PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

W Hermanns

Publications and source records attributed to W Hermanns.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural investigation of granular cell tumours in dog, cat, and horse.

Six canine, one feline and one equine granular cell tumours (GCTs) were investigated electron microscopically and immunohistochemically. The tumours were tested for reactivity with monoclonal antibodies against vimentin and desmin and with polyclonal antibodies against cytokeratin, S-100 protein, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and neuron specific enolase (NSE). All GCTs were characterized by their PAS positive cytoplasmic granules in light microscopy, which in electron microscopy appeared as lysosome-like granules. In each case two canine GCTs were stained by the antibody against cytokeratin, vimentin and S-100 protein. Cells of the equine GCT showed reactivity with the antiserum against S-100 protein. In the feline GCT no reactivity with any of the antibodies tested was observed. These differences of the immunohistochemical reactions of GCTs suggest a nonuniform histogenesis of GCTs in domestic animals. The reactivity of the tumour cells with the antiserum against NSE is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

The GH-transgenic mouse as an experimental model for growth research: clinical and pathological studies.

The objectives and the methodology of mammalian gene transfer are discussed and findings in growth hormone (GH) transgenic mice are reported to illustrate the potential offered by genetically designed animal models for investigations in various areas of biomedical research. Transgenic mice expressing hybrid genes composed of either human or bovine GH coding sequences fused to the mouse metallothionein I promoter show high serum levels of heterologous GH, increased growth rates and final adult size, decreased life expectancy and a variety of pathological changes.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

[Spinal muscle atrophy in Brown Swiss x Braunvieh cross calves].

The report describes seven SMA-cases in descendents of crossbreeds of American Brown Swiss x Deutsches Braunvieh. Symptoms and course: After initially normal development of the calves for one to six weeks the disease set in suddenly followed by a rapid lethal course of one to one and a half weeks duration due to asphyxia and/or secondary diseases. Only one case was reported having been sick since birth (?). Characteristic signs were rapidly progressing muscular atrophy, paresis and paralysis of the limbs, the trunk and the diaphragm, usually accompanied by progressive dyspnoea. Signs of congenital neuromyodysplasia (arthrogryposis) of different degree were present in four of the seven calves. Six calves had contracted a secondary pneumonia. Blood gas analysis (6/7) revealed a compensated (1x) or decompensated (4x) respiratory acidosis. Neurohistological findings: Degeneration and loss of motor neurons in the ventral horns of the spinal cord and neurogenic muscular atrophy. Immunohistochemistry revealed a pronounced accumulation of type 200 kD-neurofilaments in perikarya and dendrites of ventral horn motoneurons indicating disturbed mechanisms of the axonal transport. The disease seems to be inherited as a recessive trait.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Origin and characterization of atrial natriuretic peptide in the rat parotid gland.

The heart atria represent the major site of synthesis for atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) which exerts potent natriuretic, diuretic and vasoactive functions. Recently, ANP-immunoreactivity has been detected in extracardial organs involved in water and electrolyte homeostasis, such as the intestine and certain exocrine glands. The present study investigates ANP in the parotid gland. It was found by immunohistochemical techniques that the peptide is localized in ductal cells of the gland. An analysis of the immunoreactive material by high-pressure liquid chromatography and radioimmunoassay revealed the prohormone of ANP (ANP 1-126) and the biologically active fragment (ANP 99-126). Furthermore, Northern blot hybridization disclosed the presence of mRNA coding for ANP. It is suggested that ANP is synthesized and released from the parotid gland and functions in the control of saliva production.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Accelerated growth and visceral lesions in transgenic mice expressing foreign genes of the growth hormone family: an overview.

Effects of growth hormone (GH) overproduction were studied in transgenic mice expressing murine metallothionein I-GH fusion genes. The most obvious consequence was the acceleration of growth, which led to substantial increases in body weight of up to more than twice that seen in controls. Growth of the internal organs was stimulated, with hepatomegaly and nephromegaly as the most prominent features. GH transgene expression was also reflected in increased skeletal growth which affected various bones to different extents. The mean life-span of human GH transgenic mice with serum levels of hGH ranging from 3 x 10(3) to 9 x 10(5) ng/ml was drastically reduced at 160 days in both sexes. Severe renal lesions were the primary cause of the decrease in life expectancy and were characterized by marked nephron atrophy, obsolescence of numerous glomeruli, and a massive cystic dilation of the tubules. Initial changes involved the glomeruli, which showed significant enlargement and sclerotic lesions. The liver exhibited a pronounced hepatocellularmegaly and progressive degenerative as well as hyperplastic changes. One-third of the hGH transgenic animals displayed myocardial fibrosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma was found in bovine GH transgenic mice older than 12 months. Our observations are compared with results of other investigators.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

AA-like amyloid deposits confined to arthritic joints in two dogs with rheumatoid arthritis.

Two dogs with clinical, serological, radiographic and pathological changes similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis of man and a previously undescribed pattern of amyloid deposits are described. As revealed by light and electron microscopical investigations, amyloid fibrils were found exclusively in articular tissue structures of arthritic joints and in one tonsil of one dog. Based on our immunohistochemical results, the amyloid protein is believed to be of a local AA type.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Immunohistological detection of orthopox virus antigen.

This paper describes the immunohistochemical staining of orthopox virus (OPV) antigen in liver tissue of experimentally infected mice and in cell cultures. Using two different monoclonal antibodies, virus detection was achieved in cryostat-, but not in paraffin-sections.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Pathological changes of the endocrine pancreas in dogs and cats in comparison with clinical data].

In a retrospective study concerning the functional morphology of the endocrine pancreas the files of the Institute for Veterinary Pathology, University of Munich, of the last 12 years were reviewed. Cases of diabetes mellitus as well as developmental disorders and tumors of the endocrine pancreas were examined by routine histological and immunohistological methods. Cases are discussed together with clinical data and the relevant literature. The forms of diabetes mellitus were categorized according to the classification used in human pathology.

Adenoma, Islet Cell↗
PubMed1991

Growth characteristics of metallothionein-human growth hormone transgenic mice as compared to mice selected for high eight-week body weight and unselected controls. I. Body weight gain and external body dimensions.

Body weight gain and external body dimensions of MT-hGH transgenic mice were compared with mice (NMRI) selected for high 8-week body weight (N8) and unselected controls derived from the NMRI strain (Pop). The growth curves from day 30 to 120 of transgenic mice exhibited a significantly steeper slope than those of male and female controls and of female N8 mice and did not show sex-related differences. The continuous pattern of GH secretion in transgenic mice is discussed as a possible reason for this phenomenon. Body weight gain of transgenic mice did not significantly exceed that of male N8 mice. None of the groups showed an obvious prolongation of the period of rapid daily weight gain. Maximum body weights of male and female transgenic mice were significantly higher than those of sex-matched controls but not of N8 mice. A drastic loss of body weight of about 25% of the maximum value was observed in the transgenic group prior to death. External body dimensions were largest in MT-hGH transgenic animals, followed by N8 mice and controls. In addition to these absolute measurements, values were related to the cube root of maximum body weight of the same animal. This is the first study that provides a comparative analysis of the effects of GH gene transfer and selection for body weight gain on body growth of mice derived from an outbred strain.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Growth characteristics of metallothionein-human growth hormone transgenic mice as compared to mice selected for high eight-week body weight and unselected controls. II. Skeleton.

Growth hormone and mechanical loading are known to be important factors influencing bone growth. We have measured proportions of the skull and the postcranial skeleton of metallothionein-human growth hormone (MT-hGH) transgenic mice expressing high levels of hGH in their serum, of NMRI mice being large as a result of selection for high 8-week body weight (N8), and of unselected controls (Pop) derived from the NMRI strain. Absolute bony dimensions of transgenic mice were as a rule significantly larger than those of controls, the differences ranging between 3% and 32% in males and from 6% to 28% in females. By contrast, the enlargement of skeletal dimensions of N8 mice did not exceed 10% and was restricted to distinct bones. When related to the cube root of maximum body weight of the same animal, bones of controls were as a rule larger than those of N8 and MT-hGH transgenic mice. A detailed analysis of bony dimensions of GH transgenic mice and of mice selected for high body weight was carried out to judge the effects of GH overexpression and mechanical loading due to increased body weight on bone growth. The fact that bones of transgenics were as a rule larger than those of selected mice in spite of both groups reaching similar maximum body weights, suggests that skeletal gigantism in MT-hGH transgenic mice can only in part be a result of increased body weight.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Malignant meningioma with lung metastases in a Boxer].

The rare case of a meningioma with pulmonary metastases in a dog is described. Clinically, the ten-year-old boxer bitch showed generalized seizures, strabismus and deficient proprioception. The post-mortem examination revealed a basically localized meningeal tumor, having the light- and electron-microscopic appearance of a malignant meningotheliomatous meningioma. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells did not show any positive reaction with antibodies to GFAP, S-100 protein, NSE, vimentin, cytokeratin, desmin, and von Willebrand factor (factor VIII related antigen). Immunohistochemical examination of seven other canine meningiomas showed an identical pattern. The results and the relevant literature are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[The functional and hygienic evaluation of a thermal exchange storage apparatus for recovering warmth from outgoing stable air].

By means of a thermo exchange apparatus it is possible to recover 70 to 80 percent of warmth of the stable air for heating. Thus much energy for climatizing can be saved. Alternating directions of to and from air streams may cause re-influx of germs, dependent on percentage of dust. This risk can be minimized by using an apparatus each for relatively small units separately.

Air Microbiology↗
PubMed1990

[Diseases of the extremities of swine in relationship to the floor condition with special reference to bursitis].

In 2 pig farms, 102 sows kept in single ranging on plain concrete floor, 168 sows kept in single ranging on cast-iron grates and 27 fattening pigs kept in group penning on concrete slatted floors were repeatedly examined for the incidence of auxiliary synovial bursae (ASB). The clinical examination was completed by radiological, patho-anatomical and histological examinations of the rear legs. In sows, ASB were found on two prominences of the bones: on the latero-plantar area of the calcaneum and the fourth tarsal bone as well as on the plantar tarsal sesamoid bone. ASB on the rear legs were found in 41.2% of the sows kept on plain concrete floor and in 59.5% of the sows kept on cast-iron grates. The ASB of the sows kept on cast-iron grates were larger than those of the sows kept on plain concrete floor. In 49% of the sows kept on plain concrete floor the skin covering the ASB was reddened, in 45% of the sows kept on cast-iron grates it was covered with scab. Injury and necrosis of the skin as well as injury of the ASB themselves were found only in animals kept on cast-iron grates and made up 5% of the cases. In 30% of the cases, palpation of the ASB induced defensive movement. The palpation of ball-shaped, soft bursae more often caused defensive movement than did the palpation of flat-shaped, hard bursae. The occurrence of ASB was combined with kyphosis of the spine, false posture of the rear legs, dystasia, hyperextension of the fetlock, arthrosis of the ankle joint, and anomalies of the claws. In fattening pigs, the ASB were localized at the lateroplantar area of the calcaneum and the fourth tarsal bone as well as at the posterior surface of the calcaneum. At the end of the fattening period, ASB were detected in 26 out of 27 fattening pigs. All of the 48 ASB that were examined histologically showed signs of inflammation. In 30 cases the inflammation was chronic, in 18 cases it turned out to be florid. The results indicate that ASB cause pain during the developing phase and also in the chronic stage.

Animals↗
PubMed1990

[Cervical hygroma in the calf as an absolute cause of dystocia. An unusual malformation possibly of hereditary genesis in Braunvieh x Brown-Swiss breeds].

Large cervical lymphocytes causing dystocia were observed in two Braunvieh x Brown-Swiss calves. The cysts were located on both sides of the neck and contained aqueous liquid. One of the animals was necropsied. The volumetric capacity of the cysts was 11 and 4 liters respectively. The hygroma are supposed to be the result of an interruption in the development of the lymphatic system resulting in the persistence of embryonic lymph sacs. Hypoplasia of the diaphragm, the pericardium and the mediastinum, and malformations of internal organs and the skeletal system were additional pathological findings. The lymphocysts and the other morphological anomalies, except those which may be explained as a consequence of cyst development are considered to be combined accidentally. Analysis of the pedigrees indicates that the lymphocysts may represent a hereditary malformation.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMed1990

Strain differences in sensitivity of rats to Mycoplasma arthritidis ISR 1 infection are under multiple gene control.

At least 5 female rats from each of 24 inbred (ACI, AS, BDIX, BH, BN, BS, BUF, DA, LE, LEW, MWF, OM, SPRD-Cu3, W-Krypt, and WKY), RT1 congenic [BH.1L(LEW), LEW.1A(AVN), LEW.1C(WIST), LEW.1LV3(BH), LEW.1K(SHR), and LEW.1N(BN)], and F1 hybrid [(LEW x BN)F1, (LEW.1W x LEW.1A)F1, and (LEW x LEW.1W)F1] strains, representing eight independent major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotypes (a, b, c, dv1, k, l, n, and u) and five related RT1 haplotypes (av1, lv1, lv3, uv2, and uv3), were inoculated intravenously with Mycoplasma arthritidis, and the severity of the polyarthritis that developed was determined by estimating arthritis scores and weight reductions. The 24 inbred, congenic, and F1 hybrid rat strains differed considerably in their sensitivity to infection with M. arthritidis and in the severity of the polyarthritis that they developed. Statistical evaluation showed that in the acute phase (days 1 to 42 after infection) as well as in the chronic phase (days 39 to 121 after infection) of the disease, the means of the arthritis scores for the strains form a continuous variation without significant interruptions, with the very sensitive LEW rats, the RT1 congenic rats on LEW background, the F1 hybrids with LEW, and the MWF, BS, BH, and DA rats on one end and the resistant WKY, BUF, W-Krypt, LE, and OM rats on the other end. A continuous variation was also observed for the means of the growth rates. There were, however, no significant differences between the sensitive and the resistant rat strains in the antibody titers determined by complement fixation test and enzyme immunoassay. Heritabilities of arthritis scores were calculated for all strains (h2 = 0.39 to 0.62), for the RT1 congenic strains (h2 = 0.04 to 0.14), and for several strains with identical MHC genes (h2 = 0.61 to 0.93). The results show that non-MHC genes are probably responsible for the sensitivity of rats to infection with M. arthritidis.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1990

[The question of reversibility of tissue calcification in enzootic calcinosis of cattle and in experimental hypervitaminosis D].

In rabbits calcinosis was induced experimentally by feeding of Trisetum flavescens or Vitamin D3 injections. Calcifications in kidneys and lungs were proved by biopsies and x-ray examination respectively. Histological examination at intervals up to 26 months following the calcinogenic insult indicated signs of limited reversibility of calcification in lung, kidney and aortic wall. The degree of resorption of calcified deposits apparently was dependent on dosage, time and kind of tissue affected. Aortic wall and tendons had the least tendency to demineralisation and developed focal cartilage metaplasia. Two cows with proven enzootic Trisetum-calcinosis were kept under altered conditions for 31 and 32 months. At slaughter besides severe calcification and cartilage or osseous metaplasia in soft tissues a limited reabsorption of the calcifications could be observed. There were focal fibrous scars in the aortic wall.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Multiple consequences of human growth hormone expression in transgenic mice.

Transgenic mice harbouring growth hormone gene constructs have been produced by DNA microinjection into pronuclei of fertilized oocytes. We examined transgenic mice carrying a mouse metallothionein I-human growth hormone (mMT I-hGH) fusion gene. Here, we present our results concerning gene integration, gene expression, and phenotypical, clinical and pathomorphological alterations found in mice expressing the hGH transgene. Body and organ growth was significantly increased in transgenic mice, whereas fertility was found to be reduced. The life-span was markedly shortened indicating detrimental side-effects of the high levels of circulating hGH. Lesions of kidneys, liver and heart were the predominant pathological findings. Our own results are compared with those obtained by other authors who have investigated mice carrying rat, bovine or ovine growth hormone fusion genes. GH-transgenic mice may serve as a model system to investigate ectopic expression of hormone genes thus circumventing endogenous feedback control mechanisms in complex hormonal cascades.

Animals↗