Pancreatic endocrine carcinoma with multiple hormone production in a raccoon (Procyon lotor)

Survey of amyloidosis cases among different free-living wild and zoo animals

Amyloidosis comprises a range of protein-folding disorders characterised by a buildup of amyloid deposits in one or multiple organs. The pathogenesis and pathologic findings of amyloidosis can vary widely due to the nature of the precursor protein. In veterinary medicine, there are 10 proteins known to form amyloid deposits in various organs. This review aims to compare amyloidosis cases among different free-living wild and zoo animals focussing in part on the determination of the species particularly susceptible to the amyloid formation and specific prone-to-aggregate protein commonly involved. This review addresses the transmission of AA amyloidosis pertinent to institutions, such as zoos, housing multiple individuals and species in relatively close proximity. In addition, this review includes summarisation for definitive diagnosis of single or multiple cases of amyloidosis affecting free-living wild and zoo animals. Insights into the diversity, transmission, and pathogenesis of known amyloidogenic proteins and species prevalently affected may help to establish a preventive intervention and stimulate the discovery of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Wildlife sequences of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) identify critical species variants for fibrillization

Amyloid can be detected in the islets of Langerhans in a majority of type 2 diabetic patients. These deposits have been associated with β-cell death, thereby furthering diabetes progression. Islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) amyloidogenicity is quite variable among animal species, and studying this variability could further our understanding of the mechanisms involved in the aggregation process. Thus, the general aim of this study was to identify IAPP isoforms in different animal species and characterize their propensity to form fibrillar aggregates. A library of 23 peptides (fragment 8-32) was designed to study the amyloid formation using in silico analysis and in vitro assays. Amyloid formation was impeded when the NFLVH motif found in segment 8-20 was substituted by DFLGR or KFLIR segments. A 29P, 14K and 18R substitution were often present in non-amyloidogenic sequences. Non-amyloidogenic sequences were obtained from Leontopithecus rosalia, Tursiops truncatus and Vicugna pacos. Fragment peptides from 34 species were amyloidogenic. To conclude, this project advances our knowledge on the comparative pathogenesis of amyloidosis in type II diabetes. It is conceivable that the additional information gained may help point towards new therapeutic strategies for diabetes patients.

Gastroinvasive Helicobacter Infection in an Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

Highly invasive Helicobacter-like organisms were found in a 19-year-old female ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) with multiple ulcers in the fundic region of the stomach. The bacteria, resembling Helicobacter heilmannii, were located largely within canaliculi or in the cytosol of parietal cells. Except in the ulcerative lesions, parietal cells were hyperplastic, while chief cells and neck mucous cells were reduced in number. The term "gastroinvasive Helicobacter-like organism" was applied. It seems probable that this organism differs from other Helicobacter organisms in pathogenicity, and possible that its behaviour in vitro would help it to evade antibacterial treatment.