Ying-Ling Wu

Acupuncture Effects on Cardiac Functions Measured by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Feline Model

The usefulness of acupuncture (AP) as a complementary and/or alternative therapy in animals is well established but more research is needed on its clinical efficacy relative to conventional therapy, and on the underlying mechanisms of the effects of AP. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI), an important tool in monitoring cardiovascular diseases, provides a reliable method to monitor the effects of AP on the cardiovascular system. This controlled experiment monitored the effect electro-acupuncture (EA) at bilateral acupoint Neiguan (PC6) on recovery time after ketamine/xylazine cocktail anesthesia in healthy cats. The CMRI data established the basic feline cardiac function index (CFI), including cardiac output and major vessel velocity. To evaluate the effect of EA on the functions of the autonomic nervous and cardiovascular systems, heart rate, respiration rate, electrocardiogram and pulse rate were also measured. Ketamine/xylazine cocktail anesthesia caused a transient hypertension in the cats; EA inhibited this anesthetic-induced hypertension and shortened the post-anesthesia recovery time. Our data support existing knowledge on the cardiovascular benefits of EA at PC6, and also provide strong evidence for the combination of anesthesia and EA to shorten post-anesthesia recovery time and counter the negative effects of anesthetics on cardiac physiology.

Prevalence of Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Pigeons (Columba livia) in Taiwan

Starting from January 2004 to December 2004, 665 blood serum samples from pigeons (Columba livia) were collected from 44 pigeonaries in 11 counties and 20 regions in Taiwan. These samples were examined by latex agglutination test (LAT) for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by using the LAT. Antibodies were found in 4.7% (31/ 665) of pigeons at a LAT titer of 1:32 or higher. The prevalence in Taiwan was highest in the northern areas (6.0%; 13/216) and lowest in the eastern areas (1.8%; 2/111).

Influence of Ganoderma lucidum on blood biochemistry and immunocompetence in horses.

The characteristic ingredients of Ganoderma lucidum, such as polysaccharides, triterpenoids, nucleic acids and small proteins, have been found and proved to have many special pharmacological properties. Mice and rats have been extensively used to investigate the effects of G. lucidum. Experiments with horses as an animal model for investigating the effects of G. lucidum have never been reported. The purpose of this investigation was to understand the influence of G. lucidum feeding on blood biochemistry and immunocompetence in horses. Complete blood count (CBC) and blood biochemistry were surveyed routinely. Cellular-mediated immunity was monitored by flow cytometry to survey the percentage changes of CD5+, CD4+, CD8+ T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). The effect of G. lucidum on humoral immunity was experimented by fast plate agglutination test to survey the change and manifestation of the titer of specific anti-egg albumin antibodies in the serum after egg albumin injection. The findings on CBC and blood biochemistry indicated that G. lucidum was quite safe to horses. Experimental result on cell-mediated immunity showed that G. lucidum could increase the percentage of CD5+, CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes in PBLs (p < 0.001). Experimental result on humoral immunity showed that G. lucidum could help the horses to produce a significantly higher quantity of specific antibodies in a shorter time (p < 0.001).

Aquapuncture Therapy of Repeat Breeding in Dairy Cattle

Repeat breeders cause great economic loss in dairy herds. This study determined the efficacy of simple aquapuncture therapy (acupuncture combined with injection) to treat repeat breeders in two dairy herds (one in Hsinchu County and the other in Tainan County). Both herds had used gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) beforehand to treat the symptom but the success rate was poor--about 30%. Therefore, cows that failed to respond to GnRH were given the aquapuncture treatment. A total of 18 animals (two heifers and 16 cows) that had failed to conceive to 3-9 services were treated by aquapuncture, in which 10 ml and 5 ml of 50% glucose solution were injected at Baihui (Hundred Meetings, the depression in the center of the lumbosacral space) and Shenpeng (Kidney Shelf, the depression in the space between the lumbar vertebral transverse processes 5-6) acupoints, respectively with a 21G, 1.5-inch hypodermic needle. Both acupoints belong to the traditional acupuncture points of bovine and equine systems. Most animals showed heat within 14 days after aquapuncture and were inseminated artificially. Serum progesterone concentrations and rectal palpation were used for pregnancy diagnosis. The pregnancy rate after the treatment was 14/18 (77.7%) and 12/18 (66.6%) based on progesterone concentration and rectal palpation respectively, suggesting acupuncture as a simple and effective method to treat repeat breeders in dairy herds. However, the final result obtained from actual delivery of fetus in the experimental animals was only 8/18 (44.4%).

Protective Effects of N-acetylcysteine and a Prostaglandin E1 Analog, Alprostadil, Against Hepatic Ischemia: Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury has a complex pathophysiology resulting from a number of contributing factors. Therefore, it is difficult to achieve effective treatment or protection by individually targeting the mediators or mechanisms. Our aim was to analyze the individual and combined effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and the prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) analog alprostadil on hepatic I/R injury in rats. Thirty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (six rats per group) as follows: Control group, I/R group, I/R + NAC group, I/R + alprostadil group, and I/R + NAC + alprostadil group. The rats received injections of NAC (150 mg/kg) and/or alprostadil (0.05 μg/kg) over a period of 30 min prior to ischemia. These rats were then subjected to 60 min of hepatic ischemia followed by a 60-min reperfusion period. Hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione levels were significantly decreased as a result of I/R injury, but they were increased in groups treated with NAC. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitric oxide (NO) activities were significantly increased after I/R injury, but they were decreased in the groups with NAC treatment. Alprostadil decreased NO production, but had no effect on MDA and MPO. Histological results showed that both NAC and alprostadil were effective in improving liver tissue morphology during I/R injury. Although NAC and alprostadil did not have a synergistic effect, our findings suggest that treatment with either NAC or alprostadil has benefits for ameliorating hepatic I/R injury.

The dog mite, Demodex canis: prevalence, fungal co-infection, reactions to light, and hair follicle apoptosis.

Abstract Infection rate, reaction to light, and hair follicle apoptosis are examined in the dogmite, Demodex canis Leydig (Prostigmata: Demodicidae), in dogs from the northern area of Taiwan. An analysis of relevant samples revealed 7.2% (73/1013) prevalence of D. canis infection. Infection during the investigation peaked each winter, with an average prevalence of 12.5% (32/255). The infection rates significantly varied in accordance with month, sex, age, and breed (p < 0.05). Most of the lesions were discovered on the backs of the infected animals, where the infection rate was 52.1% (38/73) (P < 0.05). The epidemiologic analysis of infection based on landscape area factor, found that employing a map-overlapping method showed a higher infection rate in the eastern distribution of Taiwans northern area than other areas. Isolation tests for Microsporum canis Bodin (Onygenales: Arthrodermataceae) and Trichophyton mentagrophyte Robin (Blanchard) on the D. canis infected dogs revealed prevalence rates of 4.4% (2/45) and 2.2% (1/45), respectively. Observations demonstrated that D. canis slowly moved from a light area to a dark area. Skin samples were examined for cellular apoptosis by activated caspase3 immunohistochemical staining. Cells that surrounded the infected hair follicles were activated caspase3-positive, revealing cell apoptosis in infected follicles via the activation of caspase3.

Prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii Antibodies in Stray Dogs in Taipei, Taiwan

Abstract From October 2005 through September 2006, blood samples collected from 1,412 (768 male, 644 female) 1-yr-old and older stray dogs in Taipei City, Taiwan, were tested for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii using the latex agglutination test (LAT). Antibodies (LAT titers >1:32) to T. gondii were found in 284 (20.1%) of the animals. Seroprevalences were not affected by the sex or density of dogs. The prevalence was highest in dogs from the eastern part of the city.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in Pigs From Slaughterhouses in Taiwan

From May 2003 to April 2004, blood samples from 395 feeder pigs in Taiwan were examined for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii using the latex agglutination test; antibodies (titer 1:32 or higher) were found in 10.1% of 395 pigs. The results indicate a high prevalence of infection in pigs in Taiwan destined for human consumption.

Thirtieth Annual Congress on Veterinary Acupuncture: IVAS Report

More than 155 participants from 25 countries attended the 30th Annual IVAS Congress, September 8–11, 2004 in Oostende, Belgium. The focus was on veterinary acupuncture (AP) and immunology, and the event was sponsored by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS). IVAS is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the practice of veterinary AP as an integral part of the total veterinary health care delivery system. The Society endeavors to establish uniformly high standards of veterinary AP through its educational programs and accreditation examination. IVAS seeks to integrate veterinary AP and the practice of Western veterinary science, while also noting that the science of veterinary AP does not overlook allied health systems, such as homeopathy, herbology, nutrition, chiropractic, kinesiology, etc. ().

Effect of Prostaglandin E1 Analogue, Alprostadil, Against the Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats

This study was aimed to study the effects of Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) analogue (alprostadil) on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. For this purpose, male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 60 minutes of hepatic ischemia followed by 60 minutes of reperfusion period. The rats were injected continuously with PGE1 (0.05 μg/kg) 30 minutes prior to ischemia and alone with reperfusion period. Our results showed that plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities were increased in I/R group than in control, and they were decreased in the groups of PGE1 treatment. The level of hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly depressed by I/R and increased by PGE1 treatment. Hepatic nitric oxide (NO) was significantly increased by I/R and decreased by PGE1 treatment. Our findings showed that PGE1 had beneficial improvement to I/R injury, and probably had a pronounced protective effects on the liver.