Bronchoalveolar lavage in dogs; analysis of proteins and respiratory cells

In an attempt to establish the normal values, bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) of portions of the right upper lobe was done during fiberoptic bronchoscopy in 18 Beagle dogs of various ages. Albumin, IgA and IgG were identified in BAL fluids. The respiratory cells obtained were, in the order of decreasing occurrences, alveolar macrophages, lymphocytes, epithelial cells and neutrophils. No age-related changes were found in the content of immunoglobulins or in the differential cell counts of respiratory cells. Bacterial cultures of BAL were invariably contaminated with resident flora of the upper respiratory tract. Therefore, in determining the etiology of pulmonary infections, the results of such cultures should be interpreted with caution. As an aid to diagnosis of pulmonary diseases in dogs, the analysis of BAL fluid components could be helpful when compared with findings in healthy animals.

Studies of lung infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in mice treated with cyclophosphamide

An experimental Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection was induced by aerosol exposure in mice which had been pretreated with cyclophosphamide. A single dose of 200 mg/kg cyclophosphamide resulted in leukopenia which lasted for three days. At the lowest PMN levels, the mice were exposed to aerosols containing varying doses of bacteria. The survival time of the mice and the number of viable bacteria in their lungs were determined. A dramatic rise in the viable counts of Pseudomonas organisms was found between 18 and 24 hours after infection. Mice which had not been pretreated with cyclophosphamide remained healthy and did not show any lung lesions. The number and phagocytic function of the alveolar macrophages remained unaltered after cyclophosphamide treatment. Thus, PMNs seem to play an important role in the lung's early defence mechanisms against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This animal model could be of use in evaluating additional therapies for lung infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

[Systemic reactions in rats following the initiation of a local inflammatory process by subcutaneous administration of spirits of turpentine]

Local inflammation was induced in rats by single (1 x 4 ml/kg) or multiple (14 X 0.2 ml/animal) infections of turpentine. The induction of inflammatory processes in both groups resulted in anemia and granulocytosis following an initial leukopenia. Thrombopenia on the second day, followed by thrombocytosis, was also observed in both groups. Studies on blood chemistry parameters revealed a decline in serum albumin; elevation of alkaline phosphatase in serum was observed only after multiple injection of turpentine. In these animals an elevation in the weights of spleen and adrenals and a reduction in the weight of thymus were also found.

Growth of some attenuated influenza viruses in hamster tracheal organ cultures

Hamster tracheal organ cultures were infected with different influenza viruses and the metabolic activity measured using a tetrazolium reduction assay. In addition, relative ciliary activity was observed, virus multiplication measured, and histological studies were made. The hamster organ cultures proved relatively simple to set up and were sensitive to infection with influenza viruses; and the tetrazolium reduction was a reliable objective measure of relative tissue damage correlating well with histological and virological findings as well as with visual assessment of ciliary activities.

[Clinical and histopathological findings in mycoplasmal polyarthritis of rats. III. Course of infection during the weeks 7-30 and 54-61 (author's transl)]

Clinical, microbiological and histological findings of the late phase of experimentally induced Mycoplasma-polyarthritis in rats are described. Investigations were carried out between the 7.-30. week and between the 54-61. week p.i. M. arthritidis could be reisolated from affected joints regularly up to the 7th week p.i. Thereafter until 12th week only occasional recovery was possible. The healing process of affected joints dominated signs of arthritis which could be confirmed histologically as a purulent process. The alterations of carpal and tarsal joints were divided into purulent, chronic deforming and chronic minor lesions. The findings derived from investigation of joints and parenchymatous organs during the course of the disease are discussed.