Influence of inflammation on serum concentration, molecular heterogeneity and drug binding properties of canine alpha-1-acid glycoprotein

The concentration and the heterogeneity of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (alpha-1-AGP) and oxprenolol binding were determined in serum of healthy dogs and dogs with inflammatory disease. In inflammation, an increase in the mean alpha-1-AGP concentration from 0.47 to 2.85 g/l was accompanied by a reduction in the mean free oxprenolol fraction from 25% to 6%. alpha-1-AGP concentration and oxprenolol binding were inversely correlated. The heterogeneity of canine alpha-1-AGP remained essentially unchanged in dogs with inflammation and, in both these dogs and the controls, between five and seven forms with different isoelectric points and one single concanavalin A-reactive form were detected. It is concluded that in dogs, as in humans, oxprenolol binds to serum alpha-1-AGP. Changes in serum binding of oxprenolol during inflammation result from a change in the serum concentration of alpha-1-AGP rather than a change of molecular heterogeneity.

Postcesarean section plasma fibronectin levels

Decreases in plasma fibronectin levels following surgery and subsequent to trauma and sepsis have been previously reported. There have been no reports, however, regarding plasma fibronectin levels following cesarean section. Plasma fibronectin levels were followed for 3 days postpartum in 49 patients including cesarean section control patients, patients with cephalopelvic disproportion, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and endometritis. Cesarean section and cephalopelvic disproportion were not associated with a change in postpartum fibronectin levels. Pregnancy-induced hypertension and endometritis did show a significant increase (p less than 0.05) in plasma fibronectin levels. These levels are probably not decreased because of the large fibronectin pool in these otherwise healthy women.

The characteristic pattern of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in the bitch with the cystic hyperplasia-pyometra complex: effect of medical or surgical treatment

In 75 clinically normal unspayed female control dogs between two and eleven years old the average plasma level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was 21.6 +/- 5.7 (+/- SD) IU/l, of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 40.4 +/- 13.0 IU/l and of the AST/ALT ratio 0.6 +/- 0.2. These values showed only minor changes over years. In 96 bitches with the cystic hyperplasia-pyometra complex there was a very significant increase of the AST, decrease of the ALT and increase of the AST/ALT ratio. The changes were more pronounced in 62 clinically ill bitches with typical endometritis post oestrum, in 18 dogs with gram negative organisms in the uterus and in 53 bitches with white blood cell (WBC) levels higher than 40 X 10(9)/1. Renal failure had no influence on the specific changed values. The changed values returned either temporarily to normal after prostaglandin (PGF2 alpha)-treatment or definitely after ovariohysterectomy.

Effects of intrauterine infection by Staphylococcus aureus and Mycoplasma capricolum on the fertility of Nubian goats

Oestrous cycles were followed by blood progesterone titration and the occurrence of pregnancy was observed after mating in three groups of mature female Nubian goats. Two groups of 4 and 3 goats each were experimentally infected by an in utero injection of either a Staphylococcus aureus or a Mycoplasma capricolum strain of caprine origin. A third group of 4 goats served as a control. Both bacterial infections persisted in all experimental animals, except one, for at least 70 days. As a result, there is a shortening of the first two cycles and progesterone concentration was lower than in the controls. Only one inoculated goat became pregnant after the third oestrus. It is suggested that bacterial inflammation of the uterus may thus modify the oestrous cycle through the prostaglandin pathway.

Prostaglandin F2 alpha metabolite levels in normal and uterine-infected postpartum cows

The stable metabolite of prostaglandin F2 alpha,15 keto-13,14-dihydroprostaglandin F2 alpha (PGFM), was measured from peripheral blood samples collected at specified intervals postpartum from 7 normal dairy cows and 4 cows with apparent endometritis. Plasma PFGM levels were significantly (P less than .05) elevated for the first 5 days postpartum in the cows with endometritis (ranging from 4.0 to 5.0 ng/ml) compared to the controls (approximately 1.0 ng/ml). Beyond 5 days postpartum, plasma PGFM levels were not significantly different and decreased to approximately 0.4 ng/ml by day 13 in both groups. Time to uterine involution was not different between groups (less than 30 days). Therefore, uterine infections in cows during the puerperium was associated with elevated circulating PGFM levels. These findings and the observation that PGF2 alpha is not uterotonic in the puerperal cow do not suggest a therapeutic use of PGF2 alpha in order to evacuate the uterus.

Serum C-reactive protein determination in acute pelvic inflammatory disease

We have studied the role of serum C-reactive protein determination in the diagnosis of acute pelvic inflammatory disease. Acute-phase serum C-reactive protein concentration reflected the extent and the severity of pelvic inflammatory disease more closely than erythrocyte sedimentation rate or white blood cell count determinations. We recommend that both C-reactive protein concentration and erythrocyte sedimentation rate should be routinely used to augment the clinical diagnosis of pelvic inflammatory disease.

Aminoglycoside dosing in obese puerperal women

We compared serum aminoglycoside levels in two groups of obese puerperal women being treated for endometritis. In these obese puerperal women (weights as much as 100 kg), the aminoglycoside dose did not have to be adjusted for excess weight initially, but it seems that determination of antibiotic levels should be performed in view of the large doses.

Diagnosis of septic pelvic thrombophlebitis by measurement of fibrinopeptide A

Septic pelvic thrombophlebitis is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of puerperal endometritis. The lack of specific physical findings necessitates a diagnosis based by exclusion on the patient's response to anticoagulation. Fibrinopeptide A (FPA) is the first peptide cleaved from fibrinogen during thrombin-mediated fibrin generation. Because of its short half-life, FPA accurately reflects the level of ongoing fibrin generation. In a preliminary study of 40 puerperal patients, FPA successfully differentiated puerperal fever secondary to endometritis or abscess from fever responsive to a heparin trial. The mean FPA level in patients presumed to have septic pelvic thrombophlebitis was 23.8 ng/ml as opposed to 7 ng/ml in patients with endometritis. No patient with septic pelvic thrombophlebitis as diagnosed by her response to a heparin trial had a level of FPA less than 14 ng/ml. There was no overlap of FPA levels between patients with endometritis or abscess and septic pelvic thrombophlebitis. The data suggest further prospective evaluation of FPA for the diagnosis of septic pelvic thrombophlebitis is warranted.

Aspects of bacteriology and endocrinology of cows with pyometra and retained fetal membranes

In an effort to clarify the pathogenesis of pyometra, 20 cows with retained fetal membranes and 20 without, but with contemporary calving dates were studied. They were palpated and their uteri were subjected to sample collections for bacteriologic cultural examinations twice weekly for 4 weeks. Blood samples were obtained each day and evaluated for serum progesterone concentration. Three cows without and 3 with retained fetal membranes developed pyometra during the study, resulting in 3 groups designated control (CON), cows with retained fetal membranes (RFM), and cows with pyometra (PYO). Bacterial isolations occurred less frequently in the CON group than in the PYO and RFM groups. Growth patterns of bacteria also varied between groups. Coliform and incidental bacteria disappeared from the uterus of the PYO group by the end of the 3rd week. In contrast, heavy growth of Corynebacterium pyogenes and gram-negative anaerobic bacteria developed during this same period in the PYO group. In cows with pyometra, the significant persistent pathogenic bacteria recovered were C pyogenes and gram-negative anaerobic bacteria, especially Fusobacterium necrophorum and Bacteroides melaninogenicus. Anaerobic bacteria were isolated simultaneously with C pyogenes in most cows of the PYO group, but less often in CON and RFM groups, and highest growth levels were present near the time of ovulation. Clinically, pyometra usually developed about 10 days after observation of concurrent ovulation and high growth levels of C pyogenes and gram-negative anaerobic bacteria. A hypothesis is presented for development of pyometra in the cow.

Distribution of oxytetracycline in genital tract tissues of postpartum cows given the drug by intravenous and intrauterine routes

Oxytetracycline (OTC) was administered by constant IV infusion to 3 healthy postpartum cows at rates predicted to approach a steady-state plasma concentration of 5 micrograms/ml. After 8 hours of constant IV infusion, genital tissues were surgically removed. The mean plasma-to-tissue ratios of concentrations of OTC were 0.95, 1.33, 1.88, and 1.04 (2 cows only) for caruncles, endometrium, uterine wall, and ovaries, respectively. Differences between the ratios of any 2 of the uterine tissues were statistically significant (P less than 0.05). Intrauterine (IU) infusions of 5.5 mg of OTC/kg were administered to 3 healthy postpartum cows and 3 postpartum cows with metritis. The mean values of the fraction of the drug absorbed from the uteri of cows given IU infusions of OTC were 0.50 and 0.23 for healthy postpartum cows and postpartum cows with metritis, respectively. Concentrations of OTC were high in the caruncles and endometrium of all cows at 24 hours after IU infusions of the drug. Concentrations in the plasma, uterine wall, and ovaries were low, with mean concentrations of OTC in these tissues in postpartum cows with metritis being lower than those in the same tissues of healthy postpartum cows. Computer-simulated genital tissue concentrations of OTC after twice daily IV doses of 11 mg/kg indicated that this dosage regimen would provide postpartum uterine tissue concentrations greater than 5 micrograms/g throughout the dosage interval in all tissues, except the uterine wall.

Distribution of oxytetracycline in the healthy and diseased postpartum genital tract of cows

Previously determined pharmacokinetic parameters of the disposition of oxytetracycline (OTC) in cows were used to predict an IV priming dose and a rate of constant IV infusion of OTC sufficient to approach steady-state equilibrium of the drug between plasma and genital tissue concentrations in healthy postpartum cows and postpartum cows with endometritis. After 8 hours' constant IV infusion at rates calculated to maintain a plasma concentration of approximately 5 micrograms/ml, the mean concentrations of OTC in plasma (microgram/ml) and tissues (microgram/g) of healthy and infected postpartum cows, respectively, were: plasma, 4.95 and 5.23; uterine tissue, 3.65 and 4.18; and ovarian tissue, 4.57 and 4.53. The mean plasma to genital tissue ratios for healthy and infected postpartum cows, respectively, were 1.38 and 1.31 for uterine tissue and 1.09 and 1.16 for ovarian tissue. There were no significant differences (P greater than 0.28) between healthy and infected postpartum cows in any of the parameters investigated. However, plasma-to-genital tissue ratios of concentrations of OTC in postpartum cows as a group were significantly higher (P less than or equal to 0.03) than those previously determined in cycling cows. Computer-simulated uterine tissue concentrations of OTC, after twice daily IV doses of 11 mg of OTC/kg of body weight, indicated that this dosage regimen would provide postpartum uterine tissue concentrations greater than 5 micrograms/g during most of the dosage interval.

Metritis following parturition: serum progesterone and 17 beta-oestradiol levels. The significance of the corpus luteum and the advisability of using a luteolytic agent as a treatment

A group of 22 postpartum Holstein Friesian cows showing abnormal uterus were divided into two groups and treated with a) PGF(2)alpha or b) diethylstilboestrol and oxytocin. Most blood P(4) values were under 0.5 ng/mL whereas E(2) blood level was higher than in normal cycling cows. The report emphasizes the need for a careful clinical examination in order to apply the proper therapy.

[Relation between endometritis post abortum and oestrogen levels in the plasma (author's transl)]

In 13 patients with abortion in the second to fourth months of pregnancy the variation in oestrogen levels in the plasma was determined before and after abrasion of the abortus, using the radioimmunoassay method, and correlated with the results of histological examination of the abraded parts. Seven women without endometritis revealed high oestrogen concentrations before and after the abrasion (mean (1734 pg/ml or 397 pg/ml, respectively). On the fifth day after abrasion the levels corresponded with those of the proliferation phase of the normal menstrual cycle (mean 115 pg/ml). In six women with histologically established endometritis low oestrogen levels were found before and after the abrasion, the mean values being 101 pg/ml and 36 pg/ml, respectively. On the fifth day the values continued to remain low (average 25 pg/ml). The difference in oestrogen concentrations of both groups was significant and correlated well with the results of histological examination of the abraded parts.

Laboratory diagnosis of canine pyometra

The principal laboratory test used to confirm the pyometra diagnosis in the bitch has been the determination of the total white blood cell count in venous blood. A marked elevation is known to be a characteristic of the disease.

In the present study, the white blood cell count was determined as well as the γ-globulin level. An elevation of the γ-globulin level and the total white blood cell count was very characteristic to the pyometra patients. The increase in the number of white blood cells nor the high γ-globulin level cannot be regarded specific for pyometra, therefore it was regarded important to find out a more specific test for pyometra.

When sonicated E. coli bacteria were tested against sera from pyometra patients in electroimmunodiffusion, the precipitation was almost always detected when E. coli had been isolated from the uterus. This technique provides a quick method in detecting the causative E. coli infection.

The present study suggests that whenever laboratory tests are used to confirm the pyometra diagnosis by the total white blood cell count, it is advantageous to analyze the total γ-globulin level in the serum as well as specific antibodies against a common E. coli antigen.

Because of the reliability of the glutaraldehyde coagulation test and the simple technique, this can be suggested as the method of choice for an average small animal practice.

Some steroids in the blood of mares suffering from endometritis and post-partum mares as compared to normal cycling mares

It appeared that in mares suffering from endometritis the concentrations of pregnenolone, of the compound "5.4", and of progesterone in the blood during the first 2 days of the heat period were significantly higher than in normal cycling mares, in which the concentrations of all steroids were less than or equal to 1 ng/ml. In five endometritis mares the "5.4" and progesterone concentrations decreased after the first days of the heat period, and at about two days before ovulation the values were comparable to those of normal cycling mares. Eight mares suffering from a severe endometritis did not ovulate, their oestrous period was prolonged, and the follicles became atretic. Possibly the relatively high progesterone content found in these mares, caused the reduction of the follicular growth, and this might explain the prolonged oestrous period which is observed in many mares suffering from endometritis. Often we observed in post-partum mares the same changes in concentration as in endometritis mares. An elevated level of these steroids was sometimes found in the blood a few days after foaling and, in four of eight post-partum mares, during the foal heat. Most probably this was caused by infection or stimulation of the uterus. The hypothesis is advanced that progesterone originating in the uterus can influence ovarian activity and that it may be one of the factors responsible for the anoestrous periods which can occur in mares with endometritis and in post-partum mares.

Unconjugated oestrogen and progesterone concentrations in the blood of bitches with false pregnancy and pyometra

The changes in total unconjugated oestrogen and progesterone concentrations in the peripheral blood of one bitch throughout a false pregnancy were measured. The levels of these hormones detected in 11 bitches when examined during a false pregnancy, and in 13 other bitches with pyometa are also reported. Oestrogen and progesterone concentrations were within normal limits in both of these conditions where single samples were obtained, but the bitch with false pregnancy studied in detail showed a raised oestrogen level during metoestrus. The significance of these results is discussed in relation to previous studies on the aetiology of false pregnancy and pyometra.