Sequence of an exon of the feline p53 gene--mutation in a lymphosarcoma

Exon 8 of tumour suppressor gene p53 was sequenced in domestic cats and showed remarkable similarity to the human sequence. Only four of the 13 nucleotide differences gave rise to interspecific amino acid differences. In an investigated lymphosarcoma we detected a mutation cgg --> tgg (arginine --> tryptophan) in codon no. 282.

Simultaneous genotyping of sex and kappa-casein of bovine in vitro fertilized embryos by the PCR technique

Sex and the kappa-casein genotype of in vitro produced cattle demiembryos was identified by simultaneous PCR-genotyping using polymorphic sites in ZFY/ZFX and kappa-casein genes. We obtained PCR products of 530 bp (kappa-casein) and of 445/447 bp (sex). Sex and the two kappa-casein alleles could be identified after digestion of the PCR products with Pstl and simultaneous separation of the restriction fragments on one step, allowing a rapid and efficient analyses of embryos.

[Pets as permanent excretors of zoonoses pathogens]

When scrutinizing zoonoses with regard to risks for human beings, the spectrum of pathogens with dogs, cats and birds leading to persistent infections and consequently to the fact that the animals become carriers and permanent excretors is relatively small. Most of the zoonoses cause clinical symptoms and will be taken care of correspondingly. With regard to dogs there is a multitude of persistent infections that are transferred from the pet to the human being and vice versa. In reality, however, the importance of the dog as permanent excretor of zoonosis pathogens endangering human health is minimal, except for some parasitoses. As far as cats are concerned, the situation is totally different. Cats are carriers and permanent excretors of pasteurella, the pathogens of the so-called cat-scratch disease, trichophyton and microsporum species, toxoplasmosis and orthopox viruses. The new zoonosis feline pox serves as an example of the necessity of a permanent observation of persistently infected pets. Healthy, but persistently infected birds form a source of infection not to be underestimated. Through the beat of their wings they constantly stir up dried infectious excrements and dust and thus favour the airborn infection of human beings. Chlamydia psittaci, the Newcastle disease virus and Mycobacterium avium are of major importance in this context. The risk of transferring zoonosis pathogens from persistently infected pets to human beings can be minimized through prophylactic diagnosis, strict measures of hygiene, observation of the schedule of vaccinations for the respective species and regular use of anthelmintica.

Characterization of a new repetitive sequence that is enriched on microchromosomes of turkey

We cloned and characterized a new highly repetitive, species-specific DNA sequence from turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). This repeat family, which accounts for approximately 5% of the turkey genome, consists of a 41 bp repeated element that is present in tandem arrays longer than 23 kb. In situ hybridization to turkey metaphase chromosomes (2n = 80) demonstrated that this sequence was located primarily on certain microchromosomes: approximately one-third of the 66 microchromosomes showed a positive signal. With respect to the macrochromosomes, hybridization was seen only in a pericentric position on nos. 2 and 3. The turkey microchromosome (TM) sequence shares motifs (alternating A3-5 and T3-5 clusters separated by 6-8 bp) that have been found previously in other avian tandemly repeated elements, e.g. a chicken microchromosomes sequence, and W (female) chromosome-specific sequences of chicken and turkey. However, the TM sequence does not cross-hybridize under moderately stringent conditions with these other sequences. The spread and amplification of related repetitive sequence elements on microchromosomes and W chromosomes is discussed.

Cardiac function, morphology and chromosomal aberrations in a calf with ectopia cordis cervicalis

A male calf with ectopia cordis cervicalis inferior was investigated clinically, hemodynamically, and morphologically from the 3rd day of age until slaughter at the age of 22 months. Arterial hypertension (mean AOP 140 mm Hg), concentric myocardial hypertrophy and good ventricular contractility with normal valve function were found. Normal clinical condition at rest (cardiac output 48 l/min in the 600 kg bullock), but cyanosis and dyspnea during physical exercise were observed. Variations in the large vessels, such as persistence of the right cranial caval vein and one common pulmonary vein emptying into the left atrium, were found. Abrupt caliber differences of large arterial vessels together with a right angled aortic arch were observed, presumably contributing to increased afterload. The cytogenetic analysis showed the presence of a small marker chromosome leading to a chromosome number of 61 in a fraction of metaphases (mosaicism). Moreover, chromosome breakages were observed in many cells. From the 5 cows which were inseminated, 3 became pregnant. Ectopia cordis was not observed in any offspring. We conclude that in this animal compensated cardiac insufficiency with peripheral hypertension was established.

Analysis of complex cytogenetic alterations in three canine mammary sarcomas

Cells of mammary sarcomas in three dogs were analysed cytogenetically. In an osteoidsarcoma, hyperdiploidy with a range of 92 to 98 chromosomes, and several structural aberrations (for example, a derivative chromosome 1, isochromosome 13 and several bi-armed markers) were observed. Isochromosome 13 was also present in a case of an osteoidchondrosarcoma. In a case of chondro-osteosarcoma both hypodiploidy with a chromosome range of 60 to 66 and hyperdiploidy with a range of 115 to 128 and several centric fusions were observed.

Cytogenetic characterization of the Madin-Darby bovine kidney cell line

The permanent bovine cell line, Madin-Darby bovine kidney, was cytogenetically analyzed. Chromosomal staining indicated 52 metaphase chromosomes with variations from 49 to 54. The isochromosomes 5, 12, and 13, and centric fusions between chromosomes 1 and 26, 9 and 11, 9 and 24, 17 and 25, 18 and 23, 20 and 24, and 24 and 27 were considered marker chromosomes.

Preoperative evaluation of bronchogenic carcinoma: value of MR in T- and N-staging

Seventy consecutive patients with a bronchogenic carcinoma, in whom chest radiographs did not allow a sufficient evaluation of primary tumor localization or extension were examined by MR (1T). All diagnoses were confirmed by operation and histopathologic examination (Stage T1: 6 patients, Stage T2: 36 patients, Stage T3: 19 patients, Stage T4: 9 patients). T-staging was correct in 79% of patients. Significant infiltration of major bronchi, of the pericardium, heart, mediastinal fat and chest wall can be visualized with a reasonable degree of accuracy. N-staging based on lymph-node size was correct in 56%. A correlation between lymph-node size and metastatic involvement was not found. MR is limited by the spatial resolution, by the lack of tissue specificity and by artifacts. MR is a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the primary tumor extension, however, especially in borderline cases histopathologic examination is required. A reliable N-staging is not possible based on lymph-node size measurement.

Cytogenetic studies in a canine malignant melanoma

In a 13-year-old, male rough-haired Dachshund with a malignant melanoma, cytogenetic evaluation of tumour cells showed hyperdiploidy (79 to 81 chromosomes) in 50 per cent of the metaphases. Several bi-armed chromosomes (centric fusions, one isochromosome and two unidentified markers) were observed.

Trisomy 2 in three cases of canine haemangiopericytoma

Two female (12 and 14 years old) and one male dog (10 years old) developed haemangiopericytomas. Three copies of chromosome 2 were present in the tumours of all three dogs. Additional alterations were an interstitially deleted chromosome 1, centric fusions 3/34 and 8/15, isochromosome 32 and two unidentified marker chromosomes (M1, M2) in one bitch. In the other bitch, the additional alterations were trisomy 37, centric fusions 8/38 and 30/31, and a derivative chromosome 13 (der13). In the male dog, tandem fusion 2/19 was present in addition to two structurally normal chromosomes 2.

Characterisation of complex karyotype changes in two canine bone tumours

Two dogs developed osteosarcomas. In both cases, the cytogenetic analysis revealed the presence of numerically and structurally altered karyotypes. The chromosome ranges were 90 to 99 and 65 to 67, respectively. Centric fusions frequently identified were 1/3, 1/30 and 2/9 in one case, 3/19, 12/18 and 13/17 in the other.

Cytogenetic analysis of a canine haemangioendothelioma: a case report

An 8-year-old German Shepherd bitch developed a haemangioendothelioma in the mammary region. The cytogenetic characterization of the tumour cells revealed a chromosome number of 80 plus a double minute. Several aberrations were detected: trisomies 4, 35, and 38, a centric fusion 8/22 and a tandem translocation 9/23.

Near triploidy in a feline fibrosarcoma

A seven-year-old male cat developed a subcutaneous fibrosarcoma. The numerical cytogenetic evaluation of the tumour revealed the presence of 69.2% of cells in the near-triploid chromosome range between 51 and 64. The copy numbers of the different chromosomes were widely distributed from monosomies up to heptasomies. Two giant chromosomes were regularly present.

Chromosomal hyperdiploidy in a feline sarcoma

An eight-year-old male cat developed a sarcoma. The cytogenetic evaluation of the tumour cells showed the presence of hyperdiploidy (range 40 to 46 chromosomes). This hyperdiploidy was encountered in all the cells examined. Extra-chromosomes numbers C1, C2, B4, D4 and E3 were mainly responsible for the hyperdiploid chromosomal complements. There was a high incidence of monosomy E3.

[Paramunization of FeLV-positive cats with PIND-AVI]

84 FeLV-positive cats were continually treated with the paramunity inducer (immunomodulator) PIND-AVI (23 healthy cats once a week, 61 diseased cats up to 3 times a week), the frequency depending on their general condition. The ELISA control tests were repeated after 4 to 6 weeks. Paramunization was continued in cats still viremic until remission of viremia. 21 healthy cats already reacted negatively to the first control ELISA, the 2 others after 8 weeks of paramunization. Within an observation time of 18 to 30 months there were no relapses. 49 of the 61 diseased cats (80.3%) reacted negatively to the first control. 5 cats (8.2%) had died at the beginning of the treatment. 5 cats (8.2%) showed a remission of viremic after being paramunized continually for 7 to 20 weeks. 2 cats (3.3%) remained viremic throughout the observation time (more than 2 years). None of the animals had a relapse. Neither had any of 9 chronically diseased cats, known to have been viremic for 3 to 12 months at the beginning of paramunization. The importance of the results of these paramunization tests for the treatment of various retrovirus infections of human beings and animals is briefly discussed.

Characterisation of complex karyotype changes in a canine thyroid adenoma

A 14-year-old German shepherd dog developed an alveolar adenoma of the thyroid. The cytogenetic evaluation of the tumour cells showed two ranges of chromosome numbers. Centric fusions 2/32, 5/26, 6/11, 8/11, 9/23 and 14/31 were G-band identified in this complex change of karyotype.

Cytogenetic characterization of mammary tumors in two domestic dogs

Tumor cells of two cases of mammary neoplasms in dog were investigated cytogenetically. An 11-year-old cocker spaniel showed a marked X-chromosome in most metaphases (80%). In a 12-year-old poodle, tumor cells with the following abnormalities were found: trisomy 1, monosomy X and two marker chromosomes.

Treatment of chronic stomatitis of cats by local paramunization with PIND-ORF

33 cats, suffering from chronic stomatitis, were treated with orally given paramunity inducer PIND-ORF (local paramunization). As a control 39 cats in the same practice were treated with other conventional methods. The reconvalescence rate (healing without rezidives) of experimental animals was 42%. From control animals only 13% reached this status. Oral paramunization with PIND-ORF is recommended as an alternative treatment for hitherto existing therapeutic measures against chronic stomatitis.

[Pneumarthro-computed tomography in the diagnosis of recurring luxations and instabilities of the shoulder]

32 patients in whom recurrent dislocations or instability of the shoulder had been diagnosed, were examined via CT. Air was used as contrast agent. The results of pneumarthro-CT were re-checked 28 times by surgery and 6 times by arthroscopy. In all cases, Hill-Sachs defects and bony Bankart lesions had been correctly diagnosed. There were no faulty findings. Rate of accuracy of CT in detecting ruptures of the joint capsule from the neck of the scapula was 94%, in detecting lesions of the labrum glenoidale 88%, and in imaging an extended joint capsule 84%.

[NMR tomography of vena cava thrombi: clinical significance in the differential diagnosis and therapy]

31 patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma underwent abdominal MRI which were examined by an independent experienced radiologist and compared with the intraoperative findings. 12 of 13 vena caval tumor thrombi were diagnosed correctly, 1 small tumor thrombus in a case with large retroperitoneal lymph nodes compressing the vena cava could not be detected. The extension of the tumor in the vena cava could exactly be described in topographic relation to liver, diaphragm and right atrium which is important for planning the operative procedure.