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Biomedical subjects

P Wohlsein

Publications and source records attributed to P Wohlsein.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

A novel approach to temporary stenting: degradable cardiovascular stents produced from corrodible metal-results 6-18 months after implantation into New Zealand white rabbits.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether corrodible materials may be safely used as biodegradable cardiovascular implants. DESIGN: Corrodible iron stents (> 99.8% iron) were produced from pure iron and laser cut with a stent design similar to a commercially available permanent stent (PUVA-AS16). A total of 16 NOR-I stents were implanted into the native descending aorta of 16 New Zealand white rabbits (mean luminal diameter at the implantation site 3.4 mm, balloon diameter to vessel diameter ratio 1.13). RESULTS: No thromboembolic complications and no adverse events occurred during the follow up of 6-18 months. All stents were patent at repeat angiography after 6 (n = 9), 12 (n = 5), and 18 months (n = 2) with no significant neointimal proliferation, no pronounced inflammatory response, and no systemic toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: This initial in vivo experience suggests that degradable iron stents can be safely implanted without significant obstruction of the stented vessel caused by inflammation, neointimal proliferation, or thrombotic events.

Absorbable Implants↗

[Nerve sheath tumors in cattle: literature review and case report].

Incidence, clinical signs, pathomorphological findings, differential diagnosis and prognosis of bovine nerve sheath tumours are reviewed. Own clinical and pathomorphological findings are described in an eight years old cow with a benign SCHWANNoma of the eight spinal nerve.

Animals↗

[Histoplasmosis in two badgers (Meles meles) in northern Germany].

An infection with Histoplasma capsulatum was diagnosed in two wild badgers (Meles meles) in northern Germany, which was predominantly localized in the skin and the regional lymph nodes. The yeast-like fungi were identified in tissue sections using histological and immunohistological methods.

Animals↗

Cytogenetic analysis of three oropharyngeal malignant melanomas in dogs.

Three cases of histologically confirmed oropharyngeal malignant melanomas in dogs are presented including clinical examinations and cytogenetic analysis. Case one showed a hyperdiploid karyotype. Case two, a recurrent tumour, had a highly hypodiploid karyotype with supernumerary meta- and submetacentric chromosomes in all metaphases analysed. In the third case, a clonal fusion of chromosome 1 and 25 was observed. Comparing these results with another case of canine cutaneous melanoma as well as with human malignant melanomas reported in the literature, these tumours obviously often show cytogenetic aberrations like aneuploidy and centric fusions.

Animals↗

Donkeys as reservoirs of African horse sickness virus.

Investigations have been carried out to elucidate the possible role of the donkey in the epidemiology of African horse sickness (AHS). These studies have shown that despite the absence of pyrexia or other observable clinical signs, donkeys become infected with virulent AHS virus serotype 4 (AHSV 4) and that they develop a viraemia which can persist for at least 12 days, albeit at a comparatively lower titre than that recorded for similarly infected ponies. AHSV 4 showed a similar tissue tropism in the pony and donkey but the virus appeared to replicate less efficiently in donkey tissues. The only gross pathological changes observed in the donkeys post mortem were increased fluid accumulation in the serosal lined compartments, particularly the peritoneal cavity, and petechial and ecchymotic haemorrhages on the left hepatic ligament. The absence of infectious virus or viral antigens in any of the tissues collected at 14 and 19 days post inoculation (dpi) from 6 experimental donkeys suggest that, though susceptible to infection, the donkey is unlikely to be a long term reservoir for AHSV. Although AHSV 4 was detected in all 6 donkeys following the primary inoculation, no virus could be isolated from blood collected from two donkeys subsequently challenged with a second virulent virus, AHSV 5. Data generated from virus neutralisation tests showed a second primary antibody response, against AHSV 5, in these donkeys at 12 dpi. In contrast, the boost in antibody levels detected from 5 dpi, as measured by ELISA, was probably due to an anamnestic response against the AHSV group-specific viral proteins. Homogenised spleen tissue, collected post mortem from a donkey 7 dpi with AHSV 4, caused a lethal, cardiac form of AHS when inoculated into a susceptible pony.

African Horse Sickness↗

Immunohistochemical demonstration of African horse sickness viral antigen in tissues of experimentally infected equines.

African horse sickness virus (AHSV) antigen was demonstrated immunohistochemically in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of tissues collected from three ponies suffering from the peracute form of the disease and from one pony affected by the fever form. The pattern of the antigen distribution indicated a particular organ tropism characterised by an accumulation of AHSV antigen in cardio-pulmonary tissues of the animals with the peracute disease and in the spleen of the pony with the fever form. AHSV antigen was identified in endothelial cells of small blood vessels, particularly capillaries and in large mono-nuclear cells resembling macrophages or reticular cells of lymphatic tissues. Occasional circulating mononuclear cells with the morphology of monocytes were also positively stained within the larger vessels. The immunohistochemical results confirm earlier work suggesting that AHSV may have different tropisms to particular organs during various forms of the disease and that different target cell populations exist in vivo. Immunohistochemistry may be an additional useful method for diagnostic and research purposes in AHS.

Adipose Tissue↗

[Measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) after administration of iodine contrast medium with the Renalyzer PRX90 in healthy cats and cats with kidney diseases].

In the present study, the measurement of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in the cat with the aid of an iodine contrast medium clearance with the renalyzer PRX90 is introduced. Investigations on the accuracy of measurement showed that even repeated measurement of plasma samples after two days of storage at room temperature yielded reproducible clearance results. Also, partial dilution of the plasma sample (2 ml with 1 ml Aqua bidest.) to reduce the volume of blood withdrawn still produced reliable results. Further dilution of the plasma volume (1 ml with 2 ml Aqua bidest.) however did not allow for accurate measurements. A total of 59 cats of different age and sex were included in the study. 31 cats had healthy kidneys with urea and creatinine values within the reference range, unchanged urine findings and physiologic urine protein patterns (SDS-PAGE). These cats served as reference group. The GFR reference value ascertained for these animals was 2.1 ml/min/kg BW (mean = 3.45 ml/min/kg with s = +/- 1.0 ml/min/kg). 28 cats had elevated values of urea and creatinine in the blood, as well as partially changed urine findings. For further diagnosis of renal disease, separation of urine proteins was done with the SDS-PAGE in the PhastSystem, which in all cases yielded a pathologic urine protein pattern. In 11 cases the renal disease could be further confirmed by histological investigation. GFR in these patients was clearly lowered compared with healthy cats, with measured values between 0 and 1.8 ml/min/kg. It can be concluded that the renalyzer allows reliable determination of the GFR also in the cat. To what extent measurement of the GFR is also helpful to diagnose nephropathies in the stage of compensation needs to be further investigated. In cats with high grade uremia and a GFR below 1 ml/min however, an exact calculation is not possible, since the accuracy of measurement within this range is inadequate. Thus, in severe disease no correct assessment is possible, and no statement concerning prognosis can be made.

Animals↗

[Disseminated intravascular coagulation and hyperfibrinolysis in dogs with metastasizing mammary carcinoma].

The alterations of the haemostatic system (platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time [APTT], thromboplastin time [standard test, modified test], thrombin time, fibrinogen concentration, activity of the coagulation factors II, V, VII, X, VIII:C, IX, XI, XII, of prekallikrein, high molecular weight kininogen, antithrombin III, protein C, plasminogen and alpha 2-plasmin inhibitor, concentration of soluble fibrin and fibrin(ogen) degradation products [FDP], resonance thrombogram) were described in seven dogs with haemorrhagic diathesis in consequence of an infiltrative, growing mammary carcinoma with multifocal invasion of lymphatic and blood vessels. In most of the cases metastases in different organs could be demonstrated. In every case a serious stage of disseminated intravascular coagulation and hyperfibrinolysis was existent. This was indicated by the distinctly increased concentration (p < 0.0001) of soluble fibrin (27.7 [16.0-79.2] micrograms/ml, median [minimum-maximum], reference range [RR.]: < 9.4 micrograms/ml) and FDP (340 [50-860] micrograms/ml, RR.: < 18 micrograms/ml) as well as a diminished plasma level of nearly all components of the coagulation and fibrinolytic system concerning especially the concentration of fibrinogen (0.16 [0.01-0.46] g/l, RR.: 1.17-3.09 g/l), the activity of factors V (30 [21-40]%, RR.: 75-158%) and VIII:C (9 [4-16]%, RR.: 72-136%) as well as the activity of protein C (8 [3-13]%, RR.: 68-139%) (each: p < 0.0001).

Animals↗

Identification of leucocyte surface antigens in paraffin-embedded bovine tissues using a modified formalin dichromate fixation.

A modified fixative of formalin dichromate was combined with a cold embedding procedure for the preservation of bovine leucocyte surface antigens. Fourteen monoclonal antibodies recognizing seven bovine leucocyte surface antigens (BoCD1w2, BoCD4, BoCD8, BoWC1, BoWC3, BoWC4 and BoIgM) were applied as primary antisera in a sensitive avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex detection method. The staining results were compared with those obtained in cryostat and routinely formalin-fixed sections of corresponding tissue samples. Using the modified formalin dichromate fixative and the cold embedding procedure, all the leucocyte surface antigens tested were detectable immunohistologically in paraffin sections with a generally more distinct staining than in traditionally processed tissues. Morphological structures were better preserved than in cryostat sections but, to some extent, were poorer when compared with routinely formalinfixed tissues. However, this method suggests that there are only mild masking effects and provides an alternative to the use of unfixed material, particularly for morphological-immunohistochemical investigations.

Animals↗

Immunohistochemical demonstration of African horse sickness viral antigen in formalin-fixed equine tissues.

The distribution of viral antigen was studied in various tissues of three ponies, aged 3-4 years, infected experimentally with a virulent strain of African horse sickness virus (AHSV) serotype 4. Tissues were collected from the animals in the terminal stage of the peracute form of the disease and from one noninfected horse, included as a control. A polyclonal antibody with specificity for AHSV, plus the nonstructural protein NS2, was used in a sensitive avidin-biotin-peroxidase-complex (ABC) method performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. AHSV antigen was located primarily in endothelial cells of capillaries and small venous and arteriolar vessels, particularly of cardiopulmonary tissues. Viral antigen was also identified in cells resembling macrophages and in reticular cells of spleen and lymph nodes. The pattern of viral antigen labeling in some lymph nodes along the mantle zone of lymphoid follicles was compatible with the morphology of cellular processes of follicular dendritic cells. In some tissues, viral antigen was detected occasionally in circulating cells, probably monocytes, within the larger vessels. These findings suggest that endothelial cells, and to a lesser extent mononuclear cells, are the main target cells of AHSV infection during the late stage of the peracute form of the disease.

African Horse Sickness↗

[Urine protein analysis with the sodium-dodecyl-sulfate-polyacrylamide gel-electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) in healthy cats and cats with kidney diseases].

In this investigation, the value of urine protein analysis by means of molecular-weight related sodium dodecyl-polyacryl gradient gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) was examined with regard to its applicability and diagnostic significance in nephropathy in the cat. A total of 87 cats was included in the study, 30 of them that were clinically healthy served as the control group. The urine protein pattern of this group had, besides the band representing the market albumin, and additional broad band within the size of the marker transferrin. In some cases, weak bands were present within the range of the Tamm-Horsfall-protein and immunoglobulin G. Micromolecular protein bands were not demonstrable. The remaining 57 animals had a histologically proven nephropathy. Thirty-eight cats had elevated urea and/or creatinine values in the plasma (group 1), and 19 animals had values within the reference range (group 2). The urine protein pattern as evidenced by SDS-urine electrophoresis was altered in all cats with histologically proven nephropathy, and it is thus concluded that with this technique a nephropathy can be diagnosed very early and prior to changes of plasma urea and creatinine (group 2). Moreover, in most of the cases, the nephrological changes can be classified as glomerular or tubulo-interstitial (group 1 and group 2). However, it is not possible to draw exact conclusions concerning the underlying morphological changes, nor can the severity of the disease be correctly assessed.

Albuminuria↗

Canine distemper virus infection in Serengeti spotted hyenas.

Clinical signs suggestive of canine distemper virus (CDV) infection were observed among a group of spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) in the Serengeti, Tanzania. Virus antigen was detected immunohistologically in a brain sample from a diseased cub. The presence of virus RNA could be demonstrated in this brain as well as in intestine and lymph node of the animal by RT-PCR. Sequence comparison of brain-derived amplicons showed that the virus was related to recent CDV field isolates. The closest homology (>99 percent) was to a recently described CDV which caused high mortality in sympatric lions.

Animals↗

[Validity of diagnostic methods for kidney function tests in the cat].

The diagnosis of kidney disease is difficult in the stage of compensation and impossible based solely on the routinely performed laboratory tests on blood and urine. For this reason, more sensitive methods are required. In the present study, three special techniques are compared with regard to their validity in the early diagnosis of kidney disease in the cat: 1. the molecular-weight related separation of urine proteins with the sodium-dodecyl-sulfate-polyacrylamide-gradient gel electrophoresis (SDS-page) in the PhastSystem, 2. measurement of the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) with the renalyzer PRX90 using an iodine containing contrast medium and 3. kidney scintigraphy. The results of this comparison demonstrate that these procedures are important adjuncts to common laboratory investigations in the testing of renal function. The SDS-page allows an early qualitative assessment on alterations of specific functional compartments of the kidney. However, it is not possible with this method alone to evaluate the degree of renal disturbance and it does not give information concerning the severity of renal functional impairment. Measurement of the GFR is also a valuable procedure which gives a quantitative result on the global renal function within a few hours. It is of special importance when subclinically disturbed kidney function is present. In the cat however it is until now not possible to give a correct prognosis in high grade nephropathies. Only scintigraphy allows unilateral assessment of renal function, which is most important in cats with morphologically altered kidneys, such as kidney cysts, hydronephrosis or tumours.

Animals↗

Ultrastructural co-localisation of vimentin and cytokeratin in visceral glomerular epithelial cells of dogs with glomerulonephritis.

The expression of cytokeratin and vimentin was studied in the glomerular epithelial cells of canine kidneys with and without glomerular abnormalities. Using ultrastructural, immunogold single and double labelling techniques, cytokeratin and vimentin were found together in the visceral glomerular epithelial cells (vGECs) of abnormal kidneys. In normal kidneys, the vGECs expressed only vimentin, and cytokeratin was found exclusively in parietal glomerular epithelial cells (pGECs). These results confirm previous findings in the same animals, obtained by immunohistological staining techniques.

Animals↗

Expression of class II major histocompatibility complex molecules in renal tubular epithelial cells of canine kidneys affected with tubulointerstitial nephritis.

Class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) products are important molecules on various antigen-presenting cells and induce a T cell-specific immune response. The distribution of class II MHC molecules in the normal canine kidneys of dogs with tubulointerstitial nephritis was investigated by using a sensitive immunocytochemical method. In the normal canine kidney, class II MHC molecules were detected in interstitial 'dendritic' cells. In cases of tubulointerstitial nephritis, however, the expression of class II MHC molecules extended to other renal elements such as the epithelial cells of cortical and medullary tubules and, in some cases, the endothelial cells of peritubular capillaries. The tubular expression of class II MHC molecules was enhanced in dogs with higher levels of proteinuria. The results suggest that heavy proteinuria may be one triggering factor in canine tubulointerstitial damage, probably mediated by the reabsorption of filtered cytokines and immunogenic peptides which induce tubular epithelial cells to behave as immune accessory cells.

Animals↗