Influence of environment on passive immunity in calves

Passive immunity in neonatal calves is influenced by environment. Placing newly born Holstein calves (108 head) in three different housing environments (shade, cooled shade, hutch) during hot weather produced differences in body temperature, serum cortocosteroids, immunoglobulin IgG1 concentrations, and mortality. Experimental design permitted examination of effects due to treatments, time, differences in colostrum, and climatic environment in an analysis of variance. Calves exposed to the hotter, less desirable environment responded by having a higher mortality, higher serum corticosteroid concentration, and lower serum immunoglobulin IgG1 at 2 and 10 days after birth. All of these were correlated. Calves that died had serum immunoglobulin IgG1 falling below the mean for all experimental calves.     

Effect of three sustained-release devices on parasitic bronchitis in first year calves

The effect of three intraruminal sustained-release devices (SRD) against Dictyocaulus viviparus infection was tested in five groups of six calves. Group 1 served as untreated controls, and groups 2, 3 and 4 were dosed with a levamisole SRD, a fenbendazole SRD, and an ivermectin SRD, respectively. Group 5 was vaccinated against lungworm and received a levamisole SRD. The calves were turned out on May 28 and the devices given seven days later. All the calves received trickle infections with a total of 200 lungworm larvae between 9 and 34 days after turnout. They were housed on October 28, challenged with 5000 lungworm larvae and slaughtered three weeks later. No clinical signs of parasitic bronchitis were observed during the study. The treated groups gained significantly more weight (P < 0.05) than the controls, but did not differ among themselves. Larvae were first detected in the faeces of the control group between 25 and 32 days after the first infection, and had a group mean of 21 larvae per gram (lpg) after 60 to 80 days, after which the lpg gradually decreased. In group 2, larvae were detected near the end of the grazing season and never exceeded a group mean of 1.5 lpg. In group 3, a very low larval output was observed after housing (group mean 0.1 lpg). Groups 4 and 5 never became patent. The results of an ELISA followed the pattern of larval output; optical densities above the cut-off value were recorded in groups 1, 2 and 3. On the basis of worm recoveries after challenge, group 1 was immune. Group 4 had significantly more lungworms than group 2. There were no significant differences in worm numbers between groups 2, 3 and 5, but the worms in group 5 were retarded in growth (P < 0.05).     

Prevention of gastrointestinal and lungworm infections in alpine calves: use of doramectin pour-on in before and after the alpine grazing season

The effect of doramectin pour-on (Dectomax 0.5% pour-on, Pfizer) against gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) and lungworms was investigated in calves grazed on alpine pastures in Switzerland. Doramectin pour-on (0.5 mg/kg body weight) was administered topically to calves (n = 57, Group D) before and after the alpine grazing season (mid-June to end of September) when the calves were kept on altitudes between 1800 and 2600 m together with 20 untreated calves (Group K). Calves of both groups were grazed together during the alpine season and were subsequently moved to prealpine and home pastures where they were kept until stabling (end of November). Faecal examinations, performed 4 to 5 weeks after anthelmintic treatment of Group D calves showed a marked reduction of the trichostrongyle egg output, which was also low in the untreated calves. Low numbers of Dictyocaulus-larvae were excreted by the calves at turnout to the alpine pastures. At the end of September the mean excretion of Dictyocaulus-larvae had increased markedly in both groups. After treatment of Group D calves the larval output remained negative until stabling. In contrast, the larval excretion of the untreated calves (Group K) reached highest levels at the end of October and 4 calves exhibited clinical signs of dictyocaulosis. The results indicate that the strategic use of doramectin pour-on in June and in late September provided good protection against severe infections with D. viviparus. The infection level with GIN confirmed that these parasites are of minor relevance under the extensive grazing conditions on high alpine pastures.     

The effect of cimetidine on antipyrine metabolism in calves

The decline in the function of the growth hormone-releasing hormone, growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor (GHRH-GH-IGF) axis has been termed the somatopause. Many of the catabolic sequelae seen in normal aging has been attributed to this decrease in circulating GH and IGF-I. In order to provide hormone replacement therapy for the somatopause, elderly subjects have been treated with GH, IGF-I, or both hormones together. Whereas numerous beneficial effects on body composition, strength, and quality of life have been reported in some studies, other studies have reported only marginal functional improvements. Moreover, it is clear that both hormones can cause significant morbidity.     

Evaluation of a test device to assess X-ray phototimers

BACKGROUND: The levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) are almost negligible in long-term quiescent cells and increase dramatically during the cell cycle. Recently, the monoclonal antibodies to PCNA have been used to demonstrate the proliferative component of paraffin-embedded tumor tissues. It has been shown to be available as a simple histological marker of proliferative activity and the PCNA labeling index has been correlated with the prognosis of several malignant neoplasms. METHODS: Formalin fixed, paraffin embedded tissue specimens of 29 primary pediatric rhabdomyosarcomas were immunostained by using an anti-PCNA monoclonal antibody (DAKO PCNA PC10). The relationship between the PCNA index and prognosis, clinicopathological features and survival were assessed retrospectively. RESULTS: The mean PCNA index for the whole series was 54%. There was no correlation between PCNA index and any of the clinicopathological characteristics. However, patients having tumors with a high (> 54%) PCNA index demonstrated significantly lower survival rates than tumors with a low (< 54%) PCNA index (P = 0.01). Moreover, there were significantly more patients with relapse or progressive disease in the high PCNA index group (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The PCNA labeling index can be a useful prognostic factor and a good indicator of recurrence and/or survival in patients with rhabdomyosarcoma.     

Acquired immunity against Cooperia spp. and Ostertagia spp. in calves: effect of level of exposure and timing of the midsummer increase

In two experiments, groups of calves were exposed to different levels and patterns of infection with Ostertagia spp. and Cooperia spp. The experimental design simulated the stereotypic pattern of herbage infestation, including both as normal and a delayed midsummer increase, under conditions of set-stocking. After this simulated 'first grazing season', calves were followed during the subsequent winter housing. At the end of that housing period some calves were challenged with 100,000 L3 Cooperia spp. and 40,000 L3 Ostertagia spp. and slaughtered 23 days later. All previously infected calves were protected against the establishment of the challenge infection with Cooperia spp., but not against Ostertagia spp. For the latter a significant negative correlation was found between worm count and previous level of exposure to infection. During the simulated first grazing season, changes in the ratio of Cooperia to Ostertagia eggs in the faecal egg output and the genus-specific egg count were influenced by both the level of exposure and the timing of the midsummer increase. It is concluded that acquired immunity against both parasite genera develops depending on the level of exposure to infection during a first grazing season, and that delaying the midsummer increase results in a delay of the acquisition of an effective immunity as measured by faecal egg counts and the ratio of Cooperia to Ostertagia egg output.     

The effect of vitamin E on cortisol and lactate levels and on the acid-base equilibrium in calves exposed to transportation stress

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of vitamin E administration on plasma levels of cortisol and lactate, and on acid base balance in transported calves. In the study, eight calves, aged approx. ten days, divided into two groups, were used. 20 mg of tocopherol-acetate per kg body weight were administered orally to each of the four experimental calves 24 hours before loading. The calves were transported by road for 3 hours. Blood samples collected before and after the transportation were examined for acid base balance, lactate, and plasma vitamin E and cortisol levels. The administration of vitamin E led to a decrease of cortisol levels in 24 hours (from 7.6 +/- 9.5 to 4.2 +/- 0.2 nmol/l) as well as to a significant increase (p < 0.05) of plasma vitamin E levels 26 h after administration (from 2.52 +/- 1.36 to 12.28 +/- 6.14 mumol/l). There was no difference between the groups in cortisol response due to transportation stress (Tab. III). The transportation caused typical stress changes in lactate levels and acid base balance (lactacidaemia and the tendency to acidosis, Tab. III, IV). There was approx. threefold increase in plasma lactate concentrations due to transportation (from 2.49 +/- 0.69 to 6.35 +/- 3.75 mmol/l). The results of the present study demonstrated metabolic changes which has been reported to be typical of mild physiological stress reaction. In the present study, vitamin E had no significant effect on plasma levels of cortisol, and lactate, and acid-base balance.     

Zinc oxide and amino acids as sources of dietary zinc for calves: effects on uptake and immunity

Calf starter diets were formulated to contain 60 ppm of Zn, 150 or 300 ppm of Zn in the form of Zn-Met and Zn-Lys, or 300 ppm of Zn in the form of ZnO to compare relative bioavailability and effects on immunity. Holstein heifer calves were weaned at wk 5 and fed experimental starter diets from wk 6 to 12. Feed intake, body weight, Zn concentrations in liver and serum fractions, and mineral concentrations in serum were measured to determine the effects of treatment. In addition, peripheral blood lymphocyte blastogenesis, interleukin-2 production, cytotoxic activity, and the ability of blood neutrophils to phagocytose and kill bacteria were assessed at wk 0, 2, 4, and 6 of the trial. Feed intakes and body weight gains were similar among calves. Concentrations of Zn in serum were elevated in calves fed 300 ppm of Zn as Zn-Met and Zn-Lys but not in calves fed ZnO. Concentrations of Zn in liver were significantly elevated by 300 ppm of Zn in the form of Zn-Met and Zn-Lys (360 micrograms/g) but not by the other Zn treatments or by the control (245 micrograms/g). No treatment had an effect on the concentrations of Lys and Met in serum; however, concentrations of Lys did decrease in serum as the age of the calves increased. There was no significant treatment effect on mitogen-induced lymphocyte blastogenesis, interleukin-2 production, lymphocyte cytotoxicity, or phagocytic and intracellular killing ability of blood neutrophils. These data indicated greater absorption and retention of Zn when administered in the form of Zn-Met and Zn-Lys than that when ZnO was administered to young calves. However, there was no advantage to the immune function of extra dietary Zn.     

Dose-titration to confirm the level of fenbendazole for control of Raillietina cesticillus in broiler chickens

A total of 452 broiler chickens, naturally infected with Raillietina cesticillus, were allotted into six treatment groups. One group was fed unmedicated broiler ration (Group 1), and the other five groups were fed broiler ration containing fenbendazole at 180 ppm for 3 days (38.5 mg/kg body weight [BW]), 240 ppm for 3 days (50.9 mg/kg BW), 120 ppm for 6 days (52.2 mg/kg BW), 180 ppm for 6 days (79.9 mg/kg BW), or 240 ppm for 6 days (104.3 mg/kg BW). Fenbendazole was 100.0% efficacious against R. cesticillus when administered in the diet at 240 ppm for 6 days; 99.9% at 240 ppm for 3 days and at 180 ppm for 6 days; 99.5% at 120 ppm for 6 days; and 96.9% at 180 ppm for 3 days. Fenbendazole treatment had no adverse effect on weight gain or feed intake.     

Interleukin-12 and the host response to parasitic helminths; the paradoxical effect on protective immunity and immunopathology

In general, helminth infections are associated with the development of dominant Th2-mediated immune responses which may be host protective but can also be the cause of immunopathology. Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is known to be a potent inhibitor of Th2 immune responses and as such it might be expected to have an important modulatory role in helminth-induced immune responses. In this review, we discuss the effect of IL-12 on susceptibility to infection, protective immunity and immunopathology, in the context of exposure to a range of helminths including intestinal nematodes, filariae and schistosomes. It is apparent that the effects of IL-12 are complex and can be beneficial as well as detrimental for the host. The precise role of IL-12 depends upon a number of factors including the type of helminth and the specific tissue involved in the inflammatory response.     

The effect of levamisole on cellular immunity in multiple sclerosis

The lymphocyte stimulation test has been standardized in a normal human population using four virus cell-associated antigens (VCAA): human embryonic lung cells infected with the LEC and Norrby strains of measles virus, mumps virus, and vaccinia virus. Following 1 week of treatment with the immunopotentiating drug levamisole, a group of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients was found to have increased lymphocyte stimulation responses toward VCAA and increased delayed hypersensitivity responses towards a battery of skin test antigens. No change in the percentage of short- or long-incubation E rosettes occurred. Measles haemagglutinin inhibition (HI) antibody titres measured before and after the entire course of levamisole therapy (12 weeks) did not change. The neurological status of five out of seven MS patients deteriorated while they were taking levamisole.     

The effect of gentamycin on immunity in immunodeficiency and the action of immunomodulators

The effect of 3 and 6 mg/kg gentamicin on the immunity of intact mice and cyclophosphan- and azathioprine-induced immunodeficiency was studied. Gentamicin deepens the severe suppression of antibody genesis against the background of cyclophosphan and azathioprine, inhibits the reaction of GZT in intact mice. The antibiotic does not prevent stimulation of AOK production by methyluracil and prodigiosan, and does not change the effect of immunostimulators on GZT in immunosuppression. Gentamicin has no effect on the phagocytic activity of neutrophils and macrophages in intact animals. The character of the effect of the antibiotic on phagocytosis depends on the genesis of immunosuppression. The effectiveness of gentamicin in experimental infection is maintained in immunosuppression also.     

The effect of minimum luminal nutrition on mucosal cellularity and immunity of the gut

Many catabolic patients can only consume small volumes of enteral nutrients. The aim of this study was to evaluate markers of cellularity and immunity in the small intestine of rats randomized to receive 6 days of parenteral nutrition, 25% enteral and 75% parenteral nutrition (i.e. minimum luminal nutrition) or enteral nutrition. The same glutamine-enriched solution was used for both parenteral and enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition was associated with the least amount of jejunal atrophy (P<0.01), with the results from the minimum luminal nutrition group approximating those of the parenteral nutrition group. Parenteral nutrition was associated with the greatest number of CD2+ cells (P< 0.05) and the lowest CD4/CD8 cell ratio (P< 0.01) in the jejunal mucosa. In essence, we failed to demonstrate that there are any appreciable benefits associated with the enteral consumption of 25% of a nutrient load.     

The effect of ascorbate on cellular humoral immunity in asthmatic children

Ten White children with bronchial asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction were assessed immunologically before and 1, 3 and 6 months after the commencement of standard therapy supplemented with ascorbate 1 g/d. The tests of cellular immune function were neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis and resting and stimulated nitroblue tetrazolium reduction, and lymphocyte mitogen-induced transformation. Humoral functions measured were secretory IgA, serum immunoglobulins, alpha 1-antitrypsin, C3, C4 and total haemolytic complement, antistreptolysin O (ASO) and C-reactive protein. Radio-allergosorbent testing to the common allergens Cynodon dactylon (grass), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (mite), house dust and cat epithelium was performed on each child before and 3 and 6 months after treatment. Two children had depressed neutrophil motility, 4 had depressed lymphocyte transformation, and 7 had elevated levels of ASO. These functions normalized after 6 months of ascorbate-supplemented therapy. Serum total IgE levels but not specific IgE levels were likewise reduced after 6 months of therapy. Reduced levels of serum alpha 1-antitrypsin were observed in 2 children, and remained unchanged throughout the study.     

HIV. Genetic effects on immunity immunity to infection. Web alert

The present report describes a rare case of primary desmoplastic small cell tumour of the recto-sigmoid colon with hepatic metastases and lymphadenopathy. There are no pathognomonic radiological features and often their features overlap with other diseases including lymphoma. Histology is necessary to confirm this diagnosis. Unfortunately despite aggressive therapy, the prognosis for this disease is poor.     

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