Influence of 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 on morphology and brush border enzymes of small-bowel mucosa. Differences in reactivity between adult and suckling rats

High doses of 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E2 (dmPGE) are trophic to the small bowel of adult and suckling rats. In suckling rats this effect is paralleled by an increase in brush border enzyme activities, possibly indicating accelerated mucosal maturation. To investigate the possible physiological significance of this phenomenon, we examined whether this induction of intestinal enzyme activities can be reproduced in adult rats and whether cell growth and enzyme activity might be suppressed by indomethacin. Treatment twice daily for 2 weeks with 100 micrograms/kg dmPGE by intragastric instillation increased villus length in the proximal and distal small bowel by 36% and 40%, respectively, while 2 mg/kg indomethacin by subcutaneous injection had no effect. Maltase, trehalase, lactase, and sucrase activities were unchanged after dmPGE or indomethacin. [3H]-thymidine incorporation into DNA was not significantly influenced for up to 24 h after a single dose of both 100 micrograms/kg PGE intragastrically or 10 mg/kg indomethacin subcutaneously. These studies confirm that in adult rats large doses of 16,16-dm PGE2 increase the volume of the small-bowel mucosa. In contrast to the situation in suckling rats, the activity of hydrolytic brush border enzymes is not increased. There is thus no evidence that endogenous prostaglandins are trophic or influence brush border enzymes in the adult rat.

Detection of antibodies against membrane-glycoproteins of swine erythrocytes after experimental infection with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

During enzootic pneumonia of pig, antibodies against membrane glycoproteins of erythrocytes were detected with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These antibodies arise simultaneously with the specific antibodies. They are not identical to cold agglutinins.

Simple gastroscopy technique in the rat

We present a simple method for gastroscopy in the anesthetized rat using an implanted gastric cannula, a standard rigid arthroscope, and a newly designed valve system. The method allows high-quality endoscopy and photo documentation, large-size biopsies, electrocoagulation and fluid collection. Repeated gastroscopy in the same animal is easy and well tolerated.

Plasmid profiles of Staphylococcus aureus causing bovine mastitis

Plasmid profiles of Staphylococcus aureus, isolated from herds affected with chronic bovine mastitis, are heterogeneous, as shown by the study of 85 strains from 18 different farms. The strains isolated within a herd sometimes show related plasmid patterns, although even strains isolated from different quarters of the same udder may show variations in their plasmid content. Strains without antibiotic resistance are frequently free of plasmids. Therefore, the existence of mastitis Staph. aureus virulence plasmids is unlikely. Staphylococcus aureus, resistant to penicillin and streptomycin from 9 different farms show related plasmid patterns. This result confirms a geographic spread of certain mastitis Staph. aureus strains.

Metabolic products of microorganisms. 224. Bafilomycins, a new group of macrolide antibiotics. Production, isolation, chemical structure and biological activity

The bafilomycins A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2, a new type of macrolide antibiotics with a 16-membered lactone ring, were isolated from the fermentation broth of three Streptomyces griseus strains (TU 1922, TU 2437, TU 2599) by ethyl acetate extraction and column chromatography on silica gel. The bafilomycins exhibit activity against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi. Physico-chemical data, chemical structures and biological activities are reported.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, using an EDTA-extracted antigen for the serology of Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was proposed as an alternative to the complement-fixation test (CF) for the detection of antibodies of Haemophilus pleuropneumoniae, agent of the pleuropneumonia in pigs. In tests done with different antigen-extraction procedures (including Tween 20, sodium dodecyl sulfate, aqueous phenol, sonification, and heat treatment at 120 C), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) provided a satisfactorily reactive antigen. Chromatography purification on Sephacryl S200 improved the specificity of this antigen. Using hyperimmune rabbit sera, we investigated the specificity and the sensitivity of the ELISA with the EDTA-purified antigen of the different serotypes of H pleuropneumoniae on selected swine sera in herds with confirmed H pleuropneumoniae infection, from specific-pathogen-free animals showing doubtful CF reactions. The ELISA proved to be highly specific and more sensitive than the CF test. Furthermore, evidence of cross-reactions with H parasuis, a common bacteria isolated in swine populations, was not found.