The comparative role of free omental, peritoneal, Dacron velour, and Marlex mesh grafts in reinforcement of an extremely vulnerable experimental model of large-bowel anastomosis was studied in dogs. While both the omentum and peritoneum proved not to be effective in preventing anastomotic leakage, Dacron velour did considerably lower this incidence to within reasonable limits but led to formation of low-grade lymphoma at the reinforcement site in two animals. Only Marlex mesh was found to be highly effective in sealing the suture line, and it is anticipated that, with the usual technique of anastomosis, this sealing effect will be foolproof, thereby nullifying any risk of suture-line breakdown.

Macaca mulatta monkeys have been used for the transmission of enteric non-A, non-B hepatitis (HEV) virus by intraportal route. Subsequent passages of HEV virus have been completed in these monkeys. In the first passage, 2 monkeys were inoculated by intra-portal route with 27-34 nm virus-like particles (VLP) obtained from known epidemics of HEV hepatitis in India, and biochemical and serological changes in the blood, histological changes in the liver and excretion of 27-34 nm VLP in the stool were studied. Results were compared with those of 4 negative control monkeys inoculated with stool extracts from healthy individuals. The second passage of 27-34 nm VLP was carried out on 2 monkeys using pools of stool suspension positive for 27-34 nm VLP from first passaged animals. Similarly, the third passage of 27-34 nm VLP was completed intraportally in another monkey. All monkeys developed acute hepatitis, as evidenced by transient elevation of aminotransferase, histopathological changes in the liver, development of antibodies aggregating 27-34 nm VLP and excretion of 27-34 nm VLP in stools. No control monkeys developed these features.

No abstract

Thirteen Macaca mulatta monkeys were used for transmission of enteric non-A, non-B hepatitis virus (HEV) by the portal vein (PV) route. All these animals developed changes which are found in self-limiting acute viral hepatitis e.g. rise in liver enzymes, the presence of HEV specific viral particles in the stool and histological changes in the liver from 21 to 45 days after HEV inoculation. All the animals recovered completely as reflected by normalization of liver enzymes, and regenerative changes in the liver. The present report highlights the ultrastructural changes in the livers of these experimental monkeys. The histopathological changes included infiltration of lymphocytes and polymorphonucleocytes around the necrotic area, swelling of mitochondria, dilation of smooth endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and presence of 27-34 nm virus particles during the acute phase of the disease. In comparison, 9 control monkeys did not show any such histological changes.