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PubMed1998

A comparative study of the beta-adrenoceptors in higher visual centres of birds.

This report describes the distribution of beta-adrenergic receptors in the telencephalic visual nuclei of chick, duck, pigeon, parakeet and goldfinch using [3H]CGP 12177 (4-3-t-butylamino-2-hydroxypropoxy-[5,7(3)H] benzimidazol-2-one) as a radioligand. The results reveal a predominance of the beta2-adrenoceptor subtype in all the species studied and that this subtype fits the pharmacological profile described for mammals. It is also demonstrated that the autoradiographic interspecific differences described in previous studies are due to changes in Bmax, while KD values remain in a similar range (0.1-0.6 nM). The distribution of beta-adrenoceptors was fairly similar in the areas of the visual Wulst of all five species studied while striking differences were found in the ectostriatum, the higher centre of the tectofugal pathway. Our findings support a role for ectostriatal beta-adrenoceptors in the visual adaptation and evolution of birds.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
PubMed2000

Spontaneous micronuclei in peripheral blood erythrocytes from 54 animal species (mammals, reptiles and birds): part two.

The normal numbers of micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE) observed in peripheral blood samples differ among species. This depends on the effectiveness of the spleen (or the rest of the reticuloendothelial system) to withdraw them from circulation. In our previous report, we assessed the number of MNE in the peripheral blood of 35 mammalian species. Here we show the results observed in 54 species including mammals, reptiles and birds. We obtained 212 peripheral blood samples from different species. In 14 species, only one individual was studied. Slides were stained with acridine orange. The total number of MNE (normo and polychromatic) in 10,000 erythrocytes per animal are shown. The species that display the higher MNE were: ocelote, lynx, owl, gray squirrel, hedgehog, lion, orange fronted parakeet and common barn owl. For this reason, these species could be tested as monitors for genotoxic events. Another interesting observation was that in the gray squirrel, we found the highest values of MNE in the smaller (younger) animals when compared with the larger (older) of the same species.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1986

Chlamydiosis in birds in Great Britain. 2. Isolations of Chlamydia psittaci from birds sampled between 1976 and 1984.

A total of 1531 diagnostic submissions from birds were examined by culture for the presence of Chlamydia psittaci between June 1976 and December 1984 by growth in NCTC 929 clone L mouse fibroblast cells, pretreated with an inhibitor of cell division, followed by direct immunofluorescence microscopy. Of these, 196 were found positive. The continued importance of psittacine birds as potential sources of infection was shown by the high number of positives (139) obtained from birds of that order. The percentage of submissions found positive was highest in parakeets (30.1) and was fairly high in psittacines as a group (16.6), but the latter figure was exceeded by the group of collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto) and wood pigeons (Columba palumbus) (25.0). Domestic poultry generally gave low rates, turkeys being the highest. Both the numbers of submissions and their rates of positives increased between 1980 and 1984. Comparing the isolation rates from the various organs sampled, the intestines gave the highest rate (20.4 per cent positive), closely followed by the other internal sites. The superficial swabbed sites (eye, nasal cavity, cloaca) gave lower rates.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Phylogenetic analysis by 16S rDNA gene sequence comparison of avian taxa of Bisgaard and characterization and description of two new taxa of Pasteurellaceae.

AIMS: Characterization and classification of members of Pasteurellaceae isolated from birds by extended phenotypic characterization and 16S rDNA gene sequence comparison. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 95 avian isolates were subjected to extended phenotypic characterization. Thirteen bacterial strains selected from main phenotypic clusters and isolated from parrot, parakeet, budgerigar, partridge, pheasant, chicken, duck, hawk and gull were subsequently characterized by 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Eight of the sequenced strains were classified with six taxa of Bisgaard of which two (34 and 40) have not been published before, and the properties of four others (14, 22, 26 and 32) changed upon the characterization of these new isolates. Of the remaining strains, one was identified as a phenotypic variant in maltose and dextrin of Pasteurella gallinarum another as a trehalose positive variant of taxon 3 of Bisgaard. The remaining three strains sequenced were not closely related to existing taxa of Pasteurellaceae. However, they were found to belong to the Avian cluster with 92-97% 16S rDNA gene sequence similarity. CONCLUSION: The study allowed the classification of bacteria isolated from birds by the integrated use of extended phenotypic characterization and 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis. Only the application of 16S rDNA gene sequencing allows a correct identification of variant strains. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The description of new taxa within the bacterial family Pasteurellaceae will subsequently allow additional isolates of these taxa to be identified and improve the diagnosis and epidemiological understanding of bacteria causing disease in birds.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: current concepts and future questions.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (extrinsic allergic alveolitis) caused by inhaled allergens can progress to disabling or even fatal end-stage lung disease. The only truly effective treatment is early recognition and control of exposure. Although patients produce antibody exuberantly, the immunopathogenesis involves cellular immunity--notably, CD8(+) cytotoxic lymphocytes, multinucleate giant cell granulomas, and ultimately interstitial fibrosis. Many causative agents have been recognized in occupational dusts or mists, but most current new cases arise from residential exposure to pet birds (pigeons and parakeets), contaminated humidifiers, and indoor molds. The symptoms and physical findings are nonspecific. Serum IgG containing high titers of specific antibody to the offending antigen is elevated. Pulmonary function tests show restrictive and diffusion defects with hypoxemia, especially after exercise. Occasionally, small airways disease causes obstruction. Radio-graphic changes vary according to the stage of the disease and are best evaluated by means of high-resolution computed tomography. In typical cases, the history of a known exposure and the presence of a characteristic interstitial lung disease with serologic confirmation of IgG antibody to the offending antigen suffice for diagnosis. In more obscure cases, observation of changes after a natural environmental exposure, bronchoalveolar lavage, and lung biopsy might be indicated. Among the many questions that remain are the following: What is the prevalence of hypersensitivity pneumonitis and how often is it the cause of chronic interstitial fibrosis? What is the long-term prognosis? Why do most individuals exposed to these antigens develop a vigorous antibody response whereas only a few develop the disease? How does exposure to endotoxin and cigarette smoking affect the disease? To answer these questions, standardized and validated clinical laboratory immunochemical tests are needed, in addition to a systematic approach to diagnosis, classification of disease severity, risk assessment, and management. This review is limited to the disease caused by airborne allergens and focuses on its immunopathogenesis, eliciting agents, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, management, and prognosis.

Air Pollutants↗
PubMed1985

Absorption of microwave energy by muscle models and by birds of differing mass and geometry.

Spheres composed of phantom muscle of radius 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 cm, as well as birds (parakeets, quail, pigeons, chickens, turkeys) were exposed to far-field plane waves at power densities of incident radiation between 182 and 560 mW/cm2 and at frequencies of 775, 915 and 2450 MHz. Specific absorption rate (SAR) patterns were determined by thermographic techniques for both spheres and birds. The measured SAR patterns in spheres were comparable to those from theoretical predictions. The SAR patterns in birds, however, varied markedly from those obtained from spheres of comparable mass. The results indicate that the geometrically complex animal is not represented by simple geometric models for making absorption studies. Thermograms of birds exposed in the flying position indicated that the SAR is high in the wings. The behavioral response of the birds to the exposure was variable. Threshold power densities for biological or behavioral reactions were determined for each bird at all three frequencies. The lowest power density associated with reactivity by the chicken was 5.8 mW/cm2 (corresponding to SARs of 3.1 W/kg in the head and 3.9 W/kg in the neck) at 775 MHz.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Missing links in the divergence of Chlamydophila abortus from Chlamydophila psittaci.

Pathological and serological evidence and DNA-DNA reassociation data indicate that Chlamydophila psittaci and Chlamydophila abortus are separate species. C. psittaci causes avian systemic disease and C. abortus causes abortion. Both previously belonged to Chlamydia psittaci are associated with zoonotic and enzootic outbreaks. Genetic studies suggest that they are closely related and because of the recent availability of diverse C. psittaci strains and comparative data for several genes, it was possible to explore this relationship. The parrot C. psittaci strain 84/2334 was found to have DNA sequences that were identical to an extrachromosomal plasmid in duck C. psittaci strain N352, to rnpB in strain R54 from a brown skua and to the rrn intergenic spacer in parakeet strain Prk/Daruma (from Germany, Antarctica and Japan, respectively). Analysis of ompA and the rrn spacer revealed progressive diversification of the strains, with 84/2334 resembling what might have been a recent ancestor of C. abortus. Another C. psittaci strain (VS225) showed evidence of having undergone convergent evolution towards the C. abortus-like genotype, whereas strain R54 diverged independently. For the first time, these studies link C. abortus in an evolutionary context to the C. psittaci lineage. It has been concluded that C. abortus diverged from C. psittaci, and so strain R54 was designated a C. psittaci strain. It is recommended that characterization of C. psittaci and C. abortus strains should utilize more than a single method and more than a single gene.

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed2004

Reclassification of Bisgaard taxon 33, with proposal of Volucribacter psittacicida gen. nov., sp. nov. and Volucribacter amazonae sp. nov. as new members of the Pasteurellaceae.

A total of 25 strains isolated from parrots, budgerigars, parakeets (Psittaciformes) and a chicken, mostly associated with respiratory disease or septicaemia, were classified as a new genus, Volucribacter gen. nov., within the family Pasteurellaceae, on the basis on unique phenotypic characteristics and clear monophyly as determined by 16S rRNA gene sequence comparison. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences from six strains showed at least 98.8 % similarity and the closest similarity outside the genus was found to Bisgaard taxon 34 and to Pasteurella avium, at 94.6 and 94.5 %, respectively. Phenotypes that separate the new genus from other genera of the Pasteurellaceae included at least two characters. The genus includes two species, Volucribacter psittacicida sp. nov. and Volucribacter amazonae sp. nov., corresponding to the two biovars previously outlined, underlining that most isolates have been obtained from psittacine birds. The two species can be separated by fermentation of meso-inositol, (-)-L-fucose, maltose and dextrin and a positive ONPG test. The type strains for Volucribacter psittacicida and Volucribacter amazonae are respectively Gerl. 236/81(T) (=CCUG 47536(T)=DSM 15534(T)) and 146/S8/89(T) (=CCUG 47537(T)=DSM 15535(T)).

Animals↗
PubMed1988

Immunotyping of Chlamydia psittaci by indirect immunofluorescence antibody test with monoclonal antibodies.

Monoclonal antibodies against pigeon and budgerigar strains of Chlamydia psittaci were used to classify the immunotypes of C. psittaci strains by an indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) test. Thirty-three C. psittaci strains from pigeons and 24 from budgerigars were divided into three immunotypes (P-I, P-II, and P-III) and (B-I, B-II, and B-III), respectively. Two strains from human psittacosis patients were identified as P-III and B-I, coinciding with the epidemiological evidence of each human infection. Two strains from psittacine birds, a parrot and a parakeet, were identical to the B-II immunotype. Other mammalian strains were quite distinct from avian strains in their IFA reaction with the monoclonal antibodies.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[Clinical features of 36 cases of psittacosis].

Clinical features of 36 cases of psittacosis experienced from 1980 to 1988 were analyzed. The following results were obtained. 1) Sixteen patients were male; twenty were female. The thirty-six patients ranged in age from 29 to 76 years. 2) Fifteen patients had been exposed to Parakeets prior to the onset of illness. 3) High fever (94.1%) and cough (94.4%) were prominent clinical symptoms. 4) The number of pneumonic foci per lung field by chest X-ray, showed the right inferior lobe was most frequently involved (45.2%). According to the nature of roentgenological shadows, the ground-glass-like shadow was most frequent (70.6%). 5) Leucocytosis was present in only three patients. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were high in many patients. Half of the patients had elevated serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase. 6) All cases were treated with antibiotics and cured. The incidence of psittacosis may be increasing. Therefore, it is useful for clinicians to know the clinical features of this disease. These results may be useful in early diagnosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Investigation on zoonosis by disseminating questionnaire to members of medical associations in Kobe and Fukuoka].

With the purpose of studying the involvement of physicians to zoonosis, investigation on the consciousness was performed by disseminating a questionnaire to members of Medical Associations of Kobe City (2,584 members) and Fukuoka City (1,814 members). From the members in Kobe, 1,165 replies were collected (answer ratio: 45.1%) and 774 replies from the members in Fukuoka (answer ratio: 42.7%). About 70-80% of all physicians answering the questionnaire stated that they had examined the patients with infectious diseases at a ratio of less than 10% to a total of patients examined. Among them, 70% of the doctors had asked the patients as to whether or not the patients were keeping pet animals or had traveled overseas recently when infectious diseases was suspected. There were 738 doctors (38.1%) (1,355 cases), who had suspected or made definitive diagnosis on 15 diseases of zoonosis as stipulated in the new Infectious Disease Control Law for the recent 5 years. In all, 365 doctors (18.9%) examined the patients who were suspected to have had an infection from pet animals. The causative animals primarily included dogs, cats, and birds such as parakeet, while monkeys, tortoises, etc. were found in several cases. About one half of the physicians felt that the cases of infectious diseases and zoonosis would increase in the future. In the entry of free opinions relating to the effective measures for the prevention of zoonosis, 712 physicians (39.8%) entered 1,050 proposals. The details of these proposals were: 444 proposals on "administrative measures". 244 on the need of "education" to citizens, and 201 on the importance of "medical management". About 80% of the physicians replied that they would cooperate for the secondary investigation. It appears that the physicians place much expectation on adequate measures against zoonosis. Namely, they expect much on the establishment of a reliable network, i.e. the network of administrative authorities--physicians--veterinarians--pet animal suppliers--pet animal keepers.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Auditory intensity discrimination in the chinchilla.

A positive reinforcement conditioning procedure was used to train chinchillas to respond to intensity differences between successively occurring tone bursts. Intensity difference limens were measured at 0.5, 1, 4, and 8 kHz at five intensities ranging from 10- to 55-dB sensation level. The intensity difference limen decreased from approximately 8 dB near threshold to approximately 3.5 dB at the highest level. The intensity difference limens for the chinchilla were considerably larger than those for humans as well as several other mammals; however, the results were similar to those obtained for the parakeet. The present results from intensity discrimination appeared to be related to previous data for the discrimination of amplitude modulated noise.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed1991

Detection and strain differentiation of Chlamydia psittaci mediated by a two-step polymerase chain reaction.

Specific and sensitive amplification of major outer membrane protein (MOMP) gene DNA sequences of Chlamydia psittaci was achieved in a two-step polymerase chain reaction. First, oligonucleotide primers specific for 5' and 3' nontranslated regulatory regions of the MOMP gene were used in a polymerase chain reaction to amplify a DNA fragment of approximately 1,400 bp. A portion of this DNA fragment was amplified in a second reaction using a degenerate oligonucleotide primer specific for a DNA sequence contained within the 1,400-bp DNA fragment and one of the first-step primers. This method detected 10 cognate chlamydial genomes. C. psittaci MOMP genes from two avian strains and from mammalian serovars 1, 7, and 8 were amplified and analyzed by restriction endonuclease digestion. MOMP genes from mammalian serovars 2 through 6 and 9 and from strains of C. trachomatis and C. pneumoniae could not be amplified. Restriction endonuclease analysis with HaeIII indicated a close relationship between C. psittaci strains of avian and mammalian serovar 1 lineage, while those of mammalian serovars 7 and 8 exhibited distinct restriction patterns. DNA sequences corresponding to the mammalian serovar 1-wild type parakeet MOMP genotype of C. psittaci were detected in two of seven milk samples from cases of bovine mastitis.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Phylogenetic analyses of Chlamydia psittaci strains from birds based on 16S rRNA gene sequence.

The nucleotide sequences of 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) were determined for 39 strains of Chlamydia psittaci (34 from birds and 5 from mammals) and for 4 Chlamydia pecorum strains. The sequences were compared phylogenetically with the gene sequences of nine Chlamydia strains (covering four species of the genus) retrieved from nucleotide databases. In the neighbor-joining tree, C. psittaci strains were more closely related to each other than to the other Chlamydia species, although a feline pneumonitis strain was distinct (983 to 98.6% similarity to other strains) and appeared to form the deepest subline within the species of C. psittaci (bootstrap value, 99%). The other strains of C. psittaci exhibiting similarity values of more than 99% were branched into several subgroups. Two pigeon strains and one turkey strain formed a distinct clade recovered in 97% of the bootstrapped trees. The other pigeon strains seemed to be distinct from the strains from psittacine birds, with 88% of bootstrap value. In the cluster of psittacine strains, three parakeet strains and an ovine abortion strain exhibited a specific association (level of sequence similarity, 99.9% or more; bootstrap value, 95%). These suggest that at least four groups of strains exist within the species C. psittaci. The 16S rDNA sequence is a valuable phylogenetic marker for the taxonomy of chlamydiae, and its analysis is a reliable tool for identification of the organisms.

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed1975

A case of polytetrafluoroethylene poisoning in cockatiels accompanied by polymer fume fever in the owner.

Five cocatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) died within 30 minutes following exposure to fumes from a frying pan coated with the "non-stick" plastic polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that had accidentally overheated. Within an hour the owner developed symptoms of "polymer fume fever" but recovered in the next 24 hours. Clinical signs and post mortem lesions of the cockatiels are described and reference is made to the unusual susceptibility of parakeets to the pyrolysis products of frying pans coated with PTFE.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

NEUROMUSCULAR CONTROL AND KINEMATICS OF INTERMITTENT FLIGHT IN BUDGERIGARS (MELOPSITTACUS UNDULATUS)

Kinematic and electromyographic data were collected from budgerigars (parakeets), Melopsittacus undulatus, flying at different speeds in a variable-speed wind tunnel. Birds exhibited flap-gliding at low speeds and flap-bounding at high speeds. The percentage of time spent flapping generally decreased at intermediate speeds. These behavior patterns are consistent with minimizing energy expenditure according to aerodynamic theory. During intermittent glides, the pectoralis exhibited an isometric contraction while the supracoracoideus was inactive. During bounds, both muscles were inactive. Contrary to earlier work, our studies indicate that budgerigars do not exhibit simultaneous twitch contractions of the pectoralis during each wingbeat, but rather generate typical multiple-spike electromyographic bursts that represent motor unit action potential trains or asynchronous twitch contractions from different motor units. The relative intensity of electromyographic bursts from the primary flight muscles increased with flight speed. This may indicate an increase in force production. Our observations of isometric contractions during glides, along with patterns of variation in muscle activity and wingbeat frequency, do not support the hypothesis that small birds such as the budgerigar use flap-bounding as their only means of reducing power output during flight.

Journal Article↗
PubMed2001

Infestation of a bird and two cats by larvae of Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).

The larvae of Plodia interpunctella (Hübner), commonly known as the Indian meal moth, often cause enormous losses in stored food supplies. We present three clinical case reports of accidental infestation by P. interpunctella larvae in two domestic cats and one parakeet. A larva gained entry into the avian host and subsequently migrated to the brain. It was alive, covered with "silk-like" fibers and confirmed to be a fourth instar. Plodia interpunctella larvae were excised with forceps from the subcutaneous tissues of the ear and neck of two cats in a different household. Previous reports of infestation by P. interpunctella larvae in vertebrates are unknown.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

The occurrence of neurons with strongly negatively charged surface coats in mammalian, avian, reptilian, amphibian and piscine brains.

Neurons with strongly negatively charged surface coats were recognized in mammalian, avian, reptilian, amphibian and piscine brains. Many large-sized neurons had strongly negatively charged surface coats in the visual cortex and brain stem of the cow, cat, guinea pig, mouse, quail and parakeet. Such neurons were also seen in the brain stem of the lower vertebrates such as the house lizard, Japanese terrapin, bullfrog, newt, carp and sweetfish.

Amphibians↗