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B D Perry

Publications and source records attributed to B D Perry.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Effects of repeated injections of cocaine on catecholamine receptor binding sites, dopamine transporter binding sites and behavior in rhesus monkey.

In order to determine if repeated injections of cocaine produced long-lasting alterations in catecholaminergic binding sites, rhesus monkeys were treated with saline (1.0 ml/15 kg) or cocaine (3.0-4.0 mg/kg) four times daily for 14 consecutive days and sacrificed two weeks after the last injection. The densities of dopamine D1 receptor binding sites, dopamine transporter binding sites and beta adrenergic receptor binding sites were significantly decreased in caudate nucleus to 51%, 17% and 61% of control, respectively, two weeks after repeated cocaine injections. There were no differences in D2 receptor binding site densities in the caudate, nor were there differences in binding sites between groups in the other brain regions examined: prefrontal cortex (D1, D2, dopamine transporter, beta), nucleus accumbens (D1, D2, dopamine transporter) and substantia nigra (D2). Behavioral observation showed that the cocaine-treated monkeys became sensitized to the repeated injections. Early in the regimen, these animals displayed stereotypic grooming, buccal movements and visual checking after each injection that differed significantly from the saline-treated animals. As the regimen progressed, the frequency of grooming decreased while the frequencies of visual tracking and splayed legs increased in a manner consistent with the development of behavioral sensitization. Together, these findings suggest that the caudate nucleus may be more sensitive than other dopamine-containing brain regions to long-lasting pre- and post-synaptic effects of repeated cocaine administration, and that the changes seen in dopaminergic neurons may be related to behavioral sensitization.

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic Acid

Reproduction in female cattle in a communal farming area of Zimbabwe.

Cattle in a communal farming area of Zimbabwe were identified and examined in the late dry and mid wet season of 1985/86. Ovarian activity rates were 17.9% and 38.6% in the dry and wet season respectively. Pregnancy rates were 16.1% and 24.6% respectively. A major limitation to reproduction was the percentage of anoestrous females. There was no evidence of a seasonal calving pattern. Median body condition score was 2.0 in the dry season and 1.5 in the wet season. Adult females of body condition score 2.5 and above had ovarian activity rates of 41.9% and pregnancy rates of 41.9 per cent. Those with a body condition score below 2.5 had rates of 26.8% and 16.4% respectively. Serum progesterone levels in pregnant animals were positively related to body condition score, with some animals having progesterone levels similar to non-pregnant animals. Metabolic profiles suggested that the major limiting nutrient in both seasons was nitrogen, although other micronutrients might also be involved in low reproductive rates.

Agriculture

Effects of chronic SCH 23390 or acute EEDQ on the discriminative stimulus effects of SKF 38393.

Three groups of rats (n = 8/group) were trained in a two-lever, food-reinforced drug discrimination paradigm to discriminate the D1 agonist SKF 38393 (SKF; 8.0 mg/kg, IP) from saline. After acquisition of the discrimination, the dose-response function for SKF (2.0-16 mg/kg, IP) was determined using a cumulative dosing procedure. In one group, the SKF dose-response function was redetermined 1 week after a regimen of 0.25 mg/kg of the D1 antagonist SCH 23390 (SCH), IP, once/day for 10 days, again 1 week after a second regimen of 0.5 mg/kg SCH, IP, twice/day for 10 days, and a third time after a regimen of 1.0 mg/kg SCH, IP, twice/day for 21 days. SKF dose-response functions were redetermined in a group of control rats after identical injection regimens of saline. In the third group of rats, SKF dose-response functions were redetermined 24 h after an injection of N-ethoxycarboxyl-2-ethoxy-1,2-dihydroquinoline (EEDQ) (irreversible antagonist) vehicle; again 24 h after an injection of 3.0 mg/kg; again 48 h after 6.0 mg/kg EEDQ; and finally 48 h after two consecutive daily injections of 6.0 mg/kg EEDQ (12 mg/kg total). The dose-response function for the percentage of responses that occurred on the SKF lever (%DL) shifted significantly to the left following the second regimen of SCH; there was no further shift after the third regimen. The effects of SKF on response rate were unchanged by SCH administration. Repeated administration of saline did not alter the SKF dose-response function for %DL or response rate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

2,3,4,5-Tetrahydro-7,8-dihydroxy-1-phenyl-1H-3-ben

Microsphere and dilution techniques for the determination of blood flows and volumes in conscious mice.

Although the mouse is the most commonly used transgenic species, little is known regarding cardiovascular and fluid homeostasis in this animal. Therefore, the reference microsphere and dilution techniques were adapted for the measurement of cardiac output (CO), regional blood flows, and intravascular fluid volumes in the conscious mouse. Previously acclimatized C3H mice were studied 4-5 h after surgery and recovery from anesthesia. Approximately 40,000 85Sr-labeled microspheres were injected into the left ventricle while a reference sample was withdrawn at one of two rates from the femoral artery. 51Cr and 125I were used for the determination of blood volume (BV), plasma volume (PV), and Fcells ratio (whole body hematocrit/large vessel hematocrit). CO and BV in the conscious mouse were 16 +/- 1.4 ml/min and 2.3 +/- 0.1 ml, respectively. Anesthesia lowered heart rate, blood pressure, PV, and altered the distribution of CO. Two successive injections of 15,000-20,000 microspheres were tolerated in the mouse without an increase in total peripheral resistance. The results indicate that the microsphere and indicator dilution techniques can be applied to study cardiovascular and fluid homeostasis in the mouse.

Animals

Platelet 5-HT2 serotonin receptor binding sites in autistic children and their first-degree relatives.

We examined platelet serotonin2 [5-hydroxytryptamine2 (5-HT2)] receptor binding sites, whole blood serotonin (5-HT), and plasma norepinephrine (NE) in male autistic children and their first-degree relatives. Saturation studies utilizing 125I-spiroperidol labeled the 5-HT2 sites with an affinity of 224.6 +/- 84.4 pmol/L (Kd). No group differences, i.e., autistic (n = 12), siblings (n = 6), parents (n = 22), control (adult; n = 7: child; n = 10), were seen for either the Kd or the total number of sites (Bmax: 14.3 +/- 10.9 fmol/mg protein). No correlations were found in any group between binding parameters (Kd or Bmax) and whole blood 5-HT. For the parental group, inverse correlations were found between NE and Bmax (standing NE, rs = -0.67, n = 21, p = 0.001; supine NE, rs = -0.49, n = 22, p = 0.021). In the autistic group, no correlation was seen between plasma NE and Bmax. A correlation between the autistic boys' Bmax and their fathers' Bmax was observed (rs = 0.79, n = 11, p = 0.004). These findings suggest (1) circulating NE may be involved in heterologous regulation of 5-HT2 receptors in the platelet and (2) genetic (paternal-filial) factors may play a role in the expression of 5-HT2 binding sites in the platelet. These preliminary findings are discussed in relation to heterologous receptor regulation. The relationships between these findings and either the pathophysiology of autism or hyperserotonemia in autism are unknown.

Adolescent

Theileria parva: influence of vector, parasite and host relationships on the epidemiology of theileriosis in southern Africa.

The protozoan parasite Theileria parva, transmitted by the ixodid tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, is the cause of East Coast fever (ECF) and the related syndromes of Corridor disease and January disease in cattle of eastern, central and southern Africa. It is likely that buffalo (syncerus caffer) are the natural host of T. parva. In eastern and southern Africa, there exists both buffalo-adapted and cattle-adapted T. parva. Disease caused by buffalo-adapted parasites is called Corridor disease, and that caused by cattle-adapted parasites is termed East Coast fever. In eastern Africa, it has been shown experimentally that buffalo-adapted T. parva can, after serial passage in cattle, become adapted to cattle, in which it can then be maintained and cause ECF. This adaptation has been termed transformation. The transformation of buffalo-adapted T. parva to a cattle-adapted parasite has not been reported in southern Africa, and ECF, eradicated from South Africa, Swaziland and southern Mozambique by 1960, has not reappeared in the subcontinent. This paper discusses the possible reasons for this, and hypothesizes that vector population dynamics and the susceptibility of the vector population to infection with T. parva are among the most important factors which influence the expression of ECF as a disease entity, and the likelihood of transformation occurring. It also considers the possibility that disappearance of ECF from southern Africa resulted from the extinction, as a result of vigorous control measures and unfavourable climatic conditions, of non-diapausing populations of R. appendiculatus that may have been introduced from eastern Africa with cattle imported in 1901.

Africa, Southern

Effects of repeated injections of cocaine on D1 and D2 dopamine receptors in rat brain.

In order to determine if chronic administration of cocaine produced long-lasting alterations in dopamine receptor binding, rats were treated with single daily injections of cocaine (0, 10, or 20 mg/kg) for 15 consecutive days and killed either 20 min or 2 weeks after the last injection. The density of D1 binding sites in frontal cortex was either unchanged (10 mg/kg) or slightly increased (20 mg/kg) 20 min after the last daily injection, but was decreased 2 weeks later. D1 sites in striatum were decreased both immediately and 2 weeks after the injection regimen. Decreases in D1 binding site density in nucleus accumbens were observed only immediately after the last injection. In contrast to these effects on D1 binding sites, D2 binding sites were decreased in striatum and frontal cortex and increased in the nucleus accumbens 20 min after repeated cocaine, but were unaffected 2 weeks after repeated cocaine. Computer-assisted analysis of the saturation isotherms revealed that chronic administration of cocaine did not affect the affinity (Kd) of the radioligands used to label D1 or D2 sites. These findings suggest that repeated administration of cocaine results in long-term decreases in D1 binding sites in striatum and frontal cortex and transient decreases in D2 binding sites. Furthermore, cocaine caused opposite, transient effects on D1 and D2 site density in nucleus accumbens.

Animals

Geographical information systems for studying the epidemiology of cattle diseases caused by Theileria parva.

Data on selected variables which influence the epidemiology of cattle diseases caused by Theileria parva were assembled and entered in a computerised geographical information system. Variables studied included the distributions of major hosts (cattle and buffalo), the vector ticks (Rhipicephalus appendiculatus and related species) and the reported presence of East Coast fever, corridor disease and January disease. In addition, the distribution of climatic suitability for R appendiculatus was assessed using the model CLIMEX run on an interpolated climate database developed for Africa. Distribution maps of each variable were produced. The potential value of geographical information systems in studies of disease epidemiology and control is discussed, with examples of how sensitivity may be enhanced by the inclusion of additional variables. In addition, subject areas in which poor data quality and inadequate data standardisation may limit the use of these systems are identified and discussed.

Africa

Attempted transmission of Ehrlichia risticii, causative agent of Potomac horse fever, by the ticks, Dermacentor variabilis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Ixodes scapularis and Amblyomma americanum.

Dermacentor variabilis, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Amblyomma americanum, and Ixodes scapularis ticks were investigated for their ability to transmit Potomac horse fever. Larval and nymphal ticks were exposed to Ehrlichia risticii by feeding on mice inoculated with the organism. Molted exposed ticks were then allowed to feed on susceptible ponies or mice. No evidence of transmission, either clinically or by detection of antibodies to E. risticii in mice or ponies, was observed for any tick species examined.

Animals

Introduction, spread and subsequent disappearance of the brown ear-tick, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus, from the southern lowveld of Zimbabwe.

According to the climate-matching model CLIMEX the hot, dry lowveld of Zimbabwe is unsuitable for the survival of the brown ear-tick Rhipicephalus appendiculatus. There is evidence that the tick was absent from the lowveld in the 1960s but was introduced in 1973 and spread over a large area before disappearing in 1983. It was introduced at the start of a wet cycle when, according to CLIMEX predictions, conditions were suitable for its survival, and it disappeared at the end of a dry cycle when conditions were unsuitable. The most important factor in the disappearance of the tick appeared to be heat stress. The study has provided an illustration of the dynamic distribution of R. appendiculatus and field validation of the CLIMEX model.

Animals

Platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptor binding sites in major depressive disorder and borderline personality disorder.

Platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptor binding sites were measured in a group of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) (n = 23) and in normal controls (n = 25). When all depressed subjects were compared to controls, there were no differences in either Kd (affinity of the ligand) or total binding site (number/platelet), although a significant change in the ratio of high to low affinity states was observed in the depressed group. When the depressed patients were subdivided into those with and without a co-occurring borderline personality disorder (BPD), the BPD group had significantly fewer alpha 2 high affinity binding sites, while the group with depression alone had significantly more binding sites (both low and high affinity) than the control group. The results support the concept that assessment of comorbid diagnoses may be essential to biological studies of depression.

Aged

Altered platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptor binding sites in borderline personality disorder.

The authors found significantly fewer total platelet alpha 2-adrenergic receptor binding sites in 13 nonmedicated patients with borderline personality disorder than in 11 patients with borderline personality disorder who were receiving low doses of benzodiazepines and 18 nonpsychiatric control subjects. The two patient groups showed comparable degrees of depression as assessed by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. However, nonmedicated borderline patients were considerably more anxious than medicated patients, raising the possibility that lower alpha 2-adrenergic receptor binding in borderline personality disorder is related to anxiety.

Anxiety Disorders

Financial analysis of East Coast fever control strategies on beef production under farm conditions.

This study provides a financial analysis of an East Coast fever immunisation trial conducted on a farm in the Coast Province of Kenya. The objective of the trial was to assess the effects of immunisation by the infection and treatment method, under different acaricidal treatments, on the productivity of beef cattle. Eighty beef cattle were immunised and an equal number acted as controls. The immunised and unimmunised groups were divided into four subgroups of 20 animals. Two subgroups, one from the immunised and one from the unimmunised group, were sprayed with acaricide twice a week; a second pair of subgroups was sprayed once every three weeks; a third pair had prolonged release acaricide-impregnated ear-tags inserted into each ear; and a fourth pair had no tick control treatment. Financial analysis revealed that the immunised subgroups were more profitable, owing to lower mortality and higher weight gains than the unimmunised subgroups. Of the immunised subgroups, the best was that sprayed with acaricide twice a week; it yielded a marginal rate of return of 244 per cent and maximised financial benefits to the farmer in this trial. However, further trials under different production circumstances would be required before the method could be recommended for widespread adoption.

Animals

Epidemiology of Potomac horse fever: an investigation into the possible role of non-equine mammals.

A serological study of antibodies to Ehrlichia risticii was carried out on 10 species of wild and domestic mammals found on or near 21 horse farms in an area of the USA in which Potomac horse fever is endemic. No antibodies were found in 133 peridomestic rodents (Norway rats and house mice), nor in 108 wild rodents (white-footed mice and meadow voles) captured on farms. Three of the six domestic animal species examined, cats, pigs and a goat, showed serological evidence of exposure to E risticii. Seropositive animals were detected on three of the 21 premises. The eight seropositive cats (of 48 cats tested) were on two farms, and the three seropositive pigs (of 14 tested) were all on one farm which lay some 3 km from where the one seropositive goat (of three tested) was found. None of the 79 dogs, 75 cattle and seven sheep tested had antibodies to E risticii. The significance of these findings is discussed in the light of current understanding of the transmission of Potomac horse fever and of the epidemiology of other related ehrlichial diseases.

Animals

A study of techniques for the distribution of oral rabies vaccine to wild raccoon populations.

This study evaluates a technique for delivering an oral rabies vaccine to wild raccoon (Procyon lotor) populations. Various baits and attractants were first tested on caged raccoons and baiting trials were then conducted in two distinct physiographic regions of Virginia (USA), the coastal plain and the Piedmont plateau. Raccoon population density studies preceded the field trials. Each polyurethane sponge bait distributed contained approximately 200 mg tetracycline as a tissue biomarker, and was presented in an outer bag with a fish-based attractant. Baits were frozen until used and distributed from an aeroplane throughout two 4-km2 sites in each region. One site received 450 baits/km2 and the other 120 baits/km2. Postbaiting evaluation included the direct observation of baits in the field and the examination of teeth and bone from trapped and hunted animals for evidence of the biomarker. Between 30% and 73% of the captured animals showed evidence of bait consumption. The proportion of animals with evidence of bait uptake changed when areas adjacent to the actual baiting site were included. The percentage of animals taking baits was not related to the density of baits that were distributed.

Administration, Oral