Calculation of force and power during bench throws using a Smith machine: the importance of considering the effect of counterweights

For achieving accurate and safe measurements of the force and power exerted on a load during resistance exercise, the Smith machine has been used instead of free weights. However, because some Smith machines possess counterweights, the equation for the calculation of force and power in this system should be different from the one used for free weights. The purpose of this investigation was to calculate force and power using an equation derived from a dynamic equation for a Smith machine with counterweights and to determine the differences in force and power calculated using 2 different equations. One equation was established ignoring the effect of the counterweights (Method 1). The other equation was derived from a dynamic equation for a barbell and counterweight system (Method 2). 9 female collegiate judo athletes performed bench throws using a Smith machine with a counterweight at 6 different loading conditions. Barbell displacement was recorded using a linear position transducer. The force and power were subsequently calculated by Methods 1 and 2. The results showed that the mean and peak power and force in Method 1 were significantly lower relative to those of Method 2 under all loading conditions. These results indicate that the mean and peak power and force during bench throwing using a Smith machine with counterweights would be underestimated when the calculations used to determine these parameters do not account for the effect of counterweights.

Experimental Infection of Dirofilaria immitis in Raccoon Dogs

Canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a nematode that naturally parasitizes in the pulmonary arteries and the right ventricle of domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) as final hosts. Japanese raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus) also are known to be susceptible to infection by the parasite. However, prevalence of this infection among free-ranging raccoon dogs is low and so is the worm burden. To examine the susceptibility of the raccoon dog to D. immitis infection, 3 raccoon dogs and 2 beagles were inoculated 4 times with 25 third-stage larvae (L3s) of D. immitis at 3-wk intervals. Worms were recovered from 2 raccoon dogs and both domestic dogs. The average percentage of recovery (2.3%) of the raccoon dogs was almost 10 times lower (24.5%) than that of the domestic dogs, but there was no significant difference in the body length of worms recovered from 2 types of hosts. To examine microfilaremia, 2 raccoon dogs were infected with 100 L3s. Microfilaremia was observed for 180 days postinoculation (PI) but disappeared at about 300 days PI. The raccoon dog was mildly susceptible to infection with D. immitis, but surviving worms developed and matured normally.

DNA sequence diversity of intergenic spacer 1 region in the non-lipid-dependent speciesMalasseziapachydermatisisolated from animals

The non-lipid-dependent species Malassezia pachydermatis is frequently isolated from animals. We analyzed the DNA sequences of the intergenic spacer (IGS) 1 region, which is the most variable region in the rRNA gene, of 43 M. pachydermatis strains obtained from dogs or cats. The lengths of the IGS 1 regions ranged from 552 to 898 bp and, based on the nucleotide sequence, these IGS 1 regions were divided into three major groups with 10 subtypes. Group 1 (552-601 bp long) was characterized by the short sequence repeat (CAGCA)n and had four to 14 repeats, and Group 3 (749-898 bp long), which included the neotype strain of M. pachydermatis, was characterized by the sequence (CAGCATAACATAACACACAACA)n in the IGS1 region. Group 2 possessed partial sequences of both Groups 1 and 3. Each group shared only 41.7-55.4% similarity in the IGS1 region with the other groups. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and D1/D2 26S rDNA in the rRNA gene were also sequenced for representative strains in each IGS group. The groups were distinguished by both ITS (698-712 bp long including 5.8S rDNA) and D1/D2 26S rDNA (624 bp long) sequences with sequence similarities of 91.7-96.0% and 99.7-99.0%, respectively. Our results indicate that the sequence of the IGS region of M. pachydermatis has a remarkable intraspecies diversity, compared with ITS or D1/D2 26S rDNA, and that multiple genotypic strains of M. pachydermatis colonize animal skin.

Oral immunization of BALB/c mice with Giardia duodenalis recombinant cyst wall protein inhibits shedding of cysts

The process of encystation is a key step in the Giardia duodenalis life cycle that allows this intestinal protozoan to survive between hosts during person-to-person, animal-to-person, waterborne, or food-borne transmission. The release of cysts from infected persons and animals is the main contributing factor to contamination of the environment. Genes coding for cyst wall proteins (CWPs), which could be used for developing a transmission-blocking vaccine, have been cloned. Since the immunogenicity of recombinant Giardia CWP is unknown, we have investigated the immunogenicity of recombinant CWP2 (rCWP2) and its efficacy in interfering with the phenomenon of encystation taking place in the small bowels of BALB/c mice vaccinated with the recombinant protein. Here we report that the immunization of BALB/c mice with rCWP2 stimulated the immune system in a manner comparable to that for a live infection with Giardia muris cysts. Fecal and serum anti-rCWP2 immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies were detected in the immunized mice. In addition, anti-rCWP2 IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies were detected in the serum. mRNAs coding for Th1 and Th2 types of cytokines were detected in spleen and Peyer's patch cells from immunized mice. When the vaccinated mice were challenged with live cysts, the animals shed fewer cysts. We conclude that rCWP2 is a possible candidate antigen for the development of a transmission-blocking vaccine.

Decreased expression of MAP-2 and GAD in the brain of cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus

HIV-1 infection is often complicated by the dysfunction of central nervous system (CNS). Degenerative neuronal changes as well as neuronal loss have been documented in individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) causes similar CNS manifestation and FIV infected cats provide an animal model for human immunodeficiency virus infection in humans. In this study, we examined the brain of FIV-infected cats and controls with immunohistochemical techniques using antibodies to microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). We found a significant decrease in expression of MAP-2 and GAD in neurons of infected animals compared to controls. In contrast, the expression of neurofilaments and glial fibrillary acidic protein was rather increased. The changes observed in the brain were similar to those seen in humans undergoing the normal aging process as well as those suffering from neurological diseases like Alzheimer's disease and other dementing disorders. These changes in the feline brain give insight into the deleterious effects of FIV on the CNS.

CXCR4 is the primary receptor for feline immunodeficiency virus in astrocytes

Feline astrocytes were productively infected with the Crandell feline kidney (CrFK) cell-adapted feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) Petaluma strain in a primary culture. They expressed mRNA of CXCR4, and the FIV infection was blocked by stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha (SDF-1alpha), SDF-1beta, or the bicyclam AMD3100 in a dose-dependent manner. These observations suggest that, like FIV infection in CrFK cells and lymphocytes, the virus uses CXCR4 as a primary receptor for infecting astrocytes and this can be a possible natural model for AIDS dementia complex.

Quantitative analysis of microfilarial periodicity of Dirofilaria immitis in cats

Microfilarial periodicity of Dirofilaria immitis in the venous blood of infected cats was analyzed by a trigonometric model. Cats were infected by subcutaneous transplantation with 120-day-old juvenile D. immitis. Microfilariae in the blood were first observed 98 days after transplantation. Blood was collected at 4h intervals for a 24h period, and examinations were repeated five times in two cats. The calculated periodicity index was 75.1 and 50.3 in these two cats. The estimated hour of peak microfilarial density ranged from 1.00 to 2.84h. Thus, the periodicity of microfilariae of D. immitis in the blood of cats was characterized as nocturnally sub-periodic.

Prevalence of dirofilarial infection in raccoon dogs in Japan

The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides viverrinus) is known to acquire canine heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection. We surveyed the prevalence of heartworm infection in free-ranging raccoon dogs in the Nishi-Tama (Tokyo) and Kanagawa areas of Japan. A total of 75 raccoon dog carcasses, including 29 animals from the Nishi-Tama area and 46 from the Kanagawa area, were necropsied between 1992 and 1993. Eight out of 75 raccoon dogs were found to be infected (overall 10.7%). The prevalence of infection was 6 and 16% in Nishi-Tama and Kanagawa, respectively. Microfilarial production was observed in the uterus of one female adult dog.

Extensibility of the supraspinatus muscle with a rotator cuff tear evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract An estimate of the extensibility of the supraspinatus muscle after a rotator cuff tear is useful in selecting the most appropriate operative procedure and the prognosis after surgery. We studied the relationship between the morphological findings of the supraspinatus muscle on magnetic resonance imaging and its elongation length. Twenty-one shoulders of 20 patients with massive rotator cuff tears were scanned parallel to the long axis of the supraspinatus muscle. The ratio of the largest width of the supraspinatus muscle belly to the distance from the greater tuberosity to the proximal end of the supraspinatus muscle was termed the supraspinatus muscle belly ratio. The appearance of linear bands and the degree of retraction of the tendon of the supraspinatus muscle were analyzed. The extensibility of the supraspinatus muscle decreased when the degree of retracted tendon was high, while no correlation was found with the length of the rotator cuff defect, the supraspinatus muscle belly ratio, or the appearance of linear bands.

Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from a South American sea lion (Otaria byronia) with dermatitis

A fungus was isolated from the skin of an Otaria byronia and from the water of the pool in which the animal was kept. It formed creamy colonies with soft texture on Dixon agar and grew well without supplements of long-chain fatty acids. Cells were ovoid to cylindrical in shape, budded from a broad base, and budded and divided at the same location. Thus, the isolate was identified as M. pachydermatis. We compared this very rare isolate from a marine mammal with four strains of M. pachydermatis using the freeze-etching electron-microscopy technique. The cells showed the same characteristic ring-swellings on the protoplasmic membrane on the neck site between the mother and the daughter parts, and the same accumulation of circumvallate bulgings in a small area near the straight sections of spiral grooves as four reference strains. Thus, in terms of morphology and ultrastructure, the isolate could be regarded as a typical M. pachydermatis.

Serial analysis of gene expression in a microglial cell line

We used the serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) method to systematically analyze transcripts present in a microglial cell line. Over 10,000 SAGE tags were sequenced, and shown to represent 6,013 unique transcripts. Among the diverse transcripts that had not been previously detected in microglia were those for cytokines such as endothelial monocyte-activating polypeptide I (EMAP I), and for cell surface antigens, including adhesion molecules such as CD9, CD53, CD107a, CD147, CD162 and mast cell high affinity IgE receptor. In addition, we detected transcripts that were characteristic of hematopoietic cells or mesodermal structures, such as E3 protein, A1, EN-7, B94, and ufo. Furthermore, the profile contained a transcript, Hn1, that is important in hematopoietic cells and neurological development (Tang et al. Mamm Genome 8:695-696, 1997), suggesting the probable neural differentiation of microglia from the hematopoietic system in development. Messenger RNA expression of these genes was confirmed by RT-PCR in primary cultures of microglia. Significantly, this is the first systematic profiling of the genes expressed in a microglial cell line. The identification and further characterization of the genes described here should provide potential new targets for the study of microglial biology.

Involvement of macrophage scavenger receptors in protection against murine malaria

Macrophage scavenger receptor A (MSR-A) deficient mice MSR-A(-/-) were infected by the intraperitoneal injection of the Plasmodium berghei NK65 strain in the erythrocytic stage. The MSR-A(-/-) mice died significantly earlier than the control mice (P=0.060). In the surviving mice, two peaks of parasitemia were observed: the first 5-7 days and the second at 2-3 weeks after infection. Death of all MSR-A(-/-) mice occurred at either peak of parasitemia, suggesting that MSR-A protects mice from severe infection. This model may be useful for the study of molecular mechanisms of macrophage functions in malaria infection.

Seroprevalence against Toxoplasma gondii in domiciled cats in Japan

A serological survey with latex agglutination test to detect anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies was conducted on 800 serum samples collected from domiciled cats at animal hospitals in various areas of Japan. The overall prevalence was 6.0% (48/800). Among 48 positive individuals, there was no specific distribution of strength of antibody titers; the titers were 1:64 in 8 cats, 1:128 in 12, 1:256 in 8, 1:512 in 10, 1:1,024 in 8 and 1:2,048 in 2. The maximum prevalence was 15.4% in 13 cats at 17-23 yrs old group, whereas all were negative in 58 cats aged 12-16 yrs. The age groups in the order of higher prevalence were 8, 4, 10, 5, 3, and 7 yrs, showing no aging effect to the prevalence. In terms of rearing conditions of those cats, they were classified into 4 groups, i.e., indoor, free, outdoor, and others. The prevalence in the outdoor group (11.1%) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that in the free group (4.8%). Epidemiological aspects observed in the domiciled cats were different from those reported in the stray cats.

Characteristics of nucleotide sequences flanking the trans-spliced leader SL1 exon in Dirofilaria immitis, Brugia malayi, and Brugia pahangi

Nucleotide sequences surrounding the trans-spliced leader SL1 exon in the 5S rRNA gene spacer regions of Dirofilaria immitis, Brugia malayi, and B. pahangi were determined after PCR amplification, aligned with the genus Onchocerca for comparison, and used for the prediction of secondary structures. The nucleotide sequence of this region in B. pahangi was first shown in the present study. Hypothetical secondary structures of the spacer region suggested that the SL1 transcript is capable to form a stable stem-loop structure which may render transposition of the SL1 sequence to mRNA molecules. A homologous sequence to Sm-binding site was assigned on a bulge loop. No significant difference was observed in adult worms of D. immitis irrespective of sex or location. No difference was apparent between the two species in genus Brugia.

Immunologic protection against canine heartworm infection

This study was conducted to evaluate protective efficiency of three different protocols for vaccination in canine heartworm infection. To evaluate the three protocols of immunization, dogs were separately immunized with living larvae; 1) immunization with gamma-attenuated infective larvae, 2) with 50 micrograms/kg ivermectin-abbreviation, and 3) with chemical abbreviation plus Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). Each group was composed of two dogs. All dogs used for this study were subcutaneously challenged with 100 intact third-stage larvae (L3) various days after the last immunization, and the worms in the pulmonary arteries and the right ventricle of the heart were recovered 17 to 25 weeks post-infection. The numbers and the sexes of the worms were determined. A mean of 38 worms was burdened in the group immunized with irradiated L3, 36 worms in the chemically-abbreviated group, but 15.5 worms in the group with chemical abbreviation plus FCA. The percentages of the protection in the former two groups were nearly 50%, but 72.3% in the group with ivermectin plus FCA. The adjuvant enhanced the protective immunity against L3 challenge. Obvious eosinophilia was observed in both immunized and control dogs except for two dogs. There was no correlation between the suppression of eosinophilia and the protective immunity in the present study.

Dirofilaria immitis: experimental infection of rabbits with immature fifth-stage worms

To establish an animal model for human pulmonary dirofilariasis, we experimentally infected nine rabbits with immature fifth-stage worms of Dirofilaria immitis. The rabbits were infected by subcutaneous transplantation with various numbers of immature worms collected from 110- and 120-day-old infections of dogs. Four of seven rabbits infected with up to four larvae possessed encapsulated worms in the lungs at 196 or 308 days post-transplantation. Two rabbits transplanted with eight worms died of pulmonary hemorrhagic infarction 18 and 28 days post-transplantation. Marked histopathologic changes were observed in the lungs at the site of degenerating worms, which were encapsulated by a fibrous wall. Severe to mild infiltrations with eosinophils, heterophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and histiocytes were found in granulomas and their surrounding areas. The findings in these rabbits resemble those reported for human cases of pulmonary dirofilariasis.

Fatty degeneration in the supraspinatus muscle after rotator cuff tear

We studied the relationship between fatty degeneration in the supraspinatus muscle after rotator cuff tear and muscle atrophy and tendon retraction in 41 cadaveric shoulders. Eighteen shoulders had a supraspinatus tendon tear. Transverse sections of the supraspinatus muscle were made at the proximal end of the scapular notch. The tendon fiber areas were stained red and the muscle fiber areas were stained yellow by the van Gieson method. Areas of fatty degeneration were stained orange-red by the Sudan three method. These areas were measured with a computer color image analysis system. There were many areas of the fatty degenerative change in the supraspinatus muscles associated with a cuff tear, mainly around the tendon fibers and the vessels. The fatty degeneration in the supraspinatus muscle after cuff tear was found to have a strong association with the degree of retraction of the tendon fibers rather than the reduction of muscle volume.

Experimental infection of the raccoon (Procyon lotor) with Borrelia burgdorferi

The reservoir competence of the raccoon (Procyon lotor) for the Lyme disease spirochete (Borrelia burgdorferi) was evaluated in the laboratory during September 1991 to April 1993. Five raccoons were exposed to spirochete-infected (JD1 and Wisconsin 210 Wise strains) Ixodes scapularis nymphs (20/raccoon). A second feeding of spirochete-infected (Wisconsin 210 Wise strain) nymphs (20/raccoon) was performed with four of the original raccoons. Xenodiagnosis with cohorts of I. scapularis larvae (300/cohort) or nymphs (150/cohort) that were periodically placed on each animal was used to detect infection. We examined 1943 engorged ticks by a indirect immunofluorescence monoclonal antibody assay, but no spirochetes were detected. After exposure to spirochete-infected ticks, blood samples were collected at approximately weekly intervals and ear-skin biopsy samples were taken from each animal every third week. These tissues were placed in Barbour-Stoenner-Kelly media. Spirochetes were isolated in cultures of skin (wk 3, 5, 9, 81, and 83) and blood (wk 5, 8, 9, 11, and 12) of one raccoon and the skin (wk 28 and 31) of another raccoon. Antibody response of each animal was monitored through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and immunoblotting of blood serum against B. burgdorferi proteins. Except for one animal, raccoons did not have an antibody response until they were fed upon by a second cohort of infected I. scapularis nymphs. Based on Western blot analyses, raccoons exposed to B. burgdorferi via tick bite responded to the 31- (OspA) and 34-KDa (OspB) antigens. Response to other antigens varied among raccoons. Based on our results raccoons may be inefficient reservoirs for B. burgdorferi. Although some raccoons can become infected with B. burgdorferi, they may not transfer the infection to attached ticks.

Function of supraspinatus muscle with torn cuff evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging

An estimation of the residual function of the supraspinatus muscle after rotator cuff tear is useful to select the best operative method for repair of the torn cuff and to evaluate prognosis after surgery. The residual function of the supraspinatus muscle was studied by magnetic resonance imaging with motor unit potential amplitudes on electromyograms. Forty-three normal shoulders and 41 shoulders in patients with cuff tears were scanned by magnetic resonance imaging parallel to the long axis of the supraspinatus muscle. The ratio of the largest width of the supraspinatus muscle belly to the distance from the greater tubercle to the proximal end of the supraspinatus muscle was termed the supraspinatus muscle belly ratio. The linear bands of the supraspinatus muscle and the variation in the muscular signal intensity were classified into 3 grades. With a reduction in the motor unit potential amplitude, the supraspinatus muscle belly ratio became lower than 0.15. Additionally, the degree of appearance of the linear bands in the supraspinatus muscle belly increased, and the signal intensity became less uniform. The residual function of the supraspinatus muscle decreased when such morphologic changes were shown by magnetic resonance images. By analyzing these images, the best operative method for repairing a rotator cuff tear can be selected and the prognosis can be evaluated.

Canine IgE monoclonal antibody specific for a filarial antigen: production by a canine x murine heterohybridoma using B cells from a clinically affected lymph node

Canine popliteal lymph node cells taken at the onset of clinical disease from a rear limb infected with the filarial nematode Brugia pahangi were fused with mouse myeloma cell line P3X63.Ag8.653 cells. Of the several canine immunoglobulin-producing clones from this fusion, one was found to produce canine IgE specific for a filarial nematode antigen. The cell line has undergone limiting dilution cloning six times over the past 3 years and continues to produce monoclonal antibody of the IgE subclass at a rate of greater than 3 mg/l. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of the cell culture supernatant protein that bound to protein A beads, showed bands at molecular weights (MW) of approximately 75,000 and 25,000 that were characteristic of epsilon and kappa or lambda chains, respectively. A mouse monoclonal antibody specific for canine IgE bound the 75,000 MW band, as demonstrated by Western blot. Western blots of aqueous extracts of adult filarial nematodes demonstrated binding of the canine IgE monoclonal antibody to a single 35,000 MW peptide from B. pahangi but not Dirofilaria immitis; immunochemistry using frozen sections of adult worms, microfilariae and fourth stage larvae revealed focal binding of the monoclonal IgE to worm tissue adjacent to dorsal and ventral cords of only Brugia adults.

[Anatomical study on the atrophy of supraspinatus muscle belly with cuff tear]

We dissected the 76 shoulders in 38 cadavers to investigate changes in the supraspinatus muscle with a cuff tear and correlated these with age. We made a transverse section in the supraspinatus muscle and stained the section by the van Gieson method. Then we analyzed the changes in the supraspinatus muscle belly with the cuff tear, and by age, measuring the short and long diameter of a slice of the muscle belly and the area of tendon fiber. In the group with a normal cuff, there was a negative correlation between age and the short diameter of the slice of the supraspinatus muscle but no significant correlation between the age and the long diameter of the slice. In the group with a cuff tear, not only the short diameter but also the long diameter of the slice of the supraspinatus muscle decreased with increase in the length of the cuff defect. We concluded that measuring the long diameter of the slice of the supraspinatus muscle was more efficient than measuring the short diameter to evaluate muscle atrophy with a cuff tear. The area of the tendon in the slice increased with the length of cuff defect. The increased area of the tendon may have been responsible for reducing the elasticity in the supraspinatus muscle with a cuff tear.

Histopathology of the lungs of rabbits experimentally infected with Dirofilaria immitis

The lungs of rabbits experimentally infected with Dirofilaria immitis were examined histopathologically, to compare the changes with those seen in human pulmonary dirofilariasis. Eight rabbits were infected subcutaneously with two to eight immature worms to induce pulmonary dirofilariasis. Obstructive changes, similar to those reported in human pulmonary dirofilariasis, were observed in the blood vessels surrounding the worms. A form of arteritis, similar to occlusive arteritis, and periarteritis were also observed in the lungs of the rabbits. These results suggest that experimentally induced dirofilariasis in the rabbit is a useful animal model for human pulmonary dirofilariasis.

Experimental infection of Borrelia burgdorferi in white-tailed deer

Four white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) were experimentally inoculated with Borrelia burgdorferi to determine serologic response by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting. Deer had antibodies by ELISA by 2 to 3 wk post-inoculation (PI) and remained positive for 10 wk. Deer demonstrated immunoblotting reactivity between 10 and 14 days PI and consistently showed antibody response to nine B. burgdorferi antigens. Attempts were made to recover the spirochete from blood and tissues; B. burgdorferi was isolated from an ear punch biopsy from one of the inoculated deer.

Magnetic resonance imaging of rotator cuff tearing and degenerative tendon changes: Correlation with histologic pathology

We studied degeneration of the torn rotator cuff by comparing the signal intensity of the torn tendon edge on magnetic resonance imaging with cellularity of the tendon. Fifty-one shoulders with rotator cuff tears requiring surgical repairs were scanned before surgery in a 0.5T magnetic resonance imaging system. T1-, T2-, T2*-, and proton-density-weighted sequences were obtained. Three specimens from the torn tendon edge that were obtained at operation were examined microscopically, and the number of tendon cells was calculated and averaged. Degeneration of the torn rotator cuff edge was associated with an increase in signal intensity of the torn tendon edge on T1 -, T2-, T2*, and proton-density-weighted images and a decrease in tendon cellularity. The T2-, T2*-, and proton-density-weighted images were more useful, because on the T1 -weighted image it was difficult to identify the torn cuff edge.

Dirofilaria immitis: detection of parasite-specific antigen by monoclonal antibodies in glomerulonephritis in infected dogs

For the identification of circulating parasite antigens associated with immune-complex glomerulonephritis in dogs infected with Dirofilaria immitis, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) were generated against adult worms. A total of 11 mAbs were selected for cloning because of their high productivity and their lack of cross-reactivity with Toxocara canis in indirect immunofluorescence tests. The ability of mAbs to detect circulating antigens was examined using an antigen-capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Of the 11 mAbs, only NAK-1, an IgG2a mAb, was capable of detecting circulating antigens in 75% of infected dogs. However, this mAb was highly species-specific in its detection of circulating antigens, since sera from dogs infected with other nematode parasites were negative. Furthermore, the mAb detected antigens at the same glomerular sites in which IgG and/or C3 were deposited. The antigen deposits were observed along capillaries and/or in mesangial cells. The epitope recognized by this mAb is probably a carbohydrate, as it remained stable for 1 h at 100 degrees C and was sensitive to periodate treatment. Two bands of 62 and 26 kDa, respectively, were detected on Western blots by the mAb when sera from dogs infected with D. immitis were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and transblotted.

Role of cell-mediated immunity in the resistance to experimental sporotrichosis in mice

Congenitally athymic nude (nu/nu) mice showed higher sensitivity to intratestical infection of Sporothrix schenckii than phenotypically normal littermates (nu/+). Active immunization with viable cells enhanced the resistance to intravenous (i.v.) infection of this fungus in BALB/c mice. Nu/nu mice transferred with immune spleen cells acquired the enhancement of resistance to the infection with S. schenckii, but not ones with normal spleen cells. Pre-treatment of OK-432 (Picibanil), one of the macrophage activating agents, enhanced resistance to i.v. infection of this fungus in BALB/c mice. On the other hand, pretreatment of carrageenan, one of the macrophage inhibitors, impaired the resistance. This fungus was intracellularly killed by peritoneal macrophage from OK-432 treated or immunized mice but not by those from normal mice in vitro. These results suggest that activated macrophage, that was mediated by T cells, play an important role in the resistance to S. schenckii in mice.

Histopathological and immunopathological evaluation of filarial glomerulonephritis in Dirofilaria immitis infected dogs

Filarial glomerulonephritis was studied using Dirofilaria immitis infected dogs. Of 34 infected dogs examined, 15 dogs (44.1%) had histopathological lesions in the kidney. These lesions included an increased number of mesangial cells and increased thickness of the matrix, the infiltration of the small round and plasma cells into the interstitium and thickening of the basement membrane. Deposits of IgG were demonstrated in the infected dogs, whereas C3 deposits were found in all dogs. Combined immunoglobulin and complement deposits were not always found in the dogs with histopathological lesions. The mean concentration (expressed as absorbance) of circulating immune complexes (CIC) was 0.675 +/- 0.517 in infected dogs, and 0.132 +/- 0.092 in uninfected dogs. Although there was significant difference in the level of CIC between infected and uninfected dogs (P less than 0.001), 11 dogs (32.4%) in infected group were negative. Otherwise, the CIC levels were correlated to the adult worm burden (r = 0.848; P less than 0.001) but not to the number of circulating microfilariae (mf) (r = 0.398; P less than 0.05). Transfer of mf to 7 naive dogs was performed to clarify the role of mf in the pathogenesis of filariasis. Antibodies to crude mf antigen became detectable two weeks after the transfer. Neither pathologic findings nor deposits of IgG and C3 in the kidney were found in dogs examined 20 days or 70 days after transfer. There was no evidence that histopathological lesions were induced by live mf, suggesting that adult worm burdens may be more closely related to filarial nephropathy.

Protective immunity against Brugia malayi infective larvae in mice. II. Induction by a T cell-dependent antigen isolated by monoclonal antibody affinity chromatography and SDS-PAGE

A mAb directed against filarial worm secretory/excretory product and reactive with Brugia malayi larval worm surface was used in conjunction with preparative SDS-PAGE to isolate protective Ag from extracts of adult B. malayi. The IgM mAb OVH bound to a repeating carbohydrate epitope present in adult, infective, and fourth stage larvae and microfilariae of B. malayi, and on the surface of fourth stage larvae. Ag bearing this epitope were also present in the sera of hosts infected with a variety of helminths, including Brugia, Onchocerca, Dirofilaria, and Paragonimus. Affinity chromatography of SDS extract of adult Brugia, using mAb OVH immobilized on agarose beads, isolated several Ag that separated into multiple protein staining bands on SDS-PAGE. In comparing SDS-PAGE-fractionated Ag from the crude SDS extract with fractionated mAb OVH-isolated Ag for the ability to protect BALB/c mice from challenge with B. malayi-infective larvae, it was found that of the mAb OVH-isolated Ag only those at a molecular mass of 26 to 32 kDa were protective while the original SDS extract yielded protective Ag at the following molecular mass: greater than 200, 170 to 200, 40 to 44, 33 to 36, 23 to 28, 20 to 22, and 17 to 19 kDa. Although Ag isolated by mAb OVH were highly protective, they failed to induce high antibody levels against the immunogen or SDS extracts compared to crude SDS extract immunized mouse sera, as determined by immunoblot and ELISA. Transfer of nylon wool non-adherent T cells from BALB/c mice immunized with the 26- to 28-kDa fraction of mAb OVH-isolated Ag to naive mice just before challenge with infective larvae of B. malayi resulted in a 70% reduction in larvae recovered 14 days after challenge.

Protective immunity against Brugia malayi infective larvae in mice. II. Induction by a T cell-dependent antigen isolated by monoclonal antibody affinity chromatography and SDS-PAGE

A mAb directed against filarial worm secretory/excretory product and reactive with Brugia malayi larval worm surface was used in conjunction with preparative SDS-PAGE to isolate protective Ag from extracts of adult B. malayi. The IgM mAb OVH bound to a repeating carbohydrate epitope present in adult, infective, and fourth stage larvae and microfilariae of B. malayi, and on the surface of fourth stage larvae. Ag bearing this epitope were also present in the sera of hosts infected with a variety of helminths, including Brugia, Onchocerca, Dirofilaria, and Paragonimus. Affinity chromatography of SDS extract of adult Brugia, using mAb OVH immobilized on agarose beads, isolated several Ag that separated into multiple protein staining bands on SDS-PAGE. In comparing SDS-PAGE-fractionated Ag from the crude SDS extract with fractionated mAb OVH-isolated Ag for the ability to protect BALB/c mice from challenge with B. malayi-infective larvae, it was found that of the mAb OVH-isolated Ag only those at a molecular mass of 26 to 32 kDa were protective while the original SDS extract yielded protective Ag at the following molecular mass: greater than 200, 170 to 200, 40 to 44, 33 to 36, 23 to 28, 20 to 22, and 17 to 19 kDa. Although Ag isolated by mAb OVH were highly protective, they failed to induce high antibody levels against the immunogen or SDS extracts compared to crude SDS extract immunized mouse sera, as determined by immunoblot and ELISA. Transfer of nylon wool non-adherent T cells from BALB/c mice immunized with the 26- to 28-kDa fraction of mAb OVH-isolated Ag to naive mice just before challenge with infective larvae of B. malayi resulted in a 70% reduction in larvae recovered 14 days after challenge.

Protective immunity against Brugia malayi infective larvae in mice. I. Parameters of active and passive immunity

Protective immunity against infective larvae of Brugia malayi was studied in different strains of mice using various sources of antigens. The following strains of mice were susceptible to infective larvae development for 2 weeks after primary ip challenge: BALB/c, C3H/HeJ, C3H/NeN, C3H/HeJms, C57BL/6Jms, and DDD. In comparison to gerbils, BALB/c mice developed stronger resistance to infective larvae after immunization with irradiation attenuated larvae or with killed microfilariae (mf). However, killed mf failed to enhance resistance in C3H/HeJ mice, although C3H/HeN mice were strongly protected and C3H/HeJms mice were protected to a lesser degree by this antigen. Extracts of mf with phosphate buffered saline and sodium dodecyl sulfate both induced high levels of resistance in BALB/c mice. Transfer of resistance from BALB/c mice immunized with attenuated infective larvae to naive mice was accomplished at a high level at protection with nylon wool nonadherent spleen cells (T cells) but not with adherent cells treated with anti-Thy 1.2 serum and complement. In contrast, sera from immunized mice were much less protective.

Sleep-promoting effect following intracerebroventricular injection of a phosphorylated analogue of delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP-P) in rats

The effect of phosphorylated delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP-P) on sleep of rats was studied. DSIP-P (20 or 200 pmol/kg) was injected into the third cerebroventricle of male rats immediately before the onset of the dark period of a 12:12 h light-dark cycle. DSIP-P resulted in increases of slow-wave sleep (SWS) (17.3%, P less than 0.01) and paradoxical sleep (PS) (32.3%, P less than 0.05) during the subsequent dark period without shortening sleep latency in the dose of 200 pmol/kg. The SWS-promoting effect was carried over to the next light period. These changes returned to control levels on the second day. These results indicate that DSIP-P is a long-lasting sleep-promoting substance in rats.

[Effects of intraventricular injection of anti-DSIP serum on sleep in rats]

Endogenous delta sleep-inducing peptide (DSIP) has not been demonstrated to be necessary for sleep, although the administration of DSIP has been reported to increase sleep in several mammalian species. The purpose of the present study is to examine whether the immunological neutralization of endogenous DSIP in the brain can modulate sleep in unanesthetized rats. A high titer of the rabbit antiserum specific for the C-terminal of DSIP was used. Sixteen male SD rats were chronically implanted with electrodes for EEG and EMG and with a cannula into the lateral ventricle. The rats were injected with anti-DSIP (ADS) or normal rabbit serum as a control at 10 microliter for 10 min immediately before the onset of the light or dark period, and thereafter the polygraphic recordings were performed for a 24-hr period. The records were scored in 30-sec epochs by visual inspection into 3 stages; wakefulness, slow wave sleep (SWS), and paradoxical sleep (PS). ADS exerted no significant effect on the latencies of SWS and PS after injection in the light or dark period. For SWS and PS, neither the distributions measured each 10 min for the first 4 hr nor the hourly distributions for 24 hr were affected by ADS. The first 12-hr amounts of SWS and PS were also unaffected by ADS. These results may suggest the possibility that endogenous DSIP in the cerebrospinal fluid and/or the periventricular tissues is not responsible for sleep.

Partial insomnia, hyperactivity and hyperdipsia induced by repeated administration of toluene in rats: their relation to brain monoamine metabolism

In an attempt to examine chronic effects of toluene on sleep, spontaneous locomotor activity and drinking behavior, rats were repeatedly administered toluene i.p. at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight for 14 consecutive days. The 200-mg/kg injections induced a decrease in total sleep on Day 1, an increase in locomotor activity on Days 1 through 4 and an increase in drinking activity on Days 0 through 6 after discontinuation of the daily injections. Both the reduced sleep and the increased locomotor activity appeared during the light period, whereas the drinking activity increased during the dark period. In order to find neurochemical correlates of the toluene-induced changes in behavior, regional concentrations of brain monoamines and their metabolites were determined. The toluene-induced partial insomnia and hyperactivity were associated with lowered concentrations of serotonin in frontal cortex, hippocampus and midbrain and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in midbrain and hypothalamus. The increased drinking activity was associated with increased concentrations of striatal 3,4-dihydroxy-phenylacetic acid and homovanillic acid and hypothalamic noradrenaline and 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylethyleneglycol. Central monoaminergic mechanisms were implicated in the toluene-induced partial insomnia, hyperactivity and hyperdipsia.

Acute effects of toluene on circadian rhythms of sleep-wakefulness and brain monoamine metabolism in rats

Acute effects of a single i.p. injection of toluene on circadian rhythms of sleep-wakefulness were investigated in rats which were chronically implanted with EEG and EMG electrodes for polygraphic recordings. The toluene injection produced an initial increase in wakefulness (W) and a subsequent increase in slow-wave sleep (SWS) during the dark period. In an attempt to clarify mechanisms of these biphasic effects of toluene on sleep-wakefulness rhythms, brain monoamines and their metabolites were determined at the times of the initial increase in W and the increased SWS. The initial increase in W was associated with an increase in cortical NA, MHPG and 5-HT together with a decrease in cortical 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), while the increased SWS during the dark period was associated with an increase in 5-HIAA and a concomitant decrease in 3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenylglycol (MHPG). The toluene-induced changes in sleep-wakefulness seemed to be manifested at lower blood levels of toluene than the behavioral signs of central nervous system (CNS) depression. These biphasic effects of toluene on circadian sleep-wakefulness rhythms are discussed in terms of the reciprocal interactions between central 5-HT and NA neurons.

Saframycin S, a new saframycin group antibiotic

Saframycin S, structurally the decyano-saframycin A and biosynthetically the precursor of saframycin A, is a new antibiotic and is assumed to be the active principle for the formation of the antibiotic-DNA complex to manifest its activity. In the present study on the biological activity of saframycin S, the antibiotic showed a marked activity against Ehrlich ascites tumor with the doses of 0.5 to 0.75 mg/kg/day for 10 days, and the rate of 40-day survivors was 80 to 90%. However, this antibiotic was less effective against P388 leukemia than saframycin A at the doses tested. Saframycin S also showed the highest antimicrobial activity, in particular against gram-positive bacteria, among the saframycin group antibiotics identified to date. the LD50 of saframycin S was 3.2 mg/kg (i.p.) for ddY mice. The biological activity and toxicity of saframycin S in relation to its structure were described.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation in autopsy cases. Its incidence and clinicopathologic significance

In a study of 1729 consecutive autopsies, the histopathologic diagnosis of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) confirmed by the presence of microthrombi in more than two organs was made in 51 cases. Among them, 38 cases (74.5%) were clinically not suspected of having DIC. Microthrombi were most frequent in the kidneys, followed by the lungs, spleen, adrenals, heart, brain, and liver, in descending order of frequency. Furthermore, a wide variety of visceral lesions was another important histologic feature of DIC. Kidney lesions assumed a position of prime importance, and special attention was given to the high frequency of acute renal failure due to so-called acute tubular necrosis and bilateral renal cortical necrosis. Infections, often associated with shock, and malignancies were the most common underlying causes of DIC. DIC is a frequent, often fatal pathophysiologic condition complicating many disorders. The true incidence of DIC at autopsy may be higher. It should be noted that demonstration of microthrombi and visceral alterations related to intravascular clotting is important for the evaluation of cases suspected of having DIC.

Effects of collateral circulation on regional myocardial blood flow and left ventricular wall motion (A preliminary note)

The effect of collateral circulation on regional myocardial flow and wall motion of left ventricle was studied on 5 anesthetized dogs with a surgically implanted constrictor on the left circumflex coronary artery (LC). The grade of LC stenosis and wall motion of left ventricle (LV) were determined by cineangiography of the coronary artery and LV at the period of acute and chronic occlusion. Regional myocardial flow was determined by tracer microspheres (TM), labeled with four different isotopes, Sr85, Cr51, Sc46, Ce141. The first TM1 was infused after LC stenosis, TM2 during a temporary complete LC occlusion at the period of acute occlusion; TM3 and TM4 in a similar way 3 to 4 weeks after the acute LC stenosis. Three to four weeks after LC stenosis, i.e. chronic period of occlusion, the degree of LC stenosis progressed from 70--80% to 100% occlusion, but collateral flow and collateral vessels to the ischemic LC area were increased together with an improvement of wall motion of the ischemic LC area. The results may support the idea that collaterals may be an effective compensatory mechanism for ischemia. In contrast to an increase of collateral flow to the ischemic LV free wall in all five dogs, an increase to the posterior papillary muscle was found only in two out of five dogs.