Clinical use of Anti-Müllerian Hormone to monitor resumption of ovarian activity following removal of a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant in queens.

OBJECTIVE: The use of deslorelin implants to control reproduction in cats is increasing but because of its prolonged duration, cat breeders often request implant removal before the end of the treatment. Assaying Anti Mullerian Hormone (AMH) concentrations might be useful to predict time of resumption of ovarian activity in deslorelin-treated queens following implant removal. In queens a minimum of 3 weeks during increasing photoperiod after implant removal has been described for resumption of ovarian activity but no information about AMH concentrations were observed for determining ovarian activity. ANIMALS: Sixteen queens in which deslorelin implants were surgically removed after 3, 6 or 9 months (n = 6, 4 and 6 queens, respectively) were used in this study. PROCEDURES: A general and reproductive health check with a GnRH stimulation test were performed before the treatment. After implant removal queens were checked every 1-2 weeks with reproductive ultrasonography, a vaginal smear and blood collection to assay AMH concentrations. RESULTS: AMH concentrations decreased significantly at the end of the treatment to ≤ 2.5 + 0.6 ng/ml (p ≤ 0.05) and reached a nadir at 1.9 ± 0.9 (p < 0.05) one-week post-removal. Following implant removal AMH concentrations started to rise reaching a value of 3.9 ± 0.7 ng/ml on the third week and were not different from pre-treatment levels on week 6 post-removal (5.8 ng/ml + 0.9, p ≥ 0.05). AMH values did not differ depending on duration of deslorelin treatment but were lower in adult queens (p < 0.05). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: AMH assay can be a useful tool to follow resumption of feline ovarian function following a deslorelin treatment.

Clinical use of deslorelin for the control of reproduction in the bitch.

This study was conducted to evaluate clinical efficacy of deslorelin for inhibiting reproduction in the bitch. Ten adult healthy bitches or bitches with mammary neoplasia for which owners were requesting suppression of cyclicity without performing gonadectomy were administered a 4.7- or a 9.4-mg deslorelin implant subcutaneously. The first implant of deslorelin was administered in anoestrus (n = 5) or in dioestrus (n = 5). Treatment was repeated every 5 months for as long as necessary based on the clinical situation of the dog and owner's desires. Some of the bitches implanted in anoestrus came in heat within 4-15 days after treatment, while none of the bitches implanted in dioestrus showed heat during treatment. Suppression of reproductive cyclicity was successfully achieved in 6/10 bitches for 1-4 years. No behavioural and local/general side-effects were observed in any of the treated bitches. The 4.7-mg deslorelin implant may work well for suppression of cyclicity provided that it is administered in dioestrus and at intervals of 4.5 months. A 9.4-mg implant may be more suitable for this use although its efficacy may also be shorter than 12 months. Owner compliance is an important limiting factor.

Effect of an injectable cabergoline formulation on serum prolactin (PRL) and milk secretion in early postpartum Beagle bitches.

This study was conducted in order to evaluate effects on prolactin (PRL) concentration and mammary milk secretion of an injectable cabergoline formulation administered to five lactating Beagle bitches during early postpartum (PP). Bitches were bled twice daily (from PP day 3 to PP day 12) and then daily (from PP day 13 to PP day 16) to assay serum PRL. On PP day 6, a subcutaneous (SC) injection of 0.1 ml/kg of placebo was administered. On PP day 9, a SC 0.1 ml/kg dose of injectable cabergoline was administered. All bitches were checked for milk production, using a clinical scoring in order to quantify milk expression from each teat. A circadian variation of serum PRL was evident during the 6 days of pre-treatment monitoring. The day after cabergoline injection, an 80% decrease of PRL serum concentration was observed (p < 0.05). The circadian oscillatory pattern of PRL secretion disappeared after administration of cabergoline, and PRL values remained significantly lower than in the previous days for the first 60 h following treatment (p < 0.001). Milk production was drastically reduced when comparing pre-treatment to post-treatment scores (p < 0.001). A single dose of injectable cabergoline caused a significant reduction in serum PRL concentration and a significant reduction in milk flow. The injectable formulation of cabergoline appeared to be safe and well tolerated.

Clinical use of testicular fine needle aspiration cytology in oligozoospermic and azoospermic dogs.

Clinical investigation of canine testicular function is complicated by the difficulty in the evaluation of seminiferous tubules. Until recently, testicular biopsy was the only diagnostic option for dogs with persistent oligo/azoospermia. In human andrology, testicular fine needle aspiration (TFNA) is currently considered a useful method in the evaluation of azoospermia and severe oligozoospermia, and has long replaced classical biopsy to evaluate spermatogenesis. In order to verify its diagnostic efficacy for the clinical approach to canine oligo- or azoospermia, TFNA was performed in seven adult (two oligozoospermic and five azoospermic) dogs. After sedation, a fine (21-23 gauge) butterfly needle connected to a 50-ml syringe was inserted into each testicle; strong suction was applied and the aspirated fluid squirted on a glass slide, smeared out, air-dried and stained with a modified May-Grunwald-Giemsa. Under light microscopy, Sertoli cells (all those found in each investigated field) and spermatogenic cells (n = 100) were counted on each smear in order to differentiate spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, early spermatids, late spermatids and spermatozoa, and calculate their relative percentages. Cytological analysis showed the following testicular pictures: normal spermatogenesis (compatible with obstruction of the seminal ducts), hypospermatogenesis, maturative disturbances and Sertoli cell-only syndrome. Two dogs with an obstructive lesion were treated with corticosteroids; one of them recovered and sired two litters of puppies.

Serum biochemistry and electrophoretic patterns in the Eurasian Buzzard (Buteo buteo): reference values.

In avian medicine, hematologic and biochemical laboratory investigations are still in their infancy, because of the difficulty involved in collecting data. This has led to a lack of reference values and a nonstandardized approach to specimens obtained in critical conditions. The Eurasian Buzzard (Buteo buteo) is one of the most common raptors in Italy, yet little is known about the physiologic blood parameters of this species. Serum biochemistry and electrophoretic investigations were performed in 40 healthy Eurasian Buzzards in different Italian wildlife rescue centers waiting to be released after recovering from trauma injuries. Mean values for biochemistry parameters were pancreatic amylase 626.9 IU/l, uric acid 7.5 mg/dl, aspartate aminotransferase 330.9 IU/l, glucose 375.1 mg/dl, lipase 26.3 IU/ l, total protein 38.4 g/l, total bilirubin 0.04 mg/ dl, lactate dehydrogenase 2,008.4 IU/l, creatinine kinase 1,604.1 IU/l, alanine aminotransferase 40.4 IU/l, alkaline phosphatase 89.8 IU/l, magnesium 2.3 mg/dl, calcium 10.2 mg/dl, phosphorus 2.02 mg/dl, cholesterol 192.2 mg/ dl, triglyceride 116.4 mg/dl, albumin 14.5 g/l, creatinine 0.1 mg/dl. Mean electrophoretic values were prealbumin 1.4 g/l, albumin 14.2 g/l, alpha 1 globulin 5.9 g/l, alpha 2 globulin 4.7 g/l, beta globulin 7.5 g/l, gamma globulin 3.6 g/l, albumin/globulins ratio 0.8 g/l.

Cabergoline in acromegaly: a renewed role for dopamine agonist treatment?

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Eighteen active acromegalics entered a prospective open study with cabergoline (CAB), a dopaminergic drug much more potent than bromocriptine (Br). METHODS: CAB was administered for 6 months at doses ranging between 0.5 mg twice weekly and 0.5 mg/day. Clinical-anamnestic characteristics of the patients were: (i) sensitivity to dopamine agonist drugs (10 patients); (ii) resistance to somatostatin analogs (SAs) (8 patients): (iii) intolerance to SA (3 patients). In 2 patients marked hyperprolactinemia was present. RESULTS: Basal GH was 6.6 microg/l (2.2-50) (median (range)), and on treatment it was 3.5 microg/l (1.2-34) (P=0.013). The corresponding IGF-I values were 720 microg/l (410-1438) and 375 microg/l (167-1260) respectively (P=0.00001). Individual GH levels decreased below 2 microg/l in 5 patients, and between 2 and 5 microg/l in another 5 patients. IGF-I levels were suppressed below 50% of baseline in 8 patients and normal age-adjusted IGF-I values were reached in 5 patients (27% of the series). The retrospective comparison with previous chronic treatment with Br in the 10 suitable patients showed a greater effectiveness of CAB (IGF-I decrease on CAB treatment, 46.8%, on Br treatment, 31%, P=0.02). Adenoma shrank in the 3 patients whose pituitary imaging was repeated during CAB. CONCLUSIONS: These results envisage that CAB may represent a worthy therapeutic tool in acromegalic patients, inducing a degree of IGF-I and GH suppression comparable to SAs, administered by the oral route and much less expensive.

[Clinical evaluation of 2 new formulations of desmopressin (DDAVP), nasal spray and tablets, in the therapy of diabetes insipidus]. / Valutazione clinica di due nuove formulazioni di desmopressina (DDAVP), spray nasale e compresse, nel trattamento del diabete insipido.

A clinical evaluation was carried out in patients suffering from diabetes insipidus using two new formulations of desmopressin (DDAVP), the nose spray and tablets. 10 patients were included in the study. In them the drug's activity and the bioequivalence between the two pharmaceutical forms examined were compared.

[Radiosensitivity of Vibrio cholerae O1 incorporated in oysters, to (60)CO]. / Estudo da radiosensibilidade ao 60Co do Vibrio cholerae O1 incorporado em ostras.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effect of ionizing irradiation by 60Co on Vibrio cholerae O1, El-Tor, Ogawa, non-toxigenic, incorporated in live oysters Crassostrea brasiliana. METHODS: Samples of oysters were selected from Cananéia town in the South coast of S. Paulo state, Brazil, contaminated with Vibrio cholerae and irradiated with 60Co at 0.5 and 1.0 kGy dosages. RESULTS: Showed significant reductions of the initial number of V. cholerae, ranging from 3.4 x10(7) to 10(3) and 10(2), respectively. The D10 values related with the respective doses of irradiation were 0.173 and 0.235. CONCLUSION: Considering a 6 value as safety factor, it is concluded that 1.41 kGy irradiation dosage is necessary to eliminate a high number of V. cholerae viable cells in oysters. Controls were used in the experiment.

[Food poisoning outbreak caused by Salmonella Enteritidis in the northwest of São Paulo State, Brazil]. / Surto alimentar por Salmonella Enteritidis no Noroeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil.

A foodborne outbreak which affected 211 persons occurred, in a School, in 1993. The epidemiological data obtained by interviewing the affected and non affected persons sampled showed as predominant symptoms: diarrhoea, fever (77.7%), abdominal cramps (67.7%), vomiting (65.8%), hot-and-cold sensations (54.5%) and headache (44.5%). The median incubation period was of 17 hours, the limits being 3 and 29 hours. The disease period was of from 3 to 4 days. The food concerned was a kind of paté, a mayonnaise mixture prepared with fresh eggs with boiled potatoes that was consumed with bread. The biological material analysis-3 coprocultures, and leftovers of the food revealed the presence of one and the same organism: Salmonella Enteritidis. In the food, the numbers of this bacterium per gram were sufficient to account for the manifestation of the disease (10(4) and 10(5)g). The antibiogram of all th isolates showed the same sensibility pattern. The preparation related to this outbreak suggests the endogenous contamination of the eggs; the cross contamination-the outbreak affected three school periods, as the food was prepared separately for each school period; and the conditions under which the food was kept during the time from preparation to consumption. The observation of the 3 food handlers, by successive coprocultures, for one week, indicates that they were not asymptomatic carriers nor were they affected as a result of this outbreak by the causal bacteria.

[Food borne disease outbreaks caused by Salmonella enteritidis]. / Surtos de enfermidades transmitidas por alimentos causados por Salmonella enteritidis.

OBJECTIVE: It is to describe outbreaks of salmonellosis reported from July 1993 through June 1997 in the Northwest region of S. Paulo State, Brazil, one of the areas where several foodborne outbreaks of salmonellosis have been recently detected. METHOD: Data of 19 epidemiological investigations were analysed; 87 stool specimens and 38 food samples (including 12 of shell eggs) were processed for microbiological analysis. Salmonella strains were identified by serotyping, phagetyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. RESULTS: There were 906 ill persons including 295 hospitalized patients. Phage type 4 (PT 4) Salmonella Enteritidis strains were isolated from 80.5% of stool samples, from all food samples and from 41.7% of eggs. Of the outbreaks, 95.7% were associated with the consumption of food containing raw or undercooked eggs. All strains were susceptible to the 13 antimicrobials, except the strains from the nosocomial outbreak. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained show the need for the implementation of control measures regarding egg and storage, as well as for guidance to the public as to the risks involved in the consumption of inadequately prepared eggs.

Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiographic findings in healthy non-sedated red-eared slider terrapins (Trachemys scripta elegans).

Echocardiographic evaluation was performed in six healthy young adult non-sedated terrapins (Trachemys scripta elegans). The best imaging quality was obtained through the right cervical window. Base-apex inflow and outflow views were recorded, ventricular size, ventricular wall thickness and ventricular outflow tract were measured, and fractional shortening was calculated. Pulsed-wave Doppler interrogation enabled the diastolic biphasic atrio-ventricular flow and the systolic ventricular outflow patterns to be recorded. The following Doppler-derived functional parameters were calculated: early diastolic (E) and late diastolic (A) wave peak velocities, E/A ratio, ventricular outflow systolic peak and mean velocities and gradients, Velocity-Time Integral, acceleration and deceleration times, and Ejection Time. For each parameter the mean, standard deviation and 95% confidence interval were calculated. Echocardiography resulted as a useful and easy-to-perform diagnostic tool in this poorly known species that presents difficulties during evaluation.

Evaluation of children with medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Early diagnosis and surgical treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in children is essential to decrease the likelihood of metastatic spread. From 1981 to 1991, eight children under 18 years of age (five girls and three boys) with MTC were seen and seven underwent total thyroidectomy. Follow-up ranged from 14 months to 10 years after surgery. Four of the seven presented with a neck mass and elevated basal levels of calcitonin (CT). After surgery, three had recurrent disease. In the other three, the diagnosis was made after several years of screening (normal basal values of CT but increased CT levels after calcium/pentagastrin infusion). All had normal stimulated CT values postoperatively. This follow-up showed that the prognosis for MTC in children depends predominantly upon its extent at the time of the diagnosis and treatment.

Effects of sulpiride induced hyperprolactinaemia in patients with Turner's syndrome.

In order to evaluate the interference of prolactin (PRL) on some aspects of pituitary-gonadal derangement observed in patients with hyperprolactinaemic amenorrhoea (HA), a GnRH stimulation test (100 micrograms i.v.) was performed on twenty-one patients with hyperprolactinaemia without evidence of pituitary tumour and in nine subjects with Turner's syndrome (TS) before and after sulpiride administration (200 mg/day orally, for 3 months). In patients with HA an enhanced response of gonadotrophins to GnRH was observed. In patients with TS a further increase of the gonadotrophin hyper-responsiveness to the releasing hormone occurred when hyperprolactinaemia was induced by chronic sulpiride administration. Since, in these patients, appreciable ovarian steroidogenesis is lacking, a direct effect of the increased plasma PRL at the hypothalamo-pituitary level is likely. In hyperprolactinaemic amenorrhoea pituitary hyper-responsiveness may not be due to PRL effects on ovarian steroidogenesis.

Inhibitory effect of cyproheptadine on ACTH secretion in patients with Addison's disease.

In 14 patients with Addison's disease plasma levels of ACTH were studied after administration of a single oral dose (16 mg) of cyproheptadine. The drug administration was followed by an inhibition of ACTH release. These results support the view that cyproheptadine may exert an inhibitory effect on ACTH secretion in subjects whose corticosteroid feedback mechanism is normal. We hypothesize that the effect of cyproheptadine might be related to its anti-serotonin or anti-histaminergic action.