Shigeru Ichijo

Studies on serum tocopherol and selenium levels and blood glutathione peroxidase activities in lambs with white muscle disease.

For the investigation of the cause of white muscle disease (WMD), tocopherol (Toc) and selenium (Se) levels and blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were examined using lambs with WMD and their ewes. Serum Se levels of 4 lambs with WMD were low under 30 ppb, lambs showing very low levels below 15 ppb. The serum Se level was correlated with blood GSH-Px activity showing remarkably low activities in the lambs with WMD. Se contents in the organs of lambs with WMD were lower than those of control lambs, and particularly liver Se contents were deficient levels below 50 ppb. Serum Toc levels were normal, but alpha-Toc contents in organs showed very low levels, especially in the liver. The serum Toc and Se levels and blood GSH-Px activities of their ewes and other sheep kept in the same farm revealed similar results to those of lambs with WMD. Feedstuffs supplied on the farm showed the deficient level of the Se content below 50 ppb and a very low level of alpha-Toc. It was concluded that WMD of lambs in Hokkaido was nutritional muscular dystrophy resulted from deficiencies of Toc and Se to their ewes.

Effects of dihydroheptaprenol on neutrophil functions in calves.

Microemulsified dihydroheptaprenol (DHP) was administered intramuscularly to clinically healthy calves at doses of 4, 6 and 8 mg/kg body weight. Marked increase of neutrophil counts was observed 0.5, 1 and 2 days after the injection at a dose of 6 mg/kg. Nitroblue tetrazolium reducing activity of neutrophils was also obviously enhanced 1, 2 and 3 days after DHP administration. Phagocytic killing of Staphylococcus aureus by neutrophils was further enhanced markedly 1, 2 and 3 days after the drug injection at 6 mg/kg.

Dermatophytosis of tiger caused by microsporum canis

Microsporum canis was isolated from the inflammatory skin lesions of a Bengal tiger in April, 1979. In clinical findings rounded area of alopecia, 3 to 8 cm in size was observed on the right haúnch and the tail. The skin lesions were covered with thin scales, but the inflammatory changes were not severe. Findings, on physical examination, were unremarkable and the animal appeared healthy except for the skin lesions. The infected hairs were invaded by the fungal elements and arthroconidia were around the hair shaft. Cuticles and cortex of the infected hairs were brittle. They were evidently digested and were easily pulled out from the hair follicles. In mycological findings numerous and typical macroconidia were observed. By cross mating of a isolate from tiger andNannizzia otae(−) strain, cleistothecia were produced. Both organic iodide and undecylenic acid ointment were effective for therapy. In this paper the dermatophytosis of tiger caused byM. canis is described.

Natural transmission of bovine leukemia virus among cattle.

Misao ONUMA,* Shinobu WATARAI, Shigeru ICHIJO, Katsuya ISHIHARA, Tsuyoshi OHTANI, Mitsuo SONODA, Takeshi MIKAMI, Hisao IZAWA, and Tatsuo KONISHI *Department of Epizootiology , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060, Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Dairy Agriculture, Ebestu, Hokkaido 069-01, Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Obihiro University ofAgriculture and Veterinary Medicine Obihiro, Hokkaido 080, Department of Veterinary Internal Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Gifu University, Kakamihara, Gifu 504, and Livestock Bureau, Prefecture ofGifu, Gifu 500

Changes of Vitamin E and A Levels in Blood after Oral Administration with Vitamin AD3E Premix in Cattle

Changes in level of serum and red blood cell tocopherol, and serum vitamin A (retinol and retinyl palmitate) after oral administration of vitamin AD3E premix were examined in calves and milk cattle of the Holstein Breed. In the calves to which 2,5000,000 IU of vitamin A were administered, serum vitamin A levels increased markedly from two to 48 hours after the administration. Serum tocopherol level was not increased by the administration of 1,000 IU of vitamin E. However, makred increase of the tocopherol levels was observed from eight to 72 hours after the administration of 2,000 and 2,500 IU. In the milk cattle administered with 7,500,000 IU of vitamin A, serum vitamin A levels incresed markedly from two to 48 hours after the administration. Although tocopherol levels (in serum and red blood cell) did not increase after the administration of 3,000 IU of vitamin E, marked increase of the tocopherol levels was observed from 24 to 72 hours after the administration of 6,000 and 7,500 IU of vitamin E. From the findings described above, the effective oral dose of vitamin E for cattle was considered to be about 25 IU/kg for calves and about 12.5 IU/kg for milk cattle. J. Jpn. Vet. Med. Assoc., 42, 161-165 (1989).