Canine parturition: what is known about the hormonal setting?

Parturition is a challenging physiological process with perfect timing dictated by the events leading to the end of pregnancy in the female, and by the maturation of the fetus(es). The process of parturition remains an intricate interaction of hormones in a fine-tuned timing that remains to be better elucidated in the dog. In the dog pregnancy is maintained by the progesterone production by the corpora lutea, in which some hormones play a luteotrophic action. At term of pregnancy, the pre-parturient luteolytic cascade is the most apparent event, characterized by a rapid decline in plasma progesterone concentrations and useful in predicting the onset of spontaneous parturition. In contrast, cortisol plasma concentrations measurement showed high variability and suggested to be related to the stress condition instead of the onset of parturition. Both prostaglandin F2α and E2 concur in the process of parturition in the dog. The measurement of oxytocin plasma concentrations, also very variable, is implicated in uterine contractions. The measurement of plasma oxytocin concentrations showed to be useful to distinguish between normal and disturbed parturition, allowing the prompt recognition of dystocia and the immediate obstetrical intervention. In contrast to other species, no significant roles of estrogens for the initiating of parturition were demonstrated. Relaxin, the main pregnancy hormonal marker in the dog, beside an endocrine action, is also supposed to play a paracrine/autocrine role at the utero-placental unit and to support the maintenance of high plasma progesterone concentrations through a luteotrophic action, concurring to the main action of prolactin. Although important information has been provided, some aspects in the understanding the hormonal interactions and action timing implications in the process of parturition in the dog remains to be better investigated and represent intriguing topic for basic knowledge and applied research.

Perinatal concentrations of 17ß-estradiol and testosterone in the toe claws of female and male dogs from birth until 60 days of age.

This study was conducted to assess concentrations of 17ß-estradiol (E2) and testosterone (T) in toe claws of puppies collected at birth, at 30 and at 60 days of age, evaluating changes relating to age and effect of puppy sex, Apgar score, bodyweight at birth, "litter effect", litter size, and maternal age. Puppies (n = 89), 46 males and 43 females, with normal weight and without malformations, were assigned for the study. Within 12 h of birth tips of toe claws were clipped, and the re-growth tissue of the claws was collected at 30 and 60 days of age. Steroid quantifications occurred using a radioimmunoassay. The results indicated there were lesser concentrations (P < 0.001) of both hormones at 30 and 60 days of age than at birth and that concentrations were similar at 30-60 days of age. There were greater (P < 0.001) T concentrations in males than females, with there being an interaction between sex and sampling time (P < 0.01). The Apgar score was positively (P < 0.001) related to T concentrations in toe claws at birth. The bodyweight was positively correlated (P < 0.05) with T concentrations, with an interaction among puppy sex, bodyweight and sampling time (P < 0.05). Results of the present study confirmed the usefulness of toe claws as a matrix for study of hormonal changes in perinatology of dogs. Results of the study also indicate there are greater E2 and T concentrations at birth compared with 30 and 60 days of age that could be the result of these prenatal steroids affecting fetal development.

Luteal activity and effect of dietary energy restriction on follicular development in lactating cows.

The aim of this research has been to evaluate the presence of anomalies in the ovarian cycle activity during postpartum and to verify whether 72-hr dietary fasting during the dominance phase, the phase before ovulation, might modify the ovarian follicle population. The presence of anomalies in ovarian cycle activity has been evaluated in 30 Italian Friesian cows starting from 20 days postpartum until 211 days of lactation. Long oestrus and brief dioestrus or scarce luteal activity have been the main anomalies found through measuring progesterone concentrations in the whey. Until 100 days of lactation, the BCS values of the problematic animals have been significantly lower than those in animals with normal ovarian activity. After 100 days of lactation, the ovarian anomalies continued to appear despite the fact that all the animals have reached comparable BCS values. Starting from the results of this trial, the effect of 72-hr dietary fasting on dominant follicles has been studied in six cows. Ultrasonography revealed that the diameter of the follicles at 71 days postpartum has been significantly lower than at 181 days. A 72-hr dietary restriction at 101 and 211 days postpartum did not affect the size of the dominant follicle. However, at 101 days postpartum, half of the animals presented follicular cysts. The effect of fasting differed if the animal has been in early postpartum or 211 days of lactation. Further researches are necessary to understand how different metabolic conditions can modify the follicular population but on the other hand the study shows the utility for farmers and field veterinarians of monitoring the resumption of the ovarian cycle postpartum through the whey progesterone concentrations.

Correlation between some arterial and venous blood gas parameters in healthy newborn Martina Franca donkey foals from birth to 96 hours of age.

In neonatology, blood gas analysis is a useful tool in the evaluation of the health of newborns and plays a key role in early detection of critically ill subjects. Because blood gas analysis parameters have not previously been studied in any depth in donkey foals, this study was performed on 16 healthy Martina Franca donkey foals born after an uncomplicated delivery. Arterial and venous blood samples were collected at 5 minutes and at 12, 24, 72, and 96 hours of age. Blood gas analysis was performed by a portable analyzer, measuring arterial and venous total carbon dioxide, carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO2), oxygen partial pressure (pO2), oxygen saturation (sO2), bicarbonate, base excess (BE), pH, and lactate (LT). Lower blood pH values, pO2 and sO2, and a higher level of lactate were found at birth in comparison with subsequent sampling times. This moderate acidotic profile disappeared at 12 hours, when all the parameters became constant until the end of the study period. As expected, significant differences between arterial and venous blood gas parameters related to the oxygenation, such as pO2 and sO2, and partially carbon dioxide partial pressure were found, whereas total carbon dioxide, pH, BE, and LT were comparable in arterial and venous blood samples. For these latter parameters, the highly significant correlation between arterial and venous findings suggests that venous samples could be an acceptable alternative to the arterial sample for blood gas analysis in newborn donkey foals, when the oxygenation status of the patient is not the first goal of patient analysis.

ErbB2 blockade with Herceptin (trastuzumab) enhances peripheral nerve regeneration after repair of acute or chronic peripheral nerve injury.

OBJECTIVE: Attenuation of the growth supportive environment within the distal nerve stump after delayed peripheral nerve repair profoundly limits nerve regeneration. Levels of the potent Schwann cell mitogen neuregulin and its receptor ErbB2 decline during this period, but the regenerative impact of this change is not completely understood. Herein, the ErbB2 receptor pathway is inhibited with the selective monoclonal antibody Herceptin (trastuzumab) to determine its significance in regulating acute and chronic regeneration in a rat hindlimb. METHODS: The common peroneal nerve of Sprague-Dawley rats was transected and repaired immediately or after 4 months of chronic denervation, followed by administration of Herceptin or saline solution. Regenerated motor and sensory neurons were counted using a retrograde tracer 1, 2, or 4, weeks after repair. Distal myelinated axon outgrowth after 4 weeks was quantified using histomorphometry. Immunofluorescent imaging was used to evaluate Schwann cell proliferation and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation in the regenerating nerves. RESULTS: Herceptin administration increased the rate of motor and sensory neuron regeneration and the number of proliferating Schwann cells in the distal stump after the first week. Herceptin also increased the number of myelinated axons that regenerated 4 weeks after immediate and delayed repair. Reduced EGFR activation was observed using immunofluorescent imaging. INTERPRETATION: Inhibition of the ErbB2 receptor with Herceptin unexpectedly enhances nerve regeneration after acute and delayed nerve repair. This finding raises the possibility of using targeted molecular therapies to improve outcomes of peripheral nerve injuries. The mechanism may involve a novel inhibitory association between ErbB2 and EGFR. Ann Neurol 2016;80:112-126.

Dual inhibition of REV-ERBß and autophagy as a novel pharmacological approach to induce cytotoxicity in cancer cells.

REV-ERBα and REV-ERBß nuclear receptors regulate several physiological processes, including circadian rhythm and metabolism. A previous study reported the REV-ERBα gene to be co-overexpressed with ERBB2 in breast cancer cell lines. Surprisingly, we found that several tumor types, including a number of breast cancer cell lines, predominantly express the REV-ERBß variant. This pattern was independent of ERBB2 and ER status, and opposite to that of non-cancer mammary epithelial HMEC cells, in which REV-ERBα was the major variant. Consistent with this molecular profile, REV-ERB target genes in both circadian and metabolic pathways were derepressed upon silencing of REV-ERBß, but not REV-ERBα. Strikingly, we found that REV-ERBß is a determinant of sensitivity to chloroquine, a clinically relevant lysosomotropic agent that suppresses autophagy. The cytoprotective function of REV-ERBß appears to operate downstream of autophagy blockade. Through compound screening, we identified ARN5187, a novel lysosomotropic REV-ERBß ligand with a dual inhibitory activity toward REV-ERB-mediated transcriptional regulation and autophagy. Remarkably, although ARN5187 and chloroquine share similar lysosomotropic potency and have a similar effect on autophagy inhibition, ARN5187 is significantly more cytotoxic. Collectively, our results reveal that dual inhibition of REV-ERBß and autophagy is an effective strategy for eliciting cytotoxicity in cancer cells. Furthermore, our discovery of a novel inhibitor compound of both REV-ERB and autophagy may provide a scaffold for the discovery of new multifunctional anticancer agents.

Immunoglobulins G and lysozyme concentrations in canine fetal fluids at term of pregnancy.

In the dog, the endotheliochorial placenta allows only the 5% to 10% transfer of maternal antibodies to the fetus, but the timing and the factors influencing the immunoglobulin G (IgG) transplacental transport were not fully investigated. The aims of the present study were the following: (1) to assess the presence of both IgG and lysozyme in amniotic and allantoic fluids collected from fully developed and viable newborn puppies born by elective cesarean section at term and possible correlations between amniotic and allantoic IgG and lysozyme levels; (2) to verify possible differences in IgG and lysozyme concentrations between the two fluids; and (3) to detect possible differences in IgG and lysozyme fetal fluid levels in relation to the maternal breed body size and parity, as well as to the neonatal gender. The study, performed on 41 purebred bitches submitted to elective cesarean section at term, enrolled 142 puppies, 74 males and 68 females, born mature, viable, without gross malformations, and with a normal weight. At surgery, a total of 129 amniotic and 84 allantoic samples were collected for IgG and lysozyme analysis. Class G immunoglobulins and lysozyme were detected in both fluids, but IgG concentrations were higher (P < 0.01) in amniotic fluid. Moreover, a significant positive correlation (P < 0.01) between IgG amniotic and allantoic levels, but not for lysozyme, was observed. A significant effect of the maternal parity (P < 0.05), but not of the breed body size, on the amniotic IgG concentrations was found, whereas the newborn gender was not associated to different IgG or lysozyme amniotic or allantoic levels. Given the significant contributions of fetal fluids to fetal and neonatal health, the results reported that the amniotic and allantoic fluids play a role in the immune protection of the fetus/newborn also in canine species. However, additional research is needed to better elucidate both the origin of IgG and lysozyme and the factors influencing the wide interindividual variations.

The ErbB2 inhibitor Herceptin (Trastuzumab) promotes axonal outgrowth four weeks after acute nerve transection and repair.

Accumulating evidence suggests that neuregulin, a potent Schwann cell mitogen, and its receptor, ErbB2, have an important role in regulating peripheral nerve regeneration. We hypothesized that Herceptin (Trastuzumab), a monoclonal antibody that binds ErbB2, would disrupt ErbB2 signaling, allowing us to evaluate ErbB2's importance in peripheral nerve regeneration. In this study, the extent of peripheral motor and sensory nerve regeneration and distal axonal outgrowth was analyzed two and four weeks after common peroneal (CP) nerve injury in rats. Outcomes analyzed included neuron counts after retrograde labeling, histomorphometry, and protein analysis. The data analysis revealed that there was no impact of Herceptin administration on either the numbers of motor or sensory neurons that regenerated their axons but histomorphometry revealed that Herceptin significantly increased the number of regenerated axons in the distal repaired nerve after 4 weeks. Protein analysis with Western blotting revealed no difference in either expression levels of ErbB2 or the amount of activated, phosphorylated ErbB2 in injured nerves. In conclusion, administration of the ErbB2 receptor inhibitor after nerve transection and surgical repair did not alter the number of regenerating neurons but markedly increased the number of regenerated axons per neuron in the distal nerve stump. Enhanced axon outgrowth in the presence of this ErbB2 inhibitor indicates that ErbB2 signaling may limit the numbers of axons that are emitted from each regenerating neuron.

Long-term outcomes following lower extremity sarcoma resection and reconstruction with vascularized fibula flaps in children.

BACKGROUND: Limb salvage operations in patients with bony oncologic defects carry technical challenges and may require long recoveries. This study aimed to evaluate functional outcomes, donor-site morbidity, and complications in lower limb bony oncologic defects reconstructed with vascularized fibula flaps in children. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective review of consecutive pediatric patients undergoing this procedure between 1994 and 2012. Data on operative details, functional outcomes, and complications were analyzed. A telephone survey was conducted to assess patient satisfaction and quality of life. RESULTS: Eighteen patients who underwent 19 reconstructions were included. Mean age at resection was 10 years (range, 1.5 to 17 years). No patients developed local recurrence, although two patients had metastatic lung nodules resected. All patients were alive at last review, with a mean follow-up of 57 months (range, 10 to 145 months). Flap survival was 95 percent. Median time to bony union was 24 months (range, 9 to 72 months). The fibula flap fracture rate was 52.6 percent. At the end of the study period, 72 percent of patients were fully weight-bearing, all school-age children had returned to full-time school, and 50 percent were involved in sports. Fifty-six percent of patients participated in the follow-up telephone survey; of these, 90 percent expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the vascularized fibula flap is an excellent option for reconstruction of lower limb oncologic defects in children. Despite complications, long-term follow-up suggests that most children are able to lead active lifestyles. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Effect of the season on some aspects of the estrous cycle in Martina Franca donkey.

The Martina Franca (MF) donkey breed, with 48 jackasses and 515 jennies, is considered an endangered breed according to the data from the Monitoring Institute for Rare Breeds and Seeds in Europe. The knowledge of the estrous cycle characteristics has a great impact for assisted reproduction, especially in endangered species. In this study, the estrous cycle characteristics were investigated in 12 MF jennies throughout the year. Estrous cycle, estrous and diestrous lengths, follicular growth and ovulation, and estradiol-17ß (E2) and progesterone (P4) plasma concentrations were monitored in MF jennies and compared in different seasons. In all jennies (100%) estrous cycle was detected during the whole year, with no differences in the estrous cycle length among seasons. However, a significant increase of estrous length in spring and summer compared with autumn and winter was found. Diestrus was shorter in summer than in the other seasons. Estrous behavior was always shown and characterized by rhythmic eversion of the vulvar labia (winking) with exhibition of the clitoris, urination, male receptivity and clapping, with sialorrhoea, neck and head extension, and back ears. Estrus was characterized by the ovulation of a larger follicle in spring and summer than in autumn and winter. The pattern of E2 and P4 plasma concentrations during the estrous cycle were similar to that reported for the mare, but without differences among the four seasons, so that a negligible effect of environmental conditions on ovarian E2 and P4 secretion was hypothesized, despite the larger diameter of the ovulating follicle in spring and summer.

Immunohistochemical expression of markers of immaturity in sertoli and seminal cells in canine testicular atrophy.

During maturation from fetal to adult testis, both Sertoli cells (SCs) and germ cells (GCs) switch from an immature to a mature immunophenotype. Immature canine SCs express cytokeratins (CKs), desmin (DES), vimentin (VIM), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin (INH)-α, while mature SCs retain only expression of VIM. Immature GCs express placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP), which is lost in spermatocytes. Re-expression of markers of immaturity has been observed in human atrophic testes and in human and canine testicular tumours. In human medicine, testicular atrophy is considered a risk factor for testicular cancer. In the present study 13 canine atrophic testes were examined immunohistochemically. VIM was expressed in the SCs of all cases, while CK, DES, INH-α and AMH were expressed in a variable percentage of SCs in two, five, five and eight cases, respectively. PLAP was expressed by single GCs in one case. Markers of immaturity are therefore expressed by SCs and GCs in canine atrophic testes. Similar results were reported previously in canine testicular neoplasia, suggesting that testicular atrophy may represent a risk factor for tumour development in the dog.

[Effects of dose of erythropoiesis stimulating agents on cardiovascular outcomes, quality of life and costs of haemodialysis. the clinical evaluation of the DOSe of erythropoietins (C.E. DOSE) Trial]. / Effetti della dose degli agenti stimolanti l'eritropoiesi su esiti cardio-cerebrovascolari, qualità di vita e costi in emodialisi.

BACKGROUND: Anaemia is a risk factor for death, adverse cardiovascular outcomes and poor quality of life in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Erythropoietin Stimulating Agents (ESA) are the most used treatment option. In observational studies, higher haemoglobin (Hb) levels (around 11-13 g/dL) are associated with improved survival and quality of life compared to Hb levels around 9-10 g/dL. Randomized studies found that targeting higher Hb levels with ESA causes an increased risk of death, mainly due to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. It is possible that this is mediated by ESA dose rather than haemoglobin concentration, although this hypothesis has never been formally tested. METHODS: We present the protocol of the Clinical Evaluation of the Dose of Erythropoietins (C.E. DOSE) trial, which will assess the benefits and harms of a high versus a low ESA dose therapeutic strategy for the management of anaemia of end stage kidney disease (ESKD). This is a randomized, prospective open label blinded end-point (PROBE) design trial due to enroll 900 haemodialysis patients. Patients will be randomized 1:1 to 4000 UI/week i. v. versus 18000 UI/week i. v. of epoetin alfa, beta or any other epoetin in equivalent doses. The primary outcome of the trial is a composite of cardiovascular events. In addition, quality of life and costs of these two strategies will be assessed. The study has been approved and funded by the Italian Agency of Drugs (Agenzia Italiana del Farmaco (AIFA)) within the 2006 funding plan for independent research on drugs (registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00827021)).

Immunohistochemical evaluation of the expression of anti-Müllerian hormone in mature, immature and neoplastic canine Sertoli cells.

In mammals, the earliest specific protein expressed by Sertoli cells (SCs) is the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), which induces the regression of Müllerian ducts and is produced by SCs until the functional maturation of the testes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of AMH by canine SCs during testicular maturation and neoplastic transformation. Testes from two fetuses, 18 newborn puppies, five puppies aged 43-180 days and six adult dogs, and 24 canine Sertoli cell tumours (SCTs) were studied immunohistochemically for expression of AMH. Fifteen of the 24 SCTs were classified as typical, eight as lipid-rich and one was considered malignant based on evidence of lymph node metastasis. SCs from fetuses and neonatal puppies and puppies up to 45 days old expressed AMH, while SCs from older puppies and adults were negative. All SCTs expressed AMH, suggesting that AMH expression is a useful marker of immature and neoplastic canine SCs.

Peripartal hormonal changes in Alpine goats: a comparison between physiological and pathological parturition.

In this study, 31 pregnant Alpine does were used to investigate the peripartal plasma profiles of progesterone, estradiol-17ß, 15-ketodihydro-PGF(2α) and cortisol, assessing differences between goats with physiological and pathological parturition. The goats were observed around the time of parturition; all peripartum abnormalities were recorded, and veterinary assistance was provided if necessary. Blood samples were collected every 12 h from 7 days before to 7 days after delivery, and plasma used for hormonal analysis by radioimmunoassay. Two animals died during the study, and their data were excluded from the study. Of the remaining 29 animals, 23 goats had a spontaneous and physiological delivery, while six goats showed pathological parturition, including dystocia and retained placenta. The 65 alive kids were viable at birth and at 7 days of age. The results concerning the hormonal concentrations in the normal parturition confirm and define more precisely the patterns already described in the goat, while the comparison between physiological and pathological parturition has never been previously reported in this species. Highest peripartum levels of cortisol were found in the pathological group at delivery (30.6 vs 15.9 ng/ml) (p<0.01) and 12 h later (26.2 vs 11.1 ng/ml) (p<0.05); the greater cortisol concentrations found in goats with dystocia and retained placenta could suggest a higher level of stress. No significant differences between the two groups were found with respect to the circulating values of the other hormones, but the individual variability and the small number of goats enrolled in the pathological delivery group could have masked possible differences.

Selected metabolic and hormonal profiles during maintenance of spontaneous ovarian cysts in dairy cows.

Information is lacking regarding the relationship between metabolic and hormonal profiles and the maintenance of spontaneous ovarian cyst disease in dairy cows. For this reason, the concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and cortisol (C) were investigated during the spontaneous course of ovarian cyst disease in dairy cows (n=6) between the 7th and 16th weeks post-partum (PP). The control group consisted of normally cycling cows (n=6). Blood samples were collected twice a day, and plasma was analysed using different techniques. Progesterone and 15-ketodihydro-PGF(2α) plasma profiles were investigated to confirm the ovulatory or anovulatory conditions of the cows. Cortisol plasma levels were not significantly different among sampling times within each group or between the two groups. NEFA plasma levels were significantly higher in cycling cows compared to cystic cows at the 16th week PP (p<0.01), but with rather low values, indicating by now sparse mobilization of fat stores. Insulin-like growth factor I plasma concentrations were higher in cystic cows during the 8th, 10th, 11th (p<0.01) and 16th week PP (p<0.05), indicating that the presence of ovarian cysts coincides with increased IGF-I levels. These results suggest no influence of cortisol and NEFA levels in cysts maintenance, while a possible involvement of IGF-I can be suspected not only in the pathogenesis, as already known, but also in the maintenance of spontaneous cystic ovarian disease in cattle.

An immunohistochemical study of normal and neoplastic canine sertoli cells.

Immunohistochemical studies of human fetal Sertoli cells (SCs) have shown transient expression of cytokeratin (CK) and desmin (DES) that is replaced after birth by expression of vimentin (VIM) and inhibin-α (INH-α). Human Sertoli cell tumours (SCTs) are characterized by re-expression of CK and DES. The aim of the present study was to evaluate immunohistochemically the expression of VIM, INH-α, CK and DES in normal and neoplastic canine SCs. Normal testicular tissue from three adult dogs, one 6-month-old puppy and two neonatal pups was examined in addition to samples from 21 canine SCTs. VIM was not expressed by neonatal SCs, but was present in SCs from the puppy, the adult dogs and in all SCTs. Conversely, INH-α was expressed by neonatal SCs and most SCTs, but not by normal SCs of adult dogs and the puppy. DES and CK were expressed only by some SCTs. These results show that, contrary to findings in man, canine SCs do not express VIM at the time of birth. SCs from neonatal dogs do express INH-α, but such expression was lost in the puppy and the adult dogs. Canine SCs therefore differ from human SCs, as expression of INH-α characterizes immature SCs, whereas the expression of VIM characterizes mature SCs. Canine SCTs may express CK and DES, suggesting that the neoplastic cells undergo de-differentiation during transformation.

Isolation of canine mammary cells with stem cell properties and tumour-initiating potential.

Recent data suggest that mammary carcinogenesis may be driven by cancer stem cells (CSCs) derived from mutated adult stem cells, which have acquired aberrant cell self-renewal or by progenitor cells that have acquired the capacity for cell self-renewal. Spontaneous mammary cancers in cats and dogs are important models for the understanding of human breast cancer and may represent alternative species model systems that can significantly contribute to the study of human oncogenesis. With the goal of identifying markers for isolating human breast CSCs, we have generated a canine model system to isolate and characterize normal and CSCs from dog mammary gland. Insight into the hierarchical organization of canine tumours may contribute to the development of universal concepts in oncogenesis by CSCs. Cells with stem cell properties were isolated from normal and tumoural canine breast tissue and propagated as mammospheres and tumourspheres in long-term non-adherent culture conditions. We showed that cells obtained from spheres that display self-renewing properties, have multi-lineage differentiation potential, could generate complex branched tubular structures in vitro and form tumours in NOD/SCID mice. We analysed these cells for the expression of human stem and CSC markers and are currently investigating the tumour-initiating properties of these cells and the hierarchical organization of normal and neoplastic canine mammary tissue.

Concentrations of 15-ketodihydro-PGF2alpha, cortisol, and progesterone in the plasma of healthy and pathologic newborn foals.

Information regarding the plasma hormone profiles of prostaglandins (PGs), cortisol (C), and progesterone (P4) during pathologic processes in newborn foals is scarce. The aim of this study was to determine the plasma concentrations of these hormones in diseased foals (n=40) and healthy at-term foals (n=24) (Equus caballus) during the first 2 weeks of life. Blood samples were collected daily, before any treatment with nonsteroidal drugs in diseased foals, and plasma was analyzed by radioimmunoassay. 15-Ketodihydro-PGF(2alpha) (PGM) was consistently higher in diseased foals than in healthy foals, probably related to roles of PGs in completing organ maturation and/or the presence of oxidative stress or inflammation. Similar trends were observed for C and P4. In diseased newborns, only PGM was significantly higher in nonsurviving foals, although C showed a similar profile. When specific diseases were considered, the levels of PGM and C were lower in premature foals at 12h of life, whereas the concentration of P4 was higher than in controls. The results of this study demonstrate the differences in plasma hormone levels between healthy and pathologic newborn foals, particularly during the first 2 d of life, probably reflecting the inability of diseased foals to cope with the transition between fetal and neonatal life.

Characteristics of cryptic/ectopic and contralateral scrotal testes in dogs between 1 and 2 years of age.

Testicular malposition represents a common developmental genital defect in dogs and can affect one or both testes. In both humans and dogs, unilateral cryptorchism is more frequently detected and thought to be the expression of a genetic abnormality affecting both the undescended and scrotal testis. In the dog, there is evidence of degenerative processes affecting the maldescended testis. However, the histologic and functional changes that occur in the scrotal testis of unilateral cryptorchid or ectopic individuals remain a source of debate. Because the bilateral surgical removal of the testes leads to some undesirable side effects, the aim of this study was to evaluate the necessity for performing bilateral orchiectomy in young unilateral cryptorchid dogs. A morphologic study of both cryptic/ectopic and scrotal testes in young dogs affected by unilateral testicular maldescent was therefore conducted. The study was conducted on 10 dogs aged 1 to 2 yr and affected by unilateral testicular maldescent. We found that, in young dogs, even if no neoplastic lesions were observed, morphologic abnormalities are detectable between 1 and 2 yr of age in the maldescended testes with severity dependent on testicular position. In contrast, in the scrotal testes, the histologic and immunohistochemical exam failed to find signs of incorrect development or morphologic abnormalities. The results seem to suggest that, though the early removal of the undescended testis is recommended, continuous monitoring of the scrotal testis for the life of the dog is preferable to removing it considering the undesirable side effects related to castration.