Rectal and colonic injury in the llama. Anatomic considerations and surgical management in four llamas

Transrectal palpation in llamas can result in iatrogenic rectal and colonic injury. The purpose of this report is to define the caudal extent of the peritoneal cavity in llamas and to describe the surgical management of rectal or colonic injuries in four llamas. Measurements were made of six adult llamas during necropsy. The mean distance from the peritoneal reflection to the anus was 3.9 +/- 0.1 cm (3.4-4.3 cm). Four llamas were examined for rectal or colonic perforations. One laceration was of partial thickness and three lacerations were of full thickness. Two of the defects were repaired by a transanal approach and two by celiotomy to facilitate removal of fecal debris and abdominal lavage. Successful repair of the rectal or colonic tears was achieved in all four llamas. Wound infection and incisional hernia occurred in both llamas that underwent celiotomy. Two llamas died 3 and 18 months later, and two llamas have survived 2 years. Rectal tears in llamas are accompanied by a high risk of peritoneal contamination, and primary closure is recommended. If fecal contamination of the abdomen has occurred, celiotomy is indicated to allow mechanical removal of fecal debris and peritoneal lavage.

Effect of progesterone on ovarian follicles, emergence of follicular waves and circulating follicle-stimulating hormone in heifers

The hypothesis was tested that greater growth of the dominant follicle of wave 1 (first follicular wave of an interovulatory interval), compared with that of subsequent anovulatory waves, is due to lower circulating concentrations of progesterone during the growing phase of the follicle. Control heifers (n = 6) were compared with heifers (n = 6) treated with a decreasing dose of progesterone from day 0 to day 5 (ovulation = day 0). Maximum diameter (12.7 +/- 0.9 versus 15.3 +/- 0.7 mm) and mean diameter of the dominant follicle of wave 1, averaged over days, were smaller (P < 0.05) in the progesterone-treated than in the control group. Progesterone treatment did not suppress circulating follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); but the second FSH surge was earlier, resulting in earlier emergence of wave 2 as indicated by a tendency (P < or = 0.1) for group x day interactions attributed to earlier detection of the dominant follicle and an earlier rise in the total number of follicles detected. The stated hypothesis was supported. We also tested the hypothesis that exposure to low circulating concentrations of progesterone at the end of the growing phase of the anovulatory dominant follicle of wave 1 results in continued growth and prolonged maintenance of the dominant follicle. Heifers (n = 6 per group) were given a luteolytic dose of prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) on day 6 and treated with a low (30 mg day-1), physiological (150 mg day-1), or high (300 mg day-1) dose of progesterone on days 6 to 20. Continued periodic emergence of anovulatory follicular waves occurred (2.1 +/- 0.0 waves, 2.8 +/- 0.2 waves, 3.8 +/- 0.3 waves, respectively; P < 0.05) until treatment was stopped (interovulatory intervals: 26.2 +/- 1.0, 30.8 +/- 0.6 and 40.3 +/- 1.7 days, respectively; P < 0.05). Compared with the physiological dose group, the growth of the dominant follicle was inhibited to a lesser degree in the low-dose group since it grew for longer (P < 0.05) and to a larger diameter (P < 0.05), and persisted for longer (P < 0.05). Prolonged dominance of this oversized (> 20 mm) follicle was associated with delayed emergence of wave 2. The hypothesis was supported. Results also showed that the high dose of progesterone suppressed the dominant follicle more than the physiological dose when given during the growing phase, but not when given after the growing phase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Association between surges of follicle-stimulating hormone and the emergence of follicular waves in heifers

The effects of ablation of a dominant follicle and treatment with follicular fluid on circulating concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were studied and the temporal relationships between surges of FSH and follicular waves were studied in heifers with two or three follicular waves/interovulatory interval. Cauterization of the dominant follicle on Day 3 or Day 5 (ovulation on Day 0) (six control and six treated heifers/day) resulted in a surge (P less than 0.05) in FSH beginning the day after cautery. The FSH surge prior to wave 2 (first post-treatment follicular wave) occurred 4 days (Day 3 cautery) and 2 days (Day 5 cautery) before the surge in control groups, corresponding to a 4-day and a 2-day advance in emergence of wave 2 compared with controls. It was concluded that the dominant follicle on Day 3 and Day 5 was associated with the suppression of circulating FSH concentrations. Heifers (n = 4/group) were untreated or treated intravenously with a proteinaceous fraction of bovine follicular fluid on Days 0-3, 3-6, or 6-11. Concentrations of FSH were suppressed (P less than 0.05) for the duration of treatment, regardless of the days of treatment. Cessation of treatment was followed within 1 day by the start of a surge in FSH. The FSH surge prior to wave 2 occurred 2 days earlier (treatment on Days 0-3), 1 day later (treatment on Days 3-6), and 6 days later (treatment on Days 6-11) than in controls, corresponding to an equivalent advance or delay, respectively, in the emergence of wave 2 compared with controls. The results suggest that the effects of exogenous follicular fluid on follicular development were mediated, in whole or in part, by altering plasma FSH concentrations. Control heifers combined for the two experiments were separated into those with 2-wave (n = 11) or 3-wave (n = 5) interovulatory intervals. Two-wave heifers had two FSH surges and 3-wave heifers had three apparent FSH surges during the interovulatory interval. Results of the cautery and follicular fluid experiments indicated that a surge in FSH necessarily preceded the emergence of a wave. The FSH surges in treated and control heifers began 2-4 days before the detectable (ultrasound) emergence of a follicular wave (follicles of 4 and 5 mm), peaked 1 or 2 days before emergence and began to decrease approximately when the follicles of a wave begin to diverge into a dominant follicle and subordinate follicles (follicles 6-7 mm).

Hemorrhagic ovarian follicles in llamas

The ovaries of 74 llamas were examined daily by transrectal ultrasonography for at least 30 d. Hemorrhagic follicles were observed in 13 (18%) llamas (incidence per anovulatory dominant follicle, 16%). The proportion of llamas in which a hemorrhagic follicle was detected was different among groups (nonmated, 8/25; mated to a vasectomized male, 4/21; mated to an intact male, nonpregnant, 1/10; mated to an intact male, pregnant, 0/18; P<0.05). A hemorrhagic follicle, observed grossly after ovariectomy, was large (13 mm) and fluctuant, with a thin translucent wall and dark red contents. No ovulatory stigma was detected, and after incising the wall, bloody fluid escaped and the follicle collapsed leaving only a small blood clot within the antrum. Ultrasonically, the formation of a hemorrhagic follicle was indicated by scattered free-floating echogenic spots within the follicular antrum which swirled upon ballottement of the ovary. The antral contents appeared to become organized (did not swirl when ballotted) after follicle growth ceased. Ultrasonic indications of antral hemorrhage were not observed in any follicles in which ovulation was later detected (0/45 ovulatory follicles). All of the hemorrhagic follicles (13/13) involved the dominant follicle of a wave during which no copulatory stimulus was applied. Hemorrhagic follicles were apparently anovulatory and were repeatable (P<0.05) within individuals. The interval from first detection to the first day of maximum diameter was longer (P<0.05) and maximum diameter was greater (P<0.0001) for hemorrhagic follicles than nonhemorrhagic follicles (16.4 versus 13.1 d and 22.1 versus 12.8 mm, respectively); however, the interwave interval was not affected by the presence of a hemorrhagic follicle. Luteinization of the hemorrhagic follicle was indicated (thickened wall) in two llamas by an elevated plasma progesterone concentration and/or by ultrasound. By their large size, hemorrhagic follicles may be interpreted as hemorrhagic follicular cysts; however, they were not associated with other ovarian irregularities or with infertility.

Effects of lactational and reproductive status on ovarian follicular waves in llamas (Lama glama)

The effects of lactational status and reproductive status on patterns of follicle growth and regression were studied in 41 llamas. Animals were examined daily by transrectal ultrasonography for at least 30 days. The presence or absence of a corpus luteum and the diameter of the largest and second largest follicle in each ovary were recorded. Llamas were categorized as lactating (N = 16) or non-lactating (N = 25) and randomly allotted to the following groups (reproductive status): (1) unmated (anovulatory group, N = 14), (2) mated by a vasectomized male (ovulatory non-pregnant group, N = 12), (3) mated by an intact male and confirmed pregnant (pregnant group, N = 15). Ovulation occurred on the 2nd day after mating with a vasectomized or intact male in 26/27 (96%) ovulating llamas. Interval from mating to ovulation (2.0 +/- 0.1 days) and growth rate of the preovulatory follicle (0.8 +/- 0.2 mm/day) were not affected by lactational status or the type of mating (vasectomized vs intact male). Waves of follicular activity were indicated by periodic increases in the number of follicles detected and an associated emergence of a dominant follicle that grew to greater than or equal to 7 mm. There was an inverse relationship (r = -0.2; P = 0.002) between the number of follicles detected and the diameter of the largest follicle. Successive dominant follicles emerged at intervals of 19.8 +/- 0.7 days in unmated and vasectomy-mated llamas and 14.8 +/- 0.6 days in pregnant llamas (P = 0.001). Lactation was associated with an interwave interval that was shortened by 2.5 +/- 0.05 days averaged over all groups (P = 0.03). Maximum diameter of anovulatory dominant follicles ranged from 9 to 16 mm and was greater (P less than 0.05) for non-pregnant llamas (anovulatory group, 12.1 +/- 0.4 mm; ovulatory group, 11.5 +/- 0.2 mm) than for pregnant llamas (9.7 +/- 0.2 mm). In addition, lactation was associated with smaller (P less than 0.05) maximum diameter of dominant follicles averaged over all reproductive statuses (10.4 +/- 0.2 vs 11.7 +/- 0.3 mm). The corpus luteum was maintained for a mean of 10 days after ovulation in non-pregnant llamas and to the end of the observational period in pregnant llamas. The presence (ovulatory non-pregnant group) and persistence (pregnant group) of a corpus luteum was associated with a depression in the number of follicles detected and reduced prominence of dominant follicles (anovulatory group greater than ovulatory non-pregnant group greater than pregnant group).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Fractionated radioimmunotherapy of B-cell malignancies with 131I-Lym-1

Eighteen patients with Stage 4 B-cell malignancies, which were primarily of intermediate or high grade and progressive despite multiple drug chemotherapy and external irradiation, were treated with fractionated doses of 131I-labeled Lym-1. Lym-1 is an IgG2a monoclonal antibody that was produced by immunizing mice with Raji cell nuclei that originated from a patient with African Burkitt's lymphoma. Despite advanced disease, 10 of the patients had objective evidence for a complete or partial remission. Toxicity was very modest except in one patient who developed hypotension. Dose-dependent hepatic uptake of Lym-1 was observed in the patients and in BALB/c mice suggesting receptor-mediated recognition of this murine antibody.

In situ morphologic dynamics of ovaries, uterus, and cervix in llamas

The morphologic appearance of the ovaries, uterus, and cervix of nonpregnant and pregnant (less than 50 days) llamas (n = 21) were monitored daily by transrectal ultrasonography, and uterine tone was monitored by transrectal digital palpation. Follicle size and the presence or absence of corpora lutea were recorded and related to changes in morphology of uterus and cervix. Emphasis was given to the dynamics of curling of uterine horns and changes in uterine tone. For statistical purposes, uterine and cervical characteristics were scored 1 to 4 (minimal to maximal). Data were placed into 1 of the following reproductive statuses: 1) follicular dominance, 2) luteal dominance, and 3) pregnancy. Follicles were characteristically arranged along the periphery of the ovary, and large follicles and the corpus luteum protruded distinctly from the ovarian surface. The preovulatory follicle grew at a mean rate of 0.7 mm/day and the average diameter on the day before ovulation was 10.6 +/- 0.9 mm. Ovulation (Day 0) was detected an average of 1.8 days after a single mating. The mature corpus luteum was 11-13 mm in diameter and was characteristically hypoechogenic with a white (echogenic) horizontal area in the center. Pregnancy was detected as early as 11 days post-mating and all (7/7) singleton embryonic vesicles were detected in the left uterine horn. Uterine and cervical echotexture was darker (p less than 0.01) during follicular dominance than during luteal dominance and pregnancy, indicating a decrease in tissue interfaces or an increase in intercellular fluid during follicular dominance. The cervical folds became echogenic and prominent during luteal dominance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of mass of 111In-benzyl-EDTA monoclonal antibody on hepatic uptake and processing in mice

In patients, the pharmacokinetic behavior of murine monoclonal antibodies has been observed to vary with the amount of antibody administered. It has been suggested that this reflects human recognition of the foreign mouse protein. We have found that the amount of antibody administered also influenced pharmacokinetic behavior when murine monoclonal antibody was administered to mice. p-Isothiocyanatobenzyl-EDTA, a new chelator which forms complexes with 111In that are stable in vivo, was conjugated to Lym-1, a murine anti-Burkitt's lymphoma monoclonal antibody. The pharmacokinetics of two doses (20 and 0.2 micrograms) of the 111In labeled radiopharmaceutical were studied in non-tumor bearing BALB/c mice. About 20% (0.04 microgram) of the 0.2-microgram dose, compared with 8% (1.6 micrograms) of the 20-micrograms dose, was found in the liver at 48 h after injection. Both doses demonstrated a biological half-life of approximately 120 h. At least 75% of the 111In was excreted by the kidneys, and essentially all 111In in the urine remained chelated by the EDTA portion of p-isothiocyanatobenzyl-EDTA. From these observations of a dose dependent uptake of this radiopharmaceutical by the liver we conclude that there is a recognition phenomenon in mice for this murine monoclonal antibody.

Efficacy of intrauterine infusion of plasma for treatment of infertility and endometritis in mares

We evaluated the efficacy of intrauterine plasma infusion in mares as a treatment for infertility caused by endometritis and distinguished the effects of intrauterine infusion of plasma vs saline solution. Forty-three subfertile mares were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: untreated controls (n = 14), those treated by saline infusion (n = 14), and those treated by plasma infusion (n = 15). Reproductive status was assessed daily by transrectal ultrasonography. Uterine aspirates and biopsy specimens were obtained 8 days after ovulation for cytologic and histologic evaluation, and mares were treated on days 12 to 16. Uterine aspirates and biopsy specimens were obtained again on day 8 of the next estrous cycle, and the mares were bred at the subsequent estrus. A postovulation intrauterine infusion of either plasma or saline solution was administered to mares in their respective treatment groups. Biopsy specimens were scored from 1 (no indications of inflammation) to 6 (severe inflammation). The pregnancy rate was lower (P less than 0.005) for mares with scores 5 and 6 (0/5) than for those with scores 1 to 4 (17/35). There was no significant effect of treatment nor a treatment by biopsy score interaction on pregnancy rate; however, the pregnancy rate for mares treated with plasma or saline solution (9/27) tended to be lower than for the control (untreated) mares (8/13). There was no change in mean biopsy score between specimens obtained before treatment and those obtained after treatment for the control group and the group treated with saline solution; however, there was a significant increase (P less than 0.05) in scores in the group treated with plasma.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of different linkages between chelates and monoclonal antibodies on levels of radioactivity in the liver

After injection of radiometal labeled antibodies, the radionuclide accumulates in the liver. This might be altered by a metabolizable linkage between metal chelate and antibody. Four benzyl-EDTA chelating agents were synthesized and conjugated to mouse monoclonal antibody Lym-1. Liver uptake of 111In in nontumored mice 72 h after injection was 2.2, 13.4, 7.6 and 20% for disulfide, thioether, thiourea or peptide linkages, respectively. 111In excreted in the urine was still in the benzyl-EDTA chelate form, as shown by binding to a specific anti-chelate antibody.

Reproductive physiology of the nonpregnant mare. An overview and update

This article reviews the reproductive events in the nonpregnant mare with emphasis on recent advances. The discussion is restricted to the salient features of puberty (prenatal and prepubertal events), seasonality (gonadotropins, photoperiod, and other modifying factors), and the estrous cycle (hormones, estrus, diestrus, and the control of cyclicity) in the nonpregnant mare.

Balling gun-induced trauma of the pharynx in feedlot cattle

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Copper-67-labeled monoclonal antibody Lym-1, a potential radiopharmaceutical for cancer therapy: labeling and biodistribution in RAJI tumored mice

Copper-67 (67Cu) is one of the most promising radiometals for radioimmunotherapy because of its 61.5 hr physical half-life, abundant beta particles, and gamma emissions suitable for imaging. However, 67Cu is readily transferred from the usual chelates of EDTA or DTPA to albumen. We developed a new macrocycle (6-p-nitrobenzyl-TETA) to chelate copper. Bifunctional chelating agent p-bromoacetamidobenzyl-TETA was conjugated to Lym-1, a monoclonal antibody against human B cell lymphoma, without significantly altering its immunoreactivity. This conjugate was stably labeled with 67Cu under conditions chosen to optimize the yield of a high specific activity radiopharmaceutical. The biodistribution in RAJI tumor bearing mice demonstrated significant tumor uptake (14.7% ID per gram) and extended residence time (120 hr) in contrast to normal organs. After 24 hr, radioactivity was continuously cleared from all tissues except the tumor. This study suggests 67Cu labeled Lym-1 to be a promising radiopharmaceutical for potential use for radioimmunotherapy of B cell lymphoma.

Role of progesterone in mobility, fixation, orientation, and survival of the equine embryonic vesicle

Luteal progesterone was removed by an injection of prostaglandin F2alpha or bilateral ovariectomy on Day 12 of pregnancy in pony mares. The embryonic vesicle remained mobile in the uterus until loss occurred on Days 13, 13, 15, or 19 in four prostaglandin-treated mares and Days 15, 17, 19, or 26 in four ovariectomized mares. Exogenous progesterone given daily, starting on Day 12, maintained pregnancy until Day 40 in five of five prostaglandin-treated and three of four ovariectomized mares. During two-hour mobility trials on Day 14, embryonic vesicles in mares without luteal or exogenous progesterone (n=9) moved to a different uterine segment less frequently (mean number of location changes per two-hour trial: 7.2+/-1.0 vs 10.4+/-1.1, P<0.05) and were observed more often in the uterine body (14.9+/-2.9 vs 8.9+/-1.3, P<0.10) compared to vesicles in mares with a progesterone influence (n=15). Of mares that still had a vesicle present on Day 18, fixation occurred by Day 17 in all (12/12) mares under the influence of luteal or exogenous progesterone but failed to occur in the three mares that were not under progesterone influence. Progesterone replacement was started on Day 16 in three mares that received prostaglandin F2alpha on Day 12 and still had a vesicle on Day 16. The vesicle was maintained and continued to develop in all three mares, indicating that the vesicles were viable four days after PGF2alpha treatment. However, fixation tended to be delayed (P<0.15) and orientation of the embryo proper was altered (P<0.005) compared to mares that were continuously under the influence of progesterone. The results demonstrated the importance of luteal progesterone to mobility, fixation, orientation, and survival of the embryonic vesicle.