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Biomedical subjects

T Wensing

Publications and source records attributed to T Wensing.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Pentoxifylline pretreatment fails to block the acute-phase response to Escherichia coli endotoxin in dwarf goats.

The purpose of this study was to assess whether pentoxifylline, a drug that can inhibit the production and action of pro-inflammatory cytokines, had beneficial effects on the acute-phase response to E. coli endotoxin in the dwarf goat. First, the effects of 0.5 mg/kg per min pentoxifylline given intravenously over 15 min were examined in five goats. One week later, the clinical changes caused by i.v. injection of E. coli endotoxin (LPS: 0.1 microgram/kg) were determined. This endotoxin induced fever, tachycardia, inhibition of rumen motility, and decreases in plasma zinc and iron concentrations. Three weeks later, the effect of E. coli LPS were again determined immediately after pentoxifylline infusion in the same group of animals. It was concluded that a pharmacological dose of pentoxifylline has no protective effects on the acute-phase response reactions induced by a pyrogenic dose of E. coli LPS.

Acute-Phase Reaction↗
PubMed1995

Laboratory diagnosis of equine pituitary pars intermedia adenoma.

The objective of the study was to determine the sensitivity with which an adenoma of the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland can be predicted in horses by measuring the basal concentrations of glucose, cortisol, adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), and insulin, the urinary concentration of corticoids, the urinary corticoid:creatinine ratio, and the plasma cortisol concentration after the administration of 25 IU of ACTH intravenously. The records of 24 cases of histologically confirmed equine pituitary pars intermedia adenomas were used. An adenoma of the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland in horses was predicted with a sensitivity of 100, 100, and 92% for basal plasma ACTH (n = 16), the urinary corticoid:creatinine ratio (n = 7), and basal plasma insulin (n = 12), respectively. The sensitivity of the ACTH-stimulation test was 79% (n = 14).

Adenoma↗
PubMed1995

Liver triacylglycerol concentrations around parturition in goats with either pre-partum restricted or free access to feed.

The hypothesis was tested that goats allowed ad libitum access to feed during the dry period develop higher post partum hepatic triacylglycerol concentrations than do goats given a restricted amount of feed during the dry period. Goats in their second or more pregnancies were either given a restricted amount of hay, maize silage and concentrate (n = 5) or had free access to this feed mixture while the composition was kept constant (n = 11). After parturition both groups were allowed ad libitum access to feed. Post partum liver triacylglycerol concentrations, as measured in liver biopsies, were significantly raised in goats allowed ad libitum access to feed during the dry period. The increase in liver triacylglycerols was associated with slightly higher plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids but lower serum 3-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. The feeding regimen during the dry period did not significantly influence post partum liver glycogen concentrations and serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, and insulin. The increase in post partum liver triacylglycerol concentrations in the goats allowed ad libitum access to feed instead of a restricted ration during the dry period, was associated with a significant rise in serum alkaline phosphatase activities, whereas other liver function and cell damage indicators in serum, i.e. aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, and bilirubin, were unchanged. Feed intake after parturition tended to be higher in the goats allowed ad libitum access to feed during the dry period but milk production was significantly raised.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed1995

Time trends of plasma lipids and enzymes synthesizing hepatic triacylglycerol during postpartum development of fatty liver in dairy cows.

We studied development of fatty liver in high producing dairy cows with free access to feed during the dry period and thus showed the combined effects of parturition and prepartum overfeeding. Postpartum liver triacylglycerol concentrations at 1 wk postpartum, as measured in liver biopsies, had increased more than 6-fold, which was preceded or accompanied by an increase in plasma NEFA concentrations. Concentrations of hepatic phospholipid changed only slightly. The amounts of total lipids in serum, very low density lipoproteins, and high density lipoproteins significantly decreased by .5 wk after parturition, and concentrations of high density lipoproteins rose steadily. The pattern was similar for concentrations of total cholesterol and phospholipid in serum. Total lipid concentrations in low density lipoproteins were not altered after parturition. The activity of microsomal phosphatidate phosphohydrolase in the liver showed a transient increase at .5 wk after calving, but activity of microsomal glycerolphosphate acyltransferase remained relatively constant. The activities of diacylglycerol acyltransferase had increased about twice at 1 wk after calving and remained at this high level until at least 4 wk after parturition. The rise in activity of diacyglycerol acyltransferase was probably a response to the extra influx of fatty acids to channel them into triacylglycerol. Activities of microsomal cholinephosphate cytidylyltransferase initially increased after calving and then decreased slightly. Activities of hepatic choline kinase had increased after calving. This study indicates that hepatic triacylglycerol accumulates because of the increased hepatic uptake of NEFA and the simultaneous increase in activity of diacylglycerol acyltransferase.

Acyltransferases↗
PubMed1994

Heavy metal contamination in organs of red deer (Cervus elaphus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) and the effect on some trace elements.

In order to determine the contamination level for cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in free ranging red deer (n = 50) and wild boar (n = 118) in 'The Veluwe', a nature reserve in the central part of The Netherlands, concentrations of these metals were measured in liver and kidney. In addition relations between Cd and Pb concentrations and iron (Fe), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) concentrations in these organs were studied. The levels of Cd and Pb in wild animals were higher than in farmed animals of the same age, especially in the kidneys. Kidney Cd and Pb concentrations were generally higher than concentrations in liver. However, in wild boar also high Pb concentrations were found. Unlike the kidney there was a saturation in liver Cd accumulation which might be due to an insufficient Cd binding capacity of the liver as the exposure to Cd persisted. There was a strong increase of the kidney Cd concentrations with age in red deer and wild boar, which indicates substantial chronic exposure to this metal. However, concentrations of Cd and Pb were not high enough to be toxic or to affect Fe, Cu, or Zn concentrations in the animal. Compared to other wildlife species in other countries, the kidney Cd concentrations were high in our animals; Pb concentrations in liver and kidney were about the same as Pb concentrations in wildlife in other countries. Because of the high contamination levels of red deer and wild boar from this study it was concluded that De Veluwe is a relatively highly contaminated area, resulting in liver and kidney which are unsuitable for human consumption.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1994

Urinary concentration of corticoids in normal horses and horses with hyperadrenocorticism.

The urinary corticoid:creatinine (c:c) ratio was determined in eight horses with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC). The mean (+/- SD) urinary c:c ratio of the eight horses with HAC (29 +/- 14 x 10(-6)) was significantly (P < 0.05) greater than the ratio in seven control horses (11 +/- 4.3 x 10(-6)). The urinary concentration of corticoids in control horses (201 +/- 60.4 nmol litre-1) was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than in horses with HAC (664 +/- 291 nmol litre-1). The urinary creatinine concentrations did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) between both groups. As both false negative and false positive cases were found, it is concluded that a measurement of the urinary c:c ratio in the horse should not be used as the sole test to confirm equine HAC.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗
PubMed1994

Undernutrition in relation to changed tissue composition in wild boar (Sus scrofa).

The effect of long term dietary restriction on the composition of liver, kidney, and several muscles was studied in wild boar (Sus scrofa) in order to evaluate the tissue protein content as an indicator for the nutritional status. Extreme undernutrition was associated with a relatively large weight reduction in liver and kidney. In liver and kidney, total protein content and the protein/DNA ratio were reduced through a reduction in both cell number and cell size. The lower protein/DNA ratios and the increased DNA concentration in the muscle of food restricted animals suggested only a reduction of cell size. The response to undernutrition varied considerably between two muscles. It was concluded that the DNA concentrations and the protein/DNA ratio in several tissues provides an additional tool for assessing nutritional status in living or shot wild boar.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Effects of flurbiprofen on recombinant human IL-1 alpha-induced fever and associated clinical, haematological and blood biochemical changes in the dwarf goat.

Flurbiprofen, a potent NSAID, was given as an intravenous infusion (1 mg/kg) to dwarf goats. After drug administration, no significant changes were observed in heart rate and rumen motility, whereas rectal temperature increased slightly; mean plasma glucose and creatinine concentrations gradually increased during the observation period. Plasma iron concentration and the number of circulating lymphocytes were significantly lower after flurbiprofen infusion. Intravenous injection of recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha (r. HuIL-1 alpha: 0.5 microgram/kg) caused shivering, fever, inhibition of rumen contractions, tachycardia, hypoferraemia, hypozincaemia, hyperglycaemia followed by hypoglycaemia, changes in plasma urea and creatinine values, lymphopaenia and neutropaenia followed by neutrophilic leukocytosis. Pretreatment with flurbiprofen partly antagonized the febrile reactions to r.HuIL-1 alpha. The r.HuIL-1 alpha-induced tachycardia and inhibition of rumen contractions were only delayed. The drug prevented the initial hyperglycaemia but did not abolish the secondary hypoglycaemia. Furthermore, flurbiprofen delayed the decline in plasma zinc and iron concentrations, whereas plasma creatinine values were significantly lower. Finally, after drug pretreatment the changes in circulating neutrophils were more pronounced. These data demonstrate that most of the haematological, blood biochemical, and clinical effects of r.HuIL-1 alpha cannot be blocked by flurbiprofen, suggesting that an increased synthesis of prostaglandins is not involved in these r.HuIL-1 alpha-induced effects.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Sedation of wild boar (Sus scrofa) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) with medetomidine and the influence on some haematological and serum biochemical variables.

Medetomidine, an alpha-2 agonist, was tested for the sedation of wild boar (Sus scrofa) (n = 6) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) (n = 7). The effectivity of this drug and the dose required for handling, blood sampling, and minor surgery were established for both species. In addition the effect of medetomidine sedation on haematological and serum biochemical variables was studied. All animals used were clinically normal females aged approximately 1.5 years. The minimal dose required to sedate a wild boar was 80 micrograms/kg (i.m.). The induction time was 35-50 min, and the sedation time was between 40 and 55 min; however, the sedation was insufficient. The minimal dose required for red deer was 80 micrograms/kg (i.m.). Blood sampling and minor surgery could be carried out without any problem. The induction time was 21-29 min and the sedation time was between 120 and 210 min. The alpha-2 antagonist atipamezole (300 micrograms/kg) was effective in reversing sedation, with recovery occurring between 3 and 9 min. Medetomidine sedation influenced the blood composition of wild boar. Haemoglobin and packed cell volume decreased by about 20% (P < 0.002), total serum protein content decreased slightly (P = 0.011), and the glucose concentration nearly doubled (P = 0.002).

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Concentrations of serum amyloid-A (SAA) and haptoglobin (HP) as parameters of inflammatory diseases in cattle.

The concentrations of the acute-phase proteins, serum amyloid-A (SAA) and haptoglobin (Hp), were determined in the plasma of healthy cows (n = 25) and cows with spontaneous acute (n = 6), subacute (n = 37), or chronic (n = 7) inflammatory diseases. The plasma concentration of SAA alone, Hp alone, and the Hp/SAA ratio, differed significantly (p < 0.001) between healthy animals and animals with inflammatory diseases. Plasma Hp concentrations in the group of cows with acute inflammatory diseases were significantly (p < 0.01) different from those in the group with chronic inflammatory diseases. Moreover, the Hp/SAA ratio in chronic inflammatory diseases was significantly different from this ratio in acute (p < 0.01) and subacute (p < 0.05) inflammatory diseases. It is therefore concluded that the plasma concentrations of SAA and Hp and the Hp/SAA ratio are useful parameters to distinguish healthy animals from animals with inflammation and can be helpful in distinguishing between acute and chronic of inflammatory diseases.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1994

Lungworm and stomach worm infection in relation to body fat reserves and blood composition in wild boar (Sus scrofa).

Lung and stomach nematode burden was estimated in 8 juvenile and 12 adult wild boar (Sus scrofa), shot in The Royal Forestry 'Het Loo' between January 1988 and April 1989, in order to study whether body fat reserves or blood composition (i.e., nutritional status) is correlated with the parasite burden. Only bone marrow fat, the last fat reserve to be mobilized, showed a slight negative correlation with the stomach worm burden. Serum urea concentration, an indicator of severe undernutrition, was weakly correlated with the stomach worm burden in juvenile boars. These results suggest a relatively small impact of these parasites on animals with a lowered nutritional status. The burden of lungworms or stomach worms did not provide reliable information about the body condition of wild boar.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed1994

Hyperlipoproteinaemia associated with atherosclerosis and cutaneous xanthomatosis in a cat.

Bilateral uveitis and multiple xanthomas (fat deposits in the skin) are described in a 3.5-year-old ovariohysterectomized female Persian cat. The cat had been treated for 2 years with corticosteroids. Examinations included a routine blood chemistry profile, radiographic examination of the thorax and abdomen, histopathological examination of multiple skin punch biopsies, and analysis of blood lipid components by cellulose-acetate electrophoresis and by preparative ultracentrifugation studies. Total lipid values were 23 g/l. Ultracentrifugation studies indicated strongly elevated VLDL and LDL fractions and a decreased concentration of the HDL fraction. Because of sudden blindness the cat was euthanized at the request of the owner. Autopsy revealed massive atherosclerotic changes in the large abdominal vessels, the wall of the aorta, and the coronary vessels. Although the exact pathogenesis remains uncertain, these unusual findings might be explained by a primary hyperlipoproteinaemia, complicated by long-term use of corticosteroids.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Evaluation of two cowside tests for the detection of subclinical ketosis in dairy cows.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of two cowside tests for subclinical ketosis in dairy cows. The tests utilize milk and urine samples, respectively. One hundred and eighty-five cows, one to sixty days postpartum, were sampled for milk, urine, and blood. Subclinical ketosis was defined with serum beta-hydroxybutyrate measurements. The sensitivity and the specificity of both tests at different beta-hydroxybutyrate levels were estimated. When subclinical ketosis was defined at beta-hydroxybutyrate levels of 1.4 mmol/L and higher, the milk test had sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 96%. The urine test lacked specificity (values < 67%), but sensitivity was 100% at beta-hydroxybutyrate levels of 1.4 mmol/L upward. Both the milk and urine test can be used to monitor subclinical ketosis in a herd. Milk testing is preferred, because of the easy obtainability of milk combined with the overall better test characteristics.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗
PubMed1993

Equine pituitary neoplasia: a clinical report of 21 cases (1990-1992).

The records of 21 horses with an adenoma of the pars intermedia of the pituitary gland were reviewed. The animals comprised nine Dutch warmblood horses and 12 ponies. They ranged in age from 12 to 30 years (mean +/- sem 21 +/- 1.3 years) for 20 of the horses, and comprised 13 geldings and eight mares. All the animals showed hirsutism. In 1991, nine horses were diagnosed as having the adenoma, equivalent to 0.5 per cent of the horses examined in 1991. The mean +/- sem survival time of four of the horses (from discharge to the development of complications which required euthanasia) was 192 +/- 59 days (range 120 to 368 days). Routine biochemical measurements were within their normal ranges except for a high alkaline phosphatase activity (768 +/- 487 iu/litre) and a high plasma glucose concentration (7.8 +/- 0.9 mmol/litre) in 16 of the horses; only six had a glucose concentration above 9.0 mmol/litre. The basal plasma concentration of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) in the diseased horses was at least 191 pg/ml. Eight of the horses had mean plasma cortisol concentrations before and after the administration of 25 iu of synthetic ACTH1-24 of 168 +/- 21 (range 74 to 248) and 478 +/- 58 nmol/litre (range 248 to 771), respectively. Analysis of the urine of five of the horses revealed a mean specific gravity of 1.034 +/- 0.0034 (range 1.025 to 1.045).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adenoma↗
PubMed1993

Mucosal uptake, mucosal transfer and retention of iron in veal calves.

A method for studying iron absorption in humans was adapted to veal calves. Three 10-week-old calves with moderate (calves 1 and 2) or severe (calf 3) iron deficiency were given an abomasal injection of 59Fe and 51Cr and all their faeces were collected over 15 days in order to measure mucosal uptake, mucosal transfer and retention of iron. The mucosal uptake was 62.2, 53.4 and 71.8% in calves 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The iron retention measured 14 days after administration of the test dose was 57.4, 52.3 and 56.4% in calves 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Maximal plasma activity was found in all three calves between 1 1/2 and 2 h after injection of the test dose. The plasma activity decreased rapidly, with a slight increase between the 5th and the 10th hour. After 21 h, less than 0.25% of the injected dose was still present in 1 litre of plasma. Not all the 51Cr was recovered in the faeces. No 59Fe was found in the urine but some 51Cr could be detected. The results of this study show that the method described is useful for measuring the different steps of iron absorption in iron-deficient veal calves.

Anemia, Hypochromic↗