗

Marine radioactivity assessment of Mururoa and Fangataufa atolls.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) carried out an international project. 'The Study of the Radiological Situation at the Atolls of Mururoa and Fangataufa' with the aim of assessing the present and future radiological situation at the atolls and making recommendations for either monitoring or remedial actions if they are deemed necessary. The paper concentrates on marine radioactivity aspects and gives an estimation of present radionuclide concentrations in water, sediment and biota of the Mururoa and Fangataufa lagoons and the surrounding ocean. The dominant radionuclide in both lagoons is Pu in sediments (the total inventory is approximately 30 TBq). A decline in radionuclide concentrations has been observed in recent years in lagoon water, with the exception of 3H and 90Sr, for which a contribution from underground sources is to be expected. Radionuclide concentrations in biota from the lagoons and the surrounding ocean are low and consistent with previous measurements. The observed radionuclide concentrations in both lagoons imply that no radiological risk exists for hypothetical inhabitants of Mururoa and Fangataufa Atolls.

Animals↗

Cytotoxicity of four trichothecenes evaluated by three colorimetric bioassays.

The application of cell culture technique for screening of low concentrations of Fusarium mycotoxins was examined. Three colorimetric bioassays were used to determine the cytotoxicity of the trichothecenes T-2 toxin (T-2), HT-2 toxin (HT-2), deoxynivalenol (DON) and nivalenol (NIV) to 3T3 mouse fibroblasts (3T3 cells). The bioassays assess DNA synthesis (incorporation of 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine; BrdU), metabolic activity (cleavage of 3-(4,5-dimethyltiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; MTT) and cell membrane damage (release of lactate dehydrogenase; LDH), respectively. The BrdU bioassay was the most sensitive and the IC50 values (50% response compared to untreated cells) of T-2, HT-2, DON and NIV were 4.6, 13, 263 and 365 ng/ml, respectively. At the same toxin concentrations used in the BrdU bioassay, only T-2 and HT-2 were toxic enough to obtain IC50 values using the MTT bioassay. The IC50 values for T-2 and HT-2 were 12 and 68 ng/ml, respectively. When determined by the LDH bioassay, the IC50 values of T-2 and HT-2 were 18 and 42 ng/ml, respectively. At the tested concentrations, DON and NIV had a minor effect on the 3T3 cells when evaluated by the MTT and LDH bioassays. The BrdU bioassay in combination with 3T3 cells was found to be a suitable method for determination of trichothecene-induced toxicity at low concentrations.

3T3 Cells↗

Mechanism of metabolite transfer in coupled two-enzyme reactions involving aldolase.

Transient-state kinetic experiments and analyses have been performed to examine the validity of hitherto unchallenged evidence proposed to be indicative of a channelled transfer of triose phosphates from aldolase to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. The results lend no support to such proposals, but show that the kinetic behaviour of the examined aldolase-dehydrogenase reactions is fully consistent with a free-diffusion mechanism of metabolite transfer.

Catalysis↗

Outcome and racing performance after internal fixation of third and central tarsal bone slab fractures in horses. A review of 20 cases.

Twenty horses with central and third tarsal bone slab fractures, were treated internal fixation. Eighteen of the 20 cases were Standardbred trotters, one was a Thoroughbred racehorse and one a Swedish Warmblood. The central tarsal bone (CT) was involved in 12 cases and the third tarsal bone (T3) in 8 cases. The fractures were treated by lag screw fixation with one (18 cases) or two (2 cases) 3.5 or 4.5 mm cortical screws. Horses were confined to stall rest for one month and then put on a gradually increasing exercise programme. Convalescence time was 3-8 months until the fracture had healed and training could be resumed. Fifteen of the horses regained athletic soundness. Thirteen of the horses (72%) raced after surgery (12 Standardbreds and 1 Thoroughbred). Nine (69%) of these 13 horses won races after surgery.

Animals↗

Mechanism of NADH transfer among dehydrogenases.

Steady-state and transient-state kinetic experiments have been performed to test the proposal that there is a direct (channelled) transfer of NADH from one dehydrogenase to another if the two enzymes exhibit distinct chiral coenzyme specificity (A-side vs. B-side). The results lend no support to this proposal, but are fully consistent with a free-diffusion mechanism of NADH transfer irrespective of the chiral specificity of the enzymes.

Alcohol Dehydrogenase↗

A high ratio of insulin-like growth factor II/insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 messenger RNA as a marker for anaplasia in meningiomas.

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) I and II have been implicated as autocrine or paracrine growth promoters. These growth factors bind to specific receptors, and the response is modulated by interaction with IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs). We observed a strong correlation between anaplastic/atypical histopathology and a high IGF-II/IGFBP-2 mRNA ratio in a set of 68 sporadic meningiomas. A strong correlation was also found between clinical outcome and IGF-II/IGFBP-2 ratio, whereas previously used histochemical markers were less correlated to outcome. We suggest that a high IGF-II/IGFBP-2 mRNA ratio may be a sign of biologically aggressive behavior in meningiomas that can influence treatment strategies. We propose that low IGFBP-2 levels in combination with increased levels of IGF-II would result in more free IGF-II and consequently greater stimulation of proliferation.

Adult↗

Influence of dietary nivalenol exposure on gross pathology and selected immunological parameters in young pigs.

Young pigs were fed diets to which 0, 2.5, or 5 mg/kg of purified nivalenol (NIV) had been added. The exposure continued for 3 weeks without any signs of feed refusal, vomiting, or change in clinical appearance, and there were no changes in body or organ weights due to the exposure. However, the concluding macroscopic examination revealed gastrointestinal erosions and signs of nephropathy in most of the exposed pigs. There were no differences in total or differential blood leukocyte counts between control and exposed pigs in blood samples collected after 0, 1, or 3 weeks, nor in the number of thymocytes at the end of the trial. Spleen cell numbers showed a dose-dependent decrease after 3 weeks of exposure that was statistically different from controls in pigs exposed to 5 mg NIV/kg. Flow cytometric analysis of lymphocytes revealed decreased numbers of both the CD4+ and the CD8+ subpopulations in the spleen at this point in time, reflecting the lower numbers of splenocytes; but no proportional changes were seen. In blood, exposure to NIV caused a transient decrease in the proportion of CD4+ cells after 1 week of exposure. Analysis of IgG and IgA in plasma showed a time-dependent tendency of increasing plasma concentrations of IgA and decreasing concentrations of IgG in the 2.5 mg/kg group, but differences in Ig levels between experimental groups and controls were not observed at any time. No differences were seen in the mitogen-induced proliferation by lymphocytes from blood, spleen, or thymus. In conclusion, exposure of young pigs to NIV in the diet caused pathological alterations in the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract and reduced the number of splenocytes. The results also indicated that exposure to NIV caused a time-dependent increase in IgA production in the 2.5 mg/kg group.

Animal Feed↗