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Biomedical subjects

V K Ganjam

Publications and source records attributed to V K Ganjam.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Cortisol (hydrocortisone) disappearance rate and pathophysiologic changes after bilateral adrenalectomy in equids.

Six ponies and 1 horse were bilaterally adrenalectomized (BADX). The survival time of 2 of the 7 animals after BADX was 24 and 72 hours without supplemental corticosteroids. The cause of death was not related to the surgical technique. The biological half-life of cortisol (hydrocortisone) was estimated to be 2.1 +/- 0.6 hours. The disappearance of cortisol in the horse was found to be biphasic, composed of redistribution and elimination phases. Pathophysiologic changes (ie, increased serum sodium and chloride, increased PCV, and decreased serum potassium) similar to those seen in other species after BADX were found. Clearance of electrolytes was calculated, using the creatinine clearance method. These values were inversely correlated with the changes seen in serum electrolytes.

Adrenalectomy↗

Sodium retention and cortisol (hydrocortisone) suppression caused by dexamethasone and triamcinolone in equids.

Three ponies and 1 horse were bilaterally adrenalectomized (BADX). The initial hypoadrenal episode after BADX was reversed with 20 mg of dexamethasone (DXM) IM (n = 2) or 20 mg of triamcinolone (TMC) IM (n = 2). Nine hypoadrenal crises were reversed with 20 mg of DXM given IM (n = 4) or 20 mg of TMC given IM (n = 5). Sodium and chloride retention and potassium excretion were documented based on changes in serum electrolytes and urinary excretion. Eight intact adult horses were randomly assigned to 2 groups to study the effects of a single IM injection of DXM (0.044 mg/kg of body weight) or TMC (0.044 mg/kg). Cortisol (hydrocortisone) suppression was found to be maximal (nondetectable amounts of cortisol) by 12 hours in both groups. Cortisol was again detectable in the DXM group at 24 hours after injection and was at pretreatment values at 168 hours. Cortisol was not detectable in the TMC group for 192 hours and did not reach pretreatment values until 336 hours. The duration of the gluconeogenic effect was compared with the duration of cortisol suppression exerted by DXM and TMC in these intact animals. Assuming that the decrease in plasma glucose coincides with the decrease in glucocorticoid activity of the respective steroid, a relative hypoadrenocortical state was found in the animals treated with DXM between the 2nd and 7th day after treatment, whereas this state occurred between the 6th and 14th day after treatment with TMC.

Adrenalectomy↗

Effect of ovarian hormones on the phagocytic response of ovariectomized mares.

The reaction between ovarian hormones and experimental uterine infection (Streptococcus zooepidemicus) was investigated in 3 groups, each containing 6 ovariectomized mares. Group 1 served as controls ('anoestrus'), Group 2 mares were injected with oestrogen ('oestrus') and Group 3 with progesterone ('dioestrus') over a period of 5 weeks. All mares received an intrauterine inoculation of the bacteria 1 week after the start of hormonal treatment, and the results of the challenge were examined by endometrial biopsy and swabs once weekly. At the end of Week 1 no bacteria were recovered from the mares in Group 2. Group 1 mares were free of bacteria at the end of Week 2 but all Group 3 mares remained infected at least for the total period examined. Streptococcal phagocytosis was quantitated by chemiluminescence. Before the challenge-inoculation, phagocytosis was not significantly different in the 3 groups of mares. Bacterial cultures were negative for all three groups. However, within 48 h after infection, there was a significant increase (P less than 0.01) in phagocytosis in Group 2 and a significant suppression (P less than 0.05) in Group 3 mares. Patterns of streptococcal clearance from the uterus closely paralleled the changes in the magnitude of chemiluminescence response. The results suggest that ovarian hormonal status can modulate the phagocytic response in episodes of streptococcal-induced endometritus in mares.

Animals↗

Hypothyroid myopathy in two dogs.

Biopsy specimens of skeletal muscle and peripheral nerve from two dogs with primary hypothyroidism but without clinical neuromuscular disease were studied with histological, histochemical and morphometric techniques. The most prominent change in skeletal muscle was variation in fiber size associated with a pronounced reduction in mean diameter of type II fibers. Type II fiber loss was apparent in the specimen from one dog. No histological or morphometric differences were noted in nerves from either dog compared with an age-matched control. The myopathic findings suggest a preferential metabolic defect in type II muscle fibers.

Animals↗

The effects of floor temperature, supplemental heat and drying at birth on neonatal swine.

The objective was to determine the effects of floor temperature (20 or 30 C), supplemental heat (heat lamp or light bulb) and drying at birth on piglet survival to day 5. Rectal and infrared skin temperatures were taken on 326 piglets for the first 8 hr postpartum. Blood samples were obtained at birth, day 2 and day 5 and analyzed for thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3) and cortisol by radioimmunoassay. Weight of each pig was recorded at birth and on days 1, 2, and 5. Survival rates were monitored daily. It was postulated that piglets not dried at birth might have increased heat conservation because of vasoconstriction, which may increase the thermostability and survival of the neonate. Supplemental heat was the only treatment that increased rectal temperature after 3 hr postpartum. Skin temperature at 1/2 and 1 hr was increased by drying, and supplemental heat resulted in elevated skin temperatures from 5 to 8 hr postpartum. Plasma cortisol concentrations were elevated at 2 days of age among pigs not given supplemental heat, but no differences were detected at 5 days of age. Plasma T4 concentrations at 5 days of age were lower among male pigs, pigs on the 30 C floor and pigs given supplemental heat. No significant treatment effects were noted in T3 values at day 5. Pig weights and survival rate at 5 days of age were influenced by the interaction of floor temperature and drying pigs at birth. Pigs dried at birth and kept on the 20 C floor were heavier than those on the 30 C floor, whereas those not dried and kept on the 20 C floor weighed less than those on the 30 C floor. The rate of survival was significantly lower among pigs dried at birth and kept on the 20 C floor than among those not dried and on the 30 C floor (80.9 vs 97.2%), while drying had no effect on survival rate among pigs on the 30 C floor (94.5 vs 93.1%).

Animals↗

Effect of phenobarbital on serum digoxin concentration during administration of liposome-entrapped digoxin: an examination of possible drug interactions.

The effect of concomitant administration in normal dogs of phenobarbital with either oral free digoxin, oral liposome-entrapped digoxin were examined. Phenobarbital induced a transient rise in serum digoxin concentrations during concomitant administration of oral free digoxin. Phenobarbital did not affect serum concentrations of either oral or intravenous liposome-entrapped digoxin. The results suggest that liposome-entrapped digoxin may be protected against transient fluctuations in serum concentrations during concomitant administration of phenobarbital. The protective liposome encapsulation of digoxin may prevent digoxin toxicosis in dogs induced by elevations in serum digoxin concentrations during concomitant administration of phenobarbital.

Animals↗

Glucocorticoid receptors in peripheral blood lymphocytes from bovine leukemia virus-infected cows with persistent lymphocytosis.

Bovine leukemia virus-infected cows with persistent lymphocytosis have an expanded population of B-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood that is sensitive to glucocorticoids in vitro and in vivo. We examined peripheral blood lymphocytes from cows with persistent lymphocytosis for the presence of specific glucocorticoid receptors. Steroid binding in intact cells was determined by a whole cell competitive binding assay using [3H]dexamethasone. The binding of the glucocorticoid to receptor was characterized in terms of affinity, specificity, and kinetics of the reaction. We found that peripheral blood lymphocytes from three cows with persistent lymphocytosis had 5000 to 6600 specific glucocorticoid-binding sites/cell. Compared with that reported for human lymphoid cells, glucocorticoid receptors in the bovine lymphocytes were found to have a greater affinity for the steroid with an association rate that was three times faster and a dissociation rate that was less than one-half of the former. We examined the biological half-life of hydrocortisone in the normal cow and found it to be 69.3 min, which is shorter than that reported for other domestic species and humans. The kinetics and affinity of the steroid binding may explain why in vivo glucocorticoid sensitivity was demonstrated in these animals despite the fact that elevated levels of plasma corticoids were not maintained. These results suggest that glucocorticoid sensitivity may be influenced by the nature of the binding reaction between steroid and receptor.

Animals↗

Serum digoxin concentrations in dogs before, during, and after concomitant treatment with phenobarbital.

Healthy dogs were treated once a day for 26 days with a liquid, oral dosage form of digoxin (0.022 mg/kg). From day 10 to 24 they were also given phenobarbital (12 mg/kg, sid, orally). Serum digoxin concentration was measured by a radioimmunoassay technique. Eight hours after the 2nd daily dose of digoxin had been administered, serum digoxin concentration was in the accepted therapeutic range. After 3 days of concomitant administration of digoxin and phenobarbital, serum digoxin concentration began to increase. Beginning on day 15 until day 24 (last day of combined digoxin and phenobarbital treatment), a significant (P less than 0.05) increase in serum digoxin concentrations occurred. Blood urea nitrogen values remained within the normal limits throughout the study. There was no significant (P greater than 0.05) difference between base-line heart rate and P-R intervals and the values recorded during the investigation.

Animals↗

Episodic nature of the delta 4-ene and delta 5-ene steroidogenic pathways and their relationship to the adreno-gonadal axis in stallions.

Changes in the daily secretory patterns of testosterone and other 17 beta-hydroxyandrogen, total oestrogens and total corticoids were investigated in 7 stallions. Pulsatile fluctuations in plasma hormone levels were found in the serial blood samples collected hourly for 24 h in all animals. The plasma profiles indicated that corticoids, oestrogens and androgens were secreted episodically at all times in stallions. A significant correlation was observed between the precursor and products of delta 4-ene and delta 5-ene pathways and in inverse correlation (r = -0.68; P less than 0.01) was observed between total androgens and total corticoids. The significance of these episodic fluctuations of the major steroid hormones are discussed.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Morphological and biochemical correlates of equine ovarian follicles as a function of their state of viability or atresia.

The histological features and hormonal content of follicular fluid of antral follicles during oestrus were correlated. As a result it was possible to characterize several categories of viable and atretic follicles. A seemingly important stage in maturation appeared to be at 3 cm in diameter since follicular oestrogens and androgens underwent a 3-fold increase in concentration at that size. Evidence was obtained to suggest that oestrogens are anti-atretogenic. However, a drop in oestrogens was not the cause of atresia since degeneration commenced when levels were high. Contrary to the concept that androgens are atretogenic in some species, it was also evident that elevated androgens did not precipitate spontaneous atresia. Theca epithelioid cells not only underwent histological luteinization in viable follicles as they matured toward ovulation but occasionally in atretic follicles as well. Elevated prostaglandin F levels were associated with follicles in the transitory states of either luteinization or atresia. Granulosa cells of viable follicles only were capable of specifically binding hCG. It was not determined whether loss of binding capacity or atresia occurred first. Follicular atresia in the mare appears to be a gradual process of which the initiating cause remains unknown.

Androgens↗

The effect of intrauterine and cervical manipulation on the equine oestrous cycle and hormone profiles.

Endometrial biopsy or endometrial biopsy and uterine culture taken on Day 4 after oestrus induced lysis of the corpus luteum (CL), resulting in a sharp decline in serum progesterone concentration and shortened the interoestrous interval in 8/12 and 32/33 oestrous cycles, respectively, during 2 experiments. Cervical dilatation 4 days after oestrus shortened the interoestrus interval in 5/10 and 0/5 oestrous cycles. Endometrial biopsy and culture on Days 1 and 3 after oestrus also induced CL lysis during 4 of 7 cycles. Total oestrogen (oestrone plus oestradiol) concentrations increased at the onset of the subsequent oestrus in mares biopsied on Day 4 of dioestrus or in control cycle oestrous periods. Endometrial biopsy also induced lysis of the CL in mares with persistent luteal function. It is postulated that intracervical or intrauterine manipulations during the luteal phase of the oestrous cycle may directly, or indirectly, stimulate the release of an endogenous luteolysin (prostaglandin) resulting in CL regression, followed by oestrus and ovulation in the mare.

Animals↗

Catecholamines and equine luteal progestagens.

Corpora lutea (CL) from 7 mares were sliced and incubated for 2 h with ovine LH and various sympathomimetic agonists and blockers. None of these compounds was able to cause a significant increase in either progesterone or total progestagens by the luteal tissue. This is in contrast to earlier studies with bovine luteal tissue, and indicates that the equine CL is more refractory to exogenous stimulation than in the bovine CL.

Animals↗

Hormonal changes in the mare and foal associated with oxytocin induction of parturition.

Oxytocin was used to induce parturition in 6 mares and to determine the hormonal changes occurring during and for 72 h after parturition in the mares and their foals. Normal, healthy foals were born shortly (about 34 min) after a single i.m. injection of 40 or 60 i.u. oxytocin. There was no retention of fetal membranes and all mares produced ample milk. Immediately after foaling oestrogen and progesterone levels in the dam were 36 and 29% of preinjection means while the total corticoid levels remained relatively constant throughout the sampling period. The systemic levels of total oestrogens, progesterone and total corticoids immediately after birth were significantly (P less than 0.01) greater for the foal than the dam, and all declined in the foal throughout the 72-h sampling period. The levels of oestrogens and progesterone were greater (P less than 0.05) in the umbilical vein than umbilical artery, indicating the endocrine function of the placenta. However, total corticoids were greater in the umbilical artery than in the umbilical vein. The corticoid level in the jugular vein of the foal at birth was greater than that of the umbilical vein suggesting a fetal contribution to the total corticoid level.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

Clinical, microbiological and histological changes associated with uterine involution in the mare.

The surprisingly rapid rate of uterine involution detected is consistent with a high rate of conception as the first post-partum heat. Furthermore, many of the immediately post-partum features have attained the pregravid state by the end of the first post-partum oestrus and virtually all by the second post-partum oestrus. There was no specific cause detected for the higher rate of early embryonic death associated with conception at the foal heat.

Animal Husbandry↗