Search Results

Abstract

Objective—To determine in vitro vasoactive potency of monoamines formed in the cecum and found in the systemic circulation of horses.

Sample Population—Segments of digital blood vessels obtained from 6 healthy mixed-breed horses and ponies euthanatized at an abattoir and platelets isolated from 4 healthy ponies.

Procedure—Paired rings of digital artery and vein from the same horse were examined, and isometric tension was recorded. Concentration-response curves for tryptamine (TRP), tyramine (TYR), phenylethylamine (PEA), isoamylamine (IAA), and isobutylamine (IBA) were obtained. Vasoconstrictor mechanisms were investigated for TRP and TYR by the use of antagonists. Washed platelets loaded with [3H]-5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were incubated with monoamines; the amount of radioactivity displaced after 30 minutes was estimated.

Results—TRP, TYR, and PEA were potent constrictors of arteries and veins, with TRP and TYR being more potent in veins than arteries. Constrictions induced by TYR were inhibited by benextramine (α-antagonist) and nisoxetine (neuronal-uptake blocker), whereas TRP responses were inhibited by ketanserin (5-HT receptor antagonist). All 5 amines displaced 5-HT from platelets with the order of potency being TYR > TRP > PEA > IAA > IBA.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Amines from the equine cecum cause digital vasoconstriction. The most potent (TRP and TYR) cause selective venoconstriction. Tyrosine activates predominantly α-adrenoceptors through the release of neuronal norepinephrine, whereas TRP activates 5-HT receptors. All amines tested released 5-HT from platelets. Amines formed in the cecum and released into the systemic circulation warrant additional investigation as trigger factors for digital ischemia and subsequent laminitis. (Am J Vet Res 2003;64:1124–1131)

Abstract

Objective—To compare responses of equine digital arteries (EDAs) and veins (EDVs) to human-acalcitonin gene-related peptide (hαCGRP), evaluate effect of the endothelium, and characterize receptors and sources of endogenous CGRP.

Sample—Palmar digital vessels (5 to 9/experiment) from healthy adult horses killed at an abattoir.

Procedures—Vessel rings were mounted under tension in organ baths containing Krebs-Henseleit solution at 30°C, with relaxation responses examined in vessels preconstricted with a thromboxane-mimetic (3 × 10⁻⁸M). Responses of endothelium-intact (+e) and -denuded (−e) EDAs and EDVs to hαCGRP C10⁻¹⁰ to 3 × 10⁻⁷M) were compared. Following incubation with an hαCGRP receptor antagonist (hαCGRP_8–37; 1μM), responses of EDA(−e) and EDV(−e) to hαCGRP (10⁻⁷M) were obtained. Responses of endothelium-intact and -denuded arteries and veins to hαCGRP (3 × 10⁻⁷M) or capsaicin (10⁻⁵M) were evaluated as well as responses of endothelium-intact and -denuded EDA and EDV to hαCGRP (10⁻¹⁰ to 10⁻⁶M) after incubation with endothelin-1 (ET-1; 10⁻¹²M).

Results—hαCGRP resulted in nonendothelium, concentration-dependent relaxation in EDAs and EDVs, with greater responses in EDAs. Treatment with hαCGRP_8–37 had minimal effect on responses to hαCGRP in either vessel type. Capsaicin induced relaxation in both vessel types. There were no differences between responses to hαCGRP for vessels pretreated with ET-1 or vehicle.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Both hαCGRP and capsaicin induced digital vasodilation unaffected by a functional endothelium. This suggested that endogenous CGRP likely emanates from sensory-motor nerves and may contribute to digital vasodilation.

Abstract

Objective—To determine whether cats in the nonazotemic stages of chronic kidney disease have increased plasma parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations as a compensatory physiologic mechanism to maintain plasma phosphate concentration within the reference interval.

Design—Prospective longitudinal study.

Animals—118 client-owned geriatric cats with various degrees of renal function.

Procedures—For each cat, a blood sample was obtained for plasma biochemical analysis and determination of plasma PTH concentration, and a urine sample was obtained for determination of urine specific gravity at study entry (baseline) and after 12 months. For a subset of 30 cats, plasma calcitriol concentration was determined at baseline. Cats were categorized into 1 of 3 groups on the basis of kidney function at the end of 12 months. At baseline and after 12 months, plasma concentrations of variables associated with calcium homeostasis were compared between the 3 groups and also within groups over time. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify variables associated with plasma PTH concentration.

Results—Plasma PTH concentration was significantly increased in cats that developed azotemia, compared with PTH concentration in cats that remained nonazotemic, and PTH concentration increased before changes in plasma calcium and phosphate concentrations were detected. A moderate positive association between plasma calcitriol and PTH concentrations was identified. Plasma PTH concentration was associated with age and plasma urea, creatinine, and total calcium concentrations in the final multivariable model.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that renal secondary hyperparathyroidism can develop prior to azotemia in cats, even in the absence of hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia.

Abstract

Objective—To compare the responses of equine digital arteries (EDAs) and equine digital veins (EDVs) to endothelin-1 (ET-1) and determine the role of the endothelium and type of receptors involved in the modulation and mediation of those responses, respectively.

Sample Population—5 to 9 palmar digital vessels/experiment from 28 healthy horses.

Procedure—Rings of dissected vessels were mounted under tension between force transducer wires in organ baths containing Krebs-Henseleit solution at 30oC. Responses of EDAs and EDVs (with intact [+e] or denuded [–e] endothelium) to cumulative concentrations of ET-1 (10^–10 to 3 × 10^–7 M) were compared. For (+e)EDAs and (+e)EDVs precontracted with a thromboxane-mimetic (U44069; 10_–8 M) and (–e)EDAs and (–e)EDVs, responses to an ET_B receptor agonist (S6c; 10^–10 to 3 × 10–7 M) were evaluated. Responses to ET-1 (10^–7 M) in (–e)EDAs and (–e)EDVs were evaluated after incubation with an ET_A receptor antagonist (BQ- 123; 3 × 10^–7 M), an ET_B receptor antagonist (BQ-788; 3 × 10^–7 M), or vehicle solution.

Results—Endothelin-1 induced a concentrationdependent contraction of endothelium-intact and -denuded EDAs and EDVs; EDVs were more sensitive. Neither vessel type relaxed in response to S6c, although 2 of the (–e)EDAs contracted mildly. Whereas BQ-123 inhibited the (–e)EDA and (–e)EDV responses to ET-1, BQ-788 had no effect.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Endothelin-1 induced digital vasoconstriction (marked constriction in veins). This action was unaffected by endothelium and mediated predominantly by ET_A receptors. These findings suggest ET-1 can induce selective digital venoconstriction. (Am J Vet Res 2003;64:1438–1443

Abstract

Objective—To compare flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) measurements in brachial and femoral arteries of healthy dogs habituated to the assessment method, evaluate repeatability of these measurements, and investigate effects of blood pressure cuff inflation time on femoral artery FMD measurements.

Animals—11 healthy adult Miniature Schnauzers.

Procedures—Arterial luminal diameter and blood flow velocity integral (FVI) were measured before and after cuff inflation of 5 minutes' (brachial and femoral arteries) or 3 minutes' duration (femoral artery) in separate experiments. A blood pressure cuff was inflated to > 200 mm Hg distal to each imaging site to increase local blood flow to induce reactive hyperemia. Changes in FVI after cuff deflation, FMD, and between-dog and within-dog coefficients of variation (CVs) were determined.

Results—After cuff inflation of 5 minutes' duration, greater changes were detected in median change in FVI and FMD of brachial arteries (174.0% and 8.0%, respectively), compared with values determined for femoral arteries (32.0% and 2.1%, respectively). Between-dog CV for brachial artery FMD was 34.0%, compared with 89.6% for femoral arteries, and within-dog CV was 32.5% for brachial arteries versus 51.6% for femoral arteries after cuff inflation of 5 minutes' duration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In healthy Miniature Schnauzers, FMD was greater and more repeatable in brachial arteries than in femoral arteries. Reactive hyperemia was inconsistently induced in femoral arteries following 3- or 5-minute cuff inflation times. Brachial, but not femoral, artery FMD measurement is a potentially useful research technique for measurement of endothelial function in dogs.

Abstract

Objective—To validate a nonautomated technique for the measurement of urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity in cats and assess the correlation between NAG index, plasma creatinine concentration, and proteinuria.

Animals—197 client-owned cats (≥ 9 years old; 119 neutered males and 78 neutered females) of which 103 had previously been determined to have chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Procedures—Preliminary assay validation was performed for a nonautomated colorimetric technique for quantification of NAG activity. The effect of storage of samples was examined. A cross-sectional study was performed to assess urinary NAG index in cats with variable plasma creatinine concentrations and with proteinuria, as quantified by use of the urine protein-to-creatinine ratio (UP:C).

Results—Interassay coefficients of variance (CVs) in cats with low (mean, 0.64 U/L), medium (mean, 4.38.U/L), and high (mean, 8.48 U/L) urine NAG activity were 25.9%, 14.4%, and 25.1%, respectively, but intra-assay CVs were < 20%. Urine NAG activity was stable for 4 freeze-thaw cycles and for storage at −20°C. There was no significant difference in log NAG index when cats (n = 197) were grouped according to plasma creatinine concentration, but a moderate positive correlation was found between log NAG index and log UP:C (r ² = 0.259).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activity can be quantified in feline urine by use of a nonautomated colorimetric technique. However, data should be interpreted cautiously because of high interassay CVs. The NAG index in cats with CKD may be indicative of ongoing lysosomal activity rather than active proximal tubular cell damage.

Abstract

Objective—To compare concentrations of urinary iodide (UI) in euthyroid and untreated hyperthyroid cats.

Animals—118 euthyroid and 88 hyperthyroid client-owned cats from 2 nonreferral veterinary practices.

Procedures—Iodide concentration was measured in 5 urine samples collected every 3 to 12 months from selected cats, and variability of results between euthyroid cats and hyperthyroid cats prior to the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism was evaluated via 1-way ANOVA, after logarithmic transformation of UI concentrations (logUIs). The UI concentration in hyperthyroid cats was measured at diagnosis and 2 to 6 weeks and 3 to 6 months after treatment for hyperthyroidism. The pretreatment logUI in hyperthyroid cats was compared with that in euthyroid cats, taking into account the effects of renal function on UI concentration. Iodine intake was estimated in euthyroid cats following calculation of the volume of daily urine output, with a fixed value for iodine concentration in feces.

Results—The variability of UI concentrations did not differ significantly between hyperthyroid (n = 10) and euthyroid (8) cats. The logUI increased 2 to 6 weeks after initiation of treatment in hyperthyroid cats (n = 80) and was lower in azotemic versus nonazotemic cats. Hyperthyroid cats had a lower logUI than euthyroid cats, and there was no evidence of deficient iodine intake in euthyroid cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The logUI was lower in cats with azotemia and with untreated hyperthyroidism, compared with that in euthyroid cats from the same population. Additional studies are needed to determine whether iodine intake plays a role in the development of hyperthyroidism in cats.

Abstract

Objective—To assess relationships among serum N-terminal procollagen type III concentration, urinary aldosterone-to-creatinine concentration ratio (UAC), and clinical variables in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and healthy dogs.

Animals—162 dogs with MMVD and 24 healthy control dogs of comparable age and body weight.

Procedures—Blood and urine samples were collected from each dog. Dogs with MMVD underwent echocardiography and ECG. Ventricular diameter measurements were normalized for body weight. Serum N-terminal procollagen type III and urinary aldosterone concentrations were measured via radioimmunoassay. Each dog was examined on 1 to 3 occasions. Examinations were repeated at approximately 6-month intervals.

Results—Serum N-terminal procollagen type III concentration decreased with increasing severity of MMVD and was negatively associated with age and left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic diameters. The UAC increased with prior percentage change in left ventricular end-diastolic diameter per month, subsequent percentage change in left ventricular end-systolic diameter per month, and treatment with diuretics and was negatively associated with age. Both UAC and serum N-terminal procollagen type III concentration were higher in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels than in other breeds when other measured variables were controlled for.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In dogs with MMVD, echocardiographic indicators of left ventricular remodeling appeared to be associated with a decrease in serum concentration of a marker of collagen type III turnover and an increase in urinary aldosterone concentration.

Abstract

Objective—To determine prevalence of systolic hypertension and associated risk factors in cats with chronic renal failure evaluated in first-opinion practice.

Design—Prospective study.

Animals—103 cats with chronic renal failure.

Procedure—Systolic arterial blood pressure (SABP) was measured with a noninvasive Doppler technique, and cats that had SABP > 175 mm Hg on 2 occasions or that had SABP > 175 mm Hg and compatible ocular lesions were classified as hypertensive. Information from the history (previous treatment for hyperthyroidism, age), physical examination (sex, body weight), routine plasma biochemical analyses (creatinine, cholesterol, potassium, sodium, chloride, and calcium concentrations), and thyroid status were evaluated as potential risk factors for systolic hypertension. Variables associated with systolic hypertension were evaluated by use of logistic regression.

Results—20 (19.4%; 95% confidence interval, 13 to 28%) cats had systolic hypertension. Plasma potassium concentration was significantly and inversely associated with systolic hypertension.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Prevalence of systolic hypertension, although clinically important, was lower than that reported previously. The cause of the inverse association between systolic hypertension and plasma potassium concentration is not yet known. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2002;220:1799–1804)

Abstract

Objective—To measure concentrations of amines formed in the cecum of clinically normal ponies, determine amine concentrations in plasma samples collected in spring and winter, and compare concentrations of amines and serotonin in plasma samples obtained from clinically normal ponies and ponies predisposed to laminitis.

Sample Population—Cecal contents obtained from 10 ponies euthanatized at an abattoir and blood samples obtained from 42 adult ponies.

Procedure—Cecal contents were assayed for amines by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Blood samples were collected at various times of the year from 20 ponies predisposed to acute laminitis and 22 clinically normal ponies. Plasma serotonin concentration was measured by HPLC, and tryptamine (TRP), tyramine (TYR), phenylethylamine (PEA), and isoamylamine (IAA) were measured by liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry.

Results—15 amines were identified in cecal contents. Plasma TRP, TYR, PEA, and IAA concentrations ranged from 10pM to 100nM in both groups of ponies. Plasma concentrations of serotonin or other amines did not differ between clinically normal ponies and those predisposed to laminitis; however, significantly higher concentrations of TRP, PEA, and IAA were found in samples obtained in the spring, compared with winter samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Various amines are found in the cecum of ponies, several of which can be detected in the plasma. Concentrations increase significantly in the spring and may reach concentrations close to the threshold for causing vasoconstriction. Release of amines from the cecum into the systemic circulation may contribute to hemodynamic disturbances in horses and ponies with acute laminitis. (Am J Vet Res 2003;64:1132–1138)