Changes in saliva biomarkers during a standardized increasing intensity field exercise test in endurance horses.

Salivary biomarkers could be useful to evaluate stress, fitness level, and skeletal muscle damage associated to exercise in horses in an easy and non-painful way. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate if cortisol in saliva (sCor), salivary alpha-amylase (sAMY) and butyrylcholinesterase (sBChE) and lactate (sLA) and creatine kinase (sCK) in saliva of horses can show changes during a standardized exercise test, and if they are related to heart rate variability (HRV) parameters related to sympathetic and parasympathetic tone, fitness level or skeletal muscle damage. For this purpose, ten endurance horses were submitted to a standardized exercise test in field conditions. Saliva and blood were obtained at basal time (TB), after the seven bouts of velocity (T + 01 to T + 07), and 5, 15, 30, and 45 min later (T + 5, T + 15, T + 30, and T + 45). Five endurance horses in resting condition (control group) were also enrolled. HRV and fitness level parameters, and plasma CK as a marker of muscle damage were also evaluated. Salivaryalpha-amylase increased at T + 30 (P = 0.03), sBChE at T + 5 (P = 008), and sCK at T + 07 (P = 0.009) after the exercise test, with significant differences between the exercise and control groups' results. The sCor did not show significant changes during the exercise test in the exercise group but higher concentration compared to the control horses (P < 0.001) were observed. sCor, sAMY, sBChE, and sCK showed a positive correlation (r values between 0.47 and 0.64) with the sympathetic tone and a negative correlation (r values between -0.37 and -0.56) with the parasympathetic tone. In conclusion, sAMY, sBChE, and sCK showed significant increases in ten endurance horses after an increasing intensity velocity exercise. Values of sCor, sAMY, sBChE, and sCK were associated with HRV, which is used to evaluate stress, and therefore, they could be potentially used to assess the exercise-related stress after a physical effort.

Field Efficacy of a Metarhizium anisopliae-Based Attractant-Contaminant Device to Control Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae).

Biological control of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae) using entomopathogenic fungi is being studied as a viable control strategy. The efficacy of a Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae)-based attractant-contaminant device (ACD) to control C. capitata was evaluated in a medium-scale (40 ha) 2-yr field trial using a density of 24 ACD per ha. Results showed that this density was adequate to efficiently reduce fruitfly populations and that the inoculation dishes (IDs) needed replacing mid-season to provide protection for the entire season. In this study, fungal treatment was even more effective than conventional chemical treatment. Population dynamics in fungus-treated fields along with the infectivity study of field-aged IDs in the laboratory found that the ACD remained effective for at least 3 mo. The results suggest M. anisopliae-based ACD can be used to control C. capitata in the field. The implications of its use, especially as a tool in an integrated pest management program, are discussed.

Oligomeric states along the folding pathways of ß2-microglobulin: kinetics, thermodynamics, and structure.

The transition of proteins from their soluble functional state to amyloid fibrils and aggregates is associated with the onset of several human diseases. Protein aggregation often requires some structural reshaping and the subsequent formation of intermolecular contacts. Therefore, the study of the conformation of excited protein states and their ability to form oligomers is of primary importance for understanding the molecular basis of amyloid fibril formation. Here, we investigated the oligomerization processes that occur along the folding of the amyloidogenic human protein ß2-microglobulin. The combination of real-time two-dimensional NMR data with real-time small-angle X-ray scattering measurements allowed us to derive thermodynamic and kinetic information on protein oligomerization of different conformational states populated along the folding pathways. In particular, we could demonstrate that a long-lived folding intermediate (I-state) has a higher propensity to oligomerize compared to the native state. Our data agree well with a simple five-state kinetic model that involves only monomeric and dimeric species. The dimers have an elongated shape with the dimerization interface located at the apical side of ß2-microglobulin close to Pro32, the residue that has a trans conformation in the I-state and a cis conformation in the native (N) state. Our experimental data suggest that partial unfolding in the apical half of the protein close to Pro32 leads to an excited state conformation with enhanced propensity for oligomerization. This excited state becomes more populated in the transient I-state due to the destabilization of the native conformation by the trans-Pro32 configuration.

Characterization of oral double balloon endoscopy in the dog.

Exploration of the canine small intestine using conventional endoscopy is restricted to the duodenum and/or the ileum. Double balloon endoscopy (DBE) is a 'push and pull' technique that has been described in humans and permits a complete exploration of the small intestine. In this study, oral DBE was performed on 12 healthy dogs (10-34kg) to characterize for the first time the efficiency, exploration dynamics and safety of the technique. DBE was successful in 83% of dogs; the average estimated insertion depth of the endoscope was 287±36cm, and the average duration of the exploration was 84±8min. No complications or relevant adverse clinical effects were observed, and there was no indication of post-procedure pancreatitis based on serology of two specific markers of pancreatitis (amylase and lipase) and the immediate nonspecific inflammatory mediator C-reactive protein. The study showed that oral DBE is viable and safe in the dog, allowing for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases deep in the small intestine to an extent that has not previously been possible using conventional endoscopy.

Caracterización del pollo como biomodelo experimental en arteriosclerosis: lesiones en troncos supra-aórticos / Use of the chicken as experimental biomodel in atherosclerosis: supra-aortic lesions

La enfermedad cardiovascular es hoy en día la primera causa de mortalidad en las sociedades desarrolladas. Dada la complejidad del desarrollo de la lesión aterosclerótica en el ser humano resulta interesante investigar en modelos animales en los que dicho proceso sea semejante a la enfermedad humana. El pollo, al igual que otras aves, es capaz de desarrollar arteriosclerosis aórtica y coronaria de forma natural o espontánea, e inducida por una dieta enriquecida en colesterol. Teniendo en cuenta que la mayoría de los trabajos publicados describen las lesiones en segmentos aórticos y la variedad de métodos de inducción de la arteriosclerosis, el objetivo de esta investigación es caracterizar de manera adecuada en el modelo aviar utilizado, las lesiones arterioscleróticas de troncos supra-aórticos en un grupo experimental con respecto a un grupo control. Se emplearon 20 pollos de la raza White Leghorn divididos en dos grupos (control y aterogénico) que recibían una dieta normal o hiperlipémica respectivamente durante un periodo de 6 meses. Se sacrificaron entonces los animales para llevar a cabo el estudio bioquímico del plasma (perfil lipídico), evaluación histológica de los troncos supra-aórticos y valoración semicuantitativa de las lesiones según la clasificación de Stary. Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre ambos grupos para los diferentes parámetros bioquímicos estudiados y para la cuantificación del grado de lesión de Stary. En el grupo aterogénico se observó un endotelio conservado, con íntimas muy aumentadas de tamaño (10 veces el tamaño del grupo control) y muy desorganizadas. En conclusión, estos hallazgos confirman el uso del pollo como biomodelo experimental para el estudio de la arteriosclerosis en troncos supra-aórticos, y podrían ser empleados como referencia para futuros estudios intervencionistas(AU)

Cardiovascular diseases are considered first cause of human mortality in developed countries. Animal models allow adequate research of atherosclerosis, given the similarities with the human lesions. Chickens may develop spontaneous and also induced atherosclerosis by use of a cholesterol-enriched diet. Most published findings describe aortic lesions in a variety of induction methods. Therefore, the aim of this research is to characterize the used avian model, describing supra-aortic trunk lesions in atherosclerotic chickens and to compare it with control animals. Twenty White Leghorn chickens were used (10 controls fed with a normal diet and 10 atherogenic animals fed with a hyperlipidemic diet, for 6 months). After sacrifice, lipid biochemical parameters were analysed, as well as histologic evaluation of supra-aortic vessels and quantification of lesions following the Stary classification. Statistically significant differences for each parameter were observed between the control and experimental groups. Increased intima layer width with disorganization was observed in atherogenic animals. These findings confirm the use of the chicken as an adequate experimental animal for atherosclerosis, and could be used as a reference for future interventional studies(AU)

Modelos animales experimentales de enfermedad de hígado graso y síndrome metabólico / Experimental animal models of fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome

Los estudios en modelos animales constituyen una valiosa herramienta para comprender los procesos fisiopatológicos asociados a la enfermedad del hígado graso, sus características histológicas y ensayo de nuevas terapias. Una gran parte de los trabajos se desarrollan en roedores (ratones y ratas principalmente), dada su similitud biológica con el hombre y el gran conocimiento que se tiene a todos los niveles (genético, molecular, enzimático…) de estas especies. Por su facilidad de desarrollar los procesos de esteatosis hepática también destacan las aves. En este trabajo se describen los principales modelos de enfermedad del hígado graso en diversas especies animales, y las formas de inducción de enfermedad. Básicamente, el excesivo acúmulo de grasa en hígado puede ser consecuencia de aporte elevado de grasa, aumento de la síntesis grasa, oxidación reducida, y/o reducción de su salida en forma de VLDL. Así, se describen modelos basados en alteraciones genéticas (animales transgénicos o bien mutaciones naturales) que incrementan la lipogénesis, otros que dificultan la eliminación de grasa hepática (genes que regulan la oxidación de ácidos grasos), inducción mediante dietas que dan lugar a obesidad (ricas en fructosa, sacarosa, grasas, dietas aterogénicas) o bien sin producir obesidad (dietas deficientes en arginina o ricas en fructosa y grasas), tóxicos que incrementan la lipogénesis hepática, o factores que disminuyen la oxidación de ácidos grasos (como dietas deficientes en colina o metionina, administración de estrógenos, glucocorticoides o ciertos tóxicos). Se describen por último modelos aviares inducidos por la dieta (AU)

Animal models are important tools for the study of fatty liver disease, mainly related to physiopathology, pathology and therapeutical trials. Most studies have been developed in rodents (usually in mice and rats), because of biological similarities with humans, and also because of the deep knowledge (genetics, molecular, enzymatic…) of these species. Hepatic steatosis is also easily developed in avian species. We describe the most used animal models of fatty liver disease, and the several means of disease induction. Basically, excessive fat accumulation in the liver can occur as a result of increased fat delivery, increased fat synthesis, reduced fat oxidation, and/or reduced fat export in the form of VLDL. Several animal models of hepatic steatosis are described: genetically engineered animals or spontaneous mutations, which increase lipogenesis; others show reduced fatty acid oxidation, and therefore interfere fat elimination; induction by diets producing obesity: high content in fructose, sacarose, fat, and atherogenic diets; induction by diets which don’t produce obesity (arginine deficient diets), toxic agents which increase hepatic lipogenesis, or factors inducing a decrease of fatty acid oxidation such as choline / methionine deficient diets, strogens and glucocorticoids administration, or toxic agents. Diet-induced avian models are also described (AU)

AqquaScan: design and implementation of an internet-based service for the remote monitoring and management of decentralised WWTPs.

This paper describes the design and implementation of AqquaScan, an Internet-based service for remote monitoring and integrated management of decentralised WWTPs. AqquaScan is a multi-user and multi-WWTP service. It has been built according to criteria such as flexibility, scalability and interoperability with the idea of providing an open environment suited to quickly accommodate future scenarios (e.g. incorporation of new plants or upgrading of existing installations). Both, the management of plant information and users interfaces have been implemented in distributed software components that communicate with one another via web services. The implemented web services can be exploited to develop customised user interfaces for visualising the monitored data. By default, a customised web-based client module has been programmed in order for users to be able to exploit the facilities offered within AqquaScan: (1) real-time monitoring of on-line signals; (2) visualisation of historical data; (3) changing operational parameters; (4) notification of time-event information; and (5) storage of measurements from laboratory analysis. At present, AqquaScan is fully operative and is offering supervision services to eleven industrial WWTPs distributed around Northern Spain.

Effects of atorvastatin on progression-regression of renal injury in hyperlipidemic chickens.

Complex interrelationships exist between hyperlipidemia and the progression of renal injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of high plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels on renal structure and the effects of atorvastatin on progression-regression of renal injury. One-hundred chickens were divided into five groups: Group A: Standard diet (SD) for 6 months; Group B: Hyperlipidemic diet (HD) for 6 months; Group C: HD for three months and SD during the next 3 months; Group D: HD for 3 months and SD during the next 3 months, when they received oral atorvastatin (3 mg/kg/d); Group E: HD for the whole 6 months, and atorvastatin (3 mg/kg/d) during the last 3 months. Increased alpha-actine immunostaining was found in glomeruli of groups B and C. An important decrease of immunostaining was observed in glomeruli of atorvastatin treated groups. Group D showed the lowest value for presence of lipids, and significant differences were found with respect to the rest of the groups. The glomeruli of group B presented the highest damage grades and those of group D showed the lowest grades and presented significant differences from the rest of the groups. The combination of atorvastatin therapy and proper diet proved to be effective in promoting renal disease regression. However, the study of several parameters indicates that neither only diet nor atorvastatin in the progression group resulted completely effective in decreasing the progression of the disease.

Combined NMR and computational study for azide binding to human manganese superoxide dismutase.

Human manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) labeled with 3-fluorotyrosine (Tyf) was complexed with the (15)N-labeled inhibitor azide ([(15)N(3)(-)]). The sample was characterized by solid-state NMR (SSNMR) spectroscopy ((19)F-MAS and (15)N-CPMAS). Employing (19)F-(15)N-REDOR spectroscopy, we determined the distances between the fluorine label in Tyrosine-34 and the three (15)N-nuclei of the azide and the relative orientation of the azide in the binding pocket of the MnSOD. A distance of R(1)=4.85A between the (19)F-label of Tyf34 and the nearest (15)N of the azide and an azide-fluorotyrosine Tyf34 angle of 90 degrees were determined. These geometry data are employed as input for molecular modeling of the location of the inhibitor in the active site of the enzyme. In the computations, several possible binding geometries of the azide near the Mn-complex were assumed. Only when the azide replaces the water ligand at the Mn-complex we obtained a geometry of the azide-Mn-complex, which is consistent with the present NMR data. This indicates that the water molecule ligating to the Mn-complex is removed and the azide is placed at this position. As a consequence the azide forms an H bond with Gln143 instead with Tyf34, in contrast to non-(19)F-labeled MnSOD, where the azide is hydrogen bonded to the hydroxy group of Tyr34.

Double-balloon enteroscopy in two dogs.

It is difficult to insert a flexible endoscope deep into the small intestine. A new method, double-balloon enteroscopy, has been developed to improve access to the small intestine, and the aim of this study was to evaluate its usefulness for examination of the small intestine of dogs. The method uses two balloons, one attached to the tip of the endoscope and another attached to the tip of an overtube. The double-balloon endoscope is advanced through the intestine by being held alternately by the balloon on the endoscope and the balloon on the overtube. The technique was applied in two dogs of medium size, using both oral and anal approaches, and it was possible to examine the whole surface of the mucosa of their small intestines.

Pharmacokinetics of danofloxacin in horses after intravenous, intramuscular and intragastric administration.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Danofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone developed for veterinary medicine showing an excellent activity. However, danofloxacin pharmacokinetics profile have not been studied in horses previously. OBJECTIVE: To study the pharmacokinetics following i.v., i.m. and intragastric (i.g.) administration of 1.25 mg/kg bwt danofloxacin to 6 healthy horses. METHODS: A cross-over design was used in 3 phases (2 x 2 x 2), with 2 washout periods of 15 days (n = 6). Danofloxacin (18%) was administered by i.v. and i.m. routes at single doses of 1.25 mg/kg bwt. For i.g. administration an oral solution was prepared and administered via nasogastric tube. Danofloxacin concentrations were determined by HPLC assay with fluorescence detection. Tolerability at the the site of i.m. injection was monitored by creatine kinase (CK) activity. RESULTS: Danofloxacin plasma concentration vs. time data after i.v. and i.g. administration could best be described by a 2-compartment open model. The disposition of i.m. administered danofloxacin was best described by a one-compartment model. The terminal half-lives for i.v., i.m. and i.g. routes were 6.31, 5.36 and 4.74 h, respectively. Clearance value after i.v. dosing was 0.34 l/kg bwt/h. After i.m. administration, absolute bioavailability was mean +/- s.d. 88.48 +/- 11.10% and Cmax was 0.35 +/- 0.05 mg/l. After i.g. administration, absolute bioavailability was 22.36 +/- 6.84% and Cmax 0.21 +/- 0.07 mg/l. CK activity following i.m. dosing increased 3-fold over pre-injection levels 12 h after dosing and subsequently approached (but did not reach) normal values at 72 h post dose. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic danofloxacin exposure achieved in horses following i.m. administration was consistent with the predicted blood levels needed for a positive therapeutic outcome for many equine infections. Conversely, danofloxacin utility by the i.g. route was limited by low bioavailability. Tolerability associated with i.m. administration was high. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Pharmacokinetics, blood levels and good tolerability of i.v. and i.m. administration of danofloxacin in horses indicates that it is likely to be effective for treating sensitive bacterial infections.

Evaluación macroscópica y microscópica del efecto de la atorvastatina sobre la progresión-regresión de la esteatosis hepática en un modelo aviar / Effects of atorvastatin on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of hepatic steatosis progression-regression in an avian model

Introducción. La enfermedad grasa del hígado no alcohólica (EGHNA) se asocia a patología vascular subsidiaria de ser tratada con estatinas, por ello creemos de interés desarrollar un modelo de esteatosis hepática en animales y valorar el efecto de la atorvastatina en la lesión hepática inducida, así como presentar métodos de evaluación macroscópica y microscópica de los grados de esteatosis. Métodos. Se emplearon pollos de la raza White-Leghorn, clasificados en 5 grupos experimentales con diferentes dietas y tratamiento con atorvastatina. Los hígados fueron valorados y clasificados macroscópica y microscópicamente en 4 grados de lesión. Resultados. En el presente trabajo se ha conseguido desarrollar un modelo de hígado graso inducido por una dieta aterogénica empleando el pollo como animal de experimentación. Conclusión. Se demuestra que este modelo es adecuado para el estudio de la esteatosis hepática. Además, se muestran dos métodos de valoración de los grados de lesión: macroscópico y microscópico. Se concluye que la valoración macroscópica es útil para una discriminación rápida del efecto de la dieta, observándose también una tendencia al efecto beneficioso de la atorvastatina aunque no sea estadísticamente significativa. La evaluación microscópica, basada en los depósitos lipídicos, completa este estudio dando un mayor detalle de los grados de lesión, especialmente en los grados de lesión intermedios. Por este análisis microscópico se demuestra una reducción de la lesión hepática en los grupos tratados con atorvastatina. La combinación de los dos métodos, macroscópico y microscópico, es de gran utilidad para las valoraciones de los grados de lesión de esteatosis hepática (AU)

Introduction. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is commonly associated with vascular disease secondary to statin therapy. Therefore, the development of a hepatic steatosis animal model could be useful to evaluate the effect of atorvastatin on induced hepatic lesions, as well as to provide macroscopic and microscopic methods for evaluating hepatic steatosis. Methods. White Leghorn chickens were used, classified into five experimental groups, with different protocols of atorvastatin therapy and diets. Livers were assessed by means of macroscopic and microscopic analysis and classified into four grades of lesions. Results-conclusions. The chicken is useful and suitable as an animal model of hepatic steatosis induced by an atherogenic diet. Two methods of assessment are described: macroscopic and microscopic analysis. It was concluded that macroscopic evaluation rapidly identifies the effect of diet; atorvastatin showed a beneficial effect, although this was not statistically significant. Histological analysis (by evaluation of lipidic deposits) provided a more detailed classification of the grades of lesion, especially in intermediate grades. The histological analysis showed a decrease in the severity of induced hepatic lesions in atorvastatin-treated groups. The combination of the two evaluation methods (macroscopic and microscopic) was useful for determining the grades of severity of hepatic steatosis (AU)

Desarrollo y validación de una técnica de cromatografía líquida de alta resolución para la determinación de atorvastatina en plasma en un biomodelo experimental de arteriosclerosis en pollo / Development and validation of an HPLC method for the measurement of atorvastatin in an experimental model of atherosclerosis in chickens

Introducción. La atorvastatina es un inhibidor de la HMG-CoA reductasa que ha mostrado una gran eficacia en la reducción de las concentraciones de colesterol y triglicéridos en los pacientes con hiperlipidemia primaria o hiperlipidemia combinada. Cuando se utilizan biomodelos animales de arteriosclerosis con frecuencia se extrapolan erróneamente dosis de humanos a los animales de experimentación, lo que puede evitarse mediante estudios farmacocinéticos previos que permitan diseñar regímenes de dosificación adecuados. Para ello, es preciso disponer de técnicas que nos permitan detectar el fármaco en cuestión en plasma --en nuestro estudio la atorvastatina en un biomodelo de arteriosclerosis en el pollo-- y que la cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC) utilizada tenga una buena reproducibilidad y exactitud. Métodos. La técnica utilizada para detectar y cuantificar las concentraciones de atorvastatina en plasma fue la HPLC con detector de fluorescencia. Previamente se realizó un estudio de fluorescencia de la molécula con el fin de determinar las longitudes de onda utilizadas, tanto de excitación como de emisión. Una vez puesta a punto la técnica, se utilizó para la determinación de las concentraciones en el estado estacionario del fármaco en el biomodelo de arteriosclerosis en el pollo. Resultados. Tras el procesamiento de las muestras correspondientes y la inyección en el sistema HPLC, se obtuvo un pico correspondiente a la atorvastatina a los 16,3 min. La concentración de atorvastatina en plasma fue lineal (r > 0,999) en el rango de concentraciones utilizadas. El porcentaje de recuperación de la técnica estuvo en el rango comprendido entre el 88 y el 96%. Conclusiones. Los datos obtenidos en nuestro estudio han mostrado unos buenos resultados en cuanto a su facilidad, bajo coste y buena reproducibilidad de la técnica (AU)

Introduction. Atorvastatin is a hydroxy-methyl-glutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor that has shown to be efficacious in reducing both cholesterol and triglycerides in patients with primary hyperlipidemia or combined hyperlipidemia. An erroneous extrapolation of human doses to animal arteriosclerosis biomodels is often employed. This practice can be avoided through pharmacokinetics studies aimed to designing correct dosing regimens. Therefore, it is necessary to develop methods of drug analysis in plasma. In our study, atorvastatin was used in a biomodel of atherosclerosis in chickens. It is essential for these methods to have optimum precision and accuracy. Methods. We used a High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method with fluorescence detection for atorvastatin analysis and quantification. Previously, a fluorescence study of atorvastatin molecule in order to establish excitation and emission wavelengths was conducted. The method was used to determine the steady-state concentrations of this drug in the chicken atherosclerosis biomodel. Results. After processing of plasma samples and injection in the HPLC system, the peak corresponding to atorvastatin appeared at 16.3 min. Plasma atorvastatin concentrations were lineal (r > 0.999) for the range of concentrations used. Recovery obtained in our study showed the present method to be easy, low-cost and with acceptable precision. Conclusions. Our present data show a technical procedure providing good results regarding its easiness, low cost and good reproducibility (AU)

The normal electrocardiogram of the unanaesthetized competition "Spanish Pouler" pigeon (Columba livia gutturosa).

This investigation was carried out on 64 healthy adult competition pigeons (Spanish Poulers) to determine reference values of electrocardiographic parameters in standard lead II; a comparative study between males and females was also performed to find changes in the electrocardiographic patterns related to sex. P wave was positive and monophasic; PR segment depression was present in 64% of records; the QRS pattern obtained was in most cases of the rS type, followed by the QS configuration. ST slurring (absence of ST) was observed in 47% of records and the mean electrical axis was in all cases negative. Statistically significant differences related to sex were found for P-wave, R-wave and T-wave amplitudes, showing the males have greater amplitudes than females, associated with the increase of cardiac tissue mass. No sex-related differences were found in heart rate and mean electrical axis.

Uso de estatinas en biomodelos experimentales de arteriosclerosis / Use of statins in atherosclerosis animal models

Desde principios del siglo XX se ha intentado con distintos modelos experimentales y distintos fármacos disminuir los eventos cardiovasculares disminuyendo los factores de riesgo y las lesiones asociadas a éstos en aorta y arterias coronarias. Se han utilizado distintos fármacos y preparados aunque el descubrimiento que marcó el inicio de la verdadera reducción de los eventos cardiovasculares fue la incorporación de las «Estatinas », que son inhibidores de la HidroxiMetilGlutaril-CoA reductasa (HMG-CoAr), un enzima limitante en la síntesis del colesterol. Como se refleja en esta revisión, se han conseguido reducciones significativas tanto en cuánto a los niveles de lípidos en sangre como en las lesiones arteriosclerosas en aorta y arterias coronarias con los distintos fármacos y en distintos modelos experimentales, todos ellos extrapolados al ser humano y comprobados científicamente en éste (AU)

Animals have been used as experimental models in atherosclerosis-related research since the turn of the past century. Several drugs have been proved in order to reduce coronary events, risk factors and associated vascular lesions in aorta and coronary arteries. Statins, inhibitors of hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, are highly potent cholesterol-lowering agents. The therapeutic potential of these drugs has been experimentally studied in several atherosclerosis animal models, showing reductions in plasmatic cholesterol levels and atherosclerotic lesions of aorta and coronary arteries. Furthermore, these effects have been also proved in humans (AU)

Estudio comparativo de diversos métodos de inducción de aterogénesis experimental en el pollo / Comparative study of several induction methods of experimental atherogenesis in the chicken

Dada la importancia de la arteriosclerosis y sus consecuencias clínicas en las sociedades desarrolladas (primera causa de muerte en Europa y EEUU) resulta interesante disponer de modelos animales en los que reproducir la enfermedad de cara a la investigación básica y aplicada en esta materia. El pollo reproduce espontáneamente y de forma inducida estos procesos, además de otras ventajas como su fácil disponibilidad, precio o similitud de las lesiones con el hombre. El objetivo de este trabajo era estandarizar los métodos de inducción de la aterogénesis en este biomodelo aviar, de cara a plantearnos ensayos con diversos principios activos, para conseguir la regresión de las lesiones arterioscleróticas. En base a las experiencias realizadas, se llega a la conclusión que, para conseguir resultados uniformes mediante el uso del biomodelo de arteriosclerosis del pollo, resulta más conveniente el uso de colesterol puro añadido a una dieta estándar que la mezcla a base de huevo. Por otro lado, debe utilizarse un vehículo como el aceite de palma líquido para facilitar la absorción del colesterol a nivel digestivo, y suministrar la mezcla ad libitum (AU)

Atherosclerosis and its consequences continue to be the major cause of death in Europe and the United Status. Animals have been used as experimental models in atherosclerosis-related research since the turn of the past century. The chicken is a good animal model and offers economic and technical advantages over mammalian models. Furthermore, it is able to develop spontaneous and induced atherosclerosis, and there is no essential difference between vascular lesions seen in chickens as a result of cholesterol diet and that of atherosclerosis observed in man. In this work, we examine several induction methods of atherogenesis in the chicken experimental model. It may be concluded that adding cholesterol to an standard diet gives better results, than using an egg-based diet. Palm oil results an excellent mean of increasing the digestive absortion of cholesterol. The atherogenic diet must be administered ad libitum (AU)

Nonfatal splenic haematoma and pancytopenia in an ass.

This report describes a case of nonfatal idiopathic splenic haematoma and pancytopenia in a female ass, a condition that has not been previously reported in this species. A 12-year-old female ass weighing 225 kg was presented with signs of anorexia, depression and prominent abdominal distension. At the onset of clinical signs there was evidence of anaemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia. A large mass was palpated per rectum. The mass was confluent with the spleen and extended across the entire width of the abdomen. Percutaneous transabdominal ultrasonography and laparoscopy under general anaesthesia confirmed the diagnosis of splenic haematoma. The ass was treated initially with intravenous polyionic fluids; vitamins, trace elements and aminoacids; clanobutin; and penicillin and gentamicin, and was transfused with whole blood. After 5 days of hospitalisation the ass appeared brighter, and after 10 days the animal was discharged to recuperate at pasture. Six months later the animal's demeanour and appetite had improved. Repeat ultrasonographic examination showed persistence of the mass, but its thickness had decreased by 2 to 3 cm. A small mineralised area suggesting organisation of the haematoma was also detected. The haematological parameters had returned to normal values and the ass was clinically normal.

The normal electrocardiogram of the unanesthetized peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus brookei).

The mean duration and amplitudes of the lead II electrocardiogram were determined in the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus brookei) using 10 birds ranging in age from 1 to 5 yr. Electrocardiograms were performed on unanesthetized falcons in order to avoid the anesthesia effect on the electrocardiogram, by a method which seems to induce a tonic immobility-like reaction. All the falcons had a normal sinus rhythm, with a mean heart rate of 268 beats per minute. Mean durations of PR, ST, QT, and RR intervals were higher (but not statistically significant) in females than in males, except for the ST segment, with similar values in both sexes. P-wave deflections were positive in I, II, III, aVL, and aVF and negative in aVR. The normal patterns of wave forms of the QRS complexes in all leads were of QS and rS types, except for aVR and aVL, which presented an R configuration. The mean electrical axis was negative, with an average of -99.9 degrees. T-wave deflections were positive in I, II, III, and aVF leads II and negative in aVR and aVL. The data collected in this study may serve as a guide for electrocardiographic monitoring of peregrine falcons.