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Biomedical subjects

E Deegen

Publications and source records attributed to E Deegen.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Studies on equine lipid metabolism. 2. Lipolytic activities of plasma and tissue lipases in large horses and ponies.

The enzymatic fundamentals of lipid metabolism of equine have not been thoroughly investigated at this point in time. It is still unclear why ponies in contrast to horses may become hyperlipaemic when coming negative energy balance. In this study, the activities of the triglyceride-cleaving key enzymes of ponies are large bred horses were investigated in order to obtain insight into the aetiology of the syndrome. The objective of the study was to measure the activities of hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and hepatic triglyceride lipase (HTGL) in ponies and horses in ex vivo in vitro assays. Norepinephrine (NE) stimulated pony adipocytes to release FFA in a linear fashion (4.57 +/- 2.09 nmol FFA.10(5) cells-1.min-1). This was not observed in horses. Lipolysis was significantly higher in fat cells of ponies than in horses when adenosine deaminase (ADA) and NE were added (12.71 +/- 3.12 vs. 1.96 +/- 1.22 nmol FFA.10(5) cells-1.min-1). Relative inhibition of lipolysis by the action of insulin was comparable in adipocytes of horses and ponies. However, absolute FFA release in pony fat cells was as high as the maximal NE and ADA stimulated lipolysis in horse adipocytes. Postheparin plasma lipase activities in ponies and horses did not differ between the sub-species. This finding was supported by the results obtained from measurement of LPL activity in adipose and muscle tissue showing only a tendency of increased activities in pony explants when compared to horse tissue incubations. This study further supports the hypothesis that differences in regulation of TG release from fat stores rather than clearance of TG from plasma is causative for the development of hyperlipaemia in ponies. Abbreviations used: ADA, adenosine deaminase; BW, body weight; FFA, free fatty acid; HSL, hormone-sensitive lipase; HTGL, hepatic triglyceride lipase; LPL, lipoprotein lipase; NE, norepinephrine; SDS, sodium dodecyl sulfate; TG, triglyceride; VLDL, very low density lipoprotein.

Adipocytes↗

Treatment of gastric lesions in horses with pectin-lecithin complex.

This study compared the study of a pectin-lecithin complex (Pronutrin) on gastric ulcer healing during an 11 day period in 2 groups of 12 horses each. Twenty-four horses suffering from gastric lesions of differing severity were selected from a larger group of clinical cases on the basis of gastroscopic examination. Both gastric mucosal erosions as well as gastric ulcers were found in the 2 mucosal regions (pars nonglandularis and pars glandularis). The gastric mucosal lesions occurred predominantly in the pars nonglandularis in the vicinity of the margo plicatus. The 24 horses were divided equally into a treated group (Group A) and a control group (Group B). Twelve horses in Group A received Pronutrin, in a dose of 300 g/horse/day over a period of 10 days, whereas horses in Group B received no active substance. Gastroscopic examination was performed on Days 0 and 11. The degree of severity of the gastric erosions or gastric ulcers was evaluated independently in the 2 mucosal regions with the aid of a scoring system. Group A horses showed good acceptance of the product and no side effects were recorded. After the 10 day treatment phase, Group A showed a marked reduction in gastric mucosal lesions or disappearance of lesions, while untreated horses showed no change or, even, a deterioration on Day 11. Statistical calculation of efficacy revealed a highly significant reduction in gastric mucosal lesions in the pars nonglandularis and a significant reduction in gastric mucosal lesions in the pars glandularis in the treated horses. It would appear, however, that the treatment period of 10 days was too short, since the gastric mucosal lesions had often not completely healed in all horses. The results of this study in 24 horses with gastric lesions suggest that a pectin-lecithin complex can have a beneficial effect on the healing of gastric ulcers.

Animals↗

[Transendoscopic laser surgery of exercise-induced dorsal displacement of the soft palate in horses].

From 1995 to 1997 11 racehorses, one Hanoverian and one Pony were presented to the clinic with a sudden appearing, very loudly gurgling expiratory respiratory noise. Considering the preliminary report and the clinical and endoscopical findings, as exercise induced dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) was found to be the cause of the respiratory noise. The 13 horses were treated in general anaesthesia by transendoscopic coagulation of the caudal margin of the soft palate with a Neodym-YAG-Laser. This surgical intervention had to be repeated on four horses with unchanged signs. Eight of 13 horses (62%) did not show any respiratory noises after the operation. These horses were again successfully raced and ridden. Only an improvement was observed in two horses (15%), while in three patients (23%) the respiratory noise was unchanged after surgery. The laser chirurgic approach to the exercise induced DDSP offers, compared to previous therapies important advantages, like shorter recoveries, combined with similar success rates.

Animals↗

[Effect of flunixin meglumine on plasma prostanoid concentrations in horses with colic in the perioperative period].

In the present study the significance of eicosanoids in the development of shock in horses on the basis of ileus has been investigated using the prostanoids thromboxane B2 (TXB2) and prostaglandine E2 (PGE2) as indicators. The prostanoid synthesis inhibitor flunixin meglumine was to be examined regarding its efficacy in the effective blockade of the synthesis of these mediators within the peri-operative timeframe as well as its effects on clinical signs and laboratory parameters. 21 horses suffering from ileus and ready for surgical intervention received an intravenous flunixin dosis of 1.1 mg/kg body weight immediately after the initial examination and prior to the surgical procedure. 20 colic horses receiving surgical treatment without application of the drug served as control group. Reference data concerning the approximate standard plasma levels of the prostanoids were determined in 10 healthy horses. Plasma levels of thromboxane B2 and prostaglandine E2 in all colic horses, treatment group as well as controls, initially proved to be significantly higher than the reference values in healthy horses. The untreated control group showed plasma levels highly exceeding the standards within the course of investigation. The application of flunixin meglumine resulted in an effective inhibition of the prostanoid synthesis. Post-operatively as well as within the whole period of investigation the plasma levels of PGE2 and TXB2 of the treated group were considerably lower than those of the control group. Flunixin meglumine had a favorable effect on several cardiovascular parameters. The experimental data concerning the effects of flunixin meglumine thus could be validated in a clinical setting, especially the effective inhibition of the cyclooxygenase enzyme system. The application of the prostanoid synthesis inhibitor flunixin meglumine can be judged as being effective in limiting shock progress in the peri-operative setting given reliable diagnosis.

Animals↗

[Salinomycin poisoning in a Polish stud horse].

24 cases of salinomycin poisoning in horses occurring recently in Silesia are discussed. All of these horses, used for riding-purposes, were fed with concentrate containing 61 mg/kg salinomycin as faulty prepared by the manufacturer. Each horse received approximately two to three kilograms of this forage. All horses developed severe clinical signs of intoxication. Despite therapy eight horses died within three to six days. Ten others became recumbent and had to be euthanased. Only six horses survived. Clinical and laboratory examinations were performed and are discussed. Laboratory examination of blood included red blood cell count, haematocrit, concentration of haemoglobin, enzyme activities of ASAT, ALAT and AP, also levels of urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and inorganic phosphor. Blood gas was also analysed. The dominating laboratory results were very high enzyme levels and alkalosis. The most characteristic clinical change appeared as paralysis of the hindlimbs.

Animal Feed↗

[Demonstration of immunoglobulin isotypes in the vitreous body as a contribution to the etiology of recurrent equine uveitis].

The functional properties of different immunoglobulin isotypes in equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) has not been investigated yet. Here, we describe the quantitative determination of total immunoglobulin levels and isotype differentiation in the vitreous of four horses with ERU as compared to that of seven healthy horses. In contrast to almost equal amounts of total immunoglobulin in the vitreous of both groups, remarkable differences were found: All four of the horses with ERU had significantly higher IgA contents in their vitreous as compared to the control group. However, the other isotypes monitored (IgM, IgGa, IgGb, IgGc and IgG(T)) indicated no differences between both groups. Comparing the individual ratios of immunoglobulin isotypes in the vitreous and the autologous serum of two horses with ERU and two control animals provided informative results: IgM was only detected in serum but not at all in vitreous of all horses investigated. All four IgG isotypes monitored in the diseased animals as well as these IgG isotypes and the IgA in healthy animals were present in the same ratios in serum and in vitreous of the individual horses. In general, the content of such isotypes in the vitreous was about 1000 fold lower then the respective isotypes in the autologous serum. These results are compatible with a transfer of the IgG and IgA isotypes from the serum into the vitreous in healthy individuals. All four horses with ERU, however, had a selectively increased relative IgA content in the vitreous as compared to their serum. This argues for a preferential local IgA production within the framework of a local immunological reaction to antigens located within the eyes of horses with ERU.

Animals↗

[Kidney function tests in horses--methods and reference values in healthy animals].

Investigations of renal function have been done on the basis of renal clearance (Clr) and excretion (E) of endogenous creatinine in healthy horses of different body weight (23 female, 7 male). Creatinine was measured by enzymatic PAP-method. Creatinine-E of female horses was poor positively correlated with body weight. The creatinine-Clr was highly correlated with the inulin-Clr (r = 0,896, p < 0,001). The excretion of creatinine was 35% higher than the filtration of creatinine, determined by inulin-Clr. That demonstrate a tubular net secretion of 26% of the total creatinine excretion. However the creatinine-Clr may be considered representative enough for the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Water, sodium, glucose and L-lactate were absorbed in the renal tubules nearly completely, with a fractional excretion (FE) lower 2%. So they are suitable as endogenous markers for insufficient tubular absorption. Other electrolytes were absorbed incompletely depending on the supply of these substances (calcium-FE and magnesium-FE: 1-50%, potassium-FE: 10-120%, phosphate-FE: 0-5%). An extremely variable part of the filtered urea was reabsorbed in the tubuli (urea-FE 8-85%). For that reason urea is not appropriate for the diagnostic of disturbances of renal functions. A method for clinical determination of renal function by measurement of concentrations of metabolites and electrolytes in blood plasma and spontaneous urine is described and evaluated. The method is based on the supposed constant excretion of the creatinine (0,17 mumol/min/kg) and allows especially the examination of male and sick animals without quantitative sampling of urine. Reference-values for the renal excretion of electrolytes and metabolites of healthy horses are given.

Animals↗

Effects of training on blood lactate-running speed relationship in thoroughbred racehorses.

In this study the effects of training history on the results of a standardized two-speed test in competing Thoroughbreds were investigated during a racing season. For nine Thoroughbreds, 1,755 training days were recorded. Within the observation period each horse completed a two-speed field test at intervals of 6-8 wk to determine its running velocity (v) eliciting blood lactate concentrations of 4 (v4) and 12 mmol/l (v12). Horses performed 29 two-speed tests. Changes of v4 and v12 in a horse between two consecutive tests were used to assess effects of training history variables calculated for the period between two consecutive tests. The percentage of days with gallop workouts between two consecutive tests showed a significant correlation with changes in v4 (r = 0.71, P < 0.01) and v12 (r = 0.56, P < 0.05). The number of gallop workouts (r = 0.60, P < 0.05) and the total time of training (r = 0.58, P < 0.05) correlated with the change of v4. Furthermore the percentage of days without training was negatively correlated to changes of v4 (r = -0.75, P < 0.01) and v12 (r = -0.56, P < 0.05). Therefore the actual training caused changes in the blood lactate-running speed relationship despite its relatively low volume, intensity, and frequency. Future studies have to evaluate how the training variables can be changed to improve the training effects on the blood lactate-running speed relationship of competing Thoroughbreds.

Animals↗

[A comparison of cardiac stroke volume determination using the thermodilution method and PW-Doppler echocardiography for the evaluation of systolic heart function in the horse].

In 14 horses without heart disease stroke volume determination were established by pulsed wave doppler echocardiography. Thermodilution and doppler echocardiography were used simultaneously. The doppler echocardiographic volume determinations were carried out in left and right outflow tracts. Echocardiographically Velocity Time Integral, Maximum Flow Velocity, Mean Flow Velocity and Acceleration Time were ascertained. To be able to compare heart volumes of horses with different body weight stroke volume was applied to 1 kg of body weight (= heart index). Heart Index determined with thermodilution did not show significant difference from heart index determined with doppler echocardiography. Stroke volume, which was measured in right outflow tract were closest to the values of thermodilution (mean difference: 124.3 +/- 55 ml). Standard variations of volume found in left and right outflow tract, determined from right body wall were lower than standard variations of thermodilution method. Heart volume determination with doppler echocardiography provides evaluation of systolic heart function as well as thermodilution.

Animals↗

Kinetics of inhibition of replication of vesicular stomatitis virus in blood mononuclear cells of horses after in vitro and in vivo treatment with recombinant equine interferon-beta 1.

Recombinant equine interferon-beta 1 (reqIFN-beta 1) induces an antiviral state in blood mononuclear cells (BMC) of horses. Maximal protection against replication of vesicular stomatitis virus is achieved 6 hours after treatment with IFN in vitro and in vivo. Duration of the protective effect depends on the dose of IFN in vitro and in vivo. Availability of reqIFN-beta 1 in cultures of BMC for up to 48 hours does not prolong the antiviral state. The protective effect on BMC after treatment with IFN has similar duration in vivo and in vitro. Monitoring of the effect of IFN in vivo is, thus, simplified because the antiviral state may be recorded by testing cells twice (ie, before and 6 hours after application of interferon). All further tests may be performed in vitro. Multiple administration of reqIFN-beta 1 do not prolong duration of the protective phases after each administration. Duration of the antiviral state depends only on the dose of reqIFN-beta 1.

Animals↗

[Echocardiography and therapy of atrial fibrillation in horses].

Echocardiographic evaluation of 45 horses (43 warm-blooded horses, one Thoroughbred and one Standardbred) with atrial fibrillation was performed, using M-mode, B-mode and pulsed-wave Doppler echocardiography. Seventeen (38%) of these horses had a history of poor performance. An increase of left ventricular shortening fraction was found in 25 horses (56%). Atrial dilatation was seen in 37 horses (82%). Eight horses (18%) had normal atrial dimensions. In nine horses only left atrium and in six horses only right atrium was enlarged. In the other 22 horses both atria were dilated. Correlation was found between atrial and ventricular dilatation. M-mode echocardiogram of septal leaflet of mitral valve revealed the lack of A-peak and showed diastolic undulation. Additionally, pulsewave Doppler spectral tracings of atrial outflow tract showed absence of A-peak which is associated with atrial in healthy horses. Quinidine sulfate was used for treatment in 19 horses. Nine horses converted to sinus rhythm, eight of them had normal atrial dimensions. Treatment was not successful in nine horses with severe atrial dilatation and in one horse with normal atrial dimensions but with mitral valve insufficiency. Echocardiographic evaluation of atrial diameters seems to be a reliable method to predict therapeutic success in horses with atrial fibrillation.

Animals↗

[M-mode echocardiography in dressage horses, class S jumping horses and untrained horses].

Heart structures of 45 warmblooded horses were measured by M-mode-echocardiography. The current training level of 15 dressage horses (group I) and 15 show-jumping horses (group II) was category "S". In the third group were 15 untrained horses. Four standardized transducer positions were determined for the m-mode echobeam, calibrated according to the two-dimensional real time technique. End systolic and end diastolic diameters of left ventricle, right ventricle, aortic root, interventricular septum and left ventricular wall, as well as motion pattern of heart wall, mitral valve and aortic valve of all horses were measured. The dressage horses showed a significant thickening of interventricular septum and left-ventricular wall compared with the show-jumping horses and the untrained horses. The end diastolic left ventricle diameter of the show-jumping horses was significantly larger than in the other groups. Compared to the untrained horses the show-jumping horses showed a significantly larger end systolic left ventricular wall diameter measured at the level of papillary muscle. It can be concluded, that an increase in heart mass in category "S" sport horses is attributed to their level of training.

Animals↗

[The occurrence and significance of enterotoxin-producing Clostridium perfringens strains in the intestinal tract of horses].

100 faecal samples from clinically healthy horses of different age groups and feeding habits, 50 samples of faeces from horses suffering from enteropathy accompanied by diarrhoea and small and/or large intestine from 25 horses that had died after an intestinal disease were examined for the presence of Clostridium (Cl.) perfringens. The frequency with which Cl. perfringens was detected was 22% in clinically healthy horses, 32% in horses with diarrhoea and 52% in the dead horses. In two faecal samples from the horses with diarrhoea the microbial count of Cl. perfringens was ca. 10(6) cfu/g faeces. The occurrence of Cl. perfringens in clinically healthy horses was not influenced by age. In animals fed exclusively on grass silage Cl. perfringens was found more frequently. The enterotoxin of Cl. perfringens was identified in one of 36 faecal samples from horses with diarrhoea. 54 Cl. perfringens strains isolated from material examined were studied for their ability to sporulate and to produce enterotoxin. 98% of the strains formed spores. Enterotoxin production was negative in all cases. Experimental investigations with enterotoxin producing Cl. perfringens strains on four ponies did not show any signs of a possible durable colonization of the intestinal tract by this organism. The results of these investigations do not suggest any pathogenic relevance of enterotoxin producing Cl. perfringens strains to the development of enteropathy in horses.

Animals↗

[Laryngeal hemiplegia in warmblood horses--a study of stallions, mares and their offspring].

Laryngoscopic examination during sedation was performed on 24 stallions and on their offspring (240 foals and 474 adult horses). Additionally the dams (n = 308) of 35 foals and 216 horses were examined. With the bilateral comparison of the arytaenoid movements the function of the abductory and adductory laryngeal muscles were evaluated and the left abductory dysfunction (idiopathic laryngeal hemiplegia, ILH) was divided into six degrees. The incidence and degree of ILH depended on age and the occurrence of the same dysfunction in the parents. Foals suffered in significantly lower number (24.7 per cent) than adult horses (49.7 per cent). The progeny of unaffected parents suffered significantly less from ILH (8.9 per cent of the foals, 39.6 per cent of the adult offspring) than did comparable progeny of affected parents (41 per cent of the foals, 60.9 per cent of the adult offspring). There was no correlation between the occurrence of ILH and sex. 120 horses were examined laryngoscopically and during work to get an information about the correlation between a visible ILH and the appearance of a typical inspiratory noise. 54.3 per cent of the horses with ILH had a typical inspiratory noise. 80.9 per cent of the horse with a typical inspiratory noise showed ILH.

Age Factors↗

A method for the assay of "difficult" interferons exemplified with recombinant equine interferon-beta 1.

We wished to assay recombinant equine interferon-beta 1 (rEqIFN-beta 1) but could not obtain satisfactory results with previously described methods. Therefore, we developed a yield-reduction assay, using primary horse peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) for challenge, which proved consistently satisfactory and highly sensitive. It is suggested that this method of assay may be useful for IFNs from other animals where problems are encountered.

Animals↗