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Biomedical subjects

J W Harvey

Publications and source records attributed to J W Harvey.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Seroprevalence of babesiosis in Greyhounds in Florida.

An indirect fluorescent antibody test was used to serologically survey Greyhounds from 10 kennels that are part of the racing Greyhound industry in Florida. Age of dogs ranged from 11 months to 11 years. Additionally, 50 adult non-Greyhound pet dogs were consecutively surveyed. Of 393 Greyhounds tested, 181 (46%) were seropositive for babesiosis; pet dogs were seronegative. Slightly higher percentage of seropositive males than females was observed, but this difference was only significant (P less than 0.01) in the 2- to 5-year age class. Male dogs less than 2 years old had significantly (P less than 0.01) lower seroprevalence than did male dogs greater than 2 years old. All 46 Greyhounds that were actively racing at the time of sample collection were seronegative. Dogs were classified into 2 groups on the basis of whether the kennel owner had sought veterinary attention for anemic pups. The 5 kennel owners that had sought veterinary attention (group A) had significantly (P less than 0.01) higher seroprevalence (78.5%), compared with the 5 that had not sought veterinary attention (group B; 23.0%). Seroprevalence of babesiosis in Greyhounds in Florida was comparable to that reported in a limited survey of other southeastern states. It appears to be higher than that in the pet population. Breeding kennels in Florida and other southeastern states from which anemic pups originate should be screened for babesiosis.

Age Factors

Characterization of phosphofructokinase-deficient canine erythrocytes.

Dogs homozygously affected with muscle-type phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency had about 20% of normal erythrocyte PFK activity and exhibited a compensated haemolytic anaemia. Erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate and fructose-6-phosphate concentrations were increased and dihydroxyacetone phosphate and 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate values were below normal in affected dogs. Other intermediates distal to the PFK step were not significantly below normal and fructose-1,6-bisphosphate was even above normal. Erythrocyte ATP was higher than normal in affected dogs owing to the reticulocytes present. Abnormal adenylate metabolism was demonstrated by low ATP/AMP and ADP/AMP ratios and the inability to maintain ATP content when affected erythrocytes were incubated with cyanide. Glucose-1,6-bisphosphate content was normal, and fructose-2,6-bisphosphate content in affected canine erythrocytes was higher than normal. Studies of erythrocyte PFK isozymes revealed altered enzyme kinetic properties in affected dogs which appeared to be due to the loss of the M-type subunit.

Adenine Nucleotides

Developmental changes of 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase subunit levels in erythrocytes from normal dogs and dogs affected by glycogen storage disease type VII.

1. The subunit proportions (L:M:C) of the PFK isozymes from normal adult erythrocytes were 2:86:12. Affected adult erythrocyte 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK) isozymes contained normal L-type (31%) and C-type (61%) subunits as well as a small amount (8%) of truncated M-type subunit. 2. When measured within 24 hr of birth, both normal and affected dog erythrocytes contained high PFK activities due to elevated levels of the L-type subunit. As the dogs matured, PFK activity decreased due to a greater than 99% loss of the L-type subunit. 3. By 2 weeks of age, the M-type and C-type subunits in normal dog PFK isozymes increased several-fold and attained near adult levels. 4. During post-natal development, the L-type subunit from affected dog erythrocytes decreased more rapidly than from normal dog erythrocytes; but it was maintained at a higher level in the affected adult erythrocytes. Also, in the affected dog erythrocytes, truncated M-type subunits were detected; and the initially high levels of the C-type subunit decreased approximately 50% after 4 weeks.

Aging

Specialized hematology tests.

In conclusion, many specialized tests for the evaluation of anemia and RBC abnormalities can readily be performed in-house or by commercial laboratories. Tests include RBC indices, examination of blood smears (for morphological changes, infectious agents, basophilic stippling, and polychromasia), reticulocyte counts, iron stains, serum iron determinations, Heinz body counts, and methemoglobin tests. These diagnostic tests should routinely be used for the evaluation of hematologic abnormalities that are detected by a CBC. Accurate interpretation of test results will provide vital information on the pathophysiological and/or etiologic mechanisms of disease and point the way to successful therapeutic intervention. Failure to adequately resolve some hematologic abnormalities, particularly in breeds in which heritable disease is a consideration, may require additional tests, including serum haptoglobin, ferritin and erythropoietin measurement, or assays for RBC enzymes, such as methemoglobin reductase, PK, and PFK. These tests usually are available only through research laboratories or hematology specialists, and it is advisable to consult with a veterinary clinical pathologist for referral to the appropriate individual or laboratory.

Anemia

Polysaccharide storage myopathy in canine phosphofructokinase deficiency (type VII glycogen storage disease).

A severe, progressive myopathy developed in an 11-year-old, phosphofructokinase (PFK)-deficient, male, English Springer Spaniel dog. Results from a routine neurological examination were normal. Examination of histologic sections of skeletal muscle revealed large accumulations of material in some myofibers. These deposits were pale, basophilic, somewhat flocculent, and slightly granular with hematoxylin and eosin stain. Most fascicles examined in sections of limb and trunk muscles were affected to some degree, with up to 10% of muscle fibers being involved. Deposits stained strongly with periodic acid-Schiff and were resistant to digestion by alpha amylase but were removed by incubation with gamma amylase. Deposits were faintly positive with Gomori's methenamine silver technique and alcian blue (pH 2.5) and were brown-gray with Lugol's iodine solution but were negative with other stains. Based on staining characteristics, the deposits seemed to consist primarily of an amylopectin-like polysaccharide(s). Alcian blue staining (pH 2.5) was removed by treatment with neuraminidase but not with hyaluronidase, indicating that some sialic acid residues were also present. Electron microscopically, the deposits were composed of short granular filaments, small granules and amorphous material. They were not membrane bound. The morphologic appearance and staining characteristics of the deposits were remarkably similar to deposits previously described in human PFK-deficient myopathy. As expected, total PFK activities were markedly reduced when assayed in skeletal muscles of this dog. In contrast with other PFK-deficient dogs, muscle glycogen in this animal was not increased above that of normal dogs.

Animals

Postnatal hematologic development in phosphofructokinase-deficient dogs.

Adult dogs with phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency have compensated hemolytic anemia, due to an absolute or functional deficiency of the muscle-type (M-type) subunit that normally accounts for a majority of total erythrocyte PFK activity in dogs. Potential effects of PFK deficiency on hematologic development were evaluated in dogs. Routine hematologic parameters were similar in normal and affected dogs when 1 day old, because all newborn dogs had erythrocyte PFK activities about three times that of normal adult dogs. Based on chromatographic separation of PFK isozymes and enzyme immunoprecipitation studies, the high PFK activity at birth was attributed to the predominance of the liver-type (L-type) subunit of PFK, which is negligible or absent in normal adult dog erythrocytes. Both total PFK activities and the amounts of L-type subunit present decreased dramatically during the first 6 to 8 weeks of life. The muscle-type subunit was negligible or absent at birth, but appeared and increased as the L-type decreased in normal dogs. These changes may result from the replacement of erythrocytes formed in the fetus with those formed after birth. A postnatal physiologic anemia developed to a similar degree in both affected and normal dogs because of decreases in both mean corpuscular volume and erythrocyte numbers. Reticulocyte counts were high in all dogs at birth and remained high in affected dogs, but decreased from 2 months of age onward in normal dogs. Erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) values were very low in all newborn pups and increased to values expected for adults in the respective groups by 2 to 4 weeks of age. A low 2,3-DPG concentration occurs in affected dogs because PFK deficiency inhibits glycolysis above the side shunt that forms 2,3-DPG.

Adenosine Triphosphate

Effect of 2,3-diphosphoglycerate concentration on the alkaline fragility of phosphofructokinase-deficient canine erythrocytes.

1. Erythrocytes in whole blood samples from dogs with phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency had lower 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (2,3-DPG) concentrations, higher ATP concentrations, and were more alkaline fragile than normal canine erythrocytes. 2. Reticulocytes from a PFK-deficient dog contained nearly three times the ATP concentration of normal canine erythrocytes, and had 2,3-DPG concentrations similar to normal canine erythrocytes. 3. PFK-deficient reticulocytes are not alkaline fragile. 4. The erythrocyte 2,3-DPG concentration in whole blood samples from PFK-deficient dogs was increased to normal by in vitro incubation with dihydroxyacetone, pyruvate and phosphate. This incubation resulted in only a slight increase in ATP concentration. 5. The alkaline fragility of these 2,3-DPG replenished PFK-deficient erythrocytes was normal. 6. Findings in this study indicate that the increased alkaline fragility of canine PFK-deficient erythrocytes is the result of decreased intracellular 2,3-DPG concentration.

2,3-Diphosphoglycerate

Hemolysis caused by phosphofructokinase deficiency in English springer spaniels: seven cases (1983-1986).

Seven English Springer Spaniels (6 adult males and 1 female) with chronic hemolysis and sporadic intravascular hemolytic crises were determined to have a deficiency in erythrocyte phosphofructokinase (PFK) activity, a key regulatory enzyme of anaerobic glycolysis. Intermittent severe pigmenturia concomitant with weakness, lethargy, and anorexia were the major clinical signs and commonly were related to exercise or other stressful situations that caused panting or barking (hyperventilation). Pale or icteric mucous membranes, fever, mild hepatosplenomegaly, and muscle wasting sometimes were evident. Results of routine laboratory testing indicated a persistent marked bilirubinuria and reticulocytosis with normal PCV, to severe anemia and intermittent hemoglobinuria and hyperkalemia. Erythrocyte PFK activities were severely reduced to 8% to 22% of values for control dogs. The block of glycolysis at the PFK step caused a markedly diminished erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate content, resulting in an increased hemoglobin-oxygen affinity and compensatory accelerated erythrocyte production. Phosphofructokinase-deficient erythrocytes had increased alkaline fragility in vitro and in vivo. Hemolytic crises were induced in vivo by hyperventilation that caused transient, mild alkalemia. Studies of family members of a PFK-deficient dog suggested an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Carrier dogs with half-normal erythrocyte PFK activities appeared clinically normal.

Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital

Autosomal recessive inherited phosphofructokinase deficiency in English springer spaniel dogs.

Three families of English springer spaniel dogs with phosphofructokinase (PFK) deficiency causing haemolysis were studied. Four male dogs and one female dog with chronic haemolysis and haemolytic crises were found to have markedly reduced PFK activity in erythrocytes (8-20% of control English springer spaniels). PFK-deficient erythrocytes exhibited an extreme alkaline and sucrose lysis. The oxygen dissociation curve of erythrocyte suspensions was shifted to the left with a 50% saturation of haemoglobin at a partial oxygen pressure of 16-17 mmHg (normal 26-31 mmHg). Muscle wasting and mildly increased serum creatine phosphokinase activity were also noted. Six clinically normal first degree relatives of affected dogs had erythrocyte PFK activities that were 38-51% of controls. In these family members, there was an erythrocytosis and mild reticulocytosis probably due to a mildly enhanced haemoglobin-oxygen affinity but no increase in serum creatine phosphokinase. These studies confirm the familial nature of muscle-type PFK deficiency in English springer spaniels and support the conclusion that this animal model of the human glycogen storage disease type VII is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait.

Animals

Characterization of the enzymatic lesion in inherited phosphofructokinase deficiency in the dog: an animal analogue of human glycogen storage disease type VII.

Mammalian phosphofructokinase (PFK; ATP:D-fructose-6-phosphate 1-phosphotransferase, EC 2.7.1.11) exists in multimolecular forms, which result from random tetramerization of three distinct subunits, M (muscle-type), L (liver-type), and P (platelet-type), each under a separate genetic control. Human muscle and liver contain homotetramers M4 and L4, respectively, whereas erythrocytes contain a mixture of M4, M3L, M2L2, ML3, and L4 isozymes. Homozygous deficiency of the M subunit in man results in glycogen storage disease (GSD) type VII, which is characterized by exertional muscle weakness and compensated hemolysis; the residual erythrocyte PFK consists of isolated L4 isozyme. Recently, PFK deficiency associated with isolated hemolytic anemia has been identified among English springer spaniel dogs. We investigated the genetic control of the dog PFK system and the nature of the enzymatic defect in two PFK-deficient animals, using chromatographic and immunological techniques. Our studies indicate the existence of a trilocus isozyme system for the dog, as is the case with other mammals. Muscle PFK consists of M4 isozyme, whereas the predominant species of liver and platelet consists, respectively, of the L4 and P4 isozyme; erythrocyte PFK consists of a three- or four-membered set composed of M and P subunits. PFK deficiency in the dogs was found to result from a total and universal lack of the M subunit, as is the case in man. However, the probands consistently exhibited L4 isozyme in their muscle; P4, L4, and hybrids thereof in their erythrocytes; and an increase in the L-containing isozymes in their platelets, indicating a generalized anomalous presence of the L subunit. The apparent absence of muscle disease in these animals is most likely accounted for by both the well-known high oxidative potential of the canine muscle in general and the presence of liver PFK in the M-deficient muscle in particular. In contrast, presence of hemolysis despite residual P4 and hybrids of P and L in the erythrocytes may be inferred to result in severe glycolytic handicap under existing intraerythrocytic conditions.

Animals

Ultrastructure of the intraerythrocytic stage of Cytauxzoon felis.

The erythrocytes of 2 cats experimentally infected with Cytauxzoon felis were examined by light and electron microscopy. In stained blood smears, parasitized erythrocytes usually contained a single, roundish organism, but occasionally up to 4 were present in a cell. Chains of these roundish organisms also were seen. Elongated parasites, sometimes with ear-like projections, were present in a few erythrocytes. By electron microscopy, the parasite contained a poorly defined nucleus, rough endoplasmic reticulum, ribosomes, nonplicated mitochondria, food vacuoles, and a cytostome on its limiting membrane. Usually, the parasite was oval, but budding forms also were evident. Crystalloid inclusions were present in parasitized and nonparasitized erythrocytes.

Animals

Benzocaine-induced methemoglobinemia in dogs.

Methemoglobinemia developed in three dogs after the owners' use of benzocaine-containing products for topical treatment of the dogs' pruritic skin conditions. The products were intended for use in man. In two of the dogs, clinical signs of shock were observed within a few hours after the application of a skin lotion containing 5% benzocaine. Methemoglobin was assayed in one case and found to be 51% of total hemoglobin. Both dogs recovered after whole blood transfusions were given. The third dog, which had been treated for several weeks with small amounts of an anesthetic aerosol containing 20% benzocaine, was anorectic and lethargic when examined. Methemoglobin content was 30%, and Heinz bodies were observed in 20% of the erythrocytes. The methemoglobin content and proportion of Heinz bodies decreased rapidly after use of the spray was discontinued. The two benzocaine-containing products incriminated in development of the methemoglobinemia did not induce measurable increases in methemoglobin content in clinically normal dogs, when applied to unbroken skin. Small increases in methemoglobin content were measured, however, when these products were given orally to clinically normal dogs. It was concluded that the skin lesions in the three clinically affected dogs enhanced absorption of the drug, resulting in methemoglobin formation.

Animals

Ehrlichiosis in wolves, dogs, and wolf-dog crosses.

Canine ehrlichiosis was diagnosed in wolves, dogs, and wolf-dog crosses at a small zoo in northcentral Florida. Five of 9 adult canids and all 8 pups confined to a common kennel died as a result of the infection. The epizootic was associated with a massive Rhipicephalus sanguineus infestation. Hematologic and pathologic findings in an adult wolf-dog cross that died were characteristic of canine ehrlichiosis. That animal and four other canids were seropositive for Ehrlichia canis. No deaths occurred following the oral treatment of remaining canids with tetracycline hydrochloride and the treatment of canids and premises with acaricides.

Animals

The application of microcalorimetry to the assessment of metabolic efficiency in isolated rat hepatocytes.

1. Heat output by suspensions of isolated rat hepatocytes was determined by using a modified batch-type microcalorimeter. 2. The ratio of O(2) uptake (determined polarographically) to heat output was used to assess the metabolic efficiency of isolated hepatocytes. 3. Cells from starved or fed rats incubated in either bicarbonate-buffered physiological saline containing gelatin, or bicarbonate-buffered physiological saline containing amino acids, serum albumin and glucose showed no significant difference with respect to the ratio of O(2) uptake to heat output. 4. For liver cells from 24h-starved rats, the addition of 10mm-dihydroxyacetone and 2.5mm-fructose significantly decreased the ratio of O(2) uptake to heat output from 1.94+/-0.05 in the controls to 1.52+/-0.04 and 1.54+/-0.01mumol/J respectively. 5. Glucagon (1mum), which slightly increased both O(2) uptake and heat output, did not significantly alter the ratio. 6. The addition of extracellular 10mm-NH(4)Cl and urease to provide an energetically wasteful cycle by ensuring hydrolysis of newly synthesized urea, lowered the ratio of O(2) uptake to heat output from 1.81+/-0.08 to 1.47+/-0.06mumol/J, indicating a reduced metabolic efficiency. 7. Metabolic efficiency in rats of different dietary regimen, age and genetically based obesity was also assessed. No differences in the ratio of O(2) uptake to heat output were found between liver cell suspensions prepared from rats maintained on colony diet and high-fat diet or sucrose-rich diet nor between animals ranging from 38 to 179 days of age. Comparison of the ratio of liver cell O(2) uptake to heat output between homozygote Zucker fa/fa obese rats and their lean littermates showed no significant difference. 8. It is concluded that the ratio of O(2) uptake to heat output for isolated hepatocytes is relatively constant unless perturbed by conditions that markedly enhance substrate cycling.

Animals

Cyclic thrombocytopenia induced by a Rickettsia-like agent in dogs.

Hematologic manifestations and the ultrastructure of a platelet-specific microorganism isolated from a dog in Florida were studied. The agent was readily transmitted experimentally to adult dogs by intravenous inoculation with infected blood. Parasitemias and concomitant thrombocytopenias were cyclic in that both recurred within relatively constant periods of one to two weeks following experimental infections. Hemorrhage was not a manifestation of the disease even though thrombocytopenias were severe. Microorganisms were visualized by light and electron microscopy. They were observed only in platelets and were composed of single or multiple subunits (morula forms). The microorganisms were ultrastructurally very similar to those reported in Ehrlichia canis infections of dogs and Anaplasma marginale infections of cattle. Microorganisms were surrounded by single membranes which more or less conformed to the external surfaces of subunits that were surrounded by double membranes. From electron microscopic studies, it is suggested that these organisms be classified in the order Rickettsiales.

Alphaproteobacteria

Feline myeloproliferative disease. Changing manifestations in the peripheral blood.

A 4 1/2-year-old cat had myeloproliferative disease characterized by severe anemia. Peripheral blood had a profusion of relatively normal-appearing nucleated erythroid cells in all stages of development and a few primitive cells with nucleoli. The term "erythremic myelosis" best described the appearance of the peripheral blood. Two weeks later, the peripheral blood picture was that of regenerative anemia. During the next 2 months the cat made an apparent clinical recovery without treatment, but relapsed 3 months after the initial examination. One-fourth of the cells in circulation at the time of relapse contained nucleoli and appeared identical to those described in reticuloendotheliosis in cats. This transition suggested the progressive development of a greater degree of immaturity of erythroid precusors with time. The use of the term "reticuloendotheliosis" in conjunction with feline myeloproliferative disease was considered and determined inappropriate.

Animals

Ultrastructure of erythrocytes parasitized by Haemobartonella felis.

Experimental Haemobartonella felis infections were studied in 3 mature, intact cats by examining peripheral blood, lung, and spleen by electron microscopy. Coccoid, rod, or ring forms of the organism were found on or close to the erythrocytic membrane, and adjacent parasitized erythrocytes often were attached. Intracytoplasmic crystalloid inclusions occupying most of erythrocytic cytoplasm were seen in the 3 infected cats. The cat with the highest parasitemia had inclusions in about 10% of the erythrocytes. Less than 0.01% of the erythrocytes of a control cat contained inclusions. Parasitized erythrocytes, with and without inclusions, were seen in capillaries of the lung and spleen of infected cats. Macrophages in the lung and spleen of infected cats contained parasitized erythrocytes, either with or without inclusions. Some macrophages contained erythrocyte-free organisms in phagocytic vacuoles.

Anaplasmataceae