The process of ageing affects negatively both cardiovascular system and body composition. On the other hand, the hormones of the somatotrophic axis, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), whose production is reduced by age, are involved in the regulation of the cardiovascular system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of GH on body composition, vascular function and structure in old male rats. Old (20 months) and adult (4 months) male Wistar rats were used. One group of old animals was treated with GH for 4 weeks. Periepididimary fat weight, Specific Gravity Index (SGI), dose responses to Acetylcholine (ACh), Isoproterenol (Iso), Phenylephrine (Phe) and ACh in the presence of NG-nitro-L: -arginine metylester (L-NAME; ACh + L-NAME), as well as vascular morphology in aortic rings, were studied. Old rats showed increased fat weight and decreased SGI as compared to adult animals. GH increased SGI and tended to reduce fat weight. Old rats showed an impairment in the vasodilator response to ACh and Iso; GH significantly improved the vasodilatation induced by Iso, whereas the response to ACh was not significantly enhanced by GH treatment. There were no significant differences between adult and old rats in the contractile response to Phe, and GH did not show any effect. Contraction induced by ACh + L-NAME was higher in old rats as compared to adults, and treatment with GH significantly reduced this response. Aortic media area was increased in old rats, and GH administration reduced this parameter. In conclusion, GH shows beneficial effects on body composition, as well as on vascular function and morphology in old male rats.

Diagnosis of canine aspergillosis is difficult using currently available methods. It often passes unnoticed or is diagnosed in the later phases of the disease. We developed an ELISA technique to detect anti-Aspergillus antibodies in canine serum using an Aspergillus antigenic mycelial extract, which could then be used for the diagnosis of canine aspergillosis. We used a cut-off of X + 3SD obtained from 20 control sera. The test was performed on 46 dogs with lesions indicating possible aspergillosis and gave nine positive results: one systemic mycosis, two discospondylitis, one uveitis, two bronchopulmonary processes and three rhinitis. We compared this methodology with the PLATELIA technique in the follow-up of the affected dogs, obtaining the same limitations as in the diagnosis of human aspergillosis. We consider our ELISA technique using sera samples a speedy, safe and reliable method which enables us to follow up the evolution of the disease and the efficacy of the therapy chosen. A definitive diagnosis must still take into account the results of other tests such as clinical examination, radiographic studies, endoscopy and biopsy.

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