Showing papers by "University of Veterinary Science published in 2000"

Characterization of the 5'-flanking and 5'-untranslated regions of the cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate-responsive human type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase gene.

Abstract: The type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase (D2) catalyzes T4 activation. In humans, unlike rodents, it is widely expressed, and its action probably contributes to both intracellular and plasma T3 pools. We have isolated the 6.5-kb 5'-flanking region (FR) and the previously uncloned 553 nucleotides (nt) of the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) of hdio2. The 5'-UTR is complex, with three transcription start sites (TSS) (708, 31, and approximately 24 nt 5' to the ATG), an alternatively spliced approximately 300-nt intron in the 5'-UTR, and three short open reading frames 5' to the initiator ATG. The previously reported approximately 7.5-kb D2 messenger RNA (mRNA) is actually an approximately 7-kb doublet that is present in thyroid, pituitary, cardiac and skeletal muscle, and possibly brain, but with only the longer transcript in placenta. A canonical cAMP response element-binding protein-binding site is present at about 90 bp 5' to the most 5'-TSS. It accounts for the robust response of the 6.8-kb hdio2 5'-FR to protein kinase A. Forskolin increases D2 mRNA in human thyroid cells, which may explain the high D2 mRNA in Graves' thyroid and thyroid adenomas. The hdio2 gene structure and Northern blot results suggest that D2 expression is tightly controlled and tissue specific.

Cloning and Characterization of the Bovine MHC Class I-Like Fc Receptor

Abstract: In the cow, maternal immunity is exclusively mediated by colostral Igs, but the receptor responsible for the IgG transport has not yet been identified. The role of an IgG-Fc receptor (FcRn) that resembles a class I MHC Ag in transporting IgGs through epithelial cells was recently shown in selected species. We now report the cloning and characterization of the bovine FcRn (bFcRn). The cDNA and deduced amino acid sequences show high similarity to the FcRn in other species, and it consists of three extracellular domains, a hydrophobic transmembrane region, and a cytoplasmic tail. Despite the high similarity of the extracellular domains with other species, the bovine cytoplasmic tail is the shortest thus far analyzed. Aligning the known FcRn sequences, we noted that the bovine protein shows a 3-aa deletion compared to the rat and mouse sequences in the α1 loop. Furthermore, we found a shorter transcript of the bFcRn reflecting an exon 6-deleted mRNA, which results from an inadequate splice acceptor site in intron 5 and produces a transmembrane-deficient molecule, as was previously demonstrated in the related MHC class I gene family in mouse and humans. The presence of bFcRn transcripts in multiple tissues, including the mammary gland, suggests their involvement both in IgG catabolism and transcytosis.

CNS structures presumably involved in vagal control of ovarian function.

Abstract: The contribution of the vagus nerve to viral transneuronal labeling of brain structures from the ovaries demonstrated recently by us was investigated. Unilateral vagotomy was performed prior to ipsilateral intraovarian virus injection. Virus-infected neurons were visualized by immunostaining. In vagotomized rats such neurons were detected only in certain cell groups of the brain (parapyramidal nucleus, A1, A5 cell group, caudal raphe nuclei, hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, lateral hypothalamus). Vagotomy interfered with labeling of several structures that were labeled in controls, including area postrema, nucleus of the solitary tract, dorsal vagal complex, nucleus ambiguus, A7 cell group, Barrington’s nucleus, locus coeruleus, periaqueductal gray, dorsal hypothalamus. Findings provide a morphological basis to study the functional significance of brain structures presumably involved in the control of ovarian function and acting via the vagus or the sympathetic nerves.

Development of a sensitive ELISA for the determination of fumonisin B1 in cereals

Abstract: Monoclonal fumonisin B(1) antibodies with high titer were raised by using FB(1)-glutaraldehyde-keyhole limpet hemocyanin immunogen prepared by a short cross-linker reagent (glutaraldehyde). Mean cross-reactivities of the selected monoclonal antibody for FB(1), FB(2), and FB(3) were 100, 91.8, and 209%, respectively; no reactivity was found with hydrolyzed fumonisin. A direct, competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the quantitative determination of FB(1) in cereals has been developed with this antibody. Fifty percent acetonitrile-based solvent with some additives was used for extraction of cereals, and the diluted extracts were used without cleanup in the test. The mean within-assay and interassay coefficients of variation for the standard curve were <10%. The measuring range of this test is 10-500 ng/g, with a detection limit of 7.6 ng/g FB(1). The toxin recovery from cereals infected with 50-200 ng/g of FB(1) varied between 61 and 84%. According to the comparable results of naturally infected maize samples, this test proved to be suitable for the rapid screening of food and feed samples for the presence of FBs.

Clinical study of the disease of calves associated with Mycoplasma bovis infection.

Abstract: Clinical, bacteriological and serological examination of 35 calves from the age of 5 to 26 days was performed in a Holstein-Friesian dairy herd endemically infected with Mycoplasma bovis M bovis was isolated from 486% of nasal swabs taken from the calves at the age of 5 days, and from 914% of the same calves at the age of 26 days, indicating the gradual spread of infection The isolation rate of Pasteurella multocida did not change much, and varied from 286 to 257% No P haemolytica could be detected In addition to M bovis and P multocida, the herd was also infected with different viruses (including bovine viral diarrhoea virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, bovine adenoviruses, parainfluenza-3 virus, and bovine respiratory syncytial virus) as a large proportion of the sera of newborn calves contained colostral antibodies against these viruses In most of the newborn calves severe clinical signs (fever, depression, inappetence, hyperventilation, dyspnoea, nasal discharge and coughing) due to M bovis infection developed The clinical signs appeared already on the fifth day of life, and their incidence was the highest at the age of 10 to 15 days Three calves (86%) died as a result of severe serofibrinous pneumonia The surviving calves showed very poor weight gain (ranging from 15 to 35 kg) during the first two weeks of life

Influence of dietary protein and lipid on weight loss in obese ovariohysterectomized cats.

Abstract: Objective To determine effects of dietary lipid and protein on development of hepatic lipidosis (HL) and on physical and biochemical indices following rapid weight loss in cats. Animals 24 ovariohysterectomized cats. Procedure Cats were fed a high energy diet until they gained 30% of their ideal body weight and then randomly assigned to receive 1 of 4 weight-reduction diets (6 cats/diet) at 25% of maintenance energy requirements per day. Diets contained a low or high quality protein source and a lipid source deficient or sufficient in long chain essential fatty acids (LCEFA). Serum and plasma samples and liver biopsy specimens were obtained for biochemical analyses and determination of hepatic lipid content before and after weight gain and during and after weight loss. Results Irrespective of weight-reduction diet fed, all cats lost weight at a comparable rate (4.51 to 5.00 g/d/kg of obese body weight). Three cats developed hepatic lipidosis. Significant changes in plasma insulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, and serum glucose concentrations were detected after weight gain and weight loss in all diet groups, but values for these variables did not differ among groups. Conclusions and clinical relevance Cats can lose 25 to 30% of their obese body weight over 7 to 9 weeks without developing overt clinical signs of HL, provided that weight-reduction diets are highly palatable, contain a high quality protein, have a source of LCEFA, and are fortified with vitamins and microminerals. However, rapid weight loss may increase risk factors associated with development of diabetes mellitus.

Experiment to determine limits of tolerance for fumonisin B1 in weaned piglets.

Abstract: In Hungary almost 70% of mould-affected maize inspected since 1993 was found to be contaminated with fumonisin B1 (FB1) (mean 26-865 mg/kg; maximum 98-751 mg/kg), the degree of this contamination was found to increase from year to year (Fazekas et al, 1997b) In this experiment, in order to define tolerance limit values, the effect of exposing weaned piglets to FB1 in low doses over a 4-week period was examined The experiment was performed with 20 weaned barrows of Danish Landrace breed After a 5-day adaptation period cultures of the fungus Fusarium moniliforme were mixed into the animals' feed in concentrations that resulted in a daily intake of fumonisin B1 of 0, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg feed Feeding with the toxin was observed to exert no significant effect on body weight gain or feed consumption in the animals, no clinical signs were observed and no mortality traceable to toxic effects occurred In computer tomography examinations performed in the second and fourth weeks mild and more severe pulmonary oedema was diagnosed in the experimental animals The processes developing in the pulmonary parenchyma were corroborated by the mathematical and statistical evaluation procedures applied The haematological parameters examined revealed no change attributable to toxic effects, while with respect to the biochemical parameters, an increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity dependent on dosage, indicating a pathological change in the liver, was ascertained in all three experimental groups The free sphinganine to sphingosine ratio (SA/SO), which is regarded as the most sensitive bioindicator of fumonisin toxicosis, showed an increase proportionate to toxin concentration for all three dosages Dissection revealed mild cases of pulmonary oedema in three of the animals given doses of 10 ppm (n = 4), two mild and two severe cases in those exposed to 20 ppm (n = 5), and severe cases in all five animals given 40 ppm The oedema of non-inflammatory origin was confirmed by histopathological examinations The findings of this experiment which indicate that in this study FB1 administered in substantially lower concentrations than those reported in the literature resulted in severe pathological changes, point to the importance of studies involving even lower doses

Scaling and intermittency in animal behaviour

Abstract: Scale-invariant spatial and temporal patterns have been observed in a large variety of biological systems. It has been argued that animals in general might perform Levy flight motion with power law distribution of times between successive changes of the direction of motion. Here we study the temporal behaviour of nesting gilts. The time spent by a gilt in a given form of activity has a power law probability distribution without a finite average. Further analysis reveals intermittent occurrence of certain periodic behavioural sequences which are responsible for the scaling behaviour and indicates the existence of a critical state. This is in close analogy with temporal sequences of velocity found in turbulent flows, where random and regular sequences alternate and form an intermittent sequence. The source of this complex behaviour can come only from the neural system forced by hormonal stimulus due to nesting instincts. This is the first carefully examined case, where complex scaling behaviour of animals is related to the self-organization and possibly to some unstable critical state of the nervous system.

Doppler ultrasonographic diagnosis and anatomy of congenital intrahepatic arterioportal fistula in a puppy

Abstract: A dilated, tortuous blood vessel was identified sonographically in the right medial liver lobe in a puppy with severe ascites. This vessel was thought to represent the dilated right medial portal vein branch. Using pulsed wave Doppler ultrasonography, retrograde, abnormally pulsatile flow was detected in both the dilated right medial portal vein branch and the main portal vein. The right medial liver lobe was surgically resected then fixed in formalin. Silicon rubber was injected and outlined the connection between the portal vein and hepatic artery.

Relationship between thyroid function and seasonal reproductive activity in mares.

Abstract: The relationship between thyroid function and seasonal reproductive activity in mares was investigated by comparing plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations in anoestrous mares and in mares with cyclic ovarian activity during the anovulatory season. In study 1, the diurnal changes in plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations on a single day were compared in anoestrous and cyclic mares. The mean thyroxine concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the cyclic mares than in the anoestrous mares, whereas mean triiodothyronine concentrations were similar in both groups. In study 2, plasma thyroid hormone concentrations were monitored in mares that foaled before the vernal equinox. Nine mares resumed cyclic ovarian activity shortly after parturition and ten mares remained in anoestrus. Mean plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations were significantly lower in the first 60-90 days after foaling in the mares undergoing anoestrus than in the mares undergoing normal ovarian activity after parturition (P < 0.001). In these mares, the increases in triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations were associated with the first ovulation after parturition. In study 3, thyroid hormone concentrations were monitored in adult (n=14) and young (n=14) mares. Mean thyroxine concentrations were significantly lower in adult anoestrous mares during the anovulatory period than in cyclic mares and in anoestrous mares before and after the anovulatory period (P < 0.01). Mean plasma triiodothyronine concentrations were also significantly lower (P < 0.001) in anoestrous mares from December until March. There were no significant differences between the plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations in young cyclic and anoestrous mares. This relationship between thyroid function and expression of seasonal reproductive activity does not indicate that the thyroid gland is involved in the control of seasonality in horses. The decreased triiodothyronine and thyroxine concentrations in anoestrous mares may be the result of a hypothalamic control similar to that described for seasonal reproductive activity.

Preliminary communication: Examination of the harmful effect to fetuses of fumonisin B1 in pregnant sows

Abstract: Three sows were fed a diet mixed with Fusarium moniliforme fungal culture from the 107th day of pregnancy until parturition. Fumonisin B 1 toxin was administered to two sows (sows 1 and 2) in a daily dose of 300 mg for an additional 7 days subsequent to parturition, i.e., for a total of 14-16 days. The third sow (No. 3) was given the toxin in the same daily dose only until parturition, i.e., for 7 days in total. There were no symptoms observed in any of the sows. Two piglets were taken from each of the three sows and sacrificed immediately after parturition, i.e., prior to the first suckling. After 24 h, two additional piglets were taken for slaughter from each of the litters, which by then had access to colostrum. Finally, on the 7th day postparturition another two piglets per litter were sacrificed and material obtained from them was processed for examination. It was established that fumonisin B 1 present in the Fusarium moniliforme culture resulted in damage to the fetuses in utero. Of the changes indicating toxic effect, intraalveolar, subpleural, and interstitial pulmonary edema of various degrees of severity could be detected in the piglets sacrificed immediately following parturition and before the first suckling. Pathological changes were observed in the histopathological sections of the liver, and increases in the activities of plasma aspartic acid transaminase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (AKLP), higher than physiological levels were detected. The serum-free sphinganine/sphingosine ratio, considered a bioindicator of fumonisin B 1 toxicosis, varied in accordance with the degree of severity of the changes which occurred. The values obtained were found to be between 0.29 and 0.36 in the cases of severe pulmonary edema, and between 0.20 and 0.24 for the cases of mild pulmonary edema. In the piglets of the sows fed the toxin for an additional 7 days subsequent to parturition and which were born with severe pulmonary edema, mild pulmonary edema could be detected after colostrum suckling, 24 h, and 7 days after parturition. The SA/SO value of the serum in these two piglets was 0.19 and 0.20, while at the same time AST, GGT, and ALKP values higher than physiological levels were measured. In the milk samples taken from sows 1 and 2 and examined after 24 h and after 7 days FB 1 was detected in quantities of 18.0-27.5 ppb. There were no changes observed on the seventh day in the piglets of the third sow, the diet of which contained no toxin after parturition. However, as the piglets of the third sow demonstrated only mild effects of pulmonary edema it is not possible to establish with certainty a postpartum cause-effect relationship between fumonisin in colostrum and pulmonary edema.

Gastrointestinal ultrasonography of the dog: a review of 265 cases (1996-1998).

Abstract: The findings of ultrasonography of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of 265 dogs with GI disorders were analysed retrospectively. The sonographic changes associated with various inflammatory and neoplastic conditions and mechanical obstruction of the GI system were recorded and discussed. Sonographic alterations of the pancreas and the tissues adjacent to the GI tract were also included in the study. Ultrasonographic alterations of the GI tract were classified into three main categories: thickening of the GI wall, changes in peristalsis and dilation of the lumen. Localised thickening of the GI wall with disruption of its structure was caused by both neoplastic diseases and by inflammatory disorders. However, diffuse thickening with retained wall structure was generally associated with inflammatory diseases. The criteria previously established for the ultrasonographic diagnosis of intestinal obstruction were successfully applied to a large number of GI disorders. Pancreatitis was most often associated with h...

Efficacy evaluations of the use of oral tilmicosin in pneumonic calves.

Abstract: The therapeutic effect of oral tilmicosin was compared with enrofloxacin, and the efficacy of three doses of the drug was examined in two fully randomized blinded field trials. Pneumonic milk-fed calves between 3 days and 2.5 months of age were allocated into two groups in trial 1 (50 animals) and into three groups in trial 2 (69 calves). In the first trial, the animals were treated with 25 mg/kg/day tilmicosin or 2.5 mg/kg/day enrofloxacin in milk for 5 days. In the second trial, the calves received either 25 mg/kg/day tilmicosin for 5 days or 3 days, or else 12.5 mg/kg tilmicosin for 5 days. All calves were clinically examined for 10 days. In the first trial, oral tilmicosin at a dose of 25 mg/kg/day for 5 days proved to be effective for the treatment of endemic pasteurellosis of milk-fed calves. The efficacy was the same as that of enrofloxacin. All three doses in the second trial were effective and were statistically equivalent to the original dose tested.

Effects of regrouping, feeding and drinking methods on weight gain of weaned piglets.

Abstract: The effects of alterations in regrouping, feeding and drinking practices were examined on a pig farm to improve animal welfare and productivity. Weaned at 35 days of age, 720 piglets were randomly assigned to 24 groups of 30 piglets in a factorial design with three factors. During the next 55 days they were regrouped once, twice or not regrouped at all, had nipple drinkers or a water trough and had 3, 6 or 10 cm trough length per animal and four meals a day or 3 cm trough length per animal and six daily meals. Simple factorial ANOVA revealed that the piglets grew very highly significantly (p < 0.001) faster if they were not regrouped, drank from water troughs and had sufficient trough length available, however, increased feeding frequency partially compensated for shorter trough length. Similar analysis of the ranges of body weights within groups showed similar, yet less significant effects in the opposite direction, i.e. where pigs grew faster there tended to be also less weight difference. It is concluded that avoidance of mixing and undisturbed, easy access to food and water is beneficial to both the welfare of the pigs as well as their productivity.

Spontaneous resolution of splenic torsion in a dog.

Abstract: Argentina. Revista tic Investigac ionc's Gainaide'ras 11, 39-40 CACCHIONE, R., CASTELLI, E., SARAVI, NI. A. & MIARTINEZ, E. (1980() Difusion e importanicia de la Leptospirosis aniimlal y hlLimana ein la Argenitina. Revista tic Mc'diciiti Vc'teriori(l 61, 236-245 CIRONE, S. NI., RIEMAN, H. P., RUPPANNER, D. E., BEHYMIER, & FRANTI, C. E. ( 1978) Evaluationi of heniiagglotiniationi test for epidemiological studies of antibodies in svild imiammals. Joiinrtinl of IVildlifc Disctises 14, 193-202 DIKKEN, H. & KMETTY, E. (1 978) Serological typing imiethods of leptospires. In Methods in Microbiology. Eds 'I'. Bergani, J. R. Norris. London, Academic Press. pp 260-295 FAINE, S. (1982) Guidelines for the conitrol of leptospirosis. Genesa, World Health Organization. p 161 HARTSKEERL, R. & TERPSTRA, WV. (1996) Leptospirosis in wvild ainimals. Vecteritinr)y Qnarterly 18, 14915) HATHANNTAY, S. & BLACKNIORE, 1). (1981) Ecological aspects of the epidemiology of inifection wsith leptospires of the Ballum serogrocip in the black rat (Rnitttns rrattts) and the hrows n rat (Rattis notrvcgicis) in Newr Zealand. Jonritritl ofHygiene 87, 427-436 fIlGA, H. & FUJINAKA, 1. (1976) Pievalence of rodent and mongoose leptospirosis oin the islanid of OahoL. Putblic Hcciltli Reports 91, 171-177 MESINA, J. & CAMPBELL, R. (1975) Wild roideits in the transmission of disease to animals and man. V7ctcritnolry, Bulleiti 45, 87-96 M ICHNA, S. XNV. (1970) Leptospirosis. Veteriitir)y Recorid 86,484-496 NILLS, J. N., CHILS, J. E., KSIAZEK, T. G. & PETERS, C. J. (1995) Methods for Trapping and Sampling Simiall Maimmals for Virologic Jestilng. Atlanlta, (DC. p 61 NIYERS, D. M. (1985) Nlanuial de MWtodos para el diagnostico laboratorio de la leptospirosis: NotaTlIecnica IlUrnber 311. Cenitro Panamericano de Zoonosis. BLienos Aires, OPS-ONS. p 46 PEREIRA, NI. NM. & ANLDRAD)E, 1. (1988) Epidemiological aspects of leptospirosis in a slum area in the city of Rio de Janieiro, Brazil. Search for leptospires and specific antibodies in rodenits. I7(ontisactiotis of tlec Royil Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygintc 82, 768-771) ROSSE'I' I, C. A., RONIERRO, C,. N., AUTERI, C. D. & SANIARTINO, L. E. ( 1999) Estcidio serologico de leptospirosis en caninos de partidos del oeste del Gran Buenos Aires. Revista (ife Mdiclini 11eterinirlaii 80, 298-305 SHIMNIZU, NI. M. (1984) Envsiroinmental and biological determinants for the prevalence of leptospirosis amonig isild small mammals hosts, islands of Haswaii. Itnternationial Joirtnitl of Zooiioscs I1, 173-188 SONGER, I. G., CHILELLI, C. J., IEFI), R. E. & 'IRAUTMIAN, R. J. (1983) Leptospirosis in rodents froni anl arid enivirointmienit. Aotiericatn Journal of' Vleteritnary Research 44, 19731976 THIERMANN, A. B. (1977) Incidenice of leptospirosis in the Detroit rat population. Aoierictnt Joirtnal of Tiopic(il Metlicitne aiid Hygiene 26, 970-974 -IA%TIGG, G. I., CUFRDEN, C. NI., HU(HES, D. M. & EDHURSI, 0. (1969) The leptospirosis reservoir in British ssild imiammiiiials. X7eteritunary Record 84,424-426 \\ANASCO, N. B., SEQUEIRA, G., D)ALLA FONTANA, NI. L., FUSCO, S., SEQUEIRA, M. D. & FNRIA, 1). (20110) Descripcion de oin brote de leptospirosis en la ciudad de Sanita Fe, Argentina, NMarzo-Abril de 1998. Paui Anue -ictn Jouii-tiiil of 'PuNic Hciiltlu 7, 35-40

Dog feeding test for assessing the nutritional adequacy of practical diets.

Abstract: The nutritive value of dog foods declared by the manufacturer as nutritionally complete and balanced can be best assessed by feeding trials with dogs. A protocol of a feeding trial has been developed and tested with working dogs fed two different commercial complete and balanced diets for 8 weeks. The parameters used for evaluating the effect of diets were general health status, body and hair coat condition, change of body weight, haematological parameters (white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin, packed cell volume), and biochemical parameters in blood serum (alanine aminotransferase, urea, albumin). The trial protocol proved to be appropriate to monitor the dogs' nutritional status and to reveal differences between diets. This method of evaluation is recommended for use in supporting the nutritional claims (labelling) of dog foods.

Persistent efficacy of doramectin pour-on against Haematobia irritans in cattle.

Abstract: as a therapy for symmetric claw and claw fold disease in the dog. Jouirnal of the Americani Animilal Hospital Association 33, 131-138 ROSYCHUCK, R. A. W. (1995) Diseases of the claw and claw fold. In Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy. Small Animal Practice XII. Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders. pp 641-647 SCOTT, D. W. & FOIL, C. S. (1998) Claw diseases in dogs and cats. In Advances in Veterinary Dermatology Vol III. Ed K. W. Kwochka, T. Willemse, C. von Tscharner. Oxford, Butterworth-Heinemann. pp 406-408 SCOTT, D. W. & MILLER, W. H. (1992) Disorders of the claw and clawbed in dogs. Compendium otn Continting Eduication for the Practicing Veterinlarian 14, 1448-1457 SCOTT, D. W., MILLER, W. H. & GRIFFIN, C. E. (1995a) Disease of eyelids, claws, anal sacs, and ear canals. In Small Animal Dermatology. 5th edn. Philadelphia, W. B. Saunders. pp 956-989 SCOTT, D. W., ROUSSELLE, S. & MILLER, W. H. (1995h) Symmetrical lupoid onychodystrophy in dogs: a retrospective analysis of 18 cases (1989-1993). Jouirnal ofthe Aotierican Anlimial Hospital Association 31, 194-201

Effects of classical swine fever virus infection on the porcine leukocyte subsets.

Abstract: The effects of classical swine fever (CSF) virus infection on the porcine leukocyte subsets were investigated by flow cytometry in acute, chronic and convalescent forms of the disease. The virus antigen could be first detected in the monocytes on postinfection (p.i.) day 10 while in the lymphocytes on p.i. day 13. It could be established that the ratio of CD6+ cells decreased until p.i. day 6, but afterwards it started to increase and reached different values. The CD4+CD8+, the CD8+ and the CD6- cells were obviously higher virus positive than the CD4+ and the CD4-CD8-subsets, but essentially all subsets could be infected. The ratio of CD8+ cells increased during the disease, while the number of double positive cells decreased, and that of the CD4+ cells was variable. The viral antigen could be detected in a lower percentage of the CD4+CD8+, CD8+, CD6+ and CD6- cells of the pigs affected with the chronic form of the disease than in those with the acute form. During the experiments no viral antigen could be detected in the leukocytes of the pig that became convalescent, though the changes in its leukocyte subsets were very similar to those seen in pigs in which the viral antigen could be detected. The studies have revealed that essentially all leukocyte subsets can be infected with the CSF virus, but in very different amounts.

The effect of high and low doses of ochratoxin A in feed on growing chicken

Abstract: Effects of high and low dose of ochratoxin A (OTA) as pure toxin supplemented to feed were investigated on the performance of growing chicken. Two groups were fed with different doses of chemical pure OTA 0.5 ppm and 5 ppm in feed and the effects of toxin on body and organ weights were studied and compared with control group. No effects were observed by feeding 0.5 ppm OTA, whereas 5 ppm had a negative effect on the daily body mass gain. OTA in feed had a negative effect on the daily body mass gain. In contrary nephrotoxic effects could be observed by feeding the naturally OTA contaminated feed with only 0.2 ppm of OTA produced byPenicillium verrucosum.