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cDNA cloning and genetic polymorphism of the swine major histocompatibility complex (SLA) class II DMA gene.

cDNA clones corresponding to the swine histocompatibility complex (SLA: swine leucocyte antigen)-DM alpha chain were isolated using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products from the third exon in the human HLA-DMA gene as a probe. Amino acid comparative analysis revealed that these clones were more closely related to the bovine and human DMA genes than to the other swine class II genes alpha chain genes, DRA, DQA and DOA. These results suggest that the SLA-DMA gene is expressed and may function, like HLA-DM, as an important modulator in class II restricted antigen processing in swine. Furthermore, based on the sequences and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) patterns in the SLA-DMA gene, no allelic variation was recognized in the second exon, but five allelic variations were recognized in the third exon in five different breeds of swine. These DMA alleles were defined by variation at four nucleotide positions. Two of these alleles resulted in an amino acid substitution. These results suggest that SLA-DMA has little polymorphism as observed in HLA-DMA and mouse H2-Ma.

Alleles↗

Airway reactivity and exhaled NO following swine dust exposure in healthy volunteers.

Short-time exposure to swine dust causes an intense inflammation of upper and lower airways and induces increased bronchial responsiveness to methacholine in previously non-exposed healthy volunteers. The objective to this study was to investigate the nasal inflammatory response and mucosal reactivity to swine dust exposure and whether nitric oxide metabolism is involved in the inflammatory process. Nitric oxide in expired air, nasal histamine test (NH), nasal lavage (NAL) and bronchial histamine challenges were studied before and after a 3 h exposure to swine dust in a swine confinement building in 17 non-smoking healthy subjects not previously exposed to farm dust. To detect any interference between NAL and NH, the subjects were divided into two groups: in group 1, NAL was performed after NH and in group 2, NAL preceded NH. Nasal histamine response increased significantly in group 1, but not in group 2 (P=0.012). Albumin levels in NAL were higher before as well as after dust exposure in group 1 compared to group 2 (P=0.036 and 0.015 respectively). Bronchial histamine responsiveness increased following exposure (P= 0.045). Nitric oxide in expired air decreased following bronchial histamine challenge at baseline (P=0.013) but was otherwise unaltered. Short-time exposure to swine dust increases non-specific reactivity of both nose and bronchi. Nasal lavage procedure interferes with nasal histamine test when performed with connection to each other. The inflammatory reaction may involve NO metabolism.

Adolescent↗

A field study on downwind odor transport from swine facilities.

This paper presents field data to illustrate the characteristics of downwind odor dispersion. A total of eight swine facilities were studied in this project and power functions were found to be an appropriate description of the pattern of downwind odor transport for both swine buildings and manure storage lagoons and tanks. The coefficients of correlation for the power regressions ranged from 0.75-0.87. It was found that swine buildings have the potential of generating more odor than manure storage facilities such as lagoons and tanks and thus could be the major odor sources causing downwind odor nuisance. Therefore, to maintain the building clean should be highly recommended as swine producers' best management practice. For earthen basins, the odor strength was reduced by 80% at about 250-meter distance from the source. While for the swine building, a 50% of reduction in odor strength was observed at the same distance. The study did not show any advantages of using lagoons over concrete (or steel) manure tanks in terms of reducing downwind odor concentrations. Land application of manure did not cause persistent downwind odor problems.

Agriculture↗

Effects of bioreactor temperature and time on odor-related parameters in aerated swine manure slurries.

Previous studies have linked odor generation from swine manure to some characteristics of the liquid manure such oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), five-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), volatile fatty acids (VFAs), and predominant microbial population. This study investigated the effect of bioreactor temperature and time on the aforementioned parameters during aeration of swine manure. Five reactors (13 1 capacity) loaded with swine manure and maintained at temperatures of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 degrees C, were supplied with air for 15 days to maintain aerobic conditions. Large fluctuations in ORP (-120 to 360 mV) were observed in the first seven days of aeration, which stabilized thereafter regardless of the bioreactor temperature. The percentage removal of VFAs and BOD5 in the manure significantly increased from 0.0% on day one to 87.8% and 65.3%, respectively, on day nine, and remained relatively constant thereafter. The mean percentage of VFAs and BOD5 removed also increased significantly with an increase in the bioreactor temperature. The VFAs and BOD5 removal increased by approximately 25% and 35%, respectively, in going from 5 to 25 degrees C, during the 15 days of aeration. Both VFAs and BOD5 in the manure were significantly correlated with ORP, aerobic bacteria, and anaerobic bacteria. The data suggested that continued aeration for seven days at 20 or 25 degrees C was sufficient for significant reduction of odor precursors (VFAs and BOD5) and in stabilization of swine manure. A linear correlation of 0.97 between VFAs and BOD5 indicated that the two parameters can be used interchangeably as indicators of odor release potential in swine manure.

Air Pollutants↗

Laboratory and in-situ reductions of soluble phosphorus in swine waste slurries.

Laboratory and field experiments were conducted using magnesium chloride (MgCl2) to force the precipitation of struvite (MgNH4PO4 x 6H2O) and reduce the concentration of soluble phosphorus (SP) in swine waste. In laboratory experiments, reductions of SP of 76% (572 to 135 mg P l(-1)) were observed in raw swine manure after addition of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) at a rate calculated to provide a 1.6:1 molar ratio of magnesium (Mg) to total phosphorus. Adjusting the pH of the treated manure to pH 9.0 with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) increased SP reduction to 91% (572 to 50 mg P l(-1)). X-ray diffraction of the precipitate recovered from swine waste slurry treated only with MgCl2 confirmed the presence ofstruvite. The molar N:P:Mg ratio of the recovered precipitate was 1:1.95:0.24, suggesting that compounds in addition to struvite were formed. In a field experiment conducted in a swine manure holding pond, a 90% reduction in SP concentration was observed in approximately 140,000 l of swine manure slurry treated before land application with 2,000 l MgCl2 (64% solution) at ambient slurry temperatures ranging from 5 to 10 degrees C.

Agriculture↗

Use of nonautologous microencapsulated fibroblasts in growth hormone gene therapy to improve growth of midget swine.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression activity, both in vitro and in vivo, of the porcine growth hormone complementary DNA (pGH cDNA) in porcine fetal fibroblast (PFF) cells. The pGH gene had been constructed inside the bicistronic retroviral vector PSN and subsequently transfected into PFF cells further encapsulated with immunoprotective microcapsules. This would provide a way to evaluate the improvement in growth performance of Tao-Yuan swine by the use of nonautologous microencapsulated fibroblasts carrying the pGH cDNA via the technique of somatic gene therapy. Results from Southern blot analysis confirmed that the full length of the pGH cDNA was completely integrated into the genome of the PFF cells after they had been infected one to four times using a PSN retroviral vector. Moreover, Northern blot analysis showed that high transcription activity was present in clones infected twice, and exogenous pGH secretion was found when the pGH-infected PFF had been further cultured for 48 hr in vitro and subjected to immunoblot assay. Encapsulation of the pGH-PFF with an alginate-poly-L-lysine-alginate membrane did not show any deterioration in their proliferation and survival both in vitro and in vivo. The pGH gene in encapsulated recombinant fibroblasts was fully expressed after it had been transplanted into the peritoneal cavity of the Tao-Yuan swine, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis was performed on the microcapsules retrieved 1 month later. The feasibility of pGH gene therapy to improve midget Tao-Yuan swine growth enhancement is further supported by the fact that transplantation of the encapsulated recombinant fibroblast cells resulted in a much more significant increase in weight gain than in those swine in either the age-matched untreated control group or in those that had been transplanted with uncapsulated recombinant PFF cells (10.56 +/- 1.01 kg versus 6.95 +/- 0.94 and 5.27 +/- 1.30 kg; p < 0.05). These experimental data suggest that growth hormone gene therapy did provide an alternative approach for growth improvement in midget Tao-Yuan swine.

Animals↗

An erythroid species-specific antigen of swine detected by a monoclonal antibody.

A monoclonal antibody (1AC11) has been produced which recognized the glycophorin of swine red blood cells. 1AC11 was specific for swine membrane erythrocytes. No other swine cells (leukocytes, macrophages, kidney and testis cells) nor red blood cells from all the tested mammalian species (goat, human, sheep, cattle, horse, rabbit, cat and guinea pig) were recognized. There was no blood group activity detected. Immunocytochemical analysis of blood vessel in the swine pituitary tissue showed that besides membrane erythrocytes, cytoplasmic molecules were recognized in some cells. Immunoblot analysis of both membrane and aqueous phase of chloroform/methanol fractions from swine erythrocytes showed that the monoclonal antibody 1AC11 reacts with the major sialoglycoprotein of apparent molecular weight 45,000 daltons.

Animals↗

Generation of heterohybridomas capable of releasing swine monoclonal antibody specific to porcine growth hormone.

An effort was made to generate stable swine hybridomas capable of releasing monoclonal antibodies (MAb) with antigenic specificity. Crossbred pigs were immunized with recombinant porcine growth hormone (r-pGH) and the splenic cells were harvested from these animals. B lymphocytes enriched by gradient centrifugation and nylon wool adherence were briefly stimulated in vitro with r-pGH prior to hybridization with murine SP2/0 myeloma cells. The fused hybrids were screened for their ability to produce anti-pGH antibody and the positive ones were subcloned by a limiting dilution procedure. The stable cell lines were maintained by serial passages in cultures for further analysis. One such hybridoma, designated PM20/20, was found to secrete swine IgM. It recognized not only the immunizing r-pGH but also the native pGH extracted from the swine pituitary glands, as demonstrated by Western analysis. It also recognized two smaller fragments with m.w. of 10 kD and 5 kD of r-pGH following trypsin digestion. In addition to pGH, PM20/20 immunoreacted with several other GH species including bovine, chicken, and human origins, but not with ovine prolactin nor rat GH binding protein. The binding association rate constant and dissociation rate constant of PM20/20 to pGH were 5.3 x 10(4) M-1 s-1 and 1.0 x 10(-4) s-1, respectively, thus producing a dissociation constant of 1.9 x 10(-9) M. Therefore, stable swine-mouse heterohybridoma lines have been established and shown to continuously release swine mAb in cultures. These mAb may serve as useful alternatives to murine mAb in certain areas of research.

Animals↗

Characterization of integrons in Escherichia coli of the normal intestinal flora of swine.

Multiresistant Escherichia coli isolates of the normal intestinal flora of healthy fattening pigs were examined for the presence of integron class 1 by XL (extra long) PCR. The class 1 integron was detected in 17 isolates originating from 14 healthy animals on seven different farms. One isolate contained two class 1 integrons. The inserted gene cassettes were characterized by DNA sequencing and PCR. The ant(3")-Ia gene responsible for resistance to streptomycin/spectinomycin was inserted in all integrons detected. Fifteen isolates contained this gene cassette as the only inserted cassette. Three isolates contained integrons with two gene cassettes. Two isolates contained integrons with the trimethoprim resistance gene dfr1 and one isolate contained the oxa1 beta-lactamase gene upstream to the ant(3")-Ia gene. Detection of these three different resistance gene cassettes in bacteria from swine shows that cassettes occurring in integrons in human clinical isolates also appear in bacteria of the normal intestinal flora of healthy swine. Two integron-harboring strains were obtained from each of three different animals. These strains were probably not clonal derivatives of each other, suggesting the existence of different multiresistance clones within the intestinal normal flora of one specific animal. The oxa1 nucleotide sequence found in E. coli from swine differ by seven nucleotides from the oxa1 nucleotide sequence of the gene from the R-plasmid RGN238. The fact that these two sequences are not identical might indicate that the two genes have evolved separately in different surroundings from the common ancestor. Transmissible plasmids of approximately 200 kb containing integron class I were detected in eight of the isolates when conjugation experiments were performed with E. coli DH5 as recipient strain. The transfer frequency ranged from 4x10(-4) to 6x10(-2) transconjugants per recipient cell. This study shows that the enteric commensals of domestic animals may be considered as a reservoir of integron-containing transmissible plasmids and gene cassettes that might be transferable to the pathogens of swine and to important zoonotic bacteria associated with the enteric flora of swine such as Salmonella typhimurium DT104.

Animals↗

Phenotypes associated with malignant hyperthermia susceptibility in swine genotyped as homozygous or heterozygous for the ryanodine receptor mutation.

We have examined the phenotypic expression of several parameters associated with malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility in three groups (homozygous normal, homozygous abnormal and heterozygous) of Yorkshire/Duroc swine genotyped by a mutation in the ryanodine receptor. Subgroups of homozygous abnormals were classified further by the appearance or absence of muscle rigidity on prolonged in vivo challenge with halothane and suxamethonium. Four swine heterozygous for the proposed MH mutation were indistinguishable from five homozygous normal swine in temperature, heart rate, lactate concentrations, base excess and pH determined during the prolonged halothane and suxamethonium challenge. Resting creatine kinase concentrations, the in vivo barnyard challenge, the in vitro contracture response of skeletal muscle to 3% halothane and the threshold for Ca(2+)-induced Ca2+ release were also similar for subgroups of homozygous normals and heterozygotes. Therefore, inheritance of only one allele carrying the defect in the ryanodine receptor does not significantly alter phenotypes associated with MH susceptibility in this strain of swine. As four swine homozygous for the proposed MH defect did not exhibit rigidity and three of these had no other signs of MH on prolonged halothane and suxamethonium challenge, we conclude that the reported mutation in the ryanodine receptor may be necessary, but is not sufficient, for consistently eliciting the malignant hyperthermia syndrome. These findings suggest that a modulator of the syndrome may explain variability within individuals in human MH.

Animals↗

Renal function during application of positive end-expiratory pressure in swine: effects of hydration.

The possibility that the deleterious renal effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) might be avoided by prevention of its attendant cardiovascular effects with increasing intravascular volume was investigated in two groups of anesthetized swine. Group 1 (12 swine) were maintained at a normovolemic state and Group 2 (11 swine) were volume expanded with an infusion of lactated Ringer's solution. In normovolemic swine (Group 1), the addition of PEEP to controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV) caused significant decreases in cardiac output and mean aortic pressure. In addition, decreases in urinary output and osmolar, free water, and creatinine clearance occurred. Change from CMV to CMV + PEEP in Group 1 also produced increases in plasma ADH from 4.6 +/- 2.4 to 10.2 +/- 7 pg/ml (P less than 0.01) and renin from 1.8 +/- 1.0 to 4.7 +/- 1.6 ng X ml-1 X h-1 (P less than 0.01), epinephrine from 133 +/- 23 to 1,060 +/- 636 pg/ml (P less than 0.03) and norepinephrine from 46 +/- 15 to 1,427 +/- 839 pg/ml (P less than 0.03). In hydrated swine (Group 2) addition of PEEP to CMV was not accompanied by any significant change in hemodynamic, renal, or hormonal variables. It is concluded that the short-term renal effects of PEEP are mainly due to hormonal responses that are activated by decrease in perfusion pressure. These responses can be obviated by intravascular volume expansion.

Animals↗

Caffeine and halothane contracture testing in swine using the recommendations of the North American Malignant Hyperthermia Group.

Caffeine and halothane contracture testing is widely used to detect malignant hyperthermia (MH) susceptibility. The accuracy and reliability of the 3% halothane test and the incremental caffeine test, as recommended by the North American MH Group, were assessed in 11 swine (five MHS, six control). Nine swine were tested twice, 4-6 weeks apart. Accuracy of the in vitro diagnosis was also assessed by in vivo anesthetic challenge. Of all muscle bundles from MH-susceptible swine, 65% reacted positively to 3% halothane and 70% to 2 mM caffeine. Only 35% had a positive caffeine-specific concentration, and 25% developed an increase in baseline tension greater than or equal to 7% at 2 mM caffeine. However, when only the most positive response to 3% halothane or to 2 mM caffeine was used (a minimum of three fresh muscle strips is recommended), these two tests were highly sensitive and specific. In control swine one of 30 muscle bundles reacted positively to 3% halothane. A positive caffeine-specific concentration developed in one of 25 control muscle bundles exposed to caffeine. The variability in the results of these tests mandated that at least three muscle bundles be used for each test. Nonviable muscle bundles could not be relied upon to provide accurate results. In this porcine model, MH susceptibility could be detected by performing the Caffeine Halothane Contracture Test (CHCT) according to the guidelines of the North American MH Group. However, only the 3% halothane test and the response to 2 mM caffeine produced adequate diagnostic results in this breed of swine.

Animals↗

Desflurane is a trigger of malignant hyperthermia in susceptible swine.

Desflurane (difluoromethyl 1-fluoro 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl ether: CF2-H-O-CFH-CF3) is a potent inhalation anesthetic agent being investigated for possible clinical use. The authors examined the effects of this agent on normal swine and those from a special breeding program that were considered purebred for susceptibility to malignant hyperthermia (MH). Animals were exposed to 1 or 2 MAC or both doses of desflurane and observed for changes in end-tidal CO2, arterial blood gases, lactate, catecholamines, core temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. All normal swine tolerated exposure to desflurane without clinical signs of MH, but significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure were noted. In contrast, of six MH susceptible swine tested, two had unequivocal MH reactions to deflurane, defined by significant increases of end-tidal CO2 (greater than 50 mmHg), an increase in PaCO2 (greater than 70 mmHg), a decrease in blood pH (less than 7.30), an increase in blood lactate concentration, and an increase in core temperature. Two other susceptible swine showed equivocal signs of MH but not until desflurane had been administered for 40-60 min. Finally, two other susceptible swine showed no signs of MH after 60 min of exposure to 2 MAC desflurane. These latter four animals all developed episodes of MH immediately after intravenous succinylcholine (2 mg/kg). The increased PaCO2, blood lactate concentrations, and temperature, and the decrease in pH induced by desflurane, were successfully treated with dantrolene and supportive measures. All surviving animals were biopsied 1 to 2 weeks after the exposure to desflurane for in vitro contracture testing to confirm MH susceptibility.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Anesthesia, Inhalation↗

Effect of fentanyl on the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane in swine.

BACKGROUND: Fentanyl is used in anesthetic protocols for swine, but there are no reports on its potency in this species. This study measured the extent to which fentanyl reduces the minimum alveolar concentration of isoflurane (MACISO) in swine. METHODS: Sixteen swine were randomly assigned to four groups. For each group, baseline MACISO was determined, and three groups received two of three fentanyl infusions as follows: 50 micrograms.kg-1.h-1 intravenously followed by 100 micrograms.kg-1.h-1, 50 micrograms.kg-1.h-1 followed by 200 micrograms.kg-1.h-1, or 100 micrograms.kg-1.h-1 followed by 200 micrograms.kg-1.h-1 (n = 8 for each dosage). A loading dose of fentanyl preceded each infusion. Each infusion was maintained for 60 min before initiating minimum alveolar concentration determination. The infusions were maintained throughout the period of minimum alveolar concentration determination. Plasma fentanyl samples were obtained after 30 min of each infusion, and plasma fentanyl and hemodynamic parameters were obtained immediately before stimulating swine for the final isoflurane concentration used in determining minimum alveolar concentration. A fourth group, control animals, received saline infusions. After each infusion, the MACISO was redetermined. Minimum alveolar concentration was determined using incremental changes in isoflurane concentrations until gross purposeful movement resulted when using a hemostat stimulus applied for 1 min to a rear dewclaw. RESULTS: MACISO for controls was 2.19 +/- 0.17% (mean +/- SEM) and changed minimally over time (-0.13 +/- 4.77%). MACISO decreased significantly (P < or = 0.01) 24.5 +/- 3.2%, 29.9 +/- 4.8%, and 45.9 +/- 5.5% with fentanyl dosages of 50, 100, and 200 micrograms.kg-1.h-1, respectively. Corresponding plasma fentanyl concentrations were 14 +/- 1 ng/ml, 26 +/- 3 ng/ml, and 59 +/- 5 ng/ml, respectively. A ceiling effect on reduction of MACISO was not observed. Changes over time or between groups were not observed for arterial blood gas tensions, blood pressure, heart and respiratory rate, or body temperature. CONCLUSIONS: These fentanyl dosages are larger than those commonly used in humans and other species. Anesthetic protocols using fentanyl for swine should be designed with the knowledge that a fentanyl infusion of 200 micrograms.kg-1.h-1 contributes approximately a 50% MACISO equivalent.

Animals↗

4-chloro-m-cresol is a trigger of malignant hyperthermia in susceptible swine.

BACKGROUND: 4-Chloro-m-cresol (4-CmC) induces marked contractures in skeletal muscle specimens from individuals susceptible to malignant hyperthermia (MHS). In contrast, 4-CmC induces only small contractures in specimens from normal (MHN) patients. 4-CmC is a preservative within a large number of commercially available drug-preparations (e.g., insulin, heparin, succinylcholine), and it has been suggested that 4-CmC might trigger malignant hyperthermia. This study was designed to investigate the effects of 4-CmC in vivo and in vitro in the same animals. METHODS: After approval of the animal care committee, six Pietrain MHS and six control (MHN) swine were anesthetized with azaperone 4 mg/kg intramuscularly and metomidate 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally. After endotracheal intubation, lungs were mechanically ventilated (inspired oxygen fraction 0.3) and anesthesia was maintained with etomidate 2.5 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1) and fentanyl 50 microg x kg(-1) x h(-1). Animals were surgically prepared with arterial and central venous catheters for measurement of hemodynamic parameters and to obtain blood samples. Before exposure to 4-CmC in vivo, muscle specimens were excised for in vitro contracture tests with 4-CmC in concentrations of 75 and 200 microM. Subsequently, pigs were exposed to cumulative administration of 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 mg/kg 4-CmC intravenously. If an unequivocal episode of malignant hyperthermia occurred, as indicated by venous carbon dioxide concentration > or = 70 mmHg, pH < or = 7.25, and an increase of temperature > or = 2 degrees C, the animals were treated with dantrolene, 3.5 mg/kg. RESULTS: All MHS swine developed malignant hyperthermia after administration of 4-CmC in doses of 12 or 24 mg/kg. Venous carbon dioxide concentration significantly increased and pH significantly decreased. Temperature increased in all MHS animals more than 2 degrees C. Blood lactate concentrations and creatine kinase levels were significantly elevated. All MHS swine were treated successfully with dantrolene. In contrast, no MHN swine developed signs of malignant hyperthermia. After receiving 4-CmC in a concentration of 48 mg/kg, however, all MHN animals died by ventricular fibrillation. The in vitro experiments showed that both concentrations of 4-CmC produced significantly greater contractures in MHS than in MHN specimens. CONCLUSIONS: 4-CmC is in vivo a trigger of malignant hyperthermia in swine. However, the 4-CmC doses required for induction of malignant hyperthermia were between 12 and 24 mg/kg, which is about 150-fold higher than the 4-CmC concentrations within clinically used preparations.

Animals↗

Malignant hyperthermia phenotype: hypotension induced by succinylcholine in susceptible swine.

BACKGROUND: Succinylcholine causes immediate and severe arterial hypotension in swine with the malignant hyperthermia phenotype. The underlying mechanisms are unknown. METHODS: Malignant hyperthermia-susceptible (MHS; n = 10) and normal swine (n = 5) were anesthetized with thiopental. The following were monitored: electrocardiogram; arterial blood pressure; pulmonary artery, central venous, and left and right ventricular pressure; cardiac output; end-tidal carbon dioxide; core temperature; peripheral-blood flows; and arterial blood gases. After a control period, 2 mg/kg succinylcholine was given intravenously. Three MHS animals received 1 mg/kg vecuronium and two MHS animals received 2.5 mg/kg dantrolene intravenously. The effects of succinylcholine on left and right ventricular pressure and contractility were analyzed in isolated hearts. The effects of 0.06 mm succinylcholine on isometric tension development were recorded in isolated femoral artery rings. RESULTS: Succinylcholine caused an early, severe decrease in blood pressure, cardiac output, left ventricular pressure, and left ventricular contractility in MHS swine but not in normal swine; no significant differences were found in heart rate, right ventricular parameters, systemic vascular resistance, and preload (pulmonary diastolic pressure, central venous pressure). The succinylcholine-induced hypotension and associated effects were not prevented by dantrolene. However, pretreatment with high-dose vecuronium prevented not only the cardiovascular depression, but also MH. In addition, no phenotypic differences of succinylcholine on contractility or left ventricular pressure were observed in the isolated working hearts. Similary, succinylcholine did not cause a significantly different relaxation in rings in either phenotype. CONCLUSION: Succinylcholine-induced hypotension occurred before muscle hypermetabolism in MHS swine. Succinylcholine had no differential physiologic effects on either the isolated heart or on isolated arteries. This hypotension could not be prevented by dantrolene but was prevented by pretreatment with high-dose vecuronium. Thus, an indirect mechanism such as the release of a cardiac depressant from skeletal muscle may have caused this hypotensive response.

Animals↗

Technetium metabolism in goats and swine.

The intestinal absorption of 99mTc given as pertechnetate (TcO4-) was studied in female goats and swine. In goats given TcO4- orally, only a small fraction of the given radioactivity was found in milk (x = 0.1% of dose) and urine (x = 1.2% of dose). These figures were not substantially changed by pre-treatment with I. Ninety percent was found in feces. In goats injected intraabomasally, secretion of 95mTc into milk increased fivefold and urinary excretion was doubled. In swine administered 95mTc intragastrically, urinary excretion was about 30% of the dose. Swine did not retain the radionuclide in the thyroid gland as long as the goats (T 1/2 20 h in swine versus 30 h in goats). Other organs containing substantial concentrations of Tc 200 h post-administration were livers and kidneys, but in swine the liver contained three times as much 95mTc as the thyroid or kidneys. The conclusion of these experiments would, however, be that the concentrations were insufficient to present a hazard to man from consumption of milk or meat.

Administration, Oral↗

The swine as a model for studying exercise-induced changes in lipid metabolism.

The swine has many similarities to humans, making it an excellent research model in which to study the role of exercise on lipid metabolism. Swine adapt to exercise-training by increasing muscle oxidative enzymes, maximal stroke volume, cardiac output, VO2max, and high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, while decreasing total cholesterol levels and resting heart rate. The lipoprotein profile of swine and humans is also similar, and low density lipoprotein is the major cholesterol transporting lipoprotein in both species. Several studies in swine report conflicting results on the effect of exercise-training on lipoprotein profile and atherosclerotic lesion appearance. This may result from differences in total exercise time between the studies. With sufficient total exercise, atherosclerosis was reduced and high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were increased. Exercise may also play a role in reducing obesity, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, by enhancing lipid mobilization from adipocytes. Recent research suggests that swine adipocyte sensitivity to adenosine, a locally-produced antilipolytic agent, is reduced after exercise treatment. Cellular mechanisms responsible for this metabolic change include a reduction in adenosine A1 receptor number. Current studies are examining the transport of extracellular cyclic AMP from adipocytes and its role as a potential adenosine precursor.

Animals↗