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PubMed2005

Long-term denervation of the humerus in turkeys as an experimental model for osteopenia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of long-term denervation on volumetric bone mineral density, and geometrical and mechanical properties of the humerus in turkeys. The experiment was conducted from d 22 after hatching until wk 17 of life. All experimental birds (male turkeys) were randomly divided into 2 weight-matched groups. The first group of turkeys served as the control group and underwent a sham operation on the right wing, and the second group was subjected to surgical denervation of the right humerus. The denervation was performed by neurectomy of the radialis and the mediano-ulnaris nerves in the region of the proximal epiphysis of the humerus. All the left wings within both groups were surgically untouched. The left humerus served as the control bone to the right humerus in both investigated groups. Effect of denervation of humerus was determined in terms of geometrical and mechanical properties and quantitative computed tomography. The denervation of the humerus in turkeys significantly decreased volumetric bone mineral density, and geometrical and mechanical properties of this bone, when compared with the results obtained in humerus from the sham-operated or surgically untouched wings. However, no significant differences between right and left humerus were observed when analyzing all of the investigated parameters in the sham-operated group of turkeys. It is concluded that long-term denervation of humerus in turkeys induces osteopenia and may serve as a new experimental model for investigating factors that affect skeletal homeostasis in poultry and other vertebrates.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Comparative studies with three-week-old chickens, turkeys, ducks, and quails on the response in phosphorus utilization to a supplementation of monobasic calcium phosphate.

We studied whether the availability of P is different among poultry species. A basal diet was mixed mainly based on corn, potato protein, and dried egg white. It was calculated according to the recommendations for young turkeys with the exception of P and Ca concentrations, which were deficient. Monobasic calcium phosphate (MCP) was added in graded levels, and analyzed P concentrations in the 7 diets were (in g/kg of dry matter) 2.9, 3.7, 4.5, 5.3, 6.2, 7.2, and 7.7. Four experiments were conducted with 3-wk-old broiler chickens, turkeys, ducks, and quails. Birds were kept in balance crates, and 8 individuals were allocated to each treatment diet. Birds were fed the treatment diets for 10 d, and excreta were quantitatively collected during the last 5 d. P utilization was calculated as the proportion of P intake that was accreted by the birds. The P accretion response of birds to incremental MCP intake was described with sigmoidal functions, and the marginal efficiency of P utilization ((delta)y/(delta)x) was calculated. Utilization of P from the unsupplemented basal diet was 58% in broilers, 55% in quails, 46% in ducks, and 39% in turkeys. Supplementation of MCP significantly increased P accretion in all species. Ninety-five percent of the estimated ymax in P accretion was achieved with 8.4, 7.3, and 4.8 g P/kg of dietary DM in broilers, ducks, and quails. No plateau in P accretion was achieved in turkeys. These differences correlate well with the differences in the feed/gain ratio, which was 1.3 in turkeys, 1.7 in broilers, 1.9 in ducks, and 3.5 in quails. The maximum in marginal efficiency of supplemented P was 96% in ducks, 81% in turkeys, 74% in broilers, and 77% in quails. These maxima were achieved at different levels of MCP supplementation. We concluded that differences in P availability exist between poultry species for plant and mineral P sources. Quails can be used as model species for broilers in P availability studies, but dietary P levels need special adjustment.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2006

Effects of storage time and temperature after blood sampling from turkeys on plasma concentrations of potassium, sodium, and chloride.

The objectives of this research were to study the effect of several time intervals of turkey blood storage from sampling to centrifugation on plasma K, Na, and Cl concentrations and to study the effect of ambient temperature of turkey blood storage on these same variables. In the first study, 6 consecutive blood samples were obtained from each turkey. The first sample was centrifuged immediately (control), and each of the others was respectively stored for 20, 40, 60, 120, or 360 min at 22 degrees C before centrifugation and plasma harvest. In the second study, 4 consecutive blood samples were obtained from each turkey. The first sample was centrifuged immediately (control), and each of the others was respectively stored at ambient temperatures of 9, 22, and 30 degrees C for 120 min before centrifugation and plasma harvest. Plasma K concentration declines and is significant (P < 0.01) for each of the 20, 40, 60, 120, and 360 min values. Plasma Na concentration increases and Cl decreases were not significant (P < 0.01) until 360 and 120 min, respectively. Significant (P < 0.01) reductions occurred for plasma K concentration for each of the ambient temperature values but were the least at 9 degrees C and greatest when stored at 30 degrees C. Plasma Na concentration decreased (P < 0.01) when stored at 9 degrees C. Though increased (P < 0.01) when stored at 22 and 30 degrees C, the difference was not significant (P < 0.01) between samples stored at either 22 or 30 degrees C. Plasma Cl concentration was decreased (P < 0.01) from control values, but there was no significant difference (P < 0.01) among samples stored at 9, 22, and 30 degrees C. Clot formation and its retraction from serum are unduly delayed after blood is withdrawn from turkeys because birds lack the intrinsic mechanism for blood coagulation. Accordingly, serum is not appropriate for the determination of K concentration in turkeys, and plasma harvested immediately after blood sampling is the fluid of choice for K analysis.

Animals↗
PubMed2007

Microsatellite marker-based genetic analysis of relatedness between commercial and heritage turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo).

The turkey is second only to the chicken in importance as an agriculturally important poultry species. Unlike the chicken, however, genetic studies of the turkey continue to be limited. For example, to date, many genomic investigations have been conducted to characterize genetic relationships between commercial (CO) and non-CO chicken breeds, whereas the nature of the genetic relatedness between CO and heritage turkeys remains unknown. The objective of the current research was to use microsatellites to analyze the genetic relatedness between CO and heritage domestic turkeys including Narragansett, Bourbon Red, Blue Slate, Spanish Black, and Royal Palm. Primer pairs specific for 10 previously described turkey microsatellite markers were used. The phylogenetic analysis showed that the Blue Slate, Bourbon Red, and Narragansett were genetically closely related to the CO strain, with a Nei distance of 0.30, and the Royal Palm and Spanish Black were the least related to the CO strain, with Nei distances of 0.41 and 0.40, respectively. The present work provides a foundation for the basis of using heritage turkeys to genetically improve CO populations by introgression.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Serial analysis of gene expression in turkey sperm storage tubules in the presence and absence of resident sperm.

Turkey sperm lose viability within 8-18 h when stored as liquid semen using current methods and extenders. In contrast, turkey hens maintain viable, fertile sperm in their sperm storage tubules (SST) for 45 or more days following a single insemination. Our long-term objectives are to identify and characterize differentially expressed genes that may underlie this prolonged sperm storage and then use this information to develop improved methods for storing liquid turkey semen. We employed serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) to compare gene expression patterns in turkey SST recovered from hens after artificial insemination (AI) with extended semen (sperm AI) or extender alone (control AI). We constructed two separate SAGE libraries with SST RNA obtained from sperm and control AI hens. We used these libraries to generate 95,325 ten-base pair SAGE tags. These 95,325 tags represented 27,430 unique genes. The sperm and control AI libraries contained 47,663 and 47,662 tags representing 18,030 and 19,101 putative unique transcripts, respectively. Approximately 1% of these putative unique genes were differentially expressed (P<0.05) between treatments. Tentative annotations were ascribed to the SAGE tag nucleotide sequences by comparing them against publicly available SAGE tag and cDNA sequence databases. Based on its SAGE tag nucleotide sequence, we cloned a partial turkey avidin cDNA and confirmed its up-regulation in the sperm AI SST. The bioinformatics and experimental procedures employed to clone turkey avidin and confirm its differential expression represent a useful paradigm for analyzing SAGE tag data from relatively uncharacterized model systems.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Isolation and characterization of Mycoplasma and Acholeplasma from apparently healthy and diseased (infectious sinusitis) turkeys.

Investigation of 136 turkeys (24 manifesting infra-orbital sinusitis, 112 apparently healthy) resulted in isolation of 79 strains of Mycoplasma and 4 of Acholeplasma. By the disc growth inhibition test with 16 reference antisera of avian serogroups, 55 strains were identified serologically and 28 remained unidentified. Thirteen strains of Mycoplasma gallisepticum, 1 of M. meleagridis, and 2 of Acholeplasma laidlawii were isolated from turkey sinusitis whereas serogroups C (2), D (19), F (8), M. meleagridis (4), M. anatis (4), A. laidlawii (2), and 28 unidentified strains were isolated from apparently healthy turkeys. Three patterns were recognized on the basis of glucose, maltose, and sucrose, fermentation. The most frequent, pattern I, included 13 M. gallisepticum strains whereas 5 M. meleagridis strains belonged to fermentation pattern III. Isolates were also studied for reduction of tetrazolium, methylene blue, potassium tellurite, resistance to methylene blue and sodium taurocholate, and production of arginine deiminase and "film and sports." Inoculation of selected isolates into developing chick embryos revealed that 2 A. laidlawii strains were nonpathogenic and 13 M. gallisepticum, 1 serogroup D and 2 serogroup F strains were pathogenic, causing 50--100% mortality. In vitro antibiotic disc sensitivity tests indicated that rovamycin (solubilized spiramycin) may be recommended for turkey mycoplasmosis. Isolation of 2 A. laidlawii strains from turkey sinusitis and 4 M. anatis strains from apparently healthy turkeys appears interesting.

Acholeplasma↗
PubMed2006

Using the chicken genome sequence in the development and mapping of genetic markers in the turkey (Meleagris gallopavo).

The efficacy of employing the chicken genome sequence in developing genetic markers and in mapping the turkey genome was studied. Eighty previously uncharacterized microsatellite markers were identified for the turkey using BLAST alignment to the chicken genome. The chicken sequence was then used to develop primers for polymerase chain reaction where the turkey sequence was either unavailable or insufficient. A total of 78 primer sets were tested for amplification and polymorphism in the turkey, and informative markers were genetically mapped. Sixty-five (83%) amplified turkey genomic DNA, and 33 (42%) were polymorphic in the University of Minnesota/Nicholas Turkey Breeding Farms mapping families. All but one marker genetically mapped to the position predicted from the chicken genome sequence. These results demonstrate the usefulness of the chicken sequence for the development of genomic resources in other avian species.

Alleles↗
PubMed1978

Development of Eimeria meleagrimitis Tyzzer from sporozoites and merozoites in turkey kidney cell cultures.

Sporozoites and 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-generation merozoites of Eimeria meleagrimitis were inoculated into primary cultures of turkey kidney cells. In vitro-excysted sporozoites developed into mature macrogamonts in 8 days; in vivo-excysted sporozoites developed into 2nd- or 3rd-generation schizonts within 5 to 7 days. First-generation merozoites obtained from infected turkeys produced mature 2nd-generation schizonts within 24 h. Second-generation merozoites from turkeys produced mature macrogamonts and oocysts within 72 h, whereas 3rd-generation merozoites produced these stages within 48 h. The oocysts that developed from 3rd-generation merozoites sporulated at 25 C and were infective for turkeys. The timing of the early stages and the intervals between schizogonic generations in cultures were comparable with those in turkeys. Morphologic parameters, however, indicated that some differences existed between in vitro and in vivo development. Second- and 3rd-generation schizonts and gamonts that developed after inoculation of cultures with merozoites were similar to stages in turkeys. Oocysts, however, were significantly smaller (P less than 0.05) in cultures. All stages that developed after inoculation of cultures with sporozoites were smaller (P less than 0.05) than their in vivo counter parts.

Animals↗
PubMed1985

Epizootiology of avian influenza: effect of season on incidence in sentinel ducks and domestic turkeys in Minnesota.

Sentinel ducks and domestic turkey flocks were monitored for influenza infection during a 4-year period. The onset of infection among ducks was similar each year, occurring in late July or early August. Influenza in turkeys was also shown to be seasonal, but the usual onset was 6 to 8 weeks after the detection of influenza in sentinel ducks. Possible explanations for the delayed infection in turkeys are (i) increased waterfowl activity associated with fledging and congregating in late summer and early fall; (ii) vectors transmitting virus from the waterfowl habitat to poultry farms; (iii) cooler environmental temperature, allowing prolonged virus viability; (iv) cooler surface water temperature, allowing prolonged virus viability; (v) groundwater contamination from contaminated surface water; and (vi) virus adaptation in domestic turkeys before infection is detected. We conclude that ducks are not only a natural reservoir of influenza but also have a seasonal infection that appears to be related to seasonal influenza outbreaks in domestic turkeys in Minnesota. However, only some influenza A virus isolates circulating among waterfowl at any given time appear capable of causing detectable infection in turkeys. It is speculated that the seasonal infection in migratory waterfowl may also be related to seasonal influenza infections in other species including humans.

Animals↗
PubMed1968

Salmonellae associated with further-processed turkey products.

"Further-processed" turkey products, prepared from chilled, eviscerated, and thawed carcasses at two commercial turkey-processing plants, were evaluated, for the presence of salmonellae. These organisms were isolated from swab samples from 12% of chilled, eviscerated turkey carcasses, 27% of finished products, and 24% of processing equipment. The same serotypes as those found throughout a plant on any one visit were recovered from 31% of rinse-samples taken from hands and gloves of processing personnel. Salmonellae were found in samples taken on 37 of 48 visits; a greater number of recoveries were made on days when freshly killed turkeys were processed (87%) than when frozen-defrosted carcasses were processed (59%). The predominant serotype isolated from meat and environment usually changed from visit to visit. Salmonella sandiego and Salmonella anatum were the most frequent among 23 serotypes recovered. Most of the isolated serotypes are commonly associated with turkeys and have been incriminated as causative agents of human salmonellosis. The implication is that further-processed turkey products, if inadequately cooked by the consumer and if improperly refrigerated between the time of manufacture and consumption, could directly transmit salmonellae. These same products might also contaminate other foods by introducing salmonellae into food-preparation areas.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

Molecular evidence for a type C retrovirus etiology of the lymphoproliferative disease of turkeys.

Recently, we isolated from the blood of lymphoproliferative disease (LPD)-affected turkeys a type C retrovirus distinct from the avian leukosis-sarcoma virus complex and the reticuloendotheliosis virus group. We present molecular evidence for the implication of this virus in the LPD of turkeys. Using complementary DNA of LPD viral RNA, we found that the LPD viral genome is specifically and efficiently transcribed (2,500 copies per cell) in LPD tumor cells. Moreover, the LPD tumor cells contained newly inserted LPD viral information (5 to 10 copies per haploid genome), which was not present before the infection. From the absence of LPD virus-specific sequences in the normal cell genome of turkeys, it was concluded that the LPD virus is not an endogenous virus of turkeys. DNA-DNA annealing experiments revealed that the degree of sequence homology between LPD viral complementary DNA and cellular DNA of turkeys was not higher than that between LPD viral complementary DNA and cellular DNA of other species, thus indicating that the virus does not originate from turkeys.

Animals↗
PubMed1984

Structure and dimorphism of c-rel (turkey), the cellular homolog to the oncogene of reticuloendotheliosis virus strain T.

A locus has been identified in turkey DNA that contains nucleotide sequences homologous to the oncogene (v-rel) in the avian retrovirus, reticuloendotheliosis virus strain T. This locus, c-rel, has been molecularly cloned from an apparently heterozygous turkey. c-rel is approximately 23 kilobase pairs in length, with at least seven apparent introns, and contains sequences sufficient to account for all of v-rel. Nucleic acid sequence differences exist between v-rel and homologous regions of c-rel. We examined a population of turkeys to determine whether these sequence differences are the result of polymorphism in the population. Within the turkey population, c-rel is dimorphic in apparent introns and 3' flanking sequences, but polymorphism has not been detected within the regions of the c-rel locus that are homologous to v-rel. Additionally, no nucleic acid sequence differences have been detected between the regions of c-rel in turkeys that are homologous to v-rel and the sequences related to v-rel of a homologous locus in chickens (Chen et al., J. Virol. 245:104-113, 1983). The general organization of introns and flanking sequences is conserved for both c-rel in turkeys and this locus in chickens, indicating that c-rel, like other proto-oncogenes, may have an important development or metabolic function.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

The influence of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism on the beta-adrenergic responsiveness of the turkey erythrocyte.

The mechanisms responsible for altered adrenergic tone in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are not fully understood. To investigate these mechanisms, the beta-adrenergic receptor-cyclic AMP complex of the turkey erythrocyte was studied among groups of normal, hyperthyroid, and hypothyroid turkeys. In erythrocytes obtained from hypothyroid turkeys, there were fewer beta-adrenergic receptors than in normal cells as determined by the specific binding of [(125)I]iodohydroxybenzylpindolol, as well as associated decreases both in catecholamine-responsive adenylate cyclase activity and in cellular cyclic AMP content. In contrast, erythrocytes obtained from hyperthyroid turkeys contained the same number of beta-receptors and had the same catecholamine-responsive adenylate cyclase activity as cells from normal birds. Other characteristics of the beta-receptors in cells from hyperthyroid birds were indistinguishable from those present in normal erythrocytes. However, within the range of circulating catecholamine concentrations, 5-50 nM, the erythrocytes of the hyperthyroid turkeys generated substantially more cyclic AMP after exposure to isoproterenol than did normal cells. These results suggest that thyroid hormone affects beta-receptor-cyclic AMP interrelationships in the turkey erythrocyte by two distinct mechanisms: (a) In hypothyroidism, both beta-receptors and catecholamine-dependent cyclic AMP formation are coordinately decreased; (b) in hyperthyroidism, beta-receptors are unchanged but there is an amplification of the hormonal signal so that occupation of a given number of receptors at physiological concentrations of catecholamines leads to increased levels of cyclic AMP.

Adenylyl Cyclases↗
PubMed1984

Studies on the sequential development and pathogenesis of citrinin mycotoxicosis in turkeys and ducklings.

The toxic effects of citrinin in turkeys and ducklings was studied in four trials. Citrinin dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide-70% ethanol solution (3:1, volume/volume) was administered by gavage to male turkey poults and male white Pekin ducklings. When seven-day-old ducklings were given doses of citrinin between 30 to 110 mg/kg body weight, most of the treated ducklings which died (49/80) did so within four to 12 hours. Blood samples were collected sequentially at 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after administration from seven-day-old ducklings given the single lethal dose (LD50). The alterations included hyperkalemia (P less than or equal to 0.01) and metabolic acidosis characterized by reduced blood pH (P less than or equal to 0.01) and base excess (P less than or equal to 0.01). Fourteen-day-old turkeys and ducklings given 56 or 57 mg/kg, respectively, were killed at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after treatment. The principal alteration in both species was nephrosis that was more severe in turkeys than in ducklings. Tubular necrosis was the dominant lesion at three to 72 hours in turkeys and at six to 24 hours in ducklings. Hepatic and lymphoid lesions occurred in both turkeys and ducklings treated with citrinin.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

Septicemia in vaccinated and nonvaccinated turkeys inoculated with Pasteurella multocida serotype A:3,4.

Sixty-four, 10-week-old turkeys were inoculated with a highly virulent field isolate (86-1913) of Pasteurella multocida serotype A:3,4 by an oculo-nasal-oral route. Inoculated turkeys were examined at 4, 8, 16, 20, and 24 hours post-inoculation for bacteremia and histologic lesions. Bacteremia was detected in one of six turkeys 8 hours after inoculation and in four of six turkey poults at 16 hours post-inoculation. Pasteurella multocida was isolated from the spleens of two turkeys at 8 hours and from the spleens of all six poults 16 hours after inoculation. Peak concentrations of P. multocida reached 10(9) colony forming units per ml of blood. At 4 to 8 hours post-inoculation, isolate 86-1913 produced a fibrinopurulent bronchopneumonia followed by severe pulmonary necrosis, pleuritis, vasculitis; and, at 16 to 24 hours post-inoculation numerous extracellular bacteria were observed. Hepatic lesions included focal heterophil aggregates 8 hours after inoculation; these progressed to hepatic necrosis. Numerous extracellular bacteria within sinusoids were present 16 to 24 hours after inoculation. At 16 to 24 hours post-inoculation, there was degeneration of periarteriolar reticular cells in the spleen; these cells progressed to coalescing coagulative splenic necrosis with extracellular bacterial colonies. A second group of 41, 10-week-old turkeys, previously vaccinated with the Clemson University strain of P. multocida serotype A:3,4, were challenged with isolate 86-1913.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Acute airsacculitis in turkeys inoculated with cell-free culture filtrate of Pasteurella multocida.

Twenty-six female and 26 male turkeys, inoculated into the caudal thoracic air sacs with cell-free culture filtrate of Pasteurella multocida strain R44/6, were examined from 0 to 6 hours post-inoculation and compared with 26 female and 26 male sham-inoculated control turkeys given brain-heart-infusion broth. The air sac reacted rapidly with exudation of heterophils. Microscopically, low numbers of heterophils were present within air sac blood vessels and also perivascularly by 0.5 hour after inoculation. These became more numerous by 1.5 and 3 hours post-inoculation. By 6 hours post-inoculation, there was severe swelling of air sac epithelial and mesothelial cells and thickening of the air sac by proteinaceous fluid and heterophils. Ultrastructurally, mesothelial and air sac epithelial cells were vacuolated, and interdigitating processes of epithelial cells were separated. Microscopically, in control turkeys, rare heterophils were present perivascularly at 1.5, 3, and 6 hours after inoculation. Ultrastructurally, all features were normal. In turkeys given cell-free culture filtrate, total cell counts in air sac lavage fluids increased markedly by 3 hours post-inoculation in which heterophils predominated (greater than 97%). There were only slight increases in cell counts of air sac lavages from control turkeys. The circulating blood heterophil cell count dropped transiently at 1.5 hours post-inoculation, followed by a return to normal 3 hours after inoculation, and by heterophilia by 6 hours post-inoculation in turkeys given either cell-free culture filtrate or brain-heart-infusion broth. These results indicate cell-free culture filtrate of P. multocida induces hematologic, cytologic, and morphologic changes indistinguishable from those induced by cultures of P. multocida.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2006

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome-related disorders in a large adult population in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: There are few existing large population studies on the epidemiology of metabolic syndrome-related disorders of Turkey. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome-related disorders in the Turkish adult population, to address sex, age, educational and geographical differences, and to examine blood pressure, body mass index, fasting blood glucose and serum lipids in Turkey. METHODS: This study was executed under the population study "The Healthy Nutrition for Healthy Heart Study" conducted between December 2000 and December 2002 by the Health Ministry of Turkey. Overall, 15,468 Caucasian inhabitants aged over 30 were recruited in 14 centers in the seven main different regions of Turkey. The data were analyzed with the Students' t, ANOVA or Chi-Square tests. RESULTS: Overall, more than one-third (35.08 %) of the participants was obese. The hypertensive people ratio in the population was 13.66 %, while these ratios for DM and metabolic syndrome were 4.16 % and 17.91 %, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension, metabolic syndrome and obesity were higher in females than males, whereas diabetes mellitus was higher in males than females. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and related disorders were found to be significantly different across educational attainments for both men and women. The prevalence of hypertension increased with age, while it was remarkable that in the age group of 60-69 years, prevalence of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome reached a peak value and than decreased. For obesity, the peak prevalence occurred in the 50-59 year old group. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome and related disorders were found to be significantly different according to geographical region. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, high prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome, particularly among women, is one of the major public health problems in Turkey. Interestingly, obesity prevalence is relatively high, but the prevalence of hypertension and hypercholesterolemia is relatively low in Turkish people. Future studies may focus on elucidating the reasons behind this controversy. Our findings may be helpful in formulating public health policy and prevention strategies on future health in Turkey.

Adult↗
PubMed1985

Carnitine alterations in spontaneous and drug-induced turkey congestive cardiomyopathy.

Carnitine and acylcarnitines were measured in plasma and tissues of control turkeys, turkeys with an inbred spontaneous cardiomyopathy, and turkeys with furazolidone-induced cardiomyopathy. Heart failure was evident in both types of cardiomyopathy from decreased systemic blood pressure and cardiac dilatation compared to controls. Plasma free carnitine, short-chain acylcarnitine, and long-chain acylcarnitine were significantly elevated by 76 to 614% (p less than 0.01) in the two cardiomyopathy models compared to control. The highest carnitine levels were found in the most hypotensive turkeys. Liver free carnitine and short-chain acylcarnitine levels were also elevated by 45 to 537% (p less than 0.05) in both types of cardiomyopathy. Free carnitine was elevated by 126% in left ventricle and by 54% in skeletal muscle of the furazolidone-treated turkeys (p less than 0.05). We speculate that hepatic synthesis of carnitine may be increased in response to hypotension and progressive cardiac dysfunction in cardiomyopathic turkeys. Such an increase may be useful to promote beta-oxidation of fatty acids as a cardiac energy source.

Animals↗