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In vitro studies on the metabolism of antipyrine in the pig and rat: with special reference to veterinary medicine licensing.

Preparation of product licence applications for veterinary medicines requires metabolic studies in the target species. This experimental procedure uses animals and is costly. In the present report of preliminary studies it is demonstrated that pig liver homogenates prepared from abattoir material and homogenates of rat liver show the interspecies metabolic differences that would be expected in vivo. The results therefore support the use of abattoir-derived liver homogenates in preliminary studies to investigate target species metabolism in veterinary drug development.

Animals↗

Expression of protease nexin-1 and plasminogen activators during follicular growth and the periovulatory period in cattle.

Extracellular matrix remodeling occurs during ovarian follicular development, mediated by plasminogen activators (PAs) and PA inhibitors including protease nexin-1 (PN-1). In the present study we measured expression/activity of the PA system in bovine follicles at different stages of development by timed collection of ovaries during the first follicular wave and during the periovulatory period, and in follicles collected from an abattoir. The abundance of mRNA encoding PN-1, tissue-type PA (tPA), urokinase (uPA) and PA inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were initially upregulated by human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in bovine preovulatory follicular wall homogenates. PN-1, PAI-1 and tPA mRNA expression then decreased near the expected time of ovulation, whereas uPA mRNA levels remained high. PN-1 concentration in follicular fluid (FF) decreased and reached the lowest level at the time of ovulation, whereas plasmin activity in FF increased significantly after hCG. Follicles collected from the abattoir were classified as non-atretic, early-atretic or atretic based on FF estradiol and progesterone content: PN-1 protein levels in FF were significantly higher in non-atretic than in atretic follicles, and plasmin activity was correspondingly higher in the atretic follicles. No changes in PN-1 levels in FF were observed during the growth of pre-deviation follicles early in a follicular wave. These results indicate that PN-1 may be involved in the process of atresia in non-ovulatory dominant follicles and the prevention of precocious proteolysis in periovulatory follicles.

Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor↗

Screening of Hungarian cattle herds for Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides small colony infection with negative results.

At abattoirs and farms, 1248 sera were collected from animals representing 121 farms, and examined by complement fixation test using Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides small colony type (MmmSC) antigen. All sera were negative except seven from four farms, giving ++ reactions in the serum dilution of 1:10. On retesting, these sera and additional 30 sera collected repeatedly in both farms gave negative results. In isolation attempts, 953 lung samples collected from slaughtered cattle at the same abattoirs, and 326 nasal swabs collected from 11 herds proved to be negative for the presence of MmmSC, but M. bovis was isolated frequently. In the small farms 23.95% of the animals had pleurisy and/or pneumonia while in the large herds 34.69% had lesions. DNA extracted from 50 nasal swabs and 430 lung samples was examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using M. mycoides cluster-specific primers. DNA from further 325 lung samples was tested by the more specific M. mycoides subspecies mycoides small colony/large colony/capri specific primers and 196 samples by nested PCR specific for MmmSC. All gave negative results. The detection level of cluster-specific primers and the more specific primers was 33.4 pg of DNA, whereas that of nested PCR was 0.33 pg.

Animals↗

Use of real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assay and cell culture methods for detection of swine influenza A viruses.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate sensitivity and specificity of a real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay performed on pooled nasal swab specimens, compared with virus isolation performed on individual nasal swab specimens by use of 2 cell culture lines for detection of swine influenza A viruses. SAMPLE POPULATION: 900 nasal swab specimens obtained from pigs at an abattoir and 62 nasal swab specimens submitted for diagnostic testing. PROCEDURES: Primers were chosen to amplify a conserved portion of the influenza virus matrix gene. Assay sensitivity was initially determined by testing serial dilutions of various subtypes of swine influenza viruses. Sensitivity and specificity were confirmed by use of nasal swab specimens with or without addition of known concentrations of influenza virus and further validated by testing nasal swab specimens obtained through an abattoir surveillance program or submitted for diagnostic testing. Aliquots of specimens were pooled in sets of 10, and results of real-time RT-PCR assays were compared with results of virus isolation of individual specimens in Madin Darby canine kidney (MDCK) and mink lung (Mv1Lu) cells. RESULTS: Real-time RT-PCR assay was highly specific (100%) and sensitive (88% to 100%). Among the 16 viruses isolated, 3 grew only in Mv1Lu cells and 3 grew only in MDCK cells. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicate that real-time RT-PCR assay is a fast and accurate test for screening numerous nasal swab specimens for swine influenza virus. Some viruses were isolated in only MDCK or Mv1Lu cells, indicating that use of >1 cell line may be required to isolate a broad range of influenza A viruses.

Animals↗

Effects of injection position and transponder size on the performances of passive injectable transponders used for the electronic identification of cattle.

A total of 686 Tiris half-duplex passive injectable transponders (PIT) of two sizes (23 and 32 mm) were randomly injected s.c. in three positions, armpit, ear scutulum, and upper lip, in 343 fattening calves (1 to 3 mo old). Injections were performed by two trained and two untrained operators. Losses and breakages on the farm were recorded at wk 1, 3, 7, 11, and 15 in restrained animals using two types of hand-held transceivers with a stick antenna. Dynamic reading efficiency (DRE) in animals running through a raceway was also evaluated at wk 1 and 3 and monthly until slaughter, using a stationary transceiver working at 137 dB x microV x m(-1) at 3 m. The total number of PIT that fell or broke in the slaughtering line, the location method, and the recovery time were also recorded. Results on the farm showed low breakages on average (0.4%) and differences (P < 0.05) in losses according to position (armpit, 1.7%; ear, 5.2%; and lip, 14.0%). An interaction (P < 0.05) between position x size was observed, and losses were greatest using a 32-mm PIT in the lip. The DRE was affected (P < 0.05) by PIT position and size, and values were greater for the 32-mm PIT in all positions (armpit: 99.9 +/- 0.1 vs 95.8 +/- 4.9%; ear: 93.8 +/- 2.2 vs 81.9 +/- 4.6%; lip: 66.8 +/- 4.9 vs 53.4 +/- 4.7%, respectively, for 32 vs 23 mm). Recovery of PIT in the abattoir was on average 96.7, 96.7, and 99.2% for armpit, ear, and lip, respectively (P > 0.05). Most of the PIT injected in the armpit were recovered by sight or palpation, but 31.9% were recovered after cutting the muscles around the area and 10.7% were recovered on the internal side of the hide, which jeopardized carcass identification. Recovery of PIT injected in the ear was 23.4% in the hide and 76.6% in the auricular muscles of the head. The easiest recovery was in the lip, 8.9% of PIT were located in the hide and 91.1% in the head. Recovery time was affected (P < 0.05) by position: the quickest was lip (27 +/- 2 s), followed by ear (52 +/- 5 s) and armpit (78 +/- 7 s). In conclusion, taking into account retention and reading performances, injection of a 32-mm PIT into the armpit showed the best results on the farm, but a careful and longer recovery was needed in the abattoir. Improvement of recovery methodology and time would be necessary in order to recommend injection of PIT in the armpit instead of in the ear for cattle tracking or monitoring.

Animal Husbandry↗

Effect of prepubertal feeding regimen on reproductive development and performance of gilts through the first pregnancy.

Development of gilts that conceive early and continue to produce offspring is an objective of swine production. We investigated different patterns of growth on reproductive development and performance of gilts through the first farrowing. At 13 wk of age and 43 kg BW, 286 white crossbred gilts were penned individually and assigned to treatments: Ad lib, ad libitum intake from 13 to 25 wk of age; Control, ad libitum intake from 13 wk of age until 100 kg BW and then 90% of ad libitum intake until 25 wk of age; and Restricted, 74% of ad libitum intake from 13 wk to 25 wk of age. Feed was formulated to restrict energy intake. The study was replicated in three seasons. At 25 wk of age, gilts were moved by treatment to group pens, fed for ad libitum consumption, and estrus detection was initiated. Gilts were inseminated at first estrus, and those recycling were remated. Postmating gilts were fed 1.5x maintenance until 105 to 110 d of pregnancy. Gilts were moved either to the farrowing facility or the abattoir at 105 to 110 d of pregnancy. Those taken to the abattoir were slaughtered and number, weight, and condition of the fetuses were recorded. Gilts moved to the farrowing facility were allowed to farrow, and number, weight, and condition of the piglets were recorded. Daily feed intake during breeding was 3.4 kg/d by Restricted gilts, 2.9 by Control gilts, and 2.7 kg/d by Ad lib gilts. Increased feed intake by Restricted gilts during breeding resulted in compensatory gains that overcame the reduced reproductive performance that resulted from the reduced BW and backfat these gilts carried at the start of breeding. Days to first estrus and pregnancy were not influenced by development period treatment (P < 0.13). Percentage of Ad lib, Control, and Restricted gilts that successfully completed their pregnancies were 61, 74, and 66, respectively (P > 0.19). Total feed fed from 13 wk of age to end of the first pregnancy per gilt assigned did not differ among Ad lib (506 kg) and Control (498 kg) gilts but was less (P < 0.01) in Restricted gilts (451 kg). Number of piglets born per gilt assigned (P > 0.09) and piglets produced per kilogram of feed fed from 13 wk of age to term (P > 0.29) were 6.47 and 0.0134 in Ad lib gilts, 7.26 and 0.0150 in Control gilts, and 6.38 and 0.0149 in Restricted gilts, respectively. Moderate feed restriction, 74% of ad libitum intake, reduced feed consumed from 13 wk of age to end of the first pregnancy with no significant impact on efficiency of piglet production.

Animal Feed↗

Development and validation of a short-term, serum-free culture system for bovine granulosa cells: evaluation of the effects of somatotropin and growth hormone-releasing factor on estradiol production.

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a short-term, serum-free culture system to determine whether recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) or recombinant bovine growth hormone-releasing factor (rbGRF) altered the estradiol-producing capacity of bovine granulosa cells isolated from dominant or subordinate follicles of the first follicular wave. Thus, ovaries were obtained at an abattoir from cows that were between d 2 to 5 or 6 to 10 of the estrous cycle. Three size classes of follicles were isolated from each cow's ovaries: small (2 to 5 mm in diameter), medium (6 to 14 mm), or the largest (6 to 19 mm). In vivo steroid-producing capacity of follicles was assessed by measuring concentration of estradiol, progesterone, androstenedione and 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone in each follicle. In vitro steroid-producing capacity was assessed by culturing granulosa cells from the different follicle sizes for 48 h in serum-free media with 19-OH androstenedione and measuring the estradiol and progesterone concentrations in media at the end of culture. The effect of different doses of FSH, rbST, or rbGRF on estradiol and progesterone production by granulosa cells from each follicle size class during d 2 to 5 or 6 to 10 was also evaluated. A high percentage (91.7%) of the largest follicles obtained on d 2 to 5 was estrogen-active (estradiol > progesterone) compared with other follicle classifications (d 2 to 5, small = 0%, medium = 13.8%; d 6 to 10, small = 0%, medium = 3.3%, largest = 33.3%). Estradiol was highest (P < 0.05) in the largest follicle on d 2 to 5 and correlated positively with follicle diameter. The pattern of in vitro production of estradiol by granulosa cells from the different follicle size classes reflected the original in vivo capacity of follicles to produce estradiol. However, only granulosa cells from the largest estrogen-active follicle on d 2 to 5 produced more estradiol than progesterone in vitro. Progesterone production by granulosa cells from all follicle classifications was increased by FSH, but FSH only enhanced estradiol production by granulosa cells from the largest estrogen-active follicles on d 2 to 5. Recombinant bST blocked the FSH-induced increase in estradiol by granulosa cells from the largest estrogen-active follicles on d 2 to 5, whereas rbGRF had no effect on steroid production. Based on these results, we concluded that short-term, serum-free culture of bovine granulosal cells obtained from first-wave follicles at an abattoir could be used to reflect reliably the original in vivo estradiol-producing capacity of granulosal cells, and that neither rbST nor rbGRF enhance basal or FSH-induced estradiol production by bovine granulosa cells from first-wave follicles.

Androstenedione↗

[The karyotype of Paramphistomum explanatum (Creplin, 1849) obtained from Korean cattle]

As a series of systematic classification of paramphistomes, in the first step, paramphistomes in the rumen and reticulum were collected on 170 Korean cattles (2-3 years age, male) slaughtered at Jeonju abattoir from July 1984 to September 1985 and were classified by means of morphology of the worms. Afterwards, the karyotype of Paramphistomum explanatum (Creplin, 1849) which is the common in Korean cattle was detected by means of modified air-drying method from testis cells of the worm. The following is a brief summary of the leading facts gained through the experiment. Most of the cattle slaughtered at the abattoir were infected with paramphistomes. The 5 species of the worms were detected on 170 Korean cattle and the worm burden per head was from 2 to 784 (on the average 170) worms, 120(70.59 percent) heads out of them involving 2-100 worms. In 28,900 individuals of paramphistomes obtained on 170 Korean cattle, appearance rates of various worms were as follows : 49.74 percent in P. explanatum, 48.08 percent in P. cervi, 0.98 percent in Orthocoelium orthocoelium, 0.89 percent in Fischoederius cobboldi and 0.14 percent in Cotylophoron cotylophorum. The chromosome number of 620 P. explanatum in the haploid and diploid cells was n=9 and 2n=18, and abundant cells in meiotic division were observed; 1,420 haploid and 38 diploid cells were reliable. Nine pairs of mitotic chromosomes were homologous and the chromosomes were composed of five medium-sized metacentrics (m), subtelocentrics (st) or submetacentrics (sm)and four small-sized subtelocentrics (st) or submetacentrics (sm), while meiotic metaphase chromosomes were composed of five medium and four small-sized. The haploid of the testis cells showed C-band in the centromeric region from 8 of them, whereas the remaining chromosome No. 5 included heterochromatin on the tip region, and chromosomes No. 3 and No. 7 showed a remarkable C-band distinguished from other chromosomes.

Journal Article↗

Specific immune gammaglobulin in the control of Mycoplasma meleagridis.

Turkey embryos naturally infected with Mycoplasma meleagridis were treated with different fractions of turkey immunoglobulins obtained from either abattoir or hyperimmune sera. The whole crude globulin fraction, IgG or IgM, were injected directly into the yolk sac of infected embryos. Embryos that died during incubation were broken out, aged, and the yolk sac contents cultured for M. meleagridis. All globulin treatments significantly reduced embryo mortality; purified IgG from abattoir sera appeared to be the most effective in this regard, whereas the crude globulin fraction from the same source was least effective. All surviving poults were kept under observation for 21 days after hatching and monitored for further mortality, presence of skeletal deformities, airsacculitis, and serological presence of M. meleagridis. On the basis of these data it is readily apparent that injection of homologous specific immune gammaglobulins may be an attractive method for enhancing passive immunity transfer and thereby reducing the deleterious effects of egg-transmitted M. meleagridis. Of particular significance is the finding that globulin fractions from naturally immune turkeys offer quantitatively similar protection as compared to those derived from hyperimmune birds.

Animals↗

Efficacy of washing and sanitizing trailers used for swine transport in reduction of Salmonella and Escherichia coli.

Healthy pigs can carry Salmonella in their intestine and may shed this pathogen because of stresses incurred during transportation, contaminating trailer floors and bedding material. If not cleaned and sanitized between trips, trailers and bedding have the potential to infect other farms, the abattoir environment, or other animals with Salmonella. Floors and bedding material from pig trailers were sampled to determine the efficacy of the abattoir-developed washing and sanitizing regime on the level of Salmonella before and after a single haul. Escherichia coli levels were an indicator of high contamination. The study also determined the effect of ambient temperature (during four seasons) and of the distance the pigs traveled in the haulers (> 500 miles or < 500 miles) on bacterial levels. Salmonella was isolated from 80% of the bedding material tested. Of the 188 floor samples taken, 41.5% were positive for Salmonella before washing, and 2.7% were positive after washing and sanitizing. E. coli was isolated from all bedding material and floor samples before washing, but washing and sanitizing significantly decreased levels (P < 0.05) by 2 logs. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the number of Salmonella- or E. coli-positive trailers attributable to distance traveled or season of the year. These results demonstrate that washing and sanitizing the trailers after each load significantly reduced levels of Salmonella and its possible spread by the contaminated trailer and bedding, which ultimately could promote improvement in food safety.

Animals↗

A mathematical model for the transmission of Salmonella Typhimurium within a grower-finisher pig herd in Great Britain.

In a study of pigs slaughtered at British abattoirs, approximately 23% carried Salmonella in their cecal (large intestine) contents. The most frequent serotype was Salmonella Typhimurium (STM), which was the second most common cause of human salmonellosis in Great Britain. A pig industry-monitoring program was developed to reduce Salmonella infection on British farms. The control of STM infection on the farm requires an understanding of STM transmission dynamics within the herd, and a mathematical model has been developed for an infected grower-finisher farm. The model estimates the probability of a random pig being infected with STM. There are three broad categories of STM infection in pigs: pigs that are infected but unable to transmit the infection (latent); pigs that are infectious, i.e., able to transmit the infection (shedders); and pigs that have stopped shedding but harbor STM in their internal organs (carriers). The model estimates that 21.0% (5th and 95th percentiles, 0.05 to 77.5%) of slaughter-age pigs on an infected farm are likely to be shedding STM. Although this range is wide, it is biologically plausible. Sensitivity analysis of the total number of infected pigs revealed that the most significant input parameters are the probability of effective contact between a specific infectious and susceptible pig and the duration of shedding. The model predicted that 11.5% of pigs would be shedding STM at slaughter age. This value is close to the estimate obtained from a British abattoir survey that 11. 1% of pigs carried STM in their ceca, indicating that the model has reasonable validity.

Animals↗

The prevalence of cysticerci of Taenia saginata in cattle reared on sewage-irrigated pasture.

The hearts, masseter muscles, tongues and laryngeal muscles from 200 cattle aged 10 to 11 months, and 100 cattle aged 20 to 21 months, which had been reared on sewage-irrigated pastures at the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works Farm, Werribee, Victoria, were examined for infection with cysticerci of Taenia saginata by slicing in the laboratory and the result obtained were compared with those recorded during normal meat inspection procedures at the abattoir. Of the 10 to 11-month-old cattle 51-5% were found to be infected and 8% of the total animals harboured viable cysticerci. Of the 20 to 21-month-old animals 33% were infected, and, even at this age, 8% of the animals still carried viable cysticerci. On-line meat inspection at the abattoir detected significantly fewer infections than did laboratory slicing.

Agriculture↗

Avian chlamydiosis.

Avian chlamydiosis (AC) can be economically devastating to producers and a serious public health problem. Most infections in humans are due to exposure to psittacine birds and pigeons; however, outbreaks resulting in severe disease and even death do occur in abattoir workers following processing of infected flocks. The disease occurs primarily in turkeys and ducks, but can affect all types of poultry. In poultry, the disease varies from one producing high morbidity and mortality to one that is asymptomatic. Farm workers and abattoir workers are at risk following exposure to either extreme. Although outbreaks of AC have declined since the 1970s, some parts of the world are now experiencing a rise in incidence. Whether the initial decrease was due to changes in production methods or to the increased use of antibiotics is not known. The mechanism for introduction of the disease into a flock or area is poorly understood. Wild birds are often infected by the same strains as domestic flocks and are therefore thought to play a major role in introduction. Data also indicate that vertical transmission may occur. Persistently infected carrier birds are known to be a source of chlamydiosis in the pet bird industry, but have not been confirmed as a source of infection in poultry flocks.

Animals↗

Assessment of Nipah virus transmission among pork sellers in Seremban, Malaysia.

Between September 1998 and May 1999, 265 cases of encephalitis were reported from among those involved in pig rearing. A few cases were also reported among abattoir workers. This raised questions of the risk of transmission among those who handled raw pork. A serosurvey was conducted among pork sellers in Seremban town, which is about 20 km from one of the pig rearing areas which had reported cases of encephalitis. It was found that out of the 28 pork sellers tested, only one tested positive for Nipah virus antibodies and that this pork seller also worked in an abattoir in the same district, removing the urinary bladders from slaughtered pigs. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the risk of transmission of the virus from handling raw pork appeared to be low.

Animals↗

Isolation and cultivation of porcine hepatocytes for extracorporeal artificial liver support system.

OBJECTIVE: To develop procedures for the successful harvesting of large quantities of viable and functional pig liver cells from abattoir organs. METHODS: The procedure included partial liver lobe retrograde perfusion and mechanical/enzymatic digestion of the liver tissue, followed by separation of the hepatocytes, based on size and density, from contaminating cell types. RESULTS: Digestion of the partial liver lobe resulted in an average yield of 1.39 x 10(9) cells (9.9 x 10(8) cells/g liver) with an average viability of 92.5%. The yield and viability of cells were improved by dispase/collagenase resultant digestion. The emergence of blebby cells was blocked by supplying oxygen to the cell isolation buffers. Isolated hepatocytes seeded onto polystyrene surfaces remained viable and functional at a level comparable to that of rat hepatocytes, although their function decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS: Adult pig hepatocytes can be harvested with high yields and retain viability and differentiated function using this method. Abattoir pig livers can be an excellent source of hepatocytes for use as the biological component of artificial liver assist devices.

Albumins↗

Prevalence of Salmonella and E. coli, and their resistance to antimicrobial agents, in farming communities in northern Thailand.

A cross-sectional pilot study was conducted in Chiang Mai, Thailand, to determine the prevalence of Salmonella and Escherichia coli in swine, broiler chickens and human workers from farms and abattoirs in northern Thailand, and compare their antimicrobial resistance profiles. Fecal samples and cloacal swabs were collected from 150 swine and 150 chickens at the farm. Fecal samples from swine, cloacal swabs from chickens, and carcass swabs from both animals were collected from 100 swine and 100 chickens at the abattoir. Stool samples were collected from 15 swine farm workers and seven chicken farm workers. Primary isolation and identification of Salmonella and E. coli were conducted using standard methods. In vitro susceptibility testing of Salmonella and E. coli was conducted using the broth microdilution method, based on the United States National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) guidelines. The prevalence of Salmonella from swine and chicken samples ranged from 2% to 25%. The prevalence of E. coli in chickens and swine ranged from 36.8% to 47.6%. In humans, the prevalence of Salmonella was 15%, and the prevalence of E. coli ranged from 51% to 53%. Resistance in Salmonella was found for tetracycline (84.7%), nalidixic acid (27.1%), florfenicol (18.6%), ampicillin (13.6%), and ceftiofur (3.4%), and in E. coli for tetracycline (91.5%), nalidixic acid (67.4%), ampicillin (61.6%), florfenicol (51.8%), enrofloxacin (28.7%), ciprofloxacin (12.5%), ceftiofur (4.9%) and ceftriaxone (1.5%).

Animals↗

On the main reservoir host of Fasciola in Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt.

In the present work, a total of 4180 sheep were obtained from different localities at Dakahlia Governorate. One hundred and eighty male sheep were investigated for Fasciola worms (the adult and juvenile forms) at Mansoura governmental abattoir. Four hundred grazing sheep were screened by the coprological examination from ten centers. The mean number of eggs per gm in a group of ten sheep ranged from 2.9-10.8 egg/gm. The number of worms ranged from 5-84. In the Mansoura abattoir, it was found that 37 sheep were infected (20.56%). Fasciola worms were recovered from the livers in 100%, common bile ducts in 60%, gall bladder in 80%, two sites in 50% and three sites in 40% of infected biliary tracts. According to the coprological examination, the infection rate was the highest in El-Manzalla Center (15.75) and the lowest was in Mansoura Center (3.25%). According to the prevalence and egg output results, it is concluded that sheep are the main reservoir host for fascioliasis among the edible animals in Dakahlia Governorate. However, examination of the non-edible animals and the domestic and wild rodents are ongoing and will be published soon elsewhere.

Animals↗

The effect of machine perfusion on the arteries of porcine kidneys.

OBJECTIVES: Machine perfusion is an excellent method of assessing the viability of a kidney graft and can also potentially improve the quality of an equivocal kidney. Several authors have expressed concerns that machine perfusion can potentially damage the vessels of the kidney but until now, no studies have been performed to clarify this issue. We aimed to examine the effect of machine perfusion on the renal arteries of porcine kidneys. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight pairs of kidneys were removed from pigs in the abattoir. One kidney of each pair was preserved on ice for 24 hours. The other kidney from the same animal was initially stored on ice until arrival at the laboratory when it was perfused on the RM3 machine for 4 hours and then stored again on ice for the remainder of the 24 hours. After 24 hours, since the retrieval and initial storage on ice at the abattoir, tissue samples were obtained from all renal arteries at 3 different sites. These samples were sent for histologic evaluation. RESULTS: Machine perfusion caused more damage at a statistically significant level compared with simple cold storage only for the first sample site, which was the part of the renal artery closest to the perfusion cannula. CONCLUSIONS: Our experiments suggest that machine perfusion, even when it is done lege artis, can damage the part of the renal artery closest to the adaptor, which can potentially result in a higher incidence of posttransplant arterial thrombosis. Therefore, excision of the first part of the renal artery should be considered prior to transplantation, and modifications of the perfusion technique must be developed to minimize damage to the renal arteries.

Animals↗