Latent papillomavirus infection in cattle.

During a long term experiment designed to identify the contribution of bovine papillomavirus type 4 (BPV-4), environmental mutagens and immunosuppressants to the development of carcinomas of the upper alimentary tract of cattle, there was evidence of latent papillomavirus infection. Papillomatosis-free animals, when immunosuppressed either by feeding bracken fern or by azathioprine treatment, developed skin warts containing either BPV-1 or BPV-2. Skin warts appeared also in an immunocompetent animal at sites of damaged skin. It was concluded that the animals harboured latent papillomavirus which was reactivated by immunosuppression and/or physical trauma, causing skin warts. Papillomavirus DNA was also detected in lymphocytes of both experimental and control animals, suggesting that one of the sites of latency may be the circulating lymphocyte.

Experimental reproduction of the papilloma-carcinoma complex of the alimentary canal in cattle.

Bovine papillomavirus type 4 (BPV-4) is the aetiological agent of epithelial papillomas of the upper alimentary canal in cattle. These benign tumours can become a focus for transformation to squamous cell carcinomas in animals feeding on bracken fern. Strong epidemiological evidence suggests that the progression to malignancy is due to the interplay between BPV-4 and mutagenic and immunosuppressing chemicals present in the fern. The carcinomas of the upper alimentary canal are often accompanied by adenomas and adenocarcinomas of the lower intestine and bracken-grazing animals are also heavily immunosuppressed. To elucidate the individual roles and the concerted action of the viral and chemical factors involved in tumorigenesis and malignant conversion, we attempted to reproduce experimentally the cancer syndrome observed in the field. Florid persistent papillomatosis of the upper alimentary canal was reproduced in animals infected with BPV-4 and immunosuppressed either by a diet of bracken or by treatment with azathioprine; cancer of the upper alimentary tract or of the lower intestine developed only in animals infected with virus and fed on bracken fern. As in field cases, BPV-4 DNA was detected in papillomas but not in cancers. We conclude that immunosuppression is necessary for persistence and spread of viral papillomas, that the fern mutagens are responsible for neoplastic conversion of papilloma cells, and that continuous expression of viral functions is not required for the maintenance of the malignant state.

Intravenous aminophylline in patients with cystic fibrosis. Pharmacokinetics and effect on pulmonary function.

Intravenous aminophylline was administered to ten patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) to determine if the medication would improve pulmonary function and to study theophylline pharmacokinetics. Intravenous normal saline was given on another day as a control. Thoracic gas volume and airway resistance, measured in a volume displacement body plethysmograph, and maximal expiratory flow-volume curves were performed before and after each infusion. No significant improvement was noted in pulmonary function after normal saline infusion. Following aminophylline infusion. Following aminophylline infusion, significant improvement in thoracic gas volume, residual volume, specific airway conductance, and maximal expiratory flow at 60% of total lung capacity was noted. The pharmacokinetic analysis revealed a mean half-life of 4.7 hours, a total clearance of 91 mL/hr/kg, and a volume of distribution of 574 mL/kg. Intravenous aminophylline can acutely decrease airway obstruction in children with CF.