Biomedical subjects

K E Panter

Publications and source records attributed to K E Panter.

72 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

PubMed1990

Premature bovine parturition induced by ponderosa pine: effects of pine needles, bark and branch tips.

Three components of Ponderosa pine trees were administered via gavage to pregnant cows to determine their ability to induce premature parturition. When tips of branches, bark or needles were administered (2.7 kg/day) starting at 250 d of pregnancy, early parturition was induced in an average of 3.4, 5.0 and 9.1 d, respectively, compared to 31.8 d for water gavaged controls (P less than 0.01). Less pine material was required to induce parturition with tips and bark (9.4 and 11.2 kg/cow, respectively) than with needles (25.0 kg/cow P less than 0.05). Cows fed pine material retained fetal membranes longer after parturition; 13.0 d for needles, 10.5 d for bark and greater than 3.0 d for tips versus less than 0.5 d for controls (P less than 0.01). However, 2 of the cows fed tips died within 48 hours after parturition with fetal membranes intact and the other 2 cows fed tips became depressed, pyrexic and emaciated. They survived after extended veterinary care with antibiotic and fluid therapy. Administration of pine materials modified serum progesterone concentration profiles; there was significant elevation in progesterone 1-3 days after pine material was administered. Subsequently, pine material induced a premature decline in progesterone levels prior to parturition, which occurred more rapidly in cows fed bark and tips suggesting a dose response relationship. Pine material also modified serum cortisol concentration profiles; the main difference was a prolonged elevation in cows receiving tips. Branch tips and bark from Ponderosa pine are more potent in inducing parturition than needles.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Piperidine alkaloid composition and relation to crooked calf disease-inducing potential of Lupinus formosus.

A congenital deformity condition called crooked calf disease, of widespread occurrence in western North America, is known to be induced by maternal ingestion during gestation of certain members of the Lupinus genus containing the quinolizidine alkaloid teratogen anagyrine. Because some piperidine alkaloids from other sources induce a similar condition, we have investigated the alkaloid composition and teratogenicity of Lupinus formosus, reported by others to be low in quinolizidines but rich in the type of piperidine alkaloids that we have speculated would be teratogenic. GC/MS analysis of L. formosus showed seven major and nine minor components in the total alkaloid fraction. All seven major and five of the nine minor components, representing all but 3% of the fraction, were identified by mass spectrometric fragmentation patterns and GC retention times. They included several potentially teratogenic piperidine alkaloids (including a very large amount of ammodendrine), as well as several nonteratogenic quinolizidine alkaloids plus a trace (at nonteratogenic levels) of the known quinolizidine teratogen anagyrine. The plant induced severe crooked calf disease with limb, spinal, and palate involvement in experimental calves. The deformities are believed to have been induced by ammodendrine.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

PubMed1989

Pine needle abortion in cattle: a review and report of 1973-1984 research.

Research has verified field observations that cows grazing ponderosa pine needles may abort. The incidence and nature of the abortions produced experimentally simulate very closely those reported by livestock producers and veterinarians. The incidence of experimentally-produced abortions varied markedly from year to year even though the needles were collected in the same general area each year. This suggests that the abortifacient compound(s) in the needles vary from year to year, probably due to environmental and site conditions. The impact of stress (cold and nutrition) as a factor in the abortions was examined. It was concluded that the only effects would be on the willingness of cows to eat the needles. The pine needle abortion problem, what is known of the etiology, and mechanisms of the abortion are reviewed. The usefulness of bioassay systems to study pine needle abortions is discussed.

Abortion, Veterinary↗

PubMed1989

Transient testicular degeneration in rams fed locoweed (Astragalus lentiginosus).

Locoweed (Astragalus lentiginosus) fed to mature rams induced transient degenerative changes in the seminiferous, epididymal and vas deferens epithelium. There were changes in behavior and loss of condition in the treatment rams. Observed libido was reduced. Estimated percent abnormal sperm was significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in the locoweed-fed rams than in the controls. Increased retained proximal cytoplasmic droplets, separation of the heads and tails of the spermatozoa, and reduced sperm motility were observed. Serum SGOT (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase) levels were significantly (P less than 0.01) elevated, and WBC (white blood cell) counts were decreased (P less than 0.01). Grossly no changes were observed. Histologically there were advanced lesions of foamy cytoplasmic vacuolation in all tissues taken at necropsy, but particularly in the epithelium of the seminiferous tubules, epididymis and vas deferens. Reduced spermatozoa production was evident. Testicular changes were transient and rams appeared clinically normal 70 days after locoweed feeding was terminated; however, there was slight residual atrophy of the germinal epithelium at necropsy.

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Toxicosis in pigs fed selenium-accumulating Astragalus plant species or sodium selenate.

Three groups of 5 pigs each were fed a high selenium (Se) diet by mixing either Astragalus praelongus (31.6 ppm Se in feed), A bisulcatus (31.7 ppm Se in feed), or sodium selenate (26.6 ppm Se in feed) with commercial hog feed. Ten control pigs were fed only commercial hog chow containing trace selenium (0.44 ppm Se). Pigs were fed for 9 weeks and necropsied when they had ataxia or paralysis. Blood was collected for hematologic and serum biochemical determinations, and samples of various tissues were collected and fixed in neutral-buffered 10% formalin for histologic evaluation or frozen for determination of selenium concentration. All forms of selenium induced clinical signs of weight and hair loss, with cracked hooves and inflamed coronary bands developing in all Na2SeO4-fed pigs and 1 A praelongus-fed pig, but not in A bisulcatus-fed pigs. Serum calcium, phosphorus, and albumin concentrations were unchanged or significantly decreased from prefeeding values in groups fed selenium. Serum aspartate transaminase (AST) activities in Astragalus species-fed groups, and amylase activities and PCV in all groups of pigs fed selenium, were increased. Serum alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase activities were significantly increased in the A praelongus-fed pigs and significantly decreased in Na2SeO4-fed pigs. Terminal tissue and body fluid selenium concentrations were determined in all groups of pigs fed selenium and compared with values in control pigs. Urine and bile concentrations were increased by the greatest factor (40 to 100x), with tissue concentrations of selenium increased by a lesser factor (6 to 17x).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗

PubMed1989

Pine needle abortion in cattle: associated changes in serum cortisol, estradiol and progesterone.

Nineteen spring-calving cows were used in an experiment to study the effect of feeding pine needles on incidence of premature parturitions (abortions) and the associated changes in serum cortisol, estradiol-17 beta and progesterone. The study was conducted over 2 years (1983, seven cows fed pine needles and three controls; 1984, six cows fed pine needles and three controls). Experimental feeding started at an average of 250 d of gestation and continued until parturition. Daily blood samples were taken from the start of feeding through 2 to 4 d after parturition. Feeding pine needles shortened gestation by 16 d and induced a premature normal rise in cortisol and estradiol-17 beta associated with parturition. Cortisol concentrations were also high at the beginning of the bleeding period and remained higher in pine needle-fed cows. An abrupt rise in progesterone concentration occurred after the start of pine needle feeding which then decreased sharply for 7 to 8 d before parturition and did not decrease to control concentrations until after parturition. We conclude that feeding pine needles to pregnant cows in late gestation causes abortions and that these abortions are directly caused by or are associated with changes in steroid metabolism.

Abortion, Veterinary↗

PubMed1989

Pine needle abortion in cattle: pathological observations.

Grazing of ponderosa pine needles by pregnant cows may cause abortion. The abortions are frequently accompanied by retained placenta. Death is not uncommon in cows that abort. Ten cows were placed on a ponderosa pine needle experiment. Six of these cows were fed pine needles and four served as controls. All six cows receiving pine needles aborted, and three of them died shortly after the abortion. Death was due to a severe septicemia. Although the cows were necropsied shortly after death, all tissues were necrotic. Other lesions are described. Three of the six calves died shortly after the abortion. The other three were small and weak but survived due to intensive care.

Abortion, Veterinary↗

PubMed1988

Toxicoses in livestock from the hemlocks (Conium and Cicuta spp.).

The hemlocks, Conium maculatum (poison-hemlock) and Cicuta spp. (waterhemlock), are poisonous plants that cause sizeable losss to the livestock industry. Clinical signs of poisonhemlock toxicosis are similar in all species of livestock and include muscular weakness, incordination, trembling, initial central nervous system stimulation, depression and death from respiratory paralysis. Poison-hemlock also causes skeletal defects in the offspring of cattle, pigs and sheep and cleft palate in pigs when ingested during specific periods of gestation. The primary toxicants in poison-hemlock are coniine and gamma-coniceine. Coniine predominates in mature plants and seed, whereas gamma-coniceine predominates in early growth of the plant. Waterhemlock is the most violently toxic poisonous plant known. The toxicant is cicutoxin, which acts on the central nervous system, causing violent convulsions and death. Clinical signs of poisoning appear within 15 min after ingestion of a lethal dose and include excessive salivation, nervousness, tremors, muscular weakness and convulsive seizures interspersed by intermittent periods of relaxation and a final paralytic seizure resulting in anoxia and death. Elevated activities of lactic dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase in blood are observed, indicative of muscular damage. Toxicoses from poisonhemlock and waterhemlock generally occur in early spring when both plants emerge before other, more palatable plants begin to grow. All parts of the poison-hemlock plant are toxic. The root or tubers of waterhemlock are toxic; however, experimental evidence concerning the toxicity of other plant parts is inconclusive.

Alkaloids↗

PubMed1988

Radio ultrasound observations of the fetotoxic effects in sheep from ingestion of Conium maculatum (poison-hemlock).

Fetal movement in pregnant ewes gavaged with Conium maculatum (poison-hemlock) was reduced significantly, but temporarily. Fetal movement was observed by radio ultrasound at 45, 54 and 60 days of gestation in control ewes and on days 45, 54, and 60 of gestation immediately before and 1 hour following poison-hemlock feeding in treated ewes. Fetal movement was significantly reduced (P less than 0.01) 1 hour after poison-hemlock administration, but returned to normal within 18 hours post treatment. At parturition seven of eleven lambs born to seven treated ewes had varying degrees of front limb abnormalities. Modest to moderate flexure of the carpal joints, some lateral deviation in the front limbs at the pastern joint and kinked tails were observed. These malformations were transient and resolved spontaneously by 8 weeks after lambing.

Animals↗

PubMed1988

The relationship of Oxytropis sericea (green and dry) and Astragalus lentiginosus with high mountain disease in cattle.

All calves fed locoweed (green and dry Oxytropis sericea Nutt and dry Astragalus lentiginosus Dougl) at high elevation developed clinical signs, gross and microscopic lesions of congestive right heart failure. Clinical signs and microscopic lesions of locoweed intoxication were also evident. Control calves did not develop the clinical signs, gross or microscopic lesions demonstrated in the locoweed fed calves.

Altitude Sickness↗

PubMed1988

Maternal and fetal toxicity of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) in sheep.

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) was toxic to pregnant ewes and their fetuses when fed during gestation days 30 through 60. Maternal effects included trembling, muscular weakness in the neck initially, then progressing to the limbs, ataxia, frequent urination and defecation, and death. Convulsive seizures were not observed. Fetotoxic effects included excessive flexure of the carpal joints with lateral deviation in the front limbs and kinked tails. At term, 7 of 11 lambs had varying degrees of the limb abnormalities, but all lambs appeared clinically normal at 8 weeks after parturition.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Ultrasonographic imaging to monitor fetal and placental developments in ewes fed locoweed (Astragalus lentiginosus).

Ultrasonographic imaging was used to monitor the effects of locoweed (Astragalus lentiginosus) on fetal, placental, and cotyledonary developments in pregnant ewes and proved to be a useful noninvasive method of monitoring the effects of locoweed poisoning on fetal and placental development. Ultrasonographic imaging may be a good research technique to observe the effects of toxicants on fetal movement, fetal heart action, and growth and development of the fetus and placenta. Known effects of locoweed poisoning in pregnant ewes, such as fluid accumulation in the placenta (hydrops allantois, hydrops amnii), altered cotyledonary development, and fetal death were observed with ultrasonographic imaging. A previously unknown effect of locoweed on fetal heart action also was observed. Locoweed decreased fetal heart rates, caused cardiac irregularity, and decreased the strength of heart contractions. All ewes, except No. 3525, fed locoweed aborted. At necropsy, aborted fetuses had hypertrophy of the heart, right ventricular dilatation, rounded at the apex of the heart, and generalized edema.

Animals↗

PubMed1987

Death camas poisoning in sheep: a case report.

Approximately 250 sheep were poisoned and died from ingesting death camas (Zygadenus paniculatus) within a 2-day period on a foothill range in southeastern Idaho. Sixty to 70% of the poisoned sheep were 80-90 lb lambs and the rest were mature ewes. Poisonings were confirmed by field investigation, microhistological analysis of plant fragments from rumen contents of dead sheep, clinical signs, gross and microscopic analysis of tissues, and by experimentally feeding death camas collected on the poisoning site to 3 ewes at the Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory at Logan, UT. Clinical signs and gross and microscopic analysis of tissues were similar in ewes from the field investigation to those in ewes experimentally fed death camas. Ataxia, muscular weakness, trembling, incoordination, discharge of frothy saliva from the mouth and nose, vomition, dyspnea, collapse and death were the most common clinical signs. Gross changes included severe pulmonary congestion and subcutaneous hemorrhage. Microscopic lesions were those of severe pulmonary congestion.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

Locoweed (Oxytropis sericea) poisoning and congestive heart failure in cattle.

Locoweed (Oxytropis sericea), when fed to calves at high elevations, increased the prevalence and severity of congestive heart failure. Forced exercise did not increase the prevalence of congestive heart failure, but it did increase severity. Calves consuming locoweed at high elevations developed signs and gross lesions of congestive heart failure and microscopic lesions of congestive heart failure and locoweed poisoning. Calves fed locoweed at low elevations developed only signs and lesions of locoweed poisoning.

Altitude↗

PubMed1985

Reduced progesterone and altered cotyledonary prostaglandin values induced by locoweed (Astragalus lentiginosus) in sheep.

Feeding 300 or 400 g of dried spotted locoweed, Astragalus lentiginosus per day to 11 pregnant Columbia ewes from the 20th to the 50th days of their gestations resulted in dead and edematous fetuses. Aspartate aminotransferase values were increased, whereas serum progesterone values were significantly diminished (P less than 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner by locoweed ingestion. Cotyledonary 6-keto-prostaglandin (PG)F1 alpha (400 g/day only) and PGF2 alpha (300 and 400 g/day) values were significantly increased (P less than 0.05), whereas PGE values were not affected by the treatment. Alterations in PG values in these sheep may be a mechanism for altering corpus luteum function and inducing fetal death, which would ultimately result in abortion.

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha↗

PubMed1985

Induction of cleft palate in newborn pigs by maternal ingestion of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum).

Cleft palates were induced in newborn pigs of gilts fed Conium maculatum seed or plant during gestation days 30 through 45. Twelve of 23 newborn pigs born to 3 gilts given Utah-grown C maculatum seed and 9 of 12 newborn pigs born to a single gilt given the fresh Utah spring-growth C maculatum plant had cleft palates. The cleft palates ranged from a unilateral cleft, involving only 1 side of the palate, to a full bilateral cleft. Brachygnathia was also observed in some of these newborn pigs with cleft palate. Other malformations were not observed. Chemical analysis of seed and plant samples indicated that gamma-coniceine was the responsible teratogenic alkaloid. A daily dose of plant or seed that provided greater than or equal to 1.07 mg of gamma-coniceine/kg of body weight fed to gilts during the 30th through the 45th day of pregnancy resulted in teratogenic effects.

Alkaloids↗

PubMed1985

Congenital skeletal malformations induced by maternal ingestion of Conium maculatum (poison hemlock) in newborn pigs.

Skeletal malformations were induced in newborn pigs from gilts fed Conium maculatum seed or plant during gestation days 43 through 53 and 51 through 61. The teratogenic effects in groups dosed during gestation days 43 through 53 were more severe than those in groups dosed during the later period, with many newborn pigs showing arthrogryposis and twisted and malaligned bones in the limbs and with 1 pig showing scoliosis and deformity of the thoracic cage. The pigs born to gilts given C maculatum during gestation days 51 through 61 had excessive flexure primarily in the carpal joints, without scoliosis or bone malalignment in the limbs. The teratogenicity of poison hemlock depends on the alkaloid concentration and content. Based on the data presented, we speculate that gamma-coniceine is the teratogenic alkaloid in the poison hemlock fed to the gilts.

Abnormalities, Drug-Induced↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Concentration of galegine in Verbesina encelioides and Galega oficinalis and the toxic and pathologic effects induced by the plants.

Verbesina encelioides administered to sheep by gavage induced clinical signs of toxicity and pathologic lesions identical to those induced by Galega officinalis. Sheep had compromised respiratory function with shallow, rapid respiration and frothy exudate from the nares. Affected animals necropsied at time of death presented with hydrothorax with as much as 2 to 3 L of straw-colored thoracic fluid with fibrin tags and congestion and edema of the lungs. The trachea and lung airways contained frothy material with fibrin strands. In some cases, subendocardial hemorrhage of the left ventricle was present. Galegine, a guanidine compound believed to be responsible for these effects, was found at an average concentration of about 0.46% in Galega and at 0.08% in the Verbesina collection that induced toxicosis. While G. officinalis is a known poisonous plant, its very limited distribution in the U.S. causes it to be of minor importance. V. encelioides, however, is widely distributed in the U.S. and presents a potential hazard for grazing livestock. Verbesina may have been responsible for past livestock deaths in the U.S., and thus should be classified as a poisonous plant.

Animals↗