Localization and symbiotic status of probiotics in the coral holobiont.

Corals establish symbiotic relationships with microorganisms, especially endosymbiotic photosynthetic algae. Although other microbes have been commonly detected in coral tissues, their identity and beneficial functions for their host are unclear. Here, we confirm the beneficial outcomes of the inoculation of bacteria selected as probiotics and use fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to define their localization in the coral Pocillopora damicornis. Our results show the first evidence of the inherent presence of Halomonas sp. and Cobetia sp. in native coral tissues, even before their inoculation. Furthermore, the relative enrichment of these coral tissue-associated bacteria through their inoculation in corals correlates with health improvements, such as increases in photosynthetic potential, and productivity. Our study suggests the symbiotic status of Halomonas sp. and Cobetia sp. in corals by indicating their localization within coral gastrodermis and epidermis and correlating their increased relative abundance through active inoculation with beneficial outcomes for the holobiont. This knowledge is crucial to facilitate the screening and application of probiotics that may not be transient members of the coral microbiome. IMPORTANCE: Despite the promising results indicating the beneficial outcomes associated with the application of probiotics in corals and some scarce knowledge regarding the identity of bacterial cells found within the coral tissue, the correlation between these two aspects is still missing. This gap limits our understanding of the actual diversity of coral-associated bacteria and whether these symbionts are beneficial. Some researchers, for example, have been suggesting that probiotic screening should only focus on the very few known tissue-associated bacteria, such as Endozoicomonas sp., assuming that the currently tested probiotics are not tissue-associated. Here, we provide specific FISH probes for Halomonas sp. and Cobetia sp., expand our knowledge of the identity of coral-associated bacteria and confirm the probiotic status of the tested probiotics. The presence of these beneficial microorganisms for corals (BMCs) inside host tissues and gastric cavities also supports the notion that direct interactions with the host may underpin their probiotic role. This is a new breakthrough; these results argue against the possibility that the positive effects of BMCs are due to factors that are not related to a direct symbiotic interaction, for example, that the host simply feeds on inoculated bacteria or that the bacteria change the water quality.

The effect of nematode administration on canine atopic dermatitis.

Canine atopic dermatitis is a common disease and is considered as an animal model of the human disease. Immunomodulation by helminths is reported in several species. The aim of this study was to determine whether nematodes have an immunomodulatory effect on atopic dermatitis in dogs. In the pilot study, 12 atopic dogs were infected with either embryonated eggs of Trichuris vulpis (500 and 2500 eggs in 3 dogs each) or L3 larvae of Uncinaria stenocephala (100, 500 and 2500 eggs in 2 dogs each), respectively, for 3 months. Pruritus was evaluated with visual analogue scales and clinical lesions with the canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (CADESI). Skin biopsies were obtained for histopathology at the beginning and end of the study. In the subsequent placebo-controlled, double-blinded, randomised study, 21 dogs received either 2500 embryonated T. vulpis eggs or placebo and were evaluated similarly. In addition, allergen-specific serum IgE concentrations were determined. All dogs in the pilot study improved in their lesion scores, most in their pruritus scores. The cutaneous inflammatory infiltrate did not change significantly. In the subsequent randomised study, there was no significant difference between placebo and Trichuris administration in regard to pruritus or CADESI. IgE concentrations also did not change significantly. Infection with T. vulpis did not significantly change clinical signs of canine atopic dermatitis.

Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction assays for the sensitive detection of Besnoitia besnoiti infection in cattle.

Bovine besnoitiosis, an economically important disease in cattle in some countries of Africa and Asia, is emerging in Europe. The definitive host of Besnoitia besnoiti, the causative agent of bovine besnoitiosis, is unknown and the transmission of the parasite is not completely understood. Sensitive and quantitative DNA detection methods are needed to determine whether serologically positive animals are infectious and to examine the role of vectors (e.g. haematophagous insects) in the transmission of the parasite. To this end, we established two different 5'-nuclease quantitative assays to detect B. besnoiti infection in cattle and to estimate the parasite load in samples (BbRT1 and BbRT2). These PCRs are based on the sequence of the internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS-1) of the ribosomal RNA gene. Tests with serial dilutions of B. besnoiti genomic DNA in a buffer containing 100 ng/µl bovine DNA revealed a detection limit of 0.01 pg genomic B. besnoiti DNA. Reliable quantification was possible in samples containing ≥1 pg B. besnoiti genomic DNA with a coefficient of variation of ≤ 2%. To estimate the diagnostic sensitivity of the tests, skin biopsies and scrapings from the mucous membrane of the vestibulum vaginae (vaginal scrapings) were taken from cattle with clinical signs of chronic besnoitiosis. Regardless of the real time PCR assay used, 90.7% (39/43) of these animals were positive in at least one of two samples (skin or vaginal scrapings). Antibody titers, as determined by an immunofluorescent antibody test, and the threshold cycle values of the real time PCR obtained for skin samples and vaginal scrapings, were significantly correlated. The specificity of the PCRs was confirmed using genomic DNA from related parasites, including genomic DNA of Besnoitia spp., Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Hammondia hammondi, Hammondia heydorni, Isospora spp., Sarcocystis spp., Eimeria bovis, Cryptosporidium parvum, and Trypanosoma brucei brucei. Since the sequence of the ITS-1 region of B. besnoiti is identical with that of Besnoitia species isolated from donkeys (Besnoitia bennetti), and reindeer (Besnoitia tarandi), both real time PCRs detected also DNA of these parasites. One of the B. besnoiti real time PCRs, BbRT1, but not BbRT2, cross-reacted with Besnoitia darlingi, Besnoitia oryctofelisi, and Besnoitia neotomofelis when large amounts of genomic DNA (10 ng) were used. The other B. besnoiti real time PCR assay (BbRT2) was specific for B. besnoiti, B. bennetti and B. tarandi, but did not react when 10 ng DNA of other related parasite species from the genus Besnoitia or other genera were subjected to analysis.

Evaluation of a commercial ELISA for the specific detection of antibodies against Besnoitia besnoiti.

Bovine besnoitiosis is an economically important disease in cattle caused by the protozoan parasite Besnoitia besnoiti, which occurs endemically in many countries of Africa and Asia and is spreading in Europe. Serological identification of subclinically infected cattle is important to avoid the introduction of infected animals into naive herds. Here we determine the sensitivity and specificity of the PrioCHECK(®) Besnoitia Ab, a serological test recently introduced into the European market. Analytical specificity was examined using sera from animals experimentally infected with parasites related to B. besnoiti (n=27). Three animals experimentally infected with Neospora caninum or Toxoplasma gondii showed inconclusive reactions in the ELISA (percent positivity relative to the positive control [PP] 10% ≤ 20%) while all other sera reacted negative (PP<10%). An estimate of the diagnostic specificity was obtained by analysing field sera from bovine herds without besnoitiosis but with abortion problems associated to N. caninum (n=403). The analysis revealed a specificity of 94.3% or 96.8% depending on the applied cut-off (PP 10% or 20%, respectively). Sensitivity was assessed with sera from 110 animals of a herd in Germany where clinical bovine besnoitiosis was first diagnosed in September 2008. A positive serological reference standard was defined regarding sera from animals as reference positive, if these animals had tested positive in at least two of a panel of three other serological tests (two different B. besnoiti immunoblots and one immunofluorescence antibody test) on both of two sampling dates, November 2008 and April 2009. A diagnostic sensitivity of 91.8% or 75.5% was determined for sera collected in November 2008 and a sensitivity of 82.7% or 50% for sera collected in April 2009 (cut-off PP 10% or PP 20%, respectively). The marked drop in sensitivity from November 2008 to April 2009 was predominantly observed in reference-positive cattle without clinical signs. We conclude that PrioCHECK(®) Besnoitia Ab is a valuable diagnostic tool to detect clinically infected animals. Thus it may be used to support control measures, e.g., for the separation of infected animals from the remaining herd to avoid a further transmission of the infection within the herd.

Comparative evaluation of immunofluorescent antibody and new immunoblot tests for the specific detection of antibodies against Besnoitia besnoiti tachyzoites and bradyzoites in bovine sera.

Besnoitia besnoiti, an apicomplexan parasite causes economically important disease in cattle in many countries of Africa and Asia is re-emerging in Europe. Serological identification of infected cattle is important because introduction of these animals into naive herds seems to play a major role in the transmission of the parasite. We report new, simplified immunoblot-based serological tests for the detection of B. besnoiti-specific antibodies. Antigens were used under non-reducing conditions in the immunoblots, because reduction of the antigen with beta-mercaptoethanol diminished the antigenicity in both, tachyzoites and bradyzoites. Ten B. besnoiti tachyzoite and ten bradyzoite antigens of 15-45 kDa molecular weight were recognized by B. besnoiti infected cattle, but not or only weakly detected by cattle infected with related protozoan parasites, Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis cruzi, Sarcocystis hominis, or Sarcocystis hirsuta. The sensitivity and specificity of B. besnoiti immunoblots were determined with sera from 62 German cattle with clinically confirmed besnoitiosis and 404 sera from unexposed German cattle including 214 sera from animals with a N. caninum-specific antibody response. Using a new scoring system, the highest specificity (100%) and sensitivity (90%) of the immunoblots were observed when reactivity to at least four of the ten selected tachyzoite or bradyzoite antigens was considered as positive. When a cut-off based on this scoring system was applied to both the tachyzoite- and the bradyzoite-based immunoblots, there was an almost perfect agreement with the indirect fluorescent antibody test with a titre of 200 as the positive cut-off. We identified and partially characterized 10 tachyzoite and 10 bradyzoite B. besnoiti antigens which may help to develop new specific and sensitive serological tests based on individual antigens and in the identification of possible vaccine candidates.

Role of latent feline leukemia virus infection in nonregenerative cytopenias of cats.

BACKGROUND: Nonregenerative cytopenias such as nonregenerative anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia in cats with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) antigen are assumed to be caused by the underlying FeLV infection. In addition, cats with negative FeLV antigen-test results that have cytopenias of unknown etiology often are suspected to suffer from latent FeLV infection that is responsible for the nonregenerative cytopenias. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the role of latent FeLV infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in bone marrow of cats with nonregenerative cytopenias that had negative FeLV antigen test results in blood. ANIMALS: Thirty-seven cats were included in the patient group. Inclusion criteria were (1) nonregenerative cytopenia of unknown origin and (2) negative FeLV antigen test result. Antigenemia was determined by detection of free FeLV p27 antigen by ELISA in serum. Furthermore, 7 cats with positive antigen test results with nonregenerative cytopenia were included as control group I, and 30 cats with negative antigen test results without nonregenerative cytopenia were included as control group II. METHODS: Whole blood and bone marrow samples were tested by 2 different PCR assays detecting sequences of the envelope or long terminal repeat genes. FeLV immunohistochemistry was performed in bone marrow samples. RESULTS: Two of the 37 cats (5.4%) in the patient group were positive on the bone marrow PCR results and thus were latently infected with FeLV. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The findings of this study suggest that FeLV latency is rare in cats with nonregenerative cytopenias.

First in vitro isolation of Besnoitia besnoiti from chronically infected cattle in Germany.

Besnoitia besnoiti was in vitro isolated during the first recorded outbreak of bovine besnoitiosis in Germany. Molecular characterization of the new isolate, named Bb-GER1, revealed almost 100% identity with other B. besnoiti isolates obtained in Portugal, Spain, Israel or South Africa, when partial sequences of the 18S ribosomal RNA gene, of the internal transcribed spacer 1 and of the 5.8S RNA gene were compared. Cystozoites obtained from skin tissue of one bull were infectious for gamma-interferon knockout (GKO) mice by intraperitoneal (ip) inoculation. Tachyzoites were detected in the peritoneal cavity, spleen, liver and lung of the mice 5 days post-infection. The parasite could be maintained in GKO mice by ip inoculation for at least 5 passages. Peritoneal washings containing tachyzoites were obtained from infected mice and used to infect five cell lines (Vero, MARC-145, NA42/13, BHK(21), KH-R). The best growth of tachyzoites was observed in BHK(21) cells, but replication occurred to a smaller extent also in MARC-145, NA42/13 and KH-R cells. Subsequent comparative analyses revealed that after direct infection of these cell lines with cystozoites derived from bovine skin, the growth was best in NA42/13 cells. Considerable replication was also observed in the BHK(21) and KH-R cell lines. Our observations on the growth characteristics of Bb-GER1 partially contrast those for other isolates. The preferential growth in particular cell lines may be characteristic for particular B. besnoiti isolates. A potential association between growth properties and differences in virulence remains to be established. This is the first in vitro isolation of B. besnoiti from cattle in Germany.

Hepatitis B virus DNA in serum of 'anti-HBc only'-positive healthy Lebanese blood donors: significance and possible implications.

Transmission of HBV infection through transfusion of HBsAg-negative blood has been documented. It is evident that low levels of HBV-DNA remain detectable in serum and liver tissue of some patients who clear HbsAg, and that the detection rate is highest in individuals who are 'anti-HBc positive alone'. This study was designed to assess the frequency and clinical significance of 'anti-HBc alone' in Lebanese blood donors. A total of 5511 blood donor samples from three major hospitals representing most regions of the country were tested for anti-HBc, amongst other screening tests. Samples positive for 'anti-HBc alone' were then tested for HBV-DNA and any positive for HBV-DNA were then genotyped and investigated for hepatitis B viral load. The study showed that 203 (3.7%) of randomly selected Lebanese blood donors were confirmed as 'anti-HBc alone'. Of these, 11 (5.4%) were HBV-DNA positive as detected by nested PCR. All samples had HBV-DNA levels below 400 copies/ml and all were genotype D. It can be concluded that HBV was present, although the circulating amount of virus was below the detectable limit for the assay used. Therefore, routine screening for anti-HBc may be required in Lebanese blood donation centres as an additional preventive measure for controlling transmission of HBV via blood transfusion.

Histopathologic and immunophenotypic characterization of extramedullary plasmacytomas in nine cats.

To contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the literature on the apparently rare extramedullary plasmacytoma in cats, lymphoid tumors with plasmacytic cellular morphology taken from nine cats were examined. The paraffin-embedded material was investigated by standard hematoxylin and eosin, and special staining techniques (Giemsa, Congo-red, and periodic acid-Schiff reaction). The tumors also were examined immunohistochemically for the presence of immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin M, immunoglobulin light chains (lambda, kappa), various amyloid proteins, and FeLV-antigen (p27 protein). An immunoglobulin-producing tumor of plasmacellular origin (extramedullary plasmacytoma [EMP]) could be diagnosed in all cases on the basis of immunohistochemical light-chain expression. All but one of the neoplasms occurred in the skin of older, predominantly male cats. As in humans and dogs, the following types could be identified according to their morphologic features: mature type (two), cleaved type (two), asynchronous type (four), and polymorphous type (one). The tumor tissue of three cats revealed amyloid deposits, which were immunohistochemically diagnosed as ALlambda-amyloid in all three cases.

[Detection of levamisole and ivermectin in organ samples from a dead collie]. / Nachweis von Levamisol und Ivermectin in Organproben eines verendeten Collies.

A collie, known for its breed-dependent adverse reaction to ivermectin, was without any clinical signs. The dog was prophylactically treated with 3 mg/kg KG (s.c.) of levamisole. Within 15 minutes, the dog showed convulsions, vomitus, and dyspnea, and perished 2.5 hours after injection of the drugs. The pathological findings were not informative as to the cause of death, and with regard to the adverse reactions, additional application of ivermectin was not excluded. Therefore, organ samples were submitted for toxicological analysis of both levamisole and ivermectin. For detection of levamisole and ivermectin, modified GC/MS and HPLC procedures were developed. Concentrations up to 535 micrograms levamisole and up to 26 ng ivermectin were found per g tissue. Both analytical methods are sensitive enough to detect these drugs after application of low doses. This study elucidates that combination of low-dosed ivermectin and levamisole is no recommendable means against adverse effects of ivermectin, with respect to collies. Moreover, the synergistic effects of ivermectin and levamisole suggests the same drug incompatibility in other dog breeds and animal species.

Patients' satisfaction with primary health care centers services in kuwait city, kuwait.

BACKGROUND: Assessment of patient satisfaction offers a way of optimizing health status and prevents waste of medical resources. The direct measurement of patient satisfaction is a new phenomenon in Kuwait. OBJECTIVE: Assess patient satisfaction with respect to primary health care services and study any patterns of association of sociodemographic variables on the patient satisfaction level. METHODS: The sample consisted of 301 patients selected systematically from five primary health care centers to represent various geographic areas in Kuwait City. Just over 56% of the sample were females, 59% were married, the great majority (70.4%) were government employees, more than 60% had a monthly income of less than 900 KD, more than 54% were intermediate and high secondary school graduates, and 37% were university graduates or had advanced degrees. The data was collected by personal interview using structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The overall mean satisfaction was 3.1 points out of five (62%). The mean satisfaction scores were 3.64, 3.29, 3.08, 3.05, 2.21 for laboratory, pharmacy, radiology, dental and physician services, respectively. The highest mean score for physician services was obtained for communication skills (2.23); for pharmacy services, the availability of medicine (4.01); for laboratory services, the availability of lab materials (3.73); for radiology services, the waiting time for x-ray (3.60); and for dental services, the adequacy of dentists (3.27). The results indicated that gender, income, marital status and occupation were the most consistent demographic predictors of satisfaction, with females, those with lower income, lower education levels and the unemployed having higher mean satisfaction scores. CONCLUSION: There is a need for corrective intervention in some service areas and for an educational program to inform patients of the objectives and limitations of primary health services.

Large granular lymphocyte leukemia/lymphoma in six cats.

This report describes six cases of feline large granular lymphocyte lymphoma identified by light microscopy on the basis of their characteristic azurophilic granulation in Giemsa-stained plastic sections and by electron microscopy on the basis of their typical granules. Although the granules of all the tumor cells were negative for peroxidase activity, they all demonstrated chloroacetate-esterase and acid phosphatase activity. All the tumors reacted with cross-reacting antibodies against the CD3 antigen (epsilon chain) and did not react with a cross-reacting monoclonal antibody directed against epitopes on cytoplasmic domains of the CD20 antigen. Three tumors had a positive reaction with a monoclonal human CD57-like antibody. This is highly suggestive of either a cytotoxic T cell or a natural killer cell origin of the neoplasias. In three cats, although other abdominal organs were affected to a variable extent, the main neoplastic lesions were localized in the gastrointestinal tract and the jejunal lymph nodes. In contrast, in the other three cats, organ involvement was more widespread, affecting the lung (two), myocardium (two), precardiac mediastinum (one), salivary gland (one), and spinal cord (one); in addition, leukemia was present in two of these cats. The data presented indicate that tumors made up of large granular lymphocytes occur more frequently in cats than previously assumed and that they share many characteristic features with specific subtypes of clonal disorders of large granular lymphocytes in humans.

Bone-marrow changes in infectious diseases and lymphohaemopoietic neoplasias in dogs and cats--a retrospective study.

Bone-marrow changes in infectious diseases due to feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), parvovirus (PV, canine and feline) and canine distemper virus (CDV), and in the lymphohaemopoietic neoplasias (LHNs) usually associated with feline leukaemia virus infection were studied in samples obtained from 204 cats and 82 dogs at necropsy. The study demonstrated (1) no changes, (2) non-specific reactive changes, and (3) disease-specific changes (similar to those occurring in extramedullary sites) in: 51.2, 48.8 and 9.7% of 41 cases of FIPV infection, respectively; 0, 100 and 0% of nine cases of FIV infection, respectively; 1.3, 0 and 92% of 75 cases of canine PV infection, respectively; 5.3, 3.9 and 84% of 76 cases of feline PV infection, respectively; 71.4, 28.6 and 0% of seven cases of CDV infection, respectively; and 35.9, 52.6 and 11.5% of 78 cases of LHN, respectively. The distribution of the disease-specific bone-marrow changes was either diffuse or focal; diffuse changes were frequently found in cases of feline and canine PV infection, and focal changes were found inconsistently in FIPV infections and feline LHN. To the extent that the bone marrow showed any changes in FIV and CDV infections, they were mostly reactive and not pathognomonic.

[Search for acid-alcohol resistant bacilli in 1222 pathological specimens]. / Recherche des bacilles acido-alcoolo-résistants dans 1222 prélèvements pathologiques.

Between October 1991 and December 1995, 1222 biological specimens (sputum, pus, urine, biological liquids and biopsies) were examined for the presence of acid-fast-bacilli (AFB). After treatment in the laboratory, the smears were colored by Ziehl-Neelson method. 138 specimens were considered positive (11.29%). The results showed that the rate of infection is more important in men (7.53%) than in women (3.76%). The sputum is major in this study (84.45%), followed by biological liquids (7.61%). The percentage of positivity was more important in the case of pus (19.44%), followed by sputum (12.30%).

Maximal activity of phosphate-dependent glutaminase and glutamine metabolism in septic rats.

The activity of phosphate-dependent glutaminase and glutamine metabolism by tissues known markedly to utilize or synthesize glutamine (or both) were studied in rats made septic by cecal ligation and puncture technique and compared with the same measures in rats that underwent sham operation (laparotomy). Blood glucose level was not markedly different in septic rats, but lactate, pyruvate, alanine, and glutamine levels were markedly increased. Conversely, blood ketone body concentrations were significantly decreased in septic rats. Both plasma insulin and glucagon levels were markedly elevated in response to sepsis. The maximal activity of phosphate-dependent glutaminase was decreased in the small intestine, increased in the kidney and mesenteric lymph nodes, and unchanged in the liver of septic rats. Arteriovenous concentration difference measurements across the gut showed a decrease in the net glutamine removed from the circulation in septic rats. Arteriovenous concentration difference measurements for glutamine showed that both renal uptake and skeletal muscle release of the amino acid were increased in response to sepsis, whereas measurements across the hepatic bed showed a net uptake of glutamine in septic rats. Enterocytes isolated from septic rats exhibited a decreased rate of utilization of glutamine and production of glutamate, alanine, and ammonia, whereas lymphocytes isolated from septic rats showed an enhanced rate of utilization of glutamine and production of glutamate, aspartate, and ammonia. It is concluded that, during sepsis, glutamine uptake and metabolism are enhanced in renal and lymphoid tissue but decreased in that of the small intestine, with increased rates of release by skeletal muscle; however, the liver appears to utilize glutamine in septic rats.

Glutamine metabolism in skeletal muscle of septic rats.

The metabolism of skeletal muscle glutamine was studied in rats made septic by cecal ligation and puncture technique. Blood glucose was not significantly different in septic rats, but lactate, pyruvate, glutamine, and alanine were markedly increased. Conversely, blood ketone body concentrations were markedly decreased in septic rats. Both plasma insulin and glucagon were markedly elevated in septic rats. Sepsis increased the rates of glutamine production in muscle, but without marked effects on skin and adipose tissue preparations, with muscle production accounting for over 87% of total glutamine produced by the hindlimb. Sepsis produced decreases in the concentrations of skeletal muscle glutamine, glutamate, 2-oxoglutarate, and adenosine monophosphate (AMP). The concentrations of ammonia, pyruvate, and inosine monophosphate (IMP) were increased. Hindlimb blood flow showed no marked change in response to sepsis, but was accompanied by an enhanced net release of glutamine and alanine. The maximal activity of glutamine synthetase was increased only in quadriceps muscles of septic rats, whereas that of glutaminase was decreased in all muscles studied. Tyrosine release from incubated muscle preparation was markedly increased in septic rats; however, its rate of incorporation was markedly decreased. It is concluded that there is an enhanced rate of production of glutamine from skeletal muscle of septic rats. This may be due to changes in efflux and/or increased intracellular formation of glutamine; these suggestions are discussed.

Enzymic and metabolic adaptations in the gastrocnemius, plantaris and soleus muscles of hypocaloric rats.

1. The effect of hypocaloric feeding (25% of normal food intake for 21 days) of rats on the enzymic and metabolic adaptations in the gastrocnemius, plantaris and soleus muscles was studied. 2. In control and hypocaloric rats the muscle relaxation rates at 100 Hz were 35.76 and 11.38% force loss/10 ms respectively. Control rats exhibited enhanced force of muscle contraction as the frequency of stimulation increased from 10 to 100 Hz, with maximum force being at 100 Hz. Hypocaloric rats exhibited a decrease in the increment of force being exerted at high frequencies, with maintenance of force at lower stimulatory frequencies. 3. In muscles of hypocaloric rats, there were significant decreases in the maximal activities of hexokinase (17.6-37.0%), 6-phosphofructokinase (22.7-34.2%), pyruvate kinase (21.2-36.0%), citrate synthase (34.1-41.5%), oxoglutarate dehydrogenase (29.4-52.4%) and 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (26.7-32.1%), whereas the activities of glycogen phosphorylase increased (23.8-43.4%) compared with control values. 4. In soleus-muscle strip preparations of hypocaloric rats, there were significant decreases in the rates of lactate production (28.1%) and glucose oxidation (32.6%) compared with control preparations. 5. Mitochondrial preparations from muscles of hypocaloric rats incubated with various substrates exhibited decreased rates of oxygen uptake compared with control preparations. 6. In muscles of hypocaloric rats (gastrocnemius and soleus), there were significant decreases in the concentrations of glycogen (P less than 0.001) and phosphocreatine (P less than 0.001) and increases in those of pyruvate (P less than 0.001), lactate (P less than 0.001) and ADP (P less than 0.001), whereas those of ATP and AMP remained unchanged. 7. Calculated [lactate]/[pyruvate] and [ATP]/[ADP] ratios exhibited significant increases (P less than 0.05) and decreases (P less than 0.05) in muscles of hypocaloric rats respectively. 8. The results are discussed in relation to the genesis of muscle dysfunction caused by malnutrition.

Effect of glucocorticoid treatment on glucose and glutamine metabolism by the small intestine of the rat.

1. The effect of dexamethasone (30 micrograms day-1 100 g-1 body wt.) on the metabolism of glucose and glutamine was studied in the small intestine of rats after 9 days of treatment. 2. Dexamethasone treatment resulted in negative nitrogen balance (P less than 0.001), and produced increases in the concentrations of plasma glucose (22%, P less than 0.05), alanine (32%, P less than 0.001) and insulin (127%, P less than 0.001), but a decrease in the plasma concentration of glutamine (20%, P less than 0.05). 3. Portal-drained visceral blood flow increased by approximately 22% (P less than 0.001) in dexamethasone-treated rats, and was accompanied by a decrease in the arterio-venous concentration difference of glucose (43%, P less than 0.001) and an increase in that of lactate (22%, P less than 0.05), glutamine (35%, P less than 0.01), glutamate (33%, P less than 0.01) and alanine (21%, P less than 0.05). 4. Enterocytes isolated from dexamethasone-treated rats showed decreased and increased rates of glucose and glutamine utilization, respectively. 5. The maximal activities of hexokinase, 6-phosphofructokinase, citrate synthase and oxoglutarate dehydrogenase were decreased (30-64%, P less than 0.001) in intestinal mucosal scrapings of dexamethasone-treated rats, whereas the activity of glutaminase was increased (35%, P less than 0.001). 6. It is concluded that glucocorticoid administration decreases the rate of glucose utilization but increases that of glutamine (both in vivo and in vitro) by the epithelial cells of the small intestine. This may be caused by changes in the maximal activities of key enzymes in the pathways of glucose and glutamine metabolism in these cells.