Changes in the concentration of globulins in naive guinea pigs during feeding by the immature stages of Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (Acari: Ixodidae).

The weight of Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi Neumann nymphs, which as larvae and nymphs completed the entire blood meal on the same individual guinea pig, was significantly lower than the weight of those that as larvae and nymphs fed on two separate naive hosts. Nymphs of the latter category spent 1 wk (from unfed larvae to unfed nymphs) on one animal before their transfer to the second host to complete the blood meal. The albumin concentration of the host blood decreased and was related to the time that the immature ticks spent on the hosts. The albumin/globulin ratio also decreased. The alpha 1 globulin fraction increased soon after the guinea pigs were infested with ticks. No further changes in the levels of the alpha 1 globulin fraction were observed with time. The concentration of serum beta globulins increased only in guinea pigs infested with immature ticks for the entire larval and nymphal feeding period. A second infestation of those guinea pigs with larvae of R. e. evertsi resulted in further increases in the levels of serum beta globulins. The relationships among serum beta globulin levels, the weight of engorged nymphs, and host immunity are discussed.

Geographic variations in the composition of ivory of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana).

Tracing the source of origin of illegal ivory will contribute to the identification of poorly managed game parks and facilitate steps taken to prevent the African elephant from becoming extinct. This study was aimed at establishing a database on the composition of ivory obtained from elephant sanctuary areas in Southern Africa. Fragments of elephant ivory from seven geographically distinct areas in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana were analysed for inorganic and organic content. A total of 20 elements was detected in the inorganic fraction of ivory, some in concentrations as low as 0.25 microg/g. The concentrations of calcium, phosphate, magnesium, fluoride, cobalt and zinc showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.007) between ivory obtained from different regions. Analyses of the organic fraction identified 17 amino acids. Ivory from arid regions showed significantly lower proline plus hydroxyproline content and under-hydroxylation of lysine residues. This study indicates that chemical analyses of ivory could be beneficial in tracing the source of illegal ivory.

Amino acid composition of dentine in permanent human teeth.

Dentine of permanent mandibular incisors from nine individuals was hydrolysed and the amino acid composition determined by ion-exchange chromatography against a standard calibrant of 41 amino acids. Nineteen amino acids were detected, including small quantities of 1-methylhistidine and asparagine, two amino acids whose existence had apparently not been recorded before in human dentine. The total content of hydroxylysine plus lysine varied between 2.6 and 3.3 residues per 100 (SD, 0.74) in different teeth, which therefore did not support previous studies that had proposed a constant total value. This and other quantifiable differences between present and previous findings may be the result of the different methods and the influence of dietary and other regional factors on dentinogenesis.

Multiple myeloma presenting as localized expansile jaw tumour.

Myelomatous involvement of the maxilla is an exceptionally rare occurrence, and the presentation of the lesion as an expansile jaw bone tumour has not been reported. 2 cases, one with a maxillary lesion, the other with a mandibular lesion are presented, both of which illustrate gross bone expansions. Additionally, 1 case presented with a rare biclonal IgG kappa and IgG lambda light chain secreting myeloma. Relevant clinical, immunological, histological, biochemical and histochemical features are presented and discussed, and suggestions pertaining to surgical management made.

Immobilization of wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) with a tiletamine hydrochloride/zolazepam hydrochloride combination and subsequent evaluation of selected blood chemistry parameters.

A tiletamine hydrochloride/zolazepam hydrochloride combination was used successfully to immobilize captive untamed wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) (n = 16) at dosage rates ranging from 2.3 to 32.3 mg/kg. Animals remained immobilized for periods ranging from 35 min to 24 hr 14 min. There was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.85, P less than 0.01) between dosage rate and the time immobilized. Profuse salivation and intermittent mild myoclonal contractions were observed in some wild dogs. Mildly reduced partial oxygen and carbon dioxide pressures as well as reduced concentrations of bicarbonate were observed in arterial blood at 10 and 20 min after administration of the drug. Serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, urea, creatinine, glucose, proteins, albumin, gammaglutamyltransferase, creatinine kinase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, insulin, cortisol and thyroxine are presented. These concentrations were found to be in agreement with values previously reported for wild dogs.

Resistance of Brahman and Simmentaler cattle to southern African ticks.

Field collections of ticks from two breeds of cattle in the North Western Transvaal showed the common tick species to be Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, Amblyomma hebraeum, Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi and Hyalomma marginatum rufipes. The number of these ticks was higher on Simmentaler than on Brahman cattle. Correlation was found between the number of ticks on the cattle and their serum gamma globulin levels indicating an increase in the production of antibodies. Similar correlation was also found between the number of ticks on the cattle and the number of eosinophils in their blood. Resistance was probably acquired by the hosts and, it appears, to a higher degree in Brahman than in Simmentaler.

Parotid salivary gland of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana): structure and composition of saliva.

Specimens from parotid salivary glands of full-grown elephant (Loxodonta africana) a (n=6) and saliva aspirated from their main excretory ducts were examined macroscopically and microscopically and analyzed biochemically. The composition of the saliva was compared to that of the blood. The parotids (n=12; mean = 7.4 kg) are homocrine and of a seromucous nature. Myoepithelial cells are well-developed along intercalated ducts and their processes extend to proximal portions of allied acini. The saliva is hypotonic and contains relatively low concentrations of sodium and glucose and high concentrations of potassium, urea, calcium and phosphorus. Absence of detectable levels of alpha-amylase negates a digestive role and the voluminous secrete evidently aids swallowing by moisturising and lubricating the large mass of ingested leaves, grass and bark.

Blood chemical parameters in the warthog Phacochoerus aethiopicus.

Concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, inorganic phosphorus, total calcium, total magnesium, albumin, total protein, cholesterol, urea, creatinine, cortisol as well as the activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase were determined in serum specimens collected from 100 free-ranging warthogs Phacochoerus aethiopicus within five minutes after they were killed with a shotgun. Average concentrations for the following chemical constituents were found: sodium (145 mmol l-1), potassium (8.6 mmol l-1), chloride (102.5 mmol l-1), phosphorus (2.31 mmol l-1), calcium (2.93 mmol l-1), magnesium (1.23 mmol l-1), albumin (26.4 g l-1), serum proteins (62.2 g l-1), cholesterol (1.82 mmol l-1) and urea (8.74 mmol l-1). The cortisol concentrations ranged from 55-340 nmol l-1 (n = 30). Wide variations were recorded in the concentration of creatinine as well as in the activities of the various enzymes.

Serum biochemical and haematological parameters in the Cape vulture Gyps coprotheres.

Serum concentrations of total proteins, albumin, glucose, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, urea, creatinine, total calcium, ionised calcium, total magnesium, sodium chloride, potassium, phosphorus, cortisol, parathormone, 25-hydroxy-VitD3 and insulin as well as the results of haematological investigations in Cape vultures (n = 10) are presented.

Ionized calcium versus total calcium in dairy cows.

Ionized and total calcium levels were determined in 29 Friesian and 5 Drakensberger cows. One Friesian cow had parturient paresis and specimens were taken before and after treatment. It is suggested that due to the easy reliable way in which ionized calcium levels can now be determined this investigation should replace total calcium estimations in dairy cows presenting with parturient paresis. Ionized calcium levels serve as a valuable diagnostic aid but are also important to assess the effectivity of treatment for this condition.

Blood chemical parameters in free-living white rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum.

Serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, total protein, albumin, aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminase were determined in free-living white rhinoceroses Ceratotherium simum (n = 20). Single serum cortisol (n = 20), oestradiol-17 Beta (n = 14) and progesterone (n = 14) concentrations are also presented. Low serum sodium (129.6 +/- 4.2 mmol/l) chloride (94.2 +/- 3.05 mmol/l) and albumin (26.1 +/- 3.71 mmol/l) as well as high globulin (alpha 1, alpha 2, beta and gamma) concentrations were outstanding features.

Blood chemical parameters in shot Cape Mountain Zebra Equus zebra zebra.

Serum levels of cortisol, sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, phosphorus, aspartate transaminase, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, iron, total magnesium, total calcium, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase were determined in 11 short Cape Mountain Zebra Equus zebra zebra.

Selected biochemical parameters in captive mountain tortoises (Geochelone pardalis).

The concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, creatinine, uric acid, total protein, albumin, inorganic phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, aspartate and alanine transaminases (AST and ALT), creatine kinase (CK), lactic acid dehydrogenase (LD), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin in the serum of a captive population of the mountain tortoise (Geochelone pardalis) (n = 13) were determined. Results varied considerably, particularly for most enzymes such as AST (11-113 U/l,ALT (1-72 U/l), CK (12-242 U/l), LD (147-2641 U/l) and ALP (56-168 U/l).

Blood lead concentrations in hippopotami (Hippopotamus amphibius) in the Kruger National Park.

Venous whole-blood samples for the determination of lead concentrations were obtained from hippopotami (Hippopotamus amphibius) (n = 26) during a population control programme on the banks of the Sabie River. A mean blood lead concentration of 26.3 micrograms l-1 was lower than the mean concentration of 34.0 micrograms l-1 cited for a group of young people living in a remote area where lead pollution was considered to be negligible. These concentrations indicate that lead pollution in this area of the Kruger National Park is at present low.

Blood chemical and electrolyte concentrations in the mountain reedbuck Redunca fulvorufula.

Concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, inorganic phosphorus, total magnesium, total calcium, iron, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), creatine kinase (CK), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were determined in serum specimens collected from 53 free-ranging mountain reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula) during live capture using nets. Considerable variations in the concentrations of the enzymes ALP, LDH, CK, GGT and AST were found as well as in the concentrations of creatinine, bilirubin and iron. This wide variation in results seriously questions the usefulness of similar blood investigations on heterogenous groups of mechanically restrained animals.

Selected laboratory parameters of thoroughbreds.

Selected haematological, blood chemical and serological variables were investigated in healthy Thoroughbreds (n = 45) in training. Haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit, red, white and differential cell counts as well as serum concentrations of total and ionized calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, inorganic phosphorus, total bilirubin, iron, glucose, magnesium, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase and creatine kinase were found to be within ranges previously reported for horses. No statistically significant difference was found between the haematocrit (Ht) of horses n = 44; mean = 0.44; SD = 0.02) of different performance or between those of different age groups. A significant difference was found between the Ht of males (mean = 0.43; SD = 0.02) and females (mean = 0.45; SD = 0.02) and between quiet (mean = 0.44; SD = 0.02) and excitable (mean = 0.46; SD = 0.02) horses. No significant difference in red cell potassium concentration was found between horses of different performance. Cortisol, insulin, parathormone (C-terminal), aldosterone and folate concentrations respectively varied between 89-204 (mean = 144.4; SD = 25.47) nmol l-1, 4.2-23 (mean = 10; SD = 4.30) m U l-1, 65.2-91.4 (mean = 79.46; SD = 9.34) pmol l-1, less than 138 to 379 pmol l-1 and 9.4-21.5 (mean 14.5; SD = 2.87) nmol l-1. Vit B12 concentrations exceeded 1400 pmol l-1. Blood lead concentrations in all animals were below 15 ug l-1. Fifteen (33.3%) of the horses were carriers of babesiosis. Laboratory findings concerning these horses did not differ from those of the other horses.

Blood chemical and electrolyte concentrations in the ostrich Struthio camelus.

Serum levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphorus, iron, total magnesium, total calcium, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, aspartate transaminase, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin and plasma glucose were determined in 49 ostriches (Struthio camelus) kept under semi-extensive conditions.

Development of resistance in rabbits to immature stages of the Ixodid tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus.

A study of acquired resistance in rabbits to larvae and nymphs of Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Neumann showed a positive correlation between the levels of gamma globulin in the serum and the resistance developed by the host. A negative correlation between the weight of engorged ticks and gamma globulin levels was also demonstrated during this study. Repeated infestations with ticks evoked a typical antibody response to antigenic challenge. The levels of gamma globulin stabilized after three infestations and no further decrease in the weight of ticks was observed. The mechanism of the acquisition of resistance by the rabbits, the production of antibodies and the involvement of complement are discussed.

Multiple myeloma and amyloidosis of the tongue.

Tongue biopsies of 30 diagnosed cases of multiple myeloma were examined light and electron microscopically and amyloid deposits were identified in 8 patients. Immunochemical typing of amyloid in kappa and lambda subtypes was performed successfully although positive staining of tissue-associated immunoglobulin light chains made reliable identification of amyloid with this technique difficult. Cells of macrophage lineage appear to play a central role in light chain-associated amyloidogenesis. Our findings do not agree with the reported higher amyloidogenic potential of lambda light chains and we were unable to show a positive correlation between the percentage plasma cells in bone marrow aspirates or the presence of urinary light chains and myeloma-associated amyloidosis.

Non-secretory IgA kappa myeloma with distended endoplasmic reticulum: a case report.

A case of non-secretory multiple myeloma is presented. Plasma cells showed abundant cytoplasmic colloid contained in distended rough endoplasmic reticulum. Uniform cytoplasmic positivity for IgA heavy- and kappa light-chains was demonstrated with the immunoperoxidase staining technique. It is proposed that distension of the endoplasmic reticulum by immunoglobulin-related proteins is indicative of a block in their excretion or of the presence of active synthesis of the immunoglobulins or their subunits.