Showing papers on "Mink published in 1990"

Emergence, natural history, and variation of canine, mink, and feline parvoviruses.

Abstract: Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the emergence of canine parvovirus (CPV), the evidence concerning the previous emergence of mink enteritis virus (MEV) as the cause of a new disease in minks in the 1940s, and the mechanisms that determine the host ranges and other specific properties of the viruses of cats, minks, and dogs The viruses are classified as the feline parvovirus subgroup of the genus Parvovirus, within the family Parvoviridae Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), MEV, and CPV are classified as “host range variants” In addition to the viruses of cats, minks, and dogs, similar viruses naturally infect many species within the families Felidae, Canidae, Procyonidae, Mustelidae, and possibly the Viverridae The differences in virulence for minks observed after inoculation of MEV or FPV suggests that there are subtle differences between FPV and MEV that have yet to be defined Genetic mapping studies indicate that only three or four sequence differences between the FPV and CPV-2 isolates within the VP-1 lVP-2 gene determine all of the specific properties of CPV that have been defined: the pH dependence of hemagglutination, the CPV-specific epitope, and the host range for canine cells and dogs

Immunological relationships between phocid and canine distemper virus studied with monoclonal antibodies.

Abstract: The immunological relationships between distemper viruses, isolated from a seal and mink in Denmark and from a dog in Greenland, were investigated with 39 previously developed monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) directed against four major structural proteins of canine distemper virus (CDV). They were also investigated with 16 newly developed MAbs directed against the fusion (F) and large glycoprotein (named H in analogy with measles virus) of phocid distemper virus (PDV) isolated from a harbour seal (Phoca vitulina). These MAbs were reacted with the three different isolated viruses and with the LEC strain of measles virus, in ELISA and immunofluorescence tests. In addition, immunoprecipitation tests were carried out with some of the cross-reacting antibodies. All 55 MAbs reacted identically with distemper virus isolated from seals or mink. When the MAbs produced against CDV were tested, 37 of 39 antibodies reacted with a virus isolated from a sled dog diseased in an outbreak of distemper in Greenland prior to the epizootic among seals in the North Sea. Of the 39 antibodies, 25 reacted with PDV and distemper virus isolated from mink. Of these antibodies, only three of the nine antibodies directed against the H protein of CDV cross-reacted with PDV and distemper virus from mink. Eleven MAbs, reacting with six epitopes of the H protein of PDV, were produced. All 11 antibodies reacted with distemper virus from mink, two of the antibodies reacted with CDV and none reacted with measles virus. All five antibodies reacting with three different epitopes of the F protein of PDV reacted with distemper virus from mink and CDV. Of these five antibodies three, directed against two epitopes, reacted with measles virus. Of the two envelope proteins, the H protein shows pronounced immunological differences between PDV and CDV. In contrast, immunologically the F protein appears to be well conserved among morbilliviruses. It is concluded that the virus causing the epizootic in seals in the North Sea in 1988 may have infected mink on land, or, alternatively, the virus in the sea may have originated from virus-infected mink.

Nucleotide sequence of the 5'-terminal palindrome of Aleutian mink disease parvovirus and construction of an infectious molecular clone.

Abstract: The 5'-terminal palindrome of the ADV-G strain of Aleutian mink disease parvovirus (ADV) was molecularly cloned and sequenced. A full-length molecular clone of ADV-G, denoted pXVB, was then constructed. When this clone was transfected into cell cultures, infectious ADV could be rescued. Virus derived from pXVB was nonpathogenic for adult mink, as is the parent ADV-G strain.

Close relationship between mink influenza (H10N4) and concomitantly circulating avian influenza viruses.

Abstract: Strains of an influenza H10N4 virus have been isolated during an outbreak of a respiratory disease in mink on the south-east coast of Sweden. This was the first example of a disease in mammals caused by the H10 subtype. We compared the A/mink/Sweden/84 strain with two recent avian H10N4 isolates, one from fowl and another from a mallard, both isolated in Great Britain in 1985 as well as the prototype A/chicken/Germany/N/49 (H10N7). The comparison was carried out by genomic analysis of the strains by oligonucleotide fingerprinting and in bioassays on mink. The oligonucleotide fingerprint analysis revealed a high degree of genomic homology of around 98% between the viruses from mink, mallard and fowl. Only the recent avian isolates, that from the mallard and fowl could infect mink by contact, causing similar pathological and clinical signs and inducing seroconversion as did the mink virus. However, the susceptibility of mink to the fowl and mallard viruses by contact was less pronounced than that to the mink virus. Both the genomic homology and the similarities from the infectivity and pathogenicity studies between the mink virus and the recent avian isolates point to a direct invasion of the mink population by an avian H10N4 virus.

Analysis of experimental mink enteritis virus infection in mink; in situ hybridization, serology, and histopathology.

Abstract: Strand-specific hybridization probes were used in in situ hybridization studies to localize cells containing mink enteritis virus (MEV) virion DNA or MEV replicative-form DNA and mRNA. Following the experimental MEV infection of 3-month-old unvaccinated mink, a significant increase in serum antibodies to MEV was detected at postinfection day (PID) 6, 2 days after the onset of fecal shedding of virus. Prior to the appearance of virus in feces, viral DNA could be detected in the mesenteric lymph node and intestine. The largest percentage of cells positive for virion DNA was 10% and was detected in the intestine on PID 6. However, replication of the virus apparently peaked at PID 4. The number of MEV replicative-form DNA and mRNA molecules was found to be approximately 250,000 copies per infected lymph node cell or crypt epithelial cell. The localization, levels, and time course of viral replication have important implications for the pathogenesis of MEV-induced disease. The data presented on MEV are correlated with earlier results on the other mink parvovirus, Aleutian mink disease parvovirus, and a possible explanation for the remarkable differences in pathogenesis of disease caused by these two parvoviruses is discussed.

Host genes conferring resistance to a central nervous system disease induced by a polytropic recombinant Friend murine retrovirus.

Abstract: Infection of certain strains of mice with the ecotropic Friend murine leukemia virus results in the generation of recombinant polytropic mink cell focus-inducing viruses and the development of erythroleukemia. We isolated a Friend mink cell focus-inducing virus (F-MCF-98D) from a Friend murine leukemia virus-infected BALB/c mouse which caused primarily a neurological disease as well as a low incidence of leukemia in susceptible IRW mice. Through genetic studies with the resistant C57BL/10 strain, we identified two genes which correlated with restricted viral replication and resistance to the development of disease caused by F-MCF-98D. One gene correlated with the expression of an endogenous gp70 linked to the Rmcf gene and might act by viral interference. The mechanism of action of the second gene was less clear, but it appeared to be associated with development of an antiviral antibody response.

Pathogenesis of disease caused by Aleutian mink disease parvovirus.

Abstract: A review of the pathogenesis of Aleutian mink disease parvovirus (ADV) infection based on recent knowledge gained by the author and collaborators is given. The review focuses mainly on the following topics. 1) Development of an easy, sensitive and fast assay for detection of ADV antigens and antibodies directed against these antigens. A highly sensitive rocket line immunoelectrophoretic assay (RLIE) was developed. This assay turned out to be 32 times more sensitive than the counter current electrophoresis assay routinely used to detect anti-ADV antibodies in ADV eradication programs, and moreover, ADV associated antigens could simultaneously be quantitatively detected in the same electrophoretic run. Later, the assay was improved to make it more economical and easy to use and finally the assay, now termed the counter current line absorption immunoelectrophoresis (CCLAIE) assay, was slightly modified to adapt the test to screening programs. 2) Examination of surface properties of the virus and the antigens expressed during in vivo infection. In this chapter studies on the surface charge properties of ADV are described. Using charge-shift crossed immunoelectrophoresis the occurrence of amphiphilic proteins associated with ADV is shown and the significance of these findings in regard to biological properties are discussed. The first demonstration of intact ADV structural and nonstructural proteins in mink tissues is described and it is shown that the structural proteins of the cell culture adapted strain of ADV (ADV-G) also in vivo is 2-3000 dalton smaller than those of other ADVs, i.e. 75,000 and 85,000 dalton in ADV-G as opposed to 78,000 and 88,000 dalton in the other ADVs. 3) Studies on the pathogenesis of interstitial pneumonia caused by ADV in newborn mink kits. The features of ADV-induced interstitial pneumonia are described. Using Southern blot and in situ hybridization techniques it is shown that ADV replicates to high levels in alveolar type II cells and it is suggested that the permissive replication of the virus in these cells causes direct cytopathology, followed by decreased surfactant production and development of the characteristic clinical and pathological features of respiratory distress and hyaline membrane disease. 4) Comparison of the pathogenesis of acute versus chronic disease caused by ADV infection. The data obtained by in situ hybridization analysis of ADV infected adult mink, mink kits, and mink kits treated with anti-ADV antibodies are compared. The accumulated data suggested that the development of severe acute ADV-induced disease is linked to low or absent antibody titers paired with high levels of viral replication.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Protein digestion in mink

Abstract: The aim of the study was to investigate amino acid composition and digestion during passage through the digestive tract of adult mink, using chromic oxide as an indigestible indicator. Whole fish and fish meal were applied as dietary protein sources. The animals were sacrificed 1 1/2 or 3 hours after a test meal. The average length of the digestive tract was 4.13 times the body length. The feed passage rate averaged about 3 1/2 hours. Analyses of digesta from stomach, three sections of small intestine and colon/rectum revealed certain changes compared with dietary values, mainly due to dilution with endogenous protein. Generally, the contents of methionine, lysine and arginine declined, while those of cystine and threonine increased. The digestibilities of amino acids were slightly positive in the stomach, but negative in the first section of the small intestine, reflecting the secretion of pancreatic juice. Towards the second and third section of small intestine and colon/rectum, the digestibilities increased rapidly. Compared with whole fish, fish meal proteins were less efficiently digested. It is indicated that the fecal digestibility method overestimates the amounts of absorbed amino acids

A survey on perinatal mortality in young mink.

Abstract: The incidence of perinatal mortality in mink was investigated in commercial farms in Argentina. Of a total of 2122 kits, 548 of those that were born alive died within the first four weeks of life (25.8% mortality) and there were also 62 stillborn kits. Death resulted from a variety of causes of which septicaemia, starvation and hypothermia were the most common conditions. The highest mortality occurred within the first week of life (61.9%). The lesions found in young kits at post-mortem examination are described and related to contributory factors such as weight, litter size and age at death.

Interactions between melatonin and prolactin during gestation in mink (Mustela vison)

Abstract: Immature female mink, 8 weeks of age in July, were treated with implants releasing melatonin. Mating, which induced ovulation, took place during the normal breeding season in the following March. Circulating prolactin and progesterone concentrations did not undergo the expected gestational increases, and no embryos implanted. A similar absence of gestational changes in prolactin and progesterone values ensued in primiparous mink treated with the melatonin implant 2-3 days after the second of 2 matings. Administration of exogenous sheep prolactin (0.5 mg/day) by minipump induced precocious elevation of progesterone concentrations in mated mink. Prolactin administration overcame the effects of melatonin, in that the corpora lutea were activated and embryos implanted, but exogenous prolactin resulted in degeneration of implanted embryos both in the presence and absence of chronic melatonin. The results suggest that melatonin has a single effect in alteration of gestation in mink; i.e. the prevention of prolactin secretion. Hyperprolactinaemia may inhibit embryo development in this species.

Effects of Timed Melatonin Infusions and Lesions of the Suprachiasmatic Nuclei on Prolactin and Progesterone Secretions in Pregnant or Pseudopregnant Mink (Mustela vison).

Abstract: To test the hypothesis that the duration of melatonin secretion may be a critical parameter in the transduction of photoperiodic signals on prolactin and progesterone secretions, timed intravenous melatonin infusions were carried out in intact and ganglionectomized pregnant and pseudopregnant mink. To localize the target sites of melatonin, electrolytic lesions of hypothalamic nuclei were performed in females receiving melatonin infusions. As a control, the first experiment was designed to confirm that pineal denervation by bilateral ablation of the superior cervical ganglion rendered the pregnant mink totally unresponsive to the inhibitory effects of short days on progesterone secretion. In the following experiments, timed intravenous melatonin infusions were carried out in intact and ganglionectomized females from Day 12 to 32 of pregnancy or pseudopregnancy. Daily infusions of melatonin for 16 h in intact females or for 11 or 13 h in ganglionectomized females suppressed the rise in plasma prolactin and progesterone levels. In intact as in ganglionectomized females, daily infusions of melatonin for 9 h delayed the rise in plasma prolactin concentrations without affecting the secretion of progesterone. In ganglionectomized females, saline infusions for 13 h or melatonin infusions for 7h did not modify the secretions of prolactin and progesterone. In ganglionectomized females bearing lesions of the Suprachiasmatic nuclei or the retrochiasmatic area, melatonin infusions for 13 h were still able to inhibit prolactin and progesterone secretions. These results are consistent with the hypothesis postulating that the peak duration of melatonin secretion is a critical parameter for transducing photoperiodic responses in pregnant or pseudopregnant mink. Secondly, they suggest that the Suprachiasmatic nuclei and the retrochiasmatic area are not essential for the action of melatonin in the photoperiodic control of prolactin and progesterone secretions during pregnancy or pseudopregnancy in the mink.

Habitat use by male mink in relation to wetland characteristics and avian prey abundances

Abstract: We documented use of wetland habitats by five radio-marked male mink (Mustela vison) in the aspen parklands of southwestern Manitoba during May–July of 1984 and 1985. Mink activity was most frequent on large, well-flooded, semipermanent and permanent wetlands with irregular shorelines and large areas of open water. These variables were also positively correlated with abundances of waterfowl and other birds. Habitat variables explained 26% of the variation in wetland use by male mink. Grebes, coots, and diving ducks had high habitat overlap with mink, whereas dabbling ducks and blackbirds overlapped little with mink. Bird abundances explained nearly as much variation in habitat use by mink as did physical habitat variables (R2 = 0.24), but some of this association may have been due to selection for (or avoidance of) similar habitats. Combined analysis with habitat and avifaunal variables explained 31% of the variation in wetland use by male mink. Patterns of habitat use by mink and avian prey may help expl...

Reproductive failure in mink and ferrets after intravenous or oral inoculation of Campylobacter jejuni.

Abstract: Four pregnant mink and seven pregnant ferrets, including five with previous exposure and specific antibody, were injected intravenously with 10(8)-10(10) colony-forming units of Campylobacter jejuni. All 11 pregnancies failed 1-16 days after infection, with results ranging from fetal resorption to expulsion of dead or premature living kits. In every case, uterine contents (placenta, uterine fluid and/or kits) were culture-positive for C. jejuni. Three pregnant mink and nine pregnant ferrets, including four with previous exposure and antibody, were fed 10(9)-10(11) C. jejuni. Two of the mink aborted; kits of all three were culture-positive, but those of one female survived. Seven of the nine ferrets aborted, with two having culture-positive uterine contents. None of 28 uninfected ferret control pregnancies ended in abortion. The most prominent histological feature observed was severe placentitis, which appears to be a more likely cause of Campylobacter-induced abortion than direct pathogenic effects on infected kits. These results suggest that infection of mink or ferrets with C. jejuni during pregnancy poses a serious risk of reproductive failure, even for previously exposed females.

Detection of coronavirus-like particles from mink with epizootic catarrhal gastroenteritis.

Abstract: Coronavirus-like particles have been detected by electron microscopy in fecal samples from naturally occurring cases of epizootic catarrhal gastroenteritis (ECG) of mink. Preliminary transmission trials with bacteria-free filtrates from mink with ECG suggested that a coronavirus plays a role in the disease syndrome.

Glycosylation of the envelope glycoprotein from a polytropic murine retrovirus in two different host cells

Abstract: A polytropic recombinant retrovirus containing the envelope gene of Friend mink cell focus-inducing virus plus the remainder of the genome of an amphoropic murine leukemia virus was propagated on mouse embryo fibroblasts and mink lung cells. Virus particles, metabolically labeled with [2-3H]mannose, were harvested from the culture supernatants and lysed with detergents. The viral envelope glycoprotein was isolated from the lysates by immunoaffinity chromatography and purified by preparative SDS/PAGE. Oligosaccharides were liberated by sequential treatment of tryptic glycopeptides with endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H and peptide-N4-(N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminyl) asparagine amidase F and fractionated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Individual glycans were characterized chromatographically, by methylation analyses and in part, by enzymic microsequencing. The results demonstrated that viral glycoproteins, synthesized in mouse embryo fibroblasts, carried as major constituents partially fucosylated diantennary, 2,4- and 2,6-branched triantennary and tetraantennary complex type N-glycans with 0-4 sialic acid residues and only small amounts of high-mannose type species with 5-9 mannose residues. As a characteristic feature, part of the complex type glycans contained additional Gal(alpha 1-3) substituents. Glycoprotein obtained from virions propagated on mink lung cells, contained partially fucosylated diantennary and 2,4-branched triantennary oligosaccharides with 1-3 sialic acid residues, in addition to trace amounts of high-mannose type species with 8 or 9 mannose residues. Thus, the results reveal that predominantly, the complex type N-glycans of the retroviral envelope glycoprotein display cell-specific variations including differences in oligosaccharide branching, sialylation and substitution by additional Gal(alpha 1-3) residues.

Digestibility of Different Fats and Fatty Acids in the Mink (Mustela vison)

Abstract: This paper reports the influence of level and type of fat on the digestibilities of fat and different fatty acids in the mink (experiment A). In addition the synergistic effect of saturated and pol...

Subacute toxicity of dietary heptachlor to mink (Mustela vison).

Abstract: Mink were fed diets that contained 0, 12.5, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg active ingredient heptachlor (as technical grade formulation) for 28 days followed by a 7-day observation period to determine the toxicity of this insecticide to mink. Diets that contained 25 mg/kg, or more, heptachlor resulted in a significant decrease in feed consumption, while 50 mg/kg, or more, heptachlor caused a significant reduction in body weights. Mortality (37.5%) occurred only in the group fed 100 mg/kg heptachlor. The dead mink showed neurological signs of toxicity prior to death. Animals fed 100 mg/kg heptachlor also had reduced relative weights of the spleen and kidney and increased relative weight of the adrenal glands when necropsied at the time of death or at the termination of the study.

The C120 Magnum with pan trigger: a humane trap for mink (Mustela vison).

Abstract: The C120 Magnum trap, equipped with a 66 × 69 mm pan trigger, which favored double strikes in the neck and thorax regions, successfully killed nine of nine wild mink (Mustela vison) in simulated natural conditions. Average times to loss of consciousness and heartbeat were estimated at 79% of all captured mink unconscious in ≤3 min (P < 0.05). This is the first mink kill trap to meet the requisites of the Canadian General Standards Board regarding killing traps.

Rapid isolation of herpes simplex virus by using mink lung and rhabdomyosarcoma cell cultures.

Abstract: Highly sensitive and rapid results can be obtained by isolating herpes simplex virus from clinical specimens in simple cell culture with rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells. In this study, 3,186 clinical specimens were inoculated into locally produced, equivalent-age RD and mink lung (ML) cells. Of 727 positive isolates, all (100%) were isolated from RD cells and only 691 (95%) were isolated from ML cells. Furthermore, 162 of the positive isolates (22%) were isolated in RD cells earlier than in ML cells. RD cells are continuous and can be cultivated in house without decreasing sensitivity as the passage number increases. They produce a highly distinguishable cytopathic effect in response to herpes simplex virus and maintain intense confirmatory staining patterns.

Fur quality traits in standard mink - price relationships, heritabilities and genetic and phenotypic correlations.

Abstract: During 1980, 1981 and 1983, 3000 mink kits of standard type had their weights measured in September and their fur traits graded in August and November. In addition, pelt gradings were performed on ...

Antigen distribution in organs of mink with Aleutian disease parvovirus infection.

Abstract: On tissues from naturally infected non-Aleutian mink an immunohistological study was performed using monoclonal antibodies and the immunoperoxidase method. Structural proteins of ADV were demonstrated in cryosections and in ethanol-fixed and paraffin-embedded material which provide antigen detection in a similar amount together with good histological structure. In lymphoid organs viral antigen was restricted to B-cell areas, particularly lymphoid follicles. The pattern of antigen distribution was typical for follicular dendritic cells which are capable to retain immune complexes. Beside macrophages in the interior of lymphoid follicles most likely proliferating B-lymphoblasts reveal nuclear and cytoplasmatic presence of structural proteins indicating viral replication. Cells of the mononuclear phagocyte system such as cells of lymphatic sinuses and hepatic Kupffer cells harbor viral protein in the cytoplasm, probably resulting from phagocytosis of immune complexes. Renal glomeruli were consistently negative for virus antigen whereas in interstitial infiltrates cells resembling macrophages stained positive for ADV structural proteins.

Aleutian disease parvovirus infection of mink and ferrets elicits an antibody response to a second nonstructural viral protein.

Abstract: A second nonstructural protein of the Aleutian disease parvovirus was predicted from nucleotide sequence analysis and a detailed transcription map. Western immunoblotting analysis showed that infected mink and ferrets show an antibody response to this predicted protein.