Reproduction of the owl monkey (Aotus spp.) in captivity.

The reproduction performance of captive owl monkeys, a breed used extensively in biomedical research, was observed at the Battelle Primate Facility (BPF). The colony grew through captive breeding, imports from the Peruvian Primatological Project, and others to a peak size of 730. It included seven karyotypes of Aotus sp. Results showed that owl monkeys can breed successfully in a laboratory in numbers sufficient to sustain modest research programs. Reproductive success increases when pairs are compatible, of the same karyotype, and stabilized; however, mated pairs of different karyotype are also productive. Under conditions of controlled lighting and heating, owl monkeys at BPF showed no birth peak nor birth season.

Serum and urine biochemical diversity among adult wild-caught Aotus nancymae and Saimiri peruviensis.

Serum and urine analytes were compared between adult wild-caught owl monkeys (Aotus nancymae) and adult wild-caught squirrel monkeys (Saimiri peruviensis) to determine if normative clinical pathology data were similar. An objective of the study was to confirm that species of neotropical primates are distinct with regard to physiologic parameters, and should not be considered interchangeable in biomedical research. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were noted in many serum and urine analytes between the two groups. The results suggest that reference data for wild-caught owl monkeys are not applicable to squirrel monkeys, and the differences are sufficiently large to be of clinical significance. These findings illuminate the diversity among species of neotropical primates.

Hematologic values of the wild-caught karyotype V owl monkey (Aotus vociferans).

Blood samples from 35 wild-caught owl monkeys (Aotus vociferans, karyotype V) were analyzed to estimate reference intervals of hematologic variables for the species. Findings indicated that distributions were abnormal for leukocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and monocytes. Statistically significant sex differences, too small to be of clinical importance, were found in values for mean cell hemoglobin concentration, leukocytes, and basophils. Reference intervals for the hematologic variables were calculated by the nonparametric percentile estimation method. Comparison of hematologic reference values for wild-caught A. vociferans with those of A. nancymae revealed statistically significant differences for packed cell volume, mean cell volume, leukocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and platelets. These differences also appeared too small to be of clinical significance.

Serum and urine biochemical diversity among wild-caught and colony-born Aotus nancymae.

Serum and urine analytes were compared between adult wild-caught and adult colony-born owl monkeys (Aotus nancymae), to determine if normative clinical pathology data were similar. Significant differences (P < or = 0.05) were noted in serum protein, glucose, sodium, urine calcium, calcium clearance, and fractional clearance of calcium between the two groups. The results suggest that reference data for feral owl monkeys is not completely applicable to colony-born animals, however, the differences are too small to be of clinical significance.

Urinary enzyme concentrations in the owl monkey (Aotus nancymae).

The activity of three urinary enzymes, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), was evaluated in 71 adult owl monkeys. Fifty-six animals had normal renal function, while 15 had evidence of renal dysfunction. Urinary enzyme: urinary creatinine ratios (UE: UCr) were also determined. The activity for NAG was similar to that of other species, while ALP and AST were higher. Regression analyses revealed that urinary enzymes and UE:UCr were significantly correlated (P < or = 0.0001) with indices of renal damage and could identify active renal disease.

Comparison of blood and urine analytes between two karyotypes of owl monkey, Aotus nancymae and Aotus vociferans.

Serum and urine analytes were compared between two karyotypes of owl monkey, Aotus nancymae and A. vociferans, to determine if normative clinical pathology data obtained from one karyotype were applicable to the other. Statistically significant differences (P < or = 0.05) were noted in serum calcium, serum phosphorus, serum sodium, serum potassium, serum urea nitrogen, urine calcium, calcium clearance, and fractional clearance of calcium between the two karyotypes. The results suggest that A. vociferans regulate calcium-phosphorus and electrolyte homeostasis in a manner different from that of A. nancymae.

[Brief history of AIDS in non-human primates and its contribution to the study of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome]. / Breve historia del SIDA en los primates no humanos y su contribución al estudio del síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida.

Infection of the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) with retroviruses originating from African non human primates (SIV) induces in this species an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (SAIDS) closely resembling AIDS in humans. Analogies between the SIV-rhesus system and AIDS in humans are described in this work, analyzing the close relationship existing between the HIV and SIV viruses, and the similarities between SIV disease in the rhesus and HIV disease in humans. A review of current advances in AIDS vaccine research, using the SIV-rhesus model, is also included.

The combined assessment of cellular apoptosis, mitochondrial function and proliferative response to pokeweed mitogen has prognostic value in SIV infection.

Using the assessment of the mitochondrial metabolic activity of freshly isolated blood mononuclear cells, the flow cytometric detection of apoptosis and of the proliferative responses to PWM, SIV-infected macaques were classified in: stage 0, which included all animals with unaffected parameters, and stages 1, 2, and 3, which included animals having one, two, or all three parameters affected, respectively. This novel three-parametric staging system (ISS) provides a new prognostic tool in the longitudinal study of SIV infection.

Spontaneous cardiomyopathy and nephropathy in the owl monkey (Aotus sp.) in captivity.

Clinical and pathologic data were reviewed for 72 owl monkeys that died between January 1987 and May 1990 at the Center for Reproduction and Conservation of Nonhuman Primates in Iquitos, Peru. Tissue samples from 39 animals were examined. Hypertrophic cardiac disease (51% of animals examined), dilative cardiomyopathy (26%), and nephropathy (87%) were the most common diagnoses. The incidence of all three diseases appeared to increase with time in captivity. Nephropathy was less severe in colony-born animals.

Susceptibility of owl monkeys to Plasmodium falciparum in relation to hemoglobin and karyotype.

Humans with inherited abnormalities of hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis have less frequent and less severe infections of malaria. This study sought to determine if karyotypic variation in the owl monkey was expressed as differences in Hb moieties and if it offered a selective advantage in susceptibility to malaria. Five karyotypes of owl monkey were evaluated on the basis of the electrophoretic mobility of their major and minor Hb components. The results of 40 owl monkeys of different karyotypes demonstrated that statistically significant differences exist among karyotype I animals and those with karyotypes II, III, and V, particularly with regard to their HbA2 concentrations. This finding is of interest in light of the fact that karyotype I animals are considered to be less susceptible to infection with human strains of Plasmodium falciparum than karyotypes II, III, and V, which are viewed as being highly susceptible.

Impaired renal function in owl monkeys (Aotus nancymai) infected with Plasmodium falciparum.

Impaired renal function was observed in sixteen Aotus nancymai 25 and 3 months following infection with the Uganda Palo Alto strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Decrease were noted in the clearance of endogenous creatinine, creatinine excretion, and urine volume while increases were observed in serum urea nitrogen, urine protein, urine potassium, fractional excretion of phosphorus and potassium, and activities of urinary enzymes. The results were suggestive of glomerulonephropathy and chronic renal disease.

Impaired renal function in owl monkeys (Aotus nancymai) infected with Plasmodium falciparum

Impaired renal function was observed in sixteen Aotus nancymai 25 and 3 months following infection with the Uganda Palo Alto strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Decrease were noted in the clearance of endogenous creatinine, creatinine excretion, and urine volume while increases were observed in serum urea nitrogen, urine protein, urine potassium, fractional excretion of phosphorus and potassium, and activities of urinary enzymes. The results were suggestive of glomerulonephropathy and chronic renal disease

Protein concentration in urine of normal owl monkeys.

The excretion of urinary protein was evaluated in 62 owl monkeys using timed urine collections. The ratio of urine protein to urine creatinine concentrations (Up/c) was determined for each monkey. Linear regression analysis was used to calculate the correlation between that ratio and urine protein (mg/dl) and 24-hour urinary protein loss (mg/kg). The coefficient of determination for Up/c to urine protein and 24-hour urinary protein loss was significant (P less than or equal to 0.0001). Determination of the Up/c in a urine specimen was found to be an acceptable diagnostic technique for detection and quantitative estimation of proteinuria.

Twinning in the karyotype I night monkey (Aotus nancymai).

A case of successful survival of twins in a Karyotype I (2n = 54) night monkey (Aotus nancymai) is described. Monthly weights of the pregnant female, and of the twins, are compared to those of pregnant females and their single birth offspring of the same sex and karyotype.

Total serum creatine kinase and isozyme concentrations in the owl monkey.

Serum samples from 62 owl monkeys were analyzed to determine concentrations of creatine kinase activity and isozymes. Fifty monkeys were determined to be clinically normal, while twelve had cardiac disease. Findings showed that the data had a non-normal distribution. Based on nonparametric tests, significant differences were not observed between sexes or animals with and without cardiac disease, indicating that CK activity and isozymes are not reliable indicators of myocardial disease in the owl monkey. Reference values presented are only intended as a guide. Each laboratory should determine its own reference values.

Battelle Primate Facility.

The Battelle Primate Facility houses one of the largest collections of neotropical primates in the United States. The facility is a research resource for undergraduate and graduate students. Battelle staff, as well as staff and faculty from U.S. and international institutions. Researchers have access to the animals for a variety of studies encompassing several disciplines, a large collection of preserved tissues, and an extensive biomedical database. The facility is a World Health Organization Collaborative Center for Clinical Pathology of Neotropical Primates and is involved with the Peruvian Primatological Project in Iquitos, Peru, which provides opportunities for research in primatology and conservation.

Serum chemistry of the wild caught karyotype I night monkey (Aotus nancymai).

Serum samples from 254 wild-caught Aotus nancymai were analyzed to determine the reference intervals for serum chemistry parameters in this species. Findings show values of total bilirubin, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, urea nitrogen, serum albumin, and gamma glutamic transpeptidase having a non-normal distribution. Based on nonparametric tests, significant differences between male and female values were observed for cholesterol, serum calcium, and gamma glutamic transpeptidase. Males were significantly heavier than females. The reference intervals presented were estimated by the nonparametric percentile method.

Mortality and body weight changes in Aotus nancymai shipped from Iquitos, Peru to Richland, Washington.

Four hundred and fifty wild-caught owl monkeys (Aotus nancymai) were shipped from Iquitos, Peru to Richland, Washington. Mortality and body weight changes from the time of shipment to 30 days after arrival were evaluated using age, sex, and transit time as comparison criteria. No association between mortality and sex, age, or transit time was observed. The mortality percentage from shipment to 30 days after arrival was 2.44%. Both age and transit time had a significant effect on weight changes, but sex did not. Shipping procedures are described.

Cholelithiasis in owl monkeys: seven cases.

Spontaneous cholelithiasis was found in seven owl monkeys (Aotus spp.) at necropsy. There were four male and three female animals. Antemortem clinicopathologic findings included weight loss, anemia, increased alanine aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, and hyperbilirubinemia in several animals. Choleliths ranged in size from sand-like particles to 5 mm in diameter. Gallstones from five animals were analyzed by accepted analytical methods. Results showed the gallstones to be composed primarily of cholesterol (89%). The gallbladder was histologically normal in all cases examined. The etiopathogenesis of cholelithiasis in the owl monkey is unknown.