No abstract

Fecal alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (α1-PI) concentration has been to diagnose enteric protein loss in dogs and cats. Chronic lymphocytic enteritis is commonly seen in the marmoset (C. jaccus) and is characterized by hypoalbuminemia. As a prelude to immunoassay development for detecting enteric protein loss, marmoset serum α1-PI was purified using immunoaffinity chromatography and ceramic hydroxyapatite chromatography. Partial characterization was performed by reducing gel electrophoresis and enzyme inhibitory assays. Protein identity was confirmed with peptide mass fingerprinting and N-terminal amino acid sequencing. Molecular mass, relative molecular mass, and isoelectric point for marmoset α1-PI were 54 kDa, 51677, and 4.8-5.4, respectively. Trypsin, chymotrypsin, and elastase inhibitory activity were observed. N-terminal amino acid sequence for marmoset α1-PI was EDPQGDAAQKMDTSHH. In conclusion, marmoset α1-PI was successfully purified from serum with an overall yield of 12% using a rapid and efficient method. Purified marmoset α1-PI has characteristics similar to those of α1-PI reported for other species.

Changes in proportions of lipoprotein classes have been described in disease states in humans. In veterinary medicine, hyperlipidemia can cause complications, such as cutaneous xanthomas, liver disease, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis, glomerular disease, lipemia retinalis, or peripheral neuropathy, but there are few reports regarding lipoproteins in diseased animals. For canine serum, we partially validated continuous lipoprotein density profiling (CLPDP), a novel density gradient ultracentrifugation technique. We examined canine lipoproteins separated by CLPDP by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We compared lipoprotein profiles between healthy control dogs ( n = 29) and dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI; n = 28) using CLPDP. Dogs with EPI included those untreated (EPI-NT; n = 6) and those treated with enzyme supplementation (EPI-T; n = 22). Our preliminary assay validation showed that CLPDP was repeatable (CV = 11.2%) and reproducible (CV = 10.6%) in canine serum. The diameters of lipoproteins analyzed by TEM were similar to those reported previously. Dogs in the EPI-NT group had more severe dyslipidemia than dogs in the EPI-T group. Dogs in the EPI-T group had lipoprotein profiles similar to healthy control dogs. CLPDP might be a useful tool for evaluating dyslipidemia in dogs.

Common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus) are a Brazilian New World NHP that has been used in biomedical research since the early 1970s. 1 Common marmosets are a popular species for biomedical research because of their small size (350 to 450 g), relatively low-cost maintenance, easy husbandry, ready habituation to routine clinical procedures, rapid reproductive turnover, and low incidence of zoonoses. Currently, marmosets are used for research in the fields of neuroscience, reproductive biology, infectious diseases, behavior, drug development and safety assessment, and aging research. 30 Inflammatory diseases of the intestinal tract, especially inflammatory bowel disease and colitis and particularly chronic lymphocytic enteritis (CLE), have been a consistent finding in several colonies of marmosets. 10,14,45 Between 1991 and 2000, about 60.5% of all nonexperimental marmosets at the New England Primate Research Center (NEPRC; Boston, MA) had some degree of inflammatory bowel disease. 44 Similarly, from 2002 to 2011 at the Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC; Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX), 31% to 44% of marmoset deaths were attributed to inflammatory bowel disease. 37 To date, no specific etiology has been proven for this disease in marmosets, but many factors, including gluten sensitivity, dietary protein deficiency, and pancreatic duct parasitism (Trichospirura leptostoma), have been speculated to play a causal role. 29 CLE is characterized histologically by diffuse to segmental lymphocytic enteritis, and it clinically manifests as failure to thrive in juveniles or weight loss in adults with or without diarrhea. 29 Currently, a presumptive antemortem diagnosis is made on the basis of consistent clinical signs, a history of weight loss, and a decreased serum albumin concentration. 6 Fecal calprotectin, 33 serum matrix metalloproteinases, 50 and serum IgA antibodies against gliadin and related proteins 28 have been measured in marmosets with CLE and may serve as diagnostic markers in the future. To date, no treatment has been shown to be effective in marmosets, and a definitive diagnosis of CLE is usually made at necropsy. 29 Cobalamin (vitamin B12) is a water-soluble vitamin that is an essential cofactor for the enzymes methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and methionine synthase. Intestinal uptake of cobalamin is a multistep process, with the absorption of cobalamin-intrinsic factor complexes occurring through specific receptors on ileal enterocytes. 31,43 Cobalamin deficiency is reported frequently in dogs and cats with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, distal small

A 1 yr old intact male miniature dachshund presented for posturing to urinate without voiding and nocturia. Physical examination revealed congenital reproductive abnormalities and a fluid-filled structure caudal to the urinary bladder. The dog was diagnosed with a prostatic cyst and underwent an exploratory laparotomy with an attempt to remove the cyst. Twelve weeks later, the dog returned with recurring clinical signs, and the cyst was found to have returned back to its original size. A second intact male miniature dachshund presented at 7 mo of age for stranguria. Physical examination revealed congenital reproductive abnormalities and a fluid-filled structure on rectal palpation, much like the first dog. The dog was diagnosed with a prostatic cyst and underwent an exploratory laparotomy. An attempt was made to close communication between the prostate and cyst. The dog re-presented 3 wk later for recurrence of clinical signs, and the prostatic cyst was found to have increased in size. Both dogs were euthanized because of recurrence of clinical signs. This report describes the presence of prostatic cysts in two young dogs with congenital abnormalities of the genital and reproductive tracts and the similarities seen in human boys diagnosed with prostatic utricles.