Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0013911 (emaciation)
 1,059 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

In order to study the safety of 1,3,3,5,5-pentaziridino-1-thia-2,4,6-triaza-3,5-diphospho rine-1-oxide (SOAz), a new antitumor agent, acute toxicity studies by intravenous administration were performed in ddY mice, Wistar rats and beagle dogs. The LD50 values in rodents were 325 mg kg-1 for male mice, 450 mg kg-1 for female mice, 100 mg kg-1 for male rats and 82 mg kg-1 for female rats. In dogs, the LD50 values were 12 mg kg-1 for males and 18 mg/kg-1 for females. The dosed animals showed diarrhoea and decreased movement in the three species, and emaciation and loss of body weight in mice and rats. Dogs also showed signs of pneumonia. Histopathological examination revealed bone marrow suppression, atrophy of lymphoid organs and testes, and damage to the digestive tract mucosa in the three species. The main causes of death from single-dose administration were bone marrow aplasia and atrophy of lymphoid tissue in all species, together with gastro-intestinal ulceration in rats and dogs, and infection in mice and dogs.
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PMID:Acute toxicity study of 1,3,3,5,5-pentaziridino-1-thia-2,4,6-triaza-3,5-diphosp horine-1-oxide (a new antitumor agent with an inorganic ring) in mice, rats and dogs. 671 78

An emerging swine disease principally involving periweaning piglets was examined. The disease was clinically characterized by lethargy, fever, emaciation, coughing, and severe abdominal breathing, hence colloquially named "Heko-heko" disease. The consistent lesions in affected piglets were diffuse interstitial pneumonia with pronounced type II pneumocytic proliferation, meningoencephalitis, and regression of the lymphoid tissues. The causal virus was isolated in primary porcine lung cell (PLC) cultures from various organs of affected piglets and showed serological relatedness to the European porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus. Numerous virus particles, measured about 49 nm in diameter, were detected in the cytoplasm of alveolar epithelial cells and pulmonary macrophages in PLC cultures infected with the isolate. The condition could be experimentally reproduced in conventional piglets by intranasal inoculation with the isolate and the virus was reisolated from the infected animals.
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PMID:An outbreak of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome in Japan. 786 92

Five specific pathogen free cats were inoculated with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) isolated in Japan to observe changes toward development of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-like disease. All inoculated cats had lymphadenopathy and mild respiratory disease shortly after inoculation. Following the initial acute phase lasting for more than 40 weeks, the clinical signs gradually diminished in three animals, and the asymptomatic carrier (AC) stage was observed at 45 (1 cat) and 70 (2 cats) weeks postinoculation (p.i.). Two of the three cats developed respiratory signs and diarrhea at 105 or 106 weeks p.i. One cat died at 121 weeks p.i. with severe wasting, with necropsy findings consistent with AIDS-related complex (ARC). The others were surviving at 150 weeks p.i. with mild clinical signs or asymptomatic. Another group of two cats developed more severe illness without the AC phase. One died at 48 weeks p.i. with the ARC illness. The other cat developed marked emaciation with diarrhea at 75 weeks p.i., and died at 100 weeks p.i. with a histologic diagnosis suggestive of terminal immunodeficiency. Histologically, the lymph nodes showed serial changes toward the terminal illness, from follicular hyperplasia at the acute phase to the lymphoid depletion at the ARC and AIDS-like terminal stages. The FIV antigen was demonstrated in the lymph nodes. The virus was isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of all the inoculated animals. These data demonstrated possible etiologic association of FIV with development of AIDS-like disorders in the cat.
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PMID:Pathologic features of acquired immunodeficiency-like syndrome in cats experimentally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus. 839 25

The moose (Alces alces L.) in an acid rain affected region in south-west Sweden has developed a complex disease with numerous clinical signs, most of which are consistent with those of secondary copper (Cu) deficiency and/or molybdenosis in cattle and sheep. The clinical signs of the moose disease reported to date include diarrhoea, anorexia, emaciation, achromotrichia, alopecia, sudden heart failure and osteoporosis. Findings at necropsy included mucosal oedema, atrophied lymphoid tissues of the mucous membranes of the alimentary tract, neuropathy, neuronal degeneration and uni- or bilateral corneal opacity. In a study of clinically healthy animals from the affected region in Sweden over a 12-year period (1982-1994), the hepatic Cu concentration decreased by 50% and the liver and kidney cadmium (Cd) concentration decreased by 25-35%, while the molybdenum (Mo) concentration increased by 20-40%. These changes are probably related to an increase in the pH of the soil and water in the moose environment and a consequent change in the uptake of these elements by the plants consumed by the moose. It is noteworthy that the occurrence of the disease in the mid 1980s coincided with increased liming undertaken to counteract the noxious effects of acid rain in this region. Clinical signs and lesions of the moose disease resemble those reported for Cu deficiency and/or molybdenosis in cattle and sheep. To elucidate the complex, multi-faceted clinical signs of the moose disease, the clinical signs and necropsy findings are discussed in relation to the biochemical functions of certain well-known Cu-dependent enzymes, e.g. depigmentation of hair due to depressed tyrosinase activity, osteoporosis by depressed lysyl oxidase activity, sudden heart failure due to decreased activity of lysyl oxidase, cytochrome c oxidase and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase; in addition, mucosal lesions and ulcerations due to loss of activity of diamine oxidase as well as of lysyl oxidase and cytochrome c oxidase. It is concluded from the present findings that the moose disease is most probably a Cu deficiency and/or a molybdenosis-type syndrome.
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PMID:'Mysterious' moose disease in Sweden. Similarities to copper deficiency and/or molybdenosis in cattle and sheep. Biochemical background of clinical signs and organ lesions. 949 61

Three specific pathogen-free cats experimentally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) strains Petaluma, TM1 and TM2, respectively were observed for over 8 years. Without showing any significant clinical signs of immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) for 8 years and 4 months of asymptomatic phase, the Petaluma-infected cat exhibited severe stomatitis/gingivitis, anorexia, emaciation, hematological and immunological disorders such as severe anemia, lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, and decrease of CD4/CD8 ratio to 0.075, and finally died with hemoperitoneum at 8 years and 8 months post-infection. Histopathological studies revealed that the cat had systemic lymphoid atrophy and bone marrow disorders indicating acute myelocytic leukemia (aleukemic type). Plasma viral titer of the cat at AIDS phase was considerably high and anti-FIV antibody titer was slightly low as compared with the other FIV-infected cats. In addition, immunoblotting analysis using serially collected serum/plasma samples of these cats revealed that antibodies against FIV proteins were induced in all the infected cats, however in the Petaluma-infected cat anti-Gag antibodies disappeared during the asymptomatic period. These results suggested that plasma viral load and anti-FIV Gag antibody response correlated with disease progression, and supported FIV-infected cats as a suitable animal model of human AIDS.
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PMID:Eight-year observation and comparative study of specific pathogen-free cats experimentally infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) subtypes A and B: terminal acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in a cat infected with FIV petaluma strain. 956 Jul 79

Bovine immunodeficiency-like virus (BIV) was first isolated from an animal showing transient leucocytosis, lymphadenopathy, lesions in the central nervous system and progressive weakness and emaciation. Similar signs are observed in other immunosuppressive lentiviral infections. BIV, like other lentiviruses, has been isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and lymphoid tissue of infected animals. However, the in vivo cellular tropism of BIV remains unclear although initial studies indicate that BIV may be pantropic, infecting T cells, B cells and monocytes similar to some of the immunodeficiency-causing lentiviruses. PCR, Southern blot hybridisation, cell culture and reverse transcriptase assays were used to demonstrate the presence of BIV proviral DNA and the production of infectious virus in CD2+, WC1+, B cells and monocytes during the acute stages of infection. Western immunoblot assays were used to assess the development of antibody responses towards the virus.
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PMID:Investigation of the cellular tropism of bovine immunodeficiency-like virus. 976 70

A study was undertaken to investigate the occurrence of ovine lentivirus (OvLV) infection in sheep with chronic respiratory disease on the Laikipia Plateau, Kenya. All seven Merino crossbred sheep with chronic dyspnoea and emaciation examined for gross and microscopic lesions had lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP), and one also had pulmonary abscesses. Two of the sheep with LIP also had lesions of ovine pulmonary carcinoma (OPC, jaagsiekte). Using in situ hybridization, OvLV DNA localized to a high proportion of pulmonary macrophages in lungs with lesions of LIP. Lung tissue samples from six of these sheep were positive for a syncytium-inducing virus in cultures of lamb testis cells. Thin-section electron microscopy of infected cells showed virions with morphogenesis typical of lentiviruses. In a western blotting assay, monoclonal antibodies to the OvLV capsid (CA, p27) and matrix (MA, p15) proteins of a North American OvLV isolate reacted with similar-sized bands of the virus, and serum from six of the sheep were reactive with CA from the Kenyan viral isolate. Using an OvLV agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test, all seven sheep were positive for serum antiviral antibody, as were 29% of 63 clinically normal sheep from Laikipia District. However, when sera from the healthy sheep were tested in a western blot assay, only 52% had IgG reactive to the OvLV CA, indicating a high rate of false negative reactions with the AGID test. Serum samples from 87 Red Maasai or Dorper crossbred sheep from two farms in other parts of Kenya were OvLV seronegative by both the AGID test and the western blot assay. These results document the first identification of OvLV as a cause of chronic respiratory disease in sheep in Kenya and show a high rate of infection in sheep flocks, with a high prevalence of chronic respiratory disease.
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PMID:Ovine lentivirus is aetiologically associated with chronic respiratory disease of sheep on the Laikipia Plateau in Kenya. 1177 Feb 2

Nickel sulfate hexahydrate is used in nickel plating, as a mordant in dyeing and printing textiles, as a blackening agent for zinc and brass, and in the manufacture of organic nickel salts. Nickel sulfate hexahydrate was nominated by the National Cancer Institute to the NTP as part of a class study of nickel compounds for which there was little information on the toxic and carcinogenic effects of inhalation exposure. Male and female F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice were exposed to nickel sulfate hexahydrate (greater than 98% pure) by inhalation for 16 days, 13 weeks, or 2 years. Genetic toxicology studies were conducted in L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells. 16-DAY STUDY IN RATS: Groups of five male and five female F344/N rats were exposed to 0, 3.5, 7, 15, 30, or 60 mg nickel sulfate hexahydrate/m(3) (equivalent to 0, 0.7, 1.4, 3.1, 6.1, or 12.2 mg nickel/m(3)). Rats were exposed on weekdays only, for a total of 12 exposure days during a 16-day period. Additional groups of four or five male and female F344/N rats were exposed to 0, 3.5, 15, or 30 mg nickel sulfate hexahydrate/m(3)for tissue burden studies. In the core study, two 60 mg/m(3) males, one 30 mg/m(3) female, and all 60 mg/m(3)females died before the end of the study. Final mean body weights of all exposed groups of males and females were significantly lower than those of the controls, as were mean body weight gains of male rats. Clinical findings included increased rates of respiration and reduced activity levels in rats in all exposure groups, except those exposed to 3.5 mg/m(3). Absolute lung weights of 60 mg/m(3) males and of all exposed groups of females were significantly greater than those of the controls, as were the relative lung weights of all exposed groups of males and females. Inflammation (including degeneration and necrosis of the bronchiolar epithelium) occurred in the lungs of all exposed groups of males and females. Atrophy of the olfactory epithelium occurred in the nasal passages of all exposed groups of males (except 60 mg/m(3)) and in 15, 30, and 60 mg/m(3) females. Lymphoid hyperplasia in the bronchial or mediastinal lymph nodes was observed in 30 mg/m(3) males and in 60 mg/m(3) males and females. The concentration of nickel in the lungs of all exposed groups of males and females was greater than in control animals. 16-DAY STUDY IN MICE: Groups of five male and five female B6C3F1 mice were exposed to 0, 3.5, 7, 15, 30, or 60 mg nickel sulfate hexahydrate/m(3). Mice were exposed on weekdays only, for a total of 12 exposure days during a 16-day period. Additional groups of five male and five female B6C3F1 mice were exposed to 0 or 3.5 mg nickel sulfate hexahydrate/m(3)for tissue burden studies. All core study mice exposed to 7 mg/m(3) or greater died before the end of the study; all control and 3.5 mg/m(3)mice survived to the end of the study. Final mean body weights and weight gains of 7, 15, 30, and 60 mg/m(3)males and females were significantly less than those of the controls, and clinical findings in these groups included emaciation, lethargy, and rapid respiration rates. Absolute and relative lung weights of male and female mice exposed to 7 mg/m(3) or greater were significantly greater than those of the controls. Only tissues from mice exposed to 0, 3.5, or 7 mg/m(3) were examined histopathologically. Inflammation occurred in the lungs of 3.5 and 7 mg/m(3) males and females; necrosis of the alveolar and bronchiolar epithelium was a component of the inflammation in 7 mg/m(3)males and females. In addition, atrophy of the olfactory epithelium of the nasal passages was observed in 3.5 mg/m(3) males and females. Nickel concentrations in the lungs of mice exposed to 3.5 mg/m(3) were greater than those in the controls. 13-WEEK STUDY IN RATS: Groups of ten male and ten female F344/N rats were exposed to 0, 0.12, 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2 mg nickel sulfate hexahydrate (equivalent to 0, 0.03, 0.06, 0.11, 0.22, or 0.44 mg nickel/m(3)), 5 days per week for 13 weeks. Additional groups of six male and six female F344/N rats were exposed to 0, 0.12, 0.5, or 2 mg nic mg nickel sulfate hexahydrate/m(3)for tissue burden studies. In the core study, one 2 mg/m(3)male rat died before the end of the study; all other males and all females survived until the end of the study. Final mean body weights and body weight gains of all exposed groups were similar to those of the controls. There were no significant clinical findings noted during the study. Exposure-related increases in neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers occurred and were most pronounced in female rats. With the exception of 0.12 mg/m(3)rats, absolute and relative lung weights of all exposed groups were generally significantly greater than those of the controls. Exposure-related increases in the incidence and severity of inflammatory lesions (alveolar macrophages, chronic inflammation, and interstitial infiltration) occurred in the lungs of all exposed groups of males and females. Lymphoid hyperplasia of the bronchial and/or mediastinal lymph nodes occurred in males exposed to 0.5 mg/m(3)or greater. Atrophy of the olfactory epithelium occurred in males and females exposed to 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/m(3)and in 0.25 mg/m(3)females. The concentration of nickel in the lungs of 0.5 and 2 mg/m(3) rats was greater than that in the lungs of control animals at 4, 9, and 13 weeks for males and at 13 weeks for females. 13-WEEK STUDY IN MICE: Groups of ten male and ten female B6C3F1 mice were exposed to 0, 0.12, 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2 mg nickel sulfate hexahydrate, 5 days per week for 13 weeks. Additional groups of up to five or six male and female B6C3F1 mice were exposed to 0, 0.12, 0.5, or 2 mg nickel sulfate hexahydrate/m(3)for tissue burden studies. In the core study, four control males, three control females, and one 0.12 mg/m(3)male died before the end of the study; the deaths were not considered to be chemical related, and all other mice survived to the end of the study. The final mean body weights and body weight gains of all exposed groups were similar to those of the controls. There were no chemical-related clinical findings. Hematology changes similar to those reported in female rats occurred in female mice, but the mice were minimally affected. The absolute and relative lung weights of 1 mg/m(3)males and 2 mg/m(3)males and females were significantly greater than those of the controls. Increased numbers of alveolar macrophages occurred in all males and females exposed to 0.5 mg/m(3)or greater. Chronic active inflammation and fibrosis occurred in 1 and 2 mg/m(3)males and females. Lymphoid hyperplasia of the bronchial lymph node and atrophy of the olfactory epithelium in the nasal passages were observed in 2 mg/m(3)males and females. Nickel concentration in the lung of 2 mg/m(3)females was significantly greater than in control animals. 2-YEAR STUDY IN RATS: Groups of 63 to 65 male and 63 to 64 female rats were exposed to nickel sulfate hexahydrate by inhalation at concentrations of 0, 0.12, 0.25, or 0.5 mg/m(3) (equivalent to 0, 0.03, 0.06, or 0.11 mg nickel/m(3)). Animals were exposed for 6 hours plus T90 (8 minutes) 5 days per week for 104 weeks. Five male and five female rats from each group were evaluated at 7 months for histopathology; an additional seven males and seven females from each group were evaluated at 7 months for nickel tissue burden in the lung and kidney; and five males and five females from each group were evaluated at 15 months for alterations in hematology, nickel tissue burden in the lung and kidney, and histopathology. Survival, Body Weights, Clinical Findings, and Hematology The survival rates of all exposed groups of males and females were similar to those of the controls. Mean body weights of 0.5 mg/m(3)female rats were slightly lower (6% to 9%) than those of the controls throughout the second year of the study; final mean body weights of all exposed groups of males and 0.12 and 0.25 mg/m(3)females were similar to those of the controls. There were no clinical findings or hematology differences that were considered to be related to nickel sulfate hexahydrate administration. Pathology Findings No exposure-related neoplasms occurred in male or female rats exposed by inhalation to nickel sulfate hexahydrate for 2 years. Increased incidences of inflammatory lung lesions were generally observed in all exposed groups of male and female rats at the end of the study. The incidences of chronic active inflammation, macrophage hyperplasia, alveolar proteinosis, and fibrosis were markedly increased in male and female rats exposed to 0.25 or 0.5 mg/m(3). Increased incidences of lymphoid hyperplasia in the bronchial lymph nodes occurred in 0.5 mg/m(3)male and female rats at the end of the 2-year study. The incidences of atrophy of the olfactory epithelium in 0.5 mg/m(3)males and females were significantly greater than those in controls at the end of the study. Tissue Burden Analyses Lung nickel burdens in exposed male and female rats were greater than those in the controls at the 7- and 15-month interim evaluations, and lung nickel burdens values increased with increasing exposure concentration. 2-YEAR STUDY IN MICE: Groups of 80 male and 80 female mice were exposed to nickel sulfate hexahydrate by inhalation at concentrations of 0, 0.25, 0.5, or 1 mg/m(3) (equivalent to 0, 0.06, 0.11, or 0.22 mg nickel/m(3)). Animals were exposed for 6 hours plus T90 (8 minutes) 5 days per week for 104 weeks. Five male and five female mice from each group were evaluated at 7 months for histopathology; five males and five females from each group were evaluated at 7 months for nickel tissue burden in the lung and kidney; five males and five females from each group were evaluated at 15 months for alterations in hematology and histopathology; and five males and five females from each group were evaluated at 15 months for nickel tissue burden in the lung and kidney. Survival, Body Weights, Clinical Findings, and Hematology The survival rates of all exposed groups of males and females were similar to those of the controls. The mean body weights of 1 mg/m(3)males and of all exposed groups of females were lower than those of the controls during the second year of the study. There were no clinical findings or hematology differences considered to be related to chemical exposure. Pathology Findings Inflammatory lesions of the lung generally occurred in all exposed groups of male and female mice at the end of the 2-year study. These lesions included macrophage hyperplasia, chronic active inflammation, bronchialization (alveolar epithelial hyperplasia), alveolar proteinosis, and infiltrating cells in the interstitium. Incidences of macrophage hyperplasia and/or lymphoid hyperplasia occurred in the bronchial lymph nodes of most of the 1 mg/m(3)males and females and in some 0.5 mg/m(3)females at the end of the 2-year study. Atrophy of the olfactory epithelium was observed in 0.5 and 1 mg/m(3)males and in all exposed groups of females at the end of the 2-year study. Tissue Burden Analyses At the 7- and 15-month interim evaluations, lung nickel burden parameters measured in control and exposed groups were below the limit of detection. Absolute lung weights of 0.5 and 1 mg/m(3)lung burden study females were significantly greater than those of the controls at 15 months. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY: Nickel sulfate hexahydrate (500 to 800 g/mL) was tested for induction of trifluorothymidine resistance in L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells. A positive response was observed in the absence of S9. The test was not performed with S9. CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of these 2-year inhalation studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of nickel sulfate hexahydrate in male or female F344/N rats exposed to 0.12, 0.25, or 0.5 mg/m(3) (0.03, 0.06, or 0.11 mg nickel/m(3)). There was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of nickel sulfate hexahydrate in male or female B6C3F1 mice exposed to 0.25, 0.5, or 1 mg/ m3 (0.06, 0.11, or 0.22 mg nickel/m(3)). Exposure of rats to nickel sulfate hexahydrate by inhalation for 2 years resulted in increased incidences of chronic active inflammation, macrophage hyperplasia, alveolar proteinosis, and fibrosis of the lung; lymphoid hyperplasia of the bronchial lymph node; and atrophy of the olfactory epithelium. Exposure of mice to nickel sulfate hexahydrate by inhalation for 2 years resulted in increased incidences of chronic active inflammation, bronchialization (alveolar epithelial hyperplasia), macrophage hyperplasia, interstitial infiltration, and alveolar proteinosis of the lung; lymphoid and macrophage hyperplasia of the bronchial lymph node; and atrophy of the olfactory epithelium. Synonyms: Blue salt; hexahydrate, nickel (2+) salt; nickel monosulfate hexahydrate; nickel (2+) sulfate hexahydrate; nickel (II) sulfate hexahydrate; nickel sulphate hexahydrate; nickelous sulfate hexahydrate; nickelous sulphate hexahydrate; single nickel salt, sulfuric acid
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PMID:NTP Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Nickel Sulfate Hexahydrate (CAS No. 10101-97-0) in F344 Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Inhalation Studies). 1258 12

Harbor porpoises from the German North and Baltic Seas exhibit a higher incidence of bacterial infections compared to whales from less polluted arctic waters. The potential adverse effect of environmental contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals on the immune system and the health status of marine mammals is still discussed controversially. The aim of the present study was to investigate the possible influence of PCB, polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), toxaphene, (p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl)trichlorethane (DDT), and (p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl)dichlorethene (DDE) on the immune system of harbor porpoises. Lymphoid organs are influenced by a variety of factors, and therefore special emphasis was given to separating the confounding effect of age, health status, nutritional state, geographical location, and sex from the effect of contaminant levels upon thymus and spleen. Contaminant analysis and detailed pathological examinations were conducted on 61 by-caught and stranded whales from the North and Baltic Seas and Icelandic and Norwegian waters. Stranded harbor porpoises were more severely diseased than by-caught animals. Thymic atrophy and splenic depletion were significantly correlated to increased PCB and PBDE levels. However, lymphoid depletion was also associated with emaciation and an impaired health status. The present report supports the hypothesis of a contaminant-induced immunosuppression, possibly contributing to disease susceptibility in harbor porpoises. However, further studies are needed to determine if lymphoid depletion is primarily contaminant-induced or secondary to disease and emaciation in this cetacean species.
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PMID:Investigations of the potential influence of environmental contaminants on the thymus and spleen of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). 1598 67

Harbor porpoises from the North and Baltic Seas exhibit a higher incidence of bacterial infections compared to whales from less polluted arctic waters. Toxicological analysis revealed an association between elevated body burdens of environmental contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and lymphoid depletion in thymus and spleen of these whales. However, it remains undetermined if changes in the immune system are primarily contaminant-induced or a sequel of infectious diseases and emaciation. The aim of the present study was to investigate changes of blood cytokine mRNA levels in healthy and diseased harbor porpoises. Therefore, 29 by-caught and stranded whales were necropsied and the health status was evaluated based upon main pathological findings. Furthermore, the degree of thymic atrophy and splenic depletion was histologically graded using a semi-quantitative scoring system. Gene expression of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, transforming growth factor-beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in the blood was measured by real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Thymic atrophy and splenic depletion were correlated with an impairment of the animals' health status. Additionally, a marked up-regulation of IL-10 was predominately found in severely diseased whales with evidence of chronic bacterial infections. Furthermore, increased IL-10 levels were associated with splenic depletion. Other investigated cytokines were not significantly associated with the health status or lymphoid depletion, respectively. The present study indicated that lymphoid depletion represents a sequel of chronic infectious diseases in a portion of investigated harbor porpoises. Regarding this, expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-10 might represent a consequence of continuous stimulation of the immune system and induction of immunomodulatory mechanisms in this cetacean species.
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PMID:Increased blood interleukin-10 mRNA levels in diseased free-ranging harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena). 1705 89


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