Comparative sequence analysis of the large polymerase protein (L) gene of peste-des-petits ruminants (PPR) vaccine virus of Indian origin

The complete nucleotide sequence of the large polymerase (L) protein of the peste-des-petits ruminants (PPR) vaccine virus (PPRV Sungri/96) belonging to the Asian lineage was determined. The gene was 6643 nucleotides in length from the gene-start to the gene-end and encoded a polypeptide of 2183 amino acids. The PPRV Sungri/96 has a nucleotide homology of 94.1% for PPRV Nigeria 75/1 to 64.4% for Canine distemper virus. At amino acid level PPRV Sungri/96 has an amino acid identity of 96.2% with PPRV Nigeria 75/1 and 70.4% to 74.8% with other morbilliviruses. All the established domains in L protein characteristic of paramyxoviruses were also found to be present in PPRV Sungri/96. Phylogenetic analysis of different L proteins of morbilliviruses revealed five well-defined clusters as observed previously. The 3' trailer sequence of PPRV Sungri/96 is of 37 nucleotides long which is very similar to that of other morbilliviruses. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report describing the polymerase gene sequence of PPRV Indian isolate.

Hemifacial spasm complicating diabetic ketoacidosis

Chorea, hemichorea, hemiballismus and other parkinsonian movement disorders have been described in type 1 diabetic patient with uncontrolled hyperglycemia. In comparison, abnormal movements in diabetic ketoacidosis are rare though ketosis due to other causes can cause parkinsonism-like movement disorders. We report two cases of diabetic ketoacidosis where hemifacial spasm was the predominant clinical manifestation for which no organic cause could be detected with relevant investigations. The symptoms subsided with conventional therapy for diabetic ketoacidosis and never recurred.

Genetic comparison of large fragment of the 5'untranslated region among foot-and-mouth disease viruses with special reference to serotype Asia1

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), the most economically important disease of cloven-hoofed animals, is endemic in India. Sequence analysis revealed that phylogenetic grouping of type Asia1 field isolates on the basis of the large fragment of the 5'untranslated region (5'LF-UTR) was quite similar to that based on the sequences of the capsid-coding (VP1) region of the same viruses. The existence of two distinct lineages of type Asia1 suggested by the study on the VP1 region was further supported by the detection of a difference in length and predicted secondary structure of the 5'LF-UTR between the two lineages. Sequence variability between the isolates of the two lineages was also observed within the different domains of the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) around conserved motifs like the GNRA,- RAAA,- and the polypyrimidine tract. Certain group and lineage-specific signature nucleotides pertaining to FMDV type Asia1 in the 5'LF-UTR have been identified. The present study shows that the 5'LF-UTR of FMDV serotype Asia1 field isolates are variable in relation to the length and probable secondary structure of the IRES.

Scaling behavior of the Portevin-Le Chatelier effect in an Al-2.5%Mg alloy

The scaling behavior of the Portevin-Le Chatelier (PLC) effect was studied by deforming an Al-2.5%Mg alloy for a wide range of strain rates. To reveal the exact scaling nature, the time series data of true stress versus time, obtained during deformation, were analyzed by two complementary methods: the finite variance scaling method and the diffusion entropy analysis. From these analyses we could establish that, in the entire span of strain rates, the PLC effect showed the Levy-walk property.

Phylogeny, genome evolution, and antigenic variability among endemic foot-and-mouth disease virus type A isolates from India

The capsid-coding (P1) and 3A regions of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) type A field isolates including two vaccine strains collected during 1977-2000 were analyzed. In the phylogenies, the isolates were distributed into two previously identified genotypes VI and VII, with multiple sub-genotypes that are temporally clustered. Comparison of the antigenic relationships of field isolates with the two vaccine strains (IND 17/77 and IND 490/97) and the reference strains of the genotypes VI (IND 233/99) and VII (IND 40/00) indicated two broad antigenic groups that correlate with the phylogenetic groupings (genotypes VI and VII), and are highly divergent from the vaccine strains. The maximum likelihood method of selection analysis identified a number of amino acid sites within the P1 region to be under weak positive selection. Some of the positively selected sites were mapped at/near the antigenically critical amino acid sites of the P1 region, indicating host immune pressure as one of the important driving force behind the observed genetic and antigenic diversity in FMDV. A small number of selected sites are located in the heparan sulphate-binding pocket of the virus, suggesting a fitness advantage for cell entry of the virus. No positive selection was detected in the 3A dataset.

Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute, febrile viral disease of small ruminants, caused by a virus of the genus Morbillivirus. PPR and rinderpest viruses are antigenically related and need to be differentiated serologically. In the present study, 23 mouse monoclonal antibodies were produced by polyethyleneglycol (PEG)-mediated fusion of sensitized lymphocytes and myeloma cells. Among these, two belong to the IgM class and the remaining 21 to various subclasses of IgG. The MAbs from the IgG class designated 4B6 and 4B11 neutralized PPR virus in vitro. In radioimmunoprecipitation assay, 10 MAbs recognized nucleoprotein, 4 recognized the matrix protein and one each haemagglutinin and phosphoprotein. The remaining 7 MAbs failed to precipitate any defined viral protein. The reactivity pattern of the monoclonal antibodies in indirect ELISA indicated a close antigenic relationship within three Indian PPR (lineage 4) virus isolates and also within two rinderpest vaccine strains. All PPR virus isolates could be distinguished from rinderpest vaccine viruses on the basis of the reactivity pattern of all MAbs and anti-N protein MAbs. A set of six monoclonal antibodies specific to PPR virus could also be identified from the panel. From the panel of MAbs available, two MAbs were selected for diagnostic applications, one each for the detection of antigens and antibodies to PPR virus.

Prevalence and distribution of peste des petits ruminants virus infection in small ruminants in India

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute febrile viral disease of goats and sheep characterised by mucopurulent nasal and ocular discharges, necrotising and erosive stomatitis, enteritis and pneumonia. The disease is endemic in India and causes large economic losses each year due to the high rates of mortality and morbidity in infected sheep and goats. The present study reports observations from 58 laboratory confirmed outbreaks of PPR and provides details of the prevalence of antibodies to PPR virus (PPRV) in 4,407 serum samples of small ruminants. Most of the clinical specimens used for the study originated from the northern and central parts of India. Serum samples used for the detection of antibodies to PPRV were derived from a greater number of regions within the country, however, these samples may not be a true representation of the target population (unvaccinated sheep and goats over 3 months old). Indigenously developed monoclonal antibody-based diagnostic kits were used for the detection of PPRV antigen (sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]) and antibody (competitive ELISA). Findings suggested that the disease outbreaks were more severe in goats than sheep and that the frequency of disease outbreaks was greater between the months of March and June (51.7%) as compared to other periods of the year. Based on the screening of the 4,407 sera samples, the antibody prevalence of PPRV in small ruminants in India was 33% (95% confidence interval: 32.3% to 33.7%). The prevalence of antibodies to PPRV was noted to differ between species (i.e. sheep versus goats), age groups and geographical regions. A greater proportion of the sheep (36.3%) versus the goat (32.4%) population was infected with PPRV. The distribution and prevalence of antibodies to PPRV among various age groups of animals indicated that goats were exposed at an earlier age than the sheep, suggesting that goats may be more susceptible to infection with PPRV. A greater number of positive cases were observed in the southern and southwestern part of the country (30%-60%) as compared to northern India (10%-30%). These findings may be correlated with variations in the sheep and goat husbandry practices within different geographic regions, the topography of different states and the socio-economic status of individual Indian farmers.

Sequence variability in the structural protein-encoding region of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype Asia1 field isolates

A total of 30 field isolates of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype Asia1 belonging to two different lineages and five isolates belonging to a divergent group as delineated earlier in 1D (encodingVP1 protein) gene-based phylogeny were sequenced in the structural protein (P1) coding region. Phylogenetic comparison of these isolates along with some of the published exotic sequences revealed the presence of five different lineages around the world. Similar grouping pattern was observed for the P1 region and 1D gene-based phylogeny, where the Indian isolates were clustered in two genetic lineages. The recently identified divergent group of virus falls into a separate sub-cluster. Similar grouping was also observed in L gene-based phylogeny. Comparison of amino acid sequences identified lineage-specific signature residues in all the structural proteins. Comparison of Asia1 field isolates at the identified key residues of other FMD viruses involved in the formation of the heparan sulfate-binding ligand confirmed many of them to be conserved and the presence of VP3(56) Arg suggested their cell culture adaptation. Although a considerable genetic variation was observed among the isolates of present study, all of them tested in micro-neutralization test were serologically related to the vaccine strain.

Pathological and immunohistochemical study of experimental peste des petits ruminants virus infection in goats

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an emerging, economically important viral disease of goats and sheep in the Indian subcontinent. In the present investigation, 15 hill goats were experimentally infected with 2 ml of 10% splenic suspension of a virulent isolate of PPR virus (PPR/Izatnagar/94) that had caused heavy mortality (>75%) in goats during 1994 outbreaks in northern India. More than 86% (13 of 15) animals died between 9 and 13 days post inoculation at the height of temperature or when temperatures were declining. Necropsy findings included congestion of gastrointestinal tract (GIT), nasal sinuses, consolidation of antero-ventral lobes of lungs, engorged spleen, and occasionally oedematous lymph nodes. Histopathological examination of major organs of GIT revealed degeneration and necrosis of labial mucosa, severe mucosal and submucosal congestion, degeneration and necrosis of intestinal epithelium and lymphoid cell depletion from Peyer's patches along with presence of syncytia at times. Lungs showed broncho-interstitial changes and presence of intracytoplasmic and intranuclear eosinophilic inclusions in alveolar macrophages and syncytial cells. These changes in lungs were frequently complicated with serofibrinous pneumonia (57%, eight of 14). Lymphocytolysis and occasional syncytia formation were evident in the lymphoid tissues. Immunohistochemical (IHC) findings included presence of PPR virus antigen in the labial, intestinal, and bronchiolar epithelial cells, pneumocytes, macrophages and syncytial cells in lungs, and lymphoid (intact and necrotic) and reticular cells in lymphoid organs. The findings of the study indicated the highly virulent nature of the PPR virus isolate (PPR/Izatnagar/94), causing 100% mortality and characteristic pathological changes in the target organs such as lungs, intestines and lymphoid tissues. The results of the IHC study suggested that indirect immunoperoxidase could be an alternative method in the absence of more sophisticated methods of laboratory diagnosis of PPR virus infection in goats.

A sandwich-ELISA for the diagnosis of Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) infection in small ruminants using anti-nucleocapsid protein monoclonal antibody

A sandwich ELISA test using PPR specific monoclonal antibody (clone 4G6) to an epitope of nucleocapsid protein has been developed. The test uses polyclonal sera to capture the antigen from clinical samples (swabs and tissues). Captured antigens from clinical samples are detected using PPR specific monoclonal antibody. The test is specific to PPR as it failed to detect rinderpest vaccine virus (RBOK strain). Varieties of clinical samples originating from laboratory experiments (n = 231) and from field (n = 259) were employed to test the efficacy of sandwich-ELISA test. The test compared very well with an internationally accepted commercial Immune-capture ELISA kit, which uses biotinylated monoclonal antibody against the nucleocapsid protein. On a parallel testing using 490 clinical samples, 4G6 MAb based sandwich ELISA had an overall relative diagnostic specificity of 92.8% and diagnostic sensitivity of 88.9% compared to the commercial kit. The newly developed test is free from prozone phenomenon. PPR outbreaks from various parts of India have been confirmed using the test. Findings suggested that the newly developed ELISA is suitable for PPR diagnosis under field conditions.

Characterization of foot-and-mouth disease serotype Asia1 viruses grown in the presence of polyclonal antisera in serology and nucleotide sequence analysis

Foot-and-mouth disease viruses (FMDV) have a high rate of mutation and spontaneous mutants can be readily. isolated in the laboratory. In this study, plaque purified FMDV Asial vaccine strains (IND 63/72 and IND 491/97) were passaged in-vitro in Baby Hamster Kidney-21 cell monolayers in the presence of sub-neutralizing levels of antiviral polyclonal sera (APS), raised in guinea pigs against the purified and inactivated whole virus particles of IND 63/72, IND 491/97 and IND 13/01. After serial passages under selective immune pressure, the viruses starts growing in the presence of undiluted sera and showed certain characteristics like an increased resistance to neutralization by APS and reduction in plaque counts on titration in plaque assay. Cross-neutralization of these viruses with above-mentioned APS revealed selection of three complete and one partial polyclonal antibody resistant (PAR) viruses based on the 'r' value in micro neutralization test. Alterations were detected at several amino acid residues in the structural protein-coding P1 region. Many of the residues inferred to be positively selected sites in other serotypes of this virus were also prone to substitution under immune selection pressure in Asia1 virus. The present work extends the finding that selection exerted by host antibody also plays a major role in the rapid evolution of FMDV Asia1, as observed in other serotypes.

Comparative efficacy of various chemical stabilizers on the thermostability of a live-attenuated peste des petits ruminants (PPR) vaccine

Thermostability of a live-attenuated peste des petits ruminants (PPR) vaccine recently developed at Indian Veterinary Research Institute was studied using conventional lyophilization conditions. A total of four stabilizers viz., lactalbumin hydrolysate-sucrose (LS), Weybridge medium (WBM), buffered gelatin-sorbitol (BUGS) and trehalose dihydrate (TD) were used to prepare the lyophilized vaccine. The study revealed that the PPR vaccine lyophilized with either LS or TD is more stable than rest of the stabilizers having an expiry period of at least 45 days (so far studied) at 4 degrees C, 15-19 days at 25 degrees C and 1-2 days at 37 degrees C. However, at a temperature of 45 degrees C, BUGS had a marginal superiority, although lasted for few hours, followed by TD and LS with respect to shelf-life, LS and TD with respect to half-life. On the basis of half-life also LS followed by TD appeared superior at a temperature of 4, 25 and 37 degrees C. Reconstitution of vaccine with distilled water or 1M MgSO(4) or 0.85% NaCl maintained the required virus titre (2.5log(10)TCID(50) per dose) up to 8h at 37 degrees C and 7h at 45 degrees C. Among the three diluents, 1M MgSO(4) appeared to be the better diluent for reconstitution of lyophilized PPR vaccine, as the loss on dilution was lowest and maintain the required virus titre for a longer period. Investigation suggests for using LS as stabilizer for lyophilization and 1M MgSO(4) as vaccine diluent for the newly developed PPR vaccine.

Emergence of a novel subgroup within the widely circulating lineage of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype Asia 1 in India

The complete VP1 encoding (1D) gene of 54 foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus serotype Asia1 field isolates, most of which were isolated during 2000 and 2001, was sequenced. The phylogenetic analysis identified a novel subgroup (>10% nucleotide divergence) within the widely circulating lineage of this serotype. The newly emerged viruses were responsible for disease outbreaks in both cattle and buffaloes and were present in six different states in the country. Amino acid sequence comparison of these isolates revealed significant sequence divergence at many of the amino acid positions in comparison to those of lineage VI-A and C. Emergence of such viruses may affect the efficacy of vaccine strain currently used for protection against FMD in India.

Molecular phylogeny of leader proteinase gene of type A of Foot-and-mouth disease virus from India

We previously demonstrated the presence of three genotypes (IV, VI and VII) of type A (subtype A22) of Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) in India based on 1D gene sequence analysis. In the present study, the leader proteinase (L(pro)) gene sequences of 35 type A FMDV field isolates sampled over a period of 24 years (1977-2000) have been analyzed. Maximum-likelihood (ML) phylogenetic analysis revealed four distinct genetic lineages (A-D), indicating high divergence in L gene of type A FMDV. Lineages A and D correspond to the earlier genotypes IV, and VII, respectively. The genotype VI isolates were divided into two separate lineages (B and C) in the tree with high confidence values (96-99%). One isolate (IND 21/90) showed incongruous grouping between the (1D and L) gene-based analyses, which could be due to intergenotypic recombination. The ML molecular clock hypothesis was easily rejected on the data set studied indicating the absence of clock-like evolution in the L gene. ML codon-substitution models identified positive selection in the amino acid site 194 of C-terminal extension of the Lb(pro) with high posterior probability (>99%). The catalytic triad of the L(pro) at C-51, H-148 and D-163 were conserved across all the Indian isolates studied. Finally, amino acid differences between the lineages have been discussed briefly.

Development of a monoclonal antibody based competitive-ELISA for detection and titration of antibodies to peste des petits ruminants (PPR) virus

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an acute febrile, viral, disease of small ruminants with great economic importance. A competitive-ELISA (c-ELISA) test was developed for detection of antibodies to PPR virus in the sera samples of goats and sheep. The test uses monoclonal antibody to a neutralizing epitope of haemagglutinin protein of the virus. Based on the distribution of known negative sera samples (n=933) in respect of PPR virus antibodies in the test, a cut-off value was set as 38%. This value was the result of mean of negative population added with two times the standard deviations. A total of 1668 sera samples from goat and sheep and 32 sera from cattle were screened by c-ELISA and virus neutralization test (VNT). Efficacy of c-ELISA compared very well with VNT having high relative specificity (98.4%) and sensitivity (92.4%). The sensitivity of c-ELISA for PPR sero-surveillance could further be increased (95.4%), if the target population is non-vaccinated. c-ELISA test correlated well with VNT (r=0.845) for end-point titration of PPR virus antibody in 64 goat sera samples. It could clearly separate infected population from uninfected in field sera. Using c-ELISA test paired sera samples from 13 goats provided a clear diagnosis of PPR virus infection. Furthermore, antibodies to PPR virus could be successfully detected during 1 year after vaccination in four goats inoculated with an experimental PPR vaccine. Findings suggest that the c-ELISA test developed can easily replace VNT for sero-surveillance, sero-monitoring, diagnosis from paired sera samples and end-point titration of PPR virus antibodies.

A Vero cell-attenuated Goatpox virus provides protection against virulent virus challenge

An Indian isolate of Goatpox virus (GTPV) was adapted and propagated in Vero cells for development of an attenuated virus. The virus was initially passaged in primary lamb testes cells and subsequently in Vero cells. At the 55th passage, the virus showed evidence of attenuation when tested for safety in seronegative goats. At this stage, the virus was found to be completely non-pathogenic. The virus was passaged further and the 60th passage was used for testing its immunogenicity in goats. The latter were inoculated with 10, 100 and 1000 TCID50 of the attenuated virus by intradermal (i.d.) route and challenged after 28 days with virulent GTPV. The attenuated virus produced no adverse reaction even at the highest dose and conferred complete protection even at the lowest dose against challenge with a high dose (2 x 10(6) of 50% skin-reactive dose SRD50) of virulent virus. Increased levels of virus-specific serum antibodies could be demonstrated by both indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and virus neutralization (VN) test in all the immunized goats. No horizontal transmission of the virus from the immunized to in-contact animals took place. Our results suggest that this attenuated virus could be a safe, immunogenic and potent candidate for developing a vaccine against goatpox.

Complete nucleotide sequence analysis of a vaccine strain and a field isolate of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype Asia1 with an insertion in VP1 genomic region

Complete nucleotide sequences except the poly (C) tract and poly (A) tail of a vaccine strain (IND 491/97) and an atypical field isolate (IND 321/01) of Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype Asia1 are described. Amino acid (aa) sequence analysis of the VP1 protein of the field isolate revealed that the latter has 212 instead of 210 or 211 aa found in the so far available sequences of other FMDV isolates of Asia1 serotype. The insertion was localized in the hypervariable region of aa 130-160 of VP1 protein. Nucleotide sequencing of the entire genome was therefore carried out to detect changes in other parts of the genome, if any, besides VP1, which could contribute to its fitness. An 8.16 kb sequence of IND 491/97 and an 8.162 kb sequence of IND 321/01 were compared with each other and also with the known sequence of IND 63/72, another vaccine strain of serotype Asia1. Comparison of the entire polyprotein coding (L to 3D) region of IND 321/01 with those of the two Asia1 vaccine strains (IND 63/72 and IND 491/97) revealed no significant differences. A similar comparison of IND 491/97 with IND 63/72 revealed variability across the entire length of the genome. In addition to the capsid-coding region, sequence variability was also observed in non-structural proteins albeit to different extent. This study shows that in the gene pool of serotype Asia1 at least three groups of isolates/strains are present with respect to the length of VP1 protein.

Development of a N gene-based PCR-ELISA for detection of Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus in clinical samples

A highly sensitive N gene-based PCR-ELISA for the detection of Peste-des-petits-ruminants virus (PPRV) was developed. The RT-PCR yielded a digoxigenin (DIG)-labeled product of 336 bp comprising a sequence from PPRV N gene, which was then detected by ELISA. The assay could detect the viral RNA in PPRV-infected tissue culture fluids with a titer as low as 0.1 TCID(50)/ml. The assay is 10,000 times more sensitive than a classical RT-PCR combined with agarose gel electrophoresis. The assay could detect the virus in the clinical samples, which were negative by conventional sandwich ELISA (S-ELISA). The percentage positivity of the assay in detecting the virus in clinical samples was 66.2% compared to 48.6% for S-ELISA. The assay was more sensitive than S-ELISA also in detecting the virus in early as well as late phases of the disease. In addition, the assay could also be used for differential diagnosis of PPRV and Rinderpest virus (RPV).

Mutation in the 1D gene (VP1) of Foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype Asia1 during serial cytolytic infections in cell culture

Changes in the nucleotide sequence of the 1D gene of two vaccine strains (IND 63/72 and IND 491/97) of Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) serotype Asia1 during serial cytolytic infections in cell culture have been analyzed. Sequence comparisons revealed a majority of transition mutations in IND 491/97. The mutation frequency of the 1D gene of IND 491/97 was about 4.5 to 6.0 fold higher than that of IND 63/72. At the amino acids 40-60 and 140-160 regions the mutation frequency was higher compared to the whole VP1. Both viruses showed a constant change at certain residues of the G-H loop region with an accumulation of amino acid replacements during serial cytolytic passages in cell culture. The critical residues (145 and 153) identified previously using mAbs recognizing trypsin-sensitive epitopes were not substituted in the absence of immune selection but changes were observed at positions 142 and 148. Non-reactivity of IND 63/72 after 50(th) passage level onwards with a panel of mAbs indicated an alteration in the antigenic specificity of the virus. Comparison of amino acid sequences in the entire capsid coding region of the naturally occurring field isolates with that of the 50(th) and 100(th) passage level viruses of IND 63/72 revealed that the residues 56 and 74 of VP2 could be involved in mAb binding. The results suggest that fixation of amino acid replacements occurs in VP1 of Asia1 virus, which could play an important role in antigenic variation by modulating different antigenic epitopes located on the surface of the virus.

Cholangiocarcinoma presenting with recurrent venous thrombosis

A 38 years female presented with three episodes of venous thrombosis over one year--first in left femoral vein, next in splenic vein causing haematemesis and malena and lastly in inferior vena cava causing Budd-Chiari syndrome. During third episode, endoscopic cholangiopancreatography and guided biopsy established a diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma at the mid portion of common bile duct. The disease was far advanced with cervical lymph node metastasis.

Genetic and antigenic analysis of two recently circulating genotypes of type A foot-and-mouth disease virus in India: evidence for positive selection in the capsid-coding genes

We have analyzed isolates of two recently circulating genotypes (genotypes VI and VII) of type A foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) from India. Maximum-likelihood models provided support for the presence of positively selected sites in the capsid-coding (P1) region. Positive selection was detected at a number of amino acid positions behind a background of strong purifying selection. Among the positively selected sites, four were identified at known critical antigenic residues (VP2 79, VP3 59 and 70 and, VP1 83), suggesting that FMDVs are under pressure from the immune system. Two residues (VP2 134 and VP3 59) that are part of the heparan sulfate-binding pocket in subtype A22 FMDV are also inferred to be under positive selection. Antigenic divergence was observed between and within the genotypes in neutralization tests with sera raised against the representative isolates from genotypes VI and VII. The two vaccine strains showed one-way antigenic relationships (r value) of <0.2 with 64% of the isolates, whereas, with genotypes VI and VII an r value of >0.4 was observed with 24% and 64% of the isolates, respectively. No correlation could be deduced from the amino acid substitutions at specific critical residues and lower r values in the field isolates.

A CASE OF INTERDIGITAL DERMATOFIBROSARCOMA PROTUBERANS

A 61 year old male reported to the surgery OPD with a slow growing tumourbetween the third and the fourth fingers of the left hand. The tumour was excisedand on histopathological examination, the diagnosis was that ofdermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.Key Words: Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans, Interdigital, Hand.

Recent epidemiology of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV)

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is an economically important viral disease of goats and sheep first described in west Africa in the 1940s. The virus has been circulating in parts of sub-Saharan Africa for several decades and in the Middle East and southern Asia since 1993, although the first description of the virus in India dates to 1987. To study the genetic relationship between isolates of distinct geographical origin, a selected region of the fusion (F) protein gene of the viruses was amplified using RT/PCR and the resulting DNA product sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. Viruses from 27 outbreaks in Asian and Middle Eastern countries, reported between 1993 and 2000, and two recent outbreaks from the African continent were compared with the prototype African strain. Of the four known lineages of PPR virus, lineage 1 and 2 viruses have been found exclusively in west Africa. Virus from an outbreak in Burkina Faso in 1999 fell into the lineage 1 group. Viruses of lineage 3 have been found in east Africa, where an outbreak in Ethiopia in 1996 was of this type, and also in Arabia and in southern India. However, there have been no further isolations of lineage 3 virus from India since the one reported in 1992 from Tamil Nadu. A virus of this lineage was found circulating in Yemen in 2001. In the past 8 years virus exclusively of the fourth lineage has spread across the Middle East and the Asian sub-continent, reaching east as far as Nepal and Bangladesh. This virus lineage was also reported from Kuwait in 1999. The geographical source of the new lineage 4 virus is unknown although it is most closely related to African lineage 1. The possibility that its earlier presence in northern India was masked by the circulation of Rinderpest virus, a related virus of cattle, is considered unlikely.

Rinderpest virus H protein: role in determining host range in rabbits

A major molecular determinant of virus host-range is thought to be the viral protein required for cell attachment. We used a recombinant strain of Rinderpest virus (RPV) to examine the role of this protein in determining the ability of RPV to replicate in rabbits. The recombinant was based on the RBOK vaccine strain, which is avirulent in rabbits, carrying the haemagglutinin (H) protein gene from the lapinized RPV (RPV-L) strain, which is pathogenic in rabbits. The recombinant virus (rRPV-lapH) was rescued from a cDNA of the RBOK strain in which the H gene was replaced with that from the RPV-L strain. The recombinant grew at a rate equivalent to the RPV-RBOK parental virus in B95a cells but at a lower rate than RPV-L. The H gene swap did not affect the ability of the RBOK virus to act as a vaccine to protect cattle against virulent RPV challenge. Rabbits inoculated with RPV-L became feverish, showed a decrease in body weight gain and leukopenia. High virus titres and histopathological lesions in the lymphoid tissues were also observed. Clinical signs of infection were never observed in rabbits inoculated with either RPV-RBOK or with rRPV-lapH; however, unlike RPV-RBOK, both RPV-L and rRPV-lapH induced a marked antibody response in rabbits. Therefore, the H protein plays an important role in allowing infection to occur in rabbits but other viral proteins are clearly required for full RPV pathogenicity to be manifest in this species.

Impaired alpha-interferon signaling in transitional cell carcinoma: lack of p48 expression in 5637 cells

The limited success of IFN-alpha therapy for clinical treatment of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) has prompted us to investigate the responsiveness of TCC lines to IFN-alpha. The response to IFN-alpha in terms of 561 gene induction, an IFN-stimulated response element-containing IFN-alpha/beta-inducible gene, and IFN-stimulated gene factor 3 (ISGF3) formation was normal in primary human urothelial cells. We tested the antiproliferative effects of IFN-alpha in three TCC lines as a measure of IFN-alpha responsiveness, and variable patterns of growth inhibition were observed in three TCC lines. More than 90% growth inhibition was noted in TCCSUP cells, whereas only 40% and 10% inhibition by IFN-alpha was observed in 5637 and HT1197 cells, respectively. IFN-alpha treatment formed extremely low levels of ISGF3 in electrophoretic mobility shift assays in these later two relatively insensitive cells. In addition, expression of the 561 gene was significantly reduced in these two TCC lines by Northern blots. We have further identified a low expression level of Tyk2 in HT1197 cells compared with two other TCCs. This suggests that an extremely low ISGF3 level after IFN-alpha treatment may be due to low Tyk2 expression or other unidentified defects. In 5637 cells, p48 protein expression was undetectable. This undetectable p48 expression is not due to a deletion in the coding region because the correct size protein is detected following IFN-gamma treatment. Consequently, the ISGF3 complex formation and 561 gene induction were restored by IFN-gamma pretreatment plus IFN-alpha treatment. Introduction of p48 expressing plasmid into 5637 cells was sufficient to form the ISGF3 complex by IFN-alpha treatment, suggesting the defect lies in the expression of p48 protein in 5637 cells. Detailed mechanistic understanding of the action of IFNs in bladder cancer cell lines may explain the abrogated therapeutic response of IFN-alpha in the clinical treatment of TCCs.

Apoptosis induced by peste des petits ruminants virus in goat peripheral blood mononuclear cells

The ability of peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) to induce apoptosis in goat peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) culture was investigated. Goat PBMC were infected with PPRV and the infectivity was confirmed by cytopathic effect, demonstration of presence of infectious viral progeny and expression of viral antigens in the lymphocytes, cultured in vitro. Infected PBMC showed morphological features of apoptosis. DNA extracted from PPRV-infected cells displayed laddering pattern in agarose gel electrophoresis. Infected cells also showed significantly higher apoptotic indices measured by bisbenzimide staining than control cells. Electronmicrographs of PPRV-infected PBMC revealed features typical of apoptosis such as peripheral condensation of chromatin, blebbing of plasma membrane, fragmentation of nucleus and cell leading to formation of apoptotic bodies. Our results suggest that PPRV can induce apoptosis, in vitro, in goat lymphocytes.

Induction of immune responses in cattle with a DNA vaccine encoding glycoprotein C of bovine herpesvirus-1

A DNA vaccine expressing glycoprotein C (gC) of bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) was evaluated for inducing immunity in bovines. The plasmid encoding gC of BHV-1 was injected six times intramuscularly or intradermally into calves at monthly intervals. After immunization by both routes neutralizing antibody and lymphoproliferative responses developed. The responses in the intradermally immunized calves were better than those in calves immunized intramuscularly. However, the intradermal (i.d.) route was found to be less efficacious when protection against BHV-1 challenge was compared. Following intranasal BHV-1 challenge, all immunized calves demonstrated a rise in IgG antibody titre on day 3, indicating an anamnestic response. The control non-immunized calf developed a neutralizing antibody response on day 7 post-challenge. The immunized calves showed a slight rise in temperature and mild clinical symptoms after challenge. The intramuscularly immunized calves showed earlier clearance of challenge virus compared with intradermally immunized calves. These results indicate that DNA immunization with gC could induce neutralizing antibody and lymphoproliferative responses with BHV-1 responsive memory B cells in bovines. However, the immunity developed was not sufficient to protect calves completely from BHV-1 challenge.

A comprehensive review of goat pox and sheep pox and their diagnosis

Sheep and goats occupy a premier place in the livestock industry and contribute significantly to the world economy. Their populations are threatened by a number of health hazards, among the most notable of which are goat pox and sheep pox. These diseases inflict substantial losses in terms of reduced productivity and lower quality of wool and leather. They pose a major obstacle to the intensive rearing of sheep and goats and considerably hamper international trade. A comprehensive knowledge of goat pox and sheep pox would help in the diagnosis, prevention and control as well as the management of these diseases in a proper and effective manner. Although the two diseases are easily identified from the clinical signs and host species affected, laboratory tests are needed for confirmation. A battery of simple but highly efficient diagnostic methods and reagents is available for goat pox and sheep pox. However, the best way to control these diseases is the prophylactic immunization of all susceptible animals with a potent and efficacious vaccine, especially in areas where these diseases are endemic.

Development and evaluation of a monoclonal antibody based competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of rinderpest virus antibodies

A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay has been standardised for the detection of antibodies to rinderpest virus in sera from cattle, sheep and goats. The test uses a neutralising monoclonal antibody (MAb) directed against the haemagglutinin protein of rinderpest virus. The test is specific for rinderpest, as it failed to detect antibodies to peste des petits ruminants virus in convalescent goat sera. A 45% inhibition of the binding of the MAb to the antigen was used as the cut-off point for deciding the rinderpest status of the test samples. The specificity and sensitivity of the test and the stability of the test reagents were determined and compared to the results obtained using a commercial kit with approximately 1,200 serum samples from cattle, sheep and goats in India. The current test compared very well with the commercial kit. The test is expected to be extremely useful for sero-monitoring and sero-surveillance of rinderpest in countries which are actively pursuing a rinderpest eradication programme.

Characterization of an Indian bluetongue virus isolate by RT-PCR and restriction enzyme analysis of the VP-7 gene sequence

The reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was standardized to amplify the VP-7 gene sequences of an Indian isolate of bluetongue virus serotype 23. Using two different sets of primers, a sequence of 1156 bp comprising the complete coding sequence of the VP-7 gene and its 770 bp internal sequence were amplified. The sensitivity of RT-PCR, using these two sets of primers individually was 40 pg and 4 pg, with the external and internal primers, respectively, whereas the nested PCR was 100-fold more sensitive than the single PCR with the external primers. Further, by restriction enzyme digestion of the 1156 bp amplicon, using CfoI, PstI and TaqI enzymes, the Indian isolate was found to be genetically different from isolates from the United States and Australia. RT-PCR and restriction enzyme digestion were applied to detect virus directly in blood samples taken from sheep suspected of bluetongue virus infection.

The role of antioxidant activity of Phyllanthus emblica fruits on prevention from indomethacin induced gastric ulcer

Pretreatment with the butanol extract of the water fraction of Phyllanthus emblica fruits at the dose of 100 mg/kg body-weight, orally administered to rats for 10 consecutive days, was found to enhance secretion of gastric mucus and hexosamine (P<0.001) in the indomethacin induced ulceration of rats. The morphological observations also supported a protective effect of the stomach wall from lesion. The indomethacin treatment of the premedicated animals with the drug hardly affected either the malondialdehyde (MDA) or superoxide dismutase (SOD) level in gastric tissue while the ulcerative agent itself significantly enhanced both the levels. An antioxidant property appears to be predominantly responsible for this cytoprotective action of the drug.

Induction of E-selectin expression by double-stranded RNA and TNF-alpha is attenuated in murine aortic endothelial cells derived from double-stranded RNA-activated kinase (PKR)-null mice

The adherence of leukocytes on the endothelium is mediated in part by the transient expression of the E-selectin adhesion molecule. Because we have previously shown that the dsRNA-activated kinase PKR mediates dsRNA induction of NF-kappaB, we used murine aortic endothelial (MuAE) cells isolated from wild-type and PKR-null mice to investigate the role of PKR in the induction of E-selectin expression by dsRNA (pIC) and TNF-alpha. E-selectin mRNA and protein expression was inducible by both pIC and TNF-alpha in wild-type MuAE cells, whereas induction of E-selectin expression by these agents was defective in PKR-null MuAE cells. Induction of E-selectin promoter activity and NF-kappaB DNA binding activity were substantially reduced in pIC- or TNF-alpha-treated PKR-null cells, indicating a role for PKR in both pIC and TNF-alpha induction of E-selectin via an NF-kappaB-dependent pathway. In PKR-null cells, pIC-mediated degradation of IkappaBbeta is deficient. Activation of this pathway requires the PKR-dependent degradation of the IkappaBbeta protein. Moreover, both phosphorylated and unphosphorylated activating transcription factor 2 DNA-binding activities were reduced in PKR-null aortic endothelial cells. These results indicate that the PKR is required for full activation of E-selectin expression by pIC and TNF-alpha in primary mouse aortic endothelial cells identifying activating transcription factor 2 as a new target for PKR-dependent regulation and suggest a role for PKR in leukocyte adhesion.

Immunoregulatory potential of urothelium: characterization of NF-kappaB signal transduction

PURPOSE

To characterize the basal and activated form of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) complex in normal urothelial cell cultures after stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human urothelial cells cultured from normal bladder specimens underwent immunohistochemical staining and cellular extracts were prepared for Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assays (EMSA), Western blot analyses, RNA isolation and Northern Blot analyses before and after stimulation with TNF-alpha, LPS, and dsRNA.

RESULTS

In normal human urothelial cells, activation of the NF-kappaB complex in response to stimulation with TNF-alpha, LPS, and dsRNA was detected by immunohistochemical methods and EMSA. Depending on the stimulus, a specific NF-kappaB complex was activated as seen by supershift experiments in EMSA. By Western blot, the inhibitor of NF-kappaB complex, IkappaB-alpha, degraded in response to stimulation. Northern blot analysis from total RNA revealed subsequent inducible interleukin-8 (IL-8) mRNA expression of normal urothelial cells when treated with TNF-alpha, LPS, and dsRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Normal human urothelial cells contain basal NF-kappaB complexes in an inactivated state. When these cells are challenged by different agents such as TNF-alpha, LPS, and dsRNA, the cells respond by activation of the NF-kappaB signal transduction pathway, degradation of its inhibitor, IkappaB-alpha, and translocation of this primary factor into the nucleus to induce specific genetic responses such as IL-8 expression.

Inhibition of double-stranded RNA- and tumor necrosis factor alpha-mediated apoptosis by tetratricopeptide repeat protein and cochaperone P58(IPK)

P58(IPK) is a tetratricopeptide repeat-containing cochaperone that is involved in stress-activated cellular pathways and that inhibits the activity of protein kinase PKR, a primary mediator of the antiviral and antiproliferative properties of interferon. To gain better insight into the molecular actions of P58(IPK), we generated NIH 3T3 cell lines expressing either wild-type P58(IPK) or a P58(IPK) deletion mutant, DeltaTPR6, that does not bind to or inhibit PKR. When treated with double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), DeltaTPR6-expressing cells exhibited a significant increase in eukaryotic initiation factor 2alpha phosphorylation and NF-kappaB activation, indicating a functional PKR. In contrast, both of these PKR-dependent events were blocked by the overexpression of wild-type P58(IPK). In addition, the P58(IPK) cell line, but not the DeltaTPR6 cell line, was resistant to dsRNA-induced apoptosis. Together, these findings demonstrate that P58(IPK) regulates dsRNA signaling pathways by inhibiting multiple PKR-dependent functions. In contrast, both the P58(IPK) and DeltaTPR6 cell lines were resistant to tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced apoptosis, suggesting that P58(IPK) may function as a more general suppressor of programmed cell death independently of its PKR-inhibitory properties. In accordance with this hypothesis, although PKR remained active in DeltaTPR6-expressing cells, the DeltaTPR6 cell line displayed a transformed phenotype and was tumorigenic in nude mice. Thus, the antiapoptotic function of P58(IPK) may be an important factor in its ability to malignantly transform cells.

Cloning and expression of bovine herpesvirus-1 glycoprotein C

Glycoprotein C (gC) of Bovine Herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) is expressed at high levels on surface of infected cells and on virus envelope. It is relatively immunodominant in antibody response to BHV-1 infection and protective in immunized bovines against BHV-1 challenge. In an attempt to express gC in mammalian cells, the 2.4 kb BamHI-EcoRI fragment, containing complete coding sequence of the gC gene was excised from a recombinant plasmid and cloned under the control of RSV-LTR. The resultant plasmid pRSV-gC was transfected into MDBK cells and expression of gC was detected by indirect immunofluorescence. The non-permeabilized cells revealed surface expression of gC.

Bovine herpesvirus type 1 glycoprotein C expression in MDBK cells and its reactivity in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Glycoprotein C (gC) of bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) is a major viral glycoprotein expressed at high level on the surface of infected cells and on the virion envelope. This glycoprotein is also a major target of immune response at both humoral and cellular levels. The plasmid pRSV-gC having complete coding gene for BHV-1 gC was transfected into MDBK cells and the expression of gC in these cells was detected by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE) and immunoblot analysis. Transcription of the gC gene was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of total RNA isolated from transfected cells. MDBK cells expressing BHV-1 gC were used as antigen in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of antibodies against BHV-1 in field sera. The results were found comparable (92.44%) with those obtained with BHV-1 purified antigen.

Detection of bluetongue virus genome segment 6 sequences by RT-PCR

Reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) technique was adopted to amplify a 101 basepair nucleotide sequence of bluetongue virus (BTV) genome segment 6. The specificity of the amplicon was determined by its approximate size in 3% agarose gel electrophoresis, digestion with restriction enzyme MspI, dot-blot hybridization and cycle sequencing. The technique was found to be suitable for detection of bluetongue virus in infected cell culture and clinical samples.

Detection of infectious bursal disease virus of poultry in clinical samples by RT-PCR

The RT-PCR technique was adopted to amplify variable region of VP2 gene of infectious bursal disease virus using three different sets of primers. These primers could generate products of 643, 474 and 552 bp sizes. The authenticity of the amplicons was confirmed by their size in agarose gel, restriction enzyme digestion and by nested PCR. Out of total five clinical samples tested, IBD viral genomic RNA could be detected in four by RT-PCR. Restriction enzyme digestion of PCR products with StuI could differentiate clinical samples from an intermediate vaccine strain currently being used in India.

Role of prostaglandin in the regulation of gastric H(+)-Transporting system

Prostaglandins and (PG) have been reported to be an important gastric acid suppressive factor. However, the mechanism underlying is yet to be clearly established. In vitro study with gastric microsomes in presence of both PGE(2) and PGI(2) shows a stimulation of gastric H(+) K(+)-ATPase activity below 1X10(-6)M and 2.5X10(-7)M concentrations respectively. However, with further increase in concentrations of both PGE(2) and PGI(2), H(+), K(+)-ATPase activity shows an inhibition but PGI(2) completely obliterates the K(+) stimulated part of H(+), K(+)-ATPase activity at higher concentration. The H(+)-ion transport study using chambered frog gastric mucosa shows that both PGE(2) and PGI(2) inhibit H(+)-ion transport at 5X10(-6) M and 10X10(-6)M concentrations respectively but the effect of PGI(2) is reversible. These differential effects of PGE(2) and PGI(2) on microsomal H(+), K(+)-ATPase and on H(+) transport my be caused by the differential effects of these phospholipid mediators with the gastric mucosal cell membrane. This in vitro investigation shows the role of prostaglandin (s) as a physiological switch/regulator of gastric H(+) ion transport leading to the cessation of gastric acid secretion.

Detection of bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) genomic sequences in bovine semen inoculated with BHV-1 by polymerase chain reaction

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was applied to detect BHV-1 in bovine semen inoculated with BHV-1. The technique was found to be 10(6) times more sensitive than a non-isotopic dot-blot hybridization method in detecting viral genomic DNA. Of the three primer pairs used, the one chosen from glycoprotein gC appeared to be most sensitive as it could detect up to 0.01 TCID50 of BHV-1 in the semen. The technique could be useful in screening breeding bulls or samples of frozen semen prior to use in artificial insemination.

Protective effect of zinc gluconate on chemically induced gastric ulcer

This study was undertaken in rats to ascertain the role of zinc as an antiulcerogenic agent employing its more bioavailable gluconate derivative. Pretreatment with zinc gluconate 10 mg/kg body wt orally for three consecutive days, protected against alcohol induced gastric epithelial damage and also significantly prevented non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) induced gastric ulcer in rats. The enhanced levels of mucus, and hexosamine and decreased acid output in the gastric secretion of zinc treated rats, increased the gastric mucosal barrier. Studies on the mechanism of action suggested the involvement of -SH groups in producing gastric antisecretory effect. Thus, zinc gluconate at > > 100 microM concentrations inhibited H(+)-ion transport which could be reversed by incorporating beta-mercaptoethanol in the secretory solution (luminal side). On the other hand, beta-mercaptoethanol added from the nutrient side showed no effect on the inhibition of H(+)-transport indicting that the implication of -SH groups may not be the sole factor. Zinc appeared to play a vital and multifaceted protective role in chemically induced gastric ulcer disorders.

Adaptation of caprinised rinderpest virus to grow in Vero cells in vitro

Caprinised rinderpest virus GTV strain (GTV) was adapted to grow in Vero cells (vGTV) by polyethylene glycol-mediated fusion of infected goat spleenocytes with non-infected Vero cells. The usual methods of infection of cell culture, i.e. virus adsorption or co-cultivation, were not successful. vGTV-induced cytopathic changes in Vero cells were similar to those reported for rinderpest virus. Virus titers increased with the passage number but the virulence for goats decreased. Immunoblot analysis did not reveal any difference between vGTV and vRBOK, the tissue culture rinderprest virus RBOK strain adapted to Vero cells.

Transcriptional induction by double-stranded RNA is mediated by interferon-stimulated response elements without activation of interferon-stimulated gene factor 3

Many genes induced by type I interferons (IFNs) are also induced by double-stranded (ds)RAN. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of this induction process. Using cell lines from which the type I IFN genes have been deleted, we established that induction by dsRNA of the IFN-inducible 561 gene is direct and not mediated by the intermediate synthesis of IFN. Unlike 561 mRNA, the IFN-inducible 6-16 mRNA was induced poorly by dsRNA. Transfection studies demonstrated that the sequence difference between the core IFN-stimulated response elements (ISREs) of these two genes is not responsible for their differential inducibility by dsRNA. A point mutation in the 561 ISRE that abolished its response to IFN-alpha also made it unresponsive to dsRNA, thus demonstrating that the ISRE is the relevant cis-acting element for dsRNA signaling. The roles of different known ISRE-binding protein and tyrosine kinases in transducing the signal elicited by dsRNA were evaluated in genetically altered cell lines. dsRNA failed to induce 561 mRNA in cells expressing an anti-sense RNA for interferon regulatory factor 1, whereas it was induced strongly in cells expressing the corresponding sense mRNA. 561 mRNA was also induced strongly by dsRNA, but not by IFN-alpha, in mutant cell lines that do not express functional tyrosine kinases Tyk2 or JAK1 or ISRE binding protein, p48, or STAT2, all of which are required for IFN-alpha signaling. However, in cells devoid of functional STAT1, which is also required for IFN-alpha signaling, the induction of 561 mRNA by dsRNA was very low. Expression of transfected STAT1 alpha protein, but not of STAT 1beta protein, in these cells greatly enhanced the dsRNA inducibility of the 561 gene. These studies indicated that the major ISRE-mediated signaling pathway used by dsRNA requires interferon regulatory factor 1 and STAT alpha. This pathway, however, does not require the other known cytoplasmic components used for IFN-alpha signaling.

Serum zinc level : a possible index in the pathogenesis of peptic ulcer syndrome

The present investigation shows a possible correlation between serum zinc level and peptic ulcer disease/syndrome and a plausible mechanism for the finding. Clinicopathological study of patients with peptic ulcer diseases followed by confirmed endoscopic findings shows a significant low serum zinc level, 0.846 +/- 0.15 ug/ ml +/- S.D. (P < 0.001) with an exception of approx. 10% of the patients. To understand the cellular mechanism of low zinc levels in serum, tissue zinc content of gastric mucosa was determined. A significant increased value (P < 0.01) of zinc content in gastric mucosa of patients with peptic ulcer diathesis was noted. Carbonic anhydrase, a major zinc containing enzyme was also determined in erythrocytes. However, no change of erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase content was noted. To assess the nutritional status of the patients in relation to the low serum zinc value, serum albumin level was also determined. The low serum zinc level of the peptic ulcer patients is possibly due to the positive shift for the zinc from serum to the gastric mucosa.