Injection of a chemical castration agent, zinc gluconate, into the testes of cats results in the impairment of spermatogenesis: a potentially irreversible contraceptive approach for this species?

Male sterilization by chemical agents is a nonsurgical contraceptive approach designed to induce azoospermia and, therefore, infertility. Intratesticular injection of zinc gluconate for sterilization of dogs has been described, but its use in cats remains limited. The objective of the present study was to evaluate, by light and transmission electron microscopy, the efficacy of a single intratesticular injection of a zinc gluconate solution (Testoblock) as a sterilant for male cats. Twelve sexually mature mixed breed cats were allocated at random into two groups (control = 6; treated = 6) and given a single injection into each testis of either isotonic saline or zinc gluconate, respectively. Histopathologic and ultrastructural evaluation was assessed at 120 days postinjection. Histopathologic changes were not detected in the testes from the control group. However, histologic evaluation of the treated group revealed atrophic and dilated seminiferous tubules, a decrease in the number of germ cells, and incomplete spermatogenesis. Sertoli cells had various degrees of cytoplasmic vacuolization. Intertubular tissue revealed active fibroblasts, collagen deposition, and inflammatory cells. The diameter of seminiferous tubules, epithelial height and tubular area were reduced (P < 0.05) in the treated group compared with controls. Azoospermia occurred in 8 of the 11 treated cats (73%). Ultrastructural evaluation of Leydig cells revealed loss of nuclear chromatin, increased smooth endoplasmatic reticulum, and mitochondria degeneration. Intratesticular injection of zinc gluconate solution impaired spermatogenesis in cats and has great potential as a permanent sterilant in this species.

Impact of Plasma-Lyte pH 7.4 on acid-base status and hemodynamics in a model of controlled hemorrhagic shock.

OBJECTIVE: Intravenous infusion of crystalloid solutions is a cornerstone of the treatment of hemorrhagic shock. However, crystalloid solutions can have variable metabolic acid-base effects, perpetuating or even aggravating shock-induced metabolic acidosis. The aim of this study was to compare, in a controlled volume-driven porcine model of hemorrhagic shock, the effects of three different crystalloid solutions on the hemodynamics and acid-base balance. METHODS: Controlled hemorrhagic shock (40% of the total blood volume was removed) was induced in 18 animals, which were then treated with normal saline (0.9% NaCl), Lactated Ringer's Solution or Plasma-Lyte pH 7.4, in a blinded fashion (n = 6 for each group). Using a predefined protocol, the animals received three times the volume of blood removed. RESULTS: The three different crystalloid infusions were equally capable of reversing the hemorrhage-induced low cardiac output and anuria. The Lactated Ringer's Solution and Plasma-Lyte pH 7.4 infusions resulted in an increased standard base excess and a decreased serum chloride level, whereas treatment with normal saline resulted in a decreased standard base excess and an increased serum chloride level. The Plasma-Lyte pH 7.4 infusions did not change the level of the unmeasured anions. CONCLUSION: Although the three tested crystalloid solutions were equally able to attenuate the hemodynamic and tissue perfusion disturbances, only the normal saline induced hyperchloremia and metabolic acidosis.

Impact of Plasma-Lyte pH 7.4 on acid-base status and hemodynamics in a model of controlled hemorrhagic shock

OBJECTIVE: Intravenous infusion of crystalloid solutions is a cornerstone of the treatment of hemorrhagic shock. However, crystalloid solutions can have variable metabolic acid-base effects, perpetuating or even aggravating shock-induced metabolic acidosis. The aim of this study was to compare, in a controlled volume-driven porcine model of hemorrhagic shock, the effects of three different crystalloid solutions on the hemodynamics and acid-base balance. METHODS: Controlled hemorrhagic shock (40 percent of the total blood volume was removed) was induced in 18 animals, which were then treated with normal saline (0.9 percent NaCl), Lactated Ringer's Solution or Plasma-Lyte pH 7.4, in a blinded fashion (n = 6 for each group). Using a predefined protocol, the animals received three times the volume of blood removed. RESULTS: The three different crystalloid infusions were equally capable of reversing the hemorrhage-induced low cardiac output and anuria. The Lactated Ringer's Solution and Plasma-Lyte pH 7.4 infusions resulted in an increased standard base excess and a decreased serum chloride level, whereas treatment with normal saline resulted in a decreased standard base excess and an increased serum chloride level. The Plasma-Lyte pH 7.4 infusions did not change the level of the unmeasured anions. CONCLUSION: Although the three tested crystalloid solutions were equally able to attenuate the hemodynamic and tissue perfusion disturbances, only the normal saline induced hyperchloremia and metabolic acidosis.

Leishmaniasis cutánea en nicaragua: estudio comparativo de dos modalidades terapéuticas / Skin leishmaniasis in Nicaragua: a comparative study of two therapeutic approaches

Se realiza un estudio comparativo de la eficacia curativa en la leishmaniasis cutánea entre el metronidazol y el pentostan, antimonio pentavalente reconocido para esta dolencia, pero no exento de efectos secundarios. Se analiza la posible influencia del tiempo de evolución de las lesiones al inicio del tratamiento con ambas modalidades terapéuticas, así como la reducción del área media de las lesiones a los 30 días de comenzado el tratamiento. En esta revisión bibliográfica efectuada se pone de manifiesto el controvertido efecto terapéutico sobre esta enfermedad exótica

Brain calcification in severely stressed neonates receiving parenteral calcium.

Morphologic evidence for calcium salts within the brains of severely stressed neonates at autopsy correlated to the mean daily parenteral dose of calcium gluconate (P less than 0.01). Survival analysis indicated that parenteral administration of calcium contributed a negative effect to predicted survival (P less than 0.05).

Hazards of calcium gluconate therapy in the newborn infant: intra-arterial injection producing intestinal necrosis in rabbit ileum.

Five infants received 10% calcium gluconate via umbilical artery catheters, which resulted in intestinal bleeding and lesions of the buttock, anus, groin, and thigh. The effects of intra-arterial calcium gluconate in two animal models were investigated. Injection of calcium into the aorta in the region of the posterior mesenteric artery resulted in immediate hyperperfusion of the descending colon; this may be an early hemodynamic response to injury in the area of colon supplied by this vessel. Injections into the arterial arcade of the rabbit ileum resulted in intestinal necrosis and villous atrophy. The use of umbilical artery catheters for administration of calcium gluconate is potentially hazardous.

Roentgen patterns of extravasation of calcium gluconate in the tissues of the neonate.

Calcium gluconate is irritating to soft tissues and can produce tissue necrosis and slough; Radiographs of the part following extravasation initially show only soft tissue swelling. A variable pattern of soft tissue calcification then develops in one to three weeks, and gradually is completely resorbed over several months' time. The cause of the soft tissue calcifications may be quite puzzling, if the incident of calcium gluconate extravasation has been overlooked.