Evaluation of hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress profile in calves under propofol anesthesia.

Propofol is a widely used drug in veterinary medicine to induce anesthesia; as well as the chosen compound for protocols of intravenous anesthesia. The present study aimed to describe the hematological, biochemical and oxidative stress alterations in calves kept under anesthesia by propofol in different dosages. In order to achieve this, eight Holstein calves were induced using propofol in a 5 mg/kg dosage and maintained under continuous propofol infusion for 60 min, having being administered 0.6 mg/kg/h or 0.8 mg/kg/h in crossover design with seven days interval. Blood samples were collected immediately before the anesthesia induction (baseline), and 30 min, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h after the procedure started. Statistically relevant propofol influence was observed both in blood and biochemical parameters, with differences between dosages according to the time of infusion. The drug action over oxidative stress was also observed, causing a raise of the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) with an uric acid increase. Additionally, the increase of triglycerides, induced by the anesthesia maintenance with propofol, caused lipemia in the samples, which was capable of interfering directly in the measurements made by refractometry and spectrophotometry. It was concluded that, in spite of propofol induced alterations in blood and biochemical parameters, such alterations are subtle. In addition to that, the drug presented an antioxidative effect, which reinstates the safety of anesthesia maintenance with propofol in calves.

Postprandial lipemia causes oxidative stress in dogs.

Oxidative stress (OS) has been strongly associated with postprandial lipemia (PPL) in humans, and still requires further investigation in dogs. However, since lipemia interferes with spectrophotometric determinations such as those used to assess OS, the present study investigated the effect of PPL on OS parameters of healthy dogs. Twenty dogs had lipemic postprandial samples compared to the average of two non-lipemic moments. Subsequently, PPL was simulated in vitro using a commercial lipid emulsion and twelve pools of non-lipemic serum of these dogs were used to simulate the minimum, median and maximum concentrations of triglycerides obtained during the lipemic state. Serum OS parameters were assessed using the antioxidants uric acid, albumin and total bilirubin; total antioxidant capacity (TAC); total oxidant capacity (TOC); and lipid peroxidation. In vivo PPL caused an increase in albumin, TAC-CUPRAC, TAC-FRAP, uric acid (p < 0.0001), TOC (p = 0.0012) and total bilirubin (p = 0.0245); reduction of TAC-ABTS (p = 0.0008); and did not alter the lipid peroxidation (p = 0.8983). In vitro, levels of albumin increased at the three lipemic concentrations (p < 0.0001), uric acid increased in the median and maximum levels (p < 0.0001), and total bilirubin concentration increased only at the maximum lipemic level (p = 0.0012). All lipemic levels tested increased TAC-ABTS (p = 0.0011) and TAC-FRAP (p < 0.0001). TAC-CUPRAC (p = 0.5002), TOC (p = 0.5938) and lipid peroxidation (p = 0.4235) were not affected by in vitro lipemia. In conclusion, both the in vivo postprandial state and in vitro simulated lipemia affect oxidative stress markers in dogs depending on the oxidative stress marker, and thus the postprandial state and/or lipemic samples should be avoided.

Systemic oxidative stress in Suffolk and Santa Ines sheep experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus.

The mechanisms responsible for the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants in sheep infected with Haemonchus contortus are not well established. This study aimed to prove the hypothesis that oxidative stress occurring during infection by H. contortus varies according to breed, and that the parasite burden correlates with hypoalbuminaemia and anaemia. Thus, after deworming and confirming the absence of infection, two different sheep breeds, Suffolk (n = 15) and Santa Ines (n = 22), were orally inoculated with a single dose of 5,000 L3 of H. contortus. The egg counts per gram of faeces (EPG), packed cell volume (PCV) and concentrations of several plasma markers of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, albumin, uric acid, total bilirubin, total antioxidant capacity [TAC], total oxidant concentration [TOC] and the oxidative stress index [OSI]) were quantified before (control group) and during the experimental infection (28, 34 and 42 days post-inoculation). In both breeds, TOC increased at 28 days and TAC increased at 42 days. In Suffolk sheep, there was a positive correlation of EPG with oxidant components (28 days) and a negative correlation of EPG with PCV (42 days). In Santa Ines sheep, there was a positive correlation of EPG with bilirubin (r = 0.492; p = 0.020). H. contortus infection caused oxidative stress, which varied according to the breed. Parasite burden was not associated with hypoalbuminaemia, whereas there was a negative correlation with PCV. This research provides the first evidence that the antioxidant status contributes more to the resilience to H. contortus in Santa Ines sheep compared to Suffolk sheep.

Endodontic infections increase leukocyte and lymphocyte levels in the blood.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether the presence of single or multiple apical periodontitis (AP) alters blood cell counts and cytokine production. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty rats were divided into three groups: a control group comprising rats without AP, a group called 1AP comprising rats with AP in one tooth, and a group called 4AP comprising rats with AP in four teeth. Endodontic infection was induced by pulp exposure of the first right maxillary molar in the 1AP group or by exposing the first and second right maxillary and mandibular molars in the 4AP group. A blood count and cytokine levels were obtained 30 days after infection by collecting blood by cardiac puncture. The maxillae were dissected and stained with hematoxylin and eosin to evaluate the inflammatory infiltrate. The data were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis (P < 0.05). RESULTS: Histological analysis showed a predominance of mononuclear inflammatory cells. In blood, significant increase of leukocytes, lymphocytes, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in 4AP compared with the control and 1AP groups (P < 0.05) was observed. In addition, significant decrease of interleukin-4 (IL-4) in 1AP and 4AP groups compared with the control was observed (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the rat model, the presence of multiple AP can affect health by increasing lymphocyte and TNF-α levels in the blood. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The presence of endodontic infections can interfere with the blood profile, altering systemic health.

Influence of Apical Periodontitis on Stress Oxidative Parameters in Diabetic Rats.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we investigated if apical periodontitis (AP) associated with diabetes influenced the levels of endogenous antioxidants, the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the oxidant parameter in the serum of Wistar rats. METHODS: Forty male rats were divided into 4 equal groups: normal rats (N), rats with AP (AP), diabetic rats (D), and diabetic rats with AP (D + AP). Diabetes was induced by alloxan (150 mg/kg). AP was induced by exposing the pulpal tissue to the oral environment. After 36 days, blood and maxillae were collected. Albumin, bilirubin, uric acid, TAC, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured, and histologic analysis of the maxillae was performed. P < .05 was set as the threshold for statistical significance. RESULTS: Uric acid levels were higher in the D + AP group when compared with that of the N, D, and AP groups (P < .05). The MDA concentration was higher in the D and D + AP groups when compared with the N and AP groups (P < .05). The level of albumin was lower in the D + AP group when compared with the N, AP, and D groups. Inflammatory infiltration was more intense in the periapical region in the D + AP group compared with that in the AP group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that diabetes may change the antioxidant status, increase the concentration of MDA and uric acid, and decrease albumin levels in the serum. In addition, AP can potentiate the effects of diabetes by reducing the levels of albumin and increasing the levels of uric acid.

Prediction of lymph node parasite load from clinical data in dogs with leishmaniasis: An application of radial basis artificial neural networks.

Quantification of Leishmania infantum load via real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in lymph node aspirates is an accurate tool for diagnostics, surveillance and therapeutics follow-up in dogs with leishmaniasis. However, qPCR requires infrastructure and technical training that is not always available commercially or in public services. Here, we used a machine learning technique, namely Radial Basis Artificial Neural Network, to assess whether parasite load could be learned from clinical data (serological test, biochemical markers and physical signs). By comparing 18 different combinations of input clinical data, we found that parasite load can be accurately predicted using a relatively small reference set of 35 naturally infected dogs and 20 controls. In the best case scenario (use of all clinical data), predictions presented no bias or inflation and an accuracy (i.e., correlation between true and predicted values) of 0.869, corresponding to an average error of ±38.2 parasites per unit of volume. We conclude that reasonable estimates of L. infantum load from lymph node aspirates can be obtained from clinical records when qPCR services are not available.

The effects of increased heme oxygenase-1 on the lymphoproliferative response in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) is known to affect the cellular immunity of infected dogs, through impairing lymphoproliferation and microbicidal mechanisms. This study examined heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and its metabolites, oxidative stress and IL-10 levels in CVL and investigated correlations between these parameters. Additionally, the effects of HO-1 inhibition on the lymphoproliferative response and cytokine production in lymph node cells (LNCs) from infected dogs were evaluated. Forty-four dogs, 24 controls and 20 dogs with CVL were selected. Plasma and splenic levels of HO-1, haptoglobin, soluble CD163 receptor, ferritin and IL-10 were determined using capture ELISA. The HO-1 levels and relative gene expression in peripheral blood and bone marrow mononuclear cells were also determined. LNCs proliferation was evaluated with an HO-1 activator and with an HO-1 inhibitor, in the presence of the Leishmania infantum soluble antigen (SAgL), using flow cytometry. HO-1, IL-2, IFN-gamma and IL-10 were also determined in these cultures using capture ELISA. Infected dogs presented oxidative stress and increased HO-1 levels and relative gene expression, with correlation between oxidative stress and HO-1. The substances from heme metabolism and IL-10 were also elevated in the plasma and spleens of infected dogs. IL-10 and HO-1 levels were positively correlated with one another. Inhibition of HO-1 increased LNCs proliferation and decreased IL-10 and IL-2 production in the presence of SAgL. The increased HO-1 metabolism observed in CVL is probably associated with oxidative stress and increased IL-10, which could be one of the mechanisms responsible for inhibition of the lymphoproliferative response in sick dogs.

Free p-Cresol Alters Neutrophil Function in Dogs.

To achieve a clearer understanding of the mechanisms responsible for neutrophil dysfunction recently described in dogs with chronic renal failure (CRF), the plasma concentrations of free p-cresol in healthy dogs (n = 20) and those with CRF (n = 20) were compared. The degree of correlation was determined between plasma levels of p-cresol and markers of oxidative stress and function of neutrophils in these dogs. The effect of this compound on oxidative metabolism and apoptosis was assessed in neutrophils isolated from 16 healthy dogs incubated in RPMI 1640 supplemented with p-cresol (0.405 mg/L) and compared with medium supplemented with uremic plasma (50%). To achieve this, the plasma concentration of p-cresol was quantified by liquid phase high-performance liquid chromatography. The neutrophil oxidative metabolism was determined using the probes hydroethidine and 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate and apoptosis was measured using Annexin V-PE by capillary flow cytometry. Compared with the healthy dogs, uremic dogs presented higher concentrations of free p-cresol, greater oxidative stress, and neutrophils primed for accelerated apoptosis. The free p-cresol induced in neutrophils from healthy dogs increased apoptosis and decreased reactive oxygen species production. We conclude that the health status presented during uremia concomitant with the increase in plasma free p-cresol can contribute to the presence of immunosuppression in dogs with CRF.

Hypertension and its correlation with renal lesions in dogs with leishmaniosis.

To evaluate the prevalence of hypertension and its correlation with the severity of renal injury and proteinuria in dogs with leishmaniosis, sixty-six dogs were divided into two groups. Group 1 (G1) was composed of 54 dogs included in stage 1 of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and group 2 (G2) of twelve dogs in stages 2 and 3 of CKD. Prevalence of hypertension was 28.8%, comprising 22.2% of the dogs from G1 and 58.3% from G2 (P=0.011). The mean arterial blood pressure (BP) of dogs from G1 (135.7 ± 20.5) was lower than from G2 (170.0 ± 26.3) (P <0.001). Urine protein-creatinine ratio (UP/C) revealed values above 0.5 in 75.7% of the dogs, with 34% presenting hypertension. All dogs with hypertension had histopathological and laboratory evidence of glomerular disease. Although there was no statistically significant correlation between elevated BP and the severity of glomerular lesions (P=0.408), there was a statistically significant correlation between elevated BP and increased UP/C in the studied population (P=0.002). Thus, dogs with leishmaniosis and renal disease must be screened for the presence of hypertension so that treatment may be instituted as early as possible, in countries where treatment is allowed, to prevent the progression of renal damage.

Hypertension and its correlation with renal lesions in dogs with leishmaniosis / Hipertensão e sua correlação com lesões renais em cães com leishmaniose

To evaluate the prevalence of hypertension and its correlation with the severity of renal injury and proteinuria in dogs with leishmaniosis, sixty-six dogs were divided into two groups. Group 1 (G1) was composed of 54 dogs included in stage 1 of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and group 2 (G2) of twelve dogs in stages 2 and 3 of CKD. Prevalence of hypertension was 28.8%, comprising 22.2% of the dogs from G1 and 58.3% from G2 (P=0.011). The mean arterial blood pressure (BP) of dogs from G1 (135.7 ± 20.5) was lower than from G2 (170.0 ± 26.3) (P <0.001). Urine protein-creatinine ratio (UP/C) revealed values above 0.5 in 75.7% of the dogs, with 34% presenting hypertension. All dogs with hypertension had histopathological and laboratory evidence of glomerular disease. Although there was no statistically significant correlation between elevated BP and the severity of glomerular lesions (P=0.408), there was a statistically significant correlation between elevated BP and increased UP/C in the studied population (P=0.002). Thus, dogs with leishmaniosis and renal disease must be screened for the presence of hypertension so that treatment may be instituted as early as possible, in countries where treatment is allowed, to prevent the progression of renal damage.

Para avaliar a prevalência de hipertensão arterial e sua correlação com a severidade da lesão renal e proteinúria em cães com leishmaniose, 66 cães foram divididos em dois grupos. O grupo 1 (G1), composto por 54 cães em estágio 1 de doença renal crônica (DRC), e o grupo 2 (G2) por 12 cães em estágios 2 e 3 de DRC. A prevalência de hipertensão foi de 28,8%, compreendendo 22,2% dos cães de G1 e 58,3% dos cães de G2 (p = 0,011). A pressão arterial média (PA) de G1 (135,7 ± 20,5) foi inferior a de G2 (170,0 ± 26,3) (P <0,001). A relação proteína creatinina urinária (P/C U) foi maior que 0,5 em 75,7% dos cães, dos quais 34% possuíam hipertensão. Todos os cães com hipertensão apresentavam doença glomerular. Embora não tenha sido observada correlação estatisticamente significativa entre elevação da PA e severidade das lesões glomerulares (P =0,408), houve uma correlação significativa entre PA elevada e aumento da UP/C (P = 0,002). Portanto, cães com leishmaniose e doença renal devem ser pesquisados ​​quanto à presença de hipertensão, para que o tratamento possa ser instituído o mais precocemente possível em países onde ele é permitido, para evitar a progressão da lesão renal.

Oxidative stress, superoxide production, and apoptosis of neutrophils in dogs with chronic kidney disease.

Oxidative stress is a key component in the immunosuppression of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and neutrophil function may be impaired by oxidative stress. To test the hypothesis that in uremic dogs with CKD, oxidative stress is increased and neutrophils become less viable and functional, 18 adult dogs with CKD were compared with 15 healthy adult dogs. Blood count and urinalysis were done, and the serum biochemical profile and plasma lipid peroxidation (measurement of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) were determined with the use of commercial reagents. Plasma total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured with a spectrophotometer and commercial reagents, superoxide production with a hydroethidine probe, and the viability and apoptosis of neutrophils with capillary flow cytometry and the annexin V-PE system. The plasma concentrations of cholesterol (P = 0.0415), creatinine (P < 0.0001), and urea (P < 0.0001) were significantly greater in the uremic dogs than in the control dogs. The hematocrit (P = 0.0004), urine specific gravity (P = 0.015), and plasma lipid peroxidation (P < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the dogs that were in late stages of CKD than in the control group. Compared with those isolated from the control group, neutrophils isolated from the CKD group showed a higher rate of spontaneous (0.10 ± 0.05 versus 0.49 ± 0.09; P = 0.0033; median ± standard error of mean) and camptothecin-induced (18.53 ± 4.06 versus 44.67 ± 4.85; P = 0.0066) apoptosis and lower levels of superoxide production in the presence (1278.8 ± 372.8 versus 75.65 ± 86.6; P = 0.0022) and absence (135.29 ± 51.74 versus 41.29 ± 8.38; P = 0.0138) of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate stimulation. Thus, oxidative stress and acceleration of apoptosis occurs in dogs with CKD, the apoptosis diminishing the number of viable neutrophils and neutrophil superoxide production.

Le stress oxydatif est un élément clé dans l'immunosuppression de maladie rénale chronique (MRC), et la fonction des neutrophiles peut être affectée par le stress oxydatif. Afin de vérifier l'hypothèse que chez les chiens urémiques avec MRC le stress oxydatif est augmenté et les neutrophiles deviennent moins viables et fonctionnels, 18 chiens adultes avec MRC ont été comparés à 15 chiens adultes en santé. Des analyses sanguines et urinaires ont été effectuées, de même que le profil biochimique sérique et la peroxydation des lipides plasmatiques (mesures des substances réactives à l'acide thiobarbiturique) ont été déterminés au moyen de réactifs commerciaux. La capacité antioxydante plasmatique totale (CAT) a été mesurée à l'aide d'un spectrophotomètre et de réactifs commerciaux, la production de superoxyde avec une sonde hydroéthidine, et la viabilité et l'apoptose des neutrophiles avec un cytomètre à flux capillaire et le système d'annexine V-PE. Les concentrations plasmatiques de cholestérol (P = 0,0415), de créatinine (P < 0,0001) et d'urée (P < 0,0001) étaient significativement plus élevées chez les chiens urémiques comparativement aux chiens témoins. L'hématocrite (P = 0,0004), la gravité spécifique de l'urine (P = 0,015), et la peroxydation des lipides plasmatiques (P < 0,0001) étaient significativement plus faibles chez les chiens dans les stades avancés de MCR que chez les chiens témoins. Comparativement aux neutrophiles provenant des chiens témoins, ceux provenant des chiens avec MRC montraient un taux plus élevé d'apoptose spontanée (0,10 ± 0,05 versus 0,49 ± 0,09; P = 0,0033; médiane ± écart-type) et d'apoptose induite par la camptothécine (18,53 ± 4,06 versus 44,67 ± 4,85; P = 0,0066) et des niveaux plus faibles de production de superoxyde en présence (1278,8 ± 372,8 versus 75,65 ± 86,6; P = 0,0022) et en absence (135,29 ± 51,74 versus 41,29 ± 8,38; P = 0,0138) de stimulation par l'acétate de phorbol-12-myristate-13. Ainsi, le stress oxydatif et l'accélération de l'apoptose surviennent chez des chiens avec MRC, l'apoptose diminuant le nombre de neutrophiles viables et la production de superoxyde par les neutrophiles.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Improvement in clinical signs and cellular immunity of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis using the immunomodulator P-MAPA.

This study investigated the immunotherapeutic potential of the protein aggregate magnesium-ammonium phospholinoleate-palmitoleate anhydride immuno-modulator (P-MAPA) on canine visceral leishmaniasis. Twenty mongrel dogs presenting clinical symptoms compatible with leishmaniasis and diagnosis confirmed by the detection of anti-leishmania antibodies were studied. Ten dogs received 15 doses of the immunomodulator (2.0 mg/kg) intramuscularly, and 10 received saline as a placebo. Skin and peripheral blood samples were collected following administration of the immunomodulator. The groups were followed to observe for clinical signals of remission; parasite load in the skin biopsies using real-time PCR, the cytokines IL-2, IL-10 and IFN-γ in the supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated in vitro with either total promastigote antigen or phytohemagglutinin measured by capture ELISA, and changes in CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T cell subpopulations evaluated by flow cytometry. Comparison between the groups showed that treatment with the immunomodulator promoted improvement in clinical signs and a significant reduction in parasite load in the skin. In peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures, supernatants showed a decrease in IL-10 levels and an increase in IL-2 and IFN-γ. An increase in CD8⁺ T cells was observed in peripheral blood. In addition, the in vitro leishmanicidal action of P-MAPA was investigated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and no leishmanicidal activity was detected. These findings suggest that P-MAPA has potential as an immunotherapeutic drug in canine visceral leishmaniasis, since it assists in reestablishing partial immunocompetence of infected dogs.

Erythrogram and erythrocytes measurement of ostriches (Struthio camelus) in São José do Rio Preto-SP, Brazil / Eritrograma e medição dos eritrócitos de avestruzes (Struthio camelus) em São José do Rio Preto-SP, Brasil

Ostriches’ erythrocytic parameters help on the diagnosis of specific pathologies and serve as basic knowledge for studies incomparative avian pathology. To obtain reference values of erythrocyte indices for ostriches (Struthio camelus) raised in acommercial system in Brazil and verify if there are differences between gender and age groups, 240 healthy from both sexesanimals were bled. Heparinized blood samples were analyzed using standard techniques to determine the red blood cell(RBC) count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscularhemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) values, besides the red cell morphometryanalysis using a computer software that calculates the greater and the smaller diameters of the erythrocytes. Prior to dataanalysis, ostriches were divided into three different age groups: from four to 13 months, from 13 to 23 months and from23 to 30 months the. Younger ostriches presented lower erythrocyte indices than the older ones. The age group effect wasonly significant in females for the erythrocyte, hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, and MCHC variables. The female ostrichespresented PCV, MCV, MCH, and MCHC values significantly higher than males in some age groups. It was observed thatthe erythrocytes of the female ostriches are more elongated and larger than males. It was concluded that erythrocyticparameters of ostriches in São José do Rio Preto-SP, Brazil are influenced by gender and age, highlighting the importanceof consider besides these factors also the geoclimatic conditions to an adequate interpretation of the erythrogram.

Os parâmetros eritrocitários de avestruzes auxiliam no diagnóstico de afecções específicas, além de servir comoconhecimento básico no estudo de patologia comparativa das aves. Para obtenção de valores de referência dos índiceseritrocitários de avestruzes (Struthio camelus) criados em um sistema comercial no Brasil e verificar se existemdiferenças relativas ao sexo e faixas etárias, foram colhidas amostras sanguíneas de 240 animais saudáveis e de ambos ossexos. Amostras sanguíneas heparinizadas foram analisadas utilizando técnicas-padrão para determinar a contagem deeritrócitos, concentração de hemoglobina, hematócrito, volume corpuscular médio (VCM), hemoglobina corpuscularmédia (HCM), concentração de hemoglobina corpuscular média (CHCM) além da análise morfométrica dos eritrócitosutilizando um programa de computador que calcula os diâmetros maior e menor dos eritrócitos. Para a análise dos dadosos avestruzes foram divididos em três diferentes faixas etárias: de quatro a 13 meses; de 13 a 23 meses e de 23 a 30 meses.De modo geral, avestruzes jovens apresentaram índices eritrocitários inferiores aos dos animais mais velhos. Diferençasrelativas à idade só foram significativamente relevantes em fêmeas para os valores de eritrócitos, hemoglobina, VCM,HCM e CHCM. As avestruzes fêmeas apresentaram valores de hematócrito, VCM, HCM e CHCM significantementemaiores que os machos em algumas faixas etárias. Os eritrócitos de avestruzes fêmeas são mais compridos e largosdo que os de machos. Pode-se concluir que os parâmetros eritrocitários de avestruzes em São José do Rio Preto-SP, Brasil estão sob influência do sexo e da idade, ressaltando a importância de considerar além desses fatores, também ascondições geoclimáticas para uma interpretação adequada do eritrograma.

Clinical and parasitological evaluation of dogs naturally infected by Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi submitted to treatment with meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol / Avaliação clínica e parasitológica de cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi submetidos a tratamento com antimoniato de meglumina e alopurinol

Aiming to assess the efficacy of the treatment, to verify the occurrence of possible disease relapses and to search for the presence of parasites after the treatment, seven dogs naturally infected by Leishmania sp., were submitted to a treatment with meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol. For this, lymph node and bone marrow aspiration biopsies were carried out at seven moments. After the end of the six-month observation period all dogs were submitted to euthanasia. Then, spleen and liver “imprints” and in vitro cultures were carried out to search for amastigote forms of the parasite. All animals presented remission of the symptoms and during all the observation period no dog presented relapse of the disease, although amastigote forms of the parasite were observed in two of the animals at the end of the experiment. Thus, it was possible to conclude that the treatment promotes clinical healing but it does not eliminate the parasites completely.

Com objetivo de avaliar a eficácia do tratamento, verificar a ocorrência de possíveis recidivas da doença e pesquisar a presença de parasitas após a realização do tratamento, foram utilizados sete cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania sp., submetidos a tratamento com antimoniato de meglumina e alopurinol. Para tanto, foram realizadas punções biópsias aspirativas de linfonodos e de medula óssea em sete momentos. Após o término dos seis meses de observação, todos os cães foram submetidos à eutanásia e realizados “imprints” e cultivo in vitro do baço e fígado para a pesquisa de formas amastigotas. Todos os animais apresentaram remissão dos sintomas e durante todo o período de observação nenhum cão apresentou recidiva da doença apesar de ter sido observada a presença de formas amastigotas do parasita em dois animais, ao término do experimento. Desta forma, foi possível concluir que o tratamento promove a cura clínica, entretanto não elimina completamente os parasitas.

Metabolismo oxidativo de heterófilos de avestruzes jovens / Oxidative metabolism by heterophils from young ostriches

Foi avaliada a hipótese que, à semelhança dos neutrófilos de mamíferos, a produção de superóxido pelos heterófilos de avestruzes está associada com a maturidade funcional dessas células. Foram utilizados 20 avestruzes de ambos os sexos, divididos em dois grupos: 1--30 dias (n=10) e 180--240 dias (n=10) de idade. Para avaliação do metabolismo oxidativo dos heterófilos, estimou-se a produção de superóxido, utilizando o teste citoquímico não estimulado de redução do tetrazólio de nitroazul (NBT). A porcentagem média de redução heterofílica do NBT de avestruzes com até 30 dias de idade (0,7±1,3) foi menor (P<0,001) que a observada naqueles com idade entre seis e oito meses (6,2±2,7). Conclui-se que o metabolismo oxidativo dos heterófilos de avestruzes aumenta com a idade, sugerindo que essa menor produção de superóxido reduz a capacidade bactericida e pode contribuir para a alta mortalidade nos três primeiros meses de vida.

It was valuated the hypothesis that, like the neutrophils of mammals, the superoxide production by avian heterophils is associated with functional maturity of these cells. Were used twenty ostriches of both sexes, divided into two groups: 1--30 days (n=10) and 180--240 days (n=10) of age. The oxidative metabolism by heterophils was estimated by superoxide production in not stimulated cytochemic test of nitroblue terazolium (NBT). The average percentage of heterophilic NBT reduction in ostriches with up to 30 days of age (0.7±1,3) was lower (P<0,001) than that observed in those aged between six and eight months (6,2±2,7). It was concluded that the oxidative metabolism by ostriches' heterophils increases with age, suggesting that lower superoxide production reduces the ability bactericide and may contribute to high mortality in the first three moths of life.

Hematological evaluation of dogs naturally infected by Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi submitted to treatment with meglumine antimoniate / Avaliação hematológica de cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi submetidos a tratamento com antimoniato de meglumina

The present research was carried out aiming to assess the hematological response of dogs with visceral leishmaniasis submitted to treatment. For this, seven animals naturally infected by Leishmania sp. were submitted to a treatment with 75 mg/kg meglumine antimoniate subcutaneously, 12-12h / 3 weeks. In all animals, a complete bloodcount and bone marrow aspiration biopsy were carried out for a descriptive evaluation at up to seven moments: before the treatment, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days after the start of the treatment. Before the beginning of the experiment hematological alterations were observed in four of the seven dogs (57.1%), among them, non regenerative anemia, lymphopenia, lymphocytosis and monocytosis. During the course of the experiment the occurrence of leukocytoses, such as left shift neutrophilia and eosinophilia, were observed in some of the animals. Before the beginning of the treatment (M1), the occurrence of erythrocytic hypoplasia was detected by bone marrow cytology in two of the dogs (28.6%). This was reversed through an increase in the amount of erythroid progenitor cells after the administration of meglumine antimoniate. Thus, it can be concluded that the treatment led to normalization of the hematological alterations and recovery of the bone marrow.

A presente pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de avaliar a resposta hematológica de cães com leishmaniose visceral submetidos a tratamento. Para tanto, sete animais naturalmente infectados porLeishmania sp. foram submetidos a um tratamento com 75 mg/kg de antimoniato de meglumina por via subcutânea, 12-12 h /3 semanas. Em todos os animais, uma contagem hematológica completa e punção biópsia aspirativa de medula óssea foi realizada para uma avaliação descritiva em até sete momentos: antes do tratamento, 30, 60, 90,120, 150 e 180 dias após o início do tratamento. Antes do início do experimento foram observadas alterações hematológicas em quatro dos sete cães (57,1%), entre eles, anemia não regenerativa, linfopenia, linfocitose e monocitose. Durante o curso do experimento a ocorrência de leucocitose, como neutrofilia com desvio à esquerda e eosinofilia foram observadas em alguns dos animais. Antes do início do tratamento (M1), a ocorrência de hipoplasia da série eritrocítica foi detectada pela citologia de medula óssea em dois animais (28,6%). Isto foi revertido por um aumento na quantidade de células eritróides progenitoras após a administração de antimoniato de meglumina. Desta forma, pode-se concluir que o tratamento promoveu anormalização das alterações hematológicas e recuperação da medula óssea.

Effect of age and abomasal puncture on peritoneal fluid, hematology, and serum biochemical analyses in young calves.

The goals of this study were to evaluate techniques for collection of peritoneal fluid from calves, establish reference ranges for fibrinogen in peritoneal fluid during the 1st month of life, and determine if abomasal puncture would alter peritoneal fluid or hematologic variables. Twenty-two healthy Holstein calves underwent 3 peritoneal fluid collections on day 1, day 15, and day 30 of age. Fibrinogen concentration in peritoneal fluid was 0.20 g/dL and 0.10 g/dL (P < .05) for day 1 and day 30, respectively, and 0.10 at day 15 (P > .05) for calves without abomasal puncture. Plasma fibrinogen concentration was 0.60 g/dL and 0.70 g/ dL (P < .05) for days 15 and 30, respectively, in calves without abomasal puncture. There were no significant differences (P < or = .05) in peritoneal fluid and peripheral blood total protein and fibrinogen concentrations, specific gravity, total and differential cell count, or erythrocyte counts between calves with or without abomasal puncture. We concluded that the reference ranges established for fibrinogen and total protein concentration are important for accurate evaluation of peritoneal fluid in calves for further comparison with similar-aged animals with gastrointestinal-tract or abdominal-cavity disease. Additionally, accidental abomasal puncture does not alter values of fibrinogen, total protein, and nucleated cell count in peritoneal fluid and does not cause apparent clinical abnormalities.

Prevalência de criptosporidiose em bezerros na regiäo de Araçatuba, Estado de Säo Paulo, Brasil / Prevalence of cryptosporidiosis in calves from Araçatuba region, Säo Paulo State, Brazil

Avaliou-se a prevalência de oocistos de Cryptosporidium parvum em amostras de fezes de 459 bezerros com até 30 dias de idade e em amostras de água e piso dos bezerreiros de 33 propriedades leiteiras na regiäo de Araçatuba-Estado de Säo Paulo. A maior porcentagem de excreçäo de oocistos foi verificada em bezerros com faixa etária variando entre oito e 14 dias de idade (14,5 por cento) sendo, a menor taxa (6,4 por cento), detectada no grupo de animais mais velhos (22 a 30 dias de vida). Observaram-se, na amostragem total, valores positivos aproximados de 10,26 por cento pelo ensaio de imunoadsorçäo enzimática e de 12,4 por cento pelo teste de Sheather. As amostras de água foram negativas e duas de solo positivas.

Influência do flunixin meglumine sobre os valores de proteína total do humor aquoso e diâmetro pupilar após cirurgia intra-ocular em cäes / Influence of flunixin meglumine on total aqueous protein values and pupil size after intraocular surgery in the dogs

Os efeitos do flunixin meglumine aplicado pela via subconjuntival foram avaliados em cäes após cirurgia intra-ocular. Avaliaram-se a concentraçäo de proteína no humor aquoso, os aspectos clínicos e o diâmetro pupilar em diferentes tempos pós-operatórios. Para tanto, foram utilizados oito cäes sadios, SRD, fêmeas, que foram submetidos a trauma cirúrgico intra-ocular. Concluiu-se pela eficácia do flunixin meglumine na reduçäo da concentraçäo de proteína no humor-aquoso e no controle da uveíte pós-operatória.