Immobilization of captive Persian fallow deer (Dama dama mesopotamica) using medetomidine-ketamine or medetomidine-midazolam

Glatiramer Acetate Immunomodulation: Evidence of Neuroprotection and Cognitive Preservation

Novel, neuroprotective uses of Copaxone (generic name: glatiramer acetate-GA) are being examined, primarily in neurological conditions involving cognitive decline. GA is a well-studied synthetic copolymer that is FDA-approved for immune-based treatment of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Clinical studies have explored the potential mechanism of action (MOA) and outcomes of GA immunization in patients. Furthermore, results from these and animal studies suggest that GA has a direct immunomodulatory effect on adaptive and innate immune cell phenotypes and responses. These MOAs have been postulated to have a common neuroprotective impact in several neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Notably, several clinical studies report that the use of GA mitigated MS-associated cognitive decline. Its propensity to ameliorate neuro-proinflammatory and degenerative processes ignites increased interest in potential alternate uses such as in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Preclinical studies are exploring less frequent subcutaneous administration of GA, such as once weekly or monthly or a single dosing regimen. Indeed, cognitive functions were found to be either preserved, reversed, or improved after the less frequent treatment regimens with GA in animal models of AD. In this systematic review, we examine the potential novel uses of GA across clinical and pre-clinical studies, with evidence for its beneficial impact on cognition. Future investigation in large-size, double-blind clinical trials is warranted to establish the impact of GA immunomodulation on neuroprotection and cognitive preservation in various neurological conditions.

CARDIORESPIRATORY EFFECTS OF DEXMEDETOMIDINE-MIDAZOLAM AND REVERSAL WITH ATIPAMEZOLE IN CAPTIVE BROWN BROCKET DEER (MAZAMA GOUAZOUBIRA)

Ketamine-free, midazolam-based protocols have successfully immobilized cervids in the past but their impact on physiological function has not yet been thoroughly investigated. Six deer received IM dexmedetomidine (30.96 ± 3.06 µg/kg) and midazolam (0.31 ± 0.03 mg/kg). Heart rates (HR), respiratory rates (f ), rectal temperature, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were recorded 25 min after drug delivery (T25) and every 5 min until T55. An arterial blood sample was collected at T40. Mean HR and temperature significantly decreased throughout sedation, but were maintained above critical values (> 60 beats/ min and 37°C, respectively). Although not statistically different, f clinically decreased during sedation. MAP remained within acceptable ranges (60-80 mmHg) and SpO₂ above 95%. Mean PaO₂ was normal (>80 mmHg), but a mild hypoxemia was observed on two occasions. Recovery was smooth yet prolonged, as the first head movement, attempt to stand, sternal recumbency, and standing position were recorded within 9.36 ± 3.47, 10.32 ± 1.37, 13.13 ± 2.70, and 15.34 ± 2.57 min after IM atipamezole, respectively. This protocol was effective for short-term procedures in captive brown brocket deer, and appeared to be safe on the basis of arterial blood gases and cardiorespiratory variables.