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Biomedical subjects

G Sironi

Publications and source records attributed to G Sironi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Circovirus inclusion bodies in intestinal muscle cells of a canary.

Multiple cytoplasmic inclusion bodies were observed in the intestinal smooth muscle cells of an adult canary from an aviary with a history of high mortality (50%) both in adult and young birds. Grossly, a mild enteritis was the only lesion appreciable. Smears of the proventricular contents contained a few megabacteria (Macrorhabdus ornithogaster). The intestinal inclusions were found in very high numbers in all parts of the tract examined. They appeared round to oval, amphophilic and hyaline in sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and magenta with Feulgen stain. Inclusions of the same type were occasionally detectable in the wall of a few splenic and pancreatic arteries. No inclusions or lesions were seen in the other organs examined. Transmission electron microscopy of the intestinal wall revealed circovirus-like particles either in paracrystalline arrays or loose arrangements, mostly within the cytoplasm of the intestinal muscule cells. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequence analysis confirmed infection with canary circovirus.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Myotropic avian leukosis virus subgroup J infection in a chicken.

The study describes a highly productive myotropic avian leukosis virus infection (ALV) in a 3-month-old female chicken. At necropsy, ascites, hepatic fibrosis and cardiomegaly were seen. Histologically, the most striking lesion was the presence of cytoplasmic basophilic inclusions in myocardial fibers. Immunostaining for ALV group specific antigen p27 revealed a diffuse presence of virus antigen in cardiac myofibers, in smooth muscle fibers of most of the organs, and in rare, pancreatic and ovarian theca cells. Ultrastructurally, myocardial inclusions consisted of clusters of 50-60 nm round particles with interspersed ribosome-like granules. Numerous C-type particles were found in intercellular spaces of ALV p27 positive tissues. PCR analyses revealed the presence of both ALV-E and ALV-J related sequences. In chicken genome, ALV-E is usually present as endogenous provirus therefore, the pathological findings observed in this case are considered to be related with the ALV-J infection. The results of this report further confirm that ALV-J may be responsible for highly productive myotropic infections.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

[Case report of Elaphostrongylus cervi in a goat in north Italy].

A case of cerebral nematodiasis in a goat from Lombardy (north Italy) is described. Clinical signs, histopathological lesions and the finding of a nematode in cerebral tissue sections of the affected animal confirmed the diagnosis of infection with Elaphostrongylus cervi.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2005

Short-term ursodeoxycholic acid treatment improves gallbladder bile turnover in gallstone patients: a randomized trial.

UNLABELLED: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) prevents in vitro gallbladder (GB) muscle damage caused by acute cholecystitis and reduces risk of biliary pain and complications in gallstone (GS) patients. These effects could be partially explained by the improved GB bile turnover. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of short-term UDCA treatment on GB motility and bile turnover. METHODS: Ultrasonographic (US) assessment of GB volumes was performed in 16 GS patients, in the postprandial phase, for 90 min with a time sampling of 1 min, before and after 30 days of UDCA (10 mg kg(-1) die(-1)) or placebo, randomly assigned. US data were analysed with statistical tools and with computer fluido-dynamic (CFD) software Fluent(TM) to simulate GB bile flow. RESULTS: After therapy, fasting volume (FV) increased from 21.6 +/- 9 to 28.2 +/- 12 mL (p < 0.001) while the ejection fraction (EF) remained unchanged (44.5 +/- 17% vs 45.1 +/- 20%; p: ns). Volumes before and after treatment were poorly correlated (0.02 < r < 0.35), unlike those in placebo patients (r > 0.6). The average GB volume was increased in 7 out of 10 patients following UDCA (range 7-67%). CFD analysis supports the finding of improved bile flow after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike results of conventional US parameters of GB motility, CFD analysis shows that UDCA improves GB bile turnover in GS patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Tissue distribution of a feline AGP related protein (fAGPrP) in cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP).

Feline alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (fAGP) increases during feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). We have recently identified a 29 kDa protein that we named feline AGP-related protein (fAGPrP) due to its cross-reactivity with an anti-human AGP monoclonal antibody. In this work we describe the tissue distribution of fAGPrP during FIP, and its relationship with feline coronavirus (FCoV) and myeloid cells. Tissues from five control cats and from 15 cats with FIP were examined by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies against human AGP, FCoV and myeloid antigens. Diffuse fAGPrP positivity within the lesions, likely due to vascular plasma leakage, endothelial and epithelial lining were detectable. Compared to controls, fAGPrP-expressing cells often increased in number and were diffusely distributed in lymph nodes, as usually occurs for IgM-producing plasma cells during early immune responses. These findings did not depend on the presence of FCoVs or of myeloid cells, suggesting that fAGPrP is not directly involved in the pathogenesis of FIP.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Serological study of a population of alpine chamois (Rupicapra r rupicapra) affected by an outbreak of respiratory disease.

A serological survey of respiratory virus infections was carried out from 1998 to 2001 in Lecco province, Italy, as part of a health monitoring programme in a population of alpine chamois, many of which died of pneumonia in autumn and winter 2000 to 2001; 194 carcases of all age classes were found over a short period and in a small area. Eighteen of them, which were examined postmortem, consistently showed signs of severe fibrinous lobar pneumonia or catarrhal bronchopneumonia. Samples of serum from 145 chamois collected from hunted animals and carcases were tested by a virus neutralisation test against bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine viral diarrhoea virus, bovine herpesvirus type 1 and parainfluenzavirus type 3. Positive results were detected only for BRSV. The area was divided into two subunits on the basis of the distribution of deaths; in the areas where fatalities were observed there was a significant increase of BRSV titres at the beginning of the outbreak. Furthermore, during the 2000 and 2001 hunting seasons antibody titres to BRSV were significantly higher in the areas where mortality occurred. The roe deer living in the same area were not affected by pneumonia and had a low prevalence of titres to BRSV which did not vary during the period of the study.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Receptors in cardiovascular disease: review and introduction.

Despite recent encouraging declines, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is still responsible for about 50% of premature death in the Western industrialized countries, greater than cancer, AIDS and accidents, combined. Different aspects of the disease have been considered and the main currently available and possible future drugs whose effect is based on interaction with a receptor have been reviewed. Catecholamines receptors ligands, mainly beta-blockers, and the new angiotensin II antagonists represent the most important classes among the established therapies. Investigational approaches such as the oral glycoprotein GPIIb/IIIa antagonists and endothelin, adenosine and neuropeptide Y receptors ligands are discussed. Receptorology represents just a part of the therapeutical approach to CVD, where other classes of drugs with enzyme or ionic channel based mechanisms are largely used and innovative therapies based on the most advanced research techniques could early become reality.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Effects of intracavernous administration of selective antagonists of alpha(1)-adrenoceptor subtypes on erection in anesthetized rats and dogs.

The proerectile properties of three novel alpha(1)-adrenoceptor (alpha(1)-ADR) antagonists with different profiles of selectivity for the alpha(1)-ADR subtypes have been evaluated in anesthetized rats and dogs on intracavernous (IC) injection, in comparison with prazosin and phentolamine. In rats, the tested compounds decreased blood pressure (BP) and increased IC pressure (ICP), as well as the ratio ICP/BP. Rec 15/2841 (alpha(1a)- plus alpha(1L)-ADR-selective antagonist) and Rec 15/2615 (alpha(1b)-ADR selective) were the most potent compounds. The ICP/BP ratios calculated after injection of Rec 15/3039 (alpha(1d)-ADR selective) were not markedly different from those observed after vehicle injection. Prazosin and phentolamine proved poorly active, their main effect being hypotension. Approximate ED(25) values (dose of compound in micrograms inducing 25% increase of ICP/BP ratio) were Rec 15/2615 (22 microgram/kg)>= Rec 15/2841 (29 microgram/kg) > prazosin (136 microgram/kg) > phentolamine (1298 microgram/kg) > Rec 15/3039 (9600 microgram/kg). Submaximal stimulation of the cavernous nerve elicited an ICP rise whose amplitude was not altered by Rec compounds. In contrast, prazosin and phentolamine decreased this ICP rise. All compounds but 15/3039 induced significant increase of the ICP/BP ratio in dogs. Rec 15/2615 proved to be the most interesting compound, inducing significant increases of ICP/BP at doses practically devoid of effects on BP. The rank order of potency in dog in increasing the ICP/BP ratio was similar to that observed in rats. Only at the highest doses tested, all compounds, except Rec 15/3039, decreased the ICP rise elicited by submaximal stimulation of the cavernous nerve. Our data demonstrate that the alpha(1b)- and alpha(1L)-ADR subtypes are functionally relevant for the erectile function in these models, and that alpha(1b)- and/or alpha(1L)-ADR subtypes selective antagonists could represent a real advantage in erectile dysfunction therapy.

Adrenergic alpha-1 Receptor Antagonists↗
PubMed1999

New cases of XXY constitution in cattle.

The present paper describes two cases of an XXY condition in Chianina cattle. Both young bulls were routinely investigated cytogenetically before entering progeny test stations. Every cell examined in the blood cell cultures showed an XXY constitution. The histological study of the gonads, performed on only one bull, showed degradation of the seminiferous tubules. Only Sertoli cells and hyperplastic interstitial cells were observed.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Translation of two nested genes in bacteriophage P4 controls immunity-specific transcription termination.

In phage P4, transcription of the left operon may occur from both the constitutive PLE promoter and the regulated PLL promoter, about 400 nucleotides upstream of PLE. A strong Rho-dependent termination site, timm, is located downstream of both promoters. When P4 immunity is expressed, transcription starting at PLE is efficiently terminated at timm, whereas transcription from PLL is immunity insensitive and reads through timm. We report the identification of two nested genes, kil and eta, located in the P4 left operon. The P4 kil gene, which encodes a 65-amino-acid polypeptide, is the first translated gene downstream of the PLE promoter, and its expression is controlled by P4 immunity. Overexpression of kil causes cell killing. This gene is the terminal part of a longer open reading frame, eta, which begins upstream of PLE. The eta gene is expressed when transcription starts from the PLL promoter. Three likely start codons predict a size between 197 and 199 amino acids for the Eta gene product. Both kil and eta overlap the timm site. By cloning kil upstream of a tRNA reporter gene, we demonstrated that translation of the kil region prevents premature transcription termination at timm. This suggests that P4 immunity might negatively control kil translation, thus enabling transcription termination at timm. Transcription starting from PL proceeds through timm. Mutations that create nonsense codons in eta caused premature termination of transcription starting from PLL. Suppression of the nonsense mutation restored transcription readthrough at timm. Thus, termination of transcription from PLL is prevented by translation of eta.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1998

Plasma levels of GH and PRL and concentrations in the fluids of bovine ovarian cysts and follicles.

Prolactin and GH have been detected within the ovary, and it has become increasingly evident that they have a role as intrafollicular regulatory factors. The aim of the present work was to gain an insight into the elements influencing intraovarian GH and PRL in bovine species and to see whether cystic degeneration was accompanied by abnormal bovine GH (bGH) and PRL (bPRL) plasma patterns. We followed the relationships between plasma and ovarian fluid bGH and bPRL concentrations over an entire year in Friesian cows whose ovaries showed distinct types of structures. To assess the presence of bGH and bPRL within ovarian cells, we assayed selected ovarian structures by immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrated that: 1) plasma and ovarian fluid hormonal concentrations were independent, and their ratio was independent of the ovarian structure classes, subclasses and period of the year; 2) in the majority of the cows the concentration of bGH in ovarian fluid was no more than 80% of the level in plasma, whereas in about half the animals bPRL concentrations were higher in the ovary than in peripheral plasma; 3) mean bPRL concentrations in ovarian fluids were significantly higher in summer than in winter; 4) immunoreactive bGH and bPRL were present within granulosa and luteal cells. Thus, it is suggested that in the cow bGH and bPRL levels in the ovary might be regulated in some way independently of the pituitary.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Pharmacological characterization of the uroselective alpha-1 antagonist Rec 15/2739 (SB 216469): role of the alpha-1L adrenoceptor in tissue selectivity, part I.

Alpha adrenoceptor antagonists have been convincingly shown to be beneficial in reducing both subjective and objective indices of urethral obstruction in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Rec 15/2739 (SB 216469) is a novel alpha-1 adrenoceptor (alpha-1 AR) antagonist currently being developed for benign prostatic hyperplasia. When evaluated in radioligand binding assays with expressed animal or human alpha-1 ARs, Rec 15/2739 shows marked to moderate selectivity for the alpha-1a AR subtype. Its affinity for the recombinant alpha-2 AR subtypes or native dopaminergic D2 receptor was about 100-fold lower than that for alpha-1a AR subtype. In canine tissues, Rec 15/2739 was 20-fold more potent as an inhibitor of [3H]prazosin binding to prostate vis-a-vis aorta. Functional studies in isolated rabbit tissues also confirmed the uroselectivity of Rec 15/2739, with substantially higher affinity (Kb = 2-3 nM) being observed in urethra and prostate, compared with ear artery and aorta (Kb = 20-100 nM). The in vitro selectivity observed with Rec 15/2739 was confirmed in vivo in the anesthetized dog, comparing potency against norepinephrine- or hypogastric nerve stimulation-induced urethral contraction with its ability to reduce diastolic blood pressure. In this model, Rec 15/2739 had greater selectivity than any other alpha-1 AR antagonist examined, including terazosin and tamsulosin. Based on the low potency of prazosin and some of its structural analogs in the rabbit and dog lower urinary tract tissues, it appears that norepinephrine contracts these tissues via activation of the alpha-1L AR. Hence this alpha-1 AR subtype, rather than the alpha-1A AR, may mediate the contraction in vivo.

Adrenergic alpha-Antagonists↗